The Doctrine of the Saints' Perseverance

& had it not been lawful for them, with the Presbyters [Greek or Hebrew] in the Affairs of the Church, Clemens writing this Epistle to the whole Church, could not possibly have led them into a greater snare.

& had it not been lawful for them, with the Presbyters 〈non-Latin alphabet〉 in the Affaires of the Church, Clemens writing this Epistle to the whole Church, could not possibly have led them into a greater snare.

It is a sad thing to consider the pitiful entanglements, and snares that some men run into, who will undertake to make good, what they have once engaged for, let what will come against them.

It is a sad thing to consider the pittiful entanglements, and snares that some men runne into, who will undertake to make good, what they have once engaged for, let what will come against them.

To return then; It is evident, that in the time of Clement, there were but two sorts of Officers in the Church, Bishops, and Deacons; whereas the Epistles of Ignatius do precisely in every place where any mention is made of them, as there is upon occasions, and upon none at all, insist on three Orders distinct, in name, and things. With Clement it is not so. Those whom he calls Bishops in one place, the very same persons he immediately calls Presbyters (after the Example of Paul. Act: 20. 28. And Titus. 1. 5. 7.) And plainly asserts Episcopacy to be the office of Presbyters. [Greek or Hebrew] (saith he) [Greek or Hebrew]: viz: Because they were in no danger to be cast from their Episcopacy. And whereas the fault which he reproves in the Church of Corinth, is their division, and want of due subjection to their spiritual Governors, according to the order, which Christ hath appointed in all the Churches of the Saints, he affirms