there_o be_v no_o first_o nor_o last_v for_o they_o be_v all_o three_o one_o in_o truth_n in_o power_n in_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n ix_o all_o this_o we_o know_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o also_o from_o the_o operation_n of_o they_o and_o chief_o by_o those_o which_o we_o feel_v in_o ourselves_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o teach_v we_o to_o believe_v this_o holy_a trinity_n be_v hold_v forth_o in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v needless_a to_o sum_n up_o only_o to_o select_v they_o distinct_o and_o judicial_o in_o genes_n 1_o 26._o god_n say_v let_v we_o make_v man_n in_o our_o image_n after_o our_o likeness_n etc._n etc._n and_o us._n 27._o so_o god_n create_v man_n in_o his_o own_o image_n male_a and_o female_a create_v he_o they_o and_o gen._n 3_o 22._o behold_v the_o man_n be_v become_v as_o one_o of_o we_o from_o thence_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v more_o than_o one_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n when_o he_o say_v let_v we_o make_v man_n in_o our_o image_n and_o he_o point_v at_o the_o singleness_n when_o he_o say_v god_n create_v it_o be_v very_o true_a he_o do_v not_o say_v how_o many_o person_n there_o be_v but_o that_o which_o seem_v obscure_a unto_o we_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v very_o plain_a in_o the_o new_a for_o when_o our_o lord_n be_v baptize_v in_o jordan_n the_o voice_n of_o the_o father_n be_v hear_v say_v this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n the_o son_n be_v see_v in_o the_o water_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v himself_o manifest_a in_o the_o shape_n of_o a_o dove_n likewise_o in_o the_o baptism_n of_o believer_n this_o form_n be_v institute_v by_o christ_n baptise_v all_o nation_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o st_n luke_n the_o angel_n gabriel_n speak_v to_o mary_n the_o mother_n of_o our_o lord_n after_o this_o manner_n the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v come_v upon_o thou_o and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o high_a shall_v over_o shadow_n thou_o therefore_o also_o that_o holy_a thing_n which_o shall_v be_v bear_v of_o thou_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god._n at_o another_o place_n it_o be_v say_v the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v with_o you_o there_o be_v three_o that_o bear_v record_n in_o heaven_n the_o father_n the_o word_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o these_o three_o be_v one_o in_o all_o these_o place_n we_o be_v full_o teach_v that_o there_o be_v three_o person_n in_o one_o sole_a divine_a be_v and_o tho'_o this_o doctrine_n far_o surpass_v the_o understanding_n of_o man_n we_o nevertheless_o now_o believe_v the_o same_o through_o the_o word_n wait_v until_o we_o shall_v enjoy_v the_o complete_a knowledge_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o in_o heaven_n further_o more_o we_o must_v consider_v the_o particular_a office_n and_o operation_n of_o these_o three_o person_n towards_o we_o the_o father_n be_v call_v our_o creator_n by_o his_o power_n the_o son_n be_v our_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n by_o his_o blood_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v our_o sanctifier_n by_o his_o dwell_n in_o our_o heart_n this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n have_v always_o be_v assent_v and_o maintain_v by_o the_o true_a church_n eversince_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n hitherto_o against_o the_o jew_n mahometans_n and_o some_o false_a christian_n and_o heretic_n as_o martion_n manes_n praxeas_n sabellius_n samosatenus_fw-la arrius_n and_o some_o other_o who_o have_v just_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o holy_a father_n therefore_o in_o this_o point_n we_o do_v willing_o receive_v the_o three_o symbol_n of_o the_o faith_n viz_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n of_o nicaea_n and_o of_o athanasius_n and_o also_o that_o which_o conformable_a there_o unto_o be_v agree_v upon_o by_o the_o ancient_n x._o we_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n according_a to_o his_o divine_a nature_n be_v the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n bear_v from_o eternity_n not_o make_v nor_o create_v for_o then_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o creature_n but_o coessential_a with_o the_o father_n also_o coeternall_a the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o father_n substance_n and_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o glory_n equal_a with_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n who_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n not_o only_o from_o the_o time_n that_o he_o have_v take_v upon_o he_o our_o nature_n but_o from_o all_o eternity_n as_o these_o testimony_n teach_v we_o when_o compare_v together_o moses_n say_v that_o god_n have_v create_v the_o world_n and_o st._n john_n say_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v create_v by_o that_o word_n which_o he_o call_v god_n the_o apostle_n say_v that_o god_n have_v make_v the_o time_n by_o his_o son_n also_o that_o god_n create_v all_o thing_n through_o jesus_n christ_n then_o consequent_o he_o that_o be_v call_v god_n the_o word_n the_o son_n and_o jesus_n christ_n must_v needs_o have_v be_v before_o if_o so_o be_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v create_v by_o he_o and_o therefore_o say_v the_o prophet_n micah_n his_o go_n forth_o have_v be_v from_o of_o old_a from_o everlasting_a and_o the_o apostle_n that_o he_o have_v neither_o begin_n of_o day_n nor_o end_n of_o life_n then_o he_o be_v the_o true_a everlasting_a god_n the_o omnipotent_a who_o we_o adore_v worship_n and_o serve_v xi_o we_o believe_v and_o confess_v also_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n proceed_v from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n from_o everlasting_a not_o be_v make_v nor_o create_v nor_o bear_v but_o only_o proceed_v from_o both_o who_o be_v in_o order_n the_o three_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n coessential_a and_o equal_a in_o majesty_n and_o glory_n with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n be_v true_a and_o eternal_a god_n as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v teach_v we_o xii_o we_o believe_v that_o the_o father_n by_o his_o word_n that_o be_v by_o his_o son_n have_v create_v out_o of_o nothing_o the_o heaven_n the_o earth_n and_o all_o creature_n when_o it_o seem_v good_a unto_o he_o give_v unto_o every_o creature_n its_o be_v shape_n and_o form_n and_o several_a office_n to_o serve_v his_o creator_n that_o he_o do_v also_o up_o hold_v and_o govern_v they_o according_a to_o his_o eternal_a providence_n and_o infinite_a power_n for_o the_o service_n of_o mankind_n that_o so_o man_n may_v serve_v his_o god._n he_o have_v also_o create_v the_o angel_n good_a for_o to_o be_v his_o messenger_n and_o minister_n unto_o his_o elect_a some_o of_o which_o be_v fall_v from_o that_o excellency_n in_o which_o god_n create_v they_o into_o everlasting_a destruction_n and_o other_o have_v keep_v steadfast_a by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o their_o primitive_a state_n the_o devil_n and_o evil_a spirit_n be_v so_o far_o corrupt_v that_o they_o be_v become_v enemy_n unto_o god_n and_o every_o good_a thing_n lay_v in_o wait_n to_o the_o utmost_a off_o their_o power_n like_o robber_n and_o murderer_n for_o the_o church_n and_o every_o member_n thereof_o for_o to_o spoil_v and_o destroy_v all_o by_o their_o deceit_n and_o so_o they_o be_v condemn_v by_o their_o own_o wickedness_n unto_o eternal_a damnation_n daily_o expect_v their_o horrible_a torment_n therefore_o we_o reject_v and_o abhor_v the_o error_n of_o the_o sadducee_n who_o deny_v the_o existency_n of_o spirit_n and_o angel_n as_o also_o the_o error_n of_o the_o manichee_n who_o affirm_v that_o the_o original_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v out_o of_o themselves_o inasmuch_o that_o they_o be_v evil_a by_o their_o own_o nature_n without_o have_v be_v corrupt_v xiii_o we_o believe_v that_o the_o same_o good_a god_n after_o have_v create_v all_o thing_n have_v not_o dismiss_v they_o nor_o give_v they_o up_o to_o chance_n or_o fortune_n but_o govern_v and_o rule_v they_o according_a to_o his_o holy_a will_n not_o suffer_v any_o thing_n to_o fall_v out_o in_o this_o world_n without_o his_o direction_n nevertheless_o god_n be_v neither_o author_n nor_o guilty_a of_o any_o sin_n that_o be_v commit_v for_o his_o power_n and_o goodness_n be_v so_o large_a and_o incomprehensible_a that_o he_o operate_v and_o act_v all_o his_o work_n just_o even_o then_o when_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o wicked_a do_v act_v injust_o and_o as_o to_o his_o act_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o surpass_v the_o understanding_n of_o man_n we_o will_v not_o be_v to_o nice_a in_o search_v any_o further_a than_o our_o capacity_n will_v admit_v but_o we_o do_v humble_o adore_v with_o all_o due_a respect_n and_o humility_n the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n which_o be_v hide_v from_o we_o content_v ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v disciple_n of_o christ_n only_o for_o to_o learn_v those_o thing_n which_o
the_o confession_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o the_o netherlands_o with_o the_o form_n which_o they_o use_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n the_o exercise_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n the_o confirmation_n of_o ecclesiastical_a officer_n minister_n elder_n and_o deacon_n the_o celebration_n of_o marriage_n before_o the_o church_n translate_v out_o of_o dutch_a into_o english_a amsterdam_n print_v by_o the_o widow_n of_o steven_n swart_a 1689._o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n revise_v in_o the_o nationall_n synod_n last_o hold_v at_o dordrecht_n in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 1618._o and_o 1619._o the_o i_o article_n we_o all_o do_v believe_v with_o the_o heart_n and_o confess_v with_o the_o mouth_n that_o there_o be_v one_o only_o and_o single_a spiritual_n be_v which_o we_o call_v god_n everlasting_a incomprehensible_a invisible_a unchangeable_a infinite_a almighty_a perfect_o wise_a just_a good_a and_o a_o superabounding_a fountain_n of_o all_o good_a ii_o we_o know_v he_o by_o two_o mean_n first_o by_o the_o creation_n and_o maitaning_n and_o govern_v of_o the_o whole_a world_n see_v it_o be_v before_o our_o eye_n as_o a_o fair_a book_n in_o which_o all_o the_o creature_n both_o great_a and_o small_a be_v as_o character_n show_v unto_o we_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n viz._n his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n as_o st._n paul_n say_v rom._n 1.20_o all_o which_o thing_n be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v mankind_n and_o to_o leave_v they_o without_o excuse_n second_o he_o make_v himself_o know_v unto_o we_o more_o plain_o and_o full_o by_o his_o holy_a and_o divine_a word_n to_o wit_n as_o much_o as_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o in_o this_o life_n to_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o people_n iii_o we_o confess_v that_o this_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o send_v nor_o produce_v by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o god_n afterward_o by_o a_o special_a care_n which_o he_o take_v for_o we_o and_o our_o salvation_n command_v his_o servant_n the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n to_o write_v down_o his_o manifest_a word_n and_o he_o himself_o write_v with_o his_o own_o finger_n the_o two_o table_n of_o the_o law._n therefore_o we_o call_v such_o write_n holy_a and_o divine_a scripture_n iv_o we_o comprehend_v the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o the_o two_o volume_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v canonical_a book_n without_o all_o contradiction_n these_o be_v sum_v up_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n after_o this_o manner_n the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v the_o five_o book_n of_o moses_n viz._n genesis_n exodus_fw-la leviticus_n number_n deuteronome_n the_o book_n of_o joshua_n judge_n ruth_n two_o book_n of_o samuel_n and_o two_o book_n of_o the_o king_n two_o book_n of_o the_o chronicle_n the_o first_o book_n of_o ezra_n nehemiah_n esther_n job_n the_o psalm_n of_o david_n the_o three_o book_n of_o solomon_n viz._n the_o proverb_n ecclesiaste_n and_o the_o song_n the_o four_o great_a prophet_n viz._n isaiah_n jeremiah_n ezekiel_n and_o daniel_n and_o the_o other_o twelf_n lesser_a prophet_n viz._n hosea_n joel_n amos_n obadiah_n 〈◊〉_d micah_n nahum_n habbakuk_n zephaniah_n haggai_n zechariah_n malachi_n those_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o four_o evangelist_n viz._n matthew_n mark_n luke_n john_n the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o fourteen_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n viz._n to_o the_o roman_n two_o to_o the_o corinthian_n to_o the_o galatian_n to_o the_o ephesian_n to_o the_o philippian_n to_o the_o colossian_n two_o to_o the_o thessalonian_o two_o to_o timothy_n to_o titus_n to_z philemon_z to_o the_o hebrew_n the_o seven_o epistle_n of_o the_o other_o apostle_n viz._n the_o epistle_n of_o james_n the_o two_o epistle_n of_o peter_n the_o three_o epistle_n of_o john_n the_o epistle_n of_o judas_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o apostle_n john._n v._o these_o book_n only_o we_o receive_v as_o holy_a and_o canonical_a to_o the_o regulate_v ground_v and_o confirm_v of_o our_o faith_n believe_v without_o any_o doubt_n all_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o they_o not_o so_o much_o because_o the_o church_n do_v receive_v and_o take_v they_o for_o such_o but_o more_o especial_o because_o the_o holy_a ghost_n bear_v witness_n in_o our_o heart_n that_o they_o be_v from_o god_n see_v they_o carry_v the_o evidence_n of_o it_o along_o with_o they_o for_o the_o very_a blind_a be_v able_a to_o perceive_v the_o fulfil_n of_o those_o matter_n that_o be_v fore_o tell_v in_o the_o same_o vi_o we_o distinguish_v those_o holy_a book_n from_o the_o apocryphal_a viz._n the_o three_o and_o four_o book_n of_o ezdras_n the_o book_n of_o toby_n and_o judith_n the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n jesus_n syrach_n baruch_n the_o appendix_n to_o the_o book_n of_o esther_n the_o prayer_n of_o the_o three_o man_n in_o the_o fire_n the_o history_n of_o susanne_n that_o of_o the_o image_n of_o bell_n and_o the_o dragon_n the_o prayer_n of_o manasse_n the_o book_n of_o the_o macchabee_n all_o which_o the_o church_n may_v read_v and_o take_v instruction_n out_o of_o they_o in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o do_v agree_v with_o the_o canonical_a book_n but_o they_o have_v not_o such_o a_o power_n and_o efficacy_n as_o to_o confirm_v by_o any_o of_o their_o testimony_n any_o point_n of_o the_o faith_n or_o christian_a religion_n much_o less_o to_o detract_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o other_o holy_a book_n vii_o we_o believe_v that_o these_o holy_a scripture_n do_v full_o contain_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o that_o every_o thing_n which_o a_o man_n ought_v to_o believe_v unto_o salvation_n be_v sufficient_o teach_v in_o the_o same_o for_o because_o the_o whole_a manner_n of_o service_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o be_v write_v down_o in_o they_o at_o large_a it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o any_o one_o tho'_o a_o apostle_n to_o teach_v otherwise_o then_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n nay_o though_o it_o be_v a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n as_o st_n paul_n say_v for_o see_v it_o be_v forbid_v to_o add_v unto_o or_o take_v away_o any_o thing_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o do_v evident_o appear_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o be_v very_o perfect_a and_o complete_a in_o all_o respect_n neither_o ought_v we_o to_o compare_v the_o writing_n of_o any_o man_n tho'_o never_o so_o holy_a unto_o those_o divine_a scripture_n nor_o the_o custom_n with_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n for_o the_o truth_n be_v above_o all_o nor_o the_o great_a multitude_n nor_o antiquity_n nor_o succession_n of_o time_n or_o person_n nor_o counsel_n or_o decree_n for_o all_o man_n be_v natural_o liar_n and_o more_o vain_a than_o vanity_n itself_o therefore_o we_o reject_v with_o our_o very_a heart_n every_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o this_o infallible_a rule_n as_o the_o apostle_n have_v teach_v we_o say_v try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god._n and_o if_o there_o come_v any_o unto_o you_o and_o bring_v not_o this_o doctrine_n receive_v he_o not_o into_o your_o house_n viii_o according_a to_o this_o truth_n and_o this_o word_n of_o god_n we_o believe_v in_o one_o only_a god_n who_o be_v one_o single_a be_v which_o be_v three_o person_n in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o from_o everlasting_a distinguish_v according_a to_o their_o incommunicable_a attribute_n viz._n the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o father_n be_v the_o cause_n the_o original_n and_o the_o beginning_n of_o all_o thing_n both_o visible_a and_o invisible_a the_o son_n be_v the_o word_n the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o image_n of_o the_o father_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o eternal_a strength_n and_o power_n proceed_v from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son._n nevertheless_o god_n be_v not_o by_o this_o distinction_n divide_v into_o three_o since_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v teach_v we_o that_o the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n each_o of_o they_o have_v his_o substance_n distinguish_v by_o their_o attribute_n but_o thus_o that_o these_o three_o person_n be_v but_o one_o only_a god_n hence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o father_n be_v not_o the_o son_n and_o that_o the_o son_n be_v not_o the_o father_n and_o that_o neither_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o father_n nor_o the_o son._n howbeit_o these_o person_n thus_o distinguish_v be_v not_o divide_v nor_o mix_v together_o for_o the_o father_n have_v not_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o flesh_n neither_o have_v the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v it_o but_o only_o the_o son_n the_o father_n have_v never_o be_v without_o his_o son_n or_o without_o his_o holy_a ghost_n for_o they_o be_v all_o three_o coeternall_a and_o coessential_a
body_n and_o although_o he_o fasten_v immortality_n upon_o it_o by_o his_o resurrection_n yet_o he_o have_v not_o change_v the_o reality_n of_o his_o humane_a nature_n because_o our_o salvation_n and_o resurrection_n also_o depend_v from_o the_o reality_n of_o his_o body_n but_o these_o two_o nature_n be_v unite_v so_o close_o in_o one_o person_n that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v separate_v even_o by_o his_o death_n therefore_o that_o which_o at_o his_o die_a he_o commit_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o father_n be_v a_o real_a humane_a spirit_n depart_v from_o his_o body_n nevertheless_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v always_o unite_v with_o the_o humane_a even_o when_o he_o lay_v in_o the_o grave_a and_o the_o godhead_n do_v not_o cease_v in_o he_o no_o more_o than_o when_o he_o be_v a_o little_a child_n tho'_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v so_o manifest_o for_o a_o while_n therefore_o we_o confess_v he_o to_o be_v real_a god_n and_o real_a man_n real_a god_n for_o to_o overcome_v death_n by_o his_o power_n and_o real_a man_n that_o by_o the_o infirmity_n of_o his_o flesh_n he_o may_v die_v for_o we_o xx_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n who_o be_v perfect_o merciful_a and_o just_a have_v send_v his_o son_n for_o to_o take_v upon_o he_o that_o nature_n in_o which_o the_o disobedience_n be_v commit_v that_o so_o in_o it_o he_o may_v give_v satisfaction_n for_o and_o suffer_v the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n by_o his_o severe_a suffering_n and_o death_n thus_o god_n have_v exercise_v his_o justice_n against_o his_o son_n when_o he_o lay_v our_o sin_n upon_o he_o and_o have_v pour_v forth_o his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n on_o we_o who_o be_v guilty_a and_o worthy_a of_o condemnation_n in_o give_v his_o son_n up_o unto_o death_n through_o a_o perfect_a love_n and_o raise_v he_o up_o to_o our_o justification_n that_o so_o by_o he_o we_o may_v obtain_v immortality_n and_o life_n eternal_a xxi_o we_o believe_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v a_o everlasting_a highpriest_n with_o and_o after_o the_o order_n of_o melchisedec_n have_v propose_v himself_o in_o our_o name_n to_o the_o father_n for_o to_o allay_v his_o anger_n with_o full_a satisfaction_n offer_v himself_o up_o unto_o the_o cross_n and_o shed_v his_o precious_a blood_n to_o the_o cleanse_n of_o our_o sin_n as_o the_o prophet_n have_v foretold_v for_o it_o be_v write_v that_o the_o punishment_n be_v lay_v upon_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v have_v peace_n and_o be_v heal_v by_o his_o wound_n that_o he_o be_v bring_v to_o death_n like_o a_o lamb_n be_v reckon_v among_o the_o malefactor_n that_o he_o be_v condemn_v as_o a_o malefactor_n by_o pontius_n pilate_n although_o he_o find_v he_o not_o guilty_a thus_o he_o have_v pay_v for_o that_o which_o he_o do_v not_o rob_v and_o suffer_v though_o just_a for_o the_o un_fw-mi just_o both_o in_o body_n and_o soul_n feel_v the_o horrible_a punishment_n which_o our_o sin_n deserve_v inasmuch_o that_o his_o sweat_n become_v like_v unto_o drop_n of_o blood_n fall_v upon_o the_o ground_n he_o cry_v my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o suffer_v all_o this_o for_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n therefore_o we_o say_v right_a well_o with_o saint_n paul_n that_o we_o do_v not_o know_v anything_o save_v christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v we_o count_v all_o thing_n but_o dung_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n we_o find_v all_o manner_n of_o consolation_n in_o his_o wound_n and_o we_o have_v no_o need_n to_o seek_v or_o invent_v any_o other_o mean_n to_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n but_o this_o one_o sacrifice_n once_o offer_v up_o through_o which_o the_o believer_n become_v perfect_a for_o ever_o this_o also_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o he_o be_v call_v by_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n jesus_n that_o be_v saviour_n because_o he_o shall_v save_v his_o people_n from_o their_o sin_n xxii_o we_o believe_v that_o for_o the_o attain_n to_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o this_o mystery_n the_o holy_a ghost_n kindle_v in_o our_o heart_n a_o sincere_a belief_n which_o embrace_v jesus_n christ_n with_o all_o his_o merit_n and_o own_v he_o seek_v nothing_o beside_o he_o for_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o either_o every_o thing_n which_o be_v require_v to_o our_o salvation_n be_v not_o in_o christ_n jesus_n or_o if_o all_o thing_n be_v in_o he_o than_o he_o who_o enjoy_v christ_n by_o faith_n must_v have_v his_o salvation_n entire_o now_o to_o say_v that_o christ_n be_v not_o sufficient_a but_o that_o there_o want_v something_o beside_o he_o will_v be_v to_o gross_a a_o blasphemy_n for_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o christ_n be_v but_o half_a a_o saviour_n therefore_o we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o say_v with_o st._n paul_n that_o we_o be_v justify_v only_o by_o faith_n or_o by_o faith_n without_o work_n yet_o to_o speak_v more_o proper_o we_o do_v not_o mean_v the_o faith_n to_o be_v that_o by_o which_o we_o be_v justify_v for_o it_o be_v but_o a_o instrument_n by_o which_o we_o embrace_v christ_n our_o righteousness_n but_o jesus_n christ_n impute_v we_o all_o his_o merit_n and_o so_o many_o holy_a work_n as_o he_o have_v do_v for_o we_o and_o in_o our_o room_n be_v our_o righteousness_n and_o faith_n be_v a_o instrument_n by_o which_o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o all_o his_o good_n which_o be_v become_v we_o be_v more_o than_o sufficient_a to_o the_o absolve_v we_o of_o our_o sin_n xxiii_o we_o believe_v that_o our_o happiness_n consist_v in_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n for_o jesus_n christ_n sake_n and_o that_o our_o righteousness_n before_o god_n be_v contain_v therein_o as_o david_n and_o st._n paul_n do_v teach_v we_o declare_v this_o to_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o man_n that_o god_n impute_v he_o the_o righteousness_n without_o work_n and_o the_o same_o apostle_n say_v that_o we_o be_v justify_v free_o or_o through_o grace_n by_o the_o redemption_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o therefore_o we_o do_v always_o lay_v hold_n of_o this_o foundation_n give_v all_o glory_n unto_o god_n and_o humble_v and_o acknowledge_v ourselves_o to_o be_v such_o as_o realy_a we_o be_v without_o boast_v of_o any_o thing_n out_o of_o ourselves_o or_o our_o own_o merit_n but_o only_o rely_v on_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n the_o crucify_a which_o be_v we_o if_o we_o believe_v in_o he_o be_v sufficient_a to_o hide_v all_o our_o iniquity_n and_o to_o give_v we_o boldness_n to_o free_v the_o conscience_n from_o terror_n astonishment_n and_o fear_n to_o approach_v unto_o god_n without_o do_v like_o our_o first_o father_n adam_n who_o tremble_v cover_v himself_o with_o figleaf_n and_o true_o if_o we_o be_v to_o appear_v before_o god_n rely_v upon_o ourselves_o or_o any_o other_o creature_n though_o never_o so_o little_a alas_o we_o will_v be_v devour_v and_o therefore_o every_o one_o ought_v to_o say_v with_o david_n lord_n do_v not_o enter_v into_o judgement_n with_o thy_o servant_n for_o no_o live_a creature_n will_v be_v justify_v before_o thou_o xxiv_o we_o believe_v that_o this_o true_a faith_n be_v wrought_v in_o man_n by_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v regenerate_v and_o change_v he_o into_o a_o new_a man_n by_o which_o he_o come_v to_o live_v a_o new_a life_n and_o be_v make_v free_a from_o the_o bondage_n of_o sin_n this_o justify_v faith_n therefore_o be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v man_n grow_v cold_a in_o a_o honest_a and_o holy_a life_n that_o without_o it_o they_o will_v never_o do_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o love_n unto_o god_n but_o only_o out_o of_o love_n unto_o themselves_o and_o for_o fear_n of_o be_v damn_v it_o be_v therefore_o impossible_a that_o this_o holy_a faith_n shall_v be_v unfruitful_a in_o man_n for_o we_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o a_o vain_a belief_n but_o of_o such_o a_o one_o which_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v call_v a_o faith_n that_o work_v by_o love_n and_o stir_v man_n to_o the_o excercise_n of_o those_o work_n which_o god_n have_v command_v in_o his_o word_n which_o work_v if_o they_o proceed_v from_o the_o good_a root_n of_o faith_n be_v good_a and_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n because_o they_o be_v sanctify_v by_o his_o grace_n in_o the_o mean_a while_o they_o be_v of_o no_o account_n towards_o our_o justification_n for_o it_o be_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n that_o we_o be_v justify_v even_o before_o we_o do_v any_o good_a work_n otherwise_o they_o can_v not_o be_v good_a no_o more_o than_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o tree_n can_v be_v good_a before_o the_o tree_n itself_o be_v good_a thus_o we_o do_v good_a work_n but_o not_o for_o any_o merit_n for_o what_o can_v we_o merit_v nay_o we_o be_v behold_v
how_o that_o we_o three_o several_a time_n have_v propound_v unto_o you_o the_o name_n of_o our_o fellow_n brother_n n._n here_o present_a to_o see_v if_o there_o be_v any_o body_n who_o have_v any_o thing_n against_o he_o either_o in_o doctrine_n or_o life_n whereby_o he_o may_v be_v hinder_v from_o be_v confirm_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n see_v now_o that_o no_o body_n have_v show_v any_o lawful_a exception_n against_o his_o person_n therefore_o be_v we_o now_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o proceed_v to_o his_o confirmation_n for_o which_o cause_n you_o n._n and_o all_o you_o who_o be_v present_a be_v to_o hearken_v to_o ashort_a declaration_n touch_v the_o institution_n and_o work_n of_o the_o pastor_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n where_o in_o the_o first_o place_n you_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o god_n our_o heavenly_a father_n have_v purpose_v to_o call_v and_o assemble_v out_o of_o sinful_a mankind_n a_o church_n to_o everlasting_a life_n use_v here_o unto_o out_o of_o his_o singular_a grace_n the_o ministry_n of_o man_n therefore_o say_v paul_n that_o christ_n have_v give_v some_o to_o be_v apostle_n some_o to_o be_v prophet_n some_o evangelist_n some_o pastor_n and_o doctor_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o his_o service_n namely_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n out_o of_o which_o we_o see_v that_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o among_o other_o the_o pastor_n office_n be_v a_o institution_n of_o christ_n now_o what_o belong_v to_o his_o holy_a office_n we_o can_v easy_o see_v out_o of_o the_o very_a name_n give_v unto_o it_o for_o as_o the_o charge_n of_o a_o common_a shepherd_n be_v to_o feed_v the_o flock_n commit_v unto_o his_o charge_n to_o lead_v rule_n and_o protect_v the_o same_o so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o spiritual_a pastor_n which_o be_v set_v over_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o god_n esteem_v as_o sheep_n of_o his_o pasture_n the_o pasture_n wherewith_o these_o sheep_n be_v to_o be_v feed_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o the_o service_n of_o prayer_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n the_o same_o word_n of_o god_n be_v also_o the_o staff_n wherewith_o the_o flock_n be_v lead_v and_o rule_v consequent_o the_o office_n of_o the_o pastor_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n consist_v here_o in_o first_n that_o they_o faithful_o propound_v the_o word_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o apply_v the_o same_o both_o in_o general_a and_o particular_a to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o hearer_n instruct_v admonish_a comfort_v and_o reprove_v according_a to_o every_o one_o necessity_n preach_v conversion_n to_o god_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o he_o through_o faith_n in_o christ_n as_o also_o refute_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n all_o error_n and_o heresy_n which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o sound_v doctrine_n all_o this_o be_v plain_o discover_v unto_o we_o in_o holy_a scripture_n for_o the_o apostle_n paul_n say_v that_o these_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o elsewhere_o he_o say_v that_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o a_o pastor_n must_v hold_v fast_o that_o faithful_a and_o sincere_a word_n which_o be_v according_a to_o doctrine_n and_o divide_v it_o aright_o also_o he_o that_o prophecy_v that_o be_v who_o teach_v god_n word_n speak_v to_o edification_n admonition_n and_o consideration_n in_o another_o place_n he_o do_v put_v himself_o as_o a_o pattern_n to_o pastor_n declare_v that_o he_o open_o and_o in_o house_n have_v teach_v and_o testify_v the_o conversion_n to_o god_n and_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n but_o we_o read_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n a_o true_a description_n of_o the_o office_n and_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o cor._n 5._o wherein_o the_o apostle_n speak_v after_o this_o manner_n all_o thing_n be_v of_o god_n who_o have_v reconcile_v we_o to_o himself_o through_o jesus_n christ_n and_o have_v give_v to_o we_o namely_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o pastor_n the_o ministry_n of_o reconciliation_n to_o wit_n that_o god_n be_v in_o christ_n reconcile_a the_o world_n unto_o himself_o not_o impute_v their_o trespass_n unto_o they_o and_o have_v commit_v to_o we_o the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n now_o then_o we_o be_v ambassador_n for_o christ_n as_o though_o god_n do_v beseech_v you_o by_o we_o we_o pray_v you_o in_o christ_n stead_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god._n touch_v refutation_n of_o unsound_a doctrine_n say_v the_o apostle_n to_o titus_n chap._n 1._o vers_fw-la 6._o that_o a_o minister_n must_v hold_v fast_o the_o faithful_a word_n of_o god_n that_o he_o may_v be_v able_a by_o sound_a doctrine_n to_o convince_v the_o gainsayer_n second_o the_o office_n of_o the_o pastor_n be_v public_o to_o invocate_v the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o whole_a assembly_n for_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v we_o will_v give_v ourselves_o to_o prayer_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n the_o same_o be_v common_a to_o these_o pastor_n with_o the_o apostle_n to_o which_o end_n the_o apostle_n paul_n thus_o exhort_v timothy_n wherefore_o i_o exhort_v that_o supplication_n prayer_n intercession_n and_o give_v of_o thank_n be_v make_v for_o all_o man_n for_o king_n and_o for_o all_o in_o authority_n three_o their_o order_n be_v to_o administer_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v ordain_v and_o institute_v as_o a_o seal_n of_o his_o grace_n as_o appeareth_z out_o of_o the_o commandment_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o his_o apostle_n and_o in_o they_o to_o all_o the_o pastor_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o like_a manner_n i_o receive_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o which_o i_o also_o deliver_v unto_o you_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o the_o night_n etc._n etc._n four_o the_o office_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n be_v to_o keep_v the_o church_n in_o good_a discipline_n and_o to_o rule_v they_o after_o that_o manner_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v ordain_v for_o christ_n have_v speak_v of_o christian_a reproof_n say_v thus_o to_o his_o apostle_n what_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o paul_n will_v have_v minister_n to_o be_v able_a to_o govern_v their_o own_o house_n well_o because_o otherwise_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o govern_v well_o the_o church_n of_o god._n for_o this_o cause_n also_o the_o pastor_n be_v call_v householder_n of_o god_n and_o bishop_n that_o be_v overseer_n and_o watchman_n for_o they_o have_v the_o inspection_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n wherein_o they_o converse_v to_o the_o end_n that_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n and_o that_o they_o open_v and_o shut_v with_o the_o key_n commit_v unto_o they_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n according_a to_o the_o charge_n give_v unto_o they_o of_o god._n out_o of_o these_o thing_n it_o do_v appear_v what_o a_o honourable_a work_n the_o pastoral_n office_n be_v see_v that_o such_o great_a thing_n be_v do_v by_o the_o same_o yea_o how_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o man_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n also_o why_o god_n will_v have_v this_o office_n always_o to_o remain_v for_o thus_o speak_v christ_n to_o his_o apostle_n when_o he_o send_v they_o abroad_o to_o exercise_v this_o function_n loe_o i_o be_o with_o you_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n where_o we_o see_v that_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n be_v that_o this_o holy_a office_n shall_v be_v keep_v and_o maintain_v always_o upon_o earth_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o those_o person_n to_o who_o he_o speak_v can_v not_o live_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o paul_n exhort_v timothy_n that_o he_o will_v commend_v that_o which_o he_o hear_v of_o he_o to_o faithful_a man_n who_o be_v able_a to_o teach_v also_o other_o and_o to_o this_o end_n also_o he_o ordain_v titus_n to_o be_v a_o pastor_n and_o command_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v ordain_v bishop_n and_o elder_n in_o every_o place_n for_o as_o much_o therefore_o as_o we_o to_o the_o maintain_n of_o this_o office_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v now_o to_o ordain_v a_o new_a minister_n of_o the_o word_n and_o have_v sufficient_o speak_v of_o the_o charge_n thereof_o therefore_o you_o n._n be_v to_o answer_v to_o that_o which_o shall_v be_v propound_v unto_o you_o that_o so_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o every_o one_o that_o you_o be_v mind_v thus_o to_o receive_v this_o charge_n first_o i_o ask_v you_o whether_o you_o feel_v in_o your_o heart_n that_o you_o be_v
lawful_o call_v of_o the_o church_n and_o consequent_o of_o god_n himself_o to_o this_o holy_a office_n second_o whether_o you_o hold_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v the_o only_a word_n of_o god_n and_o perfect_a doctrine_n to_o salvation_n and_o whether_o you_o reject_v all_o opinion_n which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o same_o three_o whether_o you_o promise_v to_o discharge_v your_o office_n faithful_o according_a to_o the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o to_o adorn_v your_o doctrine_n with_o a_o godly_a life_n submit_v yourself_o to_o the_o admonition_n of_o the_o church_n if_o you_o shall_v come_v to_o miscarry_v either_o in_o doctrine_n or_o life_n according_a to_o the_o receive_a order_n of_o the_o church_n hereupon_o he_o shall_v answer_v yea_o from_o my_o heart_n then_o shall_v the_o minister_n who_o demand_v these_o question_n of_o he_o or_o a_o other_o if_o there_o be_v more_o than_o one_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o he_o and_o say_v thus_o nota._n this_o ceremony_n shall_v not_o be_v use_v in_o the_o confirmation_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v in_o the_o ministry_n before_o god_n our_o heavenly_a father_n who_o have_v call_v you_o to_o this_o holy_a office_n enlighten_v you_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n strengthen_v you_o by_o his_o grace_n and_o so_o govern_v you_o in_o your_o ministry_n that_o you_o may_v walk_v therein_o fruitful_o as_o you_o ought_v to_o the_o gloly_a of_o his_o name_n and_o enlargement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n amen_n afterward_o shall_v the_o minister_n from_o the_o pulpit_n admonish_v the_o minister_n confirm_v and_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o follow_v manner_n take_v heed_n therefore_o belove_a brother_n and_o fellowservant_n in_o christ_n unto_o yourself_o and_o to_o the_o whole_a flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n love_v the_o lord_n christ_n and_o feed_v his_o sheep_n take_v oversight_n thereof_o not_o by_o constraint_n but_o willing_o not_o for_o silthy_a lucre_n sake_n but_o with_o a_o willing_a mind_n not_o as_o be_v lord_n over_o the_o people_n of_o god_n commit_v to_o you_o but_o as_o one_o who_o be_v make_v a_o pattern_n to_o the_o flock_n be_v a_o example_n to_o the_o faithful_a in_o word_n in_o doctrine_n in_o love_n in_o faith_n in_o purity_n hold_v on_o in_o read_v admonish_a instruct_v neglect_v not_o the_o gift_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o you_o be_v diligent_a that_o your_o progress_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a in_o all_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o be_v constant_a therein_o bear_v patient_o all_o suffering_n and_o oppression_n as_o a_o good_a soldier_n of_o jesus_n christ_n if_o you_o do_v these_o thing_n you_o shall_v save_v yourself_o and_o those_o that_o hear_v you_o and_o when_o the_o chief_a shepherd_n shall_v appear_v you_o shall_v receive_v the_o incorruptible_a crown_n of_o glory_n and_o you_o belove_a christian_n receive_v this_o your_o minister_n in_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o joy_n and_o respect_n consider_v that_o god_n through_o he_o speak_v to_o you_o receive_v his_o word_n which_o he_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n shall_v declare_v unto_o you_o not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v the_o worde_n of_o god_n let_v the_o foot_n of_o those_o who_o preach_v you_o the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o peace_n be_v welcome_a unto_o you_o be_v obedient_a to_o those_o who_o be_v set_v over_o you_o in_o the_o lord_n for_o they_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n as_o those_o who_o must_v give_v a_o account_n there_o of_o that_o they_o may_v do_v it_o with_o joy_n and_o not_o with_o sigh_n for_o this_o be_v not_o profitable_a to_o you_o if_o you_o do_v these_o thing_n it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n shall_v enter_v into_o your_o house_n and_o that_o receive_v this_o man_n in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o prophet_n you_o shall_v receive_v the_o reward_n of_o a_o prophet_n and_o through_o his_o word_n believe_v in_o christ_n shall_v inherit_v eternal_a life_n through_o christ_n yet_o see_v no_o man_n be_v of_o himself_o sit_v for_o these_o thing_n let_v we_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o god._n merciful_a father_n we_o bless_v thou_o that_o thou_o have_v be_v please_v out_o of_o lose_a man_n kind_n to_o gather_v a_o church_n to_o everlasting_a life_n through_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n and_o that_o thou_o have_v so_o gracious_o provide_v a_o faithful_a minister_n for_o this_o church_n in_o this_o place_n we_o beseech_v thou_o tot_o fit_v he_o more_o and_o more_o with_o thy_o spirit_n to_o the_o ministry_n to_o which_o thou_o have_v call_v he_o enlighten_v his_o mind_n to_o understand_v the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v he_o utterance_n to_o publish_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o a_o undaunted_a spirit_n furnish_v he_o with_o wisdom_n to_o rule_v aright_o the_o people_n over_o who_o thou_o have_v set_v he_o and_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o christian_a peace_n that_o so_o thy_o church_n may_v under_o his_o ministry_n increase_v in_o number_n and_o virtue_n give_v he_o courage_n in_o all_o difficulty_n and_o trouble_n which_o he_o may_v meet_v with_o in_o his_o ministry_n that_o he_o be_v strenghthen_v ihrough_a the_o comfort_n of_o thy_o spirit_n remain_v steadfast_o to_o the_o end_n may_v be_v receive_v with_o all_o thy_o faithful_a servant_n into_o his_o master_n joy_n grant_v also_o to_o this_o people_n that_o they_o may_v carry_v themselves_o a_o right_n towards_o this_o their_o minister_n acknowledge_v he_o send_v of_o thou_o receive_v his_o doctrine_n with_o all_o reverence_n and_o submit_v themselves_o to_o his_o exhortation_n that_o so_o believe_v through_o his_o word_n they_o may_v be_v make_v pattaker_n of_o everlasting_a life_n hear_v we_o gracious_a father_n for_o thy_o dear_a son_n his_o sake_n who_o have_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v after_o this_o manner_n our_o father_n etc._n etc._n form_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o elder_n and_o deacon_n when_o they_o be_v confirm_v at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o if_o elder_n and_o deacon_n be_v confirm_v a_o part_n then_o shall_v this_o form_n be_v usud_v according_a to_o occasion_n belove_a christian_n you_o know_v that_o we_o now_o at_o several_a time_n have_v propound_v uto_fw-mi you_o the_o name_n of_o our_o fellow_n brethren_n here_o present_a who_o be_v call_v to_o the_o office_n of_o elder_n and_o deaconship_n to_o this_o church_n to_o know_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o that_o have_v any_o thing_n against_o they_o why_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v confirm_v in_o their_o office_n see_v that_o no_o body_n be_v come_v before_o we_o who_o have_v bring_v any_o lawful_a exception_n against_o they_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o go_v on_o at_o this_o present_a with_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o same_o for_o this_o end_n you_o n_n n_n who_o be_v to_o be_v confirm_v harken_v first_o to_o ashort_a declaration_n concern_v the_o institution_n and_o the_o office_n of_o elder_n and_o deacon_n concern_v the_o elder_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o name_n of_o elder_n which_o name_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o signify_v a_o person_n who_o be_v place_v in_o a_o honourable_a office_n of_o government_n over_o other_o be_v give_v to_o two_o sort_n of_o person_n which_o serve_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o apostle_n say_v the_o elder_n who_o rule_v well_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n special_o those_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n out_o of_o which_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o in_o the_o apostolical_a church_n there_o have_v be_v two_o sort_n of_o elder_n where_o of_o the_o first_o have_v labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o the_o other_o not_o the_o former_a be_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n the_o pastor_n who_o preach_v the_o gospel_n administer_v the_o sacrament_n but_o the_o other_o who_o do_v not_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n yet_o serve_v the_o church_n have_v aspeciall_a charge_n namely_o that_o they_o take_v oversight_n of_o the_o church_n and_o with_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o worde_n do_v rule_v the_o same_o for_o after_o the_o apostle_n paul_n have_v speak_v rom._n 12._o of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n as_o also_o of_o the_o office_n of_o the_o deacon_n he_o speak_v of_o this_o office_n afterward_o say_v he_o that_o rule_v let_v he_o do_v it_o with_o all_o diligence_n and_o so_o in_o a_o other_o place_n 1_o cor._n 12._o among_o other_o office_n which_o god_n have_v ordain_v in_o his_o church_n he_o reckon_v government_n in_o so_o much_o that_o this_o sort_n of_o minister_n be_v give_v as_o a_o help_n and_o assistance_n to_o the_o other_o who_o preach_v the_o gospel_n as_o in_o the_o
old_a testament_n the_o levite_n be_v join_v to_o the_o priest_n in_o the_o common_a service_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n to_o be_v helper_n unto_o they_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o priest_n alone_o can_v not_o perform_v remain_v notwithstanding_o distinct_a office_n beside_o this_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n such_o man_n be_v join_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n that_o all_o lording_n and_o tyranny_n which_o can_v creep_v in_o soon_o if_o the_o governmentlye_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o one_o or_o few_o may_v be_v keep_v out_o of_o the_o church_n &_o so_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n &_o the_o elder_n make_v up_o one_o assembly_n be_v as_o a_o senate_n of_o the_o church_n and_o represent_v the_o whole_a church_n whereunto_o christ_n have_v respect_n when_o he_o say_v tell_v the_o church_n which_o can_v not_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o church_n apart_o but_o very_o well_o of_o those_o who_o by_o the_o church_n be_v choose_v to_o govern_v the_o same_o the_o office_n of_o the_o elder_n consist_v herein_o first_o to_o take_v with_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n the_o oversight_n of_o the_o church_n commit_v unto_o they_o careful_o to_o look_v to_o it_o that_o every_o one_o carry_v himself_o aright_o in_o his_o confession_n and_o in_o his_o conversation_n to_o admonish_v those_o who_o carry_v themselves_o scandalous_o and_o to_o take_v heed_n so_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o they_o that_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o profane_v as_o also_o to_o deal_v with_o the_o penitent_a according_a to_o christian_a discipline_n and_o to_o receive_v they_o again_o into_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n as_o be_v manifest_v not_o only_o out_o of_o the_o forename_a say_n of_o christ_n but_o also_o out_o of_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 2_o cor._n 12._o wherein_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o these_o thing_n belong_v not_o to_o one_o or_o a_o few_o but_o to_o many_o who_o be_v ordain_v there_o unto_o second_o whereas_o the_o apostle_n command_v that_o among_o christian_n all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n and_o no_o body_n ought_v to_o minister_v in_o the_o church_n but_o such_o as_o be_v lawful_o call_v there_o unto_o according_a to_o christian_a constitution_n concern_v the_o same_o therefore_o it_o belong_v also_o to_o the_o office_n of_o elder_n to_o take_v care_n thereof_o and_o of_o all_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o good_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n to_o assist_v the_o minister_n with_o their_o counsel_n and_o advise_v yea_o all_o christian_n with_o advice_n and_o consolation_n three_o it_o belong_v also_o to_o the_o charge_n of_o elder_n to_o look_v to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o life_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n to_o the_o end_n all_o may_v be_v order_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o no_o strange_a doctrine_n be_v propound_v according_a to_o that_o which_o we_o read_v act._n 20_o where_o the_o apostle_n admonish_v to_o watch_v diligent_o against_o the_o wolf_n who_o may_v come_v into_o the_o sheepfold_a of_o christ_n and_o that_o they_o may_v do_v this_o the_o better_a the_o elder_n be_v bind_v to_o search_v diligent_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o exercise_v themselves_o continual_o in_o meditate_v of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o faith_n concern_v the_o deacon_n of_o the_o original_a and_o institution_n thereof_o we_o may_v read_v act._n 6._o where_o we_o find_v that_o in_o the_o begin_n the_o apostle_n themselves_o do_v serve_v the_o poor_a at_o who_o foot_n be_v lay_v down_o the_o price_n of_o those_o good_n that_o be_v sell_v and_o by_o who_o distribution_n be_v make_v to_o every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o need_n but_o when_o afterward_o there_o arise_v a_o murmur_a because_o the_o widow_n of_o the_o grecian_n be_v neglect_v in_o the_o daily_a ministration_n therefore_o there_o be_v elect_v by_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o apostle_n man_n who_o shall_v make_v it_o their_o work_n to_o serve_v the_o poor_a that_o so_o the_o apostle_n may_v give_v themselves_o continual_o to_o prayer_n &_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o this_o have_v be_v keep_v from_o that_o time_n forward_o in_o the_o church_n as_o do_v appear_v rom._n 12._o where_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o this_o office_n say_v that_o those_o who_o distribute_v shall_v do_v it_o with_o sincerity_n and_o 1_o cor._n 12._o speak_v of_o helper_n he_o do_v thereby_o understand_v those_o who_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o church_n to_o help_v the_o poor_a in_o their_o necessity_n out_o of_o which_o place_n it_o do_v sufficient_o appear_v what_o belong_v to_o the_o office_n of_o the_o deacon_n namely_o first_o that_o they_o collect_v and_o keep_v with_o all_o faithfulness_n and_o diligence_n the_o good_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o poor_a yea_o to_o do_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n that_o many_o helper_n may_v be_v find_v out_o for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a the_o second_o part_n of_o their_o office_n consist_v in_o the_o distribution_n wherein_o be_v not_o only_o require_v discretion_n and_o prudence_n to_o give_v the_o alm_n to_o none_o but_o where_o there_o be_v need_n but_o also_o simplicity_n and_o cheerfulness_n to_o distribute_v the_o alm_n with_o a_o hearty_a affection_n to_o the_o poor_a according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 12._o 1_o cor._n 12._o for_o which_o end_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o they_o do_v not_o only_o relieve_v the_o poor_a with_o outward_a gift_n but_o also_o with_o comfortable_a word_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god._n to_o the_o end_n therefore_o belove_a brethren_n n._n n._n that_o every_o one_o may_v see_v that_o you_o be_v willing_a to_o take_v upon_o you_o the_o forename_a office_n every_o one_o in_o his_o place_n you_o shall_v give_v answer_n to_o that_o which_o shall_v be_v propound_v unto_o you_o first_o i_o ask_v you_o both_o elder_n and_o deacon_n whether_o you_o do_v not_o feel_v in_o your_o heart_n that_o you_o be_v lawful_o call_v to_o these_o holy_a office_n each_o to_o he_o by_o the_o church_n and_o consequent_o by_o god_n himself_o second_o whether_o you_o hold_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v the_o only_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o perfect_a doctrine_n to_o salvation_n reject_v all_o doctrine_n which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o same_o three_o whether_o you_o promise_v to_o perform_v your_o office_n as_o they_o have_v be_v now_o describe_v with_o all_o faithfulness_n according_a to_o your_o power_n you_o elder_n n._n n._n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n with_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n and_o you_o deacon_n n_n n_n in_o the_o minister_a to_o the_o poor_a further_o do_v you_o promise_v both_o together_o to_o carry_v yourselves_o in_o all_o godliness_n submit_v yourselves_o also_o to_o the_o admonition_n of_o the_o church_n in_o case_n you_o shall_v come_v to_o miscarry_v hereupon_o you_o shall_v answer_v yea._n whereupon_o the_o minister_n shall_v say_v the_o almighty_a god_n and_o father_n give_v unto_o you_o all_o his_o grace_n that_o you_o may_v walk_v in_o these_o your_o office_n faithful_o and_o fruitful_o amen_n and_o shall_v further_o admonish_v they_o as_o also_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o this_o follow_a manner_n wherefore_o you_o elder_n be_v diligent_a in_o govern_v the_o church_n which_o with_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n be_v commit_v unto_o you_o be_v also_o watchman_n over_o the_o house_n and_o city_n of_o god_n to_o admonish_v every_o one_o faithful_o and_o to_o warn_v they_o of_o their_o perdition_n take_v heed_n that_o the_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o godliness_n of_o life_n be_v maintain_v in_o the_o church_n and_o you_o deacon_n be_v diligent_a in_o collect_v of_o the_o alm_n prudent_a and_o cheerful_a in_o distribute_v of_o the_o same_o assist_v the_o oppress_a relieve_v the_o true_a widow_n and_o orphan_n show_v mercifulnesse_n to_o all_o but_o especial_o to_o the_o household_n of_o faith._n be_v you_o all_o faithful_a in_o your_o office_n and_o keep_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n in_o a_o pure_a conscience_n and_o be_v good_a example_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o the_o people_n in_o so_o do_v you_o shall_v get_v to_o yourselves_o a_o good_a degree_n and_o much_o cheerfulness_n in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o hereafter_o enter_v into_o your_o master_n joy_n on_o the_o other_o side_n belove_a christian_n receive_v these_o person_n as_o servant_n of_o christ_n count_v the_o elder_n who_o discharge_v well_o their_o office_n worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n give_v yourselves_o willing_o to_o their_o oversight_n and_o government_n provide_v good_a mean_n for_o the_o deacon_n to_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a be_v liberal_a you_o rich_a give_v thanckful_o and_o contribute_v willing_o and_o you_o poor_a be_v poor_a in_o spirit_n and_o carry_v