In general, Those who will satisfy us that any Churches, in the first Ages of Christianity, were Diocesan, should prove them to be such Diocesans as ours are, as large or near as large; otherwise what they offer, will scarce appear to be pertinent. For the rise of this debate is the question between us, whether the Bishops of these times be such as those in the primitive Church. This we deny, because modern Bishops will have another sort of Churches or Dioceses, than were known in the best Ages. Not that we reject all Dioceses or Diocesan Churches, for both [Greek or Hebrew] and [Greek or Hebrew] are used by the Ancients for such Churches as we allow. It is those of a later Model, that we approve not, as vastly differing from the ancient Episcopal Churches. The modern Dioceses, and Churches thence denominated are exceeding great and extensive, consisting of many scores, or many hundred particular Churches, whereas for the three first Ages we cannot find 3 Bishops that had two particular Churches in his Diocese, nor in the 4th. one in 50 (if I may not say one in a hundred) that had more. So that the difference is exceeding great, and more considerable in the consequence thereof, which I had rather give an account of in the words of the very learned D. St. than mine own. Dioceses generally, says he, in the primitive, and Eastern Churches were very small ⟨p. 61⟩and little, as far more convenient for this end of them in the Government of the Church under the Bishops chargex, and elsewhere, Discipline, says he, was then a great deal more strict, Preaching more diligent, Men more apprehensive of the weight of their Function, than for any to undertake such a care and charge of Souls, that it was impossible for them even to know, observe or watch over, so as to give an account for themy, Men that were employed in the Church then did not consult for their ease and honour, and thought it not enough for them to sit still, and bid others workz. St. Austin speaking of the 3d. Age, makes account of many thousand Bishops then in the Worlda. Our Author seems to treat that excellent Person something coarsely on this occasion, and goes near to question his judgment or veracity for it, bsome may think this not over decently done (to say no more) when it is his business, to vindicate some ancient Bishops who need it, to reflect upon one, so untainted, as to need none.
In general, Those who will satisfy us that any Churches, in the first Ages of Christianity, were Diocesan, should prove them to be such Diocesans as ours are, as large or near as large; otherwise what they offer, will scarce appear to be pertinent. For the rise of this debate is the question between us, whether the Bishops of these times be such as those in the primitive Church. This we deny, because modern Bishops will have another sort of Churches or Dioceses, than were known in the best Ages. Not that we reject all Dioceses or Diocesan Churches, for both 〈non-Latin alphabet〉 and 〈non-Latin alphabet〉 are used by the Antients for such Churches as we allow. It is those of a later Model, that we approve not, as vastly differing from the antient Episcopal Churches. The modern Dioceses, and Churches thence denominated are exceeding great and extensive, consisting of many scores, or many hundred particular Churches, whereas for the three first Ages we cannot find 3 Bishops that had two particular Churches in his Diocess, nor in the 4th. one in 50 (if I may not say one in a hundred) that had more. So that the difference is exceeding great, and more considerable in the consequence thereof, which I had rather give an account of in the words of the very learned D. St. than mine own. Dioceses generally, sayes he, in the primitive, and Eastern Churches were very small ⟨p. 61⟩and little, as far more convenient for this end of them in the Government of the Church under the Bishops chargex, and elsewhere, Discipline, sayes he, was then a great deal more strict, Preaching more diligent, Men more apprehensive of the weight of their Function, than for any to undertake such a care and charge of Souls, that it was impossible for them even to know, observe or watch over, so as to give an account for themy, Men that were imployed in the Church then did not consult for their ease and honour, and thought it not enough for them to sit still, and bid others workz. St. Austin speaking of the 3d. Age, makes account of many thousand Bishops then in the Worlda. Our Author seems to treat that excellent Person something coursely on this occasion, and goes near to question his judgment or veracity for it, b
- xIren. p. 376.
- yPag. 332.
- zPag. 333.
- aContra Crescon. lib. 3.
- bPag. 534.
