do_v not_o only_o call_v for_o ministerial_a help_n and_o advice_n in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n but_o also_o give_v opportunity_n and_o advantage_n for_o counsel_n or_o reproof_n therefore_o we_o resolve_v to_o be_v as_o diligent_a in_o visit_v the_o sick_a and_o afflict_a as_o other_o labour_n greatness_n of_o our_o charge_n and_o ability_n to_o go_v abroad_o will_v suffer_v we_o and_o that_o not_o only_o the_o rich_a and_o those_o that_o desire_v we_o but_o also_o the_o poor_a and_o those_o that_o send_v not_o for_o we_o 8._o see_v we_o be_v in_o scripture_n command_v to_o love_v all_o man_n and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o follow_v peace_n with_o all_o and_o yet_o warn_v to_o reserve_v our_o brotherly_a kindness_n and_o delight_n for_o those_o that_o walk_v holy_o therefore_o we_o resolve_v in_o our_o society_n as_o well_o as_o in_o dispense_v of_o ordinance_n to_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o precious_a and_o the_o vile_a and_o though_o we_o intend_v not_o to_o deny_v that_o charity_n help_v civility_n and_o duty_n that_o we_o owe_v unto_o the_o scandalous_a yet_o will_v we_o bestow_v our_o love_n of_o complacency_n only_o on_o those_o that_o order_n their_o conversation_n aright_o lest_o by_o intimacy_n with_o wicked_a man_n we_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o evil_a doer_n grieve_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o godly_a and_o ensnare_v our_o own_o soul_n 9_o see_v the_o sin_n of_o sabbath-breaking_n swear_v fornication_n and_o drunkenness_n be_v so_o abominable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o man_n and_o yet_o so_o frequent_a we_o resolve_v beside_o the_o reprove_n of_o these_o sin_n in_o public_a and_o private_a to_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v such_o offender_n to_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o law_n in_o thosed_a case_n provide_v 10._o we_o will_v instruct_v our_o people_n public_o concerning_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n and_o shall_v press_v the_o necessity_n of_o their_o submission_n to_o it_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n 11_o because_o it_o have_v be_v the_o commendable_a practice_n of_o the_o saint_n of_o old_a in_o order_n to_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n public_o and_o solemn_o to_o renew_v the_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o because_o in_o this_o age_n temptation_n to_o apostasy_n and_o backslide_n from_o the_o faith_n be_v strong_a and_o frequent_a and_o because_o our_o heart_n be_v so_o ready_a to_o start_v aside_o from_o the_o power_n of_o discipline_n that_o we_o daily_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o all_o possible_a obligation_n to_o submission_n therefore_o we_o resolve_v to_o require_v from_o our_o people_n a_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n contain_v in_o a_o short_a confession_n of_o faith_n hereunto_o annex_v and_o a_o profession_n of_o their_o consent_n to_o submit_v unto_o and_o accept_v of_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o take_v the_o lord_n for_o their_o god_n to_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n to_o fear_v love_n honour_n and_o obey_v he_o with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o their_o might_n and_o to_o submit_v to_o discipline_n and_o government_n yet_o 1._o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o resolve_v to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o with_o the_o bare_a recital_n and_o repetition_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o profession_n etc._n etc._n that_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v the_o people_n not_o only_o to_o profess_v with_o understanding_n but_o so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v with_o feel_v apprehension_n of_o what_o they_o speak_v 2._o neither_o do_v we_o intend_v strict_o to_o bind_v all_o to_o the_o same_o circumstance_n of_o profess_v their_o consent_n but_o if_o any_o profess_v and_o own_v the_o substance_n shall_v scruple_n at_o any_o particular_a circumstance_n we_o resolve_v to_o use_v towards_o such_o all_o possible_a meekness_n and_o condescension_n 12._o beside_o a_o profess_a competent_a knowledge_n of_o the_o fundamental_n of_o religion_n we_o resolve_v to_o require_v a_o unblameable_a conversation_n in_o all_o those_o who_o we_o shall_v admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n both_o these_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o discovery_n of_o people_n present_a fitness_n and_o right_n *_o church_n in_o foro_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la to_o the_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o that_o ordinance_n 13._o because_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n may_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n be_v profane_v by_o the_o sinful_a neglect_n and_o carelessness_n of_o the_o church-guide_n and_o because_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n people_n may_v be_v wrong_v by_o a_o rash_a and_o groundless_a exclusion_n therefore_o in_o the_o judge_v and_o determine_v of_o people_n present_a fitness_n for_o that_o sacrament_n we_o resolve_v to_o set_v before_o we_o these_o follow_a rule_n both_o in_o point_n of_o knowledge_n and_o scandal_n in_o point_n of_o knowledge_n 1._o because_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o a_o total_a ignorance_n of_o the_o fundamental_n of_o religion_n and_o because_o such_o person_n not_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n will_v eat_v and_o drink_v judgement_n to_o themselves_o therefore_o we_o resolve_v not_o to_o admit_v any_o that_o upon_o trial_n shall_v be_v find_v to_o be_v such_o to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o supper_n 2._o we_o shall_v not_o reject_v any_o as_o ignorant_a that_o have_v a_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o those_o head_n of_o divinity_n mention_v by_o the_o assembly_n in_o the_o form_n of_o church-government_n pag._n 28._o all_o such_o person_n who_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n aught_o to_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o everliving_a and_o true_a god_n maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o governor_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o this_o only_o true_a god_n be_v the_o god_n who_o we_o worship_v that_o this_o god_n be_v but_o one_o god_n yet_o three_o distinct_a person_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n all_o equal_o god_n that_o god_n create_v man_n after_o his_o own_o image_n in_o knowledge_n righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n that_o by_o one_o man_n sin_n enter_v into_o the_o world_n and_o death_n by_o sin_n and_o so_o death_n pass_v upon_o all_o man_n for_o that_o all_o have_v sin_v that_o thereby_o they_o be_v all_o dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n and_o be_v by_o nature_n the_o child_n of_o wrath_n and_o so_o liable_a to_o eternal_a death_n the_o wage_n of_o every_o sin_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n who_o be_v also_o over_o all_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o neither_o be_v there_o salvation_n in_o any_o other_o that_o he_o be_v conceive_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o bear_v of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n that_o he_o die_v upon_o the_o cross_n to_o save_v his_o people_n from_o their_o sin_n that_o he_o rise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n from_o the_o dead_a ascend_v into_o heaven_n sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o make_v continual_a intercession_n for_o we_o of_o who_o fullness_n we_o receive_v all_o grace_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o benefit_n be_v apply_v only_o by_o faith_n that_o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o that_o we_o have_v it_o not_o of_o ourselves_o but_o it_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o faith_n be_v that_o grace_n whereby_o we_o believe_v and_o trust_v in_o christ_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o life_n everlasting_a according_a to_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v not_o in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v not_o see_v life_n but_o shall_v perish_v eternal_o that_o they_o who_o true_o repent_v of_o their_o sin_n do_v see_v they_o sorrow_n for_o they_o and_o turn_v from_o they_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o except_o man_n repent_v they_o shall_v sure_o perish_v that_o a_o godly_a life_n be_v conscionable_o order_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousnse_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n that_o the_o sacrament_n be_v seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v baptism_n and_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o the_o outward_a element_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v bread_n and_o wine_n and_o do_v signify_v the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n crucify_v which_o the_o worthy_a receiver_n by_o faith_n do_v partake_v of_o in_o the_o sacrament_n which_o christ_n have_v likewise_o ordain_v for_o the_o remembrance_n of_o his_o death_n that_o whosoever_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o the_o lord_n therefore_o that_o every_o one_o be_v to_o examine_v himself_o leave_v he_o eat_v and_o drink_v judgement_n to_o himself_o not_o
discern_v the_o lord_n body_n that_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o faithful_a after_o death_n do_v immediate_o live_v with_o christ_n in_o blessedness_n and_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o wicked_a do_v immediate_o go_v into_o hell_n torment_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n both_o of_o the_o just_a and_o unjust_a at_o the_o last_o day_n at_o which_o time_n all_o shall_v appear_v before_o the_o judgement-seat_n of_o christ_n to_o receive_v according_a to_o what_o they_o have_v do_v in_o the_o body_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_a and_o that_o the_o righteous_a shall_v go_v into_o life_n eternal_a and_o the_o wicked_a into_o everlasting_a punishment_n 3._o we_o must_v not_o expect_v from_o the_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o people_n who_o through_o want_n of_o breed_n and_o other_o natural_a defect_n be_v usual_o unable_a well_o to_o express_v their_o mind_n a_o distinct_a or_o continue_a discourse_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v if_o we_o can_v but_o perceive_v that_o they_o understand_v the_o substance_n 4._o we_o must_v take_v care_v not_o to_o make_v a_o question_n more_o difficult_a by_o our_o dark_a and_o cloudy_a expression_n but_o must_v endeavour_v to_o propound_v thing_n in_o the_o plain_a term_n we_o can_v 5._o though_o we_o may_v propound_v high_a and_o more_o difficult_a question_n for_o discovery_n of_o and_o provocation_n to_o growth_n in_o knowledge_n yet_o we_o will_v always_o as_o near_o as_o we_o can_v make_v their_o knowledge_n or_o ignorance_n in_o the_o point_n mention_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o discern_a and_o determination_n 6._o and_o in_o case_n any_o give_v not_o that_o satisfaction_n we_o desire_v we_o will_v endeavour_v to_o discover_v whether_o it_o be_v first_o from_o their_o unacquaintedness_n with_o the_o term_n and_o word_n of_o the_o question_n or_o second_o from_o bashfulness_n or_o shamefacedness_n or_o three_o from_o natural_a impediment_n or_o fourthly_a from_o ignorance_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o according_o we_o will_v propound_v the_o question_n in_o other_o word_n or_o fetch_v a_o compass_n to_o see_v if_o they_o can_v take_v a_o hint_n from_o something_o introductory_a however_o in_o case_n no_o satisfactory_a account_n can_v be_v give_v we_o will_v not_o set_v the_o party_n aside_o as_o if_o we_o take_v no_o further_a care_n but_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o instruct_v they_o with_o all_o meekness_n and_o patience_n 7._o because_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o many_o people_n speak_v of_o the_o fundamental_n of_o religion_n in_o a_o mere_a form_n of_o word_n by_o rote_n without_o understand_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n thereof_o in_o propound_v our_o question_n we_o will_v of_o purpose_n forbear_v the_o word_n and_o method_n of_o ordinary_a catechism_n in_o point_n of_o scandal_n 1._o forasmuch_o as_o scandalous_a sinner_n can_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n without_o great_a dishonour_n to_o god_n defile_v and_o abuse_v of_o that_o holy_a ordinance_n sin_n and_o judgement_n to_o themselves_o the_o endanger_n of_o the_o leaven_n the_o whole_a lump_n and_o uncharitable_a unfaithfulness_n in_o those_o that_o know_o admit_v they_o therefore_o we_o resolve_v not_o to_o receive_v any_o of_o what_o degree_n quality_n or_o relation_n soever_o to_o this_o ordinance_n that_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v scandalous_o sinful_a 2._o in_o regard_n we_o can_v only_o take_v cognizance_n of_o people_n outward_a and_o ecclesiastical_a right_n to_o ordinance_n therefore_o we_o resolve_v in_o matter_n of_o scandal_n not_o to_o proceed_v against_o any_o according_a to_o our_o private_a satisfaction_n suspicion_n dissatisfaction_n or_o rumour_n but_o according_a to_o outward_a visible_a and_o full_a proof_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n 3._o because_o all_o sin_n be_v not_o alike_o heinous_a and_o scandalous_a some_o be_v such_o in_o one_o single_a act_n other_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o continuance_n and_o other_o aggravate_v circumstance_n thereforefore_o we_o resolve_v to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o sin_n and_o sin_n wherein_o that_o we_o may_v proceed_v both_o more_o unanimous_o and_o safe_o we_o shall_v take_v the_o assembly_n direction_n for_o our_o rule_n look_v upon_o those_o sin_n mention_v by_o they_o in_o the_o form_n of_o church_n government_n as_o scandalous_a though_o but_o once_o commit_v their_o word_n be_v these_o all_o scandalous_a person_n hereafter_o mention_v be_v to_o be_v suspend_v from_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n that_o be_v to_o say_v all_o person_n that_o shall_v blasphemous_o speak_v or_o write_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n his_o holy_a word_n or_o sacrament_n all_o renouncer_n of_o the_o true_a protestant_a religion_n profess_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o all_o person_n who_o shall_v by_o preach_v or_o write_v maintain_v any_o such_o error_n as_o do_v subvert_v any_o of_o those_o article_n the_o ignorance_n whereof_o do_v render_v any_o person_n exclude_v from_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n a_o incestuous_a person_n a_o adulterer_n a_o fornicator_n a_o drunkard_n a_o profane_a swearer_n or_o curser_n one_o that_o have_v take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o any_o person_n malicious_o all_o worshipper_n of_o image_n cross_n crucifix_n or_o relic_n all_o that_o shall_v make_v image_n or_o picture_n of_o the_o trinity_n or_o of_o any_o person_n thereof_o all_o religious_a worshipper_n of_o saint_n angel_n or_o any_o mere_a creature_n any_o person_n that_o shall_v profess_v himself_o not_o to_o be_v in_o charity_n with_o his_o neighbour_n all_o person_n in_o who_o malice_n appear_v and_o they_o refuse_v to_o be_v reconcile_v any_o person_n that_o shall_v challenge_v any_o other_o person_n by_o word_n message_n or_o writing_n to_o fight_v or_o that_o shall_v accept_v such_o challenge_n and_o agree_v thereto_o any_o person_n that_o shall_v know_o carry_v any_o challenge_n by_o word_n message_n or_o writing_n any_o person_n that_o shall_v upon_o the_o lord_n day_n use_v any_o dance_a play_v at_o die_n or_o card_n or_o any_o other_o game_n mask_v wake_v shoot_v bowl_a play_v play_v at_o football_n stoolball_n wrestle_v or_o that_o shall_v make_v resort_n to_o any_o play_n interlude_n fence_v bull-baiting_n bear-baiting_n or_o that_o shall_v use_v hawk_v hunt_n or_o course_v fish_v or_o fowl_v or_o that_o shall_v public_o expose_v any_o ware_n to_o sale_n otherwise_o then_o be_v provide_v by_o a_o ordinance_n of_o parliament_n of_o the_o 6_o of_o april_n 1649._o any_o person_n that_o shall_v travel_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n without_o reasonable_a cause_n any_o person_n that_o keep_v a_o know_a stew_n or_o brothelhouse_n or_o that_o shall_v solicit_v the_o chastity_n of_o any_o person_n for_o himself_o or_o any_o other_o any_o person_n father_n or_o mother_n that_o that_o shall_v consent_v to_o the_o marriage_n of_o their_o child_n to_o a_o papist_n or_o any_o person_n that_o shall_v marry_v a_o papist_n any_o person_n that_o shall_v repair_v for_o any_o advice_n to_o any_o witch_n wizard_n or_o fortune-teller_n any_o person_n that_o shall_v menace_v or_o assault_v his_o parent_n or_o any_o magistrate_n minister_n or_o elder_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o office_n any_o person_n that_o shall_v be_v legal_o attaint_v of_o barrotry_n forgery_n extortion_n or_o bribery_n 4._o much_o tenderness_n be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o judge_v of_o less_o sin_n that_o have_v more_o than_o ordinary_a advantage_n against_o man_n by_o sudden_a surprisal_n as_o passion_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o out-break_n of_o sin_n that_o have_v former_o be_v customary_a but_o be_v now_o strive_v against_o and_o weaken_v in_o such_o ordinary_a fail_n as_o be_v daily_o incident_a to_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o matter_n of_o debt_n title_n or_o particular_a interest_n and_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n wherein_o the_o sinfulness_n be_v dubious_a and_o disputable_a 5_o we_o resolve_v in_o less_o sin_n to_o have_v regard_n to_o the_o constant_a tenure_n of_o the_o party_n life_n and_o carriage_n as_o whether_o he_o be_v ordinary_o otherwise_o strict_a or_o careless_a and_o to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o frequency_n obstinacy_n company_n provocation_n etc._n etc._n which_o may_v either_o aggravate_v or_o lessen_v the_o offence_n 6._o in_o case_n the_o party_n offend_v upon_o reproof_n shall_v manifest_v repentance_n by_o a_o serious_a profession_n of_o sorrow_n not_o slight_n and_o mere_o verbal_a he_o ought_v to_o be_v receive_v again_o 7._o and_o if_o the_o party_n profess_v repentance_n shall_v ready_o return_v to_o the_o same_o sin_n once_o and_o again_o or_o to_o any_o other_o scandalous_a sin_n though_o he_o again_o profess_v repentance_n yet_o we_o will_v defer_v his_o readmission_n till_o we_o have_v trial_n of_o his_o reformation_n for_o some_o competent_a time_n 8._o because_o it_o often_o fall_v out_o that_o man_n action_n be_v liable_a to_o misconstruction_n and_o misapprehension_n especial_o among_o
the_o weak_a sort_n of_o christian_n and_o when_o the_o party_n lie_v under_o prejudice_n and_o lest_o brotherly_a inspection_n degenerate_a into_o a_o unbrother_o pry_v into_o and_o discover_v of_o other_o man_n action_n and_o general_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o disorder_n and_o other_o inconvenience_n we_o resolve_v not_o to_o encourage_v any_o private_a christian_n immediate_o to_o acquaint_v the_o church_n with_o the_o private_a fail_n of_o a_o brother_n till_o he_o have_v first_o admonish_v he_o private_o and_o in_o case_n he_o harken_v not_o before_o witness_n and_o when_o the_o fruitlessness_n of_o these_o endeavour_n shall_v necessitate_v the_o publication_n of_o the_o fact_n yet_o will_v we_o not_o countenance_v the_o bring_n of_o the_o matter_n before_o the_o congregation_n until_o the_o church-officer_n be_v first_o acquaint_v with_o it_o 9_o forasmuch_o as_o in_o the_o business_n of_o scandal_n it_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o uncharitable_a to_o take_v up_o against_o man_n old_a offence_n of_o any_o considerable_a distance_n from_o the_o time_n present_a and_o because_o in_o some_o case_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o require_v some_o testimony_n of_o humiliation_n even_o for_o sin_n of_o ancient_a date_n and_o in_o regard_n we_o can_v punctual_o determine_v how_o far_o back_o into_o the_o time_n pass_v we_o may_v look_v for_o lay_v scandal_n to_o man_n charge_n therefore_o we_o resolve_v to_o proceed_v wary_o in_o such_o case_n and_o not_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n without_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o association_n 10._o we_o shall_v do_v the_o like_a in_o those_o sin_n that_o render_v man_n obnoxious_a to_o the_o law_n either_o in_o regard_n of_o life_n liberty_n or_o estate_n as_o also_o in_o any_o other_o case_n not_o foresee_v or_o provide_v for_o in_o the_o foregoing_a rule_n 11._o we_o agree_v not_o to_o press_v a_o declaration_n of_o the_o time_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n upon_o the_o people_n as_o a_o necessary_a proof_n of_o their_o actual_a present_a right_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n nor_o to_o exclude_v person_n mere_o for_o want_n of_o that_o yet_o will_v we_o accept_v it_o if_o any_o will_v be_v please_v to_o offer_v it_o free_o 15._o we_o agree_v not_o to_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o the_o bare_a exclusion_n of_o a_o obstinate_a scandalous_a sinner_n from_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o supper_n but_o shall_v endeavour_v faithful_o and_o sincere_o as_o god_n shall_v enable_v we_o to_o prosecute_v the_o rule_n of_o christ_n matt._n 18._o 17._o against_o any_o such_o offender_n and_o if_o he_o refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n he_o shall_v be_v to_o we_o as_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n 16._o because_o member_n live_v much_o distant_a from_o their_o pastor_n and_o from_o one_o another_o must_v unavoidable_o be_v in_o great_a part_n deprive_v of_o the_o privilege_n and_o come_v short_a of_o the_o duty_n both_o of_o constant_a inspection_n and_o mutual_a edification_n and_o also_o for_o the_o prevent_n of_o disorder_n and_o offence_n both_o in_o minister_n and_o people_n we_o agree_v that_o we_o will_v not_o admit_v into_o any_o of_o our_o church_n those_o that_o live_v in_o other_o congregation_n except_o first_o they_o have_v no_o minister_n at_o all_o or_o second_o one_o that_o be_v scandalous_a or_o three_o one_o that_o have_v not_o competent_a ability_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n yet_o 1._o in_o case_n afterwards_o a_o godly_a able_a minister_n be_v establish_v where_o there_o be_v none_o or_o such_o as_o be_v scandalous_a and_o unfit_a then_o we_o will_v serious_o advise_v those_o who_o in_o the_o case_n aforesaid_a we_o have_v admit_v to_o join_v themselves_o to_o that_o minister_n 2._o we_o resolve_v to_o consult_v with_o the_o association_n concerning_o the_o justness_n or_o unjustnef_n of_o exception_n in_o point_n of_o scansdal_n or_o inability_n of_o minister_n make_v by_o those_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v entertain_v in_o other_o congregation_n because_o we_o conceive_v that_o neither_o the_o people_n that_o desire_v to_o depart_v from_o such_o minister_n nor_o the_o minister_n with_o who_o they_o desire_v to_o join_v be_v competent_a judge_n in_o such_o a_o interest_a case_n yet_o if_o the_o exception_n be_v such_o as_o be_v approve_v of_o by_o the_o association_n we_o conceive_v it_o fit_a for_o the_o reason_n abovesaid_a that_o they_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o near_a congregation_n where_o a_o godly_a and_o able_a minister_n be_v settle_v 3._o neither_o do_v we_o intend_v hereby_o to_o debar_v people_n from_o the_o occasional_a hear_n of_o other_o minister_n or_o from_o the_o occasional_a partake_n of_o other_o ordinance_n in_o another_o congregation_n so_o that_o this_o liberty_n be_v not_o use_v to_o the_o apparent_a prejudice_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o discipline_n of_o their_o own_o congregation_n 17._o when_o a_o minister_n be_v to_o be_v ordain_v unto_o a_o congregation_n we_o agree_v that_o godly_a and_o able_a minister_n of_o neighbour_n congregation_n be_v call_v to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o examination_n and_o trial_n of_o the_o fitness_n of_o the_o party_n to_o be_v set_v apart_o to_o that_o weighty_a office_n and_o in_o the_o act_n of_o ordination_n 18._o though_o we_o differ_v about_o the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n yet_o forasmuch_o as_o we_o all_o agree_v that_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v manage_v by_o the_o officer_n thereof_o therefore_o we_o conclude_v that_o the_o examination_n and_o determination_n of_o thing_n in_o case_n of_o admission_n and_o rejection_n and_o other_o church_n act_n shall_v be_v permit_v by_o the_o officer_n yet_o so_o that_o the_o people_n have_v notice_n of_o what_o they_o resolve_v and_o conclude_v upon_o in_o matter_n of_o moment_n that_o in_o case_n any_o thing_n be_v do_v against_o which_o the_o people_n may_v upon_o probable_a ground_n at_o least_o object_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o may_v either_o be_v forbear_v or_o their_o satisfaction_n endeavour_v 19_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o we_o can_v all_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a rule_n in_o manage_v of_o the_o affair_n of_o our_o particular_a congregation_n through_o the_o want_n of_o fit_a person_n to_o be_v make_v church-officer_n and_o for_o other_o cause_n therefore_o we_o resolve_v by_o our_o mutual_a assistance_n to_o supply_v the_o want_n because_o we_o may_v have_v according_a to_o scripture_n warrant_v recourse_n to_o a_o extraordinary_a expedient_a the_o ordinary_a rule_n fail_v and_o because_o this_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o come_v near_o the_o ordinary_a rule_n yet_o 1._o we_o intend_v not_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v perpetual_a but_o only_o during_o the_o present_a want_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o settle_n of_o our_o church_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o neither_o intend_v we_o hereby_o to_o put_v into_o any_o minister_n hand_n a_o superior_a power_n over_o his_o brethren_n 3._o nor_o will_v we_o be_v understand_v as_o make_v our_o many_o church_n to_o be_v but_o one_o particular_a church_n or_o give_v the_o pastor_n of_o one_o church_n a_o true_a pastoral_a power_n and_o charge_n over_o other_o church_n 20._o albeit_o we_o differ_v as_o to_o the_o power_n of_o associate_a church_n over_o particular_a congregation_n yet_o we_o agree_v that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a and_o useful_a but_o in_o many_o case_n necessary_a that_o several_a church_n shall_v hold_v communion_n and_o correspondency_n together_o and_o to_o that_o end_n we_o resolve_v to_o associate_v ourselves_o and_o to_o keep_v frequent_a meeting_n for_o mutual_a advice_n and_o help_v as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v 21._o we_o take_v ourselves_o and_o our_o church_n bind_v to_o follow_v whatsoever_o advice_n direction_n or_o reproof_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n any_o of_o we_o shall_v receive_v from_o the_o brethren_n in_o association_n with_o we_o 22._o and_o in_o case_n it_o shall_v so_o fall_v out_o that_o our_o brethren_n in_o association_n shall_v advise_v that_o which_o may_v seem_v less_o convenient_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o party_n immediate_o and_o special_o concern_v in_o the_o advice_n or_o reproof_n or_o to_o the_o particular_a apprehension_n of_o any_o other_o of_o we_o it_o be_v of_o less_o moment_n and_o not_o apparent_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n than_o we_o resolve_v to_o submit_v to_o it_o rather_o than_o to_o endanger_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o become_v example_n and_o encourager_n of_o disorder_n by_o our_o dissent_n and_o refusal_n 23._o particular_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n be_v of_o great_a weight_n and_o concernment_n wherein_o we_o be_v sure_a we_o can_v never_o be_v too_o ciruspect_v and_o careful_a therefore_o we_o resolve_v first_o to_o advise_v with_o the_o association_n before_o we_o proceed_v by_o that_o sentence_n to_o cast_v any_o out_o of_o our_o particular_a
labour_v among_o you_o but_o also_o in_o their_o ruling-work_n when_o they_o admonish_v you_o and_o though_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o may_v be_v sometime_o displease_v to_o you_o yet_o notwithstanding_o he_o charge_v you_o to_o esteem_v they_o very_o high_o in_o love_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o very_o abundant_o more_o than_o exceed_o for_o their_o work_n sake_n oh_a then_o take_v heed_n of_o that_o rebellious_a voice_n which_o cost_v korah_n and_o his_o company_n so_o dear_a numb._n 16._o 3._o you_o take_v too_o much_o upon_o you_o wherefore_o lift_v you_o up_o yourselves_o above_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o lord_n 2._o if_o you_o refuse_v and_o rebel_v you_o do_v not_o so_o much_o despise_v we_o as_o christ_n who_o have_v employ_v we_o the_o cause_n be_v not_o we_o but_o he_o and_o the_o contempt_n be_v principal_o against_o the_o king_n of_o peace_n he_o full_o tell_v you_o all_o this_o luk_n 10._o 16_o that_o hear_v you_o hear_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v i_o despise_v he_o that_o send_v i_o say_v not_o in_o your_o heart_n as_o those_o wicked_a one_o we_o will_v not_o have_v this_o man_n to_o rule_v over_o we_o 3._o consider_v the_o issue_n will_v you_o think_v to_o gain_v any_o thing_n by_o reject_v his_o government_n do_v you_o not_o remember_v that_o he_o have_v a_o iron_n rod_n as_o well_o as_o a_o sceptre_n of_o mercy_n if_o you_o refuse_v the_o yoke_n of_o wood_n can_v he_o not_o put_v a_o iron_n yoke_n upon_o your_o neck_n think_v not_o to_o bear_v out_o in_o a_o bravado_n against_o god_n though_o like_o the_o wild_a ass_n in_o the_o wilderness_n you_o shall_v snuff_v up_o the_o wind_n and_o traverse_v on_o your_o way_n or_o bend_v your_o brow_n against_o he_o yet_o will_v the_o almighty_a be_v afraid_a of_o your_o frown_n or_o will_v he_o make_v supplication_n to_o you_o oh_o vain_a man_n bethink_v thyself_o how_o thou_o will_v answer_v thy_o contempt_n if_o thou_o do_v continue_v 4._o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n that_o shall_v make_v a_o rational_a man_n refuse_v it_o we_o speak_v of_o government_n and_o discipline_n in_o the_o main_a and_o not_o of_o the_o controvert_a point_n of_o it_o that_o there_o must_v be_v ruler_n and_o rule_v in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o question_v and_o that_o the_o rule_v must_v submit_v to_o the_o direction_n admonition_n and_o reproof_n of_o their_o ruler_n and_o that_o in_o some_o case_n sinner_n must_v be_v sharp_o deal_v withal_o by_o public_a rebuke_n 1_o tim._n 5._o 20._o and_o sometime_o by_o excommunication_n matt._n 18._o 17._o 1_o cor._n 5._o 4_o 5_o 13._o all_o these_o be_v evident_a now_o though_o these_o thwart_v the_o carnal_a interest_n of_o man_n and_o be_v no_o way_n please_v to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n yet_o see_v all_o be_v for_o edification_n and_o not_o destruction_n 2_o cor._n 10._o 8._o and_o 13._o 10._o for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 5._o what_o man_n be_v there_o that_o prefer_v heaven_n before_o hell_n or_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o soul_n before_o bodily_a ease_n and_o credit_n that_o will_v turn_v his_o back_n upon_o these_o necessary_a though_o sharp_a medicine_n how_o then_o can_v you_o profess_v christ_n and_o yet_o refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o righteous_a sceptre_n of_o his_o kingdom_n 3._o beware_v lest_o you_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_v from_o your_o own_o steadfastness_n be_v not_o child_n toss_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n by_o the_o slight_a of_o man_n and_o cunning_a craftiness_n whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o a_o christian_n to_o be_v steady_a and_o unmovable_a hold_v fast_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n we_o will_v not_o be_v over-tedious_a and_o therefore_o shall_v set_v before_o you_o but_o some_o of_o those_o many_o consideration_n which_o may_v here_o be_v urge_v 1._o god_n do_v permit_v these_o swarm_n of_o error_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o his_o people_n and_o the_o discovery_n of_o hypocrite_n and_o rot_a professor_n paul_n in_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 19_o tell_v we_o heresy_n must_v be_v they_o be_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o necessary_a that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v might-be_n make_v manifest_a and_o that_o they_o that_o go_v out_o from_o we_o may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v not_o all_o of_o we_o 1_o joh._n 2._o 19_o 2._o do_v you_o not_o see_v it_o frequent_o that_o they_o who_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o faith_n make_v also_o shipwreck_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n do_v not_o erroneous_a principle_n in_o wicked_a and_o licentious_a practice_n it_o be_v too_o visible_a in_o the_o carriage_n of_o many_o already_o and_o of_o other_o you_o may_v easy_o guess_v what_o will_v follow_v when_o they_o be_v more_o harden_v in_o error_n and_o dare_v you_o take_v that_o for_o truth_n which_o have_v a_o natural_a tendency_n to_o looseness_n and_o liberty_n how_o far_o these_o principle_n of_o follow_v the_o light_n within_o and_o of_o absolute_a perfection_n which_o will_v at_o last_o bring_v in_o either_o a_o denial_n of_o fornication_n and_o lie_v etc._n etc._n to_o be_v sin_n or_o to_o be_v they_o that_o act_n they_o and_o several_a other_o be_v direct_o improvable_a this_o way_n we_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o 3._o have_v you_o not_o observe_v how_o fickle_a and_o uncertain_a error_n be_v when_o once_o man_n be_v turn_v off_o from_o the_o truth_n they_o ready_o fall_v into_o a_o dislike_n of_o the_o error_n which_o at_o first_o they_o dote_v on_o after_o they_o be_v stale_a for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o a_o new_a error_n when_o grow_v into_o fashion_n and_o so_o from_o one_o error_n to_o another_o till_o they_o arrive_v at_o atheism_n if_o god_n in_o pity_n stop_v they_o not_o like_o a_o stone_n when_o once_o set_v a_o go_n down_o the_o hill_n it_o roll_v still_o till_o it_o come_v to_o the_o bottom_n 4._o consider_v the_o dreadful_a threaten_n of_o the_o lord_n against_o those_o that_o receive_v the_o truth_n but_o not_o in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o read_v and_o study_v well_o that_o text_n of_o 2_o thess._n 2._o 11._o for_o this_o cause_n 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 and_o forget_v not_o the_o danger_n of_o apostasy_n see_v heb._n 6._o 4_o 5_o 6._o and_o 10._o 26._o it_o be_v a_o sad_a sentence_n though_o we_o shall_v take_v the_o most_o favourable_a construction_n that_o be_v give_v of_o it_o to_o say_v there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o renew_v they_o again_o by_o repentance_n 5._o the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v so_o visible_o against_o they_o that_o they_o that_o will_v not_o see_v it_o be_v inexcusable_o blind_a what_o god_n have_v do_v in_o germany_n and_o of_o late_a in_o new-england_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v slight_o pass_v over_o and_o how_o heavy_a spiritual_a judgement_n be_v upon_o apostate_n several_a of_o our_o own_o county_n be_v sad_a and_o sufficient_a example_n when_o god_n suffer_v error_n to_o draw_v man_n beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o reason_n modesty_n and_o natural_a conscience_n when_o that_o which_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v take_v away_o their_o gift_n wither_v and_o their_o former_a seem_a religious_a observation_n of_o duty_n quite_o dry_v up_o by_o the_o root_n sure_o his_o mind_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v take_v warning_n by_o their_o dreadful_a fall_n as_o for_o the_o quaker_n one_o will_v think_v their_o action_n and_o principle_n will_v make_v a_o man_n that_o have_v any_o of_o common_a reason_n leave_v to_o abominate_v and_o abhor_v they_o sure_o we_o be_v the_o prevalency_n of_o that_o madness_n be_v not_o from_o any_o strength_n of_o rational_a or_o scriptural_a satisfaction_n we_o have_v see_v many_o strong_o and_o passionate_o possess_v with_o that_o who_o yet_o neither_o understand_v it_o nor_o can_v give_v a_o reason_n for_o it_o but_o from_o a_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o the_o efficacy_n and_o strength_n of_o delusion_n through_o divine_a judgement_n upon_o they_o shall_v we_o need_v to_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n of_o that_o which_o yourselves_o know_v so_o well_o and_o be_v eye_n and_o ear-witness_n of_o as_o well_o as_o we_o how_o visible_a be_v the_o devil_n 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o beastly_a nakedness_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n in_o our_o assembly_n in_o what_o a_o strange_a unchristian_a temper_n of_o rail_v revile_v 〈◊〉_d and_o