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 not_o only_a truth_n but_o such_o as_o may_v be_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o these_o they_o preach_v to_o 3._o since_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o positive_a duty_n do_v not_o bind_v ad_fw-la semper_fw-la and_o no_o cause_n can_v be_v now_o plead_v in_o this_o case_n for_o guard_v against_o any_o present_a snare_n or_o hazard_v to_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o the_o inconvenience_n which_o the_o contentious_a keep_n up_o of_o these_o difference_n may_v occasion_n have_v more_o weight_n with_o we_o which_o the_o apostle_n so_o sharp_o rebuke_n 1_o cor._n 11_o 16._o but_o if_o any_o seem_v to_o be_v contentious_a we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n nor_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o oh_o that_o the_o loss_n and_o gain_n herein_o be_v more_o impartial_o weight_v what_o both_o the_o lucrum_fw-la cessans_fw-la and_o damnum_fw-la emergens_fw-la have_v be_v this_o way_n 4._o and_o be_v this_o so_o small_a a_o thing_n as_o may_v seem_v to_o some_o to_o bring_v in_o public_a and_o 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
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
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 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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 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have_v be_v expose_v to_o sad_a reproach_n how_o much_o real_a exercise_n of_o soul_n in_o the_o serious_a and_o internal_a work_n of_o religion_n have_v be_v make_v of_o late_a to_o resolve_v in_o embitter_a debate_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o draw_v into_o party_n oh_o how_o must_v our_o care_n be_v yet_o further_o write_v in_o letter_n of_o blood_n that_o rabbi_n theologorum_fw-la as_o it_o be_v term_v in_o the_o german_a church_n be_v such_o as_o make_v some_o eminent_a minister_n of_o christ_n then_o to_o long_o for_o death_n to_o get_v out_o of_o such_o a_o flame_n into_o that_o land_n of_o peace_n we_o may_v not_o quite_o the_o least_o of_o truth_n for_o the_o peace_n and_o concord_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o can_v these_o be_v ever_o in_o opposite_a term_n but_o as_o we_o make_v they_o and_o i_o may_v with_o some_o confidence_n say_v that_o what_o be_v now_o here_o write_v have_v be_v with_o a_o serious_a desire_n in_o respect_n to_o both_o but_o i_o hope_v some_o may_v speak_v in_o the_o word_n of_o bucer_n that_o for_o a_o safe_a heal_n and_o to_o have_v it_o make_v effectual_a to_o a_o break_a and_o rend_v church_n now_o they_o will_v judge_v it_o of_o that_o concern_v as_o if_o call_v and_o help_v of_o the_o lord_n herein_o to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o same_o and_o thus_o for_o their_o brethren_n i_o have_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n press_v to_o write_v this_o if_o i_o can_v with_o that_o single_a regard_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o lord_n thus_o deal_v with_o my_o own_o conscience_n and_o other_o and_o though_o i_o design_v in_o as_o few_o word_n as_o possible_a to_o speak_v my_o heart_n herein_o yet_o must_v add_v a_o few_o thing_n more_o on_o a_o subject_n though_o very_o sad_a yet_o of_o much_o weight_n and_o import_n 1._o that_o it_o may_v be_v too_o visible_o the_o great_a want_n which_o be_v this_o day_n in_o the_o serious_a work_n of_o christianity_n and_o give_v the_o sad_a rise_n to_o these_o high_a distemper_n now_o among_o we_o that_o if_o these_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v in_o more_o lively_a exercise_n the_o love_n of_o christ_n humility_n patience_n and_o meekness_n a_o put_v on_o of_o bowel_n of_o mercy_n tenderness_n and_o compassion_n as_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n towards_o these_o we_o differ_v from_o with_o more_o severe_a self_n judge_v and_o suitable_a fear_n in_o judge_v and_o condemn_v other_o we_o be_v command_v to_o have_v this_o present_a difference_n shall_v never_o have_v come_v to_o a_o form_a breach_n in_o the_o church_n yea_o thus_o more_o advantage_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o a_o more_o clear_a testimony_n keep_v up_o thereto_o by_o a_o spirit_n of_o love_n it_o have_v be_v astonish_v to_o see_v embitter_a heat_n and_o animosity_n with_o such_o sore_n thrust_v at_o a_o distance_n to_o break_v the_o credit_n of_o other_o which_o be_v so_o visible_a corruption_n of_o corruption_n yet_o plead_v a_o patrociny_n for_o the_o same_o o_o my_o friend_n why_o be_v it_o so_o the_o 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or_o no_o or_o if_o this_o omission_n be_v true_o deliberate_a and_o since_o this_o be_v a_o public_a fix_v a_o most_o high_a scandal_n on_o so_o many_o minister_n of_o christ_n it_o will_v have_v be_v expect_v to_o be_v with_o the_o further_a evidence_n to_o convince_v other_o and_o that_o they_o be_v in_o case_n for_o the_o full_a and_o judicial_a out_o make_v thereof_o when_o require_v if_o they_o will_v give_v that_o measure_n they_o expect_v from_o other_o and_o which_o the_o scripture_n indispensible_o require_v in_o such_o a_o case_n six_o it_o be_v strange_a so_o sudden_a a_o determine_n and_o publish_v the_o private_a judge_n of_o some_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o weight_n and_o universal_a concern_v without_o so_o much_o as_o a_o previous_a communicate_v in_o council_n herein_o with_o the_o must_v tender_v of_o their_o brethren_n who_o they_o will_v in_o charity_n judge_v to_o be_v serious_a and_o have_v the_o council_n of_o god_n with_o they_o yea_o this_o without_o lay_v down_o any_o such_o convince_a ground_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o justify_v so_o strange_a a_o practice_n as_o the_o departure_n from_o fellowship_n in_o the_o public_a ordinance_n with_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o church_n as_o though_o this_o have_v no_o weight_n in_o this_o day_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v subject_n to_o the_o prophet_n i_o must_v say_v though_o some_o shall_v own_v a_o revelation_n or_o extraordinary_a impulse_n in_o this_o yet_o so_o far_o it_o may_v have_v be_v judge_v they_o may_v have_v keep_v of_o as_o not_o to_o vent_v the_o same_o in_o one_fw-mi disorderly_a and_o unsuitable_a way_n or_o adventure_n to_o bring_v in_o so_o strange_a a_o practice_n and_o of_o so_o public_a concern_v in_o the_o church_n without_o the_o church_n or_o to_o exerce_fw-la their_o private_a judgement_n over_o the_o whole_a of_o their_o brethren_n the_o apostle_n paul_n though_o immediate_o call_v by_o christ_n yet_o will_v go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o confer_v with_o the_o brethren_n nor_o will_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n together_o adventure_n to_o determine_v in_o that_o difference_n at_o antioch_n until_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o apostle_n the_o same_o spirit_n which_o lead_v unto_o all_o truth_n do_v also_o lead_v unto_o humility_n and_o to_o the_o further_a tender_a condescendence_n in_o brethren_n deal_v with_o other_o nor_o shall_v it_o be_v light_n whatever_o may_v be_v the_o private_a thought_n of_o some_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o truth_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n precipitant_o which_o may_v disturb_v the_o church_n and_o now_o when_o it_o be_v struggle_v as_o if_o between_o life_n and_o death_n be_v this_o a_o time_n to_o drive_v with_o such_o heat_n this_o present_a breach_n and_o in_o a_o way_n to_o defame_v more_o than_o to_o convince_v and_o gain_v and_o with_o such_o a_o height_n of_o severe_a reflection_n on_o all_o that_o come_v not_o to_o their_o measure_n this_o way_n as_o if_o to_o be_v pious_a and_o peaceable_a at_o once_o be_v whole_o inconsistent_a sevent_o and_o what_o shall_v it_o mean_v or_o be_v it_o suitable_a to_o that_o candour_n and_o tender_a respect_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o the_o author_n of_o the_o late_a apology_n to_o set_v down_o these_o argument_n which_o he_o have_v there_o for_o not_o hear_v of_o the_o curate_n for_o not_o hear_v the_o indulge_v and_o herein_o to_o oppose_v he_o to_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o express_o declare_v sense_n to_o the_o contrary_a whilst_o now_o by_o his_o death_n he_o can_v answer_v but_o his_o own_o word_n there_o i_o hope_v will_v not_o be_v deny_v which_o you_o may_v read_v pag._n 128._o and_o there_o also_o see_v a_o vigorous_a opposition_n to_o the_o indulgence_n yet_o without_o any_o breach_n or_o divide_v from_o these_o worthy_a minister_n who_o have_v accept_v thereof_o be_v no_o way_n inconsistent_a among_o the_o many_o design_n aim_v at_o say_v that_o author_n in_o this_o indulgence_n and_o in_o part_n obtain_v we_o know_v the_o break_n and_o divide_v of_o our_o party_n be_v a_o principal_a one_o but_o we_o hope_v without_o the_o fruit_n our_o adversary_n expect_v for_o whatever_o difference_n there_o hash_fw-mi be_v and_o yet_o be_v among_o we_o in_o our_o practice_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o indulgence_n we_o be_v all_o agree_v in_o our_o precede_a exception_n against_o it_o and_o if_o there_o have_v be_v access_n for_o represent_v the_o same_o to_o the_o ruler_n our_o unanimity_n and_o concord_n in_o these_o have_v be_v more_o discover_v and_o know_v to_o the_o world_n there_o be_v no_o change_n with_o we_o of_o our_o know_a and_o profess_a judgement_n anent_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o distinction_n from_o and_o independency_n on_o the_o magistrate_n some_o who_o take_v hold_v on_o all_o occasion_n to_o reproach_v we_o be_v please_v to_o represent_v their_o acceptance_n of_o this_o indulgence_n as_o contradictory_n to_o and_o inconsistent_a with_o our_o former_a profess_a principle_n in_o church_n government_n yet_o any_o that_o consider_v what_o be_v short_o hint_v at_o in_o the_o council_n at_o the_o receive_n of_o this_o indulgence_n and_o what_o be_v more_o large_o declare_v by_o they_o to_o their_o congregation_n at_o first_o entry_n will_v be_v sufficient_o convince_v of_o our_o constant_a adherence_n to_o former_a principle_n which_o by_o this_o acceptance_n be_v not_o at_o all_o change_v thus_o for_o he_o eight_o but_o if_o the_o declare_v judgement_n and_o authority_n of_o some_o may_v influence_n any_o to_o a_o more_o implicit_a fall_n in_o with_o this_o way_n i_o must_v yet_o further_o crave_v leave_v to_o oppose_v the_o judgement_n of_o one_o who_o i_o suppose_v may_v have_v the_o same_o weight_n and_o authority_n in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o true_a nonconformist_a who_o in_o his_o clear_n the_o duty_n of_o forbearance_n to_o hear_v the_o curate_n have_v these_o word_n which_o i_o cite_v in_o the_o first_o paper_n page_n 196._o i_o free_o acknowledge_v that_o if_o god_n have_v permit_v this_o whole_a church_n to_o slide_v into_o the_o present_a evil_n of_o prelacy_n and_o thereafter_o have_v bless_v it_o with_o a_o discovery_n yet_o i_o will_v not_o admit_v in_o that_o condition_n the_o same_o necessity_n and_o expediency_n of_o separation_n that_o i_o now_o find_v to_o plead_v with_o for_o a_o non_fw-fr compliance_n in_o as_o much_o as_o our_o present_a noncompliance_a be_v not_o only_o a_o more_o seasonable_a and_o safe_a duty_n but_o also_o be_v attend_v with_o a_o faithful_a and_o edify_a adherence_n to_o our_o true_a and_o send_v teacher_n and_o page_n 194._o have_v these_o word_n that_o separation_n be_v a_o depart_n from_o one_fw-mi union_n once_o acknowledge_v even_o in_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o themselves_o not_o condemn_v and_o thus_o do_v most_o express_o determine_v the_o unwarrantableness_n of_o fall_v of_o from_o church_n fellowship_n with_o the_o indulge_v minister_n on_o that_o head_n after_o so_o know_v and_o acknowledge_v union_n with_o these_o in_o the_o public_a ordinance_n even_o after_o the_o acceptance_n of_o the_o indulgence_n till_o of_o late_a but_o that_o you_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o sense_n and_o declare_v judgement_n of_o this_o author_n in_o this_o case_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o now_o further_o his_o own_o word_n pag._n 487._o oppose_a himself_n herein_o to_o these_o sharp_a reflection_n of_o g._n b._n but_o you_o do_v not_o only_o make_v your_o nonconformist_a to_o cede_fw-la as_o it_o be_v to_o your_o reason_n but_o in_o a_o manner_n to_o own_o the_o late_a pretend_a indulgence_n as_o flow_v from_o the_o supremacy_n as_o on_o purpose_n to_o fix_v on_o these_o few_o minister_n of_o we_o who_o have_v be_v thereby_o restore_v at_o least_o a_o constructive_a approbation_n of_o this_o evil_a and_o there_o in_o the_o follow_a page_n have_v these_o word_n but_o not_o to_o lose_v time_n in_o these_o trifling_n i_o differ_v from_o your_o nonconformist_a and_o be_o so_o much_o against_o the_o supremacy_n that_o i_o abominate_a the_o indulgence_n under_o this_o name_n but_o that_o god_n have_v dispose_v the_o king_n to_o restore_v in_o any_o measure_n what_o be_v so_o sinful_o take_v away_o we_o account_v it_o a_o great_a blessing_n wish_v that_o he_o may_v be_v in_o such_o manner_n satisfy_v with_o the_o fruit_n of_o this_o course_n as_o may_v more_o and_o more_o convince_v he_o of_o its_o righteousness_n and_o encourage_v he_o to_o its_o prosecution_n but_o if_o you_o or_o any_o think_v by_o this_o poor_a and_o scant_a restitution_n to_o bribe_v the_o lord_n people_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o your_o usurpation_n we_o trust_v the_o lord_n will_v deliver_v his_o own_o and_o that_o as_o hitherto_o our_o minister_n have_v look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o such_o neither_o of_o man_n nor_o only_o by_o man_n but_o by_o
towards_o such_o as_o be_v without_o col._n 4._o 5._o and_o with_o the_o further_a tender_a respect_n to_o prevent_v their_o be_v further_o alienat_fw-la or_o harden_v in_o their_o aversion_n from_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o i_o must_v say_v shall_v be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o weighty_a concern_v of_o a_o christian_n study_n for_o adorn_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o sueh_a a_o day_n 7._o i_o shall_v but_o add_v this_o more_o what_o advantage_n a_o christian_n may_v thus_o have_v for_o true_a peace_n and_o quiet_a on_o such_o a_o reflection_n of_o have_v keep_v guard_n against_o any_o hide_a personal_a prejudice_n or_o such_o a_o bias_n which_o the_o pre-engagement_n of_o their_o judgement_n in_o the_o present_a case_n and_o that_o influence_n their_o interest_n in_o a_o divide_a party_n may_v have_v occasion_v yea_o thus_o of_o some_o tender_a respect_n to_o the_o purity_n all_o be_v well_o as_o the_o peace_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o private_a interest_n or_o set_v up_o of_o such_o a_o stumble_a block_n before_o their_o eye_n as_o to_o darken_v their_o judgement_n herein_o 3._o ground_n which_o i_o fear_v in_o these_o time_n may_v be_v much_o make_v use_n of_o by_o many_o for_o their_o own_o stumble_n be_v that_o strange_a spirit_n and_o to_o visible_a eruption_n of_o pride_n bitterness_n and_o passion_n with_o which_o these_o contest_v and_o difference_n in_o judgement_n among_o professor_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v so_o oft_o follow_v for_o answer_v whatever_o sad_a occasion_n be_v thus_o give_v of_o offence_n yet_o can_v there_o be_v none_o for_o take_v prejudice_n or_o any_o reflect_v thus_o on_o religion_n except_o man_n will_v put_v out_o the_o very_a eye_n both_o of_o their_o reason_n and_o conscience_n when_o it_o be_v so_o clear_a 1._o how_o visible_a a_o contradiction_n any_o such_o sad_a appearance_n of_o pride_n bitterness_n and_o wrath_n be_v to_o the_o design_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v for_o the_o further_a self_n abase_v to_o subdue_v and_o mortify_v such_o lust_n and_o thus_o prevent_v any_o exorbitancy_n that_o way_n as_o that_o which_o be_v not_o only_o to_o adorn_v a_o christian_n walk_n but_o be_v a_o most_o essential_a part_n of_o our_o sanctification_n and_o be_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o rule_n herein_o such_o on_o their_o conscience_n who_o you_o may_v most_v thus_o challenge_v as_o they_o be_v even_o enforce_v to_o seek_v a_o cover_n and_o hide_v of_o these_o evil_n which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v their_o shame_n and_o can_v bear_v the_o light_n be_v thus_o judge_v in_o themselves_o and_o so_o conscious_a of_o their_o deformity_n 2._o be_v not_o the_o relief_n also_o and_o antidote_n to_o so_o dreadful_a a_o poison_n most_o clear_o hold_v forth_o to_o we_o how_o to_o watch_v against_o this_o which_o both_o have_v so_o subtle_a and_o forcible_a a_o infection_n and_o deep_a root_n in_o man_n nature_n 3._o or_o can_v you_o challenge_v the_o least_o shadow_n of_o latitude_n from_o our_o bless_a lawgiver_n and_o the_o law_n of_o his_o kingdom_n herein_o which_o be_v so_o express_v not_o only_o against_o any_o open_a eruption_n of_o such_o evil_n but_o against_o the_o most_o secret_a convoy_n and_o entertainment_n thereof_o in_o the_o heart_n yea_o that_o on_o no_o less_o hazard_n than_o of_o be_v shut_v out_o for_o ever_o from_o that_o land_n which_o be_v above_o we_o must_v both_o watch_v and_o wrestle_v against_o the_o same_o for_o such_o be_v the_o strait_n and_o narrow_a way_n and_o so_o many_o low_a entry_n there_o as_o none_o possible_o can_v get_v through_o without_o a_o humble_a and_o subdue_v spirit_n and_o as_o little_a child_n to_o receive_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n 4._o can_v prejudice_n so_o far_o overcome_v man_n conscience_n as_o not_o to_o see_v the_o excellency_n of_o a_o christian_a spirit_n and_o the_o undoubted_a reality_n thereof_o which_o have_v so_o bright_o shine_v and_o i_o hope_v yet_o do_v to_o silence_v the_o great_a reproacher_n in_o many_o convince_a example_n of_o humility_n meekness_n and_o in_o the_o conquest_n of_o their_o passion_n and_o forgive_n of_o injury_n as_o a_o convince_a witness_n to_o the_o world_n of_o their_o be_v thus_o transform_v into_o his_o bless_a image_n of_o who_o as_o the_o great_a pattern_n set_v before_o we_o we_o be_v to_o learn_v 5._o and_o shall_v not_o tenderness_n and_o compassion_n be_v more_o suitable_a than_o prejudice_n and_o stumble_v at_o such_o a_o sight_n you_o thus_o challenge_v when_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o visible_o contraire_fw-fr to_o the_o very_a use_n of_o reason_n then_o any_o such_o sad_a eruption_n of_o pride_n bitterness_n and_o wrath_n which_o be_v so_o sore_a a_o disease_n and_o a_o fever_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o cause_v such_o disorder_n sad_a and_o tumultuous_a rising_n there_o as_o they_o be_v make_v their_o own_o punishment_n and_o the_o very_a mean_a to_o frustrate_v that_o end_n they_o most_o follow_v yea_o in_o no_o way_n can_v more_o gratify_v and_o give_v the_o great_a advantage_n to_o such_o they_o contend_v with_o and_o to_o put_v themselves_o in_o the_o pover_fw-mi of_o every_o one_o to_o become_v their_o tormentor_n 6._o you_o little_o know_v what_o sharp_a and_o bitter_a reflection_n such_o may_v oft_o have_v on_o themselves_o upon_o any_o sad_a appearance_n this_o way_n or_o advantage_n their_o corruption_n have_v get_v under_o some_o sad_a assault_n yea_o such_o as_o even_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o seal_a pardon_n on_o their_o soul_n can_v not_o sometime_o blunt_a the_o sharp_a edge_n of_o this_o grief_n and_o indignation_n against_o themselves_o 7._o and_o may_v you_o not_o clear_o see_v what_o visible_a detest_v such_o be_v even_o enforce_v to_o have_v at_o the_o appearance_n of_o these_o evil_n in_o other_o which_o thus_o have_v a_o sad_a outbreaking_n in_o their_o own_o practice_n as_o convince_o show_v their_o way_n must_v contradict_v both_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o principle_n 8._o i_o shall_v but_o further_o add_v what_o great_a incitement_n and_o clear_a discovery_n do_v the_o scripture_n afford_v of_o that_o bless_a way_n which_o be_v never_o know_v nor_o attain_v by_o nature_n how_o to_o get_v such_o prevail_a evil_n subdue_v yea_o how_o to_o improve_v injury_n to_o the_o great_a advantage_n and_o thus_o by_o overcome_v to_o gain_v the_o most_o glorious_a and_o desirable_a victory_n and_o revenge_n on_o such_o who_o have_v injure_v they_o by_o humble_a and_o tender_a forbearance_n and_o what_o a_o sweet_a facility_n may_v be_v find_v this_o way_n when_o the_o first_o wave_n and_o assault_n be_v who_o be_v once_o break_v and_o resist_v but_o great_a strength_n still_o lie_v in_o the_o first_o assault_n 4._o ground_n and_o pretence_n for_o prejudic_n in_o these_o time_n be_v that_o so_o little_a evidence_n seem_v of_o tenderness_n and_o a_o convince_a serious_a practice_n even_o in_o their_o way_n who_o have_v a_o name_n &_o repute_v of_o religion_n with_o such_o abound_a offence_n as_o give_v occasion_n not_o only_o to_o question_v the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o profession_n bot_n to_o stumble_v at_o the_o very_a form_n and_o appearance_n of_o godliness_n answ_n though_o nothing_o shall_v be_v more_o dreadful_a then_o for_o any_o to_o make_v the_o truth_n accessary_a to_o their_o sin_n or_o take_v thus_o shelter_v under_o its_o patiociny_n yet_o since_o it_o be_v so_o great_a a_o concern_v to_o vindicâ—t_v pure_a and_o undefiled_a religion_n and_o the_o spotless_a rule_n and_o pattern_n thereof_o in_o a_o day_n of_o such_o reproach_n and_o when_o any_o advantage_n be_v so_o eager_o seek_v and_o follow_v for_o this_o end_n i_o will_v but_o offer_v some_o few_o thing_n to_o plead_v with_o their_o conscience_n who_o thus_o be_v in_o more_o hazard_n to_o undo_v and_o break_v themselves_o then_o to_o hurt_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o truth_n 1._o if_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v more_o to_o shake_v and_o stumble_v if_o such_o offence_n be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n when_o so_o express_o fortolde_v as_o the_o scripture_n else_o shall_v want_v a_o most_o convince_a seal_n and_o witness_v thereto_o yea_o when_o thus_o you_o may_v see_v that_o not_o only_o a_o empty_a show_n and_o the_o hypocrisy_n of_o some_o bot_n the_o record_a blemish_n and_o fall_v of_o the_o saint_n their_o to_o be_v demonstrative_a and_o confirm_v of_o the_o truth_n all_o be_v well_o as_o the_o bright_a est_fw-fr evidence_n and_o lustre_n of_o their_o grace_n 2._o i_o confess_v it_o be_v a_o suitable_a inference_n for_o none_o to_o engage_v with_o the_o profession_n of_o godliness_n without_o the_o power_n and_o how_o dreadful_a a_o part_n such_o act_n who_o live_v stranger_n thereto_o but_o how_o strange_a and_o astonish_v be_v it_o for_o such_o as_o be_v ungodly_a thus_o to_o justify_v their_o own_o way_n
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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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 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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 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write_v this_o under_o some_o conviction_n how_o rare_a such_o a_o study_n seem_v now_o to_o adorn_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o it_o be_v sure_a none_o ever_o seek_v to_o find_v the_o comfort_n and_o mercy_n of_o their_o lot_n for_o a_o excitement_n to_o this_o bless_a excercise_n of_o praise_n but_o find_v cause_n for_o it_o and_o how_o to_o be_v faithful_a in_o a_o lesser_a measure_n but_o they_o find_v more_o add_v and_o how_o great_a a_o want_n this_o be_v and_o hindrance_n to_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n this_o day_n be_v more_o than_o we_o seem_v to_o lay_v to_o heart_n yea_o how_o much_o thus_o the_o world_n be_v tempt_v to_o judge_v religion_n only_o a_o dead_a form_n and_o that_o christian_n do_v not_o in_o truth_n believe_v what_o they_o believe_v yea_o that_o they_o be_v few_o if_o any_o on_o the_o earth_n who_o walk_v suitable_o to_o such_o a_o hope_n and_o assurance_n of_o the_o glory_n which_o be_v to_o come_v i_o be_o sure_a as_o no_o 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and_o that_o one_o generation_n will_v declare_v his_o work_n to_o another_o and_o transmit_v the_o memory_n of_o his_o goodness_n yea_o that_o such_o a_o bless_a conformity_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o humility_n love_n meekness_n bowel_n of_o compassion_n and_o overcome_v evil_a with_o good_a may_v this_o day_n more_o appear_v as_o the_o world_n thus_o may_v be_v both_o judge_v and_o condemn_v in_o their_o own_o conscience_n thereby_o 3._o this_o also_o may_v be_v a_o suitable_a and_o edify_a study_n for_o christian_n in_o such_o a_o time_n for_o get_v a_o clear_a sight_n of_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n amid_o all_o these_o strange_a and_o amaze_a thing_n which_o be_v before_o we_o both_o for_o their_o own_o strengthen_n and_o to_o justify_v his_o holy_a and_o unspotted_a righteousness_n and_o thus_o to_o consider_v that_o what_o ever_o we_o now_o see_v yet_o it_o be_v so_o clear_a 1._o that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o church_n militant_a and_o great_a triumph_n which_o the_o gospel_n have_v have_v since_o its_o first_o dawn_n in_o the_o world_n be_v yet_o never_o by_o any_o outward_a clam_n or_o prosperous_a state_n here_o but_o under_o tribulation_n and_o distress_n in_o ignominy_n and_o contempt_n else_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o have_v mistake_v the_o scripture_n and_o that_o thus_o the_o most_o lucide_n interval_n and_o sunshine_n have_v be_v most_o usual_o short_a and_o not_o only_o a_o dark_a cloud_n but_o a_o see_v necessity_n thereof_o have_v still_o follow_v 2._o and_o how_o sweet_a and_o confirm_v might_n such_o a_o clear_a prospect_n be_v now_o to_o a_o shake_a christian_a of_o the_o singular_a congruity_n of_o such_o a_o providence_n both_o to_o the_o reveal_v truth_n and_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o his_o
appearance_n whilst_o he_o be_v in_o the_o earth_n yet_o be_v his_o undoubted_a image_n and_o portraiture_n draw_v to_o the_o life_n to_o be_v see_v here_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o holiness_n and_o how_o much_o shall_v this_o commend_v and_o endear_v truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n and_o tender_a walk_v with_o god_n unto_o christian_n that_o thus_o not_o only_o the_o reflection_n of_o his_o image_n on_o such_o may_v be_v convince_a to_o the_o world_n in_o who_o as_o so_o many_o mirror_n he_o have_v choise_v to_o shine_v forth_o and_o appear_v but_o that_o in_o this_o state_n of_o distance_n whilst_o they_o see_v he_o not_o who_o their_o soul_n love_v they_o may_v yet_o still_o wear_v his_o bless_a portraiture_n within_o on_o their_o heart_n and_o thus_o discerinble_o see_v he_o there_o until_o they_o be_v take_v up_o to_o himself_o for_o ever_o 6._o thus_o he_o can_v entertain_v his_o soul_n in_o so_o dismal_a a_o hour_n that_o he_o know_v assure_o there_o be_v comfort_n here_o which_o have_v no_o rise_n or_o affinity_n with_o the_o flesh_n unexpressible_o above_o all_o the_o grief_n of_o time_n and_o seek_v no_o credit_n from_o any_o on_o report_n but_o to_o be_v find_v upon_o sure_a trial_n such_o as_o no_o grief_n pain_n or_o pressure_n be_v yet_o ever_o at_o that_o height_n in_o the_o lot_n of_o any_o of_o the_o saint_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n can_v make_v sweet_a and_o easy_a to_o endure_v yea_o have_v oft_o look_v they_o out_o of_o pain_n with_o a_o present_a sensible_a outgate_n on_o their_o soul_n before_o any_o outward_a deliverance_n break_v up_o 7._o he_o know_v also_o that_o the_o great_a comfort_n within_o time_n be_v assure_o in_o the_o life_n and_o exercise_n of_o godliness_n when_o thus_o a_o sincere_a resignation_n be_v reach_v and_o a_o feel_n of_o themselves_o to_o offer_v free_o yea_o with_o joy_n their_o isaac_n and_o most_o endear_a endear_a interest_n to_o the_o lord_n in_o have_v credit_n his_o truth_n against_o visible_a ground_n of_o hope_n and_o their_o be_v help_v to_o cross_v some_o present_a desirable_a interest_n of_o sense_n on_o the_o alone_a encouragement_n of_o faith_n and_o when_o some_o remarkable_a sharp_a trial_n have_v be_v thus_o get_v well_o through_o upon_o this_o sweat_n reflection_n also_o of_o have_v gain_v a_o season_n and_o opportunity_n for_o the_o lord_n that_o may_v be_v for_o some_o fruit_n to_o his_o praise_n and_o of_o a_o straight_a and_o serious_a aim_n to_o please_v he_o when_o the_o visible_a displeasure_n of_o man_n have_v come_v in_o competition_n therewith_o o_o what_o pleasure_n and_o a_o abundant_a entry_n to_o a_o christian_n peace_n will_v be_v then_o feel_v 8._o he_o have_v this_o to_o be_v confirm_v what_o unexpressible_a delight_n and_o pleasure_n be_v find_v on_o displease_v the_o flesh_n even_o in_o its_o most_o impetuous_a and_o violent_a motion_n in_o trial_n of_o their_o obedience_n and_o love_n to_o christ_n what_o ever_o pain_n may_v be_v for_o a_o little_a in_o that_o conflict_n as_o let_v he_o see_v resistance_n to_o sin_n be_v the_o most_o gainful_a and_o rational_a act_n of_o his_o life_n whilst_o with_o any_o sinful_a delight_n which_o in_o a_o moment_n be_v go_v a_o embitter_a sting_n and_o inward_a shame_n upon_o the_o guilt_n thereof_o do_v then_o only_o abide_v yea_o be_v so_o try_v that_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n can_v never_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o way_n of_o pain_n and_o torment_n if_o the_o strength_n and_o malignity_n of_o the_o disease_n do_v not_o take_v of_o all_o sense_n thereof_o which_o as_o a_o bone_n out_o of_o joint_n have_v no_o ease_n nor_o do_v suffer_v the_o whole_a body_n to_o be_v at_o rest_n whilst_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n in_o close_o follow_v the_o rule_n and_o resist_v a_o present_a temptation_n what_o sweet_a peace_n humble_a confidence_n and_o comfortable_a access_n to_o god_n with_o inward_a rejoice_v be_v most_o sensible_o then_o find_v and_o how_o here_o only_o be_v the_o way_n of_o his_o relief_n and_o a_o great_a seal_n thus_o to_o the_o truth_n when_o he_o see_v so_o firm_a and_o indissoluble_a a_o tie_n betwixt_o peace_n and_o holiness_n as_o the_o worst_a of_o time_n can_v never_o break_v of_o 9_o he_o know_v that_o if_o no_o search_a trial_n there_o can_v be_v no_o triumph_n and_o in_o so_o far_o shall_v be_v shut_v out_o from_o the_o overcomer_n joy_n to_o which_o the_o forest_n wrestle_v of_o a_o christian_n when_o sanctifiing_o exercise_v must_v still_o make_v way_n 10._o and_o what_o thought_n may_v these_o be_v on_o a_o more_o deep_a reflection_n upon_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o prayer_n that_o here_o be_v no_o conjectural_a thing_n but_o such_o a_o passage_n be_v sure_a know_v and_o try_v betwixt_o heaven_n and_o a_o christian_n soul_n which_o have_v have_v so_o wonderful_a effect_n and_o certain_a return_n in_o the_o great_a exigence_n and_o strait_n and_o be_v not_o only_o a_o institute_v duty_n but_o mean_v of_o their_o relief_n yea_o not_o only_o the_o sweet_a way_n of_o converse_n with_o god_n here_o on_o the_o earth_n but_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a to_o prevail_v and_o obtain_v i_o shall_v but_o add_v a_o few_o word_n more_o now_o in_o the_o close_a and_o deteane_v the_o reader_n no_o further_o that_o it_o will_v have_v be_v judge_v the_o appearance_n of_o the_o time_n in_o this_o extreme_a exigence_n with_o what_o may_v be_v see_v of_o the_o deplorable_a state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o in_o britain_n but_o almost_o universal_o may_v ere_o now_o have_v allay_v these_o high_a distemper_n have_v be_v of_o late_a when_o popery_n be_v on_o so_o present_a and_o dreadful_a a_o approach_n as_o threaten_v to_o swallow_v up_o all_o and_o when_o that_o i_o which_o have_v be_v so_o long_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o dig_v under_o the_o ground_n seem_v so_o near_o to_o spring_v yea_o have_v get_v too_o visible_a advantage_n to_o enter_v at_o such_o a_o breach_n as_o have_v be_v of_o late_a and_o gain_v ground_n this_o way_n it_o be_v true_a it_o may_v seem_v not_o easy_a to_o comprehend_v and_o be_v sure_o one_o of_o the_o great_a depht_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n this_o day_n how_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o age_n where_o the_o truth_n have_v so_o bright_o shine_v both_o in_o purity_n and_o power_n there_o can_v be_v a_o subject_n of_o so_o many_o with_o their_o own_o consent_n to_o so_o visible_a and_o notour_n a_o impostor_n as_o popery_n be_v and_o after_o all_o we_o have_v see_v this_o surprise_v darkness_n shall_v now-come_a to_o such_o a_o height_n as_o man_n be_v turn_v thus_o cruel_a against_o themselves_o and_o the_o posterity_n to_o deliver_v up_o all_o that_o shall_v be_v dear_a to_o they_o to_o such_o a_o party_n yea_o engage_v in_o a_o way_n that_o so_o clear_o enervat_v the_o whole_a intent_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o conceivable_a access_n for_o seduction_n by_o any_o argument_n to_o man_n reason_n and_o judgement_n or_o on_o other_o term_n then_o to_o shut_v their_o eye_n first_o on_o the_o bible_n but_o what_o ever_o length_n this_o trial_n may_v now_o come_v and_o though_o it_o shall_v yet_o once_o provaile_v against_o all_o visible_a profession_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o church_n of_o britain_n and_o ireland_n we_o shall_v adore_v the_o spotless_a righteousness_n of_o god_n herein_o in_o deliver_v man_n reason_n and_o judgement_n up_o to_o so_o strong_a delusion_n since_o as_o the_o great_a of_o blessing_n which_o ever_o come_v to_o the_o world_n be_v the_o pure_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o need_v not_o be_v strange_a that_o the_o great_a of_o judgement_n follow_v on_o a_o people_n contempt_n and_o reject_v thereof_o so_o as_o nothing_o be_v so_o absurd_a and_o irrational_o gross_a which_o these_o will_v not_o drink_v in_o who_o have_v once_o reject_v the_o truth_n but_o since_o the_o prospect_n and_o impression_n of_o this_o time_n be_v like_a to_o be_v more_o faint_a then_o to_o confirm_v or_o awake_v to_o duty_n i_o will_v but_o touch_v this_o a_o little_a though_o there_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a stumble_n for_o want_v of_o light_n when_o the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n be_v so_o full_o clear_v and_o though_o this_o may_v seem_v incongruous_a with_o the_o forgoe_v subject_a yet_o i_o be_o sure_a not_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o time_n when_o such_o hazard_n be_v now_o of_o much_o stumble_n and_o man_n do_v unsensible_o wear_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o under_o these_o former_a impression_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o they_o once_o have_v yea_o that_o a_o few_o day_n may_v come_v the_o church_n way_n more_o remarkable_a for_o trial_n than_o all_o have_v yet_o ever_o be_v