breach_n the_o envious_a one_o wait_v to_o sow_v his_o tare_n and_o how_o rare_a be_v a_o stop_n or_o fix_v find_v in_o such_o a_o current_n but_o like_o the_o break_n in_o of_o water_n do_v carry_v many_o a_o further_a length_n than_o they_o ever_o intend_v it_o be_v know_v on_o what_o ground_n that_o sad_a breach_n by_o labadie_n and_o his_o party_n begin_v here_o in_o the_o belgic_a church_n with_o who_o many_o go_v in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o by_o such_o a_o design_a cure_n to_o the_o offence_n be_v then_o take_v by_o they_o do_v but_o heighten_v the_o distemper_n and_o occasion_v so_o much_o prejudice_n against_o the_o power_n and_o truth_n of_o godliness_n in_o this_o land_n prop._n ii_o may_v we_o on_o any_o safe_a ground_n break_v up_o church_n fellowship_n and_o communion_n so_o far_o with_o those_o who_o have_v accept_v the_o late_a indulgence_n as_o not_o to_o hear_v or_o receive_v the_o public_a ordinance_n from_o they_o as_o be_v such_o i_o must_v propose_v this_o on_o these_o ground_n 1._o that_o hereby_o no_o approbation_n of_o the_o indulgence_n can_v be_v necessary_o infer_v and_o the_o ground_n of_o offence_n can_v never_o be_v own_v such_o as_o to_o pollute_v the_o ordinance_n or_o make_v communion_n with_o these_o in_o the_o least_o sinful_a to_o we_o but_o it_o will_v be_v advert_v on_o what_o side_n the_o most_o dangerous_a and_o destructive_a inconvenience_n be_v and_o hazard_v of_o the_o great_a offence_n hereby_o to_o the_o church_n 2._o that_o we_o must_v still_o own_o these_o as_o our_o brethren_n what_o ever_o be_v the_o present_a difference_n with_o who_o we_o be_v one_o we_o hope_v in_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o truth_n and_o godliness_n in_o the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n of_o the_o church_n for_o in_o these_o we_o differ_v not_o in_o thesi_fw-la what_o ever_o the_o application_n hereof_o be_v matter_n of_o difference_n yea_o shall_v be_v tender_a to_o judge_v in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o profess_v who_o we_o so_o assure_o know_v to_o be_v both_o serious_a and_o godly_a in_o their_o opposition_n both_o to_o the_o prelatic_a and_o erastian_n adversary_n 3._o that_o they_o be_v such_o we_o must_v own_v to_o be_v the_o undoabted_a minister_n of_o christ_n clothe_v with_o a_o ministerial_a power_n to_o preach_v and_o dispense_v the_o ordinance_n ere_o ever_o this_o indulgence_n be_v on_o foot_n these_o be_v act_n of_o their_o office_n which_o flow_v from_o no_o convey_n or_o grant_v of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o such_o place_n and_o that_o be_v virtue_n of_o their_o office_n and_o calling_n the_o people_n tey_n stand_v still_o in_o force_n to_o hear_v they_o with_o respect_n to_o that_o primary_n relation_n they_o be_v under_o as_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a 4._o that_o this_o can_v be_v make_v practicable_a except_o we_o take_v the_o very_a government_n of_o the_o church_n off_o its_o hinge_n without_o a_o declarative_a sentence_n since_o upon_o the_o matter_n it_o be_v to_o draw_v out_o one_o of_o the_o high_a censure_n against_o so_o considerable_a a_o party_n of_o the_o ministry_n yea_o to_o exercea_n critic_n and_o juridical_a power_n some_o way_n not_o only_o over_o these_o who_o be_v indulge_v but_o over_o must_v of_o the_o whole_a nonconformist_n who_o be_v still_o free_a and_o enforce_v in_o conscience_n to_o own_o such_o in_o their_o ministry_n 5._o that_o this_o shall_v be_v a_o depart_n from_o a_o union_n once_o acknowledge_v in_o our_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o they_o in_o the_o public_a ordinance_n it_o have_v be_v hitherto_o public_o own_v that_o if_o the_o whole_a church_n have_v be_v so_o far_o leave_v as_o to_o some_o sad_a compliance_n for_o a_o time_n that_o way_n and_o thus_o the_o peoplefixt_a under_o the_o ministry_n of_o such_o that_o even_o on_o a_o after_o discovery_n of_o the_o evil_a thereof_o there_o will_v not_o be_v allow_v the_o same_o necessity_n or_o expediency_n of_o separation_n or_o for_o refusal_n to_o hear_v they_o as_o there_o be_v now_o in_o our_o case_n for_o a_o noncompliance_n with_o that_o party_n and_o keep_v thus_o at_o a_o continue_a distance_n which_o be_v a_o ground_n have_v such_o weight_n with_o our_o worthy_a ancestor_n in_o the_o former_a time_n of_o prelacy_n when_o it_o be_v not_o bring_v in_o at_o once_o but_o by_o degree_n into_o the_o church_n and_o thus_o find_v it_o not_o safe_a and_o easy_a to_o break_v up_o so_o far_o as_o not_o to_o have_v church_n fellowship_n in_o receive_v the_o public_a ordinance_n then_o from_o such_o though_o a_o most_o vigorous_a opposition_n to_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o that_o way_n be_v still_o follow_v 6._o because_o this_o may_v quick_o tend_v to_o a_o cast_v off_o of_o most_o if_o not_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o stand_a nonconform_a ministry_n now_o in_o the_o church_n who_o have_v be_v help_v to_o stand_v and_o withstand_v against_o prelacy_n and_o to_o open_v such_o a_o door_n for_o any_o of_o the_o people_n at_o their_o pleasure_n to_o quit_v or_o turn_v off_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o any_o fix_a or_o previous_a cognition_n in_o such_o a_o case_n and_o oh_o how_o hard_o or_o difficult_a will_v it_o be_v find_v to_o set_v bound_n or_o fix_v new_a landmark_n when_o once_o the_o old_a be_v take_v up_o may_v be_v easy_o judge_v prop._n iii_o be_v such_o a_o refusal_n to_o hear_v these_o minister_n who_o be_v indulge_v now_o own_v because_o it_o be_v simpliciter_fw-la unlawful_a or_o on_o that_o ground_n of_o its_o expediency_n and_o for_o edification_n i_o will_v hope_v none_o yet_o dare_v come_v to_o own_o the_o first_o but_o for_o the_o second_o of_o expediency_n in_o such_o a_o present_a case_n i_o must_v humble_o judge_v such_o a_o practice_n will_v seem_v very_o unanswerable_a thereunto_o on_o these_o ground_n 1._o that_o this_o sad_a effect_n have_v so_o visible_o follow_v thereon_o to_o break_v up_o that_o sweet_a edify_a fellowship_n which_o be_v former_o among_o christian_n in_o many_o place_n so_o as_o these_o who_o be_v wont_a to_o walk_v together_o and_o keep_v christian_a converse_n for_o build_v up_o one_o another_o in_o the_o truth_n can_v now_o hardly_o join_v or_o pray_v together_o 2._o that_o none_o seem_v to_o have_v gain_v by_o this_o late_o heighten_v breach_n except_o the_o public_a adversary_n yea_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d add_v a_o dash_n to_o these_o public_a meeting_n in_o the_o field_n thus_o give_v which_o here_o to_o fore_n be_v so_o eminent_o bless_v whilst_o thus_o such_o open_a contradiction_n of_o late_a in_o preach_v have_v too_o evident_o bring_v a_o stumble_n to_o the_o weak_a and_o a_o reproach_n on_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o we_o may_v fear_v shall_v not_o in_o haste_n be_v take_v off_o 3._o that_o thus_o the_o prelatic_a party_n seem_v more_o harden_v and_o to_o have_v less_o reckon_n of_o that_o heavy_a charge_n of_o perjury_n and_o defection_n from_o the_o truth_n when_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o nonconform_a minister_n they_o find_v public_o class_v with_o they_o who_o yet_o be_v otherwise_o know_v to_o be_v both_o able_a and_o godly_a yea_o which_o have_v be_v sad_o regret_v that_o the_o edge_n of_o that_o wont_a zeal_n which_o be_v against_o prelacy_n and_o the_o common_a adversary_n have_v be_v thus_o blunt_v in_o a_o more_o hot_a pursuit_n of_o the_o other_o party_n 4._o the_o shake_n and_o stumble_v of_o many_o which_o i_o must_v here_o write_v with_o a_o sad_a remembrance_n of_o a_o christian_a who_o i_o dare_v not_o but_o say_v but_o be_v true_o serious_a who_o speak_v to_o i_o almost_o weep_v when_o i_o be_v last_o in_o our_o country_n of_o be_v put_v to_o that_o through_o this_o late_a breach_n and_o visible_a contradiction_n in_o public_a preach_n yea_o that_o some_o have_v open_o declare_v there_o be_v scarce_o four_o faithful_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v find_v that_o they_o know_v not_o what_o or_o who_o to_o credit_v but_o like_a to_o be_v shake_v in_o the_o very_a foundation_n and_o i_o must_v humble_o judge_v if_o this_o breach_n shall_v grow_v i_o know_v no_o gain_n will_v ever_o recompense_v the_o king_n damage_n herein_o i_o mean_v of_o our_o king_n and_o head_n in_o the_o edification_n of_o his_o people_n yea_o who_o be_v there_o if_o not_o fix_v and_o establish_v by_o grace_n that_o can_v look_v on_o these_o devour_a heat_n and_o break_n among_o both_o christian_n and_o minister_n in_o this_o day_n but_o be_v in_o hazard_n to_o take_v prejudice_n at_o the_o whole_a of_o religion_n and_o must_v needs_o judge_v that_o these_o can_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n 5._o i_o must_v yet_o add_v on_o this_o ground_n of_o expediency_n if_o it_o will_v seem_v to_o engage_v the_o multitude_n in_o these_o
on_o a_o small_a remove_n and_o secession_n in_o our_o church_n fellowship_n such_o have_v make_v more_o haste_n than_o good_a speed_n nor_o have_v find_v it_o easy_a after_o to_o fix_v until_o they_o have_v be_v a_o length_n their_o heart_n will_v some_o time_n have_v tremble_v at_o yea_o thus_o beside_o the_o wound_a the_o heart_n of_o the_o godly_a darken_n the_o glory_n of_o 〈◊〉_d gospel_n and_o shake_v the_o faith_n of_o many_o have_v be_v force_v to_o run_v on_o sad_a inconvenience_n and_o new_a principle_n to_o maintain_v their_o way_n what_o ever_o length_n the_o difference_n about_o the_o public_a resolution_n of_o late_a come_v to_o which_o be_v a_o visible_a presage_n of_o the_o stroke_n that_o after_o come_v yet_o be_v there_o no_o dash_v on_o such_o a_o rock_n as_o this_o be_v now_o and_o we_o may_v know_v that_o what_o ever_o tend_v to_o divide_v among_o the_o godly_a or_o betwixt_o people_n and_o minister_n get_v but_o too_o easy_a a_o hear_n oft_o among_o many_o it_o be_v so_o sib_a to_o our_o corruption_n and_o one_o of_o the_o strong_a lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n 3._o be_v there_o not_o a_o undoubted_a necessity_n this_o day_n to_o essay_n to_o the_o far_a a_o union_n and_o heal_n in_o the_o church_n when_o of_o no_o less_o import_n than_o the_o keep_n up_o of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o salvation_n of_o the_o people_n the_o credit_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o prevent_v the_o stumble_n of_o many_o now_o in_o such_o visible_a hazard_n which_o be_v more_o than_o our_o soul_n be_v worth_a and_o can_v we_o see_v how_o these_o shall_v be_v safe_a if_o this_o breach_n be_v still_o widen_v the_o long_a continuance_n will_v make_v it_o the_o more_o difficult_a to_o heal_v when_o on_o all_o hand_n we_o be_v make_v to_o mourn_v and_o see_v the_o issue_n which_o we_o will_v not_o former_o believe_v and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o strange_a rent_n and_o distemper_n in_o a_o day_n when_o the_o lord_n have_v cast_v we_o all_o down_o that_o our_o great_a work_n shall_v be_v to_o bear_v down_o other_o with_o such_o a_o proneness_n to_o take_v offence_n as_o well_o as_o there_o be_v in_o give_v it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o high_a provoke_a cause_n of_o wrath_n and_o judgement_n which_o as_o in_o great_a letter_n i_o must_v say_v have_v be_v write_v before_o our_o eye_n in_o the_o late_a providence_n of_o this_o time_n 4._o since_o each_o be_v concern_v to_o prove_v his_o own_o heart_n and_o work_n herein_o and_o what_o may_v be_v his_o accession_n to_o so_o high_o a_o provoke_a guilt_n and_o stroke_n as_o threaten_v no_o less_o than_o a_o utter_a quench_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o scotland_n and_o to_o be_v overwhelm_v with_o popery_n atheism_n and_o all_o ungodliness_n which_o so_o much_o gain_v ground_n by_o our_o breach_n it_o be_v well_o if_o there_o can_v be_v so_o impartial_a a_o search_n herein_o and_o trial_n more_o of_o ourselves_o than_o by_o roll_v it_o over_o on_o other_o what_o may_v be_v our_o part_n therein_o and_o if_o these_o thing_n bring_v not_o a_o sad_a involvement_n in_o such_o a_o guilt_n 1._o when_o there_o be_v no_o tender_a abstain_v from_o harsh_a censure_v of_o other_o 2._o when_o there_o be_v a_o press_a more_o of_o that_o which_o tend_v to_o divide_v than_o what_o there_o be_v to_o unite_v and_o in_o how_o far_o we_o be_v still_o one_o in_o our_o former_a principle_n 3._o when_o high_a prejudice_n and_o alienation_n of_o affection_n be_v not_o close_o watch_v against_o which_o like_o the_o predominant_a humour_n of_o the_o jaundice_n will_v quick_o present_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o same_o colour_n and_o make_v it_o difficult_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o way_n of_o other_o we_o differ_v from_o without_o a_o sad_a by_o ass_n 4._o when_o contending_n even_o for_o the_o truth_n be_v more_o passionate_a and_o break_v than_o with_o humble_a seriousness_n to_o be_v rational_o convince_a and_o heal_v which_o be_v so_o unlike_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o be_v defame_v yet_o to_o entreat_v 5._o when_o there_o be_v not_o some_o study_n to_o walk_v close_o together_o in_o so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v one_o and_o mutual_o convince_v which_o i_o be_o sure_a will_v help_v to_o come_v more_o near_o in_o what_o be_v now_o the_o matter_n of_o difference_n i_o must_v here_o confess_v for_o myself_o it_o have_v be_v heavy_a on_o my_o spirit_n that_o i_o do_v not_o with_o more_o seriousness_n and_o according_a to_o my_o small_a measure_n move_v herein_o when_o last_o in_o my_o own_o country_n and_o have_v so_o near_o a_o prospect_n of_o these_o deplorable_a confusion_n nor_o have_v be_v under_o that_o suitable_a weight_n as_o such_o a_o time_n call_v for_o when_o the_o church_n there_o be_v as_o struggle_v betwixt_o life_n and_o death_n though_o i_o may_v say_v it_o have_v oft_o make_v i_o covet_v a_o hide_v and_o more_o abstractness_n from_o so_o sad_a a_o noise_n but_o o_o bless_v they_o to_o who_o it_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v to_o stand_v in_o such_o 〈◊〉_d breach_n this_o day_n so_o as_o it_o may_v be_v convince_o evident_a the_o zeal_n of_o god_n and_o a_o heal_a spirit_n do_v most_o sweet_o concur_v 5._o and_o what_o can_v we_o possible_o answer_v to_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o to_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n this_o day_n yea_o at_o the_o appear_v of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o now_o the_o poor_a church_n of_o scotland_n when_o in_o the_o furnace_n and_o so_o long_o in_o a_o suffer_a condition_n be_v like_a to_o be_v more_o ruin_v by_o ourselves_o than_o by_o other_o adversary_n and_o such_o a_o sore_o rend_v now_o among_o these_o who_o be_v still_o one_o in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n and_o we_o hope_v have_v access_n to_o the_o father_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n as_o have_v in_o a_o sad_a measure_n break_v up_o church_n fellowship_n in_o the_o gospel_n ordinance_n and_o in_o the_o most_o concern_v duty_n of_o christian_a society_n among_o many_o yea_o this_o to_o be_v still_o grow_v and_o yet_o no_o essay_n nor_o endeavour_n to_o prevent_v such_o a_o ruin_n that_o be_v like_a to_o be_v entail_v even_o on_o the_o offspring_n and_o what_o may_v be_v the_o thought_n of_o the_o generation_n that_o succeed_v when_o so_o deplorable_a a_o history_n shall_v be_v put_v on_o record_n section_n ii_o it_o may_v be_v strange_a and_o matter_n of_o astonishment_n this_o day_n what_o so_o severe_a a_o stretch_n of_o that_o controversy_n about_o the_o late_a indulgence_n in_o our_o church_n and_o bring_v thing_n to_o such_o one_fw-mi extreme_a can_v possible_o mean_a as_o though_o no_o party_n else_o be_v to_o contend_v with_o when_o the_o whole_a of_o religion_n be_v like_a to_o be_v swallow_v up_o betwixt_o popery_n prelacy_n and_o atheism_n and_o that_o the_o peace_n and_o true_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v now_o so_o low_a and_o cheap_a as_o to_o sacrifice_v they_o upon_o such_o one_fw-mi account_n yea_o while_o so_o many_o be_v in_o that_o hazard_n to_o be_v shake_v as_o they_o be_v like_a to_o lose_v all_o set_v persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o since_o such_o stress_n have_v be_v by_o some_o lay_v on_o these_o ground_n adduce_v in_o the_o late_a history_n of_o the_o indulgence_n for_o not_o hear_v or_o receive_v the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n from_o such_o minister_n as_o have_v accept_v thereof_o to_o a_o further_o widen_v thus_o of_o the_o breach_n and_o that_o i_o have_v be_v express_o refer_v thereto_o as_o a_o full_a answer_n to_o what_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o forego_v paper_n or_o whatever_o can_v be_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a i_o be_v press_v to_o some_o perusal_n thereof_o so_o far_o as_o to_o know_v whence_o a_o conclusion_n so_o strange_a and_o of_o so_o high_a and_o universal_a concern_v to_o all_o the_o church_n can_v possible_o be_v infer_v or_o establish_v by_o any_o who_o admit_v the_o truth_n and_o authrity_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o these_o principle_n wherein_o we_o have_v hitherto_o walk_v but_o ere_o i_o touch_v this_o more_o particular_o i_o must_v to_o prevent_v mistake_n premitt_v some_o few_o thing_n in_o the_o entry_n first_o that_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o question_n of_o separation_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o difficult_a thing_n and_o lie_v more_o in_o the_o dark_a than_o most_o thing_n that_o be_v controvert_v and_o that_o all_o act_n of_o extremity_n such_o as_o this_o shall_v be_v with_o great_a reluctation_n and_o on_o convince_a and_o necessary_a ground_n follow_v nor_o can_v we_o ever_o see_v such_o away_o have_v in_o any_o time_n be_v bless_v how_o favourable_a soever_o it_o may_v seem_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o some_o which_o have_v tend_v to_o perplex_v and_o precipitant_o to_o break_v a_o poor_a church_n and_o
same_o from_o the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n nor_o be_v ever_o teach_v by_o his_o prophet_n &_o apostle_n &_o therefore_o one_fw-mi unjust_a and_o offensive_a rent_n i_o hope_v this_o none_o there_fw-mi debate_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o alone_a instrument_n and_o rule_n of_o church_n government_n and_o to_o this_o law_n and_o testimony_n we_o must_v take_v ourselves_o under_o every_o debateable_a case_n theranent_fw-la yea_o that_o any_o ministerial_a power_n give_v to_o we_o be_v only_o executive_a and_o declarative_a to_o apply_v the_o reveal_v will_n of_o the_o lord_n unto_o his_o people_n by_o a_o clear_a discovery_n thereof_o and_o what_o be_v not_o according_a to_o that_o rule_n none_o may_v admit_v though_o under_o the_o patrociny_n of_o one_fw-mi angel_n but_o that_o for_o this_o practice_n we_o have_v no_o scripture_n warrant_v be_v most_o clear_a 1._o from_o the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a head_n himself_o while_o he_o be_v here_o upon_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o respect_n he_o do_v express_o own_o to_o the_o prescribe_a worship_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n yea_o that_o such_o be_v his_o bless_a way_n as_o no_o visible_a rent_n be_v by_o disciple_n from_o the_o public_a ordinance_n even_o then_o when_o the_o dreadful_a declining_n of_o that_o church_n be_v so_o great_a a_o length_n 2._o we_o see_v what_o both_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n teach_v and_o what_o be_v their_o practice_n in_o this_o case_n that_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n they_o seek_v to_o keep_v the_o people_n at_o further_a distance_n from_o all_o idolatry_n and_o false_a worship_n so_o upon_o the_o other_o hand_n do_v give_v no_o warrant_n but_o express_o to_o the_o contrary_a as_o to_o any_o departure_n from_o the_o public_a worship_n where_o it_o be_v not_o corrupt_v notwithstanding_o of_o these_o sad_a declining_n of_o the_o church_n otherwise_o and_o i_o crave_v any_o to_o show_v one_fw-mi instance_n to_o the_o contrary_n 3._o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o evident_a than_o the_o care_n the_o apostle_n have_v to_o keep_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n from_o dash_v on_o such_o a_o rock_n to_o such_o as_o do_v but_o serious_o read_v and_o consider_v these_o epistle_n nor_o do_v our_o bless_a master_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n give_v the_o least_o ground_n or_o warrant_n as_o to_o any_o fall_n of_o or_o secession_n from_o the_o public_a assembly_n notwithstanding_o of_o so_o sad_a a_o charge_n as_o be_v there_o give_v against_o some_o of_o these_o church_n but_o we_o may_v see_v how_o concern_v the_o apostle_n be_v against_o this_o as_o one_o of_o the_o public_a evil_n and_o scandal_n then_o break_v up_o in_o the_o church_n heb._n 10_o 25._o the_o forsake_v of_o the_o assembly_n for_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v then_o and_o oh_o what_o can_v it_o mean_v thus_o to_o rack_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o people_n and_o impose_v such_o new_a term_n and_o condition_n of_o church_n communion_n as_o neither_o the_o scripture_n nor_o example_n of_o the_o pure_a reform_a church_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n do_v ever_o warrant_n for_o which_o i_o must_v here_o humble_o challenge_v any_o who_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v to_o let_v we_o see_v where_o the_o signature_n of_o one_o scripture_n command_n be_v for_o what_o they_o impose_v or_o what_o divine_a precept_n be_v violate_v by_o hear_v the_o indulge_v or_o if_o such_o a_o cure_n and_o remedy_n be_v ever_o teach_v by_o the_o great_a healer_n as_o this_o practice_n of_o admit_v no_o composure_n and_o unite_n in_o controvert_v duty_n until_o there_o be_v a_o full_a oneness_n of_o judgement_n among_o we_o or_o thus_o to_o break_v and_o disquiet_v a_o poor_a church_n as_o though_o some_o have_v no_o work_n else_o almost_o outwearied_a with_o these_o sad_a and_o perpetual_a contending_n for_o make_v void_a their_o ministry_n which_o have_v be_v and_o i_o hope_v yet_o shall_v be_v own_v of_o the_o lord_n for_o his_o people_n edification_n ii_o ground_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o unwarrantableness_n of_o this_o practice_n be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v express_o contrare_fw-la too_o that_o establish_a order_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n as_o the_o proper_a remedy_n and_o relief_n for_o any_o public_a offence_n matt._n 18_o 15._o and_o which_o be_v so_o express_v a_o rule_n give_v in_o this_o case_n as_o can_v admit_v of_o no_o alteration_n as_o also_o to_o that_o 1_o cor._n 14_o 40._o that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v in_o order_n and_o decency_n nor_o can_v there_o be_v any_o hesitation_n herein_o whether_o this_o practice_n and_o way_n which_o be_v thus_o take_v by_o some_o do_v not_o control_v the_o same_o thus_o to_o withdraw_v and_o impose_v upon_o the_o matter_n so_o high_a and_o public_a a_o censure_n on_o other_o by_o their_o private_a judgement_n and_o authority_n except_o they_o will_v adventure_v to_o determine_v on_o the_o rule_n and_o these_o ancient_a scripture_n bound_n which_o be_v there_o set_v to_o we_o but_o as_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o thing_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v by_o his_o warrant_n only_o &_o no_o latitude_n else_o give_v we_o but_o to_o observe_v he_o whatsoever_o command_v mat._n 28_o last_o yea_o that_o no_o heal_a or_o cure_n will_v ever_o be_v to_o the_o church_n but_o by_o his_o appoint_a mean_n so_o it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o to_o withdraw_v from_o church_n fellowship_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o this_o be_v a_o most_o high_a and_o spiritual_a censure_n yea_o not_o to_o eat_v with_o a_o scandalous_a brother_n must_v be_v understand_v as_o one_fw-mi act_n of_o judgement_n and_o do_v suppose_v some_o previous_a trial_n else_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o fix_a rule_n but_o for_o each_o to_o be_v his_o own_o judge_n in_o pull_v of_o his_o brother_n to_o shame_n and_o thus_o no_o bound_n can_v be_v fix_v to_o prevent_v endless_a break_n and_o rent_n in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v true_a a_o public_a relief_n be_v not_o as_o formerly_z now_o accessible_a but_o as_o there_o be_v yet_o through_o grace_n a_o faithful_a ministry_n in_o our_o church_n who_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o cognosce_fw-la and_o judge_v of_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o house_n and_o to_o who_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n both_o of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n be_v by_o his_o own_o warrant_n commit_v whatever_o essay_n have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v to_o make_v such_o contemptible_a before_o the_o people_n yea_o some_o way_n i_o must_v say_v no_o less_o thus_o to_o exauctorate_v they_o and_o control_v their_o commission_n this_o day_n then_o have_v be_v by_o public_a adversary_n so_o be_v there_o also_o some_o suitable_a exoneration_n that_o each_o christian_n may_v have_v in_o the_o case_n of_o public_a offence_n when_o there_o be_v not_o such_o access_n by_o the_o church_n to_o spread_v forth_o the_o same_o before_o the_o lord_n to_o endeavour_v in_o their_o capacity_n and_o station_n how_o to_o convince_v gain_n and_o restore_v such_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o thus_o use_v personal_a freedom_n and_o tenderness_n in_o deal_v with_o other_o wherein_o i_o be_o sure_a both_o more_o peace_n and_o advantage_n to_o these_o they_o deal_v with_o shall_v be_v thus_o reach_v then_o by_o any_o such_o high_o disorderly_a way_n and_o unwarrantable_a severity_n as_o be_v now_o adventure_v on_o by_o some_o iii_o ground_n to_o clear_v the_o unwarrantableness_n of_o this_o practice_n be_v that_o it_o be_v so_o express_o contrare_fw-la too_o that_o approven_v and_o commend_v practice_n in_o the_o church_n rev._n 2_o 2._o that_o they_o have_v try_v such_o who_o call_v themselves_o apostles_n and_o be_v not_o but_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n where_o as_o it_o be_v most_o clear_a that_o this_o be_v a_o judicial_a trial_n and_o in_o a_o legal_a and_o orderly_a way_n of_o such_o before_o any_o declarative_a sentence_n and_o for_o this_o end_n be_v adduce_v by_o the_o great_a interpreter_n to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n thereof_o but_o this_o as_o i_o have_v former_o touch_v can_v give_v no_o advantage_n in_o that_o case_n of_o the_o conformist_n to_o prelacy_n where_o beside_o other_o ground_n mention_v the_o antecedent_n judgement_n of_o our_o church_n have_v be_v so_o full_a clear_a and_o harmonious_a there_o upon_o whilst_o i_o touch_v this_o i_o must_v cite_v the_o word_n and_o authority_n of_o bless_a mr_n rutherfurd_n in_o his_o divine_a right_n of_o church_n government_n page_n 378._o we_o grant_v say_v he_o that_o each_o shall_v eschew_v false_a teacher_n and_o all_o that_o walk_v inordinate_o but_o that_o every_o one_o shall_v shun_v these_o who_o in_o his_o private_a judgement_n he_o conceive_v to_o be_v such_o before_o he_o rebuke_v and_o labour_n to_o gain_v and_o in_o case_n of_o obstinacy_n then_o to_o tell_v the_o church_n be_v forbid_v mat._n 18_o and_o
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 class_n and_o look_v on_o with_o no_o less_o dread_a and_o fear_n as_o such_o who_o do_v oppose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v but_o to_o manifest_v that_o in_o all_o time_n the_o most_o destroy_a error_n have_v be_v still_o graft_v on_o this_o stock_n whilst_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o more_o near_a fellowship_n with_o our_o bless_a head_n be_v keep_v up_o and_o where_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v much_o in_o exercise_n the_o more_o have_v this_o sad_a rock_n be_v keep_v of_o as_o the_o more_o near_o the_o line_n be_v to_o the_o centre_n the_o more_o near_o be_v they_o and_o close_o to_o one_o another_o 2._o it_o be_v clear_a also_o from_o the_o apostle_n deal_v with_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o about_o which_o he_o use_v such_o sharpness_n that_o they_o take_v a_o divide_a way_n of_o communicate_v and_o go_v about_o other_o duty_n as_o tend_v to_o make_v a_o breach_n and_o schism_n then_o in_o that_o church_n whatever_o 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
3._o if_o you_o stumble_v here_o and_o embrace_v no_o religion_n until_o you_o find_v no_o offence_n among_o the_o professor_n thereof_o than_o you_o must_v have_v none_o but_o turn_v atheist_n bot_n your_o conscience_n herein_o must_v needs_o tell_v you_o silence_n it_o as_o you_o with_o that_o the_o truth_n and_o principle_n of_o godliness_n bind_v man_n over_o with_o the_o great_a tie_n and_o engagement_n to_o holiness_n purity_n candour_n and_o righteousness_n even_o in_o all_o our_o deal_n with_o man_n under_o the_o severe_a threatening_n and_o oh_o must_v the_o glory_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n thus_o come_v under_o reproach_n and_o suffer_v from_o the_o untender_a and_o unanswerable_a practice_n of_o any_o who_o profess_v the_o same_o 4._o can_v you_o posible_o debate_v this_o which_o may_v both_o silence_n and_o make_v man_n ashamed_a of_o such_o a_o challenge_n that_o under_o any_o pretence_n which_o have_v ever_o be_v to_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n only_o which_o indispensible_o require_v truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o the_o heart_n herein_o and_o that_o the_o conformity_n of_o our_o duty_n on_o the_o matter_n to_o the_o rule_n be_v not_o enough_o without_o a_o serious_a respect_n to_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o act_n that_o it_o be_v in_o faith_n and_o from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v so_o essential_a a_o requisite_a thereto_o yea_o that_o this_o be_v so_o frame_v as_o to_o correspond_v with_o the_o inward_a man_n to_o exerce_fw-la a_o authority_n over_o the_o conscience_n and_o our_o most_o retire_a thought_n all_o be_v well_o as_o act_n and_o to_o put_v shame_n and_o terror_n on_o such_o who_o glory_v be_v in_o appearance_n bot_n not_o in_o heart_n 5._o you_o know_v likeways_o that_o the_o most_o select_a society_n of_o such_o who_o ever_o yet_o profess_v the_o truth_n and_o since_o there_o have_v be_v a_o church_n on_o the_o earth_n do_v never_o want_v a_o sad_a mixture_n yea_o these_o feu_fw-fr choised_a disciply_n of_o our_o bless_a master_n be_v not_o only_o with_o a_o judas_n but_o a_o fall_a peter_n and_o a_o misbelieve_a thomasâ—mong_n â—mong_z they_o and_o shall_v this_o have_v be_v a_o ground_n then_o for_o prejudice_n at_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n in_o its_o first_o daw_v when_o by_o such_o a_o constitution_n our_o great_a master_n will_v have_v it_o know_v what_o his_o church_n whilst_o here_o upon_o the_o earth_n will_v be_v even_o in_o the_o pure_a time_n thereof_o 6._o will_v you_o not_o allow_v that_o measure_n which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n the_o christian_n do_v require_v of_o their_o heathen_a adversary_n upon_o any_o public_a offence_n which_o be_v then_o object_v to_o they_o to_o give_v but_o that_o allovance_n which_o they_o do_v to_o their_o philosopher_n and_o such_o as_o profess_v moral_a virtue_n among_o they_o which_o be_v not_o to_o charge_v the_o corruption_n and_o offence_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o on_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o profession_n whilst_o you_o have_v these_o further_a enforcement_n of_o this_o that_o you_o know_v upon_o your_o own_o conscience_n what_o a_o sore_a burden_n and_o grief_n these_o be_v to_o such_o who_o be_v tender_a and_o sincere_a in_o follow_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o how_o evident_a their_o discountenance_n of_o any_o such_o appearance_n be_v yea_o may_v not_o the_o establishment_n of_o church_n discipline_n and_o censure_n with_o such_o express_a rule_n herein_o by_o our_o bless_a head_n convince_v and_o silence_v these_o who_o reproach_n 7._o let_v some_o who_o pretend_v most_o to_o stumble_v on_o such_o a_o account_n speak_v but_o their_o own_o heart_n if_o these_o be_v not_o much_o more_o their_o trouble_n and_o torment_n who_o walk_n do_v most_o convince_o tend_v to_o adorn_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o sincere_a and_o serious_a embracement_n of_o the_o truth_n hes_z be_v with_o such_o visible_a outward_a disadvantage_n and_o no_o private_a interest_n to_o sway_v they_o herein_o as_o they_o be_v enforce_v to_o see_v this_o for_o none_o possible_o can_v conceive_v how_o this_o shall_v be_v on_o any_o other_o ground_n than_o the_o know_a power_n and_o certainty_n thereof_o on_o their_o soul_n 8._o be_v not_o such_o who_o way_n be_v thus_o the_o ground_n of_o your_o challenge_n most_o visible_o condemn_v by_o their_o own_o avove_v principle_n yea_o what_o ever_o essay_n have_v be_v to_o personat_fw-la serious_a godliness_n by_o a_o false_a show_n yet_o be_v it_o not_o most_o convince_a even_o to_o such_o as_o look_v but_o at_o a_o distance_n that_o native_a lustre_n self_n evidence_v light_n with_o that_o sweet_a savour_n and_o efficacy_n which_o accompany_v the_o same_o as_o no_o possible_a invention_n or_o art_n can_v ever_o reach_v no_o more_o then_o to_o make_v a_o dead_a picture_n live_v oh_o that_o such_o a_o day_n of_o reproach_n as_o this_o and_o that_o sad_a woe_n the_o world_n be_v so_o unsensible_a of_o because_o of_o offence_n may_v more_o suitable_o affect_v our_o heart_n and_o that_o it_o be_v with_o so_o visible_a adecline_v â—ow_o in_o the_o church_n and_o man_n grove_v weary_a of_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o truth_n these_o sweet_a path_n and_o footstep_n of_o serious_a godliness_n love_n and_o zeal_n for_o god_n self_n denial_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n seem_v to_o be_v all_o most_o overgrow_a and_o wear_v out_o among_o many_o professor_n in_o this_o age_n 5._o ground_n that_o i_o fear_v some_o may_v be_v ready_a this_o day_n to_o break_v and_o stumble_v on_o be_v these_o high_a pretence_n of_o zeal_n and_o fervency_n for_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o way_n of_o so_o i_o as_o will_v seem_v most_o visible_o to_o cross_v and_o interfere_v with_o the_o most_o know_a principle_n of_o christian_a prudence_n yea_o that_o due_a necessary_a use_n of_o man_n reason_n which_o the_o scripture_n do_v so_o indispensible_o require_v answ_n though_o the_o zeal_n of_o god_n and_o faithfulness_n for_o his_o interest_n even_o with_o the_o most_o convince_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o to_o man_n conscience_n be_v that_o which_o the_o world_n can_v bear_v yet_o i_o hope_v these_o thing_n when_o serious_o consider_v may_v silence_v any_o public_a reflection_n herein_o 1._o that_o the_o great_a want_n which_o may_v be_v now_o matter_n of_o grief_n in_o all_o the_o church_n be_v that_o of_o pure_a zeal_n and_o love_n to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o of_o such_o a_o spirit_n to_o follow_v the_o lord_n full_o and_o oh_o our_o fall_n have_v be_v too_o great_a and_o universal_a from_o that_o first_o love_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o shine_v and_o burn_v in_o these_o who_o profess_v the_o truth_n to_o be_v hide_v this_o day_n and_o seem_v one_o of_o the_o sad_a presage_n of_o a_o dark_a night_n yet_o come_v on_o when_o with_o a_o continue_a light_n the_o heat_n and_o power_n thereof_o be_v so_o far_o go_v 2._o but_o to_o silence_v any_o such_o reflection_n it_o may_v be_v demonstrable_a to_o the_o further_a that_o the_o true_a and_o native_a tendence_n of_o the_o zeal_n of_o god_n and_o fervency_n in_o his_o work_n can_v cause_v no_o break_v or_o disorder_n nor_o have_v any_o irregular_a violent_a motion_n or_o scorch_a heat_n therewith_o but_o where_o ever_o this_o most_o bright_o shine_v there_o also_o do_v a_o humble_a tender_a condescendence_n to_o convince_v and_o gain_v most_o evident_o appear_v how_o by_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o man_n conscience_n to_o prevent_v any_o ground_n may_v be_v thus_o take_v of_o offence_n who_o be_v offend_v and_o i_o burn_v not_o be_v the_o temper_n of_o that_o bless_a man_n spirit_n when_o he_o be_v burn_v in_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o thus_o carry_v he_o out_o that_o he_o may_v be_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o that_o he_o may_v gain_v some_o for_o such_o shall_v be_v the_o great_a acrimony_n and_o sharpness_n of_o these_o who_o shall_v be_v the_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o it_o may_v always_o tend_v to_o season_n to_o preserve_v and_o recover_v and_o not_o to_o destroy_v 3._o and_o be_v not_o christian_a wisdom_n and_o prudence_n a_o piece_n of_o our_o sanctification_n and_o a_o true_a and_o native_a result_n of_o pure_a zeal_n and_o love_n to_o christ_n â—…o_o as_o the_o more_o a_o christian_n the_o more_o tender_a thus_o to_o keep_v by_o the_o rule_n and_o to_o walk_v circumspect_o not_o as_o fool_n but_o as_o wise_a and_o be_v not_o man_n folly_n still_o a_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o corruption_n nor_o can_v the_o truth_n of_o godliness_n be_v vigorous_o exert_v botto_o far_o it_o will_v cause_v also_o snch_v a_o sweet_a composure_n and_o even_o temper_n of_o spirit_n as_o to_o watch_v with_o a_o equal_a advertance_n to_o extreme_n upon_o
the_o church_n wound_v and_o rend_v by_o a_o spirit_n of_o division_n hold_v forth_o in_o a_o short_a account_n of_o some_o sad_a difference_n have_v be_v of_o late_a in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n with_o the_o occasion_n ground_n and_o too_o evident_a product_n thereof_o who_o wound_n be_v bleed_v to_o this_o day_n together_o with_o some_o vindication_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o principle_n of_o our_o church_n in_o this_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n from_o unjust_a revile_n and_o reproach_n and_o a_o few_o word_n in_o the_o close_a with_o respect_n to_o what_o be_v the_o great_a concern_v of_o christian_n exercise_n and_o duty_n in_o these_o time_n heb._n 10_o 23._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v philip._n 3._o 16._o nevertheless_o whereto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n let_v we_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n philip._n 2._o 2._o let_v nothing_o be_v do_v through_o strife_n or_o vain_a glory_n but_o in_o lowliness_n of_o mind_n let_v each_o esteem_v other_o better_o than_o themselves_o james_n 3._o 16._o for_o where_o invy_v and_o strife_n be_v there_o be_v confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n 1_o thessaly_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d now_o we_o exhort_v you_o brethren_n warn_v they_o that_o be_v unruly_a comfort_n the_o feeble-minded_n support_v the_o weak_a be_v patient_a towards_o all_o man_n print_a m.dc.lxxxi_o the_o preface_n it_o will_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o who_o have_v any_o serious_a impression_n of_o the_o truth_n on_o their_o spirit_n what_o sore_o and_o try_v time_n we_o be_v now_o fall_v in_o and_o how_o deplorable_o sad_a the_o present_a state_n of_o religion_n be_v almost_o every_o where_o yea_o what_o need_n seem_v for_o our_o be_v awake_a with_o some_o deep_a apprehension_n of_o what_o may_v be_v come_v and_o of_o so_o many_o presage_n that_o this_o night_n be_v not_o yet_o at_o the_o dark_a but_o one_o of_o the_o sore_a conflict_n which_o the_o reform_a church_n have_v hitherto_o meet_v with_o may_v be_v on_o a_o very_a near_o approach_n of_o which_o one_o remarkable_o sad_a and_o most_o threaten_a presage_n be_v now_o too_o obvious_a in_o this_o late_a astonish_a rent_n and_o breach_n have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n so_o impetuous_o drive_v and_o foment_v by_o some_o there_o to_o the_o further_a scandal_n and_o reproach_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o give_v the_o adversary_n such_o occasion_n to_o blaspheme_v thus_o have_v there_o be_v so_o sore_a wound_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n great_o provoke_v and_o grieve_v thereby_o i_o confess_v such_o a_o trial_n will_v have_v be_v little_a either_o fear_v or_o apprehend_v in_o a_o time_n when_o so_o hot_a a_o furnace_n have_v be_v set_v up_o among_o we_o and_o that_o the_o church_n have_v smart_v and_o be_v so_o sore_a brunt_n with_o the_o offence_n which_o follow_v upon_o former_a break_n yea_o when_o it_o be_v so_o joint_o acknowledge_v how_o much_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n the_o spread_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o edificatione_n of_o the_o church_n be_v concern_v and_o in_o the_o high_a measure_n prejugd_v herein_o this_o be_v a_o sad_a subject_n which_o shall_v call_v each_o to_o that_o serious_a inquiry_n and_o trial_n of_o their_o own_o work_n and_o frame_v of_o spirit_n in_o such_o a_o day_n as_o may_v lead_v in_o to_o peace_n and_o assurance_n of_o heart_n before_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o mater_fw-la and_o to_o be_v serious_o affect_v with_o what_o we_o have_v see_v follow_v thereon_o yea_o may_v have_v be_v fear_v with_o the_o first_o break_v up_o of_o this_o strange_a rent_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n and_o delusion_n in_o the_o holy_a righteousness_n of_o god_n now_o with_o such_o prevalence_n over_o some_o who_o work_n have_v be_v to_o put_v the_o church_n in_o a_o flame_n and_o unsettle_v other_o as_o they_o can_v find_v no_o ground_n where_o to_o fix_v themselves_o but_o be_v like_a to_o shake_v loose_a all_o principle_n and_o run_v that_o length_n as_o be_v incompatible_a not_o only_o with_o christian_a but_o humane_a society_n some_o few_o thing_n with_o respect_n thereto_o i_o will_v premit_fw-la now_o in_o the_o entry_n to_o be_v consider_v 1._o first_o what_o light_n do_v thus_o break_v forth_o out_o of_o the_o very_a bowel_n of_o such_o confusion_n both_o for_o conviction_n and_o confirm_v of_o we_o in_o the_o truth_n if_o we_o be_v but_o serious_a observe_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o day_n and_o i_o will_v yet_o hope_v may_v tend_v to_o put_v some_o deep_o impression_n of_o these_o thing_n on_o this_o generation_n when_o as_o with_o one_o audible_a voice_n from_o heaven_n so_o much_o have_v occur_v to_o seal_v our_o instruction_n herein_o 1._o that_o none_o thus_o so_o easy_o adventure_v after_o what_o we_o have_v see_v on_o such_o a_o public_a rent_n and_o breach_n of_o the_o church_n as_o this_o and_o to_o hazard_v on_o a_o precipice_n and_o rock_n on_o which_o so_o many_o have_v dash_v and_o be_v break_v and_o where_o the_o lose_n of_o communion_n in_o love_n have_v not_o long_o want_v a_o sad_a breach_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n 2._o that_o there_o may_v be_v now_o more_o fear_n and_o dread_a of_o manage_v difference_n in_o judgement_n within_o the_o church_n with_o that_o bitterness_n and_o passion_n as_o have_v too_o visible_o be_v of_o late_a to_o stumble_v and_o beget_v wrath_n more_o than_o conviction_n or_o to_o make_v one_fw-mi offering_n of_o such_o strange_a fire_n the_o truth_n and_o cause_n of_o god_n can_v be_v promote_v only_o by_o these_o mean_n and_o that_o spirit_n which_o he_o do_v himself_o require_v 3._o that_o professor_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v more_o deep_o press_v about_o the_o ground_n work_n and_o for_o a_o solid_a sound_n on_o the_o great_a foundation=truths_n and_o principle_n of_o religion_n when_o this_o sad_a want_n may_v be_v so_o visible_o now_o read_v on_o all_o our_o distemper_n and_o make_v we_o yet_o fear_v where_o some_o great_a pretence_n to_o religion_n may_v end_v here_o be_v one_o of_o the_o sad_a judgement_n of_o the_o time_n much_o ignorance_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o rule_v of_o the_o gospel_n with_o a_o louse_n and_o unstable_a mind_n though_o with_o great_a confidence_n otherwise_o among_o too_o many_o under_o a_o profession_n of_o godliness_n this_o day_n through_o which_o the_o tempter_n have_v get_v such_o advantage_n yea_o on_o some_o who_o affection_n and_o tenderness_n of_o spirit_n i_o there_fw-mi not_o question_n but_o think_v they_o can_v not_o run_v too_o far_o at_o a_o distance_n from_o what_o they_o judge_v wrong_v not_o fear_v a_o destroy_a snare_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n and_o that_o corruption_n of_o the_o mind_n by_o error_n be_v no_o less_o mortal_a than_o in_o the_o life_n and_o practice_n yea_o which_o be_v too_o sad_o obvious_a less_o hope_n of_o a_o cure_n where_o such_o a_o leprosy_n be_v once_o break_v forth_o in_o the_o head_n 4._o and_o have_v we_o not_o now_o see_v for_o our_o further_a conviction_n herein_o that_o none_o lift_v up_o themselves_o above_o that_o which_o be_v meet_v upon_o the_o repute_n and_o credit_n of_o their_o profession_n before_o he_o who_o be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n and_o resist_v the_o proud_a to_o so_o sever_v a_o smite_v and_o thrust_v down_o of_o their_o brethren_n and_o fellow-servant_n as_o have_v too_o obvious_o be_v in_o these_o late_a difference_n and_o without_o that_o suitable_a fear_n and_o dread_a leist_z these_o who_o they_o give_v so_o sore_a a_o thrust_n to_o under_o the_o warrant_n oâ—_n some_o opprobrious_a designation_n be_v such_o who_o jesus_n christ_n will_v own_v and_o find_v his_o servant_n and_o messenger_n thus_o lie_v a_o bleed_a under_o that_o wound_n 5._o i_o will_v hope_v also_o that_o such_o a_o witness_n of_o the_o jealousy_n and_o displeasure_n of_o the_o lord_n against_o despiser_n and_o reviler_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v have_v more_o weight_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o many_o after_o this_o when_o with_o so_o discernible_a and_o awful_a a_o voice_n this_o i_o humble_o judge_v have_v be_v speak_v and_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o all_o such_o who_o profess_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o generation_n yet_o to_o come_v to_o fear_v and_o dread_a to_o give_v thus_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o supreme_a head_n of_o his_o church_n so_o public_a one_fw-mi affront_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o servant_n as_o this_o party_n have_v of_o late_o do_v in_o our_o church_n or_o rise_v up_o in_o such_o a_o conspiracy_n again_o and_o no_o pretence_n when_o try_v at_o that_o bar_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n can_v possible_o bear_v out_o 6._o and_o shall_v not_o
of_o meekness_n and_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o some_o put_v a_o difference_n great_a peace_n shall_v thus_o follow_v upon_o a_o tender_a bear_n with_o the_o frowardness_n and_o revile_n of_o any_o under_o these_o saddistemper_n upon_o this_o design_n and_o for_o be_v thus_o all_o thing_n to_o all_o to_o gain_v one_o from_o the_o error_n of_o his_o way_n be_v a_o great_a victory_n then_o to_o gain_v a_o city_n i_o find_v in_o the_o life_n of_o bless_a musculus_fw-la this_o follow_v with_o much_o success_n in_o deal_v with_o some_o at_o augsburg_n who_o be_v then_o under_o a_o sad_a sad_a prevalence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n by_o seak_v first_o to_o gain_v on_o their_o heart_n &_o affection_n and_o then_o to_o deal_v with_o their_o conscience_n which_o prove_v at_o last_o effectual_a 6._o it_o be_v sure_a we_o be_v now_o call_v in_o this_o present_a trial_n not_o to_o be_v secure_a as_o to_o what_o further_a growth_n so_o strange_a a_o contagion_n may_v have_v when_o the_o apostle_n show_v a_o little_a leaven_n leaven_v the_o whole_a lump_n 1._o cor._n 5_o 6._o which_o as_o a_o destroy_a plague_n may_v thus_o quick_o spread_v from_o one_o house_n to_o a_o city_n and_o thence_o through_o the_o whole_a land_n yea_o it_o be_v know_v how_o small_a the_o rise_n of_o quakerism_n be_v within_o these_o few_o year_n in_o the_o church_n of_o britain_n nor_o be_v these_o light_n or_o small_a thing_n have_v be_v now_o with_o a_o strange_a confidence_n own_v by_o some_o of_o that_o way_n or_o what_o may_v be_v fear_v of_o its_o further_a prevalence_n if_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o gracious_o prevent_v and_o rebuke_v such_o a_o spirit_n which_o have_v thus_o trouble_v the_o poor_a church_n 7._o there_o need_v much_o advertence_n also_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o there_o be_v a_o continue_a fear_n and_o no_o coolness_n from_o this_o sad_a extreme_a in_o our_o watch_n of_o the_o church_n hazard_n from_o open_a adversary_n and_o to_o what_o assault_n may_v be_v yet_o make_v to_o the_o right_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n the_o alone_a supreme_a head_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n but_o that_o thus_o a_o equal_a fear_n and_o jealousy_n be_v keep_v up_o so_o as_o the_o truth_n lose_v no_o ground_n upon_o either_o hand_n reader_n for_o this_o present_a public_a appearance_n i_o shall_v we_o but_o a_o few_o word_n it_o may_v be_v easy_a to_o judge_v how_o sad_a a_o part_n it_o be_v in_o a_o time_n when_o all_o humour_n be_v so_o much_o aloft_o and_o what_o may_v be_v expect_v this_o way_n if_o there_o be_v not_o from_o another_o airt_n to_o support_v against_o the_o contradiction_n of_o man_n but_o this_o i_o must_v say_v i_o have_v be_v state_v under_o circumstance_n and_o with_o some_o surprise_a call_n hereto_o as_o i_o hope_v can_v obviate_v the_o most_o sharp_a reflection_n of_o any_o who_o be_v this_o day_n unbayase_v in_o such_o a_o case_n but_o i_o forbear_v herein_o to_o speak_v more_o particular_o only_o as_o to_o the_o occasion_n of_o my_o move_a further_o upon_o this_o subject_n be_v from_o that_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o first_o section_n which_o upon_o some_o desire_n and_o aim_v for_o a_o serious_a and_o sober_a commune_n upon_o these_o difference_n in_o our_o church_n be_v direct_v to_o some_o few_o friend_n and_o do_v choice_n that_o way_n by_o writ_n to_o prevent_v any_o eruption_n may_v be_v of_o heat_n as_o too_o usual_o there_o be_v hazard_n of_o in_o verbal_a reason_n upon_o such_o thing_n and_o since_o i_o find_v it_o so_o frequent_o challenge_v how_o any_o can_v oppose_v themselves_o to_o what_o be_v own_v and_o assert_v in_o that_o history_n of_o the_o indulgence_n as_o that_o which_o they_o judge_v enough_o to_o answer_v all_o in_o such_o a_o case_n i_o be_v enforce_v to_o touch_v it_o a_o little_a though_o in_o a_o very_a few_o word_n whicâ—_n i_o design_v as_o far_o as_o possible_a and_o now_o in_o such_o one_fw-mi unpleasing_a essay_n yet_o i_o humble_o judge_v with_o that_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n as_o may_v show_v the_o mistake_n and_o invalidity_n of_o these_o ground_n on_o which_o so_o strange_a a_o superstructure_n when_o serious_o ponder_v and_o weigh_v have_v be_v raise_v nor_o have_v yet_o find_v more_o urge_v upon_o the_o mater_fw-la by_o any_o on_o this_o head_n then_o what_o be_v make_v use_n of_o there_o it_o be_v sure_a no_o time_n past_a have_v be_v ever_o with_o so_o entire_a one_fw-mi oneness_n in_o judgement_n as_o no_o occasion_n of_o difference_n do_v fall_v out_o among_o the_o true_o godly_a in_o some_o concern_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o it_o be_v sad_a that_o so_o dreadful_a a_o hazard_n of_o occasion_v a_o breach_n in_o the_o church_n this_o way_n be_v not_o yet_o credit_v upon_o trial_n until_o some_o have_v once_o try_v it_o themselves_o my_o great_a unfitness_n to_o move_v in_o such_o a_o case_n be_v just_a ground_n of_o fear_n beside_o much_o aversion_n otherways_o to_o intermeddle_v with_o so_o sad_a and_o unpleasing_a a_o subject_n but_o be_v press_v herein_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v say_v it_o be_v with_o a_o serious_a aim_n and_o inquiry_n after_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o be_v confirm_v by_o scripture-light_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o great_a public_a contest_v and_o with_o some_o desire_n to_o prevent_v the_o stumbling_n of_o many_o as_o may_v now_o be_v much_o fear_v on_o these_o amaze_a and_o shake_v thing_n that_o have_v since_o follow_v on_o this_o breach_n for_o what_o incongruity_n may_v be_v judge_v in_o the_o close_a anent_o some_o thing_n practical_a and_o the_o church_n hazard_n from_o popery_n with_o such_o a_o subject_n i_o think_v be_v so_o far_o suitable_a as_o i_o be_o sure_a a_o great_a weight_n thereof_o will_v be_v find_v one_fw-mi effectual_a mean_v to_o take_v off_o these_o sad_a unedifie_v debate_n there_o be_v some_o considerable_a mistake_n at_o the_o press_n both_o in_o word_n and_o in_o the_o point_n but_o i_o hope_v be_v such_o as_o the_o discern_a reader_n can_v notice_n without_o darken_n the_o sense_n and_o will_v pardon_v section_n i._n though_o i_o have_v much_o aversion_n to_o move_v in_o any_o controversy_n especial_o where_o friend_n so_o true_o dear_a on_o every_o side_n be_v thus_o interest_v &_o when_o our_o distemper_n so_o sad_o prevail_v as_o most_o seem_v not_o in_o case_n to_o bear_v mutual_o freedom_n in_o these_o thing_n so_o as_o this_o present_a breach_n will_v seem_v almost_o beyond_o hope_n if_o some_o bless_a touch_n of_o the_o great_a healer_n hand_n do_v not_o marvellous_o surprise_v we_o in_o this_o day_n beside_o the_o crowd_n and_o noise_n now_o may_v be_v fear_v be_v so_o great_a as_o to_o shut_v all_o access_n for_o a_o be_v hear_v on_o such_o a_o subject_n and_o for_o myself_o i_o may_v say_v i_o have_v be_v strike_v with_o that_o terror_n of_o these_o sad_a embitter_a animosity_n and_o heat_n now_o among_o we_o as_o to_o judge_v it_o no_o less_o desirable_a to_o find_v a_o hide_v place_n 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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 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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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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 thereof_o which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n tit._n 1._o 1._o when_o it_o be_v such_o as_o visible_o tend_v by_o its_o power_n and_o efficacy_n on_o the_o heart_n to_o heal_v the_o distemper_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o judgement_n and_o by_o practical_a obedience_n to_o a_o more_o full_a assurance_n of_o understanding_n in_o themselves_o and_o may_v thus_o see_v its_o very_a native_a result_n and_o tendence_n be_v to_o make_v professor_n of_o the_o truth_n humble_a meek_a sober_a and_o temperate_a in_o their_o personal_a conversation_n yea_o tender_v to_o provoke_v or_o excite_v the_o corruption_n of_o any_o 6._o be_v there_o not_o this_o necessare_fw-la tendence_n also_o of_o the_o reveal_v way_n of_o truth_n to_o walk_v wise_o
towards_o such_o as_o be_v without_o col._n 4._o 5._o and_o with_o the_o further_a tender_a respect_n to_o prevent_v their_o be_v further_o alienat_fw-la or_o harden_v in_o their_o aversion_n from_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o i_o must_v say_v shall_v be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o weighty_a concern_v of_o a_o christian_n study_n for_o adorn_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o sueh_a a_o day_n 7._o i_o shall_v but_o add_v this_o more_o what_o advantage_n a_o christian_n may_v thus_o have_v for_o true_a peace_n and_o quiet_a on_o such_o a_o reflection_n of_o have_v keep_v guard_n against_o any_o hide_a personal_a prejudice_n or_o such_o a_o bias_n which_o the_o pre-engagement_n of_o their_o judgement_n in_o the_o present_a case_n and_o that_o influence_n their_o interest_n in_o a_o divide_a party_n may_v have_v occasion_v yea_o thus_o of_o some_o tender_a respect_n to_o the_o purity_n all_o be_v well_o as_o the_o peace_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n that_o there_o 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gospel_n which_o be_v for_o the_o further_a self_n abase_v to_o subdue_v and_o mortify_v such_o lust_n and_o thus_o prevent_v any_o exorbitancy_n that_o way_n as_o that_o which_o be_v not_o only_o to_o adorn_v a_o christian_n walk_n but_o be_v a_o most_o essential_a part_n of_o our_o sanctification_n and_o be_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o rule_n herein_o such_o on_o their_o conscience_n who_o you_o may_v most_v thus_o challenge_v as_o they_o be_v even_o enforce_v to_o seek_v a_o cover_n and_o hide_v of_o these_o evil_n which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v their_o shame_n and_o can_v bear_v the_o light_n be_v thus_o judge_v in_o themselves_o and_o so_o conscious_a of_o their_o deformity_n 2._o be_v not_o the_o relief_n also_o and_o antidote_n to_o so_o dreadful_a a_o poison_n most_o clear_o hold_v forth_o to_o we_o how_o to_o watch_v against_o this_o which_o both_o have_v so_o subtle_a and_o forcible_a a_o infection_n and_o deep_a root_n in_o man_n nature_n 3._o or_o can_v you_o challenge_v the_o least_o shadow_n of_o latitude_n from_o our_o bless_a lawgiver_n and_o the_o law_n of_o his_o kingdom_n herein_o which_o be_v so_o express_v not_o only_o against_o any_o open_a eruption_n of_o such_o evil_n but_o against_o the_o most_o secret_a convoy_n and_o entertainment_n thereof_o in_o the_o heart_n yea_o that_o on_o no_o less_o hazard_n than_o of_o be_v shut_v out_o for_o ever_o from_o that_o land_n which_o be_v above_o we_o must_v both_o watch_v and_o wrestle_v against_o the_o same_o for_o such_o be_v the_o strait_n and_o narrow_a way_n and_o so_o many_o low_a entry_n there_o as_o none_o possible_o can_v get_v through_o without_o a_o humble_a and_o subdue_v spirit_n and_o as_o little_a child_n to_o receive_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n 4._o can_v prejudice_n so_o far_o overcome_v man_n conscience_n as_o not_o to_o see_v the_o excellency_n of_o a_o christian_a spirit_n and_o the_o undoubted_a reality_n thereof_o which_o have_v so_o bright_o shine_v and_o i_o hope_v yet_o do_v to_o silence_v the_o great_a reproacher_n in_o many_o convince_a example_n of_o humility_n meekness_n and_o in_o the_o conquest_n of_o their_o passion_n and_o forgive_n of_o injury_n as_o a_o convince_a witness_n to_o the_o world_n of_o their_o be_v thus_o transform_v into_o his_o bless_a image_n of_o who_o as_o the_o great_a pattern_n set_v before_o we_o we_o be_v to_o learn_v 5._o and_o shall_v not_o tenderness_n and_o compassion_n be_v more_o suitable_a than_o prejudice_n and_o stumble_v at_o such_o a_o sight_n you_o thus_o challenge_v when_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o visible_o contraire_fw-fr to_o the_o very_a use_n of_o reason_n then_o any_o such_o sad_a eruption_n of_o pride_n bitterness_n and_o wrath_n which_o be_v so_o sore_a a_o disease_n and_o a_o fever_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o cause_v such_o disorder_n sad_a and_o tumultuous_a rising_n there_o as_o they_o be_v make_v their_o own_o punishment_n and_o the_o very_a mean_a to_o frustrate_v that_o end_n they_o most_o follow_v yea_o in_o no_o way_n can_v more_o gratify_v and_o give_v the_o great_a advantage_n to_o such_o they_o contend_v with_o and_o to_o put_v themselves_o in_o the_o pover_fw-mi of_o every_o one_o to_o become_v their_o tormentor_n 6._o you_o little_o know_v what_o sharp_a and_o bitter_a reflection_n such_o may_v oft_o have_v on_o themselves_o upon_o any_o sad_a appearance_n this_o way_n or_o advantage_n their_o corruption_n have_v get_v under_o some_o sad_a assault_n yea_o such_o as_o even_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o seal_a pardon_n on_o their_o soul_n can_v not_o sometime_o blunt_a the_o sharp_a edge_n of_o this_o grief_n and_o indignation_n against_o themselves_o 7._o and_o may_v you_o not_o clear_o see_v what_o visible_a detest_v such_o be_v even_o enforce_v to_o have_v at_o the_o appearance_n of_o these_o evil_n in_o other_o which_o thus_o have_v a_o sad_a outbreaking_n in_o their_o own_o practice_n as_o convince_o show_v their_o way_n must_v contradict_v both_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o principle_n 8._o i_o shall_v but_o further_o add_v what_o great_a incitement_n and_o clear_a discovery_n do_v the_o scripture_n afford_v of_o that_o bless_a way_n which_o be_v never_o know_v nor_o attain_v by_o nature_n how_o to_o get_v such_o prevail_a evil_n subdue_v yea_o how_o to_o improve_v injury_n to_o the_o great_a advantage_n and_o thus_o by_o overcome_v to_o gain_v the_o most_o glorious_a and_o desirable_a victory_n and_o revenge_n on_o such_o who_o have_v injure_v they_o by_o humble_a and_o tender_a forbearance_n and_o what_o a_o sweet_a facility_n may_v be_v find_v this_o way_n when_o the_o first_o wave_n and_o assault_n be_v who_o be_v once_o break_v and_o resist_v but_o great_a strength_n still_o lie_v in_o the_o first_o assault_n 4._o ground_n and_o pretence_n for_o prejudic_n in_o these_o time_n be_v that_o so_o little_a evidence_n seem_v of_o tenderness_n and_o a_o convince_a serious_a practice_n even_o in_o their_o way_n who_o have_v a_o name_n &_o repute_v of_o religion_n with_o such_o abound_a offence_n as_o give_v occasion_n not_o only_o to_o question_v the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o profession_n bot_n to_o stumble_v at_o the_o very_a form_n and_o appearance_n of_o godliness_n answ_n though_o nothing_o shall_v be_v more_o dreadful_a then_o for_o any_o to_o make_v the_o truth_n accessary_a to_o their_o sin_n or_o take_v thus_o shelter_v under_o its_o patiociny_n yet_o since_o it_o be_v so_o great_a a_o concern_v to_o vindicâ—t_v pure_a and_o undefiled_a religion_n and_o the_o spotless_a rule_n and_o pattern_n thereof_o in_o a_o day_n of_o such_o reproach_n and_o when_o any_o advantage_n be_v so_o eager_o seek_v and_o follow_v for_o this_o end_n i_o will_v but_o offer_v some_o few_o thing_n to_o plead_v with_o their_o conscience_n who_o thus_o be_v in_o more_o hazard_n to_o undo_v and_o break_v themselves_o then_o to_o hurt_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o truth_n 1._o if_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v more_o to_o shake_v and_o stumble_v if_o such_o offence_n be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n when_o so_o express_o fortolde_v as_o the_o scripture_n else_o shall_v want_v a_o most_o convince_a seal_n and_o witness_v thereto_o yea_o when_o thus_o you_o may_v see_v that_o not_o only_o a_o empty_a show_n and_o the_o hypocrisy_n of_o some_o bot_n the_o record_a blemish_n and_o fall_v of_o the_o saint_n their_o to_o be_v demonstrative_a and_o confirm_v of_o the_o truth_n all_o be_v well_o as_o the_o bright_a est_fw-fr evidence_n and_o lustre_n of_o their_o grace_n 2._o i_o confess_v it_o be_v a_o suitable_a inference_n for_o none_o to_o engage_v with_o the_o profession_n of_o godliness_n without_o the_o power_n and_o how_o dreadful_a a_o part_n such_o act_n who_o live_v stranger_n thereto_o but_o how_o strange_a and_o astonish_v be_v it_o for_o such_o as_o be_v ungodly_a thus_o to_o justify_v their_o own_o way_n