a_o declaration_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n oun_z and_o practise_v in_o the_o congregational_a church_n in_o england_n agree_v upon_o and_o consent_v unto_o by_o their_o elder_n and_o messenger_n in_o their_o meeting_n at_o the_o savoy_n october_n 12._o 1658._o london_n print_v by_o john_n field_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v by_o john_n allen_n at_o the_o sun_n rise_v in_o paul_n churchyard_n 1659._o a_o preface_n confession_n of_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o we_o when_o just_o call_v for_o be_v so_o indispensable_a a_o due_a all_o owe_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o sovereign_a god_n that_o it_o be_v rank_v among_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o first_o commandment_n such_o as_o prayer_n be_v and_o therefore_o by_o paul_n yoke_v with_o faith_n itself_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n with_o the_o heart_n man_n believe_v unto_o righteousness_n and_o with_o the_o mouth_n confession_n be_v make_v unto_o salvation_n our_o lord_n christ_n himself_o when_o he_o be_v accuse_v of_o his_o 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fit_a to_o lay_v they_o aside_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o tend_v more_o to_o heighten_v dissent_n among_o brethren_n then_o to_o determine_v and_o adopt_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o difference_n under_o so_o high_a a_o title_n as_o to_o be_v a_o article_n of_o our_o â—â—ith_n so_o that_o there_o be_v two_o whole_a chapter_n and_o some_o paragraph_n in_o other_o chapter_n in_o their_o confession_n that_o we_o have_v upon_o this_o account_n omit_v and_o the_o rather_o do_v we_o give_v this_o notice_n because_o that_o copy_n of_o the_o parliament_n follow_v by_o we_o 1647_o be_v in_o few_o man_n hand_n the_o other_o as_o it_o come_v from_o the_o assembly_n be_v approve_v of_o in_o scotland_n be_v print_v and_o hasten_v â—nto_o the_o world_n before_o the_o parliament_n have_v declare_v their_o resolution_n about_o it_o which_o be_v not_o till_o june_n 20._o 1648._o and_o yet_o
their_o proceed_n we_o humble_o conceive_v that_o we_o be_v dissatisfy_v in_o these_o thing_n as_o our_o brethren_n the_o like_a liberty_n be_v intend_v by_o the_o honourable_a house_n and_o may_v be_v take_v by_o we_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n without_o blame_n or_o grief_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o those_o brethren_n at_o least_o to_o resolve_v or_o rather_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o resolution_n and_o practice_n in_o these_o matter_n which_o indeed_o be_v our_o practice_n in_o time_n of_o great_a opposition_n and_o before_o this_o reformation_n be_v begin_v and_o as_o our_o brethren_n the_o minister_n of_o london_n draw_v up_o and_o publish_v their_o opinion_n and_o apprehension_n about_o church-government_n into_o a_o entire_a system_fw-la so_o we_o now_o give_v the_o like_a public_a account_n of_o our_o conscience_n and_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o have_v constant_o practise_v hitherto_o which_o we_o have_v here_o draw_v up_o and_o do_v present_a whereby_o it_o will_v appear_v how_o much_o or_o how_o little_a we_o differ_v in_o these_o thing_n from_o our_o presbyterian_a brethren_n and_o we_o trust_v there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n why_o any_o man_n either_o for_o our_o differ_n from_o the_o present_a settlement_n it_o be_v out_o of_o conscience_n and_o not_o out_o of_o contempt_n or_o our_o difference_n one_o from_o another_o be_v not_o wilful_a shall_v charge_v either_o of_o we_o with_o that_o odious_a reproach_n of_o schism_n and_o indeed_o if_o not_o for_o our_o differ_n from_o the_o state-settlement_n much_o less_o because_o we_o differ_v from_o our_o brethren_n our_o difference_n be_v in_o some_o lesser_a thing_n preface_n and_o circumstance_n only_o as_o themselves_o acknowledge_v and_o let_v it_o be_v further_o consider_v that_o we_o have_v not_o break_v from_o they_o or_o their_o order_n by_o these_o difference_n but_o rather_o they_o from_o we_o and_o in_o that_o respect_n we_o less_o deserve_v their_o censure_n our_o practice_n be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o it_o be_v in_o our_o break_n from_o episcopacy_n and_o long_o before_o presbytery_n or_o any_o such_o form_n as_o now_o they_o be_v in_o be_v take_v up_o by_o they_o and_o we_o will_v not_o say_v how_o probable_a it_o be_v that_o the_o yoke_n of_o episcopacy_n have_v be_v upon_o our_o neck_n to_o this_o day_n if_o some_o such_o way_n as_o former_o and_o now_o be_v and_o have_v be_v term_v schism_n have_v not_o with_o much_o suffer_v be_v then_o practise_v and_o since_o continue_v in_o for_o novelty_n wherewith_o we_o be_v likewise_o both_o charge_v by_o the_o enemy_n of_o both_o it_o be_v true_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o public_a and_o open_a profession_n either_o of_o presbytery_n or_o independency_n this_o nation_n have_v be_v a_o stranger_n to_o each_o way_n it_o be_v possible_a ever_o since_o it_o have_v be_v christian_a though_o for_o ourselves_o we_o be_v able_a to_o trace_v the_o footstep_n of_o a_o independent_a congregational_a way_n in_o the_o ancient_a custom_n of_o the_o church_n as_o also_o in_o the_o writing_n of_o our_o sound_a protestant_a divine_n and_o that_o which_o we_o be_v much_o satisfy_v in_o a_o full_a concurrence_n throughout_o in_o all_o the_o substantial_a part_n of_o church-government_n with_o our_o reverend_a brethren_n the_o old_a puritan_n nonconformist_n etc._n who_o be_v instant_a in_o prayer_n and_o much_o suffering_n prevail_v with_o the_o lord_n and_o we_o reap_v with_o joy_n what_o they_o sow_v in_o tear_n our_o brethren_n also_o that_o be_v for_o presbyterial_a subordination_n profess_v what_o be_v of_o weight_n against_o novelty_n for_o their_o way_n and_o now_o therefore_o see_v the_o lord_n in_o who_o hand_n be_v the_o heart_n of_o prince_n have_v put_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o our_o governor_n to_o tolerate_v and_o permit_v as_o they_o have_v do_v many_o year_n person_n of_o each_o persuasion_n to_o enjoy_v their_o conscience_n though_o neither_o come_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n establish_v by_o authority_n and_o that_o which_o be_v more_o to_o give_v we_o both_o protection_n and_o the_o same_o encouragement_n that_o the_o most_o devote_v conformist_n in_o those_o former_a superstitious_a time_n enjoy_v yea_o and_o by_o a_o public_a law_n to_o establish_v this_o liberty_n for_o time_n to_o come_v and_o yet_o further_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o our_o fear_n to_o set_v over_o we_o a_o prince_n that_o own_v this_o establishment_n and_o cordial_o resolve_v to_o secure_v our_o church_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o these_o liberty_n if_o we_o abuse_v they_o not_o to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o civil_a peace_n this_o shall_v be_v a_o very_a great_a engagement_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o though_o of_o different_a persuasion_n to_o endeavour_v our_o utmost_a joint_o to_o promove_v the_o honour_n and_o prosperity_n of_o such_o a_o government_n and_o governor_n by_o whatsoever_o mean_n which_o in_o our_o calling_n as_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o as_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o prince_n of_o peace_n we_o be_v any_o way_n able_a to_o as_o also_o to_o be_v peaceable_o dispose_v one_o towards_o another_o and_o with_o mutual_a toleration_n to_o love_n as_o brethren_n notwithstanding_o such_o difference_n remember_v as_o it_o be_v very_o equal_a we_o shall_v the_o difference_n that_o be_v between_o presbyterian_n and_o independent_n be_v difference_n between_o fellow-servant_n and_o neither_o of_o they_o have_v authority_n give_v from_o god_n or_o man_n to_o impose_v their_o opinion_n one_o more_o than_o the_o other_o that_o our_o governor_n after_o so_o solemn_a a_o establishment_n shall_v thus_o bear_v with_o we_o both_o in_o our_o great_a difference_n from_o their_o rule_n and_o after_o this_o for_o any_o of_o we_o to_o take_v a_o fellow-servant_n by_o the_o throat_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o a_o lesser_a reckon_n and_o nothing_o due_a to_o he_o upon_o it_o be_v to_o forget_v at_o least_o not_o to_o exercise_v that_o compassion_n and_o tenderness_n we_o have_v find_v where_o we_o have_v less_o ground_n to_o challenge_v or_o expect_v it_o our_o prayer_n unto_o god_n be_v that_o whereto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v we_o all_o may_v walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o that_o wherein_o we_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v god_n will_v reveal_v it_o to_o we_o in_o his_o due_a time_n book_n sell_v by_o john_n allen_n at_o the_o sun_n rise_v in_o paul_n churchyard_n viz._n mr._n caryl_n five_o volume_n on_o the_o book_n of_o job_n in_fw-la quarto_fw-la mr._n caryl_n seven_o volume_n on_o the_o book_n of_o job_n in_fw-la quarto_fw-la bezae_fw-la novum_fw-la testamentum_fw-la in_fw-la folio_fw-la mr._n allen_n scripture_n chronology_n in_fw-la quarto_fw-la mr._n baxter_n call_n to_o the_o unconverted_a mr._n cotton_n on_o the_o covenant_n intend_v sudden_o for_o the_o press_n mr._n lukins_n practice_n of_o godliness_n mr._n burgess_n of_o original_a sin_n pareus_n on_o the_o revelation_n in_o folio_n mr._n gataker_n against_o judicial_a astrology_n wherein_o he_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v the_o way_n and_o practice_n of_o heathen_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o much_o as_o name_v by_o they_o that_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n isaiah_n 47.12_o 13._o jer._n 10.2_o the_o history_n of_o the_o evangelical_a church_n of_o the_o valley_n of_o piedmont_n contain_v a_o most_o exact_a description_n of_o the_o place_n and_o a_o faithful_a account_n of_o the_o doctrine_n life_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o ancient_a inhabitant_n together_o with_o a_o most_o naked_a and_o punctual_a relation_n of_o the_o late_a bloody_a massacre_n 1655._o and_o a_o narrative_a of_o all_o the_o follow_a transaction_n to_o 1658._o justifiâ—d_fw-mi partly_o by_o divers_a ancient_a manuscript_n write_v many_o hundred_o year_n before_o calvin_n or_o luther_n by_o samuel_n morlaend_v esq_n in_o folio_n the_o humble_a sinner_n resolve_v what_o he_o shall_v do_v to_o be_v save_v or_o faith_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o only_a way_n of_o salvation_n by_o mr._n obadiah_n sedgwick_n in_fw-la quarto_fw-la the_o riches_n of_o grace_n display_v in_o the_o offer_n and_o tender_v of_o salvation_n to_o poor_a sinner_n by_o the_o same_o author_n in_o twelves_o the_o fountain_n open_v and_o the_o water_n of_o life_n flow_v forth_o for_o the_o refresh_n of_o thirsty_a sinner_n by_o the_o same_o author_n quarto_fw-la the_o gospel_n glory_n without_o prejudice_n to_o the_o law_n shine_v forth_o in_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n by_o mr._n richard_n byfield_n in_fw-la octavo_fw-la a_o declaration_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n oun_z and_o practise_v in_o the_o congregational_a church_n in_o england_n chap._n i._n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n although_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n do_v so_o far_o manifest_v the_o goodness_n wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n as_o to_o leave_v man_n
so_o much_o as_o in_o a_o general_a or_o obscure_a way_n much_o less_o that_o man_n destitute_a of_o the_o revelation_n of_o he_o by_o the_o promise_n or_o gospel_n shall_v be_v enable_v thereby_o to_o attain_v save_v faith_n or_o repentance_n iii_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o sinner_n make_v in_o divers_a time_n and_o by_o sundry_a part_n with_o the_o addition_n of_o promise_n and_o precept_n for_o the_o obedience_n require_v therein_o as_o to_o the_o nation_n and_o person_n to_o who_o it_o be_v grant_v be_v mere_o of_o the_o sovereign_a will_n and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n not_o be_v annex_v by_o virtue_n of_o any_o promise_n to_o the_o due_a improvement_n of_o man_n natural_a ability_n by_o virtue_n of_o common_a light_n receive_v without_o it_o which_o none_o ever_o do_v make_v or_o can_v so_o do_v and_o therefore_o in_o all_o age_n the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v grant_v unto_o person_n and_o nation_n as_o to_o the_o extent_n or_o straighten_n of_o it_o in_o great_a variety_n according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n iv._o although_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o only_a outward_a mean_n of_o reveal_v christ_n and_o save_a grace_n and_o be_v as_o such_o abundant_o sufficient_a thereunto_o yet_o that_o man_n who_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n may_v be_v bear_v again_o quicken_v or_o regenerate_v there_o be_v moreover_o necessary_a a_o effectual_a irresistible_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o whole_a soul_n for_o the_o produce_n in_o they_o a_o new_a spiritual_a life_n without_o which_o no_o other_o mean_n be_v sufficient_a for_o their_o conversion_n unto_o god_n chap._n xxi_o of_o christian_a liberty_n and_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n the_o liberty_n which_o christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o believer_n under_o the_o gospel_n consist_v in_o their_o freedom_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n the_o condemn_a wrath_n of_o god_n the_o rigor_n and_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o in_o their_o be_v deliver_v from_o this_o present_a evil_a world_n bondage_n to_o satan_n and_o dominion_n of_o sin_n from_o the_o evil_a of_o affliction_n the_o fear_n and_o sting_n of_o death_n the_o victory_n of_o the_o grave_n and_o everlasting_a damnation_n as_o also_o in_o their_o free_a access_n to_o god_n and_o their_o yield_a obedience_n unto_o he_o not_o out_o of_o slavish_a fear_n but_o a_o childlike_a love_n and_o willing_a mind_n all_o which_o be_v common_a also_o to_o believer_n under_o the_o law_n for_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o but_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o liberty_n of_o christian_n be_v further_o enlarge_v in_o their_o freedom_n from_o the_o yoke_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n the_o whole_a legal_a administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o which_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v subject_v and_o in_o great_a boldness_n of_o access_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o in_o full_a communication_n of_o the_o free_a spirit_n of_o god_n than_o believer_n under_o the_o law_n do_v ordinary_o partake_v of_o ii_o god_n alone_o be_v lord_n of_o the_o conscience_n and_o have_v leave_v it_o free_a from_o the_o doctrine_n and_o commandment_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o his_o word_n or_o not_o contain_v in_o it_o so_o that_o to_o believe_v such_o doctrine_n or_o to_o obey_v such_o command_n out_o of_o conscience_n be_v to_o betray_v true_a liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o require_n of_o a_o implicit_a faith_n and_o a_o absolute_a and_o blind_a obedience_n be_v to_o destroy_v liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o reason_n also_o iii_o they_o who_o upon_o pretence_n of_o christian_a liberty_n do_v practice_n any_o sin_n or_o cherish_v any_o lust_n as_o they_o do_v thereby_o pervert_v the_o main_a design_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n so_o they_o whole_o destroy_v the_o end_n of_o christian_a liberty_n which_o be_v that_o be_v deliver_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o enemy_n we_o may_v serve_v the_o lord_n without_o fear_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n before_o he_o all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n chap._n xxii_o of_o religious_a worship_n and_o the_o sabbath-day_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o have_v lordship_n and_o sovereignty_n over_o all_o be_v just_a good_a and_o do_v good_a unto_o all_o and_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v fear_v love_a praise_v call_v upon_o trust_v in_o and_o serve_v with_o all_o the_o heart_n and_o all_o the_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o the_o might_n but_o the_o acceptable_a way_n of_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n be_v institute_v by_o himself_o and_o so_o limit_v by_o his_o own_o reveal_a will_n that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v worship_v according_a to_o the_o imagination_n and_o device_n of_o man_n or_o the_o suggestion_n of_o satan_n under_o any_o visible_a representation_n or_o any_o other_o way_n not_o prescribe_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n ii_o religious_a worship_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o he_o alone_o not_o to_o angel_n saint_n or_o any_o other_o creature_n and_o since_o the_o fall_n not_o without_o a_o mediator_n nor_o in_o the_o mediation_n of_o any_o other_o but_o of_o christ_n alone_o iii_o prayer_n with_o thanksgiving_n be_v one_o special_a part_n of_o natural_a worship_n be_v by_o god_n require_v of_o all_o man_n but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v accept_v it_o be_v to_o be_v make_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o son_n by_o the_o help_n of_o his_o spirit_n according_a to_o his_o will_n with_o understanding_n reverence_n humility_n fervency_n faith_n love_n and_o perseverance_n and_o when_o with_o other_o in_o a_o know_a tongue_n iv._o prayer_n be_v to_o be_v make_v for_o thing_n lawful_a and_o for_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n live_v or_o that_o shall_v live_v hereafter_o but_o not_o for_o the_o dead_a nor_o for_o those_o of_o who_o it_o may_v be_v know_v that_o they_o have_v sin_v the_o sin_n unto_o death_n v._o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n preach_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n sing_v of_o psalm_n as_o also_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v all_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n of_o god_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o obedience_n unto_o god_n with_o understanding_n faith_n reverence_n and_o godly_a fear_n solemn_a humiliation_n with_o fast_n and_o thanksgiving_n upon_o special_a occasion_n be_v in_o their_o several_a time_n and_o season_n to_o be_v use_v in_o a_o holy_a and_o religious_a manner_n vi_o neither_o prayer_n nor_o any_o other_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v now_o under_o the_o gospel_n either_o tie_v unto_o or_o make_v more_o acceptable_a by_o any_o place_n in_o which_o it_o be_v perform_v or_o towards_o which_o it_o be_v direct_v but_o god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v everywhere_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n as_o in_o private_a family_n daily_o and_o in_o secret_a each_o one_o by_o himself_o so_o more_o solemn_o in_o the_o public_a assembly_n which_o be_v not_o careless_o nor_o wilful_o to_o be_v neglect_v or_o forsake_v when_o god_n by_o his_o word_n of_o providence_n call_v thereunto_o vii_o as_o it_o be_v of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o in_o general_a a_o proportion_n of_o time_n by_o god_n appointment_n be_v set_v apart_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n so_o by_o his_o word_n in_o a_o positive_a moral_a and_o perpetual_a commandment_n bind_v all_o man_n in_o all_o age_n he_o have_v particular_o appoint_v one_o day_n in_o seven_o for_o a_o sabbath_n to_o be_v keep_v holy_a unto_o he_o which_o from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o last_o day_n of_o the_o week_n and_o from_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v change_v into_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n which_o in_o scripture_n be_v call_v the_o lord_n day_n and_o be_v to_o be_v continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o christian_a sabbath_n the_o observation_n of_o the_o last_o day_n of_o the_o week_n be_v abolish_v viii_o this_o sabbath_n be_v then_o keep_v holy_a unto_o the_o lord_n when_o man_n after_o a_o due_a prepare_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o order_v their_o common_a affair_n beforehand_o do_v not_o only_o observe_v a_o holy_a rest_n all_o the_o day_n from_o their_o own_o work_n word_n and_o thought_n about_o their_o worldly_a employment_n and_o recreation_n but_o also_o be_v take_v up_o the_o whole_a time_n in_o the_o public_a and_o private_a exercise_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o necessity_n and_o mercy_n chap._n xxiii_o of_o lawful_a oath_n and_o vow_n a_o lawful_a oath_n be_v a_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n wherein_o the_o person_n swear_v in_o truth_n righteousness_n and_o judgement_n solemn_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v
what_o he_o assert_v or_o promise_v and_o to_o judge_v he_o according_a to_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o what_o he_o swear_v ii_o the_o name_n of_o god_n only_o be_v that_o by_o which_o man_n ought_v to_o swear_v and_o therein_o it_o be_v to_o be_v use_v with_o all_o holy_a fear_n and_o reverence_n therefore_o to_o swear_v vain_o or_o rash_o by_o that_o glorious_a or_o dreadful_a name_n or_o to_o swear_v at_o all_o by_o any_o other_o thing_n be_v sinful_a and_o to_o be_v abhor_v yet_o as_o in_o matter_n of_o weight_n and_o moment_n a_o oath_n be_v warrant_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o well_o as_o under_o the_o old_a so_o a_o lawful_a oath_n be_v impose_v by_o lawful_a authority_n in_o such_o matter_n aught_o to_o be_v take_v iii_o whosoever_o take_v a_o oath_n warrant_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n ought_v due_o to_o consider_v the_o weightiness_n of_o so_o solemn_a a_o act_n and_o therein_o to_o avouch_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o be_v full_o persuade_v be_v the_o truth_n neither_o may_v any_o man_n bind_v himself_o by_o oath_n to_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v good_a and_o just_a and_o what_o he_o believe_v so_o to_o be_v and_o what_o he_o be_v able_a and_o resolve_v to_o perform_v yet_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o refuse_v a_o oath_n touch_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a and_o just_a be_v lawful_o impose_v by_o authority_n iv._o a_o oath_n be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o plain_a and_o common_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n without_o equivocation_n or_o mental_a reservation_n it_o can_v oblige_v to_o sin_n but_o in_o any_o thing_n not_o sinful_a be_v take_v it_o bind_v to_o performance_n although_o to_o a_o man_n own_o hurt_n nor_o be_v it_o to_o be_v violate_v although_o make_v to_o heretic_n or_o infidel_n v._o a_o vow_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v to_o any_o creature_n but_o god_n alone_o be_v of_o the_o like_a nature_n with_o a_o promissory_a oath_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v make_v with_o the_o like_a religious_a care_n and_o to_o be_v perform_v with_o the_o like_a faithfulness_n vi_o popish_a monastical_a vow_n of_o perpetual_a single_a life_n profess_a poverty_n and_o regular_a obedience_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v degree_n of_o high_a perfection_n that_o they_o be_v superstitious_a and_o sinful_a snare_n in_o which_o no_o christian_n may_v entangle_v himself_o chap._n xxiv_o of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n god_n the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o king_n of_o all_o the_o world_n have_v ordain_v civil_a magistrate_n to_o be_v under_o he_o over_o the_o people_n for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o public_a good_a and_o to_o this_o end_n have_v arm_v they_o with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n for_o the_o defence_n and_o encouragement_n of_o they_o that_o do_v good_a and_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o evil_a doer_n ii_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o christian_n to_o accept_v and_o execute_v the_o office_n of_o a_o magistrate_n when_o call_v thereunto_o in_o the_o management_n whereof_o as_o they_o ought_v especial_o to_o maintain_v justice_n and_o peace_n according_a to_o the_o wholesome_a law_n of_o each_o commonwealth_n so_o for_o that_o end_n they_o may_v lawful_o now_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n wage_v war_n upon_o just_a and_o necessary_a occasion_n iii_o although_o the_o magistrate_n be_v bind_v to_o encourage_v promote_v and_o protect_v the_o professor_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o manage_v and_o order_n civil_a administration_n in_o a_o due_a subserviency_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o that_o end_n to_o take_v care_v that_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o conversation_n do_v not_o licentious_o publish_v and_o divulge_v blasphemy_n and_o error_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n subvert_v the_o faith_n and_o inevitable_o destroy_v the_o soul_n of_o they_o that_o receive_v they_o yet_o in_o such_o difference_n about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o way_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o may_v befall_v man_n exercise_v a_o good_a conscience_n manifest_v it_o in_o their_o conversation_n and_o hold_v the_o foundation_n not_o disturb_v other_o in_o their_o way_n or_o worship_n that_o differ_v from_o they_o there_o be_v no_o warrant_n for_o the_o magistrate_n under_o the_o gospel_n to_o abridge_v they_o of_o their_o liberty_n iv._o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o people_n to_o pray_v for_o magistrate_n to_o honour_v their_o person_n to_o pay_v they_o tribute_n and_o other_o due_n to_o obey_v their_o lawful_a command_n and_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o authority_n for_o conscience_n sake_n infidelity_n or_o difference_n in_o religion_n do_v not_o make_v void_a the_o magistrate_n just_a and_o legal_a authority_n nor_o free_v the_o people_n from_o their_o obedience_n to_o he_o from_o which_o ecclesiastical_a person_n be_v not_o exempt_v much_o less_o have_v the_o pope_n any_o power_n or_o jurisdiction_n over_o they_o in_o their_o dominion_n or_o over_o any_o of_o their_o people_n and_o least_o of_o all_o to_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o dominion_n or_o life_n if_o he_o shall_v judge_v they_o to_o be_v heretic_n or_o upon_o any_o other_o pretence_n whatsoever_o chap._n xxv_o of_o marriage_n marriage_n be_v to_o be_v between_o one_o man_n and_o one_o woman_n neither_o be_v it_o lawful_a for_o any_o man_n to_o have_v more_o than_o one_o wife_n nor_o for_o any_o woman_n to_o have_v more_o than_o one_o husband_n at_o the_o same_o time_n ii_o marriage_n be_v ordain_v for_o the_o mutual_a help_n of_o husband_n and_o wife_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o mankind_n with_o a_o legitimate_a issue_n and_o of_o the_o church_n with_o a_o holy_a seed_n and_o for_o prevent_v of_o uncleanness_n iii_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n to_o marry_v who_o be_v able_a with_o judgement_n to_o give_v their_o consent_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o christian_n to_o marry_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o such_o as_o profess_v the_o true_a reform_a religion_n shall_v not_o marry_v with_o infidel_n papist_n or_o other_o idolater_n neither_o shall_v such_o as_o be_v godly_a be_v unequal_o yoke_v by_o marry_v with_o such_o as_o be_v wicked_a in_o their_o life_n or_o maintain_v damnable_a heresy_n iv._o marriage_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v within_o the_o degree_n of_o consanguinity_n or_o affinity_n forbid_v in_o the_o word_n nor_o can_v such_o incestuous_a marriage_n ever_o be_v make_v lawful_a by_o any_o law_n of_o man_n or_o consent_n of_o party_n so_o as_o those_o person_n may_v live_v together_o as_o man_n and_o wife_n chap._n xxvi_o of_o the_o church_n the_o catholic_a or_o universal_a church_n which_o be_v invisible_a consist_v of_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o the_o elect_a that_o have_v be_v be_v or_o shall_v be_v gather_v into_o one_o under_o christ_n the_o head_n thereof_o and_o be_v the_o spouse_n the_o body_n the_o fullness_n of_o he_o that_o fill_v all_o in_o all_o ii_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o man_n throughout_o the_o world_n profess_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o obedience_n unto_o god_n by_o christ_n according_a unto_o it_o not_o destroy_v their_o own_o profession_n by_o any_o error_n evert_n the_o foundation_n or_o unholiness_n of_o conversation_n be_v and_o may_v be_v call_v the_o visible_a catholic_a church_n of_o christ_n although_o as_o such_o it_o be_v not_o entrust_v with_o the_o administration_n of_o any_o ordinance_n or_o have_v any_o officer_n to_o rule_n or_o govern_v in_o or_o over_o the_o whole_a body_n iii_o the_o pure_a church_n under_o heaven_n be_v subject_a both_o to_o mixture_n and_o error_n and_o some_o have_v so_o degenerate_v as_o to_o become_v no_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n nevertheless_o christ_n always_o have_v have_v and_o ever_o shall_v have_v a_o visible_a kingdom_n in_o this_o world_n to_o the_o end_n thereof_o of_o such_o as_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o make_v profession_n of_o his_o name_n iv._o there_o be_v no_o other_o head_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n nor_o can_v the_o pope_n of_o rome_n in_o any_o sense_n be_v head_n thereof_o but_o be_v that_o antichrist_n that_o man_n of_o sin_n and_o son_n of_o perdition_n that_o exalt_v himself_o in_o the_o church_n against_o christ_n and_o all_o that_o be_v call_v god_n who_o the_o lord_n shall_v destroy_v with_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o come_n v._o as_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o care_n and_o love_n towards_o his_o church_n have_v in_o his_o infinite_a wise_a providence_n exercise_v it_o with_o great_a variety_n in_o all_o age_n for_o the_o good_a of_o they_o that_o love_v he_o and_o his_o own_o glory_n so_o according_a to_o his_o promise_n we_o expect_v that_o in_o the_o latter_a day_n antichrist_n be_v destroy_v the_o jew_n call_v and_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o
with_o or_o call_v they_o to_o to_o be_v continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v pastor_n teacher_n elder_n and_o deacon_n x._o church_n thus_o gather_v and_o assemble_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v thereby_o visible_a and_o public_a and_o their_o assembly_n in_o what_o place_n soever_o they_o be_v according_a as_o they_o have_v liberty_n or_o opportunity_n be_v therefore_o church_n or_o public_a assembly_n xi_o the_o way_n appoint_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o call_n of_o any_o person_n fit_v and_o gift_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n unto_o the_o office_n of_o pastor_n teacher_n or_o elder_n in_o a_o church_n be_v that_o he_o be_v choose_v thereunto_o by_o the_o common_a suffrage_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o solemn_o set_v apart_o by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n with_o imposition_n of_o hand_n of_o the_o eldership_n of_o that_o church_n if_o there_o be_v any_o before_o constitute_v therein_o and_o of_o a_o deacon_n that_o he_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o like_a suffrage_n and_o set_v apart_o by_o prayer_n and_o the_o like_a imposition_n of_o hand_n xii_o the_o essence_n of_o this_o call_n of_o a_o pastor_n teacher_n or_o elder_n unto_o office_n consist_v in_o the_o election_n of_o the_o church_n together_o with_o his_o acceptation_n of_o it_o and_o separation_n by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o those_o who_o be_v so_o choose_v though_o not_o set_v apart_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v right_o constitute_v minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o who_o name_n and_o authority_n they_o exercise_v the_o ministry_n to_o they_o so_o commit_v the_o call_n of_o deacon_n consist_v in_o the_o like_a election_n and_o acceptation_n with_o separation_n by_o prayer_n xiii_o although_o it_o be_v incumbent_n on_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v instant_a in_o preach_v the_o word_n by_o way_n of_o office_n yet_o the_o work_n of_o preach_v the_o word_n be_v not_o so_o peculiar_o confine_v to_o they_o but_o that_o other_o also_o gift_v and_o fit_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o it_o and_o approve_a be_v by_o lawful_a way_n and_o mean_n in_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n call_v thereunto_o may_v public_o ordinary_o and_o constant_o perform_v it_o so_o that_o they_o give_v themselves_o up_o thereunto_o xiv_o however_o they_o who_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o work_n of_o public_a preach_v and_o enjoy_v the_o public_a maintenance_n upon_o that_o account_n be_v not_o thereby_o oblige_v to_o dispense_v the_o seal_n to_o any_o other_o than_o such_o as_o be_v saint_n by_o call_v and_o gather_v according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o stand_v relate_v to_o as_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n yet_o ought_v they_o not_o to_o neglect_v other_o live_v within_o their_o parochial_a bound_n but_o beside_o their_o constant_a public_a preach_n to_o they_o they_o ought_v to_o inquire_v after_o their_o profit_n by_o the_o word_n instruct_v they_o in_o and_o press_v upon_o they_o whether_o young_a or_o old_a the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n even_o personal_o and_o particular_o so_o far_o as_o their_o strength_n and_o time_n will_v admit_v xv_o ordination_n alone_o without_o the_o election_n or_o precedent_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n by_o those_o who_o former_o have_v be_v ordain_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o power_n they_o have_v receive_v by_o their_o ordination_n do_v not_o constitute_v any_o person_n a_o church_n officer_n or_o communicate_v office_n power_n unto_o he_o xvi_o a_o church_n furnish_v with_o officer_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n have_v full_a power_n to_o administer_v all_o his_o ordinance_n and_o where_o there_o be_v want_n of_o any_o one_o or_o more_o officer_n require_v that_o officer_n or_o those_o which_o be_v in_o the_o church_n may_v administer_v all_o the_o ordinance_n proper_a to_o their_o particular_a duty_n and_o office_n but_o where_o there_o be_v no_o teach_v officer_n none_o may_v administer_v the_o seal_n nor_o can_v the_o church_n authorize_v any_o so_o to_o do_v xvii_o in_o the_o carry_n on_o of_o church-administration_n no_o person_n ought_v to_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n but_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o that_o so_o love_n without_o dissimulation_n may_v be_v preserve_v between_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o xviii_o whereas_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v appoint_v and_o institute_v as_o a_o mean_n of_o edification_n that_o those_o who_o walk_v not_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n appoint_v by_o he_o in_o respect_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n so_o that_o just_a offence_n do_v arise_v to_o the_o church_n thereby_o be_v censure_v in_o his_o name_n and_o authority_n every_o church_n have_v power_n in_o itself_o to_o exercise_v and_o execute_v all_o those_o censure_n appoint_v by_o he_o in_o the_o way_n and_o order_n prescribe_v in_o the_o gospel_n xix_o the_o censure_n so_o appoint_v by_o christ_n be_v admonition_n and_o excommunication_n and_o whereas_o some_o offence_n be_v or_o may_v be_v know_v only_o to_o some_o it_o be_v appoint_v by_o christ_n that_o those_o to_o who_o they_o be_v so_o know_v do_v first_o admonish_v the_o offender_n in_o private_a in_o public_a offence_n where_o any_o sin_n before_o all_o or_o in_o case_n of_o non-amendment_n upon_o private_a admonition_n the_o offence_n be_v relate_v to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o offender_n not_o manifest_v his_o repentance_n he_o be_v to_o be_v due_o admonish_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o whole_a church_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o this_o censure_n prevail_v not_o for_o his_o repentance_n than_o he_o be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o by_o excommunication_n with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n xx_o as_o all_o believer_n be_v bind_v to_o join_v themselves_o to_o particular_a churchâ—_n when_o and_o where_o they_o have_v opportunity_n so_o to_o do_v so_o nonâ—_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v unto_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n who_o do_v not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o government_n of_o they_o xxi_o this_o be_v the_o way_n prescribe_v by_o christ_n in_o case_n of_o offence_n no_o church-member_n upon_o any_o offence_n take_v by_o they_o have_v perform_v their_o duty_n require_v of_o they_o in_o this_o matter_n aught_o to_o disturb_v any_o church-order_n or_o absent_a themseluâ—s_n from_o the_o public_a assembly_n or_o the_o administration_n of_o any_o ordinance_n upon_o that_o pretence_n but_o to_o wait_v upon_o christ_n in_o the_o further_a proceed_n of_o the_o church_n xxii_o the_o power_n of_o censure_n be_v seat_v by_o christ_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v only_o towards_o particular_a member_n of_o each_o church_n respective_o as_o such_o and_o there_o be_v no_o power_n give_v by_o he_o unto_o any_o synod_n or_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n to_o excommunicate_v or_o by_o their_o public_a edict_n to_o threaten_v excommunication_n or_o other_o church-censure_n against_o church_n magistrate_n or_o their_o people_n upon_o any_o account_n no_o man_n be_v obnoxious_a to_o that_o censure_n but_o upon_o his_o personal_a miscarriage_n as_o a_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n xxiii_o although_o the_o church_n be_v a_o society_n of_o man_n assemble_v for_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n according_a to_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ_n yet_o every_o society_n assemble_v for_o that_o end_n or_o purpose_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o cohabâ—â—ation_n within_o any_o civil_a precinct_n and_o bound_n be_v not_o thereby_o constitute_v a_o church_n see_v there_o may_v be_v want_v among_o â—hem_n what_o be_v essential_o require_v thereunto_o and_o therefore_o a_o believer_n live_v with_o other_o in_o such_o a_o precinct_n may_v join_v hâ—mself_n with_o any_o church_n for_o his_o edification_n xxiv_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o difference_n that_o may_v otherwise_o arise_v for_o the_o great_a solemnity_n in_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o open_v a_o way_n for_o the_o large_a usefulness_n of_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n saint_n live_v in_o one_o city_n or_o town_n or_o within_o such_o distance_n as_o that_o they_o may_v convenient_o assemble_v for_o divine_a worship_n ought_v rather_o to_o join_v in_o one_o church_n for_o their_o mutual_a strengthen_n and_o edification_n then_o to_o set_v up_o many_o distinct_a society_n xxv_o as_o all_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o pray_v continual_o for_o the_o good_a or_o prosperity_n of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o place_n and_o upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o further_v it_o every_o one_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o place_n and_o calling_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o gift_n and_o grace_n so_o the_o church_n themselves_o when_o planâ—ed_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n so_o as_o they_o may_v have_v opportunity_n and_o advantage_n for_o it_o ought_v to_o hold_v communion_n among_o themselves_o for_o their_o peace_n increase_n of_o love_n and_o mutual_a edification_n xxvi_o in_o case_n oâ—_z difficulty_n or_o difference_n either_o in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n oâ—â—n_n administration_n wherein_o either_o the_o church_n in_o general_a â—â—e_n concern_v or_o any_o one_o church_n in_o their_o peace_n union_n anâ—_z edification_n or_o any_o member_n or_o member_n of_o any_o church_n 〈◊〉_d injure_v in_o or_o by_o any_o proceed_n in_o censâ—â—es_n not_o agreâ—able_a to_o truth_n and_o order_n it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n oâ—_z christ_n that_o many_o church_n hold_v communion_n togethâ—r_v do_v by_o their_o messenger_n meet_v in_o a_o synod_n or_o council_n to_o consider_v and_o give_v their_o advice_n in_o or_o about_o that_o matter_n in_o â—ifference_n to_o be_v report_v to_o all_o the_o church_n concern_v howbeit_o these_o synod_n so_o assemble_v be_v not_o entrust_v with_o any_o church-power_n proper_o so_o call_v or_o with_o any_o jurisdiction_n over_o the_o church_n themselves_o to_o exercise_v any_o censure_n either_o over_o any_o church_n or_o person_n or_o to_o impose_v their_o determination_n on_o the_o church_n or_o officer_n xxvii_o beside_o these_o occasional_a synod_n or_o counsel_n there_o be_v not_o institute_v by_o christ_n any_o state_a synod_n in_o a_o fix_a combination_n of_o church_n or_o their_o officer_n in_o lesser_a or_o great_a assembly_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o synod_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o a_o way_n of_o subordination_n to_o one_o another_o xxviii_o person_n that_o be_v join_v in_o church-fellowship_n ought_v not_o light_o or_o without_o just_a cause_n to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n whereunto_o they_o be_v so_o join_v nevertheless_o where_o any_o person_n can_v continue_v in_o any_o church_n without_o his_o sin_n either_o for_o want_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o any_o ordinance_n institute_v by_o christ_n or_o by_o his_o be_v 1_o cor._n 1.10_o act_n 15._o rom._n 15.6_o 8_o 9_o v._n 9_o this_o persuasion_n come_v not_o of_o he_o that_o call_v you_o gal._n 5.8_o 1_o pet._n 1.5_o 1_o pet._n 3.15_o 8_o cor._n 2._o gal._n 1.6_o heb._n 5.12_o eph._n 4.12_o 14._o heb._n 3.6_o heb._n 10.22_o june_n 20._o 1648._o aug._n 1647_o session_n â—86_n ordinance_n of_o march_n 14._o 1645._o consideration_n and_o caution_n from_o zion_n coll._n june_n 19_o 1646._o jus_fw-la divinum_fw-la minist._n pub_fw-la by_o the_o provost_n of_o london_n in_o the_o preface_n puritanis_fw-la ang._n by_o dr._n aim_n near_o 50_o year_n since_o as_o the_o opinion_n of_o whitehead_n gilbe_n fox_n dearing_n greenham_n cartwright_n venner_n fulk_n whitaker_n rainold_n perkins_n etc._n etc._n