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authority_n church_n divine_a scripture_n 9,471 5 6.5421 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A64246 The confession or declaration of the ministers or pastors which in the United Provinces are called Remonstrants, concerning the chief points of Christian religion; Confessio sive declaratio sententiae pastorum qui in Foederato Belgio Remonstrantes vocantur super praecipuis articulis religionis Christianae. English Remonstrantse Broederschap.; Episcopius, Simon, 1583-1643.; Taylor, Thomas, 1576-1632. 1676 (1676) Wing T564; ESTC R10771 123,629 274

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obtain_v and_o have_v she_o be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o if_o indeed_o such_o a_o authority_n as_o this_o agree_v not_o with_o the_o very_a first_o primitive_a church_n itself_o much_o less_o ought_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o it_o belong_v to_o any_o church_n at_o this_o day_n or_o any_o indeed_o succeed_v that_o first_o and_o primitive_a one_o 9_o the_o doctrine_n therefore_o contain_v scripture_n in_o these_o book_n be_v of_o itself_o altogether_o authentic_a and_o indeed_o of_o authority_n divine_a and_o 1._o uncontrollable_a and_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o infallible_a veracity_n of_o god_n deserve_v altogether_o and_o challenge_v undoubted_a credit_n and_o belief_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o its_o autocratorical_a or_o absolute_a and_o supreme_a power_n most_o humble_a obedience_n from_o we_o and_o whatsoever_o 21._o doctrine_n or_o tradition_n want_v this_o privilege_n of_o be_v of_o a_o supreme_a and_o divine_a revelation_n it_o have_v not_o by_o any_o right_n either_o the_o same_o or_o the_o like_a authority_n with_o it_o much_o less_o that_o which_o either_o decree_v any_o thing_n else_o either_o contrary_a to_o it_o or_o diverse_a from_o it_o and_o that_o by_o a_o usurp_a authority_n 9_o or_o at_o least_o otherwise_o than_o be_v contain_v in_o write_v in_o these_o book_n command_v it_o to_o be_v declare_v or_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v believe_v upon_o the_o pain_n and_o peril_n of_o the_o loss_n of_o salvation_n since_o god_n can_v neither_o contradict_v himself_o and_o no_o authority_n either_o humane_a or_o angelical_a aught_o to_o be_v equal_v to_o the_o divine_a 10._o and_o now_o because_o such_o divine-like_a faith_n authority_n as_o this_o belong_v unto_o and_o agree_v with_o these_o very_a book_n only_o it_o be_v therefore_o even_o withal_o necessary_a that_o by_o they_o 11._o alone_o as_o by_o touchstone_n and_o firm_a and_o ●●ovable_a rule_n we_o examine_v and_o try_v all_o controversy_n and_o debate_n in_o religion_n and_o by_o they_o only_o 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that_o be_v necessary_a and_o profitable_a for_o every_o christian_a congregation_n to_o know_v believe_v hope_v and_o do_v or_o at_o least_o do_v not_o use_v those_o form_n of_o speak_v which_o do_v clear_o and_o perspicuous_o enough_o express_v those_o divine_a sense_n or_o meaning_n which_o be_v chief_o saving_o necessary_a and_o available_a to_o be_v believe_v but_o have_v need_n of_o man_n phrase_n and_o form_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o they_o and_o application_n and_o use_n to_o make_v a_o due_a difference_n between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n from_o whence_o afterward_o they_o say_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v more_o and_o more_o weaken_a and_o at_o length_n whole_o fall_v and_o be_v transfer_v by_o degree_n to_o those_o form_n of_o man_n as_o either_o more_o perfect_a or_o the_o more_o clear_a discoverer_n of_o what_o be_v right_a and_o false_a and_o certain_o the_o experience_n of_o many_o age_n seem_v not_o a_o 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will_v not_o think_v they_o by_o some_o necessity_n constrain_v hereunto_o by_o a_o public_a and_o solemn_a declaration_n to_o obviate_v so_o atrocious_a and_o enormous_a slander_n and_o by_o a_o ingenuous_a confession_n of_o their_o judgement_n to_o testify_v to_o the_o christian_a world_n what_o and_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n they_o be_v in_o religion_n and_o what_o in_o very_a ●eed_n they_o think_v touch_v the_o chief_a head_n of_o belief_n and_o by_o this_o unblamable_a mean_n ●s_n by_o a_o bolt_n &_o bar_v firm_o set_v against_o those_o ●nfamous_a revile_n and_o slander_n to_o vindicate_v and_o approve_v or_o commend_v to_o all_o good_a man_n the_o integrity_n of_o their_o good_a ●ame_n and_o esteem_n and_o the_o innocency_n of_o their_o life_n especial_o if_o they_o see_v that_o unless_o they_o do_v it_o all_o good_a man_n even_o the_o best_a will_v be_v estrange_v from_o they_o the_o weak_a will_v be_v turn_v aside_o from_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n or_o else_o that_o no_o light_a scruple_n will_v be_v cast_v into_o their_o mind_n that_o a_o occasion_n will_v be_v give_v to_o many_o in_o other_o respect_n in_o no_o wise_a bad_a man_n to_o continue_v in_o their_o error_n or_o to_o return_v as_o it_o be_v to_o their_o vomit_n to_o their_o former_a filthiness_n which_o they_o have_v leave_v that_o their_o friend_n will_v be_v withdraw_v from_o all_o affection_n of_o goodwill_n towards_o they_o and_o violent_o deparate_v from_o their_o fraternity_n that_o more_o plenteous_a matter_n will_v be_v minister_v to_o their_o enemy_n and_o foe_n to_o calumniatc_n and_o consequent_o that_o through_o the_o side_n of_o their_o wrong_a reputation_n the_o truth_n of_o god_n will_v be_v wound_v and_o all_o their_o labour_n ●are_v industry_n and_o pain_n hitherto_o spend_v or_o further_o to_o be_v spend_v in_o the_o promote_a of_o the_o same_o will_v be_v render_v unprofitable_a and_o fruitless_a certain_o he_o that_o i●_n touch_v with_o any_o desire_n of_o the_o public_a good_a any_o care_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n an●_n desire_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o peace_n of_o th●_n church_n he_o can_v but_o believe_v and_o certain_o conclude_v that_o in_o such_o a_o case_n the●_n be_v some_o kind_n of_o necessity_n lay_v upon_o those_o man_n if_o they_o can_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o man_n of_o high_a degree_n and_o low_a degree_n require_v it_o even_o in_o conceive_a form_n of_o declaration_n to_o purge_v themselves_o from_o those_o false_a report_n and_o calumny_n and_o to_o testify_v to_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n their_o innocency_n nor_o indeed_o can_v it_o see●_n sufficient_a for_o the_o wash_n away_o of_o th●_n say_v calumny_n if_o they_o contain_v themselves_o within_o the_o mere_a and_o bare_a expression_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o deliver_v their_o opinion_n or_o judgement_n in_o so_o man_n scripture-word_n and_o phrase_n for_o see_v that_o this_o very_a thing_n be_v charge_v up_o on_o they_o as_o a_o crime_n that_o under_o scripture-word_n they_o in_o their_o bosom_n cherish_v their_o worst_a meaning_n and_o most_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n 〈◊〉_d man_n &_o that_o they_o do_v upon_o occasion_n either_o ready_o seek_v after_o or_o offer_v by_o other_o disseminate_a or_o spread_v the_o same_o ●hen_o they_o perceive_v it_o be_v for_o their_o advantage_n very_o they_o be_v reduce_v to_o that_o necessity_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o as_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n the_o edify_n of_o the_o weak_a and_o the_o detection_n of_o calumny_n by_o that_o mean_n which_o seem_v ●est_n and_o most_o profitable_a that_o be_v by_o some_o public_a declaration_n of_o their_o judgement_n ●o_o purge_v themselves_o and_o to_o maintain_v and_o defend_v the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o belief_n which_o thing_n be_v so_o so_o far_o be_v it_o that_o confession_n or_o declaration_n of_o faith_n ought_v to_o seem_v hurtful_a or_o unprofitable_a of_o 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form_n from_o all_o manner_n of_o abuse_n and_o corruption_n and_o to_o inculcate_v and_o assert_v at_o all_o time_n their_o right_a and_o true_a use_n which_o we_o indeed_o believe_v may_v be_v commodious_o do_v if_o we_o have_v always_o these_o three_o thing_n before_o our_o eye_n and_o careful_o observe_v they_o first_o if_o in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o authority_n authority_n that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d unquestionable_a that_o be_v irrefragable_a and_o beyond_o all_o exception_n under_o any_o title_n pretence_n or_o show_v whatsoever_o either_o direct_o or_o indirect_o in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o religion_n give_v to_o these_o form_n nor_o suffer_v to_o be_v give_v they_o to_o wit_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o that_o the_o conscience_n of_o any_o shall_v be_v tie_v or_o oblige_v to_o the_o same_o as_o rule_n of_o faith_n either_o primary_n or_o secondary_a which_o indeed_o that_o it_o may_v be_v easy_o provide_v against_o be_v beyond_o all_o doubt_n if_o they_o be_v only_o have_v in_o that_o esteem_n and_o place_n as_o indeed_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v have_v to_o wit_n for_o bare_a exposition_n of_o our_o belief_n or_o for_o such_o form_n which_o do_v not_o define_v or_o determine_v what_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v for_o true_a or_o false_a what_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v or_o not_o to_o be_v believe_v after_o what_o manner_n any_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v express_v or_o utter_v but_o which_o only_o may_v make_v know_v and_o testify_v what_o they_o hold_v for_o true_a and_o false_a what_o they_o believe_v or_o do_v not_o believe_v how_o they_o express_v the_o meaning_n of_o their_o mind_n who_o own_o those_o form_n and_o declaration_n be_v for_o if_o they_o be_v have_v in_o no_o other_o account_n or_o great_a esteem_n there_o be_v no_o danger_n that_o their_o authority_n we_o say_v not_o shall_v be_v equal_v much_o less_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o scripture_n but_o that_o they_o find_v not_o indeed_o any_o place_n though_o the_o low_a in_o the_o church_n for_o 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of_o the_o scripture_n for_o see_v their_o truth_n both_o as_o to_o their_o sense_n manner_n of_o expression_n and_o method_n be_v to_o be_v assert_v and_o maintain_v from_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o yea_o see_v the_o say_v very_a ●orms_n do_v profess_v that_o all_o and_o every_o one_o may_v and_o ought_v free_o to_o do_v the_o same_o and_o consequent_o do_v remit_v or_o send_v we_o back_o from_o themselves_o to_o the_o scripture_n and_o express_o command_v we_o to_o appeal_v to_o they_o alone_o in_o all_o controversy_n whatsoever_o certain_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v think_v to_o confer_v unto_o the_o shake_n or_o subvert_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a to_o the_o establish_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n nor_o do_v they_o in_o the_o least_o prejudice_n the_o liberty_n of_o church_n since_o none_o be_v precise_o bind_v unto_o they_o yea_o seeing_z it_o be_v free_o grant_v to_o every_o one_o to_o try_v they_o by_o the_o standard_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n last_o see_v every_o one_o may_v without_o danger_n or_o fear_n contradict_v they_o sobeit_v only_o there_o be_v a_o careful_a regard_n have_v of_o prudence_n charity_n and_o modesty_n nor_o indeed_o do_v they_o open_v any_o gap_n to_o schism_n and_o separation_n for_o neither_o be_v he_o to_o be_v think_v to_o make_v a_o schism_n that_o join_v himself_o to_o those_o assembly_n wherein_o he_o see_v great_a purity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n to_o flourish_v and_o thrive_v sobeit_v he_o do_v not_o proud_o despise_v other_o assembly_n and_o forthwith_o judge_v they_o exclude_v out_o of_o heaven_n or_o from_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n who_o he_o see_v somewhat_o more_o estrange_v from_o his_o own_o society_n for_o christian_a peace_n and_o concord_n may_v continue_v entire_a yea_o and_o also_o ought_v among_o congregation_n divide_v and_o distinguish_v in_o or_o by_o opinion_n so_o that_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o we_o that_o all_o those_o who_o hitherto_o 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12._o or_o of_o apollo_n or_o cephas_n for_o that_o those_o despise_v these_o in_o comparison_n of_o themselves_o and_o do_v as_o it_o be_v think_v it_o scorn_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v compare_v with_o they_o yea_o do_v reject_v they_o as_o it_o be_v stranger_n from_o christ._n insomuch_o that_o the_o desire_n of_o truth_n though_o the_o best_a and_o wholsome_a do_v not_o excuse_v any_o man_n from_o the_o crime_n of_o schism_n at_o least_o before_o god_n himself_o unless_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o true_a love_n of_o peace_n and_o concord_n and_o a_o endeavour_n after_o mutual_a good_a will_n for_o of_o so_o great_a price_n with_o god_n be_v the_o true_a peace_n and_o concord_n of_o his_o church_n that_o he_o be_v even_o displease_v with_o a_o seditious_a truth_n or_o a_o schismatical_a and_o turbulent_a manner_n of_o propagate_a the_o same_o and_o yet_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o it_o may_v abuse_n and_o do_v usual_o sometime_o fall_v out_o that_o in_o tract_n of_o time_n those_o like_a form_n obtain_v great_a veneration_n and_o honour_n than_o be_v meet_v and_o at_o length_n unless_o there_o be_v diligent_a provision_n make_v aforehand_o and_o the_o grow_a evil_a sedulous_o look_v unto_o or_o beware_v of_o do_v very_o easy_o degenerate_a into_o idol_n and_o band_n of_o conscience_n and_o ensign_n or_o badge_n of_o schism_n yet_o because_o all_o this_o be_v wont_a to_o fall_v out_o by_o accident_n we_o must_v not_o from_o thence_o make_v judgement_n of_o they_o see_v that_o be_v not_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o form_n themselves_o but_o of_o those_o who_o according_a to_o the_o preposterous_a diligence_n or_o rather_o malice_n of_o their_o own_o disposition_n do_v upon_o occasion_n abuse_v they_o and_o see_v the_o true_a value_n of_o thing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o right_n or_o perverse_a and_o ill_a use_n of_o they_o for_o he_o that_o be_v evil_a and_o imprudent_a may_v sometime_o abuse_v in_o the_o worst_a sort_n the_o very_o 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belief_n have_v always_o keep_v within_o the_o say_a use_n of_o they_o they_o have_v never_o have_v place_n give_v they_o for_o their_o excessive_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n but_o after_o that_o a_o exact_a account_n cease_v to_o be_v have_v thereof_o their_o authority_n begin_v by_o little_a and_o little_a and_o as_o it_o be_v by_o degree_n to_o be_v advance_v insomuch_o that_o the_o conscience_n eye_n tongue_n and_o pen_n of_o man_n become_v to_o depend_v on_o they_o as_o upon_o certain_a standard_n and_o undoubted_a rule_n of_o faith_n whence_o afterward_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o some_o by_o mean_n of_o they_o as_o it_o be_v by_o certain_a letter_n of_o herald_n at_o arm_n have_v denounce_v war_n against_o all_o other_o congregation_n and_o that_o they_o may_v have_v no_o hope_n of_o reconcilement_n leave_v they_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n thereby_o have_v be_v divide_v and_o separate_v one_o from_o another_o even_o as_o empire_n heretofore_o by_o boundary_n and_o enemy_n camp_n by_o trench_n and_o bulwark_n last_o which_o be_v the_o utmost_a line_n of_o tyranny_n that_o they_o have_v punish_v those_o who_o do_v contradict_v these_o form_n with_o force_n and_o sword_n and_o that_o with_o so_o great_a a_o zeal_n and_o heat_n yea_o fury_n that_o when_o profane_a person_n ungodly_a despiser_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o atheist_n be_v upon_o very_o easy_a term_n pardon_v these_o alone_o be_v destine_v to_o prison_n rack_n wheel_n gallow_n cross_n flame_n and_o all_o the_o most_o exquisite_a punishment_n and_o torment_n imaginable_a and_o all_o for_o this_o only_a end_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o form_n may_v be_v free_v from_o contradiction_n and_o vindicate_v from_o contempt_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n forsooth_o the_o outward_a peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o quiet_a of_o the_o commonwealth_n may_v be_v preserve_v undisturbed_a the_o which_o way_n of_o procedure_v as_o it_o ought_v most_o just_o to_o be_v hate_v and_o abominate_v of_o all_o christian_n so_o have_v it_o all_o along_o exceed_o dislike_v we_o who_o ●ndeed_o religious_o fear_v to_o give_v or_o grant_v to_o any_o write_n decree_n or_o ordinance_n of_o man_n any_o authority_n whatever_o either_o directive_n or_o coactive_a in_o matter_n relate_v to_o faith_n and_o conscience_n or_o to_o suffer_v the_o same_o to_o be_v give_v by_o other_o from_o hence_o pious_a reader_n thou_o confession_n ●●ilt_v easy_o understand_v what_o be_v our_o end_n and_o aim_n which_o we_o propound_v to_o ourselves_o in_o set_v forth_o this_o declaration_n indeed_o the_o very_a same_o we_o say_v before_o and_o none_o other_o for_o this_o declaration_n be_v not_o put_v forth_o to_o that_o intent_n that_o thereby_o a_o new_a snare_n of_o conscience_n shall_v be_v prepare_v or_o a_o constant_a square_n and_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n prescribe_v to_o any_o to_o wit_n which_o shall_v
instruct_v and_o guide_v by_o god_n holy_a spirit_n such_o as_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v 2._o the_o five_o book_n of_o moses_n the_o book_n of_o joshua_n judge_n ruth_n the_o two_o book_n of_o samuel_n two_o of_o the_o king_n two_o of_o the_o chronicle_n or_o paralipomena_fw-la i._n c._n thing_n omit_v or_o pass_v by_o esdras_n nehemiah_n ehster_n also_o job_n the_o psalm_n of_o david_n the_o proverb_n ecclesiaste_n the_o song_n of_o song_n the_o four_o great_a prophet_n to_o wit_n esaias_n jeremiah_n with_o his_o lamentation_n ezekiel_n and_o daniel_n the_o twelve_o lesser_a prophet_n to_o wit_n hosea_n joel_n amos_n obadiah_n jonah_n micah_n nahum_n habakkuk_n zephaniah_n haggai_n zechariah_n and_o malachi_n 4._o in_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o be_v testament_n the_o four_o evangelist_n place_n matthew_n mark_n luke_n and_o john_n the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o wit_n ●●_o to_o the_o roman_n the_o former_a and_o latter_a to_o the_o corinthian_n to_o the_o galatian_n to_o the_o ephesian_n to_o the_o philippian_n to_o the_o colossian_n to_o the_o thessalonian_n two_o two_o to_o timothy_n to_o titus_n to_z philemon_z also_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n one_o epistle_n of_o james_n 4._o two_o of_o peter_n of_o john_n three_z of_o judas_n one_o last_o the_o place_n revelation_n 5._o that_o all_o the_o say_a book_n be_v write_v or_o approve_v of_o by_o man_n divine_a and_o not_o to_o be_v except_v against_o have_v in_o former_a both_o time_n be_v clear_o find_v and_o prove_v by_o so_o many_o and_o so_o certain_a and_o evident_a testimony_n and_o proof_n that_o there_o can_v nothing_o further_o just_o or_o reasonable_o be_v desire_v for_o though_o at_o sometime_o there_o have_v be_v make_v some_o doubt_n of_o some_o few_o of_o they_o towit_n whether_o they_o be_v pen_v or_o approve_v of_o by_o those_o very_a author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v yet_o at_o length_n the_o matter_n be_v more_o narrow_o examine_v and_o the_o truth_n search_v into_o it_o have_v be_v abundant_o evict_v that_o they_o be_v in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n pen_v or_o approve_v of_o by_o divine_a man_n and_o those_o who_o authority_n be_v infallible_a and_o credit_v undoubted_a of_o with_o all_o believer_n 6._o beside_o the_o say_a book_n of_o the_o old-testament_n book_n there_o be_v other_o also_o which_o have_v be_v now_o long_o since_o have_v in_o great_a esteem_n with_o many_o common_o call_v apocryphal_a the_o which_o although_o they_o be_v not_o of_o ●orce_n to_o confirm_v doctrine_n of_o faith_n yet_o may_v they_o though_o some_o more_o some_o less_o profitable_o be_v and_o be_v usual_o read_v for_o the_o proficiency_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n such_o as_o be_v toby_n judith_n baruch_n wisdom_n ecclesiasticus_fw-la the_o three_o and_o four_o of_o esdras_n three_o book_n of_o the_o maccabee_n and_o certain_a addition_n unto_o esther_n and_o daniel_n which_o be_v common_o know_v 7._o that_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n by_o scripture_n which_o also_o the_o truth_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v abundant_o establsh_v and_o confirm_v be_v altogether_o true_a and_o divine_a be_v not_o only_o clear_a and_o evident_a from_o its_o be_v write_v or_o allow_v of_o by_o the_o say_v divine_a man_n we_o name_v before_o and_o its_o be_v deliver_v by_o they_o unto_o the_o church_n nor_o from_o its_o be_v confirm_v and_o establish_v or_o ratify_v by_o 39_o divers_a and_o innumerable_a miracle_n and_o mighty_a deed_n sign_n and_o prodigy_n exceed_v all_o humane_a and_o angelical_a wisdom_n and_o power_n and_o furthermore_o by_o the_o 32._o glorious_a resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a of_o the_o first_o author_n of_o it_o even_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o exaltation_n assert_v by_o many_o irrefragable_a testimony_n and_o proof_n but_o also_o even_o chief_o from_o its_o contain_v precept_n so_o transcendent_o chapter_n perfect_a righteous_a just_a and_o holy_a that_o any_o more_o perfect_a just_a equal_a and_o holy_a can_v be_v devise_v or_o think_v of_o and_o promise_n 1._o so_o exceed_o great_a rich_a and_o precious_a that_o neither_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n nor_o angel_n can_v conceive_v of_o any_o more_o excellent_a more_o divine_a and_o worthy_a of_o god_n to_o which_o the_o admirable_a follow_v force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o add_v no_o small_a weight_n towit_n that_o it_o although_o such_o a_o enemy_n and_o so_o ungrateful_a to_o the_o flesh_n be_v by_o a_o very_a few_o apostle_n and_o they_o plain_a simple_a weak_a man_n man_n most_o alien_n or_o free_a from_o not_o only_o the_o crime_n but_o also_o the_o very_a suspicion_n of_o all_o simulation_n and_o forgery_n man_n advantage_v by_o no_o help_n of_o worldly_a eloquence_n of_o no_o renown_n upon_o any_o account_n of_o humane_a authority_n without_o force_n without_o arm_n only_o by_o the_o persuasion_n of_o reason_n and_o argument_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n withal_o by_o man_n arm_v mere_o with_o innocency_n sanctity_n of_o life_n and_o patience_n in_o a_o very_a short_a time_n in_o all_o place_n though_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n of_o satan_n and_o all_o the_o world_n almost_o make_v resistance_n and_o head_n against_o it_o be_v wonderful_o disseminated_a and_o so_o spread_v itself_o far_o and_o wide_o on_o every_o side_n into_o all_o quarter_n that_o innumerablemy_n riad_n of_o man_n of_o all_o rank_n order_n and_o condition_n not_o only_o of_o ignorant_a or_o private_a man_n but_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o wise_a not_o a_o few_o leave_v their_o ancient_a and_o countrey-rite_n and_o religion_n in_o which_o they_o be_v bear_v and_o breed_v without_o any_o hope_n of_o any_o earthly_a advantage_n nay_o but_o rather_o with_o a_o certain_a expectation_n of_o affliction_n ignominy_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o danger_n and_o misery_n do_v most_o constant_o adhere_v and_o cleave_v thereunto_o yea_o so_o far_o do_v the_o force_n hereof_o prevail_v that_o all_o other_o religion_n else_o although_o every_o where_o establish_v by_o humane_a power_n and_o force_n the_o jewish_a only_o except_v because_o that_o be_v of_o god_n do_v almost_o whole_o vanish_v and_o become_v extinct_a at_o the_o rise_a brightness_n of_o the_o same_o 8._o and_o although_o indeed_o the_o primitive_a church_n church_n which_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n may_v most_o certain_o know_v and_o undoubted_o also_o do_v know_v that_o these_o 17._o book_n be_v write_v or_o at_o least_o approve_a of_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o deliver_v as_o it_o be_v from_o hand_n to_o hand_n the_o knowledge_n hereof_o unto_o we_o and_o deposit_v or_o leave_v the_o same_o with_o we_o as_o a_o certain_a pledge_n in_o trust_n yet_o do_v we_o not_o therefore_o hold_v these_o book_n for_o true_a and_o divine_a because_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v by_o its_o uncontrollable_a judgement_n judge_v they_o true_a or_o that_o they_o contain_v in_o they_o divine_a sense_n or_o meaning_n and_o have_v by_o its_o infallible_a authority_n decree_v that_o they_o be_v hold_v or_o account_v for_o such_o for_o first_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o the_o church_n by_o its_o judgement_n shall_v define_v and_o by_o its_o authority_n determine_v that_o those_o book_n which_o be_v write_v or_o approve_v of_o by_o the_o apostle_n be_v true_a and_o divine_a or_o of_o god_n or_o no_o for_o that_o both_o before_o and_o without_o all_o such_o manner_n of_o judgement_n be_v altogether_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a of_o by_o all_o christian_n both_o in_o general_a and_o particular_a insomuch_o that_o assoon_o as_o any_o one_o of_o they_o know_v that_o any_o thing_n be_v write_v or_o approve_v of_o by_o the_o apostle_n he_o may_v even_o 13._o thereby_o and_o of_o right_a aught_o to_o know_v that_o the_o same_o be_v true_a and_o of_o god_n or_o divine_a and_o need_v not_o any_o other_o judgement_n in_o the_o case_n in_o the_o next_o place_n neither_o indeed_o can_v such_o a_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n suffice_v see_v no_o man_n can_v be_v certain_a no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o probable_o of_o the_o be_v of_o any_o church_n unto_o which_o such_o a_o authority_n be_v say_v to_o belong_v except_o he_o be_v first_o assure_v that_o those_o book_n wherein_o the_o say_a authority_n be_v say_v to_o be_v give_v or_o assign_v to_o the_o church_n be_v true_a &_o divine_a and_o see_v he_o can_v know_v and_o determine_v for_o certain_a that_o any_o church_n be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n etc._n if_o he_o be_v not_o already_o undoubted_o sure_a and_o certain_a before_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o say_a book_n the_o same_o be_v true_a and_o from_o god_n for_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o very_a faith_n or_o belief_n whereby_o the_o church_n embrace_v or_o receive_v that_o as_o true_a she_o herself_o final_o
14._o and_o mission_n or_o send_v forth_o of_o some_o certain_a man_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o say_a office_n and_o the_o same_o indeed_o accompany_v and_o back_v with_o a_o infallible_a instruction_n and_o a_o certain_a irrefragable_a authority_n or_o spiritual_a power_n wherefore_o the_o lord_n jesus_n pitch_v upon_o or_o design_v he_o 11._o certain_a ambassador_n extraordinary_a as_o eminent_a and_o singular_a minister_n of_o he_o and_o furnish_v they_o with_o all_o gift_n 4._o and_o virtue_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n necessary_a for_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o their_o embassage_n and_o 7._o continual_o so_o rule_v govern_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v they_o that_o they_o do_v not_o only_o once_o alone_o open_o &_o public_o declare_v this_o will_n of_o god_n and_o solid_o by_o all_o kind_n of_o sign_n and_o miracle_n establish_v and_o confirm_v the_o same_o but_o also_o every_o where_o gather_v they_o 8._o assembly_n or_o congregation_n of_o pious_a man_n among_o who_o the_o preach_n of_o this_o his_o will_n as_o far_o as_o may_v be_v may_v always_o flourish_v and_o be_v preserve_v whole_a and_o entire_a to_o wit_n for_o the_o continual_a edification_n or_o build_n up_o of_o all_o that_o be_v call_v in_o the_o true_a and_o save_a faith_n of_o jesus_n christ._n 3._o and_o indeed_o these_o first_o and_o chief_a apostle_n preacher_n be_v 28._o the_o apostle_n who_o as_o in_o teach_v and_o gather_v church_n so_o in_o the_o govern_n and_o keep_v they_o together_o use_v such_o authority_n 14._o as_o they_o have_v immediate_o receive_v from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o wit_n 14._o such_o as_o be_v uncontrollable_a and_o unquestionable_a and_o to_o which_o all_o believer_n be_v bind_v to_o yield_v and_o obey_v and_o to_o these_o indeed_o be_v join_v both_o 12._o prophet_n and_o evangelist_n and_o teacher_n and_o pastor_n and_o other_o such_o like_a who_o also_o themselves_o use_v and_o bestow_v their_o utmost_a diligence_n and_o pain_n either_o for_o the_o gather_n of_o new_a church_n or_o assembly_n or_o afterward_o for_o the_o nourish_a and_o feed_v and_o further_a instruct_v of_o these_o that_o be_v already_o gather_v by_o the_o apostle_n 4._o but_o when_o such_o foundation_n and_o success_n first_o beginning_n have_v now_o be_v lay_v by_o these_o lest_o when_o they_o be_v either_o absent_a or_o dead_a those_o congregation_n shall_v be_v scatter_v and_o decay_v again_o or_o come_v to_o nought_o and_o so_o by_o this_o mean_n this_o divine_a and_o save_a doctrine_n by_o little_a and_o little_o shall_v vanish_v away_o and_o be_v lose_v they_o everywhere_o in_o those_o place_n where_o church_n be_v already_o gather_v appoint_v they_o their_o successor_n to_o wit_n 17._o bishop_n elder_n and_o deacon_n by_o who_o help_n endeavour_n and_o care_v those_o church_n may_v continual_o be_v preserve_v and_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v also_o increase_v in_o number_n and_o give_v express_v advice_n and_o command_n that_o the_o same_o afterward_o at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n shall_v be_v do_v in_o all_o congregation_n give_v withal_o a_o etc._n exact_a description_n what_o manner_n of_o person_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v who_o be_v thenceforth_o to_o be_v set_v over_o the_o congregation_n for_o this_o end_n 5._o and_o they_o indeed_o therefore_o appoint_v elder_n 17._o bishop_n and_o elder_n that_o both_o of_o they_o by_o preach_v the_o gospel_n by_o teach_v wholesome_a or_o save_a truth_n by_o confute_v error_n contrary_a thereunto_o also_o by_o exhort_v comfort_v reprove_v correct_v roll_a and_o last_o by_o go_v before_o other_o by_o 3._o their_o example_n etc._n etc._n may_v preserve_v or_o keep_v together_o the_o church_n already_o plant_v and_o by_o a_o continual_a succession_n to_o their_o utmost_a power_n may_v propagate_v the_o same_o and_o they_o ordain_v deacon_n etc._n that_o after_o they_o have_v be_v first_o prove_v or_o try_v they_o may_v diligent_o employ_v themselves_o in_o gather_v and_o distribute_v alm_n and_o in_o pious_a and_o tender_a care-taking_a of_o the_o poor_a in_o the_o say_a congregation_n from_o whence_o arise_v the_o perpetual_a necessity_n and_o manifold_a use_n of_o the_o whole_a ministry_n of_o the_o church_n 6._o but_o because_o after_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o those_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n limit_v or_o founder_n of_o the_o church_n when_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v now_o already_o be_v full_o enough_o propose_v and_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n himself_o abundant_o confirm_v and_o last_o clear_o commit_v to_o writing_n that_o immediate_a send_n of_o minister_n cease_v together_o with_o infallible_a instruction_n and_o the_o undoubted_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n therefore_o a_o irrefragable_a power_n or_o infallible_a authority_n in_o teach_v and_o rule_v have_v no_o more_o place_n also_o which_o also_o even_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v mind_v to_o restify_v when_o they_o give_v and_o leave_v unto_o the_o bishop_n and_o elder_n a_o certain_a 5._o and_o perpetual_a rule_n of_o doctrine_n and_o form_n of_o discipline_n according_a unto_o which_o these_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o rule_v the_o church_n for_o the_o future_a by_o and_o express_o command_v they_o and_o serious_o charge_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v diligent_o keep_v the_o 14._o pattern_n or_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n which_o they_o have_v hear_v of_o they_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v remember_v and_o hold_v fast_o that_o 9_o faithful_a doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v learn_v and_o therefore_o bid_v a_o 9_o anathema_n to_o those_o who_o bring_v any_o doctrine_n contrary_a to_o or_o differ_v from_o that_o which_o they_o themselves_o have_v deliver_v 17._o and_o withal_o enjoin_v the_o church_n that_o they_o shall_v receive_v or_o admit_v of_o no_o other_o doctrine_n beside_o that_o which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n no_o although_o even_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n bring_v it_o 7._o but_o since_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n and_o office_n they_o of_o all_o bishop_n and_o elder_n 13._o to_o teach_v and_o 3._o govern_v the_o church_n according_a to_o that_o form_n that_o be_v lay_v down_o by_o the_o apostle_n it_o appear_v manifest_a enough_o that_o they_o have_v not_o by_o any_o divine_a right_a any_o 8._o command_n &_o power_n or_o authority_n proper_o so_o call_v one_o over_o another_o and_o yet_o do_v we_o not_o therefore_o notwithstanding_o altogether_o disallow_v of_o much_o less_o proud_o reject_v those_o degree_n of_o teacher_n and_o ruler_n which_o have_v now_o long_o since_o be_v appoint_v and_o every_o where_o hitherto_o take_v place_n in_o diverse_a church_n of_o christ_n for_o order_n and_o decorum_n sake_n or_o for_o preserve_v good_a order_n for_o indeed_o god_n be_v not_o the_o 15._o author_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o order_n if_o so_o be_v they_o do_v not_o at_o length_n degenerate_a into_o tyranny_n and_o make_v show_v of_o some_o worldly_a dignity_n and_o power_n rather_o than_o of_o a_o spiritual_a ministry_n and_o of_o that_o modesty_n and_o moderation_n which_o become_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ._n 8._o but_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v abuse_v the_o pretence_n of_o this_o order_n unto_o pride_n &_o haughtiness_n thereof_o and_o in_o particular_a if_o any_o by_o these_o degree_n shall_v not_o stick_v to_o climb_v so_o high_a as_o arrogant_o to_o assume_v unto_o himself_o not_o only_o a_o supreme_a right_o to_o determine_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o decide_v all_o controversy_n of_o faith_n 29._o but_o also_o to_o usurp_v lordship_n over_o the_o lord_n heritage_n and_o over_o his_o fellow-servant_n yea_o over_o king_n and_o prince_n yea_o further_o whether_o direct_o or_o indirect_o to_o usurp_v a_o coactive_a power_n that_o be_v arm_v with_o outward_a force_n or_o uphold_v by_o the_o secular_a arm_n to_o punish_v other_o yea_o to_o punish_v they_o with_o the_o sword_n and_o with_o death_n who_o can_v out_o of_o conscience_n attribute_v this_o authority_n unto_o he_o or_o who_o refuse_v to_o subscribe_v to_o his_o determination_n decree_n and_o statute_n though_o in_o all_o other_o respect_v they_o be_v good_a and_o loyal_a subject_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n if_o any_o we_o say_v shall_v under_o this_o pretence_n usurp_v such_o a_o power_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o any_o other_o whatsoever_o like_v it_o or_o at_o least_o attribute_n to_o himself_o the_o same_o in_o word_n or_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v attribute_v to_o he_o by_o other_o true_o he_o seem_v unto_o we_o to_o recede_v very_o far_o from_o the_o office_n of_o a_o true_a bishop_n chap._n xxii_o of_o the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o its_o mark_n or_o note_n 1._o furthermore_o those_o congregation_n thereof_o or_o assembly_n which_o either_o by_o the_o public_a pain_n or_o labour_n of_o these_o minister_n or_o otherwise_o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n any_o way_n whatsoever_o preach_v read_v or_o
the_o confession_n or_o declaration_n of_o the_o minister_n or_o pastor_n which_o in_o the_o unite_a province_n be_v call_v remonstrant_n concern_v the_o chief_a point_n of_o christian_a religion_n london_n print_v for_o francis_n smith_n at_o the_o elephant_n and_o castle_n in_o cornhill_n near_o the_o royal_a exchange_n 1676._o the_o content_n of_o the_o chapter_n  _fw-fr  _fw-fr page_n chap._n 1._o of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o its_o authority_n perfection_n and_o perspicuity_n 59_o chap._n 2._o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n or_o of_o the_o divine_a nature_n 78_o chap._n 3._o of_o the_o holy_a and_o sacred_a trinity_n 93_o chap._n 4._o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n 96_o chap._n 5._o of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n of_o angel_n and_o of_o men._n 98_o chap._n 6._o of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n or_o his_o preservation_n and_o government_n of_o thing_n 105_o  _fw-fr  _fw-fr page_n chap._n 7._o of_o the_o sin_n and_o misery_n of_o man._n 117_o chap._n 8._o of_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n and_o of_o the_o person_n and_o office_n of_o jesus_n christ._n 128_o chap._n 9_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o new-covenant_n 138_o chap._n 10._o of_o the_o precept_n or_o commandment_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o general_a and_o of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n or_o conversion_n unto_o god_n 141_o chap._n 11._o of_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ._n 145_o chap._n 12._o of_o good_a work_n in_o particular_a and_o of_o the_o exposition_n of_o the_o decalogue_n 155_o chap._n 13._o of_o direct_v and_o deny_v of_o ourselves_o and_o bear_v of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ._n 170_o chap._n 14._o of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o in_o particular_a of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n 181_o chap._n 15._o of_o special_a calling_n and_o of_o the_o precept_n and_o tradition_n of_o men._n 193_o chap._n 16._o of_o the_o worship_n and_o veneration_n  _fw-fr  _fw-fr  _fw-fr page_n  _fw-fr of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o only_a mediator_n and_o of_o the_o invocation_n of_o saint_n 196_o chap._n 17._o of_o the_o benefit_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o first_o of_o election_n unto_o grace_n or_o call_v unto_o faith_n 200_o chap._n 18._o of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n that_o be_v perform_v in_o this_o life_n to_o those_o that_o be_v already_o convert_v and_o be_v believer_n that_o be_v of_o election_n unto_o glory_n of_o adoption_n justification_n sanctification_n and_o of_o obsignation_n or_o seal_v 209_o chap._n 19_o of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n pertain_v to_o the_o life_n to_o come_v or_o of_o the_o raise_n again_o of_o the_o dead_a and_o eternal_a life_n 216_o chap._n 20._o of_o the_o divine_a threaten_n and_o punishment_n of_o the_o wicked_a pertain_v both_o unto_o this_o life_n and_o unto_o the_o life_n to_o come_v to_o wit_n of_o reprobation_n harden_v blind_a and_o of_o eternal_a death_n and_o damnation_n 218_o  _fw-fr  _fw-fr page_n chap._n 21._o of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o order_n of_o minister_n 222_o chap._n 22._o of_o the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o its_o mark_n or_o note_n 230_o  _fw-fr of_o the_o mark_n or_o note_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n 224_o chap._n 23._o of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o other_o sacred_a rite_n 237_o  _fw-fr of_o baptism_n 238_o  _fw-fr of_o the_o sacred_a supper_n of_o the_o lord_n 240_o  _fw-fr of_o other_o sacred_a rite_n but_o yet_o such_o as_o be_v indifferent_a 242_o chap._n 24._o of_o church_n discipline_n 246_o chap._n 25._o of_o synod_n or_o counsel_n and_o of_o their_o manner_n and_o use_n 254_o  _fw-fr the_o conclusion_n 260_o errata_fw-la page_n 29._o line_n 14._o read_v be_v so_o tie_v p._n 35._o l._n 18._o r._n the_o very_a say_v p._n 37._o l._n 12._o r._n by_o god_n for_o disturb_v p._n 38._o l._n 9_o for_o those_o r._n these_o p._n 39_o l._n 2._o r._n use_v a_o thing_n well_o p._n 55._o l._n 12._o r._n for_o such_o p._n 80._o l._n 25._o r._n state_n and_o relation_n of_o each_o to_o other_o ibid._n l._n 27._o for_o of_o r._n by_o p._n 88_o l._n 5_o 6._o r._n no_o way_n swear_v to_o any_o p._n 91._o l._n 19_o r._n of_o any_o other_o enemy_n p._n 124._o l._n 1._o r._n now_o long_o since_o p._n 140._o l._n 2._o for_o assent_n ●r_n assert_v p._n 151._o l._n 10._o r._n come_v to_o p._n 182._o l._n 18._o r._n both_o these_o part_n p._n 185._o l._n 5._o r._n and_o in_o who_o p._n 186._o l._n 8._o r._n to_o forsake_v p._n 202._o l._n 14_o to_o 18._o r._n nor_o for_o that_o thereby_o the_o will_n of_o he_o that_o be_v call_v be_v by_o a_o irresistible_a power_n or_o by_o some_o omnipotent_a force_n which_o be_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o creation_n or_o raise_n from_o the_o dead_a so_o effectual_o determine_v to_o believe_v p_o 223._o l._n 27._o for_o in_o r._n to_o p._n 242._o l._n 4._o add_v after_o themselves_o as_o covert_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ._n p._n 243._o l._n 10._o r._n as_o also_o p._n 250._o l._n 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o unto_o the_o word_n sin_n to_o be_v expunge_v and_o to_o read_v and_o also_o withal_o there_o be_v even_o in_o the_o first_o place_n a_o exact_a regard_n to_o be_v have_v of_o the_o diversity_n or_o difference_n of_o sin_n p._n 256._o l._n 24_o 25._o add_v after_o bring_v in_o that_o they_o be_v take_v away_o or_o remove_v the_o preface_n to_o the_o christian_a reader_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n pious_a kind_n reader_n but_o that_o this_o declaration_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v publish_v by_o we_o will_v be_v liable_a to_o the_o various_a and_o different_a judgement_n of_o man_n for_o as_o every_o one_o stand_v persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n touch_v both_o the_o necessity_n profit_n form_n and_o manner_n of_o suchlike_a declaration_n so_o be_v he_o like_v also_o to_o pass_v judgement_n upon_o this_o of_o we_o there_o be_v some_o who_o think_v we_o ought_v to_o abstain_v altogether_o from_o all_o confession_n or_o declaration_n and_o judge_v that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o not_o necessary_a nor_o profitable_a for_o the_o christian_a weal-public_a but_o that_o they_o be_v also_o unlawful_a dangerous_a and_o hurtful_a in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v some_o who_o do_v not_o indeed_o think_v it_o altogether_o unadvised_a to_o publish_v confession_n or_o declaration_n much_o less_o do_v they_o think_v it_o unlawful_a or_o hurtful_a but_o they_o judge_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v conceive_v and_o frame_v only_o in_o mere_a pure_a scripture-word_n there_o be_v some_o who_o indeed_o do_v not_o altogether_o disallow_v of_o confession_n though_o conceive_v in_o other_o than_o bare_a scripture-word_n but_o will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v so_o general_a and_o brief_a that_o they_o shall_v contain_v and_o comprehend_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v absolute_o and_o precise_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v unto_o salvation_n there_o be_v last_o other_o far_o different_a from_o these_o who_o judge_v particular_a confession_n and_o declaration_n even_o of_o several_a most_o minute_n and_o small_a controversy_n not_o only_o so_o far_o profitable_a but_o also_o necessary_a that_o without_o they_o a_o christian-society_n can_v neither_o have_v be_v nor_o well-being_n the_o so_o various_a diverse_a and_o differ_v judgement_n of_o all_o these_o this_o our_o declaration_n be_v doubtless_o like_a to_o undergo_v and_o these_o indeed_o several_o have_v specious_a and_o no●_n altogether_o improbable_a ground_n for_o their_o opinion_n whereon_o they_o build_v and_o rely_v those_o who_o judge_v that_o we_o ought_v altogether_o to_o abstain_v from_o confession_n or_o declaration_n sort_n or_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v conceive_v but_o in_o mere_a and_o plain_a scripture_n word_n of_o which_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o this_o ●ge_n there_o be_v find_v not_o a_o few_o otherwise_o pious_a and_o good_a man_n they_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v gather_v pretend_v for_o the_o most_o part_n three_o thing_n for_o their_o opinion_n 1._o for_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o they_o there_o be_v do_v no_o ●ight_a prejudice_n to_o the_o majesty_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n 2._o for_o that_o ●y_a occasion_n of_o they_o there_o be_v mighty_a damage_n and_o detriment_n do_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o church_n or_o conscience_n and_o prophe●y_n 3._o for_o that_o by_o the_o same_o a_o wide_a gap_n be_v open_v for_o faction_n and_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n and_o first_o indeed_o they_o think_v that_o by_o ●his_n very_o mean_v the_o majesty_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o a_o little_a derogate_a and_o detract_v from_o for_o that_o both_o their_o sufficiency_n and_o perspicuity_n seem_v to_o be_v suspect_v and_o doubt_v of_o to_o wit_n as_o if_o they_o either_o do_v not_o full_o and_o sufficient_o contain_v all_o thing_n
therefore_o eftsoon_a upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o inculate_a upon_o church_n and_o in_o the_o very_a form_n of_o our_o confession_n and_o declaration_n accurate_o to_o express_v that_o they_o indeed_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v for_o certain_a jndice_n or_o discoverer_n much_o less_o for_o judge_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n or_o meaning_n viz._n of_o scripture_n but_o only_o for_o the_o indices_fw-la of_o those_o sense_n or_o meaning_n which_o the_o author_n thereof_o have_v hold_v for_o true_a and_o that_o they_o be_v publish_v to_o that_o end_n if_o that_o be_v do_v these_o three_o abuse_n will_v sufficient_o and_o easy_o be_v avoid_v 1._o none_o will_v flee_v to_o the_o say_a form_n to_o abuse_n draw_v and_o take_v from_o they_o as_o from_o fountain_n with_o a_o faith_n void_a of_o doubt_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o further_o he_o will_v not_o run_v unto_o they_o in_o doubtful_a sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o the_o indices_fw-la of_o what_o be_v straight_o and_o ●rooked_a nor_o try_v and_o examine_v dark_a and_o controvert_v sense_n by_o they_o as_o by_o a_o touchstone_n 2._o none_o will_v be_v tie_v or_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v tie_v to_o their_o meaning_n upon_o any_o other_o term_n than_o so_o far_o and_o so_o long_o as_o he_o himself_o do_v certain_o find_v and_o be_v convince_v in_o his_o conscience_n that_o they_o accord_n with_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n 3._o in_o disputation_n conference_n examination_n or_o trial_n man_n will_v never_o appeal_v to_o they_o neither_o will_v controversy_n of_o faith_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o anvil_n thereof_o but_o they_o will_v all_o whole_o without_o fear_n or_o danger_n be_v bring_v to_o and_o examine_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n alone_o as_o the_o only_a rule_n beyond_o all_o exception_n and_o the_o true_a form_n of_o sound_a word_n which_o our_o alone_a master_n jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v leave_v unto_o we_o and_o thus_o indeed_o there_o will_v be_v nothing_o that_o can_v just_o be_v desire_v to_o detract_v divine_a authority_n from_o they_o and_o to_o give_v it_o whole_o to_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n neither_o shall_v we_o then_o need_v to_o fear_v lest_o idol_n be_v make_v of_o they_o to_o be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o place_v in_o equal_a degree_n with_o the_o scripture_n or_o honour_v with_o any_o like_a honour_n with_o they_o or_o lest_o band_n shall_v be_v knit_v of_o they_o whereby_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v bind_v or_o last_o lest_o poison_n shall_v be_v prepare_v of_o they_o whereby_o the_o sincerity_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v infect_v or_o the_o truth_n of_o doctrine_n adulterate_v this_o foundation_n therefore_o once_o right_o they_o lay_v and_o this_o principle_n firm_o suppose_v there_o will_v always_o remain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n whole_a and_o entire_a a_o liberty_n whereby_o any_o one_o may_v preserve_v safe_a the_o law_n of_o christian_a modesty_n charity_n and_o prudence_n without_o danger_n inquire_v into_o those_o form_n and_o without_o scruple_n contradict_v they_o that_o by_o this_o mean_n there_o may_v be_v always_o a_o manifest_a difference_n between_o they_o and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o which_o alone_o that_o privilege_n ought_v to_o remain_v sacred_a and_o inviolate_a that_o it_o alone_o be_v above_o and_o beyond_o all_o controversy_n and_o contradiction_n and_o that_o the_o conscience_n of_o believer_n be_v to_o be_v tie_v to_o it_o only_o and_o yet_o be_v not_o this_o liberty_n to_o be_v extend_v so_o far_o as_o to_o turn_v into_o a_o dissolute_a and_o irregular_a licentiousness_n whereby_o every_o man_n may_v unadvised_o speak_v what_o he_o please_v for_o he_o as_o much_o abuse_v liberty_n who_o too_o much_o at_o pleasure_n loosenth_fw-mi the_o button_n thereof_o as_o he_o who_o fasten_v it_o too_o straight_o all_o extreme_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v and_o we_o to_o sacrifice_v to_o moderation_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o midst_n between_o tyranny_n and_o a_o wild_a and_o unbridle_a licentiousness_n therefore_o prudence_n and_o charity_n be_v always_o to_o be_v take_v into_o council_n which_o will_v easy_o dictate_v when_o and_o how_o this_o liberty_n may_v profitable_o and_o without_o the_o scandal_n of_o the_o godly_a be_v make_v use_n of_o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o prudence_n to_o weigh_v thing_n and_o to_o consider_v fit_a time_n and_o place_n wherein_o this_o or_o that_o opinion_n either_o by_o word_n or_o writing_n may_v commodious_o be_v propose_v it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o charity_n to_o have_v a_o regard_n of_o person_n that_o they_o be_v not_o offend_v or_o trouble_v who_o ought_v to_o be_v edify_v it_o be_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o prudent_a and_o pious_a man_n and_o one_o true_o charitable_a to_o use_v promiscous_o upon_o every_o occasion_n with_o all_o person_n or_o in_o all_o place_n when_o he_o so_o think_v fit_a the_o liberty_n of_o contradict_v nay_o nor_o always_o &_o everywhere_o patient_o to_o bear_v with_o all_o the_o contradiction_n of_o other_o some_o there_o be_v often_o a_o regard_n to_o be_v have_v both_o of_o the_o thing_n or_o opinion_n which_o be_v contradict_v and_o of_o the_o person_n with_o who_o such_o contradiction_n be_v propound_v for_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n of_o so_o great_a weight_n and_o moment_n that_o they_o can_v be_v gainsay_v without_o the_o extreme_a hazard_n of_o our_o salvation_n free_o to_o contradict_v these_o or_o quiet_o to_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v contradict_v by_o other_o will_v be_v the_o far_a from_o prudence_n and_o charity_n possible_a there_o be_v some_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n that_o they_o may_v without_o the_o dan●er_n of_o any_o man_n salvation_n suffer_v indeed_o contradiction_n but_o which_o yet_o to_o contradict_v be_v not_o necessary_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o public_a good_a and_o to_o be_v contradict_v every_o where_o and_o at_o all_o time_n be_v not_o expedient_a for_o not_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v lawful_a be_v present_o also_o expedient_a and_o edify_a very_o often_o the_o weakness_n of_o other_o ought_v to_o give_v law_n to_o our_o liberty_n and_o not_o seldom_o also_o the_o importuneness_n of_o other_o who_o have_v a_o itch_n after_o or_o unto_o variance_n ●rablings_n and_o contradiction_n and_o be_v please_v with_o the_o opportunity_n of_o strife_n &_o contention_n upon_o every_o occasion_n to_o the_o one_o we_o must_v not_o give_v occasion_n of_o offence_n lest_o they_o fall_v from_o the_o other_o we_o must_v withhold_v all_o encouragement_n lest_o they_o hurt_v themselves_o and_o other_o for_o in_o this_o manner_n we_o ought_v always_o to_o shun_v all_o endangering_n of_o the_o faithful_a especial_o of_o the_o weak_a lest_o we_o abuse_v our_o liberty_n to_o the_o destruction_n of_o any_o one_o but_o use_v it_o aright_o and_o to_o the_o edification_n of_o all_o but_o in_o thing_n not_o altogether_o necessary_a and_o among_o those_o who_o the_o scripture_n call_v perfect_a and_o who_o have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o discern_v between_o what_o be_v true_a and_o false_a or_o who_o be_v more_o than_o ordinary_o desirous_a of_o truth_n that_o be_v more_o abstruse_a this_o liberty_n may_v always_o have_v or_o take_v place_n without_o offence_n or_o danger_n for_o their_o industry_n indeed_o i●_n sharpen_v by_o moderate_a contradiction_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o whetstone_n of_o truth_n and_o from_o which_o as_o from_o the_o strike_n or_o beat_v offlint_n against_o each_o other_o this_o fruit_n be_v draw_v or_o produce_v that_o either_o they_o see_v clear_o that_o error_n that_o former_o lay_v hide_v or_o be_v more_o solid_o confirm_v in_o the_o truth_n they_o hold_v which_o fruit_n can_v but_o afterward_o redound_v unto_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o that_o to_o the_o eminent_a promote_a of_o truth_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n name_n but_o to_o digladiate_a or_o strive_v with_o gainsaying_n before_o the_o people_n out_o of_o the_o pulpit_n and_o to_o desire_v or_o endeavour_v by_o the_o vellication_n or_o twitching_n of_o public_a form_n and_o ob●rectations_n or_o backbiting_n out_o of_o the_o desk_n or_o pew_n to_o make_v a_o tumult_n among_o the_o rude_a common_a people_n or_o by_o public_a write_n to_o traduce_v and_o contumelious_o to_o provoke_v and_o inveigh_v against_o other_o will_v be_v next_o unto_o madness_n and_o most_o scandalous_a and_o dangerous_a nor_o indeed_o can_v the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o unnecessary_a truth_n ever_o do_v so_o much_o good_a as_o the_o importune_a and_o immmode_a inculcate_a or_o ●rging_v thereof_o may_v do_v harm_n and_o prejudice_n both_o public_o and_o private_o and_o thus_o far_o concern_v the_o first_o caution_n diligent_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o confession_n the_o second_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v conscience_n as_o to_o the_o right_a use_n of_o
form_n flow_v from_o the_o first_o if_o to_o wit_n there_o be_v not_o contrive_v of_o such_o form_n of_o confession_n and_o declaration_n certain_a spiritual_a bond_n stock_n and_o fetter_n whereunto_o the_o conscience_n tongue_n and_o pen_n of_o the_o declarer_n be_v not_o so_o tie_v and_o fasten_v that_o none_o may_v recede_v from_o the_o phrase_n thereof_o manner_n of_o speak_v order_z method_n etc._n etc._n but_o that_o he_o be_v also_o forthwith_o suspect_v and_o accuse_v of_o heterodoxie_n who_o be_v find_v to_o expound_v the_o divine_a scripture_n and_o sentiment_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n in_o other_o expression_n or_o other_o order_n or_o method_n then_o what_o be_v express_v in_o they_o i._n e._n in_o those_o form_n of_o confession_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v that_o liberty_n which_o so_o long_o as_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o sense_n or_o meaning_n themselves_o remain_v safe_a aught_o to_o continue_v whole_a and_o entire_a to_o all_o believer_n in_o their_o expound_v the_o scripture_n as_o they_o shall_v judge_n meet_v for_o the_o great_a furtherance_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o edify_v of_o church_n i●_n not_o only_o cast_v out_o of_o door_n and_o banish_v out_o of_o the_o church_n but_o also_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v secret_o and_o a●_n it_o be_v by_o mine_n supplant_v and_o overthrow_v by_o the_o same_o for_o it_o can_v hardly_o otherwise_o be_v but_o that_o where_o the_o expression_n of_o such_o form_n begin_v to_o be_v of_o mor●_n account_n than_o those_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n itself_o there_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v by_o degree_n grow_v vile_a and_o sin●_n in_o estimation_n beneath_o those_o form_n and_o indeed_o if_o we_o will_v but_o mind_v it_o the_o chief_a and_o haply_o first_o step_n whereby_o human●_n form_n ascend_v to_o the_o height_n of_o a_o usurp_a authority_n and_o majesty_n almost_o divine_a be_v this_o that_o at_o the_o first_o they_o at_o tribute_v to_o the_o phrase_n word_n order_n and_o method_n thereof_o more_o than_o be_v meet_v a_o if_o in_o they_o all_o sense_n to_o be_v believe_v hope_a and_o practise_v be_v more_o clear_o brief_o and_o substantial_o express_v tha●_n in_o those_o which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o scripture_n for_o from_o hence_o have_v the_o esteem_n of_o they_o by_o little_a and_o little_o be_v increase_v and_o that_o of_o the_o scripture_n lessen_v insomuch_o that_o according_a to_o the_o word_n phrase_n yea_o almost_o syllable_n and_o letter_n of_o the_o say_a form_n and_o according_a to_o the_o method_n and_o peculiar_a order_n of_o the_o same_o they_o begin_v to_o determine_v and_o declare_v touch_v the_o truth_n and_o falseness_n of_o almost_o all_o opinion_n and_o meaning_n as_o if_o that_o can_v not_o be_v true_a which_o do_v not_o exact_o and_o in_o every_o thing_n agree_v with_o they_o and_o as_o if_o he_o can_v not_o be_v free_a from_o heresy_n or_o at_o least_o from_o error_n and_o falsehood_n who_o shall_v though_o never_o so_o modest_o contradict_v they_o or_o go_v but_o a_o straw_n breadth_n from_o they_o yea_o that_o shall_v not_o almost_o swear_v unto_o the_o word_n thereof_o the_o which_o pernicious_a abuse_n and_o so_o manifest_a a_o corruption_n and_o inconvenience_n to_o withstand_v and_o prevent_v we_o ought_v at_o all_o time_n earnest_o and_o almost_o only_o to_o inculate_a or_o repeat_v that_o such_o form_n of_o declaration_n be_v not_o make_v for_o that_o end_n for_o to_o teach_v that_o the_o sense_n or_o meaning_n of_o christian_a religion_n may_v or_o ought_v most_o commodious_o to_o be_v express_v in_o this_o order_n in_o this_o method_n in_o these_o phrase_n or_o manner_n of_o speak_v and_o not_o in_o other_o but_o that_o in_o or_o by_o they_o they_o may_v be_v express_v right_o and_o commodious_o enough_o or_o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o very_a man_n that_o make_v such_o confession_n they_o be_v very_o exact_o and_o true_o contain_v in_o they_o for_o so_o to_o use_v they_o will_v not_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o absolute_a necessity_n but_o of_o mere_a liberty_n and_o he_o that_o use_v they_o will_v indeed_o do_v well_o and_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o be_v judge_v to_o do_v ill_o that_o use_v they_o not_o especial_o if_o he_o receive_v the_o sum_n of_o save_a doctrine_n deliver_v in_o they_o and_o do_v not_o condemn_v those_o who_o in_o this_o point_n dissent_v up_o the_o three_o thing_n which_o flow_v from_o those_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v already_o speak_v of_o necessary_a unto_o the_o right_a use_n of_o form_n be_v this_o that_o these_o form_n be_v not_o at_o any_o time_n hold_v for_o limit_n and_o bound_n within_o which_o religion_n and_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v believe_v in_o such_o manner_n to_o consist_v as_o if_o they_o who_o can_v in_o conscience_n assent_v to_o they_o or_o give_v their_o voice_n for_o they_o be_v therefore_o exclude_v from_o salvation_n and_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n far_o be_v that_o from_o we_o who_o firm_o believe_v that_o christian_n may_v unwitting_o err_v in_o many_o thing_n without_o the_o loss_n of_o salvation_n and_o who_o judge_n that_o there_o be_v very_o few_o thing_n that_o be_v precise_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v for_o the_o obtain_n eternal_a life_n wherefore_o that_o we_o may_v demonstrate_v that_o this_o proud_a cruelty_n be_v exceed_v far_o from_o we_o we_o do_v open_o show_v and_o declare_v that_o form_n of_o confession_n and_o declaration_n be_v to_o be_v have_v in_o no_o other_o respect_n or_o account_n than_o for_o certain_a ensign_n and_o standard_n set_v up_o whereby_o they_o declare_v who_o set_v they_o fo●th_n that_o they_o judge_v that_o those_o sense_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o those_o form_n do_v come_v very_o near_o the_o truth_n and_o therefore_o unless_o they_o be_v teach_v better_a do_v hearty_o desire_v and_o wish_v that_o all_o other_o that_o be_v desirous_a of_o truth_n and_o peace_n will_v embrace_v they_o not_o indeed_o proper_o for_o this_o end_n that_o so_o at_o length_n they_o may_v be_v save_v but_o that_o they_o may_v withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o danger_n of_o err_v to_o the_o great_a distance_n may_v be_v for_o neither_o aught_o it_o to_o seem_v enough_o to_o a_o christian_a to_o make_v towards_o eternal_a salvation_n by_o every_o mean_n and_o in_o every_o way_n whatsoever_o the_o safe_a and_o sure_a be_v to_o be_v choose_v except_o haply_o a_o just_a fear_n of_o some_o great_a danger_n or_o scandal_n in_o the_o church_n hinder_v the_o same_o for_o the_o good_a of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o of_o a_o immortal_a life_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o so_o great_a price_n with_o he_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o hate_v and_o careful_o to_o shun_v all_o danger_n which_o may_v turn_v away_o or_o withdraw_v his_o mind_n from_o embrace_v the_o same_o nor_o have_v he_o any_o reason_n to_o fear_v that_o he_o do_v therefore_o abet_v and_o patronize_v schism_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v a_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n for_o if_o he_o haply_o depart_v from_o some_o congregation_n to_o other_o he_o do_v not_o forthwith_o contemn_v those_o which_o he_o leave_v or_o judge_v they_o as_o exclude_v from_o the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n but_o only_o go_v from_o those_o that_o be_v more_o impure_a to_o those_o that_o be_v more_o pure_a that_o he_o may_v show_v that_o he_o have_v a_o care_n and_o tender_a regard_n of_o every_o truth_n any_o way_n serve_v to_o his_o own_o salvation_n and_o approve_v his_o conscience_n unto_o god_n and_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n nevertheless_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o he_o do_v his_o endeavour_n sedulous_o to_o maintain_v peace_n and_o concord_n with_o all_o that_o be_v true_o pious_a as_o fa●_n as_o be_v possible_a and_o to_o testify_v his_o moderation_n or_o 〈◊〉_d aequanimity_n to_o all_o that_o be_v good_a and_o indeed_o if_o form_n of_o confession_n and_o declaration_n be_v draw_v up_o with_o these_o say_v bound_n and_o as_o it_o be_v sacred_a limit_n o●_n their_o right_a use_n they_o will_v be_v judge_v no●_n only_o not_o unlawful_a or_o hurtful_a but_o on_o th●_n contrary_v most_o peofitable_a and_o wholesome_a to_o the_o christian_a commonwealth_n yea_o and_o also_o sometime_o necessary_a from_o whence_o they_o who_o will_v have_v they_o not_o only_o not_o necessary_a but_o unprofitable_a and_o consequent_o unlawful_a and_o hurtful_a be_v worthy_a to_o be_v think_v to_o cast_v a_o uncivil_a reproach_n upon_o they_o for_o so_o far_o be_v they_o ●f_v themselves_o from_o derogate_a any_o thing_n from_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v from_o their_o perfection_n and_o clearness_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o true_a authority_n thereof_o be_v no_o less_o confirm_v and_o establish_v by_o they_o than_o by_o prophesying_n or_o exposition_n
shame_n may_v be_v wrought_v in_o he_o and_o himself_o be_v bring_v to_o save_a repentance_n add_v withal_o if_o extreme_a necessity_n require_v it_o a_o express_a and_o serious_a declaration_n of_o the_o church_n that_o as_o long_o as_o he_o remain_v impenitent_a he_o be_v a_o stranger_n from_o or_o whole_o unmeet_a for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n as_o one_o that_o witting_o and_o advise_o persist_v in_o a_o manifest_a crime_n or_o work_v of_o the_o flesh._n yet_o notwithstanding_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o say_a communion_n thereof_o be_v always_o ready_o to_o be_v restore_v to_o those_o that_o be_v avoid_v or_o exclude_v from_o the_o brotherly_a communion_n thereof_o after_o probable_a testimony_n give_v of_o their_o repentance_n 12._o especial_o if_o they_o shall_v serious_o desire_v it_o 7._o howbeit_o from_o this_o avoid_n which_o avoid_v we_o have_v speak_v of_o as_o to_o domestic_a society_n or_o converse_v of_o life_n they_o be_v to_o be_v exempt_v who_o be_v either_o mutual_o bind_v and_o tie_v to_o each_o other_o or_o at_o least_o the_o one_o part_n to_o the_o other_o either_o by_o some_o divine_a and_o indissoluble_a contract_n as_o etc._n husband_n and_o wife_n or_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o 2._o child_n or_o necessity_n of_o duty_n as_o 19_o manservant_n and_o maidservant_n 8._o furthermore_o this_o discipline_n be_v not_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o action_n as_o be_v exercise_v by_o discipline_n the_o church_n with_o 11._o any_o carnal_a power_n or_o worldly_a authority_n or_o coactive_a force_n but_o it_o be_v only_o the_o church_n own_o 11._o voluntary_a depart_n or_o separate_n from_o he_o with_o who_o they_o may_v no_o long_o live_v or_o converse_v as_o with_o a_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ._n so_o that_o the_o ruler_n or_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o so_o proper_o nor_o so_o much_o sever_v and_o separate_v the_o say_a person_n from_o themselves_o as_o they_o sever_v and_o separate_v themselves_o together_o with_o their_o people_n from_o he_o and_o that_o by_o the_o command_n of_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o their_o lord_n and_o can_v nor_o will_v not_o otherwise_o converse_v with_o he_o than_o with_o 17._o a_o heathen_a and_o publican_n or_o with_o any_o public_a and_o profane_a sinner_n so_o long_o indeed_o as_o he_o shall_v continue_v impenitent_a 9_o wherefore_o they_o who_o exercise_n this_o error_n same_o discipline_n not_o only_o with_o a_o fleshly_a power_n and_o coactive_a force_n but_o who_o do_v also_o extend_v it_o unto_o bodily_a and_o capital_a punishment_n especial_o under_o pretence_n and_o colour_n of_o heresy_n common_o so_o call_v they_o do_v arrogate_v and_o assume_v to_o themselves_o too_o great_a a_o power_n yea_o altogether_o unmeet_a and_o 55._o unlawful_a yea_o further_o they_o do_v in_o deed_n and_o truth_n tot_fw-la oppress_v the_o liberty_n of_o man_n conscience_n and_o of_o prophecy_n and_o do_v change_v this_o save_n and_o wholesome_a remedy_n in_o wisdom_n appoint_v by_o our_o saviour_n for_o the_o amendment_n of_o sinner_n into_o a_o most_o deadly_a poison_n and_o that_o which_o be_v design_v for_o their_o health_n and_o safety_n these_o man_n turn_v to_o their_o subversion_n and_o ruin_n wherefore_o also_o those_o who_o any_o way_n patronize_v or_o defend_v the_o kill_n of_o horetick_n or_o any_o the_o like_a etc._n tyranny_n or_o persecution_n for_o conscience_n sake_n we_o hold_v and_o judge_n that_o they_o be_v altogether_o estrange_v from_o and_o contrary_a to_o that_o most_o meek_a or_o mild_a spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o do_v also_o fight_v with_o unmeet_a and_o preposterous_a weapon_n against_o heresy_n and_o consequent_o do_v bring_v themselves_o under_o the_o guilt_n of_o a_o most_o heinous_a sin_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n chap._n xxv_o of_o synod_n or_o counsel_n and_o of_o their_o manner_n and_o use_n 1._o and_o thus_o indeed_o all_o particular_a curche_n be_v take_v several_o synod_n or_o apart_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o their_o own_o minister_n that_o be_v by_o their_o own_o bishop_n and_o elder_n but_o if_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o any_o thing_n more_o hard_a than_o ordinary_a in_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n or_o rite_n proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o the_o church_n which_o may_v either_o concern_v all_o or_o at_o least_o many_o church_n shall_v happen_v or_o fall_v out_o to_o be_v dispute_v and_o debate_v then_o may_v synod_n or_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n profitable_o be_v appoint_v and_o hold_v and_o sometime_o ought_v and_o that_o after_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o they_o either_o great_a or_o lesser_a as_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o case_n shall_v seem_v to_o require_v they_o may_v we_o say_v profitable_o be_v appoint_v and_o hold_v if_o indeed_o a_o right_n and_o lawful_a order_n and_o manner_n be_v observe_v in_o they_o and_o chief_o if_o these_o follow_a article_n or_o head_n be_v diligent_o attend_v to_o and_o keep_v act._n 15._o 1._o etc._n etc._n 2._o i._n if_o in_o they_o both_o the_o truth_n and_o they_o profitableness_n and_o necessity_n of_o all_o opinion_n or_o doctrine_n be_v nor_o examine_v and_o try_v by_o any_o humane_a etc._n square_n or_o factitious_a i._n e._n make_v or_o devise_v rule_v whatsoever_o it_o be_v but_o only_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n ii_o if_o a_o full_a and_o plenary_a liberty_n be_v grant_v tot_fw-la to_o every_o one_o to_o speak_v his_o own_o opinion_n or_o judgement_n without_o scruple_n or_o fear_n of_o danger_n and_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o opinion_n of_o other_o and_o due_o to_o examine_v the_o whole_a matter_n that_o be_v in_o controversy_n iii_o if_o there_o be_v none_o admit_v in_o they_o but_o ●it_n and_o meet_a man_n that_o be_v man_n skilful_a in_o divine_a thing_n etc._n and_o who_o be_v mighty_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v between_o what_o be_v true_a &_o what_o be_v false_a &_o especial_o man_n pious_a prudent_a grave_a moderate_a studious_a or_o lover_n of_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o of_o peace_n as_o also_o true_o free_a and_o during_o the_o time_n of_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o controversy_n simple_o tie_v to_o none_o either_o person_n or_o church_n or_o confession_n etc._n etc._n but_o only_o to_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o sacred_a word_n last_o man_n free_a from_o all_o corrupt_a or_o perverse_a affection_n as_o wrath_n hatred_n partiality_n or_o abet_v of_o party_n iv._o if_o in_o they_o it_o be_v not_o precise_o or_o chief_o urge_v that_o controversy_n of_o faith_n be_v by_o any_o mean_n at_o lest_o whatsoever_o it_o matter_n not_o what_o right_a or_o wrong_n take_v away_o or_o remove_v or_o decide_v against_o one_o party_n or_o the_o other_o and_o that_o only_a for_o this_o end_n either_o to_o procure_v or_o preserve_v the_o outward_a quiet_a and_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v chief_o endeavour_v that_o etc._n heresy_n schism_n and_o other_o such_o like_a public_a miscarriage_n and_o scandal_n be_v first_o and_o foremost_a keep_v out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o that_o be_v already_o bring_v in_o and_o so_o by_o that_o mean_v piety_n and_o truth_n as_o also_o liberty_n and_o christian_a charity_n may_v be_v always_o consult_v and_o provide_v for_o in_o they_o and_o therefore_o v._o if_o plain_a save_v and_o necessary_a truth_n be_v strait_o and_o close_o hold_v and_o retain_v in_o they_o and_o yet_o so_o as_o that_o for_o those_o that_o dissent_v and_o who_o be_v yet_o ignorant_a of_o the_o truth_n there_o be_v no_o danger_n create_v for_o they_o upon_o that_o account_n etc._n nor_o any_o force_n or_o violence_n do_v or_o offer_v to_o their_o conscience_n but_o that_o save_a truth_n be_v only_o press_v upon_o they_o by_o persuasion_n and_o reaonss_n and_o that_o with_o the_o great_a gentleness_n and_o meekness_n of_o mind_n and_o spirit_n imaginable_a and_o in_o other_o thing_n that_o a_o moderate_a liberty_n of_o dissent_v upon_o certain_a term_n and_o condition_n may_v remain_v safe_a &_o inviolate_a and_o the_o remedy_n of_o mutual_a peace_n and_o concord_n commodious_o seek_v out_o vi_o final_o if_o what_o be_v determine_v in_o they_o be_v always_o leave_v liable_a 21._o to_o a_o free_a examination_n and_o a_o further_o review_v afterward_o yea_o if_o it_o be_v serious_o will_v and_o command_v that_o all_o their_o decree_n be_v diligent_o examine_v and_o weigh_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o no_o man_n be_v envy_v and_o malign_v or_o at_o any_o time_n endanger_v for_o so_o do_v 3._o and_o in_o those_o synod_n next_o to_o or_o they_o after_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n there_o ought_v also_o to_o intervene_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n as_o of_o a_o nurse_n father_n etc._n of_o the_o church_n if_o so_o be_v there_o be_v any_o such_o in_o the_o church_n as_o of_o
eph._n 4._o 3._o nevertheless_o in_o that_o whereunto_o by_o the_o help_n and_o guidance_n of_o christ_n we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o be_v alike_o mind_v or_o affect_v and_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n we_o be_v otherwise-minded_n god_n will_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o we_o phil._n 3._o 15_o 16._o grant_v he_o that_o we_o may_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o to_o his_o glory_n grow_v and_o make_v progress_n in_o true_a faith_n piety_n charity_n prudence_n gentleness_n meekness_n and_o other_o holy_a endowment_n and_o christian_a virtue_n and_o endeavour_v patient_o to_o bear_v with_o and_o gentle_o or_o mild_o to_o amend_v one_o another_o infirmitity_n error_n and_o fail_n that_o be_v root_v and_o ground_v in_o love_n we_o 21._o may_v be_v able_a together_o with_o all_o saint_n to_o apprehend_v what_o be_v that_o breadth_n and_o length_n and_o depth_n and_o height_n and_o that_o love_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o pass_v all_o understanding_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v fill_v even_o unto_o or_o with_o the_o whole_a fullness_n of_o god_n to_o he_o who_o with_o infinite_a redundancy_n be_v able_a to_o do_v above_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o ask_v or_o think_v according_a to_o that_o power_n which_o work_v in_o we_o to_o he_o we_o say_v be_v glory_n in_o the_o church_n by_o christ_n jesus_n throughout_o all_o age_n world_n without_o end_n amen_n finis_fw-la a_o prolepsis_n concern_v a_o fourfold_a sort_n of_o dissenter_n touch_v thing_n of_o this_o kind_n objection_n of_o the_o first_o and_o second_o sort_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 12._o a_o general_a answer_n what_o be_v the_o true_a use_n and_o end_n of_o concession_n that_o they_o be_v not_o precise_o necessary_a that_o yet_o they_o be_v useful_a and_o lawful_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o they_o be_v sometime_o also_o necessary_a three_o remedy_n against_o the_o abuse_n of_o they_o of_o their_o true_a and_o false_a authority_n authority_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o their_o three-●old_a abuse_n for_o a_o moderate_a liberty_n to_o examine_v they_o against_o the_o unbridled_a licentiousness_n of_o some_o nor_o band_n of_o conscience_n that_o they_o be_v not_o limit_n nor_o bound_n within_o which_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v shut_v up_o up_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o conclusion_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v 1_o cor._n 1_o 12._o of_o b●waring_v of_o a_o accidental_a abuse_n the_o scope_n of_o this_o confession_n against_o the_o calumny_n of_o some_o of_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o confession_n against_o the_o three_o sort_n of_o dissenter_n what_o head_n her●_n be_v chief_o expound_v and_o why_o 1_o john_n 2._o 4._o of_o the_o five_o controvert_v point_n in_o holland_n holland_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d against_o rash_a anathema_n gal._n 1._o 8._o 1_o cor._n 16._o 22._o mat._n 7._o 1._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 5._o a_o exhortation_n to_o the_o study_n of_o peace_n moderation_n and_o forbearance_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 23._o apoc._n 2._o 23._o jam._n 2._o 1._o ma._n 2._o 3._o 10._o 1_o tim._n 6._o 4_o 5._o phil._n 4._o 5._o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n be_v faith_n in_o god_n god_n heb._n 11._o 6._o 6._o ●_o mat._n 7._o 21._o gal._n 6._o 16._o 16._o heb_n 11._o 1_o joh._n 1._o 18._o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o godhead_n in_o the_o old_a &_o new_a testament_n testament_n heb._n 2._o 3_o 4._o deut._n 29._o per_fw-mi totum_fw-la act._n 2._o 22._o 1_o thes._n 1._o 5_o &_o 1_o joh._n 1._o 1_o 3._o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n testament_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 15_o 16_o 17._o 2_o pet._n 1._o 20_o 21._o 21._o luk._n 16._o 29._o &_o 24._o 27_o 45_o 46_o 47._o act._n 17._o 2_o 3_o &_o 24._o 14._o &_o 26._o 22_o 23._o rom._n 1._o 2._o the_o ●o●ks_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n testament_n luk._n 1._o 1_o 2_o 3._o joh._n 19_o 35._o &_o 20._o 31._o act._n 1._o 1._o &_o divers_a other_o place_n place_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 15_o 16._o 1_o thes._n 2._o 2._o &_o e●h_n 2._o &_o 3_o ●●_o ●●_o 2_o pet._n 3._o 1._o 1._o joh._n ●_o ●_o 〈◊〉_d 4._o 4._o rev._n 1._o 1._o &_o 12._o 18_o 19_o with_o other_o place_n the_o certainty_n of_o both_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n argument_n for_o the_o certainty_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n scripture_n act._n 5._o 11_o 13_o 14_o 15._o heb._n 2._o 3_o 4._o act._n 10._o 37_o 38_o 39_o 39_o act._n 2._o 14_o etc._n etc._n act._n 5._o 29_o 30_o 31_o 32._o 32._o mat._n 5._o 6_o 7_o 8._o chapter_n chapter_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 4._o heb_n 8._o 6._o 2_o cor._n 7._o 1._o 1._o rom._n 10._o 18._o 1_o cor._n 2._o 3_o 4._o 2_o cor._n 3._o through●_n out_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o etc._n etc._n 2_o cor._n 6._o 4_o 5_o etc._n etc._n col._n 1._o 6._o 23._o act._n 5._o 14_o etc._n etc._n act._n 19_o 11_o 12._o and_o so_o follow_v a_o prolepsis_n or_o prevention_n and_o answer_v of_o a_o objection_n touch_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n church_n luk._n 1._o 1._o col._n 4._o 16._o 1_o thes._n 5._o 27._o and_o 2_o thes._n 3._o 17._o 17._o eph._n 2._o 20._o act._n 2._o 42._o &_o 1_o thes._n 2._o 13._o 13._o rom._n 10._o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o joh._n 10._o 3_o 4_o 27._o 1_o pet._n 1._o 23_o 24_o 25._o &_o chap._n 2._o 1_o 2_o 3_o etc._n etc._n the_o authority_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n scripture_n esa._n 1._o 2_o 3._o heb._n 1._o 1._o 1._o deut_n 4._o 2._o &_o 12._o 32_o 2_o tim._n 3._o 15._o 2_o pet._n 1._o 21._o 21._o mat._n 15._o 9_o &_o 16._o 6._o gal._n 1_o 8_o 9_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o controversy_n of_o faith_n faith_n isa._n 8._o 20._o act._n 17._o 11._o 11._o jam_fw-la 4._o 12._o ma●_n 13_o 8._o 8._o psal._n 19_o 8_o 9_o &_o 119._o 105._o luk._n 16._o 29_o 31._o 31._o deut._n 6._o 6_o 7_o etc._n etc._n &_o chap._n 11._o 8._o &_o so_o on_o on_o 1_o joh._n 4._o 1._o &_o so_o on_o on_o 1_o thes._n 5._o 21._o 21._o prov._n 2._o 2_o 3_o 4_o etc._n etc._n &_o chap._n 3._o vers_fw-la 13._o &_o so_o on_o psal._n 1._o 2._o 2._o act_n 17._o 11._o 2_o pet._n 1._o 19_o and_o not_o the_o church_n or_o a_o synod_n etc._n etc._n etc._n see_v the_o place_n 〈…〉_z a_o little_o before_o 〈◊〉_d 8._o 20._o etc._n etc._n etc._n psal_n n_o 9_o 33_o &_o so_o on_o eph_n 1._o 16._o &_o so_o follow_v chap._n 314_o 15_o etc._n etc._n mat._n 7._o 7_o 8_o etc._n etc._n jam._n 1._o 5._o a_o exa●●●nation_n and_o con●●tation_n of_o the_o contrary_a error_n mat._n 23._o 8_o 9_o rome_n 15._o 18_o gal._n 1._o 8._o and_o so_o follow_v the_o perfection_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n scripture_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 15_o 16_o &_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 23_o 24_o 25._o &_o 2_o pet_n 1_o 19_o 20_o 21._o 21._o rom._n 10._o 9_o etc._n etc._n mat._n 5_o 6_o 7_o ch_z through_o out_o heb._n 5._o 9_o gal._n 5._o 6._o &_o 6._o 15_o &_o 1_o joh._n 5._o 1._o etc._n etc._n etc._n psal._n 19_o 8_o etc._n etc._n psa._n 119._o 105_o 130._o 2_o cor._n 3._o 14_o 15_o etc._n etc._n &_o 4._o 3_o 4_o &_o ●_o pet._n 1._o 19_o the_o clearness_n and_o perspicuity_n thereof_o thereof_o joh._n 5._o 39_o 40._o 2._o pet._n 1._o 19_o luk._n 16._o 29._o etc._n etc._n 1_o thes._n 5._o 20._o 20._o psa._n 25._o 12_o 14._o joh._n 7._o 17._o &_o 8._o 47._o the_o cause_n of_o its_o obscurity_n obscurity_n job_n 3_o 18_o 19_o etc._n etc._n 〈◊〉_d 5._o 39_o 40_o &c_n &c_n &_o 12._o 39_o 40_o etc._n etc._n etc._n 2_o pet._n 3._o 16_o 2_o cor._n 3._o 14._o 14._o act_n 8._o 30_o 31_o etc._n etc._n &_o 18._o 24_o 25_o etc._n etc._n and_o of_o its_o interpretation_n interpretation_n 1_o cor._n 12_o 7_o 8_o etc._n etc._n chap._n 14._o throughout_o 1_o thess._n 5._o 20_o 21._o which_o be_v the_o best_a &_o sure_o sy_n explication_n of_o scripture_n scripture_n heb._n 4._o 12_o 13._o 1_o pet._n 1_o 23_o 24_o 25._o jam._n 1._o 18_o 21._o 21._o mat._n 4._o 4_o 5_o etc._n etc._n and_o ch_n 22._o 19_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 20_o 21._o 2_o cor._n 3._o 13_o 14_o 15_o a_o prolepsis_n or_o prevention_n of_o a_o objection_n the_o two_o chief_a head_n of_o religion_n religion_n joh._n 17._o 3._o 1_o john_n 2._o 23._o &_o chap_n 5._o 11_o 12._o &_o 2_o joh._n 9_o three_o thing_n to_o be_v know_v of_o god_n god_n heb._n 11._o 6_o 7_o etc._n etc._n act_v 14._o 15_o etc._n etc._n &_o ch_n 17._o 24_o etc._n etc._n but_o not_o equal_o or_o alike_o necessary_a a_o twofold_a knowledge_n of_o god_n god_n job_n 28._o 28._o jer._n 2._o 8._o &_o 22._o 16_o ho●_n 6._o 6._o tit._n 1._o 16._o 1_o joh._n 2_o 3_o 4_o etc._n etc._n and_o ch_n 3._o 6._o of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n god_n