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 little_a to_o confirm_v these_o man_n opinion_n in_o which_o say_v they_o for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o usual_o fall_v out_o that_o after_o form_n of_o confession_n and_o declaration_n begin_v to_o be_v in_o esteem_n and_o the_o say_a honour_n to_o be_v give_v to_o they_o as_o though_o they_o do_v most_o full_o express_v the_o hide_a and_o involve_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o most_o clear_o and_o plain_o propose_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_o to_o be_v hold_v by_o the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o majesty_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n begin_v by_o little_a and_o little_a to_o decline_v and_o the_o truth_n as_o also_o the_o necessity_n of_o all_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n pertain_v to_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n to_o depend_v upon_o those_o form_n in_o so_o much_o indeed_o that_o wave_v and_o undervalue_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n they_o appeal_v unto_o they_o as_o the_o most_o certain_a square_n or_o level_n and_o unexceptionable_a rule_n and_o he_o that_o swerve_v but_o a_o finger_n breadth_n from_o they_o although_o move_v thereto_o out_o of_o a_o regard_n to_o the_o scripture_n be_v without_o any_o further_a proof_n accuse_v and_o condemn_v of_o heresy_n and_o though_o at_o the_o beginning_n and_o in_o the_o very_a cradle_n or_o infancy_n of_o form_n as_o they_o say_v it_o fall_v not_o out_o but_o also_o over_o and_o above_o by_o caution_n or_o restriction_n and_o protestation_n and_o other_o way_n of_o that_o kind_n they_o obviate_v and_o withstand_v the_o same_o yet_o in_o tract_n of_o time_n by_o little_a and_o little_a their_o authority_n prevail_v and_o increase_v and_o through_o secret_a increasing_n by_o interval_n and_o degree_n it_o be_v insensible_o establish_v and_o confirm_v until_o at_o length_n have_v spread_v its_o root_n deep_a it_o begin_v in_o a_o manner_n to_o overtop_n the_o very_a scripture_n so_o by_o this_o mean_n in_o process_n of_o time_n some_o ecumenical_a council_n and_o form_n of_o belief_n or_o general_a creed_n which_o be_v conceive_v and_o maintain_v in_o they_o begin_v to_o be_v so_o high_o value_v that_o a_o like_a and_o equal_a authority_n be_v give_v to_o they_o with_o the_o gospel_n themselves_o by_o the_o most_o of_o man_n yea_o further_o even_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v dispute_v &_o determine_v by_o one_o single_a augustine_n against_o pelagius_n at_o length_n in_o process_n of_o time_n be_v advance_v to_o that_o dignity_n and_o authority_n and_o that_o even_o among_o those_o who_o otherwise_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o set_v much_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o council_n and_o father_n that_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o condemn_v any_o one_o that_o teach_v in_o the_o church_n if_o his_o opinion_n only_o seem_v to_o come_v near_o to_o pelagius_n and_o that_o it_o do_v common_o so_o fall_v out_o in_o other_o question_n of_o faith_n and_o have_v fall_v out_o from_o every_o age_n past_o they_o do_v very_o specious_o affirm_v in_o brief_a these_o seem_v not_o to_o complain_v in_o vain_a that_o all_o form_n usual_o do_v together_o with_o their_o age_n receive_v the_o strength_n and_o increase_v oâ—_n too_o much_o authority_n and_o that_o howsoever_o oftentime_o they_o seem_v not_o open_o and_o manifest_o to_o be_v advance_v and_o promote_v to_o a_o unmeasurable_a greatness_n yet_o they_o become_v by_o degree_n not_o withstand_v even_o caution_n &_o protestation_n to_o the_o contrary_a notwithstanding_o the_o immutable_a canon_n of_o faith_n and_o at_o least_o secundary_a rule_n and_o level_n and_o that_o indeed_o by_o so_o secret_a and_o imperceptible_a motion_n and_o advance_n that_o they_o be_v find_v of_o a_o certain_a not_o to_o come_v but_o to_o have_v come_v nor_o to_o grow_v but_o to_o have_v grow_v to_o the_o top_n of_o more_o than_o humane_a authority_n and_o height_n of_o supreme_a dignity_n they_o suppose_v also_o that_o these_o form_n do_v mighty_o endammage_n and_o prejudice_n the_o liberty_n of_o church_n or_o conscience_n and_o prophecy_n for_o that_o where_o they_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o forthwith_o a_o tyrannical_a law_n be_v bring_v in_o at_o the_o back_n door_n so_o that_o a_o man_n may_v not_o think_v speak_v write_v teach_v compare_v and_o interpret_v the_o scripture_n but_o according_a to_o what_o they_o prescribe_v and_o to_o call_v they_o into_o doubt_n or_o to_o contradict_v they_o though_o modest_o be_v think_v a_o heinous_a wickedness_n nor_o do_v they_o want_v their_o pretence_n viz._n that_o the_o public_a peace_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v preserve_v entire_a confusion_n avoid_v and_o liberty_n turn_v not_o into_o licentiousness_n from_o whence_o further_o they_o say_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o none_o especial_o if_o it_o be_v believe_v that_o the_o commonwealth_n also_o be_v interest_v therein_o dare_v either_o inquire_v into_o those_o form_n and_o examine_v the_o opinion_n that_o be_v contain_v in_o they_o by_o the_o standard_n of_o truth_n or_o if_o any_o one_o call_v upon_o for_o part_n and_o industry_n for_o that_o end_n shall_v inquire_v into_o they_o and_o in_o his_o judgement_n find_v some_o thing_n to_o be_v false_a he_o can_v without_o apparent_a danger_n publish_v and_o discover_v they_o for_o the_o amendment_n of_o other_o and_o that_o indeed_o by_o this_o mean_v such_o like_a form_n of_o confession_n and_o declaration_n do_v terminate_v in_o most_o rigid_a bond_n and_o more_o than_o adamantine_a fetter_n wherewith_o liberty_n together_o with_o truth_n be_v most_o strait_o tie_v up_o and_o that_o error_n which_o be_v once_o receive_v and_o admit_v become_v stable_n and_o firm_a yea_o eternal_a last_o they_o affirm_v that_o a_o large_a gap_n be_v open_v by_o these_o very_a confession_n and_o declaration_n for_o schism_n and_o separation_n because_o as_o they_o have_v be_v hitherto_o use_v they_o have_v be_v the_o open_a and_o public_a sign_n of_o dissension_n by_o which_o no_o otherwise_o then_o by_o certain_a partition-wall_n christian_n who_o ought_v to_o be_v most_o strict_o join_v together_o and_o who_o in_o very_a deed_n agree_v in_o the_o main_a of_o save_a doctrine_n be_v divide_v each_o from_o other_o whilst_o one_o indeed_o say_v i_o be_o of_o paul_n another_o 12._o i_o be_o of_o cephas_n another_o i_o be_o of_o apollo_n another_o i_o be_o of_o christ_n and_o every_o one_o believe_v that_o the_o purity_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o immortal_a life_n consist_v within_o his_o particular_a congregation_n so_o that_o whosoever_o belong_v not_o thereto_o he_o be_v almost_o judge_v altogether_o exclude_v out_o of_o heaven_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ._n whence_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o there_o arise_v and_o flow_v as_o it_o be_v from_o a_o continual_a spring_n perpetual_a and_o immortal_a hatred_n and_o division_n of_o mind_n and_o affection_n these_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v the_o chief_a answer_n prop_n on_o which_o the_o first_o and_o second_o sort_n rely_v and_o whereby_o they_o support_v their_o opinion_n specious_a indeed_o they_o be_v if_o view_v at_o first_o sight_n for_o that_o they_o make_v show_v of_o no_o ordinary_a zeal_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n word_n for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n for_o the_o peace_n and_o concord_n of_o church_n yet_o such_o as_o if_o more_o near_o look_v into_o have_v not_o appear_v to_o we_o of_o so_o great_a weight_n as_o that_o for_o their_o sake_n we_o shall_v deem_v ourselves_o bind_v to_o desist_v from_o our_o purpose_n of_o publish_v this_o declaration_n of_o we_o for_o doubtless_o they_o seem_v not_o undeserved_o to_o reprove_v so_o much_o the_o thing_n itself_o as_o the_o corruption_n and_o abuse_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o as_o a_o wen_n to_o a_o fair_a body_n oftentimes_o be_v wont_a to_o grow_v and_o cleave_v even_o unto_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v best_a and_o most_o sovereign_o wholesome_a in_o themselves_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 iâ—_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 aâ—_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 morâ—_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 sinâ—_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 humanâ—_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 thaâ—_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 foâ—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 faâ—_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 oâ—_n their_o right_a use_n they_o will_v be_v judge_v noâ—_n only_o not_o unlawful_a or_o hurtful_a but_o on_o thâ—_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 â—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
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 â—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 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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 â—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 â—â—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
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 â—â—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 to_o reason_n discourse_n and_o judge_v of_o they_o and_o so_o to_o leave_v they_o to_o god_n alone_o and_o to_o jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o only_a supreme_a and_o infallible_a 8._o judge_n peremptory_o to_o be_v decide_v for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v any_o way_n god_n will_n and_o pleasure_n in_o the_o least_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v decide_v by_o any_o judicial_a or_o authoritative_a right_n by_o any_o visible_a judge_n and_o one_o ordinary_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n since_o it_o have_v please_v he_o to_o leave_v we_o in_o his_o word_n a_o rule_n only_a directive_n or_o to_o judge_n only_o 31._o directive_o by_o and_o not_o withal_o coactive_o or_o by_o way_n of_o constraint_n but_o that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o infallible_a judge_n always_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n he_o have_v no_o where_o signify_v nor_o have_v he_o in_o his_o word_n point_v out_o who_o he_o shall_v continual_o be_v but_o have_v express_o command_v all_o &_o every_o one_o alike_o on_o to_o search_v his_o law_n or_o judgement_n and_o statute_n to_o on_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n yea_o to_o try_v 21._o all_o thing_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o moreover_o have_v promise_v to_o such_o as_o search_v into_o his_o 2._o law_n and_o seek_v the_o understanding_n of_o they_o his_o grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n and_o 19_o those_o who_o have_v search_v the_o scripture_n and_o examine_v controversy_n of_o faith_n by_o they_o yea_o who_o have_v diligent_o try_v by_o the_o rule_n and_o square_n of_o the_o scripture_n those_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v speak_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o he_o have_v commend_v and_o praise_v they_o with_o singular_a eulogy_n 11._o therefore_o they_o who_o do_v free_o etc._n give_v themselves_o or_o suffer_v to_o be_v give_v by_o other_o this_o irrefragable_a authority_n of_o peremptory_o decide_v of_o difference_n and_o controversy_n of_o faith_n or_o religion_n either_o all_o or_o some_o either_o to_o some_o certain_a church_n or_o synod_n of_o doctor_n or_o to_o any_o society_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o or_o to_o any_o single_a person_n who_o also_o may_v be_v ungodly_a and_o profane_a as_o to_o a_o visible_a and_o speak_a etc._n judge_n and_o will_v have_v man_n conscience_n hâ—ld_a and_o bind_v by_o this_o decision_n they_o build_v upon_o no_o firm_a reason_n much_o less_o upon_o any_o divine_a authority_n nay_o rather_o they_o be_v to_o be_v think_v to_o do_v it_o against_o both_o the_o 5._o one_o and_o the_o other_o alike_o beside_o that_o they_o do_v by_o this_o mean_n great_o weaken_v and_o whole_o void_a that_o christian_a duty_n of_o search_v the_o scripture_n of_o try_v the_o spirit_n of_o prove_v all_o thing_n etc._n etc._n and_o withal_o both_o the_o necessity_n and_o advantage_n of_o pious_a and_o devout_a prayer_n 12._o for_o this_o therefore_o at_o least_o most_o error_n weighty_a and_o withal_o most_o just_a cause_n we_o suffer_v not_o ourselves_o in_o controversy_n indeed_o of_o religion_n &_o in_o the_o sacred_a concern_v or_o cause_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v press_v with_o the_o bare_a authority_n of_o man_n suppose_v with_o the_o gloss_n and_o opinion_n of_o the_o father_n as_o they_o be_v call_v the_o determination_n of_o council_n or_o synod_n the_o article_n of_o confession_n the_o placit_v or_o opinion_n of_o divine_n or_o the_o conclusion_n of_o university_n much_o less_o with_o long_a since_o receive_v custom_n or_o with_o the_o splendour_n and_o number_n or_o multitude_n of_o man_n of_o the_o same_o opinion_n or_o last_o prescription_n of_o a_o long_a time_n continuance_n etc._n etc._n for_o doubtless_o at_o this_o turn_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o mind_n what_o this_o or_o the_o other_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n or_o assembly_n of_o doctor_n though_o never_o so_o renown_v for_o their_o suppose_a learning_n and_o sanctity_n nor_o what_o this_o or_o that_o synod_n or_o particular_a church_n but_o what_o he_o who_o be_v before_o all_o and_o who_o alone_o can_v neither_o follow_v deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v say_v and_o prescribe_v in_o his_o word_n 13._o nor_o be_v it_o strange_a for_o in_o these_o very_a book_n be_v perfect_o contain_v a_o full_a and_o scripture_n more_o than_o sufficient_a revelation_n of_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n especial_o of_o those_o which_o be_v simple_o necessary_a for_o 21._o all_o man_n in_o general_a and_o every_o man_n in_o particular_a to_o know_v believe_v hope_v and_o do_v for_o to_o obtain_v everlasting_a salvation_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o one_o point_n no_o not_o the_o least_o requisite_a for_o the_o right_a information_n of_o faith_n or_o of_o a_o life_n please_v unto_o god_n precise_o necessary_a to_o be_v hold_v by_o any_o christian_a which_o be_v not_o abundant_o contain_v in_o these_o very_a sacred_a book_n etc._n and_o by_o thing_n necessary_a unto_o salvation_n we_o only_o understand_v those_o thing_n without_o which_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a for_o any_o man_n either_o to_o obey_v the_o commandment_n of_o jesus_n christ_n aright_o and_o as_o he_o ought_v or_o firm_o to_o believe_v his_o divine_a promise_n and_o which_o be_v therefore_o such_o that_o without_o a_o man_n be_v own_o manifest_a fault_n they_o can_v be_v deny_v unknown_a or_o call_v in_o question_n by_o he_o 14._o furthermore_o the_o 19_o perspicuity_n of_o thereof_o the_o say_a book_n although_o in_o some_o place_n especial_o to_o the_o unlearned_a and_o less_o exercise_v they_o be_v obscure_a or_o dark_a enough_o be_v so_o great_a especial_o in_o meaning_n necessary_a to_o be_v understand_v unto_o salvation_n that_o all_o that_o read_v they_o not_o only_o the_o learned_a but_o the_o ignorant_a also_o that_o be_v endue_v but_o with_o common_a sense_n and_o judgement_n may_v as_o far_o as_o be_v sufficient_a attain_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o they_o sobeit_v they_o suffer_v not_o themselves_o to_o be_v blind_v with_o prejudice_n vain_a confidence_n or_o other_o corrupt_a affection_n but_o search_v this_o scripture_n diligenr_o and_o devout_o which_o we_o believe_v be_v not_o only_o lawful_a for_o all_o 20._o though_o otherwise_o rude_a ignorant_a and_o of_o the_o common_a people_n or_o laic_n but_o also_o command_v and_o enjoin_v they_o of_o god_n and_o study_v to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o those_o phrase_n or_o manner_n of_o expression_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v most_o clear_a and_o significant_a at_o that_o time_n wherein_o those_o book_n be_v write_v and_o whilst_o the_o same_o idiom_n or_o propriety_n of_o speech_n yet_o flourish_v that_o such_o as_o these_o we_o say_v may_v from_o they_o abundant_o understand_v all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o true_a faith_n and_o godliness_n not_o only_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a but_o also_o under_o the_o very_a reason_n of_o their_o necessity_n towit_n that_o
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 â—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 â—s_n by_o a_o bolt_n &_o bar_v firm_o set_v against_o those_o â—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 â—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 â—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 iâ—_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 anâ—_n desire_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o peace_n of_o thâ—_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 theâ—_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 seeâ—_n sufficient_a for_o the_o wash_n away_o of_o thâ—_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 â—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 â—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 â—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 themselves_o that_o they_o be_v sometime_o to_o be_v account_v of_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o useful_a vindication_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o â—n_o a_o manner_n necessary_a remedy_n of_o the_o great_a evil_n howbeit_o because_o such_o be_v either_o the_o they_o inconsiderateness_n or_o sloth_n or_o malice_n of_o the_o most_o of_o man_n that_o those_o thing_n which_o of_o themselves_o may_v be_v useful_a and_o pious_a document_n of_o our_o duty_n or_o most_o present_a remedy_n of_o great_a evil_n they_o suffer_v they_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o additional_a corruption_n and_o abuse_n by_o degree_n to_o become_v superstitious_a band_n of_o conscience_n and_o insensible_o to_o degenerate_v into_o idol_n and_o hurtful_a poison_n yea_o often_o they_o themselves_o turn_v they_o to_o the_o damage_n and_o detriment_n of_o the_o best_a thing_n we_o ought_v diligent_o to_o beware_v and_o endeavour_v with_o the_o great_a care_n that_o may_v be_v to_o vindicate_v such_o 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 doubeless_a as_o we_o have_v already_o say_v before_o they_o will_v not_o then_o be_v hold_v for_o square_n and_o rule_n of_o faith_n whereby_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n heresy_n or_o error_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v know_v and_o which_o be_v publish_v for_o that_o end_n that_o by_o they_o what_o be_v true_a or_o false_a may_v be_v know_v and_o discover_v or_o sound_a but_o only_o for_o bare_a signal_n and_o symbol_n or_o token_n which_o only_o show_v and_o declare_v what_o the_o author_n believe_v and_o judge_v of_o those_o and_o the_o other_o article_n and_o meaning_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o true_o if_o we_o consult_v the_o ancient_a annal_n of_o the_o church_n they_o who_o first_o put_v forth_o such_o symbol_n ecclesiastical_a canon_n confession_n and_o declaration_n have_v no_o other_o design_n aim_v or_o end_n but_o thereby_o to_o testify_v not_o what_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v but_o what_o they_o themselves_o believe_v and_o that_o these_o symbol_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v even_o instead_o of_o watch-tower_n to_o declare_v &_o show_v to_o the_o unwary_a and_o imprudent_a the_o shelf_n and_o quick_v of_o error_n that_o be_v hurtful_a to_o piety_n and_o salvation_n or_o also_o to_o serve_v against_o calumniator_n for_o apology_n whereby_o every_o one_o may_v understand_v how_o far_o they_o be_v from_o those_o error_n blasphemy_n and_o crime_n which_o through_o calumny_n be_v by_o man_n ill-imployed_n fasten_v upon_o they_o and_o certain_o if_o all_o declaration_n and_o confession_n have_v at_o all_o time_n keep_v within_o these_o bound_n they_o have_v not_o indeed_o at_o any_o time_n obtain_v any_o dictator-like_a dignity_n or_o authority_n much_o less_o great_a than_o or_o equal_a to_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o church_n wherefore_o that_o the_o church_n may_v in_o the_o first_o place_n always_o hold_v this_o firm_a &_o unalterable_a we_o be_v to_o endeavour_v again_o and_o again_o and_o
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 â—â—_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 â—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
of_o the_o flesh._n which_o very_a thing_n themselves_o because_o they_o war_n against_o solid_a piety_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v serious_o to_o be_v deny_v by_o a_o man_n that_o be_v true_o pious_a 6._o a_o immoderate_a love_n of_o riches_n be_v 5._o covetousness_n or_o a_o desire_n of_o have_v more_o covetuousness_n or_o a_o love_n of_o money_n now_o he_o deny_v this_o who_o do_v not_o sollicitous_o &_o eager_o desire_v more_o money_n wealth_n or_o possession_n if_o haply_o he_o have_v they_o not_o than_o be_v necessary_a for_o he_o and_o he_o be_v indeed_o always_o content_a only_o with_o food_n and_o raiment_n to_o clothe_v or_o cover_v he_o and_o 9_o when_o through_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n they_o flow_v in_o upon_o he_o or_o increase_n he_o do_v not_o hold_v they_o so_o fast_o and_o possess_v they_o so_o greedy_o but_o that_o he_o will_v willing_o whatsoever_o abound_v unto_o he_o over_o and_o above_o than_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o support_n of_o himself_o and_o he_o impart_v and_o distribute_v of_o the_o same_o unto_o other_o if_o indeed_o need_v so_o require_v yea_o indeed_o unto_o 10._o all_o who_o be_v in_o want_n but_o especial_o to_o the_o brethren_n and_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n and_o when_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o his_o permission_n they_o be_v violent_o take_v from_o he_o or_o by_o any_o cross_a chance_n do_v decay_n he_o be_v not_o so_o grieve_v and_o make_v sad_a as_o if_o he_o have_v lose_v any_o true_a and_o chief_a good_a but_o rely_v upon_o god_n and_o his_o fatherly_a bounty_n 22._o whether_o he_o have_v or_o want_v these_o riches_n he_o have_v a_o continual_a and_o diligent_a regard_n of_o his_o duty_n last_o who_o do_v so_o get_v possess_v and_o lose_v the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n as_o if_o etc._n he_o get_v possess_v and_o lose_v they_o not_o 7._o a_o immoderate_a love_n of_o honour_n ambition_n or_o pride_n be_v ambition_n and_o 6._o arrogancy_n now_o he_o who_o deny_v this_o who_o do_v not_o earnest_o seek_v after_o honour_n high_a place_n above_o other_o dignity_n and_o the_o applause_n of_o people_n and_o if_o happy_o he_o get_v they_o he_o be_v not_o so_o delight_v in_o they_o as_o if_o there_o do_v any_o true_a and_o solid_a happiness_n consist_v in_o they_o and_o 43._o therefore_o who_o do_v neither_o himself_n for_o any_o cause_n in_o the_o least_o whatsoever_o in_o speech_n countenance_n gesture_n gate_n or_o go_v habit_n etc._n etc._n lift_v up_o and_o advance_v himself_o above_o other_o and_o if_o he_o be_v extol_v by_o other_o he_o do_v not_o delight_v therein_o as_o in_o any_o true_a and_o stable_a good_a but_o always_o call_v to_o mind_v etc._n the_o divine_a grace_n and_o his_o own_o vileness_n and_o unworthiness_n before_o god_n and_o christian_a humility_n in_o every_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n so_o that_o he_o do_v not_o grudge_n or_o think_v much_o to_o show_v himself_o modest_a mild_a 8._o affable_a and_o courteous_a yea_o and_o demiss_a or_o humble_a too_o in_o all_o place_n and_o towards_o all_o except_o sometime_o that_o magistrate_n must_v have_v a_o due_a regard_n of_o the_o public_a majesty_n and_o their_o own_o authority_n and_o therefore_o in_o gesture_n and_o word_n and_o in_o 9_o apparel_n diet_n house_n and_o household_n furniture_n do_v observe_v a_o moderation_n with_o decorum_n to_o wit_n so_o that_o he_o do_v neither_o unadvised_o render_v himself_o contemptible_a through_o a_o affect_a sordidness_n nor_o greedy_o catch_v after_o vain_a glory_n by_o a_o excessive_a proud_a or_o disdainful_a splendour_n last_o so_o that_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n or_o place_n show_v such_o a_o habit_n or_o attire_n of_o body_n as_o become_v true_a and_o serious_a holiness_n and_o always_o 10._o clothe_v himself_o with_o that_o affection_n which_o will_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o follow_v jesus_n christ_n when_o he_o wash_v his_o disciple_n foot_n 8._o a_o immoderate_a love_n of_o pleasure_n be_v pleasure_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n 1â—_n he_o deny_v it_o who_o do_v not_o at_o all_o endeavour_n the_o delight_v or_o please_v of_o his_o outward_a sense_n whereby_o the_o flesh_n enjoy_v its_o peculiar_a pleasure_n and_o therefore_o p._n who_o do_v not_o feed_v his_o eye_n with_o the_o sight_n or_o behold_v of_o thing_n vain_a or_o unlawful_a for_o pious_a man_n and_o altogether_o unprofitable_a nor_o please_v his_o ear_n with_o obscene_a uncivil_a and_o foolish_a jest_n and_o neither_o utter_v himself_o lascivious_a quip_n or_o scoff_v or_o scurrilousand_n 4._o wanton_a verse_n or_o song_n 8._o nor_o hear_v they_o but_o sore_o against_o his_o will_n who_o also_o study_v sobriety_n and_o temperance_n and_o take_v no_o operose_fw-la or_o toilsome_a care_n for_o his_o palate_n or_o belly_n who_o in_o meat_n and_o drink_n seek_v not_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v 13._o superfluous_a costly_a and_o splendid_a nor_o do_v overcharge_v his_o heart_n therewith_o so_o as_o to_o render_v himself_o unapt_a or_o unfit_a for_o the_o right_n and_o due_a discharge_n of_o his_o call_n moreover_o who_o seek_v to_o possess_v his_o etc._n vessel_n in_o honour_n and_o always_o and_o every_o where_o observe_v that_o true_a chastity_n as_o it_o be_v prescribe_v by_o christ_n and_o careful_o shun_v all_o occasion_n and_o incentives_n to_o lust_n 19_o to_o wit_n drunkenness_n luxury_n rioting_n and_o banquet_n etc._n idleness_n and_o all_o vanity_n in_o word_n and_o gesture_n and_o behaviour_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a do_v serious_o ply_v and_o delight_v in_o all_o meet_a help_n for_o the_o cherish_n of_o continency_n and_o chastity_n to_o wit_n in_o 5._o watch_n study_n 11._o pious_a conference_n 12._o and_o holy_a and_o honest_a conversation_n or_o company_n last_o who_o do_v in_o particular_a manner_n commend_v unto_o himself_o 23._o fast_v for_o the_o better_a subdue_a of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o great_a exciting_a and_o stir_v up_o of_o the_o spirit_n especial_o in_o time_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o affliction_n or_o any_o public_a or_o private_a calamity_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o so_o high_o prize_v the_o rest_n or_o quiet_a nor_o the_o advantage_n nor_o sweetness_n of_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n which_o may_v incur_v or_o enter_v into_o the_o outward_a sense_n but_o that_o he_o have_v rather_o want_v and_o be_v without_o all_o those_o thing_n than_o recede_v from_o the_o command_n of_o jesus_n christ_n so_o much_o as_o a_o nail_n breadth_n 9_o whosoever_o be_v thus_o mind_v and_o dispose_v he_o will_v at_o length_n right_o imitate_v cross._n christ_n and_o to_o he_o in_o particular_a it_o will_v not_o be_v grievious_a patient_o and_o quiet_o to_o take_v up_o and_o bear_v 24._o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v through_o 8._o ignominy_n reproach_n 36._o spoil_v of_o good_n want_v hâ—nger_n nakedness_n yea_o through_o prison_n etc._n fire_n wheel_n cross_n and_o sword_n etc._n etc._n after_o the_o example_n of_o his_o 2._o captain_n and_o lord_n as_o oft_o as_o need_v shall_v require_v and_o it_o shall_v seem_v good_a 18._o unto_o god_n in_o this_o way_n with_o violence_n to_o press_v towards_o eternal_a and_o immortal_a glory_n and_o unto_o a_o stable_a both_o rest_n and_o happiness_n for_o the_o pious_a meditation_n of_o this_o very_a thing_n have_v add_v so_o great_a courage_n and_o so_o mighty_a resolution_n or_o spirit_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n and_o other_o 14._o holy_a man_n of_o god_n of_o old_a time_n and_o also_o in_o our_o own_o age_n to_o faithful_a martyr_n of_o jesus_n christ_n not_o a_o few_o that_o they_o have_v go_v very_o often_o rejoice_v and_o cheerful_a to_o their_o torment_n although_o never_o so_o most_o cruel_a and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o fire_n and_o flame_n have_v bless_v god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n his_o son_n with_o singing_z and_o hymn_n etc._n yea_o yet_o further_o have_v glory_v in_o their_o very_a affliction_n and_o suffering_n and_o that_o under_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o they_o be_v account_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v those_o evil_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o seal_v his_o truth_n and_o to_o illustrate_v and_o set_v forth_o his_o glory_n with_o their_o blood_n chap._n xiiii_o of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o in_o particular_a of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n 1._o but_o because_o the_o whole_a life_n of_o believer_n as_o we_o have_v say_v a_o little_a prayer_n before_o and_o especial_o their_o obedience_n of_o faith_n which_o they_o constant_o perform_v or_o yield_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n be_v daily_o expose_v unto_o divers_a danger_n temptation_n and_o assault_v of_o satan_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o world_n and_o obnoxious_a and_o liable_a to_o many_o want_n and_o necessity_n lest_o therefore_o in_o so_o difficult_a a_o conflict_n they_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
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 â—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