by_o a_o angel_n require_v he_o to_o send_v to_o joppa_n for_o st._n peter_n to_o instruct_v he_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o act_n 10.3_o 4_o 5._o but_o since_o that_o christ_n have_v reveal_v his_o whole_a will_n to_o his_o church_n and_o transmit_v it_o down_o by_o a_o stand_a scripture_n this_o ministration_n of_o the_o holy_a angel_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n cease_v and_o to_o this_o write_a word_n of_o his_o we_o be_v entire_o refer_v as_o to_o the_o perpetual_a rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o manner_n insomuch_o that_o if_o thenceforth_o even_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n to_o we_o than_o what_o we_o have_v there_o receive_v he_o be_v pronounce_v accurse_a gal._n 1.8_o not_o but_o that_o sometime_o and_o upon_o great_a emergency_n they_o may_v be_v still_o send_v from_o heaven_n with_o new_a message_n to_o we_o to_o discover_v some_o useful_a secret_n or_o to_o inspire_v our_o mind_n with_o the_o notice_n of_o some_o future_a contingency_n that_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n to_o we_o though_o this_o very_o rare_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o their_o ordinary_a ministry_n but_o since_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v complete_v to_o be_v sure_a they_o never_o reveal_v any_o new_a doctrine_n to_o we_o they_o may_v be_v assist_v genius_n to_o our_o understanding_n to_o excite_v in_o they_o a_o true_a apprehension_n of_o what_o be_v already_o reveal_v by_o impress_v our_o imagination_n with_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n and_o representation_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v reveal_v more_o obscure_o but_o to_o suppose_v that_o they_o still_o reveal_v new_a doctrinal_a truth_n to_o we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o deny_v the_o perfection_n of_o write_a revelation_n but_o to_o open_v a_o wide_a door_n to_o all_o manner_n of_o enthusiasm_n ii_o another_o instance_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v their_o guard_n and_o defend_v his_o subject_n against_o outward_a danger_n for_o thus_o the_o angel_n be_v say_v to_o encamp_v round_o about_o those_o that_o fear_n god_n to_o deliver_v they_o psal._n 34.7_o and_o though_o i_o see_v not_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o every_o faithful_a subject_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n have_v a_o appropriate_a guardian_n angel_n appoint_v to_o he_o yet_o from_o that_o caution_n of_o our_o saviour_n matt._n 18.10_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o employ_v his_o angel_n to_o attend_v as_o a_o invisible_a lifeguard_n upon_o the_o person_n of_o all_o good_a christian_n for_o say_v he_o take_v heed_n that_o you_o despise_v not_o one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o for_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o in_o heaven_n their_o angel_n do_v always_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n i._n e._n those_o bless_a spirit_n which_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o be_v their_o guardian_n upon_o earth_n have_v yet_o their_o continual_a return_n and_o recourse_n to_o god_n glorious_a presence_n in_o heaven_n and_o have_v always_o access_n to_o he_o to_o offer_v up_o request_n or_o complaint_n in_o their_o behalf_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a thing_n for_o any_o to_o presume_v to_o despise_v or_o offend_v they_o lest_o he_o thereby_o provoke_v those_o mighty_a spirit_n to_o sue_v out_o and_o execute_v some_o commission_n of_o vengeance_n upon_o he_o from_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o bless_a angel_n be_v great_o concern_v in_o the_o vindication_n and_o protection_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o that_o that_o promise_v psal._n 91.10_o 11_o 12._o be_v still_o in_o force_n viz._n there_o shall_v no_o evil_n befall_v thou_o for_o he_o shall_v give_v his_o angel_n charge_v over_o thou_o to_o keep_v thou_o in_o all_o thy_o way_n they_o shall_v bear_v thou_o up_o in_o their_o hand_n leave_v thou_o dash_v thy_o foot_n against_o a_o stone_n and_o this_o they_o do_v sometime_o by_o remove_v such_o evil_a accident_n from_o we_o as_o in_o the_o course_n of_o necessary_a cause_n must_v have_v befall_v we_o for_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o these_o powerful_a spirit_n have_v a_o mighty_a influence_n upon_o necessary_a cause_n at_o least_o upon_o a_o great_a many_o of_o they_o and_o can_v retard_v or_o precipitate_v or_o vary_v or_o divert_v their_o motion_n as_o they_o see_v occasion_n and_o thereby_o prevent_v a_o great_a many_o accident_n which_o must_v otherwise_o have_v befall_v have_v they_o permit_v they_o to_o proceed_v in_o their_o natural_a course_n other_o time_n again_o they_o divert_v the_o mischievous_a intention_n of_o our_o enemy_n by_o inject_v sudden_a fear_n into_o they_o and_o brandish_v horrid_a phantasm_n before_o their_o imagination_n as_o the_o angel_n do_v the_o flame_a sword_n before_o balaam_n when_o they_o be_v just_a upon_o execute_v their_o malice_n sometime_o again_o they_o warn_v we_o of_o danger_n approach_v either_o by_o some_o external_a sign_n or_o unaccountable_a impression_n on_o our_o fancy_n by_o which_o we_o be_v vehement_o solicit_v without_o any_o visible_a cause_n or_o reason_n either_o to_o proceed_v very_o cautious_o in_o the_o way_n where_o our_o danger_n lie_v or_o to_o stop_v and_o forbear_v a_o while_n or_o steer_v some_o other_o course_n of_o all_o which_o there_o be_v innumerable_a instance_n to_o be_v find_v in_o history_n iii_o another_o instance_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v their_o support_v and_o comfort_v his_o faithful_a subject_n upon_o difficult_a undertake_n and_o under_o great_a and_o press_a calamity_n for_o thus_o not_o only_o our_o saviour_n himself_o be_v comfort_v in_o his_o last_o agony_n by_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n luk._n 22.43_o but_o st._n paul_n also_o tell_v we_o that_o be_v in_o imminent_a danger_n of_o be_v shipwreck_v in_o a_o storm_n in_o his_o voyage_n to_o rome_n there_o stand_v by_o he_o in_o the_o night_n a_o angel_n of_o god_n who_o he_o be_v and_o who_o he_o serve_v say_v fear_v not_o paul_n thou_o must_v be_v bring_v before_o caesar_n and_o lo_o god_n have_v give_v thou_o all_o they_o that_o sail_n with_o thou_o act_v 27.23_o 24._o so_o also_o when_o the_o apostle_n by_o a_o order_n from_o the_o high_a priest_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o common_a prison_n the_o text_n tell_v we_o that_o a_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o night_n open_v the_o prison_n door_n and_o bring_v they_o forth_o and_o say_v go_v stand_v and_o speak_v in_o the_o temple_n to_o the_o people_n all_o the_o word_n of_o this_o life_n act_v 5.19_o 20._o so_o also_o in_o the_o ancient_a martyrology_n of_o the_o church_n we_o meet_v with_o sundry_a relation_n of_o the_o appearance_n of_o angel_n to_o the_o suffer_a martyr_n and_o of_o the_o wonderful_a comfort_n they_o administer_v to_o they_o to_o support_v their_o faith_n and_o patience_n under_o their_o agony_n and_o torment_n and_o although_o since_o the_o cessation_n of_o miracle_n they_o do_v not_o ordinary_o perform_v this_o ministry_n to_o we_o in_o visible_a appearance_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o as_o they_o be_v spirit_n they_o have_v spiritual_a and_o invisible_a way_n of_o converse_v with_o our_o spirit_n and_o of_o administer_a comfort_n to_o we_o in_o our_o need_n and_o extremity_n for_o though_o they_o can_v have_v no_o immediate_a access_n to_o our_o mind_n which_o be_v a_o dark_a mysterious_a chamber_n into_o which_o no_o other_o eye_n can_v penetrate_v but_o he_o who_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n yet_o that_o they_o can_v vehement_o impress_v our_o fancy_n with_o joyous_a representation_n and_o thereby_o exhilarate_v our_o droop_a spirit_n to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o transport_v we_o into_o rapture_n of_o bodily_a passion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v there_o be_v so_o many_o sensible_a experiment_n of_o it_o in_o the_o ancient_a prophet_n who_o imagination_n be_v sometime_o so_o vehement_o impress_v with_o frightful_a idea_n by_o the_o angel_n which_o converse_v with_o they_o as_o that_o they_o immediate_o fall_v into_o a_o agony_n and_o be_v seize_v with_o unaccountable_a horror_n and_o tremble_n and_o not_o only_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o that_o see_v the_o angel_n be_v thus_o affect_v but_o sometime_o their_o companion_n too_o that_o see_v he_o not_o of_o which_o you_o have_v a_o instance_n in_o dan._n 10.7_o where_o daniel_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o alone_o see_v the_o vision_n of_o the_o angel_n and_o that_o the_o man_n that_o be_v with_o he_o see_v not_o the_o vision_n but_o a_o great_a quake_a fell_a upon_o they_o so_o that_o they_o flee_v to_o hide_v themselves_o which_o be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n of_o the_o great_a power_n which_o the_o angel_n have_v over_o our_o bodily_a passion_n even_o when_o they_o be_v invisible_a to_o we_o so_o as_o to_o strike_v what_o note_n soever_o they_o please_v upon_o
they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n where_o that_o phrase_n in_o the_o name_n plain_o import_v as_o it_o general_o do_v in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n by_o the_o authority_n so_o that_o by_o this_o commission_n christ_n minister_n be_v authorize_v and_o constitute_v the_o legal_a proxy_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n in_o the_o stead_n of_o those_o bless_a person_n to_o seal_v the_o new_a covenant_n with_o the_o baptismal_a sign_n to_o those_o who_o they_o baptize_v and_o thereby_o legal_o to_o oblige_v the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n to_o perform_v the_o promise_n of_o it_o to_o all_o those_o baptise_a person_n who_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o for_o that_o the_o baptismal_a sign_n be_v a_o legal_a engagement_n upon_o god_n as_o well_o as_o we_o to_o perform_v the_o new_a covenant_n be_v evident_a from_o mark_n 16.16_o he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v where_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o baptism_n as_o well_o as_o faith_n do_v confer_v a_o right_n to_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o since_o faith_n confer_v it_o only_o as_o it_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n baptism_n must_v confer_v it_o as_o it_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o according_o s._n peter_n exhort_v he_o convert_v to_o repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o you_o shall_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o baptism_n as_o well_o as_o repentance_n have_v a_o great_a influence_n on_o our_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o our_o communication_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n since_o therefore_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v the_o whole_a condition_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o remission_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o baptism_n do_v not_o influence_n it_o as_o it_o be_v the_o condition_n but_o as_o it_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o so_o also_o in_o baptism_n we_o be_v say_v to_o wash_v away_o our_o sin_n i._n e._n the_o guilt_n of_o they_o act_v 22.16_o because_o the_o sign_n of_o baptism_n seal_v to_o we_o on_o god_n part_n the_o promise_n of_o forgiveness_n by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o baptism_n be_v a_o federal_a rite_n in_o which_o god_n and_o we_o do_v seal_v and_o ratify_v to_o one_o another_o each_o other_o part_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o it_o be_v this_o seal_v that_o make_v the_o covenant_n oblige_v to_o both_o party_n and_o give_v to_o each_o a_o legal_a claim_n and_o title_n to_o each_o other_o promise_n and_o engagement_n to_o god_n it_o give_v a_o legal_a title_n to_o all_o that_o duty_n which_o we_o promise_v and_o to_o we_o it_o give_v a_o legal_a title_n to_o all_o those_o blessing_n which_o god_n promise_v so_o that_o till_o such_o time_n as_o we_o be_v baptise_a the_o new_a covenant_n be_v not_o strike_v between_o god_n and_o we_o nor_o have_v we_o any_o right_a or_o title_n to_o any_o of_o the_o blessing_n promise_v in_o it_o and_o though_o we_o shall_v perform_v all_o that_o duty_n which_o the_o covenant_n require_v yet_o this_o will_v not_o at_o all_o entitle_v we_o to_o the_o blessing_n it_o promise_n for_o he_o who_o engage_v to_o walk_v a_o mile_n for_o i_o upon_o my_o promise_n to_o give_v he_o a_o thousand_o pound_n have_v upon_o his_o performance_n a_o just_a claim_n and_o title_n to_o the_o whole_a sum_n whereas_o he_o that_o walk_v ten_o mile_n for_o i_o without_o any_o such_o promise_n have_v a_o right_a to_o no_o more_o than_o what_o in_o strict_a justice_n he_o deserve_v and_o therefore_o since_o what_o god_n promise_v in_o the_o new_a covenant_n infinite_o exceed_v the_o merit_n of_o what_o he_o require_v our_o performance_n of_o what_o he_o require_v do_v not_o at_o all_o oblige_v he_o to_o bestow_v the_o blessing_n of_o his_o promise_n on_o we_o unless_o we_o perform_v it_o upon_o a_o covenant-engagement_n and_o therefore_o till_o this_o engagement_n be_v make_v and_o seal_v in_o our_o baptism_n we_o can_v have_v no_o promise_n to_o rely_v upon_o and_o though_o we_o shall_v neuâ—r_v so_o hearty_o endeavour_v to_o repent_v we_o canâ—â—t_v claim_v the_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n and_o though_o we_o shall_v actual_o repent_v we_o can_v plead_v â—o_o title_n to_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o though_o we_o shall_v persevere_v in_o well-doing_n to_o the_o end_n we_o can_v challenge_v eternal_a life_n and_o since_o our_o endeavour_n do_v not_o merit_v god_n grace_n nor_o our_o repentance_n his_o pardon_n nor_o our_o perseverance_n eternal_a life_n he_o be_v no_o more_o oblige_v to_o bestow_v these_o blessing_n on_o we_o by_o his_o justice_n than_o he_o be_v by_o his_o promise_n so_o that_o in_o this_o state_n all_o we_o have_v to_o rely_v upon_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a mercy_n that_o god_n will_v do_v for_o we_o that_o which_o he_o never_o promise_v and_o bestow_v upon_o we_o that_o which_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o but_o when_o once_o we_o have_v strike_v covenant_n with_o he_o in_o baptism_n we_o have_v he_o fast_o oblige_v to_o we_o to_o perform_v his_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n whenever_o we_o perform_v we_o and_o our_o be_v thus_o tie_v together_o as_o one_o party_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o covenant_n by_o this_o federal_a rite_n of_o baptism_n be_v that_o which_o make_v we_o one_o catholic_n church_n or_o community_n for_o our_o admission_n into_o this_o new_a covenant_n which_o be_v the_o church_n charter_n be_v our_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o it_o be_v by_o be_v entitle_v to_o all_o the_o blessing_n that_o belong_v to_o christian_n in_o common_a by_o virtue_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n that_o we_o become_v member_n of_o the_o christian_a community_n and_o hence_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v baptise_a into_o the_o body_n or_o church_n of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o because_o baptism_n which_o be_v our_o admission_n into_o the_o christian_a covenant_n be_v only_o in_o other_o word_n our_o admission_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o body_n of_o christian_a people_n join_v and_o confederate_v by_o the_o new_a covenant_n four_o the_o church_n or_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v one_o universal_a society_n of_o all_o christian_a people_n incorporate_v by_o the_o new_a covenant_n in_o baptism_n under_o jesus_n christ_n its_o supreme_a head_n and_o it_o be_v this_o also_o that_o make_v all_o christian_a people_n one_o body_n and_o society_n because_o they_o be_v all_o unite_a under_o one_o and_o the_o same_o supreme_a head_n and_o governor_n for_o as_o several_a neighbour_a congregation_n be_v call_v in_o scripture_n one_o church_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v hereafter_o because_o they_o be_v all_o under_o the_o government_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o bishop_n so_o all_o the_o church_n under_o all_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o world_n be_v in_o scripture_n call_v one_o church_n because_o they_o be_v all_o under_o one_o governor_n even_o jesus_n christ_n the_o supreme_a bishop_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o according_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o body_n i._n e._n one_o church_n so_o there_o be_v but_o one_o lord_n or_o supreme_a governor_n of_o that_o church_n eph._n 4.4_o 5._o and_o in_o col._n 1.18_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o this_o body_n the_o church_n and_o again_o eph._n 5.23_o that_o the_o husband_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o wife_n even_o as_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n for_o christ_n be_v mediator_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o which_o we_o be_v incorporate_v into_o a_o religious_a society_n it_o must_v be_v under_o he_o as_o our_o immediate_a head_n and_o governor_n that_o we_o be_v incorporate_v by_o it_o because_o as_o he_o be_v mediator_n of_o it_o for_o god_n his_o office_n be_v to_o govern_v we_o for_o and_o under_o god_n according_a to_o the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o it_o five_o the_o church_n or_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v one_o universal_a society_n of_o all_o christian_a people_n distribute_v into_o particular_a church_n which_o distribution_n be_v make_v for_o the_o convenience_n of_o divine_a worship_n for_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v a_o vast_a body_n compose_v of_o infinite_a part_n which_o be_v separate_v from_o each_o other_o by_o vast_a distance_n of_o place_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o it_o to_o celebrate_v the_o office_n of_o divine_a worship_n in_o any_o one_o assembly_n or_o congregation_n at_o first_o indeed_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n be_v only_o a_o single_a congregation_n but_o this_o in_o a_o little_a time_n increase_v and_o multiply_v so_o fast_o that_o they_o can_v no_o long_o exercise_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n together_o in_o one_o place_n or_o assembly_n
veneration_n as_o i_o know_v your_o holy_a presbyter_n do_v according_a to_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n the_o father_n and_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n let_v we_o be_v careful_a say_v he_o that_o we_o do_v not_o oppose_v the_o bishop_n as_o we_o will_v be_v obedient_a to_o god_n and_o if_o any_o man_n observe_v the_o silence_n of_o his_o bishop_n let_v he_o reverence_v he_o so_o much_o the_o more_o for_o every_o one_o that_o the_o master_n of_o the_o family_n appoint_v to_o be_v his_o steward_n we_o ought_v to_o receive_v he_o as_o the_o master_n himself_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v evident_a we_o ought_v to_o respect_v the_o bishop_n as_o our_o lord_n himself_o from_o whence_o i_o infer_v first_o that_o at_o the_o write_n of_o these_o epistle_n which_o be_v not_o above_o eight_o or_o nine_o year_n after_o the_o decease_n of_o s._n john_n there_o be_v bishop_n every_o where_o constitute_v over_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o he_o not_o only_a mention_n several_a church_n that_o have_v bishop_n actual_o preside_v over_o they_o but_o declare_v bishop_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a ordination_n and_o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v obey_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n the_o father_n and_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o they_o have_v their_o promotion_n not_o from_o man_n but_o from_o god_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o trallian_n he_o bid_v they_o obey_v their_o bishop_n as_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v command_v they_o in_o which_o he_o necessary_o suppose_v bishop_n to_o be_v institute_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o then_o he_o go_v on_o he_o who_o be_v within_o the_o altar_n that_o be_v within_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v clean_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n he_o be_v without_o the_o altar_n who_o do_v any_o thing_n without_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n and_o if_o any_o christian_a act_v without_o the_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n be_v without_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n then_o to_o be_v sure_o no_o community_n of_o christian_n that_o do_v so_o can_v be_v esteem_v a_o part_n or_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o since_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o primitive_a age_n bishop_n be_v a_o divine_a ordinance_n and_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o necessary_a to_o the_o very_a constitution_n of_o church_n we_o may_v from_o hence_o just_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v then_o no_o church_n without_o they_o and_o second_o we_o may_v from_o hence_o also_o infer_v that_o since_o there_o be_v bishop_n in_o this_o early_a age_n preside_v over_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n several_a of_o they_o at_o least_o receive_v their_o episcopal_a order_n immediate_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o at_o the_o time_n when_o these_o epistle_n be_v write_v ignatius_n himself_o have_v be_v above_o forty_o year_n bishop_n of_o antioch_n at_o which_o time_n sundry_a of_o the_o apostle_n be_v live_v and_o therefore_o consider_v the_o singular_a eminence_n of_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n whereof_o he_o be_v bishop_n as_o be_v immediate_o plant_v by_o s._n peter_n and_o s._n paul_n and_o that_o wherein_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n first_o receive_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n and_o consider_v also_o that_o it_o be_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o ordain_v elder_n in_o all_o the_o church_n they_o plant_v it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o he_o receive_v his_o ordination_n immediate_o from_o their_o hand_n and_o so_o s._n chrysostom_n tom._n 5._o edit_fw-la savil._n p._n 499._o express_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o admire_v ignatius_n for_o that_o he_o be_v account_v worthy_a of_o so_o great_a a_o dignity_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n but_o because_o he_o obtain_v his_o dignity_n from_o those_o holy_a man_n and_o the_o sacred_a hand_n of_o the_o bless_a apostle_n have_v be_v lay_v upon_o his_o head_n and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o polycarp_n bishop_n of_o smyrna_n of_o who_o ignatius_n make_v honourable_a mention_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o the_o christian_a church_n will_v ever_o have_v so_o universal_o admit_v of_o bishop_n as_o it_o be_v apparent_a they_o do_v in_o ignatius_n time_n when_o the_o apostle_n be_v live_v have_v not_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o derive_v their_o authority_n from_o the_o apostle_n immediate_o and_o consider_v how_o much_o s._n john_n who_o survive_v the_o apostle_n be_v reverence_v to_o the_o last_o through_o all_o the_o christian_a church_n what_o likelihood_n be_v there_o that_o those_o very_a church_n shall_v so_o far_o contemn_v both_o he_o and_o they_o even_o whilst_o they_o be_v live_v among_o they_o as_o to_o admit_v of_o a_o new_a order_n of_o man_n without_o their_o authority_n to_o oversee_v and_o govern_v they_o but_o that_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la the_o apostle_n do_v with_o their_o own_o hand_n ordain_v several_a bishop_n to_o preside_v over_o several_a church_n be_v most_o certain_a if_o any_o credit_n may_v be_v give_v to_o ecclesiastical_a history_n which_o assure_v we_o that_o they_o ordain_v dionysius_n the_o areopagite_n bishop_n of_o athens_n caius_n of_o thessalonica_n archyppus_fw-la of_o colosse_n onesimus_n of_o ephesus_n antipas_n of_o pergamus_n euphroditus_fw-la of_o philippi_n crescens_n of_o the_o gaul_n erastus_n of_o macedonia_n trophimus_n of_o arles_n jason_n of_o tarsus_n titus_n of_o corinth_n onisiphorus_fw-la of_o colophon_n quartus_fw-la of_o berytus_n paul_n the_o proconsul_n of_o narbona_n vid._n bishop_n tailor_n of_o episcopacy_n sect._n 18._o but_o than_o three_o and_o last_o from_o hence_o i_o also_o infer_v that_o the_o bishop_n of_o this_o age_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o superior_a order_n to_o all_o other_o ecclesiastical_a officer_n for_o ignatius_n not_o only_o enjoin_v the_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n to_o obey_v their_o bishop_n but_o also_o press_v they_o thereunto_o by_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o by_o christ_n command_n they_o be_v to_o obey_v their_o bishop_n then_o by_o christ_n institution_n their_o bishop_n be_v their_o superior_n thus_o much_o therefore_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o ignatius_n that_o in_o the_o apostolic_a age_n bishop_n be_v universal_o admit_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o derive_v their_o authority_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o authority_n they_o be_v superior_a to_o all_o other_o ecclesiastical_a officer_n and_o this_o be_v all_o we_o contend_v for_o and_o now_o let_v we_o proceed_v to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o next_o age_n who_o converse_v with_o those_o that_o be_v conversant_a with_o the_o apostle_n of_o which_o number_n be_v justin_n martyr_n hegesippus_n dionysius_n bishop_n of_o corinth_n irenaeus_n and_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n the_o first_o of_o which_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n about_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 133._o which_o be_v not_o above_o twenty_o five_o year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o s._n john_n this_o writer_n in_o his_o apology_n for_o christianity_n to_o the_o emperor_n antoninus_n give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o public_a worship_n make_v mention_n of_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n a_o precedent_n or_o preside_v ecclesiastic_a in_o the_o mother_n church_n who_o do_v there_o consecrate_v the_o bread_n and_o wine_n in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o give_v it_o to_o the_o deacon_n to_o distribute_v it_o to_o such_o as_o be_v present_a and_o carry_v it_o to_o such_o as_o be_v absent_a and_o who_o do_v receive_v the_o charity_n of_o the_o people_n and_o dispose_v and_o manage_v the_o stock_n of_o the_o church_n now_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o bishop_n title_n be_v evident_a for_o so_o dionysius_n bishop_n of_o corinth_n who_o be_v justin_n martyr_n cotemporary_a use_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d promiscuous_o still_v publius_n bishop_n of_o athens_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o precedent_n and_o quadratus_n his_o successor_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o bishop_n vid._n euseb._n lib._n 4._o cap._n 23._o next_o after_o he_o we_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o hegesippus_n who_o as_o s._n jerom_n de_fw-fr script_n eccles._n tell_v we_o live_v very_o near_o to_o the_o apostolic_a age_n he_o write_v five_o book_n of_o commentary_n some_o fragment_n of_o which_o be_v preserve_v in_o eusebius_n his_o history_n in_o which_o he_o not_o only_o make_v mention_n of_o several_a bishop_n with_o who_o he_o converse_v in_o his_o journey_n from_o judea_n to_o rome_n and_o of_o primus_fw-la bishop_n of_o corinth_n by_o name_n and_o afterward_o of_o anicetus_n soter_n
and_o elutherius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n successive_o but_o also_o tell_v we_o that_o after_o james_n the_o just_a who_o be_v the_o first_o bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v suffer_v martyrdom_n simeon_n cleophae_n be_v make_v bishop_n of_o that_o church_n because_o he_o be_v of_o the_o kindred_n of_o our_o lord_n vid._n euseb._n lib._n 4._o cap._n 22._o not_o long_o after_o he_o dionysius_n bishop_n of_o corinth_n make_v mention_n in_o several_a epistle_n of_o several_a bishop_n by_o name_n and_o particular_o of_o publius_n and_o quadratus_n successive_a bishop_n of_o athens_n of_o dionysius_n the_o areopagite_n the_o first_o bishop_n of_o that_o church_n of_o philip_n bishop_n of_o gortyna_n in_o crete_n of_o palma_n bishop_n of_o amastris_n in_o pontus_n of_o pinytus_n bishop_n of_o the_o gnossian_o and_o of_o soter_n bishop_n of_o rome_n vid._n euseb_n lib._n 4._o cap._n 23._o about_o the_o same_o time_n live_v irenaeus_n bishop_n of_o lion_n who_o as_o himself_o tell_v we_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o florinus_n have_v often_o see_v polycarp_n the_o disciple_n of_o s._n john_n and_o do_v very_o well_o remember_v his_o person_n and_o behaviour_n when_o he_o discourse_v to_o the_o multitude_n the_o intimate_a conversation_n he_o have_v with_o s._n john_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o have_v see_v our_o lord_n and_o from_o he_o we_o have_v this_o express_a testimony_n concern_v the_o matter_n in_o debate_n we_o can_v reckon_v up_o those_o who_o be_v ordain_v bishop_n by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o church_n who_o they_o be_v that_o succeed_v they_o even_o down_o to_o our_o time_n for_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v in_o all_o thing_n perfect_a and_o unreprovable_a who_o they_o leave_v to_o be_v their_o successor_n and_o to_o who_o they_o deliver_v their_o apostolic_a authority_n and_o then_o he_o go_v on_o and_o give_v we_o a_o catalogue_n of_o eleven_o bishop_n of_o rome_n by_o name_n begin_v from_o linus_n to_o who_o he_o tell_v we_o s._n peter_n and_o s._n paul_n episcopatum_fw-la administrandae_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la tradiderunt_fw-la i._n e._n deliver_v the_o episcopal_a power_n of_o govern_v that_o church_n and_o end_v with_o elutherius_n who_o be_v the_o twelve_o and_o do_v then_o actual_o preside_v in_o the_o episcopal_a chair_n and_o that_o by_o bishop_n in_o this_o age_n be_v mean_v such_o as_o preside_v over_o presbyter_n as_o well_o as_o laic_n be_v evident_a by_o the_o demonstration_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n make_v who_o be_v irenaeus_n his_o cotemporary_a between_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d strom._n 6._o i_o e._n the_o process_n of_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n and_o a_o little_a before_o speak_v of_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o presbytery_n he_o tell_v we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o e._n that_o it_o be_v not_o honour_v with_o the_o first_o seat_n or_o place_v in_o the_o first_o class_n of_o the_o ecclesiastic_a order_n which_o plain_o show_v that_o then_o there_o be_v a_o order_n above_o the_o presbytery_n viz._n the_o bishop_n who_o present_o after_o he_o mention_n as_o the_o first_o order_n of_o ecclesiastic_n and_o that_o passage_n which_o eusebius_n quote_v from_o he_o out_o of_o his_o book_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d late_o publish_v be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o in_o his_o time_n bishop_n be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o distinct_a order_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o clergy_n for_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o when_o s._n john_n return_v from_o patmos_n to_o ephesus_n he_o visit_v the_o neighbour_a province_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n partly_o that_o he_o may_v ordain_v bishop_n and_o partly_o that_o he_o may_v set_v apart_o such_o for_o the_o clergy_n as_o be_v point_v out_o to_o he_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o clement_n time_n at_o least_o and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o mistake_v in_o s._n john_n too_o the_o bishop_n be_v a_o distinct_a order_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o clergy_n viz._n the_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n thus_o both_o in_o the_o apostolic_a age_n and_o that_o succeed_a it_o we_o have_v abundant_a testimony_n of_o the_o derivation_n of_o the_o superiority_n of_o the_o apostolic_a order_n from_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n and_o then_o for_o the_o next_o age_n we_o have_v the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o tertullian_n origen_n and_o s._n cyprian_n not_o only_o of_o the_o continuance_n of_o this_o apostolic_a superiority_n in_o the_o church_n but_o also_o of_o the_o derivation_n of_o it_o from_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o but_o we_o need_v not_o cite_v their_o word_n it_o be_v grant_v by_o the_o most_o learned_a advocate_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n that_o for_o several_a year_n before_o these_o father_n viz._n about_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 140._o the_o episcopacy_n be_v every_o where_o receive_v in_o the_o church_n for_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o though_o the_o apostle_n exercise_v a_o superiority_n over_o the_o other_o ecclesiastical_a order_n yet_o they_o leave_v none_o behind_o to_o succeed_v they_o in_o that_o power_n but_o the_o church_n be_v every_o where_o govern_v by_o a_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n but_o this_o form_n of_o government_n be_v find_v inconvenient_a as_o give_v too_o much_o occasion_n for_o schism_n and_o division_n it_o be_v at_o last_o universal_o agree_v upon_o that_o one_o presbyter_n shall_v be_v choose_v out_o to_o preside_v over_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o this_o say_v they_o be_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o episcopacy_n for_o which_o they_o cite_v that_o famous_a passage_n of_o s._n jerom_n antequam_fw-la diaboli_fw-la instinctu_fw-la etc._n etc._n i._n e._n before_o such_o time_n as_o through_o the_o instinct_n of_o the_o devil_n division_n in_o religion_n begin_v and_o it_o be_v say_v among_o the_o people_n i_o be_o of_o paul_n i_o be_o of_o apollo_n and_o i_o of_o cephas_n the_o church_n be_v govern_v by_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n but_o afterward_o every_o presbyter_n reckon_v such_o as_o he_o baptize_v to_o be_v his_o and_o not_o christ_n it_o be_v decree_v over_o all_o the_o world_n that_o one_o from_o among_o the_o presbyter_n shall_v be_v choose_v and_o set_v over_o all_o the_o rest_n to_o who_o shall_v belong_v all_o the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n that_o so_o the_o seed_n of_o schism_n may_v be_v destroy_v which_o universal_a decree_n as_o they_o guess_v be_v make_v about_o the_o year_n 140._o now_o not_o to_o dispute_v with_o they_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o passage_n but_o allow_v it_o to_o bear_v their_o sense_n i_o shall_v only_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o consider_v first_o that_o it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o one_o who_o live_v long_o after_o the_o aforecited_a witness_n and_o so_o far_o less_o capable_a of_o attest_v so_o early_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o some_o of_o the_o witness_n abovecited_a be_v such_o as_o live_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n other_o such_o as_o live_v in_o their_o day_n who_o live_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o certain_o these_o be_v much_o more_o competent_a witness_n of_o what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n than_o s._n jerom_n who_o be_v not_o bear_v till_o about_o the_o year_n 330._o almost_o one_o hundred_o year_n after_o origen_n the_o late_a and_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o clemens_n the_o early_a of_o the_o abovecited_a witness_n and_o certain_o to_o prefer_v the_o authority_n of_o one_o single_a witness_n who_o live_v so_o long_o after_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o the_o unanimous_a attestation_n of_o so_o many_o early_a witness_n be_v both_o immodest_a and_o irrational_a ii_o it_o be_v also_o to_o be_v consider_v that_o s._n jerom_n be_v a_o witness_n in_o his_o own_o cause_n in_o which_o case_n man_n of_o his_o warmth_n and_o passion_n be_v too_o too_o apt_a to_o exceed_v the_o limit_n of_o truth_n for_o the_o design_n of_o that_o passage_n be_v to_o curb_v the_o insolence_n of_o some_o pragmatical_a deacon_n who_o will_v needs_o advance_v themselves_o above_o the_o presbyter_n which_o saint_n jerom_n be_v a_o presbyter_n himself_o take_v in_o high_a disdain_n and_o as_o the_o best_a of_o man_n be_v too_o prone_a to_o do_v when_o their_o own_o concern_v be_v at_o stake_n bend_v the_o stick_n too_o much_o other_o way_n and_o depress_n the_o deacon_n too_o low_o and_o advance_v the_o presbyter_n too_o high_a for_o iii_o in_o other_o place_n where_o he_o be_v not_o bias_v by_o partiality_n to_o his_o own_o order_n he_o talk_v at_o a_o quite_o different_a rate_n so_o in_o dial._n advers._fw-la luciferian_n do_v thou_o ask_v why_o one_o that_o be_v not_o baptise_a by_o the_o bishop_n do_v not_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n why_o it_o proceed_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v on_o the_o apostle_n
where_o it_o be_v plain_a he_o place_v the_o bishop_n in_o the_o same_o rank_n with_o the_o apostle_n so_o also_o in_o ep._n 1._o ad_fw-la heliodor_n speak_v of_o the_o bishop_n of_o his_o time_n they_o stand_v say_v he_o in_o the_o place_n of_o s._n paul_n and_o hold_v the_o place_n of_o s._n peter_n and_o in_o psal._n 45.16_o now_o because_o the_o apostle_n be_v go_v from_o the_o world_n thou_o have_v instead_o of_o those_o their_o son_n the_o bishop_n and_o these_o be_v thy_o father_n because_o thou_o be_v govern_v by_o they_o and_o ep._n ad_fw-la nepot_n what_o aaron_n and_o his_o son_n be_v that_o we_o know_v the_o bishop_n and_o the_o presbyter_n be_v and_o therefore_o as_o aaron_n by_o divine_a right_o be_v superior_a to_o his_o son_n the_o priest_n so_o be_v the_o bishop_n above_o his_o presbyter_n all_o which_o be_v as_o plain_a contradiction_n to_o that_o famous_a passage_n of_o his_o understand_v it_o as_o the_o presbyterian_o do_v as_o one_o proposition_n can_v be_v to_o another_o and_o whether_o be_v a_o man_n more_o to_o be_v credit_v when_o he_o speak_v without_o bias_n or_o partiality_n or_o when_o he_o speak_v in_o his_o own_o cause_n and_o under_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o own_o interest_n vi_o it_o be_v further_a to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o decree_n of_o which_o s._n jerom_n here_o speak_v by_o which_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v translate_v from_o a_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n to_o a_o single_a bishop_n must_v according_a to_o his_o own_o word_n be_v apostolic_a and_o consequent_o much_o early_o than_o the_o presbyterian_o will_v allow_v it_o for_o it_o be_v make_v at_o that_o time_n when_o it_o be_v say_v among_o the_o people_n i_o be_o of_o paul_n and_o i_o be_o of_o apollo_n and_o i_o of_o cephas_n and_o this_o as_o s._n paul_n tell_v we_o be_v say_v in_o his_o time_n and_o therefore_o this_o decree_n must_v be_v make_v in_o his_o time_n and_o that_o s._n jerome_n do_v mean_a so_o we_o be_v elsewhere_o assure_v from_o his_o own_o word_n for_o so_o in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr eccles._n script_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o immediate_o after_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n s._n james_n be_v ordain_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n timothy_n by_o s._n paul_n bishop_n of_o ephesus_n titus_n bishop_n of_o crete_n and_o polycarp_n by_o s._n john_n bishop_n of_o smyrna_n so_o that_o either_o he_o must_v here_o express_o contradict_v himself_o or_o else_o the_o decree_n of_o which_o he_o speak_v must_v have_v be_v make_v immediate_o after_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o consequent_o be_v a_o decree_n apostolic_a v._o it_o be_v yet_o far_o to_o be_v consider_v that_o if_o any_o such_o decree_n of_o change_v the_o church_n government_n from_o presbyterial_a to_o episcopal_n have_v be_v make_v by_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v strange_a we_o shall_v not_o find_v the_o least_o mention_n of_o it_o in_o scripture_n and_o if_o it_o have_v be_v make_v after_o the_o apostle_n about_o the_o year_n 140._o it_o be_v as_o strange_a we_o shall_v have_v no_o mention_n of_o it_o in_o ecclesiastic_a antiquity_n for_o a_o universal_a change_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n from_o one_o kind_n to_o another_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o such_o vast_a moment_n that_o have_v the_o apostle_n make_v a_o decree_n concern_v it_o they_o will_v doubtless_o have_v be_v very_o solicitous_a to_o publish_v it_o through_o all_o the_o church_n and_o to_o have_v transmit_v down_o to_o posterity_n some_o stand_a record_n of_o it_o which_o yet_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o do_v that_o they_o have_v not_o give_v we_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o it_o in_o all_o their_o write_n and_o have_v it_o be_v make_v afterward_o about_o the_o year_n 140._o to_o be_v sure_o all_o primitive_a antiquity_n will_v have_v ring_v of_o such_o a_o public_a and_o important_a alteration_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a you_o see_v both_o clemens_n and_o ignatius_n who_o live_v before_o that_o period_n testify_v that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o govern_v in_o their_o time_n by_o a_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n but_o by_o bishop_n hegesyppus_n irenaeus_n and_o dionysius_n of_o corinth_n who_o live_v in_o that_o period_n be_v so_o far_o from_o take_v notice_n of_o any_o such_o decree_n of_o alteration_n that_o they_o testify_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o a_o uninterrupted_a succession_n of_o bishop_n even_o from_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o as_o for_o irenaeus_n who_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o succession_n of_o the_o roman_a bishop_n from_o s._n peter_n down_o to_o the_o time_n when_o he_o himself_o be_v at_o rome_n it_o be_v as_o easy_a for_o he_o to_o know_v who_o they_o be_v that_o succeed_v from_o s._n peter_n as_o it_o be_v for_o we_o to_o know_v who_o succeed_v from_o archbishop_n whitgift_n in_o the_o chair_n of_o canterbury_n he_o be_v no_o far_o distant_a from_o the_o one_o than_o we_o be_v from_o the_o other_o and_o though_o through_o the_o ambiguity_n or_o defect_n of_o the_o record_n of_o some_o church_n this_o succession_n be_v not_o equal_o clear_a in_o all_o yet_o in_o the_o most_o eminent_a church_n such_o as_o jerusalem_n rome_n antioch_n and_o alexandria_n the_o succession_n be_v as_o clear_a as_o any_o thing_n in_o ecclesiastical_a history_n and_o be_v it_o not_o much_o more_o reasonable_a to_o conclude_v what_o be_v the_o government_n of_o those_o church_n that_o be_v not_o know_v from_o what_o we_o find_v be_v the_o government_n of_o those_o that_o be_v than_o to_o question_v those_o ecclesiastical_a record_n that_o be_v preserve_v because_o of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o those_o that_o be_v not_o for_o though_o we_o do_v not_o find_v in_o all_o church_n a_o exact_a catalogue_n of_o all_o their_o bishop_n yet_o we_o can_v produce_v any_o one_o instance_n in_o any_o one_o ancient_a church_n of_o any_o other_o form_n of_o government_n than_o the_o episcopal_a and_o therefore_o we_o may_v as_o well_o question_v whether_o ever_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o ancient_a monarchy_n in_o the_o world_n because_o many_o of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o monarch_n be_v defective_a as_o to_o their_o name_n and_o the_o order_n of_o their_o succession_n as_o whether_o there_o be_v ever_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o primitive_a episcopacy_n in_o the_o church_n because_o the_o record_n of_o several_a church_n be_v defective_a as_o to_o the_o name_n and_o succession_n of_o their_o bishop_n since_o therefore_o this_o story_n of_o s._n jeroms_n universal_a decree_n be_v not_o only_o altogether_o unatte_v but_o also_o direct_o contradictory_n to_o the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o all_o antiquity_n how_o can_v we_o reasonable_o look_v upon_o it_o otherwise_o than_o as_o a_o mere_a figment_n of_o his_o own_o fancy_n especial_o consider_v vi_o and_o last_o how_o odious_o this_o conceit_n of_o he_o reflect_v upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o the_o apostle_n devolve_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n be_v as_o he_o himself_o tell_v we_o the_o occasion_n of_o sundry_a schism_n and_o division_n for_o the_o removal_n of_o which_o the_o church_n afterward_o find_v it_o necessary_a to_o dissolve_v those_o presbytery_n and_o introduce_v episcopacy_n in_o their_o room_n and_o this_o s._n jerom_n approve_v as_o a_o very_a wise_a and_o prudent_a action_n for_o say_v he_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o church_n depend_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o highpriest_n or_o bishop_n to_o who_o if_o there_o be_v not_o give_v by_o all_o supreme_a authority_n there_o will_v be_v as_o many_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n as_o there_o be_v priest_n so_o that_o according_a to_o he_o have_v the_o church_n continue_v under_o that_o government_n which_o the_o apostle_n leave_v in_o it_o it_o must_v unavoidable_o have_v be_v tear_v in_o piece_n with_o endless_a schism_n and_o division_n and_o if_o so_o either_o the_o apostle_n be_v very_o imprudent_a in_o not_o foresee_v this_o or_o very_o neglective_a in_o not_o prevent_v it_o so_o that_o have_v not_o the_o after-age_n take_v care_n to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o their_o conduct_n by_o erect_v a_o wiser-form_n of_o government_n than_o they_o leave_v the_o church_n have_v infallible_o run_v to_o ruin_v this_o be_v the_o unavoidable_a consequence_n of_o s._n jeroms_n hypothesis_n which_o therefore_o i_o can_v look_v upon_o no_o otherwise_o than_o as_o a_o mere_a device_n of_o his_o own_o brain_n snatch_v up_o in_o haste_n to_o defend_v his_o order_n against_o the_o insolence_n of_o those_o factious_a deacon_n that_o fly_v in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o presbytery_n this_o therefore_o be_v remove_v which_o be_v the_o main_a and_o indeed_o the_o only_a considerable_a objection_n against_o the_o
his_o continual_a intercession_n in_o heaven_n royal_a authority_n to_o dispense_v that_o promise_n to_o we_o do_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o authority_n actual_o pardon_v we_o upon_o our_o actual_a repentance_n so_o that_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o we_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o god_n grant_v of_o pardon_n our_o saviour_n who_o know_v the_o inmost_a thought_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o perfect_o discern_v our_o sincerity_n immediate_o pronounce_v our_o sentence_n of_o pardon_n and_o by_o a_o particular_a application_n of_o that_o general_a grant_n to_o we_o absolve_v we_o from_o our_o obligation_n to_o eternal_a punishment_n and_o free_o receive_v we_o into_o grace_n and_o favour_n for_o though_o the_o completion_n and_o publication_n of_o our_o pardon_n be_v reserve_v for_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n when_o we_o shall_v be_v absolve_v from_o all_o punishment_n i._n e._n not_o only_o of_o eternal_a misery_n but_o also_o of_o corporal_a death_n and_o temporal_a suffering_n in_o the_o public_a view_n and_o audience_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o every_o penitent_a believer_n in_o jesus_n be_v actual_o pardon_v by_o he_o in_o heaven_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o he_o believe_v and_o repent_v that_o be_v he_o be_v in_o foro_fw-la christi_fw-la and_o before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o his_o royal_a judgement_n absolve_v from_o the_o obligation_n to_o suffer_v eternal_a misery_n which_o he_o lie_v under_o during_o his_o state_n of_o impenitence_n and_o christ_n in_o his_o own_o mind_n judgement_n and_o estimation_n have_v judicial_o thus_o pronounce_v concern_v he_o by_o virtue_n of_o my_o father_n grant_v to_o all_o penitent_a offender_n and_o of_o that_o royal_a authority_n which_o he_o have_v commit_v to_o i_o i_o free_o release_v thou_o from_o all_o that_o vast_a debt_n of_o everlasting_a punishment_n which_o thou_o have_v too_o just_o incur_v by_o sin_v against_o he_o thus_o as_o the_o father_n forgive_v we_o virtual_o by_o that_o public_a grant_n of_o mercy_n which_o for_o christ_n sake_n he_o have_v make_v to_o all_o penitent_a offender_n so_o the_o son_n forgive_v we_o actual_o by_o that_o royal_a authority_n which_o the_o father_n have_v give_v he_o to_o make_v a_o particular_a application_n of_o that_o his_o general_a grant_n to_o we_o upon_o our_o actual_a repentance_n and_o as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o father_n grant_v that_o the_o son_n pardon_v we_o so_o it_o be_v by_o the_o son_n application_n of_o it_o that_o the_o father_n pardon_v we_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v say_v in_o or_o by_o christ_n to_o have_v redemption_n through_o his_o blood_n even_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n col._n 1.14_o i_o e._n to_o be_v forgive_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o blood_n in_o consideration_n whereof_o god_n the_o father_n have_v give_v he_o power_n to_o forgive_v we_o for_o so_o he_o himself_o tell_v we_o that_o all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v give_v he_o matth._n 28.18_o and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o in_o all_o power_n the_o power_n of_o forgive_a sin_n be_v include_v for_o so_o s._n peter_n tell_v we_o that_o through_o his_o name_n i._n e._n by_o his_o authority_n or_o judicial_a sentence_n whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v receive_v remission_n of_o sin_n act_n 10.43_o and_o thus_o you_o see_v what_o the_o first_o regal_a act_n be_v which_o our_o saviour_n have_v always_o perform_v and_o will_v always_o continue_v to_o perform_v viz._n forgive_a of_o sin_n ii_o another_o of_o his_o regal_a act_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v punish_v obstinate_a offender_n for_o as_o he_o mediate_v for_o his_o father_n in_o rule_v and_o govern_v we_o he_o must_v be_v the_o minister_n of_o his_o father_n providence_n and_o be_v so_o whatsoever_o divine_a punishment_n be_v inflict_v upon_o offender_n be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o stroke_n of_o his_o hand_n and_o the_o ministries_n of_o his_o power_n for_o he_o have_v the_o key_n of_o death_n and_o hell_n i._n e._n the_o power_n of_o punish_v both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o rev._n 1.18_o and_o according_o he_o threaten_v the_o corrupt_a church_n of_o asia_n that_o he_o will_v remove_v their_o candlestick_n and_o that_o he_o will_v fight_v against_o they_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n that_o he_o will_v come_v upon_o they_o as_o a_o thief_n and_o that_o he_o will_v spew_v they_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n rev._n 2.5.3.16_o and_o chap._n 3._o vers._n 16._o all_o which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a proof_n that_o the_o punishment_n of_o offender_n both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o be_v commit_v to_o he_o as_o a_o branch_n of_o that_o royal_a authority_n with_o which_o he_o be_v invest_v by_o the_o father_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o which_o commission_n he_o many_o time_n chasten_v bad_a man_n in_o this_o life_n in_o order_n to_o their_o reformation_n and_o amendment_n for_o as_o many_o as_o i_o love_n say_v he_o i._n e._n wish_v well_o to_o i_o rebuke_v and_o chasten_v heb._n 3.19_o and_o many_o time_n he_o persecute_v they_o with_o exterminate_v judgement_n thereby_o hang_v they_o up_o in_o chain_n as_o it_o be_v as_o public_a example_n of_o his_o vengeance_n to_o warn_v and_o deter_v the_o world_n from_o tread_v in_o their_o impious_a footstep_n for_o so_o he_o threaten_v jezebel_n and_o her_o follower_n i_o give_v her_o space_n to_o repent_v of_o her_o fornication_n and_o she_o repent_v not_o behold_v i_o will_v cast_v she_o into_o a_o bed_n i._n e._n into_o a_o bedrid_a and_o irrevocable_a condition_n and_o they_o that_o commit_v adultery_n with_o she_o into_o great_a tribulation_n and_o i_o will_v kill_v her_o child_n with_o death_n and_o all_o the_o church_n shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o he_o which_o search_v the_o reins_o and_o heart_n and_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o every_o one_o of_o you_o according_a to_o your_o work_n rev._n 2.21_o 22_o 23._o and_o though_o for_o wise_a and_o gracious_a end_n he_o oftentimes_o spare_v bad_a man_n in_o this_o life_n and_o sometime_o shine_v upon_o they_o a_o continue_a day_n of_o prosperity_n without_o any_o cloud_n or_o interruption_n yet_o he_o always_o overtake_v they_o with_o the_o fearful_a storm_n of_o his_o vengeance_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v for_o no_o soon_o do_v their_o soul_n depart_v from_o their_o body_n but_o they_o be_v immediate_o consign_v by_o his_o warrant_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o evil_a angel_n those_o skilful_a spiteful_a and_o powerful_a executioner_n of_o his_o justice_n under_o who_o savage_a tyranny_n they_o endure_v all_o the_o torture_n and_o agony_n that_o the_o wrath_n and_o power_n of_o devil_n together_o with_o their_o own_o awaken_v conscience_n and_o furious_a and_o unsatisfied_a affection_n be_v able_a to_o inflict_v of_o which_o see_v part_n 1_o ch._n 3._o for_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o bad_a man_n be_v transmit_v into_o a_o state_n of_o wretchedness_n and_o misery_n immediate_o upon_o their_o separation_n from_o their_o body_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o parable_n of_o dives_n and_o lazarus_n wherein_o in_o the_o first_o place_n dives_n immediate_o after_o his_o death_n be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o great_a torment_n in_o hell_n and_o this_o while_o his_o body_n lie_v bury_v in_o the_o grave_n luk_n 16.22_o 23._o which_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o in_o all_o that_o interval_n between_o death_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n the_o soul_n of_o bad_a man_n abide_v in_o a_o state_n of_o torment_n for_o second_o this_o torment_n of_o dives_n soul_n in_o hell_n be_v then_o when_o his_o brethren_n be_v live_v upon_o earth_n and_o under_o the_o teach_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n ver_fw-la 27._o and_o 28_o 29_o 30_o 31._o which_o show_v that_o our_o saviour_n suppose_v it_o to_o be_v at_o that_o very_a time_n when_o he_o deliver_v this_o parable_n and_o consequent_o he_o suppose_v all_o bad_a man_n who_o be_v then_o dead_a and_o who_o condition_n he_o represent_v by_o that_o of_o dives_n to_o be_v then_o in_o hell_n and_o there_o suffer_v unspeakable_a agony_n and_o torment_n and_o if_o so_o then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o when_o ever_o impenitent_a soul_n leave_v their_o body_n they_o be_v carry_v by_o devil_n into_o some_o dismal_a abode_n and_o there_o keep_v under_o a_o perpetual_a discipline_n of_o torment_n and_o in_o this_o deplorable_a state_n they_o remain_v expect_v that_o fearful_a day_n of_o account_n when_o their_o condition_n through_o their_o reunion_n to_o their_o body_n and_o that_o dread_a bodily_a torment_n they_o must_v then_o be_v condemn_v to_o will_v be_v render_v yet_o far_o more_o intolerable_a iii_o another_o of_o those_o regal_a act_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v always_o and_o always_o will_v continue_v to_o perform_v be_v his_o protect_a and_o defend_v his_o kingdom_n in_o this_o world._n for_o thus_o he_o promise_v his_o faithful_a church_n of_o philadelphia_n because_o thou_o have_v keep_v the_o
word_n of_o my_o patience_n i_o also_o will_v keep_v thou_o from_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n which_o shall_v come_v upon_o all_o the_o world_n to_o try_v they_o that_o dwell_v upon_o the_o earth_n rev._n 3.10_o by_o which_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o power_n of_o protect_v and_o defend_v his_o subject_n be_v inherent_a in_o christ_n as_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o his_o regal_a authority_n and_o this_o power_n he_o continual_o exercise_v now_o he_o be_v be_v heaven_n for_o it_o be_v for_o this_o end_n among_o other_o that_o he_o promise_v to_o be_v with_o his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n mat._n 28.20_o namely_o to_o guard_n and_o defend_v it_o by_o his_o providence_n against_o the_o outrageous_a attempt_n of_o its_o numerous_a enemy_n for_o it_o be_v for_o this_o end_n that_o the_o father_n have_v put_v all_o thing_n in_o subjection_n under_o he_o and_o that_o he_o have_v leave_v nothing_o that_o be_v not_o put_v under_o he_o heb._n 2.7_o 8._o that_o so_o have_v the_o universal_a government_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o his_o hand_n he_o may_v by_o his_o overrule_a providence_n render_v they_o all_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o church_n for_o so_o eph._n 1.21_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o father_n have_v put_v all_o thing_n under_o his_o foot_n and_o give_v he_o to_o be_v head_n over_o all_o thing_n to_o his_o church_n i._n e._n have_v vest_v he_o with_o a_o universal_a power_n over_o all_o thing_n that_o so_o he_o may_v order_v and_o direct_v they_o all_o to_o the_o interest_n and_o advantage_n of_o his_o church_n and_o according_o now_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n the_o defence_n and_o preservation_n of_o his_o church_n be_v the_o great_a business_n which_o he_o intend_v upon_o earth_n there_o he_o now_o sit_v look_v down_o from_o his_o throne_n with_o a_o watchful_a eye_n to_o observe_v all_o the_o motion_n and_o trace_v out_o all_o the_o dark_a design_n of_o her_o enemy_n and_o from_o thence_o he_o stretch_v forth_o his_o almighty_a hand_n to_o guard_n and_o defend_v she_o against_o they_o to_o repel_v or_o over-rule_v their_o malice_n to_o drive_v back_o their_o venomous_a dart_n upon_o themselves_o or_o to_o temper_v their_o poison_n into_o physic_n and_o extract_v a_o heal_a balm_n out_o of_o the_o sting_n of_o those_o scorpion_n in_o which_o how_o careful_a and_o diligent_a he_o have_v be_v be_v abundant_o manifest_a from_o the_o glorious_a success_n for_o consider_v the_o vast_a opposition_n that_o have_v be_v make_v against_o it_o even_o from_o its_o infancy_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a it_o can_v ever_o have_v subsist_v have_v it_o not_o be_v guard_v by_o a_o invisible_a hand_n no_o soon_o do_v this_o light_n upon_o a_o hill_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n but_o all_o the_o four_o wind_n immediate_o conspire_v to_o blow_v it_o out_o yet_o which_o be_v miraculous_a to_o consider_v still_o the_o hard_a they_o blow_v the_o bright_a it_o flame_v and_o though_o for_o the_o first_o 300_o year_n it_o be_v the_o main_a and_o almost_o constant_a exercise_n of_o the_o power_n and_o policy_n the_o wit_n and_o cruelty_n both_o of_o devil_n and_o man_n to_o suppress_v and_o ruin_v it_o yet_o still_o it_o thrive_v and_o increase_v under_o the_o most_o powerful_a mean_n of_o its_o extirpation_n it_o conquer_v by_o suffering_n gather_a strength_n by_o bleed_v and_o like_o a_o headstrong_a flood_n still_o the_o more_o it_o be_v check_v the_o more_o it_o swell_v and_o over-flowed_n till_o at_o length_n it_o fill_v the_o earth_n as_o the_o water_n cover_v the_o sea._n which_o if_o well_o consider_v be_v a_o amaze_a instance_n of_o the_o vigilant_a and_o powerful_a providence_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o have_v not_o only_o preserve_v this_o burn_a bush_n from_o consume_a but_o make_v it_o spring_n and_o flourish_v in_o the_o flame_n and_o though_o since_o those_o primitive_a persecution_n he_o have_v many_o time_n for_o wise_a and_o gracious_a end_n let_v loose_v the_o wolf_n upon_o his_o flock_n and_o permit_v they_o to_o worry_v and_o sometime_o almost_o to_o devour_v it_o yet_o still_o he_o have_v keep_v a_o strict_a and_o steady_a reign_n upon_o their_o power_n and_o malice_n and_o when_o they_o have_v serve_v his_o end_n have_v check_v and_o stop_v they_o in_o their_o savage_a career_n and_o when_o they_o have_v think_v the_o tremble_a prey_n their_o own_o have_v stretch_v out_o his_o own_o almighty_a arm_n and_o snatch_v it_o from_o their_o devour_a jaw_n so_o that_o while_o they_o be_v club_a all_o their_o power_n and_o policy_n against_o it_o he_o that_o sit_v in_o the_o heaven_n laugh_v they_o to_o scorn_v the_o lord_n have_v they_o in_o derision_n and_o do_v contemn_v their_o impotent_a malice_n which_o he_o can_v manage_v as_o he_o please_v he_o can_v either_o prevent_v the_o mischievous_a effect_n of_o it_o or_o cause_v they_o to_o recoil_v upon_o themselves_o or_o make_v those_o very_a persecution_n with_o which_o they_o design_v to_o destroy_v his_o church_n the_o mean_n of_o its_o enlargement_n and_o propagation_n and_o what_o in_o his_o own_o infallible_a wisdom_n he_o think_v best_o that_o he_o have_v always_o do_v and_o will_v always_o do_v for_o his_o church_n and_o people_n for_o many_o a_o time_n have_v they_o afflict_v i_o from_o my_o youth_n may_v israel_n or_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n now_o say_v many_o a_o time_n have_v they_o afflict_v i_o from_o my_o youth_n yet_o have_v they_o not_o prevail_v against_o i_o the_o plower_n have_v plough_v upon_o my_o back_n they_o have_v make_v long_a furrow_n but_o the_o lord_n be_v righteous_a he_o have_v cut_v asunder_o the_o cord_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o in_o his_o own_o due_a time_n will_v confound_v and_o turn_v back_o those_o that_o hate_n zion_n and_o as_o he_o exercise_v a_o most_o vigilant_a providence_n over_o his_o church_n in_o general_n so_o do_v he_o also_o over_o all_o the_o faithful_a and_o obedient_a subject_n of_o it_o who_o interest_n be_v as_o dear_a and_o precious_a to_o he_o as_o his_o own_o blood_n for_o they_o be_v not_o only_o the_o purchase_n of_o his_o blood_n but_o also_o the_o trophy_n and_o conquest_n of_o his_o spirit_n which_o make_v they_o his_o by_o a_o double_a propriety_n and_o more_o peculiar_o entitle_v they_o to_o his_o care_n and_o protection_n they_o be_v live_v member_n of_o his_o own_o body_n and_o as_o such_o he_o feel_v their_o pain_n by_o a_o most_o tender_a sympathy_n and_o therefore_o his_o providence_n be_v as_o much_o concern_v for_o their_o defence_n as_o his_o eyelid_n be_v to_o defend_v the_o apple_n of_o his_o own_o eye_n zech._n 2.8_o and_o therefore_o though_o he_o exercise_v a_o merciful_a providence_n over_o all_o man_n yet_o these_o he_o enclose_v out_o of_o the_o common_a of_o the_o world_n and_o fence_n about_o with_o a_o peculiar_a care_n these_o be_v his_o jewel_n and_o he_o keep_v they_o in_o his_o treasury_n under_o the_o strong_a and_o most_o inviolable_a security_n he_o be_v always_o watch_v over_o they_o for_o good_a and_o it_o be_v his_o peculiar_a and_o continual_a concern_v to_o protect_v and_o defend_v they_o to_o keep_v off_o temptation_n from_o their_o soul_n and_o calamity_n from_o their_o body_n and_o so_o to_o over-rule_v and_o direct_v the_o course_n of_o thing_n as_o that_o whatever_o befall_v they_o may_v concentre_v in_o their_o happiness_n for_o though_o he_o many_o time_n correct_v they_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o permit_v they_o to_o be_v oppress_v and_o afflict_v by_o other_o yet_o still_o he_o do_v it_o with_o a_o most_o gracious_a intention_n either_o to_o cure_v or_o prevent_v some_o disease_n in_o their_o mind_n or_o to_o excite_v and_o exercise_v their_o grace_n or_o to_o wean_v they_o from_o the_o love_n of_o this_o vain_a world_n and_o discipline_n they_o for_o a_o bless_a eternity_n and_o whatsoever_o evil_n happen_v to_o they_o in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o providence_n still_o he_o take_v care_n to_o extract_v good_a out_o of_o they_o and_o so_o to_o contrive_v and_o order_v the_o whole_a scene_n of_o affair_n as_o that_o in_o the_o issue_n all_o thing_n may_v still_o work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n and_o be_v call_v according_a to_o his_o purpose_n rom._n 8.28_o iu._n and_o last_o another_o of_o those_o regal_a act_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v always_o and_o do_v always_o continue_v to_o perform_v in_o his_o blessing_n and_o reward_v all_o his_o faithful_a subject_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v for_o this_o as_o he_o himself_o declare_v he_o have_v power_n to_o do_v so_o rev._n 2.7_o to_o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o give_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n which_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n i._n e._n i_o will_v admit_v he_o in_o a_o