the_o lamb_n call_v his_o follower_n to_o retirement_n be_v a_o humble_a enquiry_n into_o the_o duty_n of_o church_n minister_n and_o all_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n under_o the_o present_a dispensation_n of_o god_n by_o one_o that_o will_v be_v find_v though_o unworthy_a the_o lord_n witness_v and_o servant_n and_o of_o all_o his_o saint_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 5._o judge_v nothing_o before_o the_o time_n print_v in_o the_o year_n 1662._o to_o the_o reader_n the_o different_a apprehension_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o this_o day_n concern_v their_o present_a duty_n be_v cut_v off_o from_o their_o public_a liberty_n of_o worship_n give_v occasion_n to_o the_o ensue_a enquiry_n some_o judge_v it_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o assemble_v open_o though_o they_o expose_v themselves_o or_o at_o least_o their_o teacher_n to_o the_o utmost_a hazard_n other_o that_o retirement_n be_v that_o which_o the_o present_a dispensation_n call_v for_o which_o late_a this_o brief_a discourse_n 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case_n of_o retirement_n from_o open_a assemble_v it_o be_v plain_o state_v from_o scripture_n evidence_n as_o be_v humble_o apprehend_v wherein_o if_o there_o be_v not_o enough_o say_v to_o satisfy_v a_o doubt_a conscience_n yet_o at_o least_o there_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o engage_v humble_a and_o sober_a mind_n to_o a_o mutual_a forbearance_n the_o duty_n of_o all_o saint_n under_o this_o retirement_n be_v but_o brief_o hint_v because_o of_o brevity_n and_o in_o that_o they_o have_v be_v more_o at_o large_a press_v by_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o the_o two_o year_n of_o mercy_n we_o have_v enjoy_v as_o the_o peculiar_a blessing_n of_o this_o city_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o establishment_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o these_o nation_n the_o vindicate_a and_o assert_v whereof_o have_v as_o be_v hope_v leave_v a_o gracious_a and_o powerful_a impression_n and_o savour_n upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v find_v the_o more_o quiet_o submit_v to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o bless_o establish_v in_o the_o forementioned_a truth_n and_o may_v in_o those_o holy_a principle_n in_o which_o they_o have_v be_v build_v up_o continue_v in_o a_o more_o private_a way_n edify_v one_o another_o in_o love_n as_o those_o in_o this_o their_o retirement_n that_o be_v wait_v for_o the_o speedy_a return_n of_o their_o lord_n that_o when_o he_o come_v he_o may_v find_v they_o so_o do_v this_o you_o may_v do_v as_o under_o the_o wing_n of_o the_o almighty_a in_o a_o probable_a security_n and_o not_o hasten_v yourselves_o into_o your_o own_o suffering_n and_o if_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n single_a out_o any_o of_o you_o to_o a_o suffer_a testimony_n in_o the_o loss_n of_o liberty_n or_o good_n or_o to_o banishment_n very_o you_o will_v know_v the_o tender_a heart_n of_o jesus_n christ_n towards_o you_o and_o his_o faithfulness_n in_o make_v up_o all_o to_o you_o and_o you_o and_o that_o in_o this_o life_n a_o hundred_o fold_n be_v quiet_a you_o captive_n of_o hope_n for_o in_o return_v and_o rest_n shall_v you_o be_v save_v in_o quietness_n and_o confidence_n shall_v be_v your_o strength_n and_o though_o the_o lord_n give_v you_o the_o bread_n of_o adversity_n and_o the_o water_n of_o affliction_n yet_o shall_v not_o thy_o teacher_n be_v remove_v into_o corner_n any_o more_o but_o thy_o eye_n shall_v see_v thy_o teacher_n do_v not_o think_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v now_o at_o the_o end_n of_o twenty_o year_n work_n and_o that_o the_o present_a dispensation_n be_v the_o last_o issue_n of_o all_o his_o glorious_a providence_n you_o have_v sometime_o believe_v that_o the_o exaltation_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n will_v be_v the_o issue_n of_o all_o the_o shake_n the_o lord_n have_v make_v in_o these_o nation_n and_o you_o have_v as_o great_a if_o not_o a_o great_a ground_n to_o abide_v in_o the_o same_o faith_n as_o ever_o take_v heed_n of_o a_o bewilder_v spirit_n under_o the_o dark_a providence_n the_o lord_n be_v lead_v we_o but_o consider_v what_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v do_v and_o what_o work_n have_v be_v upon_o the_o wheel_n and_o by_o faith_n labour_n to_o look_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o you_o will_v be_v able_a quiet_o to_o wait_v for_o he_o i_o wish_v the_o case_n in_o hand_n have_v be_v state_v by_o a_o able_a hand_n but_o find_v nothing_o herein_o i_o have_v find_v my_o spirit_n often_o look_v for_o light_n from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n draw_v out_o to_o cast_v in_o this_o mite_n to_o the_o present_a generation_n of_o the_o righteous_a as_o hope_v that_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o lamb_n be_v in_o it_o in_o the_o main_a scope_n of_o it_o and_o though_o it_o may_v be_v in_o what_o be_v hint_v about_o the_o death_n of_o the_o witness_n i_o may_v differ_v from_o some_o of_o the_o lord_n servant_n yet_o i_o promise_v myself_o their_o forbearance_n it_o be_v a_o hour_n of_o enquiry_n and_o we_o will_v be_v all_o glad_a to_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o day_n something_o more_o may_v be_v offer_v to_o consideration_n to_o clear_v those_o hint_n and_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o world_n if_o the_o lord_n permit_v now_o the_o bless_a god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n preserve_v all_o his_o in_o this_o hour_n of_o temptation_n and_o lead_v we_o into_o his_o whole_a counsel_n and_o will_n to_o who_o immutable_a grace_n i_o commend_v thou_o in_o the_o patient_a wait_a for_o zions_n redemption_n the_o 25._o of_o the_o 5._o month_n 1662._o rest_a thy_o brother_n and_o fellow-servant_n in_o the_o patience_n of_o christ_n esay_n 26._o 20._o come_v my_o people_n enter_v thou_o into_o thy_o chamber_n and_o shut_v thy_o door_n about_o thou_o hide_v thyself_o as_o it_o be_v for_o a_o little_a moment_n until_o the_o indignation_n be_v overpast_v the_o special_a wisdom_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o all_o generation_n under_o the_o variety_n of_o his_o dispensation_n have_v be_v to_o know_v what_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v and_o call_v his_o people_n to_o under_o they_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o have_v be_v bind_v up_o their_o mercy_n and_o peace_n in_o every_o generation_n all_o their_o miscarriage_n have_v be_v for_o want_n of_o attend_v hereunto_o either_o in_o a_o day_n of_o peace_n and_o outward_a blessing_n or_o in_o a_o day_n of_o affliction_n and_o judgement_n the_o safety_n of_o this_o people_n to_o who_o this_o word_n be_v speak_v enter_v into_o thy_o chamber_n etc._n etc._n do_v lie_v in_o the_o obedience_n thereof_o at_o that_o day_n which_o let_v we_o a_o little_a more_o particular_o consider_v this_o prophet_n though_o many_o year_n before_o the_o day_n of_o it_o speak_v of_o the_o captivity_n of_o judah_n and_o also_o of_o her_o return_n and_o restauration_n with_o the_o blessing_n that_o shall_v attend_v it_o which_o restauration_n he_o more_o at_o large_a begin_v to_o discover_v at_o the_o 14._o chap._n for_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v mercy_n upon_o jacob_n and_o will_v yet_o choose_v israel_n and_o set_v they_o to_o their_o own_o land_n etc._n etc._n upon_o which_o the_o prophet_n have_v denounce_v the_o burden_n of_o the_o lord_n against_o babylon_n chap._n 13._o threaten_v all_o other_o nation_n to_o the_o 25._o chap._n that_o but_o help_v in_o or_o rejoy_v at_o the_o day_n of_o his_o people_n captivity_n as_o moab_n and_o syria_n and_o egypt_n and_o tyre_n etc._n etc._n as_o be_v more_o general_o express_v ch_n 17._o 12_o 13_o 14._o wo_n to_o the_o multitude_n of_o many_o people_n which_o make_v a_o noise_n like_o
a_o holy_a seed_n from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o and_o not_o to_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o blood_n thirstiness_n and_o rage_n of_o their_o persecutor_n though_o still_o honour_v himself_o by_o the_o suffering_n of_o some_o and_o as_o this_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n so_o of_o particular_a minister_n and_o witness_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o all_o age_n namely_o as_o they_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o retire_v from_o particular_a persecution_n especial_o when_o their_o case_n be_v different_a from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o saint_n as_o in_o some_o age_n it_o have_v be_v the_o first_o blow_n be_v at_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n so_o moses_n flee_v before_o the_o face_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o dwell_v in_o the_o land_n of_o midean_a till_o the_o time_n of_o deliverance_n come_v to_o the_o israelite_n in_o egypt_n exod._n 2._o 15._o so_o david_n from_o the_o persecution_n of_o saul_n who_o retire_v into_o the_o wilderness_n where_o the_o lord_n hide_v he_o till_o the_o time_n that_o the_o promise_n shall_v be_v fulfil_v in_o his_o reign_n over_o israel_n 1_o sam._n 19_o 18._o though_o in_o his_o retirement_n he_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o temple_n as_o he_o complain_v complain_v in_o several_a psalm_n elijah_n have_v give_v a_o eminent_a testimony_n against_o ahab_n and_o the_o abomination_n of_o that_o day_n and_o prophesy_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n to_o come_v upon_o israel_n but_o when_o he_o know_v the_o mischief_n that_o ahab_n intend_v and_o he_o have_v finish_v his_o testimony_n the_o lord_n command_v he_o to_o go_v and_o hiâ—â—e_v himself_o 1_o king_n 17._o 2._o &_o 8._o and_o chap_n 10._o 10_o and_o we_o know_v elijah_n be_v a_o eminent_a type_n of_o the_o witness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n under_o the_o new-testament_n babylon_n though_o in_o the_o three_o year_n when_o it_o shall_v rain_v again_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o make_v way_n for_o elijah_n appearance_n he_o show_v himself_o to_o ahab_n and_o god_n be_v with_o he_o to_o deliver_v he_o but_o when_o jezebel_n seek_v after_o he_o again_o ch_n 19_o he_o go_v into_o the_o wilderness_n and_o hide_v himsel_n in_o a_o cave_n v._o 9_o at_o the_o same_o time_n before_o the_o three_o year_n be_v finish_v and_o the_o persecution_n by_o jezebel_n continue_v against_o all_o the_o lord_n prophet_n 1_o king_n 18._o obadiah_n hide_v the_o prophet_n by_o 50._o in_o a_o cave_n who_o at_o other_o time_n be_v public_o prophesy_v so_o when_o the_o king_n have_v send_v out_o a_o warrant_n and_o officer_n to_o take_v jeremiah_n and_o baruch_n jer._n 36._o 26._o it_o be_v say_v the_o lord_n hide_v they_o which_o imply_v their_o own_o retirement_n at_o that_o time_n so_o our_o lord_n jesus_n himself_o when_o he_o hear_v that_o john_n be_v cast_v into_o prison_n he_o retire_v into_o galilee_n matth._n 4._o 12_o and_o when_o he_o further_o hear_v that_o he_o be_v behead_v he_o withdraw_v into_o a_o desert_n place_n mat._n 14._o 13._o and_o so_o when_o the_o jew_n seek_v to_o kill_v he_o etc._n etc._n till_o his_o hour_n be_v come_v which_o place_n be_v ordinary_o urge_v by_o interpreter_n upon_o they_o for_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n so_o our_o lord_n jesus_n allow_v his_o disciple_n matth._n 10._o when_o he_o send_v they_o forth_o as_o sheep_n among_o wolf_n ver_fw-la 10._o that_o they_o shall_v then_o be_v wise_a as_o serpent_n walk_v with_o such_o a_o wisdom_n as_o become_v sheep_n among_o wolf_n which_o be_v not_o rash_o to_o put_v themselves_o into_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o wolf_n and_o ver_fw-la 17._o bid_v they_o beware_v of_o man_n and_o then_o be_v persecute_v into_o one_o city_n â—o_o fly_v unto_o another_o v._o 23._o the_o 〈◊〉_d that_o word_n be_v to_o direct_v they_o that_o when_o ruler_n by_o their_o edict_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o preach_v in_o one_o place_n they_o may_v go_v to_o another_o if_o not_o in_o public_a then_o in_o private_a and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n as_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n shall_v lead_v they_o when_o the_o jew_n seek_v for_o paul_n at_o damascus_n the_o disciple_n do_v not_o press_v he_o to_o expose_v himself_o to_o be_v deliver_v up_o into_o their_o hand_n in_o appear_v open_o there_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a at_o a_o hard_a rate_n convey_v he_o away_o act_v 9_o 23._o 2_o cor._n 11._o 32._o in_o damascus_n the_o governor_n under_o artas_n the_o king_n keep_v the_o city_n with_o a_o garrison_n desirous_a to_o apprehend_v i_o and_o through_o a_o window_n in_o a_o basket_n be_v i_o let_v down_o by_o the_o wall_n i_o escape_v his_o hand_n which_o the_o apostle_n there_o set_v down_o among_o his_o persecution_n when_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o city_n will_v have_v apprehend_v he_o he_o think_v good_a and_o the_o saint_n with_o he_o so_o judge_v to_o withdraw_v and_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o judge_v unfaithful_a or_o fearful_a in_o so_o do_v so_o act_v 14._o when_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n have_v speak_v hold_o in_o the_o lord_n for_o a_o time_n at_o iconium_n when_o they_o understand_v that_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n with_o they_o make_v a_o assault_n at_o their_o meeting_n to_o use_v they_o despiteful_o and_o to_o stone_n they_o they_o be_v ware_n of_o it_o they_o think_v it_o ground_n enough_o that_o they_o be_v ware_n of_o it_o and_o so_o flee_v into_o the_o next_o province_n into_o lystra_n when_o the_o jew_n lay_v wait_v for_o he_o act._n 20._o 3._o he_o go_v not_o into_o syria_n but_o return_v through_o macedonâ—a_n and_o when_o the_o jew_n have_v gather_v a_o company_n of_o lewd_a fallow_n to_o assault_v the_o meeting_n at_o jasâ—ns_n house_n paul_n and_o sylas_n withdraw_v act._n 17._o 5_o 6._o for_o they_o find_v they_o noâ—_n ver_fw-la 6._o and_o at_o berea_n the_o brethren_n send_v away_o paul_n ver_fw-la 14._o so_o when_o he_o will_v have_v hazard_v himself_o the_o disciple_n suffer_v he_o not_o act._n 19_o 30._o and_o when_o he_o will_v go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n all_o the_o saint_n beseech_v he_o not_o to_o go_v judge_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n he_o ought_v not_o till_o they_o nnderstood_v that_o paul_n be_v under_o a_o extraordinary_a impulse_n of_o spirit_n to_o go_v and_o then_o they_o cease_v the_o case_n of_o those_o famous_a minister_n and_o witness_n of_o christ_n at_o the_o matt_n see_v book_n of_o matt_n begin_n of_o q._n mary_n persecution_n who_o preach_v not_o after_o the_o queen_n inhibition_n and_o proclamation_n though_o it_o be_v not_o a_o bind_a law_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o declaration_n of_o their_o faith_n they_o give_v forth_o when_o prisoner_n in_o the_o king_n bench_n in_o which_o they_o thus_o express_v themselves_o we_o be_v not_o here_o in_o prison_n as_o traitor_n or_o seditious_a person_n or_o transgressor_n of_o any_o law_n of_o this_o realm_n inhibition_n proclamation_n or_o commandment_n of_o the_o queen_n highness_n or_o of_o any_o of_o the_o council_n god_n name_n be_v praise_v therefore_o etc._n etc._n subscribe_v by_o dr._n taylor_n philpot_n bradford_n hooper_n rogers_n saunders_n etc._n etc._n the_o most_o eminent_a minister_n and_o martyr_n of_o that_o day_n who_o it_o appear_v preach_v not_o public_o after_o the_o proclamation_n and_o act_n of_o parliament_n but_o be_v commit_v as_o have_v be_v man_n famous_a in_o king_n edward_n day_n and_o have_v preach_v to_o warn_v the_o people_n against_o popery_n in_o the_o interval_n before_o the_o proclamation_n be_v publish_v and_o be_v take_v after_o and_o be_v put_v to_o death_n because_o they_o will_v not_o deny_v the_o truth_n they_o have_v former_o preach_v which_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n at_o this_o day_n hope_n through_o grace_n they_o shall_v not_o do_v if_o call_v to_o a_o trial_n thereof_o and_o how_o far_o several_a of_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v expose_v themselves_o notwithstanding_o a_o former_a proclamation_n and_o the_o latter_a act_n of_o parliament_n and_o particular_a charge_n that_o way_n lie_v against_o some_o of_o they_o sober_a christian_n may_v judge_v and_o not_o passionate_o censure_v any_o of_o they_o and_o the_o due_a consideration_n thereof_o and_o of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o this_o case_n may_v be_v more_o then_o enough_o to_o remove_v their_o prejudice_n or_o mistake_v herein_o so_o that_o here_o be_v both_o precept_n and_o multiply_v example_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o the_o ordinary_a minister_n of_o christ_n that_o when_o particular_a and_o personal_a persecution_n have_v be_v against_o they_o a_o design_n to_o apprehend_v they_o and_o a_o lie_v in_o wait_n for_o they_o they_o have_v at_o such_o a_o time_n withdraw_v and_o
6_o though_o in_o this_o case_n also_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o lay_v down_o the_o uâ—most_a extent_n of_o duty_n sometime_o the_o witness_n of_o christ_n have_v â—â—eely_o and_o open_o upon_o their_o convention_n and_o examination_n without_o any_o proof_n against_o they_o witness_v to_o the_o whole_a truth_n and_o maâ—â—er_n of_o fact_n as_o carry_v â—orth_o it_o be_v to_o be_v charitable_o judge_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n thereto_o as_o in_o stephen_n case_n and_o peter_n act_n 3_o other_o have_v keep_v silence_n and_o hold_v their_o persecutor_n to_o proof_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n against_o they_o yet_o so_o as_o they_o will_v not_o deny_v the_o truth_n which_o be_v a_o testimony_n to_o it_o now_o such_o a_o witness-bearing_a before_o the_o judicatories_n of_o man_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n carry_v forth_o our_o spirit_n be_v another_o way_n of_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n now_o if_o the_o lord_n help_v this_o generation_n of_o his_o people_n to_o be_v faithful_a to_o their_o light_n in_o these_o particular_n they_o shall_v be_v find_v the_o lamb_n follower_n keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n but_o for_o any_o to_o judge_v that_o nothing_o else_o be_v a_o finish_v a_o faithful_a testimony_n but_o for_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n to_o put_v themselves_o into_o the_o mouth_n of_o those_o who_o they_o know_v wait_v to_o devour_v they_o and_o have_v lay_v a_o snare_n for_o they_o and_o that_o such_o be_v unfaithful_a or_o fearful_a or_o worse_o that_o think_v iâ—_n not_o their_o duty_n certain_o when_o good_a â—ouls_n be_v come_v to_o themselves_o and_o shall_v particular_o know_v and_o weigh_v the_o case_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v poor_a servant_n without_o which_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o judge_v we_o shall_v all_o have_v a_o tender_a heart_a forbearance_n one_o of_o another_o as_o that_o case_n require_v obj._n 2._o but_o be_v not_o this_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n act_n 4._o when_o commmand_v not_o to_o preach_v any_o more_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n they_o answer_v they_o â—ught_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n ans_fw-fr 1._o i_o humble_o conceive_v that_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n at_o this_o day_n if_o they_o be_v in_o the_o like_a manner_n call_v before_o magistrate_n and_o be_v charge_v by_o they_o as_o the_o apostle_n be_v namely_o not_o to_o preach_v at_o all_o nor_o to_o teach_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n for_o so_o it_o be_v they_o will_v answer_v as_o the_o apostle_n do_v &_o will_v continue_v preach_v where_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n open_v a_o way_n to_o they_o as_o they_o do_v 2_o we_o do_v not_o find_v it_o express_v that_o peter_n and_o john_n preach_v open_o in_o the_o temple_n after_o that_o though_o they_o witness_v and_o preach_v elsewhere_o until_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n open_v the_o prison_n door_n and_o command_v they_o to_o go_v and_o speak_v in_o the_o temple_n act_v 5._o 3._o the_o apostle_n have_v a_o extraordinary_a anoint_v be_v to_o witness_v to_o all_o nation_n that_o they_o have_v see_v the_o lord_n and_o that_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a which_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o every_o particular_a minister_n they_o go_v and_o preach_v by_o the_o special_a dictate_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o one_o place_n and_o not_o in_o another_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o ordinary_a preacher_n and_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o lead_v they_o forth_o sometime_o to_o expose_v themselves_o to_o hazard_n at_o another_o time_n lead_v they_o to_o withdraw_v from_o danger_n as_o have_v be_v show_v beside_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v any_o more_o than_o a_o mere_a prohibition_n not_o to_o preach_v to_o peter_n and_o john_n by_o the_o council_n of_o the_o jew_n without_o any_o penalty_n of_o imprisonment_n or_o banishment_n express_v 3._o obj._n be_v not_o there_o a_o strict_a command_n that_o the_o professor_n of_o christ_n shall_v not_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v themselves_o together_o heb._n 10._o ans_fw-fr let_v it_o be_v consider_v what_o forsake_v of_o assemble_v this_o be_v it_o be_v the_o depart_n from_o all_o christian_a worship_n and_o fellowship_n a_o cast_v off_o their_o profession_n as_o ver_fw-la 23._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o our_o profession_n such_o a_o forsake_v as_o be_v a_o lead_n to_o a_o apostasy_n as_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o follow_a verse_n for_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o that_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v annex_v as_o a_o reason_n of_o not_o forsake_v their_o assemble_v this_o will_v not_o be_v judge_v the_o present_a case_n 2._o saint_n therefore_o do_v not_o forsake_v their_o assemble_v in_o that_o sense_n while_o they_o hold_v fast_o their_o profession_n and_o labour_n to_o keep_v up_o worship_n in_o a_o more_o private_a way_n where_o they_o may_v likely_o assemble_v more_o peaceable_o and_o with_o less_o distraction_n for_o so_o those_o hebrew_n do_v and_o all_o the_o church_n as_o have_v be_v show_v meet_v be_v a_o duty_n but_o meet_v open_o be_v a_o accidental_a thing_n 4._o obj._n but_o how_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o christ_n consistent_a to_o their_o own_o doctrine_n who_o press_v other_o to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n and_o will_v prepare_v they_o for_o it_o when_o they_o do_v not_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o utmost_a ans_fw-fr there_o may_v be_v a_o prodigal_a cast_v away_o of_o liberty_n or_o life_n as_o well_o as_o a_o give_v they_o up_o upon_o the_o call_v of_o god_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o offer_v up_o every_o isaac_n to_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o call_v for_o it_o but_o we_o must_v see_v our_o call_n to_o be_v clear_a we_o shall_v through_o grace_n be_v ready_a rather_o to_o suffer_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o thing_n then_o to_o deny_v the_o truth_n and_o to_o follow_v the_o providential_a leading_n of_o god_n thereto_o but_o that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o call_v from_o the_o lord_n to_o continue_v public_o witness_v and_o to_o expose_v ourselves_o to_o the_o utmost_a hazard_n rather_o than_o give_v place_n though_o we_o know_v the_o snare_n be_v lay_v for_o we_o and_o we_o in_o all_o likelihood_n put_v a_o end_n to_o our_o work_n in_o so_o do_v be_v not_o yet_o prove_v to_o our_o conscience_n from_o any_o word_n of_o god_n but_o indeed_o the_o contrary_n be_v clear_a to_o they_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o judgement_n of_o some_o saint_n be_v a_o call_v herein_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o judgement_n of_o many_o more_o may_v be_v put_v in_o the_o balance_n against_o they_o who_o judge_n otherwise_o which_o may_v have_v as_o great_a or_o it_o may_v be_v a_o great_a weight_n with_o they_o obj._n 5._o but_o do_v not_o daniel_n worship_v open_o notwithstanding_o the_o decree_n dan._n 6._o ans_fw-fr whatever_o be_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a it_o will_v easy_o appear_v that_o the_o prohibition_n and_o decree_n be_v that_o daniel_n shall_v not_o pray_v unto_o his_o god_n at_o all_o as_o v._o 7._o that_o whosoever_o shall_v ask_v a_o petition_n of_o any_o god_n or_o man_n for_o thirty_o day_n save_v of_o thou_o oh_o king_n etc._n etc._n not_o that_o daniel_n and_o the_o jew_n shall_v not_o pray_v towards_o jerusalem_n so_o that_o the_o decree_n concern_v natural_a moral_a worship_n and_o not_o positive_a institute_v worship_n which_o may_v sometime_o be_v dispense_v with_o 2._o daniel_n in_o this_o case_n have_v a_o extraordinary_a anoint_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o prophet_n which_o carry_v he_o forth_o in_o this_o particular_a which_o in_o every_o circumstance_n be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v a_o stand_a rule_n beside_o we_o do_v not_o hear_v of_o such_o a_o open_a appear_v of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n then_o in_o babylon_n and_o let_v it_o be_v serious_o consider_v that_o sometime_o god_n have_v indulge_v his_o people_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o positive_a institution_n as_o the_o israelite_n in_o egypt_n who_o be_v oblige_v to_o sacrifice_v if_o they_o can_v have_v have_v liberty_n but_o we_o do_v not_o find_v it_o practise_v while_o they_o be_v in_o egypt_n so_o of_o circumcision_n in_o the_o wilderness_n there_o be_v a_o indulgence_n of_o it_o and_o that_o roll_v away_o the_o reproach_n of_o egypt_n mention_v at_o their_o circumcision_n josh_n 5._o 9_o be_v not_o the_o reproach_n as_o some_o learned_a interpreter_n judge_v of_o not_o be_v circumcise_v but_o of_o not_o be_v bring_v for_o so_o many_o year_n into_o the_o promise_a land_n which_o it_o be_v like_o the_o egyp_n ian_n reproach_v israel_n with_o so_o the_o building_n of_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v institution_n cease_v ezâ—a_n 4._o last_o upon_o the_o
prohibition_n till_o the_o second_o year_n of_o darius_n who_o indulgence_n they_o may_v have_v soon_o have_v but_o neglect_v it_o and_o build_v their_o own_o house_n and_o be_v reprove_v by_o the_o prophet_n for_o their_o neglect_n therein_o and_o that_o word_n as_o urge_v by_o bless_a mr._n burrough_n in_o this_o case_n and_o other_o of_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o to_o be_v slight_v mal._n 9_o i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n which_o may_v well_o hold_v forth_o this_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v more_o respect_n to_o a_o work_n of_o mercy_n than_o to_o a_o sacrifice_n a_o lawful_a preservation_n of_o a_o man_n self_n be_v a_o moral_a duty_n a_o work_n of_o mercy_n not_o only_o to_o himself_o but_o other_o to_o which_o end_n a_o sacrifice_n of_o institute_v worship_n at_o certain_a time_n and_o in_o some_o case_n may_v be_v omit_v obj._n 6._o but_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o case_n be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n who_o life_n be_v in_o hazard_n but_o now_o it_o be_v not_o so_o the_o liberty_n and_o livelyhood_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n be_v only_o endanger_v ans_fw-fr 1._o the_o loss_n of_o liberty_n &_o livelihood_n with_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o family_n be_v as_o a_o lâ—sser_a death_n the_o preservation_n of_o which_o be_v a_o moral_a duty_n but_o let_v the_o case_n well_o be_v consider_v what_o three_o month_n imprisonment_n in_o such_o nasty_a hole_n as_o the_o lonâ—on_n prison_n be_v and_o it_o may_v be_v understand_v to_o amount_v to_o little_o less_o than_o life_n and_o upon_o what_o term_n liberty_n may_v be_v have_v at_o the_o three_o month_n end_n be_v not_o so_o easy_a to_o determine_v it_o cost_v one_o eminent_a s._n eminent_a mr._n s._n minister_n his_o life_n already_o but_o if_o it_o be_v state_v to_o be_v only_o the_o loss_n of_o liberty_n it_o will_v be_v a_o tender_a case_n of_o conscience_n whether_o for_o once_o or_o twice_o appear_v in_o public_a a_o minister_n be_v to_o hazard_v his_o service_n of_o the_o câ—uâ—ches_n aâ—d_a people_n of_o god_n to_o who_o hâ—_n may_v be_v useful_a in_o a_o more_o private_a way_n obj._n 7._o but_o such_o a_o withdraw_a may_v be_v aâ—_n offence_n â—o_o some_o sâ—ints_n though_o most_o othery_a be_v satisfy_v ans_fw-fr i_o shâ—ll_v here_o speak_v a_o little_a to_o the_o case_n oâ—_n offence_n because_o satan_n have_v former_o have_v great_a advantage_n upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n this_o way_n 1._o there_o be_v oâ—â—â—â—ces_n that_o come_v by_o the_o ungodly_a persecute_v world_n who_o lie_v stumble_v block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n by_o their_o persecute_v they_o to_o such_o it_o be_v say_v woe_n to_o the_o â—orld_n because_o of_o offence_n mat._n 18._o saint_n be_v not_o sure_o to_o pronounce_v those_o woe_n one_o upon_o another_o upon_o different_a apprehension_n of_o duty_n 2._o there_o be_v offence_n that_o arise_v among_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n themselves_o such_o be_v 1_o either_o real_o give_v one_o to_o another_o or_o two_o through_o misunderstanding_n weakness_n passion_n or_o temptation_n be_v undue_o take_v and_o not_o give_v 1._o concern_v the_o former_a namely_o offence_n real_o give_v which_o will_v too_o often_o be_v while_o we_o sâ—e_v but_o in_o paâ—t_n and_o be_v holy_a but_o in_o part_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n call_v for_o all_o forbearance_n compassion_n and_o restore_v one_o another_o and_o bear_v one_o another_o burden_n according_a to_o the_o royal_a law_n of_o lâ—uâ—_n gal._n 6._o 1_o 2._o eph._n 4._o phâ—l_n 2._o col._n 3._o 12._o 1_o pet._n 3._o 8._o â—rom_o which_o scripture_n let_v saint_n and_o member_n of_o church_n learn_v what_o spirit_n and_o carriage_n be_v require_v one_o of_o another_o in_o case_n of_o offence_n which_o through_o miscarriage_n mistake_n and_o hour_n of_o temptation_n will_v befall_v the_o poor_a child_n of_o god_n while_o they_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o therefore_o do_v call_v for_o such_o a_o exercise_n of_o grace_n one_o towards_o another_o and_o not_o for_o rigid_a censure_v debase_v tread_v one_o another_o name_n under_o their_o foot_n or_o worse_o if_o it_o may_v be_v which_o be_v fruit_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o the_o pride_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n when_o we_o set_v up_o a_o throne_n in_o our_o own_o spirit_n and_o all_o must_v bow_v and_o â—all_n down_o to_o it_o to_o be_v judge_v either_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o judgement_n or_o practice_n and_o wonderful_o please_v ourselves_o in_o it_o which_o will_v not_o well_o consist_v with_o a_o well_o humble_a heart_n 2._o there_o be_v offence_n upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o saint_n that_o be_v take_v but_o not_o real_o give_v through_o weakness_n of_o judgement_n misguide_v zeal_n rashness_n and_o passion_n and_o not_o attend_v to_o a_o well_o study_a and_o right_o inform_v judgement_n whereby_o the_o tempter_n wait_v to_o stumble_v good_a skull_n and_o to_o hinder_v their_o peace_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o lord_n hence_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n takeâ—_n special_a notice_n of_o the_o evil_n that_o befall_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n in_o this_o case_n a_o brother_n offend_v be_v haâ—der_o to_o be_v none_o than_o a_o strong_a city_n and_o their_o contentious_a be_v liâ—e_z â—â—e_z â—â—rs_n of_o a_o castle_n prov._n 18._o 19_o yea_o let_v it_o be_v serious_o attend_v to_o by_o all_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n whether_o all_o the_o teacher_n that_o have_v be_v among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v not_o riâ—eâ—_n either_o for_o want_v of_o a_o compassionate_a bear_n of_o offence_n give_v or_o by_o take_v offence_n undue_o when_o not_o real_o give_v and_o by_o which_o satan_n have_v be_v graâ—fied_v and_o the_o unconverted_a world_n have_v be_v stumble_v and_o all_o for_o want_v of_o thorough-heart_n humiliation_n wisdom_n love_n in_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o â—udge_v â—oberly_o and_o walk_v in_o peace_n as_o become_v saint_n but_o oftentimes_o this_o temptation_n have_v not_o rest_v here_o but_o as_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v by_o holy_a man_n that_o all_o backflide_n and_o apostasy_n begin_v in_o take_v offence_n first_o offend_v at_o one_o thing_n or_o person_n then_o at_o another_o and_o â—o_o at_o more_o till_o they_o drink_v in_o prejudice_n against_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o way_n they_o walk_v in_o â—â—â—l_v from_o all_o sound_n and_o search_a ministry_n and_o so_o run_v from_o mountain_n to_o hill_n from_o one_o thing_n to_o another_o till_o they_o come_v to_o nothing_o unless_o the_o lord_n in_o rich_a 〈◊〉_d recover_v they_o by_o a_o sound_a wâ—rk_n of_o humiliation_n upon_o they_o 〈◊〉_d lay_v in_o that_o parable_n matthew_n 1â—_n 12._o that_o he_o that_o have_v not_o râ—ot_v in_o himself_o in_o â—_o time_n of_o persecution_n be_v offenâ—â—â—_n various_a way_n have_v satan_n to_o offend_v and_o stumble_v they_o our_o lord_n jesus_n warn_v his_o disciple_n of_o this_o matth._n 26._o 31._o then_o say_v jâ—sus_n unto_o they_o all_z â—e_z shall_v be_v offend_v because_o of_o i_o this_o night_n etc._n etc._n and_o when_o the_o lord_n promise_v to_o bring_v back_o the_o captivity_n of_o his_o people_n he_o say_v to_o his_o servant_n cast_v you_o up_o cast_v you_o up_o prepare_v you_o the_o way_n take_v up_o the_o stumble_a block_n out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o my_o people_n then_o will_v the_o lord_n remove_v their_o offence_n and_o heal_v their_o spirit_n and_o they_o shall_v walk_v on_o in_o the_o way_n to_o zioâ—_n and_o shall_v not_o stumble_v any_o more_o obj._n 8._o but_o do_v it_o not_o proceed_v from_o carnal_a fear_n in_o such_o as_o judge_v that_o retirement_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o this_o day_n ans_fw-fr a_o grain_n more_o of_o love_n may_v cast_v it_o that_o the_o lord_n servant_n and_o such_o of_o the_o church_n that_o so_o judge_v and_o walk_v do_v walk_v after_o their_o light_n conviction_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o conscience_n which_o happy_o a_o little_a time_n may_v determine_v true_o most_o of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n have_v a_o absolom_n spirit_n and_o say_v in_o our_o heart_n what_o will_v i_o do_v if_o i_o be_v in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o one_o case_n wherein_o our_o own_o heart_n wonderful_o deceive_v we_o yet_o if_o any_o of_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a impulse_n of_o spirit_n at_o this_o time_n as_o it_o may_v be_v some_o have_v have_v since_o this_o dispensation_n of_o give_v in_o their_o testimony_n it_o be_v bâ—st_a to_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n without_o judge_v each_o other_o concern_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n i_o will_v humble_o say_v thus_o much_o that_o iâ—_n they_o shall_v be_v find_v in_o their_o particular_a practice_n faithful_a to_o the_o light_n and_o