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
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
incumbent_n on_o all_o believer_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o separate_v themselves_o from_o those_o that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o join_v to_o this_o congregation_n in_o what_o place_n socever_v god_n have_v constitute_v the_o same_o although_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o decree_n of_o magistrate_n and_o prince_n even_o on_o pain_n of_o corporal_a punishment_n or_o death_n wherefore_o all_o those_o who_o separate_v themselves_o from_o this_o church_n or_o do_v not_o join_v with_o it_o act_n against_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god._n xxix_o we_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v requisite_a to_o search_v diligent_o and_o with_o a_o circumspect_a care_n to_o discern_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n since_o all_o sect_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n now_o adays_o do_v cover_v themselves_o with_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n we_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o the_o company_n of_o hypocrite_n who_o be_v mix_v in_o the_o church_n among_o the_o good_a one_o without_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n tho'_o outward_o they_o be_v in_o it_o but_o we_o say_v that_o the_o body_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o true_a church_n ought_v to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o sect_n who_o call_v themselves_o the_o church_n the_o mark_n to_o know_v the_o true_a church_n by_o be_v these_o if_o in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v a_o pure_a preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o the_o pure_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n so_o as_o it_o be_v institute_v by_o christ_n himself_o be_v make_v use_n of_o if_o the_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n be_v exercise_v for_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n in_o a_o word_n if_o the_o conversation_n be_v according_a to_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n reject_v all_o thing_n contrary_a thereunto_o and_o hold_v jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o only_a head_n by_o these_o token_n one_o may_v certain_o know_v the_o true_a church_n and_o none_o ought_v to_o separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o same_o and_o as_o for_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o church_n they_o may_v be_v know_v by_o the_o mark_n of_o the_o christian_n viz._n by_o their_o faith_n and_o when_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o only_a saviour_n jesus_n christ_n avoid_v sin_n and_o pursue_v righteousness_n love_v the_o true_a god_n and_o their_o neighbour_n not_o decline_v neither_o to_o the_o right_a nor_o to_o the_o left_a hand_n and_o crucify_a their_o flesh_n with_o its_o deed_n nevertheless_o they_o may_v be_v attend_v with_o great_a weakness_n but_o they_o sight_n against_o it_o through_o the_o spirit_n all_o the_o day_n of_o their_o life_n have_v continual_o recours_fw-fr to_o the_o blood_n death_n sustering_n and_o obedience_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o which_o they_o have_v remission_n of_o sin_n through_o faith_n in_o he_o as_o for_o the_o false_a church_n she_o ascribe_v unto_o herself_o and_o her_o ordinance_n more_o power_n and_o authority_n then_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o will_v not_o submit_v unto_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n she_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n not_o after_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o christ_n have_v institute_v in_o his_o word_n but_o she_o add_v and_o take_v away_o according_a to_o her_o pleasure_n she_o rely_v more_o upon_o man_n then_o upon_o christ_n she_o persecute_v those_o who_o live_v a_o holy_a life_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o who_o rebuke_n her_o fault_n covetousness_n and_o idolatry_n these_o two_o church_n may_v easy_o be_v know_v and_o distinguish_v xxx_o we_o believe_v that_o this_o true_a church_n must_v be_v govern_v according_a to_o the_o spiritual_a policy_n which_o our_o lord_n have_v teach_v we_o in_o his_o word_n viz._n that_o there_o must_v be_v minister_n or_o pastor_n for_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n as_o also_o overseer_n and_o deacon_n to_o make_v up_o together_o with_o the_o pastor_n a_o ecclesiastical_a council_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n to_o maintain_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o to_o procure_v a_o free_a course_n for_o the_o true_a doctrine_n likewise_o that_o the_o transgressor_n be_v punish_v and_o restrain_v by_o spiritual_a mean_n that_o the_o poor_a and_o distress_a be_v also_o relieve_v and_o comfort_v according_a to_o what_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o through_o these_o mean_n all_o thing_n will_v proceed_v well_o and_o orderly_o in_o the_o church_n when_o such_o person_n be_v choose_v who_o be_v faithful_a and_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n which_o st._n paul_n preseribe_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n xxxi_o we_o believe_v that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o elder_n and_o deacon_n aught_o to_o be_v choose_v to_o their_o respective_a office_n by_o a_o lawful_a election_n with_o invocation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o good_a order_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n teach_v every_o one_o therefore_o must_v take_v care_n of_o intrude_a himself_o by_o undecent_a mean_n but_o aught_o to_o stay_v until_o he_o be_v call_v by_o god_n that_o so_o he_o may_v have_v a_o testimony_n of_o his_o call_n and_o be_v certain_a and_o assure_v that_o it_o be_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o as_o for_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n where_o ever_o theyare_a they_o have_v a_o equal_a power_n and_o authority_n be_v all_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o one_o general_a bishop_n and_o only_a head_n of_o the_o church_n moreoever_o lest_o the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v violate_v or_o despise_v we_o say_v that_o every_o one_o ought_v te_fw-la have_v a_o special_a respect_n unto_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n and_o to_o live_v in_o peace_n with_o they_o without_o murmur_v strife_n or_o dissension_n as_o much_o as_o possible_o can_v be_v xxxii_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o we_o believe_v although_o it_o may_v be_v serviceable_a and_o good_a that_o those_o who_o govern_v the_o church_n do_v institute_n among_o themselves_o certain_a ordinance_n for_o the_o maintenance_n and_o support_v the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o depart_v from_o any_o thing_n which_o christ_n our_o only_a master_n have_v order_v and_o therefore_o we_o reject_v all_o manner_n of_o humane_a invention_n and_o law_n which_o any_o may_v introduce_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n thereby_o to_o bind_v and_o compel_v the_o conscience_n admit_v of_o nothing_o but_o what_o may_v serve_v to_o the_o nourish_a and_o preservation_n of_o concord_n and_o unity_n and_o to_o keep_v all_o in_o the_o obedience_n of_o god_n unto_o which_o the_o excommunication_n be_v require_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o circumstance_n belong_v thereunto_o xxxiii_o we_o believe_v that_o our_o gracious_a god_n have_v regard_n on_o our_o meanness_n and_o infirmity_n have_v assord_v we_o the_o sacrament_n for_o to_o be_v seal_n of_o his_o promise_n and_o pledge_n of_o the_o kindness_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n unto_o we_o and_o thereby_o to_o nourish_v and_o sustain_v our_o faith_n have_v join_v they_o with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o so_o he_o may_v propound_v to_o our_o outward_a sense_n both_o that_o which_o he_o signify_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o word_n and_o that_o which_o he_o work_v inward_o in_o our_o heart_n assure_v we_o of_o the_o salvation_n which_o he_o do_v impart_v we_o for_o they_o be_v visible_a sign_n and_o seal_n of_o a_o inward_a and_o invisible_a thing_n by_o which_o mean_v god_n work_v in_o we_o through_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n therefore_o the_o sign_n be_v not_o invain_a or_o empty_a to_o be_v deceive_v thereby_o for_o christ_n jesus_n be_v the_o truth_n thereof_o without_o who_o they_o will_v signify_v nothing_o at_o all_o moreover_o we_o be_v content_a with_o the_o number_n of_o the_o sacrament_n which_o christ_n our_o master_n have_v institute_v be_v but_o two_o to_o wit_v the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o that_o of_o the_o holy_a supper_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n xxxiv_o we_o believe_v and_o confess_v that_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n have_v make_v a_o end_n by_o the_o shed_n of_o his_o blood_n of_o all_o other_o shedding_n of_o blood_n that_o may_v be_v make_v for_o the_o propitiation_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o have_v abrogate_a the_o circumcision_n which_o be_v do_v with_o blood_n have_v institute_v instead_o thereof_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n by_o which_o we_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o become_v separate_v from_o all_o other_o people_n and_o strange_a religion_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v full_o addict_v to_o he_o and_o bear_v his_o mark_n and_o ensign_n and_o it_o serve_v we_o for_o a_o testimony_n that_o he_o will_v be_v our_o god_n and_o
a_o gracious_a father_n unto_o we_o for_o ever_o therefore_o he_o have_v give_v a_o charge_n to_o baptise_v all_o that_o be_v he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n only_o with_o pure_a water_n give_v we_o thereby_o to_o understand_v that_o as_o the_o water_n cleanse_v the_o filth_n of_o the_o body_n when_o it_o be_v pour_v upon_o we_o which_o may_v be_v see_v upon_o the_o body_n of_o he_o who_o receive_v the_o baptism_n be_v sprinkele_v thereby_o so_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n perform_v the_o same_o within_o in_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n sprinkle_v and_o cleanse_v they_o from_o their_o sin_n and_o regenerate_v we_o from_o child_n of_o wrath_n unto_o child_n of_o god._n however_o this_o be_v not_o do_v by_o the_o outward_a water_n but_o by_o the_o sprinkle_v of_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v our_o red_a sea_n through_o which_o we_o must_v pass_v for_o to_o escape_v the_o tyranny_n of_o pharaoh_n which_o be_v the_o devil_n and_o to_o enter_v in_o to_o the_o spiritual_a land_n of_o canaan_n likewise_o the_o minister_n give_v we_o on_o their_o part_n the_o sacrament_n and_o that_o which_o be_v visible_a but_o our_o lord_n give_v that_o which_o be_v signify_v by_o the_o sacrament_n viz._n the_o invisible_a gift_n and_o grace_n wash_v cleanse_a and_o purify_n our_o soul_n from_o all_o filthiness_n and_o iniquity_n and_o renew_v our_o heart_n and_o shilling_n they_o with_o all_o comfort_n give_v we_o a_o true_a assurance_n of_o his_o fatherly_a kindness_n indue_a we_o with_o the_o new_a man_n and_o put_v away_o the_o old_a man_n with_o all_o his_o deed_n therefore_o we_o believe_v that_o whosoever_o intend_v to_o enter_v into_o life_n eternal_a he_o must_v be_v baptize_v but_o once_o with_o the_o only_a baptism_n without_o ever_o repeat_v the_o same_o for_o we_o can_v be_v bear_v twice_o and_o this_o baptism_n be_v not_o only_o useful_a whilst_o the_o water_n be_v upon_o we_o and_o that_o we_o receive_v the_o same_o but_o also_o through_o all_o our_o life_n time_n therefore_o we_o reject_v the_o error_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n who_o be_v not_o content_a with_o the_o one_o only_a baptism_n which_o once_o they_o have_v receive_v but_o condemn_v also_o the_o baptism_n of_o the_o infant_n of_o believer_n which_o we_o believe_v aught_o to_o be_v baptize_v and_o seal_v with_o the_o mark_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o the_o infant_n in_o israel_n be_v circumcise_v on_o the_o same_o promise_n which_o be_v make_v to_o our_o child_n and_o indeed_o christ_n have_v shed_v his_o blood_n no_o less_o for_o the_o wash_n of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o he_o have_v do_v for_o adulted_a person_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o receive_v the_o sign_n and_o the_o sacrament_n of_o that_o which_o christ_n have_v do_v for_o they_o as_o under_o the_o law_n the_o lord_n command_v to_o participate_v unto_o they_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o suffering_n and_o die_a of_o christ_n short_o after_o their_o birth_n offer_v for_o they_o a_o lamb_n which_o be_v a_o sacrament_n of_o jesus_n christ_n beside_o what_o the_o circumcision_n do_v unto_o the_o jew_n the_o same_o be_v do_v by_o the_o baptism_n unto_o our_o child_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o st._n paul_n call_v the_o baptism_n the_o circumcision_n of_o christ_n xxxv_o we_o believe_v and_o confess_v that_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n have_v institute_v and_o ordain_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o holy_a supper_n to_o nourish_v and_o sustain_v those_o which_o he_o have_v already_o regenerate_v and_o incorporate_v into_o his_o family_n which_o be_v his_o church_n those_o now_o who_o be_v regenerate_v have_v two_o sort_n of_o life_n in_o they_o the_o one_o corporal_a and_o temporal_a which_o have_v accompany_v they_o from_o their_o very_a birth_n and_o be_v common_a to_o all_o man_n the_o other_o be_v spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a which_o be_v give_v they_o in_o the_o second_o birth_n proceed_v from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o life_n be_v not_o universal_a but_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o elect_a of_o god._n thus_o god_n have_v afford_v we_o to_o the_o nourish_a of_o the_o corporal_a and_o earthly_a life_n earthly_a and_o ordinary_a bread_n which_o be_v serviceable_a thereunto_o and_o common_a to_o every_o one_o as_o life_n be_v but_o to_o the_o sustain_n of_o the_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a life_n which_o the_o believer_n enjoy_v he_o have_v send_v the_o live_a bread_n which_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o wit_n christ_n jesus_n who_o feed_v and_o nourish_v the_o spiritual_a life_n of_o the_o believer_n when_o he_o be_v eat_v that_o be_v assume_v and_o receive_v by_o faith_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o for_o to_o represent_v unto_o we_o this_o spiritual_a and_o celestial_a bread_n christ_n have_v ordain_v a_o earthly_a and_o visible_a bread_n which_o be_v a_o sacrament_n of_o his_o body_n and_o the_o wine_n for_o a_o sacrament_n of_o his_o blood_n to_o testify_v unto_o we_o that_o as_o real_o as_o we_o receive_v and_o have_v in_o our_o hand_n the_o sacrament_n and_o do_v eat_v and_o drink_v the_o same_o with_o our_o mouth_n by_o which_o our_o life_n be_v afterward_o sustain_v so_o likewise_o by_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o hand_n and_o mouth_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o true_a body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n our_o only_a saviour_n be_v receive_v in_o our_o soul_n for_o our_o spiritual_a life_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a and_o without_o all_o doubt_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v not_o command_v we_o the_o use_n of_o his_o sacrament_n invain_a therefore_o he_o work_v in_o we_o whatever_o he_o represent_v unto_o we_o by_o these_o holy_a sign_n although_o his_o method_n surpass_v our_o understanding_n and_o be_v incomprehensible_a to_o we_o even_o as_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v hide_v and_o incomprehensible_a in_o the_o mean_a while_o we_o do_v not_o err_v in_o say_v that_o which_o we_o have_v eat_v and_o drink_v be_v the_o natural_a body_n and_o true_a blood_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o partake_n of_o the_o same_o be_v not_o the_o mouth_n but_o the_o spirit_n through_o faith._n wherefore_o then_o christ_n jesus_n sit_v always_o at_o the_o right-hand_n of_o god_n his_o father_n in_o the_o heaven_n and_o nevertheless_o he_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o he_o by_o faith._n this_o feast_n be_v a_o spiritual_a table_n at_o which_o christ_n distribute_v himself_o unto_o we_o with_o all_o his_o good_n and_o he_o cause_v we_o to_o enjoy_v both_o himself_o and_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o suffering_n and_o death_n nourish_v strengthen_v and_o comfort_v our_o poor_a distress_a soul_n by_o the_o eat_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o refresh_v and_o cherish_v the_o same_o by_o the_o drink_n of_o his_o blood._n further_n tho'_o the_o sacrament_n be_v join_v with_o the_o thing_n signify_v yet_o they_o be_v not_o receive_v with_o these_o two_o thing_n by_o every_o one_o for_o the_o wicked_a receive_v the_o sacrament_n to_o his_o condemnation_n but_o he_o do_v not_o receive_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o sacrament_n so_o judas_n and_o simon_n the_o sorcerer_n both_o do_v receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o not_o christ_n who_o be_v signify_v by_o it_o for_o only_o the_o believer_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o he_o last_o we_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n in_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n with_o humility_n and_o reverence_n solemnize_n the_o holy_a remembrance_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n our_o saviour_n with_o thanksgiving_n make_v there_o confession_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n none_o therefore_o ought_v to_o apply_v himself_o thereunto_o without_o a_o forego_n trial_n least_o eat_v of_o the_o bread_n and_o drink_n of_o the_o cup_n he_o eat_v and_o drink_v himself_o a_o condemnation_n to_o be_v short_a through_o the_o use_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n we_o be_v stir_v up_o to_o fervent_a love_n to_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n therefore_o we_o reject_v all_o mixing_n and_o damnable_a invention_n which_o man_n have_v add_v unto_o the_o sacrament_n account_v they_o but_o profanation_n of_o the_o same_o and_o say_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v content_a with_o the_o ordinance_n deliver_v unto_o we_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o same_o term_n as_o they_o do_v xxxvi_o we_o believe_v that_o our_o gracious_a god_n because_o of_o the_o corruption_n of_o mankind_n have_v ordain_v king_n prince_n and_o magistrate_n intend_v that_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v govern_v by_o law_n and_o policy_n that_o so_o the_o dissolution_n of_o mankind_n may_v be_v refrain_v and_o all_o thing_n proceed_v orderly_o among_o man_n to_o that_o purpose_n
fall_n god_n say_v to_o eve_n and_o in_o she_o to_o all_o woman_n your_o will_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o your_o husband_n you_o shall_v not_o resist_v this_o ordinance_n of_o god_n but_o be_v obedient_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o godly_a woman_n who_o trust_v in_o god_n and_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o husband_n as_o sara_n be_v obedient_a to_o her_o husband_n call_v he_o her_o lord_n you_o shall_v also_o be_v a_o help_n to_o your_o husband_n in_o all_o good_a and_o lawful_a thing_n look_v to_o your_o family_n and_o walk_v in_o all_o honesty_n and_o virtue_n without_o worldly_a pride_n that_o you_o may_v give_v a_o example_n to_o other_o of_o modesty_n wherefore_o you_o n._n and_o you_o n._n have_v now_o understand_v that_o god_n have_v institute_v marriage_n and_o what_o he_o command_v you_o therein_o be_v you_o willing_a thus_o to_o carry_v yourselves_o in_o this_o holy_a estate_n as_o you_o here_o do_v confess_v before_o this_o christian_a assembly_n and_o be_v desirous_a that_o you_o be_v confirm_v in_o the_o same_o answer_n yea._n whereupon_o the_o minister_n shall_v say_v to_o the_o assembly_n i_o take_v you_o all_o who_o be_v meet_v here_o to_o witness_n that_o there_o be_v bring_v no_o lawful_a impediment_n further_o to_o the_o marry_a person_n see_v then_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o you_o be_v further_v in_o this_o your_o work_n the_o lord_n god_n confirm_v your_o purpose_n which_o he_o have_v give_v you_o and_o your_o beginning_n be_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n hereupon_o they_o shall_v join_v hand_n together_o and_o the_o minister_n speak_v first_o to_o the_o bridegroom_n n._n do_v you_o acknowledge_v here_o before_o god_n and_o this_o his_o holy_a church_n that_o you_o have_v take_v and_o do_v take_v to_o your_o lawful_a wife_n n._n here_o present_a promise_v she_o never_o to_o forsake_v she_o to_o love_v she_o faithful_o to_o maintain_v she_o as_o a_o faithful_a and_o pious_a husband_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v to_o his_o lawful_a wife_n that_o you_o will_v live_v holy_o with_o she_o keep_v faith_n and_o truth_n to_o she_o in_o all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o holy_a gospel_n answer_n yea._n afterward_o to_o the_o bride_n n._n do_v you_o acknowledge_v here_o before_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a church_n that_o you_o have_v take_v and_o do_v take_v to_o your_o lawful_a husband_n n._n promise_v to_o be_v obedient_a to_o he_o to_o serve_v and_o assist_v he_o never_o to_o forsake_v he_o to_o live_v holy_o with_o he_o keep_v faith_n and_o truth_n to_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n as_o a_o pious_a and_o faithful_a wife_n be_v bind_v to_o her_o husband_n according_a to_o the_o holy_a gospel_n answer_n yea._n then_o the_o minister_n shall_v say_v the_o father_n of_o mercy_n who_o have_v call_v you_o out_o of_o his_o mercy_n to_o this_o holy_a estate_n of_o marriage_n knit_v you_o together_o with_o true_a love_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o give_v you_o his_o holy_a blessing_n amen_n harken_v now_o how_o firm_a this_o bond_n of_o marriage_n be_v as_o matth._n describe_v it_o chap._n 19_o verse_n 3.4.5.6.7.8.9_o the_o pharisee_n come_v unto_o christ_n tempt_v he_o and_o say_v unto_o he_o be_v it_o lawful_a for_o a_o man_n to_o put_v away_o his_o wife_n for_o every_o cause_n and_o he_o answer_v and_o say_v unto_o they_o have_v you_o not_o read_v that_o he_o which_o make_v they_o at_o the_o beginning_n make_v they_o male_a and_o female_a and_o say_v for_o this_o cause_n shall_v a_o man_n leave_v father_n and_o mother_n and_o shall_v cleave_v to_o his_o wife_n and_o they_o twain_o shall_v be_v one_o flesh_n wherefore_o they_o be_v no_o more_o twain_o but_o one_o flesh_n what_o therefore_o god_n have_v join_v together_o let_v no_o man_n put_v a_o sunder_o they_o say_v unto_o he_o why_o do_v moses_n then_o command_v to_o give_v a_o write_n of_o divorcement_n and_o to_o put_v she_o away_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o moses_n because_o of_o the_o hardness_n of_o your_o heart_n suffer_v you_o to_o put_v away_o your_o wife_n but_o from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v not_o so_o and_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whosoever_o shall_v put_v away_o his_o wife_n except_o it_o be_v for_o fornication_n and_o shall_v marry_v a_o other_o commit_v adultery_n and_o who_o so_o marry_v she_o which_o be_v put_v away_o do_v commit_v adultery_n afterward_o shall_v the_o minister_n command_v the_o marry_a person_n to_o kneel_v down_o and_o exhort_v the_o church_n to_o pray_v for_o they_o almighty_a god_n who_o show_v thy_o power_n and_o goodness_n in_o all_o thy_o work_n and_o ordinance_n who_o have_v say_v from_o the_o beginning_n that_o it_o be_v not_o good_a that_o man_n shall_v be_v alone_o and_o for_o that_o cause_n have_v make_v a_o help_n meet_v for_o he_o and_o have_v ordain_v that_o these_o two_o shall_v be_v one_o who_o also_o do_v punish_v all_o uncleanness_n we_o beseech_v thou_o see_v thou_o have_v call_v these_o two_o person_n to_o the_o state_n of_o marriage_n and_o knit_v they_o together_o that_o thou_o will_v give_v unto_o they_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n that_o they_o may_v live_v holy_o together_o with_o a_o true_a and_o firm_a faith_n according_a to_o thy_o holy_a name_n and_o set_v themselves_o against_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n bless_v they_o o_o lord_n as_o thou_o bless_v those_o faithful_a father_n thy_o friend_n and_o servant_n abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n that_o be_v partaker_n of_o that_o covenant_n which_o thou_o confirme_v to_o those_o thy_o servant_n they_o may_v beget_v holy_a child_n and_o educate_v they_o in_o a_o godly_a manner_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o thy_o holy_a name_n to_o the_o edification_n of_o thy_o church_n and_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n hear_v we_o father_n of_o all_o mercy_n through_o jesus_n christ_n thy_o dear_a son_n our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n in_o who_o name_n we_o pray_v further_o our_o father_n etc._n etc._n harken_v now_o unto_o the_o promise_n which_o god_n make_v in_o the_o 128_o psalm_n bless_a be_v he_o who_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n for_o thou_o shall_v eat_v the_o labour_n of_o thy_o hand_n happy_a shall_v thou_o be_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v well_o with_o thou_o thy_o wife_n shall_v be_v as_o a_o fruitful_a vine_n by_o the_o side_n of_o thy_o house_n thy_o child_n like_o olive-plant_n round_o about_o thy_o table_n behold_v thus_o shall_v the_o man_n be_v bless_v that_o fear_v the_o lord_n the_o lord_n shall_v bless_v thou_o out_o of_o zion_n and_o thou_o shall_v see_v the_o good_a of_o jerusalem_n all_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o life_n yea_o thou_o shall_v see_v thy_o child_n child_n and_o peace_n upon_o israël_n our_o bless_a lord_n god_n fulfil_v your_o heart_n with_o his_o grace_n and_o grant_v that_o you_o may_v live_v long_o together_o in_o all_o piety_n and_o holiness_n amen_o