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
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
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
they_o be_v necessary_a and_o as_o far_o as_o or_o how_o and_o upon_o what_o account_v they_o be_v so_o and_o that_o man_n honest_a 47._o teachable_a and_o true_o fear_v god_n do_v real_o most_o easy_o understand_v they_o 15._o but_o because_o there_o be_v very_o many_o even_o obscurity_n among_o christian_n who_o either_o do_v not_o at_o all_o or_o else_o not_o with_o sufficient_a etc._n attention_n read_v these_o book_n nor_o with_o care_n and_o judgement_n consider_v what_o they_o read_v or_o do_v not_o frequent_o as_o be_v meet_v pious_o implore_v the_o divine_a help_n and_o assistance_n or_o 14._o else_o be_v taint_v or_o fill_v with_o prejudice_n selfconfidence_n hatred_n envy_n ambition_n or_o other_o corrupt_a affection_n be_v employ_v in_o read_v of_o these_o book_n and_o then_o indeed_o next_o because_o even_o in_o these_o very_a book_n themselves_o we_o often_o meet_v with_o here_o and_o there_o as_o well_o thing_n as_o etc._n phrase_n peculiar_a to_o the_o say_v ancient_a time_n and_o also_o tropical_a and_o figurative_a manner_n of_o speech_n which_o at_o this_o time_n afford_v we_o some_o darkness_n and_o difficulty_n and_o which_o be_v such_o that_o unless_o one_o be_v solid_o instruct_v in_o all_o these_o or_o else_o bring_v with_o he_o a_o mind_n very_o docile_a honest_a and_o void_a of_o affection_n or_o partiality_n unto_o the_o judge_n or_o discern_v of_o they_o they_o may_v easy_o be_v wrest_v to_o a_o wrong_a sense_n yea_o to_o a_o perverse_a and_o such_o as_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o salvation_n from_o hence_o arise_v not_o only_o just_a reason_n alone_o that_o we_o interpretation_n may_v not_o treat_v of_o many_o other_o now_o why_o the_o 21._o interpretation_n and_o explication_n of_o the_o scripture_n profitable_o may_v yea_o and_o always_o aught_o to_o have_v its_o place_n allow_v it_o in_o the_o church_n 16._o but_o the_o best_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n scripture_n be_v that_o which_o most_o faithful_o express_v the_o native_a and_o literal_a sense_n thereof_o or_o at_o least_o come_v near_a to_o it_o as_o that_o alone_a which_o be_v the_o true_a and_o live_a 21._o word_n of_o god_n whereby_o as_o by_o incorruptible_a seed_n we_o be_v beget_v again_o unto_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n now_o we_o call_v the_o native_a and_o literal_a sense_n not_o so_o much_o that_o which_o the_o word_n proper_o take_v hold_v forth_o as_o indeed_o it_o very_o often_o fall_v out_o as_o that_o which_o though_o the_o word_n rige_o take_v do_v not_o insinuate_v or_o hint_n it_o yet_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o right_a reason_n and_o the_o very_a mind_n and_o intention_n of_o he_o that_o utter_v the_o word_n whether_o it_o be_v express_v proper_o or_o figurative_o the_o which_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v know_v and_o discover_v by_o the_o scope_n and_o occasion_n of_o every_o place_n also_o from_o the_o 15_o subject_a matter_n antecedent_n and_o consequent_n that_o be_v thing_n go_v before_o and_o follow_v also_o from_o compare_v of_o like_a place_n with_o like_a and_o from_o palpable_a absurdity_n otherwise_o like_a to_o follow_v and_o other_o argument_n of_o that_o kind_n or_o from_o the_o consideration_n and_o weigh_v of_o thing_n together_o 17._o but_o to_o desire_v to_o fetch_v or_o take_v this_o exposition_n from_o any_o other_o author_n head_n or_o fountain_n whatsoever_o to_o wit_n from_o any_o symbol_n or_o creed_n of_o man_n make_v or_o analogy_n of_o faith_n in_o this_o or_o that_o place_n receive_v or_o any_o public_a confession_n of_o church_n which_o we_o also_o before_o advise_v in_o our_o preface_n which_o we_o will_v never_o have_v at_o any_o time_n sever_v or_o divide_v from_o this_o our_o declaration_n or_o from_o the_o decree_n of_o council_n or_o consent_v of_o father_n one_o or_o other_o though_o even_o the_o most_o or_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v a_o thing_n too_o uncertain_a and_o oftentimes_o dangerous_a 18._o and_o yet_o do_v we_o not_o therefore_o light_o despise_v the_o pious_a probable_a or_o long-since_a objection_n receive_v interpretation_n of_o other_o especial_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n whether_o greek_n or_o latin_a much_o less_o so_o as_o proud_o or_o arrogant_o to_o reject_v their_o unanimous_a consent_n but_o we_o do_v then_o at_o length_n and_o that_o indeed_o modest_o recede_v from_o they_o when_o we_o find_v in_o our_o conscience_n that_o they_o allege_v thing_n alien_n from_o or_o not_o agreeable_a with_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o thing_n contrary_a to_o it_o nor_o do_v we_o think_v that_o we_o do_v by_o this_o mean_n do_v they_o any_o wrong_n since_o not_o only_o every_o of_o they_o apart_o but_o also_o the_o most_o of_o they_o joint_o yea_o all_o of_o they_o take_v together_o may_v in_o many_o thing_n err_v and_o themselves_o also_o have_v free_o acknowledge_v it_o of_o themselves_o with_o one_o accord_n and_o therefore_o do_v express_o forbid_v that_o their_o write_n be_v simple_o or_o without_o any_o more_o ado_n believe_v but_o desire_v that_o we_o at_o length_n so_o far_o approve_v of_o they_o as_o they_o agree_v with_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o we_o free_o reject_v they_o so_o far_o as_o they_o disagree_v with_o the_o same_o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n oâ—_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n 1._o furthermore_o our_o whole_a religion_n religion_n contain_v in_o these_o very_a book_n do_v brief_o consist_v in_o our_o right_a knowledge_n of_o the_o 9_o one_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n the_o mediator_n who_o he_o have_v send_v and_o in_o a_o lawful_a or_o due_a worship_n of_o both_o in_o or_o under_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o life_n eternal_a and_o immortal_a after_o death_n to_o be_v certain_o obtain_v and_o enjoy_v in_o the_o heaven_n according_a to_o the_o free_a promise_n of_o the_o same_o 2._o and_o that_o god_n may_v be_v right_o know_v and_o pious_o worship_v and_o that_o god_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n etc._n three_o thing_n offer_v themselves_o necessary_o to_o be_v consider_v and_o hold_v by_o we_o his_o nature_n work_n and_o will._n the_o nature_n indeed_o of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v understand_v that_o he_o be_v of_o or_o in_o himself_o most_o worthy_a to_o be_v worship_v of_o we_o his_o work_n that_o we_o may_v know_v that_o he_o may_v rightful_o and_o deferved_o require_v of_o we_o what_o manner_n of_o worship_n soever_o he_o please_v last_o his_o will_n that_o we_o may_v be_v clear_o convince_v that_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v of_o we_o and_o withal_o know_v after_o what_o manner_n he_o will_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v worship_v by_o we_o that_o we_o may_v assure_o hope_v for_o eternal_a salvation_n from_o he_o howbeit_o concern_v the_o necessary_a nature_n and_o work_n of_o god_n all_o those_o thing_n be_v not_o necessary_o to_o be_v hold_v which_o in_o every_o respect_n at_o lest_o whatsoever_o belong_v to_o the_o divine_a essence_n and_o all_o the_o mode_n or_o manner_n of_o its_o work_n and_o kind_n of_o operation_n much_o less_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o either_o according_a to_o the_o likely_a and_o specious_a placit_n of_o the_o school_n or_o from_o the_o probable_a discourse_n of_o reason_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v affirm_v of_o they_o but_o those_o only_a without_o which_o the_o divine_a will_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n either_o can_v be_v right_o understand_v or_o perform_v by_o god_n we_o since_o they_o only_o who_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o 6._o keep_v his_o commandment_n be_v every_o where_o in_o the_o scripture_n say_v true_o to_o know_v god_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o that_o do_v not_o the_o same_o be_v say_v not_o to_o know_v god_n so_o that_o that_o alone_o deserve_v to_o be_v call_v the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o god_n which_o be_v join_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n but_o other_o thing_n pertain_v hereunto_o although_o haply_o they_o may_v be_v profitable_a more_fw-mi or_o less_o either_o for_o the_o promote_a of_o piety_n or_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n and_o more_o happy_a compose_n of_o controversy_n of_o religion_n that_o may_v happen_v yet_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v hold_v for_o necessary_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n which_o we_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o without_o the_o loss_n of_o salvation_n 3._o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o god_n unto_o we_o under_o god_n a_o twofold_a consideration_n 1._o absolute_o and_o general_o in_o his_o essential_a attribute_n to_o wit_n whereby_o he_o do_v unfold_v or_o declare_v unto_o we_o 16._o his_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o glorious_a majesty_n common_a to_o the_o distinct_a or_o several_a person_n sofar_o as_o be_v requisite_a for_o our_o faith_n and_o salvation_n in_o this_o life_n 2._o distinct_o &_o relative_o in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o 7._o sacred_a trinity_n