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 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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
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
the_o congregational_a judgement_n who_o tender_a respect_n to_o guard_v against_o any_o dash_a on_o such_o a_o rock_n as_o this_o they_o have_v publish_v to_o the_o world_n which_o i_o forbear_v to_o set_v down_o here_o only_o to_o avoid_v prolixity_n but_o i_o must_v yet_o speak_v a_o few_o word_n more_o on_o this_o so_o important_a a_o case_n and_o obtest_v i_o hope_v i_o may_v say_v with_o most_o tender_a respect_n such_o who_o in_o some_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n have_v be_v carry_v so_o strange_a a_o length_n in_o these_o difference_n and_o may_v not_o be_v aware_a of_o the_o hazard_n and_o on_o what_o a_o precipice_n they_o be_v thus_o lead_v to_o consider_v 1._o if_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o fear_v lest_o their_o resolution_n be_v fix_v before_o their_o light_n and_o a_o serious_a trial_n of_o their_o way_n and_o motion_n herein_o since_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o aim_n can_v make_v none_o approven_v in_o that_o where_o a_o decline_a be_v in_o the_o matter_n from_o the_o rule_n 2._o and_o that_o the_o example_n and_o authority_n of_o none_o can_v bear_v weight_n with_o the_o conscience_n upon_o a_o after_o search_v of_o what_o they_o have_v do_v since_o each_o must_v prove_v his_o own_o work_n yea_o it_o be_v sure_a non_fw-fr will_v take_v poysone_o upon_o the_o credit_n or_o repute_v of_o other_o nor_o can_v the_o wisdom_n of_o word_n add_v any_o weight_n to_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n 3._o be_v there_o not_o much_o cause_n to_o fear_v that_o without_o prevent_a grace_n division_n be_v at_o such_o a_o height_n as_o it_o shall_v at_o last_o end_n in_o dissolution_n julian_n know_v this_o to_o well_o when_o as_o one_o of_o the_o great_a mean_n he_o follow_v for_o the_o undo_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o only_o to_o tollerat_v but_o to_o foment_n difference_n among_o christian_n 4._o and_o what_o can_v such_o before_o break_n as_o these_o mean_a for_o sure_a it_o be_v one_o of_o two_o that_o either_o we_o do_v not_o centre_n in_o christ_n and_o be_v unite_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n with_o he_o or_o that_o we_o be_v thus_o under_o some_o dreadful_a prevalence_n of_o temptation_n it_o be_v not_o the_o line_n that_o be_v straight_o but_o such_o as_o be_v draw_v crooked_a from_o the_o centre_n which_o do_v justle_v and_o tread_v on_o other_o 5._o shall_v it_o not_o be_v a_o strange_a contradiction_n for_o a_o profess_a contend_v upon_o the_o kingdom_n and_o supremacy_n of_o our_o bless_a head_n over_o his_o church_n by_o a_o visible_a control_a of_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o law_n over_o our_o conscience_n and_o practice_n and_o can_v this_o be_v under_o debate_n where_o there_o be_v so_o sad_a a_o exceed_v of_o these_o scripture_n bound_v set_v to_o we_o in_o mutual_a contending_n in_o such_o difference_n as_o these_o now_o be_v for_o which_o i_o shall_v but_o offer_v these_o express_a command_v give_v in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o be_v consider_v which_o i_o may_v say_v can_v not_o possible_o but_o restrain_v any_o such_o rupture_n and_o schism_n now_o in_o our_o church_n if_o some_o suitable_a weight_n thereof_o be_v on_o our_o spirit_n phil._n 2_o 3._o eph._n 4_o 31._o rom._n 14._o 3_o 4._o james_n 3._o vers_n 6._o have_v not_o in_o all_o time_n the_o church_n hazard_v be_v more_o from_o the_o right_a then_o the_o left_a hand_n and_o from_o such_o a_o party_n as_o lie_v in_o ambush_n to_o enter_v at_o every_o breach_n i_o mean_v the_o spirit_n of_o error_n and_o delusion_n than_o from_o open_a assault_n yea_o be_v there_o any_o mean_n can_v have_v be_v assay_v more_o sad_a for_o the_o open_v such_o a_o door_n than_o this_o to_o divide_v the_o church_n and_o godly_a among_o themselves_o 7._o 〈◊〉_d whither_o have_v this_o tide_n carry_v some_o i_o be_o sure_a much_o beyond_o their_o own_o thought_n and_o what_o deplorable_a effect_n have_v thus_o be_v of_o late_a in_o so_o strange_a a_o keep_n this_o breach_n up_o with_o these_o who_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o same_o precious_a faith_n and_o when_o much_o more_o be_v yet_o to_o unite_v then_o to_o disjoin_v shall_v there_o yet_o be_v further_o dash_v on_o such_o a_o rock_n whereon_o so_o remarkable_a a_o beacon_n in_o these_o know_a sad_a and_o dismal_a consequence_n have_v be_v set_v up_o before_o we_o yea_o no_o essay_n for_o a_o bind_n up_o of_o such_o wound_n which_o be_v now_o like_a to_o bleed_v unto_o death_n 8._o what_o strange_a pleasure_n must_v it_o be_v that_o be_v more_o in_o bitter_a contending_n i_o fear_v then_o to_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o great_a truth_n we_o know_v or_o what_o true_a gain_n can_v be_v thus_o project_v for_o our_o master_n interest_n it_o be_v sur_fw-fr such_o a_o delight_n sell_v be_v great_a pain_n to_o any_o serious_a and_o tender_a spirit_n yea_o have_v not_o such_o intemperate_a heat_n yet_o spend_v their_o strength_n under_o these_o strange_a chainge_n which_o have_v of_o late_o go_v over_o as_o may_v have_v bring_v some_o suitable_a cool_a atla_v to_o this_o fever_n 9_o be_v professor_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n now_o press_v to_o adorn_v the_o profession_n thereof_o as_o former_o and_o under_o such_o a_o weight_n how_o great_a great_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o any_o to_o be_v eternal_o save_v though_o never_o more_o cause_n to_o walk_v under_o fear_n of_o this_o then_o in_o the_o present_a age_n or_o where_o more_o in_o a_o way_n of_o profession_n and_o with_o much_o of_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n have_v be_v in_o hazard_n to_o perish_v and_o come_v short_a of_o heaven_n yea_o with_o less_o access_n to_o be_v convince_v or_o to_o bear_v faithful_a deal_n with_o their_o conscience_n then_o seem_v now_o and_o do_v but_o consider_v who_o you_o prejudge_v most_o in_o withdraw_v from_o the_o ministry_n of_o these_o who_o i_o hope_v shall_v be_v ow_v of_o the_o lord_n as_o his_o messenger_n to_o the_o church_n and_o dare_v own_o no_o other_o resentment_n both_o of_o grief_n and_o sorrow_n upon_o the_o visible_a hazard_n of_o such_o as_o seem_v not_o to_o be_v aware_a thereof_o themselves_o 10._o you_o know_v that_o express_a command_n of_o watch_v with_o a_o godly_a jealousy_n against_o any_o strange_a doctrine_n heb._n 13_o 3._o and_o it_o be_v but_o too_o know_v how_o eager_a a_o grasp_a be_v by_o many_o more_o at_o what_o seem_v new_a and_o strange_a then_o what_o may_v edify_v nor_o have_v such_o oft_o apprehend_v the_o hazard_n of_o some_o plausible_a error_n until_o it_o come_v to_o a_o more_o form_v complexion_n as_o be_v now_o 11._o what_o advantage_n be_v thus_o give_v to_o the_o prelatic_a party_n for_o that_o charge_n of_o separation_n against_o the_o whole_a nonconformist_n this_o day_n and_o though_o with_o clear_a evidence_n we_o can_v evince_v the_o injustness_n thereof_o yet_o know_v not_o how_o to_o answer_v on_o your_o behalf_n when_o we_o be_v reprove_v 12._o be_v we_o not_o both_o call_v and_o teach_v to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whither_o they_o be_v of_o god_n by_o clear_a scripture_n light_n and_o that_o the_o impulse_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n must_v assure_o tend_v to_o compose_v and_o sanctify_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o a_o humble_a tender_a submissness_n to_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o word_n herein_o and_o be_v it_o not_o express_o show_v what_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o flesh_n be_v galat._n 21._o 22._o 2_o tim._n 1._o 2._o 3._o vers_fw-la and_o how_o far_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v from_o any_o irregular_a or_o impetuous_a course_n yea_o such_o as_o may_v seem_v incompatible_a with_o the_o very_a use_n and_o exercise_v of_o reason_n these_o word_n of_o luther_n in_o the_o second_o tome_n of_o his_o epistle_n be_v of_o much_o weight_n say_v he_o in_o your_o trial_n and_o decern_v the_o spirit_n you_o will_v try_v whither_o they_o can_v prove_v their_o call_n in_o what_o be_v strange_a or_o extraordinary_a either_o in_o their_o judgement_n or_o practice_n for_o god_n never_o send_v any_o but_o they_o be_v either_o call_v by_o man_n in_o his_o appoint_a way_n or_o declare_v by_o sign_n no_o not_o his_o own_o son_n and_o in_o no_o way_n may_v we_o accept_v the_o call_n of_o any_o upon_o such_o a_o warrant_n of_o some_o singular_a impulse_n or_o revelation_n i_o must_v yet_o beseech_v this_o further_a to_o be_v lay_v to_o heart_n that_o if_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v know_v by_o its_o native_a and_o visible_a effect_n we_o may_v then_o read_v in_o great_a letter_n what_o a_o babel_n of_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n with_o divide_v both_o of_o heart_n and_o tongue_n have_v follow_v on_o this_o late_a astonish_a rent_n and_o schism_n in_o our_o church_n yea_o when_o thus_o take_v off_o any_o certain_a rule_n for_o
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
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 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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 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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 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in_o the_o word_n of_o bucer_n that_o for_o a_o safe_a heal_n and_o to_o have_v it_o make_v effectual_a to_o a_o break_a and_o rend_v church_n now_o they_o will_v judge_v it_o of_o that_o concern_v as_o if_o call_v and_o help_v of_o the_o lord_n herein_o to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o same_o and_o thus_o for_o their_o brethren_n i_o have_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n press_v to_o write_v this_o if_o i_o can_v with_o that_o single_a regard_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o lord_n thus_o deal_v with_o my_o own_o conscience_n and_o other_o and_o though_o i_o design_v in_o as_o few_o word_n as_o possible_a to_o speak_v my_o heart_n herein_o yet_o must_v add_v a_o few_o thing_n more_o on_o a_o subject_n though_o very_o sad_a yet_o of_o much_o weight_n and_o import_n 1._o that_o it_o may_v be_v too_o visible_o the_o great_a want_n which_o be_v this_o day_n in_o the_o serious_a work_n of_o christianity_n and_o give_v the_o sad_a rise_n to_o these_o high_a distemper_n now_o among_o we_o that_o if_o these_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v in_o more_o lively_a exercise_n the_o love_n of_o christ_n humility_n patience_n and_o meekness_n a_o put_v on_o of_o bowel_n of_o mercy_n tenderness_n and_o compassion_n as_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n towards_o these_o we_o differ_v from_o with_o more_o severe_a self_n judge_v and_o suitable_a fear_n in_o judge_v and_o condemn_v other_o we_o be_v command_v to_o have_v this_o present_a difference_n shall_v never_o have_v come_v to_o a_o form_a breach_n in_o the_o church_n yea_o thus_o more_o advantage_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o a_o more_o clear_a testimony_n keep_v up_o thereto_o by_o a_o spirit_n of_o love_n it_o have_v be_v astonish_v to_o see_v embitter_a heat_n and_o animosity_n with_o such_o sore_n thrust_v at_o a_o distance_n to_o break_v the_o credit_n of_o other_o which_o be_v so_o visible_a corruption_n of_o corruption_n yet_o plead_v a_o patrociny_n for_o the_o same_o o_o my_o friend_n why_o be_v it_o so_o the_o 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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 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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
or_o no_o or_o if_o this_o omission_n be_v true_o deliberate_a and_o since_o this_o be_v a_o public_a fix_v a_o most_o high_a scandal_n on_o so_o many_o minister_n of_o christ_n it_o will_v have_v be_v expect_v to_o be_v with_o the_o further_a evidence_n to_o convince_v other_o and_o that_o they_o be_v in_o case_n for_o the_o full_a and_o judicial_a out_o make_v thereof_o when_o require_v if_o they_o will_v give_v that_o measure_n they_o expect_v from_o other_o and_o which_o the_o scripture_n indispensible_o require_v in_o such_o a_o case_n six_o it_o be_v strange_a so_o sudden_a a_o determine_n and_o publish_v the_o private_a judge_n of_o some_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o weight_n and_o universal_a concern_v without_o so_o much_o as_o a_o previous_a communicate_v in_o council_n herein_o with_o the_o must_v tender_v of_o their_o brethren_n who_o they_o will_v in_o charity_n judge_v to_o be_v serious_a and_o have_v the_o council_n of_o god_n with_o they_o yea_o this_o without_o lay_v down_o any_o such_o convince_a ground_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o justify_v so_o strange_a a_o practice_n as_o the_o departure_n from_o fellowship_n in_o the_o public_a ordinance_n with_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o church_n as_o though_o this_o have_v no_o weight_n in_o this_o day_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v subject_n to_o the_o prophet_n i_o must_v say_v though_o some_o shall_v own_v a_o revelation_n or_o extraordinary_a impulse_n in_o this_o yet_o so_o far_o it_o may_v have_v be_v judge_v they_o may_v have_v keep_v of_o as_o not_o to_o vent_v the_o same_o in_o one_fw-mi disorderly_a and_o unsuitable_a way_n or_o adventure_n to_o bring_v in_o so_o strange_a a_o practice_n and_o of_o so_o public_a concern_v in_o the_o church_n without_o the_o church_n or_o to_o exerce_fw-la their_o private_a judgement_n over_o the_o whole_a of_o their_o brethren_n the_o apostle_n paul_n though_o immediate_o call_v by_o christ_n yet_o will_v go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o confer_v with_o the_o brethren_n nor_o will_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n together_o adventure_n to_o determine_v in_o that_o difference_n at_o antioch_n until_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o apostle_n the_o same_o spirit_n which_o lead_v unto_o all_o truth_n do_v also_o lead_v unto_o humility_n and_o to_o the_o further_a tender_a condescendence_n in_o brethren_n deal_v with_o other_o nor_o shall_v it_o be_v light_n whatever_o may_v be_v the_o private_a thought_n of_o some_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o truth_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n precipitant_o which_o may_v disturb_v the_o church_n and_o now_o when_o it_o be_v struggle_v as_o if_o between_o life_n and_o death_n be_v this_o a_o time_n to_o drive_v with_o such_o heat_n this_o present_a breach_n and_o in_o a_o way_n to_o defame_v more_o than_o to_o convince_v and_o gain_v and_o with_o such_o a_o height_n of_o severe_a reflection_n on_o all_o that_o come_v not_o to_o their_o measure_n this_o way_n as_o if_o to_o be_v pious_a and_o peaceable_a at_o once_o be_v whole_o inconsistent_a sevent_o and_o what_o shall_v it_o mean_v or_o be_v it_o suitable_a to_o that_o candour_n and_o tender_a respect_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o the_o author_n of_o the_o late_a apology_n to_o set_v down_o these_o argument_n which_o he_o have_v there_o for_o not_o hear_v of_o the_o curate_n for_o not_o hear_v the_o indulge_v and_o herein_o to_o oppose_v he_o to_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o express_o declare_v sense_n to_o the_o contrary_a whilst_o now_o by_o his_o death_n he_o can_v answer_v but_o his_o own_o word_n there_o i_o hope_v will_v not_o be_v deny_v which_o you_o may_v read_v pag._n 128._o and_o there_o also_o see_v a_o vigorous_a opposition_n to_o the_o indulgence_n yet_o without_o any_o breach_n or_o divide_v from_o these_o worthy_a minister_n who_o have_v accept_v thereof_o be_v no_o way_n inconsistent_a among_o the_o many_o design_n aim_v at_o say_v that_o author_n in_o this_o indulgence_n and_o in_o part_n obtain_v we_o know_v the_o break_n and_o divide_v of_o our_o party_n be_v a_o principal_a one_o but_o we_o hope_v without_o the_o fruit_n our_o adversary_n expect_v for_o whatever_o difference_n there_o hash_fw-mi be_v and_o yet_o be_v among_o we_o in_o our_o practice_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o indulgence_n we_o be_v all_o agree_v in_o our_o precede_a exception_n against_o it_o and_o if_o there_o have_v be_v access_n for_o represent_v the_o same_o to_o the_o ruler_n our_o unanimity_n and_o concord_n in_o these_o have_v be_v more_o discover_v and_o know_v to_o the_o world_n there_o be_v no_o change_n with_o we_o of_o our_o know_a and_o profess_a judgement_n anent_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o distinction_n from_o and_o independency_n on_o the_o magistrate_n some_o who_o take_v hold_v on_o all_o occasion_n to_o reproach_v we_o be_v please_v to_o represent_v their_o acceptance_n of_o this_o indulgence_n as_o contradictory_n to_o and_o inconsistent_a with_o our_o former_a profess_a principle_n in_o church_n government_n yet_o any_o that_o consider_v what_o be_v short_o hint_v at_o in_o the_o council_n at_o the_o receive_n of_o this_o indulgence_n and_o what_o be_v more_o large_o declare_v by_o they_o to_o their_o congregation_n at_o first_o entry_n will_v be_v sufficient_o convince_v of_o our_o constant_a adherence_n to_o former_a principle_n which_o by_o this_o acceptance_n be_v not_o at_o all_o change_v thus_o for_o he_o eight_o but_o if_o the_o declare_v judgement_n and_o authority_n of_o some_o may_v influence_n any_o to_o a_o more_o implicit_a fall_n in_o with_o this_o way_n i_o must_v yet_o further_o crave_v leave_v to_o oppose_v the_o judgement_n of_o one_o who_o i_o suppose_v may_v have_v the_o same_o weight_n and_o authority_n in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o true_a nonconformist_a who_o in_o his_o clear_n the_o duty_n of_o forbearance_n to_o hear_v the_o curate_n have_v these_o word_n which_o i_o cite_v in_o the_o first_o paper_n page_n 196._o i_o free_o acknowledge_v that_o if_o god_n have_v permit_v this_o whole_a church_n to_o slide_v into_o the_o present_a evil_n of_o prelacy_n and_o thereafter_o have_v bless_v it_o with_o a_o discovery_n yet_o i_o will_v not_o admit_v in_o that_o condition_n the_o same_o necessity_n and_o expediency_n of_o separation_n that_o i_o now_o find_v to_o plead_v with_o for_o a_o non_fw-fr compliance_n in_o as_o much_o as_o our_o present_a noncompliance_a be_v not_o only_o a_o more_o seasonable_a and_o safe_a duty_n but_o also_o be_v attend_v with_o a_o faithful_a and_o edify_a adherence_n to_o our_o true_a and_o send_v teacher_n and_o page_n 194._o have_v these_o word_n that_o separation_n be_v a_o depart_n from_o one_fw-mi union_n once_o acknowledge_v even_o in_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o themselves_o not_o condemn_v and_o thus_o do_v most_o express_o determine_v the_o unwarrantableness_n of_o fall_v of_o from_o church_n fellowship_n with_o the_o indulge_v minister_n on_o that_o head_n after_o so_o know_v and_o acknowledge_v union_n with_o these_o in_o the_o public_a ordinance_n even_o after_o the_o acceptance_n of_o the_o indulgence_n till_o of_o late_a but_o that_o you_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o sense_n and_o declare_v judgement_n of_o this_o author_n in_o this_o case_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o now_o further_o his_o own_o word_n pag._n 487._o oppose_a himself_n herein_o to_o these_o sharp_a reflection_n of_o g._n b._n but_o you_o do_v not_o only_o make_v your_o nonconformist_a to_o cede_fw-la as_o it_o be_v to_o your_o reason_n but_o in_o a_o manner_n to_o own_o the_o late_a pretend_a indulgence_n as_o flow_v from_o the_o supremacy_n as_o on_o purpose_n to_o fix_v on_o these_o few_o minister_n of_o we_o who_o have_v be_v thereby_o restore_v at_o least_o a_o constructive_a approbation_n of_o this_o evil_a and_o there_o in_o the_o follow_a page_n have_v these_o word_n but_o not_o to_o lose_v time_n in_o these_o trifling_n i_o differ_v from_o your_o nonconformist_a and_o be_o so_o much_o against_o the_o supremacy_n that_o i_o abominate_a the_o indulgence_n under_o this_o name_n but_o that_o god_n have_v dispose_v the_o king_n to_o restore_v in_o any_o measure_n what_o be_v so_o sinful_o take_v away_o we_o account_v it_o a_o great_a blessing_n wish_v that_o he_o may_v be_v in_o such_o manner_n satisfy_v with_o the_o fruit_n of_o this_o course_n as_o may_v more_o and_o more_o convince_v he_o of_o its_o righteousness_n and_o encourage_v he_o to_o its_o prosecution_n but_o if_o you_o or_o any_o think_v by_o this_o poor_a and_o scant_a restitution_n to_o bribe_v the_o lord_n people_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o your_o usurpation_n we_o trust_v the_o lord_n will_v deliver_v his_o own_o and_o that_o as_o hitherto_o our_o minister_n have_v look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o such_o neither_o of_o man_n nor_o only_o by_o man_n but_o by_o
same_o from_o the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n nor_o be_v ever_o teach_v by_o his_o prophet_n &_o apostle_n &_o therefore_o one_fw-mi unjust_a and_o offensive_a rent_n i_o hope_v this_o none_o there_fw-mi debate_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o alone_a instrument_n and_o rule_n of_o church_n government_n and_o to_o this_o law_n and_o testimony_n we_o must_v take_v ourselves_o under_o every_o debateable_a case_n theranent_fw-la yea_o that_o any_o ministerial_a power_n give_v to_o we_o be_v only_o executive_a and_o declarative_a to_o apply_v the_o reveal_v will_n of_o the_o lord_n unto_o his_o people_n by_o a_o clear_a discovery_n thereof_o and_o what_o be_v not_o according_a to_o that_o rule_n none_o may_v admit_v though_o under_o the_o patrociny_n of_o one_fw-mi angel_n but_o that_o for_o this_o practice_n we_o have_v no_o scripture_n warrant_v be_v most_o clear_a 1._o from_o the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a head_n himself_o while_o he_o be_v here_o upon_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o respect_n he_o do_v express_o own_o to_o the_o prescribe_a worship_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n yea_o that_o such_o be_v his_o bless_a way_n as_o no_o visible_a rent_n be_v by_o disciple_n from_o the_o public_a ordinance_n even_o then_o when_o the_o dreadful_a declining_n of_o that_o church_n be_v so_o great_a a_o length_n 2._o we_o see_v what_o both_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n teach_v and_o what_o be_v their_o practice_n in_o this_o case_n that_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n they_o seek_v to_o keep_v the_o people_n at_o further_a distance_n from_o all_o idolatry_n and_o false_a worship_n so_o upon_o the_o other_o hand_n do_v give_v no_o warrant_n but_o express_o to_o the_o contrary_a as_o to_o any_o departure_n from_o the_o public_a worship_n where_o it_o be_v not_o corrupt_v notwithstanding_o of_o these_o sad_a declining_n of_o the_o church_n otherwise_o and_o i_o crave_v any_o to_o show_v one_fw-mi instance_n to_o the_o contrary_n 3._o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o evident_a than_o the_o care_n the_o apostle_n have_v to_o keep_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n from_o dash_v on_o such_o a_o rock_n to_o such_o as_o do_v but_o serious_o read_v and_o consider_v these_o epistle_n nor_o do_v our_o bless_a master_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n give_v the_o least_o ground_n or_o warrant_n as_o to_o any_o fall_n of_o or_o secession_n from_o the_o public_a assembly_n notwithstanding_o of_o so_o sad_a a_o charge_n as_o be_v there_o give_v against_o some_o of_o these_o church_n but_o we_o may_v see_v how_o concern_v the_o apostle_n be_v against_o this_o as_o one_o of_o the_o public_a evil_n and_o scandal_n then_o break_v up_o in_o the_o church_n heb._n 10_o 25._o the_o forsake_v of_o the_o assembly_n for_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v then_o and_o oh_o what_o can_v it_o mean_v thus_o to_o rack_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o people_n and_o impose_v such_o new_a term_n and_o condition_n of_o church_n communion_n as_o neither_o the_o scripture_n nor_o example_n of_o the_o pure_a reform_a church_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n do_v ever_o warrant_n for_o which_o i_o must_v here_o humble_o challenge_v any_o who_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v to_o let_v we_o see_v where_o the_o signature_n of_o one_o scripture_n command_n be_v for_o what_o they_o impose_v or_o what_o divine_a precept_n be_v violate_v by_o hear_v the_o indulge_v or_o if_o such_o a_o cure_n and_o remedy_n be_v ever_o teach_v by_o the_o great_a healer_n as_o this_o practice_n of_o admit_v no_o composure_n and_o unite_n in_o controvert_v duty_n until_o there_o be_v a_o full_a oneness_n of_o judgement_n among_o we_o or_o thus_o to_o break_v and_o disquiet_v a_o poor_a church_n as_o though_o some_o have_v no_o work_n else_o almost_o outwearied_a with_o these_o sad_a and_o perpetual_a contending_n for_o make_v void_a their_o ministry_n which_o have_v be_v and_o i_o hope_v yet_o shall_v be_v own_v of_o the_o lord_n for_o his_o people_n edification_n ii_o ground_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o unwarrantableness_n of_o this_o practice_n be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v express_o contrare_fw-la too_o that_o establish_a order_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n as_o the_o proper_a remedy_n and_o relief_n for_o any_o public_a offence_n matt._n 18_o 15._o and_o which_o be_v so_o express_v a_o rule_n give_v in_o this_o case_n as_o can_v admit_v of_o no_o alteration_n as_o also_o to_o that_o 1_o cor._n 14_o 40._o that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v in_o order_n and_o decency_n nor_o can_v there_o be_v any_o hesitation_n herein_o whether_o this_o practice_n and_o way_n which_o be_v thus_o take_v by_o some_o do_v not_o control_v the_o same_o thus_o to_o withdraw_v and_o impose_v upon_o the_o matter_n so_o high_a and_o public_a a_o censure_n on_o other_o by_o their_o private_a judgement_n and_o authority_n except_o they_o will_v adventure_v to_o determine_v on_o the_o rule_n and_o these_o ancient_a scripture_n bound_n which_o be_v there_o set_v to_o we_o but_o as_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o thing_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v by_o his_o warrant_n only_o &_o no_o latitude_n else_o give_v we_o but_o to_o observe_v he_o whatsoever_o command_v mat._n 28_o last_o yea_o that_o no_o heal_a or_o cure_n will_v ever_o be_v to_o the_o church_n but_o by_o his_o appoint_a mean_n so_o it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o to_o withdraw_v from_o church_n fellowship_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o this_o be_v a_o most_o high_a and_o spiritual_a censure_n yea_o not_o to_o eat_v with_o a_o scandalous_a brother_n must_v be_v understand_v as_o one_fw-mi act_n of_o judgement_n and_o do_v suppose_v some_o previous_a trial_n else_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o fix_a rule_n but_o for_o each_o to_o be_v his_o own_o judge_n in_o pull_v of_o his_o brother_n to_o shame_n and_o thus_o no_o bound_n can_v be_v fix_v to_o prevent_v endless_a break_n and_o rent_n in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v true_a a_o public_a relief_n be_v not_o as_o formerly_z now_o accessible_a but_o as_o there_o be_v yet_o through_o grace_n a_o faithful_a ministry_n in_o our_o church_n who_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o cognosce_fw-la and_o judge_v of_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o house_n and_o to_o who_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n both_o of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n be_v by_o his_o own_o warrant_n commit_v whatever_o essay_n have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v to_o make_v such_o contemptible_a before_o the_o people_n yea_o some_o way_n i_o must_v say_v no_o less_o thus_o to_o exauctorate_v they_o and_o control_v their_o commission_n this_o day_n then_o have_v be_v by_o public_a adversary_n so_o be_v there_o also_o some_o suitable_a exoneration_n that_o each_o christian_n may_v have_v in_o the_o case_n of_o public_a offence_n when_o there_o be_v not_o such_o access_n by_o the_o church_n to_o spread_v forth_o the_o same_o before_o the_o lord_n to_o endeavour_v in_o their_o capacity_n and_o station_n how_o to_o convince_v gain_n and_o restore_v such_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o thus_o use_v personal_a freedom_n and_o tenderness_n in_o deal_v with_o other_o wherein_o i_o be_o sure_a both_o more_o peace_n and_o advantage_n to_o these_o they_o deal_v with_o shall_v be_v thus_o reach_v then_o by_o any_o such_o high_o disorderly_a way_n and_o unwarrantable_a severity_n as_o be_v now_o adventure_v on_o by_o some_o iii_o ground_n to_o clear_v the_o unwarrantableness_n of_o this_o practice_n be_v that_o it_o be_v so_o express_o contrare_fw-la too_o that_o approven_v and_o commend_v practice_n in_o the_o church_n rev._n 2_o 2._o that_o they_o have_v try_v such_o who_o call_v themselves_o apostles_n and_o be_v not_o but_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n where_o as_o it_o be_v most_o clear_a that_o this_o be_v a_o judicial_a trial_n and_o in_o a_o legal_a and_o orderly_a way_n of_o such_o before_o any_o declarative_a sentence_n and_o for_o this_o end_n be_v adduce_v by_o the_o great_a interpreter_n to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n thereof_o but_o this_o as_o i_o have_v former_o touch_v can_v give_v no_o advantage_n in_o that_o case_n of_o the_o conformist_n to_o prelacy_n where_o beside_o other_o ground_n mention_v the_o antecedent_n judgement_n of_o our_o church_n have_v be_v so_o full_a clear_a and_o harmonious_a there_o upon_o whilst_o i_o touch_v this_o i_o must_v cite_v the_o word_n and_o authority_n of_o bless_a mr_n rutherfurd_n in_o his_o divine_a right_n of_o church_n government_n page_n 378._o we_o grant_v say_v he_o that_o each_o shall_v eschew_v false_a teacher_n and_o all_o that_o walk_v inordinate_o but_o that_o every_o one_o shall_v shun_v these_o who_o in_o his_o private_a judgement_n he_o conceive_v to_o be_v such_o before_o he_o rebuke_v and_o labour_n to_o gain_v and_o in_o case_n of_o obstinacy_n then_o to_o tell_v the_o church_n be_v forbid_v mat._n 18_o and_o
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
either_o hand_n 4._o it_o need_v be_v no_o strange_a thing_n or_o give_v any_o advantage_n to_o bring_v true_a zeal_n under_o discredit_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o more_o impetuo_fw-la we_o motion_n and_o make_v haste_n by_o some_o when_o they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n than_o they_o be_v former_o for_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v too_o evident_a such_o as_o be_v once_o under_o the_o influence_n of_o delusion_n be_v also_o in_o that_o dreadful_a hazard_n to_o be_v as_o wind_n carry_v about_o with_o a_o tempest_n but_o such_o be_v purezeal_a that_o though_o it_o increase_v the_o stream_n it_o do_v not_o overflow_v its_o bank_n nor_o will_v break_v the_o least_o command_v for_o vindication_n of_o the_o great_a truth_n 5._o there_o be_v such_o a_o indissoluble_a tie_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n betwixt_o true_a zeal_n and_o that_o christian_a moderation_n which_o we_o shall_v make_v know_v to_o all_o as_o none_o may_v divide_v but_o as_o the_o one_o tend_v to_o give_v life_n and_o intenseness_n of_o duty_n so_o be_v the_o other_o to_o resttaine_v all_o exorbitancy_n and_o keep_v this_o in_o its_o proper_a channel_n and_o that_o none_o be_v carry_v out_o beyond_o these_o just_a bound_n &_o measure_n which_o be_v so_o express_o set_v to_o we_o by_o the_o rule_n but_o so_o as_o that_o it_o be_v without_o any_o lukewarmness_n or_o abatement_n of_o fervency_n in_o spirit_n for_o serve_v the_o lord_n for_o where_o on_o either_o hand_n these_o be_v divide_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o true_a interest_n of_o the_o church_n must_v then_o needs_o suffer_v and_o get_v a_o sore_a wound_n 6._o ground_n of_o stumble_v and_o offence_n which_o too_o visible_o many_o be_v like_a to_o break_v on_o yea_o to_o take_v prejudice_n almost_o against_o the_o whole_a ministry_n of_o our_o church_n be_v that_o these_o who_o have_v have_v great_a weight_n and_o acceptance_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v endure_v so_o much_o under_o many_o assault_n these_o year_n past_a in_o their_o opposition_n to_o prelacy_n with_o some_o unanswerable_a conviction_n hereof_o i_o hope_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o and_o with_o a_o continue_a adherence_n to_o former_a principle_n be_v yet_o with_o such_o reproach_n so_o public_o thus_o follow_v even_o by_o profess_a friend_n answ_n though_o i_o hope_v the_o perusal_n of_o what_o have_v be_v already_o touch_v on_o this_o subject_n may_v have_v some_o weight_n both_o for_o clear_v and_o in_o some_o measure_n to_o silence_v thes_n strange_a heightened_a prejudice_n of_o some_o this_o way_n yet_o since_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a trial_n of_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n both_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o work_n and_o the_o credit_n of_o their_o bless_a master_n who_o account_v they_o worthy_a to_o put_v into_o his_o service_n and_o that_o many_o be_v thus_o in_o hazard_n to_o be_v shake_v i_o must_v yet_o further_o speak_v but_o a_o few_o thing_n thereto_o 1._o that_o what_o ever_o 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acceptance_n in_o their_o work_n to_o have_v no_o other_o requittall_n from_o man_n than_o contempt_n and_o hatred_n who_o yet_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n have_v with_o the_o further_a tenderness_n seek_v to_o gain_v such_o to_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n yea_o have_v have_v the_o trial_n of_o such_o extreme_n as_o to_o be_v revile_v by_o these_o who_o sometime_o will_v have_v pluck_v out_o almost_o their_o eye_n for_o they_o 3._o but_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v with_o no_o less_o expresseness_n put_v a_o guard_n about_o the_o repute_n and_o credit_n of_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n then_o about_o their_o call_n for_o which_o read_v 1_o tim._n 5._o 19_o 1._o thess_n 5._o 12._o 13._o yea_o these_o be_v so_o straite_o conjoin_v as_o what_o ever_o tend_v to_o discredit_v their_o person_n must_v needs_o tend_v also_o to_o weaken_v the_o weight_n and_o authority_n of_o their_o message_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o hearer_n and_o be_v this_o of_o small_a regard_n now_o with_o many_o and_o to_o be_v without_o any_o dread_n lest_o in_o so_o far_o the_o blood_n of_o soul_n be_v charge_v on_o they_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o by_o such_o notour_n reflection_n and_o without_o any_o just_a cause_n or_o call_v thereto_o do_v thus_o beget_v such_o a_o prejudice_n and_o contempt_n as_o to_o have_v the_o less_o reckon_v make_v of_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n deliver_v by_o they_o in_o this_o i_o must_v here_o exoner_o my_o own_o conscience_n upon_o so_o public_a a_o sin_n and_o of_o such_o sad_a consequence_n to_o the_o church_n hazard_n which_o seem_v so_o little_a to_o touch_v this_o day_n 4._o have_v it_o be_v yet_o ever_o see_v that_o where_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n have_v have_v no_o suitable_a weight_n and_o acceptance_n of_o their_o person_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n in_o any_o place_n bot_n there_o also_o be_v a_o most_o visible_a abatement_n of_o people_n respect_n and_o love_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o of_o any_o true_a growth_n among_o they_o under_o the_o ordinance_n nor_o know_v i_o a_o advantage_n which_o the_o envious_a man_n can_v more_o desire_v to_o sow_v tare_n in_o the_o vineyard_n of_o the_o lord_n than_o this_o be_v when_o prejudice_n jealousy_n and_o disrespect_n come_v once_o to_o any_o height_n what_o ever_o pretence_n it_o may_v go_v under_o against_o such_o who_o be_v in_o deed_n the_o messenger_n of_o truth_n and_o dispenser_n of_o his_o ordinance_n 5._o and_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v just_a ground_n to_o account_v such_o the_o undoubted_a minister_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o church_n and_o who_o shall_v be_v thus_o own_v in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o appearance_n yea_o who_o have_v have_v a_o convince_a seal_n to_o their_o ministry_n on_o the_o heart_n of_o many_o who_o for_o ministerial_a ability_n soundness_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o be_v make_v exemplary_a to_o other_o in_o humility_n tenderness_n of_o walk_n love_n and_o fervent_a desire_n for_o gain_v of_o soul_n to_o christ_n will_v have_v be_v reckon_v with_o the_o high_a respect_n in_o the_o first_o primitive_a time_n of_o the_o church_n who_o yet_o have_v be_v this_o day_n expose_v to_o the_o further_a revile_n of_o some_o and_o though_o it_o be_v not_o the_o naked_a testimony_n or_o respect_n of_o man_n that_o by_o such_o will_v be_v either_o seek_v or_o satisfy_v but_o how_o to_o have_v this_o enforce_a on_o their_o conscience_n by_o a_o convince_a witness_n and_o example_n of_o a_o serious_a ministerial_a practice_n yet_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v strange_a that_o such_o be_v to_o the_o further_a concern_v to_o maintain_v the_o credit_n &_o authority_n of_o their_o ministry_n which_o be_v not_o they_o but_o their_o master_n 7._o ground_n of_o prejudice_n against_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v now_o high_o pretend_v be_v not_o only_o upon_o the_o strange_a and_o high_o irregular_a act_n by_o some_o as_o may_v seem_v visible_o inductive_a to_o great_a confusion_n and_o disorder_n bot_n that_o these_o have_v be_v own_v and_o support_v by_o such_o principle_n congruous_a thereto_o as_o seem_v in_o compatible_a both_o with_o the_o practice_n and_o profession_n hitherto_o of_o our_o church_n answ_n whatever_o advantage_n have_v be_v give_v by_o any_o thus_o to_o reflect_v which_o i_o may_v with_o some_o confidence_n say_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o most_o serious_a non_fw-fr conformist_n of_o our_o church_n have_v be_v as_o a_o sword_n in_o there_o bone_n even_o beyond_o their_o own_o personal_a suffering_n because_o of_o the_o voice_n of_o he_o who_o reproach_v yet_o since_o many_o be_v thus_o ready_a to_o stumble_v and_o know_v not_o what_o a_o sore_a woe_n and_o judgement_n offence_n be_v to_o such_o as_o make_v so_o sad_a a_o use_n thereof_o yea_o which_o may_v be_v fear_v this_o day_n be_v glad_a
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
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