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ground_n apostle_n church_n true_a 1,505 5 5.2874 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A39752 The church wounded and rent by a spirit of division held forth in a short account of some sad differences hath been of late in the Church of Scotland, with the occasion, grounds, and too evident product therof whose wounds are bleeding to this day : togither with some vindication of the truth, and principles of our church in this present state of things from unjust revilings and reproach, and a few words in the close with respect to what are the greatest concerns of Christians exercise and duty in these times. Fleming, Robert, 1630-1694. 1681 (1681) Wing F1263; ESTC R20193 71,267 55

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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 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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 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a_o serious_a adherence_n to_o the_o government_n and_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n over_o his_o church_n for_o which_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o law_n and_o institution_n be_v so_o unanswerable_o clear_a shall_v be_v judge_v incompatible_a with_o the_o civil_a interest_n and_o security_n of_o the_o state_n for_o answ_n if_o man_n shut_v their_o own_o eye_n where_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o clear_a and_o have_v thus_o show_v we_o not_o only_o what_o be_v just_a but_o what_o be_v good_a and_o how_o assure_o this_o be_v the_o great_a concern_v of_o a_o nation_n to_o have_v the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o right_n thereof_o establish_v and_o keep_v up_o when_o the_o ve●y_v express_v intent_n and_o tendence_n thereof_o be_v to_o promote_v and_o transmit_v both_o the_o purity_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n to_o the_o present_a and_o succeed_a age_n i_o confess_v there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n then_o in_o such_o a_o case_n but_o if_o principle_n of_o self_n love_n to_o our_o temporal_a advantage_n and_o such_o pretend_a respect_n to_o the_o public_a interest_n of_o the_o land_n bear_v any_o weight_n i_o will_v but_o plead_v a_o little_a with_o a_o serious_a appeal_n to_o these_o principle_n which_o our_o adversary_n do_v yet_o own_o and_o assent_v to_o if_o the_o truth_n and_o serious_a practice_n of_o godliness_n and_o these_o mean_n which_o be_v necessary_o direct_v thereto_o be_v not_o visible_o the_o great_a interest_n and_o safety_n of_o a_o nation_n and_o to_o have_v the_o further_a awe_n and_o reverence_n thereof_o keep_v up_o upon_o these_o ground_n 1._o because_o thus_o be_v the_o great_a enforcement_n of_o civil_a duty_n by_o a_o religious_a tie_n and_o on_o principle_n of_o conscience_n 2._o that_o this_o tend_v to_o the_o further_a advance_v and_o improvement_n of_o human_a nature_n both_o to_o make_v human_a society_n sweet_a and_o desirable_a and_o for_o a_o more_o vigorous_a and_o true_a improvement_n of_o man_n natural_a ability_n for_o the_o public_a good_a interest_n of_o that_o place_n 3._o and_o can_v this_o be_v a_o public_a grievance_n which_o bring_v the_o great_a enforcement_n to_o sincerity_n candour_n and_o truth_n which_o as_o it_o be_v essential_o necessary_a for_o the_o establishment_n of_o justice_n and_o moral_a righteousness_n so_o tend_v to_o beget_v true_a mutual_a assurance_n both_o in_o word_n and_o act_n among_o man_n and_o how_o possible_o can_v a_o nation_n be_v safe_a or_o any_o true_a intercourse_n and_o security_n in_o our_o personal_a concern_v where_o truth_n and_o godliness_n have_v no_o due_a respect_n there_o 4._o be_v it_o not_o thus_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o several_a relation_n be_v most_o promote_v yea_o which_o give_v the_o great_a security_n to_o civil_a government_n and_o set_v home_o on_o man_n heart_n their_o obligation_n to_o magistracy_n as_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n not_o from_o fear_n but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o it_o be_v little_o know_v what_o hide_v pledge_n such_o as_o be_v true_o godly_a be_v of_o the_o peace_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o land_n they_o be_v in_o 5._o can_v the_o bless_a tendency_n of_o truth_n and_o godliness_n be_v under_o deba●e_n to_o subdue_v the_o disease_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o restrain_v these_o exorbitance_n of_o pride_n envy_n wrath_n ambition_n &c_n &c_n beyond_o the_o further_a reach_n of_o all_o humane_a law_n which_o have_v still_o so_o deplorable_a effect_n every_o where_o and_o raise_v too_o visible_o most_o of_o these_o storm_n and_o tempest_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o cause_v so_o dreadful_a disorder_n among_o man_n 6._o it_o be_v sure_a also_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n must_v needs_o lead_v man_n to_o be_v quiet_a and_o do_v their_o own_o business_n yea_o for_o such_o as_o be_v in_o that_o condition_n to_o work_v with_o their_o own_o hand_n 1_o thess_n 5_o 11._o and_o to_o abide_v in_o that_o call_n in_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v place_v they_o and_o to_o painfulness_n and_o industry_n therein_o to_o be_v no_o busy_a meddler_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o other_o and_o that_o no_o man_n go_v about_o to_o defraud_v his_o brother_n that_o none_o render_v evil_a for_o evil_n unto_o any_o which_o as_o they_o be_v most_o express_a scripture_n command_v must_v demonstrative_o witness_v this_o like_a way_n what_o a_o public_a blessing_n truth_n and_o godliness_n be_v to_o the_o land_n wherein_o it_o be_v keep_v up_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v this_o more_o what_o regard_n even_o on_o politic_a ground_n shall_v be_v to_o that_o which_o so_o necessary_o bring_v therewith_o the_o love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o to_o do_v unto_o other_o as_o we_o will_v be_v deal_v with_o by_o they_o as_o also_o tenderness_n to_o the_o afflict_a a_o compassionate_a spirit_n to_o relieve_v such_o as_o be_v in_o distress_n with_o hospitality_n to_o stranger_n which_o must_v needs_o have_v a_o vigorous_a exercise_n there_o where_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v entertain_v as_o be_v so_o essential_a a_o part_n of_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n section_n v._n after_o some_o thought_n on_o this_o sad_a and_o unpleasing_a subject_n of_o the_o late_a difference_n in_o our_o church_n i_o will_v desire_v yet_o in_o the_o shut_n up_o thereof_o to_o speak_v a_o few_o word_n on_o a_o more_o practical_a concern_v that_o may_v lead_v in_o and_o leave_v the_o reader_n on_o another_o scent_n and_o inquiry_n which_o i_o fear_v in_o this_o strange_a crowd_n and_o noise_n have_v be_v of_o public_a debate_n by_o too_o many_o be_v much_o lose_v and_o shall_v touch_v this_o in_o thes_n 4._o particular_n o_o that_o with_o a_o blessing_n from_o he_o who_o can_v serve_v himself_o of_o the_o mean_a thing_n it_o may_v be_v make_v a_o word_n in_o season_n to_o my_o in_o such_o time_n 1._o to_o consider_v what_o may_v most_o contribute_v to_o a_o christian_n joy_n and_o solid_a peace_n upon_o a_o after_o reckon_v with_o their_o own_o conscience_n as_o to_o their_o way_n in_o this_o winnow_a time_n when_o such_o hot_a contending_n have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n for_o which_o i_o will_v humble_o offer_v these_o 1._o what_o sweet_a peace_n will_v then_o be_v in_o have_v be_v keep_v close_o at_o home_n with_o a_o tender_a and_o jealous_a eye_n over_o the_o frame_n and_o temper_n of_o their_o own_o spirit_n since_o we_o can_v but_o see_v where_o the_o strength_n of_o these_o strange_a paroxysm_n of_o heat_n and_o bitterness_n among_o professor_n of_o the_o truth_n do_v now_o most_o lie_v that_o it_o be_v from_o these_o jar_a corruption_n upon_o the_o heart_n more_o than_o from_o any_o difference_n of_o light_n and_o judgement_n and_o which_o no_o eager_a dispute_n but_o a_o tender_a and_o lively_a practice_n in_o be_v exercise_v to_o godliness_n can_v effectual_o cure_v &_o then_o we_o may_v both_o hope_n for_o a_o bless_a heal_a composure_n under_o these_o different_a measure_n of_o light_n among_o christian_a and_o for_o a_o tender_a and_o humble_a reason_n in_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v when_o thus_o a_o more_o near_a conformity_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o rule_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v once_o reach_v which_o must_v needs_o subject_a the_o soul_n to_o account_v it_o our_o great_a honour_n to_o be_v overcome_v by_o the_o truth_n 2._o that_o they_o have_v be_v keep_v from_o any_o such_o precipitant_a judgement_n of_o other_o as_o usual_o follow_v on_o such_o debate_n and_o their_o spirit_n keep_v under_o some_o bless_a awe_n and_o restraint_n of_o these_o sudden_a violent_a commotion_n and_o truption_n of_o passion_n as_o run_v such_o unto_o most_o sad_a undecency_n to_o discredit_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n discompose_v themselves_o and_o wound_v their_o own_o conscience_n 3._o that_o they_o have_v be_v tender_a of_o practise_v that_o themselves_o which_o they_o have_v condemn_v in_o other_o by_o any_o such_o aim_v more_o how_o to_o revile_v then_o reclaim_v and_o to_o a_o heighten_v rather_o than_o heal_v of_o this_o strange_a breach_n 4._o that_o the_o flee_v of_o one_o extreme_a have_v still_o be_v with_o some_o regard_n of_o be_v keep_v from_o run_v on_o any_o other_o &_o of_o there_o have_v have_v impartial_a respect_n to_o entertain_v what_o ever_o be_v just_o approvable_a and_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n upon_o either_o hand_n yea_o not_o only_o with_o a_o humble_a cede_v in_o personal_a injury_n and_o such_o a_o tender_a manage_n of_o their_o own_o necessary_a vindication_n upon_o the_o revile_n of_o other_o as_o may_v tend_v to_o convince_v more_o then_o to_o provoke_v but_o that_o they_o have_v this_o testimony_n they_o do_v in_o earnest_n pray_v for_o such_o and_o seek_v their_o mercy_n and_o reclaim_v from_o the_o lord_n 5._o that_o no_o pretence_n or_o personal_a respect_n have_v shut_v their_o eye_n upon_o any_o visible_a hazard_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o of_o
appearance_n whilst_o he_o be_v in_o the_o earth_n yet_o be_v his_o undoubted_a image_n and_o portraiture_n draw_v to_o the_o life_n to_o be_v see_v here_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o holiness_n and_o how_o much_o shall_v this_o commend_v and_o endear_v truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n and_o tender_a walk_v with_o god_n unto_o christian_n that_o thus_o not_o only_o the_o reflection_n of_o his_o image_n on_o such_o may_v be_v convince_a to_o the_o world_n in_o who_o as_o so_o many_o mirror_n he_o have_v choise_v to_o shine_v forth_o and_o appear_v but_o that_o in_o this_o state_n of_o distance_n whilst_o they_o see_v he_o not_o who_o their_o soul_n love_v they_o may_v yet_o still_o wear_v his_o bless_a portraiture_n within_o on_o their_o heart_n and_o thus_o discerinble_o see_v he_o there_o until_o they_o be_v take_v up_o to_o himself_o for_o ever_o 6._o thus_o he_o can_v entertain_v his_o soul_n in_o so_o dismal_a a_o hour_n that_o he_o know_v assure_o there_o be_v comfort_n here_o which_o have_v no_o rise_n or_o affinity_n with_o the_o flesh_n unexpressible_o above_o all_o the_o grief_n of_o time_n and_o seek_v no_o credit_n from_o any_o on_o report_n but_o to_o be_v find_v upon_o sure_a trial_n such_o as_o no_o grief_n pain_n or_o pressure_n be_v yet_o ever_o at_o that_o height_n in_o the_o lot_n of_o any_o of_o the_o saint_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n can_v make_v sweet_a and_o easy_a to_o endure_v yea_o have_v oft_o look_v they_o out_o of_o pain_n with_o a_o present_a sensible_a outgate_n on_o their_o soul_n before_o any_o outward_a deliverance_n break_v up_o 7._o he_o know_v also_o that_o the_o great_a comfort_n within_o time_n be_v assure_o in_o the_o life_n and_o exercise_n of_o godliness_n when_o thus_o a_o sincere_a resignation_n be_v reach_v and_o a_o feel_n of_o themselves_o to_o offer_v free_o yea_o with_o joy_n their_o isaac_n and_o most_o endear_a endear_a interest_n to_o the_o lord_n in_o have_v credit_n his_o truth_n against_o visible_a ground_n of_o hope_n and_o their_o be_v help_v to_o cross_v some_o present_a desirable_a interest_n of_o sense_n on_o the_o alone_a encouragement_n of_o faith_n and_o when_o some_o remarkable_a sharp_a trial_n have_v be_v thus_o get_v well_o through_o upon_o this_o sweat_n reflection_n also_o of_o have_v gain_v a_o season_n and_o opportunity_n for_o the_o lord_n that_o may_v be_v for_o some_o fruit_n to_o his_o praise_n and_o of_o a_o straight_a and_o serious_a aim_n to_o please_v he_o when_o the_o visible_a displeasure_n of_o man_n have_v come_v in_o competition_n therewith_o o_o what_o pleasure_n and_o a_o abundant_a entry_n to_o a_o christian_n peace_n will_v be_v then_o feel_v 8._o he_o have_v this_o to_o be_v confirm_v what_o unexpressible_a delight_n and_o pleasure_n be_v find_v on_o displease_v the_o flesh_n even_o in_o its_o most_o impetuous_a and_o violent_a motion_n in_o trial_n of_o their_o obedience_n and_o love_n to_o christ_n what_o ever_o pain_n may_v be_v for_o a_o little_a in_o that_o conflict_n as_o let_v he_o see_v resistance_n to_o sin_n be_v the_o most_o gainful_a and_o rational_a act_n of_o his_o life_n whilst_o with_o any_o sinful_a delight_n which_o in_o a_o moment_n be_v go_v a_o embitter_a sting_n and_o inward_a shame_n upon_o the_o guilt_n thereof_o do_v then_o only_o abide_v yea_o be_v so_o try_v that_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n can_v never_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o way_n of_o pain_n and_o torment_n if_o the_o strength_n and_o malignity_n of_o the_o disease_n do_v not_o take_v of_o all_o sense_n thereof_o which_o as_o a_o bone_n out_o of_o joint_n have_v no_o ease_n nor_o do_v suffer_v the_o whole_a body_n to_o be_v at_o rest_n whilst_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n in_o close_o follow_v the_o rule_n and_o resist_v a_o present_a temptation_n what_o sweet_a peace_n humble_a confidence_n and_o comfortable_a access_n to_o god_n with_o inward_a rejoice_v be_v most_o sensible_o then_o find_v and_o how_o here_o only_o be_v the_o way_n of_o his_o relief_n and_o a_o great_a seal_n thus_o to_o the_o truth_n when_o he_o see_v so_o firm_a and_o indissoluble_a a_o tie_n betwixt_o peace_n and_o holiness_n as_o the_o worst_a of_o time_n can_v never_o break_v of_o 9_o he_o know_v that_o if_o no_o search_a trial_n there_o can_v be_v no_o triumph_n and_o in_o so_o far_o shall_v be_v shut_v out_o from_o the_o overcomer_n joy_n to_o which_o the_o forest_n wrestle_v of_o a_o christian_n when_o sanctifiing_o exercise_v must_v still_o make_v way_n 10._o and_o what_o thought_n may_v these_o be_v on_o a_o more_o deep_a reflection_n upon_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o prayer_n that_o here_o be_v no_o conjectural_a thing_n but_o such_o a_o passage_n be_v sure_a know_v and_o try_v betwixt_o heaven_n and_o a_o christian_n soul_n which_o have_v have_v so_o wonderful_a effect_n and_o certain_a return_n in_o the_o great_a exigence_n and_o strait_n and_o be_v not_o only_o a_o institute_v duty_n but_o mean_v of_o their_o relief_n yea_o not_o only_o the_o sweet_a way_n of_o converse_n with_o god_n here_o on_o the_o earth_n but_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a to_o prevail_v and_o obtain_v i_o shall_v but_o add_v a_o few_o word_n more_o now_o in_o the_o close_a and_o deteane_v the_o reader_n no_o further_o that_o it_o will_v have_v be_v judge_v the_o appearance_n of_o the_o time_n in_o this_o extreme_a exigence_n with_o what_o may_v be_v see_v of_o the_o deplorable_a state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o in_o britain_n but_o almost_o universal_o may_v ere_o now_o have_v allay_v these_o high_a distemper_n have_v be_v of_o late_a when_o popery_n be_v on_o so_o present_a and_o dreadful_a a_o approach_n as_o threaten_v to_o swallow_v up_o all_o and_o when_o that_o i_o which_o have_v be_v so_o long_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o dig_v under_o the_o ground_n seem_v so_o near_o to_o spring_v yea_o have_v get_v too_o visible_a advantage_n to_o enter_v at_o such_o a_o breach_n as_o have_v be_v of_o late_a and_o 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