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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
spirit_n believe_v faith_n grace_n 8,077 5 5.8830 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A48465 The lamb calling his follovvers to retirement Being a gumble enquiry into the duty of churches, ministers, and all that fear the Lord, under the present dispensation of God. By one that would be found (though unworthy) the Lords witness and servant, and of all his saints. One that would be found the Lords witness and servant. 1662 (1662) Wing L213A; ESTC R221678 38,215 130

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the_o lamb_n call_v his_o follower_n to_o retirement_n be_v a_o humble_a enquiry_n into_o the_o duty_n of_o church_n minister_n and_o all_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n under_o the_o present_a dispensation_n of_o god_n by_o one_o that_o will_v be_v find_v though_o unworthy_a the_o lord_n witness_v and_o servant_n and_o of_o all_o his_o saint_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 5._o judge_v nothing_o before_o the_o time_n print_v in_o the_o year_n 1662._o to_o the_o reader_n the_o different_a apprehension_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o this_o day_n concern_v their_o present_a duty_n be_v cut_v off_o from_o their_o public_a liberty_n of_o worship_n give_v occasion_n to_o the_o ensue_a enquiry_n some_o judge_v it_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o assemble_v open_o though_o they_o expose_v themselves_o or_o at_o least_o their_o teacher_n to_o the_o utmost_a hazard_n other_o that_o retirement_n be_v that_o which_o the_o present_a dispensation_n call_v for_o which_o late_a this_o brief_a discourse_n endeavour_n to_o prove_v as_o justifiable_a from_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o former_a age_n but_o more_o especial_o to_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o his_o people_n in_o the_o present_a day_n in_o which_o there_o be_v a_o concur_v judgement_n of_o many_o but_o that_o retirement_n which_o be_v first_o call_v to_o namely_o unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n himself_o which_o be_v brief_o press_v in_o the_o former_a part_n be_v that_o which_o be_v commend_v to_o all_o as_o absolute_o necessary_a as_o ever_o they_o expect_v to_o be_v find_v under_o his_o wing_n at_o his_o come_n and_o appear_v and_o reader_n hear_v the_o call_n of_o jesus_n christ_n therein_o that_o thou_o may_v lay_v up_o thy_o immortal_a soul_n with_o he_o that_o when_o storm_n be_v come_v upon_o the_o world_n thou_o may_v be_v find_v in_o thy_o sanctuary_n in_o thy_o chamber_n of_o rest_n and_o safety_n where_o they_o shall_v not_o reach_v thou_o as_o to_o the_o case_n of_o retirement_n from_o open_a assemble_v it_o be_v plain_o state_v from_o scripture_n evidence_n as_o be_v humble_o apprehend_v wherein_o if_o there_o be_v not_o enough_o say_v to_o satisfy_v a_o doubt_a conscience_n yet_o at_o least_o there_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o engage_v humble_a and_o sober_a mind_n to_o a_o mutual_a forbearance_n the_o duty_n of_o all_o saint_n under_o this_o retirement_n be_v but_o brief_o hint_v because_o of_o brevity_n and_o in_o that_o they_o have_v be_v more_o at_o large_a press_v by_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o the_o two_o year_n of_o mercy_n we_o have_v enjoy_v as_o the_o peculiar_a blessing_n of_o this_o city_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o establishment_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o these_o nation_n the_o vindicate_a and_o assert_v whereof_o have_v as_o be_v hope_v leave_v a_o gracious_a and_o powerful_a impression_n and_o savour_n upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v find_v the_o more_o quiet_o submit_v to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o bless_o establish_v in_o the_o forementioned_a truth_n and_o may_v in_o those_o holy_a principle_n in_o which_o they_o have_v be_v build_v up_o continue_v in_o a_o more_o private_a way_n edify_v one_o another_o in_o love_n as_o those_o in_o this_o their_o retirement_n that_o be_v wait_v for_o the_o speedy_a return_n of_o their_o lord_n that_o when_o he_o come_v he_o may_v find_v they_o so_o do_v this_o you_o may_v do_v as_o under_o the_o wing_n of_o the_o almighty_a in_o a_o probable_a security_n and_o not_o hasten_v yourselves_o into_o your_o own_o suffering_n and_o if_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n single_a out_o any_o of_o you_o to_o a_o suffer_a testimony_n in_o the_o loss_n of_o liberty_n or_o good_n or_o to_o banishment_n very_o you_o will_v know_v the_o tender_a heart_n of_o jesus_n christ_n towards_o you_o and_o his_o faithfulness_n in_o make_v up_o all_o to_o you_o and_o you_o and_o that_o in_o this_o life_n a_o hundred_o fold_n be_v quiet_a you_o captive_n of_o hope_n for_o in_o return_v and_o rest_n shall_v you_o be_v save_v in_o quietness_n and_o confidence_n shall_v be_v your_o strength_n and_o though_o the_o lord_n give_v you_o the_o bread_n of_o adversity_n and_o the_o water_n of_o affliction_n yet_o shall_v not_o thy_o teacher_n be_v remove_v into_o corner_n any_o more_o but_o thy_o eye_n shall_v see_v thy_o teacher_n do_v not_o think_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v now_o at_o the_o end_n of_o twenty_o year_n work_n and_o that_o the_o present_a dispensation_n be_v the_o last_o issue_n of_o all_o his_o glorious_a providence_n you_o have_v sometime_o believe_v that_o the_o exaltation_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n will_v be_v the_o issue_n of_o all_o the_o shake_n the_o lord_n have_v make_v in_o these_o nation_n and_o you_o have_v as_o 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thy_o former_a love_a kindness_n etc._n etc._n the_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o his_o people_n be_v build_v as_o upon_o two_o pillar_n mercy_n and_o faithfulness_n psal_n 89._o 2._o for_o i_o have_v say_v mercy_n shall_v be_v build_v up_o for_o ever_o thy_o faithfulness_n shall_v thou_o establish_v in_o the_o very_a heaven_n i_o have_v make_v a_o covenant_n with_o my_o choose_a etc._n etc._n under_o these_o two_o do_v david_n shelter_n as_o the_o wing_n of_o the_o cherubim_n 57_o 1_o 2._o god_n shall_v send_v forth_o his_o mercy_n and_o truth_n and_o shall_v save_v i_o mercy_n to_o pity_n and_o forgive_v faithfulness_n to_o fulfil_v his_o word_n here_o be_v a_o safe_a shelter_n for_o saint_n in_o every_o strait_a david_n and_o other_o of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n get_v under_o these_o wing_n of_o god_n and_o be_v at_o peace_n david_n near_o twenty_o time_n in_o the_o psalm_n be_v put_v these_o two_o together_o thy_o mercy_n and_o thy_o truth_n shall_v prevent_v i_o and_o in_o 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impregnable_a shelter_n all_o the_o world_n can_v get_v a_o soul_n out_o of_o it_o all_o be_v safe_a there_o obj._n but_o may_v not_o my_o life_n go_v for_o it_o for_o all_o this_o answer_v that_o which_o be_v indeed_o thy_o life_n the_o life_n of_o thy_o soul_n the_o immortal_a life_n that_o be_v most_o safe_o hide_v or_o lay_v with_o christ_n in_o god_n col._n 3._o 3_o because_o i_o live_v you_o shall_v live_v also_o john_n 14._o your_o life_n be_v as_o safe_a as_o my_o life_n it_o be_v bind_v up_o with_o my_o own_o yea_o it_o be_v the_o same_o with_o my_o own_o the_o life_n i_o live_v i_o live_v in_o you_o as_o
retire_v themselves_o from_o their_o more_o public_a ministry_n in_o the_o ordinary_a providence_n of_o god_n these_o reason_n of_o it_o may_v be_v instance_a 1._o when_o public_a preacher_n be_v send_v to_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n and_o the_o people_n will_v not_o receive_v they_o but_o persecute_v they_o they_o after_o some_o patient_a wait_a may_v withdraw_v for_o a_o testimony_n against_o they_o mat._n 10._o 14._o which_o be_v too_o often_o the_o case_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n though_o it_o do_v not_o full_o reach_v the_o case_n in_o hand_n 2._o when_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v more_o wo●k_a and_o service_n for_o his_o servant_n and_o will_v preserve_v they_o to_o a_o day_n of_o liberty_n as_o have_v be_v show_v of_o the_o whole_a generation_n of_o saint_n than_o he_o have_v use_v to_o hide_v they_o by_o his_o gracious_a providence_n in_o a_o wonderful_a manner_n and_o have_v call_v they_o off_o from_o the_o public_a stage_n and_o keep_v they_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o persecution_n they_o have_v be_v under_o or_o snatch_v they_o out_o of_o they_o as_o abundant_a instance_n may_v be_v give_v so_o it_o be_v prophesy_v isa_n 30._o 20_o that_o their_o teacher_n shall_v be_v remove_v into_o corne●s_n till_o the_o captivity_n be_v over_o etc._n etc._n 3._o in_o mercy_n to_o the_o church_n that_o the_o liberty_n and_o life_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v preserve_v to_o serve_v they_o more_o public_o when_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o providence_n shall_v make_v way_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n may_v be_v useful_a to_o the_o church_n in_o a_o more_o private_a way_n and_o not_o to_o spend_v they_o in_o a_o kind_n of_o passionate_a courage_n upon_o the_o implacable_a fury_n of_o their_o persecutor_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o disciple_n at_o caesarea_n so_o passionate_o beseech_v paul_n not_o to_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n and_o when_o he_o will_v have_v enter_v in_o among_o the_o people_n the_o disciple_n suffer_v he_o not_o this_o may_v suffice_v to_o state_n and_o clear_a this_o case_n ●o_o the_o conscience_n of_o such_o as_o may_v be_v different_o mind_v herein_o which_o may_v at_o least_o call_v for_o a_o mutual_a forbearance_n in_o love_n and_o that_o satan_n get_v not_o a_o advantage_n to_o stir_v up_o heat_n heighten_v prejudices_fw-la beget_v a_o great_a distance_n among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o so_o in_o stead_n of_o close_v widen_v the_o sad_a breach_n that_o have_v be_v among_o we_o and_o yet_o when_o i_o have_v thus_o state_v this_o case_n that_o the_o call_v of_o jesus_n christ_n may_v be_v to_o retire_v and_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a upon_o particular_a personal_a persecution_n for_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n to_o do_v so_o yet_o i_o also_o say_v with_o bless_a bucer_n as_o he_o state_v this_o case_n on_o the_o four_o of_o matth._n upon_o our_o saviour_n retirement_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o absolute_a bind_v unlimited_a rule_n lay_v down_o in_o this_o case_n that_o shall_v be_v bind_v in_o all_o time_n and_o to_o all_o person_n and_o it_o be_v hard_a for_o other_o to_o determine_v when_o a_o servant_n of_o christ_n may_v more_o honour_v the_o lord_n by_o retirement_n or_o by_o a_o public_a expose_v himself_n every_o man_n in_o such_o a_o case_n be_v to_o give_v up_o himself_o to_o the_o lead_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o have_v carry_v some_o of_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n in_o one_o way_n and_o some_o in_o another_o in_o all_o time_n of_o persecution_n according_o as_o christ_n will_v be_v glorify_v by_o they_o though_o the_o same_o bucer_n who_o also_o retire_v in_o the_o german_a persecution_n conclude_v thus_o where_o by_o retirement_n &_o flight_n thou_o may_v see_v a_o advantage_n of_o honour_v christ_n tuus_fw-la te_fw-la horae_fw-la servans_fw-la by_o withdraw_v thou_o do_v as_o christ_n himself_o do_v and_o as_o paul_n at_o damascus_n yet_o that_o the_o mind_n of_o saint_n may_v be_v full_o satisfy_v herein_o i_o will_v consider_v what_o be_v usual_o urge_v by_o some_o to_o the_o contrary_n obj._n how_o do_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n give_v forth_o a_o full_a testimony_n if_o they_o retire_v when_o edict_n be_v give_v forth_o against_o they_o see_v it_o be_v say_v they_o overcome_v by_o the_o wo●d_n of_o their_o testimony_n rev._n 12._o that_o we_o may_v therefore_o consider_v how_o far_o this_o may_v reach_v and_o when_o saint_n may_v be_v say_v to_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o to_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n ver_fw-la last_o 1._o a_o testimony_n be_v give_v first_o by_o the_o preacher_n &_o witness_n of_o christ_n by_o discover_v the_o sin_n and_o the_o antichristian_a abomination_n of_o the_o age_n &_o day_n they_o live_v in_o and_o witness_v for_o all_o the_o office_n worship_n kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n give_v light_a and_o act_n they_o thereunto_o and_o as_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n open_v a_o door_n to_o they_o bless_a be_v the_o father_n of_o spirit_n that_o through_o the_o grace_n and_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n such_o a_o testimony_n have_v be_v give_v forth_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o conviction_n and_o establishment_n as_o be_v hope_v of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n which_o testimony_n no_o doubt_n the_o lord_n will_v make_v good_a in_o his_o best_a time_n and_o which_o they_o leave_v with_o god_n be_v satisfy_v they_o be_v call_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o a_o more_o retire_a way_n 2._o all_o other_o saint_n do_v keep_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n as_o oppose_v to_o the_o command_v of_o man_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o worship_n when_o they_o be_v through_o the_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o word_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n rest_v upon_o they_o keep_v from_o partake_v of_o the_o sin_n pollution_n and_o anti-christian_n abomination_n of_o false_a worship_n which_o man_n will_v impose_v upon_o they_o act_v 2._o 40._o save_o yourselves_o from_o this_o untoward_a generation_n eph._n 5_o 7._o be_v not_o you_o therefore_o partaker_n with_o they_o v._o 11._o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o the_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n etc._n etc._n touch_v not_o the_o unclean_a thing_n be_v you_o separate_v 2._o cor._n 6_o come_v out_o of_o she_o my_o pe●ple_n that_o you_o be_v not_o pa_n tak●rs_v of_o her_o sin_n that_o you_o receive_v not_o of_o her_o plague_n rev._n 18._o 4._o when_o the_o profess_v people_n shall_v obey_v the_o lord_n in_o such_o word_n as_o these_o and_o not_o defile_v themselves_o nor_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o jealousy_n against_o they_o this_o be_v a_o good_a testimony_n and_o such_o saint_n who_o call_v for_o extremity_n from_o other_o may_v find_v this_o to_o be_v a_o testimony_n hard_a enough_o to_o be_v keep_v when_o they_o be_v try_v as_o th●y_o have_v in_o lesser_a matter_n already_o this_o testimony_n the_o 7000._o keep_v in_o samaria_n that_o bow_v not_o their_o knee_n to_o baal_n and_o god_n accept_v they_o in_o it_o and_o let_v all_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n who_o will_v approve_v themselves_o as_o such_o to_o god_n and_o his_o people_n take_v heed_n that_o they_o be_v faithful_a in_o this_o testimony_n as_o well_o as_o other_o of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o that_o under_o pretence_n of_o have_v the_o liberty_n of_o their_o ministry_n they_o be_v not_o find_v in_o compliance_n with_o humane_a invention_n against_o light_n to_o render_v themselves_o a_o scorn_n to_o the_o profane_a and_o a_o grief_n and_o stumble_a block_n to_o the_o godly_a especial_o when_o such_o eminent_a and_o severe_a stroke_n from_o heaven_n have_v be_v upon_o many_o for_o so_o do_v 3._o saint_n do_v keep_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n when_o they_o be_v find_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o christ_n appointment_n though_o in_o a_o more_o private_a way_n which_o be_v a_o testimony_n against_o the_o persecution_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o abomination_n thereof_o as_o the_o primitive_a christian_n practise_v 4._o saint_n do_v keep_v the_o word_n of_o testimony_n when_o any_o of_o they_o be_v call_v before_o man_n for_o not_o partake_v in_o false_a way_n of_o worship_n and_o be_v so_o call_v do_v not_o deny_v the_o truth_n but_o confess_v it_o before_o man_n m●t●h_n 10._o 32_o 33._o whosoever_o therefore_o shall_v confess_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v ●_o confess_v b●fore_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o whosoever_o shall_v deny_v i_o before_o man_n him_z will_z i_o also_o deny_v ●efore_o my_o father_n w●ich_a be_v in_o heaven_n so_o ●s_v say_v i●sus_n christ_n witness_v a_o good_a ●●n●●ssion_n before_o po●tius_n pilate_n 1_o tim_n
prohibition_n till_o the_o second_o year_n of_o darius_n who_o indulgence_n they_o may_v have_v soon_o have_v but_o neglect_v it_o and_o build_v their_o own_o house_n and_o be_v reprove_v by_o the_o prophet_n for_o their_o neglect_n therein_o and_o that_o word_n as_o urge_v by_o bless_a mr._n burrough_n in_o this_o case_n and_o other_o of_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o to_o be_v slight_v mal._n 9_o i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n which_o may_v well_o hold_v forth_o this_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v more_o respect_n to_o a_o work_n of_o mercy_n than_o to_o a_o sacrifice_n a_o lawful_a preservation_n of_o a_o man_n self_n be_v a_o moral_a duty_n a_o work_n of_o mercy_n not_o only_o to_o himself_o but_o other_o to_o which_o end_n a_o sacrifice_n of_o institute_v worship_n at_o certain_a time_n and_o in_o some_o case_n may_v be_v omit_v obj._n 6._o but_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o case_n be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n who_o life_n be_v in_o hazard_n but_o now_o it_o be_v not_o so_o the_o liberty_n and_o livelyhood_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n be_v only_o endanger_v ans_fw-fr 1._o the_o loss_n of_o liberty_n &_o livelihood_n with_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o family_n be_v as_o a_o l●sser_a death_n the_o preservation_n of_o which_o be_v a_o moral_a duty_n but_o let_v the_o case_n well_o be_v consider_v what_o three_o month_n imprisonment_n in_o such_o nasty_a hole_n as_o the_o lon●on_n prison_n be_v and_o it_o may_v be_v understand_v to_o amount_v to_o little_o less_o than_o life_n and_o upon_o what_o term_n liberty_n may_v be_v have_v at_o the_o three_o month_n end_n be_v not_o so_o easy_a to_o determine_v it_o cost_v one_o eminent_a s._n eminent_a mr._n s._n minister_n his_o life_n already_o but_o if_o it_o be_v state_v to_o be_v only_o the_o loss_n of_o liberty_n it_o will_v be_v a_o tender_a case_n of_o conscience_n whether_o for_o once_o or_o twice_o appear_v in_o public_a a_o minister_n be_v to_o hazard_v his_o service_n of_o the_o c●u●ches_n a●d_a people_n of_o god_n to_o who_o h●_n may_v be_v useful_a in_o a_o more_o private_a way_n obj._n 7._o but_o such_o a_o withdraw_a may_v be_v a●_n offence_n ●o_o some_o s●ints_n though_o most_o othery_a be_v satisfy_v ans_fw-fr i_o sh●ll_v here_o speak_v a_o little_a to_o the_o case_n o●_n offence_n because_o satan_n have_v former_o have_v great_a advantage_n upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n this_o way_n 1._o there_o be_v o●●●●ces_n that_o come_v by_o the_o ungodly_a persecute_v world_n who_o lie_v stumble_v block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n by_o their_o persecute_v they_o to_o such_o it_o be_v say_v woe_n to_o the_o ●orld_n because_o of_o offence_n mat._n 18._o saint_n be_v not_o sure_o to_o pronounce_v those_o woe_n one_o upon_o another_o upon_o different_a apprehension_n of_o duty_n 2._o there_o be_v offence_n that_o arise_v among_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n themselves_o such_o be_v 1_o either_o real_o give_v one_o to_o another_o or_o two_o through_o misunderstanding_n weakness_n passion_n or_o temptation_n be_v undue_o take_v and_o not_o give_v 1._o concern_v the_o former_a namely_o offence_n real_o give_v which_o will_v too_o often_o be_v while_o we_o s●e_v but_o in_o pa●t_n and_o be_v holy_a but_o in_o part_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n call_v for_o all_o forbearance_n compassion_n and_o restore_v one_o another_o and_o bear_v one_o another_o burden_n according_a to_o the_o royal_a law_n of_o l●u●_n gal._n 6._o 1_o 2._o eph._n 4._o ph●l_n 2._o col._n 3._o 12._o 1_o pet._n 3._o 8._o ●rom_o which_o scripture_n let_v saint_n and_o member_n of_o church_n learn_v what_o spirit_n and_o carriage_n be_v require_v one_o of_o another_o in_o case_n of_o offence_n which_o through_o miscarriage_n mistake_n and_o hour_n of_o temptation_n will_v befall_v the_o poor_a child_n of_o god_n while_o they_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o therefore_o do_v call_v for_o such_o a_o exercise_n of_o grace_n one_o towards_o another_o and_o not_o for_o rigid_a censure_v debase_v tread_v one_o another_o name_n under_o their_o foot_n or_o worse_o if_o it_o may_v be_v which_o be_v fruit_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o the_o pride_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n when_o we_o set_v up_o a_o throne_n in_o our_o own_o spirit_n and_o all_o must_v bow_v and_o ●all_n down_o to_o it_o to_o be_v judge_v either_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o judgement_n or_o practice_n and_o wonderful_o please_v ourselves_o in_o it_o which_o will_v not_o well_o consist_v with_o a_o well_o humble_a heart_n 2._o there_o be_v offence_n upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o saint_n that_o be_v take_v but_o not_o real_o give_v through_o weakness_n of_o judgement_n misguide_v zeal_n rashness_n and_o passion_n and_o not_o attend_v to_o a_o well_o study_a and_o right_o inform_v judgement_n whereby_o the_o tempter_n wait_v to_o stumble_v good_a skull_n and_o to_o hinder_v their_o peace_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o lord_n hence_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n take●_n special_a notice_n of_o the_o evil_n that_o befall_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n in_o this_o case_n a_o brother_n offend_v be_v ha●der_o to_o be_v none_o than_o a_o strong_a city_n and_o their_o contentious_a be_v li●e_z ●●e_z ●●rs_n of_o a_o castle_n prov._n 18._o 19_o yea_o let_v it_o be_v serious_o attend_v to_o by_o all_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n whether_o all_o the_o teacher_n that_o have_v be_v among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v not_o ri●e●_n either_o for_o want_v of_o a_o compassionate_a bear_n of_o offence_n give_v or_o by_o take_v offence_n undue_o when_o not_o real_o give_v and_o by_o which_o satan_n have_v be_v gra●fied_v and_o the_o unconverted_a world_n have_v be_v stumble_v and_o all_o for_o want_v of_o thorough-heart_n humiliation_n wisdom_n love_n in_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o ●udge_v ●oberly_o and_o walk_v in_o peace_n as_o become_v saint_n but_o oftentimes_o this_o temptation_n have_v not_o rest_v here_o but_o as_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v by_o holy_a man_n that_o all_o backflide_n and_o apostasy_n begin_v in_o take_v offence_n first_o offend_v at_o one_o thing_n or_o person_n then_o at_o another_o and_o ●o_o at_o more_o till_o they_o drink_v in_o prejudice_n against_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o way_n they_o walk_v in_o ●●●l_v from_o all_o sound_n and_o search_a ministry_n and_o so_o run_v from_o mountain_n to_o hill_n from_o one_o thing_n to_o another_o till_o they_o come_v to_o nothing_o unless_o the_o lord_n in_o rich_a 〈◊〉_d recover_v they_o by_o a_o sound_a w●rk_n of_o humiliation_n upon_o they_o 〈◊〉_d lay_v in_o that_o parable_n matthew_n 1●_n 12._o that_o he_o that_o have_v not_o r●ot_v in_o himself_o in_o ●_o time_n of_o persecution_n be_v offen●●●_n various_a way_n have_v satan_n to_o offend_v and_o stumble_v they_o our_o lord_n jesus_n warn_v his_o disciple_n of_o this_o matth._n 26._o 31._o then_o say_v j●sus_n unto_o they_o all_z ●e_z shall_v be_v offend_v because_o of_o i_o this_o night_n etc._n etc._n and_o when_o the_o lord_n promise_v to_o bring_v back_o the_o captivity_n of_o his_o people_n he_o say_v to_o his_o servant_n cast_v you_o up_o cast_v you_o up_o prepare_v you_o the_o way_n take_v up_o the_o stumble_a block_n out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o my_o people_n then_o will_v the_o lord_n remove_v their_o offence_n and_o heal_v their_o spirit_n and_o they_o shall_v walk_v on_o in_o the_o way_n to_o zio●_n and_o shall_v not_o stumble_v any_o more_o obj._n 8._o but_o do_v it_o not_o proceed_v from_o carnal_a fear_n in_o such_o as_o judge_v that_o retirement_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o this_o day_n ans_fw-fr a_o grain_n more_o of_o love_n may_v cast_v it_o that_o the_o lord_n servant_n and_o such_o of_o the_o church_n that_o so_o judge_v and_o walk_v do_v walk_v after_o their_o light_n conviction_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o conscience_n which_o happy_o a_o little_a time_n may_v determine_v true_o most_o of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n have_v a_o absolom_n spirit_n and_o say_v in_o our_o heart_n what_o will_v i_o do_v if_o i_o be_v in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o one_o case_n wherein_o our_o own_o heart_n wonderful_o deceive_v we_o yet_o if_o any_o of_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a impulse_n of_o spirit_n at_o this_o time_n as_o it_o may_v be_v some_o have_v have_v since_o this_o dispensation_n of_o give_v in_o their_o testimony_n it_o be_v b●st_a to_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n without_o judge_v each_o other_o concern_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n i_o will_v humble_o say_v thus_o much_o that_o i●_n they_o shall_v be_v find_v in_o their_o particular_a practice_n faithful_a to_o the_o light_n and_o