expedite_v it_o it_o be_v sure_a very_o reasonable_a to_o examine_v and_o observe_v what_o they_o which_o make_v most_o advantage_n of_o hierome_n authority_n shall_v be_v find_v to_o say_v to_o this_o testimony_n of_o he_o for_o the_o apostolical_a tradition_n of_o three_o order_n and_o among_o these_o three_o principal_a person_n offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o consideration_n d._n blondell_n walo_n messalinus_n or_o salmasius_n and_o lud._n capellus_n every_o of_o they_o have_v new_o write_v on_o this_o subject_n and_o collect_v especial_o what_o i_o have_v say_v of_o it_o of_o these_o three_o the_o last_o be_v soon_o discern_v to_o have_v deal_v most_o prudent_o set_v down_o the_o other_o testimony_n out_o of_o he_o but_o whole_o omit_v this_o the_o other_o two_o have_v not_o be_v so_o wary_a make_v use_v of_o another_o dexterity_n set_v down_o the_o word_n but_o defer_v their_o observation_n on_o they_o till_o some_o fit_a season_n d._n blondell_n put_v it_o off_o to_o his_o six_o section_n whereas_o upon_o examination_n he_o have_v but_o three_o in_o his_o whole_a book_n and_o so_o be_v certain_o never_o likely_a to_o speak_v of_o it_o nor_o can_v be_v just_o believe_v to_o have_v in_o earnest_n design_v any_o such_o thing_n the_o other_o say_v he_o expect_v more_o and_o better_a note_n on_o it_o from_o salmasius_n i.e._n from_o himself_o in_o another_o book_n viz._n de_fw-fr ecclesiastico_fw-la ordine_fw-la and_o after_o a_o great_a volume_n come_v out_o of_o that_o subject_n 8._o or_o 9_o year_n after_o he_o yet_o never_o take_v this_o place_n or_o his_o own_o promise_n into_o consideration_n this_o be_v all_o that_o my_o search_n produce_v and_o the_o take_a notice_n of_o these_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n the_o behaviour_n of_o these_o man_n in_o that_o which_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o whole_a cause_n to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o lay_v to_o heart_n be_v all_o that_o be_v do_v by_o i_o and_o which_o be_v style_v by_o these_o a_o triumph_v over_o those_o learned_a men._n and_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v little_a of_o hard_a measure_n and_o as_o little_a of_o insolence_n in_o this_o now_o because_o what_o these_o learned_a man_n thus_o avert_v the_o do_n be_v yet_o here_o say_v to_o be_v do_v by_o smectymnuus_n and_o that_o if_o i_o have_v cast_v a_o eye_n on_o the_o vindication_n i_o shall_v there_o have_v find_v that_o place_n of_o hierome_n answer_v i_o be_o now_o in_o the_o last_o place_n to_o obey_v their_o direction_n and_o consider_v the_o answer_n which_o from_o smectymnuus_n they_o have_v set_v down_o for_o i_o and_o it_o be_v twofold_a the_o first_o be_v a_o civil_a denial_n that_o there_o be_v any_o truth_n in_o the_o word_n for_o say_v they_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v how_o this_o imparity_n can_v be_v proper_o call_v a_o apostolical_a tradition_n when_o jerome_n have_v mention_v john_n the_o last_o of_o the_o apostle_n say_v it_o be_v postea_fw-la that_o one_o be_v set_v over_o the_o rest_n but_o be_v this_o the_o way_n of_o answer_v the_o place_n or_o salve_v the_o difficulty_n hierome_n say_v bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n in_o the_o church_n that_o sure_o be_v this_o imparity_n be_v a_o apostolical_a tradition_n and_o they_o answer_v it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v how_o it_o can_v be_v proper_o so_o call_v what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o make_v hierom_n word_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o he_o say_v any_o thing_n which_o accord_v not_o with_o their_o interest_n as_o unreconcilable_a with_o truth_n as_o with_o his_o own_o former_a word_n which_o they_o have_v cite_v from_o he_o and_o then_o how_o much_o kind_a to_o hierome_n be_v i_o than_o they_o who_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o affix_v a_o commodious_a meaning_n to_o his_o former_a word_n and_o interpret_v confuetudo_fw-la the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n begin_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n that_o so_o in_o thus_o say_v he_o may_v be_v reconcileable_a with_o himself_o when_o he_o call_v episcopacy_n a_o tradition_n apostolical_a as_o for_o the_o reason_n which_o make_v this_o so_o hard_a for_o they_o to_o conceive_v from_o hierome_n word_n i_o believe_v it_o have_v no_o force_n in_o it_o for_o though_o after_o the_o mention_n of_o s._n john_n word_n in_o his_o second_o and_o three_o epistle_n he_o say_v that_o postea_fw-la afterward_o this_o imparity_n be_v introduce_v yet_o this_o prove_v not_o his_o opnion_n to_o be_v that_o it_o be_v not_o apostolical_a tradition_n it_o may_v be_v do_v after_o the_o write_n of_o those_o epistle_n and_o yet_o in_o st._n john_n time_n i._n e._n before_o his_o death_n and_o though_o i_o believe_v st._n hierome_n be_v mistake_v in_o think_v there_o be_v no_o bishop_n till_o then_o it_o will_v have_v have_v more_o truth_n in_o it_o if_o he_o have_v say_v there_o be_v no_o presbyter_n till_o then_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o i_o can_v doubt_v but_o this_o be_v his_o opnion_n because_o as_o he_o no_o where_o say_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o this_o so_o here_o be_v say_v express_o that_o it_o be_v apostolical_a tradition_n which_o in_o his_o opinion_n it_o can_v not_o be_v if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n in_o his_o opinion_n before_o st._n john_n death_n and_o so_o there_o be_v but_o little_a appearance_n of_o validity_n in_o their_o first_o answer_n and_o for_o their_o second_o that_o be_v somewhat_o like_o the_o former_a viz._n that_o with_o hierome_n apostolical_a tradition_n and_o ecclesiastical_a custom_n be_v the_o same_o if_o this_o be_v true_a then_o certain_o i_o do_v not_o amiss_o in_o think_v that_o when_o hierome_n use_v consuetudo_fw-la custom_n in_o opposition_n to_o dominica_n dispositio_fw-la christ_n appointment_n or_o institution_n i_o ought_v to_o interpret_v custom_n in_o that_o place_n by_o apostolical_a tradition_n in_o the_o other_o for_o how_o ecclesiastical_a custom_n with_o he_o and_o apostolical_a tradition_n shall_v be_v the_o same_o and_o yet_o ecclesiastical_a custom_n may_v not_o be_v interpret_v by_o apostolical_a tradition_n especial_o when_o the_o same_o man_n affirm_v they_o both_o of_o the_o same_o thing_n i_o confess_v i_o can_v apprehend_v but_o than_o second_o because_o i_o must_v suppose_v that_o by_o make_v they_o the_o same_o they_o must_v mean_v to_o bring_v down_o apostolical_a tradition_n to_o signify_v ecclesiastical_a custom_n not_o to_o advance_v custom_n to_o signify_v apostolical_a tradition_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o when_o they_o make_v bishop_n and_o elder_a the_o â—ame_n they_o bring_v down_o bishop_n to_o signify_v presbyter_n but_o will_v not_o allow_v elder_a to_o signify_v bishop_n that_o also_o will_v be_v worth_a examine_v a_o while_n and_o 1._o can_v there_o be_v any_o reason_n to_o imagine_v that_o hierome_n or_o any_o man_n shall_v set_v down_o that_o for_o a_o instance_n of_o apostolical_a tradition_n which_o the_o same_o person_n do_v not_o believe_v to_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n but_o to_o be_v of_o a_o latter_a date_n that_o which_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o receive_v and_o practise_v by_o the_o church_n may_v fit_o be_v call_v a_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n without_o add_v or_o specify_v that_o we_o mean_v the_o apostolical_a church_n because_o the_o apostle_n while_o they_o live_v be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o follow_a age_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o church_n also_o but_o can_v it_o be_v true_o say_v that_o that_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v only_o accustom_v in_o the_o subsequent_a church_n and_o not_o so_o much_o as_o introduce_v under_o the_o apostle_n this_o certain_o be_v another_o strange_a way_n of_o interpret_n word_n or_o phrase_n quite_o contrary_a to_o all_o lexicon_n or_o to_o the_o use_n of_o such_o word_n or_o phrase_n which_o unless_o they_o be_v change_v it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v he_o that_o say_v tradition_n apostolical_a do_v not_o mean_a tradition_n apostolical_a and_o this_o sure_a will_v bring_v little_a credit_n to_o st._n hierome_n on_o who_o authority_n they_o so_o much_o depend_v in_o this_o matter_n as_o for_o their_o proof_n of_o what_o they_o say_v viz._n because_o the_o observation_n of_o lent_n which_o he_o say_v ad_fw-la marcellum_fw-la be_v apostolica_fw-la traditio_fw-la be_v contra_fw-la luciferianos_fw-la say_v by_o he_o to_o be_v ecclesiae_fw-la consuetudo_fw-la that_o sure_a be_v not_o of_o force_n to_o conclude_v what_o they_o will_v have_v it_o for_o it_o may_v be_v or_o by_o he_o be_v deem_v to_o be_v both_o a_o apostolical_a tradition_n and_o a_o custom_n of_o the_o hurch_n too_o it_o be_v very_o ordinary_a and_o reasonable_a that_o what_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v the_o church_n shall_v also_o accustom_v and_o practice_n but_o can_v both_o these_o be_v say_v by_o he_o of_o that_o which_o he_o think_v be_v but_o one_o of_o these_o that_o be_v
to_o discern_v the_o word_n church_n in_o the_o singular_a without_o any_o addition_n of_o ephesus_n or_o the_o like_a which_o restrain_v it_o in_o all_o the_o example_n there_o produce_v to_o be_v appliable_a to_o a_o far_o large_a body_n than_o the_o church_n of_o one_o city_n and_o consequent_o be_v quit_v from_o all_o obligation_n of_o make_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n act._n 20._o 17._o the_o elder_n of_o the_o one_o city_n of_o ephesus_n 45._o there_o be_v little_a doubt_n i_o suppose_v but_o the_o church_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n consist_v of_o many_o church_n as_o the_o part_n thereof_o may_v be_v and_o be_v in_o scripture_n call_v the_o church_n in_o the_o singular_a and_o so_o certain_o may_v the_o church_n of_o a_o nation_n or_o a_o province_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v unite_v together_o under_o one_o primate_n or_o metropolitan_a as_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o church_n and_o city_n near_o ephesus_n nay_o over_o all_o asia_n be_v according_a to_o the_o plain_a word_n of_o st._n chrysostome_n who_o when_o 254._o other_o affirm_v of_o timothy_n that_o he_o be_v by_o paul_n ordain_v bishop_n of_o the_o metropolis_n of_o epheâ—us_n express_v the_o same_o thing_n thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v manifest_a that_o timothy_n have_v a_o church_n commit_v to_o he_o or_o indeed_o a_o entire_a nation_n that_o of_o asia_n the_o like_a be_v ordinary_o observable_a of_o crete_n a_o whole_a island_n with_o a_o hundred_o city_n in_o it_o in_o each_o of_o which_o titus_n be_v appoint_v to_o ordain_v a_o bishop_n or_o elder_n which_o yet_o be_v style_v in_o the_o subscription_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o titus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o church_n of_o crete_n and_o the_o subscription_n never_o question_v upon_o that_o score_n by_o any_o that_o it_o speak_v improper_o herein_o 46._o and_o consequent_o there_o can_v be_v no_o harshness_n in_o this_o interpretation_n paul_n send_v to_o ephesus_n and_o call_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n to_o come_v to_o he_o to_o miletus_n and_o in_o his_o oration_n address_v to_o they_o call_v they_o bishop_n of_o the_o flock_n and_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n mean_v they_o singular_a praefect_n of_o several_a city_n of_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n especial_o of_o those_o which_o be_v near_a ephesus_n the_o chief_a metropolis_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n 47._o and_o so_o much_o in_o answer_n to_o that_o objection_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o argument_n from_o the_o elder_n of_o ephesus_n as_o they_o call_v they_o 48._o another_o proof_n of_o the_o same_o be_v there_o add_v pag._n 85._o thus_o the_o syriack_n translation_n read_v it_o he_o send_v to_o ephesus_n and_o call_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n so_o hierome_n presbyteros_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la ephesinae_n so_o concilium_fw-la aquisgranense_n 49._o what_o authority_n st_n hierome_n testimony_n be_v to_o carry_v with_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n have_v be_v elsewhere_o large_o show_v and_o we_o may_v hereafter_o have_v far_a occasion_n to_o declare_v it_o and_o our_o reason_n of_o it_o at_o the_o present_a it_o be_v willing_o confess_v that_o st._n hierome_n on_o tit._n 1._o do_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o in_o scripture_n bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v the_o same_o and_o from_o he_o isidore_n hispalensis_n de_fw-fr officiis_fw-la eccl._n l._n 2._o have_v the_o same_o and_o both_o have_v according_a to_o that_o prolepsis_n change_v the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n in_o the_o act_n and_o instead_o of_o what_o there_o we_o read_v send_v to_o ephesus_n and_o call_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n they_o read_v send_v to_o ephesus_n and_o call_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o same_o church_n express_v themselves_o to_o mean_v of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o the_o council_n of_o aken_n aquisgranense_n have_v transcribe_v nine_o chapter_n from_o isidore_n verbatim_o consequent_o do_v the_o like_a so_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o isidore_n and_o that_o council_n be_v as_o great_a as_o st._n hierome_n can_v make_v it_o from_o who_o evident_o it_o proceed_v may_v yet_o be_v allow_v to_o yield_v to_o the_o far_o great_a authority_n of_o polycarp'_v auditor_n irenaeus_n who_o have_v sufficient_o clear_v it_o to_o the_o contrary_n 50._o as_o for_o the_o syriack_n tanslation_n it_o be_v not_o here_o recite_v exact_o according_o to_o the_o truth_n for_o in_o that_o thus_o the_o word_n lie_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o from_o miletus_n he_o send_v and_o call_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n where_o be_v but_o one_o mention_n of_o ephesus_n not_o two_o as_o be_v here_o suggest_v from_o the_o translation_n that_o it_o read_v he_o send_v to_o ephesus_n and_o call_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n the_o short_a of_o it_o be_v ephesus_z being_z but_o once_o name_v in_o that_o verse_n the_o greek_a place_v it_o in_o the_o begin_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o miletus_n he_o send_v to_o ephesus_n and_o this_o be_v the_o original_a must_v certain_o over-rule_v all_o translation_n and_o according_o all_o translation_n but_o one_o to_o read_v it_o only_o the_o syriack_n have_v misplaced_n the_o word_n ephesus_n put_v it_o in_o the_o late_a part_n of_o the_o period_n quite_o against_o all_o syntaxis_fw-la and_o for_o do_v so_o be_v here_o cite_v and_o their_o testimony_n make_v use_v of_o to_o assist_v presbytery_n when_o the_o manifest_a truth_n in_o the_o original_a and_o by_o all_o other_o translation_n acknowledge_v will_v not_o allow_v they_o any_o the_o least_o advantage_n 51._o after_o they_o have_v produce_v these_o two_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n in_o the_o city_n be_v govern_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n by_o a_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n the_o reader_n will_v hardly_o expect_v that_o which_o now_o next_z follow_v in_o these_o word_n from_o all_o this_o we_o gather_v that_o the_o asian_a angel_n be_v not_o diocesan_n bishop_n but_o congregationall_a presbyter_n seat_v each_o of_o they_o in_o one_o church_n not_o any_o of_o they_o in_o more_o than_o one_o 52._o this_o conclusion_n as_o the_o word_n lie_v consist_v of_o two_o part_n 1._o that_o each_o of_o these_o asian_a angel_n under_o the_o title_n of_o congregationall_a presbyter_n be_v seat_v in_o one_o church_n this_n if_o it_o be_v mean_v as_o the_o word_n sound_v be_v the_o grant_n to_o we_o all_o that_o we_o contend_v and_o will_v hardly_o be_v reconcile_v with_o the_o three_o observation_n that_o the_o church_n in_o the_o city_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n for_o sure_o each_o of_o those_o presbyter_n be_v not_o a_o common_a council_n but_o i_o rather_o believe_v they_o have_v not_o so_o soon_o disclaim_v their_o praemiss_n and_o therefore_o that_o it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o interpret_v their_o word_n by_o their_o principle_n than_o their_o meaning_n by_o their_o word_n and_o so_o that_o by_o congregationall_a presbyter_n they_o mean_v so_o many_o college_n of_o such_o presbyter_n seat_v each_o of_o they_o i._n e._n each_o of_o those_o college_n in_o one_o church_n and_o if_o that_o be_v their_o conclusion_n i_o must_v acknowledge_v it_o to_o accord_v perfect_o with_o their_o praemiss_n which_o be_v already_o answer_v there_o remain_v no_o force_n in_o the_o conclusion_n 53._o and_o for_o the_o second_o part_n that_o not_o any_o of_o they_o be_v seat_v in_o more_o than_o one_o understand_v it_o again_o as_o the_o word_n sound_v it_o be_v no_o way_n contrary_a to_o our_o pretension_n for_o we_o do_v not_o think_v that_o the_o angel_n of_o ephesus_n be_v seat_v in_o smyrna_n or_o in_o any_o church_n but_o that_o of_o ephesios_n and_o the_o territory_n thereof_o and_o although_o as_o that_o be_v a_o metropolis_n other_o city_n be_v under_o it_o and_o so_o other_o bishop_n subordinate_a to_o the_o bishop_n of_o ephesus_n yet_o be_v not_o any_o other_o city_n the_o seat_n of_o that_o metropolitan_a but_o only_o ephesus_n whereof_o he_o take_v his_o denomination_n as_o although_o rochester_n be_v under_o the_o metropolis_n of_o canterbury_n yet_o the_o archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n be_v not_o seat_v at_o rochester_n but_o some_o other_o bishop_n affix_v to_o that_o city_n and_o diocese_n as_o for_o any_o other_o meaning_n of_o it_o proportionable_a to_o that_o which_o we_o be_v fain_o to_o affix_v to_o the_o former_a i_o confess_v myself_o ignorant_a what_o it_o can_v tend_v to_o for_o it_o be_v as_o if_o they_o shall_v say_v not_o any_o council_n of_o presbyter_n be_v seat_v in_o more_o church_n than_o one_o which_o be_v as_o if_o they_o shall_v say_v no_o one_o body_n be_v in_o several_a place_n and_o i_o know_v no_o prelatist_n that_o either_o direct_o or_o by_o consequence_n have_v affirm_v it_o be_v 54._o what_o remain_v in_o the_o last_o paragraph_n of_o this_o chapter_n
be_v communicate_v to_o the_o colossian_n and_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n do_v belong_v and_o be_v communicate_v to_o all_o the_o church_n of_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n act._n 16._o 4._o and_o then_o all_o that_o the_o immediate_a subjoyn_v of_o the_o deacon_n in_o that_o place_n will_v conclude_v be_v only_o this_o which_o be_v far_o from_o yield_v the_o presbyterian_o any_o profit_n that_o as_o aër_fw-la epiphanius_n say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o church_n be_v but_o new_o plant_v there_o be_v not_o presbyter_n as_o yet_o constitute_v among_o they_o only_o a_o bishop_n with_o one_o deacon_n or_o more_o in_o each_o city_n in_o like_a manner_n as_o it_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n act._n 6._o where_o after_o james_n assumption_n to_o the_o bishopric_n which_o the_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n tell_v we_o of_o the_o seven_o deacon_n be_v soon_o institute_v no_o presbyter_n be_v create_v in_o the_o middle_n betwixt_o the_o bishop_n and_o they_o that_o either_o scripture_n or_o ancient_a record_n inform_v we_o of_o and_o corinth_n clemens_n st._n paul_n fellow_n labourer_n mention_n it_o as_o the_o general_a practice_n that_o the_o apostle_n preach_v through_o region_n and_o city_n constitute_v their_o first_o fruit_n into_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n of_o those_o which_o shall_v come_v in_o to_o the_o faith_n thus_o far_o be_v this_o from_o be_v a_o force_a interpretation_n be_v perfect_o regular_a and_o conformable_a to_o what_o we_o read_v of_o those_o time_n out_o of_o the_o best_a and_o ancient_a record_n of_o they_o and_o if_o in_o any_o circumstance_n we_o shall_v be_v liable_a to_o mistake_v yet_o for_o the_o main_a the_o reader_n will_v hardly_o think_v it_o possible_a when_o he_o remember_v this_o very_a church_n of_o the_o philippian_n to_o be_v one_o of_o those_o express_o name_v by_o tertullian_n among_o who_o in_o his_o time_n apostolorum_fw-la cathedrae_fw-la suis_fw-la adhuc_fw-la locis_fw-la praesidebantur_fw-la the_o chair_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v yet_o extant_a praeside_v in_o their_o due_a place_n which_o conclude_v some_o bishop_n or_o singular_a praefect_n to_o have_v succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o this_o church_n as_o in_o those_o other_o thessalonica_n etc._n etc._n and_o by_o theodoret_n who_o authority_n be_v most_o use_v against_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o bishop_n be_v presbyter_n here_o epaphroditus_n be_v express_o affirm_v to_o be_v that_o bishop_n the_o next_o place_n be_v that_o of_o 1_o tim._n 3._o 1_o 2._o if_o any_o man_n desire_v the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n he_o covet_v a_o good_a work_n a_o bishop_n therefore_o must_v be_v blameless_a where_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n of_o doubt_v but_o the_o bishop_n be_v the_o singular_a praefect_n or_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o only_a appearance_n of_o the_o contrary_n be_v again_o as_o in_o that_o to_o the_o philippian_n the_o immediate_a subjoyn_v of_o deacon_n and_o their_o qualification_n v_o 8._o that_o present_o vanish_v if_o again_o we_o remember_v the_o observation_n of_o epiphanius_n which_o he_o have_v out_o of_o the_o most_o ancient_a record_n and_o be_v find_v exact_o conformable_a to_o the_o express_a word_n of_o clemens_n romanus_n the_o contemporary_a of_o the_o apostle_n that_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d before_o the_o government_n be_v complete_a in_o all_o the_o office_n the_o apostle_n and_o apostolical_a person_n place_v in_o the_o church_n by_o they_o such_o as_o timothy_n to_o who_o here_o he_o give_v the_o direction_n create_v no_o more_o but_o a_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n one_o or_o more_o in_o each_o church_n the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n neither_o require_v nor_o be_v well_o capable_a of_o any_o more_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o paucity_n of_o the_o christian_n to_o be_v govern_v or_o instruct_v and_o of_o those_o which_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v make_v presbyter_n and_o although_o theodoret_n again_o with_o some_o few_o other_o interpret_v the_o place_n of_o presbyter_n yet_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a he_o do_v it_o not_o to_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o bishop_n add_v in_o the_o same_o place_n that_o the_o bishop_n especial_o shall_v observe_v these_o law_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o those_o which_o have_v attein_v to_o a_o great_a honour_n meanwhile_o s._n chrysostome_n interpret_v it_o distinct_o of_o 〈◊〉_d bishop_n as_o i_o have_v do_v and_o in_o that_o notion_n of_o bishop_n which_o sever_v they_o from_o presbyter_n such_o as_o govern_v in_o each_o city_n and_o add_v the_o qualification_n to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v speak_v of_o bishop_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v agree_v to_o presbyter_n also_o and_o according_o theophylact_v interpret_v it_o of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o precedent_n and_o ruler_n without_o any_o mention_n of_o presbyter_n there_o remain_v but_o one_o place_n and_o that_o of_o the_o very_a same_o nature_n with_o this_o last_o and_o must_v certain_o be_v regulate_v by_o it_o tit._n 1._o 7._o for_o a_o bishop_n must_v be_v blameless_a as_o the_o steward_n of_o god_n answerable_a to_o that_o notion_n of_o the_o word_n bishop_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o the_o ruler_n set_v over_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o kin._n 11._o 18._o i_o e._n the_o steward_n to_o who_o the_o key_n of_o the_o house_n be_v commit_v isa_n 22._o 22._o that_o this_o be_v the_o singular_a bishop_n in_o every_o city_n signify_v before_o v_o 5._o by_o the_o elder_n which_o titus_n be_v leave_v in_o crete_n to_o constitute_v be_v the_o joint_a affirmation_n of_o st._n chrysostome_n theophylact_v and_o oecumenius_n on_o those_o word_n of_o v_o 5._o elder_n in_o every_o city_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n by_o elder_n he_o there_o mean_v bishop_n as_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n appoint_v they_o to_o be_v constitute_v in_o every_o â—ity_n for_o he_o will_v not_o have_v the_o whole_a island_n administer_v by_o one_o but_o that_o every_o â—ity_n shall_v have_v its_o proper_a pastor_n or_o bishop_n that_o so_o the_o labour_n may_v be_v the_o light_a and_o the_o care_n more_o exact_a in_o crete_n there_o be_v certain_o many_o city_n eusebius_n mention_n a_o hundred_o of_o all_o which_o 4._o say_v he_o titus_n be_v make_v bishop_n by_o st._n paul_n that_o under_o he_o say_v 1._o theodoret_n he_o may_v ordain_v bishop_n to_o which_o ep._n chrysostome_n and_o theophylact_fw-mi add_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o he_o may_v have_v power_n to_o judge_v or_o censure_v those_o bishop_n as_o a_o metropolitan_a and_o primaâ—e_a over_o they_o there_o be_v now_o no_o other_o place_n wherein_o the_o word_n bishop_n be_v use_v and_o by_o this_o brief_a view_n of_o these_o i_o hope_v the_o first_o proposition_n be_v competent_o rescue_v from_o merit_v the_o censure_n of_o paradox_n whether_o that_o signify_v novel_a or_o strange_a this_o be_v so_o conformable_a both_o to_o the_o nature_n and_o use_n of_o the_o word_n to_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o the_o importance_n of_o each_o scripture_n where_o it_o be_v use_v that_o bishop_n shall_v signify_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o singular_a pastor_n or_o governor_n in_o each_o city_n or_o church_n section_n iii_o of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d elder_n now_o to_o the_o second_o proposition_n which_o pretend_v not_o to_o so_o much_o positivenesse_n but_o be_v set_v down_o in_o a_o great_a latitude_n of_o define_v that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d either_o constant_o signify_v a_o bishop_n also_o or_o else_o common_o a_o bishop_n though_o sometime_o but_o most_o rare_o a_o presbyter_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v now_o need_v to_o praemise_v but_o these_o few_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d common_o render_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d elder_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v denote_v most_o proper_o and_o signify_v most_o constant_o as_o in_o all_o language_n the_o word_n be_v find_v vulgar_o to_o do_v a_o ruler_n or_o governor_n this_o be_v so_o large_o deduce_v and_o demonstrate_v in_o the_o annotation_n on_o act._n 11._o 30._o that_o i_o shall_v not_o endeavour_v far_o to_o manifest_v it_o second_o that_o as_o in_o some_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o word_n be_v necessary_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o bishop_n so_o in_o every_o other_o place_n it_o be_v very_o fit_o capable_a of_o that_o interpretation_n this_o be_v again_o so_o particular_o evidence_v to_o the_o latin_a reader_n diss_n 4._o c._n 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o and_o to_o the_o english_a reader_n annot._n on_o act._n 11._o b._n and_o 14._o a._n that_o i_o can_v deem_v it_o reasonable_a to_o tire_v myself_o far_a with_o
that_o one_o of_o that_o name_n onesimus_n be_v bishop_n of_o ephesus_n in_o the_o ten_o year_n of_o trajan_n wherein_o ignatius_n write_v that_o epistle_n 7._o second_o that_o by_o one_o indication_n there_o be_v some_o small_a reason_n to_o guess_v that_o this_o onesimus_n be_v then_o late_o come_v to_o that_o dignity_n i_o mean_v ignatius_n his_o word_n of_o gratulation_n to_o that_o church_n that_o god_n have_v give_v they_o the_o favour_n to_o obtain_v or_o have_v such_o a_o bishop_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 8._o three_o that_o according_a to_o epiphanius_n his_o set_v down_o the_o time_n of_o john_n banishment_n and_o vision_n in_o the_o day_n of_o claudius_n there_o must_v be_v above_o 50_o year_n distance_n between_o the_o date_n of_o this_o epistle_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o of_o ignatius_n and_o consequent_o that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o likely_a that_o onesimus_n that_o be_v their_o bishop_n in_o the_o late_a shall_v be_v that_o very_a angel_n in_o the_o former_a 9_o four_o that_o as_o i_o can_v have_v no_o cause_n to_o consent_v with_o ado_n in_o lib._n de_fw-fr fest_n apost_n ad_fw-la 14._o cal._n mart._n that_o this_o onesimus_n in_o ignatius_n be_v he_o that_o be_v mention_v by_o st._n paul_n to_o philemon_n so_o nor_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o roman_a martyrologie_n that_o he_o who_o paul_n mention_n be_v constitute_v bishop_n of_o ephesus_n after_o timothy_n 10._o and_o therefore_o fifthly_o it_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o both_o the_o greek_a menology_n and_o simeon_n metaphrastes_n who_o celebrate_v his_o memory_n on_o march_n 13._o acknowledge_v not_o that_o onesimus_n to_o have_v be_v at_o all_o bishop_n of_o ephesus_n and_o that_o other_o also_o of_o the_o ancients_n make_v he_o to_o have_v be_v bishop_n of_o beraea_n and_o martyr_v in_o domitian_n reign_n and_o dorothea_n in_o synopsi_n express_o affirm_v that_o gaius_n succeed_v timothy_n in_o ephesus_n 11._o from_o all_o which_o it_o follow_v that_o onesimus_n mention_v by_o ignatius_n be_v some_o late_a bishop_n of_o that_o city_n who_o bear_v that_o very_o ordinary_a greek_a name_n and_o so_o that_o his_o be_v bishop_n of_o ephesus_n no_o way_n belong_v to_o that_o time_n of_o the_o angel_n in_o the_o revelation_n not_o interfere_n with_o their_o opinion_n who_o think_v timothy_n to_o have_v be_v that_o angel_n the_o appear_a incompetibility_n whereof_o be_v it_o i_o spppose_v that_o bring_v in_o here_o the_o mention_n of_o onesimus_n 12._o this_o be_v here_o seasonable_a enough_o to_o be_v confront_v to_o their_o word_n in_o this_o place_n and_o will_v be_v of_o use_n to_o be_v remember_v in_o the_o process_n of_o their_o discourse_n 13._o three_o for_o polycarp'_v be_v bishop_n of_o smyrna_n as_o there_o be_v leave_v no_o place_n for_o the_o doubt_n of_o that_o if_o either_o irenaeus_n that_o live_v in_o his_o time_n and_o see_v he_o or_o if_o tertullian_n who_o live_v not_o long_o after_o and_o be_v a_o curious_a antiquary_n may_v be_v believe_v in_o their_o joint_a affirmation_n of_o a_o know_a matter_n of_o fact_n so_o it_o be_v again_o no_o where_o affirm_v by_o i_o that_o he_o be_v the_o very_a man_n to_o who_o that_o epistle_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o smyrna_n be_v send_v and_o if_o that_o be_v their_o meaning_n they_o have_v again_o misreport_v my_o word_n 14._o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v i_o think_v be_v prove_v irrefragable_o that_o in_o two_o of_o those_o church_n mention_v in_o the_o apocalypse_n timothy_n and_o poylcarpe_n be_v by_o anthentick_a testimony_n affirm_v to_o be_v constitute_v bishop_n the_o one_o by_o st._n paul_n the_o other_o by_o st._n john_n and_o that_o be_v a_o competent_a argument_n add_v to_o other_o to_o infer_v that_o the_o angel_n of_o each_o of_o those_o church_n be_v a_o single_a person_n and_o so_o a_o bishop_n in_o the_o prelatist_n not_o in_o the_o presbyterian_o notion_n of_o the_o word_n a_o assertion_n which_o i_o need_v not_o fear_n will_v yield_v any_o advantage_n to_o the_o adversary_n and_o so_o i_o as_o brief_o commit_v it_o to_o they_o section_n 3._o of_o the_o negative_a argument_n from_o st._n john_n not_o use_v the_o word_n bishop_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o revelation_n in_o the_o next_o place_n by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o this_o plea_n of_o the_o prelatist_n we_o be_v refer_v to_o three_o write_n of_o their_o party_n smectymnuus_n the_o vindication_n of_o smectymnuus_n the_o humble_a address_n of_o the_o divine_n at_o the_o isle_n of_o wight_n wherein_o say_v they_o these_o thing_n be_v full_o clear_o and_o satisfactory_o handle_v 2._o but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o every_o one_o of_o these_o three_o be_v publish_v some_o year_n before_o the_o dissertation_n i_o shall_v think_v it_o strange_a that_o the_o particular_n there_o insist_v on_o by_o i_o shall_v by_o divination_n be_v thus_o answer_v before_o their_o conception_n be_v able_a true_o to_o profess_v that_o though_o i_o be_o not_o unwilling_a to_o make_v use_n of_o any_o man_n aid_n for_o defend_v truth_n yet_o none_o of_o those_o write_n to_o which_o any_o of_o those_o three_o be_v give_v in_o answer_n be_v by_o i_o make_v use_v of_o in_o those_o composition_n 3._o but_o we_o be_v supersede_v the_o trouble_n of_o examine_v any_o of_o these_o three_o by_o the_o leave_n that_o be_v crave_v to_o borrow_v from_o they_o what_o may_v be_v useful_a for_o the_o turn_n and_o then_o in_o like_a manner_n i_o shall_v more_o willing_o receive_v from_o these_o what_o shall_v appear_v to_o answer_v or_o prejudge_v our_o plea_n than_o undertake_v new_a trouble_n in_o far_a unnecessary_a search_n of_o it_o 4._o first_o than_o they_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v consider_v that_o s._n john_n the_o penman_n of_o the_o revelation_n do_v neither_o in_o it_o nor_o in_o any_o of_o his_o other_o write_n so_o much_o as_o upon_o the_o by_o i_o suppose_v for_o the_o printer_n fail_v i_o name_v bishop_n he_o name_v the_o name_n presbyter_n frequent_o in_o the_o revelation_n yea_o when_o he_o will_v set_v out_o the_o office_n of_o those_o who_o be_v near_o the_o throne_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n rev._n 4._o he_o call_v himself_o a_o presbyter_n ep._n 2._o and_o whereas_o in_o s._n john_n day_n some_o new_a expression_n be_v use_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v not_o in_o scripture_n as_o the_o christian_a sabbath_n begin_v to_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n day_n and_o christ_n himself_o the_o word_n now_o both_o these_o be_v find_v in_o the_o write_n of_o st_n john_n and_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o we_o that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v mention_v a_o new_a phrase_n and_o not_o mention_v a_o new_a office_n erect_v by_o this_o time_n as_o our_o brethren_n say_v in_o the_o church_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o polycarpe_n as_o it_o relate_v be_v make_v bishop_n by_o he_o and_o no_o doubt_n if_o he_o have_v be_v make_v bishop_n in_o a_o prelatical_a sense_n we_o shall_v have_v find_v the_o name_n bishop_n in_o some_o of_o his_o write_n who_o live_v so_o long_o as_o to_o see_v episcopacy_n settle_v in_o the_o church_n as_o our_o adversary_n will_v make_v we_o believe_v 5._o we_o be_v now_o to_o consider_v what_o degree_n of_o conviction_n or_o argument_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o our_o pretension_n can_v be_v fetch_v from_o this_o large_a consideration_n and_o first_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a and_o notorious_a among_o all_o artist_n that_o a_o argument_n from_o authority_n can_v conclude_v negative_o that_o there_o be_v no_o bishop_n in_o st_n john_n time_n because_o st._n john_n do_v not_o mention_v bishop_n it_o be_v the_o same_o way_n of_o argue_v as_o if_o they_o shall_v conclude_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n in_o the_o time_n of_o write_v the_o canonical_a chapter_n of_o hester_n because_o god_n be_v not_o find_v once_o mention_v in_o those_o chapter_n and_o yet_o of_o this_o inartificiall_a kind_n be_v the_o whole_a discourse_n of_o this_o paragraph_n the_o premise_n bare_o negative_a throughout_o all_o the_o consideration_n and_o so_o nothing_o be_v conclusible_a from_o it_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o we_o or_o benefit_n of_o our_o adversary_n 6._o second_o all_o that_o this_o consideration_n pretend_v to_o be_v terminate_v in_o the_o bare_a name_n of_o bishop_n that_o be_v it_o which_o they_o pretend_v be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o st._n john_n but_o 1._o they_o know_v that_o the_o word_n angel_n be_v oft_o in_o st_n john_n and_o by_o we_o contest_v by_o the_o singularity_n of_o the_o person_n one_o angel_n in_o each_o church_n and_o other_o character_n to_o conclude_v the_o office_n of_o bishop_n as_o irrefragable_o as_o if_o the_o word_n bishop_n be_v there_o specify_v nay_o of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o competent_a experience_n that_o if_o the_o word_n bishop_n have_v be_v find_v there_o
20._o 31._o in_o this_o lydian_a or_o proconsular_a asia_n ver_fw-la 18._o in_o this_o time_n he_o have_v pursue_v his_o work_n very_o diligent_o and_o zealous_o not_o cease_v to_o warn_v every_o one_o night_n and_o day_n with_o tear_n and_o herein_o his_o harvest_n be_v proportionable_a to_o his_o labour_n after_o two_o year_n space_n and_o upward_o spend_v at_o ephesus_n it_o be_v say_v ver_fw-la 19_o that_o by_o the_o continuance_n of_o his_o preach_n and_o gather_v disciple_n all_o they_o that_o dwell_v in_o asia_n hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n both_o jew_n and_o greek_n and_o though_o many_o be_v harden_v and_o believe_v not_o and_o speak_v evil_a of_o that_o way_n ver_fw-la 9_o yet_o ver_n 17._o by_o some_o extraordinary_a work_n of_o he_o which_o be_v make_v know_v to_o all_o the_o jew_n and_o greek_n dwell_v at_o ephesus_n fear_v fell_a on_o they_o all_o and_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v magnify_v a_o conversion_n in_o a_o manner_n general_a and_o therefore_o it_o follow_v and_o many_o that_o believe_v ver_fw-la 18._o and_o so_o mighty_o grow_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o prevail_v ver_fw-la 20._o whereupon_o saint_n paul_n himself_o speak_v of_o these_o success_n call_v it_o a_o great_a door_n and_o a_o effectual_a 1_o cor._n 16._o 9_o which_o at_o ephesus_n v_o 8._o be_v open_v unto_o he_o 12._o from_o hence_o we_o conclude_v and_o sure_o safe_o may_v 1._o that_o in_o asia_n general_o and_o especial_o in_o ephesus_n there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n before_o this_o time_n of_o christ_n epistle_n which_o be_v not_o a_o conclude_a it_o bare_o from_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o or_o any_o other_o city_n of_o asia_n second_o from_o hence_o together_o with_o ephesus_n be_v in_o the_o secular_a account_n the_o notitiae_fw-la imperiales_fw-la a_o metropolis_n where_o the_o assize_n be_v keep_v we_o conclude_v that_o ephesus_n be_v in_o the_o christian_a account_n also_o a_o metropolis_n and_o the_o chief_a of_o all_o asia_n and_o this_o i_o hope_n be_v not_o so_o improbable_a infirm_a a_o way_n of_o conclude_v as_o the_o other_o impose_v on_o we_o seem_v to_o be_v 13._o three_o from_o hence_o and_o from_o other_o exemplification_n of_o it_o as_o that_o trallis_n and_o magnesia_n which_o appear_v to_o be_v under_o the_o metropolis_n of_o ephesus_n be_v by_o ignatius_n write_v to_o as_o all_o episcopal_a see_v in_o our_o present_a notion_n of_o the_o word_n bishop_n we_o conclude_v that_o other_o city_n of_o asia_n beside_o these_o seven_o have_v receive_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o be_v certain_o take_v care_n for_o by_o paul_n which_o have_v plant_v it_o among_o they_o and_o agreeable_o have_v ruler_n settle_v in_o they_o i._n e._n bishop_n subordinate_a to_o the_o metropolitan_o and_o all_o these_o inference_n i_o doubt_v not_o will_v appear_v regular_a enough_o and_o i_o shall_v far_o enlarge_v on_o they_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o answer_n which_o can_v render_v it_o needful_a or_o seasonable_a 14._o as_o for_o the_o paucity_n of_o christian_n in_o those_o time_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o people_n that_o can_v be_v pertinent_o oppose_v to_o our_o pretension_n because_o still_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n in_o a_o great_a city_n may_v bear_v the_o same_o proportion_n to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o small_a city_n that_o the_o people_n in_o the_o one_o do_v to_o the_o people_n in_o the_o other_o one_o thousand_o bear_v the_o same_o proportion_n to_o one_o hundred_o that_o a_o hundred_o thousand_o do_v to_o ten_o thousand_o 15._o and_o it_o be_v the_o affirmation_n of_o clemens_n that_o the_o apostle_n in_o each_o city_n where_o they_o receive_v any_o proselyte_n though_o never_o so_o few_o before_o their_o part_n constitute_v a_o bishop_n with_o his_o deacon_n who_o be_v to_o be_v governor_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o those_o that_o shall_v after_o believe_v it_o follow_v unquestionable_o from_o thence_o that_o in_o the_o city_n which_o have_v but_o few_o christian_n bishop_n may_v be_v and_o be_v constitute_v and_o those_o very_o regular_o depend_v on_o the_o great_a their_o metropolitical_a city_n from_o whence_o the_o faith_n be_v derive_v to_o they_o as_o from_o ephesus_n where_o paul_n chief_o reside_v to_o the_o city_n about_o it_o and_o all_o this_o without_o any_o need_n of_o balance_v the_o party_n or_o consider_v what_o comparison_n the_o number_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o one_o or_o the_o other_o bear_v to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o unbeliever_n in_o either_o city_n and_o let_v this_o serve_v by_o way_n of_o reply_n to_o the_o first_o branch_n of_o the_o second_o answer_n section_n xvi_o of_o model_a church_n according_a to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o roman_a state_n of_o exemplar_n of_o metropolitan_o among_o the_o jew_n testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n institute_v metropolitan_n their_o second_o answer_n be_v we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o ever_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v model_n the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o roman_a state_n this_o be_v the_o after_o policy_n of_o christian_a emperor_n and_o bishop_n but_o no_o part_n of_o apostolical_a policy_n and_o therefore_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o because_o there_o be_v divers_a city_n under_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o those_o 7._o city_n that_o therefore_o there_o shall_v be_v divers_a church_n subordinate_a to_o the_o 7._o asian_a church_n 2._o that_o the_o apostle_n which_o design_v to_o plant_v a_o church_n in_o the_o heathen_a world_n shall_v do_v it_o in_o that_o manner_n as_o will_v be_v most_o advantageous_a to_o their_o end_n will_v not_o i_o hope_v be_v account_v strange_a this_o general_o be_v by_o betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o city_n rather_o than_o the_o village_n and_o first_o to_o the_o great_a city_n unto_o which_o be_v the_o most_o frequent_a resort_n that_o by_o that_o mean_v the_o faith_n may_v be_v most_o compendious_o and_o successful_o propagate_v if_o a_o great_a city_n resist_v their_o preach_n or_o few_o saint_n be_v gather_v there_o i_o do_v not_o then_o pretend_v to_o prove_v or_o to_o believe_v that_o that_o be_v constitute_v a_o metropolitan_a church_n with_o superiority_n over_o other_o of_o great_a antiquity_n or_o large_a growth_n in_o the_o faith_n whatsoever_o the_o dignity_n of_o it_o be_v in_o the_o secular_a account_n but_o when_o a_o whole_a nation_n be_v convert_v and_o the_o great_a and_o most_o populous_a city_n first_o and_o from_o thence_o the_o sound_n go_v out_o into_o all_o the_o region_n and_o lesser_a city_n in_o it_o that_o then_o the_o apostle_n which_o certain_o constitute_v bishop_n in_o every_o believe_a city_n and_o therefore_o what_o be_v report_v to_o have_v be_v do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o every_o church_n act_v 14._o 23._o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o every_o city_n tit._n 1._o 5_o shall_v set_v up_o the_o principal_n see_v in_o those_o most_o christian_a city_n which_o have_v former_o the_o priority_n in_o the_o roman_a state_n as_o it_o be_v the_o wise_a method_n and_o fit_a for_o the_o wise_a planter_n to_o take_v so_o we_o have_v all_o reason_n to_o believe_v it_o be_v do_v particular_o in_o the_o lydian_a or_o proconsular_a asia_n in_o which_o there_o be_v many_o more_o christian_a city_n than_o those_o seven_o to_o who_o christ_n epistle_n be_v address_v those_o be_v in_o all_o reason_n to_o be_v account_v the_o chief_a of_o that_o region_n and_o those_o which_o be_v not_o name_v less_o principal_a than_o they_o which_o concur_v with_o what_o we_o find_v record_v in_o pliny_n and_o ptolemy_n of_o the_o account_n of_o they_o in_o the_o imperial_a noticiae_fw-la if_o it_o demonstrate_v not_o be_v yet_o matter_n of_o exceed_v great_a probability_n and_o may_v persuade_v with_o any_o reasonable_a man_n as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o any_o degree_n such_o which_o be_v offer_v to_o be_v confront_v against_o it_o 3._o if_o that_o which_o scandalize_v the_o assembler_n for_o we_o be_v leave_v to_o divine_a what_o it_o be_v be_v the_o unfitnesse_n that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v model_n the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o roman_a state_n i_o shall_v first_o demand_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o imagine_v a_o plantation_n of_o a_o church_n in_o any_o whether_o jewish_n or_o heathen_a state_n without_o do_v somewhat_o equivalent_a to_o this_o for_o suppose_v joseph_n of_o arimathea_n to_o have_v as_o brit._n gildas_n say_v convert_v the_o britannic_a church_n in_o tiberius_n time_n be_v it_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o he_o shall_v meddle_v with_o the_o civil_a power_n of_o this_o nation_n as_o it_o stand_v in_o respect_n of_o its_o separation_n from_o other_o nation_n toto_fw-la divisa_fw-la