of_o any_o advantage_n herein_o and_o that_o where_o such_o a_o poisenous_a cloud_n of_o prejudice_n intervene_v and_o a_o prejudicate_v impression_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o of_o serious_a godliness_n be_v the_o glass_n there_o can_v but_o be_v very_o sad_a reflection_n thereon_o i_o must_v yet_o crave_v leave_n in_o a_o few_o word_n as_o a_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o for_o a_o just_a vindication_n offer_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v by_o the_o conscience_n of_o our_o great_a adversary_n herein_o 1._o that_o we_o shall_v seek_v no_o great_a favour_n but_o that_o upon_o clear_a evidence_n from_o the_o trial_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n which_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o render_v to_o all_o that_o ask_v there_o may_v be_v such_o free_a access_n to_o a_o public_a and_o serious_a reason_n herein_o as_o that_o the_o truth_n may_v be_v hear_v for_o itself_o judge_v it_o no_o less_o our_o concern_n to_o convince_v man_n judgement_n for_o commend_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o their_o conscience_n then_o to_o engage_v the_o affection_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v in_o no_o new_a or_o strange_a case_n we_o be_v now_o state_v and_o do_v own_o no_o other_o judgement_n and_o principle_n this_o day_n then_o what_o be_v express_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o most_o pure_o reform_a church_n of_o christ_n since_o the_o reformation_n and_o be_v that_o good_a and_o old_a way_n and_o the_o same_o truth_n for_o which_o our_o worthy_a predecessor_n do_v by_o their_o wrestle_a prayer_n and_o suffering_n so_o vigorous_o contend_v yea_o wherein_o so_o innumerable_a a_o company_n of_o most_o serious_a solid_a and_o tender_a christian_n have_v be_v seal_v and_o find_v such_o abound_a comfort_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n upon_o their_o suffering_n and_o testimony_n upon_o the_o same_o 3._o that_o it_o be_v no_o private_a interest_n or_o for_o our_o own_o thing_n no_o temporal_a honour_n greatness_n or_o riches_n in_o this_o world_n that_o such_o sore_a wrestle_n by_o the_o godly_a in_o our_o church_n have_v be_v which_o i_o hope_v may_v now_o have_v some_o conviction_n and_o witness_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o our_o adversary_n and_o how_o such_o have_v not_o want_v a_o very_a obvious_a and_o allure_a bait_n this_o way_n may_v be_v easy_a to_o judge_v if_o some_o great_a interest_n do_v not_o preponder_v at_o of_o be_v to_o dear_a a_o purchase_n at_o so_o sad_a a_o rate_n of_o unfaithfulness_n to_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o master_n in_o his_o truth_n 4._o that_o it_o have_v be_v no_o matter_n of_o indifference_n or_o any_o small_a and_o trivial_a interest_n such_o have_v be_v concern_v in_o these_o late_a trial_n to_o appear_v for_o bot_n for_o the_o law_n and_o interest_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o right_n and_o liberty_n his_o kingdom_n which_o after_o some_o bless_a and_o comfortable_a possession_n so_o long_o yea_o with_o the_o further_a concurrence_n of_o the_o civil_a law_n herein_o we_o shall_v reckon_v as_o our_o birth_n right_a and_o inheritance_n whatever_o sad_a short_a come_n have_v be_v by_o all_o in_o that_o measure_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o father_n thereto_o against_o such_o invasion_n on_o so_o great_a a_o interest_n as_o have_v be_v in_o these_o time_n 5._o we_o have_v confidence_n to_o say_v that_o we_o own_v no_o doctrine_n or_o principle_n but_o what_o tend_v to_o give_v all_o due_a respect_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o magistrate_n without_o detract_n from_o his_o just_a right_n and_o power_n bot_n to_o give_v unto_o cesar_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n yea_o without_o the_o least_o deny_v to_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n whatever_o with_o any_o scripture_n warrant_v we_o may_v allow_v of_o a_o external_a objectively_o ecclesiastic_a power_n such_o as_o be_v cumulative_a for_o the_o truth_n not_o against_o it_o bot_n that_o he_o can_v have_v no_o power_n formal_o ecclesiastic_a and_o what_o be_v pure_o spiritual_a or_o any_o immediate_a power_n of_o cognition_n in_o matter_n simple_o ecclesiastic_a antecedent_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v so_o incompatible_a with_o the_o order_n and_o government_n establish_v by_o he_o who_o be_v the_o alone_a head_n and_o lawgiver_n to_o his_o own_o house_n who_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n 6._o we_o may_v say_v with_o a_o humble_a appeal_n to_o their_o conscience_n who_o do_v most_o reproach_n that_o it_o be_v for_o no_o pre-eminence_n or_o to_o be_v lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n or_o own_v any_o power_n bot_n what_o be_v ministerial_a to_o declare_v and_o execute_v our_o master_n will_v and_o such_o a_o power_n which_o have_v the_o inward_a man_n for_o its_o proper_a object_n and_o the_o true_a edification_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n for_o its_o peculiar_a end_n wherein_o we_o own_o a_o special_a regard_n to_o be_v have_v in_o the_o whole_a exercise_n and_o application_n thereof_o and_o in_o deal_v with_o the_o conscience_n of_o gainsayer_n that_o it_o be_v with_o great_a tenderness_n and_o christian_a prudence_n such_o as_o may_v most_o tend_v to_o edify_v and_o gain_v upon_o their_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o be_v private_a essay_n express_o appoint_v to_o go_v before_o a_o public_a and_o judicial_a procedure_n and_o if_o any_o just_a ground_n of_o offence_n have_v be_v give_v in_o the_o excess_n of_o some_o this_o way_n let_v it_o cause_v no_o reflection_n on_o that_o bless_a and_o beautiful_a order_n in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n appoint_v by_o himself_o yea_o which_o with_o grief_n upon_o any_o convince_a evident_a thereof_o we_o shall_v to_o the_o further_a dissown_n 7._o it_o be_v evident_a that_o these_o sacred_a tie_n of_o our_o oath_n and_o covenant_n with_o god_n we_o be_v so_o solemn_o engage_v in_o contain_v no_o other_o duty_n or_o obligation_n than_o what_o the_o scripture_n indispensible_o oblige_v to_o and_o be_v state_v on_o these_o great_a concern_v of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n 8._o we_o can_v also_o witness_v with_o some_o quiet_a and_o assurance_n that_o the_o great_a arm_n and_o concern_v of_o the_o most_o serious_a nonconform_a minister_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o church_n in_o their_o adventure_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n not_o withstand_v of_o any_o prohibition_n by_o the_o present_a law_n have_v be_v upon_o no_o factious_a or_o private_a design_n bot_n under_o constraint_n of_o duty_n upon_o so_o press_v a_o call_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o people_n as_o these_o unto_o who_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o ordinance_n be_v commit_v and_o a_o necessity_n thus_o lay_v upon_o they_o with_o some_o serious_a aim_n and_o desire_v i_o hope_v to_o pursne_n this_o end_n and_o to_o sheu_o the_o indispensible_a nead_v of_o embrace_v that_o bless_a offer_n of_o reconciliation_n by_o christ_n as_o also_o to_o press_v holiness_n and_o give_v warning_n of_o any_o share_n when_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o people_n may_v be_v in_o hazard_n thereby_o nor_o dare_v our_o respect_n to_o the_o person_n of_o any_o in_o the_o least_o balance_n with_o the_o interest_n of_o truth_n here_o for_o a_o public_a disow_n with_o grief_n what_o ever_o in_o their_o way_n have_v give_v just_a cause_n of_o offence_n and_o stumble_v in_o such_o a_o time_n 9_o it_o be_v the_o reveal_v truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o we_o do_v express_o own_v as_o the_o alone_a formal_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o that_o it_o be_v there_o each_o shall_v come_v to_o prove_v his_o work_n bot_n a_o that_o it_o be_v â—ust_z and_o warrantable_a on_o the_o matter_n according_a to_o these_o unchangeable_a rule_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n and_o to_o know_v our_o warrant_n and_o call_v herein_o else_o no_o security_n can_v be_v from_o the_o great_a confusion_n and_o irregularity_n among_o man_n 10._o that_o extraordinare_a motion_n or_o impulse_n must_v be_v no_o rule_n or_o warrant_v of_o duty_n nor_o for_o any_o go_n beyond_o these_o express_a bound_n set_v to_o we_o in_o the_o word_n by_o which_o they_o must_v be_v know_v and_o try_v for_o god_n have_v assign_v to_o each_o their_o station_n and_o call_v and_o that_o a_o serious_a and_o tender_a regard_n shall_v be_v against_o all_o exorbitance_n in_o the_o excess_n all_o be_v well_o as_o any_o sinful_a deficience_n or_o neglect_n therein_o and_o i_o hope_v whatever_o be_v find_v unauswerable_a this_o dâ—y_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o to_o these_o know_a principle_n and_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n which_o be_v confess_v and_o most_o universal_o adhere_v to_o by_o the_o nonconformist_n there_o as_o we_o do_v with_o grief_n disown_n so_o i_o have_v confidence_n there_o can_v want_v some_o testimony_n thereto_o even_o on_o the_o conscience_n of_o our_o great_a adversary_n 8._o i_o must_v never_o yet_o add_v on_o strange_a ground_n of_o quarrel_n and_o prejudice_n that_o
a_o serious_a adherence_n to_o the_o government_n and_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n over_o his_o church_n for_o which_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o law_n and_o institution_n be_v so_o unanswerable_o clear_a shall_v be_v judge_v incompatible_a with_o the_o civil_a interest_n and_o security_n of_o the_o state_n for_o answ_n if_o man_n shut_v their_o own_o eye_n where_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o clear_a and_o have_v thus_o show_v we_o not_o only_o what_o be_v just_a but_o what_o be_v good_a and_o how_o assure_o this_o be_v the_o great_a concern_v of_o a_o nation_n to_o have_v the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o right_n thereof_o establish_v and_o keep_v up_o when_o the_o veâ—y_v express_v intent_n and_o tendence_n thereof_o be_v to_o promote_v and_o transmit_v both_o the_o purity_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n to_o the_o present_a and_o succeed_a age_n i_o confess_v there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n then_o in_o such_o a_o case_n but_o if_o principle_n of_o self_n love_n to_o our_o temporal_a advantage_n and_o such_o pretend_a respect_n to_o the_o public_a interest_n of_o the_o land_n bear_v any_o weight_n i_o will_v but_o plead_v a_o little_a with_o a_o serious_a appeal_n to_o these_o principle_n which_o our_o adversary_n do_v yet_o own_o and_o assent_v to_o if_o the_o truth_n and_o serious_a practice_n of_o godliness_n and_o these_o mean_n which_o be_v necessary_o direct_v thereto_o be_v not_o visible_o the_o great_a interest_n and_o safety_n of_o a_o nation_n and_o to_o have_v the_o further_a awe_n and_o reverence_n thereof_o keep_v up_o upon_o these_o ground_n 1._o because_o thus_o be_v the_o great_a enforcement_n of_o civil_a duty_n by_o a_o religious_a tie_n and_o on_o principle_n of_o conscience_n 2._o that_o this_o tend_v to_o the_o further_a advance_v and_o improvement_n of_o human_a nature_n both_o to_o make_v human_a society_n sweet_a and_o desirable_a and_o for_o a_o more_o vigorous_a and_o true_a improvement_n of_o man_n natural_a ability_n for_o the_o public_a good_a interest_n of_o that_o place_n 3._o and_o can_v this_o be_v a_o public_a grievance_n which_o bring_v the_o great_a enforcement_n to_o sincerity_n candour_n and_o truth_n which_o as_o it_o be_v essential_o necessary_a for_o the_o establishment_n of_o justice_n and_o moral_a righteousness_n so_o tend_v to_o beget_v true_a mutual_a assurance_n both_o in_o word_n and_o act_n among_o man_n and_o how_o possible_o can_v a_o nation_n be_v safe_a or_o any_o true_a intercourse_n and_o security_n in_o our_o personal_a concern_v where_o truth_n and_o godliness_n have_v no_o due_a respect_n there_o 4._o be_v it_o not_o thus_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o several_a relation_n be_v most_o promote_v yea_o which_o give_v the_o great_a security_n to_o civil_a government_n and_o set_v home_o on_o man_n heart_n their_o obligation_n to_o magistracy_n as_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n not_o from_o fear_n but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o it_o be_v little_o know_v what_o hide_v pledge_n such_o as_o be_v true_o godly_a be_v of_o the_o peace_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o land_n they_o be_v in_o 5._o can_v the_o bless_a tendency_n of_o truth_n and_o godliness_n be_v under_o debaâ—e_n to_o subdue_v the_o disease_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o restrain_v these_o exorbitance_n of_o pride_n envy_n wrath_n ambition_n &c_n &c_n beyond_o the_o further_a reach_n of_o all_o humane_a law_n which_o have_v still_o so_o deplorable_a effect_n every_o where_o and_o raise_v too_o visible_o most_o of_o these_o storm_n and_o tempest_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o cause_v so_o dreadful_a disorder_n among_o man_n 6._o it_o be_v sure_a also_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n must_v needs_o lead_v man_n to_o be_v quiet_a and_o do_v their_o own_o business_n yea_o for_o such_o as_o be_v in_o that_o condition_n to_o work_v with_o their_o own_o hand_n 1_o thess_n 5_o 11._o and_o to_o abide_v in_o that_o call_n in_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v place_v they_o and_o to_o painfulness_n and_o industry_n therein_o to_o be_v no_o busy_a meddler_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o other_o and_o that_o no_o man_n go_v about_o to_o defraud_v his_o brother_n that_o none_o render_v evil_a for_o evil_n unto_o any_o which_o as_o they_o be_v most_o express_a scripture_n command_v must_v demonstrative_o witness_v this_o like_a way_n what_o a_o public_a blessing_n truth_n and_o godliness_n be_v to_o the_o land_n wherein_o it_o be_v keep_v up_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v this_o more_o what_o regard_n even_o on_o politic_a ground_n shall_v be_v to_o that_o which_o so_o necessary_o bring_v therewith_o the_o love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o to_o do_v unto_o other_o as_o we_o will_v be_v deal_v with_o by_o they_o as_o also_o tenderness_n to_o the_o afflict_a a_o compassionate_a spirit_n to_o relieve_v such_o as_o be_v in_o distress_n with_o hospitality_n to_o stranger_n which_o must_v needs_o have_v a_o vigorous_a exercise_n there_o where_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v entertain_v as_o be_v so_o essential_a a_o part_n of_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n section_n v._n after_o some_o thought_n on_o this_o sad_a and_o unpleasing_a subject_n of_o the_o late_a difference_n in_o our_o church_n i_o will_v desire_v yet_o in_o the_o shut_n up_o thereof_o to_o speak_v a_o few_o word_n on_o a_o more_o practical_a concern_v that_o may_v lead_v in_o and_o leave_v the_o reader_n on_o another_o scent_n and_o inquiry_n which_o i_o fear_v in_o this_o strange_a crowd_n and_o noise_n have_v be_v of_o public_a debate_n by_o too_o many_o be_v much_o lose_v and_o shall_v touch_v this_o in_o thes_n 4._o particular_n o_o that_o with_o a_o blessing_n from_o he_o who_o can_v serve_v himself_o of_o the_o mean_a thing_n it_o may_v be_v make_v a_o word_n in_o season_n to_o my_o in_o such_o time_n 1._o to_o consider_v what_o may_v most_o contribute_v to_o a_o christian_n joy_n and_o solid_a peace_n upon_o a_o after_o reckon_v with_o their_o own_o conscience_n as_o to_o their_o way_n in_o this_o winnow_a time_n when_o such_o hot_a contending_n have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n for_o which_o i_o will_v humble_o offer_v these_o 1._o what_o sweet_a peace_n will_v then_o be_v in_o have_v be_v keep_v close_o at_o home_n with_o a_o tender_a and_o jealous_a eye_n over_o the_o frame_n and_o temper_n of_o their_o own_o spirit_n since_o we_o can_v but_o see_v where_o the_o strength_n of_o these_o strange_a paroxysm_n of_o heat_n and_o bitterness_n among_o professor_n of_o the_o truth_n do_v now_o most_o lie_v that_o it_o be_v from_o these_o jar_a corruption_n upon_o the_o heart_n more_o than_o from_o any_o difference_n of_o light_n and_o judgement_n and_o which_o no_o eager_a dispute_n but_o a_o tender_a and_o lively_a practice_n in_o be_v exercise_v to_o godliness_n can_v effectual_o cure_v &_o then_o we_o may_v both_o hope_n for_o a_o bless_a heal_a composure_n under_o these_o different_a measure_n of_o light_n among_o christian_a and_o for_o a_o tender_a and_o humble_a reason_n in_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v when_o thus_o a_o more_o near_a conformity_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o rule_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v once_o reach_v which_o must_v needs_o subject_a the_o soul_n to_o account_v it_o our_o great_a honour_n to_o be_v overcome_v by_o the_o truth_n 2._o that_o they_o have_v be_v keep_v from_o any_o such_o precipitant_a judgement_n of_o other_o as_o usual_o follow_v on_o such_o debate_n and_o their_o spirit_n keep_v under_o some_o bless_a awe_n and_o restraint_n of_o these_o sudden_a violent_a commotion_n and_o truption_n of_o passion_n as_o run_v such_o unto_o most_o sad_a undecency_n to_o discredit_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n discompose_v themselves_o and_o wound_v their_o own_o conscience_n 3._o that_o they_o have_v be_v tender_a of_o practise_v that_o themselves_o which_o they_o have_v condemn_v in_o other_o by_o any_o such_o aim_v more_o how_o to_o revile_v then_o reclaim_v and_o to_o a_o heighten_v rather_o than_o heal_v of_o this_o strange_a breach_n 4._o that_o the_o flee_v of_o one_o extreme_a have_v still_o be_v with_o some_o regard_n of_o be_v keep_v from_o run_v on_o any_o other_o &_o of_o there_o have_v have_v impartial_a respect_n to_o entertain_v what_o ever_o be_v just_o approvable_a and_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n upon_o either_o hand_n yea_o not_o only_o with_o a_o humble_a cede_v in_o personal_a injury_n and_o such_o a_o tender_a manage_n of_o their_o own_o necessary_a vindication_n upon_o the_o revile_n of_o other_o as_o may_v tend_v to_o convince_v more_o then_o to_o provoke_v but_o that_o they_o have_v this_o testimony_n they_o do_v in_o earnest_n pray_v for_o such_o and_o seek_v their_o mercy_n and_o reclaim_v from_o the_o lord_n 5._o that_o no_o pretence_n or_o personal_a respect_n have_v shut_v their_o eye_n upon_o any_o visible_a hazard_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o of_o
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
towards_o such_o as_o be_v without_o col._n 4._o 5._o and_o with_o the_o further_a tender_a respect_n to_o prevent_v their_o be_v further_o alienat_fw-la or_o harden_v in_o their_o aversion_n from_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o i_o must_v say_v shall_v be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o weighty_a concern_v of_o a_o christian_n study_n for_o adorn_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o sueh_a a_o day_n 7._o i_o shall_v but_o add_v this_o more_o what_o advantage_n a_o christian_n may_v thus_o have_v for_o true_a peace_n and_o quiet_a on_o such_o a_o reflection_n of_o have_v keep_v guard_n against_o any_o hide_a personal_a prejudice_n or_o such_o a_o bias_n which_o the_o pre-engagement_n of_o their_o judgement_n in_o the_o present_a case_n and_o that_o influence_n their_o interest_n in_o a_o divide_a party_n may_v have_v occasion_v yea_o thus_o of_o some_o tender_a respect_n to_o the_o purity_n all_o be_v well_o as_o the_o peace_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o private_a interest_n or_o set_v up_o of_o such_o a_o stumble_a block_n before_o their_o eye_n as_o to_o darken_v their_o judgement_n herein_o 3._o ground_n which_o i_o fear_v in_o these_o time_n may_v be_v much_o make_v use_n of_o by_o many_o for_o their_o own_o stumble_n be_v that_o strange_a spirit_n and_o to_o visible_a eruption_n of_o pride_n bitterness_n and_o passion_n with_o which_o these_o contest_v and_o difference_n in_o judgement_n among_o professor_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v so_o oft_o follow_v for_o answer_v whatever_o sad_a occasion_n be_v thus_o give_v of_o offence_n yet_o can_v there_o be_v none_o for_o take_v prejudice_n or_o any_o reflect_v thus_o on_o religion_n except_o man_n will_v put_v out_o the_o very_a eye_n both_o of_o their_o reason_n and_o conscience_n when_o it_o be_v so_o clear_a 1._o how_o visible_a a_o contradiction_n any_o such_o sad_a appearance_n of_o pride_n bitterness_n and_o wrath_n be_v to_o the_o design_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v for_o the_o further_a self_n abase_v to_o subdue_v and_o mortify_v such_o lust_n and_o thus_o prevent_v any_o exorbitancy_n that_o way_n as_o that_o which_o be_v not_o only_o to_o adorn_v a_o christian_n walk_n but_o be_v a_o most_o essential_a part_n of_o our_o sanctification_n and_o be_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o rule_n herein_o such_o on_o their_o conscience_n who_o you_o may_v most_v thus_o challenge_v as_o they_o be_v even_o enforce_v to_o seek_v a_o cover_n and_o hide_v of_o these_o evil_n which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v their_o shame_n and_o can_v bear_v the_o light_n be_v thus_o judge_v in_o themselves_o and_o so_o conscious_a of_o their_o deformity_n 2._o be_v not_o the_o relief_n also_o and_o antidote_n to_o so_o dreadful_a a_o poison_n most_o clear_o hold_v forth_o to_o we_o how_o to_o watch_v against_o this_o which_o both_o have_v so_o subtle_a and_o forcible_a a_o infection_n and_o deep_a root_n in_o man_n nature_n 3._o or_o can_v you_o challenge_v the_o least_o shadow_n of_o latitude_n from_o our_o bless_a lawgiver_n and_o the_o law_n of_o his_o kingdom_n herein_o which_o be_v so_o express_v not_o only_o against_o any_o open_a eruption_n of_o such_o evil_n but_o against_o the_o most_o secret_a convoy_n and_o entertainment_n thereof_o in_o the_o heart_n yea_o that_o on_o no_o less_o hazard_n than_o of_o be_v shut_v out_o for_o ever_o from_o that_o land_n which_o be_v above_o we_o must_v both_o watch_v and_o wrestle_v against_o the_o same_o for_o such_o be_v the_o strait_n and_o narrow_a way_n and_o so_o many_o low_a entry_n there_o as_o none_o possible_o can_v get_v through_o without_o a_o humble_a and_o subdue_v spirit_n and_o as_o little_a child_n to_o receive_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n 4._o can_v prejudice_n so_o far_o overcome_v man_n conscience_n as_o not_o to_o see_v the_o excellency_n of_o a_o christian_a spirit_n and_o the_o undoubted_a reality_n thereof_o which_o have_v so_o bright_o shine_v and_o i_o hope_v yet_o do_v to_o silence_v the_o great_a reproacher_n in_o many_o convince_a example_n of_o humility_n meekness_n and_o in_o the_o conquest_n of_o their_o passion_n and_o forgive_n of_o injury_n as_o a_o convince_a witness_n to_o the_o world_n of_o their_o be_v thus_o transform_v into_o his_o bless_a image_n of_o who_o as_o the_o great_a pattern_n set_v before_o we_o we_o be_v to_o learn_v 5._o and_o shall_v not_o tenderness_n and_o compassion_n be_v more_o suitable_a than_o prejudice_n and_o stumble_v at_o such_o a_o sight_n you_o thus_o challenge_v when_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o visible_o contraire_fw-fr to_o the_o very_a use_n of_o reason_n then_o any_o such_o sad_a eruption_n of_o pride_n bitterness_n and_o wrath_n which_o be_v so_o sore_a a_o disease_n and_o a_o fever_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o cause_v such_o disorder_n sad_a and_o tumultuous_a rising_n there_o as_o they_o be_v make_v their_o own_o punishment_n and_o the_o very_a mean_a to_o frustrate_v that_o end_n they_o most_o follow_v yea_o in_o no_o way_n can_v more_o gratify_v and_o give_v the_o great_a advantage_n to_o such_o they_o contend_v with_o and_o to_o put_v themselves_o in_o the_o pover_fw-mi of_o every_o one_o to_o become_v their_o tormentor_n 6._o you_o little_o know_v what_o sharp_a and_o bitter_a reflection_n such_o may_v oft_o have_v on_o themselves_o upon_o any_o sad_a appearance_n this_o way_n or_o advantage_n their_o corruption_n have_v get_v under_o some_o sad_a assault_n yea_o such_o as_o even_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o seal_a pardon_n on_o their_o soul_n can_v not_o sometime_o blunt_a the_o sharp_a edge_n of_o this_o grief_n and_o indignation_n against_o themselves_o 7._o and_o may_v you_o not_o clear_o see_v what_o visible_a detest_v such_o be_v even_o enforce_v to_o have_v at_o the_o appearance_n of_o these_o evil_n in_o other_o which_o thus_o have_v a_o sad_a outbreaking_n in_o their_o own_o practice_n as_o convince_o show_v their_o way_n must_v contradict_v both_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o principle_n 8._o i_o shall_v but_o further_o add_v what_o great_a incitement_n and_o clear_a discovery_n do_v the_o scripture_n afford_v of_o that_o bless_a way_n which_o be_v never_o know_v nor_o attain_v by_o nature_n how_o to_o get_v such_o prevail_a evil_n subdue_v yea_o how_o to_o improve_v injury_n to_o the_o great_a advantage_n and_o thus_o by_o overcome_v to_o gain_v the_o most_o glorious_a and_o desirable_a victory_n and_o revenge_n on_o such_o who_o have_v injure_v they_o by_o humble_a and_o tender_a forbearance_n and_o what_o a_o sweet_a facility_n may_v be_v find_v this_o way_n when_o the_o first_o wave_n and_o assault_n be_v who_o be_v once_o break_v and_o resist_v but_o great_a strength_n still_o lie_v in_o the_o first_o assault_n 4._o ground_n and_o pretence_n for_o prejudic_n in_o these_o time_n be_v that_o so_o little_a evidence_n seem_v of_o tenderness_n and_o a_o convince_a serious_a practice_n even_o in_o their_o way_n who_o have_v a_o name_n &_o repute_v of_o religion_n with_o such_o abound_a offence_n as_o give_v occasion_n not_o only_o to_o question_v the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o profession_n bot_n to_o stumble_v at_o the_o very_a form_n and_o appearance_n of_o godliness_n answ_n though_o nothing_o shall_v be_v more_o dreadful_a then_o for_o any_o to_o make_v the_o truth_n accessary_a to_o their_o sin_n or_o take_v thus_o shelter_v under_o its_o patiociny_n yet_o since_o it_o be_v so_o great_a a_o concern_v to_o vindicâ—t_v pure_a and_o undefiled_a religion_n and_o the_o spotless_a rule_n and_o pattern_n thereof_o in_o a_o day_n of_o such_o reproach_n and_o when_o any_o advantage_n be_v so_o eager_o seek_v and_o follow_v for_o this_o end_n i_o will_v but_o offer_v some_o few_o thing_n to_o plead_v with_o their_o conscience_n who_o thus_o be_v in_o more_o hazard_n to_o undo_v and_o break_v themselves_o then_o to_o hurt_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o truth_n 1._o if_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v more_o to_o shake_v and_o stumble_v if_o such_o offence_n be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n when_o so_o express_o fortolde_v as_o the_o scripture_n else_o shall_v want_v a_o most_o convince_a seal_n and_o witness_v thereto_o yea_o when_o thus_o you_o may_v see_v that_o not_o only_o a_o empty_a show_n and_o the_o hypocrisy_n of_o some_o bot_n the_o record_a blemish_n and_o fall_v of_o the_o saint_n their_o to_o be_v demonstrative_a and_o confirm_v of_o the_o truth_n all_o be_v well_o as_o the_o bright_a est_fw-fr evidence_n and_o lustre_n of_o their_o grace_n 2._o i_o confess_v it_o be_v a_o suitable_a inference_n for_o none_o to_o engage_v with_o the_o profession_n of_o godliness_n without_o the_o power_n and_o how_o dreadful_a a_o part_n such_o act_n who_o live_v stranger_n thereto_o but_o how_o strange_a and_o astonish_v be_v it_o for_o such_o as_o be_v ungodly_a thus_o to_o justify_v their_o own_o way_n
controversy_n and_o make_v this_o their_o business_n ere_o many_o such_o know_v what_o the_o solid_a work_n and_o exercise_v of_o godliness_n be_v or_o what_o either_o the_o principle_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n mean_n and_o why_o be_v that_o so_o express_o command_v rom._n 14_o 1._o he_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n receive_v but_o not_o to_o doubtful_a disputation_n it_o be_v sure_a that_o it_o much_o concern_v all_o who_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o know_v the_o message_n they_o deliver_v be_v suit_v for_o solid_a edification_n and_o in_o bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n in_o this_o day_n which_o be_v so_o unquestionable_o a_o duty_n that_o yet_o it_o be_v with_o such_o a_o grave_a ministerial_a seriousness_n and_o christian_a wisdom_n as_o it_o may_v commend_v the_o truth_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o people_n so_o as_o this_o duty_n be_v neither_o neglect_v nor_o unsuteable_o manage_v otherwise_o a_o light_n and_o too_o ordinary_a a_o way_n in_o speak_v on_o so_o grave_a a_o concern_n or_o on_o public_a difference_n without_o some_o convince_a and_o suitable_a weight_n herein_o and_o when_o it_o be_v with_o personal_a reflection_n we_o may_v fear_v will_v stumble_v much_o more_o than_o convince_v as_o will_v seem_v a_o thrust_v rather_o at_o the_o person_n of_o some_o than_o at_o their_o way_n and_o to_o gain_v a_o interest_n to_o a_o party_n more_o than_o for_o the_o truth_n prop._n iv._o be_v not_o such_o express_o call_v yea_o with_o a_o intense_a study_n to_o unite_v so_o far_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n and_o in_o follow_v clear_o uncontroverted_a duty_n who_o be_v otherwise_o like_v mind_v in_o thing_n of_o the_o lord_n what_o ever_o now_o may_v be_v in_o difference_n among_o we_o so_o as_o that_o union_n shall_v not_o nor_o ought_v to_o sist_z until_o a_o through_o oneness_n of_o judgement_n be_v attain_v in_o this_o present_a controversy_n which_o be_v so_o much_o to_o be_v desire_v upon_o these_o ground_n 1._o that_o the_o scripture_n clear_o determine_v this_o so_o far_o as_o we_o have_v attain_v to_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n however_o even_o in_o some_o matter_n of_o truth_n not_o one_o phil._n 3_o 15._o 16._o and_o with_o hope_n that_o the_o lord_n in_o due_a time_n may_v gracious_o convince_v such_o who_o be_v in_o the_o present_a difference_n most_o culpable_a and_o i_o shall_v hope_v that_o more_o tender_a and_o affectionate_a condescendence_n in_o the_o way_n of_o deal_n with_o such_o may_v tend_v more_o to_o reclaim_v and_o recover_v than_o any_o violent_a and_o peremptory_a way_n 2._o because_o if_o such_o a_o unite_n in_o unquestionable_a duty_n shall_v cease_v until_o there_o be_v a_o full_a union_n in_o judgement_n among_o the_o true_o godly_a what_o time_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v favourable_a that_o we_o can_v then_o ever_o hope_v or_o essay_n any_o concord_n in_o duty_n 3._o that_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o most_o eminent_a instrument_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n both_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o since_o the_o reformation_n have_v be_v oft_o at_o a_o very_a sad_a difference_n among_o themselves_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o truth_n who_o concurrence_n otherwise_o in_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v most_o remarkable_o seal_v with_o a_o blessing_n 4._o that_o a_o bear_n and_o forbear_v in_o many_o difference_n of_o judgement_n among_o the_o godly_a for_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o without_o any_o involvement_n in_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o have_v not_o be_v hitherto_o question_v by_o the_o great_a light_n and_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n in_o these_o late_a time_n especial_o where_o both_o the_o doctrine_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v in_o the_o great_a and_o weighty_a concern_v thereof_o adhere_v to_o thus_o bless_v calvin_n do_v so_o press_o obtest_v the_o english_a congregation_n at_o francfort_n for_o a_o tender_a bear_n and_o mutual_a forbear_n among_o themselves_o in_o that_o present_a difference_n be_v then_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o circumstance_n they_o stand_v under_o and_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n though_o he_o be_v far_o from_o own_v that_o party_n in_o that_o wherein_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o brethren_n have_v be_v sohigh_o grieve_v prop._n v._o be_v it_o not_o one_o of_o the_o great_a concern_v and_o trial_n of_o christian_a wisdom_n in_o the_o church_n how_o to_o apply_v the_o rule_n in_o thing_n lawful_a and_o command_v with_o a_o due_a regard_n to_o edification_n in_o such_o a_o case_n i_o propose_v this_o on_o these_o ground_n 1._o the_o express_a warrant_n of_o the_o scripture_n 1_o cor._n 10_o 23._o all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a but_o not_o expedient_a all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a but_o edify_v not_o 2._o that_o this_o have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a depth_n of_o satan_n to_o turn_v man_n over_o in_o the_o manage_n of_o a_o duty_n on_o another_o sad_a extreme_a as_o the_o very_a way_n to_o break_v it_o but_o he_o that_o handle_v a_o matter_n wise_o shall_v find_v good_a the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o a_o close_o adhere_v to_o his_o truth_n do_v never_o of_o itself_o occasion_n a_o breach_n in_o the_o church_n but_o what_o our_o corruption_n and_o unsuitable_a follow_v of_o duty_n do_v on_o either_o hand_n occasion_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o jar_n except_o what_o be_v from_o ourselves_o betwixt_o zeal_n and_o christian_a prudence_n since_o these_o be_v both_o express_o enjoin_v and_o equal_o oblige_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n nor_o can_v they_o ever_o part_v but_o with_o a_o sad_a prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n there_o be_v a_o holy_a contemperature_n of_o zeal_n meekness_n and_o love_n all_o which_o be_v from_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n do_v with_o a_o sweet_a oneness_n necessary_o concur_v for_o the_o same_o end_n nor_o can_v i_o possible_o reconcile_v a_o being_n profess_o hot_a in_o the_o one_o with_o be_v cold_a and_o unconcern_v in_o the_o other_o except_o i_o shall_v quit_v the_o reveal_v rule_n of_o our_o duty_n for_o both_o 3._o because_o the_o truth_n may_v get_v a_o very_a sore_o thrust_v by_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o contend_v for_o it_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n be_v sow_v in_o peace_n and_o both_o shall_v be_v serious_o advert_v to_o that_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n be_v neither_o neglect_v nor_o yet_o prejudge_v through_o a_o non-suitable_a follow_v thereof_o a_o wound_n needs_o both_o a_o tender_a and_o skilful_a hand_n to_o handle_v it_o else_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o destroy_v where_o the_o case_n and_o present_a constitution_n of_o the_o patient_a be_v not_o consider_v a_o right_n o_o if_o that_o scripture_n be_v more_o practical_o own_v for_o a_o humble_a tender_a condescendence_n in_o our_o deal_n with_o other_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n i_o be_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o that_o i_o may_v gain_v some_o our_o bitter_a hot_a and_o unadvised_a expression_n may_v some_o time_n wrong_v the_o interest_n of_o our_o bless_a master_n more_o than_o we_o may_v find_v easy_a with_o our_o further_a work_n to_o recover_v prop._n vi_o be_v there_o not_o ground_n both_o to_o fear_v and_o watch_v against_o a_o give_v any_o thrust_n at_o the_o credit_n and_o repute_v of_o the_o minister_n of_o christin_n our_o church_n who_o in_o this_o hour_n of_o tentation_n and_o after_o many_o sore_a wrestle_n and_o difference_n have_v yet_o obtain_v mercy_n to_o stand_v and_o suffer_v against_o prelacy_n what_o ever_o cause_n they_o may_v have_v to_o weep_v before_o the_o lord_n over_o themselves_o for_o sad_a fail_n and_o unanswerableness_n to_o the_o work_n of_o their_o day_n i_o most_o propose_v this_o on_o these_o ground_n 1._o though_o i_o will_v be_v far_o from_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v design_v yet_o ex_fw-la intention_n operis_fw-la be_v it_o not_o too_o visible_o inductive_a concur_v with_o the_o same_o end_n and_o interest_n both_o of_o the_o prelatic_a party_n and_o quaker_n and_o thus_o may_v give_v a_o sad_a thrust_n than_o 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
hope_v through_o grace_n shall_v never_o take_v place_n of_o there_o be_v no_o preach_a ministry_n else_o in_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o thus_o do_v lay_v down_o a_o new_a rule_n and_o precedent_n buit_fw-la with_o that_o disadvantage_n that_o i_o humble_o judge_v its_o great_a weight_n and_o enforcement_n most_o be_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o imposer_n though_o of_o such_o one_fw-mi import_v as_o upon_o the_o matter_n it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o to_o sentence_n yea_o some_o way_n unchurch_n all_o these_o congregation_n who_o own_o &_o adhere_v to_o their_o ministry_n i_o think_v it_o a_o grave_a remark_n of_o a_o choice_n and_o eminent_a minister_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o late_a time_n upon_o this_o head_n i_o can_v say_v he_o relate_v many_o sad_a story_n of_o person_n profess_v godliness_n who_o out_o of_o dislike_n begin_v at_o first_o to_o separate_v from_o our_o church_n meeting_n and_o after_o many_o change_n be_v turn_v now_o some_o quaker_n some_o ranter_n and_o atheist_n these_o be_v his_o very_a word_n with_o this_o reason_n he_o do_v give_v thereof_o that_o such_o as_o fall_v off_o from_o the_o public_a worship_n be_v like_o a_o man_n tumble_v down_o a_o hill_n that_o never_o leave_v till_o he_o come_v to_o the_o bottom_n section_n iii_o but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v upon_o such_o sad_a difference_n a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o question_n and_o a_o move_n on_o clear_a ground_n which_o have_v be_v render_v so_o perplex_v &_o dark_a by_o to_o visible_a essay_n for_o make_v thing_n seem_v great_a than_o they_o be_v i_o must_v come_v more_o near_o to_o touch_v this_o present_a controversy_n and_o oh_o what_o can_v this_o mean_a the_o poor_a church_n all_o in_o a_o flame_n yea_o almost_o to_o a_o be_v utter_o break_v and_o the_o cause_n so_o little_o understand_v but_o many_o thus_o thrust_v at_o other_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o i_o be_o sure_a when_o man_n eye_n shall_v be_v open_v and_o these_o muddy_a water_n become_v clear_a that_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v keep_v from_o a_o be_v swallow_v up_o in_o that_o whirlpit_n of_o error_n and_o delusion_n will_v then_o wonder_v how_o their_o spirit_n shall_v have_v be_v thus_o entangle_v in_o so_o high_a break_n and_o animosity_n on_o such_o a_o ground_n as_o this_o and_o be_v enforce_v to_o see_v that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o upon_o the_o matter_n of_o any_o difference_n in_o light_n and_o judgement_n as_o a_o divide_v spirit_n which_o in_o the_o holy_a righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v now_o too_o much_o aloft_o this_o be_v indeed_o a_o great_a and_o boisterous_a wind_n which_o be_v rent_v the_o poor_a church_n but_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o there_o except_o that_o we_o may_v see_v it_o one_o of_o the_o sad_a token_n of_o his_o displeasure_n but_o since_o on_o a_o clear_a state_v of_o this_o controversy_n the_o issue_n and_o a_o right_n judge_v thereof_o necessary_o depend_v and_o that_o we_o may_v understand_v wherein_o the_o present_a difference_n do_v most_o i_o shall_v offer_v some_o important_a question_n on_o this_o account_n to_o be_v consider_v quest_n i._o what_o the_o indulgence_n be_v about_o which_o so_o high_a and_o continue_v a_o breach_n be_v thus_o in_o our_o church_n for_o i_o have_v find_v a_o strange_a noise_n and_o clamour_n by_o some_o upon_o this_o account_n who_o do_v not_o yet_o understand_v what_o this_o true_o be_v beside_o that_o astonishment_n that_o it_o cause_v to_o stranger_n abroad_o about_o what_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v this_o day_n in_o such_o a_o flame_n i_o shall_v give_v but_o this_o short_a and_o plain_a account_n of_o it_o it_o be_v one_fw-mi order_n and_o appointment_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o some_o non-conformed_n minister_n who_o be_v express_o name_v to_o repair_v to_o such_o place_n and_o remain_v there_o confine_v permit_v and_o allow_v they_o to_o preach_v and_o exerce_fw-la the_o other_o part_n of_o their_o ministerial_a function_n in_o the_o say_v respective_a place_n or_o parish_n where_o they_o be_v thus_o confine_v this_o be_v the_o very_a substance_n of_o the_o last_o act_n of_o indulgence_n of_o date_n sept._n 3._o 1672._o and_o the_o former_a act_n of_o indulgence_n which_o precede_v some_o year_n before_o that_o be_v upon_o the_o matter_n one_o and_o the_o same_o only_o without_o any_o sentence_n of_o confinement_n i_o need_v not_o further_o mention_v that_o about_o the_o acceptance_n of_o this_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n in_o judgement_n among_o the_o most_o serious_a both_o christian_n and_o minister_n in_o our_o church_n and_o with_o some_o free_a plain_a and_o tender_a commune_n among_o themselves_o upon_o such_o one_fw-mi account_n but_o i_o may_v say_v without_o any_o design_a tendency_n to_o any_o such_o breach_n as_o some_o of_o late_o have_v make_v it_o their_o very_a work_n to_o promote_v quest_n ii_o it_o may_v be_v needful_a to_o know_v how_o far_o there_o be_v yet_o one_fw-mi undeniable_a oneness_n and_o agreement_n among_o the_o true_a non-conformed_n minister_n and_o professor_n of_o our_o church_n notwithstanding_o of_o this_o present_a difference_n about_o the_o accept_n of_o the_o indulgence_n to_o which_o i_o must_v answer_v in_o these_o few_o 1._o that_o we_o be_v one_o in_o a_o joint_a confession_n and_o public_a own_n of_o the_o same_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n as_o former_o whatever_o by_o all_o of_o we_o shall_v be_v sad_o regret_v as_o to_o the_o want_n of_o that_o freedom_n in_o such_o a_o public_a testimoy_n thereto_o before_o adversary_n as_o these_o sad_a encroachment_n have_v be_v make_v upon_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n establish_v by_o our_o bless_a head_n and_o master_n do_v in_o this_o day_n require_v 2._o that_o whatever_o have_v be_v thus_o want_v in_o practice_n oh_o that_o we_o can_v true_o mourn_v over_o the_o same_o yet_o be_v we_o still_o one_o and_o agree_v upon_o both_o side_n in_o a_o declare_v and_o i_o hope_v serious_a disow_a both_o prelacy_n and_o erastianisme_n as_o contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n 3._o in_o this_o also_o be_v we_o one_o that_o whatever_o the_o magistrate_n have_v assume_v yet_o that_o he_o have_v no_o just_a right_n and_o power_n or_o be_v in_o the_o least_o proper_a for_o he_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o spiritual_a condition_n and_o state_n of_o the_o people_n as_o to_o the_o fittedness_n of_o minister_n for_o labour_v among_o they_o and_o thus_o to_o make_v application_n of_o person_n to_o particular_a place_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n there_o which_o be_v alone_o proper_a and_o competent_a to_o the_o order_n and_o cognition_n of_o the_o church_n this_o so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v be_v upon_o no_o side_n either_o own_v or_o approven_v 4._o herein_o likeways_o do_v we_o joint_o agree_v that_o to_o none_o it_o belong_v but_o to_o our_o bless_a head_n and_o lawgiver_n to_o prescribe_v and_o give_v rule_n to_o his_o servant_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o that_o these_o rule_n we_o can_v only_o own_v and_o acknowledge_v which_o he_o have_v give_v for_o the_o same_o to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n quest_n iii_o i_o know_v it_o be_v of_o great_a weight_n now_o to_o be_v consider_v and_o wherein_o the_o state_n of_o this_o controversy_n much_o lie_v if_o there_o be_v ground_n or_o warrant_v from_o the_o scripture_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n to_o break_v of_o church_n communion_n with_o these_o who_o have_v accept_v of_o this_o late_a indulgence_n and_o refuse_v such_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o his_o authority_n dispenser_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n upon_o this_o present_a difference_n now_o hold_v forth_o i_o know_v they_o do_v not_o assert_v in_o that_o history_n of_o the_o indulgence_n this_o to_o be_v simpliciter_fw-la sinful_a to_o hear_v either_o such_o or_o the_o curate_n but_o it_o be_v only_o in_o case_n that_o no_o preach_a ministry_n be_v else_o in_o the_o land_n otherways_o do_v most_o express_o allow_v and_o warrant_v a_o forbear_n to_o hear_v such_o as_o these_o who_o have_v fall_v under_o no_o less_o than_o a_o judicial_a forfeiture_n of_o their_o ministry_n in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o have_v accept_v of_o that_o indulgence_n and_o herein_o do_v in_o effect_n impose_v upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o people_n to_o rack_v and_o disquiet_v their_o mind_n so_o as_o many_o through_o fear_n and_o ignorance_n upon_o this_o account_n know_v not_o what_o to_o do_v now_o to_o this_o question_n i_o must_v give_v this_o plain_a and_o express_v answer_n that_o it_o seem_v a_o most_o convince_o sinful_a and_o offensive_a practice_n without_o any_o just_a cause_n or_o warrant_v follow_v which_o i_o here_o offer_v to_o demonstrate_v from_o these_o follow_a ground_n i._o that_o no_o scripture_n command_v or_o warrant_v be_v for_o the_o
leu._n 19_o 19_o for_o if_o this_o say_v he_o shall_v be_v allow_v that_o i_o may_v unbrother_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o heart_n and_o fellowship_n every_o one_o who_o i_o offend_v at_o and_o conceive_v to_o walk_v inordinate_o be_v first_o a_o pathway_n to_o perpetual_a schism_n 2._o a_o violation_n of_o all_o law_n of_o christian_a fraternity_n and_o communion_n 3._o a_o dissolve_v and_o break_v all_o church_n communion_n and_o it_o be_v strange_a say_v he_o that_o some_o will_v have_v christ_n order_n keep_v in_o private_a offence_n do_v by_o one_o brother_n to_o another_o and_o not_o the_o same_o in_o public_a offence_n where_o one_o may_v offend_v a_o whole_a church_n iv._o ground_n this_o be_v a_o practice_n which_o be_v state_v against_o the_o very_a rule_n nature_n and_o end_n of_o church_n communion_n in_o fall_v of_o from_o hear_v upon_o that_o head_n of_o the_o indulgence_n which_o may_v be_v demonstrable_a to_o any_o on_o these_o ground_n 1._o that_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n the_o sin_n nor_o notorie_o of_o corruption_n in_o church_n office_n do_v not_o corrupt_a or_o defile_v the_o ordinance_n because_o these_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n otherways_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o necessary_a dependence_n on_o and_o be_v of_o more_o or_o less_o value_n according_a to_o the_o dispenser_n but_o i_o grant_v that_o may_v detract_v from_o our_o joy_n and_o comfort_n in_o partake_v thereof_o which_o yet_o do_v no_o way_n reach_v the_o validity_n of_o the_o ordinance_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v sure_a sad_a difference_n both_o in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o church_n may_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o that_o bless_a unity_n which_o christ_n do_v require_v there_o and_o with_o a_o keep_n of_o from_o partake_v of_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o 3._o that_o church_n act_v even_o of_o these_o who_o be_v not_o pastor_n according_a to_o god_n heart_n though_o external_o call_v may_v be_v to_o themselves_o unprofitable_a and_o yet_o edify_v to_o the_o hearer_n nor_o can_v a_o grieve_v and_o offensive_a practice_n make_v their_o authority_n or_o act_n void_a since_o such_o may_v have_v authority_n who_o have_v not_o approbation_n from_o the_o lord_n in_o dispense_n his_o ordinance_n and_o will_v any_o adventure_n to_o say_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v either_o disow_v or_o withdraw_v from_o the_o ministry_n of_o our_o brethren_n who_o be_v thus_o desert_v by_o many_o which_o i_o confess_v be_v to_o i_o both_o sad_a and_o astonish_a to_o see_v many_o now_o withdraw_v and_o rather_o keep_v their_o own_o house_n then_o concur_v in_o public_a worship_n with_o such_o where_o christ_n in_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o his_o word_n be_v yet_o to_o be_v see_v if_o this_o be_v the_o cure_n that_o some_o pretend_v for_o our_o present_a distemper_n i_o must_v say_v it_o be_v more_o sad_a than_o the_o disease_n 4._o if_o church_n fellowship_n be_v true_o understand_v it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o easy_a to_o break_v of_o there_o as_o many_o judge_v since_o all_o other_o safe_a mean_n must_v needs_o be_v first_o assay_v nor_o may_v we_o fasten_v a_o public_a scandal_n on_o other_o especial_o upon_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n without_o the_o further_a advantage_n to_o make_v it_o evident_a both_o to_o themselves_o and_o convince_a even_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o other_o 1_o tim._n 5_o 19_o it_o be_v not_o a_o privilege_n of_o order_n only_o but_o of_o office_n that_o minister_n have_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o have_v say_v he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o and_o to_o reject_v such_o be_v a_o high_a guilt_n then_o to_o reject_v the_o same_o word_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o private_a christian_a for_o they_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n and_o bear_v his_o impress_n 5._o this_o be_v a_o practice_n as_o have_v therewith_o a_o fix_v of_o such_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o church_n communion_n which_o have_v not_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v find_v in_o any_o precede_a record_n since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o i_o judge_v it_o on_o special_a cause_n of_o these_o sad_a break_n now_o among_o we_o and_o that_o so_o many_o contend_v as_o they_o that_o beat_v the_o air_n their_o mistake_n and_o ignorance_n of_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o rule_v of_o external_a communion_n in_o the_o church_n for_o if_o this_o shall_v be_v consider_v upon_o clear_a scripture_n evidence_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n i_o shall_v not_o then_o fear_v any_o public_a rent_n on_o this_o late_a difference_n and_o that_o which_o be_v a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o church_n communion_n i_o hope_v must_v plead_v some_o scripture_n warrant_v for_o its_o imposition_n i_o know_v some_o will_v plead_v that_o this_o be_v but_o a_o departure_n in_o some_o degree_n of_o church-fellowship_n which_o be_v both_o a_o poor_a and_o unwarrantable_a apology_n since_o both_o the_o rule_n be_v thus_o far_o desert_v and_o no_o ground_n to_o know_v where_o they_o may_v fix_v after_o but_o we_o have_v to_o visible_a one_fw-mi account_v this_o day_n where_o this_o sad_a course_n have_v already_o land_v v._o ground_n that_o be_v sad_a a_o and_o unwarrantable_a practice_n which_o tend_v to_o cause_v division_n in_o the_o church_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n we_o have_v receive_v rom._n 15._o which_o i_o be_o sure_a may_v be_v to_o evident_a pretend_v any_o to_o the_o contrary_n what_o they_o will_v upon_o these_o ground_n 1._o that_o whatever_o be_v the_o first_o rise_v or_o occasion_n of_o the_o offence_n can_v be_v own_v as_o the_o proper_a cause_n of_o such_o a_o form_v rend_v as_o this_o now_o be_v since_o most_o sad_a offence_n have_v be_v without_o any_o such_o effect_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v more_o upon_o practice_n then_o on_o any_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o kill_n of_o a_o patient_a by_o poison_n through_o mistake_n of_o the_o true_a medicine_n can_v never_o be_v charge_v on_o this_o that_o the_o body_n be_v before_o in_o a_o sad_a distemper_n nor_o a_o misapplication_n of_o the_o mean_n to_o cure_v a_o wound_n when_o it_o have_v cause_v a_o gangrene_n in_o the_o body_n be_v just_o charge_v on_o the_o first_o give_v of_o the_o wound_n since_o this_o otherways_o may_v have_v be_v safe_o heal_v 2._o we_o know_v that_o for_o several_a year_n after_o that_o accept_n of_o the_o indulgence_n that_o difference_n both_o in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n among_o we_o yet_o do_v cause_n no_o such_o effect_n but_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v then_o must_v discernible_o prosper_v until_o such_o violent_a essay_n these_o two_o year_n now_o past_a have_v be_v for_o bring_v thing_n to_o such_o one_fw-mi extreme_a and_o oh_o from_o that_o sad_a period_n may_v be_v too_o discernible_o date_v some_o further_a degree_n of_o the_o lord_n departure_n from_o among_o we_o and_o these_o deplorable_a effect_n of_o much_o blood_n devastation_n reproach_n weaken_v of_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n strengthen_v of_o the_o hand_n of_o adversary_n beyond_o all_o that_o have_v be_v in_o former_a time_n and_o which_o have_v increase_v our_o bond_n more_o than_o all_o our_o adversary_n can_v ever_o do_v 3._o if_o so_o severe_a a_o stretch_n of_o this_o late_a difference_n and_o load_v of_o the_o practice_n of_o other_o with_o that_o which_o it_o can_v not_o bear_v if_o a_o carnal_a and_o violent_a way_n of_o follow_v this_o debate_n a_o high_a cry_v up_o of_o such_o in_o who_o their_o own_o image_n more_o than_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n do_v appear_v and_o peremptory_a impose_v their_o judgement_n without_o the_o least_o tender_a condescendence_n to_o these_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o do_v necessary_o tend_v to_o engender_v division_n in_o the_o church_n and_o have_v one_fw-mi undoubted_a causality_n from_o the_o very_a nature_n thereof_o to_o this_o end_n than_o it_o may_v be_v know_v yea_o i_o dare_v appeal_v any_o discern_a christian_a in_o the_o church_n at_o who_o door_n this_o must_v be_v lay_v and_o who_o have_v most_o active_o move_v to_o put_v the_o poor_a church_n in_o such_o a_o flame_n and_o this_o not_o upon_o any_o principle_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v on_o either_o side_n disow_v but_o upon_o controvert_v deduction_n from_o a_o different_a practice_n and_o application_n thereof_o this_o may_v be_v no_o less_o amaze_a than_o it_o be_v sad_a that_o the_o way_n of_o some_o now_o seem_v more_o how_o to_o dispatch_v thing_n by_o censure_n and_o revile_n then_o by_o argument_n and_o by_o high_a word_n and_o invective_n to_o exulcerate_v more_o than_o rational_o to_o convince_v but_o a_o sharp_a censurer_n and_o a_o self_n searcher_n do_v rare_o meet_v in_o one_o though_o none_o more_o usual_o need_v the_o tender_a construction_n of_o
the_o congregational_a judgement_n who_o tender_a respect_n to_o guard_v against_o any_o dash_a on_o such_o a_o rock_n as_o this_o they_o have_v publish_v to_o the_o world_n which_o i_o forbear_v to_o set_v down_o here_o only_o to_o avoid_v prolixity_n but_o i_o must_v yet_o speak_v a_o few_o word_n more_o on_o this_o so_o important_a a_o case_n and_o obtest_v i_o hope_v i_o may_v say_v with_o most_o tender_a respect_n such_o who_o in_o some_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n have_v be_v carry_v so_o strange_a a_o length_n in_o these_o difference_n and_o may_v not_o be_v aware_a of_o the_o hazard_n and_o on_o what_o a_o precipice_n they_o be_v thus_o lead_v to_o consider_v 1._o if_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o fear_v lest_o their_o resolution_n be_v fix_v before_o their_o light_n and_o a_o serious_a trial_n of_o their_o way_n and_o motion_n herein_o since_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o aim_n can_v make_v none_o approven_v in_o that_o where_o a_o decline_a be_v in_o the_o matter_n from_o the_o rule_n 2._o and_o that_o the_o example_n and_o authority_n of_o none_o can_v bear_v weight_n with_o the_o conscience_n upon_o a_o after_o search_v of_o what_o they_o have_v do_v since_o each_o must_v prove_v his_o own_o work_n yea_o it_o be_v sure_a non_fw-fr will_v take_v poysone_o upon_o the_o credit_n or_o repute_v of_o other_o nor_o can_v the_o wisdom_n of_o word_n add_v any_o weight_n to_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n 3._o be_v there_o not_o much_o cause_n to_o fear_v that_o without_o prevent_a grace_n division_n be_v at_o such_o a_o height_n as_o it_o shall_v at_o last_o end_n in_o dissolution_n julian_n know_v this_o to_o well_o when_o as_o one_o of_o the_o great_a mean_n he_o follow_v for_o the_o undo_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o only_o to_o tollerat_v but_o to_o foment_n difference_n among_o christian_n 4._o and_o what_o can_v such_o before_o break_n as_o these_o mean_a for_o sure_a it_o be_v one_o of_o two_o that_o either_o we_o do_v not_o centre_n in_o christ_n and_o be_v unite_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n with_o he_o or_o that_o we_o be_v thus_o under_o some_o dreadful_a prevalence_n of_o temptation_n it_o be_v not_o the_o line_n that_o be_v straight_o but_o such_o as_o be_v draw_v crooked_a from_o the_o centre_n which_o do_v justle_v and_o tread_v on_o other_o 5._o shall_v it_o not_o be_v a_o strange_a contradiction_n for_o a_o profess_a contend_v upon_o the_o kingdom_n and_o supremacy_n of_o our_o bless_a head_n over_o his_o church_n by_o a_o visible_a control_a of_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o law_n over_o our_o conscience_n and_o practice_n and_o can_v this_o be_v under_o debate_n where_o there_o be_v so_o sad_a a_o exceed_v of_o these_o scripture_n bound_v set_v to_o we_o in_o mutual_a contending_n in_o such_o difference_n as_o these_o now_o be_v for_o which_o i_o shall_v but_o offer_v these_o express_a command_v give_v in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o be_v consider_v which_o i_o may_v say_v can_v not_o possible_o but_o restrain_v any_o such_o rupture_n and_o schism_n now_o in_o our_o church_n if_o some_o suitable_a weight_n thereof_o be_v on_o our_o spirit_n phil._n 2_o 3._o eph._n 4_o 31._o rom._n 14._o 3_o 4._o james_n 3._o vers_n 6._o have_v not_o in_o all_o time_n the_o church_n hazard_v be_v more_o from_o the_o right_a then_o the_o left_a hand_n and_o from_o such_o a_o party_n as_o lie_v in_o ambush_n to_o enter_v at_o every_o breach_n i_o mean_v the_o spirit_n of_o error_n and_o delusion_n than_o from_o open_a assault_n yea_o be_v there_o any_o mean_n can_v have_v be_v assay_v more_o sad_a for_o the_o open_v such_o a_o door_n than_o this_o to_o divide_v the_o church_n and_o godly_a among_o themselves_o 7._o 〈◊〉_d whither_o have_v this_o tide_n carry_v some_o i_o be_o sure_a much_o beyond_o their_o own_o thought_n and_o what_o deplorable_a effect_n have_v thus_o be_v of_o late_a in_o so_o strange_a a_o keep_n this_o breach_n up_o with_o these_o who_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o same_o precious_a faith_n and_o when_o much_o more_o be_v yet_o to_o unite_v then_o to_o disjoin_v shall_v there_o yet_o be_v further_o dash_v on_o such_o a_o rock_n whereon_o so_o remarkable_a a_o beacon_n in_o these_o know_a sad_a and_o dismal_a consequence_n have_v be_v set_v up_o before_o we_o yea_o no_o essay_n for_o a_o bind_n up_o of_o such_o wound_n which_o be_v now_o like_a to_o bleed_v unto_o death_n 8._o what_o strange_a pleasure_n must_v it_o be_v that_o be_v more_o in_o bitter_a contending_n i_o fear_v then_o to_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o great_a truth_n we_o know_v or_o what_o true_a gain_n can_v be_v thus_o project_v for_o our_o master_n interest_n it_o be_v sur_fw-fr such_o a_o delight_n sell_v be_v great_a pain_n to_o any_o serious_a and_o tender_a spirit_n yea_o have_v not_o such_o intemperate_a heat_n yet_o spend_v their_o strength_n under_o these_o strange_a chainge_n which_o have_v of_o late_o go_v over_o as_o may_v have_v bring_v some_o suitable_a cool_a atla_v to_o this_o fever_n 9_o be_v professor_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n now_o press_v to_o adorn_v the_o profession_n thereof_o as_o former_o and_o under_o such_o a_o weight_n how_o great_a great_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o any_o to_o be_v eternal_o save_v though_o never_o more_o cause_n to_o walk_v under_o fear_n of_o this_o then_o in_o the_o present_a age_n or_o where_o more_o in_o a_o way_n of_o profession_n and_o with_o much_o of_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n have_v be_v in_o hazard_n to_o perish_v and_o come_v short_a of_o heaven_n yea_o with_o less_o access_n to_o be_v convince_v or_o to_o bear_v faithful_a deal_n with_o their_o conscience_n then_o seem_v now_o and_o do_v but_o consider_v who_o you_o prejudge_v most_o in_o withdraw_v from_o the_o ministry_n of_o these_o who_o i_o hope_v shall_v be_v ow_v of_o the_o lord_n as_o his_o messenger_n to_o the_o church_n and_o dare_v own_o no_o other_o resentment_n both_o of_o grief_n and_o sorrow_n upon_o the_o visible_a hazard_n of_o such_o as_o seem_v not_o to_o be_v aware_a thereof_o themselves_o 10._o you_o know_v that_o express_a command_n of_o watch_v with_o a_o godly_a jealousy_n against_o any_o strange_a doctrine_n heb._n 13_o 3._o and_o it_o be_v but_o too_o know_v how_o eager_a a_o grasp_a be_v by_o many_o more_o at_o what_o seem_v new_a and_o strange_a then_o what_o may_v edify_v nor_o have_v such_o oft_o apprehend_v the_o hazard_n of_o some_o plausible_a error_n until_o it_o come_v to_o a_o more_o form_v complexion_n as_o be_v now_o 11._o what_o advantage_n be_v thus_o give_v to_o the_o prelatic_a party_n for_o that_o charge_n of_o separation_n against_o the_o whole_a nonconformist_n this_o day_n and_o though_o with_o clear_a evidence_n we_o can_v evince_v the_o injustness_n thereof_o yet_o know_v not_o how_o to_o answer_v on_o your_o behalf_n when_o we_o be_v reprove_v 12._o be_v we_o not_o both_o call_v and_o teach_v to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whither_o they_o be_v of_o god_n by_o clear_a scripture_n light_n and_o that_o the_o impulse_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n must_v assure_o tend_v to_o compose_v and_o sanctify_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o a_o humble_a tender_a submissness_n to_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o word_n herein_o and_o be_v it_o not_o express_o show_v what_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o flesh_n be_v galat._n 21._o 22._o 2_o tim._n 1._o 2._o 3._o vers_fw-la and_o how_o far_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v from_o any_o irregular_a or_o impetuous_a course_n yea_o such_o as_o may_v seem_v incompatible_a with_o the_o very_a use_n and_o exercise_v of_o reason_n these_o word_n of_o luther_n in_o the_o second_o tome_n of_o his_o epistle_n be_v of_o much_o weight_n say_v he_o in_o your_o trial_n and_o decern_v the_o spirit_n you_o will_v try_v whither_o they_o can_v prove_v their_o call_n in_o what_o be_v strange_a or_o extraordinary_a either_o in_o their_o judgement_n or_o practice_n for_o god_n never_o send_v any_o but_o they_o be_v either_o call_v by_o man_n in_o his_o appoint_a way_n or_o declare_v by_o sign_n no_o not_o his_o own_o son_n and_o in_o no_o way_n may_v we_o accept_v the_o call_n of_o any_o upon_o such_o a_o warrant_n of_o some_o singular_a impulse_n or_o revelation_n i_o must_v yet_o beseech_v this_o further_a to_o be_v lay_v to_o heart_n that_o if_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v know_v by_o its_o native_a and_o visible_a effect_n we_o may_v then_o read_v in_o great_a letter_n what_o a_o babel_n of_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n with_o divide_v both_o of_o heart_n and_o tongue_n have_v follow_v on_o this_o late_a astonish_a rent_n and_o schism_n in_o our_o church_n yea_o when_o thus_o take_v off_o any_o certain_a rule_n for_o
joint_n acknowledge_v of_o the_o same_o principle_n about_o which_o some_o difference_n may_v be_v in_o the_o application_n thereof_o to_o some_o particular_a case_n 8._o i_o shall_v but_o add_v that_o it_o be_v know_v what_o sweet_a harmony_n and_o oneness_n of_o heart_n have_v sometime_o be_v among_o such_o as_o do_v profess_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o rank_n in_o our_o church_n and_o in_o a_o fix_a adherence_n to_o the_o same_o cause_n and_o how_o it_o be_v at_o a_o sad_a ebb_n that_o some_o difference_n break_v up_o among_o the_o most_o eminent_o godly_a both_o minister_n and_o professor_n there_o for_o some_o time_n on_o that_o head_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n though_o without_o any_o form_a breach_n or_o schism_n but_o after_o among_o such_o who_o thus_o differ_v a_o most_o sweet_a concord_n and_o concurrence_n in_o a_o joint_a opposition_n against_o prelacy_n and_o to_o suffer_v rather_o than_o in_o the_o least_o to_o consent_v thereto_o do_v follow_v yea_o though_o since_o among_o the_o most_o serious_a nonconformist_n a_o great_a freedom_n have_v be_v in_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o some_o than_o other_o for_o hear_v of_o conformist_n to_o prelacy_n yet_o so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v have_v it_o be_v with_o a_o due_a and_o tender_a respect_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o keep_v of_o either_o divide_v or_o alienation_n in_o such_o a_o case_n but_o oh_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v to_o what_o a_o height_n have_v these_o late_a confusion_n and_o breach_n among_o we_o come_v and_o what_o fuel_n this_o have_v be_v to_o a_o great_a increase_n of_o sin_n yet_o be_v there_o one_o ground_n to_o hope_v when_o almost_o there_o seem_v no_o comfort_v sign_n else_o that_o he_o who_o have_v see_v our_o way_n can_v he_o all_o they_o also_o by_o a_o marvellous_a surprisal_n of_o grace_n 2._o prejudice_n it_o which_o be_v by_o some_o high_o entertain_v in_o these_o time_n for_o their_o own_o break_n be_v the_o perplexedness_n and_o hesitation_n they_o be_v in_o what_o way_n to_o choice_n when_o the_o truth_n seem_v now_o involve_v in_o such_o a_o confusion_n of_o different_a judgement_n and_o such_o visible_a contradiction_n among_o professor_n thereof_o for_o answer_v if_o no_o thing_n be_v to_o shake_v or_o offend_v there_o shall_v then_o be_v no_o try_a establishment_n yet_o since_o this_o seem_v one_o of_o the_o sad_a disease_n of_o the_o time_n in_o many_n be_v soon_o saken_a in_o mind_n with_o such_o waver_a and_o unsettledness_n in_o the_o truth_n i_o must_v speak_v a_o few_o word_n thereto_o to_o witness_v what_o great_a advantage_n such_o as_o desire_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n may_v have_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o for_o the_o further_a quiet_a and_o assure_v of_o their_o heart_n therein_o on_o these_o ground_n 1._o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o near_o these_o live_a oracle_n of_o truth_n which_o do_v with_o so_o clear_a and_o distinct_a a_o sound_n speak_v if_o man_n have_v but_o ear_n to_o hear_v 2._o that_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v to_o his_o people_n a_o spirit_n of_o discern_v in_o some_o great_a and_o lesser_a measure_n so_o as_o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n by_o a_o serious_a personal_a trial_n yea_o that_o none_o need_v receive_v the_o truth_n upon_o trust_n or_o to_o lean_v on_o the_o authority_n or_o example_n of_o any_o herein_o but_o to_o judge_v their_o own_o eye_n and_o conscience_n shall_v be_v all_o be_v faithful_a to_o they_o as_o any_o 3._o he_o have_v give_v also_o as_o a_o special_a help_n a_o fix_a ministry_n to_o his_o church_n yea_o for_o this_o very_a end_n ephes_n 4_o 14._o that_o we_o shall_v henceforth_o be_v no_o more_o child_n toss_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n and_o therefore_o with_o a_o divine_a mission_n have_v give_v such_o spiritual_a gift_n as_o the_o necessity_n and_o service_n of_o the_o church_n may_v require_v for_o interpret_n and_o clear_v up_o of_o what_o may_v be_v the_o counsel_n and_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o his_o church_n according_a to_o his_o own_o word_n 4._o that_o the_o most_o weighty_a thing_n of_o religion_n both_o as_o to_o faith_n and_o practice_n be_v not_o interest_v in_o most_o of_o these_o sad_a contest_v which_o be_v now_o among_o but_o he_o have_v so_o gracious_o condescend_v that_o what_o we_o shall_v most_o live_v by_o shall_v not_o cost_v we_o so_o dear_a and_o that_o the_o great_a subtlety_n and_o most_o intricate_a controversy_n which_o be_v so_o oft_o in_o the_o church_n you_o most_o out_o of_o our_o way_n yea_o such_o as_o shall_v cause_v no_o trouble_n or_o disquiet_v of_o mind_n herein_o 5._o be_v not_o also_o most_o clear_o sheve_v we_o how_o we_o may_v know_v our_o be_v lead_v and_o keep_v in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o what_o shall_v qualify_v and_o make_v we_o meet_v for_o the_o bless_a conduct_n and_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o his_o word_n such_o as_o a_o holy_a fear_n and_o sincere_a resignation_n of_o the_o soul_n thereto_o meekness_n humility_n with_o a_o fix_a and_o serious_a resolve_v to_o close_v therewith_o how_o cross_a however_o it_o shall_v be_v to_o our_o own_o private_a affection_n and_o credit_n 6._o there_o be_v this_o advantage_n to_o know_v that_o bless_a and_o approven_v way_n wherein_o we_o may_v have_v peace_n as_o that_o in_o which_o the_o footstep_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o so_o innunerable_a a_o company_n have_v go_v before_o who_o receive_v the_o spirit_n this_o way_n and_o with_o great_a assurance_n do_v know_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o seal_n on_o their_o own_o soul_n so_o as_o after_o no_o new_a or_o strange_a light_n we_o need_v to_o inquire_v 7._o and_o have_v not_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o saint_n these_o peculiar_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o mark_n whereby_o to_o discern_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n in_o a_o dark_a and_o try_v time_n by_o plain_a scripture_n light_n both_o for_o clear_v and_o confirm_v of_o their_o mind_n herein_o 1._o that_o we_o shall_v follow_v these_o thing_n which_o tend_v to_o peace_n and_o to_o edify_v rom._n 14._o 19_o for_o thus_o sure_o do_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n tend_v to_o build_v and_o not_o to_o cast_v down_o and_o if_o many_o caice_n which_o some_o do_v now_o agitat_fw-la with_o much_o disquiet_a both_o to_o themselves_o and_o other_o be_v more_o bring_v to_o that_o great_a rule_n of_o solid_a edification_n i_o shall_v not_o fear_v that_o so_o much_o time_n shall_v be_v lose_v therein_o 2._o it_o be_v sure_a the_o way_n of_o truth_n must_v be_v still_o rational_o convince_a such_o as_o do_v persuade_v by_o teach_v and_o to_o fix_v and_o clear_v the_o judgement_n before_o the_o will_n by_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o man_n conscience_n for_o thus_o we_o be_v teach_v and_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o render_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o with_o all_o meekness_n and_o fear_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 15._o 3._o such_o be_v this_o bless_a way_n as_o it_o be_v cautious_a and_o advertant_fw-la to_o hazard_n on_o each_o hand_n and_o to_o guard_v against_o the_o depht_n of_o satan_n as_o well_o as_o to_o resist_v his_o fury_n a_o way_n which_o lie_v betwixt_o extreme_n either_o on_o the_o right_n or_o left_a hand_n for_o thus_o we_o be_v teach_v 2_o cor._n 6._o 7._o 2_o cor._n 11._o 14_o 2_o thess_n 2._o 2._o 4._o it_o be_v such_o a_o way_n as_o lead_v we_o to_o regard_v the_o special_a vary_v of_o a_o case_n as_o to_o some_o present_a duty_n with_o a_o due_a respect_n and_o balance_v of_o circumstance_n and_o to_o see_v that_o the_o same_o way_n at_o all_o time_n be_v not_o to_o be_v follow_v in_o our_o practice_n since_o what_o may_v be_v most_o requisite_a and_o edify_a some_o time_n and_o in_o one_o case_n may_v be_v destructive_a in_o another_o for_o this_o have_v the_o holy_a ghost_n show_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a but_o not_o expedient_a 1_o cor._n 10._o 23._o 5._o thus_o we_o may_v know_v and_o discern_v the_o truth_n and_o way_n thereof_o which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n tit._n 1._o 1._o when_o it_o be_v such_o as_o visible_o tend_v by_o its_o power_n and_o efficacy_n on_o the_o heart_n to_o heal_v the_o distemper_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o judgement_n and_o by_o practical_a obedience_n to_o a_o more_o full_a assurance_n of_o understanding_n in_o themselves_o and_o may_v thus_o see_v its_o very_a native_a result_n and_o tendence_n be_v to_o make_v professor_n of_o the_o truth_n humble_a meek_a sober_a and_o temperate_a in_o their_o personal_a conversation_n yea_o tender_v to_o provoke_v or_o excite_v the_o corruption_n of_o any_o 6._o be_v there_o not_o this_o necessare_fw-la tendence_n also_o of_o the_o reveal_v way_n of_o truth_n to_o walk_v wise_o