of_o any_o advantage_n herein_o and_o that_o where_o such_o a_o poisenous_a cloud_n of_o prejudice_n intervene_v and_o a_o prejudicate_v impression_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o of_o serious_a godliness_n be_v the_o glass_n there_o can_v but_o be_v very_o sad_a reflection_n thereon_o i_o must_v yet_o crave_v leave_n in_o a_o few_o word_n as_o a_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o for_o a_o just_a vindication_n offer_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v by_o the_o conscience_n of_o our_o great_a adversary_n herein_o 1._o that_o we_o shall_v seek_v no_o great_a favour_n but_o that_o upon_o clear_a evidence_n from_o the_o trial_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n which_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o render_v to_o all_o that_o ask_v there_o may_v be_v such_o free_a access_n to_o a_o public_a and_o serious_a reason_n herein_o as_o that_o the_o truth_n may_v be_v hear_v for_o itself_o judge_v it_o no_o less_o our_o concern_n to_o convince_v man_n judgement_n for_o commend_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o their_o conscience_n then_o to_o engage_v the_o affection_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v in_o no_o new_a or_o strange_a case_n we_o be_v now_o state_v and_o do_v own_o no_o other_o judgement_n and_o principle_n this_o day_n then_o what_o be_v express_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o most_o pure_o reform_a church_n of_o christ_n since_o the_o reformation_n and_o be_v that_o good_a and_o old_a way_n and_o the_o same_o truth_n for_o which_o our_o worthy_a predecessor_n do_v by_o their_o wrestle_a prayer_n and_o suffering_n so_o vigorous_o contend_v yea_o wherein_o so_o innumerable_a a_o company_n of_o most_o serious_a solid_a and_o tender_a christian_n have_v be_v seal_v and_o find_v such_o abound_a comfort_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n upon_o their_o suffering_n and_o testimony_n upon_o the_o same_o 3._o that_o it_o be_v no_o private_a interest_n or_o for_o our_o own_o thing_n no_o temporal_a honour_n greatness_n or_o riches_n in_o this_o world_n that_o such_o sore_a wrestle_n by_o the_o godly_a in_o our_o church_n have_v be_v which_o i_o hope_v may_v now_o have_v some_o conviction_n and_o witness_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o our_o adversary_n and_o how_o such_o have_v not_o want_v a_o very_a obvious_a and_o allure_a bait_n this_o way_n may_v be_v easy_a to_o judge_v if_o some_o great_a interest_n do_v not_o preponder_v at_o of_o be_v to_o dear_a a_o purchase_n at_o so_o sad_a a_o rate_n of_o unfaithfulness_n to_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o master_n in_o his_o truth_n 4._o that_o it_o have_v be_v no_o matter_n of_o indifference_n or_o any_o small_a and_o trivial_a interest_n such_o have_v be_v concern_v in_o these_o late_a trial_n to_o appear_v for_o bot_n for_o the_o law_n and_o interest_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o right_n and_o liberty_n his_o kingdom_n which_o after_o some_o bless_a and_o comfortable_a possession_n so_o long_o yea_o with_o the_o further_a concurrence_n of_o the_o civil_a law_n herein_o we_o shall_v reckon_v as_o our_o birth_n right_a and_o inheritance_n whatever_o sad_a short_a come_n have_v be_v by_o all_o in_o that_o measure_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o father_n thereto_o against_o such_o invasion_n on_o so_o great_a a_o interest_n as_o have_v be_v in_o these_o time_n 5._o we_o have_v confidence_n to_o say_v that_o we_o own_v no_o doctrine_n or_o principle_n but_o what_o tend_v to_o give_v all_o due_a respect_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o magistrate_n without_o detract_n from_o his_o just_a right_n and_o power_n bot_n to_o give_v unto_o cesar_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n yea_o without_o the_o least_o deny_v to_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n whatever_o with_o any_o scripture_n warrant_v we_o may_v allow_v of_o a_o external_a objectively_o ecclesiastic_a power_n such_o as_o be_v cumulative_a for_o the_o truth_n not_o against_o it_o bot_n that_o he_o can_v have_v no_o power_n formal_o ecclesiastic_a and_o what_o be_v pure_o spiritual_a or_o any_o immediate_a power_n of_o cognition_n in_o matter_n simple_o ecclesiastic_a antecedent_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v so_o incompatible_a with_o the_o order_n and_o government_n establish_v by_o he_o who_o be_v the_o alone_a head_n and_o lawgiver_n to_o his_o own_o house_n who_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n 6._o we_o may_v say_v with_o a_o humble_a appeal_n to_o their_o conscience_n who_o do_v most_o reproach_n that_o it_o be_v for_o no_o pre-eminence_n or_o to_o be_v lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n or_o own_v any_o power_n bot_n what_o be_v ministerial_a to_o declare_v and_o execute_v our_o master_n will_v and_o such_o a_o power_n which_o have_v the_o inward_a man_n for_o its_o proper_a object_n and_o the_o true_a edification_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n for_o its_o peculiar_a end_n wherein_o we_o own_o a_o special_a regard_n to_o be_v have_v in_o the_o whole_a exercise_n and_o application_n thereof_o and_o in_o deal_v with_o the_o conscience_n of_o gainsayer_n that_o it_o be_v with_o great_a tenderness_n and_o christian_a prudence_n such_o as_o may_v most_o tend_v to_o edify_v and_o gain_v upon_o their_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o be_v private_a essay_n express_o appoint_v to_o go_v before_o a_o public_a and_o judicial_a procedure_n and_o if_o any_o just_a ground_n of_o offence_n have_v be_v give_v in_o the_o excess_n of_o some_o this_o way_n let_v it_o cause_v no_o reflection_n on_o that_o bless_a and_o beautiful_a order_n in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n appoint_v by_o himself_o yea_o which_o with_o grief_n upon_o any_o convince_a evident_a thereof_o we_o shall_v to_o the_o further_a dissown_n 7._o it_o be_v evident_a that_o these_o sacred_a tie_n of_o our_o oath_n and_o covenant_n with_o god_n we_o be_v so_o solemn_o engage_v in_o contain_v no_o other_o duty_n or_o obligation_n than_o what_o the_o scripture_n indispensible_o oblige_v to_o and_o be_v state_v on_o these_o great_a concern_v of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n 8._o we_o can_v also_o witness_v with_o some_o quiet_a and_o assurance_n that_o the_o great_a arm_n and_o concern_v of_o the_o most_o serious_a nonconform_a minister_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o church_n in_o their_o adventure_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n not_o withstand_v of_o any_o prohibition_n by_o the_o present_a law_n have_v be_v upon_o no_o factious_a or_o private_a design_n bot_n under_o constraint_n of_o duty_n upon_o so_o press_v a_o call_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o people_n as_o these_o unto_o who_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o ordinance_n be_v commit_v and_o a_o necessity_n thus_o lay_v upon_o they_o with_o some_o serious_a aim_n and_o desire_v i_o hope_v to_o pursne_n this_o end_n and_o to_o sheu_o the_o indispensible_a nead_v of_o embrace_v that_o bless_a offer_n of_o reconciliation_n by_o christ_n as_o also_o to_o press_v holiness_n and_o give_v warning_n of_o any_o share_n when_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o people_n may_v be_v in_o hazard_n thereby_o nor_o dare_v our_o respect_n to_o the_o person_n of_o any_o in_o the_o least_o balance_n with_o the_o interest_n of_o truth_n here_o for_o a_o public_a disow_n with_o grief_n what_o ever_o in_o their_o way_n have_v give_v just_a cause_n of_o offence_n and_o stumble_v in_o such_o a_o time_n 9_o it_o be_v the_o reveal_v truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o we_o do_v express_o own_v as_o the_o alone_a formal_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o that_o it_o be_v there_o each_o shall_v come_v to_o prove_v his_o work_n bot_n a_o that_o it_o be_v â—ust_z and_o warrantable_a on_o the_o matter_n according_a to_o these_o unchangeable_a rule_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n and_o to_o know_v our_o warrant_n and_o call_v herein_o else_o no_o security_n can_v be_v from_o the_o great_a confusion_n and_o irregularity_n among_o man_n 10._o that_o extraordinare_a motion_n or_o impulse_n must_v be_v no_o rule_n or_o warrant_v of_o duty_n nor_o for_o any_o go_n beyond_o these_o express_a bound_n set_v to_o we_o in_o the_o word_n by_o which_o they_o must_v be_v know_v and_o try_v for_o god_n have_v assign_v to_o each_o their_o station_n and_o call_v and_o that_o a_o serious_a and_o tender_a regard_n shall_v be_v against_o all_o exorbitance_n in_o the_o excess_n all_o be_v well_o as_o any_o sinful_a deficience_n or_o neglect_n therein_o and_o i_o hope_v whatever_o be_v find_v unauswerable_a this_o dâ—y_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o to_o these_o know_a principle_n and_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n which_o be_v confess_v and_o most_o universal_o adhere_v to_o by_o the_o nonconformist_n there_o as_o we_o do_v with_o grief_n disown_n so_o i_o have_v confidence_n there_o can_v want_v some_o testimony_n thereto_o even_o on_o the_o conscience_n of_o our_o great_a adversary_n 8._o i_o must_v never_o yet_o add_v on_o strange_a ground_n of_o quarrel_n and_o prejudice_n that_o
the_o church_n wound_v and_o rend_v by_o a_o spirit_n of_o division_n hold_v forth_o in_o a_o short_a account_n of_o some_o sad_a difference_n have_v be_v of_o late_a in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n with_o the_o occasion_n ground_n and_o too_o evident_a product_n thereof_o who_o wound_n be_v bleed_v to_o this_o day_n together_o with_o some_o vindication_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o principle_n of_o our_o church_n in_o this_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n from_o unjust_a revile_n and_o reproach_n and_o a_o few_o word_n in_o the_o close_a with_o respect_n to_o what_o be_v the_o great_a concern_v of_o christian_n exercise_n and_o duty_n in_o these_o time_n heb._n 10_o 23._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v philip._n 3._o 16._o nevertheless_o whereto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n let_v we_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n philip._n 2._o 2._o let_v nothing_o be_v do_v through_o strife_n or_o vain_a glory_n but_o in_o lowliness_n of_o mind_n let_v each_o esteem_v other_o better_o than_o themselves_o james_n 3._o 16._o for_o where_o invy_v and_o strife_n be_v there_o be_v confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n 1_o thessaly_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d now_o we_o exhort_v you_o brethren_n warn_v they_o that_o be_v unruly_a comfort_n the_o feeble-minded_n support_v the_o weak_a be_v patient_a towards_o all_o man_n print_a m.dc.lxxxi_o the_o preface_n it_o will_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o who_o have_v any_o serious_a impression_n of_o the_o truth_n on_o their_o spirit_n what_o sore_o and_o try_v time_n we_o be_v now_o fall_v in_o and_o how_o deplorable_o sad_a the_o present_a state_n of_o religion_n be_v almost_o every_o where_o yea_o what_o need_n seem_v for_o our_o be_v awake_a with_o some_o deep_a apprehension_n of_o what_o may_v be_v come_v and_o of_o so_o many_o presage_n that_o this_o night_n be_v not_o yet_o at_o the_o dark_a but_o one_o of_o the_o sore_a conflict_n which_o the_o reform_a church_n have_v hitherto_o meet_v with_o may_v be_v on_o a_o very_a near_o approach_n of_o which_o one_o remarkable_o sad_a and_o most_o threaten_a presage_n be_v now_o too_o obvious_a in_o this_o late_a astonish_a rent_n and_o breach_n have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n so_o impetuous_o drive_v and_o foment_v by_o some_o there_o to_o the_o further_a scandal_n and_o reproach_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o give_v the_o adversary_n such_o occasion_n to_o blaspheme_v thus_o have_v there_o be_v so_o sore_a wound_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n great_o provoke_v and_o grieve_v thereby_o i_o confess_v such_o a_o trial_n will_v have_v be_v little_a either_o fear_v or_o apprehend_v in_o a_o time_n when_o so_o hot_a a_o furnace_n have_v be_v set_v up_o among_o we_o and_o that_o the_o church_n have_v smart_v and_o be_v so_o sore_a brunt_n with_o the_o offence_n which_o follow_v upon_o former_a break_n yea_o when_o it_o be_v so_o joint_o acknowledge_v how_o much_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n the_o spread_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o edificatione_n of_o the_o church_n be_v concern_v and_o in_o the_o high_a measure_n prejugd_v herein_o this_o be_v a_o sad_a subject_n which_o shall_v call_v each_o to_o that_o serious_a inquiry_n and_o trial_n of_o their_o own_o work_n and_o frame_v of_o spirit_n in_o such_o a_o day_n as_o may_v lead_v in_o to_o peace_n and_o assurance_n of_o heart_n before_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o mater_fw-la and_o to_o be_v serious_o affect_v with_o what_o we_o have_v see_v follow_v thereon_o yea_o may_v have_v be_v fear_v with_o the_o first_o break_v up_o of_o this_o strange_a rent_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n and_o delusion_n in_o the_o holy_a righteousness_n of_o god_n now_o with_o such_o prevalence_n over_o some_o who_o work_n have_v be_v to_o put_v the_o church_n in_o a_o flame_n and_o unsettle_v other_o as_o they_o can_v find_v no_o ground_n where_o to_o fix_v themselves_o but_o be_v like_a to_o shake_v loose_a all_o principle_n and_o run_v that_o length_n as_o be_v incompatible_a not_o only_o with_o christian_a but_o humane_a society_n some_o few_o thing_n with_o respect_n thereto_o i_o will_v premit_fw-la now_o in_o the_o entry_n to_o be_v consider_v 1._o first_o what_o light_n do_v thus_o break_v forth_o out_o of_o the_o very_a bowel_n of_o such_o confusion_n both_o for_o conviction_n and_o confirm_v of_o we_o in_o the_o truth_n if_o we_o be_v but_o serious_a observe_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o day_n and_o i_o will_v yet_o hope_v may_v tend_v to_o put_v some_o deep_o impression_n of_o these_o thing_n on_o this_o generation_n when_o as_o with_o one_o audible_a voice_n from_o heaven_n so_o much_o have_v occur_v to_o seal_v our_o instruction_n herein_o 1._o that_o none_o thus_o so_o easy_o adventure_v after_o what_o we_o have_v see_v on_o such_o a_o public_a rent_n and_o breach_n of_o the_o church_n as_o this_o and_o to_o hazard_v on_o a_o precipice_n and_o rock_n on_o which_o so_o many_o have_v dash_v and_o be_v break_v and_o where_o the_o lose_n of_o communion_n in_o love_n have_v not_o long_o want_v a_o sad_a breach_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n 2._o that_o there_o may_v be_v now_o more_o fear_n and_o dread_a of_o manage_v difference_n in_o judgement_n within_o the_o church_n with_o that_o bitterness_n and_o passion_n as_o have_v too_o visible_o be_v of_o late_a to_o stumble_v and_o beget_v wrath_n more_o than_o conviction_n or_o to_o make_v one_fw-mi offering_n of_o such_o strange_a fire_n the_o truth_n and_o cause_n of_o god_n can_v be_v promote_v only_o by_o these_o mean_n and_o that_o spirit_n which_o he_o do_v himself_o require_v 3._o that_o professor_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v more_o deep_o press_v about_o the_o ground_n work_n and_o for_o a_o solid_a sound_n on_o the_o great_a foundation=truths_n and_o principle_n of_o religion_n when_o this_o sad_a want_n may_v be_v so_o visible_o now_o read_v on_o all_o our_o distemper_n and_o make_v we_o yet_o fear_v where_o some_o great_a pretence_n to_o religion_n may_v end_v here_o be_v one_o of_o the_o sad_a judgement_n of_o the_o time_n much_o ignorance_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o rule_v of_o the_o gospel_n with_o a_o louse_n and_o unstable_a mind_n though_o with_o great_a confidence_n otherwise_o among_o too_o many_o under_o a_o profession_n of_o godliness_n this_o day_n through_o which_o the_o tempter_n have_v get_v such_o advantage_n yea_o on_o some_o who_o affection_n and_o tenderness_n of_o spirit_n i_o there_fw-mi not_o question_n but_o think_v they_o can_v not_o run_v too_o far_o at_o a_o distance_n from_o what_o they_o judge_v wrong_v not_o fear_v a_o destroy_a snare_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n and_o that_o corruption_n of_o the_o mind_n by_o error_n be_v no_o less_o mortal_a than_o in_o the_o life_n and_o practice_n yea_o which_o be_v too_o sad_o obvious_a less_o hope_n of_o a_o cure_n where_o such_o a_o leprosy_n be_v once_o break_v forth_o in_o the_o head_n 4._o and_o have_v we_o not_o now_o see_v for_o our_o further_a conviction_n herein_o that_o none_o lift_v up_o themselves_o above_o that_o which_o be_v meet_v upon_o the_o repute_n and_o credit_n of_o their_o profession_n before_o he_o who_o be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n and_o resist_v the_o proud_a to_o so_o sever_v a_o smite_v and_o thrust_v down_o of_o their_o brethren_n and_o fellow-servant_n as_o have_v too_o obvious_o be_v in_o these_o late_a difference_n and_o without_o that_o suitable_a fear_n and_o dread_a leist_z these_o who_o they_o give_v so_o sore_a a_o thrust_n to_o under_o the_o warrant_n oâ—_n some_o opprobrious_a designation_n be_v such_o who_o jesus_n christ_n will_v own_v and_o find_v his_o servant_n and_o messenger_n thus_o lie_v a_o bleed_a under_o that_o wound_n 5._o i_o will_v hope_v also_o that_o such_o a_o witness_n of_o the_o jealousy_n and_o displeasure_n of_o the_o lord_n against_o despiser_n and_o reviler_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v have_v more_o weight_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o many_o after_o this_o when_o with_o so_o discernible_a and_o awful_a a_o voice_n this_o i_o humble_o judge_v have_v be_v speak_v and_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o all_o such_o who_o profess_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o generation_n yet_o to_o come_v to_o fear_v and_o dread_a to_o give_v thus_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o supreme_a head_n of_o his_o church_n so_o public_a one_fw-mi affront_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o servant_n as_o this_o party_n have_v of_o late_o do_v in_o our_o church_n or_o rise_v up_o in_o such_o a_o conspiracy_n again_o and_o no_o pretence_n when_o try_v at_o that_o bar_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n can_v possible_o bear_v out_o 6._o and_o shall_v not_o
controversy_n and_o make_v this_o their_o business_n ere_o many_o such_o know_v what_o the_o solid_a work_n and_o exercise_v of_o godliness_n be_v or_o what_o either_o the_o principle_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n mean_n and_o why_o be_v that_o so_o express_o command_v rom._n 14_o 1._o he_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n receive_v but_o not_o to_o doubtful_a disputation_n it_o be_v sure_a that_o it_o much_o concern_v all_o who_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o know_v the_o message_n they_o deliver_v be_v suit_v for_o solid_a edification_n and_o in_o bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n in_o this_o day_n which_o be_v so_o unquestionable_o a_o duty_n that_o yet_o it_o be_v with_o such_o a_o grave_a ministerial_a seriousness_n and_o christian_a wisdom_n as_o it_o may_v commend_v the_o truth_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o people_n so_o as_o this_o duty_n be_v neither_o neglect_v nor_o unsuteable_o manage_v otherwise_o a_o light_n and_o too_o ordinary_a a_o way_n in_o speak_v on_o so_o grave_a a_o concern_n or_o on_o public_a difference_n without_o some_o convince_a and_o suitable_a weight_n herein_o and_o when_o it_o be_v with_o personal_a reflection_n we_o may_v fear_v will_v stumble_v much_o more_o than_o convince_v as_o will_v seem_v a_o thrust_v rather_o at_o the_o person_n of_o some_o than_o at_o their_o way_n and_o to_o gain_v a_o interest_n to_o a_o party_n more_o than_o for_o the_o truth_n prop._n iv._o be_v not_o such_o express_o call_v yea_o with_o a_o intense_a study_n to_o unite_v so_o far_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n and_o in_o follow_v clear_o uncontroverted_a duty_n who_o be_v otherwise_o like_v mind_v in_o thing_n of_o the_o lord_n what_o ever_o now_o may_v be_v in_o difference_n among_o we_o so_o as_o that_o union_n shall_v not_o nor_o ought_v to_o sist_z until_o a_o through_o oneness_n of_o judgement_n be_v attain_v in_o this_o present_a controversy_n which_o be_v so_o much_o to_o be_v desire_v upon_o these_o ground_n 1._o that_o the_o 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on_o a_o small_a remove_n and_o secession_n in_o our_o church_n fellowship_n such_o have_v make_v more_o haste_n than_o good_a speed_n nor_o have_v find_v it_o easy_a after_o to_o fix_v until_o they_o have_v be_v a_o length_n their_o heart_n will_v some_o time_n have_v tremble_v at_o yea_o thus_o beside_o the_o wound_a the_o heart_n of_o the_o godly_a darken_n the_o glory_n of_o 〈◊〉_d gospel_n and_o shake_v the_o faith_n of_o many_o have_v be_v force_v to_o run_v on_o sad_a inconvenience_n and_o new_a principle_n to_o maintain_v their_o way_n what_o ever_o length_n the_o difference_n about_o the_o public_a resolution_n of_o late_a come_v to_o which_o be_v a_o visible_a presage_n of_o the_o stroke_n that_o after_o come_v yet_o be_v there_o no_o dash_v on_o such_o a_o rock_n as_o this_o be_v now_o and_o we_o may_v know_v that_o what_o ever_o tend_v to_o divide_v among_o the_o godly_a or_o betwixt_o people_n and_o minister_n get_v but_o too_o easy_a a_o hear_n oft_o among_o many_o it_o be_v so_o sib_a to_o our_o corruption_n and_o one_o of_o the_o strong_a lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n 3._o be_v there_o not_o a_o undoubted_a necessity_n this_o day_n to_o essay_n to_o the_o far_a a_o union_n and_o heal_n in_o the_o church_n when_o of_o no_o less_o import_n than_o the_o keep_n up_o of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o salvation_n of_o the_o people_n the_o credit_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o prevent_v the_o stumble_n of_o many_o now_o in_o such_o visible_a hazard_n which_o be_v more_o than_o our_o soul_n be_v worth_a and_o can_v we_o see_v how_o these_o shall_v be_v safe_a if_o this_o breach_n be_v still_o widen_v the_o long_a continuance_n will_v make_v it_o the_o more_o difficult_a to_o heal_v when_o on_o all_o hand_n we_o be_v make_v to_o mourn_v and_o see_v the_o issue_n which_o we_o will_v not_o former_o believe_v and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o strange_a rent_n and_o distemper_n in_o a_o day_n when_o the_o lord_n have_v cast_v we_o all_o down_o that_o our_o great_a 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and_o if_o these_o thing_n bring_v not_o a_o sad_a involvement_n in_o such_o a_o guilt_n 1._o when_o there_o be_v no_o tender_a abstain_v from_o harsh_a censure_v of_o other_o 2._o when_o there_o be_v a_o press_a more_o of_o that_o which_o tend_v to_o divide_v than_o what_o there_o be_v to_o unite_v and_o in_o how_o far_o we_o be_v still_o one_o in_o our_o former_a principle_n 3._o when_o high_a prejudice_n and_o alienation_n of_o affection_n be_v not_o close_o watch_v against_o which_o like_o the_o predominant_a humour_n of_o the_o jaundice_n will_v quick_o present_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o same_o colour_n and_o make_v it_o difficult_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o way_n of_o other_o we_o differ_v from_o without_o a_o sad_a by_o ass_n 4._o when_o contending_n even_o for_o the_o truth_n be_v more_o passionate_a and_o break_v than_o with_o humble_a seriousness_n to_o be_v rational_o convince_a and_o heal_v which_o be_v so_o unlike_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o be_v defame_v yet_o to_o entreat_v 5._o when_o there_o be_v not_o some_o study_n to_o walk_v close_o together_o in_o so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v one_o and_o mutual_o convince_v which_o i_o be_o sure_a will_v help_v to_o come_v more_o near_o in_o what_o be_v now_o the_o matter_n of_o difference_n i_o must_v here_o confess_v for_o myself_o it_o have_v be_v heavy_a on_o my_o spirit_n that_o i_o do_v not_o with_o more_o seriousness_n and_o according_a to_o my_o small_a measure_n move_v herein_o when_o last_o in_o my_o own_o country_n and_o have_v so_o near_o a_o prospect_n of_o these_o deplorable_a confusion_n nor_o have_v be_v under_o that_o suitable_a weight_n as_o such_o a_o time_n call_v for_o when_o the_o church_n there_o be_v as_o struggle_v betwixt_o life_n and_o death_n though_o i_o may_v say_v it_o have_v oft_o make_v i_o covet_v a_o hide_v and_o more_o abstractness_n from_o so_o sad_a a_o noise_n but_o o_o bless_v they_o to_o who_o it_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v to_o stand_v in_o such_o 〈◊〉_d breach_n this_o day_n so_o as_o it_o may_v be_v convince_o evident_a the_o zeal_n of_o god_n and_o a_o heal_a spirit_n do_v most_o sweet_o concur_v 5._o and_o what_o can_v we_o possible_o answer_v to_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o to_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n this_o day_n yea_o at_o the_o appear_v of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o now_o the_o poor_a church_n of_o scotland_n when_o in_o the_o furnace_n and_o so_o long_o in_o a_o suffer_a condition_n be_v like_a to_o be_v more_o ruin_v by_o ourselves_o than_o by_o other_o adversary_n and_o such_o a_o sore_o rend_v now_o among_o these_o who_o be_v still_o one_o in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n and_o we_o hope_v have_v access_n to_o the_o father_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n as_o have_v in_o a_o sad_a measure_n break_v up_o church_n fellowship_n in_o the_o gospel_n ordinance_n and_o in_o the_o most_o concern_v duty_n of_o christian_a society_n among_o many_o yea_o this_o to_o be_v still_o grow_v and_o yet_o no_o essay_n nor_o endeavour_n to_o prevent_v such_o a_o ruin_n that_o be_v like_a to_o be_v entail_v even_o on_o the_o offspring_n and_o what_o may_v be_v the_o thought_n of_o the_o generation_n that_o succeed_v when_o so_o deplorable_a a_o history_n shall_v be_v put_v on_o record_n section_n ii_o it_o may_v be_v strange_a and_o matter_n of_o astonishment_n this_o day_n what_o so_o severe_a a_o stretch_n of_o that_o controversy_n about_o the_o late_a indulgence_n in_o our_o church_n and_o bring_v thing_n to_o such_o one_fw-mi extreme_a can_v possible_o mean_a as_o though_o no_o party_n else_o be_v to_o contend_v with_o when_o the_o whole_a of_o religion_n be_v like_a to_o be_v swallow_v up_o betwixt_o popery_n prelacy_n and_o atheism_n and_o that_o the_o peace_n and_o true_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v now_o so_o low_a and_o cheap_a as_o to_o sacrifice_v they_o upon_o such_o one_fw-mi account_n yea_o while_o so_o many_o be_v in_o that_o hazard_n to_o be_v shake_v as_o they_o be_v like_a to_o lose_v all_o set_v persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o since_o such_o stress_n have_v be_v by_o some_o lay_v on_o these_o ground_n adduce_v in_o the_o late_a history_n of_o the_o indulgence_n for_o not_o hear_v or_o receive_v the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n from_o such_o minister_n as_o have_v accept_v thereof_o to_o a_o further_o widen_v thus_o of_o the_o breach_n and_o that_o i_o have_v be_v express_o refer_v thereto_o as_o a_o full_a answer_n to_o what_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o forego_v paper_n or_o whatever_o can_v be_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a i_o be_v press_v to_o some_o perusal_n thereof_o so_o far_o as_o to_o know_v whence_o a_o conclusion_n so_o strange_a and_o of_o so_o high_a and_o universal_a concern_v to_o all_o the_o church_n can_v possible_o be_v infer_v or_o establish_v by_o any_o who_o admit_v the_o truth_n and_o authrity_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o these_o principle_n wherein_o we_o have_v hitherto_o walk_v but_o ere_o i_o touch_v this_o more_o particular_o i_o must_v to_o prevent_v mistake_n premitt_v some_o few_o thing_n in_o the_o entry_n first_o that_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o question_n of_o separation_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o difficult_a thing_n and_o lie_v more_o in_o the_o dark_a than_o most_o thing_n that_o be_v controvert_v and_o that_o all_o act_n of_o extremity_n such_o as_o this_o shall_v be_v with_o great_a reluctation_n and_o on_o convince_a and_o necessary_a ground_n follow_v nor_o can_v we_o ever_o see_v such_o away_o have_v in_o any_o time_n be_v bless_v how_o favourable_a soever_o it_o may_v seem_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o some_o which_o have_v tend_v to_o perplex_v and_o precipitant_o to_o break_v a_o poor_a church_n and_o
leu._n 19_o 19_o for_o if_o this_o say_v he_o shall_v be_v allow_v that_o i_o may_v unbrother_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o heart_n and_o fellowship_n every_o one_o who_o i_o offend_v at_o and_o conceive_v to_o walk_v inordinate_o be_v first_o a_o pathway_n to_o perpetual_a schism_n 2._o a_o violation_n of_o all_o law_n of_o christian_a fraternity_n and_o communion_n 3._o a_o dissolve_v and_o break_v all_o church_n communion_n and_o it_o be_v strange_a say_v he_o that_o some_o will_v have_v christ_n order_n keep_v in_o private_a offence_n do_v by_o one_o brother_n to_o another_o and_o not_o the_o same_o in_o public_a offence_n where_o one_o may_v offend_v a_o whole_a church_n iv._o ground_n this_o be_v a_o practice_n which_o be_v state_v against_o the_o very_a rule_n nature_n and_o end_n of_o church_n communion_n in_o fall_v of_o from_o hear_v upon_o that_o head_n of_o the_o indulgence_n which_o may_v be_v demonstrable_a to_o any_o on_o these_o ground_n 1._o that_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n the_o sin_n nor_o notorie_o of_o corruption_n in_o church_n office_n do_v not_o corrupt_a or_o defile_v the_o ordinance_n because_o these_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n otherways_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o necessary_a dependence_n on_o and_o be_v of_o more_o or_o less_o value_n according_a to_o the_o dispenser_n but_o i_o grant_v that_o may_v detract_v from_o our_o joy_n and_o comfort_n in_o partake_v thereof_o which_o yet_o do_v no_o way_n reach_v the_o validity_n of_o the_o ordinance_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v sure_a sad_a difference_n both_o in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o church_n may_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o that_o bless_a unity_n which_o christ_n do_v require_v there_o and_o with_o a_o keep_n of_o from_o partake_v of_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o 3._o that_o church_n act_v even_o of_o these_o who_o be_v not_o pastor_n according_a to_o god_n heart_n though_o external_o call_v may_v be_v to_o themselves_o unprofitable_a and_o yet_o edify_v to_o the_o hearer_n nor_o can_v a_o grieve_v and_o offensive_a practice_n make_v their_o authority_n or_o act_n void_a since_o such_o may_v have_v authority_n who_o have_v not_o approbation_n from_o the_o lord_n in_o dispense_n his_o ordinance_n and_o will_v any_o adventure_n to_o say_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v either_o disow_v or_o withdraw_v from_o the_o ministry_n of_o our_o brethren_n who_o be_v thus_o desert_v by_o many_o which_o i_o confess_v be_v to_o i_o both_o sad_a and_o astonish_a to_o see_v many_o now_o withdraw_v and_o rather_o keep_v their_o own_o house_n then_o concur_v in_o public_a worship_n with_o such_o where_o christ_n in_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o his_o word_n be_v yet_o to_o be_v see_v if_o this_o be_v the_o cure_n that_o some_o pretend_v for_o our_o present_a distemper_n i_o must_v say_v it_o be_v more_o sad_a than_o the_o disease_n 4._o if_o church_n fellowship_n be_v true_o understand_v it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o easy_a to_o break_v of_o there_o as_o many_o judge_v since_o all_o other_o safe_a mean_n must_v needs_o be_v first_o assay_v nor_o may_v we_o fasten_v a_o public_a scandal_n on_o other_o especial_o upon_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n without_o the_o further_a advantage_n to_o make_v it_o evident_a both_o to_o themselves_o and_o convince_a even_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o other_o 1_o tim._n 5_o 19_o it_o be_v not_o a_o privilege_n of_o order_n only_o but_o of_o office_n that_o minister_n have_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o have_v say_v he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o and_o to_o reject_v such_o be_v a_o high_a guilt_n then_o to_o reject_v the_o same_o word_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o private_a christian_a for_o they_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n and_o bear_v his_o impress_n 5._o this_o be_v a_o practice_n as_o have_v therewith_o a_o fix_v of_o such_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o church_n communion_n which_o have_v not_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v find_v in_o any_o precede_a record_n since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o i_o judge_v it_o on_o special_a cause_n of_o these_o sad_a break_n now_o among_o we_o and_o that_o so_o many_o contend_v as_o they_o that_o beat_v the_o air_n their_o mistake_n and_o ignorance_n of_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o rule_v of_o external_a communion_n in_o the_o church_n for_o if_o this_o shall_v be_v consider_v upon_o clear_a scripture_n evidence_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n i_o shall_v not_o then_o fear_v any_o public_a rent_n on_o this_o late_a difference_n and_o that_o which_o be_v a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o church_n communion_n i_o hope_v must_v plead_v some_o scripture_n warrant_v for_o its_o imposition_n i_o know_v some_o will_v plead_v that_o this_o be_v but_o a_o departure_n in_o some_o degree_n of_o church-fellowship_n which_o be_v both_o a_o poor_a and_o unwarrantable_a apology_n since_o both_o the_o rule_n be_v thus_o far_o desert_v and_o no_o ground_n to_o know_v where_o they_o may_v fix_v after_o but_o we_o have_v to_o visible_a one_fw-mi account_v this_o day_n where_o this_o sad_a course_n have_v already_o land_v v._o ground_n that_o be_v sad_a a_o and_o unwarrantable_a practice_n which_o tend_v to_o cause_v division_n in_o the_o church_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n we_o have_v receive_v rom._n 15._o which_o i_o be_o sure_a may_v be_v to_o evident_a pretend_v any_o to_o the_o contrary_n what_o they_o will_v upon_o these_o ground_n 1._o that_o whatever_o be_v the_o first_o rise_v or_o occasion_n of_o the_o offence_n can_v be_v own_v as_o the_o proper_a cause_n of_o such_o a_o form_v rend_v as_o this_o now_o be_v since_o most_o sad_a offence_n have_v be_v without_o any_o such_o effect_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v more_o upon_o practice_n then_o on_o any_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o kill_n of_o a_o patient_a by_o poison_n through_o mistake_n of_o the_o true_a medicine_n can_v never_o be_v charge_v on_o this_o that_o the_o body_n be_v before_o in_o a_o sad_a distemper_n nor_o a_o misapplication_n of_o the_o mean_n to_o cure_v a_o wound_n when_o it_o have_v cause_v a_o gangrene_n in_o the_o body_n be_v just_o charge_v on_o the_o first_o give_v of_o the_o wound_n since_o this_o otherways_o may_v have_v be_v safe_o heal_v 2._o we_o know_v that_o for_o several_a year_n after_o that_o accept_n of_o the_o indulgence_n that_o difference_n both_o in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n among_o we_o yet_o do_v cause_n no_o such_o effect_n but_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v then_o must_v discernible_o prosper_v until_o such_o violent_a essay_n these_o two_o year_n now_o past_a have_v be_v for_o bring_v thing_n to_o such_o one_fw-mi extreme_a and_o oh_o from_o that_o sad_a period_n may_v be_v too_o discernible_o date_v some_o further_a degree_n of_o the_o lord_n departure_n from_o among_o we_o and_o these_o deplorable_a effect_n of_o much_o blood_n devastation_n reproach_n weaken_v of_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n strengthen_v of_o the_o hand_n of_o adversary_n beyond_o all_o that_o have_v be_v in_o former_a time_n and_o which_o have_v increase_v our_o bond_n more_o than_o all_o our_o adversary_n can_v ever_o do_v 3._o if_o so_o severe_a a_o stretch_n of_o this_o late_a difference_n and_o load_v of_o the_o practice_n of_o other_o with_o that_o which_o it_o can_v not_o bear_v if_o a_o carnal_a and_o violent_a way_n of_o follow_v this_o debate_n a_o high_a cry_v up_o of_o such_o in_o who_o their_o own_o image_n more_o than_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n do_v appear_v and_o peremptory_a impose_v their_o judgement_n without_o the_o least_o tender_a condescendence_n to_o these_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o do_v necessary_o tend_v to_o engender_v division_n in_o the_o church_n and_o have_v one_fw-mi undoubted_a causality_n from_o the_o very_a nature_n thereof_o to_o this_o end_n than_o it_o may_v be_v know_v yea_o i_o dare_v appeal_v any_o discern_a christian_a in_o the_o church_n at_o who_o door_n this_o must_v be_v lay_v and_o who_o have_v most_o active_o move_v to_o put_v the_o poor_a church_n in_o such_o a_o flame_n and_o this_o not_o upon_o any_o principle_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v on_o either_o side_n disow_v but_o upon_o controvert_v deduction_n from_o a_o different_a practice_n and_o application_n thereof_o this_o may_v be_v no_o less_o amaze_a than_o it_o be_v sad_a that_o the_o way_n of_o some_o now_o seem_v more_o how_o to_o dispatch_v thing_n by_o censure_n and_o revile_n then_o by_o argument_n and_o by_o high_a word_n and_o invective_n to_o exulcerate_v more_o than_o rational_o to_o convince_v but_o a_o sharp_a censurer_n and_o a_o self_n searcher_n do_v rare_o meet_v in_o one_o though_o none_o more_o usual_o need_v the_o tender_a construction_n of_o
either_o hand_n 4._o it_o need_v be_v no_o strange_a thing_n or_o give_v any_o advantage_n to_o bring_v true_a zeal_n under_o discredit_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o more_o impetuo_fw-la we_o motion_n and_o make_v haste_n by_o some_o when_o they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n than_o they_o be_v former_o for_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v too_o evident_a such_o as_o be_v once_o under_o the_o influence_n of_o delusion_n be_v also_o in_o that_o dreadful_a hazard_n to_o be_v as_o wind_n carry_v about_o with_o a_o tempest_n but_o such_o be_v purezeal_a that_o though_o it_o increase_v the_o stream_n it_o do_v not_o overflow_v its_o bank_n nor_o will_v break_v the_o least_o command_v for_o vindication_n of_o the_o great_a truth_n 5._o there_o be_v such_o a_o indissoluble_a tie_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n betwixt_o true_a zeal_n and_o that_o christian_a moderation_n which_o we_o shall_v make_v know_v to_o all_o as_o none_o may_v divide_v but_o as_o the_o one_o tend_v to_o give_v life_n and_o intenseness_n of_o duty_n so_o be_v the_o other_o to_o resttaine_v all_o exorbitancy_n and_o keep_v this_o in_o its_o proper_a channel_n and_o that_o none_o be_v carry_v out_o beyond_o these_o just_a bound_n &_o measure_n which_o be_v so_o express_o set_v to_o we_o by_o the_o rule_n but_o so_o as_o that_o it_o be_v without_o any_o lukewarmness_n or_o abatement_n of_o fervency_n in_o spirit_n for_o serve_v the_o lord_n for_o where_o on_o either_o hand_n these_o be_v divide_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o true_a interest_n of_o the_o church_n must_v then_o needs_o suffer_v and_o get_v a_o sore_a wound_n 6._o ground_n of_o stumble_v and_o offence_n which_o too_o visible_o many_o be_v like_a to_o break_v on_o yea_o to_o take_v prejudice_n almost_o against_o the_o whole_a ministry_n of_o our_o church_n be_v that_o these_o who_o have_v have_v great_a weight_n and_o acceptance_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v endure_v so_o much_o under_o many_o assault_n these_o year_n past_a in_o their_o opposition_n to_o prelacy_n with_o some_o unanswerable_a conviction_n hereof_o i_o hope_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o and_o with_o a_o continue_a adherence_n to_o former_a principle_n be_v yet_o with_o such_o reproach_n so_o public_o thus_o follow_v even_o by_o profess_a friend_n answ_n though_o i_o hope_v the_o perusal_n of_o what_o have_v be_v already_o touch_v on_o this_o subject_n may_v have_v some_o weight_n both_o for_o clear_v and_o in_o some_o measure_n to_o silence_v thes_n strange_a heightened_a prejudice_n of_o some_o this_o way_n yet_o since_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a trial_n of_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n both_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o work_n and_o the_o credit_n of_o their_o bless_a master_n who_o account_v they_o worthy_a to_o put_v into_o his_o service_n and_o that_o many_o be_v thus_o in_o hazard_n to_o be_v shake_v i_o must_v yet_o further_o speak_v but_o a_o few_o thing_n thereto_o 1._o that_o what_o ever_o may_v be_v their_o part_n who_o have_v take_v most_o liberty_n this_o way_n yet_o shall_v we_o reckon_v it_o be_v our_o sin_n that_o be_v their_o strength_n and_o much_o unanswweerablness_n to_o so_o high_a and_o holy_a a_o call_n for_o which_o the_o holy_a god_n do_v thus_o call_v to_o a_o humble_a and_o serious_a self_n judge_v before_o he_o and_o more_o deep_a trial_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n and_o way_n with_o that_o fear_n lest_o our_o sin_n shall_v find_v we_o out_o if_o we_o be_v not_o concern_v to_o find_v they_o and_o lay_v the_o same_o to_o heart_n though_o i_o hope_v such_o yet_o dare_v with_o some_o confidence_n leave_v their_o cause_n before_o the_o lord_n to_o plead_v herein_o against_o the_o unjust_a reproach_n of_o man_n 2._o it'should_n be_v no_o strange_a thing_n now_o what_o in_o all_o time_n have_v be_v the_o lot_n of_o the_o most_o serious_a minister_n of_o christ_n even_o when_o they_o have_v have_v a_o most_o sweet_a and_o sensible_a seal_n of_o his_o acceptance_n in_o their_o work_n to_o have_v no_o other_o requittall_n from_o man_n than_o contempt_n and_o hatred_n who_o yet_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n have_v with_o the_o further_a tenderness_n seek_v to_o gain_v such_o to_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n yea_o have_v have_v the_o trial_n of_o such_o extreme_n as_o to_o be_v revile_v by_o these_o who_o sometime_o will_v have_v pluck_v out_o almost_o their_o eye_n for_o they_o 3._o but_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v with_o no_o less_o expresseness_n put_v a_o guard_n about_o the_o repute_n and_o credit_n of_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n then_o about_o their_o call_n for_o which_o read_v 1_o tim._n 5._o 19_o 1._o thess_n 5._o 12._o 13._o yea_o these_o be_v so_o straite_o conjoin_v as_o what_o ever_o tend_v to_o discredit_v their_o person_n must_v needs_o tend_v also_o to_o weaken_v the_o weight_n and_o authority_n of_o their_o message_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o hearer_n and_o be_v this_o of_o small_a regard_n now_o with_o many_o and_o to_o be_v without_o any_o dread_n lest_o in_o so_o far_o the_o blood_n of_o soul_n be_v charge_v on_o they_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o by_o such_o notour_n reflection_n and_o without_o any_o just_a cause_n or_o call_v thereto_o do_v thus_o beget_v such_o a_o prejudice_n and_o contempt_n as_o to_o have_v the_o less_o reckon_v make_v of_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n deliver_v by_o they_o in_o this_o i_o must_v here_o exoner_o my_o own_o conscience_n upon_o so_o public_a a_o sin_n and_o of_o such_o sad_a consequence_n to_o the_o church_n hazard_n which_o seem_v so_o little_a to_o touch_v this_o day_n 4._o have_v it_o be_v yet_o ever_o see_v that_o where_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n have_v have_v no_o suitable_a weight_n and_o acceptance_n of_o their_o person_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n in_o any_o place_n bot_n there_o also_o be_v a_o most_o visible_a abatement_n of_o people_n respect_n and_o love_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o of_o any_o true_a growth_n among_o they_o under_o the_o ordinance_n nor_o know_v i_o a_o advantage_n which_o the_o envious_a man_n can_v more_o desire_v to_o sow_v tare_n in_o the_o vineyard_n of_o the_o lord_n than_o this_o be_v when_o prejudice_n jealousy_n and_o disrespect_n come_v once_o to_o any_o height_n what_o ever_o pretence_n it_o may_v go_v under_o against_o such_o who_o be_v in_o deed_n the_o messenger_n of_o truth_n and_o dispenser_n of_o his_o ordinance_n 5._o and_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v just_a ground_n to_o account_v such_o the_o undoubted_a minister_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o church_n and_o who_o shall_v be_v thus_o own_v in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o appearance_n yea_o who_o have_v have_v a_o convince_a seal_n to_o their_o ministry_n on_o the_o heart_n of_o many_o who_o for_o ministerial_a ability_n soundness_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o be_v make_v exemplary_a to_o other_o in_o humility_n tenderness_n of_o walk_n love_n and_o fervent_a desire_n for_o gain_v of_o soul_n to_o christ_n will_v have_v be_v reckon_v with_o the_o high_a respect_n in_o the_o first_o primitive_a time_n of_o the_o church_n who_o yet_o have_v be_v this_o day_n expose_v to_o the_o further_a revile_n of_o some_o and_o though_o it_o be_v not_o the_o naked_a testimony_n or_o respect_n of_o man_n that_o by_o such_o will_v be_v either_o seek_v or_o satisfy_v but_o how_o to_o have_v this_o enforce_a on_o their_o conscience_n by_o a_o convince_a witness_n and_o example_n of_o a_o serious_a ministerial_a practice_n yet_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v strange_a that_o such_o be_v to_o the_o further_a concern_v to_o maintain_v the_o credit_n &_o authority_n of_o their_o ministry_n which_o be_v not_o they_o but_o their_o master_n 7._o ground_n of_o prejudice_n against_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v now_o high_o pretend_v be_v not_o only_o upon_o the_o strange_a and_o high_o irregular_a act_n by_o some_o as_o may_v seem_v visible_o inductive_a to_o great_a confusion_n and_o disorder_n bot_n that_o these_o have_v be_v own_v and_o support_v by_o such_o principle_n congruous_a thereto_o as_o seem_v in_o compatible_a both_o with_o the_o practice_n and_o profession_n hitherto_o of_o our_o church_n answ_n whatever_o advantage_n have_v be_v give_v by_o any_o thus_o to_o reflect_v which_o i_o may_v with_o some_o confidence_n say_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o most_o serious_a non_fw-fr conformist_n of_o our_o church_n have_v be_v as_o a_o sword_n in_o there_o bone_n even_o beyond_o their_o own_o personal_a suffering_n because_o of_o the_o voice_n of_o he_o who_o reproach_v yet_o since_o many_o be_v thus_o ready_a to_o stumble_v and_o know_v not_o what_o a_o sore_a woe_n and_o judgement_n offence_n be_v to_o such_o as_o make_v so_o sad_a a_o use_n thereof_o yea_o which_o may_v be_v fear_v this_o day_n be_v glad_a