One of the foure sermons preached before the Kings Maiestie, at Hampton Court in September last This concerning the antiquitie and superioritie of bishops. Sept. 21. 1606. By the Reuerend Father in God William Lord Bishop of Rochester.

Actes 20. 28. Take heed to your selues , and to the whole flocke ( In quo Spiritus Sanctus vos posuit Episcopos ) in which the holy ghost hath placed you Bishops , to feed the Church of God , which he haeth purchased with his own blood .

THe Conuenting of Bishoppes and the inferior Clergie into Synods , whether Occumenicall , for whole Christendome , or Nationall for one Region , deriues the antiquitie from this booke of the Acts. The Generall Councels from the fifteenth Chapter , the Nationall and Prouinciall from this 20. Naz. ep. 42. ad Procop. And howsoeuer Greg. Nazian : seemes to decline all Councels , 1. Cor. 11 ▪ 17. concluding of them as Saint Paul of the Corinthian Assemblies , that they meete together 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , bringing with them more losse then gaine to the truth ; yet the Church hath by experience found , that as they haue Authoritatem v●errimam , beeing grounded vpon a practise Apostolicall , so haue they , ●aith Saint Austen , August . Vsum saluberrimum , they are of a Physicall nature , as necessary for the body of Christ , which is his Church , as Physicke is for the naturall body of man : the same two endes beeing of them both , either to preuent or cure . If any Heresie in doctrine , or enormitie in manners , like a fretting Gangrene , haue already eaten into the Church , ( whereof Saint Paul complaines to Timothie ) then is it Synodus 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , 2. Tim. ● . 17. the Clergie meetes to cure the maladie , either by incision or infusion ; if a feare of a future disease , whereof those superfluous itching humors , 2. Tim. 4. 3. 2 Tim. 4 3. doe occasion the coniecture , then is it Synodus 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , the Assembly meetes to preuent the mischiefe . That this Synode here in this Chapter met to both these purposes , is the opinion of some Diuines , Saint Paul the President of the Conuocation , calling together the Clergie of Ephesus , verse 17 , first concerning those beasts of Ephesus , whereof himselfe speaketh in the Epistle to the Corinthians ( their whelpes are multiplied with vs in England ) which made a iest of the soules immoralitie , 1. Cor. 15. 32. and the bodies resurrection ; and so he conuented them ad Medelam , by cutting off that Strumam to stay the infection . Secondly , because in the next verse to my Text , he foresawe daungers , both forraine and domestique , both Lupos ingredientes Vers. 29. Wolues entring , and deuouring the flocke ; and Canes oblatrantes , euen the very dogs of the flocke misleading and seducing them , he therefore assembled them ad Cautelam to make them wary . And this last is the most apparant subiect of this whole Sermon ad clerum , and thereunto the most emphaticall and inforceing motiue , this ergo , this illatiue for Attention , Take heede therefore &c. Which some , not vnfitly , doe call Saint Paul his trumpet , not that whereof he speaketh in the 1. Cor. 14. 8. 1. Cor. 14. 8. which sendeth out 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 a dull and vncertaine sound : but like the trumpet of Sinai , Exo 9. 16. wherein there is both Clangor and Horror , the shrilnesse thereof able to awake the most slumbring spirit , and the horror to amate , to affright the sturdiest heart . Whereupon some of the Fathers doubt whither they may call it Tubam or Tonitru , a trumpets blast , or a thunder clap , so vehemently it ratleth out this Episcopall , this Pastorall cautell ▪ First intrinsecally , Take heed to your selues , for as a City mounted on a hill cannot be hid , but is subiect to many a flaw , Mat 5. 14. so Qui sibi nequam cui bonus ? He that cannot rule himselfe , 1. Tim , 3. 5. is vnfit to rule the Church ; and if the salt it selfe be vnsauery , wherewith then can it season other things ? Secondly , extrinsecally , Take heed to the ( Flock ) for Christianity extendeth both her charitie and industrie to the good of others ; Philip 2. 4. yea , to the ( whole Flocke ) as Ezekiel doth particularize it , Ezech. 31. 39. to strengthen the weake , to heale the infected , to splint the spreined , to reduce the wandring , to seeke the lost , to cherish the strong : this is the Clangor of the Trumpet . Sed sonitus buccinae ad huc crescit in maius & prolixius tenditur , saith Moses of that Trumpet , Exod. 19. 19. Exod. 19. 19. And still Saint Paul raiseth his blast by a threefold inforcement .

First , expressing the burthen of the office it selfe , Posuit vos ad ( Pascendum ) ye are set to Feede , for God loues no loiterers , either in the market vnhired , or in the vineyard inclosed , but Mat. 20. 8. Call the laborers and pay them .

Secondly , the author of the office , Spiritus Sanctus , for no man , saith Paul , taketh this honor vnto himselfe but hee that is called of God , Heb. 5. 4. who imposeth the office , and will exact the accompt .

Thirdly , the qualitie of the flocke which is to bee fed , euen that which Saint Peter calleth populum acquisitionis , 2 Pet. 1. 9. a precious people , purchased with a price of greater value then a Kings ransome , as it is heere , with blood , with Gods blood , with Gods owne blood ; ( which hee hath purchased with his owne blood ) this is the horror of the Trumpet . Now then , let him that hath an eare , heare what the spirit speaketh vnto the Churches , Apoc. 2. 7● . saith Saint Iohn ; or rather foundeth out to Churchmen : ●say . 51. 17. for there is no Clergie man , vnlesse he hath , as the Prophet speaketh , caroused the cup of slumber ad fundum , euen to the very dregges , but the voyce of this Trumpet will bee vnto him , as Samuels message , 1. Sam. 3. ● . making both his two eares to tingle , and his heart strings to tremble . Euery blast of this Trumpet , and part of this Text thus dismembred , to expresse to the full , I should want both wind and time . I purpose therefore to take Saint Peters course in his Sermon , Acts 2. who , though he tooke a long text , ●ct . 2. euen foure verses of the sixteene Psalme , yet principally insisted vpon one verse , which hit the point whereof they most doubted : so , to select out of this long Text a few wordes , which are drawne into question against the calling Episcopall ; for it hath beene a long time buzzed into the eares of many , that the function of Bishops is but an humane Inuention .

The wordes therefore are these ( In quo spiritus sanctus vos posuit episcopos . In which the holy ghost hath placed you Bishops . ) The discussing whereof , shall be like the trial of an Ephra●mite , Iudg. 12. 6. by Shiboleth and Siboleth , to see whether it lisp for the Presbyterie , or speak fully for the Praelacy . The first is coniectuall , because whom verse 17. hee calleth Presbyters ; them in this verse he intituleth Bishops , their names not distinct , their offices therefore are not different : that is their conclusion . The second , I thinke , is direct , these words describing fully euery part of the outward function of Bishops . First , their preeminent superioritie in the word ( Episcopos ) for as there are 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 seers Philip : 3. 17. Philip. 3. 17. which expresseth the duty of each Pastour ouer his flock , so are there 1. Pe. 5. 2. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ( 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ) such as must visit & ouerlook both the Flocke and the Seers . 2. in the word ( posuit ) both their Cathedrall Seate , this word onely distinguishing a Bishop from an Apostle ( setting aside their extraordinary indowments , and immediate calling ) the Apostles function beeing an vnlimited Circuit , Ite in vniuersum orbem Mat. 28. 19. Mat. 28. 19. the Bishops a fixed or positiue residence in one citty : as also ( posuit ) not a change or regencie like the Leuiticall seruice , a weekely , monethly , or annuall course , but ( posuit ) setled in their persons during life . Thirdly , their Diocesan Iurisdiction ( In quo vniuerso ) for a Parochian assemblie , a petty parish , came not within S. Pauls cognisance for a Bishop . Fourthly , the author of these all ( spiritus sanctus ) this calling beeing no humane inuention : for euery plant which my heauenly Father hath nat 〈◊〉 shall bee rooted out . Mat. 15. 13. Fifthly , the manner thereof , that is also in the word ( posuit ) First posuit actu , he acted it by the hands of the Apostles , and so the Episcopall function is 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 an ordinance Apostolical Secondly , posuit iure , he hath enacted it for succeeding posteritie , and so it is 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , a Canon or constitution of the whole Trinity . These are the partes , many in number , easy for proofe , and yet hard in the taske , onely in this respect , because of whatsoeuer shal be vttered by me in this discourse , Eccle 1. 10. that of Solomon is verified . Non valet quisquam dicere , ecce hoc recens est : so many treatises there haue bene compiled , conferences had , bookes stuffed with proofes in this argument , to which nothing can bee added and lesse hath beene answered . ( for an answere worse then silence , is lesse then nothing ) Notwithstanding , though Quintilian & Seneca do both of them repute it to be tardi ingenii , to set a mans wit working no further then his reading , I had rather in such a case , which stands vpon authority , Sapere excōmentario & to be wise by other mens labors , then sapere prae commentario , as some in this very point do , who , like vnto him Ezec. 28. 3. Ezech. 28. 3. taking themselues to be wiser then Daniel , ( for he grounded his wisdom vpon books reading ) prefer their owne fancie before al antiquity . Dan. 9. 2. My humble request vnto you is , it might please you to cast off all preiudice either to the question in hand , or the party that handles it ; and before I enter it , to ioyne with mee in humble and hearty praiers vnto almighty God , that what shal be vttered by me his vnworthy minister may turne to his glory and to your instruction in Christ Iesu. In which praier &c. The praier .

The first thing I am to handle is the prioritie and superioritie of Bishops ouer their cleargie in this word ( Episcopos )

IT is Saint Pauls rule , 1. Cor. 14. 4● . that all things be done decently and in order , for where there is no order there can bee no decency : the best means for order , is , when S. Pauls 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 commandement with authoritie , Tit. ● . 15. is followed with S. Peters 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 a subordinate obedience . 1. Pet. 2. 13. No place doth order become better then the Church of Christ , which himselfe in the Canticles calleth Aciem ordinatam , Cant. 6. 36. an armie well marshalled , wherein euery company hath a Captaine , & both Captaines and companies are vnder one General . For 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , equalitie in government is the entertainer of confusion saith the Philosopher , 〈◊〉 polit. & that is so fit guest for the Churches of the saints saith the Apostle . 1. Cor. 14. 33. Wherefore , as the great shepheard of Israel professed of himself that he led his people , & gouernd his flock with two staues , Zach. ●● . 7. which , Zachary the eleuenth , he called the one bandes , and the other beautie : so the great clauiger of heauen which hath the key of Dauid that shutteth and no man openeth , openeth and no man shutteth , Apoc. 37. for his Church gouernment hath left two keyes in the 16. of Matth. the one clauem scientiae the key of knowledge , Mat. 16 19. the preaching of the gospell , Luc. 11. 52. which as the more essentiall part are the bandes of our function : for that necessitie is laid vpon vs , and wo vnto vs , saith Saint Paul , if we preach not the Gospel , if wee turne not that key . The other of power and iurisdiction , which by distinguishing of functions , causeth as Saint Paul describes it 1. Cor. 12. Cor. 〈…〉 a singular decency in the Church of Christ : the one imposeth a duty , & haec oportet f●cere ; there is Zach. his first staffe . ( B●ndes ) the other maketh for the comlines of the regiment , & hac decet fieri , there is Zach. his second staffe ( Beauti . ) And as the Father and the Sonne so the holy Ghost also would make it knowne , that as in his dedit , Ephes. 4. Ephes. 4. 7. the guifts which he hath conferred vpon Church-men , there is an imparitie ; and some better then other couet after the best guiftes 1. Cor. 12. 1. Cor. 12. 31. so in this ( posuit ) the functions and offices of the Church , hee hath appointed an inequalitie , and some to be higher then others , not onely that there be 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 1. Cor. 12. 28. 1. Cor. 12. 28. some to gouerne , some to obay , but that among the gouernours there should be a disparitie of honour in the 1. Tim. 5. 1. 〈◊〉 . ● . 17. some to bee aduanced with double honour in respect of others . This is the proiect of the whole Trinitie for Church gouernement , and their practise was semblable . For God himselfe in the olde Testament in the paritie of priesthood allotteth an imparitie of gouernement , one Leuit aboue an other , Priestes aboue them , and the high-priest chiefe of them all : So Christ , while he liued on earth , of 84. whom hee appointed for the generall seruice , which Saint Luke Act● 6. 4. Act. 6. 4. calleth 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 the ministration of the word , he selected 12. to be the principall and superior to the other ; which appeareth manifestly , Act. 1. Act. 1. For as an Apostles room became void , one of the 72. was chosen into his place : yea euen of those 12. there were , as S. Paule intitles them , Summi Aposto●● the chiefe Apostles , 2. Cor. 1● . 5. by good coniecture those 3. Peter , Iames , and Iohn , whom in the 2. to the Gal. ●al● 2. 9. he calleth Columnas , Pillers . For those 3. alone did our Sauiour make pertakers of his transfiguration on the mount , Mat. 17. Mat. 17. 1. and of his agony in Geths●many , Mat. 26. Which Selection did not so much expresse his loue to them more then the rest , Mat. 26. 37. as , which Nazian. N●z●an . well obserueth , argue their 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 prerogatiue & preheminence aboue the rest . An euident argument ( or probable at the least ) Epip . Epiphan. maketh therof , in that our Sauiour dignified them and not the rest 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 with names & stiles of Honour , calling Simon , Peter , & Iames and Iohn , Boan●rges , the sonnes of thunder . Mat. 3. 16. ●7 . So the holy ghost , after Christes ascention , first Symb●lically 1. Cor. ●● . 1. Cor. 12. 12. distinguisheth persons ecclesiastical placing some as the head , others as the eyes , others as the feete , all together , like members of the body , with equal concord , but vnequal dignitie , conspiring together for the safety of the whole . Secondly , directly , in the word 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 1. Tim. 3. 13. ● . Tim. 3. 13. which the Geneua hath not well translated , They which haue ministred well . For the words are 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Those which haue discharged the office of a Deacon 〈◊〉 prepare vnto themsel●es , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉 to ascend to a higher degree , as first to be Pre●byter , and then Bishop . Which taketh away that distinction of Priority in order ▪ not of degree ; as if the calling Episcopall were a Numeral , not a M●nerall function , a Priority in order , and not a Superiority in degree . For the word properly signifieth a staire or step , as Act. 21. 35 ●ct ▪ 21. 35. Paule stoode 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , vpon the staires . Which interpretation of mine , both Councils and Fathers do co●firme : 〈◊〉 Concil●u● African , calleth the three functions ecclesiasticall , of Bishops , Priests , and Deacons , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 the three degrees of the Church . Conc. Sardicen . No man may be called to be a Bishop , which hath not risen by euery 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Sardie . ad culmen Episcopatus . Conc. Calcedon . Chal. To reduce a Bishop , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 backe to the degree of a Priest is sacriledge . So Nazian. Nazi . vit. Ath● speaking of Athanasius saith , that he had 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , as much preheminence & honor for his virtue as by his dignity , & degrees . Of Saint Basill also he saith , vit. Basil. that he rose to his Bishoprik , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 by the order and law , of the spirituall Ascent : which metaphor Saint Hierom himselfe vseth to Nepotian , Hier. ad Nepot . if thou desire the office of a Bishop , gaudeo de ascensu , I reioyce at thy Climing : and of the same Nepotian , fit Clericus , & per solitos gradus Presbyter . In the infancy of the Church , these degree ; Idem in epit . Nep. were not distinct , for they were not extant . The first that were made were Deacons , Act. 6. Act. 66. Presbyters there were none solemnly ordeined ( that we read of ) till Act. 14. 23. Ibid. 14. 23. The highest degree which was the function Episcopal , the Apostles reserued vnto themselues a long time , and that for 3. maine reasons .

First , there was no Church established , and but a few at the first conuerted , wherefore all their whole labor they bent in turning the first key , to open that dore of faith Act. 14. 27. namely the conuersion of the Gentiles , Ibid. 14. 27 : which the Apostle 1. Cor. 16. 1. Cor. 16. 9. calleth a great dore & effectual : & al the help they could make either by Prophets , Euangelists , Coadiutors , Pastors , Doctors , Planters , Waterers , or whatsoeuer was litle enough for that worke .

Secondly after the conuersion of many people , euen in setled Churches , they hasted not to place a Bishop , for 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . No great thing is suddenl●e brought to passe , saith Nazian. and a Presbyter fit to make a Bishop , Nazi●● . 〈◊〉 2. Cor. 2. 16. is hardly found , saide a Carthaginian Bishop in an open Synod : Nam ad haec idoneus quis ? saith Saint Paule , ( though our Church here , for a long time doubled the Echo with a quisquis ) The rule therfore of the Apostle being vnto Timothie , 1. Tim. 3. 6. that in no case he should take him that was Neophytus , a new conuert and make him a Bishop , of them the Church was at that time full ; euen for that cause also they absteined .

Thirdly , few being found fit for that high calling , the Apostles left some Churches to be gouerned by Presbyters , ( reseruing stil the highest command to them selues ) but when they founde that humour whereof Saint Iames speaketh that euery man would bee a maister . Iam. 3. 1 . ● lin. nat hist. ( like Plinie his Amphisbaena , a Serpent which hath a head at each end of her body , both striuing which shold be the maister-head , in the mean time toiles the body most miserably , & in the end rents & tears it self most lothsōly ) finding I say those 2. effects which vse to follow Parity & Plurality , viz. dissention & confusion , Hieron in Tit. cap. 1. & epist. ad Euagr. it was generally decreed , as Hierom confesseth , Vt vnus caeteris superponeretur , that one should be placed aboue the rest to gouerne both Presbyters and Flocke , and that the whole care of the Church , ad vnum pertineret should belong to one , & he should be stiled by the name of Bishop : particularly , ouer this Clergy here assembled , Timothie , who is subscribed in the end of that second Epistle , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 The first Bishop of the Church of Ephesus by imposition of hands 〈◊〉 & so was Titus also stiled Bishop of Creta , as in the subscription of that epistle appeareth . Yea but these were S. Paules Bish●p ▪ ( say some ) and betweene them and ours a great 〈◊〉 . True , 1. For varietie of giftes and graces of the spirit . A maine difference , as 〈◊〉 as betwen 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , 1 Cor. 12. 8. their knowledge for the most part 〈…〉 Reuelation , 1 Cor. 12. 8. ours acquired with much study and ndustry .

2. In respect of the honour and reuerence which their Clergy and flocke performed to them . A great difference ; 1 Cor. 5. 13. ye see Saint Paul describes it . 1. Thes. 5. to be 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 more then a superaboundant aw and loue .

For maintenance they and we somewhat semblable , theirs impeached by persecution , ours exhausted by Sacriledge .

It is a prety obseruation ( though a sharp one ) which a Romish writer of the Church story long since made , 〈…〉 that the word Conscientia hath had very ill lucke , in the Church of Christ , it could neuer yet be at once in full Syllables ; in the Apostles time● , when there was Con and Sci , a 〈◊〉 and a 〈◊〉 Clergy , then entia was defectiue , they had the 〈◊〉 of the Spirit , but no indowment of possessions : Afterwards when there was Con and Entia a religious ( yea a superstitious ) and a very 〈◊〉 Clergy , then Sci was 〈◊〉 , they were not then the 〈…〉 : And in my time ( saith he ) Con and Sci are both gon , and ( like Phil●poemenes armie in Plutarch , Plut. in Philopae . which had neither head nor feete , but whole bellie ) they be all Entia , they haue all the Honours , all the Mannors and all the ●at of the land : But with vs againe it is come round , for now that we haue Con and Sci , a learned ( God be thanked ) and a religious Clergy , the Entia are gone , our ma●ntenance is imb●aseled , our honors enuied : yea , euen that poore Ens & Vrum which by Gods and the Kinges fauour we enioy , was of late cast whole into the Kings mercy , as if they would haue made v● non - 〈◊〉 . But the authoritie and preheminence ouer the Cleargie , is all 〈◊〉 in them and v● , they receiuing it from the Apostles , and wee deriuing it from them : which is manifest in two principall things , wherein the Bishops then , and we now , are Superior vnto the other Clergy which for your better memorie may be reduced to two words each very like to other , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 & 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 .

First , Collation of Rewardes , which Saint Paul calleth Ordination , Tit. 1. 5. Tit. 1. 5. ( the highest honor that a Bishop can reward a Scholler of desert withall , to make him a Priest of the High God . )

Secondly , Iu●iciall Censure , i● their Consistorie and Visitation , not of the Flocke onely , but of the Pastors also : both which Iurisdictions , Distributiue and Correctiue the Apostles kept vnto themselues , till they appointed Bishops either Substitutes in their absence ; or Successors after their death . In the Church of the●●alonica , where there were many 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 both Preachers & Gouernours ; 1. Thes. ● . 12. yet saith Saint Paul , If any man obey 〈…〉 , ● . Thes. 3. 14. note him by a letter , and shall I come vnto you with a Rod ? saith he to the Corinthians , 1 Cor , 4 , vlt , which Church had many Pres●yters ; there is the Censure reserued . For the other , Philip though full of the holy Ghost and of power hauing preached and conuerted many in Samaria , Act. 8. yet had no authoritie to lay-hands vpon any , but the Apostles were faine to send , from Hierusalem . Peter and Iohn to doe that office , there is Imposition of hands reserued : both these they conueyed vnto Bishops .

First , for Ordination by laying on of hands , in this Church of Ephesus , there were many Presbyters long before Timothie was appointed their Bishop , 1. Tim. 5. 22. yet Saint Paul sent him of purpose to Imp●se handes . 1. Tim. 5. 22. Tit. 1. 5. and for that intent also he left Titus in Creta . Neither would the Church of Christ succeeding admit any other but Bishops to that businesse , as not iustifiable for the Presbyters , either by Reason , example , or Scripture .

First for Reason , it is a rule which admits no contradiction , Heb. 7. 7. saith the Apostle , that he which blesseth , should bee greater then he which is blessed , ( taking it for the benediction which is ex authoritate not deuotione , for the subiect may blesse the Prince , & man blesseth God in heartie deuotion , but the blessing of authoritie comes from the greater , as honour is in him that confers it , not in him that takes it . And this is Saint Ambrose his reason . Ambros. in . 1. Tim. 3.

Secondly , for example , not one to bee shewed through the whole storie Ecclesiasticall , that any besides a Bishop did it . If some one of the inferior ranke presumed to doe it , his Act was reuersed by the Church for vnlawfull ( as in the case of Coll●thus , a Presbyter of Alexandria , Athanas. Apol. 2 in li●●●is Pres. whereof Athanasius and Epiphanius do both make mention , Marit . who took vpon him to giue orders , for which both himselfe was censured and what hee did was reuoked , ●piphan . 〈◊〉 . 69. and they receiued as meere Lay-men , ( and no otherwise ) vnto the communion , whom he had ordered .

Thirdly , For scripture , there is none , either of Holie men , or of the Holy-Ghost , not holymen , for all the Fathers 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 with one consent do contradict it . Chrysostome vpon the 1. Tim. 3. and 4. Chrysost. Theodoret. Oecumen . Ambros. vbi supra . Hieron . ad Fuagr . Theodoret vpon the same places . Aiax ●●agel . Oecumenius vpon 1. Tim. 5. Ambrose is peremptory , that it is neither Fas nor Ius , consonant neither with Gods nor mans law , that any besides a Bishop should do it . Yea , Hierom himselfe who setteth a Presbyter like him in Sophocle , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 & aduanceth him as high as he can to make him go aequis ceruicibus with a Bishop , yet takes him this one peg downe , Excepta Ordinatione , what is it saith he , that a bishop doth which a Presbyter may not do , sauing Ordination ? No scripture of the Holy-ghost , either analogically by consequent or directly by precept : For analogie , none but the Apostles did it , or might do it , ( as before you heard ) not directly , for to what Presbyter was the authority committed as a Presbyter ? 1. Tim. 5. 21. vnto Timothy a Bishop of Ephesus it was said ( lay hands hastily on no man ) And to Titus a Bishop of Creta I have left thee here to ordaine presbyters . Tit. 1. 5.

But to each of these there is an obiection , First for example , that of Ananias Act 9. Act. 9. who being neither Apostle , not Bishop , onely a disciple , laide his handes vpon Paul , and had a commission for it . True , but they were Manus curatoriae , not confirmatoriae , as appeareth verse 12. verse . 12● to restore his sight , not to giue him his function . Els should he haue beene first actually consecrated an Apostle of Christ , before hee had beene baptised into Christ , which was Psal , 18. Secondly for scripture , Saint Pauls precept seemes to imply a practise of consecration by the Presbyteri , 1. Tim. 4. 14 . in those wordes ( neglect not the grace which is in thee , and was given thee [ cum impositione manuum presbyterii ] faire colours in show , but they will not hold . Shall the Fathers b●e iudges ? They al , with one consent , interpret the Presbytery by the Praelacy , that is by the Bishops , for they onely ( say the Fathers ) may doe it . Shall moderne writers , and the best of them Maister Caluin ( presbyterii ) nor the Colledge , saith hee , is here meant , ( for the Bishops had then and after a colledge of priestes to assist them in their sacred businesse , Hierom in Esa. 3. which Saint Hierom calleth ( Senatum ecclesiae ) but the office , as if Paul shoulde haue said ( neglect not the grace which was giuen thee , when by imposition of handes thou wert made presbyter ) which interpretation he borrowes from Saint Chrysost. Shal Saint Paul himselfe determine it ? 2. Tim. 1. 6. In the second Tim 1. 6. ( Stirre vp saith he the grace which is in thee by the laying on of My hands ) So that either Saint Paul was himselfe that whole Presbyter 〈◊〉 , as hauing in him ( being an Apostle , which Bishops also haue ) all the functions Eccl●siastical , as the Philosopher speaks of anima rationalis , that it hath in it all the inferior faculties both sensitiue and vegetatiue . Or at least he was principal in the action , & without him it might not be done . Which were it so , ( yet Master Caluin Caluin . stands resolute that S. Paul alone did it ) it preuentes a third obiection taken out of the 4. Iustit . lib. 4. c. 3. Carthaginian Councell , where there is a Canon that when a Bishop laies handes to giue Orders , all the priestes present do withall lay their handes iuxta manum Episcopi . True , First ( iuxta manum ) so that the Bishops hand must necessarily and 〈◊〉 b● on . Secondly there is 〈◊〉 scripture a twofould 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 or stretching forth of the hand , the first , extended to consecrate and b●esse . So did the ●a●ria●chs and priestes in the ould testament : our Sauiour and his Apostles in the new . The other , stretched out , ad testimo●um , for a witnesse and assent . rod . 29. 1. The Bishops hand is the first , for that blesseth and consecrateth , the pre●byters assisting do with their handes 〈◊〉 and approue what hee doth . How will that appeare ? demonstratiuely , because if there were an error in the ordination , as that a man , either insufficient for learning or scandalous for life , or otherwise Canonically impeached , were admitted into Orders , the Bishop only was censured , the assisting presbyters neuer called in question : whereof the examples are infinite , and therefore the diuines haue very well obserued out of that place , 1. Tim. 5. 22. 1. Tim. 5. 22. ( lay handes hastily on no man ) that the Bishop as hee hath manum porrigendam he only hath authority to impose hands , so he hath also manum corrigendam ( if as S. Basil speaketh ) he hath 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 hands too hasty and easy for admittance into orders without triall and testimony , his hand onely is to bee corrected . For 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 it is thou Timothy ( not the Presbyters ) that communicatest with their sinne whom thou so admittest . So then since neither the error was imputed vnto the Clergie assistant nor the Censure inflicted vpon them , the conclusion is found , therefore the authori●●● not committed vnto them . Whereupon some , because if they grant Imposition of handes ; they see a superioritie must needes follow , 〈◊〉 Act. and Monument . haue therefore done as it is recorded of a Painter in the time of Queene Mary ; who hauing drawne King Henry the 8. against the Queenes comming through the Citty in Triumph , with a Bible in his hand beeing checked by a great Counsailor of State , and willed to wipe it out , because he would be sure to leaue no part of the booke visible , hee wiped out Bible & hand withall so they , with the superiority haue remoued also the ●●remony , insomuch that in some Churches , as it is well knowne to your Maiesty when they admit any into Orders they shake hands with them ; as bidding them welcome into their company , Gal. 2. 9. grounding it vpon a Text of Scripture ( to say no more ) wrongfully interpreted Gal. 2. 9. where it is said that the ● . chiefe Apostles gaue vnto Paul and Barnabas , dextras societatis , the right han●s of fellowship , as if they at that time had either giuen or confirmed vnto them their function . Where , as the truth is , that the Apostles finding the doctrine of Paul and Barnabas to bee all one with theirs , and also their preaching very effectuall in conuerting many to the faith , thervpon they entred a Couenant that Paul and Barnabas should take the charge of the Gentiles , and they them selues would be Apostles of the Circumcision , and vpon this they strooke handes . But Paul and Ba●nabas Act. 13. 2. Act. 13. 2. receiued also imposition of handes at Antioch : If before they came to the Apostles , ( as some thinke ) then this shaking of handes ( be it for ordination ) was superfluous : If after ( as others more probably coniecture ) then were this defectiue . The truth is that the A postle Paul receiued not his function by handes either imposed or stro●ken , but by especiall reuelation , Gal. 1. 1. 2. The handes imposed Act. 13. were commendatiue , the right handes stroken Gal. 1. were stipulatiue , and therefore no meane Praesbyterial . The Professors of Boem wish Imposition of handes in consecration to be retained , as signifying 4 thinges fit for a Minister , for some of them will haue Ceremonies to bee significant : And so much shall serue for the first part . We come now to the second that is to Correctiue iurisdiction , which Saint Paul to Titus 1. 4. Tit. 1. 4. in one worde calleth 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 a setting of things to rights . Correction iudicial is either Correctiue or Coactiue , either restraining , where there is too much forwardnes , or inforcing where there is a slacknes , this the Rod , that the sworde Apostolical . 1. Cor. 4. 〈◊〉 . Veniam ad vos in virga ? 1. Cor. 4. there is the po● . v●inam abscindantur qui perturbant vos , there is the sword Apostolique , ●al. 5. 12. Both these the Apostles kept in their owne handes ; Gal. 5. 12. as will appeare , for example , in the Church of Corinth , where there were many excellent Preachers , Presbyters , of eminent gifts , yet none of them could proceede against the incestuous offendor , 1. Cor. 5. before they had receiued a Commission from S. Paul , who beeing offended that they had no sooner informed him , Iam iudic●●i ( saith hee ) as soone as he heard it [ I haue already decreed to deliuer him to Satan ] He did not say decreed that you shall deliuer him : and therefore willeth them in the name of Christ and his spirit ( that his authoritie ) being with them to execute that his decree , and deliuer him vp , whether , by excommunication or corporall infliction , is not to this purpose . But where they placed Bishops vnto them they transmited the same preeminence . Against an elder receiue no accusation , ● Tim. 5. 29. saith Saint Paul to ●imothy , he saith not against a Co-Presbyter , as his equal , but he speaketh vnto Timothy a Bishop as a Iudge of Presbyters saith Epiphan. Epiph. lib. ● . In particular , Hae● . 75. if any of the Clergie , do 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , preach any other doctrin than that which is ●ound , 1. Tim. 1. 4. prohibe , command him not to do it . If any of them do preach prophanely or bablingly , ● . Tim. 2. 16. Cohibe , restraine him , that their doctrine spread not to further hurt . If Timothy might not thus censure alone ( which is the opinion of some ) without the consent of the bench , what needed that dreadful charge vnto him 1. Tim. 5. 21. 1. Tim. 5. 21. I charge thee before God , Christ Iesus , & his elect Angels that thou proceede in this order , without preiudice or partialitie ( the 2 cu● thro●es of al vpright proceedings . ) For had hee bin to sit in the Consistory ; only to cap voices , himselfe hauing no Negat●ue , scarse a casting voice , allotted him , what feare might bee either of his preiudice to the cause , or partiality to the accused , sithence that , as in Arithmet●ke , the number of voices do there ouer sway , and not the waight of reason . Again of al Presbyters is expected the abi●●ty , Tit. ●9 . & to ech of them committed the authority 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 to censure gaine-●aiers , but with force of argument , not in place of iudgement . Tit. 2. 15. For vnto Titus alone , a Bishop , was that 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 that vniuersal authority Tit. 2. 15. Tit. 2. 15. commended , both for pulpit & Consistory , [ for I haue lef● thee at Creta to reas esse thinges amisse ] saith the Apostle vnto him Tit. 1. 5. Tit. 1. 5. For particulars if any preach otherwise then becomes him 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 it is thy du●● to put him to silence Tit. 1. 10. Ibid. vers. 10. And 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 reproue some of them sharpely ▪ as the word signifieth , euen with cutting them short , that their vnround doctrine infect no further . And againe , if an Heretique , after the first and second admonition recant not 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 av●yde him , that is excommunicate him , Tit. 3. 10. Tit. 3. 10. To say this authority was committed vnto either of them as Euangelistes

First , that is but a coniecture , for there is as good proofe that Timothie was an Apostle as that he was an Euangelist ; for he that sayde vnto him , 2. Tim. 4. 5. 2. Tim. 4. 5. Fac opus Euangelistae , Doe the worke of an Euangelist , ( which is the ground of that gift ) the same sayd also of him 1. Cor. 16. 10. 1. Cor. 16. 10. Operatur opus Domini sicut ego , Hee worke the Lords worke euen as I ; And we all know Saint Paul was an Apostle .

Secondly , the worke of an Euangelist ceased with the function , as beeing but temporarie and personall , but these things which Saint Paul inioynes to Timothie , as a Bishop , must remaine in the Church gouernment , to perpetuall succession . For so the Apostle , 1. Tim. 6. 14. 1. Tim 6. 14. chargeth him before God and his sonne Christ that hee keepe these In●unctions without stayne , or chang● , ill the comming of our Lord Iesus Christ . Which ti●othie could not performe in his own person , who ( as the Apostle knew ) could not liue so long : Ambrose in 〈…〉 . cap. 6. therfore as S. Ambrose well obserueth , it is spoken to Timothie a Bishop , as a precept for those that should succeed him in the same function , much lesse were they imposed vpon him as a Presbyter ; for though the names in Scripture be often confounded , yet the functions are distinct , For in the 24. of Matthew , Verse 45. Mat. 24. 45. hee that was appointed Rector super familiam , Steward of the houshold : vnder the chief Lord , was in the 49. verse called 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 a fellow seruant with the rest of the Meany : all seruants vnder one Lorde , but yet some superior to other in Office . In the Ciuile state , being more familiar vnto you , this distinction will be more apparant . For the stile of Bar●n is a ti●tle belonging to men of great Honor , and of noble birth , but yet communicable to men scarse of meane Worship , Yea , euen in that honourable rank , both Earles , and Lords are called Barons , yet their places and Dignities vnequall : euery Earle being a Baron , but euery Baron not an Earle . So in this case , both Bishops and Priests , in respect of that generall seruice to our Lord , 1. Cor. 4● . the Dispensation of his word and mysteries , are all Presbyters and fellow-Presbyters , but the stiles being communicable the tearmes are not conuertible , for euery Bishop is a Presbyter , but euery Presbyter is not a Bishop . For S. Peter calleth himselfe a Presbyter . 1. Pet. 5. 1. 1. Pet. 5. 1. and yet he was an Apostle , the communitie of names confound not the offices . Neither shal we euer read , that any of those things inioyned by Paul to Timothie , were committed to Presbyters , either to a singular person , or to a whole Colledge , where there was not a Bishop . Wherevpon the very same authoritie , both of Ordination and Iurisdiction , the Churches succeeding reserued to their Bishops onely . I maruaile , saith Hierom , that the Bishop of the Diocesse wherein Vigilantius is a Presbyter doth not crush that vnprofitable vessell with his Apostolique rod . Hierom. ad ●iparium . And it is thy humilitie , Cyprian . ad Rogat . saith Saint Cyprian to Rogatianus a Byshop , that thou wouldest complaine to me of the con●umelie offered vnto thee by a Deacon , whereas thou mightest pro Episcopatus tui vigore & Cathedrae authoritate , that is , through the strength of thine office , as thou art a Byshop , and the authoritie of thy Chayre , haue power sufficient to reuenge thy selfe on him : And therefore willeth him ●hat if the Deacon doe still persist in that his malipert cariage , he should either Deponere , or abstinere , Depose him from his Ministerie , or suspend him at his pleasure . And thus much of the Superioritie of Bishops ouer their Clergie : the nature whereof , what it is you see .

Wee must nowe come to examine the authoritie , whereon it is grounded , and that is , in these wordes , Spiritus sanctus , the Holy Ghost , For his authoritie runs through all the partes , as in the beginning I told you . Of his immediate disignment , of any to the place , we speake not yet , though ●ome referre the calling of Timothie , to his Bishopricke , vpon those words , 1. Tim. 1. 18. [ per Prophetiam ] thereunto . Oecumenius vpon that place , Oecumen . ibid infers that generall conclusion , that Bishops were not made 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 pell-mell , at all aduentures , but by the Commandement of the Holy Ghost ; wee speake of their appointment , by men indued with the Holy spirit from aboue , Luc. 24. 49. that is , the Apostles , ( for euery ordinance Apostolick , wee take to be the action of the Holy Ghost ) In triall whereof we will follow M. Beza . Ad tract . de diuersis grad. cap. 23. Surely , saith he , Si ab ipsis Apostolis profecta esset &c. If I could finde this superioritie of a Bishop ouer the rest of his Clergie , to haue proceeded from the Apostles , I would not feare to attribute it Divinae in solidum dispositioni , Wholly and fully to the diuine Institution ; August . de bapt. contra Donat. ca. 24. lib. 4. Let vs then ioyne that issue . Saint Augustine ▪ shall beginne . That which the whole Church reteineth , and no Councell hath first decreed , and was neuer al●red , must be beleeued to be an Apostolicall ordinance . Now ●or this particular , Hier. ad Euag. Saint Hierom himselfe c●nfesseth● , that not one Church onely , but the whole world decreed the superioritie of Bishops , Vt vnus coeteris superpo●er●tur . As for a Councell that first erected it , there is none . The Canons , Can. Apost. vbique . which for the antiquitie of them , are called Apostolorum Canones , Nicen. Con : 4. distinguish the● . Degrees as we now haue them . The Nicen Councel , which is the first generall we haue in print extant , Can. 6. &c. 7. reckoneth them in the same order , with the same prerogatiues , and establisheth them to be continued according to the ancient and former custome , with this short Aphorisme , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . For alteration there was none for 1500. yeeres together ; vntill young Iosua his emulation , enuying that some had the Key of Knowledge , Numb. 11. 29 more then other , [ Enuiest thou for my sake ? ] ioyned with Corah his repining , that some had the Key of power and Iurisdiction aboue others : [ You take too much vpon you , Numb. 16. 3. Moses and Aaron . ] I say , not for 1500 yeeres did any Church alter that Gouernment or opinion : perhaps a pedling Heretique or two , The●al●s in the Church of Ierusalem , and Aerius else-where , fancied vnto themselues a Paritie , but their ground was Malecontentment , as Eusebius , and Epiphanius both witnes , Epiphan. haeres . 75. because they could not be made Bishops , which they earnestly affected . Egesippus the ancienst Historian cited by Eusebius hath branded Theblis , gesip . apud 〈◊〉 . lib. 4. cap. 22. with a marke that will not out , while there are bookes extant , viz. That the Church of Ierusalem , remained no way infected with error in so much that she was by men stiled a Virgin : the first that corrupted her was Thebulis , because he was not made Bishop : So that by Saint Augustines inference , the Institution is Apostolicall , and therfore by M. Beza his concession , Diuine . But this is perhaps but an oblique and indirect proofe .

Surely , we are no Arcadians , to fetch our Pedegree from beyond the Moone : shall Histories of fact , or Testimonies of the auncient , be our Heraldes for record ? Euseb. hist. Eusebius , the most auncient of the Historiographers , that wee haue , Eccles. ●par●●m for 300. yeeres succession nameth the persons and calculateth the times of the Bishops of foure principall Churches of the worlde Ierusalem , Antioch , Rome , and Alexandria ; Socrates , Socrat. and Theodoret the rest , Theodoret. who lineally succeeded the Apostles in those Sees , vntill the Councell of Nice , who with 314. Bishops more subscribed vnto that Generall Councill . And that which Eusebius witnesseth of those foure , 〈◊〉 lib. 4. ca. 63. the same doth Irenaeus , more auncient then hee , by almost two hundred yeeres , iustifie to bee the case of all the Churches in the world , that the Bishops then gouerning , could deriue their succession from them , to whom the Apostles by hand , deliuered the saide Churches , to gouerne in euery place . August . ep. 42. 1. Which certeine successiue propagation , Saint Augustine maketh the maine roote of Christian societie : Tertul. de prescript . and Tertullian , the maine proofe of true doctrine . And heere if I would seeme ambitious , in heaping Authors , I might goe downeward from Irenaeus , through the whole course of the Fathers , delineating this succession , and thereby trouble rather your patience , then mine owne memorie .

The best course therefore to determine this question , in this short time allotted mee , will bee , as I think , if we make him the vmper , whom they make our Accuser , that is S. Hierom , whom Master Beza , with others doe principally relie vpon . Pag. 145. in resp. ad Sarav . Nam cui notior ? For who , saith Beza , was better acquainted with the Historie of the age succeeding the Apostles , then Hierom ? Yes surely , a dozen more in print , of as great note and truth , as hee ; who all concord the Succession , and Superioritie of Bishops , to bee Apostolicall . But what sayth Hierom ?

First , hee will haue this same , Excelsiorem gradum , of Bishops ouer the Clergie , to beginne in Alexandria , Hier ad euagr . à Marco Euangelista : Aster S. Marke the Euangelist ( for they would make the preposition to bee exclusiue ) as if in Saint Markes time , neither that Prelacie was heard of , nor then els-where , but in the Church of Alexandria onely . Well , could Bishops goe no higher for their Superioritie , they need not bee ashamed of their Progenie : for Saint Marke dyed , Euseb. li. 1. cap. 24. and Anni●nus presently succeeded him , sixe yeeres before the death of either Saint Peter , or Saint Paul : thirtie fiue yeeres before the death of Saint Iames the Apostle : fortie fiue yeeres before Simon Cleophas , who was one of our Lordes disciples , of whom we reade , Luke 24. Luke 24. Who was Bishop of Ierusalem after Saint Iames : and therefore made Bishop , because hee was our Lordes kinsman , as Eusebius witnesseth . Euseb. li. 4. ca. 22. So , that this Superioritie , ( though it began , as they say , in the next Successor to Saint Marke ) was extant in the Church , these Apostles viventibus , videntibus , approbantibus ; liuing , seeing , approouing it : ( for silence argues , if not an approbation , yet no dislike ) But Hierom confesseth , that Saint Marke himselfe , the in●erpreter of Saint Peter , ( for the Gospel , which beareth Saint Markes name , hee receiued from Saint Peters owne mouth , as some write ) was the first Bishop of Alexandria . Hieron . p●o●em . in Euang. Matthei . Hieron . de scriptor . Eccles. in lacobi . And were there Bishoppes onely in Alexandria ? No , for Hierom also witnesseth that Iames the iust , our Lordes brother , was the first Bishop of Ierusalem , and so ordayned by the Apostles , presently after our Lordes passion : yea , Bishops doubtlesse , but not Superiors , ouer their brethren , before that time which was after Saint Marke . Ignatius , Hieron . in ●gnatio . who as Hierom himselfe recordeth , conuer●ed with the Apostles , and saw Christ in the flesh ( by good likely-hood , as some thinke , one of those fiue hundred brethren , of whom Saint Paul , 1. Cor. 15. 1. Cor. 15. 6. Ignat. ad Smyrn . 6. speaketh ) Or , rather , as Ignatius of himselfe witnesseth , euen then , when Christ sayde to his Disciples , Handle mee and see , for a spirit hath not flesh & bones &c , Luke 24. ●9 . The second Bishop of Antioch , Ignat. ad Antioch . after Saint Peter , writeth to the An●iochians , for amongst them hee was a Presbyter , to remember Euodius their Bishop , who first receiued from the Apostels , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Praelacie , and Superioritie aboue vs : Idem ad Trall . for Episcopus est sacerdotum Princeps , saith the same Father els-where . And afterwardes , when himselfe came to bee Bishop of the same Church ( beeing ca●yed to Rome to bee martyred for his profession ) hee writeth vnto the Pastors , and Clergie of Antioch , that they would be diligent in feeding the Flocke , committed vnto them , vntill God did shewe vnto them , Ignat. ad Antiochen . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , him that should rule ouer them , Idem ad sar. after his death . But in his Epistles , ad Sarsenses , inioyning in particular each order his subiection : Presbyters , be obedient to your Bishop ; Deacons , be subiect to your Presbyters : and Lay-men to all . His conclusion is very patheticall , My soule for theirs , who obserue this order , the Lord will be alwayes with them . This was blessed Ignatius , to whom our Sauiour appeared , and spake in the flesh . And Clemens of Alexandria , in a Storie that hee rehearseth of S. Iohn , reporteth that the said Apostle , after his returne from Pathmos , Euseb. lib. 3. cap. 23. in some places where he came , made Bishops , and chose into the Clergie , such as the Holy-Ghost thought fit : and vpon occasion of a yong man , of whom he tooke especial liking , turned vnto a Bishop , who was , as the story speketh , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Superior , or set ouer them all , committed the youth to his Custodie : which Bishop after his returne , he called Caput illius Ecclesiae , the head of that Church . Hieron . aduers. 〈◊〉 . Yea Hierom himself acknowledgeth , that vnles to the Bishop there be giuen Exors quaed●m & ab omnibus emi●●ns potest as , an extraordinary & pe●reles preheminence aboue the rest , tot essent schismata , quot sacerdotes , there would be as many schismes as there are Preestes . And this shall serue fo● the first obiection out of Hierom. But the second is that which they vrge most , for that seemeth to strike home , namely , that this Maioritie of Bishops came rather ex consue●udine Ecclesiae , by the Churches custome , quam dominicae dispositionis veritate , then by the truth of the Lordes ordinance . Some , I know both Papists and Protestants , Hieron . in Tit. 1. are so angry with Hierom for this , that they ranke him with Aerius in the number of rank Heretikes , as maintaining , by this speech , the Parity of ministers ; A wrong to that Father doubtles . For what Church meant he to whose custome he ascribed it , the church in the Apostles times or after ? if in the Apostles times , shall wee thinke S. Hierom wold fasten vpon them such a crime , as that they would erect such an office contrarie or not consonant vnto their Maisters prescript ? And yet it is certaine hee meant of that Church , Hieron . ibidem . for in the same place shewing what occasioned this Preheminence of one aboue the rest , he saith it began when the Divell made that faction in the church , that one wold say I am of Paul , and another I am of Apollos , a thirde I am of Cephas , and an other I am of Christ , and this was as appeareth 1. Cor. 1. 1. Cor. 1. in the time and prime of the Apostles . Yea indeede , Hierom is direct , that the suppressing of schismes occasioned the first sourse and erection of Bishops as the best remedy against them . And when were schismes more rise then in the Apostles times ? There is no Church to whom Saint Paul writeth an epistle but he complains of them . Where , by the way , two thinges wee may obserue here-hence by this occasion of Saint Hieroms speech . Cypr. ad Rogat . First that of Saint Cyprian , that this maligning the superiority of Bishops is an infallible note of Schismatikes . For as you might know , that Demetrius and his fellow Goldsmiths , by raising a tumult against Paule were Dianaes tradesmen , because they foresaw if Christ were preached , Act. 19. downe must Diana , and withal their gaine : so may wee descrie who are inclined to Faction by their spurning against this superiority , because if Bishops bee raised , their Schismes must bee scattered . Secondly , if aduancing of Bishops bee the suppressing of Schismes ( as their owne author affirmeth ) and Saint Paul prophesieth 1. Cor. 11. 1. Cor. 11. Oportet haereses esse , that there must and will be heresies and Schismes while the world standeth , then surely , it behoueth your Maiestie ( to whome the care of Church and kingdome is committed ) if you will haue Schismes abandoned , to maintaine and continue this government Episcopall : vnlesse , as it pleased you to write to your most noble sonne , you wil retaine factions in your kingdome , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . P● . ●2 . as Socrates did his wife Zantippe , to try your owne patience , and the Churches constancie . But to answere the point , if this superioritie came by a custome in the Apostles times , and they , wee must thinke , did nothing derogatorie to their Masters precept , why then should Hierom say it came not by the truth of the Lords ordinance ? Clemens Alexandrinus , by a pretty distinction vpon that place 1. Cor. ● . 1. Cor. ● [ yee are Gods husbandry ] giueth mee a good hint for a fit resolution . The Apostles , saith hee manured the Church with a double tillage : there was 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Ioan. 〈◊〉 . the first , that of the Euan. Iohn . 20. Haec scripta sunt , direct written precepts which our Lord had left them : 1. Cor. 〈…〉 the other , which Saint Paul 1. Cor. 11. calleth 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , things vnwriten which they either did , or spake as the times occasioned , and the holy Ghost directed . If any thinke that this maketh way to Popish traditions , vnwritten verities , It is no other then Saint Pauls owne distinction of Praeceptum and Concilium out of his owne practise . 1. Cor. 7. 6. that hee spake some thinges by permission , some things by precept . 1. Cor. 7. 6. This speake I , saith hee againe Verse 1● . not the Lord , Psalme 12. did Paul vtter any thing contrary , or not agreeing to the Lorde his Maisters doctrine ? No , but perswading himselfe Verse fourtie , verse 40. that hee also had the spirit of God , vers. 25. though I haue , saith hee Verse 25. no commandement from the Lorde , yet I give this aduise . So meaneth S. Hierom , that this Matority of Bishops is that 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 that vnwritten husbandry whereof Clemens speaketh , vz that there is no written precept or expresse rule from Christ , but yet that it is an Apostolicall tradition , and grew to be a custome euen then in all Churches , I●enae . for so Irenaeus long before him calleth it Traditionem Apostolicam toti mundo manifestam . Neither doth this obiection out of Hieron make more against the Priority of Bishops then against the obseruing of the Lordes day , wherof that speech of Saint Hierom may be as well , yea more truely verified , that it is rather ex consuetudine Ecclesiae quam Doninicae dispositionis veritate . That the seuenth day shou●de bee kept holy there is expresse scripture both afore the lawe vpon the Creation , Gen. 2. Exod. 20. and in the lawe at the fourth commandement , but where is there any place either in the Gospels that our Sauiour comanded , or in the Acts and Epistles that the Apostles ordained the alteration of Sabatumin Dominican , the first day to be sanctified for the seuenth ? In the first of the Reuelation it is once named and called Dies Dominicus , Apoc. 1. which by all testimony was not the seuenth day , and so in the ould testament there is a day which David so intitl● t● , Psalme . 118. hic est dies This is the Lords day , he hath made it , we will reioice and be glad in it , and that by all assurance was not the Sabboth . The truth therefore is , that the Church finding the obseruation , but not the first ordinance thereof , continued it to be kept , and accounted it as an Apostolicall institution . And the very same is the true sense of S. Hieroms speech in this point of praelacy , sauing that the placing of Bishops is more apparant in the epistles to Timothie and Titus : Otherwise hee shoulde much haue forget himselfe , Heron . ad Ma● . for in his epis●le to Marcella confuting or rather contemning the errors of Montanus , this he puts for one . With them , saith he , the Bishops are thrust into the third place , but with vs ( in the Christian orthodoxall Churches ) Apostolorum locum tenent Episcopi , The Bishops haue the Aposils room , that is , the first place . Yea els-where he acknowledgeth it to bee Dominica dispositio , The Lordes own ordinance , though indirectly & obliquely , & that out of the old testament 1. alle●orically out of Ps. 45. wherin the Church of Christ is rep●elēted in the person of Salomons Queen : Aug. in ●s . 44. vpon those words , ver. 16. Prepatribus ●ati 〈◊〉 tibi 〈◊〉 , Let it not gree●e thee , saith S. Austen that the 〈…〉 not Peter & Paul , by whom thou wast bego●●ē for o● thine own brood , a fatherhood is grown vnto thee : Insteed of fathers , children are borne vnto thee : Quos 〈…〉 principes s●per omnē●errā , ●●●ron . ibid. that is , saith S. Hieron , The Gospe● being spred through all quarters of the world , in them Bishops are placed rulers of the Church . Secondly , by comparis●n , ( wherein he plain●ly 〈…〉 what he meant by those wordes , 〈…〉 the Custome of the Church : namely an Apostolike ordinance ) Vt Sc●amus saith he Apostolicas traditiones sumptas de vete●i testamento &c. That we may know how the Apostles grounded their traditions , or ordinance vpon the old Testament , and from thence fetcht their Modele , this is one particular , That which Aaron , his sonnes and Leuites were in the Temple : the very same let Bishops , Presbyters , and Deacons challenge in the Church to them sclues . T●is were sufficient , if we should rest here : but neither S. Hierom , not they must so passe , as if it were not directly the Lords owne institution . For Spiritus sanctus , not onely by the Apostles , who had receiued him in great measure , but euen by Christ himselfe , who , Ioh. 3 ▪ ●oh. 3. was indued with the spirit without measure , ordained this Superioritie , if we will credite S. Hierom his ancients by many yeeres . S Cypri . Let the Deacons remember , that Apostolos , Cyp● . ad rogat . id est . Episc●pos Do●inu ipse eleger●t : The Lord himselfe choose Apostles , that is Bishops ; but the Apostle after our Sauior his ascention , choose Deacons to serue them at the Altar , &c. For , that the Apostles were Bishops , besides the rest of the Fathers , Hierom himselfe by allusion confesseth . Non om●es Episcopi , Episcop●s●●t , Hieron . ad ●liod . All that are in the place , and carry the name of Bish●ps , are not Bishops Atte●de ●etrum , sed & 〈◊〉 consider ; Looke vpon Peter , but withall behold Iudas . For they whom we now call Bishops , Theodo● . in ●hilip. 1. were then called Apostles . saith Theod. Yea , though they all were silent in that point , the Holy g●ost will confirme it ; who speaking of Matthi●s choise into Iudas his roome in expresse termes calleth Apostolatum Episcopatum , Actes 1. 20. Acts. 1. 20●●sal . 109. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 out of the Psa. 109. Let another take his Bishopship . Saint Hilary with many of the Fathers ●f●irme , that our Saui●r in direct words appointed this superioritie Episcopall ouer their brethren , in that place and part of his last Sermon , Hilar. in Math. 24. Mat. 24. 45. Who is a faithfull and wise seruant quem Dominus constituet [ super familiam ? ] whom the Lorde shall make ruler ●uer his houshold ? But that , which is in the Apocalyps , is 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 admits no contradiction , where our Lord himselfe , willeth S. Iohn to write vnto the 7. Angels of the 7. Churches . Wherin 3. things are very worthy obseruation . First , he calleth them Angels , there is their eminence , both for dignitie , and integirtie , Secondly , they had the tryall , both for proofe , and reproofe of their Clergie Apoc. 2. 2. [ Thou hast examined them which professe themselues Apostles , and are not ] there is their preeminence for iurisdiction ouer their brethren . Apoc. ● . 1. 2. 5 Thirdly , the perpetu●tie of their place during life : Else , what need that threat , ver●e 5 ? I will remo●ue thy Candlestick . For had he but st●ied a month , or a yeer , the Presbytery would haue turned him out of his socket , when his turne was expired . Instit. lib. 4. cs . ● Sect. 1. But as with M. Beza we begun , so will we conclude al with M. Caluin , who d●rects vs , for the finding out of Church gouerment according to the diuine Institution , vnto veterem Ecclesiam , the ancient Church , wherin we shall see , Imaginem quanaam , a certain representa●ion thereof . For howsoeuer , saith he , the Bishops of that time made some Canons exorbitant from Scripture , yet with such caution , did they constitute their Discipline vt facile videas ni●il ●ere hac parte ha●uisse a verbo Dei alienum : that it may easi●y appeare nothing therin almost to differ from the written word . For this particular in hand , Sect. ● . in the next Paragraph , he exemplifieth the forme therof . Out of their number of Presbyters , Pas●ors , & Doctors in euery city , they chose one to be the chief , whom they entituled a Bishop , ( for which he adds a reason ) Ne ex ●qualitate , vt fier● solet , dissidia nas●erentur . And lest you should think ( as some do ) this Bishop to be but a Parson of a Congrega●ion , 〈◊〉 . he proceedeth to tell vs , that to euery such cit●e attributa erat certa regio , an whole territory or Country was annexed , the villages wherof , set their Pastors that fed them from the Cathedrall Church , or Colledge of Presbyters , whereof the Bishop was chiefe , and where he sate . A liuely Idea thereof still remaineth with vs in the Churches of the olde fundation . And this makes way to the partes ensuing , namely , first [ Posuit ] their Cathedrall Seat : and Secondly [ In quo ] their Di●cesan iurisdiction But I feare , I haue beene too troublesome already , and therefore will here stay my course .

God , for his great mercies sake , grant that the wordes which haue beene spoken , may turne to his glory , and our Instruction in Christ Iesu , To whom with the Father , and the Holy Ghost , &c.

FINIS .