the_o apostle_n and_o their_o coadjutor_n be_v lead_v to_o this_o way_n by_o the_o natural_a convenience_n of_o it_o but_o if_o any_o where_o a_o great_a inconvenience_n come_v or_o a_o great_a benefit_n be_v lose_v by_o such_o a_o partition_n of_o church_n than_o the_o convenience_n of_o it_o can_v countervail_v there_o the_o partition_n must_v be_v make_v as_o it_o may_v be_v that_o be_v as_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n will_v admit_v it_o be_v suppose_v by_o some_o learned_a man_n that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n there_o be_v several_a church_n at_o rome_n under_o their_o several_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n as_o one_o of_o the_o circumcision_n another_o of_o the_o uncircumcision_n within_o the_o same_o local_a precinct_n and_o if_o there_o be_v not_o so_o the_o facto_fw-la i_o think_v few_o will_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o state_n of_o christian_n then_o and_o there_o may_v have_v be_v such_o as_o to_o have_v make_v such_o a_o partition_n of_o church_n among_o they_o lawful_a and_o expedient_a §_o 18._o of_o the_o power_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n the_o power_n of_o a_o church_n be_v but_o the_o power_n of_o the_o roll_a part_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o the_o power_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v according_a to_o the_o power_n of_o their_o particular_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n the_o nature_n whereof_o shall_v be_v open_v when_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o pastoral_a office_n it_o appear_v by_o what_o have_v be_v already_o show_v of_o the_o frame_n of_o particular_a church_n mention_v in_o scripture_n that_o they_o all_o have_v the_o government_n within_o themselves_o every_o state_v church_n have_v its_o proper_a pastor_n or_o pastor_n have_v authority_n of_o teach_v and_o rule_v it_o in_o christ_n name_n if_o a_o distinction_n of_o church_n into_o such_o as_o have_v pastoral_a government_n within_o they_o and_o such_o as_o have_v it_o not_o be_v assert_v it_o must_v be_v prove_v by_o the_o assertor_n from_o divine_a testimony_n and_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o every_o organical_a church_n have_v in_o it_o its_o authoritative_a teacher_n or_o guide_n under_o christ_n and_o in_o his_o name_n it_o must_v be_v grant_v as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v see_v that_o it_o have_v in_o it_o its_o ruler_n also_o for_o rule_v be_v but_o by_o teach_v and_o guide_v the_o small_a church_n have_v the_o same_o power_n in_o its_o narrow_a sphere_n that_o the_o great_a church_n or_o any_o association_n of_o church_n have_v in_o their_o large_a sphere_n that_o be_v it_o have_v the_o same_o power_n intensive_o though_o not_o extensive_o indeed_o the_o authoritative_a act_n of_o large_a church_n and_o association_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o amplitude_n may_v be_v just_o esteem_v in_o degree_n more_o solemn_a august_n and_o venerable_n §_o 19_o the_o subordination_n of_o church_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n consider_v touch_v this_o point_n of_o the_o subordination_n of_o church_n there_o be_v three_o part_n of_o the_o enquiry_n 1._o whether_o there_o be_v a_o subordination_n of_o one_o or_o more_o particular_a church_n to_o another_o particular_a church_n who_o constitution_n and_o frame_n be_v the_o same_o in_o specie_fw-la with_o they_o 2._o whether_o there_o be_v a_o subordination_n of_o particular_a church_n to_o some_o other_o church_n specifical_o different_a from_o they_o in_o the_o frame_n thereof_o and_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o great_a sublimity_n and_o amplitude_n 3._o whether_o there_o be_v a_o subordination_n of_o particular_a church_n take_v distributive_o to_o a_o association_n or_o collective_a body_n of_o the_o same_o church_n or_o a_o assembly_n thereof_o and_o of_o that_o collective_a body_n to_o a_o large_a association_n of_o more_o such_o collective_a body_n conjunct_a with_o it_o or_o to_o a_o assembly_n thereof_o and_o so_o forward_o till_o we_o come_v to_o the_o large_a that_o can_v be_v reach_v unto_o 1._o whether_o there_o be_v a_o subordination_n of_o one_o or_o more_o particular_a church_n to_o another_o particular_a church_n who_o constitution_n and_o frame_n be_v the_o same_o in_o specie_fw-la with_o they_o and_o who_o officer_n be_v of_o the_o same_o holy_a order_n such_o as_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n be_v in_o relation_n one_o to_o another_o and_o as_o congregational_a church_n be_v to_o each_o other_o and_z as_o diocesan_n church_n be_v to_o each_o other_o if_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la there_o be_v such_o church_n now_o as_o touch_v subordination_n in_o this_o kind_n what_o have_v be_v or_o may_v be_v by_o humane_a right_n upon_o prudential_a consideration_n either_o stated_o or_o pro_fw-la tempore_fw-la be_v not_o here_o examine_v but_o what_o be_v by_o divine_a right_n infer_v a_o obligation_n upon_o one_o church_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o another_o of_o the_o same_o specific_a frame_n with_o itself_o sometime_o a_o church_n have_v be_v call_v a_o mother-church_n in_o relation_n to_o other_o church_n either_o because_o they_o have_v issue_v from_o it_o as_o swarm_n from_o a_o hive_n or_o because_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o christian_a faith_n from_o it_o or_o because_o they_o have_v be_v erect_v by_o some_o send_v forth_o from_o it_o etc._n etc._n now_o that_o these_o latter_a church_n do_v owe_v a_o reverential_a regard_n and_o observance_n to_o the_o first_o which_o be_v call_v the_o mother-church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v and_o such_o regard_n or_o observance_n every_o small_a or_o obscure_a church_n owe_v to_o those_o that_o be_v more_o ample_a illustrious_a or_o renown_a but_o that_o the_o say_a mother_n church_n can_v by_o divine_a right_n or_o warrant_v claim_v a_o govern_v power_n over_o those_o church_n that_o have_v issue_v from_o it_o or_o that_o the_o more_o ample_a and_o illustrious_a church_n can_v claim_v the_o like_a over_o the_o small_a and_o obscure_a i_o do_v not_o find_v any_o proof_n but_o i_o judge_v the_o contrary_a because_o notwithstanding_o the_o aforesaid_a diversity_n or_o disparity_n of_o condition_n they_o all_o rest_n upon_o the_o same_o basiâ—_n christ_n charter_n by_o which_o they_o be_v constitute_v which_o be_v the_o same_o to_o all_o and_o alike_o immediate_o give_v to_o all_o so_o that_o in_o this_o respect_n they_o all_o stand_v upon_o the_o same_o level_n and_o be_v equal_a now_o one_o equal_a have_v not_o govern_v power_n over_o another_o in_o that_o wherein_o they_o be_v both_o equal_a §_o 20._o the_o subordination_n of_o church_n of_o different_a kind_n consider_v as_o touch_v the_o subordination_n of_o church_n to_o some_o other_o church_n specifical_o different_a from_o they_o as_o of_o parochial_a or_o congregational_a church_n to_o a_o diocesan_n provincial_a national_a church_n be_v it_o first_o observe_v that_o the_o diocesan_n church_n be_v not_o mere_o the_o incorporate_a society_n of_o a_o cathedral_n nor_o any_o one_o parcular_a church_n beside_o the_o parochial_a church_n nor_o be_v it_o material_o divers_a from_o they_o joint_o take_v nor_o the_o provincial_a church_n from_o the_o diocesan_n church_n nor_o the_o national_a church_n from_o the_o provincial_a church_n joint_o take_v but_o in_o their_o several_a rank_n they_o differ_v formal_o as_o be_v each_o of_o they_o one_o body_n politic_a constitute_v by_o the_o political_a compage_n of_o the_o church_n include_v in_o each_o of_o they_o and_o let_v what_o be_v before_o observe_v be_v here_o reminded_a that_o each_o congregational_a or_o parochial_a church_n have_v its_o proper_a presbyter_n or_o elder_n invest_v with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v a_o political_a church_n or_o such_o as_o have_v its_o government_n within_o itself_o and_o thereupon_o the_o divine_a warrant_n of_o such_o a_o diocesan_n church_n as_o be_v the_o low_a that_o have_v government_n within_o itself_o and_o consequent_o that_o swallow_v hundred_o of_o political_a church_n that_o be_v of_o christ_n institution_n be_v call_v in_o question_n and_o still_o i_o desire_v the_o asserter_n of_o it_o to_o give_v some_o proof_n of_o its_o divine_a right_n indeed_o the_o postscript_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o titus_n mention_n he_o as_o ordain_v the_o first_o bishop_n of_o the_o cretan_n of_o what_o authority_n that_o postscript_n be_v i_o know_v not_o but_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o where_o there_o be_v christian_n there_o be_v to_o be_v church_n in_o every_o city_n of_o crete_n and_o there_o be_v reckon_v a_o hundred_o city_n in_o that_o no_o very_o large_a island_n and_o those_o church_n be_v political_a society_n within_o themselves_o have_n their_o proper_a elder_n or_o bishop_n and_o upon_o supposition_n that_o the_o whole_a island_n make_v but_o one_o large_a church_n constitute_v by_o the_o political_a union_n of_o the_o say_v particular_a church_n in_o every_o city_n under_o titus_n it_o must_v be_v such_o as_o be_v now_o call_v a_o provincial_a church_n under_o one_o archbishop_n now_o if_o the_o diocesan_n church_n be_v not_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o
experience_n consider_v we_o whether_o a_o man_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v a_o certainty_n therein_o and_o of_o what_o sort_n it_o be_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n doubtless_o it_o be_v not_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o expel_v all_o fear_n of_o carefulness_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v doubtless_o such_o a_o certainty_n at_o least_o as_o expel_v anxiety_n and_o be_v sufficient_a to_o settle_v the_o peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o i_o think_v in_o this_o both_o papist_n and_o protestant_n do_v agree_v there_o be_v a_o certainty_n that_o expel_v all_o apprehension_n that_o the_o contrary_n may_v be_v true_a whereof_o this_o be_v a_o instance_n that_o there_o be_v such_o person_n as_o alexander_n the_o great_a and_o julius_n cesar_n and_o this_o have_v gain_v the_o name_n of_o moral_a certainty_n though_o i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v call_v natural_a as_o ground_v on_o natural_o certain_a evidence_n and_o that_o a_o man_n may_v have_v such_o a_o certainty_n of_o his_o unfeigned_a faith_n be_v hold_v by_o protestant_n in_o general_a and_o some_o papist_n nevertheless_o the_o papist_n in_o general_n grant_v not_o this_o kind_n but_o only_o a_o low_a kind_n of_o certainty_n hereof_o which_o they_o call_v conjectural_a yet_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v certainty_n true_o so_o call_v that_o it_o expel_v fluctuation_n and_o suspense_n and_o bring_v peace_n and_o joy_n and_o security_n and_o withal_o they_o say_v that_o the_o just_o believe_v indeed_o that_o they_o be_v not_o herein_o deceive_v but_o not_o that_o they_o can_v be_v deceive_v but_o how_o this_o low_a kind_n can_v be_v certainty_n proper_o so_o call_v i_o see_v not_o for_o a_o apprehension_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v otherwise_o than_o i_o think_v exclude_v all_o certainty_n proper_o or_o strict_o so_o call_v the_o above_o say_v moral_a certainty_n of_o justification_n or_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n be_v not_o attain_v by_o all_o justify_v person_n and_o where_o it_o be_v attain_v it_o be_v not_o ordinary_o continue_v without_o interruption_n nor_o ordinary_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n because_o justify_v person_n even_o the_o best_a of_o they_o do_v not_o continue_v without_o interruption_n in_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n on_o the_o internal_a sense_n whereof_o this_o certainty_n depend_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o ancient_a episcopacy_n §_o 1_o what_o be_v ancient_o a_o bishop_n church_n the_o name_n church_n be_v the_o first_o and_o only_a scripture-name_n proper_o belong_v to_o a_o bishop_n charge_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n bishop_n or_o pastor_n have_v their_o church_n in_o city_n or_o town_n and_o common_o the_o convert_v of_o the_o adjacent_a village_n be_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o paucity_n take_v in_o as_o part_n of_o the_o city_n congregation_n and_o all_o make_v but_o one_o particular_a church_n the_o member_n whereof_o have_v local_a communion_n with_o each_o other_o according_o the_o name_n of_o city_n apply_v to_o a_o bishop_n charge_n can_v be_v but_o extrinsical_a it_o be_v not_o the_o name_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o but_o only_o of_o the_o place_n where_o it_o be_v congregate_v the_o name_n of_o parish_n come_v next_o in_o use_n for_o the_o say_a charge_n and_o this_o name_n be_v still_o in_o use_n for_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n which_o have_v its_o proper_a and_o immediate_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n the_o word_n diocese_n as_o relate_v to_o a_o bishop_n be_v unknown_a for_o several_a age_n of_o christianity_n but_o afterward_o it_o be_v borrow_v from_o civil_a use_n and_o apply_v to_o the_o church_n a_o diocese_n be_v one_o of_o the_o large_a division_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o comprehend_v several_a province_n according_o when_o it_o be_v first_o apply_v to_o the_o church_n it_o be_v use_v for_o the_o same_o circuit_n and_o as_o a_o province_n be_v the_o charge_n of_o a_o metropolitan_a who_o have_v many_o bishop_n under_o he_o so_o a_o diocese_n be_v the_o charge_n of_o a_o patriarch_n who_o have_v many_o metropolitan_o under_o he_o and_o according_a to_o this_o sense_n there_o be_v a_o canon_n make_v to_o forbid_v the_o run_n for_o ordination_n without_o the_o diocese_n that_o be_v without_o or_o beyond_o the_o foresay_a patriarchal_a circuit_n but_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o charge_n of_o such_o a_o bishop_n as_o have_v no_o bishop_n but_o only_a presbyter_n under_o he_o come_v up_o in_o latter_a time_n from_o the_o first_o and_o only_a scripture-name_n proper_o belong_v to_o a_o bishop_n charge_n it_o be_v infer_v that_o a_o bishop_n and_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v correlate_n a_o particular_a church_n as_o such_o have_v its_o own_o proper_a bishop_n and_o a_o bishop_n as_o such_o have_v his_o particular_a church_n as_o his_o proper_a and_o immediate_a charge_n the_o bishop_n church_n be_v ancient_o but_o one_o society_n ecclesiastical_a which_o may_v and_o do_v personal_o meet_v together_o at_o once_o or_o by_o turn_n for_o worship_n and_o discipline_n under_o the_o same_o immediate_a pastor_n which_o appear_v by_o the_o proof_n here_o follow_v 1._o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o even_o man_n servant_n and_o maidservant_n as_o well_o as_o other_o may_v and_o shall_v be_v know_v by_o name_n to_o the_o bishop_n ignat._n ep._n to_o policarp_n id._n ad_fw-la trall_n in_o the_o panegyric_n of_o paulinus_n bishop_n of_o tyre_n euseb_n lib._n 10._o cap._n 4._o it_o be_v say_v it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o a_o bishop_n to_o be_v intimate_o acquaint_v with_o the_o mind_n and_o state_n of_o every_o one_o of_o the_o flock_n when_o by_o experience_n and_o time_n he_o have_v make_v inquiry_n into_o every_o one_o of_o they_o 2._o one_o church_n have_v but_o one_o altar_n and_o consequent_o but_o one_o state_v assembly_n for_o full_a communion_n ignat._n ep._n ad_fw-la philadelph_n to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n my_o fellow_n servant_n if_o one_o bishop_n must_v here_o be_v take_v numerical_o so_o must_v one_o altar_n the_o apostle_n canon_n c._n 5.32_o make_v it_o appear_v there_o be_v but_o one_o altar_n and_o one_o bishop_n with_o the_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n in_o a_o church_n also_o council_n antiochen_n c._n 5._o hereupon_o mr._n mede_n say_v that_o before_o diocese_n be_v divide_v into_o parish_n they_o have_v not_o only_o one_o altar_n in_o one_o church_n or_o dominicum_fw-la but_o one_o altar_n to_o a_o church_n take_v church_n for_o the_o company_n or_o corporation_n of_o the_o faithful_a unite_v under_o one_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o city_n or_o place_n where_o the_o bishop_n have_v his_o sea_n or_o residence_n add_v hereunto_o that_o to_o set_v up_o another_o altar_n be_v account_v a_o note_n of_o schism_n 3._o each_o single_a church_n have_v its_o proper_a and_o immediate_a bishop_n ignat_fw-la ad_fw-la philad_n as_o before_o to_o every_o church_n one_o altar_n one_o bishop_n he_o show_v also_o that_o without_o a_o bishop_n the_o state_n of_o a_o church_n exist_v not_o ep._n ad_fw-la smyrn_n wheresoever_o the_o bishop_n appear_v there_o be_v the_o church_n as_o wheresoever_o jesus_n christ_n appear_v there_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n a_o particular_a church_n be_v then_o no_o large_a than_o that_o where_o the_o bishop_n appear_v id._n ad_fw-la trall_n the_o bishop_n be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o high_a father_n and_o the_o presbyter_n be_v as_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o god_n and_o the_o bond_n of_o apostolical_a concord_n ib._n be_v subject_n to_o the_o bishop_n likewise_o to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o deacons_n this_o show_v that_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v together_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n and_o joint_o take_v the_o immediate_a charge_n of_o the_o flock_n 4._o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n testify_v that_o the_o apostle_n place_v only_a bishop_n without_o presbyter_n in_o some_o church_n epiphan_n heres_fw-la 65._o 5._o concern_v the_o largeness_n of_o a_o bishop_n church_n let_v that_o instance_n of_o gregory_n thaumaturgus_n be_v consider_v he_o be_v make_v bishop_n of_o neocaesarea_n when_o he_o have_v but_o seventeen_o christian_n afterward_o when_o many_o be_v convert_v at_o comana_n a_o small_a town_n that_o be_v near_o he_o do_v not_o make_v it_o a_o part_n of_o his_o own_o diocese_n but_o ordain_v alexander_n the_o collier_n a_o right_a worthy_a person_n to_o be_v their_o bishop_n and_o they_o be_v of_o no_o great_a number_n than_o what_o meet_v to_o choose_v he_o and_o hear_v he_o preach_v 6._o the_o ordinary_a work_n of_o a_o bishop_n show_v that_o it_o be_v but_o one_o single_a church_n that_o he_o have_v charge_n of_o justin_n martyr_n set_v forth_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o church_n assembly_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o precedent_n himself_o preach_v give_v thanks_o administer_v the_o eucharist_n and_o exercise_v discipline_n tertullian_n
de_fw-fr corona_fw-la militis_fw-la c._n 3._o say_v we_o take_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o eucharist_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o no_o other_o than_o of_o the_o precedent_n it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o in_o those_o time_n they_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n at_o least_o every_o lord_n day_n and_o it_o be_v confess_v by_o episcopal_a divine_n that_o this_o precedent_n be_v the_o bishop_n but_o if_o any_o say_v that_o he_o be_v a_o mere_a presbyter_n they_o must_v grant_v that_o a_o presbyter_n have_v the_o name_n of_o precedent_n and_o a_o govern_v power_n 7._o it_o be_v much_o assert_v among_o the_o hierarchical_a divine_n that_o ancient_o bishop_n only_o be_v allow_v to_o preach_v and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o it_o be_v and_o can_v be_v but_o one_o single_a church_n that_o a_o bishop_n have_v as_o his_o immediate_a charge_n for_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o there_o be_v church_n which_o ordinary_o have_v no_o preach_v or_o in_o which_o preach_v be_v not_o ordinary_o allow_v yea_o the_o presbyter_n may_v not_o baptize_v without_o the_o bishop_n command_n or_o consent_n this_o show_v that_o each_o particular_a church_n have_v its_o proper_a bishop_n 8._o that_o church_n in_o which_o divine_a worship_n be_v perform_v have_v also_o discipline_n exercise_v in_o it_o tertul._n apol._n c._n 39_o 9_o the_o bishop_n church_n be_v no_o great_a than_o that_o all_o the_o people_n can_v meet_v together_o and_o choose_v their_o bishop_n in_o cyprian_n time_n at_o the_o ordain_v of_o a_o bishop_n the_o next_o bishop_n come_v to_o the_o people_n for_o who_o the_o bishop_n be_v to_o be_v ordain_v and_o every_o one_o be_v acquaint_v with_o his_o conversation_n cypr._n lib._n 1._o ep._n 4._o erasmus_fw-la edit_fw-la to_o felix_n a_o presbyter_n nor_o let_v the_o people_n flatter_v themselves_o as_o free_v from_o the_o contagion_n of_o the_o sin_n when_o they_o communicate_v with_o a_o priest_n that_o be_v a_o sinner_n they_o ought_v to_o separate_v themselves_o from_o he_o see_v they_o chief_o have_v the_o power_n either_o of_o choose_v worthy_a or_o refuse_v unworthy_a priest_n sacerdotal_a ordination_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v make_v but_o under_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o assist_a people_n the_o custom_n be_v with_o we_o and_o almost_o throughout_o all_o province_n that_o to_o the_o celebrate_n of_o ordination_n all_o the_o next_o bishop_n of_o the_o same_o province_n assemble_v with_o the_o people_n to_o who_o the_o praepositus_fw-la be_v ordain_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n we_o find_v much_o in_o very_a many_o of_o his_o epistle_n this_o be_v the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o the_o first_o age_n for_o all_o the_o people_n to_o choose_v their_o bishop_n and_o to_o be_v present_a thereat_o for_o which_o a_o multitude_n of_o testimony_n may_v easy_o be_v produce_v 10._o apost_n can._n c._n 5._o show_n that_o the_o bishop_n with_o his_o presbyter_n and_o deacons_n live_v on_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o same_o altar_n it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o bishop_n and_o their_o presbyter_n to_o dwell_v together_o and_o be_v in_o common_a 11._o the_o numerousness_n of_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n and_o their_o church_n show_v that_o those_o church_n be_v of_o no_o large_a extent_n in_o the_o first_o council_n of_o carthage_n it_o be_v decree_v c._n 11._o that_o for_o examine_v every_o ordinary_a cause_n of_o a_o accuse_a presbyter_n six_o bishop_n out_o of_o the_o neighbouring-place_n be_v to_o hear_v and_o determine_v and_o for_o every_o cause_n of_o a_o deacon_n three_o bishop_n it_o be_v report_v that_o patrick_n plant_v in_o ireland_n three_o hundred_o sixty_o five_o church_n and_o as_o many_o bishop_n in_o the_o vandalick_a persecution_n six_o hundred_o and_o sixty_o bishop_n flee_v out_o of_o one_o part_n of_o africa_n beside_o all_o that_o be_v murder_v imprison_a and_o tolerate_v many_o proof_n hereof_o may_v be_v allege_v but_o in_o general_a it_o suffice_v to_o note_v that_o a_o great_a number_n of_o bishop_n can_v on_o a_o sudden_a meet_v together_o in_o a_o provincial_a assembly_n as_o in_o the_o six_o council_n of_o carthage_n two_o hundred_o and_o seventeen_o bishop_n be_v meet_v and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n under_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n there_o be_v numerous_a assembly_n of_o bishop_n when_o they_o go_v in_o fear_n of_o their_o life_n 12._o the_o paucity_n of_o presbyter_n in_o a_o bishop_n church_n show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o very_o large_a in_o great_a church_n they_o have_v a_o great_a number_n of_o presbyter_n but_o in_o small_a they_o have_v often_o two_o sometime_o one_o sometime_o none_o the_o matter_n here_o consider_v touch_v the_o ancient_a form_n and_o state_n of_o a_o bishop_n church_n will_v be_v further_o clear_v in_o the_o follow_a section_n §_o 2._o of_o the_o place_n where_o a_o bishop_n church_n ancient_o be_v and_o may_v be_v constitute_v that_o every_o city_n which_o have_v a_o competent_a number_n of_o christian_n have_v a_o bishop_n with_o his_o church_n be_v grant_v on_o all_o side_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o bishop_n seat_n which_o make_v that_o a_o city_n which_o otherwise_o will_v not_o have_v be_v so_o but_o that_o every_o town_n or_o burrough_n be_v a_o city_n receptive_a or_o capable_a of_o a_o bishop_n can_v reasonable_o be_v deny_v the_o scripture_n use_v the_o word_n city_n for_o any_o town_n or_o burrough_n mat._n 12.25_o mat._n 23.34_o luk._n 2.3_o luk._n 7.11_o act._n 15_o 21._o crete_n which_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d can_v not_o have_v a_o hundred_o city_n in_o it_o unless_o such_o as_o our_o burrough_n and_o in_o every_o such_o city_n the_o rule_n be_v to_o ordain_v elder_n or_o bishop_n tit._n 1.5_o what_o argument_n from_o scripture_n or_o reason_n can_v be_v bring_v why_o worcester_n gloucester_n chichester_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v make_v city_n and_o seat_n of_o bishop_n rather_o than_o shrewsbury_n ipswich_n blimouth_n &_o c_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n all_o town_n be_v city_n to_o this_o intent_n without_o any_o difference_n yea_o any_o place_n of_o great_a confluence_n of_o people_n be_v in_o the_o same_o capacity_n of_o have_v church_n theophilus_n alexandrius_n epist_n pascal_n in_o bibliotheca_fw-la patrum_fw-la 3_o tom._n mention_n bishop_n in_o very_o small_a city_n zozoman_n say_v that_o spiridion_n be_v bishop_n of_o the_o town_n trimethus_n and_o say_v to_o be_v keeper_n of_o sheep_n in_o that_o town_n after_o he_o be_v bishop_n there_o be_v also_o sufficient_a proof_n that_o bishop_n be_v ordain_v in_o village_n or_o in_o place_n that_o be_v no_o city_n majuma_n be_v the_o port_n of_o gaza_n and_o because_o it_o have_v many_o christian_n it_o be_v honour_v by_o constantine_n with_o the_o name_n of_o a_o city_n and_o a_o bishop_n of_o its_o own_o and_o when_o julian_n in_o malice_n take_v from_o it_o the_o honour_n of_o be_v a_o city_n it_o still_o keep_v its_o own_o bishop_n though_o it_o have_v the_o same_o magistrate_n and_o military_a governor_n with_o gaza_n and_o when_o the_o bishop_n of_o gaza_n seek_v to_o subject_v the_o clergy_n of_o majuma_n to_o himself_o say_v it_o be_v unmeet_a that_o one_o city_n shall_v have_v two_o bishop_n a_o council_n in_o palestine_n call_v for_o that_o purpose_n confirm_v the_o privilege_n of_o majuma_n sozomen_fw-la l._n 5._o cap._n 3._o cenchrea_fw-mi be_v but_o a_o port_n of_o corinth_n as_o pyraeus_n of_o athens_n yet_o we_o find_v a_o church_n constitute_v there_o rom._n 16.1_o they_o who_o say_v it_o be_v a_o parish_n subordinate_a to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n have_v only_o a_o presbyter_n assign_v to_o it_o be_v bind_v to_o prove_v it_o clemens_n apostolical_a constitution_n lib._n 7._o c._n 84._o say_v that_o cenchrea_n near_o corinth_n have_v lucius_n a_o bishop_n sozomen_fw-fr l._n 7._o c_o 19_o say_v when_o throughout_o scythia_n there_o be_v many_o city_n which_o have_v all_o one_o bishop_n there_o be_v other_o nation_n where_o bishop_n be_v ordain_v in_o village_n as_o among_o the_o arabian_n and_o cyprian_n and_o phrygian_a montanist_n in_o the_o counccil_n of_o sardica_n can._n 6._o it_o be_v decree_v that_o bishop_n may_v not_o be_v ordain_v in_o village_n or_o in_o small_a city_n where_o one_o presbyter_n will_v suffice_v lest_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o bishop_n shall_v become_v vile_a but_o this_o be_v do_v in_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o four_o century_n and_o the_o decree_n imply_v that_o till_o then_o bishop_n have_v be_v allow_v in_o village_n and_o small_a city_n the_o chorepiscopi_fw-la be_v place_v in_o country_n village_n when_o christian_n grow_v so_o numerous_a as_o to_o have_v church_n in_o they_o and_o this_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n then_o keep_v in_o a_o narrow_a compass_n the_o canon_n make_v to_o express_v this_o sort_n of_o minister_n and_o to_o turn_v they_o into_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d
death_n of_o mark_n and_o in_o other_o place_n by_o that_o example_n and_o it_o plain_o show_v as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v that_o the_o church_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n who_o be_v also_o bishop_n the_o testimony_n of_o irenaeus_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o this_o father_n make_v the_o presbyter_n to_o be_v the_o same_o with_o bishop_n and_o the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o with_o he_o the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n be_v all_o one_o with_o the_o succession_n of_o presbyter_n lib._n 4._o c._n 43._o we_o must_v obey_v those_o presbyter_n which_o be_v in_o the_o church_n who_o together_o with_o the_o succession_n of_o episcopacy_n have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o truth_n id._n l._n 3._o c._n 2._o unto_o that_o tradition_n which_o be_v in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o succession_n of_o presbyter_n we_o challenge_v they_o that_o say_v they_o be_v wise_a not_o only_o than_o the_o presbyter_n but_o the_o apostle_n id._n l._n 3._o c._n 3._o declare_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o great_a and_o ancient_a church_n and_o know_v to_o all_o even_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n found_v by_o peter_n and_o paul_n at_o rome_n that_o which_o it_o have_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o faith_n declare_v to_o man_n and_o come_v to_o we_o by_o the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n id._n lib._n 4._o c._n 4._o we_o must_v forsake_v unjust_a presbyter_n serve_v their_o own_o lust_n and_o adhere_v to_o those_o who_o with_o the_o order_n of_o presbytery_n keep_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n find_v and_o their_o conversation_n without_o offence_n unto_o the_o information_n and_o correction_n of_o the_o rest_n the_o church_n nourish_v such_o presbyter_n whereof_o the_o prophet_n speak_v i_o will_v give_v thou_o prince_n in_o peace_n and_o thy_o bishop_n in_o righteousness_n id._n lib._n 4._o c._n 63._o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o ancient_a state_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n according_a to_o the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n to_o which_o they_o give_v the_o church_n which_o be_v in_o every_o place_n which_o be_v come_v even_o to_o we_o from_o these_o citation_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o father_n do_v express_v one_o and_o the_o same_o order_n of_o episcopacy_n in_o all_o presbyter_n if_o any_o do_v use_v this_o evasion_n that_o he_o call_v all_o those_o that_o be_v true_a bishop_n by_o the_o name_n of_o presbyter_n let_v they_o show_v where_o he_o mention_n presbyter_n of_o another_o order_n or_o make_v two_o different_a order_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o presbyterate_a here_o i_o will_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o word_n of_o irenaus_n concern_v those_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n mention_v act_n 20._o lib._n 3._o c._n 14._o viz._n in_o miletum_n the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n which_o be_v from_o ephesus_n and_o other_o the_o next_o city_n be_v convocate_v though_o it_o seem_v most_o reasonable_a by_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n there_o send_v for_o by_o paul_n to_o understand_v the_o elder_n of_o that_o particular_a church_n of_o ephesus_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n then_o send_v and_o indeed_o if_o they_o have_v be_v from_o other_o city_n also_o it_o will_v have_v say_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n way_n of_o expression_n the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o admit_v what_o this_o father_n say_v hereof_o observe_v we_o that_o he_o speak_v of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n as_o congregat_v in_o the_o meeting_n and_o he_o may_v mention_v two_o name_n of_o the_o same_o office_n and_o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o all_o those_o presbyter_n that_o there_o convened_a as_o those_o who_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v bishop_n of_o the_o flock_n and_o suppose_v they_o be_v the_o bishop_n of_o asia_n as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o be_v any_o other_o than_o bishop_n of_o single_a congregation_n or_o that_o they_o be_v such_o bishop_n as_o have_v subject_a presbyter_n of_o a_o low_a order_n under_o they_o the_o testimony_n of_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n he_o thus_o write_v stromat_n lib._n 6._o p._n 667._o he_o be_v real_o a_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o true_a deacon_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n if_o he_o teach_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o lord_n not_o as_o ordain_v by_o man_n nor_o esteem_v just_a because_o he_o be_v a_o presbyter_n but_o take_v into_o the_o presbytery_n because_o he_o be_v just_a here_o in_o the_o church_n be_v progression_n of_o bishop_n presbyter_n deacons_n imitation_n as_o i_o think_v of_o the_o angelical_a glory_n and_o of_o the_o heavenly_a dispensation_n which_o the_o scripture_n speak_v they_o expect_v who_o tread_v in_o the_o footstep_n of_o the_o apostle_n have_v live_v in_o the_o perfection_n of_o righteousness_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n these_o the_o apostle_n write_v be_v take_v up_o into_o the_o cloud_n shall_v first_o be_v make_v deacons_n and_o then_o shall_v be_v take_v into_o the_o presbytery_n according_a to_o the_o progress_n of_o glory_n here_o this_o father_n first_o mention_n only_o two_o order_n presbyter_n and_o deacons_n afterward_o a_o progression_n of_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacons_n as_o imitation_n of_o the_o heavenly_a dispensation_n but_o in_o the_o close_o apply_v the_o similitude_n to_o bless_a man_n take_v into_o heaven_n he_o make_v the_o progress_n to_o be_v only_o in_o be_v first_o as_o deacons_n then_o as_o presbyter_n mention_v no_o high_a order_n hence_o i_o conceive_v may_v be_v infer_v that_o he_o speak_v of_o presbyter_n and_o deacons_n as_o of_o two_o different_a order_n and_o of_o bishop_n but_o as_o a_o high_a degree_n in_o the_o order_n of_o presbyter_n this_o also_o may_v be_v further_o confirm_v stromat_n lib._n 7._o p._n 700._o where_n distinguish_v of_o a_o twofold_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o employment_n in_o secular_a affair_n viz._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o say_v that_o presbyter_n hold_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o make_v man_n better_a and_o the_o deacons_n that_n which_o consist_v in_o service_n his_o meaning_n be_v that_o as_o in_o the_o civil_a state_n there_o be_v two_o order_n the_o one_o govern_v and_o the_o other_o minister_a so_o there_o be_v likewise_o in_o the_o church_n the_o presbyter_n hold_v the_o one_o and_o the_o deacons_n the_o other_o these_o passage_n of_o this_o author_n i_o think_v fit_a to_o mention_v and_o have_v not_o find_v in_o he_o any_o more_o relate_v to_o the_o distinct_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n the_o testimony_n of_o jerome_n this_o father_n also_o speak_v of_o presbyter_n as_o the_o same_o with_o bishop_n and_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n on_o the_o epistle_n to_o titus_n c._n 1._o he_o say_v as_o presbyter_n know_v that_o they_o be_v by_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n subject_n to_o he_o that_o be_v set_v over_o they_o so_o let_v the_o bishop_n know_v that_o they_o be_v great_a than_o presbyter_n rather_o by_o custom_n than_o by_o the_o verity_n of_o the_o lord_n appointment_n he_o also_o testify_v that_o they_o do_v and_o ought_v to_o rule_v the_o church_n in_o common_a and_o that_o imparity_n come_v in_o by_o little_a and_o little_a in_o his_o epistle_n to_o evagrius_n he_o show_v that_o the_o presbyter_n of_o alexandria_n from_o mark_n till_o heraclas_n and_o dionysius_n have_v always_o one_o choose_v out_o of_o they_o and_o place_v in_o a_o high_a degree_n and_o name_v bishop_n as_o if_o a_o army_n make_v a_o emperor_n and_o deacon_n choose_v one_o who_o they_o know_v industrious_a and_o call_v he_o archdeacon_n here_o he_o mention_n not_o other_o make_n of_o bishop_n than_o by_o presbyter_n and_o that_o the_o presbyter_n make_v the_o bishop_n be_v a_o argument_n bring_v by_o he_o to_o prove_v the_o identity_n at_o first_o and_o afterward_o the_o nearness_n of_o their_o power_n and_o he_o ascribe_v to_o presbyter_n the_o make_n of_o their_o bishop_n and_o place_v he_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n and_o name_v he_o bishop_n and_o he_o distinguish_v the_o ancient_a way_n of_o make_v bishop_n by_o presbyter_n from_o that_o way_n of_o make_v they_o which_o follow_v the_o time_n of_o heraclas_n and_o dionysius_n which_o be_v by_o episcopal_a ordination_n this_o evidence_n be_v confirm_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o eutichius_n patriarch_n of_o alexandria_n who_o out_o of_o the_o record_n and_o tradition_n of_o that_o church_n in_o his_o arabic_a original_n say_v according_a to_o selden_n translation_n in_o his_o commentary_n p._n 29_o 30._o that_o the_o presbyter_n lay_v hand_n on_o he_o who_o they_o elect_v till_o the_o time_n of_o alexander_n patriarch_n of_o alexandria_n for_o he_o forbid_v the_o presbyter_n any_o long_o to_o create_v the_o patriarch_n and_o decree_v that_o the_o patriarch_n be_v decease_v bishop_n shall_v
of_o the_o empire_n it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v unusual_a that_o presbyter_n may_v ordain_v see_v anselm_n on_o 1_o tim._n 4.14_o also_o bucer_n script_n anglic._n p._n 254_o 255_o 259_o 291._o the_o lollard_n and_o wickliefist_n in_o england_n hold_v and_o practise_v ordination_n by_o mere_a presbyter_n walsingham_n hist_o ang._n an._n 1389._o so_o do_v the_o lutheran_n protestant_n bugenhagius_n pomeranus_n a_o presbyter_n of_o wittenberg_n ordain_v the_o protestant_a bishop_n of_o denmark_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o king_n and_o senate_n in_o the_o chief_a church_n at_o hafnia_n see_v melchior_n adam_n in_o the_o life_n of_o bugenhagius_n and_o chytraeus_n saxon_n chronicle_n l._n 14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o forbes_n in_o his_o irenicum_fw-la l._n 2._o c._n 11._o say_v that_o presbyter_n have_v a_o share_n with_o bishop_n in_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n not_o only_o as_o consent_v to_o the_o ordination_n but_o as_o ordainer_n with_o the_o bishop_n by_o a_o power_n receive_v from_o the_o lord_n and_o as_o pray_v for_o grace_n to_o be_v confer_v on_o the_o person_n ordain_v by_o they_o and_o the_o bishop_n that_o the_o ancient_n do_v argue_v from_o the_o power_n of_o baptise_v to_o the_o power_n of_o ordain_v be_v evident_a out_o of_o the_o master_n lib._n 4._o distinct_a 25._o 4._o presbyter_n with_o bishop_n lay_v on_o hand_n for_o restore_a the_o excommunicate_a and_o blessing_n the_o people_n cyprian_n epist_n 12._o nor_o can_v any_o return_n to_o communion_n unless_o hand_n be_v lay_v upon_o he_o by_o the_o bishop_n and_o clergy_n vid._n also_o ep._n 9_o &_o 46._o id._n l._n 3._o ep._n 14._o erasm_n edit_fw-la to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o deacons_n against_o some_o presbyter_n who_o have_v give_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n rash_o to_o some_o of_o the_o lapse_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o bishop_n in_o lesser_a offence_n sinner_n after_o a_o just_a time_n of_o penance_n and_o confession_n receive_v right_o of_o communication_n by_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o clergy_n clemens_n alexandrin_n paedag_n p._n 248._o speak_v against_o woman_n wear_v other_o hair_n than_o their_o own_o say_v on_o who_o do_v the_o presbyter_n lay_v hand_n who_o do_v he_o bless_v not_o on_o the_o woman_n adorn_v but_o on_o another_o hair_n and_o thereby_o on_o another_o head_n §_o 8._o testimony_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o bishop_n plea_n of_o be_v the_o apostle_n successor_n for_o the_o diversity_n of_o order_n between_o a_o bishop_n and_o a_o presbyter_n it_o be_v allege_v that_o bishop_n be_v the_o apostle_n successor_n which_o presbyter_n be_v not_o to_o this_o it_o be_v answer_v 1._o the_o ancient_a father_n make_v presbyter_n as_o well_o as_o bishop_n the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n irenaeus_n lib._n 4._o c._n 43_o 44._o we_o must_v obey_v the_o presbyter_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n even_o those_o that_o have_v succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n who_o have_v receive_v the_o certain_a gift_n of_o truth_n according_a to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o father_n with_o the_o succession_n of_o episcopacy_n here_o presbyter_n be_v say_v to_o have_v succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n and_o to_o have_v succession_n of_o episcopacy_n this_o can_v be_v evade_v by_o say_v he_o intend_v it_o only_o of_o presbyter_n of_o a_o superior_a order_n which_o be_v bishop_n for_o this_o be_v to_o beg_v the_o question_n and_o in_o this_o father_n there_o be_v no_o footstep_n of_o any_o order_n of_o presbyter_n but_o what_o be_v bishop_n cyprian_a l._n 3._o ep._n 9_o the_o deacon_n must_v remember_v that_o the_o lord_n choose_v apostle_n that_o be_v bishop_n and_o praepositi_fw-la but_o after_o the_o ascension_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o apostle_n make_v deacons_n to_n themselves_o as_o minister_n of_o their_o episcopacy_n and_o the_o church_n now_o in_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n and_o praepositi_fw-la the_o presbyter_n be_v include_v as_o i_o have_v before_o make_v manifest_a and_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o in_o this_o place_n all_o in_o the_o sacred_a ministry_n above_o deacon_n be_v include_v in_o those_o name_n and_o call_v apostle_n jerome_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o heliodor_n speak_v in_o general_a that_o clericks_n be_v say_v to_o sucree_v the_o apostolical_a degree_n the_o late_a form_n of_o ordination_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n viz._n receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o sin_n thou_o do_v forgive_v they_o be_v forgive_v and_o who_o sin_n thou_o do_v retain_v they_o be_v retain_v and_o be_v thou_o a_o faithful_a dispenser_n etc._n etc._n be_v for_o the_o former_a part_n the_o very_a form_n of_o word_n use_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o his_o apostle_n to_o express_v their_o pastoral_n authority_n and_o full_o prove_v that_o the_o office_n of_o a_o presbyter_n be_v pastoral_n and_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o which_o be_v ordinary_a in_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o which_o they_o have_v successor_n 2._o some_o conceive_v there_o be_v no_o proper_a succession_n to_o the_o apostle_n who_o office_n as_o to_o its_o formal_a state_n and_o specific_a difference_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o expire_v with_o their_o person_n and_o in_o proper_a speak_n the_o ordinary_a bishop_n or_o elder_n can_v be_v reckon_v the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o they_o be_v contemporary_a with_o they_o in_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o church_n and_o do_v by_o divine_a right_n receive_v and_o exercise_v their_o governing-power_n which_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o supercede_v by_o their_o presence_n though_o it_o be_v under_o the_o regulation_n of_o their_o supereminent_a authority_n and_o the_o bishop_n or_o elder_n of_o all_o succeed_a age_n be_v proper_o the_o successor_n of_o those_o first_o bishop_n bellarmine_n l._n 4._o de_fw-fr pontif._n c._n 25._o say_v that_o bishop_n do_v not_o proper_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n because_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o ordinary_a but_o extraordinary_a pastor_n have_v no_o successor_n and_o that_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n proper_o succeed_v peter_n not_o as_o a_o apostle_n but_o as_o a_o ordinary_a pastor_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n 3._o whereas_o some_o say_v that_o the_o order_n of_o bishop_n begin_v in_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o order_n of_o presbyter_n in_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n it_o be_v answer_v 1._o as_o concern_v the_o bishop_n order_n when_o the_o father_n speak_v of_o apostle_n or_o evangelist_n long_o reside_v in_o one_o church_n they_o do_v by_o way_n of_o similitude_n call_v they_o bishop_n thereof_o reynolds_n against_o hart_n say_v that_o the_o father_n when_o they_o term_v a_o apostle_n the_o bishop_n of_o this_o or_o that_o city_n mean_v in_o a_o general_a way_n that_o he_o do_v attend_v that_o church_n for_o the_o time_n and_o supply_v that_o room_n in_o preach_v which_o the_o bishop_n afterward_o do_v and_o not_o only_o the_o apostle_n but_o itinerant_a minister_n or_o evangelist_n be_v in_o such_o a_o general_a sense_n bishop_n of_o the_o place_n where_o they_o come_v paul_n stay_v at_o or_o about_o ephesus_n three_o year_n act_n 20.31_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o bishop_n there_o in_o the_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n james_n be_v either_o no_o bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n or_o no_o apostle_n but_o as_o many_o think_v another_o james_n 2._o as_o concern_v the_o order_n of_o inferior_a presbyter_n say_v to_o be_v institute_v in_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n it_o be_v speak_v without_o proof_n and_o against_o reason_n spalatensis_n say_v those_o seventy_o have_v but_o a_o temporary_a commission_n and_o therefore_o that_o he_o can_v affirm_v that_o presbyterial_a order_n be_v direct_o and_o immediate_o institute_v in_o they_o de_fw-fr rep._n eccles_n l._n 2._o c._n 3._o n._n 4._o saravia_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n be_v evangelist_n de_fw-fr minist_n evang._n grad_v c._n 4._o §_o 9_o testimony_n concern_v the_o episcopacy_n of_o timothy_n and_o titus_n 1._o timothy_n be_v not_o a_o fix_a bishop_n his_o travel_n we_o find_v upon_o sacred_a record_n when_o paul_n go_v from_o beraea_n to_o athens_n he_o leave_v silas_n and_o timothy_n behind_o he_o act_v 17.14_o afterward_o they_o come_v to_o paul_n at_o athens_n paul_n send_v timothy_n thence_o to_o thessalonica_n to_o confirm_v the_o christian_n there_o 1_o thes_n 3.6_o an._n c._n 47._o thence_o he_o return_v to_o athens_n again_o and_o paul_n send_v he_o and_o silas_n thence_o into_o macedonia_n act_v 18.5_o and_o thence_o they_o return_v to_o paul_n at_o corinth_n an._n 48._o afterward_o they_o travel_v to_o ephesus_n whence_o paul_n send_v timothy_n and_o erastus_n into_o macedonia_n act_v 19.22_o whither_o paul_n go_v after_o they_o an._n 51._o from_o macedonia_n they_o with_o divers_a brethren_n journy_v into_o asia_n act_v 20.4_o and_o come_v to_o miletum_n where_o paul_n send_v to_o ephesus_n to_o call_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n an._n 53._o then_o paul_n do_v
be_v refer_v to_o a_o synod_n consist_v of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n other_o precept_n give_v they_o be_v above_o the_o proper_a work_n of_o a_o bishop_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n to_o erect_v and_o govern_v church_n in_o a_o hundred_o city_n and_o to_o govern_v such_o presbyter_n who_o according_a to_o dr._n hammond_n be_v bishop_n belong_v not_o to_o a_o ordinary_a bishop_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n wherefore_o this_o latter_a sort_n of_o duty_n belong_v to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n as_o evangelist_n or_o general_a minister_n who_o have_v a_o kind_n of_o vice-apostolick_a office_n of_o which_o sort_n be_v barnabas_n silas_n apollo_n titus_n timothy_n and_o epaphroditus_n and_o other_o ambrose_n on_o eph._n 4._o say_v they_o be_v style_v evangelist_n who_o do_v evangelizare_fw-la sine_fw-la cathedra_fw-la it_o often_o happen_v that_o those_o unfixed_a officer_n reside_v for_o a_o long_a time_n in_o some_o place_n and_o then_o they_o manage_v the_o affair_n of_o those_o church_n in_o chief_a during_o the_o time_n of_o their_o residence_n §_o 10._o concern_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n it_o be_v much_o insist_v on_o that_o these_o angel_n be_v bishop_n of_o a_o superior_a order_n to_o that_o of_o presbyter_n whereupon_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v 1._o that_o the_o title_n of_o star_n and_o angel_n be_v not_o proper_a but_o figurative_a and_o mystical_a name_n make_v use_v of_o in_o a_o mystical_a book_n and_o that_o the_o say_v name_n be_v common_a to_o all_o minister_n gregory_n the_o great_a l._n 34._o mor._n on_o joâ—_n c._n 4._o say_v that_o these_o angel_n be_v the_o preacher_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o that_o the_o name_n angel_n may_v be_v take_v collective_o not_o individual_o augustine_n homily_n on_o the_o apoc_n on_o these_o word_n i_o will_v remove_v thy_o candlestick_n say_v that_o john_n call_v the_o church_n the_o angel_n as_o the_o civil_a state_n of_o the_o pagano-christian_a empire_n be_v call_v the_o beast_n and_o the_o ecclesiastical_a state_n the_o whore_n so_o angel_n may_v signify_v the_o whole_a presbytery_n but_o put_v in_o the_o singular_a number_n to_o hold_v proportion_n to_o the_o seven_o star_n which_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n in_o these_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n there_o be_v indication_n that_o not_o a_o single_a person_n but_o a_o company_n be_v represent_v under_o this_o name_n rev._n 2.10_o 16_o 24_o 25._o 3._o beza_n say_v that_o this_o angel_n be_v only_o praeses_fw-la indeed_o he_o to_o who_o the_o title_n of_o bishop_n be_v appropriate_v by_o the_o ancient_a father_n be_v the_o precedent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n ambrose_n on_o 1_o tim._n c._n 3._o say_v he_o be_v the_o bishop_n who_o be_v first_o among_o the_o presbyter_n this_o priority_n or_o presidency_n be_v in_o history_n observe_v to_o have_v begin_v first_o at_o alexandria_n the_o people_n whereof_o above_o other_o man_n be_v give_v to_o schism_n and_o sedition_n as_o socrates_n say_v of_o they_o l_o 7._o c._n 13._o if_o this_o presidency_n begin_v at_o alexandria_n upon_o the_o death_n of_o mark_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v long_o before_o the_o death_n of_o john_n the_o apostle_n howbeit_o clement_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o such_o a_o priority_n or_o presidency_n of_o one_o above_o the_o rest_n in_o that_o church_n and_o jerome_n have_v mention_v john_n as_o the_o last_o of_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o afterward_o one_o be_v set_v over_o the_o rest_n now_o whereas_o i_o call_v the_o imparity_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n a_o apostolical_a tradition_n it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o with_o he_o a_o apostolical_a tradition_n and_o ecclesiastical_a custom_n be_v the_o same_o but_o the_o main_a thing_n still_o remain_v unprove_v for_o aught_o that_o be_v to_o be_v gather_v from_o this_o title_n of_o angel_n or_o from_o any_o thing_n contain_v in_o these_o epistle_n to_o the_o asian_a church_n namely_o that_o these_o angel_n whatsoever_o they_o may_v be_v be_v bishop_n of_o a_o superior_a order_n than_o that_o of_o presbyter_n or_o that_o they_o have_v a_o superiority_n of_o jurisdiction_n over_o the_o presbyter_n or_o that_o they_o be_v bishop_n set_v over_o divers_a settle_a church_n or_o fix_v congregation_n with_o their_o pastor_n or_o that_o they_o have_v the_o sole_a power_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o ordination_n the_o main_a point_n in_o controversy_n be_v not_o whether_o bishop_n but_o whether_o such_o as_o the_o present_a diocesan_n bishop_n have_v continue_v from_o the_o apostle_n time_n to_o this_o age._n the_o ancient_a bishop_n be_v the_o officer_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n not_o a_o general_a officer_n of_o many_o church_n he_o be_v not_o a_o bishop_n of_o bishop_n that_o be_v he_o do_v not_o assume_v a_o power_n of_o roll_a bishop_n who_o have_v their_o proper_a state_v church_n cypr._n in_o conc._n carth._n say_v none_o of_o we_o call_v himself_o or_o make_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o bishop_n of_o bishop_n or_o by_o tyrannical_a terror_n drive_v his_o colleague_n to_o a_o necessity_n of_o obey_v the_o ancient_a bishop_n do_v not_o govern_v alone_o but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o presbyter_n of_o his_o church_n he_o do_v not_o and_o may_v not_o ordain_v without_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o clergy_n ignatius_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o trall_n say_v what_o be_v the_o presbytery_n but_o the_o sacred_a assembly_n of_o the_o councillor_n and_o confessor_n of_o the_o bishop_n cyprian_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o cornelius_n wish_v he_o to_o read_v his_o letter_n to_o the_o flourish_a clergy_n at_o rome_n that_o do_v preside_v with_o he_o id._n l._n 3._o ep._n 14._o erasm_n edit_fw-la from_o the_o beginning_n of_o my_o episcopacy_n i_o resolve_v to_o do_v nothing_o without_o your_o counsel_n and_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o my_o people_n 4._o conc._n carthag_n 23._o the_o sentence_n of_o a_o bishop_n shall_v be_v void_a without_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o cleric_o council_n caâ—thag_fw-mi c._n 22._o let_v not_o a_o bishop_n ordain_v clericks_n without_o a_o council_n of_o his_o cleric_o the_o present_a ecclesiastical_a government_n compare_v with_o the_o ancient_a episcopacy_n it_o be_v common_o object_v against_o the_o nonconformist_n that_o they_o be_v enemy_n to_o episcopacy_n and_o that_o they_o renounce_v the_o ancient_a government_n receive_v in_o all_o the_o church_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o objection_n may_v easy_o be_v believe_v by_o those_o that_o hear_v of_o episcopal_a government_n and_o consider_v only_o the_o name_n thereof_o which_o have_v continue_v the_o same_o till_o now_o but_o not_o the_o thing_n signify_v by_o that_o name_n which_o be_v so_o change_v that_o it_o be_v of_o another_o nature_n and_o kind_n from_o what_o be_v in_o the_o first_o age_n there_o be_v nonconformist_n who_o think_v they_o be_v more_o for_o the_o ancient_a episcopacy_n than_o the_o assertor_n of_o the_o present_a hierarchy_n be_v and_o who_o believe_v they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v it_o evident_a may_v they_o be_v permit_v something_o to_o this_o purpose_n be_v here_o in_o a_o short_a scheme_n tender_v to_o consideration_n and_o proof_n be_v ready_a to_o be_v make_v of_o each_o particular_a here_o assert_v touch_v the_o state_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n 1._o in_o the_o first_o age_n a_o political_a church_n constitute_v as_o well_o for_o government_n and_o discipline_n as_o for_o divine_a worship_n be_v one_o particular_a society_n of_o christian_n have_v its_o proper_a and_o immediate_a bishop_n or_o bishop_n pastor_n or_o pastor_n in_o these_o time_n the_o low_a political_a church_n be_v a_o diocese_n usual_o consist_v of_o many_o hundred_o parish_n have_v according_a to_o the_o hierarchical_a principle_n no_o bishop_n but_o the_o diocesan_n yet_o these_o parish_n be_v state_v ecclesiastical_a society_n have_v their_o proper_a pastor_n be_v real_o so_o many_o particular_a church_n 2._o in_o the_o first_o age_n the_o bishop_n be_v bishop_n of_o one_o state_v ecclesiastical_a society_n or_o particular_a church_n but_o in_o the_o present_a age_n bishop_n that_o be_v of_o the_o low_a rank_n according_a to_o the_o hierarchical_a principle_n be_v bishop_n of_o many_o hundred_o church_n which_o kind_n of_o bishop_n the_o ancient_a church_n do_v not_o know_v and_o which_o differ_v as_o much_o from_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n as_o the_o general_n of_o a_o army_n from_o the_o captain_n of_o a_o single_a company_n 3._o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o first_o age_n be_v a_o bishop_n over_o his_o own_o church_n but_o he_o be_v not_o a_o bishop_n of_o bishop_n that_o be_v he_o be_v not_o a_o ruler_n of_o the_o pastor_n of_o other_o church_n but_o the_o present_a bishop_n even_o of_o the_o low_a rank_n according_a to_o the_o hierarchical_a principle_n be_v a_o bishop_n of_o bishop_n namely_o of_o the_o presbyter_n of_o
his_o diocese_n who_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o immediate_a pastor_n of_o their_o several_a church_n and_o real_o bishop_n according_a to_o the_o true_a import_n of_o that_o name_n and_o office_n as_o it_o be_v in_o scripture_n 4._o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n if_o they_o be_v not_o bishop_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o order_n with_o the_o presbyter_n mention_v in_o scripture_n for_o all_o presbyter_n therein_o mention_v be_v bishop_n true_o and_o proper_o so_o call_v now_o if_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o order_n with_o the_o scripture_n presbyter_n they_o be_v not_o of_o divine_a but_o mere_o humane_a institution_n but_o if_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o order_n as_o indeed_o they_o be_v why_o be_v they_o deny_v to_o be_v bishop_n of_o their_o respective_a charge_n and_o why_o be_v they_o bereave_v of_o the_o episcopal_a or_o pastoral_a authority_n therein_o 5._o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o first_o age_n have_v no_o great_a number_n of_o soul_n under_o their_o episcopacy_n than_o of_o which_o they_o can_v take_v the_o personal_a oversight_n but_o the_o present_a bishop_n have_v common_o more_o soul_n under_o their_o episcopacy_n than_o a_o hundred_o bishop_n can_v personal_o watch_v over_o the_o ordinary_a work_n of_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n be_v to_o preach_v give_v thanks_o administer_v the_o eucharist_n pronounce_v the_o blessing_n and_o exercise_v discipline_n to_o the_o people_n under_o his_o charge_n but_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o present_a age_n neither_o do_v nor_o can_v perform_v these_o ministries_n to_o the_o people_n that_o be_v under_o their_o charge_n 6._o the_o ancient_a bishop_n do_v exercise_v his_o episcopacy_n personal_o and_o not_o by_o delegate_n or_o substitute_n but_o the_o present_a bishop_n do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n exercise_v it_o not_o personal_o but_o either_o by_o his_o delegate_n who_o have_v no_o episcopal_a authority_n of_o themselves_o but_o what_o they_o derive_v from_o he_o alone_o or_o by_o substitute_n who_o he_o account_v no_o bishop_n 7._o the_o ancient_a bishop_n do_v not_o govern_v alone_o but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o presbyter_n of_o his_o church_n he_o be_v the_o first_o presbyter_n and_o style_v the_o brother_n and_o colleague_n of_o the_o presbyter_n but_o the_o present_a bishop_n have_v in_o himself_o alone_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n both_o over_o the_o clergy_n and_o laity_n 8._o the_o ancient_a bishop_n do_v not_o and_o may_v not_o ordain_v minister_n without_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o clergy_n but_o the_o present_a bishop_n have_v the_o sole_a power_n of_o ordination_n though_o some_o presbyter_n who_o he_o shall_v think_v fit_a join_v with_o he_o in_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n yet_o he_o alone_o have_v the_o whole_a power_n of_o the_o act_n without_o their_o consent_n or_o counsel_n 9_o to_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v ancient_o the_o most_o honourable_a part_n of_o the_o bishop_n work_n and_o it_o be_v constant_o perform_v by_o he_o in_o his_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n but_o now_o preach_v be_v not_o reckon_v to_o be_v the_o ordinary_a work_n of_o a_o bishop_n and_o many_o bishop_n preach_v but_o rare_o and_o extraordinary_o 10._o the_o ancient_a bishop_n be_v choose_v by_o all_o the_o people_n at_o least_o not_o without_o their_o consent_n over_o who_o they_o be_v to_o preside_v and_o when_o a_o bishop_n be_v to_o be_v ordain_v it_o be_v the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o the_o first_o age_n for_o all_o the_o next_o bishop_n to_o assemble_v with_o the_o people_n for_o who_o he_o be_v to_o be_v ordain_v and_o every_o one_o be_v acquaint_v with_o his_o conversation_n but_o the_o present_a bishop_n entrance_n into_o his_o office_n be_v by_o a_o far_o different_a way_n 11._o ancient_o there_o be_v a_o bishop_n with_o his_o church_n in_o every_o city_n which_o have_v a_o competent_a number_n of_o christian_n but_o in_o the_o late_a time_n many_o yea_o most_o city_n have_v not_o their_o proper_a bishop_n i_o mean_v bishop_n in_o the_o hierarchical_a sense_n though_o they_o be_v as_o large_a and_o populous_a as_o those_o that_o have_v it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o the_o manner_n be_v not_o ancient_o as_o now_o that_o a_o church_n and_o its_o bishop_n do_v cause_v that_o to_o be_v call_v a_o city_n which_o otherwise_o will_v not_o be_v so_o call_v but_o any_o town-corporate_a or_o burrough_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o city_n according_a to_o the_o ancient_a use_n of_o the_o word_n 12._o because_o in_o the_o first_o age_n the_o christian_n of_o a_o city_n and_o its_o adjacent_a village_n do_v ordinary_o make_v up_o but_o one_o competent_a congregation_n there_o be_v common_o but_o one_o church_n in_o a_o city_n and_o that_o city-church_n take_v in_o all_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o adjacent_a village_n who_o be_v but_o one_o state_v society_n all_o the_o member_n whereof_o may_v have_v personal_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o but_o the_o divide_n of_o the_o bishop_n cure_v into_o such_o part_n as_o be_v now_o call_v parish_n come_v not_o in_o till_o long_o after_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o when_o that_o division_n first_o take_v place_n they_o be_v but_o as_o chapel_n of_o ease_n to_o the_o city-church_n here_o it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o till_o constantine_n time_n it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v above_o four_o or_o five_o church_n in_o all_o the_o world_n that_o consist_v of_o more_o people_n than_o one_o of_o 〈◊〉_d parish_n nor_o of_o half_a so_o many_o as_o some_o of_o they_o 13._o in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n city_n or_o town_n be_v judge_v the_o â—ittest_a place_n for_o the_o constitute_n of_o church_n because_o in_o they_o the_o material_n of_o a_o church_n to_o wit_n believer_n be_v most_o numerous_a and_o in_o they_o be_v the_o great_a opportunity_n of_o make_v â—ore_o convert_v with_o other_o advantage_n which_o the_o village_n do_v not_o afford_v yet_o when_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n increase_v in_o a_o region_n church_n have_v their_o proper_a bishop_n be_v constitute_v in_o village_n or_o place_n that_o be_v not_o city_n one_o proof_n whereof_o be_v in_o the_o chorepiscopi_fw-la who_o be_v bishop_n distinct_a from_o ordinary_a presbyter_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o age_n but_o in_o the_o follow_a time_n when_o the_o worldly_a grandeur_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v rise_v decâ—â—ed_o be_v make_v that_o bishop_n may_v not_o be_v ordain_v in_o village_n or_o small_a city_n lest_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o bishop_n shall_v â—e_v contemptible_a 14._o though_o it_o have_v be_v decree_v by_o council_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o city_n and_o the_o custom_n have_v general_o prevail_v yet_o there_o in_o manifold_a proof_n that_o in_o the_o first_o age_n more_o bishop_n than_o one_o be_v allow_v at_o once_o in_o the_o same_o city_n yea_o in_o the_o same_o church_n indeed_o the_o ecclesiastical_a historian_n now_o extant_a be_v comparative_o but_o of_o late_a age_n and_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o government_n of_o their_o own_o time_n set_v down_o the_o succession_n of_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n by_o single_a person_n whereas_o several_a bishop_n preside_v at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o survive_a and_o most_o note_a colleague_n be_v reckon_v the_o successor_n 15._o the_o ancient_a bishop_n exercise_v discipline_n in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n by_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o by_o argument_n deduce_v from_o it_o seek_v to_o convince_v the_o judgement_n and_o awe_v the_o conscience_n according_a to_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n but_o the_o present_a bishop_n have_v their_o court_n which_o be_v manage_v like_o secular_a court_n to_o compel_v man_n to_o a_o outward_a observance_n of_o their_o decree_n by_o the_o dread_n of_o temporal_a penalty_n annex_v to_o excommunication_n 16._o the_o present_a bishop_n say_v of_o their_o church-government_n that_o without_o secular_a force_n none_o will_v regard_v it_o but_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n think_v it_o a_o reproach_n to_o christ_n discipline_n to_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v a_o powerless_a thing_n of_o itself_o and_o insufficient_a to_o obtain_v 〈…〉_o unless_o the_o temporal_a sword_n enforce_v it_o 17._o the_o episcopal_a or_o pastoral_a authority_n be_v now_o common_o exercise_v by_o a_o lay-chancellor_n and_o though_o a_o ordinary_a priest_n be_v present_a in_o the_o court_n to_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o excommunication_n yet_o the_o chancellor_n as_o judge_n decree_v it_o and_o excommunication_n and_o absolution_n pass_v in_o the_o bishop_n name_n and_o authority_n when_o he_o never_o have_v the_o hear_n of_o the_o cause_n but_o ancient_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o this_o case_n i_o inquire_v whether_o christ_n have_v authorise_v any_o
bishop_n to_o delegate_v his_o episcopal_a power_n to_o a_o layman_n yea_o or_o to_o a_o clergyman_n if_o that_o clergyman_n be_v not_o as_o christ_n commission_v officer_n authorize_v to_o exert_v that_o power_n 18._o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n be_v denounce_v for_o any_o non_fw-fr observance_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o court_n though_o in_o case_n of_o doubtful_a right_n and_o in_o the_o small_a matter_n but_o no_o proof_n of_o such_o practice_n can_v be_v produce_v from_o the_o first_o age_n and_o let_v the_o bishop_n themselves_o judge_v howsoever_o contempt_n may_v be_v pretend_v in_o the_o case_n whether_o many_o who_o be_v usual_o so_o sentence_v either_o upon_o doubtful_a or_o trivial_a matter_n do_v indeed_o deserve_v to_o be_v adjudge_v to_o such_o a_o state_n as_o that_o sentence_n due_o administer_v do_v import_v 19_o the_o parish_n minister_n be_v bind_v to_o denounce_v in_o his_o church_n the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n decree_v by_o the_o court_n though_o he_o have_v no_o cognizance_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o though_o he_o know_v the_o sentence_n to_o be_v unjust_a but_o no_o such_o practice_n be_v know_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n 20._o minister_n at_o their_o ordination_n receive_v that_o office_n which_o essential_o include_v a_o authority_n and_o obligation_n to_o teach_v their_o flock_n yet_o they_o may_v not_o preach_v without_o a_o licence_n from_o the_o bishop_n in_o their_o own_o proper_a charge_n or_o cure_n though_o they_o perform_v other_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n but_o ancient_o it_o be_v not_o so_o 21._o the_o present_a bishop_n require_v of_o their_o clergy_n a_o oath_n of_o canonical_a obedience_n but_o let_v any_o proof_n be_v give_v that_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n do_v ever_o impose_v such_o a_o oath_n or_o that_o the_o presbyter_n ever_o take_v it_o 22_o the_o parish_n minister_n have_v not_o the_o liberty_n of_o examine_v whether_o the_o infant_n bring_v to_o baptism_n be_v a_o capable_a subject_n thereof_o that_o be_v whether_o he_o be_v the_o child_n of_o a_o christian_a or_o infidel_n but_o he_o must_v baptize_v the_o child_n of_o every_o one_o that_o be_v present_v by_o godfather_n and_o godmother_n who_o common_o have_v little_a or_o no_o interest_n in_o the_o infant_n nor_o care_n of_o its_o education_n and_o who_o not_o seldom_o be_v but_o boy_n and_o girl_n 23._o confirmation_n be_v to_o be_v administer_v only_o by_o the_o bishop_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n impossible_a for_o he_o to_o examine_v all_o person_n to_o be_v confirm_v by_o he_o within_o his_o diocese_n consequent_o it_o can_v be_v due_o administer_v to_o multitude_n of_o person_n that_o be_v to_o be_v present_v thereunto_o and_o they_o that_o be_v confirm_v be_v few_o in_o comparison_n of_o those_o that_o be_v not_o but_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n be_v bishop_n of_o one_o particular_a church_n be_v capable_a of_o take_v the_o oversight_n of_o every_o particular_a person_n of_o their_o flock_n and_o do_v personal_o perform_v the_o same_o 24._o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o adult_a member_n of_o parish-church_n be_v such_o as_o understand_v not_o what_o christianity_n be_v but_o the_o ancient_a church_n be_v careful_a that_o all_o their_o member_n may_v be_v competent_o know_v in_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o profess_v as_o appear_v by_o their_o discipline_n towards_o the_o catechumeni_fw-la and_o the_o long_a time_n before_o they_o admit_v they_o to_o baptism_n 25._o the_o parish_n minister_n have_v no_o remedy_n but_o to_o give_v the_o sacrament_n to_o ignorant_a and_o scandalous_a person_n that_o offer_v themselves_o thereunto_o they_o can_v but_o accuse_v the_o open_o wicked_a in_o the_o chancellor_n court_n and_o but_o for_o one_o time_n deny_v the_o sacrament_n to_o some_o kind_n of_o notorious_a sinner_n but_o then_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o prosecute_v they_o in_o the_o court_n and_o to_o procure_v a_o sentence_n against_o they_o there_o where_o not_o one_o notorious_a sinner_n of_o a_o multitude_n be_v or_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o due_a trial_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o way_n of_o proceed_v in_o ecclesiastical_a court_n and_o the_o multitude_n of_o soul_n in_o every_o diocese_n the_o consequent_a hereof_o be_v the_o general_a intrusion_n of_o the_o gross_o ignorant_a and_o profane_a who_o pollute_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n to_o themselves_o 26._o all_o parishioner_n that_o be_v of_o age_n be_v compel_v to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n how_o unfit_a or_o unwilling_a soever_o they_o be_v by_o the_o terror_n of_o penalty_n subsequent_a to_o excommunication_n and_o those_o that_o have_v be_v excommunicate_v for_o refuse_v to_o receive_v be_v absolve_v from_o that_o sentence_n if_o be_v drive_v thereunto_o they_o will_v receive_v the_o sacrament_n rather_o than_o lie_v in_o gaol_n and_o the_o parish-minister_n be_v compel_v to_o give_v the_o sacrament_n to_o such_o 27._o many_o orthodox_n learned_a and_o pious_a man_n due_o qualify_v for_o the_o ministry_n be_v cast_v and_o keep_v out_o of_o it_o for_o not_o declare_v a_o unfeigned_a assent_n and_o consent_n to_o all_o and_o every_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o liturgy_n and_o book_n of_o ordination_n let_v any_o proof_n be_v give_v that_o ever_o any_o of_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n or_o church_n think_v all_o the_o point_v contain_v in_o those_o book_n so_o necessary_a to_o be_v assent_v and_o consent_v to_o or_o that_o any_o of_o they_o so_o severe_o require_v the_o like_a conformity_n to_o opinion_n form_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n and_o reason_n 28._o the_o present_a bishop_n debar_v all_o christian_n from_o the_o lord_n supper_n who_o through_o unfeigned_a scruple_n of_o conscience_n refuse_v to_o kneel_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v the_o sacramental_a bread_n and_o wine_n and_o they_o debar_v from_o baptism_n the_o child_n of_o those_o parent_n who_o judge_v it_o unlawful_a for_o they_o to_o permit_v the_o sign_v of_o their_o child_n with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n but_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n do_v not_o so_o nor_o do_v the_o practice_n of_o antiquity_n warrant_v the_o same_o 29._o the_o great_a severity_n of_o the_o present_a church-discipline_n be_v direct_v against_o minister_n and_o people_n who_o observe_v not_o full_a conformity_n to_o the_o rule_n form_n right_n and_o ceremony_n prescribe_v in_o the_o liturgy_n and_o canon_n but_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n exercise_v it_o against_o those_o who_o subvert_v the_o christian_a faith_n by_o damnable_a heresy_n or_o enormous_o transgress_v the_o rule_n of_o soberness_n righteousness_n and_o godliness_n prescribe_v of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n 30._o the_o oath_n impose_v upon_o the_o churchwarden_n to_o make_v their_o presentment_n according_a to_o the_o book_n of_o article_n frame_v by_o the_o bishop_n have_v have_v this_o consequence_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v lay_v to_o heart_n that_o common_o they_o will_v rather_o overlook_v their_o oath_n than_o become_v accuser_n of_o their_o honest_a neighbour_n not_o only_o those_o who_o withdraw_v from_o but_o those_o who_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o parish_n church_n 31._o the_o require_v of_o the_o reordination_n of_o those_o minister_n who_o have_v be_v ordain_v by_o presbyter_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n it_o contradict_v the_o judgement_n of_o many_o eminent_a bishop_n and_o other_o divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o have_v maintain_v the_o validity_n of_o presbyterial_a ordination_n it_o nullify_v the_o ministry_n of_o all_o the_o foreign_a reform_a church_n and_o of_o most_o if_o not_o of_o all_o the_o lutheran_n church_n and_o it_o advance_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n above_o they_o for_o the_o priest_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n upon_o their_o conversion_n be_v receive_v without_o reordination_n whereas_o those_o that_o come_v from_o the_o foreign_a reform_a church_n must_v be_v reordain_v before_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o ministry_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o all_o this_o be_v do_v when_o in_o scripture_n the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o the_o difference_n between_o they_o come_v in_o afterward_o by_o ecclesiastical_a custom_n it_o be_v common_o say_v that_o church_n and_o bishop_n be_v now_o deliver_v from_o their_o ancient_a low_a and_o distress_a state_n under_o the_o tyranny_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o heathen_a power_n and_o enjoy_v the_o patronage_n and_o bounty_n of_o christian_a ruler_n shall_v not_o be_v consign_v to_o their_o ancient_a meanness_n narrowness_n and_o weakness_n but_o be_v enlarge_v in_o opulency_n amplitude_n and_o potency_n answerable_a to_o the_o civil_a state_n ans_fw-fr it_o be_v free_o grant_v that_o the_o state_n ecclesiastical_a shall_v in_o reasonable_a proportion_n partake_v of_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n but_o the_o question_n still_o remain_v 1._o whether_o
province_n of_o narrow_a circuit_n of_o ground_n and_o how_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o a_o ecumenical_a council_n right_o so_o name_v can_v be_v for_o suppose_v it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o consist_v of_o all_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o world_n but_o of_o some_o as_o delegate_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o yet_o it_o must_v consist_v of_o so_o many_o proportionable_o delegated_a from_o all_o in_o the_o several_a quarter_n as_o may_v signify_v the_o sense_n and_o consent_n of_o all_o hereupon_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n of_o such_o assembly_n much_o more_o whether_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n of_o the_o continuation_n or_o of_o the_o succession_n of_o they_o in_o such_o frequency_n as_o will_v be_v requisite_a in_o case_n such_o a_o assembly_n be_v head_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o do_v it_o stand_v with_o reason_n that_o a_o ecumenical_a council_n in_o case_n it_o be_v existent_a can_v possible_o execute_v the_o authority_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o head_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n in_o overseeing_a all_o in_o receive_v appeal_n from_o all_o in_o make_v authoritative_a determination_n for_o all_o either_o immediate_o by_o itself_o or_o mediate_o by_o subordinate_a council_n judicatory_n and_o minister_n to_o be_v superintended_a regulate_v and_o determine_v by_o it_o in_o their_o proceed_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o notice_n give_v of_o the_o say_a headship_n of_o a_o general_n council_n more_o than_o of_o the_o pope_n or_o any_o other_o bishop_n universal_a headship_n in_o the_o primitive_a and_o authentic_a record_n of_o the_o charter_n that_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n to_o wit_n the_o holy_a scripture_n nor_o be_v any_o rule_n give_v therein_o for_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o general_n council_n whether_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v up_o only_o of_o the_o clergy_n or_o only_o of_o such_o bishop_n as_o be_v of_o a_o high_a order_n thâ—â—_n presbyter_n or_o of_o all_o such_o bishop_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o if_o of_o some_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o what_o number_n there_o must_v be_v either_o definite_a or_o indefinite_a and_o proportionate_a to_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v represent_v it_o be_v evident_a de_fw-fr facto_fw-la that_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o the_o particular_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n and_o the_o association_n and_o convention_n of_o they_o do_v not_o derive_v their_o spiritual_a authority_n from_o a_o general_n council_n nor_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la they_o shall_v derive_v their_o power_n from_o it_o any_o more_o than_o from_o the_o pope_n §_o 11._o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n examine_v the_o romanist_n assert_v a_o infallibility_n about_o matter_n of_o faith_n somewhere_o seat_v within_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o the_o perpetual_a privilege_n thereof_o some_o of_o they_o place_n it_o in_o the_o pope_n and_o other_o in_o a_o general_n council_n hereupon_o this_o privilege_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v whether_o it_o be_v and_o what_o it_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o term_n be_v a_o be_v not_o liable_a to_o be_v deceive_v or_o to_o deceive_v about_o those_o matter_n about_o which_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v that_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v infallible_a in_o the_o essential_o of_o the_o christian_n religion_n be_v a_o most_o indubitable_a truth_n for_o every_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n so_o remain_v be_v infallible_a so_o far_o it_o involve_v a_o a_o contradiction_n that_o any_o such_o shall_v err_v therein_o for_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n and_o no_o christian_n the_o query_n therefore_o be_v whether_o it_o be_v liable_a to_o error_n in_o the_o integral_n aâ—d_v accidental_n of_o religion_n now_o the_o church_n remain_v such_o be_v not_o necessary_o or_o in_o its_o nature_n infallible_a so_o far_o and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v infallible_a it_o must_v be_v so_o from_o the_o free_a grant_n of_o christ_n but_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o any_o such_o grant_n be_v make_v to_o the_o church_n what_o be_v the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o consequent_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o day_n obedient_a to_o their_o authority_n we_o know_v what_o the_o church_n universal_o hold_v in_o any_o one_o age_n touch_v all_o the_o integral_a part_n of_o religion_n much_o more_o concern_v accidental_n i_o conceive_v extreme_o difficult_a if_o not_o impossible_a to_o be_v know_v but_o that_o the_o church_n have_v de_fw-la facto_fw-la if_o not_o universal_o yet_o very_o general_o err_v in_o the_o same_o error_n about_o some_o integral_n of_o religion_n appear_v by_o the_o ancient_a general_a practice_n of_o some_o thing_n now_o general_o account_v erroneous_a as_o for_o instance_n the_o give_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o infant_n moreover_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o its_o several_a part_n have_v err_v some_o in_o one_o point_n some_o in_o another_o and_o that_o no_o part_n thereof_o have_v be_v find_v in_o which_o have_v appear_v no_o error_n in_o some_o point_n of_o religion_n or_o other_o and_o if_o all_o the_o part_n may_v various_o err_v in_o several_a point_n why_o may_v not_o they_o also_o harmonious_o err_v all_o of_o they_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o point_n if_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v not_o infallible_a in_o all_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n much_o less_o be_v any_o such_o council_n infallible_a as_o be_v ever_o yet_o congregat_v or_o be_v ever_o like_a to_o be_v congregat_v hereupon_o it_o follow_v that_o in_o all_o controversy_n of_o doctrine_n we_o can_v stand_v final_o to_o the_o decision_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v have_v or_o to_o the_o decision_n of_o any_o the_o large_a council_n that_o can_v possible_o convene_v we_o can_v tell_v what_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v nor_o what_o particular_a church_n or_o person_n be_v sound_a part_n thereof_o but_o by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o what_o criterion_n can_v be_v bring_v beside_o they_o man_n bare_a testimony_n of_o themselves_o be_v not_o to_o be_v rest_v on_o how_o can_v we_o know_v that_o the_o first_o nicene_n council_n be_v orthodox_n in_o its_o determination_n about_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n and_o the_o second_o nicene_n council_n erroneous_a in_o its_o determination_n for_o image-worship_n but_o by_o find_v that_o the_o former_a be_v consonant_a and_o the_o latter_a dissonant_n to_o the_o scripture_n in_o their_o aforesaid_a determination_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o of_o council_n call_v general_n those_o that_o consist_v of_o great_a number_n of_o bishop_n must_v carry_v it_o against_o those_o that_o consist_v of_o lesser_a number_n let_v some_o proof_n either_o from_o scripture_n or_o reason_n be_v give_v for_o it_o what_o ground_n be_v there_o from_o either_o to_o conclude_v that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o arrian_n heresy_n the_o major_a part_n of_o bishop_n in_o the_o roman_a empire_n or_o the_o major_a part_n of_o those_o that_o assemble_v in_o council_n and_o for_o instance_n in_o the_o first_o council_n at_o nice_a may_v not_o possible_o have_v be_v arrian_n moreover_o if_o the_o major_a part_n be_v to_o carry_v it_o in_o the_o first_o six_o century_n why_o not_o also_o in_o the_o ten_o last_n that_o promise_n of_o christ_n mat._n 28._o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n may_v imply_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o successive_a continuation_n of_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n to_o the_o world_n end_n that_o shall_v be_v orthodox_n in_o the_o essential_o yea_o and_o in_o the_o integral_n of_o religion_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o imply_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o great_a number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v call_v and_o repute_v bishop_n or_o pastor_n within_o christendom_n nor_o that_o the_o great_a number_n of_o those_o be_v convene_v in_o council_n shall_v not_o err_v in_o their_o conciliar_a determination_n about_o matter_n of_o faith_n §_o 12._o of_o the_o indefectibility_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n christ_n have_v promise_v the_o perpetuity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n in_o say_v that_o he_o will_v build_v it_o on_o a_o rock_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o and_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o how_o far_o and_o in_o what_o respect_n this_o perpetuity_n and_o indefectibility_n be_v promise_v aught_o to_o be_v inquire_v into_o lest_o we_o expect_v or_o insist_v upon_o more_o than_o the_o promise_n have_v insure_v that_o which_o christ_n have_v promise_v can_v be_v less_o than_o that_o there_o be_v always_o upon_o earth_n a_o number_n of_o true_a believer_n or_o faithful_a christian_n make_v visible_a by_o their_o external_a profession_n of_o christianity_n successive_o
continue_v till_o the_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n it_o be_v also_o ascertain_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v at_o least_o the_o essential_o of_o a_o church-state_n or_o church_n organical_a as_o some_o express_v it_o consist_v of_o a_o part_n govern_v and_o a_o part_n govern_v always_o continue_v somewhere_o upon_o earth_n for_o christ_n promise_n be_v to_o be_v with_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o execute_n of_o their_o ministry_n always_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o it_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o they_o not_o bare_o consider_v as_o person_n but_o as_o his_o commission_v officer_n including_z their_o successor_n not_o in_o the_o apostolical_a and_o temporary_a but_o in_o the_o ordinary_a and_o perpetual_a authority_n which_o they_o have_v in_o common_a with_o pastor_n bishop_n or_o presbyter_n and_o eph._n 4.11_o show_v that_o the_o ministry_n be_v to_o endure_v till_o the_o whole_a mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n be_v complete_v but_o the_o promise_n do_v not_o import_n that_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o any_o particular_a combination_n of_o church_n in_o one_o frame_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n how_o ample_a or_o illustrious_a soever_o shall_v be_v perpetuate_v by_o a_o uninterrupted_a succession_n of_o pastor_n and_o secure_v from_o a_o total_a defection_n and_o rejection_n either_o from_o a_o church_n state_n or_o from_o christianity_n itself_o if_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o any_o one_o large_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v be_v preserve_v from_o the_o apostle_n day_n till_o now_o when_o other_o have_v be_v extinct_a it_o be_v by_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n who_o way_n and_o counsel_n be_v wise_a and_o holy_a yet_o unsearchable_a and_o past_a find_v out_o nor_o do_v the_o promise_n import_n that_o the_o true_a church_n shall_v be_v perpetual_o conspicuous_a though_o it_o be_v perpetual_o visible_a for_o in_o some_o age_n it_o may_v be_v more_o obscure_a in_o other_o more_o apparent_a it_o be_v grant_v by_o that_o party_n that_o much_o insist_o upon_o the_o conspicuousness_n of_o their_o church_n as_o a_o city_n on_o a_o hill_n that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o antichrist_n the_o church_n shall_v scarce_o be_v discern_v now_o in_o such_o a_o state_n it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v though_o not_o absolute_o yet_o comparative_o invisible_a that_o be_v be_v compare_v with_o what_o it_o be_v when_o more_o conspicuous_o visible_a nor_o do_v it_o import_v that_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o any_o most_o ample_a and_o illustrious_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n shall_v perpetual_o abide_v in_o the_o apostolic_a purity_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n but_o that_o it_o may_v depart_v from_o it_o and_o fall_v into_o most_o enormous_a error_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o say_a point_n and_o yet_o may_v not_o lose_v the_o essential_o of_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o church-state_n the_o scripture_n foretell_v of_o a_o great_a fall_v away_o and_o a_o last_a defection_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o a_o long_a continue_a predominancy_n of_o a_o antichristian_a state_n therein_o nay_o for_o aught_o can_v be_v cogent_o infer_v from_o the_o aforesaid_a promise_n the_o say_a defection_n may_v have_v be_v so_o universal_a as_o to_o leave_v no_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n divide_v from_o the_o apostatical_a or_o antichristian_a state_n and_o party_n by_o a_o different_a external_a church-polity_n but_o the_o sound_n and_o sincere_a part_n of_o the_o church_n may_v truckle_n under_o it_o and_o be_v include_v in_o its_o external_a frame_n and_o keep_v themselves_o from_o be_v destroy_v by_o it_o some_o of_o they_o discern_v and_o shun_v the_o bainful_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o other_o that_o be_v infect_v with_o it_o hold_v the_o truth_n predominant_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o so_o though_o not_o speculative_o yet_o practical_o prevail_v against_o the_o wicked_a error_n if_o in_o all_o time_n there_o have_v be_v some_o society_n of_o christian_n that_o do_v not_o fall_v away_o in_o the_o great_a defection_n nor_o incorporate_v with_o the_o antichristian_a state_n but_o be_v by_o themselves_o in_o a_o sever_a church-state_n yet_o christ_n have_v not_o promise_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v notice_n thereof_o throughout_o all_o christendom_n in_o the_o time_n when_o the_o say_v society_n be_v in_o be_v nor_o that_o history_n shall_v be_v write_v thereof_o for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o after_o age_n howbeit_o we_o have_v sufficient_a notice_n by_o credible_a history_n that_o there_o have_v be_v many_o ample_a christian_n church_n throughout_o all_o age_n that_o be_v not_o incorporate_v with_o the_o antichristian_a state_n and_o that_o do_v dissent_v from_o their_o great_a enormity_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n also_o that_o many_o worthy_n live_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o that_o great_a apostasy_n do_v during_o the_o whole_a time_n thereof_o successive_o bear_v witness_n for_o the_o truth_n against_o it_o and_o that_o for_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o time_n huge_a multitude_n also_o live_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o say_a apostasy_n separate_v from_o it_o and_o be_v embody_v into_o church_n of_o another_o constitution_n more_o conformable_a to_o the_o primitive_a christianity_n §_o 13._o the_o frame_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n mention_v in_o scripture_n as_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n one_o catholic_n church_n relate_v as_o one_o kingdom_n family_n flock_n spouse_n and_o body_n to_o christ_n as_o its_o only_a king_n master_n shepherd_z husband_n and_o head_n so_o we_o find_v particular_a church_n as_o so_o many_o political_a society_n distinct_a from_o each_o other_o yet_o all_o compact_a together_o as_o part_n of_o that_o one_o ample_a society_n the_o catholic_n church_n as_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n act_v 13.1_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v 11.22_o act_n 15.4_o the_o church_n at_o caesarea_n act_v 18.22_o the_o church_n at_o cenchrea_n rom._n 10.1_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 1.2_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n gal._n 1.2_o the_o church_n of_o the_o thessalonian_o 1_o thes_n 1.1_o the_o church_n at_o babylon_n 1_o pet._n 5_o 13._o and_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n apoc._n 1_o &_o 2._o viz._n of_o ephesus_n smyrna_n pergamos_n thyatyra_n sardis_n thiladelphia_n and_o laodicea_n we_o likewise_o find_v that_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o city_n oâ—_n lesser_a precinct_n make_v one_o church_n as_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n the_o church_n at_o cenchrea_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o region_n or_o a_o large_a circuit_n make_v many_o church_n as_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o church_n of_o galatiae_n we_o find_v also_o that_o each_o of_o these_o particular_a church_n do_v consist_v of_o a_o part_n govern_v and_o a_o part_n govern_v and_o consequent_o be_v political_a society_n every_o church_n have_v their_o proper_a elder_n or_o elder_n acts._n 4.23_o which_o elder_n be_v the_o same_o with_o bishop_n act_n 20.28_o tit._n 1.5_o 7._o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2._o and_o they_o be_v constitutive_a part_n of_o those_o church_n consider_v as_o political_a society_n we_o find_v also_o that_o these_o elder_n or_o bishop_n do_v personal_o superintend_v or_o oversee_v all_o the_o flock_n or_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n over_o which_o they_o do_v preside_v act_v 20_o 28_o 29._o 1_o thes_n 5.12_o heb._n 13.17_o this_o appear_v further_a by_o their_o particular_a work_n express_o mention_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v personal_o perform_v towards_o all_o viz._n to_o be_v the_o ordinary_a teacher_n of_o all_o heb._n 13_o 7._o 1_o thes_n 5.12_o 13._o to_o admonish_v all_o that_o be_v unruly_a and_o to_o rebuke_v they_o open_o 1_o tim._n 5.20_o tit._n 1.10_o to_o visit_v and_o pray_v with_o the_o sick_a and_o all_o the_o sick_a be_v to_o send_v for_o they_o to_o that_o end_n james_z 5.14_o and_o no_o grant_n from_o christ_n to_o discharge_v the_o same_o by_o substitute_n or_o delegate_n can_v be_v find_v §_o 14._o the_o form_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n consider_v from_z the_o premise_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o all_o particular_a church_n mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v so_o constitute_v as_o that_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o be_v capable_a of_o personal_a communion_n in_o worship_v god_n if_o not_o always_o at_o once_o together_o yet_o by_o turn_n at_o least_o and_o of_o live_v under_o the_o present_a personal_a superintendency_n of_o their_o proper_a elder_n or_o elder_n bishop_n or_o bishop_n whether_o to_o be_v embody_v or_o associate_v for_o personal_a communion_n in_o worship_n and_o for_o personal_a superintendency_n of_o the_o pastor_n over_o all_o the_o member_n be_v the_o true_a formal_a or_o essential_a constitution_n of_o particular_a church_n by_o divine_a right_n i_o leave_v to_o consideration_n but_o this_o be_v evident_a that_o all_o those_o church_n that_o the_o scripture_n take_v notice_n of_o be_v so_o constitute_v and_o that_o
different_a order_n from_o the_o ordinary_a presbyter_n and_o it_o seem_v to_o confine_v their_o ministry_n to_o the_o apostle_n time_n grotius_n say_v they_o be_v presbyter_n tie_v to_o no_o place_n and_o that_o many_o such_o evangelist_n be_v ordain_v long_o after_o and_o thereupon_o conclude_v that_o not_o to_o ordain_v without_o a_o title_n to_o some_o particular_a place_n be_v not_o of_o divine_a right_n indeed_o if_o the_o office_n of_o a_o evangelist_n be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o of_o a_o general_a minister_n or_o a_o presbyter_n tie_v to_o no_o place_n it_o seem_v not_o only_o to_o have_v be_v requisite_a in_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o to_o be_v of_o stand_a conveniency_n if_o not_o of_o necessity_n in_o the_o church_n and_o his_o not_o be_v limit_v to_o one_o church_n be_v but_o the_o extend_v of_o the_o common_a office_n of_o a_o presbyter_n or_o bishop_n and_o not_o the_o make_n of_o a_o new_a office_n for_o this_o more_o extensive_a power_n of_o a_o general_a minister_n be_v only_o the_o have_v of_o that_o in_o ordinary_a exercise_n which_o every_o minister_n have_v in_o actu_fw-la primo_fw-la by_o virtue_n of_o his_o relation_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o which_o teacher_n and_o pastor_n be_v set_v 1_o cor._n 12.28_o and_o into_o which_o his_o ministerial_a act_n of_o teach_v and_o baptise_v have_v influence_n yea_o which_o he_o have_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o relation_n to_o christ_n as_o a_o steward_n to_o a_o householder_n in_o his_o family_n and_o as_o a_o delegate_v to_o the_o chief_a pastor_n for_o the_o call_n of_o the_o unconvert_v as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o confirm_v of_o convert_v now_o the_o more_o or_o less_o extensive_a exercise_n of_o a_o office_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o humane_a prudence_n and_o variable_a according_a to_o time_n and_o place_n but_o that_o a_o general_a minister_n be_v of_o a_o high_a order_n than_o fix_a bishop_n or_o presbyter_n be_v not_o of_o stand_v or_o perpetual_a necessity_n nor_o be_v it_o always_o necessary_a that_o he_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o superintendency_n over_o they_o nevertheless_o if_o a_o superintendency_n be_v grant_v to_o he_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n and_o pastor_n for_o the_o common_a good_a or_o by_o the_o magistrate_n as_o to_o his_o delegate_v in_o his_o authority_n in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n i_o can_v condemn_v it_o but_o rather_o judge_v that_o it_o may_v be_v sometime_o not_o only_o expedient_a but_o necessary_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o of_o divine_a right_n but_o of_o prudential_a determination_n §_o 13._o a_o further_a consideration_n of_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o a_o precedent_n bishop_n as_o touch_v the_o angel_n of_o a_o church_n it_o be_v a_o mystical_a expression_n in_o a_o mystical_a book_n it_o may_v be_v rational_o question_v whether_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o one_o person_n or_o of_o a_o number_n of_o colleague_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o what_o have_v be_v already_o note_v but_o if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o one_o person_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o one_o that_o be_v the_o sole_a pastor_n and_o bishop_n of_o a_o church_n nay_o by_o what_o have_v be_v already_o note_v it_o may_v with_o as_o great_a if_o not_o great_a probability_n be_v understand_v of_o a_o prefident_a bishop_n who_o be_v not_o of_o a_o superior_a order_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o bishop_n but_o the_o first_o or_o chief_a in_o degree_n of_o the_o same_o order_n and_o like_o the_o moderator_n of_o a_o assembly_n a_o chairman_n in_o a_o committee_n and_o mayor_n in_o a_o court_n of_o alderman_n and_o for_o such_o a_o presidency_n there_o need_v no_o divine_a institution_n it_o be_v not_o a_o holy_a order_n or_o office_n of_o a_o different_a species_n from_o that_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o pastor_n but_o a_o priority_n in_o the_o same_o office_n for_o order_n sake_n for_o it_o be_v orderly_a and_o convenient_a that_o where_o there_o be_v many_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n that_o for_o concord_n sake_n they_o consent_v that_o one_o that_o be_v able_a among_o they_o shall_v stated_o have_v a_o guide_a power_n among_o they_o in_o the_o order_n of_o church-affair_n §_o 14._o of_o the_o office_n of_o rule_v elder_n these_o have_v be_v common_o call_v lay-elders_a but_o some_o have_v dislike_v that_o name_n allege_v that_o they_o be_v sacred_a officer_n but_o they_o own_o the_o name_n of_o rule_v elder_n now_o it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o the_o asserter_n of_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o this_o office_n make_v it_o not_o a_o office_n of_o total_a dedication_n to_o sacred_a employment_n as_o the_o office_n of_o a_o minister_n but_o allow_v such_o as_o bear_v it_o to_o have_v secular_a employment_n not_o only_o occasional_o but_o as_o their_o state_v particular_a call_n also_o that_o they_o make_v it_o not_o a_o office_n of_o final_a dedication_n to_o sacred_a employment_n as_o the_o office_n of_o a_o minister_n be_v but_o grant_v that_o such_o as_o bear_v it_o may_v cease_v from_o it_o and_o again_o become_v no_o elder_n also_o they_o make_v not_o these_o elder_n to_o have_v office_n power_n in_o all_o church_n as_o minister_n have_v actu_fw-la primo_fw-la but_o only_o in_o their_o own_o particular_a church_n and_o in_o classical_a and_o synodical_a assembly_n nor_o do_v they_o ascribe_v unto_o these_o elder_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v of_o remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n which_o belong_v to_o minister_n nor_o do_v they_o solemn_o ordain_v these_o elder_n by_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n as_o minister_n be_v ordain_v now_o the_o query_n be_v whether_o christ_n have_v institute_v in_o his_o church_n such_o a_o spiritual_a officer_n as_o this_o roll_a elder_n who_o be_v not_o total_o nor_o final_o dedicate_v to_o sacred_a employment_n but_o stated_o leave_v to_o secular_a calling_n and_o have_v no_o office_n power_n no_o not_o in_o actu_fw-la primo_fw-la in_o the_o church_n at_o large_a but_o only_o in_o his_o own_o church_n or_o in_o such_o a_o assembly_n as_o that_o church_n help_v to_o make_v up_o nor_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v of_o remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n nor_o be_v ordain_v by_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n i_o say_v whether_o christ_n have_v institute_v such_o a_o officer_n and_o authorize_v he_o in_o his_o name_n as_o his_o steward_n to_o admit_v into_o or_o cast_v out_o of_o his_o family_n the_o church_n i_o find_v nothing_o in_o holy_a scripture_n to_o warrant_v his_o divine_a right_n nor_o can_v i_o see_v in_o reason_n how_o one_o destitute_a of_o the_o above_o nanamed_a capacity_n can_v put_v forth_o act_n of_o spiritual_a discipline_n or_o of_o bind_v and_o lose_v in_o christ_n name_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o be_v three_o signification_n of_o presbyter_n the_o first_o belong_v to_o age_n the_o second_o to_o magistracy_n in_o the_o great_a or_o lesser_a sanhedrim_n the_o three_o to_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o only_a place_n that_o have_v a_o show_n of_o mention_v the_o roll_a elder_a in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v not_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v 1_o tim._n 5.17_o the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o etc._n etc._n but_o this_o have_v nothing_o cogent_o to_o evince_v two_o different_a kind_n of_o officer_n but_o that_o of_o those_o in_o the_o same_o office_n some_o may_v be_v employ_v more_o especial_o in_o one_o part_n of_o the_o work_n thereof_o and_o other_o in_o another_o part_n and_o that_o the_o be_v more_o abundant_o employ_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n have_v the_o preeminence_n the_o emphasis_n lie_v in_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v that_o some_o do_v more_o especial_o or_o abundant_o labour_v therein_o but_o not_o imply_v that_o other_o do_v not_o meddle_v therewith_o and_o learned_a man_n observe_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v maintenance_n which_o be_v not_o use_v to_o be_v give_v to_o this_o kind_n of_o officer_n we_o be_v now_o inquire_v of_o for_o they_o be_v such_o as_o have_v secular_a employment_n to_o live_v by_o the_o enumeration_n of_o divers_a gift_n rom._n 12.6_o do_v not_o infer_v the_o institution_n of_o divers_a office_n for_o as_o he_o that_o give_v and_o he_o that_o show_v mercy_n may_v be_v the_o same_o man_n so_o he_o that_o teach_v and_o he_o that_o exhort_v and_o he_o that_o rule_v may_v be_v the_o same_o for_o they_o be_v all_o proper_a act_n of_o the_o pastoral_a office_n likewise_o in_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o those_o two_o expression_n help_n and_o government_n do_v necessary_o infer_v the_o institution_n of_o two_o function_n no_o more_o than_o miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o heal_v there_o also_o mention_v do_v infer_v the_o same_o §_o 15._o that_o a_o single_a presbyter_n
supernatural_a help_n in_o remember_v and_o attest_v it_o the_o first_o church_n receive_v the_o testimony_n from_o the_o first_o witness_n upon_o natural_o certain_a and_o infallible_a evidence_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o those_o witness_n can_v by_o combination_n deceive_v the_o world_n in_o such_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o the_o very_a age_n and_o place_n when_o and_o where_o the_o thing_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v do_v and_o say_v and_o these_o church_n have_v the_o concomitance_n of_o supernatural_a attestation_n in_o themselves_o by_o the_o supernatural_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o by_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o they_o the_o christian_n or_o church_n of_o the_o next_o age_n receive_v the_o testimony_n from_o those_o of_o the_o first_o with_o a_o great_a evidence_n of_o natural_a infallible_a certainty_n for_o that_o the_o doctrine_n be_v deliver_v to_o they_o in_o the_o record_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o both_o the_o miracle_n and_o reporter_n be_v more_o numerous_a and_o they_o be_v disperse_v over_o much_o of_o the_o world_n and_o with_o these_o also_o be_v the_o supernatural_a evidence_n of_o miracle_n we_o of_o the_o present_a age_n receive_v it_o insallible_o from_o the_o church_n of_o all_o precedent_a age_n successive_o to_o this_o day_n by_o the_o same_o way_n with_o great_a advantage_n in_o some_o respect_n and_o with_o lesser_a in_o other_o not_o upon_o the_o church_n bare_a authority_n but_o the_o natural_a cerainty_n of_o the_o infallible_a tradition_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o record_n of_o this_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o perpetual_a exercise_n thereof_o according_a to_o those_o record_n in_o all_o essential_a point_n wherein_o it_o be_v natural_o impossible_a for_o the_o precedent_a age_n to_o impose_v falsehood_n upon_o the_o subsequent_a and_o this_o rational_a evidence_n of_o the_o church_n tradition_n be_v in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o history_n of_o heathen_n and_o the_o concession_n of_o the_o church_n enemy_n infidel_n and_o heretic_n all_o which_o do_v acknowledge_v the_o verity_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n there_o be_v natural_a evidence_n of_o the_o impossibility_n that_o all_o the_o witness_n and_o reporter_n be_v so_o many_o of_o such_o condition_n and_o in_o such_o circumstance_n shall_v agree_v to_o deceive_v and_o never_o be_v detect_v for_o there_o be_v no_o possible_a sufficient_a cause_n that_o so_o many_o thousand_o believer_n and_o reporter_n in_o so_o many_o several_a country_n throughout_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v deceive_v or_o be_v herein_o mad_a or_o senseless_a and_o that_o those_o many_o thousand_o shall_v be_v able_a in_o these_o matter_n unanimous_o to_o agree_v to_o deceive_v more_o than_o themselves_o into_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o same_o untruth_n in_o the_o very_a time_n and_o place_n where_o the_o thing_n be_v say_v to_o be_v do_v and_o no_o sufficient_a cause_n can_v be_v give_v but_o that_o some_o among_o so_o many_o malicious_a enemy_n shall_v have_v detect_v the_o deceit_n especial_o consider_v the_o number_n of_o apostate_n and_o the_o contention_n of_o heritick_n beside_o all_o this_o there_o be_v a_o succession_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n which_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o hearer_n continue_v to_o this_o day_n and_o be_v wrought_v by_o their_o doctrine_n §_o 20._o of_o the_o infallible_a knowledge_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o we_o may_v be_v infallible_o certain_a of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o likewise_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n at_o least_o in_o point_n fundamental_a or_o essential_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o that_o without_o a_o infallible_a teacher_n we_o may_v certain_o know_v that_o a_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n repugnant_a to_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o sense_n right_o circumstantiate_v be_v impossible_a to_o be_v true_a if_o we_o can_v certain_o know_v any_o thing_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v true_a and_o consequent_o we_o may_v infallible_o know_v it_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n in_o many_o thing_n and_o those_o most_o material_a to_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n be_v so_o evident_a from_o the_o plain_a open_a and_o ample_a expression_n thereof_o that_o he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v it_o if_o his_o understanding_n be_v notorious_o prejudice_v and_o if_o we_o can_v know_v the_o say_a sense_n to_o be_v necessary_o true_a we_o can_v know_v nothing_o to_o be_v so_o and_o so_o we_o be_v at_o uncertainty_n for_o every_o thing_n it_o will_v sure_o be_v grant_v by_o all_o that_o we_o may_v as_o certain_o know_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n in_o thing_n plainy_n and_o ample_o express_v as_o the_o sense_n of_o any_o other_o writing_n as_o for_o instance_n of_o the_o write_n of_o euclid_n in_o the_o definition_n and_o axiom_n in_o which_o man_n be_v universal_o agree_v if_o any_o say_v the_o word_n in_o which_o the_o say_a definition_n and_o axiom_n be_v express_v may_v possible_o bear_v another_o sense_n it_o be_v answer_v that_o they_o may_v absolute_o consider_v because_o word_n which_o have_v their_o sense_n ad_fw-la placitum_fw-la and_o from_o common_a use_n be_v absolute_o consider_v may_v have_v a_o divers_a sense_n from_o what_o they_o have_v by_o common_a use_n but_o those_o word_n be_v respective_o consider_v as_o settle_v by_o use_n can_v possible_o bear_v another_o sense_n unless_o we_o imagine_v the_o great_a absurdity_n imaginable_a in_o the_o writer_n beside_o they_o that_o pretend_v the_o possibility_n of_o another_o sense_n i_o suppose_v do_v mean_a sense_n and_o not_o nonsense_n and_o how_o a_o divers_a sense_n of_o all_o those_o word_n in_o euclid_n that_o be_v not_o pure_a nonsense_n shall_v arise_v out_o of_o the_o same_o word_n and_o so_o conjoin_v be_v by_o i_o incomprehensible_a but_o if_o the_o possibility_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v comprehensible_a or_o so_o great_a a_o absurdity_n be_v imaginable_a in_o a_o writer_n lead_v only_o by_o a_o humane_a spirit_n it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a in_o writer_n divine_o inspire_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v write_v unintelligible_o and_o whole_o diverse_o from_o the_o common_a use_n of_o word_n in_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v impossible_a if_o a_o infallible_a teacher_n be_v necessary_a to_o give_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o no_o other_o sense_n than_o what_o be_v so_o give_v can_v be_v safe_o rest_v in_o then_o either_o the_o right_a sense_n of_o that_o infallible_a teacher_n word_n if_o he_o be_v at_o a_o distance_n can_v be_v know_v but_o by_o some_o other_o present_a infallible_a teacher_n or_o else_o that_o pretend_a infallible_a teacher_n be_v more_o able_a or_o more_o willing_a to_o ascertain_v we_o of_o his_o meaning_n than_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n to_o speak_v of_o seek_v the_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n from_o the_o sense_n that_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v thereof_o be_v but_o vain_a talk_n for_o first_o the_o catholic_n church_n never_o yet_o have_v and_o never_o be_v like_a to_o come_v together_o till_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n to_o declare_v their_o sense_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n nor_o have_v they_o write_v it_o in_o any_o book_n or_o number_n of_o book_n 2._o never_o do_v any_o true_a representative_a of_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o any_o thing_n like_o it_o as_o yet_o come_v together_o or_o any_o way_n declare_v what_o be_v their_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n nor_o be_v ever_o like_a to_o do_v 3._o though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o catholic_n church_n can_v err_v in_o the_o essential_o of_o christian_a religion_n as_o indeed_o no_o true_a member_n thereof_o can_v for_o it_o will_v involve_v a_o contradiction_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o assurance_n from_o scripture_n or_o reason_n but_o that_o a_o great_a if_o not_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n may_v err_v in_o the_o integral_n much_o more_o in_o the_o accidental_n of_o religion_n yea_o there_o be_v no_o assurance_n from_o scripture_n or_o reason_n but_o that_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n may_v err_v at_o lest_o per_fw-la vice_n in_o the_o several_a part_n thereof_o some_o in_o one_o thing_n some_o in_o another_o and_o all_o this_o be_v testify_v by_o experience_n in_o the_o great_a diversity_n of_o opinion_n about_o these_o thing_n in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n yea_o and_o by_o the_o difference_n of_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o large_a part_n thereof_o even_o from_o those_o among_o we_o who_o hold_v this_o principle_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o stand_v to_o their_o judgement_n wherefore_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o god_n put_v man_n upon_o such_o dissiculty_n yea_o impossibility_n of_o find_v out_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n at_o least_o in_o the_o main_a point_n of_o
not_o leave_v timothy_n as_o bishop_n of_o ephesus_n but_o take_v he_o with_o he_o in_o his_o journey_n to_o jerusalem_n and_o so_o to_o rome_n for_o those_o epistle_n which_o paul_n write_v while_o he_o be_v prisoner_n at_o rome_n bear_v either_o in_o their_o inscription_n or_o some_o other_o passage_n the_o name_n of_o timothy_n as_o paul_n companion_n viz._n the_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n to_o the_o philippian_n to_o the_o colossian_n to_o the_o hebrew_n and_o to_o philemon_n paul_n beseech_v of_o timothy_n to_o abide_v still_o at_o ephesus_n when_o he_o go_v into_o macedonia_n 2_o tim._n 1.3_o have_v be_v needless_a if_o he_o be_v then_o a_o settle_a bishop_n there_o beside_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o timothy_n be_v not_o bishop_n of_o ephesus_n when_o he_o be_v with_o paul_n at_o miletum_n yet_o that_o church_n have_v then_o elder_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v bishop_n therefore_o it_o can_v be_v that_o timothy_n be_v the_o first_o bishop_n that_o ever_o ephesus_n have_v which_o nevertheless_o be_v affirm_v in_o the_o postscript_n of_o the_o second_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n spalatensis_n lib._n 2_o c._n 3._o n._n 60._o say_v that_o without_o doubt_n timothy_n be_v a_o general_n bishop_n that_o be_v a_o apostle_n tie_v to_o no_o seat_n 2._o titus_n be_v no_o fix_a bishop_n his_o travel_n we_o likewise_o find_v upon_o sacred_a record_n paul_n make_v he_o his_o companion_n in_o his_o journey_n to_o jerusalem_n gal._n 2.1_o an._n 43_o 45._o paul_n return_v to_o antioch_n pass_v through_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n confirm_v the_o church_n act_n 15.41_o from_o cilicia_n he_o pass_v to_o crect_n where_o have_v preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o plant_v a_o church_n he_o leave_v titus_n for_o a_o while_n to_o set_v in_o order_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v leave_v undo_v tit._n 1.5_o an._n 46._o paul_n injoin_v titus_n to_o come_v to_o he_o to_o nicopolis_n where_o he_o intend_v to_o winter_n tit._n 3.12_o a_o 51._o but_o change_v his_o purpose_n he_o send_v for_o he_o to_o ephesus_n where_o his_o winter-station_n be_v 2_o cor._n 1.8_o thence_o he_o send_v he_o to_o corinth_n to_o inquire_v of_o the_o state_n of_o that_o church_n his_o return_n from_o thence_o paul_n expect_v at_o troas_n and_o because_o there_o he_o sound_v not_o his_o expectation_n answer_v he_o be_v grieve_v in_o spirit_n 2_o cor._n 2.12_o thence_o paul_n pass_v into_o macedonia_n where_o titus_n meet_v he_o and_o bring_v he_o the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o the_o gration_n effect_v which_o his_o first_o epistle_n have_v wrought_v among_o the_o corinthian_n 2_o cor._n 7.5_o etc._n etc._n a_o 52._o paul_n have_v collect_v the_o liberality_n of_o the_o saint_n send_v titus_n an_z 53._o again_o to_o the_o corinthian_n to_o prepare_v they_o for_o that_o contribution_n 2_o cor._n 8.6_o and_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o after_o his_o first_o removal_n from_o crect_n he_o do_v ever_o return_v thither_o after_o this_o we_o read_v that_o titus_n be_v with_o paul_n at_o rome_n and_o go_v thence_o not_o to_o crect_n but_o to_o dalmatia_n 2_o tim._n 4.10_o it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o after_o the_o time_n of_o titus_n his_o be_v in_o crect_n be_v the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o travel_n and_o if_o titus_n do_v abide_v some_o year_n in_o crect_n that_o do_v not_o declare_v he_o to_o be_v a_o fix_a bishop_n there_o for_o unfixed_a minister_n be_v not_o so_o oblige_v to_o perpetual_a motion_n but_o that_o they_o reside_v long_o in_o one_o place_n according_a to_o the_o work_n to_o be_v do_v there_o as_o paul_n abide_v three_o year_n at_o ephesus_n 3._o of_o timothy_n and_o titus_n joint_o these_o follow_a thing_n may_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o be_v no_o instance_n of_o a_o settle_a overseer_n or_o pastor_n who_o motion_n be_v so_o planetary_a as_o they_o and_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n that_o afterward_o they_o return_v to_o reside_v at_o ephesus_n or_o crect_n it_o be_v grant_v by_o the_o assertor_n of_o their_o suppose_a episcopacy_n that_o they_o be_v not_o bishop_n till_o after_o paul_n first_o be_v at_o rome_n now_o the_o first_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o the_o epistle_n to_o titus_n be_v write_v by_o paul_n before_o his_o first_o go_v to_o rome_n and_o his_o second_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n be_v write_v at_o his_o first_o be_v at_o rome_n vid._n ludou._n capellus_n histor_n eccles_n p._n 66_o 74._o all_o that_o aver_v timothy_n and_o titus_n to_o be_v bishop_n borrow_v their_o testimony_n from_o eusebius_n and_o all_o that_o he_o say_v be_v only_o that_o it_o be_v so_o write_v and_o he_o have_v this_o story_n from_o the_o fabulous_a clemont_n and_o from_o egesippus_fw-la who_o be_v not_o extant_a it_o be_v observe_v that_o eusâ—bius_n irenaeus_n and_o other_o deliver_v what_o they_o receive_v too_o secure_o 4._o touch_v the_o postscript_n of_o the_o epistle_n in_o which_o they_o be_v style_v bishop_n whether_o they_o be_v canonical_a or_o authentic_a proof_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o paul_n or_o his_o penman_n will_v underwrite_v these_o ward_n viz._n the_o first_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n be_v write_v etc._n etc._n and_o the_o second_o epistle_n to_o timotheus_n ordain_v the_o first_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n do_v he_o know_v or_o mind_n that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o second_o epistle_n or_o bishop_n or_o do_v he_o then_o intend_v that_o the_o first_o shall_v be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o second_o by_o these_o word_n of_o distinction_n the_o first_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n beza_n prove_v be_v not_o write_v from_o laodicea_n but_o from_o macedonia_n to_o which_o opinion_n baronius_n and_o serrarius_n subscribe_v and_o the_o name_n of_o phrygia_n pacatilana_n be_v not_o in_o use_n in_o paul_n time_n nor_o till_o the_o more_o decline_a time_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n in_o the_o postscript_n of_o the_o second_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n these_o word_n ordain_v first_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o in_o many_o ancient_a copy_n say_v beza_n nor_o in_o the_o vulgar_a edition_n nor_o in_o the_o syriack_n interpreter_n the_o epistle_n to_o titus_n be_v not_o write_v from_o nicopolis_n as_o the_o postscript_n say_v for_o have_v paul_n be_v there_o he_o will_v have_v say_v i_o have_v determine_v here_o not_o there_o to_o winter_n and_o whereas_o it_o faith_n the_o first_o bishop_n do_v paul_n or_o his_o penman_n mind_n the_o notify_n of_o a_o succeed_a bishop_n and_o the_o distinguish_n of_o titus_n from_o he_o in_o this_o epistle_n moreover_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o cretan_n be_v not_o the_o stile_n of_o a_o bishop_n of_o a_o diocese_n who_o have_v some_o city_n and_o not_o a_o whole_a region_n for_o his_o sea_n crect_n be_v say_v to_o have_v have_v a_o hundred_o city_n in_o it_o and_o titus_n be_v direct_v by_o paul_n to_o ordain_v elder_n or_o bishop_n in_o all_o those_o city_n that_o have_v christian_n and_o the_o scripture_n way_n of_o expression_n will_v be_v not_o the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n of_o the_o cretian_n church_n be_v use_v of_o a_o city_n with_o its_o adjacent_a village_n and_o church_n of_o a_o region_n or_o country_n of_o such_o a_o circuit_n as_o crect_n be_v thus_o there_o be_v good_a ground_n to_o think_v that_o the_o postscript_n be_v of_o much_o late_a date_n than_o the_o epistle_n themselves_o 5._o the_o precept_n give_v by_o paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n be_v either_o such_o as_o concern_v all_o presbyter_n or_o such_o as_o be_v above_o the_o bishop_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n 1._o some_o precept_n give_v they_o concern_v all_o presbyter_n to_o be_v instant_a in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n belong_v to_o all_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o a_o bishop_n must_v be_v able_a to_o convince_v gainsayer_n so_o ought_v all_o presbyter_n the_o stop_n of_o the_o mouth_n of_o subverter_n be_v by_o conviction_n and_o extend_v as_o well_o to_o doctrine_n as_o to_o definitive_a sentence_n mat._n 22.34_o and_o even_o definitive_a silence_v be_v ancient_o by_o presbyter_n either_o alone_a or_o in_o conjunction_n with_o their_o bishop_n the_o authority_n give_v to_o timothy_n that_o those_o who_o sin_n be_v rebuke_v before_o all_o belong_v to_o presbyter_n and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o may_v be_v do_v by_o equal_n to_o lay_v hand_n sudden_o on_o no_o man_n concern_v presbyter_n to_o who_o belong_v the_o power_n of_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n nor_o do_v this_o precept_n infer_v that_o a_o bishop_n have_v power_n to_o ordain_v alone_o and_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o one_o bishop_n alone_o may_v not_o ordain_v a_o bishop_n presbyter_n as_o well_o as_o bishop_n be_v concern_v in_o that_o precept_n of_o not_o receive_v a_o accusation_n sudden_o against_o any_o and_o in_o ancient_a time_n if_o a_o bishop_n or_o presbyter_n be_v accuse_v the_o matter_n
calendar_n yet_o in_o other_o chapter_n appoint_v to_o be_v read_v this_o person_n who_o speak_v that_o which_o be_v untrue_a be_v set_v forth_o for_o a_o holy_a angel_n and_o c._n 7.3_o both_o the_o angel_n and_o tobias_n be_v report_v to_o say_v to_o raguel_n that_o which_o be_v false_a on_o the_o angel_n part_n viz._n that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o son_n of_o naphtalim_fw-la who_o be_v captive_n in_o niniveh_n though_o we_o read_v in_o scripture_n that_o angel_n be_v sometime_o take_v to_o be_v man_n and_o so_o call_v by_o they_o that_o take_v they_o to_o be_v such_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o read_v therein_o that_o any_o holy_a angel_n affirm_v that_o they_o be_v man_n and_o such_o particular_a man_n by_o name_n tob._n 12.15_o the_o angel_n be_v report_v to_o say_v i_o be_o raphael_n one_o of_o the_o seven_o holy_a angel_n which_o present_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o which_o go_v in_o and_o out_o before_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o holy_a one_o the_o present_v of_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n before_o god_n look_v like_o a_o mediatory_a act_n and_o suppose_v it_o here_o signify_v but_o a_o act_n of_o ministry_n not_o of_o mediation_n yet_o i_o question_v whether_o it_o be_v right_a to_o consent_v to_o the_o use_n of_o such_o a_o passage_n as_o seem_v to_o imply_v the_o mediation_n or_o intercession_n of_o angel_n for_o we_o and_o which_o may_v give_v a_o occasion_n to_o believe_v it_o and_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o prove_v that_o opinion_n the_o story_n of_o bell_n and_o the_o dragon_n be_v think_v to_o be_v fabulous_a and_o there_o may_v be_v some_o regret_n in_o consent_v to_o its_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v read_v at_o a_o time_n when_o it_o be_v omit_v the_o first_o chapter_n of_o isaiah_n will_v come_v in_o course_n to_o be_v read_v moreover_o the_o read_n of_o the_o apocrypha_fw-la have_v be_v except_v against_o as_o it_o exclude_v much_o of_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n and_o take_v in_o such_o book_n in_o their_o stead_n as_o be_v common_o repute_v fabulous_a yet_o read_v for_o real_a history_n of_o the_o table_n and_o rule_n for_o holy_a day_n and_o time_n in_o this_o book_n be_v contain_v the_o appointment_n of_o divers_a festival_n and_o other_o solemn_a time_n now_o though_o i_o scruple_n not_o to_o join_v in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n perform_v in_o those_o day_n yet_o i_o hesitate_n about_o the_o express_a declare_v of_o assent_n and_o consent_n to_o the_o use_n of_o table_n and_o rule_n direct_v to_o the_o solemnize_n thereof_o it_o be_v to_o i_o doubtful_a whether_o any_o humane_a power_n may_v lawful_o institute_v such_o time_n and_o day_n as_o some_o of_o these_o be_v i_o confess_v there_o be_v argument_n for_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o such_o institution_n which_o i_o can_v well_o answer_v and_o there_o be_v other_o argument_n against_o it_o which_o also_o i_o can_v well_o answer_v and_o this_o late_a sort_n i_o crave_v leave_n to_o propound_v in_o this_o place_n the_o occasion_n of_o these_o day_n and_o time_n be_v existent_a in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o if_o god_n will_v have_v have_v these_o day_n appoint_v he_o can_v as_o easy_o and_o fit_o have_v do_v it_o by_o his_o apostle_n and_o have_v leave_v it_o record_v in_o scripture_n as_o he_o do_v other_o like_a thing_n if_o the_o institution_n of_o these_o day_n and_o time_n be_v necessary_a it_o be_v equal_o necessary_a in_o all_o age_n and_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o universal_a law_n and_o so_o belong_v to_o the_o universal_a lawgiver_n if_o the_o universal_a lawgiver_n have_v reserve_v any_o thing_n to_o his_o own_o power_n it_o can_v be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o make_n of_o such_o law_n and_o ordinance_n as_o be_v universal_o and_o perpetual_o necessary_a to_o affirm_v such_o institution_n to_o be_v universal_o necessary_a when_o god_n have_v make_v no_o law_n concern_v it_o in_o scripture_n be_v to_o overthrow_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n as_o a_o catholic_n rule_n of_o divine_a faith_n and_o worship_n for_o man_n to_o institute_v ordinance_n of_o worship_n suppose_v to_o be_v universal_o and_o perpetual_o necessary_a to_o the_o church_n suppose_v a_o defect_n in_o the_o divine_a universal_a and_o perpetual_a ordinance_n to_o be_v make_v up_o by_o add_v other_o ordinance_n by_o way_n of_o supplement_n the_o four_o commandment_n be_v one_o of_o the_o decalogue_n seem_v to_o be_v of_o so_o high_a a_o nature_n that_o man_n may_v not_o presume_v to_o make_v the_o like_a the_o table_n of_o all_o the_o feast_n to_o be_v observe_v begin_v all_o sunday_n in_o the_o year_n so_o it_o call_v the_o lord_n day_n which_o it_o seem_v to_o put_v upon_o the_o same_o level_n with_o feast_n of_o humane_a institution_n and_o there_o seem_v as_o great_a a_o sacredness_n if_o not_o great_a confer_v upon_o some_o of_o the_o high_a festival_n as_o upon_o the_o lord_n day_n which_o be_v of_o divine_a appointment_n the_o lord_n day_n do_v sufficient_o answer_v the_o end_n for_o which_o those_o festival_n that_o relate_v to_o our_o saviour_n be_v appoint_v for_o that_o be_v in_o memory_n of_o his_o resurrection_n imply_v a_o memorial_n of_o all_o thing_n do_v for_o man_n redemption_n if_o such_o institution_n as_o these_o be_v not_o prohibit_v deut._n 4_o 2._o deut._n 12.32_o i_o inquire_v of_o what_o sort_n be_v the_o prohibit_v addition_n there_o speak_v of_o the_o prohibition_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v not_o mere_o of_o add_v to_o the_o rule_n to_o wit_n the_o write_a law_n but_o of_o do_v more_o than_o that_o rule_v require_v as_o the_o precept_n be_v not_o of_o preserve_v the_o rule_n but_o observe_v what_o be_v command_v in_o it_o i_o do_v not_o question_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o such_o humane_a institution_n in_o divine_a worship_n as_o be_v in_o mere_a subordination_n to_o divine_a institution_n and_o serve_v for_o the_o more_o convenient_a modify_n and_o order_v thereof_o and_o which_o indeed_o be_v not_o proper_o addition_n thereunto_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o use_n but_o be_v mere_o accidental_n of_o worship_n but_o i_o doubt_v of_o such_o humane_a ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n as_o be_v coordinate_a with_o the_o divine_a ordinance_n and_o express_v the_o same_o nature_n reason_n end_n and_o use_v with_o they_o and_o be_v addition_n proper_o so_o call_v the_o festival_n day_n appoint_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v in_o the_o table_n of_o feast_n set_v in_o coordination_n with_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o they_o be_v not_o mere_o the_o accidental_n but_o very_o important_a integral_a part_n of_o divine_a service_n in_o this_o church_n in_o reason_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o god_n have_v sufficient_o provide_v for_o his_o honour_n in_o the_o worship_n which_o he_o have_v institute_v as_o much_o as_o belong_v to_o the_o reason_n and_o end_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v institute_v thereupon_o i_o inquire_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o a_o presume_v of_o our_o own_o against_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n to_o add_v to_o the_o divine_a ordinance_n by_o way_n of_o supplement_n humane_a ordinance_n of_o the_o same_o reason_n and_o intent_n with_o the_o divine_a there_o be_v no_o question_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o appoint_v some_o certain_a time_n beside_o the_o lord_n day_n either_o fix_v or_o variable_a to_o be_v spend_v in_o public_a worship_n wherein_o god_n be_v to_o be_v glorify_v for_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o he_o there_o be_v no_o question_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o appoint_v day_n of_o humiliation_n and_o thanksgiving_n either_o for_o once_o or_o anniversary_o upon_o special_a occasion_n and_o that_o beside_o the_o special_a occasion_n of_o those_o day_n thing_n of_o universal_a and_o perpetual_a concernment_n ought_v to_o be_v mind_v in_o the_o religious_a exercise_n then_o perform_v in_o these_o case_n the_o appoint_a day_n and_o time_n be_v only_a adjunct_n of_o worship_n which_o as_o all_o other_o thing_n must_v be_v perform_v in_o some_o certain_a time_n and_o they_o be_v for_o the_o worship_n but_o the_o worship_n be_v not_o for_o they_o and_o they_o be_v not_o intrinsical_o holy_a but_o only_o by_o extrinsic_a denomination_n from_o the_o holy_a worship_n then_o solemnise_v but_o these_o concession_n do_v not_o infer_v as_o i_o suppose_v the_o warrantableness_n of_o day_n appropriate_v to_o the_o same_o use_n and_o end_n for_o which_o the_o lord_n day_n be_v design_v of_o god_n and_o make_v intrinsical_o and_o permanent_o holy_a and_o sanctify_v the_o worship_n as_o well_o as_o sanctify_v by_o it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v profaneness_n to_o alienate_v they_o to_o other_o use_n now_o as_o i_o assure_o believe_v that_o the_o lord_n day_n be_v intrinsical_o and_o
than_o of_o those_o that_o be_v of_o authoritative_a institution_n also_o of_o those_o that_o be_v use_v occasional_o and_o pro_fw-la hic_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la than_o of_o those_o that_o be_v use_v stated_o furthermore_o i_o apprehend_v that_o significant_a ceremony_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o degenerate_v into_o superstition_n and_o if_o they_o be_v multiply_v that_o religion_n be_v therewith_o load_v as_o with_o unprofitable_a luggage_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o form_n of_o religion_n rather_o moysaicall_a than_o evangelical_n wherein_o spiritual_a worship_n be_v most_o regard_v i_o think_v also_o that_o significant_a ceremony_n be_v not_o necessary_a in_o genere_fw-la as_o those_o thing_n be_v which_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o humane_a authority_n and_o so_o not_o to_o be_v institute_v and_o impose_v in_o the_o ordinary_a divine_a service_n i_o apprehend_v that_o our_o lord_n christ_n have_v institute_v all_o those_o state_v ordinance_n of_o positive_a worship_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o church_n universal_a and_o therefore_o that_o more_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v not_o to_o be_v devise_v by_o man_n if_o any_o significant_a ceremony_n be_v indeed_o necessary_a for_o some_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o respect_n of_o time_n and_o place_n there_o seem_v to_o i_o a_o fair_a plea_n for_o their_o institution_n in_o those_o time_n and_o place_n but_o the_o controvert_v ceremony_n among_o we_o seem_v to_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o every_o age_n if_o at_o all_o necessary_a significant_a ceremony_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o reason_n with_o those_o perpetual_a ordinance_n that_o christ_n have_v institute_v for_o the_o universal_a church_n may_v not_o be_v institute_v by_o man_n and_o particular_o such_o as_o be_v make_v symbol_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o christianity_n in_o matter_n doubt_v among_o sober_a christian_n superior_n shall_v take_v heed_n of_o strict_a impose_v and_o thereby_o wrest_v the_o conscience_n of_o their_o subject_n and_o overstrain_v they_o to_o a_o compliance_n with_o they_o in_o derogation_n to_o god_n authority_n in_o their_o conscience_n if_o superior_n command_v that_o which_o be_v above_o their_o sphere_n to_o command_v namely_o thing_n not_o necessary_a in_o genere_fw-la yet_o if_o they_o be_v not_o simple_o evil_a subject_n may_v do_v those_o thing_n unless_o they_o be_v evil_a in_o their_o consequence_n to_o a_o high_a degree_n than_o the_o not_o do_v of_o they_o will_v be_v in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v not_o formal_a obedience_n but_o they_o be_v do_v for_o the_o end_n sake_n and_o to_o avoid_v evil_a §._o 7._o of_o bow_v at_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n it_o be_v rational_o suppose_v that_o in_o this_o act_n not_o the_o name_n but_o the_o person_n so_o name_v be_v make_v the_o object_n of_o adoration_n the_o name_n pronounce_v be_v only_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o present_a adoration_n of_o the_o person_n nothing_o in_o reason_n or_o scripture_n do_v evince_v that_o it_o be_v simple_o evil_a to_o adore_v christ_n by_o incurvation_n of_o the_o body_n or_o other_o reverend_a gesture_n upon_o occasion_n of_o the_o pronounce_v of_o the_o name_n jesus_n howbeit_o to_o make_v such_o incurvation_n a_o state_v ordinance_n of_o worship_n may_v be_v a_o excess_n in_o religion_n that_o be_v superstition_n though_o not_o intolerable_a partly_o because_o it_o too_o rigid_o tie_v up_o christian_n to_o a_o bodily_a exercise_n of_o no_o necessity_n nor_o of_o great_a moment_n partly_o because_o it_o make_v they_o attend_v to_o a_o overcurious_a gesticulation_n and_o verge_n to_o externalness_n and_o formality_n hinder_v the_o inward_a life_n and_o power_n of_o devotion_n partly_o because_o it_o make_v a_o difference_n where_o god_n have_v make_v none_o and_o put_v great_a honour_n upon_o one_o name_n that_o of_o right_n have_v not_o great_a honour_n than_o the_o other_o viz._n christ_n god_n lord_n or_o jehovah_n for_o though_o the_o name_n be_v not_o the_o object_n worship_v yet_o it_o have_v a_o honour_n and_o pre-eminence_n give_v it_o above_o the_o other_o name_n without_o sufficient_a ground_n but_o if_o the_o say_a incurvation_n be_v so_o severe_o command_v that_o great_a mischief_n will_v follow_v the_o nonobservance_n i_o judge_v it_o may_v be_v do_v though_o not_o formal_o in_o obedience_n yet_o for_o avoid_v that_o mischief_n and_o peradventure_o it_o may_v be_v expedient_a in_o that_o case_n to_o bow_v at_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n god_n lord._n the_o place_n phil._n 2.10_o be_v only_o a_o phrase_n express_v subjection_n to_o christ_n and_o use_v also_o rom._n 14.11_o from_o isa_n 45.23_o to_o express_v subjection_n to_o god_n §_o 8._o of_o kneel_v in_o the_o sacrament_n as_o for_o kneel_v in_o the_o sacrament_n the_o inquiry_n be_v not_o here_o of_o the_o expediency_n of_o it_o much_o less_o of_o the_o impose_v of_o it_o but_o of_o the_o bare_a lawfulness_n of_o it_o against_o which_o i_o find_v no_o evidence_n the_o act_n of_o kneel_v among_o we_o be_v no_o adoration_n of_o the_o element_n nor_o own_v of_o christ_n corporal_a presence_n but_o it_o be_v either_o a_o gesture_n of_o prayer_n then_o make_v or_o a_o sign_n of_o most_o submiss_a and_o reverential_a receive_v those_o pledge_n of_o divine_a grace_n or_o both_o yet_o for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v a_o table-gesture_n in_o which_o christ_n disciple_n receive_v it_o from_o their_o lord_n hand_n a_o table-gesture_n can_v reasonable_o be_v think_v less_o safe_a or_o less_o decent_a §_o 9_o of_o wear_v the_o surplice_n as_o touch_v the_o surplice_n the_o wear_n of_o a_o garment_n of_o this_o or_o that_o colour_n or_o of_o this_o or_o that_o form_n or_o shape_n in_o divine_a worship_n be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v of_o god_n but_o tho_o as_o to_o its_o materiale_a it_o may_v be_v indifferent_a yet_o as_o to_o its_o formal_a state_n it_o may_v not_o be_v also_o so_o if_o the_o scurplice_n be_v make_v a_o holy_a garment_n as_o the_o priestly_a garment_n under_o the_o law_n if_o it_o be_v use_v to_o make_v he_o that_o wear_v it_o more_o holy_a and_o the_o service_n more_o acceptable_a for_o obtain_v divine_a grace_n it_o be_v superstitious_a if_o it_o be_v make_v a_o symbol_n of_o sanctity_n it_o may_v raise_v a_o scruple_n but_o a_o distinctive_a habit_n of_o a_o minister_n whether_o use_v as_o his_o ordinary_a garb_n or_o only_o in_o sacred_a administration_n i_o can_v see_v to_o be_v superstitious_a or_o forbid_a but_o a_o habit_n that_o be_v not_o superstitious_a may_v be_v too_o gawdy_a or_o too_o theatrical_a what_o be_v the_o formal_a state_n or_o reason_n of_o the_o surplice_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o authoritative_o declare_v meaning_n of_o those_o that_o enjoin_v it_o touch_v its_o end_n and_o use_v but_o whatsoever_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o this_o garment_n be_v i_o can_v approve_v the_o enforce_a of_o it_o upon_o such_o minister_n and_o in_o such_o congregation_n to_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o invincible_a prejudice_n it_o be_v either_o odious_a or_o ridiculous_a yea_o though_o their_o prejudice_n be_v suppose_v culpable_a wise_a ruler_n give_v way_n to_o the_o unmoveable_a averseness_n of_o inferior_n in_o thing_n unnecessary_a and_o of_o no_o great_a moment_n though_o of_o good_a intention_n and_o as_o i_o shall_v be_v loath_a to_o wear_v a_o fool_n coat_n in_o divine_a service_n upon_o the_o command_n of_o a_o superior_a so_o i_o shall_v be_v loath_a to_o appear_v in_o a_o congregation_n in_o a_o habit_n which_o i_o know_v will_v be_v to_o they_o as_o ridiculous_a as_o a_o fool_n coat_n though_o it_o be_v their_o great_a folly_n so_o to_o think_v §_o 10._o of_o the_o ring_n in_o matrimony_n for_o as_o much_o as_o the_o matrimonical_a contract_n and_o conjunction_n though_o it_o be_v a_o divine_a ordinance_n yet_o be_v no_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n i_o no_o more_o doubt_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o ring_n as_o a_o sign_n of_o that_o contract_n than_o of_o any_o other_o sign_n use_v for_o ratification_n of_o humane_a contract_n §_o 11._o of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n some_o nonconformist_n say_v that_o they_o deny_v not_o the_o civil_a use_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o coin_n and_o banner_n other_o of_o they_o say_v they_o dare_v not_o reprove_v the_o ancient_a christian_n that_o use_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n mere_o as_o a_o profess_v signal_n action_n to_o show_v to_o the_o heathen_a that_o they_o do_v believe_v in_o christ_n crucify_v indeed_o that_o usage_n thereof_o be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o a_o inform_v of_o man_n touch_v their_o faith_n it_o seem_v lawful_a to_o signify_v as_o by_o word_n so_o by_o other_o sign_n that_o we_o be_v christ_n and_o his_o devote_a servant_n for_o word_n be_v but_o a_o kind_n of_o sign_n the_o ground_n of_o scruple_v the_o sign_n
of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n be_v these_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a circumstance_n but_o a_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n as_o important_a as_o a_o external_a rite_n can_v be_v 2._o that_o be_v a_o solemn_a and_o state_v symbolical_a sign_n of_o a_o divine_a mystery_n and_o devise_v of_o man_n it_o be_v of_o that_o classis_fw-la or_o rank_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o necessary_a in_o genere_fw-la and_o so_o not_o allow_v to_o be_v determine_v and_o impose_v by_o man_n as_o thing_n necessary_a in_o genere_fw-la be_v allow_v 3._o that_o either_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o a_o sacrament_n or_o at_o least_o a_o part_n thereof_o be_v in_o it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sacrament_n be_v thus_o prove_v it_o be_v a_o outward_a and_o visible_a sign_n of_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a grace_n the_o outward_a sign_n be_v the_o representation_n of_o the_o cross_n the_o instrument_n of_o christ_n suffering_n and_o the_o inward_a spiritual_a grace_n be_v fortitude_n in_o the_o christian_a warfare_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o liturgy_n here_o be_v a_o signification_n of_o grace_n to_o be_v give_v we_o of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o duty_n according_a to_o that_o grace_n likewise_o this_o sign_n have_v assign_v unto_o it_o the_o moral_a efficacy_n of_o a_o sacrament_n for_o work_a grace_n by_o teach_v and_o exciting_a we_o to_o the_o spiritual_a warfare_n and_o mind_v we_o of_o christ_n crucify_v also_o it_o signify_v and_o seal_v our_o relation_n to_o christ_n or_o the_o grace_n of_o be_v a_o christian_n and_o the_o liturgy_n so_o speak_v we_o receive_v this_o child_n into_o the_o congregation_n of_o christ_n flock_n and_o sign_n he_o etc._n etc._n in_o token_n etc._n etc._n the_o pretence_n that_o no_o rite_n can_v be_v a_o sacrament_n but_o what_o god_n have_v institute_v be_v answer_v before_o sect._n 4._o and_o though_o the_o imposer_n thereof_o say_v it_o be_v not_o a_o sacrament_n yet_o if_o they_o so_o declare_v its_o meaning_n as_o to_o be_v of_o the_o formal_a nature_n and_o reason_n of_o a_o sacrament_n they_o make_v it_o to_o be_v one_o indeed_o though_o in_o word_n they_o deny_v it_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o it_o have_v not_o the_o complete_a or_o entire_a nature_n of_o a_o sacrament_n yet_o there_o be_v one_o essential_a part_n of_o a_o sacrament_n most_o apparent_o in_o it_o that_o be_v to_o be_v a_o engage_v sign_n on_o our_o part_n in_o the_o covenant_n for_o we_o use_v it_o as_o a_o token_n of_o engage_v ourselves_o to_o christ_n crucify_v as_o our_o captain_n and_o saviour_n by_o his_o cross_n and_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o soldier_n and_o servant_n to_o our_o life_n end_n and_o as_o baptism_n dedicate_v to_o christ_n so_o do_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n according_a to_o the_o express_a word_n of_o the_o canon_n viz._n it_o be_v a_o honourable_a badge_n whereby_o the_o party_n baptise_a be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o he_o that_o die_v on_o the_o cross_n so_o it_o have_v that_o in_o it_o which_o be_v essential_a to_o a_o sacrament_n and_o part_n of_o the_o nature_n thereof_o at_o least_o beside_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o kind_n which_o christ_n our_o lawgiver_n have_v reserve_v to_o himself_o from_o the_o reason_n in_o section_n 3_o 4_o 5._o §_o 12._o of_o holiday_n that_o some_o time_n of_o every_o day_n be_v to_o be_v spend_v in_o religious_a exercise_n and_o that_o whole_a day_n of_o humiliation_n and_o thanksgiving_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v upon_o special_a occasion_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o anniversary_n commemoration_n of_o great_a mercy_n or_o judgement_n be_v little_o doubt_v i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o a_o nation_n or_o people_n to_o institute_v a_o anniversary_n commemoration_n of_o some_o eminent_a person_n send_v of_o god_n as_o a_o great_a light_n among_o they_o as_o the_o first_o propagator_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o great_a restorer_n of_o true_a religion_n among_o they_o as_o of_o luther_n among_o the_o german_n and_o calvin_n among_o the_o french_a protestant_n for_o scarce_o a_o great_a blessing_n do_v arise_v to_o a_o nation_n mr._n r_o b._n say_v that_o a_o apostolical_a ministry_n be_v so_o eminent_a a_o mercy_n he_o can_v see_v no_o reason_n why_o the_o church_n of_o all_o succeed_a age_n may_v not_o keep_v a_o anniversary_n day_n for_o peter_n or_o paul_n etc._n etc._n but_o he_o say_v also_o that_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o separate_v a_o anniversary_n for_o the_o commemoration_n of_o christ_n nativity_n circumcision_n and_o such_o like_a thing_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v equal_o existent_a in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o the_o reason_n for_o observe_v they_o then_o equal_a with_o the_o follow_a time_n be_v hard_o for_o he_o to_o determine_v be_v not_o able_a to_o prove_v it_o lawful_a and_o yet_o not_o see_v a_o plain_a prohibition_n of_o it_o yet_o he_o give_v these_o reason_n of_o doubt_v their_o lawfulness_n first_o the_o occasion_n of_o these_o day_n be_v existent_a in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o if_o god_n will_v have_v have_v these_o day_n observe_v he_o can_v as_o easy_o and_o fit_o have_v do_v it_o by_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o he_o do_v other_o like_a thing_n 2._o if_o it_o be_v necessary_a it_o will_v be_v equal_o necessary_a in_o all_o age_n and_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o universal_a law_n and_o god_n have_v make_v no_o such_o law_n in_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o to_o say_v it_o be_v necessary_a be_v to_o overthrow_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n as_o the_o catholic_n rule_n of_o faith_n and_o universal_a divine_a obedience_n 3._o god_n himself_o have_v appoint_v a_o day_n for_o the_o same_o purpose_n as_o these_o be_v pretend_v for_o the_o resurrection_n imply_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o redeemer_n 4._o the_o four_o commandment_n be_v one_o of_o the_o decalogue_n seem_v to_o be_v of_o so_o high_a a_o nature_n that_o man_n be_v not_o to_o presume_v to_o make_v the_o like_a he_o account_v it_o plain_o unlawful_a for_o any_o earthly_a power_n to_o appoint_v a_o weekly_a day_n in_o commemoration_n of_o any_o part_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o so_o make_v another_o state_v weekly_a holiday_n because_o it_o be_v the_o do_v of_o the_o same_o thing_n for_o one_o day_n which_o god_n have_v do_v by_o another_o and_o so_o seem_v a_o usurpation_n of_o power_n not_o give_v and_o a_o accusation_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o if_o he_o have_v not_o do_v his_o work_n sufficient_o i_o think_v it_o also_o a_o usurpation_n of_o power_n not_o give_v for_o any_o human_a authority_n to_o make_v any_o day_n or_o time_n permanent_o and_o unmovable_o holy_a as_o a_o perpetual_a oblation_n to_o god_n and_o not_o only_o sanctify_v by_o the_o duty_n therein_o perform_v but_o also_o sanctify_v the_o duty_n and_o make_v they_o the_o more_o acceptable_a but_o as_o to_o the_o observation_n much_o more_o to_o the_o impose_v of_o the_o observation_n of_o holiday_n of_o human_a institution_n regard_n be_v to_o be_v have_v not_o only_o to_o what_o be_v lawful_a but_o also_o to_o what_o be_v expedient_a and_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o offend_v by_o excess_n as_o by_o defect_n in_o the_o institute_n of_o set-time_n and_o day_n appropriate_v to_o divine_a worship_n §_o 13._o of_o a_o liturgy_n any_o particular_a form_n whether_o stint_v or_o free_a be_v not_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o prayer_n but_o only_o its_o accidental_a shape_n or_o mode_n and_o pertain_v to_o it_o not_o as_o to_o a_o holy_a action_n but_o as_o to_o a_o action_n in_o general_n and_o for_o that_o no_o action_n can_v be_v perform_v but_o in_o some_o particular_a mode_n or_o other_o this_o holy_a action_n can_v otherwise_o be_v perform_v now_o neither_o scripture_n nor_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n have_v make_v either_o a_o state_v and_o stint_v or_o a_o free_a and_o extemporal_a form_n in_o itself_o necessary_a and_o therefore_o either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o may_v be_v use_v as_o expedience_n require_v according_a to_o due_a choice_n and_o judgement_n as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n they_o be_v too_o weak_a and_o ill_o advise_v that_o reject_v all_o set-form_n so_o they_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n be_v too_o opinionative_n that_o reject_v all_o immediate_o conceive_v yea_o or_o preconceive_a form_n that_o be_v not_o prescribe_v and_o both_o of_o they_o show_v that_o they_o be_v too_o much_o addict_v to_o their_o party_n §_o 14._o of_o religious_a austerity_n as_o act_n or_o matter_n of_o divine_a worship_n there_o be_v austerity_n inconvenient_a in_o their_o kind_n such_o as_o the_o self_n cut_v and_o lance_v of_o baal_n priest_n and_o
such_o as_o the_o popish_a whip_n or_o such_o as_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n with_o pious_a intention_n but_o superstitious_o use_v as_o perpetual_a abide_n on_o the_o top_n of_o a_o pillar_n never_o to_o sleep_v but_o stand_v etc._n etc._n and_o there_o be_v austerity_n inconvenient_a for_o measure_n by_o excess_n in_o that_o which_o be_v for_o kind_a suitable_a and_o comely_a as_o immoderate_a abstinence_n and_o abasement_n all_o such_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v come_v not_o into_o the_o present_a consideration_n but_o the_o query_n be_v whether_o allowable_a austerity_n may_v be_v not_o only_a adjunct_n but_o also_o act_n or_o matter_n of_o worship_n humiliation_n or_o prostration_n of_o soul_n in_o self_n abasement_n before_o god_n be_v a_o act_n of_o internal_a worship_n and_o i_o do_v not_o see_v but_o the_o austerity_n we_o now_o speak_v of_o may_v be_v lawful_o use_v as_o direct_v and_o immediate_a sign_n of_o such_o humiliation_n and_o consequent_o as_o act_n of_o worship_n whatsoever_o be_v direct_o and_o immediate_o expressive_a of_o internal_a worship_n be_v external_a worship_n and_o so_o fast_v and_o other_o abstinence_n may_v be_v esteem_v not_o only_o as_o fit_a adjunct_n of_o worship_n and_o help_v therein_o but_o act_n thereof_o vow_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a allowable_a austerity_n to_o be_v continue_v in_o for_o term_v of_o life_n or_o notable_a length_n of_o time_n be_v dangerous_a and_o apt_a to_o ensnare_v the_o conscience_n and_o if_o a_o special_a religious_a state_n be_v place_v in_o they_o more_o than_o what_o belong_v to_o christianity_n as_o such_o they_o be_v superstition_n and_o will-worship_n matrimonial_a purity_n §_o 1._o marriage_n be_v the_o bond_n of_o a_o individual_a conjunction_n between_o man_n and_o woman_n institute_v of_o god_n to_o a_o individual_a conversation_n or_o course_n of_o life_n this_o bond_n can_v be_v dissolve_v by_o man_n because_o it_o be_v not_o man_n but_o god_n that_o make_v it_o though_o the_o marry_a party_n voluntary_o enter_v into_o it_o and_o public_a officer_n instrumental_o authorise_v their_o act_n according_a to_o god_n law_n hence_o it_o be_v say_v who_o god_n have_v join_v let_v no_o man_n put_v asunder_o but_o this_o rule_n put_v no_o bar_n to_o god_n right_a of_o dissolve_v this_o bond_n by_o a_o act_n of_o his_o law_n upon_o cause_n therein_o declare_v §_o 1._o by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n matrimony_n be_v hold_v a_o sacrament_n upon_o this_o ground_n that_o god_n have_v consecrate_v it_o to_o be_v a_o symbol_n of_o the_o indissoluble_a conjunction_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o church_n and_o of_o grace_n to_o be_v confer_v upon_o those_o that_o enter_v into_o it_o indeed_o it_o be_v use_v in_o scripture_n as_o a_o similitude_n to_o express_v or_o illustrate_v the_o mystical_a union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n but_o every_o similitude_n use_v in_o scripture_n to_o express_v a_o holy_a mystery_n as_o that_o of_o the_o vine_n and_o branch_n to_o express_v the_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o faithful_a do_v not_o thereby_o become_v a_o consecrate_a symbol_n thereof_o with_o a_o promise_n of_o grace_n annex_v to_o it_o as_o so_o consecrate_v nevertheless_o though_o matrimony_n be_v not_o a_o institute_v symbol_n of_o divine_a grace_n yet_o grace_v suitable_a to_o this_o state_n of_o life_n be_v promise_v to_o the_o faithful_a and_o this_o state_n as_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o prayer_n unto_o those_o holy_a end_n which_o god_n have_v design_v in_o it_o §_o 3._o the_o cause_n for_o which_o matrimony_n be_v ordain_v be_v excellent_o set_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o these_o word_n first_o it_o be_v ordain_v for_o the_o procreation_n of_o child_n to_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o fear_n and_o nurture_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o holy_a name_n second_o it_o be_v ordain_v for_o a_o remedy_n against_o sin_n and_o to_o avoid_v fornication_n that_o such_o as_o have_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o continency_n may_v marry_v and_o keep_v themselves_o undefiled_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n three_o it_o be_v ordain_v for_o the_o mutual_a society_n help_n and_o comfort_n that_o the_o one_o ought_v to_o have_v of_o the_o other_o both_o in_o prosperity_n and_o adversity_n it_o belong_v to_o the_o substance_n of_o matrimony_n that_o the_o man_n and_o the_o woman_n give_v and_o take_v the_o power_n of_o their_o body_n mutual_o unto_o the_o conjugal_a due_n call_v benevolence_n 1_o cor._n 7.3_o 4._o and_o they_o be_v so_o equal_a in_o the_o matter_n of_o wedlock_n that_o both_o of_o they_o be_v both_o superior_a and_o inferior_a in_o ask_v and_o render_v the_o say_v due_a hence_o it_o be_v a_o resolve_a case_n that_o sterility_n be_v not_o a_o impediment_n of_o marriage_n because_o though_o the_o primary_n end_n which_o be_v procreation_n be_v thereby_o hinder_v yet_o the_o secondary_a end_n to_o be_v a_o remedy_n against_o sin_n which_o be_v also_o of_o god_n ordain_v be_v obtain_v but_o frigidity_n or_o total_a impotency_n be_v a_o just_a impediment_n because_o in_o that_o case_n both_o the_o primary_n and_o secondary_a end_n of_o marriage_n be_v make_v void_a and_o the_o essential_a due_n thereof_o can_v be_v render_v §_o 4._o as_o concern_v the_o ancient_a polygamy_n or_o plurality_n of_o wife_n at_o once_o some_o conceive_v that_o it_o be_v only_o by_o divine_a connivance_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sinful_a practice_n which_o god_n wink_v at_o other_o conceive_v that_o it_o be_v by_o divine_a dispensation_n and_o that_o the_o law_n of_o the_o conjunction_n of_o one_o man_n and_o one_o woman_n be_v most_o consentaneous_a to_o nature_n but_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o nature_n immutable_a and_o indispensable_a but_o such_o as_o may_v be_v change_v the_o state_n of_o thing_n and_o person_n be_v change_v yet_o than_o not_o to_o be_v change_v but_o by_o his_o authority_n from_o who_o all_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n do_v proceed_v but_o whether_o polygamy_n be_v allow_v or_o only_o wink_v at_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v whole_o disallow_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v never_o as_o yet_o admit_v in_o any_o christian_a commonwealth_n if_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n a_o man_n put_v away_o his_o wife_n and_o marry_v another_o commit_v adultery_n much_o more_o do_v he_o commit_v adultery_n if_o keep_v the_o former_a wife_n he_o marry_v another_o the_o concubine_n mention_v in_o the_o old-testament_n be_v not_o as_o in_o our_o day_n unmarried_a but_o proper_o wife_n though_o in_o respect_n of_o some_o matrimonial_a privilege_n inferior_a to_o wife_n strict_o so_o call_v for_o their_o carnal_a conjunction_n with_o any_o beside_o he_o who_o they_o be_v be_v a_o defile_n of_o the_o marriagebed_n concern_v reuben_n who_o lie_v with_o bilhah_n jacob_n concubine_n this_o be_v denounce_v thou_o shall_v not_o excel_v because_o thou_o wente_v up_o to_o thy_o father_n bed_n than_o defile_v thou_o it_o gen._n 49.4_o §_o 5._o as_o concern_v the_o honour_n of_o matrimony_n it_o be_v write_v heb._n 13.4_o marriage_n be_v honourable_a among_o all_o man_n and_o the_o bed_n undefiled_a but_o whoremonger_n and_o adulterer_n god_n will_v judge_n this_o be_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n on_o the_o contrary_a the_o hypocrisy_n and_o the_o counterfeit_v sanctity_n of_o those_o liar_n who_o be_v to_o bring_v in_o the_o great_a apostasy_n upon_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v foretell_v to_o consist_v among_o other_o thing_n in_o forbid_v to_o marry_v 1_o tim._n 4.3_o and_o the_o prohibition_n of_o it_o to_o divers_a order_n of_o man_n and_o other_o unjust_a restriction_n lay_v upon_o it_o be_v one_o kind_n of_o the_o forbid_v to_o marry_v intend_v in_o that_o prediction_n the_o wise_a and_o most_o civilise_a commonwealth_n that_o be_v not_o christian_n have_v testify_v their_o great_a respect_n to_o marriage_n by_o encourage_v it_o with_o many_o privilege_n as_o more_o conduce_v to_o the_o public_a good_a than_o the_o single_a life_n by_o the_o roman_a law_n in_o time_n of_o gentilism_n marriage_n be_v privilege_v and_o the_o single_a life_n disadvantage_v §_o 6._o the_o debase_v of_o matrimony_n come_v in_o with_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o church_n quick_o after_o the_o apostle_n age_n christian_n depart_v from_o the_o simplicity_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n by_o devise_v rule_n of_o life_n which_o christ_n require_v not_o and_o build_v upon_o the_o precious_a foundation_n which_o have_v be_v lay_v wood_n hay_o and_o stubble_n and_o the_o devotion_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n be_v carry_v forth_o to_o a_o self-devised_n religiousness_n yet_o the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n be_v preserve_v sound_a according_o many_a of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n extol_v celibate_n and_o virginity_n with_o excessive_a praise_n and_o think_v of_o marriage_n as_o of_o a_o state_n