be_v again_o repair_v the_o gate_n may_v be_v keep_v shut_v against_o all_o that_o be_v infectious_a as_o well_o as_o tâ—e_v unclean_a which_o while_o the_o one_o lie_v waste_v the_o other_o will_v stand_v open_a 3._o be_v there_o cause_n to_o complain_v that_o religion_n be_v sad_o decay_v the_o professor_n of_o it_o be_v general_o abate_v in_o their_o zeal_n for_o it_o life_n or_o liveliness_n in_o it_o and_o love_n unto_o it_o why_o it_o be_v evident_a division_n be_v the_o main_a cause_n of_o that_o too_o for_o the_o great_a noise_n that_o have_v be_v make_v among_o the_o professor_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n about_o their_o different_a judgement_n nay_o in_o most_o particular_a society_n of_o the_o same_o way_n there_o have_v not_o want_v so_o much_o difference_n of_o mind_n among_o they_o as_o to_o occasion_v much_o debate_n dispute_n and_o vain_a jangle_n have_v convert_v the_o time_n and_o pain_n of_o such_o who_o shall_v have_v labour_v in_o the_o teach_n and_o hold_v forth_o heart-searching_a quicken_a word_n to_o the_o people_n into_o controversy_n and_o unprofitable_a subject_n not_o tend_v to_o spiritual_a edification_n and_o from_o the_o same_o cause_n the_o generality_n of_o professor_n have_v have_v their_o head_n fill_v with_o notional_a religion_n and_o their_o heart_n with_o discourage_v impertinent_a scruple_n and_o doubt_n thus_o strive_v about_o the_o shadow_n until_o they_o have_v lose_v the_o substance_n contend_v about_o the_o true_a form_n until_o they_o have_v lose_v the_o true_a power_n 4._o be_v religion_n in_o the_o power_n of_o it_o become_v contemptible_a with_o formal_a professor_n and_o the_o carnal_a multitude_n and_o most_o faithful_a preacher_n in_o many_o place_n little_o follow_v nor_o esteem_v whereby_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n have_v little_a success_n &_o c_o why_o in_o these_o evil_n division_n have_v have_v the_o great_a hand_n for_o what_o will_v formal_a professor_n and_o carnal_a people_n say_v to_o you_o if_o you_o ask_v they_o why_o they_o take_v up_o in_o the_o form_n and_o reject_v the_o power_n of_o religion_n and_o scorn_n and_o oppose_v the_o professor_n of_o it_o why_o they_o will_v answer_v we_o know_v not_o which_o of_o your_o new_a religion_n to_o choose_v when_o you_o can_v agree_v among_o yourselves_o which_o be_v the_o right_a way_n and_o what_o religion_n you_o will_v be_v of_o than_o you_o shall_v know_v more_o of_o our_o mind_n from_o who_o answer_n you_o may_v plain_o perceive_v that_o they_o judge_v all_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o they_o and_o other_o that_o profess_v the_o power_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o difference_n in_o opinion_n whereas_o be_v opinion_n less_o heed_v and_o religion_n more_o place_v in_o the_o power_n and_o life_n of_o godliness_n if_o christian_n will_v use_v the_o same_o argument_n against_a such_o as_o david_n do_v psalm_n 4.2.3_o oh_o you_o son_n of_o man_n how_o long_o will_v you_o turn_v my_o glory_n into_o shame_n how_o long_o will_v you_o love_v vanity_n and_o seek_v after_o lease_v selah_n but_o know_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v set_v apart_o he_o that_o be_v godly_a for_o himself_o they_o will_v not_o bless_v themselves_o in_o the_o evil_a before_o mention_v as_o they_o do_v 5._o do_v religion_n as_o to_o the_o power_n and_o spiriality_n of_o it_o begin_v to_o grow_v daily_o less_o and_o less_o in_o request_n with_o many_o person_n in_o authority_n that_o whereas_o former_o religion_n and_o gracious_a qualification_n in_o person_n be_v most_o inquire_v after_o anâ—_n first_o approve_v of_o it_o be_v now_o with_o they_o little_o set_v by_o unless_o the_o person_n to_o be_v admit_v be_v of_o the_o same_o opinion_n with_o the_o admittor_n or_o at_o least_o of_o that_o opinion_n which_o shall_v add_v something_o to_o his_o reputation_n and_o interest_n to_o be_v a_o favourer_n of_o but_o to_o show_v respect_n and_o countenance_n to_o a_o religion_n man_n as_o he_o be_v a_o religious_a man_n which_o be_v the_o principle_n own_v by_o the_o instrument_n god_n chief_o choose_v to_o carry_v on_o his_o work_n by_o in_o its_o low_a estate_n this_o much_o decay_n why_o division_n about_o opinion_n in_o religion_n have_v be_v the_o cause_n hereof_o too_o for_o at_o that_o time_n when_o religion_n be_v so_o much_o in_o request_n with_o most_o person_n in_o authority_n it_o be_v before_o religion_n be_v so_o much_o dissolve_v into_o dispute_n and_o opinion_n as_o it_o be_v now_o and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o reputation_n which_o a_o gracious_a humble_a pious_a disposition_n and_o conversation_n give_v religious_a person_n general_o once_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o authority_n and_o several_a person_n of_o eminency_n in_o place_n the_o contrary_a frame_n of_o spirit_n and_o conversation_n that_o have_v since_o overspread_v so_o many_o profess_v person_n about_o different_a opinion_n have_v lose_v it_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v diminish_v and_o i_o must_v say_v of_o all_o person_n the_o hot_a contender_n about_o opinion_n of_o all_o hand_n have_v the_o least_o ground_n to_o be_v offend_v at_o this_o for_o i_o know_v few_o of_o they_o if_o they_o have_v power_n in_o their_o hand_n will_v reform_v it_o but_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o so_o far_o as_o there_o may_v be_v ground_n for_o this_o complaint_n the_o contention_n strife_n and_o vain_a jangle_n about_o opinion_n in_o religion_n have_v cause_v it_o by_o be_v stumble_v block_n and_o cause_n of_o offence_n to_o several_a in_o authority_n not_o able_a to_o bear_v it_o nor_o to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o weakness_n and_o offence_n of_o some_o violent_a promoter_n of_o a_o opinion_n they_o dissent_v from_o and_o the_o innocency_n or_o truth_n of_o the_o opinion_n itself_o or_o the_o generality_n of_o people_n profess_v it_o which_o with_o the_o discouragement_n put_v upon_o many_o true_o gracious_a for_o their_o judgement_n sake_n by_o some_o rigid_a froward_a person_n in_o authority_n in_o several_a place_n i_o desire_v the_o lord_n may_v make_v those_o in_o chief_a authority_n in_o time_n sensible_a of_o who_o heart_n i_o hope_v be_v yet_o preserve_v sincere_a to_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n if_o they_o have_v but_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o case_n which_o for_o want_v of_o they_o may_v too_o slight_o pass_v over_o 6._o be_v that_o glorious_a cause_n of_o god_n in_o these_o nation_n so_o wonderful_o own_v and_o prosper_v by_o he_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o people_n for_o so_o many_o year_n past_a wherein_o he_o have_v so_o eminet_o manifest_v his_o subdue_a overturning_a power_n against_o his_o enemy_n and_o with_o all_o his_o assist_v and_o strengthen_v power_n with_o his_o people_n to_o who_o that_o gracious_a promise_n levit._n 26.7_o have_v be_v fulfil_v and_o you_o shall_v chase_v your_o enemy_n and_o they_o shall_v fall_v before_o you_o by_o the_o sword_n and_o five_o of_o you_o shall_v chase_v a_o hundred_o and_o a_o hundred_o of_o you_o shall_v put_v ten_o thousand_o to_o flight_n etc._n etc._n from_o whence_o all_o the_o nation_n round_o about_o have_v be_v put_v to_o silence_n and_o make_v to_o confess_v with_o the_o heathen_a psal_n 126.2.3_o the_o lord_n have_v do_v great_a thing_n for_o we_o be_v this_o glorious_a day_n of_o god_n presence_n overshadow_a with_o cloud_n of_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n from_o enemy_n both_o at_o home_n and_o abroad_o that_o there_o be_v cause_n to_o fear_v our_o sun_n will_v set_v at_o noon_n why_o consider_v what_o a_o great_a hand_n our_o division_n in_o religion_n have_v have_v in_o this_o for_o this_o carnal_a spirit_n of_o division_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n have_v be_v the_o mother_n of_o all_o our_o division_n and_o faction_n in_o civil_a thing_n for_o several_a particular_a opinion_n in_o religion_n have_v dissolve_v into_o particular_a faction_n and_o interest_n of_o state_n wherein_o the_o mutual_a common_a good_a of_o all_o good_a man_n have_v be_v decline_v each_o party_n labour_v to_o set_v up_o itself_o above_o the_o rest_n and_o have_v only_o prevail_v in_o this_o to_o keep_v those_o thing_n down_o wherein_o the_o mutual_a good_a and_o benefit_n of_o the_o whole_a consist_v and_o to_o weaken_v the_o hand_n of_o such_o who_o heart_n be_v sincere_a and_o upright_o dispose_v to_o the_o common_a good_a that_o they_o have_v be_v constrain_v to_o throw_v much_o of_o the_o rich_a load_v of_o the_o ship_n of_o this_o new_a commonwealth_n overboard_o in_o this_o storm_n in_o order_n to_o save_v the_o whole_a from_o sink_v from_o whence_o have_v also_o proceed_v those_o obstruct_v opposition_n that_o have_v be_v betwixt_o good_a man_n with_o those_o uncharitable_a reflection_n and_o aspersion_n they_o have_v one_o endeavour_v to_o cast_v upon_o another_o to_o the_o lay_v open_a and_o publish_v to_o the_o view_n of_o their_o common_a adversary_n all_o nay_o more_o than_o all_o their_o frailty_n and_o weakness_n from_o
its_o uncharitable_a censoriousness_n and_o that_o be_v the_o air_n it_o breathe_v in_o and_o therefore_o you_o may_v observe_v with_o what_o people_n soever_o this_o spirit_n be_v predominate_v they_o esteem_v not_o of_o any_o that_o own_o the_o same_o point_n with_o they_o wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o other_o unless_o they_o be_v stickler_n for_o they_o they_o dare_v not_o lay_v more_o weight_n or_o place_v more_o religion_n in_o a_o controvert_v truth_n than_o their_o conscience_n tell_v they_o the_o scripture_n do_v they_o do_v little_o less_o than_o deny_v it_o in_o some_o man_n opinion_n 3._o as_o thou_o must_v expect_v opposition_n and_o discouragement_n and_o ought_v to_o be_v arm_v against_o they_o so_o take_v heed_n thou_o do_v not_o employ_v any_o of_o the_o carnal_a weapon_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o division_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o union_n cause_n some_o man_n will_v oppose_v the_o spirit_n of_o division_n by_o a_o divide_v spirit_n that_o be_v exercise_v the_o same_o carnal_a contention_n and_o proud_a wrath_n with_o uncharitable_a censoriousness_n etc._n etc._n against_o division_n as_o divide_v spirit_n promote_v they_o by_o now_o this_o come_v under_o job_n reproof_n chapter_n 13.7_o will_v you_o speak_v wicked_o for_o god_n and_o talk_v deceitful_o for_o he_o if_o we_o have_v no_o better_a physician_n than_o these_o we_o may_v tell_v the_o church_n with_o jeremiah_n chap._n 30.13_o thy_o bruise_n be_v incurable_a and_o thy_o wound_n be_v grievous_a thou_o have_v none_o to_o plead_v thy_o cause_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v bind_v up_o thou_o have_v no_o heal_a medicine_n and_o therefore_o paul_n be_v sensible_a how_o apt_a the_o best_a church-healers_a be_v to_o apply_v the_o wrong_a plaster_n he_o give_v to_o timothy_n a_o special_a direction_n 2_o tim_n 2.24_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n must_v not_o strive_v but_o be_v gentle_a unto_o all_o man_n apt_a to_o teach_v patient_a in_o meekness_n instruct_v those_o those_o that_o oppose_v themselves_o if_o god_n peradventure_o will_v give_v they_o repentance_n to_o the_o acknowledge_v of_o the_o truth_n i_o must_v say_v the_o contrary_a spirit_n in_o healer_n have_v add_v much_o inflammation_n and_o thereby_o corruption_n to_o our_o wound_n 4._o labour_n to_o obtain_v a_o compassionate_a tender_a frame_n of_o spirit_n even_o towards_o those_o who_o thou_o be_v least_o in_o love_n with_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o error_n in_o judgement_n if_o christian_n will_v mourn_v and_o sigh_v more_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o saint_n division_n and_o delusion_n and_o fret_v and_o rage_n less_o our_o heal_n will_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o far_o of_o as_o it_o do_v there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o religious_a hardheartedness_n and_o cruelty_n overspread_v the_o heart_n of_o many_o christian_n in_o these_o day_n that_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o complain_v with_o the_o church_n lam._n 4.5_o even_o the_o sea_n monster_n draw_v out_o the_o breast_n they_o give_v suck_v to_o their_o young_a one_o the_o daughter_n of_o my_o people_n be_v become_v cruel_a like_o the_o ostrige_n in_o the_o wilderness_n christian_n can_v as_o easy_o and_o with_o as_o little_a reluctancy_n hear_v or_o speak_v evil_a of_o other_o that_o be_v gracious_a if_o they_o be_v but_o judge_v erroneous_a by_o they_o as_o carnal_a malicious_a person_n can_v do_v of_o one_o another_o nay_o some_o be_v ready_a and_o zealous_a to_o stir_v up_o the_o rude_a carnal_a multitude_n against_o other_o and_o even_o take_v contentment_n in_o each_o other_o afflection_n oh_o where_o be_v the_o bowel_n of_o good_a jeremiah_n that_o live_v in_o a_o day_n when_o he_o can_v say_v of_o his_o people_n they_o be_v all_o adulterer_n a_o assembly_n of_o treacherous_a man_n they_o bend_v their_o tongue_n like_o a_o bow_n for_o lie_n chap._n 9.2_o 3._o and_o yet_o he_o cry_v out_o oh_o that_o my_o head_n be_v water_n and_o my_o eye_n a_o fountain_n of_o tear_n that_o i_o may_v weep_v day_n and_o night_n for_o the_o slay_v of_o the_o daughter_n of_o my_o people_n and_o so_o isaiah_n he_o mention_n the_o sin_n of_o god_n people_n to_o be_v very_o great_a chapter_n 22.8_o 9_o 10_o 13._o and_o yet_o when_o he_o consider_v their_o suffering_n verse_n 4._o he_o cry_v out_o look_v away_o from_o i_o i_o will_v weep_v bitter_o labour_v not_o to_o comfort_v i_o because_o of_o the_o spoil_n of_o the_o daughter_n of_o my_o people_n but_o the_o like_a bowel_n and_o compassion_n in_o god_n people_n towards_o one_o another_o be_v not_o find_v which_o until_o the_o lord_n afford_v thou_o thou_o will_v be_v very_o unfit_a for_o heal_a work_n 5._o labour_v to_o set_v thy_o affection_n on_o those_o thing_n or_o qualification_n in_o saint_n which_o most_o lively_a and_o evident_o demonstrate_v the_o powerful_a work_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o love_n to_o christ_n many_o christian_n will_v more_o esteem_v of_o their_o own_o image_n in_o their_o brethren_n then_o christ_n their_o close_n with_o they_o in_o judgement_n in_o some_o particular_a controvert_v opinion_n will_v answer_v the_o defect_n of_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o more_o precious_a grace_n when_o much_o grace_n in_o another_o will_v not_o answer_v the_o defect_n of_o their_o differ_v in_o that_o opinion_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o love_v they_o that_o love_v we_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n can_v do_v that_o luke_n 6.32_o but_o paul_n set_v we_o a_o pattern_n of_o another_o manner_n of_o love_n 2_o cor._n 12.15_o and_o i_o will_v very_o glad_o spend_v and_o be_v spend_v for_o you_o though_o the_o more_o abundant_o i_o love_v you_o the_o less_o i_o be_o belove_v it_o be_v this_o love_n in_o paul_n that_o enable_v he_o to_o bear_v all_o those_o hard_a measure_n from_o the_o corinthian_n &_o to_o labour_v for_o their_o union_n and_o peace_n while_o they_o make_v war_n against_o he_o now_o without_o this_o love_n that_o will_v cover_v a_o multitude_n of_o infirmity_n thou_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o receive_v this_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o nor_o to_o bear_v with_o patience_n all_o those_o discouragement_n thou_o will_v meet_v withal_o in_o this_o work_n 6._o labour_v to_o abound_v in_o all_o other_o unite_n grace_n which_o the_o apostle_n mention_n col._n 3.12_o he_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o union_n of_o saint_n verse_n 11._o he_o than_o come_v to_o commend_v as_o a_o mean_n to_o fit_v they_o for_o it_o verse_n 12._o put_v on_o therefore_o as_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n holy_a and_o belove_a bowel_n of_o mercy_n kindness_n humbleness_n of_o mind_n meekness_n long-suffering_a forbear_v one_o another_o forgive_n one_o another_o if_o any_o man_n have_v a_o quarrel_n or_o complaint_n against_o any_o even_o as_o christ_n forgive_v you_o so_o also_o do_v you_o and_o above_o all_o thing_n put_v on_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n and_o let_v the_o peace_n of_o god_n rule_n in_o your_o heart_n unto_o which_o also_o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o body_n and_o be_v you_o thankful_a let_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o you_o rich_o in_o all_o wisdom_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v the_o want_n of_o put_v on_o and_o exercise_v of_o these_o grace_n that_o hinder_v saint_n from_o gospel_n union_n more_o than_o all_o their_o different_a understanding_n do_v for_o if_o all_o man_n be_v of_o one_o mind_n in_o the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v the_o want_n of_o these_o unite_n grace_n and_o live_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o contrary_n divide_v vice_n will_v doubtless_o disunite_v and_o divide_v the_o people_n of_o god_n from_o one_o another_o for_o i_o be_o afraid_a there_o be_v little_a of_o that_o union_n among_o saint_n at_o this_o day_n even_o among_o those_o of_o the_o same_o judgement_n that_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o gospel_n union_n either_o from_o the_o nature_n ground_n or_o degree_n of_o it_o but_o general_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o outside_n heartless_a formal_a union_n that_o the_o very_a union_n of_o carnal_a people_n in_o carnal_a thing_n seem_v to_o be_v more_o strong_o found_v which_o proceed_v clear_o from_o the_o want_n of_o the_o enjoy_n and_o exercise_v those_o precious_a grace_n for_o christian_n unite_a upon_o the_o account_n of_o opinion_n be_v only_o unite_v in_o the_o head_n but_o gospel-union_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o visible_a grace_n will_v be_v a_o unite_n of_o heart_n together_o such_o be_v the_o union_n the_o saint_n enjoy_v act_v 4.32_o and_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v be_v of_o one_o heart_n one_fw-mi of_o one_o soul_n 7._o labour_v to_o preserve_v a_o proportionable_a growth_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n all_o grace_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o must_v preserve_v a_o harmony_n otherwise_o it_o will_v sound_v like_o a_o instrument_n out_o of_o tune_n some_o christian_n seem_v to_o be_v all_o
by_o all_o mean_n as_o in_o 2_o thess_n 3.16_o if_o thou_o will_v have_v thy_o soul_n prosper_v pray_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o shall_v prosper_v that_o so_o love_v she_o nay_o if_o thou_o will_v have_v zion_n prosper_v say_v peace_n be_v within_o thy_o wall_n and_o then_o prosperity_n shall_v be_v within_o her_o palace_n and_o therefore_o for_o thy_o brethren_n and_o companion_n sake_n say_v peace_n be_v within_o thou_o and_o because_o of_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n i_o will_v seek_v thy_o good_a as_o in_o psal_n 122.6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o if_o after_o you_o have_v peruse_v this_o discourse_n you_o shall_v observe_v there_o be_v many_o considerable_a objection_n against_o the_o thing_n press_v unspoken_a to_o that_o i_o admit_v i_o do_v not_o expect_v these_o few_o weak_a line_n shall_v answer_v all_o objection_n in_o a_o controversy_n of_o this_o weight_n neither_o do_v i_o judge_v myself_o able_a to_o answer_v they_o but_o be_o assure_v there_o be_v well_o wisher_n to_o this_o truth_n that_o be_v able_a to_o proceed_v therefore_o if_o these_o line_n may_v but_o tend_v to_o awaken_v and_o stir_v up_o the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o inquire_v after_o this_o truth_n and_o to_o allow_v that_o the_o labour_n after_o saint_n union_n be_v not_o only_o a_o duty_n but_o a_o great_a and_o weighty_a duty_n and_o to_o be_v number_v in_o the_o first_o rank_n of_o christian_a duty_n i_o have_v my_o aim_n for_o that_o will_v prepare_v the_o heart_n of_o saint_n for_o unity_n and_o make_v the_o work_n of_o remove_v obstruction_n and_o resolve_v particular_a case_n much_o more_o easy_a for_o many_o of_o god_n people_n do_v already_o and_o more_o will_v be_v daily_o discern_v the_o inconsistency_n of_o the_o principle_n they_o walk_v by_o to_o gospel-prosperity_n unity_n do_v as_o natural_o forerun_v glory_n to_o christ_n church_n as_o health_n do_v strength_n or_o light_a heat_n therefore_o the_o main_a design_n of_o satan_n at_o this_o day_n be_v to_o prevent_v gospel-glory_n by_o obstruct_v gospel-unity_n but_o the_o more_o the_o spirit_n of_o strife_n and_o division_n struggle_v against_o this_o work_n let_v it_o provoke_v you_o the_o more_o to_o set_v to_o all_o your_o strength_n to_o promote_v it_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o only_o require_v that_o his_o people_n shall_v be_v faithful_a unto_o but_o valiant_a for_o the_o truth_n upon_o earth_n shall_v quaker_n and_o such_o like_a rigid_a censorious_a divide_v principled_a people_n compass_v sea_n and_o land_n and_o consume_v their_o estate_n to_o make_v common_a purse_n in_o order_n to_o the_o promote_a and_o carry_v on_o their_o ridiculous_a principle_n of_o division_n and_o confusion_n and_o shall_v those_o who_o pretend_v the_o espouse_v the_o universal_a interest_n of_o saint_n as_o such_o be_v ephraim-like_a a_o silly_a dove_n without_o heart_n as_o their_o diligence_n and_o painfulness_n do_v now_o upbraid_v we_o so_o i_o fear_v it_o will_v in_o the_o great_a day_n rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o we_o it_o be_v good_a mr._n burrough_n complaint_n in_o his_o time_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o division_n be_v but_o in_o its_o infancy_n that_o there_o be_v many_o will_v cry_v loe_o the_o thief_n but_o who_o stop_v he_o so_o saint_n be_v many_o at_o this_o day_n will_v bemoan_v such_o division_n and_o make_v sad_a complaint_n of_o it_o one_o to_o another_o when_o they_o meet_v but_o how_o few_o have_v set_v themselves_o to_o study_v and_o propagate_v unite_n principle_n which_o i_o trust_v the_o lord_n will_v set_v upon_o the_o heart_n of_o some_o who_o he_o have_v so_o eminent_o principled_a and_o qualify_v for_o the_o work_n that_o the_o friend_n of_o this_o precious_a truth_n may_v not_o have_v cause_n above_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o truth_n favourite_n to_o complain_v with_o the_o prophet_n in_o its_o behalf_n there_o be_v none_o to_o guide_v she_o among_o all_o the_o son_n who_o she_o have_v bring_v forth_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o that_o take_v she_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o all_o the_o son_n which_o she_o have_v bring_v up_o isa_n 51.18_o nay_o be_v there_o not_o rather_o cause_n for_o this_o truth_n to_o take_v up_o the_o lord_n complaint_n isa_n 1.2_o i_o have_v nourish_v and_o bring_v up_o child_n and_o they_o have_v rebel_v against_o i_o this_o principle_n have_v be_v deal_v withal_o by_o some_o of_o its_o favourite_n as_o saul_n deal_v with_o david_n who_o honour_v and_o embrace_v he_o in_o his_o camp_n and_o hate_a and_o banish_v he_o his_o court_n yet_o bless_v be_v the_o lord_n there_o be_v some_o jonathaas_n to_o stand_v up_o and_o say_v what_o evil_a have_v he_o do_v who_o soul_n be_v knit_v to_o this_o principle_n as_o the_o soul_n of_o jonathan_n be_v to_o david_n who_o will_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o answer_v impose_v and_o divide_v principle_n as_o moses_n answer_v pharaoh_n exod._n 10.9_o we_o will_v go_v with_o our_o young_a and_o with_o our_o old_a with_o our_o son_n and_o with_o our_o daughter_n with_o our_o flock_n and_o with_o our_o herd_n will_v we_o go_v for_o we_o must_v hold_v a_o feast_n unto_o the_o lord_n pharaoh_n will_v have_v put_v off_o moses_n with_o the_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n of_o some_o part_n of_o god_n people_n go_v you_o that_o be_v man_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n say_v he_o ver_fw-la 11._o no_o say_v moses_n church_n deliverance_n from_o bondage_n &_o opression_n must_v be_v universal_a deliverance_n otherwise_o how_o shall_v we_o hold_v a_o feast_n to_o the_o lord_n can_v part_n of_o we_o rejoice_v in_o our_o liberty_n as_o long_o as_o other_o part_n be_v under_o bondage_n and_o oppression_n no_o we_o must_v either_o all_o go_v together_o or_o all_o stay_n together_o all_o rejoice_v together_o or_o all_o mourn_n together_o therefore_o we_o will_v not_o leave_v a_o hoof_n behind_o we_o ver_fw-la 26._o now_o this_o spirit_n in_o moses_n be_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o this_o gospel-principle_n it_o will_v not_o own_o any_o deliverance_n from_o oppression_n and_o imposition_n of_o conscience_n contrive_v and_o propose_v by_o man_n to_o answer_v the_o design_n of_o god_n deliverance_n to_o his_o people_n until_o it_o include_v the_o common_a gospel_n liberty_n due_a to_o all_o saint_n and_o that_o in_o all_o their_o necessary_a concernment_n though_o it_o may_v out_o of_o tenderness_n with_o david_n 1_o sam._n 30.10_o leave_v some_o of_o the_o weak_a and_o feeble_a behind_o in_o the_o work_n of_o war_n and_o danger_n yet_o all_o must_v have_v a_o equal_a share_n of_o the_o spoil_n whether_o the_o son_n of_o belial_n will_n or_o no_o as_o in_o ver_fw-la 24._o it_o be_v the_o faithful_a and_o impartiall_a steward_n to_o trust_v with_o the_o saint_n common_a stock_n that_o can_v be_v find_v on_o earth_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o cause_n of_o complaint_n so_o far_o as_o its_o power_n reach_v every_o one_o of_o zion_n child_n shall_v have_v a_o equal_a share_n of_o those_o common_a mercy_n and_o privilege_n their_o heavenly_a father_n appoint_v for_o they_o and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o opinion_n or_o way_n thou_o be_v of_o consist_v with_o sobriety_n and_o holiness_n this_o principle_n if_o thou_o do_v promote_v it_o will_v take_v equal_a care_n and_o make_v equal_a provision_n for_o thy_o christian_a liberty_n and_o encouragement_n that_o if_o thou_o be_v a_o favourer_n of_o saint_n prosperity_n labour_v to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o this_o common_a friend_n of_o they_o it_o will_v teach_v thou_o how_o to_o observe_v and_o own_v the_o shine_a beauty_n of_o grace_n in_o saint_n through_o the_o dark_a cloud_n of_o those_o common_a error_n and_o mistake_n that_o the_o opposite_a principle_n render_v they_o so_o unlovely_a and_o deform_a one_o to_o another_o by_o and_o let_v not_o the_o homely_a and_o mean_a attire_n this_o truth_n salute_v thou_o in_o make_v it_o less_o acceptable_a if_o the_o author_n have_v have_v better_a it_o shall_v not_o have_v wear_v so_o bad_a but_o beauty_n be_v beauty_n though_o clothe_v in_o rag_n the_o ensue_a discourse_n be_v rather_o intend_v to_o tell_v thou_o there_o be_v such_o a_o principle_n accommodate_v with_o such_o excellent_a qualification_n and_o to_o provoke_v thou_o to_o inquire_v after_o it_o and_o endeavour_v acquaintance_n with_o it_o then_o to_o give_v the_o a_o exact_a description_n of_o it_o but_o i_o shall_v submit_v what_o follow_v to_o thy_o favourable_a censure_n and_o close_o with_o the_o word_n of_o paul_n to_o the_o philippian_n c._n 2._o v._n 1_o to_o 6._o if_o there_o be_v therefore_o any_o consolation_n in_o christ_n if_o any_o comfort_n of_o love_n if_o any_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o any_o bowel_n and_o mercy_n fulfil_v you_o my_o joy_n that_o you_o be_v like_o mind_a have_v the_o same_o love_n be_v of_o one_o accord_n of_o one_o mind_n let_v nothing_o be_v do_v through_o
of_o these_o two_o extreme_n which_o disowne_v visible_a grace_n and_o holiness_n to_o be_v require_v in_o person_n in_o order_n to_o visible_a membership_n or_o church-state_n i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o to_o that_o point_n it_o be_v already_o so_o large_o speak_v unto_o and_o full_o clear_v by_o several_a of_o the_o congregational_a way_n and_o especial_o that_o late_a eminent_a discoverer_n of_o the_o ancient_a and_o infallible_a bound_n of_o god_n true_a church_n mr_n jo._n cotton_n in_o that_o little_a treatise_n of_o he_o beside_o several_a other_o entitle_v the_o holiness_n of_o church_n member_n for_o i_o be_o far_o from_o press_v a_o unity_n of_o church-state_n with_o any_o that_o make_v not_o visible_a grace_n and_o holiness_n the_o main_a mark_n of_o visible_a faith_n and_o church-membership_a but_o what_o union_n be_v to_o be_v desire_v and_o endeavour_v with_o the_o godly_a of_o that_o judgement_n i_o shall_v give_v my_o opinion_n in_o its_o place_n and_o shall_v now_o chief_o insist_v upon_o the_o second_o general_n position_n that_o all_o true_a believer_n congregat_v together_o and_o separate_v from_o the_o world_n and_o mix_a worship_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n aught_o to_o own_o and_o esteem_v one_o another_o as_o true_a church_n and_o saint_n give_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n to_o one_o another_o and_o walk_v together_o as_o child_n of_o the_o same_o father_n jo._n 11.52_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n rom._n 12.4_o 5._o sheep_n of_o the_o same_o fold_n jo._n 10.16_o in_o observance_n of_o all_o those_o joint_a duty_n require_v by_o the_o lord_n at_o their_o hand_n without_o divide_v rend_a or_o separate_n from_o one_o another_o object_n the_o term_n of_o your_o position_n so_o general_o state_v may_v admit_v of_o several_a construction_n and_o thereby_o give_v little_a light_n to_o the_o case_n in_o controversy_n though_o you_o shall_v prove_v it_o if_o not_o more_o particular_o explain_v answ_n i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o explain_v the_o term_n in_o answer_n to_o several_a objection_n that_o will_v arise_v in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n and_o therefore_o for_o brevity_n sake_n shall_v pass_v they_o by_o here_o and_o shall_v next_o proceed_v to_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o position_n with_o argument_n i_o shall_v chief_o draw_v from_o these_o seven_o general_a head_n follow_v first_o from_o the_o visible_a choice_n and_o approbation_n of_o god_n the_o father_n prove_v that_o such_o as_o the_o father_n have_v visible_o manifest_v his_o choice_n and_o approbation_n of_o to_o be_v his_o child_n believer_n ought_v to_o choose_v and_o approve_v of_o to_o be_v their_o brethren_n second_o from_o the_o visible_a choice_n and_o approbation_n of_o god_n the_o son_n prove_v that_o such_o as_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v manifest_v his_o choice_n and_o approbation_n of_o to_o be_v member_n of_o his_o visible_a body_n and_o church_n on_o earth_n all_o his_o ought_v to_o make_v choice_n and_o approve_v of_o to_o be_v fellow_n member_n with_o he_o of_o the_o same_o body_n three_o from_o the_o evident_a choice_n and_o approbation_n of_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n prove_v that_o such_o as_o the_o spirit_n have_v manifest_v its_o visible_a choice_n of_o by_o the_o holy_a inspiration_n of_o its_o quicken_n and_o sanctify_a grace_n believer_n ought_v to_o make_v choice_n and_o approve_v of_o as_o such_o who_o have_v a_o equal_a right_n with_o they_o to_o a_o mutual_a participation_n in_o the_o privilege_n gift_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n four_o from_o the_o choice_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o infallible_a servant_n of_o god_n his_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n in_o all_o age_n prove_v that_o such_o as_o the_o infallible_a servant_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n of_o his_o church_n have_v make_v choice_n of_o and_o approve_v to_o be_v their_o brethren_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o fellow-member_n with_o themselves_o in_o god_n visible_a church_n aught_o to_o be_v so_o approve_v of_o and_o choose_v by_o all_o his_o servant_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n five_o from_o the_o several_a simile_n and_o metaphor_n the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v compare_v unto_o in_o the_o scripture_n whereby_o their_o mutual_a interest_n in_o a_o union_n with_o one_o another_o be_v hold_v forth_o from_o thence_o prove_v that_o what_o unity_n be_v require_v and_o interest_n be_v give_v to_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n branch_n of_o the_o same_o root_n sheep_n of_o the_o same_o fold_n and_o under_o the_o same_o shepherd_n child_n of_o the_o same_o father_n and_o fellow-heir_n of_o the_o same_o inheritance_n etc._n etc._n that_o the_o same_o interest_n be_v give_v unto_o and_o union_n require_v in_o the_o several_a member_n of_o god_n church_n which_o be_v so_o fit_o compare_v thereto_o and_o lively_o set_v out_o thereby_o six_o from_o the_o evident_a sad_a consequence_n that_o attend_v the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n though_o their_o dividing_n and_o separating_n from_o one_o another_o and_o unite_n together_o upon_o other_o principle_n than_o this_o of_o visible_a grace_n argue_v from_o thence_o that_o such_o principle_n and_o practice_n as_o open_v the_o door_n and_o let_v in_o upon_o the_o church_n of_o god_n such_o destructive_a uncomfortable_a consequence_n shall_v be_v of_o all_o evil_n labour_v against_o and_o avoid_v seven_o from_o the_o evident_a and_o unspeakable_a good_a both_o to_o the_o outward_a and_o inward_a man_n the_o union_n of_o god_n church_n upon_o such_o gospel_n last_v principle_n will_v be_v attend_v with_o argue_v from_o thence_o that_o since_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n church_n upon_o such_o a_o bind_v and_o abide_v principle_n as_o this_o of_o visible_a grace_n will_v so_o exceed_o tend_v to_o the_o unvaluable_a good_a thereof_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v seek_v after_o and_o pray_v for_o above_o all_o thing_n by_o every_o true_a member_n thereof_o next_o to_o a_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o visible_a grace_n itself_o now_o from_o the_o first_o head_n viz_o the_o visible_a choice_n and_o approbation_n of_o god_n the_o father_n i_o argue_v 1._o those_o who_o the_o father_n have_v manifest_v his_o visible_a choice_n and_o approbation_n of_o to_o be_v his_o child_n 2._o believer_n ought_v to_o manifest_v their_o choice_n and_o approbation_n of_o to_o be_v their_o brethren_n but_o the_o father_n have_v manifest_v his_o choice_n and_o approbation_n of_o all_o visible_a believer_n and_o gration_n holy_a person_n to_o be_v his_o child_n therefore_o ought_v believer_n to_o choose_v and_o approve_v of_o such_o to_o be_v their_o brethren_n 1._o the_o major_n or_o first_o proposition_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n yet_o since_o prejudice_v against_o truth_n do_v ofttimes_o put_v out_o all_o light_n i_o shall_v add_v the_o light_n of_o some_o scripture_n to_o the_o clear_n up_o this_o truth_n and_o first_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n in_o matth._n 23._o verse_n 8._o compare_v with_o the_o 9th_o say_v the_o word_n in_o verse_n 8._o all_o you_o be_v brethren_n which_o he_o prove_v in_o verse_n 9_o for_o one_o be_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o so_o heb._n 2.11_o for_o both_o he_o that_o sanctifi_v and_o they_o who_o be_v sanctify_v be_v all_o of_o one_o for_o which_o cause_n he_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o call_v they_o brethren_n from_o which_o scripture_n i_o gather_v that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o own_o all_o saint_n for_o brethren_n though_o they_o be_v attend_v with_o abundance_n of_o imperfection_n and_o uncomliness_n unsutatable_a to_o his_o most_o holy_a nature_n and_o course_n of_o life_n because_o himself_o as_o head_n and_o they_o as_o member_n be_v all_o of_o one_o father_n that_o since_o his_o father_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o own_v they_o all_o as_o son_n verse_n 10._o therefore_o he_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o own_o then_o all_o as_o brethren_n verse_n 11._o now_o it_o be_v a_o sad_a thing_n that_o fellow_n brethren_n who_o be_v all_o subject_n to_o like_a infirmity_n jam._n 5.17_o who_o do_v all_o see_v but_o in_o part_n and_o know_v but_o in_o part_n 1._o cor._n 13.9_o 10_o 11._o shall_v be_v more_o high-minded_a in_o this_o case_n and_o soon_o ashamed_a of_o their_o brethren_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o infirmity_n and_o weakness_n than_o their_o elder_a brother_n who_o be_v free_a from_o all_o imperfection_n and_o stand_v in_o no_o need_n of_o their_o bear_n with_o he_o he_o bear_v all_o their_o sin_n not_o only_o in_o the_o punishment_n but_o in_o the_o shame_n of_o they_o heb._n 12.2_o thereby_o set_v they_o a_o pattern_n to_o bear_v the_o shame_n of_o each_o other_o infirmity_n for_o so_o argue_v paul_n rom._n 15.1_o 2_o 3._o we_o then_o that_o be_v strong_a aught_o to_o bear_v
out_o and_o remove_v the_o cause_n and_o partly_o to_o prepare_v and_o arm_v themselves_o against_o the_o necessary_a and_o sad_a consequence_n that_o may_v attend_v they_o which_o duty_n the_o division_n of_o our_o day_n among_o god_n people_n loud_o call_v for_o which_o to_o speak_v a_o word_n unto_o i_o shall_v make_v a_o little_a digression_n which_o be_v to_o entreat_v all_o who_o desire_n in_o sincerity_n to_o set_v upon_o this_o work_n of_o heart-searching_a in_o order_n to_o find_v out_o the_o cause_n and_o avoid_v the_o cosequence_n of_o the_o sad_a division_n among_o we_o to_o consider_v the_o follow_a direction_n 1._o search_v thy_o own_o heart_n and_o way_n thorough_o for_o this_o curse_a spirit_n of_o division_n may_v have_v hide_v itself_o under_o such_o plausible_a pretence_n of_o good_a that_o whilst_o thou_o seek_v for_o it_o among_o thy_o temptation_n and_o corruption_n it_o may_v be_v close_o hide_v in_o several_a of_o thy_o best_a duty_n and_o religious_a qualification_n and_o therefore_o if_o thou_o find_v he_o not_o among_o thy_o temptation_n of_o pride_n of_o mind_n self_n conceit_n affect_v singularity_n a_o desire_n to_o seem_v some_o body_n among_o those_o with_o who_o thou_o walk_v a_o love_a pre-eminence_n over_o thy_o brethren_n or_o in_o a_o froward_a rash_a uncharitable_a spirit_n etc._n etc._n if_o thou_o search_v thy_o heart_n thorough_o and_o find_v he_o not_o dwell_v there_o under_o the_o covert_a of_o these_o or_o the_o like_a temptation_n or_o corruption_n then_o proceed_v to_o a_o further_a heart_n search_v as_o to_o the_o trial_n of_o thy_o grace_n and_o religious_a duty_n for_o this_o spirit_n of_o darkness_n know_v how_o to_o transform_v itself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n if_o thou_o be_v one_o that_o have_v attain_v to_o a_o eminent_a knowledge_n and_o have_v find_v out_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o some_o special_a truth_n that_o many_o other_o of_o god_n people_n be_v dark_a in_o then_o search_v whether_o thy_o knowledge_n have_v not_o puff_v thou_o up_o as_o in_o 1_o cor._n 4.18.19_o 4_o chap._n verse_n 8._o col._n 2.8_o and_o beget_v in_o thou_o a_o high_a esteem_n of_o thy_o own_o thing_n phil._n 2.4_o and_o a_o low_a esteem_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o other_o phil._n 2.3_o whether_o thy_o gift_n grace_n and_o religious_a endowment_n have_v not_o be_v more_o employ_v by_o thou_o in_o promote_a and_o propagate_a of_o disputable_a point_n and_o doubtful_a question_n rom._n 14.1_o tend_v rather_o to_o strife_n about_o word_n 1_o tim._n 6.4_o and_o 2_o tim._n 2.23_o and_o vain_a janglin_n 1_o tim._n 1.7_o then_o to_o godly_a edify_n 1_o cor._n 14.26_o whether_o by_o thy_o knowledge_n thou_o have_v not_o lay_v a_o stumble_a block_n in_o thy_o weak_a brother_n way_n rom._n 14.13_o by_o press_v upon_o he_o more_o remote_a duty_n while_o the_o immediate_a duty_n of_o his_o present_a state_n in_o grace_n have_v be_v neglect_v contrary_a to_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n who_o have_v many_o thing_n to_o say_v but_o can_v not_o say_v they_o then_o because_o the_o disciple_n can_v not_o bear_v they_o john_n 16.12_o and_o to_o that_o of_o paul_n who_o can_v not_o speak_v to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n as_o spiritual_a but_o unto_o carnal_a even_o unto_o babe_n in_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 1._o and_o therefore_o feed_v they_o with_o milk_n and_o not_o with_o strong_a meat_n verse_n 2._o i_o say_v search_n and_o examine_v whether_o thy_o knowledge_n have_v not_o be_v employ_v by_o this_o spirit_n of_o division_n in_o some_o such_o or_o the_o like_a fail_n which_o have_v so_o visible_o tend_v to_o the_o promote_a the_o dissension_n and_o division_n among_o god_n people_n but_o second_o be_v thou_o one_o that_o have_v attain_v to_o a_o extraordinary_a zeal_n for_o god_n his_o way_n and_o truth_n that_o thou_o think_v thou_o can_v say_v with_o the_o psalmist_n the_o zeal_n of_o thy_o house_n have_v eat_v i_o up_o psal_n 69.9_o then_o search_n and_o try_v thy_o zeal_n for_o fear_v this_o spirit_n of_o division_n have_v not_o hide_v itself_o there_o the_o jew_n misguide_a zeal_n mention_v act_n 21.20_o provoke_v they_o to_o cry_v out_o against_o paul_n verse_n 28._o man_n of_o israel_n help_v this_o be_v the_o man_n that_o teach_v all_o man_n everywhere_o against_o the_o people_n and_o the_o law_n and_o this_o place_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v paul_n misguided_a zeal_n before_o conversion_n for_o the_o tradition_n of_o his_o father_n gal._n 1.14_o that_o provoke_v he_o beyond_o measure_n to_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o waste_v it_o verse_n 13._o and_o so_o phil._n 3.6_o and_o therefore_o when_o thou_o be_v zealous_a be_v sure_a it_o be_v in_o a_o good_a thing_n gal._n 4_o 18._o it_o be_v dangerous_a being_n exceed_o zealous_a for_o point_n of_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n in_o matter_n disputable_a and_o much_o controvert_v betwixt_o both_o godly_a and_o able_a christian_n lest_o while_o like_o those_o pharisee_n luke_n 11.42_o thou_o be_v zealous_a in_o tything_n mint_n and_o rue_v and_o pass_v over_o judgement_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n for_o as_o holy_a zeal_n right_o manage_v be_v the_o most_o excellent_a grace_n among_o christian_n so_o misguided_a be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a and_o thus_o in_o thy_o search_n of_o heart_n for_o the_o division_n among_o saint_n go_v on_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n to_o search_v and_o try_v every_o grace_n and_o gift_n in_o thou_o lest_o thou_o misse_v of_o thy_o care_n in_o search_v the_o wound_n now_o for_o the_o sad_a effect_n and_o evil_a consequence_n flow_v from_o division_n among_o christian_n i_o may_v say_v they_o be_v unmentionable_a for_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o name_v a_o evil_a that_o at_o this_o day_n the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o this_o commonwealth_n groan_v under_o that_o our_o division_n have_v not_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o if_o not_o the_o main_a cause_n of_o be_v there_o cause_n to_o complain_v the_o much_o pray_v for_o and_o expect_a reformation_n have_v be_v obstruct_v and_o retard_v why_o consider_v whether_o division_n hinder_v it_o not_o if_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o godly_a can_v but_o agree_v on_o good_a thing_n to_o have_v propose_v they_o or_o joint_o desire_v they_o we_o have_v not_o want_v a_o authority_n to_o have_v grant_v and_o confirm_v they_o but_o the_o several_a opinion_n and_o persuasion_n in_o religion_n have_v have_v every_o one_o a_o reformation_n to_o promote_v wherein_o a_o equal_a provision_n of_o liberty_n and_o encouragement_n for_o all_o that_o be_v true_o godly_a have_v be_v decline_v and_o the_o extreme_n of_o each_o of_o their_o different_a persuasion_n insist_v on_o like_o the_o cruel_a harlot_n solomon_n give_v judgement_n against_o they_o have_v rather_o choose_v half_a a_o dead_a child_n than_o their_o opposite_n shall_v enjoy_v a_o live_a one_o 2._o be_v there_o cause_n to_o complain_v of_o the_o spread_a of_o error_n heresy_n and_o blasphemy_n etc._n etc._n why_o division_n open_v the_o door_n for_o they_o for_o every_o one_o make_v their_o particular_a opinion_n a_o particular_a different_a religion_n and_o separate_v thereupon_o have_v give_v a_o kind_n of_o reputation_n to_o â—â—â—aration_n though_o it_o be_v from_o the_o most_o pure_a church_n and_o holy_a people_n so_o that_o if_o any_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o suck_v in_o principle_n inconsistent_a with_o grace_n and_o godliness_n and_o observe_v they_o will_v not_o be_v bear_v among_o the_o people_n with_o who_o they_o then_o walk_v why_o it_o be_v but_o separate_v and_o set_v up_o for_o themselves_o and_o they_o have_v field-room_n enough_o to_o sow_v their_o tare_n in_o whereas_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n who_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n unite_v together_o within_o the_o bound_n before_o mention_v and_o exercise_v that_o discipline_n god_n have_v set_v in_o his_o church_n it_o will_v bear_v a_o authority_n that_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 2_o thes_n 3.14_o tit._n 2.8_o the_o offend_a person_n will_v be_v ashamed_a which_o now_o it_o do_v not_o for_o now_o the_o personmarked_a rom._n 16.17_o or_o withdraw_v from_o with_o all_o other_o observe_v he_o not_o of_o the_o same_o way_n or_o fellowship_n with_o they_o that_o past_o the_o censure_n do_v but_o look_v at_o it_o as_o a_o censure_n pass_v by_o a_o few_o christian_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o opinion_n and_o from_o thence_o heed_v it_o not_o that_o i_o may_v say_v the_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o heal_n and_o recovery_n of_o the_o disease_a and_o infect_v of_o his_o people_n be_v become_v contemptible_a which_o nothing_o but_o the_o union_n of_o his_o church_n that_o the_o censure_n of_o one_o congregation_n may_v be_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o whole_a will_v remedy_v and_o then_o if_o the_o wall_n of_o our_o gospel_n jerusalem_n
and_o david_n my_o servant_n shall_v be_v king_n over_o they_o and_o they_o all_o shall_v have_v one_o shepherd_n so_o zech._n 14.9_o and_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v king_n over_o all_o the_o earth_n in_o that_o day_n shall_v there_o be_v one_o lord_n and_o his_o name_n one_o but_o more_o particular_o 1._o this_o glorious_a union_n of_o god_n church_n will_v renew_v its_o strength_n that_o though_o now_o in_o its_o divide_a shatter_a state_n it_o show_v itself_o like_o israel_n scatter_v abroad_o throughout_o all_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n to_o gather_v stubble_n exod._n 5.12_o in_o which_o state_n every_o petty_a taskmaster_n of_o pharcah_n can_v exercise_v tyranny_n over_o they_o veâ—s_o 14._o but_o if_o once_o unite_v they_o will_v then_o be_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o their_o enemy_n as_o israel_n gather_v together_o be_v in_o the_o plain_n of_o moab_n terrible_a for_o their_o enemy_n to_o look_v upon_o numb_a 22.3_o their_o beholder_n then_o instead_o of_o curse_v of_o they_o will_v say_v how_o goodly_a be_v thy_o tent_n o_o jacob_n and_o thy_o tabernacle_n o_o israel_n number_n 24.5_o he_o have_v as_o it_o be_v the_o strength_n of_o a_o unicorn_n he_o shall_v eat_v up_o the_o nation_n his_o enemy_n and_o shall_v break_v their_o bone_n and_o pierce_v they_o through_o with_o his_o arrow_n verse_n 8._o the_o church_n in_o its_o unite_a state_n be_v like_o a_o city_n with_o wall_n and_o bulwark_n isa_n 26.1_o in_o that_o day_n shall_v this_o song_n be_v sing_v in_o the_o land_n of_o judah_n we_o have_v a_o strong_a city_n salvation_n will_v god_n appoint_v for_o wall_n and_o bulwark_n beautiful_a as_o tirzah_n comely_a as_o jerusalem_n terrible_a as_o a_o army_n with_o baxner_n cant._n 6.4_o 10._o 2._o the_o renew_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n will_v renew_v its_o purity_n when_o there_o shall_v be_v one_o lord_n and_o his_o name_n one_o zach._n 14.9_o every_o pot_n in_o judah_n and_o jerusalem_n shall_v be_v holy_a unto_o the_o lord_n verse_n 21._o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v then_o be_v call_v the_o way_n of_o holiness_n isay_n 35.8_o compare_v with_o the_o 9th_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o holy_a city_n may_v then_o be_v shut_v that_o there_o shall_v no_o more_o pass_v through_o the_o uncircumcised_a and_o unclean_a 3._o the_o church_n unity_n will_v repair_v its_o reputation_n and_o esteem_n the_o precious_a son_n of_o zion_n more_o precious_a than_o fine_a gold_n how_o be_v they_o esteem_v as_o earthen_a pitcher_n in_o their_o scatter_a divide_a state_n lam._n 4.2_o the_o church_n may_v then_o true_o complain_v how_o be_v the_o gold_n become_v dim_a the_o most_o fine_a gold_n change_v the_o stone_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n be_v pour_v out_o on_o the_o top_n of_o every_o street_n verse_n 1._o they_o be_v despise_v as_o the_o common_a pebble_n of_o the_o brook_n every_o vile_a abject_a every_o mean_a base_a vile-spirited_n man_n can_v look_v upon_o precious_a saint_n if_o but_o brand_v with_o a_o nickname_v religion_n as_o a_o mean_a creature_n than_o himself_o of_o which_o the_o church_n complain_v psal_n 44.11_o thou_o have_v give_v we_o like_o sheep_n appoint_v for_o meat_n and_o haste_v scatter_v we_o among_o the_o heathen_a and_o from_o thence_o in_o the_o 13_o verse_n complain_v thou_o make_v we_o a_o reproach_n to_o our_o neighbour_n and_o a_o scorn_n and_o derision_n to_o they_o that_o be_v round_o about_o we_o thou_o make_v we_o a_o byword_n among_o the_o heathen_a and_o a_o shake_n of_o the_o head_n among_o the_o people_n but_o when_o zion_n come_v to_o be_v a_o city_n with_o wall_n and_o tower_n psal_n 48.12_o 13._o then_o beautiful_a for_o stituation_n the_o joy_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n be_v mount_n zion_n verse_n 2._o then_o the_o abject_n and_o base_a people_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o scorn_v she_o and_o shake_v the_o head_n at_o she_o that_o lo_o king_n when_o assemble_v and_o pass_v by_o together_o shall_v see_v she_o they_o shall_v marvel_v and_o be_v trouble_v and_o haste_v away_o fear_n shall_v take_v hold_n upon_o they_o and_o pain_n as_o on_o a_o woman_n in_o travel_n verses_z 4_o 5_o 6._o 4._o the_o renew_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n will_v renew_v the_o growth_n and_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v a_o sad_a and_o just_a complaint_n of_o many_o of_o the_o godly_a in_o these_o day_n that_o convert_v work_n cease_v we_o be_v spend_v all_o upon_o the_o old_a stock_n why_o what_o hinder_v as_o a_o second_o cause_n so_o much_o as_o our_o division_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o never_o since_o the_o ascension_n of_o he_o that_o ascend_v up_o on_o high_a to_o give_v gift_n unto_o man_n and_o the_o cessation_n of_o extraordinary_a gift_n there_o have_v be_v such_o a_o measure_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n give_v forth_o as_o this_o day_n afford_v never_o more_o painful_a labourer_n send_v into_o god_n harvest_n nor_o more_o able_a faithful_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n give_v to_o his_o church_n of_o all_o persuasion_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n ephes_n 4.11_o 12._o but_o this_o overflow_a spirit_n of_o division_n like_o a_o sweep_a rain_n in_o harvest_n carry_v all_o the_o fruit_n away_o or_o like_o the_o frost_n in_o spring_n nip_v all_o in_o the_o bud_n this_o spirit_n may_v well_o be_v reckon_v as_o the_o chief_a of_o those_o little_a fox_n that_o spoil_v the_o vine_n for_o our_o vine_n have_v tender_a grape_n as_o cant._n 2.15_o for_o no_o soon_o be_v a_o soul_n bring_v to_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o lose_a estate_n by_o nature_n and_o begin_v to_o inquire_v after_o christ_n to_o say_v with_o the_o jailor_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v but_o forthwith_o it_o meet_v with_o from_o this_o spirit_n such_o a_o multitude_n of_o needless_a or_o at_o lest_o unseasonable_a question_n and_o doubt_n in_o its_o mind_n about_o some_o of_o the_o point_n in_o controversy_n that_o dissolve_v all_o its_o beginning_n of_o heart-work_n into_o head-work_n that_o most_o of_o christ_n new_a bear_v babe_n at_o this_o day_n instead_o of_o desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n to_o grow_v thereby_o 1_o pet._n 2.2_o will_v at_o first_o begin_v to_o drink_v wine_n and_o feed_v on_o strong_a meat_n which_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o digest_v fall_v into_o spiritual_a surfeit_n from_o whence_o proceed_v spiritual_a loathe_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n spiritual_a sickness_n and_o disease_n of_o all_o sort_n which_o so_o many_o poor_a professor_n at_o this_o day_n lie_v languish_v under_o whereas_o if_o once_o the_o lord_n shall_v unite_v his_o people_n upon_o the_o principle_n of_o visible_a grace_n all_o will_v then_o be_v joint_o concern_v chief_o to_o propagate_v those_o principle_n of_o grace_n and_o godliness_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v unite_v and_o though_o most_o of_o the_o point_n in_o controversy_n may_v remain_v of_o weight_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o that_o sincere_o hold_v they_o to_o be_v faithful_a to_o their_o conscience_n in_o walk_v up_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o yet_o there_o will_v be_v a_o holy_a tenderness_n of_o trouble_v the_o head_n of_o young_a convert_v or_o weak_a christian_n with_o unreasonable_a scruple_n but_o each_o sober_a mind_n will_v take_v the_o apostle_n advice_n rom._n 14.1_o he_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n receive_v you_o but_o not_o to_o doubtful_a disputation_n and_o with_o the_o apostle_n peter_n will_v exhort_v they_o to_o add_v to_o their_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o to_o temperance_n patience_n and_o to_o patience_n godliness_n and_o to_o godliness_n brotherly_a kindness_n and_o to_o brotherly_a kindness_n charity_n 2_o pet._n 1.5_o 6_o 7._o and_o to_o tell_v they_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o they_o and_o abound_v they_o shall_v neither_o be_v barren_a nor_o unfruitful_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n verse_n 8._o that_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n people_n in_o principle_n of_o visible_a grace_n and_o godliness_n will_v much_o tend_v to_o the_o increase_n and_o growth_n of_o god_n church_n therefore_o in_o the_o glorious_a day_n of_o the_o church_n union_n isa_n 60._o when_o violence_n shall_v no_o more_o be_v hear_v in_o the_o land_n nor_o waste_v nor_o destruction_n within_o thy_o border_n but_o thou_o shall_v call_v thy_o wall_n salvation_n and_o thy_o gate_n praise_v verse_n 18._o then_o shall_v king_n come_v to_o thy_o light_n and_o king_n to_o the_o brightness_n of_o thy_o rise_n verse_n 3._o then_o shall_v the_o abundance_n of_o the_o sea_n be_v convert_v unto_o thou_o verse_n 5._o it_o shall_v be_v then_o say_v who_o be_v these_o that_o fly_v like_o a_o cloud_n and_o as_o the_o dove_n to_o the_o window_n verse_n 8._o the_o son_n also_o
this_o day_n have_v be_v example_n to_o their_o flock_n in_o this_o great_a duty_n of_o a_o holy_a tender_a spirit_n and_o humble_a brotherly_a carriage_n towards_o other_o differ_v from_o they_o for_o i_o know_v myself_o many_o that_o have_v so_o walk_v but_o i_o fear_v if_o there_o be_v a_o due_a search_n the_o most_o have_v not_o so_o do_v but_o there_o have_v be_v more_o hand_n divide_v and_o rend_v then_o have_v be_v bind_v up_o and_o heal_v or_o else_o the_o disease_n will_v not_o have_v grow_v so_o epidemical_a as_o it_o be_v this_o day_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v just_a cause_n to_o take_v up_o the_o complaint_n against_o they_o he_o do_v against_o his_o shepherd_n of_o old_a ezek._n 34.4_o 5.6_o the_o disease_a have_v you_o not_o strengthen_v neither_o have_v you_o heal_v that_o which_o be_v sick_a neither_o have_v you_o bind_v up_o that_o which_o be_v break_v neither_o have_v you_o bring_v again_o that_o which_o be_v drive_v away_o neither_o have_v you_o seek_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v but_o with_o force_n and_o with_o cruelty_n have_v you_o rule_v they_o and_o they_o be_v scatter_v because_o there_o be_v no_o shepherd_n and_o they_o become_v meat_n to_o all_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n when_o they_o be_v scatter_v my_o sheep_n wander_v through_o all_o the_o mountain_n and_o upon_o every_o high_a hill_n yea_o my_o flock_n be_v scatter_v upon_o all_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o none_o do_v seek_v or_o search_v after_o they_o and_o therefore_o until_o the_o lord_n set_v this_o great_a evil_n upon_o your_o heart_n that_o you_o have_v tread_v under_o your_o foot_n and_o scatter_v abroad_o so_o much_o of_o god_n precious_a wheat_n by_o your_o inordinate_a and_o unseasonable_a strive_v to_o be_v pluck_v up_o the_o tare_n there_o be_v little_a hope_n of_o your_o set_a yourselves_o to_o this_o work_n of_o labour_v for_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n church_n with_o such_o desire_n and_o endeavour_v to_o accomplish_v it_o as_o may_v promise_v much_o success_n 2._o you_o have_v once_o the_o sad_a divide_a condition_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n set_v upon_o you_o heart_n with_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o what_o furtherance_n you_o have_v give_v thereto_o as_o aforesaid_a then_o begin_v to_o study_v all_o holy_a way_n of_o further_a the_o work_n of_o union_n then_o imitate_v the_o chief_a and_o good_a shepherd_n ezek._n 34.11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o for_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n god_n behold_v i_o even_o i_o will_v both_o search_v my_o sheep_n and_o seek_v they_o out_o as_o a_o shepherd_n seek_v out_o his_o flock_n in_o the_o day_n that_o he_o be_v among_o his_o sheep_n that_o be_v scatter_v so_o will_v i_o seek_v out_o my_o sheep_n and_o will_v deliver_v they_o out_o of_o all_o place_n where_o they_o have_v be_v scatter_v in_o the_o cloudy_a and_o dark_a day_n and_o i_o will_v bring_v they_o out_o from_o the_o people_n and_o gather_v they_o from_o the_o country_n and_o will_v bring_v they_o to_o their_o own_o land_n and_o feed_v they_o upon_o the_o mountain_n of_o israel_n by_o the_o river_n and_o in_o all_o the_o inhabit_a place_n of_o the_o country_n i_o will_v feed_v they_o in_o a_o good_a pasture_n and_o upon_o the_o high_a mountain_n of_o israel_n there_o shall_v their_o fold_n be_v there_o shall_v they_o lie_v in_o a_o good_a fold_n and_o in_o a_o fat_a pasture_n shall_v they_o feed_v upon_o the_o mountain_n of_o israel_n i_o will_v feed_v my_o flock_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o lie_v down_o say_v the_o lord_n god_n i_o will_v seek_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v and_o bring_v again_o that_o which_o be_v drive_v away_o and_o i_o will_v bind_v up_o that_o which_o be_v break_v and_o will_v strengthen_v that_o which_o be_v sick_a but_o i_o will_v destroy_v the_o fat_a and_o the_o strong_a i_o will_v feed_v they_o with_o judgement_n for_o until_o then_o you_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v the_o contradiction_n and_o opposition_n you_o must_v expect_v to_o meet_v withal_o in_o this_o work_n not_o only_o from_o bad_a but_o from_o good_a man_n till_o then_o the_o meek_a moses_n will_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o lift_v up_o himself_o over_o his_o poor_a delude_v murmur_v brethren_n numb_a 20.10_o and_o smite_v the_o rock_n often_o than_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o his_o anger_n verse_n 11._o but_o if_o once_o the_o lord_n bring_v your_o heart_n under_o a_o holy_a sense_n of_o equal_a guilt_n there_o will_v then_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o sympathy_n with_o your_o poor_a weak_a brethren_n than_o you_o will_v know_v how_o to_o feed_v your_o flock_n like_o a_o shepherd_n and_o to_o gather_v the_o lamb_n with_o your_o arm_n and_o carry_v they_o in_o your_o bosom_n and_o gentle_o to_o lead_v those_o that_o be_v with_o young_a 3._o i_o will_v propose_v to_o you_o to_o change_v your_o sharp_a severe_a censuring_n and_o blaming_n into_o affectionate_a beseeching_n and_o entreating_n that_o be_v paul_n way_n phil._n 2.1_o if_o there_o be_v therefore_o any_o consolation_n in_o christ_n if_o any_o comfort_n of_o love_n if_o any_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o any_o bowel_n of_o mercy_n fulfil_v you_o my_o joy_n that_o you_o be_v like_o mind_a have_v the_o same_o love_n be_v of_o one_o accord_n of_o one_o mind_n and_o so_o ephes_n 4.1_o i_o therefore_o the_o prisoner_n of_o the_o lord_n beseech_v you_o that_o you_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o vocation_n whereto_o you_o be_v call_v with_o all_o lowliness_n and_o meekness_n with_o all_o long-suffering_a forbear_v one_o another_o in_o love_n endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n etc._n etc._n 4._o in_o all_o your_o preach_n or_o write_n against_o error_n and_o division_n etc._n etc._n labour_n to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o chaff_n and_o the_o wheat_n the_o dross_n and_o the_o silver_n do_v not_o only_o condemn_v what_o be_v evil_a but_o also_o commend_v what_o be_v good_a in_o the_o same_o people_n or_o person_n that_o be_v the_o method_n christ_n observe_v to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n rev._n 2._o and_o 3._o chap._n as_o to_o ephesus_n chapter_n 2.2_o i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o thy_o labour_n and_o thy_o patience_n and_o how_o thou_o can_v not_o bear_v they_o that_o be_v evil_a and_o thou_o have_v try_v they_o which_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o and_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n and_o have_v bear_v and_o have_v patience_n and_o for_o my_o name_n sake_n have_v labour_v and_o have_v not_o faint_v and_o then_o he_o tell_v they_o of_o their_o fault_n verse_n 4._o nevertheless_o i_o have_v somewhat_o against_o thou_o etc._n etc._n and_o so_o to_o pergamus_n verse_n 13._o i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o where_o thou_o dwell_v even_o where_o satan_n seat_n be_v and_o thou_o hold_v fast_v my_o name_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o faith_n etc._n etc._n then_o in_o verse_n 14._o he_o tell_v they_o of_o their_o evil_n but_o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o because_o thou_o have_v they_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o he_o proceed_v to_o thyatira_n sardis_n and_o philadelphia_n etc._n etc._n now_o if_o this_o method_n be_v observe_v by_o you_o in_o your_o preach_n and_o act_n against_o what_o you_o judge_v error_n it_o will_v tend_v much_o to_o unity_n and_o also_o to_o the_o furtherance_n of_o the_o truth_n you_o contend_v for_o for_o by_o the_o contrary_a practice_n you_o usual_o prejudice_n and_o incense_v the_o person_n hold_v the_o error_n you_o reprove_v against_o the_o reprover_n by_o your_o so_o far_o extend_v the_o error_n or_o error_n they_o hold_v as_o to_o blemish_v and_o render_v undiscernible_a all_o the_o grace_n and_o precious_a truth_n retain_v and_o profess_v by_o they_o 5._o in_o your_o oppose_v of_o error_n lay_v no_o more_o weight_n upon_o the_o error_n reprove_v than_o the_o scripture_n do_v the_o contrary_a extreme_a of_o all_o hand_n tend_v much_o to_o division_n such_o as_o be_v rigid_a against_o separation_n they_o have_v one_o sort_n of_o general_a exclamation_n against_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n they_o judge_v erroneous_a separate_v from_o they_o jumble_v they_o all_o together_o usual_o in_o their_o invective_n under_o the_o odious_a name_n of_o schismatic_n heritick_n etc._n etc._n and_o such_o as_o be_v rigid_a for_o separation_n answer_v they_o in_o the_o same_o extreme_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o cry_v out_o against_o they_o as_o idolater_n false_a worshipper_n superstition_n formalist_n etc._n etc._n by_o which_o unchristian_a and_o unreasonable_a deportment_n one_o towards_o another_o not_o only_o the_o godly_a on_o both_o hand_n be_v incense_v and_o prejudice_v one_o against_o another_o but_o even_o carnal_a wicked_a people_n observe_v these_o passage_n and_o hear_v such_o expression_n they_o be_v
the_o daughter_n of_o their_o people_n now_o to_o such_o i_o have_v these_o follow_a direction_n to_o propose_v though_o you_o do_v not_o think_v it_o convenient_a to_o engage_v yourselves_o in_o the_o controversy_n of_o the_o time_n as_o they_o tend_v to_o estrange_v the_o heart_n and_o alienate_v the_o affection_n of_o good_a people_n one_o from_o another_o yet_o to_o engage_v yourselves_o in_o a_o controversy_n against_o controversy_n manage_v of_o it_o with_o a_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o tenderness_n which_o may_v so_o much_o tend_v in_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o to_o the_o endear_n and_o unite_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o saint_n one_o to_o another_o that_o may_v be_v worth_a your_o engage_v in_o if_o you_o observe_v what_o be_v say_v page_n 32_o 33_o 34_o 35_o 36._o you_o will_v there_o see_v how_o all_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n contend_v against_o the_o contention_n in_o the_o church_n and_o labour_v to_o preserve_v union_n among_o saint_n as_o the_o main_a duty_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o will_v beg_v of_o you_o to_o stir_v up_o your_o own_o heart_n with_o all_o the_o saint_n near_o you_o to_o be_v much_o in_o prayer_n for_o this_o mercy_n set_v special_a time_n apart_o to_o meet_v together_o to_o wrestle_v with_o the_o lord_n about_o it_o this_o be_v a_o difficult_a and_o a_o great_a work_n and_o prayer_n have_v do_v many_o such_o all_o those_o late_a great_a mercy_n that_o god_n have_v bestow_v upon_o his_o people_n in_o these_o nation_n which_o they_o be_v now_o so_o unable_a to_o agree_v about_o the_o divide_n of_o be_v all_o by_o many_o gracious_a and_o eminent_a instrument_n receive_v and_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o return_n of_o prayer_n i_o shall_v close_v this_o request_n with_o joels_n exhortation_n chap._n 2.17_o let_v the_o priest_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o lord_n weep_v between_o the_o porch_n and_o the_o altar_n and_o let_v they_o say_v spare_v thy_o people_n o_o lord_n and_o give_v not_o thy_o heritage_n to_o reproach_n that_o the_o heathen_a shall_v use_v a_o byword_n against_o they_o wherefore_o shall_v they_o say_v among_o the_o people_n where_o be_v their_o god_n 2._o give_v up_o yourselves_o to_o study_v and_o propagate_v this_o truth_n for_o among_o the_o multitude_n of_o book_n that_o this_o day_n have_v produce_v i_o have_v find_v few_o though_o i_o have_v diligent_o inquire_v and_o seek_v for_o they_o of_o this_o subject_n and_o have_v i_o not_o be_v weary_v with_o long_o delay_v expectation_n i_o shall_v not_o dare_v to_o have_v make_v a_o essay_n upon_o this_o work_n but_o i_o hope_v if_o it_o be_v of_o no_o other_o use_n it_o may_v serve_v to_o provoke_v some_o of_o you_o to_o lay_v your_o hand_n to_o this_o plough_n lest_o such_o unskilful_a one_o as_o myself_o be_v shall_v spoil_v a_o good_a cause_n by_o bad_o manage_v it_o 3._o set_a upon_o some_o beginning_n in_o gospel-fellowship_n upon_o this_o gospel_n principle_n i_o be_o persuade_v the_o lord_n will_v prosper_v and_o bless_v it_o against_o this_o spirit_n of_o division_n as_o the_o house_n of_o david_n against_o saul_n it_o shall_v grow_v strong_a and_o strong_a and_o the_o other_o weak_a and_o weak_a the_o lord_n seem_v to_o be_v withdraw_v his_o good_a spirit_n of_o his_o quicken_n sanctify_a comfort_a grace_n from_o the_o people_n with_o who_o the_o spirit_n of_o division_n be_v most_o predominate_a even_o pour_v upon_o the_o head_n of_o divider_n what_o he_o threaten_v to_o backsliders_a prov._n 14.14_o even_o to_o fill_v they_o with_o their_o own_o way_n that_o they_o be_v even_o weary_v with_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o division_n and_o contention_n and_o such_o as_o be_v sincere_o sensible_a thereof_o be_v ready_a to_o cry_v out_o with_o david_n psal_n 120.6_o my_o soul_n have_v long_o dwell_v with_o he_o that_o hate_v peace_n unto_o who_o your_o foot_n will_v be_v beautiful_a that_o bring_v good_a tiding_n that_o publish_v peace_n esay_n 52.7_o when_o they_o shall_v observe_v by_o your_o order_n and_o spiritual_a concord_n how_o good_a and_o pleasant_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o brethren_n to_o dwell_v together_o in_o unity_n as_o psal_n 133.1_o if_o you_o have_v already_o the_o charge_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n labour_v to_o instruct_v they_o in_o this_o precious_a truth_n which_o when_o they_o have_v receive_v endeavour_v to_o manifest_v it_o and_o make_v it_o know_v to_o all_o the_o godly_a round_o about_o that_o you_o be_v in_o charity_n and_o desire_v to_o be_v in_o fellowship_n with_o they_o and_o all_o the_o godly_a or_o visible_a believer_n in_o the_o world_n but_o if_o you_o be_v not_o engage_v to_o any_o particular_a church_n at_o present_a then_o make_v know_v your_o judgement_n to_o all_o that_o fear_v god_n near_o unto_o you_o and_o press_v they_o to_o their_o duty_n to_o congregate_v themselves_o together_o and_o to_o have_v fellowship_n one_o with_o another_o in_o all_o ordinance_n so_o far_o as_o the_o lord_n have_v enlighten_v they_o therein_o which_o when_o obtain_v proceed_v as_o before_o object_n but_o in_o case_n the_o church_n or_o at_o least_o a_o great_a part_n of_o they_o over_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v set_v we_o be_v so_o averse_a to_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o promote_a of_o it_o among_o they_o may_v hazard_v a_o breach_n betwixt_o we_o or_o at_o least_o a_o division_n in_o the_o church_n show_n shall_v we_o then_o walk_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o duty_n answ_n either_o such_o a_o averseness_n must_v proceed_v from_o a_o conscientious_a godly_a fear_n that_o some_o other_o truth_n of_o christ_n they_o have_v receive_v may_v be_v prejudice_v thereby_o otherwise_o from_o a_o contentious_a unruly_a frame_n of_o spirit_n not_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v the_o sincere_a and_o savoury_a advice_n and_o instruction_n of_o those_o the_o lord_n have_v set_v over_o they_o if_o from_o the_o former_a a_o great_a deal_n of_o tenderness_n and_o christian_a patience_n aught_o to_o be_v exercise_v towards_o they_o and_o endeavour_n use_v to_o satisfy_v they_o that_o your_o main_a aim_n and_o intendment_n in_o promote_a this_o duty_n be_v to_o take_v away_o the_o cause_n from_o whence_o all_o grievance_n of_o that_o hand_n come_v and_o to_o provide_v that_o a_o equal_a provision_n of_o liberty_n and_o opportunity_n may_v be_v to_o all_o conscientious_o profess_v or_o practise_v any_o controvert_v point_n without_o the_o least_o discouragement_n or_o restraint_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o any_o sober_a mind_n can_v desire_v if_o from_o the_o latter_a less_o weight_n be_v to_o be_v put_v upon_o it_o say_v paul_n if_o any_o man_n seem_v to_o be_v contentious_a we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n neither_o the_o churhe_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 11.16_o and_o so_o to_o titus_n there_o be_v many_o unruly_a and_o vain_a talker_n who_o mouth_n must_v be_v stop_v titus_n 1.10_o 11._o rebuke_v they_o sharp_o that_o they_o may_v be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n vers_fw-la 13._o these_o thing_n speak_v and_o exhort_v and_o rebuke_v with_o all_o authority_n let_v no_o man_n despise_v thou_o chapter_n 2.15_o when_o christian_n contain_v not_o themselves_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o a_o sober_a gracious_a spirit_n whether_o the_o matter_n they_o strive_v about_o be_v truth_n or_o error_n their_o pride_n passion_n unruliness_n ought_v to_o be_v reprove_v but_o if_o in_o case_n they_o all_o shall_v agree_v to_o dissent_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o will_v retain_v their_o former_a rule_n of_o separation_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o allow_v that_o liberty_n to_o other_o that_o they_o desire_v to_o enjoy_v themselves_o separate_v not_o from_o they_o but_o the_o rather_o abide_v with_o they_o as_o with_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o most_o need_v your_o help_n for_o christian_n much_o more_o minister_n shall_v not_o somuch_o consider_v where_o they_o may_v walk_v to_o enjoy_v most_o comfort_n and_o christian_a liberty_n etc._n etc._n but_o rather_o where_o they_o may_v be_v most_o serviceable_a to_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o weak_a disease_v of_o his_o people_n for_o the_o whole_a need_v not_o the_o physician_n but_o though_o i_o do_v judge_v you_o ought_v to_o condescend_v to_o the_o weakness_n of_o your_o brethren_n and_o to_o walk_v with_o all_o christian_a and_o brotherly_a affection_n towards_o they_o yet_o not_o herein_o with_o peter_n gal._n 2.12_o 13._o to_o dissemble_v the_o truth_n or_o to_o suffer_v any_o of_o the_o same_o society_n to_o be_v impose_v on_o by_o they_o but_o yourselves_o withal_o likeminded_a to_o manifest_v your_o charity_n towards_o and_o desire_v of_o fellowship_n with_o all_o the_o saint_n on_o earth_n and_o as_o your_o occasion_n give_v you_o opportunity_n to_o evidence_n your_o principle_n by_o your_o practice_n object_n but_o in_o case_n the_o church_n with_o who_o we_o walk_v shall_v be_v so_o offend_v as_o
whence_o they_o be_v hew_v and_o the_o hole_n of_o the_o pit_n whence_o they_o be_v dig_v they_o will_v be_v less_o in_o offensive_a term_n and_o scornful_a carriage_n towards_o poor_a carnal_a professor_n they_o will_v rather_o say_v as_o paul_n argue_v 1_o cor._n 4.7_o who_o make_v we_o to_o differ_v from_o other_o what_o have_v we_o that_o we_o do_v not_o receive_v unto_o who_o i_o shall_v conclude_v with_o paul_n reply_n now_o if_o you_o do_v receive_v it_o why_o do_v you_o glory_n as_o if_o you_o have_v not_o receive_v it_o i_o may_v multiply_v many_o more_o answer_n to_o objection_n that_o may_v lie_v in_o the_o way_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o make_v beginning_n in_o this_o bless_a work_n but_o i_o hope_v the_o prosperous_a success_n of_o some_o who_o heart_n the_o lord_n shall_v engage_v in_o the_o practice_n hereof_o will_v be_v more_o convince_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o gracious_a holy_a person_n of_o different_a judgement_n may_v comfortable_o walk_v together_o in_o gospel_n fellowship_n edify_v each_o other_o in_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n without_o be_v offensive_a or_o grievous_a one_o to_o another_o in_o their_o different_a mind_n than_o i_o be_o able_a to_o add_v and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v conclude_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v to_o gospel_n minister_n as_o to_o their_o propagate_a this_o precious_a truth_n with_o this_o one_o direction_n 4._o if_o providence_n have_v place_v your_o present_a residence_n among_o a_o people_n so_o froward_o bend_v to_o divide_v principle_n and_o practice_n that_o the_o labour_v to_o promote_v this_o gospel_n union_n may_v be_v so_o ill_o resent_v by_o they_o as_o may_v render_v your_o present_a ministration_n unacceptable_a and_o thereby_o unsuccesfull_a among_o they_o that_o you_o have_v cause_n to_o take_v up_o david_n complaint_n psal_n 120.7_o i_o be_o for_o peace_n but_o when_o i_o speak_v they_o be_v for_o war_n then_o it_o be_v my_o opinion_n you_o ought_v to_o suspend_v earnest_a press_v the_o practice_n of_o this_o gospel_n union_n and_o say_v as_o the_o lord_n do_v john_n 16.12_o i_o have_v yet_o many_o thing_n to_o say_v but_o you_o can_v bear_v they_o now_o but_o yet_o not_o to_o close_v with_o such_o in_o their_o rigid_a divide_v principle_n as_o peter_n and_o barnabas_n do_v gal._n 2.12_o 13._o but_o to_o be_v daily_o labour_v to_o remove_v they_o for_o take_v but_o away_o the_o rubbish_n and_o dross_n of_o christian_n principle_n and_o spirit_n and_o then_o like_v hew_v stone_n they_o will_v unite_v of_o themselves_o 1._o by_o the_o rubbish_n and_o dross_n of_o their_o spirit_n that_o hinder_v union_n i_o mean_v those_o sinful_a distemper_n of_o spirit_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o unite_n grace_n before_o mention_v as_o pride_n and_o passion_n self_n conceit_n envy_n hatred_n emulation_n and_o the_o like_a for_o if_o these_o be_v once_o remove_v and_o the_o opposite_a grace_n strengthen_v inclination_n to_o union_n will_v become_v as_o natural_a to_o they_o as_o now_o inclination_n to_o division_n be_v for_o remove_v but_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o effect_n cease_v and_o if_o you_o shall_v convince_v they_o of_o the_o evil_a of_o their_o divide_v principle_n before_o their_o divide_v spirit_n be_v subdue_v they_o will_v be_v no_o more_o capable_a to_o practise_v this_o gospel_n union_n then_o a_o drunken_a man_n will_v be_v capable_a to_o go_v without_o stagger_v and_o therefore_o if_o nothing_o else_o can_v be_v do_v towards_o this_o work_n be_v prepare_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n people_n with_o unite_n grace_n 2._o by_o the_o rubbish_n or_o dividingness_n of_o their_o principle_n i_o mean_v such_o notion_n and_o tenant_n as_o natural_o tend_v to_o division_n which_o christian_n of_o most_o persuasion_n have_v receive_v by_o tradition_n from_o their_o father_n as_o i_o may_v say_v that_o because_o former_a good_a man_n of_o the_o same_o opinion_n with_o they_o and_o the_o people_n all_o along_o profess_v the_o same_o way_n with_o they_o have_v so_o do_v therefore_o they_o conceive_v they_o must_v do_v so_o too_o of_o which_o sort_n of_o divide_v principle_n be_v 1._o a_o confine_v their_o christian_a relation_n affection_n and_o duty_n within_o the_o limit_n of_o their_o own_o judgement_n allow_v god_n to_o have_v no_o visible_a church_n nor_o judge_v themselves_o to_o owe_v any_o special_a duty_n to_o christian_n as_o brethren_n beyond_o their_o own_o rule_n of_o fellowship_n which_o principle_n be_v usual_o the_o nurse_n if_o not_o the_o mother_n of_o these_o follow_a practice_n from_o hence_o proceed_v all_o those_o scruple_n which_o hinder_v saint_n from_o a_o free_a participation_n of_o each_o other_o gift_n and_o grace_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n such_o as_o be_v rigid_a against_o separation_n will_v neither_o hear_v nor_o join_v with_o any_o but_o such_o as_o be_v of_o their_o own_o principle_n they_o will_v either_o have_v objection_n against_o their_o call_n and_o ordination_n or_o otherwise_o against_o their_o judgement_n and_o qualification_n and_o thereby_o oft_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o a_o soul-searching_a powerful_a instruction_n and_o stand_v pick_v the_o bone_n of_o a_o dry_a sapless_a historica_fw-la discourse_n set_v off_o with_o the_o trim_n of_o some_o humane_a excellency_n that_o the_o other_o may_v want_v more_o mind_v what_o the_o dish_n be_v the_o lord_n present_v the_o bread_n of_o life_n to_o they_o in_o than_o the_o purity_n and_o spiritualness_n of_o the_o bread_n itself_o when_o the_o lord_n do_v usual_o put_v this_o treasure_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o spiritual_a gift_n into_o earthen_a vessel_n that_o the_o glory_n may_v be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n 2_o cor._n 4.7_o he_o oft_o time_n hide_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a when_o he_o reveal_v they_o to_o babe_n and_o suckling_n mat._n 11.25_o i_o have_v observe_v some_o who_o i_o judge_v godly_a to_o rigid_a upon_o this_o hand_n that_o they_o have_v rather_o choose_v to_o hear_v where_o the_o speaker_n have_v be_v a_o visible_a ungracious_a person_n or_o stay_v at_o home_n then_o to_o attend_v a_o powerful_a heart-searching_a godly_a preacher_n contrary-minded_n in_o some_o thing_n to_o they_o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n many_o poor_a christian_n do_v run_v into_o the_o like_a extreme_a for_o as_o the_o former_a make_v humane_a defect_n the_o rule_n of_o rejection_n they_o go_v near_o to_o make_v they_o the_o rule_n of_o election_n and_o so_o by_o both_o the_o true_a rule_n of_o gracious_a qualification_n and_o spiritual_a gift_n wherever_o find_v be_v decline_v and_o set_v light_n by_o and_o put_v in_o competition_n with_o every_o circumstantial_a thing_n whereas_o if_o christian_n will_v make_v that_o which_o tend_v most_o to_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o hear_v viz._n the_o nourishment_n edification_n and_o comfort_n of_o their_o soul_n the_o rule_n of_o hear_v these_o thing_n will_v not_o be_v and_o nothing_o will_v more_o tend_v to_o further_a the_o saint_n union_n than_o the_o removal_n of_o these_o hindrance_n in_o their_o providential_a communion_n in_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v agree_v for_o if_o gracious_a person_n different-minded_n do_v but_o sometime_o meet_a to_o pour_v out_o their_o soul_n to_o the_o lord_n together_o in_o prayer_n for_o their_o joint_a concernment_n and_o to_o taste_v the_o preciousness_n of_o each_o other_o experience_n and_o grace_n by_o a_o mutual_a communication_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n it_o will_v much_o tend_v to_o remove_v uncharitable_a jealousy_n and_o endear_v their_o heart_n one_o to_o another_o that_o be_v the_o argument_n peter_n use_v to_o convince_v the_o unbelieved_a jew_n that_o the_o gentile_n be_v partaker_n with_o they_o of_o the_o same_o grace_n act_v 11.17_o forasmuch_o then_o as_o god_n give_v they_o the_o like_a gift_n as_o he_o do_v unto_o we_o who_o believe_v on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n what_o be_v i_o that_o i_o can_v withstand_v god_n unto_o which_o reason_n they_o assent_v v._o 18._o when_o they_o hear_v these_o thing_n they_o hold_v their_o peace_n and_o glorify_a god_n say_v then_o have_v god_n also_o to_o the_o gentile_n grant_v repentance_n unto_o life_n from_o which_o scripture_n you_o may_v clear_o gather_v that_o it_o be_v both_o peter_n and_o the_o believe_a jew_n opinion_n that_o such_o aught_o to_o own_o and_o esteem_v each_o other_o as_o fellow-brethren_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o god_n have_v grant_v the_o same_o precious_a gift_n and_o grace_n unto_o and_o i_o may_v say_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o christian_n ever_o to_o come_v to_o a_o union_n in_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v until_o they_o come_v to_o a_o communion_n in_o thing_n wherein_o they_o agree_v for_o while_o christian_n be_v at_o the_o utmost_a distance_n one_o from_o another_o they_o can_v never_o come_v to_o acknowledge_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v oblige_v or_o unite_n for_o we_o may_v