IF any iudge the meaning of this Chapiter , to bee onely of superiour Prelates , as Archbishops , bishops , Abbotes , or such like , elected by some common society of canons , Monkes , Friers , or collegiat Priests , ( because of these words , Election & Confirmation , properly applyed to such ) & not to inferior Ministers ( which are properly sayd to be presented , and instituted : ) then is such both diligently to marke the reason of the decree , prouiding a remedie against the detriment ; that might redounde , to the Church in both cases , if for both remedie were not before hand prouided : And also to vnderstande , that the name of Prelate , is by law attributed likewise to euery Parson , and Vicar , hauing cure of soules : D. ex . de cleric aegrotant c. sua & glos . lynd . Consti de sacra . iterand . c. ignorantia vers. prelati . Quia quilibet qui praeest curae animarum dicitur esse Prelatus . Euery one that is preferred to the cure of soules is named by this name Prelate : And also that election and confirmation in , and to the superiour functions , haue but the very same effect , to the obtaining of their promotions , that presentation , and institution , haue to the inferiour Ministers , for enioying of their benefices then is such : ( I say ) to consider all these thinges , together with the end of the chapiter , where speciall charge is giuen for inferiour offices . And so no doubt he will forthwith conceiue the truth , and surcease this surmise , for otherwise the decree following shall conuince him manifestly of an errour .

Ex. de penit . & remissio . c cum in●…mitas . The soules is first to be cured . PRESENTI DECRETO , &c. By this present decree , we charge and straightly commaunde , that the Phisitions for the body , when they shall be called to any sicke persones , they first varne , and induce , the patients , to call for the Phisitions of their ●…ules , that when they shall haue prouision for spirituall health , they may proceede to the more holesome remedy of bodilie health , considering , the cause ceasing , the effect likewise ceaseth . Here you see the law is generall , and extendeth to all in generall , as well to poore gentlemen and poore parishioners , as to greasy Monkes , Friers and Canons , seeing the soules of both , may be infected , and the reasons may be thus gathered . 1 That which is most pretious is first to be cured , and that which is spiritually diseased , is spiritually to be cured . 2 But euery mans soule is most precious ; and euery mans soule is spiritually diseased . 3 Therefore euery mans soule ought first to be cured : and euery mans soule ought spiritually to be cured .

OVt of which conclusion followeth this consequent , namely , sithence euery soul is spiritually infected , & euery soule spiritually infected , must be spiritually cured , that therefore euery soule ought to haue a spiritual Phisition , able to apply a spiritual medicine , and to cure his spiritual disease : otherwise it were absurde , to command , that spiritual diseases should be healed , without spirituall phisitions appointed to that purpose . But this is too too plaine ; we will proceed .

Ex. de aetat . & quali . c. penult. CVM SIT ARS ARTIVM , &c. Considering the gouernement of soules , is an Art of all Artes , we straightly commaund , that the Byshops , either by themselues , or by other fit men do instruct or diligently informe , them that are to be promoted to be Priestes , touching holy offices and Ecclesiasticall Sacraments , how they may be able , rightly to celebrate them . For if they shall hencefoorth presume to ordeine such as are vnskilfull , and ignorant , we decree that both they that do ordaine , and they that are ordayned , be subiect to grieuous punishment . For it is a thing more holy , especially in the promotion of Cleargie men , to haue a few good Ministers ; then a great many euill , because of the blind , lead the blind , they both shall fall into the ditch . 1 Vnskilfull and ignoraunt men , ought not to bee admitted to an office , wherein greatest knowledge and cunning is required . 2 But to the gouernement of mens soules , greatest knowledge , and greatest cunning is required . 3 Therfore to the gouernment of the souls of men , vnskilfull and ignoraunt men are not to be admitted .

THe first proposition is prooued by two reasons , the one à comparatis by a comparison : the other ab euentu , from the euent . The second proposition , is the reason of the lawe it selfe , because the gouernement of soules , is ars artium , a cunning past all cunninges . The former reason , which is by way of comparison is euident . It is a thing much more holy to haue a little good then much euill , Wherevnto agreeth that which is written in the 23 distinction chap. tales . Tales ad ministerium eligantur clerici , qui dignè possunt , &c. Let such Clearkes be chosen vnto the ministerie , which may worthily handle the Lordes Sacraments . For it is better to haue a fewe Ministers , which may worthily exercise the worke of God , then many vnprofitable &c. In Cod. De veter . lure enuclea . l. 55 contrarium . Authen . De tabell coll 4. Authen . De referen . in sine . coll. 2. And in like case the Emperour . Melius est pauca idonie effundere , quam multis inutilibus pregrauari , & melius est pauca agere caute , quam multis periculose interesse : & multitudo on erosa , nihil habet honesti . It is better to vtter a few things aptly , then to burthen men , with man● things vnprofitably : And it is better to do a few thinges warely , then to be conuersaunt in many thinges daungerously . And a multitude altogether burdensome , hath no shew of honesty . And againe , the Canon concludeth , Tutius-est ea sine periculo ex necessitate quae legem non habet omittere , &c. It is more safe to omit those thinges without daunger , vppon necessity which hath no law : then that through rashnesse condemned by law , they should not without great danger be vainly conferred . Wheras a certaine shadow only may appeare in the deed but no truth follow in effect . Al which principles by common experience , are so well & familiarly knowen vnto euery one of vs , that they need few colors to paint them out . For as touching our foode and dyet , our furniture & apparrell : our pastimes and pleasures : our businesse and affayres , we can euery mothers son , deeme it farre better , to haue a little sweete and holesome meat cleanly dressed , than many dishes vnsauourly seasoned : that a woman fine and neat in simple attyre , is more to be commended , then one vngainely apparrelled in sumptuous robes . That a man were better to keepe one proper horse , or one high flying Fawcon a kilduck , then ten resty iades , or ten bangling bussardes . That one discreete , painfull , and diligent seruant , wil do his master more honesty , and get him more lucre and aduantage , then twenty idle and loytering merchaunts . And can we be so prouident for our bodily sustenance : so vigilant for our earthly pleasures , and so circumspect for our worldly affayres : and shall we be altogeather blockes , and without all sense of vnderstanding , what is most healthfull , most pleasant , and most profitable for our soules ? Can we be wise touching the affayres of this life , and shall we be foolish for the life to come ? Can we be heedfull , for matters momentanie , and of no valew , or continuance : and shall we be heedlesse , in matters of eternity , and such as concerne our beatitude for euer ? If any man thinke that a few good ministers , wil not serue to bring the people of God , vnto God : will he therfore conclude , that he may lawfully appoint many Ministers of the diuels culling , to bring them to the deuill ? The second reason is taken from the sequell or euent which might happen , if remedy were not sought . If the blinde lead the blind , they both shall fall into the ditch . 15. Distinc . & nomine Constitutio . Otho . quam ad venerabiles . And it hath many other groundes and conclusions of law , to sounde it selfe vpon : namely . Talis debet eligi , cuius comparatione , caeteri grex dicantur . Et minister , debet esse forma gregis , ad quam se debent subditi reformare : & debent esse ministri in exemplum , quasi signa posita ad sugittandum . Such a man ought to be chosen to haue the charge of a flocke , in comparison of whom the multitude he hath to gouerne ; may in deed be called a flocke : and the minister , ought to be the forme of the flocke , wherevnto the inferiour sort ought to reforme them selues : and the Ministers ought to be examples & as marks for others to shoot at . These groundes , and reasons , amongst the greatest part of our Ministers , haue had no place or interteinment at al , but are vtterly turned topsy turuie . For where by these Maximes , they should be seers : where they should goe , and step before others in knowledge , as guides to conduct them : where they shoulde for their pietie , and honest conuersation , be patterns for others to square out their actions by : where they shoulde be markes , for people to ayme , and shoot at , they be now for the most part , cleane contrary , euen the very tailinges , and garbage of the people , and such as can scarce say B. to a battledore . Markes in deede to ayme at , but such as the nearer a man should shoot at , the more it would be his hinderaunce . Examples in deed they be , but alas such examples , as it rueth , good men to see , howe many by them are drawen to vngodlinesse , and vnhonestye , to Alehouse haunting , to dicing , to table playing , to Carding , to bowling , to bearebayting , yea and that on the Lordes day too : But I say , that notwithstanding these things be thus abused , yet the law prescribeth still how they should be better vsed , as followeth .

Li. vi . de elect c licet . Canon . LICET CANON , &c. Although the Canon of Alexander the third our predecessor , among other things did ordaine , that none should take vpon him the gouernment of any parishe Church , vnlesse he had accomplished the age of 25. yeeres , and were commendable for his knowledge and honestie : yet because in the obseruation of the foresayde Canon , many haue shewed themselues negligent . We by execution , of Lawe , willing to supplie their perillous negligence , ordaine by this present decree , that non be admitted to the gouernement of any parishe Church , vnlesse he be fit for his manners , for his knowledge , and for his age .

And againe , INFERIORA MINISTERIA , &c. Let no man take vpon him , the inferiour ministeries : as a Deanrie , an Archdeaconrie , and others that haue cure of soules annexed ; neythar yet the charge of a parrishe Church , vnlesse he haue accomplished the age of 25. yeares , and be to be approued for his knowledge and conuersation .

These constitutions do expresly prohibite any person to be admitted to the gouernment of soules , and so to any parish Church , that is not qualified ( as you here ) & why ? Non conuenit talem aliis praefici in Magistrum , qui nondum se nouit esse discipulum . It is vnseemely that such a one be appointed a master ouer others , which as yet hath not knowen him selfe to be a disciple . And againe . 49. Destinc . cap. sacerdotes . Authen de sanct. epis §. Damus . ff. De ●…curio . L honores . 3 cap. distinc . § Glos . consti . Otho cum sit ars . Debet promotus esse literatus , quia cum ipse debet alios docere , non debet ipse discere . He that is promoted ought to be learned , in as much , as he taking vpon him to teach others , him selfe ought not now to learne . And againe . Honores & munera non ordinationi , sed potioribus iniungenda sunt . Honours and offices are to be giuen to the best approued , & not to an ordination alone . And again . Debet promotus omni poscenti reddere rationem . He that is promoted ought to giue a reason to euery one that asketh . And againe . Cura animarum debet vigiliis onerosa esse , & sollicita , vt iste cui committitur , curet ne pereant subditi , sed saluentur . The charge of soules ought through watchfulnesse to be painefull and carefull , that he to whom it is committed be diligent to foresee that the people perish not , but rather that they may be saued . And againe . 8 q. 1. Licet . ergo . Et qui doctior est & sanctior , est eligendus . And he that is the more learned and the more holy , is to be chosen . And euen vpon the selfe same reason : namely , that the souls of the people , shoulde not be in perill for want of teaching : It is ordayned that no Church with cure of soules , shoulde be destitute , aboue a certayne time prefixed and lymited , for the prouision of some man able to guyde the people .

Ex De elec . Ne pro Defectu . NE PRO DEFECTV , &c. Least for want of a Pastour the rauening Wolfe should destroy the Lord his flocke : or that a Widow Church , shoulde suffer great hinderaunce in hir substaunce : we willing in this case , both to meete with the perill that might happen to soules , and also to prouide for the indemnities of the Churches , doe ordayne that a Cathedrall Churche or regular Church , be not voyde aboue three monethes . Perill of soules , the cause why a time is limitted , for the placing of a Pastor within certaine Moneths . And againe , euen for the selfe same causes and considerations in the Chapiter . Nulla ex . de concessio . prebend . And in the Chapiter . Quoniam ex . de iure patro , It is commaunded that if a laye man , or Cleargie man , Patron of a benefice , present not his Clearke , the one within sixe monethes , the other within foure monethes : That then afterwardes it shall and maye be lawefull for the superiour to supplie their negligence , and to place one able to goe in , and out before the people , to guyde them , to teache and instructe them . They who by vsurpation exercised authoritie ouer the Lordes people , did in the tyme of darkenes so carefully prouide , that the people vnder their pretensed gouernement , shoulde not be vnprouided , ( as they imagined of a seer ) to foresee the danger that might insue towardes the soules of the people , aboue the space of foure , or at the moste of sixe monethss . What excuse now remayneth , for them that challenge the like authoritie ouer the people of the Lorde , in the time of this great light , and manifestation of his sonne : suffering many thousande flocks to want sheepheardes , and so to be in daunger of the Wolfe : not onely sixe monethes , but now almost sixe and twentie yeares , for so long as they want a sheepehearde , so long are they in daunger of the Wolfe : but they want a sheepheard , so long as they want one able to gouerne them , to exhort and to admonishe them , to rebuke and comfort them . ff. De verb. signi . l. aedificium : §. profecisse . Paria enim sunt omnino non fieri , aut minus rite fieri : qui minus soluit , non soluit , perficisse aedificium videtur , qui ita statuit vt in vsu esse possit . It is all one in effect whether a thing be not don at all , or not rightly and duely done : He is sayde not to pay at all , which payeth lesse then is his due to paye : And he is sayde to haue perfected a buylding , which hath so framed it , that it may be inhabited . Perill of soules cause of renunciation . And againe , for this purpose , euen to auoyde the perrill of soules , the Lawe prouideth , that if anie man through want of foresight of the waightinesse of the office , vnworthilye haue taken vppon him the gouernement of any Churche ( a burthen too heauie for him to beare ) he maye foorthwith forgoe and renounce the same , both so to be disburthened him selfe , and that the Church also might be furnished , with some able man , to supply the necessitie thereof .

Ex. de prebend . c. venerabilis . PRO DEFECTV SCIENTIAE , &c. For want of knowledge a Man may desire cession : For where as knowledge is chieflie necessarie about the Administration of spirituall thinges , and also behoofefull about the charge of Temporall thinges , let it be lawefull for him that hath charge to gouerne the Church in these thingts , to renounce the sayde Church in case he haue no knowledge whereby he may gouerne the same . For ( sayeth the Lorde ) thou hast reiected knowledge , and therefore I will reiect thee , that thou be no Priest vnto me . Hence may be gathered two argumentes , the one to prooue the necessitie of knowledge in a spirituall Pastour : the other to prooue a lawfulnesse for the renouncing of that , which without great preiudice and hurt to him selfe and others he , can not retayne . 1 He that taketh vppon him the administration of spirituall thinges , must haue the knowledge of spirituall things . 2 But he that taketh vpon him the gouernement of the Church , taketh vpon him the administration of spirituall thinges . 3 Therefore he that taketh vppon him the gouernement of the Church , must haue the knowledge of spirituall thinges . 1 It is lawfull for euery man that taketh vpon him a charge or function , without knowledge howe to gouerne the same charge , to forgoe and for sake the sayde charge or function : 2 But euery vnlearned minister hauing a charge , as without knowledge how to gouern the same his charge : 3 Therfore it is lawful for him to renouuce his sayd charge .

ANd againe , euen to auoyd the perill of soules , and that neither age , neyther any bodily disease or impotency , should be any occasion or hinderaunce to the people , from hauing and enioying the benefit of a teacher , the law prouideth in this case , also as followeth .

7 q. 1. Petisti PETISTI , &c. Thou desirest that for thy age growing vpon thee , and thy bodily infirmitie , thou mightest without aduise in the same seat , where thou gouernest , place one in thy steed : but we ( God beeing our helper ) giue counsell to thy holinesse , that for the helpe of reasonable mens soules , ( Christ beeing thy guide ) thou doe not leaue these which thou obtaynest , in the Church of Mense , but if the Lorde according to thy request shall giue vnto thee a perfect man , who may take vppon him the care for the health of soules , thou shalt ordayne him Bishop in thy place , and he shall be in the Gospell committed vnto thee , and in bearing the ministerie of Christ , in euery place shall visite and comforte the Church of God . All which Canons and constitutions being made & published long sithence , are againe confirmed , ratified and allowed by latter constitutions , decrees , and ordinances , as followeth .

Ex. commu. de Praeb & dig c. Ad regimen . AD REGIMEN , &c. Although we by disposition from aboue , vnworthily called to the gouernment of the vniuersal Church as we ought , so haue we in our desires , that by our indeuour and diligence , fit men be taken to the regiments of Churches and Monasteries , and other Ecclesiasticall benefices , according to the diuine pleasure , and our purpose and intent , which might rule and profite the Churches , Monasteries and the foresayde benefices to be committed vnto them . And agayne .

Clement . de aetat . & quali . c p. 1. CVM ECCLESIAE . &c. For asmuch as the churches wherunto vnfit persons in knowledge , maners , or age , are preferred suffer for this cause ( as experience teacheth in their spiritualities & temporalities ) oftentimes great detriments : we willing that this thing , by the diocesanes of the places , vnto whome this charge , by reason of their office apperteineth , be more diligently foreseene : straightly enioyne that they themselues more diligently obserue , and cause inuiolably to be obserued by their subiects , such canonicall constitutions , as haue hitherto bene published for the preferring of persons vnto such Churches , if they will auoid the displeasure of God , and the punishment due by the Apostolike sea . And not onely these Canons established and confirmed by the Popes Act of Parliament , but euen our own prouincial constitutions made long sithence , for the realme of Englande , haue ordayned and established a learned ministerie , & appointed an able and fit state of Cleargy men , to be had through out the whole Empyre and Dominions of her Maiestie . The tenor of some of which constitutions followeth . Otho . constitu . cum sit ars . §. exigit . First . Exigit namque ars nostra catholica , vt sit vnicus in vna ecclesia sacerdos , alias magister perfectus , ordine & habitu , vita sancta , scientia , & doctrina . For our Catholique religion requireth that in one Church there be one Priest , otherwise called a perfect teacher , in order and habite , in holy life , in knowledge , & in doctrine . Secondly . Absque magistro preterea ecclesia desolata manet sape die nec persona in ea , nec saltem vicarius perpetuus inuenitur , sed aliquis forte simplex sacerdos , de vita , sancta , scientia , & doctrina est ei nimis modica heu cura : without a master the church oftentimes remaineth desolat , hauing neither parson nor any continual vicar , but perhaps som silie ignorant Priest : but as touching their holy life , their knowlege and their doctrine ( alas ) there is too too little care had .

Otho . const. cum sit ars . §. absque . SACER ORDO . &c. A sacred order is to bee conferred to him that is most worthy , to the end that by him the other sacraments might be ministred . Wherfore , since it is a thing very perillous to ordein men vnworthy , Idiots , Illegitimate , irreguler , persons vnlearned , persons : vagrant , and such as haue not any certayne or true title indeed : We ordein that before the conferring of orders , diligent inquisition & search be made by the Bi. of al these things . Which constitution , whether it be obserued or no , I refer the reader to the directions of the By. Canons : Wherin they manifestly tel vs , that they proceed first , & enquire afterwards : that they first giue the minister a charge , appointing him to teach , & afterwardes send him to the Archdeacons or his officials court to learn , as is manifest in their Canons , published in the year of our Lord . 1571. Title Archdeacon : & also in the aduertisementes . Title ecclesiasticall pollicy . Wherein they haue not attended the meaning and intent of Lawe , which alwayes requireth . Bart. in l. si quis posthumos . § filium . nu. 3. ff. de li. & posthu . ff. de . minor . l. de . aetate & de feriis lc . 2. Vt qualitates adsint eo tempore , quo dispositio sumat effectum . That qualities must then bee had , when the disposition taketh effect . Vt qualitas testis attenditur tempore quo deponit . As the quality of a Witnes is then to be considered , when he is deposed . Agayne , Quando quaeritur de aetate , quae est talis , quae reddit personam inhabilem , adiudicium exercendum , Bene potest de hoc quaeri , ante omne iudicium . When there is any Question of such an age , as maketh any person vnable , to exercise iudgement , this ought very well to be enquired of , before all iudgement . In like manner I say , considering certayne capablenesse , & special ability , by vertue of diuers qualities , wherwith ministers ought to be indued , is necessarily required , to be in them at the time of their ordering , that therfore by law , they ought not to be ordeined , vnlesse the said qualities be founde in them at the time of ordering : & if any other preposterous order be vsed , that therefore the whole actions , are void & frustrate . For where by disposition of lawe , a certain forme & prescript order is limitted , ther if any inuersion or preposteration be vsed , al is clean marred . And why ? because you follow not the direction of your Letters patents : you exceed the bounds of your commission , & passe the limits of your iurisdiction , the Lawe making you adiudge , to do that , & that , after that , and that manner . You make your selfe no iudge by doing after your own fancy , thus , & thus , after this , & this manner , without any commission . And where you were by a publike consent , of a publike magistrate , made a publike person to execute a publike law : you make yourself a priuat person , by putting in practise , a priuate deuise . ff. de recept . arb. l. non distinguendum §. de officio . Non ergo arbiter quod libet statuere poterit , nec in quaere libet , nisi de qua compromissum est , & quatenus compromissum est . Therefore an Arbiter , cannot determine euery thing , as he wil , nor in what thing he wil , but onely that thing whereof the compromise is made , & according to the forme of the compromise . ff. Si a non competeti iud. l. 1. Iudex ad certum rem datus , si de aliis pronunciauit , quam quod ad eam rem pertinet , nihil egit . A iudge apointed to one special matter , if he pronounceth any thing impertinent to the same , he hath lost his labor . ff. de procurat . l maritus Maritus id solum exequi debet . quod procuratio emissa praescripsit . A husband , that is proctor for his Wife , ought onely to execute that , that his proxy prescribeth . And the reason is this , A learned Ministery commanded by the Ciuil Lawe . Fines mandati sunt diligenter obseruandi . The bounds of a commandement ar diligently to be kept . Neither are the imperyal laws barren & voide of the like holy functions , but exhibit vnto vs the self same prouisions as before : namely , that men holy and religious ; men furnished with the best gifts & graces , shoulde be preferred to the sacred ministery . Cod. de epis . & cler: L : si quoniam . Nemo grad●… sacerdotis , venalitate pretii mercetur , quantum quisque meretur , non quantum dare sufficit estimetur . Let no man make marchaundize , or buy the degree of a minister , euery one ought to be esteemed by his merites , & not by his money .

Againe . Authent . De Sanctis episcop. §. clericos . coll. nona . CLERICOS AVTEM , &c. We doe not otherwise suffer Clearkes to be ordayned , vnlesse they be learned , & haue a right faith and an honest life . But if holy rules shal forbid those which are chosen by others , as vnworthy to be ordayned , then let the most holy Bishop , procure to ordayne whomsoeuer he shall thinke meetest . Note that by ciuil law , a Bysh. may not ordeine a minister , vnlesse the people chuse an vnworthy man . And thus common lawe , prouinciall law , ciuill lawe , and statute lawe , ( for our statute lawes haue ratified these lawes ) pronounce all with one voyce and one consent , that our dumb and silent Curates , and stipendaries , haue no approbation or allowance , no fauour or intertainment from them , or by their authority . Why ? What shall we say then , or how are they allowed then ? I will tell you . Certayne peruerse , conceited , and selfeweaning men , soothing them selues , and fostering their dotages and fonde affectious errours , with these rules of law , Non requiritur summa perfectio : and that Sufficit mediocris scientia , A perfect knowledge is not required , and a meane knowledge is sufficient . ff. De aedil . edict . le. Sciend . § Illud & le Si quis venditor . Ex. cap. cum . Nobis . olim de elect . Imagine these our Sir Iohns , the very Asses of our schooles , hauing approbation from some Bishop , by whom they haue been tryed and examined to haue ( as they terme it ) , Competentem quamuis non eminentem scientiam , competent , Though not eminent knowledge , may notwithstanding the former prouisions , lawfully take themselues for true ministers , and be reputed by others for lawfull possessours , in , and to those places , wherevnto they are admitted . Answere to the obiection of a competent knowledge . Whereunto I aunswere , that the ignoraunce of these termes and wordes of law , Namely , Summa perfectio , mediocris & competens scientia , Is the ground of this errour . And therefore it resteth briefly to vew , what maner of learning and knowledge , by iustice and equity of law , may be and is reputed , meane , competent , and sufficient , for him that shall take vpon him a pastoral charge , wherein also if our bare mumbling ministers shall be found culpable , they are then by definitiue sentence , on the part and behoofe of the law , not onely to be adiudged guilty of voluntary intrusion into the right and possession of others , but also to be punished for taking vpon them offices , without any lawful calling .

IGNORANTIA MATER , &c. Ignoraunce the mother of errours , is specially to be auoyded in the Ministers of God , which haue taken vpon them the office to teach amongest the people of God . Let the ministers therefore be warned to read the holy scriptures . Paule the Apostle willing Timothie to attende to reading , to exhortation of doctrine , and alwayes to abide in them . Let the ministers therefore know the holy scriptures , & let all their labour consist in preaching and doctrine , & let them edifie as well in knowledge of faith , as examples of good workes . The Ministers must know the Scriptures , and preach . Out of which chapiter these conclusions may be gathered . First that ignoraunce of the word of God is especially to be auoyded of euery minister as before . Secondly , with what knowledge euery minister ought to be qualified . 1 A teacher of Gods word , must especially auoid ignoraunce . 2 But a minister is a teacher . 3 Therefore a minister must especially auoyde ignonoraunce .

Neither is here small store of little knowledge , such as wherewith our reading ministers are furnished , but such whereof expresse mention is made in this decree , and may necessarily be concluded thus , 1 Whosoeuer taketh vppon him the office of a teacher , amongst the people of God , ought alwayes to attende to reading , to exhortation , and to dwell in the same . 2 But the minister taketh vpon him the office of teaching amongst the people of God . 3 Therefore he ought to attende to reading , to exhortation , and to dwell in the same . 1 He that hath taken vppon him the office of a teacher amongst the people of God , ought to bestow his labour in preaching and in doctrine . 2 But a minister hath taken vppon him the office of a teacher . 3 Therefore he ought to bestow his labour in preaching and in doctrine . Wherevnto agree diuers other decrees , following .

THe reason why a Prior shoulde haue knowledge and be learned , is , for that the lawe chargeth him with cure of soules .

Ex. de statut . Monacho . c. cum ad Monasterium § prior . PRIOR AVTEM , &c. Let the Prior in comparison of the rest , next after the Abbot , be a man of power , as well in deede as in worde , that by his example of life , and word of doctrine , he may instruct his brethren , in that which is good , and draw them from euill , hauing zeale of religion according vnto knowledge , both to correct and chastise offendours , and also to comfort and cherish the obedient . Out of which constitution I conclude thus , à similibus ad similia , From like vnto like . 1 Whosoeuer cherisheth and comforteth the obedient to the faith , and correcteth or improoueth the disobedient , must be mighty in word & deed . 2 But euery minister ought to cherish and comfort the obedient to the faith , and to correct and improoue the disobedient . 3 Therefore euery minister ought to be mighty in word and deed .