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 CHURCH-GOVERNMENT in the New Testament: and first in the dayes of our Saviour CHRIST.

I. THe whole ministery of the New Testa∣ment was at the first invested in Christalone.

He is termed our Apostle. (Hebr. 3.1.)

Prophet. (Deut. 18.15. Act. 3. 22.)

Evangelist. (Esai. 41.27.)

Bishop. (1. Pet. 2.25.)

Doctor. (Mat. 23.10.)

Diaconus. (Rom. 15.8.)

II. When the Harvest was great, (Matth. 9.38.) that his personall presence could not attend all; he took unto him XII. Apostles: as the XII. Patriarchs, or XII. * 1.1 Fountaines (as S. Ierom) or the XII. Princes of the Tribes. (Num. 1.)

Gathering his Disciples, (Matth. 10.1.)

Choosing out of them (Luk. 6.13.)

Whom he would; (Mark. 3.13.)

Called them to him, (Luk. 6.13.)

Made them, (Mark. 3.13.)

Named them Apostles. (Luk. 6.13.)

These he began to send: (Mark. 6.7.)

Gave them in charge, (Mat. 10.1. and 11.1.)

To preach the Gospell. (Luk. 9.2.)

To Heal. (Matth. 10.1. Luk. 9.2.)

To cast out Devills. (Matth. 10.1.)

Gave them power, (Mat. 10.1. Luk. 9.2.)

To take maintenance, (Matth. 10.10.)

To shake of the dust for a witnesse. (Matth. 10.14.)

So he sent them. (Matth. 10.5. Luk. 9.1.)

They went and preached. (Luk. 9.6.)

They returned, and made relation

what they had

• done.
• taught.

Mark. 6.30.

III. After this, when the Harvest grew so great as that the XII. sufficed not all; (Luk. 10.1, 2.) hee took unto him other LXX. (as the 70. Palme-trees, Num. 33.9. the Fathers of Families, Gen. 46. the Elders. Num. 11)

These he

• Declared: (Luk. 10.1.)
• Sent by two and two into every City and place, whither he himselfe would come. lb.
• Gave them power, as to the Apostles, to
  • Take maintenance. (Luk. 10.7.)
  • Shake off the dust. (Luk. 10.11.)
  • Heale the sick. Luk. 10.9.
  • Preach. Luk. 10.9.
  • Tread upon Serpents and Scorpions, and over all the power of the Ene∣my. (Luk. 10.19)

These two Orders (as me thinketh) S. Paul, Ephes. 3.5. doth comprehend under the name of Apostles and Prophets; by the LXX. understanding Prophets: as usually next to the Apostles he placeth Prophets ever. (1. Cor. 12.28. Ephes. 4.11.)

None ofthe Fathers ever doubted, that these two were two severall Orders or Sorts: nor that the Apo∣stles were superiour to the LXX.

It appeareth also, that [the Apostles] had in them power to forbid to preach: (Luk. 9.49.) and that Matthias was exalted from the other Order to the Apostleship.

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This was then the Order, while Christ was upon the Earth.

I. Christ himselfe.

II. The XII. (whose successours were Bishops.)

III. The LXX. (whose successours were Priests.)

IV. The faithfull people or Disciples: of whom 500. and more are mentioned, in 1. Corinth. 15. 6. and CXX. in Act. 1.15.

[The forme of government, used in the time of the APOSTLES.]

Albeit Christ saith, the people were as Sheep with∣out a Shepheard: (Matth. 9. 38.) yet he tearmeth his Apostles Haruest men, not Shepheards. For while he was in person on Earth; himselfe only was the Shep∣heard, and they but Arietes gregis. But at his depar∣ture he maketh them Shepheards: (Iohn 21.15.) as they likewise at theirs. (1. Pet. 5.2. Act. 20.28)

Of the APOSTLES themselves: and first, of their Name.

Shelicha, which is the Syrian name, was the title of certaine Legats or Commissioners sent from the High Priest, to visit the Iewes and their Synagogues which were dispersed in other Countries; with au∣thority to redresse things amisse.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, among the Greekes, were Officers of great credit: as by Herodotus and Demosthenes ap∣peareth.

Secondly, of their Forme; what it is.

Not to have been with Christ all his time. (Acts

1.21.) So were others moe.

Not to be sent immediately of Christ. (Gal. 1.1.) So were the LXX. (Luk. 10.)

Not to be limited to no one place. (Matth. 28. 19.) So were others (Luk. 24.33, 50.)

And S. Iames went no whither.

Not to be inspired of God; so that they did not erre. So were Marke and Luke.

Not to plant Churches. So did Philip the Evan∣gelist. (Act. 8.5.)

Not to work signes and miracles. So did Stephen (Acts 6.8.) and Philip. (Acts 8.6.)

But over and above these, and with these, that emi∣nent Authority or Iurisdiction which they had o∣ver all; not only joyntly together, but every one by himselfe:

• I. Of imposing hands in
  • Ordination. (Acts 6.6.)
  • Confirmatiō. (Act 8.17, 18.)
• II. Of Commanding. (the word of the Bench. Acts 4.18. and 5.28.) 1. Thess. 4.11.2. Thess. 3.6, 12. Philem. 8. Coloss. 4.10.1. Cor. 14.37.2. Peter 3.2. Titus 1.5.1. Cor. 7.6, 17. and 11.34. & 16.1.
• III. Of Countermanding. (Luke 9.49. Acts 15.24.1. Tim. 2.12.)
• IV. Of Censuring. (1. Cor. 4.21.2. Cor. 13.10. Gal. 5.12.1. Tim. 1.20.1. Cor. 5.5, 11.2. Thess. 3.14. Matth. 16.19. with 18.18. and Iohn 20.23.)

In this power it is, that the Bishops succeed the Apo∣stles. Irenae. lib. 3. cap. 3. Tertull. de Praescript. Cy∣prian. ad Florent. 3.9. Epiphan. Haeres. 27. (Romae

fuerunt primi Petrus & Paulus, Apostoli ijdem ac Episcopi.) Chrysost. in Act. 3. (Iacobus Episcop us Hierosolymitanus.) Hieronym. epist. 85. & 54. ad Marcellam: & de scriptorih. Ecclesiast. in Petro & Iacobo. Ambros: in 1. Corinth: 11. (de Angelis:) & in Ephes. 4. (Apostoli. Angeli sunt.)

OF DEACONS.

AT the beginning, the whole weight of the Churches affayres lay upon the Apostles.

The distribution as well of the Sacrament. (Act. 2. 42.) as of the Oblations. (Act. 4.35.)

The Ordination. (Acts 6.6.)

The Government. (Acts 5.3.)

[But] upon occasion of the Greeks complaint, whose widowes were not duly regarded in the dayly ministration (which was as well of the Sacrament, as of the Oblations: otherwise the Apostles would not have left out [the mention of] the Sacrament, in Acts 6.4.) they transferred that part upon the VII. [Deacons.] whom they had ordayned for distributi∣on [of the Sacrament,] not for Consecration. Act. 6.1. Tim. 3.12, 13. Iustin. Apolog. 2. Ignatius ad Heronem. Tertull: de Baptismo. Cyprian de lapsis: & lib. 3. epist. 9. Chrysostom. hom. 83. in Matth. Hieron. ep: 48. ad Sabinianum: & contra Lucifer. Ambros. Of∣fic. lib. 1. cap. 41. Gregor. 4.88. Concil. Nicaen. 1. can. 14.

OF EVANGELISTS.

THey grew upon occasion of the scattering of the Disciples by means of the persecution after the death of S. Stephen. (Acts 11.19.) Of which num∣ber S. Philip is reckoned: (Acts 21.8.) and diverse others. (Acts 11.19.) of whom Eusebius maketh mention, lib. 3. cap. 37. and lib. 5. cap. 10.

Upon these was transferred that part of the Apo∣stles function, which consisted in preaching from place to place.

OF PRIESTS.

VVHen the Churches were in some sort plan∣ted by the preaching of the Apostles, Pro∣phets, and Evangelists: that they might be continu∣ally watered, and have a standing attendance; the A∣postles ordained Priests by imposition of hands in e∣very Church. (Acts 14.23. and 11.30. and 21.18.)

And they made choyce of the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, rather then of the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (more in use with the Greeks:) because it includeth an Embassie, and that chiefly of Reconciliation. which is the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, ex∣pressed by S. Paul, in 2. Corinth. 5.20. (with Luke 14.32.)

OF BISHOPS.

LAst of all, that the Churches thus planted and watered, might so continue, the Apostles ordai∣ned Overseers, to have a generall care over the Chur∣ches, in stead of themselves who first had the same, which is called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Acts 15.36. and containeth in it, as a strengthning or establishing that which is alrea∣dy well; (Acts 14.22. and 15.41. Revel: 3. 2.) so a rectifying or redressing, if ought be defective or a∣misse. (Tit: 1.5.)

These are called, Acts 20.28. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in the Syrian, that is, Episcopi. by S. Iohn, Revel. 1.20. the Angells of the Churches.

[These were set over others, both to rule and teach.] 1. Tim: 5.17. 1. Pet: 5.2.

Upon these was transferred the chiefe part of the Apostolick function:

The Oversight of the Church.

Power of

• Commanding,
• Correcting,
• Ordaining.

The occasion which caused the Apostles to ap∣point Bishops, [besides the patterne in the time of the Law,] seemeth to have been schismes. Such as were in the Churches of

• Rome. Rom. 16.17.
• Corinth. 1. Cor. 1.11. [and 3.3, 4.]
• ...

• Galatia. Gal. 5.12.
• Ephesus. Ephes. 4.2, 3.
• Philippi. Phil. 4.2.
• Colossi. Coloss. 3. 13.
• Thessalonica. 2. Thess. 3.11.
• The Hebrews. Hebr. 13.9. Iam. 3.1.

For which S. Cyprian, S. Hierome and all the Fa∣thers, take the respect to one Governour to be an e∣speciall remedy. [for which also see] Calvin. Instit. lib. 4. cap. 4. §. 2.

This power even in the Apostles time was neces∣sary. * 1.2 For God chargeth not his Church with super∣fluous burdens. Yet had they such graces (as power of healing, doing signes, sundry languages, &c.) that they of all other might seem best able to want it. For by these graces they purchased both admiration and terrour sufficient for crediting their bare word in the whole Church.

If necessary then in their times, that were so furni∣shed: much more in the ages ensuing, when all those graces ceased, and no meanes but it to keep things in order. So that, were it not apparant to have been in the Apostles: yet the necessity of the times follow∣ing, destitute of these helps, might enforce it.

Seeing then God hath no lesse care for the propaga∣tion and continuance of his Church, then for the first setling or planting of it: (Eph. 4. 13.) it must needs follow, that this power was not personall in the Apo∣stles, as tyed to them only, but a power given to the Church; and in them for their times resident (but not

ending with them, as temporary) but common to the ages after and continuing (to whom it was more needfull then to them) to represse schisme and to re∣medy other abuses.

So that the very same power at this day remai∣neth in the Church; and shall to the Worlds end.

Of the PERSONS,[that exe∣cuted these Offices.]

I. ALbeit the Commission were generall over all Nations, which was given to the XII. yet was that generality only by permission, not expresse man∣datory. Else should they have sinned that went not through all Nations.

Therefore howsoever the Commission was to all Nations: yet was it left to their discretion, how and in what sort they would dispose themselves, as the Holy Ghost should direct them.

So that the partition, Gal. 2. 9. betwixt S. Peter and S. Paul, was lawfull and good, and no wayes de∣rogatory to Ite, praedicate. [Goe, teach all nations.]

Further, the Ecclesiasticall History doth testify, that they parted the Coasts and Countries of the world among them by common advise: and so seve∣red themselves;

Peter, to Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia.

Iohn, to Asia, Parthia.

Andrew, to Scythia, [Pontus] Euxinus and By∣zantium.

Philip, to upper Asia, and to Hierapolis.

Thomas, to India, Persia and the Magi.

Bartholmew, to Armenia, Lycaonia, India ••i∣terior.

Matthew, to Aethiopia.

Simeon, to Mesopotamia, Persia, Aegypt, A∣frique, Britany.

Thaddaeus, to Arabia, Idumaea, Mesopotamia.

Matthias, to Aethiopia.

II. Againe, albeit their preaching was for the most ambulatory: yet doe the same Histories witnesse, that having setled Religion, and brought the Church to some stay; toward their end they betook themselves to residence in some one place, diverse of them. as,

S. Iames at Ierusalem. (Euseb. lib. 2. cap. 1. Epi∣phan. haer. 66. Hierome.)

S. Iohn at Ephesus. (Euseb. lib. 3. cap. 26. Tertul∣lian. lib. 4. contra Marcion. Hierome.)

S. Peter, first at Antioch; and after at Rome.

Which places were more especially accompted their Sees: and the Churches themselves, after a more especiall manner, were called Apostolick.

Sedes Apostolorum. Augustin. epist. 42.

Ecclesiae Apostolicae, Tertullian.

III. Thirdly, it is also plaine, that the Apostles chose unto them as Helpers (〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉) divers, who were com∣panions with them in their journies, ministred unto them, & supplyed their absence in diverse Churches, when they themselves were occasioned to depart.

Such were:

• Apollos. (Act. 19.1. 1. Cor. 3.6.)
• Aquila. (Rom. 16.3.)
• Archippus. (Philem. 2. Colos. 4. 17.)
• Aristarchus. (Act. 20.4.)
• Clemens. (Phil. 4.3.)
• Crescens. (2. Tim. 4.10.)
• Demetrius. (3. Iohn. 12.)
• Epaphras. (Colos. 4.12. & 1.7. & Philem. 24.)
• Epaphroditus. (Ph. 2.23.)
• Epaenetus. (Rom. 16.5.)
• Erastus. (Act. 19.22.)
• Gaius. (Act. 20.4.)
• Iesus Iustus. (Col. 4.11.)
• Iohn Mark. (Act. 13.5. & 15.37. & Philem. 24.)
• Lucas. (Philem. 24. Col. 4.14.)
• Secundus. (Act. 20.4.)
• Silvanus. (1. Pet. 5. 12. 1. Thess. 1. 1. 2. Thess. 1.1.)
• Sopater. (Act. 20.4.)
• Sosthenes. (1. Cor. 1.1.)
• Stephanas. (1. Cor. 16. 15.)
• Timotheus. (Act. 19.22. & 20.4.)
• Titus. (2. Cor. 8.23.)
• Trophimus. (Act. 20.4.)
• Tychicus. (Act. 20.4.)
• Vrbanus. (Rom. 16.9.)

Of whom, Eusebius, lib. 3. Hist. cap. 4. Euthy∣mius, in tertium Iohannis; Isidorus, de Patrib. and Dorothei Synopsis.

To two of these, Timothy and Titus, the one at Ephesus the other at Crete, (Euseb. lib. 3. cap. 4.) the Apostles imparted their owne Commission, while they yet lived, even the chiefe authority they had.

To appoint Priests. (Tit. 1.5. & Hieron. in eum locū.

To ordaine them by imposition of hands. (1. Tim. 5.22. 2. Tim. 2.2.)

To keep safe and preserve the Depositum. (1. Tim.

6.14, 20.2. Tim. 1.14.)

To command not to teach other things. (1. Tim. 1.3. Tit. 3.9.2. Tim. 2.16.)

To receive Accusations. (1. Tim. 5.19, 21.)

To redresse or correct things amisse. (Tit. 1.5.)

To reject young Widowes. (1. Tim. 5.11.)

[To censure Hereticks and disordered persons, Tit: 1.11. and] 3.10.1. Tim: 6.5.2. Tim. 3.5.

And these, after the Apostles deceased, succeeded them in their charge of Government, which was or∣dinary, successive and perpetuall: their extraordinary guifts of miracles and tongues ceasing with them. [So] Irenaeus, lib. 3. cap. 3. Quos & successores relin∣quebant; suum ipsorum locum Magisterii tradentes.

[Of the promiscuous use of their NAMES.]

These were they whom posterity called Bishops. But in the beginning, regard was not had to distin∣ction of Names. The authority and power was ever di∣stinct: the name not restrained, either in This, or O∣ther.

The Apostles were called

• Priests or Seniors. (1. Pet. 5.1.)
• Deacons or Ministers. (1. Cor. 3.5.)
• Teachers or Doctors. (1. Tim. 2.7.)
• Bishops or Overseers. (Acts 1.20.)
• Prophets. (Acts 13.1. Revel. 22.9.)
• Evangelists. (1. Cor. 9.16.)

The name of Apostle was enlarged, and made com∣mon to more then the XII.

To Barnabas. (Act. 14.4, 14..)

Andronicus. (Rom. 16.7.)

Epaphroditus. (Phil. 2. 25.)

Titus and others. (2. Cor. 8.23.)

Timothy. (Hieron in Cant. Chr. Euseb.)

The Priests were called

Prophets. (1. Cor. 14.32.)

Bishops. (Philip. 1.1. Tit. 1.7.)

So Chrysostom, in Philip. 1.

[Quid hoc? an unius civitatis multi erant episcopi? Nequaquàm: sed Presbyteros isto nomine appellavit. Tune e∣nim nomina adhuc erant communia.]

Hierome:

Hîc episcopos Presbyteros intelligimus; non enim in unâ urbe plures Episcopi esse potu∣issent.

Theodoret:

Non fieri quidem poterat, ut multi E∣piscopi essent unius civitat is pastores; quo fit, ut essent soli Presbyteri, quos vocavit Episcopos.

& in 1. Tim. 3.

Eosdem olim vocabant Episcopos & Presbyteros: eos autem qui nunc vocantur Episcopi, nominabant Apostolos.

Oecum••nius:

Non quòd in unâ civitate multi es∣sent Episcopi, &c.

For in the Apostles absence in Churches new planted, the oversight was in them; till the Apostles ordai∣ned and sent them a Bishop, either by reason of some schisme or for other causes.

The Bishops (as the Ecclesiasticall History recoun∣teth

them) were called

Apostles. (Philip. 2.25.)

Evangelists. (2. Tim. 4.5.)

Diaconi. (1. Tim. 4.6.)

Priests. (1. Tim. 5.17.)

[For it is plaine by the epistle of Irenaeus to Victor, in] Eusebius, lib. 5. cap. 26. that they at the begin∣ning were called Priests, that in very truth and pro∣priety of speech were Bishops. And by Theodoret [in 1. Tim. 3.] that they which were Bishops, were at the first called Apostles.

The name 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, saith Suidas, was given [by the Athenians to them which were sent to oversee the Cities that were under their jurisdiction. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Suid. in 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.]

The name Episcopus was given among the Romans to him, qui praeerat pani & vaenalibus ad victum quo∣tidianum. ff. de munerib. & honorib.

Cicero, ad Atticum lib. 7. epist. 10. Vult me Pom∣peius esse, quem tota haec Campania & maritima ora ha∣beat Episcopum.

The name in Hebrew 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Gen. 41.34. see∣meth to have relation to the second use. for they were such as had charge of the graine laying up, and selling under Ioseph.

[The necessary use of the BISHOPS office, and the charge commit∣ted to him.]

The party, who in the New Testament is called E∣piscopus, is in the Old called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (Psal. 109.8. with Act. 1.20.)

In a house or familie, it is first affirmed of Ioseph, Gen. 39.4, who had the oversight and government of the rest of the servants.

In a house there may be many servants, which have places of charge: but there is one that hath the charge of all; that is, Oeconomus, the Steward.

So doe the Apostles terme thēselves. (1. Cor. 4.1.) and their office. (1. Cor. 9.17.) and their successours the Bishops. (Tit. 1.7.) Vid. Hilar. in Matth. 24.45.

In a flock, the Pastour. (Ioh. 21.15. Act. 20.28. Mat. * 1.3 25.32.1. Pet. 5.2. Ephes. 4.11.)

In a Camp, the Captaine. (Matth. 2.6. Hebr. 13.7, 17, 24.)

In a ship, the Governour: (1. Cor. 12.28.) under whom others. (Act. 13.5.)

In the Common-wealth, they be such as are set over Officers, to hasten them forward, and see they doe their duties. as in 2. Chron. 34.12. and 31. 13. Nehem. 11.22. and 12.42.

So that, what a Steward is in a house,

a Pastour in a flock,

a Captaine in a Camp, a Master in a ship, a Surveiour in an office: That is a Bishop in the Ministerie.

Upon him lieth, [to take care of the Churches un∣der him.] 2. Cor. 11.28. Philip. 2.20.1. Pet. 5.2. Concil. Antiochen. can. 9. [and for that end to visit them.] Act. 9.32. and 15.36. [and to be ob∣servant] Of that which is Well and orderly; [to confirme it.] Act. 15.41. Revel. 3.2. Otherwise; [to redresse it.] Tit. 1.5.

To him was committed;

1. Authority of ordeyning: (Tit. 1.5.) and so of begetting Fathers. (Epiph. haeres. 75.) See Ambrose, Theodoret and Oecumenius, in 1. Timoth. 3. Damasus, epist. 3. Hierome, epist. 85. ad Evagr. Leo, epist. 88. Concil. Ancyran. can. 12. al. 13.

For though S. Paul should mention a Companic with him at the ordeyning of Timothie: (1. Tim. 4.14.) yet it followeth not, but that he onely was the Ordeyner. No more, then that Christ is the onely Iudge: although the XII. shall sit with him on Thrones. (Luc. 22.30.)

II. Authority of enjoyning or forbidding. (1. Tim. 1.3. Ignat. ad Magnesian. Cyprian. epist. 39.)

III. Authority of holding Courts, and receiving accusations. (1. Tim. 5.19.1. Cor. 5.12. Revel. 2.2. Augustin. de opere monachor. cap. 29.)

IV. Authority of correcting. (1. Tim. 1.3. Tit.

1.5. Hieron. contra Lucifer. cap. 4. & epist. 53. ad Ri∣parium. Cyprian. ep. 38. ad Rogatianum.)

V. Authority of appointing Fa••••s. (Tertullian advers. Psychicos.)

FINIS.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Exod. 15.27. Num. 33.9.
• * 1.2

  Act. 5.5, 15. 13. 11. 2. 11. 10. 46. 14. 11. 8. 13. 5.11, 13.
• * 1.3

  Vid. ••iero∣nym. epist. 4. ad Rusticum (cap. 6.) & epist. 8••. ad Evagrium.