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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
spirit_n eternal_a life_n soul_n 7,461 5 5.0564 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A39752 The church wounded and rent by a spirit of division held forth in a short account of some sad differences hath been of late in the Church of Scotland, with the occasion, grounds, and too evident product therof whose wounds are bleeding to this day : togither with some vindication of the truth, and principles of our church in this present state of things from unjust revilings and reproach, and a few words in the close with respect to what are the greatest concerns of Christians exercise and duty in these times. Fleming, Robert, 1630-1694. 1681 (1681) Wing F1263; ESTC R20193 71,267 55

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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 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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
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
joint_n acknowledge_v of_o the_o same_o principle_n about_o which_o some_o difference_n may_v be_v in_o the_o application_n thereof_o to_o some_o particular_a case_n 8._o i_o shall_v but_o add_v that_o it_o be_v know_v what_o sweet_a harmony_n and_o oneness_n of_o heart_n have_v sometime_o be_v among_o such_o as_o do_v profess_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o rank_n in_o our_o church_n and_o in_o a_o fix_a adherence_n to_o the_o same_o cause_n and_o how_o it_o be_v at_o a_o sad_a ebb_n that_o some_o difference_n break_v up_o among_o the_o most_o eminent_o godly_a both_o minister_n and_o professor_n there_o for_o some_o time_n on_o that_o head_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n though_o without_o any_o form_a breach_n or_o schism_n but_o after_o among_o such_o who_o thus_o differ_v a_o most_o sweet_a concord_n and_o concurrence_n in_o a_o joint_a opposition_n against_o prelacy_n and_o to_o suffer_v rather_o than_o in_o the_o least_o to_o consent_v thereto_o do_v follow_v yea_o though_o since_o among_o the_o most_o serious_a nonconformist_n a_o great_a freedom_n have_v be_v in_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o some_o than_o other_o for_o hear_v of_o conformist_n to_o prelacy_n yet_o so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v have_v it_o be_v with_o a_o due_a and_o tender_a respect_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o keep_v of_o either_o divide_v or_o alienation_n in_o such_o a_o case_n but_o oh_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v to_o what_o a_o height_n have_v these_o late_a confusion_n and_o breach_n among_o we_o come_v and_o what_o fuel_n this_o have_v be_v to_o a_o great_a increase_n of_o sin_n yet_o be_v there_o one_o ground_n to_o hope_v when_o almost_o there_o seem_v no_o comfort_v sign_n else_o that_o he_o who_o have_v see_v our_o way_n can_v he_o all_o they_o also_o by_o a_o marvellous_a surprisal_n of_o grace_n 2._o prejudice_n it_o which_o be_v by_o some_o high_o entertain_v in_o these_o time_n for_o their_o own_o break_n be_v the_o perplexedness_n and_o hesitation_n they_o be_v in_o what_o way_n to_o choice_n when_o the_o truth_n seem_v now_o involve_v in_o such_o a_o confusion_n of_o different_a judgement_n and_o such_o visible_a contradiction_n among_o professor_n thereof_o for_o answer_v if_o no_o thing_n be_v to_o shake_v or_o offend_v there_o shall_v then_o be_v no_o try_a establishment_n yet_o since_o this_o seem_v one_o of_o the_o sad_a disease_n of_o the_o time_n in_o many_n be_v soon_o saken_a in_o mind_n with_o such_o waver_a and_o unsettledness_n in_o the_o truth_n i_o must_v speak_v a_o few_o word_n thereto_o to_o witness_v what_o great_a advantage_n such_o as_o desire_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n may_v have_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o for_o the_o further_a quiet_a and_o assure_v of_o their_o heart_n therein_o on_o these_o ground_n 1._o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o near_o these_o live_a oracle_n of_o truth_n which_o do_v with_o so_o clear_a and_o distinct_a a_o sound_n speak_v if_o man_n have_v but_o ear_n to_o hear_v 2._o that_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v to_o his_o people_n a_o spirit_n of_o discern_v in_o some_o great_a and_o lesser_a measure_n so_o as_o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n by_o a_o serious_a personal_a trial_n yea_o that_o none_o need_v receive_v the_o truth_n upon_o trust_n or_o to_o lean_v on_o the_o authority_n or_o example_n of_o any_o herein_o but_o to_o judge_v their_o own_o eye_n and_o conscience_n shall_v be_v all_o be_v faithful_a to_o they_o as_o any_o 3._o he_o have_v give_v also_o as_o a_o special_a help_n a_o fix_a ministry_n to_o his_o church_n yea_o for_o this_o very_a end_n ephes_n 4_o 14._o that_o we_o shall_v henceforth_o be_v no_o more_o child_n toss_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n and_o therefore_o with_o a_o divine_a mission_n have_v give_v such_o spiritual_a gift_n as_o the_o necessity_n and_o service_n of_o the_o church_n may_v require_v for_o interpret_n and_o clear_v up_o of_o what_o may_v be_v the_o counsel_n and_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o his_o church_n according_a to_o his_o own_o word_n 4._o that_o the_o most_o weighty_a thing_n of_o religion_n both_o as_o to_o faith_n and_o practice_n be_v not_o interest_v in_o most_o of_o these_o sad_a contest_v which_o be_v now_o among_o but_o he_o have_v so_o gracious_o condescend_v that_o what_o we_o shall_v most_o live_v by_o shall_v not_o cost_v we_o so_o dear_a and_o that_o the_o great_a subtlety_n and_o most_o intricate_a controversy_n which_o be_v so_o oft_o in_o the_o church_n you_o most_o out_o of_o our_o way_n yea_o such_o as_o shall_v cause_v no_o trouble_n or_o disquiet_v of_o mind_n herein_o 5._o be_v not_o also_o most_o clear_o sheve_v we_o how_o we_o may_v know_v our_o be_v lead_v and_o keep_v in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o what_o shall_v qualify_v and_o make_v we_o meet_v for_o the_o bless_a conduct_n and_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o his_o word_n such_o as_o a_o holy_a fear_n and_o sincere_a resignation_n of_o the_o soul_n thereto_o meekness_n humility_n with_o a_o fix_a and_o serious_a resolve_v to_o close_v therewith_o how_o cross_a however_o it_o shall_v be_v to_o our_o own_o private_a affection_n and_o credit_n 6._o there_o be_v this_o advantage_n to_o know_v that_o bless_a and_o approven_v way_n wherein_o we_o may_v have_v peace_n as_o that_o in_o which_o the_o footstep_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o so_o innunerable_a a_o company_n have_v go_v before_o who_o receive_v the_o spirit_n this_o way_n and_o with_o great_a assurance_n do_v know_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o seal_n on_o their_o own_o soul_n so_o as_o after_o no_o new_a or_o strange_a light_n we_o need_v to_o inquire_v 7._o and_o have_v not_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o saint_n these_o peculiar_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o mark_n whereby_o to_o discern_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n in_o a_o dark_a and_o try_v time_n by_o plain_a scripture_n light_n both_o for_o clear_v and_o confirm_v of_o their_o mind_n herein_o 1._o that_o we_o shall_v follow_v these_o thing_n which_o tend_v to_o peace_n and_o to_o edify_v rom._n 14._o 19_o for_o thus_o sure_o do_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n tend_v to_o build_v and_o not_o to_o cast_v down_o and_o if_o many_o caice_n which_o some_o do_v now_o agitat_fw-la with_o much_o disquiet_a both_o to_o themselves_o and_o other_o be_v more_o bring_v to_o that_o great_a rule_n of_o solid_a edification_n i_o shall_v not_o fear_v that_o so_o much_o time_n shall_v be_v lose_v therein_o 2._o it_o be_v sure_a the_o way_n of_o truth_n must_v be_v still_o rational_o convince_a such_o as_o do_v persuade_v by_o teach_v and_o to_o fix_v and_o clear_v the_o judgement_n before_o the_o will_n by_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o man_n conscience_n for_o thus_o we_o be_v teach_v and_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o render_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o with_o all_o meekness_n and_o fear_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 15._o 3._o such_o be_v this_o bless_a way_n as_o it_o be_v cautious_a and_o advertant_fw-la to_o hazard_n on_o each_o hand_n and_o to_o guard_v against_o the_o depht_n of_o satan_n as_o well_o as_o to_o resist_v his_o fury_n a_o way_n which_o lie_v betwixt_o extreme_n either_o on_o the_o right_n or_o left_a hand_n for_o thus_o we_o be_v teach_v 2_o cor._n 6._o 7._o 2_o cor._n 11._o 14_o 2_o thess_n 2._o 2._o 4._o it_o be_v such_o a_o way_n as_o lead_v we_o to_o regard_v the_o special_a vary_v of_o a_o case_n as_o to_o some_o present_a duty_n with_o a_o due_a respect_n and_o balance_v of_o circumstance_n and_o to_o see_v that_o the_o same_o way_n at_o all_o time_n be_v not_o to_o be_v follow_v in_o our_o practice_n since_o what_o may_v be_v most_o requisite_a and_o edify_a some_o time_n and_o in_o one_o case_n may_v be_v destructive_a in_o another_o for_o this_o have_v the_o holy_a ghost_n show_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a but_o not_o expedient_a 1_o cor._n 10._o 23._o 5._o thus_o we_o may_v know_v and_o discern_v the_o truth_n and_o way_n thereof_o which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n tit._n 1._o 1._o when_o it_o be_v such_o as_o visible_o tend_v by_o its_o power_n and_o efficacy_n on_o the_o heart_n to_o heal_v the_o distemper_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o judgement_n and_o by_o practical_a obedience_n to_o a_o more_o full_a assurance_n of_o understanding_n in_o themselves_o and_o may_v thus_o see_v its_o very_a native_a result_n and_o tendence_n be_v to_o make_v professor_n of_o the_o truth_n humble_a meek_a sober_a and_o temperate_a in_o their_o personal_a conversation_n yea_o tender_v to_o provoke_v or_o excite_v the_o corruption_n of_o any_o 6._o be_v there_o not_o this_o necessare_fw-la tendence_n also_o of_o the_o reveal_v way_n of_o truth_n to_o walk_v wise_o
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 ve●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 deba●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