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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
spirit_n light_n scripture_n word_n 7,735 5 4.7523 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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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 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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 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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
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 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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 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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
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 m●●●…_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 ●●…se_n and_o doctrine_n in_o these_o late_a time_n by_o innumerable_a witness_n who_o even_o in_o their_o extreme_a suffering_n do_v so_o convince_o evidence_n a_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o undoubted_a seal_n of_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o their_o soul_n 8._o that_o these_o likewise_o be_v rare_a example_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o holiness_n in_o their_o day_n and_o of_o humility_n and_o subduedness_n to_o the_o flesh_n yea_o of_o tenderness_n and_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n to_o their_o persecutor_n who_o the_o lord_n do_v thus_o call_v and_o prepare_v for_o such_o a_o sacrifice_n 9_o that_o no_o precipitancy_n or_o stubbornness_n in_o the_o least_o be_v in_o their_o way_n but_o as_o with_o great_a assurance_n of_o mind_n so_o with_o a_o tender_a humble_a and_o deliberate_a act_n their_o study_n then_o be_v by_o rational_a conviction_n to_o deal_v with_o the_o conscience_n of_o adversary_n in_o a_o willing_a render_n the_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o suffer_v with_o all_o meekness_n from_o the_o scripture_n with_o a_o reference_n thereto_o before_o the_o world_n to_o be_v try_v and_o search_v out_o in_o what_o any_o can_v object_v 10._o have_v we_o not_o see_v the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n most_o bright_o shine_v forth_o in_o that_o day_n in_o the_o weakness_n of_o mean_n and_o that_o no_o special_a piece_n of_o service_n be_v then_o call_v for_o but_o a_o most_o surprise_a and_o discernible_a call_n and_o excitement_n of_o instrument_n thereto_o who_o in_o the_o same_o spirit_n by_o which_o other_o be_v help_v to_o suffer_v be_v remarkable_o then_o carry_v out_o to_o act_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o gospel_n much_o above_o themselves_o and_o their_o ordinare_fw-la reach_n 11._o have_v we_o not_o see_v also_o that_o no_o great_a thing_n be_v by_o the_o lord_n than_o bring_v forth_o for_o his_o church_n but_o some_o remarkable_a height_n of_o trouble_n go_v before_o and_o how_o every_o step_n of_o she_o rise_v and_o prevail_v over_o antichrist_n have_v be_v still_o usher_v in_o with_o some_o sore_a conflict_n and_o down_o cast_v like_o the_o pang_n and_o throw_v of_o the_o birth_n before_o a_o delivery_n 12._o have_v we_o not_o clear_o see_v that_o no_o humane_a power_n since_o the_o break_n forth_o of_o this_o bless_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v yet_o ever_o reach_v its_o end_n against_o the_o reform_a church_n though_o no_o possible_a way_n and_o change_v of_o weapon_n have_v be_v leave_v untried_a but_o how_o most_o visible_o the_o work_n of_o their_o own_o hand_n have_v ensnare_v they_o herein_o and_o tend_v more_o to_o the_o furtherance_n of_o the_o gospel_n 13._o and_o may_v it_o not_o be_v confirm_v what_o have_v be_v so_o clear_a to_o see_v the_o reform_a church_n of_o france_n get_v so_o sweet_a a_o clam_n yea_o fix_v in_o a_o settle_a state_n with_o outward_a peace_n and_o legal_a security_n by_o the_o catholic_n league_n there_o andby_o such_o a_o formidable_a conjunction_n as_o be_v therein_o of_o person_n and_o interest_n for_o her_o utter_a ruin_n 14._o to_o see_v four_o king_n of_o france_n successive_o take_v away_o in_o 30_o year_n all_o upon_o the_o same_o design_n and_o in_o a_o vigorous_a pursuit_n to_o destroy_v the_o protestant_a interest_n there_o and_o in_o they_o that_o race_n of_o the_o house_n of_o valois_n whole_o extinct_a of_o who_o two_o be_v by_o a_o violent_a death_n henry_n the_o second_o and_o three_o and_o this_o last_o so_o remarkable_o from_o that_o very_a airt_n with_o who_o he_o have_v most_o concur_v and_o join_v in_o counsel_n as_o particular_o with_o the_o duke_n of_o guise_n for_o the_o massacre_n but_o both_o fall_n and_o destroy_v by_o other_o in_o a_o short_a time_n 15._o to_o see_v the_o netherlands_o fix_v both_o in_o a_o settle_a state_n and_o church_n by_o that_o bloody_a engine_n of_o the_o spanish_a inquisition_n set_v up_o there_o and_o severe_a cruelty_n of_o philip_n the_o ii_o as_o the_o very_o mean_v make_v most_o subservient_fw-fr thereto_o 16._o to_o see_v the_o protestant_a doctrine_n more_o effectual_o promote_v and_o root_v in_o england_n by_o the_o bloody_a day_n of_o queen_n mary_n than_o the_o peace_n full_a calm_n of_o king_n eduard_n who_o have_v go_v before_o 17._o to_o see_v the_o violence_n and_o falsehood_n of_o queen_n dovager_n and_o inbr_v of_o the_o french_a to_o scotland_n to_o bear_v down_o and_o destroy_v the_o protestant_a interest_n there_o such_o a_o effectual_a mean_a and_o advantage_n for_o its_o rise_n and_o further_a establishment_n 18._o to_o see_v the_o blood_n and_o cruelty_n by_o ferdinand_n the_o ii_o in_o bohemia_n in_o so_o very_o short_a a_o time_n most_o visible_o return_v on_o himself_o to_o a_o make_v germany_n almost_o desolate_a and_o for_o many_o year_n to_o sum_n in_o its_o own_o blood_n by_o the_o swede_n and_o their_o confederate_n 19_o to_o see_v that_o horrid_a late_a irish_a massacre_n in_o a_o few_o year_n after_o resolve_v in_o a_o utter_a root_n out_o almost_o of_o that_o cruel_a party_n who_o have_v move_v therein_o with_o such_o a_o discernible_a sunshine_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o do_v follow_v after_o in_o that_o land_n 20._o i_o must_v here_o add_v which_o may_v be_v clear_a and_o confirm_v this_o day_n how_o so_o strange_a a_o fall_n in_o with_o popery_n have_v be_v now_o these_o 20._o year_n past_a in_o britain_n and_o what_o ground_n that_o interest_n have_v gain_v there_o have_v so_o visible_o have_v its_o strength_n from_o that_o airt_n of_o atheism_n ignorance_n and_o the_o get_n up_o of_o a_o profane_a spirit_n which_o as_o a_o prodigy_n and_o deluge_n have_v thus_o break_v forth_o in_o these_o land_n once_o blessed_v both_o with_o the_o purity_n and_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n beyond_o most_o of_o the_o church_n and_o how_o such_o have_v indeed_o find_v it_o easy_a to_o quit_v the_o truth_n who_o yet_o never_o know_v it_o beside_o the_o influence_n and_o suit_v of_o such_o a_o bait_n as_o this_o way_n be_v to_o the_o temper_n of_o so_o licentious_a a_o time_n and_o for_o some_o private_a interest_n when_o that_o have_v be_v under_o so_o favourable_a a_o aspect_n finis_fw-la