let_v it_o be_v suppose_v that_o all_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v true_a in_o this_o narrative_a and_o as_o full_a as_o they_o shall_v be_v second_o let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o all_o these_o good_a disposition_n of_o spirit_n whereby_o they_o commend_v themselves_o be_v full_o in_o these_o man_n and_o will_v be_v in_o their_o successor_n which_o no_o man_n can_v promise_v yet_o i_o think_v under_o correction_n that_o except_o they_o can_v make_v it_o clear_o appear_v to_o the_o state_n that_o their_o church_n way_n of_o non-communion_n for_o i_o know_v not_o what_o else_o to_o call_v it_o be_v the_o only_a true_a way_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o presbyterial_a way_n be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o that_o wherein_o it_o differ_v from_o they_o i_o say_v except_o they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v these_o two_o thing_n clear_o appear_v i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v no_o wisdom_n in_o the_o state_n to_o give_v they_o the_o toleration_n which_o they_o do_v desire_v and_o that_o for_o these_o reason_n first_o because_o the_o wisdom_n and_o piety_n of_o the_o state_n do_v intend_v to_o erect_v the_o true_a ordinance_n of_o god_n except_o than_o they_o can_v show_v that_o the_o true_a ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o the_o presbyterial_a way_n but_o in_o their_o way_n of_o non-communion_n they_o have_v no_o plea_n for_o their_o request_n for_o if_o they_o can_v enjoy_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o every_o ordinance_n full_o in_o the_o presbyterial_a way_n they_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o desire_v the_o toleration_n of_o another_o way_n of_o church_n government_n nor_o will_v it_o be_v wisdom_n in_o a_o state_n to_o yield_v it_o except_o it_o be_v make_v to_o appear_v that_o in_o the_o presbyterial_a way_n some_o of_o god_n ordinance_n in_o their_o full_a strength_n can_v be_v enjoy_v second_o because_o it_o be_v no_o wisdom_n in_o a_o state_n to_o reject_v a_o approve_a way_n of_o government_n which_o all_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n have_v receive_v all_o this_o while_n and_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v god_n way_n and_o by_o experience_n find_v to_o be_v safe_a and_o sound_a and_o a_o strong_a hold_n against_o all_o manner_n of_o corruption_n and_o in_o stead_n of_o it_o to_o take_v up_o another_o which_o be_v not_o yet_o know_v what_o it_o be_v nor_o be_v ever_o try_v but_o in_o two_o or_o at_o the_o most_o three_o church_n and_o that_o for_o the_o space_n of_o a_o few_o year_n wherein_o a_o most_o dangerous_a paroxysm_n of_o a_o great_a rent_n do_v arise_v among_o they_o as_o i_o be_o credible_o inform_v and_o which_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o their_o own_o apology_n three_o it_o be_v no_o wisdom_n to_o authorise_v two_o different_a way_n of_o church_n government_n in_o a_o state_n except_o it_o be_v to_o lay_v a_o foundation_n of_o strife_n and_o division_n therein_o which_o may_v agree_v with_o sour_a machivilian_n but_o with_o no_o christian_a policy_n therefore_o if_o the_o toleration_n sue_v for_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n do_v by_o divine_a right_n unto_o those_o that_o sue_v for_o it_o but_o be_v crave_v only_o as_o a_o humane_a favour_n as_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v crave_v it_o will_v be_v no_o wisdom_n in_o state_n to_o yield_v unto_o the_o suit_n except_o it_o be_v induce_v thereunto_o by_o the_o necessity_n of_o avoid_v some_o great_a inconvenience_n than_o be_v the_o admit_v of_o a_o seed_n of_o perpetual_a division_n within_o itself_o which_o in_o my_o apprehension_n be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o other_o and_o most_o opposite_a to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n now_o the_o less_o the_o cause_n of_o a_o separation_n be_v the_o great_a the_o fault_n be_v in_o those_o that_o make_v it_o and_o the_o less_o cause_n the_o state_n have_v to_o give_v way_n to_o the_o make_n of_o it_o four_o the_o wisdom_n of_o a_o state_n may_v retort_v the_o argument_n of_o these_o suitor_n thus_o if_o these_o man_n that_o be_v but_o few_o in_o number_n and_o if_o those_o who_o they_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v their_o brethren_n be_v very_o many_o and_o great_a church_n and_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o difference_n be_v very_o small_a and_o such_o as_o ought_v not_o to_o disturb_v the_o public_a peace_n as_o they_o profess_v and_o by_o their_o practice_n show_v than_o it_o follow_v that_o these_o few_o ought_v not_o to_o stand_v by_o themselves_o at_o a_o distance_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o brethren_n but_o they_o shall_v join_v to_o they_o not_o make_v a_o rent_n and_o thereby_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o extremity_n of_o banishment_n and_o want_n of_o livelihood_n in_o a_o strange_a country_n now_o these_o man_n be_v but_o few_o and_o their_o difference_n as_o they_o say_v themselves_o be_v but_o small_a and_o ought_v not_o to_o disturb_v the_o public_a peace_n therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o join_v with_o their_o brethren_n and_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o allow_v they_o the_o liberty_n of_o a_o separation_n lest_o a_o schism_n arise_v from_o thence_o in_o the_o church_n and_o further_a trouble_n to_o the_o state_n and_o true_o this_o conclusion_n may_v be_v infer_v from_o their_o premise_n with_o more_o strength_n then_o that_o which_o they_o draw_v from_o it_o if_o then_o they_o will_v punish_v themselves_o with_o exile_n because_o they_o can_v have_v their_o will_n they_o can_v blame_v none_o but_o themselves_o for_o in_o this_o case_n i_o shall_v judge_v they_o persecute_v by_o their_o own_o discontentednes_n nor_o will_v the_o plea_n of_o christian_a liberty_n avail_v here_o for_o the_o liberty_n whereunto_o we_o be_v call_v in_o christ_n do_v not_o give_v occasion_n to_o singularity_n or_o permission_n to_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o spiritual_a unity_n which_o by_o the_o allowance_n of_o a_o public_a toleration_n of_o different_a church_n government_n may_v be_v occasion_v therefore_o to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n entire_a and_o to_o prevent_v occasion_n which_o may_v be_v take_v to_o abuse_v liberty_n a_o few_o shall_v yield_v unto_o many_o except_o they_o can_v fair_o persuade_v those_o many_o to_o yield_v unto_o they_o and_o if_o both_o side_n in_o matter_n tolerable_a shall_v intend_v mutual_o to_o yield_v one_o to_o another_o their_o way_n will_v be_v not_o to_o separate_v from_o each_o other_o but_o to_o keep_v the_o interest_n of_o love_n and_o communion_n entire_a till_o god_n open_v all_o our_o eye_n to_o approve_v of_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o excellent_a for_o we_o that_o be_v spiritual_a or_o think_v ourselves_o to_o be_v so_o be_v command_v not_o to_o please_v ourselves_o but_o our_o brethren_n to_o edification_n if_o then_o we_o desire_v to_o approve_v ourselves_o more_o than_o other_o spiritual_a towards_o god_n and_o his_o church_n let_v we_o strive_v to_o go_v before_o other_o in_o all_o forbearance_n and_o long_a suffering_n with_o meekness_n bear_v the_o weak_a and_o their_o burden_n to_o heal_v they_o and_o notto_o open_a a_o sluice_n to_o let_v in_o strife_n and_o debate_n chief_o in_o public_a and_o for_o matter_n confess_v to_o be_v of_o no_o great_a moment_n let_v we_o remember_v that_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 and_o if_o to_o all_o man_n chief_o then_o unto_o their_o near_a brother_n for_o such_o we_o be_v command_v especial_o to_o consider_v to_o exhort_v daily_o and_o to_o provoke_v unto_o love_n and_o to_o good_a work_n and_o as_o at_o all_o time_n this_o duty_n be_v requisite_a so_o now_o chief_o in_o this_o sad_a conjuncture_n of_o public_a affair_n and_o at_o this_o occasion_n of_o public_a deliberation_n whereunto_o the_o state_n have_v call_v they_o for_o the_o advancement_n of_o a_o settle_a reformation_n suppose_v therefore_o that_o this_o will_v be_v and_o be_v the_o aim_n of_o those_o to_o who_o i_o speak_v as_o they_o be_v my_o belove_a brethren_n in_o christ_n so_o i_o desire_v from_o my_o heart_n their_o perfection_n that_o i_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o they_o in_o the_o great_a liberty_n thereof_o which_o in_o my_o judgement_n can_v stand_v very_o well_o with_o the_o strict_a obligation_n of_o spiritual_a unity_n only_o two_o rock_n must_v be_v avoid_v in_o the_o outward_a carriage_n of_o matter_n towards_o public_a edification_n the_o one_o be_v that_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o liberty_n no_o licentious_a and_o self-seeking_a singularity_n take_v place_n the_o other_o be_v that_o the_o obligation_n to_o unity_n become_v not_o a_o yoke_n to_o tyranny_n to_o bring_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n child_n in_o bondage_n under_o humane_a ordinance_n if_o these_o that_o be_v call_v to_o give_v advice_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n unpartial_o can_v as_o good_a pilot_n steer_v their_o course_n in_o
only_o determinable_a by_o spiritual_a discretion_n for_o even_o as_o one_o member_n in_o the_o natural_a body_n will_v be_v sway_v by_o the_o joint_a inclination_n of_o the_o rest_n so_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o the_o ministerial_a society_n of_o spiritual_a office-bearer_n in_o the_o senate_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n now_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v join_v in_o a_o spiritual_a senate_n and_o ministerial_a society_n among_o themselves_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o necessary_a end_n of_o mutual_a edification_n from_o the_o evident_a and_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n from_o the_o precept_n of_o christ_n who_o command_v a_o brother_n offend_v at_o a_o incorrigible_a brother_n after_o private_a admonition_n to_o tell_v the_o church_n and_o from_o the_o precept_n command_v all_o to_o 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 eph._n 4.3_o which_o can_v be_v effect_v without_o some_o joint_a care_n to_o walk_v uniformal_o in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n as_o it_o become_v the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n whereof_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n that_o the_o world_n may_v see_v that_o they_o all_o belong_v unto_o he_o for_o this_o be_v that_o which_o christ_n pray_v for_o unto_o his_o father_n joh._n 17.21.23_o that_o all_o believer_n may_v be_v one_o and_o if_o all_o believer_n then_o far_o more_o all_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n because_o they_o be_v send_v forth_o to_o edify_v the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n till_o we_o all_o come_v unto_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n eph._n 4.13_o if_o then_o they_o be_v appoint_v to_o bring_v other_o unto_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o to_o do_v this_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o maintain_v the_o bond_n of_o ministerial_a communion_n among_o themselves_o which_o can_v be_v do_v more_o effectual_o then_o by_o such_o consultation_n as_o be_v use_v in_o consistory_n presbytery_n and_o synod_n the_o true_a intention_n and_o nature_n of_o which_o be_v not_o coactive_a but_o auxiliary_a and_o if_o to_o make_v up_o one_o single_a congregation_n they_o require_v a_o covenant_n betwixt_o each_o believer_n and_o his_o brother_n and_o betwixt_o they_o all_o and_o the_o pastor_n that_o shall_v watch_v over_o their_o soul_n i_o see_v not_o why_o they_o shall_v refuse_v the_o like_a covenant_n to_o be_v establish_v among_o the_o pastor_n of_o several_a flock_n who_o be_v bind_v as_o officer_n in_o the_o same_o household_n of_o faith_n to_o watch_v one_o over_o another_o under_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o supreme_a head_n of_o the_o family_n and_o shepherd_n of_o soul_n jesus_n christ_n i_o will_v not_o say_v that_o the_o tie_n be_v alike_o strong_a or_o the_o relation_n equal_o bind_v betwixt_o pastor_n and_o pastor_n as_o it_o be_v betwixt_o member_n and_o pastor_n or_o betwixt_o member_n and_o member_n in_o one_o congregation_n i_o say_v i_o will_v not_o positive_o affirm_v it_o but_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v make_v as_o strong_a as_o a_o covenant_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o care_n for_o one_o another_o in_o christ_n can_v make_v it_o and_o as_o the_o aim_n of_o strengthen_v one_o another_o hand_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o stand_v joint_o in_o a_o fight_n against_o the_o world_n can_v require_v it_o i_o do_v strong_o assert_v and_o think_v those_o that_o do_v not_o mind_v this_o aim_n and_o the_o true_a mean_n of_o entertain_v the_o same_o guilty_a of_o a_o great_a sin_n against_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n because_o they_o seem_v to_o seek_v a_o particular_a interest_n of_o their_o own_o rather_o than_o the_o good_a of_o other_o who_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o serve_v for_o their_o edification_n although_o it_o may_v be_v with_o some_o inconvenience_n to_o themselves_o by_o stoop_v to_o their_o infirmity_n and_o bear_v of_o their_o burden_n but_o this_o duty_n be_v little_o mind_v on_o all_o side_n and_o therefore_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n be_v so_o difficult_a if_o then_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o god_n servant_n in_o his_o house_n and_o work_v shall_v not_o live_v at_o a_o distance_n as_o stranger_n but_o stand_v together_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n in_o a_o sociable_a relation_n to_o entertain_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n and_o if_o this_o sociable_a relation_n in_o matter_n belong_v to_o their_o charge_n of_o mutual_a and_o public_a edification_n be_v a_o mean_n to_o maintain_v that_o authority_n towards_o their_o particular_a congregation_n which_o in_o matter_n of_o doubt_n be_v necessary_a to_o come_v to_o a_o decision_n thereof_o and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a and_o mild_a way_n of_o government_n when_o every_o church_n be_v direct_v by_o its_o own_o officer_n through_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a i_o say_v if_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v deny_v i_o see_v not_o what_o can_v be_v except_v against_o the_o presbyterial_a way_n of_o church_n government_n and_o discipline_n and_o if_o the_o authority_n of_o one_o pastor_n to_o who_o the_o charge_n of_o soul_n be_v commit_v be_v such_o that_o his_o flock_n be_v bind_v by_o express_a commandment_n of_o the_o word_n to_o obey_v and_o submit_v unto_o he_o hebr._n 13.17_o and_o if_o the_o non-communionists_a will_v not_o exempt_v any_o of_o their_o flock_n from_o this_o subjection_n to_o their_o pastor_n though_o they_o stand_v by_o themselves_o alone_o i_o can_v imagine_v why_o they_o shall_v exempt_v those_o same_o flock_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o same_o pastor_n when_o their_o authority_n be_v strengthen_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o their_o brethren_n for_o to_o use_v their_o own_o word_n if_o it_o be_v a_o most_o abhor_a maxim_n that_o any_o single_a and_o particular_a society_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n shall_v arrogate_v unto_o themselves_o a_o exemption_n from_o give_v account_n or_o be_v censurable_a by_o any_o other_o neighbour_n church_n about_o they_o than_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o mean_n as_o well_o of_o give_v a_o account_n and_o inflict_v of_o a_o censure_n if_o need_v be_v as_o of_o prevent_v scandal_n which_o may_v deserve_v censure_n aught_o to_o be_v use_v among_o neighbour_n church_n which_o mean_n be_v none_o other_o than_o the_o conjunction_n of_o brotherly_a counsel_n in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a senate_n of_o a_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n now_o the_o authoritative_a sway_n which_o such_o counsel_n and_o censure_n shall_v bear_v be_v no_o extrinsecall_a matter_n but_o a_o thing_n intrinsical_o inherent_a and_o the_o immediate_a result_n of_o the_o combine_a body_n of_o the_o senate_n wherein_o all_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o whole_a ministry_n be_v cast_v together_o in_o one_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o the_o decree_n of_o such_o a_o senate_n can_v be_v without_o that_o authority_n which_o the_o charge_n of_o every_o member_n thereof_o do_v yield_v unto_o he_o by_o god_n appointment_n towards_o those_o over_o who_o he_o have_v a_o charge_n except_o than_o it_o be_v think_v that_o christ_n never_o intend_v that_o any_o such_o senate_n shall_v be_v convocate_v or_o establish_v in_o his_o church_n to_o prevent_v or_o rectify_v scandal_n i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o conceive_v what_o can_v be_v except_v against_o the_o authoritative_a sway_n of_o the_o decree_n thereof_o suppose_v matter_n to_o be_v fair_o and_o open_o scan_v but_o if_o otherwise_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o fault_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o proceed_v of_o those_o that_o belong_v unto_o the_o senate_n than_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o effect_n thereof_o shall_v be_v meek_o discover_v and_o a_o way_n propose_v to_o rectify_v it_o but_o the_o bond_n of_o brotherly_a unity_n among_o themselves_o and_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o authority_n towards_o their_o church_n shall_v not_o be_v shake_v now_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o authority_n be_v their_o unity_n in_o their_o charge_n and_o the_o bond_n of_o their_o unity_n be_v the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o intention_n to_o care_n and_o look_v one_o to_o another_o according_a to_o the_o commandment_n which_o be_v express_o give_v heb._n 3.12_o 13._o and_o 10.24_o and_o 12.15_o but_o here_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o these_o commandment_n belong_v unto_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n and_o be_v not_o peculiar_a unto_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n more_o than_o to_o other_o i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v true_a all_o be_v bind_v unto_o the_o same_o care_n for_o one_o another_o as_o member_n of_o each_o other_o but_o although_o the_o principle_n of_o this_o duty_n which_o be_v their_o co-membership_a and_o covenant_n in_o christ_n be_v the_o same_o yet_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o duty_n be_v to_o be_v different_o perform_v according_a to_o the_o distinct_a
turn_v to_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o my_o work_n and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n so_o that_o at_o last_o it_o be_v almost_o indifferent_a unto_o i_o whether_o i_o meet_v with_o opposite_n or_o no_o see_v i_o can_v turn_v all_o to_o my_o advantage_n and_o last_o i_o come_v to_o this_o resolution_n that_o i_o make_v a_o vow_n of_o perseverance_n in_o the_o work_n whether_o i_o perceive_v any_o temarkable_a furtherance_n of_o the_o work_n or_o no_o in_o respect_n that_o i_o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n whereof_o the_o event_n do_v depend_v upon_o god_n special_a providence_n to_o who_o i_o be_v bind_v to_o refer_v the_o issue_n whatsoever_o be_v come_v of_o i_o or_o my_o endeavour_n so_o that_o now_o i_o look_v no_o more_o to_o the_o outward_a appearance_n of_o man_n in_o this_o negotiation_n but_o unto_o the_o tenor_n of_o my_o vow_n which_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v answerable_a unto_o the_o express_a will_n of_o god_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v i_o hope_v i_o be_o confirm_v invincible_o against_o all_o opposition_n whatsoever_o these_o be_v brief_o the_o motive_n and_o encouragement_n which_o have_v bring_v i_o to_o the_o negotiation_n of_o peace_n and_o confirm_v i_o therein_o hitherto_o now_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o the_o sum_n of_o the_o argument_n which_o i_o have_v use_v to_o persuade_v other_o unto_o the_o same_o disposition_n towards_o peace_n and_o moderation_n which_o god_n have_v wrought_v in_o my_o heart_n first_o the_o woe_n which_o be_v denounce_v against_o the_o world_n by_o reason_n of_o offence_n mat._n 18_o 7.8.9_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o be_v not_o accessary_a to_o the_o multiply_a of_o the_o same_o now_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o many_o scandal_n be_v multiply_v by_o reason_n of_o superfluous_a and_o disorderly_a dispute_n which_o scandalize_v the_o little_a one_o and_o by_o reason_n of_o contention_n and_o partial_a proceed_n which_o divide_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o professor_n &_o draw_v they_o into_o faction_n and_o if_o we_o connive_v at_o these_o scandal_n and_o labour_v not_o to_o take_v they_o out_o of_o the_o way_n when_o occasion_n be_v off_o red_a to_o we_o we_o be_v accessary_a thereunto_o and_o so_o be_v liable_a to_o the_o woe_n denounce_v against_o the_o world_n and_o the_o author_n of_o offence_n second_o the_o miserable_a effect_n of_o our_o endless_a strife_n and_o division_n be_v a_o large_a field_n of_o discourse_n to_o show_v how_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v stop_v thereby_o how_o the_o truth_n be_v darken_v how_o the_o practice_n of_o godliness_n be_v neglect_v how_o the_o church_n be_v consume_v one_o by_o another_o and_o make_v a_o prey_n unto_o the_o common_a adversary_n who_o lie_v in_o wait_n and_o watch_v for_o our_o destruction_n and_o prevail_v by_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o by_o our_o inward_a confusion_n disorder_n and_o passionate_a debate_n among_o ourselves_o this_o argument_n be_v make_v plain_a from_o the_o present_a state_n of_o all_o the_o protestant_a church_n in_o all_o country_n which_o be_v expose_v to_o all_o manner_n of_o danger_n and_o lay_v waste_n in_o many_o place_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o prevail_a plot_n of_o the_o papist_n and_o socinian_o which_o take_v effect_n only_o because_o we_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o walk_v by_o one_o rule_n to_o be_v like_o mind_a in_o that_o whereunto_o we_o be_v come_v and_o to_o edify_v one_o another_o in_o that_o wherein_o we_o be_v at_o uâ—riance_n by_o common_a principle_n and_o orderly_a way_n of_o prophesy_v three_o the_o benefit_n which_o will_v redound_v to_o all_o the_o church_n from_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o themselves_o and_o what_o advantage_n the_o gospel_n itself_o will_v receive_v thereby_o and_o how_o by_o the_o joint_n and_o brotherly_a endeavour_n of_o protestant_n all_o nation_n of_o he_o world_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o mahumetan_n may_v be_v bring_v unto_o the_o sheepfold_a of_o christ_n and_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n in_o a_o short_a time_n quite_o overthrow_v this_o be_v a_o most_o ample_a and_o large_a subject_n to_o be_v insist_v upon_o towards_o those_o that_o believe_v the_o raise_v up_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o overthrow_n of_o babylon_n in_o the_o latter_a time_n four_o the_o express_a commandment_n of_o god_n to_o seek_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n and_o the_o manifold_a exhortation_n tend_v to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o happy_a condition_n of_o those_o that_o study_v to_o observe_v the_o same_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v so_o many_o well-spring_n of_o reason_n to_o move_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n unto_o this_o duty_n and_o endeavour_n five_o the_o example_n and_o forwardness_n of_o other_o in_o former_a time_n and_o in_o these_o time_n also_o with_o the_o preparative_n use_v and_o make_v ready_a on_o all_o side_n to_o entertain_v the_o motion_n of_o agreement_n and_o to_o concur_v in_o the_o counsel_n of_o peace_n be_v allege_v as_o a_o call_v offer_v from_o god_n which_o all_o godly_a man_n be_v bind_v to_o entertain_v with_o readiness_n except_o they_o will_v be_v find_v want_v to_o their_o duty_n before_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n and_o guilty_a of_o the_o evil_n which_o follow_v upon_o strife_n and_o debate_n among_o brethren_n six_o the_o brotherly_a relation_n which_o be_v real_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o same_o save_a faith_n betwixt_o we_o do_v bind_v we_o to_o make_v profession_n of_o brotherhood_n and_o labour_n to_o edify_v one_o another_o therein_o except_o we_o will_v betray_v the_o truth_n and_o break_v the_o tie_n of_o one_o faith_n and_o hope_n which_o oblige_v we_o to_o provide_v and_o seek_v for_o one_o another_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a good_a as_o member_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o head_n jesus_n christ_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o lutheran_n and_o we_o be_v one_o in_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o hope_n it_o follow_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v in_o couscience_n to_o make_v this_o unity_n manifest_a by_o our_o public_a profession_n because_o we_o do_v otherwise_o suppress_v the_o chief_a fruit_n of_o that_o truth_n whereby_o god_n be_v to_o be_v glorify_v and_o christ_n make_v know_v unto_o the_o world_n as_o he_o do_v intimate_v joh._n 17.21_o 22_o 23._o last_o this_o argument_n i_o have_v ofttimes_o press_v and_o find_v it_o unanswerable_a i_o say_v then_o that_o as_o i_o find_v myself_o bind_v to_o profess_v brotherhood_n towards_o another_o so_o i_o suppose_v every_o one_o will_v find_v himself_o oblige_v unto_o the_o same_o duty_n towards_o i_o if_o he_o will_v consider_v i_o as_o i_o do_v he_o now_o i_o consider_v every_o one_o with_o who_o i_o seek_v brotherhood_n in_o profession_n as_o he_o have_v a_o relation_n unto_o god_n who_o be_v my_o father_n in_o christ_n if_o then_o i_o find_v that_o he_o have_v the_o same_o interest_n in_o god_n which_o i_o have_v and_o do_v call_v he_o father_n upon_o the_o same_o ground_n which_o i_o do_v namely_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o same_o new_a covenant_n whereby_o i_o be_o unite_v unto_o god_n in_o christ_n then_o i_o do_v conceive_v he_o to_o be_v my_o brother_n in_o respect_n that_o his_o soul_n be_v beget_v by_o the_o same_o heavenly_a father_n through_o the_o same_o spiritual_a seed_n and_o in_o the_o womb_n of_o the_o same_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n and_o to_o the_o same_o lively_a hope_n by_o who_o through_o which_o seed_n in_o which_o womb_n and_o to_o which_o hope_n my_o soul_n be_v beget_v and_o if_o i_o find_v he_o sound_a in_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n must_v needs_o acknowledge_v he_o in_o my_o heart_n my_o brother_n and_o a_o son_n of_o the_o same_o spiritual_a father_n and_o mother_n than_o i_o ought_v not_o before_o man_n to_o conceal_v the_o same_o acknowledgement_n but_o be_o bind_v in_o conscience_n chief_o when_o it_o may_v tend_v much_o to_o his_o good_a and_o to_o the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n glory_n to_o make_v open_a profession_n thereof_o although_o in_o some_o other_o respect_v there_o may_v be_v some_o difference_n of_o opinion_n and_o of_o custom_n of_o behaviour_n betwixt_o we_o for_o all_o brethren_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o stature_n and_o clothe_v alike_o and_o speak_v with_o one_o and_o the_o same_o tone_n and_o alike_o ready_o some_o be_v tall_a than_o other_o and_o more_o comely_a some_o more_o neat_a in_o their_o clothes_n and_o speak_v more_o distinct_o and_o with_o more_o reason_n than_o other_o do_v and_o yet_o this_o do_v make_v no_o difference_n in_o the_o interest_n which_o they_o have_v all_o alike_o unto_o their_o father_n and_o to_o his_o inheritance_n and_o in_o the_o brotherly_a relation_n which_o they_o have_v
follow_v their_o own_o humour_n shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o draw_v away_o disciple_n after_o themselves_o or_o to_o come_v in_o secret_o upon_o the_o flock_n as_o thief_n to_o steal_v their_o heart_n from_o the_o shepherd_n or_o to_o break_v in_o violent_o as_o grievous_a wolf_n leap_v over_o the_o pale_a or_o break_v through_o the_o fold_n by_o these_o general_a rule_n and_o the_o inference_n which_o will_v clear_o follow_v thereupon_o i_o suppose_v all_o or_o most_o of_o all_o the_o case_n require_v a_o limitation_n may_v be_v determine_v and_o that_o without_o any_o undue_a authoritative_a power_n which_o the_o non-communionists_a so_o much_o fear_v for_o although_o they_o say_v that_o they_o yield_v not_o less_o â—ut_fw-la more_o than_o their_o presbyterial_a brethren_n do_v to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n yet_o because_o they_o dwell_v in_o generality_n wherein_o it_o can_v be_v discern_v what_o they_o yield_v unto_o the_o magistrate_n therefore_o it_o seem_v expedient_a to_o i_o to_o propose_v also_o in_o a_o general_a way_n these_o ground_n that_o if_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o except_v against_o they_o the_o particular_n may_v be_v think_v on_o the_o toleration_n which_o therein_o they_o require_v may_v be_v just_o limit_v thereby_o and_o the_o troublesome_a uncertainty_n whereby_o all_o thing_n be_v keep_v in_o suspense_n may_v be_v determine_v for_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o doubtful_a general_n way_n wherein_o they_o walk_v and_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o great_a silence_n concern_v the_o rule_n of_o government_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o spiritual_a communion_n which_o be_v like_o a_o guard_n of_o darkness_n over_o their_o proceed_n they_o trouble_v some_o and_o give_v cause_n unto_o other_o that_o be_v no_o way_n partial_a to_o suspect_v that_o they_o lie_v at_o their_o advantage_n and_o love_v not_o the_o light_n and_o this_o because_o their_o proceed_n be_v not_o settle_v and_o so_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o any_o trial_n by_o the_o evidence_n of_o common_a principle_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o find_v the_o applause_n of_o many_o that_o love_v the_o taste_n of_o liberty_n grow_v strong_a and_o thus_o keep_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o unsettlement_n and_o true_o this_o suspension_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a leave_v all_o the_o bond_n of_o dissolve_a government_n in_o looseness_n may_v prove_v fatal_a both_o to_o church_n and_o state_n if_o god_n in_o mercy_n do_v not_o prevent_v the_o danger_n which_o may_v ensue_v thereupon_o therefore_o i_o be_o trouble_v and_o will_v fain_o be_v able_a to_o speak_v serious_o as_o unto_o those_o who_o i_o esteâ—me_v my_o true_o belove_a brethren_n in_o christ_n as_o unto_o those_o to_o who_o i_o acknowledge_v myself_o a_o debtor_n in_o the_o gospel_n for_o some_o of_o they_o have_v oblige_v i_o in_o the_o outward_a part_n of_o my_o negotiation_n in_o the_o lord_n as_o unto_o those_o who_o gift_n i_o reverence_v as_o unto_o those_o who_o i_o love_v sincere_o even_o to_o be_v jealous_a of_o they_o with_o a_o godly_a jealousy_n to_o they_o i_o say_v i_o will_v fain_o speak_v in_o the_o freedom_n meekness_n and_o sincerity_n of_o my_o love_n as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o warn_v and_o to_o exhort_v they_o for_o the_o love_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o they_o shall_v neither_o give_v their_o brethren_n cause_n to_o be_v offend_v at_o their_o distant_a walk_n nor_o the_o enemy_n advantage_n who_o watch_n for_o both_o their_o halting_n nor_o to_o i_o who_o have_v unfeigned_o seek_v to_o have_v communion_n with_o they_o occasion_n to_o fear_n that_o the_o frame_n of_o their_o spirit_n and_o way_n in_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v main_o or_o be_v to_o please_v themselves_o and_o that_o the_o issue_n of_o it_o will_v be_v a_o non-communion_n not_o only_o with_o the_o presbyterian_o but_o even_o with_o themselves_o in_o the_o end_n the_o one_o fall_v from_o the_o other_o all_o which_o i_o beseech_v the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n to_o prevent_v that_o the_o transcendent_a gift_n which_o many_o of_o they_o have_v receive_v may_v not_o become_v either_o useless_a or_o hurtful_a to_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n for_o hereunto_o as_o i_o have_v not_o be_v want_v to_o invite_v some_o of_o they_o heretofore_o so_o now_o i_o will_v again_o exhort_v they_o all_o in_o the_o bowel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o who_o also_o i_o will_v entreat_v they_o to_o receive_v this_o word_n of_o admonition_n and_o exhortation_n kind_o namely_o with_o that_o spirit_n wherewith_o they_o will_v desire_v i_o to_o bear_v with_o they_o in_o the_o like_a case_n that_o be_v if_o they_o shall_v apprehend_v i_o to_o be_v in_o that_o dangerous_a condition_n wherein_o i_o may_v apprehend_v they_o to_o be_v if_o i_o look_v to_o suspicious_a appearance_n but_o i_o love_v not_o to_o suspect_v evil_a nor_o will_v i_o give_v way_n to_o sinister_a report_n but_o hope_v the_o best_a i_o labour_v also_o to_o make_v the_o best_a of_o every_o thing_n know_v that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o mend_n or_o mar_n of_o matter_n be_v in_o the_o right_n or_o wrong_n take_v up_o â—f_v they_o let_v we_o then_o not_o judge_v by_o appearance_n but_o let_v we_o judge_v a_o righteous_a judgement_n as_o we_o will_v be_v judge_v and_o if_o the_o impression_n which_o i_o have_v take_v up_o of_o they_o be_v innocent_a and_o harmless_a void_a of_o prejudice_n and_o without_o partiality_n then_o i_o hope_v that_o they_o will_v have_v the_o same_o mind_n concern_v i_o and_o think_v well_o of_o these_o solicitous_a expression_n of_o my_o mind_n for_o their_o good_a for_o i_o speak_v the_o truth_n and_o lie_v not_o that_o i_o be_o in_o pain_n and_o afraid_a of_o something_o which_o may_v spring_v up_o from_o the_o opinion_n and_o consideration_n of_o one_o self_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o more_o light_n and_o perfection_n than_o other_o have_v which_o may_v be_v a_o decâ—it_n tend_v rather_o to_o make_v a_o show_n then_o to_o edify_v to_o seem_v somewhat_o at_o a_o distance_n rather_o than_o to_o be_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v towards_o other_o in_o nearness_n the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o cor._n 8.9_o that_o knowledge_n do_v puff_n up_o but_o it_o be_v charity_n that_o edifi_v and_o there_o he_o tell_v we_o also_o that_o of_o any_o man_n think_v that_o he_o know_v any_o thing_n he_o know_v nothing_o yet_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o know_v it_o be_v then_o very_a dangerous_a to_o have_v a_o opinion_n that_o we_o know_v something_o or_o that_o we_o be_v something_o in_o comparison_n and_o beyond_o other_o and_o that_o we_o may_v stand_v by_o ourselves_o and_o from_o this_o danger_n if_o i_o look_v to_o what_o be_v say_v &_o practise_v by_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o non-communion_n i_o can_v judge_v they_o free_a &_o how_o far_o they_o authorise_v by_o this_o way_n of_o distance_n in_o private_a christian_n which_o have_v get_v some_o smattering_n of_o light_n in_o a_o heat_n of_o zeal_n the_o murmur_a complain_v comparative_o censorious_a humour_n of_o the_o age_n i_o will_v desire_v they_o to_o judge_v by_o themselves_o in_o the_o unlimited_a liberty_n which_o be_v take_v this_o way_n by_o their_o member_n and_o which_o be_v natural_a to_o follow_v upon_o that_o frame_n of_o church_n government_n which_o they_o seem_v to_o pitch_v upon_o for_o have_v cast_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o subjection_n and_o absolute_a obedience_n under_o episcopacy_n if_o now_o they_o will_v dissolve_v also_o the_o bond_n of_o brotherly_a correspondency_n in_o a_o presbytery_n let_v they_o look_v to_o it_o they_o will_v find_v little_a or_o no_o authority_n in_o a_o consistory_n and_o the_o liberty_n which_o their_o member_n will_v take_v and_o which_o indeed_o be_v permit_v to_o they_o to_o take_v over_o their_o ruler_n for_o want_v of_o a_o aweband_n of_o just_a authority_n will_v prove_v contagious_a and_o a_o leaven_n of_o corruption_n unto_o all_o that_o have_v to_o do_v with_o they_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n i_o have_v lay_v the_o ground_n of_o necessary_a limitation_n for_o they_o in_o case_n it_o be_v find_v absolute_o necessary_a by_o the_o state_n to_o give_v they_o a_o toleration_n such_o as_o they_o desire_v thus_o i_o have_v utter_v my_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n to_o give_v they_o warning_n of_o that_o which_o may_n &_o aught_o to_o be_v apprehend_v in_o their_o way_n to_o prevent_v the_o worst_a because_o i_o hope_v the_o best_a and_o make_v no_o doubt_n of_o their_o ready_a willingness_n not_o only_o to_o take_v this_o brotherly_a discovery_n in_o good_a part_n but_o that_o they_o will_v also_o concur_v glad_o with_o i_o and_o other_o in_o the_o mean_n which_o may_v remedy_v the_o same_o of_o which_o now_o i_o must_v come_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o three_o place_n thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o second_o now_o