discern_v the_o lord_n body_n that_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o faithful_a after_o death_n do_v immediate_o live_v with_o christ_n in_o blessedness_n and_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o wicked_a do_v immediate_o go_v into_o hell_n torment_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n both_o of_o the_o just_a and_o unjust_a at_o the_o last_o day_n at_o which_o time_n all_o shall_v appear_v before_o the_o judgement-seat_n of_o christ_n to_o receive_v according_a to_o what_o they_o have_v do_v in_o the_o body_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_a and_o that_o the_o righteous_a shall_v go_v into_o life_n eternal_a and_o the_o wicked_a into_o everlasting_a punishment_n 3._o we_o must_v not_o expect_v from_o the_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o people_n who_o through_o want_n of_o breed_n and_o other_o natural_a defect_n be_v usual_o unable_a well_o to_o express_v their_o mind_n a_o distinct_a or_o continue_a discourse_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v if_o we_o can_v but_o perceive_v that_o they_o understand_v the_o substance_n 4._o we_o must_v take_v care_v not_o to_o make_v a_o question_n more_o difficult_a by_o our_o dark_a and_o cloudy_a expression_n but_o must_v endeavour_v to_o propound_v thing_n in_o the_o plain_a term_n we_o can_v 5._o though_o we_o may_v propound_v high_a and_o more_o difficult_a question_n for_o discovery_n of_o and_o provocation_n to_o growth_n in_o knowledge_n yet_o we_o will_v always_o as_o near_o as_o we_o can_v make_v their_o knowledge_n or_o ignorance_n in_o the_o point_n mention_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o discern_a and_o determination_n 6._o and_o in_o case_n any_o give_v not_o that_o satisfaction_n we_o desire_v we_o will_v endeavour_v to_o discover_v whether_o it_o be_v first_o from_o their_o unacquaintedness_n with_o the_o term_n and_o word_n of_o the_o question_n or_o second_o from_o bashfulness_n or_o shamefacedness_n or_o three_o from_o natural_a impediment_n or_o fourthly_a from_o ignorance_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o according_o we_o will_v propound_v the_o question_n in_o other_o word_n or_o fetch_v a_o compass_n to_o see_v if_o they_o can_v take_v a_o hint_n from_o something_o introductory_a however_o in_o case_n no_o satisfactory_a account_n can_v be_v give_v we_o will_v not_o set_v the_o party_n aside_o as_o if_o we_o take_v no_o further_a care_n but_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o instruct_v they_o with_o all_o meekness_n and_o patience_n 7._o because_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o many_o people_n speak_v of_o the_o fundamental_n of_o religion_n in_o a_o mere_a form_n of_o word_n by_o rote_n without_o understand_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n thereof_o in_o propound_v our_o question_n we_o will_v of_o purpose_n forbear_v the_o word_n and_o method_n of_o ordinary_a catechism_n in_o point_n of_o scandal_n 1._o forasmuch_o as_o scandalous_a sinner_n can_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n without_o great_a dishonour_n to_o god_n defile_v and_o abuse_v of_o that_o holy_a ordinance_n sin_n and_o judgement_n to_o themselves_o the_o endanger_n of_o the_o leaven_n the_o whole_a lump_n and_o uncharitable_a unfaithfulness_n in_o those_o that_o know_o admit_v they_o therefore_o we_o resolve_v not_o to_o receive_v any_o of_o what_o degree_n quality_n or_o relation_n soever_o to_o this_o ordinance_n that_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v scandalous_o sinful_a 2._o in_o regard_n we_o can_v only_o take_v cognizance_n of_o people_n outward_a and_o ecclesiastical_a right_n to_o ordinance_n therefore_o we_o resolve_v in_o matter_n of_o scandal_n not_o to_o proceed_v against_o any_o according_a to_o our_o private_a satisfaction_n suspicion_n dissatisfaction_n or_o rumour_n but_o according_a to_o outward_a visible_a and_o full_a proof_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n 3._o because_o all_o sin_n be_v not_o alike_o heinous_a and_o scandalous_a some_o be_v such_o in_o one_o single_a act_n other_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o continuance_n and_o other_o aggravate_v circumstance_n thereforefore_o we_o resolve_v to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o sin_n and_o sin_n wherein_o that_o we_o may_v proceed_v both_o more_o unanimous_o and_o safe_o we_o shall_v take_v the_o assembly_n direction_n for_o our_o rule_n look_v upon_o those_o sin_n mention_v by_o they_o in_o the_o form_n of_o church_n government_n as_o scandalous_a though_o but_o once_o commit_v their_o word_n be_v these_o all_o scandalous_a person_n hereafter_o mention_v be_v to_o be_v suspend_v from_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n that_o be_v to_o say_v all_o person_n that_o shall_v blasphemous_o speak_v or_o write_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n his_o holy_a word_n or_o sacrament_n all_o renouncer_n of_o the_o true_a protestant_a religion_n profess_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o all_o person_n who_o shall_v by_o preach_v or_o write_v maintain_v any_o such_o error_n as_o do_v subvert_v any_o of_o those_o article_n the_o ignorance_n whereof_o do_v render_v any_o person_n exclude_v from_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n a_o incestuous_a person_n a_o adulterer_n a_o fornicator_n a_o drunkard_n a_o profane_a swearer_n or_o curser_n one_o that_o have_v take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o any_o person_n malicious_o all_o worshipper_n of_o image_n cross_n crucifix_n or_o relic_n all_o that_o shall_v make_v image_n or_o picture_n of_o the_o trinity_n or_o of_o any_o person_n thereof_o all_o religious_a worshipper_n of_o saint_n angel_n or_o any_o mere_a creature_n any_o person_n that_o shall_v profess_v himself_o not_o to_o be_v in_o charity_n with_o his_o neighbour_n all_o person_n in_o who_o malice_n appear_v and_o they_o refuse_v to_o be_v reconcile_v any_o person_n that_o shall_v challenge_v any_o other_o person_n by_o word_n message_n or_o writing_n to_o fight_v or_o that_o shall_v accept_v such_o challenge_n and_o agree_v thereto_o any_o person_n that_o shall_v know_o carry_v any_o challenge_n by_o word_n message_n or_o writing_n any_o person_n that_o shall_v upon_o the_o lord_n day_n use_v any_o dance_a play_v at_o die_n or_o card_n or_o any_o other_o game_n mask_v wake_v shoot_v bowl_a play_v play_v at_o football_n stoolball_n wrestle_v or_o that_o shall_v make_v resort_n to_o any_o play_n interlude_n fence_v bull-baiting_n bear-baiting_n or_o that_o shall_v use_v hawk_v hunt_n or_o course_v fish_v or_o fowl_v or_o that_o shall_v public_o expose_v any_o ware_n to_o sale_n otherwise_o then_o be_v provide_v by_o a_o ordinance_n of_o parliament_n of_o the_o 6_o of_o april_n 1649._o any_o person_n that_o shall_v travel_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n without_o reasonable_a cause_n any_o person_n that_o keep_v a_o know_a stew_n or_o brothelhouse_n or_o that_o shall_v solicit_v the_o chastity_n of_o any_o person_n for_o himself_o or_o any_o other_o any_o person_n father_n or_o mother_n that_o that_o shall_v consent_v to_o the_o marriage_n of_o their_o child_n to_o a_o papist_n or_o any_o person_n that_o shall_v marry_v a_o papist_n any_o person_n that_o shall_v repair_v for_o any_o advice_n to_o any_o witch_n wizard_n or_o fortune-teller_n any_o person_n that_o shall_v menace_v or_o assault_v his_o parent_n or_o any_o magistrate_n minister_n or_o elder_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o office_n any_o person_n that_o shall_v be_v legal_o attaint_v of_o barrotry_n forgery_n extortion_n or_o bribery_n 4._o much_o tenderness_n be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o judge_v of_o less_o sin_n that_o have_v more_o than_o ordinary_a advantage_n against_o man_n by_o sudden_a surprisal_n as_o passion_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o out-break_n of_o sin_n that_o have_v former_o be_v customary_a but_o be_v now_o strive_v against_o and_o weaken_v in_o such_o ordinary_a fail_n as_o be_v daily_o incident_a to_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o matter_n of_o debt_n title_n or_o particular_a interest_n and_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n wherein_o the_o sinfulness_n be_v dubious_a and_o disputable_a 5_o we_o resolve_v in_o less_o sin_n to_o have_v regard_n to_o the_o constant_a tenure_n of_o the_o party_n life_n and_o carriage_n as_o whether_o he_o be_v ordinary_o otherwise_o strict_a or_o careless_a and_o to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o frequency_n obstinacy_n company_n provocation_n etc._n etc._n which_o may_v either_o aggravate_v or_o lessen_v the_o offence_n 6._o in_o case_n the_o party_n offend_v upon_o reproof_n shall_v manifest_v repentance_n by_o a_o serious_a profession_n of_o sorrow_n not_o slight_n and_o mere_o verbal_a he_o ought_v to_o be_v receive_v again_o 7._o and_o if_o the_o party_n profess_v repentance_n shall_v ready_o return_v to_o the_o same_o sin_n once_o and_o again_o or_o to_o any_o other_o scandalous_a sin_n though_o he_o again_o profess_v repentance_n yet_o we_o will_v defer_v his_o readmission_n till_o we_o have_v trial_n of_o his_o reformation_n for_o some_o competent_a time_n 8._o because_o it_o often_o fall_v out_o that_o man_n action_n be_v liable_a to_o misconstruction_n and_o misapprehension_n especial_o among_o
the_o weak_a sort_n of_o christian_n and_o when_o the_o party_n lie_v under_o prejudice_n and_o lest_o brotherly_a inspection_n degenerate_a into_o a_o unbrother_o pry_v into_o and_o discover_v of_o other_o man_n action_n and_o general_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o disorder_n and_o other_o inconvenience_n we_o resolve_v not_o to_o encourage_v any_o private_a christian_n immediate_o to_o acquaint_v the_o church_n with_o the_o private_a fail_n of_o a_o brother_n till_o he_o have_v first_o admonish_v he_o private_o and_o in_o case_n he_o harken_v not_o before_o witness_n and_o when_o the_o fruitlessness_n of_o these_o endeavour_n shall_v necessitate_v the_o publication_n of_o the_o fact_n yet_o will_v we_o not_o countenance_v the_o bring_n of_o the_o matter_n before_o the_o congregation_n until_o the_o church-officer_n be_v first_o acquaint_v with_o it_o 9_o forasmuch_o as_o in_o the_o business_n of_o scandal_n it_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o uncharitable_a to_o take_v up_o against_o man_n old_a offence_n of_o any_o considerable_a distance_n from_o the_o time_n present_a and_o because_o in_o some_o case_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o require_v some_o testimony_n of_o humiliation_n even_o for_o sin_n of_o ancient_a date_n and_o in_o regard_n we_o can_v punctual_o determine_v how_o far_o back_o into_o the_o time_n pass_v we_o may_v look_v for_o lay_v scandal_n to_o man_n charge_n therefore_o we_o resolve_v to_o proceed_v wary_o in_o such_o case_n and_o not_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n without_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o association_n 10._o we_o shall_v do_v the_o like_a in_o those_o sin_n that_o render_v man_n obnoxious_a to_o the_o law_n either_o in_o regard_n of_o life_n liberty_n or_o estate_n as_o also_o in_o any_o other_o case_n not_o foresee_v or_o provide_v for_o in_o the_o foregoing_a rule_n 11._o we_o agree_v not_o to_o press_v a_o declaration_n of_o the_o time_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n upon_o the_o people_n as_o a_o necessary_a proof_n of_o their_o actual_a present_a right_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n nor_o to_o exclude_v person_n mere_o for_o want_n of_o that_o yet_o will_v we_o accept_v it_o if_o any_o will_v be_v please_v to_o offer_v it_o free_o 15._o we_o agree_v not_o to_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o the_o bare_a exclusion_n of_o a_o obstinate_a scandalous_a sinner_n from_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o supper_n but_o shall_v endeavour_v faithful_o and_o sincere_o as_o god_n shall_v enable_v we_o to_o prosecute_v the_o rule_n of_o christ_n matt._n 18._o 17._o against_o any_o such_o offender_n and_o if_o he_o refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n he_o shall_v be_v to_o we_o as_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n 16._o because_o member_n live_v much_o distant_a from_o their_o pastor_n and_o from_o one_o another_o must_v unavoidable_o be_v in_o great_a part_n deprive_v of_o the_o privilege_n and_o come_v short_a of_o the_o duty_n both_o of_o constant_a inspection_n and_o mutual_a edification_n and_o also_o for_o the_o prevent_n of_o disorder_n and_o offence_n both_o in_o minister_n and_o people_n we_o agree_v that_o we_o will_v not_o admit_v into_o any_o of_o our_o church_n those_o that_o live_v in_o other_o congregation_n except_o first_o they_o have_v no_o minister_n at_o all_o or_o second_o one_o that_o be_v scandalous_a or_o three_o one_o that_o have_v not_o competent_a ability_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n yet_o 1._o in_o case_n afterwards_o a_o godly_a able_a minister_n be_v establish_v where_o there_o be_v none_o or_o such_o as_o be_v scandalous_a and_o unfit_a then_o we_o will_v serious_o advise_v those_o who_o in_o the_o case_n aforesaid_a we_o have_v admit_v to_o join_v themselves_o to_o that_o minister_n 2._o we_o resolve_v to_o consult_v with_o the_o association_n concerning_o the_o justness_n or_o unjustnef_n of_o exception_n in_o point_n of_o scansdal_n or_o inability_n of_o minister_n make_v by_o those_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v entertain_v in_o other_o congregation_n because_o we_o conceive_v that_o neither_o the_o people_n that_o desire_v to_o depart_v from_o such_o minister_n nor_o the_o minister_n with_o who_o they_o desire_v to_o join_v be_v competent_a judge_n in_o such_o a_o interest_a case_n yet_o if_o the_o exception_n be_v such_o as_o be_v approve_v of_o by_o the_o association_n we_o conceive_v it_o fit_a for_o the_o reason_n abovesaid_a that_o they_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o near_a congregation_n where_o a_o godly_a and_o able_a minister_n be_v settle_v 3._o neither_o do_v we_o intend_v hereby_o to_o debar_v people_n from_o the_o occasional_a hear_n of_o other_o minister_n or_o from_o the_o occasional_a partake_n of_o other_o ordinance_n in_o another_o congregation_n so_o that_o this_o liberty_n be_v not_o use_v to_o the_o apparent_a prejudice_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o discipline_n of_o their_o own_o congregation_n 17._o when_o a_o minister_n be_v to_o be_v ordain_v unto_o a_o congregation_n we_o agree_v that_o godly_a and_o able_a minister_n of_o neighbour_n congregation_n be_v call_v to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o examination_n and_o trial_n of_o the_o fitness_n of_o the_o party_n to_o be_v set_v apart_o to_o that_o weighty_a office_n and_o in_o the_o act_n of_o ordination_n 18._o though_o we_o differ_v about_o the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n yet_o forasmuch_o as_o we_o all_o agree_v that_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v manage_v by_o the_o officer_n thereof_o therefore_o we_o conclude_v that_o the_o examination_n and_o determination_n of_o thing_n in_o case_n of_o admission_n and_o rejection_n and_o other_o church_n act_n shall_v be_v permit_v by_o the_o officer_n yet_o so_o that_o the_o people_n have_v notice_n of_o what_o they_o resolve_v and_o conclude_v upon_o in_o matter_n of_o moment_n that_o in_o case_n any_o thing_n be_v do_v against_o which_o the_o people_n may_v upon_o probable_a ground_n at_o least_o object_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o may_v either_o be_v forbear_v or_o their_o satisfaction_n endeavour_v 19_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o we_o can_v all_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a rule_n in_o manage_v of_o the_o affair_n of_o our_o particular_a congregation_n through_o the_o want_n of_o fit_a person_n to_o be_v make_v church-officer_n and_o for_o other_o cause_n therefore_o we_o resolve_v by_o our_o mutual_a assistance_n to_o supply_v the_o want_n because_o we_o may_v have_v according_a to_o scripture_n warrant_v recourse_n to_o a_o extraordinary_a expedient_a the_o ordinary_a rule_n fail_v and_o because_o this_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o come_v near_o the_o ordinary_a rule_n yet_o 1._o we_o intend_v not_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v perpetual_a but_o only_o during_o the_o present_a want_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o settle_n of_o our_o church_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o neither_o intend_v we_o hereby_o to_o put_v into_o any_o minister_n hand_n a_o superior_a power_n over_o his_o brethren_n 3._o nor_o will_v we_o be_v understand_v as_o make_v our_o many_o church_n to_o be_v but_o one_o particular_a church_n or_o give_v the_o pastor_n of_o one_o church_n a_o true_a pastoral_a power_n and_o charge_n over_o other_o church_n 20._o albeit_o we_o differ_v as_o to_o the_o power_n of_o associate_a church_n over_o particular_a congregation_n yet_o we_o agree_v that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a and_o useful_a but_o in_o many_o case_n necessary_a that_o several_a church_n shall_v hold_v communion_n and_o correspondency_n together_o and_o to_o that_o end_n we_o resolve_v to_o associate_v ourselves_o and_o to_o keep_v frequent_a meeting_n for_o mutual_a advice_n and_o help_v as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v 21._o we_o take_v ourselves_o and_o our_o church_n bind_v to_o follow_v whatsoever_o advice_n direction_n or_o reproof_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n any_o of_o we_o shall_v receive_v from_o the_o brethren_n in_o association_n with_o we_o 22._o and_o in_o case_n it_o shall_v so_o fall_v out_o that_o our_o brethren_n in_o association_n shall_v advise_v that_o which_o may_v seem_v less_o convenient_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o party_n immediate_o and_o special_o concern_v in_o the_o advice_n or_o reproof_n or_o to_o the_o particular_a apprehension_n of_o any_o other_o of_o we_o it_o be_v of_o less_o moment_n and_o not_o apparent_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n than_o we_o resolve_v to_o submit_v to_o it_o rather_o than_o to_o endanger_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o become_v example_n and_o encourager_n of_o disorder_n by_o our_o dissent_n and_o refusal_n 23._o particular_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n be_v of_o great_a weight_n and_o concernment_n wherein_o we_o be_v sure_a we_o can_v never_o be_v too_o ciruspect_v and_o careful_a therefore_o we_o resolve_v first_o to_o advise_v with_o the_o association_n before_o we_o proceed_v by_o that_o sentence_n to_o cast_v any_o out_o of_o our_o particular_a
ignorant_a 2._o those_o that_o deny_v the_o faith_n 3._o the_o scandalous_a mr._n hooker_n insist_v only_o on_o these_o two_o part_n 1._o p._n 15._o person_n though_o they_o be_v hypocrite_n inward_o yet_o if_o their_o conversation_n and_o expression_n be_v such_o so_o blameless_a and_o inoffensive_a that_o according_a to_o reason_n direct_v by_o the_o word_n we_o can_v conclude_v but_o in_o charity_n there_o may_v be_v and_o be_v some_o special_a good_a in_o they_o these_o be_v fit_a matter_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n etc._n etc._n and_o part_n 1._o p._n 24._o he_o that_o profess_v the_o faith_n live_v not_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o any_o know_a duty_n or_o in_o the_o commission_n of_o any_o know_a evil_n and_o have_v such_o a_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n as_o may_v in_o reason_n let_v in_o christ_n into_o the_o soul_n and_o carry_v the_o soul_n to_o he_o these_o be_v ground_n of_o probability_n by_o which_o charity_n poise_v according_a to_o rule_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o conceive_v there_o be_v some_o beginning_n of_o spiritual_a good_a and_o more_o full_o part_n 3._o p._n 5._o speak_v of_o admission_n and_o of_o private_a member_n repair_v to_o they_o to_o inquire_v the_o time_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o conversion_n he_o say_v i_o be_o afraid_a it_o be_v a_o presume_a kind_n of_o liberty_n which_o want_v precept_n and_o example_n for_o any_o thing_n that_o ever_o appear_v to_o i_o in_o scripture_n and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o it_o entrench_v upon_o the_o office_n of_o the_o elder_n as_o he_o say_v but_o because_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v inconvenient_a hear_v his_o own_o word_n all_o such_o pain_n miss_v the_o end_n and_o fruit_n of_o it_o for_o the_o stress_n of_o the_o trial_n lie_v not_o there_o nor_o can_v the_o last_o resolution_n of_o judicious_a and_o reasonable_a charity_n issue_v there_o whether_o the_o person_n be_v a_o visible_a saint_n or_o no_o for_o there_o be_v many_o true_o and_o save_o call_v who_o never_o know_v the_o time_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o therefore_o can_v relate_v it_o to_o other_o and_o yet_o express_a the_o power_n of_o grace_n in_o their_o life_n etc._n etc._n and_o afterward_o to_o that_o question_n what_o be_v the_o rule_n according_a to_o which_o satisfaction_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v he_o answer_v thus_o in_o a_o word_n if_o a_o person_n live_v not_o in_o the_o commission_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n or_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o any_o know_a duty_n and_o can_v give_v a_o reason_n of_o his_o hope_n towards_o god_n he_o mean_v a_o profess_n of_o faith_n as_o before_o he_o express_v himself_o this_o cast_v the_o cause_n with_o judicious_a charity_n to_o hope_v and_o believe_v there_o be_v something_o of_o god_n and_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o therefore_o fit_a for_o church-society_n so_o that_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o such_o a_o mark_n which_o be_v questionable_a in_o its_o warrant_n accompany_v with_o inconvenience_n more_o open_a to_o counterfeit_v flexible_a not_o general_a and_o not_o insist_v on_o as_o necessary_a by_o our_o brethren_n aught_o to_o be_v rigid_o press_v to_o the_o hindrance_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n when_o other_o sufficient_a more_o certain_a evidential_a and_o general_o agree_v on_o evidence_n may_v be_v have_v and_o see_v it_o be_v put_v to_o this_o issue_n we_o hope_v our_o congregational-brethren_n will_v not_o take_v offence_n at_o any_o condescension_n herein_o what_o we_o lie_v down_o propos._n 16._o wherein_o we_o confine_v ourselves_o to_o our_o own_o parish-bound_n for_o membership_n we_o hope_v will_v not_o provoke_v the_o distaste_n of_o any_o brother_n some_o of_o we_o can_v behold_v the_o different_a practice_n of_o our_o brethren_n in_o this_o point_n without_o amazement_n alas_o that_o man_n shall_v no_o more_o lay_v to_o heart_n the_o division_n of_o the_o church_n the_o disorder_n and_o other_o inconvenience_n which_o arise_v from_o this_o liberty_n that_o man_n be_v so_o ready_a to_o take_v to_o themselves_o how_o great_a a_o hand_n this_o have_v in_o keep_v of_o a_o closure_n of_o brethren_n we_o need_v not_o tell_v look_v about_o and_o see_v it_o ingenuous_a and_o moderate_a mr._n firmin_n a_o new-england_n man_n call_v this_o a_o divide_a principle_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o his_o serious_a question_n and_o the_o practiser_n of_o it_o seeker_n of_o division_n and_o for_o the_o regulate_n of_o it_o propound_v the_o same_o that_o we_o do_v in_o the_o forementioned_a proposition_n and_o suppose_v that_o if_o congregational_a man_n will_v but_o yield_v in_o this_o one_o thing_n it_o will_v much_o tend_v to_o the_o heal_n of_o our_o breach_n we_o earnest_o beseech_v the_o contrary-minded_a to_o consider_v serious_o 1._o that_o the_o presbyterian_n never_o plead_v for_o local_a limit_n or_o parish-bound_n in_o this_o sense_n as_o if_o church-membership_n do_v arise_v from_o thence_o they_o be_v as_o ready_a as_o any_o to_o say_v that_o cohabitation_n make_v not_o man_n member_n of_o a_o church_n though_o it_o can_v but_o be_v observe_v that_o they_o be_v by_o several_a speak_v against_o as_o if_o this_o have_v be_v their_o assertion_n sure_o ingenious_a man_n will_v not_o threap_v that_o upon_o they_o which_o they_o with_o one_o voice_n do_v so_o much_o disown_v 2._o all_o that_o they_o say_v in_o this_o case_n be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o church-member_n do_v cohabit_n and_o that_o for_o order_n sake_n it_o be_v fit_a that_o bound_n be_v set_v and_o observe_v and_o do_v not_o scripture_n and_o reason_n say_v the_o same_o 1._o in_o the_o new-testament_n do_v not_o the_o people_n of_o god_n live_v in_o a_o town_n or_o city_n always_o join_v together_o among_o themselves_o in_o a_o churchway_n for_o why_o else_o be_v church_n denominate_v from_o place_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n corinth_n etc._n etc._n when_o will_v it_o be_v prove_v or_o what_o scripture_n speak_v it_o that_o any_o live_v in_o a_o neighbourhood_n or_o town_n where_o there_o be_v a_o church_n and_o yet_o be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n in_o a_o other_o town_n 2._o be_v not_o this_o as_o it_o be_v usual_o practise_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o end_n of_o church-membership_n church-member_n may_v so_o live_v together_o 1._o that_o their_o pastor_n and_o officer_n may_v reside_v among_o they_o for_o inspection_n and_o rule_n 2._o that_o they_o may_v meet_v commodious_o and_o frequent_o together_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o ordinance_n 3._o that_o they_o may_v maintain_v communion_n for_o help_n and_o advice_n among_o themselves_o etc._n etc._n and_o all_o this_o with_o ease_n and_o conveniency_n now_o how_o this_o can_v be_v do_v as_o it_o ought_v where_o the_o member_n live_v so_o much_o distant_a as_o be_v usual_a in_o many_o gather_a church_n let_v the_o moderate_a judge_n 3._o how_o will_v contention_n confusion_n and_o disorder_n be_v avoid_v if_o this_o be_v keep_v up_o be_v it_o nothing_o for_o one_o minister_n by_o the_o invitation_n of_o such_o a_o proclaim_a liberty_n to_o deprive_v another_o of_o the_o comfort_n of_o his_o prayer_n tear_n and_o labour_n or_o for_o one_o church_n to_o bereave_v another_o of_o its_o help_n and_o comfort_n in_o bereave_v it_o of_o its_o choice_a member_n or_o be_v it_o nothing_o to_o set_v such_o a_o example_n before_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o weak_a sort_n may_v not_o the_o pull_v out_o of_o one_o pin_n endanger_v the_o ruin_n of_o the_o whole_a fabric_n make_v the_o case_n your_o own_o and_o then_o judge_v will_v you_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v so_o deal_v withal_o will_v you_o not_o think_v yourselves_o wrong_v if_o other_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o withdraw_v from_o you_o the_o member_n of_o your_o church_n it_o be_v wonder_v by_o some_o how_o man_n can_v so_o confident_o appropriate_v the_o title_n of_o gospel-order_n to_o their_o way_n but_o that_o glorious_a pretence_n and_o high_a word_n be_v more_o hopeful_a to_o prevail_v with_o the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n then_o solid_a argument_n when_o it_o be_v so_o apparent_o peccant_a against_o the_o gospel_n rule_v of_o the_o god_n of_o order_n yet_o let_v not_o this_o be_v think_v a_o accusation_n of_o all_o the_o congregational_a brethren_n many_o there_o be_v we_o know_v that_o judge_v these_o proceed_n irregular_a as_o well_o as_o we_o and_o that_o be_v afraid_a to_o boast_v in_o another_o man_n line_n of_o thing_n make_v ready_a to_o their_o hand_n choose_v to_o wait_v with_o hope_n for_o the_o enlargement_n of_o their_o church_n and_o comfort_n from_o the_o reformation_n and_o growth_n of_o those_o that_o be_v under_o their_o own_o ministry_n rather_o than_o to_o make_v up_o their_o church_n by_o enter_v upon_o other_o man_n labour_n 2_o cor._n 10._o 15_o 16._o 3._o that_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o congregational_a brethren_n come_v up_o so_o far_o that_o we_o think_v
there_o will_v be_v no_o difference_n in_o this_o point_n if_o they_o be_v practise_v 1._o they_o say_v cohabitation_n of_o member_n be_v necessary_a upon_o many_o spiritual_a account_n vid._n hooker_n survey_n part_n 1._o p._n 49._o such_o cohabitation_n say_v he_o be_v require_v which_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o church-censure_n for_o otherwise_o the_o end_n of_o the_o covenant_n will_v be_v make_v frustrate_a and_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o whole_a prejudice_v and_o hence_o there_o must_v needs_o be_v such_o a_o cohabitation_n of_o officer_n and_o a_o convenient_a company_n of_o member_n that_o they_o comely_a and_o convenient_o meet_v together_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o god_n ordinance_n act._n 14._o 27._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 20._o and_o 14._o 23._o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n norton_n contr._n apoll._n p._n 40._o 2._o they_o acknowledge_v our_o church_n at_o least_o most_o of_o they_o to_o be_v true_a church_n mr._n hooker_n reject_v the_o denial_n of_o this_o with_o abhorrency_n 3._o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o separate_v from_o they_o either_o for_o the_o want_n of_o some_o ordinance_n or_o for_o the_o fin_n of_o some_o worshipper_n vid._n hookker_n preface_n to_o the_o survey_n and_o norton_n p._n 156._o that_o these_o three_o principle_n be_v own_v by_o they_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v and_o that_o they_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o common_a practice_n of_o gather_v church_n out_o of_o other_o parish_n be_v too_o evident_a will_v they_o call_v our_o church_n true_a and_o yet_o unchurch_v they_o by_o take_v our_o member_n against_o our_o consent_n will_v they_o say_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o separate_v from_o our_o church_n and_o yet_o entertain_v and_o encourage_v those_o that_o separate_a will_v they_o say_v cohabitation_n be_v necessary_a and_o yet_o receive_v those_o that_o live_v many_o mile_n distant_a if_o any_o seek_v to_o evade_v this_o by_o say_v that_o though_o many_o yet_o not_o all_o congregation_n in_o england_n be_v true_a church_n we_o answer_v 1._o it_o shall_v then_o first_o be_v prove_v and_o not_o take_v for_o grant_v that_o such_o a_o congregation_n as_o they_o desire_v to_o receive_v member_n from_o be_v no_o true_a church_n 2._o but_o who_o of_o all_o that_o take_v this_o liberty_n do_v make_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o one_o congregation_n and_o another_o and_o forbear_v to_o take_v if_o opportunity_n serve_v from_o a_o congregation_n repute_v a_o true_a church_n 3._o how_o easy_o will_v this_o be_v object_v against_o any_o church_n whence_o member_n be_v have_v that_o it_o be_v no_o true_a church_n and_o how_o must_v the_o controversy_n be_v decide_v facile_fw-la credimus_fw-la quod_fw-la volumus_fw-la if_o it_o be_v further_o urge_v that_o though_o our_o church_n be_v true_a yet_o be_v they_o corrupt_v so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v lawfuli_fw-mi to_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o the_o same_o as_o in_o the_o ans._n of_o elder_n of_o new-england_n to_o the_o 32._o quest_n pag._n 29._o answ._n we_o acknowledge_v with_o grief_n that_o many_o of_o our_o congregation_n be_v corrupt_a yet_o 1._o this_o do_v not_o in_o any_o wise_a justify_v the_o gather_n of_o member_n that_o inhabit_v not_o within_o convenient_a limit_n 2._o nor_o the_o gathere_v out_o of_o those_o congregation_n which_o be_v more_o purge_v though_o not_o according_a to_o the_o height_n of_o strictness_n which_o some_o require_v ames_n usual_o cite_v by_o our_o brethren_n in_o this_o point_n cas._n consc._n lib._n 5._o cap._n 12._o q._n 3._o mention_v but_o three_o cause_n of_o separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n 1._o participation_n of_o their_o sin_n 2._o eminent_a danger_n of_o seduction_n 3._o persecution_n and_o yet_o these_o be_v not_o applicable_a to_o many_o presbyterian_a church_n from_o who_o nevertheless_o member_n be_v withdraw_v true_o indeed_o mr._n norton_n add_v a_o four_o separation_n may_v be_v say_v he_o p._n 168._o for_o pure_a worship_n and_o edification_n no_o great_a inconvenience_n ensue_v but_o there_o lie_v much_o weight_n in_o the_o last_o word_n otherwise_o upon_o this_o ground_n man_n may_v shift_v from_o one_o congregational-church_n to_o another_o for_o pure_a worship_n as_o well_o as_o from_o a_o presbyterian_a to_o a_o congregational-church_n but_o 3._o be_v it_o the_o best_a most_o warrantable_a and_o most_o effectual_a course_n of_o cure_v a_o corrupt_a church_n to_o take_v away_o from_o it_o the_o best_a christian_n it_o have_v or_o be_v you_o sure_a that_o you_o can_v justify_v before_o the_o lord_n your_o weaken_v the_o hand_n and_o heart_n of_o other_o minister_n that_o be_v upon_o the_o reformation_n of_o their_o more_o corrupt_a church_n which_o you_o unavoidable_o do_v by_o this_o practice_n many_o have_v think_v that_o it_o be_v a_o better_a expedient_a to_o disperse_v good_a member_n into_o less_o pure_a church_n that_o so_o there_o may_v be_v most_o help_v where_o there_o be_v most_o need_n if_o any_o say_v this_o be_v a_o grievous_a yoke_n for_o tender_a conscience_n we_o answer_v 1._o tender_a conscience_n ought_v to_o be_v universal_o tender_a why_o also_o be_v they_o not_o tender_a of_o break_v rule_n and_o of_o be_v example_n of_o disorder_n and_o introduce_v the_o many_o inconvenience_n that_o attend_v this_o practice_n 2._o we_o think_v we_o have_v provide_v as_o much_o for_o a_o tender_a conscience_n as_o a_o true_o tender_a conscience_n can_v require_v do_v we_o engage_v they_o to_o be_v without_o ordinance_n or_o membership_n in_o case_n there_o be_v no_o minister_n of_o their_o own_o or_o do_v we_o engage_v they_o to_o scandalous_a and_o insufficient_a minister_n if_o any_o will_v desire_v to_o depart_v when_o they_o can_v plead_v none_o of_o these_o we_o fear_v it_o be_v humour_n or_o ignorance_n more_o than_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n to_o those_o that_o will_v plead_v that_o we_o may_v tie_v they_o from_o church-ordinance_n as_o in_o case_n the_o minister_n where_o they_o live_v forbear_v they_o upon_o the_o general_a unfitness_n of_o his_o people_n it_o be_v ready_o answer_v we_o provide_v help_v for_o that_o he_o may_v enjoy_v they_o for_o the_o present_a in_o other_o congregation_n they_o that_o say_v by_o this_o mean_n they_o shall_v be_v hinder_v from_o some_o minister_n with_o who_o they_o can_v most_o profit_v may_v be_v please_v to_o answer_v these_o question_n whence_o be_v your_o profit_v be_v it_o from_o the_o minister_n and_o his_o ability_n or_o from_o god_n be_v it_o likely_a that_o god_n will_v give_v the_o success_n you_o expect_v out_o of_o his_o own_o way_n we_o deny_v not_o but_o the_o god_n of_o order_n may_v overlook_v your_o irregularity_n and_o give_v divine_a influence_n while_o you_o seek_v it_o in_o a_o disorderly_a way_n but_o what_o reason_n have_v you_o to_o expect_v it_o in_o your_o way_n do_v you_o certain_o know_v that_o you_o have_v profit_v or_o that_o all_o your_o joy_n which_o you_o have_v get_v in_o this_o course_n be_v solid_a be_v there_o not_o sensible_a consolation_n even_o in_o holy_a man_n and_o do_v not_o these_o run_v with_o a_o violent_a stream_n may_v they_o not_o mistake_v their_o own_o spirit_n upon_o that_o account_n may_v you_o not_o profit_v more_o for_o ought_v you_o know_v in_o humble_a wait_n on_o god_n where_o he_o have_v set_v you_o and_o may_v you_o not_o more_o cheerful_o expect_v it_o here_o then_o elsewhere_o many_o serious_a christian_n have_v think_v and_o find_v it_o to_o be_v the_o most_o hopeful_a ready_a certain_a way_n of_o a_o speedy_a increase_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o attainment_n of_o more_o real_a and_o last_a comfort_n for_o a_o man_n to_o bestir_v himself_o in_o the_o instruction_n reproof_n and_o reformation_n of_o the_o people_n with_o who_o he_o live_v this_o afford_v opportunity_n and_o advantage_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n and_o exercise_n be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a way_n to_o increase_v it_o rather_o than_o to_o remove_v to_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o man_n of_o quick_a and_o able_a part_n some_o may_v possible_o except_o against_o the_o condescension_n of_o our_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregational-judgement_n in_o point_n of_o ordination_n mention_v prop._n 17._o let_v such_o consider_v 1._o that_o ordination_n by_o the_o people_n be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a occasion_n of_o offence_n to_o the_o presbyterian_a brethren_n who_o in_o this_o regard_n do_v not_o know_v how_o to_o own_v man_n so_o ordain_v for_o minister_n and_o then_o sure_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a this_o offence_n shall_v be_v remove_v 2._o this_o proposition_n do_v not_o take_v away_o the_o election_n from_o the_o people_n which_o the_o congregational-brethren_n look_v upon_o as_o the_o chief_a thing_n 3._o we_o be_v agree_v that_o such_o ordination_n shall_v be_v perform_v in_o the_o congregation_n unto_o which_o the_o person_n be_v to_o be_v ordain_v 4._o
do_v not_o only_o call_v for_o ministerial_a help_n and_o advice_n in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n but_o also_o give_v opportunity_n and_o advantage_n for_o counsel_n or_o reproof_n therefore_o we_o resolve_v to_o be_v as_o diligent_a in_o visit_v the_o sick_a and_o afflict_a as_o other_o labour_n greatness_n of_o our_o charge_n and_o ability_n to_o go_v abroad_o will_v suffer_v we_o and_o that_o not_o only_o the_o rich_a and_o those_o that_o desire_v we_o but_o also_o the_o poor_a and_o those_o that_o send_v not_o for_o we_o 8._o see_v we_o be_v in_o scripture_n command_v to_o love_v all_o man_n and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o follow_v peace_n with_o all_o and_o yet_o warn_v to_o reserve_v our_o brotherly_a kindness_n and_o delight_n for_o those_o that_o walk_v holy_o therefore_o we_o resolve_v in_o our_o society_n as_o well_o as_o in_o dispense_v of_o ordinance_n to_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o precious_a and_o the_o vile_a and_o though_o we_o intend_v not_o to_o deny_v that_o charity_n help_v civility_n and_o duty_n that_o we_o owe_v unto_o the_o scandalous_a yet_o will_v we_o bestow_v our_o love_n of_o complacency_n only_o on_o those_o that_o order_n their_o conversation_n aright_o lest_o by_o intimacy_n with_o wicked_a man_n we_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o evil_a doer_n grieve_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o godly_a and_o ensnare_v our_o own_o soul_n 9_o see_v the_o sin_n of_o sabbath-breaking_n swear_v fornication_n and_o drunkenness_n be_v so_o abominable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o man_n and_o yet_o so_o frequent_a we_o resolve_v beside_o the_o reprove_n of_o these_o sin_n in_o public_a and_o private_a to_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v such_o offender_n to_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o law_n in_o thosed_a case_n provide_v 10._o we_o will_v instruct_v our_o people_n public_o concerning_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n and_o shall_v press_v the_o necessity_n of_o their_o submission_n to_o it_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n 11_o because_o it_o have_v be_v the_o commendable_a practice_n of_o the_o saint_n of_o old_a in_o order_n to_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n public_o and_o solemn_o to_o renew_v the_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o because_o in_o this_o age_n temptation_n to_o apostasy_n and_o backslide_n from_o the_o faith_n be_v strong_a and_o frequent_a and_o because_o our_o heart_n be_v so_o ready_a to_o start_v aside_o from_o the_o power_n of_o discipline_n that_o we_o daily_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o all_o possible_a obligation_n to_o submission_n therefore_o we_o resolve_v to_o require_v from_o our_o people_n a_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n contain_v in_o a_o short_a confession_n of_o faith_n hereunto_o annex_v and_o a_o profession_n of_o their_o consent_n to_o submit_v unto_o and_o accept_v of_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o take_v the_o lord_n for_o their_o god_n to_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n to_o fear_v love_n honour_n and_o obey_v he_o with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o their_o might_n and_o to_o submit_v to_o discipline_n and_o government_n yet_o 1._o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o resolve_v to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o with_o the_o bare_a recital_n and_o repetition_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o profession_n etc._n etc._n that_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v the_o people_n not_o only_o to_o profess_v with_o understanding_n but_o so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v with_o feel_v apprehension_n of_o what_o they_o speak_v 2._o neither_o do_v we_o intend_v strict_o to_o bind_v all_o to_o the_o same_o circumstance_n of_o profess_v their_o consent_n but_o if_o any_o profess_v and_o own_v the_o substance_n shall_v scruple_n at_o any_o particular_a circumstance_n we_o resolve_v to_o use_v towards_o such_o all_o possible_a meekness_n and_o condescension_n 12._o beside_o a_o profess_a competent_a knowledge_n of_o the_o fundamental_n of_o religion_n we_o resolve_v to_o require_v a_o unblameable_a conversation_n in_o all_o those_o who_o we_o shall_v admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n both_o these_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o discovery_n of_o people_n present_a fitness_n and_o right_n *_o church_n in_o foro_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la to_o the_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o that_o ordinance_n 13._o because_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n may_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n be_v profane_v by_o the_o sinful_a neglect_n and_o carelessness_n of_o the_o church-guide_n and_o because_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n people_n may_v be_v wrong_v by_o a_o rash_a and_o groundless_a exclusion_n therefore_o in_o the_o judge_v and_o determine_v of_o people_n present_a fitness_n for_o that_o sacrament_n we_o resolve_v to_o set_v before_o we_o these_o follow_a rule_n both_o in_o point_n of_o knowledge_n and_o scandal_n in_o point_n of_o knowledge_n 1._o because_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o a_o total_a ignorance_n of_o the_o fundamental_n of_o religion_n and_o because_o such_o person_n not_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n will_v eat_v and_o drink_v judgement_n to_o themselves_o therefore_o we_o resolve_v not_o to_o admit_v any_o that_o upon_o trial_n shall_v be_v find_v to_o be_v such_o to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o supper_n 2._o we_o shall_v not_o reject_v any_o as_o ignorant_a that_o have_v a_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o those_o head_n of_o divinity_n mention_v by_o the_o assembly_n in_o the_o form_n of_o church-government_n pag._n 28._o all_o such_o person_n who_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n aught_o to_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o everliving_a and_o true_a god_n maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o governor_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o this_o only_o true_a god_n be_v the_o god_n who_o we_o worship_v that_o this_o god_n be_v but_o one_o god_n yet_o three_o distinct_a person_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n all_o equal_o god_n that_o god_n create_v man_n after_o his_o own_o image_n in_o knowledge_n righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n that_o by_o one_o man_n sin_n enter_v into_o the_o world_n and_o death_n by_o sin_n and_o so_o death_n pass_v upon_o all_o man_n for_o that_o all_o have_v sin_v that_o thereby_o they_o be_v all_o dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n and_o be_v by_o nature_n the_o child_n of_o wrath_n and_o so_o liable_a to_o eternal_a death_n the_o wage_n of_o every_o sin_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n who_o be_v also_o over_o all_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o neither_o be_v there_o salvation_n in_o any_o other_o that_o he_o be_v conceive_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o bear_v of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n that_o he_o die_v upon_o the_o cross_n to_o save_v his_o people_n from_o their_o sin_n that_o he_o rise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n from_o the_o dead_a ascend_v into_o heaven_n sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o make_v continual_a intercession_n for_o we_o of_o who_o fullness_n we_o receive_v all_o grace_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o benefit_n be_v apply_v only_o by_o faith_n that_o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o that_o we_o have_v it_o not_o of_o ourselves_o but_o it_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o faith_n be_v that_o grace_n whereby_o we_o believe_v and_o trust_v in_o christ_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o life_n everlasting_a according_a to_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v not_o in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v not_o see_v life_n but_o shall_v perish_v eternal_o that_o they_o who_o true_o repent_v of_o their_o sin_n do_v see_v they_o sorrow_n for_o they_o and_o turn_v from_o they_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o except_o man_n repent_v they_o shall_v sure_o perish_v that_o a_o godly_a life_n be_v conscionable_o order_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousnse_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n that_o the_o sacrament_n be_v seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v baptism_n and_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o the_o outward_a element_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v bread_n and_o wine_n and_o do_v signify_v the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n crucify_v which_o the_o worthy_a receiver_n by_o faith_n do_v partake_v of_o in_o the_o sacrament_n which_o christ_n have_v likewise_o ordain_v for_o the_o remembrance_n of_o his_o death_n that_o whosoever_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o the_o lord_n therefore_o that_o every_o one_o be_v to_o examine_v himself_o leave_v he_o eat_v and_o drink_v judgement_n to_o himself_o not_o
church_n and_o whosoever_o shall_v thus_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o one_o church_n we_o will_v repute_v he_o equal_o cast_v out_o of_o all_o and_o avoid_v communion_n with_o he_o according_o 24._o if_o it_o shall_v so_o fall_v out_o that_o any_o minister_n or_o particular_a church_n shall_v obstinate_o and_o wilful_o after_o many_o endeavour_n and_o much_o wait_a reject_v the_o direction_n and_o counsel_n of_o the_o association_n in_o thing_n apparent_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n than_o we_o resolve_v to_o draw_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n from_o such_o minister_n or_o church_n 25._o for_o the_o better_a carry_v on_o of_o our_o intend_a association_n we_o resolve_v to_o observe_v these_o follow_a rule_n 1._o we_o judge_v it_o convenient_a to_o divide_v ourselves_o into_o three_o association_n viz._n at_o carlisle_n at_o penrith_n and_o cockermouth_n and_o shall_v meet_v once_o a_o month_n or_o more_o or_o less_o as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v and_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o association_n shall_v think_v fit_a yet_o in_o this_o we_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o exclude_v any_o minister_n not_o be_v scandalous_a from_o any_o of_o the_o association_n that_o will_v be_v please_v to_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o be_v present_a there_o nor_o yet_o the_o minister_n of_o other_o county_n that_o shall_v desire_v to_o join_v with_o any_o of_o they_o 2._o at_o these_o meeting_n we_o shall_v hear_v and_o determine_v thing_n of_o common_a concernment_n endeavour_v to_o resolve_v doubt_n compose_v difference_n consider_v the_o justness_n and_o weight_n of_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o minister_n removal_n from_o any_o place_n when_o such_o case_n shall_v fall_v out_o consult_v and_o advise_v about_o special_a emergency_n that_o may_v happen_v to_o our_o ministry_n or_o congregation_n in_o particular_a 3._o because_o minister_n be_v man_n of_o like_a passion_n with_o other_o can_v claim_v no_o exemption_n from_o human_a frailty_n and_o infirmity_n and_o in_o regard_n their_o miscarriage_n be_v more_o dishonourable_a to_o god_n and_o the_o gospel_n more_o offensive_a and_o hurtful_a to_o private_a christian_n therefore_o we_o resolve_v impartial_o to_o hear_v complaint_n make_v against_o any_o minister_n in_o association_n with_o we_o and_o to_o this_o end_n we_o do_v all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o we_o in_o case_n any_o exception_n or_o complaint_n against_o any_o of_o we_o shall_v be_v make_v free_o profess_v our_o resolution_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o admonition_n reproof_n censure_n or_o advice_n of_o our_o brethren_n yet_o we_o will_v not_o be_v here_o mistake_v as_o if_o we_o intend_v the_o encouragement_n of_o groundless_a and_o frivolous_a quarrel_n and_o exception_n either_o in_o people_n against_o minister_n or_o in_o one_o minister_n against_o another_o for_o as_o we_o purpose_v the_o lord_n assist_v we_o not_o to_o be_v too_o backward_o to_o reprove_v and_o rebuke_v when_o there_o shall_v be_v just_a cause_n so_o shall_v we_o endeavour_v to_o be_v mindful_a of_o that_o wariness_n which_o the_o scripture_n enjoin_v in_o receive_v a_o accusation_n against_o a_o elder_n 4._o though_o for_o conveniency_n we_o divide_v ourselves_o into_o three_o association_n yet_o we_o resolve_v sometime_o to_o meet_v all_o together_o especial_o when_o there_o shall_v fall_v out_o any_o thing_n of_o more_o extraordinary_a and_o public_a nature_n or_o difficulty_n which_o can_v be_v easy_o and_o satisfactory_o decide_v in_o any_o of_o our_o particular_a association_n 5._o if_o any_o that_o shall_v offer_v to_o join_v with_o we_o in_o our_o association_n lie_v under_o the_o common_a repute_n of_o scandal_n than_o we_o will_v defer_v his_o admission_n till_o he_o have_v clear_v himself_o or_o otherwise_o give_v satisfaction_n and_o for_o the_o prevention_n of_o offence_n we_o resolve_v not_o to_o admit_v any_o into_o our_o association_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a or_o major_a part_n of_o they_o 6._o last_o we_o will_v endeavour_v a_o closure_n of_o affection_n as_o well_o as_o judgement_n and_o practice_n and_o to_o that_o end_n we_o resolve_v whole_o to_o lay_v aside_o and_o bury_v all_o name_n and_o term_n of_o difference_n to_o carry_v ourselves_o each_o to_o other_o as_o brethren_n forbear_v as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v whatsoever_o may_v either_o in_o word_n or_o action_n occasion_n misreport_n and_o offence_n or_o raise_v up_o ground_n of_o jealousy_n and_o exception_n one_o against_o another_o omnibus_fw-la hisce_fw-la consentimus_fw-la etc._n etc._n the_o minister_n of_o westmoreland_n give_v their_o consent_n in_o these_o word_n we_o who_o name_n be_v here_o underwrite_v do_v subscribe_v to_o the_o forementioned_a proposition_n except_o what_o concern_v the_o county_n of_o cumberland_n in_o particular_a the_o confession_n of_o faith_n i_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v one_o only_o a_o 6._o live_v and_o true_a god_n amen_n b_o 10._o who_o be_v a_o most_o pure_a spirit_n c_o 24._o infinite_a in_o be_v and_o perfection_n d_o 9_o and_o that_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n there_o be_v three_o dictinct_a person_n the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o these_o three_o be_v one_o god_n the_o same_o in_o substance_n equal_a in_o power_n and_o glory_n e_o 19_o 2._o i_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v reveal_v his_o whole_a counsel_n concerning_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o man_n salvation_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v give_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n f_o 21._o to_o be_v the_o perpetual_a and_o only_a rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n g_o 19_o 3._o i_o believe_v that_o in_o the_o beginning_n god_n create_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n h_o 1._o and_o all_o thing_n in_o they_o of_o nothing_o in_o the_o space_n of_o six_o day_n and_o all_o very_a good_a and_o that_o he_o uphold_v i_o 3._o all_o thing_n by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o power_n and_o govern_v k_o 6._o all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will_n l_o 30._o 4._o i_o believe_v that_o god_n create_v man_n after_o his_o own_o image_n in_o knowledge_n righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n m_o 24._o and_o that_o he_o give_v he_o a_o law_n n_o 15_o promise_v life_n upon_o perfect_a obedience_n and_o threaten_a disobedience_n with_o death_n o_o 10._o 5._o i_o believe_v that_o man_n have_v break_v this_o law_n lose_v the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o p_o 8_o and_o bring_v himself_o and_o his_o whole_a posterity_n into_o a_o estate_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n q_o 3._o 6._o i_o believe_v that_o man_n not_o be_v able_a to_o deliver_v himself_o from_o the_o curse_n r_o 3._o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n s_o 17._o that_o he_o promise_v t_o 1_o and_o according_o when_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n be_v come_v send_v forth_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n u_o 4._o who_o take_v to_o he_o our_o nature_n w_o 16_o and_o become_v man_n x_o 15._o be_v conceive_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o womb_n of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n of_o her_o substance_n and_o bear_v of_o she_o y_o 4_o yet_o without_o sin_n z_o 2i_fw-la who_o have_v fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n a_o 17._o be_v make_v a_o curse_n for_o we_o b_o 13._o suffer_v death_n upon_o the_o cross_n c_o 8._o be_v bury_v and_o the_o three_o day_n he_o rise_v again_o d_o 4._o ascend_v into_o heaven_n e_o 10._o and_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n f_o 34_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o g_o 25._o 7._o i_o believe_v that_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o christ_n mediatorship_n shall_v be_v effectual_o communicate_v to_o all_o h_o 48._o and_o only_o i_o 7._o those_o who_o in_o he_o be_v elect_v unto_o salvation_n before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n k_o 5._o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v certain_o apply_v by_o work_v faith_n in_o they_o l_o 37._o thereby_o unite_n they_o in_o their_o effectual_a call_n to_o christ_n theirhead_n m_o 88_o and_o into_o one_o church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n n_o 16._o justify_v o_o 30._o adopt_v p_o 5._o sanctify_a q_o 10._o and_o bring_v they_o into_o communion_n with_o he_o in_o all_o spiritual_a blessing_n r_o 3._o 8._o i_o believe_v christ_n have_v appoint_v that_o those_o who_o profess_v his_o name_n shall_v for_o the_o beget_n s_o 17._o and_o increase_n t_o 2._o of_o grace_n and_o knowledge_n exercise_v a_o holy_a communion_n together_o u_o 46._o under_o the_o administration_n of_o all_o his_o ordinance_n w_o ult._n which_o they_o be_v careful_o to_o observe_v till_o his_o second_o come_n x_o 14._o 9_o i_o believe_v that_o christ_n shall_v come_v again_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n y_o 17_o and_o that_o then_o the_o body_n of_o all_o those_o that_o shall_v be_v find_v dead_a shall_v be_v raise_v and_o the_o rest_n z_o end_n change_v and_o all_o bring_v before_o he_o to_o judgement_n which_o he_o
etc._n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o discipline_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o church_n nay_o those_o that_o plead_v most_o for_o a_o free_a admission_n be_v so_o far_o from_o tax_v this_o practice_n with_o novelty_n that_o they_o yield_v it_o to_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o the_o ancient_a and_o usual_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n to_o exclude_v the_o notorious_a and_o open_a scandalous_a though_o not_o excommunicate_v neither_o do_v they_o so_o much_o plead_v for_o the_o admission_n of_o the_o scandalous_a as_o for_o the_o excommunicate_n of_o they_o first_o before_o a_o debarment_n from_o the_o sacrament_n 5._o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o power_n yet_o so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o officer_n have_v charity_n and_o may_v and_o must_v use_v it_o to_o prevent_v our_o brother_n danger_n so_o long_o sure_o may_v we_o do_v all_o this_o if_o we_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o bear_v we_o out_o will_v not_o this_o engage_v we_o to_o help_v you_o to_o examine_v yourselves_o and_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o so_o small_a moment_n that_o you_o need_v no_o help_n nay_o and_o to_o refuse_v to_o give_v you_o that_o which_o we_o see_v will_v hurt_v you_o will_v real_a love_n satisfy_v itself_o with_o a_o bare_a warning_n without_o endeavour_v to_o prevent_v will_v it_o only_o tell_v he_o it_o be_v poison_n he_o drink_v and_o not_o also_o take_v it_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n and_o have_v you_o any_o cause_n to_o be_v angry_a when_o we_o tell_v you_o the_o truth_n concerning_o your_o estate_n or_o hinder_v you_o from_o destroy_v yourselves_o out_o of_o love_n to_o you_o that_o when_o we_o love_v our_o peace_n or_o maintenance_n less_o than_o your_o good_a you_o shall_v so_o op-pose_v when_o the_o physician_n put_v the_o patient_n to_o some_o grief_n in_o the_o application_n of_o a_o necessary_a medicine_n be_v it_o reasonable_a either_o to_o refuse_v his_o medicine_n or_o to_o abuse_v his_o person_n that_o the_o medicine_n be_v so_o sharp_a be_v your_o fault_n not_o we_o the_o lord_n know_v we_o delight_v not_o in_o exclude_v if_o we_o can_v admit_v you_o without_o your_o own_o hurt_n and_o if_o god_n lay_v not_o this_o duty_n upon_o we_o can_v you_o imagine_v that_o man_n that_o know_v what_o they_o do_v will_v unnecessary_o provoke_v your_o hatred_n and_o opposition_n when_o they_o may_v have_v love_n and_o good_a will_n but_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o weight_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o soul_n and_o how_o bitter_o many_o a_o poor_a creature_n shall_v in_o hell_n curse_v his_o man-pleasing_a minister_n we_o be_v afraid_a those_o that_o think_v we_o too_o large_a let_v they_o be_v please_v to_o consider_v 1._o that_o god_n will_v not_o have_v the_o door_n so_o straight_o as_o many_o suppose_v we_o know_v that_o purity_n be_v amiable_a and_o require_v of_o all_o in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o it_o have_v such_o a_o lovely_a aspect_n that_o many_o so_o fix_v their_o eye_n upon_o it_o as_o if_o that_o be_v only_o to_o be_v attend_v and_o prosecute_v in_o the_o constitution_n and_o reformation_n of_o church_n yet_o with_o some_o confidence_n we_o dare_v affirm_v 1._o that_o the_o strict_a way_n of_o admission_n be_v not_o therefore_o best_o because_o strict_a 2._o that_o it_o be_v much_o safe_a in_o the_o management_n of_o admission_n and_o more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n to_o be_v so_o facile_a as_o to_o hazard_v the_o admission_n of_o many_o unfit_a rather_o than_o to_o exclude_v one_o that_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v exclude_v mr._n cotton_n say_v rather_o ninety_o nine_o shall_v perish_v through_o presumption_n then_o one_o humble_a soul_n belong_v to_o christ_n shall_v sink_v under_o discouragement_n way_n p._n 58._o 3._o that_o the_o admission_n of_o some_o less_o fit_a can_v neither_o defile_v the_o ordinance_n to_o other_o nor_o hinder_v their_o spiritual_a communion_n non_fw-la polluitur_fw-la communio_fw-la licet_fw-la minuitur_fw-la solatio_fw-la 4._o that_o censoriousness_n revile_n and_o contempt_n of_o weak_a christian_n error_n averseness_n to_o concede_fw-it and_o yield_v to_o brethren_n of_o different_a judgement_n in_o less_o thing_n for_o peace_n sake_n though_o they_o make_v not_o so_o great_a a_o noise_n in_o the_o world_n be_v sin_n of_o a_o more_o dangerous_a consequence_n more_o pernicious_a to_o the_o church_n in_o themselves_o more_o infectious_a and_o against_o which_o there_o lie_v more_o just_a exception_n as_o to_o admission_n than_o many_o other_o fail_n which_o usual_o be_v except_v against_o in_o the_o weak_a sort_n 5._o that_o those_o church_n have_v most_o of_o gospel-order_n where_o unity_n and_o encouragement_n of_o the_o weak_a be_v equal_o regard_v and_o prosecute_v with_o purity_n go_v hand_n in_o hand_n but_o one_o not_o justle_a out_o another_o 6._o that_o if_o the_o best_a of_o man_n will_v but_o impartial_o weigh_v their_o private_a fail_n in_o the_o same_o scale_n in_o which_o they_o usual_o weigh_v other_o man_n with_o the_o application_n of_o matt._n 7._o 1_o 12._o and_o will_v put_v on_o charity_n 1_o cor._n 13._o 4_o 5_o 6._o with_o humility_n they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o severe_a against_o other_o 2._o we_o can_v see_v any_o ground_n or_o scripture-warrant_n for_o a_o strict_a rule_n than_o this_o we_o walk_v by_o 1._o the_o fitness_n which_o come_v under_o our_o cognizance_n be_v only_o outward_a whether_o they_o that_o be_v only_o outward_o qualify_v have_v a_o real_a interest_n in_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n before_o god_n or_o not_o we_o think_v it_o unseasonable_a now_o to_o dispute_v that_o which_o we_o assert_v be_v grant_v by_o all_o of_o both_o party_n that_o understand_v their_o principle_n that_o the_o seal_n be_v give_v to_o such_o and_o that_o in_o our_o inquiry_n and_o determination_n we_o be_v to_o go_v no_o high_o lest_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o pry_v into_o thing_n secret_a and_o of_o usurp_v the_o throne_n and_o sceptre_n of_o the_o almighty_a 2._o the_o rule_n which_o must_v direct_v we_o to_o judge_v aright_o of_o this_o fitness_n must_v of_o necessity_n have_v these_o property_n first_o it_o must_v be_v general_a or_o else_o how_o shall_v it_o reach_v all_o man_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o short_a or_o so_o narrow_a as_o to_o exclude_v any_o admissable_a it_o can_v not_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v true_a second_o it_o must_v be_v public_a the_o officer_n be_v public_a and_o so_o be_v the_o act_n of_o admission_n and_o so_o be_v the_o ordinance_n admit_v to_o and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v grant_v that_o officer_n must_v manage_v these_o thing_n by_o private_a instruction_n and_o let_v in_o by_o a_o private_a door_n three_o it_o must_v be_v a_o stand_a rule_n for_o if_o it_o be_v uncertain_a unconstant_a and_o bend_v how_o shall_v it_o direct_v we_o to_o make_v any_o steady_a or_o certain_a trial_n 3._o the_o satisfaction_n wherein_o we_o be_v to_o acquiess_v aught_o to_o be_v public_a and_o ecclesiastical_a for_o if_o we_o be_v to_o admit_v only_o according_a to_o our_o private_a satisfaction_n or_o dissatisfaction_n who_o almost_o then_o can_v be_v admit_v with_o some_o who_o see_v not_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o such_o a_o rule_n if_o this_o be_v true_a the_o same_o party_n under_o the_o same_o qualification_n without_o any_o alteration_n may_v be_v lawful_o admit_v and_o reject_v by_o several_a church_n nay_o by_o the_o same_o church_n at_o several_a time_n some_o be_v more_o easy_o satisfy_v than_o other_o not_o that_o the_o use_n of_o charity_n in_o this_o case_n be_v deny_v when_o we_o have_v make_v as_o impartial_a a_o trial_n as_o we_o can_v the_o stand_a rule_n of_o charity_n must_v be_v make_v use_n of_o but_o yet_o god_n have_v not_o so_o refer_v the_o matter_n to_o charity_n as_o if_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v where_o our_o charity_n will_v not_o bring_v we_o up_o to_o a_o persuasion_n or_o belief_n of_o regeneration_n we_o suppose_v this_o therefore_o to_o be_v a_o stand_a truth_n that_o we_o may_v lawful_o and_o with_o peace_n of_o conscience_n nay_o we_o ought_v to_o admit_v one_o if_o come_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o who_o integrity_n we_o may_v have_v particular_a dissatisfaction_n if_o this_o be_v well_o consider_v the_o difference_n about_o rigid_a admission_n will_v not_o be_v so_o great_a mr._n noton_n cont._n apoll._n pag._n 11._o be_v full_a in_o this_o point_n distinguish_v betwixt_o fideles_fw-la {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o and_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o or_o ecclesiastice_fw-la fideles_fw-la believer_n that_o be_v real_o such_o and_o those_o that_o be_v repute_v to_o be_v such_o and_o plain_o assert_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o carry_v ourselves_o towards_o those_o as_o if_o they_o be_v real_o godly_a and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v positive_o to_o believe_v every_o one_o admissable_a into_o the_o church_n to_o be_v