the_o church_n wound_v and_o rend_v by_o a_o spirit_n of_o division_n hold_v forth_o in_o a_o short_a account_n of_o some_o sad_a difference_n have_v be_v of_o late_a in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n with_o the_o occasion_n ground_n and_o too_o evident_a product_n thereof_o who_o wound_n be_v bleed_v to_o this_o day_n together_o with_o some_o vindication_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o principle_n of_o our_o church_n in_o this_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n from_o unjust_a revile_n and_o reproach_n and_o a_o few_o word_n in_o the_o close_a with_o respect_n to_o what_o be_v the_o great_a concern_v of_o christian_n exercise_n and_o duty_n in_o these_o time_n heb._n 10_o 23._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v philip._n 3._o 16._o nevertheless_o whereto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n let_v we_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n philip._n 2._o 2._o let_v nothing_o be_v do_v through_o strife_n or_o vain_a glory_n but_o in_o lowliness_n of_o mind_n let_v each_o esteem_v other_o better_o than_o themselves_o james_n 3._o 16._o for_o where_o invy_v and_o strife_n be_v there_o be_v confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n 1_o thessaly_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d now_o we_o exhort_v you_o brethren_n warn_v they_o that_o be_v unruly_a comfort_n the_o feeble-minded_n support_v the_o weak_a be_v patient_a towards_o all_o man_n print_a m.dc.lxxxi_o the_o preface_n it_o will_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o who_o have_v any_o serious_a impression_n of_o the_o truth_n on_o their_o spirit_n what_o sore_o and_o try_v time_n we_o be_v now_o fall_v in_o and_o how_o deplorable_o sad_a the_o present_a state_n of_o religion_n be_v almost_o every_o where_o yea_o what_o need_n seem_v for_o our_o be_v awake_a with_o some_o deep_a apprehension_n of_o what_o may_v be_v come_v and_o of_o so_o many_o presage_n that_o this_o night_n be_v not_o yet_o at_o the_o dark_a but_o one_o of_o the_o sore_a conflict_n which_o the_o reform_a church_n have_v hitherto_o meet_v with_o may_v be_v on_o a_o very_a near_o approach_n of_o which_o one_o remarkable_o sad_a and_o most_o threaten_a presage_n be_v now_o too_o obvious_a in_o this_o late_a astonish_a rent_n and_o breach_n have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n so_o impetuous_o drive_v and_o foment_v by_o some_o there_o to_o the_o further_a scandal_n and_o reproach_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o give_v the_o adversary_n such_o occasion_n to_o blaspheme_v thus_o have_v there_o be_v so_o sore_a wound_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n great_o provoke_v and_o grieve_v thereby_o i_o confess_v such_o a_o trial_n will_v have_v be_v little_a either_o fear_v or_o apprehend_v in_o a_o time_n when_o so_o hot_a a_o furnace_n have_v be_v set_v up_o among_o we_o and_o that_o the_o church_n have_v smart_v and_o be_v so_o sore_a brunt_n with_o the_o offence_n which_o follow_v upon_o former_a break_n yea_o when_o it_o be_v so_o joint_o acknowledge_v how_o much_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n the_o spread_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o edificatione_n of_o the_o church_n be_v concern_v and_o in_o the_o high_a measure_n prejugd_v herein_o this_o be_v a_o sad_a subject_n which_o shall_v call_v each_o to_o that_o serious_a inquiry_n and_o trial_n of_o their_o own_o work_n and_o frame_v of_o spirit_n in_o such_o a_o day_n as_o may_v lead_v in_o to_o peace_n and_o assurance_n of_o heart_n before_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o mater_fw-la and_o to_o be_v serious_o affect_v with_o what_o we_o have_v see_v follow_v thereon_o yea_o may_v have_v be_v fear_v with_o the_o first_o break_v up_o of_o this_o strange_a rent_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n and_o delusion_n in_o the_o holy_a righteousness_n of_o god_n now_o with_o such_o prevalence_n over_o some_o who_o work_n have_v be_v to_o put_v the_o church_n in_o a_o flame_n and_o unsettle_v other_o as_o they_o can_v find_v no_o ground_n where_o to_o fix_v themselves_o but_o be_v like_a to_o shake_v loose_a all_o principle_n and_o run_v that_o length_n as_o be_v incompatible_a not_o only_o with_o christian_a but_o humane_a society_n some_o few_o thing_n with_o respect_n thereto_o i_o will_v premit_fw-la now_o in_o the_o entry_n to_o be_v consider_v 1._o first_o what_o light_n do_v thus_o break_v forth_o out_o of_o the_o very_a bowel_n of_o such_o confusion_n both_o for_o conviction_n and_o confirm_v of_o we_o in_o the_o truth_n if_o we_o be_v but_o serious_a observe_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o day_n and_o i_o will_v yet_o hope_v may_v tend_v to_o put_v some_o deep_o impression_n of_o these_o thing_n on_o this_o generation_n when_o as_o with_o one_o audible_a voice_n from_o heaven_n so_o much_o have_v occur_v to_o seal_v our_o instruction_n herein_o 1._o that_o none_o thus_o so_o easy_o adventure_v after_o what_o we_o have_v see_v on_o such_o a_o public_a rent_n and_o breach_n of_o the_o church_n as_o this_o and_o to_o hazard_v on_o a_o precipice_n and_o rock_n on_o which_o so_o many_o have_v dash_v and_o be_v break_v and_o where_o the_o lose_n of_o communion_n in_o love_n have_v not_o long_o want_v a_o sad_a breach_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n 2._o that_o there_o may_v be_v now_o more_o fear_n and_o dread_a of_o manage_v difference_n in_o judgement_n within_o the_o church_n with_o that_o bitterness_n and_o passion_n as_o have_v too_o visible_o be_v of_o late_a to_o stumble_v and_o beget_v wrath_n more_o than_o conviction_n or_o to_o make_v one_fw-mi offering_n of_o such_o strange_a fire_n the_o truth_n and_o cause_n of_o god_n can_v be_v promote_v only_o by_o these_o mean_n and_o that_o spirit_n which_o he_o do_v himself_o require_v 3._o that_o professor_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v more_o deep_o press_v about_o the_o ground_n work_n and_o for_o a_o solid_a sound_n on_o the_o great_a foundation=truths_n and_o principle_n of_o religion_n when_o this_o sad_a want_n may_v be_v so_o visible_o now_o read_v on_o all_o our_o distemper_n and_o make_v we_o yet_o fear_v where_o some_o great_a pretence_n to_o religion_n may_v end_v here_o be_v one_o of_o the_o sad_a judgement_n of_o the_o time_n much_o ignorance_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o rule_v of_o the_o gospel_n with_o a_o louse_n and_o unstable_a mind_n though_o with_o great_a confidence_n otherwise_o among_o too_o many_o under_o a_o profession_n of_o godliness_n this_o day_n through_o which_o the_o tempter_n have_v get_v such_o advantage_n yea_o on_o some_o who_o affection_n and_o tenderness_n of_o spirit_n i_o there_fw-mi not_o question_n but_o think_v they_o can_v not_o run_v too_o far_o at_o a_o distance_n from_o what_o they_o judge_v wrong_v not_o fear_v a_o destroy_a snare_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n and_o that_o corruption_n of_o the_o mind_n by_o error_n be_v no_o less_o mortal_a than_o in_o the_o life_n and_o practice_n yea_o which_o be_v too_o sad_o obvious_a less_o hope_n of_o a_o cure_n where_o such_o a_o leprosy_n be_v once_o break_v forth_o in_o the_o head_n 4._o and_o have_v we_o not_o now_o see_v for_o our_o further_a conviction_n herein_o that_o none_o lift_v up_o themselves_o above_o that_o which_o be_v meet_v upon_o the_o repute_n and_o credit_n of_o their_o profession_n before_o he_o who_o be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n and_o resist_v the_o proud_a to_o so_o sever_v a_o smite_v and_o thrust_v down_o of_o their_o brethren_n and_o fellow-servant_n as_o have_v too_o obvious_o be_v in_o these_o late_a difference_n and_o without_o that_o suitable_a fear_n and_o dread_a leist_z these_o who_o they_o give_v so_o sore_a a_o thrust_n to_o under_o the_o warrant_n oâ—_n some_o opprobrious_a designation_n be_v such_o who_o jesus_n christ_n will_v own_v and_o find_v his_o servant_n and_o messenger_n thus_o lie_v a_o bleed_a under_o that_o wound_n 5._o i_o will_v hope_v also_o that_o such_o a_o witness_n of_o the_o jealousy_n and_o displeasure_n of_o the_o lord_n against_o despiser_n and_o reviler_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v have_v more_o weight_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o many_o after_o this_o when_o with_o so_o discernible_a and_o awful_a a_o voice_n this_o i_o humble_o judge_v have_v be_v speak_v and_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o all_o such_o who_o profess_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o generation_n yet_o to_o come_v to_o fear_v and_o dread_a to_o give_v thus_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o supreme_a head_n of_o his_o church_n so_o public_a one_fw-mi affront_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o servant_n as_o this_o party_n have_v of_o late_o do_v in_o our_o church_n or_o rise_v up_o in_o such_o a_o conspiracy_n again_o and_o no_o pretence_n when_o try_v at_o that_o bar_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n can_v possible_o bear_v out_o 6._o and_o shall_v not_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
appearance_n whilst_o he_o be_v in_o the_o earth_n yet_o be_v his_o undoubted_a image_n and_o portraiture_n draw_v to_o the_o life_n to_o be_v see_v here_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o holiness_n and_o how_o much_o shall_v this_o commend_v and_o endear_v truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n and_o tender_a walk_v with_o god_n unto_o christian_n that_o thus_o not_o only_o the_o reflection_n of_o his_o image_n on_o such_o may_v be_v convince_a to_o the_o world_n in_o who_o as_o so_o many_o mirror_n he_o have_v choise_v to_o shine_v forth_o and_o appear_v but_o that_o in_o this_o state_n of_o distance_n whilst_o they_o see_v he_o not_o who_o their_o soul_n love_v they_o may_v yet_o still_o wear_v his_o bless_a portraiture_n within_o on_o their_o heart_n and_o thus_o discerinble_o see_v he_o there_o until_o they_o be_v take_v up_o to_o himself_o for_o ever_o 6._o thus_o he_o can_v entertain_v his_o soul_n in_o so_o dismal_a a_o hour_n that_o he_o know_v assure_o there_o be_v comfort_n here_o which_o have_v no_o rise_n or_o affinity_n with_o the_o flesh_n unexpressible_o above_o all_o the_o grief_n of_o time_n and_o seek_v no_o credit_n from_o any_o on_o report_n but_o to_o be_v find_v upon_o sure_a trial_n such_o as_o no_o grief_n pain_n or_o pressure_n be_v yet_o ever_o at_o that_o height_n in_o the_o lot_n of_o any_o of_o the_o saint_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n can_v make_v sweet_a and_o easy_a to_o endure_v yea_o have_v oft_o look_v they_o out_o of_o pain_n with_o a_o present_a sensible_a outgate_n on_o their_o soul_n before_o any_o outward_a deliverance_n break_v up_o 7._o he_o know_v also_o that_o the_o great_a comfort_n within_o time_n be_v assure_o in_o the_o life_n and_o exercise_n of_o godliness_n when_o thus_o a_o sincere_a resignation_n be_v reach_v and_o a_o feel_n of_o themselves_o to_o offer_v free_o yea_o with_o joy_n their_o isaac_n and_o most_o endear_a endear_a interest_n to_o the_o lord_n in_o have_v credit_n his_o truth_n against_o visible_a ground_n of_o hope_n and_o their_o be_v help_v to_o cross_v some_o present_a desirable_a interest_n of_o sense_n on_o the_o alone_a encouragement_n of_o faith_n and_o when_o some_o remarkable_a sharp_a trial_n have_v be_v thus_o get_v well_o through_o upon_o this_o sweat_n reflection_n also_o of_o have_v gain_v a_o season_n and_o opportunity_n for_o the_o lord_n that_o may_v be_v for_o some_o fruit_n to_o his_o praise_n and_o of_o a_o straight_a and_o serious_a aim_n to_o please_v he_o when_o the_o visible_a displeasure_n of_o man_n have_v come_v in_o competition_n therewith_o o_o what_o pleasure_n and_o a_o abundant_a entry_n to_o a_o christian_n peace_n will_v be_v then_o feel_v 8._o he_o have_v this_o to_o be_v confirm_v what_o unexpressible_a delight_n and_o pleasure_n be_v find_v on_o displease_v the_o flesh_n even_o in_o its_o most_o impetuous_a and_o violent_a motion_n in_o trial_n of_o their_o obedience_n and_o love_n to_o christ_n what_o ever_o pain_n may_v be_v for_o a_o little_a in_o that_o conflict_n as_o let_v he_o see_v resistance_n to_o sin_n be_v the_o most_o gainful_a and_o rational_a act_n of_o his_o life_n whilst_o with_o any_o sinful_a delight_n which_o in_o a_o moment_n be_v go_v a_o embitter_a sting_n and_o inward_a shame_n upon_o the_o guilt_n thereof_o do_v then_o only_o abide_v yea_o be_v so_o try_v that_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n can_v never_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o way_n of_o pain_n and_o torment_n if_o the_o strength_n and_o malignity_n of_o the_o disease_n do_v not_o take_v of_o all_o sense_n thereof_o which_o as_o a_o bone_n out_o of_o joint_n have_v no_o ease_n nor_o do_v suffer_v the_o whole_a body_n to_o be_v at_o rest_n whilst_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n in_o close_o follow_v the_o rule_n and_o resist_v a_o present_a temptation_n what_o sweet_a peace_n humble_a confidence_n and_o comfortable_a access_n to_o god_n with_o inward_a rejoice_v be_v most_o sensible_o then_o find_v and_o how_o here_o only_o be_v the_o way_n of_o his_o relief_n and_o a_o great_a seal_n thus_o to_o the_o truth_n when_o he_o see_v so_o firm_a and_o indissoluble_a a_o tie_n betwixt_o peace_n and_o holiness_n as_o the_o worst_a of_o time_n can_v never_o break_v of_o 9_o he_o know_v that_o if_o no_o search_a trial_n there_o can_v be_v no_o triumph_n and_o in_o so_o far_o shall_v be_v shut_v out_o from_o the_o overcomer_n joy_n to_o which_o the_o forest_n wrestle_v of_o a_o christian_n when_o sanctifiing_o exercise_v must_v still_o make_v way_n 10._o and_o what_o thought_n may_v these_o be_v on_o a_o more_o deep_a reflection_n upon_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o prayer_n that_o here_o be_v no_o conjectural_a thing_n but_o such_o a_o passage_n be_v sure_a know_v and_o try_v betwixt_o heaven_n and_o a_o christian_n soul_n which_o have_v have_v so_o wonderful_a effect_n and_o certain_a return_n in_o the_o great_a exigence_n and_o strait_n and_o be_v not_o only_o a_o institute_v duty_n but_o mean_v of_o their_o relief_n yea_o not_o only_o the_o sweet_a way_n of_o converse_n with_o god_n here_o on_o the_o earth_n but_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a to_o prevail_v and_o obtain_v i_o shall_v but_o add_v a_o few_o word_n more_o now_o in_o the_o close_a and_o deteane_v the_o reader_n no_o further_o that_o it_o will_v have_v be_v judge_v the_o appearance_n of_o the_o time_n in_o this_o extreme_a exigence_n with_o what_o may_v be_v see_v of_o the_o deplorable_a state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o in_o britain_n but_o almost_o universal_o may_v ere_o now_o have_v allay_v these_o high_a distemper_n have_v be_v of_o late_a when_o popery_n be_v on_o so_o present_a and_o dreadful_a a_o approach_n as_o threaten_v to_o swallow_v up_o all_o and_o when_o that_o i_o which_o have_v be_v so_o long_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o dig_v under_o the_o ground_n seem_v so_o near_o to_o spring_v yea_o have_v get_v too_o visible_a advantage_n to_o enter_v at_o such_o a_o breach_n as_o have_v be_v of_o late_a and_o gain_v ground_n this_o way_n it_o be_v true_a it_o may_v seem_v not_o easy_a to_o comprehend_v and_o be_v sure_o one_o of_o the_o great_a depht_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n this_o day_n how_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o age_n where_o the_o truth_n have_v so_o bright_o shine_v both_o in_o purity_n and_o power_n there_o can_v be_v a_o subject_n of_o so_o many_o with_o their_o own_o consent_n to_o so_o visible_a and_o notour_n a_o impostor_n as_o popery_n be_v and_o after_o all_o we_o have_v see_v this_o surprise_v darkness_n shall_v now-come_a to_o such_o a_o height_n as_o man_n be_v turn_v thus_o cruel_a against_o themselves_o and_o the_o posterity_n to_o deliver_v up_o all_o that_o shall_v be_v dear_a to_o they_o to_o such_o a_o party_n yea_o engage_v in_o a_o way_n that_o so_o clear_o enervat_v the_o whole_a intent_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o conceivable_a access_n for_o seduction_n by_o any_o argument_n to_o man_n reason_n and_o judgement_n or_o on_o other_o term_n then_o to_o shut_v their_o eye_n first_o on_o the_o bible_n but_o what_o ever_o length_n this_o trial_n may_v now_o come_v and_o though_o it_o shall_v yet_o once_o provaile_v against_o all_o visible_a profession_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o church_n of_o britain_n and_o ireland_n we_o shall_v adore_v the_o spotless_a righteousness_n of_o god_n herein_o in_o deliver_v man_n reason_n and_o judgement_n up_o to_o so_o strong_a delusion_n since_o as_o the_o great_a of_o blessing_n which_o ever_o come_v to_o the_o world_n be_v the_o pure_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o need_v not_o be_v strange_a that_o the_o great_a of_o judgement_n follow_v on_o a_o people_n contempt_n and_o reject_v thereof_o so_o as_o nothing_o be_v so_o absurd_a and_o irrational_o gross_a which_o these_o will_v not_o drink_v in_o who_o have_v once_o reject_v the_o truth_n but_o since_o the_o prospect_n and_o impression_n of_o this_o time_n be_v like_a to_o be_v more_o faint_a then_o to_o confirm_v or_o awake_v to_o duty_n i_o will_v but_o touch_v this_o a_o little_a though_o there_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a stumble_n for_o want_v of_o light_n when_o the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n be_v so_o full_o clear_v and_o though_o this_o may_v seem_v incongruous_a with_o the_o forgoe_v subject_a yet_o i_o be_o sure_a not_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o time_n when_o such_o hazard_n be_v now_o of_o much_o stumble_n and_o man_n do_v unsensible_o wear_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o under_o these_o former_a impression_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o they_o once_o have_v yea_o that_o a_o few_o day_n may_v come_v the_o church_n way_n more_o remarkable_a for_o trial_n than_o all_o have_v yet_o ever_o be_v
of_o meekness_n and_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o some_o put_v a_o difference_n great_a peace_n shall_v thus_o follow_v upon_o a_o tender_a bear_n with_o the_o frowardness_n and_o revile_n of_o any_o under_o these_o saddistemper_n upon_o this_o design_n and_o for_o be_v thus_o all_o thing_n to_o all_o to_o gain_v one_o from_o the_o error_n of_o his_o way_n be_v a_o great_a victory_n then_o to_o gain_v a_o city_n i_o find_v in_o the_o life_n of_o bless_a musculus_fw-la this_o follow_v with_o much_o success_n in_o deal_v with_o some_o at_o augsburg_n who_o be_v then_o under_o a_o sad_a sad_a prevalence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n by_o seak_v first_o to_o gain_v on_o their_o heart_n &_o affection_n and_o then_o to_o deal_v with_o their_o conscience_n which_o prove_v at_o last_o effectual_a 6._o it_o be_v sure_a we_o be_v now_o call_v in_o this_o present_a trial_n not_o to_o be_v secure_a as_o to_o what_o further_a growth_n so_o strange_a a_o contagion_n may_v have_v when_o the_o apostle_n show_v a_o little_a leaven_n leaven_v the_o whole_a lump_n 1._o cor._n 5_o 6._o which_o as_o a_o destroy_a plague_n may_v thus_o quick_o spread_v from_o one_o house_n to_o a_o city_n and_o thence_o through_o the_o whole_a land_n yea_o it_o be_v know_v how_o small_a the_o rise_n of_o quakerism_n be_v within_o these_o few_o year_n in_o the_o church_n of_o britain_n nor_o be_v these_o light_n or_o small_a thing_n have_v be_v now_o with_o a_o strange_a confidence_n own_v by_o some_o of_o that_o way_n or_o what_o may_v be_v fear_v of_o its_o further_a prevalence_n if_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o gracious_o prevent_v and_o rebuke_v such_o a_o spirit_n which_o have_v thus_o trouble_v the_o poor_a church_n 7._o there_o need_v much_o advertence_n also_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o there_o be_v a_o continue_a fear_n and_o no_o coolness_n from_o this_o sad_a extreme_a in_o our_o watch_n of_o the_o church_n hazard_n from_o open_a adversary_n and_o to_o what_o assault_n may_v be_v yet_o make_v to_o the_o right_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n the_o alone_a supreme_a head_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n but_o that_o thus_o a_o equal_a fear_n and_o jealousy_n be_v keep_v up_o so_o as_o the_o truth_n lose_v no_o ground_n upon_o either_o hand_n reader_n for_o this_o present_a public_a appearance_n i_o shall_v we_o but_o a_o few_o word_n it_o may_v be_v easy_a to_o judge_v how_o sad_a a_o part_n it_o be_v in_o a_o time_n when_o all_o humour_n be_v so_o much_o aloft_o and_o what_o may_v be_v expect_v this_o way_n if_o there_o be_v not_o from_o another_o airt_n to_o support_v against_o the_o contradiction_n of_o man_n but_o this_o i_o must_v say_v i_o have_v be_v state_v under_o circumstance_n and_o with_o some_o surprise_a call_n hereto_o as_o i_o hope_v can_v obviate_v the_o most_o sharp_a reflection_n of_o any_o who_o be_v this_o day_n unbayase_v in_o such_o a_o case_n but_o i_o forbear_v herein_o to_o speak_v more_o particular_o only_o as_o to_o the_o occasion_n of_o my_o move_a further_o upon_o this_o subject_n be_v from_o that_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o first_o section_n which_o upon_o some_o desire_n and_o aim_v for_o a_o serious_a and_o sober_a commune_n upon_o these_o difference_n in_o our_o church_n be_v direct_v to_o some_o few_o friend_n and_o do_v choice_n that_o way_n by_o writ_n to_o prevent_v any_o eruption_n may_v be_v of_o heat_n as_o too_o usual_o there_o be_v hazard_n of_o in_o verbal_a reason_n upon_o such_o thing_n and_o since_o i_o find_v it_o so_o frequent_o challenge_v how_o any_o can_v oppose_v themselves_o to_o what_o be_v own_v and_o assert_v in_o that_o history_n of_o the_o indulgence_n as_o that_o which_o they_o judge_v enough_o to_o answer_v all_o in_o such_o a_o case_n i_o be_v enforce_v to_o touch_v it_o a_o little_a though_o in_o a_o very_a few_o word_n whicâ—_n i_o design_v as_o far_o as_o possible_a and_o now_o in_o such_o one_fw-mi unpleasing_a essay_n yet_o i_o humble_o judge_v with_o that_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n as_o may_v show_v the_o mistake_n and_o invalidity_n of_o these_o ground_n on_o which_o so_o strange_a a_o superstructure_n when_o serious_o ponder_v and_o weigh_v have_v be_v raise_v nor_o have_v yet_o find_v more_o urge_v upon_o the_o mater_fw-la by_o any_o on_o this_o head_n then_o what_o be_v make_v use_n of_o there_o it_o be_v sure_a no_o time_n past_a have_v be_v ever_o with_o so_o entire_a one_fw-mi oneness_n in_o judgement_n as_o no_o occasion_n of_o difference_n do_v fall_v out_o among_o the_o true_o godly_a in_o some_o concern_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o it_o be_v sad_a that_o so_o dreadful_a a_o hazard_n of_o occasion_v a_o breach_n in_o the_o church_n this_o way_n be_v not_o yet_o credit_v upon_o trial_n until_o some_o have_v once_o try_v it_o themselves_o my_o great_a unfitness_n to_o move_v in_o such_o a_o case_n be_v just_a ground_n of_o fear_n beside_o much_o aversion_n otherways_o to_o intermeddle_v with_o so_o sad_a and_o unpleasing_a a_o subject_n but_o be_v press_v herein_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v say_v it_o be_v with_o a_o serious_a aim_n and_o inquiry_n after_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o be_v confirm_v by_o scripture-light_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o great_a public_a contest_v and_o with_o some_o desire_n to_o prevent_v the_o stumbling_n of_o many_o as_o may_v now_o be_v much_o fear_v on_o these_o amaze_a and_o shake_v thing_n that_o have_v since_o follow_v on_o this_o breach_n for_o what_o incongruity_n may_v be_v judge_v in_o the_o close_a anent_o some_o thing_n practical_a and_o the_o church_n hazard_n from_o popery_n with_o such_o a_o subject_n i_o think_v be_v so_o far_o suitable_a as_o i_o be_o sure_a a_o great_a weight_n thereof_o will_v be_v find_v one_fw-mi effectual_a mean_v to_o take_v off_o these_o sad_a unedifie_v debate_n there_o be_v some_o considerable_a mistake_n at_o the_o press_n both_o in_o word_n and_o in_o the_o point_n but_o i_o hope_v be_v such_o as_o the_o discern_a reader_n can_v notice_n without_o darken_n the_o sense_n and_o will_v pardon_v section_n i._n though_o i_o have_v much_o aversion_n to_o move_v in_o any_o controversy_n especial_o where_o friend_n so_o true_o dear_a on_o every_o side_n be_v thus_o interest_v &_o when_o our_o distemper_n so_o sad_o prevail_v as_o most_o seem_v not_o in_o case_n to_o bear_v mutual_o freedom_n in_o these_o thing_n so_o as_o this_o present_a breach_n will_v seem_v almost_o beyond_o hope_n if_o some_o bless_a touch_n of_o the_o great_a healer_n hand_n do_v not_o marvellous_o surprise_v we_o in_o this_o day_n beside_o the_o crowd_n and_o noise_n now_o may_v be_v fear_v be_v so_o great_a as_o to_o shut_v all_o access_n for_o a_o be_v hear_v on_o such_o a_o subject_n and_o for_o myself_o i_o may_v say_v i_o have_v be_v strike_v with_o that_o terror_n of_o these_o sad_a embitter_a animosity_n and_o heat_n now_o among_o we_o as_o to_o judge_v it_o no_o less_o desirable_a to_o find_v a_o hide_v place_n from_o the_o strife_n of_o tongue_n than_o from_o the_o pride_n and_o violence_n of_o man_n yet_o since_o it_o be_v sure_a true_a friendship_n and_o love_n gain_v more_o by_o freedom_n and_o openness_n of_o heart_n with_o other_o than_o to_o keep_v at_o a_o distance_n beside_o that_o sad_a impression_n of_o this_o deplorable_a breach_n and_o rent_n in_o our_o church_n have_v press_v i_o to_o write_v these_o few_o line_n not_o for_o debate_n or_o contend_v i_o may_v say_v in_o the_o least_o but_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n in_o a_o sober_a and_o humble_a reason_n with_o some_o exoneration_n of_o my_o own_o spirit_n in_o a_o few_o proposal_n with_o the_o ground_n thereof_o which_o without_o prejudice_n or_o offence_n i_o will_v desire_v yea_o obtest_v to_o be_v serious_o ponder_v and_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v humble_o adventure_v to_o say_v it_o have_v be_v with_o some_o desire_n to_o prove_v my_o own_o heart_n in_o this_o matter_n before_o he_o who_o be_v the_o great_a searcher_n thereof_o and_o under_o some_o present_a constraint_n of_o light_n have_v now_o write_v this_o as_o i_o dare_v not_o though_o they_o be_v my_o die_a word_n with_o peace_n or_o quiet_a of_o spirit_n retreat_n here_o but_o before_o i_o offer_v these_o proposal_n i_o will_v desire_v to_o premit_fw-la some_o few_o concession_n which_o i_o hope_v on_o every_o hand_n what_o ever_o be_v the_o present_a difference_n will_v be_v acknowledge_v 1._o that_o there_o must_v be_v no_o coolness_n or_o indifferency_n in_o any_o interest_n of_o the_o truth_n under_o the_o great_a hazard_n this_o be_v so_o invaluable_a as_o there_o can_v be_v too_o dear_a a_o purchase_n thereof_o yea_o that_o truth_n comparative_o small_a may_v be_v great_a in_o their_o season_n so_o
as_o a_o testimony_n thereto_o with_o great_a respect_n be_v then_o necessary_o call_v for_o when_o a_o public_a opposition_n be_v make_v to_o the_o same_o 2._o that_o this_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n over_o his_o church_n and_o its_o independence_n on_o the_o magistrate_n and_o his_o be_v the_o alone_a supreme_a head_n and_o lawgiver_n thereto_o be_v of_o such_o high_a concern_n and_o elevation_n as_o we_o shall_v not_o count_v our_o life_n dear_a if_o call_v of_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v offer_v up_o as_o a_o sacrifice_n thereon_o yea_o that_o a_o public_a testimony_n shall_v be_v then_o more_o special_o own_v thereto_o with_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a sound_n when_o so_o visible_o oppose_v as_o in_o this_o day_n 3._o that_o be_v must_v on_o all_o hand_n be_v confess_v a_o sad_a decay_n of_o a_o true_a public_a spirit_n now_o among_o we_o and_o of_o that_o zeal_n integrity_n and_o watchfulness_n for_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o deep_a impression_n of_o the_o covenant_n with_o god_n these_o nation_n be_v so_o solemn_o engage_v to_o as_o have_v former_o be_v with_o too_o sad_a and_o unsensible_a a_o wear_n out_o from_o under_o former_a impression_n of_o duty_n in_o this_o long_o continue_a trial_n now_o in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o success_n which_o seem_v to_o wait_v on_o a_o sinful_a course_n for_o which_o all_o of_o we_o have_v cause_n for_o be_v deep_o humble_v before_o the_o lord_n this_o day_n 4._o i_o will_v hope_v also_o this_o will_v not_o be_v under_o debate_n that_o a_o endeavour_n for_o a_o safe_a union_n and_o without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n among_o these_o who_o have_v be_v help_v in_o this_o day_n to_o witness_v and_o suffer_v against_o prelacy_n and_o be_v one_o in_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o truth_n &_o godliness_n be_v both_o a_o command_v and_o indispensible_o necessary_a duty_n and_o will_v be_v find_v as_o express_o charge_v upon_o we_o as_o any_o duty_n i_o know_v in_o the_o scripture_n 5._o that_o there_o may_v be_v difference_n in_o a_o pure_o reform_a church_n in_o matter_n of_o truth_n consistent_a with_o mutual_a edification_n and_o without_o any_o division_n or_o breach_n among_o such_o yea_o that_o such_o will_v be_v still_o here_o whilst_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n 6._o this_o concession_n i_o hope_v may_v not_o come_v under_o question_n that_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o our_o guilt_n this_o day_n our_o not_o be_v more_o suitable_o affect_v with_o both_o the_o sin_n and_o judgement_n of_o this_o present_a rent_n and_o division_n as_o we_o ought_v when_o our_o master_n have_v so_o express_o tell_v that_o a_o kingdom_n divide_v against_o itself_o can_v stand_v and_o no_o less_o thus_o threaten_v than_o the_o utter_a dissolution_n of_o such_o a_o church_n 7._o that_o there_o be_v now_o need_v of_o more_o close_o correspondence_n and_o personal_a freedom_n with_o great_a tenderness_n to_o be_v manage_v in_o this_o present_a difference_n with_o other_o since_o they_o may_v thus_o tear_v one_o another_o at_o a_o distance_n before_o they_o understand_v they_o and_o that_o prejudice_n thus_o entertain_v with_o personal_a reflection_n and_o alienate_v of_o affection_n must_v necessary_o tend_v on_o every_o hand_n to_o widen_v the_o breach_n 8._o that_o this_o deplorable_a rent_n now_o among_o the_o godly_a have_v that_o sad_a gravamen_fw-la therewith_o that_o it_o be_v a_o strive_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o in_o the_o furnace_n whilst_o so_o sore_o press_v otherwise_o under_o the_o cross_n yea_o in_o the_o public_a view_n of_o all_o our_o adversary_n who_o so_o eager_o thus_o watch_v for_o our_o halt_n 9_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a hazard_n in_o credulity_n and_o easy_a entertain_v report_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o other_o in_o a_o time_n when_o too_o many_o seem_v design_o to_o tread_v in_o the_o dark_a this_o way_n as_o if_o it_o be_v to_o promote_v a_o party_n rather_o than_o to_o seek_v the_o truth_n and_o follow_v a_o interest_n on_o the_o ruin_n and_o fall_v of_o the_o repute_n of_o other_o who_o have_v have_v a_o most_o sweet_a savour_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v much_o bless_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o many_o this_o we_o may_v fear_v be_v one_o of_o the_o provoke_a evil_n in_o this_o time_n and_o as_o a_o smoke_n in_o his_o nostril_n who_o have_v say_v such_o as_o sow_v discord_n among_o brethren_n be_v a_o abomination_n unto_o he_o pro._n 6_o 19_o and_o have_v curse_v such_o as_o smite_v his_o neighbour_n secret_o deut._n 27_o 24._o which_o may_v be_v no_o less_o sad_a and_o sore_o by_o smite_v by_o the_o tongue_n than_o by_o the_o sword_n 10._o i_o hope_v this_o also_o will_v be_v mutual_o grant_v that_o a_o safe_a manage_n of_o difference_n and_o rent_n among_o the_o godly_a in_o so_o break_v a_o time_n as_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o difficult_a thing_n in_o christianity_n so_o hard_o it_o be_v to_o get_v our_o own_o spirit_n keep_v out_o to_o reach_v that_o tender_a and_o due_a regard_n to_o present_a circumstance_n for_o public_a edification_n yea_o to_o be_v keep_v in_o a_o humble_a and_o spiritual_a frame_n in_o such_o a_o case_n and_o to_o have_v the_o life_n of_o grace_n keep_v in_o vigorous_a exercise_n so_o as_o thus_o to_o have_v pride_n wrath_n and_o bitterness_n of_o spirit_n make_v to_o melt_v down_o in_o meekness_n humility_n and_o love_n have_v premit_v these_o few_o concession_n which_o may_v be_v find_v of_o some_o weight_n in_o this_o sad_a case_n we_o be_v now_o in_o i_o must_v humble_o offer_v these_o follow_a proposal_n to_o be_v consider_v prop._n i._o shall_v we_o not_o with_o great_a fear_n and_o tremble_a look_n on_o a_o breach_n and_o rent_n of_o the_o church_n and_o among_o the_o true_o godly_a in_o this_o day_n on_o these_o ground_n 1._o that_o it_o so_o express_o control_v the_o authority_n of_o our_o great_a master_n who_o have_v enjoin_v by_o such_o reitereated_a command_n love_n and_o concord_n among_o his_o disciple_n so_o as_o i_o can_v find_v no_o duty_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n with_o more_o frequent_a obtestation_n and_o argument_n press_v than_o this_o and_o though_o it_o be_v unquestionable_a that_o some_o must_v be_v more_o culpable_a in_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o difference_n than_o other_o yet_o do_v he_o press_v thus_o with_o such_o vehemency_n and_o without_o any_o such_o reserve_n to_o sist_z until_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o entire_a oneness_n in_o judgement_n among_o themselves_o else_o there_o be_v no_o such_o difficulty_n or_o neid_v of_o it_o to_o be_v thus_o press_v 2._o that_o it_o be_v his_o die_a charge_n joh._n 15_o 17._o to_o love_v one_o another_o and_o to_o guard_v against_o any_o breach_n among_o themselves_o and_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o thing_n his_o heart_n be_v most_o fix_v on_o when_o he_o be_v to_o leave_v the_o world_n as_o a_o witness_n of_o their_o be_v his_o disciple_n and_o that_o the_o world_n may_v know_v he_o to_o be_v send_v of_o god_n joh._n 17_o 21._o and_o thus_o be_v for_o a_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o enforce_v a_o conviction_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o christianity_n and_o doctrine_n thereof_o on_o the_o great_a atheist_n 3._o and_o may_v we_o not_o see_v these_o prejudices_fw-la which_o follow_v on_o a_o form_v and_o grow_a breach_n of_o the_o church_n be_v oft_o such_o as_o the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n thereof_o do_v bear_v no_o proportion_n thereto_o when_o bring_v to_o the_o test_n of_o that_o great_a rule_n of_o christian_a love_n in_o its_o due_a latitude_n as_o prescribe_v by_o our_o bless_a master_n yea_o that_o thus_o there_o be_v a_o be_v so_o sad_o engage_v in_o dispute_n &_o siding_n with_o party_n with_o such_o exasperation_n of_o spirit_n and_o neglect_v of_o these_o office_n of_o love_n we_o owe_v to_o other_o 4._o that_o we_o may_v see_v such_o a_o sad_a rent_n the_o more_o it_o be_v follow_v the_o more_o it_o become_v a_o labyrinth_n and_o maze_n and_o no_o way_n find_v thus_o to_o get_v out_o but_o that_o by_o which_o they_o first_o enter_v 5._o that_o conspicuous_a beacon_n also_o which_o in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v set_v hereon_o may_v make_v we_o tremble_v hereat_o and_o how_o this_o have_v resolve_v not_o only_o into_o strife_n debate_n confusion_n and_o disturbance_n both_o public_a and_o private_a but_o to_o hazard_v the_o very_a ruin_n and_o dissolution_n of_o such_o a_o church_n we_o find_v salvian_n show_v that_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o sad_a presage_n of_o that_o desolate_v stroke_n that_o come_v upon_o the_o affricain_n church_n and_o we_o may_v see_v the_o very_a first_o visible_a degenerate_v of_o christianity_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n begin_v here_o for_o it_o be_v at_o such_o a_o
how_o sad_a a_o mark_n be_v put_v thereon_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v be_v read_v judas_n vers_fw-la 19_o second_o though_o some_o seem_v too_o visible_o unconcern_v and_o in_o stead_n of_o be_v suitable_o affect_v to_o account_v this_o grow_a breach_n rather_o one_fw-mi ornament_n and_o matter_n of_o boast_v yet_o when_o serious_o consider_v of_o such_o import_n be_v it_o and_o that_o question_n anent_o church_n fellowship_n and_o communion_n as_o this_o may_v be_v true_o call_v articulus_fw-la stantis_fw-la &_o cadentis_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la and_o upon_o no_o less_o hazard_n now_o if_o grace_n do_v not_o marvellous_o prevent_v then_o the_o dissolution_n of_o a_o national_n church_n and_o be_v not_o that_o james_n 3._o 16._o write_v in_o great_a letter_n this_o day_n before_o we_o that_o where_o strife_n be_v there_o be_v confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n and_o that_o thus_o both_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v most_o visible_o obstruct_v three_o we_o must_v take_v no_o measure_n of_o present_a duty_n from_o the_o event_n but_o whatever_o proposal_n or_o essay_n shall_v be_v for_o any_o composure_n or_o heal_v now_o in_o the_o church_n i_o hope_v i_o may_v say_v it_o be_v no_o sinful_a tamper_n or_o with_o any_o cede_a or_o latitude_n in_o the_o least_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n but_o let_v truth_n still_o have_v the_o first_o place_n for_o i_o shall_v reckon_v any_o such_o peace_n with_o great_a terror_n which_o may_v cause_v a_o breach_n with_o god_n have_v salt_n in_o yourselves_o and_o peace_n one_o with_o another_o four_o it_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o the_o indulgence_n or_o the_o acceptance_n thereof_o by_o any_o of_o our_o brethren_n that_o be_v now_o the_o controversy_n among_o we_o nor_o be_v here_o touch_v further_o than_o a_o necessary_a oppose_a so_o strange_a and_o unjust_a inference_n as_o have_v be_v make_v thence_o to_o make_v this_o difference_n seem_v great_a than_o it_o be_v and_o for_o rent_v the_o poor_a church_n but_o it_o be_v know_v when_o that_o design_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v set_v on_o foot_n what_o suitable_a and_o serious_a freedom_n in_o the_o opportune_a season_n be_v use_v to_o prevent_v any_o divide_n among_o we_o and_o to_o keep_v of_o any_o concurrence_n therewith_o yet_o with_o that_o due_a and_o tender_a respect_n to_o there_o ministry_n with_o who_o we_o herein_o differ_v to_o prevent_v any_o public_a rent_n or_o breach_n and_o as_o we_o judge_v these_o most_o suitable_o consistent_a so_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o thought_n of_o such_o thing_n we_o now_o see_v and_o of_o such_o a_o spirit_n as_o be_v now_o aloft_o will_v have_v make_v our_o heart_n then_o tremble_v five_o i_o doubt_v not_o that_o this_o great_a duty_n will_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o if_o it_o have_v a_o suitable_a weight_n on_o we_o in_o such_o a_o day_n to_o adore_v the_o holy_a and_o spotless_a righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o what_o he_o have_v do_v and_o lie_v in_o the_o dust_n before_o he_o against_o who_o we_o have_v sin_v and_o be_v much_o in_o humble_a and_o serious_a selfjudging_a for_o we_o shall_v tremble_v either_o to_o justify_v or_o extenuate_v the_o sad_a declining_n which_o have_v be_v in_o our_o church_n in_o these_o late_a time_n from_o that_o first_o love_n tenderness_n and_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o his_o truth_n yea_o mourn_n that_o so_o sad_a a_o faint_a have_v be_v among_o we_o and_o despondency_n of_o spirit_n for_o such_o a_o suitable_a unite_v and_o solemn_a appearance_n as_o be_v call_v for_o in_o bear_v testimony_n against_o these_o invasion_n make_v on_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o bless_a master_n whilst_o many_o opportunity_n have_v be_v too_o visible_o lose_v of_o this_o great_a duty_n by_o we_o al._n six_o yet_o upon_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o must_v not_o shut_v our_o eye_n nor_o conceal_v such_o a_o ground_n of_o hope_n and_o token_n for_o good_a that_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o destroy_v but_o dwell_v in_o our_o land_n that_o he_o have_v accept_v a_o testimony_n by_o the_o suffering_n of_o his_o poor_a people_n even_o of_o all_o rank_n now_o for_o these_o year_n past_a who_o have_v cheerful_o endure_v with_o much_o long-suffering_a some_o unto_o death_n banishment_n imprisonment_n and_o the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n as_o i_o may_v adventure_v to_o say_v upon_o this_o account_n a_o great_a testimony_n have_v not_o be_v give_v to_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o truth_n in_o our_o church_n since_o the_o first_o begin_v reformation_n from_o popery_n yea_o that_o what_o ever_o be_v these_o sad_a deplorable_a difference_n now_o among_o we_o yet_o be_v they_o not_o state_v upon_o a_o public_a disow_n of_o any_o principle_n of_o truth_n either_o in_o doctrine_n worship_n or_o government_n and_o hope_n that_o many_o of_o these_o who_o be_v most_o severe_o reflect_v on_o by_o some_o will_v through_o grace_n if_o call_v to_o public_a confession_n of_o the_o glorious_a headship_n and_o supremacy_n of_o our_o bless_a head_n king_n and_o lawgiver_n to_o his_o church_n not_o account_v their_o life_n dear_a unto_o the_o death_n to_o be_v offer_v up_o as_o a_o sacrifice_n thereon_o wherein_o i_o judge_v as_o be_v meet_v and_o with_o more_o peace_n of_o mind_n now_o when_o i_o write_v this_o then_o to_o judge_v with_o that_o severity_n and_o peremptoriness_n which_o have_v be_v by_o some_o against_o their_o brethren_n and_o fellow-servant_n this_o day_n i_o shall_v but_o add_v that_o what_o be_v here_o touch_v have_v be_v with_o some_o desire_n and_o aim_v to_o keep_v a_o distance_n from_o any_o personal_a reflection_n or_o to_o provoke_v and_o give_v a_o thrust_n at_o the_o repute_n of_o any_o but_o oh_o if_o a_o deliver_v ourselves_o up_o to_o the_o truth_n be_v reckon_v to_o be_v the_o great_a victory_n and_o however_o provoke_v or_o injure_v yet_o by_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o their_o conscience_n in_o a_o humble_a tender_a and_o convince_a way_n to_o deal_v with_o such_o sure_o this_o shall_v be_v matter_n of_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o shut_n up_o of_o our_o day_n and_o not_o to_o have_v recompense_v evil_a with_o evil_n but_o to_o have_v thus_o endeavour_v the_o gain_v the_o soul_n of_o their_o brother_n by_o overcome_v evil_a with_o good_a have_v premit_v these_o i_o must_v touch_v alittle_o some_o ground_n lay_v down_o in_o that_o history_n of_o the_o indulgence_n for_o not_o hear_v of_o the_o indulge_v minister_n and_o such_o measure_n as_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v take_v for_o a_o stretch_v this_o difference_n so_o far_o as_o to_o break_v of_o church_n communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o these_o who_o yet_o they_o dare_v not_o but_o own_o as_o the_o messenger_n of_o christ_n to_o his_o church_n which_o i_o must_v say_v upon_o some_o serious_a reflection_n have_v be_v astonish_v to_o see_v so_o high_a a_o charge_n and_o argument_n adduce_v there_o and_o with_o such_o confidence_n follow_v which_o if_o fearch_v unto_o by_o any_o serious_a and_o unbiased_a reader_n may_v enforce_v they_o to_o see_v the_o conclusion_n will_v seem_v to_o have_v be_v establish_v before_o the_o premise_n though_o in_o this_o as_o to_o the_o tendency_n thereof_o and_o these_o sad_a and_o deplorable_a consequence_n that_o be_v like_a to_o follow_v i_o hope_v be_v neither_o design_v nor_o forseen_v by_o the_o author_n to_o who_o memory_n if_o such_o as_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v i_o do_v own_o great_a respect_n and_o to_o have_v no_o further_o reflection_n on_o what_o be_v there_o than_o the_o truth_n which_o must_v have_v preference_n to_o all_o indispensible_o require_v first_o we_o may_v see_v in_o stead_n of_o argument_n some_o high_a and_o confident_a assertion_n where_o i_o must_v say_v the_o enditement_n go_v above_o the_o evidence_n and_o that_o 1._o there_o be_v both_o one_fw-mi impose_v of_o a_o sense_n upon_o their_o brethren_n practice_n and_o a_o be_v judge_n also_o themselves_o and_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o these_o who_o have_v be_v know_v most_o averse_a from_o any_o acceptance_n of_o that_o indulgence_n yet_o can_v neither_o see_v nor_o admit_v but_o how_o hard_a be_v it_o in_o a_o divide_v time_n when_o all_o humour_n be_v so_o much_o aloft_o to_o censure_v without_o slander_n 2._o here_o be_v a_o press_v of_o that_o sense_n on_o this_o practice_n which_o themselves_o do_v with_o a_o profess_a abhorrence_n disow_v who_o candour_n and_o sincerity_n otherways_o in_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o religion_n i_o hope_v none_o dare_v debate_n and_o how_o sad_a be_v it_o when_o deduction_n and_o inference_n be_v rather_o force_v then_o find_v from_o the_o way_n of_o other_o and_o a_o design_n more_o to_o defame_v and_o make_v thing_n worse_o than_o they_o be_v to_o reclaim_v and_o to_o urge_v thing_n beyond_o
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
brethren_n before_o so_o watch_v a_o adversary_n who_o strength_n must_v needs_o lie_v in_o our_o breach_n 8._o be_v not_o also_o the_o bring_v thing_n thus_o to_o such_o a_o extreme_a of_o that_o visible_a tendency_n as_o to_o bring_v under_o question_n the_o validity_n of_o their_o ministerial_a act_n among_o the_o people_n by_o so_o public_a a_o thrust_n at_o the_o credit_n and_o repute_v of_o their_o ministry_n which_o be_v so_o far_o a_o expose_v of_o many_o to_o the_o hazard_n both_o of_o atheism_n and_o error_n beside_o the_o weaken_a such_o in_o the_o public_a work_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v so_o know_v able_a minister_n of_o christ_n i_o shall_v add_v no_o further_o but_o a_o humble_a and_o serious_a appeal_n to_o their_o own_o conscience_n who_o may_v have_v judge_v this_o their_o duty_n if_o on_o deep_a reflection_n hereon_o a_o tender_a abstinence_n and_o forbearance_n this_o way_n and_o to_o keep_v of_o any_o dash_v on_o such_o a_o rock_n as_o have_v be_v already_o touch_v until_o light_v and_o conviction_n from_o the_o lord_n yet_o further_o break_v up_o shall_v not_o be_v their_o own_o peace_n and_o comfort_n as_o well_o as_o the_o public_a peace_n of_o the_o church_n in_o that_o day_n when_o their_o eye_n shall_v become_v dim_a and_o the_o keeper_n of_o the_o house_n begin_v to_o tremble_v section_n iu._n when_o such_o sad_a use_n be_v now_o like_a to_o be_v make_v of_o these_o time_n as_o to_o give_v the_o truth_n and_o credit_n thereof_o which_o above_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v dear_a to_o we_o a_o death_n wound_n be_v it_o possible_a by_o reproach_n i_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o be_v incongruous_a to_o such_o a_o subject_n to_o speak_v yet_o a_o few_o word_n more_o for_o answer_v some_o high_a pretence_n for_o prejudice_n and_o stumble_v which_o seem_v now_o most_o public_o to_o be_v own_v yea_o not_o only_o thus_o to_o break_v and_o undo_v themselves_o but_o to_o involve_v other_o in_o the_o same_o ruin_n not_o that_o the_o truth_n need_v the_o witness_n or_o respect_n of_o man_n to_o commend_v the_o same_o which_o as_o the_o sun_n in_o its_o strength_n keep_v its_o course_n amid_o all_o the_o dark_a cloud_n which_o can_v intervene_v but_o in_o a_o day_n of_o such_o blasphemy_n and_o reproach_n we_o shall_v require_v justice_n at_o the_o bar_n of_o man_n own_o conscience_n herein_o if_o there_o can_v be_v any_o cause_n for_o stumble_v at_o the_o holy_a and_o unspotted_a way_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o what_o be_v from_o themselves_o and_o from_o their_o seek_n after_o such_o a_o latitude_n in_o their_o principle_n as_o may_v sure_o that_o liberty_n which_o they_o take_v thus_o in_o their_o practice_n now_o with_o some_o respect_n their_o to_z i_o shall_v offer_v these_o eight_o ground_n which_o be_v at_o this_o day_n most_o pretend_v 1._o these_o strange_a intestine_a conflict_n and_o difference_n in_o judgement_n that_o we_o be_v now_o in_o the_o church_n and_o among_o professor_n of_o the_o truth_n as_o though_o they_o be_v not_o the_o child_n of_o the_o same_o house_n for_o answer_n i_o hope_v these_o thing_n when_o serious_o ponder_v may_v silence_v any_o such_o reflection_n on_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n which_o i_o shall_v but_o leave_v to_o man_n conscience_n 1._o that_o our_o bless_a lord_n have_v with_o clear_a evidence_n lay_v down_o such_o sure_a and_o fix_a ground_n in_o his_o own_o word_n for_o the_o peace_n and_o concord_n of_o his_o church_n and_o follower_n with_o these_o express_a rule_n and_o provision_n for_o the_o same_o as_o there_o can_v be_v no_o know_a ground_n for_o such_o sad_a and_o deploreable_a break_n but_o what_o man_n own_a corruption_n and_o decline_v from_o the_o rule_n do_v occasion_n 2._o it_o be_v must_v clear_v that_o one_o of_o the_o great_a of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o which_o with_o the_o further_a reiterate_v enforcement_n our_o obedience_n be_v require_v for_o prevent_v the_o church_n hazard_n on_o this_o rock_n be_v that_o law_n of_o charity_n and_o love_n for_o the_o godly_a among_o themselves_o so_o as_o without_o this_o he_o will_v accept_v no_o man_n service_n 1_o cor._n 13._o and_o be_v such_o the_o apostle_n press_v above_o all_o thing_n to_o put_v on_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfection_n coloss_n 3_o 13_o 14._o 3._o i_o hope_v it_o be_v undeniable_a also_o that_o these_o principle_n of_o union_n and_o love_n be_v so_o firm_o fix_v as_o may_v be_v consistent_a both_o with_o some_o various_a apprehension_n and_o difference_n in_o judgement_n among_o his_o people_n here_o who_o be_v unite_v in_o himself_o and_o in_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o truth_n and_o godliness_n so_o as_o upon_o such_o a_o account_n the_o peace_n and_o concord_n of_o his_o church_n shall_v not_o be_v suspend_v since_o it_o be_v here_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o as_o all_o have_v not_o the_o same_o help_n so_o not_o the_o same_o capacity_n for_o understanding_n of_o many_o thing_n which_o may_v cause_v some_o difference_n in_o the_o church_n not_o that_o we_o shall_v think_v opinion_n be_v free_a or_o error_n in_o judgement_n not_o to_o be_v serious_o watch_v against_o all_o be_v well_o as_o corruption_n in_o practice_n since_o it_o be_v not_o only_o through_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n we_o be_v appoint_v to_o life_n 4._o for_o this_o end_n likeways_o have_v our_o bless_a head_n set_v such_o bound_n and_o measure_n to_o his_o people_n in_o the_o manage_n of_o these_o difference_n which_o may_v fall_v in_o as_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o fear_n of_o any_o sad_a rent_n or_o breach_n where_o a_o due_a respect_n unto_o these_o be_v have_v and_o to_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o oh_o that_o these_o great_a command_n rom._n 14_o 3_o 4._o philip._n 2_o 3._o be_v more_o serious_o ponder_v there_o can_v not_o but_o be_v some_o more_o lawful_a regard_n to_o keep_v of_o such_o bitter_a and_o offensive_a break_n as_o may_v be_v oft_o see_v among_o we_o 5._o nor_o be_v there_o cause_n to_o fear_v any_o breach_n from_o the_o most_o serious_a and_o servant_n contend_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o close_a adherence_n thereto_o which_o shall_v be_v dear_a to_o we_o then_o our_o life_n and_o can_v admit_v no_o latitude_n or_o cede_v there_o when_o the_o reveal_v rule_n of_o our_o duty_n herein_o be_v observe_v that_o this_o be_v manage_v with_o a_o humble_a tender_a condescendence_n and_o cede_v in_o our_o own_o thing_n to_o one_o another_o for_o oh_o there_o have_v our_o sad_a contest_v and_o a_o nimosity_n their_o great_a strength_n this_o day_n it_o be_v well_o if_o such_o a_o bless_a contend_v and_o strive_v lawful_o as_o the_o apostle_n show_v be_v thus_o study_v that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o by_o mean_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n by_o pureness_n by_o long_a suffering_n by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n by_o the_o armour_n of_o god_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o on_o the_o left_a etc._n etc._n and_o where_o these_o be_v not_o man_n study_n and_o practice_n they_o must_v live_v in_o a_o express_a contradiction_n to_o these_o principle_n which_o yet_o they_o dare_v not_o disow_v yea_o in_o so_o far_o become_v not_o only_o a_o just_a matter_n of_o grief_n but_o a_o spot_n in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o saint_n 6._o whatever_o sad_a difference_n be_v oft_o among_o these_o which_o both_o their_o darkness_n of_o mind_n and_o contrariety_n of_o natural_a disposition_n may_v influence_n yet_o do_v not_o still_o that_o bless_a unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n stand_v fix_v and_o sure_a by_o which_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v unite_v in_o a_o new_a and_o spiritual_a nature_n in_o these_o sweet_a &_o sensible_a communication_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o do_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o bless_a centre_n yea_o so_o near_o a_o intercourse_n of_o soul_n and_o sympathy_n do_v result_v thence_o however_o the_o sad_a prevalence_n of_o corruption_n may_v for_o some_o time_n darken_v the_o same_o as_o no_o union_n and_o concord_n like_o this_o be_v in_o all_o the_o society_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o may_v be_v such_o a_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n as_o to_o silence_v even_o the_o great_a atheist_n 7._o yea_o may_v we_o not_o have_v here_o a_o special_a confirm_a evidence_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o notwithstanding_o of_o such_o difference_n both_o in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n with_o so_o sore_a prejudice_n and_o estrangement_n of_o heart_n and_o difference_n of_o natural_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o among_o the_o godly_a yet_o this_o have_v enforce_v from_o all_o these_o a_o undoubted_a assent_n to_o the_o most_o great_a and_o weighty_a concern_v of_o religion_n yea_o to_o a_o
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
3._o if_o you_o stumble_v here_o and_o embrace_v no_o religion_n until_o you_o find_v no_o offence_n among_o the_o professor_n thereof_o than_o you_o must_v have_v none_o but_o turn_v atheist_n bot_n your_o conscience_n herein_o must_v needs_o tell_v you_o silence_n it_o as_o you_o with_o that_o the_o truth_n and_o principle_n of_o godliness_n bind_v man_n over_o with_o the_o great_a tie_n and_o engagement_n to_o holiness_n purity_n candour_n and_o righteousness_n even_o in_o all_o our_o deal_n with_o man_n under_o the_o severe_a threatening_n and_o oh_o must_v the_o glory_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n thus_o come_v under_o reproach_n and_o suffer_v from_o the_o untender_a and_o unanswerable_a practice_n of_o any_o who_o profess_v the_o same_o 4._o can_v you_o posible_o debate_v this_o which_o may_v both_o silence_n and_o make_v man_n ashamed_a of_o such_o a_o challenge_n that_o under_o any_o pretence_n which_o have_v ever_o be_v to_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n only_o which_o indispensible_o require_v truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o the_o heart_n herein_o and_o that_o the_o conformity_n of_o our_o duty_n on_o the_o matter_n to_o the_o rule_n be_v not_o enough_o without_o a_o serious_a respect_n to_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o act_n that_o it_o be_v in_o faith_n and_o from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v so_o essential_a a_o requisite_a thereto_o yea_o that_o this_o be_v so_o frame_v as_o to_o correspond_v with_o the_o inward_a man_n to_o exerce_fw-la a_o authority_n over_o the_o conscience_n and_o our_o most_o retire_a thought_n all_o be_v well_o as_o act_n and_o to_o put_v shame_n and_o terror_n on_o such_o who_o glory_v be_v in_o appearance_n bot_n not_o in_o heart_n 5._o you_o know_v likeways_o that_o the_o most_o select_a society_n of_o such_o who_o ever_o yet_o profess_v the_o truth_n and_o since_o there_o have_v be_v a_o church_n on_o the_o earth_n do_v never_o want_v a_o sad_a mixture_n yea_o these_o feu_fw-fr choised_a disciply_n of_o our_o bless_a master_n be_v not_o only_o with_o a_o judas_n but_o a_o fall_a peter_n and_o a_o misbelieve_a thomasâ—mong_n â—mong_z they_o and_o shall_v this_o have_v be_v a_o ground_n then_o for_o prejudice_n at_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n in_o its_o first_o daw_v when_o by_o such_o a_o constitution_n our_o great_a master_n will_v have_v it_o know_v what_o his_o church_n whilst_o here_o upon_o the_o earth_n will_v be_v even_o in_o the_o pure_a time_n thereof_o 6._o will_v you_o not_o allow_v that_o measure_n which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n the_o christian_n do_v require_v of_o their_o heathen_a adversary_n upon_o any_o public_a offence_n which_o be_v then_o object_v to_o they_o to_o give_v but_o that_o allovance_n which_o they_o do_v to_o their_o philosopher_n and_o such_o as_o profess_v moral_a virtue_n among_o they_o which_o be_v not_o to_o charge_v the_o corruption_n and_o offence_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o on_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o profession_n whilst_o you_o have_v these_o further_a enforcement_n of_o this_o that_o you_o know_v upon_o your_o own_o conscience_n what_o a_o sore_a burden_n and_o grief_n these_o be_v to_o such_o who_o be_v tender_a and_o sincere_a in_o follow_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o how_o evident_a their_o discountenance_n of_o any_o such_o appearance_n be_v yea_o may_v not_o the_o establishment_n of_o church_n discipline_n and_o censure_n with_o such_o express_a rule_n herein_o by_o our_o bless_a head_n convince_v and_o silence_v these_o who_o reproach_n 7._o let_v some_o who_o pretend_v most_o to_o stumble_v on_o such_o a_o account_n speak_v but_o their_o own_o heart_n if_o these_o be_v not_o much_o more_o their_o trouble_n and_o torment_n who_o walk_n do_v most_o convince_o tend_v to_o adorn_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o sincere_a and_o serious_a embracement_n of_o the_o truth_n hes_z be_v with_o such_o visible_a outward_a disadvantage_n and_o no_o private_a interest_n to_o sway_v they_o herein_o as_o they_o be_v enforce_v to_o see_v this_o for_o none_o possible_o can_v conceive_v how_o this_o shall_v be_v on_o any_o other_o ground_n than_o the_o know_a power_n and_o certainty_n thereof_o on_o their_o soul_n 8._o be_v not_o such_o who_o way_n be_v thus_o the_o ground_n of_o your_o challenge_n most_o visible_o condemn_v by_o their_o own_o avove_v principle_n yea_o what_o ever_o essay_n have_v be_v to_o personat_fw-la serious_a godliness_n by_o a_o false_a show_n yet_o be_v it_o not_o most_o convince_a even_o to_o such_o as_o look_v but_o at_o a_o distance_n that_o native_a lustre_n self_n evidence_v light_n with_o that_o sweet_a savour_n and_o efficacy_n which_o accompany_v the_o same_o as_o no_o possible_a invention_n or_o art_n can_v ever_o reach_v no_o more_o then_o to_o make_v a_o dead_a picture_n live_v oh_o that_o such_o a_o day_n of_o reproach_n as_o this_o and_o that_o sad_a woe_n the_o world_n be_v so_o unsensible_a of_o because_o of_o offence_n may_v more_o suitable_o affect_v our_o heart_n and_o that_o it_o be_v with_o so_o visible_a adecline_v â—ow_o in_o the_o church_n and_o man_n grove_v weary_a of_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o truth_n these_o sweet_a path_n and_o footstep_n of_o serious_a godliness_n love_n and_o zeal_n for_o god_n self_n denial_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n seem_v to_o be_v all_o most_o overgrow_a and_o wear_v out_o among_o many_o professor_n in_o this_o age_n 5._o ground_n that_o i_o fear_v some_o may_v be_v ready_a this_o day_n to_o break_v and_o stumble_v on_o be_v these_o high_a pretence_n of_o zeal_n and_o fervency_n for_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o way_n of_o so_o i_o as_o will_v seem_v most_o visible_o to_o cross_v and_o interfere_v with_o the_o most_o know_a principle_n of_o christian_a prudence_n yea_o that_o due_a necessary_a use_n of_o man_n reason_n which_o the_o scripture_n do_v so_o indispensible_o require_v answ_n though_o the_o zeal_n of_o god_n and_o faithfulness_n for_o his_o interest_n even_o with_o the_o most_o convince_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o to_o man_n conscience_n be_v that_o which_o the_o world_n can_v bear_v yet_o i_o hope_v these_o thing_n when_o serious_o consider_v may_v silence_v any_o public_a reflection_n herein_o 1._o that_o the_o great_a want_n which_o may_v be_v now_o matter_n of_o grief_n in_o all_o the_o church_n be_v that_o of_o pure_a zeal_n and_o love_n to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o of_o such_o a_o spirit_n to_o follow_v the_o lord_n full_o and_o oh_o our_o fall_n have_v be_v too_o great_a and_o universal_a from_o that_o first_o love_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o shine_v and_o burn_v in_o these_o who_o profess_v the_o truth_n to_o be_v hide_v this_o day_n and_o seem_v one_o of_o the_o sad_a presage_n of_o a_o dark_a night_n yet_o come_v on_o when_o with_o a_o continue_a light_n the_o heat_n and_o power_n thereof_o be_v so_o far_o go_v 2._o but_o to_o silence_v any_o such_o reflection_n it_o may_v be_v demonstrable_a to_o the_o further_a that_o the_o true_a and_o native_a tendence_n of_o the_o zeal_n of_o god_n and_o fervency_n in_o his_o work_n can_v cause_v no_o break_v or_o disorder_n nor_o have_v any_o irregular_a violent_a motion_n or_o scorch_a heat_n therewith_o but_o where_o ever_o this_o most_o bright_o shine_v there_o also_o do_v a_o humble_a tender_a condescendence_n to_o convince_v and_o gain_v most_o evident_o appear_v how_o by_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o man_n conscience_n to_o prevent_v any_o ground_n may_v be_v thus_o take_v of_o offence_n who_o be_v offend_v and_o i_o burn_v not_o be_v the_o temper_n of_o that_o bless_a man_n spirit_n when_o he_o be_v burn_v in_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o thus_o carry_v he_o out_o that_o he_o may_v be_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o that_o he_o may_v gain_v some_o for_o such_o shall_v be_v the_o great_a acrimony_n and_o sharpness_n of_o these_o who_o shall_v be_v the_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o it_o may_v always_o tend_v to_o season_n to_o preserve_v and_o recover_v and_o not_o to_o destroy_v 3._o and_o be_v not_o christian_a wisdom_n and_o prudence_n a_o piece_n of_o our_o sanctification_n and_o a_o true_a and_o native_a result_n of_o pure_a zeal_n and_o love_n to_o christ_n â—…o_o as_o the_o more_o a_o christian_n the_o more_o tender_a thus_o to_o keep_v by_o the_o rule_n and_o to_o walk_v circumspect_o not_o as_o fool_n but_o as_o wise_a and_o be_v not_o man_n folly_n still_o a_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o corruption_n nor_o can_v the_o truth_n of_o godliness_n be_v vigorous_o exert_v botto_o far_o it_o will_v cause_v also_o snch_v a_o sweet_a composure_n and_o even_o temper_n of_o spirit_n as_o to_o watch_v with_o a_o equal_a advertance_n to_o extreme_n upon_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
deal_n with_o his_o people_n that_o so_o straight_o and_o wearisome_a away_o shall_v be_v here_o to_o a_o eternity_n of_o glory_n in_o that_o life_n which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o no_o get_v there_o but_o through_o some_o degree_n of_o sore_a break_n and_o anguish_n and_o go_v through_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n before_o that_o of_o enjoyment_n when_o they_o consider_v how_o unconceivable_o great_a and_o excellent_a that_o state_n which_o be_v above_o be_v and_o their_o be_v train_v in_o so_o sharp_a a_o a_o school_n of_o tribulation_n here_o shall_v at_o length_n tend_v to_o a_o unexpressible_a joy_n and_o comfort_n that_o ever_o they_o have_v such_o a_o occasion_n to_o prove_v their_o love_n and_o adherence_n to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o credit_v his_o truth_n against_o all_o visible_a ground_n and_o in_o have_v with_o patience_n and_o hope_v get_v through_o such_o a_o throng_n of_o temptation_n when_o they_o thus_o see_v the_o most_o bitter_a grieve_v and_o difficult_a part_n of_o their_o warfare_n be_v but_o to_o make_v the_o victory_n more_o full_a and_o triumphant_a 3._o thus_o we_o may_v have_v a_o more_o clear_a and_o confirm_v look_n of_o the_o holy_a judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o product_n of_o these_o sad_a break_n in_o our_o church_n that_o when_o so_o strange_a a_o spirit_n have_v be_v aloft_o and_o a_o strong_a affection_n in_o some_o without_o a_o humble_a and_o deliberate_a judgement_n it_o shall_v at_o last_o resolve_n in_o a_o fervour_n of_o error_n and_o delusion_n yea_o to_o come_v that_o length_n of_o break_v down_o what_o they_o suppose_v to_o be_v build_v up_o and_o to_o adventure_v with_o great_a confidence_n for_o engage_v the_o holy_a god_n to_o a_o concurrence_n in_o these_o way_n which_o his_o word_n do_v express_o testify_v against_o whilst_o so_o impatient_a to_o be_v touch_v herein_o as_o they_o have_v be_v ready_a to_o turn_v again_o and_o tear_v such_o who_o have_v with_o tenderness_n seek_v their_o recovery_n but_o though_o such_o sad_a thing_n shall_v deep_o affect_v we_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n for_o stumble_v to_o any_o pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a be_v the_o same_o this_o day_n that_o ever_o it_o be_v and_o the_o redeem_v of_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o break_a and_o disease_a company_n whiel_v here_o by_o the_o way_n full_a of_o sore_n and_o distemper_n but_o all_o under_o cure_n which_o will_v ere_o long_o be_v perfect_v and_o i_o hope_v through_o grace_n there_o be_v a_o generation_n of_o tender_a solid_a and_o humble_a christian_n yet_o in_o our_o land_n who_o shall_v be_v own_v and_o accept_v at_o the_o appearance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o this_o day_n i_o know_v on_o the_o earth_n and_o many_o much_o hide_v there_o but_o what_o be_v too_o visible_a the_o temper_n and_o complexion_n of_o this_o age_n may_v cause_v much_o fear_n upon_o these_o peculiar_a hazard_n professor_n now_o seem_v to_o be_v expose_v to_o beyond_o former_a time_n when_o a_o form_n of_o knowledge_n and_o the_o theory_n of_o practical_a religion_n have_v so_o far_o outgo_v tenderness_n and_o practice_n and_o become_v so_o much_o a_o matter_n of_o art_n and_o invention_n whilst_o christian_n former_o with_o a_o small_a measure_n of_o light_n and_o in_o a_o plain_a dress_n walk_v in_o the_o love_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o truth_n a_o bold_a and_o profess_v age_n where_o a_o too_o easy_a and_o sudden_a growth_n to_o a_o forward_a appearance_n among_o many_o have_v so_o visible_o out_o run_v a_o solid_a root_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o fear_v and_o serious_a exercise_n on_o their_o own_o soul_n about_o their_o spiritual_a state_n and_o the_o soundness_n of_o conversion_n as_o have_v sometime_o be_v a_o age_n where_o it_o may_v be_v fear_v that_o not_o at_o a_o common_a rate_n many_o be_v like_a to_o adventure_v on_o the_o further_a hazard_n of_o perish_v amid_o these_o strange_a distemper_n in_o our_o church_n but_o with_o high_a pretence_n seem_v to_o out_o dare_v all_o mean_n of_o conviction_n even_o while_o with_o great_a tenderness_n and_o love_n to_o their_o soul_n follow_v yea_o a_o age_n when_o that_o dreadful_a engine_n of_o satan_n be_v now_o so_o discernible_o on_o foot_n and_o in_o such_o different_a form_n and_o shape_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n and_o delusion_n to_o turn_v man_n off_o all_o settle_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o give_v the_o credit_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o sore_a wound_n than_o the_o open_a violence_n and_o rage_n of_o other_o have_v yet_o ever_o do_v and_o be_v not_o here_o one_o sad_a influence_a cause_n of_o so_o deplorable_a a_o state_n of_o the_o church_n this_o day_n that_o many_o profess_v godliness_n in_o this_o age_n be_v not_o more_o take_v up_o with_o the_o great_a and_o weighty_a thing_n thereof_o and_o in_o these_o retire_a exercise_n which_o have_v the_o close_a communication_n with_o the_o vital_n of_o christianity_n and_o so_o indispensible_o necessary_a to_o a_o honourable_a appearance_n for_o the_o lord_n in_o any_o public_a duty_n and_o service_n of_o the_o time_n 4._o what_o a_o choice_n study_v in_o so_o extreme_a a_o exigence_n now_o of_o the_o church_n shall_v this_o be_v to_o know_v and_o bring_v near_o by_o some_o more_o deep_a reflection_n thereon_o how_o great_a these_o thing_n be_v which_o a_o humble_a and_o serious_a christian_a have_v to_o converse_v with_o and_o to_o oppose_v all_o his_o grief_n and_o fear_n this_o day_n even_o when_o they_o seem_v to_o press_v above_o measure_n which_o this_o may_v not_o only_o confirm_v but_o overcome_v the_o heart_n with_o unexpressible_a joy_n when_o he_o but_o thus_o alone_a reason_n with_o himself_o 1._o what_o ever_o shake_v wind_n now_o blow_v almost_o from_o every_o airth_n yet_o have_v he_o firm_a and_o sure_a principle_n of_o trust_n for_o a_o safe_a sound_v the_o rest_n and_o peace_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o his_o security_n here_o be_v full_a though_o not_o his_o enjoyment_n yea_o what_o ever_o want_v now_o be_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o adherence_n in_o rest_v on_o the_o truth_n with_o such_o full_a repose_n and_o quiet_a of_o mind_n he_o be_v call_v to_o yet_o he_o know_v thereis_n no_o want_n of_o further_a certainty_n of_o evidence_n 2._o that_o not_o in_o a_o dream_n but_o in_o the_o most_o serious_a composure_n of_o spirit_n he_o can_v retire_v into_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o there_o see_v how_o unexpressible_o bless_a poor_a lose_a man_n be_v make_v by_o a_o redeemer_n on_o who_o he_o have_v choice_v to_o have_v the_o exceed_a riches_n of_o his_o grace_n show_v forth_o to_o all_o eternity_n yea_o this_o in_o so_o marvellous_a a_o way_n when_o no_o possible_a help_n can_v be_v find_v in_o we_o that_o the_o holy_a god_n will_v take_v satisfaction_n to_o himself_o by_o himself_o not_o only_o to_o save_v his_o people_n but_o to_o preserve_v the_o right_n of_o justice_n inviolable_a yea_o have_v thus_o bring_v we_o under_o a_o law_n to_o come_v and_o be_v bless_v in_o his_o son_n to_o who_o he_o bear_v record_n that_o in_o he_o be_v life_n and_o a_o eternal_a salvation_n make_v sure_a 3._o that_o the_o clear_a intent_n of_o this_o astonish_a mystery_n be_v not_o only_o to_o save_v his_o people_n from_o wrath_n but_o to_o make_v they_o meet_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n for_o that_o state_n which_o be_v above_o since_o it_o be_v not_o pardon_v alone_o or_o a_o heaven_n without_o we_o can_v make_v any_o bless_a until_o the_o soul_n once_o be_v frame_v for_o it_o and_o this_o first_o begin_v and_o wrought_v there_o and_o now_o what_o have_v a_o christian_a this_o day_n to_o converse_v when_o amid_o the_o multitude_n of_o his_o sad_a thought_n he_o can_v with_o such_o assurance_n retire_v into_o the_o gospel_n and_o thence_o look_v up_o to_o a_o eternity_n of_o glory_n as_o that_o which_o ere_o long_o he_o shall_v know_v and_o enjoy_v 4._o that_o this_o be_v so_o sure_a for_o his_o confirm_v that_o such_o a_o signature_n and_o impress_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o holiness_n be_v to_o be_v see_v this_o day_n in_o the_o earth_n i_o hope_v yet_o in_o innumereable_a instance_n even_o in_o these_o decline_a time_n with_o so_o visible_a a_o assimilation_n and_o likeness_n to_o a_o high_a state_n herein_o that_o if_o man_n but_o exerce_fw-la reason_n they_o may_v see_v it_o be_v sure_a a_o marvellous_a transform_a power_n can_v ever_o make_v such_o a_o change_n and_o that_o miracle_n if_o right_o consider_v do_v not_o this_o day_n cease_v in_o the_o church_n whilst_o so_o great_a a_o witness_n to_o the_o power_n and_o truth_n of_o godliness_n be_v continue_v 5._o he_o thus_o see_v that_o though_o no_o resemblance_n of_o our_o bless_a head_n have_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o church_n of_o his_o human_a
in_o this_o age_n i_o shall_v but_o offer_v some_o special_a reflection_n now_o suitable_a to_o such_o a_o day_n and_o of_o so_o know_v public_a and_o unquestionable_a evidence_n to_o the_o church_n that_o when_o bring_v near_o to_o our_o thought_n may_v let_v we_o see_v how_o far_o the_o advantage_n and_o measure_n of_o these_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n give_v in_o to_o this_o generation_n do_v exceed_v that_o of_o former_a time_n and_o i_o shall_v hop_v such_o a_o exercise_n may_v be_v of_o use_n and_o bless_a through_o the_o lord_n gracious_a concurrence_n for_o christian_n farthest_o confirm_v thus_o but_o to_o reason_n with_o themselves_o and_o have_v more_o deep_a reflecting_n thereon_o 1._o what_o ever_o hight_v this_o present_a assault_n from_o popery_n may_v come_v to_o yet_o we_o know_v how_o solemn_a a_o triumph_n the_o gospel_n hes_z have_v and_o that_o surly_a it_o be_v the_o same_o truth_n and_o cause_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n for_o which_o so_o great_a thing_n have_v the_o lord_n wrought_v when_o that_o bless_a revolution_n once_o come_v after_o antichristian_a darkness_n have_v overspread_v the_o face_n of_o the_o world_n for_o many_o age_n so_o as_o the_o full_a stroke_n and_o down_o fall_v of_o that_o kingdom_n seem_v not_o more_o marvellous_a and_o above_o all_o humane_a appearance_n when_o now_o at_o a_o distance_n than_o what_o we_o have_v already_o see_v 2._o that_o it_o be_v clear_a how_o extraordinare_a a_o power_n do_v attend_v this_o bless_a work_n of_o the_o church_n rise_v and_o that_o astonish_a swift_a progress_n thereof_o as_o nation_n seem_v to_o be_v bear_v at_o once_o and_o the_o earth_n to_o bring_v forth_o in_o one_o day_n church_n be_v then_o both_o plant_v and_o confirm_v betwixt_o the_o year_n 1521._o and_o 70._o like_o a_o new_a christian_a world_n thus_o bring_v forth_o and_o settle_v yea_o how_o far_o this_o be_v above_o visible_a mean_n and_o how_o little_a interest_n instrument_n have_v therein_o as_o it_o may_v be_v still_o say_v let_v none_o fear_v or_o stagger_n at_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n though_o difficulty_n in_o a_o ordinare_fw-la way_n seem_v insuperable_a after_o we_o have_v now_o see_v what_o the_o lord_n have_v do_v these_o last_o age_n 3._o that_o it_o be_v so_o evident_a how_o with_o the_o first_o shine_v forth_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o purity_n thereof_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o christianity_n come_v also_o therewith_o to_o the_o world_n and_o how_o this_o bless_a light_n do_v lead_v in_o to_o great_a tenderness_n in_o the_o walk_n and_o practice_v of_o christian_n which_o we_o may_v see_v yet_o as_o still_o present_a before_o we_o how_o extraordinare_a a_o effusion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n this_o be_v which_o cause_v then_o so_o marvellous_a a_o change_n and_o lustre_n on_o the_o church_n 4._o have_v we_o not_o see_v to_o confirm_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n these_o prodigy_n of_o cruelty_n have_v be_v act_v by_o the_o popish_a party_n such_o as_o some_o immediate_a power_n and_o incitement_n of_o the_o devil_n can_v only_o answer_v and_o have_v so_o far_o outgo_v the_o ordinare_fw-la rate_n of_o humane_a cruelty_n as_o if_o infernal_a spirit_n have_v then_o come_v and_o assume_v human_a shape_n to_o act_v this_o way_n yea_o be_v evident_a that_o no_o such_o measure_n can_v be_v find_v under_o the_o heathenish_a persecution_n against_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o in_o that_o strange_a way_n and_o manner_n follow_v as_o the_o french_a and_o irish_a massacre_n have_v be_v 5._o that_o such_o horrid_a practice_n also_o have_v be_v consequential_a to_o their_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n so_o as_o this_o have_v not_o only_o be_v dispense_v with_o 〈◊〉_d by_o that_o church_n but_o account_v as_o high_o meritorious_a that_o it_o may_v be_v now_o easy_a to_o judge_v where_o that_o spirit_n and_o way_n tend_v and_o what_o may_v be_v expect_v where_o this_o long_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d fury_n shall_v but_o once_o get_v a_o vent_n 6._o have_v we_o not_o see_v also_o no_o possible_a mâ—â—â—…_n security_n from_o such_o who_o great_a strength_n have_v thus_o be_v to_o move_v still_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o by_o surprise_n to_o make_v their_o great_a assault_n yea_o who_o very_a religion_n do_v so_o evident_o subvert_v all_o truth_n and_o mutual_a confidence_n among_o man_n 7._o but_o have_v we_o not_o also_o see_v amore_fw-la excellent_a spirit_n and_o invincible_a power_n have_v be_v to_o bear_v up_o against_o all_o this_o cruelty_n and_o rage_n and_o how_o great_a a_o seal_n thus_o have_v be_v to_o the_o protestant_a â—â—…se_n and_o doctrine_n in_o these_o late_a time_n by_o innumerable_a witness_n who_o even_o in_o their_o extreme_a suffering_n do_v so_o convince_o evidence_n a_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o undoubted_a seal_n of_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o their_o soul_n 8._o that_o these_o likewise_o be_v rare_a example_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o holiness_n in_o their_o day_n and_o of_o humility_n and_o subduedness_n to_o the_o flesh_n yea_o of_o tenderness_n and_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n to_o their_o persecutor_n who_o the_o lord_n do_v thus_o call_v and_o prepare_v for_o such_o a_o sacrifice_n 9_o that_o no_o precipitancy_n or_o stubbornness_n in_o the_o least_o be_v in_o their_o way_n but_o as_o with_o great_a assurance_n of_o mind_n so_o with_o a_o tender_a humble_a and_o deliberate_a act_n their_o study_n then_o be_v by_o rational_a conviction_n to_o deal_v with_o the_o conscience_n of_o adversary_n in_o a_o willing_a render_n the_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o suffer_v with_o all_o meekness_n from_o the_o scripture_n with_o a_o reference_n thereto_o before_o the_o world_n to_o be_v try_v and_o search_v out_o in_o what_o any_o can_v object_v 10._o have_v we_o not_o see_v the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n most_o bright_o shine_v forth_o in_o that_o day_n in_o the_o weakness_n of_o mean_n and_o that_o no_o special_a piece_n of_o service_n be_v then_o call_v for_o but_o a_o most_o surprise_a and_o discernible_a call_n and_o excitement_n of_o instrument_n thereto_o who_o in_o the_o same_o spirit_n by_o which_o other_o be_v help_v to_o suffer_v be_v remarkable_o then_o carry_v out_o to_o act_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o gospel_n much_o above_o themselves_o and_o their_o ordinare_fw-la reach_n 11._o have_v we_o not_o see_v also_o that_o no_o great_a thing_n be_v by_o the_o lord_n than_o bring_v forth_o for_o his_o church_n but_o some_o remarkable_a height_n of_o trouble_n go_v before_o and_o how_o every_o step_n of_o she_o rise_v and_o prevail_v over_o antichrist_n have_v be_v still_o usher_v in_o with_o some_o sore_a conflict_n and_o down_o cast_v like_o the_o pang_n and_o throw_v of_o the_o birth_n before_o a_o delivery_n 12._o have_v we_o not_o clear_o see_v that_o no_o humane_a power_n since_o the_o break_n forth_o of_o this_o bless_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v yet_o ever_o reach_v its_o end_n against_o the_o reform_a church_n though_o no_o possible_a way_n and_o change_v of_o weapon_n have_v be_v leave_v untried_a but_o how_o most_o visible_o the_o work_n of_o their_o own_o hand_n have_v ensnare_v they_o herein_o and_o tend_v more_o to_o the_o furtherance_n of_o the_o gospel_n 13._o and_o may_v it_o not_o be_v confirm_v what_o have_v be_v so_o clear_a to_o see_v the_o reform_a church_n of_o france_n get_v so_o sweet_a a_o clam_n yea_o fix_v in_o a_o settle_a state_n with_o outward_a peace_n and_o legal_a security_n by_o the_o catholic_n league_n there_o andby_o such_o a_o formidable_a conjunction_n as_o be_v therein_o of_o person_n and_o interest_n for_o her_o utter_a ruin_n 14._o to_o see_v four_o king_n of_o france_n successive_o take_v away_o in_o 30_o year_n all_o upon_o the_o same_o design_n and_o in_o a_o vigorous_a pursuit_n to_o destroy_v the_o protestant_a interest_n there_o and_o in_o they_o that_o race_n of_o the_o house_n of_o valois_n whole_o extinct_a of_o who_o two_o be_v by_o a_o violent_a death_n henry_n the_o second_o and_o three_o and_o this_o last_o so_o remarkable_o from_o that_o very_a airt_n with_o who_o he_o have_v most_o concur_v and_o join_v in_o counsel_n as_o particular_o with_o the_o duke_n of_o guise_n for_o the_o massacre_n but_o both_o fall_n and_o destroy_v by_o other_o in_o a_o short_a time_n 15._o to_o see_v the_o netherlands_o fix_v both_o in_o a_o settle_a state_n and_o church_n by_o that_o bloody_a engine_n of_o the_o spanish_a inquisition_n set_v up_o there_o and_o severe_a cruelty_n of_o philip_n the_o ii_o as_o the_o very_o mean_v make_v most_o subservient_fw-fr thereto_o 16._o to_o see_v the_o protestant_a doctrine_n more_o effectual_o promote_v and_o root_v in_o england_n by_o the_o bloody_a day_n of_o queen_n mary_n than_o the_o peace_n full_a calm_n of_o king_n eduard_n who_o have_v go_v before_o 17._o to_o see_v the_o violence_n and_o falsehood_n of_o queen_n dovager_n and_o inbr_v of_o the_o french_a to_o scotland_n to_o bear_v down_o and_o destroy_v the_o protestant_a interest_n there_o such_o a_o effectual_a mean_a and_o advantage_n for_o its_o rise_n and_o further_a establishment_n 18._o to_o see_v the_o blood_n and_o cruelty_n by_o ferdinand_n the_o ii_o in_o bohemia_n in_o so_o very_o short_a a_o time_n most_o visible_o return_v on_o himself_o to_o a_o make_v germany_n almost_o desolate_a and_o for_o many_o year_n to_o sum_n in_o its_o own_o blood_n by_o the_o swede_n and_o their_o confederate_n 19_o to_o see_v that_o horrid_a late_a irish_a massacre_n in_o a_o few_o year_n after_o resolve_v in_o a_o utter_a root_n out_o almost_o of_o that_o cruel_a party_n who_o have_v move_v therein_o with_o such_o a_o discernible_a sunshine_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o do_v follow_v after_o in_o that_o land_n 20._o i_o must_v here_o add_v which_o may_v be_v clear_a and_o confirm_v this_o day_n how_o so_o strange_a a_o fall_n in_o with_o popery_n have_v be_v now_o these_o 20._o year_n past_a in_o britain_n and_o what_o ground_n that_o interest_n have_v gain_v there_o have_v so_o visible_o have_v its_o strength_n from_o that_o airt_n of_o atheism_n ignorance_n and_o the_o get_n up_o of_o a_o profane_a spirit_n which_o as_o a_o prodigy_n and_o deluge_n have_v thus_o break_v forth_o in_o these_o land_n once_o blessed_v both_o with_o the_o purity_n and_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n beyond_o most_o of_o the_o church_n and_o how_o such_o have_v indeed_o find_v it_o easy_a to_o quit_v the_o truth_n who_o yet_o never_o know_v it_o beside_o the_o influence_n and_o suit_v of_o such_o a_o bait_n as_o this_o way_n be_v to_o the_o temper_n of_o so_o licentious_a a_o time_n and_o for_o some_o private_a interest_n when_o that_o have_v be_v under_o so_o favourable_a a_o aspect_n finis_fw-la
this_o clear_a the_o spotless_a way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o seal_v our_o instruction_n from_o what_o we_o have_v see_v that_o when_o no_o answerable_a fruit_n be_v to_o such_o a_o season_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o have_v be_v of_o late_a nor_o one_fw-mi embrace_v the_o truth_n in_o its_o simplicity_n and_o with_o desire_n after_o the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n as_o may_v have_v be_v hope_v for_o but_o a_o seek_v more_o after_o new_a and_o strange_a doctrine_n and_o to_o follow_v these_o thing_n which_o tend_v not_o to_o edify_v that_o so_o sad_a and_o dark_a one_fw-mi eclipse_v shall_v follow_v though_o i_o hope_v some_o bless_a fruit_n of_o these_o time_n past_a shall_v be_v yet_o find_v and_o abide_v with_o many_o o_o that_o after_o this_o a_o more_o fervent_a and_o serious_a respect_n to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n may_v yet_o revive_v in_o our_o land_n and_o a_o keep_v close_o by_o this_o appoint_a way_n not_o only_o to_o beget_v but_o to_o confirm_v feed_v and_o make_v the_o saint_n perfect_a ephes_n 4_o 12._o i_o hope_v such_o as_o under_o these_o mean_n have_v know_v a_o near_a and_o sensible_a fellowship_n with_o jesus_n christ_n with_o that_o ineffable_o sweet_a and_o fragrant_a savour_n of_o his_o name_n and_o that_o sure_o he_o feed_v his_o people_n there_o can_v at_o so_o easy_a a_o rate_n be_v take_v off_o these_o breast_n as_o too_o many_o of_o late_o have_v be_v it_o be_v sure_a the_o more_o true_a growth_n and_o liuly_a the_o work_n of_o grace_n be_v on_o the_o soul_n the_o more_o feel_v need_n and_o desire_n will_v be_v then_o after_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o may_v be_v fear_v beside_o all_o we_o have_v see_v if_o so_o sad_a a_o fall_n off_o from_o those_o be_v still_o own_v as_o to_o reject_v the_o message_n of_o truth_n from_o such_o know_v godly_a and_o eminent_o qualify_v minister_n of_o christ_n to_o his_o church_n upon_o that_o pretence_n of_o the_o late_a indulgence_n leist_z they_o lose_v even_o what_o they_o have_v once_o attain_v when_o thus_o out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o from_o under_o his_o promise_n for_o protection_n and_o be_v keep_v from_o the_o prevalence_n of_o that_o spirit_n of_o error_n and_o delusion_n which_o by_o the_o very_a same_o entry_n have_v now_o get_v such_o visible_a power_n on_o other_o i_o nothing_o doubt_v but_o many_o have_v be_v engage_v herein_o without_o fear_n or_o apprension_n of_o such_o hazard_n and_o as_o judge_v it_o duty_n and_o that_o some_o who_o appearance_n this_o way_n have_v have_v most_o weight_n and_o credit_n with_o other_o their_o heart_n will_v have_v tremble_v at_o what_o have_v be_v now_o see_v to_o follow_v thereupon_o whilst_o the_o tendency_n and_o product_n of_o such_o thing_n have_v outrun_a so_o much_o their_o intent_n but_o it_o shall_v be_v mater_fw-la of_o grief_n to_o all_o what_o ground_n we_o have_v thus_o lose_v and_o what_o the_o great_a adversary_n of_o the_o church_n have_v gain_v to_o prejudge_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o i_o must_v premit_fw-la this_o further_o to_o be_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o want_v of_o light_n as_o of_o practice_n which_o be_v the_o great_a let_v to_o the_o church_n cure_n and_o i_o will_v humble_o offer_v some_o few_o thing_n where_o both_o unquestionable_a duty_n and_o the_o remedy_n of_o these_o sore_a distemper_n now_o among_o we_o be_v joint_o obvious_a as_o we_o may_v yet_o hope_v to_o see_v another_o appearance_n on_o the_o church_n when_o these_o be_v in_o earnest_n follow_v 1._o to_o keep_v close_o by_o the_o scripture_n with_o a_o sincere_a humble_a inquiry_n for_o light_n there_o and_o a_o more_o entire_a reference_n to_o its_o alone_a decision_n it_o be_v sure_a the_o conscience_n must_v be_v no_o rule_n to_o we_o nor_o can_v alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n to_o make_v that_o good_a which_o be_v evil_a but_o must_v have_v a_o rule_n for_o its_o self_n nor_o be_v it_o further_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n than_o it_o be_v true_o enlighten_v yea_o nothing_o hes_z be_v more_o threaten_a to_o the_o church_n than_o the_o strong_a impulse_n of_o one_o err_a conscience_n which_o seldom_o keep_v within_o any_o bound_n and_o though_o i_o will_v desire_v with_o the_o further_a tenderness_n to_o speak_v in_o this_o present_a case_n so_o far_o as_o a_o necessare_fw-la own_v of_o the_o truth_n can_v admit_v yet_o i_o must_v say_v it_o have_v be_v to_o i_o one_o of_o the_o astonish_a thing_n of_o this_o day_n how_o such_o violence_n in_o drive_v this_o sad_a rent_n in_o our_o church_n and_o on_o these_o ground_n as_o have_v be_v pretend_v can_v seek_v shelter_n under_o this_o patrociny_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n or_o plead_v its_o warrant_n from_o that_o bless_a rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v so_o express_v plain_a and_o full_a herein_o and_o what_o shall_v mean_v this_o strange_a halt_n if_o the_o lord_n be_v god_n let_v we_o follow_v he_o and_o subject_n whole_o to_o his_o word_n for_o at_o that_o bar_n only_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v we_o desire_v to_o appear_v and_o be_v try_v what_o a_o sweet_a testimony_n will_v this_o than_o be_v on_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o die_a christian_a that_o the_o truth_n be_v so_o dear_a to_o they_o as_o no_o pre-engagement_n nor_o any_o interest_n of_o their_o suppose_a credit_n do_v interpose_v between_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o word_n and_o their_o conscience_n or_o betwixt_o their_o conscience_n and_o a_o declare_v the_o same_o to_o the_o world_n both_o for_o give_v glory_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o advantage_n and_o edification_n of_o other_o yea_o this_o from_o some_o of_o great_a repute_n in_o the_o church_n have_v tend_v to_o transmit_v their_o memory_n with_o a_o most_o sweet_a savour_n and_o credit_n to_o after_o time_n 2._o a_o serious_a inquiry_n and_o trial_n by_o all_o of_o their_o own_o way_n with_o much_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n of_o themselves_o shall_v be_v a_o bless_a ingredient_n in_o our_o cure_n and_o relief_n this_o day_n when_o snare_n and_o hazard_n be_v so_o thick_o spread_v and_o i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v now_o further_o convince_a that_o whatever_o be_v the_o case_n of_o our_o church_n such_o a_o way_n and_o method_n be_v no_o suitable_a cure_n as_o do_v visible_o tend_v to_o inflame_v the_o wound_n more_o than_o to_o heal_v nor_o that_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n work_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n i_o hope_v a_o second_o inquiry_n and_o trial_n by_o any_o of_o a_o serious_a spirit_n will_v let_v they_o yet_o clear_o see_v that_o such_o pretence_n they_o found_v on_o can_v never_o justify_v this_o late_a rent_n and_o fall_v of_o thus_o from_o church_n fellowship_n where_o not_o only_o they_o can_v continue_v without_o sin_n but_o with_o much_o hope_n of_o a_o blessing_n 3._o and_o do_v not_o here_o both_o the_o rule_n of_o duty_n and_o our_o relief_n in_o this_o sad_a case_n convince_o meet_a in_o a_o seek_v to_o overcome_v evil_a and_o private_a injury_n with_o good_a it_o be_v true_a this_o be_v a_o special_o pungent_a trial_n and_o will_v not_o want_v some_o conflict_n but_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v find_v one_o of_o the_o choice_a opportunity_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n for_o theirafter_o peace_n yea_o the_o more_o wrestle_v may_v thus_o be_v upon_o special_a provocation_n and_o with_o some_o peculiar_a aggravate_v circumstance_n to_o reach_v this_o bless_a victory_n over_o themselves_o the_o more_o comfort_n and_o joy_n will_v be_v upon_o their_o after_a thought_n heirof_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a thus_o be_v great_a advantage_n for_o a_o just_a vindication_n by_o christian_n of_o themselves_o whilst_o press_v thereto_o as_o this_o be_v with_o least_o bitterness_n or_o recrimination_n follow_v 4._o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n express_o call_v for_o keep_v a_o distance_n with_o such_o thing_n as_o may_v tend_v to_o engender_v strife_n and_o debate_n in_o the_o church_n and_o not_o to_o edify_v as_o our_o duty_n and_o i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v too_o see_v how_o sad_a influence_n this_o have_v have_v to_o break_v the_o comfort_n and_o edification_n of_o christian_a fellowship_n where_o once_o professor_n of_o religion_n have_v be_v involve_v in_o such_o a_o way_n there_o be_v no_o such_o practice_n or_o custom_n in_o these_o first_o pure_a time_n of_o the_o church_n whilst_o the_o apostle_n live_v and_o be_v special_o advert_v to_o then_o but_o if_o any_o be_v contentious_a we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 5._o it_o be_v duty_n also_o for_o the_o further_a convince_a tenderness_n to_o be_v use_v by_o such_o who_o through_o grace_n have_v be_v keep_v fix_v for_o restore_v of_o other_o with_o the_o spirit_n