this_o trouble_a and_o grow_v sea_n of_o the_o state_n betwixt_o these_o two_o hide_a rock_n which_o be_v beset_v with_o dangerous_a quicksand_n on_o all_o side_n then_o they_o shall_v by_o god_n grace_n help_v to_o save_v the_o weather-beaten_a ship_n of_o the_o church_n from_o shipwreck_n and_o bring_v she_o to_o a_o safe_a harbour_n in_o the_o quiet_v state_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o in_o hope_n that_o the_o good_a hand_n of_o god_n may_v be_v upon_o they_o to_o help_v the_o furtherance_n of_o so_o good_a a_o work_n i_o will_v suppose_v that_o the_o apostolical_a rule_n of_o compose_v difference_n phil._n 3.16_o may_v be_v practise_v in_o this_o case_n among_o those_o that_o be_v profess_o brethren_n the_o apostle_n sai_fw-fr h_o then_o whereunto_o we_o have_v attain_v already_o let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n let_v we_o be_v like_o mind_a or_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n to_o such_o then_o as_o be_v spiritual_o dispose_v let_v i_o speak_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o a_o joint_a member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n i_o will_v entreat_v they_o to_o set_v down_o that_o whereunto_o they_o be_v attain_v and_o wherein_o they_o full_o agree_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n then_o when_o this_o be_v know_v let_v rule_n be_v think_v upon_o to_o walk_v by_o and_o let_v these_o be_v receive_v on_o all_o side_n for_o the_o order_n of_o their_o course_n without_o offence_n one_o towards_o another_o and_o for_o the_o settle_n of_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o mutual_a freedom_n and_o of_o the_o engagement_n to_o mutual_a subjection_n and_o yield_n to_o one_o another_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n these_o rule_n be_v take_v from_o the_o clear_a precept_n of_o the_o word_n the_o tie_n of_o the_o conscience_n bind_v every_o one_o â—o_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n or_o to_o be_v like_o mind_a each_o towards_o another_o shall_v be_v superad_v thereunto_o the_o thing_n then_o which_o shall_v be_v mind_v unanimous_o by_o all_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o mutual_a edification_n by_o serve_v each_o other_o through_o love_n this_o duty_n be_v to_o be_v tie_v upon_o the_o conscience_n by_o some_o special_a promise_n which_o be_v to_o be_v take_v by_o all_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n as_o be_v profe_o subject_a to_o his_o will_n by_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n which_o he_o have_v make_v with_o we_o in_o jesus_n christ_n that_o we_o be_v all_o bind_v over_o to_o he_o in_o christ_n may_v by_o the_o same_o tie_n of_o love_n be_v knit_v each_o to_o other_o as_o member_n of_o christ_n mystical_a body_n by_o our_o spiritual_a relation_n these_o relation_n than_o be_v to_o be_v settle_v in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o one_o member_n owe_v to_o another_o as_o they_o stand_v joint_o under_o the_o same_o head_n christ_n jesus_n and_o very_o i_o think_v this_o be_v no_o difficult_a matter_n for_o man_n of_o spiritual_a and_o impartial_a disposition_n to_o do_v free_o among_o themselves_o without_o trouble_v the_o secular_a magistrate_n with_o debate_n of_o the_o form_n of_o spiritual_a government_n as_o matter_n mere_o ecclesiastical_a whereof_o he_o be_v no_o competent_a judge_n but_o if_o these_o spiritual_a relation_n can_v be_v settle_v by_o the_o wisdom_n and_o love_a affection_n of_o spiritual_a office-bearer_n within_o the_o church_n among_o themselves_o than_o it_o be_v just_a that_o they_o shall_v forfeit_v their_o spiritual_a right_n and_o liberty_n which_o christ_n have_v confer_v upon_o they_o and_o fall_v under_o the_o arbitrement_n of_o a_o secular_a power_n which_o ought_v to_o look_v unto_o its_o own_o safety_n lest_o those_o that_o make_v division_n and_o multiply_v breach_n in_o the_o church_n about_o small_a matter_n disturb_v also_o by_o that_o mean_v the_o public_a peace_n of_o the_o state_n and_o then_o the_o magistrate_n in_o his_o charge_n over_o the_o visible_a and_o outward_a behaviour_n and_o action_n of_o man_n as_o well_o religious_a so_o 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into_o consideration_n namely_o what_o latitude_n of_o difference_n from_o other_o shall_v be_v permit_v unto_o these_o in_o their_o public_a worship_n and_o what_o limitation_n of_o behaviour_n shall_v be_v lay_v upon_o they_o to_o avoid_v disorder_n and_o trouble_v in_o that_o church_n which_o be_v principal_o allow_v in_o the_o state_n for_o if_o a_o christian_a state_n shall_v have_v but_o one_o only_a church_n which_o it_o show_v d_o own_o as_o the_o child_n whereof_o it_o be_v a_o nurse_n mother_n and_o if_o the_o own_n of_o many_o church_n alike_o will_v be_v a_o inevitable_a cause_n of_o division_n within_o itself_o than_o it_o follow_v that_o all_o the_o church_n which_o we_o tolerate_v public_o beside_o that_o which_o it_o ow_v shall_v be_v so_o tolerate_v as_o may_v be_v no_o prejudice_n unto_o that_o whereof_o itself_o be_v profess_o the_o nurse_n mother_n and_o because_o the_o substantial_a truth_n of_o christianity_n be_v but_o one_o the_o wisdom_n of_o a_o state_n shall_v tolerate_v nothing_o that_o may_v darken_v oppose_v or_o eat_v out_o the_o substantial_a truth_n but_o because_o all_o those_o that_o make_v true_a profession_n of_o christianity_n do_v it_o for_o conscience_n sake_n towards_o that_o which_o they_o conceive_v to_o be_v substantial_a in_o that_o truth_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n also_o desire_v to_o have_v the_o liberty_n of_o their_o profession_n as_o think_v it_o a_o injury_n to_o have_v their_o conscience_n restrain_v from_o serve_v christ_n or_o any_o thing_n force_v upon_o it_o which_o it_o can_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v christ_n therefore_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o conscience_n of_o every_o honest_a heart_a christian_a in_o this_o case_n so_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v with_o the_o conscience_n of_o a_o state_n for_o as_o no_o honest_a heart_a christian_n will_v have_v his_o conscience_n at_o perpetual_a uncertainty_n in_o matter_n of_o divine_a worship_n nor_o will_v he_o have_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n force_v upon_o it_o nor_o will_v he_o be_v oblige_v to_o give_v assent_n thereunto_o before_o he_o shall_v know_v it_o to_o be_v of_o god_n or_o at_o lest_o no_o way_n contrary_a to_o his_o undoubted_a ordinance_n so_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o conscience_n of_o a_o state_n shall_v not_o be_v suffer_v to_o be_v at_o perpetual_a uncertainty_n nor_o shall_v it_o suffer_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v force_v upon_o itself_o which_o it_o be_v not_o sure_o be_v of_o god_n and_o subordinate_a unto_o his_o will_n but_o in_o case_n to_o avoid_v a_o great_a evil_n it_o be_v find_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o admit_v a_o doubtful_a profession_n in_o public_a than_o a_o good_a conscience_n of_o two_o unavoidable_a evil_n mâ—â—_n choose_v the_o least_o as_o we_o see_v david_n do_v 1_o sam._n 21._o and_o 2_o sam._n 3_o 39_o and_o at_o other_o time_n yet_o it_o will_v endure_v that_o evil_a no_o long_o than_o it_o needs_o must_v but_o it_o will_v take_v it_o up_o only_o as_o a_o burden_n to_o be_v lay_v down_o again_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o may_v be_v with_o conveniency_n thus_o than_o if_o the_o non-communion_n way_n be_v find_v unavoidable_a and_o yet_o not_o know_v to_o be_v god_n ordinance_n it_o may_v be_v admit_v till_o it_o câ—n_v be_v either_o lay_v down_o or_o rectify_v or_o approve_v to_o be_v of_o god_n all_o which_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o state_n shall_v declare_v in_o the_o act_n of_o toleration_n nor_o do_v i_o think_v that_o the_o non-communionists_a themselves_o if_o they_o will_v not_o go_v from_o their_o principle_n will_v desire_v a_o toleration_n upon_o other_o term_n and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v determine_v whether_o it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o god_n or_o no_o a_o course_n of_o o_o derly_a conference_n shall_v â—e_v settle_v which_o may_v not_o turn_v to_o any_o heat_n or_o breach_n of_o brotherly_a affection_n
be_v know_v four_o that_o to_o find_v these_o rule_n i_o do_v abstract_n my_o thought_n from_o all_o particular_a opinion_n in_o the_o way_n of_o my_o negotiation_n not_o endeavour_v to_o prescribe_v unto_o any_o my_o sense_n concern_v these_o rule_n but_o rather_o to_o draw_v other_o to_o a_o consultation_n and_o search_n with_o i_o of_o the_o way_n of_o find_v out_o the_o same_o that_o when_o we_o shall_v have_v agree_v upon_o a_o orderly_a way_n of_o proceed_v in_o all_o doubtful_a matter_n to_o find_v the_o decision_n thereof_o we_o may_v at_o last_o come_v to_o some_o issue_n of_o the_o controversy_n which_o hitherto_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o confuse_a manner_n of_o agitation_n have_v be_v undecidable_a this_o be_v the_o whole_a purpose_n of_o that_o discourse_n the_o second_o principal_a matter_n whereupon_o i_o be_v to_o insist_v towards_o you_o be_v concern_v the_o reason_n and_o argument_n which_o first_o have_v induce_v i_o to_o this_o study_n of_o moderation_n and_o which_o second_o i_o have_v use_v to_o persuade_v other_o towards_o the_o same_o first_o then_o concern_v myself_o i_o do_v ingenious_o confess_v that_o the_o mere_a love_n of_o peace_n and_o quietness_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o do_v good_a to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n do_v move_v i_o to_o embrace_v this_o endeavour_n when_o i_o be_v call_v thereunto_o in_o prussia_n by_o dr._n godeman_n a_o counsellor_n of_o state_n to_o the_o late_a king_n of_o sweden_n in_o the_o year_n 1628._o since_o which_o time_n as_o i_o have_v never_o intend_v to_o discontinue_v my_o purpose_n of_o follicit_v the_o public_a way_n of_o peace_n so_o i_o have_v have_v several_a kind_n of_o inducement_n bind_v my_o conscience_n to_o the_o duty_n and_o some_o encouragement_n which_o be_v able_a to_o support_v i_o against_o the_o manifold_a difficulty_n and_o impediment_n which_o have_v be_v incident_a to_o my_o way_n the_o first_o inducement_n which_o bind_v my_o conscience_n to_o think_v upon_o these_o endeavour_n be_v the_o call_n which_o i_o have_v to_o think_v upon_o the_o same_o which_o i_o can_v not_o but_o answer_n except_o i_o shall_v have_v be_v want_v to_o my_o duty_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n therefore_o as_o i_o be_v provoke_v to_o think_v upon_o the_o object_n of_o peace_n and_o truth_n so_o i_o think_v other_o will_v be_v move_v in_o like_a manner_n to_o do_v the_o same_o if_o i_o do_v call_v upon_o they_o to_o that_o effect_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o i_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o become_v a_o public_a solicitor_n of_o these_o endeavour_n for_o i_o conceive_v that_o none_o that_o be_v godly_a wise_a and_o learned_a will_v refuse_v to_o concur_v in_o so_o necessary_a a_o work_n so_o profitable_a for_o holy_a communication_n and_o so_o fit_a for_o correspondency_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n upon_o this_o ground_n you_o know_v that_o i_o draw_v a_o certain_a form_n of_o a_o declaration_n to_o be_v subscribe_v by_o all_o such_o as_o will_v join_v to_o help_v by_o spiritual_a council_n these_o endeavour_n to_o this_o you_o both_o do_v subscribe_v and_o i_o do_v in_o some_o occasion_n require_v your_o advice_n and_o assistance_n but_o what_o have_v hinder_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o your_o promise_n you_o yourselves_o best_o know_v perhaps_o god_n will_v have_v the_o fruit_n of_o your_o meditation_n in_o this_o kind_n reserve_v till_o this_o time_n wherein_o they_o will_v be_v most_o seasonable_a the_o second_o inducement_n be_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o time_n wherein_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o useful_a for_o the_o public_a good_a then_o to_o heal_v the_o breach_n of_o protestant_a church_n which_o we_o be_v all_o bind_v to_o pray_v for_o and_o i_o in_o my_o simplicity_n do_v then_o and_o still_o do_v conceive_v that_o what_o i_o be_o bind_v by_o prayer_n to_o sue_v for_o unto_o almighty_a god_n i_o ought_v also_o by_o my_o best_a endeavour_n so_o far_o as_o god_n do_v enable_v i_o actual_o to_o accomplish_v and_o promote_v the_o three_o inducement_n be_v the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o the_o work_n if_o self_n as_o it_o have_v place_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n this_o consideration_n do_v not_o come_v at_o first_o so_o full_o into_o my_o mind_n as_o afterward_o when_o i_o have_v be_v a_o certain_a space_n in_o action_n for_o then_o upon_o trial_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o examination_n of_o my_o aim_n i_o find_v that_o in_o all_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o duty_n so_o oft_o and_o so_o earnest_o recommend_v as_o this_o which_o tend_v to_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o to_o the_o care_n of_o mutual_a edification_n through_o love_n therefore_o i_o set_v myself_o with_o so_o much_o more_o zeal_n and_o diligence_n to_o dive_v into_o the_o property_n of_o these_o virtue_n whereby_o to_o discern_v the_o excellency_n thereof_o and_o what_o their_o usefulnes_n be_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o when_o i_o perceive_v that_o all_o other_o virtue_n and_o grace_n be_v useless_a and_o unprofitable_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o good_a of_o his_o saint_n except_o these_o be_v effectual_o join_v unto_o they_o i_o rectify_v my_o purpose_n in_o many_o particular_n to_o make_v they_o answerable_a unto_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o duty_n and_o settle_v a_o resolution_n unalterable_a to_o pursue_v this_o aim_n continual_o more_o than_o any_o other_o study_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v beside_o these_o many_o other_o motive_n to_o draw_v i_o on_o towards_o these_o endeavour_n which_o it_o be_v not_o needful_a to_o mention_v yet_o because_o some_o of_o they_o be_v of_o moment_n and_o have_v much_o wrought_v upon_o i_o i_o will_v name_v they_o brief_o as_o this_o that_o i_o find_v the_o proneness_n of_o man_n spirit_n to_o strive_v &_o to_o lift_v itself_o up_o against_o other_o for_o some_o particular_a matter_n of_o difference_n very_o great_a and_o then_o perceive_v the_o danger_n of_o such_o strife_n and_o the_o most_o pernicious_a effect_n thereof_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n i_o be_v exceed_o confirm_v in_o the_o love_n of_o peaceable_a endeavour_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n to_o preserve_v my_o soul_n from_o be_v involve_v into_o the_o great_a inconvenience_n whereunto_o i_o perceive_v most_o man_n be_v wrap_v unaware_o for_o want_v of_o a_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o in_o seek_v peace_n also_o this_o that_o the_o only_a way_n to_o encounter_v with_o man_n of_o cross_a humour_n and_o that_o be_v strong_o lead_v away_o into_o gross_a error_n be_v to_o bring_v they_o unto_o the_o thought_n and_o affection_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n to_o be_v intend_v according_a to_o just_a and_o equitable_a rule_n with_o they_o from_o who_o they_o dissent_v for_o in_o convince_a their_o understanding_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o walk_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o love_n which_o lead_v we_o to_o maintain_v peace_n and_o aim_v at_o the_o way_n of_o edification_n they_o be_v make_v void_a of_o prejudices_fw-la and_o tractable_a to_o receive_v instruction_n moreover_o this_o that_o all_o dispute_n turn_v at_o last_o to_o bitterness_n and_o vain_a jangle_n among_o all_o man_n and_o become_v endless_a and_o without_o fruit_n except_o the_o aim_n of_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n be_v intend_v and_o a_o rule_n of_o proceed_v be_v use_v which_o may_v lâ—ad_v we_o unto_o the_o same_o these_o be_v the_o principal_a head_n of_o the_o inducement_n which_o move_v i_o to_o these_o endeavour_n to_o which_o divers_a encouragement_n from_o time_n to_o time_n do_v concur_v whereby_o i_o have_v be_v strengthen_v against_o the_o strait_n and_o opposition_n which_o be_v fall_v in_o my_o way_n to_o stop_v i_o in_o this_o course_n of_o negotiation_n first_o i_o have_v from_o time_n to_o time_n the_o clear_a consent_n and_o full_a approbation_n of_o all_o the_o most_o godly_a divine_n of_o both_o side_n so_o long_o as_o their_o judgement_n be_v free_a and_o void_a of_o partiality_n and_o when_o they_o do_v fall_v off_o from_o i_o i_o perceive_v that_o it_o come_v from_o groundless_a jealousy_n and_o false_a information_n or_o suspicion_n which_o do_v make_v they_o leave_v their_o true_a principle_n and_o rule_n of_o edification_n which_o at_o first_o they_o have_v intend_v second_o i_o have_v the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o chief_a statesman_n that_o be_v rational_a and_o prudent_a in_o he_o way_n of_o true_a government_n who_o engage_v themselves_o to_o give_v i_o real_a assistance_n by_o their_o authority_n three_o i_o find_v not_o only_o great_a hope_n of_o proceed_n but_o real_a effect_n of_o my_o wâ—â—ke_n by_o god_n blessing_n dispose_v the_o spirit_n of_o lead_v man_n unto_o the_o way_n of_o moderation_n four_o i_o see_v that_o the_o very_a opposition_n of_o unreasonable_a man_n do_v
turn_v to_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o my_o work_n and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n so_o that_o at_o last_o it_o be_v almost_o indifferent_a unto_o i_o whether_o i_o meet_v with_o opposite_n or_o no_o see_v i_o can_v turn_v all_o to_o my_o advantage_n and_o last_o i_o come_v to_o this_o resolution_n that_o i_o make_v a_o vow_n of_o perseverance_n in_o the_o work_n whether_o i_o perceive_v any_o temarkable_a furtherance_n of_o the_o work_n or_o no_o in_o respect_n that_o i_o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n whereof_o the_o event_n do_v depend_v upon_o god_n special_a providence_n to_o who_o i_o be_v bind_v to_o refer_v the_o issue_n whatsoever_o be_v come_v of_o i_o or_o my_o endeavour_n so_o that_o now_o i_o look_v no_o more_o to_o the_o outward_a appearance_n of_o man_n in_o this_o negotiation_n but_o unto_o the_o tenor_n of_o my_o vow_n which_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v answerable_a unto_o the_o express_a will_n of_o god_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v i_o hope_v i_o be_o confirm_v invincible_o against_o all_o opposition_n whatsoever_o these_o be_v brief_o the_o motive_n and_o encouragement_n which_o have_v bring_v i_o to_o the_o negotiation_n of_o peace_n and_o confirm_v i_o therein_o hitherto_o now_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o the_o sum_n of_o the_o argument_n which_o i_o have_v use_v to_o persuade_v other_o unto_o the_o same_o disposition_n towards_o peace_n and_o moderation_n which_o god_n have_v wrought_v in_o my_o heart_n first_o the_o woe_n which_o be_v denounce_v against_o the_o world_n by_o reason_n of_o offence_n mat._n 18_o 7.8.9_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o be_v not_o accessary_a to_o the_o multiply_a of_o the_o same_o now_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o many_o scandal_n be_v multiply_v by_o reason_n of_o superfluous_a and_o disorderly_a dispute_n which_o scandalize_v the_o little_a one_o and_o by_o reason_n of_o contention_n and_o partial_a proceed_n which_o divide_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o professor_n &_o draw_v they_o into_o faction_n and_o if_o we_o connive_v at_o these_o scandal_n and_o labour_v not_o to_o take_v they_o out_o of_o the_o way_n when_o occasion_n be_v off_o red_a to_o we_o we_o be_v accessary_a thereunto_o and_o so_o be_v liable_a to_o the_o woe_n denounce_v against_o the_o world_n and_o the_o author_n of_o offence_n second_o the_o miserable_a effect_n of_o our_o endless_a strife_n and_o division_n be_v a_o large_a field_n of_o discourse_n to_o show_v how_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v stop_v thereby_o how_o the_o truth_n be_v darken_v how_o the_o practice_n of_o godliness_n be_v neglect_v how_o the_o church_n be_v consume_v one_o by_o another_o and_o make_v a_o prey_n unto_o the_o common_a adversary_n who_o lie_v in_o wait_n and_o watch_v for_o our_o destruction_n and_o prevail_v by_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o by_o our_o inward_a confusion_n disorder_n and_o passionate_a debate_n among_o ourselves_o this_o argument_n be_v make_v plain_a from_o the_o present_a state_n of_o all_o the_o protestant_a church_n in_o all_o country_n which_o be_v expose_v to_o all_o manner_n of_o danger_n and_o lay_v waste_n in_o many_o place_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o prevail_a plot_n of_o the_o papist_n and_o socinian_o which_o take_v effect_n only_o because_o we_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o walk_v by_o one_o rule_n to_o be_v like_o mind_a in_o that_o whereunto_o we_o be_v come_v and_o to_o edify_v one_o another_o in_o that_o wherein_o we_o be_v at_o uâ—riance_n by_o common_a principle_n and_o orderly_a way_n of_o prophesy_v three_o the_o benefit_n which_o will_v redound_v to_o all_o the_o church_n from_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o themselves_o and_o what_o advantage_n the_o gospel_n itself_o will_v receive_v thereby_o and_o how_o by_o the_o joint_n and_o brotherly_a endeavour_n of_o protestant_n all_o nation_n of_o he_o world_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o mahumetan_n may_v be_v bring_v unto_o the_o sheepfold_a of_o christ_n and_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n in_o a_o short_a time_n quite_o overthrow_v this_o be_v a_o most_o ample_a and_o large_a subject_n to_o be_v insist_v upon_o towards_o those_o that_o believe_v the_o raise_v up_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o overthrow_n of_o babylon_n in_o the_o latter_a time_n four_o the_o express_a commandment_n of_o god_n to_o seek_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n and_o the_o manifold_a exhortation_n tend_v to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o happy_a condition_n of_o those_o that_o study_v to_o observe_v the_o same_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v so_o many_o well-spring_n of_o reason_n to_o move_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n unto_o this_o duty_n and_o endeavour_n five_o the_o example_n and_o forwardness_n of_o other_o in_o former_a time_n and_o in_o these_o time_n also_o with_o the_o preparative_n use_v and_o make_v ready_a on_o all_o side_n to_o entertain_v the_o motion_n of_o agreement_n and_o to_o concur_v in_o the_o counsel_n of_o peace_n be_v allege_v as_o a_o call_v offer_v from_o god_n which_o all_o godly_a man_n be_v bind_v to_o entertain_v with_o readiness_n except_o they_o will_v be_v find_v want_v to_o their_o duty_n before_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n and_o guilty_a of_o the_o evil_n which_o follow_v upon_o strife_n and_o debate_n among_o brethren_n six_o the_o brotherly_a relation_n which_o be_v real_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o same_o save_a faith_n betwixt_o we_o do_v bind_v we_o to_o make_v profession_n of_o brotherhood_n and_o labour_n to_o edify_v one_o another_o therein_o except_o we_o will_v betray_v the_o truth_n and_o break_v the_o tie_n of_o one_o faith_n and_o hope_n which_o oblige_v we_o to_o provide_v and_o seek_v for_o one_o another_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a good_a as_o member_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o head_n jesus_n christ_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o lutheran_n and_o we_o be_v one_o in_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o hope_n it_o follow_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v in_o couscience_n to_o make_v this_o unity_n manifest_a by_o our_o public_a profession_n because_o we_o do_v otherwise_o suppress_v the_o chief_a fruit_n of_o that_o truth_n whereby_o god_n be_v to_o be_v glorify_v and_o christ_n make_v know_v unto_o the_o world_n as_o he_o do_v intimate_v joh._n 17.21_o 22_o 23._o last_o this_o argument_n i_o have_v ofttimes_o press_v and_o find_v it_o unanswerable_a i_o say_v then_o that_o as_o i_o find_v myself_o bind_v to_o profess_v brotherhood_n towards_o another_o so_o i_o suppose_v every_o one_o will_v find_v himself_o oblige_v unto_o the_o same_o duty_n towards_o i_o if_o he_o will_v consider_v i_o as_o i_o do_v he_o now_o i_o consider_v every_o one_o with_o who_o i_o seek_v brotherhood_n in_o profession_n as_o he_o have_v a_o relation_n unto_o god_n who_o be_v my_o father_n in_o christ_n if_o then_o i_o find_v that_o he_o have_v the_o same_o interest_n in_o god_n which_o i_o have_v and_o do_v call_v he_o father_n upon_o the_o same_o ground_n which_o i_o do_v namely_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o same_o new_a covenant_n whereby_o i_o be_o unite_v unto_o god_n in_o christ_n then_o i_o do_v conceive_v he_o to_o be_v my_o brother_n in_o respect_n that_o his_o soul_n be_v beget_v by_o the_o same_o heavenly_a father_n through_o the_o same_o spiritual_a seed_n and_o in_o the_o womb_n of_o the_o same_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n and_o to_o the_o same_o lively_a hope_n by_o who_o through_o which_o seed_n in_o which_o womb_n and_o to_o which_o hope_n my_o soul_n be_v beget_v and_o if_o i_o find_v he_o sound_a in_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n must_v needs_o acknowledge_v he_o in_o my_o heart_n my_o brother_n and_o a_o son_n of_o the_o same_o spiritual_a father_n and_o mother_n than_o i_o ought_v not_o before_o man_n to_o conceal_v the_o same_o acknowledgement_n but_o be_o bind_v in_o conscience_n chief_o when_o it_o may_v tend_v much_o to_o his_o good_a and_o to_o the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n glory_n to_o make_v open_a profession_n thereof_o although_o in_o some_o other_o respect_v there_o may_v be_v some_o difference_n of_o opinion_n and_o of_o custom_n of_o behaviour_n betwixt_o we_o for_o all_o brethren_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o stature_n and_o clothe_v alike_o and_o speak_v with_o one_o and_o the_o same_o tone_n and_o alike_o ready_o some_o be_v tall_a than_o other_o and_o more_o comely_a some_o more_o neat_a in_o their_o clothes_n and_o speak_v more_o distinct_o and_o with_o more_o reason_n than_o other_o do_v and_o yet_o this_o do_v make_v no_o difference_n in_o the_o interest_n which_o they_o have_v all_o alike_o unto_o their_o father_n and_o to_o his_o inheritance_n and_o in_o the_o brotherly_a relation_n which_o they_o have_v
betwixt_o they_o &_o the_o other_o reform_a church_n see_v then_o you_o desire_v to_o know_v my_o opinion_n of_o their_o way_n i_o be_o willing_a to_o propose_v it_o not_o to_o censure_v but_o to_o edify_v you_o and_o warn_v they_o if_o my_o discourse_n may_v be_v take_v up_o without_o prejudice_n which_o i_o hope_v both_o you_o and_o they_o will_v do_v because_o you_o know_v full_o that_o hitherto_o i_o have_v not_o be_v and_o i_o assure_v you_o that_o henceforth_o i_o will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o they_o in_o any_o duty_n of_o love_n which_o may_v advance_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n although_o in_o matter_n of_o spiritual_a communication_n with_o i_o about_o that_o subject_n i_o never_o can_v find_v any_o reciprocation_n on_o their_o part_n even_o then_o when_o they_o have_v be_v entreat_v so_o to_o do_v but_o i_o will_v not_o make_v this_o a_o complaint_n nor_o must_v you_o think_v that_o i_o be_o less_o charitable_a unto_o they_o for_o it_o for_o i_o see_v that_o their_o aim_n be_v rather_o private_a than_o public_a and_o that_o their_o whole_a way_n be_v answerable_a to_o a_o particular_a interest_n to_o commend_v themselves_o in_o a_o distance_n from_o other_o by_o some_o distinct_a practice_n wherein_o they_o suppose_v they_o come_v near_o to_o the_o right_a way_n of_o church_n government_n than_o other_o do_v whereof_o you_o shall_v know_v by_o this_o discourse_n my_o judgement_n their_o end_n in_o this_o apology_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o close_a thereof_o to_o be_v this_o that_o they_o will_v persuade_v the_o house_n of_o parliament_n to_o suffer_v they_o to_o have_v a_o subsistence_n in_o their_o own_o land_n with_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n peaceable_o with_o the_o allowance_n of_o the_o latitude_n of_o some_o lesser_a difference_n the_o chief_a force_n of_o reason_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o yield_v to_o this_o be_v herein_o 1._o that_o elsewhere_o they_o can_v be_v in_o safety_n and_o health_n with_o livelihood_n 2._o that_o they_o have_v be_v sufferer_n in_o the_o same_o cause_n with_o the_o kingdom_n in_o former_a time_n even_o to_o exile_n and_o in_o these_o present_a time_n that_o they_o endure_v the_o opposition_n and_o reproach_n of_o good_a man_n even_o to_o the_o threaten_n of_o another_o banishment_n and_o yet_o that_o they_o be_v not_o change_v from_o their_o resolution_n to_o walk_v as_o they_o do_v 3._o that_o they_o differ_v little_a from_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o their_o judgement_n about_o the_o present_a work_n of_o reformation_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n 4._o that_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v furtherer_n of_o the_o reformation_n which_o the_o house_n intend_v yet_o they_o have_v not_o be_v hinderer_n thereof_o nor_o disturber_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o to_o make_v all_o this_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o the_o apology_n be_v pen_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o insinuation_n and_o strength_n towards_o popular_a capacity_n who_o look_v not_o deep_o into_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o to_o who_o the_o plea_n of_o equality_n in_o government_n and_o the_o liberty_n from_o be_v subject_n to_o authority_n be_v very_o plausible_a nor_o can_v the_o most_o judicious_a great_o except_o against_o the_o thing_n plead_v for_o if_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o particularity_n of_o their_o wâ—y_a be_v true_o answerable_a to_o that_o which_o the_o general_a narrative_n do_v fair_o insinuate_v and_o if_o they_o be_v grant_v free_a from_o those_o inconvenience_n which_o a_o stranger_n to_o they_o will_v hardly_o suspect_v buâ—_n some_o here_o who_o have_v be_v more_o near_o acquaint_v with_o their_o particular_a course_n than_o i_o be_o seem_v to_o have_v something_o to_o say_v to_o that_o yet_o i_o will_v not_o prejudge_v they_o in_o my_o thought_n but_o do_v believe_v charitable_o all_o they_o say_v for_o themselves_o as_o i_o will_v be_v believe_v in_o the_o like_a case_n and_o suppose_v all_o to_o be_v as_o true_a as_o may_v be_v imagine_v i_o will_v discover_v my_o judgement_n concern_v the_o main_a matter_n which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v this_o 1._o whether_o or_o no_o they_o shall_v be_v tolerate_v by_o the_o state_n as_o they_o do_v desire_v 2._o and_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v tolerate_v how_o far_o and_o how_o long_o that_o shall_v be_v and_o what_o latitude_n of_o difference_n shall_v be_v permit_v unto_o they_o and_o what_o limitation_n lay_v upon_o they_o 3._o but_o if_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v tolerate_v how_o they_o shall_v be_v deal_v withal_o to_o bring_v they_o unto_o that_o union_n and_o communion_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n with_o their_o brethren_n which_o by_o their_o own_o principle_n they_o will_v be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o maintain_v and_o which_o their_o brethren_n ought_v to_o rest_v satisfy_v withal_o of_o these_o head_n i_o will_v speak_v as_o one_o that_o look_v without_o partiality_n upon_o their_o difference_n yet_o take_v notice_n that_o they_o be_v with_o their_o brethren_n join_v in_o consultation_n to_o advance_v the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o his_o true_a public_a worship_n government_n and_o discipline_n which_o shall_v be_v settle_v in_o england_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n to_o come_v then_o to_o the_o matter_n which_o i_o have_v propose_v to_o my_o consideration_n the_o first_o question_n be_v whether_o or_o no_o they_o shall_v be_v tolerate_v as_o they_o do_v desire_v to_o which_o that_o i_o may_v know_v what_o to_o say_v i_o must_v consider_v their_o plea_n for_o themselves_o and_o show_v how_o far_o my_o judgement_n do_v find_v strength_n therein_o to_o evince_v the_o conclusion_n which_o they_o will_v have_v the_o state_n to_o yield_v unto_o they_o plead_v then_o for_o a_o toleration_n in_o their_o native_a country_n because_o they_o can_v live_v out_o of_o it_o because_o they_o will_v rather_o suffer_v all_o outward_a inconvenience_n than_o go_v out_o of_o that_o church_n way_n wherein_o they_o be_v because_o that_o way_n be_v little_a different_a from_o that_o of_o their_o brethren_n and_o because_o they_o hitherto_o have_v not_o be_v hinderer_n of_o the_o reformation_n nor_o disturber_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o state_n by_o it_o the_o first_o argument_n be_v proper_o motive_n necessitate_v they_o to_o demand_v the_o favour_n of_o a_o toleration_n and_o the_o two_o last_o be_v motive_n induce_v the_o state_n to_o yield_v thereunto_o their_o necessity_n be_v both_o bodily_a and_o spiritual_a in_o respect_n of_o their_o body_n they_o say_v â—hey_n can_v live_v elsewhere_o out_o of_o their_o country_n convenient_o and_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o spirit_n they_o say_v that_o except_o they_o have_v the_o freedom_n of_o their_o own_o way_n they_o can_v live_v in_o it_o content_o but_o will_v rather_o choose_v to_o be_v in_o exile_n as_o for_o the_o commendablenesse_n of_o the_o way_n whereupon_o their_o spirit_n be_v so_o strong_o set_v to_o induce_v the_o state_n to_o give_v it_o a_o toleration_n they_o say_v that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o little_a different_a from_o the_o way_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o brethren_n and_o so_o may_v be_v tolerate_v without_o danger_n and_o that_o the_o rather_o because_o they_o have_v hitherto_o give_v a_o proof_n of_o their_o peaceable_a disposition_n therein_o these_o plea_n be_v make_v credible_a by_o a_o narrative_a of_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n in_o their_o charge_n and_o by_o a_o declaration_n of_o their_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o difference_n from_o their_o brethren_n and_o if_o any_o will_v take_v notice_n more_o distinct_o of_o the_o particular_a head_n of_o the_o narrative_a he_o shall_v see_v that_o they_o insinuate_v their_o sincerity_n page_n 1._o and_o 2._o their_o unpartiality_n p._n 3_o 4_o 5._o their_o amiable_a and_o brotherly_a correspondence_n with_o other_o at_o home_n and_o abroad_o p._n 6._o and_o 7._o their_o way_n of_o church_n government_n p._n 8._o and_o 9_o take_v up_o from_o three_o principle_n p_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o differ_v from_o the_o presbyterial_a p._n 15_o 16_o 17._o and_o in_o nothing_o inferior_a to_o it_o as_o they_o suppose_v p._n 17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21._o their_o innocence_n from_o thing_n lay_v to_o their_o charge_n p._n 22._o and_o 23._o from_o factiousnesse_n although_o provoke_v to_o strife_n p._n 24_o 25_o 26_o 27_o 28._o their_o oxthodoxie_n p._n 28._o and_o 29._o their_o moderation_n to_o bring_v matter_n of_o discipline_n to_o a_o temper_n p._n 29._o decline_v the_o scholastical_a debatement_n thereof_o in_o public_a p._n 30._o the_o conclusion_n infer_v from_o all_o these_o premise_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o their_o desire_n ensue_a for_o a_o toleration_n in_o page_n 31._o now_o how_o far_o the_o conclusion_n be_v evince_v from_o these_o premise_n and_o shall_v be_v yield_v unto_o by_o the_o state_n i_o will_v brief_o declare_v first_o
let_v it_o be_v suppose_v that_o all_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v true_a in_o this_o narrative_a and_o as_o full_a as_o they_o shall_v be_v second_o let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o all_o these_o good_a disposition_n of_o spirit_n whereby_o they_o commend_v themselves_o be_v full_o in_o these_o man_n and_o will_v be_v in_o their_o successor_n which_o no_o man_n can_v promise_v yet_o i_o think_v under_o correction_n that_o except_o they_o can_v make_v it_o clear_o appear_v to_o the_o state_n that_o their_o church_n way_n of_o non-communion_n for_o i_o know_v not_o what_o else_o to_o call_v it_o be_v the_o only_a true_a way_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o presbyterial_a way_n be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o that_o wherein_o it_o differ_v from_o they_o i_o say_v except_o they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v these_o two_o thing_n clear_o appear_v i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v no_o wisdom_n in_o the_o state_n to_o give_v they_o the_o toleration_n which_o they_o do_v desire_v and_o that_o for_o these_o reason_n first_o because_o the_o wisdom_n and_o piety_n of_o the_o state_n do_v intend_v to_o erect_v the_o true_a ordinance_n of_o god_n except_o than_o they_o can_v show_v that_o the_o true_a ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o the_o presbyterial_a way_n but_o in_o their_o way_n of_o non-communion_n they_o have_v no_o plea_n for_o their_o request_n for_o if_o they_o can_v enjoy_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o every_o ordinance_n full_o in_o the_o presbyterial_a way_n they_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o desire_v the_o toleration_n of_o another_o way_n of_o church_n government_n nor_o will_v it_o be_v wisdom_n in_o a_o state_n to_o yield_v it_o except_o it_o be_v make_v to_o appear_v that_o in_o the_o presbyterial_a way_n some_o of_o god_n ordinance_n in_o their_o full_a strength_n can_v be_v enjoy_v second_o because_o it_o be_v no_o wisdom_n in_o a_o state_n to_o reject_v a_o approve_a way_n of_o government_n which_o all_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n have_v receive_v all_o this_o while_n and_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v god_n way_n and_o by_o experience_n find_v to_o be_v safe_a and_o sound_a and_o a_o strong_a hold_n against_o all_o manner_n of_o corruption_n and_o in_o stead_n of_o it_o to_o take_v up_o another_o which_o be_v not_o yet_o know_v what_o it_o be_v nor_o be_v ever_o try_v but_o in_o two_o or_o at_o the_o most_o three_o church_n and_o that_o for_o the_o space_n of_o a_o few_o year_n wherein_o a_o most_o dangerous_a paroxysm_n of_o a_o great_a rent_n do_v arise_v among_o they_o as_o i_o be_o credible_o inform_v and_o which_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o their_o own_o apology_n three_o it_o be_v no_o wisdom_n to_o authorise_v two_o different_a way_n of_o church_n government_n in_o a_o state_n except_o it_o be_v to_o lay_v a_o foundation_n of_o strife_n and_o division_n therein_o which_o may_v agree_v with_o sour_a machivilian_n but_o with_o no_o christian_a policy_n therefore_o if_o the_o toleration_n sue_v for_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n do_v by_o divine_a right_n unto_o those_o that_o sue_v for_o it_o but_o be_v crave_v only_o as_o a_o humane_a favour_n as_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v crave_v it_o will_v be_v no_o wisdom_n in_o state_n to_o yield_v unto_o the_o suit_n except_o it_o be_v induce_v thereunto_o by_o the_o necessity_n of_o avoid_v some_o great_a inconvenience_n than_o be_v the_o admit_v of_o a_o seed_n of_o perpetual_a division_n within_o itself_o which_o in_o my_o apprehension_n be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o other_o and_o most_o opposite_a to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n now_o the_o less_o the_o cause_n of_o a_o separation_n be_v the_o great_a the_o fault_n be_v in_o those_o that_o make_v it_o and_o the_o less_o cause_n the_o state_n have_v to_o give_v way_n to_o the_o make_n of_o it_o four_o the_o wisdom_n of_o a_o state_n may_v retort_v the_o argument_n of_o these_o suitor_n thus_o if_o these_o man_n that_o be_v but_o few_o in_o number_n and_o if_o those_o who_o they_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v their_o brethren_n be_v very_o many_o and_o great_a church_n and_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o difference_n be_v very_o small_a and_o such_o as_o ought_v not_o to_o disturb_v the_o public_a peace_n as_o they_o profess_v and_o by_o their_o practice_n show_v than_o it_o follow_v that_o these_o few_o ought_v not_o to_o stand_v by_o themselves_o at_o a_o distance_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o brethren_n but_o they_o shall_v join_v to_o they_o not_o make_v a_o rent_n and_o thereby_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o extremity_n of_o banishment_n and_o want_n of_o livelihood_n in_o a_o strange_a country_n now_o these_o man_n be_v but_o few_o and_o their_o difference_n as_o they_o say_v themselves_o be_v but_o small_a and_o ought_v not_o to_o disturb_v the_o public_a peace_n therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o join_v with_o their_o brethren_n and_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o allow_v they_o the_o liberty_n of_o a_o separation_n lest_o a_o schism_n arise_v from_o thence_o in_o the_o church_n and_o further_a trouble_n to_o the_o state_n and_o true_o this_o conclusion_n may_v be_v infer_v from_o their_o premise_n with_o more_o strength_n then_o that_o which_o they_o draw_v from_o it_o if_o then_o they_o will_v punish_v themselves_o with_o exile_n because_o they_o can_v have_v their_o will_n they_o can_v blame_v none_o but_o themselves_o for_o in_o this_o case_n i_o shall_v judge_v they_o persecute_v by_o their_o own_o discontentednes_n nor_o will_v the_o plea_n of_o christian_a liberty_n avail_v here_o for_o the_o liberty_n whereunto_o we_o be_v call_v in_o christ_n do_v not_o give_v occasion_n to_o singularity_n or_o permission_n to_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o spiritual_a unity_n which_o by_o the_o allowance_n of_o a_o public_a toleration_n of_o different_a church_n government_n may_v be_v occasion_v therefore_o to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n entire_a and_o to_o prevent_v occasion_n which_o may_v be_v take_v to_o abuse_v liberty_n a_o few_o shall_v yield_v unto_o many_o except_o they_o can_v fair_o persuade_v those_o many_o to_o yield_v unto_o they_o and_o if_o both_o side_n in_o matter_n tolerable_a shall_v intend_v mutual_o to_o yield_v one_o to_o another_o their_o way_n will_v be_v not_o to_o separate_v from_o each_o other_o but_o to_o keep_v the_o interest_n of_o love_n and_o communion_n entire_a till_o god_n open_v all_o our_o eye_n to_o approve_v of_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o excellent_a for_o we_o that_o be_v spiritual_a or_o think_v ourselves_o to_o be_v so_o be_v command_v not_o to_o please_v ourselves_o but_o our_o brethren_n to_o edification_n if_o then_o we_o desire_v to_o approve_v ourselves_o more_o than_o other_o spiritual_a towards_o god_n and_o his_o church_n let_v we_o strive_v to_o go_v before_o other_o in_o all_o forbearance_n and_o long_a suffering_n with_o meekness_n bear_v the_o weak_a and_o their_o burden_n to_o heal_v they_o and_o notto_o open_a a_o sluice_n to_o let_v in_o strife_n and_o debate_n chief_o in_o public_a and_o for_o matter_n confess_v to_o be_v of_o no_o great_a moment_n let_v we_o remember_v that_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n must_v not_o strive_v but_o be_v gentle_a unto_o all_o man_n and_o if_o to_o all_o man_n chief_o then_o unto_o their_o near_a brother_n for_o such_o we_o be_v command_v especial_o to_o consider_v to_o exhort_v daily_o and_o to_o provoke_v unto_o love_n and_o to_o good_a work_n and_o as_o at_o all_o time_n this_o duty_n be_v requisite_a so_o now_o chief_o in_o this_o sad_a conjuncture_n of_o public_a affair_n and_o at_o this_o occasion_n of_o public_a deliberation_n whereunto_o the_o state_n have_v call_v they_o for_o the_o advancement_n of_o a_o settle_a reformation_n suppose_v therefore_o that_o this_o will_v be_v and_o be_v the_o aim_n of_o those_o to_o who_o i_o speak_v as_o they_o be_v my_o belove_a brethren_n in_o christ_n so_o i_o desire_v from_o my_o heart_n their_o perfection_n that_o i_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o they_o in_o the_o great_a liberty_n thereof_o which_o in_o my_o judgement_n can_v stand_v very_o well_o with_o the_o strict_a obligation_n of_o spiritual_a unity_n only_o two_o rock_n must_v be_v avoid_v in_o the_o outward_a carriage_n of_o matter_n towards_o public_a edification_n the_o one_o be_v that_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o liberty_n no_o licentious_a and_o self-seeking_a singularity_n take_v place_n the_o other_o be_v that_o the_o obligation_n to_o unity_n become_v not_o a_o yoke_n to_o tyranny_n to_o bring_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n child_n in_o bondage_n under_o humane_a ordinance_n if_o these_o that_o be_v call_v to_o give_v advice_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n unpartial_o can_v as_o good_a pilot_n steer_v their_o course_n in_o
but_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o state_n the_o question_n true_o without_o mistake_n and_o to_o clear_v the_o truth_n thereof_o by_o the_o evident_a word_n of_o god_n this_o manner_n of_o conference_n may_v be_v describe_v in_o due_a time_n if_o the_o state_n shall_v incline_v to_o yield_v unto_o a_o toleration_n upon_o the_o term_n forenamed_a and_o then_o in_o the_o interim_n while_o the_o matter_n be_v in_o debate_n the_o whole_a difference_n of_o their_o course_n in_o public_a and_o the_o underhand_a practice_n which_o perhaps_o some_o of_o they_o may_v intend_v shall_v be_v so_o limit_v as_o that_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o government_n own_v by_o the_o state_n shall_v suffer_v nothing_o thereby_o and_o to_o find_v out_o these_o limitation_n so_o as_o they_o themselves_o shall_v have_v no_o cause_n to_o except_v against_o the_o same_o the_o state_n may_v command_v they_o to_o give_v up_o a_o draught_n of_o the_o whole_a way_n which_o they_o intend_v to_o follow_v in_o gather_v frame_v and_o govern_v their_o church_n according_a to_o god_n ordinance_n require_v they_o to_o show_v witwall_a what_o limitation_n they_o will_v admit_v of_o voluntary_o in_o respect_n of_o other_o that_o the_o latitude_n of_o difference_n wherein_o they_o desire_v to_o stand_v may_v be_v no_o disturbance_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o their_o brethren_n or_o occasion_n of_o scandal_n to_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o when_o this_o draught_n be_v give_v up_o than_o the_o state_n may_v give_v it_o to_o the_o other_o side_n to_o be_v consider_v desire_v they_o to_o declare_v if_o any_o thing_n more_o shall_v just_o be_v require_v of_o they_o to_o prevent_v scandal_n and_o maintain_v the_o public_a peace_n of_o that_o religious_a profession_n whereby_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v most_o honour_a and_o advance_v till_o in_o due_a time_n the_o cause_n of_o their_o separation_n may_v be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o when_o these_o have_v give_v up_o their_o consideration_n to_o that_o effect_n the_o state_n may_v show_v the_o same_o to_o the_o non-communionists_a to_o see_v what_o they_o will_v except_v against_o they_o and_o if_o they_o except_v not_o against_o the_o limitation_n require_v by_o the_o presbyterian_o than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o state_n may_v ratify_v the_o same_o but_o if_o they_o do_v except_v against_o the_o foresay_a superadded_a limitation_n than_o the_o state_n be_v to_o judge_v and_o determine_v the_o matter_n as_o it_o shall_v think_v fit_a for_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n in_o the_o mean_n of_o outward_a edification_n now_o because_o difficulty_n may_v be_v incident_a and_o many_o doubtful_a case_n arise_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o state_n how_o to_o determine_v of_o such_o limitation_n as_o may_v be_v disputable_a betwixt_o party_n of_o several_a interest_n therefore_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v without_o some_o rule_n whereby_o it_o may_v discern_v what_o be_v justice_n and_o give_v satisfaction_n unto_o its_o own_o conscience_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n it_o will_v then_o not_o be_v amiss_o to_o set_v down_o some_o proposition_n tend_v this_o way_n which_o if_o all_o side_n agree_v unto_o it_o may_v be_v hope_v that_o the_o limitation_n will_v not_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o be_v find_v first_o than_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o a_o state_n to_o look_v both_o to_o the_o ou_fw-fr ward_n visible_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o itself_o and_o to_o the_o frame_n of_o humane_a society_n wherein_o god_n be_v public_o worship_v that_o neither_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o worship_v god_n nor_o in_o the_o society_n of_o the_o worshipper_n any_o thing_n be_v admit_v which_o may_v overthrow_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n or_o cross_v any_o maxim_n of_o civil_a righteousness_n and_o tranquillity_n by_o this_o rule_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n will_v be_v bind_v to_o suffer_v no_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n in_o the_o form_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o to_o repress_v all_o confuse_a tumul_n vous_fw-fr and_o factious_a meeting_n of_o the_o worshipper_n and_o the_o occasion_n thereof_o second_o as_o that_o which_o be_v mere_o spiritual_a belong_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o spiritual_a office-bearer_n wherein_o they_o be_v to_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o word_n only_o within_o themselves_o and_o that_o which_o be_v mere_o civil_a belong_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n wherein_o they_o be_v to_o be_v guide_v within_o themselves_o by_o the_o ground_n of_o right_a reason_n teach_v the_o fundamental_n of_o humane_a society_n consist_v in_o the_o principle_n of_o good_a order_n and_o mutual_a innocence_n to_o be_v prescribe_v unto_o their_o subject_n so_o in_o thing_n of_o a_o mix_a nature_n the_o care_n thereof_o belong_v to_o the_o spiritual_a &_o civil_a office-bearer_n joint_o wherein_o both_o be_v to_o concur_v to_o determine_v the_o matter_n according_a to_o their_o several_a interest_n therein_o by_o which_o rule_n as_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v bind_v not_o to_o meddle_v with_o the_o spiritual_a nor_o the_o spiritual_a office-bearer_n with_o the_o civil_a charge_n and_o authority_n so_o both_o be_v oblige_v to_o make_v their_o charge_n useful_a to_o the_o good_a of_o each_o other_o in_o the_o advancement_n of_o god_n glory_n therefore_o whatsoever_o may_v tend_v to_o make_v a_o confuse_a mixture_n of_o these_o charge_n such_o as_o be_v in_o popery_n and_o papal_a episcopacy_n or_o to_o break_v the_o amiable_a correspondency_n which_o shall_v be_v betwixt_o they_o in_o their_o distinct_a charge_n shall_v be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n three_o although_o the_o spiritual_a charge_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n belong_v not_o to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n yet_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o state_n profess_v christianity_n be_v bind_v not_o only_o to_o look_v to_o the_o inconvenience_n which_o may_v hinder_v the_o progress_n or_o overthrow_v the_o truth_n of_o christianite_n that_o they_o may_v authoritative_o be_v take_v away_o but_o also_o to_o the_o convenience_n advance_v that_o truth_n that_o these_o may_v be_v further_v so_o far_o as_o his_o sphere_n do_v reach_v in_o the_o nurse_n care_n of_o religion_n by_o which_o rule_n the_o conscience_n of_o a_o state_n be_v bind_v as_o i_o suppose_v to_o these_o follow_a duty_n first_o to_o satisfy_v itself_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o infallible_a true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o in_o that_o which_o be_v absolute_o requisite_a in_o the_o public_a profession_n thereof_o that_o it_o may_v be_v full_o settle_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o state_n and_o none_o suffer_v therein_o that_o will_v oppose_v the_o same_o second_o to_o bear_v a_o hand_n over_o it_o to_o nurse_n and_o protect_v it_o from_o outward_a and_o inward_a enemy_n whensoever_o the_o church_n shall_v make_v a_o true_a discovery_n of_o the_o same_o to_o the_o state_n and_o three_o to_o oversee_v within_o itself_o the_o outward_a discharge_n of_o all_o duty_n belong_v to_o god_n ordinance_n that_o for_o the_o matter_n justice_n and_o for_o the_o manner_n good_a order_n may_v be_v observe_v therein_o for_o although_o the_o spiritual_a ordinance_n be_v not_o to_o be_v administer_v by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n himself_o yet_o the_o just_a and_o orderly_a behaviour_n of_o those_o that_o do_v administrate_n the_o same_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n belong_v unto_o his_o cognizance_n and_o if_o he_o find_v that_o injustice_n and_o disorder_n be_v practise_v by_o any_o who_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o discharge_n of_o spiritual_a duty_n he_o ought_v to_o take_v council_n with_o the_o spiritual_a office-bearer_n of_o the_o church_n own_v and_o as_o the_o case_n may_v be_v also_o of_o the_o church_n tolerate_v how_o the_o scandal_n thereof_o may_v be_v take_v away_o and_o prevent_v in_o time_n to_o come_v four_o because_o the_o right_n and_o orderly_o outward_a call_v and_o authorise_v of_o minister_n to_o a_o spiritual_a charge_n and_o the_o appropriate_a of_o they_o to_o the_o church_n wherein_o their_o charge_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v be_v the_o groundwork_n and_o cornerstone_n of_o the_o outward_a settlement_n of_o congregation_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o religion_n therefore_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o state_n ought_v to_o look_v narrow_o unto_o this_o that_o by_o the_o congregation_n tolerate_v no_o root_n of_o confusion_n in_o any_o kind_n be_v plant_v or_o admit_v to_o spring_v up_o and_o trouble_v many_o in_o their_o public_a society_n but_o all_o prudent_a and_o circumspect_a limitation_n shall_v be_v use_v to_o prevent_v so_o far_o as_o the_o sphere_n of_o the_o magistrate_n charge_v in_o this_o kind_n reach_v that_o neither_o the_o multitude_n have_v itch_a ear_n shall_v be_v permit_v to_o heap_v unto_o themselves_o teacher_n after_o their_o own_o lust_n nor_o the_o teacher_n
follow_v their_o own_o humour_n shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o draw_v away_o disciple_n after_o themselves_o or_o to_o come_v in_o secret_o upon_o the_o flock_n as_o thief_n to_o steal_v their_o heart_n from_o the_o shepherd_n or_o to_o break_v in_o violent_o as_o grievous_a wolf_n leap_v over_o the_o pale_a or_o break_v through_o the_o fold_n by_o these_o general_a rule_n and_o the_o inference_n which_o will_v clear_o follow_v thereupon_o i_o suppose_v all_o or_o most_o of_o all_o the_o case_n require_v a_o limitation_n may_v be_v determine_v and_o that_o without_o any_o undue_a authoritative_a power_n which_o the_o non-communionists_a so_o much_o fear_v for_o although_o they_o say_v that_o they_o yield_v not_o less_o â—ut_fw-la more_o than_o their_o presbyterial_a brethren_n do_v to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n yet_o because_o they_o dwell_v in_o generality_n wherein_o it_o can_v be_v discern_v what_o they_o yield_v unto_o the_o magistrate_n therefore_o it_o seem_v expedient_a to_o i_o to_o propose_v also_o in_o a_o general_a way_n these_o ground_n that_o if_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o except_v against_o they_o the_o particular_n may_v be_v think_v on_o the_o toleration_n which_o therein_o they_o require_v may_v be_v just_o limit_v thereby_o and_o the_o troublesome_a uncertainty_n whereby_o all_o thing_n be_v keep_v in_o suspense_n may_v be_v determine_v for_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o doubtful_a general_n way_n wherein_o they_o walk_v and_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o great_a silence_n concern_v the_o rule_n of_o government_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o spiritual_a communion_n which_o be_v like_o a_o guard_n of_o darkness_n over_o their_o proceed_n they_o trouble_v some_o and_o give_v cause_n unto_o other_o that_o be_v no_o way_n partial_a to_o suspect_v that_o they_o lie_v at_o their_o advantage_n and_o love_v not_o the_o light_n and_o this_o because_o their_o proceed_n be_v not_o settle_v and_o so_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o any_o trial_n by_o the_o evidence_n of_o common_a principle_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o find_v the_o applause_n of_o many_o that_o love_v the_o taste_n of_o liberty_n grow_v strong_a and_o thus_o keep_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o unsettlement_n and_o true_o this_o suspension_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a leave_v all_o the_o bond_n of_o dissolve_a government_n in_o looseness_n may_v prove_v fatal_a both_o to_o church_n and_o state_n if_o god_n in_o mercy_n do_v not_o prevent_v the_o danger_n which_o may_v ensue_v thereupon_o therefore_o i_o be_o trouble_v and_o will_v fain_o be_v able_a to_o speak_v serious_o as_o unto_o those_o who_o i_o esteâ—me_v my_o true_o belove_a brethren_n in_o christ_n as_o unto_o those_o to_o who_o i_o acknowledge_v myself_o a_o debtor_n in_o the_o gospel_n for_o some_o of_o they_o have_v oblige_v i_o in_o the_o outward_a part_n of_o my_o negotiation_n in_o the_o lord_n as_o unto_o those_o who_o gift_n i_o reverence_v as_o unto_o those_o who_o i_o love_v sincere_o even_o to_o be_v jealous_a of_o they_o with_o a_o godly_a jealousy_n to_o they_o i_o say_v i_o will_v fain_o speak_v in_o the_o freedom_n meekness_n and_o sincerity_n of_o my_o love_n as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o warn_v and_o to_o exhort_v they_o for_o the_o love_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o they_o shall_v neither_o give_v their_o brethren_n cause_n to_o be_v offend_v at_o their_o distant_a walk_n nor_o the_o enemy_n advantage_n who_o watch_n for_o both_o their_o halting_n nor_o to_o i_o who_o have_v unfeigned_o seek_v to_o have_v communion_n with_o they_o occasion_n to_o fear_n that_o the_o frame_n of_o their_o spirit_n and_o way_n in_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v main_o or_o be_v to_o please_v themselves_o and_o that_o the_o issue_n of_o it_o will_v be_v a_o non-communion_n not_o only_o with_o the_o presbyterian_o but_o even_o with_o themselves_o in_o the_o end_n the_o one_o fall_v from_o the_o other_o all_o which_o i_o beseech_v the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n to_o prevent_v that_o the_o transcendent_a gift_n which_o many_o of_o they_o have_v receive_v may_v not_o become_v either_o useless_a or_o hurtful_a to_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n for_o hereunto_o as_o i_o have_v not_o be_v want_v to_o invite_v some_o of_o they_o heretofore_o so_o now_o i_o will_v again_o exhort_v they_o all_o in_o the_o bowel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o who_o also_o i_o will_v entreat_v they_o to_o receive_v this_o word_n of_o admonition_n and_o exhortation_n kind_o namely_o with_o that_o spirit_n wherewith_o they_o will_v desire_v i_o to_o bear_v with_o they_o in_o the_o like_a case_n that_o be_v if_o they_o shall_v apprehend_v i_o to_o be_v in_o that_o dangerous_a condition_n wherein_o i_o may_v apprehend_v they_o to_o be_v if_o i_o look_v to_o suspicious_a appearance_n but_o i_o love_v not_o to_o suspect_v evil_a nor_o will_v i_o give_v way_n to_o sinister_a report_n but_o hope_v the_o best_a i_o labour_v also_o to_o make_v the_o best_a of_o every_o thing_n know_v that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o mend_n or_o mar_n of_o matter_n be_v in_o the_o right_n or_o wrong_n take_v up_o â—f_v they_o let_v we_o then_o not_o judge_v by_o appearance_n but_o let_v we_o judge_v a_o righteous_a judgement_n as_o we_o will_v be_v judge_v and_o if_o the_o impression_n which_o i_o have_v take_v up_o of_o they_o be_v innocent_a and_o harmless_a void_a of_o prejudice_n and_o without_o partiality_n then_o i_o hope_v that_o they_o will_v have_v the_o same_o mind_n concern_v i_o and_o think_v well_o of_o these_o solicitous_a expression_n of_o my_o mind_n for_o their_o good_a for_o i_o speak_v the_o truth_n and_o lie_v not_o that_o i_o be_o in_o pain_n and_o afraid_a of_o something_o which_o may_v spring_v up_o from_o the_o opinion_n and_o consideration_n of_o one_o self_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o more_o light_n and_o perfection_n than_o other_o have_v which_o may_v be_v a_o decâ—it_n tend_v rather_o to_o make_v a_o show_n then_o to_o edify_v to_o seem_v somewhat_o at_o a_o distance_n rather_o than_o to_o be_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v towards_o other_o in_o nearness_n the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o cor._n 8.9_o that_o knowledge_n do_v puff_n up_o but_o it_o be_v charity_n that_o edifi_v and_o there_o he_o tell_v we_o also_o that_o of_o any_o man_n think_v that_o he_o know_v any_o thing_n he_o know_v nothing_o yet_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o know_v it_o be_v then_o very_a dangerous_a to_o have_v a_o opinion_n that_o we_o know_v something_o or_o that_o we_o be_v something_o in_o comparison_n and_o beyond_o other_o and_o that_o we_o may_v stand_v by_o ourselves_o and_o from_o this_o danger_n if_o i_o look_v to_o what_o be_v say_v &_o practise_v by_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o non-communion_n i_o can_v judge_v they_o free_a &_o how_o far_o they_o authorise_v by_o this_o way_n of_o distance_n in_o private_a christian_n which_o have_v get_v some_o smattering_n of_o light_n in_o a_o heat_n of_o zeal_n the_o murmur_a complain_v comparative_o censorious_a humour_n of_o the_o age_n i_o will_v desire_v they_o to_o judge_v by_o themselves_o in_o the_o unlimited_a liberty_n which_o be_v take_v this_o way_n by_o their_o member_n and_o which_o be_v natural_a to_o follow_v upon_o that_o frame_n of_o church_n government_n which_o they_o seem_v to_o pitch_v upon_o for_o have_v cast_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o subjection_n and_o absolute_a obedience_n under_o episcopacy_n if_o now_o they_o will_v dissolve_v also_o the_o bond_n of_o brotherly_a correspondency_n in_o a_o presbytery_n let_v they_o look_v to_o it_o they_o will_v find_v little_a or_o no_o authority_n in_o a_o consistory_n and_o the_o liberty_n which_o their_o member_n will_v take_v and_o which_o indeed_o be_v permit_v to_o they_o to_o take_v over_o their_o ruler_n for_o want_v of_o a_o aweband_n of_o just_a authority_n will_v prove_v contagious_a and_o a_o leaven_n of_o corruption_n unto_o all_o that_o have_v to_o do_v with_o they_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n i_o have_v lay_v the_o ground_n of_o necessary_a limitation_n for_o they_o in_o case_n it_o be_v find_v absolute_o necessary_a by_o the_o state_n to_o give_v they_o a_o toleration_n such_o as_o they_o desire_v thus_o i_o have_v utter_v my_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n to_o give_v they_o warning_n of_o that_o which_o may_n &_o aught_o to_o be_v apprehend_v in_o their_o way_n to_o prevent_v the_o worst_a because_o i_o hope_v the_o best_a and_o make_v no_o doubt_n of_o their_o ready_a willingness_n not_o only_o to_o take_v this_o brotherly_a discovery_n in_o good_a part_n but_o that_o they_o will_v also_o concur_v glad_o with_o i_o and_o other_o in_o the_o mean_n which_o may_v remedy_v the_o same_o of_o which_o now_o i_o must_v come_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o three_o place_n thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o second_o now_o