a_o declaration_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n own_a and_o practise_v in_o the_o congregational_a church_n in_o england_n agree_v upon_o and_o consent_v unto_o by_o their_o elder_n and_o messenger_n license_v and_o enter_v according_a to_o order_n london_n print_v for_o nath._n ponder_n at_o the_o peacock_n in_o the_o poultry_n 1688._o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n own_a and_o practise_v in_o the_o congregational_a church_n in_o england_n chap._n i_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n although_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n do_v so_o far_o manifest_v the_o goodness_n wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n as_o to_o leave_v man_n unexcusable_a yet_o be_v they_o not_o sufficient_a to_o give_v that_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o will_n which_o be_v necessary_a unto_o salvation_n therefore_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n to_o reveal_v himself_o and_o to_o declare_v that_o his_o will_n unto_o his_o church_n and_o afterward_o for_o the_o better_a preserve_n and_o propagate_a of_o the_o truth_n and_o for_o the_o more_o sure_a establishment_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o church_n against_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n and_o of_o the_o world_n to_o commit_v the_o same_o whole_o unto_o write_v which_o make_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v most_o necessary_a those_o former_a way_n of_o god_n reveal_v his_o will_n unto_o his_o people_n be_v now_o cease_v ii_o under_o the_o name_n of_o holy_a scripture_n or_o the_o word_n of_o god_n write_v be_v now_o contain_v all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v these_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n genesis_n exodus_fw-la leviticus_n number_n deuteronomy_n joshua_n judge_n ruth_n 1_o samuel_n 2_o samuel_n 1_o king_n 2_o king_n 1_o chronicle_n 2_o chronicle_n ezra_n nehemiah_n esther_n job_n psalm_n proverb_n ecclesiaste_n the_o song_n of_o song_n isaiah_n jeremiah_n lamentation_n ezekiel_n daniel_n hosea_n joel_n amos_n obadiah_n jonah_n micah_n nahum_n habakkuk_n zephaniah_n haggai_n zechariah_n malachi_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n matthew_n mark_n luke_n john_n the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n 1_o corinthian_n 2_o corinthian_n galatian_n ephesian_n philippian_n colossian_n 1_o thessalonian_o 2_o thessalonian_o 1_o to_o timothy_n 2_o to_o timothy_n to_o titus_n to_z philemon_z the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n the_o epistle_n of_o james_n the_o first_o and_o second_o epistle_n of_o peter_n the_o first_o second_o and_o three_o epistle_n of_o john_n the_o epistle_n of_o judas_n the_o revelation_n all_o which_o be_v give_v by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n iii_o the_o book_n common_o call_v apocrypha_fw-la not_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o be_v of_o no_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n nor_o to_o be_v any_o otherwise_o approve_a or_o make_v use_n of_o than_o other_o humane_a writing_n iv_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o which_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o obey_v depend_v not_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o any_o man_n or_o church_n but_o whole_o upon_o god_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o the_o author_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v because_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god._n v._o we_o may_v be_v move_v and_o induce_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n to_o a_o high_a and_o reverend_a esteem_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o heavenliness_n of_o the_o matter_n the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o doctrine_n the_o majesty_n of_o the_o style_n the_o consent_n of_o all_o the_o part_n the_o scope_n of_o the_o whole_a which_o be_v to_o give_v all_o glory_n to_o god_n the_o full_a discovery_n it_o make_v of_o the_o only_a way_n of_o man_n salvation_n the_o many_o other_o incomparable_a excellency_n and_o the_o entire_a perfection_n thereof_o be_v argument_n whereby_o it_o do_v abundant_o evidence_n itself_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o notwithstanding_o our_o full_a persuasion_n and_o assurance_n of_o the_o infallible_a truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o be_v from_o the_o inward_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n bearing_z witness_n by_o and_o with_o the_o word_n in_o our_o heart_n vi_o the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n concern_v all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o his_o own_o glory_n man_n salvation_n faith_n and_o life_n be_v either_o express_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n or_o by_o good_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n may_v be_v deduce_v from_o scripture_n unto_o which_o nothing_o at_o any_o time_n be_v to_o be_v add_v whether_o by_o new_a revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o tradition_n of_o men._n nevertheless_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o inward_a illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o save_a understanding_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o word_n and_o that_o there_o be_v some_o circumstance_n concern_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n common_a to_o humane_a action_n and_o society_n which_o be_v to_o be_v order_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o christian_a prudence_n according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v always_o to_o be_v observe_v vii_o all_o thing_n in_o scripture_n be_v not_o alike_o plain_a in_o themselves_o nor_o alike_o clear_a unto_o all_o yet_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v believe_v and_o observe_v for_o salvation_n be_v so_o clear_o propound_v and_o open_v in_o some_o place_n of_o scripture_n or_o other_o that_o not_o only_o the_o learned_a but_o the_o unlearned_a in_o a_o due_a use_n of_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n may_v attain_v unto_o a_o sufficient_a understanding_n of_o they_o viii_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o hebrew_n which_o be_v the_o native_a language_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n of_o old_a and_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o greek_a which_o at_o the_o time_n of_o write_v of_o it_o be_v most_o general_o know_v to_o the_o nation_n be_v immediate_o inspire_v by_o god_n and_o by_o his_o singular_a care_n and_o providence_n keep_v pure_a in_o all_o age_n be_v therefore_o authentical_a so_o as_o in_o all_o controversy_n of_o religion_n the_o church_n be_v final_o to_o appeal_v unto_o they_o but_o because_o these_o original_a tongue_n be_v not_o know_v to_o all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n who_o have_v right_a unto_o and_o interest_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v command_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o read_v and_o search_v they_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o be_v translate_v into_o the_o vulgar_a language_n of_o every_o nation_n unto_o which_o they_o come_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n dwell_v plentiful_o in_o all_o they_o may_v worship_v he_o in_o a_o acceptable_a manner_n and_o through_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v hope_n ix_o the_o infallible_a rule_n of_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n be_v the_o scripture_n itself_o and_o therefore_o when_o there_o be_v a_o question_n about_o the_o true_a and_o full_a sense_n of_o any_o scripture_n which_o be_v not_o manifold_a but_o one_o it_o must_v be_v search_v and_o know_v by_o other_o place_n that_o speak_v more_o clear_o x._o the_o supreme_a judge_n by_o which_o all_o controversy_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v determine_v and_o all_o decree_n of_o counsel_n opinion_n of_o ancient_a writer_n doctrine_n of_o man_n and_o private_a spirit_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v and_o in_o who_o sentence_n we_o be_v to_o rest_v can_v be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n deliver_v by_o the_o spirit_n into_o which_o scripture_n so_o deliver_v our_o faith_n be_v final_o resolve_v chap._n ii_o of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a live_a and_o true_a god_n who_o be_v infinite_a in_o be_v and_o perfection_n a_o most_o pure_a spirit_n invisible_a without_o body_n part_n or_o passion_n immutable_a immense_a eternal_a incomprehensible_a almighty_a most_o wise_a most_o holy_a most_o free_a most_o absolute_a work_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o immutable_a and_o most_o righteous_a will_n for_o his_o own_o glory_n most_o love_a gracious_a merciful_a long-suffering_a abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n forgive_a iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n the_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o and_o withal_o most_o just_a and_o terrible_a in_o his_o judgement_n hate_v all_o sin_n and_o who_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n clear_v the_o guilty_a ii_o god_n have_v all_o life_n glory_n goodness_n blessedness_n in_o and_o of_o himself_o and_o be_v alone_o in_o and_o unto_o himself_o all-sufficient_a not_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o any_o creature_n which_o he_o have_v
assembly_n in_o what_o place_n soever_o they_o be_v according_a as_o they_o have_v liberty_n or_o opportunity_n be_v therefore_o church_n or_o public_a assembly_n xi_o the_o way_n appoint_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o call_n of_o any_o person_n fit_v and_o gift_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n unto_o the_o office_n of_o pastor_n teacher_n or_o elder_n in_o a_o church_n be_v that_o he_o be_v choose_v thereunto_o by_o the_o common_a suffrage_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o solemn_o set_v apart_o by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n with_o imposition_n of_o hand_n of_o the_o eldership_n of_o that_o church_n if_o there_o be_v any_o before_o constitute_v therein_o and_o of_o a_o deacon_n that_o he_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o like_a suffrage_n and_o set_v apart_o by_o prayer_n and_o the_o like_a imposition_n of_o hand_n xii_o the_o essence_n of_o this_o call_v of_o a_o pastor_n teacher_n or_o elder_n unto_o office_n consist_v in_o the_o election_n of_o the_o church_n together_o with_o his_o acceptation_n of_o it_o and_o separation_n by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o those_o who_o be_v so_o choose_v though_o not_o set_v apart_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v right_o constitute_v minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o who_o name_n and_o authority_n they_o exercise_v the_o ministry_n to_o they_o so_o commit_v the_o call_v of_o deacon_n consist_v in_o the_o like_a election_n and_o acceptation_n with_o separation_n by_o prayer_n xiii_o although_o it_o be_v incumbent_a on_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v instant_a in_o preach_v the_o word_n by_o way_n of_o office_n yet_o the_o work_n of_o preach_v the_o word_n be_v not_o so_o peculiar_o confine_v to_o they_o but_o that_o other_o also_o gift_v and_o fit_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o it_o and_o approve_a be_v by_o lawful_a way_n and_o mean_n in_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n call_v thereunto_o may_v public_o ordinary_o and_o constant_o perform_v it_o so_o that_o they_o give_v themselves_o up_o thereunto_o fourteen_o however_o they_o who_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o work_n of_o public_a preach_v and_o enjoy_v the_o public_a maintenance_n upon_o that_o account_n be_v not_o thereby_o oblige_v to_o dispense_v the_o seal_n to_o any_o other_o than_o such_o as_o be_v saint_n by_o call_v and_o gather_v according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o stand_v relate_v to_o as_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n yet_o ought_v they_o not_o â—o_o neglect_v other_o live_v within_o their_o parochial_a bound_n but_o beside_o their_o constant_a public_a preach_v to_o they_o â—hey_n ought_v to_o inquire_v after_o their_o profit_v by_o the_o word_n instruct_v they_o â—n_o and_o press_v upon_o they_o whether_o young_a or_o old_a the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n even_o personal_o and_o particular_o so_o far_o as_o their_o strength_n and_o time_n will_v admit_v xv._o ordination_n alone_a without_o the_o election_n or_o precedent_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n by_o those_o who_o former_o have_v be_v ordain_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o power_n they_o have_v receive_v by_o their_o ordination_n do_v not_o constitute_v any_o person_n a_o church-officer_n or_o communicate_v office-power_n unto_o he_o xvi_o a_o church_n furnish_v with_o officer_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n have_v full_a power_n to_o administer_v all_o his_o ordinance_n and_o where_o there_o be_v want_n of_o any_o one_o or_o more_o officer_n require_v that_o officer_n or_o those_o which_o be_v in_o the_o church_n may_v administer_v all_o the_o ordinance_n proper_a to_o their_o particular_a duty_n and_o office_n but_o where_o there_o be_v no_o teach_v officer_n none_o may_v administer_v the_o seal_n nor_o can_v the_o church_n authorize_v any_o so_o to_o do_v xvii_o in_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o church_n administration_n no_o person_n ought_v to_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n but_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o that_o so_o love_v without_o dissimulation_n may_v be_v preserve_v between_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o xviii_o whereas_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v appoint_v and_o institute_v as_o a_o mean_n of_o edification_n that_o those_o who_o walk_v not_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n appoint_v by_o he_o in_o respect_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n so_o that_o just_a offence_n do_v arise_v to_o the_o church_n thereby_o be_v censure_v in_o his_o name_n and_o authority_n every_o church_n have_v power_n in_o itself_o to_o exercise_v and_o execute_v all_o those_o censure_n appoint_v by_o he_o in_o the_o way_n and_o order_n prescribe_v in_o the_o gospel_n xix_o the_o censure_n so_o appoint_v by_o christ_n be_v admonition_n and_o excommunication_n and_o whereas_o some_o offence_n be_v or_o may_v be_v know_v only_o to_o some_o it_o be_v appoint_v by_o christ_n that_o those_o to_o who_o they_o be_v so_o know_v do_v first_o admonish_v the_o offender_n in_o private_a in_o public_a offence_n where_o any_o sin_n before_o all_o or_o in_o case_n of_o non-amendment_n upon_o private_a admonition_n the_o offence_n be_v relate_v to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o offender_n not_o manifest_v his_o repentance_n he_o be_v to_o be_v due_o admonish_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o whole_a church_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o this_o censure_n prevail_v not_o for_o his_o repentance_n than_o he_o be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o by_o excommunication_n with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n xx._n as_o all_o believer_n be_v bind_v to_o join_v themselves_o to_o particular_a church_n when_o and_o where_o they_o have_v opportunity_n so_o to_o do_v so_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v unto_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n who_o do_v not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o censure_n for_o the_o government_n of_o they_o xxi_o this_o be_v the_o way_n prescribe_v by_o christ_n in_o case_n of_o offence_n no_o church-member_n upon_o any_o offence_n take_v by_o they_o have_v perform_v their_o duty_n require_v of_o they_o in_o this_o matter_n aught_o to_o disturb_v any_o church-order_n or_o absent_v themselves_o from_o the_o public_a assembly_n or_o the_o administration_n of_o any_o ordinance_n upon_o that_o pretence_n but_o to_o wait_v upon_o christ_n in_o the_o further_o proceed_v of_o the_o church_n xxii_o the_o power_n of_o censure_n be_v seat_v by_o christ_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v only_o towards_o particular_a member_n of_o each_o church_n respective_o as_o such_o and_o there_o be_v no_o power_n give_v by_o he_o unto_o any_o synod_n or_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n to_o excommunicate_v or_o by_o their_o public_a edict_n to_o threaten_v excommunication_n or_o other_o church-censure_n against_o church_n magistrate_n or_o their_o people_n upon_o any_o account_n no_o man_n be_v obnoxious_a to_o that_o censure_n but_o upon_o his_o personal_a miscarriage_n as_o a_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n xxiii_o although_o the_o church_n be_v a_o society_n of_o man_n assemble_v for_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n according_a to_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ_n yet_o every_o society_n assemble_v for_o that_o end_n or_o purpose_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o cohabitation_n within_o any_o civil_a precinct_n and_o bound_n be_v not_o thereby_o constitute_v a_o church_n see_v there_o may_v be_v want_v among_o they_o what_o be_v essential_o require_v thereunto_o and_o therefore_o a_o believer_n live_v with_o other_o in_o such_o a_o precinct_n may_v join_v himself_o with_o any_o church_n for_o his_o edification_n xxiv_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o difference_n that_o may_v otherwise_o arise_v for_o the_o great_a solemnity_n in_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o open_v a_o way_n for_o the_o large_a usefulness_n of_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n saint_n live_v in_o one_o city_n or_o town_n or_o within_o such_o distance_n as_o that_o they_o may_v convenient_o assemble_v for_o divine_a worship_n ought_v rather_o to_o join_v in_o one_o church_n for_o their_o mutual_a strengthen_n and_o edification_n than_o to_o set_v up_o many_o distinct_a society_n xxv_o as_o all_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o pray_v continual_o for_o the_o good_a or_o prosperity_n of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o plaâ—â—s_n and_o upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o further_o it_o every_o one_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o place_n and_o calling_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o gift_n and_o grace_n so_o the_o church_n themselves_o when_o plant_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n so_o as_o they_o may_v have_v opportunity_n and_o advantage_n for_o it_o ought_v to_o hold_v communion_n among_o themselves_o for_o their_o peace_n increase_n of_o love_n and_o mutual_a edification_n xxvi_o in_o case_n of_o difficulty_n or_o difference_n either_o in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n or_o in_o administration_n wherein_o either_o the_o church_n in_o general_n be_v concern_v or_o or_o any_o one_o church_n in_o their_o peace_n union_n and_o edification_n or_o any_o member_n or_o member_n of_o any_o church_n be_v injure_v in_o or_o by_o any_o proceed_n in_o censure_n not_o agreeable_a to_o truth_n and_o order_n it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n that_o many_o church_n hold_v communion_n together_o do_v by_o their_o messenger_n meet_v in_o a_o synod_n or_o counsel_n to_o consider_v and_o give_v their_o advice_n in_o or_o about_o that_o matter_n in_o difference_n to_o be_v report_v to_o all_o the_o church_n concern_v howbeit_o these_o synod_n so_o assemble_v be_v not_o entrust_v with_o any_o church_n power_n proper_o so_o call_v or_o with_o any_o jurisdiction_n over_o the_o church_n themselves_o to_o exercise_v any_o censure_n either_o over_o any_o church_n or_o person_n or_o to_o impose_v their_o determination_n on_o the_o church_n or_o officer_n xxvii_o beside_o these_o occasional_a synod_n or_o counsel_n there_o be_v not_o institute_v by_o christ_n any_o state_v synod_n in_o a_o fix_a combination_n of_o church_n or_o their_o officer_n in_o lesser_a or_o great_a assembly_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o synod_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o a_o way_n of_o subordination_n to_o one_o another_o xxviii_o person_n that_o be_v join_v in_o church-fellowship_n ought_v not_o light_o or_o without_o just_a cause_n to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n whereunto_o they_o be_v so_o join_v nevertheless_o where_o any_o person_n can_v continue_v in_o any_o church_n without_o his_o sin_n either_o for_o want_v of_o the_o administration_n of_o any_o ordinance_n institute_v by_o christ_n or_o by_o his_o be_v deprive_v of_o his_o due_a privilege_n or_o compel_v to_o any_o thing_n in_o practice_n not_o warrant_v by_o the_o word_n or_o in_o case_n of_o persecution_n or_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o conveniency_n of_o habitation_n he_o consult_v with_o the_o church_n or_o the_o officer_n or_o officer_n thereof_o may_v peaceable_o depart_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n wherewith_o he_o have_v so_o walk_v to_o join_v himself_o with_o some_o other_o church_n where_o he_o may_v enjoy_v the_o ordinance_n in_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o same_o for_o his_o edification_n and_o consolation_n xxix_o such_o reform_a church_n as_o consist_v of_o person_n find_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o conversation_n become_v the_o gospel_n ought_v not_o to_o refuse_v the_o communion_n of_o each_o other_o so_o far_o as_o may_v consist_v with_o their_o own_o principle_n respective_o though_o they_o walk_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o church-order_n xxx_o church_n gather_v and_o walk_a according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n judge_v other_o church_n though_o less_o pure_a to_o be_v true_a church_n may_v receive_v unto_o occasional_a communion_n with_o they_o such_o member_n of_o those_o church_n as_o be_v credible_o testify_v to_o be_v godly_a and_o to_o live_v without_o offence_n finis_fw-la
save_v ii_o this_o perseverance_n of_o the_o saint_n depend_v not_o upon_o their_o own_o free_a will_n but_o upon_o the_o immutability_n of_o the_o decree_n of_o election_n from_o the_o free_a and_o unchangeable_a love_n of_o god_n the_o father_n upon_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o merit_n and_o intercession_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o union_n with_o he_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n the_o abide_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o god_n within_o they_o and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n from_o all_o which_o arise_v also_o the_o certainty_n and_o infallibility_n thereof_o iii_o and_o though_o they_o may_v through_o the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n and_o of_o the_o world_n the_o prevalency_n of_o corruption_n remain_v in_o they_o and_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o their_o preservation_n fall_v into_o grievous_a sin_n and_o for_o a_o time_n continue_v therein_o whereby_o they_o incur_v god_n displeasure_n and_o grieve_v his_o holy_a spirit_n come_v to_o have_v their_o grace_n and_o comfort_v impair_v have_v their_o heart_n harden_v and_o their_o conscience_n wound_v hurt_v and_o scandalize_v other_o and_o bring_v temporal_a judgement_n upon_o themselves_o yet_o they_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v keep_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n chap._n xviii_o of_o the_o assurance_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n although_o temporary_a believer_n and_o other_o unregenerate_a man_n may_v vain_o deceive_v themselves_o with_o false_a hope_n and_o carnal_a presumption_n of_o be_v in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o state_n of_o salvation_n which_o hope_v of_o they_o shall_v perish_v yet_o such_o as_o true_o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o love_v he_o in_o sincerity_n endeavour_v to_o walk_v in_o all_o good_a conscience_n before_o he_o may_v in_o this_o life_n be_v certain_o assure_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o may_v rejoice_v in_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o hope_n shall_v never_o make_v they_o ashamed_a ii_o this_o certainty_n be_v not_o a_o bare_a conjectural_a and_o probable_a persuasion_n ground_v upon_o a_o fallible_a hope_n but_o a_o infallible_a assurance_n of_o faith_n found_v on_o the_o blood_n and_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o also_o upon_o the_o inward_a evidence_n of_o those_o grace_n unto_o which_o promise_n be_v make_v and_o on_o the_o immediate_a witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n testify_v our_o adoption_n and_o as_o a_o fruit_n thereof_o leave_v the_o heart_n more_o humble_a and_o holy_a iii_o this_o infallible_a assurance_n do_v not_o so_o belong_v to_o the_o essence_n of_o faith_n but_o that_o a_o true_a believer_n may_v wait_v long_o and_o conflict_n with_o many_o difficulty_n before_o he_o be_v partaker_n of_o it_o yet_o be_v enable_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o know_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v free_o give_v he_o of_o god_n he_o may_v without_o extraordinary_a revelation_n in_o the_o right_a use_n of_o ordinary_a mean_n attain_v thereunto_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o one_o to_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v his_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a that_o thereby_o his_o heart_n may_v be_v enlarge_v in_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o love_n and_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n and_o in_o strength_n and_o cheerfulness_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n the_o proper_a fruit_n of_o this_o assurance_n so_o far_o be_v it_o from_o incline_v man_n to_o looseness_n iv_o true_a believer_n may_v have_v the_o assurance_n of_o their_o salvation_n divers_a way_n shake_v diminish_v and_o intermit_v as_o by_o negligence_n in_o preserve_v of_o it_o by_o fall_v into_o some_o special_a sin_n which_o wound_v the_o conscience_n and_o grieve_v the_o spirit_n by_o some_o sudden_a or_o vehement_a temptation_n by_o god_n withdraw_v the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n suffer_v even_o such_o as_o fear_v he_o to_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o to_o have_v no_o light_n yet_o be_v they_o neither_o utter_o destitute_a of_o that_o seed_n of_o god_n and_o life_n of_o faith_n that_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o brethren_n that_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o duty_n out_o of_o which_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n this_o assurance_n may_v in_o due_a time_n be_v revive_v and_o by_o the_o which_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o be_v support_v from_o utter_a despair_n chap._n xix_o of_o the_o law_n of_o god._n god_n give_v to_o adam_n a_o law_n of_o universal_a obedience_n write_v in_o his_o heart_n and_o a_o particular_a precept_n of_o not_o eat_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a as_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n by_o which_o he_o bind_v he_o and_o all_o his_o posterity_n to_o personal_a entire_a exact_a and_o perpetual_a obedience_n promise_v life_n upon_o the_o fulfil_n and_o threaten_a death_n upon_o the_o breach_n of_o it_o and_o endue_v he_o with_o power_n and_o ability_n to_o keep_v it_o ii_o this_o law_n so_o write_v in_o the_o heart_n continue_v to_o be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n of_o righteousness_n after_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n and_o be_v deliver_v by_o god_n upon_o mount_n sinai_n in_o ten_o commandment_n and_o write_v in_o two_o table_n the_o four_o first_o commandment_n contain_v our_o duty_n towards_o god_n and_o the_o other_o six_o our_o duty_n to_o man._n iii_o beside_o this_o law_n common_o call_v moral_a god_n be_v please_v to_o give_v to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n ceremonial_a law_n contain_v several_a typical_a ordinance_n partly_o of_o worship_n prefigure_v christ_n his_o grace_n action_n suffering_n and_o benefit_n and_o partly_o hold_v forth_o divers_a instruction_n of_o moral_a duty_n all_o which_o ceremonial_a law_n be_v appoint_v only_o to_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n be_v by_o jesus_n christ_n the_o true_a messiah_n and_o only_a lawgiver_n who_o be_v furnish_v with_o power_n from_o the_o father_n for_o that_o end_n abrogate_a and_o take_v away_o iv_o to_o they_o also_o he_o give_v sundry_a judicial_a law_n which_o expire_v together_o with_o the_o state_n of_o that_o people_n not_o oblige_v any_o now_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o institution_n their_o general_a equity_n only_o be_v still_o of_o moral_a use_n v._o the_o moral_a law_n do_v for_o ever_o bound_v all_o as_o well_o justify_v person_n as_o other_o to_o the_o obedience_n thereof_o and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o it_o but_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n the_o creator_n who_o give_v it_o neither_o do_v christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n any_o way_n dissolve_v but_o much_o strengthen_v this_o obligation_n vi_o although_o true_a believer_n be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n as_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n to_o be_v thereby_o justify_v or_o condemn_v yet_o it_o be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o they_o as_o well_o as_o to_o other_o in_o that_o as_o a_o rule_n of_o life_n inform_v they_o of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o their_o duty_n it_o direct_v and_o bind_v they_o to_o walk_v according_o discover_v also_o the_o sinful_a pollution_n of_o their_o nature_n heart_n and_o life_n so_o as_o examine_v themselves_o thereby_o they_o may_v come_v to_o far_a conviction_n of_o humiliation_n for_o and_o hatred_n against_o sin_n together_o with_o a_o clear_a sight_n of_o the_o need_n they_o have_v of_o christ_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o obedience_n it_o be_v likewise_o of_o use_n to_o the_o regenerate_v to_o restrain_v their_o corruption_n in_o that_o it_o forbid_v sin_n and_o the_o threaten_n of_o it_o serve_v to_o show_v what_o even_o their_o sin_n deserve_v and_o what_o affliction_n in_o this_o life_n they_o may_v expect_v for_o they_o although_o free_v from_o the_o curse_n thereof_o threaten_v in_o the_o law._n the_o promise_v of_o it_o in_o like_a manner_n show_v they_o god_n approbation_n of_o obedience_n and_o what_o blessing_n they_o may_v expect_v upon_o the_o performance_n thereof_o although_o not_o as_o due_a to_o they_o by_o the_o law_n as_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n so_o as_o a_o man_n do_v good_a and_o refrain_v from_o evil_a because_o the_o law_n encourage_v to_o the_o one_o and_o deter_v from_o the_o other_o be_v no_o evidence_n of_o his_o be_v under_o the_o law_n and_o not_o under_o grace_n vii_o neither_o be_v the_o forementioned_a uses_n of_o the_o law_n contrary_a to_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o do_v sweet_o comply_v with_o it_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n subdue_a and_o enable_v the_o will_n of_o man_n to_o do_v that_o free_o and_o cheerful_o which_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o law_n require_v to_o be_v do_v chap._n xx._n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o grace_n thereof_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v break_v by_o sin_n and_o make_v