sake_n and_o he_o that_o shall_v call_v such_o bishop_n wicked_a and_o ungodly_a be_v notorious_o guilty_a of_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o 9_o commandment_n 2._o suppose_v though_o not_o grant_v 2._o that_o all_o of_o they_o be_v wicked_a and_o ungodly_a yet_o notwithstanding_o though_o we_o be_v far_o from_o justify_v their_o ungodliness_n we_o answer_v that_o some_o evil_a man_n may_v and_o always_o have_v de_fw-fr facto_fw-la be_v officer_n and_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n hophni_n and_o phinehas_n in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n scribes_z and_o pharisee_n 2._o that_o the_o wickedness_n of_o such_o man_n do_v not_o null_a or_o evacuate_v their_o ministerial_a act_n the_o scribe_n &_o pharisees_n that_o sit_v in_o moses_n his_o chair_n be_v to_o be_v hear_v though_o they_o say_v and_o do_v not_o christ_n commission_n do_v as_o well_o authorize_v judas_n as_o any_o other_o to_o preach_v and_o baptize_v etc._n etc._n and_o sure_o if_o the_o principal_a act_n belongingto_o the_o ministerial_a function_n as_o preach_v baptise_v adminstr_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v not_o null_v or_o make_v void_a by_o the_o personal_a wickedness_n of_o minister_n then_o consequent_o not_o their_o ordination_n so_o that_o if_o judas_n have_v be_v a_o apostle_n when_o christ_n send_v his_o apostle_n to_o ordain_v elder_n his_o ordination_n shall_v have_v be_v as_o valid_a as_o his_o preach_v and_o baptise_v former_o have_v be_v the_o leprosy_n of_o the_o hand_n do_v not_o hinder_v the_o grow_a of_o the_o corn_n which_o that_o hand_n sow_v but_o these_o bishop_n be_v antichristian_a 6._o and_o their_o office_n antichristian_a and_o therefore_o the_o minister_n ordain_v by_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v antichristian_a minister_n and_o not_o the_o minister_n of_o christ._n for_o satisfaction_n to_o this_o objection_n we_o shall_v first_o propose_v what_o the_o ancient_a learned_a &_o godly_a nonconformist_n have_v leave_v in_o print_n about_o it_o ans._n and_o then_o we_o will_v lay_v down_o our_o own_o answer_n the_o old_a nonconformist_n by_o joint_a consent_n have_v write_v that_o they_o do_v not_o see_v how_o our_o bishop_n can_v be_v call_v antichrist_n or_o antichristian_a 1._o because_o the_o word_n mark_v out_o antichrist_n by_o his_o false_a doctrine_n nor_o do_v we_o find_v in_o holy_a scripture_n any_o such_o account_v antichrist_n or_o antichristian_a which_o hold_v the_o truth_n of_o doctrine_n swerve_v either_o in_o judgement_n or_o practice_n from_o christ_n rule_n for_o discipline_n now_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o our_o bishop_n do_v hold_v and_o teach_v all_o fundamental_a doctrine_n and_o truth_n and_o some_o of_o they_o have_v sound_o maintain_v they_o against_o heretic_n convert_v many_o to_o the_o truth_n and_o have_v suffer_v persecution_n for_o the_o gospel_n 2._o their_o hierarchy_n and_o other_o corruption_n charge_v upon_o the_o call_n of_o our_o bishop_n be_v rather_o to_o be_v esteem_v the_o stair_n and_o way_n to_o antichristianity_n than_o antichristianity_n â—t_a self_n for_o they_o be_v in_o the_o church_n before_o the_o popâ—_n who_o be_v the_o antichrist_n and_o the_o chief_a head_n link_v of_o all_o antichristianity_n be_v reveal_v 3._o the_o antichristian_a bishop_n hold_v their_o preeminence_n as_o from_o god_n law_n which_o be_v unchangeable_a whereas_o our_o bishop_n since_o his_o majesty_n reign_n to_o this_o day_n for_o the_o most_o part_n hold_v superiority_n by_o no_o other_o right_n then_o the_o positive_a law_n which_o be_v variable_a yea_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o court_n of_o delegate_n and_o the_o continuance_n thereof_o to_o this_o day_n that_o they_o do_v and_o aught_o by_o law_n to_o hold_v their_o jurisdiction_n not_o as_o from_o god_n but_o be_v from_o the_o prince_n thus_o they_o and_o as_o to_o the_o minister_n ordain_v by_o bishop_n they_o say_v bishop_n be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o such_o gift_n as_o be_v require_v for_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o minister_n that_o many_o of_o they_o have_v be_v such_o minister_n themselves_o as_o to_o who_o labour_n thâ—_n lord_n have_v set_v to_o his_o seal_n we_o be_v persuade_v that_o though_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a yet_o it_o can_v be_v unlawful_a for_o he_o that_o enter_v into_o the_o ministry_n to_o be_v approve_v and_o authorize_v even_o by_o they_o andif_a our_o ordination_n be_v in_o this_o behalf_n faulty_a how_o will_v our_o brethren_n justify_v the_o call_n of_o their_o own_o minister_n that_o have_v receive_v ordination_n ever_o from_o the_o people_n who_o neither_o by_o commandment_n nor_o example_n can_v be_v find_v to_o have_v any_o such_o authority_n nor_o be_v in_o any_o degree_n so_o capable_a of_o it_o as_o the_o bishop_n thus_o much_o be_v say_v by_o the_o old_a nonconformist_a for_o our_o own_o particular_n we_o shall_v return_v a_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n by_o distinguish_v of_o the_o word_n bishop_n and_o the_o word_n antichristian_a there_o be_v three_o sort_n of_o bishop_n the_o scripture-bishop_n thâ—_n bishop_n of_o the_o first_o primitive_a time_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o latter_a time_n now_o we_o be_v far_o from_o think_v that_o the_o scripture_n bishop_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o presbyter_n or_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o first_o primitive_a time_n who_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o chief_a bresbyter_n or_o the_o moderator_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o have_v a_o priority_n not_o of_o power_n but_o of_o order_n only_o like_o a_o speaker_n in_o the_o parliament_n be_v antichristian_a the_o question_n only_o be_v about_o the_o bishop_n of_o latter_a time_n the_o word_n antichristian_a may_v be_v take_v proper_o or_o improper_o a_o antichristian_a minister_n proper_o be_v one_o that_o own_o be_v the_o pope_n as_o a_o visible_a monarchical_a head_n over_o the_o church_n and_o that_o stand_v a_o minister_n with_o subjection_n and_o subordination_n to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o that_o profess_o maintain_v the_o popish_a religion_n a_o antichristian_a minister_n improper_o be_v one_o that_o in_o his_o call_n and_o office_n have_v divers_a thing_n that_o be_v antichristian_a in_o the_o first_o sense_n we_o believe_v none_o will_v say_v our_o bishop_n be_v antichristian_o but_o yet_o we_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o those_o bishop_n who_o do_v take_v upon_o they_o by_o divine_a right_n the_o care_n of_o whole_a diocese_n and_o do_v assume_v the_o whole_a power_n of_o jurisdiction_n over_o the_o people_n and_o minister_n therein_o and_o do_v challenge_v a_o majority_n and_o tantum_fw-la non_fw-la a_o sole_a power_n in_o ordination_n do_v symbolize_v herein_o too_o much_o with_o antichrist_n and_o have_v in_o this_o sense_n much_o of_o antichristianisme_n in_o they_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o denominate_v they_o antichristian_a no_o more_o than_o the_o have_v of_o some_o hypocrisy_n and_o covetousness_n do_v denominate_v a_o godly_a man_n a_o hypocrite_n or_o a_o covetous_a person_n the_o denomination_n be_v always_o á_o meliore_fw-la part_n our_o bishop_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v very_a orthodox_n in_o doctrine_n and_o pure_a in_o the_o substantial_o of_o worship_n and_o have_v write_v many_o learned_a treatise_n against_o popery_n and_o antichristianisme_n indeed_o in_o matter_n of_o discipline_n and_o ceremony_n they_o be_v exceed_o faulty_a and_o some_o of_o â—hem_n of_o late_a year_n begin_v to_o apostatise_v both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n for_o which_o god_n have_v grievious_o punish_v they_o yet_o all_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o antichristian_a proper_o so_o call_v much_o less_o to_o null_a all_o their_o act_n of_o ordination_n no_o more_o than_o their_o act_n of_o preach_v baptise_v and_o administer_a thelord_n supper_n special_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o they_o have_v power_n enable_v they_o to_o perform_v all_o these_o act_n as_o they_o be_v presbyter_n though_o they_o never_o have_v be_v bishop_n bâ—t_o let_v we_o suppose_v though_o not_o grant_v the_o bishop_n be_v antichristian_a and_o their_o office_n antichristian_a yet_o we_o answer_v that_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o the_o minister_n make_v by_o they_o be_v antichristian_a unless_o it_o can_v also_o be_v make_v out_o which_o never_o can_v be_v do_v that_o they_o be_v antichristian_a in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o ordination_n ans._n for_o as_o a_o maim_a man_n may_v beget_v a_o perfect_a child_n because_o he_o beget_v he_o not_o as_o maim_v but_o as_o a_o man_n so_o a_o antichristian_a bishop_n may_v ordain_v a_o true_a minister_n because_o he_o ordain_v he_o not_o aâ—_n antichristian_a but_o as_o a_o presbyter_n that_o by_o divine_a warrant_n have_v authority_n so_o to_o do_v as_o austin_n against_o the_o donatist_n prove_v the_o validity_n of_o baptism_n by_o heretic_n if_o they_o baptise_a with_o water_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n though_o in_o other_o
isa._n 66.21_o i_o will_v also_o take_v of_o they_o for_o priest_n and_o for_o levite_n say_v the_o lord_n ephes._n 4.8_o 11_o 12_o 13._o when_o he_o ascend_v up_o on_o high_a he_o give_v gift_n unto_o man_n and_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ._n till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ._n heb._n 5.4_o 5._o and_o no_o man_n take_v this_o honour_n to_o himself_o but_o he_o that_o be_v call_v of_o god_n as_o be_v aaron_n so_o also_o christ_n glorify_v not_o himself_o to_o be_v make_v a_o high-priest_n but_o he_o that_o say_v unto_o he_o thou_o be_v my_o son_n to_o day_n have_v i_o beget_v thou_o 1_o tim_n 4.14_o neglect_v not_o the_o gift_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o which_o be_v give_v thou_o by_o prophecy_n with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n luth_n tom._n 4._o lat._n jen._n fol._n 19_o non_fw-fr fortunate_a deus_fw-la labores_fw-la eorum_fw-la qui_fw-la non_fw-la sunt_fw-la vocati_fw-la &_o quanquam_fw-la salutaria_fw-la quaedam_fw-la afferant_fw-la tamen_fw-la non_fw-la aedificant_fw-la ius_n divinum_fw-la ministerii_fw-la evangelici_fw-la or_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o the_o gospel-ministry_n divide_v into_o two_o part_n the_o first_o part_n contain_v a_o justification_n of_o the_o gospel-ministry_n in_o general_n the_o necessity_n of_o ordination_n thereunto_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n the_o unlawfulness_n of_o private_a man_n assume_v to_o themselves_o either_o the_o office_n or_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n without_o a_o lawful_a call_n and_o ordination_n the_o second_o part_n contain_v a_o justification_n of_o the_o present_a minister_n of_o england_n both_o such_o as_o be_v ordain_v during_o the_o prevalency_n of_o episcopacy_n frâ—m_v the_o â—oul_a aspersion_n of_o antichristianism_n and_o those_o who_o have_v be_v ordain_v since_o its_o abolition_n from_o the_o unjust_a imputation_n of_o novelty_n prove_v that_o a_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v all_o one_o in_o scripture_n and_o that_o ordination_n by_o presbyter_n be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture-patern_n together_o with_o a_o appendix_n wherein_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o antiquity_n about_o the_o whole_a matter_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o especial_o about_o the_o ordination_n of_o minister_n be_v brief_o discuss_v publish_a by_o the_o provincial_a assembly_n of_o london_n london_n print_v by_o john_n legat_n and_o abraham_n miller_n 1654._o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n it_o be_v report_v of_o bucer_n that_o he_o be_v so_o eager_a of_o peace_n with_o luthâ—r_n that_o he_o be_v like_a to_o a_o man_n qui_fw-la prae_fw-la nimia_fw-la aviditate_fw-la etiam_fw-la feces_n haurireâ—_n who_o by_o a_o overmuch_a greediness_n after_o unity_n be_v ready_a to_o swallow_v down_o many_o of_o luther_n error_n for_o our_o part_n though_o we_o shall_v be_v loath_a to_o buy_v peace_n with_o the_o loss_n of_o truth_n yet_o such_o have_v be_v the_o unexpressible_a mischief_n that_o the_o division_n of_o brethren_n have_v bring_v upon_o this_o nation_n and_o such_o be_v our_o earnest_a desire_n after_o a_o happy_a accommodation_n that_o we_o hope_v we_o can_v true_o close_a â—hough_v not_o with_o the_o former_a yet_o with_o another_o say_n of_o bucer_n that_o we_o will_v willing_o purchase_v with_o the_o loss_n of_o our_o life_n the_o remove_n of_o the_o infinite_a scandal_n that_o have_v be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o division_n of_o christian_n eusebius_n report_v of_o constantine_n though_o a_o great_a emperor_n that_o he_o be_v more_o trouble_v with_o the_o dissension_n of_o the_o church_n then_o with_o all_o the_o war_n in_o his_o dominion_n that_o he_o take_v they_o so_o to_o heart_n that_o he_o can_v not_o sleep_v quiet_o for_o they_o yea_o although_o he_o have_v a_o spiritful_a of_o heroic_a valâ—ur_n yet_o the_o dissension_n of_o the_o church_n be_v such_o evil_n to_o he_o as_o to_o cause_v he_o to_o shed_v many_o a_o tear_n etc._n etc._n our_o prayer_n to_o god_n be_v that_o the_o same_o affection_n towards_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o these_o three_o nation_n may_v be_v kindle_v in_o all_o our_o breast_n and_o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o be_v able_a in_o sincerity_n to_o profess_v with_o luther_n that_o we_o be_v as_o desirous_a to_o embrace_v peace_n and_o concord_n as_o we_o be_v desirous_a to_o have_v the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o be_v propitious_a to_o we_o and_o therefore_o foreseeing_a that_o this_o ensue_a treatise_n will_v meet_v with_o many_o adversary_n of_o different_a persuasion_n and_o with_o much_o opposition_n we_o think_v fit_a to_o give_v the_o reader_n notice_n of_o our_o intention_n here_o lest_o we_o shall_v be_v think_v to_o be_v enemy_n to_o peace_n and_o hinderer_n of_o that_o long_o desire_a and_o often_o pray_v for_o union_n between_o dissent_v brethren_n there_o be_v six_o sort_n and_o rank_n of_o man_n who_o we_o have_v occasion_n to_o deal_v with_o in_o this_o book_n 1._o such_o as_o be_v against_o the_o very_a office_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o that_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o office_n institute_v by_o christ_n to_o be_v perpetual_a in_o his_o church_n we_o look_v upon_o this_o assertion_n as_o destructive_a unto_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o christian_n 2._o such_o as_o say_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o any_o man_n that_o suppose_v themselves_o gift_v though_o neither_o ordain_v nor_o approve_v by_o able_a man_n to_o assume_v unto_o themselves_o a_o power_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n this_o opinion_n we_o judge_v to_o be_v the_o highway_n to_o all_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n a_o inlet_n to_o error_n and_o heresy_n and_o a_o door_n open_v for_o priest_n and_o jesuit_n to_o broach_v their_o popish_a and_o antichristian_a doctrine_n 3._o such_o as_o hold_v that_o the_o ministry_n of_o england_n be_v antichristian_a that_o our_o church_n be_v no_o true_a church_n but_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o communion_n to_o be_v hold_v with_o we_o this_o opinion_n we_o conceive_v to_o be_v not_o only_o false_a and_o uncharitable_a but_o contradictory_n to_o peace_n and_o unity_n 4._o such_o as_o say_v that_o episcopacy_n be_v a_o high_a order_n of_o ministry_n above_o presbytery_n by_o divine_a right_n that_o christ_n have_v give_v the_o sole_a power_n of_o ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n unto_o bishop_n and_o that_o ordination_n of_o minister_n be_v so_o appropriate_v to_o they_o by_o the_o gospel_n that_o all_o ordination_n by_o single_a presbyter_n be_v null_n and_o void_a and_o that_o sacrament_n by_o they_o administer_v be_v no_o sacrament_n these_o assertion_n we_o look_v upon_o not_o only_o â—s_a groundless_a and_o unscriptural_a but_o as_o cruel_a and_o utter_o overthrow_v all_o the_o protestant_n reform_v church_n and_o minister_n now_o though_o we_o hope_v we_o can_v true_o say_v that_o we_o have_v with_o all_o meekness_n and_o christian_a moderation_n manage_v the_o debate_n with_o these_o four_o sort_n of_o adversary_n and_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o exercise_v all_o office_n of_o christian_a love_n and_o affection_n towards_o they_o and_o by_o requite_v good_a for_o evil_n labour_v to_o heap_v coal_n of_o fire_n upon_o their_o head_n yet_o notwithstanding_o such_o be_v the_o great_a distance_n between_o they_o and_o we_o in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n and_o such_o be_v the_o bitterness_n of_o their_o spirit_n in_o their_o opposition_n against_o we_o that_o we_o have_v little_a hope_n for_o the_o present_a till_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o work_v a_o happy_a change_n of_o judgement_n in_o they_o of_o any_o real_a and_o hearty_a accord_n and_o agreement_n with_o they_o 5._o a_o five_o sort_n be_v our_o reverend_a brethren_n of_o new_a and_o old-england_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n who_o hold_v our_o church_n to_o be_v true_a church_n and_o our_o minister_n true_a minister_n though_o they_o differ_v from_o we_o in_o some_o lesser_a thing_n we_o have_v be_v necessitate_v to_o fall_v upon_o some_o thing_n wherein_o they_o and_o we_o disagree_v and_o have_v represent_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o dissent_n but_o yet_o we_o here_o profess_v that_o this_o disagreement_n shall_v not_o hinder_v we_o from_o any_o christian_a accord_n with_o they_o in_o affection_n that_o we_o can_v willing_o write_v upon_o our_o study-door_n that_o motto_n which_o mr_n jeremiah_n burroughes_n who_o a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n do_v ambitious_o endeavour_v after_o union_n among_o brethren_n as_o some_o of_o
be_v of_o his_o household_n 16.2_o though_o all_o other_o saint_n may_v be_v call_v steward_n of_o the_o manifold_a grace_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o the_o gift_n and_o talent_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v for_o their_o lord_n use_v and_o so_o every_o man_n must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o stewardship_n even_o for_o civil_a gift_n and_o common_a grace_n yet_o neither_o be_v all_o man_n nor_o all_o saint_n as_o such_o 4.1_o any_o where_o style_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n as_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n be_v and_o it_o be_v one_o peculiar_a argument_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n use_v why_o the_o bishop_n must_v be_v eminent_o blameless_a above_o other_o saint_n because_o he_o be_v so_o to_o carry_v himself_o in_o god_n house_n as_o one_o who_o in_o a_o special_a way_n be_v the_o steward_n of_o god_n 6._o they_o be_v call_v preacher_n by_o way_n of_o office_n 10.14_o or_o god_n herald_n though_o other_o may_v know_v and_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n viz·_n these_o authoritative_o be_v send_v forth_o to_o proclaim_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n 7._o they_o be_v call_v ambassador_n for_o christ_n god_n have_v give_v to_o they_o the_o ministry_n of_o reconciliation_n 20._o and_o have_v commit_v to_o they_o the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n 8._o they_o be_v superintendents_a and_o overseer_n of_o the_o flock_n â—2_n and_o if_o they_o have_v no_o such_o office_n then_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o work_n they_o may_v be_v charge_v to_o be_v busybody_n and_o so_o we_o shall_v call_v this_o a_o sin_n which_o god_n almighty_a have_v charge_v upon_o they_o as_o their_o duty_n 9_o they_o be_v call_v star_n in_o christ_n right_a hand_n 10._o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n 14._o and_o our_o lord_n himself_o do_v clear_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o seven_o star_n in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n which_o be_v seven_o church_n he_o evident_o put_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o church_n and_o the_o angel_n set_v in_o they_o and_o over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n 3._o the_o three_o argument_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o lord_n special_a care_n in_o require_v peculiar_a gift_n and_o qualification_n in_o person_n so_o distinguish_v and_o design_v for_o this_o work_n as_o former_o if_o the_o lord_n out_o of_o his_o special_a care_n to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n of_o people_n have_v appoint_v peculiar_a gift_n and_o qualification_n above_o what_o be_v require_v in_o all_o saint_n as_o such_o in_o all_o who_o enter_v into_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n than_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v by_o divine_a institution_n for_o why_o shall_v god_n require_v such_o qualification_n for_o a_o office_n if_o he_o first_o have_v not_o appoint_v such_o a_o office_n suppose_v a_o parliament_n shall_v lay_v down_o several_a qualification_n for_o every_o man_n that_o be_v to_o be_v make_v a_o justice_n of_o peace_n do_v not_o this_o clear_o infer_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o office_n as_o of_o a_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n â—_o but_o our_o lord_n do_v require_v peculiar_a gift_n and_o qualification_n etc._n etc._n not_o only_o those_o moral_a theological_a christian_a gift_n and_o grace_n which_o be_v require_v in_o all_o saint_n at_o such_o as_o to_o be_v blameless_a vigilant_a sober_a etc._n etc._n but_o such_o qualification_n as_o be_v peculiar_a though_o gift_n as_o gift_n do_v not_o alone_o invest_v into_o a_o office_n yet_o where_o these_o be_v so_o strict_o and_o peculiar_o require_v they_o argue_v that_o there_o be_v a_o office_n god_n require_v 1._o that_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o teach_v saint_n may_v be_v saint_n though_o they_o be_v not_o fit_v to_o teach_v other_o 1.19_o it_o be_v â—_o good_a degree_n of_o saintship_n when_o they_o be_v swift_a to_o hear_v slow_a to_o speak_v and_o apt_a to_o learn_v and_o we_o can_v wish_v the_o saint_n in_o our_o time_n can_v learn_v and_o practice_v that_o lesson_n but_o those_o faithful_a man_n to_o who_o the_o ministry_n be_v to_o be_v commit_v must_v be_v apt_a to_o teach_v 2.2_o 2._o that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o apt_a but_o able_a to_o teach_v other_o also_o 1.9_o 3._o that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o hold_v fast_o the_o word_n may_v be_v able_a by_o sound_a doctrine_n to_o exhort_v and_o convince_v gainsayer_n 4â—_n 4._o that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o stâ—dy_a to_o show_v themselves_o approve_v unto_o god_n workman_n that_o need_v not_o be_v ashamed_a right_o divide_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o who_o then_o be_v a_o faithful_a and_o wise_a steward_n who_o the_o lord_n may_v make_v ruler_n â—ver_o hiâ—_n household_n tâ—_n give_v they_o their_o portion_n of_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n 5._o that_o these_o gift_n be_v try_v and_o approve_v by_o other_o for_o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o competent_a judge_n of_o his_o own_o gift_n the_o deacon_n must_v first_o be_v prove_v 3.10_o and_o if_o the_o deacon_n the_o low_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n must_v by_o divine_a appointment_n be_v first_o prove_v before_o he_o be_v admit_v to_o use_v the_o office_n of_o a_o deacon_n how_o much_o more_o be_v this_o require_v in_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n which_o be_v far_o high_a 6._o that_o those_o that_o be_v to_o prove_v and_o approve_v observe_v these_o thing_n without_o carnal_a prefer_n one_o before_o another_o 22._o that_o they_o do_v nothing_o by_o partiality_n that_o they_o lay_v hand_n sudden_o upon_o no_o man_n and_o this_o the_o apostle_n charge_v they_o with_o before_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o elect_a angel_n now_o why_o be_v all_o these_o qualification_n require_v will_v not_o all_o these_o injunction_n about_o such_o a_o office_n be_v superfluous_a if_o such_o a_o office_n be_v not_o by_o divine_a institution_n 7._o the_o qualification_n be_v so_o many_o the_o work_n so_o eminent_a the_o success_n so_o various_a the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v to_o some_o the_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o life_n and_o to_o other_o the_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n that_o the_o apostle_n in_o admiration_n of_o the_o difficulty_n and_o dignity_n of_o this_o employment_n cry_v out_o who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n 1.13_o but_o they_o who_o be_v alienate_v in_o their_o mind_n as_o they_o snuff_v at_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o bring_v the_o tear_v and_o the_o lame_a and_o the_o sick_a as_o if_o any_o thing_n though_o never_o so_o bad_a be_v good_a enough_o for_o a_o offer_n to_o the_o lord_n so_o they_o account_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n so_o mean_a and_o the_o office_n so_o contemptible_a that_o they_o say_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o holy_a apostle_n for_o these_o thing_n who_o be_v not_o sufficient_a bold_o intrude_a themselves_o into_o this_o work_n without_o any_o gift_n or_o qualification_n suitable_a and_o approve_a thereunto_o presume_v to_o be_v teacher_n of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o the_o gospel_n 1.7_o yet_o not_o understand_v what_o they_o say_v or_o whereof_o they_o do_v affirm_v the_o four_o argument_n from_o peculiar_a duty_n if_o god_n require_v peculiar_a duty_n of_o minister_n which_o he_o do_v not_o require_v of_o believer_n as_o believer_n 4._o than_o there_o be_v such_o a_o distinct_a office_n by_o divine_a institution_n but_o god_n do_v require_v peculiar_a distinct_a duty_n of_o minister_n 1._o they_o be_v command_v to_o take_v special_a care_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o take_v the_o oversight_n of_o the_o flock_n of_o god_n 3._o yet_o not_o as_o lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n but_o be_v example_n to_o the_o flock_n 2._o when_o they_o have_v undertake_v this_o work_n they_o be_v charge_v not_o to_o neglect_v the_o gift_n that_o be_v in_o they_o 4.14_o which_o be_v give_v by_o the_o lay_n on_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n 3._o whole_o to_o mind_v this_o work_n and_o the_o office_n meditate_v on_o these_o thing_n 4._o give_v themselves_o whole_o to_o they_o that_o their_o profit_v may_v appear_v to_o all_o it_o be_v not_o reason_n that_o they_o shall_v leave_v the_o word_n and_o serve_v table_n but_o they_o must_v continual_o give_v themselves_o to_o prayer_n and_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o work_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v exceed_v great_a yet_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o their_o gift_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o the_o assistance_n they_o have_v be_v above_o measure_n god_n testify_v to_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n by_o many_o sign_n and_o wonder_n now_o if_o the_o apostle_n endue_v with_o those_o transcendent_a ability_n will_v not_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v divert_v how_o much_o more_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n challenge_v the_o whole_a man_n of_o they_o who_o part_n and_o
with_o all_o deceivablenesse_n of_o unrighteousness_n therefore_o we_o must_v watch_v and_o pray_v for_o the_o spirit_n of_o discern_v that_o we_o may_v distinguish_v between_o thing_n that_o differ_v 3._o consider_v as_o the_o lord_n have_v his_o truth_n so_o he_o have_v his_o church_n in_o babylon_n during_o the_o rise_n and_o growth_n and_o reign_v and_o continuance_n of_o antichrist_n the_o apostasy_n though_o general_a over_o all_o tongue_n and_o kindred_n and_o nation_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o universal_a in_o all_o individual_a person_n but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o remnant_n according_a to_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n 11.4_o as_o in_o the_o baalitish_n apostasy_n the_o lord_n reserve_v seven_o thousand_o who_o have_v not_o bow_v their_o knee_n to_o baal_n so_o in_o this_o antichristian_a defection_n the_o lamb_n upon_o mount_n zion_n have_v 1â—_n time_n 12._o thousand_o that_o adhered_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o 12._o apostle_n and_o these_o 144000_o have_v their_o father_n name_n write_v in_o their_o forehead_n 5._o redeem_v from_o among_o man_n bâ—ing_v the_o first-fruit_n unto_o god_n and_o to_o the_o lamb_n and_o in_o their_o mouth_n be_v find_v no_o guile_n and_o they_o be_v not_o defile_v with_o those_o antichristian_a whoredom_n for_o they_o be_v virgin_n they_o be_v the_o true_a seed_n of_o the_o woman_n which_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n 253._o and_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n against_o who_o the_o dragon_n rage_v and_o therefore_o when_o the_o romanist_n ask_v where_o be_v the_o church_n before_o luther_n time_n we_o answer_v it_o be_v in_o and_o among_o they_o though_o it_o be_v not_o of_o they_o the_o waldenses_n albingenses_n berengarian_n pauperes_fw-la de_fw-fr lugduno_n or_o lionists_n lollard_n in_o several_a place_n have_v many_o other_o several_a name_n and_o these_o in_o the_o several_a age_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o antichrist_n hold_v the_o truth_n of_o jesus_n and_o oppose_v the_o error_n of_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n which_o several_a pope_n endeavour_v to_o destroy_v but_o can_v never_o effect_v all_o the_o king_n and_o potentate_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v stir_v up_o against_o they_o and_o a_o decree_n make_v that_o if_o any_o temporal_a lord_n do_v neglect_v to_o expel_v they_o out_o of_o his_o dominion_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v excommunicate_v his_o subject_n absolve_v from_o allegiance_n and_o all_o their_o land_n confiscate_v and_o give_v to_o other_o hence_o some_o of_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o earth_n make_v it_o treason_n for_o any_o of_o their_o subject_n either_o to_o hear_v or_o harbour_v they_o or_o any_o way_n to_o relieve_v they_o and_o the_o army_n raise_v against_o the_o saracen_n and_o mahometan_n be_v convert_v against_o these_o poor_a christian_n and_o plenary_a indulgence_n 1550._o pardon_v of_o all_o sin_n promise_v to_o all_o that_o will_v fight_v against_o they_o and_o if_o in_o france_n alone_o as_o it_o be_v report_v in_o the_o history_n of_o that_o war_n there_o be_v slay_v ten_o hundred_o thousand_o what_o shall_v we_o think_v the_o number_n of_o they_o to_o be_v who_o be_v slay_v in_o all_o other_o nation_n yet_o under_o all_o these_o pressure_n and_o persecution_n though_o they_o be_v often_o disperse_v yet_o they_o can_v not_o be_v extinguish_v but_o these_o afflict_a people_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v scatter_v flee_v into_o provence_n and_o the_o alps_n some_o into_o calabria_n bohemia_n polonia_n and_o into_o britain_n as_o thuanus_n in_o his_o preface_n and_o though_o many_o opinion_n be_v impute_v to_o they_o to_o make_v they_o odious_a ibid._n yet_o their_o accuser_n do_v woeful_o and_o wonderful_o contradict_v themselves_o as_o some_o of_o our_o learned_a man_n do_v prove_v and_o some_o of_o they_o ingenuous_o confess_v yet_o their_o main_a tenant_n be_v that_o they_o renounce_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o the_o mystical_a babylon_n contemn_v the_o pope_n as_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n and_o reject_v their_o several_a popish_a opinion_n as_o antichristian_a they_o hold_v the_o same_o truth_n for_o substance_n that_o the_o protestant_n now_o profess_v insomuch_o as_o some_o of_o the_o adversary_n confess_v that_o they_o who_o be_v now_o calvinist_n be_v ancient_o call_v berengarian_n and_o the_o new_a protestant_n be_v the_o old_a waldenses_n serar_fw-it this_o sect_n some_o of_o the_o papist_n complain_v to_o be_v of_o all_o most_o pernicious_a to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n 1._o because_o it_o be_v most_o ancient_a and_o durable_a have_v continue_v from_o the_o time_n of_o pope_n sylvester_n onuph_n other_o say_v from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n 2._o because_o most_o general_a no_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n scarce_o free_a from_o it_o 54._o 3._o because_o it_o have_v the_o great_a appearance_n of_o godliness_n for_o they_o live_v just_o towards_o man_n and_o believe_v all_o thing_n well_o concern_v god_n only_o they_o blaspheme_v and_o hate_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n 4._o as_o the_o lord_n have_v his_o saint_n during_o all_o the_o reign_n of_o antichrist_n so_o he_o raise_v up_o his_o minister_n who_o in_o their_o several_a successive_a age_n in_o several_a place_n testify_v against_o the_o spiritual_a whoredom_n idolatrous_a worship_n and_o deceive_a fraud_n of_o antichrist_n it_o be_v true_a as_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n so_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o priest_n in_o those_o time_n do_v worship_v the_o beast_n even_o all_o that_o dwell_v upon_o earth_n who_o name_n be_v not_o write_v in_o the_o lamb_n book_n of_o life_n 13._o and_o some_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n upon_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n that_o such_o a_o apostate_n people_n shall_v have_v such_o apostatical_a priest_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v this_o one_o express_a ground_n because_o man_n do_v not_o receive_v the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v therefore_o god_n shall_v send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n but_o in_o this_o general_a defection_n both_o of_o people_n and_o of_o their_o teacher_n the_o lamb_n have_v a_o remnant_n with_o he_o who_o be_v call_v and_o choose_v and_o faithful_a even_o a_o afflict_a poor_a remnant_n of_o pastor_n as_o well_o as_o of_o people_n 17.4_o reserve_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o babyltn_n who_o do_v trust_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o those_o godly_a pious_a priest_n be_v both_o obedient_a unto_o and_o bold_a in_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n now_o if_o there_o be_v such_o minister_n during_o the_o reign_n of_o antichrist_n that_o follow_v the_o lamb_n do_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n but_o preach_v and_o pray_v and_o live_v and_o die_v in_o their_o constant_a and_o conscientious_a opposition_n of_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n then_o sure_o the_o ministry_n be_v not_o total_o lose_v under_o the_o reign_n of_o antichrist_n but_o that_o there_o be_v such_o appear_v both_o by_o holy_a scripture-prophesie_a which_o foretell_v it_o and_o unquestionable_a history_n of_o the_o church_n that_o confirm_v it_o in_o the_o one_o man_n may_v learn_v what_o god_n speak_v with_o his_o mouth_n in_o the_o other_o what_o the_o lord_n fullfil_v with_o his_o own_o hand_n the_o holy_a ghost_n express_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o to_o prophesy_v in_o sackcloth_n one_o thousand_o two_o hundred_o and_o sixty_o day_n now_o not_o to_o dispute_v but_o take_v that_o for_o grant_v which_o the_o best_a interpreter_n assert_v and_o by_o argument_n out_o of_o the_o revelation_n prove_v 1._o that_o those_o one_o thousand_o two_o hundred_o and_o sixty_o day_n be_v not_o natural_a day_n but_o prophetical_a 2._o every_o day_n take_v for_o a_o year_n as_o ezek._n 4.6_o num._n 14.14_o 2._o that_o those_o two_o witness_n prophesy_v be_v not_o two_o individual_a person_n as_o enoch_n and_o elias_n as_o bellarmine_n and_o other_o papist_n affirm_v but_o a_o succession_n of_o holy_a man_n stir_v up_o all_o that_o time_n to_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n against_o antichrist_n as_o our_o learned_a man_n prove_v 3._o that_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o beast_n continue_v for_o 42_o month_n 11.3_o which_o month_n take_v prophetical_o as_o before_o every_o day_n for_o a_o year_n and_o reckon_n for_o every_o monâ—th_v 30_o day_n now_o multiply_v the_o 42_o by_o the_o 30._o and_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o beast_n be_v 1260_o year_n and_o though_o there_o be_v great_a difficulty_n when_o to_o begin_v the_o rise_n and_o reign_v and_o most_o expositor_n herein_o much_o vary_v yet_o in_o the_o continuance_n there_o be_v a_o general_a accord_n and_o none_o can_v rational_o make_v any_o question_n about_o it_o 4._o that_o these_o sackcloth-prophecy_n though_o but_o very_o few_o comparative_o to_o the_o locust_n out_o of_o
in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o meet_v with_o no_o such_o command_n lay_v upon_o the_o people_n we_o read_v that_o timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o the_o presbytery_n be_v to_o lay_v on_o hand_n but_o not_o a_o word_n of_o command_n for_o the_o people_n but_o rather_o against_o it_o as_o we_o have_v show_v 3._o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n lay_v on_o hand_n it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a that_o all_o the_o israelite_n do_v put_v on_o hand_n but_o it_o be_v do_v by_o some_o chief_n of_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n and_o as_o ainsworth_n observe_v it_o be_v do_v by_o the_o first-born_a for_o the_o first-born_a be_v sanctify_v and_o consecrate_v unto_o the_o lord_n exo._n 13.1_o because_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o destroy_v the_o first-born_a in_o egypt_n spare_v the_o first-born_a of_o the_o israelite_n therefore_o he_o challenge_v a_o right_a in_o all_o their_o first-born_a and_o they_o be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o he_o and_o now_o the_o levite_n be_v take_v by_o god_n in_o stead_n of_o the_o first-born_a as_o appear_v numb_a 8.16_o 17._o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o be_v the_o first-born_a of_o israel_n be_v to_o lay_v on_o hand_n upon_o they_o for_o the_o levite_n give_v a_o atonement_n for_o they_o and_o be_v offer_v up_o unto_o the_o lord_n in_o their_o stead_n and_o as_o the_o rabbin_n say_v every_o first-born_a lay_v on_o hand_n on_o the_o levite_n that_o be_v for_o he_o which_o if_o it_o be_v so_o will_v afford_v we_o two_o other_o answer_n to_o this_o text_n 4._o that_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n have_v not_o only_o a_o special_a command_n but_o a_o special_a reason_n also_o for_o what_o they_o do_v and_o therefore_o this_o example_n can_v be_v make_v a_o pattern_n for_o new_a testament_n practice_n 5._o that_o this_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n upon_o the_o levite_n be_v not_o for_o they_o to_o set_v they_o apart_o for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o rather_o a_o set_v they_o apart_o for_o a_o sacrifice_n unto_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v the_o command_n of_o god_n that_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n must_v put_v their_o hand_n upon_o the_o sacrifice_n they_o do_v offer_v unto_o the_o lord_n the_o levite_n be_v now_o to_o be_v wave_v or_o offer_v before_o the_o lord_n for_o a_o offering_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o to_o be_v offer_v in_o stead_n of_o the_o first-born_a and_o therefore_o the_o first-born_a do_v put_v their_o hand_n upon_o they_o as_o their_o propitiation_n and_o atonement_n it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o notwithstanding_o this_o imposition_n of_o hand_n the_o levite_n be_v not_o thereupon_o invest_v into_o their_o office_n and_o make_v able_a immediate_o to_o execute_v it_o but_o aaron_n the_o priest_n be_v to_o wave_v they_o before_o the_o lord_n for_o a_o wave-offering_a that_o they_o may_v execute_v the_o service_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v aaron_n wave_n of_o the_o levite_n and_o separate_v they_o from_o among_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o do_v constitute_v and_o make_v they_o church-officer_n and_o thus_o at_o last_o we_o have_v put_v a_o end_n to_o our_o first_o part_n concern_v the_o divine_a right_n of_o the_o gospel-ministry_n and_o have_v as_o we_o hope_v sufficient_o clear_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o our_o people_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o office_n as_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n perpetual_o to_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n that_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o take_v upon_o he_o either_o the_o office_n or_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n unless_o he_o be_v lawful_o ordain_v thereunto_o that_o ordination_n of_o minister_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v by_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n etc._n etc._n we_o can_v but_o expect_v to_o meet_v with_o many_o adversary_n that_o will_v oppose_v what_o we_o have_v here_o write_v some_o will_v deny_v the_o very_a office_n of_o the_o ministry_n other_o will_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o office_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n but_o will_v say_v that_o it_o be_v now_o quite_o lose_v some_o will_v grant_v that_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v perpetual_o necessary_a but_o will_v add_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o all_o man_n gift_v to_o enter_v upon_o the_o public_a work_n of_o the_o ministry_n though_o they_o be_v not_o call_v and_o ordain_v thereunto_o some_o be_v for_o a_o immediate_a and_o extraordinary_a call_n to_o the_o ministry_n some_o will_v deny_v all_o ordination_n of_o minister_n other_o will_v grant_v ordination_n but_o deny_v imposition_n of_o hand_n other_o will_v grant_v imposition_n of_o hand_n but_o say_v that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v by_o private_a church-member_n and_o not_o by_o the_o presbytery_n by_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o our_o adversary_n differ_v as_o much_o one_o from_o another_o as_o they_o do_v from_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o need_v not_o be_v much_o afraid_a of_o their_o opposition_n for_o in_o write_v against_o we_o they_o will_v be_v necessitate_v also_o to_o write_v one_o against_o another_o it_o be_v we_o confess_v a_o great_a lamentation_n and_o shall_v be_v for_o a_o lamentation_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o difference_n and_o division_n among_o christian_n and_o especial_o among_o those_o that_o profess_v the_o protestant_n reform_v religion_n and_o have_v make_v a_o necessary_a and_o just_a separation_n from_o the_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n hereby_o god_n be_v great_o dishonour_v true_a religion_n hinder_v and_o disgrace_v the_o wicked_a be_v harden_v in_o their_o wickedness_n the_o popish_a party_n be_v encourage_v the_o godly_a party_n weaken_v and_o great_a stumble_a block_n be_v lay_v before_o weak_a christian_n to_o deter_v they_o from_o true_a conversion_n but_o we_o hope_v that_o this_o which_o we_o have_v write_v will_v contribute_v something_o towards_o the_o heal_n of_o these_o difference_n and_o unite_n of_o all_o godly_a and_o unprejudiced_a people_n in_o peace_n and_o truth_n this_o be_v our_o design_n this_o be_v the_o success_n we_o pray_v for_o we_o have_v be_v necessitate_v to_o make_v frequent_a mention_n of_o a_o platform_n of_o church-discipline_n agree_v upon_o by_o the_o elder_n and_o messenger_n of_o the_o church_n in_o new-england_n and_o have_v express_v our_o dissent_n from_o some_o thing_n therein_o contain_v but_o we_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o take_v notice_n 1._o that_o in_o the_o preface_n to_o this_o platform_n they_o assure_v we_o of_o their_o hearty_a consent_n to_o the_o whole_a confession_n of_o faith_n for_o substance_n of_o doctrine_n which_o the_o reverend_a assembly_n present_v to_o the_o parliament_n and_o tell_v we_o of_o a_o unanimous_a vote_n of_o a_o synod_n at_o cambridge_n 1648._o which_o pass_v in_o these_o word_n this_o synod_n have_v peruse_v and_o consider_v with_o much_o gladness_n of_o heart_n and_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n the_o confession_n of_o faith_n publish_v of_o late_a by_o the_o reverend_a assembly_n in_o england_n do_v judge_n iâ—_n to_o be_v very_o holy_a orthodox_n and_o judicious_a in_o all_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o do_v therefore_o free_o and_o full_o consent_v thereunto_o for_o the_o substance_n thereof_o etc._n etc._n and_o do_v therefore_o think_v it_o meet_v that_o this_o confession_n of_o faith_n shall_v be_v commend_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n among_o we_o and_o to_o the_o honour_a court_n as_o worthy_a of_o their_o due_a consideration_n and_o acceptance_n 2._o that_o as_o we_o agree_v whole_o in_o the_o same_o confession_n of_o faith_n so_o also_o we_o agree_v in_o many_o thing_n of_o great_a concernment_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o church-discipline_n 3._o that_o those_o thing_n wherein_o we_o differ_v be_v not_o of_o such_o consequence_n as_o to_o cause_v a_o schism_n between_o we_o either_o in_o worship_n or_o in_o love_n and_o affection_n our_o debate_n with_o they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o dispute_v of_o the_o ancient_a father_n one_o with_o another_o about_o lesser_a difference_n not_o contentiones_fw-la but_o collationes_fw-la we_o can_v true_o say_v as_o our_o brethren_n do_v in_o the_o forenamed_a preface_n that_o it_o be_v far_o from_o we_o so_o to_o attest_v the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n as_o to_o detest_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n so_o to_o contend_v for_o the_o seamless_a coat_n of_o christ_n as_o to_o crucify_v the_o live_a member_n of_o christ_n so_o to_o divide_v ourselves_o about_o church-communion_n as_o through_o breach_n to_o open_v a_o wide_a gap_n for_o a_o deluge_n of_o antichristian_a and_o profane_a malignity_n to_o swallow_v up_o both_o church_n and_o civil_a state_n the_o main_a intendment_n and_o chief_a drift_n of_o this_o our_o undertake_n have_v be_v to_o oppose_v those_o that_o say_v