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 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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
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
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 their_o sense_n manâ—er_v of_o expression_n and_o method_n be_v to_o be_v assert_v and_o maintain_v from_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o yea_o see_v the_o say_v very_a â—orms_n do_v profess_v that_o all_o and_o every_o one_o â—ay_n and_o ought_v free_o to_o do_v the_o same_o and_o consequent_o do_v remit_v or_o send_v we_o back_o â—rom_fw-mi themselves_o to_o the_o scripture_n and_o express_o command_v we_o to_o appeal_v to_o they_o â—lone_o in_o all_o controversy_n whatsoever_o certain_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v think_v â—o_o confer_v unto_o the_o shake_n or_o subvert_v â—ut_v on_o the_o contrary_a to_o the_o establish_n of_o â—he_n authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n not_o do_v they_o in_o the_o least_o prejudice_n the_o liberty_n of_o church_n since_o none_o be_v precise_o bind_v unto_o they_o yea_o seeing_z it_o be_v free_o grant_v to_o every_o one_o to_o try_v they_o by_o the_o standard_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n last_o see_v every_o one_o may_v without_o danger_n or_o fear_n contradict_v they_o sobeit_v only_o there_o be_v a_o careful_a regard_n have_v of_o prudence_n charity_n and_o modesty_n nor_o indeed_o do_v they_o open_v any_o gap_n to_o schism_n and_o separation_n for_o neither_o be_v he_o to_o be_v think_v to_o make_v a_o schism_n that_o join_v himself_o to_o those_o assembly_n wherein_o he_o see_v great_a purity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n to_o flourish_v and_o thrive_v sobeit_v he_o do_v noâ—_n proud_o despise_v other_o assembly_n and_o forthwith_o judge_v they_o exclude_v out_o of_o heaven_n or_o from_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n who_o he_o see_v somewhat_o more_o estrange_v from_o his_o own_o society_n for_o christian_a peace_n and_o concord_n may_v continue_v entire_a yea_o and_o also_o ought_v among_o congregation_n divide_v and_o distinguish_v in_o or_o by_o opinion_n so_o that_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o we_o that_o all_o those_o who_o hitherto_o hold_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o do_v not_o obstinate_o press_v doctrine_n or_o opinion_n prejudicial_a to_o godliness_n do_v 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
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
which_o as_o a_o wen_n to_o a_o fair_a body_n oftentimes_o be_v wont_a to_o grow_v and_o cleave_v even_o unto_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v best_a and_o most_o sovereign_o wholesome_a in_o themselves_o and_o through_o a_o more_o sharp_a view_n of_o the_o vice_n and_o otherwise_o most_o just_a hatred_n of_o the_o abuse_n to_o be_v carry_v and_o fall_v unawar_n even_o into_o a_o detestation_n of_o the_o very_a thing_n itself_o which_o that_o it_o may_v be_v plain_a it_o will_v be_v worth_a our_o labour_n to_o premise_v some_o what_o of_o the_o nature_n necessity_n utility_n and_o right_a use_n of_o confession_n or_o declaration_n for_o from_o thence_o it_o will_v most_o clear_o appear_v and_o become_v manifest_a both_o how_o great_o they_o be_v mistake_v who_o be_v whole_o averse_a from_o they_o and_o reject_v they_o one_o with_o another_o and_o what_o be_v our_o end_n and_o scope_n in_o the_o put_n confession_n what_o be_v the_o true_a use_n and_o end_n of_o confession_n forth_o of_o this_o as_o for_o confession_n then_o or_o declararation_n in_o general_a they_o be_v nothing_o but_o clear_a and_o manifest_a exposition_n of_o our_o faith_n propound_v and_o lay_v down_o in_o a_o certain_a method_n wherein_o more_o or_o few_o either_o by_o word_n or_o writing_n discover_v their_o judgement_n concern_v point_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o make_v it_o know_v to_o the_o christian_a world_n for_o the_o clear_n up_o of_o divine_a truth_n the_o cut_n off_o calumny_n wherewith_o innocent_a person_n be_v oppress_v and_o the_o edify_n of_o church_n in_o true_a faith_n and_o peace_n this_o at_o length_n be_v the_o proper_a true_a and_o genuine_a nature_n and_o genius_n of_o confession_n and_o declaration_n from_o which_o we_o be_v to_o make_v judgement_n of_o their_o true_a both_o necessity_n and_o utility_n and_o no_o way_n from_o the_o disposition_n and_o design_n of_o those_o who_o have_v oftentimes_o abuse_v confession_n and_o declaration_n to_o far_o other_o different_a end_n for_o those_o thing_n have_v not_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o the_o declaration_n but_o of_o the_o declarer_n and_o not_o the_o use_n but_o abuse_n of_o confession_n and_o they_o such_o as_o may_v easy_o but_o for_o ourselves_o be_v sever_v from_o the_o form_n of_o confession_n themselves_o that_o these_o kind_n of_o form_n indeed_o be_v necessary_a that_o they_o be_v not_o precise_o necessary_a not_o precise_o and_o absolute_o necessary_a we_o willing_o grant_v and_o therefore_o do_v we_o not_o like_v of_o their_o opinion_n who_o we_o mention_v in_o the_o four_o place_n who_o account_v they_o at_o least_o for_o secondary_a symbol_n of_o faith_n and_o who_o determine_v or_o maintain_v that_o they_o be_v precise_o necessary_a if_o not_o to_o the_o be_v yet_o at_o least_o to_o the_o well-being_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n for_o where_o a_o right_a and_o concordant_a or_o unanimous_a understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v its_o place_n there_o simple_o be_v no_o need_n of_o other_o form_n of_o belief_n or_o expression_n but_o what_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o those_o form_n which_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n they_o be_v sufficient_a unto_o faith_n and_o salvation_n and_o if_o one_o bring_v with_o he_o a_o honest_a and_o docile_a mind_n and_o studious_a of_o divine_a truth_n for_o the_o discern_a of_o they_o and_o withal_o use_v those_o mean_n which_o he_o ought_v to_o use_v and_o which_o become_v a_o reader_n earnest_o desirous_a of_o so_o great_a thing_n they_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o perspicuous_a that_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o at_o all_o time_n abundant_o to_o suffice_v every_o christian_n to_o draw_v from_o thence_o both_o for_o himself_o and_o other_o a_o most_o perfect_a declaration_n of_o divine_a meaning_n for_o very_o it_o can_v be_v just_o doubt_v but_o that_o those_o form_n and_o phrase_n wherein_o god_n himself_o and_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v please_v long_o since_o to_o express_v and_o declare_v the_o meaning_n of_o their_o mind_n to_o private_a and_o ordinary_a and_o unlearned_a man_n be_v also_o at_o this_o day_n sufficient_a for_o we_o to_o understand_v and_o declare_v those_o very_o same_o meaning_n since_o to_o that_o end_n they_o be_v no_o less_o leave_v of_o god_n and_o deliver_v by_o the_o scripture_n to_o we_o than_o unto_o they_o that_o from_o they_o we_o may_v draw_v and_o fetch_v those_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o and_o other_o everlasting_a salvation_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v altogether_o possible_a that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n may_v not_o only_o be_v but_o that_o it_o may_v also_o well_o be_v without_o such_o like_a humane_a form_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n though_o such_o form_n lawful_a that_o yet_o they_o be_v useful_a and_o lawful_a be_v not_o precise_o necessary_a yet_o be_v they_o not_o therefore_o also_o to_o be_v judge_v unprofitable_a and_o consequent_o unlawful_a and_o hurtful_a for_o if_o prophesying_n or_o interpreting_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o unprofitable_a yea_o rather_o if_o they_o be_v sometime_o in_o certain_a respect_n necessary_a which_o several_a teacher_n and_o pastor_n propose_v in_o university_n and_o church_n or_o which_o otherwise_o be_v perform_v in_o christian_a assembly_n when_o for_o the_o inform_v of_o the_o ignorant_a the_o reduce_n of_o they_o that_o go_v astray_o into_o the_o right_a way_n the_o relieve_v the_o doubt_n and_o convince_a gainsayer_n they_o declare_v &_o illustrate_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o far_o as_o may_v be_v by_o familiar_a and_o clear_a &_o withal_o usual_a form_n of_o speak_v be-besides_a the_o very_a express_a word_n of_o the_o scriture_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o can_v very_o seem_v unprofitabe_v much_o less_o unlawful_a or_o hurtful_a if_o more_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n do_v by_o mutual_a consent_n joint_a study_n and_o endeavour_n for_o the_o great_a illustration_n or_o clear_v up_o of_o divine_a truth_n remove_v of_o slander_n the_o edify_n of_o the_o generality_n or_o the_o most_o of_o man_n or_o other_o holy_a and_o pious_a end_n public_o open_a and_o declare_v their_o judgement_n upon_o the_o same_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n and_o that_o in_o certain_a compose_a form_n yea_o further_o if_o you_o shall_v due_o consider_v necessary_a that_o they_o be_v sometime_o also_o necessary_a the_o matter_n without_o affection_n and_o prejudice_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o those_o time_n may_v happen_v wherein_o such_o declaration_n ought_v to_o seem_v not_o only_o profitable_a but_o also_o very_o necessary_a for_o if_o foul_a and_o gross_a error_n noxious_a to_o christian_a religion_n and_o piety_n shall_v seize_v on_o our_o age_n if_o necessary_a head_n of_o belief_n shall_v be_v neglect_v or_o be_v mind_v but_o by_o the_o by_o or_o those_o that_o be_v not_o necessary_a be_v earnest_o urge_v as_o necessary_a as_o also_o profitable_a doctrine_n not_o be_v distinguish_v from_o those_o that_o be_v necessary_a as_o they_o ought_v last_o if_o man_n conscience_n shall_v be_v bind_v up_o by_o humane_a invention_n or_o device_n and_o every_o thing_n though_o never_o so_o false_a be_v palliate_v and_o clothe_v with_o scripture_n word_n and_o expression_n there_o be_v certain_o a_o necessity_n lay_v upon_o all_o and_o every_o christian_a espesial_o upon_o pastor_n of_o church_n serious_o to_o consider_v and_o advise_v among_o themselves_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o may_v withstand_v so_o many_o and_o great_a evil_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v perceive_v that_o those_o blind_a miserable_a mortal_n may_v profitable_o and_o prudent_o be_v holpen_v by_o a_o more_o clear_a proposal_n and_o elucidation_n or_o discovery_n of_o the_o divine_a meaning_n than_o have_v be_v former_o make_v as_o it_o be_v by_o a_o torch_n light_v in_o the_o dark_a unanimous_o and_o as_o it_o be_v with_o joint_a force_n to_o agree_v and_o conspire_v how_o they_o may_v discover_v and_o set_v before_o their_o eye_n those_o divine_a sense_n and_o meaning_n in_o certain_a form_n now_o long_o since_o with_o profit_n receive_v and_o familiar_a if_o peradventure_o by_o the_o help_n of_o these_o they_o that_o err_v may_v be_v deliver_v out_o of_o the_o say_v deep_a darkness_n and_o be_v reduce_v into_o the_o right_a way_n of_o everlasting_a salvation_n in_o the_o next_o place_n if_o it_o fall_v out_o that_o those_o who_o perform_v this_o profitable_a service_n to_o the_o christian_a commonwealth_n shall_v notwithstanding_o as_o it_o usual_o come_v to_o pass_v be_v load_v with_o calumny_n be_v soil_v with_o foul_a and_o dishonest_a suspicion_n and_o as_o it_o be_v overwhelm_v with_o a_o certain_a deluge_n of_o false_a accusation_n as_o the_o patron_n of_o all_o the_o wicked_a opinion_n in_o the_o world_n who_o hang_v out_o as_o it_o be_v upon_o new_a post_n old_a heresy_n either_o all_o or_o some_o of_o they_o dig_v up_o again_o out_o
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
or_o pew_n to_o make_v a_o tumult_n among_o the_o rude_a common_a people_n or_o by_o public_a write_n to_o traduce_v and_o contumelious_o to_o provoke_v and_o inveigh_v against_o other_o will_v be_v next_o unto_o madness_n and_o most_o scandalous_a and_o dangerous_a nor_o indeed_o can_v the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o unnecessary_a truth_n ever_o do_v so_o much_o good_a as_o the_o importune_a and_o immodest_a inculcate_a or_o urge_v thereof_o may_v do_v harm_n and_o prejudice_n both_o public_o and_o private_o and_o thus_o far_o concern_v the_o first_o caution_n diligent_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o confession_n the_o second_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v conscience_n nor_o band_n of_o conscience_n as_o to_o the_o right_a use_n of_o form_n flow_v from_o the_o first_o if_o to_o wit_n there_o be_v not_o contrive_v of_o such_o form_n of_o confession_n and_o declaration_n certain_a spiritual_a bond_n stock_n and_o fetter_n whereunto_o the_o conscience_n tongue_n and_o pen_n of_o the_o declarer_n be_v not_o so_o tie_v and_o fasten_v that_o none_o may_v recede_v from_o the_o phrase_n thereof_o manner_n of_o speak_v order_z method_n etc._n etc._n but_o that_o he_o be_v also_o forthwith_o suspect_v and_o accuse_v of_o heterodoxie_n who_o be_v find_v to_o expound_v the_o divine_a scripture_n and_o sentiment_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n in_o other_o expression_n or_o other_o order_n or_o method_n then_o what_o be_v express_v in_o they_o i.e._n in_o those_o form_n of_o confession_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v that_o liberty_n which_o so_o long_o as_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o sense_n or_o meaning_n themselves_o remain_v safe_a aught_o to_o continue_v whole_a and_o entire_a to_o all_o believer_n in_o their_o expound_v the_o scripture_n as_o they_o shall_v judge_n meet_v for_o the_o great_a furtherance_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o edify_v of_o church_n be_v not_o only_o cast_v out_o of_o door_n and_o banish_v out_o of_o the_o church_n but_o also_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v secret_o and_o as_o it_o be_v by_o mine_n supplant_v and_o overthrow_v by_o the_o same_o for_o it_o can_v hardly_o otherwise_o be_v but_o that_o where_o the_o expression_n of_o such_o form_n begin_v to_o be_v of_o more_o account_n than_o those_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n itself_o there_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v by_o degree_n grow_v vile_a and_o sink_v in_o estimation_n beneath_o those_o form_n and_o indeed_o if_o we_o will_v but_o mind_v it_o the_o chief_a and_o haply_o first_o step_n whereby_o humane_a form_n ascend_v to_o the_o height_n of_o a_o usurp_a authority_n and_o majesty_n almost_o divine_a be_v this_o that_o at_o the_o first_o they_o attribute_v to_o the_o phrase_n word_n order_n and_o method_n thereof_o more_o than_o be_v meet_v as_o if_o in_o they_o all_o sense_n to_o be_v believe_v hope_a and_o practise_v be_v more_o clear_o brief_o and_o substantial_o express_v than_o in_o those_o which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o scripture_n for_o from_o hence_o have_v the_o esteem_n of_o they_o by_o little_a and_o little_o be_v increase_v and_o that_o of_o the_o scripture_n lessen_v insomuch_o that_o according_a to_o the_o word_n phrase_n yea_o almost_o syllable_n and_o â—etters_n of_o the_o say_a form_n and_o according_a to_o â—he_n method_n and_o peculiar_a order_n of_o the_o same_o â—hey_n begin_v to_o determine_v and_o declare_v â—ouching_v the_o truth_n and_o falseness_n of_o almost_o â—ll_a opinion_n and_o meaning_n as_o if_o that_o â—ould_v not_o be_v true_a which_o do_v not_o exact_o and_o in_o every_o thing_n agree_v with_o they_o â—nd_v as_o if_o he_o can_v not_o be_v free_a from_o heresy_n or_o at_o least_o from_o error_n and_o falsehood_n who_o shall_v though_o never_o so_o modest_o contradict_v they_o or_o go_v but_o a_o straw_n breadth_n from_o they_o yea_o that_o shall_v not_o almost_o swear_v unto_o the_o word_n thereof_o the_o which_o pernicious_a abuse_n and_o so_o manifest_a a_o corruption_n and_o inconvenience_n to_o withstand_v and_o prevent_v we_o ought_v at_o all_o time_n earnest_o and_o almost_o only_o to_o inculate_a or_o repeat_v that_o such_o form_n of_o declaration_n be_v not_o make_v for_o that_o end_n for_o to_o teach_v that_o the_o sense_n or_o meaning_n of_o christian_a religion_n may_v or_o ought_v most_o commodious_o to_o be_v express_v in_o this_o order_n in_o this_o method_n in_o these_o phrase_n or_o manner_n of_o speak_v and_o not_o in_o other_o but_o that_o in_o or_o by_o they_o they_o may_v be_v express_v right_o and_o commodious_o enough_o or_o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o very_a man_n that_o make_v such_o confession_n they_o be_v very_o exact_o and_o true_o contain_v in_o they_o for_o so_o to_o use_v they_o will_v not_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o absolute_a necessity_n but_o of_o mere_a liberty_n and_o he_o that_o use_v they_o will_v indeed_o do_v well_o and_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o be_v judge_v to_o do_v ill_o that_o use_v they_o not_o especial_o if_o he_o receive_v the_o sum_n of_o save_a doctrine_n deliver_v in_o they_o and_o do_v not_o condemn_v those_o who_o up_o that_o they_o be_v not_o limit_n nor_o bound_n within_o which_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v shut_v up_o in_o this_o point_n dissent_v the_o three_o thing_n which_o flow_v from_o those_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v already_o speak_v of_o necessary_a unto_o the_o right_a use_n of_o form_n be_v this_o that_o these_o form_n be_v not_o at_o any_o time_n hold_v for_o limit_n and_o bound_n within_o which_o religion_n and_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v believe_v in_o such_o manner_n to_o consist_v as_o if_o they_o who_o can_v in_o conscience_n assent_v to_o they_o or_o give_v their_o voice_n for_o they_o be_v therefore_o exclude_v from_o salvation_n and_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n far_o be_v that_o from_o we_o who_o firm_o believe_v that_o christian_n may_v unwitting_o err_v in_o many_o thing_n without_o the_o loss_n of_o salvation_n and_o who_o judge_n that_o there_o be_v very_o few_o thing_n that_o be_v precise_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v for_o the_o obtain_n eternal_a life_n wherefore_o that_o we_o may_v demonstrate_v that_o this_o proud_a cruelty_n be_v exceed_v far_o from_o we_o we_o do_v open_o show_v and_o declare_v that_o form_n of_o confession_n and_o declaration_n be_v to_o be_v have_v in_o no_o other_o respect_n or_o account_n than_o for_o certain_a ensign_n and_o standard_n set_v up_o whereby_o they_o declare_v who_o set_v they_o forth_o that_o they_o judge_v that_o those_o sense_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o those_o form_n do_v come_v very_o near_o the_o truth_n and_o therefore_o unless_o they_o be_v teach_v better_a do_v hearty_o desire_v and_o wish_v that_o all_o other_o that_o be_v desirous_a of_o truth_n and_o peace_n will_v embrace_v they_o not_o indeed_o proper_o for_o this_o end_n that_o so_o at_o length_n they_o may_v be_v save_v but_o that_o they_o may_v withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o danger_n of_o err_v to_o the_o great_a distance_n may_v be_v for_o neither_o aught_o it_o to_o seem_v enough_o to_o a_o christian_a to_o make_v towards_o eternal_a salvation_n by_o every_o mean_n and_o in_o every_o way_n whatsoever_o the_o safe_a and_o sure_a be_v to_o be_v choose_v except_o haply_o a_o just_a fear_n of_o some_o great_a danger_n or_o scandal_n in_o the_o church_n hinder_v the_o same_o for_o the_o good_a of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o of_o a_o immortal_a life_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o so_o great_a price_n with_o he_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o hate_v and_o careful_o to_o shun_v all_o danger_n which_o may_v turn_v away_o or_o withdraw_v his_o mind_n from_o embrace_v the_o same_o nor_o have_v he_o any_o reason_n to_o fear_v that_o he_o do_v therefore_o abet_v and_o patronize_v schism_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v a_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n for_o if_o he_o haply_o depart_v from_o some_o congregation_n to_o other_o he_o do_v not_o forthwith_o contemn_v those_o which_o he_o leave_v or_o judge_v they_o as_o exclude_v from_o the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n but_o only_o go_v from_o those_o that_o be_v more_o impure_a to_o those_o that_o be_v more_o pure_a that_o he_o may_v show_v that_o he_o have_v a_o care_n and_o tender_a regard_n of_o every_o truth_n any_o way_n serve_v to_o his_o own_o salvation_n and_o approve_v his_o conscience_n unto_o god_n and_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n nevertheless_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o he_o do_v his_o endeavour_n sedulous_o to_o maintain_v peace_n and_o concord_n with_o all_o that_o be_v true_o pious_a as_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a and_o to_o testify_v his_o moderation_n or_o 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d aequanimity_n to_o all_o that_o be_v good_a and_o indeed_o if_o form_n of_o confession_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d â—nd_v
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 shall_v absolute_o bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n before_o god_n and_o therefore_o none_o shall_v depart_v from_o it_o even_o in_o the_o least_o to_o wit_n neither_o in_o matter_n nor_o in_o word_n nay_o nor_o in_o method_n or_o manner_n of_o teach_v far_o be_v so_o proud_a a_o vanity_n from_o we_o who_o know_v that_o this_o honour_n agree_v not_o with_o any_o write_n of_o man_n how_o accurate_a soever_o and_o diligent_o and_o long_a and_o much_o consider_v but_o only_o with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o who_o both_o know_v that_o from_o the_o abuse_n of_o such_o write_n which_o be_v too_o frequent_a and_o too_o common_a new_a schism_n sect_n condemnation_n persecution_n and_o other_o scandal_n of_o that_o kind_n have_v more_o often_o arisen_a and_o do_v serious_o bewail_v the_o same_o and_o this_o be_v our_o principal_a aim_n to_o satisfy_v the_o often_o earnest_a request_n of_o those_o who_o judge_v that_o we_o owe_v this_o service_n 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
to_o be_v everlasting_o save_v he_o must_v of_o necessity_n first_o of_o all_o 6._o all_o heb._n 11._o 6._o believe_v that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o bounteous_a rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o seek_v he_o and_o therefore_o must_v conform_v himself_o according_a to_o that_o rule_n and_o square_n which_o it_o be_v 16._o be_v mat._n 7._o 21._o gal._n 6._o 16._o undoubted_o manifest_a be_v deliver_v and_o prescribe_v by_o the_o true_a god_n himself_o the_o supreme_a lawgiver_n and_o establish_v upon_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n 2._o that_o god_n be_v 18._o be_v heb._n â—_o 1._o 1_o joh._n 1._o 18._o and_o that_o he_o have_v at_o testament_n the_o revelation_n of_o the_o godhead_n in_o the_o old_a &_o new_a testament_n sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n speak_v in_o time_n pass_v unto_o the_o father_n by_o the_o prophet_n and_o that_o he_o have_v at_o length_n in_o the_o lastâ—â—â—mes_v most_o full_o declare_v and_o manifest_v his_o last_o will_n by_o his_o only-begotten_a son_n have_v be_v a_o thing_n confirm_v by_o 3._o by_o heb._n 2._o 3_o 4._o deut._n 29._o per_fw-mi totum_fw-la act._n 2._o 22._o 1_o thes_n 1._o 5._o &_o 1_o joh._n 1._o 1_o 3._o so_o many_o and_o great_a proof_n sign_n wonder_n mighty_a deed_n or_o work_n gift_n or_o distribution_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o other_o wonderful_a effect_n and_o certain_a event_n of_o several_a prophecy_n and_o testimony_n of_o man_n worthy_a of_o belief_n that_o any_o more_o certain_a more_o substantial_a and_o more_o complete_a can_v be_v give_v or_o just_o desire_v 3._o the_o whole_a declaration_n of_o the_o divine_a testament_n the_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n will_n which_o pertain_v unto_o religion_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o indeed_o authentical_o only_a in_o those_o which_o be_v call_v canonical_a or_o which_o it_o can_v upon_o no_o just_a ground_n be_v doubt_v but_o that_o they_o be_v write_v or_o approve_v of_o by_o those_o man_n 21._o man_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 15_o 16_o 17._o 2_o pet._n 1._o 20_o 21._o who_o be_v inspire_v with_o and_o instruct_v and_o guide_v by_o god_n holy_a spirit_n such_o as_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v 2._o be_v luk._n 16._o 29._o &_o 24._o 27_o 45_o 46_o 47._o act._n 17._o 2_o 3._o &_o 24._o 14._o &_o 26._o 22_o 23._o rom._n 1._o 2._o the_o five_o book_n of_o moses_n the_o book_n of_o joshua_n judge_n ruth_n the_o two_o book_n of_o samuel_n two_o of_o the_o king_n two_o of_o the_o chronicle_n or_o paralipomena_fw-la i._n e._n thing_n omit_v or_o pass_v by_o esdras_n nehemiah_n ehster_n also_o job_n the_o psalm_n of_o david_n the_o proverb_n ecclesiaste_n the_o song_n of_o song_n the_o four_o great_a prophet_n to_o wit_n esaias_n jeremiah_n with_o his_o lamentation_n ezekiel_n and_o daniel_n the_o twelve_o lesser_a prophet_n to_o wit_n hosea_n joel_n amos_n obadiah_n jonah_n micah_n nahum_n habakkuk_n zephaniah_n haggai_n zechariah_n and_o malachi_n 4._o in_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o be_v testament_n the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o four_o evangelist_n place_n evangelist_n luk._n 1._o 1_o 2_o 3._o joh._n 19_o 35._o &_o 20._o 31._o act._n 1._o 1._o &_o divers_a other_o place_n matthew_n mark_n luke_n and_o john_n the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o wit_n 17._o wit_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 15_o 16._o 1_o thes_n 2._o 2._o &_o eph._n 2._o &_o 3._o 17._o to_o the_o roman_n the_o former_a and_o latter_a to_o the_o corinthian_n to_o the_o galatian_n to_o the_o ephesian_n to_o the_o philippian_n to_o the_o colossian_n to_o the_o thessalonian_o two_o two_o to_o timothy_n to_o titus_n to_z philemon_z also_o the_o epistle_n to_o â—he_n hebrew_n one_o epistle_n of_o james_n 4._o james_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 1._o 1._o joh._n 1._o 1_o 2_o 3._o 4._o two_o of_o peter_n of_o john_n three_z of_o judas_n one_o last_o the_o both_o the_o rev._n 1._o 1._o &_o 22._o 18_o 19_o with_o other_o place_n the_o certainty_n of_o both_o revelation_n 5._o that_o all_o the_o say_a book_n be_v write_v or_o approve_v of_o by_o man_n divine_a and_o noâ—_n to_o be_v except_v against_o have_v in_o formeâ—_n time_n be_v clear_o find_v and_o prove_v by_o so_o many_o and_o so_o certain_a and_o evident_a testimony_n and_o proof_n that_o there_o can_v nothing_o further_o just_o or_o reasonable_o be_v desire_v for_o though_o at_o sometime_o therâ—_n have_v be_v make_v some_o doubt_n of_o some_o feâ—_n of_o they_o to_o wit_n whether_o they_o be_v pen_v or_o approve_v of_o by_o those_o very_a author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v yet_o at_o length_n thâ—_n matter_n be_v more_o narrow_o examine_v and_o the_o truth_n search_v into_o it_o have_v be_v abundant_o evict_v that_o they_o be_v indeed_o and_o in_o truth_n pen_v or_o approve_a oâ—_n by_o divine_a man_n and_o those_o who_o authority_n be_v infallible_a and_o credit_v undoubted_a of_o with_o all_o believer_n 6._o beside_o the_o say_a book_n of_o the_o old_a book_n the_o apocryphal_a book_n testament_n there_o be_v other_o also_o which_o have_v be_v now_o long_o since_o have_v in_o great_a esteem_n with_o many_o common_o call_v apocryphal_a the_o which_o although_o they_o be_v not_o of_o force_n to_o confirm_v doctrine_n of_o faith_n yet_o may_v they_o though_o some_o more_o some_o less_o profitable_o be_v and_o be_v usual_o read_v for_o the_o proficiency_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n such_o as_o be_v toby_n judith_n baruch_n wisdom_n ecclesiasticus_fw-la the_o three_o and_o four_o of_o esdras_n three_o book_n of_o the_o maccabee_n and_o certain_a addition_n unto_o esther_n and_o daniel_n which_o be_v common_o know_v 7._o that_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o scripture_n argument_n for_o the_o certainty_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n by_o which_o also_o the_o truth_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v abundant_o establsh_v and_o confirm_v be_v altogether_o true_a and_o divine_a be_v not_o only_o clear_a and_o evident_a from_o its_o be_v write_v or_o allow_v of_o by_o the_o say_v divine_a man_n we_o name_v before_o and_o its_o be_v deliver_v by_o they_o unto_o the_o church_n nor_o from_o its_o be_v confirm_v and_o establish_v or_o ratify_v by_o 39_o by_o act._n 5._o 11_o 13_o 14_o 15._o heb._n 2._o 3_o 4._o act._n 10_o 37_o 38_o 39_o divers_a and_o innumerable_a miracle_n and_o mighty_a deed_n sign_n and_o prodigy_n exceed_v all_o humane_a and_o angelical_a wisdom_n and_o power_n and_o furthermore_o by_o the_o 32._o the_o act._n 2._o 14_o etc._n etc._n act._n 5._o 29_o 30_o 31_o 32._o glorious_a resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a of_o the_o first_o author_n of_o it_o even_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o exaltation_n assert_v by_o many_o irrefragable_a testimony_n and_o proof_n but_o also_o even_o chief_o from_o its_o contain_v precept_n so_o transcendent_o chapter_n transcendent_o mat._n 5._o 6_o 7_o 8._o chapter_n perfect_a righteous_a just_a and_o holy_a that_o any_o more_o perfect_a just_a equal_a and_o holy_a can_v be_v devise_v or_o think_v of_o and_o promise_n 1._o promise_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 4._o heb._n 8._o 6._o 2_o cor._n 7._o 1._o so_o exceed_o great_a rich_a and_o precious_a that_o neither_o thâ—_n mind_n of_o man_n nor_o angel_n can_v conceive_v of_o any_o more_o excellent_a more_o divine_a anâ—_n worthy_a of_o god_n to_o which_o the_o admirable_a follow_v admirable_a rom._n 10._o 18._o 1_o cor._n 2._o 3_o 4._o 2_o cor._n 3._o throughout_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o etc._n etc._n 2_o cor._n 6._o 4_o 5_o etc._n etc._n col._n 1._o 6._o 23._o act._n 5._o 14_o etc._n etc._n act._n 19_o 11_o 12._o and_o so_o follow_v force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o add_v no_o small_a weight_n to_o wit_n thaâ—_n it_o although_o such_o a_o enemy_n and_o so_o ungrateful_a to_o the_o flesh_n be_v by_o a_o very_a few_o apostle_n and_o they_o plain_a simple_a weak_a man_n man_n most_o alien_n or_o free_a from_o noâ—_n only_o the_o crime_n but_o also_o the_o very_a suspicion_n of_o all_o simulation_n and_o forgery_n meâ—_n advantage_v by_o no_o help_n of_o worldly_a eloquence_n of_o no_o renown_n upon_o any_o account_n of_o humane_a authority_n without_o force_n without_o arm_n only_o by_o the_o persuasion_n of_o reason_n and_o argument_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n withal_o by_o man_n arm_v mere_o with_o innocency_n sanctity_n of_o life_n and_o patience_n in_o a_o very_a short_a time_n in_o all_o place_n though_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n of_o satan_n and_o all_o the_o world_n almost_o make_v resistance_n and_o head_n against_o it_o be_v wonderful_o disseminated_a and_o so_o spread_v itself_o far_o and_o wide_o on_o every_o side_n into_o all_o quarter_n that_o innumerable_a miriads_o of_o man_n
5._o 13_o etc._n etc._n &_o 6._o 1_o etc._n etc._n that_o sinful_a habit_n especial_o have_v now_o be_v deep_o root_v by_o long_a custom_n but_o get_v great_a strength_n by_o step_n and_o degree_n viz._n for_o the_o shake_n off_o of_o the_o same_o from_o whence_o this_o faith_n be_v usual_o distinguish_v into_o certain_a degree_n according_a to_o which_o furthermore_o there_o arise_v three_o class_n rank_n or_o order_n even_o of_o those_o that_o believe_v and_o repent_v or_o be_v regenerate_v that_o be_v of_o those_o who_o by_o faith_n do_v good_a work_n the_o first_o order_n or_o classis_fw-la be_v of_o beginner_n incipâ—ents_n or_o beginner_n incipient_n or_o beginner_n etc._n beginner_n heb._n 5._o 13_o 14._o &_o 6._o 1_o 2._o col._n 3._o 5_o etc._n etc._n gal._n 6._o 1_o etc._n etc._n jam._n 4._o 1_o etc._n etc._n rev._n 3._o 1_o etc._n etc._n which_o indeed_o true_o assent_v unto_o the_o gospel_n but_o by_o reason_n of_o a_o inveterate_a custom_n of_o sin_n &_o some_o strong_a grow_v habit_n thereof_o do_v with_o great_a labour_n trouble_n and_o struggle_v of_o the_o flesh_n ever_o and_o anon_o still_o break_v out_o and_o kick_v against_o the_o spirit_n or_o their_o mind_n enlighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n through_o or_o by_o the_o gospel_n come_v and_o subdue_v the_o assault_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o same_o 2._o the_o second_o be_v of_o proficient_n that_o be_v proficient_n proficient_n of_o such_o as_o have_v make_v some_o progress_n who_o etc._n who_o gal._n 5._o 16_o 17._o eph._n 4._o â—4_n etc._n etc._n by_o the_o help_n or_o benefit_n of_o faith_n have_v now_o for_o some_o time_n use_v themselves_o to_o some_o more_o severe_a and_o orderly_a or_o correct_a way_n and_o course_n of_o life_n and_o have_v exercise_v themselves_o somewhat_o more_o in_o the_o study_n and_o exercise_v of_o piety_n do_v more_o easy_o and_o with_o less_o resistance_n refrain_v themselves_o from_o a_o custom_n of_o sin_v albeit_o sometime_o they_o still_o feel_v no_o light_n struggle_n thereof_o with_o in_o themselves_o 3._o the_o perfect_a adult_n and_o perfect_a three_o be_v of_o the_o adult_n that_o be_v of_o those_o that_o be_v full_o grow_v 36._o grow_v rom._n 12._o 1_o etc._n etc._n &_o ver_fw-la 9_o etc._n etc._n rom._n 15._o 1_o etc._n etc._n phil._n 3_o 17_o etc._n etc._n act._n 9_o 36._o or_o of_o those_o who_o aâ—e_v in_o some_o respect_v perfect_a that_o be_v of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v now_o already_o confirm_v in_o piety_n do_v by_o the_o help_n of_o their_o faith_n with_o pleasure_n joy_n and_o a_o certain_a delight_n exercise_n and_o addict_v themselves_o to_o holiness_n and_o love_v righteousness_n and_o truth_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n with_o all_o their_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o their_o strength_n so_o that_o the_o scripture_n do_v chief_o affirm_v of_o they_o 18._o they_o 1_o joh._n 3._o 9_o &_o 5._o 18._o that_o they_o sin_v not_o yea_o that_o they_o can_v sin_v etc._n etc._n not_o that_o they_o never_o can_v commit_v or_o never_o real_o or_o actual_o do_v commit_v no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o through_o ignorance_n or_o some_o sudden_a passion_n or_o other_o like_a infirmity_n especial_o under_o some_o great_a temptation_n any_o offence_n or_o miscarriage_n no_o not_o the_o least_o 47._o least_o 1_o king_n 8._o 47._o for_o there_o be_v no_o man_n upon_o earth_n that_o sin_v not_o but_o that_o they_o have_v now_o altogether_o put_v off_o all_o etc._n all_o eph._n 4._o 23._o col._n 2._o 11._o rom._n 6._o 4._o etc._n etc._n vicious_a habit_n and_o do_v abstain_v from_o a_o custom_n or_o course_n of_o sin_v and_o therefore_o if_o by_o chance_n they_o fall_v into_o any_o sin_n which_o yet_o fall_v out_o very_o seldom_o so_o long_o indeed_o as_o they_o be_v and_o remain_v true_o regenerate_v it_o happen_v only_o through_o error_n or_o mistake_n or_o through_o some_o surprisal_n or_o some_o over_o cloud_v and_o darken_v of_o their_o mind_n of_o all_o therefore_o and_o every_o regenerate_v how_o far_o all_o these_o be_v true_o regenerate_v of_o those_o we_o judge_v that_o they_o be_v true_o bear_v again_o through_o the_o grace_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n or_o that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o true_o believe_v and_o repent_v so_o that_o they_o do_v most_o diligent_o do_v their_o endeavour_n to_o be_v free_v from_o the_o say_v vicious_a custom_n of_o sin_v whole_o and_o altogether_o and_o continual_o study_v more_o and_o more_o to_o amend_v those_o infirmity_n unto_o which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n all_o according_a to_o the_o diverse_a or_o different_a respect_n of_o their_o age_n temperature_n place_n of_o abode_n state_n condition_n and_o of_o other_o circumstance_n be_v more_o or_o less_o obnoxious_a or_o liable_a to_o both_o 24._o both_o rom._n 6._o 14._o eph._n 6._o 13._o phil._n 4._o 13._o 1_o joh._n 4._o 4._o judas_n v._o 24._o which_o indeed_o we_o do_v religious_o believe_v be_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n possible_a nay_o and_o withal_o necessary_a 7._o but_o although_o such_o as_o have_v once_o away_o the_o regenerate_a may_n and_o often_o do_v fall_v away_o 9_o away_o 1_o joh._n 5._o 9_o get_v the_o very_a habit_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n can_v very_o hardly_o relapse_n or_o return_n unto_o their_o former_a profaneness_n and_o dissoluteness_n of_o life_n yet_o we_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v altogether_o possible_a etc._n possible_a heb._n 6._o 4_o etc._n etc._n rev._n 2_o &_o 3._o 2_o pet._n 2._o 18_o etc._n etc._n eze_v 18._o 24_o etc._n etc._n heb._n 4._o 1_o 2._o &_o 10._o 28_o 29_o 38_o 39_o 1_o tim._n 1._o 19_o 20._o rom._n 11._o 18_o etc._n etc._n yea_o and_o that_o it_o do_v not_o seldom_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o do_v by_o degree_n relapse_n thereunto_o and_o at_o last_o whole_o fall_v from_o their_o first_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o have_v forsake_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n return_v unto_o their_o worldly_a pollution_n which_o they_o have_v quite_o or_o real_o once_o leave_v like_a swine_n unto_o their_o wallow_v in_o the_o mire_n and_o dog_n unto_o their_o vomit_n &_o be_v again_o entangle_v with_o those_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o they_o have_v former_o true_o escape_v and_o so_o fall_v total_o and_o at_o length_n also_o final_o unless_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n they_o timous_o and_o serious_o repent_v and_o yet_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o do_v not_o absolute_o deny_v 30._o deny_v contrary_n to_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o synod_n of_o dâ—rt_n ch_n 5._o psal_n 51._o 2_o cor._n 2._o isa_n 1_o deut._n 30._o but_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o they_o who_o have_v once_o true_o believe_v when_o they_o do_v relapse_n unto_o their_o former_a profaneness_n of_o life_n may_v by_o the_o benefit_n and_o help_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v renew_v again_o and_o repent_v or_o become_v good_a man_n although_o we_o believe_v that_o it_o seldom_o fall_v out_o 2._o out_o luk._n 11._o 24_o etc._n etc._n heb._n 6._o 4_o etc._n etc._n 2_o pet._n 2._o and_o can_v very_o hardly_o be_v effect_v and_o even_o such_o as_o these_o as_o often_o as_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v we_o deem_v or_o judge_v that_o they_o be_v altogether_o to_o be_v count_v of_o the_o order_n or_o number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v true_o godly_a and_o do_v true_o repent_v and_o be_v certain_o to_o be_v save_v if_o indeed_o they_o persevere_v in_o this_o their_o renew_a conversion_n chap._n xii_o of_o good_a work_n in_o particular_a and_o of_o the_o exposition_n of_o the_o decalogue_n 1._o of_o good_a work_n some_o be_v common_a work_n the_o division_n and_o sum_n of_o good_a work_n 7._o work_n mat._n 5_o &_o 6_o &_o 7._o unto_o all_o christian_n in_o general_a other_o be_v etc._n be_v eph._n 5._o 22_o etc._n etc._n &_o 6._o 1_o etc._n etc._n proper_a to_o christian_n of_o certain_a vocation_n or_o calling_n the_o sum_n of_o those_o which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o christian_n alike_o without_o difference_n may_v be_v comprise_v under_o these_o three_o head_n 1._o in_o our_o love_a of_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n which_o be_v whole_o contain_v in_o the_o moral_a law_n as_o it_o be_v expound_v by_o jesus_n christ_n 2._o in_o the_o direct_n or_o deny_v of_o ourselves_o 3._o in_o daily_o pray_v unto_o god_n and_o give_v he_o thanks_o for_o his_o benefit_n receive_v 2._o the_o decalogue_n be_v a_o epitome_n or_o a_o decalogue_n the_o sum_n of_o the_o decalogue_n brief_a summary_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o two_o table_n of_o which_o the_o first_o contain_v four_o commandment_n and_o the_o second_o six_o 31._o six_o exod._n 20._o deut._n 5_o &_o 6._o mat._n 22._o 37_o 38_o 39_o 40._o mar._n 11._o 30_o 31._o the_o one_o immediate_o and_o first_o respect_v our_o love_a of_o god_n the_o other_o our_o love_n
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