A Christian Plea, Treatise 3 · Chapter 6

A Christian Plea · Treatise 3 · Chapter 6

p. 261CHAPTER VI. Of the having of one or moe Paſtours, in particular Churches. Alſo of Dioceſan and Provinciall Biſhops, &c.

VVHether it be not moſt according to the ordinance of God, that in everie particular church, there be**Rev. 2, 1, 8, 12, 18. and 3 1, 7, 14. and 22, 16-19. vvith Phil. 4, 3. Col. 4, 16, 17. & Act. 21, 18. Luc. 12, 42. 1 Tim. 1, 3. and 3, 15. & 5, 19 — 22. and 6, 13, 14.Rev 2:1Rev 2:8Rev 2:12Rev 2:18Rev 3:1Rev 3:7Rev 3:14Rev 22:16–19Phil 4:3Col 4:16Col 4:17Acts 21:18Luke 12:421 Tim 1:31 Tim 3:151 Tim 5:19 one Paſtor or Angel of the p. 262church (ſo properly and ſpecially called) and † divers teachers and ruling Elders (according to the condition of the church) joyned to the Paſtor, in the miniſterie and government of the ſame church: who may all of them alſo generally be called Paſtors: yet ſo, as one be ſpecially diſtinguished from the reſt, in reſpect of his place & function, to be the Paſtor … more particularly called) under Ieſus Chriſt the Archpaſtor. Or, whether there being many Elders appointed to feed, inſtruct, & governe the Church, they should be all alike, or of one ſort, vvithout any diſtinction of Office or function among them.

Where touching the firſt point, theſe things, and the like may be conſidered. I. The conſtitution of the Primitiue churches, as they were eſtablished by the Apoſtles. As namely, the churches of Epheſus, Smyrna, Coloſſe, Laodicea, &c. Rev. 2, 1, 8, 12, 18. and 3, 1, 7, 14. and 22, 16-19. vvith Phil. 4, 3. Col. 4, 16, 17. & Act. 21, 18. Luc. 12, 42. 1 Tim. 1, 3. and 3, 15. & 5, 19 — 22. and 6, 13, 14. † Act. 20, 17, 28. compared vvith Rev. 2, 1. and Epheſ. 4, 11, 12. & 1 Tim. 1, 3. and 3, 1 — 15. and 5, 17, 19, 21. Act. 11.30. and 13.1. and 14.23. and 15.2.6.22.23.35. and 16.4. and 21.18. Rom. 12.7.8. 1 Cor. 12.5.8.28. Phil. 1. 1. Col. 1.7. and 4.12.17. 1 Theſ. 5.12.13.14.27. Tit. 1.5 — 9. Heb. 13.7.17.24. Iam. 5.14. 1 Pet. 5.1 — 4. And divers things alſo hereabout, may be noted in the auncient vvriters, who lived a while after the Apoſtles dayes: This being ſtil carefully obſerved vvithall (becauſe the myſterie of iniquitie began to vvork, euen in the Apoſtles time, and the apoſtaſie of Antichriſt ſpread abroad aftervvard more and more) that we inſiſt no further nor otherwiſe upon thoſe Writers, in any points of religion, but as they agree with the Scriptures, and in ſuch things as are grounded thereupon.

Now therefore concerning the point in hand: Ignatius hath often in his Epiſtles, to the Churches to which he wrote, theſe & the like ſayings▪ Let all things be done of you, according to good order in Chriſt. Let the laymen (or people) be ſubject to the Deacons, the Deacons to the Elders, the Elders to the Biſhop the Biſhop to Chriſt, as he to his Father. And again, What is the Elderſhip, but an … ly Senate, the Counſellors and aſſiſtants of the Biſhops? Ignat. epiſt. ad Smyrn. ad T… lenſes, ad Antiochenos. & 3. ad Magneſios, &c.

And Iuſtine Martyr calleth him TON PROESTOTA, the preſident or chief governour, whom Ignatius, Irenaeus, Euſebius, and others call EPISCOPON, the Biſhop, or Overſeer: ſo applying generall termes, to this office more particularly. Iuſtin. Martyr. Apolog. 2.

Irenaeus writeth of Polycarpus by name, that he was made Biſhop by the Apoſtles, in Aſia, in the church of Smyrna. And that himſelf had ſeen him, vvhen he was young. Irenaeus, libr. 3. cap. 3. He alſo nameth ſundry of the Biſhops of the Church of Rome, who ſucceeded one after another in that church, from the Apoſtles times, to his ovvne dayes. Ibid.

Euſebius writeth likevviſe of Polycarpus, made Bishop of the church of Smyrna by the Apoſtles (Euſeb. l. 3. c. 32. and l. 4. c. 14.) and of many Bishops by name, who follovved one another in the church of Rome, and in ſundry other churches, after the Apoſtles & Euangeliſts: vvhichwhich were long p. 263here to recite in particular. Euſeb. lib. 3. c. 2.13.14.19.31.32. and lib 4. c. 1.4 5.10.19.22.23. &c. OnelyOnly note theſe, for ſome ſpecial inſtances hereabout; In the church of Alexandria, Anianus; and after him, Abilius, &c. Euſeb. l. 2… 24. & 3.13. In the church of Ieruſalem, Simeon (after Iames the Apoſtle & after him, Iuſtus, &c. Ibid. l. 3. c. 11. &. 32. In the church of Antioch, …; and after him, Ignatius, &c. Ibid. l. 3. c. 19. In the church of Corinth, …; and after him, Dionyſius, &c Ibid. l. 4. c. 21. & 22. In the church of Athens, Dionyſius Areopagites; & after him, Quadratus Publius, &c. Ibid. Where alſo obſerue, hovv Euſebius ſometimes calleth the churches, pariſhes: As, the parish of Alexandria, the parish of Epheſus, the parish of Ieruſalem, the parish of Hierapolis, the parish of Athens,Of other interpretation or application of the word [parish] I will not now inſiſt nor of the … &c. vvhereof ſuch & ſuch (there named) were Biſhops or Overſeers, one after another. Euſeb. l. 2. c. 24. & … 3. c. 4 11.28.32. & l. 4. c. 1.4.5.19.22. Which is vvel to be noted for better obſervation, how every church or parish had at the beginning their own Paſtor or Bishop; and hovv thoſe Bishops were much unlike the Dioceſan, Provinciall, and Oecumenicall Bishops, had now a dayes: who content not themſelues with a parish or particular Church, but chalendge (by vertue of ſuch office) authoritie over whole Dioceſes, Provinces, and the univerſall vvorld: as in the apoſtaſie of Antichriſt may be ſeen. And thus much by the way, concerning the teſtimonie of the auncient writers in this behalf. Which I leaue to be examined by the Scriptures, as is aforeſaid.

II. Secondly, vvhere the order is obſerved, vvhichwhich is mentioned in the queſtion here before, there may the difference be kept both between the Paſtors and Teachers offices; and betvveen the offices of the Teaching and ruling Elders. Epheſ. 4, 11, 12. and 1 Tim. 5.17. vvith Rev. 2.1. and Rom. 12.3 — 8. 1 Cor. 12.5.8.28. &c. Which othervviſe is either unknovven of many, and ſo neglected; or els is confuſedly caried, and corrupted, ſundrie vvaies.

III. A particular viſible church may (in the outward conſtitutiō there of) be conſidered, as a particular viſible body. Now a particular viſible body, hath a particular viſible head. Which alſo is ſuch, as cannot ſay to the feete or inferiour members, I hauehave no need of you. 1 Cor. 12.18 — 21. vvith E…a. 1, 5, 6. and Rom. 12.3 — 8. Col. 2.5. and 4.17. Rev. 2.1.8. &c. and vvith the Epiſtles to Timothee and Titus.

And touching the vvord (head) thus taken and uſed in the Scripture, (for ſome chief member or members, governor or governors, or any perſons and things, vvhichwhich excell or are before others, in dignitie, office, age, authoritie, time, place, or any ſpeciall excellencie:) ſee Exod. 6, 14. & 30.23. Numb. 1.3 4.16. and 7.2. Deut. 20.9. and 28.13.44. Ioſh. 23.2. and 2…, 1. 1 Sam. 15, 17. 2 Sam. 23, 8, 13, 18. 1 Chron 9.10— 13. and 24, 4, 6, 31. Neh. 11, 16. & 12.7, 12, 22, 23, 24. Eſa. 1, 5, 6. and 7, 8. and 9, 14, 15. and 29, 10. Ezec. 21, 26. and …, 2, and 40, 1. Mic. 3, 3, 9, 11. Ier. 13, 21. 1 Cor. 12, 21.

And note, that here I ſpeak onelyonly of particular churches, as they are organicall, and ſet in an orderly viſible conſtitution: and ſo of the outvvard p. 264order, and divers functions ſet in the church by the Lord himſelf: and that I ſpeak not of the church, as it is the myſticall body of Chriſt; nor of the ſpirituall and quickning head of the church, & of all the members thereof whereſoever. Which is Chriſt alone: and unto whom alone this apperteyneth, and to none other vvhoſoever beſides. Eph. 1.22.23. & 4, 15, 16. and 5.23. Col. 1.18. and 2.19. 1 Cor. 12.12. compared vvith Jer. 33.16.

Note alſo hovv both auncient and later vvriters doe thus uſe the ſame word, and likewiſe apply it. Chryſoſtome ſpeaking of the returne of the Bishop, vvhen himſelf was an Elder at Antioch, ſaith, Bleſſed be God, that hath reſtored the head to the body, the Paſtor to the ſheep, &c. Chryſoſt. homil. 20. ad populum Antiochenum. Baſil vvriting to the church of Neocaeſarea, upon the death of their Bishop, ſaith, The church cloſeth her eyes, the ſolemne aſsemblies look heavily, the ſacred Synedrion (Presbytery or Eldership) deſire their head; they that are in dignitie their leader, the people their ruler. Baſil. epiſt. 62. ad Eccleſ Neocaſarien… Among later vvriters, D. Raynolds conferring with Hart, ſaith: We teach that **Apolog. Eccl. Ang. confeſ. Helvet. c. 17.Chriſt is the head of the church, as he doth quicken it vvith his ſpirit, as he is the light, the health, the life of it: and is preſent alvvaies to fill it vvith his bleſſings, and vvith his grace to governe it. In the vvhichwhich reſpects, becauſe ††Epheſ. 1.22. and 4.15. and 5.23. Col. 1.18. and 2.19, and ſo the church his body.Eph 1:22Eph 4:15Eph 5:23Col 1:18Col 2:19the Scripture giveth the name of head to Chriſt alone, by an excellencie: thereof we ſo conclude, that he is the onelyonly head of the church. For othervviſe, vve knovv, that (in another kind and degree of reſemblance) they may be called heads, who hauehave anie preeminence of place or government over others. As in the Hebrevv text we read ‡‡Nehem- 11.16.the heads of the Levites, for the chief of them: &, **2 Chro. 31 10.2 Chr 31:10the Prieſt the head, that is to ſay, the chief Prieſt. After the which ſort, I wil not contend, if you entitle Biſhops heads of the churches, as ””In Apolog. 2.Athanaſius doth; & ††In Regiſt. lib. 4. epiſt. 38.Gregorie, vvhen he had named our Saviour Chriſt, the head of the univerſall church, he calleth Chriſts Miniſters, as it vvere heads: Paul, Andrevv, Iohn, heads of particular flocks, yet members of the church, & under one head. Rayn conference with Hart. chap. 1, Diviſ. 2. pag. 20. And M. Iacob in his Atteſtation vvriteth thus hereabout: M. Gabr. Powel maketh it an hereſie in the Pope, to hold as he doth, that in the viſible church there ought to be a viſible head. What doe I heare? A viſible Body inſtituted by Chriſt without a viſible head? A church and no Paſtor? A multitude to be governed, and no Governour? Theſe are ſtraunge aſſertions, whoſoever, and hovv many ſoever doe affirme them. For I graunt there are not a few others vvhichwhich uſe ſo to speak. But indeed there is no colour of truth, nor reaſon in theſe ſayings. M. Iacobs Atteſtat. ch. 7. p. 113. And a litle after again, What ſhall vve think? Hath Chriſt left his body, and dear ſpouſe vvithout help, vvithout government in ſuch dayly and continuall neceſſities? Or can an ordinarie body be governed vvithout an ordinarie head? To uſe D. Bilſons vvords, ‡‡Perpet. go…. p. 37….this vvere an heatheniſh if not a hellish confuſion. Ibid. p. 114. He alſo that vvrote the Manudunction, hath the like, when he ſaith: A viſible church muſt be conſidered as an integrall body: which for the well being of it exerciſing thoſe operations which belong unto it, and vvhereunto in ſerveth, muſt become as we ſay organicall, having members of divers ranks, ſome as head, mouth, and eyes the Paſtor, Teachers, and Elders; ſome as hands, the Deacons and helpers, &c. Manuduct. 2. pag. 33.

IIII. Here moreover may be conſidered the order obſerved in the p. 265church of Iſraell: ſo far forth as it was moral, and concerneth particular churches; & the conſtitution of the Synagogues, vvherein (beſides the other officers) vvas**M. Brou. on Rev. 9. and 14. p. 83. 223. M. Ainſw defence of Scrip. pag. 113.Rev 9 one, vvhō they called SHELIACH TSIBBVR, the ambaſſadour or Meſſenger of the congregation. To which, or the like, Chriſt might hauehave reference, whē he ſpeaketh of the Angel of each particular church in Aſia, Rev. 2.1.8.12.18. and 3.1.7.14. And of the terme Angel, aſcribed to the miniſters of the Lord, ſee alſo Hag. 1.13. Mal. 2.7. where we find the Prophets and Prieſts in Iſraell, called the Angels or Meſſengers of the Lord. As the Iewes alſo ſtil make two ſorts of Angels: One of them whom they cal GNELIONIM, becauſe they hauehave their dwelling in the high places, that is, in the heauens: and the other of them whom they call TACHTONIM, as it were lower or inferiour. And ſuch are the Prophets and Prieſts: ſaith Druſius (alledging this) in his Annotations on the New Teſtament, Rev. 1.20. Beſides that in the families and tribes of Iſraell, and among the Prieſts and Levites alſo, they had an orderly conſtitution, and (according to the diſtribution of them) ſome that were heads and chief among them. As may be ſeen in the Scriptures here before alledged: p. 263.

V. Order it ſelf likevviſe (beſides neceſſitie often falling out) requireth, that there be ſome one, vvho in regard of his place, office or condition, may call together the other Elders, and unto vvhom they may reſort: Who alſo vvith them may call the vvhole church together, as there is occaſion: And of vvhom the chief or ſpeciall overſight of the Church; the moderation and diſpoſition of the affaires thereof, may be required: To vvhom moreover the letters may be directed and delivered, and other ſpeciall things shevved and advertiſed, which perteyne to the generall or publike eſtate of the church: as vve ſee vvas done by Chriſt himſelf, to the Angels of the ſeuen churches in Aſia: Rev. 2.1.8. &c. whereabout alſo the Epiſtles ſent to Timothee and Titus may hauehave their due conſideration in this behalf: and that vvhichwhich is noted concerning James and the Elders of the church at Ieruſalem, Act. 21.18. vvith 2 King. 6, 32.

And hereunto doe thus far forth the moſt learned agree, in the Reformed churches; albeit that yet themſelues (many of them hauehave not one particular Paſtor in their ſeverall churches. M. Beza anſvvering Saravia, affirmeth, * that by Gods perpetuall ordinance, it hath ben, is, and wilbe needfull, Beza reſponſ. ad Sarav c. 23 fol. 153.that in the Preſbyterie or Elderſhip, ſome one chief in place and dignitie, ſhould governe and rule the actions, with that right which is giuen unto him of God. Otherwiſe let it be well conſidered, vvhether there would not be ſome defect in the order & conſtitution of the church: Which ſeeing it is ordeyned by Chriſt the Lord, it is certainly moſt perfect in it ſelf (if we could aright obſerue it) and everie way abſolute. And how profitable and needfull the obſervation of this matter is, may moreover then eaſily be perceived, when controverſies ariſe (as divers times commeth to paſſe) eyther among the Elders alone, or in the church it ſelf. Beſides that the continual overſight & care of other the churches affaires, and the due adminiſtration of the holy things of God, in all good ſort, may thus be rightly performed, and agreably p. 266to the vvord of God.

VI. To the ſame end may more ſpecially be obſerved the eſtate of the church of Epheſus, in the Apoſtles times: The Overſeers and Elders of which church are, in fower ſeveral places ſpoken of in ſpecial manner: viz. Act. 20, 17, 28. Epheſ. 4, 11, 12. vvith 1, 1. 1 Tim. 5, 17. vvith 1, 3. and 3, 1, 15. Rev. 2, 1. vvith 1, 11, 16, 20. In the firſt of which places, viz. Act. 20, 17, 28. the Elders are generally ſpoken off, without the noting of any particular diſtinction among them. OnelyOnly their works and dueties are compriſed in the generall termes of taking heed to themſelues & the whole flock; of being Overſeers; and of feeding the church of God. Which generall termes comprehend in them, al the dueties of al the Elders, though otherwiſe & otherwhere diſtinct one from another. In the ſecond place, viz. Epheſ. 4, 11, 12, there is ſpeach onelyonly of the miniſters of the vvord, and among them, of the Paſtors and Teachers, which are for the vvork of the miniſterie more particularly. In the third place, viz. 1 Tim. 5, 17. there is mention moreover of tvvo ſorts of Elders, the Ruling Elders, and the Teaching Elders; and thoſe alſo diſtinct the one from the other. In the fourth and laſt place, viz. Rev. 2, 1. there is mention in particular of the Angell of the church of Epheſus: whom Beza underſtandeth and expoundeth to be, the Preſident, who was firſt to hauehave vvarning of thoſe things, and by him the reſt of his Colleages & the whole church. Bez. annot. in Rev. 2, 1. So Piſcator likewiſe expounds it, To the Angell, that is, to the Bishop of the church of Epheſus: and alſo to the church it ſelf: as appeareth by the words, ver. 7. Piſcat. Analyſ. & Schol. in Apoc. 2, 1. Napier ſaith: To the Angel, that is, to the Paſtor or Miniſter of the church of Epheſus. Napier in Rev. 2, 1. And Bullinger ſaith, The Angels are the Embaſſadours of God, euen the Paſtours of the churches. Bulling. concion. 6. in Apoc. And againe, ſpeaking of the church of Smyrna, he ſaith, The heauenly letter is directed to the Angel of the church of Smyrna, that is, to the Paſtor. Novv the ſtories witneſse that Angel and Paſtor of the church of Smyrna to hauehave ben Polycarpus, ordeyned Biſhop of the Apoſtles themſelues, I meane, by S. Iohn. Ibid. concione 9. Alſo among the elder writers, Auguſtine ſaith, By the divine voice the Ruler of the Church of Epheſus is praiſed under the name of an Angell. Auguſt. epiſt. 162. And Gregorie ſaith, The Preachers in the Scriptures are ſometimes called Angels, as the Prophet ſaith, ††Mal. 2.7.Mal 2:7the lippes of the Prieſt should keep knovvledge, and they should ſeek the Lavv at his mouth: for he is the Angell or Meſſenger of the Lord of hoſtes. Gregor. moralium in Iob. lib. 11. c. 3. Thus much briefly I thought to note in particular touching the eſtate of the Church of Epheſus, and the Bishops or Overſeers thereof: vvhichwhich being four ſeverall times ſpoken of in the Scripture, and that alſo vvith ſuch different manner of ſpeach, as is aforeſaid: may help to giuegive good light and direction unto us about the queſtion in hand.

VII. Finally, if the foreſaid order be kept, vve may by the vvord of God ſufficiently anſvver all the objections, and meet with all the corruptions of the Prelates, or any other, that erre in this behalf from the ſimplicitie & firſt conſtitution of the primitiue churches. Which how it can otherwiſe in deed ſo well and ſoundly be done, had need duly to be conſidered p. 267of all that beare vvitneſſe againſt them.

And hitherto concerning the firſt braunch of this queſtion. Novv for the other point of the queſtion, there is alledged about it both Scripture,M. Sm. differ. pag. 23 &c. M. Parker Polit. eccleſ l. 3. c. 18. p. 236. &c. and record of auncient writers. The Scriptures are theſe, and the like, Act. 20.17.28. Phi. 1.1. 1 Theſ. 5.12. 1 Tim. 3. and Tit. 1 ch. 1 Pet. 5.1 — 4. Which are alledged, to shew that the Primitiue Churches had many Elders in one church (which is graunted) and thoſe alſo all alike; & therefore that they had not one ſpeciall Paſtor, nor (as ſome think) ſuch diſtinction of teaching and ruling Elders, as is aforeſaid. The record of the auncient Writers produced alſo thereabout, is to shew that ſometimes there were tvvo Bishops at once, in one church. Of which more hereafter.

1. Now firſt for the Scriptures (leaving the point, for the truth thereof, ſo to be eſteemed, as it shalbe found to be grounded on the Scriptures duly conſidered) there is alledged, Act. 20, 17, 28. vvhereby is gathered: Firſt, that there vvere many Elders in the Church of Epheſus (there ſpoken off) and not one Paſtor alone. Which I think none of ſound judgment vvill deny. Secondly, that the Elders were all alike, and of one ſort, &c. Which if it were ſo, then 1. how is it, that the Apoſtle vvriteth to Timothee (vvhom he left with the Church of Epheſus) both of teaching and of ruling Elders, and the one differing from the other? 1 Tim. 5, 17. compared with 1 Tim. 1, 3.

2. What then alſo or vvhere is the difference betweeene the Paſtors, and Teachers, ſpoken off to the ſame church of Epheſus? Epheſ. 4.11.12.

3. And who is the Angel of this church of Epheſus, ſpoken of, Rev. 2.1.

4. Or vvhere are the ruling Elders called the Angels of the Lord, or of the church, as the Prophets, Prieſts, and miniſters of the Goſpell are, Hag. 1.13. Mal. 2.7. with Rev. 1.20. and 2.1.8. &c.

5. And why may vve not think, that there were both teaching and ruling Elders in the Church of Epheſus, aſvvell as in other of the Primitiue churches, as may appeare by that vvhichwhich is written, Rom. 12, 7, 8. and 1 Cor. 5.8.28. compared vvith 1 Tim. 5.17. and with the practiſe and eſtate of Iſrael, Jer. 19, 1. Luke 22, 66. vvith 2 King. 6, 32. and 2 Chron. 19, 8, &c.

6. And that there vvas alſo ſome one in the church of Epheſus (as Archippus in the church of Coloſſe, Col. 4, 17. & Polycarpus, as divers write, in the church of Smyrna (ſpoken off, Rev. 2, 8.) Irenaeus l. 3. c. 3. Euſeb. l. 3. c. 32. and l. 4. c. 14. &c.) to vvhom Chriſt directed his letters, and of whom he ſtraitly required to look to the contents thereof:To redreſſe errors and abuſes in the church, &c. the matters being all of them ſuch, as the Paſtor, who hath ſpeciall charge of the flock, should carefully regard and obſerue, according to the duetie of his office, under the Archpaſtor Ieſus Chriſt. Rev. 2.1. &c.

7. To vvhichwhich end may alſo be obſerved, that ſeuen ſtarres, are ſpoken off, anſvverably to the number of the ſeuen golden Candleſticks: & that three times, one after another, Rev. ….12.13.16. Alſo Rev. 1.20. And Rev. 2.1. Beſides the mention again of ſeuen ſtarres, together with mention of the ſeuen Spirits of God. Revel. 3.1. Which whether it may not in ſome reſpects p. 268be obſerved, for the other point, and divers other good purpoſes alſo, let it be duely conſidered.

8. And hereunto agreeth the teſtimonie of the auncient writers (Irenaeus, Euſebius, &c.) who make mention in particular of the names & ſucceſſion of divers Bishops or Paſtors (ſo ſpecially called) following one another, from the Apoſtles daies, for a long time after: hovv ever in tract of time, corruption grew in, and then from the overſight of one particular church, they became Bishops of many churches, euen of whole Dioceſes and Provinces, &c.

9. And whereas it is alledged, that the Apoſtle gaue not the Elders (Act. 20, 17, 28.) ſeverall charges, as having ſeverall dueties lying upon them, but one generall charge, common to them all, namely the dutie of feeding, vvhichwhich is the work of the Paſtor, &c. there may alſo here about be conſidered, 1. that they vvere in generall al of them Bishops & Overſeers of the flock and church of Epheſus: and therefore might well hauehave this charge giuen them in generall, & jointly together. And yet this not hinder, but that they might alſo in other reſpect hauehave diſtinction of place and function among themſelues notvvithſtanding. As may be ſeen in other caſes and generall ſpeaches uſed often in the Scriptures: as in Deut. 33.8.10. Ioſh. 23, 2 and 24, 1, &c. 1 Chron. 28, 1, 2, &c. 2 Chron. 19, 5 — 9. &c. Ier. 19, 1, 3. &c. Hoſ. 5, 1. &c. And more eſpecially, 2 Chron. 29, 3 4, 5. &c. where king Hezekiah gaue a charge jointly and in generall termes, to the Prieſts and Levites (the miniſters of the Temple) for the ſanctifying of themſelues and purging of the Temple. Yet vvho vvould thereupon conclude, that all the Levites vvere Prieſts; or that there vvas no diſtinction betvveen their offices in other reſpects, or that the miniſters of the Temple vvere all alike, and of one ſort? 2. All things are not ſpoken in al places: and Scripture muſt be compared with Scripture, for the right underſtanding thereof. When therefore other Scriptures shevv a difference, vve muſt thence learne it, and not becauſe of ſome general or other ſpeaches, miſconſtrue or confound things, vvhichwhich the Scriptures othervvhere teach us aright to diſtinguish. Othervviſe men might inferre upon Moſes generall ſpeach, Deu. 33, 8, 10. that all the Levites might burne incenſe before the Lord, and that therefore Corah the Levite ſinned not in ſo doing: Num. 16 ch. Which vvere indeed to pervert the Scripture, and not to underſtand it aright. 3. Though a ſpeach be generall, and ſuch as may in ſome reſpects perteine unto all, yet may it alſo be ſufficient for their underſtanding and ſtirring up, vvho othervviſe knovv themſelues vvell the diſtinction of their places or offices one from another, and vvhat apperteyneth to their ſeverall dueties thereabout. Like as the Levites, who, although Hezekiahs ſpeach aforeſaid was generall, and vvas made unto them together with the Prieſts, yea though the Temple vvas novv polluted, yet kept themſelues vvithin their bounds, and did not ſo much as goe into the inner part of the Temple, that apperteyned to the Prieſts done. 2 Chron. 29, 16. 4. The terme of feeding, and the vvord Paſtor, and p. 269other the like (both in Scripture, and in other writers) are uſed ſometimes largely and generally, ſometimes ſtrictly and particularly. In the former underſtanding, are kings and Princes called Paſtors, & ſaid to feed, 1 Chro. 11, 2. Pſal. 78, 70, 71, 72. Eſa 47, 28. Ier. 6, 3. and 13, 18, 20. and 22, 22. and 49, 19. and 50, 44. Ezech. 34, 2. Chriſt alſo, Ezech. 34, 23. and 37, 24. Zach. 13, 7. Ioh. 10, 11, 16. Heb. 13, 20. 1 Pet. 2, 25. and 5, 4. and the Apoſtles, Ioh. 21, 16. and all governors both civill and eccleſiaſticall, Jer. 3, 15. and 17, 16. and 23, 1, 2, 4. and 50, 6. Zach. 11, 5, 8. Act. 20, 17, 28. 1 Pet. 5, 1, 2. In the latter ſignification, it is uſed for the Paſtors and miniſters, that are expreſſely diſtinguished from the Apoſtles, Prophets, Euangeliſts, and Teachers, ſpoken of Eph. 4, 11, 12. and are alſo called Exhorters, or Comforters, Rom. 12, 8. to whom the wor… of wiſedome is aſcribed, 1 Cor. 12, 8. As in Iſraell they had miniſters that vvere called, Wiſe men, Mat. 23, 34. So then in the generall uſe of the word, all the Elders and governours of particular Churches are Paſtors, and doe feed according to the duetie of their office, 1 Pet. 5.1, 2. Acts 20, 17, 28. And thus there were and may be many Paſtors in particular churches. But shall we therefore conclude, that there was no particular office of Paſtor in the churches; no difference betvveen the teaching and ruling Elders; no diſtinction betvveen the Paſtors and Teachers office, &c.

10. Laſtly, vvhereas others alſo alledge this Scripture (Act. 20, 17, 28.M. Bright. on Rev. 2.1. &c.Rev 2:1) to shew that by the Angell of the Church of Epheſus (Rev. 2, 1.) is meant the whole Colledge of Paſtors, Elders, and Bishops: let theſe reaſons aforeſaid be well obſerved about that point alſo: for the better fynding out and clearing of the truth in this behalf. And ſo I proceed to note ſomewhat likewiſe about the other Scriptures before mentioned touching the matter in hand.

The other Scriptures are theſe, Phil. 1, 1. 1 Theſ. 5, 12. 1 Tim. 3 ch. and Tit. 1 ch. 1 Pet. 5, 1, 2. Which all of them hauehave this common unto them, that the like collections are made out of them, as out of Acts 20.17.28. And therefore the ſame things may be obſerved about them, as hauehave ben noted here already about Acts 20.17.28. That ſo I need not repeat the ſame things over againe and againe. OnelyOnly I will briefly annexe ſome fewe things more concerning theſe Scriptures in particular.

2. With that place of Phi. 1.1. where the Apoſtle ſpeaketh of the Biſhops of that church, as being many: there may be compared another place in the ſame epiſtle, where the Apoſtle ſaith, I intreat thee alſo, true yokefellow. &c. Phil. 4, 3. By which manner of ſpeach, may be obſerved, that though there were ſundry Elders and Bishops in that church, yet there vvas notwithſtanding alſo ſome ſpeciall man, vvhom the Apoſtle in ſpeciall and more particularly called his true yoke-fellow. Whether it were the Paſtor, or not, I will not determine. And who it should be, rather then the Paſtor (that by ſuch a peculiar attribute, without particular naming of him, should be intended by the Apoſtle, and underſtood by them to whome he vvrote) I deſire to hauehave shevved by others. The queſtion that is made about the gender, is of no vvaight. For beſides the matter ſpoken off, and other circumſtances p. 270of the place, the Syriak tranſlation putteth the matter out of doubt, which hath it thus, I entreat thee alſo, O ſonne of my yoke, &c. vvhichwhich shevveth both that he ſpake of a man, & of one that was of ſpeciall note and imployment. Tremellius & Iunius, in their notes on the Syriak tranſlation, expound it thus, The ſonne of my yoke, that is, partaker of the ſame yoke vvith me, vvhichwhich art my helper in the ſame miniſterie. A metaphor taken from bulloks, who being put under the ſame yoke, are uſed by men to one and the ſame miniſterie & ſervice. Alſo Ignatius writing to the church of Philippi, nameth Vitalis Bishop (or Paſtor) of that church. And here, in the Apoſtles next Epiſtle, which is to the Coloſſians, he ſpeaketh of Archippus by name, touching the fulfilling of his miniſterie, in the church of Coloſſe, Col. 4, 17.

3. The next Scripture, 1 Theſ. 5, 12. as it sheweth that there were divers Elders in that church: ſo the vvords there uſed (of labouring, ruling or being over them in the Lord, informing or admoniſhing them) may notwithſtanding imply, that there vvas diſtinction of place and office among them: as more plainly appeareth, 1 Tim. 5, 17. where the like vvords are uſed, in the Apoſtles ſpeach concerning the Elders, and the diſtinction of their office and duties: And as likevviſe may be obſerved in Hezekiahs ſpeach to the prieſts and Levites, and in the termes there uſed, though he ſpake unto them jointly together. 2 Chron. 29, 4, 5. compared with v. 11. Beſides that Origen writeth of Gajus by name, reported to hauehave ben Bishop of the church of Theſſalonica. Origen. l. 10. in cap. 16. epiſt. ad Romanos.

4. Both the places in 1 Tim. 3. and Tit. 1 ch. shew likevviſe, that there vvere ſundry Elders, in the churches of Epheſus and Crete. Yet this hindreth not, but that they had alſo difference of office and function among them, as may appeare by comparing 1 Tim. 5.17. Epheſ. 4, 11, 12. Rev. 2, 1. and Rom. 12, 7, 8. 1 Cor. 12, 28. with the places aforeſaid: and may be implyed by the particular properties and dueties required of them: beſides the eſtate and practiſe of the church of Iſraell, vvhichwhich giueth great light in this behalf, as hath ben obſerved.

If any underſtand theſe places (in 1 Tim. 3. and Tit. 1 ch.) to ſpeak of ſuch Elders onelyonly as were miniſters, yet that vvill be no hinderance neyther. For ſeeing the Prieſts and Levites in Iſraell vvere all of the tribe of Levi, and lineally deſcending one from another, according to their kinred: vvhichwhich novv is not ſo in the Paſtors and Teachers (for a lineall deſcent, one of another according to kinred, though otherwiſe they ſucceed and follovv one another in their place and function:) and now the Paſtors & Teachers are by the Lord taken out of the Gentiles and become anſwerable to the Prieſts and Levites, (Eſa. 66, 18 — 21. and Jer. 33, 15 — 22.) therefore vvas it needfull, that there should in ſpeciall manner be mention, in the Apoſtles vvritings,**The like may be obſerved about the Deacons: …ho are in diver… things much anſwerable to the Levites in Iſrael: as to the Leviticall Treaſurers, &c. of their offices, and of their properties, qualities, and dueties, &c. Which needed not ſo much to be, about the ruling Elders choſen out of the people, who are anſwerable to the like Elders in Iſraell (notwithſtanding the differences of eſtate) & are ſtil to be endowed with like qualities, as thoſe Elders were: as may be ſeen by obſerving p. 271the qualities mentioned in Exod. 18, 21. and Deut. 1, 13, 15, 16, 17. compared alſo with 1 Cor. 6, 5. and 12, 28. Rom. 12.8. 1 Tim. 5, 17.

And here let it be conſidered, vvhether if a Synagogue of the Ievves (or many thereof were converted to the Chriſtian faith, the rulers of the Synagogue (becoming Chriſtians) might not novv be taken or kept ſtill to be ruling Elders of the church: (ſuch as we read off, Acts 13, 15. and 18, 8. and Mar. 5.22, &c. whereas the Prieſts & Levites comming to the faith (as divers did, Acts 6, 7.) they vvere neceſſarily to leaue their Leviticall office: and then, being fit, might become miniſters of the Goſpel, and ſo continevv in that miniſtration & employment, as before they did in the other. Heb. 9, 6, 7. and 13, 10. with Acts 4, 36. and 11, 22 — 26. and 13, 1 — 5. &c. Rom. 15, 16. 1 Cor. 9, 13, 14. and with Eſa. 66, 21, 22, 23.

In vvhichwhich reſpects, let it alſo be obſerved, whether the difference should not now in the church ſtill carefully be kept betvveene the ruling Elders, and betvveen the miniſters of the Goſpell, the Paſtors and Teachers: as there was heretofore in Iſraell betvveen the Elders of the people, and the miniſters of the Temple, the Prieſts and Levites. Exod. 18, 21. with 28 chap. Numb. 11, 16. vvith 3, and 4, and 8, and 16, and 18 ch. Deu. 1, 13 — 18. vvith 10.8. and 33, 8 — 11. 2 Chro. 19, 5 — 8 — 11. Jer. 19, 1. Luke 22, 66. Act. 4, 5, 6. and 5, 21, 34. and 22, 5, 30. compared with 1 Tim. 5, 17. Rom. 12, 7, 8. 1 Cor. 12, 28. Epheſ. 4, 11, 12, 13. Acts 20, 17, 28. Phil. 1, 1. Col 4, 17. 1 Theſ, 5, 12, 13, 14. Hebr. 13, 7, 17. Rev. 2, 1. &c. And this, both for the difference of the offices themſelues, & of the dueties and miniſtration thereof: and for ſundry other points and queſtions hereabout: and namely, for the continuance of the miniſters in their offices and functions; as did the Prieſts and Levites in the miniſterie, though there be a yerely or other like chaunge of the ruling Elders: as is novv obſerved among the Ievves (touching the rulers of their Synagogues) and is very uſuall in ſuch policies as are Ariſtocraticall, or Democraticall, &c. Although ſome alſo vvrite, that in the church ſucceeding the Apoſtles times, the Elders and Deacons were choſen to be perpetual: and that ſpeach of the Apoſtle, concerning the Deacons purchaſing to themſelues a good degree, if they hauehave uſed the office of a Deacon well, is duly to be regarded thereabout. 1 Tim. 3, 13.

But having thus by the way noted theſe things: let us novv furthermore (touching the places aforeſaid, & the matter in hand) obſerue herewithall, hovv the ſpeaches in thoſe Epiſtles, are by the Apoſtle directed both unto Timothee and Titus, in the ſingular number: (as is alſo by Chriſt to the Angels of the ſeverall churches, Rev. 2 & 3 chap.) And whether this may not imply, that in the churches vvhere either of theſe came and vvere left by the Apoſtle, or vvhere there vvere not Paſtors as yet, either they themſelues (albeit Euangeliſts othervviſe) did novv (for the time) ſupply the Paſtors place and office there: as Iames is obſerved to hauehave done at Ieruſalem, though he vvas an Apoſtle othervviſe. Act. 21, 18. or that vvhat they did (for a time) in the ſeverall Churches, where they came, being Euangeliſts: the ſame (in al things ordinarie and perpetual) p. 272should ſtill be done by the Paſtors, in their particular and peculiar Churches, from time to time, untill the appearing of our Lord Ieſus Chriſt. Whereabout that charge, ſo earneſtly giuen to Timothee in ſpecial, is wel to be obſerved, being expreſſely giuen to endure, untill the appearing of our Lord Ieſus Chriſt: 1 Tim. 6, 13, 14. which could not (as I noted here before) be done by Timothee in his ovvne perſon (who dyed, after he had ſerved his ovvne generation by the vvill of God) but was to be performed by his ſucceſſors, from time to time, unto the end of the vvorld. As may alſo appeare by comparing 1 Tim. 6, 13, 14. with Rev. 2, 1, 8, 12, 18. and 3, 1, 7, 14. and Mat. 28, 18, 19, 20.

And more particularly, touching the church of Epheſus, where Timothee abode ſome time (1 Tim. 1.3.) Euſebius giues record of Oneſimus the Paſtor of that church: shevving how Ignatius, vvhen he was at Smyrna, vvhere Polycarpus vvas, vvrote an Epiſtle to the church of Epheſus, making mention of Oneſimus the Paſtor thereof. Euſeb. l. 3. c. 32. Beſides the ſpeciall mention of the Angell of the church of Epheſus, like as of the church of Smyrna, and the other churches particularly ſpoken of, Rev. 2.1.8.14.18. and 3.1.7.14. and that the contents, both of Chriſts letters directed to the Angels of the churches, and of the Apoſtles to Timothee & Titus, are of ſuch matters, as concern the Paſtors office, who by his name, gift, work, and duties of his calling, hath ſpeciall charge of the flock over vvhichwhich he is ſet, in ſuch things as Chriſt and the Apoſtle hauehave written off, in the Epiſtles aforeſaid.

And for the churches in Crete, vvhere Titus was left, Tit. 1.5. the like may be mynded, as of the other churches aforeſaid: ſeeing they vvere ſo to be eſtablished, as Paul had appointed Titus: and the Apoſtles wayes vvere alike tovvards all churches, as Paul himſelf witneſſeth. 1 Cor. 4.17. and 14.33. and 16, 1. Col. 4.16.17. and Tit. 1.5. with 1 Tim. 6.13.14.

5. There is a place likevviſe, in Heb. 13.7.17.24. shewing that there vvere divers Elders in the churches of the Ievves. Yet neither doth this hinder, but that they had alſo diſtinction of office among them, for teaching and ruling Elders: as there the Apoſtle ſpeaketh of ſuch, who spake the word of God unto them, and were their guydes and governours, vvatching for their ſoules, as they that ſhould giuegive account, &c. where moreover the Apoſtle uſeth a vvord (HEGOUMENOI,) ſignifying Guydes, Leaders, Captaines, Rulers, Governours, chief, &c. vvhichwhich is attributed to the Overſeers & Governours both in church and common wealth, yea euen unto kings, and to Chriſt himſelf: Gen. 49, 10. 1 Sam. 25, 30. 2 Sam. 5, 2, 1 King. 14, 27. 2 King. 20, 5. 1 Chron. 26, 24. and 27, 4, 16. Pſal. 68, 27. Dan 3, 2. Mat, 2, 6. Luc. 22, 26. Acts 7, 10. who is here alſo (in this chapter, Heb. 13, 20.) called the great Shepheard (or Paſtor) of the sheep: under vvhom the other Paſtors and Guydes aforeſaid▪ miniſtred, and guyded the flocks committed unto them. And in Iſraell of old, they had among the Iewes, both Elders of the Prieſts, and Elders of the people: beſides other differences of the miniſters and Governors among them: as vvas noted there before. And in the church at Ieruſalem p. 273(ſince Chriſt) there was Iames, together with the Elders, overſeeing the affaires of that church. Act. 21, 18, &c. And Euſebius vvith other auncient Writers, notes the names of ſundry Bishops (or Paſtors) who after Iames follovved, one another, in that church, for a long time aftervvard: as is aforeſaid.

6. Concerning the place, in 1 Pet. 5, 1 — 4. the ſame things may be obſerved, as about the other Scriptures before mentioned. And this moreover, that Peter (an Apoſtle) doth here call himſelf an Elder, and a fellow-Elder, vvith the reſt: ver. 1. So generall is the word, and compriſing in it Elders of divers ſorts and offices: as euen this place undeniably sheweth. Where may be noted further, how Chriſt is here called the Archpaſtor, or chief Shepheard, ver. 4. Which again plainely implyeth other Paſtors & Bishops, that are inferiour and ſubordinate unto him, vvho is the chief and great shepheard of the sheep, and Bishop of our ſoules. Heb. 13, 20. and 1 Pet. 2, 25. and 5, 1 — 4. with Ioh. 21.15, 16.17. Act. 20, 17, 28. Rom. 12.7.8. Ephe. 4.11, 12. 1 Tim. 5, 17. Rev. 2, 1, 8. &,. And hitherto of theſe things concerning theſe allegations out of the Scripture.

Another allegation, about the matter aforeſaid, is taken out of auncient writers,Park. Polit. eccleſ. p. 236. &c. shewing that in ſome churches heretofore there were two Bishops (or Paſtors) in one and the ſame office, in one church at once. As namely, that there vvas in the church of Ieruſalem, at once, Narciſſus and Alexander: and in the church of Hippo, Valerius and Auguſtine; in Rome, Felix & Liberius; in Nazianzum, Gregorie the father, & Gregorie the ſonne, &c. Euſeb. l. 6. c. 7.9.10. Sozomen. l. 4. c. 14. Auguſt. epiſt. 110. Gregor. Nazianz. epiſt. ad Gregor. Nyſſenum. Whereabout may be conſidered, I. Whether this vvas ordinarie, or extraordinarie. If ordinarie, how is it then that the ſame & other auncient vvriters, doe uſually ſtill make mention but of one, in one church, at one time, as in their vvritings everie vvhere may be ſeen? If extraordinarie and upon ſome ſpeciall occaſions, what then vvas the ordinarie courſe that vvas otherwiſe kept and obſerved uſually?

II. By the inſtances alledged, it appeareth that there were but two of theſe Bishops, in theſe churches, at thoſe times: Whereas by the Scriptures alledged, and the generall acknovvledgement almoſt of all, there may be many Elders or Bishops in a church, and far moe then tvvo. Yea if there were but one paſtor, one teacher, & one ruling Elder, in a church, there vvould yet be moe Elders or Bishops then two at once.

III. The tvvo aforeſaid alſo vvere both of them teaching Elders, and Miniſters of the vvord and Sacraments: vvhereas the Scriptures shevve, that there vvere and should be in the Church, both teaching and ruling Elders.

IIII. The vvriters vvhichwhich mention theſe, note ſome ſpecial occaſions thereof, as that it was in caſe of old age, or ſicknes, or ſpecial good liking and approbation of the parties, and returning to the churches and places from which through troubles or otherwiſe they had ſome vvhile ben abſent, or other the like: and ſome difference vvithall obſerved betvveene p. 274ſome of them. Which is alſo duly to be regarded. For vvhichwhich, ſee the … ters and places aforeſaid.

V. The time moreover is to be noted, when this vvas done. Which by the inſtances alledged, appeareth to be ſome good vvhile after the Apoſtles dayes: Whereas the queſtion is, concerning the primitiue inſtitution, and practiſe from the beginning.

VI. Alſo, if ſuch examples in later times, ſo recorded by theſe writers, should be reſpected, vvhy should not then the other examples of former times, recorded by the ſame and other Writers likewiſe?

VII. And finally, the onelyonly ſure ground of truth, and end of controverſies in Religion, is the word of God: vvherevvith ſo far as the auncient Writers accord, their teſtimonies & vvritings may in their place well be regarded. According to it therefore I leaue theſe things, vvith the other before alledged out of the Scriptures, to be conſidered & diſcuſſed. And hitherto of the latter braunch of this queſtion.

Novv furthermore, note withall, that how ever it be for the matter in hand, touching the Paſtors and other Elders of particular churches: yet ſtill it lyeth on them, who receiue or plead for Dioceſan and Provinciall churches, Paſtors, or Bishops, that they shevv ſuch churches and Paſtors planted by the Apoſtles at the beginning. For if it cannot be shevved, that the Apoſtles (by vertue of their commiſſion from Chriſt) eſtablished ſuch Dioceſan and Provincial churches and Bishops, who then may eſtablish or ſubmit unto them? If they vvho were the Maſter-builders under Chriſt, did not ſet them up, vvhat povver then is there under heauen that may erect them? and what homage is it, that a Chriſtian ſoule can with good conſcience yeeld unto them, in this behalf?

2. The churches muſt be ſuch, and ſo eſtablished, as the Lord appointeth and approveth in his vvord. Revel. 1, 12, 20. And everie officer in the church muſt (in a due regard) be counted a mēber in the body of Chriſt. Rom. 12, 3 — 8. 1 Cor. 12, 12 — 28. Epheſ. 4, 4 — 16. And none may ſet members in the body of Chriſt, but the Lord himſelf. 1 Cor. 12, 18, 28. &c. Euen as on the cōtrarie none may keep out, deſpiſe, or abandon thoſe vvhom the Lord hath appointed to be in his church, and to continevv therein, to the end of the vvorld. Rom. 12.6.7.8. Ephe. 4, 11, 12. with Eſa. 66, 21. 1 Tim. 3.1 — 15. and 5, 3, 9, 17. with 6, 13, 14. and with Mat. 28.18.19.20. Luke 10.16. and 12, 42, 43. Ioh. 13, 20. 1 Pet. 5, 1 — 4. Rev. 1, 16, 20. and 2, 1, 8, &c.

3. Moreover the functions & duties of ſuch Prelates (if they be members of the body of Chriſt) are to be shewed out of the word of God: as vve ſee done for the Officers of particular churches. Rom. 12, 6, 7, 8. Epheſ. 4.11.12. vvith Eſa. 66.21. 1 Theſ. 5.12.13.24. 1 Tim. 5.17, Rev. 2.1.8. &c. and as vvas in Iſraell, for the hy Prieſt, and for the other Prieſts and Levites: beſides that vvhichwhich was in their cities and Synagogues. Exod. 28. and 29. Lev. 1 — 16 chap. &c. Num. 3, and 4, and 8. Deut. 16 — 19 chap. Joſh. 21 chap. 1 Chron. 23 — 26 ch. Luke 4, 16 — 20. Act. 13.14.15. &c.

4. The place alſo and manner, vvhere and hovv ſuch Bishops doe and p. 275can meet together with the reſt of the body whereof they are members, that is, with their Dioceſan and Provinciall churches, is to be shewed in their practiſe, & agreable to the Scriptures: as may be done for the Paſtors of particular churches, and their aſſemblies, Rev. 1, 20. and 2 and 3 ch. vvith Acts 20.17.28. Rom. 12.4 — 8. Col. 4.16.17. 1 Theſ. 5.12.13.14.27. Heb. 13.7.17.24. Jam. 2.2. vvhere the Apoſtle calleth the aſſemblies of Chriſtians, Synagogues: vvhichwhich (as I noted before) may hauehave reference to the Synagogues of the Ievves. Mat. 4, 23. Luke 4, 16 — 20. Acts 13.5.14.15.42. and 14.1. and 17.1.2. and 18.4.7.8. &c. As alſo Ieruſalem was the place, whither the Iewes were bound to come thriſe a yere, and where the high Prieſt and the other Prieſts and Levites that miniſtred there, were bound to ſacrifice, and performe the other duties of their callings, for the vvhole church, from time to time, according as the Lord particularly appointed in his word.

5. Yea the higher and greater that the members and functions are, which the Lord hath ſet in his church, the more undoubted it is, that they are ſpecially deſcribed in his word, and the more needfull both for the church and the Officers themſelues, to hauehave certain knowledge and aſſurance thereof. As was for the chief Prieſts, & other officers of the church of Iſraell.

Neceſſarie therefore it is, that the Dioceſan and Provinciall Churches (if any ſuch vvere planted by the Apoſtles) and the office, entrance, & adminiſtration, of Dioceſan and Provinciall Bishops (vvhichwhich challenge to be chief in the church, and diſtinct from the Paſtors and Bishops of particular churches) should be shewed out of the Scriptures, by ſuch as hold & would uphold them, if they could.

The Catholike church of Rome (as they call it) and the univerſall Bishop thereof, I omit: as being Antichriſtian moſt of all, and juſtly left by the Proteſtants and Reformed churches. Though yet far more (in ſome reſpects) might be pretended for this, from the ſtate of Ieruſalem & the High Prieſts, that vvere for the univerſall church, then for the Dioceſan or Provinciall churches and Bishops.

If any alledge in this behalf (as ſome uſe to doe) the examples of Timothee abiding at Epheſus, and Titus left at Crete, by the appointment of the Apoſtle, for the overſight and government of thoſe churches, &c. & the ſubſcriptions alſo of thoſe Epiſtles, vvherein both of them are ſtyled, the firſt Biſhops of thoſe churches: let theſe things be obſerved thereabout: 1. That thoſe ſubſcriptions are Apocryphall, and not part of the Scripture it ſelf.

2. That ſome Greek copies, and the Syriack, and old Latin tranſlation alſo, hauehave not this ſtyle or title at all.

3. That Timothee and Titus were Euangeliſts, vvho were ſent & appointed by the Apoſtles, ſometimes to one place, ſometimes to another, as they had occaſion. 2 Tim. 4.5.9. Tit. 1.5. and 3.12. whereas the Paſtors & Bishops vvere appointed to their peculiar flock and ſeat. Act. 20.17, 28. 1 Pet. 5.1 — 4. Rev. 1.20. and 2.1.8. &c. If eyther of theſe were ſo particularly p. 276employed afterward, it helps not the matter.

4. The firſt Epiſtle of Timothee, hath not this in the ſubſcription. And in the latter Epiſtle, where the ſubſcription ſtyleth Timothee, the firſt Biſhop of the church of the Epheſians, there doth Paul in the ſame Epiſtle, both terme him an Euangeliſt, and exhorte him to doe the work of an Euangeliſt, 2 Tim, 4.5. yea and call him from the church of Epheſus, (which was in Aſia) to come unto him to Rome, (which was in Italie) 2 Tim. 4, 9, 21. if the ſubſcription be right. Likevviſe in the Epiſtle to Titus, vvhere the ſubſcription ſtyleth him, the firſt Biſhop of the church of the Cretians, there doth Paul, in the ſame Epiſtle, call him from Creta (in Greece) to Nicopolis (in Armenia.) Tit. 1, 5. vvith 3, 12. And theſe things may be obſerved in thoſe Epiſtles themſelues, vvhere theſe ſubſcriptions are: beſides that other Scriptures doe alſo shevve, hovv they vvere ſometimes in one part of the world, and ſometimes in another, ſometimes in Aſia, and ſometimes in Europe, doing the duties of their office. As that Timothee vvas in Aſia, in divers countreyes and parts thereof, in Phrygia, Galatia, Myſia, Ionia, &c. And in Europe alſo, in Macedonia, Achaia, Italie, &c. And in theſe countreyes and nations, ſometimes in one city and with one church, & ſometimes vvith another, for divers occaſions & purpoſes: as namely at Theſſalonica, at Athens, at Corinth, at Epheſus, at Rome, at Philippi, &c. For al vvhichwhich ſee theſe Scriptures, Acts 16 ch. and 17, 14, 15. and 18, 5. and 19, 22. and 20, 4. Rom. 16, 21. 1 Cor. 4, 17. and 16, 10, 11. 2 Cor. 1, 19. Phil. 1, 1. and 2, 19, 22, 23. 1 Theſ. 3, 1, 2, 6. with both the Epiſtles to Timothee And that Titus likevviſe was ſometimes in Europe, at divers places: as at Corinth in Achaia; at Rome in Italie; in Creta, and Dalmatia in Greece, &c. And ſometimes in Aſia, as at Jeruſalem in Iudea, at Nicopolis in Armenia, &c. As is evident by theſe Scriptures, 2 Cor. 8, 23, 24. and 12, 18. Gal 2.1. 2 Tim. 4.10. Tit. 1, 4, 5. and 3.12, vvith the whole Epiſtle to Titus. By vvhichwhich alſo appeareth, that Timothee and Titus, were Euangeliſts, & ſo imployed by the Apoſtle Paul, ſundry times, and in ſundry places.

5. Beſides, the church of Epheſus, vvas a particular, & not a Dioceſan or Provinciall church: as may appeare both by the places, vvhere it is particularly ſpoken off, Acts 20, 17 — 28. Epheſ. 1.1. 1 Tim. 1.3. and 3.15. Rev. 1, 11.12. and 2.1. & by the like eſtate of the other Churches of Aſia, written unto by Chriſt, Rev. 1.4.11.12.13.16.20. and 2.8.12.18. and 3.17.14. compared vvith Col. 4.16. And ſo this toucheth not the point in hand. Creta in deed is an Iland, wherein were divers cities: but in every of them were Elders and Bishops ordeyned, as is here plainly expreſſed. Tit. 1, 5, 6, 7. &c. And by this Scripture it ſeemeth, that when the Apoſtle departed from thence, all things vvere not yet finished among them: vvhereupon he left Titus behind him, to ſet in order the things that were wanting, and to ordeyne Elders and Bishops in every city. Wherein vvhat other thing did Titus, then vvhat any other Euangeliſt ſo left there might hauehave done? Which alſo the Apoſtle himſelf might and vvould hauehave done, if he had remayned there longer, and yet hauehave ben an Apoſtle ſtill, though for the p. 277time or by that occaſion he had ben ſo particularly imployed there? And when this was done there by Titus, Paul called him from thence to come unto him to Nicopolis: as vve hauehave noted here before, out of the ſame Epiſtle. Tit. 3, 12.

6. Moreover, the vvord Biſhop or Overſeer is ſometimes uſed generally and very largely: ſo as the office of an Apoſtle is ſometimes ſo called, Acts 1, 20.

7. And laſtly, vvhy might not the Euangeliſts, being in an office ſuperiour to the Paſtors or Bishops of particular churches, hauehave and ſupply their place in any Church, vvhere they came and remayned: & yet this be no ground or warrant of Dioceſan or Provincial Bishops & churches: any more then Iames ſo being at Ieruſalem, who othervviſe vvas an Apoſtle? Act. 21.18. Euſeb. l. 2. c. 23. & l. 3. c. 11. & l. 7. c. 18.

For the further conſideration vvhereof, beſides that vvhichwhich hath ben ſaid before, I will here propound two things (in an other††Reaſons touching cōmunicating with the Miniſt. of the church of Engl. p. 26. &c. treatiſe mentioned heretofore) vvhichwhich as they shalbe found to hauehave waight, may giuegive more light to theſe and other points ſometimes called in queſtion.

1. The firſt is this: Whether the Lords ordinance in his church be not ſuch, as the higher offices conteyne in them and comprehend the inferior offices: ſo as they vvhichwhich be in the greater offices, hauehave (beſides their ovvne peculiar function, vvhereunto they ought to attend) povver and authoritie both themſelues to performe the duties of the inferiour offices, when there is needfull occaſion; and to look that they be performed by all ſuch as they are ſpecially layd upon, for the better ſervice of the Lord and his church therein. As may be obſerved, both by the eſtate of Iſraell heretofore, in the Prieſts, and Levites, &c. and by divers things written concerning the Apoſtles, Euangeliſts, Paſtors, and other Elders, in ſundry caſes. For example, that the Apoſtles, who were in the greateſt eccleſiaſticall office ordeyned by Chriſt under the Goſpell, had (beſides the peculiar office of Apoſtleship) the povver alſo and authoritie of the offices of the Euangeliſts, Paſtors, Teachers, Elders, & Deacons, both to performe them upon juſt occaſion themſelues, & to ſee them performed by others as is aforeſaid. In like ſort, that the Euangeliſts (beſides their own peculiar office and function) had in them the povver and authority of the inferior offices of Paſtors, Teachers, and Elders, &c. And likevviſe, that the Paſtors (beſides their own peculiar function) hauehave in them the power and authoritie of the Teachers and other ordinarie offices, for performance and overſight of them, as is aforeſaid. Alſo, that the Elders (beſides their ovvne ſpeciall function) hauehave in them the povver and authoritie of the Deacons office, for the doing and overſeeing thereof, as was ſaid before, and ſo forth in the reſt. For all vvhichwhich ſee, Acts 2, 40, 41, 42. and 4, 34, 35. and 6, 1 — 6. and 8, 14, 25, 26, 35, 38. vvith 21, 8. and 11, 29, 30. and 14, 7, 23. & 15, 6, 22, 32, 35, 36, 40, 41. and 16, 4.40. and 20, 7, 11, 17, 28, 29, 30. & 21, 18 — 25. vvith Mat. 28, 18, 19, 20. Ioh. 20, 21, 22, 23. and 21, 15, 16, 17. 1 Cor. 4, 15, 17, 22. and 5, 3. and 9.7.16.17. and 10.16. and 12.28. and 16, 3.4.10. 2 Cor. 1.19. and 8. p. 27816.17.23. Epheſ. 4.11.12. Phil. 1.1. and 4.3. 1 Theſ. 3.2. and 5.12.13.14.27. Hebr. 13.7.17. 1 Pet. 5.1 — 4. Rev. 2.1. &c.

2. The ſecond is this: Whether on the contrarie, the apoſtaſie of Antichriſt be not ſuch (as touching the miniſterie and government of the church) as therein they vvhichwhich be in the leſſer and inferiour offices, hauehave power & authoritie, vvith them, to exceed the dueties of the office which Chriſt hath appointed, and to performe the duties apperteyning to the higher offices: by meanes vvhereof both Antichriſt hath riſen up to ſo great a height, and ſo many orders and degrees of ſuperior and inferior miniſters hauehave ben received, & ſtil are reteyned in that degenerate eſtate and apoſtaſie of the man of ſinne, as is come to paſſe. As namely, when the paſtors and bishops of particular congregations came to hauehave power & authoritie over many churches & over the Miniſters & people therein: in a kind of reſemblance of the extraordinarie offices (of the Apoſtles and Euangeliſts) alreadie ceaſed: vvhen now the foundation was layd. Contrarie to that which is written, Rom. 17, 3 — 8. Rev. 1, 11, 12.13, 16, 20. with 2, 1, 8, 12, 18. and 3, 1, 7, 14. Epheſ. 4, 11, 12, 13. Act. 20, 17, 28. Phil. 1, 1. and 4, 3. 1 Pet. 5, 1, 2, 3, 4. And that the ruling Elders or Presbyters did the miniſteriall duties of the Paſtors and Teachers, in the particular Congregations. Contrarie to 1 Tim. 5, 17. Epheſ 4, 11, 12. Rom. 12, 7, 8. 1 Cor. 12, 28. And that the Deacons alſo baptiſe, and became miniſters of the word (in the office of Deaconship) vvhichwhich the Apoſtles did expreſſely oppoſe to the duties of that office, at the inſtitution thereof. Act. 6.2.3.4. So as of theſe things and the like in that eſtate, it may be ſaid, as Chriſt did in another caſe, From the beginning it was not ſo. Mat. 19.8.

Theſe things and the like may be noted about the points & queſtions aforeſaid. Which being not vvell obſerved in former ages, a way vvas made for the Popes ſupremacy, by the ſteps of the Dioceſan and Provinciall Prelacy: whiles each Paſtor kept not his place, & within his bounds, under Chriſt the Archpaſtor, nor the other Officers theirs, nor the Churches that order vvherein they vvere ſet by the Apoſtles at the beginning. Which being novv in this latter age obſerved and diſcovered, we should ſet our ſelues to reject and witneſſe againſt the Antichriſtian apoſtaſie of the man of ſinne, and all the aberrations and iniquitie thereof: And be carefull on the other hand, to returne to the auncient ſimplicity of the churches of Chriſt, as they were planted in the beginning: alvvaies obſerueing good order in all things, and that vvay of government of the church, which is appointed by the vvord of God.