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word_n bishop_n call_v presbyter_n 3,889 5 10.6948 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A35026 The naked truth, or, The true state of the primitive church by an humble moderator. Croft, Herbert, 1603-1691. 1675 (1675) Wing C6970; ESTC R225557 74,185 74

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order_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o presbytery_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o pretend_v spitual_a order_n that_o of_o deaconship_n whether_o this_o of_o deaconship_n be_v proper_o to_o be_v call_v a_o order_n or_o a_o office_n i_o will_v not_o dispute_v but_o certain_o no_o spiriritual_a order_n for_o their_o office_n be_v to_o serve_v table_n as_o the_o scripture_n phrase_n it_o which_o in_o plain_a english_a be_v nothing_o else_o but_o overseer_n of_o the_o poor_a to_o distribute_v just_o and_o discreet_o the_o alm_n of_o the_o faithful_a which_o the_o apostle_n will_v not_o trouble_v themselves_o withal_o lest_o it_o shall_v hinder_v they_o in_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n but_o as_o most_o matter_n of_o this_o world_n in_o process_n of_o time_n deflect_v much_o from_o the_o original_a constitution_n so_o it_o fall_v out_o in_o this_o business_n for_o the_o bishop_n who_o pretend_v to_o be_v successor_n to_o the_o apostle_n by_o little_a and_o little_o take_v to_o themselves_o the_o dispensation_n of_o alm_n first_o by_o way_n of_o inspection_n over_o the_o deacon_n but_o at_o length_n the_o total_a management_n and_o the_o deacon_n who_o be_v mere_a lay-officer_n by_o degree_n creep_v into_o the_o church-ministration_n and_o become_v a_o repute_v spiritual_a order_n and_o a_o necessary_a degree_n and_o step_n to_o the_o priesthood_n of_o which_o i_o can_v find_v nothing_o in_o scripture_n and_o the_o original_a institution_n not_o a_o word_n relate_v to_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o order_n of_o alm_n for_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o first_o i_o find_v of_o their_o officiate_a in_o spiritual_a matter_n be_v in_o justin_n martyr_n who_o live_v in_o the_o second_o century_n he_o relate_v that_o when_o the_o bishop_n have_v consecrate_v the_o bread_n and_o wine_n for_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o deacon_n take_v it_o from_o he_o and_o deliver_v it_o to_o the_o lay-communicants_a there_o present_a and_o carry_v it_o also_o to_o the_o faithful_a that_o be_v absent_a hinder_v i_o guess_v from_o come_v by_o sickness_n or_o some_o other_o good_a excuse_v cause_n in_o the_o beginning_n when_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v small_a the_o bishop_n himself_o deliver_v the_o communion_n to_o they_o but_o at_o length_n increase_a to_o great_a number_n it_o will_v have_v take_v too_o much_o of_o their_o time_n for_o the_o bishop_n to_o have_v deliver_v it_o to_o the_o whole_a congregation_n so_o the_o deacon_n be_v make_v use_n of_o as_o fit_a person_n for_o this_o matter_n for_o in_o those_o day_n there_o be_v always_o a_o communion_n in_o the_o assembly_n on_o the_o lordsday_n and_o the_o laity_n that_o day_n bring_v their_o alm_n and_o present_n with_o they_o which_o be_v deliver_v unto_o the_o deacon_n to_o dispose_v of_o to_o the_o poor_a by_o the_o bishop_n direction_n and_o therefore_o the_o deacon_n receive_v from_o their_o hand_n their_o charitable_a benevolence_n be_v think_v the_o fit_a to_o return_v again_o to_o their_o hand_n the_o consecrate_a mystery_n be_v part_n of_o their_o offering_n but_o it_o be_v evident_a this_o be_v not_o yet_o come_v to_o be_v the_o general_a practice_n of_o all_o church_n but_o only_o in_o greece_n where_o justin_n martyr_n live_v for_o tertullian_n who_o live_v in_o africa_n some_o year_n after_o justin_n declare_v that_o the_o custom_n there_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o bless_a sacrament_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o bishop_n only_o who_o he_o call_v the_o precedent_n that_o be_v whosoever_o be_v chief_a in_o the_o assembly_n whether_o bishop_n or_o presbyter_n but_o yet_o i_o confess_v that_o this_o custom_n of_o the_o deacon_n deliver_v the_o bless_a sacrament_n or_o at_o least_o one_o part_n of_o it_o viz._n the_o chalice_n by_o degree_n become_v the_o custom_n in_o most_o church_n in_o after_o age_n and_o so_o pass_v from_o one_o thing_n to_o another_o in_o time_n they_o come_v to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o at_o last_o to_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o word_n the_o business_n which_o the_o apostle_n peculiar_o reserve_v to_o themselves_o and_o which_o the_o bishop_n also_o for_o a_o long_a time_n reserve_v so_o entire_o to_o themselves_o as_o it_o be_v think_v a_o great_a insolency_n for_o any_o even_o for_o the_o presbyter_n to_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o preach_v in_o presence_n of_o the_o bishop_n valerius_n bishop_n of_o hippo_n as_o possidius_n relate_v be_v sharp_o rebuke_v by_o his_o fellow_n bishop_n for_o suffer_v st._n austin_n then_o but_o a_o presbyter_n to_o preach_v before_o he_o i_o know_v sometime_o it_o be_v suffer_v also_o in_o other_o church_n but_o very_o rare_o where_o the_o bishop_n himself_o be_v of_o weak_a ability_n for_o the_o work_n and_o have_v some_o presbyter_n under_o he_o very_o eminent_a and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o bishop_n valerius_n and_o st._n austin_n a_o person_n of_o great_a note_n in_o those_o day_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v in_o process_n of_o time_n how_o strange_o thing_n alter_v from_o their_o original_a institution_n the_o bishop_n omit_v preach_v and_o become_v servant_n of_o table_n and_o the_o deacon_n for_o serve_v of_o table_n step_v up_o into_o the_o pulpit_n and_o become_v preacher_n but_o petavius_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o prove_v deaconship_n a_o spiritual_a order_n and_o bring_v we_o a_o more_o early_a author_n for_o it_o than_o justin_n that_o noble_a martyr_n mention_v before_o ignatius_n who_o in_o his_o epistle_n ad_fw-la tralli_n call_v deacon_n as_o petavius_n conceive_v minister_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ._n here_o i_o find_v that_o which_o i_o often_o lament_v learned_a man_n to_o go_v on_o in_o a_o tract_n one_o after_o another_o and_o some_o through_o inadvertency_n some_o through_o partiality_n take_v many_o passage_n of_o ancient_a author_n quite_o different_a from_o their_o meaning_n as_o here_o all_o follow_v the_o first_o erroneous_a interpreter_n of_o ignatius_n whoever_o first_o translate_v this_o epistle_n of_o ignatius_n sure_o this_o fancy_n of_o deacon_n run_v much_o in_o his_o head_n otherwise_o he_o can_v never_o have_v find_v they_o here_o for_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o word_n diaconus_fw-la in_o this_o place_n relate_v to_o the_o presbytery_n new_o before_o mention_v tell_v the_o people_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v obedient_a to_o the_o presbyter_n as_o to_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n than_o follow_v you_o must_v therefore_o please_v they_o in_o all_o thing_n be_v minister_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ._n mark_n i_o beseech_v you_o you_o must_v therefore_o be_v not_o therefore_o a_o particle_n relate_v to_o what_o go_v before_o viz._n to_o the_o presbyter_n otherwise_o the_o speech_n be_v very_o absurd_a shall_v i_o say_v presbyter_n be_v as_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n therefore_o you_o must_v in_o all_o thing_n please_v the_o deacon_n be_v it_o sense_n no_o but_o just_a deus_fw-la in_o coele_n ergo_fw-la baculus_fw-la in_o angulo_n but_o to_o say_v the_o presbyter_n be_v as_o the_o apostle_n therefore_o you_o must_v please_v they_o in_o all_o thing_n be_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v this_o be_v very_o good_a coherent_a sense_n and_o so_o run_v the_o word_n of_o ignatius_n but_o the_o weak_a interpreter_n mistake_v the_o word_n diacanus_fw-la run_v into_o this_o error_n and_o many_o learned_a man_n without_o any_o consideration_n have_v run_v after_o he_o i_o grant_v the_o word_n diaconos_fw-la be_v often_o set_v for_o deacon_n specifical_o distinguish_v from_o presbyter_n but_o it_o be_v very_o often_o set_v for_o all_o minister_n in_o general_a apostle_n bishop_n presbyter_n as_o you_o find_v frequent_o in_o scripture_n st._n paul_n in_o one_o epistle_n viz._n the_o 2d_o cor._n twice_o style_v himself_o and_o other_o apostle_n diaconous_a and_o i_o do_v the_o more_o wonder_n at_o the_o interpreter_n mistake_v in_o this_o place_n because_o by_o the_o follow_a word_n ignatius_n here_o exclude_v the_o specifical_a deacon_n say_v not_o the_o minister_n of_o meat_n and_o drink_n now_o we_o know_v the_o specifical_a deacon_n be_v minister_n of_o meat_n and_o drink_n to_o the_o poor_a it_o be_v their_o proper_a work_n for_o this_o very_a end_n they_o be_v choose_v and_o for_o no_o other_o as_o appear_v evident_o in_o the_o act_n and_o therefore_o ignatius_n say_v not_o the_o minister_n of_o meat_n and_o drink_n direct_o exclude_v such_o deacon_n and_o the_o word_n diaconous_n must_v necessary_o be_v take_v in_o the_o large_a sense_n and_o relate_v to_o the_o presbyter_n before_o mention_v therefore_o please_v they_o in_o all_o thing_n be_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n not_o of_o meat_n and_o drink_n for_o the_o poor_a whoever_o understand_v the_o greek_a and_o will_v see_v must_v needs_o see_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o affirm_v but_o petavius_n intoxicate_v with_o this_o spiritual_a order_n of_o deaconship_n
i_o be_o confident_a the_o arrian_n heresy_n have_v soon_o expire_v but_o by_o continual_a disputation_n the_o heat_n of_o passion_n be_v raise_v and_o the_o matter_n pursue_v with_o far_o more_o violence_n which_o at_o length_n grow_v into_o rancour_n and_o malice_n irreconcilable_a for_o some_o godly_a bishop_n i_o humble_o conceive_v more_o zealous_a than_o discreet_a will_v not_o rest_v satisfy_v unless_o the_o arrian_n be_v force_v either_o to_o subscribe_v to_o the_o new_a word_n homoousian_n or_o to_o quit_v their_o live_n and_o this_o cause_v that_o great_a persecution_n against_o the_o orthodox_n where_o the_o arrian_n prevail_v whereas_o by_o silence_n impose_v on_o all_o party_n the_o malice_n rancour_n persecution_n war_n all_o have_v be_v prevent_v and_o the_o truth_n speak_v in_o love_n will_v at_o length_n most_o probable_o have_v prevail_v for_o be_v not_o the_o gospel_n at_o first_o plant_v this_o way_n preach_v and_o pray_v man_n to_o receive_v it_o by_o this_o way_n of_o weakness_n it_o prenvail_v for_o the_o weak_a thing_n of_o god_n be_v strong_a than_o man_n but_o when_o man_n will_v be_v wise_a than_o god_n and_o in_o their_o foolish_a wisdom_n think_v it_o fit_a to_o add_v their_o strength_n to_o god_n weakness_n as_o a_o speedy_a and_o sure_a way_n to_o establish_v the_o truth_n god_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o folly_n suffer_v that_o strong_a man_n the_o enemy_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o none_o but_o his_o almighty_a arm_n can_v bind_v and_o master_n to_o come_v and_o sow_v his_o tare_n of_o division_n which_o soon_o overruns_a the_o good_a seed_n of_o the_o church_n and_o bring_v all_o to_o confusion_n but_o what_o then_o will_v i_o have_v all_o heretical_a opinion_n broach_v and_o spread_v abroad_o without_o any_o control_n be_v not_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n to_o be_v nurse_n father_n unto_o the_o church_n must_v they_o not_o add_v the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n to_o that_o of_o the_o word_n not_o hold_v the_o sword_n in_o vain_a but_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o evil_a doer_n &_o c_o all_o this_o i_o grant_v and_o desire_v as_o much_o as_o any_o man_n that_o both_o prince_n and_o pastor_n will_v hold_v fast_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n full_o declare_v and_o contain_v in_o scripture_n let_v they_o suffer_v no_o new_a doctrine_n to_o be_v set_v on_o foot_n certain_o superfluous_a the_o scripture_n be_v all-sufficient_a and_o probable_o dangerous_a as_o be_v of_o man_n and_o not_o of_o god_n who_o have_v give_v we_o a_o complete_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n by_o his_o prophet_n apostle_n and_o his_o only_a son_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v any_o new_a doctrine_n proceed_v from_o he_o therefore_o st._n paul_n be_v very_o bold_a and_o cry_v out_o if_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v unto_o you_o any_o other_o gospel_n than_o be_v already_o preach_v let_v he_o be_v accurse_v the_o magistrate_n than_o be_v to_o countenance_n and_o protect_v the_o pastor_n preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n to_o silence_n oppose_v punish_v all_o that_o preach_v any_o thing_n contrary_a or_o not_o clear_o contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n heresy_n never_o at_o first_o appear_v in_o their_o own_o natural_a shape_n but_o disguise_v with_o specious_a pretence_n draw_v from_o some_o obscure_a place_n of_o scripture_n capable_a of_o various_a interpretation_n and_o thus_o have_v get_v footing_n by_o degree_n they_o lay_v aside_o their_o disguise_n and_o march_v on_o barefaced_a therefore_o both_o pastor_n and_o magistrate_n ought_v to_o be_v very_o watchful_a and_o oppose_v all_o beginning_n ever_o so_o specious_a as_o dangerous_a or_o at_o least_o superfluous_a as_o i_o say_v let_v the_o pastor_n at_o first_o endeavour_n by_o plain_a and_o sound_a doctrine_n to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o gainsayer_n but_o if_o these_o turbulent_a spirit_n will_v not_o be_v stop_v neither_o by_o admonition_n nor_o entreaty_n then_o let_v the_o pastor_n proceed_v to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n which_o be_v it_o use_v with_o that_o gravity_n and_o severity_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n will_v have_v great_a effect_n that_o be_v be_v it_o use_v in_o a_o solemn_a assembly_n by_o the_o reverend_a bishop_n and_o his_o clergy_n not_o by_o lay-chancellour_n and_o their_o surrogate_v and_o the_o person_n excommunicate_v and_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o church_n be_v likewise_o exclude_v from_o all_o conversation_n and_o commerce_n every_o one_o shun_v his_o company_n as_o a_o person_n infect_v with_o the_o plague_n so_o it_o be_v of_o old_a and_o so_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v now_o and_o so_o it_o will_v be_v now_o if_o man_n make_v any_o conscience_n of_o their_o way_n this_o i_o be_o confident_a will_v reduce_v many_o a_o one_o but_o if_o after_o this_o any_o persevere_v in_o their_o perverseness_n than_o the_o magistrate_n may_v doubtless_o by_o his_o power_n use_v with_o christian_a moderation_n endeavour_v to_o stop_v the_o spread_a of_o the_o contagion_n and_o do_v what_o in_o wisdom_n he_o think_v meet_v to_o preserve_v the_o purity_n and_o peace_n of_o church_n and_o state_n urge_v against_o they_o that_o scripture_n have_v thou_o faith_n have_v it_o to_o thyself_o before_o god_n rom._n 14._o 22._o or_o that_o give_v none_o offence_n neither_o to_o the_o jew_n nor_o to_o the_o gentile_a nor_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 32._o or_o that_o gal._n 5._o 12._o i_o will_v they_o be_v even_o cut_v off_o that_o trouble_n you_o st._n paul_n be_v not_o here_o in_o jest_n but_o in_o great_a earnest_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o continue_a fervency_n all_o along_o this_o epistle_n and_o doubtless_o he_o mean_v not_o here_o a_o cut_n off_o from_o the_o church_n by_o way_n of_o excommunication_n for_o that_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o do_v why_o then_o shall_v he_o wish_v it_o nay_o they_o have_v cut_v themselves_o off_o from_o the_o church_n before_o certain_o than_o he_o mean_v a_o cut_n off_o by_o the_o civil_a power_n which_o then_o be_v heathen_a and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n will_v not_o have_v it_o make_v use_v of_o by_o christian_n for_o he_o will_v not_o allow_v they_o to_o appeal_v to_o unbelieve_a magistrate_n no_o not_o in_o civil_a thing_n 1_o cor._n 6._o much_o less_o in_o spiritual_a thing_n wherefore_o when_o st._n paul_n wish_v they_o be_v cut_v off_o he_o wish_v there_o be_v a_o fit_a power_n that_o be_v a_o christian_a magistrate_n to_o punish_v or_o banish_v those_o that_o trouble_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n with_o doctrine_n apparent_o contrary_a to_o the_o clear_a text_n and_o such_o as_o be_v destructive_a to_o christianity_n i_o dare_v go_v no_o far_o but_o as_o for_o those_o who_o keep_v their_o erroneous_a opinion_n to_o themselves_o who_o neither_o publish_v nor_o practice_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o church_n or_o state_n but_o only_o refuse_v to_o conform_v to_o the_o church_n establish_v doctrine_n or_o discipline_n pardon_v i_o if_o i_o say_v that_o real_o i_o can_v find_v any_o warrant_n or_o so_o much_o as_o any_o hint_n from_o the_o gospel_n to_o use_v any_o force_n to_o compel_v they_o and_o from_o reason_n sure_a there_o be_v no_o motive_n to_o use_v force_n because_o as_o i_o show_v before_o force_n can_v make_v a_o man_n believe_v your_o doctrine_n but_o only_o as_o a_o hypocrite_n profess_v what_o he_o believe_v not_o i_o know_v full_a well_o there_o be_v a_o common_a objection_n against_o this_o take_v from_o st._n austin_n who_o be_v long_o of_o my_o opinion_n but_o seem_v to_o be_v alter_v on_o this_o occasion_n some_o heretic_n donatist_n come_v to_o he_o in_o his_o latter_a day_n and_o give_v thanks_o that_o the_o civil_a power_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o restrain_v they_o confess_v that_o be_v the_o mean_n which_o bring_v they_o to_o consider_v more_o calm_o their_o own_o former_a extravagant_a opinion_n and_o so_o bring_v they_o home_o to_o the_o true_a church_n this_o objection_n be_v easy_o 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restrain_v and_o chastise_v disorderly_a pastor_n just_o so_o when_o whole_a nation_n be_v convert_v and_o not_o only_o the_o pastor_n but_o the_o bishop_n also_o who_o have_v oversight_n of_o the_o pastor_n increase_v in_o number_n then_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n it_o be_v think_v fit_a there_o shall_v be_v a_o overseer_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o be_v call_v a_o archbishop_n when_o the_o arch_a bishop_n be_v multiply_v than_o another_o set_n over_o they_o and_o he_o call_v a_o patriarch_n and_o at_o last_o one_o over_o the_o patriarch_n and_o he_o call_v papa_n a_o pope_n catexochen_n though_o papa_n before_o be_v a_o name_n attrribute_v to_o other_o bishop_n now_o as_o pope_n patriarch_n archbishop_n bishop_n be_v all_o one_o and_o the_o same_o order_n papist_n themselves_o grant_v this_o so_o bishop_n elder_n presbyter_n priest_n all_o one_o and_o the_o same_o only_o one_o of_o these_o set_v over_o the_o rest_n and_o he_o now_o particular_o call_v episcopus_fw-la that_o be_v 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acolouthi_o who_o be_v now_o ancient_o they_o be_v quite_o another_o thing_n certain_a boy_n carry_v torch_n and_o attend_v on_o the_o bishop_n say_v mass_n these_o have_v their_o character_n also_o and_o their_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o interpretation_n of_o tongue_n signify_v no_o doubt_n on_o it_o by_o the_o light_n in_o their_o hand_n but_o understand_v no_o more_o of_o tongue_n than_o the_o stick_n of_o their_o torch_n i_o will_v not_o weary_v you_o with_o more_o of_o their_o absurdity_n our_o episcopal_a divine_n reject_v these_o chimerical_a fancy_n of_o order_n and_o character_n suppose_v it_o to_o be_v a_o certain_a faculty_n and_o power_n confer_v by_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o ministerial_a duty_n and_o according_a to_o this_o purpose_n the_o superior_a order_n contain_v the_o inferior_a as_o the_o great_a power_n contain_v in_o it_o the_o less_o thus_o episcopacy_n be_v the_o superior_a order_n contain_v in_o it_o 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not_o in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christendom_n but_o neither_o approve_v nor_o know_v by_o the_o primitive_a church_n wherefore_o i_o require_v what_o you_o produce_v shall_v be_v both_o primitive_a and_o universal_a and_o this_o to_o interpret_v some_o place_n of_o scripture_n doubtful_a in_o itself_o not_o plain_a now_o as_o to_o the_o business_n in_o hand_n i_o can_v yield_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v very_o doubtful_a in_o it_o or_o scarce_o doubtful_a at_o all_o for_o though_o in_o scripture_n it_o be_v not_o in_o terminis_fw-la say_v presbytery_n and_o episcopacy_n be_v both_o one_o and_o the_o same_o order_n yet_o the_o circumstantial_a expression_n be_v as_o i_o have_v show_v so_o strong_a and_o many_o that_o they_o be_v equivalent_a to_o a_o clear_a expression_n in_o terminis_fw-la second_o this_o be_v not_o a_o matter_n of_o any_o indifferency_n but_o of_o vast_a and_o dangerous_a consequence_n if_o mistake_v that_o a_o church_n without_o such_o bishop_n as_o you_o 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the_o identity_n i_o full_o agree_v with_o tertullian_n we_o can_v make_v no_o judgement_n de_fw-fr rebus_fw-la fidei_fw-la nisi_fw-la ex_fw-la literis_fw-la fidei_fw-la of_o matter_n of_o faith_n but_o from_o the_o write_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v never_o be_v pull_v from_o this_o pillar_n of_o truth_n the_o scripture_n be_v our_o complete_a rule_n of_o faith_n no_o opinion_n be_v heretical_a and_o damnable_a which_o be_v not_o against_o that_o now_o good_a reader_n i_o pray_v take_v notice_n that_o epiphanius_n be_v a_o very_a godly_a bishop_n in_o the_o main_a but_o yet_o a_o very_a choleric_a man_n as_o appear_v in_o that_o his_o fierce_a contest_v with_o john_n bishop_n of_o constantinople_n and_o his_o bitter_a expression_n therein_o which_o i_o do_v not_o mention_v in_o disparagement_n of_o this_o holy_a man_n but_o only_o to_o give_v the_o reader_n a_o caution_n to_o remember_v that_o passionate_a man_n do_v sometime_o censure_v more_o severe_o than_o there_o be_v cause_n epiphanius_n be_v a_o bishop_n and_o find_v the_o authority_n and_o dignity_n of_o episcopacy_n much_o disparage_v by_o aerius_n be_v a_o arrian_n heretic_n fall_v upon_o he_o sharp_o for_o this_o his_o opinion_n also_o wherein_o he_o be_v in_o part_n much_o to_o be_v condemn_v as_o i_o free_o confess_v before_o but_o not_o in_o the_o very_a point_n now_o in_o question_n nor_o do_v epiphanius_n himself_o condemn_v he_o in_o this_o particular_a as_o a_o heretic_n but_o only_o in_o the_o gross_a to_o which_o i_o free_o give_v my_o vote_n but_o you_o will_v tell_v i_o that_o a_o man_n of_o a_o far_o mild_a temper_n st._n austin_n do_v also_o enrol_v aerius_n among_o heretic_n i_o know_v it_o well_o but_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o know_v that_o st._n austin_n do_v not_o lay_v this_o to_o his_o charge_n as_o a_o heresy_n for_o he_o say_v only_o thus_o aereus_fw-la also_o be_v a_o heretic_n for_o he_o fall_v into_o arrian_n heresy_n and_o he_o add_v some_o opinion_n of_o his_o own_o then_o st._n austin_n recount_v several_a of_o his_o opinion_n whereof_o this_o be_v one_o that_o he_o affirm_v there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o a_o bishop_n and_o a_o presbyter_n where_o i_o pray_v you_o observe_v st._n austin_n give_v we_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o rank_n he_o with_o heretic_n viz._n because_o he_o fall_v into_o the_o arrian_n heresy_n then_o follow_v and_o he_o add_v some_o opinion_n of_o his_o own_o st._n austin_n call_v these_o opinion_n not_o heresy_n for_o he_o do_v not_o say_v he_o add_v more_o heresy_n of_o his_o own_o second_o i_o pray_v you_o observe_v st._n austin_n make_v no_o mention_n of_o his_o affirm_v the_o identity_n of_o order_n but_o only_o this_o that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n at_o all_o between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n wherein_o i_o will_v condemn_v aerius_n as_o well_o as_o you_o but_o as_o for_o the_o identity_n of_o order_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o st._n austin_n be_v note_v by_o medina_n a_o papist_n writer_n and_o other_o to_o incline_v to_o this_o opinion_n but_o for_o my_o part_n i_o think_v the_o word_n quote_v from_o st._n austin_n do_v not_o express_v any_o opinion_n one_o way_n or_o other_o to_o this_o purpose_n but_o be_v only_o a_o compliment_n to_o st._n hierom_n who_o be_v but_o a_o prespyter_n yet_o in_o humility_n st._n austin_n be_v a_o bishop_n acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v his_o superior_a in_o many_o thing_n but_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o another_o very_a remarkable_a and_o most_o worthy_a passage_n of_o st._n austin_n who_o tell_v we_o plain_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o read_v he_o or_o any_o other_o author_n ever_o so_o holy_a or_o ever_o so_o learned_a with_o any_o obligation_n to_o submit_v to_o his_o or_o their_o opinion_n unless_o they_o prove_v their_o opinion_n by_o scripture_n or_o convince_a reason_n so_o then_o have_v aerius_n be_v declare_v both_o by_o epiphanius_n and_o st._n austin_n also_o to_o have_v be_v a_o heretic_n in_o this_o very_a particular_a of_o identity_n of_o order_n yet_o they_o bring_v neither_o scripture_n nor_o any_o reason_n at_o all_o but_o mere_o a_o bare_a narrative_a of_o aerius_n and_o his_o opinion_n not_o so_o much_o as_o call_v his_o opinion_n in_o this_o particular_a heresy_n much_o less_o offer_v proof_n for_o it_o by_o st._n augustine_n rule_n we_o may_v with_o great_a civility_n to_o they_o and_o great_a confidence_n in_o the_o truth_n still_o affirm_v the_o identity_n of_o order_n but_o how_o will_v i_o answer_v that_o objection_n take_v out_o of_o st._n hierom_n who_o say_v you_o be_v as_o great_a a_o leveller_n of_o bishop_n with_o priest_n as_o any_o and_o therefore_o whatever_o come_v from_o he_o you_o may_v be_v sure_o be_v extract_v from_o he_o by_o the_o powerfulness_n of_o undeniable_a truth_n yet_o he_o confess_v that_o
bishop_n have_v the_o authority_n of_o ordination_n more_o than_o presbyter_n a_o man_n may_v smile_v to_o see_v this_o use_v as_o a_o argument_n for_o the_o preeminency_n of_o bishop_n which_o be_v direct_o against_o it_o for_o st._n hierom_n have_v discourse_v of_o the_o equality_n and_o identity_n of_o presbyter_n and_o bishop_n and_o have_v bring_v many_o argument_n from_o scripture_n to_o prove_v that_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v only_o two_o name_n for_o one_o and_o the_o same_o office_n for_o a_o further_a confirmation_n hereof_o ask_v this_o question_n i_o pray_v what_o do_v a_o bishop_n do_v more_o than_o a_o presbyter_n except_o ordination_n plain_o intimate_v thereby_o that_o this_o can_v make_v no_o such_o distinction_n of_o eminency_n in_o they_o above_o presbyter_n i_o beseech_v you_o consider_v do_v not_o presbyter_n perform_v office_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n than_o ordination_n presbyter_n be_v ordain_v ambassador_n for_o christ_n to_o preach_v his_o holy_a 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man_n be_v boast_v his_o power_n and_o authority_n shall_v i_o come_v and_o ask_v what_o can_v you_o do_v more_o than_o other_o unless_o it_o be_v in_o this_o or_o that_o poor_a business_n not_o worth_a speak_v of_o will_v he_o not_o take_v this_o as_o a_o affront_n wherefore_o it_o can_v enter_v into_o my_o head_n that_o st._n hierom_n intend_v by_o this_o question_n to_o express_v any_o superior_a order_n above_o the_o priesthood_n but_o plain_o the_o contrary_a five_o z._n that_o bishop_n have_v no_o other_o power_n distinct_a from_o priest_n but_o ordination_n this_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n for_o a_o distinct_a and_o superior_a order_n and_o now_o i_o desire_v my_o reader_n if_o he_o understand_v latin_a to_o view_v the_o epistle_n of_o st._n hierom_n to_o evagrius_n and_o doubtless_o he_o will_v wonder_v to_o see_v man_n have_v the_o confidence_n to_o quote_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o it_o for_o the_o distinction_n between_o episcopacy_n and_o presbytery_n for_o the_o whole_a 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have_v of_o that_o bishop_n to_o who_o diocese_n they_o do_v belong_v their_o ordination_n shall_v be_v null_a you_o see_v then_o the_o irregular_a ordination_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v as_o null_a as_o the_o irregular_a ordination_n of_o a_o presbyter_n therefore_o the_o irregular_a bishop_n and_o the_o irregular_a presbyter_n be_v of_o the_o same_o order_n of_o the_o same_o authority_n neither_o able_a to_o ordain_v be_v it_o not_o most_o evident_a by_o this_o that_o it_o be_v not_o their_o order_n but_o commission_n that_o make_v they_o capable_a to_o ordain_v sure_o a_o irregular_a bishop_n be_v of_o the_o same_o order_n with_o the_o regular_a be_v the_o line_n of_o his_o diocese_n like_o a_o conjurer_n circle_n within_o it_o he_o be_v a_o bishop_n without_o it_o he_o be_v none_o no_o but_o within_o it_o he_o have_v commission_n give_v he_o to_o ordain_v without_o it_o no_o commission_n no_o nor_o to_o act_v in_o his_o own_o diocese_n beyond_o his_o commission_n which_o be_v to_o 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concern_v chorepiscopi_fw-la much_o to_o our_o purpose_n when_o the_o apostle_n have_v settle_v bishop_n in_o every_o city_n with_o authority_n of_o ordain_v and_o govern_v the_o several_a church_n or_o congregation_n within_o the_o circuit_n of_o those_o city_n some_o be_v very_o large_a and_o therefore_o in_o process_n of_o time_n when_o more_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o congregation_n increase_v more_o in_o number_n and_o at_o great_a distance_n than_o the_o bishop_n himself_o can_v well_o have_v the_o overfight_a of_o the_o bishop_n choose_v some_o principal_a man_n for_o his_o assistance_n and_o divide_v his_o great_a circuit_n into_o several_a lesser_a circuit_n place_v these_o man_n as_o overseer_n under_o he_o and_o these_o be_v call_v chorepiscopi_fw-la that_o be_v country_z bishop_n and_o be_v much_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o rural_a dean_n those_o chorepiscopi_fw-la country_n bishop_n be_v thus_o settle_v in_o authority_n to_o govern_v the_o 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when_o able_a and_o holy_a bishop_n be_v elect_v and_o therefore_o reverence_v and_o obey_v in_o all_o spiritual_a matter_n by_o the_o great_a as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o least_o these_o diligent_o and_o public_o before_o the_o congregation_n at_o set-time_n in_o the_o year_n chief_o at_o easter_n examine_v all_o those_o who_o have_v be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n from_o infidelity_n that_o year_n and_o all_o those_o who_o baptize_v in_o the_o faith_n desire_a admittance_n to_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o upon_o approbation_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o bishop_n fit_a person_n only_o be_v public_o baptise_a by_o he_o and_o at_o the_o church_n door_n assoon_o as_o church_n be_v build_v where_o the_o baptistery_n be_v place_v and_o then_o bring_v into_o the_o church_n and_o admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o no_o inferior_a minister_n do_v either_o baptize_v or_o administer_v the_o holy_a communion_n unless_o it_o be_v by_o the_o bishop_n order_n on_o urgent_a occasion_n 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