doctor_n reynolds_n against_o hart_n and_o by_o other_o writer_n 4._o you_o affirm_v but_o upon_o very_o weak_a proof_n that_o they_o be_v from_o ephesus_n and_o crete_n remove_v to_o other_o place_n some_o that_o have_v exact_o out_o of_o scripture_n compare_v the_o time_n and_o order_n of_o the_o several_a journey_n and_o station_n of_o paul_n and_o timothy_n have_v demonstrate_v the_o contrary_a concern_v this_o particular_a 5._o whereas_o you_o say_v it_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o 2._o tim._n four_o 9_o and_o tit._n iii._o 12._o that_o they_o be_v call_v away_o from_o these_o place_n it_o do_v no_o more_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v not_o bishop_n there_o or_o that_o they_o may_v as_o well_o be_v call_v bishop_n of_o other_o church_n than_o it_o may_v be_v conclude_v from_o the_o attendance_n of_o the_o divine_n at_o westminster_n that_o they_o be_v no_o long_a parson_n or_o vicar_n of_o their_o several_a parish_n last_o for_o the_o postscript_n of_o these_o epistle_n though_o his_o majesty_n lie_v no_o great_a weight_n upon_o they_o yet_o he_o hold_v they_o to_o be_v of_o great_a antiquity_n and_o therefore_o such_o as_o in_o question_n of_o fact_n where_o there_o appear_v no_o strong_a evidence_n to_o weaken_v their_o belief_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v light_o reject_v neither_o do_v his_o majesty_n lie_v any_o weight_n at_o all_o upon_o the_o allegory_n or_o mystery_n of_o the_o denomination_n in_o the_o next_o point_n concern_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n as_o you_o mistake_v in_o your_o answer_n thereunto_o wherein_o his_o majesty_n find_v as_o little_a satisfaction_n as_o in_o the_o last_o point_n before_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o majesty_n instance_n lie_v in_o this_o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_n and_o the_o best_a modern_a modern_a writer_n and_o by_o many_o probability_n in_o the_o text_n itself_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n be_v personoe_v singulares_fw-la and_o such_o as_o have_v a_o prelacy_n as_o well_o over_o pastor_n as_o people_n within_o their_o church_n and_o that_o be_v in_o a_o word_n bishop_n and_o you_o bring_v nothing_o of_o moment_n in_o your_o answer_n to_o infirm_a this_o you_o say_v true_o indeed_o that_o those_o epistle_n be_v write_v in_o epistolary_a style_n and_o so_o as_o letter_n to_o collective_a or_o representative_a body_n use_v to_o be_v direct_v to_o one_o but_o intend_v to_o the_o body_n which_o when_o you_o have_v prove_v you_o be_v so_o far_o from_o weaken_v that_o you_o rather_o strengthen_v the_o argument_n to_o prove_v those_o angel_n to_o have_v be_v single_a person_n as_o when_o his_o majesty_n send_v a_o message_n to_o his_o two_o house_n and_o direct_v it_o to_o the_o speaker_n of_o the_o house_n of_o peer_n his_o intend_v it_o to_o the_o whole_a house_n do_v not_o hinder_v but_o that_o the_o speaker_n to_o who_o it_o be_v direct_v be_v one_o single_a person_n still_o yet_o his_o majesty_n can_v but_o observe_v in_o this_o as_o in_o some_o part_n of_o your_o answer_n how_o willing_a you_o be_v versari_fw-la in_o generalibus_fw-la and_o how_o unwilling_o to_o speak_v out_o and_o to_o declare_v plain_o and_o direct_o what_o your_o opinion_n be_v concern_v those_o angel_n who_o they_o be_v whether_o they_o be_v as_o the_o great_a antagonist_n of_o episcopacy_n salmasius_n very_o peremptory_o sit_fw-la ergo_fw-la hoc_fw-la fixum_fw-la etc._n etc._n affirm_v the_o whole_a church_n or_o so_o many_o individual_a pastor_n of_o the_o gather_a church_n in_o those_o city_n or_o the_o whole_a college_n of_o presbyter_n in_o the_o respective_a church_n or_o the_o singular_a and_o individual_a precedent_n of_o these_o college_n for_o into_o so_o many_o several_a opinion_n be_v those_o few_o divide_v among_o themselves_o who_o have_v divide_v themselves_o from_o the_o common_a and_o receive_a judgement_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n you_o deny_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o have_v any_o successor_n in_o their_o office_n and_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v to_o be_v only_o two_o order_n of_o ordinary_a and_o stand_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n wiz_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n what_o his_o majesty_n conceive_v concern_v the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v in_o part_n already_o declare_v viz._n that_o they_o have_v no_o successor_n in_o eundem_fw-la gradum_fw-la in_o respect_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v extraordinary_a in_o they_o as_o namely_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o gift_n the_o extent_n of_o their_o charge_n the_o infallibility_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o which_o be_v sundry_a time_n mention_v as_o a_o special_a character_n of_o a_o apostle_n proper_o so_o call_v the_o have_v see_v christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n but_o in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o extraordinary_a and_o such_o those_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v which_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o time_n as_o the_o office_n of_o teach_v and_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v be_v they_o be_v to_o have_v and_o have_v successor_n and_o therefore_o the_o learned_a and_o godly_a father_n and_o council_n of_o old_a time_n do_v usual_o style_v bishop_n the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n without_o ever_o scruple_v thereat_o and_o as_o to_o the_o stand_a office_n of_o the_o church_n although_o in_o the_o place_n by_o you_o cite_v phil._n i._n 1._o i_o tim._n iii._o 8._o there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o bishop_n as_o distinct_a from_o presbyter_n but_o of_o the_o two_o order_n only_o of_o bishop_n or_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o thereby_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o stand_a office_n in_o the_o church_n beside_o for_o there_o appear_v two_o other_o manifest_a reason_n why_o that_o of_o bishop_n may_v not_o be_v so_o proper_a to_o be_v mention_v in_o those_o place_n the_o one_o because_o in_o the_o church_n which_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o plant_v they_o place_v presbyter_n under_o they_o for_o the_o office_n of_o teach_v but_o take_v upon_o themselves_o the_o care_n and_o reserve_v in_o their_o own_o hand_n the_o power_n of_o govern_v in_o those_o church_n for_o a_o long_o or_o short_a time_n as_o they_o see_v it_o expedient_a for_o the_o propagate_a of_o the_o gospel_n before_o they_o set_v bishop_n over_o they_o and_o so_o it_o may_v be_v probable_a that_o there_o be_v as_o yet_o no_o bishop_n set_v over_o the_o church_n of_o philippi_n when_o saint_n paul_n write_v his_o epistle_n to_o they_o the_o other_o because_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n the_o person_n to_o who_o he_o write_v be_v themselves_o bishop_n there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o write_v any_o thing_n concern_v the_o choice_n or_o qualification_n of_o any_o other_o sort_n of_o officer_n than_o such_o as_o belong_v to_o their_o ordination_n or_o inspection_n which_o be_v presbyter_n and_o deacon_n only_o and_o not_o bishop_n concern_v the_o age_n succeed_v the_o apostle_n 1._o his_o majesty_n believe_v that_o although_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v a_o assent_n unto_o truth_n supernatural_a or_o of_o divine_a revelation_n reach_v no_o further_a than_o the_o scripture_n yet_o in_o matter_n of_o fact_n humane_a testimony_n may_v beget_v a_o faith_n though_o humane_a yet_o certain_a and_o infallible_a as_o by_o the_o credit_n of_o history_n we_o have_v a_o infallible_a faith_n that_o aristotle_n be_v a_o greek_a philosopher_n and_o cicero_n a_o roman_a orator_n 2._o the_o darkness_n of_o those_o time_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o very_a strong_a argument_n for_o episcopacy_n which_o notwithstanding_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o time_n have_v find_v so_o full_a and_o clear_a a_o proof_n by_o the_o unquestioned_a catalogue_n extant_a in_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o sundry_a famous_a city_n as_o jerusalem_n antioch_n alexandria_n rome_n ephesus_n etc._n etc._n in_o a_o continue_a succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n as_o scarce_o any_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n have_v find_v the_o like_a 3._o in_o clement_n testimony_n cite_v by_o you_o his_o majesty_n conceive_v you_o make_v use_n of_o your_o old_a fallacy_n from_o the_o promiscuous_a use_n of_o the_o word_n to_o infer_v the_o indistinction_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o who_o can_v doubt_v of_o clement_n opinion_n concern_v the_o distinct_a office_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n who_o either_o read_v his_o whole_a epistle_n or_o consider_v that_o he_o himself_o be_v a_o bishop_n in_o that_o sense_n even_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o videlius_n himself_o a_o man_n never_o yet_o suspect_v to_o favour_n bishop_n who_o 3._o say_v that_o after_o the_o death_n of_o linus_n and_o cletus_n clemens_n solus_fw-la episcopi_fw-la nomen_fw-la retinuit_fw-la quia_fw-la jam_fw-la invaluerat_fw-la distinctio_fw-la episcopi_fw-la &_o presbyteri_fw-la and_o for_o ignatius_n epistle_n though_o some_o of_o late_a out_o of_o their_o partial_a
coronation_n that_o all_o our_o ecclesiastic_n in_o their_o several_a degree_n and_o incumbence_n shall_v preach_v and_o practice_v the_o same_o wherefore_o we_o enjoin_v and_o command_v all_o our_o minister_n of_o state_n beyond_o the_o sea_n as_o well_o ambassador_n as_o resident_n agent_n and_o messenger_n and_o we_o desire_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o love_a subject_n that_o sojourn_v either_o for_o curiosity_n or_o commerce_n in_o any_o foreign_a part_n to_o communicate_v uphold_v and_o assert_v this_o our_o solemn_a and_o sincere_a protestation_n when_o opportunity_n of_o time_n and_o place_n shall_v be_v offer_v give_v in_o our_o university_n and_o city_n of_o oxford_n the_o 14_o day_n of_o may_n 1644._o the_o goodly_a cedar_n of_o apostolic_a episcopacy_n compâ—â—â—d_v with_o the_o modern_a shoot_v &_o slip_v of_o divide_a novelty_n in_o the_o church_n before_o the_o introduction_n of_o the_o apostle_n live_v paper_n and_o passage_n concern_v the_o treaty_n of_o peace_n at_o uxbridge_n mdcxliv_o xlv_o by_o the_o king_n a_o proclamation_n declare_v his_o majesty_n resolution_n for_o settle_v a_o speedy_a peace_n by_o a_o good_a accommodation_n and_o a_o invitation_n to_o all_o his_o loyal_a subject_n to_o join_v together_o for_o his_o assistance_n therein_o among_o the_o many_o trouble_n wherewith_o for_o more_o than_o two_o year_n last_o pass_v we_o have_v be_v involve_v nothing_o have_v more_o afflict_v we_o than_o the_o real_a sense_n of_o our_o subject_n suffering_n occasion_v by_o this_o most_o unnatural_a war_n and_o the_o chief_a of_o our_o care_n have_v be_v and_o by_o god_n assistance_n shall_v still_o be_v to_o settle_v they_o in_o a_o happy_a peace_n with_o that_o freedom_n of_o enjoin_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n right_n and_o liberty_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n as_o they_o or_o any_o of_o their_o ancestor_n enjoy_v the_o same_o in_o the_o best_a time_n of_o the_o late_a queen_n elizabeth_n or_o our_o royal_a father_n and_o as_o we_o have_v always_o profess_v in_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o heart_n that_o no_o success_n shall_v ever_o make_v we_o averse_a unto_o peace_n so_o have_v we_o always_o when_o god_n have_v bless_v we_o with_o any_o eminent_a victory_n solicit_v the_o member_n of_o both_o house_n of_o parliament_n remain_v at_o westminster_n by_o frequent_a message_n for_o a_o treaty_n conduce_v thereunto_o and_o in_o particular_a upon_o our_o late_a victory_n over_o the_o earl_n of_o essex_n his_o army_n in_o cornwall_n which_o we_o whole_o attribute_v to_o the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n we_o present_o dispatch_v a_o message_n to_o they_o to_o desire_v a_o treaty_n for_o peace_n and_o accommodation_n of_o which_o as_o likewise_o of_o that_o former_a message_n for_o peace_n which_o we_o send_v they_o from_o evesholm_n the_o four_o of_o july_n last_o we_o have_v yet_o receive_v no_o answer_n and_o therefore_o have_v resolve_v with_o our_o army_n to_o draw_v present_o towards_o london_n and_o our_o southern_a and_o eastern_a county_n not_o look_v upon_o those_o part_n as_o enemy_n to_o we_o and_o so_o to_o suffer_v by_o the_o approach_n of_o our_o army_n or_o the_o disorder_n thereof_o which_o we_o will_v use_v all_o possible_a mean_n to_o prevent_v but_o as_o our_o poor_a subject_n oppress_v by_o power_n of_o which_o we_o rest_v assure_v the_o great_a part_n remain_v loyal_a to_o we_o and_o so_o deserve_v our_o protection_n and_o we_o hope_v that_o at_o a_o near_a distance_n of_o place_n there_o may_v be_v beget_v so_o right_a a_o understanding_n between_o we_o and_o our_o people_n that_o at_o length_n we_o may_v obtain_v a_o treaty_n for_o peace_n and_o a_o full_a free_a and_o peaceable_a convention_n in_o parliament_n and_o therein_o make_v a_o end_n of_o these_o unhappy_a difference_n by_o a_o good_a accommodation_n in_o which_o we_o hereby_o assure_v all_o our_o people_n upon_o our_o royal_a word_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o christian_a which_o be_v the_o great_a security_n we_o can_v give_v they_o that_o we_o will_v insist_v only_o upon_o the_o settle_n and_o continuance_n of_o the_o true_a reform_a protestant_a religion_n our_o own_o undoubted_a know_v right_n the_o privilege_n of_o parliament_n and_o our_o subject_n liberty_n and_o property_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o to_o have_v all_o these_o settle_v in_o a_o full_a and_o free_a parliament_n whereby_o the_o army_n on_o both_o side_n may_v be_v present_o disband_v this_o kingdom_n may_v be_v secure_v from_o the_o danger_n of_o a_o conquest_n by_o foreign_a force_n all_o stranger_n now_o in_o arm_n may_v return_v to_o their_o own_o country_n and_o our_o poor_a subject_n be_v free_v of_o those_o grievous_a burden_n which_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o late_a distraction_n have_v much_o against_o our_o will_n too_o much_o press_v they_o and_o to_o the_o end_n our_o subject_n may_v no_o long_o be_v mislead_v be_v false_a pretence_n we_o do_v desire_v all_o of_o they_o as_o well_o in_o our_o own_o quarter_n as_o where_o the_o rebel_n have_v usurp_v a_o power_n to_o take_v into_o serious_a consideration_n the_o duty_n and_o loyalty_n which_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o their_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n they_o owe_v unto_o we_o and_o more_o particular_o that_o part_n thereof_o which_o concern_v the_o defence_n of_o our_o person_n and_o assistance_n of_o we_o against_o rebel_n and_o such_o as_o rise_v in_o arm_n against_o we_o which_o they_o may_v find_v plain_o set_v down_o in_o the_o statute_n of_o the_o ii_o year_n of_o king_n henry_n the_o seven_o cap._n 1._o and_o we_o do_v hereby_o require_v our_o subject_n within_o our_o own_o quarter_n through_o or_o near_o which_o we_o shall_v pass_v by_o that_o duty_n they_o owe_v to_o we_o and_o their_o country_n that_o they_o forthwith_o prepare_v themselves_o with_o the_o best_a arm_n they_o can_v get_v to_o be_v ready_a and_o join_v and_o go_v along_o with_o we_o in_o this_o present_a expedition_n we_o resolve_v to_o take_v special_a care_n to_o place_v they_o under_o the_o command_n of_o gentleman_n of_o quality_n of_o their_o own_o country_n to_o their_o good_a content_n and_o satisfaction_n and_o we_o likewise_o require_v and_o authorise_v all_o our_o good_a subject_n as_o well_o the_o train_v band_n as_o other_o of_o our_o city_n of_o london_n and_o our_o southern_a and_o eastern_a county_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o commander_n and_o leader_n among_o those_o gentleman_n and_o citizen_n that_o be_v of_o approve_a loyalty_n to_o we_o and_o lover_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o their_o country_n and_o upon_o our_o approach_n towards_o those_o part_n to_o put_v themselves_o into_o arm_n and_o march_v in_o warlike_a manner_n to_o assist_v we_o in_o this_o good_a work_n and_o free_v themselves_o from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o their_o fellow-subject_n under_o which_o they_o groan_v command_v and_o authorise_v they_o to_o seize_v such_o place_n of_o strength_n in_o those_o southern_a and_o eastern_a county_n as_o the_o rebel_n have_v possess_v themselves_o of_o to_o oppose_v with_o force_n of_o arm_n such_o person_n as_o shall_v resist_v they_o in_o obey_v these_o our_o command_n and_o to_o apprehend_v and_o secure_v the_o person_n of_o all_o such_o as_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o continue_v this_o rebellion_n and_o to_o hinder_v the_o settle_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o this_o kingdom_n in_o a_o full_a and_o free_a convention_n of_o parliament_n the_o only_a visible_a mean_n lest_o by_o blessing_n of_o god_n to_o redeem_v this_o nation_n from_o utter_a ruin_n wherein_o we_o will_v afford_v our_o utmost_a protection_n and_o safety_n unto_o all_o our_o subject_n that_o shall_v give_v obedience_n to_o these_o our_o command_n and_o as_o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o all_o our_o good_a subject_n will_v come_v cheerful_o to_o our_o assistance_n for_o so_o good_a a_o end_n beyond_o which_o we_o do_v not_o require_v it_o so_o we_o trust_v that_o god_n who_o have_v hitherto_o wonderful_o preserve_v we_o will_v crown_v this_o action_n with_o happy_a success_n for_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o this_o poor_a nation_n give_v at_o our_o court_n at_o chard_n the_o thirty_o day_n of_o september_n 1644._o god_n save_o the_o king_n by_o the_o king_n a_o proclamation_n for_o a_o solemn_a fast_o on_o wednesday_n the_o five_o of_o february_n next_o upon_o occasion_n of_o the_o present_a treaty_n for_o peace_n whereas_o almighty_a god_n in_o his_o justice_n to_o punish_v the_o common_a and_o cry_v sin_n of_o the_o land_n have_v send_v a_o civil_a sword_n throughout_o all_o our_o dominion_n which_o have_v miserable_o waste_v and_o threaten_v a_o speedy_a and_o utter_a desolation_n to_o the_o same_o and_o now_o in_o the_o height_n of_o these_o calamity_n a_o treaty_n be_v assent_v to_o to_o begin_v at_o uxbridge_n on_o thursday_n the_o thirty_o day_n of_o this_o instant_a january_n touch_v
and_o that_o these_o place_n of_o scripture_n 1_o tim._n v_o 22._o tit._n i._n 5._o 1_o tim._n v_o 19_o titus_n 3._o 10._o do_v prove_v that_o timothy_n and_o titus_n have_v power_n to_o ordain_v presbyter_n and_o deacon_n and_o to_o exercise_v censure_n over_o presbyter_n and_o other_o and_o that_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n do_v prove_v that_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n have_v power_n of_o govern_v of_o the_o church_n and_o exercise_v censure_n but_o that_o either_o the_o apostle_n or_o timothy_n and_o titus_n or_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n be_v bishop_n as_o bishop_n be_v distinct_a from_o presbyter_n exercise_v episcopal_a government_n in_o that_o sense_n or_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v commit_v and_o derive_v to_o any_o particular_a person_n as_o their_o substitute_n and_o successor_n any_o such_o episcopal_a government_n or_o that_o this_o be_v prove_v in_o the_o least_o measure_n by_o the_o scripture_n allege_v we_o do_v as_o full_o deny_v and_o therefore_o do_v humble_o deny_v also_o that_o episcopal_a government_n be_v therefore_o most_o consonant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o apostolical_a institution_n or_o prove_v so_o to_o be_v by_o these_o scripture_n none_o of_o these_o be_v bishop_n or_o practise_v episcopal_a government_n as_o bishop_n be_v distinct_a from_o presbyter_n neither_o be_v such_o a_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n as_o a_o bishop_n distinct_a from_o a_o presbyter_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o which_o we_o humble_o conceive_v that_o our_o faith_n and_o conscience_n touch_v this_o point_n ought_v to_o be_v conclude_v the_o name_n office_n and_o work_v of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o never_o in_o the_o least_o distinguish_v as_o be_v clear_o evident_a tit._n i._n 5_o 7._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 in_o order_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v and_o ordain_v presbyter_n in_o every_o city_n as_o i_o have_v appoint_v thou_o for_o a_o bishop_n must_v be_v blameless_a in_o which_o place_n the_o apostle_n his_o reason_n be_v altogether_o invalid_a and_o inconsequent_a if_o presbyter_n and_o bishop_n be_v not_o the_o same_o office_n as_o well_o as_o they_o have_v the_o same_o name_n the_o same_o be_v manifest_a act_v xx_o 17_o 28._o and_o from_o miletus_n he_o send_v to_o ephesus_n and_o call_v the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n to_o who_o he_o give_v this_o charge_n verse_n 28._o take_v heed_n therefore_o unto_o yourselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o bishop_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o feed_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n of_o god_n where_o we_o observe_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o leave_v these_o presbyter_n and_o never_o to_o see_v their_o face_n more_o verse_n 28._o do_v charge_v they_o with_o the_o feed_n and_o govern_v of_o the_o church_n as_o be_v bishop_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v but_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v make_v any_o superior_a or_o high_a kind_n of_o bishop_n than_o these_o common_a presbyter_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o that_o or_o any_o other_o text._n and_o that_o under_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n this_o assertion_n of_o we_o may_v stand_v we_o add_v to_o what_o we_o have_v already_o say_v that_o in_o 1_o pet._n v_o 1_o 2._o the_o presbyter_n which_o be_v among_o you_o i_o exhort_v who_o be_o also_o a_o presbyter_n feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n which_o be_v among_o you_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d perform_v the_o office_n of_o bishop_n where_o it_o appear_v plain_a to_o we_o that_o under_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d use_v in_o this_o place_n be_v express_v whatsoever_o work_n the_o presbyter_n be_v to_o do_v neither_o can_v bishop_n so_o call_v as_o above_o presbyter_n do_v more_o for_o the_o government_n and_o good_a of_o the_o church_n otherwise_o than_o be_v there_o express_o enjoin_v unto_o presbyter_n by_o all_o which_o that_o have_v be_v say_v the_o point_n be_v render_v to_o be_v most_o clear_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o most_o man_n both_o ancient_a and_o of_o late_a time_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o officer_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o a_o bishop_n distinct_a from_o a_o presbyter_n neither_o do_v the_o scripture_n afford_v we_o the_o least_o notice_n of_o any_o qualification_n require_v in_o a_o bishop_n that_o be_v not_o require_v in_o a_o presbyter_n nor_o any_o ordination_n to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n distinct_a from_o a_o presbyter_n nor_o any_o work_n or_o duty_n charge_v upon_o a_o bishop_n which_o presbyter_n be_v not_o enjoin_v to_o do_v nor_o any_o great_a honour_n or_o dignity_n put_v upon_o they_o for_o that_o double_a honour_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o 1_o tim._n v_o 17._o as_o due_a to_o presbyter_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v with_o a_o note_n of_o especial_o affix_v to_o that_o act_n or_o work_n of_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n which_o be_v not_o that_o act_n wherein_o bishop_n have_v challenge_v a_o singularity_n or_o peculiar_a eminency_n above_o the_o presbyter_n to_o that_o which_o your_o majesty_n do_v conceive_v that_o episcopal_a government_n be_v practise_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o we_o humble_o answer_v that_o the_o apostle_n as_o they_o be_v the_o high_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n so_o they_o be_v extraordinary_a in_o respect_n of_o their_o commission_n gift_n and_o office_n and_o distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o officer_n 1_o cor._n twelve_o 28._o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n first_o apostle_n secondary_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n ephes_n four_o 11._o christ_n give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n where_o the_o apostle_n be_v distinguish_v from_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n who_o be_v the_o ordinary_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n for_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o government_n that_o they_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o ordain_v church-officer_n and_o to_o exercise_v censure_n in_o all_o church_n we_o affirm_v and_o withal_o that_o no_o other_o person_n or_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n may_v challenge_v or_o assume_v to_o themselves_o such_o power_n in_o that_o respect_n alone_o because_o the_o apostle_n practise_v it_o except_o such_o power_n belong_v unto_o they_o in_o common_a as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o apostle_n by_o warrant_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o that_o government_n which_o they_o practise_v be_v apostolical_a according_a to_o the_o peculiar_a commission_n and_o authority_n which_o they_o have_v and_o no_o otherwise_o to_o be_v call_v episcopal_a than_o as_o their_o office_n be_v so_o comprehensive_a as_o they_o have_v power_n to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o any_o or_o all_o other_o church-officer_n in_o which_o respect_n they_o call_v themselves_o presbyteri_fw-la diaconi_fw-la but_o never_o episcopi_fw-la in_o distinct_a sense_n and_o therefore_o we_o humble_o crave_v leave_v to_o say_v that_o to_o argue_v the_o apostle_n to_o have_v practise_v episcopal_a government_n because_o they_o ordain_v other_o officer_n and_o exercise_v censure_n be_v as_o if_o we_o shall_v argue_v a_o justice_n of_o peace_n to_o be_v a_o constable_n because_o he_o do_v that_o which_o a_o constable_n do_v in_o some_o particular_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o office_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v not_o distinct_a in_o the_o apostle_n they_o do_v not_o act_v as_o bishop_n in_o some_o act_n and_o as_o presbyter_n in_o other_o act_n the_o distinction_n of_o presbyter_n and_o bishop_n be_v make_v by_o man_n in_o aftertime_n and_o whereas_o your_o majesty_n do_v conceive_v that_o the_o episcopal_a government_n be_v by_o the_o apostle_n commit_v and_o derive_v to_o particular_a person_n as_o their_o substitute_n or_o successor_n therein_o as_o for_o ordain_v presbyter_n and_o deacon_n give_v rule_n concern_v christian_n discipline_n and_o exercise_v censure_n over_o presbyter_n and_o other_o seem_v by_o the_o allege_a place_n of_o scripture_n to_o instance_n in_o timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n we_o humble_o answer_v and_o first_o to_o that_o of_o timothy_n and_o titus_n we_o grant_v that_o timothy_n and_o titus_n have_v authority_n and_o power_n of_o ordain_v presbyter_n and_o deacon_n and_o of_o exercise_v censure_n over_o presbyter_n and_o other_o though_o we_o can_v say_v they_o have_v this_o power_n as_o the_o apostle_n substitute_n or_o successor_n in_o episcopal_a government_n nor_o that_o they_o exercise_v the_o power_n they_o have_v as_o be_v bishop_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o your_o majesty_n but_o as_o extraordinary_a officer_n or_o evangelist_n which_o evangelist_n be_v a_o
office_n in_o the_o church_n distinct_a from_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n eph._n four_o 11._o and_o that_o they_o be_v evangelist_n it_o appear_v by_o their_o be_v send_v up_o and_o down_o by_o the_o apostle_n or_o take_v along_o with_o they_o in_o company_n to_o several_a church_n as_o the_o necessity_n and_o occasion_n of_o the_o church_n do_v require_v the_o one_o of_o they_o be_v express_o call_v a_o evangelist_n 1_o tim._n four_o 5._o and_o neither_o of_o they_o be_v any_o where_o in_o scripture_n call_v bishop_n neither_o be_v they_o fix_v to_o ephesus_n and_o crete_n as_o bishop_n in_o the_o church_n commit_v to_o they_o but_o remove_v from_o thence_o to_o other_o place_n and_o never_o for_o aught_o appear_v in_o scripture_n return_v to_o they_o again_o and_o it_o seem_v clear_a to_o we_o that_o neither_o their_o abode_n at_o ephesus_n and_o crete_n be_v for_o any_o long_a time_n nor_o so_o intend_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o he_o employ_v they_o there_o upon_o occasional_a business_n and_o express_v himself_o in_o such_o manner_n i_o beseech_v thou_o to_o abide_v still_o at_o ephesus_n when_o i_o go_v into_o macedonia_n that_o thou_o may_v charge_v some_o that_o they_o teach_v no_o other_o doctrine_n 1_o tim._n i_o 3._o for_o this_o cause_n leave_v i_o thou_o in_o crete_n tit._n i._n 5._o as_o do_v not_o carry_v the_o fix_v or_o constitute_v of_o a_o bishop_n in_o a_o place_n as_o perpetual_a governor_n and_o it_o be_v as_o manifest_v that_o they_o be_v both_o of_o they_o call_v away_o from_o these_o place_n two_o tim._n four_o 9_o do_v thy_o diligence_n to_o come_v to_o i_o short_o tit._n iii._o 12._o be_v diligent_a to_o come_v to_o i_o to_o nicopolis_n so_o that_o they_o may_v as_o well_o be_v call_v bishop_n of_o any_o other_o city_n or_o church_n where_o they_o have_v any_o considerable_a abode_n as_o they_o be_v pretend_v to_o have_v be_v of_o ephesus_n and_o crete_n as_o they_o be_v call_v by_o the_o postscript_n of_o these_o epistle_n the_o credit_n of_o which_o postscript_n we_o can_v build_v upon_o in_o this_o point_n second_o to_o that_o of_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n be_v call_v star_n and_o angel_n which_o denomination_n be_v metaphorical_a and_o in_o a_o mystery_n rev._n i_o 20._o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o seven_o star_n angel_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o mission_n or_o send_v star_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o station_n and_o shine_a and_o it_o seem_v strange_a to_o we_o that_o to_o so_o many_o express_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n a_o allegorical_a denomination_n or_o mystery_n shall_v be_v oppose_v these_o angel_n be_v no_o where_o call_v bishop_n in_o vulgar_a acceptation_n nor_o the_o word_n bishop_n use_v in_o any_o of_o john_n write_n who_o call_v himself_o presbyter_n nor_o any_o mention_n of_o superiority_n of_o one_o presbyter_n to_o another_o but_o in_o diotrephes_n affect_v it_o and_o as_o to_o that_o which_o may_v be_v say_v that_o the_o epistle_n be_v direct_v to_o one_o we_o answer_v that_o a_o number_n of_o person_n be_v in_o the_o mysterious_a and_o prophetic_a write_n express_v in_o singular_n and_o we_o humble_o conceive_v that_o be_v write_v in_o a_o epistolary_a style_n for_o they_o be_v as_o letter_n or_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n these_o write_n be_v direct_v as_o letter_n to_o collective_a representative_a body_n use_v to_o be_v that_o be_v to_o one_o but_o intend_v and_o mean_v to_o that_o body_n in_o meeting_n assemble_v which_o that_o they_o be_v so_o intend_v be_v clear_a to_o we_o both_o because_o there_o be_v in_o ephesus_z bishop_n and_o presbyter_n one_o and_o the_o same_o to_o who_o the_o apostle_n at_o his_o farewell_n commend_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o by_o divers_a expression_n in_o these_o epistle_n as_o rev._n 11._o 24._o to_o you_o and_o to_o the_o rest_n in_o thyatira_n by_o which_o distinction_n of_o you_o and_o the_o rest_n we_o conceive_v the_o particular_a governor_n which_o be_v more_o than_o one_o and_o the_o people_n to_o be_v signify_v and_o so_o can_v consent_v that_o any_o singular_a person_n have_v majority_n over_o the_o rest_n or_o sole_a power_n of_o exercise_v church-censure_n and_o government_n speak_v of_o in_o these_o chapter_n have_v thus_o as_o we_o humble_o conceive_v prove_v by_o pregnant_a place_n of_o scripture_n compare_v together_o that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o do_v not_o institute_v or_o practice_n episcopal_n government_n nor_o commit_v and_o derive_v it_o to_o particular_a person_n as_o their_o substitute_n or_o successor_n therein_o we_o shall_v in_o far_a discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o and_o for_o the_o more_o clear_a and_o full_a satisfaction_n of_o your_o majesty_n in_o this_o point_n brief_o declare_v into_o what_o officer_n hand_n the_o ordinary_a and_o stand_a office_n of_o the_o church_n be_v transmit_v and_o derive_v by_o and_o from_o the_o apostle_n the_o apostle_n have_v no_o successor_n in_o eundem_fw-la gradum_fw-la the_o apostolical_a office_n be_v not_o derive_v by_o succession_n be_v institute_v by_o christ_n by_o extraordinary_a and_o special_a commission_n but_o for_o the_o ordinary_a and_o stand_a use_n and_o service_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v ordain_v only_o two_o order_n of_o officer_n viz._n bishop_n and_o deacon_n which_o the_o apostle_n express_v phil._n 1._o 1._o to_o all_o the_o saint_n in_o christ_n jesus_n which_o be_v at_o philippi_n with_o the_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n and_o only_o of_o they_o do_v the_o apostle_n give_v the_o due_a character_n of_o officer_n 1_o tim._n three_o 2_o 8._o from_o both_o which_o place_n of_o scripture_n we_o conclude_v with_o ancient_a expositor_n both_o greek_a and_o latin_a that_o bishop_n be_v the_o same_o with_o presbyter_n and_o beside_o presbyter_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o any_o other_o order_n but_o that_o of_o deacon_n of_o both_o which_o order_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n there_o be_v in_o one_o city_n more_o than_o one_o as_o in_o philippi_n and_o ephesus_n and_o we_o humble_o offer_v to_o your_o majesty_n as_o observable_a that_o though_o one_o order_n may_v be_v superior_a to_o another_o order_n yet_o in_o the_o same_o order_n of_o officer_n there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o superior_a to_o other_o of_o the_o same_o order_n no_o apostle_n be_v above_o a_o apostle_n no_o evangelist_n above_o a_o evangelist_n no_o presbyter_n above_o a_o presbyter_n no_o deacon_n above_o a_o deacon_n and_o so_o we_o conclude_v this_o part_n that_o since_o church_n officer_n be_v institute_v and_o set_v in_o the_o church_n by_o god_n or_o christ_n jesus_n and_o that_o ordination_n by_o or_o in_o which_o the_o office_n be_v convey_v be_v of_o no_o other_o officer_n but_o of_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n therefore_o there_o be_v no_o other_o order_n of_o ordinary_a and_o stand_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o for_o the_o age_n immediate_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n we_o answer_v first_o our_o faith_n reach_v no_o far_a than_o the_o holy_a scripture_n no_o human_a testimony_n can_v beget_v any_o more_o than_o a_o human_a faith_n second_o we_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v agree_v upon_o by_o learned_a man_n as_o well_o such_o as_o contend_v for_o episcopacy_n as_o other_o that_o the_o time_n immediate_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n be_v very_o dark_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n three_o that_o the_o most_o unquestionable_a record_n of_o those_o time_n give_v clear_a testimony_n to_o our_o assertion_n viz._n the_o epistle_n of_o clemens_n to_o the_o corinthian_n who_o recite_v the_o order_n of_o church-officer_n express_o limit_n they_o to_o two_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n and_o they_o who_o in_o one_o place_n he_o call_v bishop_n he_o always_o afterward_o name_v presbyter_n the_o epistle_n of_o ignatius_n pretend_v to_o the_o next_o antiquity_n but_o be_v by_o some_o suspect_v as_o whole_o spurious_a and_o prove_v by_o vedelius_fw-la to_o be_v so_o mix_v that_o it_o be_v hard_a if_o not_o impossible_a to_o know_v what_o part_n of_o they_o be_v genuine_a beside_o bishop_n usher_n in_o his_o late_a observation_n on_o they_o chap._n 18._o pag._n 138._o confess_v that_o of_o the_o twelve_o of_o his_o epistle_n six_o be_v counterfeit_a the_o other_o six_o mix_v and_o none_o of_o they_o in_o every_o respect_n to_o be_v account_v sincere_a and_o genuine_a four_o we_o grant_v that_o not_o long_o after_o the_o apostle_n time_n bishop_n in_o some_o superiority_n to_o presbyter_n be_v by_o the_o writer_n of_o those_o time_n report_v to_o be_v in_o the_o church_n but_o they_o be_v set_v up_o not_o as_o a_o divine_a institution_n but_o as_o a_o ecclesiastical_a as_o afterward_o both_o arch-bishop_n and_o patriarch_n be_v which_o be_v clear_a by_o doctor_n reynolds_n his_o epistle_n to_o sir_n francis_n knowles_n wherein_o he_o show_v out_o of_o
for_o the_o latter_a viz._n that_o they_o be_v superior_a to_o presbyter_n also_o have_v be_v confess_v by_o yourselves_o in_o your_o first_o grant_v before_o but_o be_v not_o produce_v to_o prove_v the_o conclusion_n itself_o immediate_o viz._n that_o they_o be_v bishop_n in_o distinct_a sense_n although_o sundry_a of_o their_o testimony_n come_v up_o even_o to_o that_o also_o but_o to_o the_o first_o point_n that_o they_o be_v single_a person_n the_o concurrence_n be_v so_o general_a that_o his_o majesty_n remember_v not_o to_o have_v hear_v of_o any_o one_o single_a interpreter_n before_o brightman_n that_o ever_o expound_v they_o otherwise_o and_o yet_o the_o same_o man_n as_o his_o majesty_n be_v inform_v in_o his_o whole_a commentary_n upon_o the_o revelation_n do_v scarce_o if_o at_o all_o any_o where_o else_o save_v in_o these_o seven_o epistle_n expound_v the_o word_n angel_n collective_o but_o still_o of_o one_o single_a person_n or_o other_o insomuch_o as_o he_o make_v one_o angel_n to_o be_v gregory_n the_o great_a another_o queen_n elizabeth_z another_o cranmer_z another_o chemnitius_n and_o the_o like_a but_o general_o both_o the_o father_n and_o protestant_n divine_n agree_v in_o this_o that_o the_o angel_n be_v a_o single_a person_n some_o affirm_v plain_o and_o that_o in_o terminis_fw-la he_o be_v the_o bishop_n some_o name_v the_o very_a person_n of_o some_o of_o they_o as_o of_o polycarp_n bishop_n of_o smyrna_n and_o other_o some_o call_v he_o the_o chief_a pastor_n or_o superintendent_n of_o that_o church_n and_o those_o that_o speak_v least_o and_o be_v more_o or_o less_o disaffect_v to_o bishop_n as_o beza_n doctor_n reynolds_n the_o geneva_n note_n and_o even_o cartwright_n himself_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d precedent_n or_o chief_a among_o the_o presbyter_n and_o this_o they_o do_v sundry_a of_o they_o not_o crude_o deliver_v their_o opinion_n only_o and_o then_o no_o more_o but_o they_o give_v reason_n for_o it_o and_o after_o examination_n of_o the_o several_a opinion_n prefer_v this_o before_o the_o rest_n affirm_v that_o doctissimi_fw-la quique_fw-la interpretes_n all_o the_o best_a learned_a interpreter_n so_o understand_v it_o and_o that_o they_o can_v understand_v it_o otherwise_o vim_o nisi_fw-la facere_fw-la textui_fw-la velint_fw-la unless_o they_o will_v offer_v violence_n to_o the_o text._n that_o which_o his_o majesty_n say_v concern_v the_o subdivision_n of_o those_o that_o have_v divide_v themselves_o from_o the_o common_a receive_v judgement_n of_o the_o church_n be_v mean_v by_o his_o majesty_n as_o to_o the_o subdivision_n in_o respect_n of_o this_o particular_a of_o the_o angel_n wherein_o they_o differ_v one_o from_o another_o as_o to_o the_o division_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o dislike_n of_o bishop_n wherein_o they_o all_o agree_v and_o true_o his_o majesty_n do_v not_o yet_o see_v how_o either_o their_o difference_n can_v be_v possible_o reconcile_v in_o the_o former_a no_o accommodation_n in_o the_o world_n be_v able_a to_o make_v all_o the_o people_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n nor_o yet_o a_o college_n consist_v of_o many_o presbyter_n to_o be_v one_o single_a person_n or_o their_o recess_n whole_o excuse_v in_o the_o latter_a their_o dissent_v from_o the_o common_a and_o receive_a judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o the_o evil_a consequent_n thereof_o have_v in_o his_o majesty_n opinion_n bring_v a_o great_a reproach_n upon_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o give_v more_o advantage_n or_o colour_n at_o least_o to_o the_o romish_a party_n to_o asperse_v the_o reform_a church_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o we_o see_v they_o do_v than_o their_o disagreement_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o any_o one_o controvert_v point_n whatsoever_o beside_o have_v do_v as_o to_o the_o apostle_n successor_n 18._o here_o little_o be_v say_v the_o substance_n whereof_o have_v not_o be_v answer_v before_o his_o majesty_n therefore_o brief_o declare_v his_o meaning_n herein_o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o have_v no_o necessary_a successor_n in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v extraordinary_a either_o in_o their_o mission_n or_o unction_n that_o his_o majesty_n speak_v not_o of_o succession_n into_o ability_n otherwise_o than_o by_o instance_n mention_v other_o particular_n withal_o which_o thing_n he_o think_v need_v not_o to_o have_v be_v now_o the_o three_o time_n by_o you_o mention_v that_o in_o the_o apostle_n mission_n or_o commission_n for_o his_o majesty_n under_o the_o name_n of_o mission_n comprehend_v both_o and_o consequent_o in_o the_o apostolical_a office_n as_o there_o be_v something_o extraordinary_a so_o there_o be_v something_o ordinary_a wherein_o they_o be_v to_o have_v successor_n that_o bishop_n be_v proper_o their_o successor_n in_o the_o whole_a apostolical_a office_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v ordinary_a and_o to_o have_v successor_n that_o therefore_o the_o bishop_n office_n may_v in_o regard_n of_o that_o succession_n be_v say_v to_o be_v apostolical_a that_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v call_v apostle_n take_v the_o denomination_n from_o the_o office_n inasmuch_o as_o the_o denomination_n of_o the_o apostle_n peculiar_o so_o call_v be_v not_o give_v they_o from_o the_o office_n whereunto_o they_o be_v send_v but_o as_o the_o word_n itself_o rather_o import_v from_o the_o immediateness_n of_o their_o mission_n be_v send_v immediate_o by_o christ_n himself_o in_o respect_n whereof_o for_o distinction_n sake_n and_o in_o honour_n to_o their_o person_n it_o be_v think_v fit_a by_o those_o that_o succeed_v in_o common_a usage_n to_o abstain_v from_o that_o denomination_n and_o to_o be_v style_v rather_o by_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n that_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v no_o successor_n the_o presbyter_n who_o be_v their_o successor_n in_o part_n mediate_o and_o subordinate_o to_o the_o bishop_n will_v be_v very_o hard_o set_v to_o prove_v the_o warrant_n of_o their_o own_o office_n and_o mission_n which_o if_o not_o derive_v from_o the_o apostle_n who_o only_o receive_v power_n of_o mission_n from_o christ_n by_o a_o continue_a line_n of_o succession_n his_o majesty_n see_v not_o upon_o what_o other_o bottom_n it_o can_v stand_v as_o to_o the_o stand_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n you_o insist_v upon_o two_o place_n of_o scripture_n 28._o phil._n i._n 1._o and_o 1_o tim._n iii._o to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v to_o be_v no_o more_o stand_v officer_n in_o the_o church_n than_o the_o two_o in_o those_o place_n mention_v viz._n presbyter_n who_o be_v there_o call_v bishop_n and_o deacon_n whereunto_o his_o majesty_n answer_n be_v that_o there_o may_v be_v other_o though_o not_o mention_v in_o those_o place_n which_o answer_v though_o it_o be_v alone_o sufficient_a yet_o ex_fw-la abundanti_fw-la his_o majesty_n show_v withal_o that_o suppose_v your_o interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n bishop_n in_o both_o the_o place_n viz._n to_o denote_v the_o office_n of_o presbyter_n only_o there_o may_v yet_o be_v give_v some_o probable_a conjecture_n which_o likewise_o suppose_v true_a may_v satisfy_v we_o why_o that_o of_o bishop_n in_o the_o distinct_a sense_n shall_v not_o be_v needful_a or_o proper_a to_o be_v name_v in_o those_o place_n his_o majesty_n former_a reason_n though_o in_o hypothesi_fw-la and_o as_o apply_v to_o the_o church_n of_o philippi_n it_o be_v but_o conjectural_a yet_o upon_o the_o credit_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a history_n and_o consideration_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o those_o time_n as_o it_o be_v set_v forth_o in_o the_o scripture_n also_o it_o will_v appear_v in_o thesi_fw-la to_o be_v undoubted_o true_a viz._n that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o first_o plant_v church_n that_o they_o be_v perpetual_a governor_n and_o in_o chief_a of_o all_o the_o church_n whilst_o they_o live_v that_o as_o the_o burden_n grow_v great_a by_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o assume_v other_o in_o partem_fw-la curae_fw-la commit_v to_o their_o charge_n the_o peculiar_a oversight_n of_o the_o church_n in_o some_o principal_a city_n and_o the_o town_n and_o village_n adjacent_a as_o james_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o other_o in_o other_o place_n soon_o or_o late_a as_o they_o see_v it_o expedient_a for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n that_o the_o person_n so_o by_o they_o appoint_v to_o such_o peculiar_a charge_n do_v exercise_v the_o power_n of_o ordination_n and_o other_o government_n under_o the_o apostle_n and_o be_v therefore_o in_o the_o church_n story_n call_v bishop_n of_o those_o place_n in_o a_o distinct_a sense_n that_o in_o some_o place_n where_o the_o apostle_n be_v themselves_o more_o frequent_o conversant_a they_o do_v for_o some_o while_o govern_v the_o church_n immediate_o by_o themselves_o before_o they_o set_v bishop_n there_o and_o that_o after_o the_o apostle_n time_n bishop_n only_o be_v the_o ordinary_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o
bishop_n of_o smyrna_n many_o year_n after_o irenaeus_n bishop_n of_o lion_n in_o france_n who_o write_n be_v never_o yet_o call_v in_o question_n by_o any_o not_o only_o affirm_v he_o to_o have_v be_v constitute_v bishop_n of_o smyrna_n by_o the_o apostle_n but_o say_v that_o he_o himself_o when_o he_o be_v a_o boy_n have_v see_v he_o a_o very_a old_a man_n tertullian_n next_o a_o very_a ancient_a writer_n affirm_v that_o he_o be_v bishop_n of_o smyrna_n there_o place_v by_o saint_n john_n after_o come_v eusebius_n who_o in_o his_o ecclesiastical_a history_n not_o only_o historical_o report_v of_o his_o be_v bishop_n there_o as_o he_o do_v of_o other_o bishop_n but_o cit_v also_o for_o it_o the_o testimony_n both_o of_o ignatius_n and_o irenaeus_n which_o by_o the_o way_n give_v good_a credit_n to_o ignatius_n his_o epistle_n too_o then_o hierom_n also_o and_o other_o last_o attest_v the_o same_o and_o it_o can_v be_v doubt_v but_o eusebius_n and_o hierom_n have_v in_o their_o time_n the_o like_a certain_a testimony_n and_o ground_n for_o sundry_a other_o who_o they_o report_v to_o have_v be_v bishop_n which_o testimony_n and_o record_n be_v not_o all_o come_v to_o our_o hand_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o clemens_n and_o ignatius_n his_o majesty_n say_v first_o that_o though_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a that_o the_o testimony_n of_o one_o single_a epistle_n shall_v be_v so_o make_v the_o adequate_a measure_n of_o clemens_n his_o opinion_n as_o to_o exclude_v all_o other_o proof_n from_o his_o example_n or_o otherwise_o yet_o his_o majesty_n since_o clemens_n be_v first_o name_v by_o you_o and_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o main_a cause_n lie_v not_o much_o upon_o it_o be_v content_a also_o for_o that_o matter_n to_o refer_v himself_o to_o that_o epistle_n second_o that_o his_o majesty_n can_v not_o but_o use_v some_o earnestness_n of_o expression_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o ignatius_n against_o some_o who_o have_v reject_v the_o whole_a volume_n of_o his_o epistle_n but_o upon_o such_o argument_n as_o have_v more_o lessen_v the_o reputation_n of_o their_o own_o learning_n than_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o epistle_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o moderate_a and_o judicious_a man_n and_o yet_o blondellus_n a_o very_a learned_a man_n though_o he_o reject_v those_o epistle_n confess_v notwithstanding_o the_o ancient_a father_n give_v full_a credence_n thereunto_o the_o apostle_n you_o say_v do_v not_o ordain_v themselves_o bishop_n of_o any_o particular_a place_n and_o yet_o the_o bishop_n of_o some_o particular_a place_n be_v report_v in_o the_o catalogue_n to_o have_v be_v sucoessor_n to_o such_o or_o such_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o even_o the_o name_n of_o such_o apostle_n be_v enter_v into_o the_o catalogue_n to_o this_o his_o majesty_n say_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v former_o bishop_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o mission_n from_o christ_n as_o have_v be_v already_o declare_v but_o do_v neither_o ordain_v themselves_o nor_o can_v be_v ordain_v of_o other_o bishop_n of_o such_o or_o such_o particular_a city_n although_o his_o majesty_n know_v not_o but_o that_o they_o may_v without_o prejudice_n to_o their_o apostleship_n and_o by_o mutual_a consent_n make_v choice_n of_o their_o several_a quarter_n wherein_o to_o exercise_v that_o function_n as_o well_o as_o saint_n peter_n and_o saint_n paul_n by_o consent_n go_v the_o one_o to_o the_o circumcision_n the_o other_o to_o the_o gentile_n but_o such_o apportionment_n do_v not_o entitle_v they_o to_o be_v proper_o call_v bishop_n of_o those_o place_n unless_o any_o of_o they_o by_o such_o agreement_n do_v fix_o reside_v in_o some_o city_n of_o which_o there_o be_v not_o in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n any_o clear_a unquestionable_a example_n if_o james_n the_o lord_n brother_n who_o be_v certain_o bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o one_o of_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n as_o the_o more_o general_a opinion_n be_v that_o he_o be_v not_o yet_o do_v the_o church_n of_o succeed_a time_n for_o the_o great_a honour_n of_o their_o see_v and_o the_o memory_n of_o so_o great_a benefactor_n enter_v in_o the_o head_n of_o the_o list_n or_o catalogue_n of_o their_o bishop_n the_o name_n of_o such_o of_o the_o apostle_n as_o have_v either_o first_o plant_v the_o faith_n or_o place_v bishop_n or_o make_v any_o long_a abode_n and_o continuance_n or_o end_v their_o day_n among_o they_o yet_o do_v not_o the_o true_a title_n of_o be_v successor_n to_o the_o apostle_n thereby_o accrue_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o those_o place_n more_o than_o to_o other_o bishop_n but_o all_o bishop_n be_v equal_o successor_n to_o the_o apostle_n in_o two_o other_o respect_n the_o one_o for_o that_o they_o derive_v their_o ordination_n by_o a_o continue_a line_n of_o succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n the_o other_o for_o that_o they_o succeed_v into_o the_o same_o apostolical_a power_n and_o function_n which_o the_o apostle_n as_o ordinary_a pastor_n have_v your_o motion_n to_o reduce_v this_o whole_a dispute_n to_o scripture_n alone_o be_v the_o more_o reasonable_a if_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n be_v proper_o a_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o yet_o even_o in_o point_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n and_o sundry_a other_o the_o uniform_a judgement_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v ever_o hold_v of_o very_o considerable_a regard_n but_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o before_o be_v say_v which_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o deliver_v entire_o and_o perspicuous_o in_o any_o one_o place_n together_o but_o obscure_o and_o by_o part_n so_o that_o the_o understanding_n thereof_o depend_v mere_o upon_o conjectural_a interpretation_n and_o uncertain_a probability_n nor_o assure_v any_o certain_a distinguish_a character_n whereby_o to_o discern_v what_o therein_o be_v extraordinary_a what_o prudential_a and_o what_o of_o necessary_a and_o perpetual_a obligation_n there_o seem_v to_o his_o majesty_n to_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o admit_v the_o subsequent_a judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n into_o the_o trial._n as_o to_o the_o three_o question_n propose_v by_o his_o majesty_n his_o majesty_n rest_v very_o much_o unsatisfied_a etc._n that_o you_o have_v now_o again_o whole_o decline_v the_o answer_v of_o those_o three_o question_n so_o clear_o propose_v by_o he_o which_o yourselves_o also_o confess_v to_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n upon_o this_o only_a pretence_n that_o the_o whole_a volume_n of_o ecclesiastical_a policy_n be_v contain_v in_o they_o whereas_o his_o majesty_n do_v neither_o expect_v nor_o require_v from_o you_o any_o large_a or_o polemical_a discourse_n concern_v those_o question_n but_o yet_o do_v conceive_v you_o be_v in_o order_n to_o his_o satisfaction_n in_o your_o own_o undertake_n in_o some_o sort_n oblige_v to_o have_v declare_v in_o few_o word_n what_o your_o judgement_n be_v therein_o with_o the_o ground_n thereof_o that_o so_o his_o majesty_n may_v have_v take_v the_o same_o into_o his_o further_a consideration_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v have_v more_o conduce_v to_o the_o inform_v of_o his_o judgement_n and_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o conscience_n which_o his_o majesty_n also_o further_o conceive_v you_o may_v have_v do_v with_o the_o ten_o part_n of_o that_o pain_n you_o have_v hitherto_o bestow_v to_o other_o purpose_n and_o therein_o have_v give_v full_a as_o much_o satisfaction_n to_o his_o desire_n as_o he_o expect_v and_o in_o all_o likelihood_n better_a satisfaction_n to_o his_o judgement_n than_o he_o yet_o find_v or_o can_v hope_v to_o find_v from_o you_o so_o long_o as_o you_o hold_v off_o from_o declare_v your_o opinion_n concern_v those_o question_n for_o certain_o until_o one_o of_o these_o three_o thing_n can_v be_v clear_o evidence_v unto_o his_o majesty_n viz._n either_o that_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a form_n of_o church-government_n at_o all_o prescribe_v in_o the_o word_n or_o if_o there_o be_v that_o the_o civil_a power_n may_v change_v the_o same_o as_o they_o see_v cause_n or_o if_o it_o be_v unchangeable_a that_o it_o be_v not_o episcopal_a but_o some_o other_o his_o majesty_n think_v himself_o excusable_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o reasonable_a man_n if_o he_o can_v as_o yet_o be_v induce_v to_o give_v his_o assent_n to_o the_o utter_a abolition_n of_o that_o government_n in_o the_o church_n which_o he_o find_v here_o settle_v to_o his_o hand_n which_o have_v continue_v all_o over_o the_o christian_a world_n from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n until_o this_o last_o age_n and_o in_o this_o realm_n ever_o since_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o christianity_n as_o well_o since_o the_o reformation_n as_o before_o which_o have_v be_v confirm_v by_o so_o many_o act_n of_o parliament_n approve_v as_o consonant_a to_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o article_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o by_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o
time_n much_o restrain_v i_o will_v have_v such_o man_n bishop_n as_o be_v most_o worthy_a of_o those_o encouragement_n and_o best_a able_a to_o use_v they_o if_o at_o any_o time_n my_o judgement_n of_o man_n fail_v my_o good_a intention_n make_v my_o error_n venial_a and_o some_o bishop_n i_o be_o sure_a i_o have_v who_o learning_n gravity_n and_o piety_n no_o man_n of_o any_o worth_n or_o forehead_n can_v deny_v but_o of_o all_o man_n i_o will_v have_v churchman_n especial_o the_o governor_n to_o be_v redeem_v from_o that_o vulgar_a neglect_n which_o beside_o a_o innate_a principle_n of_o vicious_a opposition_n which_o be_v in_o all_o man_n against_o those_o that_o seem_v to_o reprove_v or_o restrain_v they_o will_v necessary_o follow_v both_o the_o presbyterian_a parity_n which_o make_v all_o minister_n equal_a and_o the_o independent_a inferiority_n which_o set_v their_o pastor_n below_o the_o people_n this_o for_o my_o judgement_n touch_v episcopacy_n wherein_o god_n know_v i_o do_v not_o gratify_v any_o design_n or_o passion_n with_o the_o least_o pervert_v of_o truth_n and_o now_o i_o appeal_v to_o god_n above_o and_o all_o the_o christian_a world_n whether_o it_o be_v just_a for_o subject_n or_o pious_a for_o christian_n by_o violence_n and_o infinite_a indignity_n with_o servile_a restraint_n to_o seek_v to_o force_v i_o their_o king_n and_o sovereign_n as_o some_o man_n have_v endeavour_v to_o do_v against_o all_o these_o ground_n of_o my_o judgement_n to_o consent_v to_o their_o weak_a and_o divide_a novelty_n the_o great_a pretender_n of_o they_o desire_v not_o more_o than_o i_o do_v that_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v govern_v as_o christ_n have_v appoint_v in_o true_a reason_n and_o in_o scripture_n of_o which_o i_o can_v never_o see_v any_o probable_a show_n for_o any_o other_o way_n who_o either_o content_n themselves_o with_o the_o example_n of_o some_o church_n in_o their_o infancy_n and_o solitude_n when_o one_o presbyter_n may_v serve_v one_o congregation_n in_o a_o city_n or_o country_n or_o else_o they_o deny_v these_o most_o evident_a truth_n that_o the_o apostle_n be_v bishop_n over_o those_o presbyter_n they_o ordain_v as_o well_o as_o over_o the_o church_n they_o plant_v and_o that_o government_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o church_n well-being_n when_o multiply_v and_o sociate_v must_v also_o necessary_o descend_v from_o the_o apostle_n to_o other_o after_o the_o example_n of_o that_o power_n and_o superiority_n they_o have_v above_o other_o which_o can_v not_o end_v with_o their_o person_n since_o the_o use_n and_o end_n of_o such_o government_n still_o continue_v it_o be_v most_o sure_a that_o the_o pure_a primitive_a and_o best_a church_n flourish_v under_o episcopacy_n and_o may_v so_o still_o if_o ignorance_n superstition_n avarice_n revenge_n and_o other_o disorderly_a and_o disloyal_a passion_n have_v not_o so_o blow_v up_o some_o man_n mind_n against_o it_o that_o what_o they_o want_v of_o reason_n or_o primitive_a pattern_n they_o supply_v with_o violence_n and_o oppression_n wherein_o some_o man_n zeal_n for_o bishop_n land_n house_n and_o revenue_n have_v set_v they_o on_o work_n to_o eat_v up_o episcopacy_n which_o however_o other_o man_n esteem_v to_o i_o be_v no_o less_o sin_n than_o sacrilege_n or_o a_o robbery_n of_o god_n the_o giver_n of_o all_o we_o have_v of_o that_o portion_n which_o devout_a mind_n have_v thankful_o give_v again_o to_o he_o in_o give_v it_o to_o his_o church_n and_o prophet_n through_o who_o hand_n he_o gracious_o accept_v even_o a_o cup_n of_o cold_a water_n as_o a_o libation_n offer_v to_o himself_o furthermore_o as_o to_o my_o particular_a engagement_n above_o other_o man_n by_o a_o oath_n agreeable_a to_o my_o judgement_n i_o be_o solemn_o oblige_v to_o preserve_v that_o government_n and_o the_o right_n of_o the_o church_n be_v i_o convince_v of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o function_n as_o antichristian_a which_o some_o man_n bold_o but_o weak_o calumniate_v i_o can_v soon_o with_o judgement_n break_v that_o oath_n which_o erroneous_o be_v take_v by_o me._n but_o be_v daily_o by_o the_o best_a disquisition_n of_o truth_n more_o confirm_v in_o the_o reason_n and_o religion_n of_o that_o to_o which_o i_o be_o swear_v how_o can_v any_o man_n that_o wish_v not_o my_o damnation_n persuade_v i_o at_o once_o to_o so_o notorious_a and_o combine_a sin_n of_o sacrilege_n and_o perjury_n beside_o the_o many_o personal_a injustice_n i_o must_v do_v to_o many_o worthy_a man_n who_o be_v as_o legal_o invest_v in_o their_o estate_n as_o any_o who_o seek_v to_o deprive_v they_o and_o they_o have_v by_o no_o law_n be_v convict_v of_o those_o crime_n which_o may_v forfeit_v their_o estate_n and_o livelihood_n i_o have_v oft_o wonder_v how_o man_n pretend_v to_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n and_o reformation_n can_v at_o once_o tell_v i_o that_o my_o coronation-oath_n bind_v i_o to_o consent_v to_o whatsoever_o they_o shall_v propound_v to_o i_o which_o they_o urge_v with_o such_o violence_n though_o contrary_a to_o all_o that_o rational_a and_o religious_a freedom_n which_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o preserve_v and_o of_o which_o they_o seem_v so_o tender_a in_o their_o own_o vote_n yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n these_o man_n will_v needs_o persuade_v i_o that_o i_o must_v and_o aught_o to_o dispense_v with_o and_o roundly_o break_v that_o part_n of_o my_o oath_n which_o bind_v i_o agreeable_a to_o the_o best_a light_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n i_o have_v to_o maintain_v the_o government_n and_o legal_a right_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v strange_a my_o oath_n shall_v be_v valid_a in_o that_o part_n which_o both_o myself_o and_o all_o man_n in_o their_o own_o case_n esteem_v injurious_a and_o unreasonable_a as_o be_v against_o the_o very_a natural_a and_o essential_a liberty_n of_o our_o soul_n yet_o it_o shall_v be_v invalid_a and_o to_o be_v break_v in_o another_o clause_n wherein_o i_o think_v myself_o just_o oblige_v both_o to_o god_n and_o man._n yet_o upon_o this_o rack_n chief_o have_v i_o be_v hold_v so_o long_o by_o some_o man_n ambitious_a covetousness_n and_o sacrilegious_a cruelty_n torture_v with_o i_o both_o church_n and_o state_n in_o civil_a dissension_n till_o i_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o consent_v and_o declare_v that_o i_o do_v approve_v what_o god_n know_v i_o utter_o dislike_v and_o in_o my_o soul_n abhor_v as_o many_o way_n high_o against_o reason_n justice_n and_o religion_n and_o whereto_o if_o i_o shall_v shameful_o and_o dishonourable_o give_v my_o consent_n yet_o shall_v i_o not_o by_o so_o do_v satisfy_v the_o divide_a interest_n and_o opinion_n of_o those_o party_n which_o contend_v with_o each_o other_o as_o well_o as_o both_o against_o i_o and_o episcopacy_n nor_o can_v my_o late_a condescend_v to_o the_o scot_n in_o point_n of_o church-government_n be_v right_o object_v against_o i_o as_o a_o inducement_n for_o i_o to_o consent_v to_o the_o like_a in_o my_o other_o kingdom_n for_o it_o shall_v be_v consider_v that_o episcopacy_n be_v not_o so_o root_v and_o settle_v there_o as_o it_o be_v here_o nor_o i_o in_o that_o respect_n so_o strict_o bind_v to_o continue_v it_o in_o that_o kingdom_n as_o in_o this_o for_o what_o i_o think_v in_o my_o judgement_n best_o i_o may_v not_o think_v so_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o all_o place_n and_o at_o all_o time_n if_o any_o shall_v impute_v my_o yield_n to_o they_o as_o my_o fail_v and_o sin_n i_o can_v easy_o acknowledge_v it_o but_o that_o be_v no_o argument_n to_o do_v so_o again_o or_o much_o worse_o i_o be_v now_o more_o convince_v in_o that_o point_n nor_o indeed_o have_v my_o yield_n to_o they_o be_v so_o happy_a and_o successful_a as_o to_o encourage_v i_o to_o grant_v the_o like_a to_o other_o do_v i_o see_v any_o thing_n more_o of_o christ_n as_o to_o meekness_n justice_n order_n charity_n and_o loyalty_n in_o those_o that_o pretend_v to_o other_o mode_n of_o government_n i_o may_v suspect_v my_o judgement_n to_o be_v bias_v or_o forestall_v with_o some_o prejudice_n and_o wontedness_n of_o opinion_n but_o i_o have_v hitherto_o so_o much_o cause_n to_o suspect_v the_o contrary_a in_o the_o manner_n of_o many_o of_o those_o man_n that_o i_o can_v from_o they_o gain_v the_o least_o reputation_n for_o their_o new_a way_n of_o government_n nor_o can_v i_o find_v that_o in_o any_o reform_a church_n who_o pattern_n be_v so_o cry_v up_o and_o obtrude_v upon_o the_o church_n under_o my_o dominion_n either_o learning_n or_o religion_n work_v of_o piety_n or_o charity_n have_v so_o flourish_v beyond_o what_o they_o have_v do_v in_o my_o kingdom_n by_o god_n blessing_n which_o may_v make_v i_o believe_v either_o presbytery_n or_o independency_n have_v a_o more_o benign_a influence_n upon_o the_o church_n and_o man_n heart_n and_o life_n than_o episcopacy_n in_o its_o right_a