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 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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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quit_v the_o reveal_v rule_n of_o our_o duty_n for_o both_o 3._o because_o the_o truth_n may_v get_v a_o very_a sore_o thrust_v by_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o contend_v for_o it_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n be_v sow_v in_o peace_n and_o both_o shall_v be_v serious_o advert_v to_o that_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n be_v neither_o neglect_v nor_o yet_o prejudge_v through_o a_o non-suitable_a follow_v thereof_o a_o wound_n needs_o both_o a_o tender_a and_o skilful_a hand_n to_o handle_v it_o else_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o destroy_v where_o the_o case_n and_o present_a constitution_n of_o the_o patient_a be_v not_o consider_v a_o right_n o_o if_o that_o scripture_n be_v more_o practical_o own_v for_o a_o humble_a tender_a condescendence_n in_o our_o deal_n with_o other_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n i_o be_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o that_o i_o may_v gain_v some_o our_o bitter_a hot_a and_o unadvised_a expression_n may_v some_o time_n wrong_v the_o interest_n of_o our_o bless_a master_n 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be_v apprehend_v at_o the_o prophetical_a as_o well_o as_o the_o kingly_a office_n of_o our_o bless_a head_n 2._o that_o this_o upon_o the_o matter_n be_v some_o way_n all_o one_o as_o to_o silence_v they_o and_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n since_o it_o must_v needs_o tend_v to_o disable_v and_o render_v they_o useless_a in_o their_o master_n work_n what_o ever_o tend_v to_o break_v their_o credit_n as_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v deep_o consider_v if_o the_o charge_n be_v such_o and_o of_o that_o necessity_n to_o follow_v for_o make_v they_o in_o a_o manner_n contemptible_a to_o the_o people_n as_o the_o labour_n and_o service_n of_o such_o this_o day_n in_o the_o vineyard_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v amount_v to_o 3._o what_o help_v thus_o can_v the_o poor_a
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
brethren_n before_o so_o watch_v a_o adversary_n who_o strength_n must_v needs_o lie_v in_o our_o breach_n 8._o be_v not_o also_o the_o bring_v thing_n thus_o to_o such_o a_o extreme_a of_o that_o visible_a tendency_n as_o to_o bring_v under_o question_n the_o validity_n of_o their_o ministerial_a act_n among_o the_o people_n by_o so_o public_a a_o thrust_n at_o the_o credit_n and_o repute_v of_o their_o ministry_n which_o be_v so_o far_o a_o expose_v of_o many_o to_o the_o hazard_n both_o of_o atheism_n and_o error_n beside_o the_o weaken_a such_o in_o the_o public_a work_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v so_o know_v able_a minister_n of_o christ_n i_o shall_v add_v no_o further_o but_o a_o humble_a and_o serious_a appeal_n to_o their_o own_o conscience_n who_o may_v have_v judge_v this_o their_o duty_n if_o on_o deep_a reflection_n hereon_o a_o tender_a abstinence_n and_o forbearance_n this_o way_n and_o to_o keep_v of_o any_o dash_v on_o such_o a_o rock_n as_o have_v be_v already_o touch_v until_o light_v and_o conviction_n from_o the_o lord_n yet_o further_o break_v up_o shall_v not_o be_v their_o own_o peace_n and_o comfort_n as_o well_o as_o the_o public_a peace_n of_o the_o church_n in_o that_o day_n when_o their_o eye_n shall_v become_v dim_a and_o the_o keeper_n of_o the_o house_n begin_v to_o tremble_v section_n iu._n when_o such_o sad_a use_n be_v now_o like_a to_o be_v make_v of_o these_o time_n as_o to_o give_v the_o truth_n and_o credit_n thereof_o which_o above_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v dear_a to_o we_o a_o death_n wound_n be_v it_o possible_a by_o reproach_n i_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o be_v incongruous_a to_o such_o a_o subject_n to_o speak_v yet_o a_o few_o word_n more_o for_o answer_v some_o high_a pretence_n for_o prejudice_n and_o stumble_v which_o seem_v now_o most_o public_o to_o be_v own_v yea_o not_o only_o thus_o to_o break_v and_o undo_v themselves_o but_o to_o involve_v other_o in_o the_o same_o ruin_n not_o that_o the_o truth_n need_v the_o witness_n or_o respect_n of_o man_n to_o commend_v the_o same_o which_o as_o the_o sun_n in_o its_o strength_n keep_v its_o course_n amid_o all_o the_o dark_a cloud_n which_o can_v intervene_v but_o in_o a_o day_n of_o such_o blasphemy_n and_o reproach_n we_o shall_v require_v justice_n at_o the_o bar_n of_o man_n own_o conscience_n herein_o if_o there_o can_v be_v any_o cause_n for_o stumble_v at_o the_o holy_a and_o unspotted_a way_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o what_o be_v from_o themselves_o and_o from_o their_o seek_n after_o such_o a_o latitude_n in_o their_o principle_n as_o may_v sure_o that_o liberty_n which_o they_o take_v thus_o in_o their_o practice_n now_o with_o some_o respect_n their_o to_z i_o shall_v offer_v these_o eight_o ground_n which_o be_v at_o this_o day_n most_o pretend_v 1._o these_o strange_a intestine_a conflict_n and_o difference_n in_o judgement_n that_o we_o be_v now_o in_o the_o church_n and_o among_o professor_n of_o the_o truth_n as_o though_o they_o be_v not_o the_o child_n of_o the_o same_o house_n for_o answer_n i_o hope_v these_o thing_n when_o serious_o ponder_v may_v silence_v any_o such_o reflection_n on_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n which_o i_o shall_v but_o leave_v to_o man_n conscience_n 1._o that_o our_o bless_a lord_n have_v with_o clear_a evidence_n lay_v down_o such_o sure_a and_o fix_a ground_n in_o his_o own_o word_n for_o the_o peace_n and_o concord_n of_o his_o church_n and_o follower_n with_o these_o express_a rule_n and_o provision_n for_o the_o same_o as_o there_o can_v be_v no_o know_a ground_n for_o such_o sad_a and_o deploreable_a break_n but_o what_o man_n own_a corruption_n and_o decline_v from_o the_o rule_n do_v occasion_n 2._o it_o be_v must_v clear_v that_o one_o of_o the_o great_a of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o which_o with_o the_o further_a reiterate_v enforcement_n our_o obedience_n be_v require_v for_o prevent_v the_o church_n hazard_n on_o this_o rock_n be_v that_o law_n of_o charity_n and_o love_n for_o the_o godly_a among_o themselves_o so_o as_o without_o this_o he_o will_v accept_v no_o man_n service_n 1_o cor._n 13._o and_o be_v such_o the_o apostle_n press_v above_o all_o thing_n to_o put_v on_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfection_n coloss_n 3_o 13_o 14._o 3._o i_o hope_v it_o be_v undeniable_a also_o that_o these_o principle_n of_o union_n and_o love_n be_v so_o firm_o fix_v as_o may_v be_v consistent_a both_o with_o some_o various_a apprehension_n and_o difference_n in_o judgement_n among_o his_o people_n here_o who_o be_v unite_v in_o himself_o and_o in_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o truth_n and_o godliness_n so_o as_o upon_o such_o a_o account_n the_o peace_n and_o concord_n of_o his_o church_n shall_v not_o be_v suspend_v since_o it_o be_v here_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o as_o all_o have_v not_o the_o same_o help_n so_o not_o the_o same_o capacity_n for_o understanding_n of_o many_o thing_n which_o may_v cause_v some_o difference_n in_o the_o church_n not_o that_o we_o shall_v think_v opinion_n be_v free_a or_o error_n in_o judgement_n not_o to_o be_v serious_o watch_v against_o all_o be_v well_o as_o corruption_n in_o practice_n since_o it_o be_v not_o only_o through_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n we_o be_v appoint_v to_o life_n 4._o for_o this_o end_n likeways_o have_v our_o bless_a head_n set_v such_o bound_n and_o measure_n to_o his_o people_n in_o the_o manage_n of_o these_o difference_n which_o may_v fall_v in_o as_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o fear_n of_o any_o sad_a rent_n or_o breach_n where_o a_o due_a respect_n unto_o these_o be_v have_v and_o to_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o oh_o that_o these_o great_a command_n rom._n 14_o 3_o 4._o philip._n 2_o 3._o be_v more_o serious_o ponder_v there_o can_v not_o but_o be_v some_o more_o lawful_a regard_n to_o keep_v of_o such_o bitter_a and_o offensive_a break_n as_o may_v be_v oft_o see_v among_o we_o 5._o nor_o be_v there_o cause_n to_o fear_v any_o breach_n from_o the_o most_o serious_a and_o servant_n contend_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o close_a adherence_n thereto_o which_o shall_v be_v dear_a to_o we_o then_o our_o life_n and_o can_v admit_v no_o latitude_n or_o cede_v there_o when_o the_o reveal_v rule_n of_o our_o duty_n herein_o be_v observe_v that_o this_o be_v manage_v with_o a_o humble_a tender_a condescendence_n and_o cede_v in_o our_o own_o thing_n to_o one_o another_o for_o oh_o there_o have_v our_o sad_a contest_v and_o a_o nimosity_n their_o great_a strength_n this_o day_n it_o be_v well_o if_o such_o a_o bless_a contend_v and_o strive_v lawful_o as_o the_o apostle_n show_v be_v thus_o study_v that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o by_o mean_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n by_o pureness_n by_o long_a suffering_n by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n by_o the_o armour_n of_o god_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o on_o the_o left_a etc._n etc._n and_o where_o these_o be_v not_o man_n study_n and_o practice_n they_o must_v live_v in_o a_o express_a contradiction_n to_o these_o principle_n which_o yet_o they_o dare_v not_o disow_v yea_o in_o so_o far_o become_v not_o only_o a_o just_a matter_n of_o grief_n but_o a_o spot_n in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o saint_n 6._o whatever_o sad_a difference_n be_v oft_o among_o these_o which_o both_o their_o darkness_n of_o mind_n and_o contrariety_n of_o natural_a disposition_n may_v influence_n yet_o do_v not_o still_o that_o bless_a unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n stand_v fix_v and_o sure_a by_o which_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v unite_v in_o a_o new_a and_o spiritual_a nature_n in_o these_o sweet_a &_o sensible_a communication_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o do_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o bless_a centre_n yea_o so_o near_o a_o intercourse_n of_o soul_n and_o sympathy_n do_v result_v thence_o however_o the_o sad_a prevalence_n of_o corruption_n may_v for_o some_o time_n darken_v the_o same_o as_o no_o union_n and_o concord_n like_o this_o be_v in_o all_o the_o society_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o may_v be_v such_o a_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n as_o to_o silence_v even_o the_o great_a atheist_n 7._o yea_o may_v we_o not_o have_v here_o a_o special_a confirm_a evidence_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o notwithstanding_o of_o such_o difference_n both_o in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n with_o so_o sore_a prejudice_n and_o estrangement_n of_o heart_n and_o difference_n of_o natural_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o among_o the_o godly_a yet_o this_o have_v enforce_v from_o all_o these_o a_o undoubted_a assent_n to_o the_o most_o great_a and_o weighty_a concern_v of_o religion_n yea_o to_o a_o
either_o hand_n 4._o it_o need_v be_v no_o strange_a thing_n or_o give_v any_o advantage_n to_o bring_v true_a zeal_n under_o discredit_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o more_o impetuo_fw-la we_o motion_n and_o make_v haste_n by_o some_o when_o they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n than_o they_o be_v former_o for_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v too_o evident_a such_o as_o be_v once_o under_o the_o influence_n of_o delusion_n be_v also_o in_o that_o dreadful_a hazard_n to_o be_v as_o wind_n carry_v about_o with_o a_o tempest_n but_o such_o be_v purezeal_a that_o though_o it_o increase_v the_o stream_n it_o do_v not_o overflow_v its_o bank_n nor_o will_v break_v the_o least_o command_v for_o vindication_n of_o the_o great_a truth_n 5._o there_o be_v such_o a_o indissoluble_a tie_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n betwixt_o true_a zeal_n and_o that_o christian_a moderation_n which_o we_o shall_v make_v know_v to_o all_o as_o none_o may_v divide_v but_o as_o the_o one_o tend_v to_o give_v life_n and_o intenseness_n of_o duty_n so_o be_v the_o other_o to_o resttaine_v all_o exorbitancy_n and_o keep_v this_o in_o its_o proper_a channel_n and_o that_o none_o be_v carry_v out_o beyond_o these_o just_a bound_n &_o measure_n which_o be_v so_o express_o set_v to_o we_o by_o the_o rule_n but_o so_o as_o that_o it_o be_v without_o any_o lukewarmness_n or_o abatement_n of_o fervency_n in_o spirit_n for_o serve_v the_o lord_n for_o where_o on_o either_o hand_n these_o be_v divide_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o true_a interest_n of_o the_o church_n must_v then_o needs_o suffer_v and_o get_v a_o sore_a wound_n 6._o ground_n of_o stumble_v and_o offence_n which_o too_o visible_o many_o be_v like_a to_o break_v on_o yea_o to_o take_v prejudice_n almost_o against_o the_o whole_a ministry_n of_o our_o church_n be_v that_o these_o who_o have_v have_v great_a weight_n and_o acceptance_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v endure_v so_o much_o under_o many_o assault_n these_o year_n past_a in_o their_o opposition_n to_o prelacy_n with_o some_o unanswerable_a conviction_n hereof_o i_o hope_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o and_o with_o a_o continue_a adherence_n to_o former_a principle_n be_v yet_o with_o such_o reproach_n so_o public_o thus_o follow_v even_o by_o profess_a friend_n answ_n though_o i_o hope_v the_o perusal_n of_o what_o have_v be_v already_o touch_v on_o this_o subject_n may_v have_v some_o weight_n both_o for_o clear_v and_o in_o some_o measure_n to_o silence_v thes_n strange_a heightened_a prejudice_n of_o some_o this_o way_n yet_o since_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a trial_n of_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n both_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o work_n and_o the_o credit_n of_o their_o bless_a master_n who_o account_v they_o worthy_a to_o put_v into_o his_o service_n and_o that_o many_o be_v thus_o in_o hazard_n to_o be_v shake_v i_o must_v yet_o further_o speak_v but_o a_o few_o thing_n thereto_o 1._o that_o what_o ever_o may_v be_v their_o part_n who_o have_v take_v most_o liberty_n this_o way_n yet_o shall_v we_o reckon_v it_o be_v our_o sin_n that_o be_v their_o strength_n and_o much_o unanswweerablness_n to_o so_o high_a and_o holy_a a_o call_n for_o which_o the_o holy_a god_n do_v thus_o call_v to_o a_o humble_a and_o serious_a self_n judge_v before_o he_o and_o more_o deep_a trial_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n and_o way_n with_o that_o fear_n lest_o our_o sin_n shall_v find_v we_o out_o if_o we_o be_v not_o concern_v to_o find_v they_o and_o lay_v the_o same_o to_o heart_n though_o i_o hope_v such_o yet_o dare_v with_o some_o confidence_n leave_v their_o cause_n before_o the_o lord_n to_o plead_v herein_o against_o the_o unjust_a reproach_n of_o man_n 2._o it'should_n be_v no_o strange_a thing_n now_o what_o in_o all_o time_n have_v be_v the_o lot_n of_o the_o most_o serious_a minister_n of_o christ_n even_o when_o they_o have_v have_v a_o most_o sweet_a and_o sensible_a seal_n of_o his_o acceptance_n in_o their_o work_n to_o have_v no_o other_o requittall_n from_o man_n than_o contempt_n and_o hatred_n who_o yet_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n have_v with_o the_o further_a tenderness_n seek_v to_o gain_v such_o to_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n yea_o have_v have_v the_o trial_n of_o such_o extreme_n as_o to_o be_v revile_v by_o these_o who_o sometime_o will_v have_v pluck_v out_o almost_o their_o eye_n for_o they_o 3._o but_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v with_o no_o less_o expresseness_n put_v a_o guard_n about_o the_o repute_n and_o credit_n of_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n then_o about_o their_o call_n for_o which_o read_v 1_o tim._n 5._o 19_o 1._o thess_n 5._o 12._o 13._o yea_o these_o be_v so_o straite_o conjoin_v as_o what_o ever_o tend_v to_o discredit_v their_o person_n must_v needs_o tend_v also_o to_o weaken_v the_o weight_n and_o authority_n of_o their_o message_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o hearer_n and_o be_v this_o of_o small_a regard_n now_o with_o many_o and_o to_o be_v without_o any_o dread_n lest_o in_o so_o far_o the_o blood_n of_o soul_n be_v charge_v on_o they_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o by_o such_o notour_n reflection_n and_o without_o any_o just_a cause_n or_o call_v thereto_o do_v thus_o beget_v such_o a_o prejudice_n and_o contempt_n as_o to_o have_v the_o less_o reckon_v make_v of_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n deliver_v by_o they_o in_o this_o i_o must_v here_o exoner_o my_o own_o conscience_n upon_o so_o public_a a_o sin_n and_o of_o such_o sad_a consequence_n to_o the_o church_n hazard_n which_o seem_v so_o little_a to_o touch_v this_o day_n 4._o have_v it_o be_v yet_o ever_o see_v that_o where_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n have_v have_v no_o suitable_a weight_n and_o acceptance_n of_o their_o person_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n in_o any_o place_n bot_n there_o also_o be_v a_o most_o visible_a abatement_n of_o people_n respect_n and_o love_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o of_o any_o true_a growth_n among_o they_o under_o the_o ordinance_n nor_o know_v i_o a_o advantage_n which_o the_o envious_a man_n can_v more_o desire_v to_o sow_v tare_n in_o the_o vineyard_n of_o the_o lord_n than_o this_o be_v when_o prejudice_n jealousy_n and_o disrespect_n come_v once_o to_o any_o height_n what_o ever_o pretence_n it_o may_v go_v under_o against_o such_o who_o be_v in_o deed_n the_o messenger_n of_o truth_n and_o dispenser_n of_o his_o ordinance_n 5._o and_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v just_a ground_n to_o account_v such_o the_o undoubted_a minister_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o church_n and_o who_o shall_v be_v thus_o own_v in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o appearance_n yea_o who_o have_v have_v a_o convince_a seal_n to_o their_o ministry_n on_o the_o heart_n of_o many_o who_o for_o ministerial_a ability_n soundness_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o be_v make_v exemplary_a to_o other_o in_o humility_n tenderness_n of_o walk_n love_n and_o fervent_a desire_n for_o gain_v of_o soul_n to_o christ_n will_v have_v be_v reckon_v with_o the_o high_a respect_n in_o the_o first_o primitive_a time_n of_o the_o church_n who_o yet_o have_v be_v this_o day_n expose_v to_o the_o further_a revile_n of_o some_o and_o though_o it_o be_v not_o the_o naked_a testimony_n or_o respect_n of_o man_n that_o by_o such_o will_v be_v either_o seek_v or_o satisfy_v but_o how_o to_o have_v this_o enforce_a on_o their_o conscience_n by_o a_o convince_a witness_n and_o example_n of_o a_o serious_a ministerial_a practice_n yet_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v strange_a that_o such_o be_v to_o the_o further_a concern_v to_o maintain_v the_o credit_n &_o authority_n of_o their_o ministry_n which_o be_v not_o they_o but_o their_o master_n 7._o ground_n of_o prejudice_n against_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v now_o high_o pretend_v be_v not_o only_o upon_o the_o strange_a and_o high_o irregular_a act_n by_o some_o as_o may_v seem_v visible_o inductive_a to_o great_a confusion_n and_o disorder_n bot_n that_o these_o have_v be_v own_v and_o support_v by_o such_o principle_n congruous_a thereto_o as_o seem_v in_o compatible_a both_o with_o the_o practice_n and_o profession_n hitherto_o of_o our_o church_n answ_n whatever_o advantage_n have_v be_v give_v by_o any_o thus_o to_o reflect_v which_o i_o may_v with_o some_o confidence_n say_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o most_o serious_a non_fw-fr conformist_n of_o our_o church_n have_v be_v as_o a_o sword_n in_o there_o bone_n even_o beyond_o their_o own_o personal_a suffering_n because_o of_o the_o voice_n of_o he_o who_o reproach_v yet_o since_o many_o be_v thus_o ready_a to_o stumble_v and_o know_v not_o what_o a_o sore_a woe_n and_o judgement_n offence_n be_v to_o such_o as_o make_v so_o sad_a a_o use_n thereof_o yea_o which_o may_v be_v fear_v this_o day_n be_v glad_a
in_o this_o age_n i_o shall_v but_o offer_v some_o special_a reflection_n now_o suitable_a to_o such_o a_o day_n and_o of_o so_o know_v public_a and_o unquestionable_a evidence_n to_o the_o church_n that_o when_o bring_v near_o to_o our_o thought_n may_v let_v we_o see_v how_o far_o the_o advantage_n and_o measure_n of_o these_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n give_v in_o to_o this_o generation_n do_v exceed_v that_o of_o former_a time_n and_o i_o shall_v hop_v such_o a_o exercise_n may_v be_v of_o use_n and_o bless_a through_o the_o lord_n gracious_a concurrence_n for_o christian_n farthest_o confirm_v thus_o but_o to_o reason_n with_o themselves_o and_o have_v more_o deep_a reflecting_n thereon_o 1._o what_o ever_o hight_v this_o present_a assault_n from_o popery_n may_v come_v to_o yet_o we_o know_v how_o solemn_a a_o triumph_n the_o gospel_n hes_z have_v and_o that_o surly_a it_o be_v the_o same_o truth_n and_o cause_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n for_o which_o so_o great_a thing_n have_v the_o lord_n wrought_v when_o that_o bless_a revolution_n once_o come_v after_o antichristian_a darkness_n have_v overspread_v the_o face_n of_o the_o world_n for_o many_o age_n so_o as_o the_o full_a stroke_n and_o down_o fall_v of_o that_o kingdom_n seem_v not_o more_o marvellous_a and_o above_o all_o humane_a appearance_n when_o now_o at_o a_o distance_n than_o what_o we_o have_v already_o see_v 2._o that_o it_o be_v clear_a how_o extraordinare_a a_o power_n do_v attend_v this_o bless_a work_n of_o the_o church_n rise_v and_o that_o astonish_a swift_a progress_n thereof_o as_o nation_n seem_v to_o be_v bear_v at_o once_o and_o the_o earth_n to_o bring_v forth_o in_o one_o day_n church_n be_v then_o both_o plant_v and_o confirm_v betwixt_o the_o year_n 1521._o and_o 70._o like_o a_o new_a christian_a world_n thus_o bring_v forth_o and_o settle_v yea_o how_o far_o this_o be_v above_o visible_a mean_n and_o how_o little_a interest_n instrument_n have_v therein_o as_o it_o may_v be_v still_o say_v let_v none_o fear_v or_o stagger_n at_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n though_o difficulty_n in_o a_o ordinare_fw-la way_n seem_v insuperable_a after_o we_o have_v now_o see_v what_o the_o lord_n have_v do_v these_o last_o age_n 3._o that_o it_o be_v so_o evident_a how_o with_o the_o first_o shine_v forth_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o purity_n thereof_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o christianity_n come_v also_o therewith_o to_o the_o world_n and_o how_o this_o bless_a light_n do_v lead_v in_o to_o great_a tenderness_n in_o the_o walk_n and_o practice_v of_o christian_n which_o we_o may_v see_v yet_o as_o still_o present_a before_o we_o how_o extraordinare_a a_o effusion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n this_o be_v which_o cause_v then_o so_o marvellous_a a_o change_n and_o lustre_n on_o the_o church_n 4._o have_v we_o not_o see_v to_o confirm_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n these_o prodigy_n of_o cruelty_n have_v be_v act_v by_o the_o popish_a party_n such_o as_o some_o immediate_a power_n and_o incitement_n of_o the_o devil_n can_v only_o answer_v and_o have_v so_o far_o outgo_v the_o ordinare_fw-la rate_n of_o humane_a cruelty_n as_o if_o infernal_a spirit_n have_v then_o come_v and_o assume_v human_a shape_n to_o act_v this_o way_n yea_o be_v evident_a that_o no_o such_o measure_n can_v be_v find_v under_o the_o heathenish_a persecution_n against_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o in_o that_o strange_a way_n and_o manner_n follow_v as_o the_o french_a and_o irish_a massacre_n have_v be_v 5._o that_o such_o horrid_a practice_n also_o have_v be_v consequential_a to_o their_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n so_o as_o this_o have_v not_o only_o be_v dispense_v with_o 〈◊〉_d by_o that_o church_n but_o account_v as_o high_o meritorious_a that_o it_o may_v be_v now_o easy_a to_o judge_v where_o that_o spirit_n and_o way_n tend_v and_o what_o may_v be_v expect_v where_o this_o long_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d fury_n shall_v but_o once_o get_v a_o vent_n 6._o have_v we_o not_o see_v also_o no_o possible_a mâ—â—â—…_n security_n from_o such_o who_o great_a strength_n have_v thus_o be_v to_o move_v still_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o by_o surprise_n to_o make_v their_o great_a assault_n yea_o who_o very_a religion_n do_v so_o evident_o subvert_v all_o truth_n and_o mutual_a confidence_n among_o man_n 7._o but_o have_v we_o not_o also_o see_v amore_fw-la excellent_a spirit_n and_o invincible_a power_n have_v be_v to_o bear_v up_o against_o all_o this_o cruelty_n and_o rage_n and_o how_o great_a a_o seal_n thus_o have_v be_v to_o the_o protestant_a â—â—…se_n and_o doctrine_n in_o these_o late_a time_n by_o innumerable_a witness_n who_o even_o in_o their_o extreme_a suffering_n do_v so_o convince_o evidence_n a_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o undoubted_a seal_n of_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o their_o soul_n 8._o that_o these_o likewise_o be_v rare_a example_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o holiness_n in_o their_o day_n and_o of_o humility_n and_o subduedness_n to_o the_o flesh_n yea_o of_o tenderness_n and_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n to_o their_o persecutor_n who_o the_o lord_n do_v thus_o call_v and_o prepare_v for_o such_o a_o sacrifice_n 9_o that_o no_o precipitancy_n or_o stubbornness_n in_o the_o least_o be_v in_o their_o way_n but_o as_o with_o great_a assurance_n of_o mind_n so_o with_o a_o tender_a humble_a and_o deliberate_a act_n their_o study_n then_o be_v by_o rational_a conviction_n to_o deal_v with_o the_o conscience_n of_o adversary_n in_o a_o willing_a render_n the_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o suffer_v with_o all_o meekness_n from_o the_o scripture_n with_o a_o reference_n thereto_o before_o the_o world_n to_o be_v try_v and_o search_v out_o in_o what_o any_o can_v object_v 10._o have_v we_o not_o see_v the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n most_o bright_o shine_v forth_o in_o that_o day_n in_o the_o weakness_n of_o mean_n and_o that_o no_o special_a piece_n of_o service_n be_v then_o call_v for_o but_o a_o most_o surprise_a and_o discernible_a call_n and_o excitement_n of_o instrument_n thereto_o who_o in_o the_o same_o spirit_n by_o which_o other_o be_v help_v to_o suffer_v be_v remarkable_o then_o carry_v out_o to_o act_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o gospel_n much_o above_o themselves_o and_o their_o ordinare_fw-la reach_n 11._o have_v we_o not_o see_v also_o that_o no_o great_a thing_n be_v by_o the_o lord_n than_o bring_v forth_o for_o his_o church_n but_o some_o remarkable_a height_n of_o trouble_n go_v before_o and_o how_o every_o step_n of_o she_o rise_v and_o prevail_v over_o antichrist_n have_v be_v still_o usher_v in_o with_o some_o sore_a conflict_n and_o down_o cast_v like_o the_o pang_n and_o throw_v of_o the_o birth_n before_o a_o delivery_n 12._o have_v we_o not_o clear_o see_v that_o no_o humane_a power_n since_o the_o break_n forth_o of_o this_o bless_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v yet_o ever_o reach_v its_o end_n against_o the_o reform_a church_n though_o no_o possible_a way_n and_o change_v of_o weapon_n have_v be_v leave_v untried_a but_o how_o most_o visible_o the_o work_n of_o their_o own_o hand_n have_v ensnare_v they_o herein_o and_o tend_v more_o to_o the_o furtherance_n of_o the_o gospel_n 13._o and_o may_v it_o not_o be_v confirm_v what_o have_v be_v so_o clear_a to_o see_v the_o reform_a church_n of_o france_n get_v so_o sweet_a a_o clam_n yea_o fix_v in_o a_o settle_a state_n with_o outward_a peace_n and_o legal_a security_n by_o the_o catholic_n league_n there_o andby_o such_o a_o formidable_a conjunction_n as_o be_v therein_o of_o person_n and_o interest_n for_o her_o utter_a ruin_n 14._o to_o see_v four_o king_n of_o france_n successive_o take_v away_o in_o 30_o year_n all_o upon_o the_o same_o design_n and_o in_o a_o vigorous_a pursuit_n to_o destroy_v the_o protestant_a interest_n there_o and_o in_o they_o that_o race_n of_o the_o house_n of_o valois_n whole_o extinct_a of_o who_o two_o be_v by_o a_o violent_a death_n henry_n the_o second_o and_o three_o and_o this_o last_o so_o remarkable_o from_o that_o very_a airt_n with_o who_o he_o have_v most_o concur_v and_o join_v in_o counsel_n as_o particular_o with_o the_o duke_n of_o guise_n for_o the_o massacre_n but_o both_o fall_n and_o destroy_v by_o other_o in_o a_o short_a time_n 15._o to_o see_v the_o netherlands_o fix_v both_o in_o a_o settle_a state_n and_o church_n by_o that_o bloody_a engine_n of_o the_o spanish_a inquisition_n set_v up_o there_o and_o severe_a cruelty_n of_o philip_n the_o ii_o as_o the_o very_o mean_v make_v most_o subservient_fw-fr thereto_o 16._o to_o see_v the_o protestant_a doctrine_n more_o effectual_o promote_v and_o root_v in_o england_n by_o the_o bloody_a day_n of_o queen_n mary_n than_o the_o peace_n full_a calm_n of_o king_n eduard_n who_o have_v go_v before_o 17._o to_o see_v the_o violence_n and_o falsehood_n of_o queen_n dovager_n and_o inbr_v of_o the_o french_a to_o scotland_n to_o bear_v down_o and_o destroy_v the_o protestant_a interest_n there_o such_o a_o effectual_a mean_a and_o advantage_n for_o its_o rise_n and_o further_a establishment_n 18._o to_o see_v the_o blood_n and_o cruelty_n by_o ferdinand_n the_o ii_o in_o bohemia_n in_o so_o very_o short_a a_o time_n most_o visible_o return_v on_o himself_o to_o a_o make_v germany_n almost_o desolate_a and_o for_o many_o year_n to_o sum_n in_o its_o own_o blood_n by_o the_o swede_n and_o their_o confederate_n 19_o to_o see_v that_o horrid_a late_a irish_a massacre_n in_o a_o few_o year_n after_o resolve_v in_o a_o utter_a root_n out_o almost_o of_o that_o cruel_a party_n who_o have_v move_v therein_o with_o such_o a_o discernible_a sunshine_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o do_v follow_v after_o in_o that_o land_n 20._o i_o must_v here_o add_v which_o may_v be_v clear_a and_o confirm_v this_o day_n how_o so_o strange_a a_o fall_n in_o with_o popery_n have_v be_v now_o these_o 20._o year_n past_a in_o britain_n and_o what_o ground_n that_o interest_n have_v gain_v there_o have_v so_o visible_o have_v its_o strength_n from_o that_o airt_n of_o atheism_n ignorance_n and_o the_o get_n up_o of_o a_o profane_a spirit_n which_o as_o a_o prodigy_n and_o deluge_n have_v thus_o break_v forth_o in_o these_o land_n once_o blessed_v both_o with_o the_o purity_n and_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n beyond_o most_o of_o the_o church_n and_o how_o such_o have_v indeed_o find_v it_o easy_a to_o quit_v the_o truth_n who_o yet_o never_o know_v it_o beside_o the_o influence_n and_o suit_v of_o such_o a_o bait_n as_o this_o way_n be_v to_o the_o temper_n of_o so_o licentious_a a_o time_n and_o for_o some_o private_a interest_n when_o that_o have_v be_v under_o so_o favourable_a a_o aspect_n finis_fw-la
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
have_v be_v keep_v on_o a_o serious_a watch_n agha_v the_o dephit_n and_o subtlety_n of_o satan_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n no_o less_o then_o on_o the_o left_a which_o we_o may_v have_v see_v too_o evident_o in_o this_o late_a amaze_a breach_n 1._o by_o a_o overbending_a to_o break_v and_o take_v of_o from_o unquestionable_a duty_n by_o sum_n exact_v on_o the_o conscience_n of_o other_o according_a to_o their_o measure_n and_o dictate_v beyond_o the_o express_a bound_n and_o warrant_v of_o the_o word_n 2._o by_o such_o a_o strange_a coincidence_n of_o seem_a extreme_n that_o what_o have_v be_v intentional_o follow_v by_o open_a adversary_n shall_v be_v no_o less_o vigorous_o carry_v on_o by_o other_o ex_fw-la intention_n operis_fw-la so_o as_o to_o run_v thus_o cross_a i_o doubt_v not_o to_o their_o own_o thought_n to_o obstruct_v the_o spread_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o bring_v the_o truth_n and_o profession_n thereof_o under_o discredit_n and_o i_o must_v add_v a_o too_o visible_a tendence_n of_o this_o way_n to_o such_o a_o precipice_n of_o resolve_v their_o light_n and_o confidence_n on_o extraordinare_a motion_n without_o a_o humble_a enquiry_n and_o trial_n thereof_o by_o the_o scripture_n so_o as_o some_o in_o outrunning_n the_o reveal_v rule_n of_o duty_n have_v stumble_v on_o the_o dark_a mountain_n ere_o they_o be_v aware_a and_o lose_v their_o foot_n in_o seek_v of_o wing_n to_o flee_v as_o may_v be_v for_o a_o sad_a warning_n to_o after_o time_n 2._o this_o be_v a_o most_o suitable_a study_n in_o such_o a_o day_n how_o to_o walk_v wise_o towards_o such_o as_o be_v without_o and_o what_o may_v most_o tend_v to_o gain_v respect_n to_o the_o truth_n to_o convince_v and_o prevail_v with_o man_n conscience_n even_o of_o know_a and_o public_a adversary_n now_o in_o a_o time_n of_o so_o great_a reproach_n and_o it_o be_v sure_a these_o shall_v be_v special_a advantage_n for_o such_o one_fw-mi end_n 1._o when_o the_o truth_n of_o holiness_n in_o convince_a and_o visible_a reality_n of_o a_o christian_n practice_n as_o be_v present_a before_o man_n eye_n do_v appear_v which_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n who_o be_v then_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o the_o gentile_n that_o it_o be_v say_v they_o do_v not_o speak_v great_a thing_n but_o live_v they_o and_o which_o be_v then_o special_o note_v by_o adversary_n see_v how_o the_o christian_n love_n one_o another_o for_o than_o do_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n bear_v rule_n in_o his_o people_n heart_n but_o how_o sad_a a_o account_n be_v record_v in_o some_o age_n after_o that_o no_o time_n have_v be_v more_o fertile_a of_o religion_n than_o these_o and_o of_o great_a contest_v this_o way_n but_o none_o more_o barren_a of_o religion_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o solidity_n thereof_o whilst_o it_o seem_v rather_o the_o notion_n of_o religion_n most_o converse_v with_o in_o such_o a_o day_n then_o with_o the_o thing_n itself_o 2._o when_o this_o do_v appear_v under_o great_a tribulation_n for_o it_o be_v then_o both_o religion_n and_o these_o who_o profess_v it_o be_v at_o once_o prove_v and_o be_v assure_o one_o of_o the_o choice_a opportunity_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n to_o convince_v the_o world_n but_o oh_o it_o seem_v such_o a_o prospect_n of_o christianity_n be_v now_o rare_a as_o the_o saint_n have_v have_v in_o former_a time_n or_o or_o such_o a_o conjunction_n as_o this_o when_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n under_o great_a affliction_n but_o with_o a_o great_a joy_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 3._o when_o a_o serious_a and_o tender_a way_n be_v follow_v by_o christian_n to_o gain_v more_o upon_o man_n judgement_n by_o a_o humble_a and_o rational_a account_n from_o the_o scripture_n of_o their_o hope_n and_o practice_v then_o by_o a_o more_o confident_a and_o severe_a impose_v upon_o their_o faith_n since_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o premise_n and_o conclusion_n must_v be_v still_o relative_a and_o the_o truth_n much_o more_o hurt_n than_o help_v when_o it_o be_v not_o in_o a_o convince_a way_n commend_v to_o the_o conscience_n even_o of_o adversary_n it_o be_v not_o suffering_n but_o the_o cause_n that_o make_v the_o martyr_n that_o it_o be_v indeed_o for_o the_o truth_n and_o no_o just_a ground_n of_o offence_n be_v by_o any_o give_v to_o darken_v the_o credit_n thereof_o and_o here_o there_o must_v be_v no_o redeem_n of_o the_o personal_a repute_n of_o any_o at_o so_o high_a a_o rate_n as_o a_o public_a dash_n and_o prejudice_n to_o the_o honour_n and_o credit_n of_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o day_n 4._o this_o also_o be_v a_o special_a advantage_n for_o gain_v respect_n to_o the_o truth_n when_o in_o the_o room_n of_o sore_n and_o bitter_a compleaning_n the_o voice_n of_o joy_n and_o thanksgiving_n may_v be_v hear_v among_o such_o as_o own_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n this_o day_n even_o under_o all_o their_o grief_n and_o pressure_n other_o way_n i_o write_v this_o under_o some_o conviction_n how_o rare_a such_o a_o study_n seem_v now_o to_o adorn_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o it_o be_v sure_a none_o ever_o seek_v to_o find_v the_o comfort_n and_o mercy_n of_o their_o lot_n for_o a_o excitement_n to_o this_o bless_a excercise_n of_o praise_n but_o find_v cause_n for_o it_o and_o how_o to_o be_v faithful_a in_o a_o lesser_a measure_n but_o they_o find_v more_o add_v and_o how_o great_a a_o want_n this_o be_v and_o hindrance_n to_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n this_o day_n be_v more_o than_o we_o seem_v to_o lay_v to_o heart_n yea_o how_o much_o thus_o the_o world_n be_v tempt_v to_o judge_v religion_n only_o a_o dead_a form_n and_o that_o christian_n do_v not_o in_o truth_n believe_v what_o they_o believe_v yea_o that_o they_o be_v few_o if_o any_o on_o the_o earth_n who_o walk_v suitable_o to_o such_o a_o hope_n and_o assurance_n of_o the_o glory_n which_o be_v to_o come_v i_o be_o sure_a as_o no_o serious_a and_o wise_a observer_n but_o may_v find_v their_o be_v under_o some_o singular_a engagement_n from_o what_o have_v be_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n deal_v with_o they_o so_o it_o be_v sad_a when_o these_o be_v more_o bury_v almost_o and_o forget_v then_o search_v out_o under_o present_a and_o new_a trouble_n some_o will_v judge_v a_o suitable_a access_n to_o give_v in_o their_o mite_n to_o this_o treasure_n a_o special_a enlargement_n and_o to_o own_o a_o peculiar_a debt_n to_o so_o great_a a_o duty_n for_o put_v their_o seal_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n this_o day_n and_o to_o bear_v a_o honourable_a witness_n to_o his_o way_n amid_o all_o the_o change_n and_o remarkable_o search_v trial_n have_v occur_v in_o the_o course_n of_o their_o pilgrimage_n he_o be_v the_o rock_n his_o work_n be_v perfect_a and_o all_o his_o way_n be_v judgement_n a_o god_n of_o truth_n just_a and_o true_a be_v he_o deut._n 23._o 3._o o_o that_o man_n will_v praise_v he_o and_o that_o one_o generation_n will_v declare_v his_o work_n to_o another_o and_o transmit_v the_o memory_n of_o his_o goodness_n yea_o that_o such_o a_o bless_a conformity_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o humility_n love_n meekness_n bowel_n of_o compassion_n and_o overcome_v evil_a with_o good_a may_v this_o day_n more_o appear_v as_o the_o world_n thus_o may_v be_v both_o judge_v and_o condemn_v in_o their_o own_o conscience_n thereby_o 3._o this_o also_o may_v be_v a_o suitable_a and_o edify_a study_n for_o christian_n in_o such_o a_o time_n for_o get_v a_o clear_a sight_n of_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n amid_o all_o these_o strange_a and_o amaze_a thing_n which_o be_v before_o we_o both_o for_o their_o own_o strengthen_n and_o to_o justify_v his_o holy_a and_o unspotted_a righteousness_n and_o thus_o to_o consider_v that_o what_o ever_o we_o now_o see_v yet_o it_o be_v so_o clear_a 1._o that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o church_n militant_a and_o great_a triumph_n which_o the_o gospel_n have_v have_v since_o its_o first_o dawn_n in_o the_o world_n be_v yet_o never_o by_o any_o outward_a clam_n or_o prosperous_a state_n here_o but_o under_o tribulation_n and_o distress_n in_o ignominy_n and_o contempt_n else_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o have_v mistake_v the_o scripture_n and_o that_o thus_o the_o most_o lucide_n interval_n and_o sunshine_n have_v be_v most_o usual_o short_a and_o not_o only_o a_o dark_a cloud_n but_o a_o see_v necessity_n thereof_o have_v still_o follow_v 2._o and_o how_o sweet_a and_o confirm_v might_n such_o a_o clear_a prospect_n be_v now_o to_o a_o shake_a christian_a of_o the_o singular_a congruity_n of_o such_o a_o providence_n both_o to_o the_o reveal_v truth_n and_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o his_o
deal_n with_o his_o people_n that_o so_o straight_o and_o wearisome_a away_o shall_v be_v here_o to_o a_o eternity_n of_o glory_n in_o that_o life_n which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o no_o get_v there_o but_o through_o some_o degree_n of_o sore_a break_n and_o anguish_n and_o go_v through_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n before_o that_o of_o enjoyment_n when_o they_o consider_v how_o unconceivable_o great_a and_o excellent_a that_o state_n which_o be_v above_o be_v and_o their_o be_v train_v in_o so_o sharp_a a_o a_o school_n of_o tribulation_n here_o shall_v at_o length_n tend_v to_o a_o unexpressible_a joy_n and_o comfort_n that_o ever_o they_o have_v such_o a_o occasion_n to_o prove_v their_o love_n and_o adherence_n to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o credit_v his_o truth_n against_o all_o visible_a ground_n and_o in_o have_v with_o patience_n and_o hope_v get_v through_o such_o a_o throng_n of_o temptation_n when_o they_o thus_o see_v the_o most_o bitter_a grieve_v and_o difficult_a part_n of_o their_o warfare_n be_v but_o to_o make_v the_o victory_n more_o full_a and_o triumphant_a 3._o thus_o we_o may_v have_v a_o more_o clear_a and_o confirm_v look_n of_o the_o holy_a judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o product_n of_o these_o sad_a break_n in_o our_o church_n that_o when_o so_o strange_a a_o spirit_n have_v be_v aloft_o and_o a_o strong_a affection_n in_o some_o without_o a_o humble_a and_o deliberate_a judgement_n it_o shall_v at_o last_o resolve_n in_o a_o fervour_n of_o error_n and_o delusion_n yea_o to_o come_v that_o length_n of_o break_v down_o what_o they_o suppose_v to_o be_v build_v up_o and_o to_o adventure_v with_o great_a confidence_n for_o engage_v the_o holy_a god_n to_o a_o concurrence_n in_o these_o way_n which_o his_o word_n do_v express_o testify_v against_o whilst_o so_o impatient_a to_o be_v touch_v herein_o as_o they_o have_v be_v ready_a to_o turn_v again_o and_o tear_v such_o who_o have_v with_o tenderness_n seek_v their_o recovery_n but_o though_o such_o sad_a thing_n shall_v deep_o affect_v we_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n for_o stumble_v to_o any_o pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a be_v the_o same_o this_o day_n that_o ever_o it_o be_v and_o the_o redeem_v of_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o break_a and_o disease_a company_n whiel_v here_o by_o the_o way_n full_a of_o sore_n and_o distemper_n but_o all_o under_o cure_n which_o will_v ere_o long_o be_v perfect_v and_o i_o hope_v through_o grace_n there_o be_v a_o generation_n of_o tender_a solid_a and_o humble_a christian_n yet_o in_o our_o land_n who_o shall_v be_v own_v and_o accept_v at_o the_o appearance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o this_o day_n i_o know_v on_o the_o earth_n and_o many_o much_o hide_v there_o but_o what_o be_v too_o visible_a the_o temper_n and_o complexion_n of_o this_o age_n may_v cause_v much_o fear_n upon_o these_o peculiar_a hazard_n professor_n now_o seem_v to_o be_v expose_v to_o beyond_o former_a time_n when_o a_o form_n of_o knowledge_n and_o the_o theory_n of_o practical_a religion_n have_v so_o far_o outgo_v tenderness_n and_o practice_n and_o become_v so_o much_o a_o matter_n of_o art_n and_o invention_n whilst_o christian_n former_o with_o a_o small_a measure_n of_o light_n and_o in_o a_o plain_a dress_n walk_v in_o the_o love_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o truth_n a_o bold_a and_o profess_v age_n where_o a_o too_o easy_a and_o sudden_a growth_n to_o a_o forward_a appearance_n among_o many_o have_v so_o visible_o out_o run_v a_o solid_a root_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o fear_v and_o serious_a exercise_n on_o their_o own_o soul_n about_o their_o spiritual_a state_n and_o the_o soundness_n of_o conversion_n as_o have_v sometime_o be_v a_o age_n where_o it_o may_v be_v fear_v that_o not_o at_o a_o common_a rate_n many_o be_v like_a to_o adventure_v on_o the_o further_a hazard_n of_o perish_v amid_o these_o strange_a distemper_n in_o our_o church_n but_o with_o high_a pretence_n seem_v to_o out_o dare_v all_o mean_n of_o conviction_n even_o while_o with_o great_a tenderness_n and_o love_n to_o their_o soul_n follow_v yea_o a_o age_n when_o that_o dreadful_a engine_n of_o satan_n be_v now_o so_o discernible_o on_o foot_n and_o in_o such_o different_a form_n and_o shape_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n and_o delusion_n to_o turn_v man_n off_o all_o settle_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o give_v the_o credit_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o sore_a wound_n than_o the_o open_a violence_n and_o rage_n of_o other_o have_v yet_o ever_o do_v and_o be_v not_o here_o one_o sad_a influence_a cause_n of_o so_o deplorable_a a_o state_n of_o the_o church_n this_o day_n that_o many_o profess_v godliness_n in_o this_o age_n be_v not_o more_o take_v up_o with_o the_o great_a and_o weighty_a thing_n thereof_o and_o in_o these_o retire_a exercise_n which_o have_v the_o close_a communication_n with_o the_o vital_n of_o christianity_n and_o so_o indispensible_o necessary_a to_o a_o honourable_a appearance_n for_o the_o lord_n in_o any_o public_a duty_n and_o service_n of_o the_o time_n 4._o what_o a_o choice_n study_v in_o so_o extreme_a a_o exigence_n now_o of_o the_o church_n shall_v this_o be_v to_o know_v and_o bring_v near_o by_o some_o more_o deep_a reflection_n thereon_o how_o great_a these_o thing_n be_v which_o a_o humble_a and_o serious_a christian_a have_v to_o converse_v with_o and_o to_o oppose_v all_o his_o grief_n and_o fear_n this_o day_n even_o when_o they_o seem_v to_o press_v above_o measure_n which_o this_o may_v not_o only_o confirm_v but_o overcome_v the_o heart_n with_o unexpressible_a joy_n when_o he_o but_o thus_o alone_a reason_n with_o himself_o 1._o what_o ever_o shake_v wind_n now_o blow_v almost_o from_o every_o airth_n yet_o have_v he_o firm_a and_o sure_a principle_n of_o trust_n for_o a_o safe_a sound_v the_o rest_n and_o peace_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o his_o security_n here_o be_v full_a though_o not_o his_o enjoyment_n yea_o what_o ever_o want_v now_o be_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o adherence_n in_o rest_v on_o the_o truth_n with_o such_o full_a repose_n and_o quiet_a of_o mind_n he_o be_v call_v to_o yet_o he_o know_v thereis_n no_o want_n of_o further_a certainty_n of_o evidence_n 2._o that_o not_o in_o a_o dream_n but_o in_o the_o most_o serious_a composure_n of_o spirit_n he_o can_v retire_v into_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o there_o see_v how_o unexpressible_o bless_a poor_a lose_a man_n be_v make_v by_o a_o redeemer_n on_o who_o he_o have_v choice_v to_o have_v the_o exceed_a riches_n of_o his_o grace_n show_v forth_o to_o all_o eternity_n yea_o this_o in_o so_o marvellous_a a_o way_n when_o no_o possible_a help_n can_v be_v find_v in_o we_o that_o the_o holy_a god_n will_v take_v satisfaction_n to_o himself_o by_o himself_o not_o only_o to_o save_v his_o people_n but_o to_o preserve_v the_o right_n of_o justice_n inviolable_a yea_o have_v thus_o bring_v we_o under_o a_o law_n to_o come_v and_o be_v bless_v in_o his_o son_n to_o who_o he_o bear_v record_n that_o in_o he_o be_v life_n and_o a_o eternal_a salvation_n make_v sure_a 3._o that_o the_o clear_a intent_n of_o this_o astonish_a mystery_n be_v not_o only_o to_o save_v his_o people_n from_o wrath_n but_o to_o make_v they_o meet_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n for_o that_o state_n which_o be_v above_o since_o it_o be_v not_o pardon_v alone_o or_o a_o heaven_n without_o we_o can_v make_v any_o bless_a until_o the_o soul_n once_o be_v frame_v for_o it_o and_o this_o first_o begin_v and_o wrought_v there_o and_o now_o what_o have_v a_o christian_a this_o day_n to_o converse_v when_o amid_o the_o multitude_n of_o his_o sad_a thought_n he_o can_v with_o such_o assurance_n retire_v into_o the_o gospel_n and_o thence_o look_v up_o to_o a_o eternity_n of_o glory_n as_o that_o which_o ere_o long_o he_o shall_v know_v and_o enjoy_v 4._o that_o this_o be_v so_o sure_a for_o his_o confirm_v that_o such_o a_o signature_n and_o impress_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o holiness_n be_v to_o be_v see_v this_o day_n in_o the_o earth_n i_o hope_v yet_o in_o innumereable_a instance_n even_o in_o these_o decline_a time_n with_o so_o visible_a a_o assimilation_n and_o likeness_n to_o a_o high_a state_n herein_o that_o if_o man_n but_o exerce_fw-la reason_n they_o may_v see_v it_o be_v sure_a a_o marvellous_a transform_a power_n can_v ever_o make_v such_o a_o change_n and_o that_o miracle_n if_o right_o consider_v do_v not_o this_o day_n cease_v in_o the_o church_n whilst_o so_o great_a a_o witness_n to_o the_o power_n and_o truth_n of_o godliness_n be_v continue_v 5._o he_o thus_o see_v that_o though_o no_o resemblance_n of_o our_o bless_a head_n have_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o church_n of_o his_o human_a
ignorant_a and_o impenitent_a sinner_n have_v for_o their_o cure_n if_o thus_o impress_v and_o teach_v to_o turn_v their_o back_n on_o so_o many_o serious_a and_o godly_a minister_n who_o work_n have_v have_v a_o convince_a seal_n on_o many_o and_o i_o hope_v with_o great_a desire_n will_v seek_v the_o save_n of_o soul_n yea_o when_o the_o profane_a drunkard_n swearer_n and_o worldling_n shall_v thus_o flee_v under_o such_o a_o patrociny_n that_o many_o if_o not_o most_o of_o the_o nonconform_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n be_v neither_o to_o be_v hear_v nor_o own_a how_o sad_a shall_v this_o be_v or_o if_o they_o go_v that_o length_n as_o to_o hear_v yet_o with_o have_v they_o in_o such_o contempt_n as_o without_o any_o dread_a or_o fear_v to_o slight_v their_o ministerial_a exhortation_n and_o oh_o the_o soul_n of_o many_o thus_o in_o hazard_n to_o be_v undo_v and_o to_o run_v to_o their_o own_o destruction_n and_o take_v such_o advantage_n when_o so_o much_o be_v give_v to_o revile_v minister_n know_v to_o be_v unquestionable_o godly_a and_o fix_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n when_o they_o will_v seek_v to_o draw_v they_o to_o repentance_n this_o be_v no_o personal_a interest_n nor_o will_v it_o be_v find_v a_o light_n or_o small_a matter_n pretend_v who_o will_v to_o the_o contrary_a to_o give_v a_o public_a thrust_n at_o the_o credit_n of_o a_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o may_v yet_o have_v some_o service_n for_o his_o master_n under_o his_o hand_n and_o who_o sin_n be_v blot_v out_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o hide_v in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o appearance_n before_o the_o great_a judge_n or_o thus_o rake_v up_o what_o we_o may_v hope_v he_o have_v cover_v i_o remember_v what_o i_o hear_v press_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o late_a difference_n about_o the_o public_a resolution_n after_o a_o communion_n before_o a_o most_o solemn_a auditory_a and_o by_o one_o of_o the_o great_a minister_n of_o christ_n i_o know_v then_o yea_o when_o to_o the_o conviction_n of_o all_o he_o be_v own_v with_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n i_o think_v say_v he_o as_o to_o the_o sad_a difference_n now_o in_o the_o church_n we_o shall_v with_o shem_n and_o japhet_n take_v the_o mantle_n and_o with_o our_o eye_n shut_v go_v backward_o and_o lay_v it_o upon_o noah_n yet_o be_v he_o in_o his_o judgement_n fix_v against_o the_o resolution_n 4._o have_v not_o the_o great_a strength_n which_o error_n and_o seduction_n have_v get_v in_o the_o church_n of_o britain_n most_o visible_o follow_v on_o the_o reproach_n and_o subtle_a break_n of_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o what_o do_v the_o popish_a adversary_n more_o visible_o design_n than_o this_o as_o conzen_n a_o jesuit_n polit._n 2._o cap._n 18._o write_v that_o the_o sure_a way_n to_o reduce_v the_o church_n to_o popery_n be_v to_o have_v their_o great_a aim_n against_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n by_o blast_v of_o 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