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 which_o be_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 much_o indeed_o that_o wave_v and_o undervalue_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n they_o appeal_v unto_o they_o as_o the_o most_o certain_a square_n or_o level_n and_o unexceptionable_a rule_n and_o he_o that_o swerve_v but_o a_o finger_n breadth_n from_o they_o although_o move_v thereto_o out_o of_o a_o regard_n to_o the_o scripture_n be_v without_o any_o further_a proof_n accuse_v and_o condemn_v of_o heresy_n and_o though_o at_o the_o beginning_n and_o in_o the_o very_a cradle_n or_o infancy_n of_o form_n as_o they_o say_v it_o fall_v not_o out_o but_o also_o over_o and_o above_o by_o caution_n or_o restriction_n and_o protestation_n and_o other_o way_n of_o that_o kind_n they_o obviate_v and_o withstand_v the_o same_o yet_o in_o tract_n of_o time_n by_o little_a and_o little_a their_o authority_n prevail_v and_o increase_v and_o through_o secret_a increasing_n by_o interval_n and_o degree_n it_o be_v insensible_o establish_v and_o confirm_v until_o at_o length_n have_v spread_v its_o root_n deep_a it_o begin_v in_o a_o manner_n to_o overtop_n the_o very_a scripture_n so_o by_o this_o mean_n in_o process_n of_o time_n some_o ecumenical_a council_n and_o form_n of_o belief_n or_o general_a creed_n which_o be_v conceive_v and_o maintain_v in_o they_o begin_v to_o be_v so_o high_o value_v that_o a_o like_a and_o equal_a authority_n be_v give_v to_o they_o with_o the_o gospel_n themselves_o by_o the_o most_o of_o man_n yea_o further_o even_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v dispute_v &_o determine_v by_o one_o single_a augustine_n against_o pelagius_n at_o length_n in_o process_n of_o time_n be_v advance_v to_o that_o dignity_n and_o authority_n and_o that_o even_o among_o those_o who_o otherwise_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o set_v much_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o council_n and_o father_n that_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o condemn_v any_o one_o that_o teach_v in_o the_o church_n if_o his_o opinion_n only_o seem_v to_o come_v near_o to_o pelagius_n and_o that_o it_o do_v common_o so_o fall_v out_o in_o other_o question_n of_o faith_n and_o have_v fall_v out_o from_o every_o age_n past_o they_o do_v very_o specious_o affirm_v in_o brief_a these_o seem_v not_o to_o complain_v in_o vain_a that_o all_o form_n usual_o do_v together_o with_o their_o age_n receive_v the_o strength_n and_o increase_v oâ—_n too_o much_o authority_n and_o that_o howsoever_o oftentime_o they_o seem_v not_o open_o and_o manifest_o to_o be_v advance_v and_o promote_v to_o a_o unmeasurable_a greatness_n yet_o they_o become_v by_o degree_n not_o withstand_v even_o caution_n &_o protestation_n to_o the_o contrary_a notwithstanding_o the_o immutable_a canon_n of_o faith_n and_o at_o least_o secundary_a rule_n and_o level_n and_o that_o indeed_o by_o so_o secret_a and_o imperceptible_a motion_n and_o advance_n that_o they_o be_v find_v of_o a_o certain_a not_o to_o come_v but_o to_o have_v come_v nor_o to_o grow_v but_o to_o have_v grow_v to_o the_o top_n of_o more_o than_o humane_a authority_n and_o 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 scripture_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 also_o be_v interest_v therein_o dare_v either_o inquire_v into_o those_o form_n and_o examine_v the_o opinion_n that_o be_v contain_v in_o they_o by_o the_o standard_n of_o truth_n or_o if_o any_o one_o call_v upon_o for_o part_n and_o industry_n for_o that_o end_n shall_v inquire_v into_o they_o and_o in_o his_o judgement_n find_v some_o thing_n to_o be_v false_a he_o can_v without_o apparent_a danger_n publish_v and_o discover_v they_o for_o the_o amendment_n of_o other_o and_o that_o indeed_o by_o this_o mean_v such_o like_a form_n of_o confession_n and_o declaration_n do_v terminate_v in_o most_o rigid_a bond_n and_o more_o than_o adamantine_a fetter_n wherewith_o liberty_n together_o with_o truth_n be_v most_o strait_o tie_v up_o and_o that_o error_n which_o be_v once_o receive_v and_o admit_v become_v stable_n and_o firm_a yea_o eternal_a last_o they_o affirm_v that_o a_o large_a gap_n be_v open_v by_o these_o very_a confession_n and_o declaration_n for_o schism_n and_o separation_n because_o as_o they_o have_v be_v hitherto_o use_v they_o have_v be_v the_o open_a and_o public_a sign_n of_o dissension_n by_o which_o no_o otherwise_o then_o by_o certain_a partition-wall_n christian_n who_o ought_v to_o be_v most_o strict_o join_v together_o and_o who_o in_o very_a deed_n agree_v in_o the_o main_a of_o save_a doctrine_n be_v divide_v each_o from_o other_o whilst_o one_o indeed_o say_v i_o be_o of_o paul_n another_o 12._o i_o be_o of_o cephas_n another_o i_o be_o of_o apollo_n another_o i_o be_o of_o christ_n and_o every_o one_o believe_v that_o the_o purity_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o immortal_a life_n consist_v within_o his_o particular_a congregation_n so_o that_o whosoever_o belong_v not_o thereto_o he_o be_v almost_o judge_v altogether_o exclude_v out_o of_o heaven_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ._n whence_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o there_o arise_v and_o flow_v as_o it_o be_v from_o a_o continual_a spring_n perpetual_a and_o immortal_a hatred_n and_o division_n of_o mind_n and_o affection_n these_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v the_o chief_a answer_n prop_n on_o which_o the_o first_o and_o second_o sort_n rely_v and_o whereby_o they_o support_v their_o opinion_n specious_a indeed_o they_o be_v if_o view_v at_o first_o sight_n for_o that_o they_o make_v show_v of_o no_o ordinary_a zeal_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n word_n for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n for_o the_o peace_n and_o concord_n of_o church_n yet_o such_o as_o if_o more_o near_o look_v into_o have_v not_o appear_v to_o we_o of_o so_o great_a weight_n as_o that_o for_o their_o sake_n we_o shall_v deem_v ourselves_o bind_v to_o desist_v from_o our_o purpose_n of_o publish_v this_o declaration_n of_o we_o for_o doubtless_o they_o seem_v not_o undeserved_o to_o reprove_v so_o much_o the_o thing_n itself_o as_o the_o corruption_n and_o abuse_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o as_o a_o wen_n to_o a_o fair_a body_n oftentimes_o be_v wont_a to_o grow_v and_o cleave_v even_o unto_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v best_a and_o most_o sovereign_o wholesome_a in_o themselves_o
therefore_o eftsoon_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 jndice_n 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 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 â—rooked_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 this_o foundation_n therefore_o once_o right_o they_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 a_o liberty_n whereby_o any_o one_o may_v preserve_v safe_a the_o law_n of_o christian_a modesty_n charity_n and_o prudence_n without_o danger_n inquire_v into_o those_o form_n and_o without_o scruple_n contradict_v they_o that_o by_o this_o mean_n there_o may_v be_v always_o a_o manifest_a difference_n between_o they_o and_o the_o 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 all_o controversy_n and_o contradiction_n and_o that_o the_o conscience_n of_o believer_n be_v to_o be_v tie_v to_o it_o only_o and_o yet_o be_v not_o this_o liberty_n to_o be_v extend_v so_o far_o as_o to_o turn_v into_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 much_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 he_o who_o fasten_v it_o too_o straight_o all_o extreme_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 in_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 easy_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 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 danâ—er_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 every_o where_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 â—rablings_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 iâ—_n 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 offlint_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 obâ—rectations_n or_o backbiting_n out_o of_o the_o desk_n or_o pew_n to_o make_v a_o tumult_n among_o the_o rude_a common_a people_n or_o by_o public_a write_n to_o traduce_v and_o contumelious_o to_o provoke_v and_o inveigh_v against_o other_o will_v be_v next_o unto_o madness_n and_o most_o scandalous_a and_o dangerous_a nor_o indeed_o can_v the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o unnecessary_a truth_n ever_o do_v so_o much_o good_a as_o the_o importune_a and_o immmode_a inculcate_a or_o â—rging_v thereof_o may_v do_v harm_n and_o prejudice_n both_o public_o and_o private_o and_o thus_o far_o concern_v the_o first_o caution_n diligent_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o confession_n the_o second_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v conscience_n as_o to_o the_o right_a use_n of_o
obtain_v and_o have_v she_o be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o if_o indeed_o such_o a_o authority_n as_o this_o agree_v not_o with_o the_o very_a first_o primitive_a church_n itself_o much_o less_o ought_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o it_o belong_v to_o any_o church_n at_o this_o day_n or_o any_o indeed_o succeed_v that_o first_o and_o primitive_a one_o 9_o the_o doctrine_n therefore_o contain_v scripture_n in_o these_o book_n be_v of_o itself_o altogether_o authentic_a and_o indeed_o of_o authority_n divine_a and_o 1._o uncontrollable_a and_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o infallible_a veracity_n of_o god_n deserve_v altogether_o and_o challenge_v undoubted_a credit_n and_o belief_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o its_o autocratorical_a or_o absolute_a and_o supreme_a power_n most_o humble_a obedience_n from_o we_o and_o whatsoever_o 21._o doctrine_n or_o tradition_n want_v this_o privilege_n of_o be_v of_o a_o supreme_a and_o divine_a revelation_n it_o have_v not_o by_o any_o right_n either_o the_o same_o or_o the_o like_a authority_n with_o it_o much_o less_o that_o which_o either_o decree_v any_o thing_n else_o either_o contrary_a to_o it_o or_o diverse_a from_o it_o and_o that_o by_o a_o usurp_a authority_n 9_o or_o at_o least_o otherwise_o than_o be_v contain_v in_o write_v in_o these_o book_n command_v it_o to_o be_v declare_v or_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v believe_v upon_o the_o pain_n and_o peril_n of_o the_o loss_n of_o salvation_n since_o god_n can_v neither_o contradict_v himself_o and_o no_o authority_n either_o humane_a or_o angelical_a aught_o to_o be_v equal_v to_o the_o divine_a 10._o and_o now_o because_o such_o divine-like_a faith_n authority_n as_o this_o belong_v unto_o and_o agree_v with_o these_o very_a book_n only_o it_o be_v therefore_o even_o withal_o necessary_a that_o by_o they_o 11._o alone_o as_o by_o touchstone_n and_o firm_a and_o â—â—ovable_a rule_n we_o examine_v and_o try_v all_o controversy_n and_o debate_n in_o religion_n and_o by_o they_o only_o to_o reason_n discourse_n and_o judge_v of_o they_o and_o so_o to_o leave_v they_o to_o god_n alone_o and_o to_o jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o only_a supreme_a and_o infallible_a 8._o judge_n peremptory_o to_o be_v decide_v for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v any_o way_n god_n will_n and_o pleasure_n in_o the_o least_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v decide_v by_o any_o judicial_a or_o authoritative_a right_n by_o any_o visible_a judge_n and_o one_o ordinary_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n since_o it_o have_v please_v he_o to_o leave_v we_o in_o his_o word_n a_o rule_n only_a directive_n or_o to_o judge_n only_o 31._o directive_o by_o and_o not_o withal_o coactive_o or_o by_o way_n of_o constraint_n but_o that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o infallible_a judge_n always_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n he_o have_v no_o where_o signify_v nor_o have_v he_o in_o his_o word_n point_v out_o who_o he_o shall_v continual_o be_v but_o have_v express_o command_v all_o &_o every_o one_o alike_o on_o to_o search_v his_o law_n or_o judgement_n and_o statute_n to_o on_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n yea_o to_o try_v 21._o all_o thing_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o moreover_o have_v promise_v to_o such_o as_o search_v into_o his_o 2._o law_n and_o seek_v the_o understanding_n of_o they_o his_o grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n and_o 19_o those_o who_o have_v search_v the_o scripture_n and_o examine_v controversy_n of_o faith_n by_o they_o yea_o who_o have_v diligent_o try_v by_o the_o rule_n and_o square_n of_o the_o scripture_n those_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v speak_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o he_o have_v commend_v and_o praise_v they_o with_o singular_a eulogy_n 11._o therefore_o they_o who_o do_v free_o etc._n give_v themselves_o or_o suffer_v to_o be_v give_v by_o other_o this_o irrefragable_a authority_n of_o peremptory_o decide_v of_o difference_n and_o controversy_n of_o faith_n or_o religion_n either_o all_o or_o some_o either_o to_o some_o certain_a church_n or_o synod_n of_o doctor_n or_o to_o any_o society_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o or_o to_o any_o single_a person_n who_o also_o may_v be_v ungodly_a and_o profane_a as_o to_o a_o visible_a and_o speak_a etc._n judge_n and_o will_v have_v man_n conscience_n hâ—ld_a and_o bind_v by_o this_o decision_n they_o build_v upon_o no_o firm_a reason_n much_o less_o upon_o any_o divine_a authority_n nay_o rather_o they_o be_v to_o be_v think_v to_o do_v it_o against_o both_o the_o 5._o one_o and_o the_o other_o alike_o beside_o that_o they_o do_v by_o this_o mean_n great_o weaken_v and_o whole_o void_a that_o christian_a duty_n of_o search_v the_o scripture_n of_o try_v the_o spirit_n of_o prove_v all_o thing_n etc._n etc._n and_o withal_o both_o the_o necessity_n and_o advantage_n of_o pious_a and_o devout_a prayer_n 12._o for_o this_o therefore_o at_o least_o most_o error_n weighty_a and_o withal_o most_o just_a cause_n we_o suffer_v not_o ourselves_o in_o controversy_n indeed_o of_o religion_n &_o in_o the_o sacred_a concern_v or_o cause_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v press_v with_o the_o bare_a authority_n of_o man_n suppose_v with_o the_o gloss_n and_o opinion_n of_o the_o father_n as_o they_o be_v call_v the_o determination_n of_o council_n or_o synod_n the_o article_n of_o confession_n the_o placit_v or_o opinion_n of_o divine_n or_o the_o conclusion_n of_o university_n much_o less_o with_o long_a since_o receive_v custom_n or_o with_o the_o splendour_n and_o number_n or_o multitude_n of_o man_n of_o the_o same_o opinion_n or_o last_o prescription_n of_o a_o long_a time_n continuance_n etc._n etc._n for_o doubtless_o at_o this_o turn_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o mind_n what_o this_o or_o the_o other_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n or_o assembly_n of_o doctor_n though_o never_o so_o renown_v for_o their_o suppose_a learning_n and_o sanctity_n nor_o what_o this_o or_o that_o synod_n or_o particular_a church_n but_o what_o he_o who_o be_v before_o all_o and_o who_o alone_o can_v neither_o follow_v deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v say_v and_o prescribe_v in_o his_o word_n 13._o nor_o be_v it_o strange_a for_o in_o these_o very_a book_n be_v perfect_o contain_v a_o full_a and_o scripture_n more_o than_o sufficient_a revelation_n of_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n especial_o of_o those_o which_o be_v simple_o necessary_a for_o 21._o all_o man_n in_o general_a and_o every_o man_n in_o particular_a to_o know_v believe_v hope_v and_o do_v for_o to_o obtain_v everlasting_a salvation_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o one_o point_n no_o not_o the_o least_o requisite_a for_o the_o right_a information_n of_o faith_n or_o of_o a_o life_n please_v unto_o god_n precise_o necessary_a to_o be_v hold_v by_o any_o christian_a which_o be_v not_o abundant_o contain_v in_o these_o very_a sacred_a book_n etc._n and_o by_o thing_n necessary_a unto_o salvation_n we_o only_o understand_v those_o thing_n without_o which_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a for_o any_o man_n either_o to_o obey_v the_o commandment_n of_o jesus_n christ_n aright_o and_o as_o he_o ought_v or_o firm_o to_o believe_v his_o divine_a promise_n and_o which_o be_v therefore_o such_o that_o without_o a_o man_n be_v own_o manifest_a fault_n they_o can_v be_v deny_v unknown_a or_o call_v in_o question_n by_o he_o 14._o furthermore_o the_o 19_o perspicuity_n of_o thereof_o the_o say_a book_n although_o in_o some_o place_n especial_o to_o the_o unlearned_a and_o less_o exercise_v they_o be_v obscure_a or_o dark_a enough_o be_v so_o great_a especial_o in_o meaning_n necessary_a to_o be_v understand_v unto_o salvation_n that_o all_o that_o read_v they_o not_o only_o the_o learned_a but_o the_o ignorant_a also_o that_o be_v endue_v but_o with_o common_a sense_n and_o judgement_n may_v as_o far_o as_o be_v sufficient_a attain_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o they_o sobeit_v they_o suffer_v not_o themselves_o to_o be_v blind_v with_o prejudice_n vain_a confidence_n or_o other_o corrupt_a affection_n but_o search_v this_o scripture_n diligenr_o and_o devout_o which_o we_o believe_v be_v not_o only_o lawful_a for_o all_o 20._o though_o otherwise_o rude_a ignorant_a and_o of_o the_o common_a people_n or_o laic_n but_o also_o command_v and_o enjoin_v they_o of_o god_n and_o study_v to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o those_o phrase_n or_o manner_n of_o expression_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v most_o clear_a and_o significant_a at_o that_o time_n wherein_o those_o book_n be_v write_v and_o whilst_o the_o same_o idiom_n or_o propriety_n of_o speech_n yet_o flourish_v that_o such_o as_o these_o we_o say_v may_v from_o they_o abundant_o understand_v all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o true_a faith_n and_o godliness_n not_o only_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a but_o also_o under_o the_o very_a reason_n of_o their_o necessity_n towit_n that_o
the_o confession_n or_o declaration_n of_o the_o minister_n or_o pastor_n which_o in_o the_o unite_a province_n be_v call_v remonstrant_n concern_v the_o chief_a point_n of_o christian_a religion_n london_n print_v for_o francis_n smith_n at_o the_o elephant_n and_o castle_n in_o cornhill_n near_o the_o royal_a exchange_n 1676._o the_o content_n of_o the_o chapter_n  _fw-fr  _fw-fr page_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 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  _fw-fr  _fw-fr page_n 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 commandment_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  _fw-fr  _fw-fr  _fw-fr page_n  _fw-fr 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  _fw-fr  _fw-fr page_n 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  _fw-fr 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  _fw-fr of_o baptism_n 238_o  _fw-fr of_o the_o sacred_a supper_n of_o the_o lord_n 240_o  _fw-fr 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  _fw-fr 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 â—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 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 that_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 noâ—_n 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 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_n word_n of_o which_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o this_o â—ge_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 â—ight_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 â—y_a 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 propheâ—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 â—his_n very_o mean_v 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 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
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 â—eed_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 â—s_n by_o a_o bolt_n &_o bar_v firm_o set_v against_o those_o â—nfamous_a revile_n and_o slander_n to_o vindicate_v and_o approve_v or_o commend_v to_o all_o good_a man_n the_o integrity_n of_o their_o good_a â—ame_n and_o esteem_n and_o the_o innocency_n of_o their_o life_n especial_o if_o they_o see_v that_o unless_o they_o do_v it_o all_o good_a man_n even_o the_o best_a will_v be_v estrange_v from_o they_o the_o weak_a will_v be_v turn_v aside_o from_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n or_o else_o that_o no_o light_a scruple_n will_v be_v cast_v into_o their_o mind_n that_o a_o occasion_n will_v be_v give_v to_o many_o in_o other_o respect_n in_o no_o wise_a bad_a man_n to_o continue_v in_o their_o error_n or_o to_o return_v as_o it_o be_v to_o their_o vomit_n to_o their_o former_a filthiness_n which_o they_o have_v leave_v that_o their_o friend_n will_v be_v withdraw_v from_o all_o affection_n of_o goodwill_n towards_o they_o and_o violent_o deparate_v from_o their_o fraternity_n that_o more_o plenteous_a matter_n will_v be_v minister_v to_o their_o enemy_n and_o foe_n to_o calumniatc_n and_o consequent_o that_o through_o the_o side_n of_o their_o wrong_a reputation_n the_o truth_n of_o god_n will_v be_v wound_v and_o all_o their_o labour_n â—are_v industry_n and_o pain_n hitherto_o spend_v or_o further_o to_o be_v spend_v in_o the_o promote_a of_o the_o same_o will_v be_v render_v unprofitable_a and_o fruitless_a certain_o he_o that_o iâ—_n touch_v with_o any_o desire_n of_o the_o public_a good_a any_o care_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n anâ—_n desire_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o peace_n of_o thâ—_n church_n he_o can_v but_o believe_v and_o certain_o conclude_v that_o in_o such_o a_o case_n theâ—_n be_v some_o kind_n of_o necessity_n lay_v upon_o those_o man_n if_o they_o can_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o man_n of_o high_a degree_n and_o low_a degree_n require_v it_o even_o in_o conceive_a form_n of_o declaration_n to_o purge_v themselves_o from_o those_o false_a report_n and_o calumny_n and_o to_o testify_v to_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n their_o innocency_n nor_o indeed_o can_v it_o seeâ—_n sufficient_a for_o the_o wash_n away_o of_o thâ—_n say_v calumny_n if_o they_o contain_v themselves_o within_o the_o mere_a and_o bare_a expression_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o deliver_v their_o opinion_n or_o judgement_n in_o so_o man_n scripture-word_n and_o phrase_n for_o see_v that_o this_o very_a thing_n be_v charge_v up_o on_o they_o as_o a_o crime_n that_o under_o scripture-word_n they_o in_o their_o bosom_n cherish_v their_o worst_a meaning_n and_o most_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n 〈◊〉_d man_n &_o that_o they_o do_v upon_o occasion_n either_o ready_o seek_v after_o or_o offer_v by_o other_o disseminate_a or_o spread_v the_o same_o â—hen_o they_o perceive_v it_o be_v for_o their_o advantage_n very_o they_o be_v reduce_v to_o that_o necessity_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o as_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n the_o edify_n of_o the_o weak_a and_o the_o detection_n of_o calumny_n by_o that_o mean_n which_o seem_v â—est_n and_o most_o profitable_a that_o be_v by_o some_o public_a declaration_n of_o their_o judgement_n â—o_o purge_v themselves_o and_o to_o maintain_v and_o defend_v the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o belief_n which_o thing_n be_v so_o so_o far_o be_v it_o that_o confession_n or_o declaration_n of_o faith_n ought_v to_o seem_v hurtful_a or_o unprofitable_a of_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v sometime_o to_o be_v account_v of_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o useful_a vindication_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o â—n_o a_o manner_n necessary_a remedy_n of_o the_o great_a evil_n howbeit_o because_o such_o be_v either_o the_o they_o inconsiderateness_n or_o sloth_n or_o malice_n of_o the_o most_o of_o man_n that_o those_o thing_n which_o of_o themselves_o may_v be_v useful_a and_o pious_a document_n of_o our_o duty_n or_o most_o present_a remedy_n of_o great_a evil_n they_o suffer_v they_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o additional_a corruption_n and_o abuse_n by_o degree_n to_o become_v superstitious_a band_n of_o conscience_n and_o insensible_o to_o degenerate_v into_o idol_n and_o hurtful_a poison_n yea_o often_o they_o themselves_o turn_v they_o to_o the_o damage_n and_o detriment_n of_o the_o best_a thing_n we_o ought_v diligent_o to_o beware_v and_o endeavour_v with_o the_o great_a care_n that_o may_v be_v to_o vindicate_v such_o form_n from_o all_o manner_n of_o abuse_n and_o corruption_n and_o to_o inculcate_v and_o assert_v at_o all_o time_n their_o right_a and_o true_a use_n which_o we_o indeed_o believe_v may_v be_v commodious_o do_v if_o we_o have_v always_o these_o three_o thing_n before_o our_o eye_n and_o careful_o observe_v they_o first_o if_o in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o authority_n authority_n that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d unquestionable_a that_o be_v irrefragable_a and_o beyond_o all_o exception_n under_o any_o title_n pretence_n or_o show_v whatsoever_o either_o direct_o or_o indirect_o in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o religion_n give_v to_o these_o form_n nor_o suffer_v to_o be_v give_v they_o to_o wit_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o that_o the_o conscience_n of_o any_o shall_v be_v tie_v or_o oblige_v to_o the_o same_o as_o rule_n of_o faith_n either_o primary_n or_o secondary_a which_o indeed_o that_o it_o may_v be_v easy_o provide_v against_o be_v beyond_o all_o doubt_n if_o they_o be_v only_o have_v in_o that_o esteem_n and_o place_n as_o indeed_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v have_v to_o wit_n for_o bare_a exposition_n of_o our_o belief_n or_o for_o such_o form_n which_o do_v not_o define_v or_o determine_v what_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v for_o true_a or_o false_a what_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v or_o not_o to_o be_v believe_v after_o what_o manner_n any_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v express_v or_o utter_v but_o which_o only_o may_v make_v know_v and_o testify_v what_o they_o hold_v for_o true_a and_o false_a what_o they_o believe_v or_o do_v not_o believe_v how_o they_o express_v the_o meaning_n of_o their_o mind_n who_o own_o those_o form_n and_o declaration_n be_v for_o if_o they_o be_v have_v in_o no_o other_o account_n or_o great_a esteem_n there_o be_v no_o danger_n that_o their_o authority_n we_o say_v not_o shall_v be_v equal_v much_o less_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o scripture_n but_o that_o they_o find_v not_o indeed_o any_o place_n though_o the_o low_a in_o the_o church_n for_o doubeless_a as_o we_o have_v already_o say_v before_o they_o will_v not_o then_o be_v hold_v for_o square_n and_o rule_n of_o faith_n whereby_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n heresy_n or_o error_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v know_v and_o which_o be_v publish_v for_o that_o end_n that_o by_o they_o what_o be_v true_a or_o false_a may_v be_v know_v and_o discover_v or_o sound_a but_o only_o for_o bare_a signal_n and_o symbol_n or_o 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 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
of_o the_o scripture_n for_o see_v their_o truth_n both_o as_o to_o their_o sense_n manner_n of_o expression_n and_o method_n be_v to_o be_v assert_v and_o maintain_v from_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o yea_o see_v the_o say_v very_a â—orms_n do_v profess_v that_o all_o and_o every_o one_o may_v and_o ought_v free_o to_o do_v the_o same_o and_o consequent_o do_v remit_v or_o send_v we_o back_o from_o themselves_o to_o the_o scripture_n and_o express_o command_v we_o to_o appeal_v to_o they_o alone_o in_o all_o controversy_n whatsoever_o certain_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v think_v to_o confer_v unto_o the_o shake_n or_o subvert_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a to_o the_o establish_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n nor_o do_v they_o in_o the_o least_o prejudice_n the_o liberty_n of_o church_n since_o none_o be_v precise_o bind_v unto_o they_o yea_o seeing_z it_o be_v free_o grant_v to_o every_o one_o to_o try_v they_o by_o the_o standard_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n last_o see_v every_o one_o may_v without_o danger_n or_o fear_n contradict_v they_o sobeit_v only_o there_o be_v a_o careful_a regard_n have_v of_o prudence_n charity_n and_o modesty_n nor_o indeed_o do_v they_o open_v any_o gap_n to_o schism_n and_o separation_n for_o neither_o be_v he_o to_o be_v think_v to_o make_v a_o schism_n that_o join_v himself_o to_o those_o assembly_n wherein_o he_o see_v great_a purity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n to_o flourish_v and_o thrive_v sobeit_v he_o do_v not_o proud_o despise_v other_o assembly_n and_o forthwith_o judge_v they_o exclude_v out_o of_o heaven_n or_o from_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n who_o he_o see_v somewhat_o more_o estrange_v from_o his_o own_o society_n for_o christian_a peace_n and_o concord_n may_v continue_v entire_a yea_o and_o also_o ought_v among_o congregation_n divide_v and_o distinguish_v in_o or_o by_o opinion_n so_o that_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o we_o that_o all_o those_o who_o hitherto_o hold_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o do_v not_o obstinate_o press_v doctrine_n or_o opinion_n prejudicial_a to_o godliness_n do_v not_o agree_v together_o and_o embrace_v each_o other_o with_o mutual_a charity_n and_o brotherly_a love_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n but_o if_o we_o hinder_v those_o church_n from_o grow_v together_o and_o be_v consolidate_v into_o one_o body_n which_o may_v and_o ought_v to_o grow_v and_o be_v consolidate_v together_o or_o if_o be_v unite_v and_o join_v together_o we_o unnecessary_o divide_v they_o and_o separate_v they_o into_o party_n than_o indeed_o make_v we_o ourselves_o guilty_a of_o schism_n and_o deserve_v to_o be_v impeach_v with_o god_n of_o disturb_v peace_n and_o concord_n which_o be_v so_o true_a that_o the_o apostle_n seem_v noless_a to_o make_v or_o prove_v they_o guilty_a of_o schism_n who_o glory_v that_o they_o be_v of_o christ_n no_o less_o i_o say_v at_o least_o than_o other_o who_o say_v that_o they_o be_v of_o paul_n 12._o or_o of_o apollo_n or_o cephas_n for_o that_o those_o despise_v these_o in_o comparison_n of_o themselves_o and_o do_v as_o it_o be_v think_v it_o scorn_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v compare_v with_o they_o yea_o do_v reject_v they_o as_o it_o be_v stranger_n from_o christ._n insomuch_o that_o the_o desire_n of_o truth_n though_o the_o best_a and_o wholsome_a do_v not_o excuse_v any_o man_n from_o the_o crime_n of_o schism_n at_o least_o before_o god_n himself_o unless_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o true_a love_n of_o peace_n and_o concord_n and_o a_o endeavour_n after_o mutual_a good_a will_n for_o of_o so_o great_a price_n with_o god_n be_v the_o true_a peace_n and_o concord_n of_o his_o church_n that_o he_o be_v even_o displease_v with_o a_o seditious_a truth_n or_o a_o schismatical_a and_o turbulent_a manner_n of_o propagate_a the_o same_o and_o yet_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o it_o may_v abuse_n and_o do_v usual_o sometime_o fall_v out_o that_o in_o tract_n of_o time_n those_o like_a form_n obtain_v great_a veneration_n and_o honour_n than_o be_v meet_v and_o at_o length_n unless_o there_o be_v diligent_a provision_n make_v aforehand_o and_o the_o grow_a evil_a sedulous_o look_v unto_o or_o beware_v of_o do_v very_o easy_o degenerate_a into_o idol_n and_o band_n of_o conscience_n and_o ensign_n or_o badge_n of_o schism_n yet_o because_o all_o this_o be_v wont_a to_o fall_v out_o by_o accident_n we_o must_v not_o from_o thence_o make_v judgement_n of_o they_o see_v that_o be_v not_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o form_n themselves_o but_o of_o those_o who_o according_a to_o the_o preposterous_a diligence_n or_o rather_o malice_n of_o their_o own_o disposition_n do_v upon_o occasion_n abuse_v they_o and_o see_v the_o true_a value_n of_o thing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o right_n or_o perverse_a and_o ill_a use_n of_o they_o for_o he_o that_o be_v evil_a and_o imprudent_a may_v sometime_o abuse_v in_o the_o worst_a sort_n the_o very_o best_a thing_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o good_a and_o prudent_a man_n may_v use_v well_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v evil_a and_o hurtful_a in_o itself_o and_o improve_v it_o for_o a_o wholesome_a remedy_n at_o some_o turn_n furthermore_o in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o hardly_o fall_v out_o but_o that_o if_o such_o form_n of_o declaration_n be_v not_o sometime_o set_v forth_o a_o wide_a gap_n be_v open_v unto_o other_o miscarriage_n and_o inconvenience_n if_o not_o more_o grievous_a yet_o at_o least_o alike_o and_o equal_a and_o a_o way_n be_v easy_o pave_v unto_o a_o dissolute_a licentiousness_n of_o foolish_o vent_v every_o thing_n at_o lest_o no_o better_o than_o tyranny_n last_o see_v by_o that_o mean_n which_o we_o have_v speak_v of_o we_o may_v timous_o withstand_v those_o miscarriage_n and_o inconvenience_n which_o some_o think_v will_v arise_v from_o thence_o for_o if_o those_o who_o have_v think_v meet_a to_o set_v forth_o confession_n and_o declaration_n of_o their_o belief_n have_v always_o keep_v within_o the_o say_a use_n of_o they_o they_o have_v never_o have_v place_n give_v they_o for_o their_o excessive_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n but_o after_o that_o a_o exact_a account_n cease_v to_o be_v have_v thereof_o their_o authority_n begin_v by_o little_a and_o little_a and_o as_o it_o be_v by_o degree_n to_o be_v advance_v insomuch_o that_o the_o conscience_n eye_n tongue_n and_o pen_n of_o man_n become_v to_o depend_v on_o they_o as_o upon_o certain_a standard_n and_o undoubted_a rule_n of_o faith_n whence_o afterward_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o some_o by_o mean_n of_o they_o as_o it_o be_v by_o certain_a letter_n of_o herald_n at_o arm_n have_v denounce_v war_n against_o all_o other_o congregation_n and_o that_o they_o may_v have_v no_o hope_n of_o reconcilement_n leave_v they_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n thereby_o have_v be_v divide_v and_o separate_v one_o from_o another_o even_o as_o empire_n heretofore_o by_o boundary_n and_o enemy_n camp_n by_o trench_n and_o bulwark_n last_o which_o be_v the_o utmost_a line_n of_o tyranny_n that_o they_o have_v punish_v those_o who_o do_v contradict_v these_o form_n with_o force_n and_o sword_n and_o that_o with_o so_o great_a a_o zeal_n and_o heat_n yea_o fury_n that_o when_o profane_a person_n ungodly_a despiser_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o atheist_n be_v upon_o very_o easy_a term_n pardon_v these_o alone_o be_v destine_v to_o prison_n rack_n wheel_n gallow_n cross_n flame_n and_o all_o the_o most_o exquisite_a punishment_n and_o torment_n imaginable_a and_o all_o for_o this_o only_a end_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o form_n may_v be_v free_v from_o contradiction_n and_o vindicate_v from_o contempt_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n forsooth_o the_o outward_a peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o quiet_a of_o the_o commonwealth_n may_v be_v preserve_v undisturbed_a the_o which_o way_n of_o procedure_v as_o it_o 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 â—ndeed_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 â—â—ilt_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
they_o be_v necessary_a and_o as_o far_o as_o or_o how_o and_o upon_o what_o account_v they_o be_v so_o and_o that_o man_n honest_a 47._o teachable_a and_o true_o fear_v god_n do_v real_o most_o easy_o understand_v they_o 15._o but_o because_o there_o be_v very_o many_o even_o obscurity_n among_o christian_n who_o either_o do_v not_o at_o all_o or_o else_o not_o with_o sufficient_a etc._n attention_n read_v these_o book_n nor_o with_o care_n and_o judgement_n consider_v what_o they_o read_v or_o do_v not_o frequent_o as_o be_v meet_v pious_o implore_v the_o divine_a help_n and_o assistance_n or_o 14._o else_o be_v taint_v or_o fill_v with_o prejudice_n selfconfidence_n hatred_n envy_n ambition_n or_o other_o corrupt_a affection_n be_v employ_v in_o read_v of_o these_o book_n and_o then_o indeed_o next_o because_o even_o in_o these_o very_a book_n themselves_o we_o often_o meet_v with_o here_o and_o there_o as_o well_o thing_n as_o etc._n phrase_n peculiar_a to_o the_o say_v ancient_a time_n and_o also_o tropical_a and_o figurative_a manner_n of_o speech_n which_o at_o this_o time_n afford_v we_o some_o darkness_n and_o difficulty_n and_o which_o be_v such_o that_o unless_o one_o be_v solid_o instruct_v in_o all_o these_o or_o else_o bring_v with_o he_o a_o mind_n very_o docile_a honest_a and_o void_a of_o affection_n or_o partiality_n unto_o the_o judge_n or_o discern_v of_o they_o they_o may_v easy_o be_v wrest_v to_o a_o wrong_a sense_n yea_o to_o a_o perverse_a and_o such_o as_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o salvation_n from_o hence_o arise_v not_o only_o just_a reason_n alone_o that_o we_o interpretation_n may_v not_o treat_v of_o many_o other_o now_o why_o the_o 21._o interpretation_n and_o explication_n of_o the_o scripture_n profitable_o may_v yea_o and_o always_o aught_o to_o have_v its_o place_n allow_v it_o in_o the_o church_n 16._o but_o the_o best_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n scripture_n be_v that_o which_o most_o faithful_o express_v the_o native_a and_o literal_a sense_n thereof_o or_o at_o least_o come_v near_a to_o it_o as_o that_o alone_a which_o be_v the_o true_a and_o live_a 21._o word_n of_o god_n whereby_o as_o by_o incorruptible_a seed_n we_o be_v beget_v again_o unto_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n now_o we_o call_v the_o native_a and_o literal_a sense_n not_o so_o much_o that_o which_o the_o word_n proper_o take_v hold_v forth_o as_o indeed_o it_o very_o often_o fall_v out_o as_o that_o which_o though_o the_o word_n rige_o take_v do_v not_o insinuate_v or_o hint_n it_o yet_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o right_a reason_n and_o the_o very_a mind_n and_o intention_n of_o he_o that_o utter_v the_o word_n whether_o it_o be_v express_v proper_o or_o figurative_o the_o which_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v know_v and_o discover_v by_o the_o scope_n and_o occasion_n of_o every_o place_n also_o from_o the_o 15_o subject_a matter_n antecedent_n and_o consequent_n that_o be_v thing_n go_v before_o and_o follow_v also_o from_o compare_v of_o like_a place_n with_o like_a and_o from_o palpable_a absurdity_n otherwise_o like_a to_o follow_v and_o other_o argument_n of_o that_o kind_n or_o from_o the_o consideration_n and_o weigh_v of_o thing_n together_o 17._o but_o to_o desire_v to_o fetch_v or_o take_v this_o exposition_n from_o any_o other_o author_n head_n or_o fountain_n whatsoever_o to_o wit_n from_o any_o symbol_n or_o creed_n of_o man_n make_v or_o analogy_n of_o faith_n in_o this_o or_o that_o place_n receive_v or_o any_o public_a confession_n of_o church_n which_o we_o also_o before_o advise_v in_o our_o preface_n which_o we_o will_v never_o have_v at_o any_o time_n sever_v or_o divide_v from_o this_o our_o declaration_n or_o from_o the_o decree_n of_o council_n or_o consent_v of_o father_n one_o or_o other_o though_o even_o the_o most_o or_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v a_o thing_n too_o uncertain_a and_o oftentimes_o dangerous_a 18._o and_o yet_o do_v we_o not_o therefore_o light_o despise_v the_o pious_a probable_a or_o long-since_a objection_n receive_v interpretation_n of_o other_o especial_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n whether_o greek_n or_o latin_a much_o less_o so_o as_o proud_o or_o arrogant_o to_o reject_v their_o unanimous_a consent_n but_o we_o do_v then_o at_o length_n and_o that_o indeed_o modest_o recede_v from_o they_o when_o we_o find_v in_o our_o conscience_n that_o they_o allege_v thing_n alien_n from_o or_o not_o agreeable_a with_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o thing_n contrary_a to_o it_o nor_o do_v we_o think_v that_o we_o do_v by_o this_o mean_n do_v they_o any_o wrong_n since_o not_o only_o every_o of_o they_o apart_o but_o also_o the_o most_o of_o they_o joint_o yea_o all_o of_o they_o take_v together_o may_v in_o many_o thing_n err_v and_o themselves_o also_o have_v free_o acknowledge_v it_o of_o themselves_o with_o one_o accord_n and_o therefore_o do_v express_o forbid_v that_o their_o write_n be_v simple_o or_o without_o any_o more_o ado_n believe_v but_o desire_v that_o we_o at_o length_n so_o far_o approve_v of_o they_o as_o they_o agree_v with_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o we_o free_o reject_v they_o so_o far_o as_o they_o disagree_v with_o the_o same_o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n oâ—_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n 1._o furthermore_o our_o whole_a religion_n religion_n contain_v in_o these_o very_a book_n do_v brief_o consist_v in_o our_o right_a knowledge_n of_o the_o 9_o one_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n the_o mediator_n who_o he_o have_v send_v and_o in_o a_o lawful_a or_o due_a worship_n of_o both_o in_o or_o under_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o life_n eternal_a and_o immortal_a after_o death_n to_o be_v certain_o obtain_v and_o enjoy_v in_o the_o heaven_n according_a to_o the_o free_a promise_n of_o the_o same_o 2._o and_o that_o god_n may_v be_v right_o know_v and_o pious_o worship_v and_o that_o god_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n etc._n three_o thing_n offer_v themselves_o necessary_o to_o be_v consider_v and_o hold_v by_o we_o his_o nature_n work_n and_o will._n the_o nature_n indeed_o of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v understand_v that_o he_o be_v of_o or_o in_o himself_o most_o worthy_a to_o be_v worship_v of_o we_o his_o work_n that_o we_o may_v know_v that_o he_o may_v rightful_o and_o deferved_o require_v of_o we_o what_o manner_n of_o worship_n soever_o he_o please_v last_o his_o will_n that_o we_o may_v be_v clear_o convince_v that_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v of_o we_o and_o withal_o know_v after_o what_o manner_n he_o will_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v worship_v by_o we_o that_o we_o may_v assure_o hope_v for_o eternal_a salvation_n from_o he_o howbeit_o concern_v the_o necessary_a nature_n and_o work_n of_o god_n all_o those_o thing_n be_v not_o necessary_o to_o be_v hold_v which_o in_o every_o respect_n at_o lest_o whatsoever_o belong_v to_o the_o divine_a essence_n and_o all_o the_o mode_n or_o manner_n of_o its_o work_n and_o kind_n of_o operation_n much_o less_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o either_o according_a to_o the_o likely_a and_o specious_a placit_n of_o the_o school_n or_o from_o the_o probable_a discourse_n of_o reason_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v affirm_v of_o they_o but_o those_o only_a without_o which_o the_o divine_a will_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n either_o can_v be_v right_o understand_v or_o perform_v by_o god_n we_o since_o they_o only_o who_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o 6._o keep_v his_o commandment_n be_v every_o where_o in_o the_o scripture_n say_v true_o to_o know_v god_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o that_o do_v not_o the_o same_o be_v say_v not_o to_o know_v god_n so_o that_o that_o alone_o deserve_v to_o be_v call_v the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o god_n which_o be_v join_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n but_o other_o thing_n pertain_v hereunto_o although_o haply_o they_o may_v be_v profitable_a more_fw-mi or_o less_o either_o for_o the_o promote_a of_o piety_n or_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n and_o more_o happy_a compose_n of_o controversy_n of_o religion_n that_o may_v happen_v yet_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v hold_v for_o necessary_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n which_o we_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o without_o the_o loss_n of_o salvation_n 3._o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o god_n unto_o we_o under_o god_n a_o twofold_a consideration_n 1._o absolute_o and_o general_o in_o his_o essential_a attribute_n to_o wit_n whereby_o he_o do_v unfold_v or_o declare_v unto_o we_o 16._o his_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o glorious_a majesty_n common_a to_o the_o distinct_a or_o several_a person_n sofar_o as_o be_v requisite_a for_o our_o faith_n and_o salvation_n in_o this_o life_n 2._o distinct_o &_o relative_o in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o 7._o sacred_a trinity_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 root_v and_o ground_v in_o love_n we_o 21._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 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 objection_n of_o the_o first_o and_o second_o sort_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 12._o a_o general_a answer_n what_o be_v the_o true_a use_n and_o end_n of_o concession_n that_o they_o be_v not_o precise_o necessary_a that_o yet_o they_o be_v useful_a and_o lawful_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o they_o be_v sometime_o also_o necessary_a three_o remedy_n against_o the_o abuse_n of_o they_o of_o their_o true_a and_o false_a authority_n authority_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o their_o three-â—old_a abuse_n for_o a_o moderate_a liberty_n to_o examine_v they_o against_o the_o unbridled_a licentiousness_n of_o some_o nor_o band_n of_o conscience_n that_o they_o be_v not_o limit_n nor_o bound_n within_o which_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v shut_v up_o up_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o conclusion_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v 1_o cor._n 1_o 12._o of_o bâ—waring_v of_o a_o accidental_a abuse_n the_o scope_n of_o this_o confession_n against_o the_o calumny_n of_o some_o of_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o confession_n against_o the_o three_o sort_n of_o dissenter_n what_o head_n herâ—_n be_v chief_o expound_v and_o why_o 1_o john_n 2._o 4._o of_o the_o five_o controvert_v point_n in_o holland_n holland_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d against_o rash_a anathema_n gal._n 1._o 8._o 1_o cor._n 16._o 22._o mat._n 7._o 1._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 5._o a_o exhortation_n to_o the_o study_n of_o peace_n moderation_n and_o forbearance_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 23._o apoc._n 2._o 23._o jam._n 2._o 1._o ma._n 2._o 3._o 10._o 1_o tim._n 6._o 4_o 5._o phil._n 4._o 5._o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n be_v faith_n in_o god_n god_n heb._n 11._o 6._o 6._o â—_o mat._n 7._o 21._o gal._n 6._o 16._o 16._o heb_n 11._o 1_o joh._n 1._o 18._o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o godhead_n in_o the_o old_a &_o new_a testament_n testament_n heb._n 2._o 3_o 4._o deut._n 29._o per_fw-mi totum_fw-la act._n 2._o 22._o 1_o thes._n 1._o 5_o &_o 1_o joh._n 1._o 1_o 3._o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n testament_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 15_o 16_o 17._o 2_o pet._n 1._o 20_o 21._o 21._o luk._n 16._o 29._o &_o 24._o 27_o 45_o 46_o 47._o act._n 17._o 2_o 3_o &_o 24._o 14._o &_o 26._o 22_o 23._o rom._n 1._o 2._o the_o â—oâ—ks_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n testament_n luk._n 1._o 1_o 2_o 3._o joh._n 19_o 35._o &_o 20._o 31._o act._n 1._o 1._o &_o divers_a other_o place_n place_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 15_o 16._o 1_o thes._n 2._o 2._o &_o eâ—h_n 2._o &_o 3_o â—â—_o â—â—_o 2_o pet._n 3._o 1._o 1._o joh._n â—_o â—_o 〈◊〉_d 4._o 4._o rev._n 1._o 1._o &_o 12._o 18_o 19_o with_o other_o place_n the_o certainty_n of_o both_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n argument_n for_o the_o certainty_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n scripture_n act._n 5._o 11_o 13_o 14_o 15._o heb._n 2._o 3_o 4._o act._n 10._o 37_o 38_o 39_o 39_o act._n 2._o 14_o etc._n etc._n act._n 5._o 29_o 30_o 31_o 32._o 32._o mat._n 5._o 6_o 7_o 8._o chapter_n chapter_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 4._o heb_n 8._o 6._o 2_o cor._n 7._o 1._o 1._o rom._n 10._o 18._o 1_o cor._n 2._o 3_o 4._o 2_o cor._n 3._o throughâ—_n out_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o etc._n etc._n 2_o cor._n 6._o 4_o 5_o etc._n etc._n col._n 1._o 6._o 23._o act._n 5._o 14_o etc._n etc._n act._n 19_o 11_o 12._o and_o so_o follow_v a_o prolepsis_n or_o prevention_n and_o answer_v of_o a_o objection_n touch_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n church_n luk._n 1._o 1._o col._n 4._o 16._o 1_o thes._n 5._o 27._o and_o 2_o thes._n 3._o 17._o 17._o eph._n 2._o 20._o act._n 2._o 42._o &_o 1_o thes._n 2._o 13._o 13._o rom._n 10._o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o joh._n 10._o 3_o 4_o 27._o 1_o pet._n 1._o 23_o 24_o 25._o &_o chap._n 2._o 1_o 2_o 3_o etc._n etc._n the_o authority_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n scripture_n esa._n 1._o 2_o 3._o heb._n 1._o 1._o 1._o deut_n 4._o 2._o &_o 12._o 32_o 2_o tim._n 3._o 15._o 2_o pet._n 1._o 21._o 21._o mat._n 15._o 9_o &_o 16._o 6._o gal._n 1_o 8_o 9_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o controversy_n of_o faith_n faith_n isa._n 8._o 20._o act._n 17._o 11._o 11._o jam_fw-la 4._o 12._o maâ—_n 13_o 8._o 8._o psal._n 19_o 8_o 9_o &_o 119._o 105._o luk._n 16._o 29_o 31._o 31._o deut._n 6._o 6_o 7_o etc._n etc._n &_o chap._n 11._o 8._o &_o so_o on_o on_o 1_o joh._n 4._o 1._o &_o so_o on_o on_o 1_o thes._n 5._o 21._o 21._o prov._n 2._o 2_o 3_o 4_o etc._n etc._n &_o chap._n 3._o vers_fw-la 13._o &_o so_o on_o psal._n 1._o 2._o 2._o act_n 17._o 11._o 2_o pet._n 1._o 19_o and_o not_o the_o church_n or_o a_o synod_n etc._n etc._n etc._n see_v the_o place_n 〈…〉_z a_o little_o before_o 〈◊〉_d 8._o 20._o etc._n etc._n etc._n psal_n n_o 9_o 33_o &_o so_o on_o eph_n 1._o 16._o &_o so_o follow_v chap._n 314_o 15_o etc._n etc._n mat._n 7._o 7_o 8_o etc._n etc._n jam._n 1._o 5._o a_o exaâ—â—â—nation_n and_o conâ—â—tation_n of_o the_o contrary_a error_n mat._n 23._o 8_o 9_o rome_n 15._o 18_o gal._n 1._o 8._o and_o so_o follow_v the_o perfection_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n scripture_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 15_o 16_o &_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 23_o 24_o 25._o &_o 2_o pet_n 1_o 19_o 20_o 21._o 21._o rom._n 10._o 9_o etc._n etc._n mat._n 5_o 6_o 7_o ch_z through_o out_o heb._n 5._o 9_o gal._n 5._o 6._o &_o 6._o 15_o &_o 1_o joh._n 5._o 1._o etc._n etc._n etc._n psal._n 19_o 8_o etc._n etc._n psa._n 119._o 105_o 130._o 2_o cor._n 3._o 14_o 15_o etc._n etc._n &_o 4._o 3_o 4_o &_o â—_o pet._n 1._o 19_o the_o clearness_n and_o perspicuity_n thereof_o thereof_o joh._n 5._o 39_o 40._o 2._o pet._n 1._o 19_o luk._n 16._o 29._o etc._n etc._n 1_o thes._n 5._o 20._o 20._o psa._n 25._o 12_o 14._o joh._n 7._o 17._o &_o 8._o 47._o the_o cause_n of_o its_o obscurity_n obscurity_n job_n 3_o 18_o 19_o etc._n etc._n 〈◊〉_d 5._o 39_o 40_o &c_n &c_n &_o 12._o 39_o 40_o etc._n etc._n etc._n 2_o pet._n 3._o 16_o 2_o cor._n 3._o 14._o 14._o act_n 8._o 30_o 31_o etc._n etc._n &_o 18._o 24_o 25_o etc._n etc._n and_o of_o its_o interpretation_n interpretation_n 1_o cor._n 12_o 7_o 8_o etc._n etc._n chap._n 14._o throughout_o 1_o thess._n 5._o 20_o 21._o which_o be_v the_o best_a &_o sure_o sy_n explication_n of_o scripture_n scripture_n heb._n 4._o 12_o 13._o 1_o pet._n 1_o 23_o 24_o 25._o jam._n 1._o 18_o 21._o 21._o mat._n 4._o 4_o 5_o etc._n etc._n and_o ch_n 22._o 19_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 20_o 21._o 2_o cor._n 3._o 13_o 14_o 15_o a_o prolepsis_n or_o prevention_n of_o a_o objection_n the_o two_o chief_a head_n of_o religion_n religion_n joh._n 17._o 3._o 1_o john_n 2._o 23._o &_o chap_n 5._o 11_o 12._o &_o 2_o joh._n 9_o three_o thing_n to_o be_v know_v of_o god_n god_n heb._n 11._o 6_o 7_o etc._n etc._n act_v 14._o 15_o etc._n etc._n &_o ch_n 17._o 24_o etc._n etc._n but_o not_o equal_o or_o alike_o necessary_a a_o twofold_a knowledge_n of_o god_n god_n job_n 28._o 28._o jer._n 2._o 8._o &_o 22._o 16_o hoâ—_n 6._o 6._o tit._n 1._o 16._o 1_o joh._n 2_o 3_o 4_o etc._n etc._n and_o ch_n 3._o 6._o of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n god_n
form_n flow_v from_o the_o first_o if_o to_o wit_n there_o be_v not_o contrive_v of_o such_o form_n of_o confession_n and_o declaration_n certain_a spiritual_a bond_n stock_n and_o fetter_n whereunto_o the_o conscience_n tongue_n and_o pen_n of_o the_o declarer_n be_v not_o so_o tie_v and_o fasten_v that_o none_o may_v recede_v from_o the_o phrase_n thereof_o manner_n of_o speak_v order_z method_n etc._n etc._n but_o that_o he_o be_v also_o forthwith_o suspect_v and_o accuse_v of_o heterodoxie_n who_o be_v find_v to_o expound_v the_o divine_a scripture_n and_o sentiment_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n in_o other_o expression_n or_o other_o order_n or_o method_n then_o what_o be_v express_v in_o they_o i._n e._n in_o those_o form_n of_o confession_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v that_o liberty_n which_o so_o long_o as_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o sense_n or_o meaning_n themselves_o remain_v safe_a aught_o to_o continue_v whole_a and_o entire_a to_o all_o believer_n in_o their_o expound_v the_o scripture_n as_o they_o shall_v judge_n meet_v for_o the_o great_a furtherance_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o edify_v of_o church_n iâ—_n not_o only_o cast_v out_o of_o door_n and_o banish_v out_o of_o the_o church_n but_o also_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v secret_o and_o aâ—_n it_o be_v by_o mine_n supplant_v and_o overthrow_v by_o the_o same_o for_o it_o can_v hardly_o otherwise_o be_v but_o that_o where_o the_o expression_n of_o such_o form_n begin_v to_o be_v of_o morâ—_n account_n than_o those_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n itself_o there_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v by_o degree_n grow_v vile_a and_o sinâ—_n in_o estimation_n beneath_o those_o form_n and_o indeed_o if_o we_o will_v but_o mind_v it_o the_o chief_a and_o haply_o first_o step_n whereby_o humanâ—_n form_n ascend_v to_o the_o height_n of_o a_o usurp_a authority_n and_o majesty_n almost_o divine_a be_v this_o that_o at_o the_o first_o they_o at_o tribute_v to_o the_o phrase_n word_n order_n and_o method_n thereof_o more_o than_o be_v meet_v a_o if_o in_o they_o all_o sense_n to_o be_v believe_v hope_a and_o practise_v be_v more_o clear_o brief_o and_o substantial_o express_v thaâ—_n in_o those_o which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o scripture_n for_o from_o hence_o have_v the_o esteem_n of_o they_o by_o little_a and_o little_o be_v increase_v and_o that_o of_o the_o scripture_n lessen_v insomuch_o that_o according_a to_o the_o word_n phrase_n yea_o almost_o syllable_n and_o letter_n of_o the_o say_a form_n and_o according_a to_o the_o method_n and_o peculiar_a order_n of_o the_o same_o they_o begin_v to_o determine_v and_o declare_v touch_v the_o truth_n and_o falseness_n of_o almost_o all_o opinion_n and_o meaning_n as_o if_o that_o can_v not_o be_v true_a which_o do_v not_o exact_o and_o in_o every_o thing_n agree_v with_o they_o and_o as_o if_o he_o can_v not_o be_v free_a from_o heresy_n or_o at_o least_o from_o error_n and_o falsehood_n who_o shall_v though_o never_o so_o modest_o contradict_v they_o or_o go_v but_o a_o straw_n breadth_n from_o they_o yea_o that_o shall_v not_o almost_o swear_v unto_o the_o word_n thereof_o the_o which_o pernicious_a abuse_n and_o so_o manifest_a a_o corruption_n and_o inconvenience_n to_o withstand_v and_o prevent_v we_o ought_v at_o all_o time_n earnest_o and_o almost_o only_o to_o inculate_a or_o repeat_v that_o such_o form_n of_o declaration_n be_v not_o make_v for_o that_o end_n for_o to_o teach_v that_o the_o sense_n or_o meaning_n of_o christian_a religion_n may_v or_o ought_v most_o commodious_o to_o be_v express_v in_o this_o order_n in_o this_o method_n in_o these_o phrase_n or_o manner_n of_o speak_v and_o not_o in_o other_o but_o that_o in_o or_o by_o they_o they_o may_v be_v express_v right_o and_o commodious_o enough_o or_o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o very_a man_n that_o make_v such_o confession_n they_o be_v very_o exact_o and_o true_o contain_v in_o they_o for_o so_o to_o use_v they_o will_v not_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o absolute_a necessity_n but_o of_o mere_a liberty_n and_o he_o that_o use_v they_o will_v indeed_o do_v well_o and_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o be_v judge_v to_o do_v ill_o that_o use_v they_o not_o especial_o if_o he_o receive_v the_o sum_n of_o save_a doctrine_n deliver_v in_o they_o and_o do_v not_o condemn_v those_o who_o in_o this_o point_n dissent_v up_o the_o three_o thing_n which_o flow_v from_o those_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v already_o speak_v of_o necessary_a unto_o the_o right_a use_n of_o form_n be_v this_o that_o these_o form_n be_v not_o at_o any_o time_n hold_v for_o limit_n and_o bound_n within_o which_o religion_n and_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v believe_v in_o such_o manner_n to_o consist_v as_o if_o they_o who_o can_v in_o conscience_n assent_v to_o they_o or_o give_v their_o voice_n for_o they_o be_v therefore_o exclude_v from_o salvation_n and_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n far_o be_v that_o from_o we_o who_o firm_o believe_v that_o christian_n may_v unwitting_o err_v in_o many_o thing_n without_o the_o loss_n of_o salvation_n and_o who_o judge_n that_o there_o be_v very_o few_o thing_n that_o be_v precise_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v for_o the_o obtain_n eternal_a life_n wherefore_o that_o we_o may_v demonstrate_v that_o this_o proud_a cruelty_n be_v exceed_v far_o from_o we_o we_o do_v open_o show_v and_o declare_v that_o form_n of_o confession_n and_o declaration_n be_v to_o be_v have_v in_o no_o other_o respect_n or_o account_n than_o for_o certain_a ensign_n and_o standard_n set_v up_o whereby_o they_o declare_v who_o set_v they_o foâ—th_n that_o they_o judge_v that_o those_o sense_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o those_o form_n do_v come_v very_o near_o the_o truth_n and_o therefore_o unless_o they_o be_v teach_v better_a do_v hearty_o desire_v and_o wish_v that_o all_o other_o that_o be_v desirous_a of_o truth_n and_o peace_n will_v embrace_v they_o not_o indeed_o proper_o for_o this_o end_n that_o so_o at_o length_n they_o may_v be_v save_v but_o that_o they_o may_v withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o danger_n of_o err_v to_o the_o great_a distance_n may_v be_v for_o neither_o aught_o it_o to_o seem_v enough_o to_o a_o christian_a to_o make_v towards_o eternal_a salvation_n by_o every_o mean_n and_o in_o every_o way_n whatsoever_o the_o safe_a and_o sure_a be_v to_o be_v choose_v except_o haply_o a_o just_a fear_n of_o some_o great_a danger_n or_o scandal_n in_o the_o church_n hinder_v the_o same_o for_o the_o good_a of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o of_o a_o immortal_a life_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o so_o great_a price_n with_o he_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o hate_v and_o careful_o to_o shun_v all_o danger_n which_o may_v turn_v away_o or_o withdraw_v his_o mind_n from_o embrace_v the_o same_o nor_o have_v he_o any_o reason_n to_o fear_v that_o he_o do_v therefore_o abet_v and_o patronize_v schism_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v a_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n for_o if_o he_o haply_o depart_v from_o some_o congregation_n to_o other_o he_o do_v not_o forthwith_o contemn_v those_o which_o he_o leave_v or_o judge_v they_o as_o exclude_v from_o the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n but_o only_o go_v from_o those_o that_o be_v more_o impure_a to_o those_o that_o be_v more_o pure_a that_o he_o may_v show_v that_o he_o have_v a_o care_n and_o tender_a regard_n of_o every_o truth_n any_o way_n serve_v to_o his_o own_o salvation_n and_o approve_v his_o conscience_n unto_o god_n and_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n nevertheless_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o he_o do_v his_o endeavour_n sedulous_o to_o maintain_v peace_n and_o concord_n with_o all_o that_o be_v true_o pious_a as_o faâ—_n as_o be_v possible_a and_o to_o testify_v his_o moderation_n or_o 〈◊〉_d aequanimity_n to_o all_o that_o be_v good_a and_o indeed_o if_o form_n of_o confession_n and_o declaration_n be_v draw_v up_o with_o these_o say_v bound_n and_o as_o it_o be_v sacred_a limit_n oâ—_n their_o right_a use_n they_o will_v be_v judge_v noâ—_n only_o not_o unlawful_a or_o hurtful_a but_o on_o thâ—_n contrary_v most_o peofitable_a and_o wholesome_a to_o the_o christian_a commonwealth_n yea_o and_o also_o sometime_o necessary_a from_o whence_o they_o who_o will_v have_v they_o not_o only_o not_o necessary_a but_o unprofitable_a and_o consequent_o unlawful_a and_o hurtful_a be_v worthy_a to_o be_v think_v to_o cast_v a_o uncivil_a reproach_n upon_o they_o for_o so_o far_o be_v they_o â—f_v themselves_o from_o derogate_a any_o thing_n from_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v from_o their_o perfection_n and_o clearness_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o true_a authority_n thereof_o be_v no_o less_o confirm_v and_o establish_v by_o they_o than_o by_o prophesying_n or_o exposition_n