without_o those_o ordinance_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o communion_n of_o saint_n which_o he_o call_v we_o unto_o and_o our_o soul_n breathe_v after_o or_o shall_v we_o forsake_v the_o public_a assembly_n and_o join_v together_o in_o private_a separate_a church_n how_o unsufferable_a it_o will_v then_o have_v be_v the_o great_a offence_n that_o now_o be_v take_v at_o it_o be_v a_o full_a evidence_n and_o if_o in_o city_n or_o some_o such_o great_a town_n that_o may_v have_v be_v do_v yet_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o so_o many_o scatter_a christian_n all_o over_o the_o country_n it_o be_v true_a we_o may_v have_v suffer_v if_o we_o have_v seek_v it_o we_o may_v easy_o have_v find_v the_o way_n to_o have_v fill_v the_o prison_n and_o some_o have_v their_o share_n therein_o but_o whether_o we_o be_v call_v thereunto_o when_o a_o wide_a door_n be_v set_v open_a of_o liberty_n otherwise_o and_o our_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n through_o the_o malignant_a policy_n of_o those_o time_n can_v not_o be_v open_a before_o the_o world_n but_o rather_o smother_v up_o in_o close_a prison_n or_o some_o such_o way_n together_o with_o ourselves_o we_o leave_v to_o be_v consider_v we_o can_v see_v but_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o saint_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o god_n saint_n in_o all_o age_n may_v allow_v we_o this_o liberty_n as_o well_o as_o other_o to_o fly_v into_o the_o wilderness_n from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o dragon_n but_o if_o it_o have_v be_v so_o that_o the_o godly_a minister_n and_o christian_n that_o flee_v to_o new-england_n be_v the_o most_o timorous_a and_o faint_a heart_a of_o all_o their_o brethren_n that_o stay_v behind_o and_o that_o those_o suffering_n be_v nothing_o in_o comparison_n of_o their_o brethren_n for_o why_o shall_v any_o bâ—ast_n of_o suffering_n yet_o who_o do_v not_o know_v that_o the_o spirit_n who_o give_v various_a gift_n and_o all_o to_o profit_v withal_o in_o such_o time_n do_v single_a out_o every_o one_o to_o such_o work_n as_o he_o in_o wisdom_n intend_v to_o call_v they_o unto_o and_o who_o the_o lord_n will_v honour_v by_o suffer_v for_o his_o cause_n by_o imprisonment_n etc._n etc._n he_o give_v they_o spirit_n suitable_a thereto_o who_o the_o lord_n will_v reserve_v for_o other_o service_n or_o employ_v in_o other_o place_n high_a incline_v their_o heart_n rather_o to_o fly_v give_v they_o a_o heart_n suitable_a to_o such_o a_o condition_n it_o be_v a_o case_n of_o conscience_n frequent_o put_v and_o oft_o resolve_v by_o holy_a bradford_n peter_n martyr_n philpot_n and_o other_o in_o queen_n mary_n bloody_a day_n viz._n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o flee_v out_o of_o the_o land_n to_o which_o their_o answer_n be_v that_o if_o god_n give_v a_o spirit_n of_o courage_n and_o willingness_n to_o glorify_v he_o by_o suffering_n they_o shall_v stay_v but_o if_o they_o find_v not_o such_o a_o spirit_n they_o may_v lawful_o fly_v yea_o they_o advise_v they_o thereunto_o those_o servant_n of_o christ_n though_o full_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n and_o of_o christ_n to_o outface_v the_o great_a persecuter_n in_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n unto_o the_o death_n yet_o do_v not_o complain_v of_o the_o cowardice_n of_o such_o as_o flee_v because_o they_o desert_v they_o and_o the_o cause_n but_o rather_o advise_v divers_a so_o to_o do_v and_o rejoice_v when_o god_n give_v liberty_n to_o their_o brethren_n to_o escape_v with_o their_o life_n to_o the_o place_n of_o liberty_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n according_a to_o his_o word_n neither_o be_v those_o faithful_a saint_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n useless_a and_o unprofitable_a in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o flee_v from_o the_o bloody_a prelate_n the_o infinite_a and_o only_a wise_a god_n have_v many_o work_n to_o do_v in_o the_o world_n and_o he_o do_v by_o his_o singular_a providence_n give_v gift_n to_o his_o servant_n and_o dispose_v they_o to_o his_o work_n as_o seem_v best_a to_o himself_o if_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v some_o to_o bear_v witness_n by_o imprisonment_n dismember_n etc._n etc._n we_o honour_v they_o therein_o if_o he_o will_v have_v other_o instrumental_a to_o promote_v reformation_n in_o england_n we_o honour_v they_o and_o rejoice_v in_o their_o holy_a endeavour_n pray_v for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o themselves_o and_o labour_n and_o what_o if_o god_n will_v have_v his_o church_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n go_v up_o also_o in_o these_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o world_n that_o his_o name_n may_v be_v know_v to_o the_o heathen_a or_o whatsoever_o other_o end_n he_o have_v and_o to_o this_o end_n will_v send_v forth_o a_o company_n of_o weakhearted_a christian_n which_o dare_v not_o stay_v at_o home_n to_o suffer_v why_o shall_v we_o not_o let_v the_o lord_n alone_o and_o rejoice_v that_o christ_n be_v preach_v howsoever_o and_o wheresoever_o and_o who_o can_v say_v that_o this_o work_n be_v not_o undertake_v and_o carry_v on_o with_o sincere_a and_o right_a end_n and_o in_o a_o holy_a serious_a manner_n by_o the_o chief_a and_o the_o body_n of_o such_o as_o undertake_v the_o same_o the_o lord_n know_v whether_o the_o sincere_a desire_n of_o worship_v himself_o according_a to_o his_o will_n of_o promote_a and_o propagate_a the_o gospel_n be_v not_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o very_a many_o in_o this_o enterprise_n and_o he_o that_o see_v in_o secret_a and_o reward_v open_o know_v what_o prayer_n and_o tear_n have_v be_v pour_v out_o to_o god_n by_o many_o alone_a and_o in_o day_n of_o fast_v and_o prayer_n of_o god_n servant_n together_o for_o his_o counsel_n direction_n assistance_n blessing_n in_o this_o work_n how_o many_o long_n and_o pant_n of_o heart_n have_v be_v in_o many_o after_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o see_v his_o go_n in_o his_o sanctuary_n as_o the_o one_o thing_n their_o soul_n desire_v and_o request_v of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v dwell_v in_o his_o house_n for_o ever_o the_o fruit_n of_o which_o prayer_n and_o desire_n this_o liberty_n of_o new-england_n have_v be_v take_v to_o be_v and_o thankful_o receive_v from_o god_n yea_o how_o many_o serious_a consultation_n with_o one_o another_o and_o with_o the_o faithful_a minister_n and_o other_o eminent_a servant_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v take_v about_o this_o work_n be_v not_o unknown_a to_o some_o which_o clear_v we_o from_o any_o rash_a heady_a rush_v into_o this_o place_n out_o of_o discontent_n as_o many_o be_v ready_a to_o conceive_v we_o will_v here_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o person_n who_o heart_n the_o lord_n stir_v up_o in_o this_o business_n sure_o all_o be_v not_o rash_a weake-spirited_n inconsiderate_a of_o what_o they_o leave_v behind_o or_o of_o what_o it_o be_v to_o go_v into_o a_o wilderness_n but_o if_o it_o be_v well_o know_v and_o consider_v or_o if_o we_o be_v able_a to_o express_v and_o recount_v the_o singular_a work_n of_o divine_a providence_n for_o the_o bring_n on_o of_o this_o work_n to_o what_o it_o be_v come_v unto_o it_o will_v stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o all_o that_o have_v not_o a_o heart_n to_o accuse_v and_o blaspheme_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o his_o glorious_a work_n whatever_o many_o may_v say_v or_o think_v we_o believe_v aftertime_n will_v admire_v and_o adore_v the_o lord_n herein_o when_o all_o his_o holy_a end_n and_o the_o way_n he_o have_v use_v to_o bring_v they_o about_o shall_v appear_v look_v from_o one_o end_n of_o the_o heaven_n to_o another_o whether_o the_o lord_n have_v assay_v to_o do_v such_o a_o work_n as_o this_o in_o any_o nation_n so_o to_o carry_v out_o a_o people_n of_o his_o own_o from_o so_o flourish_v a_o state_n to_o a_o wilderness_n so_o far_o distant_a for_o such_o end_n and_o for_o such_o a_o work_n yea_o and_o in_o few_o year_n have_v do_v for_o they_o as_o he_o have_v here_o do_v for_o his_o poor_a despise_a people_n when_o we_o look_v back_o and_o consider_v what_o a_o strange_a poise_n of_o spirit_n the_o lord_n have_v lay_v upon_o many_o of_o our_o heart_n we_o can_v but_o wonder_v at_o ourselves_o that_o so_o many_o and_o some_o so_o weak_a and_o tender_a with_o such_o cheerfulness_n and_o constant_a resolution_n against_o so_o many_o persuasion_n of_o friend_n discouragement_n from_o the_o ill_a report_n of_o this_o country_n the_o strait_n want_n and_o trial_n of_o god_n people_n in_o it_o etc._n etc._n yet_o shall_v leave_v our_o accommodation_n and_o comfort_n shall_v forsake_v our_o dear_a relation_n parent_n brethren_n sister_n christian_a friend_n and_o acquaintance_n overlook_v all_o the_o danger_n and_o difficulty_n of_o the_o vast_a sea_n the_o thought_n whereof_o be_v a_o terror_n to_o many_o and_o all_o this_o to_o go_v to_o a_o wilderness_n where_o we_o can_v forecast_v nothing_o but_o care_n
and_o temptation_n only_o in_o hope_n of_o enjoy_v christ_n in_o his_o ordinance_n in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o people_n be_v this_o from_o a_o stupid_a senselessness_n or_o desperate_a carelessness_n what_o become_v of_o we_o or_o we_o or_o want_v of_o natural_a affection_n to_o our_o dear_a country_n or_o near_a relation_n no_o sure_o with_o what_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n to_o our_o dear_a country_n with_o what_o heart-breaking_a affection_n to_o our_o dear_a relation_n and_o christian_a friend_n many_o of_o we_o at_o least_o come_v away_o the_o lord_n be_v witness_v what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o the_o singular_a providence_n of_o god_n bring_v so_o many_o shiploads_a of_o his_o people_n through_o so_o many_o danger_n as_o upon_o eagle's_n wing_n with_o so_o much_o safety_n from_o year_n to_o year_n the_o fatherly_a â—are_n of_o our_o god_n in_o feed_v and_o clothing_n so_o many_o in_o a_o wilderness_n give_v such_o healthfulness_n and_o great_a increase_n of_o posterity_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o the_o work_n itself_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o form_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n erect_v in_o a_o wilderness_n and_o in_o so_o few_o year_n bring_v to_o that_o state_n that_o scarce_o the_o like_a can_v be_v see_v in_o any_o of_o our_o english_a colony_n in_o the_o rich_a place_n of_o this_o america_n after_o many_o more_o year_n stand_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v carry_v the_o spirit_n of_o so_o many_o of_o his_o people_n through_o all_o their_o toilsome_a labour_n want_n difficulty_n loss_n etc._n etc._n with_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o chearfulnesse_n and_o contentation_n but_o above_o all_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v the_o singular_a pity_n and_o mercy_n of_o our_o god_n that_o have_v do_v all_o this_o and_o much_o more_o for_o a_o people_n so_o unworthy_a so_o sinful_a that_o by_o murmur_n of_o many_o unfaithfulnesse_n in_o promise_n oppression_n and_o other_o evil_n which_o be_v find_v among_o we_o have_v so_o dishonour_v his_o majesty_n expose_v his_o work_n here_o to_o much_o scandal_n and_o obloquy_n for_o which_o we_o have_v cause_n for_o ever_o to_o be_v ashamed_a that_o the_o lord_n shall_v yet_o own_v we_o and_o rather_o correct_v we_o in_o mercy_n than_o cast_v we_o off_o in_o displeasure_n and_o scatter_v we_o in_o this_o wilderness_n which_o give_v we_o cause_n with_o mich._n 7._o to_o say_v who_o be_v a_o god_n like_o our_o god_n that_o pardon_v iniquity_n and_o pass_v by_o the_o transgression_n of_o the_o remnant_n of_o his_o heritage_n even_o because_o he_o delight_v in_o mercy_n though_o we_o be_v a_o people_n of_o many_o weakness_n and_o want_n yet_o we_o acknowledge_v our_o god_n to_o have_v be_v to_o we_o a_o god_n of_o many_o mercy_n in_o respect_n of_o that_o sweet_a peace_n which_o he_o have_v take_v away_o from_o so_o many_o nation_n yet_o continue_v the_o same_o to_o we_o in_o respect_n also_o of_o that_o liberty_n we_o have_v in_o god_n house_n the_o bless_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n the_o sweet_a unity_n and_o communion_n of_o god_n church_n and_o minister_n increase_n and_o multiplication_n of_o church_n christian_a government_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o many_o other_o mercy_n we_o enjoy_v but_o especial_o the_o gracious_a presence_n of_o christ_n to_o many_o of_o our_o soul_n in_o all_o these_o but_o we_o will_v not_o insist_v much_o upon_o this_o subject_n be_v persuade_v it_o be_v in_o the_o conscience_n and_o heart_n of_o many_o of_o our_o dear_a countryman_n to_o think_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v a_o object_n of_o love_n and_o tenderness_n to_o that_o state_n and_o people_n by_o who_o law_n and_o unkind_a usage_n we_o be_v drive_v out_o into_o a_o wilderness_n rather_o than_o to_o be_v judge_v as_o desertor_n of_o our_o brethren_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n in_o hand_n with_o who_o excuse_v we_o if_o we_o now_o speak_v plain_o it_o have_v be_v far_o more_o easy_a unto_o many_o of_o we_o to_o have_v suffer_v then_o to_o have_v adventure_v hither_o upon_o the_o wilderness_n sorrow_n we_o expect_v to_o have_v meet_v withal_o though_o we_o must_v confess_v the_o lord_n have_v sweeten_v it_o beyond_o our_o thought_n and_o utmost_a expectation_n of_o prudent_a man_n but_o pass_v by_o this_o we_o must_v desire_v the_o reader_n to_o bear_v with_o we_o a_o little_a in_o remove_v that_o apprehension_n that_o we_o be_v the_o great_a stumble_a block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o reformation_n which_o if_o it_o be_v true_a it_o have_v be_v better_a we_o have_v be_v drive_v so_o far_o into_o this_o wilderness_n as_o never_o to_o have_v be_v hear_v of_o more_o concern_v our_o affection_n to_o this_o bless_a work_n of_o a_o public_a reformation_n of_o the_o nation_n in_o general_a and_o the_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n of_o the_o land_n in_o particular_a as_o it_o be_v best_o know_v to_o god_n so_o we_o think_v it_o be_v not_o unknown_a to_o man_n not_o only_o here_o by_o our_o daily_a prayer_n for_o it_o and_o sometime_o solemn_a seeking_n of_o god_n about_o it_o but_o also_o we_o have_v give_v some_o testimony_n thereof_o both_o by_o private_a letter_n and_o the_o public_a motion_n of_o some_o of_o god_n eminent_a servant_n among_o we_o tend_v that_o way_n we_o conceive_v two_o thing_n special_o in_o our_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n that_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v stumble_v block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o this_o public_a reformation_n which_o we_o shall_v here_o remove_v the_o first_o be_v our_o practice_n wherein_o we_o seem_v so_o much_o to_o differ_v from_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o receive_v to_o our_o church_n only_o visible_a saint_n and_o believer_n this_o we_o do_v free_o confess_v that_o our_o practice_n and_o judgement_n do_v evidence_n this_o to_o all_o that_o we_o think_v reformation_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o only_o consist_v in_o purge_v out_o corrupt_a worship_n and_o set_v up_o the_o true_a but_o also_o in_o purge_v the_o church_n from_o such_o profaneness_n and_o sinfulness_n as_o be_v scandalous_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o make_v the_o lord_n weary_a of_o his_o own_o ordinance_n isaiah_n 1_o and_o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o this_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o many_o if_o not_o most_o of_o god_n servant_n to_o desire_v a_o separation_n of_o the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a in_o the_o dispense_n of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o if_o the_o charity_n of_o some_o be_v of_o large_a extent_n herein_o than_o other_o this_o hinder_v not_o agreement_n in_o the_o main_a this_o day_n have_v discover_v what_o kind_n of_o people_n be_v to_o be_v find_v every_o where_o in_o the_o parish_n of_o england_n can_v light_n and_o darkness_n christ_n and_o belial_n agree_v together_o popish_a episcopal_a enemy_n and_o hater_n of_o all_o godliness_n and_o reformation_n cleave_v together_o in_o one_o church_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n yet_o neither_o our_o doctrine_n nor_o practice_n do_v prescribe_v and_o limit_v the_o way_n of_o attain_v this_o reformation_n whereby_o any_o shall_v just_o from_o our_o example_n stand_v off_o from_o concur_v in_o such_o a_o public_a work_n it_o be_v true_a where_o there_o be_v no_o church_n relation_n but_o a_o people_n be_v to_o begin_v a_o new_a constitute_v of_o church_n reformation_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v in_o the_o first_o constitution_n this_o be_v our_o case_n but_o where_o corrupt_a church_n such_o as_o we_o conceive_v the_o congregation_n of_o england_n general_o to_o be_v be_v to_o be_v reform_v there_o we_o conceive_v that_o such_o congregation_n shall_v be_v call_v by_o able_a minister_n unto_o repentance_n for_o former_a evil_n and_o confess_v and_o bewail_v their_o sin_n renew_v a_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o god_n to_o reform_v themselves_o and_o to_o submit_v unto_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n by_o which_o mean_v such_o as_o refuse_v so_o to_o do_v exclude_v themselves_o and_o other_o by_o the_o severity_n of_o discipline_n shall_v be_v purge_v out_o if_o fall_v into_o sin_n they_o remain_v impenitent_a in_o the_o same_o what_o some_o particular_a person_n may_v have_v say_v or_o do_v contrary_a to_o this_o our_o profession_n we_o can_v say_v nor_o do_v we_o justify_v but_o we_o know_v nothing_o that_o have_v come_v from_o we_o to_o the_o contrary_a to_o weaken_v the_o hand_n of_o godly_a reformer_n or_o to_o persuade_v the_o people_n to_o separate_v from_o the_o congregation_n if_o by_o any_o mean_n they_o may_v attain_v with_o toleration_n of_o what_o can_v be_v the_o reformation_n thereof_o with_o the_o liberty_n of_o god_n true_a worship_n therein_o if_o indeed_o that_o can_v be_v obtain_v but_o man_n contradict_v and_o blaspheme_v they_o as_o paul_n separate_v the_o disciple_n so_o we_o see_v no_o other_o remedy_n the_o faithful_a have_v in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o second_o stumble_v block_n may_v be_v our_o
doctrine_n and_o practice_n about_o church-government_n when_o we_o give_v discipline_n as_o well_o as_o other_o ordinance_n to_o particular_a church_n not_o subject_v they_o to_o any_o government_n out_o of_o themselves_o but_o only_o to_o take_v the_o brotherly_a counsel_n and_o help_v one_o of_o another_o but_o how_o this_o shall_v hinder_v a_o general_a reformation_n we_o see_v not_o for_o if_o every_o church_n so_o reform_v themselves_o as_o be_v aforesaid_a and_o have_v such_o officer_n over_o they_o as_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n require_v 1_o tim._n 3._o tit._n 2._o we_o need_v not_o fear_v to_o betrust_v the_o church_n have_v such_o officer_n with_o that_o power_n which_o we_o conceive_v christ_n have_v give_v to_o the_o same_o other_o church_n watch_v over_o they_o counsel_v and_o admonish_v they_o in_o the_o lord_n but_o if_o there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o such_o guide_v set_v over_o they_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o a_o presbytery_n of_o such_o pastor_n as_o may_v not_o be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n may_v as_o much_o abuse_v they_o as_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v do_v and_o it_o may_v be_v to_o the_o hurt_n of_o many_o who_o will_v use_v they_o better_o in_o their_o own_o congregation_n than_o they_o can_v in_o a_o classis_fw-la be_v over-voted_n there_o and_o we_o can_v conceive_v but_o both_o the_o care_n of_o reform_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o church_n and_o the_o recall_v of_o the_o power_n of_o government_n to_o the_o church_n tend_v much_o to_o further_o this_o work_n of_o reformation_n no_o way_n to_o hinder_v the_o same_o and_o if_o we_o may_v obtain_v that_o of_o our_o dear_a brethren_n which_o we_o humble_o crave_v viz._n that_o our_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n may_v be_v take_v candid_o according_a to_o our_o plain_a meaning_n and_o declaration_n and_o not_o represent_v unto_o the_o world_n under_o such_o shape_n and_o form_n as_o make_v it_o seem_v rigid_a all_o one_o with_o the_o most_o rigid_a separatist_n donatist_n arminian_n socinian_o etc._n etc._n we_o shall_v hope_v that_o we_o shall_v go_v for_o lover_n and_o friend_n to_o a_o godly_a and_o general_a reformation_n not_o for_o disturber_n of_o the_o same_o but_o the_o contrary_a deal_n we_o meet_v with_o too_o too_o oft_o through_o the_o mistake_v of_o brethren_n this_o learned_a author_n mr._n ball_n though_o in_o the_o epistle_n he_o desire_v we_o to_o rest_v assure_v that_o although_o he_o have_v conceive_v such_o thought_n of_o we_o as_o lean_v to_o separation_n yet_o he_o will_v glad_o receive_v every_o syllable_n from_o we_o that_o shall_v dislodge_v such_o thought_n yet_o against_o our_o plain_a profession_n sometime_o he_o will_v needs_o fasten_v the_o opinion_n of_o separation_n upon_o we_o and_o very_o frequent_o set_v mr._n robinson_n in_o a_o parallel_n with_o our_o opinion_n as_o if_o we_o general_o go_v that_o way_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v well_o know_v to_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o many_o of_o our_o godly_a and_o best_a reformer_n the_o learned_a may_v plain_o see_v how_o easy_a it_o have_v be_v for_o we_o and_o upon_o better_a ground_n to_o have_v fill_v our_o margin_n with_o quotation_n out_o of_o papist_n and_o prelate_n as_o parallel_v with_o many_o passage_n of_o this_o reply_n but_o we_o have_v purposely_o abstain_v from_o so_o do_v that_o we_o may_v not_o cast_v any_o blur_v or_o provoke_v the_o spirit_n of_o brethren_n and_o see_v we_o be_v enforce_v to_o wipe_v off_o such_o aspersion_n we_o humble_o desire_v our_o belove_a brethren_n who_o learned_a labour_n we_o honour_v to_o bear_v with_o we_o if_o we_o light_o touch_v this_o sore_a for_o we_o confess_v it_o bring_v blush_v into_o our_o face_n and_o sadness_n to_o our_o heart_n to_o read_v so_o often_o such_o harsh_a imputation_n cast_v upon_o we_o which_o we_o can_v conceive_v but_o fall_v from_o such_o pen_n they_o breed_v a_o strange_a loathe_n of_o we_o in_o the_o stomach_n of_o many_o that_o read_v book_n without_o serious_a examination_n thereof_o first_o how_o oft_o do_v we_o meet_v with_o that_o imputation_n that_o we_o make_v none_o member_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n but_o such_o as_o be_v real_o saint_n and_o believer_n contrary_a to_o our_o frequent_a profession_n that_o visible_a saint_n that_o be_v such_o in_o judgement_n of_o charity_n be_v fit_a matter_n of_o the_o church_n second_o that_o we_o make_v a_o vocal_a church_n oath_n or_o covenant_n the_o essential_a form_n of_o a_o church_n when_o as_o we_o frequent_o acknowledge_v that_o this_o covenant_n which_o constitute_v a_o church_n iâ—_n either_o implicit_a or_o explicit_a and_o that_o congregation_n in_o england_n be_v true_o church_n have_v a_o implicit_a covenant_n and_o it_o be_v far_o from_o our_o practice_n to_o use_v any_o oath_n in_o our_o covenant_n and_o strange_a to_o we_o to_o read_v so_o many_o page_n against_o our_o church_n oath_n and_o swear_v to_o a_o covenant_n to_o make_v our_o course_n horrid_a and_o too_o too_o rigorous_a three_o that_o we_o set_v up_o a_o popular_a government_n make_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n no_o more_o but_o moderator_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o minister_n receive_v their_o power_n from_o the_o people_n be_v their_o servant_n and_o administer_v in_o their_o name_n as_o mr._n ball_n and_o other_o object_n when_o we_o oft_o profess_v the_o contrary_a that_o all_o authority_n proper_o so_o call_v be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o elder_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n be_v to_o be_v carry_v in_o a_o way_n of_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n neither_o do_v it_o follow_v from_o any_o doctrine_n of_o we_o no_o more_o then_o from_o the_o ordination_n of_o pastor_n by_o the_o presbytery_n that_o they_o be_v their_o servant_n etc._n etc._n four_o that_o if_o a_o congregation_n reject_v a_o pastor_n for_o no_o fault_n they_o take_v both_o nomen_fw-la &_o esse_fw-la the_o name_n and_o nature_n of_o a_o pastor_n from_o he_o for_o this_o the_o reader_n be_v refer_v to_o our_o answer_n of_o the_o twenty_o five_o question_n of_o the_o thirty_o two_o question_n send_v unto_o we_o where_o nothing_o at_o all_o be_v say_v but_o reference_n be_v make_v to_o our_o answer_n to_o the_o nine_o question_n among_o which_o the_o seven_o be_v of_o this_o very_a point_n our_o answer_n be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o what_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o our_o word_n be_v these_o concern_v the_o minister_n himself_o thus_o depose_v etc._n etc._n we_o conceive_v though_o he_o be_v by_o they_o deprive_v of_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o ministry_n among_o they_o yet_o until_o he_o accept_v of_o a_o call_n to_o another_o people_n he_o still_o remain_v a_o minister_n of_o christ_n in_o who_o account_n he_o have_v true_a right_n of_o administration_n among_o the_o people_n now_o if_o he_o remain_v a_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v true_a right_a to_o administer_v let_v any_o judge_n whether_o we_o take_v away_o nomen_fw-la or_o esse_fw-la or_o that_o we_o make_v church_n censure_n work_v ex_fw-la opere_fw-la operato_fw-la cleave_v errante_fw-la as_o be_v also_o impute_v to_o we_o many_o such_o mistake_v we_o find_v but_o let_v these_o suffice_v to_o inform_v the_o reader_n how_o wary_a he_o have_v need_n be_v in_o receive_v such_o report_n against_o brethren_n and_o this_o charity_n we_o have_v cause_v the_o more_o earnest_o to_o crave_v of_o all_o that_o they_o will_v reserve_v one_o ear_n to_o hear_v what_o their_o poor_a outcast_a brethren_n can_v say_v for_o themselves_o because_o we_o be_v place_v at_o such_o a_o distance_n and_o disadvantage_n that_o ofttimes_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o such_o objection_n and_o return_v a_o answer_n under_o a_o year_n or_o almost_o two_o year_n whereby_o satan_n have_v a_o marvelous_a advantage_n to_o work_v strange_a thoughtâ—_n and_o distasteful_a affection_n towards_o we_o and_o fasten_v they_o so_o deep_o that_o hardly_o they_o will_v be_v take_v off_o again_o but_o thus_o it_o fall_v out_o too_o too_o frequent_o that_o when_o brethren_n otherwise_o dear_a to_o each_o other_o differ_v in_o their_o judgement_n and_o break_v out_o to_o open_a contention_n about_o the_o same_o they_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o make_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o contrary_a party_n as_o unpleasing_a and_o absurd_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o as_o may_v be_v whence_o grief_n offence_n and_o alienation_n of_o affection_n through_o the_o subtlety_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v ready_a to_o follow_v and_o this_o make_v we_o both_o fearful_a of_o ourselves_o lest_o we_o shall_v give_v way_n to_o any_o unloving_a thought_n towards_o the_o dear_a servant_n of_o christ_n or_o return_v any_o offensive_a language_n unto_o they_o yea_o this_o cause_v we_o
oft_o to_o bewail_v that_o which_o can_v never_o be_v enough_o lament_v the_o sad_a distance_n and_o sharp_a contention_n between_o such_o near_a brethren_n who_o the_o lord_n have_v so_o conjoin_v in_o the_o same_o cause_n of_o reformation_n and_o oh_o that_o our_o dear_a brethren_n will_v bear_v with_o we_o a_o little_a here_o and_o give_v we_o leave_v to_o pour_v out_o our_o humble_a and_o affectionate_a request_n and_o expostulation_n into_o their_o bosom_n we_o will_v be_v very_o loath_a to_o impute_v any_o thing_n to_o our_o dear_a country_n and_o belove_a brethren_n that_o be_v not_o evident_a or_o to_o rip_v up_o private_a fail_n and_o make_v they_o public_a but_o when_o pulpit_n and_o press_n proclaim_v to_o the_o world_n not_o only_o the_o distance_n in_o judgement_n but_o also_o alienation_n of_o affection_n when_o there_o be_v such_o strain_v to_o make_v the_o contrary_a tenant_n as_o odious_a to_o the_o world_n as_o may_v be_v such_o enlarge_n of_o difference_n as_o if_o the_o wound_n can_v never_o be_v heal_v such_o gall_n and_o vinegar_n pour_v on_o in_o stead_n of_o the_o salt_n of_o savoury_a speech_n and_o the_o oil_n of_o smooth_a and_o soft_a word_n to_o calm_v and_o pacify_v spirit_n already_o provoke_v yea_o when_o there_o want_v not_o some_o that_o seek_v all_o private_a letter_n they_o can_v gather_v up_o and_o search_v every_o corner_n to_o discover_v and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n the_o seem_a fail_n of_o brethren_n when_o contention_n be_v grow_v to_o that_o pass_n that_o such_o orthodox_n learned_a and_o godly_a brethren_n who_o faithful_a labour_n in_o the_o lord_n work_v and_o great_a service_n and_o use_v they_o may_v be_v of_o in_o time_n to_o come_v may_v worthy_o plead_v for_o a_o room_n in_o the_o bosom_n and_o inmost_a affection_n of_o their_o brethren_n be_v cry_v out_o against_o as_o not_o to_o be_v endure_v in_o the_o country_n because_o of_o some_o difference_n in_o some_o point_n of_o discipline_n when_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o who_o that_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o god_n dishonour_n or_o true_a love_n to_o his_o country_n good_a can_v forbear_v from_o tear_n or_o hold_v his_o peace_n that_o have_v any_o opportunity_n to_o utter_v his_o grief_n we_o will_v not_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o say_v who_o begin_v this_o fray_n or_o who_o have_v most_o transgress_v the_o rule_n of_o charity_n and_o wisdom_n the_o lord_n give_v every_o man_n a_o heart_n that_o have_v fail_v to_o be_v affect_v with_o their_o own_o and_o ready_a to_o pity_v and_o pardon_v one_o another_o weakness_n neither_o do_v we_o hereby_o blame_v love_v and_o candid_a debate_v of_o difference_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n but_o give_v we_o leave_v to_o say_v thus_o much_o to_o all_o for_o our_o heart_n and_o soul_n be_v with_o all_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o christ_n that_o desire_v according_a to_o their_o light_n to_o promote_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n jesus_n what_o ever_o their_o distance_n of_o judgement_n from_o we_o may_v be_v what_o dear_a brethren_n be_v there_o no_o balm_n in_o gilead_n no_o physician_n to_o heal_v this_o wound_n alas_o how_o be_v it_o now_o so_o wide_a and_o deep_a that_o at_o the_o first_o be_v present_v to_o the_o world_n so_o small_a or_o scarce_o any_o at_o all_o when_o the_o prelate_n petition_v for_o their_o government_n because_o the_o reformer_n be_v not_o nor_o can_v ever_o agree_v upon_o one_o form_n it_o be_v profess_v that_o in_o six_o point_n whereof_o some_o be_v now_o the_o great_a bone_n of_o contention_n all_o do_v agree_v and_o doubt_v not_o but_o if_o the_o prelate_n be_v down_o all_o will_v agree_v in_o one_o and_o be_v this_o bare_a word_n to_o put_v off_o the_o prelatical_a petition_n or_o do_v the_o author_n speak_v without_o ground_n at_o adventure_n god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v think_v so_o but_o what_o the_o common_a adversary_n will_v think_v and_o speak_v it_o will_v grieve_v a_o godly_a heart_n to_o consider_v how_o come_v it_o then_o to_o pass_v the_o breach_n be_v grow_v so_o great_a it_o rejoice_v our_o heart_n to_o see_v that_o ingenuous_a christian_a and_o peaceable_a disposition_n in_o that_o ever_o honour_a brother_n mr._n herle_n who_o bring_v the_o distance_n in_o his_o preface_n to_o such_o a_o narrow_a as_o if_o one_o plaster_n more_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v heal_v it_o oh_o that_o there_o have_v be_v many_o more_o of_o that_o peace_n make_v spirit_n what_o heart_n burn_n and_o contention_n have_v be_v prevent_v we_o think_v also_o that_o meâ—ke_v apologetic_a narration_n give_v a_o fair_a opportunity_n of_o close_v with_o brethren_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o profess_v to_o concur_v in_o but_o what_o contrary_a entertainment_n it_o find_v we_o lament_v to_o consider_v and_o be_v it_o now_o come_v to_o this_o pass_n that_o these_o who_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n one_o can_v live_v together_o in_o the_o same_o kingdom_n oh_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o malice_n and_o subtlety_n of_o that_o old_a serpent_n oh_o the_o policy_n and_o undermine_a faculty_n of_o the_o jesuitical_a generation_n who_o no_o doubt_n have_v a_o great_a influence_n in_o this_o division_n oh_o the_o frailty_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n in_o god_n dear_a saint_n oh_o the_o unsearchable_a depth_n of_o the_o lord_n eternal_a counsel_n that_o for_o holy_a end_n leave_v his_o own_o to_o such_o temptation_n and_o yet_o know_v how_o and_o will_v assure_o improve_v all_o this_o to_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o lift_n up_o of_o the_o name_n and_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o despite_n of_o all_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n and_o give_v his_o servant_n once_o a_o season_n to_o sing_v together_o this_o song_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o the_o lamb_n in_o triumph_n over_o all_o their_o enemy_n but_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n past_o help_n and_o remedy_n shall_v we_o think_v alas_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n they_o will_v not_o leave_v until_o they_o have_v devour_v each_o other_o better_a for_o we_o to_o say_v nothing_o we_o shall_v be_v but_o censure_v and_o slight_v of_o all_o god_n forbid_v have_v we_o venture_v thus_o far_o and_o shall_v we_o not_o presume_v a_o little_a further_o oh_o that_o we_o be_v worthy_a and_o fit_a to_o propound_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v tend_v to_o mollify_v this_o sore_a or_o that_o the_o lord_n himself_o will_v speak_v by_o such_o poor_a creature_n any_o word_n in_o season_n to_o help_v at_o least_o a_o little_a in_o this_o sad_a case_n we_o will_v not_o dear_a brethren_n make_v this_o long_a epistle_n more_o tedious_a by_o present_v unto_o you_o all_o that_o may_v be_v say_v to_o move_v and_o persuade_v your_o heart_n to_o study_v peace_n and_o unity_n and_o with_o one_o shoulder_n to_o set_v yourselves_o to_o further_a this_o bless_a work_n of_o public_a reformation_n for_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v put_v such_o a_o opportunity_n into_o your_o hand_n as_o never_o be_v the_o like_a and_o god_n know_v whether_o ever_o it_o will_v be_v if_o this_o be_v slip_v we_o be_v persuade_v when_o the_o heat_n of_o contention_n be_v lay_v aside_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o you_o do_v secret_o suggest_v argument_n enough_o unto_o your_o heart_n do_v you_o not_o oft_o hear_v such_o whisper_n as_o these_o be_v they_o not_o brethren_n who_o differ_v from_o we_o have_v â—ot_n the_o lord_n receive_v they_o do_v they_o not_o stand_v or_o fall_v to_o their_o own_o master_n and_o how_o shall_v we_o reject_v or_o judge_v they_o have_v we_o not_o our_o ignorances_n and_o frailty_n what_o be_v there_o no_o consolation_n in_o christ_n no_o comfort_n of_o love_n no_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o if_o so_o shall_v not_o this_o persuade_v we_o to_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n in_o the_o lord_n do_v we_o not_o hope_v to_o live_v in_o heaven_n together_o and_o shall_v we_o stand_v at_o such_o distance_n here_o shall_v we_o thus_o suffer_v peace_n to_o go_v from_o we_o and_o not_o follow_v and_o pursue_v it_o shall_v we_o lose_v the_o blessing_n of_o peacemaker_n shall_v we_o by_o such_o difference_n thus_o gratify_v satan_n jesuit_n prelate_n etc._n etc._n and_o strengthen_v their_o hand_n by_o weaken_v our_o own_o be_v we_o not_o in_o the_o highway_n to_o devour_v each_o other_o and_o expose_v all_o to_o ruin_v be_v it_o not_o high_a time_n for_o we_o that_o be_v one_o in_o the_o orthodox_n truth_n to_o join_v heart_n and_o hand_n to_o pray_v and_o preach_v and_o write_v as_o one_o to_o stop_v the_o floodgate_n of_o error_n and_o abomination_n that_o satan_n have_v set_v open_a to_o the_o drown_n of_o many_o soul_n and_o the_o hazard_n of_o many_o of_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n while_o we_o be_v contend_v about_o some_o matter_n of_o order_n which_o though_o they_o be_v of_o moment_n yet_o must_v give_v way_n
unto_o more_o fundamental_a truth_n and_o oh_o that_o this_o mischief_n be_v sufficient_o lay_v to_o heart_n and_o the_o dangerous_a spreading_n of_o such_o gangrene_n look_v to_o in_o season_n what_o will_v not_o all_o our_o vow_n covenant_n and_o solemn_a oath_n bind_v we_o together_o these_o and_o many_o such_o heart-breaking_a consideration_n we_o doubt_v not_o be_v before_o your_o eye_n daily_o which_o therefore_o we_o will_v not_o enlarge_v only_o give_v we_o leave_v to_o propound_v what_o we_o conceive_v in_o our_o weak_a judgement_n may_v somewhat_o tend_v to_o heal_v this_o distance_n we_o confess_v we_o stand_v far_o from_o the_o mark_n and_o may_v miss_v the_o matter_n but_o if_o we_o do_v let_v our_o well-meaning_a be_v accept_v and_o our_o weakness_n pardon_v two_o thing_n as_o we_o touch_v before_o we_o conceive_v keep_v our_o dear_a brethren_n from_o close_v together_o in_o one_o to_o promote_v the_o public_a and_o general_a reformation_n first_o that_o point_n of_o reformation_n which_o concern_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o here_o we_o fear_v the_o distance_n at_o present_a be_v great_a for_o when_o it_o be_v think_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o send_v godly_a preacher_n to_o the_o ignorant_a and_o profane_a parish_n to_o instruct_v they_o humble_v they_o and_o prepare_v they_o for_o a_o gracious_a reformation_n but_o that_o pastor_n if_o they_o can_v be_v find_v shall_v be_v send_v to_o they_o and_o minister_v to_o they_o as_o they_o be_v if_o they_o will_v but_o join_v in_o the_o national_a covenant_n as_o most_o have_v do_v for_o we_o see_v no_o other_o require_v and_o when_o godly_a pastor_n may_v not_o have_v power_n to_o try_v their_o people_n whether_o they_o can_v examine_v themselves_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n and_o walk_v according_a to_o christ_n before_o they_o admit_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n table_n nor_o may_v exclude_v they_o but_o upon_o some_o scandalous_a evil_n which_o seem_v short_a of_o that_o which_o even_o the_o common-prayer-booke_n do_v allow_v consider_v in_o what_o a_o state_n multitude_n of_o parish_n be_v in_o england_n how_o full_a of_o malignant_n atheist_n profane_a wretch_n etc._n etc._n we_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_o for_o the_o godly_a to_o satisfy_v their_o conscience_n in_o such_o church-communion_n or_o godly_a pastor_n to_o minister_v unto_o their_o parish_n in_o such_o a_o state_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v whole_o condemn_v such_o minister_n and_o people_n as_o have_v be_v gather_v into_o congregation_n if_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o remedy_n in_o this_o case_n second_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n when_o some_o shall_v gather_v out_o of_o many_o congregation_n the_o most_o godly_a and_o able_a christian_n into_o sever_a church_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v it_o may_v occasion_v grief_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o such_o congregation_n but_o be_v there_o no_o middle_a way_n wherein_o according_a to_o god_n these_o two_o may_v meet_v we_o suppose_v there_o be_v if_o the_o lord_n will_v vouchsafe_v to_o help_v his_o people_n in_o these_o few_o thing_n 1_o be_v it_o not_o possible_a to_o obtain_v of_o that_o ever_o renown_a parliament_n not_o only_o such_o liberty_n for_o godly_a pastor_n and_o their_o church_n to_o debar_v from_o the_o lord_n table_n such_o as_o be_v not_o qualify_v according_a to_o the_o former_a description_n of_o the_o reverend_a assembly_n but_o also_o all_o favour_n and_o furtherance_n from_o authority_n to_o purge_v out_o of_o the_o church_n all_o such_o according_a to_o rule_v that_o live_v impenitent_o in_o any_o know_a sin_n and_o scandalous_a evil_n we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o if_o brethren_n will_v agree_v with_o one_o heart_n to_o petition_v the_o same_o such_o as_o have_v do_v so_o worthy_o many_o thing_n for_o purge_v the_o house_n of_o god_n will_v also_o promote_v this_o needful_a point_n of_o reformation_n 2_o if_o all_o the_o godly_a minister_n will_v join_v as_o one_o man_n and_o take_v unto_o they_o the_o zeal_n of_o john_n bap._n thunder_v out_o the_o direful_a wrath_n of_o god_n against_o the_o pride_n vanity_n luxury_n profaneness_n and_o late_a swarm_n of_o monstrous_a error_n the_o usual_a tare_n accompany_v reformation_n and_o other_o sin_n of_o the_o time_n to_o lay_v all_o level_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o with_o holy_a calvin_n resolve_v to_o suffer_v their_o hand_n to_o be_v cut_v off_o rather_o then_o to_o deliver_v that_o holy_a seal_n of_o grace_n to_o the_o open_o wicked_a and_o impenitent_a sinner_n how_o will_v the_o lord_n go_v out_o with_o his_o servant_n and_o cut_v down_o sin_n by_o the_o sharp_a sword_n of_o excom_n his_o word_n and_o severity_n of_o discipline_n if_o all_o join_v together_o whereas_o we_o fear_v sin_n and_o profaneness_n will_v outstare_v all_o godly_a pastor_n when_o they_o stand_v so_o much_o divide_v 3_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v obtain_v and_o agree_v all_o godly_a minister_n and_o christian_n which_o be_v the_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o may_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n season_n the_o congregation_n wherein_o they_o live_v they_o will_v not_o cast_v they_o off_o or_o withdraw_v from_o they_o till_o first_o by_o public_a and_o private_a admonition_n and_o exhortation_n they_o have_v convince_v they_o of_o sin_n and_o seek_v by_o all_o good_a mean_n their_o reformation_n whereby_o some_o no_o doubt_n may_v be_v gain_v and_o what_o a_o bless_a work_n be_v that_o and_o as_o for_o other_o that_o prove_v obstinate_a and_o impenitent_a there_o will_v be_v just_a cause_n of_o reject_v they_o from_o the_o ordinance_n and_o society_n of_o the_o church_n or_o if_o this_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n will_v not_o be_v bear_v in_o congregation_n with_o how_o much_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o shall_v such_o godly_a minister_n and_o people_n withdraw_v themselves_o from_o they_o to_o a_o near_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o and_o shall_v we_o not_o hope_v that_o england_n be_v capable_a of_o such_o a_o reformation_n as_o this_o if_o god_n faithful_a minister_n will_v with_o one_o heart_n and_o mind_n endeavour_v the_o same_o far_o far_o be_v it_o from_o our_o dear_a country_n after_o all_o those_o notable_a step_n unto_o reformation_n that_o it_o shall_v stick_v in_o this_o which_o be_v the_o life_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n but_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o that_o either_o the_o great_a one_o shall_v be_v too_o big_a to_o stoop_v down_o to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o wholesome_a discipline_n or_o the_o multitude_n so_o carnal_a worldly_a wilful_a profane_a impenitent_a as_o not_o to_o reform_v themselves_o family_n and_o so_o their_o congregation_n humble_o submit_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n or_o if_o the_o minister_n at_o least_o most_o of_o they_o shall_v look_v at_o preferment_n honour_n credit_n riches_n authority_n over_o the_o people_n and_o not_o mind_v such_o a_o work_n as_o this_o be_v and_o this_o after_o all_o the_o heavy_a humble_v dreadful_a judgement_n of_o god_n come_v upon_o the_o land_n after_o all_o the_o glorious_a out-breaking_n of_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o many_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n after_o all_o the_o protestation_n covenant_n oath_n whereby_o so_o many_o have_v bind_v themselves_o to_o this_o particular_a reformation_n of_o themselves_o and_o to_o further_a the_o reformation_n of_o the_o public_a we_o tremble_v to_o speak_v it_o but_o our_o heart_n can_v but_o fear_v it_o that_o woe_n wo_n woe_n will_v be_v to_o poor_a sinful_a england_n it_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o be_v a_o prophetical_a speech_n of_o mr._n brinsly_n long_o since_o at_o rest_n with_o god_n when_o lament_v the_o profaneness_n of_o england_n with_o their_o connivance_n at_o popery_n and_o compliance_n with_o the_o wicked_a he_o say_v that_o if_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n do_v call_v for_o they_o mean_v the_o popish_a faction_n to_o rise_v up_o against_o we_o in_o new_a conspiracy_n or_o open_a violence_n and_o with_o they_o all_o the_o crew_n of_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n in_o who_o we_o have_v so_o delight_v to_o take_v part_n with_o those_o to_o our_o destruction_n as_o they_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v will_v be_v as_o outrageous_a as_o the_o other_o against_o all_o sound_o fear_v god_n be_v it_o not_o just_a yea_o if_o he_o shall_v let_v they_o make_v it_o bellum_fw-la prodigorum_fw-la the_o day_n of_o all_o the_o spendthrift_n and_o of_o all_o the_o vile_a person_n of_o the_o land_n to_o have_v their_o finger_n in_o every_o man_n coffer_n and_o their_o hand_n wash_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o they_o who_o they_o have_v hate_v so_o soon_o as_o ever_o any_o of_o the_o babylonish_n 10._o design_n shall_v take_v their_o effect_n can_v we_o wonder_v at_o it_o and_o
have_v bestow_v a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o labour_n in_o these_o part_n neither_o we_o hope_v altogether_o in_o vain_a which_o make_v we_o somewhat_o the_o more_o engage_v and_o encourage_v to_o write_v as_o we_o do_v and_o now_o have_v thus_o far_o in_o this_o epistle_n and_o in_o the_o book_n follow_v testify_v our_o love_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o desire_n of_o the_o peace_n unity_n reformation_n and_o prosperity_n of_o our_o belove_a england_n and_o the_o church_n of_o god_n therein_o we_o commend_v both_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o reader_n and_o all_o to_o the_o grace_n and_o blessing_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o rest_n from_o new-england_n novemb_n 28._o 1645._o tho._n allin_n tho._n shepard_n advertisement_n to_o the_o reader_n to_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o author_n of_o this_o reply_n we_o say_v nothing_o because_o it_o savour_v for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o love_n and_o desire_v of_o unity_n which_o we_o thankful_o acknowledge_v only_o we_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o two_o passage_n 1_o a_o complaint_n make_v against_o some_o stand_a affect_a new-england_n ward_n who_o have_v carry_v it_o so_o as_o if_o a_o chief_a part_n of_o holiness_n consist_v in_o separation_n and_o that_o therefore_o some_o have_v separate_v from_o all_o private_a and_o public_a communion_n there_o other_o from_o all_o public_a but_o not_o from_o private_a other_o from_o the_o sacrament_n only_o allow_v public_a communion_n otherwise_o to_o which_o we_o answer_v that_o as_o the_o church_n fall_v by_o degree_n into_o universal_a pollution_n by_o the_o apostasy_n foretell_v to_o be_v under_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n so_o by_o degree_n it_o recover_v out_o of_o it_o again_o if_o therefore_o separation_n reach_v no_o far_o than_o separation_n from_o sin_n and_o such_o sin_n of_o church_n wherein_o ourselves_o in_o join_v with_o they_o must_v be_v involve_v we_o suppose_v such_o separation_n all_o due_a respect_n and_o love_v reserve_v and_o profess_v to_o the_o church_n themselves_o can_v just_o be_v account_v unwarrantable_a and_o it_o be_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o author_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o plead_v for_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n no_o far_o than_o they_o hold_v communion_n with_o christ_n if_o any_o transgress_v these_o bound_n either_o in_o respect_n of_o private_a or_o public_a communion_n in_o england_n we_o must_v profess_v open_o that_o if_o any_o mourn_n for_o it_o we_o be_v or_o will_v be_v companion_n with_o they_o in_o that_o grief_n who_o heart_n bleed_v not_o to_o see_v god_n flock_n scatter_v and_o needless_a rent_n make_v that_o scarce_o truth_n or_o error_n can_v now_o adays_o be_v receive_v but_o it_o be_v maintain_v in_o a_o way_n of_o schism_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o gather_n and_o unite_n spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n a_o wide_a conscience_n call_v evil_a good_a and_o therefore_o can_v communicate_v with_o any_o evil_n a_o strait_a conscience_n call_v good_a evil_a as_o gerson_n observe_v and_o therefore_o can_v ready_o separate_v even_o from_o that_o which_o be_v good_a when_o rash_a and_o sudden_a man_n be_v grow_v master_n of_o their_o conscience_n it_o trouble_v not_o they_o from_o who_o they_o divide_v nor_o whither_o they_o run_v in_o separate_a way_n when_o weak_a yet_o godly_a man_n be_v under_o the_o tenderness_n yet_o much_o darkness_n of_o conscience_n be_v very_o timorous_a of_o way_n that_o be_v evil_a grow_v many_o time_n shy_a at_o least_o in_o simplicity_n be_v lead_v from_o way_n that_o afterward_o be_v find_v to_o be_v lawful_a and_o good_a it_o be_v the_o usual_a misery_n of_o english_a spirit_n either_o to_o spin_v the_o spider_n web_n and_o swallow_v down_o all_o corruption_n in_o church_n or_o so_o to_o break_v down_o the_o gap_n in_o forsake_v corruption_n utter_o to_o abandon_v the_o church_n themselves_o the_o wine_n of_o causeless_a separation_n have_v a_o spirit_n in_o it_o if_o god_n gracious_o prevent_v not_o that_o hurry_v man_n headlong_o to_o strange_a distance_n that_o in_o separate_n from_o public_a they_o separate_v from_o private_a in_o separate_v from_o corrupt_a church_n as_o no_o church_n they_o separate_v from_o the_o pure_a even_o those_o of_o their_o own_o in_o separate_v from_o pollution_n of_o god_n ordinance_n at_o last_o they_o fall_v to_o the_o storm_a of_o some_o if_o not_o to_o the_o utter_a renounce_n of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n themselves_o we_o mourn_v we_o say_v for_o such_o evil_n and_o can_v with_o bend_a knee_n desire_v our_o dear_a countryman_n to_o consider_v whether_o this_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n jesus_n that_o so_o carry_v they_o to_o reject_v they_o who_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v not_o yet_o whole_o forsake_v and_o not_o rather_o with_o one_o heart_n and_o with_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n if_o any_o liberty_n can_v be_v procure_v to_o study_v how_o to_o heal_v the_o bleed_a breach_n and_o manifold_a evil_n of_o sick_a and_o sinful_a england_n that_o in_o their_o own_o recovery_n from_o pollution_n the_o whole_a may_v arise_v and_o share_v alike_o with_o they_o therein_o tolerate_v with_o all_o long-suffering_a many_o thing_n amiss_o &_o mourn_v daily_o after_o the_o lord_n till_o such_o time_n come_v wherein_o he_o will_v give_v his_o people_n his_o ordinance_n not_o only_o in_o purity_n but_o also_o in_o power_n when_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v one_o and_o his_o name_n one_o zach._n 14._o 9_o over_o all_o the_o earth_n as_o for_o ourselves_o we_o look_v not_o upon_o our_o departure_n to_o these_o part_n to_o be_v a_o separation_n rigid_o take_v but_o a_o lawful_a secession_n or_o a_o heavenly_a translation_n from_o corrupt_a to_o more_o pure_a church_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o god_n and_o how_o far_o we_o allow_v of_o separation_n the_o ensue_a treatise_n will_v declare_v 2_o the_o second_o be_v that_o we_o dissent_v one_o from_o another_o as_o much_o as_o other_o from_o we_o and_o perhaps_o the_o lesser_a part_n of_o we_o answ_n we_o confess_v we_o know_v but_o little_a and_o that_o but_o in_o part_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o in_o some_o thing_n we_o do_v not_o dissent_v we_o shall_v not_o speak_v the_o truth_n nor_o say_v that_o we_o be_v sinful_a man_n yet_o this_o we_o must_v speak_v to_o his_o praise_n who_o we_o be_v and_o who_o we_o serve_v with_o our_o spirit_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o son_n that_o although_o satan_n have_v be_v oft_o busy_a to_o make_v breach_n among_o we_o yet_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v hitherto_o general_o if_o not_o all_o of_o one_o heart_n and_o mind_n in_o the_o main_a and_o principal_a thing_n of_o his_o kingdom_n among_o we_o and_o which_o be_v observe_v by_o many_o where_o ever_o difference_n be_v sow_v yet_o the_o minister_n never_o disagree_v and_o that_o although_o some_o difference_n have_v and_o do_v arise_v before_o their_o convening_n together_o yet_o they_o never_o yet_o meet_v but_o grace_n have_v overwrestled_n corruption_n peace_n trouble_n and_o truth_n error_n and_o so_o have_v most_o sweet_o accord_v in_o one_o the_o thought_n of_o which_o christ-like_a peaceablenesse_n of_o spirit_n and_o love_n as_o it_o oft_o sweeten_v many_o other_o sorrow_n so_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v spare_v herein_o and_o that_o this_o our_o crown_n may_v not_o be_v take_v from_o we_o by_o such_o passage_n suggest_v great_a difference_n as_o these_o be_v now_o for_o the_o reply_n itself_o we_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o consider_v that_o we_o have_v neither_o time_n nor_o book_n ready_a at_o hand_n to_o consider_v some_o of_o the_o quotation_n make_v in_o the_o margin_n and_o therefore_o be_v such_o testimony_n as_o cast_v not_o the_o balance_n one_o way_n or_o another_o we_o have_v pass_v most_o of_o they_o by_o with_o silence_n it_o have_v also_o be_v easy_a for_o we_o to_o have_v analyse_v more_o orderly_o the_o word_n of_o the_o reply_n then_o as_o they_o be_v set_v down_o but_o because_o we_o will_v not_o do_v the_o 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agnoscimus_fw-la one_o thing_n more_o in_o the_o title_n page_n the_o reader_n be_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v this_o treatise_n of_o mr._n ball_n be_v pen_v a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n and_o send_v over_o 1637._o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o mistake_n of_o the_o printer_n for_o the_o nine_o question_n themselves_o be_v send_v over_o 1636_o the_o answer_n return_v 38_o but_o miscarry_v another_o be_v send_v 39_o from_o which_o time_n we_o longing_o expect_v a_o return_n but_o partly_o for_o the_o reason_n render_v in_o the_o epistle_n and_o what_o else_o we_o know_v not_o we_o never_o in_o so_o many_o year_n receive_v any_o till_o this_o print_a reply_n by_o a_o friend_n mean_n come_v occasional_o to_o our_o hand_n 1644._o concern_v the_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n whereas_o the_o publisher_n of_o this_o treatise_n impute_v unto_o we_o or_o some_o relate_v to_o our_o cause_n that_o we_o be_v the_o volunteer_n such_o as_o cry_v up_o this_o way_n 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they_o be_v private_o debate_v and_o bring_v to_o some_o head_n by_o mutual_a consent_n be_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v send_v out_o to_o public_a consideration_n 3_o for_o our_o brethren_n in_o england_n we_o know_v no_o reason_n to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o apology_n of_o our_o brother_n mr._n thomas_n weld_n in_o his_o answer_n to_o w._n r._n pag._n 2._o obj._n 3_o answ_n 1._o where_o he_o profess_v in_o the_o name_n of_o himself_o and_o other_o of_o our_o way_n a_o loathness_n to_o appear_v in_o the_o case_n and_o that_o although_o they_o have_v book_n of_o this_o subject_a ready_a for_o the_o press_n yet_o by_o joint_a consent_n they_o suppress_v they_o happy_o to_o the_o detriment_n of_o the_o cause_n be_v unwilling_a to_o blow_v a_o fire_n and_o whether_o they_o appear_v in_o pulpit_n or_o press_n without_o instigation_n and_o how_o spare_o he_o appeal_v to_o all_o the_o godly_a to_o judge_v 4_o last_o we_o desire_v our_o brethren_n to_o consider_v the_o date_n of_o 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not_o use_v of_o a_o liturgy_n etc._n etc._n answ_n let_v our_o answer_n be_v view_v and_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o premise_v those_o distinction_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n into_o private_a and_o public_a and_o public_a into_o such_o as_o be_v impose_v by_o other_o or_o compose_v and_o use_v by_o minister_n themselves_o before_o their_o sermon_n otherwise_o we_o must_v have_v involve_v such_o in_o the_o position_n as_o we_o do_v not_o condemn_v now_o if_o your_o general_a thesis_fw-la just_o admit_v such_o limitation_n to_o public_a impose_v form_n where_o shall_v we_o find_v any_o set_n stint_v impose_v liturgy_n but_o in_o church_n of_o the_o papacy_n or_o prelacy_n no_o reform_a church_n stint_v or_o impose_v their_o form_n of_o prayer_n but_o leave_v minister_n and_o people_n at_o much_o liberty_n only_o the_o english_a liturgy_n therefore_o be_v such_o according_a to_o the_o plain_a construction_n of_o the_o word_n 2_o concern_v your_o mind_n 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