CHAP. I. What doth occurre concerning Bishops , and the government of the Church by them , during the first halfe of the second Century .

I. Of the Condition of the Church of Corinth , when Clemens wrote unto them his Epistle .

II . What that Epistle doth containe in reference to this point in hand .

III . That by Episcopi , he meaneth Bishops truely and properly so called , proved by the scope of the Epistle .

IV . And by a text of Scripture therein cited .

V. Of the Episcopall succession in the Church of Corinth .

VI . The Canons of the Apostles ascribed to Clemens , what they say of Bishops .

VII . A Bishop not to be ordained under three or two at least of the same order .

VIII . Bishops not barred by these Canons from any secular affaires , as concern their families .

IX . How farre by them restrained from the employments of the Common Wealth .

X. The jurisdiction over Presbyters , given to the Bishops by those Canons .

XI . Rome first divided into Parishes , or tituli , by Pope Euaristus .

XII . The reasons why Presbyteries or Colleges of Presbyters were planted at the first in Cities .

XIII . Touching the superiority over all the flock given to the Bishop by Ignatius .

XIV . As also of the Jurisdiction by him , allowed them .

XV . The same exemplified in the works of Justin Martyr .

FROM the Apostles we proceed unto their Disciples , such as conversed with them , and lived neerest to them . And first of all we meet with Clemens , once one of Pauls Disciples , and by him Phi●ip . 4.3 . remembred ; afterwards Deacon to Saint Peter , as Epist. ad Trallianos . Ignatius tels us : and finally successor to them both in the administration of the Church of Rome , as Chapt . 3. N. 8. before was shewed . Amongst the severall monuments of piety which he left behinde him , the most renowned is his Epistle to the Church of Corinth ; of which Eusebius Euseb . Hist . Ecc. 1. 3 c . 12.16 gives this testimony , that it was {αβγδ} , famous and very much admired : adding withall that aswell anciently , as in his times , it used to be read publickly in the Congregation . The occasion which induced him to write the same , was a sedition , or a faction rather , raised in the Church , which from the first Preaching of the Gospell there , had been too much addicted to 1 Cor . 3. Divisions . But what this faction was about , or what occasion was then taken for the production of new broyles , or the reviving of the old ; we shall best see by looking on this peece of Clemens ; recovered from the ruines of Antiquity by the care and industry of Patr . Yong , Library-keeper to his Majestie . There finde we the good man complayning Clemen . Epist. ad Corinth . p. 62 that the Church of Corinth , so ancient and well grounded in the faith of Christ {αβγδ} , should for the sake of one or two contentious persons tumultuate against their Presbyters : and that the scandall of their functions should come unto the ears of Infidels , to the dishonour of the Lord . Nor did the faction rest in the people onely , though it proceeded to that height as Ibid . p. 58. the ejecting of those Presbyters whom they had distasted : but it had taken too deep footing amongst the Presbyters themselves , encroaching with too high an hand on the Bishops office , or wilfully neglecting his authority . For whereas in those times , Part . 1. ch 5. as before was shewn , the blessed Eucharist , regularly and according to the Churches Orders , could not be celebrated but by the Bishop , by his leave at least , and that it did pertain to him to appoint the Presbyters what turns and courses they should have in that ministration ; these men perverting all good order , neither observed the time and place appointed for that sacred action , nor kept themselves unto those turns and courses , in the performance of the same , which were assigned them by their Bishop . Certain I am that the discourse of Clemens in the said Epistle doth militate aswell against the one , as against the other : blaming aswell the Presbyters for their irregular proceeding in their ministration ; as censuring the People for their insolency , in the ejecting of their Presbyters . So that we have two factions , at this time in the Church of Corinth : one of some inconformable Presbyters , so farre averse from being regulated by their Bishop , as they ought to be , that they opposed the Clem . p. 57. very calling , raysing contentions and disputes about the Name and Office of Episcopacy : another of the people against the Presbyters , and that pursued with no lesse acrimony and despite , then the former was .

For the repressing of these factions at this present time , and the preventing of the like in the times to come , the good old man doth thus proceed . Beginning with the Presbyters , he first presents unto them Id. p. 48. the obedience that Souldiers yeeld to their Commanders , shewing them {αβγδ} , how orderly , how readily and with what subjection they execute the severall Commands imposed upon them by their Leaders : that since all of them are not Generals , Coronels , Captains , or in other office ; every one {αβγδ} in his rank or station is to obey the charge imposed upon him , by the King or Emperour , and his Commanders in the field . Then represents he to them the Id. 49. condition of the naturall body , in which the head can doe but little without the ministery of the feet , the feet as little ( out of question ) without direction from the head ; that even the least parts of the body are not only profitable , but also necessary , concurring all of them together to the preservation of the whole . Which ground so laid , he thus proceeds in his disourse : {αβγδ} , &c. Id. p. 52 , &c. These things being thus declared and manifested , looking into the depth of heavenly knowledge , we ought to doe those things in their proper order , the People in the tendring of their oblations , the Presbyters in the celebrating of the Liturgy , according to the times and seasons by the Lord appointed , who would not have these sacred matters done either rashly or disorderly , but at appointed times and houres , and by such persons as he hath thereunto designed by his supream will , that being done devoutly and Religiously they might be the more gratefull to him . They therefore who upon the times prefixed make their Oblations to the Lord , are blessed , and very welcome unto him from whose commands they doe not vary . {αβγδ} , &c. For to the High-Priests was assigned his particular function , the Priest had his peculiar ministery prescribed unto him , and the Levites theirs : the Laymen being left unto lay imployments . Therefore let every one of you my brethren , in his Ranke and Station , offer to God the blessed Eucharist , with a good Conscience ; keeping within the bounds of his ministration , appointed to him {αβγδ} . p. 53. by the Canon . ( For so I take it is his meaning ) For not in every place was it permitted to the Jews to offer up the daily and perpetuall Sacrifices ; whether they were sinne offerings , or Eucharisticall oblations , but at Hierusalem alone , nor there in any place indifferently , but only in the Court of the Temple , at the Altar : the Sacrifice being first viewed and approved of , both by the High Priest , and the foresaid Ministers . They that did any thing herein , otherwise then agreeable to his will and pleasure , were to die the Death : you see , my brethren , that as we are endued with a greater knowledge , so are we made obnoxious to the greater danger . The Apostles have Preached the Gospell unto us from Christ ; JESUS Christ from God : Christ being sent by God , as the Apostles were by Christ ; and both proceeding orderly therein , according to his holy will . For having received his Commands , and being strengthened by the Resurrection of our Lord JESUS Christ , and confirmed by the word of God , they spread themselves abroad , in full assurance of the holy Ghost , publishing the comming of the Kingdome of God : and having Preached the word throughout many Regions , and severall Cities , they Constituted and ordained the first fruits of their labours , such whom in spirit they approved of , to be {αβγδ} , &c. p. 54 , 55. Bishops and Deacons , unto those that afterwards were to believe . {αβγδ} . p. 55. Nor was this any new device , it being written many ages since in the book of God ; Esay 60. {αβγδ} , i . e . I will appoint them Bishops in righteousnesse , and Deacons in Faith . Afterwards laying down the History of Aarons rod budding , and thereby the miraculous confirmation of his Election , he addes Id. p. 57. that the Apostles knowing by our Lord JESUS Christ the contention that would arise {αβγδ} , about the name or function of Episcopacy ; ( take it which you will ) and being for this very cause endued with a perfect foresight of that which afterwards should happen ; ordained the aforesaid Ministers , and left to every one their appointed offices , that when soever they should die , other approved men should succeed in their severall places , and execute their severall parts in the Ministration . Those therefore which were either ordained by them , or by those famous and renowned men that followed after them , with the consent and approbation of the Church , and have accordingly served unblameablely in the fold of Christ , with all humility and meeknesse , and kept themselves from basenes and corruption , & have a long time carried a good testimony from all men : those we conceive cannot without much injury be deprived of their place and service : it being no small sinne to reject those men , who holily and without reproofe have undergone the office of Episcopacy , or done the duty of a Bishop .

So farre the Father hath proceeded , as to the Vindication of Episcopacy , or the Episcopall function , which you will , from the attempts and practises of such Presbyters , who went about to undermine it , and raise contentions in the Church about it . That which comes after , doth relate to the other Faction , the Faction raised against the Presbyters by some of the unruly people ; and that he doth pursue from pa. 58. beginning with Beati sunt Presbyteri , &c. following the same till pag . 70. where he perswades the Presbyters that were so distasted , by severall examples both profane and sacred , rather to quit the place for the Churches peace , then by their tarrying there to increase the rupture . Now that by Bishops or Episcopi , in the words before , he meaneth Bishops , truely and properly so called ; and doth not use the word in so large a sense , as also to include the Presbyters , as some Vindication of the Answ . pa. 136 , 137. men conceive : doth seem most evident to me , by these reasons following . First , from the Clem . p. 53. Parallell here made between the severall degrees and offices in the Jewish Church , and those established in the Christian : which had been v●ry imperfect and inconsequent , if there had not been those severall and distinct degrees of Bishops , Presbyters , and Deacons in the one , as of the High-priests , Priests , and Levites in the other Church . And that the Bishops in the Christian Church are called many times {αβγδ} , or High-priests in the ancient writers , is no new learning unto those that have read the Fathers . And unto this interpretation of the word Episcopi in that place of Clemens , I am the more inclined to stand , as to the true and proper meaning of the Father ; because I find the self same Parallell produced by Hierome , none of the greatest Patrons of Episcopacy . Who tels us first , that many of the Apostolicall Traditions did take their ground or hint from the old Testament , and gives us next this instance of it ; or if you will , this resolution in the case : Hierome ad Euagrium . Quod Aaron , & filij ejus atque Levitae in Templo fuerunt , hoc sibi Episcopi , Presbyteri atque D●aconi vendicant in Ecclesia ; that such as Aaron , and his sonnes , and the Tribe of Levi , were in the Temple ; the same were B●shops , Presbyters and Deacons in the Church of GOD . Where plainly that preheminence which Aaron had over and above the Priests and Levites ; the same is given by Hierome to the Bishops , over their Presbyters and Deacons respectively . And this is that which is affirmed in the words of Clemens , if we mark it well , the Parallell being brought in both , for the selfe same end . And this to me appears yet further to be clear and evident , by the contentions raised by these Corinthian Presbyters Clem . p. 57. {αβγδ} , about the name or dignity of Episcopacy ; the power and priviledges appertaining to that sacred calling ; and the discourse thereon occasioned , touching the limiting and restrayning of these busie Presbyters , unto their proper Rank and Station . For had the heat been only raised upon the deposition of their godly Presbyters , as by Vindic p. 137 some is said : that had not any way concerned either the name or dignity of Episcopacy , ( taking Episcopacy in that sense as themselves would have it : ) that quarrell not being taken up ( as they make the case ) against the dignity or calling , but the persons only of those Presbyters , whom they had deposed .

But I am most of all confirmed herein by the citation of that text of the Prophet Clem . p. 55. Esay , though of a very different reading from those now in use : the application of it being so conforme to that of other ancient writers . St. Hierome following the translation of the Septuagint , Hierom . Comment . in Esa . 6.60 . doth thus read the text , Dabo Principes tuos in pace , & Episcopos tuos in justitia : observes that in the Hebrew it is written thus , Ponam visitationem tuam pacem , & Praepositos tuos in justitiam . And thence infers the admirable Majesty of holy Scripture , quod principes futuros Ecclesiae , Episcopos nominavit , in that the future Governours ( or Princes ) of the Church are there , before-hand , called Bishops ; whose Visitation is in peace , and the name or Appellation of their office , doth denote their justice . Cyrill Alexan . in Esai . l. 5. c . 60. Saint Cyrill also , although he differ from our Author in the translation of the text , following therein the Septuagint , as Saint Hierome did ; yet he agreeth with him in his application . For making a comparison between the Religion of the Jewes and Christians ; likening the one to gold and silver , the other unto brasse and iron , according to the tenor of the words foregoing : he addeth that the Jewish Ministers , the Scribes and Pharisees , whom before he spake of , being once removed , {αβγδ} , Christ the Redeemer of all people did raise up other Governours and Bishops for them , such as did every way excell in Peace and Righteousnesse . And then he makes this use thereof , for our instruction , Id. in Esaian Tom . 5. c . 60. That since the Princes or Rulers of the Church doe excell in Peace , and the Bishops of the same in Righteousnesse : it ought so farre to work upon the people , {αβγδ} , as that they should endeavour to lead their lives in Christian Piety and godlinesse . Here then we have two of the learnedest of the Ancients writing upon the text alledged by Clemens ; and both expounding it of Bishops truly and properly so called , according to the nature of that word in the times they lived : and therefore questionlesse Clemens must needs be understood of such Bishops also : And herewith you shall have the reason , why Bishops and Deacons are here joined together , and that there is no mention made of Presbyters ; not that the Presbyters were not ordained by the Apostles , aswell as either of the other ; but because the Deacons in this common broyle did constantly adhere unto their Bishop , when as so many of the Presbyters were in opposition : or else as Epiphan . adv . haeres . 75. Epiphanius tels us , because that Bishops at the first had more use of Deacons , then they had of Presbyters : for where the Congregation was but small , ( as that of Basil de Sp. san . c . 29. Gregorie Thaumaturgus is said to be , consisting of no more then 17 persons ) a Bishop onely was sufficient : {αβγδ} , But being a Bishop could not be , or at the least not doe his office , without help of Deacons ; that Bishops and Deacons are remembred only . And yet perhaps the meaning of the Author may bee best conceived , certain I am , the doubt or difficulty would be best removed , did we translate {αβγδ} , by the English Minister , as in that place I thinke we may ; according to the generall meaning of that word in its native sense : the Presbyters and Deacons , both being but subservient Ministers unto the Bishop who did allot them out their turnes and stations in the officiating of Gods divine service ; the Presbyters not having yet assigned them their particular bounds , wherewith to execute the same , as in the time succeeding it is plain they had : of which more hereafter .

In the mean time we must examine whether the Church of Corinth , to which Clemens writ , had not been setled by the Apostle in that form of government , which had been every where established in the neighbour Cities . And certainly I can see no reason , why Corinth should not have a Bishop , aswell as Athens , or Philippi , or the Thessalonians , Hieron in Titum cap . 1. & in Epist ad Euagr . or any other Church of Greece or Macedon . I see much reason why it should . For if that Bishops were first instituted in Schismatis remedium ; for remedy of Schisme , as Saint Hierom saith : assuredly the Church of Corinth being first pestered with that foule disease , should first of all , in all congruity , be fitted with the remedy so proper and peculiar to it . A B●shop then they were to have by Saint Hieromes rule , and that as soon as any other Church what ever : but who this Bishop was , is not yet so evident . By Dorotheus in Synopsi , Silas , Saint Pauls most individuall companion , is said to be the Bishop of this Church , Corinthiorum constitutus est Episcopus , as his words there are : wherein Baron in Rom. Martyrol . Julii 13. Hippolitus conccurring with him , doth make the matter the more probable . And though I will not take upon me to justifie the reports of Dorotheus , where there is any reason to desert him , as there is too often : yet when the point by him delivered doth neither crosse the holy Scripture , nor any of the ancient writers , as in this he doth not ; I know not why his word may not passe for currant . Nay if we please to search the scripture , we may find some hint , for the defence of Dorotheus in this one particular . For whereas we find often mention that Silas did accompany Saint Paul in many of his peregrinations : the last time that we finde him spoke of , is in the 18. of the Acts ; v. 5. which time he came unto Saint Paul , to Corinth . After , there is no mention of him in the book of God : And possibly the reason of it may be this , in briefe , that he was left there by Saint Paul to look unto the government of that mighty City . Which when he could not doe by the word and doctrine , Saint Paul reserving for a time the jurisdiction to himself , V. chap. 4. n 5 as before was said ; and that the factions there did increase and multiply , for want of Ordinary power to suppresse the same : Saint Paul might then invest him with authoty , making him Bishop of the place , both in power and title . This if it may be counted probable , I desire no more . And then as we have found the first Bishop in the Church of Corinth , we shall with greater ease and certainty finde out a second , though his name were Primus : for proofe of whose being Bishop here , we have the testimony of Egisippus , Ap. Euseb Hist . Eccl. l. 4. c . 21. x 6. who took him , in his journey towards Rome and abode long with him ; giving him speciall commendation both for his orthodoxie and humanity . After succeeded Ibid . c . 24. x 5 . Dionysius , next to him Id. lib . 5. c . 21. x 6 . Bachyllus ; of both which we shall speak hereafter in convenient place .

From the Epistle of this Clemens unto those of Corinth , which is his undoubtedly , proceed we next unto the Canons commonly called the Apostles Canons , Bellarm . Baron . alii . supposed to be collected by him : but so supposed , that still there is a question of it , whether his or not . That they are very ancient is unquestionable , as being mentioned by Tertull . adver . Praxeam . Tertullian , and cited in some of the ancientest Councels , whereof the acts and monuments are now remaining on record . But being it is confessed on all hands , Binius in notis ad Can . Apo. quosdam ab haereticis corruptos , that some of them have been corrupted by the Hereticks of old , the better to advance their cause by so great a Patronage : we must be very wary how we build upon them . And howsoever Bellarmine Lib . De Scriptor . Eccl. in Clemente . be exceeding confident , that the first 50. are most true and genuine ; and probably it may so be : yet I conceive it safe to admit them on those sober cautions , which are commended to us by Baronius : Annal . An. 102. n . 17. who on a full debate of the point in question , doth resolve it thus : Illi tantum nobis ex Apostolicis fontibus , &c. Those Canons only seem to us , saith he , to be derived from the Apostolicall fountaines , which have either been admitted and incorporated by the Fathers into the Canons of succeeding Councels , or confirmed by the authority of the Bishops of Rome , aut in communem usum Ecclesiasticae disciplinae , or otherwise have been continually practised in the Churches discipline . The first and last of these three cautions , I conceive to be exceeding sound , and should not stumble at the second , had the decrees and ordinances of the ancient Popes come incorrupted to out hands . Which ground thus laid , we will now see what the Apostles Canons have delivered in the present businesse : and that we shall distribute as it doth relate to Bishops , either in point of their Admission , how and by whom they are to be Ordained ; or of their carriage and behaviour being once admitted , how farre to disoblige themselves from the employments of the world ; or of their Jurisdiction over the inferiour Clergie , whom they are to govern . These are the points which are most clearly offered us to be considered of , in the aforesaid Canons , and these we shall present , and then consider of them accordingly .

And first in way of their Admission to that sacred function , it seemeth to be the first care of the Collector , that it he done according to the minde and meaning of the holy Apostles : and therefore it is put in the very front ; viz. t●at a B●shop is not to be ordained , but by three B●shops , or by two at the least . {αβγδ} , Canon . Apost . 1 as the Canon hath it . A Canon which hath all the rules and cautions required by Baronius , for proofe of its antiquity , and Apostolicall institution : as being confirmed by many of the Decretalls , in case they were of any credit ; incorporated first into the Canons of the Councell●f Conc●● . Arelat . Can . 21. Councell●f Arles , a● afterwards in those p of Nice ; Nicen Ca . 4. and generally continued in the constant practise and perpetuall usage of the Church . Onely the difference is , that the old Canon doth admit of ordinations made by two Bishops , if a third may not conveniently be had ; wherea● the later Councels stand on three precisely : whereof perhaps this was the reason , because in later times there was a greater number of Bishops in the Church of God , then had been before ; and so the number of three Bishops to concurre together , not so hard to meet with . Now they that search into the first occasion of the present Canon Philodox . ap . Masonum de Minist . Anglic . l. 1. c . 5. fetch it from a tradition on record in Clemens : viz. that James the Proto-Bishop , the first that ever had a fixt Episcopall Sea , was ordained Bishop of Hierusalem , by Peter , James and John the sonnes of Zebedee . Peter , saith he , Clem . Alex . ap . Euseb . l. 2. c . 1. and James , and John being by our Redeemer most esteemed of , contended not amongst themselves after his ascension , for the highest place , {αβγδ} , but rather made choyce of James the Just , to be the Bishop of Hierusalem . But this , if looked on well , was no ordination , for James being one of the Apostles needed no such Ceremony : but onely an agreement made by that goodly fellowship amongst themselves , that whilest the rest did Preach the Gospell in the world abroad , Saint James should take the charge of the mother City . The Ordination of Saint Paul and Barnabas Objected by Philodox . ap . Masonum . l. 1. cap . 7. unto the Apostleship , by the hands of Lucius , Simeon and Manaen , is indeed more pertinent ; but that being an extraordinary case , it can make no precedent . But what need any further pedegree be sought , to raise the reputation of this Canon ? It is antiquity enough that it stands in front and leads on all the residue of the Canons , ascribed of old to the Apostles . And yet we must observe withall , that as there is no generall Rule , but hath some exception : so the necessities of the Church have many times dispensed with these ancient Canons : the Ordination of Anastas . in vita Pelagii . Pelagius the first , once a Pope of Rome , and of Synodal . Ep. Episcoporum Ponti , ap . Binium p 173. Tom . 2. Dioscorus Patriarch of Alexandria , being performed by two Bishops only , contrary to the Councels or Nice and Arles ; that of P. Evagrius Theodo . Hist . lib . 5. c ▪ 23. Patriarch of Antiochia , but by one alone , contrary to the old Apostolike Canon . But then we must observe withall , that these exceptions being in extraordinary cases and occasions , are rather a confirmation of the Canons , then any diminution to them : according to the good old Rule , Exceptio firmat regulam in non exceptis .

The Bishop being thus admitted to his charge and function , by a peculiar Ordination ; we must next see what is prescribed him in these Canons touching his behaviour , whether Domestick in his family , or publick in the Commonwealth . For his Domestick carriage , it is ordered thus , Canon . 5. {αβγδ} , that he doe not put away his wife , on pain of Excommunication , on any shaddow or pretence of Piety what ever . I know my Masters in the Church of Rome would faine shift this off , by saying that there is nothing else required by the present Canon , Binius in Annot ▪ in Con . 5. but that they ought to have a care of them , ipsisque de omnibus quae ad vitam honestè degendam requiruntur , provideant , and to provide them all thing● necessary for this present life . But surely Zonaras Zonar . Com . in an . Apo. gives a fairer and more likely glosse ; by whom it is affirmed , that if a Bishop , or any other person in holy orders , ( for the Canon doth extend to all particularly ) should under colour of Religion put away his wife ; he was to be excluded from the Church by this present Canon , till he admitted her againe : Admitted her again ? to what ? Assuredly unto his bed , to cohabitation : Should he doe otherwise , ( saith he ) it would redound to the reproach of Marriage , {αβγδ} , as if that conjugall society did beget uncleanes , whereas the Scripture saith , that Marriage is honorable , and the bed undefiled : adding with all {αβγδ} , &c. that lawfull wedlock in those times was left free to Bishops , and that it was restrained first by the Synod in Trullo , many hundreds after . An. 692. Which being , so the following Canon must admit of some qualification , Can . Apost 6. by which it is decreed , {αβγδ} {αβγδ} , that he doe not take upon him any worldly cares , or secular affaires , be it which it will . For if he was allowed to have wife and children , and consequently was necessitated to maintaine a family ; it could not be , but he must needs be subject to some worldly cares , in making fit provision for them : Saint Paul determining that , 1 Tim . 5.8 . If any man provide not for his own , especially for those of his own house , he hath denyed the faith , and is worse then an Infidell . So that these being not the worldly cares which are intended , as they relate to his domestick carriage in his private family ; we must next see how farre it doth extend to those worldly cares , or rather secular affaires , if any shall so choose to read it , which doe concerne him in the publike .

And here we must first know whether that all intermedling in secular affaires , or worldly matters , be interdicted by this Canon , meerly quà tales for themselves ; or as they were an avocation from the worke of the holy Ministery . Not of themselves , quà tales , there 's no doubt of that ; for then their private and domestick cares must also undergo the same probition . It seems then only as an avocation , as they diverted Bishops and the rest in orders from doing the worke of their vocation . Zon . Comment . in Apost . Can . Zonaras doth conceive it so . {αβγδ} , the purpose of the Canon is , that they should attend the holy ministery , keeping themselves from all disturbances and the tumultuousnesse of businesse . But then withall we must observe that Zonaras alloweth them to take care of Orphans , and to administer their estate to the best advantage , which is one secular imployment , and no mean one neither . In this the Councell of Chalcedon , Can 3. doth agree with Zonaras , allowing Clergymen to be Guardians ( as we call it ) unto those in Wardship . Can . 3. Though the providing for the Fatherlesse be a work of mercy ; yet the administration of their estates {αβγδ} , as it is there called is a worke of businesse : And this allowance is affirmed by Zonaras , to be consistent with the Canon , which is one thing more ; and such a one as will make way for many others . The arbitrating of emergent differences between man and man , for the advancement both of peace and justice , is a worldly work , a secular imployment , past all question . May not the Canon be perswaded to admit of this , and not to have it laid in barre against the Bishop , that he hath left his holy calling and made himself a Judge amongst his neighbours ? Out of doubt it will : And which is somewhat more , out of doubt it must . Those Canons which are only fathered on the Apostles , will else run crosse with those which are theirs indeed . When Saint Paul 1 Cor . 6. lessoned those of Corinth , that rather then they should prophane the Gospel with contentious suits , they should referre their differences to their Brethren : thinke you it was his purpose either to exclude the Clergy then , or their Bishop after , when they had one ? No saith Saint Ambrose , ( if the work be his ) Ambros . Com . in 1 ad Cor . c . 6. Melius dicit apud dei ministros causam agere , no better way then to referre the businesse to Gods Ministers , who being guided by the feare of God , will determine rightly in the s●me . Or is the Bishop only to be barred this Office ? Not so , saith he . For if Saint Paul adviseth them to submit themselves unto the judgement of their Brethren , it was upon this reason principally , quia adhuc Rector in eorum Ecclesia non esset ordinatus , because , as then , there was no Bishop in that Church . Saint Austin gives it more exactly , makes it a charge imposed upon the Bishop by Saint Pauls command . For speaking of the pains he took in the determining of such causes as were brought before him , August . de Opere Monarch . c . 29. he tels us , that he underwent the same , in obedience only to Saint Pauls injunction , quibus nos molestiis idem affixit Apostolus , as his words there are ; and that Saint Paul imposed it not by his own authority , sed ejus qui in eo loquebatur , but by the authority of the Holy Ghost which did dictate to him : adding withall , that howsoever it was irksome and laborious to him , yet he did patiently discharge his duty in it prospe aeternae vitae , only upon the hope of life eternall . And it is worth the observation , that venerable Beda , making a Comment upon Saint Pauls Epistle , collected out of severall passages of Saint Austins writings ; he putteth down this place at large , as the most full and proper exposition of the Apostles words , Secularia judicia si habueritis , &c. 1 Cor . 6.4 . If then ye have judgements of things partayning to this life , &c. Here then we have the Bishop interessed in the determining of suits and differences , a secular imployment surely : and yet no violence offered to the sacred Canon . May he not goe a little further , and intermedle , if occasion be , in maters of the Common wealth? Synesius in Ep. 57. {αβγδ} . I doe not blame those Bishops , saith Synesius , that are so employed : such as are fitted with abilities for the undertaking , being by him ( a strict and rigorous man ) permitted to employ the same . And more then so , {αβγδ} , it maketh for Gods praise and glory that it should be so : that men , on whom he hath bestowed abilities to performe both Offices , should doe accordingly . But these I put down here , as opinions only : the practice of them we shall see in a place more proper . If then it be demanded what those {αβγδ} , those Worldly cares , and Secular imploiments are , which the Canon speakes off : Zonar . Comment . in Conc . Chalced . Can . 3 Zonaras will imforme us in another place , that the Canon aimeth at the mingling of the Roman Magistracies {αβγδ} , with the Episcopall or Priestly function , which at that time were , questionlesse , incompatible . And then the meaning of the Canon will in fine be this , that Bishops or inferiour Clergymen , might not be Consuls , Praetors , Generalls , or undergoe such publick Offices in the State of Rome , as were most sought for and esteemed by the Gentiles there .

As for their Jurisdiction over the inferiour Clergie , as farre as it is warranted by these Apostolike canons ; it doth consist especially in these particulars . First , there is granted and annexed unto them , the power of Ordination , and to them alone . The second Canon tells us so , Can . Apost . 2. {αβγδ} , the Presbyter and Deacon , and all other Clerks must be ordained by one Bishop . And if a Bishop be required , though but one in all , the Presbyters have no authority at all , of conferring Orders . But of this before : Being ordained , they were accomptable in the next place to their Bishop , in all things which concerned their Ministration : without whose speciall leave and liking , there were not onely many things which they might not doe ; but there was nothing in a manner to be done , Can . 38. {αβγδ} , let them doe nothing , saith the Canon , without the knowledge of the Bishop ; neither Baptize , nor celebrate the Eucharist , as Ig●at . ad Smyrnens . Ignatius hath it , of whom more anon ; {αβγδ} not repell any man from the Communion , as it is in Zonaras . But heare the Canons speaking in another place , they will tell you more particularly , that if a Presbyter neglecting or contemning his own Bishop , Can . 31. shall gather the people into a Conventicle , {αβγδ} , and erect another Altar for divine worship , not being able to convict his Bishop of any impiety or injustice ; he is to be deposed , {αβγδ} , as an ambitions person , seeking a preheminence that belonged not to him . Finally so obnoxious were the Presbyters to the command and pleasure of their Bishop , that they could not be admitted into any other City Can . 12. {αβγδ} , without his letters testimoniall ; and this on pain of Excommunica-aswell unto the Presbyter that should so depart , as to the party that received him . If any Presbyter Can . 15. or Deacon , leaving the charge appointed to him ; shall goe into another Diocesse ( for so I think {αβγδ} must be read in this place and time ) and there abide , without the allowance of his Bishop , {αβγδ} he is to be suspended ab officio , especially if he return not presently on the Bishops summons . More of this kinde there is in those ancient Canons , touching the Presbyters dependance on , and plain subjection to their Bishop . But I have instanced in such only , as may be cleerly justified by succeeding practise : And so much of the Apostles Canons , ascribed to Clemens .

From Clemens , on to Evaristus , his next successor in the government of the Church of Rome . I know the Antiquaries of that Church have interloped an Anacletus between these two ; and let them take him for their labour . But when I finde in Irenaeus Iren . l. 3. cap 3. , who lived so neer the times we speak of as to converse with those which were then alive , when both these Bishops sate in the Church of Rome ; and when I finde it in Eusebius Euseb . hist . Ec. l. 3. c . 28 . {αβγδ} . , who with such care and diligence collected the successions of the Prelates in the greater Churches ; that Evaristus did immediately succeed this Clemens : I shall desire to be excused if I prefer their testimony in this case , before that of Anastasius , or the Pontificall , or Platina , or any whosoever of the later daies . Now of this Evaristus it is said by In vita Evarist . Damasus in the Pontificall , and from him by Platina , In vita Evarist . titulos in urbe Romae Prebyteris divisisse , that he did first assigne the Presbyters in Rome their particular charges : which also is affirmed by De vitis Pont . Rom. in Evaristo . Rob . Barnes , one of the great Agents in our Reformation ; which words of the Historians being short and dark , we will expound in the expressions of judicious Hooker thus , as followeth . Hooker Eccles . Polit . l 5. n . 80. For more covenient discharge of Ecclesiasticall duties , as the body of people must needs be severed by divers precincts so were the Clergie likewise accordingly distributed . Whereas therefore Religion did first take place in Cities , and in that respect was a cause why the name of Pagans , which properly signifieth country people , came to be used in common speech for the same that Infidels and unbeleevers were , it followed thereupon that all such Cities had their Ecclesiasticall Colleges consisting of Presbyters and Deacons , whom first the Apostles or their Delegates the Evangelists , did both ordain and govern : such were the Colleges of Hierusalem , Antioch , Ephesus , Rome , Corinth , and the rest , where the Apostles are known to have planted our Faith and Religion . Now because Religion and the Cure of soules was their generall charge in common over all that were neer about them , neither had any one Presbyter his severall Curea part , till Evaristus Bishop in the See of Rome about the yeare 112. began to assigne Precincts unto every Church , or Title , which the Christians held , and to appoint unto each Presbyter a certain compasse , whereof himselfe should take charge alone ; the commodiousnesse of which invention caused all parts of Christendome to follow it : So hee . And he saith well that Evaristus first began it ; but it was shortly after followed by Higinus also , who added more divisions to the former number ; if I do understand my Pl●●ina in vit ▪ Hi●in● . author rightly . As for the following of this pattern by other Churches , t is most true indeed , that this invention of his was after followed in the Churches of Antioch and Alexandria : whereof see Socrates Hist . Eccles . l. 5.3 . for that of Antioch ; and for the other Epiphanius , who reckoneth nominatim those severall Churches , which were before the time of Constantine in that famous City . And doubtlesse in all other Cities as the number of Christians did increase , so were the like divisions made , and severall Presbyters appointed for those divisions ; though we have no such pregnant evidence thereof , as for those before . But then we must observe withall , that such divisions were not in the Country till a long time after ; as we shall let you see in due place and time .

As for those Colleges of Presbyters and Deacons whereof Hooker speaketh , founded by the Apostles and Evangelists in all the Cities wherein they planted the Gospell of Christ ; and by them conjoyned into one Church under and with the Bishop : it was a very excellent and usefull institution , as the times then were . Bilfon . perpet . governm . ca. 14. For first it did exceedingly promote the conversion of the world to Christ our Saviour : it being a worke too great for one or two to undertake in a populous City ; and would require more time to effect the same , then such a weighty businesse could afford . The harvest being great , it was most expedient , that the labourers should also bee many : that so the truth of Christ might disperse it self not onely throughout their Cities , but even unto those Country Townes and Villages , which bordered neer them . A second use , was to continue those whom they had converted , in the Faith of Christ , instructing and incouraging the faithfull from house to house , and from man to man , to stand fast to the Doctrine which they had received , and not to shrinke under the bloudy storms of persecution , which were then so frequent . A worke that of necessity required many hands ; the more , because the faithfull in those dangerous times , had not their publike places of assembly ; or if they had , durst not frequent the same as in times of peace : and so the labour must be great , and the persons many , in Preaching , Teaching , and exhorting in their private houses , or in those secret places where they met by stealth ▪ for the receiving of the Sacrament . A third use was , that from these Presbyteries , or Colleges of Presbyters and Deacons , as from a sacred spring or fountaine , there might bee a continuall supply of fit and able men , by whom aswell the Cities themselves might bee continually furnished for their own occasions ; and also that from thence , the smaller Towns and Villages within the circuit of those Cities , which for the slendernesse of their estate , and paucity of believers , could not maintain a Presbyter at their proper charge , might be provided of industrious teachers for their spirituall necessities . For in these times whereof wee speak , and a long time after , the Villages and Country Townes as they were converted to the Faith , and did desire a Minister of the Word and Sacraments to reside amongst them ; so they repaired unto the Bishop of the City , within whose {αβγδ} or bounds they were , of him desiring a fit man for that businesse : which course continued in the Church for a long time after , untill Churches were endowed with Tithes , and Glebe , and Mansion houses , which drew the Patronage or Presentation , as we call it , into hands of such their Founders , and liberall Benefactors to the same . The last , but not the least , was the advising and assisting of the Bishop of the Church or City in all doubts and dangers : as well in making Rules and ordinances for the better government of the place ; as for the censuring and correcting of such faulty persons , whether of the Clergie or Laity , as were thought fit to be convented , for an example to the rest . In which regard Ignatius in Ep. ad Trallign . I●natius calleth the Presbyterie , or College of Presbyters ( and not the Priesthood , Sacerdotium ▪ as it is rendred by Vedelius ) {αβγδ} , an holy Corporation Counsellors and Assessors to the Bishop . A perfect Image of the which , we have remaining in our Deanes and Chapters of Cathedrall Churches : though not so frequently consulted with in the Churches businesse , as I could heartily desire they were ; and as our Canons now in force in some sort require .

The mention which I made so lately of Ignatius , leads me on to him ; who yeelded up his pious Soule , by Martyrdome , to the hands of God , in the City of Rome , whilest Euaristus was there Bishop : And in him I shall onely touch upon those Epistles , which I finde mentioned in Euseb . Hist . Eccles . l. Eusebius ; and which In Apolog . pro Ignatio . Vedelius doth confesse , and defend to boot , to be truly his : But by the way I must first tell you , that Vedelius in this businesse deals for all the world like the naughty Cow , that gives a good meales milke and kicketh it down with her heel . For having shewed some pains and learning in his Apologie for Ignatius , in vindicating these Epistles from all those who except against them : yet in the body of the text , when ever he doth meet with any thing , which runneth crosse unto his fancies ; that he excepts against himself , as suppositious and adulterate ; or else destroyeth a good text with a faulty Comment . But let us take the Author as he gives him to us . Ignat . ad Tral . {αβγδ} . Be subject to the Bishop ( saith the good Father ) as unto the Lord : and to the Presbyters as to Christs Apostles . Vedelius Vedel . Annotat in Ep. ad Trallian . c . 3. hereupon observes , that the Presbyters are the proper successors of the Apostles , contrary unto that of Bellarmine , who makes them , ( as he saith ) to succeed the seventy . In which Vedelius doth the Bishops a farre greater curtesie , then I believe he did intend them : making the disproportion more considerable between the Bishop and his Presbyters , then any Champion of the Prelacy had done before him . For if Vedelius may inferre from our Authors words , that the Presbyters are successors unto the Apostles ; we may aswell inferre from the selfe same grounds , that Bishops are the successors of Christ our Saviour . The like obedience to the Bishop , Ignat . ibid . he presseth in another place of the same Epistle . {αβγδ} . Reverence your Bishop , as you would doe Christ , as the Apostles have commanded . And then he gives this reason of it , {αβγδ} ; for what else is the Bishop , but one superior unto all in place & power ? what else the Presbyterie , but an holy company , the Counsellers and Assessors of the Bishop ? In which we have as great a difference betwixt a Bishop and his Presbyters ; as is between a Prince and his Privy Counsell . In that to the Magnesians Id. ad Magn . thus ; {αβγδ} , &c. It becomes you to obey your Bishop , not being refractary against him in any thing : for a most terrible thing it is to contradict him and oppose him , in that the contumely or reproach doth redound to God . In his third Epistle , that to the Philadelphians , Id. ad Philad . he writeth thus . {αβγδ} {αβγδ} the Priests are good , and so are the Deacons , as being Ministers of the word ; but better , or more excellent is the chiefe Priest , as being onely trusted with the holy of holies , and the secrets of God . The like occurres in that to those of Id ad Smyrn . Smyrna ; {αβγδ} , &c. Honour God as the Author and Lord of all things , and your Bishop as the chiefe Priest , bearing the im●ge of God ; that is to say , of God as he is chiefe , and of Christ as Priest . And though Vedelius brands Vedel . in marg . Epl. ad Philad . this last as suppositious , and in the former by chiefe Priest Id. in Excercit . n Ep. ad Smyr . nens cap . 18. will have our Saviour meant , and not th● Bishop : yet he that looks upon the place without prejudice , will easily discern the contrary ; the comparison which there Ignatius maketh , being between the Ministers of the Church with one another , and not between the Ministers and the Master , betwixt them and Christ , with whom it were b●th impious and absurd to make comparisons . It wer● an endlesse peece of work to instance in all those severall places , wherein the superiority of Bishops over all the flock , is pleaded and declared by this blessed Martyr . I therefore shut up all with this Conclusion , {αβγδ} , Ignat . Ep ad Smyrnen . Let the lay people be subject to the Deacons , the Deacons to the Presbyters , the Presbyters unto the Bishop , and the Bishop unto Christ , as he to his Father : An heavenly and divine subordination . Not one of all the ancient Fathers , that speakes more clearly and distinctly of the Degrees and Orders in the Hierarchy , then thi● blessed Martyr ; assigning unto every one his due place and station . If in one place , he calls the Presbyters by the name of B●shops , as writing unto Hero , one of the Deacons of the Church of Antioch it is plaine he doth : it was at such tim● and on such occ●sion , when he himselfe being the Bishop of that place was ravished from them ; and the chief government thereof was to them committed , ( as in the times of vacancie or absence it hath since been done ) which gave them the authority of Bishops , though not the order .

For point of Jurisdiction next , he gives us first this charge in generall . It is expedient , saith he , that whatsoever things you doe , {αβγδ} , doe it not without your Bishop : that is to say , as he expounds himself in another place , Id ad Smyrn . {αβγδ} , nothing that appertains unto the Church , or concerns Religion . And this he grounds on the obedience of our Saviour Id. ad Magne● . Christ , {αβγδ} , who doth not any thing without his Father : resolving finally , that they who give unto their governour the name of Bishop , Id. ibid . {αβγδ} , and yet doe what they list without him ; doe in effect , as those did unto Christ our Saviour , who said unto him Lord , Lord , and yet did nothing which he said . As for particulars , he would have those which marry , or are given in marriage , Id. ●n Epist. ad Policar . {αβγδ} , to take the Bishop along with them ; that so their marriage may be made according unto Gods commandement , and not for wantonnesse . The Eucharist he would not have performed but by the Bishop ; either by him in person , or by his authority ; nor Baptisme to bee administred without his licence and permission . This last expressely in his 4. Epistle , being that unto the Church of Id ad Smyrn . Smyrna . It is not lawfull without the Bishop , {αβγδ} , either to Baptize , or present Oblations , or celebrate the sacrifice of the blessed Eucharist , or solemnize the love feasts ; but all things to be done agreeably unto his direction , according to the will and pleasure of Almighty God . In which as to the Sacrament of Baptisme , Tertull . lib . de Baptismo . Tertullian also doth concurre ; as we shall see hereafter in its proper place : And for the celebrating of the Eucharist by himselfe in person , and the assembling of the people upon his appointment , the same good Father gives it Ignat . Ep. ad Smyrnens . thus . {αβγδ} . Let that administration of the Eucharist be held good and valid , which is done by the Bishop , or such as as he permits to do it . And where the Bishop shall appeare , there let the Congregation be assembled ; as where Christ is , there all the hoasts of Heaven doe stand round about him . Those that assemble otherwise then thus , and doe not take the Bishop with them in these sacred actions , are by him said , Id. ibid . paulo post . to break the concord of the Church , and destroy her order ; and consequently are worthy of a greater punishment , then he {αβγδ} , which doth rebell against his King . Never did advocate for his fee pleade a cause more throughly . So throughly , that I dare take up the Conclusion of that blessed Id. ad Tars●ns . Martyr : {αβγδ} . My soule for theirs who carefully observe this order , and keepe them selves unto the Rules which are here prescribed .

Now that which by Ignatius is layd down before us , as to the ministration of the Sacrament , by the Bishop , in way of observation or direction ; the same we finde in Justin Martyr , who lived about the middle of this second Century ; exemplified and represented in the way of practise . Justin Mart . in Apolog . 2. For shewing how a Convert was to be admitted in the Congregation , and that he was received with Common Prayers both for himselfe , and for the holy Catholick Church , he doth thus proceed . {αβγδ} , Prayers being done , we salute one another with an holy kisse . Then doe we offer Bread and Wine mixt with Water , {αβγδ} to the President or Ruler of the brethren ; which he receiving , presenteth to the Father of all , by the name of the Son and holy Ghost , the sacrifice of prayle and glory , rendring immortall thanks unto him in that he hath vouchsafed those his gifts unto us : who having offered this oblation of prayer and thanksgiving , the Congregation present say Amen . The President or {αβγδ} having done his part , in celebrating of the Eucharist , and the people crowning his performance with their best devotions , {αβγδ} , those who by us are called Ministers or Deacons ( for both these words the Latine useth ) distribute unto every one there present a portion of the blessed bread and wine mixt with water , that he may communicate thereof ; and also carry part thereof unto such as are absent . Which aliment ( being thus consecrated and received ) we call the Eucharist , and is delivered unto none , but such as do believe our doctrine , & have been washed in the laver of Regeneration . And not long after , making a description of their assemblies on the Sunday , he first relates that the Commentaries of the Apostles and writings of the Prophets , as much as the time will suffer , are read before them . Then addeth , that the Reader having done , {αβγδ} , &c. the President or {αβγδ} makes a Sermon , wherein he doth instruct the people in the performance of those excellent things , which are contained in the same . Which done we all arise , and m●ke our praiers unto the Lord , and then the bread and wine and water , as before , is offered : the {αβγδ} proceeding to the Eucharist , according to the manner formerly described . Here then we have the celebration of the Eucharist , and the Preaching of Gods holy word , performed ordinarily by the {αβγδ} or President of the Congregation : but what this {αβγδ} should be , is the point in question . For resolution of which doubt , it is cleare and evident , that by {αβγδ} anciently was meant the Bishop , as may appear by that of Eusebius , calling Publius bishop of Athens Euseb . hist . Ec. l. 4. c . 22 . {αβγδ} . by this name {αβγδ} , as he stiles him there ; and so in other places and in other Writers . Nor doe I finde that it was any way applyed to inferiour Presbyters , till after the division of the Church into severall Parishes , not in some Cities onely , but in all parts else : after which times the Presbyters or Ministers of Parochiall Churches having cure of Soules , by and from the Bishop , and having got the name of Rectors ; came to be called in some writers {αβγδ} also , as wee shall see hereafter in its proper place . But what need any of the ancients come in for evidence , when as the matter is confessed by those , who were the greatest adversaries of Episcopacy ? For Beza making Timothy , whom we have proved sufficiently to have been a Bishop , to be the President or {αβγδ} of the Ephesine Presbyterie ; and such a President or {αβγδ} , Beza Annot . in Tim . 5.19 . ut Justinus vocat , as Justin Martyr speaks of in the present place : it must needs be , that Justin Martyrs President or {αβγδ} was a Bishop also , as Timothy is proved to be . Which if it be not cleer enough , we have a second that speaks plainer , and he the greatest Chapion of the adverse party , which had the honour to be bred in the Church of England ; Cartwright I mean , Cited by B. Downham in his defence , l. 4. c . 1. sect . 17. who tels us , with great griefe no question , that even in Justins time there began to peepe out something , which went from the simplicity of the Gospel , as that the name of {αβγδ} , which was common to ●he Elders with the Ministers of the word , was it seemeth appropriated unto one . So that by the confession of the Adversaries to Episcopall government we have gained thus much , that the administration of the Sacrament of the blessed Eucharist , did properly and in chiefe belong unto the Bishop , as was affirmed by Ignatius , and proved in point of practice out of Justin Martyr . And so much for the first halfe of the second Century ; what is presented to us in the other halfe , we are next to see .