Selected quad for the lemma: authority_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
authority_n	church_n	power_n	scripture_n	7,777	5	6.2723	4	true

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A85427	An apologeticall narration, humbly submitted to the Honourable Houses of Parliament. By Tho: Goodwin, Philip Nye, Sidrach Simpson, Jer: Burroughes, William Bridge.	Goodwin, Thomas, 1600-1680.	1643 (1643)	Wing G1225; Thomason E80_7	16,409	36

at_o least_o in_o each_o congregation_n who_o we_o be_v subject_a to_o yet_o not_o claim_v to_o ourselves_o a_o independent_a power_n in_o every_o congregation_n to_o give_v account_n or_o be_v subject_a to_o none_o other_o but_o only_o a_o full_a and_o entire_a power_n complete_a within_o ourselves_o until_o we_o shall_v be_v challenge_v to_o err_v gross_o such_o as_o corporation_n enjoy_v who_o have_v the_o power_n and_o privilege_n to_o pass_v sentence_n for_o life_n and_o death_n within_o themselves_o and_o yet_o be_v accountable_a to_o the_o state_n they_o live_v in_o but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o institution_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n that_o the_o combination_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o many_o church_n shall_v be_v the_o first_o complete_a and_o entire_a seat_n of_o church_n power_n over_o each_o congregation_n so_o combine_v or_o that_o they_o can_v challenge_v and_o assume_v that_o authority_n over_o those_o church_n they_o feed_v and_o teach_v not_o ordinary_o by_o virtue_n of_o those_o forementioned_a apostolical_a precept_n be_v to_o we_o a_o question_n and_o judge_v to_o be_v a_o additament_n unto_o the_o other_o which_o therefore_o rest_v on_o those_o that_o allow_v we_o what_o we_o practise_v over_o and_o above_o to_o make_v evident_a and_o demonstrate_v and_o certain_o of_o all_o other_o the_o challenge_n of_o all_o spiritual_a power_n from_o christ_n have_v need_n have_v a_o clear_a patent_n to_o show_v for_o it_o yea_o we_o appeal_v further_o unto_o they_o that_o have_v read_v book_n whether_o until_o those_o latter_a writing_n of_o the_o two_o reverend_a and_o learned_a divine_n of_o scotland_n set_v forth_o after_o our_o return_n nor_o much_o more_o than_o two_o year_n since_o and_o other_o of_o no_o elder_a date_n from_o holland_n and_o one_o of_o our_o own_o divine_n more_o late_o write_v with_o much_o learning_n and_o ingenuity_n there_o have_v be_v much_o settly_a and_o direct_o or_o with_o strength_n insist_v on_o to_o prove_v that_o government_n and_o although_o assert_v and_o inculcate_v it_o they_o do_v as_o their_o opinion_n yet_o the_o full_a strength_n and_o stream_n of_o our_o nonconformist_n writing_n and_o other_o be_v spend_v rather_o in_o argument_n against_o and_o for_o the_o overthrow_v the_o episcopal_a government_n and_o the_o corruption_n that_o cleave_v to_o our_o worship_n and_o in_o maintain_v those_o several_a officer_n in_o church_n which_o christ_n have_v institute_v in_o stead_n thereof_o in_o which_o we_o full_o agree_v with_o they_o then_o in_o the_o proof_n of_o a_o combine_a classical_a presbyterial_a government_n as_o it_o be_v authoritative_o practise_v in_o the_o most_o reform_a church_n and_o whereas_o the_o common_a prejudice_n and_o exception_n lay_v into_o all_o man_n thought_n against_o we_o and_o our_o opinion_n be_v that_o in_o such_o a_o congregational_a government_n thus_o entire_a within_o itself_o there_o be_v no_o allow_v sufficient_a remedy_n for_o miscarriage_n though_o never_o so_o gross_a no_o relief_n for_o wrongful_a sentence_n or_o person_n injure_v thereby_o no_o room_n for_o complaint_n no_o powerful_a or_o effectual_a mean_n to_o reduce_v a_o church_n or_o church_n that_o fall_v into_o heresy_n schism_n etc._n etc._n but_o every_o one_o be_v leave_v and_o may_v take_v liberty_n without_o control_n to_o do_v what_o be_v good_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n we_o have_v through_o the_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n upon_o we_o from_o the_o avow_a declaration_n of_o our_o judgement_n among_o our_o church_n mutual_o during_o our_o exile_n and_o that_o also_o confirm_v by_o the_o most_o solemn_a instance_n of_o our_o practice_n wherewith_o to_o vindicate_v ourselves_o and_o way_n in_o this_o particular_a which_o upon_o no_o other_o occasion_n we_o shall_v ever_o have_v make_v thus_o public_a god_n so_o order_v it_o that_o a_o scandal_n and_o offence_n fall_v out_o between_o those_o very_a church_n whilst_o live_v in_o this_o banishment_n whereof_o we_o ourselves_o that_o write_v these_o thing_n be_v then_o the_o minister_n one_o of_o our_o church_n have_v unhappy_o depose_v one_o of_o their_o minister_n the_o other_o judge_v it_o not_o only_o as_o too_o sudden_a a_o act_n have_v proceed_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n without_o consult_v their_o sister_n church_n as_o be_v public_o profess_v we_o shall_v have_v do_v in_o such_o case_n of_o concernment_n but_o also_o in_o the_o proceed_n thereof_o as_o too_o severe_a and_o not_o manage_v according_a to_o the_o rule_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o word_n in_o this_o case_n our_o church_n do_v mutual_o and_o universal_o acknowledge_v and_o submit_v to_o this_o as_o a_o sacred_a and_o undoubted_a principle_n and_o supreme_a law_n to_o be_v observe_v among_o all_o church_n that_o as_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o apostolical_a command_n church_n as_o well_o as_o particular_a man_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v no_o offence_n neither_o to_o jew_n nor_o gentile_a nor_o the_o church_n of_o god_n they_o live_v among_o so_o that_o in_o all_o case_n of_o such_o offence_n or_o difference_n by_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o common_a law_n of_o communion_n of_o church_n and_o for_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n which_o in_o common_a they_o hold_v forth_o the_o church_n or_o church_n challenge_v to_o offend_v or_o differ_v be_v to_o submit_v themselves_o upon_o the_o challenge_n of_o the_o offence_n or_o complaint_n of_o the_o person_n wrong_v to_o the_o most_o full_a and_o open_a trial_n and_o examination_n by_o other_o neighbour_n church_n offend_v there_o at_o of_o what_o ever_o have_v give_v the_o offence_n and_o further_o that_o by_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o same_o and_o like_o law_n of_o not_o partake_v in_o other_o man_n sin_n the_o church_n offend_v may_n and_o aught_o upon_o the_o impenitency_n of_o those_o church_n persist_v in_o their_o error_n and_o miscarriage_n to_o pronounce_v that_o heavy_a sentence_n against_o they_o of_o withdraw_a and_o renounce_v all_o christian_a communion_n with_o they_o until_o they_o do_v repent_v and_o further_o to_o declare_v and_o protest_v this_o with_o the_o cause_n thereof_o to_o all_o other_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o may_v do_v the_o like_a and_o what_o further_a authority_n or_o proceed_n pure_o ecclesiastical_a of_o one_o or_o many_o sister_n church_n towards_o another_o whole_a church_n or_o church_n offend_v either_o the_o scripture_n do_v hold_v forth_o or_o can_v rational_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n without_o the_o magistrate_n interpose_v a_o power_n of_o another_o nature_n unto_o which_o we_o upon_o his_o particular_a cognisance_n and_o examination_n of_o such_o cause_n profess_v ever_o to_o submit_v and_o also_o to_o be_v most_o willing_a to_o have_v recourse_n unto_o for_o our_o part_n we_o see_v not_o then_o nor_o do_v yet_o see_v and_o likewise_o we_o do_v then_o suppose_v and_o do_v yet_o that_o this_o principle_n of_o submission_n of_o church_n that_o miscarry_v unto_o other_o church_n offend_v together_o with_o this_o other_o that_o it_o be_v a_o command_n from_o christ_n enjoin_v to_o church_n that_o be_v final_o offend_v to_o denounce_v such_o a_o sentence_n of_o non-communion_n and_o withdraw_n from_o they_o whilst_o impenitent_a as_o unworthy_a to_o hold_v forth_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n these_o principle_n be_v receive_v and_o general_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v a_o mutual_a duty_n as_o strict_o enjoin_v they_o by_o christ_n as_o any_o other_o that_o these_o will_v be_v as_o effectual_a mean_n through_o the_o blessing_n of_o christ_n to_o awe_v and_o preserve_v church_n and_o their_o elder_n in_o their_o duty_n as_o that_o other_o of_o claim_n to_o a_o authoritative_a power_n ecclesiastical_a to_o excommunicate_v other_o church_n or_o their_o elder_n offend_v for_o if_o the_o one_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o other_o in_o a_o mere_a ecclesiastical_a notion_n that_o of_o excommunication_n pretend_v have_v but_o this_o more_o in_o it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o deliver_n of_o whole_a church_n and_o their_o elder_n offend_v unto_o satan_n for_o which_o we_o know_v no_o warrant_n in_o the_o scripture_n that_o church_n shall_v have_v such_o a_o power_n over_o other_o church_n and_o then_o as_o for_o the_o bind_a obligation_n both_o of_o the_o one_o way_n and_o the_o other_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o lie_v but_o in_o these_o 2._o thing_n first_o in_o a_o warrant_n and_o injunction_n give_v by_o christ_n to_o his_o church_n to_o put_v either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o into_o execution_n and_o 2._o that_o man_n conscience_n be_v according_o take_v therewith_o so_o as_o to_o subject_v themselves_o whether_o unto_o the_o one_o way_n or_o the_o other_o for_o suppose_v that_o other_o principle_n of_o a_o authoritative_a power_n in_o the_o great_a part_n of_o church_n combine_v to_o excommunicate_v other_o church_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n yet_o

father_n abraham_n out_o of_o his_o own_o country_n and_o his_o seed_n after_o he_o a_o transplant_n themselves_o many_o thousand_o mile_n distance_n and_o that_o by_o sea_n into_o a_o wilderness_n mere_o to_o worship_n god_n more_o pure_o whither_o to_o allure_v they_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o invitement_n and_o yet_o we_o still_o stand_v as_o unengaged_a spectator_n free_a to_o examine_v and_o consider_v what_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o and_o among_o all_o these_o all_o which_o we_o look_v upon_o as_o reform_a church_n and_o this_o naked_o according_a to_o the_o word_n we_o resolve_v not_o to_o take_v up_o our_o religion_n by_o or_o from_o any_o party_n and_o yet_o to_o approve_v and_o hold_v fast_o whatsoever_o be_v good_a in_o any_o though_o never_o so_o much_o differ_v from_o we_o yea_o opposite_a unto_o we_o and_o for_o our_o own_o congregation_n we_o mean_v of_o england_n in_o which_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v convert_v and_o exercise_v our_o ministery_n long_o to_o the_o conversion_n of_o many_o other_o we_o have_v this_o sincere_a profession_n to_o make_v before_o god_n and_o all_o the_o world_n that_o all_o that_o conscience_n of_o the_o defilement_n we_o conceive_v to_o cleave_v to_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o they_o or_o of_o the_o unwarranted_a power_n in_o church_n governor_n exercise_v therein_o do_v never_o work_v in_o any_o of_o we_o any_o other_o thought_n much_o less_o opinion_n but_o that_o multitude_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o parochial_a congregation_n thereof_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o ministry_n thereof_o a_o true_a ministry_n much_o less_o do_v it_o ever_o enter_v into_o our_o heart_n to_o judge_v they_o antichristian_a we_o see_v and_o can_v but_o see_v that_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o church_n abroad_o in_o scotland_n holland_n etc._n etc._n though_o more_o reform_a yet_o for_o their_o mixture_n must_v be_v in_o like_o manner_n judge_v no_o church_n also_o which_o to_o imagine_v or_o conceive_v be_v and_o have_v ever_o be_v a_o horror_n to_o our_o thought_n yea_o we_o always_o have_v profess_v and_o that_o in_o these_o time_n when_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v the_o most_o either_o actual_o overspread_v with_o defilement_n or_o in_o the_o great_a danger_n thereof_o and_o when_o ourselves_o have_v least_o yea_o no_o hope_n of_o ever_o so_o much_o as_o visit_v our_o own_o land_n again_o in_o peace_n and_o safety_n to_o our_o person_n that_o we_o both_o do_v and_o will_v hold_v a_o communion_n with_o they_o as_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o beside_o this_o profession_n as_o a_o real_a testimony_n thereof_o some_o of_o we_o after_o we_o actual_o be_v in_o this_o way_n of_o communion_n baptise_v our_o child_n in_o parishional_a congregation_n and_o as_o we_o have_v occasion_n do_v offer_v to_o receive_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n with_o we_o some_o who_o we_o know_v godly_a that_o come_v to_o visit_v we_o when_o we_o be_v in_o our_o exile_n upon_o that_o relation_n fellowship_n and_o commembership_n they_o hold_v in_o their_o parish_n church_n in_o england_n they_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v member_n thereof_o and_o belong_v thereunto_o what_o we_o have_v since_o our_o return_n public_o and_o avow_o socinianism_n make_v declaration_n of_o to_o this_o purpose_n many_o hundred_o can_v witness_v and_o some_o of_o our_o brethren_n in_o their_o print_a book_n candid_o do_v testify_v for_o we_o and_o as_o we_o always_o hold_v this_o respect_n unto_o our_o own_o church_n in_o this_o kingdom_n so_o we_o receive_v and_o be_v entertain_v with_o the_o like_a from_o those_o reform_a church_n abroad_o among_o who_o we_o be_v cast_v to_o live_v we_o both_o mutual_o give_v and_o receive_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n which_o they_o on_o their_o part_n abundant_o manifest_v by_o the_o very_a same_o character_n and_o testimony_n of_o difference_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o their_o own_o orthodox_a church_n and_o whereby_o they_o use_v to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o all_o those_o sect_n which_o they_o tolerate_v but_o not_o own_o and_o all_o the_o assembly_n of_o they_o which_o yet_o now_o we_o be_v here_o some_o will_v needs_o rank_n we_o with_o grant_v to_o some_o of_o we_o their_o own_o church_n or_o public_a place_n for_o worship_n to_o assemble_v in_o where_o themselves_o meet_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n at_o differ_a hour_n the_o same_o day_n as_o likewise_o the_o privilege_n of_o ring_v a_o public_a bell_n to_o call_v unto_o our_o meeting_n which_o we_o mention_v because_o it_o be_v among_o they_o make_v the_o great_a signal_n of_o difference_n between_o their_o own_o allow_a church_n and_o all_o other_o assembly_n unto_o who_o it_o be_v strict_o prohibit_v and_o forbid_v as_o guiciardine_n have_v long_o since_o observe_v and_o other_o of_o we_o find_v such_o acceptance_n with_o they_o that_o in_o testimony_n thereof_o they_o allow_v a_o full_a and_o liberal_a maintenance_n annual_o for_o our_o minister_n yea_o and_o constant_o also_o wine_n for_o our_o communion_n and_o then_o we_o again_o on_o our_o part_n not_o only_o hold_v all_o brotherly_a correspondency_n with_o their_o divine_n but_o receive_v also_o some_o of_o the_o member_n of_o their_o church_n who_o desire_v to_o communicate_v with_o we_o unto_o communion_n in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o other_o ordinance_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o relation_n of_o membership_n retain_v in_o those_o church_n now_o for_o the_o way_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n we_o give_v this_o brief_a and_o general_a account_n our_o public_a worship_n be_v make_v up_o of_o no_o other_o part_n than_o the_o worship_n of_o all_o other_o reform_a church_n do_v consist_v of_o as_o public_a and_o solemn_a prayer_n for_o king_n and_o all_o in_o authority_n etc._n etc._n the_o read_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n exposition_n of_o they_o as_o occasion_n be_v and_o constant_a preach_n of_o the_o word_n the_o administration_n of_o the_o two_o sacrament_n baptism_n to_o infant_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n sing_v of_o psalm_n collection_n for_o the_o poor_a etc._n etc._n every_o lord_n day_n for_o officer_n and_o public_a ruler_n in_o the_o church_n we_o set_v up_o no_o other_o but_o the_o very_a same_o which_o the_o reform_a church_n judge_v necessary_a and_o sufficient_a and_o as_o institute_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o the_o perpetual_a government_n of_o his_o church_n that_o be_v pastor_n teacher_n rule_v elder_n with_o we_o not_o lay_v but_o ecclesiastic_a person_n separate_v to_o that_o service_n and_o deacon_n and_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o government_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n we_o have_v nor_o execute_v any_o other_o but_o what_o all_o acknowledge_v namely_o admonition_n and_o excommunication_n upon_o obstinacy_n and_o impenitency_n which_o we_o bless_v god_n we_o never_o exercise_v this_o latter_a we_o judge_v shall_v be_v put_v in_o execution_n for_o no_o other_o kind_n of_o sin_n than_o may_v evident_o be_v presume_v to_o be_v perpetrate_v against_o the_o party_n know_a light_n as_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n in_o manner_n and_o conversation_n such_o as_o be_v commit_v against_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o common_a receive_a practice_n of_o christianity_n profess_v in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o if_o in_o opinion_n than_o such_o as_o be_v likewise_o contrary_a to_o the_o receive_a principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n profess_v by_o the_o party_n himself_o and_o universal_o acknowledge_v in_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n and_o no_o other_o sin_n to_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o that_o dreadful_a sentence_n and_o for_o our_o direction_n in_o these_o or_o what_o ever_o else_o requisite_a to_o the_o manage_n of_o they_o we_o have_v these_o three_o principle_n more_o especial_o in_o our_o eye_n to_o guide_v and_o steer_v our_o practice_n by_o first_o the_o supreme_a rule_n without_o we_o be_v the_o primitive_a pattern_n and_o example_n of_o the_o church_n erect_v by_o the_o apostle_n our_o conscience_n be_v possess_v with_o that_o reverence_n and_o adoration_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v therein_o a_o complete_a sufficiency_n as_o to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a so_o also_o to_o make_v the_o church_n of_o god_n perfect_a mere_a circumstance_n we_o except_v or_o what_o rule_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n do_v in_o common_a dictate_n if_o the_o direction_n and_o example_n therein_o deliver_v be_v full_o know_v and_o follow_v and_o although_o we_o can_v profess_v that_o sufficiency_n of_o knowledge_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o lay_v forth_o all_o those_o rule_n therein_o which_o may_v meet_v with_o all_o case_n and_o emergency_n that_o may_v or_o sometime_o do_v fall_v out_o among_o

unless_o it_o do_v take_v hold_v of_o man_n conscience_n and_o be_v receive_v among_o all_o church_n the_o offend_a church_n will_v slight_v all_o such_o excommunication_n as_o much_o as_o they_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o do_v our_o way_n of_o protestation_n and_o sentence_n of_o non-communion_n on_o the_o other_o side_n let_v this_o way_n of_o we_o be_v but_o as_o strong_o entertain_v as_o that_o which_o be_v the_o way_n and_o command_v of_o christ_n and_o upon_o all_o occasion_n be_v heedful_o put_v in_o execution_n it_o will_v awe_v man_n conscience_n as_o much_o and_o produce_v the_o same_o effect_n and_o if_o the_o magistrate_n power_n to_o which_o we_o give_v as_o much_o and_o as_o we_o think_v more_o than_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o presbyterial_a government_n will_v suffer_v they_o to_o yield_v do_v but_o assist_v and_o back_v the_o sentence_n of_o other_o church_n denounce_v this_o non-communion_n against_o church_n miscarry_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o crime_n as_o they_o judge_v meet_v and_o as_o they_o will_v the_o sentence_n of_o church_n excommunicate_v other_o church_n in_o such_o case_n upon_o their_o own_o particular_a judgement_n of_o the_o cause_n then_o without_o all_o controversy_n this_o our_o way_n of_o church_n proceed_v will_v be_v every_o way_n as_o effectual_a as_o their_o other_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v and_o we_o be_v sure_a more_o brotherly_a and_o more_o suit_v to_o that_o liberty_n and_o equality_n christ_n have_v endow_v his_o church_n with_o but_o without_o the_o magistrate_n interpose_v their_o authority_n their_o way_n of_o proceed_v will_v be_v as_o ineffectual_a as_o we_o and_o more_o liable_a to_o contempt_n by_o how_o much_o it_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v more_o authoritative_a and_o to_o inflict_v a_o more_o dreadful_a punishment_n which_o carnal_a spirit_n be_v seldom_o sensible_a of_o this_o for_o our_o judgement_n and_o for_o a_o real_a evidence_n and_o demonstration_n both_o that_o this_o be_v then_o our_o judgement_n as_o likewise_o for_o a_o instance_n of_o the_o effectual_a success_n of_o such_o a_o course_n hold_v by_o church_n in_o such_o case_n our_o own_o practice_n and_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n thereon_o may_v plead_v and_o testify_v for_o we_o to_o all_o the_o world_n the_o manage_n of_o this_o transaction_n in_o brief_a be_v this_o that_o church_n which_o with_o other_o be_v most_o scandalize_v do_v by_o letter_n declare_v their_o offence_n require_v of_o the_o church_n suppose_v to_o be_v offend_v in_o the_o name_n and_o for_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o relieve_v the_o party_n wrong_v to_o yield_v a_o full_a and_o public_a hear_n before_o all_o the_o church_n of_o our_o nation_n or_o any_o other_o whosoever_o offend_v of_o what_o they_o can_v give_v in_o charge_n against_o their_o proceed_n in_o that_o deposition_n of_o their_o minister_n and_o to_o subject_v themselves_o to_o a_o open_a trial_n and_o review_n of_o all_o those_o forepass_a carriage_n that_o concern_v that_o particular_a which_o they_o most_o cheerful_o and_o ready_o according_a to_o the_o forementioned_a principle_n submit_v unto_o in_o a_o place_n and_o state_n where_o no_o outward_a violence_n or_o any_o other_o external_a authority_n either_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a will_v have_v enforce_v they_o thereunto_o and_o according_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n offend_v with_o other_o two_o gentleman_n of_o much_o worth_n wisdom_n and_o piety_n member_n thereof_o be_v send_v as_o messenger_n from_o that_o church_n and_o at_o the_o introduction_n and_o entrance_n into_o that_o solemn_a assembly_n the_o solemnity_n of_o which_o have_v leave_v as_o deep_a a_o impression_n upon_o our_o heart_n of_o christ_n dreadful_a presence_n as_o ever_o any_o we_o have_v be_v present_a at_o it_o be_v open_o and_o public_o profess_v in_o a_o speech_n that_o be_v the_o preface_n to_o that_o discussion_n to_o this_o effect_n that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o to_o be_v abhor_v maxim_n that_o any_o religion_n have_v ever_o make_v profession_n of_o and_o therefore_o of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o contradictory_a and_o dishonourable_a unto_o that_o of_o christianity_n that_o a_o single_a and_o particular_a society_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o pretend_v to_o be_v endow_v with_o a_o power_n from_o christ_n to_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o society_n within_o themselves_o shall_v further_o arrogate_v unto_o themselves_o a_o exemption_n from_o give_v account_n or_o be_v censurable_a by_o any_o other_o either_o christian_a magistrate_n above_o they_o or_o neighbour_n church_n about_o they_o so_o far_o be_v our_o judgement_n from_o that_o independent_a liberty_n that_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o then_o when_o we_o have_v least_o dependency_n on_o this_o kingdom_n or_o so_o much_o as_o hope_n ever_o to_o abide_v therein_o in_o peace_n and_o for_o the_o issue_n and_o success_n of_o this_o agitation_n after_o there_o have_v be_v for_o many_o day_n as_o judiciary_n and_o full_a a_o charge_n trial_n and_o deposition_n of_o witness_n open_o afore_o all_o comer_n of_o all_o sort_n as_o can_v be_v expect_v in_o any_o court_n where_o authority_n enjoin_v it_o that_o church_n which_o have_v offend_v do_v as_o public_o acknowledge_v their_o sinful_a aberration_n in_o it_o restore_v their_o minister_n to_o his_o place_n again_o and_o order_v a_o solemn_a day_n of_o fast_v to_o humble_v themselves_o afore_o god_n and_o man_n for_o their_o sinful_a carriage_n in_o it_o and_o the_o party_n also_o which_o have_v be_v depose_v do_v acknowledge_v to_o that_o church_n wherein_o he_o have_v likewise_o sin_v thus_o we_o have_v render_v some_o small_a account_n of_o those_o the_o sad_a day_n of_o our_o pilgrimage_n on_o earth_n wherein_o although_o we_o enjoy_v god_n yet_o beside_o many_o other_o misery_n the_o companion_n of_o banishment_n we_o lose_v some_o friend_n and_o companion_n our_o fellow_n labourer_n in_o the_o gospel_n as_o precious_a man_n as_o this_o earth_n bear_v any_o through_o the_o distemper_n of_o the_o place_n and_o ourselves_o come_v hardly_o off_o that_o service_n with_o our_o health_n yea_o life_n when_o it_o please_v god_n to_o bring_v we_o his_o poor_a exile_n back_o again_o in_o these_o revolution_n of_o the_o time_n as_o also_o of_o the_o condition_n of_o this_o kingdom_n into_o our_o own_o land_n the_o pour_v forth_o of_o manifold_a prayer_n and_o tear_n for_o the_o prosperity_n whereof_o have_v be_v no_o small_a part_n of_o that_o public_a worship_n we_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n in_o a_o strange_a land_n we_o find_v the_o judgement_n of_o many_o of_o our_o godly_a learned_a brethren_n in_o the_o ministry_n that_o desire_v a_o general_a reformation_n to_o differ_v from_o we_o in_o some_o thing_n wherein_o we_o do_v profess_o judge_v the_o calvinian_n reform_a church_n of_o the_o first_o reformation_n from_o out_o of_o popery_n to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o further_a reformation_n themselves_o and_o it_o may_v without_o prejudice_n to_o they_o or_o the_o imputation_n of_o schism_n in_o we_o from_o they_o be_v think_v that_o they_o come_v new_a out_o of_o popery_n as_o well_o as_o england_n and_o the_o founder_n of_o that_o reformation_n not_o have_v apostolic_a infallibility_n may_v not_o be_v full_o perfect_a the_o first_o day_n yea_o and_o it_o may_v hopeful_o be_v conceive_v that_o god_n in_o his_o secret_n yet_o wise_a and_o gracious_a dispensation_n have_v leave_v england_n more_o unreformed_a as_o touch_v the_o outward_a form_n both_o of_o worship_n and_o church_n government_n than_o the_o neighbour_n church_n be_v have_v yet_o powerful_o continue_v a_o constant_a conflict_n and_o contention_n for_o a_o further_a reformation_n for_o these_o fourscore_o year_n during_o which_o time_n he_o have_v likewise_o in_o stead_n thereof_o bless_v they_o with_o the_o spiritual_a light_n and_o that_o increase_a of_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o practic_a part_n of_o it_o shine_v bright_a and_o clear_a than_o in_o the_o neighbour_n church_n as_o have_v in_o his_o infinke_n mercy_n on_o purpose_n reserve_v and_o provide_v some_o better_a thing_n for_o this_o nation_n when_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o be_v reform_v that_o the_o other_o church_n may_v not_o be_v make_v perfect_a without_o it_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v we_o find_v also_o which_o be_v as_o great_a a_o affliction_n to_o we_o as_o our_o former_a trouble_n and_o banishment_n our_o opinion_n and_o way_n wherein_o we_o may_v seem_v to_o differ_v environ_v about_o with_o a_o cloud_n of_o mistake_n and_o misapprehension_n and_o our_o person_n with_o reproach_n beside_o other_o calumny_n as_o of_o schism_n etc._n etc._n which_o yet_o must_v either_o relate_v to_o a_o differ_n from_o the_o former_a ecclesiastical_a government_n of_o this_o church_n establish_v and_o than_o who_o be_v not_o involve_v in_o it_o as_o well_o

public_a view_n our_o tenet_n if_o false_a and_o counterfeit_a together_o with_o our_o own_o folly_n and_o weakness_n we_o will_v much_o rather_o have_v choose_v to_o have_v be_v vent_v they_o to_o the_o multitude_n apt_a to_o be_v seduce_v which_o we_o have_v have_v these_o three_o year_n opportunity_n to_o have_v do_v but_o in_o a_o conscientious_a regard_n have_v to_o the_o orderly_a and_o peaceable_a way_n of_o search_v out_o truth_n and_o reform_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n we_o have_v adventure_v ourselves_o upon_o this_o way_n of_o god_n wise_o assume_v by_o the_o prudence_n of_o the_o state_n and_o therein_o also_o upon_o all_o sort_n of_o disadvantage_n which_o we_o can_v not_o but_o foresee_v both_o of_o number_n ability_n of_o learning_n authority_n the_o stream_n of_o public_a interest_n trust_v god_n both_o with_o ourselves_o and_o his_o own_o truth_n as_o he_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o manage_v it_o by_o we_o moreover_o if_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n we_o be_v not_o as_o orthodox_a in_o our_o judgement_n as_o our_o brethren_n themselves_o we_o will_v never_o have_v expose_v ourselves_o to_o this_o trial_n and_o hazard_n of_o discovery_n in_o this_o assembly_n the_o mixture_n of_o who_o spirit_n the_o quicksightednes_n of_o who_o judgement_n intent_n enough_o upon_o we_o and_o variety_n of_o debate_n about_o all_o sort_n of_o controversy_n afoot_a in_o these_o time_n of_o contradiction_n be_v such_o as_o will_v be_v sure_a soon_o to_o find_v we_o out_o if_o we_o nourish_v any_o monster_n or_o serpent_n of_o opinion_n lurk_v in_o our_o bosom_n and_o if_o we_o have_v carry_v it_o so_o as_o that_o hitherto_o such_o error_n be_v not_o aforehand_o open_a to_o the_o view_n and_o judgement_n of_o all_o yet_o sit_v here_o unless_o we_o will_v be_v silent_a which_o we_o have_v not_o be_v we_o can_v not_o long_o be_v hide_v but_o it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v that_o in_o all_o point_n of_o doctrine_n which_o hitherto_o in_o the_o review_n and_o examination_n of_o the_o article_n of_o our_o church_n or_o upon_o other_o occasion_n have_v be_v go_v through_o our_o judgement_n have_v still_o concur_v with_o the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o brethren_n neither_o do_v we_o know_v wherein_o we_o have_v dissent_v and_o in_o matter_n of_o discipline_n we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o hold_v up_o the_o difference_n that_o occur_v or_o make_v the_o breach_n great_a or_o wide_a that_o we_o endeavour_v upon_o all_o such_o occasion_n to_o grant_v and_o yield_v as_o all_o may_v see_v and_o can_v but_o testify_v for_o we_o to_o the_o utmost_a latitude_n of_o our_o light_n and_o conscience_n profess_v it_o to_o be_v as_o high_a a_o point_n of_o religion_n and_o conscience_n ready_o to_o own_o yea_o fall_v down_o before_o whatsoever_o be_v truth_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o that_o differ_v yea_o though_o they_o shall_v be_v enemy_n unto_o we_o as_o much_o as_o earnest_o to_o contend_v for_o and_o hold_v fast_o those_o truth_n wherein_o we_o shall_v be_v find_v dissent_v from_o they_o and_o this_o as_o in_o relation_n to_o peace_n so_o also_o as_o a_o just_a due_a to_o truth_n and_o goodness_n even_o to_o approve_v it_o and_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o the_o utmost_a grain_n of_o it_o though_o mingle_v with_o what_o be_v opposite_a unto_o we_o and_o further_o when_o matter_n by_o discussion_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o small_a dissent_n that_o may_v be_v we_o have_v hitherto_o be_v find_v to_o be_v no_o backward_a urger_n unto_o a_o temper_n not_o only_o in_o thing_n that_o have_v concern_v our_o own_o conscience_n but_o when_o of_o other_o also_o such_o as_o may_v suit_v and_o tend_v to_o union_n as_o well_o as_o search_v out_o of_o truth_n judge_v this_o to_o be_v as_o great_a and_o useful_a a_o end_n of_o synod_n and_o assembly_n as_o a_o curious_a and_o exact_a discussion_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o lesser_a difference_n with_o bind_a determination_n of_o truth_n one_o way_n and_o thus_o we_o have_v naked_o and_o with_o all_o simplicity_n render_v a_o clear_a and_o true_a account_n of_o our_o way_n and_o spirit_n hitherto_o which_o we_o make_v choice_n of_o now_o at_o first_o to_o make_v ourselves_o know_v by_o rather_o than_o by_o a_o more_o exact_a and_o scholastic_a relation_n of_o our_o judgement_n in_o the_o point_n of_o difference_n about_o church_n government_n reserve_v that_o unto_o the_o more_o proper_a season_n and_o opportunity_n of_o this_o assembly_n and_o that_o liberty_n give_v by_o both_o honourable_a house_n in_o matter_n of_o dissent_n or_o as_o necessity_n shall_v after_o require_v to_o a_o more_o public_a way_n of_o state_v and_o assert_v of_o they_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n from_o this_o brief_a historical_a relation_n of_o our_o practice_n there_o may_v a_o true_a estimate_n be_v take_v of_o our_o opinion_n in_o difference_n which_o be_v instance_v in_o and_o set_v out_o by_o practice_n be_v the_o most_o real_a and_o least_o collusive_a way_n and_o carry_v its_o own_o evidence_n with_o it_o all_o which_o we_o have_v take_v the_o boldness_n together_o with_o ourselves_o humble_o to_o lay_v at_o the_o foot_n of_o your_o wisdom_n and_o piety_n beseech_v you_o to_o look_v upon_o we_o under_o no_o other_o notion_n or_o character_n then_o as_o those_o who_o if_o we_o can_v assume_v to_o have_v be_v no_o way_n furtherer_n of_o that_o reformation_n you_o intend_v yet_o who_o have_v be_v no_o way_n hinderer_n thereof_o or_o disturber_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o who_o in_o our_o judgement_n about_o the_o present_a work_n of_o this_o age_n the_o reformation_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n do_v differ_v as_o little_a from_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o our_o brethren_n yea_o far_o less_o than_o they_o do_v from_o what_o themselves_o be_v three_o year_n past_a or_o then_o the_o generality_n of_o this_o kingdom_n from_o itself_o of_o late_a and_o withal_o to_o consider_v we_o as_o those_o who_o in_o these_o former_a time_n for_o many_o year_n suffer_v even_o to_o exile_n for_o what_o the_o kingdom_n itself_o now_o suffer_v in_o the_o endeavour_n to_o cast_v out_o and_o who_o in_o these_o present_a time_n and_o since_o the_o change_n of_o they_o have_v endure_v that_o which_o to_o our_o spirit_n be_v no_o less_o grievous_a the_o opposition_n and_o reproach_n of_o good_a man_n even_o to_o the_o threaten_n of_o another_o banishment_n and_o have_v be_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n upon_o we_o the_o same_o man_n in_o both_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o these_o variety_n and_o final_o as_o those_o that_o do_v pursue_v no_o other_o interest_n or_o design_n but_o a_o subsistence_n be_v it_o the_o poor_a and_o mean_a in_o our_o own_o land_n where_o we_o have_v and_o may_v do_v further_a service_n and_o which_o be_v our_o birthright_n as_o we_o be_v man_n with_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v our_o portion_n as_o we_o be_v christian_n with_o the_o allowance_n of_o a_o latitude_n to_o some_o lesser_a difference_n with_o peaceableness_n as_o not_o know_v where_o else_o with_o safety_n health_n and_o livelihood_n to_o set_v our_o foot_n on_o earth_n tho_n goodwin_n philip_n nye_n sidrach_n simpson_n jer_n burroughes_n william_n bridge_n finis_fw-la mr._n cheynett_n rise_v and_o growth_n of_o socinianism_n