unexcusable_a yet_o be_v they_o not_o sufficient_a to_o give_v that_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o will_n which_o be_v necessary_a unto_o salvation_n therefore_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n to_o reveal_v himself_o and_o to_o declare_v that_o his_o will_n unto_o his_o church_n and_o afterwards_o for_o the_o better_a preserve_n and_o propagate_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o for_o the_o more_o sure_a establishment_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o church_n against_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n and_o of_o the_o world_n to_o commit_v the_o same_o whole_o unto_o write_v which_o make_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v most_o necessary_a those_o former_a way_n of_o god_n reveal_v his_o will_n unto_o his_o people_n be_v now_o cease_v ii_o under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o the_o word_n of_o god_n write_v be_v now_o contain_v all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v these_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n genesis_n exodus_fw-la leviticus_n number_n deuteronomy_n joshua_n judge_n ruth_n 1_o samuel_n 2_o samuel_n 1_o king_n 2_o king_n 1_o chronicle_n 2_o chronicle_n ezra_n nehemiah_n esther_n job_n psalm_n proverb_n ecclesiastes_n the_o song_n of_o song_n isaiah_n jeremiah_n lamentation_n ezekiel_n daniel_n hosea_n joel_n amos_n obadiah_n jonah_n micah_n nahum_n habakkuk_n zephaniah_n haggai_n zechariah_n malachi_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n matthew_n mark_n luke_n john_n the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n 1_o corinthian_n 2_o corinthian_n galatian_n ephesian_n philippian_n colossian_n 1_o thessalonian_n 2_o thessalonian_n 1_o to_o timothy_n 2_o to_o timothy_n to_o titus_n to_o philemon_n the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n the_o epistle_n of_o james_n the_o first_o and_o second_o epistle_n of_o peter_n the_o first_o second_o and_o three_o epistle_n of_o john_n the_o epistle_n of_o jude_n the_o revelation_n all_o which_o be_v give_v by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n iii_o the_o book_n common_o call_v apocrypha_fw-la not_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o be_v of_o no_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n nor_o to_o be_v any_o otherwise_o approve_v or_o make_v use_n of_o than_o other_o human_a writing_n iv._o the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o which_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o obey_v depend_v not_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o any_o man_n or_o church_n but_o whole_o upon_o god_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o the_o author_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v because_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n v._o we_o may_v be_v move_v and_o induce_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n to_o a_o high_a and_o reverent_a esteem_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o heavenliness_n of_o the_o matter_n the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o doctrine_n the_o majesty_n of_o the_o style_n the_o consent_n of_o all_o the_o part_n the_o scope_n of_o the_o whole_a which_o be_v to_o give_v all_o glory_n to_o god_n the_o full_a discovery_n it_o make_v of_o the_o only_a way_n of_o man_n salvation_n the_o many_o other_o incomparable_a excellency_n and_o the_o entire_a perfection_n thereof_o be_v argument_n whereby_o it_o do_v abundant_o evidence_n itself_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o notwithstanding_o our_o full_a persuasion_n and_o assurance_n of_o the_o infallible_a truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o be_v from_o the_o inward_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n bear_v witness_n by_o and_o with_o the_o word_n in_o our_o heart_n vi_o the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n concerning_o all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o his_o own_o glory_n man_n salvation_n faith_n and_o life_n be_v either_o express_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n or_o by_o good_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n may_v be_v deduce_v from_o scripture_n unto_o which_o nothing_o at_o any_o time_n be_v to_o be_v add_v whether_o by_o new_a revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o tradition_n of_o man_n nevertheless_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o inward_a illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o save_a understanding_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o word_n and_o that_o there_o be_v some_o circumstance_n concerning_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n common_a to_o human_a action_n and_o society_n which_o be_v to_o be_v order_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o christian_a prudence_n according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v always_o to_o be_v observe_v vii_o all_o thing_n in_o scripture_n be_v not_o alike_o plain_a in_o themselves_o nor_o alike_o clear_a unto_o all_o yet_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v believe_v and_o observe_v for_o salvation_n be_v so_o clear_o propound_v and_o open_v in_o some_o place_n of_o scripture_n or_o other_o that_o not_o only_o the_o learned_a but_o the_o unlearned_a in_o a_o due_a use_n of_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n may_v attain_v unto_o a_o sufficient_a understanding_n of_o they_o viii_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o hebrew_n which_o be_v the_o native_a language_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n of_o old_a and_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o greek_a which_o at_o the_o time_n of_o write_v of_o it_o be_v most_o general_o know_v to_o the_o nation_n be_v immediate_o inspire_v by_o god_n and_o by_o his_o singular_a care_n and_o providence_n keep_v pure_a in_o all_o age_n be_v therefore_o authentical_a so_o as_o in_o all_o controversy_n of_o religion_n the_o church_n be_v final_o to_o appeal_v unto_o they_o but_o because_o these_o original_a tongue_n be_v not_o know_v to_o all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n who_o have_v right_o unto_o and_o interest_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v command_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o read_v and_o search_v they_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o be_v translate_v into_o the_o vulgar_a language_n of_o every_o nation_n unto_o which_o they_o come_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n dwell_v plentiful_o in_o all_o they_o may_v worship_v he_o in_o a_o acceptable_a manner_n and_o through_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v hope_n ix._o the_o infallible_a rule_n of_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n be_v the_o scripture_n itself_o and_o therefore_o when_o there_o be_v a_o question_n about_o the_o true_a and_o full_a sense_n of_o any_o scripture_n which_o be_v not_o manifold_a but_o one_o it_o must_v be_v search_v and_o know_v by_o other_o place_n that_o speak_v more_o clear_o x._o the_o supreme_a judge_n by_o which_o all_o controversy_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v determine_v and_o all_o decree_n of_o counsel_n opinion_n of_o ancient_a writer_n doctrine_n of_o man_n and_o private_a spirit_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v and_o in_o who_o sentence_n we_o be_v to_o rest_v can_v be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n deliver_v by_o the_o spirit_n into_o which_o scripture_n so_o deliver_v our_o faith_n be_v final_o resolve_v chap._n ii_o of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n there_o be_v but_o one_o only_o live_v and_o true_a god_n who_o be_v infinite_a in_o be_v and_o perfection_n a_o most_o pure_a spirit_n invisible_a without_o body_n part_n or_o passion_n immutable_a immense_a eternal_a incomprehensible_a almighty_a most_o wise_a most_o holy_a most_o free_a most_o absolute_a work_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o immutable_a and_o most_o righteous_a will_n for_o his_o own_o glory_n most_o love_a gracious_a merciful_a long-suffering_a abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n forgive_a iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n the_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o and_o withal_o most_o just_a and_o terrible_a in_o his_o judgement_n hate_v all_o sin_n and_o who_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n clear_v the_o guilty_a ii_o god_n have_v all_o life_n glory_n goodness_n blessedness_n in_o and_o of_o himself_o and_o be_v alone_o in_o and_o unto_o himself_o all-sufficient_a not_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o any_o creature_n which_o he_o have_v make_v nor_o derive_v any_o glory_n from_o they_o but_o only_o manifest_v his_o own_o glory_n in_o by_o unto_o and_o upon_o they_o he_o be_v the_o alone_a fountain_n of_o all_o be_v of_o who_o through_o who_o and_o to_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n and_o have_v most_o sovereign_a dominion_n over_o they_o to_o do_v by_o they_o for_o they_o or_o upon_o they_o whatsoever_o himself_o please_v in_o his_o sight_n all_o thing_n be_v open_a and_o manifest_a his_o knowledge_n be_v infinite_a infallible_a and_o independent_a upon_o the_o creature_n so_o as_o nothing_o be_v to_o he_o contingent_a or_o uncertain_a he_o be_v most_o holy_a in_o all_o his_o counsel_n in_o all_o his_o work_n
a_o declaration_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n oun_z and_o practise_v in_o the_o congregational_a church_n in_o england_n agree_v upon_o and_o consent_v unto_o by_o their_o elder_n and_o messenger_n in_o their_o meeting_n at_o the_o savoy_n october_n 12._o 1658._o london_n print_v by_o john_n field_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v by_o john_n allen_n at_o the_o sun_n rise_v in_o paul_n churchyard_n 1659._o a_o preface_n confession_n of_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o we_o when_o just_o call_v for_o be_v so_o indispensable_a a_o due_a all_o owe_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o sovereign_a god_n that_o it_o be_v rank_v among_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o first_o commandment_n such_o as_o prayer_n be_v and_o therefore_o by_o paul_n yoke_v with_o faith_n itself_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n with_o the_o heart_n man_n believe_v unto_o righteousness_n and_o with_o the_o mouth_n confession_n be_v make_v unto_o salvation_n our_o lord_n christ_n himself_o when_o he_o be_v accuse_v of_o his_o doctrine_n consider_v simple_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n by_o preach_v refuse_v to_o answer_v because_o as_o such_o it_o lay_v upon_o evidence_n and_o matter_n of_o testimony_n of_o other_o unto_o who_o therefore_o he_o refer_v himself_o but_o when_o both_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o pilate_n expostulate_v his_o faith_n and_o what_o he_o hold_v himself_o to_o be_v he_o without_o any_o demur_n at_o all_o cheerful_o make_v declaration_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o to_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o king_n and_o bear_v to_o be_v a_o king_n thus_o to_o pilate_n though_o upon_o the_o utter_n of_o it_o his_o life_n lie_v at_o the_o stake_n which_o holy_a profession_n of_o his_o be_v celebrate_v for_o our_o example_n 1_o tim._n 6.13_o confession_n when_o make_v by_o a_o company_n of_o professor_n of_o christianity_n joint_o meet_v to_o that_o end_n the_o most_o genuine_a and_o natural_a use_n of_o such_o confession_n be_v that_o under_o the_o same_o form_n of_o word_n they_o express_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o same_o common_a salvation_n or_o unity_n of_o their_o faith_n whereby_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n they_o show_v themselves_o perfect_o join_v in_o the_o same_o mind_n 1.10_o and_o in_o the_o same_o judgement_n and_o according_o such_o a_o transaction_n be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o but_o as_o a_o meet_a or_o fit_a medium_n or_o mean_n whereby_o to_o express_v that_o their_o common_a faith_n and_o salvation_n and_o no_o way_n to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o as_o a_o imposition_n upon_o any_o whatever_o be_v of_o force_n or_o constraint_n in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n cause_v they_o to_o degenerate_v from_o the_o name_n and_o nature_n of_o confession_n and_o turn_v they_o from_o be_v confession_n of_o faith_n into_o exaction_n and_o imposition_n of_o faith_n and_o such_o common_a confession_n of_o the_o orthodox_a faith_n make_v in_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n by_o any_o such_o body_n of_o christian_n with_o concord_n among_o themselves_o aught_o to_o be_v entertain_v by_o all_o other_o that_o love_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n with_o a_o answerable_a rejoice_v for_o if_o the_o unanimous_a opinion_n and_o assertion_n but_o in_o some_o few_o point_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o when_o by_o two_o church_n 15._o namely_o that_o of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o messenger_n of_o antioch_n meet_v assist_v by_o some_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v by_o the_o believer_n of_o those_o time_n receive_v with_o so_o much_o joy_n as_o it_o be_v say_v they_o rejoice_v for_o the_o consolation_n much_o more_o this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v when_o the_o whole_a substance_n of_o faith_n and_o form_n of_o wholesome_a word_n shall_v be_v declare_v by_o the_o messenger_n of_o a_o multitude_n of_o church_n though_o want_v those_o advantage_n of_o counsel_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o that_o assembly_n have_v which_o acceptation_n be_v then_o more_o special_o due_a when_o these_o shall_v to_o choose_v utter_a and_o declare_v their_o faith_n in_o the_o same_o substance_n for_o matter_n yea_o word_n for_o the_o most_o part_n that_o other_o church_n and_o assembly_n repute_v the_o most_o orthodox_a have_v do_v before_o they_o for_o upon_o such_o a_o correspondency_n all_o may_v see_v that_o actual_o accomplish_v which_o the_o apostle_n do_v but_o exhort_v unto_o and_o pray_v for_o in_o those_o two_o more_o eminent_a church_n of_o the_o corinthian_n and_o the_o roman_n and_o so_o in_o they_o for_o all_o the_o christian_n of_o his_o time_n that_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_a that_o be_v man_n of_o different_a persuasion_n 9_o as_o they_o be_v may_v glorify_v god_n with_o one_o mind_n and_o with_o one_o mouth_n and_o true_o the_o very_a turn_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o own_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n in_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o with_o the_o christian_a jew_n though_o differ_v in_o great_a point_n than_o we_o do_v from_o our_o brethren_n be_v present_o after_o dignify_v by_o the_o apostle_n with_o this_o stile_n that_o it_o be_v the_o confession_n of_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o not_o as_o the_o object_n only_o but_o as_o the_o author_n and_o maker_n thereof_o i_o will_v confess_v to_o thou_o say_v christ_n to_o god_n among_o the_o gentile_n so_o that_o in_o all_o such_o accord_n 9_o christ_n be_v the_o great_a and_o first_o confessor_n and_o we_o and_o all_o our_o faith_n utter_v by_o we_o be_v but_o the_o epistle_n as_o paul_n and_o confession_n as_o isaiah_n there_o of_o their_o lord_n and_o we_o he_o but_o express_v what_o be_v write_v in_o his_o heart_n through_o their_o heart_n and_o mouth_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o father_n and_o shall_v not_o we_o all_o rejoice_v herein_o when_o as_o christ_n himself_o be_v say_v to_o do_v it_o upon_o this_o occasion_n as_o it_o there_o also_o follow_v i_o will_v sing_v unto_o thy_o name_n further_o as_o the_o soundness_n and_o wholesomeness_n of_o the_o matter_n give_v the_o vigour_n and_o life_n to_o such_o confession_n so_o the_o inward_a freeness_n willingness_n and_o readiness_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o confessor_n do_v contribute_v the_o beauty_n and_o loveliness_n thereunto_o as_o it_o be_v in_o prayer_n to_o god_n so_o in_o confession_n make_v to_o man_n if_o two_o or_o three_o meet_v do_v agree_v it_o render_v both_o to_o either_o the_o more_o acceptable_a the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o himself_o too_o free_a great_a and_o generous_a a_o spirit_n to_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v use_v by_o any_o human_a arm_n to_o whip_v man_n into_o belief_n he_o drive_v not_o but_o gentle_o lead_v into_o all_o truth_n and_o persuade_v man_n to_o dwell_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o like_a precious_a faith_n which_o will_v lose_v of_o its_o preciousness_n and_o value_n if_o that_o sparkle_n of_o freeness_n shine_v not_o in_o it_o the_o character_n of_o his_o people_n be_v to_o be_v a_o willing_a people_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o power_n not_o man_n in_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n which_o be_v the_o assemble_n of_o the_o saint_n one_o glory_n of_o which_o assemble_n in_o that_o first_o church_n be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v they_o meet_v with_o one_o accord_n which_o be_v there_o in_o that_o psalm_n prophesy_v of_o in_o the_o instance_n of_o that_o first_o church_n for_o all_o other_o that_o shall_v succeed_v and_o as_o this_o great_a spirit_n be_v in_o himself_o free_a when_o and_o how_o far_o and_o in_o who_o to_o work_v so_o where_o and_o when_o he_o do_v work_v he_o carry_v it_o with_o the_o same_o freedom_n and_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o free_a spirit_n as_o he_o both_o be_v and_o work_n in_o we_o and_o where_o this_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v there_o be_v liberty_n now_o as_o to_o this_o confession_n of_o we_o beside_o that_o a_o conspicuous_a conjunction_n of_o the_o particular_n mention_v have_v appear_v therein_o there_o be_v also_o four_o remarkable_a attendant_n thereon_o which_o add_v may_v perhaps_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o sober_a and_o 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more_o perilous_a than_o the_o hot_a season_n of_o persecution_n we_o have_v sail_v through_o a_o aestuation_n flux_n and_o reflux_n of_o great_a variety_n of_o spirit_n doctrine_n opinion_n and_o occurrence_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o opinion_n which_o have_v be_v accompany_v in_o their_o several_a season_n with_o powerful_a persuasion_n and_o temptation_n to_o seduce_v those_o of_o our_o way_n it_o be_v know_v man_n have_v take_v the_o freedom_n notwithstanding_o what_o authority_n have_v interpose_v to_o the_o contrary_a to_o vent_v and_o vend_n their_o own_o vain_a and_o accurse_a imagination_n contrary_a to_o the_o great_a and_o fix_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n insomuch_o as_o take_v the_o whole_a round_a and_o circle_n of_o delusion_n the_o devil_n have_v in_o this_o small_a time_n run_v it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o every_o truth_n of_o great_a or_o lesser_a weight_n have_v by_o one_o or_o other_o hand_n at_o one_o time_n or_o another_o be_v question_v and_o 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confess_v that_o from_o the_o first_o every_o or_o at_o least_o the_o generality_n of_o our_o church_n have_v be_v in_o a_o manner_n like_o so_o many_o ship_n though_o hold_v forth_o the_o same_o general_a colour_n launch_v single_o and_o sail_v apart_o and_o alone_a in_o the_o vast_a ocean_n of_o these_o tumultuate_a time_n and_o they_o expose_v to_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n under_o no_o other_o conduct_n then_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n and_o their_o particular_a elder_n and_o principal_a brethren_n without_o association_n among_o ourselves_o or_o so_o much_o as_o hold_v out_o common_a light_n to_o other_o whereby_o to_o know_v where_o we_o be_v but_o yet_o while_o we_o thus_o confess_v to_o our_o own_o shame_n this_o neglect_n let_v all_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n have_v order_v it_o for_o his_o high_a and_o great_a glory_n in_o that_o his_o singular_a care_n and_o power_n shall_v have_v so_o watch_v over_o each_o of_o these_o as_o that_o all_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o have_v steer_v their_o course_n by_o the_o same_o chart_n and_o to_o have_v be_v bind_v for_o one_o and_o the_o same_o port_n and_o that_o upon_o this_o general_a search_n now_o make_v that_o the_o same_o holy_a and_o bless_a truth_n of_o all_o sort_n which_o be_v currant_n and_o warrantable_a among_o all_o the_o other_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v find_v to_o be_v our_o lade_n the_o whole_a and_o every_o of_o these_o thing_n when_o put_v together_o do_v cause_n we_o whatever_o man_n of_o prejudice_v and_o opposite_a spirit_n may_v find_v out_o to_o slight_v they_o with_o a_o holy_a admiration_n to_o say_v that_o this_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o lord_n do_n and_o which_o we_o with_o thanksgiving_n do_v take_v from_o his_o hand_n as_o a_o special_a token_n upon_o we_o for_o good_a and_o do_v show_v that_o god_n be_v faithful_a
what_o he_o assert_v or_o promise_v and_o to_o judge_v he_o according_a to_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o what_o he_o swear_v ii_o the_o name_n of_o god_n only_o be_v that_o by_o which_o man_n ought_v to_o swear_v and_o therein_o it_o be_v to_o be_v use_v with_o all_o holy_a fear_n and_o reverence_n therefore_o to_o swear_v vain_o or_o rash_o by_o that_o glorious_a or_o dreadful_a name_n or_o to_o swear_v at_o all_o by_o any_o other_o thing_n be_v sinful_a and_o to_o be_v abhor_v yet_o as_o in_o matter_n of_o weight_n and_o moment_n a_o oath_n be_v warrant_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o well_o as_o under_o the_o old_a so_o a_o lawful_a oath_n be_v impose_v by_o lawful_a authority_n in_o such_o matter_n aught_o to_o be_v take_v iii_o whosoever_o take_v a_o oath_n warrant_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n ought_v due_o to_o consider_v the_o weightiness_n of_o so_o solemn_a a_o act_n and_o therein_o to_o avouch_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o be_v full_o persuade_v be_v the_o truth_n neither_o may_v any_o man_n bind_v himself_o by_o oath_n to_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v good_a and_o just_a and_o what_o he_o believe_v so_o to_o be_v and_o what_o he_o be_v able_a and_o resolve_v to_o perform_v yet_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o refuse_v a_o oath_n touch_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a and_o just_a be_v lawful_o impose_v by_o authority_n iv._o a_o oath_n be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o plain_a and_o common_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n without_o equivocation_n or_o mental_a reservation_n it_o can_v oblige_v to_o sin_n but_o in_o any_o thing_n not_o sinful_a be_v take_v it_o bind_v to_o performance_n although_o to_o a_o man_n own_o hurt_n nor_o be_v it_o to_o be_v violate_v although_o make_v to_o heretic_n or_o infidel_n v._o a_o vow_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v to_o any_o creature_n but_o god_n alone_o be_v of_o the_o like_a nature_n with_o a_o promissory_a oath_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v make_v with_o the_o like_a religious_a care_n and_o to_o be_v perform_v with_o the_o like_a faithfulness_n vi_o popish_a monastical_a vow_n of_o perpetual_a single_a life_n profess_a poverty_n and_o regular_a obedience_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v degree_n of_o high_a perfection_n that_o they_o be_v superstitious_a and_o sinful_a snare_n in_o which_o no_o christian_n may_v entangle_v himself_o chap._n xxiv_o of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n god_n the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o king_n of_o all_o the_o world_n have_v ordain_v civil_a magistrate_n to_o be_v under_o he_o over_o the_o people_n for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o public_a good_a and_o to_o this_o end_n have_v arm_v they_o with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n for_o the_o defence_n and_o encouragement_n of_o they_o that_o do_v good_a and_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o evil_a doer_n ii_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o christian_n to_o accept_v and_o execute_v the_o office_n of_o a_o magistrate_n when_o call_v thereunto_o in_o the_o management_n whereof_o as_o they_o ought_v especial_o to_o maintain_v justice_n and_o peace_n according_a to_o the_o wholesome_a law_n of_o each_o commonwealth_n so_o for_o that_o end_n they_o may_v lawful_o now_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n wage_v war_n upon_o just_a and_o necessary_a occasion_n iii_o although_o the_o magistrate_n be_v bind_v to_o encourage_v promote_v and_o protect_v the_o professor_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o manage_v and_o order_n civil_a administration_n in_o a_o due_a subserviency_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o that_o end_n to_o take_v care_v that_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o conversation_n do_v not_o licentious_o publish_v and_o divulge_v blasphemy_n and_o error_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n subvert_v the_o faith_n and_o inevitable_o destroy_v the_o soul_n of_o they_o that_o receive_v they_o yet_o in_o such_o difference_n about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o way_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o may_v befall_v man_n exercise_v a_o good_a conscience_n manifest_v it_o in_o their_o conversation_n and_o hold_v the_o foundation_n not_o disturb_v other_o in_o their_o way_n or_o worship_n that_o differ_v from_o they_o there_o be_v no_o warrant_n for_o the_o magistrate_n under_o the_o gospel_n to_o abridge_v they_o of_o their_o liberty_n iv._o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o people_n to_o pray_v for_o magistrate_n to_o honour_v their_o person_n to_o pay_v they_o tribute_n and_o other_o due_n to_o obey_v their_o lawful_a command_n and_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o authority_n for_o conscience_n sake_n infidelity_n or_o difference_n in_o religion_n do_v not_o make_v void_a the_o magistrate_n just_a and_o legal_a authority_n nor_o free_v the_o people_n from_o their_o obedience_n to_o he_o from_o which_o ecclesiastical_a person_n be_v not_o exempt_v much_o less_o have_v the_o pope_n any_o power_n or_o jurisdiction_n over_o they_o in_o their_o dominion_n or_o over_o any_o of_o their_o people_n and_o least_o of_o all_o to_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o dominion_n or_o life_n if_o he_o shall_v judge_v they_o to_o be_v heretic_n or_o upon_o any_o other_o pretence_n whatsoever_o chap._n xxv_o of_o marriage_n marriage_n be_v to_o be_v between_o one_o man_n and_o one_o woman_n neither_o be_v it_o lawful_a for_o any_o man_n to_o have_v more_o than_o one_o wife_n nor_o for_o any_o woman_n to_o have_v more_o than_o one_o husband_n at_o the_o same_o time_n ii_o marriage_n be_v ordain_v for_o the_o mutual_a help_n of_o husband_n and_o wife_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o mankind_n with_o a_o legitimate_a issue_n and_o of_o the_o church_n with_o a_o holy_a seed_n and_o for_o prevent_v of_o uncleanness_n iii_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n to_o marry_v who_o be_v able_a with_o judgement_n to_o give_v their_o consent_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o christian_n to_o marry_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o such_o as_o profess_v the_o true_a reform_a religion_n shall_v not_o marry_v with_o infidel_n papist_n or_o other_o idolater_n neither_o shall_v such_o as_o be_v godly_a be_v unequal_o yoke_v by_o marry_v with_o such_o as_o be_v wicked_a in_o their_o life_n or_o maintain_v damnable_a heresy_n iv._o marriage_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v within_o the_o degree_n of_o consanguinity_n or_o affinity_n forbid_v in_o the_o word_n nor_o can_v such_o incestuous_a marriage_n ever_o be_v make_v lawful_a by_o any_o law_n of_o man_n or_o consent_n of_o party_n so_o as_o those_o person_n may_v live_v together_o as_o man_n and_o wife_n chap._n xxvi_o of_o the_o church_n the_o catholic_a or_o universal_a church_n which_o be_v invisible_a consist_v of_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o the_o elect_a that_o have_v be_v be_v or_o shall_v be_v gather_v into_o one_o under_o christ_n the_o head_n thereof_o and_o be_v the_o spouse_n the_o body_n the_o fullness_n of_o he_o that_o fill_v all_o in_o all_o ii_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o man_n throughout_o the_o world_n profess_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o obedience_n unto_o god_n by_o christ_n according_a unto_o it_o not_o destroy_v their_o own_o profession_n by_o any_o error_n evert_n the_o foundation_n or_o unholiness_n of_o conversation_n be_v and_o may_v be_v call_v the_o visible_a catholic_a church_n of_o christ_n although_o as_o such_o it_o be_v not_o entrust_v with_o the_o administration_n of_o any_o ordinance_n or_o have_v any_o officer_n to_o rule_n or_o govern_v in_o or_o over_o the_o whole_a body_n iii_o the_o pure_a church_n under_o heaven_n be_v subject_a both_o to_o mixture_n and_o error_n and_o some_o have_v so_o degenerate_v as_o to_o become_v no_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n nevertheless_o christ_n always_o have_v have_v and_o ever_o shall_v have_v a_o visible_a kingdom_n in_o this_o world_n to_o the_o end_n thereof_o of_o such_o as_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o make_v profession_n of_o his_o name_n iv._o there_o be_v no_o other_o head_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n nor_o can_v the_o pope_n of_o rome_n in_o any_o sense_n be_v head_n thereof_o but_o be_v that_o antichrist_n that_o man_n of_o sin_n and_o son_n of_o perdition_n that_o exalt_v himself_o in_o the_o church_n against_o christ_n and_o all_o that_o be_v call_v god_n who_o the_o lord_n shall_v destroy_v with_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o come_n v._o as_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o care_n and_o love_n towards_o his_o church_n have_v in_o his_o infinite_a wise_a providence_n exercise_v it_o with_o great_a variety_n in_o all_o age_n for_o the_o good_a of_o they_o that_o love_v he_o and_o his_o own_o glory_n so_o according_a to_o his_o promise_n we_o expect_v that_o in_o the_o latter_a day_n antichrist_n be_v destroy_v the_o jew_n call_v and_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o
with_o or_o call_v they_o to_o to_o be_v continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v pastor_n teacher_n elder_n and_o deacon_n x._o church_n thus_o gather_v and_o assemble_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v thereby_o visible_a and_o public_a and_o their_o assembly_n in_o what_o place_n soever_o they_o be_v according_a as_o they_o have_v liberty_n or_o opportunity_n be_v therefore_o church_n or_o public_a assembly_n xi_o the_o way_n appoint_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o call_n of_o any_o person_n fit_v and_o gift_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n unto_o the_o office_n of_o pastor_n teacher_n or_o elder_n in_o a_o church_n be_v that_o he_o be_v choose_v thereunto_o by_o the_o common_a suffrage_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o solemn_o set_v apart_o by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n with_o imposition_n of_o hand_n of_o the_o eldership_n of_o that_o church_n if_o there_o be_v any_o before_o constitute_v therein_o and_o of_o a_o deacon_n that_o he_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o like_a suffrage_n and_o set_v apart_o by_o prayer_n and_o the_o like_a imposition_n of_o hand_n xii_o the_o essence_n of_o this_o call_n of_o a_o pastor_n teacher_n or_o elder_n unto_o office_n consist_v in_o the_o election_n of_o the_o church_n together_o with_o his_o acceptation_n of_o it_o and_o separation_n by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o those_o who_o be_v so_o choose_v though_o not_o set_v apart_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v right_o constitute_v minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o who_o name_n and_o authority_n they_o exercise_v the_o ministry_n to_o they_o so_o commit_v the_o call_n of_o deacon_n consist_v in_o the_o like_a election_n and_o acceptation_n with_o separation_n by_o prayer_n xiii_o although_o it_o be_v incumbent_n on_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v instant_a in_o preach_v the_o word_n by_o way_n of_o office_n yet_o the_o work_n of_o preach_v the_o word_n be_v not_o so_o peculiar_o confine_v to_o they_o but_o that_o other_o also_o gift_v and_o fit_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o it_o and_o approve_a be_v by_o lawful_a way_n and_o mean_n in_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n call_v thereunto_o may_v public_o ordinary_o and_o constant_o perform_v it_o so_o that_o they_o give_v themselves_o up_o thereunto_o xiv_o however_o they_o who_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o work_n of_o public_a preach_v and_o enjoy_v the_o public_a maintenance_n upon_o that_o account_n be_v not_o thereby_o oblige_v to_o dispense_v the_o seal_n to_o any_o other_o than_o such_o as_o be_v saint_n by_o call_v and_o gather_v according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o stand_v relate_v to_o as_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n yet_o ought_v they_o not_o to_o neglect_v other_o live_v within_o their_o parochial_a bound_n but_o beside_o their_o constant_a public_a preach_n to_o they_o they_o ought_v to_o inquire_v after_o their_o profit_n by_o the_o word_n instruct_v they_o in_o and_o press_v upon_o they_o whether_o young_a or_o old_a the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n even_o personal_o and_o particular_o so_o far_o as_o their_o strength_n and_o time_n will_v admit_v xv_o ordination_n alone_o without_o the_o election_n or_o precedent_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n by_o those_o who_o former_o have_v be_v ordain_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o power_n they_o have_v receive_v by_o their_o ordination_n do_v not_o constitute_v any_o person_n a_o church_n officer_n or_o communicate_v office_n power_n unto_o he_o xvi_o a_o church_n furnish_v with_o officer_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n have_v full_a power_n to_o administer_v all_o his_o ordinance_n and_o where_o there_o be_v want_n of_o any_o one_o or_o more_o officer_n require_v that_o officer_n or_o those_o which_o be_v in_o the_o church_n may_v administer_v all_o the_o ordinance_n proper_a to_o their_o particular_a duty_n and_o office_n but_o where_o there_o be_v no_o teach_v officer_n none_o may_v administer_v the_o seal_n nor_o can_v the_o church_n authorize_v any_o so_o to_o do_v xvii_o in_o the_o carry_n on_o of_o church-administration_n no_o person_n ought_v to_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n but_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o that_o so_o love_n without_o dissimulation_n may_v be_v preserve_v between_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o xviii_o whereas_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v appoint_v and_o institute_v as_o a_o mean_n of_o edification_n that_o those_o who_o walk_v not_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n appoint_v by_o he_o in_o respect_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n so_o that_o just_a offence_n do_v arise_v to_o the_o church_n thereby_o be_v censure_v in_o his_o name_n and_o authority_n every_o church_n have_v power_n in_o itself_o to_o exercise_v and_o execute_v all_o those_o censure_n appoint_v by_o he_o in_o the_o way_n and_o order_n prescribe_v in_o the_o gospel_n xix_o the_o censure_n so_o appoint_v by_o christ_n be_v admonition_n and_o excommunication_n and_o whereas_o some_o offence_n be_v or_o may_v be_v know_v only_o to_o some_o it_o be_v appoint_v by_o christ_n that_o those_o to_o who_o they_o be_v so_o know_v do_v first_o admonish_v the_o offender_n in_o private_a in_o public_a offence_n where_o any_o sin_n before_o all_o or_o in_o case_n of_o non-amendment_n upon_o private_a admonition_n the_o offence_n be_v relate_v to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o offender_n not_o manifest_v his_o repentance_n he_o be_v to_o be_v due_o admonish_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o whole_a church_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o this_o censure_n prevail_v not_o for_o his_o repentance_n than_o he_o be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o by_o excommunication_n with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n xx_o as_o all_o believer_n be_v bind_v to_o join_v themselves_o to_o particular_a churchâ—_n when_o and_o where_o they_o have_v opportunity_n so_o to_o do_v so_o nonâ—_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v unto_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n who_o do_v not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o government_n of_o they_o xxi_o this_o be_v the_o way_n prescribe_v by_o christ_n in_o case_n of_o offence_n no_o church-member_n upon_o any_o offence_n take_v by_o they_o have_v perform_v their_o duty_n require_v of_o they_o in_o this_o matter_n aught_o to_o disturb_v any_o church-order_n or_o absent_a themseluâ—s_n from_o the_o public_a assembly_n or_o the_o administration_n of_o any_o ordinance_n upon_o that_o pretence_n but_o to_o wait_v upon_o christ_n in_o the_o further_a proceed_n of_o the_o church_n xxii_o the_o power_n of_o censure_n be_v seat_v by_o christ_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v only_o towards_o particular_a member_n of_o each_o church_n respective_o as_o such_o and_o there_o be_v no_o power_n give_v by_o he_o unto_o any_o synod_n or_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n to_o excommunicate_v or_o by_o their_o public_a edict_n to_o threaten_v excommunication_n or_o other_o church-censure_n against_o church_n magistrate_n or_o their_o people_n upon_o any_o account_n no_o man_n be_v obnoxious_a to_o that_o censure_n but_o upon_o his_o personal_a miscarriage_n as_o a_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n xxiii_o although_o the_o church_n be_v a_o society_n of_o man_n assemble_v for_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n according_a to_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ_n yet_o every_o society_n assemble_v for_o that_o end_n or_o purpose_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o cohabâ—â—ation_n within_o any_o civil_a precinct_n and_o bound_n be_v not_o thereby_o constitute_v a_o church_n see_v there_o may_v be_v want_v among_o â—hem_n what_o be_v essential_o require_v thereunto_o and_o therefore_o a_o believer_n live_v with_o other_o in_o such_o a_o precinct_n may_v join_v hâ—mself_n with_o any_o church_n for_o his_o edification_n xxiv_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o difference_n that_o may_v otherwise_o arise_v for_o the_o great_a solemnity_n in_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o open_v a_o way_n for_o the_o large_a usefulness_n of_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n saint_n live_v in_o one_o city_n or_o town_n or_o within_o such_o distance_n as_o that_o they_o may_v convenient_o assemble_v for_o divine_a worship_n ought_v rather_o to_o join_v in_o one_o church_n for_o their_o mutual_a strengthen_n and_o edification_n then_o to_o set_v up_o many_o distinct_a society_n xxv_o as_o all_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o pray_v continual_o for_o the_o good_a or_o prosperity_n of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o place_n and_o upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o further_v it_o every_o one_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o place_n and_o calling_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o gift_n and_o grace_n so_o the_o church_n themselves_o when_o planâ—ed_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n so_o as_o they_o may_v have_v opportunity_n and_o advantage_n for_o it_o ought_v to_o hold_v communion_n among_o themselves_o for_o their_o peace_n increase_n of_o love_n and_o mutual_a edification_n xxvi_o in_o case_n oâ—_z difficulty_n or_o difference_n either_o in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n oâ—â—n_n administration_n wherein_o either_o the_o church_n in_o general_a â—â—e_n concern_v or_o any_o one_o church_n in_o their_o peace_n union_n anâ—_z edification_n or_o any_o member_n or_o member_n of_o any_o church_n 〈◊〉_d injure_v in_o or_o by_o any_o proceed_n in_o censâ—â—es_n not_o agreâ—able_a to_o truth_n and_o order_n it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n oâ—_z christ_n that_o many_o church_n hold_v communion_n togethâ—r_v do_v by_o their_o messenger_n meet_v in_o a_o synod_n or_o council_n to_o consider_v and_o give_v their_o advice_n in_o or_o about_o that_o matter_n in_o â—ifference_n to_o be_v report_v to_o all_o the_o church_n concern_v howbeit_o these_o synod_n so_o assemble_v be_v not_o entrust_v with_o any_o church-power_n proper_o so_o call_v or_o with_o any_o jurisdiction_n over_o the_o church_n themselves_o to_o exercise_v any_o censure_n either_o over_o any_o church_n or_o person_n or_o to_o impose_v their_o determination_n on_o the_o church_n or_o officer_n xxvii_o beside_o these_o occasional_a synod_n or_o counsel_n there_o be_v not_o institute_v by_o christ_n any_o state_a synod_n in_o a_o fix_a combination_n of_o church_n or_o their_o officer_n in_o lesser_a or_o great_a assembly_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o synod_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o a_o way_n of_o subordination_n to_o one_o another_o xxviii_o person_n that_o be_v join_v in_o church-fellowship_n ought_v not_o light_o or_o without_o just_a cause_n to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n whereunto_o they_o be_v so_o join_v nevertheless_o where_o any_o person_n can_v continue_v in_o any_o church_n without_o his_o sin_n either_o for_o want_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o any_o ordinance_n institute_v by_o christ_n or_o by_o his_o be_v 1_o cor._n 1.10_o act_n 15._o rom._n 15.6_o 8_o 9_o v._n 9_o this_o persuasion_n come_v not_o of_o he_o that_o call_v you_o gal._n 5.8_o 1_o pet._n 1.5_o 1_o pet._n 3.15_o 8_o cor._n 2._o gal._n 1.6_o heb._n 5.12_o eph._n 4.12_o 14._o heb._n 3.6_o heb._n 10.22_o june_n 20._o 1648._o aug._n 1647_o session_n â—86_n ordinance_n of_o march_n 14._o 1645._o consideration_n and_o caution_n from_o zion_n coll._n june_n 19_o 1646._o jus_fw-la divinum_fw-la minist._n pub_fw-la by_o the_o provost_n of_o london_n in_o the_o preface_n puritanis_fw-la ang._n by_o dr._n aim_n near_o 50_o year_n since_o as_o the_o opinion_n of_o whitehead_n gilbe_n fox_n dearing_n greenham_n cartwright_n venner_n fulk_n whitaker_n rainold_n perkins_n etc._n etc._n