particular_a congregation_n it_o be_v to_o be_v manage_v by_o those_o that_o rule_n over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o therefore_o the_o examination_n and_o determination_n of_o thing_n in_o point_n of_o admission_n to_o ordinance_n and_o refusal_n together_o with_o other_o church_n act_n shall_v be_v perform_v and_o manage_v by_o they_o yet_o not_o without_o notice_n give_v to_o the_o people_n of_o what_o in_o matter_n of_o general_a concernment_n and_o consequence_n be_v determine_v by_o they_o that_o if_o any_o can_v upon_o ground_n out_o of_o the_o word_n object_n any_o thing_n their_o satisfaction_n may_v be_v endeavour_v or_o the_o matter_n forbear_v 3._o in_o these_o and_o all_o such_o case_n wherewith_o the_o people_n be_v make_v acquaint_v we_o agree_v according_a to_o scripture_n rule_n practice_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o society_n right_o order_v there_o must_v be_v one_o to_o govern_v the_o matter_n of_o speech_n and_o silence_n of_o which_o the_o pastor_n or_o minister_n be_v to_o take_v care_n that_o order_n be_v maintain_v 4._o we_o agree_v that_o to_o heal_v offence_n and_o remove_v scandal_n out_o of_o the_o church_n christ_n have_v provide_v the_o remedy_n of_o admonition_n of_o offender_n and_o other_o church_n censure_n to_o which_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o proceed_n but_o in_o case_n of_o know_a offence_n and_o such_o as_o can_v be_v heal_v without_o censure_n and_o offence_n be_v some_o of_o they_o private_a other_o public_a they_o require_v a_o proceed_n according_a to_o their_o nature_n and_o quality_n 5._o in_o private_a offence_n or_o scandal_n of_o one_o brother_n against_o another_o know_v if_o to_o more_o than_o the_o brother_n yet_o but_o to_o few_o we_o agree_v that_o as_o christian_a inspection_n and_o watchfulness_n over_o each_o other_o must_v not_o degenerate_a into_o imprudent_a rash_a and_o uncharitable_a pry_n into_o other_o fail_n so_o brotherly_a admonition_n may_v not_o at_o any_o time_n become_v unadvised_a and_o unwarrantable_a meddle_v therefore_o we_o be_v in_o proceed_n of_o this_o sort_n to_o follow_v as_o other_o scripture_n rule_n so_o espcial_o that_o rule_n mat._n 18.15_o if_o thy_o brother_n etc._n etc._n which_o offence_n or_o trespass_n we_o understand_v not_o to_o be_v mean_v by_o our_o lord_n of_o such_o humane_a infirmity_n that_o all_o man_n even_o the_o best_a saint_n on_o earth_n in_o this_o state_n of_o imperfection_n continual_o fall_v into_o nor_o of_o such_o small_a fault_n or_o injury_n which_o christian_a prudence_n love_n and_o peaceableness_n require_v a_o overlook_a and_o pass_v by_o but_o the_o offence_n there_o ground_v the_o admonition_n be_v a_o great_a evil_n endanger_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o doer_n scandalize_a the_o brother_n see_v it_o and_o lie_v as_o a_o stumble_a stone_n in_o his_o christian_a course_n and_o such_o a_o sin_n that_o for_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v fit_a in_o case_n of_o insuccessefulness_n of_o admonition_n to_o be_v bring_v before_o the_o church_n 6._o beside_o this_o ecclesiastical_a admonition_n we_o yield_v there_o may_v be_v other_o charitative_a admonition_n which_o must_v not_o proceed_v to_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n 7._o therefore_o for_o our_o own_o particular_n we_o shall_v be_v very_o tender_a and_o cautious_a what_o either_o we_o ourselves_o do_v or_o encourage_v other_o unto_o in_o this_o case_n but_o on_o such_o ground_n as_o the_o word_n will_v sufficient_o warrant_v 8._o the_o offence_n or_o scandal_n against_o a_o brother_n be_v more_o than_o a_o mere_a humane_a infirmity_n the_o offend_a brother_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n aught_o to_o go_v to_o his_o brother_n offend_v and_o declare_v his_o repentance_n to_o he_o who_o thereupon_o be_v to_o forgive_v he_o but_o if_o the_o offender_n neglect_v that_o duty_n the_o brother_n offend_v be_v to_o go_v personal_o to_o he_o and_o tell_v he_o his_o fault_n between_o themselves_o alone_o and_o if_o by_o that_o admonition_n the_o offence_n be_v heal_v and_o the_o brother_n gain_v it_o be_v to_o be_v conceal_v for_o the_o future_a if_o he_o hear_v not_o this_o first_o admonition_n the_o party_n offend_v be_v to_o take_v to_o he_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n and_o if_o he_o than_o hear_v at_o the_o second_o admonition_n before_o witness_n the_o matter_n ought_v to_o be_v keep_v secret_a by_o both_o the_o admonisher_n and_o the_o witness_n but_o if_o he_o again_o hear_v not_o before_o witness_n than_o the_o matter_n be_v to_o be_v tell_v to_o the_o church_n which_o though_o some_o understand_v of_o church_n ruler_n other_o of_o the_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n yet_o all_o do_v agree_v that_o for_o order_n and_o decency_n the_o accusation_n must_v not_o first_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o whole_a congregation_n but_o to_o the_o ruler_n or_o overseer_n and_o therefore_o we_o resolve_v not_o to_o countenance_v the_o bring_n of_o any_o such_o matter_n before_o the_o congregation_n till_o those_o that_o be_v set_v over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n have_v first_o be_v acquaint_v with_o it_o to_o who_o belong_v also_o the_o give_v of_o all_o public_a admonition_n if_o afterward_o the_o aforesaid_a party_n upon_o proof_n of_o sin_n be_v admonish_v by_o the_o church_n and_o he_o hear_v not_o the_o church_n but_o be_v obstinate_a in_o the_o sin_n than_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v account_v as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n and_o exclude_v the_o church_n public_a scandal_n 1._o we_o agree_v that_o a_o private_a scandal_n by_o obstinacy_n add_v to_o it_o against_o private_a admonition_n and_o thereupon_o tell_v and_o prove_v to_o the_o church_n especial_o by_o that_o further_a obstinacy_n against_o the_o church_n follow_v admonition_n become_v a_o public_a scandal_n but_o proper_o a_o public_a scandal_n be_v that_o which_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n at_o the_o very_a first_o be_v public_a and_o notorious_a know_v to_o many_o if_o not_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o which_o case_n the_o former_a proceed_n by_o a_o private_a gradual_a admonition_n be_v not_o requisite_a nor_o proper_a but_o the_o church_n when_o a_o offence_n be_v thus_o public_a ought_v immediate_o to_o deal_v with_o it_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n either_o by_o the_o less_o censure_n of_o admonition_n when_o the_o scandal_n be_v less_o which_o admonition_n may_v be_v once_o or_o often_o as_o need_n shall_v require_v or_o by_o the_o great_a censure_n of_o excommunication_n when_o the_o scandal_n be_v great_a and_o heinous_a wherein_o we_o resolve_v faithful_o to_o endeavour_v the_o discharge_n of_o that_o duty_n shall_v be_v incumbent_a on_o we_o 2._o if_o the_o party_n offend_v after_o due_a proceed_n shall_v manifest_v repentance_n and_o satisfy_v the_o church_n he_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o fellowship_n again_o 3._o to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o church_n be_v require_v more_o evidence_n of_o repentance_n after_o some_o great_a sin_n be_v commit_v or_o in_o case_n of_o relapse_v ready_o into_o the_o same_o sin_n for_o which_o he_o have_v declare_v repentance_n before_o the_o church_n or_o fall_v into_o some_o new_a scandalous_a evil_n after_o a_o former_a censure_n and_o readmission_n into_o communion_n then_o in_o other_o case_n therefore_o we_o agree_v to_o be_v very_o cautious_a and_o circumspect_a herein_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o overhasty_a readmitting_a of_o any_o such_o till_o due_a trial_n of_o reformation_n be_v make_v in_o some_o competent_a measure_n of_o time_n 4._o when_o a_o offender_n be_v under_o church-censure_n though_o the_o former_a christian-fellowship_n be_v deny_v to_o he_o yet_o ought_v there_o to_o be_v all_o due_a way_n use_v to_o reduce_v he_o to_o repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o former_a fellowship_n with_o the_o church_n as_o be_v a_o member_n or_o person_n under_o cure_n therefore_o we_o resolve_v so_o long_o as_o opportunity_n and_o hope_n remain_v to_o do_v our_o best_a endeavour_n when_o any_o member_n of_o our_o congregation_n shall_v come_v under_o censure_n for_o the_o recovery_n of_o such_o out_o of_o satan_n snare_n and_o reduce_v they_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n fellowship_n 5._o whereas_o such_o member_n of_o the_o church_n bear_v and_o baptise_a in_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o so_o receive_v into_o it_o have_v many_o privilege_n which_o other_o not_o church-member_n have_v not_o as_o their_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n have_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o baptism_n upon_o they_o and_o so_o if_o they_o be_v not_o regenerate_v yet_o be_v in_o a_o more_o hopeful_a way_n of_o attain_v regenerate_a grace_n and_o all_o the_o spiritual_a blessing_n both_o of_o the_o covenant_n and_o seal_n and_o be_v also_o under_o church-watch_n and_o oversight_n and_o consequent_o subject_a to_o such_o gospel-order_n as_o may_v conduce_v to_o their_o spiritual_a good_a therefore_o we_o agree_v
duty_n we_o owe_v to_o fellow-christians_a and_o preserve_v we_o therein_o get_v we_o but_o that_o sincere_a and_o ardent_a love_n the_o gospel_n call_v for_o and_o unity_n will_v be_v both_o easy_o bring_v about_o and_o keep_v a_o firm_a and_o full_a unity_n that_o may_v answer_v the_o church_n present_a necessity_n if_o there_o be_v any_o defect_n in_o union_n it_o be_v from_o a_o deficience_n in_o this_o bond_n this_o affection_n of_o love_n be_v there_o among_o other_o gospel_n requisite_n this_o public_a spirit_n be_v this_o gospel_n brotherly_n love_n put_v on_o this_o will_v recover_v and_o reduce_v we_o to_o happy_a unity_n without_o which_o the_o breach_n and_o distemper_n be_v not_o likely_a to_o be_v heal_v for_o to_o provoke_v we_o those_o especial_o that_o be_v the_o backward_a and_o unactive_a oh_o that_o we_o can_v consider_v thing_n together_o and_o once_o more_o in_o christ_n name_n be_v entreat_v to_o endeavour_v it_o for_o be_v brotherly_a union_n mere_o arbitrary_a and_o leave_v to_o our_o liberty_n and_o not_o of_o a_o scripture_n and_o gospel_n necessity_n be_v not_o division_n among_o christian_n carnal_a be_v not_o sower_n of_o discord_n among_o brethren_n abominable_a to_o the_o lord_n 16.17_o 1_o cor._n 3.3_o prov._n 6.12_o rom._n 16.17_o must_v not_o those_o that_o make_v division_n be_v mark_v and_o also_o avoid_v have_v not_o god_n in_o scripture_n strait_o command_v unity_n christ_n most_o signal_o and_o peculiar_o enjoin_v it_o do_v not_o his_o apostle_n very_o frequent_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n eph._n 4.3_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n both_o require_v and_o persuade_v to_o it_o yea_o must_v we_o not_o look_v to_o keep_v it_o studious_o solicitous_o and_o zealous_o endeavour_v it_o and_o that_o as_o in_o other_o scripture_n be_v there_o urge_v upon_o very_a general_n and_o equitable_a reason_n that_o extend_v to_o all_o christian_n there_o be_v seven_o one_o and_o all_o respect_v all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n as_o those_o ephesian_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v endeavour_v only_o with_o some_o single_a person_n who_o we_o shall_v please_v to_o pick_v out_o to_o ourselves_o or_o with_o those_o particular_a congregation_n we_o be_v fix_v in_o but_o with_o all_o christian_n in_o general_n as_o their_o condition_n require_v and_o opportunity_n be_v afford_v to_o we_o and_o according_o have_v not_o good_a christian_n in_o all_o age_n both_o assent_v to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o earnest_o endeavour_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o do_v not_o all_o experience_n of_o the_o church_n evidence_n the_o necessity_n of_o it_o do_v not_o those_o church_n so_o excellent_o constitute_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o soon_o discover_v the_o use_n and_o necessity_n of_o it_o as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n act_v 15._o which_o occasion_v that_o application_n to_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o thereupon_o the_o first_o and_o exemplary_a christian_a synod_n whereby_o that_o and_o likewise_o other_o church_n be_v establish_v in_o the_o faith_n let_v matter_n be_v never_o so_o well_o constitute_v in_o church_n yet_o there_o ever_o will_v be_v new_a emergency_n and_o after_o case_n which_o will_v call_v for_o and_o still_o necessitate_v union_n and_o correspondency_n and_o that_o can_v be_v relieve_v otherwise_o at_o this_o day_n those_o division_n among_o the_o reform_a be_v not_o they_o acknowledge_v and_o bewail_v as_o sinful_a and_o great_o desire_v by_o the_o godly_a of_o any_o moderate_a spirit_n of_o all_o party_n to_o be_v heal_v yea_o among_o ourselves_o be_v it_o not_o so_o acknowledge_v and_o bewail_v and_o according_o be_v not_o our_o desire_n and_o prayer_n still_o a_o go_n after_o it_o do_v we_o not_o evident_o see_v the_o evil_n and_o mischief_n that_o will_v unavoidable_o every_o day_n increase_v and_o grow_v upon_o we_o without_o union_n ah_o what_o will_v become_v of_o truth_n of_o all_o gospel-truths_n and_o the_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n which_o be_v preserve_v by_o union_n when_o the_o house_n be_v burn_v and_o the_o gold_n and_o treasure_n in_o it_o melt_v be_v it_o not_o hard_o find_v it_o among_o the_o rubbish_n pearl_n if_o they_o shall_v be_v bury_v in_o great_a heap_n of_o sand_n will_v they_o not_o hardly_o be_v recover_v how_o hard_o will_v it_o be_v for_o people_n to_o find_v the_o treasure_n the_o pearl_n of_o gospel-truth_n in_o the_o rubbish_n and_o sand_n of_o multiplicity_n of_o error_n and_o what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n when_o man_n zeal_n and_o fervour_n still_o evaporate_v and_o breathe_v forth_o in_o contention_n and_o christian_n become_v engage_v to_o maintain_v party_n rather_o than_o godliness_n itself_o yea_o how_o must_v ignorance_n and_o profaneness_n increase_v and_o how_o will_v popery_n gain_v upon_o we_o yea_o and_o how_o will_v that_o be_v keep_v out_o at_o last_o look_v serious_o to_o the_o close_a what_o can_v magistrate_n and_o minister_n do_v if_o unity_n be_v not_o recover_v at_o the_o best_a must_v not_o the_o doctrine_n be_v high_o hazard_v and_o hardly_o be_v save_v must_v not_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n need_v sink_v and_o be_v swallow_v up_o in_o these_o quicksand_n of_o division_n yea_o and_o withal_o the_o civil_a state_n when_o heart_n be_v divide_v and_o man_n way_n and_o conscience_n so_o continual_o clash_v and_o run_v cross_a must_v not_o that_o need_v be_v but_o in_o a_o crazy_a condition_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o which_o general_n union_n will_v produce_v which_o also_o will_v in_o time_n work_v out_o a_o happy_a settlement_n in_o the_o civil_a state_n what_o though_o some_o be_v of_o the_o opinion_n that_o disunion_n be_v best_a that_o make_v it_o not_o so_o in_o itself_o but_o why_o shall_v union_n the_o entire_a full_a and_o large_a union_n in_o state_n and_o kingdom_n be_v best_a and_o not_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o among_o christian_n if_o single_a person_n or_o small_a town_n and_o particular_a place_n can_v carry_v on_o the_o civil_a interest_n without_o civil_a union_n nor_o never_o sufficient_o provide_v for_o the_o security_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n then_o why_o must_v it_o or_o how_o can_v it_o be_v that_o single_a christian_n or_o particular_a congregation_n without_o consociation_n can_v carry_v on_o and_o preserve_v religion_n in_o a_o nation_n as_o all_o former_a so_o late_a experience_n prove_v and_o after_o experience_n will_v ever_o prove_v the_o contrary_n thus_o new_a england_n itself_o also_o acknowledge_v and_o practise_v the_o contrary_a and_o that_o upon_o experience_n and_o they_o according_o even_o the_o strict_a of_o they_o do_v not_o only_o wish_v but_o encourage_v and_o provoke_v the_o godly_a of_o different_a judgement_n in_o this_o nation_n to_o endeavour_v unity_n and_o certain_o this_o must_v be_v very_o considerable_a that_o they_o of_o new_a england_n who_o leave_v this_o country_n for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o go_v into_o a_o desolate_a wilderness_n they_o that_o have_v such_o excellent_a christian_n and_o eminent_a minister_n to_o form_n and_o make_v up_o their_o congregation_n they_o that_o have_v so_o full_a a_o liberty_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o way_n of_o church_n government_n and_o withal_o have_v so_o great_a countenance_n and_o assistance_n from_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n as_o ever_o church_n in_o the_o world_n have_v yet_o these_o these_o so_o accommodate_v and_o assist_v after_o almost_o thirty_o year_n experience_n find_v a_o necessity_n of_o union_n of_o church_n and_o of_o godly_a christian_n of_o different_a judgement_n be_v in_o expectation_n daily_o of_o it_o here_o blame_v those_o that_o be_v opposite_a to_o it_o or_o slothful_a in_o it_o and_o certain_o this_o fresh_a experiment_n bring_v a_o cogent_n and_o conclusive_a argument_n that_o outweigh_v all_o colour_n and_o pretence_n make_v by_o any_o for_o refusal_n or_o neglect_n of_o unity_n but_o to_o add_v no_o more_o we_o ourselves_o general_o see_v a_o necessity_n of_o unity_n we_o wish_v it_o pray_v for_o it_o and_o expect_v it_o also_o but_o this_o lay_v great_a blame_n and_o sin_n to_o our_o charge_n that_o we_o do_v so_o little_a for_o it_o that_o our_o judgement_n and_o prayer_n concur_v in_o it_o but_o our_o hand_n stir_v not_o and_o we_o do_v not_o to_o any_o purpose_n endeavour_v after_o it_o what_o then_o be_v and_o must_v be_v the_o obstacle_n to_o this_o so_o necessary_a unity_n be_v it_o private_a advantage_n like_o man_n that_o have_v a_o private_a trade_n be_v enemy_n to_o joint_a stock_n and_o trade_n in_o company_n be_v it_o listlesness_n and_o a_o spirit_n of_o slothfulness_n like_o the_o sluggard_n that_o will_v not_o pull_v his_o hand_n out_o of_o his_o bosom_n a_o lothness_n to_o be_v unhinged_a and_o take_v off_o our_o old_a wont_v of_o unactiveness_n and_o do_v nothing_o but_o for_o our_o own_o particular_n and_o so_o be_v
to_o endeavour_v to_o perform_v what_o we_o judge_v our_o duty_n towards_o they_o according_o as_o god_n shall_v afford_v we_o power_n and_o opportunity_n brotherly_o union_n and_o assistance_n 1._o because_o we_o judge_v it_o lawful_a and_o necessary_a for_o member_n of_o divers_a church_n in_o sundry_a case_n of_o common_a concernment_n and_o great_a weight_n to_o hold_v correspondence_n and_o communion_n together_o we_o agree_v to_o associate_v ourselves_o and_o keep_v frequent_a meeting_n together_o as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v 2._o we_o agree_v that_o whereas_o synod_n and_o council_n wherein_o divers_a of_o several_a church_n meet_v for_o matter_n of_o common_a concernment_n and_o great_a importance_n may_v ministerial_o determine_v and_o order_v such_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o their_o determination_n and_o order_n be_v consonant_n to_o it_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v with_o reverence_n and_o submission_n not_o only_o for_o the_o agreement_n with_o the_o word_n but_o for_o the_o power_n whereby_o they_o be_v make_v as_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n appoint_v thereunto_o in_o his_o word_n so_o we_o judge_v ourselves_o and_o our_o congregation_n bind_v to_o follow_v whatsoever_o advice_n direction_n or_o admonition_n be_v consonant_n to_o the_o word_n any_o of_o we_o shall_v receive_v from_o the_o brethren_n in_o their_o meeting_n of_o association_n with_o we_o 3._o if_o in_o our_o associate_n meeting_n any_o thing_n propose_v shall_v seem_v less_o convenient_a to_o any_o of_o we_o in_o particular_a concern_v yet_o if_o it_o be_v not_o evident_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o resolve_v to_o yield_v to_o it_o rather_o than_o to_o break_v peace_n and_o to_o give_v a_o evil_a example_n of_o disorder_n by_o our_o dissent_v 4._o if_o any_o minister_n or_o particular_a church_n shall_v obstinate_o after_o many_o endeavour_n much_o wait_a and_o patience_n reject_v the_o counsel_n or_o admonition_n of_o the_o association_n in_o thing_n manifest_o agreeable_a with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n than_o we_o resolve_v to_o withdraw_v from_o that_o minster_n or_o church_n the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n 5._o there_o be_v severab_n matter_n of_o concernment_n wherein_o we_o may_v need_v the_o advice_n and_o help_n not_o of_o one_o association_n only_o but_o the_o general_a association_n of_o the_o whole_a county_n therefore_o we_o agree_v to_o have_v divers_a association_n some_o particular_a other_o more_o general_a also_o of_o the_o whole_a county_n where_o matter_n most_o weighty_a and_o that_o can_v be_v determine_v in_o the_o less_o may_v be_v debate_v and_o receive_v advice_n and_o direction_n in_o the_o great_a 6._o we_o agree_v to_o dispose_v of_o ourselves_o into_o divers_a division_n each_o division_n consist_v of_o such_o a_o number_n as_o may_v convenient_o meet_v together_o at_o fit_a time_n and_o place_n for_o consult_v and_o order_v such_o matter_n of_o consequence_n which_o shall_v be_v propound_v according_a to_o such_o rule_n as_o be_v hereafter_o express_v 7._o we_o agree_v for_o furtherance_n of_o desire_a general_a union_n and_o to_o show_v our_o readiness_n to_o give_v all_o due_a satisfaction_n concern_v the_o proceed_n in_o our_o association_n that_o we_o purpose_v not_o to_o exclude_v all_o those_o which_o be_v member_n of_o our_o congregation_n from_o be_v present_a at_o our_o meeting_n and_o therefore_o do_v desire_v the_o member_n that_o be_v communicant_n of_o our_o respective_a congregation_n to_o choose_v and_o send_v if_o they_o think_v meet_v one_o or_o two_o fit_a person_n among_o they_o to_o be_v present_a at_o our_o meeting_n hold_v either_o in_o their_o own_o division_n or_o for_o the_o county_n in_o general_n 8._o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o order_n and_o conduce_v to_o edification_n as_o be_v express_v in_o the_o second_o general_n proposition_n for_o those_o that_o dwell_v together_o in_o one_o place_n to_o join_v together_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n and_o it_o have_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o difference_n among_o brethren_n to_o receive_v member_n out_o of_o other_o church_n or_o congregation_n than_o their_o own_o therefore_o for_o the_o future_a we_o agree_v not_o to_o receive_v into_o our_o church_n or_o congregation_n those_o that_o live_v in_o other_o congregation_n except_o first_o they_o have_v no_o minister_n of_o their_o own_o or_o second_o one_o that_o be_v scandalous_a or_o three_o one_o that_o have_v not_o competent_a ability_n for_o the_o ministry_n four_o except_o any_o minister_n himself_o shall_v be_v willing_a that_o some_o of_o his_o congregation_n shall_v join_v to_o another_o congregation_n or_o church_n tender_v his_o reason_n to_o be_v approve_v first_o by_o we_o in_o our_o association_n who_o upon_o the_o refer_v the_o matter_n to_o we_o will_v not_o be_v rigid_a against_o any_o expediency_n that_o may_v be_v without_o a_o manifest_a do_v of_o injury_n and_o break_v peace_n and_o unity_n 9_o we_o resolve_v so_o far_o as_o any_o of_o we_o shall_v be_v interest_v to_o advise_v with_o the_o association_n concern_v the_o justness_n or_o unjustness_n of_o exception_n make_v against_o minister_n in_o point_n of_o scandal_n inability_n or_o any_o other_o matter_n that_o may_v be_v allege_v by_o any_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v member_n into_o other_o congregation_n than_o where_o they_o live_v conceive_v that_o neither_o people_n desire_v to_o depart_v from_o their_o minister_n nor_o yet_o minister_n themselves_o with_o who_o they_o desire_v to_o join_v be_v competent_a judge_n in_o such_o case_n yet_o we_o agree_v if_o the_o exception_n be_v approve_v by_o the_o association_n that_o it_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o duty_n of_o mutual_a inspection_n and_o edification_n together_o with_o the_o avoid_v disorder_n and_o offence_n for_o people_n to_o join_v themselves_o to_o some_o near_a congregation_n that_o may_v be_v for_o the_o best_a conveniency_n and_o where_o a_o godly_a able_a minister_n be_v place_v 10._o in_o case_n hereafter_o for_o people_n want_n of_o a_o godly_a able_a minister_n assembly_n these_o three_o last_o proposition_n although_o for_o some_o special_a reason_n thus_o pass_v yet_o because_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o bear_v upon_o the_o party_n in_o this_o agreement_n concein_v they_o will_v be_v reduce_v to_o a_o due_a moderation_n in_o our_o after_o assembly_n we_o shall_v admit_v any_o of_o they_o to_o be_v member_n of_o our_o church_n or_o congregation_n yet_o when_o once_o a_o godly_a able_a minister_n be_v place_v in_o that_o congregation_n then_o will_v we_o serious_o advise_v such_o a_o person_n who_o in_o that_o case_n any_o of_o we_o have_v admit_v to_o join_v himself_o to_o that_o minister_n neither_o will_v any_o of_o we_o retain_v such_o a_o person_n any_o long_o 11._o in_o case_n complaint_n be_v make_v of_o any_o minister_n in_o association_n with_o we_o we_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o minister_n complain_v to_o engage_v to_o hear_v it_o free_o and_o impartial_o and_o if_o any_o such_o complaint_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o association_n against_o any_o of_o we_o in_o particular_a we_o do_v all_o engage_v free_o to_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o the_o admonition_n reproof_n censure_n or_o advice_n of_o our_o brethren_n of_o that_o association_n particular_a or_o general_a yet_o not_o as_o encourage_v frivolous_a quarreller_n between_o minister_n and_o people_n neither_o be_v hasty_a to_o receive_v a_o accusation_n against_o a_o elder_a excommunication_n the_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n be_v in_o itself_o so_o weighty_a and_o concern_v and_o that_o wherein_o none_o can_v be_v too_o over_o cautious_a and_o circumspect_a nor_o receive_v too_o great_a advice_n therefore_o we_o judge_v it_o very_o expedient_a that_o consultation_n be_v have_v with_o the_o association_n in_o case_n of_o this_o nature_n before_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n be_v declare_v in_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n and_o according_o we_o will_v not_o any_o of_o we_o either_o declare_v the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n or_o give_v consent_n for_o any_o other_o to_o declare_v it_o in_o our_o congregation_n or_o church_n before_o advice_n first_o have_v from_o the_o association_n either_o the_o next_o particular_a association_n or_o when_o the_o weightinesse_n of_o the_o matter_n require_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o general_a association_n unless_o the_o case_n be_v so_o easy_a and_o evident_a that_o there_o need_v no_o consultation_n yet_o we_o agree_v that_o whosoever_o shall_v be_v due_o cast_v out_o of_o any_o one_o particular_a church_n we_o will_v look_v on_o that_o person_n as_o cast_v out_o of_o all_o church_n and_o according_o will_n decline_n fellowship_n with_o he_o till_o he_o testify_v serious_a repentance_n and_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n communion_n again_o ordination_n the_o different_a persuasion_n among_o minister_n and_o people_n about_o the_o call_v and_o ordination_n of_o minister_n have_v be_v such_o a_o occasion_n
the_o agreement_n of_o the_o associated_n minister_n of_o the_o county_n of_o essex_n propose_v to_o their_o particular_a congregation_n and_o to_o all_o such_o of_o the_o county_n that_o love_v the_o church_n peace_n with_o a_o word_n of_o exhortation_n to_o brotherly_a union_n rom._n 14.19_o let_v we_o therefore_o follow_v after_o the_o thing_n which_o make_v for_o peace_n and_o thing_n wherewith_o one_o may_v edify_v another_o 1_o cor._n 1.10_o 11_o 12._o now_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n by_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o you_o all_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o division_n among_o you_o but_o that_o you_o be_v perfect_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o same_o judgement_n for_o it_o have_v be_v declare_v unto_o i_o of_o you_o my_o brethren_n by_o they_o which_o be_v of_o the_o house_n of_o cloe_n that_o there_o be_v contention_n among_o you_o now_o this_o i_o say_v that_o every_o one_o of_o you_o say_v i_o be_o of_o paul_n i_o be_o of_o apollo_n i_o be_o of_o cephas_n i_o be_o of_o christ_n rom._n 16.17_o mark_v they_o that_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o you_o have_v learn_v and_o avoid_v they_o the_o second_o edition_n correct_v and_o much_o amend_v london_n print_v for_o edward_n brewster_n at_o the_o crane_n in_o pauls-church_n yard_n 1658._o the_o preface_n the_o rich_a crown_n and_o high_a glory_n of_o a_o people_n be_v to_o be_v god_n peculiar_a relate_v in_o covenant-nearness_n to_o he_o dedicate_v to_o his_o praise_n trust_v with_o his_o word_n the_o only_a perfect_a rule_n guide_v in_o the_o alone_a way_n of_o salvation_n the_o true_a religion_n religion_n shine_v in_o those_o great_a beauty_n of_o purity_n power_n and_o unity_n still_o that_o purity_n be_v preserve_v most_o tender_o the_o power_n hold_v up_o eminent_o the_o unity_n maintain_v entire_o and_o to_o have_v all_o due_a provision_n make_v for_o this_o crown_n and_o glory_n to_o descend_v and_o settle_v upon_o posterity_n for_o ever_o to_o consider_v how_o much_o of_o the_o forementioned_a glory_n have_v dwell_v in_o our_o land_n together_o with_o its_o gradual_a decline_v great_a decay_n almost_o depart_v the_o hope_n of_o reformation_n give_v and_o heighten_v but_o soon_o disappoint_v sad_o turn_v into_o fear_n confusion_n and_o such_o vast_a evil_n which_o once_o let_v in_o have_v be_v so_o lengthen_v out_o above_o all_o to_o serious_o view_v our_o present_a condition_n of_o sin_n after_o soare_v smarting_n more_o abound_v it_o spread_v far_o root_n deep_a rise_v high_a but_o come_v daily_o near_o to_o a_o fill_v up_o of_o misery_n in_o complicate_v distemper_n imminent_a danger_n and_o so_o extreme_a difficulty_n of_o heal_a settlement_n and_o security_n our_o heart_n can_v but_o break_v and_o bleed_v within_o we_o to_o see_v soul_n more_o precious_a than_o world_n who_o price_n can_v never_o fall_v low_o to_o run_v unwonted_a high_a hazard_n of_o utter_a undo_n the_o number_n among_o we_o either_o more_o settle_a in_o ignorance_n or_o improve_v in_o profaneness_n fix_v in_o mere_a civility_n and_o formality_n without_o any_o power_n of_o godliness_n or_o arrive_v at_o very_a neutrality_n and_o not_o a_o few_o which_o we_o tremble_v to_o mention_v under_o fearful_a apostasy_n of_o damnable_a heresy_n and_o vile_a practice_n often_o also_o attend_v with_o hellish_a blasphemy_n these_o soul_n all_o retain_v their_o invaluable_a worth_n and_o for_o aught_o can_v be_v know_v possibility_n of_o save_v shall_v they_o not_o have_v all_o endeavour_n of_o pull_v they_o out_o of_o the_o fire_n and_o if_o by_o covenant-obligation_n and_o sacramental-dedication_n they_o be_v christ_n propriety_n and_o right_n shall_v not_o his_o officer_n and_o steward_n strive_v to_o the_o utmost_a to_o recover_v they_o to_o the_o king_n of_o glory_n use_v and_o service_n yet_o these_o poor_a perish_v once_o as_o to_o any_o effectual_a order_n for_o instruction_n or_o reformation_n remain_v helpless_a ah_o that_o we_o can_v not_o go_v high_o to_o the_o injury_n and_o dissecurity_n of_o religion_n itself_o in_o those_o check_v give_v to_o the_o progress_n damp_n to_o the_o power_n wide_a breach_n make_v in_o the_o unity_n and_o most_o dare_a attempt_n against_o the_o very_a be_v and_o reality_n almost_o no_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n escape_v vain_a doubt_v yea_o impious_a vilify_n and_o decry_v add_v that_o further_a danger_n of_o opportunity_n and_o temptation_n either_o of_o shift_a way_n and_o religion_n till_o the_o substance_n and_o foundation_n be_v overturn_v or_o for_o to_o shake_v off_o profession_n of_o godliness_n shut_v out_o the_o knowledge_n and_o sit_v at_o home_n at_o do_v nothing_o beside_o which_o still_o more_o endanger_v many_o of_o the_o elder_a sort_n who_o shall_v derive_v religion_n to_o succeed_a time_n by_o sinful_a indifferency_n be_v ready_a to_o let_v go_v their_o hold_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o most_o of_o the_o young_a either_o distract_v at_o diversity_n of_o way_n and_o opinion_n or_o disacquaint_v with_o the_o very_a principle_n of_o christianity_n be_v never_o like_a to_o take_v sure_a hold_n of_o it_o oh_o that_o we_o have_v not_o to_o bewail_v the_o dissatisfaction_n division_n distance_n and_o opposition_n among_o brethren_n of_o the_o same_o household_n of_o faith_n and_o these_o arise_v chief_o from_o less_o and_o low_a point_n and_o punctillioe_n when_o in_o fundamental_o and_o the_o main_a there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o accord_n and_o to_o all_o we_o annex_v the_o offence_n give_v the_o weak_a discouragement_n to_o comer_n in_o to_o godliness_n just_a scandal_n to_o many_o at_o home_n and_o in_o foreign_a nation_n open_v wide_o the_o mouth_n and_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o adversary_n against_o we_o and_o the_o most_o if_o not_o all_o these_o evil_n arise_v chief_o from_o our_o unestablishment_n as_o to_o scripture_n and_o gospel-order_n therefore_o when_o soul_n be_v thus_o perish_v truth_n lie_v bleed_v division_n continue_v enemy_n insult_v danger_n and_o difficulty_n not_o abate_v and_o which_o far_o transcend_v all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v the_o most_o precious_a and_o glorious_a name_n of_o christ_n so_o infinite_o suffer_v all_o this_o likewise_o when_o our_o calamitous_a condition_n be_v not_o utter_o hopeless_a but_o like_o the_o patient_a languish_a not_o from_o utter_a defect_n of_o remedy_n but_o want_v of_o the_o physician_n willingness_n to_o join_v together_o study_v the_o case_n and_o apply_v the_o cure_n for_o these_o thing_n our_o heart_n melt_v and_o eye_n mourn_v till_o the_o lord_n look_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o help_v but_o when_o all_o look_a bewail_a pity_n and_o prayer_n can_v little_o avail_v without_o endeavour_n of_o redress_n in_o a_o right_a way_n first_o resolve_v and_o then_o unanimous_o carry_v on_o for_o which_o the_o conceive_a expedient_a be_v a_o brotherly_a association_n long_o since_o in_o our_o thought_n and_o already_o begin_v by_o other_o godly_a learned_a in_o divers_a county_n other_o of_o different_a judgement_n in_o point_n of_o church-government_n show_v the_o hitherto_o hinder_v union_n to_o arise_v not_o so_o much_o from_o difference_n of_o principle_n inconsistent_a with_o union_n as_o from_o defect_n of_o will_n and_o inclination_n and_o this_o from_o a_o grand_a fail_v in_o brotherly_n love_n therefore_o lay_v aside_o all_o private_a respect_n and_o carnal_a interest_n and_o resign_v ourselves_o whole_o up_o to_o the_o lord_n we_o resolve_v in_o his_o strength_n according_a to_o what_o we_o have_v attain_v to_o unite_v together_o for_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o discharge_v of_o our_o duty_n in_o our_o respective_a place_n and_o not_o only_o a_o associate_a in_o this_o particular_a county_n but_o correspondency_n with_o our_o brethren_n in_o other_o part_n of_o the_o nation_n yet_o hereby_o not_o bind_v up_o and_o limit_v ourselves_o from_o further_a improvement_n of_o union_n which_o we_o hope_v the_o lord_n will_v teach_v and_o establish_v in_o his_o time_n universal_o and_o for_o a_o introductive_a to_o the_o work_n in_o hand_n and_o free_v ourselves_o from_o impute_a innovation_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n we_o declare_v that_o as_o all_o way_n former_o we_o have_v own_v so_o we_o do_v and_o by_o christ_n assistance_n will_v ever_o own_o and_o maintain_v the_o form_n of_o wholesome_a word_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o constant_o receive_v sense_n of_o the_o orthodox_n church_n of_o christ_n express_v more_o especial_o as_o to_o the_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n in_o that_o most_o ancient_a and_o universal_o receive_v creed_n call_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o therewith_o agree_v famous_a nicene_n creed_n and_o that_o notable_a creed_n of_o athanasius_n to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v those_o excellent_a creed_n of_o the_o great_a council_n of_o
say_v come_v and_o let_v we_o join_v ourselves_o to_o the_o lord_n in_o a_o perpetual_a covenant_n that_o shall_v not_o be_v forget_v and_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o government_n and_o discipline_n which_o ghrist_n have_v ordain_v if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o his_o fault_n between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o if_o he_o shall_v hear_v thou_o thou_o have_v gain_v thy_o brother_n but_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o then_o take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o more_o that_o etc._n etc._n and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hearken_v then_o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n but_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o his_o people_n good_a 2_o cor._n 10.8_o for_o though_o i_o shall_v boast_v more_o of_o our_o authority_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v we_o for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n and_o chap._n 13.10_o the_o power_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v i_o to_o edification_n and_o not_o to_o destruction_n and_o that_o i_o may_v have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o these_o privilege_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o my_o obedience_n i_o resolve_v and_o promise_n isai_n 44.5_o one_o shall_v say_v i_o be_o the_o lord_n and_o another_o shall_v call_v himself_o by_o the_o name_n of_o jacob_n and_o another_o shall_v subscribe_v with_o his_o hand_n unto_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o and_o this_o they_o do_v first_o give_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o unto_o we_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 9.13_o they_o glorify_v god_n for_o your_o profess_a subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o ministerial_a guidance_n and_o oversight_n exercise_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n in_o this_o congregation_n act_v 14.22_o and_o when_o they_o have_v ordain_v they_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n act_v 20.28_o take_v heed_n therefore_o unto_o yourselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o the_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n heb._n 13.17_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o to_o such_o for_o they_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n as_o they_o that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n that_o they_o may_v do_v it_o with_o joy_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n for_o that_o be_v unprofitable_a for_o you_o and_o to_o the_o brotherly_a advice_n and_o admonition_n of_o fellow-christians_a here_o rom._n 15.14_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o you_o be_v fill_v with_o all_o knowledge_n able_a also_o to_o admonish_v one_o another_o col._n 3.16_o let_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o you_o rich_o in_o all_o wisdom_n teach_v and_o admonish_v one_o another_o judas_n 20._o you_o belove_v build_v up_o yourselves_o in_o your_o most_o holy_a faith_n keep_v yourselves_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o some_o have_v compassion_n make_v a_o difference_n other_o save_v with_o fear_n pull_v they_o out_o of_o the_o fire_n 1_o thess_n 5.11_o comfort_v yourselves_o together_o and_o edify_v one_o another_o heb._n 3.16_o exhort_v one_o another_o daily_a heb._n 10.24_o let_v we_o consider_v one_o another_o to_o provoke_v to_o love_n and_o to_o good_a work_n the_o exhortation_n to_o union_n it_o will_v ready_o be_v yield_v that_o the_o great_a work_n of_o christian_n here_o be_v to_o advance_v to_o their_o utmost_a the_o superlative_a interest_n of_o christ_n his_o kingdom_n and_o glory_n that_o the_o way_n conduce_v hereunto_o lie_v first_o for_o a_o sure_a foundation_n to_o begin_v with_o a_o totall_n and_o free_a subject_n themselves_o to_o christ_n then_o for_o sull_a furtherance_n to_o endeavour_v after_o the_o large_a heart_n and_o most_o public_a spirit_n for_o do_v very_o much_o for_o christ_n and_o as_o a_o yet_o more_o full_a and_o proportionate_a mean_n to_o put_v themselves_o into_o the_o best_a posture_n of_o the_o full_a and_o firm_a union_n and_o conjunction_n for_o exalt_v together_o of_o the_o name_n and_o cause_n of_o christ_n without_o which_o general_n union_n neither_o the_o church_n edification_n reformation_n or_o preservation_n can_v be_v sufficient_o provide_v for_o as_o necessary_o require_v a_o conjunction_n of_o heart_n knit_v together_o in_o love_n of_o head_n unite_v in_o counsel_n and_o contrivance_n and_o of_o hand_n afford_v their_o best_a assistance_n and_o help_n among_o other_o there_o be_v these_o three_o thing_n in_o the_o reform_a church_n which_o be_v the_o great_a dolenda_fw-la the_o great_o to_o be_v bewail_v 1._o that_o great_a defect_n and_o want_n of_o union_n and_o good_a correspondency_n for_o mutual_a help_n 2._o that_o height_n and_o depth_n of_o hazard_n and_o danger_n they_o daily_o run_v by_o that_o want_n of_o good_a union_n 3._o that_o so_o great_a so_o great_a neglect_n of_o apply_v any_o just_a and_o proportionate_a remedy_n to_o heal_v division_n and_o prevent_v the_o danger_n certain_o it_o be_v no_o small_a one_o but_o one_o of_o the_o great_a scar_n see_v this_o day_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o protestant_a church_n that_o sinful_a division_n and_o want_n of_o union_n which_o interrupt_v those_o good_a correspondency_n and_o joint_a act_n thereupon_o to_o the_o secure_n and_o propagate_a the_o protestant_a interest_n that_o will_v upon_o conjunction_n follow_v our_o lord_n indeed_o tell_v we_o luke_n 16._o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v wise_a in_o their_o generation_n than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n and_o beside_o former_a our_o own_o present_a age_n and_o experience_n do_v abundant_o prove_v and_o seal_v unto_o it_o divers_a adverse_a party_n though_o small_a they_o can_v hit_v it_o they_o can_v be_v close_o unite_v among_o themselves_o and_o strong_o combine_v against_o the_o reform_a but_o papist_n the_o great_a enemy_n and_o the_o great_a party_n be_v the_o most_o eminent_o and_o observed_o prudent_a and_o wise_a as_o to_o matter_n of_o union_n and_o combination_n against_o the_o reform_a they_o though_o so_o scatter_v over_o the_o earth_n as_o to_o place_n of_o habitation_n yet_o be_v all_o one_o in_o heart_n for_o to_o unite_v still_o strong_o against_o the_o protestant_n and_o for_o a_o spring_n and_o feeder_n of_o all_o their_o affair_n and_o dangerous_a act_n they_o have_v one_o chief_a the_o deep_a and_o most_o impenetrable_a counsel_n they_o have_v the_o choice_a instrument_n exact_a correspondency_n sure_a intelligence_n and_o the_o most_o equal_a and_o unwearied_a prosecution_n of_o their_o grand_a design_n the_o propagate_a of_o their_o own_o and_o extirpate_v of_o the_o reform_a party_n and_o way_n but_o the_o protestant_n though_o for_o number_n no_o whit_n despicable_a and_o by_o good_a conjunction_n will_v be_v sufficient_o formidable_a be_v so_o defective_a towards_o themselves_o as_o they_o neither_o do_v nor_o will_v piece_v together_o in_o any_o entire_a and_o general_a union_n for_o counsel_n correspondency_n and_o joint_a prosecution_n of_o their_o own_o interest_n and_o preservation_n and_o as_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o inconsistency_n become_v a_o daily_a derision_n and_o reproach_n among_o their_o adversary_n and_o make_v they_o look_v upon_o the_o protestant_n as_o a_o very_a simple_a party_n and_o want_v that_o wisdom_n of_o self-preservation_n by_o union_n so_o it_o be_v the_o great_a ground_n give_v they_o to_o place_v their_o destructive_a engine_n carry_v on_o their_o mine_n and_o lay_v their_o train_n but_o for_o any_o just_a and_o speedy_a remedy_n as_o yet_o undertake_v effectual_o this_o be_v rather_o the_o object_n of_o our_o desire_n prayer_n and_o tear_n then_o of_o our_o hope_n and_o not_o to_o be_v expect_v until_o god_n rebuke_v that_o spirit_n of_o division_n go_v out_o among_o the_o church_n breathe_v a_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o unity_n and_o bow_v the_o clash_a interest_n of_o state_n and_o kingdom_n into_o a_o due_a subserviency_n to_o that_o supreme_a interest_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n when_o therefore_o disunion_n and_o division_n be_v so_o great_a a_o scar_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_a it_o can_v be_v no_o small_a blemish_n in_o any_o particular_a nation_n and_o church_n but_o be_v more_o especial_o so_o in_o this_o nation_n of_o we_o that_o so_o many_o nation_n divide_v in_o situation_n and_o of_o such_o different_a language_n and_o interest_n more_o especial_o do_v not_o so_o perfect_o unite_v be_v not_o altogether_o so_o strange_a but_o for_o those_o of_o our_o nation_n and_o which_o former_o be_v so_o unite_v to_o be_v so_o rend_v and_o tear_v in_o piece_n and_o so_o remain_v without_o a_o heal_n up_o into_o unity_n to_o behold_v the_o great_a and_o grow_a division_n among_o we_o to_o hear_v the_o continual_a scorn_n and_o
church_n and_o among_o the_o people_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v by_o office_n guide_n and_o leader_n first_o to_o lead_v by_o preach_v christian_n into_o union_n show_v the_o gospel-duty_n the_o necessity_n excellency_n and_o utility_n to_o set_v home_o all_o gospel_n direction_n and_o inducement_n upon_o the_o conscience_n and_o heart_n of_o christian_n and_o do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o light_n warm_a and_o win_v they_o to_o it_o and_o they_o be_v likewise_o to_o guide_v and_o lead_v by_o example_n give_v the_o fair_a copy_n set_v the_o most_o excellent_a precedent_n of_o endeavour_n industry_n and_o zeal_n for_o godly_a unity_n if_o minister_n lead_v not_o will_v their_o people_n begin_v alone_o if_o they_o be_v listless_a will_v people_n be_v lively_a and_o active_a if_o they_o be_v of_o a_o low_a narrow_a cold_a cowardly_a spirit_n will_v people_n in_o probability_n be_v of_o a_o high_a heroical_a zealous_a temper_n no_o the_o minister_n light_n must_v help_v to_o direct_v their_o heat_n to_o warm_v their_o resolution_n and_o zeal_n to_o help_v other_o to_o be_v resolute_a and_o zealous_a and_o people_n also_o shall_v design_n and_o endeavour_v union_n to_o cooperate_v and_o go_v along_o with_o their_o godly_a minister_n in_o good_a and_o necessary_a way_n not_o neglect_v their_o minister_n herein_o to_o let_v they_o go_v and_o act_v alone_o but_o honour_v they_o with_o yield_n to_o and_o following_n of_o they_o in_o what_o they_o follow_v chirst_n former_o what_o a_o spirit_n of_o willingness_n be_v there_o to_o hear_v learn_v believe_v and_o do_v as_o their_o godly_a minister_n guide_v and_o persuade_v what_o a_o gospel_n yieldingness_n and_o great_a sequaciousness_n be_v see_v among_o people_n that_o turn_v great_o to_o their_o own_o edification_n and_o the_o great_a comfort_n and_o high_a encouragement_n of_o their_o godly_a minister_n christ_n minister_n they_o have_v ever_o be_v satan_n great_a eye-soar_a and_o special_a envy_n and_o satan_n have_v ever_o endeavour_v to_o make_v their_o credit_n run_v as_o low_o as_o he_o can_v that_o the_o gospel_n may_v run_v the_o low_a and_o be_v glorify_v the_o less_o in_o people_n heart_n a_o man_n be_v so_o far_o passable_a with_o other_o as_o he_o have_v esteem_n and_o credit_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o will_v according_o prevail_v with_o they_o it_o be_v satan_n grand_a design_n to_o make_v the_o reputation_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n run_v low_a that_o thereby_o the_o doctrine_n they_o bring_v may_v be_v little_o regard_v god_n design_n in_o scripture_n and_o christ_n great_a drift_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o set_v up_o the_o minister_n very_o high_a in_o people_n heart_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v they_o in_o singular_a honour_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n know_v this_o will_v exalt_v both_o his_o word_n and_o himself_o also_o but_o this_o have_v be_v satan_n design_n and_o effect_v more_o of_o late_a then_o ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n yea_o other_o age_n scarce_o any_o have_v exceed_v we_o but_o the_o loss_n be_v least_o to_o minister_n and_o most_o to_o the_o heart_n that_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v prejudice_v against_o they_o the_o word_n lose_v its_o efficacy_n but_o the_o people_n the_o profit_n and_o their_o soul_n into_o the_o bargain_n also_o if_o they_o look_v not_o to_o it_o but_o as_o minister_n of_o christ_n must_v lead_v and_o let_v their_o light_a shine_n before_o their_o people_n so_o people_n must_v let_v in_o their_o light_n and_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v guide_v and_o persuade_v as_o for_o their_o own_o edification_n so_o minister_n great_a encouragement_n and_o comfort_n thus_o in_o this_o great_a work_n of_o union_n both_o shall_v help_v and_o encourage_v each_o other_o and_o then_o the_o adversary_n may_v be_v disappoint_v and_o in_o time_n our_o division_n heal_v up_o some_o look_v into_o the_o obstacle_n likely_a to_o hinder_v union_n among_o those_o of_o different_a judgement_n give_v some_o year_n since_o among_o other_o a_o matter_n of_o ten_o reason_n which_o though_o not_o in_o the_o same_o method_n nor_o in_o all_o the_o word_n at_o length_n yet_o be_v think_v not_o amiss_o to_o mention_v here_o as_o 1._o some_o place_n too_o much_o of_o their_o religion_n in_o stand_v off_o from_o other_o as_o if_o the_o height_n of_o a_o christian_a lay_n in_o rigid_a separation_n from_o those_o that_o be_v of_o a_o low_a size_n and_o will_v be_v hardly_o draw_v to_o remit_v any_o thing_n of_o their_o suppose_a necessary_a strictness_n rather_o desire_v to_o please_v themselves_o than_o bear_v with_o the_o weak_a suspect_v even_o necessary_a provision_n for_o admission_n of_o the_o weak_a as_o savour_v too_o much_o of_o looseness_n and_o that_o which_o may_v bring_v on_o their_o partake_n in_o other_o man_n sin_n 2._o some_o have_v drink_v in_o such_o prejudice_n against_o their_o brethren_n that_o fancy_v the_o difference_n great_a than_o it_o be_v and_o suppose_v a_o closure_n unlawful_a or_o scarce_o possible_a be_v the_o more_o backward_o to_o any_o thing_n tend_v to_o a_o composure_n 3._o ignorance_n may_v prove_v a_o great_a hindrance_n many_o understand_v only_o the_o practic_a part_n of_o their_o own_o way_n not_o full_o know_v the_o extent_n necessity_n indifferency_n of_o their_o several_a principle_n these_o out_o of_o a_o zeal_n to_o truth_n will_v stand_v off_o as_o not_o know_v how_o far_o they_o may_v yield_v 4._o some_o delight_n in_o contention_n 5._o some_o once_o embitter_v their_o blood_n be_v not_o easy_o cool_v 6._o some_o be_v please_v with_o nothing_o that_o themselves_o propound_v not_o 7._o many_o be_v engage_v and_o will_v find_v it_o a_o hard_a task_n to_o deny_v themselves_o in_o point_n of_o honour_n and_o credit_n which_o they_o think_v will_v be_v lose_v if_o they_o alter_v their_o course_n 8._o many_o be_v so_o overdriven_a by_o their_o friend_n and_o member_n of_o their_o congregation_n that_o they_o dare_v do_v little_a for_o fear_v of_o displeass_v they_o 9_o some_o want_n public_a principle_n have_v but_o one_o thing_n in_o their_o eye_n as_o suppose_v purity_n or_o peace_n prosecute_v that_o to_o ruin_n or_o neglect_v of_o other_o necessary_a thing_n 10._o some_o want_n public_a spirit_n not_o care_v what_o become_v of_o other_o christian_a so_o long_o as_o they_o have_v the_o ball_n at_o their_o own_o foot_n or_o thing_n go_v with_o they_o as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o now_o as_o the_o proper_a cure_n and_o relief_n of_o division_n and_o danger_n thence_o arise_v must_v necessary_o be_v from_o union_n a_o suitable_a and_o speedy_a union_n answerable_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o extent_n of_o the_o malady_n so_o that_o must_v first_o be_v remove_v that_o be_v the_o impediment_n to_o it_o that_o though_o many_o thing_n else_o concur_v be_v chief_o a_o great_a defect_n of_o publicknesse_n of_o spirit_n a_o spirit_n carry_v out_o to_o the_o public_a good_a of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o cause_n together_o with_o a_o grand_a fail_v in_o brotherly_n love_n 1._o that_o defect_n and_o great_a want_n of_o a_o public_a spirit_n a_o spirit_n that_o have_v make_v so_o many_o prophet_n apostle_n martyr_n minister_n and_o saint_n in_o all_o age_n to_o shine_v so_o glorious_o all_o christian_n whatsoever_o shall_v endeavour_v great_a publicknesse_n of_o spirit_n shall_v put_v on_o and_o wear_v this_o rare_a jewel_n with_o the_o rich_a pendant_n of_o it_o of_o pure_a and_o great_a aim_n best_a contrivance_n warm_a affection_n strong_a high_a resolution_n for_o the_o church_n good_a against_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o that_o interpose_v but_o public_a person_n minister_n principal_o they_o shall_v be_v of_o a_o very_a eminent_a and_o exemplary_a publicknesse_n of_o spirit_n as_o they_o be_v light_n and_o leader_n so_o in_o this_o in_o a_o more_o observable_a manner_n but_o now_o there_o be_v none_o shall_v be_v of_o a_o mere_a private_a and_o impublick_a but_o of_o the_o most_o public_a spirit_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v like_o the_o snail_n that_o house_n herself_o in_o her_o shell_n common_o cleave_v to_o a_o block_n or_o stone_n and_o seldom_o move_v and_o then_o but_o for_o a_o little_a food_n but_o like_o the_o spring_n of_o water_n that_o rise_v up_o run_v over_o and_o make_v a_o river_n for_o general_a use_n not_o like_o a_o light_n in_o a_o dark_a lantern_n which_o shine_v only_o inward_a but_o like_o the_o heavenly_a body_n that_o mount_v up_o be_v still_o run_v round_o the_o heaven_n to_o carry_v and_o convey_v their_o light_n and_o influence_n to_o all_o it_o be_v too_o evident_a that_o great_a want_n of_o publicknesse_n of_o spirit_n that_o like_o a_o epidemical_a common_a disease_n have_v spread_v itself_o about_o this_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o that_o want_n of_o endeavour_n for_o general_a union_n the_o school_n maxim_n be_v omne_fw-la negativum_fw-la fundatur_fw-la in_o affirmative_a