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 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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
controversy_n and_o make_v this_o their_o business_n ere_o many_o such_o know_v what_o the_o solid_a work_n and_o exercise_v of_o godliness_n be_v or_o what_o either_o the_o principle_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n mean_n and_o why_o be_v that_o so_o express_o command_v rom._n 14_o 1._o he_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n receive_v but_o not_o to_o doubtful_a disputation_n it_o be_v sure_a that_o it_o much_o concern_v all_o who_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o know_v the_o message_n they_o deliver_v be_v suit_v for_o solid_a edification_n and_o in_o bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n in_o this_o day_n which_o be_v so_o unquestionable_o a_o duty_n that_o yet_o it_o be_v with_o such_o a_o grave_a ministerial_a seriousness_n and_o christian_a wisdom_n as_o it_o may_v commend_v the_o truth_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o people_n so_o as_o this_o duty_n be_v neither_o neglect_v nor_o unsuteable_o manage_v otherwise_o a_o light_n and_o too_o ordinary_a a_o way_n in_o speak_v on_o so_o grave_a a_o concern_n or_o on_o public_a difference_n without_o some_o convince_a and_o suitable_a weight_n herein_o and_o when_o it_o be_v with_o personal_a reflection_n we_o may_v fear_v will_v stumble_v much_o more_o than_o convince_v as_o will_v seem_v a_o thrust_v rather_o at_o the_o person_n of_o some_o than_o at_o their_o way_n and_o to_o gain_v a_o interest_n to_o a_o party_n more_o than_o for_o the_o truth_n prop._n iv._o be_v not_o such_o express_o call_v yea_o with_o a_o intense_a study_n to_o unite_v so_o far_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n and_o in_o follow_v clear_o uncontroverted_a duty_n who_o be_v otherwise_o like_v mind_v in_o thing_n of_o the_o lord_n what_o ever_o now_o may_v be_v in_o difference_n among_o we_o so_o as_o that_o union_n shall_v not_o nor_o ought_v to_o sist_z until_o a_o through_o oneness_n of_o judgement_n be_v attain_v in_o this_o present_a controversy_n which_o be_v so_o much_o to_o be_v desire_v upon_o these_o ground_n 1._o that_o the_o scripture_n clear_o determine_v this_o so_o far_o as_o we_o have_v attain_v to_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n however_o even_o in_o some_o matter_n of_o truth_n not_o one_o phil._n 3_o 15._o 16._o and_o with_o hope_n that_o the_o lord_n in_o due_a time_n may_v gracious_o convince_v such_o who_o be_v in_o the_o present_a difference_n most_o culpable_a and_o i_o shall_v hope_v that_o more_o tender_a and_o affectionate_a condescendence_n in_o the_o way_n of_o deal_n with_o such_o may_v tend_v more_o to_o reclaim_v and_o recover_v than_o any_o violent_a and_o peremptory_a way_n 2._o because_o if_o such_o a_o unite_n in_o unquestionable_a duty_n shall_v cease_v until_o there_o be_v a_o full_a union_n in_o judgement_n among_o the_o true_o godly_a what_o time_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v favourable_a that_o we_o can_v then_o ever_o hope_v or_o essay_n any_o concord_n in_o duty_n 3._o that_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o most_o eminent_a instrument_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n both_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o since_o the_o reformation_n have_v be_v oft_o at_o a_o very_a sad_a difference_n among_o themselves_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o truth_n who_o concurrence_n otherwise_o in_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v most_o remarkable_o seal_v with_o a_o blessing_n 4._o that_o a_o bear_n and_o forbear_v in_o many_o difference_n of_o judgement_n among_o the_o godly_a for_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o without_o any_o involvement_n in_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o have_v not_o be_v hitherto_o question_v by_o the_o great_a light_n and_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n in_o these_o late_a time_n especial_o where_o both_o the_o doctrine_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v in_o the_o great_a and_o weighty_a concern_v thereof_o adhere_v to_o thus_o bless_v calvin_n do_v so_o press_o obtest_v the_o english_a congregation_n at_o francfort_n for_o a_o tender_a bear_n and_o mutual_a forbear_n among_o themselves_o in_o that_o present_a difference_n be_v then_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o circumstance_n they_o stand_v under_o and_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n though_o he_o be_v far_o from_o own_v that_o party_n in_o that_o wherein_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o brethren_n have_v be_v sohigh_o grieve_v prop._n v._o be_v it_o not_o one_o of_o the_o great_a concern_v and_o trial_n of_o christian_a wisdom_n in_o the_o church_n how_o to_o apply_v the_o rule_n in_o thing_n lawful_a and_o command_v with_o a_o due_a regard_n to_o edification_n in_o such_o a_o case_n i_o propose_v this_o on_o these_o ground_n 1._o the_o express_a warrant_n of_o the_o scripture_n 1_o cor._n 10_o 23._o all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a but_o not_o expedient_a all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a but_o edify_v not_o 2._o that_o this_o have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a depth_n of_o satan_n to_o turn_v man_n over_o in_o the_o manage_n of_o a_o duty_n on_o another_o sad_a extreme_a as_o the_o very_a way_n to_o break_v it_o but_o he_o that_o handle_v a_o matter_n wise_o shall_v find_v good_a the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o a_o close_o adhere_v to_o his_o truth_n do_v never_o of_o itself_o occasion_n a_o breach_n in_o the_o church_n but_o what_o our_o corruption_n and_o unsuitable_a follow_v of_o duty_n do_v on_o either_o hand_n occasion_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o jar_n except_o what_o be_v from_o ourselves_o betwixt_o zeal_n and_o christian_a prudence_n since_o these_o be_v both_o express_o enjoin_v and_o equal_o oblige_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n nor_o can_v they_o ever_o part_v but_o with_o a_o sad_a prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n there_o be_v a_o holy_a contemperature_n of_o zeal_n meekness_n and_o love_n all_o which_o be_v from_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n do_v with_o a_o sweet_a oneness_n necessary_o concur_v for_o the_o same_o end_n nor_o can_v i_o possible_o reconcile_v a_o being_n profess_o hot_a in_o the_o one_o with_o be_v cold_a and_o unconcern_v in_o the_o other_o except_o i_o shall_v quit_v the_o reveal_v rule_n of_o our_o duty_n for_o both_o 3._o because_o the_o truth_n may_v get_v a_o very_a sore_o thrust_v by_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o contend_v for_o it_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n be_v sow_v in_o peace_n and_o both_o shall_v be_v serious_o advert_v to_o that_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n be_v neither_o neglect_v nor_o yet_o prejudge_v through_o a_o non-suitable_a follow_v thereof_o a_o wound_n needs_o both_o a_o tender_a and_o skilful_a hand_n to_o handle_v it_o else_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o destroy_v where_o the_o case_n and_o present_a constitution_n of_o the_o patient_a be_v not_o consider_v a_o right_n o_o if_o that_o scripture_n be_v more_o practical_o own_v for_o a_o humble_a tender_a condescendence_n in_o our_o deal_n with_o other_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n i_o be_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o that_o i_o may_v gain_v some_o our_o bitter_a hot_a and_o unadvised_a expression_n may_v some_o time_n wrong_v the_o interest_n of_o our_o bless_a master_n 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be_v apprehend_v at_o the_o prophetical_a as_o well_o as_o the_o kingly_a office_n of_o our_o bless_a head_n 2._o that_o this_o upon_o the_o matter_n be_v some_o way_n all_o one_o as_o to_o silence_v they_o and_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n since_o it_o must_v needs_o tend_v to_o disable_v and_o render_v they_o useless_a in_o their_o master_n work_n what_o ever_o tend_v to_o break_v their_o credit_n as_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v deep_o consider_v if_o the_o charge_n be_v such_o and_o of_o that_o necessity_n to_o follow_v for_o make_v they_o in_o a_o manner_n contemptible_a to_o the_o people_n as_o the_o labour_n and_o service_n of_o such_o this_o day_n in_o the_o vineyard_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v amount_v to_o 3._o what_o help_v thus_o can_v the_o poor_a
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 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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
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
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
brethren_n before_o so_o watch_v a_o adversary_n who_o strength_n must_v needs_o lie_v in_o our_o breach_n 8._o be_v not_o also_o the_o bring_v thing_n thus_o to_o such_o a_o extreme_a of_o that_o visible_a tendency_n as_o to_o bring_v under_o question_n the_o validity_n of_o their_o ministerial_a act_n among_o the_o people_n by_o so_o public_a a_o thrust_n at_o the_o credit_n and_o repute_v of_o their_o ministry_n which_o be_v so_o far_o a_o expose_v of_o many_o to_o the_o hazard_n both_o of_o atheism_n and_o error_n beside_o the_o weaken_a such_o in_o the_o public_a work_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v so_o know_v able_a minister_n of_o christ_n i_o shall_v add_v no_o further_o but_o a_o humble_a and_o serious_a appeal_n to_o their_o own_o conscience_n who_o may_v have_v judge_v this_o their_o duty_n if_o on_o deep_a reflection_n hereon_o a_o tender_a abstinence_n and_o forbearance_n this_o way_n and_o to_o keep_v of_o any_o dash_v on_o such_o a_o rock_n as_o have_v be_v already_o touch_v until_o light_v and_o conviction_n from_o the_o lord_n yet_o further_o break_v up_o shall_v not_o be_v their_o own_o peace_n and_o comfort_n as_o well_o as_o the_o public_a peace_n of_o the_o church_n in_o that_o day_n when_o their_o eye_n shall_v become_v dim_a and_o the_o keeper_n of_o the_o house_n begin_v to_o tremble_v section_n iu._n when_o such_o sad_a use_n be_v now_o like_a to_o be_v make_v of_o these_o time_n as_o to_o give_v the_o truth_n and_o credit_n thereof_o which_o above_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v dear_a to_o we_o a_o death_n wound_n be_v it_o possible_a by_o reproach_n i_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o be_v incongruous_a to_o such_o a_o subject_n to_o speak_v yet_o a_o few_o word_n more_o for_o answer_v some_o high_a pretence_n for_o prejudice_n and_o stumble_v which_o seem_v now_o most_o public_o to_o be_v own_v yea_o not_o only_o thus_o to_o break_v and_o undo_v themselves_o but_o to_o involve_v other_o in_o the_o same_o ruin_n not_o that_o the_o truth_n need_v the_o witness_n or_o respect_n of_o man_n to_o commend_v the_o same_o which_o as_o the_o sun_n in_o its_o strength_n keep_v its_o course_n amid_o all_o the_o dark_a cloud_n which_o can_v intervene_v but_o in_o a_o day_n of_o such_o blasphemy_n and_o reproach_n we_o shall_v require_v justice_n at_o the_o bar_n of_o man_n own_o conscience_n herein_o if_o there_o can_v be_v any_o cause_n for_o stumble_v at_o the_o holy_a and_o unspotted_a way_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o what_o be_v from_o themselves_o and_o from_o their_o seek_n after_o such_o a_o latitude_n in_o their_o principle_n as_o may_v sure_o that_o liberty_n which_o they_o take_v thus_o in_o their_o practice_n now_o with_o some_o respect_n their_o to_z i_o shall_v offer_v these_o eight_o ground_n which_o be_v at_o this_o day_n most_o pretend_v 1._o these_o strange_a intestine_a conflict_n and_o difference_n in_o judgement_n that_o we_o be_v now_o in_o the_o church_n and_o among_o professor_n of_o the_o truth_n as_o though_o they_o be_v not_o the_o child_n of_o the_o same_o house_n for_o answer_n i_o hope_v these_o thing_n when_o serious_o ponder_v may_v silence_v any_o such_o reflection_n on_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n which_o i_o shall_v but_o leave_v to_o man_n conscience_n 1._o that_o our_o bless_a lord_n have_v with_o clear_a evidence_n lay_v down_o such_o sure_a and_o fix_a ground_n in_o his_o own_o word_n for_o the_o peace_n and_o concord_n of_o his_o church_n and_o follower_n with_o these_o express_a rule_n and_o provision_n for_o the_o same_o as_o there_o can_v be_v no_o know_a ground_n for_o such_o sad_a and_o deploreable_a break_n but_o what_o man_n own_a corruption_n and_o decline_v from_o the_o rule_n do_v occasion_n 2._o it_o be_v must_v clear_v that_o one_o of_o the_o great_a of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o which_o with_o the_o further_a reiterate_v enforcement_n our_o obedience_n be_v require_v for_o prevent_v the_o church_n hazard_n on_o this_o rock_n be_v that_o law_n of_o charity_n and_o love_n for_o the_o godly_a among_o themselves_o so_o as_o without_o this_o he_o will_v accept_v no_o man_n service_n 1_o cor._n 13._o and_o be_v such_o the_o apostle_n press_v above_o all_o thing_n to_o put_v on_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfection_n coloss_n 3_o 13_o 14._o 3._o i_o hope_v it_o be_v undeniable_a also_o that_o these_o principle_n of_o union_n and_o love_n be_v so_o firm_o fix_v as_o may_v be_v consistent_a both_o with_o some_o various_a apprehension_n and_o difference_n in_o judgement_n among_o his_o people_n here_o who_o be_v unite_v in_o himself_o and_o in_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o truth_n and_o godliness_n so_o as_o upon_o such_o a_o account_n the_o peace_n and_o concord_n of_o his_o church_n shall_v not_o be_v suspend_v since_o it_o be_v here_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o as_o all_o have_v not_o the_o same_o help_n so_o not_o the_o same_o capacity_n for_o understanding_n of_o many_o thing_n which_o may_v cause_v some_o difference_n in_o the_o church_n not_o that_o we_o shall_v think_v opinion_n be_v free_a or_o error_n in_o judgement_n not_o to_o be_v serious_o watch_v against_o all_o be_v well_o as_o corruption_n in_o practice_n since_o it_o be_v not_o only_o through_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n we_o be_v appoint_v to_o life_n 4._o for_o this_o end_n likeways_o have_v our_o bless_a head_n set_v such_o bound_n and_o measure_n to_o his_o people_n in_o the_o manage_n of_o these_o difference_n which_o may_v fall_v in_o as_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o fear_n of_o any_o sad_a rent_n or_o breach_n where_o a_o due_a respect_n unto_o these_o be_v have_v and_o to_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o oh_o that_o these_o great_a command_n rom._n 14_o 3_o 4._o philip._n 2_o 3._o be_v more_o serious_o ponder_v there_o can_v not_o but_o be_v some_o more_o lawful_a regard_n to_o keep_v of_o such_o bitter_a and_o offensive_a break_n as_o may_v be_v oft_o see_v among_o we_o 5._o nor_o be_v there_o cause_n to_o fear_v any_o breach_n from_o the_o most_o serious_a and_o servant_n contend_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o close_a adherence_n thereto_o which_o shall_v be_v dear_a to_o we_o then_o our_o life_n and_o can_v admit_v no_o latitude_n or_o cede_v there_o when_o the_o reveal_v rule_n of_o our_o duty_n herein_o be_v observe_v that_o this_o be_v manage_v with_o a_o humble_a tender_a condescendence_n and_o cede_v in_o our_o own_o thing_n to_o one_o another_o for_o oh_o there_o have_v our_o sad_a contest_v and_o a_o nimosity_n their_o great_a strength_n this_o day_n it_o be_v well_o if_o such_o a_o bless_a contend_v and_o strive_v lawful_o as_o the_o apostle_n show_v be_v thus_o study_v that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o by_o mean_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n by_o pureness_n by_o long_a suffering_n by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n by_o the_o armour_n of_o god_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o on_o the_o left_a etc._n etc._n and_o where_o these_o be_v not_o man_n study_n and_o practice_n they_o must_v live_v in_o a_o express_a contradiction_n to_o these_o principle_n which_o yet_o they_o dare_v not_o disow_v yea_o in_o so_o far_o become_v not_o only_o a_o just_a matter_n of_o grief_n but_o a_o spot_n in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o saint_n 6._o whatever_o sad_a difference_n be_v oft_o among_o these_o which_o both_o their_o darkness_n of_o mind_n and_o contrariety_n of_o natural_a disposition_n may_v influence_n yet_o do_v not_o still_o that_o bless_a unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n stand_v fix_v and_o sure_a by_o which_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v unite_v in_o a_o new_a and_o spiritual_a nature_n in_o these_o sweet_a &_o sensible_a communication_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o do_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o bless_a centre_n yea_o so_o near_o a_o intercourse_n of_o soul_n and_o sympathy_n do_v result_v thence_o however_o the_o sad_a prevalence_n of_o corruption_n may_v for_o some_o time_n darken_v the_o same_o as_o no_o union_n and_o concord_n like_o this_o be_v in_o all_o the_o society_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o may_v be_v such_o a_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n as_o to_o silence_v even_o the_o great_a atheist_n 7._o yea_o may_v we_o not_o have_v here_o a_o special_a confirm_a evidence_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o notwithstanding_o of_o such_o difference_n both_o in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n with_o so_o sore_a prejudice_n and_o estrangement_n of_o heart_n and_o difference_n of_o natural_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o among_o the_o godly_a yet_o this_o have_v enforce_v from_o all_o these_o a_o undoubted_a assent_n to_o the_o most_o great_a and_o weighty_a concern_v of_o religion_n yea_o to_o a_o
joint_n acknowledge_v of_o the_o same_o principle_n about_o which_o some_o difference_n may_v be_v in_o the_o application_n thereof_o to_o some_o particular_a case_n 8._o i_o shall_v but_o add_v that_o it_o be_v know_v what_o sweet_a harmony_n and_o oneness_n of_o heart_n have_v sometime_o be_v among_o such_o as_o do_v profess_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o rank_n in_o our_o church_n and_o in_o a_o fix_a adherence_n to_o the_o same_o cause_n and_o how_o it_o be_v at_o a_o sad_a ebb_n that_o some_o difference_n break_v up_o among_o the_o most_o eminent_o godly_a both_o minister_n and_o professor_n there_o for_o some_o time_n on_o that_o head_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n though_o without_o any_o form_a breach_n or_o schism_n but_o after_o among_o such_o who_o thus_o differ_v a_o most_o sweet_a concord_n and_o concurrence_n in_o a_o joint_a opposition_n against_o prelacy_n and_o to_o suffer_v rather_o than_o in_o the_o least_o to_o consent_v thereto_o do_v follow_v yea_o though_o since_o among_o the_o most_o serious_a nonconformist_n a_o great_a freedom_n have_v be_v in_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o some_o than_o other_o for_o hear_v of_o conformist_n to_o prelacy_n yet_o so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v have_v it_o be_v with_o a_o due_a and_o tender_a respect_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o keep_v of_o either_o divide_v or_o alienation_n in_o such_o a_o case_n but_o oh_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v to_o what_o a_o height_n have_v these_o late_a confusion_n and_o breach_n among_o we_o come_v and_o what_o fuel_n this_o have_v be_v to_o a_o great_a increase_n of_o sin_n yet_o be_v there_o one_o ground_n to_o hope_v when_o almost_o there_o seem_v no_o comfort_v sign_n else_o that_o he_o who_o have_v see_v our_o way_n can_v he_o all_o they_o also_o by_o a_o marvellous_a surprisal_n of_o grace_n 2._o prejudice_n it_o which_o be_v by_o some_o high_o entertain_v in_o these_o time_n for_o their_o own_o break_n be_v the_o perplexedness_n and_o hesitation_n they_o be_v in_o what_o way_n to_o choice_n when_o the_o truth_n seem_v now_o involve_v in_o such_o a_o confusion_n of_o different_a judgement_n and_o such_o visible_a contradiction_n among_o professor_n thereof_o for_o answer_v if_o no_o thing_n be_v to_o shake_v or_o offend_v there_o shall_v then_o be_v no_o try_a establishment_n yet_o since_o this_o seem_v one_o of_o the_o sad_a disease_n of_o the_o time_n in_o many_n be_v soon_o saken_a in_o mind_n with_o such_o waver_a and_o unsettledness_n in_o the_o truth_n i_o must_v speak_v a_o few_o word_n thereto_o to_o witness_v what_o great_a advantage_n such_o as_o desire_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n may_v have_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o for_o the_o further_a quiet_a and_o assure_v of_o their_o heart_n therein_o on_o these_o ground_n 1._o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o near_o these_o live_a oracle_n of_o truth_n which_o do_v with_o so_o clear_a and_o distinct_a a_o sound_n speak_v if_o man_n have_v but_o ear_n to_o hear_v 2._o that_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v to_o his_o people_n a_o spirit_n of_o discern_v in_o some_o great_a and_o lesser_a measure_n so_o as_o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n by_o a_o serious_a personal_a trial_n yea_o that_o none_o need_v receive_v the_o truth_n upon_o trust_n or_o to_o lean_v on_o the_o authority_n or_o example_n of_o any_o herein_o but_o to_o judge_v their_o own_o eye_n and_o conscience_n shall_v be_v all_o be_v faithful_a to_o they_o as_o any_o 3._o he_o have_v give_v also_o as_o a_o special_a help_n a_o fix_a ministry_n to_o his_o church_n yea_o for_o this_o very_a end_n ephes_n 4_o 14._o that_o we_o shall_v henceforth_o be_v no_o more_o child_n toss_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n and_o therefore_o with_o a_o divine_a mission_n have_v give_v such_o spiritual_a gift_n as_o the_o necessity_n and_o service_n of_o the_o church_n may_v require_v for_o interpret_n and_o clear_v up_o of_o what_o may_v be_v the_o counsel_n and_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o his_o church_n according_a to_o his_o own_o word_n 4._o that_o the_o most_o weighty_a thing_n of_o religion_n both_o as_o to_o faith_n and_o practice_n be_v not_o interest_v in_o most_o of_o these_o sad_a contest_v which_o be_v now_o among_o but_o he_o have_v so_o gracious_o condescend_v that_o what_o we_o shall_v most_o live_v by_o shall_v not_o cost_v we_o so_o dear_a and_o that_o the_o great_a subtlety_n and_o most_o intricate_a controversy_n which_o be_v so_o oft_o in_o the_o church_n you_o most_o out_o of_o our_o way_n yea_o such_o as_o shall_v cause_v no_o trouble_n or_o disquiet_v of_o mind_n herein_o 5._o be_v not_o also_o most_o clear_o sheve_v we_o how_o we_o may_v know_v our_o be_v lead_v and_o keep_v in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o what_o shall_v qualify_v and_o make_v we_o meet_v for_o the_o bless_a conduct_n and_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o his_o word_n such_o as_o a_o holy_a fear_n and_o sincere_a resignation_n of_o the_o soul_n thereto_o meekness_n humility_n with_o a_o fix_a and_o serious_a resolve_v to_o close_v therewith_o how_o cross_a however_o it_o shall_v be_v to_o our_o own_o private_a affection_n and_o credit_n 6._o there_o be_v this_o advantage_n to_o know_v that_o bless_a and_o approven_v way_n wherein_o we_o may_v have_v peace_n as_o that_o in_o which_o the_o footstep_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o so_o innunerable_a a_o company_n have_v go_v before_o who_o receive_v the_o spirit_n this_o way_n and_o with_o great_a assurance_n do_v know_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o seal_n on_o their_o own_o soul_n so_o as_o after_o no_o new_a or_o strange_a light_n we_o need_v to_o inquire_v 7._o and_o have_v not_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o saint_n these_o peculiar_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o mark_n whereby_o to_o discern_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n in_o a_o dark_a and_o try_v time_n by_o plain_a scripture_n light_n both_o for_o clear_v and_o confirm_v of_o their_o mind_n herein_o 1._o that_o we_o shall_v follow_v these_o thing_n which_o tend_v to_o peace_n and_o to_o edify_v rom._n 14._o 19_o for_o thus_o sure_o do_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n tend_v to_o build_v and_o not_o to_o cast_v down_o and_o if_o many_o caice_n which_o some_o do_v now_o agitat_fw-la with_o much_o disquiet_a both_o to_o themselves_o and_o other_o be_v more_o bring_v to_o that_o great_a rule_n of_o solid_a edification_n i_o shall_v not_o fear_v that_o so_o much_o time_n shall_v be_v lose_v therein_o 2._o it_o be_v sure_a the_o way_n of_o truth_n must_v be_v still_o rational_o convince_a such_o as_o do_v persuade_v by_o teach_v and_o to_o fix_v and_o clear_v the_o judgement_n before_o the_o will_n by_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o man_n conscience_n for_o thus_o we_o be_v teach_v and_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o render_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o with_o all_o meekness_n and_o fear_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 15._o 3._o such_o be_v this_o bless_a way_n as_o it_o be_v cautious_a and_o advertant_fw-la to_o hazard_n on_o each_o hand_n and_o to_o guard_v against_o the_o depht_n of_o satan_n as_o well_o as_o to_o resist_v his_o fury_n a_o way_n which_o lie_v betwixt_o extreme_n either_o on_o the_o right_n or_o left_a hand_n for_o thus_o we_o be_v teach_v 2_o cor._n 6._o 7._o 2_o cor._n 11._o 14_o 2_o thess_n 2._o 2._o 4._o it_o be_v such_o a_o way_n as_o lead_v we_o to_o regard_v the_o special_a vary_v of_o a_o case_n as_o to_o some_o present_a duty_n with_o a_o due_a respect_n and_o balance_v of_o circumstance_n and_o to_o see_v that_o the_o same_o way_n at_o all_o time_n be_v not_o to_o be_v follow_v in_o our_o practice_n since_o what_o may_v be_v most_o requisite_a and_o edify_a some_o time_n and_o in_o one_o case_n may_v be_v destructive_a in_o another_o for_o this_o have_v the_o holy_a ghost_n show_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a but_o not_o expedient_a 1_o cor._n 10._o 23._o 5._o thus_o we_o may_v know_v and_o discern_v the_o truth_n and_o way_n thereof_o which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n tit._n 1._o 1._o when_o it_o be_v such_o as_o visible_o tend_v by_o its_o power_n and_o efficacy_n on_o the_o heart_n to_o heal_v the_o distemper_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o judgement_n and_o by_o practical_a obedience_n to_o a_o more_o full_a assurance_n of_o understanding_n in_o themselves_o and_o may_v thus_o see_v its_o very_a native_a result_n and_o tendence_n be_v to_o make_v professor_n of_o the_o truth_n humble_a meek_a sober_a and_o temperate_a in_o their_o personal_a conversation_n yea_o tender_v to_o provoke_v or_o excite_v the_o corruption_n of_o any_o 6._o be_v there_o not_o this_o necessare_fw-la tendence_n also_o of_o the_o reveal_v way_n of_o truth_n to_o walk_v wise_o