heaven_n for_o the_o plant_n and_o govern_v of_o his_o church_n upon_o earth_n the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o express_v himself_o v_o 12._o say_v all_o be_v to_o this_o end_n that_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n we_o may_v grow_v up_o into_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n increase_n in_o or_o unto_o he_o which_o be_v the_o head_n even_o christ._n from_o who_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v together_o and_o compact_a by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n supply_v according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n make_v increase_v of_o the_o body_n unto_o the_o edify_n of_o itself_o in_o love_n now_o if_o this_o be_v the_o great_a end_n for_o which_o christ_n furnish_v man_n with_o gift_n for_o the_o preach_a of_o his_o gospel_n to_o all_o nation_n that_o by_o embrace_v that_o one_o truth_n preach_v they_o may_v become_v one_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o continue_v unite_v in_o love_n as_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n govern_v and_o direct_v as_o well_o as_o enliven_v by_o christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o body_n and_o mutual_o care_v for_o and_o assist_v one_o another_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n or_o proportion_n faculty_n or_o office_n of_o every_o several_a part_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o whole_a its_o health_n and_o growth_n and_o preservation_n it_o can_v be_v no_o wonder_n here_o to_o find_v the_o apostle_n so_o earnest_a in_o his_o exhortation_n to_o peace_n and_o unity_n if_o say_v he_o there_o be_v 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 it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o exceed_v great_a weight_n and_o concernment_n we_o must_v needs_o conclude_v it_o be_v something_o whereby_o god_n be_v high_o glorify_v and_o the_o salvation_n of_o christian_n great_o promote_v which_o st._n paul_n will_v obtain_v at_o their_o hand_n by_o all_o these_o affectionate_a obtestation_n yea_o it_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o he_o say_v will_v complete_v and_o perfect_a his_o joy_n fullfil_v you_o my_o joy_n say_v he_o he_o be_v now_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o gospel_n of_o peace_n and_o joy_n to_o they_o which_o he_o have_v preach_v unto_o they_o a_o prisoner_n in_o bond_n and_o he_o seem_v to_o desire_v no_o more_o to_o make_v his_o bond_n easy_a to_o he_o and_o his_o imprisonment_n a_o delight_n but_o only_o this_o that_o they_o be_v like_o mind_a or_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n have_v the_o same_o love_n of_o one_o accord_n of_o one_o mind_n that_o they_o will_v live_v in_o unity_n love_v one_o another_o mutual_o as_o one_o body_n with_o but_o one_o soul_n have_v the_o same_o affection_n carry_v on_o the_o same_o design_n all_o join_a head_n and_o heart_n and_o hand_n in_o a_o vigorous_a pursuit_n of_o the_o same_o end_n by_o the_o same_o method_n this_o be_v a_o request_n so_o very_o reasonable_a that_o a_o man_n will_v wonder_v what_o need_n there_o can_v be_v of_o usher_v it_o in_o with_o so_o much_o earnestness_n the_o thing_n he_o desire_v be_v so_o evident_o good_a in_o itself_o so_o apparent_o conducive_a to_o the_o happiness_n both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n wherever_o it_o be_v practise_v so_o much_o the_o interest_n of_o every_o single_a member_n of_o the_o body_n that_o it_o be_v almost_o unimaginable_a how_o any_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o absurd_a as_o not_o to_o gratify_v with_o all_o readiness_n i_o say_v not_o the_o apostle_n but_o himself_o in_o a_o matter_n wherein_o it_o be_v so_o visible_a that_o every_o man_n private_a welfare_n be_v so_o deep_o concern_v what_o man_n be_v there_o among_o we_o that_o do_v not_o profess_v himself_o of_o what_o party_n or_o faction_n soever_o he_o be_v most_o ready_a to_o join_v with_o the_o church_n in_o sing_v behold_v how_o good_a and_o how_o pleasant_a it_o be_v for_o brethren_n to_o dwell_v together_o in_o unity_n psal._n 133._o 1._o it_o be_v so_o without_o all_o doubt_n and_o all_o of_o we_o willing_o grant_v it_o to_o be_v so_o yea_o and_o all_o of_o we_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o see_v it_o but_o then_o it_o must_v be_v upon_o those_o term_n only_o as_o it_o can_v never_o be_v hope_v for_o like_o two_o army_n in_o the_o field_n ready_a to_o join_v battle_n both_o be_v very_o willing_a to_o hear_v of_o peace_n and_o will_v be_v content_a not_o to_o hazard_v their_o life_n in_o the_o fight_n but_o each_o will_v have_v peace_n on_o its_o own_o term_n only_o and_o neither_o will_v abate_v a_o ace_n of_o its_o own_o demand_n and_o so_o still_o they_o be_v agree_v in_o nothing_o but_o in_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o desire_v that_o which_o can_v be_v all_o the_o difficulty_n therefore_o be_v to_o find_v out_o a_o expedient_a whereby_o all_o party_n may_v agree_v not_o only_o in_o a_o general_a desire_n of_o unity_n but_o also_o in_o the_o likely_a mean_n or_o effect_v it_o and_o true_o this_o will_v be_v no_o very_o hard_a matter_n to_o bring_v about_o be_v we_o all_o real_o as_o good_a christian_n as_o we_o will_v be_v think_v to_o be_v we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o run_v as_o far_o as_o rome_n to_o seek_v for_o a_o infallible_a judge_n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o our_o division_n which_o why_o any_o man_n shall_v see_v cause_n to_o do_v i_o know_v not_o except_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o no_o hand_n can_v heal_v they_o but_o that_o which_o make_v they_o will_v we_o but_o only_o have_v that_o real_a veneration_n for_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o all_o protestant_n pretend_v to_o have_v and_o submit_v our_o will_n and_o humour_n which_o some_o man_n have_v be_v apt_a to_o miscall_a the_o spirit_n to_o the_o direction_n of_o that_o holy_a spirit_n which_o we_o all_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v infallible_a and_o follow_v his_o advice_n concern_v the_o mean_n who_o exhortation_n to_o the_o thing_n we_o all_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v very_o reasonable_a much_o of_o the_o difficulty_n will_v soon_o disappear_v in_o order_n to_o the_o establishment_n of_o so_o excellent_a and_o desirable_a a_o blessing_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o unanimity_n among_o christian_n something_o there_o be_v which_o must_v be_v lay_v aside_o as_o that_o which_o certain_o obstruct_v and_o frustrate_v all_o peaceable_a attempt_n and_o something_o there_o be_v which_o must_v be_v learn_v and_o practise_v which_o will_v main_o promote_v this_o glorious_a design_n but_o man_n be_v not_o so_o ready_a to_o do_v either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o as_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n oblige_v they_o to_o be_v what_o these_o thing_n be_v we_o read_v in_o the_o text._n let_v nothing_o be_v do_v through_o strife_n or_o vainglory_n but_o in_o lowliness_n of_o mind_n let_v each_o esteem_v other_o better_a than_o themselves_o here_o we_o have_v the_o best_a expedient_a in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o maintain_v both_o of_o unity_n in_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n and_o of_o unanimity_n in_o love_n and_o affection_n and_o of_o uniformity_n of_o practice_n and_o behaviour_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o both_o kingdom_n and_o church_n o_o that_o all_o they_o who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v desirous_a of_o the_o happiness_n and_o prosperity_n of_o both_o as_o certain_o all_o good_a christian_n be_v will_v begin_v to_o account_v it_o their_o great_a wisdom_n to_o learn_v with_o christian_a politic_n of_o such_o as_o st._n paul_n man_n endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n which_o have_v this_o double_a commendation_n that_o it_o be_v first_o pure_a and_o then_o peaceable_a jam._n 3._o 17._o and_o will_v lay_v aside_o that_o other_o kind_n of_o wisdom_n which_o they_o have_v too_o long_o admire_v and_o be_v in_o love_n with_o which_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a and_o devilish_a where_o by_o envy_v and_o strife_n fill_v the_o world_n with_o confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n v_o 15_o 16._o how_o soon_o will_v the_o world_n look_v with_o another_o face_n how_o soon_o shall_v we_o see_v that_o happy_o effect_v to_o the_o unspeakable_a joy_n and_o glory_n of_o christendom_n which_o have_v so_o long_o miserable_o baffle_v all_o the_o great_a wit_n of_o the_o world_n the_o rule_n here_o give_v we_o to_o this_o end_n by_o the_o apostle_n be_v two_o 1._o the_o former_a show_v we_o what_o we_o must_v remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n that_o peace_n and_o love_n may_v enter_v and_o take_v possession_n in_o these_o word_n let_v nothing_o be_v do_v through_o strife_n and_o vainglory_n 2._o the_o other_o teach_v we_o what_o be_v that_o right_n true_o christian_a temper_n of_o spirit_n whereby_o peace_n and_o love_n may_v be_v cherish_v and_o maintain_v in_o these_o word_n but_o in_o lowliness_n of_o mind_n let_v each_o esteem_v other_o better_a
place_n let_v all_o such_o among_o we_o as_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o rejoice_v to_o do_v his_o will_n draw_v much_o comfort_n to_o their_o soul_n from_o this_o spring_n of_o consolation_n what_o be_v there_o in_o the_o world_n that_o such_o man_n can_v reasonable_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o shall_v stand_v when_o all_o the_o world_n have_v do_v its_o worst_a and_o this_o be_v his_o will_n and_o counsel_n that_o nothing_o shall_v harm_v we_o if_o we_o be_v follower_n of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a 1_o pet._n 3._o 13._o against_o all_o the_o device_n of_o man_n or_o devil_n this_o be_v our_o armour_n of_o proof_n god_n will_v shall_v stand_v we_o know_v not_o indeed_o what_o sharp_a chastisement_n our_o manifold_a sin_n may_v require_v but_o we_o know_v this_o that_o it_o be_v his_o will_n thus_o to_o purge_v away_o our_o dross_n and_o resine_fw-la we_o for_o himself_o that_o we_o may_v be_v bind_v up_o among_o his_o jewel_n we_o know_v not_o what_o strong_a physic_n our_o disease_a soul_n may_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o but_o this_o we_o know_v we_o have_v both_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a physician_n that_o know_v our_o temper_n and_o what_o will_v fit_v it_o and_o who_o end_n be_v his_o own_o honour_n in_o our_o life_n and_o health_n and_o who_o have_v no_o delight_n in_o our_o torment_n nor_o design_n to_o destroy_v we_o if_o god_n permit_v the_o device_n of_o wicked_a man_n of_o what_o sect_n or_o party_n soever_o they_o be_v to_o create_v we_o some_o disturbance_n it_o be_v but_o either_o by_o the_o smart_n we_o feel_v to_o confirm_v we_o more_o in_o our_o just_a dislike_n of_o such_o religion_n as_o be_v to_o be_v uphold_v by_o blood_n and_o cruelty_n or_o if_o he_o bring_v we_o thus_o to_o the_o fiery_a trial_n to_o carry_v we_o the_o soon_o into_o heaven_n that_o we_o may_v be_v safe_a out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o infection_n or_o vexation_n a_o man_n heart_n devise_v his_o way_n but_o the_o lord_n direct_v his_o step_n prov._n 16._o 9_o the_o pilot_n stear_v but_o god_n give_v the_o wind_n and_o direct_v the_o ship_n whither_o he_o please_v and_o this_o be_v the_o never_o fail_a comfort_n of_o all_o good_a man_n that_o god_n be_v always_o at_o the_o helm_n the_o cloud_n be_v turn_v round_o by_o his_o counsel_n that_o they_o may_v do_v whatsoever_o he_o command_v they_o upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o world_n or_o the_o earth_n he_o cause_v it_o to_o come_v whether_o for_o correction_n or_o for_o his_o land_n or_o for_o mercy_n job_n 37._o 12_o 13._o bless_a be_v god_n we_o have_v often_o taste_v of_o his_o consolation_n and_o by_o our_o former_a manifold_a experience_n of_o his_o goodness_n shall_v learn_v yet_o more_o to_o comfort_v ourselves_o with_o hope_n of_o future_a blessing_n and_o that_o he_o who_o have_v so_o often_o deliver_v we_o already_o will_v deliver_v we_o unto_o the_o end_n there_o be_v but_o these_o three_o thing_n can_v give_v we_o cause_n to_o doubt_v of_o it_o our_o great_a unthankfulness_n for_o past_a mercy_n our_o present_a uneasiness_n under_o and_o disobedience_n to_o his_o government_n and_o our_o distrustfulness_n of_o his_o providence_n therefore_o that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o comfort_v ourselves_o in_o he_o and_o the_o stability_n of_o his_o counsel_n let_v we_o make_v sure_a of_o these_o thing_n 1._o that_o we_o hearty_o praise_v his_o holy_a name_n for_o all_o the_o rich_a mercy_n we_o enjoy_v and_o the_o great_a deliverance_n he_o have_v wrought_v for_o we_o at_o all_o time_n and_o more_o particular_o for_o those_o singular_a token_n of_o his_o mercy_n in_o the_o many_o deliverance_n and_o continue_a preservation_n of_o the_o person_n of_o our_o dread_a sovereign_a lord_n the_o king_n a_o mercy_n which_o many_o year_n confusion_n and_o misery_n shall_v in_o all_o reason_n have_v teach_v we_o before_o this_o time_n how_o to_o value_v and_o which_o god_n himself_o may_v seem_v to_o commend_v to_o our_o special_a notice_n by_o those_o true_o wonderful_a method_n he_o have_v use_v to_o confer_v it_o upon_o we_o so_o wonderful_a that_o hardly_o any_o thing_n can_v seem_v more_o so_o then_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v yet_o any_o among_o we_o who_o the_o observation_n thereof_o have_v not_o convince_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o all_o rebellious_a and_o treacherous_a device_n many_o device_n and_o much_o talk_n there_o have_v be_v of_o late_a about_o the_o succession_n but_o have_v our_o gracious_a king_n and_o his_o royal_a highness_n be_v take_v in_o the_o net_n of_o their_o enemy_n a_o unhappy_a end_n have_v be_v put_v to_o that_o dispute_n and_o who_o shall_v have_v succeed_v in_o the_o throne_n any_o or_o none_o one_o or_o many_o it_o be_v happy_a for_o we_o we_o be_v not_o drive_v to_o consider_v a_o long_a succession_n in_o all_o likelihood_n we_o shall_v have_v have_v of_o intolerable_a calamity_n and_o may_v have_v despair_v of_o see_v peace_n in_o our_o day_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o lop_v off_o more_o bough_n in_o a_o hour_n than_o will_v grow_v again_o in_o many_o year_n government_n be_v like_o glass_n the_o easy_a thing_n to_o break_v in_o piece_n but_o the_o hard_a to_o cement_v again_o 2._o let_v we_o continue_v in_o a_o absolute_a obedience_n and_o resignation_n to_o god_n in_o all_o the_o branch_n of_o his_o divine_a will_n and_o particular_o in_o a_o subordinate_a obedience_n unto_o his_o anoint_v let_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n overaw_v we_o in_o all_o our_o undertake_n and_o let_v the_o same_o fear_n move_v we_o to_o honour_v the_o king_n and_o restrain_v we_o from_o all_o disloyal_a attempt_n and_o thought_n there_o be_v no_o comfort_n for_o rebel_n but_o what_o they_o must_v fetch_v from_o their_o own_o device_n and_o before_o they_o can_v find_v any_o solid_a comfort_n in_o those_o they_o must_v cease_v to_o be_v rebellious_a either_o against_o god_n or_o the_o king_n by_o submit_v all_o their_o device_n to_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n 2._o let_v we_o place_v our_o whole_a trust_n in_o god_n alone_o for_o vain_a be_v the_o help_n of_o man_n his_o breath_n go_v forth_o and_o all_o his_o thought_n perish_v then_o we_o best_a honour_n god_n when_o in_o do_v his_o will_n sincere_o we_o trust_v in_o he_o only_o and_o doubt_v not_o of_o his_o protection_n who_o be_v both_o our_o king_n and_o our_o father_n and_o our_o merciful_a god_n he_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o who_o can_v turn_v he_o and_o what_o his_o soul_n desire_v even_o that_o he_o do_v for_o he_o perform_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v appoint_v for_o we_o job_n 23._o 13_o 14._o to_o conclude_v let_v all_o our_o device_n be_v only_o such_o as_o may_v concentre_v in_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n and_o god_n counsel_n shall_v be_v the_o strength_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o all_o our_o device_n now_o to_o the_o bless_a and_o only_a potentate_n the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n the_o king_n eternal_a immortal_a invisible_a the_o only_a wise_a god_n who_o give_v salvation_n unto_o king_n and_o deliver_v his_o servant_n our_o gracious_a sovereign_n from_o the_o hurtful_a sword_n be_v honour_n and_o glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n the_o certain_a rule_n of_o peace_n and_o love_n in_o the_o church_n phil._n ii_o 3._o let_v nothing_o be_v do_v through_o strife_n or_o vainglory_n but_o in_o lowliness_n of_o mind_n let_v each_o esteem_v other_o better_a than_o themselves_o that_o sacred_a truth_n which_o our_o bless_a jesus_n have_v reveal_v unto_o we_o in_o his_o gospel_n be_v the_o doctrinal_a foundation_n whereupon_o the_o christian_a church_n do_v stand_v if_o this_o be_v lose_v there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o that_o which_o we_o call_v a_o christian_a church_n upon_o earth_n the_o joint_a consent_n of_o christian_n in_o this_o sacred_a truth_n be_v the_o erect_n of_o this_o spiritual_a building_n upon_o that_o firm_a foundation_n and_o where_o this_o consent_n be_v not_o in_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n the_o church_n can_v be_v one_o the_o love_n and_o charity_n of_o christian_n which_o they_o have_v in_o the_o first_o place_n unto_o christ_n their_o head_n as_o member_n of_o one_o body_n unite_v under_o he_o and_o live_v by_o he_o and_o in_o the_o next_o place_n unto_o each_o other_o mutual_o and_o suitable_o to_o their_o proper_a station_n and_o office_n in_o the_o body_n be_v the_o cement_n wherewith_o these_o live_a stone_n in_o this_o spiritual_a building_n be_v hold_v together_o and_o where_o this_o decay_v the_o wall_n chap_n and_o the_o house_n go_v to_o ruin_v all_o this_o we_o may_v read_v in_o those_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n ephes._n 4._o 15_o 16._o where_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o what_o care_n christ_n take_v after_o his_o ascension_n into_o
than_o themselves_o let_v we_o now_o suppose_v not_o only_o that_o all_o who_o read_v this_o be_v in_o profession_n christian_n but_o also_o sufficient_o convince_v that_o it_o be_v every_o man_n both_o duty_n and_o interest_n strenuous_o to_o endeavour_v all_o he_o can_v in_o his_o proper_a place_n and_o call_v that_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v keep_v in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n as_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v ephes._n 4._o 3._o that_o our_o jerusalem_n may_v be_v as_o a_o city_n that_o be_v compact_v together_o psal._n 122._o 3._o that_o we_o may_v yet_o see_v those_o happy_a day_n wherein_o we_o may_v take_v sweet_a counsel_n together_o and_o walk_v unto_o the_o house_n of_o god_n in_o company_n psal._n 55._o 14._o and_o this_o suppose_a the_o business_n of_o this_o discourse_n be_v not_o to_o persuade_v such_o man_n to_o do_v what_o they_o can_v need_v no_o persuasion_n to_o do_v to_o desire_v the_o return_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o church_n but_o to_o take_v the_o right_a way_n to_o endeavour_v it_o and_o to_o put_v every_o man_n his_o hand_n to_o the_o work_n in_o good_a earnest_n act_v by_o those_o never-deceiving_a rule_n which_o st._n paul_n have_v here_o give_v we_o and_o this_o that_o we_o may_v all_o do_v our_o present_a business_n be_v to_o learn_v 1._o to_o understand_v 2._o to_o use_v they_o and_o that_o in_o the_o same_o order_n as_o here_o they_o lie_v before_o we_o i._o the_o first_o rule_n here_o give_v we_o be_v this_o let_v nothing_o be_v do_v through_o strife_n and_o vainglory_n or_o thus_o these_o two_o thing_n strife_n and_o vainglory_n must_v very_o careful_o be_v avoid_v by_o we_o in_o all_o our_o act_n if_o we_o will_v contribute_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o god_n know_v they_o be_v every_o where_o too_o visible_a as_o the_o two_o door_n at_o which_o all_o our_o dispute_n and_o division_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v destructive_a to_o true_a concord_n and_o unity_n than_o which_o nothing_o be_v a_o great_a stranger_n among_o we_o at_o this_o day_n be_v wont_a to_o enter_v but_o never_o can_v find_v their_o way_n out_o again_o to_o learn_v first_o what_o these_o thing_n be_v and_o second_o how_o we_o be_v to_o remove_v they_o out_o of_o the_o way_n will_v be_v enough_o for_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o first_o rule_n and_o its_o use_n 1._o let_v nothing_o be_v do_v through_o strife_n or_o contention_n this_o strife_n be_v a_o quarrelsome_a humour_n a_o spirit_n of_o opposition_n and_o contradiction_n a_o strange_a crossness_n of_o temper_n wherewith_o very_a many_o man_n be_v exceed_o trouble_v themselves_o and_o be_v as_o troublesome_a to_o other_o who_o be_v never_o well_o as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v quiet_a or_o suffer_v other_o to_o be_v quiet_a their_o very_a life_n seem_v to_o consist_v in_o be_v sick_a of_o every_o thing_n almost_o that_o they_o see_v or_o hear_v and_o they_o feed_v upon_o the_o fault_n and_o infirmity_n of_o mankind_n the_o chief_a exercise_n of_o their_o soul_n be_v to_o be_v always_o gainsay_v and_o contend_v right_a or_o wrong_n they_o study_v not_o for_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o mastery_n and_o pester_v the_o world_n with_o dispute_n and_o invective_n not_o to_o confute_v error_n and_o shame_n vice_n but_o to_o vent_v the_o boil_a humour_n and_o to_o vex_v those_o by_o who_o they_o be_v vex_v though_o not_o by_o any_o thing_n do_v to_o offend_v they_o it_o be_v enough_o that_o they_o be_v not_o of_o their_o opinion_n and_o that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o they_o be_v please_v to_o choose_v out_o for_o their_o adversary_n and_o to_o shoot_v their_o poison_a arrow_n at_o even_o bitter_a word_n man_n of_o this_o currish_a snarl_a temper_n must_v be_v snap_v at_o every_o thing_n that_o come_v in_o their_o way_n and_o bark_v at_o all_o that_o come_v not_o from_o themselves_o and_o usual_o the_o best_a thing_n be_v with_o they_o the_o great_a fault_n if_o they_o be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o they_o as_o rare_o they_o be_v of_o any_o good_a excent_a what_o by_o follow_v their_o own_o litigious_a humour_n they_o may_v sometime_o chance_v to_o stumble_v upon_o something_o they_o must_v ever_o have_v whatever_o it_o cost_v they_o to_o oppose_v to_o every_o thing_n that_o another_o either_o affirm_v or_o deny_v this_o be_v certain_o as_o wicked_a and_o devilish_a a_o temper_n as_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v very_o uneasy_a and_o that_o which_o have_v serve_v satan_n to_o as_o many_o evil_a purpose_n as_o any_o evil_n himself_o be_v ever_o father_n of_o a_o pious_a and_o ingenious_a writer_n call_v it_o very_o fit_o the_o devil_n goliah-stratagem_n which_o have_v serve_v he_o not_o only_o to_o defy_v but_o even_o to_o defeat_v the_o army_n of_o the_o live_n god_n to_o these_o man_n may_v well_o be_v apply_v what_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o thes._n 2._o 15._o they_o please_v not_o god_n and_o be_v contrary_a to_o all_o man_n in_o a_o word_n therefore_o by_o strife_n i_o suppose_v we_o be_v here_o to_o understand_v that_o froward_a and_o selfish_a humour_n whereby_o a_o man_n be_v so_o wed_v to_o his_o own_o will_n and_o conceit_n that_o he_o be_v always_o in_o a_o posture_n of_o defiance_n to_o every_o thing_n that_o oppose_v either_o and_o prize_v his_o own_o opinion_n only_o because_o they_o be_v his_o own_o above_o the_o best_a reason_n of_o other_o man_n be_v discontent_v with_o every_o thing_n that_o suit_v not_o exact_o with_o his_o own_o sentiment_n or_o desire_n and_o so_o idolize_v his_o own_o imagination_n and_o invention_n that_o he_o think_v the_o public_a welfare_n the_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o whatever_o else_o will_v not_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_v they_o but_o a_o cheap_a sacrifice_n unto_o they_o this_o or_o something_o of_o it_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n now_o how_o great_a reason_n every_o man_n have_v to_o correct_v this_o peccant_a humour_n in_o himself_o when_o ever_o he_o find_v it_o stir_v and_o whole_o to_o disburden_v his_o soul_n of_o it_o will_v be_v very_o easy_o discern_v by_o he_o that_o shall_v consider_v but_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o the_o evil_a root_n from_o which_o it_o grow_v 2._o the_o utter_a inconsistency_n of_o it_o with_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o 3._o the_o pernicious_a influence_n which_o it_o have_v upon_o the_o church_n 1._o the_o root_n of_o it_o be_v not_o always_o one_o but_o whatever_o it_o be_v it_o be_v never_o good_a in_o some_o man_n it_o seem_v to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o certain_a kind_n of_o childishness_n or_o a_o pettishness_n and_o peevishness_n of_o nature_n as_o child_n be_v cry_v earnest_o for_o every_o new_a thing_n they_o hear_v of_o and_o will_v by_o no_o fair_a mean_n nor_o foul_a be_v quiet_v till_o they_o have_v it_o and_o when_o they_o have_v get_v it_o be_v as_o soon_o weary_a of_o it_o again_o and_o as_o apt_a to_o cry_v for_o something_o else_o though_o they_o can_v tell_v you_o what_o it_o be_v and_o it_o may_v be_v for_o that_o same_o thing_n again_o whereof_o but_o now_o they_o be_v so_o weary_a and_o those_o child_n above_o all_o other_o that_o be_v the_o great_a fantling_n and_o most_o indulge_v by_o fond_a mother_n be_v common_o note_v to_o be_v of_o this_o pettish_a humour_n such_o a_o giddy_a inconstancy_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o many_o man_n some_o little_a thing_n there_o be_v for_o or_o against_o which_o they_o be_v wont_n to_o be_v very_o eager_a and_o yet_o can_v they_o give_v no_o considerable_a reason_n either_o for_o their_o like_a or_o dislike_v of_o they_o but_o they_o be_v dissatisfy_v with_o what_o be_v present_a and_o though_o they_o can_v well_o tell_v what_o to_o call_v it_o they_o be_v very_o angry_a with_o those_o in_o who_o power_n they_o think_v it_o be_v to_o give_v they_o what_o they_o want_v and_o give_v it_o not_o their_o fantasy_n be_v keen_o set_v upon_o it_o and_o quiet_a they_o will_v not_o nor_o can_v be_v without_o it_o nor_o will_v they_o suffer_v those_o that_o be_v near_o they_o to_o be_v at_o quiet_a for_o they_o sure_o this_o be_v not_o the_o temper_n of_o a_o sober_a serious_a christian_a who_o like_o a_o good_a nature_a child_n be_v content_a so_o he_o have_v his_o wholesome_a food_n which_o his_o father_n allow_v he_o though_o he_o can_v have_v it_o dress_v according_a to_o his_o own_o fantasy_n and_o be_v as_o unwilling_a as_o afraid_a to_o make_v any_o disturbance_n in_o his_o father_n family_n about_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o of_o very_o great_a concernment_n in_o other_o this_o look_n like_o a_o contract_a disease_n bring_v upon_o themselves_o by_o some_o disorderly_a usage_n of_o
of_o peace_n wherein_o the_o unity_n of_o spirit_n be_v to_o be_v hold_v it_o be_v the_o violent_a force_n asunder_o the_o stone_n of_o the_o spiritual_a building_n and_o dash_v they_o in_o piece_n one_o against_o another_o unity_n of_o affection_n there_o can_v be_v none_o where_o strife_n come_v but_o a_o bite_a and_o devour_v one_o another_o and_o be_v devour_v one_o of_o another_o gal._n 5._o 15._o and_o indeed_o a_o open_n of_o a_o broad_a way_n to_o some_o common_a enemy_n to_o enter_v in_o and_o make_v havoc_n of_o all_o and_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n be_v in_o no_o little_a danger_n man_n of_o a_o contentious_a spirit_n be_v always_o brim_n full_a of_o objection_n against_o every_o thing_n and_o must_v swell_v till_o they_o burst_v if_o they_o have_v not_o leave_v to_o give_v vent_n to_o their_o uneasy_a soul_n always_o in_o travel_n to_o bring_v forth_o something_o new_a in_o troublesome_a disputation_n which_o be_v soon_o begin_v but_o not_o so_o soon_o end_v when_o the_o humour_n be_v once_o set_v abroach_o it_o run_v everlasting_o it_o will_v be_v labour_n to_o no_o purpose_n to_o say_v more_o of_o this_o the_o mischief_n of_o strife_n have_v be_v a_o long_a time_n too_o visible_a not_o to_o be_v see_v of_o all_o though_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v too_o little_o consider_v by_o the_o most_o even_o so_o visible_a as_o to_o render_v the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n almost_o invisible_a too_o let_v we_o only_o here_o add_v the_o wise_a king_n observation_n and_o if_o it_o come_v not_o too_o late_o as_o i_o hope_v it_o may_v not_o to_o some_o of_o we_o let_v we_o take_v his_o advice_n too_o the_o beginning_n of_o strife_n be_v as_o when_o one_o let_v out_o water_n therefore_o leave_v off_o contention_n before_o it_o be_v meddle_v with_o prov._n 17._o 14._o how_o this_o malignant_a and_o god_n know_v at_o this_o day_n too_o predominant_a humour_n which_o so_o destroy_v the_o healthful_a state_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v purge_v out_o the_o second_o rule_n will_v teach_v we_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n a_o question_n be_v i_o suppose_v ready_a to_o be_v here_o ask_v by_o some_o which_o seem_v not_o impertinent_a and_o therefore_o deserve_v some_o answer_n it_o be_v this_o qu._n be_v we_o christian_n bound_v without_o any_o dispute_n at_o all_o to_o swallow_v down_o every_o doctrine_n which_o our_o teacher_n shall_v commend_v unto_o our_o faith_n and_o must_v we_o without_o any_o examination_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n enjoin_v rest_n in_o the_o will_n of_o our_o superior_n apply_v ourselves_o without_o any_o more_o ado_n to_o the_o execute_n of_o their_o command_n may_v we_o not_o oppose_v falsehood_n and_o contend_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o refuse_v to_o do_v wicked_o when_o we_o be_v bid_v by_o man_n in_o authority_n an._n to_o this_o question_n which_o have_v be_v often_o ask_v and_o as_o often_o answer_v we_o shall_v here_o answer_v only_o so_o far_o as_o it_o seem_v to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o rule_n here_o give_v or_o what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o it_o we_o say_v therefore_o let_v it_o be_v far_o from_o any_o christian_n to_o plead_v for_o or_o countenance_v a_o implicit_a faith_n and_o a_o blind_a obedience_n or_o to_o dissuade_v any_o man_n from_o make_v use_n of_o his_o eye_n or_o reason_n in_o a_o sober_a inquiry_n into_o the_o truth_n of_o falsehood_n of_o any_o doctrine_n that_o be_v preach_v or_o into_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o any_o command_n which_o be_v give_v by_o man_n all_o that_o we_o be_v to_o be_v dissuade_v from_o in_o this_o place_n be_v that_o we_o do_v not_o any_o thing_n of_o this_o out_o of_o strife_n or_o with_o a_o quarrelsome_a and_o contentious_a mind_n do_v it_o in_o meekness_n and_o humility_n and_o with_o a_o peaceable_a frame_n of_o spirit_n as_o man_n true_o zealous_a for_o the_o truth_n and_o desirous_a to_o do_v your_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n and_o you_o shall_v neither_o hurt_v yourselves_o nor_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o the_o woe_n which_o belong_v to_o they_o by_o who_o offence_n come_v more_o particular_o 1._o we_o be_v command_v to_o search_v the_o scripture_n joh._n 5._o 39_o for_o though_o those_o word_n be_v speak_v to_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n and_o not_o to_o christian_n yet_o by_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n be_v we_o equal_o concern_v in_o the_o duty_n there_o enjoin_v if_o they_o have_v receive_v of_o god_n the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n be_v oblige_v to_o search_v those_o book_n for_o direction_n in_o both_o and_o particular_o to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o present_a duty_n now_o to_o believe_v in_o jesus_n as_o the_o promise_a messiah_n to_o the_o save_n of_o their_o soul_n as_o much_o cause_n have_v we_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n as_o our_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n to_o search_v they_o diligent_o and_o to_o try_v all_o thing_n by_o they_o that_o we_o may_v be_v sure_o we_o obey_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n without_o which_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n to_o we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v always_o in_o a_o readiness_n to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v we_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o with_o meekness_n and_o fear_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 15._o and_o that_o we_o be_v no_o more_o child_n toss_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n by_o the_o sleight_n of_o man_n and_o cunning_a craftiness_n whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v eph._n 4_o 14._o and_o may_v not_o believe_v every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n 1_o joh._n 4._o 1._o leave_v we_o therefore_o this_o implicit_a faith_n and_o take_v thing_n on_o trust_n on_o the_o naked_a credit_n of_o our_o teacher_n without_o all_o search_n and_o trial_n of_o their_o doctrine_n to_o the_o disciple_n of_o rome_n against_o who_o new_a faith_n be_v there_o nothing_o more_o to_o object_n even_o this_o alone_o be_v enough_o to_o render_v it_o suspicious_a that_o it_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o light_n and_o of_o a_o fair_a trial_n by_o the_o write_a word_n god_n forbid_v that_o we_o shall_v put_v out_o man_n eye_n and_o bid_v they_o stalk_v after_o other_o towards_o heaven_n in_o the_o dark_a so_o long_o as_o god_n himself_o have_v both_o give_v they_o eye_n to_o see_v withal_o and_o have_v leave_v they_o a_o plain_a rule_n to_o walk_v by_o and_o a_o strict_a command_n to_o observe_v it_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n to_o discern_v truth_n from_o falsehood_n and_o good_a from_o evil_n by_o such_o light_n as_o god_n have_v give_v they_o must_v be_v allow_v to_o all_o if_o we_o will_v allow_v they_o to_o be_v man_n and_o not_o brute_n only_o let_v not_o this_o universal_a privilege_n be_v abuse_v to_o strife_n and_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o take_v these_o direction_n 1._o have_v not_o the_o faith_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o lord_n of_o glory_n with_o respect_n of_o person_n jam._n 2._o 1._o these_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n james_n whatever_o interpretation_n they_o admit_v of_o as_o there_o use_v i_o may_v thus_o accommodate_v to_o the_o present_a matter_n let_v not_o the_o enmity_n or_o prejudice_n you_o have_v take_v up_o against_o any_o man_n or_o party_n nor_o yet_o the_o good_a opinion_n you_o have_v conceive_v of_o or_o great_a affection_n for_o any_o such_o bias_n or_o over-rule_v your_o search_n after_o the_o truth_n let_v they_o not_o corrupt_v your_o judgement_n nor_o be_v your_o motive_n to_o embrace_v some_o and_o reject_v other_o doctrine_n but_o impartial_o weigh_v they_o all_o in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o choose_v they_o by_o their_o own_o weight_n use_v man_n you_o may_v and_o must_v as_o far_o as_o you_o need_v they_o as_o helps_z to_o your_o own_o weakness_n but_o consider_v their_o reason_n not_o their_o person_n and_o what_o help_v you_o have_v by_o they_o not_o what_o opinion_n or_o affection_n you_o have_v have_v for_o they_o leave_v you_o run_v into_o a_o error_n not_o unlike_a that_o you_o condemn_v in_o the_o romish_a church_n of_o pin_v your_o faith_n upon_o your_o friend_n sleeve_n for_o though_o you_o thus_o may_v chance_v to_o hit_v upon_o the_o truth_n yet_o shall_v you_o be_v find_v herein_o to_o act_v through_o strife_n and_o that_o infect_v even_o your_o believe_v of_o truth_n itself_o with_o sin_n 2._o take_v heed_n of_o dote_v about_o question_n and_o strife_n of_o word_n whereof_o come_v envy_n strife_n rail_n evil_a surmising_n perverse_a dispute_n of_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 4._o see_v that_o they_o be_v not_o thing_n unprofitable_a