this_o clear_a the_o spotless_a way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o seal_v our_o instruction_n from_o what_o we_o have_v see_v that_o when_o no_o answerable_a fruit_n be_v to_o such_o a_o season_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o have_v be_v of_o late_a nor_o one_fw-mi embrace_v the_o truth_n in_o its_o simplicity_n and_o with_o desire_n after_o the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n as_o may_v have_v be_v hope_v for_o but_o a_o seek_v more_o after_o new_a and_o strange_a doctrine_n and_o to_o follow_v these_o thing_n which_o tend_v not_o to_o edify_v that_o so_o sad_a and_o dark_a one_fw-mi eclipse_v shall_v follow_v though_o i_o hope_v some_o bless_a fruit_n of_o these_o time_n past_a shall_v be_v yet_o find_v and_o abide_v with_o many_o o_o that_o after_o this_o a_o more_o fervent_a and_o serious_a respect_n to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n may_v yet_o revive_v in_o our_o land_n and_o a_o keep_v close_o by_o this_o appoint_a way_n not_o only_o to_o beget_v but_o to_o 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and_o private_a injury_n with_o good_a it_o be_v true_a this_o be_v a_o special_o pungent_a trial_n and_o will_v not_o want_v some_o conflict_n but_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v find_v one_o of_o the_o choice_a opportunity_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n for_o theirafter_o peace_n yea_o the_o more_o wrestle_v may_v thus_o be_v upon_o special_a provocation_n and_o with_o some_o peculiar_a aggravate_v circumstance_n to_o reach_v this_o bless_a victory_n over_o themselves_o the_o more_o comfort_n and_o joy_n will_v be_v upon_o their_o after_a thought_n heirof_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a thus_o be_v great_a advantage_n for_o a_o just_a vindication_n by_o christian_n of_o themselves_o whilst_o press_v thereto_o as_o this_o be_v with_o least_o bitterness_n or_o recrimination_n follow_v 4._o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n express_o call_v for_o keep_v a_o distance_n with_o such_o thing_n as_o may_v tend_v to_o engender_v strife_n and_o debate_n in_o the_o church_n and_o not_o to_o 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other_o than_o such_o this_o have_v be_v to_o know_v a_o evil_a in_o our_o church_n vi_o ground_n this_o practice_n seem_v one_fw-mi express_a violation_n &_o breach_n of_o covenant_n wherein_o we_o be_v so_o solemn_o engage_v before_o the_o lord_n which_o i_o know_v not_o how_o any_o possible_o can_v evade_v when_o we_o be_v no_o less_o solemn_o engage_v there_o against_o schism_n then_o either_o prelacy_n or_o erastianisme_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o one_fw-mi unwarrantable_a schism_n and_o rent_v of_o the_o church_n i_o know_v no_o such_o charge_n can_v have_v be_v give_v against_o any_o since_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o that_o on_o these_o ground_n 1._o that_o by_o schism_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v a_o divide_v from_o the_o doctrine_n but_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o it_o tend_v to_o a_o disyoint_v from_o the_o body_n thus_o we_o find_v even_o in_o the_o most_o pure_a time_n of_o the_o church_n these_o put_v in_o a_o peculiar_a 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give_v the_o rise_n thereto_o se_fw-la 1_o cor._n 11_o 18_o 19_o yea_o do_v thus_o rebuke_v they_o not_o only_o that_o some_o say_v they_o be_v of_o paul_n and_o other_o of_o apollo_n but_o even_o these_o that_o say_v they_o be_v of_o christ_n so_o far_o as_o this_o upon_o the_o manner_n be_v in_o a_o contentious_a and_o divide_a way_n since_o of_o he_o and_o he_o alone_o must_v the_o whole_a church_n be_v name_v 3._o it_o have_v not_o hitherto_o be_v under_o debate_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n thereannent_fw-fr to_o be_v one_fw-mi unquestionable_a schism_n where_o there_o be_v a_o departure_n from_o that_o union_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o which_o they_o have_v former_o walk_v and_o thus_o a_o divide_v and_o design_v fall_v off_o from_o the_o same_o without_o any_o just_a cause_n or_o warrant_v from_o the_o scripture_n to_o a_o public_a disturbance_n of_o that_o order_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o house_n yea_o contrary_a to_o that_o command_v love_n tenderness_n prudence_n and_o forbearance_n so_o express_o require_v of_o church_n member_n towards_o one_o one_fw-mi other_o and_o to_o his_o bless_a authority_n who_o have_v so_o clear_o warrant_v such_o a_o forbear_n with_o these_o as_o in_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v contrary_a mind_a upon_o different_a apprehension_n of_o the_o truth_n so_o far_o as_o both_o love_n among_o themselves_o the_o public_a peace_n of_o the_o church_n may_v not_o be_v thus_o disturb_v it_o be_v sure_a the_o choice_a of_o the_o saint_n do_v carry_v to_o heaven_n with_o they_o both_o error_n mistake_n and_o prophesy_v in_o part_n and_o some_o overcloud_v must_v still_o be_v of_o the_o bright_a stair_n while_o they_o shine_v here_o oh_o if_o that_o now_o which_o be_v the_o present_a cause_n of_o these_o difference_n be_v but_o once_o bring_v to_o that_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n shall_v it_o not_o enforce_v many_o to_o be_v a_o wonder_n to_o themselves_o at_o the_o strange_a way_n they_o have_v be_v upon_o and_o whether_o they_o have_v be_v carry_v in_o this_o deplorable_a rent_n of_o who_o seriousness_n otherwise_o i_o do_v not_o question_v vii_o ground_n this_o be_v a_o practice_n contrary_a to_o most_o express_a scripture_n command_v for_o forbearance_n and_o condescendence_n among_o the_o godly_a in_o break_v time_n which_o we_o may_v not_o only_o see_v rom._n 14_o 3_o 4_o 5._o eph._n 4_o 2_o 3_o 4._o 1_o cor._n 9_o 19_o 20._o but_o that_o it_o be_v for_o this_o end_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v enjoin_v the_o same_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o breach_n or_o rend_v in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n about_o which_o he_o have_v so_o tender_a a_o care_n and_o be_v such_o a_o forbearance_n as_o we_o find_v express_o command_v in_o this_o very_a case_n upon_o a_o controvert_v practice_n of_o the_o church_n and_o difference_n of_o judgement_n therein_o whatever_o upon_o the_o one_o side_n may_v be_v more_o culpable_a herein_o then_o upon_o the_o other_o as_o be_v clear_a in_o that_o debate_n about_o meat_n 1_o cor._n 11._o and_o oh_o what_o can_v it_o mean_v while_o both_o our_o duty_n and_o remedy_n do_v here_o meet_v at_o once_o yet_o this_o shall_v have_v so_o little_a weight_n with_o we_o at_o this_o day_n for_o if_o such_o a_o command_v forbearance_n can_v have_v no_o place_n among_o these_o who_o be_v one_o and_o agree_v in_o this_o same_o principle_n even_o in_o the_o point_n controvert_v and_o only_o differ_v in_o the_o application_n yea_o be_v mutual_o persuade_v of_o other_o sincerity_n i_o know_v no_o place_n than_o it_o can_v have_v ever_o have_v since_o there_o be_v a_o christian_a church_n which_o have_v put_v i_o to_o some_o astonishment_n what_o the_o peremptory_a way_n of_o some_o can_v intend_v and_o to_o obstruct_v one_fw-mi union_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n only_o fight_v without_o cede_v in_o any_o truth_n or_o be_v put_v to_o condemn_v any_o thing_n they_o judge_v lawful_a or_o approve_v what_o they_o judge_v sinful_a in_o the_o way_n of_o other_o and_o if_o this_o be_v deny_v i_o will_v desire_v then_o to_o know_v what_o sinful_a compliance_n or_o yield_v in_o any_o concern_n of_o the_o truth_n can_v be_v herein_o challenge_v or_o if_o such_o a_o suitable_a essay_n hash_fw-mi yet_o be_v for_o a_o tender_a serious_a commune_n with_o such_o they_o keep_v so_o great_a a_o distance_n with_o to_o meet_v and_o concur_v in_o what_o be_v uncontroverted_a duty_n in_o such_o a_o day_n but_o oh_o the_o temper_n of_o this_o time_n seem_v more_o now_o in_o passion_n than_o argument_n which_o be_v so_o natural_a and_o please_a a_o evil_a as_o the_o most_o express_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o like_a to_o restrain_v i_o must_v add_v this_o further_a to_o be_v consider_v if_o such_o a_o departure_n from_o church_n fellowship_n shall_v be_v admitdon_v this_o head_n of_o the_o late_a indulgence_n and_o the_o discretive_a judgement_n of_o any_o which_o can_v only_o be_v pretend_v here_o stretch_v to_o such_o a_o hight_v as_o without_o the_o church_n to_o impose_v this_o which_o be_v of_o so_o public_a and_o universal_a concern_v on_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o people_n these_o consequence_n of_o great_a import_n must_v need_v follow_v 1._o to_o break_v up_o church_n fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o most_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n this_o day_n yea_o be_v a_o case_n and_o practice_n under_o these_o circumstance_n it_o be_v now_o state_v as_o will_v find_v no_o precedent_n even_o from_o such_o who_o have_v former_o most_v plead_v for_o separation_n who_o do_v never_o own_o this_o on_o any_o such_o ground_n as_o a_o different_a practice_n upon_o various_a apprehension_n thereof_o among_o such_o who_o be_v most_o entire_o one_o in_o the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n 2._o this_o also_o must_v follow_v to_o withdrauw_v from_o fellowship_n in_o hear_v of_o the_o most_o choice_a and_o eminent_a nonconform_a minister_n now_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o liberty_n they_o have_v for_o a_o peaceable_a access_n to_o their_o public_a meeting_n some_o year_n now_o past_a be_v of_o that_o same_o nature_n and_o in_o all_o be_v express_a term_n one_o with_o this_o indulgence_n yea_o it_o must_v necessary_o tend_v like_o way_n to_o fall_v of_o communion_n in_o public_a with_o the_o whole_a ministry_n of_o the_o belgic_a church_n which_o to_o the_o further_a conviction_n of_o any_o who_o will_v question_v this_o can_v be_v demonstrat_fw-la on_o clear_a ground_n 3._o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o evident_o contrair_a then_o this_o practice_n be_v to_o the_o know_a judgement_n of_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n yea_o of_o such_o who_o have_v be_v most_o eminent_a both_o in_o the_o church_n of_o old_a and_o new-england_n of_o
hear_v and_o join_v in_o the_o public_a ordinance_n know_v not_o where_o to_o find_v themselves_o or_o to_o be_v in_o one_o measure_n in_o such_o a_o case_n i_o desire_v to_o speak_v this_o with_o a_o tender_a respect_n to_o such_o who_o i_o dare_v not_o question_n have_v have_v a_o serious_a regard_n to_o the_o truth_n yet_o have_v not_o be_v aware_a of_o the_o subtlety_n of_o this_o snare_n and_o with_o hope_n that_o upon_o serious_a after_o thought_n some_o more_o fix_a unite_n both_o in_o judgement_n and_o heart_n may_v yet_o follow_v among_o all_o who_o be_v indeed_o lover_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o our_o church_n with_o some_o more_o suitable_a fear_n to_o dash_v again_o on_o such_o a_o rock_n yea_o to_o see_v how_o true_a and_o sweet_a a_o consistence_n may_v be_v betwixt_o zeal_n and_o fervency_n for_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o humble_a fear_n and_o tenderness_n in_o our_o private_a judgement_n in_o such_o a_o difference_n as_o this_o where_o on_o no_o side_n the_o truth_n be_v deny_v so_o as_o to_o keep_v of_o any_o public_a rent_n in_o the_o church_n quest_n iv._o which_o may_v be_v yet_o needful_a to_o touch_v on_o these_o late_a public_a difference_n if_o it_o be_v either_o matter_n of_o duty_n or_o expedient_a and_o for_o edification_n to_o bring_v these_o in_o public_a and_o engage_v the_o people_n therein_o and_o if_o some_o forbearance_n thus_o by_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o in_o such_o a_o time_n and_o under_o these_o circumstance_n we_o stand_v call_v for_o for_o clear_v of_o which_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v no_o debate_n upon_o that_o great_a duty_n of_o a_o faithful_a and_o free_a wairn_a against_o public_a sin_n and_o though_o with_o a_o suitable_a prudence_n yet_o impartial_o to_o apply_v the_o rule_n against_o they_o and_o to_o show_v both_o the_o duty_n and_o danger_n of_o the_o time_n but_o i_o humble_o judge_v no_o justle_n will_v be_v find_v here_o with_o a_o tender_a abstinence_n and_o forbearance_n in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o where_o a_o different_a judgement_n and_o practice_n be_v now_o among_o the_o most_o serious_a godly_a and_o faithful_a minister_n in_o our_o church_n who_o yet_o do_v so_o joint_o concur_v and_o be_v one_o in_o the_o same_o truth_n upon_o these_o ground_n 1._o that_o this_o can_v not_o be_v plead_v as_o a_o public_a testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o thus_o reflect_v on_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o brethren_n with_o who_o they_o differ_v on_o who_o no_o disow_a or_o oppose_v of_o the_o same_o without_o the_o further_a breach_n of_o charity_n can_v be_v thus_o fix_v nor_o be_v this_o before_o any_o such_o as_o be_v the_o know_v and_o public_a adversary_n thereto_o or_o upon_o any_o visible_a hazard_n luke_n 21_o 12._o when_o you_o shall_v be_v bring_v before_o king_n and_o ruler_n for_o my_o name_n sake_n this_o shall_v turn_v to_o you_o for_o a_o testimony_n but_o i_o must_v say_v the_o tendency_n of_o such_o ordinare_fw-la and_o public_a reflection_n be_v rather_o like_a to_o darken_v the_o credit_n and_o beauty_n of_o so_o great_a and_o honourable_a a_o appearance_n as_o a_o testimony_n indeed_o for_o the_o truth_n be_v and_o if_o these_o necessare_fw-la requisite_n thereto_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n be_v this_o day_n more_o understand_v there_o can_v not_o be_v so_o ordinare_fw-la a_o pretend_v of_o this_o 2._o i_o will_v know_v wherein_o this_o way_n be_v useful_a or_o expedient_a to_o most_o of_o hearer_n who_o can_v so_o little_a judge_n on_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v indeed_o call_v to_o declare_v the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n acts._n 20_o 27._o but_o this_o be_v most_o evident_o qualify_v by_o the_o same_o apostle_n verse_n 20._o that_o he_o keep_v nothing_o back_o hereof_o which_o may_v be_v profitable_a for_o they_o and_o thus_o express_o show_v what_o bound_n minister_n have_v set_v herein_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o their_o deliver_n of_o the_o message_n of_o god_n to_o his_o church_n that_o it_o be_v not_o only_a truth_n but_o such_o as_o may_v be_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o these_o they_o preach_v to_o 3._o since_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o positive_a duty_n do_v not_o bind_v ad_fw-la semper_fw-la and_o no_o cause_n can_v be_v now_o plead_v in_o this_o case_n for_o guard_v against_o any_o present_a snare_n or_o hazard_v to_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o the_o inconvenience_n which_o the_o contentious_a keep_n up_o of_o these_o difference_n may_v occasion_n have_v more_o weight_n with_o we_o which_o the_o apostle_n so_o sharp_o rebuke_n 1_o cor._n 11_o 16._o but_o if_o any_o seem_v to_o be_v contentious_a we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n nor_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o oh_o that_o the_o loss_n and_o gain_n herein_o be_v more_o impartial_o weight_v what_o both_o the_o lucrum_fw-la cessans_fw-la and_o damnum_fw-la emergens_fw-la have_v be_v this_o way_n 4._o and_o be_v this_o so_o small_a a_o thing_n as_o may_v seem_v to_o some_o to_o bring_v in_o public_a and_o before_o the_o church_n so_o high_a a_o charge_n of_o erastianisme_n and_o defection_n from_o the_o truth_n against_o these_o their_o brethren_n who_o be_v thus_o as_o express_o point_v at_o as_o they_o be_v name_v since_o it_o be_v sure_a there_o can_v be_v no_o public_a rebuke_n and_o admonition_n before_o the_o people_n as_o this_o most_o evident_o be_v but_o as_o a_o public_a church_n censure_n and_o juridical_a act_n of_o discipline_n yea_o which_o be_v no_o less_o manifest_a than_o that_o of_o excommunication_n and_o if_o so_o public_a a_o violation_n of_o that_o order_n which_o our_o bless_a head_n have_v express_o fix_v for_o his_o church_n be_v so_o light_o regard_v where_o be_v we_o nor_o can_v this_o be_v pretend_v as_o a_o doctrinal_a reproof_n which_o be_v such_o a_o apply_v of_o the_o rule_n against_o sin_n of_o the_o time_n must_v as_o still_o leave_v the_o particular_a application_n thereof_o to_o their_o own_o conscience_n who_o be_v thus_o guilty_a without_o any_o express_a design_v of_o particular_a person_n where_o no_o judicial_a procedure_n and_o conviction_n by_o the_o church_n hes_z go_v before_o but_o here_o be_v a_o most_o public_a and_o express_a fix_v of_o so_o sad_a a_o scandal_n even_o before_o the_o church_n against_o so_o many_o particular_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o be_v still_o labour_v in_o the_o vineyard_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o if_o they_o be_v design_v by_o name_n 5._o and_o be_v not_o these_o unquestionable_a requisite_n for_o a_o public_a reproof_n not_o only_o their_o call_n thereto_o that_o it_o be_v orderly_o and_o upon_o clear_a evidence_n but_o that_o this_o be_v not_o expose_v to_o any_o prejudicate_a exception_n from_o their_o way_n who_o do_v thus_o reprove_v which_o may_v be_v on_o too_o just_a ground_n fear_v this_o day_n that_o some_o have_v put_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o further_a capacity_n to_o edify_v by_o any_o such_o mean_a from_o their_o own_o unsuitable_a manage_n hereof_o 6_o what_o if_o these_o who_o be_v thus_o so_o open_o reflect_v upon_o shall_v take_v the_o same_o freedom_n for_o public_a contradiction_n wherein_o will_v this_o quickly_a resolve_n but_o a_o further_a grow_a scandal_n to_o ruin_v the_o church_n and_o make_v way_n for_o the_o endless_a debating_n which_o as_o the_o apostle_n show_v do_v rather_o engender_v question_n then_o any_o godly_a edify_n in_o the_o faith_n we_o know_v the_o apostle_n paul_n withstand_v peter_n to_o the_o face_n but_o it_o be_v observable_a on_o what_o ground_n it_o be_v state_v that_o when_o peter_n know_v the_o difference_n then_o among_o these_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n who_o believe_v be_v such_o as_o shall_v cause_v no_o rent_n or_o divide_v thereon_o yet_o to_o please_v the_o jew_n have_v withdraw_v and_o separat_fw-la from_o fellowship_n with_o the_o believe_a gentile_n yea_o that_o this_o rent_n be_v like_a to_o grow_v so_o as_o barnabas_n also_o be_v draw_v into_o the_o same_o dissimulation_n and_o thus_o a_o sad_a and_o ruine_v breach_n like_o to_o follow_v 7._o shall_v we_o not_o be_v to_o the_o further_a tender_n of_o unsettle_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o people_n when_o so_o much_o already_o shake_v and_o in_o that_o manner_n now_o rack_v and_o toss_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n as_o many_o be_v like_a to_o loss_n all_o persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n yea_o when_o it_o be_v so_o hard_a and_o all_o most_o impossible_a to_o keep_v some_o within_o any_o bound_n and_o while_o thus_o the_o triumph_n of_o adversary_n and_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o ungodly_a upon_o such_o strange_a reflection_n bring_v in_o public_a do_v visible_o gain_v ground_n and_o what_o interest_n can_v be_v thus_o pretend_v for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o so_o public_a a_o go_n to_o law_n with_o their_o
controversy_n and_o make_v this_o their_o business_n ere_o many_o such_o know_v what_o the_o solid_a work_n and_o exercise_v of_o godliness_n be_v or_o what_o either_o the_o principle_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n mean_n and_o why_o be_v that_o so_o express_o command_v rom._n 14_o 1._o he_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n receive_v but_o not_o to_o doubtful_a disputation_n it_o be_v sure_a that_o it_o much_o concern_v all_o who_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o know_v the_o message_n they_o deliver_v be_v suit_v for_o solid_a edification_n and_o in_o bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n in_o this_o day_n which_o be_v so_o unquestionable_o a_o duty_n that_o yet_o it_o be_v with_o such_o a_o grave_a ministerial_a seriousness_n and_o christian_a wisdom_n as_o it_o may_v commend_v the_o truth_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o people_n so_o as_o this_o duty_n be_v neither_o neglect_v nor_o unsuteable_o manage_v otherwise_o a_o light_n and_o too_o ordinary_a a_o way_n in_o speak_v on_o so_o grave_a a_o concern_n or_o on_o public_a difference_n without_o some_o convince_a and_o suitable_a weight_n herein_o and_o when_o it_o be_v with_o personal_a reflection_n we_o may_v fear_v will_v stumble_v much_o more_o than_o convince_v as_o will_v seem_v a_o thrust_v rather_o at_o the_o person_n of_o some_o than_o at_o their_o way_n and_o to_o gain_v a_o interest_n to_o a_o party_n more_o than_o for_o the_o truth_n prop._n iv._o be_v not_o such_o express_o call_v yea_o with_o a_o intense_a study_n to_o unite_v so_o far_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n and_o in_o follow_v clear_o uncontroverted_a duty_n who_o be_v otherwise_o like_v mind_v in_o thing_n of_o the_o lord_n what_o ever_o now_o may_v be_v in_o difference_n among_o we_o so_o as_o that_o union_n shall_v not_o nor_o ought_v to_o sist_z until_o a_o through_o oneness_n of_o judgement_n be_v attain_v in_o this_o present_a controversy_n which_o be_v so_o much_o to_o be_v desire_v upon_o these_o ground_n 1._o that_o the_o scripture_n clear_o determine_v this_o so_o far_o as_o we_o have_v attain_v to_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n however_o even_o in_o some_o matter_n of_o truth_n not_o one_o phil._n 3_o 15._o 16._o and_o with_o hope_n that_o the_o lord_n in_o due_a time_n may_v gracious_o convince_v such_o who_o be_v in_o the_o present_a difference_n most_o culpable_a and_o i_o shall_v hope_v that_o more_o tender_a and_o affectionate_a condescendence_n in_o the_o way_n of_o deal_n with_o such_o may_v tend_v more_o to_o reclaim_v and_o recover_v than_o any_o violent_a and_o peremptory_a way_n 2._o because_o if_o such_o a_o unite_n in_o unquestionable_a duty_n shall_v cease_v until_o there_o be_v a_o full_a union_n in_o judgement_n among_o the_o true_o godly_a what_o time_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v favourable_a that_o we_o can_v then_o ever_o hope_v or_o essay_n any_o concord_n in_o duty_n 3._o that_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o most_o eminent_a instrument_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n both_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o since_o the_o reformation_n have_v be_v oft_o at_o a_o very_a sad_a difference_n among_o themselves_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o truth_n who_o concurrence_n otherwise_o in_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v most_o remarkable_o seal_v with_o a_o blessing_n 4._o that_o a_o bear_n and_o forbear_v in_o many_o difference_n of_o judgement_n among_o the_o godly_a for_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o without_o any_o involvement_n in_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o have_v not_o be_v hitherto_o question_v by_o the_o great_a light_n and_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n in_o these_o late_a time_n especial_o where_o both_o the_o doctrine_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v in_o the_o great_a and_o weighty_a concern_v thereof_o adhere_v to_o thus_o bless_v calvin_n do_v so_o press_o obtest_v the_o english_a congregation_n at_o francfort_n for_o a_o tender_a bear_n and_o mutual_a forbear_n among_o themselves_o in_o that_o present_a difference_n be_v then_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o circumstance_n they_o stand_v under_o and_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n though_o he_o be_v far_o from_o own_v that_o party_n in_o that_o wherein_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o brethren_n have_v be_v sohigh_o grieve_v prop._n v._o be_v it_o not_o one_o of_o the_o great_a concern_v and_o trial_n of_o christian_a wisdom_n in_o the_o church_n how_o to_o apply_v the_o rule_n in_o thing_n lawful_a and_o command_v with_o a_o due_a regard_n to_o edification_n in_o such_o a_o case_n i_o propose_v this_o on_o these_o ground_n 1._o the_o express_a warrant_n of_o the_o scripture_n 1_o cor._n 10_o 23._o all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a but_o not_o expedient_a all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a but_o edify_v not_o 2._o that_o this_o have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a depth_n of_o satan_n to_o turn_v man_n over_o in_o the_o manage_n of_o a_o duty_n on_o another_o sad_a extreme_a as_o the_o very_a way_n to_o break_v it_o but_o he_o that_o handle_v a_o matter_n wise_o shall_v find_v good_a the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o a_o close_o adhere_v to_o his_o truth_n do_v never_o of_o itself_o occasion_n a_o breach_n in_o the_o church_n but_o what_o our_o corruption_n and_o unsuitable_a follow_v of_o duty_n do_v on_o either_o hand_n occasion_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o jar_n except_o what_o be_v from_o ourselves_o betwixt_o zeal_n and_o christian_a prudence_n since_o these_o be_v both_o express_o enjoin_v and_o equal_o oblige_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n nor_o can_v they_o ever_o part_v but_o with_o a_o sad_a prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n there_o be_v a_o holy_a contemperature_n of_o zeal_n meekness_n and_o love_n all_o which_o be_v from_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n do_v with_o a_o sweet_a oneness_n necessary_o concur_v for_o the_o same_o end_n nor_o can_v i_o possible_o reconcile_v a_o being_n profess_o hot_a in_o the_o one_o with_o be_v cold_a and_o unconcern_v in_o the_o other_o except_o i_o shall_v quit_v the_o reveal_v rule_n of_o our_o duty_n for_o both_o 3._o because_o the_o truth_n may_v get_v a_o very_a sore_o thrust_v by_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o contend_v for_o it_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n be_v sow_v in_o peace_n and_o both_o shall_v be_v serious_o advert_v to_o that_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n be_v neither_o neglect_v nor_o yet_o prejudge_v through_o a_o non-suitable_a follow_v thereof_o a_o wound_n needs_o both_o a_o tender_a and_o skilful_a hand_n to_o handle_v it_o else_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o destroy_v where_o the_o case_n and_o present_a constitution_n of_o the_o patient_a be_v not_o consider_v a_o right_n o_o if_o that_o scripture_n be_v more_o practical_o own_v for_o a_o humble_a tender_a condescendence_n in_o our_o deal_n with_o other_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n i_o be_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o that_o i_o may_v gain_v some_o our_o bitter_a hot_a and_o unadvised_a expression_n may_v some_o time_n wrong_v the_o interest_n of_o our_o bless_a master_n 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be_v apprehend_v at_o the_o prophetical_a as_o well_o as_o the_o kingly_a office_n of_o our_o bless_a head_n 2._o that_o this_o upon_o the_o matter_n be_v some_o way_n all_o one_o as_o to_o silence_v they_o and_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n since_o it_o must_v needs_o tend_v to_o disable_v and_o render_v they_o useless_a in_o their_o master_n work_n what_o ever_o tend_v to_o break_v their_o credit_n as_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v deep_o consider_v if_o the_o charge_n be_v such_o and_o of_o that_o necessity_n to_o follow_v for_o make_v they_o in_o a_o manner_n contemptible_a to_o the_o people_n as_o the_o labour_n and_o service_n of_o such_o this_o day_n in_o the_o vineyard_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v amount_v to_o 3._o what_o help_v thus_o can_v the_o poor_a
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for_o rent_v the_o poor_a church_n but_o it_o be_v know_v when_o that_o design_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v set_v on_o foot_n what_o suitable_a and_o serious_a freedom_n in_o the_o opportune_a season_n be_v use_v to_o prevent_v any_o divide_n among_o we_o and_o to_o keep_v of_o any_o concurrence_n therewith_o yet_o with_o that_o due_a and_o tender_a respect_n to_o there_o ministry_n with_o who_o we_o herein_o differ_v to_o prevent_v any_o public_a rent_n or_o breach_n and_o as_o we_o judge_v these_o most_o suitable_o consistent_a so_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o thought_n of_o such_o thing_n we_o now_o see_v and_o of_o such_o a_o spirit_n as_o be_v now_o aloft_o will_v have_v make_v our_o heart_n then_o tremble_v five_o i_o doubt_v not_o that_o this_o great_a duty_n will_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o if_o it_o have_v a_o suitable_a weight_n on_o we_o in_o such_o a_o day_n to_o adore_v the_o holy_a and_o spotless_a righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o what_o he_o have_v do_v and_o lie_v in_o the_o dust_n before_o he_o against_o who_o we_o have_v sin_v and_o be_v much_o in_o humble_a and_o serious_a selfjudging_a for_o we_o shall_v tremble_v either_o to_o justify_v or_o extenuate_v the_o sad_a declining_n which_o have_v be_v in_o our_o church_n in_o these_o late_a time_n from_o that_o first_o love_n tenderness_n and_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o his_o truth_n yea_o mourn_n that_o so_o sad_a a_o faint_a have_v be_v among_o we_o and_o despondency_n of_o spirit_n for_o such_o a_o suitable_a unite_v and_o solemn_a appearance_n as_o be_v call_v for_o in_o bear_v testimony_n against_o these_o invasion_n make_v on_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o bless_a master_n whilst_o many_o opportunity_n have_v be_v too_o visible_o lose_v of_o this_o great_a duty_n by_o we_o al._n six_o yet_o upon_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o must_v not_o shut_v our_o eye_n nor_o conceal_v such_o a_o ground_n of_o hope_n and_o token_n for_o good_a that_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o destroy_v but_o dwell_v in_o our_o land_n that_o he_o have_v accept_v a_o testimony_n by_o the_o suffering_n of_o his_o poor_a people_n even_o of_o all_o rank_n now_o for_o these_o year_n past_a who_o have_v cheerful_o endure_v with_o much_o long-suffering_a some_o unto_o death_n banishment_n imprisonment_n and_o the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n as_o i_o may_v adventure_v to_o say_v upon_o this_o account_n a_o great_a testimony_n have_v not_o be_v give_v to_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o truth_n in_o our_o church_n since_o the_o first_o begin_v reformation_n from_o popery_n yea_o that_o what_o ever_o be_v these_o sad_a deplorable_a difference_n now_o among_o we_o yet_o be_v they_o not_o state_v upon_o a_o public_a disow_n of_o any_o principle_n of_o truth_n either_o in_o doctrine_n worship_n or_o government_n and_o hope_n that_o many_o of_o these_o who_o be_v most_o severe_o reflect_v on_o by_o some_o will_v through_o grace_n if_o call_v to_o public_a confession_n of_o the_o glorious_a headship_n and_o supremacy_n of_o our_o bless_a head_n king_n and_o lawgiver_n to_o his_o church_n not_o account_v their_o life_n dear_a unto_o the_o death_n to_o be_v offer_v up_o as_o a_o sacrifice_n thereon_o wherein_o i_o judge_v as_o be_v meet_v and_o with_o more_o peace_n of_o mind_n now_o when_o i_o write_v this_o then_o to_o judge_v with_o that_o severity_n and_o peremptoriness_n which_o have_v be_v by_o some_o against_o their_o brethren_n and_o fellow-servant_n this_o day_n i_o shall_v but_o add_v that_o what_o be_v here_o touch_v have_v be_v with_o some_o desire_n and_o aim_v to_o keep_v a_o distance_n from_o any_o personal_a reflection_n or_o to_o provoke_v and_o give_v a_o thrust_n at_o the_o repute_n of_o any_o but_o oh_o if_o a_o deliver_v ourselves_o up_o to_o the_o truth_n be_v reckon_v to_o be_v the_o great_a victory_n and_o however_o provoke_v or_o injure_v yet_o by_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o their_o conscience_n in_o a_o humble_a tender_a and_o convince_a way_n to_o deal_v with_o such_o sure_o this_o shall_v be_v matter_n of_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o shut_n up_o of_o our_o day_n and_o not_o to_o have_v recompense_v evil_a with_o evil_n but_o to_o have_v thus_o endeavour_v the_o gain_v the_o soul_n of_o their_o brother_n by_o overcome_v evil_a with_o good_a have_v premit_v these_o i_o must_v touch_v alittle_o some_o ground_n lay_v down_o in_o that_o history_n of_o the_o indulgence_n for_o not_o hear_v of_o the_o indulge_v minister_n and_o such_o measure_n as_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v take_v for_o a_o stretch_v this_o difference_n so_o far_o as_o to_o break_v of_o church_n communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o these_o who_o yet_o they_o dare_v not_o but_o own_o as_o the_o messenger_n of_o christ_n to_o his_o church_n which_o i_o must_v say_v upon_o some_o serious_a reflection_n have_v be_v astonish_v to_o see_v so_o high_a a_o charge_n and_o argument_n adduce_v there_o and_o with_o such_o confidence_n follow_v which_o if_o fearch_v unto_o by_o any_o serious_a and_o unbiased_a reader_n may_v enforce_v they_o to_o see_v the_o conclusion_n will_v seem_v to_o have_v be_v establish_v before_o the_o premise_n though_o in_o this_o as_o to_o the_o tendency_n thereof_o and_o these_o sad_a and_o deplorable_a consequence_n that_o be_v like_a to_o follow_v i_o hope_v be_v neither_o design_v nor_o forseen_v by_o the_o author_n to_o who_o memory_n if_o such_o as_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v i_o do_v own_o great_a respect_n and_o to_o have_v no_o further_o reflection_n on_o what_o be_v there_o than_o the_o truth_n which_o must_v have_v preference_n to_o all_o indispensible_o require_v first_o we_o may_v see_v in_o stead_n of_o argument_n some_o high_a and_o confident_a assertion_n where_o i_o must_v say_v the_o enditement_n go_v above_o the_o evidence_n and_o that_o 1._o there_o be_v both_o one_fw-mi impose_v of_o a_o sense_n upon_o their_o brethren_n practice_n and_o a_o be_v judge_n also_o 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joint_n acknowledge_v of_o the_o same_o principle_n about_o which_o some_o difference_n may_v be_v in_o the_o application_n thereof_o to_o some_o particular_a case_n 8._o i_o shall_v but_o add_v that_o it_o be_v know_v what_o sweet_a harmony_n and_o oneness_n of_o heart_n have_v sometime_o be_v among_o such_o as_o do_v profess_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o rank_n in_o our_o church_n and_o in_o a_o fix_a adherence_n to_o the_o same_o cause_n and_o how_o it_o be_v at_o a_o sad_a ebb_n that_o some_o difference_n break_v up_o among_o the_o most_o eminent_o godly_a both_o minister_n and_o professor_n there_o for_o some_o time_n on_o that_o head_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n though_o without_o any_o form_a breach_n or_o schism_n but_o after_o among_o such_o who_o thus_o differ_v a_o most_o sweet_a concord_n and_o concurrence_n in_o a_o joint_a opposition_n against_o prelacy_n and_o to_o suffer_v rather_o than_o in_o the_o least_o to_o consent_v thereto_o do_v follow_v yea_o though_o 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man_n have_v but_o ear_n to_o hear_v 2._o that_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v to_o his_o people_n a_o spirit_n of_o discern_v in_o some_o great_a and_o lesser_a measure_n so_o as_o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n by_o a_o serious_a personal_a trial_n yea_o that_o none_o need_v receive_v the_o truth_n upon_o trust_n or_o to_o lean_v on_o the_o authority_n or_o example_n of_o any_o herein_o but_o to_o judge_v their_o own_o eye_n and_o conscience_n shall_v be_v all_o be_v faithful_a to_o they_o as_o any_o 3._o he_o have_v give_v also_o as_o a_o special_a help_n a_o fix_a ministry_n to_o his_o church_n yea_o for_o this_o very_a end_n ephes_n 4_o 14._o that_o we_o shall_v henceforth_o be_v no_o more_o child_n toss_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n and_o therefore_o with_o a_o divine_a mission_n have_v give_v such_o spiritual_a gift_n as_o the_o necessity_n and_o service_n of_o the_o church_n may_v require_v for_o interpret_n and_o clear_v up_o of_o what_o may_v be_v the_o counsel_n and_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o his_o church_n according_a to_o his_o own_o word_n 4._o that_o the_o most_o weighty_a thing_n of_o religion_n both_o as_o to_o faith_n and_o practice_n be_v not_o interest_v in_o most_o of_o these_o sad_a contest_v which_o be_v now_o among_o but_o he_o have_v so_o gracious_o condescend_v that_o what_o we_o shall_v most_o live_v by_o shall_v not_o cost_v we_o so_o dear_a and_o that_o the_o great_a subtlety_n and_o most_o intricate_a controversy_n which_o be_v so_o oft_o in_o the_o church_n you_o most_o out_o of_o our_o way_n yea_o such_o as_o shall_v cause_v no_o trouble_n or_o disquiet_v of_o mind_n herein_o 5._o be_v not_o also_o most_o clear_o sheve_v we_o how_o we_o may_v know_v our_o be_v lead_v and_o keep_v in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o what_o shall_v qualify_v and_o make_v we_o meet_v for_o the_o bless_a conduct_n and_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o his_o word_n such_o as_o a_o holy_a fear_n and_o sincere_a resignation_n of_o the_o soul_n thereto_o meekness_n humility_n with_o a_o fix_a and_o serious_a resolve_v to_o close_v therewith_o how_o cross_a however_o it_o shall_v be_v to_o our_o own_o private_a affection_n and_o credit_n 6._o there_o be_v this_o advantage_n to_o know_v that_o bless_a and_o approven_v way_n wherein_o we_o may_v have_v peace_n as_o that_o in_o which_o the_o footstep_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o so_o innunerable_a a_o company_n have_v go_v before_o who_o receive_v the_o spirit_n this_o way_n and_o with_o great_a assurance_n do_v know_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o seal_n on_o their_o own_o soul_n so_o as_o after_o no_o new_a or_o strange_a light_n we_o need_v to_o inquire_v 7._o and_o have_v not_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o saint_n these_o peculiar_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o mark_n whereby_o to_o discern_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n in_o a_o dark_a and_o try_v time_n by_o plain_a scripture_n light_n both_o for_o clear_v and_o confirm_v of_o their_o mind_n herein_o 1._o that_o we_o shall_v follow_v these_o thing_n which_o tend_v to_o peace_n and_o to_o edify_v rom._n 14._o 19_o for_o thus_o sure_o do_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n tend_v to_o build_v and_o not_o to_o cast_v down_o and_o if_o many_o caice_n which_o some_o do_v now_o agitat_fw-la with_o much_o disquiet_a both_o to_o themselves_o and_o other_o be_v more_o bring_v to_o that_o great_a rule_n of_o solid_a edification_n i_o shall_v not_o fear_v that_o so_o much_o time_n shall_v be_v lose_v therein_o 2._o it_o be_v sure_a the_o way_n of_o truth_n must_v be_v still_o rational_o convince_a such_o as_o do_v persuade_v by_o teach_v and_o to_o fix_v and_o clear_v the_o judgement_n before_o the_o will_n by_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o man_n conscience_n for_o thus_o we_o be_v teach_v and_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o render_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o with_o all_o meekness_n and_o fear_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 15._o 3._o such_o be_v this_o bless_a way_n as_o it_o be_v cautious_a and_o advertant_fw-la to_o hazard_n on_o each_o hand_n and_o to_o guard_v against_o the_o depht_n of_o satan_n as_o well_o as_o to_o resist_v his_o fury_n a_o way_n which_o lie_v betwixt_o extreme_n either_o on_o the_o right_n or_o left_a hand_n for_o thus_o we_o be_v teach_v 2_o cor._n 6._o 7._o 2_o cor._n 11._o 14_o 2_o thess_n 2._o 2._o 4._o it_o be_v such_o a_o way_n as_o lead_v we_o to_o regard_v the_o special_a vary_v of_o a_o case_n as_o to_o some_o present_a duty_n with_o a_o due_a respect_n and_o balance_v of_o circumstance_n and_o to_o see_v that_o the_o same_o way_n at_o all_o time_n be_v not_o to_o be_v follow_v in_o our_o practice_n since_o what_o may_v be_v most_o requisite_a and_o edify_a some_o time_n and_o in_o one_o case_n may_v be_v destructive_a in_o another_o for_o this_o have_v the_o holy_a ghost_n show_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a but_o not_o expedient_a 1_o cor._n 10._o 23._o 5._o thus_o we_o may_v know_v and_o discern_v the_o truth_n and_o way_n 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