Chap. 2. the. 10. Diuision.
Erasmus in his argument of the Epistle to Titus, saythe that Paule made Titus Archebishop of Creta, but Antichrist was not in Paules time, Ergo, the name of an Archbishop was not inuented by Antichrist.
Erasmus followeth, which sayth Titus was Archbishop of Crete, whom I could answere with his owne words. For I am sure he will graunt me, that Titus and Timothie had one of∣fice, the one in Ephesus, ye other in Crete, but it appeareth by Erasmus his own words that Ti∣mothie was but a Bishop of Ephesus, therfore Titus was but Bishop of Crete. (a) 1.1 For Eras∣〈1 line〉〈1 line〉us in his argument vpon the first Epistle of Timothie, sayth that S. Paule did informe Timo∣thie of the office of a Bishop, and of the discipline of the Churche. If eyther he had bin an archebi∣shop, or an Archbishop had bin so necessarie as it is made, he woulde haue instructed him in that also.
This maketh wholly agaynst your selfe, for héereby it appeareth that the wry∣ters vse not any greate curiositie in obseruing proper titles, but they thinke it suf∣ficient, if that name of office be vsed that comprehendeth all. Where dothe Erasmus saye, that Timothie was but a Bishop? Will you not learne to deale playnely? But let vs heare your argument: Erasmus sayth, that S. Paule dyd informe Timothie of the of∣fice of a Bishop, and of the discipline of the Churche, Ergo, Erasmus sayth that Timothie was no Archbishop. Undoubtedly you had néede beare with other mens vnskilful∣nesse in Logike, if you vse suche reasons in good earnest. This argument also is ne∣gatiue ab bumana authoritate, Whatsoeuer is necessarie for a Bishop is necessarie for* 1.2 an Archebishop, and the office of a Bishop is the office of an Archebishop. There is no difference of Bishop and Archebishop, but onely this, that the Archebishop hathe authoritie ouer other Bishops, to call them togither when occasion serueth, to sée that they walke according to the lawes and rules prescribed to kéepe vnitie and concorde in the Churche, and suche lyke. There is no difference quantum ad ministe∣rium, in respecte of their ministerie and function, but onely quoad politiam & ordinem, in respect of pollicie and order, as I haue sayde before.