a_o peculiar_a objection_n against_o we_o it_o be_v the_o only_a foundation_n of_o all_o other_o and_o only_a occasion_n of_o the_o difference_n about_o which_o we_o treat_v have_v not_o a_o law_n enjoin_v the_o practice_n of_o some_o thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o according_a unto_o our_o present_a light_n we_o can_v assent_v unto_o without_o cease_v to_o worship_v he_o for_o to_o worship_v he_o in_o our_o own_o thought_n against_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n be_v to_o profane_v his_o name_n and_o worship_n have_v it_o not_o forbid_v the_o exercise_n and_o discharge_v of_o some_o duty_n which_o we_o account_v ourselves_o oblige_v unto_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n himself_o we_o have_v have_v no_o need_n to_o implore_v the_o clemency_n of_o our_o governor_n to_o relieve_v we_o against_o that_o severity_n which_o we_o fear_v this_o than_o we_o acknowledge_v but_o withal_o to_o state_n this_o difference_n upon_o its_o right_a foundation_n do_v solemn_o in_o all_o sincerity_n protest_v before_o god_n his_o holy_a angel_n and_o all_o the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v not_o out_o of_o any_o unwarrantable_a obstinacy_n that_o we_o be_v conscious_a of_o unto_o ourselves_o nor_o from_o any_o disaffection_n unto_o or_o dissatisfaction_n in_o the_o government_n that_o god_n have_v set_v over_o we_o but_o mere_o from_o a_o sense_n of_o that_o account_n which_o we_o have_v one_o day_n to_o make_v before_o jesus_n christ_n the_o judge_n of_o all_o that_o we_o can_v yield_v that_o compliance_n unto_o the_o act_n for_o uniformity_n which_o it_o require_v of_o we_o the_o case_n then_o notwithstanding_o this_o prejudice_n be_v still_o the_o same_o conscience_n towards_o god_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o his_o own_o worship_n be_v still_o and_o alone_o concern_v whatever_o other_o pretence_n and_o reason_n may_v in_o this_o case_n be_v make_v use_n of_o as_o many_o be_v and_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o like_a case_n and_o will_v so_o be_v the_o whole_a real_a cause_n of_o that_o severity_n which_o we_o humble_o deprecate_v and_o only_a reason_n lie_v against_o the_o indulgence_n we_o desire_v be_v our_o profession_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n but_o pure_o relate_v to_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o worship_n of_o god._n whatever_o therefore_o man_n may_v plead_v pretend_v or_o urge_v of_o another_o nature_n we_o be_v so_o far_o conscious_a unto_o our_o own_o integrity_n as_o to_o be_v full_o satisfy_v in_o our_o mind_n that_o whatever_o danger_n we_o may_v be_v in_o this_o matter_n expose_v unto_o or_o whatever_o we_o may_v be_v call_v to_o suffer_v it_o be_v all_o mere_o for_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o worship_v of_o he_o according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o reveal_v of_o his_o mind_n unto_o we_o and_o as_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o deprive_v we_o of_o that_o consolation_n which_o a_o apprehension_n of_o the_o truth_n will_v afford_v unto_o they_o that_o sincere_o and_o conscientious_o embrace_v it_o so_o whether_o any_o man_n can_v commend_v their_o conscience_n to_o god_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o bless_a gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o our_o molestation_n and_o trouble_n we_o leave_v it_o unto_o all_o unprejudiced_a man_n to_o judge_v and_o that_o we_o may_v yet_o far_o remove_v all_o ground_n of_o mistake_n and_o obviate_v all_o other_o pretence_n against_o we_o we_o shall_v candid_o declare_v the_o general_a principle_n both_o of_o our_o faith_n and_o worship_n and_o then_o leave_v our_o condition_n whatever_o it_o may_v be_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o he_o who_o have_v appoint_v a_o day_n wherein_o he_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n of_o his_o majesty_n who_o he_o have_v set_v over_o we_o in_o supreme_a power_n and_o of_o all_o other_o person_n whatever_o who_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o account_n we_o must_v make_v of_o serve_v he_o according_a to_o what_o he_o be_v please_v to_o reveal_v of_o himself_o unto_o we_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n know_v only_o by_o divine_a revelation_n or_o of_o the_o infirm_a frail_a condition_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o world_n for_o the_o faith_n which_o we_o profess_v and_o which_o we_o desire_v to_o walk_v according_a unto_o we_o need_v not_o insist_v upon_o the_o particular_a head_n of_o it_o have_v some_o year_n since_o in_o our_o confession_n public_o declare_v be_v with_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o all_o our_o church_n neither_o do_v we_o own_v or_o avow_v any_o doctrine_n but_o what_o be_v therein_o assert_v and_o declare_v and_o we_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o unreasonable_a request_n if_o we_o humble_o desire_v that_o it_o may_v receive_v a_o christian_a charitable_a sedate_n consideration_n before_o it_o be_v condemn_v may_v we_o be_v convince_v of_o any_o thing_n therein_o not_o agreeable_a unto_o the_o scripture_n not_o teach_v and_o reveal_v in_o they_o we_o shall_v be_v with_o the_o first_o in_o its_o rejection_n that_o this_o have_v be_v by_o any_o as_o yet_o attempt_v we_o know_v not_o and_o yet_o be_v we_o judge_v censure_v and_o reproach_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o it_o so_o far_o be_v man_n degenerate_v from_o that_o frame_n of_o spirit_n which_o be_v in_o the_o christian_n of_o old_a so_o far_o have_v they_o relinquish_v the_o way_n wherein_o they_o walk_v towards_o those_o who_o dissent_v from_o they_o nor_o do_v we_o decline_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o we_o teach_v and_o adhere_v unto_o be_v as_o consonant_n unto_o the_o doctrine_n thereof_o as_o that_o of_o any_o church_n at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o world_n the_o four_o first_o general_n counsel_n as_o to_o what_o be_v determine_v in_o they_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v confirm_v by_o law_n in_o this_o nation_n which_o be_v all_o that_o from_o antiquity_n have_v any_o peculiar_a stamp_n of_o authority_n put_v upon_o it_o among_o we_o this_o also_o we_o willing_o admit_v of_o and_o full_o assert_v in_o our_o confession_n neither_o do_v the_o addition_n of_o we_o disturb_v the_o harmony_n that_o be_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n be_v in_o all_o material_a point_n the_o same_o with_o they_o and_o no_o otherwise_o differ_v from_o any_o of_o they_o in_o thing_n of_o less_o importance_n than_o as_o they_o do_v one_o from_o another_o and_o as_o all_o confession_n have_v do_v since_o the_o first_o introduction_n of_o their_o use_n into_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o which_o among_o they_o be_v of_o most_o special_a regard_n and_o consideration_n unto_o we_o be_v that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n declare_v in_o the_o article_n of_o religion_n and_o herein_o in_o particular_a what_o be_v pure_o doctrinal_a we_o full_o embrace_v and_o constant_o adhere_v unto_o and_o though_o we_o shall_v not_o compare_v our_o self_n with_o other_o in_o ability_n to_o assert_v teach_v and_o maintain_v it_o yet_o we_o can_v whilst_o we_o be_v conscious_a unto_o ourselves_o of_o our_o integrity_n in_o our_o cordial_a adherence_n unto_o it_o but_o bear_v with_o regret_n the_o clamorous_a accusation_n of_o some_o against_o we_o for_o depart_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o have_v not_o give_v that_o testimony_n of_o their_o adherence_n unto_o its_o doctrine_n which_o we_o have_v do_v and_o by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n shall_v continue_v to_o do_v it_o be_v true_a indeed_o there_o be_v some_o enlargement_n in_o our_o confession_n of_o the_o thing_n deliver_v in_o the_o thirty_o nine_o article_n some_o addition_n of_o thing_n not_o express_o contain_v in_o they_o which_o we_o be_v necessitate_v unto_o for_o the_o full_a declaration_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o to_o obviate_v that_o obloquy_n which_o otherwise_o we_o may_v have_v be_v expose_v unto_o as_o reserve_v our_o judgement_n in_o matter_n that_o have_v receive_v great_a public_a debate_n since_o the_o composure_n of_o those_o article_n but_o yet_o we_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o proposition_n in_o our_o whole_a confession_n which_o be_v repugnant_a unto_o any_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o article_n or_o be_v not_o by_o just_a consequence_n deducible_a from_o they_o neither_o be_v we_o the_o author_n of_o the_o explanation_n or_o enlargement_n mention_v there_o be_v nothing_o contain_v in_o they_o but_o what_o we_o have_v learn_v and_o be_v instruct_v in_o from_o the_o write_n of_o the_o most_o famous_a divine_n of_o this_o nation_n bishop_n and_o other_o ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n which_o be_v publish_v by_o legal_a authority_n have_v be_v always_o esteem_v both_o at_o home_n and_o abroad_o faithful_o to_o represent_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n
a_o peace-offering_a in_o a_o apology_n and_o humble_a plea_n for_o indulgence_n and_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n by_o sundry_a protestant_n differ_v in_o some_o thing_n from_o the_o present_a establishment_n about_o the_o worship_n of_o god._n ambigua_fw-la de_fw-la religione_fw-la capita_n quae_fw-la plurimum_fw-la habere_fw-la videntur_fw-la obscuritatis_fw-la tantis_fw-la tamdiu_fw-la animus_fw-la decertata_fw-la apud_fw-la sapientes_fw-la hoc_fw-la fere_n certum_fw-la reliaverunt_fw-la nusquam_fw-la minus_fw-la inveniri_fw-la veritatem_fw-la quam_fw-la ubi_fw-la cogitur_fw-la assensus_fw-la hugo_n grotius_n exiguam_fw-la sedem_fw-la sacris_fw-la littusque_fw-la rogamus_fw-la innocuum_fw-la &_o cunctis_fw-la undamque_fw-la auramque_fw-la patentem_fw-la london_n print_v in_o the_o year_n 1667._o the_o infinite_o wise_a and_o holy_a god_n who_o dispose_v of_o all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will_n have_v design_v our_o portion_n in_o the_o world_n unto_o the_o latter_a day_n thereof_o wherein_o beside_o those_o difficulty_n which_o in_o all_o age_n attend_v they_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o the_o search_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o be_v forewarn_v of_o sundry_a evil_n peculiar_a unto_o they_o render_v they_o perilous_a as_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o serve_v his_o good_a pleasure_n in_o our_o generation_n without_o repine_v at_o that_o station_n which_o in_o his_o work_n he_o have_v allot_v unto_o we_o so_o also_o diligent_o to_o take_v care_n that_o we_o add_v not_o unto_o the_o evil_n of_o the_o day_n wherein_o we_o live_v and_o that_o what_o we_o may_v be_v call_v to_o suffer_v in_o they_o according_a to_o his_o will_n may_v not_o be_v lose_v unto_o his_o holy_a end_n and_o purpose_n in_o the_o world_n but_o some_o way_n or_o other_o redound_v unto_o his_o glory_n what_o shall_v befall_v we_o in_o the_o course_n of_o our_o pilgrimage_n how_o we_o shall_v be_v dispose_v of_o as_o to_o our_o outward_a temporary_a concernment_n as_o it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n to_o order_n and_o determine_v so_o neither_o aught_o to_o be_v in_o our_o care_n so_o as_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v anxious_o solicitous_a thereabouts_o all_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n belong_v unto_o his_o sovereign_a pleasure_n who_o will_v make_v they_o work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o rest_a in_o his_o will_n as_o to_o our_o outward_a state_n and_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n with_o that_o of_o the_o time_n and_o season_n wherein_o our_o lot_n be_v fall_v which_o he_o have_v put_v in_o his_o own_o power_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v in_o reference_n thereunto_o to_o possess_v our_o soul_n in_o patience_n wait_v for_o that_o day_n which_o shall_v manifest_v every_o man_n work_n of_o what_o sort_n it_o be_v and_o we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v but_o yet_o a_o little_a while_n before_o it_o will_v be_v no_o grief_n of_o heart_n unto_o we_o for_o to_o have_v do_v or_o suffer_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n according_a to_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n for_o whereas_o we_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o the_o old_a enemy_n of_o mankind_n who_o be_v sometime_o awake_a and_o sow_v of_o tare_n whilst_o man_n sleep_v be_v never_o so_o far_o asleep_a whilst_o any_o be_v endeavour_v to_o sow_v the_o good_a seed_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o not_o to_o stir_v up_o a_o opposition_n to_o their_o work_n and_o to_o labour_v the_o ruin_n of_o their_o person_n so_o we_o believe_v that_o every_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o promote_v the_o holy_a truth_n and_o way_n of_o god_n according_a to_o that_o measure_n of_o light_n which_o he_o be_v please_v gracious_o to_o impart_v unto_o any_o of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v accept_v and_o own_a by_o he_o who_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o secure_v their_o peace_n and_o consolation_n under_o all_o the_o evil_n that_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o work_n they_o may_v conflict_n withal_o neither_o be_v it_o a_o small_a alleviation_n of_o any_o trouble_n that_o we_o may_v be_v expose_v unto_o that_o no_o pretence_n colour_n reason_n or_o arguing_n for_o our_o suffering_n no_o mean_n way_n or_o kind_n of_o they_o no_o end_n unto_o they_o can_v possible_o be_v invent_v propose_v pursue_v but_o what_o we_o be_v full_o forewarn_v of_o that_o so_o we_o may_v not_o at_o any_o time_n think_v ourselves_o surprise_v as_o though_o some_o strange_a thing_n have_v happen_v unto_o we_o this_o then_o be_v our_o great_a concernment_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n this_o that_o which_o we_o ought_v principal_o to_o attend_v unto_o namely_o to_o commend_v our_o conscience_n unto_o god_n that_o in_o all_o sincerity_n and_o godly_a simplicity_n we_o exercise_v ourselves_o in_o the_o work_n that_o he_o call_v we_o unto_o not_o corrupt_v his_o word_n or_o stain_v our_o profession_n by_o a_o conversation_n unbecoming_a the_o holiness_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o for_o what_o may_v outward_o befall_v we_o though_o produce_v heaviness_n and_o sorrow_n for_o a_o season_n the_o last_o day_n will_v manifest_v to_o have_v be_v unspeakable_o more_o the_o concernment_n of_o other_o man_n than_o our_o own_o it_o be_v therefore_o on_o this_o account_n and_o that_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v unto_o all_o the_o son_n of_o man_n especial_o those_o who_o in_o any_o place_n or_o degree_n have_v the_o rule_n and_o disposal_n of_o we_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n thereof_o commit_v unto_o they_o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o hazard_n that_o attend_v we_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o every_o duty_n of_o this_o kind_n we_o adventure_v to_o represent_v our_o condition_n and_o desire_n unto_o all_o that_o endeavour_n to_o follow_v after_o truth_n with_o peace_n for_o as_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o no_o great_a perfection_n than_o what_o consist_v in_o receive_v the_o whole_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o their_o soul_n of_o great_a blessedness_n than_o attend_v obedience_n thereunto_o so_o every_o mistake_n of_o it_o every_o prejudice_n against_o it_o every_o opposition_n unto_o it_o or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o be_v not_o only_o in_o themselves_o a_o corruption_n and_o debasement_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o be_v usual_o attend_v with_o consequent_n of_o great_a evil_n in_o and_o unto_o they_o by_o who_o they_o be_v entertain_v and_o this_o condition_n oftentimes_o be_v man_n otherwise_o upright_o and_o wise_a cast_v into_o either_o by_o their_o own_o engraft_a prejudices_fw-la or_o neglect_v of_o that_o severe_a disquisition_n after_o truth_n which_o all_o the_o son_n of_o it_o be_v oblige_v unto_o or_o by_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v impose_v on_o by_o the_o suggestion_n of_o other_o who_o perhaps_o sacrifice_v their_o act_n in_o and_o about_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n to_o some_o secular_a and_o it_o may_v be_v very_o corrupt_a end_v of_o their_o own_o hence_o truth_n and_o innocency_n which_o can_v be_v oppress_v but_o when_o clothe_v with_o misrepresentation_n and_o calumny_n have_v in_o all_o age_n be_v force_v to_o suffer_v the_o sad_a effect_n of_o their_o mistake_n who_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n profess_v high_o a_o avowment_n of_o they_o so_o in_o particular_a the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o misery_n that_o ever_o befall_v the_o professor_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n since_o the_o day_n that_o the_o name_n of_o christian_a be_v know_v in_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o of_o all_o that_o evil_a and_o confusion_n in_o the_o earth_n which_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n have_v produce_v and_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n inflict_v have_v lie_v in_o general_a either_o in_o the_o ignorance_n of_o man_n of_o the_o genuine_a nature_n and_o tendency_n of_o the_o truth_n itself_o or_o in_o their_o credulity_n in_o give_v credit_n unto_o those_o misrepresentation_n of_o it_o which_o it_o have_v always_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o many_o in_o the_o world_n to_o frame_v and_o promote_v hence_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n and_o every_o particular_a way_n therein_o in_o their_o respective_a season_n and_o generation_n have_v esteem_v it_o their_o duty_n not_o only_o unto_o themselves_o to_o wave_v their_o imminent_a suffering_n if_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n thereby_o but_o unto_o other_o also_o who_o they_o judge_v to_o be_v engage_v against_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n in_o their_o persecution_n of_o they_o to_o declare_v free_o and_o full_o what_o it_o be_v that_o they_o do_v believe_v and_o practice_v and_o therein_o plead_v the_o equity_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o that_o deliverance_n which_o they_o aim_v at_o of_o themselves_o from_o suffer_v and_o of_o other_o from_o sin_v and_o herein_o have_v they_o before_o their_o eye_n the_o example_n of_o the_o great_a apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n who_o with_o various_a success_n do_v oft_o time_n make_v use_v of_o the_o
we_o have_v no_o new_a faith_n to_o declare_v no_o new_a doctrine_n to_o teach_v no_o private_a opinion_n to_o divulge_v no_o point_n or_o truth_n do_v we_o profess_v no_o not_o one_o which_o have_v not_o be_v declare_v teach_v divulge_v and_o esteem_v as_o the_o common_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n if_o then_o we_o evince_n not_o the_o faith_n we_o profess_v to_o be_v consonant_n unto_o the_o scripture_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n of_o the_o four_o first_o general_n counsel_n the_o confession_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n beyond_o the_o sea_n and_o that_o in_o particular_a of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n we_o shall_v acknowledge_v the_o condition_n of_o thing_n in_o reference_n unto_o that_o liberty_n which_o we_o humble_o desire_v to_o be_v otherwise_o state_v than_o hitherto_o we_o have_v apprehend_v but_o if_o this_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o profession_n as_o we_o hope_v it_o be_v manifest_a unto_o all_o unprejudiced_a and_o ingenious_a person_n to_o be_v who_o esteem_v it_o their_o duty_n not_o to_o judge_v a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n before_o they_o hear_v it_o we_o can_v hardly_o think_v that_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o meek_a and_o holy_a spirit_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v ready_a to_o breathe_v out_o extirpation_n against_o we_o as_o to_o our_o interest_n in_o this_o world_n for_o the_o profession_n of_o those_o principle_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o build_v their_o own_o interest_n upon_o for_o another_o the_o nonconformity_n then_o that_o we_o may_v be_v charge_v with_o be_v very_o remote_a from_o a_o dissent_n unto_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v here_o public_o avow_v and_o confirm_v by_o law_n it_o can_v but_o seem_v strange_a unto_o we_o that_o any_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o cast_v we_o under_o the_o same_o severity_n with_o they_o who_o utter_o renounce_v it_o and_o will_v entayl_n upon_o their_o posterity_n on_o the_o forfeiture_n of_o all_o their_o public_a right_n as_o englishman_n and_o benefit_n of_o their_o private_a estate_n not_o only_o a_o adherence_n unto_o the_o protestant_a religion_n but_o a_o precise_a and_o determinate_a judgement_n and_o practice_n in_o thing_n of_o very_a little_a concernment_n therein_o and_o of_o none_o at_o all_o as_o to_o public_a tranquillity_n will_v it_o not_o seem_v strange_a that_o a_o man_n may_v at_o as_o easy_a and_o cheap_a a_o rate_n renounce_v the_o protestant_a profession_n and_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o thing_n indispensable_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n as_o to_o be_v mistake_v or_o suspend_v his_o assent_n about_o thing_n dark_a and_o disputable_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o of_o very_o small_a importance_n which_o way_n soever_o they_o be_v determine_v so_o that_o man_n in_o the_o embrace_v or_o refusal_n of_o they_o rebel_v not_o against_o that_o command_a light_n of_o god_n set_v up_o in_o their_o heart_n to_o rule_v they_o in_o his_o name_n in_o that_o apprehension_n which_o they_o have_v of_o the_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n which_o be_v unto_o they_o of_o great_a and_o eternal_a moment_n they_o be_v then_o only_a thing_n relate_v unto_o outward_a order_n and_o worship_n wherein_o our_o dissent_n from_o the_o present_a establishment_n of_o religion_n do_v consist_v thing_n about_o which_o there_o have_v be_v variety_n of_o judgement_n and_o difference_n in_o practice_n from_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o probable_o will_v be_v so_o until_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o the_o late_a expedient_a for_o the_o end_n of_o difference_n about_o they_o by_o vindicate_v of_o they_o into_o the_o arbitrary_a disposal_n of_o every_o church_n or_o those_o that_o preside_v therein_o in_o who_o determination_n all_o person_n be_v to_o acquiesce_v be_v so_o far_o from_o accomplish_v the_o work_n whereunto_o it_o be_v design_v that_o it_o contribute_v large_o to_o their_o increase_n and_o perpetuation_n our_o only_a guilt_n than_o be_v our_o not_o agree_v with_o other_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o there_o never_o yet_o be_v a_o agreement_n among_o christian_n nor_o perhaps_o have_v they_o all_o that_o frame_n of_o spirit_n in_o moderation_n and_o mutual_a forbearance_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v in_o they_o will_v it_o ever_o by_o any_o way_n needful_a that_o there_o shall_v so_o be_v for_o our_o part_n about_o these_o thing_n we_o judge_v not_o other_o man_n nor_o do_v or_o ever_o do_v seek_v to_o impose_v our_o apprehension_n on_o their_o judgement_n or_o practice_n what_o in_o they_o be_v agreeable_a unto_o truth_n god_n know_v and_o will_v one_o day_n declare_v unto_o our_o present_a light_n in_o the_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n must_v our_o practice_n be_v conform_v unless_o to_o please_v man_n and_o secure_v our_o transitory_a perish_v concernment_n we_o intend_v to_o break_v his_o bond_n and_o cast_v away_o his_o cord_n from_o we_o and_o that_o it_o may_v the_o better_o appear_v what_o be_v both_o our_o judgement_n and_o practice_n in_o and_o about_o these_o thing_n unto_o what_o we_o have_v declare_v in_o the_o close_a of_o our_o confession_n which_o we_o suppose_v they_o can_v reasonable_o and_o with_o satisfaction_n to_o their_o own_o conscience_n whole_o overlook_v who_o because_o thereof_o be_v ready_a to_o reflect_v with_o severe_a thought_n upon_o we_o we_o shall_v now_o only_o add_v the_o general_a principle_n whereunto_o all_o that_o we_o profess_v or_o practice_v in_o these_o thing_n be_v resolve_v and_o of_o they_o we_o humble_o desire_v that_o a_o christian_a and_o candid_a consideration_n may_v be_v have_v as_o suppose_v that_o to_o pass_v a_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n against_o we_o for_o our_o dissent_n unto_o any_o thing_n without_o a_o previous_a weigh_v of_o the_o reason_n of_o that_o dissent_n be_v scarce_o suitable_a unto_o that_o law_n whereby_o we_o be_v man_n and_o engage_v into_o civil_a society_n as_o than_o religion_n be_v public_o receive_v and_o establish_v in_o this_o nation_n there_o be_v many_o outward_a concernment_n of_o it_o relate_v unto_o person_n and_o thing_n that_o be_v dispose_v and_o regulate_v by_o and_o according_a to_o the_o law_n thereof_o such_o be_v that_o which_o be_v call_v power_n ecclesiastical_a or_o authority_n to_o dispose_v of_o those_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n with_o coercive_a jurisdiction_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o outward_a public_a concernment_n of_o it_o and_o the_o legal_a interest_n of_o man_n in_o they_o this_o we_o acknowledge_v and_o own_v to_o be_v vest_v in_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n the_o king_n majesty_n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n and_o spring_n of_o all_o jurisdiction_n in_o his_o own_o kingdom_n whatever_o no_o power_n can_v be_v put_v forth_o or_o exercise_v towards_o any_o of_o his_o subject_n which_o in_o the_o manner_n or_o nature_n of_o its_o exertion_n have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o law_n sentence_n or_o jurisdiction_n or_o which_o as_o to_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o reach_v either_o their_o body_n estate_n or_o liberty_n but_o what_o be_v derive_v from_o he_o and_o bind_v formal_o on_o that_o sole_a reason_n and_o no_o otherwise_o hence_o we_o have_v no_o principle_n in_o the_o least_o seduce_v we_o to_o transgress_v against_o any_o of_o those_o law_n which_o in_o former_a day_n be_v look_v on_o as_o safe_a preservative_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o interest_n in_o this_o nation_n do_v we_o assert_v a_o foreign_a power_n over_o his_o majesty_n subject_n and_o claim_v a_o obedience_n from_o they_o in_o some_o such_o case_n as_o might_n at_o our_o pleasure_n be_v extend_v to_o the_o whole_a that_o be_v due_a unto_o he_o do_v we_o or_o any_o of_o we_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o office_n we_o hold_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n claim_n and_o exercise_v a_o jurisdiction_n over_o the_o person_n of_o his_o majesty_n subject_n in_o form_n and_o course_n of_o law_n or_o do_v we_o so_o much_o as_o pretend_v unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o any_o spiritual_a power_n that_o shall_v produce_v effect_n on_o the_o outward_a man_n we_o may_v well_o fear_v leave_v just_a offence_n shall_v be_v take_v against_o we_o but_o whereas_o the_o way_n wherein_o we_o worship_v god_n be_v utter_o unconcern_v in_o these_o thing_n and_o we_o willing_o profess_v the_o spring_n of_o all_o outward_a coercive_a jurisdiction_n to_o be_v in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n alone_o without_o the_o least_o intermixture_n of_o any_o other_o power_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n direct_o or_o by_o consequence_n we_o can_v but_o say_v with_o confidence_n that_o it_o will_v be_v utter_o impossible_a to_o convince_v we_o that_o on_o this_o account_n we_o be_v offender_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o order_n therein_o which_o be_v pure_o spiritual_a and_o
be_v spiritual_a and_o in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n only_o to_o be_v exercise_v 2_o cor._n 10._o 4_o 5._o and_o because_o the_o church_n may_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v disadvantage_v by_o this_o disclamour_n of_o power_n external_o to_o coerce_v such_o as_o receive_v not_o the_o truth_n that_o it_o embrace_v and_o to_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o worse_a condition_n than_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n which_o go_v before_o who_o ordinance_n be_v carnal_a be_v establish_v and_o vindicate_v by_o carnal_a power_n st._n paul_n let_v they_o know_v that_o this_o alteration_n be_v for_o the_o better_a and_o the_o coercion_n of_o miscarriage_n under_o the_o gospel_n by_o threaten_n of_o the_o future_a judgement_n which_o will_v have_v a_o special_a respect_n unto_o they_o more_o weighty_a than_o the_o severe_a penalty_n that_o be_v appoint_v by_o moses_n law_n heb._n 10._o 28_o 29_o 30._o not_o that_o lesser_a difference_n in_o apprehension_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n have_v any_o punishment_n assign_v unto_o they_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n who_o penalty_n concern_v they_o only_o who_o turn_v away_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o any_o other_o god_n but_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o such_o no_o man_n plead_v for_o but_o that_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o the_o ordinance_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n be_v change_v from_o carnal_a and_o earthly_a to_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a so_o also_o be_v the_o law_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n annex_v unto_o they_o these_o be_v the_o rule_n this_o the_o practice_n in_o this_o case_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n these_o rule_n this_o practice_n have_v he_o record_v in_o his_o word_n for_o our_o instruction_n and_o direction_n may_v all_o those_o who_o profess_v obedience_n unto_o his_o name_n be_v prevail_v on_o to_o regulate_v their_o judgement_n by_o they_o and_o square_v their_o proceed_n unto_o they_o the_o church_n of_o god_n will_v have_v peace_n and_o the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v effectual_o carry_v on_o in_o the_o world_n as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o old_a and_o for_o our_o part_n we_o will_v never_o open_v our_o mouth_n to_o deprecate_v any_o severity_n that_o may_v be_v warrant_v from_o the_o gospel_n or_o apostolical_a direction_n and_o practice_n against_o any_o mistake_n of_o that_o importance_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n as_o our_o principle_n and_o way_n may_v rational_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v for_o although_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o what_o we_o profess_v and_o practice_v be_v according_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n yet_o because_o it_o be_v our_o lot_n and_o portion_n to_o have_v our_o governor_n and_o ruler_n otherwise_o mind_v we_o be_v content_v to_o be_v deal_v withal_o so_o as_o the_o bless_a gospel_n will_v warrant_v any_o to_o deal_v with_o they_o who_o be_v so_o far_o in_o the_o wrong_n as_o we_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v and_o if_o herein_o we_o can_v prevail_v we_o shall_v labour_v to_o possess_v our_o soul_n in_o patience_n and_o to_o commit_v our_o cause_n to_o he_o that_o judge_v righteous_o this_o we_o know_v that_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o church_n after_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v conform_v to_o the_o rule_n and_o example_n that_o by_o they_o be_v give_v unto_o they_o difference_n in_o external_n rite_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v find_v among_o they_o where_o the_o substance_n of_o faith_n be_v preserve_v they_o look_v upon_o as_o no_o breach_n of_o union_n at_o all_o a_o long_a catalogue_n of_o such_o difference_n as_o be_v from_o time_n immemorial_n among_o they_o be_v give_v we_o by_o socrates_n the_o historian_n and_o he_o who_o first_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n about_o they_o by_o divide_v their_o communion_n victor_n of_o rome_n be_v leave_v brand_v upon_o record_n with_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o principal_a person_n for_o learning_n and_o holiness_n throughout_o the_o world_n in_o those_o day_n nor_o be_v our_o dissent_n from_o the_o present_a establishment_n of_o any_o large_a extent_n than_o such_o as_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o first_o church_n extend_v the_o bond_n of_o their_o communion_n unto_o imposition_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a with_o subscription_n to_o precise_a determination_n on_o point_n doubtful_a and_o ambiguous_a with_o confinement_n of_o man_n practice_n in_o all_o outward_a ceremony_n and_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n be_v thing_n not_o bear_v in_o the_o world_n for_o some_o hundred_o of_o year_n after_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o church_n origen_n in_o his_o three_o book_n against_o celsus_n plead_v express_o that_o there_o ever_o be_v difference_n among_o professor_n of_o christianity_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o there_o shall_v so_o be_v which_o yet_o he_o show_v hinder_v not_o their_o faith_n love_n and_o obedience_n justin_n martyr_n in_o his_o second_o apology_n declare_v his_o forbearance_n and_o the_o church_n of_o those_o day_n towards_o those_o who_o believe_v in_o christ_n yet_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o moysaicall_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n provide_v that_o they_o do_v not_o impose_v the_o practice_n of_o they_o upon_o other_o ignatius_n before_o they_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o philadelphian_o profess_v that_o to_o persecute_v man_n on_o the_o account_n of_o god_n or_o religion_n be_v to_o make_v ourselves_o conformable_a to_o the_o heathen_a that_o know_v not_o god_n tertullian_n origen_n arnobius_n and_o lactantius_n open_o plead_v for_o a_o liberty_n in_o religion_n as_o found_v in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o their_o consistence_n of_o faith_n with_o compulsion_n in_o that_o extent_n which_o we_o aim_v not_o at_o the_o synod_n of_o alexandria_n in_o the_o case_n of_o athanasius_n condemn_v all_o external_a force_n in_o religion_n and_o reproach_v the_o arian_n as_o the_o first_o inventor_n and_o promoter_n of_o it_o it_o be_v indeed_o plead_v by_o some_o that_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o day_n have_v reason_n to_o assert_v this_o liberty_n because_o there_o be_v then_o no_o christian_a magistrate_n who_o may_v make_v use_n of_o the_o civil_a sword_n in_o their_o behalf_n or_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o dissenter_n from_o they_o and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o so_o do_v but_o the_o dishonesty_n of_o this_o pretence_n be_v notorious_a they_o affirm_v direct_o that_o no_o force_n coercion_n or_o restraint_n be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o or_o about_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n nor_o outward_a power_n in_o a_o way_n of_o penalty_n to_o be_v exercise_v over_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n herein_o to_o say_v they_o thus_o plead_v and_o pretend_v mere_o to_o serve_v their_o own_o present_a condition_n and_o occasion_n but_o that_o upon_o the_o alteration_n of_o thing_n they_o will_v be_v otherwise_o mind_v be_v calumnious_o to_o reflect_v upon_o those_o holy_a witness_n of_o christ_n the_o guilt_n of_o the_o high_a hypocrisy_n imaginable_a and_o man_n can_v invent_v a_o more_o effectual_a mean_n to_o cast_v contempt_n on_o all_o religion_n and_o to_o root_v a_o due_a sense_n of_o it_o out_o of_o the_o world_n than_o by_o foment_v such_o imagination_n let_v they_o therefore_o rest_v in_o peace_n under_o that_o reputation_n of_o holiness_n and_o sincerity_n which_o they_o just_o deserve_v what_o ever_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o thing_n with_o we_o or_o those_o which_o may_v suffer_v with_o we_o in_o the_o like_a condition_n but_o neither_o be_v they_o alone_o the_o great_a constantine_n himself_o the_o first_o christian_a magistrate_n with_o supreme_a power_n by_o a_o public_a edict_n declare_v that_o the_o liberty_n of_o worship_n be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v unto_o any_o and_o until_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o his_o reign_n there_o be_v no_o thought_n of_o exercise_v severity_n with_o reference_n unto_o any_o division_n among_o christian_n about_o the_o worship_n of_o god._n after_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o arian_n heresy_n when_o the_o interposition_n of_o civil_a censure_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o difference_n about_o thing_n spiritual_a have_v make_v a_o entrance_n by_o the_o solicitation_n of_o some_o zealous_a person_n for_o the_o banishment_n of_o arius_n and_o some_o of_o his_o copartner_n it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o relate_v what_o misery_n and_o confusion_n be_v bring_v upon_o the_o church_n thereby_o imprisonment_n banishment_n and_o ruin_n of_o church_n make_v up_o much_o of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a history_n of_o those_o day_n after_o a_o while_n arius_n be_v recall_v from_o banishment_n and_o athanasius_n drive_v into_o it_o in_o a_o short_a tract_n of_o time_n arianism_n itself_o get_v the_o civil_a sword_n in_o many_o place_n wherewith_o it_o rage_v against_o all_o the_o orthodox_n professor_n of_o the_o deity_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o the_o synod_n of_o alexandria_n complain_v much_o