Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n church_n faith_n unity_n 2,197 5 9.0779 5 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A16145 The perpetual gouernement of Christes Church Wherein are handled; the fatherly superioritie which God first established in the patriarkes for the guiding of his Church, and after continued in the tribe of Leui and the prophetes; and lastlie confirmed in the New Testament to the Apostles and their successours: as also the points in question at this day; touching the Iewish Synedrion: the true kingdome of Christ: the Apostles commission: the laie presbyterie: the distinction of bishops from presbyters, and their succcssion [sic] from the Apostles times and hands: the calling and moderating of prouinciall synodes by primates and metropolitanes: the alloting of diƓceses, and the popular electing of such as must feed and watch the flocke: and diuers other points concerning the pastorall regiment of the house of God; by Tho. Bilson Warden of Winchester Colledge. Perused and allowed publike authoritie. Bilson, Thomas, 1546 or 7-1616. 1593 (1593) STC 3065; ESTC S101959 380,429 522

There are 48 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

thou_o begin_v to_o account_v thy_o brother_n as_o a_o publican_n thou_o do_v bind_v he_o on_o earth_n when_o thou_o do_v correct_v and_o make_v agreement_n with_o thy_o brother_n thou_o have_v loose_v he_o on_o earth_n and_o when_o thou_o lose_v he_o on_o earth_n he_o shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n which_o of_o these_o twain_o be_v prefer_v i_o force_v not_o so_o the_o first_o be_v not_o impugn_a as_o disagree_v from_o the_o text._n some_o think_v our_o saviour_n will_v not_o prescribe_v how_o the_o jew_n shall_v proceed_v in_o their_o private_a suit_n and_o quarrel_n that_o care_n belong_v rather_o to_o counsellor_n at_o the_o law_n then_o to_o preacher_n of_o y_o ●_o word_n i_o conclude_v then_o there_o can_v be_v no_o proportion_n nor_o imitation_n neither_o of_o the_o high_a nor_o of_o the_o mean_a synedrion_n among_o the_o jew_n expect_v or_o admit_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o as_o for_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o 18._o of_o matthew_n whereon_o some_o new_a writer_n build_v the_o foundation_n of_o their_o laie-presbyterie_n they_o be_v free_a &_o far_o from_o any_o such_o construction_n or_o conclusion_n and_o the_o catholic_a father_n expound_v that_o place_n be_v further_o from_o the_o mention_n or_o motion_n of_o any_o such_o regiment_n chap._n v._o the_o apostolical_a pre-eminence_n and_o authority_n before_o and_o after_o christ_n ascension_n albeit_o the_o son_n of_o god_n assemble_v no_o church_n while_o he_o live_v on_o earth_n nor_o settle_v the_o jew_n synedrion_n to_o remain_v among_o the_o faithful_a for_o aught_o that_o we_o find_v by_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n yet_o lest_o the_o house_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v unfinished_a and_o his_o harvest_n ungathered_a in_o his_o own_o person_n while_o he_o walk_v here_o he_o call_v and_o authorize_v from_o and_o above_o the_o rest_n certain_a workman_n and_o steward_n to_o take_v the_o chief_a charge_n care_n and_o oversight_n after_o his_o departure_n of_o god_n building_n &_o husbandry_n for_o which_o cause_n he_o make_v when_o as_o yet_o he_o be_v converfant_n with_o man_n a_o plain_a distinction_n betwixt_o his_o disciple_n choose_v 6._o twelve_o of_o they_o to_o be_v his_o apostle_n and_o appoint_v 10._o other_o 70._o to_o go_v before_o he_o into_o every_o city_n and_o place_n whither_o he_o shall_v come_v and_o to_o preach_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n give_v those_o twelve_o large_a commission_n perfect_a instruction_n high_a authority_n and_o great_a gift_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n than_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o disciple_n which_o he_o make_v labourer_n also_o in_o his_o harvest_n and_o messenger_n of_o his_o kingdom_n the_o twelve_o not_o the_o 70._o be_v the_o continual_a and_o domestical_a hearer_n of_o all_o his_o sermon_n and_o beholder_n of_o all_o his_o wonder_n as_o choose_v to_o witness_v his_o doctrine_n do_n and_o suffering_n to_o the_o world_n the_o twelve_o and_o no_o more_o be_v present_a when_o he_o do_v institute_v his_o last_o supper_n and_o they_o alone_o hear_v and_o have_v those_o heavenly_a prayer_n and_o promise_n which_o then_o he_o make_v to_o the_o 16._o eleven_o apart_o from_o the_o rest_n be_v give_v in_o mount_n olivet_n the_o commission_n to_o 19_o teach_v all_o nation_n and_o look_v how_o god_n send_v his_o son_n so_o send_v he_o they_o as_o apostle_n that_o be_v ambassador_n from_o his_o side_n not_o only_o to_o preach_v the_o truth_n and_o plant_v the_o church_n throughout_o the_o world_n but_o in_o his_o name_n to_o command_v those_o that_o believe_v in_o all_o case_n of_o faith_n &_o good_a manner_n to_o set_v a_o order_n among_o they_o in_o all_o thing_n needful_a for_o the_o government_n continuance_n peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n sharp_o to_o rebuke_v and_o reject_v from_o the_o society_n of_o the_o faithful_a such_o as_o resist_v or_o disobey_v to_o commit_v the_o church_n to_o sound_n and_o sincere_a teacher_n and_o overseer_n to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o those_o that_o teach_v thing_n they_o shall_v not_o for_o filthy_a lucre_n sake_n and_o to_o deliver_v they_o to_o satan_n that_o persist_v in_o their_o impiety_n or_o blasphemy_n as_o for_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n spirit_n they_o be_v so_o great_a in_o his_o apostle_n that_o they_o both_o preach_v and_o write_v deliver_v infallible_a truth_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o that_o in_o 2._o all_o language_n of_o the_o world_n and_o even_o the_o 5._o shadow_n and_o the_o 19_o napkin_n that_o have_v touch_v their_o body_n do_v heal_v the_o sick_a and_o cast_v out_o devil_n &_o these_o miraculous_a working_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n not_o only_a themselves_o have_v in_o great_a measure_n than_o any_o other_o but_o they_o give_v they_o unto_o other_o by_o lay_v their_o hand_n on_o they_o when_o philip_n have_v convert_v and_o baptize_v the_o people_n of_o samaria_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n yet_o none_o of_o they_o receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n until_o two_o of_o the_o apostle_n 8._o come_v down_o to_o they_o pray_v for_o they_o and_o lay_v hand_n on_o they_o and_o then_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v they_o through_o lay_v on_o of_o the_o apostle_n hand_n philip_n though_o he_o preach_v and_o baptize_v the_o believer_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v yet_o can_v he_o not_o bestow_v on_o they_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v reserve_v to_o the_o apostle_n as_o to_o person_n of_o a_o high_a calling_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n than_o philip_n be_v and_o yet_o be_v he_o one_o of_o the_o seven_o deacons_n &_o also_o a_o 21._o evangelist_n as_o s._n luke_n witness_v and_o well_o appear_v by_o his_o dispense_n the_o word_n &_o sacrament_n when_o paul_n lay_v his_o hand_n on_o the_o 12._o disciple_n at_o ephesus_n they_o straight_o way_n 19_o speak_v with_o diverse_a tongue_n and_o prophesy_v so_o that_o our_o saviour_n as_o well_o live_v on_o earth_n as_o ascend_v on_o high_a keep_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o his_o apostle_n &_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o disciple_n that_o be_v preacher_n both_o in_o have_v they_o always_o with_o he_o the_o better_a to_o acquaint_v they_o with_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o in_o leave_v unto_o they_o at_o his_o departure_n the_o convert_n and_o instruct_v of_o all_o nation_n and_o in_o pour_v on_o they_o after_o his_o ascension_n a_o great_a abundance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n then_o on_o the_o rest_n for_o the_o better_a execution_n of_o the_o charge_n commit_v unto_o they_o for_o the_o plain_a proof_n whereof_o we_o may_v remember_v that_o when_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n elect_v 12._o apostle_n to_o be_v with_o he_o &_o other_o 70._o disciple_n to_o go_v before_o he_o at_o the_o first_o gather_v of_o his_o church_n he_o do_v imitate_v the_o choice_n which_o god_n make_v in_o the_o wilderness_n of_o 1._o twelve_o chief_a prince_n and_o 11._o seventie_o elder_n to_o guide_v and_o govern_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n by_o their_o two_o several_a number_n distinguish_v their_o two_o several_a degree_n and_o when_o judas_n by_o transgression_n fall_v from_o his_o apostleship_n a_o other_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o 70._o to_o supply_v his_o room_n which_o need_v not_o if_o the_o 70._o have_v have_v before_o equal_a place_n and_o call_n with_o the_o apostle_n jerome_n say_v oceanum_n qui_fw-la provehitur_fw-la de_fw-la minore_fw-la ad_fw-la mai●s_fw-la provehitur_fw-la he_o that_o be_v promote_v be_v promote_v from_o the_o less_o to_o the_o great_a now_o that_o judas_n successor_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o 70._o and_o not_o out_o of_o the_o laity_n appear_v by_o this_o that_o every_o apostle_n be_v to_o have_v his_o call_n from_o christ_n as_o the_o 70._o have_v and_o not_o from_o man_n and_o on_o mathias_n the_o apostle_n impose_v no_o hand_n which_o argue_v that_o he_o be_v call_v before_o by_o christ_n himself_o among_o the_o 70._o and_o so_o say_v jerome_n matth._n mathias_n be_v one_o of_o the_o 70._o be_v choose_v into_o the_o order_n of_o the_o eleven_o in_o the_o place_n of_o judas_n the_o traitor_n and_o epiphanius_n haereses_fw-la christ_n send_v 72._o to_o preach_v of_o who_o number_n be_v mathias_n which_o in_o judas_n place_n be_v number_v among_o the_o apostle_n eusebius_n also_o confirm_v the_o same_o report_n that_o 1._o mathias_n which_o be_v choose_v to_o be_v a_o apostle_n in_o the_o place_n of_o judas_n the_o traitor_n have_v before_o that_o the_o call_n of_o one_o of_o the_o 70._o paul_n number_v the_o diversity_n of_o gift_n and_o administration_n in_o the_o church_n say_v 12._o god_n have_v ordain_v in_o the_o church_n first_o apostle_n next_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n than_o those_o that_o do_v miracle_n after_o that_o the_o gift_n of_o heal_a help_a govern_v &c._n &c._n reckon_v
more_o particular_o and_o effectual_o than_o pastor_n do_v or_o may_v by_o their_o doctrine_n such_o labyrinth_n they_o leap_v into_o when_o they_o seek_v for_o those_o thing_n in_o y_z e_z sacred_a scripture_n which_o be_v never_o intend_v but_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o this_o point_n indifferent_a which_o for_o aught_o i_o yet_o see_v be_v very_o resolute_a against_o they_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o alantiquitie_n that_o never_o so_o expound_v s._n paul_n word_n nor_o ever_o mention_v any_o lie_v presbyter_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v to_o i_o a_o strong_a rampire_n against_o all_o these_o new_a devise_n i_o like_v not_o to_o raise_v up_o that_o discipline_n from_o the_o dead_a which_o have_v lie_v so_o long_o bury_v in_o silence_n which_o no_o father_n ever_o witness_v no_o council_n ever_o favour_v no_o church_n ever_o follow_v since_o the_o apostle_n time_n till_o this_o our_o age_n i_o can_v be_v forward_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a but_o not_o so_o foolish_a as_o to_o think_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n never_o know_v what_o belong_v to_o the_o government_n of_o herself_o till_o now_o of_o late_a &_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v be_v spoil_v of_o half_a his_o kingdom_n by_o his_o own_o servant_n and_o citizen_n for_o these_o 1500._o year_n without_o remorse_n or_o remembrance_n of_o any_o man_n that_o so_o great_a wrong_n be_v offer_v he_o i_o can_v yield_v to_o much_o for_o quietness_n sake_n to_o this_o i_o can_v not_o yield_v they_o must_v show_v i_o their_o lie_v presbytery_n in_o some_o ancient_a writer_n or_o else_o i_o must_v plain_o avouch_v their_o consistory_n as_o they_o press_v they_o to_o be_v a_o notorious_a if_o not_o a_o pernicious_a novelty_n jerome_n ambrose_n and_o other_o be_v bring_v to_o depose_v that_o the_o first_o church_n have_v her_o senate_n and_o elder_n without_o who_o advice_n nothing_o be_v do_v but_o how_o wrongful_o the_o devise_n of_o lay_n elder_n be_v father_v on_o they_o i_o have_v declare_v in_o a_o special_a discourse_n i_o will_v not_o here_o repeat_v it_o only_o this_o i_o say_v if_o any_o of_o they_o affirm_v that_o in_o the_o primitive_a or_o apostolic_a church_n lay_v presbyter_n do_v govern_v ecclesiastical_a affair_n i_o be_o content_a to_o recall_v all_o that_o i_o have_v write_v of_o this_o present_a matter_n if_o not_o it_o be_v no_o great_a praise_n nor_o good_a policy_n for_o they_o to_o abuse_v the_o name_n and_o word_n of_o so_o many_o learned_a father_n to_o the_o utter_a discredit_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o cause_n in_o the_o end_n since_o then_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o and_o after_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v not_o govern_v by_o lay_v presbyter_n as_o this_o new_a discipline_n pretend_v it_o rest_v that_o we_o declare_v by_o who_o both_o the_o apostolic_a church_n and_o the_o primitive_a after_o that_o be_v direct_v &_o rule_v which_o i_o have_v not_o fail_v to_o perform_v in_o many_o chapter_n as_o far_o forth_o as_o the_o scripture_n do_v warrant_n and_o the_o undoubted_a story_n of_o christ_n church_n do_v lead_v in_o the_o apostle_n i_o observe_v four_o thing_n needful_a for_o the_o first_o sound_v and_o erect_v of_o the_o church_n though_o not_o so_o for_o the_o preserve_n and_o mainten_v thereof_o and_o four_o other_o point_n that_o must_v be_v perpetual_a in_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n the_o four_o extraordinary_a privilege_n of_o the_o apostolic_a function_n be_v their_o vocation_n immediate_a from_o christ_n not_o from_o man_n nor_o by_o man_n their_o commission_n extend_v over_o all_o the_o earth_n not_o limit_v to_o any_o place_n their_o direction_n infallible_a the_o holy_a ghost_n guide_v they_o whether_o they_o write_v or_o speak_v and_o their_o operation_n wonderful_a as_o well_o to_o convert_v and_o confirm_v believer_n as_o to_o chastise_v and_o revenge_v disobeyer_n without_o these_o thing_n the_o church_n can_v not_o begin_v as_o be_v easy_o perceive_v but_o it_o may_v well_o continue_v without_o they_o for_o now_o god_n call_v labourer_n into_o his_o harvest_n by_o other_o not_o by_o himself_o pastor_n take_v charge_n of_o those_o church_n that_o be_v already_o plant_v they_o seek_v not_o place_n where_o to_o plant_v new_a church_n the_o scripture_n once_o write_v serve_v all_o age_n for_o instruction_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o miracle_n than_o wrought_v witness_v the_o power_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o the_o world_n end_n wherefore_o those_o thing_n have_v their_o necessary_a force_n and_o use_v to_o lay_v the_o first_o foundation_n of_o the_o gospel_n before_o christ_n be_v know_v but_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n will_v not_o have_v his_o church_n still_o depend_v on_o those_o miraculous_a mean_n which_o serve_v rather_o to_o conquer_v incredulity_n then_o to_o edify_v the_o faithful_a 22._o sign_n be_v as_o the_o apostle_n say_v not_o for_o such_o as_o believe_v but_o for_o such_o as_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o other_o four_o point_n of_o the_o apostolic_a delegation_n which_o must_v have_v their_o permanence_n and_o perpetuity_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o dispence_a the_o word_n administer_a the_o sacrament_n impose_v of_o hand_n and_o guide_v the_o key_n to_o shut_v or_o open_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o first_o two_o by_o reason_n they_o be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n and_o instrument_n by_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_v each_o man_n salvation_n must_v be_v general_a to_o all_o pastor_n and_o presbyter_n of_o christ_n church_n the_o other_o two_o by_o which_o meet_a man_n be_v call_v to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o obstinate_a person_n not_o only_o repel_v from_o the_o society_n of_o the_o saint_n but_o also_o from_o the_o promise_n and_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n respect_v rather_o the_o cleanse_n and_o govern_v of_o christ_n church_n and_o therefore_o no_o cause_n they_o shall_v be_v commit_v to_o the_o power_n of_o every_o presbyter_n as_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n be_v for_o as_o there_o can_v be_v no_o order_n but_o confusion_n in_o a_o common_a wealth_n where_o every_o man_n rule_v so_o will_v there_o be_v no_o peace_n but_o a_o pestilent_a perturbation_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n if_o every_o preshyter_n may_v impose_v hand_n and_o use_v the_o key_n at_o his_o pleasure_n how_o the_o apostle_n impose_v hand_n and_o deliver_v unto_o satan_n and_o who_o join_v with_o they_o in_o those_o action_n i_o have_v handle_v in_o place_n appoint_v for_o that_o purpose_n whereby_o we_o shall_v perceive_v that_o though_o the_o presbyter_n of_o each_o church_n have_v charge_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n even_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n yet_o may_v they_o not_o impose_v hand_n nor_o use_v the_o key_n without_o the_o apostle_n or_o such_o as_o the_o apostle_n depart_v or_o die_v leave_v to_o be_v their_o substitute_n and_o successor_n in_o the_o church_n which_o they_o have_v plant_v at_o samaria_n philip_n 12._o preach_v and_o baptize_v and_o albeit_o he_o dispense_v the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n yet_o can_v he_o not_o impose_v hand_n on_o they_o but_o peter_n and_o john_n come_v from_o jerusalem_n and_o 17._o lay_v their_o hand_n on_o they_o and_o so_o they_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o church_n of_o 21_o lystra_n iconium_n and_o antioch_n be_v plant_v before_o yet_o be_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n at_o their_o return_n force_v to_o increase_v the_o number_n of_o presbyter_n in_o each_o of_o those_o place_n by_o imposition_n of_o their_o hand_n for_o so_o the_o word_n 23_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v with_o all_o greek_a divine_n and_o story_n as_o i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v and_o not_o to_o ordain_v by_o election_n of_o the_o people_n as_o some_o man_n of_o late_a have_v new_o frame_v the_o text._n the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o crete_n be_v erect_v by_o paul_n &_o have_v their_o presbytery_n yet_o can_v they_o not_o create_v other_o but_o timothy_n and_o tite_n be_v leave_v there_o to_o 5._o impose_v hand_n and_o 1._o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n as_o occasion_v require_v herein_o who_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n whether_o all_o presbyter_n equal_o or_o certain_a chief_a and_o choose_a man_n one_o in_o every_o church_n and_o city_n trust_v with_o the_o government_n both_o of_o people_n and_o presbyter_n i_o have_v large_o debate_v and_o make_v it_o plain_a as_o well_o by_o the_o scripture_n as_o by_o other_o ancient_a writer_n past_o all_o exception_n that_o from_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o first_o nicene_n council_n and_o so_o along_o to_o this_o our_o age_n there_o have_v always_o be_v select_v some_o of_o great_a gift_n than_o the_o residue_n to_o succeed_v in_o the_o apostle_n place_n to_o who_o it_o belong_v both_o to_o moderate_v the_o presbyter_n of_o each_o church_n and_o to_o take_v the_o
have_v of_o this_o world_n order_n then_o and_o discipline_n the_o very_a nurse_n and_o mother_n of_o all_o peace_n and_o quietness_n as_o well_o in_o divine_a as_o in_o humane_a society_n and_o assembly_n though_o it_o be_v not_o the_o life_n or_o spirit_n that_o quicken_v the_o church_n yet_o do_v it_o fa●en_o and_o knit_v the_o member_n thereof_o as_o joint_n and_o si●e_v wes_z do_v the_o part_n of_o our_o body_n in_o so_o much_o that_o the_o 4._o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o keep_v as_o the_o apostle_n note_v without_o the_o 4._o band_n of_o peace_n and_o where_o there_o be_v dissension_n nourish_v or_o confusion_n suffer_v no_o peace_n can_v be_v preserve_v or_o expect_v hence_o we_o must_v not_o frame_v what_o kind_n of_o regiment_n we_o listen_v for_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n church_n but_o rather_o observe_v and_o mark_v what_o manner_n of_o external_a government_n the_o lord_n have_v best_a like_v &_o allow_v in_o his_o church_n even_o from_o the_o beginning_n the_o external_a regiment_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n among_o themselves_o and_o over_o their_o flock_n i_o distinguish_v from_o the_o internal_a that_o god_n have_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o truethih_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a which_o can_v be_v vary_v and_o be_v not_o question_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o i_o acknowledge_v to_o he_o the_o true_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n whereby_o he_o inward_o and_o effectual_o work_v in_o his_o saint_n the_o faith_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o feel_v of_o his_o grace_n according_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o his_o own_o will_n for_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o glory_n in_o which_o no_o earthly_a creature_n concur_v or_o join_v with_o he_o yet_o c●●se_v he_o have_v leave_v the_o sound_n of_o his_o word_n and_o seal_n of_o his_o sacrament_n as_o external_a mean_n for_o we_o to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o his_o heavenly_a grace_n there_o must_v be_v sitperson_n to_o teach_v the_o one_o and_o dispense_v the_o other_o and_o a_o power_n in_o they_o to_o admit_v the_o worthy_a and_o remove_v the_o unworthy_a least_o holy_a thing_n be_v defile_v while_o they_o ●e_v 7._o project_v to_o dog_n and_o swine_n hence_o rise_v the_o necessity_n of_o external_a government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o respect_v the_o appoint_v of_o meet_a man_n and_o repel_v of_o unmeete_a to_o be_v trust_v with_o these_o heavenly_a treasure_n as_o also_o the_o good_a use_v and_o right_a divide_n of_o sopreciousie_n well_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n what_o kind_n of_o external_a government_n god_n settle_v in_o his_o church_n even_o at_o the_o first_o beginning_n will_v soon_o appear_v if_o we_o consult_v the_o scripture_n fron_n adam_n to_o jacob_n as_o the_o church_n be_v contain_v in_o certain_a family_n mention_v by_o moses_n so_o be_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n domestical_a and_o the_o government_n paternal_a god_n leave_v the_o father_n to_o be_v teacher_n and_o ruler_n of_o his_o household_n and_o of_o spring_n and_o change_v the_o child_n and_o their_o issue_n to_o honour_n with_o reverence_n and_o obedience_n their_o father_n deliver_v and_o prescribe_v unto_o they_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n reveal_v to_o their_o father_n the_o right_a and_o power_n the_o father_n have_v over_o his_o child_n and_o household_n before_o the_o law_n be_v express_v in_o these_o word_n 18._o i_o know_v say_v god_n that_o abraham_n will_v command_v his_o son_n and_o his_o house_n after_o he_o to_o keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o no_o doubt_v all_o the_o patriarch_n that_o be_v faithful_a even_o from_o adam_n careful_o perform_v and_o the_o child_n that_o be_v religious_a reverent_o obey_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n pass_v by_o the_o father_n mouth_n unto_o the_o child_n in_o reward_n of_o their_o submission_n or_o curse_v in_o revenge_n of_o their_o rebellion_n so_o noah_n 9_o bless_v sem_fw-mi for_o cover_v his_o nakedness_n and_o by_o that_o blessing_n make_v he_o heir_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o curse_a cham_n for_o deride_v the_o shame_n of_o his_o father_n and_o insult_a at_o it_o so_o like_o wise_a 27._o isaac_n and_o jacob_n transmit_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n to_o their_o 49._o child_n and_o 48._o child_n child_n that_o be_v dutiful_a and_o pronounce_v his_o heavy_a judgement_n on_o their_o child_n that_o be_v wicked_a and_o obstinate_a as_o the_o patriarch_n be_v prophet_n to_o declare_v to_o their_o child_n the_o promise_n and_o menace_n of_o god_n so_o be_v they_o magistrate_n to_o rule_v their_o family_n with_o fatherly_a coercion_n such_o as_o god_n best_o allow_v in_o the_o first_o world_n to_o govern_v his_o saint_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n do_v god_n comprehend_v prince_n under_o the_o name_n of_o parent_n in_o the_o decalogue_n of_o moses_n and_o every_o where_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n chief_a man_n and_o governor_n be_v call_v father_n and_o to_o this_o day_n by_o god_n law_n prince_n ought_v to_o have_v the_o same_o care_n and_o respect_n of_o their_o subject_n that_o father_n have_v of_o their_o child_n by_o reason_n the_o first_o fountain_n of_o princely_a power_n by_o god_n allowance_n be_v fatherly_a regiment_n neither_o be_v the_o patriarch_n only_a prince_n within_o their_o tent_n and_o dwelling_n but_o also_o prince_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n god_n always_o reserve_v the_o elder_a and_o chief_a in_o those_o generation_n to_o serve_v he_o with_o sacrifice_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o which_o end_n god_n do_v consecrate_v the_o first_o bear_v of_o their_o family_n as_o holy_a to_o himself_o to_o be_v priest_n in_o his_o church_n and_o increase_v their_o dignity_n with_o this_o princely_a prerogative_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v lord_n over_o their_o brethren_n and_o honour_v of_o their_o mother_n child_n as_o succeed_v their_o father_n in_o the_o government_n and_o priesthood_n unless_o they_o be_v repel_v from_o that_o honour_n by_o god_n secret_a counsel_n or_o manifest_a judgement_n and_o other_o name_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o sustain_v that_o charge_n 21._o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v say_v god_n to_o abraham_n when_o he_o refuse_v ishmael_n 25._o the_o elder_a shall_v serve_v the_o young_a say_v god_n to_o rebecca_n when_o he_o prefer_v jacob_n 49._o reuben_n my_o elder_a son_n say_v jacob_n the_o beginning_n of_o my_o strength_n excel_v in_o dignity_n excel_v in_o power_n thou_o shall_v not_o excel_v because_o thou_o wente_v up_o to_o thy_o father_n bed_n for_o otherwise_o this_o be_v the_o blessing_n due_a to_o the_o elder_a brother_n in_o the_o 7._o first_o world_n and_o part_n of_o his_o birthright_n as_o well_o before_o as_o after_o the_o flood_n which_o isaac_n utter_v to_o jacob_n when_o he_o take_v he_o for_o his_o elder_a son_n 27._o be_v lord_n over_o thy_o brethren_n and_o let_v thy_o mother_n child_n honour_v thou_o which_o privilege_n of_o the_o first_o horn_n god_n renew_v and_o confirm_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n throughout_o the_o common_a wealth_n of_o israel_n that_o as_o they_o be_v elder_a so_o shall_v they_o be_v chief_a in_o their_o father_n house_n except_o their_o impiety_n provoke_v the_o contrary_n this_o than_o be_v the_o regiment_n of_o god_n church_n from_o adam_n to_o sem_fw-mi the_o most_o ancient_a be_v always_o the_o most_o excellent_a both_o in_o priesthood_n and_o civil_a government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o in_o his_o room_n decease_a succeed_v his_o elder_a son_n unless_o he_o be_v reject_v from_o it_o for_o his_o wickedness_n as_o cain_n be_v that_o kill_v abel_n and_o to_o the_o first_o patriarch_n god_n give_v so_o long_a life_n that_o they_o may_v witness_v his_o truth_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n unto_o their_o child_n and_o child_n child_n that_o will_v hear_v and_o regard_v the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o this_o precept_n express_v in_o the_o law_n 4._o teach_v they_o thy_o son_n &_o thy_o son_n son_n be_v the_o perpetual_a charge_n of_o all_o father_n as_o well_o before_o as_o after_o the_o deluge_n and_o then_o most_o needful_a when_o child_n have_v no_o teacher_n nor_o governor_n save_o father_n as_o while_o the_o word_n be_v yet_o not_o write_v but_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v deliver_v by_o hand_n from_o the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n during_o which_o time_n as_o each_o father_n that_o inherit_v the_o promise_n be_v elder_a so_o be_v he_o chief_a in_o direct_v and_o command_v his_o offspring_n that_o believe_v of_o who_o the_o church_n then_o consist_v adam_n govern_v the_o church_n 930._o year_n confirm_v to_o all_o posterity_n the_o creation_n and_o fall_n of_o himself_o and_o all_o mankind_n with_o he_o and_o likewise_o redemption_n and_o victory_n by_o the_o promise_a seed_n that_o shall_v come_v of_o the_o woman_n seth_n the_o son_n of_o adam_n
the_o world_n much_o more_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o be_v in_o 2._o subjection_n under_o his_o foot_n but_o so_o wonderful_a be_v his_o patience_n and_o humility_n at_o his_o first_o appear_v in_o our_o flesh_n that_o 12._o a_o bruise_a reed_n he_o will_v not_o break_v &_o smoke_a flax_n he_o will_v not_o quench_v yea_o no_o man_n hear_v his_o voice_n in_o the_o street_n for_o he_o 20._o come_v to_o serve_v and_o not_o to_o be_v serve_v to_o suffer_v for_o the_o world_n that_o he_o may_v save_v it_o and_o not_o as_o yet_o 20._o to_o judge_v the_o world_n all_o power_n then_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n belong_v unto_o he_o even_o when_o he_o be_v conversant_a with_o man_n but_o he_o neither_o declare_v nor_o challenge_v so_o much_o until_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n as_o he_o be_v a_o prophet_n to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v a_o priest_n to_o cleanse_v and_o sanctify_v his_o church_n so_o be_v he_o a_o king_n to_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o same_o save_v that_o his_o 18._o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o he_o will_v not_o reign_v in_o his_o church_n with_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o body_n as_o a_o man_n but_o with_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o kingdom_n then_o and_o throne_n which_o he_o reserve_v to_o himself_o far_o pass_v the_o direct_n &_o order_v of_o outward_a thing_n in_o the_o church_n which_o he_o have_v leave_v to_o other_o to_o the_o true_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n belong_v the_o manifold_a wisdom_n might_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n show_v on_o we_o for_o our_o salvation_n i_o mean_v all_o the_o power_n grace_n and_o glory_n that_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o bestow_v on_o his_o saint_n in_o this_o life_n and_o keep_v in_o store_n for_o they_o until_o the_o next_o so_o that_o whatsoever_o effect_n of_o his_o truth_n gift_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o feel_v of_o his_o promise_n we_o present_o possess_v or_o hope_v to_o have_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n through_o christ_n our_o lord_n it_o proceed_v from_o the_o strength_n and_o favour_n of_o this_o king_n by_o the_o mightiness_n of_o his_o power_n though_o he_o sit_v in_o heaven_n we_o receive_v that_o continual_a protection_n help_n and_o deliverance_n which_o we_o find_v in_o all_o our_o trouble_n and_o adversity_n and_o so_o we_o see_v his_o arm_n stretch_v out_o for_o the_o repress_v scatter_v and_o revenge_v of_o our_o enemy_n who_o pride_n and_o rage_n he_o do_v so_o guide_v and_o order_n that_o it_o tend_v only_o to_o the_o trial_n of_o such_o as_o fear_v he_o and_o the_o confusion_n of_o their_o foe_n from_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n come_v all_o those_o heavenly_a gift_n fruit_n and_o blessing_n of_o his_o spirit_n where_o with_o the_o church_n and_o every_o member_n thereof_o be_v furnish_v and_o adorn_v as_o namely_o the_o lightning_n of_o our_o mind_n soften_a of_o our_o heart_n quench_v of_o our_o lust_n the_o ground_v we_o in_o faith_n more_v we_o in_o hope_n and_o root_a we_o in_o charity_n by_o the_o love_n of_o his_o truth_n obedience_n of_o his_o will_n and_o resemblance_n of_o his_o virtue_n that_o have_v call_v we_o out_o of_o darkness_n into_o his_o marvelous_a light_n for_o 4._o what_o have_v we_o that_o we_o have_v not_o receive_v and_o whence_o 1_o come_v every_o good_a &_o perfect_a gift_n but_o from_o above_o even_o from_o he_o 1_o of_o who_o fullness_n we_o all_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o steadfastness_n of_o his_o promise_n be_v derive_v that_o peace_n joy_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o the_o godly_a feel_v within_o they_o and_o whereby_o they_o be_v maintain_v and_o preserve_v against_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n and_o like_o wise_a that_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n and_o glory_n which_o he_o will_v give_v to_o all_o that_o love_v his_o come_n when_o he_o shall_v appear_v in_o the_o cloud_n to_o bring_v eternal_a life_n and_o bliss_n with_o he_o for_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n till_o then_o he_o must_v reign_v to_o subdue_v his_o enemy_n which_o now_o resist_v and_o to_o fill_v up_o the_o number_n of_o his_o saint_n which_o yet_o be_v want_v that_o judgement_n which_o final_o render_v to_o all_o flesh_n according_a to_o their_o work_n and_o eternal_o dure_v without_o alter_v or_o end_v shall_v be_v the_o very_a close_a and_o conclusion_n of_o his_o kingdom_n which_o he_o man_n than_o 〈◊〉_d deliver_v up_o to_o god_n his_o father_n when_o he_o have_v crown_v his_o servant_n with_o honour_n and_o immortality_n and_o adjudge_v his_o enemy_n for_o their_o curse_a sin_n to_o perpetual_a torment_n this_o be_v the_o true_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o this_o effectual_a spiritual_a and_o celestial_a manner_n he_o do_v and_o shall_v govern_v his_o church_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o every_o member_n thereof_o till_o all_o his_o enemy_n be_v under_o his_o foot_n after_o that_o general_a judgement_n sin_n death_n and_o hell_n be_v utter_o conquer_v as_o in_o himself_o long_o ago_o so_o then_o in_o all_o his_o member_n the_o administration_n of_o his_o kingdom_n shall_v cease_v all_o his_o brethren_n be_v bring_v unto_o god_n but_o the_o fruition_n shall_v be_v everlasting_a even_o as_o the_o joy_n thereof_o be_v exceed_v above_o all_o that_o we_o can_v speak_v or_o think_v by_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o government_n it_o be_v soon_o understand_v that_o the_o prcheminence_n of_o his_o kingdom_n be_v personal_a belong_v whole_o and_o only_o to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o so_o much_o that_o no_o earthly_a creature_n may_v claim_v without_o apparent_a blasphemy_n to_o be_v lieutenant_n under_o he_o or_o communicant_a with_o he_o in_o his_o royal_a dignity_n 11._o unsearchable_a be_v his_o judgement_n and_o his_o way_n unartaineable_a who_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o who_o be_v his_o counsellor_n 50._o his_o hand_n be_v not_o shorten_v that_o it_o can_v help_v 1._o the_o foolishness_n and_o weakness_n of_o god_n be_v wise_a and_o strong_a than_o man_n and_o therefore_o he_o will_v have_v neither_o partner_n nor_o helper_n the_o outward_a face_n of_o the_o church_n where_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a by_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n be_v gather_v and_o mix_v together_o may_v be_v call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o of_o christ_n but_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o wise_o distinguish_v even_o in_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n from_o the_o outward_a service_n of_o man_n the_o gospel_n which_o save_v be_v 3._o not_o write_v with_o ink_n but_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o live_a god_n not_o in_o table_n of_o stone_n but_o in_o the_o fleshlie_o table_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o word_n may_v be_v careful_o cast_v by_o we_o but_o it_o take_v no_o root_n nor_o bear_v fruit_n unless_o the_o lord_n prepare_v the_o ground_n we_o be_v joint_a workman_n with_o god_n in_o his_o husbandry_n and_o yet_o 3._o neither_o he_o that_o plant_v nor_o he_o that_o water_v be_v any_o thing_n but_o god_n that_o give_v the_o increase_n circumcision_n though_o it_o be_v the_o 4._o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n yet_o avail_v it_o nothing_o so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v 2._o out_o ward_n in_o the_o flesh_n but_o that_o be_v true_a circumcision_n which_o be_v in_o the_o spirit_n not_o in_o the_o letter_n who_o praise_n be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n the_o preacher_n be_v the_o 2._o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n until_o god_n lighten_v and_o open_v the_o heart_n and_o 1._o christ_n crucify_v even_o when_o he_o be_v preach_v be_v a_o stumble_a block_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o foolishness_n to_o the_o grecian_n except_o god_n give_v repentance_n and_o obedience_n of_o faith_n that_o they_o may_v believe_v and_o be_v save_v the_o sacrament_n be_v dead_a element_n in_o our_o hand_n and_o the_o word_n a_o deadly_a sound_n in_o our_o mouth_n without_o 3._o the_o spirit_n that_o quicken_v so_o that_o in_o they_o both_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o dissever_v the_o outward_a sign_n from_o the_o inward_a grace_n and_o the_o corporal_a action_n perform_v by_o man_n from_o the_o spiritual_a operation_n effect_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o proper_o pertain_v to_o christ_n kingdom_n i_o stand_v some_o what_o the_o long_o in_o separate_v the_o true_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o external_a order_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n for_o that_o in_o our_o time_n some_o more_o zealous_a than_o wise_a and_o too_o much_o devote_a to_o their_o own_o fancy_n have_v promote_v their_o eldership_n and_o presbytery_n to_o the_o height_n of_o christ_n sceptre_n and_o make_v grievous_a outcry_n as_o if_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v spoil_v
christ_n resurrection_n without_o either_o presbytery_n or_o people_n to_o concur_v with_o they_o 6._o o_o you_o bless_a and_o holy_a man_n say_v hilary_n speak_v of_o the_o apostle_n that_o for_o the_o desert_n of_o your_o faith_n gate_n the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o obtain_v right_a to_o bind_v and_o loose_v in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n i_o suppose_v than_o it_o be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v contradict_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v from_o their_o master_n a_o large_a commission_n full_a instruction_n high_a power_n and_o great_a gift_n than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o doctor_n pastor_n prophet_n and_o evangelist_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o the_o church_n in_o their_o time_n be_v not_o govern_v by_o the_o voice_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o great_a part_n concur_v with_o they_o before_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v do_v but_o by_o their_o precept_n and_o rule_n deliver_v by_o speech_n or_o express_v by_o writing_n which_o the_o faithful_a in_o every_o place_n as_o well_o pastor_n as_o people_n with_o all_o readiness_n obey_v and_o that_o in_o appoint_v and_o ordain_v pastor_n and_o elder_n as_o likewise_o in_o retain_v sin_n and_o bind_v offender_n by_o deliver_v they_o unto_o satan_n or_o reject_v they_o from_o the_o fellowship_n of_o saint_n they_o need_v not_o the_o help_n or_o agreement_n of_o the_o people_n or_o presbytery_n but_o have_v power_n sufficient_a with_o impose_v their_o hand_n as_o the_o spirit_n direct_v to_o make_v prophet_n and_o pastor_n by_o give_v they_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n needful_a for_o their_o several_a calling_n and_o by_o the_o same_o power_n can_v yield_v the_o body_n of_o such_o as_o sin_v and_o repent_v not_o to_o be_v punish_v and_o afflict_v by_o satan_n or_o remove_v they_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o exclude_v they_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n as_o their_o wickedness_n or_o wilfulness_n deserve_v this_o superiority_n they_o retain_v while_o they_o live_v so_o moderate_v their_o power_n that_o they_o seek_v rather_o to_o win_v the_o evil_n dispose_v with_o lenity_n then_o repress_v they_o with_o authority_n save_v when_o the_o wicked_a might_n no_o long_o be_v endure_v lest_o other_o shall_v be_v iufect_v and_o use_v such_o meekness_n and_o mildness_n towards_o all_o that_o no_o schism_n disorder_v the_o church_n by_o their_o rigour_n nor_o soul_n perish_v by_o their_o default_n labour_v more_o to_o profit_v many_o with_o their_o pain_n then_o to_o prefer_v themselves_o before_o any_o by_o their_o privilege_n and_o utter_o forget_v their_o own_o dignity_n while_o they_o serve_v and_o advance_v christ_n glory_n i_o observe_v as_o well_o their_o patience_n as_o their_o preeminence_n lest_o any_o man_n shall_v think_v i_o go_v about_o to_o make_v they_o prince_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o command_v and_o punish_v at_o their_o pleasure_n and_o not_o rather_o faithful_a steward_n and_o careful_a shepherd_n to_o feed_v and_o guide_v the_o church_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n chap._n ix_o what_o part_n of_o the_o apostle_n power_n and_o charge_n be_v to_o remain_v in_o the_o church_n after_o their_o decease_n and_o to_o who_o they_o be_v commit_v it_o will_v happy_o be_v grant_v the_o apostle_n have_v their_o prerogative_n and_o preeminence_n above_o other_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o that_o limit_v to_o their_o person_n and_o during_o for_o their_o life_n and_o therefore_o no_o reason_n can_v be_v make_v from_o their_o superiority_n to_o force_v the_o like_a to_o be_v receive_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o all_o age_n and_o place_n since_o their_o office_n and_o function_n be_v long_o since_o cease_v and_o no_o like_a power_n reserve_v to_o their_o successor_n after_o they_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o many_o thing_n in_o the_o apostle_n be_v personal_a give_v they_o by_o god_n wisdom_n for_o the_o first_o spread_v of_o the_o faith_n and_o plant_v of_o the_o church_n among_o jew_n and_o gentile_n that_o all_o nation_n may_v be_v convert_v unto_o christ_n by_o the_o sight_n of_o their_o miracle_n and_o direct_v by_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n yet_o that_o all_o their_o gift_n end_v with_o their_o life_n and_o no_o part_n of_o their_o charge_n and_o power_n remain_v to_o their_o after-commer_n may_v neither_o be_v confess_v by_o we_o nor_o affirnt_v by_o any_o unless_o we_o mean_v whole_o to_o subvert_v the_o church_n of_o christ._n to_o be_v call_v by_o christ_n own_o mouth_n and_o send_v into_o all_o nation_n to_o be_v furnish_v with_o the_o infallible_a assurance_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o visible_a assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n not_o only_o to_o speak_v with_o tongue_n cure_n disease_n work_v miracle_n know_v secret_n and_o understand_v all_o wisdom_n but_o to_o give_v the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o other_o that_o they_o may_v do_v the_o like_a these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v needful_a at_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n to_o convert_v infidel_n that_o never_o hear_v of_o christ_n before_o to_o confirm_v the_o believer_n compass_v with_o diverse_a temptation_n and_o to_o store_v the_o whole_a world_n then_o present_o with_o meet_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n but_o to_o maintain_v the_o church_n once_o settle_v and_o faith_n once_o preach_v there_o be_v no_o cause_n why_o either_o the_o immediate_a vocation_n or_o general_a commission_n or_o mighty_a operation_n and_o sudden_a inspiration_n of_o the_o apostle_n shall_v always_o endure_v the_o scripture_n once_o write_v suffice_v all_o age_n for_o instruction_n the_o miracle_n then_o do_v be_v for_o ever_o a_o most_o evident_a confirmation_n of_o their_o doctrine_n the_o authority_n of_o their_o first_o calling_n live_v yet_o in_o their_o succession_n and_o time_n and_o travel_v join_v with_o god_n grace_n bring_v pastor_n at_o this_o present_a to_o perfection_n yet_o the_o apostle_n charge_v to_o teach_v baptize_v and_o administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v sin_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n to_o impose_v hand_n for_o the_o ordain_v of_o pastor_n and_o elder_n these_o part_n of_o the_o apostolic_a function_n and_o charge_n be_v not_o decay_v and_o can_v be_v want_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n there_o must_v either_o be_v no_o church_n or_o else_o these_o must_v remain_v for_o without_o these_o no_o church_n can_v continue_v the_o gospel_n must_v be_v preach_v the_o sacrament_n must_v be_v frequent_v for_o which_o purpose_v some_o must_v be_v take_v to_o the_o public_a service_n and_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n for_o 10._o how_o shall_v they_o invocate_v in_o who_o they_o have_v not_o believe_v or_o how_o shall_v they_o believe_v in_o he_o of_o who_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v or_o how_o shall_v they_o hear_v without_o a_o preacher_n and_o how_o shall_v they_o preach_v except_o they_o be_v send_v without_o send_v there_o can_v be_v no_o preach_n without_o preach_v the_o word_n there_o be_v no_o ordinary_a mean_n for_o faith_n and_o without_o faith_n there_o be_v no_o church_n neither_o only_a the_o lack_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n but_o the_o profanation_n and_o abuse_n of_o either_o how_o great_o doethit_n endanger_v the_o state_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n yea_o 7._o the_o cast_n of_o holy_a thing_n unto_o dog_n and_o of_o pearl_n before_o swine_n how_o dreadful_a a_o judgement_n do_v it_o procure_v as_o well_o to_o the_o consenter_n as_o presumer_n 5._o a_o little_a leaven_n so_o wretch_n the_o whole_a mass_n so_o that_o power_n to_o send_v labourer_n into_o god_n harvest_n and_o to_o separate_v profane_a person_n for_o de●iling_v the_o mystery_n and_o assembly_n of_o the_o faithful_a must_v be_v retain_v and_o use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n unless_o we_o will_v turn_v the_o house_n of_o god_n 7._o into_o a_o den_n of_o thief_n and_o make_v the_o temple_n 18._o a_o cage_n for_o unclean_a and_o hateful_a bird_n as_o the_o thing_n be_v needful_a in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n so_o the_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v first_o commit_v can_v be_v doubt_v 28._o go_v teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o say_v our_o saviour_n to_o the_o eleven_o in_o mount_n olivet_n whenhe_v ascend_v 22._o do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o say_v he_o to_o the_o twelve_o that_o sit_v at_o supper_n with_o he_o after_o his_o resurrection_n when_o he_o appear_v to_o the_o eleven_o sit_v together_o he_o say_v 20._o as_o my_o father_n send_v i_o so_o send_v i_o you_o receive_v you_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v who_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v for_o though_o the_o lord_n before_o his_o death_n promise_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n unto_o peter_n and_o as_o then_o say_v nothing_o unto_o the_o
he_o have_v require_v they_o to_o remove_v that_o evil_a one_o from_o themselves_o in_o not_o allow_v consent_v or_o favour_v so_o wicked_a a_o fact_n in_o their_o heart_n take_v which_o you_o will_v i_o stand_v indifferent_a howbeit_o by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o second_o epistle_n it_o shall_v seem_v he_o speak_v not_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o corinth_n but_o to_o the_o leader_n and_o teacher_n there_o when_o he_o will_v they_o to_o remove_v that_o wicked_a one_o from_o among_o themselves_o for_o this_o he_o write_v of_o the_o very_a same_o person_n 5._o sufficient_a for_o this_o offendor_n be_v the_o punishment_n or_o reproof_n that_o proceed_v from_o many_o not_o from_o all_o wherefore_o i_o pray_v you_o confirm_v your_o love_n towards_o he_o for_o this_o cause_n also_o do_v i_o write_v that_o i_o may_v see_v the_o proof_n of_o you_o whether_o you_o will_v be_v obedient_a in_o all_o thing_n so_o that_o in_o excommunicate_v the_o incestuous_a sinner_n paul_n ask_v not_o their_o consent_n but_o try_v their_o obedience_n and_o they_o with_o all_o care_n and_o zeal_n show_v themselves_o ready_a to_o execute_v his_o precept_n at_o least_o yet_o the_o presbytery_n join_v with_o the_o apostle_n in_o excommunicate_v that_o malefactor_n and_o of_o this_o presbytery_n the_o lay_v elder_n be_v no_o small_a part_n so_o that_o by_o this_o precedent_n of_o the_o apostolic_a discipline_n the_o pastor_n can_v exclude_v any_o man_n from_o the_o sacrament_n without_o the_o like_n of_o the_o lay_v elder_n and_o presbyter_n what_o the_o presbytery_n may_v do_v not_o well_o be_v resolve_v until_o it_o be_v first_o agree_v of_o what_o person_n this_o presbytery_n consist_v some_o think_v certain_a skilful_a and_o discreet_a man_n as_o well_o of_o the_o laity_n as_o of_o the_o clergy_n be_v appoint_v by_o the_o common_a choice_n of_o the_o people_n to_o deliberate_v and_o determine_v of_o manner_n and_o all_o other_o matter_n pertain_v to_o the_o regiment_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o by_o their_o advice_n and_o consent_n as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o decree_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a senate_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v direct_v and_o hand_n impose_v for_o this_o assertion_n they_o show_v the_o witness_n both_o of_o scripture_n and_o father_n so_o clear_a as_o they_o suppose_v that_o they_o can_v be_v avoid_v some_o other_o confess_v there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o presbytery_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o long_o after_o in_o many_o church_n but_o thence_o they_o exclude_v all_o lay_v person_n as_o no_o part_n thereof_o and_o account_v in_o that_o number_n none_o but_o such_o as_o have_v charge_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o joint_o labour_v the_o convert_n of_o unbeliever_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o preserve_v of_o the_o church_n in_o truth_n and_o godliness_n which_o of_o these_o two_o position_n be_v the_o sound_a in_o process_n will_v appear_v chap._n x._o what_o the_o presbytery_n be_v which_o the_o apostle_n mention_v in_o their_o writing_n and_o whether_o any_o lay_v elder_n be_v of_o that_o number_n or_o no._n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n every_o city_n where_o the_o gospel_n be_v receive_v have_v many_o prophet_n pastor_n and_o teacher_n not_o only_o travel_v to_o and_o fro_o to_o exhort_v and_o confirm_v the_o brethren_n but_o abide_v and_o persist_v in_o the_o same_o place_n all_o labour_a to_o increase_v the_o number_n of_o the_o church_n and_o continue_v the_o faithful_a in_o their_o profession_n at_o jerusalem_n fifteen_o year_n after_o christ_n ascension_n be_v 15._o apostle_n and_o elder_n at_o antioch_n in_o the_o church_n be_v 13._o prophet_n &_o teacher_n barnabas_n simeon_n lucius_n manehen_fw-ge and_o saul_n beside_o mark_n and_o other_o in_o rome_n when_o paul_n write_v thither_o be_v many_o approve_a 16._o labourer_n and_o helper_n in_o christ_n who_o he_o know_v before_o beside_o such_o as_o the_o city_n itself_o yield_v of_o who_o he_o have_v then_o no_o such_o experience_n and_o therefore_o pass_v they_o over_o unsaluted_a by_o name_n as_o man_n unknowen_a after_o when_o he_o come_v thither_o he_o show_v who_o be_v his_o 4._o work_n fellow_n unto_o the_o king_n doom_n of_o god_n to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n he_o say_v 14._o let_v the_o prophet_n speak_v two_o or_o three_o and_o the_o restiudge_n be_v ●t_z miletum_n he_o 20._o send_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o ephesus_n who_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v set_v to_o watch_v and_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n he_o write_v to_o the_o saint_n at_o philippi_n 1._o together_o with_o the_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n s._n james_n say_v to_o the_o jew_n disperse_v 5._o if_o any_o be_v sick_a let_v he_o call_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o let_v they_o pray_v over_o he_o nothing_o there_o be_v in_o every_o church_n not_o one_o but_o many_o elder_n who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o pray_v over_o the_o sick_a relcase_v their_o sin_n and_o ease_v their_o infirmity_n this_o number_n of_o teacher_n and_o helper_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o superfluous_a but_o very_o requisite_a in_o those_o day_n by_o reason_n they_o be_v force_v to_o exhort_v and_o admonish_v as_o well_o private_o 20._o throughout_o every_o house_n as_o open_o when_o the_o church_n be_v assemble_v for_o fear_n of_o seducer_n that_o secret_o 3._o creep_v into_o house_n lead_v away_o woman_n load_v with_o sin_n and_o 1._o subvert_v whole_a house_n teach_v thing_n they_o ought_v not_o for_o filthy_a lucre_n sake_n and_o also_o for_o that_o they_o be_v daily_o to_o win_v those_o to_o christ_n that_o yet_o believe_v not_o in_o which_o case_n they_o be_v to_o refrain_v no_o place_n nor_o slack_v no_o time_n to_o make_v christ_n know_v to_o every_o particular_a person_n and_o house_n that_o be_v ignorant_a of_o he_o and_o to_o this_o end_n they_o need_v more_o aid_n than_o otherwise_o to_o guide_v and_o direct_v the_o church_n at_o such_o time_n as_o the_o saint_n meet_v together_o neither_o cease_v this_o necessity_n with_o the_o apostle_n it_o dure_v many_o hundred_o year_n after_o they_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o in_o every_o great_a city_n the_o pastor_n and_o bishop_n have_v many_o minister_n &_o helper_n join_v with_o they_o to_o labour_v the_o conversion_n of_o miscreant_n to_o strengthen_v and_o encourage_v the_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n that_o suffer_v by_o thousand_o for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o visit_v the_o sick_a and_o comfort_v they_o in_o their_o extremity_n to_o cate_z chise_v the_o novice_n to_o attend_v the_o service_n and_o sacrament_n of_o the_o church_n to_o examine_v the_o faith_n and_o survey_v the_o behaviour_n of_o all_o that_o repair_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o to_o perform_v a_o number_n of_o such_o sacred_a duty_n which_o for_o one_o pastor_n or_o bishop_n alone_o to_o do_v in_o so_o populous_a city_n and_o assembly_n as_o they_o have_v be_v utter_o impossible_a a_o presbytery_n then_o of_o prophet_n pastor_n and_o teacher_n the_o apostle_n in_o their_o time_n have_v and_o use_v in_o every_o city_n where_o they_o plant_v the_o faith_n and_o settle_v the_o church_n but_o that_o lie_v governor_n or_o elder_n be_v part_n of_o that_o presbytery_n &_o concur_v joint_o with_o the_o pastor_n &_o prophet_n in_o impose_v hand_n &_o exercise_v the_o power_n of_o y_z t_z key_n &_o censure_v both_o doctrine_n &_o manner_n i_o find_v no_o such_o thing_n command_v or_o warrant_v by_o the_o scripture_n the_o patron_n of_o y_fw-fr t_o lay_v presbytery_n must_v undertake_v the_o burden_n to_o prove_v their_o assertion_n the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o lay_v presbytery_n so_o strong_o conceive_v &_o eager_o pursue_v by_o man_n in_o our_o day_n be_v the_o place_n of_o s._n paul_n 1_o tim._n 5._o 5._o the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n chief_o they_o that_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n &_o doctrine_n hence_o it_o be_v resolute_o infer_v ergo_fw-la there_o be_v some_o elder_n that_o labour_v not_o in_o the_o word_n and_o docrine_n and_o those_o by_o comparison_n of_o other_o place_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v 12._o governor_n which_o office_n paul_n name_v amongst_o the_o spiritual_a function_n of_o the_o church_n when_o he_o say_v 12._o he_o that_o rule_v let_v he_o do_v it_o with_o diligence_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o nosmal_a weight_n to_o give_v lay_v man_n power_n in_o every_o parish_n to_o impose_v hand_n and_o use_v the_o key_n yea_o to_o have_v the_o full_a and_o whole_a government_n of_o the_o church_n above_o and_o against_o the_o pastor_n by_o number_n of_o voice_n if_o they_o differ_v in_o judgement_n and_o therefore_o the_o ground_n that_o shall_v bear_v the_o frame_n of_o the_o lay_v presbytery_n have_v need_n be_v sure_a especial_o when_o it_o be_v urge_v as_o a_o
comfortable_o in_o it_o she_o like_v wise_a put_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o her_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n which_o of_o these_o thing_n can_v you_o challenge_v as_o unchristian_a and_o unlawful_a or_o what_o warrant_n have_v aerius_n to_o reprove_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n for_o so_o do_v just_o as_o much_o as_o you_o have_v now_o to_o defend_v he_o which_o be_v none_o at_o all_o he_o reproove_v pray_v and_o not_o thanks_o give_v for_o the_o dead_a he_o reproove_v the_o name_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o will_v needs_o know_v to_o what_o end_n they_o rehearse_v 75._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o name_n of_o the_o dead_a to_o who_o epiphanius_n answer_v ibidem_fw-la as_o for_o the_o repeat_n of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o dead_a what_o can_v be_v better_o or_o more_o opportune_a then_o that_o they_o which_o be_v yet_o behind_o in_o this_o world_n believe_v the_o decease_a live_v and_o be_v not_o extinguish_v but_o be_v and_o live_v with_o god_n and_o as_o the_o divine_a doctrine_n have_v teach_v that_o they_o which_o pray_v have_v hope_n of_o their_o brethren_n absent_a as_o in_o a_o long_a voyage_n from_o they_o we_o also_o make_v mention_n of_o the_o just_a as_o of_o the_o patriarch_n prophet_n apostle_n evangelist_n martyr_n confessor_n bishop_n and_o of_o all_o sort_n to_o separate_v the_o lord_n jesus_n from_o the_o order_n of_o man_n and_o to_o give_v he_o his_o due_a honour_n and_o worship_n thus_o far_o epiphanius_n speak_v sound_o and_o give_v good_a reason_n why_o the_o church_n name_v her_o dead_a even_o her_o hope_n of_o their_o welfare_n and_o faith_n of_o their_o life_n with_o god_n and_o separation_n of_o all_o man_n from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o redeemer_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n chrysostoms_n liturgy_n show_v what_o commemoration_n of_o the_o dead_a be_v use_v in_o the_o greek_a church_n chrysost_o we_o offer_v this_o reasonable_a service_n that_o be_v the_o eucharist_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n unto_o thou_o o_o lord_n for_o all_o that_o be_v at_o rest_n in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n even_o for_o the_o patriarch_n prophet_n apostle_n evangelist_n bishop_n martyr_n confessor_n and_o every_o soul_n initiate_v in_o the_o faith_n but_o chief_o for_o the_o most_o holy_a undefiled_a and_o most_o bless_a virgin_n marie_n he_o that_o think_v all_o the_o patriarch_n prophet_n martyr_n apostle_n and_o the_o virgin_n marie_n be_v in_o purgatory_n have_v need_n of_o purgation_n himself_o to_o be_v ease_v of_o his_o melancholy_n yet_o for_o these_o and_o special_o for_o the_o bless_a virgin_n the_o church_n offer_v her_o prayer_n and_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n it_o be_v therefore_o most_o evident_a y_fw-fr ●_o church_n mean_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o thanksgiving_n howsoever_o epiphan_n austen_n and_o some_o other_o to_o extend_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n to_o all_o christian_n depart_v doubtful_o suppose_v their_o damnation_n may_v be_v mitigate_v though_o their_o state_n can_v not_o be_v alter_v but_o these_o private_a speculation_n be_v neither_o comprise_v in_o you_o ●_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o confirm_v by_o they_o and_o for_o that_o cause_n aerius_n be_v just_o traduce_v as_o frantike_o impugn_v the_o religion_n and_o whole_a some_o custom_n of_o the_o primitive_a &_o catholic_a church_n of_o which_o saint_n austen_n say_v 118._o siquid_fw-la tota_fw-la hodie_fw-la per_fw-la orbem_fw-la frequent_a a●_n ecclesia_fw-la hoc_fw-la quin_fw-la ita_fw-la faciendum_fw-la sit_fw-la disputare_fw-la insolentissimae_fw-la insan●ae_fw-la est_fw-la if_o the_o whole_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n at_o this_o day_n observe_v any_o thing_n to_o reason_n for_o the_o reverse_v of_o it_o be_v most_o insolent_a madness_n if_o you_o think_v s._n austin_n censure_n too_o sharp_a for_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n betwixt_o we_o hear_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o general_a council_n of_o chalcedon_n where_o be_v assemble_v 630._o bishop_n and_o mark_v what_o they_o determine_v of_o your_o assertion_n photius_n bishop_n of_o tyrus_n have_v ordain_v certain_a bishop_n within_o his_o province_n who_o eustathius_n his_o successor_n for_o some_o secret_a displeasure_n remove_v from_o that_o degree_n and_o will_v they_o to_o remain_v presbyter_n this_o case_n come_v before_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n the_o resolution_n of_o paschasinus_n and_o lucentius_n be_v this_o eustathi●_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o bring_v back_o a_o bishop_n to_o the_o degree_n of_o a_o presbyter_n be_v sacrilege_n whereto_o the_o whole_a council_n answer_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o all_o say_v the_o same_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o father_n be_v upright_o you_o may_v do_v well_o to_o make_v more_o account_n of_o the_o martyr_n and_o father_n that_o be_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n lest_o if_o you_o condemn_v all_o man_n beside_o yourselves_o posterity_n condemn_v you_o as_o void_a of_o all_o sincerity_n &_o sobriety_n for_o my_o part_n what_o i_o find_v general_o receive_v in_o the_o first_o church_n of_o christ_n i_o will_v see_v it_o strong_o refute_v before_o i_o will_v forsake_v it_o god_n forbid_v i_o shall_v think_v there_o be_v never_o church_n nor_o faith_n on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n before_o this_o miserable_a age_n wherein_o though_o i_o acknowledge_v the_o great_a blessing_n of_o god_n restore_v we_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o gospel_n far_o above_o our_o desert_n yet_o i_o can_v but_o lament_v the_o dangerous_a faction_n eager_a dissension_n and_o heady_a contempt_n whereby_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v almost_o rend_v in_o sunder_o while_o every_o man_n will_v have_v his_o devise_n take_v place_n and_o when_o they_o want_v proof_n they_o fall_v to_o reproach_n we_o make_v that_o account_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o caluin_n and_o other_o learned_a man_n before_o we_o have_v do_v you_o do_v not_o no_o learned_a man_n of_o any_o age_n have_v show_v themselves_o like_o to_o the_o spiteful_a &_o disdainful_a humour_n of_o our_o time_n and_o of_o all_o other_o you_o do_v caluin_n wrong_v who_o though_o in_o some_o thing_n he_o dissent_v from_o the_o father_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o expound_v some_o place_n that_o be_v allege_v for_o this_o new_a discipline_n yet_o grave_o &_o wise_o he_o give_v they_o that_o honour_n and_o witness_v which_o be_v due_a unto_o they_o his_o word_n treat_v of_o this_o very_a point_n be_v these_o 4._o it_o shall_v be_v profitable_a for_o we_o in_o these_o matter_n of_o discipline_n to_o review_v the_o form_n of_o the_o ancient_a or_o primitive_a church_n the_o which_o will_v set_v before_o our_o eye_n the_o image_n of_o the_o divine_a ordinance_n for_o though_o the_o bishop_n of_o those_o time_n make_v many_o canon_n in_o which_o they_o seem_v to_o decree_v more_o than_o be_v express_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n yet_o with_o such_o wariness_n do_v they_o proportion_v their_o whole_a regiment_n to_o that_o only_a rule_n of_o god_n word_n that_o you_o may_v easy_o see_v they_o have_v almost_o nothing_o in_o their_o discipline_n different_a from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o can_v wish_v that_o such_o as_o seem_v to_o reverence_v so_o much_o his_o name_n will_v in_o this_o behalf_n follow_v his_o step_n he_o declare_v himself_o to_o bear_v a_o right_a christian_a regard_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n before_o he_o and_o therefore_o be_v worthy_a with_o all_o posterity_n to_o be_v have_v in_o like_o reverend_a account_n though_o he_o be_v deceive_v in_o some_o thing_n even_o as_o augustine_n and_o other_o father_n before_o he_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n will_v have_v no_o man_n come_v near_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o no_o blemish_n to_o he_o that_o write_v so_o much_o as_o he_o do_v to_o be_v somewhat_o oversee_v in_o lay_v elder_n and_o other_o point_n of_o discipline_n be_v so_o busy_v as_o he_o be_v with_o weighty_a matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o interpret_n the_o whole_a scripture_n but_o such_o as_o have_v have_v better_a leisure_n to_o examine_v this_o matter_n since_o his_o death_n persist_v still_o in_o the_o same_o opinion_n that_o he_o do_v but_o not_o in_o the_o same_o moderation_n they_o will_v else_o not_o charge_v the_o primitive_a church_n of_o christ_n with_o invent_v and_o upbold_v a_o humane_a bishop_n this_o be_v devise_v by_o man_n and_o not_o allow_v by_o god_n whereas_o caluin_n grant_v the_o ancient_a regiment_n of_o bishop_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o rule_v of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n 4._o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o thing_n itself_o he_o mean_v the_o government_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o ancient_a bishop_n never_o intend_v to_o frame_v any_o other_o form_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n then_o that_o which_o god_n in_o his_o word_n prescribe_v now_o what_o kind_n of_o government_n
man_n the_o execution_n whereof_o be_v chief_o commit_v to_o his_o charge_n that_o be_v the_o leader_n and_o oversee●_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n who_o we_o call_v a_o bishop_n his_o power_n i_o call_v a_o moderation_n and_o not_o a_o domination_n because_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v likewise_o allow_v and_o provide_v christian_a mean_n as_o well_o to_o bridle_v he_o from_o wrong_n as_o to_o direct_v he_o in_o doubt_n that_o be_v right_a the_o power_n which_o we_o give_v to_o our_o presbytery_n do_v you_o not_o put_v lie_v man_n instead_o of_o pastor_n to_o be_v presbyter_n and_o make_v they_o controller_n where_o they_o shall_v be_v but_o adviser_n your_o presbytery_n may_v have_v some_o use_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n though_o far_o less_o now_o then_o when_o they_o first_o begin_v but_o your_o disdain_a bishop_n and_o take_v from_o they_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n give_v they_o and_o your_o extol_v presbytery_n the_o most_o part_n whereof_o if_o not_o all_o be_v lie_v elder_n to_o determine_v all_o case_n and_o censure_v all_o person_n in_o the_o church_n which_o the_o scripture_n never_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o spot_v and_o stain_n of_o your_o discipline_n which_o you_o will_v never_o wash_v away_o presbytery_n we_o acknowledge_v be_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n serve_v to_o religious_a and_o needful_a use_n but_o no_o such_o presbytery_n as_o you_o pretend_v neither_o erect_v to_o any_o such_o end_n as_o you_o conceive_v nor_o endue_v with_o any_o such_o sovereign_a power_n as_o you_o imagine_v i_o find_v many_o use_n of_o presbytery_n ordain_v in_o city_n by_o the_o apostle_n and_o after_o by_o they_o conjoin_v in_o one_o church_n with_o the_o bishop_n whereof_o some_o be_v extinguish_v by_o the_o alteration_n of_o time_n other_o remain_v in_o force_n to_o this_o day_n the_o first_o be_v the_o conversion_n of_o the_o world_n unto_o christ._n in_o great_a city_n where_o none_o yet_o believe_v how_o long_o will_v it_o be_v before_o one_o man_n shall_v gain_v any_o great_a number_n unto_o the_o faith_n persecution_n especial_o grow_v so_o hot_a that_o none_o may_v public_o show_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o christian_a without_o danger_n of_o life_n wherefore_o the_o holy_a ghost_n dispose_v and_o appoint_v many_o labourer_n in_o every_o city_n to_o carry_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n from_o house_n to_o house_n as_o at_o ephesus_n paul_n at_o one_o tinie_n furnish_v 19_o twelve_o with_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n spirit_n for_o the_o spread_a of_o the_o gospel_n in_o that_o place_n at_o rome_n he_o salute_v 16._o twenty_o that_o be_v of_o his_o acquaintance_n beside_o those_o he_o know_v not_o who_o plant_v themselves_o and_o their_o household_n in_o that_o city_n to_o win_v the_o multitude_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o so_o wheresoever_o the_o apostle_n erect_v any_o church_n they_o do_v store_v it_o with_o as_o many_o meet_a man_n to_o teach_v the_o word_n as_o they_o can_v find_v that_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n may_v disperse_v itself_o not_o only_o throughout_o their_o city_n but_o into_o the_o town_n and_o country_n that_o border_v near_o they_o the_o next_o use_n of_o presbytery_n be_v to_o continue_v such_o as_o they_o have_v convert_v by_o instruct_v exhort_v and_o encourage_v the_o believer_n from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o from_o man_n to_o man_n to_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o doctrine_n receive_v and_o neither_o to_o shrink_v at_o the_o bloody_a storm_n of_o tyrant_n nor_o to_o give_v ear_n to_o the_o wil●e_a charm_n of_o satan_n nor_o follow_v the_o deceitful_a bait_n of_o this_o world_n but_o constant_o with_o truth_n and_o holiness_n to_o serve_v god_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o adversary_n that_o exalt_v themselves_o against_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ._n and_o as_o the_o people_n do_v increase_v so_o do_v the_o pain_n in_o each_o place_n and_o consequent_o the_o number_n of_o presbyter_n one_o man_n be_v no_o more_o able_a to_o serve_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o great_a city_n then_o to_o bear_v the_o burden_n of_o the_o earth_n on_o his_o back_n wherefore_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n so_o guide_v the_o church_n that_o to_o procure_v the_o conversion_n and_o attend_v the_o salvation_n of_o man_n there_o be_v every_o where_n as_o occasion_n require_v store_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o yet_o to_o maintain_v unity_n and_o keep_v both_o preacher_n and_o people_n in_o peace_n there_o be_v in_o each_o church_n and_o city_n one_o chief_a among_o they_o that_o as_o principal_a pastor_n of_o the_o place_n look_v into_o all_o their_o do_n stay_v they_o from_o dissension_n rebuke_v the_o unrulie_a and_o with_o the_o help_n of_o the_o rest_n reject_v the_o untollerable_a lest_o many_o teacher_n by_o chaleng_v unto_o themselves_o such_o as_o they_o have_v convertes_o shall_v rend_v the_o faithful_a into_o as_o many_o church_n as_o there_o be_v presbyter_n in_o every_o city_n for_o which_o cause_n 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 apostle_n settle_v in_o every_o church_n and_o city_n need_v their_o service_n and_o able_a to_o give_v they_o maintenance_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o populousnesse_n of_o the_o place_n a_o presbytery_n that_o be_v a_o convenient_a number_n of_o deacon_n to_o serve_v about_o divine_a matter_n and_o mystery_n and_o of_o pastor_n to_o intend_v for_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n from_o whence_o as_o from_o a_o fountain_n both_o the_o city_n themselves_o may_v at_o all_o time_n after_o have_v sufficient_a man_n to_o furnish_v their_o own_o turn_n and_o to_o help_v the_o small_a town_n and_o uillage_n within_o their_o circuit_n which_o for_o the_o slenderness_n of_o their_o state_n can_v neither_o maintain_v presbytery_n nor_o nourish_v up_o meet_a man_n to_o supply_v their_o need_n upon_o the_o death_n of_o the_o former_a incumbent_n this_o to_o we_o that_o have_v university_n for_o that_o purpose_n found_v by_o the_o bounteousnes_n of_o christian_a prince_n and_o other_o benefactor_n may_v seem_v superfluous_a but_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n after_o her_o first_o supply_v make_v by_o the_o apostle_n hand_n have_v no_o mean_n to_o continue_v the_o succession_n of_o fit_n and_o able_a pastor_n in_o each_o place_n but_o only_o her_o presbytery_n in_o great_a church_n and_o city_n that_o be_v her_o nursery_n of_o learning_n and_o seminary_n of_o sound_a religion_n and_o holy_a conversation_n which_o store_v both_o the_o city_n where_o they_o be_v support_v and_o the_o country_n round_o about_o that_o be_v under_o the_o charge_n and_o oversight_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o each_o city_n the_o four_o use_n of_o presbytery_n which_o you_o much_o grate_n on_o but_o never_o right_o hit_v be_v the_o advise_v and_o assist_v the_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n of_o each_o church_n and_o city_n in_o all_o doubt_n and_o danger_n at_o first_o there_o be_v no_o council_n to_o make_v canon_n nor_o christian_a prince_n to_o establish_v law_n for_o the_o good_a guide_n and_o order_v of_o the_o church_n but_o each_o place_n be_v leave_v to_o direct_v itself_o lest_o therefore_o the_o bishop_n only_a will_n shall_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v at_o first_o so_o proportion_v that_o neither_o the_o presbyter_n shall_v do_v any_o thing_n without_o their_o bishop_n nor_o the_o bishop_n dispose_v matter_n of_o importance_n without_o his_o presbytery_n the_o presbyter_n sit_v not_o with_o the_o bishop_n as_o equal_v in_o power_n with_o he_o much_o less_o as_o superior_a above_o he_o when_o the_o more_o part_n consent_v against_o he_o you_o will_v fain_o have_v it_o so_o but_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o apostle_n to_o this_o present_a never_o use_v or_o endure_v any_o such_o presumption_n magnesios_n as_o christ_n say_v ignatius_n do_v nothing_o without_o his_o
of_o constantinople_n and_o chalcedon_n supply_v the_o place_n of_o bishop_n as_o their_o legate_n and_o substitute_n which_o in_o the_o chalesdonensis_fw-la council_n of_o chalcedon_n be_v more_o full_o express_v but_o what_o need_v we_o rip_v up_o these_o thing_n at_o large_a which_o pertain_v not_o so_o much_o to_o our_o purpose_n we_o seek_v now_o for_o the_o antiquity_n and_o authority_n of_o metropolitanes_n and_o those_o we_o find_v not_o only_o receive_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o four_o first_o general_a council_n but_o confess_v by_o they_o to_o have_v ancient_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n even_o from_o the_o beginning_n and_o sure_o if_o you_o grant_v provincial_a synod_n to_o be_v ancient_a and_o necessary_a in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o you_o can_v deny_v metropolitanes_n must_v needs_o be_v as_o ancient_a and_o requisite_a without_o who_o the_o synod_n of_o each_o province_n can_v neither_o be_v convocate_v nor_o moderate_v if_o to_o avoid_v metropolitanes_n you_o will_v have_v the_o prerogative_n of_o call_v and_o guide_v synod_n to_o run_v round_o by_o course_n which_o order_n you_o fancy_v before_o in_o bishop_n our_o answer_n be_v easy_a we_o look_v not_o what_o you_o can_v invent_v after_o 1500._o year_n to_o please_v your_o own_o humour_n but_o what_o manner_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n establish_v and_o continue_v by_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o that_o we_o prove_v be_v not_o only_o in_o every_o church_n and_o diocese_n to_o have_v a_o bishop_n chief_a over_o the_o presbyter_n but_o in_o every_o province_n to_o appoint_v a_o mother_n church_n and_o city_n and_o the_o bishop_n thereof_o to_o have_v this_o honour_n and_o dignity_n above_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o brethren_n that_o he_o may_v by_o letter_n consult_v or_o call_v together_o the_o bishop_n of_o his_o province_n for_o any_o question_n or_o cause_n that_o touch_v the_o faith_n or_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o only_o moderate_v their_o meeting_n but_o execute_v their_o decree_n and_o see_v they_o perform_v throughout_o his_o province_n this_o be_v the_o ancient_a and_o original_a use_n of_o christ_n church_n long_o before_o any_o prince_n profess_v the_o truth_n and_o when_o they_o begin_v to_o use_v their_o sword_n for_o the_o doctrine_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n then_o do_v synod_n serve_v for_o the_o direction_n of_o christian_a prince_n and_o metropolitanes_n have_v the_o execution_n as_o well_o of_o prince_n law_n as_o synodall_n decree_v commit_v to_o their_o power_n and_o care_n throughout_o their_o province_n this_o course_n if_o you_o disdain_v or_o dislike_n you_o condemn_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o first_o increase_n and_o spread_v thereof_o on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o this_o present_a age_n and_o prefer_v your_o own_o wisdom_n if_o it_o be_v worthy_a that_o name_n and_o not_o rather_o to_o be_v account_v self_n love_n and_o singularity_n before_o all_o the_o martyr_n confessor_n father_n prince_n and_o bishop_n that_o have_v live_v govern_v and_o decease_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n since_o the_o apostle_n death_n how_o well_o the_o height_n of_o your_o conceit_n can_v endure_v to_o blemish_v and_o reproach_n so_o many_o religious_a and_o famous_a light_n of_o christendom_n i_o know_v not_o for_o my_o part_n i_o wish_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o our_o day_n may_v have_v the_o grace_n for_o piety_n and_o prudencie_n to_o follow_v their_o step_n and_o not_o to_o make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o all_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n before_o our_o time_n favour_v and_o further_v the_o pride_n of_o antichrist_n till_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n when_o the_o faith_n and_o love_n of_o most_o man_n be_v quench_v or_o decay_a we_o come_v to_o restore_v the_o church_n to_o that_o perfection_n of_o discipline_n which_o the_o apostle_n never_o mention_v the_o ancient_a father_n and_o council_n never_o remember_v the_o universal_a church_n of_o christ_n before_o we_o never_o conceive_v nor_o imagine_v we_o want_v not_o the_o witness_n of_o ancient_a father_n and_o story_n that_o reproove_v the_o ambitious_a and_o tyrannous_a dominion_n of_o metropolitanes_n and_o archbishop_n socrates_n say_v 11._o the_o bishopric_n of_o rome_n as_o likewise_o that_o of_o alexandria_n be_v long_o before_o his_o time_n grow_v from_o the_o bond_n of_o priesthood_n unto_o worldly_a dominion_n nazianzene_n not_o only_o lament_v the_o mischief_n which_o follow_v these_o diversity_n of_o degree_n but_o hearty_o wish_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n that_o man_n may_v be_v discern_v only_o by_o their_o virtue_n his_o word_n be_v worth_a the_o hear_n reditum_fw-la for_o this_o presidencie_n of_o bishop_n all_o our_o estatetotter_v &_o shake_v for_o this_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v in_o a_o jealousy_n and_o tumult_n both_o senseless_a and_o nameless_a for_o this_o we_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v think_v to_o be_v of_o man_n which_o in_o deed_n be_v of_o god_n and_o to_o loose_v that_o great_a and_o new_a name_n will_v god_n there_o be_v neither_o priority_n of_o seat_n neither_o superiority_n of_o place_n nor_o violent_a pre-eminence_n that_o we_o may_v be_v discern_v only_o by_o virtue_n but_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o left_a and_o the_o midst_n the_o high_a and_o low_a seat_n the_o go_v before_o and_o go_v even_o with_o have_v to_o no_o purpose_n do_v we_o much_o hurt_n and_o cast_v many_o into_o the_o ditch_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o be_v goat_n and_o those_o not_o only_o of_o the_o inferior_a sort_n but_o even_o of_o the_o shepherd_n which_o be_v master_n in_o israel_n know_v not_o this_o you_o may_v soon_o find_v of_o the_o ancient_a father_n that_o mislike_v the_o contention_n ambition_n and_o pride_n of_o many_o bishop_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n but_o any_o that_o mislike_v their_o call_n you_o can_v find_v the_o sharp_a they_o be_v in_o reprove_v their_o vice_n the_o sound_a witness_n they_o be_v in_o allow_v their_o office_n if_o either_o socrates_n or_o nazianzene_n have_v oppose_v themselves_o against_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o nicene_n council_n yea_o against_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n before_o &_o after_o they_o their_o credit_n will_v not_o have_v countervail_v the_o weight_n of_o that_o antiquity_n &_o authority_n which_o the_o other_o carry_v but_o in_o deed_n neither_o of_o they_o dispraise_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o council_n or_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n only_o they_o tax_v the_o vice_n of_o some_o person_n &_o ambition_n of_o some_o place_n which_o not_o content_a with_o the_o christian_n moderation_n of_o their_o predecessor_n daily_o augment_v their_o power_n and_o their_o pride_n by_o all_o mean_v possible_a socrates_n say_v the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o alexandria_n be_v grow_v beyond_o the_o limit_n of_o their_o episcopal_a function_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d unto_o power_n &_o dominion_n the_o fault_n he_o find_v in_o that_o place_n with_o celestinus_fw-la bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v for_o 11_o take_v from_o the_o novatians_n their_o church_n and_o compel_v their_o bishop_n to_o live_v at_o home_n like_o a_o private_a man_n but_o herein_o socrates_n lean_v a_o little_a too_o much_o in_o favour_n of_o the_o novatians_n to_o mislike_v more_o than_o he_o show_v cause_n why_o will_v god_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n have_v never_o worse_o offend_v then_o in_o so_o do_v he_o touch_v 7._o cyrillus_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n with_o like_a word_n for_o the_o same_o cause_n how_o just_o let_v the_o wise_a judge_n if_o otherwise_o either_o of_o they_o aspire_v above_o the_o compass_n of_o their_o call_n i_o be_o far_o from_o defend_v any_o pride_n in_o they_o or_o in_o whosoever_o nazianzene_n light_v on_o very_o tempestuous_a &_o troublesome_a time_n heresy_n so_o rage_v on_o the_o one_o side_n &_o discord_n afflict_v the_o church_n on_o the_o other_o that_o he_o think_v best_a to_o leave_v all_o and_o betake_v himself_o to_o a_o quiet_a &_o solitary_a kind_n of_o contemplation_n of_o the_o council_n in_o his_o time_n he_o say_v procop●um_fw-la i_o be_o mind_v if_o i_o must_v write_v you_o the_o truth_n to_o shun_v all_o assembly_n of_o bishop_n because_o inever_n see_v a_o good_a event_n of_o any_o council_n that_o do_v not_o rather_o increase_v then_o diminish_v our_o evil_n their_o contention_n and_o ambition_n pass_v my_o speech_n not_o that_o he_o condemn_v all_o council_n for_o what_o folly_n have_v that_o be_v in_o so_o wise_a a_o man_n but_o he_o note_v the_o disease_n of_o his_o time_n the_o church_n be_v so_o rend_v in_o piece_n under_o valens_n that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v restore_v nor_o reform_v in_o many_o year_n after_o even_o so_o in_o the_o word_n which_o you_o allege_v he_o traduce_v not_o the_o vocation_n or_o
special_a charge_n of_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o this_o their_o singularity_n in_o succeed_v and_o superiority_n in_o ordain_v have_v be_v observe_v from_o the_o apostle_n time_n as_o the_o peculiar_a and_o substantial_a mark_n of_o episcopal_a power_n and_o calling_n i_o know_v some_o late_a writer_n vehement_o spurn_v at_o this_o and_o hardly_o endure_v any_o difference_n betwixt_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n unless_o it_o be_v by_o custom_n and_o consent_n of_o man_n but_o in_o no_o case_n by_o any_o order_n or_o institution_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o opinion_n together_o with_o the_o authority_n on_o which_o they_o build_v i_o have_v according_a to_o my_o small_a skill_n examine_v and_o find_v they_o no_o way_n able_a to_o rebate_v the_o full_a and_o sound_a evidence_n that_o be_v for_o the_o contrary_n for_o what_o more_o pregnant_a probation_n can_v be_v require_v then_o that_o the_o same_o power_n and_o precept_n which_o paul_n give_v to_o timothy_n when_o he_o have_v the_o charge_n of_o ephesus_n remain_v in_o all_o the_o church_n throughout_o the_o world_n to_o certain_a special_a and_o try_a person_n authorize_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o from_o they_o derive_v to_o their_o after-commer_n by_o a_o general_a and_o perpetual_a succession_n in_o every_o church_n and_o city_n without_o conference_n to_o enlarge_v it_o or_o council_n to_o decree_v it_o the_o continue_v where_o of_o for_o three_o descent_n the_o apostle_n see_v with_o their_o eye_n confirm_v with_o their_o hand_n and_o saint_n john_n among_o other_o witness_v with_o his_o pen_n as_o a_o order_n of_o rule_v the_o church_n approve_v by_o the_o express_a voice_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n when_o the_o original_n proceed_v from_o the_o apostle_n mouth_n and_o be_v observe_v in_o all_o the_o famous_a place_n and_o church_n of_o christendom_n where_o the_o apostle_n teach_v and_o while_o they_o live_v can_v any_o man_n doubt_v whether_o that_o course_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v apostolic_a for_o my_o part_n i_o confess_v i_o be_o neither_o so_o wise_a as_o to_o overreach_v it_o with_o policy_n nor_o so_o wayward_a as_o to_o withstand_v it_o with_o obstinacy_n against_o so_o main_a and_o clear_a proof_n as_o i_o dare_v undertake_v will_v content_v even_o a_o contentious_a mind_n when_o he_o read_v they_o be_v pretend_v two_o poor_a place_n the_o one_o of_o ambrose_n the_o other_o of_o jerome_n the_o first_o avouch_v that_o in_o the_o begin_n the_o episcopal_a prerogative_n go_v by_o 4._o order_n before_o it_o come_v by_o way_n of_o election_n unto_o desert_n the_o other_o resolve_v that_o bishop_n be_v titum_fw-la great_a than_o presbyter_n rather_o by_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n then_o by_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o lord_n disposition_n both_o these_o authority_n i_o have_v thorough_o discuss_v and_o lay_v forth_o the_o right_a intent_n of_o those_o father_n not_o only_o by_o comparison_n of_o other_o writer_n but_o even_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n lest_o any_o shall_v think_v i_o draw_v they_o to_o a_o foreign_a sense_n beside_o their_o true_a meaning_n for_o when_o jerome_n and_o austen_n allege_v the_o use_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o distinction_n betwixt_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n if_o it_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o name_n and_o obtinuit_fw-la title_n of_o honour_n which_o at_o first_o be_v common_a to_o both_o and_o after_o divide_v by_o the_o obtinuit_fw-la use_n of_o the_o church_n as_o austen_n express_v we_o can_v absolute_o grant_v the_o place_n without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o cause_n if_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o their_o power_n and_o function_n in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o jerome_n say_v presbyter_n be_v subject_a in_o such_o fort_n as_o the_o primitive_a church_n observe_v rather_o by_o custom_n then_o by_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o lord_n ordinance_n for_o presbyter_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o appear_v by_o tertullian_n jerome_n possidonius_fw-la and_o other_o may_v neither_o luciferianos_fw-la baptize_v 88_o preach_v nor_o 9_o administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n without_o the_o bishop_n leave_n especial_o in_o his_o presence_n which_o indeed_o grow_v rather_o by_o custom_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o order_n then_o by_o any_o rule_n or_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o bishop_n do_v nothing_o which_o a_o presbyter_n may_v not_o do_v save_o impose_v of_o hand_n to_o ordain_v that_o be_v the_o only_a distinction_n in_o the_o scripture_n betwixt_o a_o bishop_n and_o a_o presbyter_n as_o euagr._fw-la jerome_n and_o timotheum_n chrysostome_n affirm_v other_o difference_n which_o the_o church_n keep_v many_o as_o to_o impose_v hand_n on_o the_o baptize_v and_o convert_v to_o reconcile_v penitent_n and_o such_o like_a be_v rather_o peculiar_a to_o the_o bishop_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o call_n then_o for_o any_o necessity_n of_o god_n law_n if_o any_o man_n urge_v further_o out_o of_o jerome_n that_o there_o be_v no_o bishop_n at_o all_o nor_o chief_a ruler_n over_o the_o church_n and_o presbytery_n of_o each_o place_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n i_o answer_v he_o with_o the_o resolution_n of_o one_o of_o the_o great_a patroness_n of_o their_o new_a discipline_n 23._o non_fw-la ita_fw-la desipuisse_fw-la existimandus_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la somniaretneminem_fw-la illi_fw-la coetui_fw-la praefuisse_fw-la icrome_n be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v to_o have_v be_v so_o unwise_a as_o to_o dream_v the_o presbytery_n have_v no_o chief_a ruler_n or_o precedent_n m._n it_o be_v a_o perpetual_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o god_n ordinance_n that_o in_o the_o presbytery_n one_o chief_a in_o place_n and_o dignity_n shall_v govern_v each_o action_n or_o meeting_n and_o again_o 21._o tales_n episcopos_fw-la divinitùs_fw-la &_o quasi_fw-la ipsius_fw-la christi_fw-la voce_fw-la constitutos_fw-la absit_fw-la ut_fw-la unquam_fw-la simus_fw-la inficiati_fw-la that_o such_o bishop_n as_o be_v pastor_n in_o every_o city_n and_o chief_a of_o their_o presbytery_n be_v appoint_v from_o heaven_n and_o as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n himself_o god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v ever_o deny_v this_o say_v he_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o new_a discipline_n on_o the_o other_o side_n i_o say_v god_n forbid_v i_o shall_v urge_v any_o other_o but_o such_o as_o be_v pastor_n over_o their_o church_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o presbytery_n under_o they_o if_o we_o thus_o far_o agree_v what_o cause_n then_o have_v those_o turbulent_a head_n i_o speak_v not_o of_o they_o all_o which_o to_o ease_v their_o stomach_n or_o to_o please_v their_o maintainer_n jest_v and_o rail_v rather_o like_v stage-player_n than_o divine_n on_o those_o who_o the_o wise_a sort_n among_o they_o can_v not_o deny_v be_v ordain_v by_o god_n and_o appoint_v by_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n himself_o if_o their_o reason_n be_v not_o the_o strong_a and_o weighty_a howsoever_o they_o flatter_v themselves_o in_o fluary_n let_v they_o remember_v who_o say_v 10._o he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v i_o despise_v he_o that_o send_v i_o they_o will_v haply_o save_v themselves_o for_o that_o our_o bishop_n differ_v from_o the_o apostolic_a bishop_n in_o many_o thing_n as_o namely_o they_o 156._o succeed_v in_o order_n we_o by_o election_n the_o dignity_n be_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n 156._o common_a to_o every_o presbyter_n in_o his_o course_n now_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o one_o with_o they_o it_o 156._o dure_v for_o a_o season_n as_o a_o week_n or_o a_o month_n with_o we_o for_o life_n except_o by_o just_a cause_n any_o deserve_v to_o be_v remoove_v last_o they_o have_v but_o 156._o priority_n of_o place_n and_o authority_n to_o moderate_v the_o meeting_n and_o consulting_n of_o the_o rest_n we_o have_v a_o kind_n of_o empire_n over_o their_o fellow-presbyter_n these_o be_v precise_o the_o point_n wherein_o one_o of_o the_o best_a 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
170_o seven_o year_n of_o their_o empire_n and_o irenaeus_n testify_v that_o he_o come_v to_o rome_n under_o 3._o anicetus_n the_o ten_o bishop_n there_o &_o declare_v the_o truth_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n do_v he_o through_o ambition_n retain_v the_o place_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n call_v he_o long_o than_o he_o shall_v and_o so_o alter_v the_o apostolical_a kind_n of_o government_n i_o have_v rather_o challenge_v the_o consistorian_n for_o mistake_v ambrose_n then_o polycarpe_n for_o invert_v the_o apostolic_a discipline_n the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n call_v he_o 15._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o apostolical_a and_o prophetical_a teacher_n of_o their_o time_n irenaeus_n say_v of_o he_o 3._o hic_fw-la docuit_fw-la semper_fw-la quae_fw-la ab_fw-la apostolis_n didicerat_fw-la quae_fw-la &_o ecclesiae_fw-la tradidit_fw-la &_o sola_fw-la sunt_fw-la vera_fw-la he_o always_o teach_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o learn_v of_o the_o apostle_n which_o he_o deliver_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o they_o only_o be_v true_a and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o a_o man_n of_o far_o more_o authority_n and_o certain_a fidelity_n than_o any_o that_o contradict_v he_o yet_o have_v we_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christendom_n &_o their_o succession_n of_o bishop_n from_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o history_n and_o monument_n of_o antiquity_n to_o concur_v with_o he_o that_o bishop_n live_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n &_o make_v by_o the_o apostle_n hand_n continue_v their_o place_n till_o they_o die_v neither_o be_v there_o any_o man_n live_v that_o be_v able_a to_o show_v one_o example_n to_o the_o contrary_n let_v the_o christian_a reader_n then_o say_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o a_o vain_a and_o false_a surmise_n which_o some_o in_o our_o age_n so_o mighty_o maintain_v that_o the_o bishop_n which_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v to_o rule_v the_o presbytery_n dure_v for_o some_o short_a space_n &_o change_v by_o course_n that_o superiority_n go_v round_o in_o order_n to_o every_o presbyter_n &_o the_o election_n of_o bishop_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n and_o presbyter_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n so_o long_o as_o they_o do_v it_o careful_o be_v man_n invention_n and_o no_o apostolic_a institution_n the_o domination_n of_o bishop_n will_v be_v their_o last_o refuge_n otherwise_o in_o election_n of_o bishop_n to_o continue_v while_o they_o do_v their_o duty_n the_o best_a learned_a of_o they_o confess_v there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v or_o shall_v be_v reprehend_v only_o they_o repine_v that_o a_o bishop_n shall_v have_v jurisdiction_n over_o his_o copresbyter_n and_o here_o they_o be_v plentiful_a with_o place_n of_o scripture_n as_o if_o we_o go_v about_o to_o make_v bishop_n lord_n and_o master_n over_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n to_o be_v their_o servant_n they_o allege_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n 20._o great_a man_n exercise_v authority_n you_o shall_v not_o do_v so_o and_o of_o peter_n 5._o feed_v the_o flock_n not_o as_o lord_n or_o commander_n over_o god_n inheritance_n but_o to_o what_o purpose_n i_o see_v not_o mean_o they_o by_o these_o place_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v no_o superiority_n nor_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n or_o that_o pastor_n have_v no_o power_n over_o their_o flock_n it_o be_v more_o than_o childish_a to_o impugn_v one_o truth_n by_o another_o they_o themselves_o do_v agnise_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v superiority_n and_o 15._o authority_n by_o christ_n own_o commission_n above_o and_o 15._o over_o all_o other_o degree_n to_o erect_v and_o order_v the_o church_n where_o they_o preach_v and_o they_o yield_v 20._o pastors_n authority_n over_o their_o flock_n to_o command_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n then_o neither_o these_o place_n nor_o any_o other_o in_o the_o scripture_n do_v bar_v pastoral_a power_n over_o the_o flock_n nor_o distinction_n of_o degree_n betwixt_o the_o teacher_n superior_a and_o inferior_a degree_n if_o christ_n word_n do_v exclude_v no_o man_n may_v admit_v they_o or_o defend_v they_o as_o lawful_a if_o the_o apostle_n to_o who_o and_o of_o who_o christ_n there_o speak_v do_v not_o withstand_v his_o speech_n retain_v diversity_n of_o degree_n in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v evident_a our_o saviour_n do_v not_o forbid_v superiority_n but_o empire_n not_o pastoral_a but_o regal_a authority_n not_o fatherly_a but_o masterly_a preeminence_n and_o that_o in_o respect_n aswell_o of_o the_o people_n as_o of_o the_o presbyter_n peter_n call_v the_o people_n god_n heritage_n and_o before_o and_o after_o name_v they_o the_o lord_n flock_n and_o how_o shall_v it_o possible_o be_v otherwise_o for_o since_o the_o holy_a ghost_n require_v the_o faithful_a to_o 13._o obey_v their_o leader_n and_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o they_o no_o scripture_n do_v cross_v the_o authority_n and_o inspection_n which_o the_o guider_n of_o christ_n church_n shall_v have_v over_o their_o flock_n and_o god_n by_o his_o eternal_a law_n comprise_v pastor_n under_o the_o name_n of_o father_n and_o assign_v they_o the_o honour_n due_a unto_o parent_n we_o may_v not_o by_o colour_n of_o any_o word_n bereave_v they_o of_o obedience_n and_o reverence_n no_o more_o then_o of_o maintenance_n which_o be_v the_o part_n and_o effect_n of_o fatherly_a power_n and_o honour_n so_o long_o then_o as_o we_o give_v bishop_n no_o charge_n but_o pastoral_n no_o power_n but_o paternal_a we_o be_v not_o in_o danger_n of_o violate_v either_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n precept_n and_o consequent_o this_o kind_n of_o superiority_n may_v not_o be_v call_v or_o suppose_v to_o be_v dominion_n nor_o empire_n without_o wrong_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n that_o have_v confirm_v it_o as_o needful_a and_o healthful_a for_o the_o house_n of_o god_n even_o from_o the_o first_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n they_o will_v easy_o grant_v fatherly_a moderation_n and_o pastoral_n power_n unto_o bishop_n over_o the_o people_n but_o not_o over_o the_o presbyter_n on_o this_o they_o set_v up_o their_o rest_n that_o no_o pastor_n shall_v have_v power_n over_o other_o of_o the_o same_o call_n and_o hope_v assure_o to_o have_v the_o victory_n but_o they_o must_v first_o reconcile_v their_o own_o contrariety_n they_o will_v triumph_v else_o before_o the_o conquest_n for_o each_o presbytery_n as_o themselves_o confess_v must_v have_v a_o precedent_n by_o god_n essential_a and_o perpetual_a ordinance_n i_o ask_v now_o whether_o god_n give_v any_o man_n a_o bare_a title_n without_o any_o truth_n and_o a_o regiment_n without_o all_o authority_n or_o whether_o in_o god_n law_n deed_n and_o word_n concur_v and_o he_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o precedent_n that_o be_v appoint_v and_o authorize_v by_o god_n to_o execute_v that_o office_n the_o mouth_n of_o god_n intend_v not_o for_o mockery_n as_o man_n do_v and_o therefore_o the_o name_n never_o go_v without_o the_o thing_n he_o be_v just_a in_o his_o speech_n and_o will_v not_o utter_v the_o word_n that_o shall_v delude_v the_o hearer_n if_o then_o by_o god_n law_n there_o must_v be_v precedent_n over_o presbytery_n inevitable_o there_o must_v be_v governor_n and_o superior_n over_o they_o if_o some_o must_v moderate_v the_o meeting_n of_o presbyter_n and_o execute_v their_o decree_n of_o force_n they_o must_v have_v power_n and_o authority_n over_o presbyter_n and_o so_o it_o be_v main_o consequent_a out_o of_o their_o own_o position_n which_o they_o most_o refuse_v again_o when_o paul_n leave_v timothy_n at_o ephesus_n to_o 5._o impose_v hand_n to_o 5._o receive_v accusation_n against_o presbyter_n and_o 5._o open_o to_o rebuke_v such_o as_o sin_v do_v he_o not_o give_v he_o power_n over_o presbyter_n and_o even_o the_o self_n same_o that_o be_v challenge_v at_o this_o day_n to_o belong_v to_o bishop_n if_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o needful_a at_o ephesus_n for_o timothy_n to_o have_v that_o right_n and_o authority_n over_o the_o presbyter_n that_o be_v joint-pastor_n with_o he_o how_o come_v it_o now_o to_o be_v a_o tyrannical_a and_o antichristian_a power_n in_o his_o successor_n timothy_n they_o will_v say_v be_v a_o evangelist_n and_o can_v have_v no_o successor_n if_o none_o can_v succeed_v he_o in_o that_o power_n how_o come_v their_o presbytery_n to_o have_v it_o will_v they_o be_v evangelist_n what_o lay_v elder_n and_o all_o and_o shall_v the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n succeed_v timothy_n in_o his_o charge_n at_o ephesus_n that_o be_v news_n in_o deed_n if_o this_o authority_n to_o impose_v hand_n to_o receive_v accusation_n and_o rebuke_v sin_n must_v remain_v in_o the_o church_n for_o ever_o as_o it_o be_v evident_a it_o must_v then_o be_v it_o no_o euangelisticall_a authority_n but_o a_o general_a and_o perpetual_a function_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o may_v and_o do_v admit_v other_o to_o succeed_v
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 of_o tyrannical_a deal_n so_o long_o as_o dioecesanes_n and_o metropolitanes_n be_v limit_v by_o write_a law_n in_o each_o case_n what_o they_o shall_v do_v and_o every_o man_n that_o find_v himself_o grieve_v permit_v to_o appeal_v from_o they_o to_o synod_n or_o prince_n one_o of_o the_o which_o must_v needs_o take_v place_n howsoever_o the_o church_n be_v either_o in_o persecution_n or_o peace_n i_o have_v like_o wise_a show_v the_o necessity_n and_o antiquity_n of_o diocese_n of_o synod_n of_o primate_fw-la or_o metropolitan_n as_o also_o whether_o the_o people_n by_o god_n law_n must_v elect_v their_o pastor_n afore_o they_o can_v be_v right_o and_o due_o call_v of_o these_o thing_n and_o many_o such_o question_n pertain_v to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n church_n i_o have_v make_v special_a and_o full_a discourse_n not_o omit_v any_o point_n that_o be_v worth_a the_o search_n in_o all_o which_o as_o throughout_o the_o whole_a book_n when_o i_o object_v anything_o that_o be_v or_o may_v be_v say_v on_o their_o behalf_n that_o maintain_v these_o new_a find_v consistory_n i_o have_v cause_v it_o to_o be_v print_v in_o another_o letter_n and_o distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o text_n with_o this_o ma●ke_a as_o it_o be_v to_o enclose_v it_o what_o i_o have_v perform_v the_o christian_a reader_n shall_v best_o perceive_v if_o he_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o peruse_v it_o all_o man_n humour_n i_o do_v not_o hope_v i_o do_v not_o seek_v to_o satisfy_v such_o as_o be_v deceive_v with_o ignorance_n of_o the_o truth_n may_v haply_o by_o this_o be_v some_o what_o occasion_v if_o not_o direct_v to_o a_o further_a search_n singular_a conceit_n that_o be_v in_o love_n with_o their_o own_o devise_n swell_a spirit_n that_o endure_v no_o superior_n covetous_a heart_n that_o hunt_v after_o spoil_n when_o all_o be_v say_v will_v have_v their_o dream_n if_o they_o can_v not_o have_v their_o will_n these_o disease_n be_v so_o desperate_a they_o pass_v my_o skill_n if_o it_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o it_o be_v my_o purpose_n be_v and_o be_v the_o peace_n of_o god_n church_n so_o far_o as_o it_o may_v stand_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n and_o fellowship_n of_o his_o saint_n that_o have_v go_v before_o we_o with_o wonderful_a grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n as_o well_o for_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o learning_n as_o holiness_n of_o their_o life_n and_o to_o that_o end_n have_v i_o so_o temper_v and_o delay_v my_o stile_n that_o i_o may_v not_o just_o offend_v such_o as_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v unless_o the_o refuse_v of_o their_o private_a fancy_n will_v provoke_v the_o heat_n of_o their_o displeasure_n i_o have_v always_o have_v before_o my_o eye_n the_o most_o of_o they_o be_v brethren_n for_o the_o truth_n sake_n howsoever_o some_o of_o they_o fall_v to_o open_a enmity_n for_o this_o humour_n of_o jewish_a synedrion_n and_o lay_v
of_o half_a his_o kingdom_n because_o their_o laie-elders_a be_v not_o suffer_v to_o sit_v judge_n in_o every_o parish_n together_o with_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n of_o the_o place_n i_o dispute_v not_o as_o yet_o whether_o ever_o there_o be_v any_o such_o elder_n as_o they_o talk_v of_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o preach_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o this_o present_a age_n i_o reserve_v that_o to_o a_o further_a inquiry_n but_o though_o there_o be_v such_o suffer_v or_o settle_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n yet_o be_v they_o no_o part_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o his_o person_n and_o by_o many_o degree_n excel_v all_o other_o government_n for_o the_o divine_a force_n and_o grace_n that_o be_v eminent_a in_o the_o spiritual_a fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o his_o kingdom_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o god_n have_v ordain_v and_o establish_v on_o earth_n many_o kind_n of_o external_a government_n as_o in_o spiritual_a cause_n the_o minister_n in_o domestical_a the_o master_n of_o the_o family_n and_o superior_a to_o they_o both_o the_o magistrate_n &_o what_o be_v prescribe_v or_o exact_v by_o any_o of_o those_o that_o god_n have_v set_v over_o we_o for_o a_o quiet_a honest_a and_o christian_a course_n of_o life_n in_o this_o world_n according_a to_o his_o word_n and_o their_o charge_n he_o do_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v in_o heaven_n accept_v the_o submission_n and_o punish_v the_o rebellion_n of_o all_o that_o disobey_v in_o each_o degree_n but_o neither_o prince_n pastor_n nor_o parent_n can_v search_v or_o change_v the_o heart_n much_o less_o can_v they_o endue_v it_o with_o any_o heavenly_a grace_n and_o virtue_n or_o settle_v it_o with_o expertance_n of_o life_n to_o come_v they_o moderate_a and_o direct_v the_o outward_a action_n which_o may_v be_v soon_o dissemble_v further_o they_o neither_o see_v nor_o judge_v they_o have_v not_o to_o do_v with_o the_o secret_a affection_n of_o the_o heart_n with_o the_o sacred_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o steadfast_a trust_n of_o future_a glory_n these_o always_o belong_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o god_n which_o 1._o work_v all_o thing_n after_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will_n unto_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o glory_n since_o then_o this_o king_n be_v 1._o set_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n in_o the_o heaven_n far_o above_o all_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o might_n and_o dominion_n and_o every_o name_n that_o be_v name_v not_o in_o this_o world_n only_o but_o also_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o all_o thing_n be_v subject_v under_o his_o foot_n &_o he_o appoint_a head_n over_o all_o unto_o the_o church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n even_o the_o fullness_n of_o he_o that_o fill_v all_o in_o all_o and_o declare_v daily_o from_o heaven_n what_o be_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o glorious_a inheritance_n in_o the_o saint_n and_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n towards_o we_o which_o believe_v by_o lighten_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n and_o scale_v we_o with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n the_o watchman_n and_o leader_n of_o his_o flock_n though_o their_o service_n be_v needful_a and_o fruitful_a in_o his_o church_n and_o they_o trust_v with_o the_o key_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n yet_o may_v they_o not_o arrogate_v any_o part_n of_o christ_n honour_n or_o power_n as_o incident_a to_o their_o call_n or_o function_n but_o leave_v all_o entire_a and_o untouched_a to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o right_a it_o be_v much_o less_o may_v the_o several_a or_o synodall_n assembly_n proceed_n or_o censure_n of_o the_o suppose_a presbytery_n be_v reckon_v the_o half_a deal_n of_o christ_n most_o righteous_a and_o glorious_a kingdom_n chap._n iii_o the_o synedricall_a jurisdiction_n which_o some_o man_n think_v our_o saviour_n in_o the_o gospel_n restore_v and_o recommend_v to_o his_o church_n as_o i_o avouch_v that_o christ_n reserve_v to_o himself_o the_o mighty_a force_n and_o heavenly_a grace_n of_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n so_o be_o i_o out_o of_o doubt_n he_o leave_v the_o superuision_n and_o moderation_n of_o external_a thing_n and_o action_n which_o respect_v the_o peace_n order_n and_o comeliness_n of_o his_o church_n to_o such_o as_o he_o call_v to_o be_v the_o guider_n of_o his_o flock_n and_o steward_n of_o his_o household_n who_o they_o be_v be_v not_o so_o well_o agree_v on_o some_o man_n imagine_v christ_n do_v reinfuse_v the_o jewish_a synedrion_fw-mi and_o thence_o extract_v the_o laie-presbyterie_n that_o shall_v govern_v his_o church_n their_o proof_n they_o take_v cut_v of_o these_o word_n 18._o if_o thy_o brother_n trespass_n against_o thou_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o if_o he_o hear_v thou_o thou_o have_v gain_v thy_o brother_n if_o he_o hear_v thou_o not_o take_v yet_o with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o that_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n every_o word_n may_v be_v confirm_v and_o if_o he_o will_v not_o vouch_v safe_a to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n if_o he_o refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v to_o thou_o as_o a_o ethnic_a and_o publican_n hence_o they_o collect_v first_o that_o our_o saviour_n speak_v to_o the_o jew_n by_o reason_n he_o say_v let_v he_o be_v to_o thou_o as_o a_o ethnic_a and_o publican_n who_o the_o jew_n and_o no_o people_n else_o abhort_v and_o shun_v next_o that_o he_o preseribe_v no_o new_a nor_o unknowen_a form_n of_o judicial_a proceed_n but_o refer_v they_o rather_o to_o the_o usual_a and_o accuston●ed_a manner_n of_o their_o country_n then_o general_o receive_v and_o every_o where_o practise_v among_o they_o which_o be_v by_o the_o elder_n of_o every_o place_n to_o determine_v their_o matter_n or_o else_o to_o transmit_v they_o unto_o the_o sanhedrin_n or_o council_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v the_o high_a court_n in_o that_o common_a wealth_n thus_o fame_n they_o seem_v to_o have_v some_o ground_n to_o support_v their_o opinion_n but_o that_o our_o saviour_n appoint_v the_o like_a order_n to_o take_v place_n for_o ever_o in_o his_o church_n i_o see_v neither_o mention_n of_o it_o nor_o reason_n for_o it_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o assure_v myself_o it_o can_v never_o be_v prove_v for_o if_o our_o saviour_n mean_v to_o transfer_v any_o kind_n of_o regiment_n from_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o his_o own_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o will_v not_o choose_v out_o the_o corruption_n of_o time_n nor_o invention_n of_o man_n but_o ascend_v to_o the_o original_a ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o thence_o derive_v his_o platform_n he_o will_v not_o follow_v much_o less_o authorise_v in_o his_o church_n any_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n grow_v by_o depravation_n and_o usurpation_n of_o wicked_a man_n that_o hate_v and_o pursue_v both_o he_o and_o his_o truth_n that_o be_v with_o they_o to_o 15._o transgress_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n for_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n from_o which_o he_o be_v far_o but_o if_o he_o purpose_v to_o deduce_v any_o form_n of_o government_n from_o the_o law_n to_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v the_o same_o that_o god_n by_o moses_n erect_v and_o allow_v now_o that_o can_v be_v urge_v and_o use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n without_o apparent_a violence_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n &_o evident_a injury_n to_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n as_o by_o the_o view_n thereof_o we_o shall_v easy_o understand_v fir●t_o therefore_o let_v we_o short_o see_v what_o kind_n of_o governement_n be_v authorize_v and_o establish_v by_o moses_n in_o the_o first_o erection_n of_o the_o common_a wealth_n and_o church_n of_o israel_n and_o consequent_o what_o coherence_n or_o resemblance_n there_o may_v be_v between_o those_o council_n and_o synedrion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o presbytery_n in_o every_o parish_n which_o some_o man_n labour_v to_o impose_v on_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o every_o christian_n kingdom_n and_o country_n the_o sort_n of_o regiment_n settle_v among_o the_o jew_n by_o god_n law_n be_v these_o under_o moses_n the_o chief_a magistrate_n by_o the_o counsel_n of_o jethro_n consent_n of_o the_o people_n &_o allowance_n of_o god_n be_v y_fw-mi ●_o 18._o know_v and_o wise_a man_n of_o every_o tribe_n set_v to_o be_v ruler_n and_o captain_n over_o thousand_o over_o hundred_o over_o fifty_n &_o over_o ten_o &_o they_o judge_v the_o people_n at_o all_o season_n and_o bring_v the_o hard_a matter_n unto_o moses_n &_o judge_v all_o small_a cause_n themselves_o when_o matter_n of_o importance_n grow_v many_o &_o weary_a moses_n god_n will_v he_o to_o 11._o bring_v seventie_o man_n who_o he_o know_v to_o be_v elder_n &_o governor_n of_o the_o people_n and_o they_o shall_v bear_v the_o burden_n
church_n in_o the_o gospel_n he_o name_v his_o apostle_n 5._o the_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o light_n of_o the_o world_n the_o scripture_n which_o can_v be_v break_v 10._o call_v they_o god_n to_o who_o the_o word_n of_o god_n come_v 10._o how_o beautiful_a be_v the_o foot_n of_o they_o say_v paul_n which_o bring_v glad_a tiding_n of_o peace_n our_o 4._o eye_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a be_v not_o too_o dear_a for_o they_o we_o 19_o owe_v they_o not_o only_a honour_n but_o even_o ourselves_o and_o to_o speak_v upright_o if_o every_o man_n on_o earth_n be_v measure_v by_o the_o degree_n of_o his_o master_n and_o dignity_n of_o his_o service_n i_o see_v no_o cause_n why_o 5._o christ_n ambassador_n and_o the_o 4._o steward_n and_o 24._o ruler_n of_o god_n household_n shall_v be_v contemptible_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o fellow_n servant_n that_o shall_v 13._o obey_v they_o and_o be_v subject_a to_o they_o as_o unto_o their_o spiritual_a leader_n teacher_n and_o father_n be_v this_o assertion_n strange_a or_o new_a in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n nepotianum_fw-la esto_fw-la subiectus_fw-la pontifici_fw-la tuo_fw-la &_o quasi_fw-la parentem_fw-la animae_fw-la suspice_fw-la be_v subject_n say_v jerome_n to_o thy_o bishop_n and_o reverence_v he_o as_o the_o father_n of_o thy_o soul_n 3._o for_o good_a cause_n ought_v we_o say_v chrysostome_n not_o only_o to_o stand_v in_o more_o awe_n of_o priest_n then_o of_o king_n and_o prince_n but_o also_o to_o give_v they_o more_o honour_n than_o our_o natural_a parent_n the_o king_n say_v austen_n bear_v the_o 35._o image_n of_o god_n even_o as_o the_o bishop_n do_v of_o christ._n as_o long_o then_o as_o he_o hold_v that_o office_n he_o be_v to_o be_v honour_v if_o not_o for_o himself_o yet_o for_o his_o order_n and_o ambrose_n 2._o honour_n &_o sublimitas_fw-la episcopalis_fw-la nullis_fw-la poterit_fw-la comparationibus_fw-la adaequari_fw-la the_o honour_n and_o height_n of_o a_o bishop_n function_n can_v be_v match_v by_o no_o comparison_n the_o sheep_n that_o be_v commit_v to_o priest_n or_o pastor_n be_v true_o say_v to_o be_v under_o their_o leader_n the_o gospel_n determine_v that_o the_o scholar_n be_v not_o above_o his_o master_n and_o again_o 3._o haec_fw-la cuncta_fw-la etc._n etc._n ut_fw-la ostenderemus_fw-la nihil_fw-la esse_fw-la in_o hoc_fw-la seculo_fw-la excellentius_fw-la sacerdotibus_fw-la nihil_fw-la sublimius_fw-la episcopis_fw-la reperiri_fw-la all_o this_o to_o show_v that_o not_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n can_v be_v find_v more_o excellent_a than_o a_o priest_n no_o calling_z high_o than_o a_o bishop_n 2._o if_o you_o compare_v it_o to_o the_o brightness_n of_o king_n or_o diadem_n of_o prince_n that_o be_v more_o inferior_a to_o it_o say_v ambrose_n then_o lead_v unto_o gold_n yea_o 3._o they_o have_v that_o power_n give_v they_o say_v chrysostom_n which_o god_n will_v not_o give_v to_o angel_n nor_o archangel_n 9_o jesus_n christ_n say_v cyprian_n our_o king_n judge_n and_o god_n even_o unto_o the_o day_n of_o his_o death_n yield_v honour_n unto_o the_o priest_n and_o bishop_n of_o the_o jew_n though_o they_o retain_v neither_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n nor_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n teach_v we_o lawful_o and_o full_o to_o honour_v true_a priest_n by_o his_o behaviour_n unto_o false_a priest_n these_o father_n in_o your_o judgement_n do_v not_o mean_v that_o external_a and_o civil_a honour_n shall_v be_v yield_v to_o the_o person_n of_o teacher_n and_o bishop_n but_o spiritual_a and_o inward_a reverence_n to_o be_v due_a to_o their_o call_n much_o less_o do_v they_o mean_v that_o contempt_n and_o reproach_n shall_v be_v requite_v they_o for_o their_o pain_n if_o we_o stick_v at_o title_n christ_n himself_o call_v they_o star_n angel_n and_o god_n if_o we_o doubt_v of_o their_o power_n or_o honour_n they_o have_v more_o power_n than_o the_o angel_n as_o chrysostome_n say_v and_o must_v have_v more_o honour_n than_o the_o father_n of_o our_o flesh_n if_o any_o like_v not_o the_o conclusion_n let_v he_o read_v chrysostom_n probation_n more_o at_o large_a in_o the_o place_n afore_o cite_v as_o for_o the_o distinction_n of_o outward_a or_o inward_a honour_n due_a to_o their_o person_n or_o profession_n if_o the_o man_n be_v good_a it_o be_v superfluous_a we_o must_v honour_v both_o if_o the_o man_n be_v bad_a their_o vocation_n must_v be_v honour_v though_o their_o vice_n be_v condenm_v and_o that_o honour_n as_o i_o say_v before_o must_v appear_v in_o heart_n word_n and_o deed_n for_o if_o one_o of_o these_o fail_n it_o be_v not_o honour_n but_o neglect_n and_o contempt_n which_o god_n will_v revenge_v 8._o non_fw-fr te_fw-fr reiecerunt_fw-la sed_fw-la i_o they_o have_v not_o reject_v thou_o but_o i_o be_v a_o ancient_a verdict_n of_o god_n own_o give_v 10._o he_o that_o despise_v you_o in_o heart_n word_n or_o deed_n despise_v i_o 20._o honourthy_a father_n bind_v the_o whole_a man_n not_o this_o or_o that_o part_n of_o man_n and_o duty_n to_o parent_n and_o superior_n be_v violate_v even_o with_o word_n and_o look_n but_o godly_a teacher_n must_v look_v for_o reward_n and_o honour_n at_o god_n hand_n and_o not_o from_o man_n i_o know_v it_o well_o the_o world_n shall_v use_v they_o as_o it_o use_v their_o master_n yet_o do_v not_o that_o excuse_n the_o neglecter_n and_o contemner_n of_o they_o yea_o rather_o it_o be_v a_o evident_a sign_n he_o love_v not_o god_n that_o despise_v his_o prophet_n and_o reproach_v christ_n that_o dishonour_v his_o minister_n god_n be_v my_o witness_n i_o smoothe_v no_o man_n pride_n i_o seek_v no_o man_n favour_n i_o wade_v as_o sincere_o as_o my_o simple_a learning_n will_v suffer_v i_o and_o by_o that_o as_o i_o find_v christ_n for_o bid_v his_o disciple_n all_o affectation_n of_o honour_n and_o desire_v of_o superiority_n and_o require_v the_o great_a after_o his_o example_n to_o serve_v the_o low_a so_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o it_o shall_v grieve_v any_o godly_a mind_n to_o hear_v a_o bishop_n call_v by_o that_o name_n with_o which_o saint_n peter_n will_v every_o woman_n to_o hovour_n her_o husband_n for_o to_o i_o it_o be_v strange_a it_o shall_v be_v a_o proud_a and_o antichristian_a title_n in_o a_o pastor_n which_o may_v be_v give_v to_o every_o artisant_n with_o duty_n and_o humility_n howbeit_o what_o external_a appellation_n or_o honour_n be_v meet_v or_o unmeete_a for_o the_o pastor_n and_o father_n of_o christ_n church_n i_o leave_v it_o whole_o to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o consideration_n of_o the_o state_n who_o be_v fit_a judge_n therefore_o and_o not_o every_o curious_a head_n or_o covetous_a heart_n to_o order_v the_o clergy_n at_o their_o pleasure_n with_o truth_n and_o sobriety_n i_o may_v affirm_v this_o that_o the_o first_o christian_n prince_n and_o emperor_n to_o cause_v religion_n the_o more_o to_o flourish_v do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o make_v the_o people_n honour_n and_o reverence_v their_o bishop_n permit_v they_o to_o hear_v and_o determine_v all_o quarrel_n and_o strife_n between_o man_n and_o man_n for_o debt_n good_n or_o land_n and_o confirm_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o bishop_n even_o in_o such_o case_n by_o public_a law_n and_o by_o their_o own_o example_n teach_v all_o man_n to_o submit_v their_o head_n under_o the_o bishop_n hand_n 5._o place_v you_o such_o a_o one_o in_o the_o episcopal_a seat_n say_v valentinian_n to_o the_o synod_n assemble_v for_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o bishop_n of_o milan_n to_o who_o we_o ourselves_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o empire_n may_v sincere_o or_o willing_o submit_v our_o head_n and_o who_o reproof_n we_o may_v receive_v as_o a_o wholesome_a medicine_n 2._o thou_o may_v see_v say_v ambrose_n the_o neck_n of_o king_n and_o prince_n bow_v down_o to_o the_o priest_n knee_n and_o kiss_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o priest_n think_v themselves_o guard_v with_o their_o prayer_n 4._o to_o a_o king_n say_v chrysostome_n be_v body_n commit_v to_o a_o priest_n soul_n the_o one_o have_v sensible_a armour_n the_o other_o spiritual_a he_o fight_v against_o the_o barbarian_n i_o against_o devil_n this_o be_v the_o great_a sovereignty_n therefore_o the_o king_n submit_v his_o head_n to_o the_o priest_n hand_n constantine_n the_o great_a by_o his_o law_n 9_o give_v leave_v that_o those_o which_o will_v decline_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v appeal_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o bishop_n and_o command_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o bishop_n to_o take_v place_n before_o the_o sentence_n of_o other_o judge_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v pronounce_v by_o the_o emperor_n himself_o and_o to_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n by_o the_o precedent_n and_o their_o officer_n and_o lest_o we_o shall_v think_v this_o law_n reach_v only_o to_o spiritual_a thing_n saint_n augustine_n show_v in_o his_o time_n with_o what_o matter_n they_o
dismiss_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n that_o they_o may_v attend_v the_o work_n whereto_o he_o have_v appoint_v they_o simeon_n lucius_n and_o manahen_n that_o prophesy_v and_o preach_v at_o antioch_n together_o with_o they_o 13._o fast_v pray_v and_o lay_v their_o hand_n on_o they_o and_o let_v they_o go_v when_o the_o seven_o be_v choose_v to_o see_v the_o whole_a assembly_n provide_v for_o and_o the_o good_n of_o the_o faithful_a well_o distribute_v the_o apostle_n 6._o pray_v for_o they_o and_o lay_v their_o hand_n 〈…〉_o 〈◊〉_d here_o first_o appear_v the_o or_o 〈◊〉_d of_o 〈◊〉_d in_o who_o election_n for_o the_o traill_n of_o their_o uprightness_n discretion_n and_o diligence_n to_o dispose_v the_o good_n and_o alm_n of_o the_o church_n the_o people_n be_v consult_v as_o for_o ma●●ers_n not_o exceed_v their_o reach_n and_o appertain_v to_o their_o 〈◊〉_d but_o on_o the_o seu●●_n the_o apostle_n and_o none_o else_o lay_v ha●●es_n though_o the_o senentie_n disciple_n and_o elder_n be_v then_o in_o place_n with_o the●●_n no●●_n though_o the_o multitude_n be_v meet_v judge_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v then_o require_v in_o the_o deacous_a yet_o can_v they_o no_o more_o judge_n of_o the_o gift_n and_o hability_n of_o pastor_n and_o prophet_n then_o blind_a man_n of_o colour_n knowledge_n direct_v ignorance_n 〈◊〉_d and_o disable_v a_o judge_n in_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n the_o people_n be_v to_o follow_v their_o leader_n not_o to_o judge_v of_o their_o talent_n of_o manner_n you_o think_v they_o may_v judge_v and_o in_o that_o respect_n their_o consent_n needful_a to_o the_o choose_n of_o elder_n thereof_o hereafter_o in_o place_n more_o oportune_a we_o now_o speak_v of_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o function_n of_o pastor_n and_o prophet_n and_o those_o i_o say_v the_o multitude_n neither_o can_v neither_o can_v discern_v or_o examine_v howbeit_o this_o be_v not_o out_o question_v who_o can_v best_o judge_v of_o every_o man_n gift_n but_o who_o then_o can_v give_v they_o for_o at_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o faith_n the_o apostle_n be_v to_o make_v man_n fi●te_v who_o they_o find_v unfit_a and_o not_o to_o discern_v the_o gift_n of_o such_o as_o be_v fit_n and_o to_o that_o end_n have_v they_o power_n with_o imposition_n of_o hand_n to_o give_v the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o such_o as_o otherwise_o without_o those_o gift_n and_o before_o those_o gift_n be_v most_o unfit_a a_o example_n will_v make_v it_o plain_a when_o the_o people_n of_o samaria_n believe_v the_o preach_n of_o philip_n and_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n ●_o the_o holy_a ghost_n come_v on_o none_o of_o they_o till_o peter_n and_o john_n come_v down_o and_o pray_v for_o they_o and_o lay_v their_o hand_n on_o they_o and_o so_o by_o lay_v on_o of_o the_o apostle_n hand_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v give_v they_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o speak_v with_o strange_a tongue_n to_o heal_v all_o disease_n but_o special_o to_o preach_v pray_v and_o prophersie_n by_o revelation_n without_o all_o humane_a learning_n or_o labour_n it_o please_v god_n at_o the_o first_o spread_v of_o the_o gospel_n to_o bestow_v on_o many_o for_o 4._o the_o edify_n of_o ●nd_a church_n and_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o so_o the_o apostle_n write_v that_o 12._o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o every_o man_n to_o profit_n the_o church_n withal_o these_o gift_n the_o apostle_n give_v with_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n not_o to_o all_o that_o believe_v or_o desire_v they_o but_o to_o those_o person_n who_o the_o spirit_n point_v out_o and_o prepare_v for_o the_o spread_a of_o the_o truth_n and_o guide_v of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o such_o measure_n as_o the_o spirit_n please_v to_o 14._o comfort_v exhort_v and_o edify_v the_o church_n withal_o in_o samaria_n peter_n and_o john_n find_v no_o meet_a man_n to_o undertake_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o church_n after_o their_o departure_n for_o they_o be_v late_o convert_v and_o scant_a yet_o train_v in_o the_o mystery_n of_o christian_a religion_n much_o less_o acquaint_v with_o the_o scripture_n by_o which_o their_o do●teine_n shall_v be_v direct_v and_o they_o enable_v to_o 3._o teach_v convince_v and_o instruct_v in_o righteousness_n but_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n they_o do_v furnish_v such_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n name_v unto_o they_o with_o all_o thing_n needful_a for_o their_o call_n make_v some_o of_o they_o prophet_n some_o pastor_n some_o otherwise_o and_o indue_a every_o one_o of_o they_o with_o grace_n answerable_a to_o their_o function_n in_o which_o case_n we_o may_v not_o be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o think_v the_o people_n do_v elect_v on_o who_o peter_n and_o john_n shall_v impose_v hand_n but_o contrariwise_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v name_n by_o voice_n or_o by_o pprophecy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v bestow_v his_o gift_n and_o on_o those_o the_o apostle_n lay_v hand_n the_o like_a do_v paul_n at_o ephesus_n to_o the_o twelve_o disciple_n that_o never_o hear_v of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n before_o he_o 19_o lay_v his_o hand_n on_o they_o and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n come_v on_o they_o and_o they_o speak_v with_o congue_n and_o prophesy_v that_o be_v they_o be_v endue_v with_o gift_n and_o grace_n meet_v 4._o for_o the_o gather_n of_o the_o saint_n together_o and_o work_v of_o the_o ministry_n 19_o we_o must_v confess_v say_v beza_n that_o in_o this_o place_n be_v describe_v the_o first_o sound_n of_o the_o ephesine_n church_n whereas_o before_o this_o there_o be_v no_o orderly_a assembly_n of_o the_o godly_a there_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n ask_v they_o concern_v those_o gift_n with_o which_o god_n use_v special_o to_o furnish_v such_o as_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o wit_n whether_o hand_n be_v lay_v on_o they_o or_o they_o endue_v with_o those_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v gather_v they_o be_v call_v by_o god_n to_o the_o sacred_a ministry_n as_o namely_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n &_o of_o pprophecy_n the_o judgement_n of_o beza_n i_o take_v to_o be_v very_o sound_a and_o good_a in_o this_o place_n and_o thence_o if_o i_o be_v not_o deceive_v i_o right_o conclude_v that_o paul_n call_v these_o twelve_o and_o lay_v hand_n on_o they_o to_o make_v they_o prophet_n and_o teacher_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n when_o as_o yet_o there_o be_v neither_o assembly_n to_o elect_v they_o nor_o presbytery_n to_o join_v with_o he_o and_o consequent_o the_o imposition_n of_o paul_n hand_n alone_o without_o the_o presbytery_n be_v most_o sufficient_a to_o make_v evangelist_n prophet_n and_o teacher_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n yea_o what_o if_o the_o presbytery_n may_v not_o join_v with_o paul_n in_o that_o action_n but_o to_o give_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n with_o impose_v hand_n be_v the_o peculiar_a sign_n and_o honour_n of_o his_o apostleship_n at_o samaria_n be_v philip_n and_o even_o there_o he_o ●_o convert_v and_o baptize_v the_o city_n and_o yet_o philip_n there_o present_a may_v not_o join_v with_o peter_n and_o john_n in_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n but_o they_o two_o do_v it_o without_o philip._n paul_n never_o travel_v alone_o and_o at_o this_o time_n 22._o timothy_n and_o other_o do_v minister_v unto_o he_o and_o yet_o he_o alone_o lay_v hand_n on_o these_o twelve_o to_o make_v they_o prophet_n that_o which_o he_o say_v to_o the_o roman_n i_o know_v 19_o when_o i_o come_v i_o shall_v come_v unto_o you_o with_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n may_v very_o well_o bear_v this_o sense_n that_o he_o shall_v come_v unto_o they_o with_o the_o plentiful_a gift_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o be_v pour_v on_o they_o by_o his_o hand_n that_o which_o he_o say_v to_o the_o corinthian_n can_v have_v no_o other_o meaning_n 12._o the_o sign_n of_o a_o apostle_n be_v wrought_v among_o you_o with_o sign_n wonder_n and_o power_n for_o what_o be_v it_o wherein_o you_o be_v inferior_a to_o other_o church_n prove_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o apostle_n by_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n that_o god_n bestow_v on_o they_o by_o his_o hand_n thus_o much_o and_o more_o be_v confess_v by_o beza_n a_o man_n of_o no_o small_a account_n who_o ground_v his_o opinion_n on_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n make_v only_o to_o the_o twelve_o &_o according_o perform_v say_v 5._o all_o the_o twelve_o assemble_v on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n expect_v the_o promise_n make_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a church_n but_o not_o unto_o the_o whole_a church_n nor_o to_o all_o the_o disciple_n but_o proper_o &_o peculiar_o to_o these_o twelve_o luke_n 24._o
whatsoever_o the_o apostle_n do_v that_o have_v a_o most_o plentiful_a measure_n of_o god_n spirit_n far_o above_o pastor_n prophet_n and_o evangelist_n yet_o their_o follower_n for_o example_n timothy_n and_o tite_n be_v not_o to_o impose_v hand_n without_o the_o people_n and_o presbytery_n concur_v with_o they_o i_o have_v hear_v this_o often_o and_o earnest_o assert_v but_o i_o can_v never_o yet_o see_v it_o prove_v the_o great_a ground_n of_o this_o presumption_n be_v for_o that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o do_v so_o from_o who_o example_n their_o scholar_n will_v not_o rash_o depart_v but_o as_o we_o find_v by_o better_a view_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o so_o by_o lot_n and_o by_o prophet_n direct_v not_o by_o man_n will_n but_o by_o god_n spirit_n the_o apostle_n choose_v elder_n or_o rather_o by_o lay_v on_o their_o hand_n as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n guide_v they_o they_o do_v furnish_v such_o as_o before_o be_v neither_o meet_a nor_o able_a to_o sustain_v that_o charge_n with_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n fit_a for_o that_o call_n by_o the_o voice_n and_o like_n of_o the_o people_n they_o make_v no_o pastor_n nor_o prophet_n that_o i_o read_v and_o therefore_o i_o must_v have_v leave_n to_o think_v that_o tite_n and_o timothy_n use_v rather_o the_o help_n of_o prophecy_n to_o find_v who_o the_o spirit_n will_v name_v they_o the_o consent_n or_o suffrage_n of_o the_o people_n for_o in_o their_o time_n the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o quench_v yea_o the_o prophet_n that_o be_v under_o the_o apostle_n continue_v under_o they_o and_o these_o two_o gift_n the_o 25._o reveal_n of_o secret_n and_o 10._o discern_v of_o spirit_n which_o the_o prophet_n and_o evangelist_n have_v though_o in_o less_o measure_n than_o the_o apostle_n serve_v chief_o to_o distinguish_v who_o be_v fit_a or_o unfit_a for_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n church_n when_o prophet_n fail_v the_o church_n be_v force_v to_o come_v to_o voice_n but_o so_o long_o as_o the_o spirit_n declare_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o prophet_n who_o he_o have_v choose_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n or_o presbytery_n may_v not_o be_v require_v the_o apostle_n give_v rule_n to_o timothy_n and_o tite_n what_o manner_n of_o man_n must_v be_v choose_v &_o how_o they_o must_v be_v qualify_v before_o they_o be_v elect_v paul_n do_v not_o teach_v the_o people_n who_o they_o shall_v elect_v but_o appoint_v timothy_n and_o titus_n who_o they_o shall_v admit_v to_o prevent_v ambition_n and_o emulation_n in_o the_o competitor_n affection_n and_o dissension_n in_o the_o elector_n lot_n be_v first_o like_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o retain_v a_o long_a time_n after_o by_o s._n john_n and_o to_o disappoint_v seduce_v and_o lie_v spirit_n then_o creep_v into_o the_o world_n and_o into_o the_o church_n these_o rule_n be_v prescribe_v as_o a_o touchstone_n for_o timothy_n and_o titus_n to_o discern_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n speak_v sincere_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n flatter_a and_o admire_v the_o person_n of_o man_n for_o advantage_n sake_n for_o as_o god_n give_v the_o power_n &_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o his_o church_n in_o great_a abundance_n to_o illustrate_v the_o glory_n &_o enlarge_v the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o son_n so_o the_o devil_n cease_v not_o to_o intermix_v whole_a swarm_n of_o false_a and_o deceitful_a workman_n to_o obscure_v the_o brightness_n and_o hinder_v the_o increase_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n set_v down_o what_o manner_n of_o man_n tite_n and_o timothy_n shall_v lay_v hand_n on_o &_o who_o they_o shall_v refuse_v leave_v they_o be_v partaker_n of_o their_o sin_n paul_n can_v not_o fear_v lest_o the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n will_v name_v man_n unworthy_a the_o place_n paul_n see_v the_o number_n of_o false_a prophet_n already_o rise_v and_o every_o day_n likely_a to_o rise_v and_o foresee_v the_o poison_n and_o danger_n of_o their_o deceit_n and_o pretence_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n set_v down_o a_o perpetual_a canon_n to_o the_o church_n for_o ever_o what_o vice_n must_v be_v shume_v and_o virtue_n require_v in_o a_o pastor_n and_o preacher_n such_o do_v the_o holy_a ghost_n name_n while_o he_o rule_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o such_o for_o ever_o shall_v be_v call_v even_o when_o the_o gift_n of_o pprophecy_n be_v decay_v the_o primitive_a church_n use_v always_o to_o elect_v her_o pastor_n by_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o people_n and_o cyprian_n say_v it_o be_v none_o other_o than_o a_o divine_a tradition_n and_o apostolic_a observation_n i_o shall_v have_v place_n and_o time_n anon_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n and_o opinion_n of_o the_o father_n till_o than_o i_o reserve_v the_o handle_n of_o both_o i_o be_o now_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o view_v the_o word_n of_o god_n whether_o it_o can_v thence_o be_v prove_v that_o pastor_n and_o elder_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n and_o for_o my_o part_n i_o profess_v i_o find_v none_o i_o see_v some_o man_n man_n zealous_o bend_v to_o authorise_v it_o by_o the_o will_n and_o commandment_n of_o god_n i_o dare_v not_o profess_v to_o be_v soprivie_a to_o his_o will_n without_o his_o word_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n 5._o aaron_n be_v call_v of_o god_n and_o all_o the_o 3._o levite_n according_a to_o their_o family_n be_v like_o wise_a assign_v to_o their_o place_n the_o child_n succeed_v in_o their_o father_n room_n the_o prophet_n be_v inspire_v from_o above_o and_o none_o elect_v 3_o moses_n 27._o joshua_n and_o the_o judge_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n as_o also_o the_o 1._o prince_n of_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n the_o seventy_o elder_n be_v such_o as_o be_v 11._o know_v not_o choose_v to_o be_v elder_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o people_n and_o to_o make_v captain_n over_o 1000_o 100_o and_o 10._o moses_n 1_o take_v the_o chief_a of_o every_o tribe_n to_o 10._o saul_n god_n give_v the_o kingdom_n by_o lot_n and_o after_o to_o 16._o david_n by_o voice_n their_o successor_n inherit_v or_o intrude_v i_o see_v in_o all_o these_o neither_o among_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o gentile_n which_o till_o then_o the_o spirit_n have_v defer_v but_o he_o receive_v no_o power_n from_o they_o to_o be_v a_o apostle_n nor_o to_o preach_v unto_o the_o gentile_n paul_n say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v a_o apostle_n 1_o neither_o of_o man_n nor_o by_o man_n and_o that_o the_o 2._o chief_a give_v he_o nothing_o or_o add_v nothing_o unto_o he_o that_o be_v neither_o authority_n nor_o instruction_n much_o less_o do_v these_o three_o of_o a_o mean_a calling_n than_o the_o apostle_n lay_v hand_n on_o he_o to_o make_v he_o a_o apostle_n that_o power_n belong_v only_o to_o christ._n again_o he_o receive_v his_o apostleship_n of_o the_o gentile_n long_o before_o as_o he_o say_v 15._o when_o it_o please_v god_n to_o reveal_v his_o son_n in_o i_o that_o i_o may_v preach_v he_o among_o the_o gentile_n i_o do_v not_o straightway_o confer_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o go_v into_o arabia_n and_o after_o three_o year_n come_v first_o to_o jerusalem_n he_o have_v be_v at_o 26._o jerusalem_n and_o be_v present_v by_o barnabas_n to_o the_o apostle_n before_o he_o come_v to_o antioch_n for_o after_o the_o first_o sight_n of_o the_o apostle_n he_o go_v from_o jerusalem_n to_o 25._o tarsus_n and_o thence_o barnabas_n fetch_v he_o as_o 15._o a_o choose_a vessel_n to_o carry_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o gentile_n when_o he_o first_o bring_v he_o ●●_o antioch_n and_o at_o antioch_n where_o 26._o he_o preach_v a_o whole_a yeere●●fore_o ●●fore_z he_o receive_v this_o imposition_n of_o hand_n to_o who_o preach_v he_o but_o to_o the_o grecian_n that_o be_v to_o the_o gentile_n wherefore_o they_o do_v not_o impose_v hand_n on_o he_o to_o give_v he_o authority_n to_o preach_v to_o the_o gentile_n he_o receive_v that_o commission_n from_o christ_n long_v before_o &_o have_v then_o twelve_o month_n and_o more_o preach_v unto_o the_o gentile_n in_o the_o very_a same_o place_n where_o they_o impose_v hand_n on_o he_o to_o what_o end_n then_o do_v they_o impose_v hand_n on_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n they_o have_v preach_v there_o a_o good_a time_n and_o furnish_v the_o church_n with_o needful_a doctrine_n and_o meet_a pastor_n to_o take_v charge_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o then_o the_o holy_a ghost_n mind_v to_o have_v they_o do_v the_o like_a in_o other_o place_n will_v the_o 2._o prophet_n and_o teacher_n there_o to_o let_v they_o go_v for_o so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v signify_v and_o the_o word_n follow_v import_n as_o much_o that_o the_o prophet_n and_o pastor_n lay_v hand_n on_o
part_n of_o christ_n spiritual_a kingdom_n without_o the_o which_o no_o church_n can_v be_v christ_n no_o more_o than_o it_o may_v without_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n but_o whether_o the_o word_n of_o saint_n paul_n 1_o timoth._n 5._o infer_v any_o such_o thing_n or_o no_o this_o be_v the_o matter_n we_o have_v now_o in_o hand_n some_o learned_a and_o late_a writer_n do_v so_o conceive_v of_o that_o place_n for_o my_o part_n i_o see_v so_o many_o just_a and_o good_a reason_n against_o their_o supposal_n that_o i_o can_v not_o yield_v to_o their_o judgement_n the_o first_o reason_n i_o have_v of_o the_o weakness_n of_o this_o place_n to_o uphold_v the_o lay_n presbytery_n be_v that_o many_o learned_a and_o ancient_a father_n have_v debate_v and_o sift_v the_o force_n of_o these_o word_n and_o not_o one_o of_o they_o ever_o so_o much_o as_o surmise_v any_o such_o thing_n to_o be_v contain_v in_o this_o text._n chrysostome_n jerome_n ambrose_n theodoret_n primasius_n oecumenius_n theophilact_fw-mi and_o diverse_a other_o have_v consider_v and_o expound_v these_o word_n and_o never_o dream_v of_o any_o lay_v presbytery_n to_o be_v mention_v in_o they_o if_o then_o the_o word_n of_o saint_n paul_n stand_v fair_a and_o clear_a without_o this_o late_a devise_n as_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o these_o learned_a and_o ancient_a writer_n they_o do_v what_o reason_n after_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n to_o entertain_v a_o new_a platform_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n by_o lay_v man_n upon_o a_o bare_a conceit_n that_o the_o word_n of_o saint_n paul_n may_v sound_v to_o that_o effect_n as_o some_o imagine_v the_o second_o reason_n of_o my_o dissent_v be_v for_o that_o saint_n paul_n name_v the_o presbytery_n but_o once_o in_o all_o his_o epistle_n exclude_v all_o lay_v elder_n from_o that_o presbytery_n 4._o neglect_v not_o the_o grace_n which_o be_v in_o thou_o which_o be_v give_v thou_o by_o prophecy_n with_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n this_o be_v the_o only_a place_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n where_o the_o presbytery_n be_v namely_o mention_v and_o lay_v elder_n be_v most_o plain_o remoove_v hence_o as_o no_o part_n of_o this_o presbytery_n for_o this_o christian_a presbytery_n give_v imposition_n of_o hand_n to_o ordain_v minister_n but_o lay-elders_a have_v no_o right_a to_o impose_v hand_n to_o that_o purpose_n ergo._n lay_v man_n be_v no_o part_n of_o this_o presbytery_n that_o imposition_n of_o hand_n to_o make_v minister_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o sacrament_n and_o reserve_v sole_o to_o pastor_n if_o saint_n austin_n authority_n be_v not_o sufficient_a caluins_n confession_n be_v very_o evident_a which_o i_o note_v before_o they_o must_v be_v minister_n of_o the_o word_n and_o 109._o sacrament_n and_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o their_o pastoral_a charge_n and_o function_n that_o must_v ordain_v other_o by_o impose_v hand_n and_o give_v they_o power_n and_o grace_n to_o dispense_v both_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n this_o lay_v elder_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n neither_o do_v nor_o may_v do_v they_o be_v therefore_o no_o part_n of_o that_o presbytery_n which_o saint_n paul_n speak_v of_o in_o his_o writing_n must_v we_o take_v the_o word_n not_o for_o the_o college_n of_o elder_n but_o for_o the_o degree_n and_o office_n which_o timothy_n receive_v neither_o so_o be_v the_o force_n of_o my_o reason_n avoid_v for_o choose_v which_o you_o will_v to_o be_v the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d either_o collective_a for_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o elder_n or_o distributive_a for_o the_o degree_n &_o office_n of_o every_o elder_n if_o collective_a none_o can_v be_v of_o that_o college_n that_o may_v not_o give_v imposition_n of_o hand_n if_o distributive_a none_o may_v take_v that_o function_n and_o call_n on_o he_o but_o must_v receive_v imposition_n of_o hand_n as_o timothy_n do_v then_o lay_v man_n which_o neither_o do_v give_v nor_o receive_v imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v bar_v both_o from_o the_o degree_n and_o from_o the_o society_n of_o presbytery_n which_o be_v in_o saint_n paul_n time_n beza_n think_v best_a to_o take_v it_o for_o a_o noun_n collective_a and_o add_v 4._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d id_fw-la est_fw-la ordinis_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la quo_fw-la nomine_fw-la coetus_fw-la ille_fw-la omnis_fw-la significatur_fw-la qui_fw-la in_o verbo_fw-la laborabant_fw-la in_o ea_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la ubi_fw-la hoc_fw-la factum_fw-la est_fw-la the_o presbytery_n that_o be_v the_o order_n or_o company_n of_o elder_n by_o which_o name_n the_o whole_a company_n be_v signify_v that_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n in_o that_o church_n where_o this_o be_v do_v then_o the_o whole_a eldership_n or_o company_n of_o elder_n in_o s._n paul_n time_n labour_v in_o the_o word_n where_o now_o be_v the_o lay_v elder_n that_o labour_v not_o in_o the_o word_n what_o presbytery_n be_v they_o of_o have_v every_o church_n two_o presbytery_n i_o trust_v not_o this_o whole_a presbytery_n consist_v of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n a_o other_o college_n of_o lay_n elder_n and_o no_o pastor_n will_v never_o be_v find_v my_o three_o reason_n be_v for_o that_o the_o text_n itself_o do_v clear_o refuse_v the_o sense_n which_o they_o enforce_v for_o as_o they_o conclude_v there_o be_v ergo_fw-la some_o elder_n that_o do_v not_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o yet_o govern_v well_o so_o the_o word_n be_v more_o evident_a that_o they_o all_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n whether_o they_o labour_v or_o govern_v which_o by_o saint_n paul_n proof_n present_o follow_v and_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o old_a and_o new_a writer_n be_v mean_v of_o their_o maintenance_n at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o church_n 5._o honour_n in_o this_o place_n say_v chry_n sostome_n paul_n call_v reverence_n and_o allowance_n of_o thing_n needful_a paul_n 5._o will_v have_v the_o rest_n yield_v carnal_a thing_n to_o they_o of_o who_o they_o receive_v spiritual_a because_o be_v occupy_v in_o teach_v they_o can_v not_o provide_v thing_n needful_a for_o themselves_o 5._o good_a &_o faithful_a steward_n say_v ambrose_n aught_o to_o be_v think_v worthy_a not_o only_o of_o high_a but_o of_o earthly_a honour_n that_o they_o be_v not_o grieve_v for_o lack_v of_o maintenance_n paul_n 5._o will_v maintenance_n to_o be_v chief_o yield_v to_o the_o pastor_n that_o be_v occupy_v in_o teach_v for_o such_o be_v the_o ingratitude_n of_o the_o world_n that_o take_v small_a care_n for_o nourish_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n 5._o as_o the_o poor_a so_o the_o elder_n serve_v the_o whole_a church_n be_v to_o be_v maintain_v by_o the_o good_n of_o the_o church_n paul_n 5._o mention_v the_o church_n treasure_n present_o exhort_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v thence_o maintain_v 5._o by_o the_o name_n of_o honour_n be_v signify_v all_o godly_a duty_n and_o relief_n after_o the_o use_n of_o the_o hebrew_n speech_n now_o that_o lay_v judge_n and_o censor_n of_o manner_n be_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n find_v at_o the_o expense_n of_o the_o church_n or_o by_o god_n law_n ought_v to_o have_v their_o maintenance_n at_o the_o people_n hand_n be_v a_o thing_n to_o i_o so_o strange_a and_o unheard_a of_o that_o until_o i_o see_v it_o just_o prove_v i_o can_v not_o possible_o believe_v it_o s._n paul_n have_v lay_v down_o this_o rule_n 9_o they_o that_o serve_v at_o the_o altar_n shall_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o altar_n and_o by_o god_n ordinance_n they_o that_o preach_v the_o gospel_n must_v live_v of_o the_o gospel_n where_o shall_v we_o find_v the_o like_a for_o the_o lay_v judge_n that_o labour_v not_o in_o the_o word_n they_o be_v if_o any_o such_o be_v as_o the_o sage_a so_o every_o way_n the_o sufficient_a man_n that_o be_v amongst_o the_o people_n for_o fear_n of_o faction_n contempt_n and_o corruption_n which_o easy_o grow_v when_o the_o weak_a and_o base_a rule_n over_o the_o rich_a and_o better_a sort_n if_o the_o apostle_n will_v not_o have_v the_o poor_a widow_n so_o long_o as_o they_o may_v otherwise_o be_v succour_v or_o employ_v grieve_v the_o church_n will_v he_o then_o put_v the_o burden_n of_o the_o lay_v judge_n and_o elder_n in_o number_n many_o in_o state_n able_a to_o relieve_v other_o on_o the_o neck_n of_o the_o mean_a and_o poor_a brethren_n there_o be_v neither_o cause_n nor_o commandment_n in_o the_o word_n so_o to_o charge_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n with_o maintain_v the_o lie_v senate_n which_o yet_o must_v be_v do_v before_o this_o construction_n can_v be_v admit_v the_o four_o reason_n that_o hold_v i_o from_o receive_v this_o construction_n be_v that_o i_o find_v diverse_a and_o sundry_a interpretation_n more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o text_n and_o more_o answerable_a to_o s._n paul_n meaning_n than_o this_o which_o be_v
these_o word_n may_v be_v short_o draw_v from_o the_o force_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o import_v painful_a and_o earnest_a labour_n and_o then_o the_o sense_n be_v the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n chief_o they_o which_o be_v laborious_a and_o painful_a in_o the_o word_n this_o to_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o usual_a force_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d when_o it_o do_v not_o signify_v bodily_a labour_n but_o be_v transfer_v to_o the_o mind_n i_o think_v no_o man_n learned_a do_v doubt_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v simple_o to_o labour_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o weary_v ourselves_o with_o labour_n 11._o certè_fw-la plus_fw-la est_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d quàm_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d s●propriam_fw-la utriusque_fw-la significationem_fw-la spectemus_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v more_o than_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v beza_n if_o we_o respect_v the_o proper_a signification_n of_o either_o as_o weariness_n be_v more_o than_o labour_n he_o then_o which_o labour_v be_v worthy_a of_o his_o wage_n but_o he_o that_o even_o weari_v himself_o with_o hard_a labour_n be_v more_o worthy_a so_o say_v saint_n paul_n the_o pastor_n or_o elder_n that_o discharge_v their_o place_n be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n chief_o they_o which_o refuse_v no_o pain_n &_o weary_a themselves_o with_o labour_n and_o care_n to_o teach_v and_o admonish_v speak_v we_o absurd_o obscure_o or_o not_o answerable_o to_o the_o force_n of_o the_o apostle_n word_n when_o we_o thus_o expound_v he_o a_o four_o construction_n may_v be_v have_v of_o this_o text_n &_o that_o consonant_n to_o the_o word_n &_o intent_n of_o s._n paul_n &_o yet_o ●o_o lay_v elder_n empanel_v in_o the_o jury_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v be_v refer_v to_o such_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n as_o be_v abide_v in_o every_o church_n and_o therefore_o be_v proper_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o have_v the_o charge_n and_o over_o sight_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o be_v affix_v to_o the_o place_n for_o that_o purpose_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o those_o that_o travel_v from_o place_n to_o place_n to_o visit_v and_o confirm_v the_o church_n the_o word_n serve_v well_o for_o this_o difference_n and_o both_o fort_n be_v to_o have_v maintenance_n from_o the_o church_n as_o well_o they_o that_o travel_v as_o they_o that_o persist_v touch_v the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d beside_o that_o in_o the_o 6._o of_o matthew_n the_o 5._o and_o 12._o of_o luke_n the_o 4._o of_o john_n 20_o of_o the_o act_n the_o 1._o corinth_n 14_o the_o 4._o ephes._n the_o 2._o tim._n 2_o it_o do_v without_o all_o contradiction_n signify_v bodily_a labour_n and_o weariness_n saint_n paul_n in_o the_o 1._o corinth_n 15._o thus_o write_v 15._o christ_n rise_v from_o death_n the_o three_o day_n be_v see_v of_o james_n then_o of_o all_o the_o apostle_n last_o of_o all_o he_o be_v see_v of_o i_o as_o one_o bear_v not_o in_o due_a time_n for_o i_o be_o the_o least_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o not_o fit_v to_o be_v call_v a_o apostle_n because_o i_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d yet_o have_v i_o labour_v more_o than_o all_o they_o he_o mean_v than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o who_o christ_n appear_v i_o demand_v whether_o paul_n charge_v the_o other_o apostle_n with_o negligence_n or_o whether_o he_o dare_v affirm_v that_o he_o have_v preach_v christ_n more_o diligent_o than_o all_o they_o it_o be_v a_o arrogant_a presumption_n so_o to_o say_v and_o a_o lewd_a imagination_n so_o to_o think_v what_o then_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o his_o word_n though_o he_o be_v a_o abortive_a and_o the_o least_o of_o they_o all_o yet_o have_v he_o travel_v further_o in_o spread_v the_o gospel_n then_o all_o they_o and_o why_o they_o be_v send_v to_o the_o jew_n disperse_v in_o some_o few_o country_n and_o none_o of_o they_o pass_v the_o limit_n of_o asia_n for_o aught_o that_o we_o teade_n save_v peter_n who_o be_v bring_v prisoner_n to_o rome_n towards_o the_o end_n of_o his_o life_n but_o paul_n have_v the_o gentile_n allot_v to_o he_o and_o so_o travel_v not_o only_a arabia_n and_o jury_n but_o fill_v asia_n greece_n italy_n and_o spain_n &_o many_o other_o country_n and_o nation_n with_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o that_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v to_o travel_v for_o the_o spread_a of_o the_o gospel_n he_o say_v very_o sober_o advise_o and_o true_o that_o though_o he_o be_v last_o call_v he_o have_v travel_v to_o preach_v christ_n further_o than_o they_o all_o this_o word_n be_v often_o so_o use_v in_o the_o 16._o to_o the_o roman_n greece_n 16._o marry_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o have_v travel_v much_o for_o us._n and_o again_o greet_v triphaena_n and_o triphosa_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d woman_n that_o labour_n and_o travail_v in_o the_o lord_n greece_n per●●●_n the_o belove_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o woman_n that_o have_v much_o travel_v in_o the_o lord_n the_o woman_n neither_o do_v nor_o may_v preach_v in_o the_o church_n but_o many_o of_o they_o travel_v far_o and_o near_o &_o deal_v by_o private_a persuasion_n which_o be_v more_o seemly_a for_o they_o to_o do_v then_o for_o man_n with_o woman_n to_o embrace_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o repair_v to_o the_o house_n where_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o do_v instruct_v the_o believer_n and_o as_o there_o be_v of_o woman_n that_o travel_v for_o christ_n so_o be_v there_o of_o man_n no_o final_a number_n both_o prophet_n evangelist_n &_o teacher_n employ_v their_o pain_n &_o hazard_v their_o life_n to_o convert_v the_o faithless_a to_o confirm_v the_o faithful_a and_o though_o some_o of_o they_o happy_o live_v of_o their_o own_o and_o other_o wrought_v with_o their_o hand_n to_o furnish_v themselves_o with_o thing_n want_v yet_o because_o their_o work_n be_v more_o painful_a and_o perilfull_a than_o the_o pastor_n that_o keep_v their_o fix_a place_n and_o as_o needful_a to_o increase_v christ_n kingdom_n the_o apostle_n will_v the_o church_n to_o have_v special_a regard_n to_o such_o that_o they_o be_v not_o leave_v destitute_a after_o they_o have_v dedicate_v not_o only_o their_o labour_n but_o also_o their_o life_n to_o the_o service_n of_o christ._n saint_n pa●●es_v comparison_n include_v both_o when_o he_o ●ayeth_v 9_o who_o go_v on_o warrefare_n at_o his_o own_o charge_n who_o plant_v a_o vine_n and_o eat_v not_o of_o the_o fruit_n who_o tend_v a_o flock_n and_o pa_v not_o of_o the_o milk_n so_o that_o he_o which_o travel_v abroad_o for_o christ_n in_o danger_n be_v more_o worthy_a of_o recompense_n than_o he_o that_o fee_v death_n the_o flock_n at_o home_n ingrenter_fw-la ease_n and_o better_a safety_n tauch_v such_o he_o say_v 16._o if_o timothy_n come_v see_v he_o be_v without_o fear_n among_o you_o for_o he_o work_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n even_o as_o i_o do_v and_o send_v he_o away_o in_o peace_n and_o again_o 3._o bring_v zenas_n the_o lawyer_n and_o apollo_n on_o their_o ●ay_n with_o diligence_n that_o they_o lack_v nothing_o and_o note_v whence_o they_o shall_v have_v it_o ibidem_fw-la let_v we_o learn_v to_o be_v forward_o in_o good_a work_n to_o necessary_a use_n and_o saint_n john_n 3._o thou_o do_v faithful_o whatsoever_o thou_o do_v to_o the_o brethren_n and_o unto_o stranger_n who_o if_o thou_o bring_v on_o their_o journey_n as_o it_o beseem_v in_o god_n thou_o shall_v do_v well_o because_o for_o his_o name_n sake_n they_o go_v forth_o and_o take_v nothing_o of_o the_o gentile_n we_o therefore_o ought_v to_o receive_v such_o that_o we_o may_v be_v helper_n unto_o the_o truth_n the_o sum_n then_o of_o saint_n paul_n word_n after_o this_o four_o exposition_n be_v this_o the_o pastor_n or_o elder_n that_o guide_v well_o and_o do_v their_o duty_n in_o the_o place_n where_o they_o remain_v be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n but_o chief_o they_o that_o travel_v from_o place_n to_o place_n for_o the_o word_n sake_n be_v to_o be_v support_v their_o pain_n and_o need_n be_v great_a thus_o have_v we_o four_o exposition_n of_o the_o place_n 1._o timoth._n 5._o consonant_n to_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o speaker_n and_o all_o exclude_v the_o lay_v elder_n which_o we_o can_v deduce_v out_o of_o this_o text_n without_o manifest_a wrong_n to_o the_o apostle_n purpose_n and_o ●●neth_v of_o the_o scripture_n for_o than_o must_v all_o lay_v elder_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v double_a maintenance_n
i_o will_v be_v far_o from_o contradict_v they_o but_o now_o i_o can_v admit_v they_o nor_o in_o this_o case_n the_o first_o author_n of_o they_o by_o reason_n i_o find_v no_o such_o elder_n express_v or_o testify_v in_o any_o father_n or_o writer_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n elder_n i_o find_v lay_v elder_n i_o never_o find_v and_o by_o the_o name_n of_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n the_o ancient_a father_n do_v mean_a such_o teacher_n and_o labourer_n in_o the_o word_n as_o with_o their_o counsel_n and_o consent_n do_v advise_v and_o direct_v the_o bishop_n of_o each_o church_n and_o city_n in_o case_n of_o doubt_n danger_n and_o importance_n when_o as_o yet_o neither_o synod_n can_v assemble_v nor_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v find_v to_o help_v and_o assist_v the_o church_n against_o the_o deadly_a poison_n of_o heresy_n and_o cruel_a rage_n of_o persecutor_n which_o those_o day_n do_v usual_o offer_v examine_v your_o own_o witness_n if_o they_o say_v not_o as_o much_o as_o i_o affirm_v i_o be_o well_o content_a to_o yield_v the_o whole_a ignatius_n be_v the_o first_o that_o be_v allege_v for_o lay_v elder_n and_o the_o first_o if_o his_o testimony_n may_v be_v take_v that_o will_v utter_o overthrow_v the_o lay_v presbytery_n he_o often_o mention_v the_o presbytery_n but_o chief_o in_o his_o second_o epistle_n where_o he_o write_v thus_o to_o the_o church_n of_o trallis_n tralliano●_n be_v subject_n to_o the_o bishop_n as_o unto_o the_o lord_n he_o it_o be_v that_o watch_v overyour_fw-mi soul_n as_o one_o that_o shall_v account_v unto_o god_n you_o must_v therefore_o whatsoever_o you_o enterprise_n do_v nothing_o without_o the_o bishop_n but_o be_v subject_a also_o to_o the_o presbytery_n as_o unto_o the_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ._n you_o must_v likewise_o by_o all_o mean_n please_v the_o deacon_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o jesus_n christ._n the_o bishop_n be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d figure_n of_o the_o father_n of_o all_o the_o presbyter_n as_o the_o 〈◊〉_d senate_n of_o god_n and_o a_o 〈◊〉_d knot_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ._n without_o these_o the_o choose_a church_n be_v not_o nor_o the_o company_n of_o saint_n not_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o holy_a what_o be_v the_o bishop_n but_o 〈◊〉_d one_o that_o have_v power_n over_o all_o as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o have_v a_o resembler_n in_o power_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v god_n what_o be_v the_o presbytery_n but_o a_o sacred_a 〈◊〉_d assembly_n the_o 〈◊〉_d counsellor_n and_o 〈◊〉_d coasse●sours_n of_o the_o bishop_n presbyter_n or_o elder_n we_o see_v here_o with_o all_o their_o title_n lay_v elder_n we_o see_v none_o to_o presume_v upon_o the_o an●●iguitie_n of_o the_o word_n that_o they_o be_v lay_v be_v so_o childish_a aproofe_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o come_v in_o wiseman_n head_n yet_o lest_o we_o shall_v be_v carry_v with_o that_o wilful_a persuasion_n which_o i_o see_v many_o possess_v with_o mark_v what_o elder_n they_o be_v of_o who_o ignatius_n speak_v he_o call_v they_o in_o this_o epistle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o knot_n or_o company_n of_o apostle_n or_o messenger_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o next_o he_o say_v magnesianos_fw-la as_o the_o lord_n do_v nothing_o without_o his_o father_n so_o must_v not_o you_o without_o the_o bishop_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whether_o you_o be_v presbyter_n deacon_n or_o lay_n man_n to_o the_o chrch_n of_o philodelphia_n he_o write_v thus_o philodelphienses_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o presbyter_n deacon_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o clergy_n together_o with_o all_o the_o people_n obey_v the_o bishop_n and_o so_o every_o where_fw-mi smyrna●s_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d let_v the_o lay_v man_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o deacon_n the_o deacon_n to_o the_o presbyter_n the_o presbyter_n to_o the_o bishop_n and_o express_v their_o office_n with_o saint_n peter_n word_n he_o say_v antioch●●os_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d you_o presbyter_n feed_v the_o flock_n that_o be_v with_o you_o till_o god_n show_v who_o shall_v be_v ruler_n or_o bishop_n over_o you_o for_o i_o now_o hasten_v to_o gain_v christ._n presbyter_n then_o with_o ignatius_n be_v pastor_n and_o part_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o so_o far_o from_o be_v lay_v man_n that_o all_o lay_v man_n be_v subject_a unto_o they_o as_o unto_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o join_v with_o they_o in_o the_o same_o presbytery_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n hierome_n the_o next_o of_o your_o witness_n for_o i_o take_v they_o not_o as_o their_o age_n but_o as_o their_o testimony_n join_v near_a together_o write_v on_o esay_n say_v 3_o et_fw-la nos_fw-la habemus_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la senatum_fw-la nostrum_fw-la coetum_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la we_o have_v in_o the_o church_n our_o senate_n even_o the_o assembly_n or_o company_n of_o presbyter_n and_o again_o 1._o comm●ni_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la consilio_fw-la regebantur_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la the_o church_n be_v at_o first_o govern_v by_o the_o common_a advice_n of_o the_o presbyter_n th●●_n elder_n at_o first_o do_v govern_v the_o church_n by_o common_a advice_n i●_n no_o doubt_n at_o all_o with_o we_o this_o be_v it_o which_o be_v doubt_v and_o deny_v by_o we_o and_o shall_v never_o be_v prove_v by_o any_o that_o those_o elder_n be_v lay_v man_n which_o so_o govern_v the_o church_n what_o elder_n jerome_n mean_v be_v soon_o discern_v by_o his_o own_o word_n 1._o idem_fw-la est_fw-la ergo_fw-la presbyter_n qui_fw-la episcopus_fw-la a_o elder_a or_o presbyter_n than_o be_v the_o self_n same_o that_o a_o bishop_n be_v and_o before_o there_o be_v faction_n in_o religion_n by_o the_o devil_n instinct_n and_o the_o people_n begin_v to_o say_v i_o hold_v of_o paul_n i_o of_o apollo_n and_o i_o of_o cephas_n the_o church_n be_v govern_v with_o the_o common_a advice_n of_o presbyter_n but_o when_o every_o one_o think_v those_o who_o he_o baptize_v to_o be_v his_o own_o and_o not_o christ_n it_o be_v decree_v in_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o one_o of_o the_o presbyter_n choose_v shall_v be_v set_v above_o the_o rest_n to_o who_o the_o whole_a care_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v appertain_v jerom_n avouch_v that_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v at_o the_o first_o all_o one_o and_o say_v the_o church_n be_v guide_v by_o their_o common_a advice_n until_o the_o presbyter_n begin_v to_o challenge_v such_o as_o they_o have_v baptize_v for_o their_o own_o and_o not_o for_o christ_n he_o write_v then_o of_o such_o elder_n as_o do_v baptize_v and_o feed_v the_o flock_n and_o differ_v from_o pastor_n and_o bishop_n neither_o in_o dispense_n the_o word_n nor_o sacrament_n but_o only_o in_o want_v power_n to_o impose_v hand_n for_o so_o debate_v the_o very_a same_o matter_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o euagrius_n he_o say_v 329._o quid_fw-la en●m_fw-la facit_fw-la excepta_fw-la ordinatione_fw-la episcopus_fw-la quod_fw-la presbyter_n non_fw-la faciat_fw-la what_o do_v a_o bishop_n save_o order_v or_o impose_v hand_n which_o a_o presbyter_n may_v not_o do_v then_o presbyter_n with_o jerome_n do_v preach_v baptize_v &_o administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n as_o well_o as_o bishop_n and_o be_v indeed_o teacher_n and_o pastor_n by_o who_o counsel_n at_o the_o first_o the_o church_n be_v govern_v and_o of_o such_o jerome_n say_v 1._o bishop_n must_v know_v they_o be_v great_a than_o presbyter_n rather_o by_o custom_n then_o by_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o lord_n disposition_n and_o aught_o to_o govern_v the_o church_n in_o common_a let_v any_o man_n that_o have_v care_n of_o his_o conscience_n or_o credit_n read_v the_o place_n in_o hieromes_n epistle_n to_o euagrius_n and_o in_o his_o commentary_n upon_o the_o first_o to_o tite_n where_o he_o show_v what_o elder_n do_v and_o shall_v govern_v the_o church_n and_o if_o this_o that_o i_o say_v be_v not_o more_o then_o evident_a i_o will_v hazard_v i_o before_o god_n and_o man_n ambrose_n be_v a_o other_o that_o speak_v to_o the_o same_o effect_n 5._o among_o all_o nation_n age_n be_v honourable_a unde_fw-la &_o synagoga_fw-la &_o postea_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la seniores_fw-la habuit_fw-la quorum_fw-la sine_fw-la consilio_fw-la nihil_fw-la agebatur_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la wherefore_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n and_o after_o the_o church_n have_v seniors_n or_o elder_n without_o who_o counsel_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n the_o which_o by_o what_o negligence_n it_o be_v out_o of_o use_n i_o know_v not_o unless_o it_o be_v by_o the_o sloth_n or_o rather_o pride_n of_o the_o teacher_n while_o they_o alone_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v somewhat_o here_o likewise_o be_v mention_n of_o elder_n without_o who_o advice_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n but_o by_o ignatius_n and_o jerome_n we_o see_v before_o they_o be_v not_o lay_v man_n but_o clergy_n man_n by_o who_o counsel_n the_o church_n be_v govern_v have_v
discipline_n exercise_v against_o wicked_a and_o dissolute_a liver_n 5._o cùm_fw-la eye_n per_fw-la quos_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la regitur_fw-la adest_fw-la salua_fw-la pace_fw-la potestas_fw-la disciplinae_fw-la adversus_fw-la improbos_fw-la au●_n nefarios_fw-la exercendae_fw-la etc._n etc._n when_o they_o that_o rule_v the_o church_n may_v without_o breach_n of_o peace_n that_o be_v danger_n of_o schism_n exercise_v discipline_n upon_o lewd_a and_o wicked_a offender_n then_o be_v we_o to_o be_v stir_v up_o with_o the_o sharpness_n of_o those_o precept_n that_o lead_v to_o severity_n of_o repress_v evil_a that_o direct_v our_o step_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o neither_o slack_a under_o the_o name_n of_o patience_n nor_o rage_n under_o the_o show_n of_o diligence_n but_o saint_n austen_n in_o his_o hundred_o thirty_o and_o seven_o epistle_n write_v clero_fw-la senioribus_fw-la &_o universae_fw-la plebi_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la hipponens●●_n to_o the_o clergy_n elder_n and_o whole_a people_n of_o the_o church_n of_o hippo_n where_o the_o elder_n be_v reckon_v by_o themselves_o as_o no_o part_n of_o the_o clergy_n if_o name_v elder_n by_o themselves_o make_v they_o no_o part_n of_o the_o clergy_n by_o that_o consequent_a they_o be_v likewise_o no_o part_n of_o the_o people_n for_o they_o be_v reckon_v asimder_n from_o the_o people_n but_o these_o inference_n have_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n they_o must_v be_v either_o of_o the_o clergy_n or_o people_n and_o yet_o here_o they_o be_v name_v betwixt_o they_o the_o rule_n of_o civility_n be_v not_o always_o bind_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o logic_n they_o that_o have_v preeminence_n above_o other_o may_v be_v salute_v apart_o from_o other_o though_o the_o general_a salutation_n before_o or_o after_o by_o force_n of_o reason_n do_v include_v they_o wherefore_o if_o any_o man_n answer_n that_o austen_n name_v the_o whole_a clergy_n of_o his_o church_n in_o that_o epistle_n think_v to_o make_v a_o more_o special_a remembrance_n of_o the_o better_a sort_n of_o they_o by_o the_o title_n of_o elder_n it_o can_v not_o be_v refute_v the_o word_n do_v well_o endure_v it_o if_o any_o dislike_n that_o exposition_n let_v he_o take_v elder_n in_o god_n name_n for_o the_o better_a sort_n of_o the_o laity_n i_o mean_v for_o the_o ruler_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o people_n as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v write_v to_o the_o clergy_n alderman_n and_o commons_o of_o any_o good_a city_n for_o a_o alderman_n be_v the_o right_a english_a for_o senior_n in_o latin_a when_o it_o do_v not_o import_v a_o ecclesiastical_a function_n and_o it_o be_v not_o unlikely_a that_o austen_n then_o absent_a and_o write_v to_o the_o whole_a city_n divide_v the_o superior_a sort_n of_o the_o laity_n from_o the_o inferior_a by_o that_o stile_n howsoever_o you_o bestow_v the_o word_n it_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o that_o epistle_n those_o elder_n have_v no_o power_n in_o the_o church_n more_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o people_n yea_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o cause_n then_o in_o question_n about_o the_o accusation_n of_o bonifacius_n a_o priest_n for_o a_o foul_a crime_n object_v unto_o he_o by_o a_o other_o of_o the_o clergy_n do_v so_o little_o concern_v they_o that_o austen_n hear_v the_o matter_n himself_o alone_o and_o take_v order_n in_o it_o as_o he_o think_v good_a and_o keep_v it_o from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o all_o and_o in_o this_o epistle_n give_v a_o reason_n why_o he_o do_v not_o remove_v bonifacius_n from_o his_o degree_n at_o the_o first_o examine_v of_o the_o matter_n he_o say_v 137._o nomen_fw-la presbyteri_fw-la proptereà_fw-la non_fw-la sum_fw-la ausus_fw-la de_fw-la numero_fw-la collegarum_fw-la eius_fw-la vel_fw-la supprimere_fw-la vel_fw-la delere_fw-la ne_fw-la divinae_fw-la potestati_fw-la sub_fw-la cvius_fw-la examine_v causa_fw-la adhuc_fw-la pendet_fw-la facere_fw-la viderer_fw-la iniuriam_fw-la si_fw-la illius_fw-la iudicium_fw-la meo_fw-la vellem_fw-la iudicio_fw-la praevenire_fw-la the_o name_n of_o his_o priest_n i_o dare_v not_o suppress_v or_o strike_v out_o from_o the_o number_n of_o the_o colleague_n lest_o i_o shall_v seem_v to_o offer_v wrong_a to_o god_n judgement_n under_o who_o trial_n the_o matter_n yet_o depend_v if_o i_o shall_v prevent_v his_o judgement_n with_o my_o censure_n read_v the_o epistle_n if_o he_o attribute_v any_o more_o to_o those_o elder_n than_o he_o do_v to_o the_o low_a of_o the_o people_n and_o clergy_n if_o he_o do_v not_o take_v the_o whole_a cause_n into_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o set_v a_o order_n in_o it_o without_o their_o consent_n or_o privity_n i_o will_v agnise_v your_o lay_n elder_n happy_o you_o think_v saint_n austen_n do_v the_o lay_n elder_n wrong_v to_o keep_v this_o cause_n from_o they_o and_o to_o deal_v in_o it_o without_o they_o i_o can_v not_o let_v you_o from_o so_o think_v but_o all_o that_o be_v well_o advise_v will_v rather_o suppose_v lay_v elder_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o such_o case_n in_o saint_n austin_n time_n and_o that_o the_o good_a bishop_n do_v not_o close_o up_o such_o horrible_a offence_n by_o wrongful_a withhold_v the_o cause_n from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o elder_n to_o who_o by_o order_n of_o the_o church_n it_o then_o appertain_v but_o he_o keep_v it_o from_o they_o and_o the_o rest_n with_o good_a conscience_n use_v his_o own_o right_n epist_n ne_fw-la atrociter_fw-la &_o inaniter_fw-la contristando_fw-la turbaret_fw-la as_o himself_o say_v lest_o he_o shall_v trouble_v their_o mind_n with_o a_o grievous_a sorrow_n to_o no_o purpose_n gregory_n authority_n be_v quote_v out_o of_o the_o quid_fw-la canon_n law_n for_o name_n of_o lay_v elder_n which_o sure_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o six_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n the_o power_n of_o lay_v elder_n shall_v remain_v in_o the_o church_n and_o their_o name_n all_o this_o while_n not_o hear_v of_o but_o i_o think_v we_o shall_v find_v no_o more_o here_o than_o we_o do_v before_o 49._o if_o say_v gregory_n any_o thing_n come_v to_o thy_o ear_n of_o any_o clerk_n whosoever_o which_o may_v just_o offend_v thou_o believe_v it_o not_o easy_o sed_fw-la praesentibus_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la tuus_fw-la senioribus_fw-la but_o in_o the_o prefence_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o thy_o church_n search_v out_o the_o truth_n diligent_o and_o if_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o matter_n shall_v so_o require_v let_v the_o offendor_n be_v punish_v according_a to_o the_o rigour_n of_o the_o canon_n elder_n of_o the_o church_n i_o hear_v lay_v elder_n i_o hear_v not_o and_o by_o the_o law_n imperial_a long_a before_o this_o establish_a even_o in_o ambrose_n time_n a_o clergy_n man_n cause_n can_v not_o be_v examine_v and_o determine_v but_o by_o man_n of_o the_o same_o right_a and_o the_o same_o call_n and_o of_o all_o other_o gregory_n be_v the_o unfit_a man_n to_o prove_v that_o lay_v elder_n shall_v have_v the_o hear_n and_o decide_v of_o clergy_n man_n cause_n who_o can_v not_o endure_v that_o any_o thing_n whatsoever_o pertain_v to_o the_o clergy_n shall_v be_v commit_v to_o the_o hand_n of_o lay_v man_n 66._o cavendum_fw-la est_fw-la à_fw-la fratern●●ate_fw-la vestra_fw-la ne_fw-la secularibus_fw-la viris_fw-la at_o que_fw-la non_fw-la sub_fw-la regula_fw-la nostra_fw-la degentibus_fw-la res_fw-la ecclesiasticae_fw-la committantur_fw-la your_o brotherhood_n must_v beware_v that_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n be_v not_o commit_v to_o secular_a man_n and_o such_o as_o live_v not_o under_o our_o profession_n the_o punishment_n which_o by_o the_o very_a word_n must_v be_v canonical_a or_o according_a to_o the_o canon_n show_v that_o these_o elder_n be_v the_o discreet_a and_o wise_a of_o his_o clergy_n for_o what_o have_v lay_v man_n to_o do_v either_o with_o the_o knowledge_n or_o execution_n of_o the_o canon_n what_o reason_n to_o charge_v they_o with_o the_o canon_n to_o who_o the_o canon_n be_v not_o write_v he_o mean_v therefore_o the_o elder_n of_o his_o church_n that_o be_v such_o clergy_n man_n as_o be_v of_o best_a account_n and_o great_a experience_n in_o his_o church_n and_o so_o the_o council_n of_o turon_n decree_v 7._o quem_fw-la negligentia_fw-la eijcit_fw-la cum_fw-la omnium_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la consilio_fw-la re●utetur_fw-la who_o negligence_n make_v unworthy_a of_o his_o place_n let_v he_o be_v remoove_v by_o the_o advice_n of_o all_o the_o presbyter_n and_o gregory_n himself_o say_v 110._o lest_o there_o be_v any_o dissension_n among_o brethren_n lest_o any_o discord_n be_v nourish_v inter_fw-la praepositos_fw-la &_o subiectos_fw-la between_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n and_o those_o that_o be_v under_o they_o in_o unum_fw-la convenir●_n sacerdotes_fw-la necesse_fw-la est_fw-la it_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o priest_n to_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n together_o that_o they_o may_v discuss_v such_o cause_n as_o happen_v and_o wholesome_o confer_v about_o ecclesiastic_a all_o rule_n so_o as_o thing_n past_a may_v be_v amend_v and_o a_o order_n set_v for_o thing_n to_o
come_v of_o lay_v man_n the_o council_n of_o hispalis_n say_v 9_o indecorum_n est_fw-la laicum_fw-la vicarium_fw-la esse_fw-la episcopi_fw-la &_o seculares_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la iudicare_fw-la vnd●_n oportet_fw-la nos_fw-la &_o divinis_fw-la libris_fw-la &_o sanctorum_fw-la patr●m_fw-la obedire_fw-la praecep●is_fw-la constituentes_fw-la ut_fw-la hij_fw-la qui_fw-la in_o administrationibus_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la pontificibus_fw-la sociantur_fw-la discrepare_fw-la non_fw-la debe_fw-la ant_n nec_fw-la professione_n nec_fw-la habitu_fw-la it_o be_v a_o unseemly_a thing_n for_o a_o lie_v man_n to_o be_v vice_n gerent_fw-la to_o a_o bishop_n and_o for_o secular_a man_n to_o judge_v in_o the_o church_n wherefore_o we_o must_v obey_v the_o book_n of_o god_n and_o the_o precept_n of_o our_o father_n be_v holy_a man_n decree_a that_o they_o which_o be_v join_v with_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o differ_v from_o they_o neither_o in_o profession_n nor_o habit_n iflaie_v elder_n have_v be_v currant_n in_o gregory_n time_n and_o assist_v the_o bishop_n in_o clergy_n man_n cause_n as_o his_o coassessor_n the_o council_n of_o hispalis_n not_o long_o after_o he_o do_v open_a wrong_n to_o the_o truth_n in_o say_v it_o be_v against_o the_o book_n of_o god_n and_o rule_n of_o their_o forefather_n that_o lie_v man_n shall_v be_v join_v with_o bishop_n in_o any_o cause_n or_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n but_o for_o any_o thing_n we_o yet_o see_v they_o speak_v the_o truth_n and_o no_o more_o than_o be_v long_o before_o confirm_v as_o well_o by_o the_o decree_n of_o council_n as_o public_a law_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n 21._o si_fw-mi ecclesiastica_fw-la causa_fw-la est_fw-la nullam_fw-la communionem_fw-la habeant_fw-la judices_fw-la ●iu●les_fw-la circa_fw-la talem_fw-la examinationem_fw-la sed_fw-la sanctissimus_fw-la episcopus_fw-la secundum_fw-la sacr_n as_o regulas_fw-la causae_fw-la finem_fw-la imponat_fw-la if_o it_o be_v a_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n say_v justinian_n the_o emperor_n let_v not_o the_o civil_a or_o temporal_a judge_n any_o way_n intermeddle_v with_o the_o examination_n thereof_o but_o according_a to_o the_o sacred_a rule_n let_v the_o most_o holy_a bishop_n determine_v the_o matter_n now_o who_o be_v to_o be_v present_a with_o the_o bishop_n when_o he_o sit_v in_o judgement_n and_o assist_v he_o the_o four_o council_n of_o carthage_n declare_v in_o these_o word_n 23._o episcopus_fw-la nullius_fw-la causam_fw-la audiat_fw-la absque_fw-la praesentia_fw-la clericorum_fw-la suorum_fw-la alioquin_fw-la irrita_fw-la erit_fw-la sententia_fw-la episcop●_n nisi_fw-la clericorum_fw-la praesentia_fw-la confirmetur_fw-la let_v the_o bishop_n determine_v no_o man_n cause_n without_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o clergy_n otherwise_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o bishop_n shall_v be_v void_a that_o be_v not_o confirm_v with_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o clergy_n with_o the_o bishop_n sit_v not_o lay_v elder_n in_o judgement_n but_o his_o own_o clergy_n and_o those_o not_o all_o but_o the_o grave_a and_o elder_a sort_n of_o they_o the_o deacon_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o clergy_n beneath_o their_o degree_n may_v not_o sit_v with_o the_o priest_n much_o less_o with_o the_o bishop_n the_o council_n of_o nice_a say_v 18._o sed_fw-la nec_fw-la sedere_fw-la diaconis_fw-la licet_fw-la in_o medio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la the_o deacon_n may_v not_o sit_v in_o the_o company_n or_o assembly_n of_o priest_n so_o that_o only_a clergy_n man_n and_o priest_n sit_v with_o the_o bishop_n in_o church_n and_o consistory_n and_o their_o presence_n and_o advice_n be_v require_v as_o we_o see_v by_o the_o council_n of_o carthage_n before_o the_o bishop_n may_v give_v judgement_n against_o any_o man_n this_o course_n gregory_n will_v the_o bishop_n of_o panormus_n in_o sicily_n to_o observe_v as_o near_o to_o the_o canon_n and_o free_a from_o all_o challenge_n when_o he_o convent_v any_o clergy_n man_n not_o rash_o to_o pronounce_v but_o advise_o to_o deliberate_v with_o the_o wise_a and_o elder_a of_o his_o clergy_n and_o then_o to_o proceed_v according_o for_o priest_n and_o deacon_n the_o case_n be_v clear_a the_o bishop_n alone_o may_v not_o deprive_v they_o the_o council_n of_o hispalis_n say_v 6._o episcopus_fw-la sacerdotibus_fw-la ac_fw-la ministry_n solus_fw-la honorem_fw-la dare_v potest_fw-la solus_fw-la auferre_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la the_o bishop_n alone_o may_v give_v priest_n and_o deacon_n their_o honour_n but_o he_o can_v not_o take_v it_o from_o they_o alone_o they_o may_v not_o be_v condemn_v by_o one_o neither_o may_v they_o loose_v the_o privilege_n of_o their_o honour_n by_o the_o judgement_n of_o one_o but_o be_v present_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o synod_n let_v they_o be_v rule_v and_o order_v as_o the_o canon_n prescribe_v over_o the_o rest_n the_o bishop_n alone_o may_v sit_v judge_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o other_o bishop_n but_o not_o without_o the_o elder_n of_o his_o own_o church_n and_o clergy_n for_o so_o the_o council_n of_o carthage_n decree_v and_o gregory_n advise_v 20._o if_o any_o priest_n or_o deacon_n be_v accuse_v let_v the_o bishop_n of_o the_o party_n accuse_v discuss_v their_o cause_n take_v to_o he_o a_o lawful_a number_n six_o in_o a_o priest_n three_o in_o a_o deacon_n of_o the_o bishop_n adjoin_v such_o as_o the_o defendant_n shall_v require_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o clergy_n the_o bishop_n of_o the_o place_n alone_o shall_v hear_v and_o determine_v lay_v elder_n i_o trust_v be_v exclude_v by_o this_o canon_n from_o decide_v or_o debate_v the_o cause_n of_o any_o priest_n deacon_n or_o other_o clergy_n man_n and_o so_o be_v they_o by_o all_o the_o canon_n that_o be_v ever_o make_v in_o any_o council_n provincial_a or_o general_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n last_o the_o canon_n law_n itself_o be_v produce_v for_o the_o name_n of_o lay_v elder_n i_o may_v take_v just_a exception_n against_o the_o compiler_n of_o those_o decree_n his_o corruption_n and_o oversight_n do_v pass_v the_o number_n of_o his_o leaf_n hieromes_n name_n be_v twice_o abuse_v by_o he_o and_o twice_o allege_v by_o you_o without_o any_o regard_n whether_o those_o authority_n be_v find_v in_o his_o work_n or_o make_v to_o your_o purpose_n the_o first_o be_v 16._o quaest_n 1._o §_o ecclesia_fw-la which_o place_n be_v not_o where_o find_v in_o hierome_n though_o his_o book_n ad_fw-la rusticum_n be_v extant_a prescribe_v the_o manner_n how_o a_o monk_n shall_v order_v his_o life_n some_o of_o the_o word_n be_v patch_v out_o of_o his_o commentary_n upon_o esaie_n and_o the_o rest_n touch_v monk_n add_v which_o be_v not_o at_o all_o in_o hierome_n the_o second_o place_n distinct_a 95._o ecce_fw-la ego_fw-la be_v a_o lusty_a tale_n not_o of_o hierom_n but_o of_o some_o other_o in_o his_o name_n beginning_n with_o a_o forge_a inscription_n and_o end_v with_o a_o presumptuous_a untruth_n and_o freight_v in_o the_o middle_n with_o unsavourie_a rail_n hierome_n write_v in_o deed_n to_o rusticus_n a_o french_a man_n but_o as_o yet_o no_o clergy_n man_n that_o ever_o he_o write_v unto_o he_o after_o he_o be_v bishop_n of_o narbon_n neither_o do_v we_o read_v it_o in_o any_o of_o his_o work_n neither_o be_v it_o likely_a for_o so_o much_o as_o leo_n bishop_n of_o rome_n more_o than_o thirty_o year_n after_o hieromes_n death_n write_v 94._o ad_fw-la rusticum_n narbonensem_fw-la episcopum_fw-la to_o rusticus_n bishop_n of_o narbon_n and_o touch_v the_o matter_n of_o which_o this_o counterfeit_a hierome_n talk_v 86._o leo_n write_v unto_o the_o bishop_n of_o france_n and_o germany_n convict_v this_o prater_n of_o manifest_a falsehood_n for_o where_o this_o forge_a hierome_n say_v it_o be_v use_v in_o rome_n in_o africa_n in_o the_o east_n in_o spain_n france_n and_o britain_n and_o call_v they_o proud_a envious_a and_o most_o injurious_a prelate_n that_o otherwise_o do_v leo_n with_o a_o council_n of_o bishop_n affirm_v it_o be_v not_o use_v but_o where_o man_n be_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a rule_n and_o expresselie_o forbid_v it_o by_o a_o synodall_n consent_n as_o contrary_a to_o the_o canon_n whosoever_o be_v the_o author_n of_o that_o sturdy_a epistle_n he_o turn_v your_o lie_v elder_n clean_o out_o of_o door_n for_o as_o he_o affirm_v that_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n be_v dic●_n at_o first_o judge_n of_o the_o church_n affair_n and_o present_a at_o the_o bishop_n council_n so_o he_o say_v the_o same_o elder_n must_v ibidem_fw-la preach_v in_o the_o church_n bless_v and_o exhort_v the_o people_n consecrate_v christ_n at_o the_o altar_n restore_v the_o communion_n visit_v the_o sick_a at_o que_fw-la omne_fw-la dei_fw-la sacramenta_fw-la complere_fw-la and_o finish_v all_o the_o sacrament_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n that_o here_o be_v no_o room_n for_o lay_v elder_n the_o word_n be_v so_o plain_a that_o if_o you_o but_o read_v they_o i_o think_v you_o will_v quick_o resign_v all_o
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 have_v the_o same_o allowance_n with_o the_o presbyter_n &_o to_o sit_v with_o we_o when_o they_o come_v to_o ripe_a &_o perfect_a year_n of_o numidicus_n we_o speak_v 176._o before_o why_o he_o be_v take_v by_o cyprian_a into_o the_o number_n of_o the_o presbyter_n of_o carthage_n and_o that_o without_o the_o consent_n or_o knowledge_n of_o the_o people_n or_o clergy_n i_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v clear_a by_o these_o example_n which_o be_v your_o own_o that_o as_o cyprian_a for_o his_o discharge_n do_v take_v the_o like_n and_o advice_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o people_n for_o the_o better_a examine_v of_o their_o life_n and_o behaviour_n that_o be_v to_o serve_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n so_o when_o he_o find_v such_o as_o in_o his_o conscience_n he_o know_v to_o be_v fit_a and_o worthy_a he_o and_o other_o bishop_n his_o colleague_n impose_v hand_n on_o they_o without_o expect_v the_o assent_n or_o agreement_n of_o the_o people_n or_o presbyter_n of_o carthage_n where_o he_o be_v bishop_n these_o be_v the_o father_n which_o yourselves_o pick_v out_o to_o muster_v before_o her_o majesty_n presence_n as_o pregnant_a witness_n for_o the_o lay_v presbytery_n and_o these_o if_o you_o suffer_v they_o to_o tell_v on_o their_o tale_n most_o clearelie_o refute_v your_o lay_v elder_n other_o place_n i_o know_v be_v allege_v or_o rather_o abuse_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n but_o the_o mistake_n of_o they_o be_v so_o palpable_a that_o child_n will_v not_o be_v deceive_v with_o they_o for_o what_o if_o the_o word_n presbyter_n in_o greek_a signify_v a_o age_a man_n as_o well_o as_o a_o priest_n have_v it_o any_o sound_n or_o show_v of_o reason_n where_o the_o council_n and_o father_n use_v the_o word_n presbyteri_fw-la you_o shall_v straight_o enforce_v they_o be_v lay_v elder_n to_o innovate_v the_o discipline_n receive_v and_o establish_v ever_o since_o the_o apostle_n time_n you_o shall_v have_v better_a ground_n than_o these_o you_o will_v otherwise_o hardly_o discharge_v your_o credit_n before_o man_n howsoever_o you_o will_v your_o conscience_n before_o god_n for_o my_o part_n though_o i_o compare_v not_o with_o their_o gift_n which_o first_o begin_v and_o now_o maintain_v this_o devise_n yet_o by_o peruse_v their_o proof_n i_o find_v that_o the_o prejudice_n of_o their_o own_o opinion_n rather_o incline_v they_o to_o this_o conceit_n than_o the_o weight_n either_o of_o scripture_n or_o father_n for_o be_v they_o not_o over_o willing_a to_o embrace_v this_o fancy_n where_o there_o be_v one_o place_n for_o they_o to_o stumble_v at_o the_o ambiguity_n of_o the_o word_n there_o be_v a_o hundred_o fair_a and_o plain_a testimony_n to_o recall_v they_o and_o direct_v they_o to_o the_o ancient_a and_o true_a discipline_n of_o christ_n church_n so_o that_o in_o this_o question_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o lay_v elder_n to_o govern_v the_o primitive_a church_n no_o diligent_a or_o indifferent_a examiner_n of_o the_o father_n can_v long_o err_v the_o case_n be_v so_o clear_a that_o unless_o we_o affect_v rather_o our_o will_n then_o the_o truth_n we_o can_v be_v lead_v away_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o that_o be_v say_v touch_v lay_v elder_n rest_v in_o three_o point_n which_o i_o wish_v the_o learned_a advisedlie_o to_o consisider_v and_o the_o rest_n careful_o to_o remember_v first_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v either_o by_o scripture_n or_o father_n that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n or_o after_o any_o lie_v elder_n be_v part_n of_o the_o presbytery_n or_o that_o any_o such_o be_v authorize_v or_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v governor_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n secondlie_o if_o there_o be_v such_o censor_n of_o manner_n appoint_v by_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o remove_v the_o unrulie_a and_o banish_v they_o from_o the_o fellowship_n and_o company_n of_o the_o faithful_a lest_o their_o offensive_a behaviour_n shall_v be_v a_o shame_n and_o slander_v to_o the_o gospel_n yet_o no_o text_n nor_o title_n can_v be_v show_v in_o scripture_n council_n or_o father_n that_o they_o govern_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n imposition_n of_o hand_n or_o any_o other_o ecclesiastical_a duty_n which_o concern_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n in_o those_o thing_n they_o be_v to_o obey_v and_o not_o to_o rule_v their_o pastor_n thirdlie_o though_o the_o oversight_n and_o restraint_n of_o evil_n dispose_v and_o disorder_a pastor_n be_v then_o commit_v to_o such_o elder_n for_o want_v of_o believe_v magistrate_n to_o take_v care_n thereof_o yet_o since_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o government_n of_o such_o cause_n as_o well_o as_o of_o civil_a affair_n belong_v to_o christian_a prince_n and_o they_o have_v straight_a charge_n high_a power_n and_o better_a mean_n to_o repress_v such_o disorder_n and_o refourme_v such_o abuse_n in_o pastor_n and_o other_o whatsoever_o pretence_n may_v be_v make_v for_o lay_v elder_n and_o governor_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n they_o must_v utterlie_o cease_v and_o give_v place_n where_o the_o magistrate_n receive_v the_o faith_n and_o uphold_v the_o church_n his_o power_n not_o only_o include_v but_o exclude_v they_o since_o they_o be_v governor_n by_o consent_n of_o private_a man_n and_o the_o magistrate_n have_v his_o power_n and_o sword_n deliver_v he_o immediate_o from_o god_n to_o which_o all_o man_n pastor_n lay_v elder_n and_o whosoever_o must_v be_v subject_a not_o only_o for_o fear_n of_o vengeance_n but_o for_o regard_n of_o god_n ordinance_n as_o for_o the_o jewish_a synedrion_fw-mi to_o which_o some_o man_n fly_v for_o help_v it_o can_v be_v as_o i_o have_v touch_v before_o either_o rule_n or_o refuge_n for_o the_o lay_v presbytery_n god_n erect_v that_o as_o the_o plot-form_n of_o the_o jew_n common_a wealth_n and_o make_v their_o elder_n civil_a magistrate_n to_o execute_v the_o judicial_a part_n of_o moses_n law_n as_o well_o without_o as_o under_o the_o king_n and_o therefore_o as_o they_o may_v not_o alter_v it_o so_o we_o must_v not_o urge_v it_o in_o christian_a kingdom_n it_o contradict_v the_o truth_n and_o freedom_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o tie_v all_o christian_a common_a wealth_n to_o the_o pattern_n of_o moses_n policy_n yea_o that_o position_n if_o it_o be_v stiff_o stand_v too_o maym_v all_o monarchy_n and_o reduce_v they_o to_o popular_a or_o at_o least_o to_o synedricall_a regiment_n the_o consequent_n whereof_o be_v so_o desperate_a and_o dangerous_a to_o all_o christendom_n that_o i_o trust_v of_o yourselves_o you_o will_v forbear_v and_o if_o need_v be_v disclaim_v that_o assertion_n it_o be_v agree_v on_o both_o side_n there_o be_v a_o presbytery_n in_o every_o church_n but_o those_o you_o say_v be_v clergy_n man_n not_o in_o every_o church_n but_o in_o every_o city_n there_o be_v presbyter_n assist_v and_o aid_v the_o bishop_n and_o those_o be_v clergy_n man_n the_o church_n in_o village_n and_o country_n town_n have_v neither_o bishop_n nor_o presbytery_n but_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o bishop_n of_o that_o city_n within_o who_o precinct_n the_o village_n be_v and_o have_v a_o presbyter_n or_o priest_n ordain_v by_o the_o bishop_n or_o send_v from_o the_o bishop_n to_o teach_v they_o and_o yield_v they_o divine_a service_n and_o sacrament_n and_o where_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o city_n be_v content_a to_o ease_v their_o own_o travel_n and_o supply_v their_o absence_n or_o sickness_n that_o in_o certain_a country_n town_n bishop_n shall_v be_v appoint_v who_o they_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d these_o country_n bishop_n be_v so_o restrain_v by_o the_o 10._o canon_n that_o without_o special_a leave_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o city_n to_o which_o they_o be_v subject_a they_o may_v execute_v no_o part_n of_o episcopal_a power_n and_o pre-eminence_n and_o in_o short_a space_n after_o be_v abolish_v for_o 86._o presumption_n and_o intrusion_n upon_o
their_o vocation_n and_o conversation_n you_o have_v not_o for_o all_o this_o so_o much_o as_o one_o circumstance_n to_o prove_v there_o be_v lay_v elder_n among_o they_o nor_o a_o sentence_n or_o syllable_n of_o any_o ancient_a writer_n to_o justify_v your_o assertion_n if_o we_o mistake_v the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n presbyter_n many_o learned-man_n have_v mistake_v it_o before_o us._n there_o be_v no_o man_n less_o willing_a than_o i_o be_o to_o decrease_v the_o fame_n or_o discredit_v the_o judgement_n of_o any_o late_a writer_n that_o have_v otherwise_o well_o deserve_v of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o a_o evident_a truth_n i_o must_v prefetre_n before_o the_o opinion_n and_o commendation_n of_o man_n be_v they_o never_o so_o learned_a if_o they_o be_v otherwise_o mind_n and_o in_o this_o case_n the_o truth_n be_v so_o ●leere_a that_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v not_o their_o learning_n but_o their_o affection_n carry_v the_o to_o the_o contrary_a part_n for_o who_o that_o have_v but_o open_v the_o father_n do_v not_o find_v that_o presbyter_n be_v clergy_n man_n not_o lay_v man_n and_o in_o the_o middle_n between_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o deacon_n underneath_o the_o one_o and_o above_o the_o other●_n and_o that_o the_o very_a word_n presbyter_n without_o any_o other_o addition_n among_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n do_v distinguish_v a_o clergy_n man_n from_o a_o lay_v man_n ignatius_n which_o you_o somuch_o esteem_v because_o he_o name_v the_o presbytery_n so_o often_o do_v he_o noti_fw-la divide_v the_o church_n into_o magni●ies_fw-la lay_v man_n deacon_n presbyter_n and_o bishop_n this_o partition_n stand_v good_a lay_v man_n be_v neither_o deacon_n nor_o presbyter_n 〈◊〉_d the_o part_n must_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o rest_n much_o less_o may_v presbyter_n be_v lay_v man_n to_o who_o as_o well_o the_o deacon_n as_o all_o the_o laity_n must_v be_v subject_a tertullian_n object_v to_o the_o heretic_n that_o their_o order_n and_o government_n be_v rash_a light_a and_o unconstant_a for_o proof_n thereof_o say_v haretice_n hodie_fw-la presbyter_n quicras_fw-la laicus_fw-la among_o you_o to_o day_n a_o presbyter_n to_o morrow_n a_o lay_v man_n if_o one_o man_n may_v be_v both_o as_o you_o make_v your_o lay_a presbyter_n to_o be_v that_o can_v not_o be_v absurd_a and_o strange_a in_o heretic_n which_o be_v perpetual_a as_o you_o think_v and_o general_a in_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n he_o also_o make_v the_o same_o partition_n of_o the_o church_n that_o ignatius_n do_v into_o lay_v man_n deacon_n presbyter_n and_o bishop_n and_o express_v the_o same_o part_n in_o two_o word_n he_o call_v they_o baptism_n grex_n &_o deuce_n ecclesia_fw-la &_o clerus_fw-la the_o flock_n and_o the_o leader_n the_o church_n or_o assembly_n and_o the_o clergy_n and_o elsewhere_o castitat●●n_n ordo_fw-la &_o plebs_fw-la the_o order_n and_o the_o people_n and_o monogamia_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la ordo_fw-la &_o laici_fw-la the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o laity_n and_o show_v that_o presbyter_n be_v no_o lay_v man_n but_o choose_v and_o take_v out_o of_o lay_v man_n and_o so_o make_v clergy_n man_n he_o say_v castitatem_fw-la nisi_fw-la laici_fw-la ea_fw-la obseruent_fw-la per_fw-la quae_fw-la presbyteri_fw-la allegantur_fw-la quomodo_fw-la erunt_fw-la presbyteri_fw-la qui_fw-la de_fw-la laicis_fw-la alleguntur_fw-la unless_o lay_v man_n observe_v those_o thing_n which_o must_v be_v respect_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o presbyter_n how_o shall_v any_o presbyter_n be_v choose_v out_o of_o lay_v man_n presbyter_n be_v of_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n lay_v man_n be_v not_o yea_o presbyter_n be_v oppose_v to_o lay_v man_n in_o the_o division_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o number_n of_o lay_v man_n before_o they_o can_v come_v within_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v presbyter_n your_o lie_v presbyter_n then_o make_v a_o plain_a contradiction_n to_o the_o father_n word_n and_o a_o confusion_n of_o the_o part_n which_o they_o distinguish_v the_o father_n in_o those_o place_n by_o presbyter_n mean_v priest_n in_o deed_n they_o can_v not_o mean_v your_o lie_v presbyter_n who_o they_o never_o know_v but_o have_v there_o be_v lay_v presbyter_n in_o their_o time_n as_o you_o imagine_v there_o be_v how_o ●r●uolous_a confuse_a and_o repugnant_a to_o themselves_o be_v not_o only_o these_o partition_n and_o conclusion_n of_o they_o but_o even_o the_o rule_n and_o canon_n of_o all_o the_o council_n for_o what_o word_n do_v any_o council_n or_o father_n use_v for_o a_o priest_n but_o presbyter_n nay_o what_o one_o word_n can_v they_o have_v to_o distinguish_v those_o that_o have_v charge_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n from_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n but_o only_o by_o call_v they_o presbyteros_fw-la wherefore_o all_o council_n provincial_a and_o general_a do_v by_o that_o name_n without_o any_o other_o adjection_n sever_v they_o from_o bishop_n and_o deacons_n and_o wheresoever_o we_o find_v presbyteros_fw-la in_o any_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n we_o present_o know_v they_o be_v neither_o lay_v man_n nor_o deacons_n for_o proof_n hereof_o take_v what_o council_n or_o father_n you_o listen_v that_o make_v mention_n of_o they_o and_o see_v whether_o you_o shall_v not_o confound_v all_o their_o writing_n if_o you_o observe_v not_o this_o rule_n the_o council_n of_o nice_a decree_a that_o none_o shall_v immediate_o upon_o their_o baptism_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o to_o the_o presbytery_n give_v this_o reason_n the_o apostle_n precept_n be_v evident_a that_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d new_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n or_o new_o insert_v into_o the_o church_n for_o there_o be_v need_n of_o time_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v catechise_v and_o after_o baptism_n another_o time_n of_o long_a trial_n in_o which_o time_n if_o any_o fault_n be_v prove_v against_o the_o man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d let_v he_o be_v keep_v from_o the_o clergy_n by_o these_o word_n he_o which_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o presbytery_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o clergy_n and_o he_o that_o be_v keep_v from_o the_o clergy_n be_v likewise_o keep_v from_o the_o presbytery_n then_o have_v lay_v man_n no_o place_n in_o the_o presbytery_n again_o speak_v of_o such_o as_o be_v bishop_n among_o the_o novatians_n and_o content_a to_o return_v to_o the_o catholic_a church_n the_o same_o council_n say_v let_v the_o bishop_n 8._o provide_v such_o a_o one_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o place_n of_o a_o presbyter_n that_o he_o may_v seem_v still_o to_o remain_v in_o the_o clergy_n the_o nicene_n council_n make_v account_v if_o he_o be_v a_o presbyter_n he_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o clergy_n man_n they_o never_o hear_v of_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v lay_v man_n the_o council_n of_o antioch_n 1._o if_o any_o dissolve_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o great_a nicene_n council_n for_o the_o feast_n of_o easter_n let_v they_o be_v excommunicate_v thus_o we_o decree_v touch_v lay_v man_n but_o if_o any_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n either_o bishop_n presbyter_n or_o deacon_n where_o a_o deacon_n be_v express_o contain_v in_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d use_v by_o paul_n celebrate_v easter_n with_o the_o jew_n he_o be_v deprive_v of_o his_o office_n and_o banish_v from_o the_o church_n lay_v man_n have_v neither_o the_o same_o preferment_n nor_o punishment_n that_o presbyter_n have_v for_o presbyter_n be_v ruler_n of_o the_o church_n lay_v man_n be_v not_o presbyter_n be_v deprive_v of_o their_o ministry_n and_o remoove_v from_o the_o church_n lay_v man_n be_v only_o excommunicate_v presbyter_n than_o be_v not_o lay_v person_n sometime_o one_o penalty_n serve_v for_o both_o lay_v man_n and_o presbyter_n and_o yet_o then_o be_v they_o sever_v by_o two_o diverse_a name_n 6._o if_o any_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o his_o bishop_n let_v not_o other_o receive_v he_o till_o he_o be_v reconcile_v to_o his_o own_o bishop_n or_o make_v his_o answer_n at_o a_o synod_n this_o definition_n to_o be_v in_o force_n for_o lay_v man_n presbyter_n deacon_n and_o all_o other_o under_o the_o canon_n the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n 24._o the_o sacred_a or_o priestly_a man_n from_o the_o presbyter_n to_o the_o deacon_n and_o so_o along_o the_o ecclesiastical_a order_n must_v not_o enter_v into_o tipple_a house_n then_o presbyter_n be_v sacred_a and_o within_o ecclesiastical_a order_n and_o before_o any_o such_o may_v be_v lie_v man_n you_o must_v have_v a_o new_a metamorphosis_n for_o they_o the_o council_n of_o africa_n 27._o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n deprehend_v in_o any_o grievous_a crime_n which_o necessary_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o function_n shall_v never_o have_v hand_n impose_v on_o they_o as_o poenitent_o or_o lay_v person_n
aut_fw-la si_fw-la ex_fw-la diacono_fw-la ordinatur_fw-la presbyter_n noverit_fw-la se_fw-la lucris_fw-la minorem_fw-la sacerdotio_fw-la esse_fw-la maiorem_fw-la either_o let_v a_o deacon_n be_v make_v of_o a_o presbyter_n say_v jerome_n that_o he_o may_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v lesser_a than_o a_o deacon_n to_o who_o place_n he_o rise_v as_o from_o the_o low_a degree_n or_o if_o a_o presbyter_n be_v make_v of_o a_o deacon_n then_o be_v he_o inferior_a to_o the_o deacon_n in_o gain_n but_o in_o priesthood_n superior_a clericorum_fw-la quod_fw-la aaron_n &_o filios_fw-la eius_fw-la hoc_fw-la episcopum_fw-la &_o presbyteros_fw-la esse_fw-la noverimus_fw-la what_o aaron_n and_o his_o son_n be_v that_o we_o must_v remember_v the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v there_o be_v but_o one_o lord_n one_o temple_n one_o ministry_n and_o answer_v this_o objection_n of_o jovinian_a that_o jovinianum_fw-la bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n be_v appoint_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v the_o husband_n of_o one_o wife_n and_o to_o have_v child_n he_o say_v in_o appoint_v the_o ecclesiastical_a order_n because_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v yet_o raw_a the_o apostle_n give_v light_a precept_n to_o those_o that_o be_v late_o convert_v lest_o be_v terrify_v at_o the_o first_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o endure_v it_o and_o expound_v the_o same_o word_n of_o paul_n to_o tite_n he_o say_v 1._o the_o apostle_n command_v this_o to_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o husband_n of_o one_o wife_n no_o doubt_n release_v it_o unto_o other_o all_o lay_v man_n may_v take_v a_o second_o wife_n but_o no_o presbyter_n by_o jeroms_n construction_n there_o be_v therefore_o no_o lay_v man_n that_o be_v presbyter_n in_o his_o time_n when_o 6._o of_o the_o bishop_n come_v from_o tyrus_n to_o examine_v matter_n against_o athanas._n the_o presbyter_n of_o alexandria_n perceive_v their_o malice_n protest_v against_o their_o proceed_n &_o write_v their_o letter_n unto_o they_o subscribe_v with_o their_o name_n in_o this_o wise_a 2._o i_o dionysius_n presbyter_n send_v these_o letter_n &_o i_o alexander_n presbyter_n and_o so_o with_o 18._o more_o name_n 14._o of_o they_o have_v the_o title_n of_o presbyter_n &_o 4._o of_o deacon_n whereupon_o athanas._n say_v ibidem_fw-la literae_fw-la &_o nomina_fw-la clericorum_fw-la ci●itatis_fw-la haec_fw-la sunt_fw-la the_o letter_n &_o name_n of_o the_o clergy_n man_n of_o the_o city_n be_v these_o the_o clergy_n of_o mariot_n write_v in_o this_o manner_n to_o he_o holy_a synod_n of_o bishop_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n all_o the_o presbyter_n &_o deacon_n of_o mariot_n send_v greeting_n then_o all_o the_o presbyter_n of_o mariot_n be_v clergy_n man_n by_o athanas._n own_o word_n as_o also_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o city_n the_o comment_n upon_o mat._n join_v with_o chrysostoms_n in_o applying_z y_z e_z parable_n of_o y_fw-es ●_o talent_n affirm_v that_o presbyter_n have_v 5._o talent_n deacon_n 2_o the_o people_n 1._o the_o 5._o talent_n of_o the_o presbyter_n he_o reckon_v thus_o matth._n bene_fw-la vivendo_fw-la solicitè_fw-fr praesidendo_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la verbum_fw-la veritatis_fw-la syncerè_fw-la praedicando_fw-la baptizando_fw-la offerendo_fw-la good_a life_n careful_a oversee_n the_o church_n sincere_a preach_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n baptise_v according_a to_o christ_n rule_n &_o offer_v a_o undefiled_a sacrifice_n &_o pray_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n but_o if_o a_o presbyter_n or_o deacon_n be_v find_v a_o sinner_n he_o be_v account_v as_o a_o lay_v man_n that_o have_v but_o one_o talon_n good_a life_n be_v that_o talon_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o man_n be_v they_o lay_v or_o clergy_n but_o presbyter_n have_v 4._o other_o talent_n proper_a to_o their_o call_n &_o so_o link_v together_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v sever_v to_o who_o they_o preach_v baptise_v &_o offer_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n do_v belong_v to_o they_o also_o careful_a rule_v &_o govern_v the_o church_n do_v appertain_v now_o your_o secular_a elder_n if_o they_o be_v presbyter_n they_o must_v undertake_v all_o 5._o talent_n if_o they_o be_v lay_v they_o must_v neither_o preach_v baptize_v nor_o administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n nor_o consequent_o be_v presbyter_n or_o govern_v the_o church_n for_o all_o presbyter_n receive_v those_o 5._o talent_n or_o service_n in_o the_o church_n from_o their_o lord_n &_o master_n but_o no_o lay_v man_n receive_v they_o at_o god_n hand_n i_o conclude_v therefore_o no_o lay_n man_n be_v presbyter_n in_o chrysostoms_n age_n 32._o how_o many_o bishop_n say_v s._n august_n do_v i_o know_v that_o be_v most_o holy_a &_o godly_a man_n how_o many_o presbyter_n how_o many_o deacon_n &_o such_o like_a minister_n of_o the_o divine_a sacrament_n and_o speak_v of_o his_o own_o presbytership_n say_v 148._o nothing_o be_v in_o this_o life_n &_o special_o in_o this_o time_n more_o hard_a laborious_a &_o dangerous_a they_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n or_o a_o presbyter_n or_o a_o deaconn_n but_o with_o t_o god_n nothing_o more_o bless_v if_o it_o be_v in_o such_o sort_n discharge_v as_o our_o chief_a ruler_n will_v the_o way_n i_o can_v not_o learn_v either_o in_o my_o childhood_n or_o youth_n &_o when_o i_o begin_v to_o learn_v violence_n be_v offer_v i_o for_o my_o sin_n what_o else_o shall_v i_o think_v that_o the_o second_o place_n of_o government_n shall_v be_v commit_v unto_o i_o who_o yet_o know_v how_o to_o hold_v a_o oar_n and_o now_o find_v what_o be_v necessary_a for_o he_o which_o minister_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o sacrament_n to_o the_o people_n i_o be_o not_o suffer_v to_o attayhe_v it_o for_o want_n of_o ●yme_n presbyter_n in_o austin_n time_n have_v their_o office_n in_o the_o church_n to_o minister_v the_o sacrament_n and_o propose_v the_o word_n to_o the_o people_n and_o to_o such_o presbyter_n be_v the_o second_o place_n of_o government_n commit_v lay_v elder_n have_v neither_o to_o do_v with_o the_o one_o nor_o with_o the_o other_o part_n of_o that_o charge_n socrates_n record_v that_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a incline_v to_o make_v a_o law_n for_o the_o restrain_v of_o clergy_n man_n from_o their_o wife_n say_v 11._o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o bishop_n to_o bring_v a_o new_a law_n into_o the_o church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o consecrate_a man_n i_o mean_v bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n shall_v not_o sleep_v with_o their_o wife_n which_o they_o have_v marry_v while_o they_o be_v lay_v man_n but_o paphnutius_fw-la stand_v up_o contradict_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n that_o this_o heavy_a yoke_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v lay_v on_o the_o sacred_a man_n it_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o prove_v unto_o such_o as_o be_v learn_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o be_v consecrate_v a_o priest_n unto_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o plain_a word_n the_o grecian_n have_v for_o a_o priest_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o one_o that_o be_v consecrate_v to_o that_o service_n those_o socrates_n most_o evident_o divide_v into_o these_o three_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n and_o say_v by_o way_n of_o restraint_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o mean_v namely_o and_o special_o these_o three_o degree_n the_o purpose_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o sleep_v with_o their_o wife_n which_o they_o have_v marry_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d when_o as_o yet_o they_o be_v lay_v man_n that_o be_v as_o sozomene_n expound_v it_o 23._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o they_o have_v marry_v before_o they_o be_v consecrate_v now_o set_v this_o together_o and_o you_o shall_v find_v they_o be_v lay_v man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d before_o they_o be_v consecrate_v and_o therefore_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d once_o be_v consecrate_v they_o cease_v to_o be_v lay_v man_n any_o long_o but_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d man_n consecrate_v they_o be_v ergo_fw-la no_z lay_v man_n much_o more_o may_v be_v say_v but_o this_o may_v suffice_v for_o those_o that_o have_v not_o wed_v their_o judgement_n to_o their_o appetite_n as_o for_o such_o nothing_o will_v serve_v except_o it_o please_v their_o humour_n and_o therefore_o i_o leave_v they_o you_o prove_v that_o lay_v elder_n be_v not_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o presbyter_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n but_o that_o no_o such_o be_v admit_v to_o govern_v the_o church_n you_o do_v not_o prove_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o tell_v you_o what_o i_o prove_v repel_v it_o if_o you_o can_v i_o prove_v that_o you_o great_o deceive_v yourselves_o and_o abuse_v the_o father_n when_o you_o make_v the_o world_n believe_v they_o have_v lay_v presbyter_n join_v with_o the_o bishop_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v apparent_a by_o their_o writing_n they_o have_v
if_o i_o seem_v to_o take_v a_o nice_a advantage_n of_o the_o time_n let_v jerome_n express_v his_o own_o meaning_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o euagrius_n debate_v at_o large_a that_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v all_o one_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o allege_v both_o the_o same_o and_o sundry_a other_o proof_n for_o his_o intent_n he_o add_v 329._o quod_fw-la autem_fw-la postea_fw-la unus_fw-la electus_fw-la est_fw-la qui_fw-la caeteris_fw-la praeponeretur_fw-la in_fw-la schismatis_fw-la remedium_fw-la factum_fw-la est_fw-la ne_fw-la unusquisque_fw-la ad_fw-la se_fw-la ●rahen●_fw-mi christ_n ecclesiam_fw-la rumperet_fw-la no_o &_o alexandria_n à_fw-fr marco_n euangelista_fw-la usque_fw-la ad_fw-la heraclam_fw-la &_o dionysium_fw-la episcopos_fw-la presbyteri_fw-la semper_fw-la unum_fw-la exse_fw-la electum_fw-la in_o excelsiori_fw-la graducollocatum_fw-la episcopum_fw-la nominabant_fw-la that_o after_o one_o be_v elect_v and_o advance_v above_o the_o rest_n this_o be_v to_o remedy_v schism_n lest_o every_o man_n draw_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o himself_o shall_v rend_v it_o in_o piece_n so_o at_o alexandria_n from_o mark_n the_o evangelist_n to_o heraclas_n and_o dionysius_n bishop_n there_o 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 and_o call_v he_o a_o bishop_n lay_v elder_n jerome_n never_o know_v any_o to_o be_v governor_n of_o the_o church_n the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n that_o under_o the_o apostle_n govern_v the_o church_n by_o common_a advice_n be_v force_v for_o the_o prevent_n and_o repress_v of_o schisine_n to_o transfer_v the_o whole_a care_n of_o the_o church_n to_o one_o who_o they_o call_v a_o bishop_n this_o begin_v at_o alexandria_n even_o from_o mark_n the_o evangelist_n jeromes_n testimony_n you_o have_v hear_v now_o choose_v whether_o ambrose_n shall_v contradict_v he_o and_o give_v he_o the_o lie_n or_o rather_o be_v reconcile_v and_o expound_v by_o he_o ambrose_n say_v the_o church_n have_v 1._o seniores_fw-la quorum_fw-la sine_fw-la consilio_fw-la nihil_fw-la ag●batur_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la elder_n without_o who_o counsel_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n these_o say_v you_o be_v lay_v elder_n if_o we_o ask_v you_o how_o you_o prove_v they_o be_v lay_v you_o be_v at_o a_o non_fw-la plus_fw-la they_o be_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n say_v we_o if_o you_o ask_v how_o we_o prove_v our_o assertion_n we_o first_o show_v you_o the_o judgement_n of_o ambrose_n else_o where_o that_o in_o 32._o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o any_o ecclesiastical_a order_n lay_v man_n shall_v not_o judge_v and_o govern_v priest_n which_o yet_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v do_v i_o speak_v still_o of_o the_o private_a regiment_n of_o elder_n not_o of_o the_o public_a power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n next_o we_o show_v you_o the_o verdict_n of_o jerome_n confirm_v his_o resolution_n by_o many_o place_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o church_n at_o the_o first_o be_v govern_v by_o presbyter_n which_o be_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n make_v we_o no_o further_a proof_n than_o this_o i_o convent_n your_o own_o conscience_n which_o of_o our_o avoury_n stand_v on_o the_o sure_a ground_n you_o that_o lean_v only_o to_o your_o own_o will_n and_o word_n or_o we_o that_o beside_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o same_o father_n have_v a_o most_o evident_a attestation_n of_o another_o father_n as_o ancient_a and_o learned_a as_o the_o former_a you_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v religious_a and_o wise_a craze_v not_o your_o credit_n with_o a_o non_fw-la obstante_fw-la that_o your_o fancy_n must_v prevail_v whatsoever_o council_n or_o father_n say_v to_o the_o contrary_n for_o the_o rest_n we_o need_v no_o better_a expositor_n than_o jerome_n in_o the_o very_a place_n which_o yourselves_o allege_v 3._o nos_fw-la habemus_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la senatum_fw-la nostrum_fw-la coetum_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la we_o have_v in_o the_o church_n our_o senate_n even_o the_o assembly_n of_o presbyter_n else_o where_o he_o say_v 3._o judices_fw-la dòm●s_fw-la israel_n non_fw-la sunt_fw-la alij_fw-la nisi_fw-la episcopi_fw-la presbyteri_fw-la &_o diaconi_fw-la the_o judge_n over_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n be_v none_o other_o but_o the_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n and_o these_o three_o word_n when_o they_o come_v together_o import_v the_o order_n and_o degree_n of_o ecclesiastical_a office_n 1._o episcopus_fw-la presbyter_n &_o deaconus_fw-la non_fw-la sunt_fw-la meritorum_fw-la nomina_fw-la sed_fw-la officiorum_fw-la bishop_n presbyter_n &_o deacon_n be_v not_o name_n of_o desert_n but_o of_o office_n and_o those_o clericall_a not_o laical_a nepotian●_n fit_a clericus_fw-la &_o per_fw-la solitos_fw-la gradus_fw-la presbyter_n say_v jerome_n of_o nepotianus_n he_o become_v a_o clergy_n man_n and_o so_o a_o presbyter_n by_o the_o accustom_a degree_n and_o again_o 6._o qui_fw-la pascitis_fw-la greges_fw-la episcopi_fw-la &_o presbyteri_fw-la &_o omnis_fw-la ordo_fw-la ecclesi●sticus_fw-la you_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n and_o all_o the_o ecclesiastical_a order_n which_o feed_v your_o flock_n if_o therefore_o gregory_n call_v the_o presbyter_n seniores_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o clergy_n or_o if_o austen_n write_v unto_o they_o clero_fw-la &_o senioribus_fw-la to_o the_o clergy_n and_o elder_n or_o if_o tertullian_n write_v to_o the_o ethnike_n who_o understand_v not_o the_o order_n and_o office_n of_o the_o church_n say_v in_o commendation_n of_o the_o christian_a meeting_n president_n probati_fw-la quique_fw-la seniores_fw-la the_o ruler_n of_o our_o assembly_n be_v certain_a approve_a elder_n what_o inference_n can_v hence_o be_v make_v that_o they_o mean_v lay_v elder_n since_o they_o use_v neither_o word_n nor_o circumstance_n but_o such_o as_o will_v agree_v to_o the_o grave_a wise_a and_o elder_a sort_n of_o the_o clergy_n otherwise_o call_v presbyter_n yea_o ambrose_n himself_o will_v tell_v you_o that_o among_o the_o clergy_n the_o presbyter_n be_v call_v seniores_fw-la the_o elder_n as_o next_o in_o honour_n age_n and_o judgement_n to_o the_o bishop_n speak_v of_o ecclesiastical_a officer_n and_o minister_n he_o say_v 20._o viduarum_fw-la ●●_o virginum_fw-la domos_fw-la nisi_fw-la visit_n and_o gratia_fw-la i●n●●tos_fw-la adire_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la ●p●is_fw-la &_o hoc_fw-la cum_fw-la seniori●as_fw-la hoc_fw-la est_fw-la cum_fw-la episcopo_fw-la vel_fw-la sigravior_fw-la est_fw-la causa_fw-la cum_fw-la presbyteris_fw-la quid_fw-la necesse_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la demus_fw-la obtrectandi_fw-la locum_fw-la secularibus_fw-la there_o be_v no_o cause_n for_o the_o younger_n to_o resort_v to_o the_o house_n of_o widow_n &_o virgin_n except_o it_o be_v to_o visit_v they_o and_o that_o with_o the_o elder_n i_o mean_v with_o the_o bishop_n or_o if_o the_o matter_n be_v urgent_a with_o the_o presbyter_n what_o need_v we_o give_v occasion_n to_o secular_a or_o lay_v man_n to_o backbite_v how_o think_v you_o be_v there_o not_o elder_n among_o the_o clergy_n and_o those_o the_o same_o man_n that_o be_v otherwise_o call_v presbyter_n yet_o my_o demonstration_n be_v unanswered_a your_o mistake_n of_o ambrose_n both_o meaning_n &_o word_n be_v a_o very_a simple_a kind_n of_o demonstration_n you_o do_v not_o mark_v the_o text_n which_o you_o bring_v ambrose_n do_v not_o say_v the_o church_n have_v once_o elder_n which_o now_o be_v vanish_v but_o nothing_o at_o the_o first_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n without_o their_o advice_n which_o now_o be_v out_o of_o use_n while_o the_o pastor_n will_v seem_v alone_o to_o be_v wise_a the_o man_n remain_v that_o be_v before_o but_o less_o regard_v and_o less_o consult_v then_o at_o first_o and_o so_o your_o demonstration_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o misconstruction_n of_o your_o author_n word_n since_o you_o leave_v i_o no_o better_o handfast_a in_o jerome_n and_o ambrose_n for_o lay_v elder_n i_o will_v requite_v you_o with_o the_o like_a for_o bishop_n which_o be_v this_o that_o as_o the_o church_n at_o first_o be_v govern_v by_o presbyter_n without_o lay_v elder_n so_o be_v it_o likewise_o without_o bishop_n if_o i_o forgo_v the_o one_o you_o must_v also_o forgo_v the_o other_o and_o then_o gain_v you_o little_a if_o bishop_n must_v be_v remoove_v from_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o late_a elder_n and_o this_o be_v so_o clear_a that_o no_o cunning_a can_v obscure_v it_o i_o do_v all_o this_o while_o look_v when_o you_o will_v revive_v your_o spirit_n with_o this_o mythr●_n date_n you_o be_v even_o at_o last_o cast_v with_o your_o lie_v elder_n but_o if_o we_o can_v justify_v the_o state_n of_o bishop_n by_o the_o scripture_n and_o father_n better_a than_o you_o do_v lay_v elder_n we_o will_v quiet_o disclaim_v they_o jeromes_n word_n be_v wonderful_a plain_n that_o bishop_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n do_v not_o differ_v from_o presbyter_n and_o be_v now_o above_o they_o 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 and_o aught_o
bishop_n be_v both_o one_o &_o the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n be_v equal_o divide_v among_o many_o but_o when_o the_o teacher_n and_o baptizer_n begin_v to_o draw_v disciple_n after_o they_o it_o be_v decree_v throughout_o the_o world_n that_o to_o stop_v the_o rise_n of_o schisine_n and_o division_n one_o of_o the_o presbyter_n shall_v be_v elect_v and_o exalt_v above_o the_o rest_n to_o who_o the_o whole_a care_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v pertain_v and_o he_o be_v call_v a_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n and_o so_o by_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n rather_o than_o by_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o lord_n disposition_n bishop_n be_v great_a than_o presbyter_n with_o who_o they_o shall_v rule_v the_o church_n in_o common_a i_o have_v not_o alter_v or_o neglect_v any_o word_n in_o jerome_n that_o be_v material_a some_o of_o our_o time_n who_o for_o their_o learning_n and_o pain_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n i_o otherwise_o reverence_n though_o i_o follow_v not_o their_o judgement_n in_o this_o point_n editam_fw-la collect_v out_o of_o ambrose_n and_o jerome_n that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n bishop_n do_v not_o differ_v from_o presbyter_n only_o there_o be_v in_o every_o place_n a_o precedent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n who_o call_v they_o together_o and_o propose_v thing_n needful_a to_o be_v consult_v of_o and_o this_o kind_n of_o priority_n go_v round_o to_o all_o the_o presbyter_n every_o man_n hold_v it_o by_o course_n for_o a_o season_n which_o some_o think_v be_v a_o week_n even_o as_o the_o priest_n of_o the_o law_n have_v their_o weekly_a course_n to_o serve_v in_o the_o temple_n this_o kind_n of_o moderate_v the_o presbytery_n by_o course_n for_o a_o week_n or_o a_o month_n they_o take_v to_o be_v apostolic_a all_o other_o sort_n of_o regiment_n use_v after_o in_o the_o church_n they_o suppose_v to_o be_v man_n invention_n and_o therefore_o they_o call_v the_o one_o form_n of_o government_n divine_a the_o other_o humane_a i_o can_v with_o that_o in_o man_n of_o great_a gift_n affection_n and_o prejudice_n do_v not_o often_o over-rule_v learning_n and_o judgement_n but_o the_o great_a man_n in_o christ_n church_n except_v always_o the_o apostle_n have_v incline_v some_o to_o private_a opinion_n some_o to_o know_v error_n and_o therefore_o late_a writer_n must_v think_v it_o no_o dishonour_n to_o have_v their_o reason_n weigh_v before_o they_o be_v receive_v for_o my_o understanding_n i_o will_v glad_o learn_v where_o i_o shall_v read_v that_o bishop_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n govern_v by_o week_n or_o year_n &_o that_o this_o kind_n of_o priority_n go_v by_o course_n in_o every_o place_n to_o all_o the_o presbyter_n i_o see_v it_o allege_v out_o of_o ambrose_n but_o i_o find_v no_o such_o thing_n affirm_v by_o ambrose_n he_o say_v 4._o primi_fw-la presbyter_n episcopi_fw-la appellabantur_fw-la ut_fw-la recedente_fw-la eo_fw-la sequens_fw-la ei_fw-la succederet_fw-la the_o first_o that_o be_v the_o chief_a or_o elder_a presbyter_n be_v call_v bishop_n so_o as_o he_o depart_v or_o leave_v the_o place_n the_o next_o succeed_v he_o he_o do_v not_o say_v the_o first_o depart_v at_o the_o week_n or_o year_n end_n nor_o the_o next_o succeed_v and_o so_o round_a every_o man_n in_o his_o course_n but_o when_o the_o first_o depart_v or_o leave_v his_o place_n as_o by_o death_n deprivation_n desertion_n translation_n persecution_n continual_a sickness_n or_o any_o other_o occasion_n they_o do_v not_o choose_v another_o to_o succeed_v he_o but_o the_o next_o in_o order_n and_o stand_v to_o he_o that_o depart_v take_v his_o place_n by_o this_o you_o may_v imagine_v that_o the_o apostle_n at_o the_o first_o in_o every_o place_n where_o they_o come_v take_v care_n to_o order_v the_o presbytery_n in_o such_o sort_n that_o every_o man_n may_v be_v place_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_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 and_o withal_o appoint_v the_o elder_a or_o first_o to_o moderate_v their_o meeting_n until_o further_a order_n shall_v be_v take_v and_o when_o the_o place_n be_v void_a by_o death_n or_o otherwise_o the_o next_o to_o succeed_v he_o without_o any_o other_o or_o further_a consent_n or_o election_n of_o the_o people_n or_o presbytery_n but_o what_o can_v be_v more_o against_o ambrose_n word_n and_o sense_n then_o that_o a_o weekly_a or_o monthly_a government_n go_v round_o about_o to_o all_o the_o presbyter_n by_o course_n since_o he_o affirm_v that_o not_o all_o but_o only_o the_o first_o presbyter_n be_v bishop_n if_o all_o be_v bishop_n by_o course_n how_o can_v only_a the_o first_o have_v that_o place_n if_o all_o be_v first_o who_o be_v second_o or_o three_o by_o primi_fw-la presbyteri_fw-la the_o first_o presbyter_n he_o do_v not_o mean_v all_o the_o presbyter_n that_o be_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o apostle_n for_o than_o they_o shall_v all_o be_v bishop_n and_o none_o presbyter_n which_o be_v a_o contradiction_n in_o the_o very_a word_n but_o by_o primus_fw-la and_o sequens_fw-la the_o first_o and_o the_o next_o he_o mean_v those_o that_o be_v so_o place_v in_o order_n by_o the_o apostle_n let_v ambrose_n himself_o tell_v you_o so_o much_o 3._o hic_fw-la enim_fw-la episcopus_fw-la est_fw-la quiinter_n presbyteros_fw-la primus_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la omnis_fw-la episcopus_fw-la presbyter_n sit_fw-la non_fw-la tamen_fw-la omnis_fw-la presbyter_n episcopus_fw-la denique_fw-la timotheum_n presbyterum_fw-la ordinatum_fw-la significat_fw-la sed_fw-la quia_fw-la ante_fw-la se_fw-la alterum_fw-la non_fw-la habebat_fw-la episcopus_fw-la erat_fw-la vnde_fw-la &_o quemadmodum_fw-la episcopum_fw-la or_o dine●_n ostendit_fw-la neque_fw-la enim_fw-la fa●_n erat_fw-la aut_fw-la licebat_fw-la ut_fw-la inferior_a ordinaret_fw-la maiorem_fw-la nemo_fw-la enim_fw-la tribait_fw-fr quod_fw-la non_fw-la accepit_fw-la he_o be_v a_o bishop_n which_o be_v first_o among_o the_o presbyter_n so_o that_o every_o bishop_n be_v a_o presbyter_n but_o every_o presbyter_n be_v not_o a_o bishop_n for_o example_n paul_n signify_v that_o he_o make_v timothy_n a_o presbyter_n but_o because_o he_o have_v none_o other_o before_o he_o he_o be_v a_o bishop_n whereupon_o paul_n she_o w_v he_o how_o he_o shall_v ordain_v a_o bishop_n for_o it_o be_v neither_o meet_a nor_o lawful_a that_o the_o inferior_a shall_v ordain_v the_o great_a or_o superior_a no_o man_n can_v give_v that_o which_o he_o have_v not_o receive_v every_o presbyter_n be_v not_o a_o bishop_n say_v ambrose_n ergo_fw-la that_o office_n go_v not_o round_o by_o course_n along_o all_o the_o presbyter_n again_o timothy_n be_v therefore_o a_o bishop_n because_o he_o have_v none_o other_o before_o he_o but_o if_o they_o go_v round_o by_o order_n timothy_n have_v many_o week_n another_o above_o he_o and_o afore_o he_o and_o then_o timothy_n be_v no_o bishop_n but_o when_o his_o course_n come_v three_o if_o every_o presbyter_n be_v a_o bishop_n in_o his_o turn_n how_o fond_a a_o reason_n be_v this_o which_o ambrose_n make_v that_o timothy_n must_v be_v a_o bishop_n before_o he_o can_v impose_v hand_n to_o ordain_v a_o bishop_n since_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o a_o inferior_a to_o ordain_v his_o superior_a and_o no_o man_n can_v give_v that_o which_o he_o have_v not_o receive_v for_o if_o that_o office_n go_v by_o order_n every_o man_n receive_v episcopal_a power_n to_o impose_v hand_n in_o his_o course_n and_o consequent_o may_v give_v it_o wherefore_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o ambrose_n meaning_n or_o say_v that_o the_o episcopal_a honour_n and_o dignity_n be_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n impart_v to_o all_o the_o presbyter_n of_o every_o church_n in_o their_o turn_n each_o of_o they_o enjoy_v it_o a_o week_n or_o a_o year_n it_o be_v a_o dream_n of_o you_o and_o so_o far_o from_o all_o proof_n and_o likelihood_n that_o for_o your_o learning_n and_o credit_n sake_n you_o shall_v not_o father_n it_o on_o ambrose_n what_o ambrose_n proove_v for_o we_o against_o the_o main_a ground_n of_o your_o new_a discipline_n in_o place_n where_o we_o will_v not_o forget_v to_o return_v to_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o sincere_o to_o view_v their_o report_n without_o shorten_v or_o lengthen_v they_o for_o either_o side_n epiphanius_n speech_n be_v in_o partcleere_n in_o part_n obscure_a i_o observe_v three_o point_n in_o he_o that_o appear_v to_o be_v true_a and_o accord_n with_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o father_n the_o first_o be_v the_o apostle_n can_v not_o at_o the_o new_a plant_n of_o the_o church_n settle_v and_o dispose_v all_o thing_n in_o such_o perfection_n as_o in_o time_n they_o do_v so_o say_v ambrose_n 4._o postquam_fw-la omnibus_fw-la locis_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la sunt_fw-la constitutae_fw-la &_o officia_fw-la ordinata_fw-la aliter_fw-la composita_fw-la res_fw-la est_fw-la quàm_fw-la coeperat_fw-la after_o that_o church_n be_v establish_v in_o all_o
place_n and_o office_n distinguish_v or_o digest_v they_o take_v a_o other_o order_n then_o at_o beginning_n and_o why_o the_o first_o regard_n the_o apostle_n have_v be_v to_o gain_v unbeliever_n to_o christ_n the_o second_o to_o govern_v such_o as_o be_v gain_v and_o these_o two_o respect_n may_v best_o be_v perform_v by_o two_o contrary_a course_n to_o increase_v the_o church_n the_o more_o workman_n the_o better_a for_o when_o the_o harvest_n be_v great_a if_o 10._o the_o labourer_n be_v few_o the_o room_n can_v not_o be_v fill_v to_o guide_v the_o church_n the_o few_o the_o better_a except_o it_o be_v with_o counsel_n to_o advise_v for_o diverse_a man_n have_v diverse_a mind_n and_o diverse_a meaning_n and_o in_o a_o multitude_n of_o governor_n emulation_n and_o dissension_n be_v no_o rare_a spring_n wherefore_o no_o marvel_n though_o the_o apostle_n take_v beside_o themselves_o as_o many_o helper_n as_o they_o can_v to_o convert_v the_o world_n unto_o christ_n and_o yet_o take_v not_o unto_o themselves_o as_o many_o ruler_n as_o they_o can_v in_o every_o place_n to_o govern_v the_o believer_n by_o order_n of_o nature_n man_n must_v be_v get_v together_o afore_o they_o need_v be_v govern_v and_o so_o in_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n the_o number_n of_o preacher_n at_o the_o first_o be_v more_o requisite_a than_o the_o choice_n of_o governor_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n epiphanius_n second_o position_n be_v very_o true_a that_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n the_o one_o to_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o dispense_v the_o sacrament_n the_o other_o to_o relieve_v the_o poor_a and_o attend_v to_o divine_a service_n be_v every_o where_o appoint_v by_o the_o apostle_n these_o be_v sufficient_a to_o begin_v the_o church_n and_o these_o be_v fit_a to_o increase_v the_o church_n and_o therefore_o in_o many_o place_n the_o apostle_n leave_v none_o other_o but_o these_o if_o you_o ask_v who_o then_o govern_v the_o church_n in_o those_o beginning_n i_o answer_v the_o flock_n be_v both_o augment_v and_o direct_v by_o the_o presbyter_n that_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n the_o chief_a government_n to_o impose_v hand_n and_o deliver_v unto_o satan_n rest_v yet_o in_o the_o apostle_n who_o often_o 14._o visit_v the_o church_n which_o they_o plant_v and_o ordain_v presbyter_n as_o they_o pass_v to_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o every_o church_n the_o three_o point_n in_o epiphanius_n report_n be_v this_o that_o although_o it_o be_v not_o extant_a in_o the_o apostle_n writing_n that_o in_o every_o place_n where_o they_o come_v at_o first_o they_o leave_v bishop_n yet_o the_o scripture_n do_v witness_v that_o paul_n furnish_v some_o place_n with_o bishop_n as_o ephesus_z and_o crete_n with_o timothy_n and_o tite_n thus_o far_o i_o see_v not_o what_o you_o can_v refel_v in_o epiphanius_n perchance_o you_o will_v deride_v epiphanius_n simplicity_n that_o can_v not_o discern_v betwixt_o a_o evangelist_n and_o a_o bishop_n for_o as_o you_o maintain_v timothy_n and_o tite_n be_v evangelist_n and_o not_o bishop_n and_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a and_o no_o ordinary_a call_n you_o can_v not_o charge_n epiphanius_n with_o ignorance_n in_o this_o behalf_n but_o you_o must_v do_v the_o like_a to_o the_o elder_a and_o best_a learned_a father_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n namely_o eusebius_n ambrose_n chrysostome_n jerome_n oecumenius_n primasius_n and_o other_o which_o affirm_v as_o epiphanius_n do_v that_o timothy_n be_v a_o bishop_n ordain_v by_o s._n paul_n but_o thereof_o anon_o as_o also_o whether_o a_o evangelist_n may_v be_v a_o bishop_n or_o no_o which_o conclusion_n of_o you_o though_o they_o be_v most_o feeble_a and_o unsure_a yet_o they_o be_v late_o take_v up_o for_o oracle_n that_o which_o may_v be_v doubt_v in_o epiphanius_n be_v this_o the_o cause_n why_o bishop_n want_v in_o some_o place_n be_v say_v he_o the_o lack_n of_o fit_a man_n to_o bear_v the_o office_n it_o may_v be_v some_o will_v think_v it_o strange_a that_o amongst_o so_o many_o prophet_n pastor_n and_o teacher_n as_o be_v in_o most_o of_o those_o church_n which_o paul_n plant_v not_o a_o fit_a man_n can_v be_v find_v for_o the_o episcopal_a function_n and_o yet_o afterward_o meet_v man_n be_v find_v for_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n but_o as_o that_o which_o epiphanius_n say_v may_v be_v some_o cause_n of_o want_v bishop_n at_o the_o first_o so_o if_o i_o be_v not_o deceive_v there_o be_v other_o cause_n that_o move_v the_o apostle_n not_o straight_o way_n to_o place_n bishop_n in_o every_o church_n where_o they_o preach_v which_o i_o will_v specify_v when_o the_o testimony_n of_o ambrose_n and_o jerome_n be_v thorough_o peruse_v ambrose_n at_o first_o sight_n seem_v somewhat_o to_o dissent_v from_o epiphanius_n in_o that_o he_o think_v the_o church_n have_v both_o presbyter_n and_o bishop_n leave_v they_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o presbyter_n be_v place_v in_o a_o order_n according_a to_o the_o desert_n and_o worthiness_n of_o each_o man_n by_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o that_o found_v the_o church_n and_o this_o rule_n deliver_v that_o as_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a presbyter_n who_o be_v bishop_n in_o name_n and_o superior_a in_o call_v to_o the_o rest_n fail_v so_o the_o next_o shall_v succeed_v in_o his_o room_n and_o enjoy_v the_o episcopal_a chair_n and_o power_n after_o his_o departure_n and_o when_o some_o presbyter_n do_v not_o answer_v the_o expectation_n which_o be_v have_v of_o they_o but_o scandalize_v the_o church_n that_o course_n of_o stand_v in_o order_n to_o succeed_v be_v change_v and_o bishop_n be_v choose_v by_o the_o judgement_n and_o like_n of_o many_o priest_n to_o cut_v off_o unworthy_a and_o offensive_a man_n from_o the_o place_n i_o can_v admit_v this_o report_n of_o ambrose_n but_o that_o he_o express_v not_o when_o and_o by_o who_o this_o change_n begin_v he_o say_v prospiciente_fw-la concilio_n a_o council_n before_o see_v or_o provide_v that_o not_o order_n but_o merit_n shall_v create_v a_o bishop_n but_o what_o council_n if_o he_o mean_v a_o council_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v not_o express_v but_o may_v well_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o word_n stand_v indifferent_a to_o any_o council_n no_o testimony_n can_v be_v weighty_a for_o bishop_n then_o this_o of_o ambrose_n which_o be_v bring_v against_o they_o if_o he_o mean_v other_o after_o the_o apostle_n death_n what_o authority_n have_v they_o to_o change_v the_o apostolic_a government_n or_o by_o their_o decree_n to_o bind_v the_o whole_a world_n but_o this_o i_o reserve_v till_o jeromes_n witness_n be_v repeat_v and_o examine_v jerom_n in_o his_o word_n 215._o before_o cite_v avouch_v three_z special_a thing_n first_o that_o till_o dissension_n spring_v in_o the_o church_n bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v all_o one_o and_o the_o church_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a advice_n of_o presbyter_n among_o who_o the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n be_v equal_o divide_v next_o that_o to_o root_v out_o schism_n rise_v very_o fast_o through_o the_o preacher_n and_o presbyter_n faction_n by_o a_o decree_n throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n one_o of_o the_o presbyter_n be_v choose_v in_o every_o church_n and_o set_v over_o the_o rest_n and_o to_o he_o the_o whole_a care_n of_o the_o church_n do_v ever_o after_o appertain_v three_o that_o this_o subjection_n of_o the_o presbyter_n under_o the_o bishop_n and_o maioritie_n of_o bishop_n above_o presbyter_n grow_v rather_o by_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n then_o by_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o lord_n disposition_n for_o they_o shall_v rule_v the_o church_n in_o common_a these_o word_n of_o jerome_n may_v be_v either_o very_a true_a according_a to_o the_o time_n that_o they_o be_v refer_v unto_o or_o very_o false_a if_o you_o so_o construe_v jerome_n that_o all_o the_o while_n the_o apostle_n live_v bishop_n be_v all_o one_o with_o presbyter_n and_o have_v no_o more_o charge_n nor_o power_n in_o the_o church_n than_o presbyter_n you_o make_v jerome_n contradict_v the_o scripture_n himself_o &_o the_o whole_a array_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o apostolic_a church_n that_o everwere_n since_o christ_n time_n for_o all_o these_o affirm_v and_o prove_v the_o contrary_n but_o if_o you_o so_o expound_v jerom_n that_o the_o apostle_n for_o a_o time_n suffer_v the_o presbyter_n to_o have_v equal_a power_n and_o care_n in_o guide_v the_o church_n themselves_n always_o sit_v at_o the_o stern_a and_o hold_v the_o helve_z while_o they_o be_v present_a in_o those_o part_n of_o the_o world_n till_o by_o the_o faction_n and_o division_n of_o so_o many_o governor_n the_o church_n be_v almost_o rend_v in_o piece_n and_o thereupon_o the_o apostle_n force_v do_v set_v a_o other_o order_n in_o the_o church_n then_o be_v at_o first_o and_o with_o the_o good_a like_n of_o all_o the_o
yet_o he_o do_v carry_v about_o with_o he_o epiphanius_n 75._o the_o divine_a speech_n of_o the_o apostle_n teach_v who_o be_v a_o bishop_n and_o who_o a_o presbyter_n in_o say_v to_o timothy_n a_o bishop_n rebuke_v not_o a_o presbyter_n but_o exhort_v he_o as_o a_o father_n how_o can_v a_o bishop_n rebuke_v a_o presbyter_n if_o he_o have_v no_o power_n over_o a_o presbyter_n as_o also_o receive_v not_o a_o accusation_n against_o a_o presbyter_n but_o under_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n theodoret._n titum_fw-la titus_n be_v a_o notable_a disciple_n of_o paul_n &_o ordain_v by_o paul_n bishop_n of_o crete_n and_o authorize_v to_o make_v the_o bishop_n that_o be_v under_o he_o vincentius_n lirinensis_n write_v upon_o some_o word_n of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n say_v haereses_fw-la o_o timothy_n that_o be_v o_o priest_n o_o teacher_n if_o the_o divine_a grace_n have_v make_v thou_o meet_v for_o wit_n exercise_n and_o learning_n be_v thou_o beseleel_n that_o be_v a_o most_o skilful_a workman_n of_o the_o spiritual_a temple_n augustine_n instruct_v all_o pastor_n by_o paul_n word_n to_o tite_n add_v 4._o be_v it_o say_v in_o vain_a to_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n now_o eminent_a among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o chief_a pastor_n show_v thyself_o a_o example_n of_o good_a work_n to_o all_o gregory_n 11._o paul_n admonish_v his_o scholar_n timothy_n now_o prelate_n of_o a_o flock_n say_v attend_v to_o read_v till_o i_o come_v primasius_n 4._o timothy_n have_v the_o grace_n of_o prophecy_n cum_fw-la ordinatione_fw-la episcopatus_fw-la together_o with_o the_o order_n of_o a_o bishop_n and_o that_o grace_n be_v 1._o the_o blessing_n which_o timothy_n at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o make_a bishop_n receive_v by_o the_o imposition_n of_o paul_n hand_n oecumenius_n interlace_v the_o word_n of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n say_v neglect_v not_o the_o gift_n which_o be_v in_o thou_o 4._o that_o be_v either_o doctrine_n or_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n for_o it_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v young_a he_o deserve_v to_o be_v make_v a_o pastor_n which_o be_v give_v thou_o by_o prophecy_n for_o by_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n bishop_n be_v make_v and_o not_o at_o all_o adventure_n with_o imposition_n of_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n by_o presbyter_n he_o mean_v bishop_n for_o presbyter_n do_v not_o ordain_v he_o be_v a_o bishop_n yea_o which_o of_o all_o the_o ancient_a father_n do_v not_o with_o tertullian_n confess_v that_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o tite_n 5._o be_v make_v concern_v the_o ecclesiastical_a state_n or_o do_v not_o with_o chrysostome_n ambrose_n and_o oecumenius_n apply_v the_o word_n &_o precept_n of_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o they_o as_o 5._o speak_v to_o all_o bishop_n you_o say_v evangelist_n can_v be_v no_o bishop_n y_z e_z whole_a church_n of_o christ_n with_o one_o resolution_n say_v they_o be_v bishop_n &_o whatsoever_o paul_n speak_v to_o they_o pertain_v to_o all_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n and_o of_o all_o other_o jeromes_n confession_n be_v most_o clear_a in_o that_o behalf_n how_o then_o can_v jerom_o doubt_v but_o the_o vocation_n and_o function_n of_o bishop_n be_v a_o apostolic_a ordinance_n and_o consequent_o confirm_v and_o allow_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o his_o apostle_n saint_n john_n in_o his_o revelation_n will_v assure_v you_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n will_v he_o to_o write_v to_o the_o 3_o seven_o star_n and_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n that_o be_v to_o the_o seven_o pastor_n and_o bishop_n of_o those_o seven_o place_n whereby_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o not_o only_o the_o apostle_n be_v live_v when_o one_o superior_a govern_v the_o church_n but_o the_o lord_n himself_o with_o his_o own_o voice_n confirm_v that_o kind_n of_o regiment_n i_o do_v not_o fear_v lest_o with_o origen_n you_o will_v wrest_v the_o place_n to_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n &_o say_v that_o lucam_n in_o every_o church_n there_o be_v two_o bishop_n one_o visible_a another_o invisible_a s._n augustine_n have_v learned_o quench_v that_o error_n 162._o if_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v have_v those_o word_n understand_v of_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o high_a heaven_n and_o not_o of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n he_o will_v not_o have_v afterward_o add_v but_o i_o have_v some_o what_o against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v leave_v thy_o first_o love_n remember_v therefore_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v this_o can_v not_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o heavenly_a angel_n who_o always_o retain_v their_o love_n whence_o they_o that_o fall_v be_v the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n therefore_o by_o the_o divine_a voice_n under_o the_o name_n of_o a_o angel_n the_o ruler_n or_o overseer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v praise_v and_o again_o apocal._n the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o apocalypse_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v to_o be_v any_o but_o the_o bishop_n or_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n if_o john_n in_o his_o time_n see_v those_o seven_o church_n govern_v by_o seven_o pastor_n or_o bishop_n then_o be_v the_o common_a and_o equal_a government_n of_o presbyter_n before_o that_o time_n change_v if_o christ_n call_v they_o star_n and_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n they_o be_v no_o humane_a invention_n after_o the_o apostle_n be_v dead_a and_o bury_v you_o see_v jerome_n say_v the_o regiment_n of_o bishop_n come_v not_o into_o the_o church_n by_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o lord_n disposition_n you_o do_v not_o allege_v jerom_n because_o you_o admit_v or_o regard_v what_o he_o say_v you_o only_o snatch_v at_o some_o word_n in_o he_o which_o seem_v to_o serve_v your_o humour_n otherwise_o you_o receive_v no_o part_n of_o his_o report_n in_o the_o place_n which_o you_o bring_v against_o bishop_n jerome_n say_v that_o at_o the_o first_o when_o presbyter_n govern_v tit._n ecclesiae_fw-la cura_fw-la aequaliter_fw-la inter_fw-la plures_fw-la dividebatur_fw-la the_o charge_n or_o care_v of_o the_o church_n be_v equal_o divide_v among_o many_o you_o say_v no_o there_o be_v never_o any_o such_o time_n it_o be_v lack_v of_o wisdom_n so_o to_o think_v your_o word_n be_v 23._o neque_fw-la enim_fw-la ille_fw-la quum_fw-la diceret_fw-la ecclesias_fw-la initio_fw-la fuisse_fw-la communi_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la consilio_fw-la gubernatas_fw-la ita_fw-la desipuisse_fw-la existimandus_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la somniaret_fw-la neminem_fw-la ex_fw-la presbyteris_fw-la illi_fw-la coetui_fw-la praefuisse_fw-la jerome_n when_o he_o say_v the_o church_n be_v at_o the_o first_o govern_v by_o the_o common_a advice_n of_o the_o presbyter_n may_v not_o be_v think_v to_o have_v be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o dream_v that_o none_o of_o the_o presbyter_n be_v chief_a of_o that_o assembly_n jerome_n say_v the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n be_v equal_o divide_v among_o they_o you_o say_v it_o be_v a_o dream_n and_o a_o folly_n so_o to_o suppose_v and_o thus_o be_v jerome_n reward_v for_o bear_v witness_n to_o your_o presbyterall_a regiment_n again_o jerome_n say_v that_o upon_o the_o primarie_a dissentious_a of_o presbyter_n it_o be_v decree_v in_o the_o whole_a world_n 1._o ut_fw-la omnis_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la cura_fw-la ad_fw-la unum_fw-la pertineret_fw-la that_o the_o whole_a care_n or_o charge_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v pertain_v to_o one_o this_o you_o can_v digest_v for_o if_o this_o be_v true_a your_o lie_v elder_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o church_n matter_n since_o bishop_n begin_v jeromes_n whole_a tale_n therefore_o yourselves_o reject_v as_o untrue_a only_o you_o hold_v fast_o the_o latter_a end_n which_o you_o understand_v not_o and_o thence_o you_o will_v prove_v that_o the_o govern_n of_o the_o church_n by_o bishop_n be_v man_n invention_n contrary_a to_o god_n institution_n in_o all_o reason_n when_o you_o impugn_v the_o two_o part_n of_o your_o own_o witness_n deposition_n we_o may_v refuse_v the_o three_o but_o we_o will_v not_o presume_v that_o jerome_n will_v not_o so_o gross_o contradict_v himself_o as_o to_o say_v the_o superiority_n of_o bishop_n above_o presbyter_n be_v and_o be_v not_o a_o apostolic_a ordinance_n jeromes_n word_n then_o that_o the_o bishop_n maioritie_n above_o presbyter_n come_v tuum_fw-la rather_o by_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n then_o by_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o lord_n disposition_n may_v be_v two_o way_n construe_v first_o that_o by_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o lord_n disposition_n he_o mean_v a_o precept_n from_o christ_n mouth_n and_o by_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n he_o understand_v a_o continuation_n of_o that_o regiment_n even_o from_o the_o apostle_n for_o heretic_n veritas_fw-la be_v often_o take_v with_o the_o ancient_a father_n for_o a_o truth_n write_v in_o the_o scripture_n &_o heretic_n consuetudo_fw-la for_o a_o thing_n deliver_v by_o hand_n from_o the_o apostle_n which_o otherwise_o thep_v call_v a_o tradition_n and_o
so_o though_o there_o be_v no_o precept_n from_o christ_n in_o write_v for_o that_o kind_n of_o government_n yet_o the_o perpetual_a custom_n of_o the_o church_n proove_v it_o to_o be_v a_o apostolic_a ordinance_n 24._o another_o sense_n of_o jeromes_n word_n may_v be_v this_o at_o the_o first_o for_o a_o time_n the_o presbyter_n with_o common_a advice_n and_o equal_a care_n guide_v the_o church_n under_o the_o apostle_n titum_fw-la paulatim_fw-la verò_fw-la ad_fw-la unum_fw-la omnem_fw-la sollicitud●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 ●_o presbyter_n be_v leave_v as_o in_o part_n of_o the_o charge_n of_o y_fw-es ●_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 ●_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 ●_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
no_o cause_n why_o some_o writer_n in_o our_o day_n shall_v discredit_v the_o report_n and_o reason_n which_o epiphanius_n make_v against_o aerius_n that_o a_o presbyter_n can_v not_o be_v equal_a with_o a_o bishop_n for_o so_o much_o as_o the_o order_n of_o bishop_n aerium_fw-la engender_v father_n unto_o the_o church_n and_o the_o order_n of_o presbyter_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o able_a to_o beget_v father_n by_o the_o regeneration_n of_o baptism_n beget_v child_n unto_o the_o church_n but_o not_o father_n or_o teacher_n and_o so_o no_o possibility_n to_o make_v a_o presbyter_n that_o have_v not_o receive_v power_n to_o impose_v hand_n equal_a with_o a_o bishop_n for_o what_o do_v epiphanius_n avouch_v in_o these_o word_n which_o athanasius_n jerom_n chrysostome_n and_o ambrose_n do_v not_o like_a wise_n avouch_v or_o what_o say_v he_o more_o than_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o her_o general_a and_o provincial_a council_n decree_v against_o colluthus_n maximus_n and_o other_o and_o observe_v without_o alteration_n ever_o since_o the_o apostle_n die_v if_o we_o reject_v this_o assertion_n of_o epiphanius_n that_o only_a bishop_n shall_v impose_v hand_n to_o ordain_v and_o not_o presbyter_n we_o reject_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n which_o interpret_v the_o scripture_n in_o this_o behalf_n as_o epiphanius_n do_v and_o confirm_v the_o very_a same_o resolution_n with_o the_o continual_a practice_n of_o all_o age_n and_o country_n where_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v preach_v and_o believe_v for_o by_o power_n to_o ordain_v the_o christian_n world_n have_v always_o distinguish_v bishop_n from_o presbyter_n as_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v see_v by_o all_o the_o monument_n of_o antiquity_n that_o be_v extant_a to_o this_o day_n either_o of_o council_n story_n or_o father_n and_o as_o by_o impose_v o●_n hand_n so_o by_o succeed_v in_o the_o chair_n have_v bishop_n ever_o since_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v sever_v from_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o to_o all_o that_o do_v not_o eagerlie_a seek_v to_o captivate_v the_o truth_n to_o their_o own_o desire_n be_v a_o argument_n unrefellable_n that_o the_o first_o place_v of_o bishop_n above_o presbyter_n be_v apostolic_a tertullian_n say_v 4._o constabit_fw-la id_fw-la esse_fw-la ab_fw-la apostolis_n traditum_fw-la quod_fw-la apud_fw-la ecclesias_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la fuerit_fw-la sacrosanctum_fw-la it_o be_v certain_a that_o come_v from_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v sacred_o observe_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o austen_n 24._o quod_fw-la universa_fw-la tenet_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la nec_fw-la concilijs_fw-la institutum_fw-la sed_fw-la semper_fw-la retentum_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-la nisi_fw-la authoritate_fw-la apostolica_fw-la traditum_fw-la rectissime_fw-la creditur_fw-la that_o which_o the_o whole_a church_n keep_v and_o be_v not_o appoint_v by_o council_n but_o always_o retain_v that_o be_v most_o right_o believe_v to_o have_v descend_v from_o the_o apostle_n now_o that_o in_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n &_o their_o coadjutor_n one_o have_v be_v sever_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o presbyter_n and_o place_v above_o the_o rest_n in_o the_o honour_n of_o y_fw-fr t_o episcopal_n chair_n before_o there_o be_v any_o general_a council_n to_o decree_v that_o manner_n of_o government_n &_o so_o continue_v even_o from_o the_o apostle_n person_n &_o hand_n to_o this_o present_a age_n the_o perpetual_a succession_n of_o bishop_n in_o those_o principal_a church_n where_o the_o apostle_n &_o their_o helper_n preach_v and_o govern_v &_o like_o wise_a in_o all_o other_o church_n of_o the_o world_n follow_v their_o step_n will_v strong_o and_o full_o confirm_v if_o the_o apostle_n place_v bishop_n with_o their_o own_o hand_n if_o depart_v ordying_a they_o leave_v bishop_n to_o succeed_v they_o if_o their_o disciple_n and_o scholar_n embrace_v &_o use_v that_o course_n to_o set_v bishop_n above_o presbyter_n for_o save_v the_o church_n from_o schism_n &_o leave_v it_o to_o their_o after-commer_n i_o trust_v there_o be_v few_o man_n so_o deep_o drown_v in_o their_o own_o conceit_n or_o whole_o addict_v to_o their_o fancy_n but_o they_o will_v acknowledge_v the_o first_o distinction_n &_o institution_n of_o bishop_n from_o and_o above_o presbyter_n be_v if_o not_o command_v &_o impose_v by_o the_o apostle_n precept_n on_o the_o church_n yet_o at_o least_o ordain_v &_o deliver_v unto_o the_o faithful_a by_o their_o example_n as_o the_o best_a way_n to_o maintain_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o consequent_o the_o custom_n of_o y_fw-es ●_o church_n which_o austen_n speak_v of_o that_o the_o bishop_n office_n shall_v be_v great_a they_o the_o presbyter_n &_o the_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o jerome_n mention_v be_v derive_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o confirm_v by_o they_o and_o may_v not_o be_v reverse_a and_o re●ealed_v after_o 150._o year_n unless_o we_o challenge_v to_o be_v wise_a and_o better_a able_a to_o order_n and_o govern_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n then_o the_o apostle_n be_v eusebius_n the_o first_o and_o best_a collector_n of_o ancient_a and_o ecclesiastical_a momunent_n egesippus_fw-la and_o clemens_n be_v lose_v derive_v the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n in_o the_o four_o principal_a church_n of_o the_o world_n jerusalem_n antioch_n rome_n and_o alexandria_n from_o the_o apostle_n age_n unto_o his_o own_o time_n by_o which_o as_o by_o a_o line_n we_o may_v be_v direct_v to_o see_v what_o manner_n of_o episcopal_a succession_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n have_v &_o from_o who_o the_o first_o original_n of_o bishop_n descend_v i_o will_v set_v they_o down_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o table_n even_o from_o the_o apostle_n &_o their_o follower_n unto_o the_o time_n they_o meet_v in_o the_o great_a council_n of_o nice_a about_o 320._o year_n after_o christ_n and_o then_o examine_v more_o exact_o whence_o they_o take_v their_o first_o beginning_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n james_n the_o apostle_n simeon_n justus_n zacheus_n tobias_n benjamin_n johannes_n mathias_n philippus_n s●nnecas_n justus_n levi_n ephrem_fw-la joseph_n judas_n marcus_n cassianus_n publius_n maximus_n julianus_n caius_n symmachus_n caius_n julianus_n capito_n maximus_n antoninus_n valens_n dolichianus_fw-la narcissus_n dius_n germanion_n gordius_n narcissus_n iterum_fw-la alexander_n mazabanes_n hymeneus_n zambdas_n hermon_n macarius_n maximus_n cyrill●s_n johannes_n iwenalis_n in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n peter_n the_o apostle_n euodius_n ignatius_n heros_n cornelius_n eros_n theophilus_n maximinus_n serapion_n asclepiades_fw-la phileto_n zebinus_n babilas_n fabius_n demetrius_n paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la domnus_n timeus_n cyrillus_n tyrannus_n vitalius_n philagonius_fw-la e●stathius_n paulinus_n &_o miletius_n flavianus_n porphyrius_n alexander_n johannes_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n peter_n and_o paul_n linus_n anacletus_fw-la clemens_n euaristus_n alexander_n sixtus_n thelesphorus_n higinus_n pius_n an●cetus_n soter_n eleutherius_fw-la victor_n zepherinus_n calixtus_n vrbanus_n pontianus_n ant●rus_n fabianus_n cornelius_n lucius_n stephanus_n xistus_fw-la dionysius_n fellix_fw-la eutichianus_fw-la caius_n marcellinus_n marcellus_n eusebius_n meltiades_n sylvester_n marcus_n julius_n liberius_n damasus_n siricius_n anastasius_n in_o the_o church_n of_o alexandria_n mark_v the_o evangelist_n anianus_n abilius_n cerdo_n primus_fw-la justus_n eumenes_n marcus_n celadion_n agrippa_n julianus_n demetrius_n heraclas_n dionysius_n maximus_n theonas_n petrus_n achilles_n alexander_n athanasius_n petrus_n timotheus_n theophilus_n cyrillus_n these_o catalogue_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n antioch_n rome_n and_o alexandria_n eusebius_n pursue_v unto_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o own_o time_n leave_v off_o at_o 31._o hermon_n bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n 31._o tyrannous_a bishop_n of_o antioch_n 31._o marcellinus_n bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o 31._o peter_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n the_o rest_n be_v supply_v out_o of_o other_o as_o in_o the_o see_v of_o alexandria_n &_o achilles_n &_o alexander_n 15_o athanasius_n and_o 20._o peter_n out_o of_o socrates_n &_o vitalius_n &_o philagonius_fw-la and_o 7._o eustathius_n out_o of_o theodoret_n as_o also_o 2._o macarius_n for_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o see_v of_o rome_n marcellus_n and_o those_o that_o follow_v out_o of_o 2._o optatus_n and_o 165._o augustine_n the_o four_o bishop_n of_o these_o church_n that_o meet_v and_o sit_v in_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a be_v sylvester_n for_o rome_n by_o vitus_n and_o vincentius_n his_o presbyter_n sozomene_n say_v it_o be_v julius_n alexander_n for_o alexandria_n macarius_n for_o jerusalem_n and_o eustathius_n for_o antioch_n as_o appear_v by_o their_o subscription_n unto_o the_o say_a council_n now_o when_o these_o succession_n begin_v and_o who_o be_v the_o first_o author_n and_o ordainer_n of_o they_o let_v we_o see_v what_o proof_n can_v be_v bring_v that_o james_n the_o apostle_n be_v the_o first_o bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n clemens_n egefippus_fw-la eusebius_n jerome_n chrysostome_n epiphanius_n ambrose_n and_o augustine_n confirm_v clemens_n in_o his_o sirt_n book_n
because_o thou_o be_v govern_v by_o they_o s._n augustine_n upon_o the_o same_o word_n say_v in_o like_a manner_n 44._o the_o apostle_n beget_v thou_o they_o be_v thy_o father_n be_v the_o church_n forsake_v by_o their_o departure_n god_n forbid_v in_o stead_n of_o thy_o father_n be_v child_n bear_v unto_o thou_o the_o apostle_n be_v father_n in_o stead_n of_o the_o apostle_n bishop_n be_v appoint_v those_o the_o church_n call_v father_n yet_o those_o she_o beget_v and_o those_o she_o place_v in_o the_o ●eates_v of_o her_z father_n if_o we_o shall_v grant_v you_o that_o a_o difference_n be_v observe_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n betwixt_o the_o presbyter_n and_o bishop_n as_o well_o for_o ordination_n as_o succession_n yet_o that_o difference_n grow_v only_o by_o the_o custom_n and_o use_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o by_o any_o divine_a precept_n or_o ordinance_n and_o so_o much_o be_v affirm_v both_o by_o s._n austen_n and_o s._n jerome_n in_o those_o very_a place_n which_o you_o allege_v for_o the_o church_n as_o they_o say_v and_o not_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n place_v bishop_n in_o the_o seat_n and_o room_n of_o the_o apostle_n when_o s._n austen_n and_o s._n jerome_n do_v say_v that_o the_o church_n creat_v and_o place_v bishop_n in_o the_o apostle_n seat_n they_o do_v not_o mean_v as_o you_o misconstrue_v their_o word_n that_o the_o church_n have_v alter_v the_o form_n of_o the_o apostolic_a government_n which_o she_o receive_v and_o of_o herself_o devise_v a_o other_o kind_n of_o regiment_n by_o bishop_n that_o be_v to_o charge_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n with_o a_o voluntary_a defection_n from_o the_o apostle_n discipline_n and_o a_o arrogant_a prefer_n of_o her_o own_o invention_n before_o god_n ordinance_n with_o which_o though_o some_o in_o our_o time_n can_v be_v content_a to_o challenge_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o even_o the_o apostle_n coadjutor_n and_o scholar_n yet_o augustine_n and_o jerome_n be_v far_o from_o that_o humour_n their_o meaning_n be_v that_o albeit_o the_o apostle_n be_v depart_v this_o life_n who_o be_v worthy_o account_v father_n because_o they_o be_v call_v immediate_o by_o christ_n himself_o to_o convert_v and_o congregate_v his_o church_n yet_o the_o church_n be_v not_o destitute_a for_o so_o much_o as_o she_o have_v power_n from_o christ_n to_o create_v and_o appoint_v other_o of_o her_o child_n in_o their_o place_n which_o be_v bishop_n 44._o think_v not_o thyself_o forsake_v say_v austen_n to_o the_o church_n because_o thou_o see_v not_o peter_n and_o paul_n by_o who_o thou_o be_v beget_v of_o thy_o own_o offspring_n a_o fatherhood_n be_v grow_v unto_o thou_o in_o stead_n of_o the_o father_n child_n be_v bear_v unto_o thou_o thou_o shall_v make_v they_o ruler_n over_o the_o whole_a earth_n he_o say_v not_o the_o bishop_n be_v stranger_n or_o intruder_n on_o the_o apostle_n possession_n but_o they_o be_v lawful_a child_n and_o right_o place_v in_o their_o father_n room_n who_o heir_n and_o successor_n they_o be_v though_o their_o vocation_n be_v not_o immediate_a from_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v and_o if_o saint_n austin_n judgement_n in_o this_o case_n may_v prevail_v he_o apply_v the_o next_o word_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o warrant_v the_o place_n of_o bishop_n as_o governor_n over_o the_o whole_a earth_n and_o so_o do_v jerome_n 44._o thou_o shall_v make_v they_o ruler_n over_o all_o the_o earth_n christ_n have_v appoint_v his_o saint_n over_o all_o people_n for_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v the_o gospel_n spread_v into_o all_o the_o quarter_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o which_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v bishop_n be_v place_v and_o because_o you_o shroud_v your_o opinion_n under_o the_o shadow_n of_o s._n jerome_n and_o s._n austen_n hear_v what_o account_n they_o make_v of_o this_o position_n that_o by_o god_n law_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o difference_n betwixt_o presbyter_n and_o bishop_n jerome_n rehearse_v these_o word_n out_o of_o john_n of_o jerusalems_n letter_n hierosolymitani_fw-la nihil_fw-la interest_n inter_fw-la presbyterum_fw-la &_o episcopum_fw-la etc._n etc._n there_o be_v not_o such_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o a_o bishop_n and_o a_o presbyter_n their_o dignity_n be_v all_o one_o make_v this_o answer_n hierosolymitani_fw-la hoc_fw-la satis_fw-la imperitè_fw-fr in_o portu_fw-la ut_fw-la dicitur_fw-la naufragium_fw-la this_o be_v ignorant_o enough_o speak_v a_o ship_n wrack_n in_o the_o haven_n as_o the_o proverb_n go_v that_o be_v a_o error_n in_o the_o first_o entrance_n elsewhere_o instruct_v marcelia_n against_o the_o fantastical_a novelty_n of_o the_o montanist_n and_o show_v wherein_o montanus_n dissent_v from_o the_o catholic_a church_n jerome_n say_v 128._o apud_fw-la nos_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la locum_fw-la episcopi_fw-la tenent_fw-la apud_fw-la eos_fw-la episcopus_fw-la tertius_fw-la est_fw-la atque_fw-la ita_fw-la in_o tertium_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la penè_fw-la ultimum_fw-la locum_fw-la episcopi_fw-la dè_fw-la voluuntur_fw-la with_o we_o the_o bishop_n have_v the_o place_n of_o the_o apostle_n with_o they_o a_o bishop_n be_v the_o three_o degree_n and_o so_o the_o bishop_n be_v tumble_v in_o the_o three_o that_o be_v almost_o the_o low_a place_n and_o give_v his_o censure_n of_o this_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o montanus_n conceit_n he_o say_v 128._o haec_fw-la sunt_fw-la quae_fw-la coargutione_fw-la non_fw-la indigent_a perfidiam_fw-la eorum_fw-la exposuisse_fw-la superasse_fw-la est_fw-la these_o thing_n need_v no_o refutation_n to_o express_v their_o perfidiousness_n be_v enough_o to_o overthrow_v it_o s._n augustine_n make_v this_o report_n of_o aerius_n 53._o the_o aerian_o have_v their_o name_n from_o one_o aerius_n who_o be_v a_o presbyter_n be_v say_v to_o have_v take_v displeasure_n that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v make_v a_o bishop_n and_o fall_v into_o the_o arrian_n heresy_n add_v certain_a opinion_n of_o his_o own_o to_o wit_n among_o other_o presbyterum_fw-la ab_fw-la episcopo_fw-la nulla_fw-la differentia_fw-la debere_fw-la discerni_fw-la that_o a_o presbyter_n shall_v not_o be_v distinguish_v from_o a_o bishop_n by_o any_o kind_n of_o difference_n jerome_n say_v it_o be_v a_o shipwreck_n austen_n say_v it_o be_v aerianisme_n to_o say_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o difference_n betwixt_o presbyter_n and_o bishop_n austen_n therein_o follow_v the_o report_n of_o epiphanius_n and_o inquire_v no_o further_o into_o the_o reason_n of_o aerius_n speech_n for_o matter_n of_o fact_n what_o particular_a opinion_n heretic_n hold_v austen_n haply_o may_v trust_v epiphanius_n or_o philastrius_n that_o write_v before_o he_o of_o the_o same_o argument_n but_o whether_o their_o opinion_n be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n or_o no_o s._n austen_n have_v learning_n &_o judgement_n enough_o to_o discern_v that_o matter_n he_o be_v inexcusable_a if_o contrary_a to_o his_o own_o knowledge_n &_o conscience_n he_o pronounce_v a_o truth_n to_o be_v a_o error_n upon_o a_o other_o man_n credit_n and_o therefore_o never_o make_v s._n austen_n a_o pupil_n under_o age_n &_o to_o be_v miscarry_v with_o epiphanius_n false_a information_n he_o concur_v in_o judgement_n with_o epiphanius_n &_o philastrius_n and_o repel_v that_o assertion_n of_o aerius_n as_o repugnant_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o use_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o that_o confirm_v epiphanius_n opinion_n touch_v aerius_n position_n which_o be_v not_o christian_n &_o catholic_a as_o some_o man_n in_o our_o day_n begin_v to_o maintain_v but_o rather_o arrogant_a &_o erroneous_a indeed_o epiphanius_n be_v somewhat_o vehement_a &_o reject_v aerius_n assertion_n in_o this_o very_a point_n 75._o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d full_a of_o folly_n nugacitie_n error_n &_o a_o foul_a fall_n of_o one_o subvert_v by_o the_o devil_n s._n austen_n put_v he_o &_o his_o follower_n in_o the_o rank_n of_o false_a teacher_n for_o that_o beside_o the_o arrian_n heresy_n into_o which_o he_o fall_v he_o add_v certain_a position_n of_o his_o own_o against_o fast_v upon_o set_a day_n keep_v of_o easter_n rehearse_v the_o name_n of_o the_o dead_a at_o the_o lord_n table_n &_o distinguish_v of_o bishop_n from_o presbyter_n which_o thing_n the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n observe_v &_o no_o man_n ever_o impeach_v but_o aerius_n and_o his_o disciple_n think_v you_o that_o aerius_n be_v worthy_o condemn_v by_o epiphanius_n for_o deny_v prayer_n for_o the_o dead_a &_o not_o rather_o that_o epiphanius_n himself_o err_v in_o that_o point_n i_o distinguish_v y_fw-fr e_fw-la public_a action_n of_o y_fw-fr e_o whole_a primitive_a church_n from_o the_o private_a construction_n of_o this_o or_o that_o father_n the_o church_n have_v she_o set_v day_n of_o fast_v celebrate_v the_o memorial_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n give_v thanks_o to_o god_n in_o her_o open_a prayer_n at_o the_o lord_n table_n for_o her_o martyr_n &_o other_o that_o die_v either_o constant_o for_o the_o christian_n faith_n or_o
that_o be_v you_o shall_v hear_v his_o own_o confession_n in_o the_o same_o place_n and_o thereby_o perceive_v that_o many_o of_o the_o point_n which_o i_o have_v before_o prove_v be_v so_o sound_a and_o sure_a that_o no_o man_n learned_a can_v with_o any_o truth_n resist_v they_o 2_o habebant_fw-la ergo_fw-la singulae_fw-la civitates_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la collegium_fw-la qui_fw-la pastor_n erant_fw-la ac_fw-la doctores_fw-la no_o &_o apud_fw-la populum_fw-la munus_fw-la docendi_fw-la exhortandi_fw-la &_o corrigendi_fw-la quod_fw-la paulus_n episcopis_fw-la iniungit_fw-la omnes_fw-la obibant_fw-la quibus_fw-la docendi_fw-la munus_fw-la iniunctum_fw-la erat_fw-la eos_fw-la omnes_fw-la nominabant_fw-la presbyteros_fw-la illi_fw-la ex_fw-la svo_fw-la numero_fw-la in_o singulis_fw-la civitatibus_fw-la unum_fw-la eligebant_fw-la cvi_fw-la specialiter_fw-la dabant_fw-la titulum_fw-la episcopi_fw-la ne_fw-la ex_fw-la aequalitate_fw-la ut_fw-la fieri_fw-la solet_fw-la dissidia_fw-la nascerentur_fw-la unicuique_fw-la civitati_fw-la attributa_fw-la erat_fw-la regio_fw-la quae_fw-la presbyteros_fw-la inde_fw-la sumeret_fw-la &_o velu●_fw-la corpori_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la illius_fw-la accenseretur_fw-la every_o city_n have_v a_o college_n of_o presbyter_n which_o be_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o they_o all_o have_v the_o function_n of_o teach_v exhort_v and_o reprove_v in_o the_o congregation_n which_o paul_n enjoin_v unto_o bishop_n to_o who_o the_o office_n of_o teach_v be_v allot_v they_o be_v all_o call_v presbyter_n these_o in_o every_o city_n choose_v one_o of_o their_o own_o number_n to_o who_o they_o give_v the_o special_a title_n of_o a_o bishop_n lest_o by_o a_o equality_n as_o be_v usual_o find_v division_n shall_v arise_v to_o every_o city_n be_v appoint_v a_o certain_a region_n which_o take_v their_o presbyter_n from_o the_o city_n and_o be_v count_v part_n of_o the_o body_n of_o that_o church_n first_o then_o presbytery_n consist_v of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o be_v not_o have_v but_o in_o city_n next_o lest_o equality_n shall_v breed_v confusion_n over_o these_o presbyter_n in_o each_o city_n as_o well_o as_o over_o the_o flock_n be_v a_o bishop_n who_o in_o dignity_n and_o authority_n be_v above_o they_o three_o every_o bishop_n have_v his_o region_n or_o dioecese_n beside_o his_o city_n and_o the_o presbyter_n that_o be_v design_v for_o such_o country_n parish_n as_o be_v within_o his_o circuit_n be_v fetch_v from_o the_o city_n and_o repute_v to_o be_v of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o episcopal_a church_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n not_o only_o be_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v but_o they_o be_v also_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o caluin_n himself_o confess_v you_o shall_v take_v all_o he_o tell_v you_o that_o a_o bishop_n shall_v have_v no_o dominion_n over_o his_o brethren_n but_o as_o a_o consul_n in_o the_o senate_n shall_v propose_v matter_n ask_v voice_n go_v before_o other_o in_o advise_v warning_n exhort_v and_o moderate_v the_o whole_a action_n with_o his_o authority_n and_o execute_v that_o which_o be_v decree_v by_o common_a consent_n and_o this_o kind_n of_o regiment_n he_o say_v the_o father_n acknowledge_v first_o enter_v humano_fw-la consensu_fw-la by_o the_o consent_n of_o man_n according_a to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o time_n though_o it_o be_v very_o ancient_a as_o at_o alexandria_n ever_o since_o mark_v the_o evangelist_n i_o honour_v caluin_n for_o his_o wonderful_a gift_n and_o pain_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o can_v easy_o be_v enduce_v to_o embrace_v his_o judgement_n be_v it_o not_o that_o in_o this_o case_n a_o manifest_a truth_n confirm_v by_o the_o scripture_n father_n and_o by_o himself_o enforce_v i_o to_o the_o contrary_n jeromes_n word_n i_o have_v examine_v before_o they_o do_v not_o import_v that_o bishop_n first_o begin_v by_o humane_a devise_n and_o policy_n ignatius_n irenaeus_n egesippus_fw-la clemens_n alexandrinus_n dionysius_n of_o corinth_n origen_n tertullian_n eusebius_n methodius_n and_o jerom_n himself_o affirm_v the_o first_o bishop_n be_v make_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o by_o the_o apostle_n hand_n saint_n john_n in_o his_o revelation_n write_v to_o the_o seven_o pastor_n or_o chief_a moderatour_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n while_o saint_n john_n live_v as_o eusebius_n record_v there_o succeed_v at_o antioch_n interpret_v ignatius_n after_o interpret_v euodius_n at_o alexandria_n interpret_v abilius_n after_o interpret_v amianus_n at_o rome_n interpret_v clemens_n after_o interpret_v anacletus_fw-la and_o interpret_v linus_n at_o jerusalem_n interpret_v simeon_n after_o interpret_v james._n yea_o saint_n john_n with_o his_o own_o hand_n make_v ignatio_n polycarpe_n bishop_n of_o smyrna_n as_o irenaeus_n tertullian_n eusebius_n and_o jerome_n affirm_v and_o that_o next_o after_o 22._o eucharius_n as_o socrates_n note_v he_o do_v the_o like_a in_o many_o 3._o other_o place_n as_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n write_v i_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n forsake_v so_o many_o ancient_a and_o assure_a witness_n whereof_o some_o live_v with_o polycarpe_n and_o be_v his_o scholar_n to_o follow_v the_o mistake_n of_o a_o few_o word_n in_o jerome_n by_o whosoever_o yea_o caluin_n himself_o say_v 7._o nec_fw-la humanum_fw-la est_fw-la inventum_fw-la sed_fw-la dei_fw-la ipsius_fw-la institutum_fw-la quod_fw-la singulis_fw-la svas_fw-la assignamus_fw-la ecclesias_fw-la paulus_n ipse_fw-la archippum_fw-la colossensium_fw-la episcopum_fw-la commemorate_fw-la it_o be_v not_o man_n devise_n but_o the_o very_a ordinance_n of_o god_n that_o we_o assign_v to_o every_o man_n his_o church_n paul_n himself_o mention_v archippus_n bishop_n of_o colossus_n that_o be_v pastor_n of_o colossus_n and_o so_o we_o grant_v each_o church_n ought_v by_o god_n law_n to_o have_v a_o pastor_n we_o must_v ask_v further_a whether_o by_o god_n law_n each_o church_n must_v have_v one_o or_o many_o if_o one_o we_o have_v our_o desire_n if_o many_o there_o must_v yet_o be_v one_o chief_a to_o avoid_v confusion_n 4._o equality_n as_o caluin_n note_v breed_v faction_n jerome_n say_v euagrium_n to_o suppress_v the_o seed_n of_o dissension_n one_o be_v set_v above_o the_o rest_n otherwise_o there_o will_v be_v luciferianos_fw-la as_o many_o schism_n as_o there_o be_v priest_n beza_n make_v it_o a_o essential_a and_o perpetual_a part_n of_o god_n ordinance_n to_o have_v one_o chief_a in_o each_o presbytery_n his_o word_n be_v 153._o essentiale_fw-la fuit_fw-la in_o eo_fw-la de_fw-la quo_fw-la hic_fw-la agimus_fw-la quod_fw-la ex_fw-la dei_fw-la ordinatione_fw-la perpetua_fw-la necesse_fw-la fuit_fw-la est_fw-la &_o erit_fw-la ut_fw-la in_o presbyterio_n quispiam_fw-la &_o loco_fw-la &_o dignitate_fw-la primus_fw-la actioni_fw-la gubernandae_fw-la praesit_fw-la cum_fw-la eo_fw-la quod_fw-la ipsidivinitus_fw-la attributum_fw-la est_fw-la jure_fw-la this_o be_v essential_a in_o the_o matter_n we_o have_v in_o hand_n that_o by_o god_n ordinance_n which_o must_v always_o endure_v it_o have_v be_v be_v and_o shall_v be_v needful_a that_o in_o the_o presbytery_n one_o chief_a in_o place_n and_o dignity_n shall_v moderate_v and_o rule_v every_o action_n with_o that_o right_n which_o be_v allow_v he_o by_o god_n law_n and_o in_o this_o he_o say_v right_a for_o a_o multitude_n ungoverned_a must_v needs_o be_v confuse_v which_o shall_v be_v far_o from_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o government_n there_o can_v be_v none_o where_o all_o be_v equal_a when_o the_o shepehearde_n lead_v into_o diverse_a pasture_n who_o shall_v the_o sheep_n follow_v when_o sundry_a lord_n make_v sundry_a law_n which_o shall_v the_o subject_n obey_v sure_o if_o no_o man_n can_v serve_v two_o master_n no_o church_n can_v endure_v two_o pastor_n while_o they_o consent_v they_o have_v but_o one_o mind_n though_o many_o man_n when_o they_o dissent_v which_o in_o all_o person_n be_v casual_a and_o in_o all_o place_n usual_a then_o will_v there_o be_v as_o many_o side_n as_o there_o be_v leader_n you_o be_v as_o good_a set_v two_o head_n on_o one_o body_n as_o two_o chief_a ruler_n over_o one_o company_n if_o you_o confess_v there_o must_v by_o god_n law_n be_v one_o chief_a pastor_n in_o one_o church_n then_o the_o chief_a pastor_n of_o each_o city_n be_v the_o bishop_n which_o we_o seek_v for_o and_o he_o by_o your_o own_o position_n be_v authorize_v as_o pastor_n of_o the_o place_n by_o god_n ordinance_n this_o you_o shall_v never_o avoid_v do_v what_o you_o can_v each_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n have_v many_o presbyter_n that_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n the_o scripture_n do_v plain_o witness_v it_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n act._n 15._o v._n 6._o and_o 23_o of_o antioch_n act._n 13._o v._n 1_o of_o ephesus_z act._n 20._o v._n 17._o and_o 28_o of_o rome_n rom._n 16_o of_o corinth_n 1._o corinth_n 14._o v._n 29_o of_o philippi_n philip._n 1._o v._n 1_o of_o thessalonica_n 1._o thess._n 5._o v._n 12_o of_o other_o church_n the_o like_a be_v affirm_v hebr._n 13._o v._o 17_o jame_v 5._o v._o 14_o 1._o pet._n 5._o v._n 1._o now_o by_o god_n essential_a and_o
perpetual_a ordinance_n as_o yourselves_o confess_v there_o must_v be_v one_o chief_a and_o pastor_n of_o each_o church_n and_o presbytery_n to_o guide_v aswell_o the_o presbyter_n that_o be_v teacher_n as_o the_o flock_n that_o be_v hearer_n with_o that_o power_n which_o god_n law_n allow_v unto_o pastor_n tell_v i_o now_o i_o pray_v you_o what_o difference_n betwixt_o chief_a pastor_n establish_v in_o every_o city_n by_o god_n law_n as_o you_o be_v force_v to_o grant_v and_o bishop_n succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o their_o church_n &_o chair_n as_o the_o father_n affirm_v if_o you_o mislike_v the_o word_n bishop_n it_o be_v catholic_a and_o apostolic_a if_o you_o mislike_v the_o office_n it_o be_v god_n ordinance_n by_o your_o own_o assertion_n we_o grant_v the_o name_n of_o a_o bishop_n and_o regiment_n of_o a_o pastor_n be_v confirm_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o you_o yield_v more_o to_o your_o chief_a pastor_n and_o bishop_n than_o the_o word_n of_o god_n allow_v they_o as_o namely_o you_o suffer_v they_o to_o continue_v for_o life_n where_o they_o shall_v govern_v but_o for_o a_o month_n or_o a_o week_n you_o alotte_n they_o diocese_n which_o shall_v be_v but_o parish_n you_o give_v they_o not_o only_o a_o distinction_n from_o presbyter_n but_o a_o jurisdiction_n over_o presbyter_n who_o shall_v be_v all_o one_o with_o presbyter_n and_o subject_a to_o the_o most_o voice_n of_o the_o presbyter_n all_o which_o thing_n we_o say_v be_v against_o the_o scripture_n you_o frame_v church_n to_o your_o fancy_n and_o then_o you_o straight_o way_n think_v the_o scripture_n do_v answer_v your_o devise_n if_o we_o give_v bishop_n any_o thing_n which_o the_o ancient_a and_o catholic_a church_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o first_o give_v they_o in_o god_n name_n spare_v we_o not_o let_v the_o world_n know_v it_o but_o if_o we_o prefer_v the_o universal_a judgement_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o expound_v the_o scripture_n touch_v the_o power_n and_o function_n of_o bishop_n before_o your_o particular_a and_o late_a dream_n you_o must_v not_o blame_v us._n they_o be_v near_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o likely_a to_o understand_v the_o apostle_n meaning_n than_o you_o that_o come_v after_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n with_o a_o new_a plot_n of_o church_n government_n never_o hear_v of_o before_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n throughout_o the_o world_n can_v not_o at_o one_o time_n join_v in_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o kind_n of_o government_n have_v it_o not_o be_v deliver_v and_o settle_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o scholar_n that_o convert_v the_o world_n so_o many_o thousand_o martyr_n and_o saint_n that_o live_v with_o the_o apostle_n will_v never_o consent_v to_o alter_v the_o apostle_n discipline_n which_o be_v once_o receive_v in_o the_o church_n without_o the_o apostle_n warrant_v wherefore_o we_o construe_v the_o apostle_n writing_n by_o their_o do_n you_o measure_v the_o scripture_n after_o your_o own_o humour_n whether_o of_o we_o twain_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o hit_v the_o truth_n as_o for_o your_o repine_n at_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o give_v to_o bishop_n we_o great_o regard_v it_o not_o so_o long_o as_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o contradict_v they_o we_o smile_v rather_o at_o your_o devise_n which_o say_v that_o a_o bishop_n shall_v govern_v for_o a_o week_n and_o then_o change_v and_o give_v place_n to_o the_o next_o presbyter_n for_o a_o other_o week_n and_o so_o round_o by_o course_n to_o all_o the_o presbyter_n what_o scripture_n confirm_v that_o circular_a and_o weekly_a regiment_n of_o you_o by_o what_o authority_n do_v you_o give_v it_o the_o name_n of_o a_o divine_a institution_n when_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a imagination_n of_o you_o without_o proof_n or_o truth_n she_z we_o one_o example_n or_o authority_n for_o it_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o take_v the_o cause_n succession_n by_o course_n be_v ordain_v by_o god_n after_o the_o example_n of_o 156._o the_o priest_n of_o aaron_n do_v the_o son_n of_o aaron_n lose_v their_o priesthood_n when_o their_o course_n be_v end_v no_o but_o they_o serve_v in_o the_o temple_n by_o course_n and_o so_o be_v bishop_n appoint_v by_o god_n ordinance_n to_o guide_v the_o presbytery_n be_v this_o all_o the_o ground_n you_o have_v upon_o this_o slender_a and_o single_a similitude_n to_o make_v god_n ordinance_n what_o please_v you_o if_o such_o reason_n may_v serve_v we_o can_v soon_o conclude_v the_o perpetual_a function_n of_o bishop_n than_o you_o can_v the_o weekly_a for_o not_o only_o the_o high_a priest_n keep_v his_o honour_n during_o his_o life_n but_o likewise_o every_o priest_n that_o be_v chief_a of_o his_o order_n indeed_o their_o course_n be_v end_v they_o depart_v home_o but_o they_o lose_v not_o their_o dignity_n but_o what_o rove_a be_v this_o in_o matter_n of_o weight_n will_v any_o wise_a man_n be_v move_v with_o such_o ghess_n make_v we_o good_a proof_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n or_o leave_v tie_v god_n ordinance_n to_o your_o appetite_n ambrose_n be_v the_o man_n that_o affirm_v it_o if_o you_o come_v once_o to_o father_n i_o hope_v we_o have_v ten_o to_o one_o that_o affirm_v otherwise_o if_o ambrose_n do_v say_v so_o we_o can_v not_o believe_v he_o against_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o father_n yea_o and_o against_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o election_n of_o bishop_n be_v prescribe_v by_o paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o tite_n and_o not_o succession_n in_o order_n but_o i_o deny_v that_o ambrose_n say_v any_o such_o thing_n he_o say_v the_o next_o in_o order_n succeed_v he_o name_v neither_o change_n nor_o course_n it_o be_v your_o own_o devise_n it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o ambrose_n meaning_n anianus_n the_o next_o after_o mark_n that_o be_v bishop_n of_o alexandria_n six_o year_n before_o peter_n and_o paul_n be_v put_v to_o death_n be_v he_o make_v by_o order_n or_o by_o election_n jerome_n say_v express_o euagrium_n a_o marco_n euangelista_fw-la presbyteri_fw-la semper_fw-la unum_fw-la ex_fw-la se_fw-la electum_fw-la etc._n etc._n they_o of_o alexandria_n ever_o since_o mark_v the_o evangelist_n do_v always_o choose_v their_o bishop_n he_o never_o succeed_v in_o order_n neither_o do_v anianus_n govern_v for_o a_o week_n or_o a_o year_n he_o sit_v bishop_n there_o &_o two_o and_o twenty_o year_n as_o eusebius_n write_v and_o abilius_n the_o next_o that_o be_v choose_v after_o his_o death_n sit_v chr●nicon_n thirtene_v year_n more_o before_o he_o die_v and_o then_o succeed_v cerdo_v and_o the_o rest_n in_o their_o time_n all_o choose_v and_o all_o sit_v in_o the_o pastoral_n chair_n so_o long_o as_o they_o live_v the_o like_v you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o first_o bishop_n of_o rome_n who_o keep_v the_o episcopal_a chair_n during_o life_n and_o not_o by_o course_n 13._o linus_n sit_v twelve_o year_n &_o anacletus_fw-la twelve_o chronicon_fw-la clemens_n nine_o saint_n john_n the_o apostle_n live_v and_o order_v the_o whole_a church_n while_o the_o three_o first_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o of_o alexandria_n succeed_v by_o election_n and_o govern_v without_o change_v for_o the_o term_n of_o their_o life_n wherefore_o it_o be_v evident_a this_o upstart_n fancy_n be_v far_o from_o god_n ordinance_n if_o you_o trust_v not_o i_o mark_v how_o your_o own_o friend_n i_o will_v not_o say_v yourselves_o do_v cross_a and_o confute_v your_o own_o invention_n you_o say_v it_o be_v god_n disposition_n that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o chief_a of_o your_o presbytery_n shall_v go_v by_o course_n and_o that_o order_n you_o call_v divine_a they_o say_v it_o be_v accidental_a and_o no_o part_n of_o god_n ordinance_n 153_o accidentale_n fuit_fw-la quod_fw-la presbyteri_fw-la in_o hac_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d alij_fw-la alijs_fw-la per_fw-la vice_n initio_fw-la succedebant_fw-la it_o be_v accidental_a that_o the_o presbyter_n do_v in_o this_o chiefdome_n at_o the_o first_o beginning_n succeed_v one_o a_o other_o by_o course_n you_o tell_v we_o the_o elect_v one_o to_o continue_v chief_a of_o the_o presbytery_n be_v a_o humane_a order_n but_o they_o assure_v we_o that_o election_n in_o all_o sacred_a function_n be_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o may_v not_o be_v alter_v 154_o aliud_fw-la est_fw-la electionis_fw-la mandatum_fw-la quam_fw-la immotan_fw-mi non_fw-la tantùm_fw-la in_o diaconis_fw-la sed_fw-la etiam_fw-la in_o sacris_fw-la functionibus_fw-la omnibus_fw-la seruatam_fw-la oportui●_n aliud_fw-la electionis_fw-la modus_fw-la the_o commandment_n of_o election_n be_v one_o thing_n which_o must_v be_v observe_v not_o only_o in_o deacon_n but_o in_o all_o sacred_a function_n the_o manner_n of_o election_n be_v a_o other_o thing_n the_o precept_n can_v be_v immutable_a unless_o it_o be_v divine_a and_o apostolic_a other_o have_v no_o such_o power_n to_o command_v now_o for_o my_o learning_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v this_o rule_v by_o
power_n which_o you_o give_v to_o your_o presbyter_n but_o because_o you_o turn_v they_o all_o over_o the_o bar_n as_o taint_v with_o humane_a pollitie_n and_o neglecter_n of_o god_n ordinance_n let_v we_o see_v whether_o we_o can_v say_v more_o for_o the_o power_n of_o bishop_n over_o presbyter_n by_o the_o scripture_n than_o you_o have_v do_v for_o your_o presbyterial_a censure_n which_o in_o my_o judgement_n be_v very_o flenderlie_o and_o weak_o prove_v all_o that_o we_o can_v say_v for_o the_o power_n of_o bishop_n above_o presbyter_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n be_v this_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o s._n paul_n have_v give_v the_o bishop_n of_o each_o place_n authority_n to_o ordain_v such_o as_o be_v worthy_a to_o examine_v such_o as_o be_v faulty_a and_o reprove_v and_o discharge_v such_o as_o be_v guilty_a either_o of_o unsound_a teach_n or_o offensive_a live_n thus_o much_o he_o say_v to_o timothy_n and_o tite_n and_o in_o they_o to_o their_o successor_n and_o to_o all_o other_o bishop_n of_o christ_n church_n for_o ever_o the_o place_n be_v plain_a and_o need_v no_o long_a discourse_v till_o we_o hear_v your_o answer_n of_o admit_v presbyter_n paul_n say_v to_o timothy_n 5._o lay_v hand_n hasty_o on_o no_o man_n neither_o be_v partaker_n of_o other_o man_n sin_n and_o to_o tite_n 1._o for_o this_o cause_n i_o leave_v thou_o in_o crete_n that_o thou_o shall_v ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n such_o as_o i_o appoint_v thou_o of_o convent_v they_o he_o say_v 5._o receive_v no_o accusation_n against_o a_o presbyter_n but_o under_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n those_o that_o sin_n rebuke_v open_o that_o the_o rest_n may_v fear_v of_o dismiss_v they_o he_o say_v 1._o i_o pray_v thou_o to_o abide_v at_o ephesus_n to_o command_v certain_a that_o they_o teach_v no_o strange_a doctrine_n 1._o their_o mouth_n must_v be_v stop_v that_o teach_v thing_n they_o ought_v not_o for_o filthy_a lucre_n 5._o the_o presbyter_n that_o do_v their_o duty_n let_v they_o be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n 3._o stay_v foolish_a question_n and_o contention_n 3._o a_o heretic_n after_o one_o or_o two_o warning_n reject_v 2._o these_o thing_n speak_v and_o exhort_v and_o rebuke_v with_o all_o authority_n see_v no_o man_n despise_v thou_o 5._o i_o charge_v thou_o before_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o elect_a angel_n that_o thou_o observe_v these_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o carry_v any_o prejudice_n or_o incline_v to_o either_o part_n the_o word_n be_v singular_a the_o charge_n be_v vehement_a the_o party_n be_v bishop_n to_o who_o the_o apostle_n write_v the_o case_n therefore_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o bishop_n power_n over_o presbyter_n in_o these_o pointe●_n be_v ratify_v by_o the_o express_a commandment_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n you_o be_v mighty_o deceive_v this_o power_n belong_v to_o evangelist_n not_o to_o bishop_n and_o therefore_o it_o dure_v but_o for_o their_o time_n and_o exceed_v not_o their_o person_n to_o who_o the_o apostle_n ●rate_a see_v you_o how_o easy_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o your_o prelacy_n be_v shake_v and_o over_o throw_v if_o your_o reply_n be_v sound_a you_o say_v somewhat_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o if_o it_o be_v false_a absurd_a repugnant_a to_o the_o very_a text_n and_o refute_v by_o your_o own_o position_n then_o take_v you_o heed_n what_o answer_v you_o will_v make_v to_o god_n for_o disturb_v his_o church_n despise_v his_o ordinance_n and_o deride_v his_o messenger_n that_o himself_o have_v place_v and_o authorize_v with_o his_o own_o mouth_n and_o here_o i_o must_v pray_v the_o christian_a reader_n advisedlie_o to_o mark_v what_o be_v say_v and_o answer_v on_o either_o side_n this_o in_o deed_n be_v the_o main_a erection_n of_o the_o episcopal_a power_n and_o function_n if_o our_o proof_n stand_v or_o subversion_n if_o your_o answer_n be_v good_a for_o if_o this_o fail_v well_o may_v bishop_n claim_v their_o authority_n by_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n by_o any_o divine_a precept_n express_v in_o the_o scripture_n they_o can_v but_o if_o these_o rule_n be_v deltuer_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o bishop_n as_o we_o say_v they_o be_v and_o not_o to_o timothy_n and_o tite_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o euangelship_n as_o the_o presbyterist_n affirm_v then_o can_v there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o this_o new_a discipline_n be_v a_o very_a dream_n and_o the_o ancient_a and_o primitive_a church_n of_o christ_n hold_v the_o right_a and_o apostolical_a form_n of_o govern_v the_o house_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o prescript_n of_o his_o word_n out_o rejoinder_n therefore_o be_v as_o follow_v no_o power_n proper_a to_o evangelist_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v perpetual_a in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n their_o call_n be_v both_o extraordinary_a and_o temporary_a but_o power_n to_o ordain_v fit_a minister_n to_o convent_n and_o discharge_v unfit_a be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v perpetual_a in_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n this_o therefore_o be_v no_o power_n proper_a to_o evangelist_n which_o s._n paul_n in_o these_o place_n prescribe_v unto_o tite_n and_o timothy_n again_o your_o presbyter_n may_v not_o claim_v euangelisticall_a power_n since_o your_o presbyter_n be_v no_o evangelist_n but_o your_o presbytery_n claim_v this_o power_n which_o paul_n here_o commit_v to_o timothy_n and_o tite_n even_o to_o ordain_v examine_v censure_n and_o deprive_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n ergo_fw-la this_o power_n be_v not_o proper_a to_o evangelist_n let_v all_o this_o be_v nothing_o if_o saint_n paul_n in_o express_a word_n say_v not_o as_o much_o 6._o i_o charge_v thou_o say_v he_o to_o timothy_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o before_o jesus_n christ_n that_o thou_o keep_v this_o commandment_n without_o spot_n and_o unrebukeable_a until_o the_o appear_v of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n for_o timothy_n to_o observe_v these_o thing_n until_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n in_o glory_n be_v utter_o unpossible_a he_o be_v to_o die_v long_o before_o these_o precept_n therefore_o be_v deliver_v to_o he_o and_o those_o that_o shall_v succeed_v in_o his_o place_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n ergo_fw-la timothy_n power_n and_o function_n in_o this_o behalf_n must_v be_v perpetual_a in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o not_o fail_v before_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n 6._o with_o great_a vigilancy_n and_o providence_n say_v ambrose_n upon_o this_o place_n do_v the_o apostle_n give_v percept_v to_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n for_o in_o his_o person_n do_v the_o safety_n of_o the_o people_n consist_v he_o be_v not_o so_o circumspect_a as_o fear_v timothy_n care_n but_o for_o his_o successor_n that_o after_o timothy_n example_n they_o shall_v observe_v the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n now_o let_v the_o christian_a reader_n judge_v whether_o this_o be_v a_o temporary_a function_n in_o timothy_n that_o die_v with_o his_o person_n or_o a_o perpetual_a charge_n to_o he_o and_o his_o successor_n for_o ever_o sure_o timothy_n be_v a_o evangelist_n timothy_n be_v no_o bishop_n you_o say_v he_o be_v no_o bishop_n 233._o eusebius_n jerome_n ambrose_n chrysostome_n theodoretus_n epiphanius_n oecumenius_n primasius_n affirm_v he_o be_v a_o bishop_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n s._n paul_n by_o this_o epistle_n direct_v he_o and_o all_o other_o bishop_n in_o he_o how_o to_o impose_v hand_n on_o presbyter_n and_o receive_v accusation_n against_o they_o yea_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n without_o exception_n have_v so_o construe_v and_o observe_v the_o apostle_n word_n in_o suffer_v none_o but_o bishop_n either_o to_o ordain_v or_o degrade_v presbyter_n yet_o all_o this_o with_o you_o be_v nothing_o your_o bare_a fancy_n must_v over_o bear_v both_o father_n be_v they_o never_o so_o learned_a and_o church_n be_v they_o never_o so_o ancient_a and_o though_o you_o avouch_v this_o power_n must_v not_o exceed_v their_o two_o person_n to_o who_o s._n paul_n write_v yet_o you_o be_v so_o liberal_a and_o beneficial_a to_o your_o presbytery_n that_o against_o all_o truth_n and_o authority_n you_o make_v they_o succeed_v timothy_n and_o tite_n in_o their_o euangelisticall_a power_n and_o so_o according_a to_o your_o manner_n you_o will_v have_v this_o power_n to_o be_v proper_a and_o yet_o common_a to_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o yet_o usual_a to_o cease_v with_o their_o person_n and_o yet_o to_o dure_v for_o ever_o with_o your_o presbytery_n fire_n will_v better_o agree_v with_o water_n than_o you_o with_o yourselves_o except_o you_o leave_v this_o roll_a too_o and_o fro_o at_o your_o pleasure_n we_o say_v the_o evangelist_n have_v this_o power_n for_o a_o time_n the_o presbytery_n for_o e●er_n what_o you_o say_v no_o wise_a man_n will_v regard_v unless_o you_o make_v better_a proof_n than_o i_o yet_o
see_v you_o do_v you_o have_v not_o a_o word_n nor_o a_o tittle_n in_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o power_n of_o your_o presbytefy_v and_o yet_o you_o pronounce_v so_o peremptory_o and_o resolutelie_o of_o they_o as_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o write_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o the_o power_n of_o your_o presbyter_n do_v not_o the_o presbytery_n impose_v hand_n on_o timothy_n to_o make_v he_o a_o evangelist_n do_v not_o they_o watch_v and_o feed_v the_o flock_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n do_v not_o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v they_o over_o seer_n of_o the_o church_n what_o will_v you_o have_v more_o of_o lay_v man_n your_o presbytery_n either_o whole_o or_o chief_o consist_v than_o they_o also_o be_v pastor_n and_o bishop_n and_o watch_v &_o feed_v the_o flock_n &_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v set_v they_o over_o the_o church_n &_o they_o also_o impose_v hand_n as_o well_o as_o the_o best_a and_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n what_o thing_n be_v there_o so_o peculiar_a to_o pastor_n which_o you_o do_v not_o communicate_v to_o your_o presbyter_n for_o when_o you_o be_v urge_v y_fw-mi ●_o presbyter_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v by_o duty_n to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o belong_v proper_o to_o pastoral_a care_n and_o oversight_n and_o therefore_o lay_v man_n be_v no_o part_n of_o th●se_a presbytery_n you_o answer_v roundly_o that_o lie_v elder_n in_o the_o consistory_n do_v watch_n and_o feed_v and_o overlook_v the_o flock_n as_o well_o as_o pastor_n and_o so_o not_o only_o their_o power_n but_o also_o their_o charge_n be_v the_o very_a same_o as_o you_o say_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v unto_o pastor_n and_o yet_o they_o no_o pastor_n and_o touch_v hand_n lay_v on_o timothy_n by_o the_o presbytery_n you_o answer_v yourselves_o for_o when_o you_o allege_v that_o the_o presbytery_n do_v impose_v hand_n on_o timothy_n we_o ask_v you_o whether_o all_o the_o presbytery_n have_v right_a and_o power_n to_o impose_v hand_n or_o only_o some_o of_o they_o if_o all_o then_o lay_v elder_n must_v either_o impose_v hand_n which_o caluine_n conclusive_o deni_v 3._o hoc_fw-la postremo_fw-la habendum_fw-la est_fw-la solos_fw-la pastor_n manus_fw-la imposuisse_fw-la ministris_fw-la this_o we_o must_v understand_v that_o only_a pastor_n impose_v hand_n on_o minister_n or_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o presbytery_n if_o some_o only_o impose_v hand_n and_o yet_o the_o presbytery_n be_v say_v to_o do_v that_o which_o not_o all_o but_o some_o few_o or_o one_o of_o they_o do_v in_o like_a manner_n paul_n say_v the_o presbytery_n lay_v hand_n on_o timothy_n when_o himself_o do_v the_o deed_n who_o be_v one_o of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o thus_o much_o caluine_n likewise_o avouch_v 3._o pa●lus_fw-la ipse_fw-la se_fw-la non_fw-la alios_fw-la complures_fw-la timotheo_n manus_fw-la imposuisse_fw-la comm●morat_fw-la paul_n witness_v that_o himself_o and_o none_o other_o lay_v hand_n on_o timothy_n and_o strange_a it_o be_v to_o see_v you_o build_v the_o main_a foundation_n of_o your_o presbytericall_a power_n on_o a_o place_n that_o have_v so_o many_o sound_n and_o sufficient_a answer_n as_o this_o have_v first_o jerome_n ambrose_n primasius_n and_o caluine_n tell_v you_o the_o word_n presbytery_n signify_v in_o that_o place_n the_o degree_n and_o function_n which_o timothy_n receive_v not_o the_o college_n and_o number_n of_o presbyter_n next_o chrysostome_n theodorete_n oecumenius_n and_o theophilact_v tell_v you_o that_o paul_n by_o the_o presbytery_n mean_v the_o bishop_n their_o name_n at_o first_o be_v common_a for_o that_o presbyter_n may_v not_o lay_v hand_n on_o a_o bishop_n such_o as_o timothy_n be_v thirdlie_o the_o scripture_n tell_v you_o that_o the_o apostle_n evangelist_n prophet_n and_o the_o seventie_o disciple_n be_v of_o the_o presbytery_n in_o the_o first_o church_n and_o they_o may_v well_o impose_v hand_n on_o timothy_n without_o any_o presbyter_n fourthlie_o saint_n paul_n tell_v you_o as_o caluine_v well_o observe_v and_o urge_v that_o himself_o and_o none_o other_o lay_v hand_n on_o timothy_n last_o yourselves_o say_v timothy_n be_v a_o evangelist_n which_o function_n and_o vocation_n the_o presbytery_n of_o no_o particular_a church_n can_v give_v he_o but_o only_o the_o apostle_n what_o power_n have_v the_o church_n of_o iconium_n or_o ephesus_n to_o make_v evangelist_n i_o mean_v such_o as_o shall_v accompany_v the_o apostle_n and_o assist_v they_o in_o their_o travail_n if_o you_o trust_v neither_o scripture_n nor_o father_n for_o shame_n trust_v yourselves_o and_o your_o own_o position_n how_o shall_v other_o man_n believe_v your_o assertion_n when_o yourselves_o do_v not_o believe_v they_o if_o timothy_n be_v a_o evangelist_n they_o must_v be_v apostle_n and_o no_o presbyter_n that_o impose_v hand_n on_o he_o if_o the_o presbytery_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n impose_v hand_n on_o he_o timothy_n must_v be_v a_o bishop_n and_o have_v a_o local_a charge_n in_o some_o church_n which_o you_o impugn_v under_o pretence_n of_o his_o euangelship_n choose_v which_o yyu_n will_v so_o you_o choose_v some_o what_o and_o stand_v to_o it_o whrn_v you_o have_v choose_v it_o be_v they_o presbyter_n or_o no_o that_o impose_v hand_n on_o timothy_n if_o they_o be_v yet_o they_o do_v it_o joint_o with_o paul_n and_o so_o without_o the_o apostle_n or_o his_o successor_n presbyter_n may_v not_o impose_v hand_n and_o then_o must_v timothy_n be_v a_o bishop_n when_o paul_n write_v unto_o he_o for_o presbyter_n can_v not_o make_v he_o a_o evangelist_n be_v they_o no_o presbyter_n but_o apostle_n or_o other_o of_o high_a calling_n then_o make_v this_o place_n nothing_o for_o the_o power_n of_o presbyter_n either_o to_o ordain_v or_o deprive_v minister_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o set_v this_o aside_o what_o one_o jot_n find_v you_o in_o the_o scripture_n concern_v your_o presbytery_n the_o conclusion_n be_v we_o show_v you_o substantial_a and_o full_a proof_n that_o timothy_n and_o his_o successor_n be_v charge_v by_o paul_n to_o observe_v these_o precept_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o ever_o touch_v the_o admit_v of_o fit_a minister_n and_o remove_v of_o unfit_a thence_o we_o infer_v this_o power_n must_v be_v perpetual_a in_o bishop_n for_o they_o succeed_v timothy_n in_o the_o church_n the_o presbytery_n do_v not_o on_o the_o other_o side_n you_o claim_v this_o authority_n from_o bishop_n to_o your_o presbytery_n but_o you_o can_v prove_v either_o their_o succession_n from_o timothy_n or_o joint_a commission_n with_o timothy_n by_o any_o sentence_n or_o syllable_n in_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o shall_v feed_v and_o watch_v the_o flock_n you_o urge_v and_o we_o grant_v in_o teach_v and_o exhort_v they_o be_v join_v with_o timothy_n by_o reason_n the_o labourer_n must_v of_o force_n be_v many_o where_o the_o harvest_n be_v so_o great_a as_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o in_o ordain_v and_o govern_v the_o teacher_n as_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o many_o so_o be_v there_o no_o precept_n for_o many_o least_o by_o the_o multitude_n of_o ruler_n order_n shall_v be_v rather_o confuse_v then_o preserve_v wherefore_o as_o timothy_n be_v place_v at_o ephesus_n and_o tite_n in_o crete_n to_o ordain_v moderate_a and_o rebuke_v as_o well_o presbyter_n as_o people_n so_o be_v archippus_n at_o colossus_n so_o be_v the_o seven_o pastor_n in_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n to_o who_o the_o son_n of_o god_n write_v by_o s._n johns_n pen_n so_o in_o all_o the_o apostolic_a church_n be_v apostolic_a man_n throughout_o the_o christian_a world_n leave_v to_o guide_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n with_o like_a power_n and_o to_o leave_v the_o same_o to_o their_o successor_n for_o ever_o and_o this_o our_o construction_n and_o exposition_n of_o of_o s._n paul_n word_n to_o timothy_n the_o learned_a and_o ancient_a father_n confirm_v with_o one_o consent_n and_o the_o catholic_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v continue_v and_o perform_v in_o all_o age_n and_o place_n since_o the_o apostle_n death_n mean_v you_o that_o bishop_n alone_o may_v do_v what_o they_o will_v without_o the_o knowledge_n or_o consent_n of_o their_o presbyter_n my_o meaning_n be_v soon_o understand_v you_o establish_v one_o chief_a in_o your_o presbytery_n by_o god_n essential_a and_o perpetual_a ordinance_n to_o execute_v that_o which_o you_o decree_v who_o you_o call_v your_o precedent_n how_o far_o i_o join_v with_o you_o you_o shall_v quick_o perceive_v to_o avoid_v tumult_n and_o dissension_n god_n have_v authorize_v one_o in_o each_o place_n and_o church_n able_a to_o have_v &_o maintain_v a_o presbytery_n who_o with_o pastoral_n and_o fatherly_a moderation_n shall_v guide_v as_o well_o the_o presbyter_n that_o assist_v he_o as_o the_o people_n that_o be_v subject_a to_o he_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o
father_n so_o do_v you_o nothing_o without_o the_o bishop_n whether_o you_o be_v presbyter_n deacon_n or_o lay_v man_n and_o again_o sarsenses_n presbyter_n be_v subject_a to_o your_o bishop_n deacon_n to_o your_o pesbyter_n and_o lay_v man_n to_o both_o my_o soul_n for_o they_o that_o observe_v this_o order_n the_o lord_n will_v be_v always_o with_o they_o the_o canon_n report_v the_o ancient_a discipline_n that_o obtain_v in_o the_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n say_v 38._o let_v the_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n do_v nothing_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o bishop_n for_o the_o bishop_n be_v he_o to_o who_o charge_n the_o people_n be_v commit_v and_o who_o shall_v render_v a_o account_n for_o their_o soul_n tertullian_n that_o live_v in_o the_o next_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n proove_v that_o in_o his_o time_n neither_o presbyter_n nor_o deacon_n may_v baptize_v without_o the_o bishop_n leave_n baptismo_fw-la the_o right_a to_o give_v baptism_n have_v the_o high_a priest_n which_o be_v the_o bishop_n than_o the_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n non_fw-la tamen_fw-la sine_fw-la episcopi_fw-la authoritate_fw-la propter_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la honorem_fw-la quo_fw-la saluo_fw-la salua_fw-la pax_fw-la est_fw-la but_o not_o without_o the_o bishop_n authority_n for_o that_o honour_n the_o church_n yield_v to_o bishop_n which_o be_v preserve_v peace_n be_v maintain_v emulation_n be_v the_o mother_n ofschisme_n the_o council_n of_o ancyra_n that_o be_v elder_a than_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a show_v it_o be_v 13._o not_o lawful_a for_o rural_a bishop_n to_o ordain_v presbyter_n or_o deacon_n nor_o for_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o city_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o their_o charge_n without_o the_o licence_n and_o letter_n of_o the_o bishop_n the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n express_v the_o bishop_n preeminence_n say_v 56._o the_o rural_a bishop_n that_o be_v already_o make_v must_v do_v nothing_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o city_n likewise_o the_o presbyter_n must_v do_v nothing_o without_o the_o like_n of_o their_o bishop_n the_o council_n of_o arle_n in_o constantine_n day_n 19_o presbyteri_fw-la sine_fw-la conscientia_fw-la episcoporum_fw-la nihil_fw-la faciant_fw-la the_o presbyter_n may_v do_v nothing_o without_o the_o knowledge_n or_o consent_n of_o the_o bishop_n jerome_n give_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o it_o that_o tertullian_n do_v if_o the_o chief_a priest_n shall_v not_o have_v power_n luciferianos_fw-la eminent_a above_o all_o without_o partner_n there_o will_v be_v as_o many_o schism_n as_o there_o be_v priest_n ind_n venit_fw-la ut_fw-la sine_fw-la episcopi_fw-la missione_n neque_fw-la presbyter_n neque_fw-la diaconus_fw-la ius_fw-la habeant_fw-la baptizandi_fw-la thence_o be_v it_o that_o without_o the_o bishop_n leave_n neither_o presbyter_n nor_o deacon_n may_v baptize_v if_o presbyter_n by_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v to_o obey_v their_o bishop_n and_o may_v do_v nothing_o no_o not_o baptize_v without_o the_o bishop_n leave_v how_o far_o be_v they_o from_o overruling_a &_o censure_v their_o bishop_n by_o number_n of_o voice_n which_o you_o attribute_v to_o your_o presbyter_n this_o be_v that_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n which_o jerome_n confess_v be_v against_o the_o divine_a disposition_n if_o this_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n than_o be_v their_o presbytery_n nothing_o like_o your_o consistory_n neither_o do_v the_o bishop_n as_o a_o consul_n in_o the_o senate_n ask_v voice_n and_o execute_v what_o the_o most_o part_n decree_v but_o as_o a_o pastor_n he_o govern_v &_o over-looked_n as_o well_o the_o presbyter_n as_o the_o people_n and_o without_o his_o consent_n and_o like_n the_o presbyter_n may_v do_v nothing_o no_o not_o haptize_v nor_o administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n neither_o do_v jerome_n say_v that_o this_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n be_v against_o the_o divine_a disposition_n he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o condemn_v it_o that_o he_o say_v luciferianos_fw-la the_o safety_n of_o the_o church_n depend_v thereon_o but_o jerome_n will_v the_o bishop_n to_o remember_v that_o though_o the_o whole_a care_n and_o oversight_n of_o the_o church_n be_v now_o give_v to_o they_o and_o take_v from_o presbyter_n for_o prevent_v of_o schism_n yet_o they_o shall_v use_v they_o with_o honour_n and_o consult_v with_o they_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n because_o by_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o divine_a disposition_n afore_o schism_n begin_v they_o be_v trust_v in_o common_a with_o the_o regiment_n of_o the_o church_n that_o disposition_n which_o he_o call_v divine_a we_o seek_v torestore_v by_o pretence_n of_o those_o word_n you_o proclaim_v your_o own_o devise_n under_o the_o title_n of_o god_n ordinance_n otherwise_o the_o charge_n that_o paul_n give_v timothy_n make_v strong_o for_o bishop_n against_o your_o presbytery_n but_o that_o we_o interpret_v his_o word_n by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n and_o thereby_o conceive_v that_o though_o the_o chief_a power_n and_o care_n be_v commit_v to_o bishop_n yet_o their_o presbytery_n be_v not_o exclude_v for_o as_o then_o bishop_n have_v no_o mean_n to_o be_v direct_v or_o assist_v but_o only_o their_o presbytery_n afterward_o when_o upon_o the_o general_a prevail_a of_o the_o gospel_n on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n synod_n begin_v to_o assemble_v and_o the_o pastor_n of_o diverse_a church_n use_v by_o letter_n and_o meeting_n to_o confer_v about_o such_o order_n and_o rule_v as_o they_o think_v needful_a to_o be_v observe_v in_o all_o their_o church_n the_o presbytery_n of_o every_o particular_a place_n have_v more_o leisure_n and_o leave_n to_o play_v by_o reason_n provincial_a council_n undertake_v the_o debate_n and_o resolve_v of_o those_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n that_o before_o trouble_v the_o presbytery_n and_o as_o you_o tie_v your_o precedent_n to_o the_o execution_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o your_o presbyter_n shall_v decree_v so_o the_o primitive_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v great_a reason_n and_o better_a ground_n to_o bind_v her_o bishop_n to_o see_v those_o thing_n perform_v which_o be_v conclude_v by_o general_a assent_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o any_o province_n where_o you_o may_v see_v upon_o what_o occasion_n the_o power_n of_o presbytery_n first_o decrease_v not_o that_o bishop_n wrongful_o encroch_v on_o their_o liberty_n and_o violent_o overmastered_n they_o but_o what_o thing_n be_v before_o handle_v and_o debate_v in_o the_o presbytery_n of_o each_o place_n come_v now_o to_o be_v discuss_v and_o conclude_v in_o the_o synod_n and_o full_a assembly_n of_o all_o the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o one_o kingdom_n or_o country_n so_o that_o synod_n in_o consultation_n and_o determination_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a grief_n and_o cause_n be_v prefer_v by_o the_o primitive_a church_n of_o christ_n as_o court_n of_o great_a judgement_n high_a power_n better_a experience_n and_o more_o indifferency_n than_o presbytery_n and_o if_o malice_n do_v not_o blind_v you_o you_o will_v confess_v the_o same_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o find_v in_o any_o presbytery_n so_o many_o grave_n wise_a learned_a and_o sufficient_a man_n as_o in_o a_o province_n in_o presbytery_n affection_n and_o faction_n mighty_o prevail_v by_o reason_n man_n that_o live_v together_o upon_o like_v or_o dislike_n soon_o link_v together_o in_o synod_n where_o all_o be_v stranger_n to_o themselves_o and_o to_o the_o party_n no_o such_o thing_n can_v be_v fear_v in_o presbytery_n it_o be_v easy_a for_o the_o bishop_n to_o have_v his_o forth_o for_o that_o the_o rest_n be_v subject_a unto_o he_o and_o may_v many_o way_n be_v displease_v by_o he_o if_o he_o will_v seek_v revenge_n in_o synod_n they_o be_v all_o his_o brethren_n and_o equal_n no_o way_n in_o danger_n to_o he_o and_o therefore_o the_o more_o likely_a to_o be_v sincere_a and_o indifferent_a judge_n and_o as_o for_o authority_n i_o trust_v yourselves_o do_v not_o mean_v in_o every_o parish_n to_o erect_v a_o pope_n and_o a_o college_n of_o cardinal_n from_o who_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o appeal_n of_o who_o wrong_v there_o shall_v be_v no_o redress_n who_o censure_n must_v stand_v indissoluble_a that_o be_v of_o all_o tyranny_n the_o most_o intolerable_a in_o all_o christian_a society_n the_o whole_a of_o like_a power_n and_o calling_n be_v great_a than_o any_o part_n and_o a_o province_n must_v be_v respect_v before_o a_o parish_n wherefore_o presbytery_n must_v yield_v to_o synod_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o each_o place_n be_v more_o bind_v to_o regard_n and_o execute_v synodal_n then_o presbyterall_a decree_n this_o while_o you_o mark_v not_o you_o imagine_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n conspire_v against_o presbyter_n to_o suppress_v they_o &_o to_o change_v the_o apostolical_a form_n of_o regiment_n where_o in_o deed_n the_o decree_n of_o council_n and_o law_n of_o christian_a prince_n moderate_v and_o determine_v all_o those_o doubt_n and_o
question_n which_o before_o be_v examine_v in_o presbytery_n cause_v they_o to_o be_v less_o need_v and_o less_o regard_v then_o before_o and_o charge_v the_o bishop_n with_o the_o execution_n of_o all_o law_n and_o canon_n without_o assemble_v or_o consult_v his_o presbyter_n superior_a court_v not_o submit_v their_o act_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o inferior_a officer_n wherefore_o when_o you_o rail_v at_o bishop_n as_o usurper_n and_o tyrant_n over_o their_o brethren_n you_o forget_v that_o after_o so_o many_o hundred_o year_n all_o thing_n be_v settle_v and_o guide_v by_o law_n which_o your_o presbytery_n neither_o may_v reverse_v nor_o can_v correct_v your_o elder_n be_v as_o good_a spare_v their_o pain_n as_o loose_v their_o labour_n more_o law_n we_o need_v not_o better_o you_o can_v make_v no_o man_n that_o have_v his_o right_a wit_n will_v choose_v to_o live_v under_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o presbyter_n rather_o than_o under_o the_o prescript_n of_o write_a law_n frustrate_v they_o when_o you_o will_v to_o make_v work_n for_o your_o consistory_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v great_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o equity_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o canon_n and_o the_o affectionate_a and_o inconstant_a headinesse_n of_o your_o presbyter_n we_o will_v change_v no_o law_n but_o such_o as_o be_v popish_a and_o where_o now_o the_o bishop_n alone_o do_v all_o we_o will_v join_v the_o presbytery_n with_o he_o the_o law_n that_o uphold_v the_o pope_n superstition_n or_o usurpation_n be_v already_o abrogate_a thanks_o be_v to_o god_n the_o rest_n that_o agree_v with_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n if_o you_o seek_v to_o dissolve_v i_o will_v wish_v you_o do_v publish_v the_o new_a that_o man_n may_v see_v they_o before_o you_o do_v exauthorate_v the_o old_a lest_o you_o make_v the_o people_n as_o lawless_a as_o your_o presbyter_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o evert_v or_o disturb_v then_o to_o plant_v or_o establish_v a_o church_n or_o common_a wealth_n if_o you_o take_v not_o the_o same_o law_n again_o i_o dare_v warrant_v your_o child_n child_n to_o the_o four_o generation_n shall_v see_v neither_o order_n nor_o peace_n in_o your_o church_n and_o as_o for_o join_v presbyter_n with_o the_o bishop_n to_o execute_v law_n that_o be_v the_o way_n to_o multiply_v bishop_n and_o where_o we_o have_v one_o to_o make_v we_o twenty_o but_o that_o be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o have_v law_n more_o speedy_o or_o sincere_o execute_v in_o a_o multitude_n diversity_n of_o opinion_n breed_v delay_n &_o hinder_v execution_n in_o one_o it_o can_v and_o if_o each_o man_n be_v subject_a to_o affection_n i_o hope_v the_o more_o the_o worse_a but_o what_o reason_n we_o whether_o one_o or_o many_o shall_v execute_v the_o law_n when_o it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o hand_n to_o limit_v the_o lawmaker_n to_o our_o choice_n they_o that_o have_v power_n from_o god_n to_o make_v law_n have_v like_o wise_a authority_n &_o liberty_n to_o choose_v who_o they_o will_v charge_v w_o t_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o law_n and_o therefore_o in_o god_n name_n let_v both_o council_n and_o prince_n choose_v what_o person_n they_o think_v meet_a to_o see_v their_o canon_n and_o law_n observe_v so_o long_o as_o they_o transgress_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o piety_n and_o equity_n our_o chief_a care_n be_v for_o the_o right_a execution_n of_o god_n law_n which_o we_o will_v not_o have_v commit_v to_o the_o bishop_n without_o his_o presbyter_n give_v the_o bishop_n that_o right_a and_o authority_n which_o god_n law_n allow_v he_o and_o the_o join_v with_o he_o who_o you_o can_v what_o right_a be_v that_o you_o hear_v before_o he_o must_v have_v pastoral_a and_o paternal_a power_n either_o whole_o if_o by_o god_n law_n there_o may_v be_v but_o one_o pastor_n in_o one_o church_n or_o chief_o if_o there_o may_v be_v more_o in_o the_o same_o place_n to_o advise_v and_o assist_v hun_z in_o govern_v the_o flock_n more_o authority_n by_o god_n law_n we_o claim_v not_o for_o bishop_n then_o to_o be_v pastor_n of_o the_o place_n which_o they_o govern_v and_o pastoral_a authority_n since_o you_o give_v to_o every_o rector_n in_o his_o church_n what_o reason_n have_v you_o to_o deny_v it_o to_o every_o bishop_n in_o his_o diocese_n we_o give_v no_o man_n pastoral_a power_n over_o the_o presbytery_n and_o as_o for_o diocese_n we_o say_v they_o be_v intrusion_n on_o other_o man_n cure_n if_o by_o god_n law_n you_o assign_v one_o church_n to_o one_o man_n as_o pastor_n of_o the_o same_o then_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n be_v they_o presbyter_n or_o people_n must_v be_v subject_a to_o he_o as_o to_o their_o pastor_n and_o he_o must_v have_v pastoral_a authority_n over_o they_o whatsoever_o they_o be_v and_o therefore_o this_o shift_n of_o you_o that_o the_o presbyter_n shall_v have_v a_o precedent_n over_o they_o by_o god_n ordinance_n but_o no_o pastor_n be_v a_o mere_a collusion_n repugnant_a as_o well_o to_o the_o word_n as_o church_n of_o god_n for_o what_o do_v the_o scripture_n call_v your_o precedent_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o presbyter_n if_o not_o a_o pastor_n show_v we_o either_o his_o name_n or_o his_o power_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o equivalent_a with_o pastoral_n we_o will_v exempt_v your_o presbyter_n from_o all_o subjection_n the_o power_n that_o timothy_n receive_v to_o restrain_v they_o from_o preach_v false_a doctrine_n and_o to_o convent_n and_o rebuke_v such_o presbyter_n as_o sin_v be_v it_o not_o pastoral_a and_o that_o charge_n be_v to_o remain_v by_o the_o apostle_n word_n to_o he_o and_o his_o successor_n till_o the_o come_n of_o christ._n your_o pastor_n that_o you_o will_v erect_v in_o country_n parish_n shall_v they_o not_o have_v pastoral_a power_n over_o your_o lie_v presbyter_n shall_v your_o lie_v elder_n be_v sheep_n without_o ashepeheard_n shall_v no_o man_n watch_v over_o their_o soul_n if_o your_o lie_v presbytery_n must_v have_v a_o pastor_n over_o they_o in_o each_o country_n parish_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o your_o presbytery_n in_o city_n may_v endure_v no_o pastor_n above_o they_o be_v they_o not_o all_o of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o institution_n by_o your_o own_o rule_n be_v there_o one_o order_n in_o the_o scripture_n for_o rustical_a presbytery_n and_o a_o other_o for_o civil_a i_o think_v yourselves_o run_v hardly_o show_v any_o such_o distinction_n wherefore_o when_o we_o give_v bishop_n pastoral_a authority_n as_o well_o over_o their_o presbyter_n as_o over_o their_o people_n we_o do_v it_o by_o the_o warrant_n of_o god_n word_n that_o make_v they_o chief_a pastor_n over_o their_o church_n which_o include_v both_o presbyter_n and_o people_n and_o we_o therein_o give_v they_o no_o more_o then_o by_o your_o will_n you_o will_v give_v to_o the_o mean_a rector_n of_o country_n parish_n pastor_n we_o be_v content_a they_o be_v over_o their_o flock_n but_o not_o over_o their_o coequal_o and_o copartner_n then_o no_o man_n may_v take_v or_o lead_v their_o flock_n from_o they_o so_o long_o as_o they_o teach_v and_o guide_v they_o right_o and_o consequent_o your_o presbyter_n may_v use_v no_o pastoral_a power_n in_o any_o bishop_n charge_v without_o his_o like_n for_o he_o be_v pastor_n of_o the_o flock_n and_o by_o god_n law_n they_o must_v hear_v and_o obey_v the_o voice_n of_o their_o shepeheard_n and_o as_o for_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o presbyter_n if_o you_o make_v they_o copartner_n with_o he_o that_o be_v not_o helper_n but_o equal_n you_o distract_v the_o flock_n and_o rend_v the_o church_n into_o as_o many_o piece_n as_o there_o be_v pastor_n one_o flock_n can_v have_v many_o pastor_n except_o they_o be_v subordinate_a one_o under_o another_o but_o many_o pastor_n of_o equal_a power_n must_v needs_o have_v many_o flock_n wherefore_o one_o church_n must_v have_v but_o one_o pastor_n to_o who_o ther_v be_v they_o presbyter_n or_o other_o must_v by_o god_n law_n be_v subject_a and_o obedient_a while_o he_o right_o direct_v they_o and_o worthy_o rebuke_v they_o otherwise_o against_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n we_o must_v obey_v neither_o man_n nor_o angel_n yet_o to_o temper_v the_o pastourall_a power_n of_o bishop_n that_o it_o may_v be_v fatherly_a as_o it_o have_v be_v always_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n even_o from_o the_o beginning_n and_o not_o princely_a for_o fear_v of_o reign_v over_o the_o lord_n inheritance_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n do_v in_o certain_a case_n of_o importance_n not_o suffer_v the_o bishop_n to_o attempt_v any_o thing_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o his_o presbyter_n or_o a_o synod_n the_o four_o council_n of_o carthage_n prohibit_v the_o bishop_n 23._o to_o hear_v and_o sententiate_v any_o man_n cause_n without_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o clergy_n as_o also_o
it_o void_v 32._o the_o gift_n sale_n and_o exchange_n of_o ecclesiastical_a good_n make_v by_o the_o bishop_n without_o the_o subscription_n of_o his_o clark_n the_o council_n of_o hispalis_n ●_o we_o decree_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n that_o none_o of_o we_o presume_v to_o degrade_v a_o presbyter_n or_o deacon_n without_o the_o examination_n of_o a_o council_n for_o there_o be_v many_o that_o condemn_v they_o without_o discuss_v their_o cause_n rather_o by_o tyrannical_a power_n then_o by_o canonical_a authority_n many_o like_a case_n there_o be_v in_o which_o the_o bishop_n may_v not_o meddle_v without_o his_o presbytery_n or_o a_o synod_n whereof_o some_o be_v alter_v by_o law_n some_o rest_n in_o force_n at_o this_o present_a against_o this_o tyrannical_a power_n which_o you_o mention_v we_o repine_v that_o bishop_n alone_o shall_v excommunicate_v and_o deprive_v presbyter_n at_o their_o pleasure_n do_v you_o acknowledge_v the_o canonical_a authority_n of_o bishop_n we_o shall_v soon_o conclude_v for_o the_o tyrannical_a but_o under_o the_o show_n of_o the_o one_o you_o impugn_v the_o other_o and_o when_o you_o come_v to_o redress_v it_o you_o establish_v a_o plain_a tyranny_n in_o stead_n of_o it_o true_a it_o be_v that_o the_o frequency_n of_o synod_n do_v first_o rebate_v the_o credit_n and_o decay_n the_o use_n of_o presbytery_n for_o when_o the_o bishop_n of_o each_o province_n as_o by_o the_o general_a council_n of_o nice_a and_o chalcedon_n they_o be_v bind_v meet_v twice_o every_o year_n to_o hear_v and_o moderate_v ecclesiastical_a grief_n and_o cause_n presbyter_n be_v less_o regard_v and_o less_o employ_v than_o before_o synod_n as_o superior_a judge_n enter_v into_o the_o examination_n and_o decision_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v propose_v in_o presbytery_n and_o when_o private_a quarrel_n &_o question_n increase_v synod_n begin_v to_o be_v tire_v with_o continual_a sit_v about_o such_o matter_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o most_o church_n to_o be_v detain_v from_o their_o cure_n and_o attend_v the_o debate_n &_o decide_v of_o grief_n &_o displeasure_n betwixt_o man_n and_o man_n the_o burden_n grow_v so_o intolerable_a that_o synod_n be_v force_v to_o settle_v a_o appeal_n from_o the_o bishop_n to_o the_o metropolitan_a &_o commit_v it_o to_o the_o care_n of_o the_o primate_n what_o cause_n be_v fit_a for_o synodall_n cognition_n the_o council_n of_o sardica_n 14._o if_o any_o bishop_n in_o a_o rage_n hasty_o move_v against_o a_o presbyter_n or_o deacon_n will_v cast_v he_o out_o of_o the_o church_n we_o must_v provide_v that_o a_o innocent_a be_v not_o condemn_v and_o deprive_v the_o communion_n all_o answer_v let_v the_o party_n so_o eject_v have_v liberty_n to_o fly_v to_o the_o metropolitan_a of_o the_o same_o province_n and_o desire_v his_o cause_n to_o be_v more_o advise_o hear_v the_o great_a council_n of_o africa_n find_v how_o troublesome_a it_o be_v for_o the_o bishop_n of_o that_o whole_a region_n to_o meet_v and_o stay_v the_o hear_n of_o all_o matter_n 129._o choose_v out_o three_o of_o every_o province_n to_o end_n cause_v undetermine_v and_o by_o reason_n they_o can_v not_o assemble_v twice_o a_o year_n for_o the_o length_n of_o the_o way_n they_o be_v content_v with_o 19_o one_o full_a council_n in_o the_o year_n and_o leave_v the_o cause_n and_o complaint_n of_o presbyter_n deacon_n and_o other_o clergy_n man_n first_o to_o the_o bishop_n that_o be_v near_o and_o then_o to_o the_o primate_n or_o metropolitan_a of_o the_o same_o province_n 2d_o we_o decree_v that_o presbyter_n deacon_n and_o other_o inferior_a clergy_n man_n if_o in_o any_o matter_n they_o find_v themselves_o aggrieve_v with_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o own_o bishop_n the_o bishop_n that_o be_v near_a shall_v give_v they_o audience_n and_o if_o they_o think_v good_a to_o appeal_v from_o they_o they_o shall_v not_o appeal_v to_o the_o tribunal_n beyond_o the_o sea_n but_o to_o the_o primate_fw-la of_o their_o own_o province_n even_o as_o we_o have_v often_o decree_v of_o bishop_n these_o canon_n do_v not_o establish_v but_o repress_v tyrannical_a power_n in_o bishop_n if_o any_o do_v assert_v it_o and_o require_v the_o bishop_n before_o he_o proceed_v against_o presbyter_n or_o deacon_n to_o take_v unto_o he_o assessor_n of_o the_o near_a bishop_n such_o as_o the_o party_n convent_v shall_v demand_v and_o if_o they_o can_v not_o end_v the_o cause_n with_o the_o like_n of_o both_o side_n than_o the_o primate_n to_o have_v the_o hear_n of_o it_o and_o last_o the_o council_n if_o either_o part_n will_v appeal_v from_o the_o primate_n thus_o do_v the_o bishop_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n order_v the_o hear_n of_o cause_n within_o their_o province_n neither_o proud_o nor_o antichristian_o but_o in_o my_o judgement_n sober_o and_o wise_o refer_v they_o from_o the_o bishop_n to_o the_o primate_n thereby_o to_o ripen_v cause_n and_o search_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o each_o complaint_n with_o a_o great_a deal_n less_o trouble_n and_o no_o less_o indifferency_n then_o if_o it_o have_v be_v immediate_o bring_v to_o the_o council_n and_o be_v you_o as_o moderate_a as_o you_o be_v resolute_a you_o will_v perceive_v what_o a_o tedious_a labour_n it_o be_v and_o in_o our_o state_n superfluous_a for_o a_o synod_n of_o bishop_n to_o sit_v all_o a_o year_n long_o hear_v private_a grief_n complaint_n and_o contention_n if_o you_o be_v so_o desirous_a of_o it_o i_o will_v you_o be_v for_o a_o while_n fast_o tie_v to_o it_o that_o you_o may_v learn_v to_o be_v wise_a you_o will_v be_v the_o willing_a as_o long_a as_o you_o live_v to_o let_v court_n alone_o and_o spend_v your_o time_n better_o than_o in_o examination_n deposition_n and_o exception_n of_o witness_n howbeit_o in_o our_o realm_n unless_o you_o change_v all_o your_o ecclesiastical_a law_n i_o see_v not_o how_o synod_n or_o presbytery_n shall_v intermeddle_v with_o any_o such_o matter_n for_o how_o shall_v your_o presbyter_n judge_v by_o discretion_n or_o by_o law_n your_o discretion_n i_o know_v no_o man_n so_o foolish_a that_o will_v trust_v what_o great_a tyranny_n &_o injury_n can_v be_v urge_v on_o a_o christian_n realm_n than_o instede_n of_o law_n to_o offer_v the_o determination_n of_o your_o presbytery_n shall_v each_o man_n safety_n and_o soul_n depend_v on_o your_o pleasure_n but_o your_o presbytery_n you_o mean_v shall_v be_v tie_v to_o execute_v the_o same_o law_n that_o be_v already_o settle_v alas_o good_a man_n how_o many_o hundred_o year_n will_v you_o ask_v before_o your_o presbytery_n in_o city_n and_o village_n will_v be_v able_a to_o read_v they_o and_o how_o many_o thousand_o before_o they_o understand_v they_o be_v you_o well_o in_o your_o wi●●es_n to_o claim_v the_o execution_n of_o those_o law_n for_o your_o presbytery_n which_o they_o neither_o do_v nor_o ever_o will_v conceive_v first_o set_v they_o to_o school_v and_o when_o they_o can_v read_v law_n send_v they_o to_o the_o university_n and_o upon_o their_o grow_v to_o such_o perfection_n that_o they_o can_v hear_v &_o decide_v each_o man_n case_n by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o realm_n make_v petition_n for_o they_o to_o have_v they_o authorize_v in_o every_o parish_n instead_o of_o the_o arch_n if_o otherwise_o you_o will_v have_v they_o sit_v judge_n in_o all_o man_n case_n before_o they_o can_v read_v either_o latin_a or_o law_n the_o world_n will_v muse_v at_o your_o madness_n your_o bishop_n be_v no_o such_o great_a lawyer_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v the_o more_o need_n of_o chancellor_n and_o register_n that_o be_v better_o acquaint_v with_o the_o law_n than_o themselves_o be_v and_o as_o for_o appeal_n unless_o you_o look_v to_o tread_v government_n under_o your_o foot_n and_o over-rule_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o mere_a motion_n of_o your_o own_o will_n though_o they_o sometime_o advantage_n offender_n yet_o be_v they_o provide_v to_o protect_v innocent_n and_o be_v christian_a remedy_n to_o do_v every_o man_n right_a that_o think_v he_o have_v wrong_a they_o do_v not_o maintain_v the_o antichristian_a pride_n of_o bishop_n there_o can_v be_v none_o other_o nor_o better_a way_n to_o repress_v it_o then_o by_o appeal_n to_o bring_v the_o judgement_n of_o all_o their_o court_n and_o officer_n to_o be_v try_v and_o examine_v by_o the_o princess_n power_n and_o delegate_n which_o i_o trust_v you_o take_v to_o be_v no_o tyranny_n if_o corruption_n sometime_o creep_v in_o through_o man_n finger_n to_o bolster_v bad_a cause_n the_o law_n be_v far_o from_o allow_v and_o i_o as_o far_o from_o defend_v it_o what_o have_v be_v so_o sacred_a that_o covetousness_n have_v not_o expugn_v and_o your_o presbytery_n except_o they_o consist_v of_o angel_n and_o not_o of_o man_n will_v soon_o show_v both_o what_o affection_n and_o
what_o corruption_n be_v in_o man_n as_o well_o as_o other_o consistory_n man_n law_n we_o leave_v to_o such_o as_o be_v skill_v in_o they_o we_o will_v have_v our_o presbytery_n meddle_v no_o further_o then_o with_o rebuke_v and_o censure_v of_o vice_n as_o god_n law_n require_v to_o admonish_v those_o 3_o that_o err_v reject_v th●se_a that_o persist_v and_o 5._o rebuke_v those_o that_o sin_n be_v pastoral_a and_o not_o presbyterial_a duty_n by_o the_o word_n of_o s._n paul_n and_o he_o that_o be_v pastor_n have_v both_o word_n and_o sacrament_n commit_v unto_o his_o care_n within_o his_o own_o church_n wherefore_o without_o their_o pastor_n the_o presbyter_n may_v not_o judicial_o rebuke_v nor_o public_o excommunicate_v any_o man_n within_o his_o charge_n they_o may_v preach_v the_o word_n and_o so_o general_o apply_v it_o in_o the_o pulpit_n they_o may_v dispense_v the_o sacrament_n and_o so_o not_o deliver_v they_o where_o they_o find_v man_n impenitent_a but_o personal_o to_o convent_n they_o or_o open_o to_o sever_v they_o from_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o pastor_n and_o not_o to_o the_o presbyter_n saint_n paul_n commit_v that_o power_n and_o care_n to_o timothy_n and_o his_o successor_n not_o to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o ephesus_n the_o word_n be_v plain_a 5._o against_o a_o elder_a receive_v thou_o no_o accusation_n but_o under_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n those_o that_o sin_n rebuke_v thou_o open_o that_o the_o rest_n may_v fear_v i_o charge_v they_z before_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o his_o elect_a angel_n that_o thou_o observe_v these_o thing_n without_o proiudice_n or_o partiality_n that_o be_v without_o oppress_v or_o favour_v any_o side_n she_z withus_fw-la much_o for_o your_o presbytery_n and_o bring_v they_o in_o with_o full_a fail_n paul_n make_v timothy_n no_o monarch_n at_o ephesus_n to_o do_v all_o this_o without_o the_o presbytery_n but_o appoint_v he_o to_o be_v chief_a in_o these_o action_n and_o the_o presbyter_n to_o join_v with_o he_o much_o less_o do_v paul_n make_v he_o a_o voice-asker_n to_o know_v whether_o it_o shall_v please_v the_o presbyter_n to_o have_v these_o thing_n do_v or_o no._n the_o charge_n be_v precise_o and_o exact_o timothy_n and_o not_o the_o presbytery_n the_o power_n therefore_o must_v be_v he_o and_o not_o they_o all_o this_o notwithstanding_o you_o affirm_v against_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o against_o the_o use_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o the_o presbyter_n may_v over-rule_v and_o censure_n timothy_n if_o he_o will_v not_o be_v quiet_a and_o in_o spite_n of_o timothy_n do_v in_o all_o these_o thing_n as_o they_o see_v cause_n and_o this_o you_o bare_o suppose_v without_o any_o kind_n of_o proof_n but_o either_o show_n what_o warrant_v you_o have_v to_o claim_v this_o prerogative_n of_o presbyter_n above_o and_o over_o their_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n or_o give_v we_o leave_v to_o believe_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n expound_v and_o practise_v those_o word_n of_o s._n paul_n as_o we_o do_v before_o your_o slender_a and_o naked_a supposal_n the_o private_a use_n of_o the_o key_n in_o appoint_v offender_n upon_o the_o acknowledge_v of_o their_o sin_n for_o a_o time_n to_o for_o bear_v the_o lord_n table_n we_o deny_v not_o to_o presbyter_n but_o the_o public_a use_n of_o the_o key_n to_o exclude_v a_o impenitent_a and_o obstinate_a person_n from_o all_o fellowship_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o well_o sacred_a as_o civil_a that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n allow_v always_o and_o only_o to_o bishop_n origen_n say_v by_o 24_o fall_v from_o truth_n faith_n and_o love_n a_o man_n ge_v out_o of_o the_o tent_n of_o the_o church_n though_o he_o be_v not_o cast_v our_o by_o the_o bishop_n voice_n cypr._n write_v to_o a_o bishop_n that_o be_v reproach_v by_o his_o deacon_n say_v 9_o use_v against_o he_o the_o power_n of_o your_o honour_n either_o to_o deprive_v he_o or_o remove_v he_o from_o the_o communion_n 27._o the_o affection_n of_o a_o good_a bishop_n say_v ambrose_n wish_v to_o heal_v the_o sick_a to_o remove_v canker_a sore_n to_o cauterise_n not_o to_o cut_v off_o last_o that_o which_o can_v not_o be_v heal_v to_o cut_n it_o of_o with_o sorrow_n vigilantium_fw-la i_o marvel_v say_v jerom_n against_o vigilantius_n the_o bishop_n in_o who_o charge_n he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o presbyter_n do_v not_o crush_n this_o unprofitable_a vessel_n with_o the_o apostolic_a rod_n and_o deliver_v he_o over_o to_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v 15._o there_o be_v no_o great_a punishment_n in_o the_o church_n say_v austen_n than_o that_o damnation_n which_o the_o episcopal_a judgement_n pronounce_v yet_o the_o pastor_n must_v needs_o sever_v the_o sick_a sheep_n from_o the_o whole_a lest_o deadly_a infection_n reach_v unto_o other_o hebrae●s_fw-la if_o say_v chrysost_o give_v y_o ●_o people_n admonition_n of_o a_o certain_a abuse_n creep_v in_o among_o they_o we_o be_v despise_v we_o be_v compel_v to_o bring_v these_o threat_n to_o effect_n &_o to_o chastise_v you_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n be_v angry_a who_o listen_v i_o will_v keep_v they_o from_o the_o church_n a_o long_a space_n as_o idolater_n bear_v with_o i_o neither_o let_v any_o man_n despise_v the_o band_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v not_o man_n that_o bind_v but_o christ_n which_o have_v givenus_n this_o power_n &_o make_v man_n master_n of_o so_o great_a honour_n we_o desire_v not_o to_o be_v bring_v to_o that_o extremity_n if_o we_o be_v we_o will_v do_v our_o duty_n if_o any_o man_n break_v those_o band_n i_o have_v do_v my_o part_n thou_o shall_v answer_v to_o he_o that_o command_v i_o to_o bind_v thou_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a will_a synod_n to_o be_v keep_v twice_o every_o year_n to_o examine_v whether_o any_o 5._o lay_v man_n or_o clergy_n man_n be_v excommunicate_v by_o the_o imbecility_n pertinacy_n or_o insolency_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o such_o as_o be_v find_v to_o have_v offend_v their_o bishop_n to_o stand_v excommunicate_a till_o the_o synod_n release_v they_o the_o council_n of_o antioch_n likewise_o decree_v that_o if_o 6._o any_o lay_v man_n presbyter_n or_o deacon_n be_v excommunicate_v by_o his_o own_o bishop_n no_o man_n shall_v receive_v he_o to_o the_o communion_n afore_o he_o be_v restore_v by_o his_o own_o bishop_n or_o by_o a_o synod_n the_o council_n of_o sardica_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n 13._o if_o any_o deacon_n presbyter_n or_o clergy_n man_n be_v excommunicate_v &_o fly_v to_o another_o bishop_n of_o his_o acquaintance_n that_o know_v he_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o communion_n by_o his_o own_o bishop_n the_o other_o must_v not_o with_o reproach_n to_o a_o bishop_n and_o his_o brother_n receive_v that_o person_n to_o the_o communion_n the_o council_n of_o taurine_a to_o which_o ambrose_n wrace_n decree_v touch_v exuperantius_n a_o presbyter_n that_o have_v reproach_v triferius_fw-la his_o bishop_n &_o be_v therefore_o by_o he_o put_v from_o the_o communion_n 4._o ut_fw-la in_fw-la eius_fw-la arbitrio_fw-la sit_fw-la restitutio_fw-la ipsius_fw-la in_fw-la cvius_fw-la potestate_fw-la eius_fw-la abiectio_fw-la hoc_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la quando_fw-la veliden_fw-mi exuper_fw-la antius_fw-la satisfecerit_fw-la vel_fw-la episcopo_fw-la triferio_fw-la visum_fw-la fuerit_fw-la tunc_fw-la gratiam_fw-la communionis_fw-la accipiat_fw-la that_o his_o restitution_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o bishop_n discretion_n in_o who_o power_n the_o reject_v of_o he_o be_v and_o therefore_o when_o exuperantius_n the_o presbyter_n shall_v make_v satisfaction_n or_o t●iferius_n the_o bishop_n be_v so_o content_a than_o he_o shall_v be_v receive_v to_o the_o communion_n the_o council_n of_o africa_n take_v order_n for_o such_o as_o 28._o complain_v against_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o own_o bishop_n that_o they_o be_v hear_v by_o the_o next_o bishop_n but_o if_o any_o man_n fly_v 9_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o canonical_a sentence_n of_o his_o own_o bishop_n no_o man_n shall_v receive_v he_o to_o the_o communion_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o gregory_n word_n be_v very_o true_a where_o he_o say_v 26._o the_o bishop_n now_o in_o the_o church_n holdethe_v place_n of_o the_o apostle_n they_o which_o have_v that_o degree_n of_o regiment_n have_v authority_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v and_o theophilact_v 16._o they_o have_v power_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v which_o have_v the_o grace_n of_o a_o bishop_n office_n as_o peterhad_n the_o public_a use_n therefore_o of_o the_o key_n to_o excommunicate_v from_o all_o christian_a company_n belong_v to_o the_o bishop_n as_o pastor_n of_o the_o place_n the_o presbyter_n sit_v with_o he_o at_o first_o as_o assessor_n and_o consenter_n before_o synod_n undertake_v such_o cause_n but_o after_o when_o once_o council_n begin_v to_o have_v the_o
hear_n of_o such_o grief_n then_o ●ate_z the_o presbyter_n with_o the_o bishop_n only_o as_o beholder_n and_o adviser_n of_o his_o judgement_n that_o the_o matter_n be_v public_a may_v be_v handle_v with_o the_o more_o gravity_n and_o sincerity_n not_o withstand_v to_o examine_v it_o or_o reverse_v it_o pertain_v only_o to_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o same_o province_n if_o none_o but_o bishop_n may_v ex_fw-la communicate_v how_o do_v your_o judge_n of_o the_o civil_a law_n which_o be_v no_o minister_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o do_v it_o they_o take_v not_o upon_o they_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n commit_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n but_o in●●ic●●_n punishment_n for_o disobedience_n contain_v all_o those_o penalty_n that_o by_o law_n be_v ordain_v for_o such_o as_o contemn_v the_o key_n of_o the_o church_n by_o what_o name_n soever_o they_o call_v it_o be_v it_o a_o suspension_n condemnation_n or_o excommunication_n it_o great_o skill_v not_o so_o long_o as_o they_o claim_v it_o not_o by_o god_n law_n but_o by_o man_n and_o yet_o if_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o canon_n wrap_v all_o contempt_n within_o the_o band_n of_o excommunication_n i_o see_v no_o cause_n but_o lie_v judge_n may_v denounce_v the_o offendor_n to_o be_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o canon_n for_o that_o be_v more_o than_o if_o they_o pronounce_v he_o wilful_o obstinate_a and_o consequent_o to_o have_v incur_v the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n which_o the_o canon_n decree_v and_o of_o all_o man_n you_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o curious_a which_o give_v your_o lie_v presbyter_n power_n to_o censure_v their_o pastor_n by_o number_n of_o voice_n and_o make_v excommunication_n to_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n comprise_v as_o well_o the_o people_n as_o the_o presbyter_n for_o our_o part_n though_o we_o take_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o be_v common_a to_o all_o that_o have_v pastoral_a charge_n of_o soul_n in_o their_o degree_n yet_o to_o avoid_v the_o infinite_a shower_n of_o excommunication_n which_o will_v overslow_v all_o church_n and_o parish_n and_o the_o intolerable_a quarrel_n and_o brabble_n that_o will_v ensue_v if_o every_o presbyter_n may_v excommunicate_v at_o his_o pleasure_n we_o praise_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n church_n in_o suffer_v no_o inferior_a to_o excommunicate_v without_o the_o bishop_n consent_n and_o licence_n and_o for_o aught_o that_o i_o know_v we_o follow_v the_o same_o rule_n sure_o have_v we_o two_o or_o three_o hundred_o excommunicatour_n where_o we_o have_v one_o lightning_n ●●ie_v not_o so_o fast_o about_o in_o a_o tempest_n as_o excommunication_n will_v in_o every_o diocese_n to_o increase_v the_o power_n of_o bishop_n you_o make_v they_o pastor_n over_o church_n but_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o discharge_n of_o pastoral_a care_n they_o be_v further_a off_o but_o grant_v they_o to_o be_v pastor_n they_o can_v be_v but_o over_o those_o church_n that_o be_v in_o city_n over_o whole_a shire_n they_o can_v be_v since_o they_o can_v not_o be_v present_a in_o so_o many_o place_n to_o do_v any_o pastoral_a duty_n have_v we_o first_o devise_v or_o else_o divide_a diocese_n for_o bishop_n you_o may_v well_o have_v challenge_v we_o for_o make_v they_o large_a than_o pastoral_a care_n may_v extend_v unto_o but_o your_o quarrel_n in_o deed_n be_v not_o to_o the_o length_n or_o breadth_n of_o their_o diocese_n which_o must_v whole_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o consideration_n of_o the_o state_n you_o dislike_v that_o a_o bishop_n shall_v have_v any_o diocese_n at_o all_o or_o govern_v any_o church_n beside_o that_o one_o wherein_o he_o teach_v and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n which_o nice_a conceit_n of_o you_o not_o only_o condemn_v the_o whole_a primitive_a church_n of_o christ_n that_o assign_a diocese_n unto_o bishop_n but_o contradict_v the_o very_a ground_n and_o example_n of_o that_o government_n which_o the_o apostle_n leave_v behind_o they_o do_v the_o apostle_n appoint_v diocese_n for_o bishop_n that_o be_v news_n indeed_o no_o such_o news_n but_o that_o your_o own_o principle_n will_v confirm_v the_o same_o for_o what_o order_n say_v you_o do_v the_o apostle_n leave_v behind_o they_o to_o govern_v the_o church_n do_v they_o trust_v one_o pastor_n or_o presbyter_n alone_o in_o each_o place_n to_o do_v as_o he_o think_v good_a or_o else_o do_v they_o provide_v direction_n and_o assistance_n in_o dangerous_a and_o doubtful_a case_n to_o guide_v he_o and_o help_v he_o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n the_o power_n of_o one_o man_n in_o each_o church_n to_o do_v what_o he_o will_v be_v he_o pastor_n or_o presbyter_n yourselves_o affirm_v be_v antichristian_a and_o devilish_a and_o i_o think_v you_o say_v truth_n if_o he_o will_v have_v neither_o associate_n to_o restrain_v he_o nor_o superior_n to_o overlook_v he_o that_o be_v to_o plant_v a_o pope_n in_o every_o parish_n with_o plenitude_n of_o power_n to_o do_v what_o please_v himself_o what_o you_o detest_v in_o bishop_n i_o hope_v you_o will_v not_o endure_v in_o the_o presbyter_n or_o pastor_n of_o every_o parish_n church_n in_o the_o country_n that_o he_o shall_v take_v upon_o he_o alone_o to_o guide_v his_o flock_n as_o he_o see_v cause_n without_o consent_n or_o oversight_n of_o any_o man_n you_o may_v be_v sure_o we_o abhor_v it_o as_o the_o poison_n of_o all_o piety_n and_o the_o very_a root_n of_o antichristes_n pride_n mean_v to_o avoid_v it_o i_o see_v none_o but_o that_o every_o rural_a pastor_n must_v have_v either_o a_o presbytery_n in_o the_o place_n with_o he_o or_o the_o bishop_n of_o a_o other_o church_n appoint_v over_o he_o that_o may_v both_o direct_v he_o and_o rule_v he_o as_o he_o do_v the_o presbyter_n of_o his_o own_o city_n if_o he_o have_v no_o help_n at_o home_n he_o must_v needs_o seek_v it_o abroad_o one_o of_o the_o twain_o be_v inevitable_a now_o for_o presbytery_n there_o be_v no_o possibility_n to_o have_v either_o so_o many_o meet_a clergy_n man_n or_o so_o much_o maintenance_n as_o will_v serve_v they_o in_o every_o country_n parish_n fit_a pastor_n for_o so_o many_o place_n put_v one_o to_o a_o parish_n can_v never_o yet_o be_v find_v whence_o then_o shall_v we_o get_v so_o many_o thousand_o able_a presbyter_n as_o to_o furnish_v ●ch_a parish_n with_o three_o or_o fourer_n which_o be_v few_o enough_o and_o too_o few_o respect_v the_o burden_n that_o they_o must_v be_v be_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o man_n again_o have_v we_o store_n of_o man_n which_o we_o have_v not_o nor_o no_o age_n before_o we_o have_v from_o who_o shall_v we_o have_v maintenance_n for_o they_o and_o they_o from_o the_o people_n half_n the_o realm_n of_o england_n employ_v to_o that_o use_n will_v etten_v but_o serve_v the_o people_n now_o yield_v a_o ten_o part_n unto_o god_n and_o their_o minister_n which_o proportion_n be_v so_o moderate_a that_o where_o the_o parish_n be_v small_a the_o pastor_n have_v work_n enough_o to_o live_v thereon_o then_o must_v they_o consequent_o give_v five_o part_n of_o ten_o which_o be_v just_a the_o half_a of_o allthey_v have_v before_o there_o can_v be_v any_o show_n of_o a_o presbytery_n in_o every_o parish_n i_o do_v not_o ask_v you_o how_o well_o the_o people_n that_o be_v god_n know_v poor_a enough_o in_o many_o place_n with_o these_o nine_o part_n which_o they_o have_v will_v like_v to_o spare_v so_o much_o to_o the_o further_a of_o your_o fancy_n or_o how_o a_o christian_a prince_n can_v bige_v to_o have_v all_o her_o subject_n so_o disable_v and_o half_o the_o realm_n allot_v to_o support_v your_o conceit_n these_o block_n and_o a_o hundred_o such_o you_o never_o stumble_v at_o while_o you_o run_v yourselves_o out_o of_o breath_n to_o pursue_v the_o perfection_n and_o profit_n of_o your_o discipline_n but_o this_o i_o will_v know_v do_v the_o apostle_n beside_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a which_o indeed_o be_v a_o divine_a precept_n impose_v this_o charge_n on_o every_o parish_n by_o god_n commandment_n or_o do_v ever_o any_o christian_a kingdom_n or_o common_a wealth_n since_o christ_n ascension_n abide_v this_o yoke_n if_o they_o do_v show_v the_o instance_n and_o claim_v your_o maintenance_n if_o you_o can_v show_v no_o such_o thing_n do_v you_o not_o perceive_v that_o your_o little_a finger_n be_v heavy_a to_o god_n people_n then_o the_o apostle_n loin_n be_v and_o that_o your_o discipline_n be_v far_o greevous_a to_o the_o faithful_a than_o their_o doctrine_n the_o best_a be_v you_o may_v talk_v long_o enough_o before_o either_o prince_n or_o people_n rich_a or_o poor_a will_v admit_v or_o endure_v this_o chargeable_a frame_n of_o your_o needless_a and_o proofelesse_a government_n to_o amend_v these_o flaw_n which_o rend_v the_o
be_v manifest_a 25_o thou_o lord_n show_v whether_o of_o these_o twain_o thou_o have_v choose_v to_o take_v the_o room_n of_o this_o apostleship_n to_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o seven_o i_o have_v oftentimes_o speak_v i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o distrust_v your_o memory_n you_o have_v not_o forget_v the_o apostle_n word_n to_o the_o people_n 2._o it_o be_v not_o meet_v that_o we_o shall_v leave_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o serve_v the_o table_n they_o mean_v not_o the_o lord_n table_n the_o care_n thereof_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o transfer_v from_o themselves_o to_o any_o other_o but_o because_o the_o grecian_n murmur_v that_o their_o widow_n be_v neglect_v in_o the_o daily_a minister_a that_o care_v the_o twelve_o commit_v to_o such_o as_o the_o people_n will_v like_v and_o elect_v what_o can_v be_v urge_v out_o of_o these_o scripture_n let_v those_o that_o be_v wise_a judge_n my_o capacity_n be_v so_o slender_a that_o i_o see_v utter_o nothing_o evinceable_a by_o these_o example_n neither_o do_v cyprian_n stretch_v the_o place_n to_o give_v the_o people_n by_o god_n law_n the_o election_n of_o their_o bishop_n he_o see_v the_o precedent_n will_v enable_v no_o such_o consequent_a he_o urge_v by_o scripture_n the_o people_n presence_n to_o this_o end_n that_o their_o testimony_n shall_v be_v have_v touch_v the_o life_n and_o behaviour_n of_o the_o party_n that_o shall_v be_v choose_v lest_o a_o unworthy_a and_o wicked_a person_n shall_v secret_o steal_v to_o the_o office_n and_o function_n of_o a_o bishop_n he_o say_v it_o contine_v from_o divine_a authority_n 4_o ut_fw-la sacerdos_n plebe_fw-la praesente_fw-la deligatur_fw-la that_o a_o priest_n shall_v be_v choose_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o people_n and_o that_o ordination_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v make_v nisi_fw-la sub_fw-la populi_fw-la assistentis_fw-la conscientia_fw-la but_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o people_n stand_v by_o now_o why_o the_o people_n shall_v be_v present_a he_o note_v in_o these_o word_n ut_fw-la vel_fw-la bonorum_fw-la merita_fw-la praedicentur_fw-la vel_fw-la malorum_fw-la crimina_fw-la detegantur_fw-la that_o as_o well_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o good_a may_v be_v acknowledge_v as_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o lewd_a discover_v by_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o people_n quae_fw-la singulorum_fw-la vitam_fw-la plenissimè_fw-la novit_fw-la &_o uniuscuiusque_fw-la actum_fw-la de_fw-la eius_fw-la conversatione_fw-la perspexit_fw-la which_o know_v each_o man_n life_n most_o exact_o and_o have_v try_v his_o behaviour_n by_o his_o conversation_n though_o cyprian_a proof_n do_v not_o conclude_v the_o people_n presence_n by_o god_n law_n to_o ●ee_n require_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o bishop_n yet_o cyprian_n meaning_n be_v very_o good_a and_o agree_v both_o with_o the_o order_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o with_o saint_n paul_n proviso_n that_o a_o bishop_n 7._o must_v be_v well_o report_v of_o even_o of_o they_o that_o be_v without_o as_o also_o that_o he_o must_v be_v no_o follower_n of_o wine_n no_o fighter_n no_o brawler_n no_o filthy_a gainer_n no_o desirer_n of_o money_n but_o rule_v his_o house_n honest_o and_o have_v his_o child_n in_o obedience_n in_o effect_n one_o who_o life_n and_o conversation_n the_o whole_a church_n commend_v and_o the_o adversary_n can_v not_o challenge_v notwithstanding_o you_o may_v not_o hence_o collect_v that_o the_o principal_a and_o essential_a right_n of_o elect_v by_o god_n law_n consist_v in_o the_o people_n voice_n you_o nor_o no_o man_n live_a can_v deduce_v any_o such_o thing_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n the_o apostle_n that_o we_o read_v use_v no_o such_o form_n of_o election_n as_o in_o the_o chapter_n before_o i_o be_v occasion_v more_o at_o large_a to_o show_v and_o since_o we_o have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o people_n to_o choose_v their_o bishop_n i_o think_v you_o will_v hardly_o make_v any_o demonstration_n for_o your_o popular_a election_n by_o the_o scripture_n we_o have_v place_n enough_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o that_o you_o elevate_v and_o elude_v they_o and_o beside_o we_o have_v the_o general_a and_o full_a consent_n and_o use_v of_o the_o primitive_a church_n to_o justify_v our_o interpretation_n of_o those_o place_n to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n but_o sometime_o you_o do_v allege_v and_o esteem_v the_o universal_a custom_n of_o the_o church_n and_o exposition_n of_o the_o father_n when_o they_o make_v for_o you_o and_o sometime_o when_o they_o please_v you_o not_o you_o reject_v they_o as_o fast_o do_v we_o no_o wrong_n we_o refuse_v nothing_o that_o the_o ancient_a and_o primitive_a church_n of_o christ_n universal_o observe_v and_o practise_v as_o express_v or_o intend_v in_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v your_o manner_n it_o be_v not_o we_o to_o think_v no_o church_n council_n nor_o father_n ever_o understand_v the_o necessary_a point_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n mention_v in_o the_o word_n before_o yourselves_o if_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n make_v any_o such_o conclusion_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o popular_a election_n of_o bishop_n as_o you_o do_v we_o will_v present_o receive_v it_o if_o not_o stay_v your_o vaunt_n till_o you_o bring_v their_o warrant_n and_o by_o that_o time_n your_o heat_n will_v be_v well_o delay_v you_o show_v one_o that_o after_o his_o manner_n be_v eloquent_a and_o vehement_a for_o that_o he_o take_v in_o hand_n but_o his_o proof_n be_v weak_a if_o not_o mistake_v his_o purpose_n be_v to_o have_v the_o people_n presence_n and_o testimony_n to_o witness_v their_o life_n that_o shall_v be_v choose_v his_o confession_n be_v that_o this_o be_v not_o general_a though_o in_o favour_n of_o his_o cause_n he_o say_v apud_fw-la nos_fw-la &_o fer●_n per_fw-la provincias_fw-la universas_fw-la tenetur_fw-la it_o be_v so_o observe_v with_o we_o and_o almost_o in_o all_o province_n the_o whole_a church_n afterward_o keep_v that_o order_n in_o elect_v their_o bishop_n what_o course_n they_o keep_v we_o shall_v quick_o find_v all_o the_o question_n will_v be_v whether_o they_o require_v the_o people_n voice_n as_o necessary_a by_o god_n commandment_n which_o may_v not_o be_v break_v neither_o for_o prelate_n nor_o prince_n or_o whether_o they_o use_v that_o kind_n of_o election_n as_o a_o order_n in_o christian_a assembly_n fit_a to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o maintain_v the_o good_a like_n of_o the_o people_n towards_o their_o pastor_n it_o shall_v therefore_o be_v best_a first_o to_o consider_v where_o the_o holy_a ghost_n lay_v the_o burden_n and_o charge_n of_o these_o election_n then_o what_o freedom_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n leave_v to_o the_o multitude_n or_o magistrate_n of_o each_o city_n and_o country_n these_o thing_n well_o mark_v will_v deliver_v we_o from_o wander_v and_o err_v as_o touch_v god_n ordinance_n the_o apostle_n write_v to_o timothy_n and_o tite_n first_o describe_v what_o manner_n of_o man_n must_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n and_o then_o assure_v the_o ordainer_n that_o if_o they_o lie_v hand_n on_o any_o other_o then_o on_o such_o they_o communicate_v with_o the_o sin_n of_o as_o many_o as_o they_o advance_v unfit_a for_o that_o place_n 5._o lay_v hand_n hasty_o on_o no_o man_n neither_o be_v partaker_n of_o other_o man_n sin_n keep_v thyself_o pure_a tit._n let_v the_o bishop_n hear_v say_v jerome_n that_o have_v power_n to_o appoint_v presbyter_n in_o every_o city_n with_o what_o condition_n the_o order_n of_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n be_v tie_v neither_o let_v they_o think_v they_o be_v the_o apostle_n word_n but_o christ_n whereby_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o which_o contemn_v the_o apostle_n precept_n give_v any_o man_n a_o ecclesiastical_a degree_n for_o favour_n not_o for_o desert_n do_v against_o christ._n chrysostome_n paul_n tim._n meaning_n to_o entreat_v of_o a_o bishop_n office_n show_v what_o manner_n of_o man_n in_o all_o thing_n a_o bishop_n must_v be_v not_o give_v it_o as_o a_o warn_n to_o timothy_n but_o speak_v unto_o all_o and_o by_o he_o direct_v all_o and_o again_o upon_o those_o word_n i_o charge_v thou_o before_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o elect_a angel_n that_o thou_o keep_v these_o precept_n lay_v hand_n hasty_o on_o no_o man_n he_o say_v tim._n paul_n terrifi_v timothy_n and_o have_v so_o do_v he_o mention_v that_o which_o be_v most_o needful_a and_o chief_o hold_v the_o church_n together_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d even_o ordination_n lay_v hand_n hasty_o on_o no_o man_n neither_o communicate_v with_o other_o man_n sin_n what_o be_v hasty_o not_o upon_o the_o first_o trial_n not_o upon_o the_o second_o not_o upon_o the_o three_o but_o oftentimes_o examine_v and_o exact_o sift_v the_o party_n the_o case_n be_v dangerous_a thou_o shall_v bear_v the_o
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
of_o his_o labour_n they_o that_o beget_v we_o nourish_v we_o and_o continue_v we_o in_o christ_n deserve_v far_o great_a honour_n than_o they_o that_o bring_v we_o into_o this_o world_n and_o provide_v only_o for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n again_o the_o church_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n as_o in_o our_o body_n so_o in_o he_o not_o only_o the_o member_n have_v a_o common_a care_n for_o the_o whole_a but_o the_o principal_a part_n must_v direct_v and_o guide_v the_o rest_n namely_o the_o eye_n to_o see_v the_o ear_n to_o hear_v and_o the_o mouth_n to_o speak_v for_o the_o whole_a body_n such_o therefore_o as_o christ_n have_v place_v to_o be_v the_o 13._o watchman_n &_o leader_n 5._o the_o light_n and_o salt_n of_o his_o church_n must_v not_o only_o warn_v and_o guide_v but_o also_o lighten_v and_o season_v in_o their_o measure_n the_o whole_a body_n for_o what_o commission_n they_o have_v from_o christ_n sever_v &_o single_a in_o their_o proper_a charge_n the_o same_o they_o must_v needs_o retain_v assemble_v and_o join_v throughout_o their_o circuit_n yea_o the_o lord_n so_o much_o tender_v the_o fatherly_a care_n and_o brotherlie_a concord_n of_o the_o pastor_n of_o his_o church_n that_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o be_v present_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o assembly_n and_o with_o his_o spirit_n to_o direct_v they_o so_o they_o come_v together_o not_o to_o accomplish_v their_o own_o lust_n and_o desire_n but_o to_o sanctify_v his_o name_n by_o detect_v error_n resist_v wolf_n maintain_v truth_n cure_v the_o sore_n and_o malady_n that_o pester_v and_o poison_v the_o member_n of_o his_o body_n celestinus_fw-la writing_n to_o the_o general_a council_n of_o ephesus_n say_v ephesinum_fw-la the_o assembly_n of_o priest_n testify_v the_o presence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o be_v true_a that_o be_v write_v since_o the_o truth_n can_v lie_v and_o in_o the_o gospel_n be_v these_o word_n wheresoever_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o this_o be_v so_o if_o so_o small_a a_o number_n be_v not_o destitute_a of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n shall_v we_o not_o much_o more_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v now_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o you_o where_o so_o great_a a_o multitude_n of_o holy_a man_n be_v assemble_v the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n apply_v the_o same_o word_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n 3._o we_o see_v say_v they_o as_o we_o think_v the_o heavenly_a spouse_n conversant_a among_o us._n for_o if_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v assemble_v in_o his_o name_n he_o have_v promise_v he_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o what_o peculiar_a regard_n think_v we_o have_v he_o show_v towards_o those_o priest_n which_o have_v prefer_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o confession_n before_o country_n and_o child_n so_o reccaredus_n king_n of_o spain_n that_o first_o abjure_v the_o arrian_n heresio_fw-la 589._o year_n after_o christ_n write_v to_o the_o council_n of_o toledo_n 2._o i_o perceive_v it_o to_o be_v very_o necessary_a that_o your_o blessedness_n shall_v assemble_v together_o in_o one_o place_n give_v trust_n to_o the_o lord_n word_n when_o he_o say_v where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o for_o i_o believe_v the_o godhead_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o bless_a trinity_n to_o be_v present_a in_o the_o sacred_a synod_n and_o therefore_o i_o have_v present_v my_o faith_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o you_o as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n this_o course_n the_o apostle_n teach_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o follow_v by_o their_o example_n when_o about_o the_o question_n that_o trouble_v the_o church_n of_o antioch_n 15._o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n come_v together_o to_o examine_v the_o matter_n and_o to_o verify_v their_o master_n word_n to_o be_v true_a not_o only_o the_o apostle_n but_o the_o whole_a assembly_n write_v thus_o in_o their_o letter_n 28._o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n &_o to_o us._n for_o if_o it_o be_v sure_a which_o the_o apostle_n say_v 20._o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v you_o overseer_n to_o feed_v the_o church_n and_o if_o our_o saviour_n can_v not_o be_v deceive_v when_o he_o say_v 11._o he_o that_o hear_v you_o hear_v i_o etc._n etc._n this_o must_v be_v verify_v as_o well_o of_o pastor_n assemble_v as_o single_v yea_o pastor_n gather_v together_o in_o christ_n name_n be_v rather_o assure_v of_o his_o direction_n and_o assistance_n then_o when_o they_o be_v sever_v celestinum_n unless_o there_o be_v any_o that_o think_v god_n inspire_v one_o particular_a person_n with_o righteousness_n and_o forsake_v a_o number_n of_o priest_n assemble_v in_o synod_n which_o the_o council_n of_o africa_n repute_v to_o be_v very_o absurd_a and_o repugnant_a to_o christ_n promise_n so_o long_o as_o they_o meet_v together_o in_o his_o name_n and_o not_o to_o deface_v his_o truth_n nor_o oppress_v their_o brethren_n this_o have_v in_o all_o age_n as_o well_o before_o as_o since_o the_o great_a council_n of_o nice_a be_v approve_a and_o practise_v as_o the_o lawfull_a and_o sure_a mean_n to_o discern_v truth_n from_o falsehood_n to_o decide_v doubt_n end_v strife_n and_o redress_v wrong_n in_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a yea_o when_o there_o be_v no_o believe_v magistrate_n to_o assist_v the_o church_n this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o cleanse_v the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v from_o the_o loathsome_a vessel_n of_o dishonour_n and_o after_o christian_a prince_n begin_v to_o profess_v and_o protect_v the_o truth_n they_o never_o have_v nor_o can_v have_v any_o better_a or_o safe_a direction_n among_o man_n then_o by_o the_o synod_n of_o wise_a and_o godly_a pastor_n a_o synod_n at_o antioch_n about_o three_o score_n year_n before_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a condemn_v and_o depose_v paulus_n samosatonus_fw-la for_o heresy_n and_o when_o he_o will_v not_o yield_v the_o church_n but_o keep_v it_o by_o violence_n upon_o complaint_n make_v to_o aurelianus_n the_o emperor_n though_o he_o be_v a_o ethnic_n samosatenus_fw-la 30_o be_v with_o extreme_a shame_n drive_v from_o the_o church_n by_o the_o worldly_a prince_n three_o score_n and_o ten_o year_n before_o that_o many_o synod_n be_v assemble_v in_o diverse_a place_n for_o the_o keep_n of_o easter_n as_o in_o 24._o palestine_n under_o theophilus_n and_o narcissus_n in_o 24._o rome_n under_o victor_n in_o 24._o pontus_n under_o palinas_fw-la in_o 24._o france_n under_o irenaeus_n in_o 7._o asia_n under_o polycrates_n the_o like_a we_o find_v in_o the_o day_n of_o dionysius_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n of_o 43_o cornelius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n of_o cypriano_n cyprian_a bishop_n of_o carthage_n and_o the_o like_v no_o doubt_n be_v observe_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n even_o from_o the_o beginning_n as_o necessity_n force_v and_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o time_n permit_v the_o great_a nicene_n council_n perceive_v and_o by_o their_o decree_n witness_v how_o needful_a the_o use_n of_o synod_n be_v and_o will_v be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n 5._o it_o seem_v unto_o we_o very_o requisite_a say_v they_o that_o in_o every_o province_n twice_o every_o year_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o synod_n that_o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o province_n meet_v together_o may_v in_o common_a examine_v such_o question_n as_o be_v occurrent_a in_o every_o place_n the_o council_n of_o antioch_n continue_v the_o same_o course_n 20._o for_o ecclesiastical_a business_n and_o the_o determine_n of_o matter_n in_o controversy_n we_o think_v it_o very_o fit_a that_o in_o every_o province_n synod_n of_o bishop_n shall_v be_v assemble_v twice_o every_o year_n so_o do_v the_o general_a council_n of_o constantinople_n 2._o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o synod_n in_o every_o province_n must_v govern_v the_o cause_n of_o every_o province_n according_a as_o it_o be_v decree_v in_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a the_o great_a council_n of_o chalcedon_n reproove_v the_o slackness_n of_o bishop_n in_o omit_v the_o prescribe_a number_n of_o synod_n 19_o it_o be_v come_v to_o our_o ear_n that_o in_o some_z province_n the_o synod_n of_o bishop_n be_v not_o keep_v which_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o canon_n and_o thereby_o many_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n which_o need_v reformation_n be_v neglect_v this_o sacred_a council_n therefore_o determine_v according_a to_o the_o canon_n of_o our_o godly_a father_n that_o the_o bishop_n of_o every_o province_n shall_v twice_o every_o year_n assemble_v together_o at_o the_o place_n where_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o mother_n city_n that_o be_v the_o metropolitan_a shall_v appoint_v to_o amend_v all_o matter_n emergent_a within_o their_o province_n the_o tedious_a length_n of_o the_o journey_n and_o poverty_n of_o the_o church_n in_o some_o
place_n force_v the_o bishop_n to_o assemble_v but_o once_o in_o the_o year_n so_o the_o council_n of_o toledo_n determine_v for_o spain_n 18._o this_o holy_a &_o general_a council_n decree_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o former_a canon_n stand_v good_a which_o command_v synod_n to_o be_v keep_v twice_o in_o the_o year_n in_o respect_n of_o y_fw-fr e_o length_n of_o the_o way_n and_o poverty_n of_o the_o church_n of_o spain_n the_o bishop_n shall_v assemble_v once_o in_o the_o year_n at_o the_o place_n which_o the_o metropolitan_a shall_v appoint_v the_o 2._o council_n of_o turon_n take_v the_o same_o order_n for_o france_n in_o case_n of_o necessity_n 1._o it_o have_v please_v this_o holy_a council_n that_o the_o metropolitan_a &_o the_o bishop_n of_o his_o province_n shall_v meet_v twice_o every_o year_n in_o synod_n at_o the_o place_n which_o the_o metropolitan_a by_o his_o discretion_n shall_v choose_v or_o if_o there_o be_v a_o inevitable_a necessity_n then_o without_o all_o excuse_n of_o person_n and_o occasion_n of_o pretence_n once_o in_o the_o year_n shall_v every_o man_n make_v his_o repair_n and_o if_o any_o bishop_n fail_v so_o to_o come_v to_o the_o synod_n let_v he_o stand_v excommunicate_a by_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o same_o province_n until_o a_o great_a synod_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v no_o bishop_n of_o a_o other_o province_n presume_v to_o communicate_v with_o he_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a realm_n nor_o age_n wherein_o the_o use_n of_o synod_n have_v not_o be_v think_v needful_a as_o well_o under_o believe_v magistrate_n for_o consultation_n and_o direction_n as_o under_o infidel_n for_o the_o stop_n of_o irreligious_a opinion_n withstand_v wicked_a enterprise_n and_o procure_v the_o peace_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o church_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o council_n that_o have_v be_v keep_v in_o all_o kingdom_n and_o country_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n when_o any_o matter_n of_o moment_n come_v in_o question_n which_o be_v extant_a to_o this_o day_n and_o likewise_o by_o the_o synod_n that_o every_o nation_n and_o province_n do_v yearly_o celebrate_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o great_a nicene_n and_o chalcedon_n council_n which_o can_v not_o be_v number_v and_o be_v not_o record_v neither_o be_v the_o continuance_n of_o provincial_a synod_n prescribe_v only_o by_o council_n the_o imperial_a law_n command_v the_o like_a 10._o that_o all_o the_o ecclesiastical_a state_n and_o sacred_a rule_n may_v with_o more_o diligence_n be_v observe_v we_o require_v say_v the_o emperor_n every_o archbishop_n patriarch_n &_o metropolitan_a to_o call_v unto_o he_o once_o or_o twice_o every_o year_n the_o bishop_n that_o be_v under_o he_o in_o the_o same_o province_n and_o thorough_o to_o examine_v all_o the_o cause_n which_o bishop_n clerk_n or_o monk_n have_v among_o themselves_o and_o to_o determine_v they_o so_o as_o what_o so_o ever_o be_v trespass_v by_o any_o person_n against_o the_o canon_n may_v be_v reform_v the_o law_n of_o charles_n allege_v the_o council_n of_o antioch_n and_o chalcedon_n 13._o that_o the_o bishop_n of_o every_o province_n with_o their_o metropolitan_a shall_v assemble_v in_o council_n twice_o in_o the_o year_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o church_n command_v that_o course_n to_o be_v continue_v and_o 127._o twice_o every_o year_n synod_n to_o be_v assemble_v and_o unless_o you_o give_v the_o pastor_n and_o presbyter_n of_o every_o parish_n full_a and_o free_a power_n to_o profess_v what_o religion_n they_o best_o like_v to_o offer_v what_o wrong_v they_o will_v to_o use_v what_o impiety_n and_o tyranny_n they_o themselves_o listen_v without_o any_o restraint_n or_o redress_n which_o be_v a_o heathenish_a if_o not_o a_o hellish_a confusion_n you_o must_v where_o there_o be_v no_o christian_n magistrate_n as_o oftentimes_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n there_o have_v be_v and_o may_v be_v none_o yield_v that_o liberty_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o every_o humane_a society_n have_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o nature_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o whole_a may_v guide_v each_o part_n and_o the_o great_a number_n over-rule_v the_o lesser_a which_o without_o assemble_v in_o synod_n can_v not_o be_v do_v we_o never_o mean_v to_o deny_v the_o authority_n or_o use_n of_o lawful_a synod_n we_o confess_v 159._o they_o be_v a_o sure_a remedy_n against_o all_o confusion_n but_o this_o we_o dislike_v that_o you_o give_v the_o power_n to_o call_v synod_n from_o the_o magistrate_n to_o the_o metropolitan_a thereby_o maintain_v a_o needless_a difference_n among_o bishop_n and_o suffer_v none_o but_o such_o as_o you_o term_v bishop_n to_o have_v voice_n in_o council_n whereas_o every_o pastor_n and_o preacher_n have_v as_o good_a right_n to_o sit_v there_o and_o by_o consent_n and_o subscription_n to_o determine_v as_o they_o have_v what_o right_a we_o yield_v to_o christian_a magistrate_n to_o call_v synod_n within_o their_o territory_n shall_v soon_o appear_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n you_o must_v tell_v we_o who_o call_v synod_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n before_o prince_n favour_v christian_a religion_n be_v it_o do_v by_o magistrate_n who_o then_o be_v infidel_n or_o by_o metropolitanes_n and_o when_o prince_n protect_v the_o truth_n do_v they_o moderate_v provincial_a council_n by_o their_o substitute_n or_o be_v that_o charge_n commit_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o chief_a and_o mother_n church_n and_o city_n in_o every_o province_n you_o challenge_v to_o be_v man_n of_o learning_n and_o read_v speak_v of_o your_o credit_n who_o call_v in_o ancient_a time_n provincial_a synod_n or_o at_o any_o time_n who_o moderate_v they_o beside_o metropolitanes_n if_o your_o presbytery_n by_o god_n essential_a and_o perpetual_a ordinance_n must_v have_v a_o precedent_n to_o rule_v their_o action_n for_o avoid_v of_o confusion_n how_o can_v synod_n be_v call_v &_o govern_v without_o one_o to_o prescribe_v the_o time_n and_o place_n when_o and_o where_o the_o pastor_n shall_v meet_v and_o when_o they_o be_v meet_v to_o guide_v and_o moderate_v their_o assembly_n perceive_v you_o not_o that_o man_n live_v in_o diverse_a city_n and_o country_n and_o assemble_v but_o seldom_o have_v more_o need_n of_o some_o chief_a to_o call_v they_o together_o than_o those_o that_o live_v in_o one_o place_n and_o every_o day_n meet_v and_o if_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n in_o presbytery_n be_v pernicious_a to_o the_o church_n be_v it_o not_o far_o more_o dangerous_a in_o synod_n wherefore_o you_o must_v either_o clean_o reject_v synod_n and_o so_o make_v the_o presbyter_n of_o each_o parish_n supreme_a and_o sovereign_a judge_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n or_o if_o you_o receive_v synod_n you_o must_v withal_o admit_v some_o both_o to_o convocate_v and_o moderate_v their_o meeting_n the_o magistrate_n may_v callthem_n together_o and_o themselves_o when_o they_o be_v assemble_v may_v choose_v 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
consist_v of_o the_o pastor_n and_o some_o grave_n &_o wise_a lay_v elder_n there_o dwell_v to_o determine_v matter_n emergent_a within_o a_o circuit_n to_o be_v appoint_v unto_o they_o and_o from_o they_o appeal_v to_o be_v make_v to_o the_o synod_n of_o pastor_n and_o elder_n reside_v in_o some_o principal_a and_o chief_a city_n within_o this_o realm_n so_o that_o unless_o the_o matter_n be_v of_o very_o great_a weight_n the_o pastor_n at_o large_a shall_v not_o be_v trouble_v to_o assemble_v together_o and_o when_o they_o assemble_v their_o abode_n not_o to_o be_v long_o for_o save_v of_o time_n and_o charge_n which_o man_n of_o their_o calling_n neither_o shall_v loose_v nor_o can_v spare_v lest_o we_o busy_v they_o rather_o as_o judge_n of_o man_n quarrel_n than_o steward_n of_o god_n mystery_n the_o chief_a ground_n of_o your_o discipline_n be_v your_o own_o devise_n as_o may_v well_o appear_v in_o that_o no_o part_n of_o it_o be_v ancient_a or_o be_v ever_o use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o jointe_n of_o it_o hang_v together_o like_o sick_a man_n dream_n the_o pastor_n and_o lay_v elder_n of_o every_o church_n serve_v at_o first_o to_o fill_v up_o your_o presbytery_n and_o now_o your_o bessel_n be_v so_o low_o draw_v that_o you_o use_v they_o for_o synod_n and_o where_o you_o can_v not_o abide_v that_o bishop_n shall_v have_v diocese_n now_o you_o be_v please_v that_o presbytery_n shall_v have_v circuit_n and_o ecclesiastical_a regiment_n without_o their_o church_n and_o city_n metropolitanes_n be_v not_o long_o since_o the_o height_n of_o antichristes_n pride_n and_o now_o you_o be_v force_v for_o repress_v of_o disorder_n and_o enormity_n in_o every_o parish_n to_o allow_v some_o chief_a and_o mother_n city_n and_o to_o yield_v their_o presbytery_n metropolitical_a jurisdiction_n over_o whole_a province_n and_o all_o this_o yourselves_o be_v private_a man_n take_v upon_o you_o to_o devise_v and_o establish_v without_o precedent_a to_o induce_v or_o authority_n to_o warrant_v your_o do_n and_o yet_o you_o think_v it_o not_o lawful_a for_o the_o prince_n and_o the_o whole_a realm_n to_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n nor_o to_o follow_v the_o step_n of_o religious_a and_o godly_a emperor_n that_o appoint_v metropolitanes_n to_o call_n and_o moderate_v provincial_a council_n and_o for_o ease_v of_o all_o side_n to_o examine_v such_o matter_n before_o hand_n as_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o molest_v and_o trouble_v full_a synod_n wherein_o what_o else_o do_v you_o but_o show_v your_o inconstant_a and_o inconsiderate_a humour_n that_o will_v have_v the_o church_n guide_v by_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n parochial_a and_o provincial_a and_o admit_v precedent_n and_o chief_a governor_n of_o either_o and_o yet_o can_v abide_v that_o prince_n shall_v retain_v the_o ancient_a and_o accustom_a form_n of_o ecclesiastical_a regiment_n by_o bishop_n and_o metropolitanes_n settle_v so_o long_o ago_o in_o the_o church_n and_o ever_o since_o continue_v without_o interruption_n but_o i_o pray_v you_o what_o place_n or_o voice_n have_v lay_v elder_n in_o synod_n what_o example_n or_o reason_n can_v you_o pretend_v for_o it_o if_o they_o may_v judge_v in_o presbytery_n why_o not_o in_o synod_n belike_o you_o will_v have_v none_o but_o bishop_n have_v decisive_a voice_n in_o council_n according_a to_o the_o romish_a order_n of_o celebrate_v synod_n if_o you_o be_v as_o far_o from_o novelty_n as_o i_o be_o from_o popery_n we_o shall_v soon_o agree_v howbeit_o every_o thing_n use_v or_o believe_v in_o the_o romish_a church_n be_v not_o rash_o to_o be_v disclaim_v you_o make_v it_o a_o resolute_a conclusion_n that_o lay_v elder_n be_v part_n of_o the_o presbytery_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n but_o when_o we_o come_v to_o examine_v your_o proof_n we_o find_v they_o as_o weak_a as_o your_o imagination_n be_v strong_a now_o though_o the_o pastor_n of_o each_o parish_n when_o they_o be_v single_a may_v happy_o need_v as_o you_o think_v the_o advice_n and_o assistance_n of_o lay_v presbyter_n yet_o that_o pastor_n assemble_v in_o synod_n where_o their_o number_n be_v great_a &_o their_o gift_n of_o all_o sort_n shall_v stand_v in_o like_a need_n of_o lay_v elder_n to_o lead_v or_o direct_v they_o be_v neither_o consequent_a to_o reason_n nor_o coherent_a with_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n for_o to_o who_o have_v the_o lord_n commit_v 28._o the_o teach_n of_o all_o nation_n to_o pastor_n or_o to_o lay_v presbyter_n who_o by_o god_n law_n be_v appoint_v 3_o watchman_n in_o y_fw-fr ●_o house_n of_o israel_n 4._o steward_n over_o his_o family_n 20._o bishop_n over_o his_o church_n and_o 13._o leader_n of_o his_o flock_n lay_v elder_n or_o christ_n minister_n if_o in_o the_o church_n the_o sheep_n must_v 10._o hear_v and_o follow_v their_o shepherd_n as_o well_o for_o truth_n of_o doctrine_n as_o holiness_n of_o life_n by_o what_o commission_n bring_v you_o lay_v presbyter_n into_o synod_n where_o the_o teacher_n and_o pastor_n of_o a_o whole_a province_n or_o nation_n be_v assemble_v shall_v your_o lay_n elder_n by_o christ_n commandment_n be_v scholar_n in_o the_o church_n and_o teacher_n in_o the_o synod_n or_o do_v the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o preacher_n so_o change_v that_o in_o pulpit_n each_o one_o must_v be_v believe_v and_o obey_v in_o council_n all_o join_v together_o must'be_v restrain_v and_o direct_v by_o lay_v elder_n if_o you_o have_v reason_n or_o authority_n for_o it_o let_v we_o hear_v it_o if_o neither_o you_o trouble_v the_o church_n of_o god_n with_o a_o pang_n of_o your_o wilful_a contradiction_n and_o take_v upon_o you_o to_o over-rule_v christian_a prince_n and_o church_n with_o great_a surlines_n than_o ever_o do_v patriarch_n or_o pope_n in_o the_o apostle_n council_n be_v not_o only_o the_o 15._o presbyter_n but_o all_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o letter_n of_o resolution_n be_v write_v in_o all_o their_o name_n and_o now_o you_o disdain_v that_o any_o lay_v man_n shall_v be_v present_a at_o your_o provincial_a synod_n and_o council_n which_o you_o see_v the_o apostle_n do_v not_o refuse_v to_o be_v present_a at_o synod_n be_v one_o thing_n to_o deliberate_v and_o determine_v in_o synod_n be_v a_o other_o thing_n if_o you_o think_v that_o either_o presbyter_n or_o brethren_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o apostle_n council_n to_o help_v and_o aid_v the_o apostle_n in_o their_o debate_n or_o decide_v the_o matter_n there_o question_v you_o be_v much_o deceive_v the_o apostle_n single_v be_v sufficient_a to_o decide_v a_o great_a doubt_n than_o that_o be_v much_o more_o then_o the_o whole_a assembly_n of_o the_o apostle_n able_a to_o search_v out_o the_o truth_n thereof_o without_o their_o assistance_n the_o reason_n why_o all_o the_o church_n be_v admit_v to_o be_v present_a &_o to_o join_v with_o one_o accord_n in_o send_v those_o letter_n i_o note_v before_o not_o only_o the_o gainsayer_n but_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v to_o be_v resolve_v in_o a_o case_n that_o touch_v they_o all_o otherwise_o aswell_o the_o people_n as_o the_o teacher_n of_o y_o ●_o jew_o will_v s●il_o have_v abhor_v the_o gentile_n though_o believer_n as_o profane_a person_n until_o they_o have_v be_v circumcisęd_v which_o be_v the_o high_a way_n to_o evacuate_v the_o cross_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o frustrate_v his_o grace_n and_o therefore_o not_o for_o deliberation_n or_o for_o determination_n but_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o contradictor_n and_o instruction_n of_o the_o rest_n be_v the_o whole_a church_n assemble_v and_o upon_o the_o full_a hear_n and_o conclude_v of_o the_o question_n by_o the_o apostle_n the_o rest_n join_v with_o they_o acknowledge_v by_o their_o letter_n and_o messenger_n that_o it_o please_v the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o gentile_n shall_v not_o be_v trouble_v with_o circumcision_n nor_o the_o observation_n of_o moses_n law_n but_o that_o the_o partition_n wall_n betwixt_o they_o be_v break_v down_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o they_o which_o be_v 2._o alien_n from_o the_o common_a wealth_n of_o israel_n &_o stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n be_v now_o citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n &_o of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n without_o the_o legal_a observance_n of_o moses_n law_n s._n luke_n himself_o witness_v that_o to_o 6._o discuss_v the_o matter_n the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n assemble_v together_o and_o after_o great_a disputation_n on_o either_o side_n peter_n and_o james_n conclude_v the_o cause_n whereto_o the_o rest_n consent_v yet_o than_o elder_n be_v admit_v to_o deliberate_v with_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o synod_n whereas_o you_o suffer_v none_o but_o bishop_n to_o have_v voice_n in_o council_n i_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o presbyter_n sit_v with_o the_o apostle_n in_o synod_n to_o consult_v of_o
function_n of_o bishop_n as_o a_o thing_n superfluous_a or_o dangerous_a to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o she_o w_v how_o far_o the_o thirst_n of_o honour_n and_o flame_n of_o discord_n have_v carry_v many_o even_o to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o shake_v of_o the_o christian_a profession_n in_o sunder_o his_o word_n be_v urbem_fw-la will_v they_o deprive_v i_o of_o the_o chief_a seat_n which_o heretofore_o some_o wise_a man_n have_v admire_v but_o now_o as_o i_o think_v it_o be_v the_o first_o point_n of_o wisdom_n to_o decline_v it_o then_o follow_v those_o word_n which_o you_o allege_v for_o which_o our_o whole_a estate_n be_v trouble_v and_o shake_v for_o which_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v in_o a_o heart-burning_a &_o dissension_n that_o can_v be_v appease_v nor_o express_v for_o which_o we_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v think_v to_o be_v of_o man_n when_o we_o be_v of_o god_n and_o to_o loose_v that_o great_a and_o new_a name_n the_o occasion_n of_o this_o speech_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o his_o life_n be_v the_o horrible_a tumult_n that_o maximus_n raise_v in_o aspire_v to_o the_o bishopric_n of_o constantinople_n the_o inconstancy_n of_o peter_n bishop_n of_o alerandria_n who_o first_o by_o letter_n confirm_v he_o in_o the_o place_n and_o yet_o after_o send_v some_o to_o ordain_v maximus_n against_o he_o and_o the_o general_a dislike_n the_o bishop_n of_o egypt_n and_o of_o the_o west_n part_v have_v of_o he_o though_o they_o can_v not_o but_o commend_v the_o man_n because_o he_o be_v place_v without_o their_o consent_n see_v himself_o therefore_o undermine_v and_o betray_v by_o his_o familiar_a friend_n desert_v and_o forsake_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o alerandria_n after_o the_o death_n of_o miletius_n bishop_n of_o antioch_n murmur_v and_o repine_v against_o by_o so_o many_o for_o not_o expect_v their_o presence_n and_o the_o bishop_n ready_a to_o war_n one_o with_o another_o about_o his_o election_n and_o ordination_n he_o wise_o and_o stout_o come_v into_o the_o council_n and_o say_v nazianzeni_fw-la you_o man_n that_o be_v my_o fellow_n pastor_n of_o the_o sacred_a flock_n of_o christ_n it_o will_v be_v a_o shame_n and_o very_o unseemlie_o for_o you_o teach_v other_o to_o be_v at_o peace_n if_o you_o be_v at_o war_n among_o yourselves_o for_o how_o shall_v you_o persuade_v they_o to_o agree_v if_o you_o vary_v in_o your_o own_o opinion_n i_o beseech_v you_o rather_o by_o the_o bless_v trinity_n that_o you_o dispose_v of_o your_o matter_n wise_o and_o peaceable_o and_o if_o i_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o strife_n unto_o you_o i_o be_o not_o better_o than_o jonas_n the_o prophet_n cast_v i_o into_o the_o sea_n and_o let_v this_o troublesome_a tempest_n cease_v from_o among_o you_o i_o be_o content_a to_o endure_v any_o thing_n for_o your_o concord_n though_o i_o be_v guiltless_a thrust_v i_o out_o of_o my_o throne_n drive_v i_o from_o the_o city_n only_o embrace_v you_o truth_n and_o peace_n thus_o christianlie_a prefer_v he_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n church_n before_o his_o own_o safety_n and_o make_v more_o account_n of_o quietness_n and_o secrecy_n then_o of_o honour_n and_o dignity_n at_o the_o first_o rise_v of_o this_o tumult_n nazianzene_n be_v absent_a from_o the_o city_n and_o upon_o his_o return_n when_o maximus_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o faction_n threaten_v he_o with_o many_o thing_n he_o present_o and_o pithy_o make_v that_o oration_n to_o the_o people_n whence_o your_o word_n be_v take_v hence_o you_o may_v prove_v there_o be_v many_o contentious_a and_o ambitious_a head_n in_o nazianzens_n time_n which_o in_o no_o time_n before_o or_o after_o do_v or_o will_v want_v but_o you_o can_v infer_v nothing_o out_o of_o these_o word_n against_o the_o lawful_a use_n of_o episcopal_a or_o metropolitical_a moderation_n and_o superuision_n prescribe_v and_o limit_v by_o the_o canon_n of_o grave_n and_o godly_a council_n which_o nazianzene_n neither_o do_v nor_o can_v mislike_v if_o you_o think_v i_o restrain_v his_o meaning_n examine_v his_o word_n the_o time_n be_v say_v he_o when_o a_o wise_a man_n may_v admire_v this_o presidencie_n but_o now_o it_o be_v the_o first_o point_n of_o wisdom_n in_o my_o judgement_n to_o shun_v it_o not_o because_o it_o be_v then_o more_o unlawful_a than_o before_o but_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o manifold_a trouble_n dislike_n and_o dissension_n that_o then_o oppress_a the_o church_n the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n say_v he_o be_v for_o this_o in_o suspicion_n and_o war_n which_o have_v no_o ear_n nor_o name_n that_o be_v who_o cause_n and_o remedy_n be_v both_o unknowen_a for_o this_o we_o which_o be_v of_o god_n be_v in_o danger_n say_v he_o to_o be_v think_v to_o be_v of_o man_n and_o to_o loose_v that_o great_a and_o new_a name_n he_o cleerelie_o confess_v they_o be_v of_o god_n that_o be_v their_z calling_z and_o function_n be_v ordain_v and_o approve_v by_o god_n wherefore_o he_o will_v they_o to_o beware_v least_o by_o their_o quarrel_a and_o contend_v they_o occasion_v other_o to_o suppose_v they_o be_v not_o of_o god_n but_o of_o man_n do_v this_o place_n think_v you_o confute_v or_o confirm_v the_o vocation_n of_o bishop_n what_o more_o can_v be_v say_v for_o they_o then_o that_o they_o be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o man_n after_o this_o whatsoever_o he_o say_v it_o touch_v not_o the_o unlawfulnesse_n of_o the_o office_n but_o the_o unrulinesse_n of_o the_o person_n and_o the_o vice_n of_o man_n he_o may_v traduce_v without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o their_o call_n he_o say_v the_o name_n of_o bishop_n be_v new_a and_o wish_v there_o be_v no_o superiority_n nor_o pre-eminence_n among_o they_o but_o that_o every_o man_n may_v be_v know_v by_o his_o virtue_n the_o newness_n of_o the_o name_n do_v not_o so_o much_o disgrace_v the_o office_n as_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o name_n do_v commend_v it_o let_v it_o be_v new_a so_o it_o be_v great_a and_o both_o of_o god_n in_o what_o sense_n nazianzene_n call_v the_o name_n of_o bishop_n new_a if_o he_o mean_v the_o name_n of_o bishop_n as_o one_o of_o the_o great_a patroness_n of_o your_o discipline_n precise_o note_v be_v not_o so_o soon_o agree_v on_o if_o he_o mean_v a_o new_a name_n as_o the_o prophet_n esay_n do_v when_o he_o say_v 62._o thou_o shall_v be_v call_v by_o a_o new_a name_n which_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v name_v or_o as_o s._n john_n do_v when_o he_o report_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n 2._o i_o will_v give_v he_o a_o white_a stone_n and_o in_o the_o stone_n a_o new_a name_n write_v if_o he_o allude_v i_o say_v to_o either_o of_o these_o place_n as_o he_o may_v welldoe_v he_o can_v not_o give_v the_o name_n of_o bishop_n a_o high_a praise_n then_o to_o call_v it_o great_a and_o new_a and_o that_o from_o god_n if_o by_o new_a you_o will_v have_v he_o understand_v a_o name_n late_o devise_v by_o man_n not_o authorize_v by_o god_n as_o it_o seem_v you_o will_v you_o make_v nazianzene_n very_o forgetful_a and_o yourselves_o be_v scant_o wake_v when_o you_o make_v that_o observation_n in_o his_o word_n 164._o nempe_fw-la episcopi_fw-la as_o though_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n have_v be_v new_a in_o nazianzenes_n time_n for_o can_v that_o name_n be_v new_a to_o nazianzene_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v so_o ancient_o so_o often_o so_o honourable_o mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n read_v you_o not_o this_o allege_v by_o peter_n out_o of_o david_n 1._o let_v another_o take_v his_o bishopric_n and_o again_o 26._o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o bishop_n as_o also_o 1._o a_o bishop_n must_v be_v blameless_a and_o likewise_o 2._o you_o be_v return_v to_o the_o shepherd_n and_o bishop_n of_o your_o soul_n how_o can_v that_o name_n be_v new_a which_o be_v so_o authentical_o record_v in_o the_o apostolic_a writing_n haply_o you_o will_v shrink_v from_o that_o and_o say_v the_o name_n be_v new_o they_o because_o in_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v general_a to_o all_o presbyter_n and_o here_o it_o be_v special_a to_o bishop_n but_o that_o be_v neither_o true_a nor_o any_o part_n of_o nazianzenes_n meaning_n for_o even_o the_o sever_n of_o chief_a pastor_n from_o presbyter_n by_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n be_v no_o late_a nor_o new_a devise_n in_o nazianzenes_n time_n that_o very_a distinction_n of_o name_n have_v continue_v at_o alexandria_n from_o the_o death_n of_o mark_n the_o evangelist_n as_o euagrium_n jerome_n affirm_v in_o all_o history_n and_o writer_n before_o nazianzene_n live_v there_o be_v no_o word_n so_o common_a and_o usual_a to_o signify_v the_o precedent_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o presbytery_n as_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n and_o therefore_o
people_n from_o priest_n be_v neither_o profane_a nor_o strange_a in_o the_o scripture_n 24._o there_o shall_v be_v say_v esay_n like_o people_n like_o priest_n and_o so_o say_v 4._o osee_n as_o also_o 26._o jeremie_n divide_v the_o church_n into_o the_o prophet_n priest_n and_o people_n as_o for_o the_o name_n of_o clergy_n man_n jerome_n say_v clericorum_fw-la proptereà_fw-la vocantur_fw-la clerici_fw-la vel_fw-la quia_fw-la de_fw-la sort_n sunt_fw-la domint_n vel_fw-la quia_fw-la ipse_fw-la dominus_fw-la sor_n idest_fw-la pars_fw-la clericorum_fw-la est_fw-la therefore_o be_v they_o call_v clergy_n man_n or_o clerk_n either_o because_o they_o be_v the_o lord_n portion_n to_o serve_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o for_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v their_o portion_n &_o part_n to_o live_v on_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o lord_n the_o lay_v he_o call_v seculares_fw-la secular_a man_n which_o word_n be_v not_o so_o good_a as_o laici_fw-la the_o laity_n or_o people_n the_o name_n of_o presbyter_n i_o use_v not_o thereby_o meaning_n age_a and_o ancient_a man_n of_o what_o call_v soever_o they_o be_v as_o the_o word_n sometime_o signify_v and_o wherewith_o i_o see_v many_o that_o favour_n the_o presbytery_n deceive_v and_o deceive_a other_o but_o i_o use_v it_o for_o those_o who_o the_o apostle_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d presbyter_n whence_o our_o tongue_n follow_v the_o french_a long_o since_o derive_v priest_n who_o for_o their_o age_n shall_v be_v elder_n and_o by_o their_o office_n be_v minister_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o overseer_n of_o the_o flock_n of_o christ._n and_o though_o there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n but_o very_o often_o in_o the_o scripture_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o latin_a seniores_fw-la in_o english_a elder_n be_v take_v for_o pastor_n teacher_n and_o such_o as_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o dispense_v the_o sacrament_n yet_o some_o more_o zealous_a than_o discreet_a no_o soon_o he_o be_v of_o the_o word_n presbyter_n or_o senior_n a_o elder_a in_o scripture_n or_o father_n but_o they_o straightway_o dream_v of_o their_o lie_v presbytery_n which_o be_v the_o great_a ground_n of_o all_o their_o error_n and_o light_a proof_n that_o may_v possible_o be_v bring_v for_o which_o cause_n i_o be_o force_v often_o to_o distinguish_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n from_o such_o as_o some_o man_n will_v have_v to_o be_v governor_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o name_n of_o presbyter_n and_o not_o of_o elder_a which_o in_o our_o tongue_n be_v more_o common_a to_o age_a man_n then_o to_o clergy_n man_n but_o howsoever_o they_o may_v play_v with_o word_n to_o make_v some_o the_o we_o that_o elder_n be_v governor_n of_o christ_n church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n assure_o no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o 〈◊〉_d that_o lie_v man_n be_v public_a governor_n to_o ordain_v minister_n or_o remove_v sinner_n from_o the_o lord_n table_n while_o the_o apostle_n live_v and_o after_o their_o death_n the_o long_o we_o search_v the_o further_o we_o be_v from_o find_v any_o such_o elder_n the_o whole_a church_n by_o the_o very_a word_n of_o our_o saviour_n may_v exclude_v disobedient_a and_o froward_a person_n from_o their_o fellowship_n as_o et●nikes_v and_o publican_n and_o bound_v they_o both_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n i_o have_v answer_v already_o that_o those_o word_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o ver●●_n confession_n of_o such_o as_o be_v the_o great_a defender_n of_o this_o new_a discipline_n be_v speak_v of_o the_o judge_n and_o magistrate_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o if_o by_o the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o father_n we_o will_v needs_o have_v they_o speak_v of_o christ_n church_n we_o must_v then_o take_v the_o church_n for_o the_o pastor_n and_o leader_n of_o the_o church_n that_o have_v receive_v power_n from_o christ_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n last_o if_o we_o intend_v nothing_o else_o by_o those_o word_n let_v he_o be_v to_o thou_o as_o a_o ethnic_a and_o publican_n but_o refrain_v all_o company_n with_o he_o and_o eat_v no_o more_o with_o he_o than_o thou_o will_v with_o a_o ethnic_a and_o publican_n this_o charge_n pertain_v rather_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n then_o to_o any_o lie_v elder_n or_o governor_n in_o the_o church_n the_o apostle_n word_n 5._o when_o you_o be_v gather_v together_o put_v away_o from_o among_o you_o that_o wicked_a man_n be_v rather_o direct_v to_o the_o whole_a congregation_n then_o to_o any_o lie_v elder_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinch_n as_o be_v also_o these_o that_o follow_v 5._o i_o write_v unto_o you_o that_o you_o shall_v not_o company_n together_o with_o fornicatour_n but_o now_o i_o have_v write_v unto_o you_o if_o any_o man_n that_o be_v call_v a_o brother_n be_v a_o fornicator_n or_o covetous_a a_o idolater_n railer_n drunkard_n or_o extortioner_n with_o such_o a_o one_o eat_v not_o must_v only_o the_o lie_v elder_n or_o all_o the_o multitude_n avoid_v the_o company_n of_o such_o enormous_a person_n 16._o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n say_v paul_n observe_v those_o which_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n against_o the_o doctrine_n which_o you_o have_v learn_v and_o decline_v they_o shall_v none_o but_o elder_n and_o teacher_n shun_v schismatic_n and_o heinous_a malefactor_n or_o must_v the_o people_n and_o hearer_n do_v the_o like_a 3._o if_o any_o man_n obey_v not_o our_o say_n keep_v no_o company_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a yet_o count_v he_o not_o a_o enemy_n but_o admonish_v he_o as_o a_o brother_n shall_v we_o think_v the_o apostle_n think_v it_o sufficient_a for_o so●●_n few_o lie_v elder_n to_o forbear_v the_o company_n of_o such_o disorder_a person_n or_o do_v he_o will_v the_o whole_a church_n with_o one_o consent_n to_o shun_v all_o society_n with_o such_o unrulie_a one_o that_o they_o may_v be_v ashamed_a then_o yet_o the_o whole_a church_n may_v excommunicate_v and_o not_o pastor_n only_o with_o open_a reprove_v by_o the_o word_n and_o exclude_v from_o the_o sacrament_n such_o as_o notorious_o sin_v pastor_n and_o prophet_n may_v intermeddle_v the_o people_n and_o lay_v elder_n may_v not_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o their_o charge_n but_o in_o banish_v malefactor_n from_o all_o fellowship_n and_o company_n both_o civil_a and_o sacred_a with_o the_o faithful_a the_o pastor_n be_v to_o direct_v the_o people_n to_o assist_v and_o execute_v that_o judgement_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o leave_v it_o to_o people_n like_v as_o a_o matter_n indifferent_a till_o they_o have_v consent_v but_o enjoin_v it_o as_o a_o necessary_a duty_n and_o 3._o command_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n jesus_n to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o every_o brother_n that_o walk_v inordinate_o for_o as_o s._n john_n warn_v we_o 2._o he_o that_o receive_v to_o his_o house_n the_o bringer_n of_o another_o doctrine_n or_o bid_v he_o good_a speed_n be_v partaker_n of_o his_o evil_a deed_n and_o so_o be_v every_o one_o that_o with_o countenance_n favour_n or_o familiarity_n do_v embolden_v the_o wicked_a to_o go_v on_o in_o any_o other_o lewdness_n when_o by_o christian_a duty_n he_o shall_v reprove_v such_o offender_n &_o if_o they_o persist_v renounce_v all_o society_n with_o they_o yea_o where_o there_o want_v a_o believe_a magistrate_n the_o pastor_n shall_v not_o do_v wise_o to_o proceed_v to_o any_o such_o rigour_n against_o wilful_a and_o obstinate_a sinner_n without_o the_o knowledge_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n for_o fear_n of_o contempt_n if_o the_o most_o part_n mislike_v or_o faction_n if_o the_o multitude_n be_v divide_v if_o pastor_n in_o such_o case_n be_v to_o stay_v for_o the_o like_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v it_o not_o more_o likely_a that_o the_o people_n do_v refer_v the_o hear_n and_o censure_v of_o all_o such_o matter_n to_o certain_a choose_a elder_n of_o themselves_o rather_o than_o in_o a_o tumult_n confuse_o without_o any_o judicial_a form_n determine_v such_o cause_n that_o if_o we_o evict_v we_o make_v no_o doubt_n that_o lie_v elder_n be_v governor_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o pastor_n indeed_o likelihood_n and_o surmise_n be_v the_o best_a demonstration_n that_o ever_o be_v make_v for_o your_o suppose_a discipline_n but_o if_o this_o he_o all_o you_o will_v never_o evict_v any_o thing_n the_o people_n may_v well_o rely_v themselves_o on_o the_o credit_n and_o conscience_n of_o their_o pastor_n and_o believe_v they_o in_o other_o man_n case_n who_o they_o trust_v with_o their_o own_o soul_n again_o they_o may_v approve_v and_o confirm_v their_o pastors_n judgement_n in_o a_o open_a assembly_n without_o a_o uproar_n thing_n be_v at_o that_o time_n handle_v in_o the_o church_n religious_o not_o tumultuous_o last_o if_o the_o people_n do_v appoint_v certain_a wise_a and_o sufficient_a
man_n from_o among_o themselves_o to_o look_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o every_o crime_n before_o they_o will_v believe_v the_o accuser_n or_o reject_v the_o accuse_v from_o their_o company_n then_o must_v your_o lie_v elder_n claim_v not_o from_o christ_n as_o authorize_v by_o he_o to_o use_v the_o key_n and_o dispose_v of_o the_o sacrament_n but_o from_o the_o people_n as_o their_o committee_n to_o hear_v and_o report_v what_o they_o find_v detect_v and_o prove_v in_o every_o such_o offence_n as_o deserve_a separation_n from_o all_o christian_a society_n and_o their_o delegation_n from_o the_o people_n must_v utter_o cease_v where_o he_o that_o bear_v the_o sword_n embrace_v the_o faith_n for_o though_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o nature_n where_o there_o be_v no_o magistrate_n every_o multitude_n may_v both_o order_n and_o govern_v themselves_o as_o they_o see_v cause_n with_o their_o general_a consent_n so_o they_o cross_v not_o superior_a law_n and_o power_n yet_o we_o must_v beware_v when_o god_n have_v place_v christian_a prince_n to_o defend_v and_o preserve_v justice_n and_o judgement_n among_o man_n that_o we_o not_o erect_v under_o a_o show_n of_o discipline_n certain_a petit_fw-fr magistrate_n in_o every_o parish_n by_o commission_n from_o christ_n himself_o in_o crime_n and_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a judicial_o to_o proceed_v without_o depend_v on_o the_o princess_n power_n i_o seek_v not_o to_o charge_v the_o favourer_n of_o this_o new_a discipline_n with_o any_o dangerous_a devise_n i_o have_v rather_o acknowledge_v my_o own_o weakness_n that_o can_v conceive_v how_o lie_v elder_n shall_v be_v governor_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o yet_o be_v neither_o minister_n nor_o magistrate_n christ_n be_v the_o head_n and_o fullness_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n govern_v the_o same_o as_o a_o prophet_n a_o priest_n and_o a_o king_n and_o after_o his_o example_n all_o public_a government_n in_o the_o church_n be_v either_o prophetical_a sacerdotal_a or_o regal_a the_o doctor_n have_v a_o prophetical_a the_o pastor_n a_o sacerdotal_a the_o magistrate_n a_o regal_a power_n and_o function_n what_o four_o regiment_n can_v we_o find_v for_o lay_v elder_n prophet_n they_o be_v not_o they_o have_v no_o charge_n of_o the_o word_n much_o less_o have_v they_o priestly_a power_n which_o concern_v sin_n and_o sacrament_n if_o they_o have_v any_o they_o must_v have_v regal_a and_o consequent_o when_o the_o magistrate_n believe_v lay_v elder_n must_v relinquish_v all_o their_o authority_n to_o he_o or_o derive_v it_o from_o he_o except_o they_o will_v establish_v a_o other_o regiment_n against_o he_o what_o you_o gi●e_v only_o to_o pastor_n make_v they_o monarch_n to_o rule_v the_o church_n at_o their_o pleasure_n we_o impart_v to_o lay_v elder_n as_o associate_n with_o they_o in_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o government_n so_o that_o lie_v elder_n with_o we_o do_v no_o more_o prejudice_v the_o prince_n power_n than_o pastor_n do_v with_o you_o inpreach_v the_o word_n dispense_n the_o sacrament_n remit_v sin_n and_o impose_v hand_n i_o trust_v your_o lie_v elder_n be_v not_o associate_v unto_o pastor_n if_o in_o these_o thing_n they_o be_v joint-agent_n with_o pastor_n then_o be_v they_o not_o lay_v elder_n but_o pastor_n you_o must_v give_v they_o one_o name_n if_o you_o give_v they_o one_o office_n the_o same_o deed_n require_v always_o the_o same_o word_n if_o you_o join_v not_o lay_v elder_n in_o those_o sacerdotal_a and_o sacred_a action_n with_o pastor_n but_o make_v they_o overseer_n and_o moderator_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o pastor_n do_v this_o power_n belong_v exact_o to_o christian_a magistrate_n to_o see_v that_o pastor_n do_v their_o duty_n according_a to_o christ_n will_n and_o not_o abuse_v their_o power_n to_o annoy_v his_o church_n or_o the_o member_n thereof_o neither_o be_v the_o case_n like_o betwixt_o pastor_n and_o lay_v elder_n pastor_n have_v their_o power_n and_o function_n distinguish_v from_o prince_n by_o god_n himself_o in_o so_o much_o that_o it_o be_v more_o than_o presumption_n for_o prince_n to_o execute_v those_o action_n by_o themselves_o or_o their_o substitute_n to_o preach_v baptize_v retain_v sin_n and_o impose_v hand_n prince_n have_v no_o power_n the_o prince_n of_o prince_n even_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v sever_v it_o from_o their_o calling_n and_o commit_v it_o to_o his_o apostle_n and_o they_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n derive_v it_o to_o their_o successor_n but_o to_o cause_v these_o action_n to_o be_v orderly_o do_v according_a to_o christ_n commandment_n and_o to_o prevent_v and_o repress_v abuse_n in_o the_o doer_n this_o be_v all_o that_o be_v leave_v for_o lay_v elder_n and_o this_o be_v it_o that_o we_o reserve_v to_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n in_o crime_n and_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a we_o whole_o yield_v to_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n and_o yet_o lay_v elder_n may_v censure_v the_o pastors_n action_n by_o like_v and_o allow_v they_o if_o they_o be_v good_a or_o by_o dislike_a and_o frustrate_v they_o if_o they_o be_v otherwise_o god_n have_v not_o give_v prince_n the_o sword_n in_o any_o cause_n temporal_a or_o ecclesiastical_a to_o go_v before_o or_o without_o judgement_n but_o to_o follow_v after_o and_o support_v judgement_n the_o sword_n without_o judgement_n be_v force_n and_o fury_n with_o judgement_n it_o be_v justice_n and_o equity_n you_o can_v yield_v the_o sword_n to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o reserve_v judgement_n in_o these_o case_n to_o the_o lie_v elder_n you_o then_o bind_v the_o magistrate_n to_o maintain_v what_o your_o lie_v judge_n shall_v determine_v and_o ●o_o the_o sword_n be_v not_o sovereign_a above_o they_o but_o subject_a under_o they_o wherefore_o in_o overseeing_a the_o pastor_n do_n and_o redress_v their_o abuse_n you_o must_v leave_v the_o examination_n determination_n and_o execution_n to_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n and_o not_o divide_v stake_n between_o the_o prince_n and_o the_o lay_v presbytery_n prince_n have_v no_o skill_n in_o such_o matter_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n it_o be_v not_o amiss_o for_o they_o to_o take_v their_o direction_n from_o the_o presbytery_n a_o noble_a consideration_n and_o worthy_a to_o be_v register_v the_o church_n warden_n and_o sideman_n of_o every_o parish_n be_v the_o meet_a man_n that_o you_o can_v find_v to_o direct_v prince_n in_o judge_v of_o ecclesiastical_a crime_n and_o cause_n a_o most_o wretched_a state_n of_o the_o church_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o shall_v depend_v on_o such_o silly_a governor_n i_o omit_v how_o far_o gentleman_n and_o landlord_n can_v prevail_v in_o every_o parish_n with_o their_o neighbour_n and_o tenant_n both_o to_o rule_v they_o and_o over-rule_v they_o at_o their_o pleasure_n view_v the_o village_n in_o england_n and_o tell_v i_o how_o far_o you_o shall_v seek_v before_o you_o shall_v find_v lie_v elder_n that_o in_o any_o reason_n ought_v to_o be_v trust_v with_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n i_o will_v not_o advantage_n myself_o by_o the_o rudeness_n and_o ignorance_n of_o most_o part_n i_o hope_v for_o very_a shame_n you_o will_v admit_v that_o prince_n be_v far_o fit_a in_o their_o own_o person_n if_o they_o will_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o determine_v ecclesiastical_a matter_n than_o husbandman_n and_o artisant_n and_o if_o they_o want_v direction_n or_o will_v give_v commission_n to_o that_o purpose_n they_o need_v not_o descend_v to_o the_o plough_n and_o cart_n for_o help_n or_o advise_v the_o world_n will_v great_o doubt_v of_o your_o discretion_n and_o suspect_v you_o savour_v of_o popular_a faction_n and_o ambition_n if_o by_o god_n law_n you_o press_v prince_n against_o their_o will_n to_o accept_v such_o counsellor_n and_o substitute_n in_o ecclesiastical_a government_n if_o they_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o make_v their_o choice_n they_o have_v store_n of_o learned_a and_o able_a man_n of_o all_o sort_n within_o their_o realm_n who_o they_o may_v trust_v with_o the_o censure_v and_o oversee_n of_o clergy_n man_n action_n so_o as_o to_o prefer_v ploughman_n and_o craftesman_n to_o undertake_v that_o weighty_a charge_n for_o christian_a prince_n be_v ridiculous_a if_o not_o infamous_a folly_n wherefore_o the_o lie_v presbytery_n must_v either_o claim_v to_o have_v their_o power_n and_o authority_n from_o christ_n without_o the_o prince_n and_o before_o the_o prince_n which_o be_v somewhat_o dangerous_a if_o not_o derogatory_n to_o the_o prince_n right_a or_o else_o they_o must_v stay_v till_o the_o magistrate_n give_v they_o power_n in_o every_o place_n to_o govern_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o church_n and_o moderate_v the_o action_n of_o the_o pastor_n for_o since_o they_o will_v needs_o concur_v with_o the_o prince_n in_o the_o same_o charge_n and_o oversight_n of_o ecclesiastical_a crime_n and_o cause_n they_o must_v derive_v their_o warrant_n either_o from_o the_o