a_o certain_a mutual_a communion_n among_o one_o another_o and_o a_o spiritual_a communion_n with_o their_o one_o only_a and_o true_a head_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o they_o real_o be_v so_o also_o be_v they_o right_o call_v else_o call_v mat._n 16._o 18._o &_o 18._o 17._o act._n 20._o 28._o &_o every_o where_o else_o the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n of_o both_o which_o to_o wit_n the_o church_n and_o the_o communion_n thereof_o we_o say_v in_o the_o apostle_n creed_n i_o believe_v the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n the_o communion_n of_o saint_n 2._o for_o this_o church_n be_v nothing_o else_o be_v what_o the_o church_n be_v but_o a_o assembly_n of_o man_n call_v by_o the_o gospel_n etc._n gospel_n rom._n 10._o 10_o 14_o etc._n etc._n eph._n 5._o 23_o etc._n etc._n and_o believe_v on_o jesus_n christ_n or_o at_o least_o with_o their_o mouth_n profess_v his_o name_n and_o doctrine_n as_o save_v although_o some_o more_o some_o less_o either_o sincere_o and_o pure_o or_o firm_o and_o constant_o believe_v on_o christ_n or_o at_o least_o outward_o in_o word_n and_o rite_n profess_v christ_n 3._o for_o the_o church_n whilst_o it_o be_v militant_a invisible_a in_o what_o respect_v it_o be_v invisible_a here_o on_o earth_n be_v wont_v according_a to_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n to_o be_v consider_v under_o a_o twofold_a respect_n 1._o as_o a_o assembly_n 23._o assembly_n eph._n 5._o 23_o 25._o gal._n 6._o 10_o 16._o 1_o pet._n 1._o 22_o 23._o of_o man_n and_o woman_n true_o pious_a and_o believe_a and_o that_o do_v cordial_o and_o sincere_o embrace_v and_o love_n and_o with_o their_o whole_a heart_n keep_v and_o order_v their_o life_n and_o conversation_n according_a to_o that_o save_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o they_o profess_v with_o their_o mouth_n which_o assembly_n be_v visible_a and_o certain_o know_v 23._o know_v rom._n 2._o 28_o 29._o &_o 8._o 27._o &_o 10._o 9_o 1_o cor._n 4_o 5._o rev._n 2._o 23._o to_o god_n only_o but_o be_v invisible_a unto_o we_o see_v true_a faith_n and_o piety_n which_o lie_v hide_v within_o the_o heart_n none_o but_o god_n the_o alone_a indeed_o searcher_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o reins_o can_v behold_v they_o 4._o but_o to_o hold_v the_o save_a doctrine_n christ_n what_o congregation_n be_v to_o be_v count_v for_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o forthwith_o so_o perfect_o to_o know_v 16._o know_v rom._n 14._o 1_o etc._n etc._n &_o 15._o 1_o etc._n etc._n phil._n 3._o 15_o 16._o all_o that_o be_v every_o way_n contain_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n so_o as_o to_o err_v or_o hesitate_n in_o no_o one_o article_n at_o all_o or_o no_o sacred_a history_n or_o sense_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o at_o least_o well_o and_o right_o to_o hold_v or_o understand_v 15._o understand_v 1_o cor._n 7._o 19_o gal._n 1._o 6._o &_o 6._o 15._o all_o that_o without_o which_o we_o can_v right_o observe_v and_o perform_v the_o commandment_n of_o faith_n and_o obedince_n nor_o consequent_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n obtain_v eternal_a salvation_n therefore_o all_o those_o church_n which_o agree_v in_o the_o belief_n and_o profession_n of_o necessary_a truth_n we_o believe_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v count_v for_o true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n although_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o differ_v in_o many_o other_o thing_n and_o in_o some_o respect_v not_o inconsiderable_o swerve_v from_o the_o truth_n 5._o the_o church_n be_v consider_v as_o it_o be_v visible_a how_o far_o it_o be_v visible_a a_o visible_a multitude_n of_o those_o that_o 32._o that_o act._n 2._o 41_o etc._n etc._n ch_n 5._o 11._o &_o 8._o 1_o etc._n etc._n &_o 14._o 32._o public_o profess_v the_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n although_o haply_o they_o do_v not_o true_o believe_v in_o he_o which_o as_o to_o the_o outward_a confession_n of_o the_o mouth_n and_o other_o manifest_a sign_n of_o faith_n of_o that_o kind_n be_v of_o itself_o even_o sufficient_o know_v and_o visible_a unto_o we_o although_o it_o appear_v particular_a appear_v rom._n 10._o 9_o 10._o &_o 11._o 3_o 4._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 4_o etc._n etc._n another_o division_n of_o it_o into_o catholic_n &_o particular_a sometime_o less_o evident_o or_o clear_o 6._o again_o both_o may_v be_v consider_v either_o as_o catholic_n 24._o catholic_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 2._o rom._n 10._o 11_o 12_o 13._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 12_o etc._n etc._n eph._n 1._o 22_o 23._o &_o 5._o 23_o 24._o or_o universal_a which_o be_v spread_v throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n comprehend_v or_o contain_v all_o congregation_n together_o either_o of_o those_o who_o true_o believe_v or_o at_o least_o profess_v so_o to_o do_v or_o as_o local_a or_o particular_a 5._o particular_a 1_o cor._n 1._o 2._o gal._n 1._o 2._o rom._n 1._o 7._o &_o 16._o 1_o 4_o 5._o which_o be_v gather_v in_o certain_a place_n by_o part_n several_o for_o instance_n at_o corinth_n in_o galatia_n at_o ephesus_n etc._n etc._n of_o which_o this_o or_o the_o other_o whatever_o it_o be_v may_v not_o only_o err_v in_o doctrine_n but_o also_o revolt_v from_o the_o true_a faith_n &_o the_o profession_n thereof_o tot_fw-la thereof_o rev._n 2._o &_o 3._o tot_fw-la yea_o and_o oftentimes_o also_o do_v actual_o revolt_v from_o the_o same_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n still_o remain_v safe_a &_o entire_o notwithstanding_o nor_o indeed_o be_v there_o any_o divine_a promise_n extant_a whereby_o the_o sincere_a profession_n of_o true_a doctrine_n and_o a_o continual_a succession_n therein_o or_o a_o uninterrupted_a and_o uniform_a continuance_n of_o the_o continual_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o of_o the_o orthodox_n faith_n and_o that_o to_o be_v always_o clear_o see_v be_v promise_v to_o any_o certain_a particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n yea_o indeed_o rather_o both_o example_n 30._o example_n 1_o thess_n 2._o 3_o etc._n etc._n 1._o thess_n 4._o 1_o etc._n etc._n 2._o tim._n 3._o 1._o 2_o pet._n 2._o 1_o etc._n etc._n act._n 10._o 29_o 30._o and_o presage_n of_o the_o defection_n of_o many_o be_v every_o where_o obvious_a or_o easy_a to_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o mark_n or_o note_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n 7._o furthermore_o the_o note_n and_o mark_n such_o indeed_o as_o be_v certain_a and_o infallible_a which_o clear_o demonstrate_v unto_o we_o and_o make_v a_o church_n or_o christian_a assembly_n which_o be_v already_o gather_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n visible_a may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o one_o only_a general_n that_o be_v unto_o the_o profession_n etc._n profession_n mat._n 10._o 32_o 33._o joh._n 10._o 4._o 5._o 27._o &_o 12._o 42_o 43._o &_o 13._o 34_o 35._o &_o 14._o 21_o etc._n etc._n of_o that_o sacred_a and_o save_a doctrine_n which_o be_v deliver_v by_o jesus_n christ_n in_o conjunction_n with_o at_o least_o a_o outward_a keep_n 15._o keep_n act._n 2._o 41_o 42._o &_o 4._o 32_o etc._n etc._n rom._n 10._o 9_o 1_o tim._n 3._o 15._o of_o the_o commandment_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o whereas_o true_a faith_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o save_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n do_v as_o the_o more_o inward_a form_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o soul_n constitute_v and_o make_v a_o true_a and_o invisible_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v necessary_a doubtless_o that_o the_o alone_a profession_n of_o that_o true_a and_o save_a faith_n which_o we_o have_v speak_v of_o make_v the_o same_o visible_a unto_o we_o 8._o but_o with_o labour_n and_o toil_n either_o to_o mark_n against_o fallacious_a &_o uncertain_a mark_n seek_v or_o demand_v or_o to_o desire_v to_o show_v unto_o other_o other_o note_n or_o mark_n whereby_o those_o who_o as_o yet_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a what_o a_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v or_o which_o or_o what_o be_v the_o save_a doctrine_n thereof_o may_v come_v certain_o &_o undoubted_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o consequent_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n itself_o be_v altogether_o vain_a and_o foolish_a for_o that_o so_o to_o pretend_v be_v neither_o quote_v neither_o see_v the_o place_n just_a now_o quote_v necessary_a nor_o profitable_a nay_o not_o possible_a right_o or_o orderly_o to_o be_v perform_v so_o far_o be_v it_o from_o such_o mark_n consist_v in_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o world_n and_o fleshly_a reason_n be_v wont_v so_o high_o to_o esteem_v to_o wit_n in_o antiquity_n multitude_n consent_n succession_n of_o person_n outward_a splendour_n of_o congregation_n or_o worldly_a happiness_n etc._n etc._n of_o which_o many_o of_o late_o do_v vain_o boast_v 9_o furthermore_o the_o duty_n of_o those_o who_o church_n the_o duty_n of_o the_o citizen_n of_o the_o church_n belong_v to_o this_o visible_a church_n do_v not_o
sufficiency_n and_o perspicuity_n seem_v to_o be_v suspect_v and_o doubt_v of_o to_o wit_n as_o if_o they_o either_o do_v not_o full_o and_o sufficient_o contain_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a and_o profitable_a for_o every_o christian_a congregation_n to_o know_v believe_v hope_v and_o do_v or_o at_o least_o do_v not_o use_v those_o form_n of_o speak_v which_o do_v clear_o and_o perspicuous_o enough_o express_v those_o divine_a sense_n or_o meaning_n which_o be_v chief_o saving_o necessary_a and_o available_a to_o be_v believe_v but_o have_v need_n of_o man_n phrase_n and_o form_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o they_o and_o application_n and_o use_n to_o make_v a_o due_a difference_n between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n from_o whence_o afterward_o they_o say_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v more_o and_o more_o weaken_a and_o at_o length_n whole_o fall_v and_o be_v transfer_v by_o degree_n to_o those_o form_n of_o man_n as_o either_o more_o perfect_a or_o the_o more_o clear_a discoverer_n of_o what_o be_v right_a and_o false_a and_o certain_o the_o experience_n of_o many_o age_n seem_v not_o a_o little_a to_o confirm_v these_o man_n opinion_n in_o which_o say_v they_o for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o usual_o fall_v out_o that_o after_o form_n of_o confession_n and_o declaration_n begin_v to_o be_v in_o esteem_n and_o the_o say_a honour_n to_o be_v give_v to_o they_o as_o though_o they_o do_v most_o full_o express_v the_o hide_a and_o involve_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o most_o clear_o and_o plain_o propose_v those_o thing_n whichare_v necessary_o to_o be_v hold_v by_o the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o majesty_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n begin_v by_o little_a and_o little_a to_o decline_v and_o the_o truth_n as_o also_o the_o necessity_n of_o all_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n pertain_v to_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n to_o depend_v upon_o those_o form_n in_o so_o much_o indeed_o that_o wave_v and_o undervalue_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n they_o appeal_v unto_o they_o as_o the_o most_o certain_a square_n or_o level_n and_o unexceptionable_a rule_n and_o he_o that_o swerve_v but_o a_o finger_n breadth_n from_o they_o although_o move_v thereto_o out_o of_o a_o regard_n to_o the_o scripture_n be_v without_o any_o further_a proof_n accuse_v and_o condemn_v of_o heresy_n and_o though_o at_o the_o beginning_n and_o in_o the_o very_a cradle_n or_o infancy_n of_o form_n as_o they_o say_v it_o fall_v not_o out_o but_o also_o over_o and_o above_o by_o caution_n or_o restriction_n and_o protestation_n and_o other_o way_n of_o that_o kind_n they_o obviate_v and_o withstand_v the_o same_o yet_o in_o tract_n of_o time_n by_o little_a and_o little_a their_o authority_n prevail_v and_o increase_v and_o through_o secret_a increasing_n by_o interval_n and_o degree_n it_o be_v insensible_o establish_v and_o confirm_v until_o at_o length_n have_v spread_v its_o root_n deep_a it_o begin_v in_o a_o manner_n to_o overtop_n the_o very_a scripture_n so_o by_o this_o mean_n in_o process_n of_o time_n some_o ecumenical_a council_n and_o form_n of_o belief_n or_o general_a creed_n which_o be_v conceive_v and_o maintain_v in_o they_o begin_v to_o be_v so_o high_o value_v that_o a_o like_a and_o equal_a authority_n be_v give_v to_o they_o the_o gospel_n themselves_o by_o the_o most_o of_o man_n yea_o further_o even_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v dispute_v &_o determine_v by_o one_o single_a augustine_n against_o pelagius_n at_o length_n in_o process_n oftime_o be_v advance_v to_o that_o dignity_n and_o authority_n and_o that_o even_o among_o those_o who_o otherwise_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o set_v much_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o council_n and_o father_n that_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o condemn_v any_o one_o that_o teach_v in_o the_o church_n if_o his_o opinion_n only_o seem_v to_o come_v near_o to_o pelagius_n and_o that_o it_o do_v common_o so_o fall_v out_o in_o other_o question_n of_o faith_n and_o have_v fall_v out_o from_o every_o age_n past_o they_o do_v very_o specious_o affirm_v in_o brief_a these_o seem_v not_o to_o complain_v in_o vain_a that_o all_o form_n usual_o do_v together_o with_o their_o age_n receive_v the_o strength_n and_o increase_v of_o too_o much_o authority_n and_o that_o howsoever_o oftentime_o they_o seem_v not_o open_o and_o manifest_o to_o be_v advance_v and_o promote_v to_o a_o unmeasurable_a greatness_n yet_o they_o become_v by_o degree_n not_o withstand_v even_o caution_n &_o protestation_n to_o the_o contrary_a notwithstanding_o the_o immutable_a canon_n of_o faith_n and_o at_o least_o secundary_a rule_n and_o level_n and_o that_o indeed_o by_o so_o secret_a and_o imperceptible_a motion_n and_o advance_n that_o they_o be_v find_v of_o a_o certain_a not_o to_o come_v but_o to_o have_v come_v nor_o to_o grow_v but_o to_o have_v grow_v to_o the_o top_n of_o more_o than_o humane_a authority_n and_o height_n of_o supreme_a dignity_n they_o suppose_v also_o that_o these_o form_n do_v mighty_o endammage_n and_o prejudice_n the_o liberty_n of_o church_n or_o conscience_n and_o prophecy_n for_o that_o where_o they_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o forthwith_o a_o tyrannical_a law_n be_v bring_v in_o at_o the_o back_n door_n so_o that_o a_o man_n may_v not_o think_v speak_v write_v teach_v compare_v and_o interpret_v the_o scriptute_n but_o according_a to_o what_o they_o prescribe_v and_o to_o call_v they_o into_o doubt_n or_o to_o contradict_v they_o though_o modest_o be_v think_v a_o heinous_a wickedness_n nor_o do_v they_o want_v their_o pretence_n viz._n that_o the_o public_a peace_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v preserve_v entire_a confusion_n avoid_v and_o liberty_n turn_v not_o into_o licentiousness_n from_o whence_o further_o they_o say_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o none_o especial_o if_o it_o be_v believe_v that_o the_o commonwealth_n also_o be_v interest_v therein_o dare_v either_o inquire_v into_o those_o form_n and_o examine_v the_o opinion_n that_o be_v contain_v in_o they_o by_o the_o standard_n of_o truth_n or_o if_o any_o one_o call_v upon_o for_o part_n and_o industry_n for_o that_o end_n shall_v inquire_v into_o they_o and_o in_o his_o judgement_n find_v some_o thing_n to_o be_v false_a he_o can_v without_o apparent_a danger_n publish_v and_o discover_v they_o for_o the_o amendment_n of_o other_o and_o that_o indeed_o by_o this_o mean_v such_o like_a form_n of_o confession_n and_o declaration_n do_v terminate_v in_o most_o rigid_a bond_n and_o more_o than_o adamantine_a fetter_n wherewith_o liberty_n together_o with_o truth_n be_v most_o strait_o tie_v up_o and_o that_o error_n which_o be_v once_o receive_v and_o admit_v become_v stable_n and_o firm_a yea_o eternal_a last_o they_o affirm_v that_o a_o large_a gap_n be_v open_v by_o these_o very_a confession_n and_o declaration_n for_o schism_n and_o separation_n because_o as_o they_o have_v be_v hitherto_o use_v they_o have_v be_v the_o open_a and_o public_a sign_n of_o dissension_n by_o which_o no_o otherwise_o then_o by_o certain_a partition-wall_n christian_n who_o ought_v to_o be_v most_o strict_o join_v together_o and_o who_o in_o very_a deed_n agree_v in_o the_o main_a of_o save_a doctrine_n be_v divide_v each_o from_o other_o whilst_o 12._o 1_o cor_n 1._o 12._o one_o indeed_o say_v i_o be_o of_o paul_n another_o i_o be_o of_o gephas_n another_o i_o be_o of_o apollo_n another_o i_o be_o of_o christ_n and_o every_o one_o believe_v that_o the_o purity_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o immortal_a life_n consist_v within_o his_o particular_a congregation_n so_o that_o whosoever_o belong_v not_o thereto_o he_o be_v almost_o judge_v altogether_o exclude_v out_o of_o heaven_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n whence_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o there_o arise_v and_o flow_v as_o it_o be_v from_o a_o continual_a spring_n perpetual_a and_o immortal_a hatred_n and_o division_n of_o mind_n and_o affection_n these_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v the_o chief_a answer_n a_o general_a answer_n prop_n on_o which_o the_o first_o and_o second_o sort_n rely_v and_o whereby_o they_o support_v their_o opinion_n specious_a indeed_o they_o be_v if_o view_v at_o first_o sight_n for_o that_o they_o make_v show_v of_o no_o ordinary_a zeal_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n word_n for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n for_o the_o peace_n and_o concord_n of_o church_n yet_o such_o as_o if_o more_o near_o look_v into_o have_v not_o appear_v to_o we_o of_o so_o great_a weight_n as_o that_o for_o their_o sake_n we_o shall_v deem_v ourselves_o bind_v to_o desist_v from_o our_o purpose_n of_o publish_v this_o declaration_n of_o we_o for_o doubtless_o they_o seem_v not_o undeserved_o to_o reprove_v so_o much_o the_o thing_n itself_o as_o the_o corruption_n and_o abuse_n of_o the_o thing_n
of_o hell_n or_o their_o grave_a error_n long_o since_o condemn_v who_o hold_v nothing_o firm_a nothing_o solid_a in_o religion_n and_o be_v divide_v and_o sever_v among_o themselves_o by_o so_o many_o and_o so_o monstrous_a opinion_n that_o they_o may_v just_o seem_v rather_o monster_n of_o man_n than_o christian_n who_o be_v there_o who_o will_v not_o think_v they_o like_a to_o do_v a_o work_v worth_a their_o pain_n yea_o that_o will_v not_o think_v they_o by_o some_o necessity_n constrain_v hereunto_o by_o a_o public_a and_o solemn_a declaration_n to_o obviate_v so_o atrocious_a and_o enormous_a slander_n and_o by_o a_o ingenuous_a confession_n of_o their_o judgement_n to_o testify_v to_o the_o christian_a world_n what_o and_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n they_o be_v in_o religion_n and_o what_o in_o very_a deed_n they_o think_v touch_v the_o chief_a head_n of_o belief_n and_o by_o this_o unblamable_a mean_n as_o by_o a_o bolt_n &_o bar_v firm_o set_v against_o those_o infamous_a revile_n and_o slander_n to_o vindicate_v and_o approve_v or_o commend_v to_o all_o good_a man_n the_o integrity_n of_o their_o good_a name_n and_o esteem_v and_o the_o innocency_n of_o their_o life_n especial_o if_o they_o see_v that_o unless_o they_o do_v it_o all_o good_a man_n even_o the_o best_a will_v be_v estrange_v from_o they_o the_o weak_a will_v be_v turn_v aside_o from_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n or_o else_o that_o no_o light_a scruple_n will_v be_v cast_v into_o their_o mind_n that_o a_o occasion_n will_v be_v give_v to_o many_o in_o other_o respect_n in_o no_o wise_a bad_a man_n to_o continue_v in_o their_o error_n or_o to_o return_v as_o it_o be_v to_o their_o vomit_n to_o their_o former_a filthiness_n which_o they_o have_v leave_v that_o their_o friend_n will_v be_v withdraw_v from_o all_o affection_n of_o goodwill_n towards_o they_o and_o violent_o separate_v from_o their_o fraternity_n that_o more_o plenteous_a matter_n will_v be_v minister_v to_o their_o enemy_n and_o foe_n to_o calumniate_v and_o consequent_o that_o through_o the_o side_n of_o their_o wrong_a reputation_n the_o truth_n of_o god_n will_v be_v wound_v and_o all_o their_o labour_n care_n industry_n and_o pain_n hitherto_o spend_v or_o further_o to_o be_v spend_v in_o the_o promote_a of_o the_o same_o will_v be_v render_v unprofitable_a and_o fruitless_a certain_o he_o that_o be_v touch_v with_o any_o desire_n of_o the_o public_a good_a any_o care_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n any_o desire_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n he_o can_v but_o believe_v and_o certain_o conclude_v that_o in_o such_o a_o case_n there_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o necessity_n lay_v upon_o those_o man_n if_o they_o can_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o man_n of_o high_a degree_n and_o low_a degree_n require_v it_o even_o in_o conceive_a form_n of_o declaration_n to_o purge_v themselves_o from_o those_o false_a report_n and_o calumny_n and_o to_o testify_v to_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n their_o innocency_n nor_o indeed_o can_v it_o seem_v sufficient_a for_o the_o wash_n away_o of_o the_o say_a calumny_n if_o they_o contain_v themselves_o within_o the_o mere_a and_o bare_a expression_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o deliver_v their_o opinion_n or_o judgement_n in_o so_o many_o scripture-word_n and_o phrase_n for_o see_v that_o this_o very_a thing_n be_v charge_v upon_o they_o as_o a_o crime_n that_o under_o scripture_n word_n they_o in_o their_o bosom_n cherish_v their_o worst_a meaning_n and_o most_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n aâ—d_v the_o salvation_n of_o man_n &_o that_o they_o do_v upon_o occasion_n either_o ready_o seek_v after_o or_o offer_v by_o other_o disseminate_a or_o spread_v the_o same_o when_o they_o perceive_v it_o be_v for_o their_o advantage_n very_o they_o be_v reduce_v to_o that_o necessity_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o as_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n the_o edify_n of_o the_o weak_a and_o the_o detection_n of_o calumny_n by_o that_o mean_n which_o seem_v best_a and_o most_o profitable_a that_o be_v by_o some_o public_a declaration_n of_o their_o judgement_n to_o purge_v themselves_o and_o to_o maintain_v and_o defend_v the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o belief_n which_o thing_n be_v so_o so_o far_o be_v it_o that_o confession_n or_o declaration_n of_o faith_n ought_v to_o seem_v hurtful_a or_o unprofitable_a of_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v sometime_o to_o be_v account_v of_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o useful_a vindication_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n necessary_a remedy_n of_o the_o great_a evil_n howbeit_o because_o such_o be_v either_o the_o they_o three_o remedy_n against_o the_o abuse_n of_o they_o inconsiderateness_n or_o sloth_n or_o malice_n of_o the_o most_o of_o man_n that_o those_o thing_n which_o of_o themselves_o may_v be_v useful_a and_o pious_a document_n of_o our_o duty_n or_o most_o present_a remedy_n of_o great_a evil_n they_o suffer_v they_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o additional_a corruption_n and_o abuse_n by_o degree_n to_o become_v superstitious_a band_n of_o conscience_n and_o insensible_o to_o degenerate_v into_o idol_n and_o hurtful_a poison_n yea_o often_o they_o themselves_o turn_v they_o to_o the_o damage_n and_o detriment_n of_o the_o best_a thing_n we_o ought_v diligent_o to_o beware_v and_o endeavour_v with_o the_o great_a care_n that_o may_v be_v to_o vindicate_v such_o form_n from_o all_o manner_n of_o abuse_n and_o corruption_n and_o to_o inculcate_v and_o assert_v at_o all_o time_n their_o right_a and_o true_a use_n which_o we_o indeed_o believe_v may_v be_v commodious_o do_v if_o we_o have_v always_o these_o three_o thing_n before_o our_o eye_n and_o careful_o observe_v they_o first_o if_o in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o authority_n authority_n of_o their_o true_a and_o false_a authority_n that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d unquestionable_a that_o be_v irrefragable_a and_o beyond_o all_o exception_n under_o any_o title_n pretence_n or_o show_v whatsoever_o either_o direct_o or_o indirect_o in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o religion_n give_v to_o these_o form_n nor_o suffer_v to_o be_v give_v they_o to_o wit_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o that_o the_o conscience_n of_o any_o shall_v be_v tie_v or_o oblige_v to_o the_o same_o as_o rule_n of_o faith_n either_o primary_n or_o secondary_a which_o indeed_o that_o it_o may_v be_v easy_o provide_v against_o be_v beyond_o all_o doubt_n if_o they_o be_v only_o have_v in_o that_o esteem_n and_o place_n as_o indeed_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v have_v to_o wit_n for_o bare_a exposition_n of_o our_o belief_n or_o for_o such_o form_n which_o do_v not_o define_v or_o determine_v what_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v for_o true_a or_o false_a what_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v or_o not_o to_o be_v believe_v after_o what_o manner_n any_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v express_v or_o utter_v but_o which_o only_o may_v make_v know_v and_o testify_v what_o they_o hold_v for_o true_a and_o false_a what_o they_o believe_v or_o do_v not_o believe_v how_o they_o express_v the_o meaning_n of_o their_o mind_n who_o own_o those_o form_n and_o declaration_n be_v for_o if_o they_o be_v have_v in_o no_o other_o account_n or_o great_a esteem_n there_o be_v no_o danger_n that_o their_o authority_n we_o say_v not_o shall_v be_v equal_v much_o less_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o scripture_n but_o that_o they_o find_v not_o indeed_o any_o place_n though_o the_o low_a in_o the_o church_n for_o doubtless_o as_o we_o have_v already_o say_v before_o they_o will_v not_o then_o be_v hold_v for_o square_n and_o rule_n of_o faith_n whereby_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n heresy_n or_o error_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v know_v and_o which_o be_v publish_v for_o that_o end_n that_o by_o they_o what_o be_v true_a or_o false_a may_v be_v know_v and_o discover_v or_o sound_a but_o only_o for_o bare_a signal_n and_o symbol_n or_o token_n which_o only_o show_v and_o declare_v what_o the_o author_n believe_v and_o judge_v of_o those_o and_o the_o other_o article_n and_o meaning_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o true_o if_o we_o consult_v the_o ancient_a annal_n of_o the_o church_n they_o who_o first_o put_v forth_o such_o symbol_n ecclesiastical_a canon_n confession_n and_o declaration_n have_v no_o other_o design_n aim_v or_o end_n but_o thereby_o to_o testify_v not_o what_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v but_o what_o they_o themselves_o believe_v and_o that_o these_o symbol_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v even_o instead_o of_o watch-tower_n to_o declare_v &_o show_v to_o the_o unwary_a and_o imprudent_a the_o shelf_n and_o quick_v of_o error_n that_o be_v hurtful_a to_o piety_n and_o salvation_n or_o also_o to_o serve_v against_o calumniator_n for_o apology_n whereby_o every_o one_o may_v understand_v how_o far_o they_o be_v from_o those_o error_n
blasphemy_n and_o crime_n which_o through_o calumny_n be_v by_o man_n ill-imployed_n fasten_v upon_o they_o and_o certain_o if_o all_o declaration_n and_o confession_n have_v at_o all_o time_n keep_v within_o these_o bound_n they_o have_v not_o indeed_o at_o any_o time_n obtain_v any_o dictator-like_a dignity_n or_o authority_n much_o less_o great_a than_o or_o equal_a to_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o church_n wherefore_o that_o the_o church_n may_v in_o the_o first_o place_n always_o hold_v this_o firm_a &_o unalterable_a we_o be_v to_o endeavour_v again_o and_o again_o and_o therefore_o est-soon_a upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o inculate_a upon_o church_n and_o in_o the_o very_a form_n of_o our_o confession_n and_o declaration_n accurate_o to_o express_v that_o they_o indeed_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v for_o certain_a judices_fw-la or_o discoverer_n much_o less_o for_o judge_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n or_o meaning_n viz._n of_o scripture_n but_o only_o for_o the_o indices_fw-la of_o those_o sense_n or_o meaning_n which_o the_o author_n thereof_o have_v hold_v for_o true_a and_o that_o they_o be_v publish_v to_o that_o end_n if_o that_o be_v do_v these_o three_o abuse_n will_v sufficient_o and_o easy_o be_v avoid_v 1._o none_o will_v flee_v to_o the_o say_a form_n to_o abuse_n of_o their_o threefold_a abuse_n draw_v and_o take_v from_o they_o as_o from_o fountain_n with_o a_o faith_n void_a of_o doubt_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o further_o he_o will_v not_o run_v unto_o they_o in_o doubtful_a sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o the_o indices_fw-la of_o what_o be_v straight_o and_o crooked_a nor_o try_v and_o examine_v dark_a and_o controvert_v sense_n by_o they_o as_o by_o a_o touchstone_n 2._o none_o will_v be_v tie_v or_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v tie_v to_o their_o meaning_n upon_o any_o other_o term_n than_o so_o far_o and_o so_o long_o as_o he_o himself_o do_v certain_o find_v and_o be_v convince_v in_o his_o conscience_n that_o they_o accord_n with_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n 3._o in_o disputation_n conference_n examination_n or_o trial_n man_n will_v never_o appeal_v to_o they_o neither_o will_v controversy_n of_o faith_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o anvil_n thereof_o but_o they_o will_v all_o whole_o without_o fear_n or_o danger_n be_v bring_v to_o and_o examine_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n alone_o as_o the_o only_a rule_n beyond_o all_o exception_n and_o the_o true_a form_n of_o sound_a word_n which_o our_o alone_a master_n jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v leave_v unto_o we_o and_o thus_o indeed_o there_o will_v be_v nothing_o that_o can_v just_o be_v desire_v to_o detract_v divine_a authority_n from_o they_o and_o to_o give_v it_o whole_o to_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n neither_o shall_v we_o then_o need_v to_o fear_v lest_o idol_n be_v make_v of_o they_o to_o be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o place_v in_o equal_a degree_n with_o the_o scripture_n or_o honour_v with_o any_o like_a honour_n with_o they_o or_o lest_o band_n shall_v be_v knit_v of_o they_o whereby_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v bind_v or_o last_o lest_o poison_n shall_v be_v prepare_v of_o they_o whereby_o the_o sincerity_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v infect_v or_o the_o truth_n of_o doctrine_n adulterate_v they_o for_o a_o moderate_a liberty_n to_o examine_v they_o this_o foundation_n therefore_o once_o right_o lay_v and_o this_o principle_n firm_o suppose_v there_o will_v always_o remain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n whole_a and_o entire_a liberty_n whereby_o any_o one_o may_v preâ—rving_v safe_a the_o law_n of_o christian_a moâ—esty_n charity_n and_o prudence_n without_o anger_n inquire_v into_o those_o form_n and_o without_o scruple_n contradict_v they_o that_o â—y_a this_o mean_n there_o may_v be_v always_o a_o manife_a difference_n between_o they_o and_o â—e_a word_n of_o god_n to_o which_o alone_o that_o privilege_n ought_v to_o remain_v sacred_a and_o inviolate_a that_o it_o alone_o be_v above_o and_o beyond_o â—ll_a controversei_n and_o contradiction_n and_o â—hat_n the_o conscience_n of_o believer_n be_v to_o â—e_v tie_v to_o it_o only_o and_o yet_o be_v not_o this_o uberty_n to_o be_v extend_v so_o far_o as_o to_o turn_v â—â—to_o a_o dissolute_a and_o irregular_a licentiousness_n whereby_o every_o man_n may_v unadvised_o speak_v what_o he_o please_v for_o he_o as_o â—uch_o abuse_v liberty_n who_o too_o much_o at_o pleasure_n loosenth_fw-mi the_o button_n thereof_o as_o â—e_v who_o fasten_v it_o too_o straight_o all_o exâ—eams_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v and_o we_o to_o sacrifice_v to_o moderation_n which_o consist_v â—â—_o the_o midst_n between_o tyranny_n and_o a_o wild_a and_o unbridle_a licentiousness_n therefore_o prudence_n and_o charity_n be_v always_o to_o be_v take_v into_o council_n which_o will_v â—asily_o dictate_v when_o and_o how_o this_o liberty_n may_v profitable_o and_o without_o the_o scandal_n of_o the_o godly_a be_v make_v use_n of_o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o prudence_n to_o weigh_v thing_n and_o to_o consider_v fit_a time_n and_o place_n wherein_o this_o or_o that_o opinion_n either_o by_o word_n or_o writing_n may_v commodious_o be_v propose_v it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o charity_n to_o have_v a_o regard_n of_o person_n that_o they_o be_v not_o offend_v or_o trouble_v who_o ought_v to_o be_v edify_v it_o be_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o prudent_a and_o pious_a man_n and_o one_o true_o charitable_a to_o use_v promiscous_o upon_o every_o occasion_n with_o all_o person_n or_o in_o all_o place_n when_o he_o so_o think_v fit_a the_o liberty_n of_o contradict_v nay_o nor_o always_o &_o everywhere_o patient_o to_o bear_v with_o all_o the_o contradiction_n of_o other_o some_o against_o the_o unbridled_a licentiousness_n of_o some_o there_o be_v often_o a_o regard_n to_o be_v have_v both_o of_o the_o thing_n or_o opinion_n which_o be_v contradict_v and_o of_o the_o person_n with_o who_o such_o contradiction_n be_v propound_v for_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n of_o so_o great_a weight_n and_o moment_n that_o they_o can_v be_v gainsay_v without_o the_o extreme_a hazard_n of_o our_o salvation_n free_o to_o contradict_v these_o or_o quiet_o to_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v contradict_v by_o other_o will_v be_v the_o far_a from_o prudence_n and_o charity_n possible_a there_o be_v some_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n that_o they_o may_v without_o the_o danger_n of_o any_o man_n salvation_n suffer_v indeed_o contradiction_n but_o which_o yet_o to_o contradict_v be_v not_o necessary_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o public_a good_a and_o to_o be_v contradict_v everywhere_o and_o at_o all_o time_n be_v not_o expedient_a for_o not_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v lawful_a be_v present_o also_o expedient_a and_o edify_a very_o often_o the_o weakness_n of_o other_o ought_v to_o give_v law_n to_o our_o liberty_n and_o not_o seldom_o also_o the_o importuneness_n of_o other_o who_o have_v a_o itch_n after_o or_o unto_o variance_n brabling_n and_o contradiction_n and_o be_v please_v with_o the_o opportunity_n of_o strife_n &_o contention_n upon_o every_o occasion_n to_o the_o one_o we_o must_v not_o give_v occasion_n of_o offence_n lest_o they_o fall_v from_o the_o other_o we_o must_v withhold_v all_o encouragement_n lest_o they_o hurt_v themselves_o and_o other_o for_o in_o this_o manner_n we_o ought_v always_o to_o shun_v all_o endangering_n of_o the_o faithful_a especial_o of_o the_o weak_a lest_o we_o abuse_v our_o liberty_n to_o the_o destruction_n of_o any_o one_o but_o use_v it_o aright_o and_o to_o the_o edification_n of_o all_o but_o in_o thing_n not_o altogether_o necessary_a and_o among_o those_o who_o the_o scripture_n call_v perfect_a and_o who_o have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o discern_v between_o what_o be_v true_a and_o false_a or_o who_o be_v more_o than_o ordinary_o desirous_a of_o truth_n that_o be_v more_o abstruse_a this_o liberty_n may_v always_o have_v or_o take_v place_n without_o offence_n or_o danger_n for_o their_o industry_n indeed_o be_v sharpen_v by_o moderate_a contradiction_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o whetstone_n of_o truth_n and_o from_o which_o as_o from_o the_o strike_n or_o beat_v of_o flint_n against_o each_o other_o this_o fruit_n be_v draw_v or_o produce_v that_o either_o they_o see_v clear_o that_o error_n that_o former_o lay_v hide_v or_o be_v more_o solid_o confirm_v in_o the_o truth_n they_o hold_v which_o fruit_n can_v but_o afterward_o redound_v unto_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o that_o to_o the_o eminent_a promote_a of_o truth_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n name_n but_o to_o digladiate_a or_o strive_v with_o gainsaying_n before_o the_o people_n out_o of_o the_o pulpit_n and_o to_o desire_v or_o endeavour_v by_o the_o vellication_n or_o twitching_n of_o public_a form_n and_o obtrectation_n or_o backbiting_n out_o of_o the_o desk_n
declaration_n be_v draw_v up_o with_o these_o bound_n and_o as_o it_o be_v sacred_a limit_n oâ—_n their_o right_a use_n they_o will_v be_v judge_v noâ—_n only_o not_o unlawful_a or_o hurtful_a but_o on_o thâ—_n contrary_v most_o peofitable_a and_o wholesome_a â—o_o the_o christian_a commonwealth_n yea_o â—nd_v also_o sometime_o necessary_a from_o â—hence_o they_o who_o will_v have_v they_o not_o â—nly_o not_o necessary_a but_o unprofitable_a and_o consequent_o unlawful_a and_o hurtful_a be_v â—orthy_a to_o be_v think_v to_o cast_v a_o uncivil_a reproach_n upon_o they_o for_o so_o far_o be_v they_o â—f_v themselves_o from_o derogate_a any_o thing_n â—rom_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o â—s_n from_o their_o perfection_n and_o clearness_n â—hat_n on_o the_o contrary_a the_o true_a authority_n â—hereof_o be_v no_o less_o confirm_v and_o establish_v by_o they_o than_o by_o prophesying_n or_o exposition_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o see_v â—heir_a truth_n both_o as_o to_o 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do_v not_o obstinate_o press_v doctrine_n or_o opinion_n prejudicial_a to_o godliness_n do_v noâ—_n agree_v together_o and_o embrace_v each_o other_o with_o mutual_a charity_n and_o brotherly_a love_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n but_o if_o we_o hinder_v those_o church_n from_o grow_v together_o and_o be_v consolidate_v into_o one_o body_n which_o may_v and_o ought_v to_o grow_v and_o be_v consolidate_v together_o or_o if_o be_v unite_v and_o join_v together_o we_o unnecessary_o divide_v they_o and_o separate_v they_o into_o party_n than_o indeed_o make_v we_o ourselves_o guilty_a of_o schism_n and_o deserve_v to_o be_v impeach_v with_o god_n of_o disturb_v peace_n and_o concord_n which_o be_v so_o true_a that_o the_o apostle_n seem_v no_o less_o to_o make_v or_o prove_v they_o guilty_a of_o schism_n who_o glory_v that_o they_o be_v of_o christ_n no_o less_o i_o say_v at_o least_o than_o 12._o 1_o cor._n â—_o 12._o other_o who_o say_v that_o they_o be_v of_o paul_n or_o of_o apollo_n or_o cephas_n for_o that_o those_o despise_v these_o in_o comparison_n of_o themselves_o and_o do_v as_o it_o be_v think_v it_o scorn_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v compare_v with_o they_o yea_o do_v reject_v they_o as_o it_o be_v stranger_n from_o christ_n insomuch_o that_o the_o desire_n of_o truth_n though_o the_o best_a and_o wholsome_a do_v not_o excuse_v any_o man_n from_o the_o crime_n of_o schism_n at_o least_o before_o god_n himself_o unless_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o true_a love_n of_o peace_n and_o concord_n and_o a_o endeavour_n after_o mutual_a good_a will_n for_o of_o so_o great_a price_n with_o god_n be_v the_o true_a peace_n and_o concord_n of_o his_o church_n that_o he_o be_v even_o displease_v with_o a_o seditious_a truth_n or_o a_o schismatical_a and_o turbulent_a manner_n of_o propagate_a the_o same_o and_o yet_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o it_o may_v abuse_n of_o bâ—waring_v of_o a_o accidental_a abuse_n and_o do_v usual_o sometime_o fall_v out_o that_o in_o tract_n of_o time_n those_o like_a form_n obtain_v great_a veneration_n and_o honour_n than_o be_v meet_v and_o at_o length_n unless_o there_o be_v diligent_a provision_n make_v aforehand_o and_o the_o grow_a evil_a sedulous_o look_v unto_o or_o beware_v of_o do_v very_o easy_o degenerate_a into_o idol_n and_o band_n of_o conscience_n and_o ensign_n or_o badge_n of_o schism_n yet_o because_o all_o this_o be_v wont_a to_o fall_v out_o by_o accident_n we_o must_v not_o from_o thence_o make_v judgement_n of_o they_o see_v that_o be_v not_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o form_n themselves_o but_o of_o those_o who_o according_a to_o the_o preposterous_a diligence_n or_o rather_o malice_n of_o their_o own_o disposition_n do_v upon_o occasion_n abuse_v they_o and_o see_v the_o true_a value_n of_o thing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o right_n or_o perverse_a and_o ill_a use_n of_o they_o for_o he_o that_o be_v evil_a and_o imprudent_a may_v sometime_o abuse_v in_o the_o bad_a sort_n the_o very_o best_a thing_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o good_a and_o prudent_a man_n may_v use_v well_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v evil_a and_o hurtful_a in_o itself_o and_o improve_v it_o for_o a_o wholesome_a remedy_n at_o some_o turn_n furthermore_o in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o hardly_o fall_v out_o but_o that_o if_o such_o form_n of_o declaration_n be_v not_o sometime_o set_v forth_o a_o wide_a gap_n be_v open_v unto_o other_o miscarriage_n and_o inconvenience_n if_o not_o more_o grievous_a yet_o at_o least_o alike_o and_o equal_a and_o a_o way_n be_v easy_o pave_v unto_o a_o dissolute_a licentiousness_n of_o foolish_o vent_v every_o thing_n at_o lest_o no_o better_o than_o tyranny_n last_o see_v by_o that_o mean_n which_o we_o have_v speak_v of_o we_o may_v timous_o withstand_v those_o miscarriage_n and_o inconvenience_n which_o some_o think_v will_v arise_v from_o thence_o for_o if_o those_o who_o have_v think_v meet_a to_o set_v forth_o confession_n and_o declaration_n of_o their_o belief_n have_v always_o keep_v within_o the_o say_a use_n of_o they_o they_o have_v never_o have_v place_n give_v they_o for_o their_o excessive_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n but_o after_o that_o a_o exact_a account_n cease_v to_o be_v have_v thereof_o their_o authority_n begin_v by_o little_a and_o little_a and_o as_o it_o be_v by_o degree_n to_o be_v advance_v insomuch_o that_o the_o conscience_n eye_n tongue_n and_o pen_n of_o man_n become_v to_o depend_v on_o they_o as_o upon_o certain_a standard_n and_o undoubted_a rule_n of_o faith_n whence_o afterward_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o some_o by_o mean_n of_o they_o as_o it_o be_v by_o certain_a letter_n of_o herald_n at_o arm_n have_v denounce_v war_n against_o all_o other_o congregation_n and_o that_o they_o may_v have_v no_o hope_n of_o reconcilement_n leave_v they_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n thereby_o have_v be_v divide_v and_o separate_v one_o from_o another_o even_o as_o empire_n heretofore_o by_o boundary_n and_o enemy_n camp_n by_o trench_n and_o bulwark_n last_o which_o be_v the_o utmost_a line_n of_o tyranny_n that_o they_o have_v punish_v those_o who_o do_v contradict_v these_o form_n with_o force_n and_o sword_n and_o that_o with_o so_o great_a a_o zeal_n and_o heat_n yea_o fury_n that_o when_o profane_a person_n ungodly_a despiser_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o atheist_n be_v upon_o very_o easy_a term_n pardon_v these_o alone_o be_v destine_v to_o prison_n rack_n wheel_n gallow_n cross_n flame_n and_o all_o the_o most_o exquisite_a punishment_n and_o torment_n imaginable_a and_o all_o for_o this_o only_a end_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o form_n may_v be_v free_v from_o contradiction_n and_o vindicate_v from_o contempt_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n forsooth_o the_o outward_a peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o quiet_a of_o the_o commonwealth_n may_v be_v preserve_v undisturbed_a the_o which_o way_n of_o procedure_v as_o it_o
ought_v most_o just_o to_o be_v hate_v and_o abominate_v of_o all_o christian_n so_o have_v it_o all_o along_o exceed_o dislike_v we_o who_o indeed_o religious_o fear_v to_o give_v or_o grant_v to_o any_o write_n decree_n or_o ordinance_n of_o man_n any_o authority_n whatever_o either_o directive_n or_o coactive_a in_o matter_n relate_v to_o faith_n and_o conscience_n or_o to_o suffer_v the_o same_o to_o be_v give_v by_o other_o from_o hence_o pious_a reader_n thou_o confession_n the_o scope_n of_o this_o confession_n will_v easy_o understand_v what_o be_v our_o end_n and_o aim_n which_o we_o propound_v to_o ourselves_o in_o set_v forth_o this_o declaration_n indeed_o the_o very_a same_o we_o say_v before_o and_o none_o other_o for_o this_o declaration_n be_v not_o put_v forth_o to_o that_o intent_n that_o thereby_o a_o new_a snare_n of_o conscience_n shall_v be_v prepare_v or_o a_o constant_a square_n and_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n prescribe_v to_o any_o to_o wit_n which_o 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both_o to_o the_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n and_o indeed_o for_o to_o promote_v the_o public_a good_a that_o be_v both_o for_o the_o more_o ample_a illustrate_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o the_o more_o happy_a procure_n and_o on_o every_o side_n propagate_a of_o peace_n in_o they_o both_o another_o end_n be_v that_o we_o may_v by_o this_o mean_v the_o more_o commodious_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o opinion_n and_o our_o innocency_n against_o the_o inique_fw-la accusation_n of_o those_o who_o when_o as_o themselves_o hold_v grievous_a and_o very_a hurtful_a error_n among_o other_o that_o in_o the_o first_o place_n concern_v fatal_a predestination_n and_o other_o point_v annex_v thereto_o as_o also_o concern_v the_o kill_n of_o heretic_n yet_o will_v be_v think_v the_o only_a orthodox_n man_n and_o the_o altogether_o pure_a reform_v and_o stick_v not_o to_o fasten_v upon_o we_o not_o only_a error_n but_o also_o heresy_n and_o blasphemy_n yea_o who_o while_n themselves_o exercise_v new_a dominion_n in_o the_o church_n and_o do_v not_o only_a cause_n schism_n and_o sect_n but_o do_v also_o every_o where_o raise_v up_o direful_a persecution_n and_o banishment_n against_o harmless_a man_n do_v nevertheless_o complain_v of_o we_o who_o have_v in_o part_n indeed_o cite_v in_o their_o conventicle_n of_o dort_n they_o very_o late_o condemn_v yet_o unheard_a and_o without_o make_v our_o defence_n more_o than_o calumnious_o as_o of_o the_o true_a author_n forsooth_o of_o all_o the_o scandal_n and_o disturbance_n that_o have_v be_v hitherto_o make_v in_o the_o belgic_a church_n for_o the_o full_a conviction_n therefore_o of_o these_o man_n before_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n of_o their_o manifest_a calumny_n and_o manifold_a injustice_n hitherto_o use_v against_o we_o and_o withal_o for_o the_o true_a information_n of_o all_o that_o be_v pious_a and_o lover_n or_o studious_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o the_o church_n peace_n we_o have_v think_v not_o without_o weighty_a and_o just_a cause_n that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o set_v forth_o this_o public_a and_o unanimous_a declaration_n of_o our_o judgement_n touch_v almost_o the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n in_o the_o frame_n indeed_o whereof_o we_o have_v first_o of_o all_o diligent_o endeavour_v that_o there_o may_v not_o be_v omit_v therein_o any_o opinion_n or_o doctrine_n either_o necessary_a or_o very_o useful_a and_o that_o there_o may_v not_o be_v any_o thing_n either_o false_a or_o confuse_a or_o last_o any_o thing_n idle_a and_o superfluous_a contain_v in_o the_o same_o but_o that_o it_o may_v comprehend_v in_o it_o the_o very_a form_n of_o sound_n or_o rather_o of_o heal_a word_n which_o abundant_o express_v unto_o we_o christian_a faith_n and_o piety_n both_o brief_o and_o plain_o and_o no_o less_o methodical_o and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o brief_a survey_n hold_v forth_o the_o whole_a thereof_o to_o be_v view_v of_o all_o and_o that_o by_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o brethren_n not_o so_o much_o as_o except_v those_o who_o be_v hold_v shut_v up_o in_o goal_n all_o which_o joint_o and_o several_o diligent_o read_v it_o before_o and_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n examine_v it_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o far_o as_o they_o may_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o time_n and_o at_o length_n with_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o mouth_n do_v all_o approve_v of_o it_o and_o indeed_o we_o have_v call_v it_o not_o only_o some_o against_o the_o calumny_n of_o some_o a_o confession_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o also_o a_o declaration_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o judgement_n for_o that_o such_o a_o declaration_n promise_v somewhat_o more_o full_a and_o pregnant_a than_o a_o bare_a confession_n of_o faith_n alone_o do_v for_o indeed_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o satisfy_v the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o those_o who_o desire_v a_o more_o copious_a full_a and_o clear_a exposition_n or_o unfolding_n of_o our_o judgement_n concern_v for_o the_o most_o part_n all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o withal_o also_o to_o put_v a_o bolt_n upon_o the_o mouth_n of_o those_o who_o have_v nothing_o just_o to_o carp_v at_o in_o we_o will_v persuade_v the_o people_n that_o we_o will_v never_o agree_v together_o upon_o any_o common_a clear_a and_o uniform_a judgement_n touch_v the_o chief_a head_n of_o religion_n that_o we_o do_v conceal_v some_o thing_n of_o which_o we_o be_v ashamed_a to_o give_v our_o judgement_n in_o public_a and_o that_o they_o be_v such_o which_o do_v overthrow_v the_o very_a chief_a head_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o ten_o or_o chief_a of_o the_o spoil_n of_o christianity_n or_o if_o we_o do_v sometime_o also_o publish_v or_o utter_v these_o that_o we_o do_v hide_v and_o cover_v they_o by_o obscure_a doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a expression_n or_o some_o general_a and_o deceitful_a cover_n of_o word_n this_o false_a accusation_n of_o they_o although_o long_o since_o elsewhere_o often_o detect_v and_o sufficient_o refute_v by_o we_o yet_o have_v we_o rather_o obviate_v it_o even_o by_o a_o public_a and_o general_a declaration_n of_o our_o belief_n than_o by_o other_o mean_v more_o liable_a to_o calumny_n so_o secure_a be_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o the_o confidence_n of_o a_o good_a cause_n which_o we_o have_v think_v worth_a our_o while_n even_o upon_o this_o occasion_n public_o to_o declare_v and_o this_o among_o other_o be_v a_o cause_n why_o we_o conceive_v or_o frame_v it_o not_o in_o mere_a scripture-word_n lest_o we_o shall_v indeed_o nourish_v that_o suspicion_n to_o wit_n that_o we_o seek_v lurk_v holes_n and_o hide_v as_o some_o indeed_o think_v mischievous_a and_o profane_a meaning_n under_o a_o equivocal_a cover_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o that_o we_o may_v by_o this_o mean_v cut_v off_o all_o new_a matter_n of_o calumniate_a from_o those_o who_o solemn_a study_n and_o chief_a labour_n it_o be_v to_o blur_v and_o stain_v under_o any_o pretence_n or_o colour_n whatsoever_o the_o credit_n and_o good_a name_n of_o the_o remonstrant_n with_o heinous_a reproach_n or_o at_o least_o with_o sinister_a suspicion_n as_o to_o thorny_a and_o too_o subtle_a question_n confession_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o confession_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o your_o university_n and_o school_n and_o which_o neither_o advantage_n the_o knower_n nor_o prejudice_v the_o ignorant_a we_o have_v purposed_o wave_v they_o leave_v they_o to_o idle_a and_o to_o curious_a wit_n and_o which_o be_v trouble_v with_o a_o incurable_a evil_a habit_n of_o dispute_v to_o who_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o pleasure_n to_o make_v show_n of_o their_o acuteness_n and_o from_o this_o kind_n of_o paste_n make_v to_o comfort_v the_o stomach_n with_o to_o seek_v or_o purchase_v to_o
11._o own_o rom._n 16._o 17_o 18_o 2_o thess_n 3._o 6_o 14._o tit._n 3._o 10_o 11._o 3._o joh._n 10_o 11._o voluntary_a depart_n or_o separate_n from_o he_o with_o who_o they_o may_v no_o long_o live_v or_o converse_v as_o with_o a_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n so_o that_o the_o ruler_n or_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o so_o proper_o nor_o so_o much_o sever_v and_o separate_v the_o say_a person_n from_o themselves_o as_o they_o sever_v and_o separate_v themselves_o together_o with_o their_o people_n from_o he_o and_o that_o by_o the_o command_n of_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o their_o lord_n and_o can_v nor_o will_v not_o otherwise_o converse_v with_o he_o than_o with_o 17._o with_o mat._n 18._o 17._o a_o heathen_a and_o publican_n or_o with_o any_o public_a and_o profane_a sinner_n so_o long_o indeed_o as_o he_o shall_v continue_v impenitent_a 9_o wherefore_o they_o who_o exercise_n this_o error_n a_o confutation_n of_o a_o pernicious_a error_n same_o discipline_n not_o only_o with_o a_o fleshly_a power_n and_o coactive_a force_n but_o who_o do_v also_o extend_v it_o unto_o bodily_a and_o capital_a punishment_n especial_o under_o pretence_n and_o colour_n of_o heresy_n common_o so_o call_v they_o do_v arrogate_v and_o assume_v to_o themselves_o too_o great_a a_o power_n yea_o altogether_o unmeet_a and_o 55._o and_o mat._n 13._o 28_o 29_o 30._o gal._n 4._o 29._o luk._n 9_o 55._o unlawful_a yea_o further_o they_o do_v in_o deed_n and_o truth_n tot_fw-la truth_n 1_o thess_n 5._o 20_o 21._o 1_o cor._n 14._o per_fw-la tot_fw-la oppress_v the_o liberty_n of_o man_n conscience_n and_o of_o prophecy_n and_o do_v change_v this_o save_n and_o wholesome_a remedy_n in_o wisdom_n appoint_v by_o our_o saviour_n for_o the_o amendment_n of_o sinner_n into_o a_o most_o deadly_a poison_n and_o that_o which_o be_v design_v for_o their_o health_n and_o safety_n these_o man_n turn_v to_o their_o subversion_n and_o ruin_n wherefore_o also_o those_o who_o any_o way_n patronize_v or_o defend_v the_o kill_n of_o heretic_n or_o any_o the_o like_a etc._n like_a 2_o cor._n 10._o 3_o 4_o etc._n etc._n &_o 13._o 10._o eph._n 6._o 11_o etc._n etc._n tyranny_n or_o persecution_n for_o conscience_n sake_n we_o hold_v and_o judge_n that_o they_o be_v altogether_o estrange_v from_o and_o contrary_a to_o that_o most_o meek_a or_o mild_a spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o do_v also_o fight_v with_o unmeet_a and_o preposterous_a weapon_n against_o heresy_n and_o consequent_o do_v bring_v themselves_o under_o the_o guilt_n of_o a_o most_o heinous_a sin_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n chap._n xxv_o of_o synod_n or_o counsel_n and_o of_o their_o manner_n and_o use_n 1._o and_o thus_o indeed_o all_o particular_a synod_n the_o use_n and_o end_n of_o synod_n curche_n be_v take_v several_o or_o apart_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o their_o own_o minister_n that_o be_v by_o their_o own_o bishop_n and_o elder_n but_o if_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o any_o thing_n more_o hard_a than_o ordinary_a in_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n or_o rite_n proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o the_o church_n which_o may_v either_o concern_v all_o or_o at_o least_o many_o church_n shall_v happen_v or_o fall_v out_o to_o be_v dispute_v and_o debate_v then_o may_v synod_n or_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n profitable_o be_v appoint_v and_o hold_v and_o sometime_o ought_v and_o that_o after_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o they_o either_o great_a or_o lesser_a as_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o case_n shall_v seem_v to_o require_v they_o may_v we_o say_v profitable_o be_v appoint_v and_o hold_v if_o indeed_o a_o right_n and_o lawful_a order_n and_o manner_n be_v observe_v in_o they_o and_o chief_o if_o these_o follow_a article_n or_o head_n be_v diligent_o attend_v to_o and_o keep_v act._n 15._o 1._o etc._n etc._n 2._o i._n if_o in_o they_o both_o the_o truth_n and_o they_o their_o condition_n or_o the_o manner_n and_o order_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o they_o profitableness_n and_o necessity_n of_o all_o opinion_n or_o doctrine_n be_v nor_o examine_v and_o try_v by_o any_o humane_a etc._n humane_a gal._n 1._o 8_o 9_o act._n 17._o 11_o etc._n etc._n square_n or_o factitious_a i._n e._n make_v or_o devise_v rule_v whatsoever_o it_o be_v but_o only_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n ii_o if_o a_o full_a and_o plenary_a liberty_n be_v grant_v tot_fw-la grant_v 1_o thess_n 5_o 21._o 1_o joh._n 4._o 1._o act._n 17._o 2_o 3._o 1_o cor._n 14._o per_fw-la tot_fw-la to_o every_o one_o to_o speak_v his_o own_o opinion_n or_o judgement_n without_o scruple_n or_o fear_n of_o danger_n and_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o opinion_n of_o other_o and_o due_o to_o examine_v the_o whole_a matter_n that_o be_v in_o controversy_n iii_o if_o there_o be_v none_o admit_v in_o they_o but_o fit_a and_o meet_a man_n that_o be_v man_n skilful_a in_o divine_a thing_n etc._n thing_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 12_o etc._n etc._n &_o 6._o 3_o 4_o 11_o etc._n etc._n 2_o tim._n 2._o 2_o 14_o 24_o 25._o &_o 3._o 8_o 16._o &_o 4._o 3_o 4_o 5._o heb._n 4._o 14._o jam._n 3._o 13_o etc._n etc._n and_o who_o be_v mighty_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v between_o what_o be_v true_a &_o what_o be_v false_a &_o especial_o man_n pious_a prudent_a grave_a moderate_a studious_a or_o lover_n of_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o of_o peace_n as_o also_o true_o free_a and_o during_o the_o time_n of_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o controversy_n simple_o tie_v to_o none_o either_o person_n or_o church_n or_o confession_n etc._n etc._n but_o only_o to_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o sacred_a word_n last_o man_n free_a from_o all_o corrupt_a or_o perverse_a affection_n as_o wrath_n hatred_n partiality_n or_o abet_v of_o party_n iv_o if_o in_o they_o it_o be_v not_o precise_o or_o chief_o urge_v that_o controversy_n of_o faith_n be_v by_o any_o mean_n at_o lest_o whatsoever_o it_o matter_n not_o what_o right_a or_o wrong_n take_v away_o or_o remove_v or_o decide_v against_o one_o party_n or_o the_o other_o and_o that_o only_a for_o this_o end_n either_o to_o procure_v or_o preserve_v the_o outward_a quiet_a and_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v chief_o endeavour_v that_o etc._n that_o 2_o tim._n 2._o 2d_o mat._n 7._o 15._o &_o 16._o 12._o rom._n 16._o 17._o 2_o cor._n 11._o 13._o gal._n 5._o 11_o 12_o etc._n etc._n heresy_n schism_n and_o other_o such_o like_a public_a miscarriage_n and_o scandal_n be_v first_o and_o foremost_a keep_v out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o that_o be_v already_o bring_v in_o and_o so_o by_o that_o mean_v piety_n and_o truth_n as_o also_o liberty_n and_o christian_a charity_n may_v be_v always_o consult_v and_o provide_v for_o in_o they_o and_o therefore_o v._o if_o plain_a save_v and_o necessary_a truth_n be_v strait_o and_o close_o hold_v and_o retain_v in_o they_o and_o yet_o so_o as_o that_o for_o those_o that_o dissent_v and_o who_o be_v yet_o ignorant_a of_o the_o truth_n there_o be_v no_o danger_n create_v for_o they_o upon_o that_o account_n etc._n account_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 1_o 2._o &_o 10._o 4._o jam_fw-la 4._o 11_o 12_o 13._o 2_o tim._n 2._o 22._o 1_o pet._n 5._o 3._o col._n 3._o 12_o 13._o eph._n 4._o 1_o etc._n etc._n nor_o any_o force_n or_o violence_n do_v or_o offer_v to_o their_o conscience_n but_o that_o save_a truth_n be_v only_o press_v upon_o they_o by_o persuasion_n and_o reaonss_n and_o that_o with_o the_o great_a gentleness_n and_o meekness_n of_o mind_n and_o spirit_n imaginable_a and_o in_o other_o thing_n that_o a_o moderate_a liberty_n of_o dissent_v upon_o certain_a term_n and_o condition_n may_v remain_v safe_a &_o inviolate_a and_o the_o remedy_n of_o mutual_a peace_n and_o concord_n commodious_o seek_v out_o vi_o final_o if_o what_o be_v determine_v in_o they_o be_v always_o leave_v liable_a 21._o liable_a 1_o joh._n 4._o 1_o etc._n etc._n 1_o thess_n 5._o 19_o 20_o 21._o to_o a_o free_a examination_n and_o a_o further_o review_v afterward_o yea_o if_o it_o be_v serious_o will_v and_o command_v that_o all_o their_o decree_n be_v diligent_o examine_v and_o weigh_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o no_o man_n be_v envy_v and_o malign_v or_o at_o any_o time_n endanger_v for_o so_o do_v 3._o and_o in_o those_o synod_n next_o to_o or_o they_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o pious_a magistrate_n about_o they_o after_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n there_o ought_v also_o to_o intervene_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n as_o of_o a_o nurse_n father_n etc._n father_n isa_n 49._o 23_o etc._n etc._n &_o 60._o 1_o etc._n etc._n of_o the_o church_n if_o so_o be_v there_o be_v any_o such_o in_o the_o church_n as_o of_o one_o indeed_o who_o duty_n