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Chap. 2. the. 5. Diuision.
For although Aristotles 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and Platoes 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 that is, instruments seruing to two purposes, be lawfull in offices of the common wealth, where things are more free, and left in greater libertie to be ordered at the iudgement and aduise of men, especially considering that vpon the diuersitie of the formes of common wealthes, varietie of regiment may spring, yet in the Church of God, where things are brought to a strayghter rule, & which is but one & vniforme▪ the same may not be suffered. And yet euen those common wealth Philosophers, whiche doe licence vpon occasion, that two offices may meete in one man, holde that it is best, and conuenientest, that euery one should haue a particular charge. For Aristotle sayth, it is moste agreable to nature, that* 1.1 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 should be 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 that is, one instrumēt to one vse. And Plato vseth the prouerbe, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 agaynst those whych will take vpon them diuers vocations, and not content them selues with one, and they make the meeting of many functions in one man, to be a remedie only in extreme neede, and pouertie of able men.
These be but words onely conteyning no sounde proofes, and require but a short answere, whiche is, that these ciuill and ecclesiasticall offices, whiche we ioyne to∣gither in one person, tende to one and the same ende, and serue for the same pur∣pose, that is, the quiet and good gouernment of the Churche, and the suppression of* 1.2 vyce and sinne. I haue proued before, that the externall forme and kinde of gouern∣ment in the Churche is not one and vniforme (as you heere affirme) but variable, according to place, person, and time.
Diuers offices may be committed to one man in a common wealth, though there be more fit for the same, excepte you wyll make the state popular, and restrayne the Prince from the libertie of bestowing suche offices vpon suche as she thinketh moste méete for them, which, if it be well marked, is parte of your drifte. Belike you or some of your friendes, lacke offices, and therefore you woulde gladly haue a newe distribution.