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hear_v and_o join_v in_o the_o public_a ordinance_n know_v not_o where_o to_o find_v themselves_o or_o to_o be_v in_o one_o measure_n in_o such_o a_o case_n i_o desire_v to_o speak_v this_o with_o a_o tender_a respect_n to_o such_o who_o i_o dare_v not_o question_n have_v have_v a_o serious_a regard_n to_o the_o truth_n yet_o have_v not_o be_v aware_a of_o the_o subtlety_n of_o this_o snare_n and_o with_o hope_n that_o upon_o serious_a after_o thought_n some_o more_o fix_a unite_n both_o in_o judgement_n and_o heart_n may_v yet_o follow_v among_o all_o who_o be_v indeed_o lover_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o our_o church_n with_o some_o more_o suitable_a fear_n to_o dash_v again_o on_o such_o a_o rock_n yea_o to_o see_v how_o true_a and_o sweet_a a_o consistence_n may_v be_v betwixt_o zeal_n and_o fervency_n for_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o humble_a fear_n and_o tenderness_n in_o our_o private_a judgement_n in_o such_o a_o difference_n as_o this_o where_o on_o no_o side_n the_o truth_n be_v deny_v so_o as_o to_o keep_v of_o any_o public_a rent_n in_o the_o church_n quest_n iv._o which_o may_v be_v yet_o needful_a to_o touch_v on_o these_o late_a public_a difference_n if_o it_o be_v either_o matter_n of_o duty_n or_o expedient_a and_o for_o edification_n to_o bring_v these_o in_o public_a and_o engage_v the_o people_n therein_o and_o if_o some_o forbearance_n thus_o by_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o in_o such_o a_o time_n and_o under_o these_o circumstance_n we_o stand_v call_v for_o for_o clear_v of_o which_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v no_o debate_n upon_o that_o great_a duty_n of_o a_o faithful_a and_o free_a wairn_a against_o public_a sin_n and_o though_o with_o a_o suitable_a prudence_n yet_o impartial_o to_o apply_v the_o rule_n against_o they_o and_o to_o show_v both_o the_o duty_n and_o danger_n of_o the_o time_n but_o i_o humble_o judge_v no_o justle_n will_v be_v find_v here_o with_o a_o tender_a abstinence_n and_o forbearance_n in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o where_o a_o different_a judgement_n and_o practice_n be_v now_o among_o the_o most_o serious_a godly_a and_o faithful_a minister_n in_o our_o church_n who_o yet_o do_v so_o joint_o concur_v and_o be_v one_o in_o the_o same_o truth_n upon_o these_o ground_n 1._o that_o this_o can_v not_o be_v plead_v as_o a_o public_a testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o thus_o reflect_v on_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o brethren_n with_o who_o they_o differ_v on_o who_o no_o disow_a or_o oppose_v of_o the_o same_o without_o the_o further_a breach_n of_o charity_n can_v be_v thus_o fix_v nor_o be_v this_o before_o any_o such_o as_o be_v the_o know_v and_o public_a adversary_n thereto_o or_o upon_o any_o visible_a hazard_n luke_n 21_o 12._o when_o you_o shall_v be_v bring_v before_o king_n and_o ruler_n for_o my_o name_n sake_n this_o shall_v turn_v to_o you_o for_o a_o testimony_n but_o i_o must_v say_v the_o tendency_n of_o such_o ordinare_fw-la and_o public_a reflection_n be_v rather_o like_a to_o darken_v the_o credit_n and_o beauty_n of_o so_o great_a and_o honourable_a a_o appearance_n as_o a_o testimony_n indeed_o for_o the_o truth_n be_v and_o if_o these_o necessare_fw-la requisite_n thereto_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n be_v this_o day_n more_o understand_v there_o can_v not_o be_v so_o ordinare_fw-la a_o pretend_v of_o this_o 2._o i_o will_v know_v wherein_o this_o way_n be_v useful_a or_o expedient_a to_o most_o of_o hearer_n who_o can_v so_o little_a judge_n on_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v indeed_o call_v to_o declare_v the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n acts._n 20_o 27._o but_o this_o be_v most_o evident_o qualify_v by_o the_o same_o apostle_n verse_n 20._o that_o he_o keep_v nothing_o back_o hereof_o which_o may_v be_v profitable_a for_o they_o and_o thus_o express_o show_v what_o bound_n minister_n have_v set_v herein_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o their_o deliver_n of_o the_o message_n of_o god_n to_o his_o church_n that_o it_o be_v 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before_o the_o church_n so_o high_a a_o charge_n of_o erastianisme_n and_o defection_n from_o the_o truth_n against_o these_o their_o brethren_n who_o be_v thus_o as_o express_o point_v at_o as_o they_o be_v name_v since_o it_o be_v sure_a there_o can_v be_v no_o public_a rebuke_n and_o admonition_n before_o the_o people_n as_o this_o most_o evident_o be_v but_o as_o a_o public_a church_n censure_n and_o juridical_a act_n of_o discipline_n yea_o which_o be_v no_o less_o manifest_a than_o that_o of_o excommunication_n and_o if_o so_o public_a a_o violation_n of_o that_o order_n which_o our_o bless_a head_n have_v express_o fix_v for_o his_o church_n be_v so_o light_o regard_v where_o be_v we_o nor_o can_v this_o be_v pretend_v as_o a_o doctrinal_a reproof_n which_o be_v such_o a_o apply_v of_o the_o rule_n against_o sin_n of_o the_o time_n must_v as_o still_o leave_v the_o particular_a application_n thereof_o to_o their_o own_o conscience_n who_o be_v thus_o guilty_a without_o any_o express_a design_v of_o particular_a person_n where_o no_o judicial_a procedure_n and_o conviction_n by_o the_o church_n hes_z go_v before_o but_o here_o be_v a_o most_o public_a and_o express_a fix_v of_o so_o sad_a a_o scandal_n even_o before_o the_o church_n against_o so_o many_o particular_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o be_v still_o labour_v in_o the_o vineyard_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o if_o they_o be_v design_v by_o name_n 5._o and_o be_v not_o these_o unquestionable_a requisite_n for_o a_o public_a reproof_n not_o only_o their_o call_n thereto_o that_o it_o be_v orderly_o and_o upon_o clear_a evidence_n but_o that_o this_o be_v not_o expose_v to_o any_o prejudicate_a exception_n from_o their_o way_n who_o do_v thus_o reprove_v which_o may_v be_v on_o too_o just_a ground_n fear_v this_o day_n that_o some_o have_v put_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o further_a capacity_n to_o edify_v by_o any_o such_o mean_a from_o their_o own_o unsuitable_a manage_n hereof_o 6_o what_o if_o these_o who_o be_v thus_o so_o open_o reflect_v upon_o shall_v take_v the_o same_o freedom_n for_o public_a contradiction_n wherein_o will_v this_o quickly_a resolve_n but_o a_o further_a grow_a scandal_n to_o ruin_v the_o church_n and_o make_v way_n for_o the_o endless_a debating_n which_o as_o the_o apostle_n show_v do_v rather_o engender_v question_n then_o any_o godly_a edify_n in_o the_o faith_n we_o know_v the_o apostle_n paul_n withstand_v peter_n to_o the_o face_n but_o it_o be_v observable_a on_o what_o ground_n it_o be_v state_v that_o when_o peter_n know_v the_o difference_n then_o among_o these_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n who_o believe_v be_v such_o as_o shall_v cause_v no_o rent_n or_o divide_v thereon_o yet_o to_o please_v the_o jew_n have_v withdraw_v and_o separat_fw-la from_o fellowship_n with_o the_o believe_a gentile_n yea_o that_o this_o rent_n be_v like_a to_o grow_v so_o as_o barnabas_n also_o be_v draw_v into_o the_o same_o dissimulation_n and_o thus_o a_o sad_a and_o ruine_v breach_n like_o to_o follow_v 7._o shall_v we_o not_o be_v to_o the_o further_a tender_n of_o unsettle_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o people_n when_o so_o much_o already_o shake_v and_o in_o that_o manner_n now_o rack_v and_o toss_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n as_o many_o be_v like_a to_o loss_n all_o persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n yea_o when_o it_o be_v so_o hard_a and_o all_o most_o impossible_a to_o keep_v some_o within_o any_o bound_n and_o while_o thus_o the_o triumph_n of_o adversary_n and_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o ungodly_a upon_o such_o strange_a reflection_n bring_v in_o public_a do_v visible_o gain_v ground_n and_o what_o interest_n can_v be_v thus_o pretend_v for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o so_o public_a a_o go_n to_o law_n with_o their_o
either_o hand_n 4._o it_o need_v be_v no_o strange_a thing_n or_o give_v any_o advantage_n to_o bring_v true_a zeal_n under_o discredit_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o more_o impetuo_fw-la we_o motion_n and_o make_v haste_n by_o some_o when_o they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n than_o they_o be_v former_o for_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v too_o evident_a such_o as_o be_v once_o under_o the_o influence_n of_o delusion_n be_v also_o in_o that_o dreadful_a hazard_n to_o be_v as_o wind_n carry_v about_o with_o a_o tempest_n but_o such_o be_v purezeal_a that_o though_o it_o increase_v the_o stream_n it_o do_v not_o overflow_v its_o bank_n nor_o will_v break_v the_o least_o command_v for_o vindication_n of_o the_o great_a truth_n 5._o there_o be_v such_o a_o indissoluble_a tie_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n betwixt_o true_a zeal_n and_o that_o christian_a moderation_n which_o we_o shall_v make_v know_v to_o all_o as_o none_o may_v divide_v but_o as_o the_o one_o tend_v to_o give_v life_n and_o intenseness_n of_o duty_n so_o be_v the_o other_o to_o resttaine_v all_o exorbitancy_n and_o keep_v this_o in_o its_o proper_a channel_n and_o that_o none_o be_v carry_v out_o beyond_o these_o just_a bound_n &_o measure_n which_o be_v so_o express_o set_v to_o we_o by_o the_o rule_n but_o so_o as_o that_o it_o be_v without_o any_o lukewarmness_n or_o abatement_n of_o fervency_n in_o spirit_n for_o serve_v the_o lord_n for_o where_o on_o either_o hand_n these_o be_v divide_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o true_a interest_n of_o the_o church_n must_v then_o needs_o suffer_v and_o get_v a_o sore_a wound_n 6._o ground_n of_o stumble_v and_o offence_n which_o too_o visible_o many_o be_v like_a to_o break_v on_o yea_o to_o take_v prejudice_n almost_o against_o the_o whole_a ministry_n of_o our_o church_n be_v that_o these_o who_o have_v have_v great_a weight_n and_o acceptance_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v endure_v so_o much_o under_o many_o assault_n these_o year_n past_a in_o their_o opposition_n to_o prelacy_n with_o some_o unanswerable_a conviction_n hereof_o i_o hope_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o and_o with_o a_o continue_a adherence_n to_o former_a principle_n be_v yet_o with_o such_o reproach_n so_o public_o thus_o follow_v even_o by_o profess_a friend_n answ_n though_o i_o hope_v the_o perusal_n of_o what_o have_v be_v already_o touch_v on_o this_o subject_n may_v have_v some_o weight_n both_o for_o clear_v and_o in_o some_o measure_n to_o silence_v thes_n strange_a heightened_a prejudice_n of_o some_o this_o way_n yet_o since_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a trial_n of_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n both_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o work_n and_o the_o credit_n of_o their_o bless_a master_n who_o account_v they_o worthy_a to_o put_v into_o his_o service_n and_o that_o many_o be_v thus_o in_o hazard_n to_o be_v shake_v i_o must_v yet_o further_o speak_v but_o a_o few_o thing_n thereto_o 1._o that_o what_o ever_o may_v be_v their_o part_n who_o have_v take_v most_o liberty_n this_o way_n yet_o shall_v we_o reckon_v it_o be_v our_o sin_n that_o be_v their_o strength_n and_o much_o unanswweerablness_n to_o so_o high_a and_o holy_a a_o call_n for_o which_o the_o holy_a god_n do_v thus_o call_v to_o a_o humble_a and_o serious_a self_n judge_v before_o he_o and_o more_o deep_a trial_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n and_o way_n with_o that_o fear_n lest_o our_o sin_n shall_v find_v we_o out_o if_o we_o be_v not_o concern_v to_o find_v they_o and_o lay_v the_o same_o to_o heart_n though_o i_o hope_v such_o yet_o dare_v with_o some_o confidence_n leave_v their_o cause_n before_o the_o lord_n to_o plead_v herein_o against_o the_o unjust_a reproach_n of_o man_n 2._o it'should_n be_v no_o strange_a thing_n now_o what_o in_o all_o time_n have_v be_v the_o lot_n of_o the_o most_o serious_a minister_n of_o christ_n even_o when_o they_o have_v have_v a_o most_o sweet_a and_o sensible_a seal_n of_o his_o acceptance_n in_o their_o work_n to_o have_v no_o other_o requittall_n from_o man_n than_o contempt_n and_o hatred_n who_o yet_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n have_v with_o the_o further_a tenderness_n seek_v to_o gain_v such_o to_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n yea_o have_v have_v the_o trial_n of_o such_o extreme_n as_o to_o be_v revile_v by_o these_o who_o sometime_o will_v have_v pluck_v out_o almost_o their_o eye_n for_o they_o 3._o but_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v with_o no_o less_o expresseness_n put_v a_o guard_n about_o the_o repute_n and_o credit_n of_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n then_o about_o their_o call_n for_o which_o read_v 1_o tim._n 5._o 19_o 1._o thess_n 5._o 12._o 13._o yea_o these_o be_v so_o straite_o conjoin_v as_o what_o ever_o tend_v to_o discredit_v their_o person_n must_v needs_o tend_v also_o to_o weaken_v the_o weight_n and_o authority_n of_o their_o message_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o hearer_n and_o be_v this_o of_o small_a regard_n now_o with_o many_o and_o to_o be_v without_o any_o dread_n lest_o in_o so_o far_o the_o blood_n of_o soul_n be_v charge_v on_o they_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o by_o such_o notour_n reflection_n and_o without_o any_o just_a cause_n or_o call_v thereto_o do_v thus_o beget_v such_o a_o prejudice_n and_o contempt_n as_o to_o have_v the_o less_o reckon_v make_v of_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n deliver_v by_o they_o in_o this_o i_o must_v here_o exoner_o my_o own_o conscience_n upon_o so_o public_a a_o sin_n and_o of_o such_o sad_a consequence_n to_o the_o church_n hazard_n which_o seem_v so_o little_a to_o touch_v this_o day_n 4._o have_v it_o be_v yet_o ever_o see_v that_o where_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n have_v have_v no_o suitable_a weight_n and_o acceptance_n of_o their_o person_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n in_o any_o place_n bot_n there_o also_o be_v a_o most_o visible_a abatement_n of_o people_n respect_n and_o love_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o of_o any_o true_a growth_n among_o they_o under_o the_o ordinance_n nor_o know_v i_o a_o advantage_n which_o the_o envious_a man_n can_v more_o desire_v to_o sow_v tare_n in_o the_o vineyard_n of_o the_o lord_n than_o this_o be_v when_o prejudice_n jealousy_n and_o disrespect_n come_v once_o to_o any_o height_n what_o ever_o pretence_n it_o may_v go_v under_o against_o such_o who_o be_v in_o deed_n the_o messenger_n of_o truth_n and_o dispenser_n of_o his_o ordinance_n 5._o and_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v just_a ground_n to_o account_v such_o the_o undoubted_a minister_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o church_n and_o who_o shall_v be_v thus_o own_v in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o appearance_n yea_o who_o have_v have_v a_o convince_a seal_n to_o their_o ministry_n on_o the_o heart_n of_o many_o who_o for_o ministerial_a ability_n soundness_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o be_v make_v exemplary_a to_o other_o in_o humility_n tenderness_n of_o walk_n love_n and_o fervent_a desire_n for_o gain_v of_o soul_n to_o christ_n will_v have_v be_v reckon_v with_o the_o high_a respect_n in_o the_o first_o primitive_a time_n of_o the_o church_n who_o yet_o have_v be_v this_o day_n expose_v to_o the_o further_a revile_n of_o some_o and_o though_o it_o be_v not_o the_o naked_a testimony_n or_o respect_n of_o man_n that_o by_o such_o will_v be_v either_o seek_v or_o satisfy_v but_o how_o to_o have_v this_o enforce_a on_o their_o conscience_n by_o a_o convince_a witness_n and_o example_n of_o a_o serious_a ministerial_a practice_n yet_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v strange_a that_o such_o be_v to_o the_o further_a concern_v to_o maintain_v the_o credit_n &_o authority_n of_o their_o ministry_n which_o be_v not_o they_o but_o their_o master_n 7._o ground_n of_o prejudice_n against_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v now_o high_o pretend_v be_v not_o only_o upon_o the_o strange_a and_o high_o irregular_a act_n by_o some_o as_o may_v seem_v visible_o inductive_a to_o great_a confusion_n and_o disorder_n bot_n that_o these_o have_v be_v own_v and_o support_v by_o such_o principle_n congruous_a thereto_o as_o seem_v in_o compatible_a both_o with_o the_o practice_n and_o profession_n hitherto_o of_o our_o church_n answ_n whatever_o advantage_n have_v be_v give_v by_o any_o thus_o to_o reflect_v which_o i_o may_v with_o some_o confidence_n say_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o most_o serious_a non_fw-fr conformist_n of_o our_o church_n have_v be_v as_o a_o sword_n in_o there_o bone_n even_o beyond_o their_o own_o personal_a suffering_n because_o of_o the_o voice_n of_o he_o who_o reproach_v yet_o since_o many_o be_v thus_o ready_a to_o stumble_v and_o know_v not_o what_o a_o sore_a woe_n and_o judgement_n offence_n be_v to_o such_o as_o make_v so_o sad_a a_o use_n thereof_o yea_o which_o may_v be_v fear_v this_o day_n be_v glad_a
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
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 humble_o judge_v with_o that_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n as_o may_v show_v the_o mistake_n and_o invalidity_n of_o these_o ground_n on_o which_o so_o strange_a a_o superstructure_n when_o serious_o ponder_v and_o weigh_v have_v be_v raise_v nor_o have_v yet_o find_v more_o urge_v upon_o the_o mater_fw-la by_o any_o on_o this_o head_n then_o what_o be_v make_v use_n of_o there_o it_o be_v sure_a no_o time_n past_a have_v be_v ever_o with_o so_o entire_a one_fw-mi oneness_n in_o judgement_n as_o no_o occasion_n of_o difference_n do_v fall_v out_o among_o the_o true_o godly_a in_o some_o concern_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o it_o be_v sad_a that_o so_o dreadful_a a_o hazard_n of_o occasion_v a_o breach_n in_o the_o church_n this_o way_n be_v not_o yet_o credit_v upon_o trial_n until_o some_o have_v once_o try_v it_o themselves_o my_o great_a unfitness_n to_o move_v in_o such_o a_o case_n be_v just_a ground_n of_o fear_n beside_o much_o aversion_n otherways_o to_o intermeddle_v with_o 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 rule_n the_o sin_n nor_o notorie_o of_o corruption_n in_o church_n office_n do_v not_o corrupt_a or_o defile_v the_o ordinance_n because_o these_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n otherways_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o necessary_a dependence_n on_o and_o be_v of_o more_o or_o less_o value_n according_a to_o the_o dispenser_n but_o i_o grant_v that_o may_v detract_v from_o our_o joy_n and_o comfort_n in_o partake_v thereof_o which_o yet_o do_v no_o way_n reach_v the_o validity_n of_o the_o ordinance_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v sure_a sad_a difference_n both_o in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o church_n may_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o that_o bless_a unity_n which_o christ_n do_v require_v there_o and_o with_o a_o keep_n of_o from_o partake_v of_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o 3._o that_o church_n act_v even_o of_o these_o who_o be_v not_o pastor_n according_a to_o god_n heart_n though_o external_o call_v may_v be_v to_o themselves_o unprofitable_a and_o 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break_v of_o there_o as_o many_o judge_v since_o all_o other_o safe_a mean_n must_v needs_o be_v first_o assay_v nor_o may_v we_o fasten_v a_o public_a scandal_n on_o other_o especial_o upon_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n without_o the_o further_a advantage_n to_o make_v it_o evident_a both_o to_o themselves_o and_o convince_a even_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o other_o 1_o tim._n 5_o 19_o it_o be_v not_o a_o privilege_n of_o order_n only_o but_o of_o office_n that_o minister_n have_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o have_v say_v he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o and_o to_o reject_v such_o be_v a_o high_a guilt_n then_o to_o reject_v the_o same_o word_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o private_a christian_a for_o they_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n and_o bear_v his_o impress_n 5._o this_o be_v a_o practice_n as_o have_v therewith_o a_o fix_v of_o such_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o church_n communion_n which_o have_v not_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v find_v in_o any_o precede_a record_n since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o i_o judge_v it_o on_o special_a cause_n of_o these_o sad_a break_n now_o among_o we_o and_o that_o so_o many_o contend_v as_o they_o that_o beat_v the_o air_n their_o mistake_n and_o ignorance_n of_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o rule_v of_o external_a communion_n in_o the_o church_n for_o if_o this_o shall_v be_v consider_v upon_o clear_a scripture_n evidence_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n i_o shall_v not_o then_o fear_v any_o public_a rent_n on_o this_o late_a difference_n and_o that_o which_o be_v a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o church_n communion_n i_o hope_v must_v plead_v some_o scripture_n warrant_v for_o its_o imposition_n i_o know_v some_o will_v plead_v that_o this_o be_v but_o a_o departure_n in_o some_o degree_n of_o church-fellowship_n which_o be_v both_o a_o poor_a and_o unwarrantable_a apology_n since_o both_o the_o rule_n be_v thus_o far_o desert_v and_o no_o ground_n to_o know_v where_o they_o may_v fix_v after_o but_o we_o have_v to_o visible_a one_fw-mi account_v this_o day_n where_o this_o sad_a course_n have_v already_o land_v v._o ground_n that_o be_v sad_a a_o and_o unwarrantable_a practice_n which_o tend_v to_o cause_v division_n in_o the_o church_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n we_o have_v receive_v rom._n 15._o which_o i_o be_o sure_a may_v be_v to_o evident_a pretend_v any_o to_o the_o contrary_n what_o they_o will_v upon_o these_o ground_n 1._o that_o whatever_o be_v the_o first_o rise_v or_o occasion_n of_o the_o offence_n can_v be_v own_v as_o the_o proper_a cause_n of_o such_o a_o form_v rend_v as_o this_o now_o be_v since_o most_o sad_a offence_n have_v be_v without_o any_o such_o effect_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v more_o upon_o practice_n then_o on_o any_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o kill_n of_o a_o patient_a by_o poison_n through_o mistake_n of_o the_o true_a medicine_n can_v 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 reproach_n weaken_v of_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n strengthen_v of_o the_o hand_n of_o adversary_n beyond_o all_o that_o have_v be_v in_o former_a time_n and_o which_o have_v increase_v our_o bond_n more_o than_o all_o our_o adversary_n can_v ever_o do_v 3._o if_o so_o severe_a a_o stretch_n of_o this_o late_a difference_n and_o load_v of_o the_o practice_n of_o other_o with_o that_o which_o it_o can_v not_o bear_v if_o a_o carnal_a and_o violent_a way_n of_o follow_v this_o debate_n a_o high_a cry_v up_o of_o such_o in_o who_o their_o own_o image_n more_o than_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n do_v appear_v and_o peremptory_a impose_v their_o judgement_n without_o the_o least_o tender_a condescendence_n to_o these_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o do_v necessary_o tend_v to_o engender_v division_n in_o the_o church_n and_o have_v one_fw-mi undoubted_a causality_n from_o the_o very_a nature_n thereof_o to_o this_o end_n than_o it_o may_v be_v know_v yea_o i_o dare_v appeal_v any_o 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
the_o congregational_a judgement_n who_o tender_a respect_n to_o guard_v against_o any_o dash_a on_o such_o a_o rock_n as_o this_o they_o have_v publish_v to_o the_o world_n which_o i_o forbear_v to_o set_v down_o here_o only_o to_o avoid_v prolixity_n but_o i_o must_v yet_o speak_v a_o few_o word_n more_o on_o this_o so_o important_a a_o case_n and_o obtest_v i_o hope_v i_o may_v say_v with_o most_o tender_a respect_n such_o who_o in_o some_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n have_v be_v carry_v so_o strange_a a_o length_n in_o these_o difference_n and_o may_v not_o be_v aware_a of_o the_o hazard_n and_o on_o what_o a_o precipice_n they_o be_v thus_o lead_v to_o consider_v 1._o if_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o fear_v lest_o their_o resolution_n be_v fix_v before_o their_o light_n and_o a_o serious_a trial_n of_o their_o way_n and_o motion_n herein_o since_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o aim_n can_v make_v none_o approven_v in_o that_o where_o a_o decline_a be_v in_o the_o matter_n from_o the_o rule_n 2._o and_o that_o the_o example_n and_o authority_n of_o none_o can_v bear_v weight_n with_o the_o conscience_n upon_o a_o after_o search_v of_o what_o they_o have_v do_v since_o each_o must_v prove_v his_o own_o work_n yea_o it_o be_v sure_a non_fw-fr will_v take_v poysone_o upon_o the_o credit_n or_o repute_v of_o other_o nor_o can_v the_o wisdom_n of_o word_n add_v any_o weight_n to_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n 3._o be_v there_o not_o much_o cause_n to_o fear_v that_o without_o prevent_a grace_n division_n be_v at_o such_o a_o height_n as_o it_o shall_v at_o last_o end_n in_o dissolution_n julian_n know_v this_o to_o well_o when_o as_o one_o of_o the_o great_a mean_n he_o follow_v for_o the_o undo_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o only_o to_o tollerat_v but_o to_o foment_n difference_n among_o christian_n 4._o and_o what_o can_v such_o before_o break_n as_o these_o mean_a for_o sure_a it_o be_v one_o of_o two_o that_o either_o we_o do_v not_o centre_n in_o christ_n and_o be_v unite_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n with_o he_o or_o that_o we_o be_v thus_o under_o some_o dreadful_a prevalence_n of_o temptation_n it_o be_v not_o the_o line_n that_o be_v straight_o but_o such_o as_o be_v draw_v crooked_a from_o the_o centre_n which_o do_v justle_v and_o tread_v on_o other_o 5._o shall_v it_o not_o be_v a_o strange_a contradiction_n for_o a_o profess_a contend_v upon_o the_o kingdom_n and_o supremacy_n of_o our_o bless_a head_n over_o his_o church_n by_o a_o visible_a control_a of_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o law_n over_o our_o conscience_n and_o practice_n and_o can_v this_o be_v under_o debate_n where_o there_o be_v so_o sad_a a_o exceed_v of_o these_o scripture_n bound_v set_v to_o we_o in_o mutual_a contending_n in_o such_o difference_n as_o these_o now_o be_v for_o which_o i_o shall_v but_o offer_v these_o express_a command_v give_v in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o be_v consider_v which_o i_o may_v say_v can_v not_o possible_o but_o restrain_v any_o such_o rupture_n and_o schism_n now_o in_o our_o church_n if_o some_o suitable_a weight_n thereof_o be_v on_o our_o spirit_n phil._n 2_o 3._o eph._n 4_o 31._o rom._n 14._o 3_o 4._o james_n 3._o vers_n 6._o have_v not_o in_o all_o time_n the_o church_n hazard_v be_v more_o from_o the_o right_a then_o the_o left_a hand_n and_o from_o such_o a_o party_n as_o lie_v in_o ambush_n to_o enter_v at_o every_o breach_n i_o mean_v the_o spirit_n of_o error_n and_o delusion_n than_o from_o open_a assault_n yea_o be_v there_o any_o mean_n can_v have_v be_v assay_v more_o sad_a for_o the_o open_v such_o a_o door_n than_o this_o to_o divide_v the_o church_n and_o godly_a among_o themselves_o 7._o 〈◊〉_d whither_o have_v this_o tide_n carry_v some_o i_o be_o sure_a much_o beyond_o their_o own_o thought_n and_o what_o deplorable_a effect_n have_v thus_o be_v of_o late_a in_o so_o strange_a a_o keep_n this_o breach_n up_o with_o these_o who_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o same_o precious_a faith_n and_o when_o much_o more_o be_v yet_o to_o unite_v then_o to_o disjoin_v shall_v there_o yet_o be_v further_o dash_v on_o such_o a_o rock_n whereon_o so_o remarkable_a a_o beacon_n in_o these_o know_a sad_a and_o dismal_a consequence_n have_v be_v set_v up_o before_o we_o yea_o no_o essay_n for_o a_o bind_n up_o of_o such_o wound_n which_o be_v now_o like_a to_o bleed_v unto_o death_n 8._o what_o strange_a pleasure_n must_v it_o be_v that_o be_v more_o in_o bitter_a contending_n i_o fear_v then_o to_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o great_a truth_n we_o know_v or_o what_o true_a gain_n can_v be_v thus_o project_v for_o our_o master_n interest_n it_o be_v sur_fw-fr such_o a_o delight_n sell_v be_v great_a pain_n to_o any_o serious_a and_o tender_a spirit_n yea_o have_v not_o such_o intemperate_a heat_n yet_o spend_v their_o strength_n under_o these_o strange_a chainge_n which_o have_v of_o late_o go_v over_o as_o may_v have_v bring_v some_o suitable_a cool_a atla_v to_o this_o fever_n 9_o be_v professor_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n now_o press_v to_o adorn_v the_o profession_n thereof_o as_o former_o and_o under_o such_o a_o weight_n how_o great_a great_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o any_o to_o be_v eternal_o save_v though_o never_o more_o cause_n to_o walk_v under_o fear_n of_o this_o then_o in_o the_o present_a age_n or_o where_o more_o in_o a_o way_n of_o profession_n and_o with_o much_o of_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n have_v be_v in_o hazard_n to_o perish_v and_o come_v short_a of_o heaven_n yea_o with_o less_o access_n to_o be_v convince_v or_o to_o bear_v faithful_a deal_n with_o their_o conscience_n then_o seem_v now_o and_o do_v but_o consider_v who_o you_o prejudge_v most_o in_o withdraw_v from_o the_o ministry_n of_o these_o who_o i_o hope_v shall_v be_v ow_v of_o the_o lord_n as_o his_o messenger_n to_o the_o church_n and_o dare_v own_o no_o other_o resentment_n both_o of_o grief_n and_o sorrow_n upon_o the_o visible_a hazard_n of_o such_o as_o seem_v not_o to_o be_v aware_a thereof_o themselves_o 10._o you_o know_v that_o express_a command_n of_o watch_v with_o a_o godly_a jealousy_n against_o any_o strange_a doctrine_n heb._n 13_o 3._o and_o it_o be_v but_o too_o know_v how_o eager_a a_o grasp_a be_v by_o many_o more_o at_o what_o seem_v new_a and_o strange_a then_o what_o may_v edify_v nor_o have_v such_o oft_o apprehend_v the_o hazard_n of_o some_o plausible_a error_n until_o it_o come_v to_o a_o more_o form_v complexion_n as_o be_v now_o 11._o what_o advantage_n be_v thus_o give_v to_o the_o prelatic_a party_n for_o that_o charge_n of_o separation_n against_o the_o whole_a nonconformist_n this_o day_n and_o though_o with_o clear_a evidence_n we_o can_v evince_v the_o injustness_n thereof_o yet_o know_v not_o how_o to_o answer_v on_o your_o behalf_n when_o we_o be_v reprove_v 12._o be_v we_o not_o both_o call_v and_o teach_v to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whither_o they_o be_v of_o god_n by_o clear_a scripture_n light_n and_o that_o the_o impulse_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n must_v assure_o tend_v to_o compose_v and_o sanctify_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o a_o humble_a tender_a submissness_n to_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o word_n herein_o and_o be_v it_o not_o express_o show_v what_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o flesh_n be_v galat._n 21._o 22._o 2_o tim._n 1._o 2._o 3._o vers_fw-la and_o how_o far_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v from_o any_o irregular_a or_o impetuous_a course_n yea_o such_o as_o may_v seem_v incompatible_a with_o the_o very_a use_n and_o exercise_v of_o reason_n these_o word_n of_o luther_n in_o the_o second_o tome_n of_o his_o epistle_n be_v of_o much_o weight_n say_v he_o in_o your_o trial_n and_o decern_v the_o spirit_n you_o will_v try_v whither_o they_o can_v prove_v their_o call_n in_o what_o be_v strange_a or_o extraordinary_a either_o in_o their_o judgement_n or_o practice_n for_o god_n never_o send_v any_o but_o they_o be_v either_o call_v by_o man_n in_o his_o appoint_a way_n or_o declare_v by_o sign_n no_o not_o his_o own_o son_n and_o in_o no_o way_n may_v we_o accept_v the_o call_n of_o any_o upon_o such_o a_o warrant_n of_o some_o singular_a impulse_n or_o revelation_n i_o must_v yet_o beseech_v this_o further_a to_o be_v lay_v to_o heart_n that_o if_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v know_v by_o its_o native_a and_o visible_a effect_n we_o may_v then_o read_v in_o great_a letter_n what_o a_o babel_n of_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n with_o divide_v both_o of_o heart_n and_o tongue_n have_v follow_v on_o this_o late_a astonish_a rent_n and_o schism_n in_o our_o church_n yea_o when_o thus_o take_v off_o any_o certain_a rule_n for_o
joint_n acknowledge_v of_o the_o same_o principle_n about_o which_o some_o difference_n may_v be_v in_o the_o application_n thereof_o to_o some_o particular_a case_n 8._o i_o shall_v but_o add_v that_o it_o be_v know_v what_o sweet_a harmony_n and_o oneness_n of_o heart_n have_v sometime_o be_v among_o such_o as_o do_v profess_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o rank_n in_o our_o church_n and_o in_o a_o fix_a adherence_n to_o the_o same_o cause_n and_o how_o it_o be_v at_o a_o sad_a ebb_n that_o some_o difference_n break_v up_o among_o the_o most_o eminent_o godly_a both_o minister_n and_o professor_n there_o for_o some_o time_n on_o that_o head_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n though_o without_o any_o form_a breach_n or_o schism_n but_o after_o among_o such_o who_o thus_o differ_v a_o most_o sweet_a concord_n and_o concurrence_n in_o a_o joint_a opposition_n against_o prelacy_n and_o to_o suffer_v rather_o than_o in_o the_o least_o to_o consent_v thereto_o do_v follow_v yea_o though_o 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in_o what_o way_n to_o choice_n when_o the_o truth_n seem_v now_o involve_v in_o such_o a_o confusion_n of_o different_a judgement_n and_o such_o visible_a contradiction_n among_o professor_n thereof_o for_o answer_v if_o no_o thing_n be_v to_o shake_v or_o offend_v there_o shall_v then_o be_v no_o try_a establishment_n yet_o since_o this_o seem_v one_o of_o the_o sad_a disease_n of_o the_o time_n in_o many_n be_v soon_o saken_a in_o mind_n with_o such_o waver_a and_o unsettledness_n in_o the_o truth_n i_o must_v speak_v a_o few_o word_n thereto_o to_o witness_v what_o great_a advantage_n such_o as_o desire_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n may_v have_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o for_o the_o further_a quiet_a and_o assure_v of_o their_o heart_n therein_o on_o these_o ground_n 1._o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o near_o these_o live_a oracle_n of_o truth_n which_o do_v with_o so_o clear_a and_o distinct_a a_o sound_n speak_v if_o man_n have_v but_o ear_n to_o hear_v 2._o that_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v to_o his_o people_n a_o spirit_n of_o discern_v in_o some_o great_a and_o lesser_a measure_n so_o as_o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n by_o a_o serious_a personal_a trial_n yea_o that_o none_o need_v receive_v the_o truth_n upon_o trust_n or_o to_o lean_v on_o the_o authority_n or_o example_n of_o any_o herein_o but_o to_o judge_v their_o own_o eye_n and_o conscience_n shall_v be_v all_o be_v faithful_a to_o they_o as_o any_o 3._o he_o have_v give_v also_o as_o a_o special_a help_n a_o fix_a ministry_n to_o his_o church_n yea_o for_o this_o very_a end_n ephes_n 4_o 14._o that_o we_o shall_v henceforth_o be_v no_o more_o child_n toss_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n and_o therefore_o with_o a_o divine_a mission_n have_v give_v such_o spiritual_a gift_n as_o the_o necessity_n and_o service_n of_o the_o church_n may_v require_v for_o interpret_n and_o clear_v up_o of_o what_o may_v be_v the_o counsel_n and_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o his_o church_n according_a to_o his_o own_o word_n 4._o that_o the_o most_o weighty_a thing_n of_o religion_n both_o as_o to_o faith_n and_o practice_n be_v not_o interest_v in_o most_o of_o these_o sad_a contest_v which_o be_v now_o among_o but_o he_o have_v so_o gracious_o condescend_v that_o what_o we_o shall_v most_o live_v by_o shall_v not_o cost_v we_o so_o dear_a and_o that_o the_o great_a subtlety_n and_o most_o intricate_a controversy_n which_o be_v so_o oft_o in_o the_o church_n you_o most_o out_o of_o our_o way_n yea_o such_o as_o shall_v cause_v no_o trouble_n or_o disquiet_v of_o mind_n herein_o 5._o be_v not_o also_o most_o clear_o sheve_v we_o how_o we_o may_v know_v our_o be_v lead_v and_o keep_v in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o what_o shall_v qualify_v and_o make_v we_o meet_v for_o the_o bless_a conduct_n and_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o his_o word_n such_o as_o a_o holy_a fear_n and_o sincere_a resignation_n of_o the_o soul_n thereto_o meekness_n humility_n with_o a_o fix_a and_o serious_a resolve_v to_o close_v therewith_o how_o cross_a however_o it_o shall_v be_v to_o our_o own_o private_a affection_n and_o credit_n 6._o there_o be_v this_o advantage_n to_o know_v that_o bless_a and_o approven_v way_n wherein_o we_o may_v have_v peace_n as_o that_o in_o which_o the_o footstep_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o so_o innunerable_a a_o company_n have_v go_v before_o who_o receive_v the_o spirit_n this_o way_n and_o with_o great_a assurance_n do_v know_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o seal_n on_o their_o own_o soul_n so_o as_o after_o no_o new_a or_o strange_a light_n we_o need_v to_o inquire_v 7._o and_o have_v not_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o saint_n these_o peculiar_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o mark_n whereby_o to_o discern_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n in_o a_o dark_a and_o try_v time_n by_o plain_a scripture_n light_n both_o for_o clear_v and_o confirm_v of_o their_o mind_n herein_o 1._o that_o we_o shall_v follow_v these_o thing_n which_o tend_v to_o peace_n and_o to_o edify_v rom._n 14._o 19_o for_o thus_o sure_o do_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n tend_v to_o build_v and_o not_o to_o cast_v down_o and_o if_o many_o caice_n which_o some_o do_v now_o agitat_fw-la with_o much_o disquiet_a both_o to_o themselves_o and_o other_o be_v more_o bring_v to_o that_o great_a rule_n of_o solid_a edification_n i_o shall_v not_o fear_v that_o so_o much_o time_n shall_v be_v lose_v therein_o 2._o it_o be_v sure_a the_o way_n of_o truth_n must_v be_v still_o rational_o convince_a such_o as_o do_v persuade_v by_o teach_v and_o to_o fix_v and_o clear_v the_o judgement_n before_o the_o will_n by_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o man_n conscience_n for_o thus_o we_o be_v teach_v and_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o render_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o with_o all_o meekness_n and_o fear_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 15._o 3._o such_o be_v this_o bless_a way_n as_o it_o be_v cautious_a and_o advertant_fw-la to_o hazard_n on_o each_o hand_n and_o to_o guard_v against_o the_o depht_n of_o satan_n as_o well_o as_o to_o resist_v his_o fury_n a_o way_n which_o lie_v betwixt_o extreme_n either_o on_o the_o right_n or_o left_a hand_n for_o thus_o we_o be_v teach_v 2_o cor._n 6._o 7._o 2_o cor._n 11._o 14_o 2_o thess_n 2._o 2._o 4._o it_o be_v such_o a_o way_n as_o lead_v we_o to_o regard_v the_o special_a vary_v of_o a_o case_n as_o to_o some_o present_a duty_n with_o a_o due_a respect_n and_o balance_v of_o circumstance_n and_o to_o see_v that_o the_o same_o way_n at_o all_o time_n be_v not_o to_o be_v follow_v in_o our_o practice_n since_o what_o may_v be_v most_o requisite_a and_o edify_a some_o time_n and_o in_o one_o case_n may_v be_v destructive_a in_o another_o for_o this_o have_v the_o holy_a ghost_n show_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a but_o not_o expedient_a 1_o cor._n 10._o 23._o 5._o thus_o we_o may_v know_v and_o discern_v the_o truth_n and_o way_n thereof_o which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n tit._n 1._o 1._o when_o it_o be_v such_o as_o visible_o tend_v by_o its_o power_n and_o efficacy_n on_o the_o heart_n to_o heal_v the_o distemper_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o judgement_n and_o by_o practical_a obedience_n to_o a_o more_o full_a assurance_n of_o understanding_n in_o themselves_o and_o may_v thus_o see_v its_o very_a native_a result_n and_o tendence_n be_v to_o make_v professor_n of_o the_o truth_n humble_a meek_a sober_a and_o temperate_a in_o their_o personal_a conversation_n yea_o tender_v to_o provoke_v or_o excite_v the_o corruption_n of_o any_o 6._o be_v there_o not_o this_o necessare_fw-la tendence_n also_o of_o the_o reveal_v way_n of_o truth_n to_o walk_v wise_o
3._o if_o you_o stumble_v here_o and_o embrace_v no_o religion_n until_o you_o find_v no_o offence_n among_o the_o professor_n thereof_o than_o you_o must_v have_v none_o but_o turn_v atheist_n bot_n your_o conscience_n herein_o must_v needs_o tell_v you_o silence_n it_o as_o you_o with_o that_o the_o truth_n and_o principle_n of_o godliness_n bind_v man_n over_o with_o the_o great_a tie_n and_o engagement_n to_o holiness_n purity_n candour_n and_o righteousness_n even_o in_o all_o our_o deal_n with_o man_n under_o the_o severe_a threatening_n and_o oh_o must_v the_o glory_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n thus_o come_v under_o reproach_n and_o suffer_v from_o the_o untender_a and_o unanswerable_a practice_n of_o any_o who_o profess_v the_o same_o 4._o can_v you_o posible_o debate_v this_o which_o may_v both_o silence_n and_o make_v man_n ashamed_a of_o such_o a_o challenge_n that_o under_o any_o pretence_n which_o have_v ever_o be_v to_o 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the_o earth_n do_v never_o want_v a_o sad_a mixture_n yea_o these_o feu_fw-fr choised_a disciply_n of_o our_o bless_a master_n be_v not_o only_o with_o a_o judas_n but_o a_o fall_a peter_n and_o a_o misbelieve_a thomasâ—mong_n â—mong_z they_o and_o shall_v this_o have_v be_v a_o ground_n then_o for_o prejudice_n at_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n in_o its_o first_o daw_v when_o by_o such_o a_o constitution_n our_o great_a master_n will_v have_v it_o know_v what_o his_o church_n whilst_o here_o upon_o the_o earth_n will_v be_v even_o in_o the_o pure_a time_n thereof_o 6._o will_v you_o not_o allow_v that_o measure_n which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n the_o christian_n do_v require_v of_o their_o heathen_a adversary_n upon_o any_o public_a offence_n which_o be_v then_o object_v to_o they_o to_o give_v but_o that_o allovance_n which_o they_o do_v to_o their_o philosopher_n and_o such_o as_o profess_v moral_a virtue_n among_o they_o which_o be_v not_o to_o charge_v the_o corruption_n and_o offence_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o on_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o profession_n whilst_o you_o have_v these_o further_a enforcement_n of_o this_o that_o you_o know_v upon_o your_o own_o conscience_n what_o a_o sore_a burden_n and_o grief_n these_o be_v to_o such_o who_o be_v tender_a and_o sincere_a in_o follow_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o how_o evident_a their_o discountenance_n of_o any_o such_o appearance_n be_v yea_o may_v not_o the_o establishment_n of_o church_n discipline_n and_o censure_n with_o such_o express_a rule_n herein_o by_o our_o bless_a head_n convince_v and_o silence_v these_o who_o reproach_n 7._o let_v some_o who_o pretend_v most_o to_o stumble_v on_o such_o a_o account_n speak_v but_o their_o own_o heart_n if_o these_o be_v not_o much_o more_o their_o trouble_n and_o torment_n who_o walk_n do_v most_o convince_o tend_v to_o adorn_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o sincere_a and_o serious_a embracement_n of_o the_o truth_n hes_z be_v with_o such_o visible_a outward_a disadvantage_n and_o no_o private_a interest_n to_o sway_v they_o herein_o as_o they_o be_v enforce_v to_o see_v this_o for_o none_o possible_o can_v conceive_v how_o this_o shall_v be_v on_o any_o other_o ground_n than_o the_o know_a power_n and_o certainty_n thereof_o on_o their_o soul_n 8._o be_v not_o such_o who_o way_n be_v thus_o the_o ground_n of_o your_o challenge_n most_o visible_o condemn_v by_o their_o own_o avove_v principle_n yea_o what_o ever_o essay_n have_v be_v to_o personat_fw-la serious_a godliness_n by_o a_o false_a show_n yet_o be_v it_o not_o most_o convince_a even_o to_o such_o as_o look_v but_o at_o a_o distance_n that_o native_a lustre_n self_n evidence_v light_n with_o that_o sweet_a savour_n and_o efficacy_n which_o accompany_v the_o same_o as_o no_o possible_a invention_n or_o art_n can_v ever_o reach_v no_o more_o then_o to_o make_v a_o dead_a picture_n live_v oh_o that_o such_o a_o day_n of_o reproach_n as_o this_o and_o that_o sad_a woe_n the_o world_n be_v so_o unsensible_a of_o because_o of_o offence_n may_v more_o suitable_o affect_v our_o heart_n and_o that_o it_o be_v with_o so_o visible_a adecline_v â—ow_o in_o the_o church_n and_o man_n grove_v weary_a of_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o truth_n these_o sweet_a path_n and_o footstep_n of_o serious_a godliness_n love_n and_o zeal_n for_o god_n self_n denial_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n seem_v to_o be_v all_o most_o overgrow_a and_o wear_v out_o among_o many_o professor_n in_o this_o age_n 5._o ground_n that_o i_o fear_v some_o may_v be_v ready_a this_o day_n to_o break_v and_o stumble_v on_o be_v these_o high_a pretence_n of_o zeal_n and_o fervency_n for_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o way_n of_o so_o i_o as_o will_v seem_v most_o visible_o to_o cross_v and_o interfere_v with_o the_o most_o know_a principle_n of_o christian_a prudence_n yea_o that_o due_a necessary_a use_n of_o man_n reason_n which_o the_o scripture_n do_v so_o indispensible_o require_v answ_n though_o the_o zeal_n of_o god_n and_o faithfulness_n for_o his_o interest_n even_o with_o the_o most_o convince_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o to_o man_n conscience_n be_v that_o which_o the_o world_n can_v bear_v yet_o i_o hope_v these_o thing_n when_o serious_o consider_v may_v silence_v any_o public_a reflection_n herein_o 1._o that_o the_o great_a want_n which_o may_v be_v now_o matter_n of_o grief_n in_o all_o the_o church_n be_v that_o of_o pure_a zeal_n and_o love_n to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o of_o such_o a_o spirit_n to_o follow_v the_o lord_n full_o and_o oh_o our_o fall_n have_v be_v too_o great_a and_o universal_a from_o that_o first_o love_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o shine_v and_o burn_v in_o these_o who_o profess_v the_o truth_n to_o be_v hide_v this_o day_n and_o seem_v one_o of_o the_o sad_a presage_n of_o a_o dark_a night_n yet_o come_v on_o when_o with_o a_o continue_a light_n the_o heat_n and_o power_n thereof_o be_v so_o far_o go_v 2._o but_o to_o silence_v any_o such_o reflection_n it_o may_v be_v demonstrable_a to_o the_o further_a that_o the_o true_a and_o native_a tendence_n of_o the_o zeal_n of_o god_n and_o fervency_n in_o his_o work_n can_v cause_v no_o break_v or_o disorder_n nor_o have_v any_o irregular_a violent_a motion_n or_o scorch_a heat_n therewith_o but_o where_o ever_o this_o most_o bright_o shine_v there_o also_o do_v a_o humble_a tender_a condescendence_n to_o convince_v and_o gain_v most_o evident_o appear_v how_o by_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o man_n conscience_n to_o prevent_v any_o ground_n may_v be_v thus_o take_v of_o offence_n who_o be_v offend_v and_o i_o burn_v not_o be_v the_o temper_n of_o that_o bless_a man_n spirit_n when_o he_o be_v burn_v in_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o thus_o carry_v he_o out_o that_o he_o may_v be_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o that_o he_o may_v gain_v some_o for_o such_o shall_v be_v the_o great_a acrimony_n and_o sharpness_n of_o these_o who_o shall_v be_v the_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o it_o may_v always_o tend_v to_o season_n to_o preserve_v and_o recover_v and_o not_o to_o destroy_v 3._o and_o be_v not_o christian_a wisdom_n and_o prudence_n a_o piece_n of_o our_o sanctification_n and_o a_o true_a and_o native_a result_n of_o pure_a zeal_n and_o love_n to_o christ_n â—…o_o as_o the_o more_o a_o christian_n the_o more_o tender_a thus_o to_o keep_v by_o the_o rule_n and_o to_o walk_v circumspect_o not_o as_o fool_n but_o as_o wise_a and_o be_v not_o man_n folly_n still_o a_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o corruption_n nor_o can_v the_o truth_n of_o godliness_n be_v vigorous_o exert_v botto_o far_o it_o will_v cause_v also_o snch_v a_o sweet_a composure_n and_o even_o temper_n of_o spirit_n as_o to_o watch_v with_o a_o equal_a advertance_n to_o extreme_n upon_o
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
have_v be_v keep_v on_o a_o serious_a watch_n agha_v the_o dephit_n and_o subtlety_n of_o satan_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n no_o less_o then_o on_o the_o left_a which_o we_o may_v have_v see_v too_o evident_o in_o this_o late_a amaze_a breach_n 1._o by_o a_o overbending_a to_o break_v and_o take_v of_o from_o unquestionable_a duty_n by_o sum_n exact_v on_o the_o conscience_n of_o other_o according_a to_o their_o measure_n and_o dictate_v beyond_o the_o express_a bound_n and_o warrant_v of_o the_o word_n 2._o by_o such_o a_o strange_a coincidence_n of_o seem_a extreme_n that_o what_o have_v be_v intentional_o follow_v by_o open_a adversary_n shall_v be_v no_o less_o vigorous_o carry_v on_o by_o other_o ex_fw-la intention_n operis_fw-la so_o as_o to_o run_v thus_o cross_a i_o doubt_v not_o to_o their_o own_o thought_n to_o obstruct_v the_o spread_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o bring_v the_o truth_n and_o profession_n thereof_o under_o discredit_n and_o i_o must_v add_v a_o too_o visible_a tendence_n of_o this_o way_n to_o such_o a_o precipice_n of_o resolve_v their_o light_n and_o confidence_n on_o extraordinare_a motion_n without_o a_o humble_a enquiry_n and_o trial_n thereof_o by_o the_o scripture_n so_o as_o some_o in_o outrunning_n the_o reveal_v rule_n of_o duty_n have_v stumble_v on_o the_o dark_a mountain_n ere_o they_o be_v aware_a and_o lose_v their_o foot_n in_o seek_v of_o wing_n to_o flee_v as_o may_v be_v for_o a_o sad_a warning_n to_o after_o time_n 2._o this_o be_v a_o most_o suitable_a study_n in_o such_o a_o day_n how_o to_o walk_v wise_o towards_o such_o as_o be_v without_o and_o what_o may_v most_o tend_v to_o gain_v respect_n to_o the_o truth_n to_o convince_v and_o prevail_v with_o man_n conscience_n even_o of_o know_a and_o public_a adversary_n now_o in_o a_o time_n of_o so_o great_a reproach_n and_o it_o be_v sure_a these_o shall_v be_v special_a advantage_n for_o such_o one_fw-mi end_n 1._o when_o the_o truth_n of_o holiness_n in_o convince_a and_o visible_a reality_n of_o a_o christian_n practice_n as_o be_v present_a before_o man_n eye_n do_v appear_v which_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n who_o be_v then_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o the_o gentile_n that_o it_o be_v say_v they_o do_v not_o speak_v great_a thing_n but_o live_v they_o and_o which_o be_v then_o special_o note_v by_o adversary_n see_v how_o the_o christian_n love_n one_o another_o for_o than_o do_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n bear_v rule_n in_o his_o people_n heart_n but_o how_o sad_a a_o account_n be_v record_v in_o some_o age_n after_o that_o no_o time_n have_v be_v more_o fertile_a of_o religion_n than_o these_o and_o of_o great_a contest_v this_o way_n but_o none_o more_o barren_a of_o religion_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o solidity_n thereof_o whilst_o it_o seem_v rather_o the_o notion_n of_o religion_n most_o converse_v with_o in_o such_o a_o day_n then_o with_o the_o thing_n itself_o 2._o when_o this_o do_v appear_v under_o great_a tribulation_n for_o it_o be_v then_o both_o religion_n and_o these_o who_o profess_v it_o be_v at_o once_o prove_v and_o be_v assure_o one_o of_o the_o choice_a opportunity_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n to_o convince_v the_o world_n but_o oh_o it_o seem_v such_o a_o prospect_n of_o christianity_n be_v now_o rare_a as_o the_o saint_n have_v have_v in_o former_a time_n or_o or_o such_o a_o conjunction_n as_o this_o when_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n under_o great_a affliction_n but_o with_o a_o great_a joy_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 3._o when_o a_o serious_a and_o tender_a way_n be_v follow_v by_o christian_n to_o gain_v more_o upon_o man_n judgement_n by_o a_o humble_a and_o rational_a account_n from_o the_o scripture_n of_o their_o hope_n and_o practice_v then_o by_o a_o more_o confident_a and_o severe_a impose_v upon_o their_o faith_n since_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o premise_n and_o conclusion_n must_v be_v still_o relative_a and_o the_o truth_n much_o more_o hurt_n than_o help_v when_o it_o be_v not_o in_o a_o convince_a way_n commend_v to_o the_o conscience_n even_o of_o adversary_n it_o be_v not_o suffering_n but_o the_o cause_n that_o make_v the_o martyr_n that_o it_o be_v indeed_o for_o the_o truth_n and_o no_o just_a ground_n of_o offence_n be_v by_o any_o give_v to_o darken_v the_o credit_n thereof_o and_o here_o there_o must_v be_v no_o redeem_n of_o the_o personal_a repute_n of_o any_o at_o so_o high_a a_o rate_n as_o a_o public_a dash_n and_o prejudice_n to_o the_o honour_n and_o credit_n of_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o day_n 4._o this_o also_o be_v a_o special_a advantage_n for_o gain_v respect_n to_o the_o truth_n when_o in_o the_o room_n of_o sore_n and_o bitter_a compleaning_n the_o voice_n of_o joy_n and_o thanksgiving_n may_v be_v hear_v among_o such_o as_o own_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n this_o day_n even_o under_o all_o their_o grief_n and_o pressure_n other_o way_n i_o 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