11 - Whether episcopacy be the primary subject of the Power of the Keys

Summary

The prelate presumes that the Power of the Keys is his, and he thinks his title very good, and so good, that though he could not prove the institution, yet prescription will bear him out. For he hath had possession for a long time: and universality and antiquity seem to favour him very much. Yet I hope his title may be examined; and if upon examination it prove good, he hath no cause to be offended, except with this, that I of all others should meddle with it. But before anything can be said to purpose, we must first know the nature and institution of a bishop, which is the subject of the question. Secondly, put the reader in mind, that the question is not in this place, whether a bishop be an officer of the church, either by some special or some general divine precept, but whether he be [the principal receiver] the primary subject of the Power of the Keys. For he may be an officer and yet no such subject. Concerning a bishop, the subject of the question, two things are worthy our consideration; […] what he is, [and] how instituted at the first. The definition and institution, seem rather to belong unto the second part of ecclesiastical politics, where I shall entreat of ecclesiastical officers; and the constitution of them. Yet I will here say something of both in order to [clarify] the question, though I be the briefer afterward.