concern_v the_o usefulness_n and_o commendablenesse_n of_o brotherly_a unity_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n sect._n i._n what_o the_o communion_n and_o correspondency_n be_v wherein_o our_o unity_n be_v to_o be_v settle_v hitherto_o we_o have_v reflect_v upon_o that_o which_o do_v make_v the_o study_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o unity_n among_o we_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o avoid_v the_o danger_n of_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n and_o the_o guilt_n of_o hinder_v the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n now_o we_o shall_v reflect_v also_o upon_o the_o usefulness_n and_o commendablenesse_n of_o the_o duty_n in_o reference_n unto_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n it_o be_v no_o generous_a disposition_n to_o be_v draw_v by_o mere_a necessity_n and_o fear_n unto_o a_o duty_n but_o to_o be_v move_v thereunto_o by_o the_o loveliness_n of_o grace_n and_o by_o that_o which_o be_v excellent_a therein_o be_v praise_v worthy_a and_o argue_v a_o noble_a and_o virtuous_a inclination_n therefore_o we_o shall_v set_v ourselves_o to_o work_v upon_o this_o inclination_n and_o endeavour_v to_o waken_v it_o in_o every_o one_o that_o have_v ingenuity_n and_o my_o aim_n shall_v be_v rather_o to_o deal_v with_o the_o understanding_n of_o all_o able_a to_o consider_v of_o their_o way_n to_o demonstrate_v that_o which_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v a_o duty_n then_o with_o the_o affection_n of_o any_o to_o persuade_v they_o unto_o a_o performance_n before_o they_o be_v convict_v of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n therein_o for_o i_o shall_v speak_v to_o minister_n and_o such_o as_o i_o must_v suppose_v to_o be_v conscionable_a and_o to_o those_o i_o know_v nothing_o so_o effectual_a to_o persuade_v as_o to_o evidence_n unto_o they_o that_o a_o matter_n be_v conformable_a unto_o the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o nothing_o but_o this_o do_v interest_n conscience_n into_o action_n now_o lest_o i_o shall_v be_v mistake_v in_o that_o which_o i_o shall_v desire_v to_o offer_v as_o a_o duty_n of_o the_o ministry_n i_o shall_v contract_v all_o which_o for_o the_o present_a i_o have_v to_o say_v to_o one_o assertion_n which_o have_v open_v i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v good_a the_o assertion_n be_v this_o that_o although_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o any_o outward_a enemy_n or_o of_o 12_o act._n 20._o 28_o 29_o 30._o phil._n 1._o 27._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 10_o 11_o 12_o inward_a breach_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o prevent_n of_o which_o to_o study_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v whole_o necessary_a yet_o that_o for_o the_o true_a 1_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o duty_n 2_o of_o their_o ministerial_a charge_n nothing_o be_v more_o conscionable_a 3_o nothing_o more_o profitable_a 4_o nothing_o more_o commendable_a 5_o and_o nothing_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n 6_o and_o the_o perfect_a 7_o of_o the_o saint_n then_o to_o 8_o maintain_v a_o brotherly_a communion_n 9_o and_o correspondency_n one_o with_o another_o and_o that_o such_o as_o lay_v not_o this_o duty_n to_o heart_n but_o love_v rather_o to_o stand_v and_o walk_v by_o 10_o themselves_z and_o to_o maintain_v the_o principle_n 11_o of_o a_o singular_a distance_n from_o their_o brethren_n in_o the_o ministry_n will_v not_o be_v able_a in_o the_o end_n to_o approve_v their_o conscience_n unto_o god_n that_o they_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o call_n wherewith_o they_o be_v call_v this_o assertion_n be_v somewhat_o large_a therefore_o to_o open_v the_o part_n thereof_o that_o my_o meaning_n may_v be_v the_o better_o understand_v i_o shall_v say_v of_o the_o several_a head_n thereof_o thus_o 1_o that_o by_o the_o true_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v mean_v none_o but_o such_o person_n as_o be_v authorize_v by_o a_o ordinary_a and_o regular_a way_n of_o call_v to_o administer_v the_o public_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n 2_o that_o by_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o ministerial_a charge_n be_v mean_v the_o work_n which_o in_o and_o towards_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v as_o a_o office_n and_o such_o be_v to_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n to_o have_v the_o care_n of_o gather_v and_o constitute_v the_o church_n to_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o saint_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n as_o one_o body_n in_o christ_n to_o dispense_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o those_o that_o belong_v unto_o it_o and_o to_o exercise_v church_n discipline_n over_o those_o that_o be_v liable_a to_o it_o all_o which_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o attend_v as_o occasion_n be_v offer_v and_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n do_v require_v 3_o that_o when_o i_o say_v a_o thing_n be_v conscionable_a i_o mean_v that_o it_o be_v prescribe_v by_o god_n in_o his_o word_n as_o a_o duty_n which_o can_v be_v neglect_v without_o contract_n of_o guilt_n unto_o the_o conscience_n 4_o when_o i_o say_v that_o a_o thing_n be_v profitable_a i_o mean_v that_o it_o do_v yield_v in_o its_o own_o kind_a some_o benefit_n to_o he_o that_o use_v it_o 5_o when_o i_o say_v that_o a_o thing_n be_v commendable_a i_o mean_v that_o it_o have_v quality_n for_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v and_o embrace_v by_o all_o 6_o by_o brotherly_a communion_n and_o correspondency_n i_o mean_v not_o a_o bare_a name_n and_o profession_n of_o brotherhood_n but_o a_o real_a conjunction_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o desire_n and_o affection_n and_o of_o the_o endeavour_n of_o man_n proceed_v from_o this_o principle_n that_o they_o acknowledge_v one_o another_o to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o same_o father_n or_o at_o least_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o same_o master_n for_o as_o a_o master_n be_v a_o father_n to_o servant_n so_o fellow-servant_n be_v brethren_n in_o service_n 7_o by_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o communion_n and_o correspondency_n i_o mean_v a_o constant_a follow_v of_o the_o duty_n thereof_o through_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o some_o profess_a engagement_n oblige_v thereunto_o 8_o by_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o this_o duty_n to_o be_v aim_v at_o i_o mean_v beside_o the_o general_a praise_n due_a to_o he_o for_o all_o his_o goodness_n a_o more_o special_a manifestation_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o his_o name_n in_o all_o his_o saint_n 9_o by_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o this_o duty_n to_o be_v advance_v i_o mean_v three_o thing_n 1_o the_o build_n of_o they_o up_o into_o one_o body_n by_o the_o oneness_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n as_o christ_n and_o the_o father_n be_v one_o that_o they_o 23_o joh._n 17._o 22_o 23_o may_v be_v perfect_a in_o one_o 2_o the_o strengthen_n of_o they_o with_o might_n by_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o inner_a man_n that_o be_v knit_v together_o in_o love_n they_o may_v be_v comfort_v unto_o 16._o ephes_n 3._o 16._o all_o riches_n of_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o understanding_n to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o christ_n 2._o col._n 2._o 2._o 3_o the_o powerful_a propagate_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v a_o testimony_n thereunto_o to_o convict_v it_o that_o christ_n be_v send_v of_o the_o father_n and_o a_o mean_n to_o call_v in_o all_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n to_o 23._o john_n 17._o 23._o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n out_o of_o it_o 10._o by_o the_o stand_n and_o walk_v by_o one_o self_n i_o mean_v not_o the_o distinction_n of_o charge_n as_o if_o none_o may_v stand_v or_o walk_v in_o a_o distinct_a office_n wherein_o another_o have_v no_o right_a to_o intermeddle_v or_o the_o maintain_n of_o the_o particular_a right_n belong_v to_o particular_a congregation_n for_o i_o hold_v that_o every_o church_n have_v within_o itself_o a_o right_n to_o all_o christ_n ordinance_n in_o respect_n that_o it_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n but_o i_o mean_v the_o disjoint_v of_o man_n practice_n and_o the_o divide_n of_o their_o affection_n and_o purpose_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o distinct_a charge_n whereby_o as_o party_n in_o opposition_n to_o one_o another_o they_o set_v up_o mark_n of_o distinction_n and_o separation_n between_o themselves_o and_o other_o who_o they_o can_v deny_v to_o belong_v to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o same_o foundation_n with_o themselves_o 11_o by_o the_o maintain_n of_o principle_n of_o a_o singular_a distance_n i_o mean_v such_o a_o plea_n for_o the_o right_n and_o privilege_n of_o particular_a association_n of_o professor_n as_o do_v make_v void_a the_o fit_a joint_v and_o compact_n of_o themselves_o together_o with_o other_o that_o stand_v upon_o the_o same_o foundation_n that_o according_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n the_o whole_a building_n may_v be_v fit_o frame_v together_o and_o grow_v unto_o
among_o we_o and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o faithfulness_n and_o constancy_n to_o be_v expect_v from_o those_o that_o profess_v christianity_n have_v enter_v into_o solemn_a protestation_n vow_n and_o covenant_n to_o stand_v unite_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o a_o common-reformation_n and_o the_o settlement_n of_o our_o union_n therein_o if_o i_o say_v there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o love_v to_o truth_n zeal_n for_o righteousness_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o christian_a covenant_n i_o may_v adjure_v such_o as_o pretend_v thereunto_o to_o show_v themselves_o at_o this_o time_n therein_o for_o their_o own_o and_o their_o brethren_n preservation_n that_o by_o the_o duty_n of_o brotherly_a unity_n in_o the_o holy_a profession_n they_o may_v be_v find_v to_o keep_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n without_o blame_n for_o as_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o the_o faith_n once_o give_v to_o the_o saint_n can_v be_v maintain_v by_o any_o without_o a_o good_a conscience_n so_o the_o integrity_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n can_v be_v keep_v without_o observe_v the_o end_n of_o the_o holy_a commandment_n which_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o love_n out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n now_o this_o practice_n among_o miinister_n in_o their_o ministerial_a charge_n can_v be_v none_o other_o but_o a_o conscionable_a concurrence_n of_o their_o spirit_n in_o that_o aim_n wherein_o the_o all_o relate_v unto_o christ_n to_o strengthen_v one_o another_o hand_n in_o the_o work_n of_o his_o service_n for_o their_o unity_n and_o love_n to_o each_o other_o can_v have_v no_o truth_n but_o as_o it_o relate_v unto_o he_o nor_o can_v it_o relate_v otherwise_o unto_o he_o then_o by_o fulfil_v his_o will_n in_o do_v the_o work_n of_o his_o service_n and_o if_o this_o aim_v be_v lose_v in_o any_o let_v they_o pretend_v what_o they_o will_v their_o conscience_n be_v not_o sound_a their_o performance_n be_v not_o acceptable_a nor_o will_v their_o endeavour_n be_v for_o ever_o establish_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o because_o many_o have_v leave_v off_o to_o aim_v sincere_o at_o this_o who_o either_o delight_n to_o stand_v whole_o by_o themselves_o and_o give_v way_n to_o divide_v principle_n and_o practice_n or_o think_v it_o more_o expedient_a to_o stand_v whole_o associate_v but_o give_v way_n to_o the_o mean_n of_o humane_a power_n to_o trust_v more_o thereunto_o then_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_a love_n and_o serviceablenesse_n therefore_o it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o withdraw_v from_o such_o of_o both_o side_n that_o walk_v in_o these_o way_n and_o from_o their_o undertake_n the_o blessing_n of_o his_o presence_n so_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o want_n of_o his_o strength_n to_o go_v along_o and_o conduct_v to_o guide_v they_o all_o their_o hand_n be_v weaken_v nothing_o which_o be_v undertake_v do_v prosper_v the_o service_n of_o christ_n house_n be_v not_o advance_v the_o steward_n thereof_o be_v either_o divide_v by_o themselves_o or_o scatter_v by_o other_o and_o general_o they_o be_v as_o man_n without_o a_o heart_n afraid_a one_o of_o another_o and_o through_o these_o their_o breach_n a_o whole_a deluge_n of_o damnable_a error_n and_o a_o full_a current_n of_o all_o unrighteous_a wicked_a and_o scandalous_a practice_n have_v overwhelm_v and_o almost_o drown_v the_o church_n so_o that_o the_o very_a floodgate_n of_o hell_n seem_v to_o be_v open_v upon_o we_o and_o have_v cover_v we_o with_o the_o proud_a wave_n of_o all_o licentiousness_n and_o although_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o suffer_v satan_n thus_o far_o to_o prevail_v against_o all_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o all_o and_o to_o make_v this_o breach_n upon_o the_o leader_n for_o their_o ministry_n a_o doubt_n answer_v concern_v the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n fail_v in_o the_o ministry_n yet_o it_o be_v far_o from_o i_o to_o think_v as_o some_o do_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v fail_v in_o this_o our_o age_n at_o if_o there_o be_v neither_o true_a church_n nor_o ministry_n any_o more_o among_o we_o or_o any_o where_n in_o this_o world_n but_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n have_v prevail_v against_o the_o church_n which_o christ_n do_v once_o institute_v by_o his_o apostle_n a_o new_a mission_n must_v be_v expect_v and_o a_o new_a foundation_n lay_v for_o the_o erect_n of_o his_o kingdom_n i_o say_v god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v think_v so_o yea_o let_v god_n be_v true_a but_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n for_o i_o believe_v that_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v pass_v 19_o rom._n 3._o 4._o matth._n 24._o 3â—_n matth._n 16._o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o away_o but_o the_o word_n that_o be_v go_v out_o of_o christ_n mouth_n shall_v not_o pass_v away_o now_o christ_n upon_o a_o special_a occasion_n say_v distinct_o unto_o his_o disciple_n three_o thing_n which_o be_v these_o 1_o that_o his_o church_n shall_v be_v build_v upon_o the_o rock_n of_o that_o truth_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n make_v confession_n which_o be_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n 2_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o that_o church_n 3_o and_o last_o that_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n with_o authority_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v on_o earth_n whatever_o shall_v be_v bind_v and_o loosen_v in_o heaven_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o this_o church_n these_o promise_n i_o believe_v to_o be_v so_o sure_a that_o they_o shall_v never_o fail_v therefore_o i_o must_v conclude_v that_o neither_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o the_o church_n which_o be_v build_v thereupon_o nor_o the_o ministerial_a authority_n of_o the_o key_n give_v to_o that_o church_n shall_v fail_v so_o long_o as_o this_o world_n do_v last_o forwhat_o although_o some_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o be_v disobedient_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n shall_v their_o unbelief_n and_o disobedience_n make_v the_o faith_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n without_o effect_n god_n forbid_v yea_o all_o man_n be_v to_o be_v find_v liar_n that_o god_n may_v be_v find_v true_a for_o he_o have_v conclude_v all_o in_o unbelief_n that_o he_o may_v have_v mercy_n upon_o all_o therefore_o in_o his_o say_n he_o shall_v be_v justifify_v and_o when_o he_o be_v judge_v overcome_v we_o must_v therefore_o acknowledge_v that_o by_o our_o unrighteousness_n the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v commend_v and_o that_o although_o we_o of_o this_o nation_n shall_v utter_o fail_v he_o and_o be_v no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v count_v his_o church_n yet_o that_o he_o will_v never_o fail_v to_o do_v what_o he_o have_v say_v unto_o the_o seed_n of_o christ_n among_o man_n and_o never_o recall_v the_o word_n which_o he_o have_v speak_v concern_v his_o church_n but_o 21._o isa_n 59_o 21._o this_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v that_o wheresoever_o there_o be_v a_o society_n of_o man_n believe_v with_o their_o heart_n and_o with_o their_o mouth_n make_v open_o profession_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n there_o be_v a_o church_n existent_a and_o wheresoever_o a_o church_n be_v existent_a there_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o key_n be_v not_o want_v because_o christ_n have_v say_v that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o i_o shall_v then_o confident_o conclude_v from_o these_o premise_n two_o thing_n first_o see_v there_o be_v society_n of_o believer_n which_o be_v here_o existent_a and_o know_v to_o be_v build_v upon_o that_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n that_o therefore_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o fail_n in_o particular_a duty_n whereof_o they_o be_v guilty_a that_o yet_o god_n promise_v for_o the_o main_n will_v never_o be_v want_v to_o they_o as_o to_o his_o church_n second_o i_o may_v infer_v this_o also_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o advantage_n which_o satan_n seem_v to_o have_v get_v both_o against_o the_o ministry_n of_o this_o church_n and_o against_o their_o administration_n therein_o whereby_o he_o do_v blast_v they_o and_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o labour_n yet_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o he_o shall_v never_o prevail_v so_o far_o as_o to_o make_v void_a the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v to_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o thereby_o to_o the_o administration_n of_o all_o christ_n ordinance_n now_o than_o although_o indeed_o it_o be_v very_o sad_a and_o lamentable_a that_o the_o builder_n themselves_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o want_v to_o their_o duty_n as_o by_o their_o division_n to_o give_v such_o a_o advantage_n unto_o satan_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v able_a visible_o to_o pull_v down_o more_o than_o they_o be_v able_a to_o build_v up_o yet_o
and_o peace_n for_o the_o unity_n of_o their_o spirit_n in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o truth_n be_v their_o strength_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o grace_n without_o worldly_a wisdom_n in_o their_o walk_n will_v make_v they_o not_o only_o invincible_a but_o even_o irresistible_a because_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n which_o be_v a_o two-edged_a sword_n and_o the_o armour_n of_o righteousness_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o on_o the_o leave_v when_o they_o be_v handle_v in_o sincerity_n without_o all_o mixture_n of_o humane_a policy_n will_v be_v prevalent_a to_o 1â—_n 2_o cor._n 2._o 1â—_n make_v they_o triumph_v in_o christ_n and_o to_o cause_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o world_n to_o fall_v in_o due_a time_n before_o they_o that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n power_n which_o we_o hope_v be_v approach_v all_o the_o strong_a hold_n of_o satan_n may_v be_v surrender_v unto_o he_o this_o ensue_a discourse_n then_o concern_v unity_n and_o forbearance_n to_o show_v the_o ground_n term_n and_o motive_n thereof_o be_v by_o paper_n the_o end_n of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n and_o the_o occasion_n of_o put_v it_o to_o paper_n i_o conceive_v as_o a_o proposal_n of_o matter_n belong_v proper_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o orthodox_n minister_n of_o this_o kingdom_n who_o dissent_v only_o from_o each_o other_o in_o the_o way_n of_o government_n that_o if_o our_o private_a or_o public_a conference_n have_v continue_v as_o they_o be_v begin_v in_o simplicity_n the_o head_n thereof_o may_v have_v be_v a_o subject_n of_o further_a deliberation_n among_o we_o for_o to_o that_o effect_n they_o be_v put_v to_o paper_n at_o the_o desire_n of_o some_o but_o see_v the_o motion_n tend_v to_o a_o reconcilement_n of_o our_o religious_a difference_n seem_v to_o be_v obstruct_v so_o that_o there_o be_v little_a or_o no_o hope_n to_o gain_v any_o further_a meeting_n and_o conference_n in_o this_o kind_n and_o for_o this_o aim_n therefore_o i_o have_v enlarge_v they_o a_o little_a and_o same_o and_o of_o enlarge_n and_o publish_v the_o same_o alter_v the_o frame_n thereof_o somewhat_o and_o now_o shall_v leave_v they_o to_o you_o to_o be_v dispose_v of_o as_o god_n shall_v direct_v you_o for_o the_o public_a good_a to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o for_o whether_o the_o obstruction_n of_o these_o thought_n of_o reconcilement_n arise_v from_o the_o unwillingness_n of_o some_o who_o perhaps_o think_v it_o not_o wisdom_n to_o venture_v their_o pain_n in_o such_o a_o way_n or_o from_o the_o state_n contrivement_n or_o preingagement_n and_o combination_n of_o other_o who_o by_o any_o of_o these_o mean_n think_v themselves_o strong_a enough_o to_o gain_v their_o own_o desire_n another_o way_n whether_o i_o say_v from_o any_o or_o from_o all_o of_o those_o cause_n the_o obstruction_n do_v arise_v it_o be_v to_o i_o a_o matter_n of_o no_o discouragement_n but_o rather_o a_o occasion_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o appear_v so_o as_o i_o be_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n free_a from_o interest_n and_o before_o man_n without_o all_o pretence_n to_o wisdom_n strength_n and_o authority_n that_o so_o far_o as_o those_o motion_n shall_v be_v find_v agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o suitable_a to_o the_o conscience_n of_o those_o who_o wisdom_n strength_n and_o authority_n be_v the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n in_o perform_v their_o duty_n they_o may_v be_v entertain_v with_o singleness_n of_o heart_n and_o if_o so_o many_o of_o we_o as_o have_v free_v our_o spirit_n from_o the_o bondage_n of_o fear_n and_o hope_n in_o respect_n of_o outward_a matter_n and_o have_v give_v ourselves_o upto_o walk_n open_o by_o know_a and_o undeniable_a rule_n and_o by_o the_o law_n of_o unprejudicate_a love_n to_o be_v without_o offence_n towards_o all_o shall_v but_o resolve_v upon_o this_o provocation_n to_o lay_v the_o matter_n of_o duty_n represent_v therein_o more_o serious_o to_o heart_n then_o hitherto_o we_o have_v do_v and_o to_o ripen_v further_a thought_n concern_v the_o same_o who_o know_v what_o god_n may_v work_v thereby_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a for_o he_o to_o blow_v upon_o the_o dead_a bone_n of_o our_o scatter_a affection_n from_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n and_o communion_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o concurrence_n in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o some_o rule_n which_o shall_v relate_v to_o nothing_o but_o his_o own_o will_n and_o if_o any_o such_o spirit_n of_o life_n be_v breathe_v but_o in_o a_o few_o of_o we_o we_o may_v hope_v that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v without_o effect_n towards_o other_o but_o that_o some_o resolution_n may_v ensue_v which_o god_n will_v bless_v with_o successefulnesse_n in_o the_o prosecution_n however_o i_o be_o resolve_v without_o all_o appearance_n of_o success_n to_o cast_v this_o bread_n upon_o the_o water_n and_o commend_v myself_o unto_o his_o providence_n leave_v these_o paper_n to_o you_o to_o be_v dispose_v of_o as_o you_o shall_v think_v fit_a in_o your_o discretion_n which_o with_o yourself_o be_v recommend_v to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o moderator_n endeavour_v a_o full_a composure_n and_o quiet_a settlement_n of_o those_o many_o difference_n both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n which_o have_v so_o long_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o this_o commonwealth_n chap._n i._n the_o introduction_n show_v the_o scope_n and_o matter_n of_o the_o discourse_n although_o the_o case_n be_v doleful_a and_o high_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o there_o be_v no_o where_n in_o the_o world_n so_o much_o strife_n and_o division_n apparent_a as_o among_o those_o that_o be_v name_v christian_n nor_o that_o among_o any_o christian_n great_a animosity_n do_v break_v forth_o then_o sometime_o among_o those_o that_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o this_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a and_o undeniable_a truth_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n in_o itself_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o everlasting_a peace_n that_o therein_o christ_n be_v reveal_v to_o be_v the_o prince_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n that_o none_o but_o his_o follower_n be_v capable_a of_o peace_n and_o unity_n with_o god_n and_o that_o among_o man_n the_o true_a direction_n to_o live_v in_o love_n and_o peace_n one_o with_o another_o be_v not_o where_o to_o be_v find_v but_o in_o his_o kingdom_n which_o be_v so_o it_o will_v follow_v notwithstanding_o all_o these_o division_n that_o none_o shall_v more_o willing_o undertake_v nor_o can_v more_o profitable_o entertain_v the_o thought_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n for_o the_o composure_n of_o difference_n and_o end_n of_o strife_n among_o man_n than_o they_o who_o god_n have_v call_v to_o be_v preacher_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o who_o he_o have_v appoint_v to_o be_v witness_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o peace_n and_o see_v all_o they_o to_o who_o this_o covenant_n be_v tender_v and_o by_o who_o it_o be_v receive_v through_o faith_n be_v bind_v to_o live_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n as_o be_v all_o one_o in_o christ_n and_o confederate_n one_o to_o another_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o covenant_n therefore_o i_o shall_v offer_v myself_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o heavenly_a call_n as_o one_o to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v reveal_v and_o to_o who_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o peace_n be_v commit_v unto_o those_o that_o be_v my_o brethren_n in_o the_o same_o ministry_n humble_o entreat_v they_o all_o but_o chief_o such_o as_o be_v most_o conscionable_o wise_a in_o look_v rather_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o ministerial_a function_n then_o to_o the_o interest_n of_o a_o party_n among_o man_n to_o observe_v and_o consider_v with_o i_o concern_v the_o way_n of_o unity_n and_o forbearance_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o mind_n among_o themselves_o and_o acquaint_v their_o hearer_n withal_o these_o three_o assertion_n first_o that_o the_o ground_n wherefore_o they_o ought_v to_o profess_v and_o practice_v unity_n and_o forbearance_n one_o towards_o another_o be_v the_o undeniable_a law_n of_o christian_a brotherhood_n second_o that_o the_o term_n of_o unity_n whereunto_o they_o have_v already_o attain_v be_v full_a and_o satisfactory_a and_o that_o the_o term_n of_o the_o forbearance_n which_o they_o shall_v intend_v to_o practice_v be_v plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o settle_v among_o they_o three_o that_o the_o motive_n which_o shall_v induce_v they_o to_o the_o acknowledgement_n profession_n practice_n and_o setlement_n thereof_o be_v as_o strong_a as_o unavoidable_a necessity_n and_o the_o high_a relation_n unto_o duty_n can_v make_v they_o and_o to_o make_v good_a these_o three_o assertion_n i_o shall_v with_o as_o much_o brevity_n as_o i_o can_v declare_v my_o sense_n thereof_o distinct_o and_o plain_o
repentance_n and_o faith_n here_o shall_v in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a hereafter_o partake_v of_o the_o life_n of_o eternal_a glory_n with_o christ_n when_o all_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v punish_v with_o the_o everlasting_a judgement_n of_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o his_o presence_n into_o utter_a darkness_n and_o endless_a torment_n six_o beside_o these_o necessary_a truth_n which_o i_o confess_v to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o oblige_v i_o to_o acknowledge_v every_o one_o a_o true_a brother_n in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n as_o to_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n who_o do_v believe_v the_o same_o i_o say_v beside_o these_o fundamental_n they_o all_o agree_v with_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o the_o other_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n contain_v in_o their_o confession_n and_o public_a writing_n such_o namely_o as_o concern_v 1._o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o man_n 2._o the_o decree_n of_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n 3._o the_o fall_n of_o man_n his_o sin_n original_a and_o actual_a and_o the_o freedom_n of_o his_o will_n 4._o the_o restitution_n of_o man_n fall_n by_o christ_n 5._o christ_n person_n office_n nature_n and_o work_n of_o redemption_n and_o the_o application_n thereof_o 6._o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n 7._o the_o use_n of_o good_a work_n and_o their_o reward_n 8._o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n 9_o the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n justification_n sanctification_n and_o perseverance_n in_o conversion_n 10._o the_o universal_a church_n and_o mark_n of_o a_o true_a particular_a church_n 11._o the_o worship_n of_o god_n 12._o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n and_o their_o call_n 13._o the_o true_a and_o false_a ordinance_n 14._o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o baptism_n and_o such_o like_a wherein_o over_o and_o above_o necessary_a truth_n most_o thing_n that_o be_v profitable_a and_o expedient_a for_o edification_n be_v full_o express_v and_o by_o all_o assent_v unto_o so_o that_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v without_o all_o doubt_n very_o abundant_o full_a and_o satisfactory_a seven_o see_v the_o bare_a theory_n of_o truth_n dogmatical_o assent_v unto_o be_v not_o all_o that_o be_v requisite_a to_o makeup_v a_o brotherly_a unity_n between_o christ_n and_o our_o own_o soul_n but_o there_o be_v also_o a_o subsistence_n and_o evidence_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o and_o relation_n unto_o he_o necessary_a to_o complete_a this_o union_n therefore_o in_o like_a manner_n to_o complete_a a_o full_a and_o satisfactory_a unity_n in_o our_o christian_a brotherhood_n one_o towards_o another_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v some_o evidence_n of_o this_o subsistence_n of_o our_o relation_n unto_o he_o manifest_v unto_o each_o other_o and_o hereunto_o all_o the_o godly_a and_o orthodox_n minister_n of_o this_o kingdom_n will_v hearty_o agree_v that_o none_o be_v to_o be_v count_v true_a member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o belong_v unto_o his_o mystical_a body_n but_o such_o as_o by_o faith_n embrace_v fiducial_o with_o their_o heart_n the_o fundamental_a and_o save_a truth_n of_o christianity_n make_v confession_n thereof_o with_o their_o mouth_n and_o endeavour_v in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n to_o walk_v in_o holiness_n answerable_a thereunto_o that_o be_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n in_o love_n towards_o one_o another_o as_o god_n love_v we_o chap._n vi_o concern_v the_o term_n of_o unity_n in_o the_o chief_a act_n of_o our_o religious_a profession_n our_o religious_a profession_n be_v here_o take_v notice_n of_o as_o it_o be_v public_a and_o do_v oblige_v we_o to_o stand_v in_o some_o relation_n towards_o other_o through_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n the_o chief_a act_n thereof_o be_v four_o the_o first_o be_v of_o professor_n as_o they_o stand_v single_a by_o themselves_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o public_a the_o second_o be_v of_o professor_n as_o they_o stand_v unite_v unto_o a_o congregation_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o visible_a constitution_n and_o government_n thereof_o the_o three_o be_v of_o several_a congregation_n in_o reference_n to_o their_o mutual_a association_n the_o four_o be_v of_o the_o officer_n and_o ruler_n of_o these_o several_a congregation_n in_o reference_n to_o their_o interest_n in_o each_o other_o and_o the_o joint_a administration_n of_o their_o public_a charge_n if_o then_o in_o all_o these_o act_n the_o fundamental_a rule_n whereby_o they_o be_v to_o be_v direct_v and_o manage_v be_v full_o and_o satisfactory_o the_o same_o and_o not_o unknown_a but_o rather_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o professor_n of_o both_o side_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o both_o side_n ought_v to_o look_v upon_o each_o other_o therein_o as_o upon_o brethren_n and_o practice_v the_o duty_n of_o brotherhood_n one_o to_o another_o which_o be_v answerable_a unto_o this_o acknowledgement_n but_o if_o notwithstanding_o this_o unity_n and_o agreement_n in_o these_o rule_n and_o in_o the_o acknowledgement_n thereof_o the_o duty_n be_v neglect_v than_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o apostle_n james_n 4._o 16._o be_v to_o be_v lay_v to_o heart_n to_o he_o that_o know_v to_o do_v good_a and_o death_n it_o not_o to_o he_o it_o be_v sin_n and_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n which_o be_v more_o full_a and_o plain_a luke_n 12._o 47._o the_o servant_n which_o know_v his_o lord_n will_v and_o prepare_v not_o himself_o neither_o do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n now_o that_o in_o these_o act_n of_o the_o profession_n the_o sundamentall_a rule_n oblige_v we_o unto_o holy_a communion_n be_v acknowledge_v on_o both_o side_n to_o be_v the_o same_o will_v appear_v in_o these_o follow_a particular_n sect._n i._o of_o single_a professor_n when_o we_o look_v upon_o professor_n such_o namely_o as_o we_o have_v already_o describe_v to_o be_v believer_n of_o the_o doctrine_n forenamed_a and_o to_o have_v that_o relation_n unto_o christ_n and_o his_o body_n which_o have_v be_v former_o mention_v when_o i_o say_v we_o look_v upon_o these_o professor_n as_o single_a that_o be_v as_o stand_v by_o themselves_o and_o not_o embody_v into_o any_o particular_a society_n yet_o we_o intend_v not_o to_o exempt_v they_o by_o this_o notion_n from_o either_o a_o visibilitie_n of_o their_o profession_n or_o a_o compliance_n in_o that_o wherein_o they_o ought_v to_o concur_v with_o other_o christian_n for_o they_o be_v to_o be_v count_v single_a not_o as_o if_o they_o may_v take_v up_o a_o single_a and_o singular_a way_n of_o profess_v christ_n by_o themselves_o alone_o which_o be_v neither_o common_a nor_o perceptible_a unto_o other_o christian_n but_o they_o be_v to_o be_v count_v single_a only_o as_o they_o be_v man_n not_o engage_v as_o yet_o unto_o any_o particular_a congregation_n to_o be_v member_n thereof_o profess_o suppose_v then_o a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o true_a christian_a and_o a_o mere_a stranger_n to_o all_o the_o man_n and_o church_n of_o a_o nation_n where_o he_o find_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n know_v and_o public_o profess_v by_o some_o and_o not_o at_o all_o know_v and_o profess_v by_o other_o the_o question_n may_v be_v concern_v he_o threefold_a 1._o whether_o he_o shall_v make_v himself_o know_v to_o be_v a_o professor_n yea_o or_o no_o 2._o how_o he_o shall_v manifest_v his_o profession_n viz._n whether_o yea_o or_o no_o he_o shall_v not_o join_v with_o other_o in_o the_o act_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o 3._o what_o the_o act_n of_o public_a service_n and_o worship_n be_v whereunto_o hâ—e_v shall_v join_v if_o hâ—e_v shall_v apply_v himself_o to_o other_o professor_n now_o in_o the_o answer_n to_o these_o three_o question_n i_o suppose_v that_o both_o side_n will_v full_o agree_v upon_o these_o rule_n as_o a_o directory_n for_o he_o to_o walk_v by_o in_o such_o a_o case_n and_o to_o the_o first_o the_o answer_n be_v this_o 1._o although_o a_o man_n stand_v single_a and_o be_v not_o embody_v into_o any_o particular_a society_n yet_o he_o ought_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v unto_o the_o world_n and_o to_o other_o professor_n that_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n that_o be_v be_v aught_o to_o appear_v in_o public_a as_o a_o professor_n of_o christianity_n the_o ground_n of_o this_o rule_n be_v these_o commandment_n matth._n 5._o 16._o let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n phil._n 2._o 15_o 16._o shine_v you_o as_o light_n in_o the_o world_n hold_v forth_o the_o word_n of_o life_n ephes_n 5._o 7._o walk_v as_o child_n of_o light_n verse_n 10._o prove_v what_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o the_o lord_n verse_n 11._o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o the_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n but_o rather_o reprove_v they_o phil._n 1._o 27._o let_v your_o conversation_n be_v as_o it_o become_v
the_o advantage_n of_o love_a conference_n whereby_o difference_n may_v be_v reconcile_v and_o mistake_v and_o scandal_n prevent_v and_o take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n or_o so_o long_a as_o there_o be_v cause_n to_o think_v that_o god_n may_v reveal_v his_o profitable_a truth_n to_o such_o as_o err_v not_o wilful_o but_o through_o weakness_n of_o judgement_n and_o harmeles_o phil._n 3._o 15_o 16._o and_o 2_o tim._n 2._o 22_o 23_o 24_o 25_o 26._o chap._n ix_o concern_v the_o way_n how_o to_o settle_v and_o prosecute_v a_o mutual_a toleration_n by_o rule_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o agreement_n hitherto_o in_o this_o matter_n of_o forbearance_n we_o have_v look_v upon_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o duty_n which_o we_o conceive_v both_o â—ides_n will_v full_o assent_v unto_o if_o now_o we_o can_v also_o from_o thence_o gather_v and_o from_o other_o undeniable_a and_o know_v truth_n find_v out_o some_o rule_n which_o may_v direct_v we_o in_o a_o way_n how_o to_o settle_v and_o prosecute_v to_o a_o full_a period_n of_o practice_n the_o duty_n of_o this_o forbearance_n and_o if_o these_o rule_n be_v find_v out_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n between_o the_o party_n by_o some_o transaction_n so_o full_o and_o orderly_o that_o none_o who_o do_v assent_n unto_o the_o principle_n and_o the_o rule_n can_v except_v against_o the_o proceed_n therein_o if_o i_o say_v these_o rule_n can_v be_v thus_o find_v out_o and_o apply_v than_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a convince_o to_o conclude_v that_o all_o such_o as_o follow_v not_o the_o practice_n thereof_o walk_v neither_o answerable_a to_o the_o light_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v nor_o to_o the_o vocation_n wherewith_o they_o be_v call_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o consequent_o that_o as_o they_o be_v not_o upright_o in_o their_o way_n so_o they_o shall_v be_v frustrate_a of_o the_o felicity_n promise_v thereunto_o and_o receive_v the_o reward_n of_o hypocrite_n for_o in_o this_o case_n that_o which_o christ_n say_v unto_o his_o disciple_n be_v to_o be_v say_v unto_o thâ—â—inistery_n and_o to_o the_o professor_n of_o this_o kingdom_n john_n 13._o 17._o if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o â—â—e_v they_o but_o if_o you_o know_v they_o not_o you_o can_v be_v happy_a in_o do_v they_o and_o if_o know_v they_o you_o do_v they_o not_o your_o profession_n shall_v be_v find_v vain_a and_o your_o end_n eternal_a misery_n for_o not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o 21._o matth._n â—_o 21._o he_o only_a who_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n who_o be_v in_o heaven_n from_o all_o which_o we_o must_v gather_v this_o conclusion_n that_o if_o we_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o forbearance_n which_o be_v necessary_a it_o will_v not_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o to_o know_v what_o the_o principle_n thereof_o be_v but_o the_o way_n how_o to_o practice_v the_o duty_n must_v also_o be_v seek_v after_o and_o regular_o follow_v let_v we_o then_o do_v this_o and_o endeavour_v to_o find_v the_o rule_n of_o such_o a_o transaction_n as_o will_v beget_v between_o the_o party_n a_o settlement_n of_o that_o toleration_n whereof_o we_o have_v see_v and_o allow_v the_o principle_n and_o to_o this_o effect_n if_o any_o treaty_n or_o conference_n be_v intend_v for_o without_o some_o such_o thing_n nothing_o can_v be_v settle_v there_o must_v be_v before_o all_o other_o thing_n a_o agreement_n find_v in_o the_o aim_n of_o the_o transaction_n and_o in_o the_o mean_n to_o bring_v it_o to_o pass_v for_o if_o these_o two_o be_v not_o determine_v by_o common_a consent_n and_o a_o resolution_n fix_v to_o proceed_v according_a to_o that_o determination_n nothing_o will_v take_v effect_n or_o be_v successful_a in_o the_o transaction_n the_o aim_n then_o of_o the_o transaction_n shall_v not_o be_v to_o settle_v a_o forbearance_n which_o shall_v leave_v the_o party_n or_o confirm_v they_o in_o the_o distance_n whereinto_o they_o be_v unhappy_o fall_v but_o both_o side_n shall_v express_o declare_v that_o the_o treaty_n be_v to_o be_v set_v afoot_o and_o profess_o intend_v for_o these_o two_o end_n first_o that_o a_o door_n may_v be_v keep_v open_a and_o enlarge_v to_o further_o a_o more_o perfect_a unity_n then_o as_o yet_o the_o party_n have_v attain_v unto_o second_o that_o a_o path_n and_o course_n to_o maintain_v the_o further_a unity_n which_o will_v be_v attain_v by_o god_n blessing_n may_v be_v prepare_v and_o make_v more_o plain_a and_o easy_a then_o hitherto_o it_o have_v be_v if_o this_o aim_v be_v sincere_o take_v up_o the_o mean_n to_o bring_v it_o to_o pass_v will_v neither_o be_v difficult_a to_o be_v find_v nor_o without_o success_n when_o they_o be_v set_v a_o work_n among_o true_a christian_n i_o shall_v offer_v therefore_o at_o they_o first_o then_o the_o mean_n to_o open_v a_o door_n to_o advance_v the_o party_n to_o a_o more_o perfect_a unity_n then_o as_o yet_o they_o have_v attain_v unto_o be_v to_o find_v out_o and_o settle_v rule_n of_o mutual_a condescension_n second_o the_o mean_n to_o make_v the_o path_n plain_a and_o easy_a to_o maintain_v and_o walk_v in_o the_o unity_n which_o shall_v be_v settle_v be_v to_o remove_v by_o common_a consent_n and_o upon_o conscionable_a motive_n all_o the_o cause_n of_o disaffection_n and_o of_o breach_n for_o if_o both_o side_n can_v only_o yield_v and_o stoop_v to_o embrace_v each_o other_o in_o love_n but_o also_o remove_v all_o that_o which_o may_v occasion_v the_o dissolve_v of_o that_o embracement_n we_o may_v be_v sure_o that_o peace_n and_o unity_n will_v be_v settle_v without_o interruption_n therefore_o in_o hope_n that_o either_o now_o or_o hereafter_o this_o may_v be_v lay_v to_o heart_n and_o follow_v to_o produce_v a_o necessary_a toleration_n i_o shall_v offer_v my_o thought_n of_o these_o two_o mean_n chap._n x._o of_o the_o rule_n of_o condescension_n how_o they_o may_v be_v find_v out_o we_o have_v former_o see_v that_o some_o toleration_n among_o christian_n be_v necessary_a if_o so_o then_o undoubted_o some_o condescension_n also_o towards_o one_o another_o because_o without_o some_o yield_a it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a that_o any_o mutual_a forbearance_n can_v be_v settle_v or_o transact_v among_o party_n that_o be_v at_o variance_n and_o although_o this_o may_v suffice_v to_o satisfy_v the_o scruple_n of_o some_o who_o perhaps_o will_v boil_v at_o the_o matter_n of_o condescension_n as_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o holy_a profession_n yet_o i_o shall_v add_v a_o word_n to_o show_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o such_o a_o course_n as_o be_v a_o duty_n recommend_v unto_o we_o by_o god_n and_o necessary_a for_o edification_n the_o apostle_n rom._n 15._o 1_o 2._o say_v that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o please_v ourselves_o but_o that_o every_o one_o of_o we_o shall_v please_v his_o neighbour_n for_o his_o good_a to_o edification_n now_o in_o this_o case_n every_o one_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v strong_a and_o the_o neighbour_n who_o he_o ought_v to_o please_v be_v by_o the_o apostle_n suppose_v to_o be_v weak_a therefore_o we_o be_v all_o bind_v to_o yield_v unto_o each_o other_o as_o suppose_v other_o to_o be_v weak_a that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o edify_v each_o other_o and_o to_o press_v this_o home_n as_o a_o duty_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o he_o do_v give_v we_o christ_n example_n as_o a_o pattern_n thereof_o in_o this_o particular_a that_o he_o do_v not_o seek_v to_o please_v himself_o but_o condescend_v even_o to_o bear_v reproach_n that_o we_o may_v be_v edify_v by_o that_o which_o be_v write_v of_o he_o vers_n 3._o and_o 4._o and_o then_o to_o make_v a_o application_n of_o this_o unto_o the_o end_n for_o which_o he_o do_v prescribe_v it_o as_o a_o duty_n he_o first_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o we_o and_o second_o exhort_v we_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o christ_n example_n his_o prayer_n be_v that_o god_n will_v grant_v we_o to_o be_v like_o mind_a one_o towards_o another_o according_a to_o christ_n jesus_n that_o we_o may_v glorify_v god_n with_o i_o mind_n and_o mouth_n where_o he_o intimate_v two_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o this_o matter_n very_o considerable_a first_o that_o except_o we_o have_v this_o grace_n to_o be_v so_o mind_v unto_o each_o other_o as_o christ_n be_v to_o we_o we_o can_v be_v at_o unity_n among_o ourselves_o second_o that_o except_o we_o be_v unite_v with_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o mouth_n in_o our_o profession_n of_o christ_n god_n can_v be_v glorify_v by_o we_o vers_fw-la 5_o &_o 6._o then_o his_o exhortation_n be_v a_o consequence_n infer_v upon_o these_o premise_n thus_o ver_fw-la 7._o wherefore_o receive_v you_o one_o another_o as_o christ_n also_o receive_v we_o to_o
the_o glory_n of_o god_n now_o christ_n receive_v we_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o the_o participation_n of_o god_n love_n and_o goodness_n by_o a_o great_a condescension_n unto_o our_o weakness_n study_v not_o to_o please_v himself_o but_o we_o to_o our_o good_a therefore_o we_o be_v all_o bind_v to_o yield_v unto_o each_o other_o in_o like_a manner_n so_o than_o some_o condescension_n be_v both_o lawful_a and_o requisite_a compare_v with_o this_o that_o which_o be_v further_o to_o this_o purpose_n deliver_v concern_v christ_n phil._n 2._o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o and_o 1_o pet._n 2._o 21_o 22_o 23._o but_o to_o press_v further_o the_o point_n which_o in_o this_o duty_n be_v to_o be_v heed_v let_v we_o consider_v the_o precept_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 12._o 16._o and_o his_o own_o practice_n which_o he_o set_v before_o we_o elsewhere_o to_o be_v follow_v as_o a_o example_n of_o that_o rule_n the_o precept_n be_v this_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n one_o â—â—wards_n another_o mind_v not_o high_a thing_n but_o condescend_v to_o mâ—n_z of_o low_a estate_n or_o to_o mean_a thing_n be_v not_o wise_a in_o your_o own_o conoâ—its_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o be_v like_o mind_a towards_o each_o other_o in_o love_n and_o that_o you_o may_v not_o be_v take_v off_o from_o perform_v this_o take_v heed_n to_o your_o thought_n that_o you_o neither_o affect_v high_a matter_n wherein_o natural_o man_n use_v to_o please_v themselves_o nor_o that_o you_o be_v in_o love_n with_o your_o own_o wisdom_n but_o study_n rather_o to_o make_v your_o mind_n pliable_a and_o bring_v yourselves_o to_o condescend_v to_o man_n and_o matter_n that_o be_v mean_a and_o low_a for_o except_v you_o all_o resolve_n upon_o this_o you_o can_v never_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n one_o towards_o another_o so_o than_o we_o see_v that_o some_o condescension_n be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o whole_o requisite_a to_o maintain_v love_n and_o unity_n and_o resist_v pride_n and_o self-love_n whence_o strife_n and_o confusion_n do_v proceed_v answerable_a unto_o this_o rule_n be_v the_o apostle_n own_o practice_n mention_v 1_o cor._n 9_o for_o our_o imitation_n for_o there_o from_o the_o first_o verse_n till_o the_o 19_o he_o show_v that_o although_o he_o have_v a_o full_a right_a to_o take_v maintenance_n from_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n for_o his_o service_n do_v to_o they_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o do_v it_o but_o condescend_v rather_o for_o their_o weakness_n sake_n to_o make_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n without_o charge_n unto_o they_o lest_o he_o may_v be_v think_v to_o abuse_v his_o power_n in_o the_o gospel_n so_o then_o to_o prevent_v a_o inconveniency_n he_o do_v condescend_v to_o quit_v his_o right_n to_o a_o benefit_n and_o a_o conveniency_n which_o he_o may_v otherwise_o have_v lawful_o enjoy_v but_o then_o from_o vers_n 19_o till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n he_o speak_v of_o another_o kind_n of_o condescension_n wherein_o he_o do_v exercise_v himself_o and_o which_o he_o relate_v that_o he_o may_v therein_o be_v imitate_v by_o other_o which_o be_v this_o that_o although_o he_o be_v free_a from_o all_o man_n yeâ—_n he_o make_v himself_o a_o servant_n to_o all_o that_o he_o may_v gain_v the_o more_o verse_n 19_o to_o the_o jew_n he_o become_v as_o a_o jew_n to_o they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n as_o under_o the_o law_n verse_n 20._o to_o they_o that_o be_v without_o law_n â—â—_o without_o law_n though_o he_o be_v not_o without_o law_n to_o god_n but_o under_o the_o law_n to_o christ_n verse_n 21._o to_o the_o weak_a he_o become_v as_o weak_a and_o he_o make_v himself_o by_o way_n of_o condescension_n all_o thing_n unto_o all_o man_n that_o hâ—â—_n may_v by_o all_o mean_n save_o some_o verse_n 22._o and_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o exercise_v himself_o in_o this_o duty_n be_v not_o only_o for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o but_o for_o his_o own_o good_a also_o in_o three_o thing_n first_o that_o he_o may_v partake_v of_o the_o gospel_n with_o every_o one_o in_o every_o condition_n verse_n 23._o second_o that_o he_o may_v keep_v himself_o in_o a_o fit_a temper_n of_o spirit_n so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o his_o call_n as_o to_o receive_v the_o prize_n and_o so_o to_o fight_v as_o not_o to_o 〈◊〉_d the_o air_n verse_n 24_o 25_o 26._o and_o three_o that_o he_o may_v be_v master_n of_o his_o own_o body_n lest_o if_o he_o neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o bring_v it_o into_o subjection_n he_o may_v be_v sound_n himself_o a_o reprobate_n after_o all_o his_o pain_n in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n unto_o other_o verse_n 27._o thus_o we_o see_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v make_v this_o not_o only_o a_o duty_n which_o be_v lawful_a but_o in_o some_o sort_n necessary_a to_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o the_o ministerial_a function_n even_o so_o far_o that_o without_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o a_o man_n can_v neither_o gain_v all_o sort_n of_o people_n to_o the_o gospel_n noâ—_n partake_v full_o of_o the_o gospel_n himself_o nor_o â—ee_n in_o a_o temper_n so_o to_o run_v and_o strive_v as_o to_o gain_v his_o incorruptible_a crown_n before_o other_o nor_o at_o last_o escape_v the_o danger_n of_o be_v a_o castaway_n although_o he_o have_v painful_o preach_v the_o gospel_n unto_o other_o from_o all_o which_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o the_o study_n of_o condescension_n chief_o in_o a_o minister_n with_o who_o i_o be_o now_o deal_v be_v not_o a_o matter_n of_o indifferency_n but_o a_o duty_n of_o very_a great_a importance_n and_o if_o so_o than_o we_o be_v oblige_v in_o conscience_n not_o only_o to_o resolve_v upon_o the_o practice_n but_o to_o seek_v out_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o our_o conversation_n in_o this_o matter_n may_v be_v order_v aright_o for_o see_v in_o every_o duty_n there_o be_v some_o rule_n and_o in_o this_o of_o condescension_n because_o none_o do_v set_v themselves_o to_o the_o practice_n thereof_o the_o rule_n be_v not_o look_v into_o see_v also_o none_o ought_v in_o any_o thing_n to_o presume_v to_o prescribe_v rule_n unto_o other_o but_o all_o shall_v rather_o in_o all_o humility_n search_v after_o the_o discovery_n thereof_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o then_o hold_v forth_o in_o simplicity_n that_o which_o god_n do_v teach_v they_o and_o they_o find_v profitable_a for_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o therefore_o we_o shall_v apply_v ourselves_o unto_o this_o search_n and_o offer_v that_o which_o we_o suppose_v neither_o side_n will_v except_v against_o and_o yet_o may_v prove_v a_o sufficient_a directory_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o condescension_n and_o the_o transaction_n of_o a_o forbearance_n in_o the_o case_n of_o our_o division_n we_o shall_v say_v then_o that_o to_o find_v out_o without_o difficulty_n the_o rule_n of_o condescension_n towards_o a_o forbearance_n three_o thing_n shall_v be_v reflect_v upon_o 1_o that_o wherein_o there_o can_v be_v no_o yield_v 2_o that_o wherein_o there_o may_v be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o voluntary_a yield_v 3_o that_o which_o may_v draw_v forth_o and_o oblige_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n to_o discover_v the_o thing_n whereunto_o they_o shall_v be_v willing_a of_o themselves_o to_o yield_v concern_v the_o first_o there_o can_v be_v nor_o condescension_n propose_v which_o shall_v oblige_v any_o to_o make_v profession_n of_o any_o thing_n otherwise_o than_o it_o be_v in_o his_o heart_n for_o no_o man_n can_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n yield_v to_o profess_v any_o untruth_n or_o transact_v to_o relinquish_v his_o sense_n and_o opinion_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o he_o do_v esteem_v a_o point_n of_o truth_n or_o of_o right_n i_o say_v no_o man_n can_v condescend_v to_o relinquish_v his_o opinion_n or_o his_o challenge_n of_o a_o right_a to_o a_o privilege_n because_o the_o matter_n of_o truth_n and_o right_n can_v edify_v no_o man_n but_o disedifie_v both_o ourselves_o and_o other_o if_o they_o be_v deny_v and_o profess_o give_v up_o a_o man_n may_v dispense_v with_o a_o truth_n so_o far_o as_o not_o to_o speak_v of_o it_o to_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n or_o at_o all_o time_n because_o they_o can_v bear_v it_o nor_o be_v it_o seasonable_a for_o edification_n to_o speak_v all_o truth_n at_o all_o time_n as_o we_o may_v see_v by_o christ_n example_n john_n 16._o 12._o and_o the_o apostle_n practice_v 1_o cor._n 3._o 1_o 2._o and_o the_o rule_n matth._n 7._o 6._o and_o rom._n 14._o 1._o and_o concern_v a_o point_n of_o right_a a_o man_n may_v dispense_v with_o the_o use_n of_o it_o as_o we_o see_v the_o apostle_n do_v 1_o cor._n 9_o but_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o yield_v himself_o oblige_v to_o deny_v any_o truth_n or_o not_o to_o bear_v witness_n to_o it_o when_o it_o be_v oppose_v
they_o may_v lay_v the_o thing_n to_o heart_n and_o weigh_v it_o considerate_o that_o god_n may_v persuade_v their_o affection_n to_o the_o practice_n thereof_o the_o excellency_n of_o brotherly_a unity_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o the_o 133._o psal_n where_o first_o by_o way_n of_o preface_n and_o proposition_n the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v call_v upon_o we_o and_o invite_v we_o to_o contemplate_v and_o observe_v the_o same_o with_o admiration_n in_o the_o twofold_a property_n thereof_o viz._n the_o goodness_n and_o the_o pleasantness_n which_o be_v in_o it_o 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 verse_n 1._o then_o second_o by_o way_n of_o proof_n and_o demonstration_n he_o do_v show_v wherein_o that_o goodness_n and_o pleasantness_n do_v consist_v and_o whence_o it_o do_v proceed_v the_o goodness_n and_o pleasantness_n of_o brotherly_a unity_n do_v consist_v in_o this_o that_o it_o do_v bring_v with_o it_o to_o those_o that_o maintain_v it_o all_o manner_n of_o blessing_n in_o great_a plenty_n the_o blessing_n be_v both_o spiritual_a and_o bodily_a the_o first_o in_o the_o church_n the_o second_o in_o the_o commonwealth_n the_o spiritual_a blessing_n bestow_v in_o the_o church_n be_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a anoint_v it_o be_v like_o the_o ointment_n who_o excellency_n be_v 1._o in_o their_o worth_n the_o precious_a ointment_n 2._o in_o their_o use_n and_o application_n which_o be_v to_o consecrate_v and_o make_v man_n priest_n unto_o god_n by_o the_o virtue_n confer_v upon_o their_o principal_a faculty_n upon_o the_o head_n the_o beard_n aaron_n beard_n 3._o in_o their_o abundance_n and_o fruitful_a proceed_n from_o the_o head_n to_o all_o the_o inferior_a part_n it_o run_v down_o upon_o the_o beard_n go_v down_o upon_o the_o skirt_n of_o his_o garment_n verse_n 2._o the_o bodily_a blessing_n bestow_v in_o the_o commonwealth_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o the_o high_a part_n thereof_o both_o far_o from_o the_o church_n and_o near_o unto_o the_o same_o as_o the_o dew_n of_o hermon_n a_o hill_n and_o land_n far_o from_o jerusalem_n near_o jordan_n and_o the_o dew_n that_o descend_v upon_o the_o mountain_n of_o zion_n verse_n 3._o all_o this_o goodness_n and_o pleasantness_n do_v accompany_v brotherly_a unity_n because_o the_o lord_n have_v command_v the_o blessing_n to_o be_v there_o viz._n where_o unity_n be_v and_o the_o blessing_n which_o he_o have_v command_v be_v even_o life_n for_o evermore_o verse_n 3._o and_o consequent_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o life_n and_o if_o of_o life_n eternal_a then_o of_o temporal_a also_o for_o we_o have_v the_o promise_n that_o if_o we_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n all_o other_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o we_o matth._n 6._o 33._o now_o from_o all_o this_o which_o be_v the_o clear_a doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n i_o shall_v make_v this_o inference_n only_o that_o if_o these_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o brotherly_a unity_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o those_o that_o maintain_v it_o in_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n than_o we_o may_v denounce_v the_o contrary_a threaten_n unto_o those_o that_o maintain_v it_o not_o for_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o those_o that_o be_v contentious_a 9_o rom._n 2._o 8_o 9_o and_o obey_v not_o the_o truth_n hitherto_o of_o unity_n the_o ground_n of_o it_o be_v love_n as_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o 1_o cor._n 12._o 25._o where_o the_o same_o care_n of_o member_n one_o for_o another_o which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o their_o love_n be_v the_o cause_n why_o there_o be_v no_o rent_n in_o the_o body_n and_o consequent_o why_o unity_n be_v preserve_v for_o where_o that_o love_a care_n be_v not_o unity_n be_v not_o but_o a_o rent_n will_v be_v as_o we_o may_v daily_o perceive_v in_o our_o doleful_a estate_n therefore_o all_o the_o excellency_n that_o belong_v to_o brotherly_a unity_n be_v first_o and_o original_o to_o be_v attribute_v unto_o charity_n but_o then_o there_o be_v yet_o other_o excellency_n which_o be_v more_o immediate_o attribute_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o 1_o cor._n 13._o where_o the_o apostle_n have_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n from_o the_o beginning_n reckon_v up_o the_o spiritual_a gift_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o church_n to_o profit_v withal_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o verse_n 7._o compare_v with_o verse_n 12_o 13._o of_o chap._n 12._o he_o come_v in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o that_o chapter_n to_o exhort_v the_o saint_n to_o covet_v earnest_o the_o best_a gift_n and_o to_o encourage_v they_o unto_o this_o duty_n he_o promise_v to_o show_v they_o the_o way_n which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d most_o excellent_a which_o be_v that_o which_o immediate_o in_o the_o follow_v 13_o chapter_n he_o begin_v to_o describe_v from_o whence_o this_o inference_n do_v offer_v itself_o that_o as_o the_o chief_a and_o most_o excellent_a mean_n to_o attain_v to_o all_o spiritual_a gift_n be_v the_o practice_n and_o exercise_v of_o love_n so_o the_o neglect_n of_o that_o duty_n be_v the_o chief_a cause_n of_o the_o decay_n and_o loss_n of_o all_o spiritual_a gift_n now_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o description_n of_o this_o way_n do_v show_v a_o threefold_a excellency_n and_o usefulness_n of_o love_n the_o first_o be_v that_o without_o it_o no_o spiritual_a talent_n or_o good_a work_n be_v profitable_a to_o the_o church_n or_o to_o our_o own_o salvation_n verse_n 1_o 2_o 3._o the_o second_o be_v that_o in_o it_o and_o by_o it_o all_o virtue_n tend_v to_o make_v a_o man_n perfect_a be_v wrought_v in_o we_o verse_n 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o the_o three_o be_v that_o above_o all_o other_o grace_n it_o be_v the_o only_a durable_a and_o last_a unto_o eternity_n verse_n 8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o which_o doctrine_n be_v refer_v to_o the_o forego_n proposition_n in_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o chap._n 12._o will_v produce_v this_o argument_n or_o demonstration_n concern_v the_o excellency_n of_o love_n that_o virtue_n without_o which_o no_o gift_n nor_o good_a work_n be_v useful_a unto_o any_o and_o by_o which_o all_o virtue_n be_v wrought_v in_o we_o and_o which_o alone_o last_v unto_o eternity_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a way_n to_o spiritual_a gift_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o charity_n be_v that_o virtue_n ergo_fw-la it_o be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o excellent_a way_n to_o spiritual_a gift_n the_o minor_a or_o the_o assumption_n of_o this_o argument_n be_v make_v good_a concern_v charity_n in_o the_o three_o several_a part_n thereof_o foremention_v first_o then_o that_o without_o it_o no_o spiritual_a talent_n and_o outward_a good_a work_n be_v useful_a the_o apostle_n do_v make_v out_o in_o many_o particular_n for_o he_o first_o mention_v the_o gift_n of_o utterance_n suppose_v a_o man_n can_v speak_v with_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n yet_o if_o he_o want_v charity_n he_o be_v to_o his_o auditory_a but_o as_o sound_a brass_n or_o a_o tinkle_a cymbale_n verse_n 1._o afterward_o the_o gift_n of_o pprophecy_n of_o understand_v all_o mystery_n of_o all_o knowledge_n of_o all_o faith_n to_o do_v miracle_n yet_o if_o there_o be_v no_o charity_n he_o declare_v that_o all_o this_o be_v of_o no_o use_n and_o virtue_n neither_o to_o the_o church_n nor_o to_o he_o that_o have_v it_o ver._n 2._o then_o concern_v good_a work_n he_o suppose_v the_o large_a and_o most_o compassionate_a relief_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o great_a constancy_n in_o martyrdom_n for_o the_o truth_n even_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v give_v his_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v yet_o if_o there_o be_v no_o charity_n all_o these_o work_n will_v avail_v he_o nothing_o verse_n 3._o charity_n then_o be_v more_o excellent_a than_o these_o gift_n and_o be_v to_o be_v count_v the_o life_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o they_o all_o second_o that_o by_o charity_n all_o virtue_n be_v wrought_v in_o we_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o like_a manner_n declare_v in_o many_o particular_n for_o the_o virtue_n which_o make_v we_o perfect_a for_o our_o behaviour_n towards_o person_n in_o action_n and_o about_o thing_n they_o all_o proceed_v from_o charity_n for_o our_o behaviour_n towards_o person_n if_o other_o be_v cross_a and_o froward_a it_o teach_v long-suffering_a if_o they_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a it_o teach_v kindness_n if_o they_o be_v in_o glory_n and_o prosperity_n it_o do_v not_o envy_v their_o condition_n if_o we_o in_o respect_n of_o ourselves_o find_v some_o excellency_n or_o eminency_n in_o our_o own_o condition_n which_o other_o have_v not_o it_o do_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o vaunt_v thereof_o towards_o other_o nor_o to_o be_v puff_v up_o thereby_o within_o
or_o not_o to_o challenge_v his_o right_n to_o a_o privilege_n when_o it_o be_v call_v in_o question_n for_o to_o do_v so_o be_v to_o betray_v truth_n and_o righteousness_n which_o can_v stand_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n therefore_o no_o condescension_n may_v be_v intend_v to_o suppress_v the_o profession_n of_o these_o thing_n but_o rather_o a_o transaction_n be_v to_o be_v intend_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o both_o side_n shall_v bear_v with_o one_o another_o in_o such_o a_o profession_n without_o offence_n and_o grant_v a_o freedom_n to_o each_o other_o to_o declare_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o their_o heart_n for_o this_o be_v the_o duty_n and_o one_o of_o the_o commendable_a character_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v abide_v in_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o god_n and_o dwell_v in_o his_o holy_a hill_n psal_n 15._o 1_o 2._o concern_v the_o second_o namely_o that_o wherein_o there_o may_v and_o â—â—ght_n to_o be_v a_o voluntary_a yield_v on_o all_o side_n i_o shall_v not_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o specify_v any_o rule_n for_o that_o be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o transaction_n of_o the_o forbearance_n itself_o but_o i_o shall_v only_o mention_v the_o head_n of_o matter_n whereof_o rule_n may_v be_v determine_v and_o gather_v from_o the_o word_n as_o first_o there_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o mutual_a condescension_n towards_o the_o settle_n of_o way_n and_o expedient_n of_o different_a sort_n of_o orderly_a proceed_n at_o several_a place_n and_o time_n in_o public_a meeting_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o brethren_n in_o the_o common_a profession_n and_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o confusion_n as_o for_o example_n at_o the_o public_a meeting_n in_o some_o place_n they_o have_v no_o assessor_n adjoin_v to_o he_o that_o be_v the_o prolocutor_n in_o other_o place_n they_o have_v in_o some_o place_n the_o prolocutor_n or_o mediator_n of_o the_o meeting_n be_v perpetual_o the_o same_o in_o other_o place_n he_o be_v continual_o change_v and_o that_o either_o by_o a_o new_a election_n through_o the_o plurality_n of_o vote_n or_o without_o any_o election_n by_o a_o vicissitudinary_a succession_n of_o one_o after_o another_o into_o the_o office_n of_o preside_v over_o the_o meeting_n in_o some_o place_n nothing_o be_v determine_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o in_o other_o place_n it_o be_v otherwise_o and_o where_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o be_v require_v in_o some_o place_n the_o prese_n of_o the_o action_n be_v oblige_v to_o ask_v every_o man_n vote_n distinct_o and_o in_o order_n in_o other_o place_n that_o custom_n be_v not_o precise_o observe_v but_o it_o be_v free_a for_o any_o one_o to_o speak_v when_o he_o can_v get_v a_o turn_n and_o if_o matter_n go_v against_o his_o sense_n to_o enter_v his_o dissent_n and_o elsewhere_o who_o do_v not_o give_v his_o consent_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o the_o determination_n in_o all_o such_o way_n of_o orderly_a proceed_n if_o those_o that_o entertain_v the_o meeting_n for_o their_o mutual_a edification_n do_v alter_v their_o constitution_n according_a to_o circumstance_n of_o time_n place_n person_n and_o affair_n upon_o ground_n which_o they_o think_v valid_a for_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o meet_v i_o say_v in_o all_o such_o way_n a_o condescension_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v mutual_o intend_v and_o there_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v any_o breach_n of_o unity_n and_o affection_n for_o the_o difference_n of_o opinion_n among_o brethren_n in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n only_o a_o care_n be_v to_o beâ—_n have_v that_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n be_v observe_v according_a to_o the_o apostle_n commandment_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 40._o second_o there_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o voluntary_a condescension_n â—o_o all_o the_o mean_n which_o be_v think_v by_o those_o who_o be_v of_o repute_n fit_a and_o expedient_a to_o give_v just_a satisfaction_n to_o any_o that_o be_v possess_v with_o prejudices_fw-la against_o we_o or_o to_o clear_a mistake_n or_o to_o prevent_v the_o evil_a effect_n of_o sinister_a report_n or_o to_o take_v away_o all_o inconvenience_n and_o scandal_n of_o that_o nature_n i_o say_v there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o yield_a to_o all_o motion_n in_o that_o kind_n which_o do_v not_o prejudicate_v the_o truth_n because_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v commendable_a and_o of_o good_a report_n be_v to_o be_v follow_v and_o all_o the_o occasion_n of_o murmur_n of_o jealousy_n and_o of_o discontent_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o peter_n condescend_v to_o make_v a_o apology_n for_o himself_o to_o those_o of_o the_o circumcision_n who_o contend_v with_o he_o for_o his_o go_v unto_o cornelius_n act._n 11._o 2_o 3_o 4._o till_o 19_o and_o paul_n at_o the_o advice_n of_o james_n and_o the_o elder_n of_o jerusalem_n go_v into_o the_o temple_n and_o condescend_v to_o observe_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n to_o take_v away_o the_o prejudice_n which_o many_o have_v against_o he_o act_v 21._o vers_fw-la 18._o till_o 28._o another_o time_n paul_n of_o his_o own_o accord_n do_v circumcise_v timothy_n by_o way_n of_o condescension_n to_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v weak_a and_o will_v have_v be_v offend_v if_o that_o have_v not_o be_v do_v act._n 18._o 1_o 2_o 3._o but_o when_o the_o cause_n be_v alter_v and_o by_o condescend_v to_o circumcise_v titus_n the_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v have_v be_v prejudge_v towards_o the_o gentile_n he_o will_v not_o at_o all_o yield_v unto_o it_o gal._n 2._o 3_o 4_o 5._o three_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o condescension_n in_o matter_n of_o indifferency_n such_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v mention_v rom._n 14._o throughout_o to_o bear_v with_o the_o weak_a item_n in_o matter_n of_o offence_n which_o may_v be_v foresee_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o prevent_v the_o same_o by_o yield_v unto_o the_o weak_a and_o ignorant_a lest_o either_o our_o good_a be_v evil_a speak_v of_o or_o our_o brother_n be_v grieve_v at_o what_o we_o do_v or_o his_o conscience_n be_v emboldâ—od_a by_o our_o example_n while_o it_o want_v light_a to_o discern_v its_o own_o liberty_n to_o sin_n rom._n 14._o 15_o 16._o and_o 1_o cor._n 8._o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o and_o chap._n 10._o vers_fw-la 23._o till_o the_o end_n four_o and_o last_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o condescension_n to_o bear_v with_o all_o man_n in_o that_o whereunto_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o attain_v that_o by_o the_o thing_n whereunto_o they_o have_v attain_v and_o our_o friendly_a converse_n with_o they_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o edification_n they_o may_v be_v gain_v concern_v this_o way_n of_o condescension_n towards_o other_o these_o place_n be_v considerable_a matth._n 12._o 18_o 19_o 20._o and_o 1_o cor._n 9_o 19_o till_o the_o end_n gas_n 4._o 12._o and_o 6._o 1._o 2_o tim._n 2._o 24_o 25_o 26_o and_o 1_o thâ—â—_n 5._o 14_o 15._o 20_o 21._o phil._n 3._o 15_o 16._o and_o all_o thing_n which_o flow_v from_o the_o principle_n of_o charity_n gentleness_n meekness_n and_o humility_n with_o prudency_n and_o discretion_n for_o the_o good_a of_o those_o that_o err_v and_o be_v ignorant_a may_v be_v call_v a_o condescension_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v practise_v in_o imitation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n from_o who_o the_o rule_n of_o forbearance_n be_v to_o be_v learn_v col._n 3._o 13._o concern_v the_o three_o which_o be_v the_o way_n to_o draw_v forth_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n to_o discover_v the_o thing_n whereunto_o they_o shall_v be_v willing_a of_o themselves_o to_o condescend_v unto_o other_o i_o shall_v offer_v a_o expedient_a which_o i_o suppose_v none_o who_o desire_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n will_v think_v unreasonable_a or_o unconscionable_a and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o all_o such_o as_o will_v be_v bear_v withal_o in_o any_o thing_n by_o other_o shall_v offer_v first_o unto_o those_o from_o who_o they_o expect_v a_o brotherly_a forbearance_n all_o that_o condescension_n which_o they_o intend_v touse_v and_o the_o rule_n of_o forbearance_n by_o which_o they_o purpose_v to_o walk_v towards_o they_o for_o this_o be_v according_a to_o christ_n fundamental_a rule_n of_o justice_n matth._n 7._o 12._o whatsoever_o thing_n you_o will_v have_v man_n â—â—e_v to_o you_o do_v you_o even_o so_o to_o they_o for_o this_o be_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n if_o this_o one_o rule_n be_v right_o apply_v and_o follow_v there_o will_v be_v no_o great_a difficulty_n in_o transact_v this_o matter_n chief_o if_o we_o take_v up_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o not_o upon_o the_o ground_n of_o humane_a policy_n but_o of_o christian_a obedience_n to_o the_o duty_n which_o be_v command_v heb._n 3._o 12._o exhort_v one_o another_o daily_o whâ—â—es_v it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n and_o
heb._n 10._o 24._o let_v we_o consider_v one_o another_o to_o provoke_v unto_o love_n and_o to_o good_a work_n and_o phil._n 2._o 15_o 16._o be_v you_o blameless_a and_o harmless_a the_o son_n of_o god_n without_o rebuke_n shine_v as_o light_n in_o the_o world_n hold_v forth_o the_o word_n of_o life_n from_o all_o which_o this_o expedient_a will_v follow_v towards_o the_o find_n out_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o condescension_n that_o every_o one_o who_o do_v delight_n to_o go_v before_o other_o in_o good_a work_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n ought_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o these_o commandment_n of_o his_o own_o accord_n to_o offer_v unto_o his_o neighbour_n with_o who_o he_o do_v desire_n to_o walk_v in_o peace_n and_o unity_n a_o full_a discovery_n of_o those_o principle_n and_o rule_n by_o which_o he_o do_v find_v himself_o oblige_v in_o conscience_n according_a to_o god_n will_v to_o walk_v towards_o every_o one_o in_o the_o way_n of_o condescension_n if_o every_o one_o will_v do_v this_o free_o and_o full_o it_o will_v be_v easy_a without_o any_o danger_n of_o disagreement_n or_o of_o debate_n about_o particular_a interest_n which_o continual_o trouble_v the_o way_n of_o our_o profession_n to_o set_v down_o the_o rule_n of_o condescension_n and_o forbearance_n for_o that_o may_v be_v take_v as_o a_o rule_n to_o bind_v every_o one_o which_o he_o shall_v offer_v free_o and_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o obligation_n upon_o his_o conscience_n or_o which_o be_v offer_v unto_o he_o by_o other_o shall_v by_o the_o law_n of_o love_n bound_v he_o to_o practice_v the_o like_a unto_o they_o for_o i_o conceive_v this_o to_o be_v equal_a that_o what_o another_o do_v yield_v unto_o i_o suppose_v the_o matter_n in_o itself_o to_o be_v lawful_a i_o shall_v yield_v unto_o he_o in_o like_a manner_n even_o as_o i_o will_v have_v he_o yield_v unto_o i_o that_o which_o i_o offer_v unto_o he_o as_o than_o i_o will_v not_o have_v any_o to_o press_v upon_o i_o any_o thing_n of_o a_o religious_a concernment_n further_o than_o my_o light_n from_o the_o word_n do_v lead_v i_o to_o embrace_v it_o so_o i_o ought_v not_o to_o intend_v to_o press_v upon_o other_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n further_o than_o their_o light_n do_v lead_v they_o but_o as_o i_o will_v be_v bear_v withal_o so_o i_o shall_v bear_v with_o another_o till_o god_n give_v in_o more_o light_n to_o either_o of_o we_o by_o private_a meditation_n or_o regular_a conserence_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v that_o which_o be_v yield_v on_o all_o side_n be_v settle_v as_o a_o rule_n of_o agreement_n to_o walk_v by_o and_o improve_v to_o the_o best_a advantage_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o if_o every_o one_o will_v but_o hold_v forth_o his_o principle_n of_o light_n and_o life_n unto_o other_o and_o will_v bind_v himself_o as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n to_o walk_v answerable_a thereunto_o we_o may_v easy_o come_v to_o the_o settlement_n and_o observation_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o condescension_n chap._n xi_o concern_v the_o cause_n of_o disaffection_n and_o of_o breach_n how_o they_o shall_v be_v remove_v by_o common_a consent_n the_o first_o and_o original_a cause_n of_o disaffection_n and_o of_o breach_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o hardly_o discern_v by_o many_o even_o then_o when_o they_o be_v discover_v because_o they_o lie_v very_o close_o to_o our_o nature_n for_o they_o be_v common_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o neglect_n of_o charitable_a inclination_n and_o duty_n and_o the_o unadvised_a admit_v of_o prejudices_fw-la and_o entertain_v of_o evil_a surmise_n which_o not_o be_v observe_v and_o cure_v fester_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o first_o breed_v a_o shinesse_fw-mi or_o wariness_n of_o he_o against_o who_o they_o be_v conceive_v than_o a_o distance_n from_o he_o afterward_o a_o strangeness_n to_o his_o way_n and_o last_o a_o breach_n of_o unity_n with_o opposition_n the_o cause_n of_o prejudice_n be_v very_o many_o in_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n those_o which_o the_o ungodly_a and_o natural_a man_n do_v entertain_v against_o a_o conscionable_a and_o religious_a walk_v with_o god_n i_o need_v not_o here_o to_o meddle_v withal_o misprision_n withal_o viz_o r._n junius_n in_o two_o treatise_n the_o one_o call_v the_o cure_n of_o prejudice_n the_o other_o the_o cure_n of_o misprision_n another_o have_v handle_v that_o subject_n profitable_o at_o large_a and_o show_v the_o cure_n thereof_o but_o those_o which_o godly_a and_o religious_a man_n through_o humane_a frailty_n entertain_v one_o against_o another_o be_v the_o matter_n which_o here_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v to_o make_v the_o way_n of_o unity_n and_o forbearance_n plain_a and_o easy_a and_o i_o shall_v now_o only_o name_v they_o and_o point_n at_o the_o cure_n thereof_o in_o a_o word_n or_o two_o because_o i_o do_v intend_v to_o speak_v to_o man_n of_o understanding_n only_o to_o who_o god_n have_v commit_v the_o charge_n of_o soul_n and_o my_o aim_n towards_o they_o be_v not_o to_o dictate_v any_o thing_n but_o only_o to_o discover_v the_o possibility_n of_o a_o cure_n of_o this_o disease_n first_o in_o themselves_o and_o then_o in_o their_o hearer_n by_o the_o removal_n of_o the_o chief_a cause_n of_o all_o our_o prejudices_fw-la which_o i_o shall_v reduce_v to_o two_o head_n whereof_o the_o one_o be_v open_o the_o other_o be_v secret_o offensive_a that_o which_o do_v open_o offend_v and_o cause_v prejudices_fw-la to_o rise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n who_o be_v otherwise_o godly_a and_o against_o man_n who_o be_v true_o godly_a and_o their_o brethren_n be_v the_o irregularity_n of_o dispute_n and_o debate_n about_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v main_o twofold_a some_o irregularity_n there_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o matter_n some_o there_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o dispute_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o matter_n prejudices_fw-la be_v raise_v when_o man_n strive_v about_o needless_a matter_n and_o contend_v for_o word_n and_o this_o the_o apostle_n do_v often_o warn_v timothy_n to_o avoid_v as_o a_o thing_n whereunto_o the_o minister_n be_v and_o will_v be_v much_o subject_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 4_o 5_o 6._o and_o chap._n 4._o 7._o and_o chap._n 6._o 4_o 5._o 20._o and_o 2_o tim._n 2._o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17_o 23._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o debate_v matter_n which_o be_v necessary_a and_o profitable_a prejudices_fw-la be_v raise_v divers_a way_n but_o that_o which_o be_v the_o most_o common_a and_o hurtful_a be_v that_o of_o passionate_a and_o provoke_a expression_n against_o a_o man_n person_n and_o his_o opinion_n to_o make_v he_o odious_a and_o his_o error_n think_v to_o be_v extreme_a dangerous_a in_o that_o wherein_o he_o dissent_v from_o we_o these_o rail_a accusation_n and_o all_o other_o injurious_a and_o insolent_a proceed_n breed_v averse_a affection_n and_o stir_v up_o man_n spirit_n to_o strife_n and_o contradiction_n augment_v prejudices_fw-la extreme_o and_o fill_v the_o church_n with_o disturbance_n and_o confusion_n that_o which_o do_v offend_v more_o secret_o and_o do_v beget_v much_o prejudice_n be_v the_o perverse_a and_o uncharitable_a observation_n of_o man_n fail_n when_o they_o be_v construe_v suspicious_o to_o the_o worse_a sense_n and_o then_o whisper_v in_o the_o ear_n of_o other_o that_o be_v lead_v man_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o caution_n or_o warn_v give_v unto_o they_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o this_o or_o of_o that_o for_o the_o strengthen_n of_o their_o hand_n in_o partial_a design_n and_o the_o promote_a of_o particular_a interest_n this_o dark_a malicious_a devil_n who_o cover_v himself_o ofttimes_o with_o a_o cloak_n of_o light_n and_o a_o zeal_n for_o holiness_n and_o truth_n be_v exceed_v busy_a in_o our_o day_n and_o hurtful_a to_o our_o affair_n and_o do_v work_v his_o mischief_n not_o only_o against_o he_o who_o be_v blast_v in_o his_o reputation_n to_o make_v all_o the_o good_a which_o his_o talent_n may_v produce_v unprofitable_a unto_o other_o but_o also_o against_o the_o author_n of_o such_o whisper_n themselves_o to_o make_v they_o the_o ringleader_n of_o division_n and_o of_o evil_a intelligence_n among_o brethren_n these_o be_v in_o brief_a the_o chief_a cause_n of_o our_o prejudices_fw-la these_o must_v needs_o be_v remove_v else_o the_o way_n of_o a_o lawful_a condescension_n and_o forbearance_n will_v never_o be_v plain_a and_o easy_a in_o the_o settlement_n nor_o last_v in_o the_o continuance_n it_o will_v then_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n that_o some_o course_n be_v take_v to_o remedy_v the_o same_o therefore_o i_o shall_v for_o the_o present_a only_o advise_v that_o when_o a_o brotherly_a transaction_n of_o matter_n towards_o a_o mutual_a forbearance_n shall_v be_v intend_v