An historical and rational inquiry into the necessity of an uninterrupted succession of diocesan bishops, [electronic resource] : (superior by Divine Right to Presbyters) as necessary to the conveyance of the ministerial office, and the validity of ordinances in the Church. Wherein is consider'd, The Nature of the Sanhedrim, the Synagogue, and the Rights of Societies, before the writing of the Sacred Books, and since they were written.