and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v impose_v upon_o the_o credulous_a and_o unwary_a multitude_n to_o promote_v some_o design_n we_o be_v not_o yet_o acquaint_v with_o and_o that_o they_o will_v certain_o serve_v no_o other_o but_o popish_a purpose_n in_o the_o end_n i_o shall_v therefore_o show_v as_o plain_o as_o i_o can_v in_o this_o short_a treatise_n that_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v such_o as_o need_v not_o give_v any_o matter_n of_o offence_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o any_o good_a christian_a i_o shall_v then_o answer_v the_o most_o common_a and_o popular_a objection_n that_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v make_v against_o this_o constitution_n and_o the_o clergy_n that_o conform_v unto_o it_o and_o last_o consider_v the_o mean_n of_o union_n that_o have_v be_v hitherto_o propose_v and_o in_o discourse_v of_o these_o thing_n i_o shall_v keep_v myself_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v on_o the_o defensive_a side_n and_o strive_v only_a to_o ward_v off_o the_o blow_n that_o be_v make_v at_o we_o without_o endeavour_v to_o wound_v the_o hand_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v and_o that_o i_o may_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a avoid_v give_v the_o least_o offence_n i_o shall_v not_o so_o much_o as_o name_v the_o author_n from_o whence_o i_o take_v the_o objection_n i_o endeavour_v to_o answer_v but_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o as_o i_o have_v observe_v to_o be_v most_o usual_o insist_v on_o of_o late_a and_o some_o other_o which_o have_v be_v spread_v abroad_o to_o no_o other_o end_n that_o i_o can_v conceive_v but_o to_o incense_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n against_o we_o and_o raise_v animosity_n at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o the_o most_o calm_a and_o peaceable_a counsel_n will_v be_v more_o seasonable_a and_o of_o great_a advantage_n to_o the_o protestant_a cause_n and_o therefore_o i_o do_v here_o solemn_o profess_v that_o i_o shall_v not_o say_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o partiality_n or_o any_o sinister_a respect_n whatsoever_o or_o any_o ill_a will_v i_o ever_o bear_v to_o any_o of_o our_o nonconforming_a brethren_n by_o some_o of_o which_o i_o have_v be_v most_o particular_o oblige_v and_o i_o love_v they_o all_o as_o man_n and_o more_o especial_o as_o christian_n but_o as_o a_o compassionate_a member_n of_o a_o poor_a despise_a church_n that_o have_v be_v make_v the_o mark_n of_o common_a obloquy_n and_o scorn_n i_o shall_v declare_v her_o innocency_n as_o public_o as_o i_o can_v now_o that_o i_o take_v she_o to_o be_v in_o so_o much_o danger_n of_o ruin_n from_o the_o settle_a and_o deliberate_a malice_n of_o popish_a agent_n and_o the_o inconsiderate_a heat_n of_o other_o adversary_n that_o will_v dear_o repent_v it_o when_o it_o be_v do_v if_o they_o shall_v ever_o be_v so_o unfortunate_a as_o to_o succeed_v in_o such_o a_o attempt_n i_o can_v have_v so_o bad_a a_o opinion_n of_o all_o but_o that_o they_o may_v see_v what_o a_o church_n some_o of_o they_o can_v wish_v destroy_v i_o shall_v brief_o lay_v open_a the_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o it_o as_o it_o consist_v in_o episcopacy_n liturgy_n and_o ecclesiastical_a law_n of_o these_o i_o shall_v treat_v but_o very_o brief_o and_o only_o to_o give_v what_o satisfaction_n i_o can_v to_o those_o that_o have_v not_o leisure_n or_o skill_n to_o peruse_v those_o many_o large_a and_o learned_a discourse_n that_o have_v be_v former_o and_o some_o very_o late_o write_v upon_o these_o subject_n sect_n ii_o episcopacy_n or_o the_o government_n of_o one_o bishop_n over_o many_o presbyter_n be_v a_o thing_n so_o very_o ancient_a that_o it_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v propagate_v in_o the_o world_n by_o the_o first_o planter_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o the_o apostle_n have_v such_o a_o authority_n will_v not_o be_v deny_v and_o that_o they_o communicate_v the_o like_a authority_n to_o other_o be_v no_o less_o evident_a in_o the_o example_n of_o timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o to_o affirm_v that_o this_o power_n of_o they_o over_o many_o presbyter_n be_v only_o temporary_a and_o personal_a and_o that_o it_o be_v to_o cease_v as_o soon_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o those_o immediate_o constitute_v by_o they_o be_v dead_a be_v a_o assertion_n altogether_o precarious_a for_o the_o scripture_n make_v no_o mention_n of_o it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o imagine_v that_o that_o government_n which_o be_v once_o establish_v in_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v afterward_o alter_v unless_o it_o have_v be_v declare_v by_o they_o that_o do_v establish_v it_o that_o it_o be_v to_o continue_v but_o for_o such_o a_o period_n of_o time_n and_o if_o any_o without_o such_o a_o declaration_n shall_v maintain_v that_o the_o apostolical_a and_o episcopal_a power_n be_v now_o whole_o cease_v other_o upon_o the_o same_o principle_n may_v contend_v that_o the_o presbyterial_a power_n be_v cease_v too_o and_o as_o they_o say_v that_o every_o presbyter_n be_v become_v a_o bishop_n so_o these_o will_v plead_v that_o every_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v a_o presbyter_n though_o it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o at_o the_o first_o institution_n but_o beside_o that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o acquaint_v we_o that_o this_o power_n be_v ever_o to_o cease_v the_o whole_a current_n of_o antiquity_n run_v strong_o against_o it_o the_o old_a and_o most_o authentic_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n do_v general_o acknowledge_v the_o episcopal_a authority_n and_o look_v upon_o bishop_n as_o the_o 65._o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o ordinary_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n and_o sometime_o in_o their_o dispute_n with_o heretic_n they_o appeal_v to_o the_o record_n that_o be_v then_o extant_a to_o show_v how_o they_o 32._o succeed_v one_o another_o from_o the_o apostle_n down_o to_o their_o own_o time_n and_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o prove_v what_o opinion_n they_o have_v of_o the_o original_a and_o continuance_n of_o the_o episcopal_a power_n but_o if_o we_o want_v these_o testimony_n and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o derive_v the_o succession_n so_o high_a as_o we_o can_v yet_o this_o be_v confess_v by_o the_o most_o zealous_a and_o learned_a opposer_n of_o episcopal_a government_n that_o such_o bishop_n as_o we_o contend_v for_o be_v universal_o allow_v very_o soon_o after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o any_o one_o can_v name_v one_o church_n that_o have_v not_o a_o bishop_n in_o it_o in_o those_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n of_o christianity_n and_o when_o other_o corruption_n creep_v in_o they_o be_v not_o so_o great_a and_o bold_a as_o to_o attempt_v the_o subversion_n of_o that_o true_o primitive_a government_n and_o when_o some_o in_o these_o latter_a time_n have_v endeavour_v to_o contrive_v another_o kind_n of_o ecclesiastical_a order_n they_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v force_v upon_o it_o rather_o out_o of_o necessity_n than_o choice_n they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o prefer_v their_o own_o model_n before_o the_o ancient_a one_o but_o when_o they_o can_v not_o have_v this_o they_o be_v fain_o to_o content_v themselves_o with_o that_o they_o that_o frame_v and_o promote_v the_o discipline_n of_o geneva_n the_o most_o have_v speak_v very_o honourable_o of_o the_o english_a episcopacy_n and_o many_o learned_a man_n that_o have_v live_v quiet_o under_o that_o constitution_n have_v think_v we_o the_o more_o desirable_a and_o there_o have_v be_v none_o that_o i_o know_v of_o beyond_o the_o sea_n but_o that_o have_v ready_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o may_v at_o least_o be_v allow_v so_o far_o have_v they_o be_v from_o call_v it_o popish_a or_o antichristian_a that_o be_v a_o compliment_n that_o none_o but_o a_o disobedient_a son_n can_v bestow_v upon_o so_o good_a a_o mother_n but_o we_o need_v not_o come_v so_o low_a as_o these_o latter_a age_n to_o seek_v for_o authority_n to_o confirm_v the_o episcopal_a jurisdicttion_n it_o be_v the_o government_n that_o be_v always_o own_v and_o exercise_v among_o the_o first_o christian_n and_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o settle_v their_o bishop_n in_o place_n of_o the_o great_a confluence_n in_o city_n whither_o the_o people_n do_v usual_o resort_v from_o the_o neighbour_a village_n and_o lesser_a town_n for_o the_o convenience_n of_o trade_n and_o administration_n of_o justice_n and_o because_o in_o every_o province_n there_o be_v one_o capital_a city_n or_o metropolis_n where_o the_o chief_a secular_a magistrate_n have_v his_o ordinary_a residence_n they_o have_v there_o a_o bishop_n which_o be_v first_o call_v a_o metropolitan_a and_o afterward_o a_o archbishop_n who_o have_v a_o authority_n over_o the_o several_a bishop_n within_o the_o whole_a province_n and_o in_o some_o part_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n there_o be_v bishop_n that_o be_v style_v patriarch_n who_o have_v a_o certain_a superiority_n over_o the_o metropolitan_o themselves_o the_o order_n that_o be_v observe_v among_o
which_o god_n have_v not_o give_v they_o and_o the_o rest_n which_o have_v no_o suffrage_n in_o the_o case_n willing_o obey_v and_o esteem_v themselves_o bind_v to_o submit_v to_o their_o injunction_n and_o when_o any_o controversy_n happen_v to_o arise_v in_o such_o matter_n the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o the_o church_n have_v any_o such_o authority_n to_o command_v but_o whether_o the_o thing_n command_v be_v real_o indifferent_a or_o not_o so_o it_o be_v in_o that_o famous_a dispute_n about_o the_o time_n of_o keep_v of_o easter_n which_o cause_v so_o much_o dissension_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n they_o do_v not_o contend_v against_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n to_o determine_v thing_n indifferent_a but_o both_o side_n suppose_v themselves_o to_o be_v oblige_v by_o a_o apostolical_a tradition_n from_o which_o they_o think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o depart_v but_o where_o they_o judge_v the_o matter_n not_o to_o be_v contrary_a to_o some_o unalterable_a rule_n they_o never_o oppose_v the_o command_n of_o their_o governor_n and_o the_o protestant_a church_n have_v be_v all_o of_o the_o same_o opinion_n they_o have_v all_o make_v some_o ecclesiastical_a law_n for_o external_a order_n and_o discipline_n to_o which_o they_o require_v obedience_n from_o all_o of_o their_o own_o communion_n though_o these_o particular_a law_n be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n provide_v they_o be_v not_o repugnant_a unto_o it_o and_o i_o think_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n themselves_o do_v all_o of_o they_o make_v use_n of_o such_o a_o power_n and_o indeed_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o for_o they_o will_v all_o several_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o power_n among_o they_o to_o which_o every_o person_n that_o join_v with_o their_o assembly_n ought_v to_o be_v subject_n in_o all_o act_n of_o discipline_n and_o these_o not_o be_v particular_o determine_v in_o the_o scripture_n must_v be_v determine_v by_o this_o power_n or_o else_o their_o discipline_n can_v be_v put_v into_o practice_n and_o if_o it_o may_v be_v thus_o determine_v once_o it_o may_v be_v so_o again_o and_o again_o and_o so_o as_o often_o as_o the_o like_a case_n shall_v occur_v and_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v pass_v into_o a_o law_n or_o rule_n by_o which_o all_o matter_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n may_v be_v constant_o decide_v for_o the_o future_a and_o a_o collection_n of_o many_o such_o law_n will_v be_v so_o far_o equivalent_a to_o a_o book_n of_o canon_n that_o it_o will_v contain_v divers_a rule_n and_o determination_n of_o thing_n which_o the_o scripture_n have_v not_o particular_o determine_v if_o this_o be_v not_o grant_v that_o some_o such_o rule_n may_v be_v establish_v than_o all_o determination_n not_o make_v in_o scripture_n which_o will_v be_v very_o many_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o discretion_n of_o those_o that_o have_v the_o church_n authority_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o then_o the_o only_a difference_n in_o this_o matter_n betwixt_o they_o and_o we_o will_v be_v this_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v govern_v by_o know_a and_o stand_a law_n and_o they_o by_o a_o uncertain_a arbitrary_a power_n but_o since_o where_o any_o power_n be_v allow_v some_o such_o determination_n must_v be_v make_v in_o the_o one_o way_n or_o the_o other_o it_o seem_v clear_a that_o they_o which_o do_v blame_v the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o admit_v ecclesiastical_a law_n do_v not_o only_o condemn_v the_o apostolical_a practice_n and_o all_o church_n both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a but_o themselves_o too_o beside_o this_o power_n we_o be_v now_o discourse_v of_o seem_v to_o have_v so_o clear_a a_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n that_o it_o can_v well_o be_v dispute_v the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o hebrew_n exhort_v they_o thus_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o if_o they_o be_v 17._o bind_v to_o obey_v and_o submit_v then_o certain_o their_o guide_n or_o ruler_n have_v authority_n to_o command_v and_o if_o they_o may_v command_v in_o any_o thing_n without_o doubt_n they_o may_v do_v it_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o forbid_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o these_o be_v not_o sinful_a in_o themselves_o neither_o can_v they_o be_v make_v so_o by_o be_v enjoin_v by_o our_o superior_n unless_o obedience_n must_v be_v esteem_v a_o sin_n but_o how_o can_v that_o be_v when_o we_o be_v here_o express_o command_v to_o obey_v another_o place_n there_o be_v which_o have_v be_v always_o urge_v to_o this_o purpose_n and_o never_o yet_o i_o think_v receive_v any_o full_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n let_v all_o thing_n be_v 4c_fw-la do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n this_o be_v speak_v upon_o occasion_n of_o some_o irregular_a proceed_n there_o have_v be_v in_o their_o religious_a assembly_n at_o corinth_n and_o it_o be_v lay_v down_o as_o a_o rule_n and_o expedient_a whereby_o they_o may_v avoid_v the_o like_a inconvenience_n for_o the_o future_a and_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v universal_o oblige_v may_v appear_v from_o the_o grand_a reason_n of_o it_o which_o we_o find_v mention_v a_o little_a before_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n 33._o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o peace_n and_o that_o not_o in_o this_o or_o the_o other_o particular_a church_n not_o for_o this_o or_o that_o time_n but_o in_o all_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o all_o place_n and_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n whatsoever_o and_o then_o the_o precept_n itself_o be_v to_o be_v extend_v to_o all_o thing_n whatever_o they_o be_v that_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n they_o must_v be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n but_o it_o be_v not_o any_o where_o particular_o express_v what_o be_v orderly_o and_o decent_a and_o if_o it_o may_v not_o now_o or_o at_o any_o time_n be_v determine_v what_o be_v so_o then_o this_o great_a rule_n in_o which_o all_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v concern_v will_v be_v whole_o void_a and_o of_o no_o effect_n as_o to_o any_o use_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v make_v of_o it_o for_o though_o we_o shall_v acknowledge_v ourselves_o oblige_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n as_o we_o must_v yet_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v suppose_v that_o we_o may_v not_o presume_v to_o determine_v of_o this_o where_o the_o scripture_n be_v silent_a as_o here_o it_o be_v we_o can_v never_o make_v any_o practical_a application_n of_o this_o apostolical_a command_n to_o our_o own_o circumstance_n and_o so_o it_o will_v be_v all_o one_o unto_o we_o as_o if_o we_o have_v never_o receive_v it_o but_o if_o it_o may_v be_v determine_v than_o it_o must_v be_v do_v either_o by_o public_a authority_n or_o else_o according_a to_o every_o man_n private_a judgement_n if_o the_o former_a be_v grant_v it_o be_v that_o which_o we_o contend_v for_o that_o ecclesiastical_a law_n may_v be_v make_v for_o the_o decent_a and_o orderly_a administration_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n if_o the_o latter_a be_v allow_v than_o every_o one_o may_v determine_v for_o himself_o and_o then_o consider_v the_o strange_a variety_n of_o fancy_n that_o there_o be_v especial_o in_o matter_n of_o decency_n we_o shall_v scarce_o find_v two_o it_o may_v be_v in_o a_o thousand_o that_o will_v be_v bring_v to_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o opinion_n and_o by_o consequence_n this_o general_a canon_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o good_a order_n among_o christian_n will_v occasion_v the_o most_o absolute_a confusion_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v and_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o this_o the_o determine_v what_o be_v decent_a and_o orderly_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o our_o governor_n and_o it_o will_v be_v our_o duty_n to_o submit_v to_o what_o they_o shall_v enjoin_v in_o such_o matter_n as_o these_o i_o shall_v name_v one_o passage_n more_o which_o may_v give_v some_o far_a light_n and_o confirmation_n unto_o this_o it_o be_v some_o chapter_n before_o where_o st_n paul_n tell_v the_o corinthian_n thus_o the_o rest_n will_v i_o set_v in_o order_n when_o i_o come_v here_o 34._o it_o be_v very_o obvious_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n to_o be_v regulate_v which_o he_o shall_v leave_v undecided_a in_o this_o epistle_n but_o design_v to_o take_v care_n about_o they_o at_o his_o be_v at_o corinth_n whither_o he_o intend_v to_o go_v the_o first_o convenient_a opportunity_n now_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a he_o do_v set_v in_o order_n afterward_o as_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o do_v but_o we_o do_v not_o know_v either_o what_o they_o be_v or_o in_o what_o manner_n he_o dispose_v they_o but_o whatever_o they_o be_v or_o however_o he_o determine_v they_o thus_o much_o may_v be_v reasonable_o gather_v from_o
whereof_o antioch_n be_v the_o chief_a city_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o have_v have_v many_o presbyter_n under_o he_o and_o it_o may_v be_v several_a diocesan_n bishop_n which_o very_o probable_o be_v then_o establish_v in_o so_o large_a a_o country_n as_o that_o be_v the_o last_o example_n that_o i_o shall_v bring_v be_v that_o of_o polycarpus_n of_o smyrna_n he_o be_v one_o that_o have_v converse_v with_o 24._o st_n john_n and_o other_o apostle_n and_o as_o some_o say_v be_v make_v bishop_n of_o smyrna_n by_o st_n hieron_n john_n who_o scholar_n he_o be_v but_o su-pra_a irenaeus_n who_o know_v he_o and_o have_v hear_v he_o with_o great_a attention_n when_o he_o discourse_v of_o many_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v hear_v from_o st_n john_n own_o mouth_n and_o from_o other_o that_o have_v see_v the_o lord_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v make_v 3._o bishop_n of_o smyrna_n by_o the_o apostle_n and_o if_o so_o than_o this_o polycarpus_n must_v be_v that_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n to_o who_o st_n john_n write_v one_o of_o his_o epistle_n in_o the_o revelation_n for_o that_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o write_v till_o after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o other_o apostle_n and_o if_o he_o be_v make_v bishop_n by_o they_o for_o which_o we_o have_v the_o undoubted_a testimony_n of_o one_o that_o know_v he_o then_o he_o must_v be_v confess_v to_o have_v be_v the_o angel_n of_o that_o church_n who_o st_n john_n do_v so_o high_o commend_v and_o that_o he_o have_v authority_n over_o many_o presbyter_n can_v be_v question_v because_o he_o collect_v the_o forementioned_a epistle_n of_o ignatius_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n that_o to_o his_o own_o church_n of_o smyrna_n and_o send_v they_o to_o the_o philippian_n in_o all_o which_o this_o power_n be_v most_o full_o and_o evident_o assert_v i_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o these_o few_o example_n out_o of_o many_o more_o because_o they_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v very_o clear_a and_o be_v all_o of_o they_o unquestionable_o within_o the_o time_n that_o the_o apostle_n live_v and_o therefore_o it_o may_v appear_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o episcopal_a government_n in_o the_o church_n be_v a_o constitution_n that_o be_v allow_v and_o establish_v by_o they_o but_o if_o this_o can_v not_o be_v prove_v yet_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o soon_o after_o it_o be_v universal_o receive_v all_o over_o the_o christian_a world_n for_o from_o about_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o second_o century_n and_o so_o downward_o there_o be_v not_o a_o instance_n of_o any_o church_n that_o have_v not_o a_o bishop_n under_o who_o government_n it_o be_v the_o church_n in_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o those_o without_o it_o do_v most_o unanimous_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o they_o all_o own_v the_o episcopal_a superiority_n and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a strong_a argument_n that_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o apostolical_a institution_n for_o it_o be_v not_o otherwise_o conceivable_a how_o it_o can_v be_v bring_v into_o such_o general_a use_n throughout_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n if_o any_o shall_v think_v that_o it_o may_v be_v determine_v in_o a_o general_n council_n soon_o after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n this_o be_v a_o good_a testimony_n that_o it_o be_v still_o apostolical_a for_o else_o it_o will_v never_o have_v be_v decree_v by_o those_o some_o of_o which_o in_o all_o probability_n must_v have_v see_v and_o converse_v with_o some_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o who_o be_v wont_n constant_o to_o contend_v for_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o have_v hear_v from_o they_o and_o to_o reject_v all_o other_o as_o illegal_a innovation_n but_o that_o there_o be_v never_o any_o such_o council_n seem_v to_o be_v beyond_o dispute_n for_o it_o can_v not_o be_v assemble_v in_o a_o time_n when_o the_o church_n be_v often_o in_o a_o state_n of_o persecution_n and_o always_o look_v upon_o with_o a_o jealous_a eye_n by_o the_o civil_a power_n which_o will_v not_o have_v suffer_v so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o christian_a minister_n to_o meet_v together_o without_o give_v they_o some_o great_a disturbance_n or_o if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v they_o may_v have_v be_v permit_v to_o meet_v quiet_o yet_o that_o they_o do_v so_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o mention_n or_o intimation_n in_o any_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n and_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v that_o they_o can_v have_v be_v silent_a in_o a_o matter_n so_o considerable_a as_o this_o when_o they_o have_v punctual_o record_v so_o many_o of_o far_o less_o importance_n but_o if_o any_o can_v be_v incline_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o episcopal_a superiority_n be_v a_o mere_a usurpation_n of_o one_o presbyter_n in_o a_o diocese_n over_o the_o rest_n without_o the_o decree_n of_o any_o council_n it_o be_v exceed_o strange_a that_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v impose_v upon_o about_o the_o same_o time_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n without_o ever_o consult_v one_o with_o another_o and_o who_o can_v imagine_v that_o the_o primitive_a bishop_n who_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o have_v be_v such_o pious_a mortify_v and_o self-denying_a man_n can_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o ambition_n to_o advance_v themselves_o above_o their_o brethren_n contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n especial_o when_o they_o be_v like_a to_o get_v nothing_o by_o their_o aspire_n but_o to_o be_v the_o first_o that_o shall_v burn_v at_o a_o stake_n in_o the_o marketplace_n or_o be_v tear_v in_o piece_n in_o the_o amphitheatre_n or_o if_o we_o can_v suppose_v they_o to_o have_v be_v so_o wicked_a and_o foolish_a too_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o they_o can_v have_v gain_v this_o new_a power_n without_o some_o considerable_a opposition_n man_n be_v natural_o very_o jealous_a of_o any_o encroachment_n that_o can_v be_v make_v upon_o their_o right_n and_o the_o presbyter_n of_o those_o time_n may_v well_o be_v think_v to_o have_v have_v as_o great_a a_o care_n of_o preserve_v their_o liberty_n as_o we_o have_v now_o of_o we_o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o at_o all_o credible_a that_o they_o shall_v as_o it_o be_v with_o one_o consent_n put_v their_o neck_n quiet_o under_o this_o new_a invent_a yoke_n and_o submit_v without_o struggle_v to_o the_o usurp_a power_n of_o one_o of_o their_o equal_n and_o that_o this_o defection_n shall_v be_v so_o universal_a that_o the_o ancient_a parity_n if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o such_o shall_v not_o keep_v its_o possession_n in_o one_o church_n in_o all_o christendom_n and_o from_o hence_o it_o seem_v very_o plain_a that_o the_o episcopal_a government_n that_o be_v exercise_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o other_o in_o their_o time_n and_o receive_v in_o all_o church_n must_v be_v institute_v by_o they_o and_o they_o certain_o do_v not_o act_n in_o a_o case_n of_o that_o high_a concernment_n to_o the_o perpetual_a peace_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n without_o the_o particular_a command_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n or_o the_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n i_o have_v draw_v together_o in_o as_o clear_a and_o plain_a a_o method_n as_o i_o can_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o argument_n that_o may_v be_v make_v for_o the_o power_n of_o the_o bishop_n over_o many_o presbyter_n and_o if_o to_o all_o this_o and_o whatever_o else_o may_v be_v allege_v it_o shall_v be_v think_v reply_n enough_o to_o say_v that_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n begin_v to_o work_v in_o the_o 7._o apostle_n day_n and_o that_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v oblige_v by_o any_o example_n though_o never_o so_o old_a if_o this_o shall_v be_v plead_v as_o i_o think_v it_o have_v be_v sometime_o it_o may_v be_v answer_v thus_o that_o episcopacy_n may_v be_v prove_v upon_o good_a ground_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o i_o be_o sure_a far_o better_a than_o any_o other_o form_n of_o government_n can_v pretend_v unto_o but_o then_o be_v explain_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o and_o all_o follow_a age_n it_o will_v put_v the_o thing_n beyond_o all_o controversy_n if_o the_o sacred_a text_n alone_o shall_v not_o be_v clear_a enough_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o it_o but_o if_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n shall_v be_v still_o insist_v on_o this_o can_v be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o our_o cause_n unless_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o such_o a_o episcopacy_n as_o we_o plead_v for_o be_v that_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n which_o be_v speak_v of_o that_o it_o be_v not_o seem_v to_o i_o very_o evident_a because_o i_o can_v think_v that_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n though_o it_o do_v work_v very_o early_o shall_v so_o mighty_o prevail_v that_o in_o a_o very_a short_a time_n there_o shall_v not_o be_v any_o church_n any_o where_o that_o can_v be_v hear_v of_o that_o
it_o that_o there_o may_v some_o thing_n happen_v in_o the_o church_n which_o may_v lawful_o be_v set_v in_o order_n that_o be_v not_o express_o determine_v in_o scripture_n for_o such_o be_v those_o here_o mention_v which_o if_o they_o be_v any_o where_o determine_v it_o must_v be_v in_o the_o second_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n but_o there_o it_o can_v be_v for_o beside_o that_o it_o will_v be_v difficult_a to_o show_v the_o place_n where_o it_o be_v do_v that_o second_o epistle_n be_v write_v not_o long_o after_o the_o first_o before_o the_o holy_a penman_n of_o it_o have_v get_v any_o leisure_n to_o come_v among_o they_o but_o these_o case_n be_v reserve_v till_o then_o when_o i_o come_v he_o forbear_v to_o write_v any_o thing_n of_o they_o because_o he_o intend_v to_o decide_v they_o when_o he_o shall_v be_v personal_o present_a but_o what_o he_o do_v then_o we_o have_v nothing_o in_o the_o sacred_a write_n that_o acquaint_v we_o and_o therefore_o it_o seem_v that_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v determine_v which_o be_v not_o enter_v into_o those_o holy_a record_n this_o be_v a_o matter_n that_o have_v be_v always_o esteem_v so_o very_o plain_a that_o it_o be_v never_o make_v a_o controversy_n in_o former_a age_n but_o of_o late_a some_o have_v be_v exceed_o jealous_a of_o it_o because_o as_o they_o conceive_v it_o seem_v to_o derogate_v from_o the_o great_a protestant_a doctrine_n of_o the_o fullness_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n if_o i_o can_v see_v any_o argument_n to_o persuade_v i_o that_o it_o do_v so_o indeed_o i_o shall_v be_v easy_o induce_v to_o reject_v it_o with_o as_o much_o indignation_n as_o any_o of_o those_o that_o do_v contend_v the_o most_o zealous_o against_o it_o but_o we_o do_v ready_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a 6._o to_o salvation_n that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v not_o there_o clear_o reveal_v that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v impose_v as_o a_o duty_n in_o itself_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n which_o may_v not_o be_v manifest_o prove_v from_o thence_o that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v account_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o divine_a worship_n which_o be_v not_o there_o express_o command_v all_o that_o we_o attribute_v to_o our_o governor_n be_v only_o a_o power_n of_o determine_v about_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v not_o determine_v and_o these_o we_o hold_v to_o have_v no_o other_o influence_n upon_o our_o future_a happiness_n or_o misery_n but_o only_o as_o we_o take_v obedience_n to_o superior_n to_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o obstinate_o to_o oppose_v they_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o we_o may_v have_v innocent_o do_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v prescribe_v by_o their_o authority_n where_o the_o scripture_n have_v forbid_v or_o command_v any_o thing_n as_o it_o have_v whatever_o be_v necessary_a there_o all_o the_o power_n upon_o earth_n be_v bind_v to_o submit_v where_o the_o scripture_n be_v silent_a as_o it_o be_v in_o many_o matter_n of_o lesser_a moment_n there_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o injunction_n of_o a_o lawful_a power_n so_o that_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v very_o consistent_a with_o the_o make_n of_o certain_a rule_n for_o external_a order_n and_o decency_n but_o some_o have_v think_v that_o if_o we_o shall_v allow_v any_o power_n in_o the_o church_n of_o impose_v such_o thing_n we_o may_v by_o degree_n have_v so_o many_o of_o they_o impose_v as_o may_v be_v extreme_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o true_a piety_n may_v be_v stifle_v and_o bury_v as_o it_o be_v under_o the_o rubbish_n of_o a_o huge_a number_n of_o needless_a ceremony_n and_o therefore_o they_o think_v that_o no_o such_o power_n ought_v to_o be_v admit_v but_o all_o that_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o this_o way_n of_o reason_v will_v amount_v but_o to_o thus_o much_o that_o such_o a_o power_n may_v possible_o be_v abuse_v but_o it_o be_v not_o well_o argue_v from_o the_o abuse_n of_o a_o power_n to_o the_o nullity_n of_o it_o it_o have_v be_v always_o suppose_v that_o parliament_n have_v a_o power_n of_o grant_v money_n upon_o the_o subject_a but_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v they_o can_v tell_v but_o that_o they_o may_v in_o time_n grant_v away_o their_o whole_a estate_n and_o therefore_o shall_v conceive_v that_o they_o can_v not_o grant_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o such_o a_o fond_a surmise_n will_v never_o be_v think_v to_o have_v force_n enough_o to_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o undoubted_a right_n but_o in_o church_n power_n as_o it_o be_v now_o bound_v there_o can_v be_v any_o just_a apprehension_n of_o such_o a_o excess_n as_o be_v pretend_v for_o beside_o the_o restraint_n that_o common_a prudence_n must_v lay_v upon_o those_o that_o have_v the_o management_n of_o it_o it_o be_v limit_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n by_o the_o scripture_n that_o it_o can_v command_v any_o thing_n contrary_a unto_o that_o and_o on_o the_o other_o by_o the_o civil_a authority_n who_o approbation_n will_v be_v requisite_a to_o give_v a_o validity_n to_o every_o order_n of_o the_o church_n and_o here_o then_o be_v a_o sufficient_a check_n to_o prevent_v all_o exorbitancy_n that_o can_v be_v fear_v if_o any_o thing_n be_v impose_v that_o be_v not_o confirm_v by_o the_o civil_a power_n it_o will_v not_o be_v think_v oblige_v if_o any_o thing_n be_v prescribe_v that_o be_v contrary_a to_o scripture_n it_o most_o not_o be_v obey_v but_o if_o any_o constitution_n shall_v be_v make_v which_o be_v only_o esteem_v burdensome_a by_o reason_n of_o their_o number_n but_o be_v not_o otherwise_o unlawful_a the_o fault_n will_v be_v in_o those_o that_o impose_v they_o and_o not_o in_o those_o that_o submit_v unto_o they_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v ancient_o complain_v of_o but_o neither_o those_o that_o make_v the_o complaint_n do_v separate_v from_o the_o church_n themselves_o nor_o persuade_v other_o to_o do_v it_o upon_o that_o account_n for_o where_o the_o imposition_n be_v real_o burdensome_a they_o be_v to_o be_v blame_v that_o lay_v it_o on_o but_o they_o that_o quiet_o bear_v it_o will_v make_v their_o obedience_n the_o more_o acceptable_a by_o add_v patience_n and_o humility_n unto_o it_o but_o this_o objection_n can_v be_v make_v in_o our_o particular_a case_n the_o injunction_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v for_o their_o nature_n innocent_a and_o for_o their_o number_n not_o many_o and_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v judge_v to_o be_v unlawful_o impose_v because_o they_o may_v be_v excessive_o multiply_v i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o occasion_n now_o for_o such_o a_o fear_n however_o it_o will_v be_v time_n enough_o to_o apply_v the_o remedy_n when_o we_o feel_v the_o distemper_n grow_v upon_o we_o but_o it_o be_v always_o dangerous_a tamper_n with_o physic_n when_o we_o find_v ourselves_o in_o perfect_a health_n every_o extravagant_a jealousy_n of_o what_o may_v happen_v hereafter_o ought_v not_o to_o shake_v what_o be_v well_o establish_v at_o the_o present_a for_o if_o the_o contrary_a principle_n shall_v be_v allow_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o church_n or_o state_n in_o the_o world_n ever_o to_o enjoy_v one_o minute_n repose_v our_o church_n then_o be_v so_o far_o very_o blameless_a that_o have_v admit_v of_o a_o power_n of_o make_v some_o law_n for_o the_o more_o orderly_a conduct_n of_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n since_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n very_o reasonable_a in_o itself_o very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o age_n and_o very_o consonant_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n from_o who_o fullness_n it_o do_v not_o detract_v neither_o can_v the_o possibility_n of_o its_o be_v abuse_v make_v it_o whole_o null_a i_o have_v hitherto_o endeavour_v to_o lay_v together_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o conceive_v may_v not_o be_v impertinent_o urge_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o to_o the_o three_o principal_a part_n of_o her_o constitution_n episcopacy_n liturgy_n and_o ecclesiastical_a law_n all_o which_o as_o they_o be_v here_o establish_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o best_a church_n consonant_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o may_v therefore_o be_v conform_v unto_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n sect_n v._o i_o shall_v now_o give_v some_o answer_n to_o several_a objection_n that_o have_v be_v make_v against_o she_o especial_o those_o that_o i_o have_v observe_v to_o be_v the_o most_o popular_a and_o which_o have_v raise_v the_o strong_a prejudice_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o such_o as_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o our_o present_a establishment_n and_o these_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n some_o that_o be_v make_v against_o the_o constitution_n