hear_v be_v gather_v as_o it_o be_v into_o one_o body_n all_o and_o every_o of_o who_o member_n have_v 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 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 but_o a_o assembly_n of_o man_n call_v by_o the_o gospel_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 here_o on_o earth_n be_v wont_n 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 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 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 of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o forthwith_o so_o perfect_o to_o know_v 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 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 a_o visible_a multitude_n of_o those_o that_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 etc._n sometime_o less_o evident_o or_o clear_o 6._o again_o both_o may_v be_v consider_v either_o particular_a as_o catholic_n 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 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 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 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 church_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 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 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 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 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_n 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 belong_v to_o this_o visible_a church_n do_v not_o only_o consist_v in_o every_o particular_a man_n profess_v with_o his_o 9_o mouth_n and_o in_o life_n this_o save_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n for_o himself_o but_o also_o in_o believer_n be_v unite_v and_o join_v together_o among_o themselves_o etc._n whether_o they_o be_v more_o or_o few_o in_o their_o do_v or_o perform_v those_o thing_n which_o ordinary_o can_v nor_o use_v to_o be_v perform_v but_o in_o a_o society_n or_o congregation_n and_o which_o render_v the_o society_n or_o congregation_n itself_o more_o illustrious_a and_o conspicuous_a 10._o which_o sort_n or_o kind_n of_o duty_n chief_a beside_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n preach_v and_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n already_o speak_v of_o be_v chief_o two_o to_o 7._o wit_n the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n as_o they_o be_v call_v and_o 20._o the_o exercise_n of_o christian_a discipline_n of_o which_o more_o immediate_o chap._n xxiii_o of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o other_o sacred_a rite_n 1._o when_o we_o speak_v of_o sacrament_n be_v we_o understand_v the_o outward_a ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n or_o those_o sacred_a and_o solemn_a rite_n whereby_o as_o by_o foederal_a 13._o sign_n and_o visible_a seal_n god_n do_v not_o only_o represent_v and_o shadow_v out_o unto_o we_o his_o gracious_a benefit_n especial_o those_o promise_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o do_v also_o in_o a_o certain_a manner_n clear_o hold_v forth_o and_o seal_v the_o same_o unto_o we_o and_o we_o again_o likewise_o do_v open_o and_o public_o declare_v and_o testify_v that_o we_o do_v embrace_v etc._n all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n with_o a_o true_a firm_a and_o obedient_a faith_n and_o that_o we_o will_v always_o with_o continual_a and_o thankful_a remembrance_n celebrate_v with_o
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 which_o be_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 with_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 of_o time_n 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 oâ—_n 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 scripture_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 one_o indeed_o say_v i_o be_o of_o paul_n another_o 12._o i_o be_o of_o cephas_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 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 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
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 â—eed_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 â—s_n by_o a_o bolt_n &_o bar_v firm_o set_v against_o those_o â—nfamous_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 â—ame_n and_o esteem_n 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 deparate_v from_o their_o fraternity_n that_o more_o plenteous_a matter_n will_v be_v minister_v to_o their_o enemy_n and_o foe_n to_o calumniatc_n and_o consequent_o that_o through_o the_o side_n of_o their_o wrong_a reputation_n the_o truth_n of_o god_n will_v be_v wound_v and_o all_o their_o labour_n â—are_v industry_n and_o pain_n hitherto_o spend_v or_o further_o to_o be_v spend_v in_o the_o promote_a of_o the_o same_o will_v be_v render_v unprofitable_a and_o fruitless_a certain_o he_o that_o iâ—_n touch_v with_o any_o desire_n of_o the_o public_a good_a any_o care_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n anâ—_n desire_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o peace_n of_o thâ—_n church_n he_o can_v but_o believe_v and_o certain_o conclude_v that_o in_o such_o a_o case_n theâ—_n be_v some_o kind_n of_o necessity_n lay_v upon_o those_o man_n if_o they_o can_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o man_n of_o high_a degree_n and_o low_a degree_n require_v it_o even_o in_o conceive_a form_n of_o declaration_n to_o purge_v themselves_o from_o those_o false_a report_n and_o calumny_n and_o to_o testify_v to_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n their_o innocency_n nor_o indeed_o can_v it_o seeâ—_n sufficient_a for_o the_o wash_n away_o of_o thâ—_n say_v 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 man_n scripture-word_n and_o phrase_n for_o see_v that_o this_o very_a thing_n be_v charge_v up_o on_o they_o as_o a_o crime_n that_o under_o scripture-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 and_o the_o salvation_n 〈◊〉_d 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 â—hen_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 â—est_n and_o most_o profitable_a that_o be_v by_o some_o public_a declaration_n of_o their_o judgement_n â—o_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 â—n_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 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 that_o be_v 〈◊〉_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 doubeless_a as_o we_o have_v already_o say_v before_o they_o will_v not_o then_o be_v hold_v for_o square_n and_o rule_n of_o faith_n whereby_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n heresy_n or_o error_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v know_v and_o which_o be_v publish_v for_o that_o end_n that_o by_o they_o what_o be_v true_a or_o false_a may_v be_v know_v and_o discover_v or_o sound_a but_o only_o for_o bare_a signal_n and_o symbol_n or_o token_n which_o only_o show_v and_o declare_v what_o the_o author_n believe_v and_o judge_v of_o those_o and_o the_o other_o article_n and_o meaning_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o true_o if_o we_o consult_v the_o ancient_a annal_n of_o the_o church_n they_o who_o first_o put_v forth_o such_o symbol_n ecclesiastical_a canon_n confession_n and_o declaration_n have_v no_o other_o design_n aim_v or_o end_n but_o thereby_o to_o testify_v not_o what_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v but_o what_o they_o themselves_o believe_v and_o that_o these_o symbol_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v even_o instead_o of_o watch-tower_n to_o declare_v &_o show_v to_o the_o unwary_a and_o imprudent_a the_o shelf_n and_o quick_v of_o error_n that_o be_v hurtful_a to_o piety_n and_o salvation_n or_o also_o to_o serve_v against_o calumniator_n for_o apology_n whereby_o every_o one_o may_v understand_v how_o far_o they_o be_v from_o those_o error_n blasphemy_n and_o crime_n which_o through_o calumny_n be_v by_o man_n ill-imployed_n fasten_v upon_o they_o and_o certain_o if_o all_o declaration_n and_o confession_n have_v at_o all_o time_n keep_v within_o these_o bound_n they_o have_v not_o indeed_o at_o any_o time_n obtain_v any_o dictator-like_a dignity_n or_o authority_n much_o less_o great_a than_o or_o equal_a to_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o church_n wherefore_o that_o the_o church_n may_v in_o the_o first_o place_n always_o hold_v this_o firm_a &_o unalterable_a we_o be_v to_o endeavour_v again_o and_o again_o and_o
therefore_o eftsoon_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 jndice_n 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 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 â—rooked_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 this_o foundation_n therefore_o once_o right_o they_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 a_o liberty_n whereby_o any_o one_o may_v preserve_v safe_a the_o law_n of_o christian_a modesty_n charity_n and_o prudence_n without_o danger_n inquire_v into_o those_o form_n and_o without_o scruple_n contradict_v they_o that_o by_o this_o mean_n there_o may_v be_v always_o a_o manifest_a difference_n between_o they_o and_o the_o 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 all_o controversy_n and_o contradiction_n and_o that_o the_o conscience_n of_o believer_n be_v to_o be_v tie_v to_o it_o only_o and_o yet_o be_v not_o this_o liberty_n to_o be_v extend_v so_o far_o as_o to_o turn_v into_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 much_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 he_o who_o fasten_v it_o too_o straight_o all_o extreme_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 in_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 easy_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 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 danâ—er_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 every_o where_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 â—rablings_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 iâ—_n 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 offlint_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 obâ—rectations_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 immmode_a inculcate_a or_o â—rging_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 as_o to_o the_o right_a use_n of_o
of_o the_o scripture_n for_o see_v their_o truth_n both_o as_o to_o their_o sense_n manner_n 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 may_v 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 from_o themselves_o to_o the_o scripture_n and_o express_o command_v we_o to_o appeal_v to_o they_o alone_o in_o all_o controversy_n whatsoever_o certain_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v think_v to_o confer_v unto_o the_o shake_n or_o subvert_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a to_o the_o establish_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n nor_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 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12._o 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 and_o do_v usual_o sometime_o fall_v out_o that_o in_o tract_n of_o 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best_a thing_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o good_a and_o prudent_a man_n may_v use_v well_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v evil_a and_o hurtful_a in_o itself_o and_o improve_v it_o for_o a_o wholesome_a remedy_n at_o some_o turn_n furthermore_o in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o hardly_o fall_v out_o but_o that_o if_o such_o form_n of_o declaration_n be_v not_o sometime_o set_v forth_o a_o wide_a gap_n be_v open_v unto_o other_o miscarriage_n and_o inconvenience_n if_o not_o more_o grievous_a yet_o at_o least_o alike_o and_o equal_a and_o a_o way_n be_v easy_o pave_v unto_o a_o dissolute_a licentiousness_n of_o foolish_o vent_v every_o thing_n at_o lest_o no_o better_o than_o tyranny_n last_o see_v by_o that_o mean_n which_o we_o have_v speak_v of_o we_o may_v timous_o withstand_v those_o miscarriage_n and_o inconvenience_n which_o some_o think_v will_v arise_v from_o thence_o for_o if_o those_o who_o have_v think_v meet_a to_o set_v forth_o confession_n and_o declaration_n of_o their_o belief_n have_v always_o keep_v within_o the_o say_a use_n of_o they_o they_o have_v never_o have_v place_n give_v they_o for_o their_o excessive_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n but_o after_o that_o a_o exact_a account_n cease_v to_o be_v have_v thereof_o their_o authority_n begin_v by_o little_a and_o little_a and_o as_o it_o be_v by_o degree_n to_o be_v advance_v insomuch_o that_o the_o conscience_n eye_n tongue_n and_o pen_n of_o man_n become_v to_o depend_v on_o they_o as_o upon_o certain_a standard_n and_o undoubted_a rule_n of_o faith_n whence_o afterward_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o some_o by_o mean_n of_o they_o as_o it_o be_v by_o certain_a letter_n of_o herald_n at_o arm_n have_v denounce_v war_n against_o all_o other_o congregation_n and_o that_o they_o may_v have_v no_o hope_n of_o reconcilement_n leave_v they_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n thereby_o have_v be_v divide_v and_o separate_v one_o from_o another_o even_o as_o empire_n heretofore_o by_o boundary_n and_o enemy_n camp_n by_o trench_n and_o bulwark_n last_o which_o be_v the_o utmost_a line_n of_o tyranny_n that_o they_o have_v punish_v those_o who_o do_v contradict_v these_o form_n with_o force_n and_o sword_n and_o that_o with_o so_o great_a a_o zeal_n and_o heat_n yea_o fury_n that_o when_o profane_a person_n ungodly_a despiser_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o atheist_n be_v upon_o very_o easy_a term_n pardon_v these_o alone_o be_v destine_v to_o prison_n rack_n wheel_n gallow_n cross_n flame_n and_o all_o the_o most_o exquisite_a punishment_n and_o torment_n imaginable_a and_o all_o for_o this_o only_a end_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o form_n may_v be_v free_v from_o contradiction_n and_o vindicate_v from_o contempt_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n forsooth_o the_o outward_a peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o quiet_a of_o the_o commonwealth_n may_v be_v preserve_v undisturbed_a the_o which_o way_n of_o procedure_v as_o it_o ought_v most_o just_o to_o be_v hate_v and_o abominate_v of_o all_o christian_n so_o have_v it_o all_o along_o exceed_o dislike_v we_o who_o â—ndeed_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 â—â—ilt_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 srame_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 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 bluâ—_n and_o stain_n 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 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 themselves_o the_o petty_a garland_n of_o victory_n we_o have_v bestow_v our_o time_n and_o service_n on_o that_o truth_n alone_o which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n and_o indeed_o in_o conjunction_n with_o a_o ingenuous_a and_o open_a simplicity_n the_o which_o even_o the_o unlearned_a may_v understand_v and_o the_o learned_a ought_v not_o to_o disdain_v last_o we_o have_v think_v it_o best_a and_o safe_a to_o keep_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o thing_n necessary_a and_o in_o our_o judgement_n profitable_a wave_v and_o pass_v all_o other_o thing_n of_o set_a purpose_n and_o that_o indeed_o the_o more_o commodious_o to_o avoid_v both_o the_o extreme_n towit_n the_o excess_n and_o the_o defect_n for_o neither_o dissenter_n do_v we_o like_o their_o opinion_n who_o will_v have_v nothing_o contain_v in_o concession_n and_o declaration_n but_o what_o be_v precise_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v we_o have_v think_v it_o meet_v to_o have_v a_o regard_n oâ—_n those_o thing_n that_o be_v profitable_a also_o especial_o of_o those_o which_o in_o this_o kind_n excel_v the_o rest_n
but_o where_o we_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n go_v before_o we_o there_o we_o upon_o good_a right_a demuâ—â—_n and_o withhold_v our_o assent_n and_o do_v both_o beg_v and_o grant_v pardon_n by_o course_n remember_v that_o which_o our_o saviour_n advise_v we_o judge_v not_o that_o you_o be_v not_o judge_v and_o which_o the_o apostle_n judge_v not_o any_o thing_n 1._o before_o the_o time_n until_o the_o lord_n come_v who_o 5._o will_v bring_v to_o light_v the_o hide_a thing_n of_o darkness_n and_o make_v manifest_a the_o council_n of_o man_n heart_n and_o then_o shall_v every_o man_n have_v praise_n of_o god_n hence_o we_o do_v not_o easy_o denounce_v a_o anathema_n to_o he_o who_o we_o believe_v be_v hold_v with_o a_o pure_a mere_a error_n if_o he_o be_v otherwise_o pious_a fear_v god_n and_o studious_a of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o divine_a truth_n that_o be_v if_o he_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o high_o to_o prize_v his_o gospel_n by_o which_o alone_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o maintain_v his_o error_n through_o which_o he_o ignorant_o err_v for_o we_o know_v how_o ready_a a_o matter_n it_o be_v in_o so_o great_a a_o multitude_n of_o opinion_n so_o great_a a_o company_n of_o those_o that_o err_v so_o great_a a_o variety_n of_o wit_n or_o disposition_n so_o great_a a_o plenty_n of_o hindrance_n and_o scruple_n so_o great_a weakness_n of_o judgement_n in_o such_o to_o slip_v and_o err_v and_o how_o easy_a it_o be_v by_o argument_n true_a in_o appearance_n to_o be_v deceive_v and_o mistake_v how_o harmless_a also_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o to_o err_v and_o to_o mistake_v in_o many_o thing_n how_o great_a also_o clemency_n and_o kindness_n god_n be_v like_a to_o use_v towards_o such_o as_o simple_o err_v who_o pardon_v and_o remit_v even_o wilful_a sin_n themselves_o to_o those_o that_o repent_v and_o how_o alien_n or_o far_o from_o the_o gentle_a and_o meek_a disposition_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n it_o be_v not_o to_o pity_v those_o that_o stray_n last_o how_o sad_a and_o tragical_a disturbance_n that_o both_o rash_a and_o proud_a confidence_n of_o condemn_v have_v at_o all_o time_n occasion_v and_o make_v for_o anathema_n be_v wont_a to_o provoke_v anathema_n and_o where_o this_o chance_n be_v once_o cast_v all_o be_v past_a and_o there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o all_o hope_n of_o remedy_n for_o the_o direful_a hatred_n of_o party_n succeed_v and_o the_o reins_o of_o hatred_n be_v let_v loose_a they_o common_o at_o length_n with_o deadly_a and_o forbearance_n spiteful_a mind_n rush_v upon_o the_o slaughter_a and_o butcher_v of_o one_o another_o and_o the_o last_o fruit_n of_o these_o condemning_n and_o anathematizing_n be_v a_o everlasting_a despair_n of_o cure_n that_o we_o may_v therefore_o avoid_v these_o mischief_n we_o have_v careful_o and_o purposely_o forbear_v anathema_n deem_v it_o sufficient_a ingenuous_o to_o have_v speak_v the_o truth_n and_o to_o have_v show_v the_o error_n leave_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n unto_o other_o a_o free_a judgement_n touch_v every_o error_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o error_n but_o chief_o to_o he_o who_o alone_o judge_v righteous_o 23._o and_o search_v the_o heart_n and_o reins_o of_o men._n we_o have_v already_o sufficient_o sacrifice_v to_o unseasonable_a anathema_n and_o to_o those_o direful_a form_n of_o sentence_v to_o punishment_n each_o other_o we_o condemn_v we_o execrate_v and_o curse_v etc._n etc._n it_o be_v now_o time_n that_o we_o sacrifice_n to_o christian_a concord_n meekness_n and_o charity_n after_o so_o many_o sad_a and_o dismal_a curse_n whereby_o on_o every_o side_n the_o fiercenâ—is_n of_o hatred_n and_o mortal_a fall_n out_o have_v be_v irritate_v and_o exasperate_v let_v we_o lay_v aside_o such_o enemy-like_a and_o exulcerate_v mind_n and_o by_o gentleness_n by_o long-suffering_a by_o kindness_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o christ_n by_o love_n unfeigned_a by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n by_o the_o armour_n of_o righteousness_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o on_o the_o left_a after_o the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o his_o apostle_n let_v we_o fight_v against_o error_n that_o to_o our_o utmost_a power_n we_o may_v save_v those_o that_o err_v and_o deliver_v they_o out_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o eternal_a perdition_n let_v we_o not_o be_v many_o master_n 10._o for_o one_o be_v our_o master_n let_v we_o assent_v to_o or_o approve_v of_o the_o wholesome_a word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o doctrine_n 5._o which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n let_v we_o shun_v vain_a question_n and_o strife_n of_o word_n from_o which_o arise_v envy_n strife_n rail_n evil_a surmising_n perverse_a dispute_n of_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o destitute_a of_o the_o truth_n suppose_v that_o gain_n be_v godliness_n let_v not_o we_o condemn_v or_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n those_o that_o christ_n do_v not_o condemn_v nor_o shut_v out_o of_o his_o kingdom_n again_o let_v we_o not_o become_v the_o servant_n of_o man_n but_o withal_o neither_o let_v we_o be_v lord_n over_o 5._o the_o faith_n of_o other_o let_v our_o moderation_n appear_v unto_o all_o and_o in_o modesty_n and_o mutual_a charity_n bear_v with_o one_o another_o be_v certain_o persuade_v that_o none_o be_v light_o to_o be_v condemn_v or_o blot_v out_o of_o the_o register_n of_o christian_n that_o hold_v fast_o his_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o in_o hope_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n promise_v by_o he_o do_v seek_v from_o the_o heart_n to_o obey_v his_o command_n though_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n he_o err_v in_o many_o thing_n that_o in_o some_o sort_n or_o other_o concern_v religion_n the_o which_o holy_a and_o worthy_o to_o be_v praise_v moderation_n or_o equanimity_n when_o the_o best_a and_o great_a god_n shall_v have_v inspire_v the_o heart_n either_o of_o all_o or_o at_o least_o of_o the_o most_o of_o those_o who_o bear_v rule_v in_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n with_o then_o at_o length_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v every_v where_o flourish_n and_o a_o holy_a peace_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o concord_n will_v set_v up_o a_o settle_a place_n of_o abode_n among_o all_o that_o be_v true_o godly_a the_o which_o that_o it_o may_v short_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o whole_a world_n especial_o in_o the_o christian_a but_o most_o of_o all_o in_o the_o reform_a we_o humble_o beseech_v of_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n these_o thing_n thus_o premise_v we_o shall_v now_o come_v direct_o to_o the_o head_n of_o our_o declaration_n as_o those_o which_o we_o will_v have_v always_o join_v by_o a_o indissoluble_a tie_n with_o this_o very_a preface_n the_o confession_n or_o declaration_n of_o the_o minister_n or_o pastor_n which_o in_o the_o unite_a province_n be_v call_v remonstrant_n concern_v the_o chief_a point_n of_o christian_a religion_n chap._n i._n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o its_o authority_n perfection_n and_o perspicuity_n i._o whosoever_o desire_v to_o worship_n god_n god_n aright_o and_o certain_o and_o undoubted_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 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 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 and_o that_o he_o have_v at_o 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 last_o time_n 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 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 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 who_o be_v inspire_v with_o and_o
shame_n may_v be_v wrought_v in_o he_o and_o himself_o be_v bring_v to_o save_a repentance_n add_v withal_o if_o extreme_a necessity_n require_v it_o a_o express_a and_o serious_a declaration_n of_o the_o church_n that_o as_o long_o as_o he_o remain_v impenitent_a he_o be_v a_o stranger_n from_o or_o whole_o unmeet_a for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n as_o one_o that_o witting_o and_o advise_o persist_v in_o a_o manifest_a crime_n or_o work_v of_o the_o flesh._n yet_o notwithstanding_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o say_a communion_n thereof_o be_v always_o ready_o to_o be_v restore_v to_o those_o that_o be_v avoid_v or_o exclude_v from_o the_o brotherly_a communion_n thereof_o after_o probable_a testimony_n give_v of_o their_o repentance_n 12._o especial_o if_o they_o shall_v serious_o desire_v it_o 7._o howbeit_o from_o this_o avoid_n which_o avoid_v we_o have_v speak_v of_o as_o to_o domestic_a society_n or_o converse_v of_o life_n they_o be_v to_o be_v exempt_v who_o be_v either_o mutual_o bind_v and_o tie_v to_o each_o other_o or_o at_o least_o the_o one_o part_n to_o the_o other_o either_o by_o some_o divine_a and_o indissoluble_a contract_n as_o etc._n husband_n and_o wife_n or_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o 2._o child_n or_o necessity_n of_o duty_n as_o 19_o manservant_n and_o maidservant_n 8._o furthermore_o this_o discipline_n be_v not_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o action_n as_o be_v exercise_v by_o discipline_n the_o church_n with_o 11._o any_o carnal_a power_n or_o worldly_a authority_n or_o coactive_a force_n but_o it_o be_v only_o the_o church_n own_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 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 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 unlawful_a yea_o further_o they_o do_v in_o deed_n and_o truth_n 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 horetick_n or_o any_o the_o like_a 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 curche_n be_v take_v several_o synod_n 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 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 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 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 â—it_n and_o meet_a man_n that_o be_v man_n skilful_a in_o divine_a thing_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 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 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 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 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 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