A summarie view of the government both of the old and new testament whereby the episcopall government of Christs church is vindicated out of the rude draughts of Lancelot Andrewes, late Bishop of Winchester : whereunto is prefixed (as a preamble to the whole) a discovery of the causes of the continuance of these contentions touching church-government out of the fragments of Richard Hooker.

THE FORME OF GOVERNMENT IN THE OLD TESTAMENT: And first, under MOSES.

THE Common-wealth of ISRAEL was considered, either as Personall, containing all the whole people, not a man left:

or Represen∣tative; in the Estate, Tribes, Cities; whose daughters the Townes adjacent are called.

I. The Estate had ever one Governour,

• 1. Moses.
• 2. Iosua.
• 3. Iudges.
• 4. Kings.
• 5. Tirshathaes, [or, Vice-royes, Ezra. 2. 63.] with whom were joyned the LXX. Elders.

II. The Tribes had every one their Prince, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Phylarcha. (Num. 2.) with whom were joyned the chiefe of the families, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Patriar∣chae. (Num. 1.4.)

III. The Cities had each likewise their Ruler. (Iud. 9.30.1. King. 22.26. 2. King. 23.8.) with whom were joyned the Elders or Ancients. (Ruth. 4.2. Ezr. 10.14.)

These last, not before they came into Canaan, [and were setled in their Cities.]

It appeareth, that Moses sometime consulted only with 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (the heads of the Tribes;) and then one Trumpet only sounded: (Num. 10.4.) in some other causes with the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (the Congregati∣on;) and then both Trumpets called. (Num. 10.3.)

The highest BENCH or Iudgement, for causes of greatest difficultie, was that of the LXX. who at the first, were the Fathers of each familie that came down to Egypt. (Gen. 46.) which number did after that remaine; (Exod. 24.1, 9.) and was at last by God himselfe so appointed. (Num. 11.16.) See 2. Chron. 19.8.

The inferiour BENCHES, for matters of lesse im∣portance, were erected by Iethroes advice of Rulers of Thousands, Hundreds, Fifties, Tithings. Exod. 18. 21, 26. and after established by Gods approbation. (Deut. 16.18.)

In every City (as * 1.1 Iosephus saith) were seven Iud∣ges; and for each Iudge, two Levites: which made to∣gether the Bench of each City.

The forme of the Ecclesiastical government under MOSES.

THe Priesthood was setled in the Tribe of Levi by God.

Levi had three sons: Cohath, Gershon, and Merari.

Of these, the line of Cohath was preferred before the rest.

From him descended four Families: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Vzziel.

Of these the stock of Amram was made chiefe.

He had two sons: Aaron and Moses.

Aaron was by God appointed High Priest.

So that there came to be foure distinctions of Levits:

• 1. Aaron, as chiefe.
• 2. Cohath.
• 3. Gershon.
• 4. Merari.

The Commonwealth of Israel was at the begin∣ning in the desert a Camp. In the midst whereof the Arke and Tabernacle were pitched: and according to the four Coasts whereof, they quartered themselves; on every side three Tribes.

• On the East side:Iudah. Issachar Zabulon,
• On the South side:Reuben. Simeon. Gad.
• On the West side:Ephraim. Manasses. Ben∣jamin.
• On the North side:Dan. Aser. Napthali.

Num. 2. v. 3. 10. 18. 25.

These foure Quarters were committted to those foure Divisions of Levits:

• The East quarter, toAaron, and his fa∣mily.
• The South quarter, toThe Cohathites.
• The West quarter, toThe Gershonits.
• The North quarter, toThe Merarits.

Num. 3. vers. 38. 29. 23. 35.

Who lodged among them, and took charge of them, as of their severall Wards.

But there was not a parity in these foure: for

• 1. Aarons family, which bare the Ark it selfe, was chiefe.
• 2. Cohaths, which bare the Tabernacle and vessels, next.
• 3. Gershons, which bare the veile and hangings of the Court, third.
• 4. Meraries, which bare the Pillars and Posts, last.

Neither were all the Levits of each of these seve∣rall houses equall; but God ordeined a superiority a∣mong them:

• Over the Priests,Eleazar.
• Over the Cohathits,Elizaphan.
• Over the Gershonits,Eliasaph.
• Over the Merarits, Zuriel.

Num. 3. v. 30. 24. 35.

Whom he termeth Nesiim, that is, Prelats or Su∣periors.

No more did he permit these foure to be equals among themselves: but appointed

• Ithamar (Exod. 38.21.) to command over Eliasaph, with his Gershonits. (Num. 4.28.) Zuriel, with his Merarits. (Num. 4.33.)
• Eleazar (Num. 4.16.) to have jurisdictio over His own Fa∣mily. Elizaphan, with his Co∣hathites.

Yea he maketh not Eleazar and Ithamar to be ab∣solute equals: but giveth Eleazar preeminence over Ithamar; and therefore termeth him Nasi Nesiim, Princeps Principum or Praelatus Praelatorum. (Num. 3.32.)

And all these under Aaron the High Priest.

So that,

• 1. Aaron was the High Priest.
• 2. Under him Eleazar: who, as hee had his peculiar charge to look unto, so was he generally to rule both Ithamars jurisdi∣ction and his owne.
• 3. Under him Ithamar, over two families.
• 4. Under him the three Prelats.
• 5. Under each of them, their severall chiefe

• ... Fathers (〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 as they are termed Exod. 6.25.) under Elizaphan foure, un∣der Eliasaph two, under Zuriel two. (Num. 3.18, &c.)
• 6. Under these, the severall persons of their kindreds.

This is here worth the noting, that albeit it bee granted that Aaron was the type of Christ, and so we forbeare to take any argument from him: yet Elea∣zar (who was no type, nor ever so deemed by any writer) will serve sufficiently to shew such superiori∣ty as is pleaded for; that is, a personall jurisdiction in one man resiant over the heads or rulers of diverse charges.

The forme of government under JOSHUA.

THe Common-wealth being changed from the ambulatory form into a setled estate in the Cities of Canaan: as before, the Levits were divided accord∣ing to the severall Quarters of the Camp; so now were they sorted into the severall territories of the Tribes. So God commanded; Num. 35.2, 8.

The lot fell so, that the foure partitions of the XII. Tribes were not the same, as when they camped be∣fore together; but after another sort. For the Tribes of

• 1. Iuda, Simeon and Benjamin made the first Quarter.
• ...

• ... 2. Ephraim, Dan, and halfe of Manasses the second.
• 3. Issachar, Asher, Napthali, and the other halfe of Manasses the third.
• 4. Zebulun, Reuben, and Gad the fourth.

Now in these foure;

• 1. The charge or oversight of the first was com∣mitted to Aaron and his family: and they had therein assigned to them XIII. Cities. in Iudah and Simeon, IX. and in Benjamin, IV. (Ios. 21.9, 10, &c.)
• 2. Of the second, the care was committed to the fa∣mily of the Cohathits: and they had assigned to them X. Cities. in Ephraim, IV. in Dan, IV. and in the halfe of Manasses, II. (Ios. 21.20.)
• 3. The third was committed to the family of Ger∣shon: and they had therein assigned to them XIII. Cities. in Issachar, IV. in Asher, IV. in Naphtali, III. in the other halfe of Manasses, II. (Ios. 21.27.)
• 4. The oversight of the fourth partition was com∣mitted to the Merarits: and they had therein assigned to them XII. Cities. in Zebulun, IV. in Reuben, IV. in Gad, IV. (Ios. 21.34.)

These were in all, XLVIII. Cities: whereof the chiefe (as may appeare) were Cities set on Hills; and all so situate, in such proportion and distance, as that they most equally parted their Tribe among them, to performe unto them their duties of attendance

and instruction.

Further, there were in Ioshuahs time added, by the decree of the Princes, the Nethinims of the people of Gibeon; for the lowest ministeries, and for the ser∣vice of the Levits. (Ios. 9.27.)

So that now the order was thus:

• 1. Eleazar.
• 2. Phineas.
• 3. Abisua.
• 4. The three Nesiims.
• 5. The Rase Aboth, [or, Heads of the Fami∣lies.]
• 6. The Levits.
• 7. The Nethinims.

If this power and superiority was necessary, when all the People and Priests were within one Trench, e∣ven within the view of Aarons eye: much more in Ca∣naan, when they were scattered abroad in divers Ci∣ties farre distant, was the retaining of it more then necessary.

The forme of Government under DAVID.

ALbeit in Sauls government small regard was had to the Church: yet David found at his comming a superiority amongst them.

For besides the Priests, hee found six Princes or Rulers over six families of the Levits. (1. Chron. 15.5, 6, &c.)

• Vrielover Cohath.
• Asajahover Merari.
• Ioelover Gershon.
• Shemajahover Elizaphan.
• Elielover Hebron.
• Amminadabover Vzziel.

Likewise between the two Priests an inequality: one Abiathar, attending the Ark at Ierusalem, the higher function; the other, Zadok, the Tabernacle at Gibeon. (2. Sam. 20.25.1. Chron, 16.37, 39.)

But after the Ark was brought back; he set a most exquisite order among the Levits: and that by Sa∣muels direction; 1. Chron. 9.22. So that he is there reckoned as a new Founder.

Of them he made six orders: 1. Chron. 23.

1. Priests, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉	24000.	vers. 4.
2. Ministers of Priests
3. Iudges, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉	6000.	vers. 4.
4. Officers, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
5. Singers, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉	4000.	verse. 5.
6. Porters, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉	4000.

1. Of Priests, Zadok was the chiefe of the family of Eleazar; and Ahimelech the second, of the family of Ithamar. (1. Chron-24.3.)

Under these were XXIIII. other Courses.

Of the posteritie of

• Eleazar, XVI.
• Ithamar, VIII.

1. Chr. 24.4.

Which XXIIII. are called (in the 5. verse)

Rulers of the Sanctuary and Rulers of the House of God: and to whom the learned In∣terpreters thinke the XXIIII. Elders, Apocal. 4.4. have relation.

II. Of Levits that ministred to the Priests in their function, likewise XXIIII. Courses; out of the * 1.2 VIII. families, the Heads of whom are set downe in 1. Chron. 23.6. and 24.20.

Over all which, Jehdeiah was chiefe.

III. Of Iudges, that sate for causes aswell of God as the King, there were appointed:

• 1. On this side Iordan, upwards toward the River; Ashhabiah the Hebronite. (1. Chr. 26.30.)
• 2. On this side Iordan, downwards towards the Sea; Chenaniah the Isharite. (1. Chr. 26.29.)
• 3. Beyond Iordan, over the two Tribes and the halfe; Ierijah the chiefe of the Hebro∣nites. (1. Chron. 26.31.)

IIII. Of Officers.

• Scribes.
  • Shemaiah. (1. Chron. 24.6.)
  • Seraiaeh. (2. Sam. 8.17.)
  • Shevah. (2. Sam. 20.25.)
• Scribes of the
  • Levits. (1. Chron. 24.6.)
  • Temple. (2. King. 22.3. Ier. 36.10)
  • People. (Mat. 2.4.)
  • King. (2. King. 12.10.)

V. Of the Singers likewise he set XXIV courses: over which he placed three chiefe, out of the three

families. (1. Chron. 15.17. & 25.2, 3, 4.)

Out of

• Cohath; Heman Samuels nephew. (1. Chr. 6.33)
• Gershon; Asaph. (1. Chron. 6.39.)
• Merari; Ethan or Ieduthun. 1. Chron. 6.44.

Of these, Heman was the Chiefe. (1. Ch. 25.5) Vnder these were diverse others. (1. Chr. 15.18.

VI. Of Porters, who were divided into the

• Keepers of the watch of the Temple: (Mat. 27.65. Psal. 134.1.) who were placed on each quarter of the Tabernacle. (1. Chr. 26.13, 14, &c.) On the
  • East side VI. over whom was She∣lemiah.
  • South IIII. (for the Tabernacle II. and II. for Asuppim) over whō was Obed.
  • West IIII. over whom was Hosa.
  • North IIII. over whom was Ze∣chariah.
  Over all these it seemeth Benajah, the son of Iehoiada the Priest, was the chiefe. (1. Chron, 27.5.)
• Treasu∣rers: for the Revenues of the house of God (1. Ch. 26.20.) for Things dedicated by vow; Shelomith. 1. Chron. 26.26.) Cohath; Shebuel of Moses of∣spring. Gershon; Iehiel. Merari; Ahiah.

Over all the Porters was Chenaniah. (1. Chr. 26.29. & 15.22, 27.)

It is to be remembred that, beside Zadok the High Priest and Ahimelech (the second) we finde mention of Hashabiah the son of Kemuel chiefe of the whole Tribe of Levi. (1. Chron. 27.17.) So that there was

One over the Ark;

Zadok.

The second over the Tabernacle;

Ahimelech.

The third over the Tribe;

Hashabiah.

As over the

Levits Ministers;

Iehdeiah.

Iudges;

Chasabiah.

Officers;

Shemaiah.

Singers;

Heman.

Porters;

Chenaniah, or Benaiah.

Agreeable to this forme we read that under Iosias there were three: that is, Hilkiah, Zachariah, and Ie∣hiel: (2. Chron. 35.8.) and that the Levits had six o∣ver them. (2. Chron. 35.9.)

Againe under Zedekiah; that there were carried in∣to Captivity Seraiah [the chief Priest] and Zepha∣niah [the second Priest.] 2. King. 25.18.

Likewise under Ezekiah, at the provision for the Levits portions, there were ten of the Levits; over whom was Cononiah and Shimei: and so Kore over the voluntary offrings; and six Levits under him. (2. Chron. 31.12, 13. &c.)

The forme of government under NEHEMIAH:

OF whom and Esdras it is recorded, that they did all according to Moses institution. (Ezr. 6.18. Nehem. 10.34, 36.)

There was then

• Eliashib.Nehem. 3.1.
• Seraiah.11.11.
• Zabdiel.11.14.

The Courses were then but XXII. (Neh. 12.12.)

There was then

• Vzzi. (Neh. 11.22.)
• Iezrahiah. (Neh. 12.42.)
• Shallum. (1. Chron. 9.17.)

Under Zabdiel, at his hand

• Adaiah. Nehem. 11. ver. 12, 13.
• Amasai. Nehem. 11. ver. 12, 13.

Vnder Vzzi

• Shemaiah. Neh. 11.15, 16.
• Shabbethai. Neh. 11.15, 16.
• Iozabad. Neh. 11.15, 16.

Vnder Iezrahiah

• Mattaniah. Neh. 11.17.
• Bakbukiah. Neh. 11.17.
• Abda. Neh. 11.17.

Vnder Shallum

• Akkub. 1. Chron. 9.17. Nehem. 11.19.
• Talmon. 1. Chron. 9.17. Nehem. 11.19.

So that there was

• 1. The High Priest.
• 2. The second & third, Overseers of the Priests.
• 3. The Princes of the Priests.
• 4. The Priests.
• 5. The Overseer of the Levits.
• ...

• 6. The Princes of the Levits.
• 7. The Levits.
• 8. The Heads of the Nethinims.
• 9. The Nethi∣nims: of the Gibeonits.
• 9. The Nethi∣nims: of Salomons servants.

[A briefe Recapitulation of the degrees obser∣ved under the government of the Old Te∣stament: with an accommodation thereof unto the New.]

Out of these we gather this Forme to have been.

• I. Moses: [in whom was] the supreme jurisdicti∣on, to visit Aaron. (Num. 3.10.)
• II. Aaron: the High Priest. (Levit. 21.20. Num. 35.28. Nehem. 3.1.)

  Head. (2. Chron. 19.11.)

  Prince of the house of God. (1. Chron. 9.11)

• III. Eleazar: the second. (2. King. 25.18.)

  Prelate of Prelats. (Num. 3.22.)

  Chiefe Overseer, or Bishop (Ier. 20.1.)

  At his hand, Ithamar.

• IV. Prince of the Tribe. (1. Chron. 27.17.)
• V. Elizaphan. Eliasaph. Zuriel.

  Prelats. (Num. 3.24, &c.)

  Overseers or Bishops. (Neh. 11.14, 22.)

• VI. [In] the XXIV. Courses set by David;
  • ...
    • The Princes of the Priests. (Ezr. 8.29.)
    • ...

• ...
  • ...
    • The Princes of God. 1. Chr. 24.5.
    • The Princes of the Sanctuary. 1. Chr. 24.5.
  • Elders of the Priests. (Ierem. 19.1. 2. King. 19.1.)
  • Heads of the Families. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (Nehem. 12.12.)
  • Chiefe Priests. (Act. 19.14.)
• VII. The Priests themselves:

  Whether at Ierusalem; or in the Countrey townes. (2. Chron. 31.19.)

• VIII. The Overseer of the Levits. (Nehem. 11.22.)
• IX. The Princes of the Levits. (1. Chron. 15.5. 2. Chron. 35.9. Nehem. 12.22.)
• X. The Head of the Levits Officers. The Scribe.

  The Singers. (1. Chro. 16.5. Neh. 12.42.)

  The Porters. (1. Chron. 9.17. & 15.22.)

  The Treasurers. (1. Chron. 26.24, 2. Chr. 31.12.)

• [XI. The Levits themselves.]
• XII. The Chief of the Nethinims. (Nehem. 11.21.)
• XIII. The Nethi∣nims: of
  • the Gibeonits. (Ios. 9.21.)
  • Salomons servants. (1. King. 9. 21. Nehem. 7.60.)

It is not only requisite that things be done, and that they be diligently done (against sloth;) but that they be done continually, and constantly.

To this end it is, that God appoints Overseers:

• 1. To urge others, if they be slack. (2. Chron. 24.5. & 34.13.)
• 2 To keep them in course, if they be well. (2. Chr.

• 29.5. and 31.12. and 34.12, 13.)
• 3. To punish, if any be defective. (Ierem. 29.26.) For which,

A power of Commanding was in the High Priest. (1. Chron. 23.8, 18. and 24.6. and 31.13.)

A power Iudiciall, if they transgressed: (Deut: 17. 9. Zach: 3.7. Ezech: 44.24.

Under paine of death. (Deut: 17.12.)

Punishment in Prison, and in the Stocks: (Ier: 29.26.) in the Gate of Benjamin. (Ier: 20.2.)

Officers to Cite and Arrest: (Ioh. 7.32. Act: 5.18.) This Corporall.

To suspend from the Function: (Ezr: 2.62.)

To excommunicate. (Ezr: 10.8. Ioh. 9.22. and 12.) 42. and 16.2.)

[This Spirituall.]

Why may not the like be, [for the government of the Church:]

There is alleaged one only stop. That the High Priest was a figure of Christ: who being now come in the flesh, the figure ceaseth, & no argument thence to be drawne.

[For Answer whereunto, we are to consider; that]

I. This is the Anabaptists only shift. That we are to have no Warres: for the warres of the Iewes were but figures of our spirituall Battell. No Magistrate: for their Magistrates were but figures of our Mini∣sters, Pastors, and Doctors. and, all by Christs com∣ming abolished.

II. Christ, being as well King as Priest, was as well fore-resembled by the Kings then, as by the High Priest. So that if his comming take away the one Type, it must also the other. If it be said, there was in the King somewhat else beside the represen∣tation: the like is and may bee truely said of the High Priest. And that some such thing there was, it is plaine by S. Paul, who yeelded his obedience to the High Priest; appearing before him, and acknowledg∣ing him a Governour of the People (Act. 23.5.) & that, after the Type was expired. Which had been meerely unlawfull; if there had not remained in him some∣what besides the Figure.

III. There is no necessity we should presse Aa∣ron. For Eleazar being Princeps Principum, that is, ha∣ving a superiour authoritie over the Superiours of the Levits [in Aarons life time] was never by any [in this point] reputed a Type of Christ. So that though Aaron be accounted such; yet Eleazar will serve our purpose. As also, 2. Chron. 35.8. we read of three at once: one only of which was the High Priest, and a Type of Christ; the rest were not. Let them answer then to the other twaine, who were Rulers or Chiefe over the House of God.

Why it may bee.

I. Out of Dic Ecclesiae, [the New Reformers] ••ell us, we are to fetch our pattern from the Iewes: and therefore it seemes they are of opinion, that one forme may serve both us and them.

II. Except there should be such a fashion of Go∣vernment, consisting of inequality: I see not in the New Testament, how any could perish in that contra∣diction of Core, which S. Iude affirmeth. For his plea was for equalitie; and against the preferring of Aaron aboue the rest.

III. The Ancient Fathers seem to be of minde, that the same Forme should serve both.

So thinketh S. Cyprian, l. 3. ep. 9. ad Rogatianum.

So S. Hierom, ep. 85. ad Evagrium. Traditiones Apostolicae sumptae sunt de Veteri Testamento. & ad Nepotianum, de vitâ Clericorum.

So S^t Leo. It a veteris Testamenti sacramenta di∣stinxit; ut quaedam ex iis, sicut erant condita, E∣vangelicae eruditioni profutura decerperet: ut quae dudùm fuerant consuetudines Iudaicae, fierent ob∣servantiae Christianae.

So Rabanus, de Institutione Clericorum, l. 1. c. 6.

They ground this their opinion upon that they see,

1. That the Synagogue is called a Type or sha∣dow, and the Church the very image of the thing. (Heb. 10.1.)

2. That God himselfe saith of the Christian Church under the Gentiles; that he will take of the Gentiles, and make them Priests and Levits to him∣selfe. (Esai. 66.21.) there calling our Presbyters and Deacons by those Legall names.

3. That there is an agreement, in the

• ...Numbers:
  • XII. Num. 1.16. and Luk. 9.1.
  • LXX. Num. 11.16. & Luk: 10.1.
• Names: Angel. Malach. 2.7. and Revel. 1.10.

And their often enterchange and indifferent using of Priest or Presbyter, Levite or Deacon, sheweth they presumed a correspence & agreement between them.

[Thus then]

• Aaron [should be answerable unto] Christ.
• Eleazar [should be answerable unto] Archbishop.
• Princes of Priests [should be answerable unto] Bishops.
• Priests [should be answerable unto] Presbyters.
• Princes of Levits [should be answerable unto] Archdeacons.
• Levits [should be answerable unto] Deacons.
• Nethinims [should be answerable unto] Clerks and Sextons.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Antiquit. l. 4. c. 8.
• * 1.2

  IX.