doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o discipline_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v examine_v by_o ordinary_a ministerial_a knowledge_n may_v by_o common_a consent_n be_v explain_v and_o decide_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o agreement_n also_o about_o the_o proper_a form_n of_o speak_v and_o proceed_v agreeable_a to_o the_o phrase_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v what_o those_o church_n hold_v which_o set_v forth_o those_o confession_n and_o canon_n and_o what_o they_o judge_v out_o of_o scripture_n that_o all_o those_o orthodox_n with_o who_o they_o will_v keep_v communion_n shall_v hold_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o restraint_n of_o licentiousness_n in_o invent_v new_a opinion_n and_o order_n to_o distract_v and_o trouble_v the_o church_n and_o last_o that_o there_o may_v remain_v a_o testimony_n to_o posterity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o their_o ancestor_n that_o vicious_a or_o unnecessary_a and_o unprofitable_a innovation_n may_v be_v avoid_v and_o the_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n the_o concord_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n the_o better_o preserve_v they_o be_v useful_a therefore_o for_o the_o understanding_n divine_a scripture_n as_o handmaid_n with_o due_a subjection_n without_o any_o absolute_o necessary_a prescription_n of_o use_v they_o so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o agreement_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o true_a sense_n but_o be_v impediment_n and_o hindrance_n to_o those_o only_a who_o with_o licentiousness_n rather_o than_o liberty_n endeavour_v to_o overthrow_v and_o fear_v not_o to_o call_v in_o question_n those_o principle_n which_o be_v as_o the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o christian_a discipline_n and_o who_o assume_v to_o themselves_o a_o power_n to_o think_v and_o even_o to_o speak_v what_o they_o listen_v which_o the_o scripture_n do_v every_o where_n reject_v as_o be_v far_o from_o christian_a modesty_n 4._o we_o attribute_v therefore_o to_o these_o form_n only_o a_o hypotheticall_a necessity_n for_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o necessary_a occasion_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o writing_n arise_v only_o from_o the_o reformation_n of_o church_n heretic_n and_o erroneous_a person_n contention_n or_o sophistication_n fraudulent_a expression_n and_o interpretation_n or_o the_o adversary_n calumny_n or_o the_o necessity_n of_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a or_o the_o testification_n of_o a_o consent_n with_o other_o church_n both_o ancient_a and_o present_a or_o a_o necessary_a declare_v the_o union_n of_o concord_n and_o consent_n 5._o therefore_o these_o form_n of_o faith_n and_o discipline_n be_v to_o be_v compose_v by_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n out_o of_o all_o place_n of_o scripture_n compare_v and_o can_v be_v prescribe_v to_o church_n but_o by_o college_n of_o prophet_n to_o who_o ecclesiastical_a power_n of_o government_n be_v commit_v hence_o the_o meeting_n of_o apostle_n and_o elder_n do_v by_o common_a consent_n compose_v explication_n out_o of_o scripture_n of_o opinion_n in_o controversy_n act._n 15._o and_o set_v out_o a_o epistle_n wherein_o by_o a_o form_n of_o confession_n concern_v the_o question_n in_o controversy_n it_o be_v decide_v and_o a_o canon_n prescribe_v to_o other_o church_n 6._o we_o consider_v these_o form_n either_o as_o touch_v the_o matter_n of_o they_o which_o be_v divine_a be_v deduce_v from_o scripture_n which_o we_o make_v use_v of_o as_o indices_fw-la in_o explain_v and_o determine_v dubious_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o controversy_n for_o be_v search_v out_o by_o so_o great_a diligence_n of_o godly_a teacher_n and_o approve_v by_o their_o consent_n and_o receive_v by_o those_o church_n wherein_o we_o live_v we_o can_v see_v that_o there_o be_v too_o much_o attribute_v to_o these_o form_n be_v examine_v and_o try_v by_o scripture_n if_o they_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o indices_fw-la of_o some_o controvert_v doctrine_n or_o sense_n of_o scripture_n of_o which_o the_o meditation_n even_o of_o a_o private_a christian_a much_o more_o of_o a_o numerous_a company_n of_o prophet_n may_v be_v a_o index_n or_o they_o be_v consider_v formal_o as_o they_o be_v synodical_a determination_n due_o conclude_v confirm_v with_o ecclesiaasticall_a authority_n carry_v in_o they_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o prophet_n as_o a_o badge_n of_o ecclesiastical_a union_n and_o communion_n and_o thus_o we_o make_v use_v of_o they_o as_o ecclesiastical_a judge_n in_o decide_v and_o explain_v ecclesiastical_a controversy_n in_o preserve_v the_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o when_o we_o consider_v they_o joint_o we_o attribute_v to_o they_o this_o authority_n which_o we_o propose_v in_o vrsin_n word_n their_o authority_n say_v he_o be_v show_v in_o that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o one_o to_o recede_v from_o those_o doctrine_n which_o they_o recite_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o be_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v innovaâ—â—â—_n in_o form_n of_o exposition_n or_o speech_n without_o just_a and_o necessary_a cause_n yea_o and_o if_o they_o either_o have_v indeed_o or_o seem_v to_o have_v any_o thing_n blame-worthy_a nothing_o yet_o be_v to_o be_v attempt_v in_o a_o rash_a disorderly_a and_o turbulent_a manner_n nothing_o to_o be_v spread_v abroad_o to_o the_o contrary_a without_o a_o previous_a communicate_v of_o opinion_n with_o such_o as_o be_v teacher_n and_o other_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o doctrine_n and_o the_o common_a knowledge_n and_o consent_n of_o those_o church_n wherein_o those_o form_n of_o confession_n be_v receive_v and_o approve_v though_o therefore_o the_o authority_n and_o power_n of_o synod_n which_o prescribe_v those_o form_n be_v not_o of_o itself_o infallible_a nor_o institute_v by_o god_n to_o be_v the_o supreme_a and_o infallible_a rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o therefore_o can_v by_o itself_o and_o its_o own_o authority_n oblige_v believer_n to_o believe_v that_o which_o be_v determine_v in_o those_o form_n yet_o we_o acknowledge_v in_o synod_n which_o constitute_v those_o form_n the_o supreme_a power_n of_o ecclesiastical_a judge_n and_o determine_v controversy_n give_v by_o god_n for_o avoid_v confusion_n and_o rend_n of_o church_n whereby_o they_o may_v inflict_v ecclesiastical_a censure_n on_o such_o as_o open_o oppose_v their_o decree_n hence_o have_v those_o form_n a_o excellent_a force_n and_o efficacy_n to_o beget_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o true_a doctrine_n therein_o contain_v for_o as_o the_o learned_a camero_n well_o note_v tom_n 1._o prelect_v de_fw-fr ecclesia_fw-la in_o that_o discourse_n concern_v the_o infallability_n of_o the_o church_n so_o often_o as_o any_o thing_n be_v decree_v by_o a_o assembly_n of_o those_o who_o be_v place_v in_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n it_o make_v that_o this_o be_v not_o rash_o and_o without_o accurate_a and_o grave_a observation_n to_o be_v reject_v for_o a_o synod_n have_v a_o peculiar_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o so_o a_o great_a than_o that_o which_o belong_v to_o teacher_n judge_v single_o and_o apart_o they_o have_v also_o more_o certain_a mean_n of_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n to_o wit_n the_o prayer_n and_o fast_n &_o disputation_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o principal_a pastor_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n they_o have_v also_o a_o better_a course_n to_o know_v what_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n concern_v a_o controversy_n raise_v and_o what_o course_n the_o church_n observe_v therein_o so_o that_o they_o who_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o form_n constitute_v in_o a_o synod_n or_o upon_o light_n and_o probable_a reason_n judge_v they_o to_o be_v false_a and_o so_o do_v not_o certain_o know_v they_o so_o to_o be_v be_v bind_v so_o far_o to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o form_n decree_v as_o may_v be_v agreeable_a to_o order_n and_o decency_n in_o that_o case_n which_o obedience_n be_v a_o observance_n of_o christian_a humility_n and_o modesty_n whereby_o the_o faithful_a in_o such_o case_n abstain_v from_o public_a or_o open_a profession_n of_o their_o opinion_n and_o condemnation_n or_o confutation_n of_o the_o opinion_n determine_v in_o those_o form_n and_o this_o evident_a because_o for_o give_v obedience_n to_o the_o decree_n of_o church_n we_o have_v the_o certain_a and_o manifest_a authority_n of_o god_n command_v to_o obey_v they_o heb._n 13._o 17._o but_o for_o oppose_v they_o we_o have_v only_o uncertain_a and_o probable_a conjecture_n and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o common_a rule_n be_v to_o be_v follow_v hold_v that_o which_o be_v certain_a and_o leave_v that_o which_o be_v uncertain_a again_o to_o oppose_v open_o the_o form_n of_o church_n upon_o argument_n but_o probable_a and_o less_o evident_a give_v a_o unbridled_a and_o endless_a licence_n of_o contradict_v any_o ecclesiastical_a decree_n whatever_o yea_o when_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n of_o falsehood_n prescribe_v in_o those_o form_n of_o church_n
and_o that_o golden_a rule_n be_v to_o be_v follow_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n yet_o a_o pious_a son_n of_o the_o church_n will_v not_o rude_o insult_v on_o they_o but_o with_o a_o reverential_a bashfulness_n avoid_v they_o as_o waldensis_n elsewhere_o speak_v but_o when_o form_n be_v compose_v and_o establish_v by_o synod_n call_v authority_n for_o the_o promote_a and_o decide_v of_o truth_n the_o establish_v integrity_n and_o order_n in_o church_n government_n they_o have_v then_o ecclesiastical_a and_o definitive_a authority_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v impose_v on_o particular_a church_n in_o doctrinal_a cause_n and_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 32_o and_o all_o the_o son_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n matth._n 18._o 17_o 18._o we_o hold_v therefore_o that_o to_o church_n congregat_v in_o synod_n there_o belong_v power_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v be_v ecclesiastical_a authority_n prescribe_v and_o impose_v form_n both_o of_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o ecclesiastical_a government_n which_o particular_a church_n and_o their_o governor_n and_o private_a member_n be_v bind_v to_o confess_v and_o receive_v under_o pain_n of_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n this_o assertion_n be_v prove_v 1._o because_o the_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n by_o a_o ordinary_a power_n ecclesiastical_a do_v prescribe_v and_o impose_v such_o a_o form_n to_o other_o church_n in_o a_o question_n in_o controversy_n act_v 15._o 22_o 29._o and_o 16._o 4._o 2._o because_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o church_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o believe_v with_o the_o certainty_n of_o divine_a fiath_n and_o undoubted_a conscience_n these_o may_v synod_n also_o enjoin_v by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n to_o particular_a church_n for_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n their_o power_n extend_v to_o require_v of_o other_o obedience_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o may_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n with_o spiritual_a power_n bring_v under_o those_o that_o be_v obstinate_a and_o who_o stubborne_o oppose_v themselves_o against_o the_o decree_n and_o constitution_n of_o those_o that_o be_v to_o govern_v the_o church_n they_o may_v therefore_o by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n impose_v on_o other_o form_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o obedience_n to_o the_o faith_n draw_v up_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n 3._o church_n have_v ecclesiastical_a power_n to_o prescribe_v just_a and_o approve_a mean_n for_o preserve_v the_o purity_n of_o true_a doctrine_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o union_n of_o church_n and_o for_o overthrow_v the_o wicked_a counsel_n and_o endeavour_n of_o heretic_n and_o disturber_n 2_o cor._n 10._o 4_o 5_o 6._o and_o 13._o 10._o gal._n 5._o 12._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 21._o but_o form_n of_o service_n and_o confession_n determine_v concern_v question_n in_o controversy_n be_v approve_v and_o just_a mean_n for_o preserve_v the_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o church_n that_o they_o be_v not_o endanger_v by_o distraction_n and_o the_o poison_n of_o error_n act._n 15._o 23_o 24._o etc._n etc._n they_o may_v therefore_o be_v impose_v on_o particular_a church_n by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n according_o in_o the_o ancient_a synod_n of_o church_n such_o symbol_n ecclesiastical_a canon_n confession_n and_o declaration_n of_o faith_n be_v set_v forth_o that_o they_o may_v thereby_o testify_v not_o only_o what_o themselves_o do_v believe_v but_o also_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v believe_v by_o other_o with_o who_o they_o will_v hold_v their_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n as_o all_o the_o act_n of_o synod_n do_v testify_v in_o which_o where_o they_o speak_v concern_v doctrine_n of_o faith_n they_o do_v by_o paul_n example_n anathematise_v those_o who_o think_v or_o teach_v otherwise_o whence_o also_o be_v that_o preface_n of_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n whosoever_o will_v be_v save_v before_o all_o thing_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o believe_v etc._n etc._n and_o calvin_n right_o epist_n 87._o to_o the_o protector_n of_o england_n it_o be_v requisite_a to_o provide_v against_o petulant_a wit_n who_o assume_v to_o themselves_o too_o great_a a_o licence_n and_o the_o gate_n be_v also_o to_o be_v shut_v against_o curious_a doctrine_n and_o the_o ready_a course_n for_o this_o purpose_n be_v one_o to_o wit_n that_o there_o be_v a_o sum_n of_o doctrine_n extant_a to_o be_v receive_v by_o all_o and_o this_o in_o preach_v to_o be_v follow_v by_o all_o and_o to_o the_o observance_n thereof_o all_o bishop_n and_o minister_n to_o be_v bind_v by_o oath_n so_o as_o none_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o ecclesiastical_a function_n but_o who_o promise_v to_o retain_v that_o consent_n of_o doctrine_n inviolate_a that_o there_o be_v also_o a_o common_a form_n of_o catechism_n for_o the_o use_n of_o child_n and_o ignorant_a people_n thus_o will_v the_o truth_n be_v make_v familiar_a to_o they_o and_o withal_o they_o will_v learn_v to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o imposture_n and_o corruption_n which_o be_v apt_a by_o degree_n to_o creep_v upon_o the_o slothful_a for_o this_o you_o must_v be_v certain_o resolve_v of_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n can_v want_v catechise_v for_o that_o therein_o the_o true_a seed_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n be_v contain_v from_o whence_o a_o pure_a and_o good_a harvest_n be_v afterward_o to_o arise_v and_o so_o to_o be_v multiply_v more_o and_o more_o etc._n etc._n nor_o yet_o do_v the_o benefit_n of_o a_o catechism_n consist_v only_o in_o the_o instruction_n of_o child_n for_o there_o be_v withal_o this_o other_o benefit_n that_o both_o the_o people_n be_v thereby_o instruct_v will_v be_v better_a able_a to_o profit_v in_o the_o ordinary_a hear_n of_o the_o word_n and_o also_o if_o any_o one_o be_v puff_v up_o will_v bring_v in_o some_o new_a opinion_n be_v call_v to_o examination_n by_o the_o catechism_n he_o will_v straight_o be_v discover_v thus_o calvin_n and_o thus_o also_o in_o our_o belgic_a church_n be_v that_o authority_n apply_v to_o our_o form_n of_o harmony_n to_o wit_n the_o confession_n the_o catechism_n and_o ecclesiastical_a order_n decree_v and_o confirm_v in_o synod_n that_o the_o profession_n the_o doctrine_n and_o observation_n thereof_o be_v by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n enjoin_v to_o all_o who_o will_v enjoy_v the_o dignity_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ministry_n and_o who_o live_v in_o the_o holy_a union_n of_o our_o church_n see_v the_o syne_v at_o embden_n anno_fw-la 1571._o art_n 2._o at_o dort_n anno_fw-la 1574._o art_n 2._o &_o anno_fw-la 1578._o art_n 8._o etc._n etc._n we_o reject_v therefore_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o grant_v it_o indeed_o lawful_a for_o a_o private_a person_n or_o even_o for_o a_o particular_a church_n yea_o and_o for_o all_o the_o church_n of_o a_o kingdom_n to_o make_v confession_n and_o form_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n but_o hold_v it_o unlawful_a and_o unprofitable_a to_o prescribe_v they_o either_o by_o ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a authority_n as_o bind_v rule_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v constrain_v to_o observe_v they_o in_o faith_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o now_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v retain_v with_o that_o firm_a faith_n and_o unmoved_a constancy_n and_o certainty_n of_o mind_n as_o that_o for_o the_o profession_n thereof_o all_o believer_n shall_v not_o doubt_v to_o shed_v their_o blood_n and_o suffer_v martyrdom_n and_o the_o church_n with_o the_o certainty_n of_o divine_a faith_n judge_v that_o so_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v those_o thing_n sure_o they_o may_v by_o ecclesiastical_a and_o spiritual_a authority_n prescribe_v to_o other_o and_o constrain_v man_n to_o observance_n thereof_o in_o faith_n and_o practice_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n but_o for_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o pure_a faith_n and_o of_o the_o spiritual_a government_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n all_o who_o be_v faithful_a son_n of_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o shed_v their_o blood_n see_v rev._n 2._o 13._o act._n 7._o 57_o 58._o luk._n 21._o 15_o 16._o therefore_o canon_n and_o rule_n of_o this_o profession_n prescribe_v out_o of_o the_o undoubted_a word_n of_o god_n may_v be_v ecclesiastical_a authority_n be_v impose_v on_o the_o church_n of_o god_n by_o those_o who_o be_v by_o office_n to_o watch_v over_o the_o purity_n of_o faith_n and_o integrity_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n yea_o and_o we_o may_v bind_v our_o soul_n by_o oath_n to_o preserve_v and_o profess_v the_o save_a truth_n of_o god_n in_o faith_n and_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n that_o we_o fall_v not_o away_o from_o the_o holy_a profession_n and_o exercise_n thereof_o see_v psal_n 119._o 106._o nehem._n 9_o 38._o and_o if_o we_o may_v lawful_o
profession_n do_v constitute_v a_o church_n visible_a which_o in_o reality_n and_o its_o internal_a nature_n constitute_v the_o church_n mystical_a that_o be_v faith_n medulla_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 32._o thes_n 7._o 3._o that_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a institute_v church_n but_o that_o which_o be_v meet_v together_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n for_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o the_o office_n and_o spiritual_a gift_n in_o a_o constitute_v church_n but_o christ_n speak_v of_o a_o church_n mat._n 18._o 17._o meet_v together_o not_o for_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n but_o only_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n discipline_n so_o likewise_o be_v that_o meeting_n call_v a_o church_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o by_o way_n of_o sermon_n preach_v the_o word_n nor_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n but_o only_o tell_v what_o god_n have_v do_v among_o the_o gentile_n act._n 14._o 27._o &_o 15._o 4._o or_o choose_v some_o to_o carry_v their_o decree_n to_o other_o act._n 15._o 22._o which_o be_v act_n of_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n and_o therefore_o that_o meeting_n which_o meet_v only_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n and_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n be_v also_o a_o church_n and_o so_o call_v in_o scripture_n chap._n four_o of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n question_n whether_o the_o ecclesiastical_a power_n or_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o multitude_n or_o all_o the_o member_n of_o a_o church_n as_o the_o first_o and_o immediate_a subject_n so_o as_o believer_n not_o bear_v any_o church_n office_n may_v by_o themselves_o immediate_o exercise_v all_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n discipline_n and_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a save_v only_o the_o sacrament_n and_o consequent_o whether_o private_a christian_n be_v church_n member_n have_v such_o a_o ecclesiastical_a power_n as_o that_o they_o may_v authoritative_o admit_v church_n member_n to_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n reprove_v by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n such_o as_o commit_v offence_n bound_v by_o excommunication_n and_o church_n censure_n absolve_v from_o excommunication_n and_o authoritative_o remit_v sin_n whether_o to_o they_o also_o belong_v the_o confer_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n on_o the_o minister_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o power_n which_o give_v to_o the_o minister_n a_o ecclesiastical_a office_n and_o consequent_o the_o examination_n of_o pastor_n the_o send_n unto_o and_o confirm_v they_o in_o that_o church_n office_n by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o again_o authoritative_a suspending_a and_o remove_v pastor_n from_o that_o function_n answer_n the_o reform_a divine_n teach_v that_o none_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v his_o kingdom_n may_v arrogate_v any_o power_n to_o himself_o but_o from_o a_o divine_a calling_n and_o delegation_n from_o christ_n for_o whereas_o those_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n be_v administer_v in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o with_o his_o power_n none_o may_v perform_v they_o but_o he_o to_o who_o they_o be_v commit_v by_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 1._o and_o 5._o 4._o 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o and_o when_o as_o christ_n have_v vouchsafe_v this_o call_n and_o delegation_n to_o administer_v those_o holy_a function_n not_o to_o all_o in_o the_o church_n but_o to_o some_o only_a 1_o cor._n 12._o 28_o 29._o rom._n 12._o 4_o 5_o 6._o they_o therefore_o deny_v that_o this_o power_n belong_v to_o all_o they_o allow_v indeed_o to_o all_o believer_n and_o godly_a member_n in_o the_o church_n visible_a a_o spiritual_a dignity_n and_o authority_n of_o grace_n whereby_o they_o be_v king_n and_o priest_n to_o god_n for_o divine_a grace_n have_v a_o heavenly_a authority_n and_o majesty_n accompany_v it_o but_o deny_v that_o authority_n of_o office_n and_o ecclesiastical_a power_n or_o jurisdiction_n belong_v to_o they_o all_o we_o grant_v in_o this_o controversy_n 1._o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o of_o all_o believer_n for_o their_o spiritual_a edification_n ephes_n 4._o 11_o 12._o 2._o that_o to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n belong_v power_n to_o choose_v their_o minister_n and_o pastor_n either_o by_o suffrage_n or_o by_o free_a consent_n for_o this_o power_n be_v find_v ground_v on_o rule_n of_o holy_a scripture_n act._n 1._o 23._o and_o 6._o 2_o 3_o 4._o &_o 14._o 22._o but_o by_o this_o election_n the_o believer_n do_v not_o confer_v or_o derive_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n on_o the_o minister_n or_o pastor_n choose_v but_o only_o design_v he_o on_o who_o the_o power_n of_o that_o church_n office_n be_v by_o divine_a institution_n to_o be_v confer_v by_o ecclesiastical_a ordination_n the_o whole_a derivation_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o spiritual_a power_n on_o minister_n so_o far_o as_o it_o can_v be_v ministerial_o secondary_o and_o subordinate_o perform_v by_o the_o church_n be_v by_o the_o whole_a ecclesiastical_a vocation_n but_o by_o election_n be_v only_o the_o designation_n of_o the_o person_n on_o who_o that_o power_n be_v to_o be_v confer_v and_o by_o ordination_n he_o be_v authoritative_o send_v and_o put_v into_o possession_n of_o that_o function_n to_o which_o he_o be_v by_o election_n design_v to_o be_v ordain_v ordination_n therefore_o be_v a_o act_n of_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n as_o the_o bishop_n of_o spalleto_n right_o discourse_v de_fw-fr repub_fw-la eccle_n lib._n 2._o cap._n 3._o num_fw-la 54._o but_o the_o act_n of_o election_n or_o nomination_n be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o jurisdiction_n or_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n but_o of_o the_o gift_n of_o discretion_n whereby_o they_o prove_v the_o spirit_n and_o discern_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o shepherd_n and_o choose_v he_o by_o who_o teach_v they_o will_v be_v lead_v for_o the_o better_a clear_n of_o this_o business_n when_o we_o consider_v of_o a_o pastor_n call_v entire_o and_o absolute_o and_o not_o in_o reference_n to_o some_o part_n of_o it_o by_o it_o be_v the_o whole_a derivation_n of_o ecclesiastical_a right_n on_o this_o or_o that_o person_n perform_v and_o thus_o it_o comprehend_v election_n and_o ordination_n election_n have_v three_o part_n examination_n approbation_n and_o nomination_n examination_n consist_v in_o the_o trial_n of_o his_o learning_n and_o gift_n and_o former_a conversation_n approbation_n lie_v in_o two_o thing_n judgement_n and_o assent_v judgement_n we_o call_v that_o sentence_n whereby_o the_o person_n examine_v be_v judge_v fit_a to_o undertake_v the_o ministry_n and_o may_v profitable_o perform_v it_o assent_n be_v of_o they_o who_o rest_v satisfy_v in_o this_o judgement_n nomination_n be_v when_o one_o by_o name_n be_v by_o common_a advise_v decern_v to_o be_v invite_v to_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o church_n ordination_n comprehend_v mission_n and_o admission_n mission_n or_o send_v be_v a_o authoritative_a act_n of_o the_o presbytery_n whereby_o the_o office_n be_v confer_v on_o the_o person_n elect_v and_o he_o send_v and_o commend_v to_o the_o church_n for_o which_o he_o have_v be_v design_v and_o put_v in_o possession_n of_o his_o ministry_n initiation_n or_o admission_n be_v the_o public_a administration_n of_o a_o outward_a rite_n whereby_o the_o person_n elect_v be_v establish_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o that_o church_n and_o be_v perform_v by_o explain_v the_o divine_a institution_n prayer_n and_o a_o solemn_a blessing_n the_o common_a symbol_n of_o this_o ordination_n be_v imposition_n of_o hand_n in_o this_o whole_a business_n therefore_o of_o vocation_n we_o grant_v to_o the_o people_n nomination_n which_o be_v at_o first_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o presbyter_n and_o people_n in_o common_a the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n mean_v while_o moderate_v the_o whole_a action_n for_o they_o be_v better_a able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o quality_n of_o their_o learning_n and_o gift_n be_v therefore_o to_o perform_v this_o charge_n that_o according_a to_o the_o canon_n they_o be_v not_o to_o follow_v the_o people_n but_o to_o lead_v they_o for_o the_o election_n be_v chief_o the_o act_n of_o minister_n the_o work_n of_o the_o faithful_a people_n to_o consent_v to_o that_o election_n distinct_a 63._o cap._n nosse_fw-la &_o cap._n cum_fw-la longè_fw-la for_o it_o be_v clear_a by_o apostolical_a example_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_n that_o the_o minister_n be_v first_o to_o nominate_v and_o the_o people_n to_o assent_v to_o that_o nomination_n due_o perform_v or_o to_o consult_v in_o common_a about_o the_o person_n to_o be_v nominate_v or_o last_o if_o they_o have_v any_o cause_n why_o they_o may_v just_o oppose_v that_o nomination_n free_o to_o produce_v their_o judgement_n to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n their_o consent_n they_o signify_v ancient_o as_o junius_n acknowledge_v disput_fw-la
and_o synod_n that_o they_o may_v so_o far_o as_o convenient_o can_v be_v make_v use_n of_o common_a consent_n and_o mutual_a assistance_n especial_o in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n but_o yet_o how_o much_o great_a and_o further_a space_n and_o remoteness_n of_o distance_n there_o be_v between_o particular_a church_n so_o much_o the_o less_o also_o be_v the_o visible_a communion_n of_o those_o church_n because_o the_o danger_n of_o scandal_n and_o infection_n and_o the_o opportunity_n of_o mutual_a edification_n be_v less_o or_o more_o according_a as_o the_o distinct_a distance_n of_o place_n be_v great_a or_o less_o wherefore_o there_o be_v a_o more_o strict_a visible_a ecclesiastical_a communion_n between_o the_o church_n of_o one_o province_n or_o nation_n then_o between_o the_o particular_a congregation_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a and_o consequent_o the_o jurisdiction_n and_o ecclesiastical_a government_n be_v also_o less_o visible_a between_o these_o then_o between_o the_o church_n of_o one_o nation_n this_o communion_n of_o church_n in_o government_n and_o church_n discipline_n be_v not_o only_o for_o the_o inform_v of_o church_n what_o be_v command_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o also_o for_o the_o govern_n of_o they_o by_o law_n and_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n for_o there_o be_v a_o authority_n and_o power_n of_o rule_n belong_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o church_n join_v in_o class_n and_o synod_n which_o to_o particular_a church_n single_o and_o several_o belong_v not_o to_o wit_n a_o power_n of_o make_v canon_n and_o law_n ecclesiastical_a which_o may_v bind_v all_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o one_o province_n or_o kingdom_n to_o obey_v they_o we_o grant_v in_o this_o controversy_n 1._o that_o the_o power_n of_o class_n and_o synod_n do_v not_o take_v away_o or_o hurt_v the_o power_n or_o liberty_n ecclesiastical_a of_o a_o particular_a church_n for_o it_o serve_v to_o direct_v preserve_v and_o promote_v the_o power_n of_o synod_n be_v not_o privative_a but_o cumulative_a and_o grant_v for_o this_o end_n that_o the_o power_n give_v to_o particular_a church_n may_v be_v more_o efficacious_a orderly_a regular_a able_a and_o apt_a for_o edify_v 2._o that_o there_o be_v a_o power_n belong_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n immediate_o grant_v from_o god_n not_o derive_v from_o class_n or_o synod_n as_o likewise_o there_o be_v belong_v to_o class_n and_o synod_n a_o power_n of_o their_o own_o immediate_o grant_v by_o god_n and_o not_o derive_v from_o the_o particular_a church_n for_o though_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o original_a or_o the_o rise_n and_o constitution_n of_o a_o synod_n particular_a church_n entire_a in_o themselves_o collateral_a one_o to_o another_o and_o equal_a in_o church_n power_n do_v in_o common_a contribute_v associate_n and_o exercise_v their_o church_n power_n and_o so_o make_v up_o a_o collective_a and_o combine_a body_n of_o a_o synod_n yet_o the_o synodical_a authority_n of_o itself_o be_v not_o grant_v to_o any_o other_o first_o subject_n from_o whence_o it_o shall_v be_v derive_v to_o the_o synod_n then_o to_o the_o synod_n itself_o to_o which_o alone_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o apostolical_a institution_n that_o power_n belong_v for_o no_o particular_a church_n single_o and_o several_o consider_v may_v exercise_v a_o synodical_a power_n over_o other_o church_n but_o we_o affirm_v 1._o that_o this_o union_n and_o communion_n of_o particular_a church_n in_o a_o government_n and_o discipline_n ecclesiastical_a in_o common_a which_o be_v exercise_v in_o synod_n and_o class_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n be_v propose_v to_o we_o to_o imitate_v 2._o that_o these_o synod_n and_o class_n have_v a_o power_n and_o authority_n synodall_n and_o classical_a whereby_o they_o do_v by_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n authoritative_o decern_v matter_n ecclesiastical_a and_o impose_v those_o decree_n under_o pain_n of_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n on_o particular_a church_n our_o opinion_n be_v prove_v by_o these_o follow_a argument_n 1._o in_o act._n 15._o we_o have_v in_o the_o apostle_n practise_v a_o express_a example_n of_o a_o synod_n hold_v at_o jerusalem_n about_o a_o question_n concern_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n in_o which_o synod_n that_o business_n which_o have_v wrought_v a_o disturbance_n in_o the_o particular_a church_n ver_fw-la 2_o 4_o 5_o 23._o be_v by_o the_o deputy_n of_o several_a church_n ver_fw-la 2_o 6_o 23._o act._n 21._o 17_o 18_o 25._o determine_v with_o power_n authoritative_a to_o bind_v particular_a church_n to_o obedience_n ver_fw-la 22_o 28._o chap._n 16._o 4._o &_o 21_o 25._o and_o the_o false_a doctrine_n of_o those_o who_o subvert_v the_o soul_n of_o their_o hearer_n be_v by_o a_o ecclesiastical_a judgement_n condemn_v with_o spiritual_a power_n ver_fw-la 28_o 29._o which_o thing_n be_v a_o act_n of_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n as_o appear_v revel_v 2._o 2_o 14_o 20._o and_o the_o determination_n of_o this_o ecclesiastical_a law_n be_v not_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a apostolic_a authority_n but_o by_o a_o ordinary_a authority_n ecclesiastical_a for_o it_o be_v do_v not_o by_o the_o apostle_n alone_o extraordinary_o act_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o by_o the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n join_v with_o the_o apostle_n act_v not_o by_o their_o apostololicall_a but_o by_o their_o ordinary_a pastoral_n authority_n with_o great_a discussion_n and_o disputation_n and_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o church_n which_o argue_v that_o the_o decree_n of_o this_o synod_n be_v not_o make_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a apostolical_a authority_n but_o by_o a_o ordinary_a ecclesiastical_a power_n 2._o our_o assertion_n be_v prove_v from_o christ_n institution_n mat._n 18._o 17_o 18._o where_o he_o do_v institute_v such_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n as_o may_v by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n make_v provision_n and_o prepare_v efficacious_a remedy_n against_o all_o scandal_n and_o offence_n if_o the_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n do_v give_v scandal_n to_o one_o another_o he_o bid_v that_o it_o be_v show_v to_o a_o superior_a ecclesiastical_a judge_n to_o wit_n the_o church_n representative_a which_o by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n do_v condemn_v and_o punish_v and_o remove_v from_o ecclesiastical_a and_o brotherly_a communion_n the_o person_n offend_v and_o therefore_o do_v likewise_o command_v that_o if_o particular_a church_n give_v offence_n to_o one_o another_o it_o shall_v be_v carry_v to_o a_o superior_a ecclesiastical_a judge_n which_o may_v by_o spiritual_a authority_n condemn_v punish_v and_o put_v from_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n the_o particular_a church_n offend_v for_o where_o the_o law_n make_v no_o distinction_n or_o restriction_n there_o must_v not_o we_o distinguish_v or_o restrain_v and_o certain_o the_o remedy_n institute_v in_o this_o place_n be_v ordain_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o remove_n out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n all_o scandal_n not_o only_o cause_v by_o particular_a member_n but_o also_o by_o whole_a church_n and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v a_o superior_a ecclesiastical_a assembly_n which_o may_v by_o authoritative_a ecclesiastical_a power_n judge_n of_o the_o scandal_n of_o particular_a church_n as_o well_o as_o a_o superior_a ecclesiastical_a judge_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v from_o this_o institution_n for_o judge_v the_o scandal_n of_o particular_a member_n for_o since_o that_o according_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o must_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v a_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n between_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o one_o province_n nation_n yea_o and_o of_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o be_v prove_v before_o which_o communion_n be_v not_o only_o fraternal_a but_o ecclesiastical_a whereby_o church_n as_o church_n or_o body_n ecclesiastical_a be_v join_v and_o unite_v in_o doctrine_n government_n worship_n discipline_n and_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n and_o see_v that_o in_o this_o holy_a communion_n scandal_n be_v commit_v which_o be_v unbeseeming_a those_o church_n and_o to_o be_v cast_v forth_o from_o that_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n therefore_o both_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o this_o divine_a law_n here_o institute_v by_o christ_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v a_o superior_a ecclesiastical_a senate_n furnish_v with_o spiritual_a and_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n which_o may_v remove_v those_o scandal_n hence_o parker_n himself_o de_fw-la politia_fw-la ecclesiast_fw-la lib._n 3._o cap._n 24._o ground_v the_o authority_n of_o synod_n on_o this_o place_n and_o the_o professor_n of_o leyden_n disput_fw-la 49._o thes_n 10._o discourse_n thus_o the_o institution_n of_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n and_o so_o also_o of_o a_o synod_n be_v not_o of_o humane_a but_o of_o divine_a right_n be_v found_v on_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n tell_v the_o church_n if_o he_o hear_v not_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n whosoever_o you_o bound_v on_o earth_n etc._n etc._n where_o
whole_a particular_a church_n or_o a_o church_n consistory_n christ_n in_o matth._n 18._o 17_o 18._o establish_v the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n in_o his_o church_n by_o divine_a institution_n do_v not_o restrain_v the_o exercise_n thereof_o to_o be_v apply_v only_o to_o a_o single_a brother_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n though_o he_o give_v the_o instance_n in_o such_o a_o one_o for_o he_o do_v institute_v that_o order_n in_o his_o kingdom_n whereby_o all_o scandal_n may_v be_v remove_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o cure_v by_o spiritual_a authority_n whether_o commit_v by_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o by_o a_o particular_a person_n or_o by_o whosoever_o and_o therefore_o if_o a_o particular_a sister_n church_n in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a society_n of_o many_o church_n do_v give_v a_o scandal_n to_o those_o other_o church_n they_o may_v by_o this_o institution_n of_o christ_n be_v bring_v into_o order_n by_o this_o spiritual_a power_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v clear_a even_o out_o of_o parker_n himself_o that_o the_o divine_a institution_n of_o class_n may_v be_v prove_v from_o christ_n institution_n in_o matt._n 18._o 17_o 18._o for_o lib._n 3._o cap._n 24._o de_fw-la politiâ_fw-la ecclesiasticâ_fw-la he_o thus_o argue_v from_o the_o proportion_n christ_n command_v that_o upon_o the_o despise_v one_o man_n admonition_n we_o shall_v proceed_v to_o admonition_n by_o two_o or_o three_o and_o if_o that_o be_v contemn_v to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o if_o that_o be_v despise_v to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o why_o not_o therefore_o from_o the_o despise_n of_o one_o whole_a church_n to_o more_o in_o a_o classis_fw-la and_o again_o from_o those_o more_o in_o a_o classis_fw-la to_o yet_o more_o in_o a_o synod_n and_o therefore_o also_o by_o this_o institution_n of_o christ_n not_o a_o particular_a church_n only_o but_o a_o classis_fw-la and_o synod_n also_o have_v power_n give_v of_o excommunicate_v such_o as_o commit_v scandal_n if_o by_o this_o institution_n of_o christ_n the_o nature_n and_o authority_n of_o class_n and_o synod_n may_v be_v conclude_v and_o according_o in_o those_o hard_a time_n of_o the_o belgic_a church_n when_o the_o church_n among_o we_o be_v infest_a by_o the_o trouble_n and_o error_n of_o the_o remonstrant_n whole_a presbytery_n of_o church_n be_v exauthorate_v by_o the_o power_n of_o class_n and_o synod_n we_o reject_v therefore_o the_o contrary_a assertion_n 1._o of_o those_o who_o hold_v the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n to_o be_v so_o appropriate_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n so_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v attribute_v to_o class_n and_o synod_n but_o we_o hold_v that_o a_o particular_a church_n by_o reason_n of_o that_o arct_a ecclesiastical_a communion_n which_o it_o hold_v with_o other_o neighbour_n church_n in_o the_o same_o classis_fw-la or_o synod_n whereby_o it_o make_v up_o one_o ecclesiastical_a corporation_n or_o body_n and_o one_o visible_a sacred_a society_n with_o the_o associate_n church_n have_v not_o a_o absolute_a and_o complete_a power_n to_o cut_v off_o and_o cast_v out_o a_o member_n from_o that_o particular_a church_n because_o that_o member_n have_v a_o near_a arct_a and_o visible_a union_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n associate_n among_o who_o he_o do_v daily_o converse_v and_o celebrate_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n so_o that_o he_o do_v occasion_n to_o they_o danger_n of_o scandal_n and_o infection_n and_o receive_v from_o they_o mean_n of_o edification_n wherefore_o without_o the_o judgement_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o associate_n church_n he_o may_v not_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o that_o brotherly_a and_o visible_a church_n communion_n by_o the_o decree_n of_o one_o particular_a church_n 2._o of_o those_o also_o who_o make_v the_o high_a power_n of_o synod_n and_o class_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n towards_o a_o particular_a church_n to_o consist_v in_o a_o deny_v or_o withdraw_v brotherly_a communion_n but_o this_o non-communion_n as_o it_o be_v call_v we_o conceive_v to_o be_v such_o a_o act_n as_o a_o brother_n may_v exercise_v towards_o a_o brother_n a_o particular_a church_n towards_o another_o particular_a church_n who_o yet_o can_v exercise_v any_o authority_n or_o censure_n of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n among_o themselves_o one_o over_o the_o other_o nor_o have_v it_o that_o efficacy_n by_o god_n ordinance_n to_o bind_v in_o heaven_n nor_o be_v it_o ordain_v by_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n for_o this_o end_n to_o save_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o teach_v from_o god_n such_o as_o be_v erroneous_a not_o to_o blaspheme_v which_o to_o the_o legitimate_a censure_n of_o excommunication_n do_v appertain_v matth._n 18._o 17_o 18_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 4._o 1_o tim._n 1._o 20._o in_o the_o correction_n of_o a_o sister_n church_n the_o same_o degree_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n matth._n 18._o 17_o 18._o which_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o correction_n of_o a_o brother_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o rest_v in_o the_o admonition_n of_o two_o or_o three_o church_n but_o by_o that_o order_n proceed_v to_o excommunication_n thereby_o to_o cast_v out_o from_o the_o holy_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n as_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n and_o to_o deliver_v to_o satan_n a_o obstinate_a offend_a church_n chap._n vii_o of_o set_a form_n question_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o church_n to_o prescribe_v to_o themselves_o constitute_v law_n and_o form_n and_o certain_a canon_n by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n wherein_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o thing_n necessary_o require_v by_o god_n for_o the_o government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n expound_v and_o determine_v and_o thing_n not_o necessary_o require_v be_v by_o ecclesiastical_a power_n prescribe_v according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o scripture_n from_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o holy_a prudence_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o order_n and_o decency_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o impose_v on_o particular_a church_n and_o church-governor_n as_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n answer_n we_o grant_v in_o this_o controversy_n 1._o that_o these_o form_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n for_o we_o know_v that_o the_o ancient_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n want_v such_o form_n when_o as_o be_v collect_v in_o one_o people_n they_o have_v express_v ritual_a law_n and_o the_o prophet_n frequent_a direction_n nor_o do_v the_o christian_a church_n want_v its_o be_v or_o well_o be_v before_o such_o time_n as_o the_o branch_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n gather_v out_o of_o several_a place_n of_o scripture_n be_v in_o a_o brief_a abstract_n join_v together_o in_o one_o 2._o we_o deny_v that_o these_o form_n or_o declaration_n of_o faith_n and_o church-government_n be_v to_o have_v that_o authority_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o authenticknesse_n attribute_v to_o they_o which_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v obtrude_v as_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o in_o the_o examination_n of_o doctrine_n and_o of_o church_n discipline_n judgement_n shall_v be_v make_v ex_fw-la formularum_fw-la terminis_fw-la as_o they_o speak_v by_o the_o letter_n of_o such_o form_n we_o approve_v not_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o nor_o will_v have_v their_o practice_n to_o be_v imitate_v of_o who_o our_o divine_n do_v heretofore_o just_o complain_v in_o that_o writing_n which_o zacharias_n vrsinus_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o university_n of_o neostad_n oppose_v to_o the_o bergenses_n concordistae_fw-la who_o will_v obtrude_v the_o word_n of_o the_o augustan_n confession_n and_o the_o writing_n of_o luther_n as_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o ecclesiastical_a proceed_n see_v chap._n 4._o of_o that_o book_n where_o much_o be_v say_v concern_v the_o use_n and_o abuse_v of_o confession_n 3._o we_o judge_v form_n of_o confession_n and_o canon_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n to_o be_v declaration_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o discipline_n badge_n and_o token_n of_o union_n and_o communion_n in_o the_o church_n collect_v in_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o godly_a learned_a and_o ratify_v by_o a_o unanimous_a consent_n after_o a_o diligent_a inquiry_n out_o of_o scripture_n wherein_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o divers_a place_n of_o scripture_n pertain_v to_o the_o sum_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o discipline_n gather_v as_o it_o be_v into_o a_o bundle_n be_v together_o and_o at_o once_o propose_v to_o a_o few_o eye_n and_o by_o the_o compare_v of_o all_o place_n wherein_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o article_n the_o wholesome_a truth_n in_o each_o one_o be_v express_v and_o explain_v that_o the_o controversy_n arise_v concern_v the_o
bind_v by_o oath_n our_o own_o soul_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o who_o live_v under_o our_o power_n to_o such_o a_o profession_n of_o save_a faith_n we_o may_v bind_v they_o also_o by_o law_n and_o canon_n to_o the_o same_o profession_n for_o of_o like_a thing_n there_o be_v like_a judgement_n question_n 2._o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o use_v in_o the_o church_n prescript_n form_n of_o prayer_n administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n &_o c_o or_o whether_o those_o church_n who_o use_v they_o be_v guilty_a of_o superstition_n and_o will-worship_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o hold_v ecclesiastical_a communion_n with_o those_o church_n where_o such_o form_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n be_v in_o use_n answer_n in_o this_o controversy_n we_o easy_o assent_v to_o what_o be_v write_v by_o ames_n upon_o this_o question_n in_o his_o case_n of_o conscience_n lib._n 4._o cap._n 17._o quaest_n 4._o and_o to_o what_o the_o professor_n of_o leyden_n have_v in_o their_o synopsis_n theologiae_n disput_fw-la 36._o thes_n 33_o 34._o and_o that_o we_o may_v handle_v the_o question_n distinct_o 1._o we_o reject_v such_o form_n of_o prayer_n of_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n which_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v vicious_a for_o we_o may_v not_o in_o prayer_n and_o other_o part_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n propound_v any_o thing_n unlawful_a impertinent_a and_o unfitting_a which_o savour_v of_o superstition_n idolatry_n or_o heresy_n or_o carnal_a profaneness_n and_o pomp_n of_o the_o world_n and_o which_o introduce_v a_o communion_n with_o the_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n we_o reject_v the_o ceremony_n and_o form_n of_o public_a worship_n introduce_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o these_o last_o corrupt_a time_n by_o the_o hierarchicall_a bishop_n as_o which_o be_v superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a do_v deface_v the_o church_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o obscure_v the_o brightness_n and_o beauty_n of_o a_o glorious_a reformation_n and_o a_o church_n which_o take_v up_o superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a ceremony_n partake_v in_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n 2._o we_o reject_v also_o those_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o public_a worship_n which_o by_o a_o tyrannical_a and_o violent_a command_n be_v impose_v on_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n as_o absolute_o necessary_a and_o as_o essential_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n though_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o they_o be_v legitimat_o dispose_v yet_o for_o the_o form_n of_o they_o and_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o introduce_v they_o become_v illegitimate_a instrument_n of_o cruelty_n and_o pretence_n for_o perverse_a wickedness_n and_o occasion_n of_o violent_a tyranny_n against_o the_o worthy_a and_o best_a son_n of_o the_o church_n for_o there_o be_v not_o by_o christ_n or_o the_o apostle_n who_o institution_n be_v not_o defective_a in_o the_o absolute_o necessary_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n any_o form_n prescribe_v as_o simple_o and_o absolute_o necessary_a wherein_o they_o have_v draw_v up_o a_o exact_a and_o immutable_a rule_n for_o all_o christian_n in_o church_n in_o matter_n and_o form_n and_o method_n to_o which_o all_o faithful_a worshipper_n of_o god_n to_o the_o world_n end_n be_v to_o be_v precise_o bind_v 3._o the_o question_n be_v not_o here_o of_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o form_n whereby_o they_o be_v obtrude_v as_o part_n of_o religion_n and_o essential_a mean_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o of_o such_o a_o prescribe_v they_o whereby_o they_o be_v by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n commend_v for_o the_o order_n and_o decency_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o useful_a and_o profitable_a for_o those_o who_o want_v either_o sufficient_a ability_n or_o freedom_n of_o exercise_v it_o for_o the_o seemly_a expression_n of_o those_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n that_o they_o may_v be_v as_o it_o be_v guide_v by_o they_o as_o help_v in_o their_o meditation_n petition_n word_n and_o action_n and_o that_o the_o attention_n of_o the_o auditor_n especial_o in_o great_a congregation_n may_v by_o those_o form_n be_v help_v and_o direct_v and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o uniformity_n observe_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o public_a worship_n in_o all_o church_n for_o the_o prevent_n of_o scandal_n and_o for_o the_o great_a edefication_n of_o the_o church_n but_o we_o judge_v those_o form_n as_o well_o public_o as_o private_o use_v to_o be_v lawful_a and_o profitable_a so_o that_o they_o be_v read_v out_o of_o the_o book_n with_o due_a attention_n reverence_n faith_n and_o spiritual_a affection_n and_o zeal_n towards_o god_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n when_o he_o that_o be_v to_o perform_v those_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v destitute_a of_o sufficient_a ability_n and_o fit_a word_n to_o express_v the_o prayer_n and_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o also_o for_o the_o help_a and_o direct_v the_o attention_n of_o the_o auditor_n thereby_o and_o for_o keep_v a_o uniformity_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o divine_a worship_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n this_o assertion_n be_v prove_v 1._o because_o we_o may_v in_o a_o prescript_n form_n sing_v psalm_n and_o offer_v thanksgiving_n to_o god_n with_o due_a reverence_n faith_n spiritual_a affection_n and_o zeal_n asaph_z and_o his_o brethren_n have_v form_n for_o the_o due_a praise_v of_o god_n prescribe_v they_o by_o david_n according_a to_o the_o prescript_n whereof_o they_o be_v in_o set_a word_n to_o celebrate_v public_a thanksgiving_n see_v 1_o chron._n 16._o 7_o 8._o so_o in_o the_o dedication_n of_o the_o temple_n the_o priest_n and_o levite_n do_v celebrate_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o set-form_n prescribe_v by_o david_n 2_o chron._n 7._o 6._o the_o like_a example_n we_o have_v numb_a 6._o 22_o 23._o 2_o chron_n 20._o 21._o esra_fw-la 3._o 10_o 11._o psal_n 92._o 1._o but_o now_o if_o thanksgiving_n and_o sing_v of_o psalm_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v perform_v with_o spiritual_a affection_n reverence_n and_o understanding_n and_o joy_n 1_o cor._n 14_o 15._o ephes_n 5._o 19_o col._n 3._o 16._o both_o lawful_o may_v be_v and_o be_v perform_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o set_a form_n then_o also_o prayer_n and_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n may_v in_o set_a form_n be_v due_o and_o lawful_o conceive_v and_o offer_v to_o god_n for_o thanksgiving_n and_o blessing_n of_o god_n be_v kind_n of_o prayer_n and_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n which_o require_v the_o same_o affection_n of_o mind_n with_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n 2._o that_o be_v a_o just_a and_o lawful_a form_n of_o prayer_n in_o which_o be_v observe_v the_o essentials_n and_o necessary_a requisite_n to_o all_o prayer_n but_o all_o thing_n which_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v require_v to_o the_o due_a constitution_n of_o prayer_n may_v be_v observe_v and_o by_o the_o godly_a be_v observe_v in_o a_o holy_a manner_n in_o prayer_n conceive_v in_o set_a form_n and_o pronounce_v out_o of_o a_o book_n therefore_o this_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v just_a and_o lawful_a for_o what_o be_v there_o in_o scripture_n require_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o supplication_n and_o godly_a prayer_n but_o that_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v lawful_a and_o sty_o dispose_v according_a to_o the_o present_a necessity_n that_o they_o be_v offer_v to_o god_n in_o a_o holy_a manner_n with_o reverence_n zeal_n humility_n and_o faith_n and_o that_o they_o due_o express_v our_o urge_v necessity_n but_o we_o know_v by_o certain_a experience_n that_o a_o prayer_n holy_a and_o lawful_a for_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o may_v in_o a_o set_a form_n be_v pronounce_v and_o offer_v to_o god_n with_o a_o humble_a sense_n of_o our_o necessity_n desire_n and_o zeal_n holiness_n of_o affection_n faith_n and_o religious_a motion_n of_o our_o will_n towards_o god_n and_o that_o according_a as_o our_o affair_n require_v the_o faithful_a read_v the_o text_n of_o holy_a scripture_n with_o understanding_n humility_n reverence_n zeal_n religious_a motion_n of_o the_o will_n and_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o application_n of_o they_o to_o particular_a necessity_n and_o why_o may_v not_o prayer_n in_o like_a manner_n be_v pronounce_v in_o prescript_n form_n when_o as_o prayer_n differ_v in_o this_o only_a from_o hear_v and_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o in_o the_o one_o our_o will_n be_v move_v towards_o god_n that_o we_o may_v be_v move_v by_o he_o but_o in_o the_o other_o our_o will_n be_v move_v towards_o god_n that_o he_o may_v be_v affect_v with_o our_o desire_n as_o ames_n elsewhere_o observe_v 3._o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n christ_n have_v prescribe_v we_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n for_o he_o have_v give_v we_o the_o lords-prayer_n not_o only_o as_o a_o pattern_n or_o platform_n according_a to_o