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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
and_o as_o it_o be_v lead_v and_o guide_v the_o family_n for_o these_o like_o spur_n and_o goad_n mighty_o excite_v and_o put_v forward_o the_o will_n the_o more_o free_o and_o cheerful_o to_o mind_n and_o endeavour_v after_o a_o love_n and_o observation_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a from_o hence_o we_o see_v it_o sometime_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o some_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o indeed_o precise_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n do_v nevertheless_o draw_v after_o they_o strong_a motion_n of_o mind_n and_o do_v strong_o incline_v and_o bow_v by_o their_o weight_n our_o affection_n and_o whole_a will_n to_o this_o side_n or_o part_n or_o to_o the_o other_o so_o that_o he_o who_o set_v his_o foot_n less_o aright_o or_o less_o firm_o in_o they_o be_v upon_o a_o light_a occasion_n put_v by_o the_o staydness_n of_o a_o right_a mind_n and_o easy_o like_o a_o restless_a wave_n driven_z this_o way_n and_o that_o way_n wherefore_o although_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o all_o to_o know_v they_o yet_o to_o be_v willing_a not_o to_o know_v or_o sometime_o to_o be_v simple_o ignorant_a of_o they_o be_v dangerous_a and_o often_o time_n very_o hurtful_a and_o we_o have_v direct_v all_o thing_n to_o the_o why_o practice_n of_o christian_a piety_n for_o we_o believe_v that_o true_a divinity_n be_v mere_o practical_a and_o not_o either_o simple_o or_o for_o its_o great_a or_o chief_a part_n speculative_a and_o therefore_o whatever_o thing_n be_v deliver_v therein_o aught_o to_o be_v refer_v thither_o only_o that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v the_o more_o strong_o and_o fit_o inflame_v and_o encourage_v to_o a_o diligent_a performauce_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o keep_v of_o the_o commandment_n of_o jesus_n christ._n for_o it_o be_v a_o dry_a decay_a barren_a and_o consequent_o spurious_a divinity_n which_o consist_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o a_o empty_a speculation_n and_o mere_a contemplation_n and_o which_o after_o it_o have_v a_o long_a time_n great_o weary_v the_o diligence_n of_o every_o the_o most_o vigilant_a and_o with_o pain_n exercise_v his_o wit_n only_o do_v not_o yet_o reach_v to_o his_o will_n and_o beget_v therein_o a_o due_a obedience_n unto_o god_n and_o therefore_o work_v not_o in_o we_o a_o true_a and_o save_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o christ._n for_o he_o that_o say_v that_o he_o know_v god_n and_o 〈◊〉_d keep_v not_o his_o commandment_n he_o 4._o be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o he_o the_o first_o therefore_o and_o chief_a praise_n of_o theologie_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o it_o bow_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n unto_o a_o obedience_n towards_o god_n and_o so_o incline_v or_o bend_v that_o part_n of_o we_o which_o god_n have_v endow_v with_o a_o natural_a liberty_n and_o make_v as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v at_o its_o own_o pleasure_n and_o dispose_v that_o it_o do_v again_o of_o its_o own_o accord_n subject_v itself_o whole_o unto_o god_n and_o abandon_v the_o former_a abuse_n of_o its_o own_o liberty_n do_v only_o follow_v the_o ducture_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n all_o other_o thing_n unless_o they_o be_v direct_v to_o this_o mark_n be_v before_o god_n vain_a and_o frivolous_a and_o of_o themselves_o of_o the_o least_o price_n and_o consequent_o in_o a_o manner_n nothing_o to_o be_v esteem_v the_o knowledge_n therefore_o of_o they_o be_v neither_o necessary_a nor_o profitable_a far_a than_o so_o far_o as_o it_o may_v and_o be_v wont_a to_o serve_v unto_o this_o principal_a scope_n or_o design_n for_o this_o very_a cause_n also_o those_o thing_n holland_n which_o pertain_v to_o the_o five_o article_n as_o they_o call_v they_o to_o wit_n of_o predestination_n and_o the_o head_n annex_v thereto_o we_o have_v somewhat_o more_o large_o expound_v they_o and_o here_o and_o there_o diligent_o intermingle_v with_o other_o thing_n for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o be_v very_o profitable_a and_o in_o a_o manner_n absolute_o necessary_a unto_o practice_n or_o for_o the_o inculcate_a and_o beget_v in_o we_o a_o observation_n or_o keep_n of_o the_o command_v of_o jesus_n christ_n these_o at_o least_o be_v to_o be_v account_v such_o for_o these_o be_v every_o where_o and_o diverse_o scatter_v or_o spread_v abroad_o through_o out_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o divinity_n as_o certain_a nourishment_n yea_o as_o it_o be_v sinew_n small_a string_n artery_n and_o vein_n whereby_o our_o spirit_n be_v effectual_o move_v unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o keep_v nourish_v and_o cherish_v yea_o continual_o carry_v and_o put_v forward_o in_o the_o same_o and_o so_o consequent_o strong_o engage_v unto_o a_o continual_a progress_n therein_o which_o also_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o we_o have_v every_o where_o here_o and_o there_o where_o the_o matter_n so_o require_v with_o reason_n also_o add_v open_o reject_v the_o contrary_a article_n unhappy_o establish_v in_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n as_o some_o unhappy_a cockleweed_n and_o tare_n that_o be_v very_o hurtful_a to_o true_a piety_n and_o holiness_n yea_o as_o the_o foul_a blot_n and_o spot_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o all_o pious_a people_n ought_v no_o otherwise_o to_o detest_v than_o botch_n and_o imposthume_n whole_o suck_v up_o the_o whole_a juice_n blood_n and_o vigour_n of_o goodness_n and_o honesty_n and_o draw_v they_o out_o of_o our_o soul_n to_o nourish_v themselves_o for_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o much_o a_o enemy_n to_o religion_n as_o that_o fictitious_a fate_n of_o predestination_n and_o unavoidable_a necessity_n of_o obey_v and_o offend_v we_o have_v yet_o another_o cause_n of_o this_o our_o do_v to_o wit_n that_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o may_v testify_v and_o declare_v to_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n how_o just_a and_o weighty_a cause_n move_v we_o why_o we_o impugn_a their_o opinion_n who_o obstinate_o and_o stiff_o urge_v the_o say_v fatal_a predestination_n as_o the_o chief_a basis_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v or_o 〈◊〉_d pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o refuse_v to_o tolerate_v in_o our_o netherlands_o their_o brethren_n that_o dissent_v with_o they_o about_o the_o same_o to_o wit_n because_o if_o indeed_o it_o be_v consider_v by_o its_o self_n and_o according_a to_o its_o genuine_a disposition_n and_o tendency_n we_o see_v that_o it_o be_v great_o hurtful_a to_o religion_n and_o piety_n and_o then_o that_o we_o may_v leave_v it_o to_o all_o godly_a man_n to_o judge_n whether_o we_o any_o way_n deserve_v upon_o that_o account_n to_o be_v so_o unworthy_o and_o ignominious_o deal_v with_o by_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n to_o be_v dismiss_v with_o reproach_n to_o be_v put_v out_o of_o our_o place_n to_o be_v take_v and_o violent_o hale_v from_o our_o church_n though_o never_o so_o much_o against_o their_o will_n and_o furthermore_o afterward_o by_o the_o most_o illustrious_a lord_n the_o lord_n state_n general_n which_o be_v but_o a_o little_a before_o every_o where_o after_o a_o unusual_a manner_n for_o a_o great_a part_n alter_v and_o change_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o our_o country_n and_o banish_v for_o ever_o for_o that_o be_v move_v only_o with_o religion_n and_o conscience_n we_o can_v not_o promise_v that_o we_o will_v keep_v in_o everlasting_a silence_n that_o our_o opinion_n and_o that_o we_o will_v no_o where_o whether_o private_o or_o public_o whether_o direct_o or_o indirect_o whether_o upon_o occasion_n seek_v or_o offer_v disseminate_a the_o same_o or_o inculcate_v it_o upon_o our_o church_n be_v in_o other_o respect_v ready_a to_o perform_v and_o discharge_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o good_a citizen_n and_o subject_n together_o with_o our_o countryman_n concern_v both_o which_o proceed_n both_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a no_o doubt_n but_o god_n and_o his_o church_n in_o their_o due_a time_n will_v judge_n far_o otherwise_o than_o our_o adversary_n desire_v or_o expect_v last_o we_o have_v no_o where_o add_v to_o anathema_n this_o our_o confession_n the_o direful_a anathema_n i._n e._n curse_n of_o man_n person_n and_o that_o a_o sorrow_n it_o be_v to_o speak_v it_o too_o threadbare_a wear_v damnamus_fw-la we_o condemn_v but_o have_v everywhere_o only_o bare_o or_o simple_o speak_v our_o opinion_n or_o mind_n or_o with_o a_o moderate_a reject_v of_o certain_a error_n add_v thereunto_o not_o that_o we_o religious_o fear_v to_o denounce_v a_o anathema_n there_o where_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n go_v before_o we_o by_o his_o own_o example_n for_o with_o the_o apostle_n paul_n we_o doubt_v not_o 8._o to_o bid_v anathema_n to_o angel_n and_o man_n if_o they_o preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n than_o what_o have_v be_v preach_v yea_o further_a with_o the_o same_o we_o bid_v anathema_n maranatha_a 22._o unto_o all_o that_o love_v not_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v to_o ungodly_a profane_a and_o atheistical_a person_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 london_n print_v for_o francis_n smith_n at_o the_o elephant_n and_o castle_n in_o cornhill_n near_o the_o royal_a exchange_n 1676._o the_o content_n of_o the_o chapter_n  _fw-fr  _fw-fr page_n chap._n 1._o of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o its_o authority_n perfection_n and_o perspicuity_n 59_o chap._n 2._o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n or_o of_o the_o divine_a nature_n 78_o chap._n 3._o of_o the_o holy_a and_o sacred_a trinity_n 93_o chap._n 4._o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n 96_o chap._n 5._o of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n of_o angel_n and_o of_o men._n 98_o chap._n 6._o of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n or_o his_o preservation_n and_o government_n of_o thing_n 105_o  _fw-fr  _fw-fr page_n chap._n 7._o of_o the_o sin_n and_o misery_n of_o man._n 117_o chap._n 8._o of_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n and_o of_o the_o person_n and_o office_n of_o jesus_n christ._n 128_o chap._n 9_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o new-covenant_n 138_o chap._n 10._o of_o the_o precept_n or_o commandment_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o general_a and_o of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n or_o conversion_n unto_o god_n 141_o chap._n 11._o of_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ._n 145_o chap._n 12._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 155_o chap._n 13._o of_o direct_v and_o deny_v of_o ourselves_o and_o bear_v of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ._n 170_o chap._n 14._o of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o in_o particular_a of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n 181_o chap._n 15._o of_o special_a calling_n and_o of_o the_o precept_n and_o tradition_n of_o men._n 193_o chap._n 16._o of_o the_o worship_n and_o veneration_n  _fw-fr  _fw-fr  _fw-fr page_n  _fw-fr of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o only_a mediator_n and_o of_o the_o invocation_n of_o saint_n 196_o chap._n 17._o of_o the_o benefit_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o first_o of_o election_n unto_o grace_n or_o call_v unto_o faith_n 200_o chap._n 18._o of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n that_o be_v perform_v in_o this_o life_n to_o those_o that_o be_v already_o convert_v and_o be_v believer_n that_o be_v of_o election_n unto_o glory_n of_o adoption_n justification_n sanctification_n and_o of_o obsignation_n or_o seal_v 209_o chap._n 19_o of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n pertain_v to_o the_o life_n to_o come_v or_o of_o the_o raise_n again_o of_o the_o dead_a and_o eternal_a life_n 216_o chap._n 20._o of_o the_o divine_a threaten_n and_o punishment_n of_o the_o wicked_a pertain_v both_o unto_o this_o life_n and_o unto_o the_o life_n to_o come_v to_o wit_n of_o reprobation_n harden_v blind_a and_o of_o eternal_a death_n and_o damnation_n 218_o  _fw-fr  _fw-fr page_n chap._n 21._o of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o order_n of_o minister_n 222_o chap._n 22._o of_o the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o its_o mark_n or_o note_n 230_o  _fw-fr of_o the_o mark_n or_o note_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n 224_o chap._n 23._o of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o other_o sacred_a rite_n 237_o  _fw-fr of_o baptism_n 238_o  _fw-fr of_o the_o sacred_a supper_n of_o the_o lord_n 240_o  _fw-fr of_o other_o sacred_a rite_n but_o yet_o such_o as_o be_v indifferent_a 242_o chap._n 24._o of_o church_n discipline_n 246_o chap._n 25._o of_o synod_n or_o counsel_n and_o of_o their_o manner_n and_o use_n 254_o  _fw-fr the_o conclusion_n 260_o errata_fw-la page_n 29._o line_n 14._o read_v be_v so_o tie_v p._n 35._o l._n 18._o r._n the_o very_a say_v p._n 37._o l._n 12._o r._n by_o god_n for_o disturb_v p._n 38._o l._n 9_o for_o those_o r._n these_o p._n 39_o l._n 2._o r._n use_v a_o thing_n well_o p._n 55._o l._n 12._o r._n for_o such_o p._n 80._o l._n 25._o r._n state_n and_o relation_n of_o each_o to_o other_o ibid._n l._n 27._o for_o of_o r._n by_o p._n 88_o l._n 5_o 6._o r._n no_o way_n swear_v to_o any_o p._n 91._o l._n 19_o r._n of_o any_o other_o enemy_n p._n 124._o l._n 1._o r._n now_o long_o since_o p._n 140._o l._n 2._o for_o assent_n â—r_n assert_v p._n 151._o l._n 10._o r._n come_v to_o p._n 182._o l._n 18._o r._n both_o these_o part_n p._n 185._o l._n 5._o r._n and_o in_o who_o p._n 186._o l._n 8._o r._n to_o forsake_v p._n 202._o l._n 14_o to_o 18._o r._n nor_o for_o that_o thereby_o the_o will_n of_o he_o that_o be_v call_v be_v by_o a_o irresistible_a power_n or_o by_o some_o omnipotent_a force_n which_o be_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o creation_n or_o raise_n from_o the_o dead_a so_o effectual_o determine_v to_o believe_v p_o 223._o l._n 27._o for_o in_o r._n to_o p._n 242._o l._n 4._o add_v after_o themselves_o as_o covert_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ._n p._n 243._o l._n 10._o r._n as_o also_o p._n 250._o l._n 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o unto_o the_o word_n sin_n to_o be_v expunge_v and_o to_o read_v and_o also_o withal_o there_o be_v even_o in_o the_o first_o place_n a_o exact_a regard_n to_o be_v have_v of_o the_o diversity_n or_o difference_n of_o sin_n p._n 256._o l._n 24_o 25._o add_v after_o bring_v in_o that_o they_o be_v take_v away_o or_o remove_v the_o preface_n to_o the_o christian_a reader_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n pious_a kind_n reader_n but_o that_o this_o declaration_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v publish_v by_o we_o will_v be_v liable_a to_o the_o various_a and_o different_a judgement_n of_o man_n for_o as_o every_o one_o stand_v persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n touch_v both_o the_o necessity_n profit_n form_n and_o manner_n of_o suchlike_a declaration_n so_o be_v he_o like_v also_o to_o pass_v judgement_n upon_o this_o of_o we_o there_o be_v some_o who_o think_v we_o ought_v to_o abstain_v altogether_o from_o all_o confession_n or_o declaration_n and_o judge_v that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o not_o necessary_a nor_o profitable_a for_o the_o christian_a weal-public_a but_o that_o they_o be_v also_o unlawful_a dangerous_a and_o hurtful_a in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v some_o who_o do_v not_o indeed_o think_v it_o altogether_o unadvised_a to_o publish_v confession_n or_o declaration_n much_o less_o do_v they_o think_v it_o unlawful_a or_o hurtful_a but_o they_o judge_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v conceive_v and_o frame_v only_o in_o mere_a pure_a scripture-word_n there_o be_v some_o who_o indeed_o do_v not_o altogether_o disallow_v of_o confession_n though_o conceive_v in_o other_o than_o bare_a scripture-word_n but_o will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v so_o general_a and_o brief_a that_o they_o shall_v contain_v and_o comprehend_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v absolute_o and_o precise_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v unto_o salvation_n there_o be_v last_o other_o far_o different_a from_o these_o who_o judge_v particular_a confession_n and_o declaration_n even_o of_o several_a most_o minute_n and_o small_a controversy_n not_o only_o so_o far_o profitable_a but_o also_o necessary_a that_o without_o they_o a_o christian-society_n can_v neither_o have_v be_v nor_o well-being_n the_o so_o various_a diverse_a and_o differ_v judgement_n of_o all_o these_o this_o our_o declaration_n be_v doubtless_o like_a to_o undergo_v and_o these_o indeed_o several_o have_v specious_a and_o noâ—_n altogether_o improbable_a ground_n for_o their_o opinion_n whereon_o they_o build_v and_o rely_v those_o who_o judge_v that_o we_o ought_v altogether_o to_o abstain_v from_o confession_n or_o declaration_n sort_n or_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v conceive_v but_o in_o mere_a and_o plain_a scripture_n word_n of_o which_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o this_o â—ge_n there_o be_v find_v not_o a_o few_o otherwise_o pious_a and_o good_a man_n they_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v gather_v pretend_v for_o the_o most_o part_n three_o thing_n for_o their_o opinion_n 1._o for_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o they_o there_o be_v do_v no_o â—ight_a prejudice_n to_o the_o majesty_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n 2._o for_o that_o â—y_a occasion_n of_o they_o there_o be_v mighty_a damage_n and_o detriment_n do_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o church_n or_o conscience_n and_o propheâ—y_n 3._o for_o that_o by_o the_o same_o a_o wide_a gap_n be_v open_v for_o faction_n and_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n and_o first_o indeed_o they_o think_v that_o by_o â—his_n very_o mean_v the_o majesty_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o a_o little_a derogate_a and_o detract_v from_o for_o that_o both_o their_o sufficiency_n and_o perspicuity_n seem_v to_o be_v suspect_v and_o doubt_v of_o to_o wit_n as_o if_o they_o either_o do_v not_o full_o and_o sufficient_o contain_v all_o thing_n
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
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._n 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 iâ—_n 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 aâ—_n 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 morâ—_n 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 sinâ—_n 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 humanâ—_n 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 at_o tribute_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 a_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 thaâ—_n 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 letter_n of_o the_o say_a form_n and_o according_a to_o the_o method_n and_o peculiar_a order_n of_o the_o same_o they_o begin_v to_o determine_v and_o declare_v touch_v the_o truth_n and_o falseness_n of_o almost_o all_o opinion_n and_o meaning_n as_o if_o that_o can_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 and_o 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 in_o this_o point_n dissent_v up_o 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 foâ—th_n 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 faâ—_n as_o be_v possible_a and_o to_o testify_v his_o moderation_n or_o 〈◊〉_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 and_o declaration_n be_v draw_v up_o with_o these_o say_v 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 to_o the_o christian_a commonwealth_n yea_o and_o also_o sometime_o necessary_a from_o whence_o they_o who_o will_v have_v they_o not_o only_o not_o necessary_a but_o unprofitable_a and_o consequent_o unlawful_a and_o hurtful_a be_v worthy_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 from_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v from_o their_o perfection_n and_o clearness_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o true_a authority_n thereof_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
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
indirect_a and_o seceret_fw-la theft_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n 12._o the_o nine_o commandment_n be_v that_o etc._n we_o bear_v not_o false_a witness_n against_o our_o neighbour_n 3._o that_o be_v that_o we_o do_v not_o only_o forbear_v lie_v slander_n backbiting_n and_o rash_a censure_n of_o other_o especial_o if_o they_o may_v bring_v any_o prejudice_n or_o damage_n to_o they_o but_o also_o that_o we_o harken_v not_o unto_o the_o lie_v and_o slander_n and_o false_a testimony_n of_o other_o concern_v they_o nor_o suffer_v our_o neighbour_n by_o our_o silence_n as_o by_o a_o mute_a testimony_n or_o silent_a assent_n to_o be_v burden_v by_o they_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o we_o do_v maintain_v and_o defend_v his_o 11._o honour_n credit_n and_o good_a name_n both_o in_o public_a and_o in_o private_a to_o our_o outmost_a power_n last_o that_o we_o diligent_o and_o careful_o pursue_v follow_v after_o and_o exercise_v candour_n truth_n and_o sincere_a faithfulness_n in_o our_o word_n contract_n do_n and_o testimony_n every_o where_o either_o in_o place_n of_o judicature_n or_o out_o of_o they_o 13._o the_o ten_o commandment_n be_v that_o we_o do_v not_o covet_v either_o our_o neighbour_n desire_n wife_n or_o his_o house_n or_o any_o other_o thing_n of_o he_o that_o be_v that_o we_o do_v not_o only_o do_v our_o neighbour_n no_o outward_a wrong_n but_o also_o that_o we_o covet_v none_o of_o his_o good_n 2._o that_o be_v necessary_a or_o profitable_a or_o delightful_a to_o he_o to_o his_o loss_n and_o wrong_n or_o at_o least_o by_o any_o unjust_a way_n or_o mean_n though_o never_o so_o secret_a desire_v to_o usurp_v they_o to_o ourselves_o and_o make_v they_o our_o own_o but_o that_o we_o turn_v away_o our_o mind_n 28._o cogitation_n desire_n and_o long_n from_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o most_o good_a and_o most_o wise_a god_n will_v have_v subject_a unto_o the_o right_n or_o use_v of_o another_o and_o so_o in_o godly_a sort_n always_o keep_v our_o affection_n within_o those_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o righteousness_n which_o god_n have_v prescribe_v or_o set_v they_o ever_o and_o anon_o think_v of_o these_o two_o say_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n 18._o to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o 2._o that_o 12._o we_o do_v not_o unto_o another_o what_o we_o will_v not_o have_v do_v unto_o ourselves_o unto_o all_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v add_v as_o the_o colophon_n end_n or_o compliment_n of_o all_o that_o ultimate_a act_n of_o charity_n which_o christ_n himself_z 16._o inculcate_n by_o his_o apostle_n john_n that_o we_o stick_v not_o even_o to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o our_o brethren_n chap._n xiii_o of_o direct_v and_o deny_v of_o ourselves_o and_o bear_v of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ._n 1._o beside_o the_o precept_n we_o have_v already_o be_v speak_v of_o there_o be_v this_o also_o require_v 1._o that_o we_o direct_v and_o order_n or_o diligent_o compose_v and_o frame_v ourselves_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o prescript_n of_o the_o divine_a will._n which_o indeed_o may_v two_o way_n especial_o be_v effect_v 1._o if_o we_o whole_o etc._n deny_v ourselves_o and_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v we_o 2._o if_o we_o do_v 24._o in_o no_o wise_a love_n this_o present_a world_n and_o the_o lust_n thereof_o but_o rather_o for_o god_n sake_n do_v free_o forsake_v all_o even_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o dear_a unto_o we_o and_o to_o that_o end_n and_o purpose_n continual_o follow_v jesus_n christ_n and_o tread_v in_o his_o step_n we_o refuse_v not_o nor_o shun_v to_o bear_v his_o cross._n 2._o now_o we_o deny_v ourselves_o aright_o in_o this_o threefold_a manner_n first_o when_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n we_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o take_v counsel_n of_o our_o own_o carnal_a reason_n and_o worldly_a prudence_n or_o policy_n 7._o but_o in_o all_o thing_n follow_v the_o guidance_n and_o command_n of_o he_o alone_o and_o that_o willing_o and_o without_o any_o scruple_n who_o alone_o can_v err_v himself_o and_o will_v not_o deceive_v other_o in_o the_o next_o place_n when_o we_o whole_o subject_v our_o corrupt_a affection_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o 12._o chief_o that_o particular_a affection_n whereby_o we_o be_v more_o easy_o and_o ready_o incline_v and_o sway_v unto_o some_o certain_a vice_n or_o sometime_o unto_o some_o one_o and_o when_o by_o contrary_a virtue_n and_o those_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o the_o apostle_n reckon_v up_o gal._n 5._o we_o do_v as_o it_o be_v crucify_v they_o and_o reduce_v they_o into_o order_n suppose_v anger_n by_o gentleness_n and_o meekness_n morosness_n by_o courteousness_n sloth_n by_o zeal_n and_o fervour_n sadness_n by_o joy_n litigiousness_n by_o facility_n and_o peaceableness_n etc._n etc._n last_o lie_v we_o deny_v ourselves_o most_o of_o all_o and_o indeed_o most_o proper_o when_o we_o be_v ready_a for_o christ_n sake_n to_o put_v off_o that_o first_o and_o most_o natural_a love_n 13._o whereby_o we_o be_v whole_o incline_v to_o favour_v our_o life_n and_o the_o happiness_n or_o accommendation_n thereof_o and_o refuse_v not_o to_o forsake_v our_o life_n themselves_o yea_o to_o lose_v they_o with_o or_o by_o the_o great_a pain_n and_o torment_n rather_o than_o endure_v to_o commit_v any_o thing_n unworthy_a of_o our_o profession_n and_o the_o glorious_a religion_n of_o christ._n 3._o we_o then_o deny_v this_o world_n and_o the_o lust_n thereof_o or_o love_v they_o not_o world_n 16._o when_o we_o do_v not_o only_o cordial_o and_o sincere_o renounce_v those_o gross_a and_o foul_a vice_n 19_o such_o as_o have_v be_v condemn_v by_o the_o better_a sort_n of_o heathen_n themselves_o to_o wit_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o civil_a honesty_n and_o justice_n and_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n manifest_o injurious_a to_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n and_o those_o thing_n which_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o animal_n or_o natural_a life_n in_o this_o world_n be_v good_a and_o 13._o please_v and_o delightsome_a to_o our_o flesh_n we_o do_v not_o desire_v or_o covet_v after_o they_o so_o as_o to_o be_v induce_v in_o any_o way_n or_o by_o any_o mean_n whatsoever_o possible_a to_o the_o prejudice_n likewise_o and_o detriment_n of_o our_o health_n and_o the_o injury_n and_o hurt_v of_o our_o neighbour_n to_o pursue_v and_o possess_v or_o enjoy_v they_o but_o also_o love_n and_o long_a after_o no_o good_a thing_n of_o that_o kind_n etc._n more_o immoderate_o or_o further_o than_o we_o ought_v or_o be_v meet_v to_o wit_n to_o the_o hindrance_n of_o our_o duty_n which_o be_v enjoin_v we_o of_o god_n or_o to_o the_o loss_n and_o prejudice_n of_o better_a and_o heavenly_a care_n the_o which_o indeed_o do_v then_o usual_o come_v to_o pass_v when_o etc._n true_a heavenly_a and_o eternal_a good_a thing_n we_o either_o whole_o neglect_v they_o or_o at_o leastwise_o cold_o or_o lukewarm_o perfunctory_o or_o occasional_o upon_o some_o other_o account_n or_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o violent_a motion_n or_o sudden_a pang_n of_o passion_n we_o mind_v they_o only_o by_o the_o by_o or_o when_o we_o stick_v so_o fast_o fetter_v and_o entangle_v with_o a_o continual_a sollicitousness_n about_o the_o concern_v of_o this_o life_n and_o with_o thought_n and_o care_n for_o our_o animal_n life_n as_o if_o we_o either_o place_v our_o whole_a or_o chief_a happiness_n in_o they_o and_o as_o if_o our_o heart_n be_v scarce_o nay_o not_o so_o much_o as_o scarce_o at_o all_o touch_v or_o affect_v with_o a_o love_n and_o care_n of_o thing_n of_o a_o heavenly_a import_n and_o nature_n 4._o and_o indeed_o we_o then_o love_v not_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n too_o immoderate_o thing_n when_o we_o neither_o desire_n to_o enjoy_v the_o world_n itself_o 6._o nor_o those_o good_a thing_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n so_o as_o if_o we_o place_v any_o true_a and_o solid_a or_o stable_n and_o last_a good_a in_o they_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_n do_v only_o desire_v to_o use_v they_o and_o that_o only_a so_o far_o as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v natural_a necessity_n and_o our_o lead_v a_o life_n worthy_a of_o a_o christian._n to_o wit_n without_o the_o hurt_n or_o grieve_v of_o another_o and_o transgress_v of_o the_o command_v of_o jesus_n christ._n last_o when_o we_o be_v content_v with_o etc._n necessary_a food_n and_o raiment_n and_o do_v not_o sollicitous_o seek_v or_o desire_v any_o thing_n further_o 5._o the_o good_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n of_o world_n this_o kind_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n etc._n john_n be_v these_o unto_o which_o all_o other_o may_v fit_o enough_o be_v reduce_v to_o wit_n riches_n honour_n and_o pleasure_n the_o immoderate_a desire_v or_o too_o much_o love_n whereof_o be_v call_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n the_o pride_n of_o life_n and_o the_o lust_n
one_o indeed_o who_o duty_n it_o be_v after_o the_o example_n of_o godly_a king_n and_o prince_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n chief_o or_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o master-builder_n to_o moderate_v etc._n the_o outward_a order_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o preserve_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n whole_a and_o entire_a therein_o and_o therefore_o as_o oft_o as_o need_n require_v himself_o to_o convocate_v or_o call_v synod_n together_o and_o in_o his_o place_n to_o preside_v in_o they_o to_o propound_v together_o with_o ecclesiastical_a person_n those_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v debate_v or_o treat_v of_o peaceable_o and_o soft_o to_o hear_v the_o judgement_n of_o all_o in_o general_n even_o of_o dissenter_n themselves_o to_o inquire_v diligent_o into_o the_o truth_n out_o of_o god_n word_n himself_o to_o collect_v the_o free_a vote_n of_o other_o to_o give_v or_o declare_v his_o own_o judgement_n and_o sense_n together_o with_o they_o and_o to_o his_o utmost_a power_n to_o provide_v and_o take_v care_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v manage_v and_o carry_v on_o in_o they_o according_a to_o god_n as_o of_o right_n he_o may_v so_o of_o duty_n he_o ought_v 4._o and_o yet_o be_v it_o not_o his_o right_n or_o duty_n abuse_n to_o put_v in_o execution_n the_o decree_n of_o synod_n by_o any_o secular_a power_n and_o force_v and_o to_o repress_v and_o keep_v under_o those_o who_o in_o conscience_n refuse_v or_o think_v much_o to_o subscribe_v unto_o they_o either_o by_o threat_n or_o etc._n fine_n much_o less_o by_o banishment_n imprisonment_n bond_n final_o by_o death_n or_o other_o such_o like_a cruel_a punishment_n furthermore_o neither_o ought_v he_o nor_o of_o right_a can_v he_o trouble_v or_o molest_v those_o who_o modest_o etc._n and_o always_o preserve_v inviolate_a the_o reverence_n that_o be_v due_a to_o superior_n do_v only_o for_o religion_n and_o conscience_n sake_n desire_v to_o assemble_v and_o meet_v together_o without_o or_o out_o 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of_o christian_a religion_n whereby_o christian_a reader_n whoever_o you_o be_v you_o may_v easy_o understand_v and_o most_o clear_o see_v that_o we_o be_v free_a and_o clear_a from_o all_o those_o heresy_n schism_n and_o other_o noisome_a and_o ungodly_a opinion_n which_o have_v be_v hitherto_o by_o our_o adversary_n slanderous_o fasten_v upon_o we_o and_o that_o we_o do_v not_o dig_v up_o again_o or_o as_o they_o say_v hang_v up_o upon_o a_o new_a post_n or_o pole_n any_o erroneous_a opinious_a and_o such_o as_o have_v be_v condemn_v by_o the_o ancient_a and_o first_o professor_n of_o christianity_n also_o that_o we_o do_v not_o shake_v nor_o subvert_v those_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v at_o any_o time_n establish_v by_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o universal_a consent_n that_o we_o do_v not_o define_v nor_o obstinate_o and_o proud_o decide_v in_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v long_o since_o be_v dubious_o controvert_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o which_o make_v not_o great_o either_o for_o the_o promote_a of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n or_o of_o our_o own_o salvation_n or_o our_o neighbour_n final_o that_o we_o do_v not_o operous_o &_o subtle_o seatch_v into_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o reveal_v to_o we_o lest_o indeed_o we_o intrude_v our_o self_n into_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o most_o wise_a god_n will_v have_v to_o be_v keep_v secret_a but_o that_o we_o make_v this_o our_o only_a and_o sole_a endeavour_n that_o we_o may_v preserve_v whole_a and_o entire_a that_o truth_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n and_o which_o it_o concern_v we_o all_o solid_o for_o to_o know_v and_o that_o we_o every_o where_o pursue_v and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v promote_v those_o thing_n which_o make_v both_o for_o the_o maintain_n or_o cherish_v and_o promote_a of_o mutual_a peace_n and_o concord_n among_o christian_n always_o remember_v that_o advice_n of_o the_o apostle_n tit._n 3._o 8._o this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o these_o thing_n i_o will_v that_o thou_o constant_o affirm_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o they_o which_o have_v believe_v in_o god_n be_v careful_a to_o maintain_v or_o go_v before_o or_o excel_v other_o in_o good_a work_n for_o these_o be_v good_a excellent_a and_o profitable_a to_o for_o man_n and_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n elsewhere_o exhort_v unto_o follow_v you_o peace_n with_o all_o man_n and_o holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n heb._n 12._o 14._o in_o these_o two_o be_v place_v the_o chief_a glory_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n with_o these_o therefore_o hitherto_o we_o be_v whole_o take_v up_o but_o about_o thing_n unnecessary_a and_o not_o great_o profitable_a to_o salvation_n we_o be_v loath_a to_o draw_v to_o and_o fro_o the_o saw_n of_o contention_n and_o the_o mystery_n indeed_o that_o be_v sublime_a &_o abstruse_a we_o receive_v with_o a_o simple_a faith_n and_o free_a from_o all_o scrupulous_a subtilness_n of_o wit_n and_o reason_n nor_o but_o sober_o and_o spare_o and_o as_o one_o of_o the_o ancient_n be_v report_v not_o unfit_o to_o have_v say_v we_o handle_v not_o the_o burn_a iron_n without_o tongue_n and_o as_o for_o unprofitable_a speculation_n and_o vain_a nicety_n we_o keep_v at_o the_o far_a distance_n from_o they_o for_o that_o they_o rather_o gender_v or_o produce_v strife_n and_o question_n than_o godly_a edify_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 4._o concern_v thing_n indifferent_a as_o also_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n we_o light_o trouble_v no_o man_n so_o that_o the_o offend_n of_o the_o weak_a be_v diligent_o avoid_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o superstition_n careful_o provide_v against_o on_o the_o other_o final_o we_o direct_v all_o our_o study_n to_o this_o mark_n that_o we_o may_v hold_v forth_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v either_o necessary_a or_o very_o profitable_a to_o substantial_a piety_n and_o our_o own_o everlasting_a salvation_n and_o that_o in_o other_o thing_n we_o may_v willing_o and_o ready_o tolerate_v and_o bear_v with_o all_o that_o dissent_n from_o we_o and_o hearty_o follow_v maintain_v and_o cherish_v peace_n and_o concord_n in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n although_o in_o our_o opinion_n or_o judgement_n they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n which_o thing_n be_v so_o we_o earnest_o entreat_v and_o beseech_v you_o by_o the_o lord_n christian_a reader_n whoever_o you_o be_v that_o you_o will_v not_o give_v any_o room_n with_o yourself_o unto_o any_o suspicion_n to_o the_o contrary_a nor_o admit_v of_o the_o unjust_a accusation_n calumny_n and_o slander_n of_o our_o enemy_n or_o easy_o harken_v unto_o those_o who_o chief_a interest_n it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v evil_o speak_v of_o lest_o they_o shall_v seem_v to_o have_v condemn_v and_o banish_v we_o undeserved_o and_o as_o innocent_a but_o that_o have_v a_o careful_a regard_n to_o right_o and_o equity_n you_o will_v pass_v judgement_n of_o we_o according_a to_o this_o our_o confession_n and_o public_a declaration_n of_o our_o belief_n if_o in_o any_o thing_n haply_o you_o suppose_v or_o believe_v we_o to_o err_v instruct_v we_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o gentleness_n and_o meeekness_n which_o most_o high_o become_v the_o servant_n of_o jesus_n christ._n we_o be_v ready_a in_o all_o place_n and_o at_o all_o time_n to_o yield_v to_o those_o who_o shall_v show_v we_o better_o and_o give_v place_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o be_v more_o precious_a to_o we_o than_o all_o thing_n else_o if_o at_o any_o time_n notwithstanding_o or_o in_o any_o place_n we_o dissent_v and_o differ_v in_o thing_n not_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v let_v we_o bear_v with_o one_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v mindful_a both_o of_o christian_a charity_n and_o prudence_n let_v we_o study_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o or_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n