and_o government_n be_v to_o be_v find_v whole_o in_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n call_v the_o holy_a scripture_n this_o we_o be_v agree_v on_o against_o the_o papist_n who_o will_v supply_v the_o suppose_a defect_n of_o scripture_n by_o their_o unwritten_a tradition_n which_o they_o call_v the_o other_o part_n of_o god_n word_n church_n canon_n and_o law_n of_o man_n may_v determine_v of_o some_o mode_n and_o circumstance_n for_o the_o better_a execution_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n by_o the_o people_n who_o they_o be_v over_o but_o they_o can_v make_v new_a church_n ordinance_n or_o government_n nor_o convey_v a_o power_n which_o god_n the_o fountain_n of_o power_n do_v not_o ordain_v and_o convey_v nor_o can_v they_o give_v what_o they_o themselves_o have_v not_o the_o church-office_n and_o authority_n therefore_o that_o be_v not_o prove_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v to_o be_v take_v as_o the_o fruit_n of_o humane_a arrogancy_n and_o presumption_n yet_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o we_o may_v find_v much_o in_o antiquity_n in_o father_n and_o council_n about_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o help_v we_o to_o understand_v some_o scripture_n and_o so_o to_o discern_v the_o matter_n of_o right_n prop._n 3._o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o contradict_v but_o suppose_v and_o confirm_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n nor_o do_v it_o impose_v upon_o any_o man_n natural_a impossibility_n nor_o constitute_v office_n which_o can_v be_v execute_v or_o which_o will_v destroy_v that_o end_n to_o which_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v constitute_v prop._n 4._o ecclesiastical_a authority_n comprehend_v not_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n nor_o any_o power_n of_o use_v violence_n to_o man_n body_n or_o lay_v mulct_n or_o confiscation_n on_o their_o estate_n the_o ecclesiastical_a power_n which_o christ_n ordain_v be_v exercise_v for_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n without_o any_o touch_n of_o man_n body_n or_o purse_n before_o there_o be_v any_o christian_a prince_n prop._n 5._o magistrate_n be_v not_o eo_fw-la nomine_fw-la oblige_v to_o punish_v man_n because_o they_o be_v excommunicate_v whether_o upon_o every_o just_a excommunication_n they_o shall_v punish_v i_o will_v not_o now_o dispute_v but_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o know_v that_o their_o penalty_n be_v deserve_v before_o they_o inflict_v they_o and_o therefore_o must_v themselves_o take_v cognisance_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o as_o rational_a agent_n understand_v before_o they_o act_n and_o not_o blind_o follow_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o bishop_n as_o if_o they_o be_v but_o as_o executioner_n where_o the_o bishop_n be_v judge_n prop._n 6._o proposition_n the_o power_n of_o the_o high_a church-governors_n be_v but_o a_o authority_n of_o direct_v in_o the_o way_n to_o salvation_n it_o be_v but_o directive_n but_o then_o there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o the_o common_a objection_n that_o then_o it_o be_v no_o great_a than_o any_o other_o man_n may_v perform_v for_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o direct_v occasional_o from_o charity_n and_o another_o thing_n to_o direct_v by_o authority_n in_o a_o stand_a office_n as_o purposely_o appoint_v hereunto_o totum_fw-la the_o power_n of_o church-governor_n be_v but_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n as_o be_v the_o power_n of_o a_o physician_n over_o his_o patient_n or_o of_o a_o schoolmaster_n over_o his_o scholar_n suppose_v he_o have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o the_o rod_n or_o actual_a force_n but_o such_o a_o power_n as_o the_o professor_n of_o philosophy_n or_o other_o science_n have_v in_o their_o several_a school_n upon_o the_o adult_n nor_o all_o so_o great_a neither_o because_o the_o law_n by_o which_o we_o must_v rule_v be_v make_v to_o our_o hand_n as_o to_o the_o substantial_o hence_o therefore_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o as_o we_o can_v bind_v or_o force_v no_o man_n to_o believe_v we_o or_o to_o understand_v the_o truth_n and_o to_o be_v christian_n but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o demonstrate_v evidence_n and_o by_o the_o light_n which_o we_o let_v in_o through_o god_n grace_n into_o their_o conscience_n so_o neither_o can_v we_o cause_v any_o to_o execute_v our_o sentence_n against_o offender_n further_o than_o by_o light_n we_o convince_v they_o that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n so_o that_o if_o all_o the_o bishop_n or_o presbytery_n in_o the_o land_n shall_v judge_v such_o or_o such_o a_o opinion_n to_o be_v heresy_n and_o shall_v excommunicate_v those_o that_o own_o it_o as_o heretic_n in_o this_o case_n if_o the_o church_n do_v believe_v as_o the_o pastor_n believe_v they_o will_v consent_v and_o avoid_v the_o excommunicate_a person_n but_o if_o they_o take_v it_o to_o be_v god_n truth_n which_o the_o pastor_n call_v heresy_n they_o will_v not_o take_v themselves_o bind_v by_o that_o sentence_n to_o avoid_v he_o nor_o will_v the_o offender_n himself_o any_o further_o be_v sensible_a of_o a_o penalty_n in_o the_o sentence_n than_o he_o shall_v be_v convince_v that_o he_o have_v err_v and_o if_o the_o church_n avoid_v he_o he_o will_v justify_v himself_o and_o judge_v that_o they_o do_v it_o wrongful_o and_o will_v glory_v in_o his_o suffering_n so_o that_o it_o be_v on_o the_o conscience_n that_o church-governor_n can_v work_v and_o no_o otherwise_o on_o the_o outward_a man_n but_o mediante_fw-la conscientiâ_fw-la prop._n 7._o the_o ground_n of_o this_o be_v partly_o because_o no_o church_n governor_n can_v bind_v any_o man_n contrary_a to_o god_n word_n clavae_n errante_fw-la &_o ita_fw-la apparente_n if_o the_o people_n know_v that_o he_o err_v they_o be_v not_o to_o obey_v he_o against_o god_n yet_o in_o the_o bare_a inconvenient_a determination_n of_o some_o circumstantial_o by_o which_o the_o duty_n be_v not_o destroy_v but_o less_o convenient_o perform_v the_o people_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v their_o governor_n because_o it_o be_v not_o against_o god_n determination_n and_o because_o he_o err_v but_o in_o a_o undetermined_a point_n of_o which_o god_n appoint_v he_o to_o be_v the_o orderly_a determiner_n but_o if_o god_n have_v once_o determine_v no_o man_n contrary_a determination_n can_v oblige_v nor_o yet_o if_o they_o go_v beyond_o the_o sphere_n of_o their_o own_o work_n and_o determine_v of_o a_o alien_n subject_a which_o god_n do_v never_o commit_v to_o their_o determination_n else_o a_o minister_n or_o bishop_n may_v oblige_v every_o tailor_n how_o to_o cut_v his_o garment_n and_o every_o shoâ—maker_n how_o to_o cut_v his_o shoe_n so_o that_o they_o shall_v sin_v if_o they_o do_v disobey_v which_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o imagine_v and_o if_o they_o go_v about_o to_o introduce_v new_o state_v ordinance_n or_o symbol_n in_o the_o church_n which_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o or_o in_o any_o other_o work_n shall_v assume_v to_o themselves_o a_o power_n which_o god_n never_o give_v they_o it_o do_v no_o more_o oblige_v then_o in_o the_o former_a case_n prop._n 8._o another_o reason_n of_o the_o six_o proposition_n be_v because_o the_o people_n have_v a_o judgement_n of_o discern_v whether_o the_o governor_n do_v go_v according_a to_o god_n word_n or_o not_o else_o they_o shall_v be_v lead_v blindfold_a and_o be_v oblige_v by_o god_n to_o go_v against_o god_n word_n whensoever_o their_o governor_n shall_v go_v against_o it_o it_o be_v not_o bruit_n or_o infant_n but_o rational_a man_n that_o we_o must_v rule_v prop._n 9_o the_o three_o thing_n which_o church_n power_n do_v consist_v in_o be_v in_o conformity_n to_o the_o three_o part_n of_o christ_n own_o office_n 1._o about_o matter_n of_o faith_n 2._o about_o matter_n of_o worship_n 3._o about_o matter_n of_o practice_n in_o other_o case_n 1._o church-governor_n about_o doctrine_n or_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o people_n teacher_n but_o can_v oblige_v they_o to_o err_v or_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n against_o god_n nor_o make_v that_o to_o be_v truth_n or_o error_n that_o be_v not_o so_o beâ—ore_o 2._o in_o matter_n of_o worship_n church-guides_a be_v as_o god_n priest_n and_o be_v to_o go_v before_o the_o people_n and_o stand_v between_o god_n and_o they_o and_o present_v their_o prayer_n and_o praise_n to_o god_n and_o administer_v his_o holy_a mystery_n and_o bless_v they_o in_o his_o name_n 3._o the_o command_a power_n of_o pastor_n be_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o in_o command_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o obey_v the_o law_n which_o he_o have_v make_v they_o already_o and_o this_o be_v the_o principal_a 2._o to_o give_v they_o new_a direction_n of_o our_o own_o which_o as_o be_v say_v 1._o must_v not_o be_v against_o god_n direction_n 2._o nor_o about_o any_o matter_n which_o be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o our_o own_o office_n but_o be_v without_o the_o verge_n of_o it_o 3._o but_o it_o be_v only_o in_o the_o make_n of_o under_o law_n for_o the_o better_a execution_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o those_o
of_o any_o other_o church_n congregation_n or_o elder_n de_fw-fr facto_fw-la this_o be_v plain_o yield_v well_o this_o much_o be_v yield_v and_o we_o have_v come_v so_o far_o to_o a_o agreement_n about_o the_o actual_a church_n constitution_n and_o government_n of_o the_o scripture_n time_n we_o desire_v to_o know_v some_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o we_o in_o these_o time_n may_v not_o take_v up_o with_o thaâ—_n government_n and_o church_n order_n which_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o scripture_n time_n and_o the_o reason_n that_o be_v bring_v against_o it_o be_v this_o because_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n intention_n that_o this_o single_a bishop_n who_o in_o scripture_n time_n have_v but_o one_o congregation_n and_o govern_v no_o presbyter_n shall_v after_o scripture_n time_n have_v many_o settle_a congregation_n and_o their_o presbyter_n under_o they_o and_o shall_v have_v the_o power_n of_o ordain_v they_o etc._n etc._n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o the_o intention_n of_o man_n heart_n be_v secret_a till_o they_o be_v some_o way_n reveal_v no_o man_n of_o this_o age_n do_v know_v the_o apostle_n heart_n but_o by_o some_o sign_n what_o then_o be_v the_o revelation_n that_o prove_v this_o intention_n either_o it_o must_v be_v some_o word_n or_o deed._n for_o the_o first_o i_o can_v yet_o find_v any_o colour_n of_o proof_n which_o they_o bring_v from_o any_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n where_o either_o they_o give_v power_n to_o this_o presbyter_n or_o bishop_n to_o rule_v over_o many_o presbyter_n and_o congregation_n for_o the_o future_a nor_o yet_o where_o they_o do_v so_o much_o as_o foretell_v that_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v as_o for_o those_o of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n that_o theâ—_n rebuke_v not_o a_o elder_a and_o receive_v not_o accusation_n against_o they_o but_o under_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n the_o reverend_a author_n affirm_v that_o those_o eâ—ders_n be_v not_o presbyter_n under_o such_o bishop_n as_o we_o now_o speak_v of_o but_o those_o bishop_n themselves_o who_o timothy_n and_o titus_n may_v rebuke_v and_o for_o mere_a fact_n without_o scripture_n word_n theâ—e_n be_v none_o that_o can_v prove_v this_o pretend_a intention_n of_o the_o apostle_n first_o there_o be_v no_o fact_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o or_o the_o church_n or_o pastor_n in_o scripture_n time_n to_o prove_v it_o for_o subordinate_a presbyter_n be_v confess_v not_o to_o be_v then_o institute_v and_o so_o not_o existent_a and_o other_o fact_n of_o they_o there_o can_v be_v none_o and_o no_o fact_n after_o they_o can_v prove_v it_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o great_a argument_n that_o most_o insist_v on_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n after_o scripture_n time_n do_v prove_v that_o intention_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o scripture_n do_v not_o for_o aught_o be_v yet_o prove_v by_o they_o that_o i_o can_v find_v at_o all_o express_a but_o we_o deny_v that_o and_o require_v pâ—ooâ—_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o bare_a say_n so_o that_o will_v serve_v be_v it_o not_o possible_a for_o the_o succeed_a bishop_n to_o err_v and_o mistake_v the_o apostle_n intention_n if_o not_o then_o be_v they_o infallible_a as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v not_o true_a they_o may_v sin_v in_o go_v from_o the_o institution_n and_o their_o sin_n will_v not_o prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n intend_v it_o shall_v be_v so_o de_fw-mi jure_fw-la because_o their_o follower_n do_v so_o the_o facto_fw-la if_o they_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o all_o the_o church_n shall_v so_o sudden_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o apostle_n intention_n i_o answer_v 1._o we_o must_v not_o build_v our_o faith_n and_o practice_n on_o conjecture_n such_o a_o say_n as_o this_o be_v no_o proof_n of_o apostolical_a intention_n to_o warrant_v we_o to_o swerve_v from_o the_o sole_a practise_a government_n in_o scripture_n time_n 2._o there_o be_v no_o great_a likelihood_n that_o i_o can_v discern_v that_o this_o first_o practise_v government_n be_v alter_v by_o those_o that_o know_v the_o apostle_n and_o upon_o supposition_n that_o these_o which_o be_v pretend_v be_v their_o intent_n 3._o if_o it_o be_v so_o yet_o be_v it_o not_o impossible_a nor_o very_o improbable_a that_o through_o humane_a frailty_n they_o may_v be_v draw_v to_o conjecture_v that_o that_o be_v the_o apostle_n intent_n which_o seem_v right_a in_o their_o eye_n and_o suit_v their_o present_a judgement_n and_o interest_n 4._o sure_o we_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o perfect_a law_n and_o rule_n to_o the_o church_n for_o the_o establish_n of_o all_o necessary_a office_n and_o ordinance_n and_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o intention_n or_o institution_n of_o the_o apostle_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n we_o may_v not_o set_v up_o universal_o such_o office_n and_o ordinance_n on_o any_o such_o suppose_a intent_n de_fw-fr facto_fw-la we_o seem_v agree_v that_o the_o apostle_n settle_v one_o pastor_n over_o one_o congregation_n have_v no_o presbyter_n under_o his_o rule_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o in_o scripture_n time_n but_o short_o after_o when_o christian_n be_v multiply_v and_o the_o most_o of_o the_o city_n where_o the_o church_n be_v plant_v be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n together_o with_o the_o country_n round_o about_o then_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o many_o pastor_n and_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o first_o church_n in_o the_o city_n do_v take_v all_o the_o other_o church_n and_o pastor_n to_o be_v under_o his_o government_n call_v they_o presbyter_n only_o and_o himself_o eminent_o or_o only_o the_o bishop_n now_o the_o question_n between_o we_o be_v whether_o this_o be_v well_o do_v or_o not_o &_o whether_o these_o pastor_n shall_v not_o rather_o have_v gather_v church_n as_o free_a as_o their_o own_o &_o whether_o the_o christians_n that_o be_v afterward_o convert_v shall_v not_o have_v combine_v for_o holy_a communion_n themselves_o in_o particular_a distinct_a church_n and_o have_v have_v their_o own_o pastor_n set_v over_o they_o as_o the_o first_o church_n by_o the_o apostle_n have_v they_o that_o deny_v it_o and_o justify_v their_o fact_n have_v nothing_o that_o we_o can_v see_v for_o it_o but_o a_o ungrounded_a surmise_n that_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n meaning_n that_o the_o first_o bishop_n shall_v so_o do_v but_o we_o have_v the_o apostle_n express_v institution_n and_o the_o church_n practise_v during_o scripture_n time_n for_o the_o other_o way_n we_o doubt_v not_o but_o christian_n in_o the_o beginning_n be_v thin_a and_o that_o the_o apostle_n therefore_o preach_v most_o and_o plant_v church_n in_o city_n because_o they_o be_v the_o most_o populous_a place_n where_o be_v most_o matter_n to_o work_v upon_o and_o most_o disciple_n be_v there_o and_o that_o the_o country_n round_o about_o do_v afford_v they_o here_o and_o there_o a_o family_n which_o join_v to_o the_o city_n church_n much_o like_a as_o it_o be_v now_o among_o we_o with_o the_o anabaptist_n and_o separatist_n who_o be_v fame_v to_o be_v so_o numerous_a and_o potent_a through_o the_o land_n and_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o in_o all_o this_o county_n there_o be_v so_o many_o in_o number_n of_o either_o of_o these_o sect_n as_o the_o ten_o part_n of_o the_o people_n of_o this_o one_o parish_n nor_o perhaps_o as_o the_o twenty_o part_n now_o if_o all_o the_o anabaptist_n in_o worcestershire_n or_o at_o least_o that_o live_v so_o near_o as_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o church_n communion_n shall_v be_v of_o mr._n it_o be_v congregation_n at_o bewdley_n or_o of_o a_o church_n that_o meet_v in_o the_o chief_a city_n worcester_n yet_o do_v not_o this_o intimate_v that_o all_o the_o space_n of_o ground_n in_o this_o county_n be_v appoint_v or_o intend_v for_o the_o future_a as_o mr._n it_o be_v diocese_n but_o if_o the_o successive_a pastor_n shall_v claim_v the_o whole_a county_n as_o his_o charge_n if_o the_o whole_a be_v turn_v to_o that_o opinion_n no_o doubt_n but_o they_o will_v much_o cross_v their_o founder_n mind_n and_o if_o the_o comparison_n may_v be_v tolerate_v we_o see_v great_a reason_n to_o conceive_v that_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n do_v thus_o cross_a the_o apostle_n mind_n when_o there_o be_v no_o more_o christian_n in_o a_o city_n and_o the_o adjoin_a part_n then_o half_a some_o of_o our_o parish_n the_o apostle_n plant_v fix_v governor_n call_v bishop_n or_o elder_n over_o these_o particlar_a church_n which_o have_v constant_a communion_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o when_o the_o city_n and_o country_n be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n the_o frailty_n of_o ambition_n coworking_a thereto_o these_o bishop_n do_v claim_v all_o that_o space_n of_o ground_n for_o their_o diocese_n where_o the_o member_n of_o their_o church_n have_v live_v before_o as_o if_o church_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o
second_o inconvenience_n which_o follow_v it_o which_o i_o think_v utter_o intolerable_a where_o there_o be_v any_o possibility_n of_o a_o remedy_n the_o major_n i_o suppose_v will_v be_v grant_v for_o though_o a_o office_n may_v be_v unexercised_a for_o a_o time_n on_o some_o special_a reason_n yet_o if_o it_o be_v stated_o suspend_v and_o that_o suspension_n establish_v by_o law_n or_o custom_n during_o the_o life_n of_o the_o minister_n this_o be_v plain_o a_o destroy_n or_o null_v of_o the_o office_n itself_o and_o not_o to_o be_v endure_v and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v endure_v appear_v thus_o 1._o because_o the_o office_n of_o the_o presbyter_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v null_v by_o man_n i_o never_o yet_o read_v or_o hear_v of_o any_o more_o but_o one_o divine_a of_o any_o reputation_n who_o deny_v that_o presbyter_n as_o now_o call_v be_v appoint_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o i_o think_v 1â—_n that_o one_o have_v destroy_v his_o cause_n by_o it_o of_o which_o more_o anon_o 2._o because_o the_o church_n can_v with_o any_o safety_n spare_v the_o office_n of_o the_o presbyter_n because_o they_o be_v many_o perhaps_o many_o hundred_o to_o one_o prelate_n and_o if_o so_o many_o of_o christ_n officer_n be_v lay_v by_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o see_v what_o loss_n the_o vineyard_n and_o harvest_n may_v sustain_v the_o minor_a i_o prove_v thus_o that_o episcopacy_n which_o take_v from_o the_o presbyter_n the_o power_n of_o church-government_n and_o allow_v they_o only_o the_o power_n of_o preach_v and_o administer_a sacrament_n and_o those_o other_o part_n of_o the_o work_n which_o they_o distinguish_v from_o government_n do_v thereby_o destroy_v the_o very_a office_n of_o the_o presbyter_n and_o so_o degrade_v or_o suspend_v they_o but_o the_o late_a english_a episcopacy_n take_v from_o the_o presbyter_n the_o power_n of_o church-governing_a etc._n etc._n therefore_o the_o antecedent_n be_v well_o know_v by_o those_o that_o know_v their_o canon_n claim_n and_o constant_a practice_n in_o england_n till_o the_o time_n of_o their_o exclusion_n that_o the_o consequence_n be_v currant_n appear_v thus_o church-government_n be_v as_o real_a and_o as_o essential_a a_o part_n of_o the_o presbyter_n work_v and_o office_n as_o any_o other_o whatsoever_o therefore_o they_o that_o take_v this_o from_o he_o do_v destroy_v his_o office_n the_o antecedent_n be_v prove_v thus_o if_o those_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o mention_n the_o office_n of_o presbyter_n act_n 20._o and_o 14.23_o and_o many_o other_o place_n do_v speak_v of_o presbyter_n as_o now_o understand_v and_o not_o of_o prelate_n then_o rule_v be_v as_o much_o essential_a to_o their_o office_n as_o preach_v this_o be_v prove_v 1._o from_o the_o express_a woâ—ds_n of_o the_o several_a text_n which_o make_v they_o overseer_n of_o the_o flock_n act_v 20.28_o and_o to_o be_v over_o the_o people_n in_o the_o lord_n to_o who_o they_o be_v to_o submit_v 1_o thes._n 5.12_o 13._o and_o ruler_n of_o they_o who_o they_o must_v obey_v as_o well_o as_o preacher_n to_o they_o heb_n 13.7_o 17_o 24._o 1_o tâ—m_fw-la 3_o 4_o 5._o 2._o it_o be_v prove_v from_o common_a consent_n for_o 1._o those_o that_o think_v these_o text_n speak_v of_o presbyter_n as_o now_o understand_v do_v most_o common_o confess_v this_o sense_n of_o the_o text_n uâ—z_n that_o it_o make_v they_o ruler_n only_o some_o of_o they_o add_v that_o themselves_o must_v be_v rule_v by_o the_o bishop_n 2._o he_o that_o deny_v these_o text_n to_o speak_v of_o such_o presbyter_n do_v confess_v that_o those_o of_o who_o it_o do_v speak_v be_v certain_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n and_o then_o i_o assume_v but_o the_o general_a vote_n of_o almost_o all_o expositor_n old_a and_o new_a 320._o episcopal_a and_o other_o from_o the_o apostle_n day_n till_o now_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v know_v by_o their_o write_n do_v take_v these_o text_n at_o least_o many_o of_o they_o to_o speak_v of_o such_o presbyter_n and_o i_o think_v the_o new_a exposition_n of_o one_o man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v against_o the_o exposition_n of_o the_o whole_a stream_n of_o expositor_n in_o all_o age_n without_o better_a reason_n to_o evince_v they_o to_o have_v err_v than_o any_o i_o have_v yet_o see_v produce_v at_o least_o all_o the_o episcopal_a divine_n except_o that_o one_o man_n and_o those_o that_o now_o follow_v his_o new_a exposition_n must_v yield_v to_o what_o i_o say_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o text_n but_o if_o this_o divine_a be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o none_o of_o these_o text_n be_v speak_v of_o presbyter_n yet_o i_o make_v good_a my_o antecedent_n thus_o for_o 1._o if_o presbyter_n be_v of_o humane_a institution_n than_o neither_o preach_a or_o rule_v be_v any_o essential_a part_n of_o their_o office_n by_o divine_a institution_n because_o they_o have_v none_o such_o and_o therefore_o i_o may_v say_v one_o be_v as_o essential_a as_o the_o other_o that_o be_v neither_o be_v so_o but_o yet_o of_o their_o human_o institute_v office_n it_o be_v as_o essential_a a_o part_n still_o for_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v no_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n till_o about_o ignatius_n his_o day_n yet_o its_o certain_a that_o when_o they_o be_v institute_v whether_o by_o god_n or_o man_n they_o be_v as_o true_o make_v ruler_n as_o preacher_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v their_o ignatius_n still_o call_v on_o the_o people_n to_o obey_v the_o presbyter_n as_o well_o as_o the_o bishop_n and_o hierom_n tell_v we_o epist._n ad_fw-la evagr._fw-la how_o long_o the_o presbyter_n govern_v the_o church_n communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la by_o common_a counsel_n or_o consent_n and_o how_o themselves_o at_o alexandria_n choose_v our_o one_o and_o make_v he_o their_o bishop_n and_o cyprian_n tell_v we_o enough_o of_o the_o presbyter_n rule_v in_o council_n or_o consistory_n with_o the_o bishop_n in_o his_o time_n so_o that_o he_o will_v do_v nothing_o without_o the_o presbyter_n much_o more_o proof_n may_v easy_o be_v bring_v of_o this_o but_o that_o i_o find_v it_o now_o acknowledge_v and_o so_o it_o be_v needless_a i_o will_v not_o go_v far_o but_o only_o note_v a_o few_o canon_n especial_o of_o the_o four_o council_n of_o carthage_n can._n 23._o be_v ut_fw-la episcopus_fw-la nullius_fw-la causam_fw-la audiâ—t_fw-la absque_fw-la praesentia_fw-la clericorum_fw-la suorum_fw-la alioquin_fw-la irâ—ita_fw-la erit_fw-la sententia_fw-la episcopi_fw-la nisi_fw-la clericorum_fw-la praesentia_fw-la confirmetur_fw-la can._n 22._o episcopus_fw-la sine_fw-la consilio_fw-la clericorum_fw-la suorum_fw-la clericos_fw-la 〈◊〉_d ordinet_fw-la ita_fw-la ut_fw-la civium_fw-la assensum_fw-la &_o conniventiam_fw-la &_o testimonium_fw-la quaerat_fw-la can._n 29._o episcopus_fw-la si_fw-la clerico_n vel_fw-la laico_fw-la crimen_fw-la imposuerit_fw-la deducatur_fw-la ad_fw-la probationem_fw-la in_o synodum_fw-la can._n 32._o irrita_fw-la erit_fw-la donatio_fw-la episcoporum_fw-la vel_fw-la venditio_fw-la vel_fw-la câ—mmutatiâ—_n râ—i_fw-la ecclesiasticae_fw-la absque_fw-la conniventia_fw-la &_o subscriptione_n clericorum_fw-la can._n 34._o ut_fw-la episcopus_fw-la in_o quelibet_fw-la lâ—co_fw-la sedens_fw-la stare_n presbyterum_fw-la non_fw-la patiatur_fw-la can._n 35._o ut_fw-la episcopus_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la in_o consessu_fw-la prsebyterorum_fw-la sublimior_fw-la sâ—deat_fw-la intra_fw-la domum_fw-la verò_fw-la collegam_fw-la se_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la esse_fw-la cognoscat_fw-la can._n 36._o presbyter_n qui_fw-la per_fw-la dioeceses_fw-la ecclesias_fw-la regunt_fw-la non_fw-la à _fw-la quibuslibet_fw-la etc._n etc._n can._n 37._o diaconusita_fw-la se_fw-la presbyteri_fw-la ut_fw-la episcopi_fw-la ministrum_fw-la esse_fw-la cognoscat_fw-la here_o you_o see_v that_o bishop_n may_v not_o ordain_v hear_v any_o cause_n accuse_v a_o clergy_n man_n or_o layman_n not_o give_v sell_v or_o change_v any_o church_n good_n without_o the_o presbyter_n and_o that_o he_o be_v their_o colleague_n and_o must_v not_o let_v they_o stand_v if_o he_o sit_v and_o that_o they_o rule_v the_o church_n through_o the_o diocese_n and_o that_o the_o deacon_n be_v servant_n as_o well_o to_o they_o as_o to_o the_o bishop_n aurelius_n and_o augustine_n be_v in_o this_o council_n if_o they_o that_o think_v it_o uncertain_a whether_o presbyter_n be_v mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n government_n and_o that_o think_v they_o begin_v about_o ignatius_n his_o time_n do_v mean_a that_o yet_o they_o be_v of_o divine_a apostolical_a institution_n than_o they_o strike_v in_o with_o the_o papist_n in_o make_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v out_o part_n of_o god_n word_n and_o insufficient_a to_o reveal_v all_o divine_a institution_n about_o his_o church-government_n and_o worship_n and_o so_o we_o must_v look_v for_o the_o rest_n in_o uncertain_a tradition_n nay_o i_o know_v not_o of_o any_o papist_n to_o my_o best_a remembrance_n that_o ever_o reckon_v up_o the_o office_n of_o presbyter_n under_o their_o mere_a unwritten_a tradition_n if_o they_o say_v that_o they_o be_v of_o ecclesiastical_a episcopal_a
institution_n not_o by_o inspire_a apostle_n but_o by_o ordinary_a bishop_n than_o 1._o they_o make_v all_o presbyter_n to_o be_v jure_fw-la episcopali_fw-la and_o bishop_n only_o and_o their_o superior_n to_o be_v jure_fw-la divino_fw-la as_o the_o italian_n in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n will_v have_v have_v all_o bishop_n to_o depend_v upon_o the_o pope_n but_o in_o this_o they_o go_v far_o beyond_o they_o for_o the_o italian_a papist_n themselves_o think_v presbytery_n jure_fw-la divino_fw-la 2._o either_o they_o may_v be_v change_v by_o bishop_n who_o set_v they_o up_o or_o not_o if_o they_o may_v be_v take_v down_o again_o by_o man_n than_o the_o church_n may_v be_v ruin_v by_o man_n and_o so_o the_o bishop_n will_v imitate_v the_o pope_n either_o they_o will_v reign_v or_o christ_n shall_v not_o reign_v if_o they_o can_v hinder_v it_o either_o they_o will_v lead_v the_o church_n in_o their_o way_n or_o christ_n shall_v have_v no_o church_n if_o man_n can_v take_v they_o down_o then_o 1._o it_o seem_v man_n do_v not_o institute_n they_o for_o why_o may_v they_o not_o alter_v their_o own_o institution_n 2._o and_o then_o it_o seem_v the_o church_n have_v universal_a stand_n unchangeable_a institution_n office_n and_o bind_a law_n of_o the_o bishop_n make_v and_o if_o so_o be_v not_o the_o bishop_n equal_a to_o the_o apostle_n in_o law_n make_v and_o church_n order_v and_o be_v not_o their_o law_n to_o we_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o word_n insufficient_a and_o every_o bishop_n will_v be_v to_o his_o diocese_n and_o all_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n what_o the_o pope_n will_v be_v to_o the_o whole_a 3._o moreover_o how_o do_v they_o prove_v that_o ever_o the_o apostle_n give_v power_n to_o the_o bishop_n to_o institute_v the_o order_n of_o presbytery_n i_o know_v of_o no_o text_n of_o scripture_n by_o which_o they_o can_v prove_v it_o and_o for_o tradition_n we_o will_v not_o take_v every_o man_n word_n that_o say_v he_o have_v tradition_n for_o his_o conceit_n but_o we_o require_v the_o proof_n the_o papist_n that_o be_v the_o pretend_a keeper_n of_o tradition_n do_v bring_v forth_o none_o as_o mere_o unwritten_a but_o for_o their_o ordines_fw-la inferiores_fw-la and_o many_o of_o they_o for_o bishop_n as_o distinct_a from_o the_o presbyter_n but_o not_o for_o presbyter_n themselves_o and_o scripture_n they_o can_v plead_v none_o for_o if_o they_o mention_v such_o text_n where_o paul_n bid_v titus_n ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n etc._n etc._n they_o deny_v this_o to_o be_v mean_v of_o elder_n as_o now_o but_o of_o prelate_n who_o titus_n as_o the_o primate_n or_o metropolitan_a be_v to_o ordain_v and_o if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o elder_n than_o they_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n and_o of_o divine_a apostolical_a institution_n 4._o if_o they_o be_v institute_v by_o bishop_n after_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v be_v it_o by_o one_o bishop_n or_o by_o many_o if_o by_o one_o then_o how_o come_v that_o one_o to_o have_v authority_n to_o impose_v a_o new_a institution_n on_o the_o universal_a church_n if_o by_o many_o either_o out_o of_o council_n or_o in_o if_o out_o of_o council_n it_o be_v by_o a_o accidental_a fall_n into_o one_o mind_n and_o way_n and_o then_o they_o be_v but_o as_o single_a man_n to_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o still_o we_o ask_v how_o do_v they_o bind_v we_o if_o by_o many_o in_o council_n 1._o then_o let_v they_o tell_v we_o what_o council_n it_o be_v that_o institute_v presbytery_n when_o and_o where_o gather_v and_o where_o we_o may_v find_v their_o canon_n that_o we_o may_v know_v our_o order_n and_o what_o author_n mention_n that_o council_n 2._o and_o what_o authority_n have_v that_o council_n to_o bind_v all_o the_o christian_a world_n to_o all_o age_n if_o they_o say_v it_o bind_v but_o their_o own_o church_n and_o that_o age_n than_o it_o seem_v the_o bishop_n of_o england_n may_v for_o all_o that_o have_v null_v the_o order_n of_o presbyter_n there_o but_o o_o miserable_a england_n and_o miserable_a world_n if_o presbyter_n have_v do_v no_o more_o for_o it_o than_o prelate_n have_v do_v i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o the_o english_a prelacy_n either_o degrade_v the_o presbyter_n or_o else_o suspend_v to_o ally_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o their_o office_n for_o themselves_o call_v they_o rector_n and_o in_o ordain_v they_o say_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghâ—st_n who_o sin_n thou_o do_v remit_v they_o be_v remit_v who_o sin_n thou_o do_v retain_v they_o be_v retain_v and_o therefore_o they_o deliver_v to_o they_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n of_o open_v and_o shut_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n which_o themselves_o make_v to_o be_v the_o open_n and_o shut_v of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o govern_n of_o the_o church_n by_o excommunication_n and_o absolution_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o fit_a man_n to_o ask_v the_o presbyter_n by_o what_o authority_n they_o rule_v the_o church_n by_o bind_v and_o lose_v when_o themselves_o do_v express_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lay_v confer_v the_o power_n on_o they_o and_o we_o do_v no_o more_o than_o what_o they_o bid_v we_o do_v in_o our_o ordination_n yea_o they_o thereby_o make_v it_o the_o very_a work_n of_o our_o office_n for_o the_o same_o mouth_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o bid_v we_o tâ—ke_a authority_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v also_o tell_v we_o that_o who_o sin_n we_o remit_v or_o retain_v they_o be_v remit_v or_o retain_v and_o therefore_o if_o one_o be_v a_o essential_a or_o true_a integral_a part_n at_o least_o of_o our_o office_n the_o other_o be_v so_o too_o from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o against_o the_o english_a prelacy_n but_o only_o this_o that_o they_o thus_o suspend_v or_o degrade_v all_o the_o presbyter_n in_o england_n as_o to_o one_o half_a of_o their_o office_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o prove_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v restore_v under_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o of_o order_n or_o unity_n argum._n 5._o that_o episcopacy_n which_o give_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o management_n of_o the_o key_n of_o excommunication_n and_o absolution_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o few_o lay-man_n while_o they_o take_v they_o from_o the_o presbyter_n be_v nâ—t_v to_o be_v restore_v under_o any_o pretence_n of_o unity_n or_o peace_n etc._n but_o such_o be_v the_o english_a prelacy_n therefore_o etc._n etc._n the_o major_n be_v plain_a because_o it_o be_v not_o layman_n that_o be_v to_o be_v church_n governor_n as_o to_o ecclesiastical_a government_n this_o be_v beyond_o question_n with_o all_o save_o the_o congregational_a and_o they_o will_v not_o have_v two_o or_o three_o lay_v man_n choose_v but_o the_o whole_a congregation_n to_o manage_v this_o business_n the_o minor_a be_v know_v by_o common_a experience_n that_o it_o be_v the_o chancellor_n in_o hâ—s_n court_n with_o his_o assistant_n and_o the_o register_n and_o such_o other_o mere_a layman_n that_o manage_v this_o work_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o do_v it_o as_o the_o bishop_n agent_n and_o substitute_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v he_o that_o do_v it_o by_o they_o i_o answer_v 1._o the_o law_n put_v it_o in_o the_o chancellor_n and_o the_o bishopâ—_n can_v not_o hinder_v it_o 2._o if_o the_o bishop_n may_v delegate_v other_o to_o do_v their_o work_n than_o it_o seem_v preach_v and_o rule_v excommunicate_v and_o absolve_v may_v as_o well_o be_v do_v by_o layman_n as_o clergy_n man_n then_o they_o may_v commission_n they_o also_o to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n and_o so_o the_o ministry_n be_v not_o necessary_a for_o any_o of_o these_o work_n but_o only_a a_o bishop_n to_o depute_v layman_n to_o do_v they_o which_o be_v false_a and_o confusive_a argum._n 6._o that_o episcopacy_n whâ—ch_v necessary_o overwhelm_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o bishop_n with_o the_o most_o heinous_a guilt_n of_o neglect_v the_o many_o thousand_o soul_n who_o charge_v they_o undertake_v be_v not_o to_o be_v restore_v for_o order_n or_o peace_n for_o man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v overwhelm_v with_o such_o heinous_a sin_n on_o such_o pretence_n but_o such_o be_v the_o english_a prelacy_n and_o that_o not_o accidental_o through_o the_o badness_n of_o the_o man_n only_o but_o unavoidable_o through_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o charge_n and_o the_o natural_a impossibility_n of_o their_o undertake_a work_n how_o grievous_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o have_v the_o blood_n of_o so_o many_o thousand_o charge_v on_o â—hem_n may_v soon_o appear_v and_o that_o man_n that_o undertake_v himself_o the_o government_n of_o two_o or_o three_o or_o five_o hundred_o thousand_o soul_n that_o he_o never_o see_v or_o know_v nor_o can_v possible_o so_o govern_v but_o must_v needs_o leave_v it_o undo_v except_o the_o shadow_n
the_o synagogue_n prove_v not_o this_o power_n which_o be_v much_o dispute_v mat._n 10.17_o and_o 23.34_o luke_n 6.22_o and_o 12.11_o and_o 21.12_o act_n 22.19_o and_o 26_o 11._o yet_o at_o least_o exclude_v man_n their_o synagogue_n communion_n may_v john_n 9.22_o 34._o and_o 12.42_o and_o 16.2_o but_o because_o this_o argument_n lead_v we_o into_o many_o controversy_n about_o the_o jewish_a custom_n lest_o it_o obscure_v the_o truth_n by_o occasion_n in_o quarrel_n i_o shall_v pass_v it_o by_o 2._o i_o find_v no_o particular_a political_a church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n consist_v of_o several_a congregation_n ordinary_o meet_v for_o communion_n in_o god_n worship_n unless_o as_o the_o forementioned_a accident_n may_v hinder_v the_o meeting_n of_o one_o congregation_n in_o one_o place_n nor_o have_v half_o so_o many_o member_n as_o some_o of_o our_o parish_n when_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o a_o country_n as_o judea_n galilee_n samaria_n galatia_n the_o word_n churches_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n be_v use_v gal._n 1.2_o act_n 15.41_o and_o 9.31_o 2_o cor._n 8.1_o but_o they_o will_v say_v these_o be_v only_o in_o city_n but_o further_o consider_v there_o be_v express_a mention_n of_o the_o church_n at_o cenchrea_n which_o be_v no_o city_n and_o they_o that_o say_v that_o this_o be_v a_o parish_n subject_n to_o corinth_n give_v we_o but_o their_o word_n for_o it_o without_o any_o proof_n that_o ever_o i_o can_v see_v and_o so_o they_o may_v as_o well_o determine_v the_o whole_a cause_n by_o bare_a affirmation_n and_o prevent_v dispute_n the_o apostle_n intimate_v no_o such_o distinction_n rom._n 16.1_o 1_o cor._n 11.18_o 20_o 22.16_o when_o you_o come_v together_o in_o the_o church_n i_o hear_v that_o there_o be_v division_n among_o you_o when_o you_o come_v together_o therefore_o into_o one_o place_n this_o be_v not_o to_o eat_v the_o lord_n supper_n 16._o we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n nor_o the_o church_n of_o god_n hear_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v say_v to_o come_v together_o into_o one_o place_n and_o for_o they_o that_o say_v this_o be_v per_fw-la part_n and_o so_o that_o one_o place_n be_v many_o to_o the_o whole_a i_o answer_v the_o apostle_n say_v not_o to_o a_o part_n but_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n that_o they_o come_v together_o in_o one_o place_n and_o therefore_o the_o plain_a obvious_a sense_n must_v stand_v till_o it_o be_v disprove_v and_o withal_o he_o call_v the_o christian_a assembly_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n church_n for_o its_o plain_a that_o it_o be_v of_o assembly_n custom_n that_o he_o there_o speak_v so_o 1_o cor._n 14._o there_o be_v plain_o express_v that_o it_o be_v a_o particular_a assembly_n that_o be_v call_v the_o church_n and_o that_o this_o assembly_n have_v it_o in_o many_o prophet_n interpreter_n &_o other_o that_o may_v speak_v verse_n 4._o he_o that_o propehsy_v edifi_v the_o church_n that_o be_v only_o that_o congregation_n that_o hear_v and_o verse_n 5._o except_o he_o interpret_v that_o the_o church_n may_v receive_v edify_v and_o verse_n 12._o seek_v that_o you_o may_v excel_v to_o the_o edify_v of_o the_o church_n verse_n 19_o in_o the_o church_n i_o have_v rather_o speak_v five_o word_n with_o my_o understanding_n that_o i_o may_v teach_v other_o also_o and_o verse_n 23._o if_o therefore_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v come_v together_o into_o one_o place_n and_o all_o speak_v with_o tongue_n one_o will_v think_v this_o be_v as_o plain_a as_o can_v be_v speak_v to_o assure_v we_o that_o the_o whole_a church_n than_o be_v such_o as_o may_v and_o usual_o do_v come_v together_o for_o holy_a communion_n into_o one_o place_n so_o verse_n 28._o if_o there_o be_v no_o interpreter_n let_v he_o keep_v silence_n in_o the_o church_n and_o which_o be_v more_o lest_o you_o think_v that_o this_o be_v some_o one_o small_a church_n that_o paul_n speak_v of_o he_o denominate_v all_o other_o particular_a congregation_n even_o order_v govern_v congregation_n church_n too_o verse_n 33._o for_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o peace_n as_o in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n so_o that_o all_o the_o congregation_n for_o christian_a worship_n be_v call_v all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o it_o seem_v all_o as_o well_o as_o this_o so_o store_v with_o prophet_n and_o gift_a man_n that_o they_o need_v not_o take_v up_o with_o one_o bishop_n only_o for_o want_n of_o matter_n to_o have_v make_v subject_a elder_n of_o and_o verse_n 34._o let_v your_o woman_n keep_v silence_n in_o the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n for_o a_o woman_n to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n so_o that_o so_o many_o assembly_n so_o many_o church_n obj._n but_o it_o seem_v there_o be_v among_o the_o corinthian_n more_o than_o one_o congregation_n by_o the_o plural_a church_n answ._n 1._o many_o particular_a season_n of_o assemble_v may_v be_v call_v many_o assembly_n or_o church_n though_o the_o peoole_n be_v the_o same_o 2._o the_o epistle_n be_v a_o directory_n to_o other_o church_n though_o first_o write_v to_o the_o corinthian_n 3._o those_o that_o say_v it_o be_v to_o corinth_n and_o other_o city-churche_n that_o paul_n write_v need_v no_o further_o answer_v it_o seem_v then_o each_o city_n have_v but_o a_o congregation_n if_o that_o be_v so_o 4_o cenchrea_n be_v a_o church_n near_o to_o corinth_n to_o who_o paul_n may_v well_o know_v his_o epistle_n will_v be_v communicate_v and_o more_o such_o there_o may_v be_v as_o well_o as_o that_o and_o yet_o all_o be_v entire_a free_a church_n so_o in_o col._n 4.16_o and_n when_o this_o epistle_n be_v read_v among_o you_o cause_n that_o it_o be_v read_v also_o in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n and_o that_o you_o likewise_o read_v the_o epistle_n from_o laodicea_n this_o church_n be_v such_o as_o a_o epistle_n may_v be_v read_v in_o which_o doubtless_o be_v a_o assembly_n the_o whole_a matter_n seem_v plain_a in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o famous_a church_n at_o 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brother_n and_o stranger_n can_v bear_v witness_n of_o gaius_n charity_n and_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a that_o be_v one_o assembly_n but_o utter_o improbable_a that_o they_o travail_v from_o congregation_n to_o congregation_n to_o bear_v this_o witness_n and_o vers._n 9_o 10._o it_o be_v such_o a_o church_n as_o john_n write_v a_o epistle_n to_o and_o which_o diotrephes_n cast_v man_n out_o of_o which_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o be_v a_o congregation_n which_o may_v at_o once_o hear_v that_o epistle_n and_o out_o of_o which_o diotrephes_n may_v easily_o reject_v stranger_n and_o reject_v the_o apostle_n letter_n then_o out_o of_o many_o such_o congregation_n gal._n 1.22_o when_o paul_n say_v he_o be_v unknown_a by_o face_n to_o the_o church_n of_o judea_n it_o be_v most_o likely_a that_o they_o be_v church_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o see_v and_o know_v his_o face_n not_o only_o by_o part_n but_o as_o church_n and_o its_o likely_a those_o church_n that_o praise_v luke_n and_o 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undertake_v more_o full_o to_o wipe_v off_o this_o reproach_n for_o the_o learned_a adversary_n be_v tall_a cedar_n in_o knowledge_n in_o comparison_n of_o many_o of_o we_o and_o if_o man_n of_o part_n do_v not_o grapple_v with_o they_o herein_o they_o will_v easy_o carry_v the_o vote_n in_o many_o man_n judgement_n for_o they_o judge_v that_o the_o great_a scholar_n by_o far_o certain_o have_v the_o better_a in_o the_o contest_v sir_n we_o beseech_v you_o that_o you_o will_v improve_v your_o acquaintance_n in_o antiquity_n for_o our_o help_n in_o this_o case_n not_o that_o we_o will_v engage_v you_o in_o wrangle_v with_o particular_a man_n by_o name_n who_o will_v not_o want_v word_n but_o however_o you_o will_v evidence_n it_o that_o our_o ordination_n by_o presbyter_n be_v not_o void_a and_o of_o no_o effect_n i_o have_v this_o reason_n ready_a to_o give_v for_o this_o request_n for_o beside_o what_o i_o have_v former_o hear_v i_o be_v late_o with_o some_o of_o those_o not_o of_o 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so_o be_v the_o custom_n in_o alexandria_n and_o when_o do_v ever_o the_o church_n judge_v they_o to_o be_v no_o bishop_n or_o minister_n and_o also_o of_o tertullia_n president_n probati_fw-la quique_fw-la seniores_fw-la and_o of_o cyprian_n salvo_n inter_fw-la collegas_fw-la pacis_fw-la &_o concordiae_fw-la vinculo_fw-la and_o that_o doubtless_o if_o cyprian_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v the_o church_n be_v then_o rule_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o its_o pastor_n of_o who_o one_o be_v indeed_o the_o precedent_n or_o moderator_n who_o yet_o call_v himself_o compresbyter_n and_o the_o presbyter_n sâ—atres_n not_o filios_fw-la as_o it_o be_v of_o lâ—te_n this_o answer_n i_o have_v have_v from_o some_o of_o they_o that_o the_o church_n in_o those_o time_n be_v much_o under_o the_o cloâ—d_n be_v persecute_v and_o have_v not_o that_o liberty_n to_o settle_v diocesan_n episcopacy_n in_o that_o glory_n which_o the_o apostolical_a institution_n aim_v at_o and_o that_o the_o church_n be_v then_o what_o it_o can_v be_v and_o not_o what_o it_o will_v be_v do_v you_o judge_v of_o its_o weight_n for_o my_o part_n i_o be_o most_o stumble_v at_o the_o read_n of_o ignatius_n who_o dr._n h._n so_o strenuous_o defend_v and_o can_v tell_v how_o to_o evade_v that_o testimony_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o episcopacy_n if_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o true_a ignatius_n but_o methinks_v his_o phrase_n be_v much_o unlike_o either_o that_o of_o clemens_n or_o of_o cyprian_a in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v great_a pity_n that_o dr._n bloudel_n want_v his_o eye_n and_o so_o we_o be_v hinder_v of_o enjoy_v of_o more_o of_o his_o labour_n in_o this_o point_n his_o notion_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o very_a pretty_a on_o and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o we_o have_v full_a evidence_n add_v to_o that_o which_o he_o have_v endeavour_v after_o in_o his_o preface_n to_o his_o apology_n for_o hierom._n or_o if_o your_o judgement_n about_o the_o power_n of_o every_o single_a pastor_n be_v full_o improve_v it_o will_v conduce_v much_o to_o the_o clear_n of_o these_o controversy_n i_o can_v methinks_v be_v glad_a of_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o proposal_n which_o bishop_n usher_n have_v make_v in_o a_o late_a print_a sheet_n but_o these_o angry_a brethren_n who_o now_o oppose_v we_o be_v of_o a_o high_a strain_n but_o i_o run_v out_o too_o far_o and_o forget_v who_o i_o be_o write_v to_o true_o i_o be_o deep_o sensible_a what_o mischief_n those_o seed_n which_o be_v as_o yet_o but_o thin-sown_a as_o i_o may_v say_v may_v grow_v up_o to_o in_o time_n i_o know_v not_o how_o it_o be_v with_o yoâ—_n but_o with_o we_o i_o fear_v 〈◊〉_d for_o one_o at_o least_o will_v be_v easy_o draw_v to_o â—uch_v a_o opinion_n of_o we_o if_o the_o temptation_n be_v but_o somewhat_o strong_a multitude_n observe_v how_o câ—vil_a transaction_n have_v 〈◊〉_d in_o a_o round_a begin_v also_o to_o think_v we_o shall_v also_o arrive_v at_o our_o old_a church-custom_n again_o now_o â—f_o thâ—se_a episcopal_n 〈◊〉_d judgement_n shall_v but_o be_v disperse_v moâ—e_n abroad_o how_o easy_o will_v it_o make_v these_o people_n think_v that_o we_o have_v delude_v they_o all_o this_o whiâ—â—_n and_o so_o will_v not_o regard_v we_o alas_o that_o a_o sad_a thought_n be_v it_o if_o i_o shall_v study_v and_o preach_v and_o pray_v for_o man_n soul_n and_o yet_o be_v reâ—ected_v as_o one_o that_o have_v no_o chaâ—ge_n of_o they_o as_o a_o minister_n lay_v on_o i_o for_o god_n we_o thank_v you_o for_o what_o you_o say_v in_o your_o christian_a concord_n and_o 〈◊〉_d you_o will_v enlarge_v further_o on_o this_o subject_a as_o you_o see_v convenient_a that_o the_o stripling_n in_o the_o ministry_n may_v be_v furnish_v with_o argument_n against_o our_o 〈…〉_z such_o able_a hand_n as_o you_o be_v i_o have_v doâ—e_n only_o i_o shall_v desire_v your_o pardon_n for_o my_o interrupt_n you_o in_o your_o other_o business_n and_o if_o i_o shall_v hereafter_o crave_v your_o assistance_n and_o direction_n iâ—_n some_o case_n i_o pray_v you_o excuse_v i_o if_o uncivil_a and_o vouchsafe_v to_o let_v i_o hear_v from_o you_o for_o i_o be_o about_o to_o settle_v where_o the_o charge_n be_v great_a the_o lord_n continue_v you_o 〈◊〉_d we_o that_o you_o may_v be_v further_o a_o instrument_n of_o good_a i_o rest_v jan._n 8._o 1657._o your_o affectionate_a friend_n and_o weak_a brother_n m._n e._n assert_v those_o who_o nullify_v our_o present_a ministry_n and_o church_n which_o have_v not_o the_o prelatical_a ordination_n and_o teach_v the_o people_n to_o do_v the_o like_a do_v incur_v the_o guilt_n of_o grievous_a sin_n chap._n i._n sect._n 1_o for_o the_o make_n good_a this_o assertion_n 1._o i_o shall_v prove_v that_o they_o groundless_o deny_v our_o ministry_n and_o church_n and_o 2._o i_o shall_v show_v thâ—_n greatness_n of_o their_o sin_n in_o preparation_n to_o the_o first_o i_o must_v 1._o take_v some_o notice_n of_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o the_o ministerial_a function_n and_o 2._o of_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o ordination_n sect._n 2._o we_o be_v agree_v ore_fw-la tenus_fw-la at_o least_o that_o the_o power_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v for_o the_o work_n and_o the_o work_n for_o the_o end_n which_o be_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o application_n or_o conveyance_n of_o the_o benefit_n to_o man_n the_o right_a worship_v of_o god_n and_o right_o govern_v of_o his_o church_n to_o the_o save_n of_o ourselves_o and_o our_o people_n and_o the_o glorify_v and_o please_a god_n sect._n 3_o so_o that_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o officer_n of_o jesus_n christ_n set_v apart_o or_o separate_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o thereby_o to_o convert_v man_n to_o christianity_n and_o by_o baptism_n to_o receive_v disciple_n into_o his_o church_n to_o congregate_v disciple_n and_o to_o be_v the_o teacher_n overseer_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n and_o to_o go_v before_o they_o in_o public_a worship_n and_o administer_v to_o they_o the_o special_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n the_o member_n may_v be_v edify_v preserve_v and_o be_v fruitful_a and_o obedient_a to_o christ_n and_o the_o society_n well_o order_v beautify_a and_o strengthen_v and_o both_o minister_n and_o people_n save_v and_o the_o sanctifier_n redeemer_n and_o the_o father_n glorify_v and_o please_v in_o his_o people_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o sect._n 4._o in_o this_o definition_n of_o a_o minister_n 1._o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o he_o be_v competent_o qualify_v for_o these_o work_n for_o if_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o so_o far_o dispose_v as_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o the_o form_n it_o will_v not_o be_v inform_v thereby_o there_o be_v some_o qualification_n necessary_a
be_v institute_v in_o scripture_n time_n now_o as_o a_o pretend_a presbyter_n administration_n be_v valid_a to_o the_o innocent_a receiver_n of_o the_o sacrament_n so_o a_o pretend_a bishop_n administration_n in_o ordination_n be_v as_o valid_a to_o the_o innocent_a caeteris_fw-la paribus_fw-la sect._n 43._o argument_n 15._o they_o that_o have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n have_v the_o power_n of_o ordination_n but_o parochial_a pastor_n call_v presbyter_n have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n therefore_o they_o have_v the_o power_n of_o ordination_n sect._n 44._o the_o minor_a be_v grant_v common_o by_o papist_n and_o protestant_n as_o to_o some_o of_o the_o key_n but_o it_o be_v by_o many_o deny_v as_o to_o other_o they_o say_v that_o every_o pastor_n have_v the_o key_n of_o doctrine_n and_o of_o order_n but_o not_o the_o key_n of_o jurisdiction_n but_o 1._o christ_n give_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n together_o and_o never_o divide_v they_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v divide_v he_o do_v not_o give_v one_o key_n to_o one_o and_o another_o to_o another_o but_o all_o to_o the_o same_o man_n and_o what_o god_n have_v join_v together_o let_v no_o man_n put_v asunder_o 2._o the_o apostle_n in_o deliver_v these_o key_n to_o other_o be_v never_o find_v to_o have_v separate_v they_o for_o subject_a presbyter_n be_v not_o institute_v in_o scripture-time_n therefore_o all_o that_o be_v then_o ordain_v presbyter_n have_v all_o the_o key_n together_o and_o so_o that_o of_o jurisdiction_n as_o it_o be_v call_v with_o the_o rest_n 3._o that_o presbyter_n have_v the_o key_n of_o order_n government_n will_v prove_v that_o they_o may_v ordain_v as_o be_v aforesaid_a 4._o but_o that_o english_a presbyter_n have_v the_o key_n of_o jurisdiction_n be_v prove_v 1._o in_o that_o they_o be_v with_o the_o bishop_n to_o ordain_v by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n 2._o in_o that_o they_o be_v by_o the_o book_n of_o ordination_n charge_v to_o administer_v discipline_n though_o this_o be_v disuse_v and_o the_o prelate_n frustrate_v their_o power_n sect._n 45._o i_o shall_v recite_v the_o word_n of_o reverend_a usher_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o reduction_n of_o episcopacy_n etc._n etc._n by_o order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n all_o presbyter_n be_v charge_v in_o the_o book_n of_o ordination_n to_o administer_v the_o doctrine_n of_o sacrament_n and_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o lord_n have_v command_v and_o as_o this_o realm_n have_v receive_v the_o same_o and_o that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v what_o the_o lord_n have_v command_v therein_o the_o exhortation_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v appoint_v to_o to_o be_v read_v unto_o they_o at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o ordination_n take_v heed_n unto_o yourselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n among_o who_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n to_o rule_v the_o congregation_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o blood_n of_o the_o many_o elder_n who_o thus_o in_o common_a rule_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n there_o be_v one_o precedent_n who_o our_o saviour_n in_o his_o epistle_n unto_o this_o church_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n style_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o ignatius_n in_o another_o epistle_n write_v about_o twelve_o year_n after_o unto_o the_o same_o church_n call_v the_o bishop_n thereof_o betwixt_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o presbytery_n of_o that_o church_n what_o a_o harmonious_a consent_n there_o be_v in_o thâ—_n order_v of_o the_o church_n government_n the_o same_o ignaâ—iâ—â—_n do_v full_o there_o declare_v by_o the_o presbytery_n with_o st_n paul_n understand_v the_o community_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n who_o then_o have_v a_o hand_n not_o only_o in_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o sacrament_n but_o also_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n for_o further_a proof_n of_o which_o we_o have_v that_o know_a testimony_n of_o tertullian_n in_o his_o general_n apology_n for_o christian_n â—n_o the_o church_n be_v use_v exhortation_n chastisement_n and_o divine_a censure_n for_o judgement_n be_v give_v with_o great_a advice_n as_o among_o those_o who_o be_v certain_a they_o be_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v the_o chief_a foreshow_v of_o the_o judgement_n which_o be_v to_o come_v if_o any_o man_n have_v so_o offend_v that_o he_o be_v banish_v from_o the_o community_n of_o prayer_n and_o of_o the_o assembly_n and_o of_o all_o holy_a fellowship_n the_o precedent_n that_o bear_v rule_v therein_o be_v certain_a approve_a elder_n who_o have_v obtain_v this_o honour_n not_o by_o reward_n but_o by_o good_a report_n who_o be_v no_o other_o as_o he_o himself_o intimate_v elsewhere_o but_o those_o from_o who_o hand_n they_o use_v to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o eucharist_n for_o with_o the_o bishop_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a precedent_n and_o therefore_o style_v by_o the_o same_o tertullian_n in_o another_o place_n summus_fw-la sacerdos_n for_o distinction_n sake_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o dispenser_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n join_v in_o the_o common_a government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o where_o in_o matter_n of_o ecclesiastical_a judicature_n cornelius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n use_v the_o received_a form_n of_o gather_v together_o the_o presbytery_n of_o what_o person_n that_o do_v consist_v cyprian_a sufficient_o declare_v when_o he_o wish_v he_o to_o read_v his_o letter_n to_o the_o flourish_a clergy_n which_o there_o do_v preside_v or_o rule_n with_o he_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o clergy_n be_v think_v so_o requisite_a in_o matter_n of_o episcopal_a audience_n that_o in_o the_o four_o council_n of_o carthage_n it_o be_v conclude_v that_o the_o bishop_n may_v hear_v no_o man_n cause_n without_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o that_o otherwise_o the_o bishop_n sentence_n shall_v be_v void_a unless_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o clergy_n which_o we_o find_v also_o to_o be_v insert_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o egbert_n who_o be_v archbishop_n of_o york_n in_o the_o saxon_a time_n and_o afterward_o into_o the_o body_n of_o the_o canon-law_n itself_o true_a it_o be_v that_o in_o our_o church_n this_o kind_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n have_v be_v long_o disuse_v yet_o see_v it_o still_o profess_v that_o every_o pastor_n have_v a_o right_a to_o rule_v the_o church_n from_o whence_o the_o name_n of_o rector_n also_o be_v give_v at_o first_o unto_o he_o and_o to_o administer_v the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o to_o dispense_v the_o doctrine_n and_o sacrament_n and_o the_o restraint_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o right_n proceed_v only_o from_o the_o custom_n now_o receive_v in_o this_o realm_n no_o man_n can_v doubt_v but_o by_o another_o law_n of_o the_o land_n this_o hindrance_n may_v be_v well_o remove_a sect._n 46._o and_o indeed_o the_o stream_n of_o antiquity_n and_o the_o author_n that_o be_v principal_o rest_v on_o for_o episcopacy_n be_v full_a against_o they_o that_o deny_v the_o government_n of_o the_o people_n to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o it_o be_v the_o principal_a mischief_n of_o the_o english_a prelacy_n thus_o to_o degrade_v or_o quoad_fw-la exercitium_fw-la to_o suspend_v at_o least_o all_o the_o presbyter_n from_o their_o office_n not_o as_o it_o be_v a_o deny_v they_o any_o part_n of_o their_o honour_n that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v much_o regard_v but_o as_o it_o be_v a_o discharge_v they_o of_o their_o work_n and_o burden_n and_o consequent_o leave_v the_o church_n ungoverned_a and_o for_o the_o government_n of_o presbyter_n themselves_o in_o cyprian_n day_n the_o bishop_n do_v not_o can_v not_o ordain_v or_o censure_v any_o presbyter_n without_o his_o clergy_n and_o council_n have_v decree_v that_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v yea_o and_o the_o plebs_fw-la universa_fw-la also_o be_v consult_v with_o by_o cyprian_a sect._n 47._o and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o major_a of_o my_o arrgument_n which_o i_o prove_v thus_o either_o ordination_n be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n or_o of_o some_o other_o power_n but_o of_o no_o other_o power_n therefore_o of_o the_o key_n if_o it_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o any_o other_o power_n it_o be_v either_o of_o a_o secular_a power_n or_o a_o ecclesiastic_a but_o neither_o of_o these_o therefore_o of_o no_o other_o not_o of_o another_o ecclesiastic_a power_n for_o there_o be_v no_o ecclesiastical_a power_n at_o lest_o which_o ordination_n can_v be_v pretend_v to_o belong_v to_o but_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n not_o of_o a_o secular_a power_n for_o that_o belong_v not_o to_o minister_n nor_o be_v it_o here_o pretend_a sect._n 48._o and_o i_o think_v it_o