of_o any_o advantage_n herein_o and_o that_o where_o such_o a_o poisenous_a cloud_n of_o prejudice_n intervene_v and_o a_o prejudicate_v impression_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o of_o serious_a godliness_n be_v the_o glass_n there_o can_v but_o be_v very_o sad_a reflection_n thereon_o i_o must_v yet_o crave_v leave_n in_o a_o few_o word_n as_o a_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o for_o a_o just_a vindication_n offer_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v by_o the_o conscience_n of_o our_o great_a adversary_n herein_o 1._o that_o we_o shall_v seek_v no_o great_a favour_n but_o that_o upon_o clear_a evidence_n from_o the_o trial_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n which_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o render_v to_o all_o that_o ask_v there_o may_v be_v such_o free_a access_n to_o a_o public_a and_o serious_a reason_n herein_o as_o that_o the_o truth_n may_v be_v hear_v for_o itself_o judge_v it_o no_o less_o our_o concern_n to_o convince_v man_n judgement_n for_o commend_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o their_o conscience_n then_o to_o engage_v the_o affection_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v in_o no_o new_a or_o strange_a case_n we_o be_v now_o state_v and_o do_v own_o no_o other_o judgement_n and_o principle_n this_o day_n then_o what_o be_v express_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o most_o pure_o reform_a church_n of_o christ_n since_o the_o reformation_n and_o be_v that_o good_a and_o old_a way_n and_o the_o same_o truth_n for_o which_o our_o worthy_a predecessor_n do_v by_o their_o wrestle_a prayer_n and_o suffering_n so_o vigorous_o contend_v yea_o wherein_o so_o innumerable_a a_o company_n of_o most_o serious_a solid_a and_o tender_a christian_n have_v be_v seal_v and_o find_v such_o abound_a comfort_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n upon_o their_o suffering_n and_o testimony_n upon_o the_o same_o 3._o that_o it_o be_v no_o private_a interest_n or_o for_o our_o own_o thing_n no_o temporal_a honour_n greatness_n or_o riches_n in_o this_o world_n that_o such_o sore_a wrestle_n by_o the_o godly_a in_o our_o church_n have_v be_v which_o i_o hope_v may_v now_o have_v some_o conviction_n and_o witness_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o our_o adversary_n and_o how_o such_o have_v not_o want_v a_o very_a obvious_a and_o allure_a bait_n this_o way_n may_v be_v easy_a to_o judge_v if_o some_o great_a interest_n do_v not_o preponder_v at_o of_o be_v to_o dear_a a_o purchase_n at_o so_o sad_a a_o rate_n of_o unfaithfulness_n to_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o master_n in_o his_o truth_n 4._o that_o it_o have_v be_v no_o matter_n of_o indifference_n or_o any_o small_a and_o trivial_a interest_n such_o have_v be_v concern_v in_o these_o late_a trial_n to_o appear_v for_o bot_n for_o the_o law_n and_o interest_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o right_n and_o liberty_n his_o kingdom_n which_o after_o some_o bless_a and_o comfortable_a possession_n so_o long_o yea_o with_o the_o further_a concurrence_n of_o the_o civil_a law_n herein_o we_o shall_v reckon_v as_o our_o birth_n right_a and_o inheritance_n whatever_o sad_a short_a come_n have_v be_v by_o all_o in_o that_o measure_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o father_n thereto_o against_o such_o invasion_n on_o so_o great_a a_o interest_n as_o have_v be_v in_o these_o time_n 5._o we_o have_v confidence_n to_o say_v that_o we_o own_v no_o doctrine_n or_o principle_n but_o what_o tend_v to_o give_v all_o due_a respect_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o magistrate_n without_o detract_n from_o his_o just_a right_n and_o power_n bot_n to_o give_v unto_o cesar_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n yea_o without_o the_o least_o deny_v to_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n whatever_o with_o any_o scripture_n warrant_v we_o may_v allow_v of_o a_o external_a objectively_o ecclesiastic_a power_n such_o as_o be_v cumulative_a for_o the_o truth_n not_o against_o it_o bot_n that_o he_o can_v have_v no_o power_n formal_o ecclesiastic_a and_o what_o be_v pure_o spiritual_a or_o any_o immediate_a power_n of_o cognition_n in_o matter_n simple_o ecclesiastic_a antecedent_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v so_o incompatible_a with_o the_o order_n and_o government_n establish_v by_o he_o who_o be_v the_o alone_a head_n and_o lawgiver_n to_o his_o own_o house_n who_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n 6._o we_o may_v say_v with_o a_o humble_a appeal_n to_o their_o conscience_n who_o do_v most_o reproach_n that_o it_o be_v for_o no_o pre-eminence_n or_o to_o be_v lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n or_o own_v any_o power_n bot_n what_o be_v ministerial_a to_o declare_v and_o execute_v our_o master_n will_v and_o such_o a_o power_n which_o have_v the_o inward_a man_n for_o its_o proper_a object_n and_o the_o true_a edification_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n for_o its_o peculiar_a end_n wherein_o we_o own_o a_o special_a regard_n to_o be_v have_v in_o the_o whole_a exercise_n and_o application_n thereof_o and_o in_o deal_v with_o the_o conscience_n of_o gainsayer_n that_o it_o be_v with_o great_a tenderness_n and_o christian_a prudence_n such_o as_o may_v most_o tend_v to_o edify_v and_o gain_v upon_o their_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o be_v private_a essay_n express_o appoint_v to_o go_v before_o a_o public_a and_o judicial_a procedure_n and_o if_o any_o just_a ground_n of_o offence_n have_v be_v give_v in_o the_o excess_n of_o some_o this_o way_n let_v it_o cause_v no_o reflection_n on_o that_o bless_a and_o beautiful_a order_n in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n appoint_v by_o himself_o yea_o which_o with_o grief_n upon_o any_o convince_a evident_a thereof_o we_o shall_v to_o the_o further_a dissown_n 7._o it_o be_v evident_a that_o these_o sacred_a tie_n of_o our_o oath_n and_o covenant_n with_o god_n we_o be_v so_o solemn_o engage_v in_o contain_v no_o other_o duty_n or_o obligation_n than_o what_o the_o scripture_n indispensible_o oblige_v to_o and_o be_v state_v on_o these_o great_a concern_v of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n 8._o we_o can_v also_o witness_v with_o some_o quiet_a and_o assurance_n that_o the_o great_a arm_n and_o concern_v of_o the_o most_o serious_a nonconform_a minister_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o church_n in_o their_o adventure_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n not_o withstand_v of_o any_o prohibition_n by_o the_o present_a law_n have_v be_v upon_o no_o factious_a or_o private_a design_n bot_n under_o constraint_n of_o duty_n upon_o so_o press_v a_o call_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o people_n as_o these_o unto_o who_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o ordinance_n be_v commit_v and_o a_o necessity_n thus_o lay_v upon_o they_o with_o some_o serious_a aim_n and_o desire_v i_o hope_v to_o pursne_n this_o end_n and_o to_o sheu_o the_o indispensible_a nead_v of_o embrace_v that_o bless_a offer_n of_o reconciliation_n by_o christ_n as_o also_o to_o press_v holiness_n and_o give_v warning_n of_o any_o share_n when_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o people_n may_v be_v in_o hazard_n thereby_o nor_o dare_v our_o respect_n to_o the_o person_n of_o any_o in_o the_o least_o balance_n with_o the_o interest_n of_o truth_n here_o for_o a_o public_a disow_n with_o grief_n what_o ever_o in_o their_o way_n have_v give_v just_a cause_n of_o offence_n and_o stumble_v in_o such_o a_o time_n 9_o it_o be_v the_o reveal_v truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o we_o do_v express_o own_v as_o the_o alone_a formal_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o that_o it_o be_v there_o each_o shall_v come_v to_o prove_v his_o work_n bot_n a_o that_o it_o be_v â—ust_z and_o warrantable_a on_o the_o matter_n according_a to_o these_o unchangeable_a rule_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n and_o to_o know_v our_o warrant_n and_o call_v herein_o else_o no_o security_n can_v be_v from_o the_o great_a confusion_n and_o irregularity_n among_o man_n 10._o that_o extraordinare_a motion_n or_o impulse_n must_v be_v no_o rule_n or_o warrant_v of_o duty_n nor_o for_o any_o go_n beyond_o these_o express_a bound_n set_v to_o we_o in_o the_o word_n by_o which_o they_o must_v be_v know_v and_o try_v for_o god_n have_v assign_v to_o each_o their_o station_n and_o call_v and_o that_o a_o serious_a and_o tender_a regard_n shall_v be_v against_o all_o exorbitance_n in_o the_o excess_n all_o be_v well_o as_o any_o sinful_a deficience_n or_o neglect_n therein_o and_o i_o hope_v whatever_o be_v find_v unauswerable_a this_o dâ—y_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o to_o these_o know_a principle_n and_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n which_o be_v confess_v and_o most_o universal_o adhere_v to_o by_o the_o nonconformist_n there_o as_o we_o do_v with_o grief_n disown_n so_o i_o have_v confidence_n there_o can_v want_v some_o testimony_n thereto_o even_o on_o the_o conscience_n of_o our_o great_a adversary_n 8._o i_o must_v never_o yet_o add_v on_o strange_a ground_n of_o quarrel_n and_o prejudice_n that_o
the_o church_n wound_v and_o rend_v by_o a_o spirit_n of_o division_n hold_v forth_o in_o a_o short_a account_n of_o some_o sad_a difference_n have_v be_v of_o late_a in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n with_o the_o occasion_n ground_n and_o too_o evident_a product_n thereof_o who_o wound_n be_v bleed_v to_o this_o day_n together_o with_o some_o vindication_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o principle_n of_o our_o church_n in_o this_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n from_o unjust_a revile_n and_o reproach_n and_o a_o few_o word_n in_o the_o close_a with_o respect_n to_o what_o be_v the_o great_a concern_v of_o christian_n exercise_n and_o duty_n in_o these_o time_n heb._n 10_o 23._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v philip._n 3._o 16._o nevertheless_o whereto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n let_v we_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n philip._n 2._o 2._o let_v nothing_o be_v do_v through_o strife_n or_o vain_a glory_n but_o in_o lowliness_n of_o mind_n let_v each_o esteem_v other_o better_o than_o themselves_o james_n 3._o 16._o for_o where_o invy_v and_o strife_n be_v there_o be_v confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n 1_o thessaly_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d now_o we_o exhort_v you_o brethren_n warn_v they_o that_o be_v unruly_a comfort_n the_o feeble-minded_n support_v the_o weak_a be_v patient_a towards_o all_o man_n print_a m.dc.lxxxi_o the_o preface_n it_o will_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o who_o have_v any_o serious_a impression_n of_o the_o truth_n on_o their_o spirit_n what_o sore_o and_o try_v time_n we_o be_v now_o fall_v in_o and_o how_o deplorable_o sad_a the_o present_a state_n of_o religion_n be_v almost_o every_o where_o yea_o what_o need_n seem_v for_o our_o be_v awake_a with_o some_o deep_a apprehension_n of_o what_o may_v be_v come_v and_o of_o so_o many_o presage_n that_o this_o night_n be_v not_o yet_o at_o the_o dark_a but_o one_o of_o the_o sore_a conflict_n which_o the_o reform_a church_n have_v hitherto_o meet_v with_o may_v be_v on_o a_o very_a near_o approach_n of_o which_o one_o remarkable_o sad_a and_o most_o threaten_a presage_n be_v now_o too_o obvious_a in_o this_o late_a astonish_a rent_n and_o breach_n have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n so_o impetuous_o drive_v and_o foment_v by_o some_o there_o to_o the_o further_a scandal_n and_o reproach_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o give_v the_o adversary_n such_o occasion_n to_o blaspheme_v thus_o have_v there_o be_v so_o sore_a wound_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n great_o provoke_v and_o grieve_v thereby_o i_o confess_v such_o a_o trial_n will_v have_v be_v little_a either_o fear_v or_o apprehend_v in_o a_o time_n when_o so_o hot_a a_o furnace_n have_v be_v set_v up_o among_o we_o and_o that_o the_o church_n have_v smart_v and_o be_v so_o sore_a brunt_n with_o the_o offence_n which_o follow_v upon_o former_a break_n yea_o when_o it_o be_v so_o joint_o acknowledge_v how_o much_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n the_o spread_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o edificatione_n of_o the_o church_n be_v concern_v and_o in_o the_o high_a measure_n prejugd_v herein_o this_o be_v a_o sad_a subject_n which_o shall_v call_v each_o to_o that_o serious_a inquiry_n and_o trial_n of_o their_o own_o work_n and_o frame_v of_o spirit_n in_o such_o a_o day_n as_o may_v lead_v in_o to_o peace_n and_o assurance_n of_o heart_n before_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o mater_fw-la and_o to_o be_v serious_o affect_v with_o what_o we_o have_v see_v follow_v thereon_o yea_o may_v have_v be_v fear_v with_o the_o first_o break_v up_o of_o this_o strange_a rent_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n and_o delusion_n in_o the_o holy_a righteousness_n of_o god_n now_o with_o such_o prevalence_n over_o some_o who_o work_n have_v be_v to_o put_v the_o church_n in_o a_o flame_n and_o unsettle_v other_o as_o they_o can_v find_v no_o ground_n where_o to_o fix_v themselves_o but_o be_v like_a to_o shake_v loose_a all_o principle_n and_o run_v that_o length_n as_o be_v incompatible_a not_o only_o with_o christian_a but_o humane_a society_n some_o few_o thing_n with_o respect_n thereto_o i_o will_v premit_fw-la now_o in_o the_o entry_n to_o be_v consider_v 1._o first_o what_o light_n do_v thus_o break_v forth_o out_o of_o the_o very_a bowel_n of_o such_o confusion_n both_o for_o conviction_n and_o confirm_v of_o we_o in_o the_o truth_n if_o we_o be_v but_o serious_a observe_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o day_n and_o i_o will_v yet_o hope_v may_v tend_v to_o put_v some_o deep_o impression_n of_o these_o thing_n on_o this_o generation_n when_o as_o with_o one_o audible_a voice_n from_o heaven_n so_o much_o have_v occur_v to_o seal_v our_o instruction_n herein_o 1._o that_o none_o thus_o so_o easy_o adventure_v after_o what_o we_o have_v see_v on_o such_o a_o public_a rent_n and_o breach_n of_o the_o church_n as_o this_o and_o to_o hazard_v on_o a_o precipice_n and_o rock_n on_o which_o so_o many_o have_v dash_v and_o be_v break_v and_o where_o the_o lose_n of_o communion_n in_o love_n have_v not_o long_o want_v a_o sad_a breach_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n 2._o that_o there_o may_v be_v now_o more_o fear_n and_o dread_a of_o manage_v difference_n in_o judgement_n within_o the_o church_n with_o that_o bitterness_n and_o passion_n as_o have_v too_o visible_o be_v of_o late_a to_o stumble_v and_o beget_v wrath_n more_o than_o conviction_n or_o to_o make_v one_fw-mi offering_n of_o such_o strange_a fire_n the_o truth_n and_o cause_n of_o god_n can_v be_v promote_v only_o by_o these_o mean_n and_o that_o spirit_n which_o he_o do_v himself_o require_v 3._o that_o professor_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v more_o deep_o press_v about_o the_o ground_n work_n and_o for_o a_o solid_a sound_n on_o the_o great_a foundation=truths_n and_o principle_n of_o religion_n when_o this_o sad_a want_n may_v be_v so_o visible_o now_o read_v on_o all_o our_o distemper_n and_o make_v we_o yet_o fear_v where_o some_o great_a pretence_n to_o religion_n may_v end_v here_o be_v one_o of_o the_o sad_a judgement_n of_o the_o time_n much_o ignorance_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o rule_v of_o the_o gospel_n with_o a_o louse_n and_o unstable_a mind_n though_o with_o great_a confidence_n otherwise_o among_o too_o many_o under_o a_o profession_n of_o godliness_n this_o day_n through_o which_o the_o tempter_n have_v get_v such_o advantage_n yea_o on_o some_o who_o affection_n and_o tenderness_n of_o spirit_n i_o there_fw-mi not_o question_n but_o think_v they_o can_v not_o run_v too_o far_o at_o a_o distance_n from_o what_o they_o judge_v wrong_v not_o fear_v a_o destroy_a snare_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n and_o that_o corruption_n of_o the_o mind_n by_o error_n be_v no_o less_o mortal_a than_o in_o the_o life_n and_o practice_n yea_o which_o be_v too_o sad_o obvious_a less_o hope_n of_o a_o cure_n where_o such_o a_o leprosy_n be_v once_o break_v forth_o in_o the_o head_n 4._o and_o have_v we_o not_o now_o see_v for_o our_o further_a conviction_n herein_o that_o none_o lift_v up_o themselves_o above_o that_o which_o be_v meet_v upon_o the_o repute_n and_o credit_n of_o their_o profession_n before_o he_o who_o be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n and_o resist_v the_o proud_a to_o so_o sever_v a_o smite_v and_o thrust_v down_o of_o their_o brethren_n and_o fellow-servant_n as_o have_v too_o obvious_o be_v in_o these_o late_a difference_n and_o without_o that_o suitable_a fear_n and_o dread_a leist_z these_o who_o they_o give_v so_o sore_a a_o thrust_n to_o under_o the_o warrant_n oâ—_n some_o opprobrious_a designation_n be_v such_o who_o jesus_n christ_n will_v own_v and_o find_v his_o servant_n and_o messenger_n thus_o lie_v a_o bleed_a under_o that_o wound_n 5._o i_o will_v hope_v also_o that_o such_o a_o witness_n of_o the_o jealousy_n and_o displeasure_n of_o the_o lord_n against_o despiser_n and_o reviler_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v have_v more_o weight_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o many_o after_o this_o when_o with_o so_o discernible_a and_o awful_a a_o voice_n this_o i_o humble_o judge_v have_v be_v speak_v and_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o all_o such_o who_o profess_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o generation_n yet_o to_o come_v to_o fear_v and_o dread_a to_o give_v thus_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o supreme_a head_n of_o his_o church_n so_o public_a one_fw-mi affront_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o servant_n as_o this_o party_n have_v of_o late_o do_v in_o our_o church_n or_o rise_v up_o in_o such_o a_o conspiracy_n again_o and_o no_o pretence_n when_o try_v at_o that_o bar_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n can_v possible_o bear_v out_o 6._o and_o shall_v not_o
this_o clear_a the_o spotless_a way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o seal_v our_o instruction_n from_o what_o we_o have_v see_v that_o when_o no_o answerable_a fruit_n be_v to_o such_o a_o season_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o have_v be_v of_o late_a nor_o one_fw-mi embrace_v the_o truth_n in_o its_o simplicity_n and_o with_o desire_n after_o the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n as_o may_v have_v be_v hope_v for_o but_o a_o seek_v more_o after_o new_a and_o strange_a doctrine_n and_o to_o follow_v these_o thing_n which_o tend_v not_o to_o edify_v that_o so_o sad_a and_o dark_a one_fw-mi eclipse_v shall_v follow_v though_o i_o hope_v some_o bless_a fruit_n of_o these_o time_n past_a shall_v be_v yet_o find_v and_o abide_v with_o many_o o_o that_o after_o this_o a_o more_o fervent_a and_o serious_a respect_n to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n may_v yet_o revive_v in_o our_o land_n and_o a_o keep_v close_o by_o this_o appoint_a way_n not_o only_o to_o beget_v but_o to_o 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gain_v to_o prejudge_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o i_o must_v premit_fw-la this_o further_o to_o be_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o want_v of_o light_n as_o of_o practice_n which_o be_v the_o great_a let_v to_o the_o church_n cure_n and_o i_o will_v humble_o offer_v some_o few_o thing_n where_o both_o unquestionable_a duty_n and_o the_o remedy_n of_o these_o sore_a distemper_n now_o among_o we_o be_v joint_o obvious_a as_o we_o may_v yet_o hope_v to_o see_v another_o appearance_n on_o the_o church_n when_o these_o be_v in_o earnest_n follow_v 1._o to_o keep_v close_o by_o the_o scripture_n with_o a_o sincere_a humble_a inquiry_n for_o light_n there_o and_o a_o more_o entire_a reference_n to_o its_o alone_a decision_n it_o be_v sure_a the_o conscience_n must_v be_v no_o rule_n to_o we_o nor_o can_v alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n to_o make_v that_o good_a which_o be_v evil_a but_o must_v have_v a_o rule_n for_o its_o self_n nor_o be_v it_o further_o 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ingredient_n in_o our_o cure_n and_o relief_n this_o day_n when_o snare_n and_o hazard_n be_v so_o thick_o spread_v and_o i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v now_o further_o convince_a that_o whatever_o be_v the_o case_n of_o our_o church_n such_o a_o way_n and_o method_n be_v no_o suitable_a cure_n as_o do_v visible_o tend_v to_o inflame_v the_o wound_n more_o than_o to_o heal_v nor_o that_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n work_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n i_o hope_v a_o second_o inquiry_n and_o trial_n by_o any_o of_o a_o serious_a spirit_n will_v let_v they_o yet_o clear_o see_v that_o such_o pretence_n they_o found_v on_o can_v never_o justify_v this_o late_a rent_n and_o fall_v of_o thus_o from_o church_n fellowship_n where_o not_o only_o they_o can_v continue_v without_o sin_n but_o with_o much_o hope_n of_o a_o blessing_n 3._o and_o do_v not_o here_o both_o the_o rule_n of_o duty_n and_o our_o relief_n in_o this_o sad_a case_n convince_o meet_a in_o a_o seek_v to_o overcome_v evil_a and_o private_a injury_n with_o good_a it_o be_v true_a this_o be_v a_o special_o pungent_a trial_n and_o will_v not_o want_v some_o conflict_n but_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v find_v one_o of_o the_o choice_a opportunity_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n for_o theirafter_o peace_n yea_o the_o more_o wrestle_v may_v thus_o be_v upon_o special_a provocation_n and_o with_o some_o peculiar_a aggravate_v circumstance_n to_o reach_v this_o bless_a victory_n over_o themselves_o the_o more_o comfort_n and_o joy_n will_v be_v upon_o their_o after_a thought_n heirof_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a thus_o be_v great_a advantage_n for_o a_o just_a vindication_n by_o christian_n of_o themselves_o whilst_o press_v thereto_o as_o this_o be_v with_o least_o bitterness_n or_o recrimination_n follow_v 4._o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n express_o call_v for_o keep_v a_o distance_n with_o such_o thing_n as_o may_v tend_v to_o engender_v strife_n and_o debate_n in_o the_o church_n and_o not_o to_o 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of_o meekness_n and_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o some_o put_v a_o difference_n great_a peace_n shall_v thus_o follow_v upon_o a_o tender_a bear_n with_o the_o frowardness_n and_o revile_n of_o any_o under_o these_o saddistemper_n upon_o this_o design_n and_o for_o be_v thus_o all_o thing_n to_o all_o to_o gain_v one_o from_o the_o error_n of_o his_o way_n be_v a_o great_a victory_n then_o to_o gain_v a_o city_n i_o find_v in_o the_o life_n of_o bless_a musculus_fw-la this_o follow_v with_o much_o success_n in_o deal_v with_o some_o at_o augsburg_n who_o be_v then_o under_o a_o sad_a sad_a prevalence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n by_o seak_v first_o to_o gain_v on_o their_o heart_n &_o affection_n and_o then_o to_o deal_v with_o their_o conscience_n which_o prove_v at_o last_o effectual_a 6._o it_o be_v sure_a we_o be_v now_o call_v in_o this_o present_a trial_n not_o to_o be_v secure_a as_o to_o what_o further_a growth_n so_o strange_a a_o contagion_n may_v have_v when_o the_o apostle_n show_v a_o little_a leaven_n leaven_v the_o whole_a lump_n 1._o cor._n 5_o 6._o which_o as_o a_o destroy_a plague_n may_v thus_o quick_o spread_v from_o one_o house_n to_o a_o city_n and_o thence_o through_o the_o whole_a land_n yea_o it_o be_v know_v how_o small_a the_o rise_n of_o quakerism_n be_v within_o these_o few_o year_n in_o the_o church_n of_o britain_n nor_o be_v these_o light_n or_o small_a thing_n have_v be_v now_o with_o a_o strange_a confidence_n own_v by_o some_o of_o that_o way_n or_o what_o may_v be_v fear_v of_o its_o further_a prevalence_n if_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o gracious_o prevent_v and_o rebuke_v such_o a_o spirit_n which_o have_v thus_o trouble_v the_o poor_a church_n 7._o there_o need_v much_o advertence_n also_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o there_o be_v a_o continue_a fear_n and_o no_o coolness_n from_o this_o sad_a extreme_a in_o our_o watch_n of_o the_o church_n hazard_n from_o open_a adversary_n and_o to_o what_o assault_n may_v be_v yet_o make_v to_o the_o right_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n the_o alone_a supreme_a head_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n but_o that_o thus_o a_o equal_a fear_n and_o jealousy_n be_v keep_v up_o so_o as_o the_o truth_n lose_v no_o ground_n upon_o either_o hand_n reader_n for_o this_o present_a public_a appearance_n i_o shall_v we_o but_o a_o few_o word_n it_o may_v be_v easy_a to_o judge_v how_o sad_a a_o part_n it_o be_v in_o a_o time_n when_o all_o humour_n be_v so_o much_o aloft_o and_o what_o may_v be_v expect_v this_o way_n if_o there_o be_v not_o from_o another_o airt_n to_o support_v against_o the_o contradiction_n of_o man_n but_o this_o i_o must_v say_v i_o have_v be_v state_v under_o circumstance_n and_o with_o some_o surprise_a call_n hereto_o as_o i_o hope_v can_v obviate_v the_o most_o sharp_a reflection_n of_o any_o who_o be_v this_o day_n unbayase_v in_o such_o a_o case_n but_o i_o forbear_v herein_o to_o speak_v more_o particular_o only_o as_o to_o the_o occasion_n of_o my_o move_a further_o upon_o this_o subject_n be_v from_o that_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o first_o section_n which_o upon_o some_o desire_n and_o aim_v for_o a_o serious_a and_o sober_a commune_n upon_o these_o difference_n in_o our_o church_n be_v direct_v to_o some_o few_o friend_n and_o do_v choice_n that_o way_n by_o writ_n to_o prevent_v any_o eruption_n may_v be_v of_o heat_n as_o too_o usual_o there_o be_v hazard_n of_o in_o verbal_a reason_n upon_o such_o thing_n and_o since_o i_o find_v it_o so_o frequent_o challenge_v how_o any_o can_v oppose_v themselves_o to_o what_o be_v own_v and_o assert_v in_o that_o history_n of_o the_o indulgence_n as_o that_o which_o they_o judge_v enough_o to_o answer_v all_o in_o such_o a_o case_n i_o be_v enforce_v to_o touch_v it_o a_o little_a though_o in_o a_o very_a few_o word_n whicâ—_n i_o design_v as_o far_o as_o possible_a and_o now_o in_o such_o one_fw-mi unpleasing_a essay_n yet_o i_o 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so_o sad_a and_o unpleasing_a a_o subject_n but_o be_v press_v herein_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v say_v it_o be_v with_o a_o serious_a aim_n and_o inquiry_n after_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o be_v confirm_v by_o scripture-light_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o great_a public_a contest_v and_o with_o some_o desire_n to_o prevent_v the_o stumbling_n of_o many_o as_o may_v now_o be_v much_o fear_v on_o these_o amaze_a and_o shake_v thing_n that_o have_v since_o follow_v on_o this_o breach_n for_o what_o incongruity_n may_v be_v judge_v in_o the_o close_a anent_o some_o thing_n practical_a and_o the_o church_n hazard_n from_o popery_n with_o such_o a_o subject_n i_o think_v be_v so_o far_o suitable_a as_o i_o be_o sure_a a_o great_a weight_n thereof_o will_v be_v find_v one_fw-mi effectual_a mean_v to_o take_v off_o these_o sad_a unedifie_v debate_n there_o be_v some_o considerable_a mistake_n at_o the_o press_n both_o in_o word_n and_o in_o the_o point_n but_o i_o hope_v be_v such_o as_o the_o discern_a reader_n can_v notice_n without_o darken_n the_o sense_n and_o will_v pardon_v section_n i._n though_o i_o have_v much_o aversion_n to_o move_v in_o any_o controversy_n especial_o where_o friend_n so_o true_o dear_a on_o every_o side_n be_v thus_o interest_v &_o when_o our_o distemper_n so_o sad_o prevail_v as_o most_o seem_v not_o in_o case_n to_o bear_v mutual_o freedom_n in_o these_o thing_n so_o as_o this_o present_a breach_n will_v seem_v almost_o beyond_o hope_n if_o some_o bless_a touch_n of_o the_o great_a healer_n hand_n do_v not_o marvellous_o surprise_v we_o in_o this_o day_n beside_o the_o crowd_n and_o noise_n now_o may_v be_v fear_v be_v so_o great_a as_o to_o shut_v all_o access_n for_o a_o be_v hear_v on_o such_o a_o subject_n and_o for_o myself_o i_o may_v say_v i_o have_v be_v strike_v with_o that_o terror_n of_o these_o sad_a embitter_a animosity_n and_o heat_n now_o among_o we_o as_o to_o judge_v it_o no_o less_o desirable_a to_o find_v a_o hide_v place_n from_o the_o strife_n of_o tongue_n than_o from_o the_o pride_n and_o violence_n of_o man_n yet_o since_o it_o be_v sure_a true_a friendship_n and_o love_n gain_v more_o by_o freedom_n and_o openness_n of_o heart_n with_o other_o than_o to_o keep_v at_o a_o distance_n beside_o that_o sad_a impression_n of_o this_o deplorable_a breach_n and_o rent_n in_o our_o church_n have_v press_v i_o to_o write_v these_o few_o line_n not_o for_o debate_n or_o contend_v i_o may_v say_v in_o the_o least_o but_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n in_o a_o sober_a and_o humble_a reason_n with_o some_o exoneration_n of_o my_o own_o spirit_n in_o a_o few_o proposal_n with_o the_o ground_n thereof_o which_o without_o prejudice_n or_o offence_n i_o will_v desire_v yea_o obtest_v to_o be_v serious_o ponder_v and_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v humble_o adventure_v to_o say_v it_o have_v be_v with_o some_o desire_n to_o prove_v my_o own_o heart_n in_o this_o matter_n before_o he_o who_o be_v the_o great_a searcher_n thereof_o 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leu._n 19_o 19_o for_o if_o this_o say_v he_o shall_v be_v allow_v that_o i_o may_v unbrother_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o heart_n and_o fellowship_n every_o one_o who_o i_o offend_v at_o and_o conceive_v to_o walk_v inordinate_o be_v first_o a_o pathway_n to_o perpetual_a schism_n 2._o a_o violation_n of_o all_o law_n of_o christian_a fraternity_n and_o communion_n 3._o a_o dissolve_v and_o break_v all_o church_n communion_n and_o it_o be_v strange_a say_v he_o that_o some_o will_v have_v christ_n order_n keep_v in_o private_a offence_n do_v by_o one_o brother_n to_o another_o and_o not_o the_o same_o in_o public_a offence_n where_o one_o may_v offend_v a_o whole_a church_n iv._o ground_n this_o be_v a_o practice_n which_o be_v state_v against_o the_o very_a rule_n nature_n and_o end_n of_o church_n communion_n in_o fall_v of_o from_o hear_v upon_o that_o head_n of_o the_o indulgence_n which_o may_v be_v demonstrable_a to_o any_o on_o these_o ground_n 1._o that_o according_a to_o this_o 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never_o be_v charge_v on_o this_o that_o the_o body_n be_v before_o in_o a_o sad_a distemper_n nor_o a_o misapplication_n of_o the_o mean_n to_o cure_v a_o wound_n when_o it_o have_v cause_v a_o gangrene_n in_o the_o body_n be_v just_o charge_v on_o the_o first_o give_v of_o the_o wound_n since_o this_o otherways_o may_v have_v be_v safe_o heal_v 2._o we_o know_v that_o for_o several_a year_n after_o that_o accept_n of_o the_o indulgence_n that_o difference_n both_o in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n among_o we_o yet_o do_v cause_n no_o such_o effect_n but_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v then_o must_v discernible_o prosper_v until_o such_o violent_a essay_n these_o two_o year_n now_o past_a have_v be_v for_o bring_v thing_n to_o such_o one_fw-mi extreme_a and_o oh_o from_o that_o sad_a period_n may_v be_v too_o discernible_o date_v some_o further_a degree_n of_o the_o lord_n departure_n from_o among_o we_o and_o these_o deplorable_a effect_n of_o much_o blood_n devastation_n 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discern_a christian_a in_o the_o church_n at_o who_o door_n this_o must_v be_v lay_v and_o who_o have_v most_o active_o move_v to_o put_v the_o poor_a church_n in_o such_o a_o flame_n and_o this_o not_o upon_o any_o principle_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v on_o either_o side_n disow_v but_o upon_o controvert_v deduction_n from_o a_o different_a practice_n and_o application_n thereof_o this_o may_v be_v no_o less_o amaze_a than_o it_o be_v sad_a that_o the_o way_n of_o some_o now_o seem_v more_o how_o to_o dispatch_v thing_n by_o censure_n and_o revile_n then_o by_o argument_n and_o by_o high_a word_n and_o invective_n to_o exulcerate_v more_o than_o rational_o to_o convince_v but_o a_o sharp_a censurer_n and_o a_o self_n searcher_n do_v rare_o meet_v in_o one_o though_o none_o more_o usual_o need_v the_o tender_a construction_n of_o
brethren_n before_o so_o watch_v a_o adversary_n who_o strength_n must_v needs_o lie_v in_o our_o breach_n 8._o be_v not_o also_o the_o bring_v thing_n thus_o to_o such_o a_o extreme_a of_o that_o visible_a tendency_n as_o to_o bring_v under_o question_n the_o validity_n of_o their_o ministerial_a act_n among_o the_o people_n by_o so_o public_a a_o thrust_n at_o the_o credit_n and_o repute_v of_o their_o ministry_n which_o be_v so_o far_o a_o expose_v of_o many_o to_o the_o hazard_n both_o of_o atheism_n and_o error_n beside_o the_o weaken_a such_o in_o the_o public_a work_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v so_o know_v able_a minister_n of_o christ_n i_o shall_v add_v no_o further_o but_o a_o humble_a and_o serious_a appeal_n to_o their_o own_o conscience_n who_o may_v have_v judge_v this_o their_o duty_n if_o on_o deep_a reflection_n hereon_o a_o tender_a abstinence_n and_o forbearance_n this_o way_n and_o to_o keep_v of_o any_o dash_v on_o such_o a_o rock_n as_o have_v be_v already_o touch_v until_o light_v and_o conviction_n from_o the_o lord_n yet_o further_o break_v up_o shall_v not_o be_v their_o own_o peace_n and_o comfort_n as_o well_o as_o the_o public_a peace_n of_o the_o church_n in_o that_o day_n when_o their_o eye_n shall_v become_v dim_a and_o the_o keeper_n of_o the_o house_n begin_v to_o tremble_v section_n iu._n when_o such_o sad_a use_n be_v now_o like_a to_o be_v make_v of_o these_o time_n as_o to_o give_v the_o truth_n and_o credit_n thereof_o which_o above_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v dear_a to_o we_o a_o death_n wound_n be_v it_o possible_a by_o reproach_n i_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o be_v incongruous_a to_o such_o a_o subject_n to_o speak_v yet_o a_o few_o word_n more_o for_o answer_v some_o high_a pretence_n for_o prejudice_n and_o stumble_v which_o seem_v now_o most_o public_o to_o be_v own_v yea_o not_o only_o thus_o to_o break_v and_o undo_v themselves_o but_o to_o involve_v other_o in_o the_o same_o ruin_n not_o that_o the_o truth_n need_v the_o witness_n or_o respect_n of_o man_n to_o commend_v the_o same_o which_o as_o the_o sun_n in_o its_o strength_n keep_v its_o course_n amid_o all_o the_o dark_a cloud_n which_o can_v intervene_v but_o in_o a_o day_n of_o such_o blasphemy_n and_o reproach_n we_o shall_v require_v justice_n at_o the_o bar_n of_o man_n own_o conscience_n herein_o if_o there_o can_v be_v any_o cause_n for_o stumble_v at_o the_o holy_a and_o unspotted_a way_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o what_o be_v from_o themselves_o and_o from_o their_o seek_n after_o such_o a_o latitude_n in_o their_o principle_n as_o may_v sure_o that_o liberty_n which_o they_o take_v thus_o in_o their_o practice_n now_o with_o some_o respect_n their_o to_z i_o shall_v offer_v these_o eight_o ground_n which_o be_v at_o this_o day_n most_o pretend_v 1._o these_o strange_a intestine_a conflict_n and_o difference_n in_o judgement_n that_o we_o be_v now_o in_o the_o church_n and_o among_o professor_n of_o the_o truth_n as_o though_o they_o be_v not_o the_o child_n of_o the_o same_o house_n for_o answer_n i_o hope_v these_o thing_n when_o serious_o ponder_v may_v silence_v any_o such_o reflection_n on_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n which_o i_o shall_v but_o leave_v to_o man_n conscience_n 1._o that_o our_o bless_a lord_n have_v with_o clear_a evidence_n lay_v down_o such_o sure_a and_o fix_a ground_n in_o his_o own_o word_n for_o the_o peace_n and_o concord_n of_o his_o church_n and_o follower_n with_o these_o express_a rule_n and_o provision_n for_o the_o same_o as_o there_o can_v be_v no_o know_a ground_n for_o such_o sad_a and_o deploreable_a break_n but_o what_o man_n own_a corruption_n and_o decline_v from_o the_o rule_n do_v occasion_n 2._o it_o be_v must_v clear_v that_o one_o of_o the_o great_a of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o which_o with_o the_o further_a reiterate_v enforcement_n our_o obedience_n be_v require_v for_o prevent_v the_o church_n hazard_n on_o this_o rock_n be_v that_o law_n of_o charity_n and_o love_n for_o the_o godly_a among_o themselves_o so_o as_o without_o this_o he_o will_v accept_v no_o man_n service_n 1_o cor._n 13._o and_o be_v such_o the_o apostle_n press_v above_o all_o thing_n to_o put_v on_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfection_n coloss_n 3_o 13_o 14._o 3._o i_o hope_v it_o be_v undeniable_a also_o that_o these_o principle_n of_o union_n and_o love_n be_v so_o firm_o fix_v as_o may_v be_v consistent_a both_o with_o some_o various_a apprehension_n and_o difference_n in_o judgement_n among_o his_o people_n here_o who_o be_v unite_v in_o himself_o and_o in_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o truth_n and_o godliness_n so_o as_o upon_o such_o a_o account_n the_o peace_n and_o concord_n of_o his_o church_n shall_v not_o be_v suspend_v since_o it_o be_v here_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o as_o all_o have_v not_o the_o same_o help_n so_o not_o the_o same_o capacity_n for_o understanding_n of_o many_o thing_n which_o may_v cause_v some_o difference_n in_o the_o church_n not_o that_o we_o shall_v think_v opinion_n be_v free_a or_o error_n in_o judgement_n not_o to_o be_v serious_o watch_v against_o all_o be_v well_o as_o corruption_n in_o practice_n since_o it_o be_v not_o only_o through_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n we_o be_v appoint_v to_o life_n 4._o for_o this_o end_n likeways_o have_v our_o bless_a head_n set_v such_o bound_n and_o measure_n to_o his_o people_n in_o the_o manage_n of_o these_o difference_n which_o may_v fall_v in_o as_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o fear_n of_o any_o sad_a rent_n or_o breach_n where_o a_o due_a respect_n unto_o these_o be_v have_v and_o to_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o oh_o that_o these_o great_a command_n rom._n 14_o 3_o 4._o philip._n 2_o 3._o be_v more_o serious_o ponder_v there_o can_v not_o but_o be_v some_o more_o lawful_a regard_n to_o keep_v of_o such_o bitter_a and_o offensive_a break_n as_o may_v be_v oft_o see_v among_o we_o 5._o nor_o be_v there_o cause_n to_o fear_v any_o breach_n from_o the_o most_o serious_a and_o servant_n contend_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o close_a adherence_n thereto_o which_o shall_v be_v dear_a to_o we_o then_o our_o life_n and_o can_v admit_v no_o latitude_n or_o cede_v there_o when_o the_o reveal_v rule_n of_o our_o duty_n herein_o be_v observe_v that_o this_o be_v manage_v with_o a_o humble_a tender_a condescendence_n and_o cede_v in_o our_o own_o thing_n to_o one_o another_o for_o oh_o there_o have_v our_o sad_a contest_v and_o a_o nimosity_n their_o great_a strength_n this_o day_n it_o be_v well_o if_o such_o a_o bless_a contend_v and_o strive_v lawful_o as_o the_o apostle_n show_v be_v thus_o study_v that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o by_o mean_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n by_o pureness_n by_o long_a suffering_n by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n by_o the_o armour_n of_o god_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o on_o the_o left_a etc._n etc._n and_o where_o these_o be_v not_o man_n study_n and_o practice_n they_o must_v live_v in_o a_o express_a contradiction_n to_o these_o principle_n which_o yet_o they_o dare_v not_o disow_v yea_o in_o so_o far_o become_v not_o only_o a_o just_a matter_n of_o grief_n but_o a_o spot_n in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o saint_n 6._o whatever_o sad_a difference_n be_v oft_o among_o these_o which_o both_o their_o darkness_n of_o mind_n and_o contrariety_n of_o natural_a disposition_n may_v influence_n yet_o do_v not_o still_o that_o bless_a unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n stand_v fix_v and_o sure_a by_o which_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v unite_v in_o a_o new_a and_o spiritual_a nature_n in_o these_o sweet_a &_o sensible_a communication_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o do_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o bless_a centre_n yea_o so_o near_o a_o intercourse_n of_o soul_n and_o sympathy_n do_v result_v thence_o however_o the_o sad_a prevalence_n of_o corruption_n may_v for_o some_o time_n darken_v the_o same_o as_o no_o union_n and_o concord_n like_o this_o be_v in_o all_o the_o society_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o may_v be_v such_o a_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n as_o to_o silence_v even_o the_o great_a atheist_n 7._o yea_o may_v we_o not_o have_v here_o a_o special_a confirm_a evidence_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o notwithstanding_o of_o such_o difference_n both_o in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n with_o so_o sore_a prejudice_n and_o estrangement_n of_o heart_n and_o difference_n of_o natural_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o among_o the_o godly_a yet_o this_o have_v enforce_v from_o all_o these_o a_o undoubted_a assent_n to_o the_o most_o great_a and_o weighty_a concern_v of_o religion_n yea_o to_o a_o
joint_n acknowledge_v of_o the_o same_o principle_n about_o which_o some_o difference_n may_v be_v in_o the_o application_n thereof_o to_o some_o particular_a case_n 8._o i_o shall_v but_o add_v that_o it_o be_v know_v what_o sweet_a harmony_n and_o oneness_n of_o heart_n have_v sometime_o be_v among_o such_o as_o do_v profess_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o rank_n in_o our_o church_n and_o in_o a_o fix_a adherence_n to_o the_o same_o cause_n and_o how_o it_o be_v at_o a_o sad_a ebb_n that_o some_o difference_n break_v up_o among_o the_o most_o eminent_o godly_a both_o minister_n and_o professor_n there_o for_o some_o time_n on_o that_o head_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n though_o without_o any_o form_a breach_n or_o schism_n but_o after_o among_o such_o who_o thus_o differ_v a_o most_o sweet_a concord_n and_o concurrence_n in_o a_o joint_a opposition_n against_o prelacy_n and_o to_o suffer_v rather_o than_o in_o the_o least_o to_o consent_v thereto_o do_v follow_v yea_o though_o since_o among_o the_o most_o serious_a nonconformist_n a_o great_a freedom_n have_v be_v in_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o some_o than_o other_o for_o hear_v of_o conformist_n to_o prelacy_n yet_o so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v have_v it_o be_v with_o a_o due_a and_o tender_a respect_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o keep_v of_o either_o divide_v or_o alienation_n in_o such_o a_o case_n but_o oh_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v to_o what_o a_o height_n have_v these_o late_a confusion_n and_o breach_n among_o we_o come_v and_o what_o fuel_n this_o have_v be_v to_o a_o great_a increase_n of_o sin_n yet_o be_v there_o one_o ground_n to_o hope_v when_o almost_o there_o seem_v no_o comfort_v sign_n else_o that_o he_o who_o have_v see_v our_o way_n can_v he_o all_o they_o also_o by_o a_o marvellous_a surprisal_n of_o grace_n 2._o prejudice_n it_o which_o be_v by_o some_o high_o entertain_v in_o these_o time_n for_o their_o own_o break_n be_v the_o perplexedness_n and_o hesitation_n they_o be_v in_o what_o way_n to_o choice_n when_o the_o truth_n seem_v now_o involve_v in_o such_o a_o confusion_n of_o different_a judgement_n and_o such_o visible_a contradiction_n among_o professor_n thereof_o for_o answer_v if_o no_o thing_n be_v to_o shake_v or_o offend_v there_o shall_v then_o be_v no_o try_a establishment_n yet_o since_o this_o seem_v one_o of_o the_o sad_a disease_n of_o the_o time_n in_o many_n be_v soon_o saken_a in_o mind_n with_o such_o waver_a and_o unsettledness_n in_o the_o truth_n i_o must_v speak_v a_o few_o word_n thereto_o to_o witness_v what_o great_a advantage_n such_o as_o desire_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n may_v have_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o for_o the_o further_a quiet_a and_o assure_v of_o their_o heart_n therein_o on_o these_o ground_n 1._o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o near_o these_o live_a oracle_n of_o truth_n which_o do_v with_o so_o clear_a and_o distinct_a a_o sound_n speak_v if_o man_n have_v but_o ear_n to_o hear_v 2._o that_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v to_o his_o people_n a_o spirit_n of_o discern_v in_o some_o great_a and_o lesser_a measure_n so_o as_o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n by_o a_o serious_a personal_a trial_n yea_o that_o none_o need_v receive_v the_o truth_n upon_o trust_n or_o to_o lean_v on_o the_o authority_n or_o example_n of_o any_o herein_o but_o to_o judge_v their_o own_o eye_n and_o conscience_n shall_v be_v all_o be_v faithful_a to_o they_o as_o any_o 3._o he_o have_v give_v also_o as_o a_o special_a help_n a_o fix_a ministry_n to_o his_o church_n yea_o for_o this_o very_a end_n ephes_n 4_o 14._o that_o we_o shall_v henceforth_o be_v no_o more_o child_n toss_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n and_o therefore_o with_o a_o divine_a mission_n have_v give_v such_o spiritual_a gift_n as_o the_o necessity_n and_o service_n of_o the_o church_n may_v require_v for_o interpret_n and_o clear_v up_o of_o what_o may_v be_v the_o counsel_n and_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o his_o church_n according_a to_o his_o own_o word_n 4._o that_o the_o most_o weighty_a thing_n of_o religion_n both_o as_o to_o faith_n and_o practice_n be_v not_o interest_v in_o most_o of_o these_o sad_a contest_v which_o be_v now_o among_o but_o he_o have_v so_o gracious_o condescend_v that_o what_o we_o shall_v most_o live_v by_o shall_v not_o cost_v we_o so_o dear_a and_o that_o the_o great_a subtlety_n and_o most_o intricate_a controversy_n which_o be_v so_o oft_o in_o the_o church_n you_o most_o out_o of_o our_o way_n yea_o such_o as_o shall_v cause_v no_o trouble_n or_o disquiet_v of_o mind_n herein_o 5._o be_v not_o also_o most_o clear_o sheve_v we_o how_o we_o may_v know_v our_o be_v lead_v and_o keep_v in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o what_o shall_v qualify_v and_o make_v we_o meet_v for_o the_o bless_a conduct_n and_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o his_o word_n such_o as_o a_o holy_a fear_n and_o sincere_a resignation_n of_o the_o soul_n thereto_o meekness_n humility_n with_o a_o fix_a and_o serious_a resolve_v to_o close_v therewith_o how_o cross_a however_o it_o shall_v be_v to_o our_o own_o private_a affection_n and_o credit_n 6._o there_o be_v this_o advantage_n to_o know_v that_o bless_a and_o approven_v way_n wherein_o we_o may_v have_v peace_n as_o that_o in_o which_o the_o footstep_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o so_o innunerable_a a_o company_n have_v go_v before_o who_o receive_v the_o spirit_n this_o way_n and_o with_o great_a assurance_n do_v know_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o seal_n on_o their_o own_o soul_n so_o as_o after_o no_o new_a or_o strange_a light_n we_o need_v to_o inquire_v 7._o and_o have_v not_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o saint_n these_o peculiar_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o mark_n whereby_o to_o discern_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n in_o a_o dark_a and_o try_v time_n by_o plain_a scripture_n light_n both_o for_o clear_v and_o confirm_v of_o their_o mind_n herein_o 1._o that_o we_o shall_v follow_v these_o thing_n which_o tend_v to_o peace_n and_o to_o edify_v rom._n 14._o 19_o for_o thus_o sure_o do_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n tend_v to_o build_v and_o not_o to_o cast_v down_o and_o if_o many_o caice_n which_o some_o do_v now_o agitat_fw-la with_o much_o disquiet_a both_o to_o themselves_o and_o other_o be_v more_o bring_v to_o that_o great_a rule_n of_o solid_a edification_n i_o shall_v not_o fear_v that_o so_o much_o time_n shall_v be_v lose_v therein_o 2._o it_o be_v sure_a the_o way_n of_o truth_n must_v be_v still_o rational_o convince_a such_o as_o do_v persuade_v by_o teach_v and_o to_o fix_v and_o clear_v the_o judgement_n before_o the_o will_n by_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o man_n conscience_n for_o thus_o we_o be_v teach_v and_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o render_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o with_o all_o meekness_n and_o fear_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 15._o 3._o such_o be_v this_o bless_a way_n as_o it_o be_v cautious_a and_o advertant_fw-la to_o hazard_n on_o each_o hand_n and_o to_o guard_v against_o the_o depht_n of_o satan_n as_o well_o as_o to_o resist_v his_o fury_n a_o way_n which_o lie_v betwixt_o extreme_n either_o on_o the_o right_n or_o left_a hand_n for_o thus_o we_o be_v teach_v 2_o cor._n 6._o 7._o 2_o cor._n 11._o 14_o 2_o thess_n 2._o 2._o 4._o it_o be_v such_o a_o way_n as_o lead_v we_o to_o regard_v the_o special_a vary_v of_o a_o case_n as_o to_o some_o present_a duty_n with_o a_o due_a respect_n and_o balance_v of_o circumstance_n and_o to_o see_v that_o the_o same_o way_n at_o all_o time_n be_v not_o to_o be_v follow_v in_o our_o practice_n since_o what_o may_v be_v most_o requisite_a and_o edify_a some_o time_n and_o in_o one_o case_n may_v be_v destructive_a in_o another_o for_o this_o have_v the_o holy_a ghost_n show_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a but_o not_o expedient_a 1_o cor._n 10._o 23._o 5._o thus_o we_o may_v know_v and_o discern_v the_o truth_n and_o way_n thereof_o which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n tit._n 1._o 1._o when_o it_o be_v such_o as_o visible_o tend_v by_o its_o power_n and_o efficacy_n on_o the_o heart_n to_o heal_v the_o distemper_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o judgement_n and_o by_o practical_a obedience_n to_o a_o more_o full_a assurance_n of_o understanding_n in_o themselves_o and_o may_v thus_o see_v its_o very_a native_a result_n and_o tendence_n be_v to_o make_v professor_n of_o the_o truth_n humble_a meek_a sober_a and_o temperate_a in_o their_o personal_a conversation_n yea_o tender_v to_o provoke_v or_o excite_v the_o corruption_n of_o any_o 6._o be_v there_o not_o this_o necessare_fw-la tendence_n also_o of_o the_o reveal_v way_n of_o truth_n to_o walk_v wise_o
a_o serious_a adherence_n to_o the_o government_n and_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n over_o his_o church_n for_o which_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o law_n and_o institution_n be_v so_o unanswerable_o clear_a shall_v be_v judge_v incompatible_a with_o the_o civil_a interest_n and_o security_n of_o the_o state_n for_o answ_n if_o man_n shut_v their_o own_o eye_n where_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o clear_a and_o have_v thus_o show_v we_o not_o only_o what_o be_v just_a but_o what_o be_v good_a and_o how_o assure_o this_o be_v the_o great_a concern_v of_o a_o nation_n to_o have_v the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o right_n thereof_o establish_v and_o keep_v up_o when_o the_o veâ—y_v express_v intent_n and_o tendence_n thereof_o be_v to_o promote_v and_o transmit_v both_o the_o purity_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n to_o the_o present_a and_o succeed_a age_n i_o confess_v there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n then_o in_o such_o a_o case_n but_o if_o principle_n of_o self_n love_n to_o our_o temporal_a advantage_n and_o such_o pretend_a respect_n to_o the_o public_a interest_n of_o the_o land_n bear_v any_o weight_n i_o will_v but_o plead_v a_o little_a with_o a_o serious_a appeal_n to_o these_o principle_n which_o our_o adversary_n do_v yet_o own_o and_o assent_v to_o if_o the_o truth_n and_o serious_a practice_n of_o godliness_n and_o these_o mean_n which_o be_v necessary_o direct_v thereto_o be_v not_o visible_o the_o great_a interest_n and_o safety_n of_o a_o nation_n and_o to_o have_v the_o further_a awe_n and_o reverence_n thereof_o keep_v up_o upon_o these_o ground_n 1._o because_o thus_o be_v the_o great_a enforcement_n of_o civil_a duty_n by_o a_o religious_a tie_n and_o on_o principle_n of_o conscience_n 2._o that_o this_o tend_v to_o the_o further_a advance_v and_o improvement_n of_o human_a nature_n both_o to_o make_v human_a society_n sweet_a and_o desirable_a and_o for_o a_o more_o vigorous_a and_o true_a improvement_n of_o man_n natural_a ability_n for_o the_o public_a good_a interest_n of_o that_o place_n 3._o and_o can_v this_o be_v a_o public_a grievance_n which_o bring_v the_o great_a enforcement_n to_o sincerity_n candour_n and_o truth_n which_o as_o it_o be_v essential_o necessary_a for_o the_o establishment_n of_o justice_n and_o moral_a righteousness_n so_o tend_v to_o beget_v true_a mutual_a assurance_n both_o in_o word_n and_o act_n among_o man_n and_o how_o possible_o can_v a_o nation_n be_v safe_a or_o any_o true_a intercourse_n and_o security_n in_o our_o personal_a concern_v where_o truth_n and_o godliness_n have_v no_o due_a respect_n there_o 4._o be_v it_o not_o thus_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o several_a relation_n be_v most_o promote_v yea_o which_o give_v the_o great_a security_n to_o civil_a government_n and_o set_v home_o on_o man_n heart_n their_o obligation_n to_o magistracy_n as_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n not_o from_o fear_n but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o it_o be_v little_o know_v what_o hide_v pledge_n such_o as_o be_v true_o godly_a be_v of_o the_o peace_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o land_n they_o be_v in_o 5._o can_v the_o bless_a tendency_n of_o truth_n and_o godliness_n be_v under_o debaâ—e_n to_o subdue_v the_o disease_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o restrain_v these_o exorbitance_n of_o pride_n envy_n wrath_n ambition_n &c_n &c_n beyond_o the_o further_a reach_n of_o all_o humane_a law_n which_o have_v still_o so_o deplorable_a effect_n every_o where_o and_o raise_v too_o visible_o most_o of_o these_o storm_n and_o tempest_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o cause_v so_o dreadful_a disorder_n among_o man_n 6._o it_o be_v sure_a also_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n must_v needs_o lead_v man_n to_o be_v quiet_a and_o do_v their_o own_o business_n yea_o for_o such_o as_o be_v in_o that_o condition_n to_o work_v with_o their_o own_o hand_n 1_o thess_n 5_o 11._o and_o to_o abide_v in_o that_o call_n in_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v place_v they_o and_o to_o painfulness_n and_o industry_n therein_o to_o be_v no_o busy_a meddler_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o other_o and_o that_o no_o man_n go_v about_o to_o defraud_v his_o brother_n that_o none_o render_v evil_a for_o evil_n unto_o any_o which_o as_o they_o be_v most_o express_a scripture_n command_v must_v demonstrative_o witness_v this_o like_a way_n what_o a_o public_a blessing_n truth_n and_o godliness_n be_v to_o the_o land_n wherein_o it_o be_v keep_v up_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v this_o more_o what_o regard_n even_o on_o politic_a ground_n shall_v be_v to_o that_o which_o so_o necessary_o bring_v therewith_o the_o love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o to_o do_v unto_o other_o as_o we_o will_v be_v deal_v with_o by_o they_o as_o also_o tenderness_n to_o the_o afflict_a a_o compassionate_a spirit_n to_o relieve_v such_o as_o be_v in_o distress_n with_o hospitality_n to_o stranger_n which_o must_v needs_o have_v a_o vigorous_a exercise_n there_o where_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v entertain_v as_o be_v so_o essential_a a_o part_n of_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n section_n v._n after_o some_o thought_n on_o this_o sad_a and_o unpleasing_a subject_n of_o the_o late_a difference_n in_o our_o church_n i_o will_v desire_v yet_o in_o the_o shut_n up_o thereof_o to_o speak_v a_o few_o word_n on_o a_o more_o practical_a concern_v that_o may_v lead_v in_o and_o leave_v the_o reader_n on_o another_o scent_n and_o inquiry_n which_o i_o fear_v in_o this_o strange_a crowd_n and_o noise_n have_v be_v of_o public_a debate_n by_o too_o many_o be_v much_o lose_v and_o shall_v touch_v this_o in_o thes_n 4._o particular_n o_o that_o with_o a_o blessing_n from_o he_o who_o can_v serve_v himself_o of_o the_o mean_a thing_n it_o may_v be_v make_v a_o word_n in_o season_n to_o my_o in_o such_o time_n 1._o to_o consider_v what_o may_v most_o contribute_v to_o a_o christian_n joy_n and_o solid_a peace_n upon_o a_o after_o reckon_v with_o their_o own_o conscience_n as_o to_o their_o way_n in_o this_o winnow_a time_n when_o such_o hot_a contending_n have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n for_o which_o i_o will_v humble_o offer_v these_o 1._o what_o sweet_a peace_n will_v then_o be_v in_o have_v be_v keep_v close_o at_o home_n with_o a_o tender_a and_o jealous_a eye_n over_o the_o frame_n and_o temper_n of_o their_o own_o spirit_n since_o we_o can_v but_o see_v where_o the_o strength_n of_o these_o strange_a paroxysm_n of_o heat_n and_o bitterness_n among_o professor_n of_o the_o truth_n do_v now_o most_o lie_v that_o it_o be_v from_o these_o jar_a corruption_n upon_o the_o heart_n more_o than_o from_o any_o difference_n of_o light_n and_o judgement_n and_o which_o no_o eager_a dispute_n but_o a_o tender_a and_o lively_a practice_n in_o be_v exercise_v to_o godliness_n can_v effectual_o cure_v &_o then_o we_o may_v both_o hope_n for_o a_o bless_a heal_a composure_n under_o these_o different_a measure_n of_o light_n among_o christian_a and_o for_o a_o tender_a and_o humble_a reason_n in_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v when_o thus_o a_o more_o near_a conformity_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o rule_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v once_o reach_v which_o must_v needs_o subject_a the_o soul_n to_o account_v it_o our_o great_a honour_n to_o be_v overcome_v by_o the_o truth_n 2._o that_o they_o have_v be_v keep_v from_o any_o such_o precipitant_a judgement_n of_o other_o as_o usual_o follow_v on_o such_o debate_n and_o their_o spirit_n keep_v under_o some_o bless_a awe_n and_o restraint_n of_o these_o sudden_a violent_a commotion_n and_o truption_n of_o passion_n as_o run_v such_o unto_o most_o sad_a undecency_n to_o discredit_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n discompose_v themselves_o and_o wound_v their_o own_o conscience_n 3._o that_o they_o have_v be_v tender_a of_o practise_v that_o themselves_o which_o they_o have_v condemn_v in_o other_o by_o any_o such_o aim_v more_o how_o to_o revile_v then_o reclaim_v and_o to_o a_o heighten_v rather_o than_o heal_v of_o this_o strange_a breach_n 4._o that_o the_o flee_v of_o one_o extreme_a have_v still_o be_v with_o some_o regard_n of_o be_v keep_v from_o run_v on_o any_o other_o &_o of_o there_o have_v have_v impartial_a respect_n to_o entertain_v what_o ever_o be_v just_o approvable_a and_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n upon_o either_o hand_n yea_o not_o only_o with_o a_o humble_a cede_v in_o personal_a injury_n and_o such_o a_o tender_a manage_n of_o their_o own_o necessary_a vindication_n upon_o the_o revile_n of_o other_o as_o may_v tend_v to_o convince_v more_o then_o to_o provoke_v but_o that_o they_o have_v this_o testimony_n they_o do_v in_o earnest_n pray_v for_o such_o and_o seek_v their_o mercy_n and_o reclaim_v from_o the_o lord_n 5._o that_o no_o pretence_n or_o personal_a respect_n have_v shut_v their_o eye_n upon_o any_o visible_a hazard_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o of_o