to_o the_o gentile_n declare_v those_o glad_a tiding_n to_o all_o kingdom_n and_o province_n so_o that_o as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n say_v rom._n 10._o 18._o their_o sound_n go_v into_o all_o the_o earth_n and_o their_o word_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n every_o one_o take_v a_o particular_a part_n of_o the_o world_n for_o his_o proper_a province_n to_o make_v know_v the_o joyful_a news_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n through_o christ_n therein_o thus_o st._n andrew_n principal_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o scythia_n st._n bartholomew_n in_o india_n st._n matthew_n in_o parthia_n st._n john_n in_o the_o lesser_a asia_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n have_v their_o particular_a province_n allot_v they_o wherein_o they_o go_v forth_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o as_o they_o come_v to_o any_o city_n town_n or_o village_n they_o publish_v to_o the_o inhabitant_n thereof_o the_o bless_a news_n of_o life_n and_o immortality_n through_o jesus_n christ_n constitute_v the_o first_o convert_v of_o every_o place_n through_o which_o they_o pass_v bishop_n and_o deacon_n of_o those_o church_n which_o they_o there_o gather_v so_o say_v clemens_n romanus_n 54._o the_o apostle_n go_v forth_o preach_v in_o city_n and_o country_n appoint_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o their_o ministry_n for_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n general_o leave_v those_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n to_o govern_v and_o enlarge_v those_o particular_a church_n over_o which_o they_o have_v place_v they_o whilst_o they_o themselves_o pass_v forward_o plant_v other_o church_n and_o place_v governor_n over_o they_o thus_o say_v tertullian_n 80._o clemens_n be_v ordain_v bishop_n of_o rome_n by_o st._n peter_n and_o polycarp_n bishop_n of_o smirna_n by_o st._n john_n §_o 5._o whether_o in_o the_o apostolic_a and_o primitive_a day_n there_o be_v more_o bishop_n than_o one_o in_o a_o church_n at_o first_o sight_n seem_v difficult_a to_o resolve_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o 2._o clemens_n romanus_n mention_v many_o in_o one_o church_n be_v certain_a and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o ignatius_n tertullian_n cyprian_n and_o the_o follow_a father_n affirm_v that_o there_o be_v and_o ought_v to_o be_v but_o one_o in_o a_o church_n these_o contradiction_n may_v at_o the_o first_o view_n seem_v inextricable_a but_o i_o hope_v the_o follow_a account_n will_v reconcile_v all_o these_o seem_a difficulty_n and_o withal_o afford_v we_o a_o fair_a and_o easy_a conception_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n and_o presbyter_n i_o shall_v then_o lay_v down_o as_o sure_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o supreme_a bishop_n in_o a_o place_n that_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o bishop_n by_o way_n of_o eminency_n and_o propriety_n the_o proper_a pastor_n and_o minister_n of_o his_o parish_n to_o who_o care_n and_o trust_v the_o soul_n of_o that_o church_n or_o parish_n over_o which_o he_o preside_v be_v principal_o and_o more_o immediate_o commit_v so_o say_v cyprian_n 138._o there_o be_v but_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o church_n at_o a_o time_n and_o so_o cornelius_n object_n to_o novatian_n that_o he_o do_v not_o remember_v 244._o that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v but_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o church_n and_o throughout_o the_o whole_a epistle_n of_o ignatius_n and_o the_o generality_n of_o writer_n succeed_v he_o we_o find_v but_o one_o single_a bishop_n in_o a_o church_n who_o quotation_n to_o which_o purpose_n will_v be_v fruitless_a to_o recite_v here_o since_o the_o 〈◊〉_d practise_v of_o the_o universal_a church_n confirm_v it_o and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n will_v clear_o illustrate_v it_o only_o it_o may_v not_o be_v impertinent_a to_o remark_n this_o by_o the_o way_n that_o by_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o succession_n of_o bishop_n from_o those_o bishop_n who_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o apostle_n the_o orthodox_n be_v wont_a to_o prove_v the_o succession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o the_o novelty_n of_o that_o of_o the_o heretic_n 78._o let_v they_o demonstrate_v the_o original_a of_o their_o church_n as_o tertullian_n challenge_v the_o marcionite_n and_o other_o heretic_n let_v they_o turn_v over_o the_o order_n of_o their_o bishop_n and_o see_v whether_o they_o have_v have_v a_o succession_n of_o bishop_n from_o any_o one_o who_o be_v constitute_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o apostolic_a man_n thus_o the_o true_o apostolic_a church_n have_v as_o the_o church_n of_o smirna_n have_v polycarp_n there_o place_v by_o st._n john_n and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n clement_n ordain_v by_o peter_n and_o other_o church_n can_v tell_v who_o be_v ordain_v bishop_n over_o they_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o who_o have_v be_v their_o successor_n to_o this_o very_a day_n so_o also_o say_v irenaeus_n 170._o we_o challenge_v the_o heretic_n to_o that_o tradition_n which_o be_v hand_v down_o from_o the_o apostle_n by_o the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n and_o in_o the_o 171._o next_o chapter_n of_o the_o same_o book_n the_o say_a father_n give_v we_o a_o catalogue_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n till_o his_o day_n by_o who_o the_o true_a faith_n be_v successive_o transmit_v down_o from_o the_o apostle_n in_o which_o catalogue_n we_o find_v but_o one_o bishop_n at_o a_o time_n and_o as_o he_o die_v so_o another_o single_a person_n succeed_v he_o in_o the_o charge_n of_o that_o flock_n or_o parish_n so_o that_o this_o consideration_n evidence_n also_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o bishop_n strict_o so_o call_v in_o a_o church_n at_o a_o time_n who_o be_v relate_v to_o his_o flock_n 90._o as_o a_o pastor_n to_o his_o sheep_n and_o a_o parent_n to_o his_o child_n the_o title_n of_o this_o supreme_a church-officer_n be_v most_o of_o they_o reckon_v up_o in_o one_o place_n by_o cyprian_a which_o be_v 208._o bishop_n pastor_n precedent_n governor_n superintendent_n and_o priest_n and_o this_o be_v he_o which_o in_o the_o revelation_n be_v call_v 34._o the_o angel_n of_o his_o church_n as_o origen_n think_v which_o appellation_n denote_v both_o his_o authority_n and_o office_n his_o power_n and_o duty_n of_o both_o which_o we_o shall_v somewhat_o treat_v after_o we_o have_v discourse_v of_o the_o circuit_n and_o extent_n of_o his_o jurisdiction_n and_o superintendency_n which_o shall_v be_v the_o content_n of_o the_o follow_a chapter_n chap._n ii_o §_o 1._o as_o but_o one_o bishop_n to_o a_o church_n so_o but_o one_o church_n to_o a_o bishop_n the_o bishop_n cure_n never_o call_v a_o diocese_n but_o usual_o a_o parish_n no_o large_a than_o our_o parish_n §_o 2._o demonstrate_v by_o several_a argument_n §_o 3._o a_o survey_n of_o the_o extent_n of_o several_a bishopric_n as_o they_o be_v in_o ignatius_n day_n as_o of_o smirna_n §_o 4._o ephesus_n §_o 5._o magnesia_n §_o 6._o philadelphia_n and_o §_o 7._o trallium_n §_o 8._o the_o bigness_n of_o the_o diocese_n of_o antioch_n §_o 9_o of_o rome_n §_o 10._o of_o carthage_n §_o 11._o a_o reflection_n on_o the_o diocese_n of_o alexandria_n §_o 12._o bishop_n in_o village_n §_o 13._o all_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o diocese_n meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n every_o sunday_n to_o serve_v god_n §_o 1._o have_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n show_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o bishop_n to_o a_o church_n we_o shall_v in_o this_o evidence_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n to_o a_o bishop_n which_o will_v appear_v from_o this_o single_a consideration_n viz._n that_o the_o ancient_a diocese_n be_v never_o say_v to_o contain_v church_n in_o the_o plural_a but_o only_o a_o church_n in_o the_o singular_a so_o they_o say_v 62._o the_o church_n of_o the_o corinthian_n 171._o the_o church_n of_o smirna_n 〈◊〉_d the_o church_n in_o magnesia_n 〈◊〉_d the_o church_n in_o philadelphia_n 45._o the_o church_n in_o antioch_n and_o so_o of_o any_o other_o place_n whatsoever_o the_o church_n of_o or_o in_o such_o a_o place_n this_o be_v the_o common_a name_n whereby_o a_o bishop_n cure_n be_v denominate_v the_o bishop_n himself_o be_v usual_o call_v the_o bishop_n of_o this_o or_o that_o church_n as_o tertullian_n say_v 171._o that_o polycarp_n be_v ordain_v bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smirna_n as_o for_o the_o word_n diocese_n by_o which_o the_o bishop_n flock_n be_v now_o usual_o express_v i_o do_v not_o remember_v that_o ever_o i_o find_v it_o use_v in_o this_o sense_n by_o any_o of_o the_o ancient_n but_o there_o be_v another_o word_n still_o retain_v by_o we_o by_o which_o they_o frequent_o denominate_v the_o bishop_n cure_n and_o that_o be_v parish_n so_o in_o the_o synodical_a epistle_n of_o irenaeus_n to_o pope_n victor_n the_o bishopric_n of_o asia_n be_v twice_o call_v 193._o parish_n and_o in_o eusebius_n ecclesiastical_a history_n the_o word_n be_v so_o apply_v in_o several_a hundred_o place_n it_o be_v usual_a
a_fw-la enquiry_n into_o the_o constitution_n discipline_n unity_n &_o worship_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o flourish_v within_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n faithful_o collect_v out_o of_o the_o extant_a write_n of_o those_o age_n by_o a_o impartial_a hand_n london_n print_v for_o jonathan_n robinson_n at_o the_o golden_a lion_n and_o john_n wyatt_n at_o the_o rose_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1691._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n the_o design_n of_o the_o follow_a treatise_n be_v in_o general_a to_o represent_v the_o constitution_n discipline_n unity_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o flourish_v within_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n but_o more_o particular_o and_o especial_o to_o describe_v their_o opinion_n and_o practice_n with_o respect_n to_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v now_o unhappy_o controvert_v between_o those_o of_o these_o kingdom_n who_o be_v common_o know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o church_n of_o england-man_n presbyterian_o independent_o and_o anabaptist_n for_o which_o reason_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o to_o those_o point_n concern_v which_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n among_o we_o i_o have_v not_o speak_v so_o large_o as_o otherwise_o i_o may_v have_v do_v and_o some_o other_o custom_n of_o they_o i_o have_v not_o mention_v at_o all_o because_o now_o neglect_v and_o disuse_v by_o we_o what_o i_o have_v write_v as_o to_o this_o subject_a i_o have_v whole_o collect_v out_o of_o the_o genuine_a and_o unquestionable_o authentic_a write_n of_o those_o age_n that_o be_v now_o extant_a make_v use_n of_o no_o other_o write_n whatsoever_o except_o the_o ecclesiastical_a history_n of_o eusebius_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o four_o age_n and_o relate_v only_o those_o affair_n that_o be_v transact_v in_o the_o three_o former_a beyond_o the_o period_n of_o which_o time_n this_o enquiry_n do_v not_o reach_v but_o be_v whole_o limit_v thereby_o and_o confine_v thereunto_o that_o which_o have_v be_v thus_o collect_v have_v be_v do_v i_o hope_v with_o the_o great_a impartiality_n and_o fidelity_n without_o any_o prepossession_n of_o mind_n or_o any_o fraudulent_a deal_n whatsoever_o which_o the_o reader_n may_v the_o soon_o believe_v and_o the_o easy_a be_v convince_v of_o since_o for_o the_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o my_o faithfulness_n and_o vnprejudicedness_n herein_o i_o have_v take_v care_n to_o print_v in_o the_o margin_n the_o original_a word_n of_o all_o the_o passage_n that_o i_o have_v cite_v at_o least_o of_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a together_o with_o the_o very_a page_n whence_o i_o fetch_v they_o that_o so_o the_o reader_n turn_v to_o the_o page_n mention_v in_o those_o edition_n that_o i_o use_v which_o edition_n i_o shall_v set_v down_o at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o preface_n and_o find_v it_o according_a to_o my_o quotation_n may_v the_o more_o ready_o be_v persuade_v that_o throughout_o this_o whole_a tract_n i_o have_v be_v every_o way_n honest_a and_o unbiased_a and_o as_o i_o have_v faithful_o and_o impartial_o collect_v these_o observation_n so_o i_o have_v as_o modest_o and_o unconcerned_o represent_v they_o avoid_v all_o word_n or_o speech_n that_o may_v seem_v to_o carry_v the_o least_o sharpness_n or_o reflection_n in_o they_o and_o have_v as_o naked_o express_v they_o decline_v all_o affect_a or_o pompous_a expression_n content_v myself_o with_o those_o term_n that_o most_o natural_o serve_v to_o render_v the_o truth_n more_o perspicuous_a and_o evident_a according_a to_o the_o observation_n of_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n 263._o he_o that_o will_v deliver_v the_o truth_n ought_v not_o studious_o to_o affect_v a_o elegancy_n of_o expression_n but_o only_o to_o use_v such_o word_n whereby_o he_o may_v render_v what_o he_o mean_v intelligible_a whether_o all_o or_o some_o or_o none_o of_o the_o follow_v primitive_a custom_n may_v be_v change_v by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n or_o by_o a_o convocational_a assembly_n i_o pretend_v not_o here_o to_o handle_v my_o design_n at_o present_a be_v only_o to_o search_v into_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o find_v out_o what_o be_v the_o usage_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n within_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n for_o as_o be_v say_v before_o no_o low_o do_v i_o intend_v to_o go_v which_o after_o the_o most_o impartial_a and_o serious_a enquiry_n i_o find_v to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o ensue_a treatise_n in_o the_o pen_n whereof_o i_o have_v avoid_v all_o prolixity_n and_o tediousness_n and_o for_o that_o end_n omit_v to_o answer_v several_a objection_n that_o i_o know_v may_v be_v make_v against_o several_a thing_n which_o i_o have_v here_o assert_v my_o intention_n be_v brief_o and_o perspicuous_o to_o prove_v what_o i_o judge_v to_o be_v the_o true_a practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o to_o those_o point_n now_o dispute_v by_o we_o as_o for_o the_o occasion_n of_o my_o publish_v this_o treatise_n it_o can_v be_v imagine_v to_o proceed_v from_o a_o spirit_n of_o vanity_n or_o ambition_n since_o i_o so_o far_o conceal_v my_o name_n as_o that_o even_o my_o bookseller_n know_v not_o who_o i_o be_o much_o less_o i_o hope_v will_v it_o be_v construe_v by_o any_o to_o proceed_v from_o a_o spirit_n of_o contention_n and_o animosity_n from_o a_o ill_a design_n to_o foment_n and_o increase_v our_o present_a feud_n and_o division_n since_o i_o assure_v the_o whole_a world_n our_o unnatural_a quarrel_n do_v so_o much_o afflict_v and_o trouble_v i_o as_o that_o i_o will_v sacrifice_v not_o only_o this_o book_n but_o also_o all_o that_o i_o either_o be_o or_o have_v if_o thereby_o i_o may_v be_v a_o happy_a instrument_n to_o compose_v and_o heal_v they_o but_o among_o other_o reason_n these_o two_o be_v the_o chief_a that_o sway_v i_o hereunto_o to_o inform_v other_o and_o to_o inform_v myself_o to_o inform_v other_o what_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a apostolic_a church_n be_v if_o any_o shall_v be_v inquisitive_a and_o desirous_a to_o know_v they_o or_o if_o i_o be_o mistake_v as_o who_o be_v without_o his_o error_n to_o be_v better_o inform_v myself_o which_o i_o must_v needs_o confess_v be_v that_o which_o i_o chief_o design_v in_o the_o publication_n hereof_o wherefore_o without_o any_o ostentation_n or_o challenge_v but_o unfeigned_o and_o sincere_o to_o prevent_v mistake_v in_o my_o young_a year_n i_o humble_o desire_v if_o the_o request_n be_v not_o too_o bold_a and_o shall_v hearty_o thank_v any_o learned_a person_n that_o will_v be_v so_o kind_a as_o to_o inform_v i_o if_o he_o know_v i_o to_o have_v err_v in_o any_o one_o or_o more_o particular_n which_o he_o may_v do_v either_o public_o or_o if_o he_o think_v fit_a private_o by_o letter_n to_o my_o bookseller_n who_o will_v convey_v it_o safe_o to_o my_o hand_n and_o if_o any_o one_o that_o find_v i_o deceive_v in_o any_o one_o or_o more_o point_n will_v favour_v i_o so_o far_o as_o to_o undertake_v such_o a_o trouble_n i_o shall_v desire_v these_o few_o thing_n of_o he_o that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v as_o i_o have_v do_v to_o use_v only_o those_o write_n that_o be_v compose_v within_o my_o prescribe_a time_n and_o if_o possible_a the_o same_o edition_n and_o not_o only_o to_o form_v objection_n against_o what_o i_o have_v write_v but_o also_o to_o answer_v or_o rather_o to_o give_v i_o another_o sense_n of_o those_o passage_n which_o i_o have_v cite_v and_o then_o i_o promise_v if_o my_o mistake_v be_v fair_o show_v i_o will_v not_o pertinacious_o and_o obstinate_o defend_v they_o but_o most_o willing_o and_o thankful_o renounce_v they_o since_o my_o design_n be_v not_o to_o defend_v a_o party_n but_o to_o search_v out_o the_o truth_n i_o have_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o to_o add_v in_o this_o preface_n and_o that_o be_v that_o when_o i_o first_o resolve_v on_o the_o print_n of_o this_o treatise_n i_o design_v to_o have_v publish_v my_o observation_n on_o the_o four_o general_a head_n propound_v in_o the_o title_n page_n to_o be_v inquire_v into_o viz._n the_o worship_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o well_o as_o now_o i_o have_v do_v those_o on_o the_o three_o former_a but_o for_o some_o reason_n i_o have_v reserve_v this_o for_o a_o particular_a tract_n by_o its_o self_n which_o probable_o though_o i_o do_v not_o absolute_o promise_v it_o may_v in_o a_o little_a time_n more_o be_v also_o publish_v and_o that_o the_o rather_o because_o in_o this_o part_n i_o have_v make_v two_o or_o three_o reference_n thereunto_o which_o i_o think_v good_a to_o acquaint_v the_o reader_n with_o that_o so_o if_o he_o can_v find_v some_o thing_n that_o i_o have_v refer_v to_o in_o this_o treatise_n he_o may_v be_v assure_v they_o be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o ensue_a one_o the_o primitive_a
a_o collection_n of_o many_o particular_a church_n who_o mention_n in_o the_o singular_a number_n 214._o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o africa_n and_o numidia_n else_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v that_o ever_o i_o meet_v with_o it_o in_o this_o sense_n in_o any_o write_n either_o of_o this_o or_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o father_n but_o whenever_o they_o will_v speak_v of_o the_o christian_n in_o any_o kingdom_n or_o province_n they_o always_o say_v in_o the_o plural_a the_o church_n never_o in_o the_o singular_a the_o church_n of_o such_o a_o kingdom_n or_o province_n thus_o dyonisius_n alexandrinus_n do_v not_o say_v the_o church_n 251._o but_o the_o church_n of_o cilicia_n and_o so_o irenaeus_n mention_n 36._o the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o germany_n spain_n france_n the_o east_n egypt_n and_o lybia_n so_o also_o tertullian_n speak_v of_o the_o 314._o church_n of_o asia_n and_o phrygia_n and_o 386._o the_o church_n of_o greece_n and_o so_o of_o every_o country_n they_o always_o express_v the_o church_n thereof_o in_o the_o plural_a number_n v._o the_o word_n church_n frequent_o occur_v for_o that_o which_o we_o common_o call_v the_o invisible_a church_n that_o be_v for_o those_o who_o by_o a_o sound_a repentance_n and_o a_o lively_a faith_n be_v actual_o interest_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n according_a to_o this_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n must_v we_o understand_v tertullian_n when_o he_o say_v that_o christ_n have_v 196._o espouse_v the_o church_n and_o that_o 455._o there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a marriage_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n and_o that_o of_o irenaeus_n 308._o that_o the_o church_n be_v fit_v according_a to_o the_o form_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n be_v the_o word_n oftentimes_o use_v in_o other_o of_o the_o father_n as_o i_o may_v easy_o show_v if_o any_o one_o do_v doubt_v it_o vi_o the_o word_n church_n be_v frequent_o to_o be_v interpret_v of_o the_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o sense_n irenaeus_n pray_v that_o the_o 229._o heretic_n may_v be_v reclaim_v from_o their_o heresy_n and_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o exhort_v all_o sincere_a christian_n not_o to_o follow_v heretic_n but_o to_o 342._o fly_v to_o the_o church_n upon_o which_o account_n heretic_n be_v say_v to_o have_v leave_v the_o church_n as_o tertullian_n tell_v martion_n that_o when_o he_o become_v a_o heretic_n 13._o he_o depart_v from_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o heresy_n be_v say_v to_o be_v dissonant_n from_o the_o church_n as_o origen_n write_v that_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o transmigration_n of_o soul_n be_v 1._o alien_a from_o the_o church_n there_o be_v yet_o several_a other_o signification_n of_o this_o word_n though_o not_o so_o usual_a as_o some_o of_o the_o forementioned_a one_o nor_o so_o pertinent_a to_o my_o design_n so_o that_o i_o may_v just_o pass_v they_o over_o without_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v they_o but_o lest_o any_o shall_v be_v desirous_a to_o know_v they_o i_o will_v just_o name_v they_o and_o then_o proceed_v to_o what_o be_v more_o material_a beside_o then_o those_o former_a signification_n the_o word_n according_a to_o its_o original_a import_n be_v also_o use_v for_o any_o congregation_n in_o general_a sometime_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o any_o particular_a sect_n of_o heretic_n as_o tertullian_n call_v the_o marcionite_n 255._o the_o church_n of_o martion_n at_o other_o time_n it_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o orthodox_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o heretic_n as_o by_o the_o same_o 69._o tertullian_n sometime_o it_o be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o heathen_a assembly_n as_o by_o 128._o origen_n at_o other_o time_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o believe_a gentile_n as_o by_o 271._o irenaeus_n in_o some_o place_n it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o deputy_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o in_o 52._o ignatius_n in_o other_o place_n it_o signify_v the_o assembly_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a in_o heaven_n which_o we_o common_o call_v the_o church_n triumphant_a as_o in_o 104._o clemens_n alexandriaeus_fw-la once_o i_o find_v it_o denote_v the_o 279._o laity_n only_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o clergy_n and_o once_o signify_v only_a 382._o christ_n as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o faithful_a §_o 2._o but_o the_o usual_a and_o common_a acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o of_o which_o we_o must_v chief_o treat_v be_v that_o of_o a_o particular_a church_n that_o be_v a_o society_n of_o christian_n meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n under_o their_o proper_a pastor_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o the_o exercise_v of_o christian_a discipline_n now_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o natural_o present_v its_o self_n to_o our_o consideration_n be_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o constituent_a part_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o who_o make_v up_o and_o compose_v such_o a_o church_n in_o the_o general_a they_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o 134._o elect_n 1._o the_o call_v and_o sanctify_v by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o in_o innumerable_a place_n they_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o brethren_n because_o of_o their_o brotherly_a love_n and_o affection_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o faithful_a in_o opposition_n to_o the_o pagan_a world_n who_o have_v no_o faith_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n nor_o in_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o gospel_n but_o more_o particular_o we_o may_v divide_v they_o into_o two_o part_n into_o the_o people_n that_o compose_v the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n and_o those_o person_n who_o be_v set_v apart_o for_o religious_a and_o ecclesiastical_a employment_n or_o to_o conform_v to_o our_o ordinary_a dialect_n into_o the_o clergy_n and_o laity_n which_o be_v a_o early_a distinction_n be_v mention_v by_o 53._o clemens_n romanus_n and_o after_o he_o by_o 1._o origen_n and_o several_a other_o §_o 3._o each_o of_o these_o have_v their_o particular_a office_n and_o both_o together_o have_v their_o joint_a employment_n to_o all_o which_o i_o shall_v distinct_o speak_v in_o the_o ensue_a tract_n as_o they_o natural_o resolve_v themselves_o into_o these_o three_o particular_n i._n the_o peculiar_a act_n of_o the_o clergy_n ii_o the_o peculiar_a act_n of_o the_o laity_n iii_o the_o joint_a act_n of_o they_o both_o by_o the_o resolution_n of_o which_o three_o question_n some_o discovery_n will_v be_v make_v of_o the_o constitution_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o of_o their_o practice_n with_o respect_n to_o many_o point_n unhappy_o controvert_v among_o we_o §_o 4._o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o what_o be_v the_o peculiar_a act_n of_o the_o clergy_n now_o here_o must_v be_v consider_v the_o function_n of_o every_o particular_a order_n and_o degree_n of_o the_o clergy_n which_o we_o may_v say_v to_o be_v three_o viz._n bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n who_o employment_n we_o shall_v several_o handle_v as_o also_o several_a other_o point_n which_o under_o those_o head_n shall_v offer_v themselves_o unto_o we_o i_o shall_v begin_v first_o with_o the_o bishop_n but_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n both_o of_o he_o and_o the_o rest_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a first_o of_o all_o to_o consider_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o it_o be_v before_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n in_o a_o state_n of_o paganism_n and_o darkness_n have_v their_o understanding_n cloud_v with_o ignorance_n and_o error_n alienate_v from_o god_n and_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o he_o applaud_v their_o own_o brutish_a invention_n and_o adore_v as_o god_n whatever_o their_o corrupt_a reason_n and_o silly_a fancy_n propose_v to_o they_o as_o object_n of_o adoration_n and_o homage_n into_o this_o miserable_a state_n all_o mankind_n except_o the_o jew_n have_v wilful_o cast_v themselves_o and_o have_v not_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o righteousness_n enlighten_v they_o they_o will_v have_v continue_v in_o that_o lose_a and_o blind_a condition_n to_o this_o very_a day_n but_o our_o saviour_n have_v on_o his_o cross_n triumph_v over_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o perfect_o conquer_v the_o devil_n who_o before_o have_v rule_v effectual_o in_o the_o heathen_a world_n and_o be_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o sit_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o father_n on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n he_o send_v down_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n who_o be_v then_o assemble_v at_o jerusalem_n indue_a they_o thereby_o with_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o work_a miracle_n and_o both_o commissionate_v and_o fit_v they_o for_o the_o propagation_n of_o his_o church_n and_o kingdom_n who_o have_v receive_v this_o power_n and_o authority_n from_o on_o high_a go_v forth_o preach_v the_o gospel_n first_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o then_o
not_o the_o bishop_n without_o the_o people_n nor_o the_o people_n without_o the_o bishop_n but_o both_o conjunct_o constitute_v that_o supreme_a tribunal_n which_o censure_v delinquent_n and_o transgressor_n as_o will_v be_v evident_a from_o what_o follow_v all_o the_o power_n that_o any_o church-court_n exert_v be_v derive_v from_o that_o promife_n and_o commission_n of_o christ_n in_o matth._n 16._o 18_o 19_o thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o and_o i_o 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 whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n now_o this_o power_n some_o of_o the_o ancient_n mention_n as_o give_v to_o the_o bishop_n thus_o origen_n write_v 1._o that_o the_o bishop_n apply_v to_o themselves_o this_o promise_n that_o be_v make_v to_o peter_n teach_v that_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n from_o our_o saviour_n that_o so_o whatsoever_o be_v bind_v that_o be_v condemn_v by_o they_o on_o earth_n be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v loose_v by_o they_o be_v also_o loose_v in_o heaven_n which_o say_v he_o may_v be_v orthodox_o enough_o apply_v to_o they_o if_o they_o hold_v peter_n confession_n and_o be_v such_o as_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v build_v upon_o and_o so_o also_o say_v cyprian_n 62._o the_o church_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o bishop_n by_o who_o every_o ecclesiastical_a action_n be_v govern_v other_o of_o the_o ancient_n mention_v this_o power_n as_o give_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n according_a to_o that_o in_o matth._n 18._o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o his_o fault_n between_o thou_o and_o he_o 〈◊〉_d if_o he_o shall_v hear_v thou_o thou_o have_v gain_v thy_o 〈◊〉_d but_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_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 and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v they_o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n 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 and_o a_o publican_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o 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 by_o the_o church_n here_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o parish_n unto_o which_o some_o of_o the_o father_n attribute_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n as_o tertullian_n 612._o if_o thou_o fear_v heaven_n to_o be_v shut_v remember_v the_o lord_n give_v its_o key_n to_o peter_n and_o by_o he_o to_o the_o church_n and_o firmilian_a 240._o the_o power_n of_o remit_v sin_n be_v give_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o to_o the_o church_n which_o they_o constitute_v and_o to_o the_o bishop_n who_o succeed_v they_o now_o from_o this_o different_a attribution_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n we_o may_v infer_v this_o that_o it_o be_v so_o lodge_v both_o in_o bishop_n and_o people_n as_o that_o each_o have_v some_o share_n in_o it_o the_o bishop_n have_v the_o whole_a executive_a and_o part_n of_o the_o legislative_a power_n and_o the_o people_n have_v a_o part_n in_o the_o legislative_a though_o not_o in_o the_o executive_a as_o for_o the_o executive_a power_n by_o which_o i_o understand_v the_o formal_a pronunciation_n of_o suspension_n and_o excommunication_n the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n in_o the_o absolution_n of_o penitent_n and_o such_o like_a that_o can_v be_v do_v by_o none_o but_o by_o the_o bishop_n or_o by_o person_n in_o holy_a order_n depute_a and_o commission_v by_o he_o as_o the_o sequel_n will_v evince_v but_o as_o for_o the_o legislative_a decretive_a or_o judicatorial_n power_n that_o 〈◊〉_d both_o to_o clergy_n and_o laity_n who_o conjunct_o make_v up_o that_o supreme_a consistorial_n court_n which_o be_v in_o every_o parish_n before_o which_o all_o offender_n be_v try_v and_o if_o find_v guilty_a sentence_v and_o condemn_v now_o that_o the_o clergy_n be_v member_n of_o this_o ecclesiastical_a court_n be_v a_o thing_n so_o evident_o know_v and_o grant_v by_o all_o as_o that_o it_o will_v be_v superfluous_a to_o heap_v up_o many_o quotation_n to_o prove_v it_o so_o that_o i_o shall_v but_o just_o confirm_v it_o after_o i_o have_v prove_v that_o which_o may_v seem_v more_o strange_a and_o that_o be_v that_o the_o laity_n be_v member_n thereof_o and_o judge_n therein_o be_v sharer_n with_o the_o clergy_n in_o the_o judicial_a power_n of_o the_o spiritual_a court_n and_o this_o will_n most_o evident_o appear_v by_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o follow_a testimony_n the_o first_o shall_v be_v out_o of_o that_o place_n of_o clemens_n romanus_n where_o he_o write_v 69._o who_o will_v say_v according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o moses_n if_o sedition_n contention_n and_o schism_n be_v happen_v because_o of_o i_o i_o will_v depart_v i_o will_v go_v wheresoever_o you_o please_v and_o i_o will_v do_v what_o be_v enjoin_v i_o by_o the_o people_n so_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o peace_n so_o origen_n describe_v a_o criminal_a as_o appear_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1._o before_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o dyonisius_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n in_o his_o letter_n to_o fabius_n bishop_n of_o antioch_n speak_v of_o one_o serapion_n that_o have_v fall_v in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n who_o have_v several_a time_n appear_v before_o the_o church_n to_o beg_v their_o pardon_n but_o 246._o no_o one_o do_v ever_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o he_o but_o cyprian_n be_v most_o full_a in_o this_o matter_n as_o when_o two_o subdeacons_n and_o a_o acolyth_a of_o his_o parish_n have_v commit_v some_o great_a misdemeanour_n he_o profess_v that_o he_o himself_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a judge_n of_o their_o crime_n but_o 64._o they_o ought_v to_o be_v try_v by_o all_o the_o people_n and_o concern_v felicissimus_n the_o 〈◊〉_d he_o write_v to_o his_o people_n from_o his_o exile_n that_o if_o it_o please_v god_n he_o will_v come_v to_o they_o after_o easter_n and_o then_o that_o 94._o affair_n shall_v be_v adjust_v according_a to_o their_o arbitrement_n and_o common_a counsel_n and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o condemn_v the_o rash_a precipitation_n of_o some_o of_o his_o presbyter_n in_o admit_v the_o lapse_v to_o communion_n because_o of_o some_o pacificatory_a libel_n obtain_v from_o the_o confessor_n and_o charge_v they_o to_o admit_v no_o more_o till_o peace_n be_v restore_v to_o the_o church_n and_o then_o they_o shall_v 30._o plead_v their_o cause_n before_o the_o clergy_n and_o before_o all_o the_o people_n and_o concern_v the_o same_o matter_n he_o write_v in_o another_o letter_n to_o the_o people_n of_o his_o parish_n 37._o that_o when_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o restore_v peace_n to_o the_o church_n and_o reduce_v he_o from_o his_o exile_n that_o then_o it_o shall_v be_v examine_v in_o their_o presence_n and_o according_a to_o their_o judgement_n so_o that_o the_o consistory_n court_n be_v compose_v of_o the_o people_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o bishop_n each_o of_o who_o have_v a_o negative_a voice_n therein_o on_o one_o side_n the_o bishop_n can_v do_v nothing_o without_o the_o people_n so_o when_o several_a return_v from_o the_o schism_n of_o fortunatus_n and_o bishop_n cyprian_n be_v willing_a to_o receive_v they_o into_o the_o church_n peace_n he_o complain_v of_o the_o unwillingness_n of_o his_o people_n to_o admit_v they_o and_o the_o great_a difficulty_n he_o have_v to_o obtain_v their_o consent_n as_o he_o thus_o describe_v it_o in_o his_o letter_n to_o cornelius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n 143._o o_o my_o dear_a brother_n if_o you_o can_v be_v present_a with_o i_o when_o those_o man_n return_v from_o their_o schism_n you_o will_v wonder_v at_o what_o pain_n i_o take_v to_o persuade_v our_o brethren_n to_o be_v patient_a that_o lay_v aside_o their_o grief_n of_o mind_n they_o will_v consent_v to_o the_o heal_n and_o receive_v of_o those_o that_o be_v sick_a i_o can_v scarce_o 〈◊〉_d yea_o i_o extort_v a_o grant_n from_o my_o people_n that_o such_o 〈◊〉_d receive_v to_o communion_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o people_n can_v do_v dthe_v without_o the_o bishop_n as_o when_o one_o of_o the_o three_o bishop_n that_o 〈◊〉_d ordain_v novatian_n come_v back_o to_o the_o church_n and_o desire_a admission_n the_o people_n alone_o can_v not_o receive_v he_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o bishop_n 〈◊〉_d for_o else_o they_o will_v
not_o have_v 244._o so_o earnest_o press_v he_o 〈◊〉_d his_o permission_n as_o we_o find_v they_o do_v thus_o than_o we_o have_v view_v the_o member_n of_o the_o spiritual_a court_n and_o have_v prove_v that_o they_o be_v all_o the_o member_n or_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n clergy_n as_o well_o as_o laity_n and_o laity_n as_o well_o as_o clergy_n 〈◊〉_d one_o without_o the_o other_o but_o both_o together_o but_o now_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o people_n be_v encumber_a with_o earthly_a business_n and_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o they_o can_v constant_o give_v their_o attendance_n and_o narrow_o search_v into_o every_o thing_n that_o shall_v be_v bring_v before_o they_o therefore_o we_o may_v suppose_v that_o the_o member_n of_o the_o presbytery_n who_o as_o be_v say_v before_o under_o the_o head_n of_o ordination_n be_v to_o be_v free_a from_o all_o worldly_a care_n and_o employment_n be_v appoint_v as_o a_o committee_n to_o prepare_v matter_n for_o the_o whole_a court_n a_o instance_n whereof_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o maximus_n vrbanus_n sidonius_n and_o some_o other_o that_o have_v join_v in_o the_o schism_n of_o novatian_n who_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o fault_n 105._o come_v into_o the_o presbytery_n and_o desire_v the_o church_n peace_n the_o presbytery_n accept_v of_o their_o submission_n and_o propose_v it_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n who_o ready_o embrace_v it_o so_o that_o the_o presbytery_n prepare_v matter_n for_o the_o whole_a court_n which_o court_n be_v the_o supreme_a tribunal_n within_o the_o limit_n of_o that_o parish_n before_o who_o all_o matter_n that_o there_o occur_v be_v try_v and_o by_o who_o all_o be_v judge_v only_o when_o any_o great_a and_o difficult_a point_n be_v decide_v it_o be_v probable_a it_o be_v the_o custom_n to_o desire_v the_o bishop_n of_o the_o neighbour_a parish_n to_o come_v over_o and_o assist_v there_o in_o presence_n that_o so_o their_o censure_n may_v be_v the_o free_a from_o any_o imputation_n of_o partiality_n or_o injustice_n thus_o when_o a_o nice_a affair_n be_v to_o be_v determine_v at_o rome_n cornelius_n 104._o desire_v five_o bishop_n to_o assist_v that_o so_o what_o they_o do_v may_v be_v firm_a and_o indisputable_a §_o 4._o have_v thus_o find_v out_o the_o member_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a tribunal_n the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o manner_n and_o form_n of_o their_o proceed_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o judicial_a power_n and_o authority_n which_o by_o tertullian_n be_v describe_v to_o be_v after_o this_o manner_n when_o at_o their_o general_a assembly_n the_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v end_v 709._o then_o follow_v exhortation_n reproof_n and_o a_o divine_a censure_n for_o the_o judgement_n be_v give_v with_o great_a weight_n as_o among_o those_o that_o be_v sure_a that_o god_n behold_v what_o they_o do_v and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o high_a preludium_n and_o forerunner_n of_o the_o judgement_n to_o come_v when_o the_o delinquent_n be_v banish_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o prayer_n assembly_n and_o all_o holy_a commerce_n approve_a elder_n preside_v there_o who_o obtain_v that_o honour_n by_o testimony_n not_o by_o price_n so_o that_o when_o the_o consistory_n be_v sit_v the_o bishop_n and_o his_o assist_a presbyter_n here_o call_v approve_v elder_n but_o common_o the_o presbytery_n preside_v and_o moderate_v all_o thing_n there_o propose_v and_o debate_v then_o the_o offender_n if_o possible_a be_v actual_o bring_v before_o they_o though_o the_o non-appearance_n of_o the_o criminal_n be_v no_o impediment_n to_o their_o proceed_n for_o notwithstanding_o they_o condemn_v they_o and_o censure_v they_o not_o only_o for_o those_o crime_n for_o which_o they_o be_v cite_v to_o appear_v but_o also_o for_o their_o contumacy_n and_o stubbornness_n as_o cyprian_n write_v 170._o the_o proud_a and_o obstinate_a be_v kill_v with_o the_o spiritual_a sword_n whilst_o they_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o 191._o those_o that_o be_v stubborn_a and_o fear_v not_o god_n but_o go_v off_o from_o the_o church_n let_v no_o man_n accompany_v but_o yet_o i_o say_v if_o possible_a the_o offender_n personal_o appear_v that_o so_o their_o crime_n may_v be_v object_v to_o they_o to_o which_o they_o be_v to_o plead_v as_o cyprian_n say_v that_o the_o lapse_v 30._o be_v to_o plead_v their_o cause_n before_o the_o clergy_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n then_o the_o court_n consider_v the_o defendant_n plea_n as_o cyprian_n write_v 17._o that_o all_o thing_n be_v debate_v in_o common_a among_o they_o and_o if_o the_o bishop_n and_o majority_n of_o the_o court_n judge_v their_o defence_n insufficient_a they_o be_v vote_v by_o their_o common_a suffrage_n to_o be_v condemn_v and_o censure_v as_o cyprian_n write_v that_o 92._o whoever_o be_v excommunicate_v it_o be_v by_o the_o divine_a suffrage_n of_o the_o people_n the_o delinquent_n be_v thus_o cast_v or_o find_v guilty_a the_o next_o thing_n that_o succeed_v be_v the_o formal_a declaration_n of_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o court_n which_o be_v pronounce_v as_o tertullian_n intimate_v in_o that_o forequote_v passage_n by_o one_o of_o the_o preside_a elder_n that_o be_v either_o by_o the_o bishop_n or_o a_o presbyter_n commission_v by_o he_o the_o manner_n of_o which_o pronunciation_n seem_v also_o from_o that_o passage_n to_o be_v thus_o he_o that_o pass_v the_o formal_a sentence_n on_o the_o criminal_a first_o begin_v with_o exhortation_n that_o be_v as_o we_o may_v reasonable_o suppose_v he_o exhort_v the_o faithful_a to_o use_v all_o diligent_a care_n and_o fear_v to_o avoid_v those_o sin_n and_o crime_n which_o have_v bring_v the_o offender_n before_o they_o to_o so_o lamentable_a and_o fatal_a condition_n then_o follow_v reproof_n which_o be_v sharp_a rebuke_n and_o reprehension_n to_o the_o delinquent_n for_o their_o foul_a miscarriage_n and_o enormous_a practice_n set_v forth_o the_o evil_a villainy_n and_o misery_n of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v provoke_v to_o god_n grievous_a to_o the_o faithful_a scandalous_a to_o religion_n and_o in_o fine_a ruine_v and_o pernicious_a to_o themselves_o in_o that_o it_o render_v they_o obnoxious_a to_o that_o divine_a censure_n which_o then_o immediate_o as_o the_o conclusion_n of_o all_o he_o formal_o pronounce_v on_o they_o which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o four_o query_n viz._n what_o the_o primitive_a censure_n be_v of_o which_o in_o the_o follow_a section_n §_o 5._o now_o in_o answer_n hereunto_o as_o the_o church_n so_o her_o arm_n be_v spiritual_a her_o thunderbolt_n 〈◊〉_d in_o suspension_n and_o excommunication_n in_o eject_v and_o throw_v out_o of_o the_o church_n her_o scandalous_a and_o rot_a member_n not_o permit_v a_o re-induction_n of_o they_o till_o by_o visible_a sign_n of_o repentance_n they_o have_v satisfy_v for_o their_o crime_n and_o villainy_n various_a be_v the_o appellation_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_n by_o dionysius_n alexandrinus_n it_o be_v call_v 253._o a_o drive_v away_o from_o the_o church_n by_o tertullian_n 95._o a_o cast_v out_o from_o the_o church_n communion_n and_o 477._o a_o drive_v from_o communion_n by_o cyprian_a 90._o a_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n 92._o a_o ejection_n out_o of_o the_o church_n 170._o a_o kill_n with_o the_o spiritual_a sword_n and_o many_o other_o such_o like_a term_n occur_v in_o the_o father_n all_o tend_v to_o describe_v the_o fearfulness_n and_o misery_n of_o a_o excommunicate_v state_n so_o tremendous_a be_v it_o that_o whosoever_o be_v in_o that_o condition_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o accurse_a by_o god_n and_o real_o be_v so_o by_o man_n who_o esteem_v he_o as_o a_o limb_n of_o satan_n and_o a_o member_n of_o the_o devil_n shun_v his_o company_n as_o they_o do_v the_o plague_n or_o any_o other_o infectious_a disease_n 191._o those_o say_v cyprian_n that_o be_v proud_a and_o fear_v not_o god_n but_o go_v off_o from_o the_o church_n let_v no_o man_n accompany_v and_o therefore_o irenaeus_n speak_v concern_v the_o heretic_n who_o be_v all_o excommunicate_v say_v 63._o that_o according_a to_o the_o command_n of_o paul_n we_o must_v avoid_v they_o and_o john_n forbid_v we_o so_o much_o as_o to_o wish_v they_o god_n speed_n since_o by_o so_o do_v we_o communicate_v with_o their_o evil_a work_n and_o tertullian_n in_o that_o forementioned_a place_n write_v 709._o that_o the_o delinquent_n be_v banish_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o prayer_n assembly_n and_o all_o holy_a converse_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o one_o unworthy_a of_o humane_a society_n cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n here_o and_o if_o impenitent_o die_v in_o that_o condition_n as_o certain_o exclude_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n hereafter_o for_o as_o origen_n write_v on_o matth._n 18._o 18._o on_o which_o text_n excommunication_n be_v found_v 1._o
he_o will_v contradict_v all_o other_o writer_n it_o be_v avouch_v by_o all_o that_o synod_n do_v depose_v all_o those_o bishop_n that_o be_v guilty_a of_o criminal_a and_o scandalous_a enormity_n as_o privatus_fw-la bishop_n of_o lambese_n be_v depose_v by_o a_o synod_n of_o ninety_o bishop_n 140._o for_o his_o many_o and_o heinous_a crime_n §_o 7._o but_o now_o except_v these_o three_o cause_n of_o apostasy_n heresy_n and_o immorality_n it_o be_v schism_n in_o a_o parish_n to_o leave_v their_o minister_n or_o to_o set_v up_o another_o bishop_n against_o he_o for_o though_o they_o at_o first_o choose_v their_o bishop_n yet_o their_o bishop_n be_v on_o their_o choice_n approve_v and_o confirm_v by_o the_o neighbour_a bishop_n they_o can_v not_o dethrone_v he_o without_o true_o assign_v one_o of_o those_o forementioned_a cause_n for_o this_o be_v to_o gather_v a_o church_n out_o of_o a_o church_n to_o erect_v a_o new_a altar_n and_o a_o new_a bishop_n which_o can_v not_o be_v in_o one_o church_n for_o as_o cyprian_n write_v 93._o god_n be_v one_o christ_n be_v one_o the_o church_n be_v one_o the_o rock_n on_o which_o the_o church_n be_v build_v be_v one_o wherefore_o to_o erect_v a_o new_a altar_n and_o constitute_v a_o new_a bishop_n beside_o the_o one_o altar_n and_o the_o one_o bishop_n be_v impracticable_a whosoever_o gather_v here_o scatters_z so_o to_o do_v be_v adulterous_a impious_a sacrilegious_a mad_a and_o wicked_a 138._o from_o hence_o say_v cyprian_n schism_n do_v arise_v that_o the_o bishop_n be_v not_o obey_v and_o it_o be_v not_o consider_v that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v but_o one_o bishop_n and_o one_o judge_n in_o a_o church_n at_o a_o time_n and_o 193._o this_o be_v the_o rise_n and_o source_n of_o schismatic_n that_o through_o their_o swell_a pride_n they_o contemn_v their_o bishop_n and_o so_o they_o go_v off_o from_o the_o church_n so_o they_o erect_v a_o profane_a altar_n and_o so_o they_o rebel_v against_o the_o peace_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o ordination_n and_o unity_n of_o god_n and_o again_o 208._o from_o thence_o proceed_v schism_n that_o the_o bishop_n who_o be_v but_o one_o and_o preside_v over_o the_o church_n be_v contemn_v by_o the_o proud_a presumption_n of_o man_n and_o he_o that_o be_v think_v worthy_a by_o god_n be_v esteem_v unworthy_a by_o men._n and_o again_o 209._o the_o church_n be_v the_o people_n unite_v to_o their_o bishop_n and_o the_o sheep_n adhere_v to_o their_o pastor_n the_o bishop_n be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n in_o the_o bishop_n whosoever_o be_v not_o with_o the_o bishop_n be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n and_o those_o do_v in_o vain_a flatter_v themselves_o who_o have_v not_o peace_n with_o god_n priest_n creep_v about_o and_o private_o communicate_v with_o some_o as_o they_o think_v when_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v not_o divide_v but_o connex_v and_o couple_v together_o by_o the_o unity_n of_o its_o agree_a bishop_n whosoever_o therefore_o shall_v causeless_o desert_v his_o bishop_n and_o solicit_v other_o so_o to_o do_v be_v a_o true_a schismatic_a since_o in_o so_o do_v 90._o he_o divide_v a_o portion_n of_o the_o flock_n with_o the_o bishop_n separated_z the_o sheep_n from_o their_o pastor_n and_o dissipate_v the_o member_n of_o christ._n from_o these_o quotation_n than_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o the_o primitive_a schism_n respect_v only_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o consist_v in_o a_o person_n be_v separation_n from_o communion_n with_o his_o lawful_a bishop_n without_o a_o just_a and_o authentic_a cause_n when_o any_o one_o shall_v set_v up_o a_o particular_a church_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o lawful_a bishop_n thereof_o and_o shall_v draw_v away_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o parish_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o their_o legal_a minister_n set_v up_o distinct_a meeting_n and_o 299._o conventicle_n as_o cyprian_n call_v they_o this_o be_v true_a schism_n for_o as_o ignatius_n say_v whosoever_o so_o assemble_v 2._o be_v not_o congregat_v legal_o according_a to_o the_o command_n and_o 7._o whosoever_o officiate_v without_o the_o bishop_n sacrifice_v to_o the_o devil_n §_o 8._o this_o notion_n now_o of_o schism_n give_v we_o a_o clear_a reason_n why_o we_o find_v in_o ignatius_n so_o frequent_a and_o pathetic_a injunction_n of_o obedience_n to_o and_o unity_n with_o our_o respective_a pastor_n of_o avoid_v all_o division_n and_o close_o adhere_v to_o they_o because_o a_o desert_v of_o they_o or_o a_o separate_n from_o they_o be_v a_o commission_n of_o this_o horrid_a and_o detestable_a sin_n of_o schism_n as_o will_v appear_v from_o these_o follow_a exhortation_n and_o instruction_n of_o he_o with_o which_o every_o leaf_n almost_o of_o his_o epistle_n be_v fraught_v and_o furnish_v 6._o all_o you_o of_o the_o church_n of_o smirna_n obey_v your_o bishop_n as_o jesus_n christ_n do_v the_o father_n and_o the_o presbytery_n as_o the_o apostle_n and_o honour_v the_o 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n let_v nothing_o of_o ecclesiastical_a service_n be_v do_v without_o the_o bishop_n let_v that_o communion_n only_o be_v esteem_v valid_a which_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o bishop_n or_o by_o one_o permit_v by_o he_o wherever_o the_o bishop_n be_v there_o let_v the_o people_n be_v as_o where_o jesus_n christ_n be_v there_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a without_o the_o bishop_n or_o one_o permit_v by_o he_o to_o baptize_v or_o celebrate_v the_o 〈◊〉_d this_o be_v please_v unto_o god_n that_o so_o whatsoever_o be_v do_v may_v be_v firm_a and_o legal_a 14._o have_v respect_n unto_o your_o bishop_n as_o god_n have_v respect_n unto_o you_o my_o soul_n for_o they_o that_o obey_v their_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n and_o with_o they_o let_v my_o part_n in_o god_n be_v 20._o let_v we_o not_o resist_v our_o bishop_n lest_o we_o be_v find_v resister_n of_o god_n 33._o i_o exhort_v you_o to_o do_v every_o thing_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n the_o bishop_n preside_v in_o the_o place_n of_o god_n and_o the_o presbyter_n in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o council_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o deacon_n persorm_v the_o entrust_v ministry_n of_o jesus_n christ_n let_v there_o nothing_o be_v in_o you_o that_o may_v divide_v you_o but_o be_v unite_v to_o your_o bishop_n and_o president_n as_o therefore_o christ_n do_v nothing_o without_o the_o father_n be_v unite_v to_o he_o neither_o by_o himself_o nor_o by_o his_o apostle_n so_o do_v you_o nothing_o without_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n nor_o private_o withdraw_v from_o they_o but_o assemble_v together_o have_v one_o prayer_n one_o supplication_n one_o mind_n and_o one_o hope_n 40._o flee_v all_o division_n where_o the_o pastor_n be_v there_o as_o sheep_n follow_v for_o there_o be_v many_o 〈◊〉_d wolf_n that_o seek_v to_o carry_v you_o away_o but_o let_v they_o have_v no_o place_n in_o your_o unity_n whoever_o be_v god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v with_o the_o bishop_n and_o whosoever_o repent_v shall_v come_v to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n those_o shall_v be_v god_n that_o they_o may_v live_v according_a to_o jesus_n christ._n be_v not_o deceive_v my_o brethren_n if_o any_o one_o follow_v a_o 〈◊〉_d or_o one_o that_o cause_v division_n and_o separation_n he_o shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n 43._o respect_v the_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n do_v nothing_o without_o the_o bishop_n keep_v your_o flesh_n as_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n love_n unity_n avoid_v schism_n be_v follower_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o be_v of_o his_o father_n where_o division_n and_o wrath_n be_v god_n dwell_v not_o god_n therefore_o pardon_v all_o penitent_n if_o they_o penitential_o return_v to_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n and_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o some_o other_o such_o like_a expression_n there_o be_v in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o this_o father_n which_o evident_o demonstrate_v schism_n to_o be_v nothing_o else_o than_o a_o causeless_a separation_n from_o our_o parish_n bishop_n or_o minister_n and_o a_o wander_a after_o or_o a_o adhesion_n to_o another_o false_a and_o pretend_a pastor_n §_o 9_o but_o for_o the_o clear_a proof_n that_o this_o be_v what_o the_o father_n be_v mean_v by_o schism_n it_o may_v not_o be_v altogether_o unnecessary_a to_o add_v unto_o these_o quotation_n a_o example_n or_o two_o for_o example_n more_o convince_o 〈◊〉_d than_o bare_a testimony_n and_o citation_n and_o here_o let_v we_o first_o view_v the_o schism_n of_o felicissimus_n in_o the_o hurch_n of_o carthage_n as_o it_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o 38th_o 40th_o and_o 55th_o epistle_n of_o cyprian_a and_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o respect_v only_o that_o particular_a church_n or_o parish_n when_o cyprian_n be_v elect_v bishop_n of_o carthage_n felicissimus_n and_o other_o of_o his_o faction_n oppose_v he_o but_o