practice_n second_o of_o reduce_v doubtful_a matter_n concern_v faith_n and_o practice_n unto_o their_o own_o fundamental_n and_o three_o of_o analyze_a the_o text_n of_o holy_a scripture_n demonstrative_o be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o the_o disorderly_a proceed_n of_o all_o our_o dispute_n may_v be_v remedy_v and_o the_o whole_a state_n of_o my_o negotiation_n have_v proper_o be_v employ_v in_o this_o to_o bring_v the_o lutheran_n as_o well_v as_o our_o own_o side_n to_o intend_v joint_o the_o right_a apprehension_n and_o application_n of_o these_o rule_n as_o antidote_n to_o cure_v our_o disease_n which_o be_v infectious_a and_o spread_v their_o distemper_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o all_o man_n that_o walk_v not_o by_o the_o same_o to_o order_v their_o theory_n and_o their_o practice_n to_o the_o end_n of_o godliness_n and_o of_o mutual_a edification_n through_o love_n you_o may_v perceive_v then_o that_o i_o do_v not_o negotiate_v for_o the_o decision_n of_o this_o or_o of_o that_o particular_a opinion_n about_o which_o most_o man_n be_v so_o earnest_o set_v either_o pro_fw-la or_o contra_fw-la for_o i_o leave_v all_o such_o dispute_n as_o matter_n of_o indifferency_n to_o i_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o scope_n of_o my_o negotiation_n although_o i_o make_v they_o not_o matter_n of_o indifferency_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o weight_n and_o in_o regard_n of_o my_o private_a judgement_n concern_v they_o and_o insist_v only_o upon_o the_o rule_n which_o all_o man_n that_o handle_v controversy_n rational_o or_o conscionable_o shall_v follow_v as_o well_o in_o theory_n as_o in_o practice_n to_o come_v at_o last_o unto_o the_o decision_n thereof_o in_o this_o state_n my_o negotiation_n do_v stand_v at_o this_o time_n with_o all_o party_n and_o my_o aim_n be_v to_o meddle_v with_o you_o no_o further_o than_o to_o this_o purpose_n at_o this_o time_n yet_o i_o never_o refuse_v chief_o if_o it_o be_v require_v at_o my_o hand_n or_o if_o otherwise_o i_o find_v it_o fit_a for_o edification_n to_o let_v my_o judgement_n be_v know_v concern_v particular_n of_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n which_o may_v be_v doubtful_a but_o i_o stand_v not_o upon_o that_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o consequence_n in_o my_o negotiation_n but_o rather_o do_v it_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_n of_o peter_n c._n 3.15_o and_o leave_v my_o opinion_n to_o be_v judge_v by_o other_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o decision_n of_o doubt_n whereupon_o we_o do_v agree_v nor_o must_v you_o imagine_v that_o i_o do_v by_o this_o negotiation_n seek_v to_o prescribe_v rule_n and_o method_n unto_o other_o as_o one_o that_o will_v have_v mastery_n over_o their_o understanding_n and_o persuade_v they_o to_o follow_v my_o direction_n but_o i_o endeavour_v to_o draw_v they_o to_o a_o consultation_n about_o such_o matter_n that_o by_o a_o amiable_a conference_n matter_n of_o this_o nature_n tend_v to_o regulate_v our_o thought_n and_o affection_n in_o the_o work_n of_o reconciliation_n may_v be_v beat_v out_o and_o clear_v that_o when_o we_o have_v find_v the_o rule_n of_o proceed_v without_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n we_o may_v make_v use_n of_o they_o for_o the_o public_a good_a and_o our_o mutual_a edification_n and_o if_o you_o do_v not_o disallow_v of_o this_o undertake_n you_o may_v come_v in_o as_o a_o healer_n of_o the_o breach_n and_o a_o repairer_n of_o the_o ruin_n of_o many_o generation_n for_o all_o that_o i_o desire_v be_v to_o engage_v every_o one_o who_o be_v able_a to_o help_v to_o contribute_v assistance_n unto_o this_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o because_o you_o seem_v desirous_a to_o draw_v from_o i_o some_o help_n unto_o your_o private_a case_n that_o other_o may_v be_v persuade_v to_o use_v that_o moderation_n towards_o you_o which_o you_o think_v be_v just_a you_o shall_v enjoy_v therefore_o i_o be_o reciprocal_o desirous_a to_o draw_v from_o you_o some_o help_n towards_o the_o public_a that_o all_o may_v be_v persuade_v to_o use_v that_o moderation_n one_o towards_o another_o which_o you_o will_v obtain_v from_o those_o of_o england_n towards_o yourself_o and_o if_o you_o work_v effectual_o for_o this_o and_o that_o according_a to_o rule_n which_o no_o man_n can_v refuse_v i_o suppose_v in_o do_v good_a to_o the_o public_a you_o will_v find_v the_o benefit_n immediate_o redound_v unto_o yourself_o for_o if_o you_o study_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n by_o a_o rule_n and_o can_v make_v other_o sensible_a that_o the_o rule_n which_o you_o follow_v in_o your_o profession_n be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o perfect_a way_n of_o peace_n and_o edification_n among_o all_o you_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o you_o shall_v enjoy_v the_o liberty_n which_o your_o rule_n yield_v when_o other_o shall_v perceive_v the_o righteousness_n thereof_o let_v we_o then_o beat_v out_o the_o matter_n of_o regulate_v our_o proceed_n and_o order_v our_o theory_n and_o practice_n towards_o peace_n truth_n and_o mutual_a edification_n in_o godliness_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v in_o the_o end_n that_o our_o labour_n will_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n for_o if_o we_o true_o study_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o if_o we_o do_v the_o truth_n which_o we_o know_v in_o love_n no_o doubt_n other_o will_v do_v in_o like_a manner_n to_o we_o not_o only_o because_o our_o example_n will_v be_v a_o provocation_n and_o pattern_n unto_o they_o to_o walk_v as_o we_o do_v but_o also_o and_o chief_o because_o they_o shall_v see_v that_o we_o do_v not_o walk_v at_o random_n or_o partial_o but_o by_o a_o rule_n which_o be_v universal_a and_o will_v lead_v all_o man_n that_o will_v take_v it_o up_o unto_o the_o fruition_n of_o that_o happiness_n which_o we_o aim_v at_o which_o be_v no_o more_o but_o the_o unblameable_a liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o their_o father_n to_o serve_v he_o and_o declare_v the_o praise_n of_o his_o goodness_n towards_o we_o through_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o great_a congregation_n this_o liberty_n of_o serve_v god_n according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o of_o speak_v of_o his_o praise_n and_o of_o his_o goodness_n if_o we_o can_v show_v how_o it_o shall_v be_v use_v without_o partiality_n and_o self-seeking_a according_a unto_o clear_a and_o infallible_a rule_n tend_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o all_o man_n i_o say_v if_o we_o can_v show_v to_o this_o generation_n this_o liberty_n what_o it_o be_v and_o how_o it_o shall_v be_v use_v not_o to_o contradict_v and_o overthrow_v so_o much_o as_o to_o build_v up_o and_o gain_v assent_n we_o shall_v enjoy_v our_o share_n thereof_o without_o opposition_n and_o because_o i_o be_o very_o confident_a hereof_o through_o jesus_n christ_n i_o make_v bold_a to_o provoke_v you_o unto_o this_o meditation_n with_o i_o and_o will_v now_o leave_v you_o at_o this_o time_n to_o think_v upon_o the_o matter_n till_o the_o next_o occasion_n of_o writing_n wherein_o i_o purpose_v god_n willing_a to_o insist_v upon_o the_o second_o head_n which_o i_o do_v propose_v unto_o myself_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o discourse_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v we_o pray_v one_o for_o another_o and_o for_o light_n towards_o all_o that_o be_v in_o error_n and_o darkness_n from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n to_o who_o favour_n i_o commend_v you_o as_o your_o friend_n and_o servant_n in_o christ_n john_n dury_n hagve_n 24_o june_n 1642._o 4_o july_n 1642._o grace_n and_o peace_n be_v multiply_v unto_o you_o from_o god_n the_o father_n and_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n amen_n i_o make_v a_o beginning_n on_o the_o 24._o day_n of_o june_n last_o to_o write_v unto_o you_o concern_v the_o thing_n which_o you_o desire_v to_o know_v of_o i_o touch_v my_o negotiation_n of_o peace_n among_o protestant_n then_o i_o do_v show_v you_o first_o that_o my_o aim_n be_v not_o to_o procure_v a_o bare_a toleration_n betwixt_o we_o and_o lutheran_n but_o rather_o a_o real_a profession_n of_o true_a brotherhood_n second_o that_o to_o procure_v this_o i_o have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o my_o work_n upon_o the_o apostle_n rule_n which_o be_v phil._n 3.15.16_o three_o that_o to_o make_v use_n of_o this_o apostolical_a precept_n and_o apply_v it_o unto_o the_o present_a occasion_n of_o the_o church_n i_o have_v labour_v to_o find_v out_o three_o thing_n first_o rule_v whereby_o the_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n and_o practice_n may_v be_v determine_v second_o rule_v whereby_o doubtful_a matter_n which_o be_v not_o fundamental_a may_v be_v reduce_v to_o their_o own_o principle_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n according_a to_o the_o analogy_n whereof_o they_o shall_v be_v decide_v three_o rule_n of_o true_a and_o demonstrative_a scripturall_a analysis_n whereby_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v the_o last_o judge_n of_o all_o controversy_n may_v
a_o epistolary_a discourse_n wherein_o among_o other_o particular_n these_o follow_a question_n be_v brief_o resolve_v i._o whether_o or_o no_o the_o state_n shall_v tolerate_v the_o independent_a government_n ii_o if_o they_o shall_v tolerate_v it_o how_o far_o and_o with_o what_o limitation_n iii_o if_o they_o shall_v not_o tolerate_v it_o what_o course_n shall_v be_v take_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o conformity_n with_o the_o presbyterials_n write_a by_o mr._n john_n dury_n to_o mr._n tho._n goodwin_n mr._n philip_n nye_n mr._n samuel_n hartlib_n publish_a by_o a_o friend_n for_o more_o common_a use_n julâ—_n 27._o 1644._o imprimatur_fw-la ja_fw-la cranford_n london_n print_v for_o charles_n greene_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o shop_n in_o lvie_n lane_n 1644._o the_o copy_n of_o letter_n to_o mr._n tho._n goodwin_n and_o mr._n philip_n nye_n worthy_a sir_n although_o i_o be_o not_o yet_o settle_v here_o nor_o can_v promise_v unto_o myself_o any_o leisure_n and_o freedom_n of_o spirit_n from_o other_o necessary_a thought_n which_o my_o present_a condition_n do_v oblige_v i_o unto_o and_o although_o i_o may_v imagine_v that_o there_o be_v little_a use_n as_o yet_o to_o be_v make_v among_o you_o of_o any_o thing_n that_o i_o can_v propose_v tend_v to_o moderation_n in_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o distract_a condition_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n nevertheless_o because_o i_o do_v promise_v you_o that_o i_o will_v put_v something_o to_o paper_n concern_v the_o scope_n of_o my_o negotiation_n and_o the_o argument_n which_o i_o have_v use_v to_o persuade_v man_n spirit_n unto_o mutual_a forbearance_n and_o because_o i_o know_v that_o if_o one_o will_v observe_v the_o wind_n very_o narrow_o he_o shall_v hardly_o ever_o sow_v his_o seed_n eccles_n 11.4_o or_o if_o he_o regard_v the_o cloud_n reap_v his_o corn_n therefore_o i_o will_v not_o delay_v any_o long_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o which_o i_o undertake_v which_o that_o i_o may_v do_v in_o some_o order_n i_o will_v branch_v out_o this_o discourse_n into_o these_o particular_n first_o i_o will_v relate_v unto_o you_o the_o true_a state_n of_o my_o negotiation_n with_o the_o lutheran_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o moderation_n towards_o we_o second_o i_o will_v set_v down_o the_o head_n of_o reason_n which_o induce_v i_o to_o this_o endeavour_n and_o which_o i_o use_v to_o persuade_v other_o to_o that_o duty_n which_o i_o have_v press_v upon_o they_o three_o i_o will_v let_v you_o know_v my_o opinion_n concern_v you_o case_n for_o which_o you_o desire_v to_o know_v these_o matter_n that_o you_o may_v understand_v how_o far_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v agree_v or_o disagree_v with_o that_o which_o hitherto_o i_o have_v agitate_a and_o what_o i_o will_v advise_v you_o to_o do_v in_o it_o for_o the_o advancement_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o the_o public_a edification_n of_o your_o brethren_n the_o true_a state_n of_o my_o negotiation_n be_v this_o that_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o bring_v the_o lutheran_n to_o some_o orderly_a treaty_n with_o we_o and_o joint_a resolution_n among_o themselves_o concern_v the_o way_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o public_a and_o private_a profession_n of_o christianity_n that_o the_o scandalous_a and_o unconscionable_a effect_n of_o our_o division_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n some_o joint_a course_n may_v be_v seâ—led_v to_o set_v forward_o the_o reformation_n of_o protestant_a church_n unto_o that_o period_n whereunto_o it_o may_v by_o god_n assistance_n be_v bring_v to_o this_o effect_n have_v first_o deal_v with_o our_o own_o side_n and_o get_v their_o consent_n unto_o this_o aim_n i_o have_v offer_v myself_o also_o unto_o the_o rest_n as_o a_o solicitor_n of_o the_o counsel_n of_o peace_n and_o a_o servant_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n in_o this_o matter_n in_o this_o posture_n i_o have_v take_v the_o freedom_n to_o provoke_v all_o unto_o the_o duty_n of_o love_n and_o of_o good_a work_n either_o by_o propose_v or_o ask_v council_n of_o they_o or_o make_v motion_n tend_v to_o the_o composure_n of_o difference_n for_o have_v make_v my_o spirit_n void_a of_o partiality_n and_o lay_v aside_o all_o private_a aim_n i_o take_v up_o universal_a rule_n which_o i_o think_v appâ—â—â—â—e_v unto_o all_o man_n understanding_n in_o theoreticis_fw-la and_o to_o their_o conâ—â—â—â—â—â—es_n in_o practicis_fw-la that_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o fâ—llow_n the_o apostle_n council_n unto_o the_o philippian_n chap._n 3.15.16_o which_o be_v that_o so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v come_v we_o shall_v mind_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n as_o it_o become_v those_o that_o indeed_o be_v brethren_n in_o jesus_n christ_n for_o i_o do_v not_o aim_v so_o mâ—ch_o at_o a_o â—are_a toleration_n betwixt_o we_o and_o lutheran_n as_o at_o a_o pub_fw-la iâ—ue_fw-la profession_n of_o brotherhood_n whereupon_o i_o conceive_v a_o toleration_n will_v follow_v of_o itself_o in_o matter_n of_o lesser_a difference_n which_o câ—uld_v be_v no_o just_a occasion_n of_o a_o breach_n and_o as_o for_o thing_n of_o great_a importance_n wherein_o some_o do_v seem_v to_o find_v sufficient_a cause_n of_o break_v of_o brotherhood_n from_o we_o i_o suppose_v these_o may_v be_v remove_v two_o way_n first_o by_o a_o fundamental_a confession_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o duty_n requisite_a unto_o salvation_n which_o may_v be_v common_a to_o all_o and_o open_o profess_v as_o the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o badge_n of_o our_o fraternal_a union_n second_o by_o a_o common_a and_o infallible_a rule_n of_o interpret_n the_o text_n of_o holy_a scripture_n by_o which_o all_o doubt_n incident_a in_o other_o matter_n not_o fundamental_a may_v be_v clear_v and_o decide_v and_o as_o the_o fundamental_a confession_n shall_v serve_v for_o all_o in_o common_a so_o this_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n shall_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o join_v the_o more_o learned_a sort_n in_o one_o sense_n and_o meaning_n lest_o their_o difference_n about_o matter_n of_o lesser_a moment_n may_v rend_v the_o body_n in_o piece_n notwithstanding_o the_o former_a tie_n of_o union_n in_o fundamental_a truth_n for_o see_v we_o see_v daily_o that_o among_o man_n of_o good_a repute_n otherwise_o for_o godliness_n in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n and_o for_o zeal_n in_o their_o profession_n of_o religion_n great_a dispute_n fall_v out_o for_o small_a matter_n as_o for_o the_o different_a acception_n of_o a_o word_n in_o a_o place_n of_o scripture_n or_o for_o the_o meaning_n of_o a_o sentence_n which_o may_v be_v diverse_o interpret_v according_a to_o the_o different_a relation_n which_o it_o have_v unto_o the_o matter_n precedent_n and_o consequent_a and_o these_o dispute_v ofttimes_o come_v to_o such_o a_o height_n betwixt_o they_o that_o they_o not_o only_o lose_v all_o charitable_a affection_n and_o amicablenesse_n of_o conversation_n one_o towards_o another_o but_o also_o involve_v other_o their_o hearer_n into_o the_o same_o breach_n of_o christian_a love_n from_o whence_o schism_n and_o separation_n at_o last_o arise_v and_o increase_v in_o the_o church_n although_o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n thereof_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o substantial_a and_o material_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n see_v i_o say_v we_o daily_o see_v that_o this_o do_v fall_v out_o and_o that_o this_o alone_a be_v able_a to_o breed_v many_o division_n among_o the_o learned_a notwithstanding_o all_o other_o tie_v of_o brotherly_a union_n and_o friendship_n betwixt_o they_o therefore_o i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v expedient_a if_o not_o necessary_a to_o find_v some_o remedy_n for_o this_o inconvenient_a which_o at_o last_o i_o suppose_v be_v find_v and_o if_o god_n will_v be_v please_v to_o enable_v i_o to_o propose_v it_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v prove_v effectual_a towards_o man_n that_o be_v not_o self-conceited_a but_o tractable_a either_o by_o the_o ground_n of_o reason_n or_o of_o conscience_n lead_v in_o aspirituall_a way_n which_o be_v above_o but_o not_o contrary_a unto_o reason_n for_o spiritual_a truth_n be_v rational_o deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n although_o man_n that_o be_v natural_o rational_a be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v the_o sense_n thereof_o in_o a_o word_n i_o conceive_v the_o remedy_n to_o be_v this_o that_o when_o we_o have_v agree_v upon_o the_o substance_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n we_o may_v have_v also_o some_o undoubted_a rule_n whereby_o to_o reduce_v all_o matter_n which_o be_v extra-substantiall_a unto_o their_o own_o principle_n that_o the_o doubt_n which_o arise_v concern_v the_o same_o may_v be_v decide_v according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v out_o of_o all_o doubt_n and_o according_a to_o the_o clear_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n regular_o analyse_v so_o that_o the_o rule_n first_o of_o determine_v fundamental_n in_o faith_n and_o
i_o come_v to_o the_o three_o question_n wherein_o the_o remedy_n of_o the_o breach_n betwixt_o they_o and_o their_o brethren_n be_v to_o be_v think_v upon_o in_o case_n the_o state_n shall_v not_o yield_v unto_o that_o toleration_n which_o they_o do_v require_v in_o this_o case_n two_o thing_n must_v be_v suppose_v first_o that_o the_o state_n will_v find_v no_o such_o satisfaction_n in_o their_o way_n as_o to_o think_v indifferent_o of_o it_o second_o that_o they_o of_o the_o non-communion_n can_v find_v as_o little_a satisfaction_n in_o the_o presbyterial_a government_n for_o if_o either_o of_o these_o be_v they_o will_v either_o get_v a_o toleration_n or_o need_v none_o the_o way_n must_v be_v then_o either_o to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o their_o brethren_n or_o to_o receive_v it_o from_o they_o i_o will_v advise_v then_o that_o they_o shall_v labour_v to_o beget_v a_o good_a understanding_n betwixt_o they_o and_o their_o brethren_n for_o if_o their_o difference_n do_v arise_v from_o a_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n the_o state_n be_v no_o competent_a judge_n thereof_o but_o it_o shall_v be_v bring_v unto_o the_o tribunal_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o judge_v by_o his_o clear_a word_n among_o those_o that_o be_v officer_n in_o his_o kingdom_n and_o if_o it_o be_v no_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n than_o i_o see_v not_o why_o they_o shall_v stand_v so_o much_o upon_o it_o why_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o state_n shall_v be_v trouble_v with_o it_o why_o the_o church_n keep_v in_o so_o dangerous_a uncertainty_n for_o it_o i_o suppose_v then_o that_o it_o be_v a_o scrupulositie_n of_o conscience_n rather_o than_o any_o worldly_a consideration_n which_o keep_v they_o at_o a_o distance_n from_o their_o brethren_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o the_o near_a way_n to_o receive_v satisfaction_n therein_o be_v to_o deal_v with_o man_n that_o make_v no_o less_o conscience_n of_o their_o way_n than_o they_o do_v who_o conscience_n be_v rule_v by_o the_o same_o principle_n that_o they_o be_v who_o be_v every_o way_n alike_o and_o equal_a with_o they_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o who_o seem_v to_o be_v offend_v at_o their_o carriage_n in_o the_o gospel_n as_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v offend_v at_o they_o therefore_o they_o be_v bind_v mutual_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o to_o give_v satisfaction_n unto_o each_o other_o not_o shall_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v trouble_v with_o a_o judicature_n of_o mere_a spiritual_a matter_n now_o the_o best_a way_n to_o deal_v with_o one_o another_o for_o a_o agreement_n in_o my_o opinion_n be_v this_o that_o either_o shall_v propose_v to_o the_o other_o a_o faithful_a promise_n of_o mutual_a love_n and_o willingness_n to_o yield_v one_o to_o another_o in_o that_o wherein_o they_o shall_v see_v the_o will_n of_o god_n direct_v they_o to_o further_a the_o mean_n of_o mutual_a and_o of_o public_a edification_n this_o promise_n be_v make_v they_o shall_v intend_v to_o declare_v each_o to_o other_o their_o sense_n of_o that_o wherein_o they_o conceive_v the_o mean_n of_o mutual_a and_o of_o public_a edification_n to_o stand_v now_o then_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o lay_v open_a my_o thought_n unto_o you_o that_o if_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n i_o may_v be_v able_a to_o let_v they_o see_v that_o they_o real_o agree_v in_o all_o those_o mean_n which_o be_v any_o way_n fundamental_a and_o that_o the_o way_n of_o make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o may_v be_v intend_v uniformal_o by_o both_o side_n each_o towards_o other_o then_o their_o difference_n may_v be_v compose_v and_o their_o heart_n join_v in_o the_o lord_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o his_o glory_n through_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n i_o be_o persuade_v then_o that_o they_o have_v both_o the_o same_o sense_n of_o the_o new-covenant_n of_o grace_n whereby_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n be_v join_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n this_o their_o sense_n of_o this_o fundamental_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n may_v be_v declare_v from_o the_o clear_a word_n of_o scripture_n which_o may_v be_v make_v a_o fundamental_a confession_n of_o faith_n as_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o in_o a_o epistle_n to_o the_o lord_n forbes_n advise_v and_o to_o this_o ground_n of_o all_o fundamental_n in_o christianity_n all_o the_o point_n of_o necessary_a doctrine_n and_o of_o duty_n of_o practice_n which_o be_v no_o less_o fundamental_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n then_o the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n wherein_o they_o also_o full_o agree_v may_v be_v refer_v for_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o all_o which_o we_o either_o need_v to_o know_v or_o do_v be_v only_o needful_a for_o this_o end_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o walk_v faithful_o and_o upright_o with_o god_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o his_o covenant_n make_v with_o we_o in_o christ_n this_o declaration_n be_v agree_v upon_o they_o shall_v acknowledge_v themselves_o therein_o and_o thereby_o brethren_n in_o christ_n and_o son_n of_o the_o same_o heavenly_a father_n servants_z of_o the_o same_o master_n set_v in_o his_o house_n and_o over_o his_o household_n to_o bring_v all_o man_n by_o their_o ministry_n through_o the_o tenor_n of_o that_o covenant_n unto_o he_o here_o than_o they_o shall_v take_v into_o consideration_n the_o duty_n of_o their_o ministry_n to_o agree_v upon_o that_o which_o they_o shall_v do_v in_o it_o for_o mutual_a and_o for_o public_a edification_n for_o see_v they_o take_v themselves_o to_o be_v servant_n of_o the_o same_o master_n send_v forth_o by_o he_o in_o the_o same_o commission_n to_o preach_v joint_o to_o the_o same_o people_n the_o same_o word_n i_o conceive_v that_o it_o will_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n if_o they_o know_v their_o master_n will_v to_o agree_v upon_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v his_o work_n but_o to_o proceed_v orderly_o herein_o the_o first_o matter_n shall_v be_v concern_v the_o call_n of_o minister_n for_o you_o know_v that_o no_o man_n may_v take_v this_o honour_n unto_o himself_o but_o only_o he_o that_o be_v call_v by_o god_n unto_o it_o as_o aaron_z be_v heb._n 5.4_o therefore_o they_o shall_v determine_v from_o the_o word_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o all_o age_n what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v lawful_o call_v unto_o the_o ministry_n and_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v lawful_o call_v unto_o a_o particular_a congregation_n to_o exercise_v the_o ministry_n therein_o if_o they_o agree_v in_o this_o which_o i_o hope_v they_o will_v do_v by_o look_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o follow_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n then_o their_o next_o care_n shall_v be_v to_o consider_v what_o relaâ—ion_n fellow-servant_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n shall_v have_v one_o to_o another_o and_o how_o they_o shall_v do_v to_o strengthen_v one_o another_o hand_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o occasion_n of_o scandal_n and_o if_o they_o find_v that_o they_o ought_v as_o member_n or_o the_o same_o body_n to_o have_v the_o same_o care_n one_o for_o another_o and_o that_o to_o show_v this_o care_n to_o strengthen_v one_o another_o in_o their_o ministerial_a duty_n and_o to_o prevent_v scandal_n nothing_o be_v so_o necessary_a as_o to_o do_v all_o by_o mutual_a council_n and_o joint_a consent_n then_o they_o shall_v agree_v upon_o the_o form_n of_o such_o consultation_n and_o upon_o the_o authority_n which_o their_o decree_n ought_v to_o carry_v in_o matter_n of_o doubt_n wherein_o as_o i_o will_v have_v they_o who_o i_o call_v the_o non-communionists_a not_o to_o maintain_v any_o thing_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o exempt_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophet_n from_o be_v subject_n unto_o the_o prophet_n from_o whence_o confusion_n and_o trouble_n will_v inevitable_o arise_v in_o the_o church_n so_o i_o will_v not_o have_v the_o presbyterial_a brethren_n to_o press_v upon_o the_o other_o any_o obligation_n to_o make_v they_o subject_a unto_o such_o decree_n further_o than_o shall_v be_v necessary_a to_o make_v up_o breach_n and_o prevent_v scandalis_fw-la which_o otherwise_o will_v be_v unavoidable_a and_o this_o i_o make_v no_o doubt_n they_o will_v yield_v unto_o that_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o many_o in_o a_o spiritual_a senate_n shall_v sway_v the_o spirit_n of_o one_o or_o of_o a_o few_o to_o submit_v itself_o in_o circumstantial_a matter_n which_o be_v not_o precise_o determine_v by_o the_o word_n but_o leave_v unto_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o christian_a discretion_n because_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o the_o wisdom_n which_o be_v from_o above_o be_v peaceable_a gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v jam._n 3.17_o from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o such_o as_o be_v endue_v with_o this_o wisdom_n will_v easy_o be_v entreat_v and_o not selfe_o conceit_v but_o yield_v to_o the_o common_a advice_n of_o their_o brethren_n in_o matter_n
be_v know_v four_o that_o to_o find_v these_o rule_n i_o do_v abstract_n my_o thought_n from_o all_o particular_a opinion_n in_o the_o way_n of_o my_o negotiation_n not_o endeavour_v to_o prescribe_v unto_o any_o my_o sense_n concern_v these_o rule_n but_o rather_o to_o draw_v other_o to_o a_o consultation_n and_o search_n with_o i_o of_o the_o way_n of_o find_v out_o the_o same_o that_o when_o we_o shall_v have_v agree_v upon_o a_o orderly_a way_n of_o proceed_v in_o all_o doubtful_a matter_n to_o find_v the_o decision_n thereof_o we_o may_v at_o last_o come_v to_o some_o issue_n of_o the_o controversy_n which_o hitherto_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o confuse_a manner_n of_o agitation_n have_v be_v undecidable_a this_o be_v the_o whole_a purpose_n of_o that_o discourse_n the_o second_o principal_a matter_n whereupon_o i_o be_v to_o insist_v towards_o you_o be_v concern_v the_o reason_n and_o argument_n which_o first_o have_v induce_v i_o to_o this_o study_n of_o moderation_n and_o which_o second_o i_o have_v use_v to_o persuade_v other_o towards_o the_o same_o first_o then_o concern_v myself_o i_o do_v ingenious_o confess_v that_o the_o mere_a love_n of_o peace_n and_o quietness_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o do_v good_a to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n do_v move_v i_o to_o embrace_v this_o endeavour_n when_o i_o be_v call_v thereunto_o in_o prussia_n by_o dr._n godeman_n a_o counsellor_n of_o state_n to_o the_o late_a king_n of_o sweden_n in_o the_o year_n 1628._o since_o which_o time_n as_o i_o have_v never_o intend_v to_o discontinue_v my_o purpose_n of_o follicit_v the_o public_a way_n of_o peace_n so_o i_o have_v have_v several_a kind_n of_o inducement_n bind_v my_o conscience_n to_o the_o duty_n and_o some_o encouragement_n which_o be_v able_a to_o support_v i_o against_o the_o manifold_a difficulty_n and_o impediment_n which_o have_v be_v incident_a to_o my_o way_n the_o first_o inducement_n which_o bind_v my_o conscience_n to_o think_v upon_o these_o endeavour_n be_v the_o call_n which_o i_o have_v to_o think_v upon_o the_o same_o which_o i_o can_v not_o but_o answer_n except_o i_o shall_v have_v be_v want_v to_o my_o duty_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n therefore_o as_o i_o be_v provoke_v to_o think_v upon_o the_o object_n of_o peace_n and_o truth_n so_o i_o think_v other_o will_v be_v move_v in_o like_a manner_n to_o do_v the_o same_o if_o i_o do_v call_v upon_o they_o to_o that_o effect_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o i_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o become_v a_o public_a solicitor_n of_o these_o endeavour_n for_o i_o conceive_v that_o none_o that_o be_v godly_a wise_a and_o learned_a will_v refuse_v to_o concur_v in_o so_o necessary_a a_o work_n so_o profitable_a for_o holy_a communication_n and_o so_o fit_a for_o correspondency_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n upon_o this_o ground_n you_o know_v that_o i_o draw_v a_o certain_a form_n of_o a_o declaration_n to_o be_v subscribe_v by_o all_o such_o as_o will_v join_v to_o help_v by_o spiritual_a council_n these_o endeavour_n to_o this_o you_o both_o do_v subscribe_v and_o i_o do_v in_o some_o occasion_n require_v your_o advice_n and_o assistance_n but_o what_o have_v hinder_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o your_o promise_n you_o yourselves_o best_o know_v perhaps_o god_n will_v have_v the_o fruit_n of_o your_o meditation_n in_o this_o kind_n reserve_v till_o this_o time_n wherein_o they_o will_v be_v most_o seasonable_a the_o second_o inducement_n be_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o time_n wherein_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o useful_a for_o the_o public_a good_a then_o to_o heal_v the_o breach_n of_o protestant_a church_n which_o we_o be_v all_o bind_v to_o pray_v for_o and_o i_o in_o my_o simplicity_n do_v then_o and_o still_o do_v conceive_v that_o what_o i_o be_o bind_v by_o prayer_n to_o sue_v for_o unto_o almighty_a god_n i_o ought_v also_o by_o my_o best_a endeavour_n so_o far_o as_o god_n do_v enable_v i_o actual_o to_o accomplish_v and_o promote_v the_o three_o inducement_n be_v the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o the_o work_n if_o self_n as_o it_o have_v place_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n this_o consideration_n do_v not_o come_v at_o first_o so_o full_o into_o my_o mind_n as_o afterward_o when_o i_o have_v be_v a_o certain_a space_n in_o action_n for_o then_o upon_o trial_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o examination_n of_o my_o aim_n i_o find_v that_o in_o all_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o duty_n so_o oft_o and_o so_o earnest_o recommend_v as_o this_o which_o tend_v to_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o to_o the_o care_n of_o mutual_a edification_n through_o love_n therefore_o i_o set_v myself_o with_o so_o much_o more_o zeal_n and_o diligence_n to_o dive_v into_o the_o property_n of_o these_o virtue_n whereby_o to_o discern_v the_o excellency_n thereof_o and_o what_o their_o usefulnes_n be_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o when_o i_o perceive_v that_o all_o other_o virtue_n and_o grace_n be_v useless_a and_o unprofitable_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o good_a of_o his_o saint_n except_o these_o be_v effectual_o join_v unto_o they_o i_o rectify_v my_o purpose_n in_o many_o particular_n to_o make_v they_o answerable_a unto_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o duty_n and_o settle_v a_o resolution_n unalterable_a to_o pursue_v this_o aim_n continual_o more_o than_o any_o other_o study_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v beside_o these_o many_o other_o motive_n to_o draw_v i_o on_o towards_o these_o endeavour_n which_o it_o be_v not_o needful_a to_o mention_v yet_o because_o some_o of_o they_o be_v of_o moment_n and_o have_v much_o wrought_v upon_o i_o i_o will_v name_v they_o brief_o as_o this_o that_o i_o find_v the_o proneness_n of_o man_n spirit_n to_o strive_v &_o to_o lift_v itself_o up_o against_o other_o for_o some_o particular_a matter_n of_o difference_n very_o great_a and_o then_o perceive_v the_o danger_n of_o such_o strife_n and_o the_o most_o pernicious_a effect_n thereof_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n i_o be_v exceed_o confirm_v in_o the_o love_n of_o peaceable_a endeavour_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n to_o preserve_v my_o soul_n from_o be_v involve_v into_o the_o great_a inconvenience_n whereunto_o i_o perceive_v most_o man_n be_v wrap_v unaware_o for_o want_v of_o a_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o in_o seek_v peace_n also_o this_o that_o the_o only_a way_n to_o encounter_v with_o man_n of_o cross_a humour_n and_o that_o be_v strong_o lead_v away_o into_o gross_a error_n be_v to_o bring_v they_o unto_o the_o thought_n and_o affection_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n to_o be_v intend_v according_a to_o just_a and_o equitable_a rule_n with_o they_o from_o who_o they_o dissent_v for_o in_o convince_a their_o understanding_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o walk_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o love_n which_o lead_v we_o to_o maintain_v peace_n and_o aim_v at_o the_o way_n of_o edification_n they_o be_v make_v void_a of_o prejudices_fw-la and_o tractable_a to_o receive_v instruction_n moreover_o this_o that_o all_o dispute_n turn_v at_o last_o to_o bitterness_n and_o vain_a jangle_n among_o all_o man_n and_o become_v endless_a and_o without_o fruit_n except_o the_o aim_n of_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n be_v intend_v and_o a_o rule_n of_o proceed_v be_v use_v which_o may_v lâ—ad_v we_o unto_o the_o same_o these_o be_v the_o principal_a head_n of_o the_o inducement_n which_o move_v i_o to_o these_o endeavour_n to_o which_o divers_a encouragement_n from_o time_n to_o time_n do_v concur_v whereby_o i_o have_v be_v strengthen_v against_o the_o strait_n and_o opposition_n which_o be_v fall_v in_o my_o way_n to_o stop_v i_o in_o this_o course_n of_o negotiation_n first_o i_o have_v from_o time_n to_o time_n the_o clear_a consent_n and_o full_a approbation_n of_o all_o the_o most_o godly_a divine_n of_o both_o side_n so_o long_o as_o their_o judgement_n be_v free_a and_o void_a of_o partiality_n and_o when_o they_o do_v fall_v off_o from_o i_o i_o perceive_v that_o it_o come_v from_o groundless_a jealousy_n and_o false_a information_n or_o suspicion_n which_o do_v make_v they_o leave_v their_o true_a principle_n and_o rule_n of_o edification_n which_o at_o first_o they_o have_v intend_v second_o i_o have_v the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o chief_a statesman_n that_o be_v rational_a and_o prudent_a in_o he_o way_n of_o true_a government_n who_o engage_v themselves_o to_o give_v i_o real_a assistance_n by_o their_o authority_n three_o i_o find_v not_o only_o great_a hope_n of_o proceed_n but_o real_a effect_n of_o my_o wâ—â—ke_n by_o god_n blessing_n dispose_v the_o spirit_n of_o lead_v man_n unto_o the_o way_n of_o moderation_n four_o i_o see_v that_o the_o very_a opposition_n of_o unreasonable_a man_n do_v