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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n john_n speak_v spirit_n 4,082 5 5.6200 4 true
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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

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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 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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 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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
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
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
say_v peter_n and_o not_o every_o pastor_n or_o deacon_n have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o not_o a_o office_n by_o man_n choice_n so_o minister_v the_o same_o one_o to_o another_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o each_o other_o if_o any_o man_n speak_v let_v he_o speak_v to_o comfort_n and_o edify_v as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o any_o man_n minister_v that_o be_v do_v good_a not_o in_o word_n but_o in_o deed_n to_o a_o other_o let_v it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o ability_n that_o god_n have_v give_v he_o not_o according_a to_o the_o contribution_n he_o have_v receive_v of_o other_o man_n that_o in_o all_o thing_n even_o in_o all_o our_o word_n &_o deed_n god_n may_v be_v glorify_v s._n paul_n with_o along_a circuit_n of_o word_n express_v the_o same_o sense_n as_o all_o the_o part_n of_o our_o body_n have_v diverse_a action_n tend_v all_o to_o the_o use_n and_o profit_v not_o of_o themselves_o but_o of_o other_o so_o 12._o every_o man_n say_v he_o and_o not_o only_a teacher_n and_o elder_n according_a to_o the_o grace_n give_v by_o god_n spirit_n and_o not_o by_o man_n election_n shall_v be_v sober_o content_a with_o their_o measure_n and_o use_v to_o the_o good_a of_o other_o whether_o it_o be_v prophesy_v teach_v and_o exhort_v which_o consist_v in_o word_n or_o govern_v and_o serve_v with_o diligence_n relieve_n and_o help_v with_o cheerfulness_n which_o consist_v in_o deed_n for_o all_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n though_o they_o can_v not_o teach_v exhort_v and_o guide_v yet_o may_v they_o serve_v relieve_v and_o show_v mercy_n and_o these_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n spirit_n not_o so_o miraculous_a but_o as_o precious_a in_o his_o sight_n as_o the_o former_a and_o proceed_v from_o the_o most_o excellent_a gift_n of_o god_n spirit_n pass_v all_o gift_n which_o be_v 13._o unfeigned_a love_n and_o charity_n the_o text_n may_v more_o kind_o and_o current_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o public_a office_n of_o the_o church_n first_o than_o you_o must_v point_v we_o forth_o seven_o such_o office_n for_o 12._o here_o be_v seven_o diverse_a parre_v next_o you_o must_v prove_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d these_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n belong_v to_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n only_o and_o not_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o faithful_a three_o we_o must_v know_v whether_o these_o office_n must_v be_v divide_v or_o may_v be_v combine_v in_o one_o person_n if_o they_o be_v distinct_a no_o prophet_n may_v teach_v or_o exhort_v no_o teacher_n may_v exhort_v or_o prophesy_v if_o they_o may_v meet_v and_o agree_v in_o one_o subject_n then_o be_v they_o no_o office_n but_o grace_n and_o he_o that_o have_v one_o may_v have_v all_o and_o so_o be_v you_o further_o from_o your_o purpose_n than_o you_o be_v be_v fore_o last_o make_v they_o even_o ecclesiastical_a function_n if_o you_o listen_v how_o then_o can_v you_o challenge_v they_o or_o any_o one_o of_o they_o to_o lay_v person_n clergy_n man_n may_v not_o govern_v the_o church_n you_o must_v leave_v that_o error_n for_o your_o credit_n sake_n as_o cross_v the_o scripture_n which_o make_v pastor_n to_o be_v 21._o shepherd_n 13._o watchman_n overseer_n 20._o ruler_n and_o guider_n of_o the_o flock_n and_o infringe_v your_o own_o position_n who_o say_v that_o pastor_n do_v rule_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n if_o he_o that_o rule_v must_v do_v it_o with_o diligence_n the_o pastor_n by_o these_o word_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v watchful_a as_o those_o that_o shall_v answer_v for_o the_o soul_n of_o their_o flock_n and_o not_o the_o lay_v elder_n if_o it_o be_v a_o private_a gift_n to_o who_o do_v it_o appertain_v to_o every_o man_n that_o have_v charge_n or_o family_n the_o father_n with_o diligence_n be_v to_o guide_v his_o child_n the_o master_n his_o servant_n the_o husband_n his_o wife_n 5._o he_o that_o have_v cast_v away_o the_o care_n of_o his_o household_n be_v worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n to_o feed_v they_o and_o not_o to_o rule_v they_o and_o train_v they_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v gross_o to_o neglect_v they_o he_o that_o rule_v not_o well_o his_o own_o house_n by_o s._n paul_n prescription_n must_v not_o be_v 5._o trust_v with_o the_o church_n of_o god_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o special_a virtue_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o rule_v well_o the_o person_n commit_v to_o our_o charge_n let_v it_o be_v gift_n or_o office_n private_a or_o public_a it_o make_v nothing_o for_o lay_v presbyter_n there_o remain_v yet_o one_o place_n where_o governor_n be_v name_v among_o ecclesiastical_a officer_n and_o that_o be_v 1._o cor._n 12._o the_o answer_n be_v soon_o make_v if_o we_o be_v not_o contentious_a teacher_n be_v there_o express_v but_o pastor_n omit_v and_o therefore_o well_o may_v governor_n be_v mention_v in_o stead_n of_o pastor_n if_o this_o content_n you_o not_o i_o then_o deny_v they_o be_v all_o ecclesiastical_a function_n that_o be_v there_o specify_v 28._o power_n gift_n of_o heal_a kind_n of_o tongue_n what_o function_n shall_v we_o call_v they_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v ornament_n to_o the_o pastoral_n and_o prophetical_a call_n and_o so_o be_v government_n to_o govern_v be_v a_o duty_n and_o no_o gift_n to_o govern_v wise_o be_v a_o great_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n &_o more_o needful_a for_o the_o church_n than_o tongue_n heal_a or_o miracle_n to_o the_o govern_n of_o the_o church_n belong_v more_o than_o censure_v of_o manner_n or_o examine_v of_o witness_n wisdom_n to_o prevent_v danger_n to_o direct_v doubtful_a case_n to_o discern_v spirit_n to_o calm_a strife_n many_o other_o weighty_a grace_n be_v requisite_a for_o the_o govern_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v therefore_o a_o principal_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o not_o a_o different_a office_n from_o those_o that_o go_v before_o the_o apostle_n prophet_n &_o teacher_n in_o the_o church_n have_v they_o not_o power_n to_o do_v miracle_n to_o cure_v the_o sick_a to_o speak_v with_o tongue_n if_o these_o three_o be_v no_o diverse_a office_n but_o grace_n and_o all_o three_o find_v in_o every_o apostle_n in_o many_o prophet_n and_o teacher_n why_o shall_v not_o government_n be_v reckon_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o be_v a_o gift_n likewise_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n bestow_v on_o such_o prophet_n pastor_n and_o teacher_n as_o please_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o grace_n to_o vouchsafe_v that_o honour_n to_o make_v we_o understand_v that_o we_o must_v not_o confound_v the_o function_n in_o the_o church_n with_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n much_o less_o mistake_v the_o one_o for_o the_o other_o let_v we_o number_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v note_v in_o this_o one_o chapter_n and_o see_v whether_o the_o public_a function_n of_o the_o church_n can_v any_o way_n be_v proportion_v to_o they_o 8_o to_o one_o say_v s._n paul_n be_v give_v by_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n to_o another_o the_o word_n of_o knowledge_n 9_o to_o another_o faith_n to_o another_o the_o gift_n of_o heal_a 10._o to_o another_o the_o operation_n of_o great_a work_n to_o another_o pprophecy_n to_o another_o discern_v of_o spirit_n to_o another_o diversity_n of_o tongue_n to_o another_o the_o interpretation_n of_o tongue_n here_o be_v nine_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n number_v in_o the_o end_n of_o this_o very_a chapter_n be_v name_v two_o more_o help_v and_o govern_v that_o be_v not_o reckon_v before_o to_o the_o roman_n be_v five_o different_a from_o these_o rehearse_v in_o all_o sixteen_o i_o trust_v there_o be_v not_o so_o many_o distinct_a office_n in_o the_o church_n the_o apostle_n even_o in_o this_o chapter_n 8._o set_v down_o eight_o degree_n and_o dignity_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o place_v they_o as_o it_o werein_o order_n clean_o smit_v pastor_n &_o deacon_n as_o be_v rather_o stand_v office_n in_o the_o church_n then_o miraculous_a gift_n many_o pastor_n and_o doctor_n be_v furnish_v with_o many_o of_o they_o the_o apostle_n have_v they_o all_o and_o that_o in_o great_a measure_n than_o any_o other_o which_o in_o office_n can_v not_o be_v in_o gift_n may_v be_v these_o be_v therefore_o neither_o usual_a nor_o perpetual_a function_n in_o the_o church_n as_o pastor_n and_o deacon_n must_v be_v but_o miraculous_a and_o extraordinary_a gift_n and_o grace_n during_o only_o for_o a_o time_n and_o give_v in_o what_o measure_n and_o to_o what_o person_n it_o best_o like_v the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o the_o overthrow_v of_o satan_n kingdom_n and_o gather_v of_o the_o saint_n together_o at_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o church_n what_o be_v governor_n then_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o my_o part_n i_o be_o not_o
matter_n to_o who_o the_o apostolic_a power_n and_o charge_n which_o must_v always_o remain_v in_o the_o church_n may_v be_v communicate_v and_o impart_v and_o those_o be_v presbyter_n and_o bishop_n by_o presbyter_n i_o mean_v those_o who_o all_o the_o catholic_a father_n and_o council_n with_o one_o consent_n call_v presbyteros_fw-la place_v they_o in_o the_o middle_n between_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n when_o they_o divide_v the_o clergy_n into_o episcopos_fw-la presbyteros●_n &_o diaconos_fw-la bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n lai●_n elder_n i_o overskip_v as_o mere_a stranger_n to_o all_o antiquity_n so_o that_o when_o i_o speak_v of_o presbytery_n i_o understand_v thereby_o the_o assembly_n of_o such_o presbyter_n as_o be_v clergy_n man_n and_o in_o every_o city_n assist_v the_o bishop_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o advise_v the_o bishop_n in_o all_o other_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n thus_o much_o i_o premonish_v lest_o the_o often_o use_v of_o the_o word_n presbyter_n in_o this_o chapter_n shall_v either_o perplex_v or_o unsettle_v the_o reader_n the_o time_n must_v like_v wise_a be_v remember_v the_o apostle_n both_o in_o teach_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n when_o they_o be_v present_a have_v helper_n when_o they_o be_v absent_a have_v substitute_n after_o their_o final_a departure_n or_o death_n left_a successor_n so_o that_o the_o thing_n original_o descend_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o continual_o remain_v in_o the_o church_n be_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o the_o power_n of_o key_n and_o hand_n the_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v commit_v either_o presbyter_n or_o bishop_n the_o time_n when_o the_o presence_n absence_n departure_n or_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n if_o we_o neglect_v or_o confound_v these_o part_n we_o shall_v but_o roave_v in_o the_o air_n at_o the_o right_a government_n of_o the_o church_n if_o we_o observe_v they_o we_o shall_v force_v the_o question_n to_o a_o issue_n that_o will_v not_o deceive_v us._n and_o first_o for_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n it_o may_v not_o be_v devy_v but_o as_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n be_v the_o most_o essential_a seed_n of_o the_o church_n so_o the_o handle_n and_o sow_v thereof_o in_o the_o lord_n ground_n must_v be_v the_o general_a and_o principal_a charge_n of_o all_o pastor_n and_o presbyter_n that_o either_o feed_v or_o rule_v the_o flock_n of_o christ._n for_o whether_o they_o be_v apostle_n evangelist_n prophet_n pastor_n or_o teacher_n i_o mean_v such_o as_o 4._o paul_n reckon_v to_o the_o ephesian_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n or_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o other_o place_n call_v they_o 5._o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n this_o power_n be_v common_a to_o they_o all_o without_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n the_o 1._o saint_n be_v not_o gather_v the_o 20._o church_n be_v not_o edify_v 4._o faith_n be_v not_o perfect_v heaven_n be_v not_o open_v wherefore_o in_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o 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nor_o soul_n in_o deed_n ambrose_n take_v they_o for_o ephes._n catechizer_n of_o infant_n and_o at_o alexandria_n there_o be_v 10_o moderator_n of_o school_n resemble_v our_o university_n for_o the_o train_n and_o instruct_v of_o such_o as_o in_o time_n be_v likely_a to_o profit_v the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o these_o be_v not_o ecclesiastical_a function_n in_o the_o church_n they_o be_v profitable_a member_n of_o a_o common_a wealth_n that_o so_o do_v but_o no_o necessary_a workman_n in_o the_o ministry_n and_o though_o there_o be_v such_o for_o a_o season_n at_o alexandria_n yet_o all_o other_o city_n and_o church_n have_v not_o the_o like_a and_o they_o that_o govern_v those_o school_n and_o teach_v the_o catechume_n there_o as_o pantenus_n clemens_n and_o origen_n be_v lay_v man_n and_o never_o use_v at_o alexandria_n to_o teach_v the_o people_n in_o the_o church_n as_o appear_v by_o demetrius_n word_n then_o bishop_n of_o alexandria_n find_v great_a fault_n with_o the_o bishop_n of_o jerusal_n in_o and_o cesaria_n for_o suffer_v origen_n after_o he_o have_v be_v catechist_n at_o alexandria_n to_o expound_v the_o scripture_n before_o the_o people_n in_o the_o church_n his_o word_n be_v these_o 10_o it_o be_v never_o hear_v nor_o ever_o suffer_v that_o lay_v man_n shall_v teach_v in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o bishop_n with_o no_o face_n can_v the_o bishop_n of_o alerandria_n have_v dislike_v origen_n fact_n if_o it_o have_v be_v usual_a in_o his_o own_o church_n and_o the_o bishop_n that_o write_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o matter_n do_v not_o avouch_v it_o be_v a_o general_a or_o perpetual_a rule_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o a_o catechiser_n to_o teach_v in_o the_o church_n but_o allege_v three_o instance_n where_o they_o see_v the_o like_a use_v and_o confess_v they_o know_v no_o more_o wherefore_o unless_o their_o example_n and_o reason_n be_v strong_a and_o sure_a i_o prefer_v the_o judgement_n of_o jerome_n augustine_n chrysostome_n theodorete_n and_o other_o before_o this_o late_a conceit_n who_o think_v the_o apostle_n express_v one_o office_n by_o two_o name_n to_o show_v what_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o pastoral_n charge_n austen_n 59_o pastor_n and_o doctor_n who_o you_o great_o desire_v i_o shall_v distinguish_v i_o think_v to_o be_v all_o one_o as_o you_o do_v not_o that_o we_o shall_v conceive_v some_o to_o be_v pastor_n other_o to_o be_v doctor_n but_o therefore_o he_o subjoin_v doctor_n to_o pastor_n that_o pastor_n may_v understand_v doctrine_n pertain_v to_o their_o office_n 4._o every_o pastor_n be_v a_o doctor_n say_v jerome_n 4._o pastor_n and_o doctor_n say_v chrysostome_n be_v they_o to_o who_o the_o whole_a people_n be_v commit_v and_o they_o be_v inferior_a to_o those_o that_o go_v about_o preach_v the_o gospel_n because_o dwell_v in_o more_o quietness_n they_o be_v employ_v only_o in_o one_o place_n paul_n 4._o call_v they_o pastor_n and_o doctor_n say_v theodorete_n which_o be_v depute_v and_o fasten_v to_o a_o city_n or_o village_n oecumenius_n by_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n 4._o paul_n mean_v bishop_n to_o who_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v but_o grant_v pastor_n and_o doctor_n be_v distinct_a office_n in_o the_o church_n as_o you_o imagine_v what_o gain_v you_o by_o it_o you_o may_v thereby_o prove_v a_o inequality_n of_o ecclesiastical_a function_n you_o prove_v nothing_o else_o 13._o obey_v your_o overseer_n say_v paul_n and_o be_v subject_a to_o they_o they_o watch_v over_o your_o soul_n to_o give_v account_n for_o they_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n to_o the_o pastor_n be_v due_a from_o the_o whole_a flock_n and_o all_o degree_n thereof_o which_o be_v no_o pastor_n but_o teacher_n as_o you_o say_v be_v no_o pastor_n they_o be_v therefore_o inferior_a to_o pastor_n and_o subject_a to_o their_o oversight_n now_o take_v your_o choice_n if_o pastor_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 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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 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of_o his_o labour_n they_o that_o beget_v we_o nourish_v we_o and_o continue_v we_o in_o christ_n deserve_v far_o great_a honour_n than_o they_o that_o bring_v we_o into_o this_o world_n and_o provide_v only_o for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n again_o the_o church_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n as_o in_o our_o body_n so_o in_o he_o not_o only_o the_o member_n have_v a_o common_a care_n for_o the_o whole_a but_o the_o principal_a part_n must_v direct_v and_o guide_v the_o rest_n namely_o the_o eye_n to_o see_v the_o ear_n to_o hear_v and_o the_o mouth_n to_o speak_v for_o the_o whole_a body_n such_o therefore_o as_o christ_n have_v place_v to_o be_v the_o 13._o watchman_n &_o leader_n 5._o the_o light_n and_o salt_n of_o his_o church_n must_v not_o only_o warn_v and_o guide_v but_o also_o lighten_v and_o season_v in_o their_o measure_n the_o whole_a body_n for_o what_o commission_n they_o have_v from_o christ_n sever_v &_o single_a in_o their_o proper_a charge_n the_o same_o they_o must_v needs_o retain_v assemble_v and_o join_v throughout_o their_o circuit_n yea_o the_o lord_n so_o much_o tender_v the_o fatherly_a care_n and_o brotherlie_a concord_n of_o the_o pastor_n of_o his_o church_n that_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o be_v present_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o assembly_n and_o with_o his_o spirit_n to_o direct_v they_o so_o they_o come_v together_o not_o to_o accomplish_v their_o own_o lust_n and_o desire_n but_o to_o sanctify_v his_o name_n by_o detect_v error_n resist_v wolf_n maintain_v truth_n cure_v the_o sore_n and_o malady_n that_o pester_v and_o poison_v the_o member_n of_o his_o body_n celestinus_fw-la writing_n to_o the_o general_a council_n of_o ephesus_n say_v ephesinum_fw-la the_o assembly_n of_o priest_n testify_v the_o presence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o be_v true_a that_o be_v write_v since_o the_o truth_n can_v lie_v and_o in_o the_o gospel_n be_v these_o word_n wheresoever_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o this_o be_v so_o if_o so_o small_a a_o number_n be_v not_o destitute_a of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n shall_v we_o not_o much_o more_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v now_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o you_o where_o so_o great_a a_o multitude_n of_o holy_a man_n be_v assemble_v the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n apply_v the_o same_o word_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n 3._o we_o see_v say_v they_o as_o we_o think_v the_o heavenly_a spouse_n conversant_a among_o us._n for_o if_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v assemble_v in_o his_o name_n he_o have_v promise_v he_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o what_o peculiar_a regard_n think_v we_o have_v he_o show_v towards_o those_o priest_n which_o have_v prefer_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o confession_n before_o country_n and_o child_n so_o reccaredus_n king_n of_o spain_n that_o first_o abjure_v the_o arrian_n heresio_fw-la 589._o year_n after_o christ_n write_v to_o the_o council_n of_o toledo_n 2._o i_o perceive_v it_o to_o be_v very_o necessary_a that_o your_o blessedness_n shall_v assemble_v together_o in_o one_o place_n give_v trust_n to_o the_o lord_n word_n when_o he_o say_v where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o for_o i_o believe_v the_o godhead_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o bless_a trinity_n to_o be_v present_a in_o the_o sacred_a synod_n and_o therefore_o i_o have_v present_v my_o faith_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o you_o as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n this_o course_n the_o apostle_n teach_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o follow_v by_o their_o example_n when_o about_o the_o question_n that_o trouble_v the_o church_n of_o antioch_n 15._o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n come_v together_o to_o examine_v the_o matter_n and_o to_o verify_v their_o master_n word_n to_o be_v true_a not_o only_o the_o apostle_n but_o the_o whole_a assembly_n write_v thus_o in_o 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
or_o father_n they_o be_v the_o conceit_n of_o some_o late_a writer_n that_o as_o touch_v the_o office_n and_o function_n of_o bishop_n will_v fain_o find_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o the_o next_o age_n ensue_v lest_o they_o shall_v be_v convince_v to_o have_v reject_v the_o universal_a order_n of_o the_o ancient_a and_o primitive_a church_n of_o christ_n without_o any_o good_a and_o sufficient_a warrant_n the_o consent_n of_o all_o age_n and_o church_n be_v so_o strong_a against_o they_o that_o they_o be_v hard_o drive_v to_o hunt_v after_o every_o syllable_n that_o sound_v any_o thing_n that_o way_n &_o yet_o can_v they_o light_v on_o no_o sure_a ground_n to_o build_v their_o late_a devise_n on_o or_o to_o weaken_v the_o general_a and_o perpetual_a course_n which_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v in_o all_o place_n keep_v inviolable_a even_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n a_o few_o word_n of_o ambrose_n be_v set_v down_o to_o bear_v all_o this_o burden_n but_o they_o be_v so_o insufficient_a and_o impertinent_a to_o this_o purpose_n that_o they_o bewray_v the_o weakness_n of_o their_o new_a frame_n for_o ambrose_n speak_v not_o one_o word_n either_o of_o go_v by_o course_n or_o of_o change_v after_o a_o time_n only_o he_o say_v bishop_n at_o first_o be_v place_v by_o order_n and_o not_o by_o election_n that_o be_v the_o elder_a or_o worthy_a have_v the_o place_n while_o he_o live_v and_o after_o he_o the_o next_o in_o order_n without_o any_o further_a choice_n for_o that_o order_n which_o he_o speak_v of_o if_o any_o such_o be_v proceed_v from_o the_o first_o planter_n of_o the_o church_n and_o go_v either_o by_o senioritie_n of_o time_n or_o priority_n of_o place_n allot_v every_o man_n according_a to_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o we_o may_v free_o grant_v without_o any_o repugnance_n or_o annoyance_n to_o the_o vocation_n or_o function_n of_o bishop_n let_v the_o disciplinist_n confess_v there_o be_v a_o superior_a and_o distinct_a charge_n of_o the_o precedent_n or_o chief_a from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o presbyter_n as_o well_o in_o guide_v the_o key_n as_o impose_v hand_n and_o whether_o they_o be_v take_v to_o the_o office_n by_o election_n or_o by_o order_n to_o we_o it_o be_v all_o one_o i_o hope_v the_o place_n of_o the_o presbyter_n in_o order_n according_a to_o their_o gift_n in_o the_o church_n where_o the_o apostle_n preach_v can_v not_o be_v without_o the_o apostle_n oversight_n and_o direction_n and_o so_o long_o whether_o they_o set_v such_o in_o order_n as_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o place_n or_o whether_o they_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o discretion_n and_o election_n of_o the_o rest_n we_o great_o force_v not_o howbeit_o the_o word_n of_o jerome_n be_v so_o express_v that_o bishop_n be_v make_v by_o election_n even_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n that_o i_o see_v not_o how_o they_o shall_v be_v reconcile_v with_o their_o collection_n out_o of_o ambrose_n euagrium_n alexandria_n à_fw-fr marco_n euangelista_fw-la presbyteri_fw-la unum_fw-la semper_fw-la ex_fw-la se_fw-la electum_fw-la in_fw-la celsiore_fw-la gradu_fw-la collocatum_fw-la episcopum_fw-la nominabant_fw-la at_o alexandria_n even_o from_o mark_n the_o evangelist_n the_o presbyter_n always_o choose_v one_o of_o themselves_o and_o place_v he_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n call_v he_o a_o bishop_n mark_v die_v six_o year_n before_o peter_n and_o paul_n as_o the_o ecclesiastical_a story_n witness_v &_o consequent_o the_o first_o bishop_n of_o alexandria_n be_v elect_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n yea_o that_o church_n as_o jerome_n say_v do_v always_o elect_v there_o never_o succeed_v any_o by_o order_n for_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o succeed_n whether_o by_o order_n or_o by_o choice_n i_o make_v not_o so_o great_a account_n as_o for_o their_o continuance_n the_o patroness_n of_o the_o late_a discipline_n will_v make_v we_o believe_v that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n the_o episcopal_a dignity_n or_o regiment_n of_o the_o presbytery_n go_v round_o by_o course_n to_o all_o the_o presbyter_n and_o dure_v a_o week_n or_o some_o such_o time_n for_o ghess_n must_v serve_v they_o when_o other_o proof_n fail_v they_o which_o assertion_n of_o they_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o i_o shall_v think_v it_o proceed_v of_o too_o much_o ignorance_n or_o too_o little_a conscience_n if_o the_o man_n be_v not_o well_o learned_a i_o shall_v suspect_v ignorance_n if_o the_o case_n be_v not_o more_o than_o clear_a i_o will_v not_o challenge_v their_o conscience_n but_o be_v as_o they_o be_v and_o the_o case_n so_o clear_a that_o in_o my_o simple_a read_n i_o never_o see_v clear_a nor_o plain_o except_v always_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n let_v the_o christian_a reader_n judge_n for_o i_o dare_v not_o pronounce_v with_o what_o intent_n a_o manifest_a truth_n be_v not_o only_o dissemble_v but_o stout_o contradict_v and_o a_o evident_a falsehood_n avouch_v and_o advance_v to_o the_o height_n of_o a_o apostolic_a and_o divine_a ordinance_n by_o the_o chief_a pillar_n of_o these_o new_a find_v consistory_n it_o be_v late_o deliver_v as_o a_o oracle_n that_o under_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v no_o governor_n of_o the_o presbytery_n who_o they_o and_o we_o call_v bishop_n but_o such_o as_o dure_v for_o a_o short_a time_n and_o change_v round_o by_o course_n and_o this_o be_v call_v the_o apostolic_a and_o divine_a institution_n how_o palpale_v a_o untruth_n this_o be_v it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n for_o mean_a scholar_n to_o discern_v the_o first_o bishop_n of_o alexandria_n after_o mark_n be_v anianus_n make_v the_o 24._o eightyeere_n of_o nero_n reign_n and_o he_o continue_v 13._o two_o and_o twenty_o year_n before_o abilius_n succeed_v he_o abilius_n sit_v 21._o thirteen_o year_n and_o die_v leave_v the_o place_n to_o cerdo_v these_o three_o succeed_v one_o a_o other_o saint_n john_n yet_o live_v neither_o have_v alexandria_n any_o more_o than_o two_o bishop_n in_o 35._o year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o mark_n 45._o euodius_n make_v bishop_n of_o antioch_n five_o and_o twenty_o year_n before_o the_o death_n of_o peter_n and_o paul_n suruive_v they_o one_o year_n and_o after_o he_o succeed_v 71_o ignatius_n who_o outlive_v saint_n john_n and_o die_v in_o the_o 111._o eleven_o year_n of_o traiane_n leave_v the_o place_n to_o heron_n after_o he_o have_v keep_v it_o forty_o year_n so_o that_o in_o 66._o year_n the_o church_n of_o antioch_n have_v but_o two_o bishop_n at_o jerusalem_n 63._o jame_v call_v the_o lord_n brother_n sit_v bishop_n thirty_o year_n and_o 111._o simeon_n that_o succeed_v he_o keep_v the_o place_n eight_o and_o thirty_o year_n the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v in_o threescore_o and_o eight_o year_n but_o two_o bishop_n at_o rome_n while_o saint_n john_n live_v there_o be_v but_o three_o bishop_n linus_n anacletus_fw-la and_o clemens_n which_o three_o continue_v two_o and_o thirty_o year_n if_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a let_v they_o take_v the_o example_n of_o polycarpe_n make_v bishop_n of_o smyrna_n by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o continue_v a_o long_a time_n bishop_n of_o that_o church_n and_o 3_o depart_v this_o life_n a_o very_a age_a man_n with_o a_o most_o glorious_a and_o most_o noble_a kind_n of_o martyrdom_n the_o space_n he_o sit_v bishop_n of_o smyrna_n if_o it_o be_v not_o 15._o fourscore_o and_o six_o year_n for_o so_o long_o he_o have_v serve_v christ_n as_o his_o answer_n show_v to_o the_o proconsul_n of_o asia_n yet_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v above_o threescore_o and_o ten_o year_n for_o he_o live_v so_o many_o year_n after_o saint_n john_n who_o scholar_n he_o be_v and_o by_o who_o he_o be_v make_v bishop_n of_o smyrna_n and_o die_v as_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o smyrna_n in_o their_o letter_n entitle_v he_o at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o death_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d bishop_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n at_o smyrna_n this_o one_o instance_n be_v able_a to_o mar_v the_o whole_a plot_n of_o their_o suppose_a apostolical_a &_o changeable_a regency_n for_o no_o part_n of_o this_o story_n can_v be_v doubt_v be_v he_o not_o make_v bishop_n of_o smyrna_n by_o the_o apostle_n polycarpo_fw-es jerom_n 35._o eusebius_n heretic_n tertullian_n and_o 3._o irenaeus_n that_o live_v with_o he_o and_o learned_a so_o much_o of_o he_o affirm_v it_o live_v he_o not_o bishop_n of_o smyrna_n so_o long_a time_n the_o whole_a church_n of_o smyrna_n give_v he_o that_o title_n at_o his_o death_n their_o letter_n be_v yet_o extant_a in_o eusebius_n the_o emperor_n under_o who_o he_o die_v be_v 1●_n marcus_n antoninus_n and_o lucius_n aurelius_n commodus_n as_o eusebius_n and_o jerome_n do_v witness_n who_o begin_v their_o reign_n 164._o 64._o after_o the_o death_n of_o saint_n john_n polycarpe_n suffer_v the_o
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