veneration_n as_o i_o know_v your_o holy_a presbyter_n do_v according_a to_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n the_o father_n and_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n let_v we_o be_v careful_a say_v he_o that_o we_o do_v not_o oppose_v the_o bishop_n as_o we_o will_v be_v obedient_a to_o god_n and_o if_o any_o man_n observe_v the_o silence_n of_o his_o bishop_n let_v he_o reverence_v he_o so_o much_o the_o more_o for_o every_o one_o that_o the_o master_n of_o the_o family_n appoint_v to_o be_v his_o steward_n we_o ought_v to_o receive_v he_o as_o the_o master_n himself_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v evident_a we_o ought_v to_o respect_v the_o bishop_n as_o our_o lord_n himself_o from_o whence_o i_o infer_v first_o that_o at_o the_o write_n of_o these_o epistle_n which_o be_v not_o above_o eight_o or_o nine_o year_n after_o the_o decease_n of_o s._n john_n there_o be_v bishop_n every_o where_o constitute_v over_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o he_o not_o only_a mention_n several_a church_n that_o have_v bishop_n actual_o preside_v over_o they_o but_o declare_v bishop_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a ordination_n and_o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v obey_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n the_o father_n and_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o they_o have_v their_o promotion_n not_o from_o man_n but_o from_o god_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o trallian_n he_o bid_v they_o obey_v their_o bishop_n as_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v command_v they_o in_o which_o he_o necessary_o suppose_v bishop_n to_o be_v institute_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o then_o he_o go_v on_o he_o who_o be_v within_o the_o altar_n that_o be_v within_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v clean_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n he_o be_v without_o the_o altar_n who_o do_v any_o thing_n without_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n and_o if_o any_o christian_a act_v without_o the_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n be_v without_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n then_o to_o be_v sure_o no_o community_n of_o christian_n that_o do_v so_o can_v be_v esteem_v a_o part_n or_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o since_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o primitive_a age_n bishop_n be_v a_o divine_a ordinance_n and_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o necessary_a to_o the_o very_a constitution_n of_o church_n we_o may_v from_o hence_o just_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v then_o no_o church_n without_o they_o and_o second_o we_o may_v from_o hence_o also_o infer_v that_o since_o there_o be_v bishop_n in_o this_o early_a age_n preside_v over_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n several_a of_o they_o at_o least_o receive_v their_o episcopal_a order_n immediate_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o at_o the_o time_n when_o these_o epistle_n be_v write_v ignatius_n himself_o have_v be_v above_o forty_o year_n bishop_n of_o antioch_n at_o which_o time_n sundry_a of_o the_o apostle_n be_v live_v and_o therefore_o consider_v the_o singular_a eminence_n of_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n whereof_o he_o be_v bishop_n as_o be_v immediate_o plant_v by_o s._n peter_n and_o s._n paul_n and_o that_o wherein_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n first_o receive_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n and_o consider_v also_o that_o it_o be_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o ordain_v elder_n in_o all_o the_o church_n they_o plant_v it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o he_o receive_v his_o ordination_n immediate_o from_o their_o hand_n and_o so_o s._n chrysostom_n tom._n 5._o edit_fw-la savil._n p._n 499._o express_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o admire_v ignatius_n for_o that_o he_o be_v account_v worthy_a of_o so_o great_a a_o dignity_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n but_o because_o he_o obtain_v his_o dignity_n from_o those_o holy_a man_n and_o the_o sacred_a hand_n of_o the_o bless_a apostle_n have_v be_v lay_v upon_o his_o head_n and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o polycarp_n bishop_n of_o smyrna_n of_o who_o ignatius_n make_v honourable_a mention_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o the_o christian_a church_n will_v ever_o have_v so_o universal_o admit_v of_o bishop_n as_o it_o be_v apparent_a they_o do_v in_o ignatius_n time_n when_o the_o apostle_n be_v live_v have_v not_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o derive_v their_o authority_n from_o the_o apostle_n immediate_o and_o consider_v how_o much_o s._n john_n who_o survive_v the_o apostle_n be_v reverence_v to_o the_o last_o through_o all_o the_o christian_a church_n what_o likelihood_n be_v there_o that_o those_o very_a church_n shall_v so_o far_o contemn_v both_o he_o and_o they_o even_o whilst_o they_o be_v live_v among_o they_o as_o to_o admit_v of_o a_o new_a order_n of_o man_n without_o their_o authority_n to_o oversee_v and_o govern_v they_o but_o that_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la the_o apostle_n do_v with_o their_o own_o hand_n ordain_v several_a bishop_n to_o preside_v over_o several_a church_n be_v most_o certain_a if_o any_o credit_n may_v be_v give_v to_o ecclesiastical_a history_n which_o assure_v we_o that_o they_o ordain_v dionysius_n the_o areopagite_n bishop_n of_o athens_n caius_n of_o thessalonica_n archyppus_fw-la of_o colosse_n onesimus_n of_o ephesus_n antipas_n of_o pergamus_n euphroditus_fw-la of_o philippi_n crescens_n of_o the_o gaul_n erastus_n of_o macedonia_n trophimus_n of_o arles_n jason_n of_o tarsus_n titus_n of_o corinth_n onisiphorus_fw-la of_o colophon_n quartus_fw-la of_o berytus_n paul_n the_o proconsul_n of_o narbona_n vid._n bishop_n tailor_n of_o episcopacy_n sect._n 18._o but_o than_o three_o and_o last_o from_o hence_o i_o also_o infer_v that_o the_o bishop_n of_o this_o age_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o superior_a order_n to_o all_o other_o ecclesiastical_a officer_n for_o ignatius_n not_o only_o enjoin_v the_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n to_o obey_v their_o bishop_n but_o also_o press_v they_o thereunto_o by_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o by_o christ_n command_n they_o be_v to_o obey_v their_o bishop_n then_o by_o christ_n institution_n their_o bishop_n be_v their_o superior_n thus_o much_o therefore_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o ignatius_n that_o in_o the_o apostolic_a age_n bishop_n be_v universal_o admit_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o derive_v their_o authority_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o authority_n they_o be_v superior_a to_o all_o other_o ecclesiastical_a officer_n and_o this_o be_v all_o we_o contend_v for_o and_o now_o let_v we_o proceed_v to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o next_o age_n who_o converse_v with_o those_o that_o be_v conversant_a with_o the_o apostle_n of_o which_o number_n be_v justin_n martyr_n hegesippus_n dionysius_n bishop_n of_o corinth_n irenaeus_n and_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n the_o first_o of_o which_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n about_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 133._o which_o be_v not_o above_o twenty_o five_o year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o s._n john_n this_o writer_n in_o his_o apology_n for_o christianity_n to_o the_o emperor_n antoninus_n give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o public_a worship_n make_v mention_n of_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n a_o precedent_n or_o preside_v ecclesiastic_a in_o the_o mother_n church_n who_o do_v there_o consecrate_v the_o bread_n and_o wine_n in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o give_v it_o to_o the_o deacon_n to_o distribute_v it_o to_o such_o as_o be_v present_a and_o carry_v it_o to_o such_o as_o be_v absent_a and_o who_o do_v receive_v the_o charity_n of_o the_o people_n and_o dispose_v and_o manage_v the_o stock_n of_o the_o church_n now_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o bishop_n title_n be_v evident_a for_o so_o dionysius_n bishop_n of_o corinth_n who_o be_v justin_n martyr_n cotemporary_a use_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d promiscuous_o still_v publius_n bishop_n of_o athens_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o precedent_n and_o quadratus_n his_o successor_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o bishop_n vid._n euseb._n lib._n 4._o cap._n 23._o next_o after_o he_o we_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o hegesippus_n who_o as_o s._n jerom_n de_fw-fr script_n eccles._n tell_v we_o live_v very_o near_o to_o the_o apostolic_a age_n he_o write_v five_o book_n of_o commentary_n some_o fragment_n of_o which_o be_v preserve_v in_o eusebius_n his_o history_n in_o which_o he_o not_o only_o make_v mention_n of_o several_a bishop_n with_o who_o he_o converse_v in_o his_o journey_n from_o judea_n to_o rome_n and_o of_o primus_fw-la bishop_n of_o corinth_n by_o name_n and_o afterward_o of_o anicetus_n soter_n
find_v in_o scripture_n that_o all_o ecclesiastic_a commission_n be_v either_o give_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o some_o of_o those_o first_o apostle_n who_o receive_v their_o commission_n immediate_o from_o our_o saviour_n or_o else_o by_o some_o of_o those_o secondary_a apostle_n that_o be_v admit_v into_o apostolic_a order_n by_o they_o which_o secondary_a apostle_n as_o be_v show_v before_o be_v the_o same_o with_o those_o who_o we_o now_o call_v bishop_n for_o so_o in_o act_n 6.3.6_o the_o seven_o first_o deacon_n we_o read_v of_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o apostle_n the_o whole_a number_n of_o the_o disciple_n be_v present_a but_o the_o apostle_n only_o appoint_v and_o lay_v their_o hand_n on_o they_o and_o in_o act_n 14.23_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n two_o of_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n that_o be_v of_o lystra_n iconium_n and_o antioch_n and_o though_o these_o two_o be_v ordain_v apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n by_o certain_a prophet_n and_o teacher_n in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n act_v 13.1.3_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o those_o prophet_n and_o teacher_n where_o such_o as_o have_v receive_v the_o apostolic_a character_n be_v ordain_v by_o the_o apostle_n bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o syria_n for_o otherwise_o how_o can_v they_o have_v derive_v it_o for_o so_o judas_n and_o silas_n be_v call_v prophet_n act_n 15.32_o and_o yet_o ver_fw-la 22._o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v ruler_n among_o the_o brethren_n or_o bishop_n of_o judea_n and_o afterward_o we_o find_v that_o ordination_n be_v confine_v to_o such_o as_o have_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o apostolate_a for_o so_o the_o power_n of_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v commit_v by_o s._n paul_n to_o timothy_n who_o he_o himself_o by_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n have_v ordain_v the_o apostle_n or_o bishop_n of_o that_o church_n 1_o tim._n 5.22_o 1_o tim._n 1.6_o so_o also_o the_o power_n of_o ordain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o crete_n be_v by_o s._n paul_n commit_v to_o titus_n who_o he_o have_v also_o ordain_v the_o apostle_n or_o bishop_n of_o that_o church_n tit._n 1.5_o for_o this_o cause_n leave_v i_o thou_o in_o crete_n to_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n thus_o all_o through_o the_o whole_a scripture_n history_n we_o find_v the_o power_n of_o ordination_n administer_v by_o such_o and_o none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o apostolic_a order_n viz._n either_o by_o the_o prime_a apostle_n or_o by_o the_o secondary_a apostle_n or_o bishop_n and_o if_o we_o consult_v the_o primitive_a antiquity_n which_o to_o be_v sure_a in_o matter_n of_o fact_n at_o least_o be_v the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n we_o shall_v always_o find_v the_o power_n of_o give_v order_n confine_v and_o limit_v to_o bishop_n which_o be_v so_o undeniable_a that_o s._n jerom_n himself_o who_o endeavour_v his_o utmost_a to_o equalise_v presbyter_n with_o bishop_n be_v yet_o fain_o to_o do_v it_o with_o a_o excepta_fw-la ordinatione_fw-la ep._n ad_fw-la evagr._fw-la quid_fw-la facit_fw-la excepta_fw-la ordinatione_fw-la episcopus_fw-la quod_fw-la presbyter_n non_fw-la faciat_fw-la what_o can_v the_o bishop_n do_v except_o ordain_v that_o the_o presbyter_n may_v not_o do_v also_o iii_o another_o peculiar_a ministry_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o execute_v that_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n which_o christ_n have_v establish_v in_o it_o i._n e._n to_o cite_v such_o as_o be_v accuse_v of_o scandalous_a offence_n before_o their_o tribunal_n to_o inspect_v and_o examine_v the_o accusation_n and_o upon_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o to_o admonish_v the_o offender_n of_o his_o fault_n and_o in_o case_n he_o obstinate_o persist_v in_o it_o to_o exclude_v he_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o from_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o christianity_n till_o such_o time_n as_o he_o give_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o his_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n and_o then_o to_o receive_v he_o in_o again_o for_o that_o christ_n have_v establish_v such_o a_o jurisdiction_n in_o his_o church_n be_v evident_a from_o that_o passage_n mat._n 18.16_o 17_o 18._o moreover_o if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o go_v tell_v he_o his_o fault_n between_o he_o and_o thou_o alone_o if_o he_o shall_v hear_v thou_o thou_o have_v gain_v thy_o brother_n but_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o then_o take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o more_o that_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n every_o word_n may_v be_v establish_v i._n e._n that_o thou_o may_v be_v able_a in_o case_n he_o do_v not_o then_o amend_v to_o produce_v sufficient_a testimony_n of_o his_o guilt_n before_o the_o church_n tribunal_n to_o which_o thou_o be_v next_o to_o apply_v thyself_o and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o i._n e._n to_o promise_v amendment_n upon_o their_o admonition_n take_v they_o along_o with_o thou_o and_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n that_o so_o she_o may_v examine_v the_o matter_n and_o upon_o thy_o prove_v his_o guilt_n by_o sufficient_a witness_n may_v authoritative_o admonish_v he_o to_o amend_v but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n i._n e._n give_v he_o over_o for_o a_o desperate_a sinner_n as_o one_o that_o be_v to_o be_v eject_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o no_o long_o to_o enjoy_v the_o common_a benefit_n of_o a_o christian_a for_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o it_o be_v to_o you_o of_o the_o church_n before_o who_o this_o obstinate_a offender_n be_v cite_v and_o accuse_v for_o now_o he_o speak_v no_o long_o in_o the_o singular_a number_n whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n i._n e._n whosoever_o you_o shall_v for_o just_a cause_n eject_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n into_o the_o state_n of_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n i_o will_v certain_o exclude_v out_o of_o heaven_n unless_o he_o reconcile_v himself_o to_o you_o by_o confession_n and_o promise_v of_o amendment_n and_o if_o thereupon_o you_o pardon_v he_o and_o receive_v he_o into_o the_o church_n communion_n i_o will_v most_o certain_o pardon_v he_o too_o if_o he_o perform_v his_o promise_n for_o that_o by_o bind_v and_o lose_v upon_o earth_n our_o saviour_n mean_v exclude_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o receive_v in_o again_o be_v evident_a from_o that_o parallel_n passage_n mat._n 16.19_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n where_o by_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v plain_o mean_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o steward_n to_o govern_v his_o church_n or_o family_n for_o so_o isa._n 22.21_o 22._o god_n promise_v eliachim_n that_o he_o will_v clothe_v he_o with_o the_o robe_n of_o shebna_n who_o be_v over_o the_o household_n ver_fw-la 15._o i._n e._n steward_n of_o the_o king_n family_n and_o that_o he_o will_v commit_v shebna_n be_v government_n into_o his_o hand_n etc._n etc._n and_o then_o it_o follow_v and_o the_o key_n of_o the_o house_n of_o david_n will_v i_o lay_v upon_o his_o shoulder_n so_o he_o shall_v open_v and_o none_o shall_v shut_v and_o he_o shall_v shut_v and_o none_o shall_v open_v that_o be_v in_o short_a i_o will_v make_v he_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o family_n and_o give_v he_o power_n to_o admit_v or_o exclude_v what_o servant_n he_o please_v and_o according_o by_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n must_v be_v mean_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n for_o so_o key_n denote_v authority_n to_o govern_v vid._n rev._n 3.7_o and_o by_o bind_v and_o lose_v the_o power_n of_o shut_v out_o of_o or_o readmit_v into_o it_o and_o therefore_o in_o john_n 20.23_o this_o bind_v and_o lose_v be_v thus_o express_v who_o sin_n you_o remit_v or_o loose_v shall_v be_v remit_v or_o loose_v who_o sin_n you_o retain_v or_o keep_v bind_v shall_v be_v retain_v or_o keep_v bind_v for_o though_o the_o word_n be_v different_a from_o those_o in_o s._n matthew_n yet_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o import_n and_o signification_n and_o consequent_o our_o saviour_n meaning_n must_v be_v the_o same_o here_o as_o there_o viz._n who_o sin_n you_o loose_a from_o the_o penalty_n of_o exclusion_n from_o the_o church_n i_o also_o will_v loose_v from_o the_o penalty_n of_o exclusion_n out_o of_o heaven_n and_o who_o sin_n
of_o the_o principal_a of_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o s._n james_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o of_o that_o number_n yet_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n he_o have_v the_o priority_n of_o they_o both_o now_o consider_v that_o s._n james_n be_v call_v a_o apostle_n and_o consider_v the_o preference_n he_o have_v in_o all_o these_o instance_n above_o the_o other_o apostle_n at_o jerusalem_n it_o be_v at_o least_o high_o probable_a that_o he_o be_v peculiar_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o if_o to_o all_o this_o evidence_n we_o add_v the_o most_o early_a testimony_n of_o christian_a antiquity_n we_o shall_v advance_v the_o probability_n to_o a_o demonstration_n for_o by_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n s._n james_n be_v the_o first_o bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o so_o hegesippus_n who_o live_v very_o near_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o jame_v the_o brother_n of_o our_o lord_n call_v by_o all_o man_n the_o just_a receive_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n from_o the_o apostle_n vid._n euseb._n lib._n 2._o c._n 23._o so_o also_o s._n clement_n as_o he_o be_v quote_v by_o the_o same_o author_n l._n 2._o c._n 1._o tell_v we_o that_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n after_o the_o assumption_n of_o christ_n as_o be_v the_o man_n that_o be_v most_o in_o favour_n with_o he_o do_v not_o contend_v for_o the_o honour_n but_o choose_v james_n the_o just_a to_o be_v bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o the_o apostolical_a constistitution_n that_o pass_v under_o the_o name_n of_o s._n clement_n which_o though_o not_o so_o ancient_a as_o be_v pretend_v yet_o be_v doubtless_o of_o very_o early_a antiquity_n the_o apostle_n be_v bring_v in_o thus_o speak_v concern_v those_o that_o be_v ordain_v by_o we_o bishop_n in_o our_o life_n time_n we_o signify_v to_o you_o that_o they_o be_v these_o james_n the_o brother_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v ordain_v by_o we_o bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n etc._n etc._n so_o also_o s._n jerom._n the_o script_n eccles._n tell_v we_o that_o s._n james_n immediate_o after_o the_o passion_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v ordain_v bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o apostle_n and_o s._n cyril_n who_o be_v afterward_o bishop_n of_o that_o church_n and_o therefore_o a_o most_o authentic_a witness_n of_o the_o record_n of_o it_o call_v saint_n james_n the_o first_o bishop_n of_o that_o diocese_n catech._n 16._o to_o all_o which_o we_o have_v the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o s._n austin_n s._n chrysostom_n epiphanius_n s._n ambrose_n and_o a_o great_a many_o other_o and_o s._n ignatius_n himself_o who_o be_v a_o immediate_a disciple_n of_o the_o apostle_n make_v s._n stephen_n to_o be_v a_o deacon_n of_o s._n james_n ep._n ad_fw-la trall_n and_o therefore_o since_o stephen_n be_v a_o deacon_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n s._n james_n who_o deacon_n he_o be_v must_v necessary_o be_v the_o bishop_n of_o it_o upon_o this_o account_n therefore_o s._n james_n be_v call_v a_o apostle_n in_o scripture_n because_o by_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o apostle_n bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n he_o have_v the_o apostolic_a power_n and_o authority_n confer_v on_o he_o for_o since_o it_o be_v apparent_a he_o be_v none_o of_o the_o twelve_o to_o who_o the_o apostleship_n be_v at_o first_o confine_v he_o can_v no_o otherwise_o become_v a_o apostle_n than_o by_o derive_v the_o apostleship_n from_o some_o of_o the_o twelve_o and_o therefore_o since_o that_o apostleship_n which_o he_o derive_v from_o the_o twelve_o be_v only_o episcopal_a superiority_n over_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n it_o hence_o necessary_o follow_v that_o the_o episcopacy_n be_v the_o apostleship_n derive_v and_o communicate_v from_o the_o primitive_a apostle_n the_o second_o instance_n of_o the_o apostle_n communicate_v their_o apostolic_a superiority_n to_o other_o be_v epaphroditus_n who_o in_o phil._n 2.25_o be_v style_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o philippian_n but_o i_o suppose_v it_o necessary_a to_o send_v to_o you_o epaphroditus_n my_o brother_n and_o companion_n in_o labour_n and_o fellow_n soldier_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o your_o apostle_n for_o so_o s._n jerom_n com._n gal._n 1.19_o paulatim_fw-la tempore_fw-la precedente_fw-la &_o alii_fw-la ab_fw-la his_fw-la quos_fw-la dominus_fw-la elegerat_fw-la ordinati_fw-la sunt_fw-la apostoli_fw-la sicut_fw-la ille_fw-la ad_fw-la philippense_n sermo_fw-la declarat_fw-la dicens_fw-la necessarium_fw-la existimavi_fw-la epaphroditum_fw-la etc._n etc._n i._n e._n by_o degree_n in_o process_n of_o time_n other_o be_v ordain_v apostle_n by_o those_o who_o our_o lord_n have_v choose_v as_o that_o passage_n to_o the_o philippian_n show_n i_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o send_v unto_o you_o epaphroditus_n your_o apostle_n and_o theodoret_n upon_o the_o place_n give_v this_o reason_n why_o he_o be_v here_o call_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o philippian_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n he_o be_v entrust_v with_o episcopal_a government_n as_o be_v their_o bishop_n so_o that_o here_o you_o see_v epaphroditus_n be_v make_v a_o apostle_n by_o the_o apostle_n and_o his_o apostleship_n consist_v in_o be_v make_v bishop_n of_o philippi_n a_o three_o instance_n be_v that_o of_o titus_n and_o some_o other_o with_o he_o 2_o cor._n 8.23_o whether_o any_o do_v inquire_v of_o titus_n he_o be_v my_o partner_n and_o fellow_n helper_n concern_v you_o or_o our_o brethren_n be_v inquire_v of_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o apostle_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n where_o it_o be_v plain_a they_o be_v not_o call_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o church_n mere_o as_o they_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o liberality_n of_o the_o church_n of_o macedonia_n for_o it_o be_v not_o those_o church_n but_o s._n paul_n that_o send_v they_o vers_n 22._o and_o therefore_o since_o they_o be_v not_o apostle_n in_o relation_n to_o those_o church_n who_o liberality_n they_o carry_v it_o must_v be_v in_o relation_n to_o some_o particular_a church_n over_o which_o they_o have_v apostolical_a authority_n and_o that_o titus_n have_v this_o authority_n over_o the_o church_n of_o crete_n be_v evident_a both_o from_o s._n paul_n epistle_n to_o he_o and_o from_o primitive_a antiquity_n as_o for_o saint_n paul_n epistle_n there_o be_v sundry_a passage_n in_o it_o which_o plain_o speak_v he_o to_o be_v vest_v with_o apostolical_a superiority_n over_o that_o church_n so_o chap._n 1._o vers_fw-la 5._o for_o this_o cause_n leave_v i_o thou_o in_o crete_n that_o thou_o shall_v set_v thing_n in_o order_n that_o be_v want_v and_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n as_o i_o have_v appoint_v thou_o for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n s._n paul_n here_o give_v he_o the_o supreme_a judgement_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v with_o a_o absolute_a power_n to_o reform_v and_o correct_v they_o which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o his_o superiority_n in_o that_o church_n second_o he_o authorise_v he_o to_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n and_o whether_o these_o elder_n be_v bishop_n or_o presbyter_n be_v of_o very_o little_a consequence_n as_o to_o the_o present_a debate_n for_o first_o it_o be_v of_o undoubted_a certainty_n that_o there_o be_v presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n of_o crete_n before_o titus_n be_v leave_v there_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o second_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a that_o those_o presbyter_n have_v no_o power_n to_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n as_o titus_n have_v for_o if_o they_o have_v what_o need_v s._n paul_n to_o have_v leave_v titus_n there_o for_o that_o purpose_n what_o need_v he_o have_v leave_v titus_n there_o with_o a_o new_a power_n to_o do_v that_o which_o the_o presbyter_n before_o he_o have_v sufficient_a power_n to_o do_v for_o if_o the_o presbyter_n have_v before_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n in_o they_o this_o new_a power_n of_o titus_n will_v have_v be_v not_o only_o in_o vain_a but_o mischievous_a it_o will_v have_v look_v like_o a_o invasion_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o presbyter_n for_o s._n paul_n to_o restrain_v ordination_n to_o titus_n if_o before_o he_o it_o have_v be_v common_a to_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n have_v rather_o prove_v a_o occasion_n of_o strife_n and_o contention_n than_o a_o expedient_a of_o peace_n and_o good_a order_n from_o hence_o therefore_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o titus_n have_v a_o power_n in_o the_o church_n of_o crete_n which_o the_o presbyter_n there_o before_o he_o have_v not_o and_o this_o power_n of_o his_o extend_v not_o only_o to_o the_o establishment_n of_o good_a order_n and_o the_o ordain_v of_o elder_n but_o also_o to_o rebuke_v with_o all_o authority_n i._n e._n correct_v obstinate_a offender_n with_o the_o spiritual_a rod_n of_o excommunication_n chap._n 2._o vers_fw-la 15._o and_o take_v cognisance_n of_o heretical_a pravity_n so_o as_o first_o to_o
which_o be_v the_o good_a of_o the_o public_a since_o therefore_o the_o church_n by_o christ_n own_o institution_n be_v a_o govern_a society_n of_o man_n we_o must_v either_o suppose_v its_o government_n to_o be_v very_o lame_a and_o defective_a which_o will_v be_v to_o blaspheme_v the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o saviour_n or_o allow_v it_o to_o have_v a_o legislative_a power_n inherent_a in_o it_o but_o that_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la it_o have_v such_o a_o power_n in_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o as_o all_o agree_v have_v the_o reins_o of_o church_n government_n deliver_v into_o their_o hand_n by_o our_o saviour_n for_o so_o in_o act_n 15.6_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o upon_o occasion_n of_o that_o famous_a controversy_n about_o circumcision_n the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n come_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o this_o matter_n where_o by_o the_o elder_n by_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o antiquity_n be_v mean_v the_o bishop_n of_o judea_n vid._n dr._n hammond_n on_o act_n 11._o note_n b._n and_o after_o mature_a debate_n and_o deliberation_n this_o be_v the_o result_n of_o the_o council_n it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o to_o lay_v upon_o you_o no_o great_a burden_n than_o these_o necessary_a thing_n ver_fw-la 28._o so_o that_o those_o necessary_a thing_n specify_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n be_v it_o seem_v lay_v upon_o they_o as_o a_o burden_n i._n e._n legal_o impose_v on_o they_o as_o matter_n of_o duty_n for_o herein_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o apostle_n exercise_v a_o legislative_a power_n over_o those_o christian_a community_n they_o write_v to_o viz._n in_o require_v they_o to_o abstain_v from_o some_o thing_n which_o be_v never_o prohibit_v before_o by_o any_o stand_a law_n of_o christanity_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a bishop_n make_v law_n by_o common_a consent_n for_o the_o church_n in_o general_n so_o do_v they_o also_o by_o their_o own_o single_a authority_n for_o particular_a church_n to_o which_o they_o be_v more_o peculiar_o relate_v thus_o st._n paul_n after_o he_o have_v prescribe_v some_o rule_n to_o the_o corinthian_n for_o their_o more_o decent_a communication_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n tell_v they_o that_o other_o thing_n he_o will_v set_v in_o order_n when_o he_o come_v among_o they_o 1_o cor._n 11.34_o but_o how_o can_v he_o otherwise_o do_v this_o than_o by_o give_v they_o certain_a law_n and_o canon_n for_o the_o better_a regulation_n of_o their_o religious_a office_n so_o also_o 1_o cor._n 16.1_o the_o same_o apostle_n make_v mention_n of_o a_o order_n or_o canon_n which_o he_o give_v to_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n which_o he_o enjoin_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n also_o to_o observe_v and_o in_o 1_o tim._n 5._o he_o give_v timothy_n several_a ecclesiastical_a rule_n to_o give_v in_o charge_n to_o his_o church_n ver_fw-la 7._o so_o also_o tit._n 1.5_o he_o tell_v titus_n that_o for_o this_o cause_n he_o leave_v he_o in_o crete_n with_o apostolic_a or_o episcopal_a power_n that_o he_o may_v set_v in_o order_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v i._n e._n that_o by_o wholesome_a law_n and_o constitution_n he_o may_v redress_v those_o disorder_n and_o supply_v those_o defect_n which_o the_o shortness_n of_o s._n paul_n stay_n there_o will_v not_o permit_v he_o to_o provide_v for_o by_o all_o which_o instance_n it_o be_v abundant_o evident_a that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n have_v a_o legislative_a power_n inherent_a in_o they_o both_o to_o make_v law_n by_o common_a consent_n for_o the_o regulation_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n and_o to_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n in_o their_o own_o particular_a church_n for_o what_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a bishop_n do_v to_o be_v sure_a they_o have_v authority_n to_o do_v and_o whatsoever_o authority_n they_o have_v they_o derive_v it_o down_o to_o their_o successor_n and_o according_o we_o find_v this_o ecclesiastic_a legislation_n be_v always_o administer_v by_o the_o apostle_n successor_n the_o bishop_n who_o not_o only_o give_v law_n both_o to_o the_o clergy_n and_o laity_n in_o their_o own_o particular_a church_n but_o also_o make_v law_n for_o the_o whole_a church_n by_o common_a consent_n in_o their_o holy_a council_n wherein_o during_o the_o first_o four_o general_a council_n no_o ecclesiastic_a beneath_o a_o bishop_n be_v ever_o allow_v a_o suffrage_n unless_o it_o be_v by_o deputation_n from_o his_o bishop_n and_o though_o in_o make_v law_n for_o their_o own_o church_n they_o general_o conduct_v themselves_o by_o the_o advice_n and_o counsel_n of_o their_o presbyter_n and_o sometime_o also_o admit_v they_o into_o their_o debate_n both_o in_o their_o provincial_n and_o general_a council_n yet_o this_o be_v only_o in_o prepare_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o law_n but_o that_o which_o give_v they_o the_o form_n of_o law_n be_v pure_o the_o episcopal_a authority_n and_o suffrage_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v decree_v either_o by_o the_o bishop_n in_o council_n with_o his_o presbyter_n or_o by_o the_o bishop_n in_o council_n among_o themselves_o be_v always_o receive_v by_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o authentic_a law._n it_o be_v true_a this_o legislative_a power_n of_o the_o church_n as_o be_v show_v before_o extend_v not_o so_o far_o as_o to_o control_v the_o decree_n of_o the_o civil_a sovereign_n who_o be_v next_o to_o and_o immediate_o under_o god_n in_o all_o cause_n and_o over_o all_o person_n supreme_a and_o be_v no_o otherwise_o accountable_a by_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n than_o he_o be_v by_o the_o law_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o civil_a sovereign_n can_v countermand_v god_n law_n so_o neither_o can_v the_o church_n the_o civil_a sovereign_n but_o yet_o as_o next_o to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o law_n of_o the_o civil_a sovereign_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v so_o next_o to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o civil_a sovereign_n the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v ii_o another_o peculiar_a ministry_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o consecrate_v and_o ordain_v to_o ecclesiastical_a office_n for_o that_o those_o holy_a ministries_n which_o christ_n himself_o perform_v while_o he_o be_v on_o earth_n such_o as_o preach_v the_o gospel_n administer_a the_o evangelical_n sacrament_n etc._n etc._n may_v be_v continue_v in_o his_o church_n throughout_o all_o generation_n he_o not_o only_a himself_o ordain_v his_o twelve_o apostle_n a_o little_a before_o he_o leave_v the_o world_n to_o perform_v those_o ministries_n in_o his_o absence_n but_o in_o their_o ordination_n transfer_v on_o they_o his_o own_o mission_n from_o the_o father_n derive_v upon_o they_o the_o same_o authority_n to_o ordain_v other_o that_o he_o have_v to_o ordain_v they_o that_o so_o they_o may_v derive_v their_o mission_n to_o other_o as_o he_o do_v he_o to_o they_o through_o all_o succeed_a generation_n for_o this_o be_v necessary_o imply_v in_o the_o commission_n he_o give_v they_o john_n 20.21_o as_o my_o father_n have_v send_v i_o so_o send_v i_o you_o that_o be_v i_o do_v not_o only_o send_v you_o with_o full_a authority_n to_o act_v for_o i_o in_o all_o thing_n as_o my_o father_n send_v i_o to_o act_v for_o he_o but_o i_o also_o send_v you_o with_o the_o same_o authority_n to_o send_v other_o that_o i_o now_o exercise_v in_o send_v you_o for_o unless_o this_o be_v imply_v in_o their_o mission_n he_o do_v not_o send_v they_o as_o his_o father_n send_v he_o unless_o he_o give_v they_o the_o same_o authority_n to_o propagate_v their_o mission_n to_o other_o that_o his_o father_n give_v he_o to_o propagate_v his_o mission_n to_o they_o how_o can_v he_o say_v that_o he_o send_v they_o as_o his_o father_n send_v he_o since_o he_o must_v have_v send_v they_o without_o that_o very_a authority_n from_o his_o father_n which_o he_o then_o exercise_v in_o send_v they_o now_o the_o person_n who_o he_o send_v be_v the_o eleven_o apostle_n as_o you_o will_v see_v by_o compare_v this_o of_o s._n john_n with_o luke_n 24.33.36_o mar._n 16.14_o mat._n 28.16_o in_o all_o which_o place_n we_o be_v express_o tell_v that_o it_o be_v the_o eleven_o he_o appear_v to_o when_o he_o give_v this_o commission_n and_o consequent_o it_o must_v be_v the_o eleven_o to_o who_o he_o give_v it_o this_o commission_n therefore_o of_o send_v other_o be_v original_o transfer_v by_o our_o saviour_n upon_o the_o apostolic_a order_n no_o other_o can_v have_v right_a to_o transfer_v it_o to_o other_o but_o only_o such_o as_o be_v admit_v of_o that_o order_n none_o can_v give_v it_o to_o other_o but_o only_o those_o to_o who_o christ_n give_v it_o and_o therefore_o since_o christ_n himself_o give_v it_o to_o none_o but_o apostle_n none_o but_o apostle_n can_v derive_v it_o and_o according_o we_o
he_o actual_o forgive_v sin_n matth._n 9.2_o compare_v with_o the_o six_o where_o he_o do_v not_o only_o pronounce_v to_o one_o that_o be_v sick_a of_o the_o palsy_n son_n thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v thou_o but_o declare_v that_o he_o do_v it_o by_o that_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o he_o have_v upon_o earth_n to_o forgive_v sin_n all_o which_o be_v act_n of_o regal_a power_n do_v sufficient_o manifest_v that_o even_o whilst_o he_o be_v upon_o earth_n he_o be_v vest_v with_o royal_a authority_n and_o that_o by_o assume_v our_o nature_n he_o do_v not_o divest_v himself_o of_o his_o ancient_a royalty_n but_o still_o continue_a king_n of_o the_o jew_n so_o long_a as_o they_o continue_v a_o church_n six_o that_o though_o the_o main_a body_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n reject_v christ_n and_o be_v thereupon_o reject_v by_o he_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o remnant_n of_o they_o that_o receive_v and_o acknowledge_v he_o for_o their_o rightful_a lord_n and_o king._n for_o so_o as_o s._n paul_n observe_v it_o be_v foretell_v of_o isaiah_n concern_v israel_n though_o the_o number_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n be_v as_o the_o sand_n of_o the_o sea_n a_o remnant_n shall_v be_v save_v rom._n 9.27_o and_o according_o it_o prove_v in_o the_o event_n for_o though_o the_o much_o great_a part_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n obstinate_o persist_v in_o their_o infidelity_n and_o rebellion_n against_o the_o bless_a jesus_n their_o king_n notwithstanding_o all_o those_o powerful_a art_n and_o method_n he_o have_v use_v to_o reclaim_v and_o save_v they_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o they_o that_o willing_o receive_v and_o loyal_o adhere_v to_o he_o for_o not_o only_o the_o disciple_n which_o he_o gather_v whilst_o he_o be_v upon_o earth_n but_o also_o the_o first_o convert_v after_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n be_v general_o of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n within_o which_o not_o only_o his_o own_o personal_a ministry_n be_v confine_v but_o also_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o apostle_n for_o some_o time_n after_o his_o ascension_n for_o so_o s._n paul_n and_o barnabas_n tell_v the_o jew_n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v first_o have_v be_v speak_v to_o they_o act_v 13.46_o but_o this_o proposition_n be_v so_o manifest_a from_o the_o whole_a gospel_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o insist_v any_o far_a upon_o it_o seven_o therefore_o that_o this_o remnant_n still_o continue_v the_o same_o individual_a church_n or_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o former_a though_o very_o much_o reform_v and_o improve_v for_o it_o still_o remain_v upon_o the_o same_o basis_n with_o the_o former_a as_o have_v the_o selfsame_a covenant_n for_o its_o charter_n which_o be_v the_o form_n that_o identify_v all_o society_n and_o notwithstanding_o the_o perpetual_a change_n and_o renovation_n of_o their_o part_n still_o continue_v they_o the_o same_o individual_a politic_a body_n since_o therefore_o that_o remnant_n of_o israel_n who_o believe_v in_o christ_n continue_v still_o in_o the_o same_o covenant_n with_o that_o whereupon_o the_o old_a jewish_a church_n be_v found_v it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v not_o a_o new_a or_o distinct_a church_n but_o still_o remain_v the_o same_o individual_a sacred_a society_n with_o the_o old_a so_o that_o they_o be_v the_o unbelieve_a jew_n that_o revolt_v from_o their_o old_a church_n by_o reject_v the_o mediator_n of_o that_o covenant_n by_o which_o it_o be_v form_v and_o constitute_v but_o as_o for_o the_o believe_a jew_n who_o embrace_v and_o acknowledge_v he_o they_o still_o continue_v in_o it_o and_o so_o remain_v the_o same_o continue_a church_n as_o be_v still_o unite_v and_o incorporate_v by_o the_o same_o charter_n but_o though_o it_o be_v the_o same_o continue_a body_n with_o the_o old_a jewish_a church_n yet_o be_v it_o very_o much_o reform_v and_o improve_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n for_o in_o the_o first_o plâ—ce_n whereas_o before_o it_o be_v extreme_o corrupt_v through_o the_o many_o false_a gloss_n and_o superstitious_a tradition_n of_o their_o elder_n and_o like_o a_o unâ—â—est_a garden_n be_v all_o overgrow_v with_o thorn_n and_o weed_n its_o religion_n be_v almost_o dwindle_v away_o into_o ceremony_n and_o outward_a observance_n and_o evaporate_v into_o a_o dead_a show_n and_o formality_n our_o bless_a saviour_n repair_v its_o ruin_n and_o decay_n remove_v its_o rubbish_n and_o reform_v its_o disorder_n and_o restore_v it_o to_o its_o primitive_a beauty_n and_o purity_n for_o the_o great_a design_n of_o all_o his_o sermon_n and_o parable_n be_v to_o explain_v the_o law_n of_o it_o into_o their_o genuine_a sense_n and_o to_o rescue_v they_o from_o the_o false_a gloss_n and_o comment_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n to_o reprehend_v and_o expose_v its_o hypocrisy_n and_o formality_n and_o to_o refine_v its_o religion_n from_o all_o those_o corrupt_a and_o heterogeneous_a mixture_n with_o which_o it_o be_v dash_v and_o sophisticated_a that_o remnant_n of_o the_o jew_n therefore_o who_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o submit_v to_o his_o doctrine_n when_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o they_o final_o reject_v he_o be_v the_o same_o individual_a continue_a body_n with_o the_o old_a jewish_a church_n as_o purify_v and_o reform_v from_o its_o error_n and_o corruption_n for_o by_o submit_v to_o our_o saviour_n regulation_n they_o do_v not_o commence_v into_o a_o new_a church_n but_o still_o continue_v the_o same_o body_n only_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o whereas_o before_o it_o be_v distemper_v with_o sundry_a corrupt_a humour_n now_o it_o be_v thorough_o purge_v and_o recover_v and_o as_o our_o saviour_n restore_v that_o church_n to_o its_o ancient_a purity_n so_o second_o he_o advance_v and_o improve_v it_o to_o a_o far_o more_o perfect_a state_n than_o it_o be_v in_o even_o under_o its_o primitive_a constitution_n it_o be_v true_a as_o for_o the_o religion_n of_o that_o church_n it_o be_v for_o substance_n the_o same_o with_o that_o which_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v it_o propose_v to_o they_o the_o same_o covenant_n and_o the_o same_o mediator_n and_o the_o very_a same_o doctrine_n and_o article_n concern_v this_o mediator_n to_o create_v in_o they_o the_o same_o belief_n and_o oblige_v they_o to_o the_o same_o practice_n only_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o whereas_o it_o propose_v he_o to_o their_o belief_n as_o hereafter_o to_o be_v incarnate_a and_o sacrifice_v to_o rise_v and_o to_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n it_o propose_v he_o to_o we_o as_o actual_o incarnate_a and_o sacrifice_v and_o as_o actual_o rise_v and_o ascend_v but_o this_o be_v only_o a_o circumstantial_a difference_n since_o that_o as_o to_o all_o the_o purpose_n of_o his_o mediation_n his_o future_a incarnation_n and_o sacrifice_n etc._n etc._n have_v the_o same_o virtue_n and_o influence_n with_o his_o actual_a but_o though_o as_o to_o the_o main_a the_o ancient_a jewish_a religion_n be_v the_o same_o with_o we_o yet_o in_o respect_n of_o clearness_n and_o easiness_n and_o amplitude_n there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o they_o for_o first_o as_o to_o clearness_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v much_o more_o dark_o and_o obscure_o reveal_v to_o the_o ancient_a jew_n than_o it_o be_v to_o we_o for_o to_o they_o it_o be_v reveal_v only_o either_o in_o general_a promise_n out_o of_o which_o they_o be_v fain_o to_o argue_v and_o deduce_v particular_n or_o in_o temporal_a promise_n that_o carry_v a_o mystical_a sense_n with_o they_o and_o obscure_o imply_v the_o spiritual_a blessing_n which_o the_o gospel_n propose_v or_o in_o dark_a type_n and_o material_a figure_n and_o emblem_n which_o be_v prophetic_a picture_n or_o as_o the_o apostle_n call_v they_o shadow_n of_o good_a thing_n to_o come_v for_o thus_o in_o that_o general_a promise_n in_o thy_o seed_n shall_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v be_v include_v christ_n and_o all_o those_o particular_a blessing_n which_o we_o receive_v by_o and_o through_o he_o under_o those_o temporal_a promise_n of_o deliverance_n from_o their_o enemy_n and_o peaceable_a possession_n of_o canaan_n be_v couch_v their_o deliverance_n from_o sin_n and_o hell_n and_o their_o eternal_a rest_n and_o happiness_n in_o heaven_n and_o under_o their_o legal_a sacrifice_n the_o all-sufficient_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o bless_a mediator_n be_v exhibit_v and_o represent_v to_o they_o and_o in_o a_o word_n under_o the_o high_a priest_n offering_n the_o blood_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n in_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n be_v intimate_v the_o mediator_n intercession_n for_o they_o in_o heaven_n thus_o both_o the_o promise_n and_o type_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v all_o of_o they_o obscure_a revelation_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o mystical_a judaisme_n or_o judaisme_n explain_v into_o its_o spiritual_a sense_n and_o meaning_n and_o according_o
and_o therefore_o the_o first_o distribution_n of_o it_o be_v into_o several_a congregation_n which_o in_o scripture_n be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o church_n as_o be_v similar_v part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n even_o as_o every_o breath_n of_o air_n be_v call_v air_n and_o every_o drop_n of_o water_n water_n for_o thus_o those_o believer_n who_o be_v wont_a to_o assemble_v in_o any_o one_o particular_a house_n to_o worship_n god_n together_o be_v frequent_o call_v church_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o church_n in_o the_o house_n of_o priscilla_n and_o aquila_n rom._n 16.5_o the_o church_n in_o the_o house_n of_o nymphas_n 1_o cor._n 16.19_o the_o church_n in_o the_o house_n of_o philemon_n col._n 4.15_o in_o which_o house_n in_o all_o probability_n there_o be_v a_o upper_a room_n consecrate_a and_o set_v apart_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o divine_a worship_n in_o which_o upper_a room_n not_o only_o the_o believer_n of_o the_o family_n but_o several_a other_o neighbour_a christian_n be_v wont_a to_o assemble_v for_o the_o public_a exercise_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o so_o where_o ever_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o several_a church_n in_o the_o same_o country_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o church_n of_o judea_n gal._n 1.22_o of_o samaria_n and_o galileâ—_n act_v 9.31_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o by_o these_o church_n no_o more_o be_v mean_v but_o only_o the_o several_a congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o those_o several_a church_n but_o these_o congregation_n grow_v numerous_a there_o be_v a_o second_o distribution_n make_v of_o they_o by_o which_o many_o of_o those_o congregation_n neighbour_a upon_o one_o another_o be_v collect_v into_o one_o body_n under_o one_o head_n or_o bishop_n who_o be_v the_o common_a guide_n and_o pastor_n of_o all_o the_o member_n whether_o lay_v or_o clergy_n appertain_v to_o they_o and_o these_o collection_n of_o several_a congregation_n under_o their_o several_a bishop_n or_o governor_n be_v in_o scripture_n also_o frequent_o call_v church_n for_o thus_o for_o instance_n the_o church_n of_o corinth_n contain_v in_o it_o several_a congregation_n and_o therefore_o though_o in_o the_o dedication_n of_o his_o epistle_n the_o apostle_n call_v it_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o singular_a number_n which_o be_v at_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 1.2_o yet_o in_o the_o epistle_n he_o enjoin_v that_o the_o woman_n shall_v keep_v silence_n in_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 14.34_o which_o be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n that_o in_o that_o church_n there_o be_v several_a church_n or_o congregation_n and_o so_o also_o we_o read_v of_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o syria_n cilicia_n and_o macedonia_n all_o which_o be_v large_a country_n and_o do_v without_o doubt_n contain_v in_o they_o several_a congregation_n of_o christian_n and_o thus_o also_o we_o read_v of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o singular_a number_n and_o so_o of_o antioch_n ephâ—sus_n etc._n etc._n which_o church_n doubtless_o consist_v of_o several_a congregation_n in_o and_o about_o thâ—se_a populous_a city_n which_o be_v all_o unite_a into_o one_o body_n under_o the_o care_n and_o inspection_n of_o one_o bishop_n or_o governor_n now_o as_o the_o first_o distribution_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n into_o distinct_a congregation_n be_v make_v for_o the_o convenience_n of_o worship_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o whole_a church_n when_o it_o begin_v to_o increase_v and_o enlarge_v itself_o to_o celebrate_v the_o divine_a office_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o pastor_n so_o this_o second_o distribution_n of_o it_o into_o particular_a church_n consist_v of_o several_a congregation_n be_v make_v for_o the_o convenience_n of_o government_n and_o discipline_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o maintain_v its_o order_n government_n and_o discipline_n under_o the_o single_a inspection_n of_o any_o one_o bishop_n or_o governor_n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o thâ—se_a distribution_n the_o church_n unity_n still_o remain_v for_o as_o the_o empire_n be_v but_o one_o notwithstanding_o that_o for_o the_o convenience_n of_o society_n and_o government_n it_o be_v distribute_v into_o several_a city_n and_o region_n and_o those_o into_o several_a province_n because_o they_o be_v all_o incorporate_v together_o under_o one_o civil_a head_n the_o emperor_n so_o the_o church_n be_v but_o one_o though_o for_o the_o convenience_n of_o worship_n and_o government_n it_o be_v distribute_v into_o several_a congregation_n and_o those_o into_o several_a particular_a church_n or_o episcopacy_n because_o they_o be_v all_o incorporate_a under_o one_o spiritual_a head_n even_o jesus_n christ_n the_o supreme_a bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o our_o soul_n six_o it_o be_v the_o universal_a society_n of_o all_o christian_a people_n distribute_v into_o particular_a church_n under_o lawful_a governor_n and_o pastor_n and_o it_o be_v this_o indeed_o that_o constitute_v they_o distinct_a church_n viz._n their_o be_v join_v and_o unite_v together_o under_o distinct_a pastor_n and_o governor_n for_o thus_o a_o single_a congregation_n be_v a_o distinct_a church_n because_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o do_v local_o communicate_v together_o in_o all_o the_o office_n of_o divine_a worship_n administer_v to_o they_o by_o a_o distinct_a pastor_n and_o so_o also_o a_o collection_n of_o several_a congregation_n be_v a_o distinct_a church_n because_o they_o all_o participate_v together_o of_o the_o direction_n and_o conduct_n of_o a_o distinct_a governor_n for_o as_o i_o show_v before_o the_o reason_n of_o these_o distribution_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n first_o into_o single_a congregation_n be_v the_o convenience_n of_o worship_n and_o then_o into_o several_a collection_n of_o several_a congregation_n be_v the_o convenience_n of_o government_n and_o therefore_o since_o that_o which_o serve_v the_o convenience_n of_o worship_n be_v the_o have_v distinct_a pastor_n to_o administer_v it_o and_o that_o which_o serve_v the_o convenience_n of_o government_n be_v the_o have_v distinct_a ruler_n to_o exercise_v it_o it_o hence_o necessary_o follow_v that_o that_o which_o make_v a_o congregation_n a_o distinct_a distribution_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n must_v be_v its_o worship_v together_o under_o a_o distinct_a pastor_n and_o that_o which_o make_v a_o collection_n of_o congregation_n a_o distinct_a distribution_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n must_v be_v its_o be_v unite_v together_o under_o a_o distinct_a governor_n because_o without_o their_o pastor_n or_o their_o governor_n they_o want_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o their_o be_v distribute_v into_o distinct_a church_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o church_n whatsoever_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o single_a congregation_n or_o a_o collection_n of_o congregation_n can_v act_v as_o a_o church_n without_o a_o pastor_n or_o governor_n no_o congregation_n can_v lawful_o communicate_v in_o the_o public_a office_n of_o divine_a worship_n without_o a_o lawful_a pastor_n to_o administer_v it_o no_o collection_n of_o congregation_n can_v lawful_o exert_v any_o act_n of_o church-government_n without_o have_v a_o authorize_v governor_n to_o exercise_v it_o for_o the_o administration_n of_o all_o church-office_n be_v commit_v by_o our_o saviour_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o church_n officer_n it_o be_v to_o they_o that_o he_o have_v give_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n i._n e._n authority_n to_o admit_v or_o exclude_v or_o readmit_v man_n into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v they_o alone_o who_o he_o have_v make_v the_o keeper_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n viz._n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n they_o alone_a who_o he_o have_v authorize_v to_o teach_v the_o gospel_n to_o bless_v the_o people_n and_o to_o offer_v up_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o christian_a assembly_n and_o these_o be_v the_o proper_a act_n of_o a_o church_n consider_v as_o a_o church_n so_o that_o without_o pastor_n or_o governor_n there_o be_v no_o church_n can_v perform_v any_o of_o those_o act_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o a_o church_n and_o therefore_o since_o all_o action_n proceed_v from_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o agent_n pastor_n and_o governor_n without_o which_o church_n as_o such_o can_v act_v must_v necessary_o be_v essential_a to_o church_n and_o hence_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o great_a purpose_n for_o which_o christ_n ordain_v apostle_n prophet_n evangelist_n and_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o compact_n or_o join_v together_o the_o saint_n as_o one_o body_n in_o church-communion_n and_o society_n eph._n 4.11_o 12._o and_o hence_o also_o you_o find_v the_o church_n of_o asia_n follow_v the_o number_n of_o the_o angel_n or_o ruler_n of_o they_o rev._n 1.20_o which_o plain_o imply_v that_o therefore_o they_o be_v seven_o distinct_a church_n because_o they_o have_v seven_o distinct_a ruler_n or_o bishop_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o ordination_n of_o pastor_n and_o
where_o it_o be_v plain_a he_o place_v the_o bishop_n in_o the_o same_o rank_n with_o the_o apostle_n so_o also_o in_o ep._n 1._o ad_fw-la heliodor_n speak_v of_o the_o bishop_n of_o his_o time_n they_o stand_v say_v he_o in_o the_o place_n of_o s._n paul_n and_o hold_v the_o place_n of_o s._n peter_n and_o in_o psal._n 45.16_o now_o because_o the_o apostle_n be_v go_v from_o the_o world_n thou_o have_v instead_o of_o those_o their_o son_n the_o bishop_n and_o these_o be_v thy_o father_n because_o thou_o be_v govern_v by_o they_o and_o ep._n ad_fw-la nepot_n what_o aaron_n and_o his_o son_n be_v that_o we_o know_v the_o bishop_n and_o the_o presbyter_n be_v and_o therefore_o as_o aaron_n by_o divine_a right_o be_v superior_a to_o his_o son_n the_o priest_n so_o be_v the_o bishop_n above_o his_o presbyter_n all_o which_o be_v as_o plain_a contradiction_n to_o that_o famous_a passage_n of_o his_o understand_v it_o as_o the_o presbyterian_o do_v as_o one_o proposition_n can_v be_v to_o another_o and_o whether_o be_v a_o man_n more_o to_o be_v credit_v when_o he_o speak_v without_o bias_n or_o partiality_n or_o when_o he_o speak_v in_o his_o own_o cause_n and_o under_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o own_o interest_n vi_o it_o be_v further_a to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o decree_n of_o which_o s._n jerom_n here_o speak_v by_o which_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v translate_v from_o a_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n to_o a_o single_a bishop_n must_v according_a to_o his_o own_o word_n be_v apostolic_a and_o consequent_o much_o early_o than_o the_o presbyterian_o will_v allow_v it_o for_o it_o be_v make_v at_o that_o time_n when_o it_o be_v say_v among_o the_o people_n i_o be_o of_o paul_n and_o i_o be_o of_o apollo_n and_o i_o of_o cephas_n and_o this_o as_o s._n paul_n tell_v we_o be_v say_v in_o his_o time_n and_o therefore_o this_o decree_n must_v be_v make_v in_o his_o time_n and_o that_o s._n jerome_n do_v mean_a so_o we_o be_v elsewhere_o assure_v from_o his_o own_o word_n for_o so_o in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr eccles._n script_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o immediate_o after_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n s._n james_n be_v ordain_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n timothy_n by_o s._n paul_n bishop_n of_o ephesus_n titus_n bishop_n of_o crete_n and_o polycarp_n by_o s._n john_n bishop_n of_o smyrna_n so_o that_o either_o he_o must_v here_o express_o contradict_v himself_o or_o else_o the_o decree_n of_o which_o he_o speak_v must_v have_v be_v make_v immediate_o after_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o consequent_o be_v a_o decree_n apostolic_a v._o it_o be_v yet_o far_o to_o be_v consider_v that_o if_o any_o such_o decree_n of_o change_v the_o church_n government_n from_o presbyterial_a to_o episcopal_n have_v be_v make_v by_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v strange_a we_o shall_v not_o find_v the_o least_o mention_n of_o it_o in_o scripture_n and_o if_o it_o have_v be_v make_v after_o the_o apostle_n about_o the_o year_n 140._o it_o be_v as_o strange_a we_o shall_v have_v no_o mention_n of_o it_o in_o ecclesiastic_a antiquity_n for_o a_o universal_a change_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n from_o one_o kind_n to_o another_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o such_o vast_a moment_n that_o have_v the_o apostle_n make_v a_o decree_n concern_v it_o they_o will_v doubtless_o have_v be_v very_o solicitous_a to_o publish_v it_o through_o all_o the_o church_n and_o to_o have_v transmit_v down_o to_o posterity_n some_o stand_a record_n of_o it_o which_o yet_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o do_v that_o they_o have_v not_o give_v we_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o it_o in_o all_o their_o write_n and_o have_v it_o be_v make_v afterward_o about_o the_o year_n 140._o to_o be_v sure_o all_o primitive_a antiquity_n will_v have_v ring_v of_o such_o a_o public_a and_o important_a alteration_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a you_o see_v both_o clemens_n and_o ignatius_n who_o live_v before_o that_o period_n testify_v that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o govern_v in_o their_o time_n by_o a_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n but_o by_o bishop_n hegesyppus_n irenaeus_n and_o dionysius_n of_o corinth_n who_o live_v in_o that_o period_n be_v so_o far_o from_o take_v notice_n of_o any_o such_o decree_n of_o alteration_n that_o they_o testify_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o a_o uninterrupted_a succession_n of_o bishop_n even_o from_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o as_o for_o irenaeus_n who_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o succession_n of_o the_o roman_a bishop_n from_o s._n peter_n down_o to_o the_o time_n when_o he_o himself_o be_v at_o rome_n it_o be_v as_o easy_a for_o he_o to_o know_v who_o they_o be_v that_o succeed_v from_o s._n peter_n as_o it_o be_v for_o we_o to_o know_v who_o succeed_v from_o archbishop_n whitgift_n in_o the_o chair_n of_o canterbury_n he_o be_v no_o far_o distant_a from_o the_o one_o than_o we_o be_v from_o the_o other_o and_o though_o through_o the_o ambiguity_n or_o defect_n of_o the_o record_n of_o some_o church_n this_o succession_n be_v not_o equal_o clear_a in_o all_o yet_o in_o the_o most_o eminent_a church_n such_o as_o jerusalem_n rome_n antioch_n and_o alexandria_n the_o succession_n be_v as_o clear_a as_o any_o thing_n in_o ecclesiastical_a history_n and_o be_v it_o not_o much_o more_o reasonable_a to_o conclude_v what_o be_v the_o government_n of_o those_o church_n that_o be_v not_o know_v from_o what_o we_o find_v be_v the_o government_n of_o those_o that_o be_v than_o to_o question_v those_o ecclesiastical_a record_n that_o be_v preserve_v because_o of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o those_o that_o be_v not_o for_o though_o we_o do_v not_o find_v in_o all_o church_n a_o exact_a catalogue_n of_o all_o their_o bishop_n yet_o we_o can_v produce_v any_o one_o instance_n in_o any_o one_o ancient_a church_n of_o any_o other_o form_n of_o government_n than_o the_o episcopal_a and_o therefore_o we_o may_v as_o well_o question_v whether_o ever_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o ancient_a monarchy_n in_o the_o world_n because_o many_o of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o monarch_n be_v defective_a as_o to_o their_o name_n and_o the_o order_n of_o their_o succession_n as_o whether_o there_o be_v ever_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o primitive_a episcopacy_n in_o the_o church_n because_o the_o record_n of_o several_a church_n be_v defective_a as_o to_o the_o name_n and_o succession_n of_o their_o bishop_n since_o therefore_o this_o story_n of_o s._n jeroms_n universal_a decree_n be_v not_o only_o altogether_o unatte_v but_o also_o direct_o contradictory_n to_o the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o all_o antiquity_n how_o can_v we_o reasonable_o look_v upon_o it_o otherwise_o than_o as_o a_o mere_a figment_n of_o his_o own_o fancy_n especial_o consider_v vi_o and_o last_o how_o odious_o this_o conceit_n of_o he_o reflect_v upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o the_o apostle_n devolve_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n be_v as_o he_o himself_o tell_v we_o the_o occasion_n of_o sundry_a schism_n and_o division_n for_o the_o removal_n of_o which_o the_o church_n afterward_o find_v it_o necessary_a to_o dissolve_v those_o presbytery_n and_o introduce_v episcopacy_n in_o their_o room_n and_o this_o s._n jerom_n approve_v as_o a_o very_a wise_a and_o prudent_a action_n for_o say_v he_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o church_n depend_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o highpriest_n or_o bishop_n to_o who_o if_o there_o be_v not_o give_v by_o all_o supreme_a authority_n there_o will_v be_v as_o many_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n as_o there_o be_v priest_n so_o that_o according_a to_o he_o have_v the_o church_n continue_v under_o that_o government_n which_o the_o apostle_n leave_v in_o it_o it_o must_v unavoidable_o have_v be_v tear_v in_o piece_n with_o endless_a schism_n and_o division_n and_o if_o so_o either_o the_o apostle_n be_v very_o imprudent_a in_o not_o foresee_v this_o or_o very_o neglective_a in_o not_o prevent_v it_o so_o that_o have_v not_o the_o after-age_n take_v care_n to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o their_o conduct_n by_o erect_v a_o wiser-form_n of_o government_n than_o they_o leave_v the_o church_n have_v infallible_o run_v to_o ruin_v this_o be_v the_o unavoidable_a consequence_n of_o s._n jeroms_n hypothesis_n which_o therefore_o i_o can_v look_v upon_o no_o otherwise_o than_o as_o a_o mere_a device_n of_o his_o own_o brain_n snatch_v up_o in_o haste_n to_o defend_v his_o order_n against_o the_o insolence_n of_o those_o factious_a deacon_n that_o fly_v in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o presbytery_n this_o therefore_o be_v remove_v which_o be_v the_o main_a and_o indeed_o the_o only_a considerable_a objection_n against_o the_o
ministry_n common_a to_o the_o bishop_n with_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n be_v the_o administration_n of_o the_o evangelical_n sacrament_n for_o it_o be_v to_o his_o apostle_n and_o in_o they_o to_o their_o successor_n that_o our_o saviour_n give_v the_o commission_n of_o baptizâ—ing_v all_o nation_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o of_o do_v this_o i._o e._n of_o consecrate_v and_o administer_a the_o holy_a eucharist_n in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o ministry_n be_v not_o so_o confine_v to_o the_o apostolic_a order_n as_o that_o none_o but_o they_o be_v allow_v to_o exercise_v it_o for_o even_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n philip_n and_o ananias_n who_o be_v no_o apostle_n baptise_a and_o s._n peter_n command_v the_o brethren_n with_o he_o who_o be_v no_o apostle_n neither_o to_o baptise_v those_o gentile_a convert_v upon_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v act_v 10.48_o and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o when_o those_o three_o thousand_o soul_n act_n 2._o be_v all_o baptise_a at_o one_o time_n there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o other_o baptizer_n beside_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o passage_n of_o s._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 1.13_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o where_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o baptize_v none_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n though_o it_o be_v of_o his_o own_o plant_n except_o crispus_n gaius_n and_o the_o household_n of_o stephanus_n be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o when_o the_o apostle_n have_v convert_v man_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n they_o general_o order_v they_o to_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o inferior_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n that_o attend_v they_o and_o then_o as_o for_o the_o consecration_n of_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n though_o when_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v present_a it_o be_v doubtless_o ordinary_o perform_v by_o they_o yet_o consider_v how_o fast_o christianity_n increase_v and_o how_o frequent_o christian_n do_v then_o partake_v of_o this_o sacrament_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o apostle_n can_v be_v present_a in_o all_o place_n where_o it_o be_v administer_v nor_o consequent_o that_o they_o can_v consecrate_v it_o in_o every_o particular_a congregation_n for_o though_o it_o be_v a_o very_a early_a custom_n for_o the_o bishop_n to_o consecrate_v the_o element_n in_o one_o congregation_n and_o then_o send_v they_o abroad_o to_o be_v administer_v in_o several_a other_o yet_o this_o be_v only_o upon_o special_a occasion_n but_o ordinary_o they_o be_v consecrate_v in_o the_o same_o place_n where_o they_o be_v administer_v in_o all_o which_o place_n it_o be_v impossible_a either_o for_o the_o apostle_n at_o first_o or_o after_o they_o for_o their_o successor_n the_o bishop_n to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o consecration_n as_o well_o as_o the_o administration_n be_v ordinary_o perform_v by_o the_o inferior_a presbyter_n in_o the_o absence_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o bishop_n but_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o none_o be_v ever_o allow_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n to_o consecrate_v the_o eucharist_n but_o either_o a_o bishop_n or_o a_o presbyter_n and_o as_o for_o baptism_n because_o it_o be_v in_o some_o degree_n more_o necessary_a than_o the_o eucharist_n as_o be_v the_o sign_n of_o admission_n into_o the_o new_a covenant_n by_o which_o we_o be_v first_o entitle_v to_o it_o not_o only_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n but_o in_o their_o absence_n or_o by_o their_o allowance_n deacon_n also_o be_v authorize_v to_o administer_v it_o for_o so_o even_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n philip_n the_o deacon_n baptize_v at_o samaria_n act_v 8.12_o and_o afterward_o not_o only_a deacon_n but_o layman_n too_o be_v allow_v to_o administer_v it_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n when_o neither_o a_o deacon_n nor_o presbyter_n nor_o bishop_n can_v be_v procure_v that_o so_o none_o may_v be_v debar_v of_o admission_n into_o the_o new_a covenant_n that_o be_v dispose_v and_o qualify_v to_o receive_v it_o but_o the_o church_n allow_v this_o to_o layman_n only_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o none_o have_v a_o stand_a authority_n to_o administer_v it_o but_o only_a person_n in_o holy_a order_n for_o that_o authority_n which_o a_o present_a necessity_n create_v be_v only_o present_a and_o cease_v with_o the_o necessity_n that_o create_v it_o iii_o and_o last_o another_o of_o the_o ministry_n common_a to_o the_o bishop_n with_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n be_v to_o offer_v up_o the_o public_a prayer_n and_o intercession_n of_o christian_a assembly_n for_o to_o be_v sure_a none_o can_v be_v authorize_v to_o perform_v the_o public_a office_n of_o the_o church_n but_o only_o such_o as_o be_v set_v apart_o and_o ordain_v to_o be_v the_o public_a officer_n of_o it_o now_o prayer_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o solemn_a office_n of_o christian_a assembly_n and_o therefore_o as_o in_o the_o jewish_a church_n none_o but_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o priest_n and_o levite_n who_o be_v the_o only_a public_a minister_n of_o religion_n be_v authorize_v to_o offer_v up_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o congregation_n vid._n 2_o chron._n 39.27_o so_o in_o the_o christian_a none_o but_o bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n who_o alone_o be_v the_o public_a minister_n of_o christianity_n be_v authorize_v to_o offer_v up_o the_o public_a address_n of_o christian_a assembly_n it_o be_v their_o peculiar_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n to_o perform_v the_o public_a office_n to_o the_o lord_n act_n 13.2_o for_o so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v public_a service_n and_o be_v use_v to_o denote_v those_o public_a service_n of_o which_o one_o be_v offer_v up_o the_o common_a prayer_n of_o the_o people_n which_o the_o priest_n in_o their_o turn_n perform_v in_o the_o temple_n vid._n luk._n 1.23_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o minister_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rom._n 15.16_o because_o it_o be_v their_o proper_a business_n to_o officiate_v the_o public_a service_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o according_o in_o rev._n 5.10_o the_o four_o and_o twenty_o elder_n that_o be_v the_o holy_a bishop_n of_o the_o church_n as_o appear_v by_o their_o have_a crown_n of_o gold_n or_o mitre_n on_o their_o head_n in_o allusion_n to_o the_o high_a priest_n mitre_n chap._n 4._o ver_fw-la 4._o be_v say_v to_o have_v every_o one_o of_o they_o harp_n and_o golden_a vial_n full_a of_o odour_n which_o be_v the_o prayer_n of_o saint_n refer_v to_o the_o incense_n which_o the_o priest_n be_v wont_a to_o offer_v in_o the_o sanctuary_n which_o oblation_n be_v a_o mystical_a offer_v up_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o people_n vid._n luk._n 1.10_o which_o plain_o intimate_v that_o as_o it_o be_v one_o part_n of_o the_o office_n of_o those_o jewish_a priest_n to_o offer_v the_o incense_n and_o therewithal_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o people_n so_o be_v it_o also_o of_o the_o public_a minister_n of_o christianity_n to_o offer_v up_o the_o prayer_n of_o christian_a assembly_n and_o as_o in_o the_o jewish_a church_n not_o only_o the_o priest_n but_o the_o levite_n also_o communicate_v with_o the_o high_a priest_n in_o this_o ministry_n of_o offer_v up_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o congregation_n so_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n not_o only_o the_o presbyter_n but_o the_o deacon_n also_o always_o communicate_v in_o it_o with_o their_o bishop_n have_v thus_o give_v a_o account_n of_o those_o religious_a ministries_n which_o be_v common_a to_o the_o bishop_n with_o the_o inferior_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n i_o proceed_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o show_v what_o those_o ministry_n be_v which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o bishop_n or_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n all_o which_o be_v reducible_a to_o four_o particular_n 1._o to_o make_v law_n for_o the_o peace_n and_o good_a order_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o to_o ordain_v to_o ecclesiastical_a office_n 3._o to_o execute_v that_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n which_o christ_n have_v establish_v in_o his_o church_n 4._o to_o confirm_v such_o as_o have_v be_v instruct_v in_o christianity_n i._o one_o peculiar_a ministry_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o make_v law_n and_o canon_n for_o the_o security_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o good_a order_n and_o this_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o government_n which_o necessary_o suppose_v a_o legislative_a power_n within_o itself_o to_o command_v and_o oblige_v the_o subject_a to_o do_v or_o forbear_v such_o thing_n as_o it_o shall_v judge_v conducive_a to_o the_o preservation_n or_o disturbance_n of_o their_o common-weal_n without_o which_o power_n no_o government_n can_v be_v enable_v to_o obtain_v its_o end_n
you_o keep_v bind_v or_o oblige_v to_o that_o penalty_n i_o also_o will_v keep_v bind_v and_o oblige_v to_o this_o this_o be_v the_o spirtual_a jurisdiction_n which_o christ_n have_v establish_v in_o his_o church_n to_o bind_v or_o loose_v suspend_v or_o restore_v excommunicate_a or_o absolve_v and_o this_o he_o have_v whole_o deposit_v in_o the_o episcopal_a order_n for_o in_o all_o the_o abovecited_a place_n it_o be_v only_o to_o his_o apostle_n that_o he_o derive_v this_o jurisdiction_n they_o alone_o be_v the_o steward_n to_o who_o he_o commit_v the_o key_n and_o government_n of_o his_o family_n and_o it_o be_v to_o they_o alone_o that_o he_o promise_v that_o they_o shall_v sit_v upon_o twelve_o throne_n judge_v the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n that_o be_v to_o rule_n and_o govern_v the_o spiritual_a israel_n which_o be_v the_o christian_a church_n even_o as_o the_o phylarchae_n or_o chief_n of_o the_o tribe_n govern_v the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o natural_a israel_n mat._n 19.28_o and_o hence_o in_o that_o mystical_a representation_n of_o the_o church_n by_o a_o city_n descend_v from_o heaven_n rev._n 21._o the_o wall_n of_o it_o be_v say_v to_o have_v twelve_o foundation_n and_o upon_o they_o twelve_o name_n of_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n ver_fw-la 14._o and_o those_o twelve_o foundation_n be_v compare_v to_o twelve_o precious_a stone_n to_o denote_v their_o power_n and_o dignity_n in_o the_o church_n ver_fw-la 19_o 20._o and_o the_o wall_n be_v exact_o mete_v be_v find_v to_o be_v 144_o cubit_n that_o be_v twelve_o time_n twelve_o to_o denote_v that_o these_o twelve_o apostle_n have_v each_o of_o they_o a_o equal_a portion_n allot_v he_o in_o the_o government_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o church_n ver_fw-la 17._o this_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n therefore_o of_o govern_v the_o church_n and_o administer_a the_o censure_n of_o it_o be_v by_o our_o saviour_n whole_o lodge_v in_o the_o apostolate_a none_o can_v just_o claim_v or_o pretend_v to_o it_o but_o such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o apostolic_a order_n and_o according_o in_o the_o apostolic_a age_n we_o find_v it_o be_v always_o administer_v either_o immediate_o by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o or_o by_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o several_a church_n to_o who_o they_o communicate_v their_o order_n for_o thus_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n it_o be_v s._n paul_n who_o pronounce_v the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n against_o the_o incestuous_a person_n for_o i_o very_o as_o absent_v in_o body_n but_o present_a in_o spirit_n have_v judge_v or_o pronounce_v sentence_n already_o as_o though_o i_o be_v present_a concern_v he_o that_o have_v do_v this_o deed_n 1_o cor._n 5.3_o and_o what_o he_o order_v they_o to_o do_v ver_fw-la 4_o 5._o be_v only_o to_o declare_v and_o execute_v his_o sentence_n and_o 2_o cor._n 13.2_o he_o threaten_v they_o that_o heretofore_o have_v sin_v that_o if_o he_o come_v again_o he_o will_v not_o spare_v they_o and_o that_o by_o his_o not_o spare_v they_o he_o mean_v that_o he_o will_v proceed_v against_o they_o with_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n be_v evident_a from_o ver_fw-la 1._o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n shall_v every_o word_n be_v establish_v which_o be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o our_o saviour_n matt._n 18.16_o when_o he_o institute_v the_o power_n of_o censure_v and_o then_o ver_fw-la 10._o he_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o write_v these_o thing_n be_v absent_a lest_o be_v present_a he_o shall_v use_v severity_n according_a to_o the_o power_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v they_o to_o edification_n and_o not_o to_o destruction_n by_o which_o it_o be_v plain_a he_o mean_v the_o power_n of_o excommunicate_v and_o 1_o cor._n 4.21_o he_o threaten_v to_o come_v to_o they_o with_o a_o rod_n that_o be_v to_o chastise_v they_o with_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n and_o with_o this_o rod_n as_o he_o himself_o tell_v he_o chastise_v hymenoeus_fw-la and_o alexander_n two_o stickle_a heretic_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n who_o he_o deliver_v unto_o satan_n that_o they_o may_v learn_v not_o to_o blaspheme_v 1_o tim._n 1.20_o and_o as_o he_o frequent_o execute_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n in_o his_o own_o person_n so_o he_o derive_v this_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n who_o he_o ordain_v apostle_n or_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o crete_n for_o so_o he_o order_v timothy_n against_o a_o elder_a receive_v not_o a_o accusation_n but_o before_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n which_o plain_o imply_v his_o authority_n to_o examine_v and_o try_v the_o cause_n even_o of_o the_o elder_n themselves_o when_o they_o be_v accuse_v and_o to_o punish_v they_o if_o he_o find_v they_o guilty_a for_o so_o it_o follow_v they_o that_o sin_n rebuke_n before_o all_o that_o other_o also_o may_v fear_v 1_o tim._n 5.19_o 20._o so_o also_o he_o exhort_v titus_n to_o exercise_v this_o his_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n a_o man_n that_o be_v a_o heretic_n after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o admonition_n reject_v tit._n 3.10_o which_o plain_o imply_v that_o he_o have_v a_o authority_n inherent_a in_o he_o as_o he_o be_v the_o apostle_n or_o bishop_n of_o crete_n to_o cite_v examine_v admonish_v and_o censure_v person_n of_o erroneous_a principle_n and_o the_o same_o authority_n it_o be_v evident_a be_v inherent_a in_o the_o angel_n or_o bishop_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n thus_o the_o bishop_n of_o ephesus_n have_v authority_n to_o try_v such_o as_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o and_o to_o convict_v they_o for_o liar_n rev._n 2.2_o and_o the_o bishop_n of_o pergamus_n be_v blame_v for_o tolerate_v the_o sect_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n in_o his_o church_n ver_fw-la 14_o 15._o and_o so_o also_o be_v the_o bishop_n of_o thyatira_n for_o suffer_v that_o woman_n jezebel_n ver_fw-la 20._o which_o plain_o imply_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o curb_v and_o correct_v those_o profligate_n sectary_n be_v inherent_a in_o they_o else_o why_o shall_v they_o be_v blame_v any_o more_o than_o other_o for_o not_o restrain_v they_o from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o power_n of_o christian_a jurisdiction_n be_v original_o seat_v in_o the_o apostolate_a and_o that_o throughout_o the_o apostolic_a age_n it_o be_v always_o exercise_v by_o such_o and_o only_o such_o as_o be_v admit_v into_o that_o sovereign_a order_n viz._n either_o by_o the_o twelve_o prime_a apostle_n or_o by_o those_o secondary_a apostle_n who_o they_o ordain_v bishop_n of_o particular_a church_n and_o according_o we_o find_v in_o the_o primitive_a age_n the_o bishop_n be_v the_o sole_a administrator_n of_o this_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n and_o though_o ordinary_o they_o administer_v it_o with_o the_o advice_n and_o concurrence_n of_o their_o presbytery_n yet_o this_o be_v more_o than_o they_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o for_o thus_o s._n cyprian_n in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o recess_n do_v by_o his_o own_o single_a authority_n excommunicate_a felicissimus_n augendus_n and_o other_o of_o his_o presbyter_n ep._n 38_o 39_o and_o when_o rogatianus_n a_o bishop_n of_o his_o metropolitick_a church_n complain_v to_o he_o in_o a_o synod_n of_o a_o disorderly_a deacon_n he_o tell_v he_o that_o pro_fw-la episcopatus_fw-la vigore_fw-la &_o cathedrae_fw-la authoritate_fw-la i._n e._n by_o his_o own_o episcopal_a authority_n without_o appeal_n to_o the_o synod_n he_o may_v have_v chastise_v he_o and_o the_o five_o canon_n of_o the_o first_o nicene_n council_n plain_o show_v that_o it_o be_v then_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o the_o power_n of_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n be_v whole_o seat_v in_o the_o bishop_n for_o it_o decree_v that_o in_o every_o province_n there_o shall_v be_v twice_o a_o year_n a_o council_n of_o bishop_n to_o examine_v whether_o any_o person_n lay_v or_o clergy_n have_v be_v unjust_o excommunicate_v by_o his_o bishop_n which_o show_v that_o then_o this_o sentence_n be_v inflict_v by_o the_o bishop_n only_o though_o afterward_o to_o prevent_v abuse_v it_o be_v decree_v in_o the_o council_n of_o carthage_n that_o the_o bishop_n shall_v hear_v no_o man_n cause_n but_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o clergy_n and_o that_o his_o sentence_n shall_v be_v void_a unless_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o their_o presence_n but_o yet_o still_o the_o sentence_n be_v peculiar_o he_o and_o not_o his_o clergy_n in_o some_o church_n indeed_o the_o bishop_n do_v many_o time_n delegate_v power_n to_o their_o presbyter_n both_o to_o excommunicate_v and_o absolve_v as_o perhaps_o s._n paul_n himself_o do_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n but_o in_o this_o case_n the_o presbyter_n be_v only_o the_o bishop_n mouth_n and_o his_o sentence_n receive_v all_o its_o force_n from_o that_o episcopal_a authority_n he_o be_v arm_v with_o iv._o another_o peculiar_a ministry_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o governor_n of_o