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opinion_n church_n scripture_n word_n 2,691 5 4.2969 3 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A34251 The Confession of faith of those called Arminians, or, A declaration of the opinions and doctrines of the ministers and pastors which in the United Provinces are known by the name of Remonstrants concerning the chief points of Christian religion / translated out of the original. 1684 (1684) Wing C5791; ESTC R26041 123,515 276

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sufficiency_n and_o perspicuity_n seem_v to_o be_v suspect_v and_o doubt_v of_o to_o wit_n as_o if_o they_o either_o do_v not_o full_o and_o sufficient_o contain_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a and_o profitable_a for_o every_o christian_a congregation_n to_o know_v believe_v hope_v and_o do_v or_o at_o least_o do_v not_o use_v those_o form_n of_o speak_v which_o do_v clear_o and_o perspicuous_o enough_o express_v those_o divine_a sense_n or_o meaning_n which_o be_v chief_o saving_o necessary_a and_o available_a to_o be_v believe_v but_o have_v need_n of_o man_n phrase_n and_o form_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o they_o and_o application_n and_o use_n to_o make_v a_o due_a difference_n between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n from_o whence_o afterward_o they_o say_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v more_o and_o more_o weaken_a and_o at_o length_n whole_o fall_v and_o be_v transfer_v by_o degree_n to_o those_o form_n of_o man_n as_o either_o more_o perfect_a or_o the_o more_o clear_a discoverer_n of_o what_o be_v right_a and_o false_a and_o certain_o the_o experience_n of_o many_o age_n seem_v not_o a_o little_a to_o confirm_v these_o man_n opinion_n in_o which_o say_v they_o for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o usual_o fall_v out_o that_o after_o form_n of_o confession_n and_o declaration_n begin_v to_o be_v in_o esteem_n and_o the_o say_a honour_n to_o be_v give_v to_o they_o as_o though_o they_o do_v most_o full_o express_v the_o hide_a and_o involve_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o most_o clear_o and_o plain_o propose_v those_o thing_n whichare_v necessary_o to_o be_v hold_v by_o the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o majesty_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n begin_v by_o little_a and_o little_a to_o decline_v and_o the_o truth_n as_o also_o the_o necessity_n of_o all_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n pertain_v to_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n to_o depend_v upon_o those_o form_n in_o so_o 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height_n of_o supreme_a dignity_n they_o suppose_v also_o that_o these_o form_n do_v mighty_o endammage_n and_o prejudice_n the_o liberty_n of_o church_n or_o conscience_n and_o prophecy_n for_o that_o where_o they_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o forthwith_o a_o tyrannical_a law_n be_v bring_v in_o at_o the_o back_n door_n so_o that_o a_o man_n may_v not_o think_v speak_v write_v teach_v compare_v and_o interpret_v the_o scriptute_n but_o according_a to_o what_o they_o prescribe_v and_o to_o call_v they_o into_o doubt_n or_o to_o contradict_v they_o though_o modest_o be_v think_v a_o heinous_a wickedness_n nor_o do_v they_o want_v their_o pretence_n viz._n that_o the_o public_a peace_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v preserve_v entire_a confusion_n avoid_v and_o liberty_n turn_v not_o into_o licentiousness_n from_o whence_o further_o they_o say_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o none_o especial_o if_o it_o be_v believe_v that_o the_o commonwealth_n 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of_o hell_n or_o their_o grave_a error_n long_o since_o condemn_v who_o hold_v nothing_o firm_a nothing_o solid_a in_o religion_n and_o be_v divide_v and_o sever_v among_o themselves_o by_o so_o many_o and_o so_o monstrous_a opinion_n that_o they_o may_v just_o seem_v rather_o monster_n of_o man_n than_o christian_n who_o be_v there_o who_o will_v not_o think_v they_o like_a to_o do_v a_o work_v worth_a their_o pain_n yea_o that_o will_v not_o think_v they_o by_o some_o necessity_n constrain_v hereunto_o by_o a_o public_a and_o solemn_a declaration_n to_o obviate_v so_o atrocious_a and_o enormous_a slander_n and_o by_o a_o ingenuous_a confession_n of_o their_o judgement_n to_o testify_v to_o the_o christian_a world_n what_o and_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n they_o be_v in_o religion_n and_o what_o in_o very_a deed_n they_o think_v touch_v the_o chief_a head_n of_o belief_n and_o by_o this_o unblamable_a mean_n as_o by_o a_o bolt_n &_o bar_v firm_o set_v against_o those_o infamous_a 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token_n which_o only_o show_v and_o declare_v what_o the_o author_n believe_v and_o judge_v of_o those_o and_o the_o other_o article_n and_o meaning_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o true_o if_o we_o consult_v the_o ancient_a annal_n of_o the_o church_n they_o who_o first_o put_v forth_o such_o symbol_n ecclesiastical_a canon_n confession_n and_o declaration_n have_v no_o other_o design_n aim_v or_o end_n but_o thereby_o to_o testify_v not_o what_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v but_o what_o they_o themselves_o believe_v and_o that_o these_o symbol_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v even_o instead_o of_o watch-tower_n to_o declare_v &_o show_v to_o the_o unwary_a and_o imprudent_a the_o shelf_n and_o quick_v of_o error_n that_o be_v hurtful_a to_o piety_n and_o salvation_n or_o also_o to_o serve_v against_o calumniator_n for_o apology_n whereby_o every_o one_o may_v understand_v how_o far_o they_o be_v from_o those_o error_n
ought_v most_o just_o to_o be_v hate_v and_o abominate_v of_o all_o christian_n so_o have_v it_o all_o along_o exceed_o dislike_v we_o who_o indeed_o religious_o fear_v to_o give_v or_o grant_v to_o any_o write_n decree_n or_o ordinance_n of_o man_n any_o authority_n whatever_o either_o directive_n or_o coactive_a in_o matter_n relate_v to_o faith_n and_o conscience_n or_o to_o suffer_v the_o same_o to_o be_v give_v by_o other_o from_o hence_o pious_a reader_n thou_o confession_n the_o scope_n of_o this_o confession_n will_v easy_o understand_v what_o be_v our_o end_n and_o aim_n which_o we_o propound_v to_o ourselves_o in_o set_v forth_o this_o declaration_n indeed_o the_o very_a same_o we_o say_v before_o and_o none_o other_o for_o this_o declaration_n be_v not_o put_v forth_o to_o that_o intent_n that_o thereby_o a_o new_a snare_n of_o conscience_n shall_v be_v prepare_v or_o a_o constant_a square_n and_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n prescribe_v to_o any_o to_o wit_n which_o shall_v absolute_o bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n before_o god_n and_o therefore_o none_o shall_v depart_v from_o it_o even_o in_o the_o least_o to_o wit_n neither_o in_o matter_n nor_o in_o word_n nay_o nor_o in_o method_n or_o manner_n of_o teach_v far_o be_v so_o proud_a a_o vanity_n from_o we_o who_o know_v that_o this_o honour_n agree_v not_o with_o any_o write_n of_o man_n how_o accurate_a soever_o and_o diligent_o and_o long_a and_o much_o consider_v but_o only_o with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o who_o both_o know_v that_o from_o the_o abuse_n of_o such_o write_n which_o be_v too_o frequent_a and_o too_o common_a new_a schism_n sect_n condemnation_n persecution_n and_o other_o scandal_n of_o that_o kind_n have_v more_o often_o arisen_a and_o do_v serious_o bewail_v the_o same_o and_o this_o be_v our_o principal_a aim_n to_o satisfy_v the_o often_o earnest_a request_n of_o those_o who_o judge_v that_o we_o owe_v this_o service_n both_o to_o the_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n and_o indeed_o for_o to_o promote_v the_o public_a good_a that_o be_v both_o for_o the_o more_o ample_a illustrate_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o the_o more_o happy_a procure_n and_o on_o every_o side_n propagate_a of_o peace_n in_o they_o both_o another_o end_n be_v that_o we_o may_v by_o this_o mean_v the_o more_o commodious_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o opinion_n and_o our_o innocency_n against_o the_o inique_fw-la accusation_n of_o those_o who_o when_o as_o themselves_o hold_v grievous_a and_o very_a hurtful_a error_n among_o other_o that_o in_o the_o first_o place_n concern_v fatal_a predestination_n and_o other_o point_v annex_v thereto_o as_o also_o concern_v the_o kill_n of_o heretic_n yet_o will_v be_v think_v the_o only_a orthodox_n man_n and_o the_o altogether_o pure_a reform_v and_o stick_v not_o to_o fasten_v upon_o we_o not_o only_a error_n but_o also_o heresy_n and_o blasphemy_n yea_o who_o while_n themselves_o exercise_v new_a dominion_n in_o the_o church_n and_o do_v not_o only_a cause_n schism_n and_o sect_n but_o do_v also_o every_o where_o raise_v up_o direful_a persecution_n and_o banishment_n against_o harmless_a man_n do_v nevertheless_o complain_v of_o we_o who_o have_v in_o part_n indeed_o cite_v in_o their_o conventicle_n of_o dort_n they_o very_o late_o condemn_v yet_o unheard_a and_o without_o make_v our_o defence_n more_o than_o calumnious_o as_o of_o the_o true_a author_n forsooth_o of_o all_o the_o scandal_n and_o disturbance_n that_o have_v be_v hitherto_o make_v in_o the_o belgic_a church_n for_o the_o full_a conviction_n therefore_o of_o these_o man_n before_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n of_o their_o manifest_a calumny_n and_o manifold_a injustice_n hitherto_o use_v against_o we_o and_o withal_o for_o the_o true_a information_n of_o all_o that_o be_v pious_a and_o lover_n or_o studious_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o the_o church_n peace_n we_o have_v think_v not_o without_o weighty_a and_o just_a cause_n that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o set_v forth_o this_o public_a and_o unanimous_a declaration_n of_o our_o judgement_n touch_v almost_o the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n in_o the_o frame_n indeed_o whereof_o we_o have_v first_o of_o all_o diligent_o endeavour_v that_o there_o may_v not_o be_v omit_v therein_o any_o opinion_n or_o doctrine_n either_o necessary_a or_o very_o useful_a and_o that_o there_o may_v not_o be_v any_o thing_n either_o false_a or_o confuse_a or_o last_o any_o thing_n idle_a and_o superfluous_a contain_v in_o the_o same_o but_o that_o it_o may_v comprehend_v in_o it_o the_o very_a form_n of_o sound_n or_o rather_o of_o heal_a word_n which_o abundant_o express_v unto_o we_o christian_a faith_n and_o piety_n both_o brief_o and_o plain_o and_o no_o less_o methodical_o and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o brief_a survey_n hold_v forth_o the_o whole_a thereof_o to_o be_v view_v of_o all_o and_o that_o by_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o brethren_n not_o so_o much_o as_o except_v those_o who_o be_v hold_v shut_v up_o in_o goal_n all_o which_o joint_o and_o several_o diligent_o read_v it_o before_o and_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n examine_v it_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o far_o as_o they_o may_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o time_n and_o at_o length_n with_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o mouth_n do_v all_o approve_v of_o it_o and_o indeed_o we_o have_v call_v it_o not_o only_o some_o against_o the_o calumny_n of_o some_o a_o confession_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o also_o a_o declaration_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o judgement_n for_o that_o such_o a_o declaration_n promise_v somewhat_o more_o full_a and_o pregnant_a than_o a_o bare_a confession_n of_o faith_n alone_o do_v for_o indeed_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o satisfy_v the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o those_o who_o desire_v a_o more_o copious_a full_a and_o clear_a exposition_n or_o unfolding_n of_o our_o judgement_n concern_v for_o the_o most_o part_n all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o withal_o also_o to_o put_v a_o bolt_n upon_o the_o mouth_n of_o those_o who_o have_v nothing_o just_o to_o carp_v at_o in_o we_o will_v persuade_v the_o people_n that_o we_o will_v never_o agree_v together_o upon_o any_o common_a clear_a and_o uniform_a judgement_n touch_v the_o chief_a head_n of_o religion_n that_o we_o do_v conceal_v some_o thing_n of_o which_o we_o be_v ashamed_a to_o give_v our_o judgement_n in_o public_a and_o that_o they_o be_v such_o which_o do_v overthrow_v the_o very_a chief_a head_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o ten_o or_o chief_a of_o the_o spoil_n of_o christianity_n or_o if_o we_o do_v sometime_o also_o publish_v or_o utter_v these_o that_o we_o do_v hide_v and_o cover_v they_o by_o obscure_a doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a expression_n or_o some_o general_a and_o deceitful_a cover_n of_o word_n this_o false_a accusation_n of_o they_o although_o long_o since_o elsewhere_o often_o detect_v and_o sufficient_o refute_v by_o we_o yet_o have_v we_o rather_o obviate_v it_o even_o by_o a_o public_a and_o general_a declaration_n of_o our_o belief_n than_o by_o other_o mean_v more_o liable_a to_o calumny_n so_o secure_a be_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o the_o confidence_n of_o a_o good_a cause_n which_o we_o have_v think_v worth_a our_o while_n even_o upon_o this_o occasion_n public_o to_o declare_v and_o this_o among_o other_o be_v a_o cause_n why_o we_o conceive_v or_o frame_v it_o not_o in_o mere_a scripture-word_n lest_o we_o shall_v indeed_o nourish_v that_o suspicion_n to_o wit_n that_o we_o seek_v lurk_v holes_n and_o hide_v as_o some_o indeed_o think_v mischievous_a and_o profane_a meaning_n under_o a_o equivocal_a cover_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o that_o we_o may_v by_o this_o mean_v cut_v off_o all_o new_a matter_n of_o calumniate_a from_o those_o who_o solemn_a study_n and_o chief_a labour_n it_o be_v to_o blur_v and_o stain_v under_o any_o pretence_n or_o colour_n whatsoever_o the_o credit_n and_o good_a name_n of_o the_o remonstrant_n with_o heinous_a reproach_n or_o at_o least_o with_o sinister_a suspicion_n as_o to_o thorny_a and_o too_o subtle_a question_n confession_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o confession_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o your_o university_n and_o school_n and_o which_o neither_o advantage_n the_o knower_n nor_o prejudice_v the_o ignorant_a we_o have_v purposed_o wave_v they_o leave_v they_o to_o idle_a and_o to_o curious_a wit_n and_o which_o be_v trouble_v with_o a_o incurable_a evil_a habit_n of_o dispute_v to_o who_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o pleasure_n to_o make_v show_n of_o their_o acuteness_n and_o from_o this_o kind_n of_o paste_n make_v to_o comfort_v the_o stomach_n with_o to_o seek_v or_o purchase_v to_o
confession_n of_o faith_n of_o those_o call_a arminian_o or_o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o opinion_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o pastor_n which_o in_o the_o unite_a province_n be_v know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o remonstrant_n concern_v the_o chief_a point_n of_o christian_a religion_n translate_v out_o of_o the_o original_a london_n print_v for_o samuel_n walsall_n at_o the_o heart_n and_o bible_n near_o the_o west-end_a of_o the_o royal_a exchange_n in_o cornhill_n mdc_o lxxxiv_o the_o content_n of_o the_o chapter_n chap._n 1._o of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o its_o authority_n perfection_n and_o perspicuity_n page_n 59_o chap._n 2._o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n or_o of_o the_o divine_a nature_n 78_o chap._n 3._o of_o the_o holy_a and_o sacred_a trinity_n 93_o chap._n 4._o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n 96_o chap._n 5._o of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n of_o angel_n and_o of_o men._n 98_o chap._n 6._o of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n or_o his_o preservation_n and_o government_n of_o thing_n 105_o chap._n 7._o of_o the_o sin_n and_o misery_n of_o man._n 117_o chap._n 8._o of_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n and_o of_o the_o person_n and_o office_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 128_o chap._n 9_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o new-covenant_n 138_o chap._n 10._o of_o the_o precept_n or_o commendment_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o general_a and_o of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n or_o conversion_n unto_o god_n 141_o chap._n 11._o of_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n 145_o chap._n 12._o of_o good_a work_n in_o particular_a and_o of_o the_o exposition_n of_o the_o decalogue_n 155_o chap._n 13._o of_o direct_v and_o deny_v of_o ourselves_o and_o bear_v of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n 170_o chap._n 14._o of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o in_o particular_a of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n 181_o chap._n 15._o of_o special_a calling_n and_o of_o the_o precept_n and_o tradition_n of_o men._n 193_o chap._n 16._o of_o the_o worship_n and_o veneration_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o only_a mediator_n and_o of_o the_o invocation_n of_o saint_n 196_o chap._n 17._o of_o the_o benefit_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o first_o of_o election_n unto_o grace_n or_o call_v unto_o faith_n 200_o chap._n 18._o of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n that_o be_v perform_v in_o this_o life_n to_o those_o that_o be_v already_o convert_v and_o be_v believer_n that_o be_v of_o election_n unto_o glory_n of_o adoption_n justification_n sanctification_n and_o of_o obsignation_n or_o seal_v 209_o chap._n 19_o of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n pertain_v to_o the_o life_n to_o come_v or_o of_o the_o raise_n again_o of_o the_o dead_a and_o eternal_a life_n 216_o chap._n 20._o of_o the_o divine_a threaten_n and_o punishment_n of_o the_o wicked_a pertain_v both_o unto_o this_o life_n and_o unto_o the_o life_n to_o come_v to_o wit_n of_o reprobation_n harden_v blind_a and_o of_o eternal_a death_n and_o damnation_n 218_o chap._n 21._o of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o order_n of_o minister_n 222_o chap._n 22._o of_o the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o its_o mark_n or_o note_n 230_o of_o the_o mark_n or_o note_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n 224_o chap._n 23._o of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o other_o sacred_a rite_n 237_o of_o baptism_n 238_o of_o the_o sacred_a supper_n of_o the_o lord_n 240_o of_o other_o sacred_a rite_n but_o yet_o such_o as_o be_v indifferent_a 242_o chap._n 24._o of_o church_n discipline_n 246_o chap._n 25._o of_o synod_n or_o counsel_n and_o of_o their_o manner_n and_o use_n 254_o the_o conclusion_n 260_o errata_fw-la page_n 29._o line_n 14._o read_v be_v so_o tie_v p._n 35._o l._n 18._o r._n the_o very_a say_v p._n 37._o l._n 12._o r._n by_o god_n for_o disturb_v p._n 38._o l._n 9_o for_o those_o r._n these_o p._n 39_o l._n 2._o r._n use_v a_o thing_n well_o p._n 55._o l._n 12._o r._n for_o such_o p._n 80._o l._n 25._o r._n state_n and_o relation_n of_o each_o to_o other_o ibid._n l._n 27._o for_o of_o r._n by_o p._n 88_o l._n 5_o 6._o r._n no_o way_n swear_v to_o any_o p._n 91._o l._n 19_o r._n of_o any_o other_o enemy_n p._n 124._o l._n 1._o r._n now_o long_o since_o p._n 140._o l._n 2._o for_o assent_n r._n assert_v p._n 151._o l._n 10._o r._n come_v to_o p._n 182._o l._n 18._o r._n both_o these_o part_n p._n 185._o l._n 5._o r._n and_o in_o who_o p._n 186._o l._n 8._o r._n to_o forsake_v p._n 202._o l._n 14_o to_o 18._o r._n nor_o for_o that_o thereby_o the_o will_n of_o he_o that_o be_v call_v be_v by_o a_o irresistible_a power_n or_o by_o some_o omnipotent_a force_n which_o be_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o creation_n or_o raise_n from_o the_o dead_a so_o effectual_o determine_v to_o believe_v p_o 223._o l._n 27._o for_o in_o r._n to_o p._n 242._o l._n 4._o add_v after_o themselves_o as_o covert_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n p._n 243._o l._n 10._o r._n as_o also_o p._n 250._o l._n 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o unto_o the_o word_n sin_n to_o be_v expunge_v and_o to_o read_v and_o also_o withal_o there_o be_v even_o in_o the_o first_o place_n a_o exact_a regard_n to_o be_v have_v of_o the_o diversity_n or_o difference_n of_o sin_n p._n 256._o l._n 24_o 25._o add_v after_o bring_v in_o that_o they_o be_v take_v away_o or_o remove_v the_o preface_n to_o the_o christian_a reader_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n pious_a kind_n a_o prolepsis_n concern_v a_o fourfold_a sort_n of_o dissenter_n touch_v thing_n of_o this_o kind_n reader_n but_o that_o this_o declaration_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v publish_v by_o we_o will_v be_v liable_a to_o the_o various_a and_o different_a judgement_n of_o man_n for_o as_o every_o one_o stand_v persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n touch_v both_o the_o necessity_n profit_n form_n and_o manner_n of_o suchlike_a declaration_n so_o be_v he_o like_v also_o to_o pass_v judgement_n upon_o this_o of_o we_o there_o be_v some_o who_o think_v we_o ought_v to_o abstain_v altogether_o from_o all_o confession_n or_o declaration_n and_o judge_v that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o not_o necessary_a nor_o profitable_a for_o the_o christian_a weal-public_a but_o they_o be_v also_o unlawful_a dangerous_a and_o hurtful_a in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v some_o who_o do_v not_o indeed_o think_v it_o altogether_o unadvised_a to_o publish_v confession_n or_o declaration_n much_o less_o do_v they_o think_v it_o unlawful_a or_o hurtful_a but_o they_o judge_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v conceive_v and_o frame_v only_o in_o mere_a pure_a scripture-word_n there_o be_v some_o who_o indeed_o do_v not_o altogether_o disallow_v of_o confession_n though_o conceive_v in_o other_o than_o bare_a scripture-word_n but_o will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v so_o general_a and_o brief_a that_o they_o shall_v contain_v and_o comprehend_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v absolute_o and_o precise_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v unto_o salvation_n there_o be_v last_o other_o far_o different_a from_o these_o who_o judge_v particular_a confession_n and_o declaration_n even_o of_o several_a most_o minute_n and_o small_a controversy_n not_o only_o so_o far_o profitable_a but_o also_o necessary_a that_o without_o they_o a_o christian-society_n can_v neither_o have_v be_v nor_o well-being_n the_o so_o various_a diverse_a and_o differ_v judgement_n of_o all_o these_o this_o our_o declaration_n be_v doubtless_o like_a to_o undergo_v and_o these_o indeed_o several_o have_v specious_a and_o not_o altogether_o improbable_a ground_n for_o their_o opinion_n whereon_o they_o build_v and_o rely_v those_o who_o judge_v that_o we_o ought_v altogether_o to_o abstain_v from_o confession_n or_o declaration_n sort_n objection_n of_o the_o first_o and_o second_o sort_n or_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v conceive_v but_o in_o mere_a and_o plain_a scripture-word_n of_o which_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o this_o age_n there_o be_v find_v not_o a_o few_o otherwise_o pious_a and_o good_a man_n they_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v gather_v pretend_v for_o the_o most_o part_n three_o thing_n for_o their_o opinion_n 1._o for_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o they_o there_o be_v do_v no_o light_a prejudice_n to_o the_o majesty_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n 2._o for_o that_o by_o occasion_n of_o they_o there_o be_v mighty_a damage_n and_o detriment_n do_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o church_n or_o conscience_n and_o prophe●y_n 3._o for_o that_o by_o the_o same_o a_o wide_a gap_n be_v open_v for_o faction_n and_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n and_o first_o indeed_o they_o think_v that_o by_o this_o very_a mean_n the_o majesty_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o a_o little_a derogate_a and_o detract_v from_o for_o that_o both_o their_o
blasphemy_n and_o crime_n which_o through_o calumny_n be_v by_o man_n ill-imployed_n fasten_v upon_o they_o and_o certain_o if_o all_o declaration_n and_o confession_n have_v at_o all_o time_n keep_v within_o these_o bound_n they_o have_v not_o indeed_o at_o any_o time_n obtain_v any_o dictator-like_a dignity_n or_o authority_n much_o less_o great_a than_o or_o equal_a to_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o church_n wherefore_o that_o the_o church_n may_v in_o the_o first_o place_n always_o hold_v this_o firm_a &_o unalterable_a we_o be_v to_o endeavour_v again_o and_o again_o and_o therefore_o est-soon_a upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o inculate_a upon_o church_n and_o in_o the_o very_a form_n of_o our_o confession_n and_o declaration_n accurate_o to_o express_v that_o they_o indeed_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v for_o certain_a judices_fw-la or_o discoverer_n much_o less_o for_o judge_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n or_o meaning_n viz._n of_o scripture_n but_o only_o for_o the_o indices_fw-la of_o those_o sense_n or_o meaning_n which_o the_o author_n thereof_o have_v hold_v for_o true_a and_o that_o they_o be_v publish_v to_o that_o end_n if_o that_o be_v do_v these_o three_o abuse_n will_v sufficient_o and_o easy_o be_v avoid_v 1._o none_o will_v flee_v to_o the_o say_a form_n to_o abuse_n of_o their_o threefold_a abuse_n draw_v and_o take_v from_o they_o as_o from_o fountain_n with_o a_o faith_n void_a of_o doubt_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o further_o he_o will_v not_o run_v unto_o they_o in_o doubtful_a sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o the_o indices_fw-la of_o what_o be_v straight_o and_o crooked_a nor_o try_v and_o examine_v dark_a and_o controvert_v sense_n by_o they_o as_o by_o a_o touchstone_n 2._o none_o will_v be_v tie_v or_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v tie_v to_o their_o meaning_n upon_o any_o other_o term_n than_o so_o far_o and_o so_o long_o as_o he_o himself_o do_v certain_o find_v and_o be_v convince_v in_o his_o conscience_n that_o they_o accord_n with_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n 3._o in_o disputation_n conference_n examination_n or_o trial_n man_n will_v never_o appeal_v to_o they_o neither_o will_v controversy_n of_o faith_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o anvil_n thereof_o but_o they_o will_v all_o whole_o without_o fear_n or_o danger_n be_v bring_v to_o and_o examine_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n alone_o as_o the_o only_a rule_n beyond_o all_o exception_n and_o the_o true_a form_n of_o sound_a word_n which_o our_o alone_a master_n jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v leave_v unto_o we_o and_o thus_o indeed_o there_o will_v be_v nothing_o that_o can_v just_o be_v desire_v to_o detract_v divine_a authority_n from_o they_o and_o to_o give_v it_o whole_o to_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n neither_o shall_v we_o then_o need_v to_o fear_v lest_o idol_n be_v make_v of_o they_o to_o be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o place_v in_o equal_a degree_n with_o the_o scripture_n or_o honour_v with_o any_o like_a honour_n with_o they_o or_o lest_o band_n shall_v be_v knit_v of_o they_o whereby_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v bind_v or_o last_o lest_o poison_n shall_v be_v prepare_v of_o they_o whereby_o the_o sincerity_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v infect_v or_o the_o truth_n of_o doctrine_n adulterate_v they_o for_o a_o moderate_a liberty_n to_o examine_v they_o this_o foundation_n therefore_o once_o right_o lay_v and_o this_o principle_n firm_o suppose_v there_o will_v always_o remain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n whole_a and_o entire_a liberty_n whereby_o any_o one_o may_v pre●rving_v safe_a the_o law_n of_o christian_a mo●esty_n charity_n and_o prudence_n without_o anger_n inquire_v into_o those_o form_n and_o without_o scruple_n contradict_v they_o that_o ●y_a this_o mean_n there_o may_v be_v always_o a_o manife_a difference_n between_o they_o and_o ●e_a word_n of_o god_n to_o which_o alone_o that_o privilege_n ought_v to_o remain_v sacred_a and_o inviolate_a that_o it_o alone_o be_v above_o and_o beyond_o ●ll_a controversei_n and_o contradiction_n and_o ●hat_n the_o conscience_n of_o believer_n be_v to_o ●e_v tie_v to_o it_o only_o and_o yet_o be_v not_o this_o uberty_n to_o be_v extend_v so_o far_o as_o to_o turn_v ●●to_o a_o dissolute_a and_o irregular_a licentiousness_n whereby_o every_o man_n may_v unadvised_o speak_v what_o he_o please_v for_o he_o as_o ●uch_o abuse_v liberty_n who_o too_o much_o at_o pleasure_n loosenth_fw-mi the_o button_n thereof_o as_o ●e_v who_o fasten_v it_o too_o straight_o all_o ex●eams_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v and_o we_o to_o sacrifice_v to_o moderation_n which_o consist_v ●●_o the_o midst_n between_o tyranny_n and_o a_o wild_a and_o unbridle_a licentiousness_n therefore_o prudence_n and_o charity_n be_v always_o to_o be_v take_v into_o council_n which_o will_v ●asily_o dictate_v when_o and_o how_o this_o liberty_n may_v profitable_o and_o without_o the_o scandal_n of_o the_o godly_a be_v make_v use_n of_o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o prudence_n to_o weigh_v thing_n and_o to_o consider_v fit_a time_n and_o place_n wherein_o this_o or_o that_o opinion_n either_o by_o word_n or_o writing_n may_v commodious_o be_v propose_v it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o charity_n to_o have_v a_o regard_n of_o person_n that_o they_o be_v not_o offend_v or_o trouble_v who_o ought_v to_o be_v edify_v it_o be_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o prudent_a and_o pious_a man_n and_o one_o true_o charitable_a to_o use_v promiscous_o upon_o every_o occasion_n with_o all_o person_n or_o in_o all_o place_n when_o he_o so_o think_v fit_a the_o liberty_n of_o contradict_v nay_o nor_o always_o &_o everywhere_o patient_o to_o bear_v with_o all_o the_o contradiction_n of_o other_o some_o against_o the_o unbridled_a licentiousness_n of_o some_o there_o be_v often_o a_o regard_n to_o be_v have_v both_o of_o the_o thing_n or_o opinion_n which_o be_v contradict_v and_o of_o the_o person_n with_o who_o such_o contradiction_n be_v propound_v for_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n of_o so_o great_a weight_n and_o moment_n that_o they_o can_v be_v gainsay_v without_o the_o extreme_a hazard_n of_o our_o salvation_n free_o to_o contradict_v these_o or_o quiet_o to_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v contradict_v by_o other_o will_v be_v the_o far_a from_o prudence_n and_o charity_n possible_a there_o be_v some_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n that_o they_o may_v without_o the_o danger_n of_o any_o man_n salvation_n suffer_v indeed_o contradiction_n but_o which_o yet_o to_o contradict_v be_v not_o necessary_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o public_a good_a and_o to_o be_v contradict_v everywhere_o and_o at_o all_o time_n be_v not_o expedient_a for_o not_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v lawful_a be_v present_o also_o expedient_a and_o edify_a very_o often_o the_o weakness_n of_o other_o ought_v to_o give_v law_n to_o our_o liberty_n and_o not_o seldom_o also_o the_o importuneness_n of_o other_o who_o have_v a_o itch_n after_o or_o unto_o variance_n brabling_n and_o contradiction_n and_o be_v please_v with_o the_o opportunity_n of_o strife_n &_o contention_n upon_o every_o occasion_n to_o the_o one_o we_o must_v not_o give_v occasion_n of_o offence_n lest_o they_o fall_v from_o the_o other_o we_o must_v withhold_v all_o encouragement_n lest_o they_o hurt_v themselves_o and_o other_o for_o in_o this_o manner_n we_o ought_v always_o to_o shun_v all_o endangering_n of_o the_o faithful_a especial_o of_o the_o weak_a lest_o we_o abuse_v our_o liberty_n to_o the_o destruction_n of_o any_o one_o but_o use_v it_o aright_o and_o to_o the_o edification_n of_o all_o but_o in_o thing_n not_o altogether_o necessary_a and_o among_o those_o who_o the_o scripture_n call_v perfect_a and_o who_o have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o discern_v between_o what_o be_v true_a and_o false_a or_o who_o be_v more_o than_o ordinary_o desirous_a of_o truth_n that_o be_v more_o abstruse_a this_o liberty_n may_v always_o have_v or_o take_v place_n without_o offence_n or_o danger_n for_o their_o industry_n indeed_o be_v sharpen_v by_o moderate_a contradiction_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o whetstone_n of_o truth_n and_o from_o which_o as_o from_o the_o strike_n or_o beat_v of_o flint_n against_o each_o other_o this_o fruit_n be_v draw_v or_o produce_v that_o either_o they_o see_v clear_o that_o error_n that_o former_o lay_v hide_v or_o be_v more_o solid_o confirm_v in_o the_o truth_n they_o hold_v which_o fruit_n can_v but_o afterward_o redound_v unto_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o that_o to_o the_o eminent_a promote_a of_o truth_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n name_n but_o to_o digladiate_a or_o strive_v with_o gainsaying_n before_o the_o people_n out_o of_o the_o pulpit_n and_o to_o desire_v or_o endeavour_v by_o the_o vellication_n or_o twitching_n of_o public_a form_n and_o obtrectation_n or_o backbiting_n out_o of_o the_o desk_n
our_o own_o ability_n and_o of_o the_o benefit_n and_o mercy_n we_o have_v receive_v chap._n xv._o of_o special_a calling_n and_o of_o the_o precept_n and_o tradition_n of_o men._n 1._o and_o this_o indeed_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o calling_n kind_n of_o special_a calling_n those_o commandment_n which_o be_v enjoin_v we_o of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o common_a or_o which_o be_v necessary_a for_o all_o christian_n to_o observe_v alike_o for_o to_o obtain_v salvation_n beside_o which_o notwithstanding_o every_o believer_n have_v his_o particular_a call_n which_o every_o one_o be_v diligent_o to_o mind_n as_o for_o instance_n etc._n instance_n rom._n 13._o 1_o etc._n etc._n of_o magistrate_n 14._o magistrate_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 13_o 14._o subject_n parent_n child_n master_n etc._n master_n eph._n 6._o 1_o etc._n etc._n servant_n also_o etc._n also_o eph._n 5._o 22._o 1_o pet._n 3._o 1_o etc._n etc._n of_o husband_n wife_n etc._n wife_n 1_o cor._n 7._o 8_o etc._n etc._n single_a person_n etc._n person_n 1_o cor._n 7._o 25_o etc._n etc._n virgin_n etc._n virgin_n 1_o tim._n 9_o 3_o etc._n etc._n widow_n of_o etc._n of_o 1_o tim._n 6._o 17._o etc._n etc._n jam._n 2._o 1_o etc._n etc._n &_o 5._o 1_o etc._n etc._n rich_a poor_a etc._n etc._n of_o all_o which_o we_o have_v already_o before_o in_o some_o part_n treat_v of_o in_o our_o exposition_n of_o the_o decalogue_n and_o of_o the_o rest_n there_o be_v special_a instruction_n or_o admonition_n but_o proportionable_a to_o those_o already_o speak_v of_o and_o agreeable_a to_o every_o man_n state_n in_o particular_a every_o where_n easy_a to_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 2._o of_o these_o in_o general_n we_o must_v hold_v these_o the_o rule_n that_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v concern_v these_o that_o rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n let_v every_o one_o abide_v in_o etc._n in_o 1_o cor._n 7._o 20_o etc._n etc._n that_o call_v wherein_o he_o be_v call_v the_o which_o notwithstanding_o if_o we_o can_v with_o the_o savage_n of_o piety_n better_o it_o be_v free_a for_o we_o so_o to_o do_v for_o all_o these_o condition_n of_o themselves_o be_v indifferent_a 11._o indifferent_a col._n 3._o 11._o and_o therefore_o do_v neither_o commend_v we_o unto_o christ_n nor_o make_v we_o hateful_a or_o or_o less_o acceptable_a to_o he_o wherefore_o for_o instance_n there_o be_v no_o great_a sanctity_n to_o be_v attribute_v to_o virginity_n etc._n virginity_n 1_o cor._n 7._o 25_o etc._n etc._n or_o a_o single_a estate_n or_o life_n than_o unto_o a_o marry_a estate_n nor_o to_o poverty_n than_o to_o a_o wealthy_a estate_n etc._n etc._n neither_o be_v rash_a vow_n to_o be_v make_v unto_o god_n concern_v these_o thing_n whereby_o to_o wit_n we_o perpetual_o tie_v ourselves_o to_o this_o or_o that_o yea_o whereby_o we_o tempt_v god_n and_o cast_v a_o snare_n upon_o ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o liberty_n 3._o but_o all_o other_o work_n especial_o man_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o man_n such_o as_o be_v mere_o outward_a which_o be_v count_v religious_a and_o which_o be_v devise_v by_o man_n etc._n man_n mat._n 15._o 2_o etc._n etc._n gal._n 4._o 9_o etc._n etc._n ch_n 5._o 1_o etc._n etc._n col._n 2._o 8_o etc._n etc._n spirit_n beside_o and_o without_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whether_o they_o be_v impose_v upon_o man_n conscience_n with_o or_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o other_o especial_o of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o tradition_n or_o whether_o they_o be_v free_o and_o voluntary_o perform_v by_o we_o with_o a_o opinion_n of_o worship_n if_o not_o altogether_o necessary_a yet_o at_o least_o meritorious_a or_o satisfactory_a they_o certain_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n yea_o further_o they_o be_v in_o no_o wise_a to_o be_v think_v worthy_a of_o the_o specious_a or_o goodly_a title_n of_o work_n true_o good_a or_o of_o divine_a worship_n much_o less_o of_o supererogation_n or_o of_o any_o excellent_a and_o singular_a strain_n of_o religion_n for_o that_o they_o can_v come_v under_o the_o august_n or_o sacred_a name_n of_o true_a 23._o true_a 1_o joh_n 2._o 17._o mat._n 7._o 21_o etc._n etc._n ch_n 15._o 16._o &_o 23._o 23._o obedience_n which_o be_v of_o itself_o acceptable_a and_o of_o right_n due_a unto_o god_n and_o christ_n our_o only_a lawgiver_n and_o therefore_o be_v command_v under_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n yea_o also_o which_o be_v not_o seldom_o a_o great_a hindrance_n to_o the_o 9_o the_o 1_o tim._n 4._o 8_o etc._n etc._n ch_n 6._o 3_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v 3._o 8_o 9_o principal_a and_o main_a part_n of_o divine_a worship_n to_o wit_n the_o love_a of_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n and_o hurtful_a to_o true_a piety_n especal_o if_o as_o it_o often_o fall_v out_o they_o be_v not_o only_o equal_v with_o but_o also_o prefer_v before_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n chap._n xvi_o of_o the_o worship_n and_o veneration_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o only_a mediator_n and_o of_o the_o invocation_n of_o saint_n 1._o andhithertoindeed_o we_o have_v chief_o mediator_n the_o majesty_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o christ_n as_o mediator_n treat_v of_o the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n only_o now_o follow_v and_o succee_v the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n which_o be_v proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n for_o in_o the_o say_a knowledge_n and_o in_o the_o worship_n which_o follow_v from_o thence_o even_o eternal_a life_n also_o be_v express_o say_v to_o consist_v joh._n 17._o 3._o for_o unto_o jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o only_a mediator_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v 18._o be_v mat._n 28._o 18._o give_v all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o all_o judgement_n 2._o judgement_n joh._n 5._o 22_o 23._o &_o 3._o 35._o &_o 17._o 2._o or_o a_o universal_a government_n be_v deliver_v unto_o he_o of_o the_o father_n that_o all_o man_n shall_v honour_v he_o even_o as_o they_o honour_v the_o father_n and_o 17._o and_o joh._n 5._o 17._o authority_n be_v give_v he_o to_o execute_v judgement_n because_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o man_n therefore_o also_o god_n 8._o god_n heb._n 2._o 7_o 8._o have_v crown_v he_o with_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o put_v all_o thing_n under_o his_o foot_n 22._o foot_n eph._n 1._o 21_o 22._o and_o have_v make_v he_o head_n of_o his_o church_n over_o all_o etc._n etc._n and_o furthermore_o have_v give_v he_o the_o name_n above_o every_o name_n 11._o name_n phil._n 2._o 9_o 10_o 11._o that_o at_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n every_o knee_n shall_v bow_v both_o of_o thing_n in_o heaven_n and_o thing_n in_o earth_n and_o of_o thing_n under_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o every_o tongue_n shall_v confess_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v lord_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o father_n etc._n etc._n which_o indeed_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a majesty_n of_o he_o be_v confer_v on_o he_o by_o god_n the_o father_n 11._o father_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 21._o &_o 3._o 22._o 1_o cor._n 15._o 27._o act._n 2._o 36._o &_o 5._o 3●_n &_o 10._o 36_o 42._o rev._n 1._o 5_o etc._n etc._n &_o ch_n 3._o 11._o chief_o for_o our_o comfort_n and_o be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o we_o with_o religious_a and_o thankful_a heart_n and_o continual_o to_o be_v speak_v of_o and_o praise_v unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n himself_o 2._o therefore_o he_o that_o holy_o and_o religious_o he_o religious_a worship_n due_a unto_o he_o worship_v jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o be_v our_o 2._o our_o 2_o tim._n 2._o 5._o 1_o joh._n 2._o 1._o 2._o mediator_n with_o god_n especial_o since_o the_o time_n he_o be_v advance_v etc._n advance_v phil._n 2._o 9_o etc._n etc._n to_o that_o supreme_a right_n and_o set_v 21._o set_v heb._n 1._o 3_o &_o 7._o 26._o &_o 8._o 1._o rev._n 3_o 21._o in_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o father_n at_o his_o right_a hand_n that_o be_v he_o that_o 11._o that_o heb._n 1._o 6._o joh._n 5._o 23._o phil._n 2._o 10_o 11._o adore_v call_v upon_o placeth_z his_o 2._o his_o act._n 7._o 59_o &_o 9_o 13_o 14._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 2._o hope_n and_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o humble_o give_v 5._o give_v joh._n 14._o 1_o etc._n etc._n 1_o thess_n 3._o 11._o 2_o thess_n 3._o 5._o he_o thanks_o and_o bless_v he_o for_o the_o 13._o the_o rev._n 5._o 8_o 9_o 12_o 13._o salvation_n purchase_v by_o he_o for_o we_o do_v altogether_o well_o and_o according_a to_o the_o most_o certain_a will_n of_o god_n and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o foresay_a majesty_n and_o glory_n of_o he_o and_o therefore_o refuse_v to_o yield_v unto_o he_o this_o veneration_n and_o worship_n he_o do_v both_o to_o god_n and_o christ_n great_a wrong_n especial_o if_o he_o accuse_v or_o rather_o defame_v and_o disgrace_v it_o under_o the_o name_n of_o idolatry_n or_o false_a worship_n and_o superstition_n 3._o
now_o long_o since_o once_o offer_v by_o christ_n himself_o our_o only_a and_o alone_o high_a priest_n for_o our_o sin_n from_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v to_o be_v real_o repeat_v and_o daily_o perform_v or_o do_v over_o again_o anew_o herein_o and_o 5._o in_o the_o last_o place_n so_o far_o be_v the_o symbol_n or_o the_o sign_n themselves_o from_o be_v religious_o to_o be_v adore_v and_o worshipp_v by_o we_o and_o for_o this_o very_a end_n from_o be_v either_o to_o be_v show_v public_o in_o church_n or_o from_o be_v enclose_v in_o coffer_n or_o pix_n or_o from_o be_v carry_v about_o in_o procession_n etc._n etc._n of_o other_o sacred_a rite_n but_o yet_o such_o as_o be_v indifferent_a 6._o beside_o these_o there_o be_v also_o other_o rite_n other_o sacred_a rite_n sacred_a rite_n general_o so_o call_v which_o although_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v observe_v by_o believer_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n perpetual_o and_o necessary_o yet_o for_o good_a order_n sake_n and_o for_o outward_a discipline_n sake_n have_v be_v now_o long_o since_o common_o observe_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o disciple_n and_o may_v without_o impiety_n at_o least_o and_o superstition_n be_v also_o even_o free_o observe_v now_o and_o indeed_o profitable_o enough_o for_o example_n sake_n imposition_n or_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n 6._o hand_n act._n 6._o 6._o &_o 13._o 3._o 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o 2_o tim._n 1._o 6._o and_o that_o upon_o divers_a account_n to_o wit_n in_o ordain_v of_o minister_n in_o 2._o in_o act._n 8._o 17_o etc._n etc._n &_o 19_o 5_o 6._o heb._n 6._o 2._o examine_v and_o confirm_v of_o new_a convert_v or_o of_o those_o that_o be_v catechize_v 22._o catechize_v 1_o tim._n 5._o 22._o in_o the_o public_a receive_n again_o or_o reconcile_n of_o penitent_n who_o have_v former_o grevous_o fall_v also_o the_o solemn_a join_n of_o person_n in_o marriage_n and_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o same_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o superstition_n in_o the_o case_n or_o opinion_n of_o divine_a worship_n also_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n etc._n etc._n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a there_o be_v only_o a_o regard_n have_v of_o order_n and_o decency_n and_o public_a edification_n and_o final_o a_o true_a liberty_n in_o such_o thing_n tot_fw-la thing_n rom._n 14._o per_fw-la tot_fw-la and_o christian_a charity_n and_o consequent_o also_o a_o true_a moderation_n and_o mutual_a toleration_n between_o dissenter_n be_v always_o preserve_v inviolate_a and_o safe_a and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o outward_a rite_n and_o of_o themselves_o indifferent_a be_v not_o rash_o disturb_v 7._o hereunto_o also_o may_v be_v refer_v those_o sort_n another_o sort_n ecclesiastical_a or_o liturgical_a observation_n be_v indeed_o indifferent_a in_o themselves_o but_o yet_o which_o notwithstanding_o the_o outward_a and_o public_a assembly_n of_o believer_n can_v hardly_o want_v or_o be_v without_o about_o the_o public_a order_n and_o manner_n in_o church_n of_o read_v pray_v 1._o pray_v 1_o cor._n 11._o 2_o etc._n etc._n &_o 14._o per_fw-la tot_fw-la &_o 16._o 1._o sing_v prophesy_a gather_v the_o alm_n also_o 41._o also_o act._n 20._o 36._o &_o 21._o 5._o eph._n 3._o 4._o mat._n 26._o 39_o mar._n 14._o 34_o 35._o luk._n 22._o 41._o kneel_v in_o time_n of_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n also_o about_o public_a 23._o public_a act._n 12._o 12._o &_o 13._o 3._o &_o 14._o 23._o fast_n and_o solemn_a day_n of_o supplication_n or_o prayer_n and_o other_o outward_a thing_n of_o that_o kind_n mere_o of_o themselves_o ritual_a but_o yet_o pious_a exercise_n not_o indeed_o prescribe_v of_o god_n in_o particular_a much_o less_o meritorious_a of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n or_o of_o eternal_a life_n but_o yet_o profitable_o serve_v for_o the_o outward_a good_a order_n 16._o order_n 1_o cor._n 14_o 33_o 40_o &_o 11._o 16._o or_o decent_a policy_n i._n e._n government_n of_o the_o church_n yea_o also_o in_o some_o respect_n either_o stir_v up_o or_o cherish_v pious_a devotion_n in_o our_o mind_n and_o therefore_o not_o light_o to_o be_v contemn_v of_o themselves_o nor_o where_o they_o be_v public_o receive_v rash_o and_o with_o the_o scandal_n of_o those_o that_o be_v godly_a to_o be_v abrogate_a 8._o for_o in_o all_o these_o as_o in_o the_o whole_a mind_v order_n peace_n &_o edification_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v mind_v sacred_a liturgy_n and_o the_o whole_a outward_a government_n of_o the_o church_n that_o only_o be_v to_o be_v mind_v that_o all_o thing_n 40_o thing_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 33._o 40_o in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n and_o that_o they_o always_o 26._o always_o 1_o cor._n 14._o 26._o serve_v unto_o the_o edification_n of_o all_o especial_o 2._o especial_o rom._n 14._o 13_o 15_o 19_o ●●_o &_o 15._o 1._o 2._o of_o the_o weak_a but_o yet_o of_o such_o as_o be_v studious_a of_o true_a piety_n and_o not_o cast_v a_o 29._o a_o 1_o cor._n 6._o 12._o &_o 10._o 23_o 24_o 29._o snare_n upon_o any_o one_o or_o infringe_v 20._o infringe_v gal._n 5._o 1●_n etc._n etc._n col._n 2._o 8_o 16_o 18_o 20._o christian_a liberty_n or_o final_o give_v any_o 13._o any_o rom._n 4._o 13._o 1_o cor._n 8._o 13._o scandal_n or_o offence_n to_o the_o weak_a for_o the_o better_a and_o more_o easy_a attain_n of_o which_o end_n there_o be_v every_o where_o a_o exact_a regard_n to_o be_v have_v of_o the_o outward_a and_o the_o order_n 8._o order_n rom._n 12._o 17._o phil._n 4._o 8._o gravity_n and_o decorum_n which_o have_v be_v already_o long_o since_o receive_v also_o of_o divers_a place_n time_n and_o other_o circumstance_n and_o in_o particular_a the_o authority_n of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n wheresoever_o it_o may_v be_v have_v be_v for_o the_o public_a tranquillity_n and_o quiet_a of_o the_o church_n always_o to_o be_v heed_v or_o attend_v to_o in_o such_o case_n chap._n xxiv_o of_o church_n discipline_n 1._o but_o because_o no_o society_n although_o discipline_n the_o use_n and_o necessity_n of_o discipline_n never_o so_o well_o establish_v furnish_v and_o provide_v with_o good_a law_n can_v long_o subsist_v unless_o it_o be_v govern_v by_o certain_a reason_n counsel_n or_o advice_n and_o discipline_n whereby_o even_o they_o who_o belong_v thereunto_o may_v be_v continual_o keep_v in_o or_o hold_v to_o their_o duty_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o 21._o the_o 1_o tim._n 3._o 15._o eph._n 2._o 19_o 20_o 21._o house_n the_o etc._n the_o luk._n 12._o 40_o etc._n etc._n household_n the_o 3._o the_o heb._n 12._o 22._o rev._n 21._o 2_o 3._o city_n and_o 33._o and_o luk._n 1._o 33._o kingdom_n of_o god_n we_o judge_v it_o both_o most_o profitable_a and_o most_o meet_a or_o just_a that_o such_o a_o discipline_n as_o have_v be_v prescribe_v by_o our_o lord_n and_o thereof_o and_o mat._n 28._o 20._o a_o description_n thereof_o king_n shall_v flourish_v and_o be_v exercise_v therein_o 2._o and_o it_o consist_v in_o brotherly_a and_o mutual_a admonition_n in_o reprove_v and_o correct_v of_o those_o tot_fw-la those_o mat._n 18._o 15_o etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 5._o tot_fw-la who_o have_v fall_v into_o any_o sin_n which_o shall_v come_v to_o our_o knowledge_n but_o especial_o into_o any_o enormous_a crime_n or_o wickedness_n to_o the_o end_n indeed_o that_o they_o may_v speedy_o repent_v and_o amend_v or_o if_o have_v be_v admonish_v they_o nevertheless_o obstinate_o go_v on_o and_o refuse_v to_o repent_v in_o shun_v or_o avoid_v of_o they_o and_o withdraw_a ourselves_o from_o 20._o from_o 1_o thess_n 5._o 14._o 2_o thess_n 3._o 6_o 14_o 15._o 1_o tim._n 5._o 19_o 20._o all_o brotherly_a fellowship_n with_o they_o as_o those_o indeed_o who_o have_v now_o render_v themselves_o unworthy_a of_o the_o lovely_a name_n of_o brethren_n or_o of_o those_o who_o call_v upon_o the_o most_o holy_a name_n of_o christ_n and_o profess_v themselves_o the_o scholar_n or_o nurse-children_n of_o piety_n and_o sanctity_n and_o all_o this_o to_o this_o end_n that_o the_o religion_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n may_v not_o be_v evil_o speak_v of_o and_o receive_v any_o detriment_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o society_n but_o rather_o that_o the_o health_n and_o safety_n of_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o be_v procure_v and_o provide_v for_o 3._o and_o this_o discipline_n concern_v and_o minister_n 1._o the_o kind_n of_o discipline_n about_o or_o concern_v the_o minister_n take_v hold_v of_o both_o pastor_n and_o governor_n of_o church_n and_o also_o the_o sheep_n themselves_o or_o hearer_n the_o 17._o the_o act._n 20._o 28._o rom._n 12._o 6_o 7_o 8._o 1_o pet._n 5._o 1_o 2_o 3._o col._n 4._o 17._o pastor_n and_o ruler_n if_o in_o minister_a or_o
11._o own_o rom._n 16._o 17_o 18_o 2_o thess_n 3._o 6_o 14._o tit._n 3._o 10_o 11._o 3._o joh._n 10_o 11._o voluntary_a depart_n or_o separate_n from_o he_o with_o who_o they_o may_v no_o long_o live_v or_o converse_v as_o with_o a_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n so_o that_o the_o ruler_n or_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o so_o proper_o nor_o so_o much_o sever_v and_o separate_v the_o say_a person_n from_o themselves_o as_o they_o sever_v and_o separate_v themselves_o together_o with_o their_o people_n from_o he_o and_o that_o by_o the_o command_n of_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o their_o lord_n and_o can_v nor_o will_v not_o otherwise_o converse_v with_o he_o than_o with_o 17._o with_o mat._n 18._o 17._o a_o heathen_a and_o publican_n or_o with_o any_o public_a and_o profane_a sinner_n so_o long_o indeed_o as_o he_o shall_v continue_v impenitent_a 9_o wherefore_o they_o who_o exercise_n this_o error_n a_o confutation_n of_o a_o pernicious_a error_n same_o discipline_n not_o only_o with_o a_o fleshly_a power_n and_o coactive_a force_n but_o who_o do_v also_o extend_v it_o unto_o bodily_a and_o capital_a punishment_n especial_o under_o pretence_n and_o colour_n of_o heresy_n common_o so_o call_v they_o do_v arrogate_v and_o assume_v to_o themselves_o too_o great_a a_o power_n yea_o altogether_o unmeet_a and_o 55._o and_o mat._n 13._o 28_o 29_o 30._o gal._n 4._o 29._o luk._n 9_o 55._o unlawful_a yea_o further_o they_o do_v in_o deed_n and_o truth_n tot_fw-la truth_n 1_o thess_n 5._o 20_o 21._o 1_o cor._n 14._o per_fw-la tot_fw-la oppress_v the_o liberty_n of_o man_n conscience_n and_o of_o prophecy_n and_o do_v change_v this_o save_n and_o wholesome_a remedy_n in_o wisdom_n appoint_v by_o our_o saviour_n for_o the_o amendment_n of_o sinner_n into_o a_o most_o deadly_a poison_n and_o that_o which_o be_v design_v for_o their_o health_n and_o safety_n these_o man_n turn_v to_o their_o subversion_n and_o ruin_n wherefore_o also_o those_o who_o any_o way_n patronize_v or_o defend_v the_o kill_n of_o heretic_n or_o any_o the_o like_a etc._n like_a 2_o cor._n 10._o 3_o 4_o etc._n etc._n &_o 13._o 10._o eph._n 6._o 11_o etc._n etc._n tyranny_n or_o persecution_n for_o conscience_n sake_n we_o hold_v and_o judge_n that_o they_o be_v altogether_o estrange_v from_o and_o contrary_a to_o that_o most_o meek_a or_o mild_a spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o do_v also_o fight_v with_o unmeet_a and_o preposterous_a weapon_n against_o heresy_n and_o consequent_o do_v bring_v themselves_o under_o the_o guilt_n of_o a_o most_o heinous_a sin_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n chap._n xxv_o of_o synod_n or_o counsel_n and_o of_o their_o manner_n and_o use_n 1._o and_o thus_o indeed_o all_o particular_a synod_n the_o use_n and_o end_n of_o synod_n curche_n be_v take_v several_o or_o apart_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o their_o own_o minister_n that_o be_v by_o their_o own_o bishop_n and_o elder_n but_o if_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o any_o thing_n more_o hard_a than_o ordinary_a in_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n or_o rite_n proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o the_o church_n which_o may_v either_o concern_v all_o or_o at_o least_o many_o church_n shall_v happen_v or_o fall_v out_o to_o be_v dispute_v and_o debate_v then_o may_v synod_n or_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n profitable_o be_v appoint_v and_o hold_v and_o sometime_o ought_v and_o that_o after_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o they_o either_o great_a or_o lesser_a as_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o case_n shall_v seem_v to_o require_v they_o may_v we_o say_v profitable_o be_v appoint_v and_o hold_v if_o indeed_o a_o right_n and_o lawful_a order_n and_o manner_n be_v observe_v in_o they_o and_o chief_o if_o these_o follow_a article_n or_o head_n be_v diligent_o attend_v to_o and_o keep_v act._n 15._o 1._o etc._n etc._n 2._o i._n if_o in_o they_o both_o the_o truth_n and_o they_o their_o condition_n or_o the_o manner_n and_o order_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o they_o profitableness_n and_o necessity_n of_o all_o opinion_n or_o doctrine_n be_v nor_o examine_v and_o try_v by_o any_o humane_a etc._n humane_a gal._n 1._o 8_o 9_o act._n 17._o 11_o etc._n etc._n square_n or_o factitious_a i._n e._n make_v or_o devise_v rule_v whatsoever_o it_o be_v but_o only_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n ii_o if_o a_o full_a and_o plenary_a liberty_n be_v grant_v tot_fw-la grant_v 1_o thess_n 5_o 21._o 1_o joh._n 4._o 1._o act._n 17._o 2_o 3._o 1_o cor._n 14._o per_fw-la tot_fw-la to_o every_o one_o to_o speak_v his_o own_o opinion_n or_o judgement_n without_o scruple_n or_o fear_n of_o danger_n and_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o opinion_n of_o other_o and_o due_o to_o examine_v the_o whole_a matter_n that_o be_v in_o controversy_n iii_o if_o there_o be_v none_o admit_v in_o they_o but_o fit_a and_o meet_a man_n that_o be_v man_n skilful_a in_o divine_a thing_n etc._n thing_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 12_o etc._n etc._n &_o 6._o 3_o 4_o 11_o etc._n etc._n 2_o tim._n 2._o 2_o 14_o 24_o 25._o &_o 3._o 8_o 16._o &_o 4._o 3_o 4_o 5._o heb._n 4._o 14._o jam._n 3._o 13_o etc._n etc._n and_o who_o be_v mighty_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v between_o what_o be_v true_a &_o what_o be_v false_a &_o especial_o man_n pious_a prudent_a grave_a moderate_a studious_a or_o lover_n of_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o of_o peace_n as_o also_o true_o free_a and_o during_o the_o time_n of_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o controversy_n simple_o tie_v to_o none_o either_o person_n or_o church_n or_o confession_n etc._n etc._n but_o only_o to_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o sacred_a word_n last_o man_n free_a from_o all_o corrupt_a or_o perverse_a affection_n as_o wrath_n hatred_n partiality_n or_o abet_v of_o party_n iv_o if_o in_o they_o it_o be_v not_o precise_o or_o chief_o urge_v that_o controversy_n of_o faith_n be_v by_o any_o mean_n at_o lest_o whatsoever_o it_o matter_n not_o what_o right_a or_o wrong_n take_v away_o or_o remove_v or_o decide_v against_o one_o party_n or_o the_o other_o and_o that_o only_a for_o this_o end_n either_o to_o procure_v or_o preserve_v the_o outward_a quiet_a and_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v chief_o endeavour_v that_o etc._n that_o 2_o tim._n 2._o 2d_o mat._n 7._o 15._o &_o 16._o 12._o rom._n 16._o 17._o 2_o cor._n 11._o 13._o gal._n 5._o 11_o 12_o etc._n etc._n heresy_n schism_n and_o other_o such_o like_a public_a miscarriage_n and_o scandal_n be_v first_o and_o foremost_a keep_v out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o that_o be_v already_o bring_v in_o and_o so_o by_o that_o mean_v piety_n and_o truth_n as_o also_o liberty_n and_o christian_a charity_n may_v be_v always_o consult_v and_o provide_v for_o in_o they_o and_o therefore_o v._o if_o plain_a save_v and_o necessary_a truth_n be_v strait_o and_o close_o hold_v and_o retain_v in_o they_o and_o yet_o so_o as_o that_o for_o those_o that_o dissent_v and_o who_o be_v yet_o ignorant_a of_o the_o truth_n there_o be_v no_o danger_n create_v for_o they_o upon_o that_o account_n etc._n account_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 1_o 2._o &_o 10._o 4._o jam_fw-la 4._o 11_o 12_o 13._o 2_o tim._n 2._o 22._o 1_o pet._n 5._o 3._o col._n 3._o 12_o 13._o eph._n 4._o 1_o etc._n etc._n nor_o any_o force_n or_o violence_n do_v or_o offer_v to_o their_o conscience_n but_o that_o save_a truth_n be_v only_o press_v upon_o they_o by_o persuasion_n and_o reaonss_n and_o that_o with_o the_o great_a gentleness_n and_o meekness_n of_o mind_n and_o spirit_n imaginable_a and_o in_o other_o thing_n that_o a_o moderate_a liberty_n of_o dissent_v upon_o certain_a term_n and_o condition_n may_v remain_v safe_a &_o inviolate_a and_o the_o remedy_n of_o mutual_a peace_n and_o concord_n commodious_o seek_v out_o vi_o final_o if_o what_o be_v determine_v in_o they_o be_v always_o leave_v liable_a 21._o liable_a 1_o joh._n 4._o 1_o etc._n etc._n 1_o thess_n 5._o 19_o 20_o 21._o to_o a_o free_a examination_n and_o a_o further_o review_v afterward_o yea_o if_o it_o be_v serious_o will_v and_o command_v that_o all_o their_o decree_n be_v diligent_o examine_v and_o weigh_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o no_o man_n be_v envy_v and_o malign_v or_o at_o any_o time_n endanger_v for_o so_o do_v 3._o and_o in_o those_o synod_n next_o to_o or_o they_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o pious_a magistrate_n about_o they_o after_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n there_o ought_v also_o to_o intervene_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n as_o of_o a_o nurse_n father_n etc._n father_n isa_n 49._o 23_o etc._n etc._n &_o 60._o 1_o etc._n etc._n of_o the_o church_n if_o so_o be_v there_o be_v any_o such_o in_o the_o church_n as_o of_o one_o indeed_o who_o duty_n
it_o be_v after_o the_o example_n of_o godly_a king_n and_o prince_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n chief_o or_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o master-builder_n to_o moderate_v etc._n moderate_v joh._n 24._o 1_o etc._n etc._n 2_o king_n 23._o 19_o etc._n etc._n 2_o chton_n 17._o ●_o etc._n etc._n &_o 31._o 2_o etc._n etc._n the_o outward_a order_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o proterve_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n whole_a and_o entire_a therein_o and_o therefore_o as_o oft_o as_o need_n require_v himself_o to_o convocate_v or_o call_v synod_n together_o and_o in_o his_o place_n to_o preside_v in_o they_o to_o propound_v together_o with_o ecclesiastical_a person_n those_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v debate_v or_o treat_v of_o peaceable_o and_o soft_o to_o hear_v the_o judgement_n of_o all_o in_o general_n even_o of_o dissenter_n themselves_o to_o inquire_v diligent_o into_o the_o truth_n out_o of_o god_n word_n himself_o to_o collect_v the_o free_a vote_n of_o 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etc._n etc._n &_o 13._o 1_o etc._n etc._n &_o 20._o 7_o etc._n etc._n and_o always_o preserve_v inviolate_a the_o reverence_n that_o be_v due_a to_o superior_n do_v only_o for_o religion_n and_o conscience_n sake_n desire_v to_o assemble_v and_o meet_v together_o without_o or_o out_o of_o those_o public_a place_n which_o always_o remain_v subject_a to_o the_o magistrate_n right_a or_o power_n to_o wit_n book_n wit_n act._n 4._o 1_o etc._n etc._n &_o 5._o 17._o etc._n etc._n &_o 6._o 9_o etc._n etc._n and_o throughout_o the_o whole_a book_n by_o edict_n proscription_n incursion_n of_o soldier_n and_o other_o violent_a way_n of_o act_v but_o be_v bind_v to_o preserve_v unto_o they_o whole_a etc._n whole_a act._n 5._o 34_o etc._n etc._n &_o 18._o 12_o etc._n etc._n &_o 26._o 31_o 32_o etc._n etc._n and_o untouched_a their_o liberty_n of_o worship_v god_n in_o public_a and_o to_o take_v care_n and_o endeavour_v that_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n be_v maintain_v only_o by_o etc._n by_o 2_o cor._n 10._o 4_o 5._o eph._n 6._o 12_o etc._n etc._n spiritual_a weapon_n and_o persuade_v unto_o only_o by_o argument_n and_o reason_n lest_o otherwise_o he_o seem_v to_o desire_v to_o offer_v violence_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o subject_n and_o to_o suppress_v christian_a etc._n christian_a 1_o thess_n 5._o 19_o etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 14._o pe●_n tot_fw-la 2_o cor._n 1._o 24._o &_o 3._o 17._o &_o 4._o 2_o etc._n etc._n liberty_n and_o last_o to_o usurp_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n that_o be_v proper_a unto_o god_n and_o unto_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o conclusion_n and_o this_o at_o length_n be_v our_o judgement_n of_o all_o or_o at_o least_o of_o the_o chief_a article_n of_o christian_a religion_n whereby_o christian_a reader_n whoever_o you_o be_v you_o may_v easy_o understand_v and_o most_o clear_o see_v that_o we_o be_v free_a and_o clear_a from_o all_o those_o heresy_n schism_n and_o other_o noisome_a and_o ungodly_a opinion_n which_o have_v be_v hitherto_o by_o our_o adversary_n slanderous_o fasten_v upon_o we_o and_o that_o we_o do_v not_o dig_v up_o again_o or_o as_o they_o say_v hang_v up_o upon_o a_o new_a post_n or_o pole_n any_o erroneous_a opinious_a and_o such_o as_o have_v be_v condemn_v by_o the_o ancient_a and_o first_o professor_n of_o christianity_n also_o that_o we_o do_v not_o shake_v nor_o subvert_v those_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v at_o any_o time_n establish_v by_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o universal_a consent_n that_o we_o do_v not_o define_v nor_o obstinate_o and_o proud_o decide_v in_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v long_o since_o be_v dubious_o controvert_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o which_o make_v not_o great_o either_o for_o the_o promote_a of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n or_o of_o our_o own_o salvation_n or_o our_o neighbour_n final_o that_o we_o do_v not_o operous_o &_o subtle_o seatch_v into_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o reveal_v to_o we_o lest_o indeed_o we_o intrude_v our_o self_n into_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o most_o wise_a god_n will_v have_v to_o be_v keep_v secret_a but_o that_o we_o make_v this_o our_o only_a and_o sole_a endeavour_n that_o we_o may_v preserve_v whole_a and_o entire_a that_o truth_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n and_o which_o it_o concern_v we_o all_o solid_o for_o to_o know_v and_o that_o we_o every_o where_n pursue_v and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v promote_v those_o thing_n which_o make_v both_o for_o the_o maintain_n or_o cherish_v and_o promote_a of_o mutual_a peace_n and_o concord_n among_o christian_n always_o remember_v that_o advice_n of_o the_o apostle_n tit._n 3._o 8._o this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o these_o thing_n i_o will_v that_o thou_o constant_o affirm_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o they_o which_o have_v believe_v in_o god_n be_v careful_a to_o maintain_v or_o go_v before_o or_o excel_v other_o in_o good_a work_n for_o these_o be_v good_a excellent_a and_o profitable_a to_o for_o man_n and_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n elsewhere_o exhort_v unto_o follow_v you_o peace_n with_o all_o man_n and_o holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n heb._n 12._o 14._o in_o these_o two_o be_v place_v the_o chief_a glory_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n with_o these_o therefore_o hitherto_o we_o be_v whole_o take_v up_o but_o about_o thing_n unnecessary_a and_o not_o great_o profitable_a to_o salvation_n we_o be_v loath_a to_o draw_v to_o and_o fro_o the_o saw_n of_o contention_n and_o the_o mystery_n indeed_o that_o be_v sublime_a &_o abstruse_a we_o receive_v with_o a_o simple_a faith_n and_o free_a from_o all_o scrupulous_a subtilness_n of_o wit_n and_o reason_n nor_o but_o sober_o and_o spare_o and_o as_o one_o of_o the_o ancient_n be_v report_v not_o unfit_o to_o have_v say_v we_o handle_v not_o the_o burn_a iron_n without_o tongue_n and_o as_o for_o unprofitable_a speculation_n and_o vain_a nicety_n we_o keep_v at_o the_o far_a distance_n from_o they_o for_o that_o they_o rather_o gender_v or_o produce_v strife_n and_o question_n than_o godly_a edify_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 4._o concern_v thing_n indifferent_a as_o also_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n we_o light_o trouble_v no_o man_n so_o that_o the_o offend_n of_o the_o weak_a be_v diligent_o avoid_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o superstition_n careful_o provide_v against_o on_o the_o other_o final_o we_o direct_v all_o our_o study_n to_o this_o mark_n that_o we_o may_v hold_v forth_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v either_o necessary_a or_o very_o profitable_a to_o substantial_a piety_n and_o our_o own_o everlasting_a salvation_n and_o that_o in_o other_o thing_n we_o may_v willing_o and_o ready_o tolerate_v and_o bear_v with_o all_o that_o dissent_n from_o we_o and_o hearty_o follow_v maintain_v and_o cherish_v peace_n and_o concord_n in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n although_o in_o our_o opinion_n or_o judgement_n they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n which_o thing_n be_v so_o we_o earnest_o entreat_v and_o beseech_v you_o by_o the_o lord_n christian_a reader_n whoever_o you_o be_v that_o you_o will_v not_o give_v any_o room_n with_o yourself_o unto_o any_o suspicion_n to_o the_o contrary_a nor_o admit_v of_o the_o unjust_a accusation_n calumny_n and_o slander_n of_o our_o enemy_n or_o easy_o harken_v unto_o those_o who_o chief_a interest_n it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v evil_o speak_v of_o lest_o they_o shall_v seem_v to_o have_v condemn_v and_o banish_v we_o undeserved_o and_o as_o innocent_a but_o that_o have_v a_o careful_a regard_n to_o right_o and_o equity_n you_o will_v pass_v judgement_n of_o we_o according_a to_o this_o our_o confession_n and_o public_a declaration_n of_o our_o belief_n if_o in_o any_o thing_n haply_o you_o suppose_v or_o believe_v we_o to_o err_v instruct_v we_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o gentleness_n and_o meeekness_n which_o most_o high_o become_v the_o servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n we_o be_v ready_a in_o all_o place_n and_o at_o all_o time_n to_o yield_v to_o those_o who_o shall_v show_v we_o better_o and_o give_v place_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o be_v more_o precious_a to_o we_o than_o all_o thing_n else_o if_o at_o any_o time_n notwithstanding_o or_o in_o any_o place_n we_o dissent_v and_o differ_v in_o thing_n not_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v let_v we_o bear_v with_o one_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v mindful_a both_o of_o christian_a charity_n and_o prudence_n let_v we_o study_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o or_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n eph._n 4._o 3._o nevertheless_o in_o that_o whereunto_o by_o the_o help_n and_o guidance_n of_o christ_n we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o be_v alike_o mind_v or_o affect_v and_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n we_o be_v otherwise-minded_n god_n will_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o we_o phil._n 3._o 15_o 16._o grant_v he_o that_o we_o may_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o to_o his_o glory_n grow_v and_o make_v progress_n in_o true_a faith_n piety_n charity_n prudence_n gentleness_n meekness_n and_o other_o holy_a endowment_n and_o christian_a virtue_n and_o endeavour_v patient_o to_o bear_v with_o and_o gentle_o or_o mild_o to_o amend_v one_o another_o infirmitity_n error_n and_o fail_n that_o be_v 21._o eph._n 3._o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21._o root_v and_o ground_v in_o love_n we_o may_v be_v able_a together_o with_o all_o saint_n to_o apprehend_v what_o be_v that_o breadth_n and_o length_n and_o depth_n and_o height_n and_o that_o love_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o pass_v all_o understanding_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v fill_v even_o unto_o or_o with_o the_o whole_a fullness_n of_o god_n to_o he_o who_o with_o infinite_a redundancy_n be_v able_a to_o do_v above_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o ask_v or_o think_v according_a to_o that_o power_n which_o work_v in_o we_o to_o he_o we_o say_v be_v glory_n in_o the_o church_n by_o christ_n jesus_n throughout_o all_o age_n world_n without_o end_n amen_n finis_fw-la