anno_fw-la domini_fw-la 1616._o a_o confession_n and_o protestation_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o certain_a christian_n in_o england_n hold_v it_o necessary_a to_o observe_v &_o keep_v all_o christ_n true_a substantial_a ordinance_n for_o his_o church_n visible_a and_o political_a that_o be_v endue_v with_o power_n of_o outward_a spiritual_a government_n under_o the_o gospel_n though_o the_o same_o do_v differ_v from_o the_o common_a order_n of_o the_o land_n publish_a for_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o say_v christian_n from_o the_o slander_n of_o schism_n and_o novelty_n and_o also_o of_o separation_n &_o undutifullnes_n to_o the_o magistrate_n which_o their_o rash_a adversary_n do_v false_o cast_v upon_o they_o also_o a_o humble_a petition_n to_o the_o k._n majesty_n for_o toleration_n therein_o coloss_n 2.6_o as_o you_o have_v receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n so_o walk_v in_o he_o psalm_n 116.9.10_o i_o will_v walk_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n i_o believe_v therefore_o have_v i_o speak_v for_o i_o be_v sore_o trouble_v vide_fw-la &_o fide_fw-la fide_fw-la sed_fw-la vide._n a_o confession_n and_o protestation_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o certain_a christian_n in_o england_n hold_v it_o necessary_a to_o observe_v &_o keep_v all_o christ_n true_a substantial_a ordinance_n for_o his_o church_n visible_a and_o political_a that_o be_v endue_v with_o power_n of_o outward_a spiritual_a government_n under_o the_o gospel_n though_o the_o same_o do_v differ_v from_o the_o common_a order_n of_o the_o land_n publish_a for_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o say_v christian_n from_o the_o slander_n of_o schism_n and_o novelty_n and_o also_o of_o separation_n and_o undutifulnes_n to_o the_o magistrate_n which_o their_o rash_a adversary_n do_v false_o cast_v upon_o they_o we_o who_o do_v believe_v &_o profess_v it_o to_o be_v necessary_a both_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n &_o for_o the_o assurance_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n to_o observe_v and_o keep_v christ_n substantial_a ordinance_n for_o his_o visible_a political_a church_n which_o be_v want_v public_o among_o we_o &_o yet_o be_v both_o his_o clear_a commandment_n and_o also_o special_a mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o of_o god_n worship_n for_o we_o under_o the_o gospel_n do_v judge_v it_o most_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a to_o publish_v and_o testify_v to_o all_o man_n in_o all_o plainness_n wherein_o particular_o we_o do_v consent_n and_o do_v full_o agree_v with_o the_o public_a church_n in_o england_n and_o wherein_o we_o disagree_v and_o differ_v from_o the_o doctrine_n public_o receive_v and_o also_o final_o to_o show_v the_o enforce_a reason_n that_o have_v drive_v &_o compel_v we_o to_o take_v this_o way_n which_o we_o do_v 1._o touch_v the_o first_o of_o these_o we_o protest_v before_o god_n and_o man_n that_o we_o unfayned_o and_o hearty_o agree_v to_o all_o the_o civil_a authority_n magistracy_n and_o government_n as_o it_o be_v receive_v and_o stand_v by_o law_n establish_v in_o the_o land_n hold_v it_o a_o most_o high_a offence_n against_o almighty_a god_n if_o any_o of_o we_o shall_v not_o with_o all_o readiness_n &_o conscience_n at_o all_o time_n submit_v in_o all_o thing_n either_o active_o or_o passive_o thereunto_o moreover_o we_o do_v likewise_o protest_v that_o we_o refuse_v not_o on_o occasion_n to_o communicate_v with_o the_o public_a ordinary_a congregation_n assemble_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n in_o england_n viz._n where_o neither_o our_o assent_n nor_o silent_a presence_n be_v give_v to_o any_o mere_a humane_a tradition_n and_o we_o agree_v willing_o to_o all_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n public_o receive_v and_o maintain_v among_o we_o only_o except_v those_o point_n which_o hereafter_o follow_v mention_v and_o be_v distinct_o set_v down_o in_o the_o particular_a article_n of_o this_o our_o present_a confession_n and_o protestation_n 2._o then_o touch_v the_o second_o thing_n above_o mention_v that_o be_v our_o difference_n and_o disagrement_n from_o the_o doctrine_n receive_v public_o in_o this_o land_n thus_o we_o declare_v and_o testify_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o man_n that_o mere_o be_v constrain_v by_o the_o clear_a and_o unresistable_a evidence_n of_o christ_n gospel_n which_o say_v 5.29_o say_v act._n 5.29_o we_o ought_v rather_o to_o obey_v god_n then_o man_n and_o not_o move_v by_o any_o other_o conceit_n or_o vain_a fancy_n we_o differ_v and_o disagree_v from_o the_o say_v public_a doctrine_n in_o eight_o and_o twenty_o several_a article_n article_n 28._o article_n all_o of_o they_o be_v of_o very_o great_a importance_n yea_o most_o of_o they_o both_o substantial_a matter_n in_o religion_n and_o also_o special_a mean_n of_o salvation_n under_o the_o gospel_n the_o article_n wherein_o only_o we_o dissent_v from_o the_o public_a ecclesiastical_a order_n and_o doctrine_n in_o england_n 1._o of_o christ_n office_n namely_o his_o prophetical_a and_o kingly_a office_n 2._o of_o the_o alsufficiencie_n of_o the_o scripture_n 3._o of_o christ_n true_a visible_a church_n general_o 4._o of_o christ_n true_a visible_a political_a church_n in_o more_o special_a manner_n 5._o of_o synod_n and_o counsel_n 6._o of_o a_o catholic_a or_o universal_a church_n politic_a that_o be_v endue_v with_o power_n of_o outward_a spiritual_a government_n 7._o of_o a_o provincial_n church_n independent_a 8._o how_o true_a visible_a politic_a church_n be_v in_o england_n 9_o of_o l._n archbishop_n and_o l._n bishop_n diocesan_n and_o provincial_n 10._o of_o the_o make_n of_o minister_n 11._o of_o our_o communicate_v with_o the_o parish_n minister_n &_o parish_n in_o england_n 12._o touch_v plurality_n pastor_n and_o non_fw-fr resident_n 13._o touch_v discipline_n and_o censure_n 14._o touch_v the_o number_n of_o pastor_n in_o each_o church_n and_o of_o the_o pastor_n ordinary_a power_n and_o authority_n in_o manage_v the_o church_n spiritual_a affair_n and_o government_n 15._o touch_v the_o profane_a and_o scandalous_a mixture_n of_o people_n in_o the_o congregation_n 16._o of_o humane_a tradition_n 17._o of_o tradition_n apostolic_a 18._o of_o prophecy_n 19_o of_o read_v of_o homily_n in_o the_o church_n 20._o of_o christ_n descend_v into_o hell_n 21._o of_o prayer_n 22._o of_o holy_a day_n so_o call_v 23._o of_o marriage_n and_o bury_v &_o church_v as_o it_o be_v call_v 24._o of_o minister_n make_v also_o magistrate_n by_o the_o state_n 25._o of_o the_o gift_n and_o offering_n of_o the_o faithful_a 26._o of_o tithe_n and_o the_o pastor_n fit_a and_o due_a and_o necessary_a maintenance_n 27._o of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n duty_n &_o charge_n supreme_o to_o oversee_v and_o order_v his_o church_n spiritual_a matter_n yet_o but_o civil_o 28_o touch_v the_o necessity_n that_o lie_v upon_o we_o notwithstanding_o to_o obey_v christ_n rather_o than_o man_n when_o they_o differ_v in_o our_o use_v the_o true_a and_o refuse_v the_o contrary_a ecclesiastical_a ordinance_n above_o specify_v of_o christ_n office_n namely_o his_o prophetical_a and_o kingly_a office_n 1._o we_o believe_v christ_n prophetical_a and_o kingly_a office_n even_o in_o outward_a spiritual_a or_o religious_a matter_n to_o be_v absolute_a and_o perfect_a where_o note_n that_o we_o understand_v outward_a spiritual_a matter_n or_o religious_a to_o be_v outward_a matter_n use_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n not_o for_o any_o natural_a reason_n nor_o for_o any_o civil_a use_n but_o mere_a voluntary_o that_o be_v such_o thing_n therein_o as_o be_v of_o the_o author_n mere_a voluntary_a appoint_v and_o though_o some_o person_n oppose_v against_o we_o do_v account_v these_o any_o thing_n rather_o they_o spiritual_a matter_n yet_o sure_o we_o hold_v they_o to_o be_v spiritual_a and_o religious_a see_v they_o be_v voluntary_a institution_n use_v only_o in_o and_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o be_v appropriate_v thereunto_o also_o these_o outward_a matter_n we_o believe_v be_v spiritual_a and_o religious_a unlawful_o and_o false_o which_o be_v of_o man_n institution_n they_o be_v lawful_o just_o and_o true_o such_o which_o be_v of_o the_o institution_n and_o appoint_v of_o jesus_n christ_n again_o where_o these_o man_n do_v say_v they_o neither_o intend_v nor_o teach_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v spiritual_a or_o religious_a we_o answer_v that_o make_v not_o the_o matter_n they_o be_v such_o in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n notwithstanding_o for_o man_n word_n or_o intent_n make_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o thing_n neither_o can_v they_o alter_v the_o same_o man_n indeed_o make_v these_o thing_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n false_a and_o unlawful_a in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o come_v mere_o from_o man_n but_o spiritual_a and_o religious_a they_o be_v of_o themselves_o viz._n be_v simple_o voluntary_a ordinance_n appropriate_v to_o the_o affair_n of_o religion_n as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o appoint_v therefore_o of_o these_o outward_a spiritual_a matter_n and_o
be_v count_v one_o of_o the_o six_o foundation_n &_o principle_n of_o faith_n there_o rehearse_v which_o then_o require_v that_o also_o the_o whole_a outward_a spiritual_a administration_n and_o government_n of_o christ_n church_n now_o must_v be_v such_o yea_o and_o the_o form_n itself_o of_o the_o visible_a political_a church_n must_v then_o be_v a_o foundation_n of_o religion_n a_o principle_n of_o christian_n faith_n ordinary_o necessary_a &_o forever_o unchangeable_a by_o man_n we_o do_v not_o here_o think_v that_o all_o who_o of_o simplicity_n do_v err_v in_o this_o foundation_n and_o principle_n of_o faith_n be_v of_o necessity_n damn_v we_o be_v not_o of_o so_o rigid_a and_o severe_a a_o opinion_n but_o we_o therefore_o hold_v it_o as_o a_o foundation_n and_o principle_n of_o faith_n because_o it_o be_v ordinary_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o forever_o unchangeable_a by_o man_n thus_o stand_v our_o faith_n in_o these_o point_n so_o that_o they_o which_o hold_v contrary_o to_o wit_n that_o these_o thing_n be_v but_o circumstance_n in_o religion_n &_o accident_n ordayneable_a and_o changeable_a by_o man_n even_o from_o one_o form_n to_o another_o do_v as_o we_o believe_v err_v great_o from_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n true_a visible_a political_a church_n in_o more_o special_a manner_n 4._o we_o believe_v that_o the_o nature_n &_o essence_n of_o christ_n true_a visible_a that_o be_v political_a church_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o free_a congregation_n of_o christian_n for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n or_o a_o true_a spiritual_a body_n politic_a contain_v no_o more_o ordinary_a congregation_n but_o one_o and_o that_o independent_a wherein_o chief_o 2._o point_n be_v to_o be_v note_v first_o that_o a_o true_a visible_a political_a church_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v but_o one_o ordinary_a congregation_n and_o this_o be_v to_o be_v see_v plain_o in_o these_o scripture_n math._n 18.17_o &_o 1_o cor._n 5.4.12.13_o &_o 1_o cor._n 11.18.20_o &_o 1_o cor._n 14.23_o again_o act._n 1.15_o act._n 2.1.44_o act._n 6.2.3.5.6_o &_o act._n 15.22.25_o also_o act._n 14.27_o &_o act._n 15.30_o moreover_o act._n 20.28_o &_o act._n 14.23_o gal._n 1.2.21_o &_o 2_o cor._n 8.1_o &_o rom._n 16.1_o etc._n etc._n the_o second_o point_n here_o to_o be_v note_v be_v that_o by_o god_n ordinance_n this_o one_o ordinary_a congregation_n of_o christian_n be_v a_o spiritual_a body_n politic_a and_o so_o it_o be_v a_o free_a congregation_n independent_a that_o be_v it_o have_v from_o god_n the_o right_n and_o power_n of_o spiritual_a administration_n and_o government_n in_o itself_o and_o over_o itself_o by_o the_o common_a and_o free_a consent_n of_o the_o people_n independent_o and_o immediate_o under_o christ_n always_o in_o the_o best_a order_n they_o can_v which_o these_o place_n do_v prove_v mat._n 18.17.19_o &_o 1_o cor._n 5.12.13_o &_o 10.15_o &_o 7.23_o &_o 2_o cor._n 2.8_o &_o 2_o thes_n 3.6.14_o act._n 6.3.5.6_o &_o act._n 14.23_o act._n 1.23.26_o act._n 15.22.25_o &_o 1_o thes_n 5.21_o &_o 1_o joh._n 4.1_o rom._n 16.17_o coll._n 4.17.2_o &_o 3_o io._n 10._o gal._n 1.9_o gal._n 5.1_o gal._n 4.26_o of_o synod_n and_o counsel_n 5._o howbeit_o we_o acknowledge_v with_o all_o that_o there_o may_v be_v and_o that_o on_o occasion_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v on_o earth_n a_o consociation_n of_o congregation_n or_o church_n namely_o by_o way_n of_o synod_n but_o not_o a_o subordination_n or_o sure_o not_o a_o subjection_n of_o the_o congregation_n under_o any_o high_o spiritual_a authority_n absolute_a save_v only_a christ_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n they_o who_o deny_v this_o mainteyn_v a_o diocesan_n and_o provincial_n and_o neither_o we_o nor_o they_o themselves_o know_v what_o universal_a visible_a political_a church_n both_o proper_a and_o representative_a do_v herein_o vary_v far_o from_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o a_o catholic_a or_o universal_a church_n politic_a that_o be_v endue_v with_o power_n of_o outward_a spiritual_a government_n 6._o it_o be_v demand_v do_v we_o deny_v a_o universal_a visible_a church_n under_o the_o gospel_n we_o answer_v yea_o under_o the_o gospel_n christ_n never_o institute_v nor_o have_v any_o one_o universal_a visible_a church_n that_o be_v political_a either_o proper_a or_o representative_a which_o ordinary_o be_v to_o exercise_v spiritual_a outward_a government_n over_o all_o person_n through_o the_o world_n profess_v christianity_n no_o such_o church_n say_v we_o be_v find_v in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n therefore_o we_o now_o can_v acknowledge_v any_o such_o of_o a_o provincial_n church_n independent_a 7._o it_o be_v marveyl_v why_o we_o likewise_o deny_v that_o under_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v any_o true_a visible_a political_a church_n provincial_n or_o diocesan_n see_v so_o we_o shall_v deny_v a_o true_a visible_a political_a church_n to_o be_v now_o in_o england_n because_o the_o english_a church_n as_o common_o it_o be_v hold_v be_v proper_o a_o diocesan_n and_o provincial_n or_o a_o nationall_n visible_a political_a church_n we_o answer_v for_o our_o part_n we_o acknowledge_v there_o be_v many_o true_a visible_a yea_o political_a church_n in_o england_n in_o some_o degree_n &_o in_o some_o respect_n yet_o indeed_o we_o deny_v also_o a_o nationall_n a_o provincial_n &_o diocesan_n church_n under_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a political_a church_n whether_o we_o mean_v the_o whole_a body_n or_o the_o representative_a part_n of_o such_o church_n though_o the_o public_a practice_n among_o we_o do_v hold_v they_o for_o true_a political_a church_n the_o reason_n why_o we_o deny_v these_o also_o be_v because_o neither_o any_o such_o be_v find_v any_o where_o set_v down_o in_o god_n word_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n even_o like_a as_o there_o be_v no_o universal_a church_n visible_a political_a there_o set_v down_o but_o only_o a_o free_a congregation_n or_o ordinary_a assembly_n be_v find_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o a_o little_a before_o be_v show_v how_o true_a visible_a politic_a church_n be_v in_o england_n 8._o and_o touch_v the_o true_a visible_a political_a church_n which_o we_o acknowledge_v be_v in_o england_n we_o profess_v and_o declare_v in_o this_o manner_n namely_o that_o each_o company_n of_o true_a visible_a christian_n associate_v together_o in_o one_o place_n viz._n a_o parish_n and_o profess_v to_o serve_v god_n according_a to_o his_o will_n in_o faith_n and_o order_n so_o far_o as_o they_o know_v such_o as_o there_o be_v many_o in_o england_n the_o same_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a political_a church_n in_o some_o respect_n that_o be_v though_o not_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o order_n of_o the_o state_n unless_o indirect_o and_o by_o accident_n to_o it_o after_o which_o they_o walk_v and_o under_o which_o they_o stand_v in_o spiritual_a bondage_n yet_o in_o christ_n direct_o they_o be_v free_a and_o so_o direct_o and_o essential_o they_o be_v a_o true_a political_a church_n as_o they_o be_v a_o company_n of_o true_a visible_a christian_n unite_v by_o their_o own_o consent_n to_o serve_v god_n as_o a_o little_a before_o be_v note_v and_o thus_o they_o have_v free_a power_n of_o spiritual_a outward_a government_n among_o themselves_o though_o they_o profess_o practice_v it_o not_o but_o esteem_v they_o by_o god_n word_n in_o their_o direct_a practice_n &_o state_n according_a to_o the_o public_a proceed_n they_o be_v not_o a_o true_a political_a church_n nor_o free_a direct_o as_o they_o stand_v under_o and_o join_v to_o the_o l._n bishop_n spiritual_a dominion_n over_o they_o which_o bondage_n and_o want_n of_o spiritual_a freedom_n in_o themselves_o our_o godly_a people_n general_o see_v not_o nor_o this_o that_o in_o right_a from_o christ_n they_o have_v this_o freedom_n to_o be_v exempt_v from_o the_o unlawful_a domination_n of_o the_o l._n bishop_n aforesaid_a neither_o think_v they_o so_o upon_o this_o matter_n as_o they_o ought_v and_o as_o the_o peril_n of_o their_o soul_n require_v howbeit_o yet_o all_o this_o as_o 17.15_o as_o prov._n 25_o 18._o &_o 17.15_o we_o judge_v do_v not_o simple_o disannul_v that_o people_n be_v true_a visible_a christian_n with_o we_o so_o long_o as_o herein_o they_o err_v but_o of_o ignorance_n nor_o the_o assembly_n from_o be_v true_a visible_a political_a church_n in_o some_o respect_n and_o degree_n as_o before_o be_v show_v and_o therefore_o we_o communicate_v also_o with_o they_o on_o occasion_n as_o before_o likewise_o be_v signify_v viz._n while_n in_o such_o communicate_v we_o countenance_v out_o no_o evil_a thing_n in_o they_o which_o in_o many_o place_n and_o many_o time_n we_o need_v not_o do_v whereof_o we_o shall_v present_o see_v further_o in_o art_n 11._o follow_v of_o l._n archbishop_n and_o l._n bishop_n diocesan_n and_o provincial_n 9_o we_o believe_v that_o the_o spiritual_a office_n call_v and_o power_n and_o administration_n of_o l._n archbishop_n and_o l._n bishop_n
religious_a we_o believe_v as_o be_v say_v those_o office_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v most_o absolute_a and_o perfect_a indeed_o so_o perfect_a in_o every_o such_o particular_a now_o so_o alsufficient_a and_o so_o necessary_a to_o be_v submit_v unto_o of_o all_o christian_n as_o the_o say_a office_n of_o christ_n be_v under_o the_o law_n we_o believe_v that_o christ_n in_o these_o thing_n no_o less_o than_o in_o matter_n inward_a concern_v religion_n be_v the_o foundation_n to_o the_o whole_a building_n even_o of_o his_o visible_a and_o political_a church_n now_o under_o the_o gospel_n as_o well_o and_o as_o thorough_o as_o he_o be_v under_o the_o law_n appoint_v by_o god_n over_o all_o thing_n yea_o all_o these_o thing_n as_o the_o head_n to_o his_o say_a church_n which_o be_v the_o fullness_n of_o he_o that_o fill_v all_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o so_o we_o believe_v christ_n our_o mediator_n in_o the_o kind_n and_o nature_n of_o his_o office_n to_o be_v not_o change_v much_o less_o diminish_v but_o altogether_o the_o same_o unto_o we_o now_o as_o he_o be_v heretofore_o to_o his_o people_n the_o jew_n as_o it_o be_v write_v 21.43_o write_v heb._n 13.8_o act._n 3.23_o luc._n 19.14.27_o mat._n 21.43_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n yesterday_o today_o and_o forever_o yea_o we_o be_v persuade_v if_o we_o shall_v believe_v otherwise_o we_o shall_v rob_v christ_n of_o his_o honour_n and_o give_v his_o glory_n to_o other_o which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o high_a sacrilege_n that_o can_v be_v and_o therefore_o where_o in_o this_o article_n we_o be_v contradict_v by_o some_o who_o say_v plain_o that_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n though_o he_o be_v the_o prophet_n king_n and_o priest_n to_o his_o church_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o the_o only_a or_o absolute_a teacher_n institutor_n king_n and_o etc._n and_o the_o approver_n of_o gabriel_n powell_n de_fw-fr adiaph_n etc._n etc._n lawgiver_n of_o his_o outward_a church_n nor_o of_o the_o visible_a administration_n thereof_o and_o namely_o not_o in_o the_o forerehearse_v outward_a thing_n and_o likewise_o that_o christian_n now_o have_v liberty_n and_o free_a choice_n for_o the_o say_v outward_a thing_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n till_o man_n authority_n do_v determine_v they_o and_o that_o then_o such_o outward_a thing_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v but_o not_o otherwise_o this_o we_o can_v consent_v unto_o but_o we_o renounce_v it_o as_o high_o derogate_a from_o the_o true_a and_o due_a office_n and_o honour_n of_o christ_n as_o be_v above_o show_v of_o the_o allsufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n 2._o we_o believe_v the_o holy_a scripture_n allsufficiencie_n even_o in_o the_o say_v outward_a matter_n spiritual_a now_o likewise_o as_o well_o as_o it_o be_v believe_v and_o profess_v by_o all_o the_o faithful_a under_o the_o law_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n we_o hold_v this_o sense_n which_o indeed_o be_v and_o be_v the_o only_a true_a sense_n of_o the_o 2._o commandment_n viz._n that_o touch_v the_o general_a matter_n thereof_o or_o general_o it_o contain_v only_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n free_a and_o voluntary_a ordinance_n that_o be_v have_v no_o cause_n for_o their_o say_a use_n neither_o in_o civility_n nor_o in_o natural_a reason_n but_o the_o mere_a will_n of_o the_o author_n of_o they_o yea_o we_o believe_v that_o such_o ordinance_n both_o outward_a and_o inward_a private_a and_o public_a do_v whole_o make_v the_o 2._o commandment_n both_o in_o the_o affirmitive_a and_o negative_a part_n they_o against_o we_o abroad_o in_o the_o land_n hold_v not_o this_o sense_n of_o the_o 2._o commandment_n but_o deny_v it_o as_o likewise_o with_o like_a dishonour_n to_o christ_n which_o we_o note_v before_o and_o with_o no_o less_o disgrace_n to_o his_o word_n principle_n word_n doct._n whig_n in_o pref_o against_o t._n c._n say_v it_o be_v a_o rot_a principle_n they_o deny_v the_o allsufficiency_n of_o holy_a scripture_n in_o the_o say_v outward_a point_n as_o we_o believe_v of_o faith_n &_o christian_a religion_n and_o most_o material_a and_o weighty_a under_o the_o gospel_n they_o call_v they_o circumstance_n &_o accident_n to_o god_n worship_n but_o most_o unjust_o the_o scripture_n indeed_o serve_v not_o to_o specify_v circumstance_n or_o accident_n we_o willing_o agree_v to_o this_o neither_o do_v it_o so_o at_o any_o time_n as_o namely_o not_o under_o the_o law_n but_o we_o deny_v this_o constant_o be_v therein_o well_o assure_v our_o matter_n in_o controversy_n be_v not_o circumstance_n nor_o accident_n in_o god_n worship_n and_o therefore_o also_o not_o indifferent_a a_o circumstance_n be_v circumstance_n a_o circumstance_n which_o of_o itself_o and_o by_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o have_v sometime_o and_o to_o some_o person_n a_o helpful_a a_o profitable_a and_o needful_a use_n of_o god_n worship_n yet_o be_v not_o any_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n nor_o perpetual_o fit_a nor_o mere_o voluntary_a nor_o use_v only_o therein_o a_o accident_n be_v accident_n a_o accident_n which_o be_v no_o way_n a_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n be_v sometime_o in_o it_o sometime_o not_o a_o matter_n substantial_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o that_o which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o it_o be_v of_o 3._o sort_n either_o a_o thing_n not_o civil_a but_o proper_o pertain_v to_o god_n worship_n and_o yet_o a_o mere_a voluntary_a ordinance_n therein_o or_o a_o thing_n have_v absolute_a necessity_n in_o nature_n and_o natural_a reason_n to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n or_o otherwise_o which_o by_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_o command_v or_o forbid_v in_o god_n worship_n our_o matter_n in_o controversy_n be_v all_o substantial_a of_o one_o of_o these_o 3._o late_a sorter_n &_o namely_o of_o the_o first_o and_o therefore_o what_o soever_o of_o they_o be_v lawful_a must_v be_v commend_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n else_o they_o be_v all_o unlawful_a sinful_a and_o wicked_a the_o several_a point_n we_o shall_v here_o present_o note_v in_o particular_a at_o least_o namely_o these_o which_o follow_v of_o christ_n true_a visible_a church_n general_o 3._o we_o believe_v that_o for_o more_o clear_a understanding_n christ_n true_a church_n be_v to_o be_v note_v and_o consider_v 4._o way_n first_o christ_n have_v a_o true_a church_n 12.23_o church_n ephes_n 3.15_o heb._n 12.23_o invisible_a which_o be_v the_o universal_a number_n of_o his_o elect_a second_o he_o have_v a_o church_n militant_a consider_v mere_o as_o it_o be_v 3.6_o be_v gal._n 1.13_o philip._n 3.6_o profess_v and_o suffer_v that_o be_v as_o the_o several_a member_n do_v profess_v the_o true_a faith_n and_o do_v endure_v the_o opposition_n of_o enemy_n for_o the_o same_o three_o the_o church_n be_v take_v for_o a_o christian_a family_n so_o well_o nurture_v and_o order_v in_o religion_n that_o they_o be_v ibid._n be_v 1_o cor._n 16.19_o bez._n annotat_fw-la ibid._n like_a unto_o a_o little_a church_n so_o a_o church_n be_v figurative_o and_o metaphorical_o take_v but_o none_o of_o all_o these_o be_v to_o our_o purpose_n four_o the_o church_n be_v take_v as_o the_o same_o 1.26_o same_o math._n 18.17_o 1_o cor._n 5.12.13_o act_n 1.26_o be_v political_a or_o endue_v with_o power_n of_o outward_a spiritual_a policy_n and_o administration_n of_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n for_o man_n soul_n now_o this_o church_n under_o the_o gospel_n and_o with_o this_o consideration_n be_v that_o which_o only_o we_o do_v here_o treat_v of_o seek_v and_o desire_v and_o we_o believe_v that_o the_o special_a form_n of_o this_o that_o be_v christ_n visible_a political_a church_n under_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o particular_a kind_n of_o government_n thereof_o must_v be_v of_o divine_a institution_n they_o be_v matter_n ordinary_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n &_o they_o be_v matter_n of_o faith_n matter_n of_o the_o 2._o commandment_n no_o less_o than_o they_o be_v under_o the_o law_n we_o believe_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v no_o circumstance_n nor_o accident_n nor_o indifferent_a nor_o at_o all_o changeable_a by_o the_o discretion_n of_o man_n but_o we_o believe_v that_o these_o be_v matter_n of_o substance_n in_o religion_n and_o that_o by_o these_o thing_n one_o visible_a political_a church_n differ_v essential_o or_o substantial_o from_o another_o to_o wit_n in_o the_o nature_n and_o kind_a of_o the_o outward_a spiritual_a administration_n thereof_o as_o namely_o the_o jew_n visible_a political_a church_n under_o the_o law_n do_v substantial_o differ_v from_o the_o christian_a visible_a political_a church_n under_o the_o gospel_n and_o rather_o the_o proper_a diocesan_n and_o provincial_n and_o catholic_a church_n since_o christ_n do_v so_o differ_v from_o the_o church_n which_o be_v but_o ordinary_a congregation_n independent_a moreover_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n heb._n 6.2_o set_v for_o the_o form_n of_o make_v minister_n under_o the_o gospel_n
government_n a_o free_a congregation_n according_a as_o be_v before_o describe_v that_o we_o may_v obey_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n give_v we_o in_o these_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v likewise_o 5.1_o likewise_o gal._n 5.1_o all_o be_v command_v to_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a and_o not_o to_o be_v entangle_v in_o the_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n out_o of_o such_o a_o visible_a church_n a_o free_a congregation_n we_o can_v possible_o observe_v and_o keep_v this_o general_a commandment_n orderly_o &_o ordinary_o but_o in_o it_o we_o may_v therefore_o here_o we_o be_v command_v also_o to_o be_v actual_o in_o such_o a_o visible_a church_n a_o free_a congregation_n and_o to_o use_v the_o same_o again_o all_o be_v command_v 3.15_o command_v 2_o thes_n 3.15_o to_o stand_v fast_o and_o to_o keep_v the_o apostle_n tradition_n and_o ordinance_n but_o this_o form_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n be_v one_o main_a and_o substantial_a apostolic_a ordinance_n therefore_o we_o be_v all_o command_v to_o observe_v &_o keep_v it_o namely_o so_o as_o before_o be_v declare_v again_o all_o be_v command_v to_o 5.12_o to_o heb._n 13_o 17_o 7_o 1_o thes_n 5.12_o obey_v their_o pastor_n to_o follow_v their_o faith_n to_o make_v much_o of_o such_o to_o 6.33_o to_o math._n 6.33_o seek_v first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n to_o 1.10_o to_o 2_o fet._n 1.10_o make_v our_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a viz._n by_o walk_v in_o the_o true_a outward_a way_n to_o observe_v the_o 2._o commandment_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o a_o main_a part_n whereof_o under_o the_o gospel_n be_v this_o form_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n and_o government_n last_o this_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n we_o ought_v to_o hold_v and_o keep_v most_o firm_o whosoever_o gainsay_v it_o because_o in_o this_o estate_n of_o a_o church_n the_o 12_o the_o psalm_n 33.3_o &_o 134._o â—_o eph._n â—_o 12_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v give_v and_o receive_v and_o no_o where_o else_o direct_o and_o ordinary_o and_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n to_o any_o indirect_a and_o accidental_a constitution_n of_o a_o church_n wherefore_o this_o direct_a and_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o hope_n and_o faith_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n we_o ought_v to_o prefer_v before_o our_o life_n remember_v also_o that_o 9.27_o that_o luk._n 9.27_o willing_o to_o refuse_v and_o omit_v the_o same_o be_v no_o less_o than_o damnation_n to_o any_o man_n thus_o then_o in_o all_o these_o so_o weighty_a point_n we_o be_v clear_o command_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o they_o man_n and_o god_n command_v we_o to_o fear_v &_o to_o love_n and_o to_o serve_v he_o he_o command_v we_o the_o necessary_a mean_n &_o way_n of_o do_v so_o even_o that_o church_n in_o and_o by_o which_o ordinary_o we_o must_v do_v so_o that_o we_o may_v be_v accept_v which_o under_o the_o gospel_n be_v such_o a_o free_a congregation_n as_o be_v 4._o be_v in_o artic._n 4._o before_o make_v clear_a where_o we_o see_v that_o this_o only_a be_v now_o christ_n true_a visible_a church_n and_o no_o other_o form_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n be_v wherefore_o we_o be_v all_o bind_v with_o all_o care_n to_o hearken_v to_o the_o express_a precept_n o_o the_o holy_a ghost_n concern_v even_o this_o point_n say_v 21._o say_v isa_n 30._o 21._o this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v you_o in_o it_o which_o also_o the_o harmony_n of_o confession_n teach_v viz._n 11._o viz._n harm_n of_o conf._n french_a artic._n 26._o dutch._n artic._n 28._o helvet_n ch_n 11._o that_o this_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v notwithstanding_o man_n of_o power_n and_o might_n shall_v say_v nay_o these_o with_o the_o branch_n depend_v on_o they_o be_v our_o difference_n even_o all_o the_o matter_n wherein_o we_o dissent_v from_o the_o usual_a and_o common_a opinion_n among_o we_o in_o this_o land_n 3._o now_o therefore_o to_o come_v to_o the_o 3._o and_o last_o point_n of_o this_o our_o protestation_n we_o demand_v and_o do_v earnest_o crave_v of_o every_o in_o different_a christian_n to_o answer_n we_o what_o false_a thing_n have_v we_o here_o affirm_v what_o on_o our_o part_n be_v evil_a what_o be_v wicked_a in_o all_o this_o if_o nothing_o as_o wear_v firm_o persuade_v in_o our_o soul_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o then_o we_o pray_v and_o earnest_o entreat_v in_o the_o bowel_n of_o mercy_n in_o jesus_n christ_n every_o one_o to_o pardon_v our_o conscience_n in_o that_o thus_o do_v we_o stand_v to_o give_v actual_a obedience_n to_o our_o heavenly_a lord_n and_o saviour_n in_o his_o own_o commandment_n and_o ordinance_n which_o also_o we_o do_v that_o we_o may_v thereby_o as_o by_o the_o only_a true_a complete_a mean_n get_v 3.18.19_o get_v 1_o joh._n 3.18.19_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n to_o our_o soul_n which_o otherwise_o we_o for_o our_o part_n can_v find_v and_o otherwise_o whise_v we_o omit_v thus_o to_o do_v and_o keep_v not_o christ_n say_a commandment_n any_o with_o reproach_n may_v say_v unto_o we_o show_v we_o your_o faith_n by_o your_o work_n through_o work_n be_v faith_n make_v perfect_a but_o faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a and_o christ_n say_v if_o you_o love_v i_o then_o keep_v my_o commandment_n and_o not_o he_o that_o say_v lord_n lord_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o the_o father_n be_v justify_v whence_o very_o we_o see_v it_o plain_a and_o we_o know_v well_o that_o not_o the_o talker_n nor_o disputer_n of_o christ_n will_n but_o the_o doer_n shall_v be_v save_v yea_o though_o man_n afflict_v they_o for_o it_o and_o they_o that_o will_v have_v christ_n to_o reign_v over_o they_o not_o 19_o not_o l_o 19_o they_o that_o will_v not_o wherefore_o we_o humble_o pray_v every_o upright-harted_n servant_n of_o god_n to_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o we_o know_v that_o which_o we_o know_v to_o give_v this_o fore-rehearsed_n due_a obedience_n unto_o christ_n but_o by_o walk_v in_o this_o way_n which_o we_o do_v which_o also_o can_v be_v but_o first_o by_o eschew_v the_o evil_a and_o then_o by_o do_v the_o good_a that_o be_v first_o by_o renounce_v to_o be_v ordinary_a and_o constant_a member_n of_o any_o diocesan_n or_o provincial_n church_n visible_a political_a because_o the_o form_n of_o these_o be_v whole_o without_o god_n word_n in_o the_o gospel_n yea_o contrary_a to_o it_o and_o then_o also_o of_o the_o parish_n as_o natural_a part_n depend_v on_o they_o and_o on_o their_o lord_n bishop_n see_v these_o likewise_o do_v both_o want_n god_n word_n and_o add_v to_o it_o &_o stand_v in_o bondage_n in_o those_o the_o above_o note_v substantial_a point_n and_o mean_v most_o important_a to_o salvation_n which_o before_o have_v be_v declare_v wherefore_o thus_o far_o forth_o only_o we_o leave_v our_o say_a parish_n also_o but_o no_o further_o that_o be_v to_o be_v in_o they_o no_o ordinary_a and_o constant_a member_n but_o member_n in_o they_o occasional_o we_o refuse_v not_o to_o be_v see_v in_o they_o we_o find_v in_o many_o place_n very_o many_o true_a visible_a christian_n with_o who_o we_o can_v as_o we_o believe_v deny_v public_a communion_n absolute_o and_o therefore_o on_o occasion_n we_o offer_v to_o communicate_v with_o our_o say_a public_a congregation_n or_o parish_n as_o before_o we_o have_v profess_v take_v god_n to_o witness_v that_o this_o we_o do_v not_o through_o any_o pride_n or_o singularity_n but_o mere_o out_o of_o necessity_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o obey_v christ_n in_o his_o word_n as_o we_o believe_v that_o herein_o we_o do_v and_o to_o submit_v unto_o his_o word_n and_o ordain_v mean_n &_o to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o to_o avoid_v abide_v in_o sin_n which_o otherwise_o possible_o we_o can_v see_v how_o we_o can_v avoid_v yea_o again_o and_o again_o we_o testify_v that_o be_v force_v mere_o by_o conscience_n thus_o we_o do_v not_o know_v otherwise_o in_o our_o soul_n how_o to_o answer_v it_o at_o the_o last_o day_n where_o we_o know_v no_o magistrate_n nor_o prince_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o answer_v for_o we_o if_o after_o the_o light_n manifest_v we_o be_v find_v stand_v in_o a_o wrong_a way_n contrary_a to_o christ_n sacred_a ordinance_n as_o we_o believe_v this_o diocesan_n political_a church_n be_v second_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o do_v join_v each_o person_n only_o himself_o humble_o and_o obedient_o to_o the_o evident_a way_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o most_o certain_a true_a church_n estate_n set_v down_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n namely_o to_o a_o free_a congregation_n which_o truth_n before_o special_o in_o the_o four_o article_n we_o have_v sufficient_o show_v bind_v ourselves_o to_o proceed_v simple_o and_o only_o by_o this_o sure_a rule_n and_o therein_o to_o persevere_v