other_o than_o such_o this_o have_v be_v to_o know_v a_o evil_a in_o our_o church_n vi_o ground_n this_o practice_n seem_v one_fw-mi express_a violation_n &_o breach_n of_o covenant_n wherein_o we_o be_v so_o solemn_o engage_v before_o the_o lord_n which_o i_o know_v not_o how_o any_o possible_o can_v evade_v when_o we_o be_v no_o less_o solemn_o engage_v there_o against_o schism_n then_o either_o prelacy_n or_o erastianisme_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o one_fw-mi unwarrantable_a schism_n and_o rent_v of_o the_o church_n i_o know_v no_o such_o charge_n can_v have_v be_v give_v against_o any_o since_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o that_o on_o these_o ground_n 1._o that_o by_o schism_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v a_o divide_v from_o the_o doctrine_n but_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o it_o tend_v to_o a_o disyoint_v from_o the_o body_n thus_o we_o find_v even_o in_o the_o most_o pure_a time_n of_o the_o church_n these_o put_v in_o a_o peculiar_a 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in_o his_o house_n yea_o contrary_a to_o that_o command_v love_n tenderness_n prudence_n and_o forbearance_n so_o express_o require_v of_o church_n member_n towards_o one_o one_fw-mi other_o and_o to_o his_o bless_a authority_n who_o have_v so_o clear_o warrant_v such_o a_o forbear_n with_o these_o as_o in_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v contrary_a mind_a upon_o different_a apprehension_n of_o the_o truth_n so_o far_o as_o both_o love_n among_o themselves_o the_o public_a peace_n of_o the_o church_n may_v not_o be_v thus_o disturb_v it_o be_v sure_a the_o choice_a of_o the_o saint_n do_v carry_v to_o heaven_n with_o they_o both_o error_n mistake_n and_o prophesy_v in_o part_n and_o some_o overcloud_v must_v still_o be_v of_o the_o bright_a stair_n while_o they_o shine_v here_o oh_o if_o that_o now_o which_o be_v the_o present_a cause_n of_o these_o difference_n be_v but_o once_o bring_v to_o that_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n shall_v it_o not_o enforce_v many_o to_o be_v a_o wonder_n to_o themselves_o at_o the_o strange_a way_n they_o have_v be_v upon_o and_o whether_o they_o have_v be_v carry_v in_o this_o deplorable_a rent_n of_o who_o seriousness_n otherwise_o i_o do_v not_o question_v vii_o ground_n this_o be_v a_o practice_n contrary_a to_o most_o express_a scripture_n command_v for_o forbearance_n and_o condescendence_n among_o the_o godly_a in_o break_v time_n which_o we_o may_v not_o only_o see_v rom._n 14_o 3_o 4_o 5._o eph._n 4_o 2_o 3_o 4._o 1_o cor._n 9_o 19_o 20._o but_o that_o it_o be_v for_o this_o end_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v enjoin_v the_o same_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o breach_n or_o rend_v in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n about_o which_o he_o have_v so_o tender_a a_o care_n and_o be_v such_o a_o forbearance_n as_o we_o find_v express_o command_v in_o this_o very_a case_n upon_o a_o controvert_v practice_n of_o the_o church_n and_o difference_n of_o judgement_n therein_o whatever_o upon_o the_o one_o side_n may_v be_v more_o culpable_a herein_o then_o upon_o the_o other_o as_o be_v clear_a in_o that_o debate_n about_o meat_n 1_o cor._n 11._o and_o oh_o what_o can_v it_o mean_v while_o both_o our_o duty_n and_o remedy_n do_v here_o meet_v at_o once_o yet_o this_o shall_v have_v so_o little_a weight_n with_o we_o at_o this_o day_n for_o if_o such_o a_o command_v forbearance_n can_v have_v no_o place_n among_o these_o who_o be_v one_o and_o agree_v in_o this_o same_o principle_n even_o in_o the_o point_n controvert_v and_o only_o differ_v in_o the_o application_n yea_o be_v mutual_o persuade_v of_o other_o sincerity_n i_o know_v no_o place_n than_o it_o can_v have_v ever_o have_v since_o there_o be_v a_o christian_a church_n which_o have_v put_v i_o to_o some_o astonishment_n what_o the_o peremptory_a way_n of_o some_o can_v intend_v and_o to_o obstruct_v one_fw-mi union_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n only_o fight_v without_o cede_v in_o any_o truth_n or_o be_v put_v to_o condemn_v any_o thing_n they_o judge_v lawful_a or_o approve_v what_o they_o judge_v sinful_a in_o the_o way_n of_o other_o and_o if_o this_o be_v deny_v i_o will_v desire_v then_o to_o know_v what_o sinful_a compliance_n or_o yield_v in_o any_o concern_n of_o the_o truth_n can_v be_v herein_o challenge_v or_o if_o such_o a_o suitable_a essay_n hash_fw-mi yet_o be_v for_o a_o tender_a serious_a commune_n with_o such_o they_o keep_v so_o great_a a_o distance_n with_o to_o meet_v and_o concur_v in_o what_o be_v uncontroverted_a duty_n in_o such_o a_o day_n but_o oh_o the_o temper_n of_o this_o time_n seem_v more_o now_o in_o passion_n than_o argument_n which_o be_v so_o natural_a and_o please_a a_o evil_a as_o the_o most_o express_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o like_a to_o restrain_v i_o must_v add_v this_o further_a to_o be_v consider_v if_o such_o a_o departure_n from_o church_n fellowship_n shall_v be_v admitdon_v this_o head_n of_o the_o late_a indulgence_n and_o the_o discretive_a judgement_n of_o any_o which_o can_v only_o be_v pretend_v here_o stretch_v to_o such_o a_o hight_v as_o without_o the_o church_n to_o impose_v this_o which_o be_v of_o so_o public_a and_o universal_a concern_v on_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o people_n these_o consequence_n of_o great_a import_n must_v need_v follow_v 1._o to_o break_v up_o church_n fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o most_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n this_o day_n yea_o be_v a_o case_n and_o practice_n under_o these_o circumstance_n it_o be_v now_o state_v as_o will_v find_v no_o precedent_n even_o from_o such_o who_o have_v former_o most_v plead_v for_o separation_n who_o do_v never_o own_o this_o on_o any_o such_o ground_n as_o a_o different_a practice_n upon_o various_a apprehension_n thereof_o among_o such_o who_o be_v most_o entire_o one_o in_o the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n 2._o this_o also_o must_v follow_v to_o withdrauw_v from_o fellowship_n in_o hear_v of_o the_o most_o choice_a and_o eminent_a nonconform_a minister_n now_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o liberty_n they_o have_v for_o a_o peaceable_a access_n to_o their_o public_a meeting_n some_o year_n now_o past_a be_v of_o that_o same_o nature_n and_o in_o all_o be_v express_a term_n one_o with_o this_o indulgence_n yea_o it_o must_v necessary_o tend_v like_o way_n to_o fall_v of_o communion_n in_o public_a with_o the_o whole_a ministry_n of_o the_o belgic_a church_n which_o to_o the_o further_a conviction_n of_o any_o who_o will_v question_v this_o can_v be_v demonstrat_fw-la on_o clear_a ground_n 3._o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o evident_o contrair_a then_o this_o practice_n be_v to_o the_o know_a judgement_n of_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n yea_o of_o such_o who_o have_v be_v most_o eminent_a both_o in_o the_o church_n of_o old_a and_o new-england_n of_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
as_o a_o testimony_n thereto_o with_o great_a respect_n be_v then_o necessary_o call_v for_o when_o a_o public_a opposition_n be_v make_v to_o the_o same_o 2._o that_o this_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n over_o his_o church_n and_o its_o independence_n on_o the_o magistrate_n and_o his_o be_v the_o alone_a supreme_a head_n and_o lawgiver_n thereto_o be_v of_o such_o high_a concern_n and_o elevation_n as_o we_o shall_v not_o count_v our_o life_n dear_a if_o call_v of_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v offer_v up_o as_o a_o sacrifice_n thereon_o yea_o that_o a_o public_a testimony_n shall_v be_v then_o more_o special_o own_v thereto_o with_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a sound_n when_o so_o visible_o oppose_v as_o in_o this_o day_n 3._o that_o be_v must_v on_o all_o hand_n be_v confess_v a_o sad_a decay_n of_o a_o true_a public_a spirit_n now_o among_o we_o and_o of_o that_o zeal_n integrity_n and_o watchfulness_n for_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o deep_a impression_n of_o the_o covenant_n with_o god_n these_o nation_n be_v so_o solemn_o engage_v to_o as_o have_v former_o be_v with_o too_o sad_a and_o unsensible_a a_o wear_n out_o from_o under_o former_a impression_n of_o duty_n in_o this_o long_o continue_a trial_n now_o in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o success_n which_o seem_v to_o wait_v on_o a_o sinful_a course_n for_o which_o all_o of_o we_o have_v cause_n for_o be_v deep_o humble_v before_o the_o lord_n this_o day_n 4._o i_o will_v hope_v also_o this_o will_v not_o be_v under_o debate_n that_o a_o endeavour_n for_o a_o safe_a union_n and_o without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n among_o these_o who_o have_v be_v help_v in_o this_o day_n to_o witness_v and_o suffer_v against_o prelacy_n and_o be_v one_o in_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o truth_n &_o godliness_n be_v both_o a_o command_v and_o indispensible_o necessary_a duty_n and_o will_v be_v find_v as_o express_o charge_v upon_o we_o as_o any_o duty_n i_o know_v in_o the_o scripture_n 5._o that_o there_o may_v be_v difference_n in_o a_o pure_o reform_a church_n in_o matter_n of_o truth_n consistent_a with_o mutual_a edification_n and_o without_o any_o division_n or_o breach_n among_o such_o yea_o that_o such_o will_v be_v still_o here_o whilst_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n 6._o this_o concession_n i_o hope_v may_v not_o come_v under_o question_n that_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o our_o guilt_n this_o day_n our_o not_o be_v more_o suitable_o affect_v with_o both_o the_o sin_n and_o judgement_n of_o this_o present_a rent_n and_o division_n as_o we_o ought_v when_o our_o master_n have_v so_o express_o tell_v that_o a_o kingdom_n divide_v against_o itself_o can_v stand_v and_o no_o less_o thus_o threaten_v than_o the_o utter_a dissolution_n of_o such_o a_o church_n 7._o that_o there_o be_v now_o need_v of_o more_o close_o correspondence_n and_o personal_a freedom_n with_o great_a tenderness_n to_o be_v manage_v in_o this_o present_a difference_n with_o other_o since_o they_o may_v thus_o tear_v one_o another_o at_o a_o distance_n before_o they_o understand_v they_o and_o that_o prejudice_n thus_o entertain_v with_o personal_a reflection_n and_o alienate_v of_o affection_n must_v necessary_o tend_v on_o every_o hand_n to_o widen_v the_o breach_n 8._o that_o this_o deplorable_a rent_n now_o among_o the_o godly_a have_v that_o sad_a gravamen_fw-la therewith_o that_o it_o be_v a_o strive_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o in_o the_o furnace_n whilst_o so_o sore_o press_v otherwise_o under_o the_o cross_n yea_o in_o the_o public_a view_n of_o all_o our_o adversary_n who_o so_o eager_o thus_o watch_v for_o our_o halt_n 9_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a hazard_n in_o credulity_n and_o easy_a entertain_v report_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o other_o in_o a_o time_n when_o too_o many_o seem_v design_o to_o tread_v in_o the_o dark_a this_o way_n as_o if_o it_o be_v to_o promote_v a_o party_n rather_o than_o to_o seek_v the_o truth_n and_o follow_v a_o interest_n on_o the_o ruin_n and_o fall_v of_o the_o repute_n of_o other_o who_o have_v have_v a_o most_o sweet_a savour_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v much_o bless_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o many_o this_o we_o may_v fear_v be_v one_o of_o the_o provoke_a evil_n in_o this_o time_n and_o as_o a_o smoke_n in_o his_o nostril_n who_o have_v say_v such_o as_o sow_v discord_n among_o brethren_n be_v a_o abomination_n unto_o he_o pro._n 6_o 19_o and_o have_v curse_v such_o as_o smite_v his_o neighbour_n secret_o deut._n 27_o 24._o which_o may_v be_v no_o less_o sad_a and_o sore_o by_o smite_v by_o the_o tongue_n than_o by_o the_o sword_n 10._o i_o hope_v this_o also_o will_v be_v mutual_o grant_v that_o a_o safe_a manage_n of_o difference_n and_o rent_n among_o the_o godly_a in_o so_o break_v a_o time_n as_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o difficult_a thing_n in_o christianity_n so_o hard_o it_o be_v to_o get_v our_o own_o spirit_n keep_v out_o to_o reach_v that_o tender_a and_o due_a regard_n to_o present_a circumstance_n for_o public_a edification_n yea_o to_o be_v keep_v in_o a_o humble_a and_o spiritual_a frame_n in_o such_o a_o case_n and_o to_o have_v the_o life_n of_o grace_n keep_v in_o vigorous_a exercise_n so_o as_o thus_o to_o have_v pride_n wrath_n and_o bitterness_n of_o spirit_n make_v to_o melt_v down_o in_o meekness_n humility_n and_o love_n have_v premit_v these_o few_o concession_n which_o may_v be_v find_v of_o some_o weight_n in_o this_o sad_a case_n we_o be_v now_o in_o i_o must_v humble_o offer_v these_o follow_a proposal_n to_o be_v consider_v prop._n i._o shall_v we_o not_o with_o great_a fear_n and_o tremble_a look_n on_o a_o breach_n and_o rent_n of_o the_o church_n and_o among_o the_o true_o godly_a in_o this_o day_n on_o these_o ground_n 1._o that_o it_o so_o express_o control_v the_o authority_n of_o our_o great_a master_n who_o have_v enjoin_v by_o such_o reitereated_a command_n love_n and_o concord_n among_o his_o disciple_n so_o as_o i_o can_v find_v no_o duty_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n with_o more_o frequent_a obtestation_n and_o argument_n press_v than_o this_o and_o though_o it_o be_v unquestionable_a that_o some_o must_v be_v more_o culpable_a in_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o difference_n than_o other_o yet_o do_v he_o press_v thus_o with_o such_o vehemency_n and_o without_o any_o such_o reserve_n to_o sist_z until_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o entire_a oneness_n in_o judgement_n among_o themselves_o else_o there_o be_v no_o such_o difficulty_n or_o neid_v of_o it_o to_o be_v thus_o press_v 2._o that_o it_o be_v his_o die_a charge_n joh._n 15_o 17._o to_o love_v one_o another_o and_o to_o guard_v against_o any_o breach_n among_o themselves_o and_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o thing_n his_o heart_n be_v most_o fix_v on_o when_o he_o be_v to_o leave_v the_o world_n as_o a_o witness_n of_o their_o be_v his_o disciple_n and_o that_o the_o world_n may_v know_v he_o to_o be_v send_v of_o god_n joh._n 17_o 21._o and_o thus_o be_v for_o a_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o enforce_v a_o conviction_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o christianity_n and_o doctrine_n thereof_o on_o the_o great_a atheist_n 3._o and_o may_v we_o not_o see_v these_o prejudices_fw-la which_o follow_v on_o a_o form_v and_o grow_a breach_n of_o the_o church_n be_v oft_o such_o as_o the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n thereof_o do_v bear_v no_o proportion_n thereto_o when_o bring_v to_o the_o test_n of_o that_o great_a rule_n of_o christian_a love_n in_o its_o due_a latitude_n as_o prescribe_v by_o our_o bless_a master_n yea_o that_o thus_o there_o be_v a_o be_v so_o sad_o engage_v in_o dispute_n &_o siding_n with_o party_n with_o such_o exasperation_n of_o spirit_n and_o neglect_v of_o these_o office_n of_o love_n we_o owe_v to_o other_o 4._o that_o we_o may_v see_v such_o a_o sad_a rent_n the_o more_o it_o be_v follow_v the_o more_o it_o become_v a_o labyrinth_n and_o maze_n and_o no_o way_n find_v thus_o to_o get_v out_o but_o that_o by_o which_o they_o first_o enter_v 5._o that_o conspicuous_a beacon_n also_o which_o in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v set_v hereon_o may_v make_v we_o tremble_v hereat_o and_o how_o this_o have_v resolve_v not_o only_o into_o strife_n debate_n confusion_n and_o disturbance_n both_o public_a and_o private_a but_o to_o hazard_v the_o very_a ruin_n and_o dissolution_n of_o such_o a_o church_n we_o find_v salvian_n show_v that_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o sad_a presage_n of_o that_o desolate_v stroke_n that_o come_v upon_o the_o affricain_n church_n and_o we_o may_v see_v the_o very_a first_o visible_a degenerate_v of_o christianity_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n begin_v here_o for_o it_o be_v at_o such_o a_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 scripture_n clear_o determine_v this_o so_o far_o as_o we_o have_v attain_v to_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n however_o even_o in_o some_o matter_n of_o truth_n not_o one_o phil._n 3_o 15._o 16._o and_o with_o hope_n that_o the_o lord_n in_o due_a time_n may_v gracious_o convince_v such_o who_o be_v in_o the_o present_a difference_n most_o culpable_a and_o i_o shall_v hope_v that_o more_o tender_a and_o affectionate_a condescendence_n in_o the_o way_n of_o deal_n with_o such_o may_v tend_v more_o to_o reclaim_v and_o recover_v than_o any_o violent_a and_o peremptory_a way_n 2._o because_o if_o such_o a_o unite_n in_o unquestionable_a duty_n shall_v cease_v until_o there_o be_v a_o full_a union_n in_o judgement_n among_o the_o true_o godly_a what_o time_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v favourable_a that_o we_o can_v then_o ever_o hope_v or_o essay_n any_o concord_n in_o duty_n 3._o that_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o most_o eminent_a instrument_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n both_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o since_o the_o reformation_n have_v be_v oft_o at_o a_o very_a sad_a difference_n among_o themselves_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o truth_n who_o concurrence_n otherwise_o in_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v most_o remarkable_o seal_v with_o a_o blessing_n 4._o that_o a_o bear_n and_o forbear_v in_o many_o difference_n of_o judgement_n among_o the_o godly_a for_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o without_o any_o involvement_n in_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o have_v not_o be_v hitherto_o question_v by_o the_o great_a light_n and_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n in_o these_o late_a time_n especial_o where_o both_o the_o doctrine_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v in_o the_o great_a and_o weighty_a concern_v thereof_o adhere_v to_o thus_o bless_v calvin_n do_v so_o press_o obtest_v the_o english_a congregation_n at_o francfort_n for_o a_o tender_a bear_n and_o mutual_a forbear_n among_o themselves_o in_o that_o present_a difference_n be_v then_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o circumstance_n they_o stand_v under_o and_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n though_o he_o be_v far_o from_o own_v that_o party_n in_o that_o wherein_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o brethren_n have_v be_v sohigh_o grieve_v prop._n v._o be_v it_o not_o one_o of_o the_o great_a concern_v and_o trial_n of_o christian_a wisdom_n in_o the_o church_n how_o to_o apply_v the_o rule_n in_o thing_n lawful_a and_o command_v with_o a_o due_a regard_n to_o edification_n in_o such_o a_o case_n i_o propose_v this_o on_o these_o ground_n 1._o the_o express_a warrant_n of_o the_o scripture_n 1_o cor._n 10_o 23._o all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a but_o not_o expedient_a all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a but_o edify_v not_o 2._o that_o this_o have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a depth_n of_o satan_n to_o turn_v man_n over_o in_o the_o manage_n of_o a_o duty_n on_o another_o sad_a extreme_a as_o the_o very_a way_n to_o break_v it_o but_o he_o that_o handle_v a_o matter_n wise_o shall_v find_v good_a the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o a_o close_o adhere_v to_o his_o truth_n do_v never_o of_o itself_o occasion_n a_o breach_n in_o the_o church_n but_o what_o our_o corruption_n and_o unsuitable_a follow_v of_o duty_n do_v on_o either_o hand_n occasion_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o jar_n except_o what_o be_v from_o ourselves_o betwixt_o zeal_n and_o christian_a prudence_n since_o these_o be_v both_o express_o enjoin_v and_o equal_o oblige_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n nor_o can_v they_o ever_o part_v but_o with_o a_o sad_a prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n there_o be_v a_o holy_a contemperature_n of_o zeal_n meekness_n and_o love_n all_o which_o be_v from_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n do_v with_o a_o sweet_a oneness_n necessary_o concur_v for_o the_o same_o end_n nor_o can_v i_o possible_o reconcile_v a_o being_n profess_o hot_a in_o the_o one_o with_o be_v cold_a and_o unconcern_v in_o the_o other_o except_o i_o shall_v quit_v the_o reveal_v rule_n of_o our_o duty_n for_o both_o 3._o because_o the_o truth_n may_v get_v a_o very_a sore_o thrust_v by_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o contend_v for_o it_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n be_v sow_v in_o peace_n and_o both_o shall_v be_v serious_o advert_v to_o that_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n be_v neither_o neglect_v nor_o yet_o prejudge_v through_o a_o non-suitable_a follow_v thereof_o a_o wound_n needs_o both_o a_o tender_a and_o skilful_a hand_n to_o handle_v it_o else_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o destroy_v where_o the_o case_n and_o present_a constitution_n of_o the_o patient_a be_v not_o consider_v a_o right_n o_o if_o that_o scripture_n be_v more_o practical_o own_v for_o a_o humble_a tender_a condescendence_n in_o our_o deal_n with_o other_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n i_o be_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o that_o i_o may_v gain_v some_o our_o bitter_a hot_a and_o unadvised_a expression_n may_v some_o time_n wrong_v the_o interest_n of_o our_o bless_a master_n more_o than_o we_o may_v find_v easy_a with_o our_o further_a work_n to_o recover_v prop._n vi_o be_v there_o not_o ground_n both_o to_o fear_v and_o watch_v against_o a_o give_v any_o thrust_n at_o the_o credit_n and_o repute_v of_o the_o minister_n of_o christin_n our_o church_n who_o in_o this_o hour_n of_o tentation_n and_o after_o many_o sore_a wrestle_n and_o difference_n have_v yet_o obtain_v mercy_n to_o stand_v and_o suffer_v against_o prelacy_n what_o ever_o cause_n they_o may_v have_v to_o weep_v before_o the_o lord_n over_o themselves_o for_o sad_a fail_n and_o unanswerableness_n to_o the_o work_n of_o their_o day_n i_o most_o propose_v this_o on_o these_o ground_n 1._o though_o i_o will_v be_v far_o from_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v design_v yet_o ex_fw-la intention_n operis_fw-la be_v it_o not_o too_o visible_o inductive_a concur_v with_o the_o same_o end_n and_o interest_n both_o of_o the_o prelatic_a party_n and_o quaker_n and_o thus_o may_v give_v a_o sad_a thrust_n than_o be_v apprehend_v at_o the_o prophetical_a as_o well_o as_o the_o kingly_a office_n of_o our_o bless_a head_n 2._o that_o this_o upon_o the_o matter_n be_v some_o way_n all_o one_o as_o to_o silence_v they_o and_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n since_o it_o must_v needs_o tend_v to_o disable_v and_o render_v they_o useless_a in_o their_o master_n work_n what_o ever_o tend_v to_o break_v their_o credit_n as_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v deep_o consider_v if_o the_o charge_n be_v such_o and_o of_o that_o necessity_n to_o follow_v for_o make_v they_o in_o a_o manner_n contemptible_a to_o the_o people_n as_o the_o labour_n and_o service_n of_o such_o this_o day_n in_o the_o vineyard_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v amount_v to_o 3._o what_o help_v thus_o can_v the_o poor_a
hope_v through_o grace_n shall_v never_o take_v place_n of_o there_o be_v no_o preach_a ministry_n else_o in_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o thus_o do_v lay_v down_o a_o new_a rule_n and_o precedent_n buit_fw-la with_o that_o disadvantage_n that_o i_o humble_o judge_v its_o great_a weight_n and_o enforcement_n most_o be_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o imposer_n though_o of_o such_o one_fw-mi import_v as_o upon_o the_o matter_n it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o to_o sentence_n yea_o some_o way_n unchurch_n all_o these_o congregation_n who_o own_o &_o adhere_v to_o their_o ministry_n i_o think_v it_o a_o grave_a remark_n of_o a_o choice_n and_o eminent_a minister_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o late_a time_n upon_o this_o head_n i_o can_v say_v he_o relate_v many_o sad_a story_n of_o person_n profess_v godliness_n who_o out_o of_o dislike_n begin_v at_o first_o to_o separate_v from_o our_o church_n meeting_n and_o after_o many_o change_n be_v turn_v now_o some_o quaker_n some_o ranter_n and_o atheist_n these_o be_v his_o very_a word_n with_o this_o reason_n he_o do_v give_v thereof_o that_o such_o as_o fall_v off_o from_o the_o public_a worship_n be_v like_o a_o man_n tumble_v down_o a_o hill_n that_o never_o leave_v till_o he_o come_v to_o the_o bottom_n section_n iii_o but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v upon_o such_o sad_a difference_n a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o question_n and_o a_o move_n on_o clear_a ground_n which_o have_v be_v render_v so_o perplex_v &_o dark_a by_o to_o visible_a essay_n for_o make_v thing_n seem_v great_a than_o they_o be_v i_o must_v come_v more_o near_o to_o touch_v this_o present_a controversy_n and_o oh_o what_o can_v this_o mean_a the_o poor_a church_n all_o in_o a_o flame_n yea_o almost_o to_o a_o be_v utter_o break_v and_o the_o cause_n so_o little_o understand_v but_o many_o thus_o thrust_v at_o other_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o i_o be_o sure_a when_o man_n eye_n shall_v be_v open_v and_o these_o muddy_a water_n become_v clear_a that_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v keep_v from_o a_o be_v swallow_v up_o in_o that_o whirlpit_n of_o error_n and_o delusion_n will_v then_o wonder_v how_o their_o spirit_n shall_v have_v be_v thus_o entangle_v in_o so_o high_a break_n and_o animosity_n on_o such_o a_o ground_n as_o this_o and_o be_v enforce_v to_o see_v that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o upon_o the_o matter_n of_o any_o difference_n in_o light_n and_o judgement_n as_o a_o divide_v spirit_n which_o in_o the_o holy_a righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v now_o too_o much_o aloft_o this_o be_v indeed_o a_o great_a and_o boisterous_a wind_n which_o be_v rent_v the_o poor_a church_n but_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o there_o except_o that_o we_o may_v see_v it_o one_o of_o the_o sad_a token_n of_o his_o displeasure_n but_o since_o on_o a_o clear_a state_v of_o this_o controversy_n the_o issue_n and_o a_o right_n judge_v thereof_o necessary_o depend_v and_o that_o we_o may_v understand_v wherein_o the_o present_a difference_n do_v most_o i_o shall_v offer_v some_o important_a question_n on_o this_o account_n to_o be_v consider_v quest_n i._o what_o the_o indulgence_n be_v about_o which_o so_o high_a and_o continue_v a_o breach_n be_v thus_o in_o our_o church_n for_o i_o have_v find_v a_o strange_a noise_n and_o clamour_n by_o some_o upon_o this_o account_n who_o do_v not_o yet_o understand_v what_o this_o true_o be_v beside_o that_o astonishment_n that_o it_o cause_v to_o stranger_n abroad_o about_o what_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v this_o day_n in_o such_o a_o flame_n i_o shall_v give_v but_o this_o short_a and_o plain_a account_n of_o it_o it_o be_v one_fw-mi order_n and_o appointment_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o some_o non-conformed_n minister_n who_o be_v express_o name_v to_o repair_v to_o such_o place_n and_o remain_v there_o confine_v permit_v and_o allow_v they_o to_o preach_v and_o exerce_fw-la the_o other_o part_n of_o their_o ministerial_a function_n in_o the_o say_v respective_a place_n or_o parish_n where_o they_o be_v thus_o confine_v this_o be_v the_o very_a substance_n of_o the_o last_o act_n of_o indulgence_n of_o date_n sept._n 3._o 1672._o and_o the_o former_a act_n of_o indulgence_n which_o precede_v some_o year_n before_o that_o be_v upon_o the_o matter_n one_o and_o the_o same_o only_o without_o any_o sentence_n of_o confinement_n i_o need_v not_o further_o mention_v that_o about_o the_o acceptance_n of_o this_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n in_o judgement_n among_o the_o most_o serious_a both_o christian_n and_o minister_n in_o our_o church_n and_o with_o some_o free_a plain_a and_o tender_a commune_n among_o themselves_o upon_o such_o one_fw-mi account_n but_o i_o may_v say_v without_o any_o design_a tendency_n to_o any_o such_o breach_n as_o some_o of_o late_o have_v make_v it_o their_o very_a work_n to_o promote_v quest_n ii_o it_o may_v be_v needful_a to_o know_v how_o far_o there_o be_v yet_o one_fw-mi undeniable_a oneness_n and_o agreement_n among_o the_o true_a non-conformed_n minister_n and_o professor_n of_o our_o church_n notwithstanding_o of_o this_o present_a difference_n about_o the_o accept_n of_o the_o indulgence_n to_o which_o i_o must_v answer_v in_o these_o few_o 1._o that_o we_o be_v one_o in_o a_o joint_a confession_n and_o public_a own_n of_o the_o same_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n as_o former_o whatever_o by_o all_o of_o we_o shall_v be_v sad_o regret_v as_o to_o the_o want_n of_o that_o freedom_n in_o such_o a_o public_a testimoy_n thereto_o before_o adversary_n as_o these_o sad_a encroachment_n have_v be_v make_v upon_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n establish_v by_o our_o bless_a head_n and_o master_n do_v in_o this_o day_n require_v 2._o that_o whatever_o have_v be_v thus_o want_v in_o practice_n oh_o that_o we_o can_v true_o mourn_v over_o the_o same_o yet_o be_v we_o still_o one_o and_o agree_v upon_o both_o side_n in_o a_o declare_v and_o i_o hope_v serious_a disow_a both_o prelacy_n and_o erastianisme_n as_o contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n 3._o in_o this_o also_o be_v we_o one_o that_o whatever_o the_o magistrate_n have_v assume_v yet_o that_o he_o have_v no_o just_a right_n and_o power_n or_o be_v in_o the_o least_o proper_a for_o he_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o spiritual_a condition_n and_o state_n of_o the_o people_n as_o to_o the_o fittedness_n of_o minister_n for_o labour_v among_o they_o and_o thus_o to_o make_v application_n of_o person_n to_o particular_a place_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n there_o which_o be_v alone_o proper_a and_o competent_a to_o the_o order_n and_o cognition_n of_o the_o church_n this_o so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v be_v upon_o no_o side_n either_o own_v or_o approven_v 4._o herein_o likeways_o do_v we_o joint_o agree_v that_o to_o none_o it_o belong_v but_o to_o our_o bless_a head_n and_o lawgiver_n to_o prescribe_v and_o give_v rule_n to_o his_o servant_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o that_o these_o rule_n we_o can_v only_o own_v and_o acknowledge_v which_o he_o have_v give_v for_o the_o same_o to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n quest_n iii_o i_o know_v it_o be_v of_o great_a weight_n now_o to_o be_v consider_v and_o wherein_o the_o state_n of_o this_o controversy_n much_o lie_v if_o there_o be_v ground_n or_o warrant_v from_o the_o scripture_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n to_o break_v of_o church_n communion_n with_o these_o who_o have_v accept_v of_o this_o late_a indulgence_n and_o refuse_v such_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o his_o authority_n dispenser_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n upon_o this_o present_a difference_n now_o hold_v forth_o i_o know_v they_o do_v not_o assert_v in_o that_o history_n of_o the_o indulgence_n this_o to_o be_v simpliciter_fw-la sinful_a to_o hear_v either_o such_o or_o the_o curate_n but_o it_o be_v only_o in_o case_n that_o no_o preach_a ministry_n be_v else_o in_o the_o land_n otherways_o do_v most_o express_o allow_v and_o warrant_v a_o forbear_n to_o hear_v such_o as_o these_o who_o have_v fall_v under_o no_o less_o than_o a_o judicial_a forfeiture_n of_o their_o ministry_n in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o have_v accept_v of_o that_o indulgence_n and_o herein_o do_v in_o effect_n impose_v upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o people_n to_o rack_v and_o disquiet_v their_o mind_n so_o as_o many_o through_o fear_n and_o ignorance_n upon_o this_o account_n know_v not_o what_o to_o do_v now_o to_o this_o question_n i_o must_v give_v this_o plain_a and_o express_v answer_n that_o it_o seem_v a_o most_o convince_o sinful_a and_o offensive_a practice_n without_o any_o just_a cause_n or_o warrant_v follow_v which_o i_o here_o offer_v to_o demonstrate_v from_o these_o follow_a ground_n i._o that_o no_o scripture_n command_v or_o warrant_v be_v for_o the_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
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