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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this_o clear_a the_o spotless_a way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o seal_v our_o instruction_n from_o what_o we_o have_v see_v that_o when_o no_o answerable_a fruit_n be_v to_o such_o a_o season_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o have_v be_v of_o late_a nor_o one_fw-mi embrace_v the_o truth_n in_o its_o simplicity_n and_o with_o desire_n after_o the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n as_o may_v have_v be_v hope_v for_o but_o a_o seek_v more_o after_o new_a and_o strange_a doctrine_n and_o to_o follow_v these_o thing_n which_o tend_v not_o to_o edify_v that_o so_o sad_a and_o dark_a one_fw-mi eclipse_v shall_v follow_v though_o i_o hope_v some_o bless_a fruit_n of_o these_o time_n past_a shall_v be_v yet_o find_v and_o abide_v with_o many_o o_o that_o after_o this_o a_o more_o fervent_a and_o serious_a respect_n to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n may_v yet_o revive_v in_o our_o land_n and_o a_o keep_v close_o by_o this_o appoint_a way_n not_o only_o to_o beget_v but_o to_o 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subject_n whole_o to_o his_o word_n for_o at_o that_o bar_n only_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v we_o desire_v to_o appear_v and_o be_v try_v what_o a_o sweet_a testimony_n will_v this_o than_o be_v on_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o die_a christian_a that_o the_o truth_n be_v so_o dear_a to_o they_o as_o no_o pre-engagement_n nor_o any_o interest_n of_o their_o suppose_a credit_n do_v interpose_v between_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o word_n and_o their_o conscience_n or_o betwixt_o their_o conscience_n and_o a_o declare_v the_o same_o to_o the_o world_n both_o for_o give_v glory_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o advantage_n and_o edification_n of_o other_o yea_o this_o from_o some_o of_o great_a repute_n in_o the_o church_n have_v tend_v to_o transmit_v their_o memory_n with_o a_o most_o sweet_a savour_n and_o credit_n to_o after_o time_n 2._o a_o serious_a inquiry_n and_o trial_n by_o all_o of_o their_o own_o way_n with_o much_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n of_o themselves_o shall_v be_v a_o bless_a ingredient_n in_o our_o cure_n and_o relief_n this_o day_n when_o snare_n and_o hazard_n be_v so_o thick_o spread_v and_o i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v now_o further_o convince_a that_o whatever_o be_v the_o case_n of_o our_o church_n such_o a_o way_n and_o method_n be_v no_o suitable_a cure_n as_o do_v visible_o tend_v to_o inflame_v the_o wound_n more_o than_o to_o heal_v nor_o that_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n work_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n i_o hope_v a_o second_o inquiry_n and_o trial_n by_o any_o of_o a_o serious_a spirit_n will_v let_v they_o yet_o clear_o see_v that_o such_o pretence_n they_o found_v on_o can_v never_o justify_v this_o late_a rent_n and_o fall_v of_o thus_o from_o church_n fellowship_n where_o not_o only_o they_o can_v continue_v without_o sin_n but_o with_o much_o hope_n of_o a_o blessing_n 3._o and_o do_v not_o here_o both_o the_o rule_n of_o duty_n and_o our_o relief_n in_o this_o sad_a case_n convince_o meet_a in_o a_o seek_v to_o overcome_v evil_a and_o private_a injury_n with_o good_a it_o be_v true_a this_o be_v a_o special_o pungent_a trial_n and_o will_v not_o want_v some_o conflict_n but_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v find_v one_o of_o the_o choice_a opportunity_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n for_o theirafter_o peace_n yea_o the_o more_o wrestle_v may_v thus_o be_v upon_o special_a provocation_n and_o with_o some_o peculiar_a aggravate_v circumstance_n to_o reach_v this_o bless_a victory_n over_o themselves_o the_o more_o comfort_n and_o joy_n will_v be_v upon_o their_o after_a thought_n heirof_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a thus_o be_v great_a advantage_n for_o a_o just_a vindication_n by_o christian_n of_o themselves_o whilst_o press_v thereto_o as_o this_o be_v with_o least_o bitterness_n or_o recrimination_n follow_v 4._o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n express_o call_v for_o keep_v a_o distance_n with_o such_o thing_n as_o may_v tend_v to_o engender_v strife_n and_o debate_n in_o the_o church_n and_o not_o to_o edify_v as_o our_o duty_n and_o i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v too_o see_v how_o sad_a influence_n this_o have_v have_v to_o break_v the_o comfort_n and_o edification_n of_o christian_a fellowship_n where_o once_o professor_n of_o religion_n have_v be_v involve_v in_o such_o a_o way_n there_o be_v no_o such_o practice_n or_o custom_n in_o these_o first_o pure_a time_n of_o the_o church_n whilst_o the_o apostle_n live_v and_o be_v special_o advert_v to_o then_o but_o if_o any_o be_v contentious_a we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 5._o it_o be_v duty_n also_o for_o the_o further_a convince_a tenderness_n to_o be_v use_v by_o such_o who_o through_o grace_n have_v be_v keep_v fix_v for_o restore_v of_o other_o with_o the_o spirit_n
of_o meekness_n and_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o some_o put_v a_o difference_n great_a peace_n shall_v thus_o follow_v upon_o a_o tender_a bear_n with_o the_o frowardness_n and_o revile_n of_o any_o under_o these_o saddistemper_n upon_o this_o design_n and_o for_o be_v thus_o all_o thing_n to_o all_o to_o gain_v one_o from_o the_o error_n of_o his_o way_n be_v a_o great_a victory_n then_o to_o gain_v a_o city_n i_o find_v in_o the_o life_n of_o bless_a musculus_fw-la this_o follow_v with_o much_o success_n in_o deal_v with_o some_o at_o augsburg_n who_o be_v then_o under_o a_o sad_a sad_a prevalence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n by_o seak_v first_o to_o gain_v on_o their_o heart_n &_o affection_n and_o then_o to_o deal_v with_o their_o conscience_n which_o prove_v at_o last_o effectual_a 6._o it_o be_v sure_a we_o be_v now_o call_v in_o this_o present_a trial_n not_o to_o be_v secure_a as_o to_o what_o further_a growth_n so_o strange_a a_o contagion_n may_v have_v when_o the_o apostle_n show_v a_o little_a leaven_n leaven_v the_o whole_a lump_n 1._o cor._n 5_o 6._o which_o as_o a_o destroy_a plague_n may_v thus_o quick_o spread_v from_o one_o house_n to_o a_o city_n and_o thence_o through_o the_o whole_a land_n yea_o it_o be_v know_v how_o small_a the_o rise_n of_o quakerism_n be_v within_o these_o few_o year_n in_o the_o church_n of_o britain_n nor_o be_v these_o light_n or_o small_a thing_n have_v be_v now_o with_o a_o strange_a confidence_n own_v by_o some_o of_o that_o way_n or_o what_o may_v be_v fear_v of_o its_o further_a prevalence_n if_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o gracious_o prevent_v and_o rebuke_v such_o a_o spirit_n which_o have_v thus_o trouble_v the_o poor_a church_n 7._o there_o need_v much_o advertence_n also_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o there_o be_v a_o continue_a fear_n and_o no_o coolness_n from_o this_o sad_a extreme_a in_o our_o watch_n of_o the_o church_n hazard_n from_o open_a adversary_n and_o to_o what_o assault_n may_v be_v yet_o make_v to_o the_o right_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n the_o alone_a supreme_a head_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n but_o that_o thus_o a_o equal_a fear_n and_o jealousy_n be_v keep_v up_o so_o as_o the_o truth_n lose_v no_o ground_n upon_o either_o hand_n reader_n for_o this_o present_a public_a appearance_n i_o shall_v we_o but_o a_o few_o word_n it_o may_v be_v easy_a to_o judge_v how_o sad_a a_o part_n it_o be_v in_o a_o time_n when_o all_o humour_n be_v so_o much_o aloft_o and_o what_o may_v be_v expect_v this_o way_n if_o there_o be_v not_o from_o another_o airt_n to_o support_v against_o the_o contradiction_n of_o man_n but_o this_o i_o must_v say_v i_o have_v be_v state_v under_o circumstance_n and_o with_o some_o surprise_a call_n hereto_o as_o i_o hope_v can_v obviate_v the_o most_o sharp_a reflection_n of_o any_o who_o be_v this_o day_n unbayase_v in_o such_o a_o case_n but_o i_o forbear_v herein_o to_o speak_v more_o particular_o only_o as_o to_o the_o occasion_n of_o my_o move_a further_o upon_o this_o subject_n be_v from_o that_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o first_o section_n which_o upon_o some_o desire_n and_o aim_v for_o a_o serious_a and_o sober_a commune_n upon_o these_o difference_n in_o our_o church_n be_v direct_v to_o some_o few_o friend_n and_o do_v choice_n that_o way_n by_o writ_n to_o prevent_v any_o eruption_n may_v be_v of_o heat_n as_o too_o usual_o there_o be_v hazard_n of_o in_o verbal_a reason_n upon_o such_o thing_n and_o since_o i_o find_v it_o so_o frequent_o challenge_v how_o any_o can_v oppose_v themselves_o to_o what_o be_v own_v and_o assert_v in_o that_o history_n of_o the_o indulgence_n as_o that_o which_o they_o judge_v enough_o to_o answer_v all_o in_o such_o a_o case_n i_o be_v enforce_v to_o touch_v it_o a_o little_a though_o in_o a_o very_a few_o word_n whicâ—_n i_o design_v as_o far_o as_o possible_a and_o now_o in_o such_o one_fw-mi unpleasing_a essay_n yet_o i_o 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so_o sad_a and_o unpleasing_a a_o subject_n but_o be_v press_v herein_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v say_v it_o be_v with_o a_o serious_a aim_n and_o inquiry_n after_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o be_v confirm_v by_o scripture-light_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o great_a public_a contest_v and_o with_o some_o desire_n to_o prevent_v the_o stumbling_n of_o many_o as_o may_v now_o be_v much_o fear_v on_o these_o amaze_a and_o shake_v thing_n that_o have_v since_o follow_v on_o this_o breach_n for_o what_o incongruity_n may_v be_v judge_v in_o the_o close_a anent_o some_o thing_n practical_a and_o the_o church_n hazard_n from_o popery_n with_o such_o a_o subject_n i_o think_v be_v so_o far_o suitable_a as_o i_o be_o sure_a a_o great_a weight_n thereof_o will_v be_v find_v one_fw-mi effectual_a mean_v to_o take_v off_o these_o sad_a unedifie_v debate_n there_o be_v some_o considerable_a mistake_n at_o the_o press_n both_o in_o word_n and_o in_o the_o point_n but_o i_o hope_v be_v such_o as_o the_o discern_a reader_n can_v notice_n without_o darken_n the_o sense_n and_o will_v pardon_v section_n i._n though_o i_o have_v much_o aversion_n to_o move_v in_o any_o controversy_n especial_o where_o friend_n so_o true_o dear_a on_o every_o side_n be_v thus_o interest_v &_o when_o our_o distemper_n so_o sad_o prevail_v as_o most_o seem_v not_o in_o case_n to_o bear_v mutual_o freedom_n in_o these_o thing_n so_o as_o this_o present_a breach_n will_v seem_v almost_o beyond_o hope_n if_o some_o bless_a touch_n of_o the_o great_a healer_n hand_n do_v not_o marvellous_o surprise_v we_o in_o this_o day_n beside_o the_o crowd_n and_o noise_n now_o may_v be_v fear_v be_v so_o great_a as_o to_o shut_v all_o access_n for_o a_o be_v hear_v on_o such_o a_o subject_n and_o for_o myself_o i_o may_v say_v i_o have_v be_v strike_v with_o that_o terror_n of_o these_o sad_a embitter_a animosity_n and_o heat_n now_o among_o we_o as_o to_o judge_v it_o no_o less_o desirable_a to_o find_v a_o hide_v place_n from_o the_o strife_n of_o tongue_n than_o from_o the_o pride_n and_o violence_n of_o man_n yet_o since_o it_o be_v sure_a true_a friendship_n and_o love_n gain_v more_o by_o freedom_n and_o openness_n of_o heart_n with_o other_o than_o to_o keep_v at_o a_o distance_n beside_o that_o sad_a impression_n of_o this_o deplorable_a breach_n and_o rent_n in_o our_o church_n have_v press_v i_o to_o write_v these_o few_o line_n not_o for_o debate_n or_o contend_v i_o may_v say_v in_o the_o least_o but_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n in_o a_o sober_a and_o humble_a reason_n with_o some_o exoneration_n of_o my_o own_o spirit_n in_o a_o few_o proposal_n with_o the_o ground_n thereof_o which_o without_o prejudice_n or_o offence_n i_o will_v desire_v yea_o obtest_v to_o be_v serious_o ponder_v and_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v humble_o adventure_v to_o say_v it_o have_v be_v with_o some_o desire_n to_o prove_v my_o own_o heart_n in_o this_o matter_n before_o he_o who_o be_v the_o great_a searcher_n thereof_o and_o under_o some_o present_a constraint_n of_o light_n have_v now_o write_v this_o as_o i_o dare_v not_o though_o they_o be_v my_o die_a word_n with_o peace_n or_o quiet_a of_o spirit_n retreat_n here_o but_o before_o i_o offer_v these_o proposal_n i_o will_v desire_v to_o premit_fw-la some_o few_o concession_n which_o i_o hope_v on_o every_o hand_n what_o ever_o be_v the_o present_a difference_n will_v be_v acknowledge_v 1._o that_o there_o must_v be_v no_o coolness_n or_o indifferency_n in_o any_o interest_n of_o the_o truth_n under_o the_o great_a hazard_n this_o be_v so_o invaluable_a as_o there_o can_v be_v too_o dear_a a_o purchase_n thereof_o yea_o that_o truth_n comparative_o small_a may_v be_v great_a in_o their_o season_n so_o
as_o a_o testimony_n thereto_o with_o great_a respect_n be_v then_o necessary_o call_v for_o when_o a_o public_a opposition_n be_v make_v to_o the_o same_o 2._o that_o this_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n over_o his_o church_n and_o its_o independence_n on_o the_o magistrate_n and_o his_o be_v the_o alone_a supreme_a head_n and_o lawgiver_n thereto_o be_v of_o such_o high_a concern_n and_o elevation_n as_o we_o shall_v not_o count_v our_o life_n dear_a if_o call_v of_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v offer_v up_o as_o a_o sacrifice_n thereon_o yea_o that_o a_o public_a testimony_n shall_v be_v then_o more_o special_o own_v thereto_o with_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a sound_n when_o so_o visible_o oppose_v as_o in_o this_o day_n 3._o that_o be_v must_v on_o all_o hand_n be_v confess_v a_o sad_a decay_n of_o a_o true_a public_a spirit_n now_o among_o we_o and_o of_o that_o zeal_n integrity_n and_o watchfulness_n for_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o deep_a impression_n of_o the_o covenant_n with_o god_n these_o nation_n be_v so_o solemn_o engage_v to_o as_o have_v former_o be_v with_o too_o sad_a and_o unsensible_a a_o wear_n out_o from_o under_o former_a impression_n of_o duty_n in_o this_o long_o continue_a trial_n now_o in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o success_n which_o seem_v to_o wait_v on_o a_o sinful_a course_n for_o which_o all_o of_o we_o have_v cause_n for_o be_v deep_o humble_v before_o the_o lord_n this_o day_n 4._o i_o will_v hope_v also_o this_o will_v not_o be_v under_o debate_n that_o a_o endeavour_n for_o a_o safe_a union_n and_o without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n among_o these_o who_o have_v be_v help_v in_o this_o day_n to_o witness_v and_o suffer_v against_o prelacy_n and_o be_v one_o in_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o truth_n &_o godliness_n be_v both_o a_o command_v and_o indispensible_o necessary_a duty_n and_o will_v be_v find_v as_o express_o charge_v upon_o we_o as_o any_o duty_n i_o know_v in_o the_o scripture_n 5._o that_o there_o may_v be_v difference_n in_o a_o pure_o reform_a church_n in_o matter_n of_o truth_n consistent_a with_o mutual_a edification_n and_o without_o any_o division_n or_o breach_n among_o such_o yea_o that_o such_o will_v be_v still_o here_o whilst_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n 6._o this_o concession_n i_o hope_v may_v not_o come_v under_o question_n that_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o our_o guilt_n this_o day_n our_o not_o be_v more_o suitable_o affect_v with_o both_o the_o sin_n and_o judgement_n of_o this_o present_a rent_n and_o division_n as_o we_o ought_v when_o our_o master_n have_v so_o express_o tell_v that_o a_o kingdom_n divide_v against_o itself_o can_v stand_v and_o no_o less_o thus_o threaten_v than_o the_o utter_a dissolution_n of_o such_o a_o church_n 7._o that_o there_o be_v now_o need_v of_o more_o close_o correspondence_n and_o personal_a freedom_n with_o great_a tenderness_n to_o be_v manage_v in_o this_o present_a difference_n with_o 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follow_v a_o interest_n on_o the_o ruin_n and_o fall_v of_o the_o repute_n of_o other_o who_o have_v have_v a_o most_o sweet_a savour_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v much_o bless_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o many_o this_o we_o may_v fear_v be_v one_o of_o the_o provoke_a evil_n in_o this_o time_n and_o as_o a_o smoke_n in_o his_o nostril_n who_o have_v say_v such_o as_o sow_v discord_n among_o brethren_n be_v a_o abomination_n unto_o he_o pro._n 6_o 19_o and_o have_v curse_v such_o as_o smite_v his_o neighbour_n secret_o deut._n 27_o 24._o which_o may_v be_v no_o less_o sad_a and_o sore_o by_o smite_v by_o the_o tongue_n than_o by_o the_o sword_n 10._o i_o hope_v this_o also_o will_v be_v mutual_o grant_v that_o a_o safe_a manage_n of_o difference_n and_o rent_n among_o the_o godly_a in_o so_o break_v a_o time_n as_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o difficult_a thing_n in_o christianity_n so_o hard_o it_o be_v to_o get_v our_o own_o spirit_n keep_v out_o to_o reach_v that_o tender_a and_o due_a regard_n to_o present_a circumstance_n for_o public_a edification_n yea_o to_o be_v keep_v in_o a_o humble_a and_o spiritual_a frame_n in_o such_o a_o case_n and_o to_o have_v the_o life_n of_o grace_n keep_v in_o vigorous_a exercise_n so_o as_o thus_o to_o have_v pride_n wrath_n and_o bitterness_n of_o spirit_n make_v to_o melt_v down_o in_o meekness_n humility_n and_o love_n have_v premit_v these_o few_o concession_n which_o may_v be_v find_v of_o some_o weight_n in_o this_o sad_a case_n we_o be_v now_o in_o i_o must_v humble_o offer_v these_o follow_a proposal_n to_o be_v consider_v prop._n i._o shall_v we_o not_o with_o great_a fear_n and_o tremble_a look_n on_o a_o breach_n and_o rent_n of_o the_o church_n and_o among_o the_o true_o godly_a in_o this_o day_n on_o these_o ground_n 1._o that_o it_o so_o express_o control_v the_o authority_n of_o our_o great_a master_n who_o have_v enjoin_v by_o such_o reitereated_a command_n love_n and_o concord_n among_o his_o disciple_n so_o as_o i_o can_v find_v no_o duty_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n with_o more_o frequent_a obtestation_n and_o argument_n press_v than_o this_o and_o though_o it_o be_v unquestionable_a that_o some_o must_v be_v more_o culpable_a in_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o difference_n than_o other_o yet_o do_v he_o press_v thus_o with_o such_o vehemency_n and_o without_o any_o such_o reserve_n to_o sist_z until_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o entire_a oneness_n in_o judgement_n among_o themselves_o else_o there_o be_v no_o such_o difficulty_n or_o neid_v of_o it_o to_o be_v thus_o press_v 2._o that_o it_o be_v his_o die_a charge_n joh._n 15_o 17._o to_o love_v one_o another_o and_o to_o guard_v against_o any_o breach_n among_o themselves_o and_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o thing_n his_o heart_n be_v most_o fix_v on_o when_o he_o be_v to_o leave_v the_o world_n as_o a_o witness_n of_o their_o be_v his_o disciple_n and_o that_o the_o world_n may_v know_v he_o to_o be_v send_v of_o god_n joh._n 17_o 21._o and_o thus_o be_v for_o a_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o enforce_v a_o conviction_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o christianity_n and_o doctrine_n thereof_o on_o the_o great_a atheist_n 3._o and_o may_v we_o not_o see_v these_o prejudices_fw-la which_o follow_v on_o a_o form_v and_o grow_a breach_n of_o the_o church_n be_v oft_o such_o as_o the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n thereof_o do_v bear_v no_o proportion_n thereto_o when_o bring_v to_o the_o test_n of_o that_o great_a rule_n of_o christian_a love_n in_o its_o due_a latitude_n as_o prescribe_v by_o our_o bless_a master_n yea_o that_o thus_o there_o be_v a_o be_v so_o sad_o engage_v in_o dispute_n &_o siding_n with_o party_n with_o such_o exasperation_n of_o spirit_n and_o neglect_v of_o these_o office_n of_o love_n we_o owe_v to_o other_o 4._o that_o we_o may_v see_v such_o a_o sad_a rent_n the_o more_o it_o be_v follow_v the_o more_o it_o become_v a_o labyrinth_n and_o maze_n and_o no_o way_n find_v thus_o to_o get_v out_o but_o that_o by_o which_o they_o first_o enter_v 5._o that_o conspicuous_a beacon_n also_o which_o in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v set_v hereon_o may_v make_v we_o tremble_v hereat_o and_o how_o this_o have_v resolve_v not_o only_o into_o strife_n debate_n confusion_n and_o disturbance_n both_o public_a and_o private_a but_o to_o hazard_v the_o very_a ruin_n and_o dissolution_n of_o such_o a_o church_n we_o find_v salvian_n show_v that_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o sad_a presage_n of_o that_o desolate_v stroke_n that_o come_v upon_o the_o affricain_n church_n and_o we_o may_v see_v the_o very_a first_o visible_a degenerate_v of_o christianity_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n begin_v here_o for_o it_o be_v at_o such_o a_o
breach_n the_o envious_a one_o wait_v to_o sow_v his_o tare_n and_o how_o rare_a be_v a_o stop_n or_o fix_v find_v in_o such_o a_o current_n but_o like_o the_o break_n in_o of_o water_n do_v carry_v many_o a_o further_a length_n than_o they_o ever_o intend_v it_o be_v know_v on_o what_o ground_n that_o sad_a breach_n by_o labadie_n and_o his_o party_n begin_v here_o in_o the_o belgic_a church_n with_o who_o many_o go_v in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o by_o such_o a_o design_a cure_n to_o the_o offence_n be_v then_o take_v by_o they_o do_v but_o heighten_v the_o distemper_n and_o occasion_v so_o much_o prejudice_n against_o the_o power_n and_o truth_n of_o godliness_n in_o this_o land_n prop._n ii_o may_v we_o on_o any_o safe_a ground_n break_v up_o church_n fellowship_n and_o communion_n so_o far_o with_o those_o who_o have_v accept_v the_o late_a indulgence_n as_o not_o to_o hear_v or_o receive_v the_o public_a ordinance_n from_o they_o as_o be_v such_o i_o must_v propose_v this_o on_o these_o ground_n 1._o that_o hereby_o no_o approbation_n of_o the_o indulgence_n can_v be_v necessary_o infer_v and_o the_o ground_n of_o offence_n can_v never_o be_v own_v such_o as_o to_o pollute_v the_o ordinance_n or_o make_v communion_n with_o these_o in_o the_o least_o sinful_a to_o we_o but_o it_o will_v be_v advert_v on_o what_o side_n the_o most_o dangerous_a and_o destructive_a inconvenience_n be_v and_o hazard_v of_o the_o great_a offence_n hereby_o to_o the_o church_n 2._o that_o we_o must_v still_o own_o these_o as_o our_o brethren_n what_o ever_o be_v the_o present_a difference_n with_o who_o we_o be_v one_o we_o hope_v in_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o truth_n and_o godliness_n in_o the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n of_o the_o church_n for_o in_o these_o we_o differ_v not_o in_o thesi_fw-la what_o ever_o the_o application_n hereof_o be_v matter_n of_o difference_n yea_o shall_v be_v tender_a to_o judge_v in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o profess_v who_o we_o so_o assure_o know_v to_o be_v both_o serious_a and_o godly_a in_o their_o opposition_n both_o to_o the_o prelatic_a and_o erastian_n adversary_n 3._o that_o they_o be_v such_o we_o must_v own_v to_o be_v the_o undoabted_a minister_n of_o christ_n clothe_v with_o a_o ministerial_a power_n to_o preach_v and_o dispense_v the_o ordinance_n ere_o ever_o this_o indulgence_n be_v on_o foot_n these_o be_v act_n of_o their_o office_n which_o flow_v from_o no_o convey_n or_o grant_v of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o such_o place_n and_o that_o be_v virtue_n of_o their_o office_n and_o calling_n the_o people_n tey_n stand_v still_o in_o force_n to_o hear_v they_o with_o respect_n to_o that_o primary_n relation_n they_o be_v under_o as_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a 4._o that_o this_o can_v be_v make_v practicable_a except_o we_o take_v the_o very_a government_n of_o the_o church_n off_o its_o hinge_n without_o a_o declarative_a sentence_n since_o upon_o the_o matter_n it_o be_v to_o draw_v out_o one_o of_o the_o high_a censure_n against_o so_o considerable_a a_o party_n of_o the_o ministry_n yea_o to_o exercea_n critic_n and_o juridical_a power_n some_o way_n not_o only_o over_o these_o who_o be_v indulge_v but_o over_o must_v of_o the_o whole_a nonconformist_n who_o be_v still_o free_a and_o enforce_v in_o conscience_n to_o own_o such_o in_o their_o ministry_n 5._o that_o this_o shall_v be_v a_o depart_n from_o a_o union_n once_o acknowledge_v in_o our_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o they_o in_o the_o public_a ordinance_n it_o have_v be_v hitherto_o public_o own_v that_o if_o the_o whole_a church_n have_v be_v so_o far_o leave_v as_o to_o some_o sad_a compliance_n for_o a_o time_n that_o way_n and_o thus_o the_o peoplefixt_a under_o the_o ministry_n of_o such_o that_o even_o on_o a_o after_o discovery_n of_o the_o evil_a thereof_o there_o will_v not_o be_v allow_v the_o same_o necessity_n or_o expediency_n of_o separation_n or_o for_o refusal_n to_o hear_v they_o as_o there_o be_v now_o in_o our_o case_n for_o a_o noncompliance_n with_o that_o party_n and_o keep_v thus_o at_o a_o continue_a distance_n which_o be_v a_o ground_n have_v such_o weight_n with_o our_o worthy_a ancestor_n in_o the_o former_a time_n of_o prelacy_n when_o it_o be_v not_o bring_v in_o at_o once_o but_o by_o degree_n into_o the_o church_n and_o thus_o find_v it_o not_o safe_a and_o easy_a to_o break_v up_o so_o far_o as_o not_o to_o have_v church_n fellowship_n in_o receive_v the_o public_a ordinance_n then_o from_o such_o though_o a_o most_o vigorous_a opposition_n to_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o that_o way_n be_v still_o follow_v 6._o because_o this_o may_v quick_o tend_v to_o a_o cast_v off_o of_o most_o if_o not_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o stand_a nonconform_a ministry_n now_o in_o the_o church_n who_o have_v be_v help_v to_o stand_v and_o withstand_v against_o prelacy_n and_o to_o open_v such_o a_o door_n for_o any_o of_o the_o people_n at_o their_o pleasure_n to_o quit_v or_o turn_v off_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o any_o fix_a or_o previous_a cognition_n in_o such_o a_o case_n and_o oh_o how_o hard_o or_o difficult_a will_v it_o be_v find_v to_o set_v bound_n or_o fix_v new_a landmark_n when_o once_o the_o old_a be_v take_v up_o may_v be_v easy_o judge_v prop._n iii_o be_v such_o a_o refusal_n to_o hear_v these_o minister_n who_o be_v indulge_v now_o own_v because_o it_o be_v simpliciter_fw-la unlawful_a or_o on_o that_o ground_n of_o its_o expediency_n and_o for_o edification_n i_o will_v hope_v none_o yet_o dare_v come_v to_o own_o the_o first_o but_o for_o the_o second_o of_o expediency_n in_o such_o a_o present_a case_n i_o must_v humble_o judge_v such_o a_o practice_n will_v seem_v very_o unanswerable_a thereunto_o on_o these_o ground_n 1._o that_o this_o sad_a effect_n have_v so_o visible_o follow_v thereon_o to_o break_v up_o that_o sweet_a edify_a fellowship_n which_o be_v former_o among_o christian_n in_o many_o place_n so_o as_o these_o who_o be_v wont_a to_o walk_v together_o and_o keep_v christian_a converse_n for_o build_v up_o one_o another_o in_o the_o truth_n can_v now_o hardly_o join_v or_o pray_v together_o 2._o that_o none_o seem_v to_o have_v gain_v by_o this_o late_o heighten_v breach_n except_o the_o public_a adversary_n yea_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d add_v a_o dash_n to_o these_o public_a meeting_n in_o the_o field_n thus_o give_v which_o here_o to_o fore_n be_v so_o eminent_o bless_v whilst_o thus_o such_o open_a contradiction_n of_o late_a in_o preach_v have_v too_o evident_o bring_v a_o stumble_n to_o the_o weak_a and_o a_o reproach_n on_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o we_o may_v fear_v shall_v not_o in_o haste_n be_v take_v off_o 3._o that_o thus_o the_o prelatic_a party_n seem_v more_o harden_v and_o to_o have_v less_o reckon_n of_o that_o heavy_a charge_n of_o perjury_n and_o defection_n from_o the_o truth_n when_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o nonconform_a minister_n they_o find_v public_o class_v with_o they_o who_o yet_o be_v otherwise_o know_v to_o be_v both_o able_a and_o godly_a yea_o which_o have_v be_v sad_o regret_v that_o the_o edge_n of_o that_o wont_a zeal_n which_o be_v against_o prelacy_n and_o the_o common_a adversary_n have_v be_v thus_o blunt_v in_o a_o more_o hot_a pursuit_n of_o the_o other_o party_n 4._o the_o shake_n and_o stumble_v of_o many_o which_o i_o must_v here_o write_v with_o a_o sad_a remembrance_n of_o a_o christian_a who_o i_o dare_v not_o but_o say_v but_o be_v true_o serious_a who_o speak_v to_o i_o almost_o weep_v when_o i_o be_v last_o in_o our_o country_n of_o be_v put_v to_o that_o through_o this_o late_a breach_n and_o visible_a contradiction_n in_o public_a preach_n yea_o that_o some_o have_v open_o declare_v there_o be_v scarce_o four_o faithful_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v find_v that_o they_o know_v not_o what_o or_o who_o to_o credit_v but_o like_a to_o be_v shake_v in_o the_o very_a foundation_n and_o i_o must_v humble_o judge_v if_o this_o breach_n shall_v grow_v i_o know_v no_o gain_n will_v ever_o recompense_v the_o king_n damage_n herein_o i_o mean_v of_o our_o king_n and_o head_n in_o the_o edification_n of_o his_o people_n yea_o who_o be_v there_o if_o not_o fix_v and_o establish_v by_o grace_n that_o can_v look_v on_o these_o devour_a heat_n and_o break_n among_o both_o christian_n and_o minister_n in_o this_o day_n but_o be_v in_o hazard_n to_o take_v prejudice_n at_o the_o whole_a of_o religion_n and_o must_v needs_o judge_v that_o these_o can_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n 5._o i_o must_v yet_o add_v on_o this_o ground_n of_o expediency_n if_o it_o will_v seem_v to_o engage_v the_o multitude_n in_o these_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 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on_o a_o small_a remove_n and_o secession_n in_o our_o church_n fellowship_n such_o have_v make_v more_o haste_n than_o good_a speed_n nor_o have_v find_v it_o easy_a after_o to_o fix_v until_o they_o have_v be_v a_o length_n their_o heart_n will_v some_o time_n have_v tremble_v at_o yea_o thus_o beside_o the_o wound_a the_o heart_n of_o the_o godly_a darken_n the_o glory_n of_o 〈◊〉_d gospel_n and_o shake_v the_o faith_n of_o many_o have_v be_v force_v to_o run_v on_o sad_a inconvenience_n and_o new_a principle_n to_o maintain_v their_o way_n what_o ever_o length_n the_o difference_n about_o the_o public_a resolution_n of_o late_a come_v to_o which_o be_v a_o visible_a presage_n of_o the_o stroke_n that_o after_o come_v yet_o be_v there_o no_o dash_v on_o such_o a_o rock_n as_o this_o be_v now_o and_o we_o may_v know_v that_o what_o ever_o tend_v to_o divide_v among_o the_o godly_a or_o betwixt_o people_n and_o minister_n get_v but_o too_o easy_a a_o hear_n oft_o among_o many_o it_o 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and_o if_o these_o thing_n bring_v not_o a_o sad_a involvement_n in_o such_o a_o guilt_n 1._o when_o there_o be_v no_o tender_a abstain_v from_o harsh_a censure_v of_o other_o 2._o when_o there_o be_v a_o press_a more_o of_o that_o which_o tend_v to_o divide_v than_o what_o there_o be_v to_o unite_v and_o in_o how_o far_o we_o be_v still_o one_o in_o our_o former_a principle_n 3._o when_o high_a prejudice_n and_o alienation_n of_o affection_n be_v not_o close_o watch_v against_o which_o like_o the_o predominant_a humour_n of_o the_o jaundice_n will_v quick_o present_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o same_o colour_n and_o make_v it_o difficult_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o way_n of_o other_o we_o differ_v from_o without_o a_o sad_a by_o ass_n 4._o when_o contending_n even_o for_o the_o truth_n be_v more_o passionate_a and_o break_v than_o with_o humble_a seriousness_n to_o be_v rational_o convince_a and_o heal_v which_o be_v so_o unlike_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o be_v defame_v yet_o to_o entreat_v 5._o when_o there_o be_v not_o some_o study_n to_o walk_v close_o together_o in_o so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v one_o and_o mutual_o convince_v which_o i_o be_o sure_a will_v help_v to_o come_v more_o near_o in_o what_o be_v now_o the_o matter_n of_o difference_n i_o must_v here_o confess_v for_o myself_o it_o have_v be_v heavy_a on_o my_o spirit_n that_o i_o do_v not_o with_o more_o seriousness_n and_o according_a to_o my_o small_a measure_n move_v herein_o when_o last_o in_o my_o own_o country_n and_o have_v so_o near_o a_o prospect_n of_o these_o deplorable_a confusion_n nor_o have_v be_v under_o that_o suitable_a weight_n as_o such_o a_o time_n call_v for_o when_o the_o church_n there_o be_v as_o struggle_v betwixt_o life_n and_o death_n though_o i_o may_v say_v it_o have_v oft_o make_v i_o covet_v a_o hide_v and_o more_o abstractness_n from_o so_o sad_a a_o noise_n but_o o_o bless_v they_o to_o who_o it_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v to_o stand_v in_o such_o 〈◊〉_d breach_n this_o day_n so_o as_o it_o may_v be_v convince_o evident_a the_o zeal_n of_o god_n and_o a_o heal_a spirit_n do_v most_o sweet_o concur_v 5._o and_o what_o can_v we_o possible_o answer_v to_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o to_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n this_o day_n yea_o at_o the_o appear_v of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o now_o the_o poor_a church_n of_o scotland_n when_o in_o the_o furnace_n and_o so_o long_o in_o a_o suffer_a condition_n be_v like_a to_o be_v more_o ruin_v by_o ourselves_o than_o by_o other_o adversary_n and_o such_o a_o sore_o rend_v now_o among_o these_o who_o be_v still_o one_o in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n and_o we_o hope_v have_v access_n to_o the_o father_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n as_o have_v in_o a_o sad_a measure_n break_v up_o church_n fellowship_n in_o the_o gospel_n ordinance_n and_o in_o the_o most_o concern_v duty_n of_o christian_a society_n among_o many_o yea_o this_o to_o be_v still_o grow_v and_o yet_o no_o essay_n nor_o endeavour_n to_o prevent_v such_o a_o ruin_n that_o be_v like_a to_o be_v entail_v even_o on_o the_o offspring_n and_o what_o may_v be_v the_o thought_n of_o the_o generation_n that_o succeed_v when_o so_o deplorable_a a_o history_n shall_v be_v put_v on_o record_n section_n ii_o it_o may_v be_v strange_a and_o matter_n of_o astonishment_n this_o day_n what_o so_o severe_a a_o stretch_n of_o that_o controversy_n about_o the_o late_a indulgence_n in_o our_o church_n and_o bring_v thing_n to_o such_o one_fw-mi extreme_a can_v possible_o mean_a as_o though_o no_o party_n else_o be_v to_o contend_v with_o when_o the_o whole_a of_o religion_n be_v like_a to_o be_v swallow_v up_o betwixt_o popery_n prelacy_n and_o atheism_n and_o that_o the_o peace_n and_o true_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v now_o so_o low_a and_o cheap_a as_o to_o sacrifice_v they_o upon_o such_o one_fw-mi account_n yea_o while_o so_o many_o be_v in_o that_o hazard_n to_o be_v shake_v as_o they_o be_v like_a to_o lose_v all_o set_v persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o since_o such_o stress_n have_v be_v by_o some_o lay_v on_o these_o ground_n adduce_v in_o the_o late_a history_n of_o the_o indulgence_n for_o not_o hear_v or_o receive_v the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n from_o such_o minister_n as_o have_v accept_v thereof_o to_o a_o further_o widen_v thus_o of_o the_o breach_n and_o that_o i_o have_v be_v express_o refer_v thereto_o as_o a_o full_a answer_n to_o what_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o forego_v paper_n or_o whatever_o can_v be_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a i_o be_v press_v to_o some_o perusal_n thereof_o so_o far_o as_o to_o know_v whence_o a_o conclusion_n so_o strange_a and_o of_o so_o high_a and_o universal_a concern_v to_o all_o the_o church_n can_v possible_o be_v infer_v or_o establish_v by_o any_o who_o admit_v the_o truth_n and_o authrity_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o these_o principle_n wherein_o we_o have_v hitherto_o walk_v but_o ere_o i_o touch_v this_o more_o particular_o i_o must_v to_o prevent_v mistake_n premitt_v some_o few_o thing_n in_o the_o entry_n first_o that_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o question_n of_o separation_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o difficult_a thing_n and_o lie_v more_o in_o the_o dark_a than_o most_o thing_n that_o be_v controvert_v and_o that_o all_o act_n of_o extremity_n such_o as_o this_o shall_v be_v with_o great_a reluctation_n and_o on_o convince_a and_o necessary_a ground_n follow_v nor_o can_v we_o ever_o see_v such_o away_o have_v in_o any_o time_n be_v bless_v how_o favourable_a soever_o it_o may_v seem_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o some_o which_o have_v tend_v to_o perplex_v and_o precipitant_o to_o break_v a_o poor_a church_n and_o
how_o sad_a a_o mark_n be_v put_v thereon_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v be_v read_v judas_n vers_fw-la 19_o second_o though_o some_o seem_v too_o visible_o unconcern_v and_o in_o stead_n of_o be_v suitable_o affect_v to_o account_v this_o grow_a breach_n rather_o one_fw-mi ornament_n and_o matter_n of_o boast_v yet_o when_o serious_o consider_v of_o such_o import_n be_v it_o and_o that_o question_n anent_o church_n fellowship_n and_o communion_n as_o this_o may_v be_v true_o call_v articulus_fw-la stantis_fw-la &_o cadentis_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la and_o upon_o no_o less_o hazard_n now_o if_o grace_n do_v not_o marvellous_o prevent_v then_o the_o dissolution_n of_o a_o national_n church_n and_o be_v not_o that_o james_n 3._o 16._o write_v in_o great_a letter_n this_o day_n before_o we_o that_o where_o strife_n be_v there_o be_v confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n and_o that_o thus_o both_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v most_o visible_o obstruct_v three_o we_o must_v take_v no_o measure_n of_o present_a duty_n from_o the_o event_n but_o whatever_o proposal_n or_o essay_n shall_v be_v for_o any_o composure_n or_o heal_v now_o in_o the_o church_n i_o hope_v i_o may_v say_v it_o be_v no_o sinful_a tamper_n or_o with_o any_o cede_a or_o latitude_n in_o the_o least_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n but_o let_v truth_n still_o have_v the_o first_o place_n for_o i_o shall_v reckon_v any_o such_o peace_n with_o great_a terror_n which_o may_v cause_v a_o breach_n with_o god_n have_v salt_n in_o yourselves_o and_o peace_n one_o with_o another_o four_o it_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o the_o indulgence_n or_o the_o acceptance_n thereof_o by_o any_o of_o our_o brethren_n that_o be_v now_o the_o controversy_n among_o we_o nor_o be_v here_o touch_v further_o than_o a_o necessary_a oppose_a so_o strange_a and_o unjust_a inference_n as_o have_v be_v make_v thence_o to_o make_v this_o difference_n seem_v great_a than_o it_o be_v and_o for_o rent_v the_o poor_a church_n but_o it_o be_v know_v when_o that_o design_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v set_v on_o foot_n what_o suitable_a and_o serious_a freedom_n in_o the_o opportune_a season_n be_v use_v to_o prevent_v any_o divide_n among_o we_o and_o to_o keep_v of_o any_o concurrence_n therewith_o yet_o with_o that_o due_a and_o tender_a respect_n to_o there_o ministry_n with_o who_o we_o herein_o differ_v to_o prevent_v any_o public_a rent_n or_o breach_n and_o as_o we_o judge_v these_o most_o suitable_o consistent_a so_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o thought_n of_o such_o thing_n we_o now_o see_v and_o of_o such_o a_o spirit_n as_o be_v now_o aloft_o will_v have_v make_v our_o heart_n then_o tremble_v five_o i_o doubt_v not_o that_o this_o great_a duty_n will_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o if_o it_o have_v a_o suitable_a weight_n on_o we_o in_o such_o a_o day_n to_o adore_v the_o holy_a and_o spotless_a righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o what_o he_o have_v do_v and_o lie_v in_o the_o dust_n before_o he_o against_o who_o we_o have_v sin_v and_o be_v much_o in_o humble_a and_o serious_a selfjudging_a for_o we_o shall_v tremble_v either_o to_o justify_v or_o extenuate_v the_o sad_a declining_n which_o have_v be_v in_o our_o church_n in_o these_o late_a time_n from_o that_o first_o love_n tenderness_n and_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o his_o truth_n yea_o mourn_n that_o so_o sad_a a_o faint_a have_v be_v among_o we_o and_o despondency_n of_o spirit_n for_o such_o a_o suitable_a unite_v and_o solemn_a appearance_n as_o be_v call_v for_o in_o bear_v testimony_n against_o these_o invasion_n make_v on_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o bless_a master_n whilst_o many_o opportunity_n have_v be_v too_o visible_o lose_v of_o this_o great_a duty_n by_o we_o al._n six_o yet_o upon_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o must_v not_o shut_v our_o eye_n nor_o conceal_v such_o a_o ground_n of_o hope_n and_o token_n for_o good_a that_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o destroy_v but_o dwell_v in_o our_o land_n that_o he_o have_v accept_v a_o testimony_n by_o the_o suffering_n of_o his_o poor_a people_n even_o of_o all_o rank_n now_o for_o these_o year_n past_a who_o have_v cheerful_o endure_v with_o much_o long-suffering_a some_o unto_o death_n banishment_n imprisonment_n and_o the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n as_o i_o may_v adventure_v to_o say_v upon_o this_o account_n a_o great_a testimony_n have_v not_o be_v give_v to_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o truth_n in_o our_o church_n since_o the_o first_o begin_v reformation_n from_o popery_n yea_o that_o what_o ever_o be_v these_o sad_a deplorable_a difference_n now_o among_o we_o yet_o be_v they_o not_o state_v upon_o a_o public_a disow_n of_o any_o principle_n of_o truth_n either_o in_o doctrine_n worship_n or_o government_n and_o hope_n that_o many_o of_o these_o who_o be_v most_o severe_o reflect_v on_o by_o some_o will_v through_o grace_n if_o call_v to_o public_a confession_n of_o the_o glorious_a headship_n and_o supremacy_n of_o our_o bless_a head_n king_n and_o lawgiver_n to_o his_o church_n not_o account_v their_o life_n dear_a unto_o the_o death_n to_o be_v offer_v up_o as_o a_o sacrifice_n thereon_o wherein_o i_o judge_v as_o be_v meet_v and_o with_o more_o peace_n of_o mind_n now_o when_o i_o write_v this_o then_o to_o judge_v with_o that_o severity_n and_o peremptoriness_n which_o have_v be_v by_o some_o against_o their_o brethren_n and_o fellow-servant_n this_o day_n i_o shall_v but_o add_v that_o what_o be_v here_o touch_v have_v be_v with_o some_o desire_n and_o aim_v to_o keep_v a_o distance_n from_o any_o personal_a reflection_n or_o to_o provoke_v and_o give_v a_o thrust_n at_o the_o repute_n of_o any_o but_o oh_o if_o a_o deliver_v ourselves_o up_o to_o the_o truth_n be_v reckon_v to_o be_v the_o great_a victory_n and_o however_o provoke_v or_o injure_v yet_o by_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o their_o conscience_n in_o a_o humble_a tender_a and_o convince_a way_n to_o deal_v with_o such_o sure_o this_o shall_v be_v matter_n of_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o shut_n up_o of_o our_o day_n and_o not_o to_o have_v recompense_v evil_a with_o evil_n but_o to_o have_v thus_o endeavour_v the_o gain_v the_o soul_n of_o their_o brother_n by_o overcome_v evil_a with_o good_a have_v premit_v these_o i_o must_v touch_v alittle_o some_o ground_n lay_v down_o in_o that_o history_n of_o the_o indulgence_n for_o not_o hear_v of_o the_o indulge_v minister_n and_o such_o measure_n as_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v take_v for_o a_o stretch_v this_o difference_n so_o far_o as_o to_o break_v of_o church_n communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o these_o who_o yet_o they_o dare_v not_o but_o own_o as_o the_o messenger_n of_o christ_n to_o his_o church_n which_o i_o must_v say_v upon_o some_o serious_a reflection_n have_v be_v astonish_v to_o see_v so_o high_a a_o charge_n and_o argument_n adduce_v there_o and_o with_o such_o confidence_n follow_v which_o if_o fearch_v unto_o by_o any_o serious_a and_o unbiased_a reader_n may_v enforce_v they_o to_o see_v the_o conclusion_n will_v seem_v to_o have_v be_v establish_v before_o the_o premise_n though_o in_o this_o as_o to_o the_o tendency_n thereof_o and_o these_o sad_a and_o deplorable_a consequence_n that_o be_v like_a to_o follow_v i_o hope_v be_v neither_o design_v nor_o forseen_v by_o the_o author_n to_o who_o memory_n if_o such_o as_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v i_o do_v own_o great_a respect_n and_o to_o have_v no_o further_o reflection_n on_o what_o be_v there_o than_o the_o truth_n which_o must_v have_v preference_n to_o all_o indispensible_o require_v first_o we_o may_v see_v in_o stead_n of_o argument_n some_o high_a and_o confident_a assertion_n where_o i_o must_v say_v the_o enditement_n go_v above_o the_o evidence_n and_o that_o 1._o there_o be_v both_o one_fw-mi impose_v of_o a_o sense_n upon_o their_o brethren_n practice_n and_o a_o be_v judge_n also_o themselves_o and_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o these_o who_o have_v be_v know_v most_o averse_a from_o any_o acceptance_n of_o that_o indulgence_n yet_o can_v neither_o see_v nor_o admit_v but_o how_o hard_a be_v it_o in_o a_o divide_v time_n when_o all_o humour_n be_v so_o much_o aloft_o to_o censure_v without_o slander_n 2._o here_o be_v a_o press_v of_o that_o sense_n on_o this_o practice_n which_o themselves_o do_v with_o a_o profess_a abhorrence_n disow_v who_o candour_n and_o sincerity_n otherways_o in_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o religion_n i_o hope_v none_o dare_v debate_n and_o how_o sad_a be_v it_o when_o deduction_n and_o inference_n be_v rather_o force_v then_o find_v from_o the_o way_n of_o other_o and_o a_o design_n more_o to_o defame_v and_o make_v thing_n worse_o than_o they_o be_v to_o reclaim_v and_o to_o urge_v thing_n beyond_o
jesus_n christ_n and_o god_n the_o father_n so_o they_o will_v according_o acquit_v themselves_o and_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n testify_v for_o his_o right_n and_o ordinance_n against_o all_o invasion_n and_o that_o so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o the_o hard_a condition_n of_o the_o present_a time_n have_v engage_v they_o to_o a_o seem_a allowance_n of_o that_o of_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o purge_v themselves_o in_o the_o first_o place_n thus_o you_o see_v what_o be_v the_o declare_a judgement_n of_o that_o author_n in_o this_o present_a case_n yea_o how_o far_o he_o be_v a_o length_n herein_o and_o i_o hope_v non_fw-fr will_v question_v his_o speak_v his_o light_n and_o judgement_n in_o this_o sincere_o but_o that_o we_o may_v see_v different_a judgement_n and_o apprehension_n in_o this_o case_n shall_v not_o seem_v so_o strange_a now_o in_o the_o church_n nint_o but_o since_o so_o great_a a_o weight_n be_v lay_v on_o this_o that_o the_o indulge_v minister_n be_v in_o the_o same_o class_n and_o case_n with_o these_o who_o be_v prelatic_a yea_o seem_v rather_o to_o hold_v they_o out_o as_o worse_a i_o must_v now_o offer_fw-mi some_o few_o thing_n on_o this_o head_n for_o any_o discern_a reader_n to_o considere_fw-la 1._o how_o visible_o this_o have_v tend_v to_o a_o sad_a heighten_v the_o present_a breach_n that_o the_o just_a ground_n whereon_o we_o have_v keep_v such_o a_o distance_n from_o the_o hear_n of_o such_o have_v not_o be_v more_o weigh_v and_o understand_v and_o how_o these_o can_v give_v no_o possible_a warrant_n to_o make_v the_o same_o inference_n in_o this_o present_a controversy_n 2._o that_o the_o stretch_n of_o this_o by_o some_o to_o so_o great_a a_o height_n as_o to_o take_v argument_n hence_o for_o forbear_v to_o hear_v so_o many_o eminent_o godly_a and_o able_a non-conformed_n minister_n upon_o this_o head_n of_o the_o indulgence_n will_v true_o seem_v as_o if_o design_v rather_o to_o weaken_v its_o strength_n against_o the_o prelatic_a party_n and_o give_v such_o to_o sad_a one_fw-mi advantage_n against_o we_o in_o this_o day_n 3._o since_o it_o be_v not_o in_o thesi_fw-la or_o without_o a_o due_a consideration_n of_o these_o special_a ground_n and_o just_a concurrence_n of_o circumstance_n in_o the_o complex_fw-la case_n now_o of_o our_o church_n this_o can_v be_v understand_v for_o not_o hear_v of_o the_o curate_n but_o as_o such_o which_o in_o a_o special_a way_n must_v be_v state_v by_o itself_o for_o it_o may_v otherwise_o tend_v to_o a_o sad_a prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o public_a interest_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o run_v unaware_o on_o a_o very_a evident_a precipice_n i_o must_v therefore_o beseech_v and_o obtest_v that_o this_o may_v be_v more_o advert_v to_o and_o that_o we_o may_v know_v how_o suitable_o to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o our_o light_n and_o practice_v herein_o upon_o clear_a and_o evident_a ground_n for_o which_o i_o shall_v offer_v these_o 1._o that_o with_o the_o late_a erection_n of_o prelacy_n there_o be_v then_o no_o departure_n from_o any_o acknowledge_a union_n with_o such_o but_o a_o simple_a noncompliance_a and_o a_o public_a own_n and_o adhere_v to_o these_o faithful_a non-conformed_n minister_n under_o who_o they_o have_v be_v former_o say_v though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o not_o a_o few_o after_o when_o their_o heart_n be_v touch_v by_o the_o word_n fall_v more_o of_o from_o hear_v of_o such_o upon_o so_o discernible_a difference_n they_o find_v among_o they_o and_o the_o non_fw-fr conform_a minister_n 2._o that_o here_o be_v no_o dark_a or_o controvert_v case_n in_o our_o church_n as_o to_o the_o evil_a and_o dreadfulness_n of_o prelacy_n and_o of_o any_o accession_n to_o strengthen_v that_o interest_n but_o that_o wherein_o we_o be_v explicit_o swear_v to_o by_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n to_o endeavour_v in_o our_o several_a place_n and_o station_n the_o extirpation_n of_o and_o thus_o shall_v be_v press_v to_o keep_v at_o further_a distance_n from_o any_o tendency_n to_o strengthen_v the_o same_o yea_o while_o such_o severe_a act_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o council_n have_v be_v issue_v out_o there_o upon_o do_v make_v this_o the_o more_o a_o case_n of_o confession_n though_o they_o shall_v be_v easy_o satisfy_v this_o day_n if_o all_o shall_v forbear_v to_o hear_v the_o indulge_v 3._o that_o forbearance_n now_o to_o hear_v the_o curate_n be_v in_o a_o case_n wherein_o the_o previous_a cognition_n and_o authoritative_a judgement_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o general_a assembly_n thereof_o have_v by_o a_o judicial_a procedure_n be_v so_o express_a and_o full_a thereanent_a yea_o though_o not_o the_o same_o individual_a person_n yet_o in_o the_o very_a same_o case_n conformity_n to_o prelacy_n have_v be_v upon_o a_o clear_a public_a and_o judicial_a trial_n most_o solemn_o judge_v and_o sentence_v by_o the_o indicatories_n of_o our_o church_n which_o show_v the_o great_a disparity_n betwixt_o this_o and_o a_o few_o private_a person_n take_v on_o they_o to_o judge_v and_o sentence_v their_o brethren_n upon_o a_o practice_n under_o such_o debate_n this_o day_n among_o the_o most_o serious_o godly_a in_o the_o land_n yea_o this_o in_o express_a opposition_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o most_o of_o the_o nonconformist_n in_o our_o church_n 4._o this_o discernible_a difference_n be_v here_o also_o and_o may_v be_v convince_a to_o all_o as_o we_o be_v on_o all_o hand_n so_o full_o one_o in_o acknowledge_v of_o the_o truth_n as_o we_o can_v debate_v these_o sad_a difference_n among_o we_o upon_o common_a principle_n which_o be_v mutual_o consent_v to_o and_o do_v not_o divide_v in_o the_o same_o centre_n whilst_o by_o the_o conformist_n there_o be_v so_o public_a and_o profess_a among_o of_o prelacy_n as_o both_o there_o principle_n and_o practice_n be_v state_v in_o one_fw-mi express_v opposition_n 5._o it_o be_v undeniable_a likeways_o that_o the_o intrusion_n of_o most_o of_o such_o 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leu._n 19_o 19_o for_o if_o this_o say_v he_o shall_v be_v allow_v that_o i_o may_v unbrother_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o heart_n and_o fellowship_n every_o one_o who_o i_o offend_v at_o and_o conceive_v to_o walk_v inordinate_o be_v first_o a_o pathway_n to_o perpetual_a schism_n 2._o a_o violation_n of_o all_o law_n of_o christian_a fraternity_n and_o communion_n 3._o a_o dissolve_v and_o break_v all_o church_n communion_n and_o it_o be_v strange_a say_v he_o that_o some_o will_v have_v christ_n order_n keep_v in_o private_a offence_n do_v by_o one_o brother_n to_o another_o and_o not_o the_o same_o in_o public_a offence_n where_o one_o may_v offend_v a_o whole_a church_n iv._o ground_n this_o be_v a_o practice_n which_o be_v state_v against_o the_o very_a rule_n nature_n and_o end_n of_o church_n communion_n in_o fall_v of_o from_o hear_v upon_o that_o head_n of_o the_o indulgence_n which_o may_v be_v demonstrable_a to_o any_o on_o these_o ground_n 1._o that_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n the_o sin_n nor_o notorie_o of_o corruption_n in_o church_n office_n do_v not_o corrupt_a or_o defile_v the_o ordinance_n because_o these_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n otherways_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o necessary_a dependence_n on_o and_o be_v of_o more_o or_o less_o value_n according_a to_o the_o dispenser_n but_o i_o grant_v that_o may_v detract_v from_o our_o joy_n and_o comfort_n in_o partake_v thereof_o which_o yet_o do_v no_o way_n reach_v the_o validity_n of_o the_o ordinance_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v sure_a sad_a difference_n both_o in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o church_n may_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o that_o bless_a unity_n which_o christ_n do_v require_v there_o and_o with_o a_o keep_n of_o from_o partake_v of_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o 3._o that_o church_n act_v even_o of_o these_o who_o be_v not_o pastor_n according_a to_o god_n heart_n though_o external_o call_v may_v be_v to_o themselves_o unprofitable_a and_o 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thus_o far_o desert_v and_o no_o ground_n to_o know_v where_o they_o may_v fix_v after_o but_o we_o have_v to_o visible_a one_fw-mi account_v this_o day_n where_o this_o sad_a course_n have_v already_o land_v v._o ground_n that_o be_v sad_a a_o and_o unwarrantable_a practice_n which_o tend_v to_o cause_v division_n in_o the_o church_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n we_o have_v receive_v rom._n 15._o which_o i_o be_o sure_a may_v be_v to_o evident_a pretend_v any_o to_o the_o contrary_n what_o they_o will_v upon_o these_o ground_n 1._o that_o whatever_o be_v the_o first_o rise_v or_o occasion_n of_o the_o offence_n can_v be_v own_v as_o the_o proper_a cause_n of_o such_o a_o form_v rend_v as_o this_o now_o be_v since_o most_o sad_a offence_n have_v be_v without_o any_o such_o effect_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v more_o upon_o practice_n then_o on_o any_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o kill_n of_o a_o patient_a by_o poison_n through_o mistake_n of_o the_o true_a medicine_n can_v never_o be_v charge_v on_o this_o that_o the_o body_n be_v before_o in_o a_o sad_a distemper_n nor_o a_o misapplication_n of_o the_o mean_n to_o cure_v a_o wound_n when_o it_o have_v cause_v a_o gangrene_n in_o the_o body_n be_v just_o charge_v on_o the_o first_o give_v of_o the_o wound_n since_o this_o otherways_o may_v have_v be_v safe_o heal_v 2._o we_o know_v that_o for_o several_a year_n after_o that_o accept_n of_o the_o indulgence_n that_o difference_n both_o in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n among_o we_o yet_o do_v cause_n no_o such_o effect_n but_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v then_o must_v discernible_o prosper_v until_o such_o violent_a essay_n these_o two_o year_n now_o past_a have_v be_v for_o bring_v thing_n to_o such_o one_fw-mi extreme_a and_o oh_o from_o that_o sad_a period_n may_v be_v too_o discernible_o date_v some_o further_a degree_n of_o the_o lord_n departure_n from_o among_o we_o and_o these_o deplorable_a effect_n of_o much_o blood_n devastation_n reproach_n weaken_v of_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n strengthen_v of_o the_o hand_n of_o adversary_n beyond_o all_o that_o have_v be_v in_o former_a time_n and_o which_o have_v increase_v our_o bond_n more_o than_o all_o our_o adversary_n can_v ever_o do_v 3._o if_o so_o severe_a a_o stretch_n of_o this_o late_a difference_n and_o load_v of_o the_o practice_n of_o other_o with_o that_o which_o it_o can_v not_o bear_v if_o a_o carnal_a and_o violent_a way_n of_o follow_v this_o debate_n a_o high_a cry_v up_o of_o such_o in_o who_o their_o own_o image_n more_o than_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n do_v appear_v and_o peremptory_a impose_v their_o judgement_n without_o the_o least_o tender_a condescendence_n to_o these_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o do_v necessary_o tend_v to_o engender_v division_n in_o the_o church_n and_o have_v one_fw-mi undoubted_a causality_n from_o the_o very_a nature_n thereof_o to_o this_o end_n than_o it_o may_v be_v know_v yea_o i_o dare_v appeal_v any_o discern_a christian_a in_o the_o church_n at_o who_o door_n this_o must_v be_v lay_v and_o who_o have_v most_o active_o move_v to_o put_v the_o poor_a church_n in_o such_o a_o flame_n and_o this_o not_o upon_o any_o principle_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v on_o either_o side_n disow_v but_o upon_o controvert_v deduction_n from_o a_o different_a practice_n and_o application_n thereof_o this_o may_v be_v no_o less_o amaze_a than_o it_o be_v sad_a that_o the_o way_n of_o some_o now_o seem_v more_o how_o to_o dispatch_v thing_n by_o censure_n and_o revile_n then_o by_o argument_n and_o by_o high_a word_n and_o invective_n to_o exulcerate_v more_o than_o rational_o to_o convince_v but_o a_o sharp_a censurer_n and_o a_o self_n searcher_n do_v rare_o meet_v in_o one_o though_o none_o more_o usual_o need_v the_o tender_a construction_n of_o
other_o than_o such_o this_o have_v be_v to_o know_v a_o evil_a in_o our_o church_n vi_o ground_n this_o practice_n seem_v one_fw-mi express_a violation_n &_o breach_n of_o covenant_n wherein_o we_o be_v so_o solemn_o engage_v before_o the_o lord_n which_o i_o know_v not_o how_o any_o possible_o can_v evade_v when_o we_o be_v no_o less_o solemn_o engage_v there_o against_o schism_n then_o either_o prelacy_n or_o erastianisme_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o one_fw-mi unwarrantable_a schism_n and_o rent_v of_o the_o church_n i_o know_v no_o such_o charge_n can_v have_v be_v give_v against_o any_o since_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o that_o on_o these_o ground_n 1._o that_o by_o schism_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v a_o divide_v from_o the_o doctrine_n but_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o it_o tend_v to_o a_o disyoint_v from_o the_o body_n thus_o we_o find_v even_o in_o the_o most_o pure_a time_n of_o the_o church_n these_o put_v in_o a_o peculiar_a class_n and_o look_v on_o with_o no_o less_o dread_a and_o fear_n as_o such_o who_o do_v oppose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v but_o to_o manifest_v that_o in_o all_o time_n the_o most_o destroy_a error_n have_v be_v still_o graft_v on_o this_o stock_n whilst_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o more_o near_a fellowship_n with_o our_o bless_a head_n be_v keep_v up_o and_o where_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v much_o in_o exercise_n the_o more_o have_v this_o sad_a rock_n be_v keep_v of_o as_o the_o more_o near_o the_o line_n be_v to_o the_o centre_n the_o more_o near_o be_v they_o and_o close_o to_o one_o another_o 2._o it_o be_v clear_a also_o from_o the_o apostle_n deal_v with_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o about_o which_o he_o use_v such_o sharpness_n that_o they_o take_v a_o divide_a way_n of_o communicate_v and_o go_v about_o other_o duty_n as_o tend_v to_o make_v a_o breach_n and_o schism_n then_o in_o that_o church_n whatever_o give_v the_o rise_n thereto_o se_fw-la 1_o cor._n 11_o 18_o 19_o yea_o do_v thus_o rebuke_v they_o not_o only_o that_o some_o say_v they_o be_v of_o paul_n and_o other_o of_o apollo_n but_o even_o these_o that_o say_v they_o be_v of_o christ_n so_o far_o as_o this_o upon_o the_o manner_n be_v in_o a_o contentious_a and_o divide_a way_n since_o of_o he_o and_o he_o alone_o must_v the_o whole_a church_n be_v name_v 3._o it_o have_v not_o hitherto_o be_v under_o debate_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n thereannent_fw-fr to_o be_v one_fw-mi unquestionable_a schism_n where_o there_o be_v a_o departure_n from_o that_o union_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o which_o they_o have_v former_o walk_v and_o thus_o a_o divide_v and_o design_v fall_v off_o from_o the_o same_o without_o any_o just_a cause_n or_o warrant_v from_o the_o scripture_n to_o a_o public_a disturbance_n of_o that_o order_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o house_n yea_o contrary_a to_o that_o command_v love_n tenderness_n prudence_n and_o forbearance_n so_o express_o require_v of_o church_n member_n towards_o one_o one_fw-mi other_o and_o to_o his_o bless_a authority_n who_o have_v so_o clear_o warrant_v such_o a_o forbear_n with_o these_o as_o in_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v contrary_a mind_a upon_o different_a apprehension_n of_o the_o truth_n so_o far_o as_o both_o love_n among_o themselves_o the_o public_a peace_n of_o the_o church_n may_v not_o be_v thus_o disturb_v it_o be_v sure_a the_o choice_a of_o the_o saint_n do_v carry_v to_o heaven_n with_o they_o both_o error_n mistake_n and_o prophesy_v in_o part_n and_o some_o overcloud_v must_v still_o be_v of_o the_o bright_a stair_n while_o they_o shine_v here_o oh_o if_o that_o now_o which_o be_v the_o present_a cause_n of_o these_o difference_n be_v but_o once_o bring_v to_o that_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n shall_v it_o not_o enforce_v many_o to_o be_v a_o wonder_n to_o themselves_o at_o the_o strange_a way_n they_o have_v be_v upon_o and_o whether_o they_o have_v be_v carry_v in_o this_o deplorable_a rent_n of_o who_o seriousness_n otherwise_o i_o do_v not_o question_v vii_o ground_n this_o be_v a_o practice_n contrary_a to_o most_o express_a scripture_n command_v for_o forbearance_n and_o condescendence_n among_o the_o godly_a in_o break_v time_n which_o we_o may_v not_o only_o see_v rom._n 14_o 3_o 4_o 5._o eph._n 4_o 2_o 3_o 4._o 1_o cor._n 9_o 19_o 20._o but_o that_o it_o be_v for_o this_o end_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v enjoin_v the_o same_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o breach_n or_o rend_v in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n about_o which_o he_o have_v so_o tender_a a_o care_n and_o be_v such_o a_o forbearance_n as_o we_o find_v express_o command_v in_o this_o very_a case_n upon_o a_o controvert_v practice_n of_o the_o church_n and_o difference_n of_o judgement_n therein_o whatever_o upon_o the_o one_o side_n may_v be_v more_o culpable_a 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lawful_a or_o approve_v what_o they_o judge_v sinful_a in_o the_o way_n of_o other_o and_o if_o this_o be_v deny_v i_o will_v desire_v then_o to_o know_v what_o sinful_a compliance_n or_o yield_v in_o any_o concern_n of_o the_o truth_n can_v be_v herein_o challenge_v or_o if_o such_o a_o suitable_a essay_n hash_fw-mi yet_o be_v for_o a_o tender_a serious_a commune_n with_o such_o they_o keep_v so_o great_a a_o distance_n with_o to_o meet_v and_o concur_v in_o what_o be_v uncontroverted_a duty_n in_o such_o a_o day_n but_o oh_o the_o temper_n of_o this_o time_n seem_v more_o now_o in_o passion_n than_o argument_n which_o be_v so_o natural_a and_o please_a a_o evil_a as_o the_o most_o express_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o like_a to_o restrain_v i_o must_v add_v this_o further_a to_o be_v consider_v if_o such_o a_o departure_n from_o church_n fellowship_n shall_v be_v admitdon_v this_o head_n of_o the_o late_a indulgence_n and_o the_o discretive_a judgement_n of_o any_o which_o can_v only_o be_v pretend_v here_o stretch_v to_o such_o a_o hight_v as_o without_o the_o church_n to_o impose_v this_o which_o be_v of_o so_o public_a and_o universal_a concern_v on_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o people_n these_o consequence_n of_o great_a import_n must_v need_v follow_v 1._o to_o break_v up_o church_n fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o most_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n this_o day_n yea_o be_v a_o case_n and_o practice_n under_o these_o circumstance_n it_o be_v now_o state_v as_o will_v find_v no_o precedent_n even_o from_o such_o who_o have_v former_o most_v plead_v for_o separation_n who_o do_v never_o own_o this_o on_o any_o such_o ground_n as_o a_o different_a practice_n upon_o various_a apprehension_n thereof_o among_o such_o who_o be_v most_o entire_o one_o in_o the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n 2._o this_o also_o must_v follow_v to_o withdrauw_v from_o fellowship_n in_o hear_v of_o the_o most_o choice_a and_o eminent_a nonconform_a minister_n now_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o liberty_n they_o have_v for_o a_o peaceable_a access_n to_o their_o public_a meeting_n some_o year_n now_o past_a be_v of_o that_o same_o nature_n and_o in_o all_o be_v express_a term_n one_o with_o this_o indulgence_n yea_o it_o must_v necessary_o tend_v like_o way_n to_o fall_v of_o communion_n in_o public_a with_o the_o whole_a ministry_n of_o the_o belgic_a church_n which_o to_o the_o further_a conviction_n of_o any_o who_o will_v question_v this_o can_v be_v demonstrat_fw-la on_o clear_a ground_n 3._o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o evident_o contrair_a then_o this_o practice_n be_v to_o the_o know_a judgement_n of_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n yea_o of_o such_o who_o have_v be_v most_o eminent_a both_o in_o the_o church_n of_o old_a and_o new-england_n of_o
hear_v and_o join_v in_o the_o public_a ordinance_n know_v not_o where_o to_o find_v themselves_o or_o to_o be_v in_o one_o measure_n in_o such_o a_o case_n i_o desire_v to_o speak_v this_o with_o a_o tender_a respect_n to_o such_o who_o i_o dare_v not_o question_n have_v have_v a_o serious_a regard_n to_o the_o truth_n yet_o have_v not_o be_v aware_a of_o the_o subtlety_n of_o this_o snare_n and_o with_o hope_n that_o upon_o serious_a after_o thought_n some_o more_o fix_a unite_n both_o in_o judgement_n and_o heart_n may_v yet_o follow_v among_o all_o who_o be_v indeed_o lover_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o our_o church_n with_o some_o more_o suitable_a fear_n to_o dash_v again_o on_o such_o a_o rock_n yea_o to_o see_v how_o true_a and_o sweet_a a_o consistence_n may_v be_v betwixt_o zeal_n and_o fervency_n for_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o humble_a fear_n and_o tenderness_n in_o our_o private_a judgement_n in_o such_o a_o difference_n as_o this_o where_o on_o no_o side_n the_o truth_n be_v deny_v so_o as_o to_o keep_v of_o any_o public_a rent_n in_o the_o church_n quest_n iv._o which_o may_v be_v yet_o needful_a to_o touch_v on_o these_o late_a public_a difference_n if_o it_o be_v either_o matter_n of_o duty_n or_o expedient_a and_o for_o edification_n to_o bring_v these_o in_o public_a and_o engage_v the_o people_n therein_o and_o if_o some_o forbearance_n thus_o by_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o in_o such_o a_o time_n and_o under_o these_o circumstance_n we_o stand_v call_v for_o for_o clear_v of_o which_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v no_o debate_n upon_o that_o great_a duty_n of_o a_o faithful_a and_o free_a wairn_a against_o public_a sin_n and_o though_o with_o a_o suitable_a prudence_n yet_o impartial_o to_o apply_v the_o rule_n against_o they_o and_o to_o show_v both_o the_o duty_n and_o danger_n of_o the_o time_n but_o i_o humble_o judge_v no_o justle_n will_v be_v find_v here_o with_o a_o tender_a abstinence_n and_o forbearance_n in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o where_o a_o different_a judgement_n and_o practice_n be_v now_o among_o the_o most_o serious_a godly_a and_o faithful_a minister_n in_o our_o church_n who_o yet_o do_v so_o joint_o concur_v and_o be_v one_o in_o the_o same_o truth_n upon_o these_o ground_n 1._o that_o this_o can_v not_o be_v plead_v as_o a_o public_a testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o thus_o reflect_v on_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o brethren_n with_o who_o they_o differ_v on_o who_o no_o disow_a or_o oppose_v of_o the_o same_o without_o the_o further_a breach_n of_o charity_n can_v be_v thus_o fix_v nor_o be_v this_o before_o any_o such_o as_o be_v the_o know_v and_o public_a adversary_n thereto_o or_o upon_o any_o visible_a hazard_n luke_n 21_o 12._o when_o you_o shall_v be_v bring_v before_o king_n and_o ruler_n for_o my_o name_n sake_n this_o shall_v turn_v to_o you_o for_o a_o testimony_n but_o i_o must_v say_v the_o tendency_n of_o such_o ordinare_fw-la and_o public_a reflection_n be_v rather_o like_a to_o darken_v the_o credit_n and_o beauty_n of_o so_o great_a and_o honourable_a a_o appearance_n as_o a_o testimony_n indeed_o for_o the_o truth_n be_v and_o if_o these_o necessare_fw-la requisite_n thereto_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n be_v this_o day_n more_o understand_v there_o can_v not_o be_v so_o ordinare_fw-la a_o pretend_v of_o this_o 2._o i_o will_v know_v wherein_o this_o way_n be_v useful_a or_o expedient_a to_o most_o of_o hearer_n who_o can_v so_o little_a judge_n on_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v indeed_o call_v to_o declare_v the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n acts._n 20_o 27._o but_o this_o be_v most_o evident_o qualify_v by_o the_o same_o apostle_n verse_n 20._o that_o he_o keep_v nothing_o back_o hereof_o which_o may_v be_v profitable_a for_o they_o and_o thus_o express_o show_v what_o bound_n minister_n have_v set_v herein_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o their_o deliver_n of_o the_o message_n of_o god_n to_o his_o church_n that_o it_o be_v 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before_o the_o church_n so_o high_a a_o charge_n of_o erastianisme_n and_o defection_n from_o the_o truth_n against_o these_o their_o brethren_n who_o be_v thus_o as_o express_o point_v at_o as_o they_o be_v name_v since_o it_o be_v sure_a there_o can_v be_v no_o public_a rebuke_n and_o admonition_n before_o the_o people_n as_o this_o most_o evident_o be_v but_o as_o a_o public_a church_n censure_n and_o juridical_a act_n of_o discipline_n yea_o which_o be_v no_o less_o manifest_a than_o that_o of_o excommunication_n and_o if_o so_o public_a a_o violation_n of_o that_o order_n which_o our_o bless_a head_n have_v express_o fix_v for_o his_o church_n be_v so_o light_o regard_v where_o be_v we_o nor_o can_v this_o be_v pretend_v as_o a_o doctrinal_a reproof_n which_o be_v such_o a_o apply_v of_o the_o rule_n against_o sin_n of_o the_o time_n must_v as_o still_o leave_v the_o particular_a application_n thereof_o to_o their_o own_o conscience_n who_o be_v thus_o guilty_a without_o any_o express_a design_v of_o particular_a person_n where_o no_o judicial_a procedure_n and_o conviction_n by_o the_o church_n hes_z go_v before_o but_o here_o be_v a_o most_o public_a and_o express_a fix_v of_o so_o sad_a a_o scandal_n even_o before_o the_o church_n against_o so_o many_o particular_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o be_v still_o labour_v in_o the_o vineyard_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o if_o they_o be_v design_v by_o name_n 5._o and_o be_v not_o these_o unquestionable_a requisite_n for_o a_o public_a reproof_n not_o only_o their_o call_n thereto_o that_o it_o be_v orderly_o and_o upon_o clear_a evidence_n but_o that_o this_o be_v not_o expose_v to_o any_o prejudicate_a exception_n from_o their_o way_n who_o do_v thus_o reprove_v which_o may_v be_v on_o too_o just_a ground_n fear_v this_o day_n that_o some_o have_v put_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o further_a capacity_n to_o edify_v by_o any_o such_o mean_a from_o their_o own_o unsuitable_a manage_n hereof_o 6_o what_o if_o these_o who_o be_v thus_o so_o open_o reflect_v upon_o shall_v take_v the_o same_o freedom_n for_o public_a contradiction_n wherein_o will_v this_o quickly_a resolve_n but_o a_o further_a grow_a scandal_n to_o ruin_v the_o church_n and_o make_v way_n for_o the_o endless_a debating_n which_o as_o the_o apostle_n show_v do_v rather_o engender_v question_n then_o any_o godly_a edify_n in_o the_o faith_n we_o know_v the_o apostle_n paul_n withstand_v peter_n to_o the_o face_n but_o it_o be_v observable_a on_o what_o ground_n it_o be_v state_v that_o when_o peter_n know_v the_o difference_n then_o among_o these_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n who_o believe_v be_v such_o as_o shall_v cause_v no_o rent_n or_o divide_v thereon_o yet_o to_o please_v the_o jew_n have_v withdraw_v and_o separat_fw-la from_o fellowship_n with_o the_o believe_a gentile_n yea_o that_o this_o rent_n be_v like_a to_o grow_v so_o as_o barnabas_n also_o be_v draw_v into_o the_o same_o dissimulation_n and_o thus_o a_o sad_a and_o ruine_v breach_n like_o to_o follow_v 7._o shall_v we_o not_o be_v to_o the_o further_a tender_n of_o unsettle_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o people_n when_o so_o much_o already_o shake_v and_o in_o that_o manner_n now_o rack_v and_o toss_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n as_o many_o be_v like_a to_o loss_n all_o persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n yea_o when_o it_o be_v so_o hard_a and_o all_o most_o impossible_a to_o keep_v some_o within_o any_o bound_n and_o while_o thus_o the_o triumph_n of_o adversary_n and_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o ungodly_a upon_o such_o strange_a reflection_n bring_v in_o public_a do_v visible_o gain_v ground_n and_o what_o interest_n can_v be_v thus_o pretend_v for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o so_o public_a a_o go_n to_o law_n with_o their_o
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
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 religion_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n only_o which_o indispensible_o require_v truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o the_o heart_n herein_o and_o that_o the_o conformity_n of_o our_o duty_n on_o the_o matter_n to_o the_o rule_n be_v not_o enough_o without_o a_o serious_a respect_n to_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o act_n that_o it_o be_v in_o faith_n and_o from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v so_o essential_a a_o requisite_a thereto_o yea_o that_o this_o be_v so_o frame_v as_o to_o correspond_v with_o the_o inward_a man_n to_o exerce_fw-la a_o authority_n over_o the_o conscience_n and_o our_o most_o retire_a thought_n all_o be_v well_o as_o act_n and_o to_o put_v shame_n and_o terror_n on_o such_o who_o glory_v be_v in_o appearance_n bot_n not_o in_o heart_n 5._o you_o know_v likeways_o that_o the_o most_o select_a society_n of_o such_o who_o ever_o yet_o profess_v the_o truth_n and_o since_o there_o have_v be_v a_o church_n on_o the_o earth_n do_v never_o want_v a_o sad_a mixture_n yea_o these_o feu_fw-fr choised_a disciply_n of_o our_o bless_a master_n be_v not_o only_o with_o a_o judas_n but_o a_o fall_a peter_n and_o a_o misbelieve_a thomasâ—mong_n â—mong_z they_o and_o shall_v this_o have_v be_v a_o ground_n then_o for_o prejudice_n at_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n in_o its_o first_o daw_v when_o by_o such_o a_o constitution_n our_o great_a master_n will_v have_v it_o know_v what_o his_o church_n whilst_o here_o upon_o the_o earth_n will_v be_v even_o in_o the_o pure_a time_n thereof_o 6._o will_v you_o not_o allow_v that_o measure_n which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n the_o christian_n do_v require_v of_o their_o heathen_a adversary_n upon_o any_o public_a offence_n which_o be_v then_o object_v to_o they_o to_o give_v but_o that_o allovance_n which_o they_o do_v to_o their_o philosopher_n and_o such_o as_o profess_v moral_a virtue_n among_o they_o which_o be_v not_o to_o charge_v the_o corruption_n and_o offence_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o on_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o profession_n whilst_o you_o have_v these_o further_a enforcement_n of_o this_o that_o you_o know_v upon_o your_o own_o conscience_n what_o a_o sore_a burden_n and_o grief_n these_o be_v to_o such_o who_o be_v tender_a and_o sincere_a in_o follow_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o how_o evident_a their_o discountenance_n of_o any_o such_o appearance_n be_v yea_o may_v not_o the_o establishment_n of_o church_n discipline_n and_o censure_n with_o such_o express_a rule_n herein_o by_o our_o bless_a head_n convince_v and_o silence_v these_o who_o reproach_n 7._o let_v some_o who_o pretend_v most_o to_o stumble_v on_o such_o a_o account_n speak_v but_o their_o own_o heart_n if_o these_o be_v not_o much_o more_o their_o trouble_n and_o torment_n who_o walk_n do_v most_o convince_o tend_v to_o adorn_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o sincere_a and_o serious_a embracement_n of_o the_o truth_n hes_z be_v with_o such_o visible_a outward_a disadvantage_n and_o no_o private_a interest_n to_o sway_v they_o herein_o as_o they_o be_v enforce_v to_o see_v this_o for_o none_o possible_o can_v conceive_v how_o this_o shall_v be_v on_o any_o other_o ground_n than_o the_o know_a power_n and_o certainty_n thereof_o on_o their_o soul_n 8._o be_v not_o such_o who_o way_n be_v thus_o the_o ground_n of_o your_o challenge_n most_o visible_o condemn_v by_o their_o own_o avove_v principle_n yea_o what_o ever_o essay_n have_v be_v to_o personat_fw-la serious_a godliness_n by_o a_o false_a show_n yet_o be_v it_o not_o most_o convince_a even_o to_o such_o as_o look_v but_o at_o a_o distance_n that_o native_a lustre_n self_n evidence_v light_n with_o that_o sweet_a savour_n and_o efficacy_n which_o accompany_v the_o same_o as_o no_o possible_a invention_n or_o art_n can_v ever_o reach_v no_o more_o then_o to_o make_v a_o dead_a picture_n live_v oh_o that_o such_o a_o day_n of_o reproach_n as_o this_o and_o that_o sad_a woe_n the_o world_n be_v so_o unsensible_a of_o because_o of_o offence_n may_v more_o suitable_o affect_v our_o heart_n and_o that_o it_o be_v with_o so_o visible_a adecline_v â—ow_o in_o the_o church_n and_o man_n grove_v weary_a of_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o truth_n these_o sweet_a path_n and_o footstep_n of_o serious_a godliness_n love_n and_o zeal_n for_o god_n self_n denial_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n seem_v to_o be_v all_o most_o overgrow_a and_o wear_v out_o among_o many_o professor_n in_o this_o age_n 5._o ground_n that_o i_o fear_v some_o may_v be_v ready_a this_o day_n to_o break_v and_o stumble_v on_o be_v these_o high_a pretence_n of_o zeal_n and_o fervency_n for_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o way_n of_o so_o i_o as_o will_v seem_v most_o visible_o to_o cross_v and_o interfere_v with_o the_o most_o know_a principle_n of_o christian_a prudence_n yea_o that_o due_a necessary_a use_n of_o man_n reason_n which_o the_o scripture_n do_v so_o indispensible_o require_v answ_n though_o the_o zeal_n of_o god_n and_o faithfulness_n for_o his_o interest_n even_o with_o the_o most_o convince_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o to_o man_n conscience_n be_v that_o which_o the_o world_n can_v bear_v yet_o i_o hope_v these_o thing_n when_o serious_o consider_v may_v silence_v any_o public_a reflection_n herein_o 1._o that_o the_o great_a want_n which_o may_v be_v now_o matter_n of_o grief_n in_o all_o the_o church_n be_v that_o of_o pure_a zeal_n and_o love_n to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o of_o such_o a_o spirit_n to_o follow_v the_o lord_n full_o and_o oh_o our_o fall_n have_v be_v too_o great_a and_o universal_a from_o that_o first_o love_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o shine_v and_o burn_v in_o these_o who_o profess_v the_o truth_n to_o be_v hide_v this_o day_n and_o seem_v one_o of_o the_o sad_a presage_n of_o a_o dark_a night_n yet_o come_v on_o when_o with_o a_o continue_a light_n the_o heat_n and_o power_n thereof_o be_v so_o far_o go_v 2._o but_o to_o silence_v any_o such_o reflection_n it_o may_v be_v demonstrable_a to_o the_o further_a that_o the_o true_a and_o native_a tendence_n of_o the_o zeal_n of_o god_n and_o fervency_n in_o his_o work_n can_v cause_v no_o break_v or_o disorder_n nor_o have_v any_o irregular_a violent_a motion_n or_o scorch_a heat_n therewith_o but_o where_o ever_o this_o most_o bright_o shine_v there_o also_o do_v a_o humble_a tender_a condescendence_n to_o convince_v and_o gain_v most_o evident_o appear_v how_o by_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o man_n conscience_n to_o prevent_v any_o ground_n may_v be_v thus_o take_v of_o offence_n who_o be_v offend_v and_o i_o burn_v not_o be_v the_o temper_n of_o that_o bless_a man_n spirit_n when_o he_o be_v burn_v in_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o thus_o carry_v he_o out_o that_o he_o may_v be_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o that_o he_o may_v gain_v some_o for_o such_o shall_v be_v the_o great_a acrimony_n and_o sharpness_n of_o these_o who_o shall_v be_v the_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o it_o may_v always_o tend_v to_o season_n to_o preserve_v and_o recover_v and_o not_o to_o destroy_v 3._o and_o be_v not_o christian_a wisdom_n and_o prudence_n a_o piece_n of_o our_o sanctification_n and_o a_o true_a and_o native_a result_n of_o pure_a zeal_n and_o love_n to_o christ_n â—…o_o as_o the_o more_o a_o christian_n the_o more_o tender_a thus_o to_o keep_v by_o the_o rule_n and_o to_o walk_v circumspect_o not_o as_o fool_n but_o as_o wise_a and_o be_v not_o man_n folly_n still_o a_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o corruption_n nor_o can_v the_o truth_n of_o godliness_n be_v vigorous_o exert_v botto_o far_o it_o will_v cause_v also_o snch_v a_o sweet_a composure_n and_o even_o temper_n of_o spirit_n as_o to_o watch_v with_o a_o equal_a advertance_n to_o extreme_n upon_o
of_o any_o advantage_n herein_o and_o that_o where_o such_o a_o poisenous_a cloud_n of_o prejudice_n intervene_v and_o a_o prejudicate_v impression_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o of_o serious_a godliness_n be_v the_o glass_n there_o can_v but_o be_v very_o sad_a reflection_n thereon_o i_o must_v yet_o crave_v leave_n in_o a_o few_o word_n as_o a_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o for_o a_o just_a vindication_n offer_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v by_o the_o conscience_n of_o our_o great_a adversary_n herein_o 1._o that_o we_o shall_v seek_v no_o great_a favour_n but_o that_o upon_o clear_a evidence_n from_o the_o trial_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n which_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o render_v to_o all_o that_o ask_v there_o may_v be_v such_o free_a access_n to_o a_o public_a and_o serious_a reason_n herein_o as_o that_o the_o truth_n may_v be_v hear_v for_o itself_o judge_v it_o no_o less_o our_o concern_n to_o convince_v man_n judgement_n for_o commend_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o their_o conscience_n then_o to_o engage_v the_o affection_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v in_o no_o new_a or_o strange_a case_n we_o be_v now_o state_v and_o do_v own_o no_o other_o judgement_n and_o principle_n this_o day_n then_o what_o be_v express_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o most_o pure_o reform_a church_n of_o christ_n since_o the_o reformation_n and_o be_v that_o good_a and_o old_a way_n and_o the_o same_o truth_n for_o which_o our_o worthy_a predecessor_n do_v by_o their_o wrestle_a prayer_n and_o suffering_n so_o vigorous_o contend_v yea_o wherein_o so_o innumerable_a a_o company_n of_o most_o serious_a solid_a and_o tender_a christian_n have_v be_v seal_v and_o find_v such_o abound_a comfort_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n upon_o their_o suffering_n and_o testimony_n upon_o the_o same_o 3._o that_o it_o be_v no_o private_a interest_n or_o for_o our_o own_o thing_n no_o temporal_a honour_n greatness_n or_o riches_n in_o this_o world_n that_o such_o sore_a wrestle_n by_o the_o godly_a in_o our_o church_n have_v be_v which_o i_o hope_v may_v now_o have_v some_o conviction_n and_o witness_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o our_o adversary_n and_o how_o such_o have_v not_o want_v a_o very_a obvious_a and_o allure_a bait_n this_o way_n may_v be_v easy_a to_o judge_v if_o some_o great_a interest_n do_v not_o preponder_v at_o of_o be_v to_o dear_a a_o purchase_n at_o so_o sad_a a_o rate_n of_o unfaithfulness_n to_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o master_n in_o his_o truth_n 4._o that_o it_o have_v be_v no_o matter_n of_o indifference_n or_o any_o small_a and_o trivial_a interest_n such_o have_v be_v concern_v in_o these_o late_a trial_n to_o appear_v for_o bot_n for_o the_o law_n and_o interest_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o right_n and_o liberty_n his_o kingdom_n which_o after_o some_o bless_a and_o comfortable_a possession_n so_o long_o yea_o with_o the_o further_a concurrence_n of_o the_o civil_a law_n herein_o we_o shall_v reckon_v as_o our_o birth_n right_a and_o inheritance_n whatever_o sad_a short_a come_n have_v be_v by_o all_o in_o that_o measure_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o father_n thereto_o against_o such_o invasion_n on_o so_o great_a a_o interest_n as_o have_v be_v in_o these_o time_n 5._o we_o have_v confidence_n to_o say_v that_o we_o own_v no_o doctrine_n or_o principle_n but_o what_o tend_v to_o give_v all_o due_a respect_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o magistrate_n without_o detract_n from_o his_o just_a right_n and_o power_n bot_n to_o give_v unto_o cesar_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n yea_o without_o the_o least_o deny_v to_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n whatever_o with_o any_o scripture_n warrant_v we_o may_v allow_v of_o a_o external_a objectively_o ecclesiastic_a power_n such_o as_o be_v cumulative_a for_o the_o truth_n not_o against_o it_o bot_n that_o he_o can_v have_v no_o power_n formal_o ecclesiastic_a and_o what_o be_v pure_o spiritual_a or_o any_o immediate_a power_n of_o cognition_n in_o matter_n simple_o ecclesiastic_a antecedent_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v so_o incompatible_a with_o the_o order_n and_o government_n establish_v by_o he_o who_o be_v the_o alone_a head_n and_o lawgiver_n to_o his_o own_o house_n who_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n 6._o we_o may_v say_v with_o a_o humble_a appeal_n to_o their_o conscience_n who_o do_v most_o reproach_n that_o it_o be_v for_o no_o pre-eminence_n or_o to_o be_v lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n or_o own_v any_o power_n bot_n what_o be_v ministerial_a to_o declare_v and_o execute_v our_o master_n will_v and_o such_o a_o power_n which_o have_v the_o inward_a man_n for_o its_o proper_a object_n and_o the_o true_a edification_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n for_o its_o peculiar_a end_n wherein_o we_o own_o a_o special_a regard_n to_o be_v have_v in_o the_o whole_a exercise_n and_o application_n thereof_o and_o in_o deal_v with_o the_o conscience_n of_o gainsayer_n that_o it_o be_v with_o great_a tenderness_n and_o christian_a prudence_n such_o as_o may_v most_o tend_v to_o edify_v and_o gain_v upon_o their_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o be_v private_a essay_n express_o appoint_v to_o go_v before_o a_o public_a and_o judicial_a procedure_n and_o if_o any_o just_a ground_n of_o offence_n have_v be_v give_v in_o the_o excess_n of_o some_o this_o way_n let_v it_o cause_v no_o reflection_n on_o that_o bless_a and_o beautiful_a order_n in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n appoint_v by_o himself_o yea_o which_o with_o grief_n upon_o any_o convince_a evident_a thereof_o we_o shall_v to_o the_o further_a dissown_n 7._o it_o be_v evident_a that_o these_o sacred_a tie_n of_o our_o oath_n and_o covenant_n with_o god_n we_o be_v so_o solemn_o engage_v in_o contain_v no_o other_o duty_n or_o obligation_n than_o what_o the_o scripture_n indispensible_o oblige_v to_o and_o be_v state_v on_o these_o great_a concern_v of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n 8._o we_o can_v also_o witness_v with_o some_o quiet_a and_o assurance_n that_o the_o great_a arm_n and_o concern_v of_o the_o most_o serious_a nonconform_a minister_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o church_n in_o their_o adventure_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n not_o withstand_v of_o any_o prohibition_n by_o the_o present_a law_n have_v be_v upon_o no_o factious_a or_o private_a design_n bot_n under_o constraint_n of_o duty_n upon_o so_o press_v a_o call_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o people_n as_o these_o unto_o who_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o ordinance_n be_v commit_v and_o a_o necessity_n thus_o lay_v upon_o they_o with_o some_o serious_a aim_n and_o desire_v i_o hope_v to_o pursne_n this_o end_n and_o to_o sheu_o the_o indispensible_a nead_v of_o embrace_v that_o bless_a offer_n of_o reconciliation_n by_o christ_n as_o also_o to_o press_v holiness_n and_o give_v warning_n of_o any_o share_n when_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o people_n may_v be_v in_o hazard_n thereby_o nor_o dare_v our_o respect_n to_o the_o person_n of_o any_o in_o the_o least_o balance_n with_o the_o interest_n of_o truth_n here_o for_o a_o public_a disow_n with_o grief_n what_o ever_o in_o their_o way_n have_v give_v just_a cause_n of_o offence_n and_o stumble_v in_o such_o a_o time_n 9_o it_o be_v the_o reveal_v truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o we_o do_v express_o own_v as_o the_o alone_a formal_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o that_o it_o be_v there_o each_o shall_v come_v to_o prove_v his_o work_n bot_n a_o that_o it_o be_v â—ust_z and_o warrantable_a on_o the_o matter_n according_a to_o these_o unchangeable_a rule_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n and_o to_o know_v our_o warrant_n and_o call_v herein_o else_o no_o security_n can_v be_v from_o the_o great_a confusion_n and_o irregularity_n among_o man_n 10._o that_o extraordinare_a motion_n or_o impulse_n must_v be_v no_o rule_n or_o warrant_v of_o duty_n nor_o for_o any_o go_n beyond_o these_o express_a bound_n set_v to_o we_o in_o the_o word_n by_o which_o they_o must_v be_v know_v and_o try_v for_o god_n have_v assign_v to_o each_o their_o station_n and_o call_v and_o that_o a_o serious_a and_o tender_a regard_n shall_v be_v against_o all_o exorbitance_n in_o the_o excess_n all_o be_v well_o as_o any_o sinful_a deficience_n or_o neglect_n therein_o and_o i_o hope_v whatever_o be_v find_v unauswerable_a this_o dâ—y_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o to_o these_o know_a principle_n and_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n which_o be_v confess_v and_o most_o universal_o adhere_v to_o by_o the_o nonconformist_n there_o as_o we_o do_v with_o grief_n disown_n so_o i_o have_v confidence_n there_o can_v want_v some_o testimony_n thereto_o even_o on_o the_o conscience_n of_o our_o great_a adversary_n 8._o i_o must_v never_o yet_o add_v on_o strange_a ground_n of_o quarrel_n and_o prejudice_n that_o
have_v be_v keep_v on_o a_o serious_a watch_n agha_v the_o dephit_n and_o subtlety_n of_o satan_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n no_o less_o then_o on_o the_o left_a which_o we_o may_v have_v see_v too_o evident_o in_o this_o late_a amaze_a breach_n 1._o by_o a_o overbending_a to_o break_v and_o take_v of_o from_o unquestionable_a duty_n by_o sum_n exact_v on_o the_o conscience_n of_o other_o according_a to_o their_o measure_n and_o dictate_v beyond_o the_o express_a bound_n and_o warrant_v of_o the_o word_n 2._o by_o such_o a_o strange_a coincidence_n of_o seem_a extreme_n that_o what_o have_v be_v intentional_o follow_v by_o open_a adversary_n shall_v be_v no_o less_o vigorous_o carry_v on_o by_o other_o ex_fw-la intention_n operis_fw-la so_o as_o to_o run_v thus_o cross_a i_o doubt_v not_o to_o their_o own_o thought_n to_o obstruct_v the_o spread_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o bring_v the_o truth_n and_o profession_n thereof_o under_o discredit_n and_o i_o must_v add_v a_o too_o visible_a tendence_n of_o this_o way_n to_o such_o a_o precipice_n of_o resolve_v their_o light_n and_o confidence_n on_o extraordinare_a motion_n without_o a_o humble_a enquiry_n and_o trial_n thereof_o by_o the_o scripture_n so_o as_o some_o in_o outrunning_n the_o reveal_v rule_n of_o duty_n have_v stumble_v on_o the_o dark_a mountain_n ere_o they_o be_v aware_a and_o lose_v their_o foot_n in_o seek_v of_o wing_n to_o flee_v as_o may_v be_v for_o a_o sad_a warning_n to_o after_o time_n 2._o this_o be_v a_o most_o suitable_a study_n in_o such_o a_o day_n how_o to_o walk_v wise_o towards_o such_o as_o be_v without_o and_o what_o may_v most_o tend_v to_o gain_v respect_n to_o the_o truth_n to_o convince_v and_o prevail_v with_o man_n conscience_n even_o of_o know_a and_o public_a adversary_n now_o in_o a_o time_n of_o so_o great_a reproach_n and_o it_o be_v sure_a these_o shall_v be_v special_a advantage_n for_o such_o one_fw-mi end_n 1._o when_o the_o truth_n of_o holiness_n in_o convince_a 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serious_a and_o wise_a observer_n but_o may_v find_v their_o be_v under_o some_o singular_a engagement_n from_o what_o have_v be_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n deal_v with_o they_o so_o it_o be_v sad_a when_o these_o be_v more_o bury_v almost_o and_o forget_v then_o search_v out_o under_o present_a and_o new_a trouble_n some_o will_v judge_v a_o suitable_a access_n to_o give_v in_o their_o mite_n to_o this_o treasure_n a_o special_a enlargement_n and_o to_o own_o a_o peculiar_a debt_n to_o so_o great_a a_o duty_n for_o put_v their_o seal_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n this_o day_n and_o to_o bear_v a_o honourable_a witness_n to_o his_o way_n amid_o all_o the_o change_n and_o remarkable_o search_v trial_n have_v occur_v in_o the_o course_n of_o their_o pilgrimage_n he_o be_v the_o rock_n his_o work_n be_v perfect_a and_o all_o his_o way_n be_v judgement_n a_o god_n of_o truth_n just_a and_o true_a be_v he_o deut._n 23._o 3._o o_o that_o man_n will_v praise_v he_o 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
deal_n with_o his_o people_n that_o so_o straight_o and_o wearisome_a away_o shall_v be_v here_o to_o a_o eternity_n of_o glory_n in_o that_o life_n which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o no_o get_v there_o but_o through_o some_o degree_n of_o sore_a break_n and_o anguish_n and_o go_v through_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n before_o that_o of_o enjoyment_n when_o they_o consider_v how_o unconceivable_o great_a and_o excellent_a that_o state_n which_o be_v above_o be_v and_o their_o be_v train_v in_o so_o sharp_a a_o a_o school_n of_o tribulation_n here_o shall_v at_o length_n tend_v to_o a_o unexpressible_a joy_n and_o comfort_n that_o ever_o they_o have_v such_o a_o occasion_n to_o prove_v their_o love_n and_o adherence_n to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o credit_v his_o truth_n against_o all_o visible_a ground_n and_o in_o have_v with_o patience_n and_o hope_v get_v through_o such_o a_o throng_n of_o temptation_n when_o they_o thus_o see_v the_o most_o bitter_a grieve_v and_o difficult_a part_n 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the_o theory_n of_o practical_a religion_n have_v so_o far_o outgo_v tenderness_n and_o practice_n and_o become_v so_o much_o a_o matter_n of_o art_n and_o invention_n whilst_o christian_n former_o with_o a_o small_a measure_n of_o light_n and_o in_o a_o plain_a dress_n walk_v in_o the_o love_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o truth_n a_o bold_a and_o profess_v age_n where_o a_o too_o easy_a and_o sudden_a growth_n to_o a_o forward_a appearance_n among_o many_o have_v so_o visible_o out_o run_v a_o solid_a root_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o fear_v and_o serious_a exercise_n on_o their_o own_o soul_n about_o their_o spiritual_a state_n and_o the_o soundness_n of_o conversion_n as_o have_v sometime_o be_v a_o age_n where_o it_o may_v be_v fear_v that_o not_o at_o a_o common_a rate_n many_o be_v like_a to_o adventure_v on_o the_o further_a hazard_n of_o perish_v amid_o these_o strange_a distemper_n in_o our_o church_n but_o with_o high_a pretence_n seem_v to_o out_o dare_v all_o mean_n of_o conviction_n even_o while_o with_o great_a tenderness_n and_o love_n to_o their_o soul_n follow_v yea_o a_o age_n when_o that_o dreadful_a engine_n of_o satan_n be_v now_o so_o discernible_o on_o foot_n and_o in_o such_o different_a form_n and_o shape_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n and_o delusion_n to_o turn_v man_n off_o all_o settle_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o give_v the_o credit_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o sore_a wound_n than_o the_o open_a violence_n and_o rage_n of_o other_o have_v yet_o ever_o do_v and_o be_v not_o here_o one_o sad_a influence_a cause_n of_o so_o deplorable_a a_o state_n of_o the_o church_n this_o day_n that_o many_o profess_v godliness_n in_o this_o age_n be_v not_o more_o take_v up_o with_o the_o great_a and_o weighty_a thing_n thereof_o and_o in_o these_o retire_a exercise_n which_o have_v the_o close_a communication_n with_o the_o vital_n of_o christianity_n and_o so_o indispensible_o necessary_a to_o a_o honourable_a appearance_n for_o the_o lord_n in_o any_o public_a duty_n and_o service_n of_o the_o time_n 4._o what_o a_o choice_n study_v in_o so_o extreme_a a_o exigence_n now_o of_o the_o church_n shall_v this_o be_v to_o know_v and_o bring_v near_o by_o some_o more_o deep_a reflection_n thereon_o how_o great_a these_o thing_n be_v which_o a_o humble_a and_o serious_a christian_a have_v to_o converse_v with_o and_o to_o oppose_v all_o his_o grief_n and_o fear_n this_o day_n even_o when_o they_o seem_v to_o press_v above_o measure_n which_o this_o may_v not_o only_o confirm_v but_o overcome_v the_o heart_n with_o unexpressible_a joy_n when_o he_o but_o thus_o alone_a reason_n with_o himself_o 1._o what_o ever_o shake_v wind_n now_o blow_v almost_o from_o every_o airth_n yet_o have_v he_o firm_a and_o sure_a principle_n of_o trust_n for_o a_o safe_a sound_v the_o rest_n and_o peace_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o his_o security_n here_o be_v full_a though_o not_o his_o enjoyment_n yea_o what_o ever_o want_v now_o be_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o adherence_n in_o rest_v on_o the_o truth_n with_o such_o full_a repose_n and_o quiet_a of_o mind_n he_o be_v call_v to_o yet_o he_o know_v thereis_n no_o want_n of_o further_a certainty_n of_o evidence_n 2._o that_o not_o in_o a_o dream_n but_o in_o the_o most_o serious_a composure_n of_o spirit_n he_o can_v retire_v into_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o there_o see_v how_o unexpressible_o bless_a poor_a lose_a man_n be_v make_v by_o a_o redeemer_n on_o who_o he_o have_v choice_v to_o have_v the_o exceed_a riches_n of_o his_o grace_n show_v forth_o to_o all_o eternity_n yea_o this_o in_o so_o marvellous_a a_o way_n when_o no_o possible_a help_n can_v be_v find_v in_o we_o that_o the_o holy_a god_n will_v take_v satisfaction_n to_o himself_o by_o himself_o not_o only_o to_o save_v his_o people_n but_o to_o preserve_v the_o right_n of_o justice_n inviolable_a yea_o have_v thus_o bring_v we_o under_o a_o law_n to_o come_v and_o be_v bless_v in_o his_o son_n to_o who_o he_o bear_v record_n that_o in_o he_o be_v life_n and_o a_o eternal_a salvation_n make_v sure_a 3._o that_o the_o clear_a intent_n of_o this_o astonish_a mystery_n be_v not_o only_o to_o save_v his_o people_n from_o wrath_n but_o to_o make_v they_o meet_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n for_o that_o state_n which_o be_v above_o since_o it_o be_v not_o pardon_v alone_o or_o a_o heaven_n without_o we_o can_v make_v any_o bless_a until_o the_o soul_n once_o be_v frame_v for_o it_o and_o this_o first_o begin_v and_o wrought_v there_o and_o now_o what_o have_v a_o christian_a this_o day_n to_o converse_v when_o amid_o the_o multitude_n of_o his_o sad_a thought_n he_o can_v with_o such_o assurance_n retire_v into_o the_o gospel_n and_o thence_o look_v up_o to_o a_o eternity_n of_o glory_n as_o that_o which_o ere_o long_o he_o shall_v know_v and_o enjoy_v 4._o that_o this_o be_v so_o sure_a for_o his_o confirm_v that_o such_o a_o signature_n and_o impress_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o holiness_n be_v to_o be_v see_v this_o day_n in_o the_o earth_n i_o hope_v yet_o in_o innumereable_a instance_n even_o in_o these_o decline_a time_n with_o so_o visible_a a_o assimilation_n and_o likeness_n to_o a_o high_a state_n herein_o that_o if_o man_n but_o exerce_fw-la reason_n they_o may_v see_v it_o be_v sure_a a_o marvellous_a transform_a power_n can_v ever_o make_v such_o a_o change_n and_o that_o miracle_n if_o right_o consider_v do_v not_o this_o day_n cease_v in_o the_o church_n whilst_o so_o great_a a_o witness_n to_o the_o power_n and_o truth_n of_o godliness_n be_v continue_v 5._o he_o thus_o see_v that_o though_o no_o resemblance_n of_o our_o bless_a head_n have_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o church_n of_o his_o human_a
in_o this_o age_n i_o shall_v but_o offer_v some_o special_a reflection_n now_o suitable_a to_o such_o a_o day_n and_o of_o so_o know_v public_a and_o unquestionable_a evidence_n to_o the_o church_n that_o when_o bring_v near_o to_o our_o thought_n may_v let_v we_o see_v how_o far_o the_o advantage_n and_o measure_n of_o these_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n give_v in_o to_o this_o generation_n do_v exceed_v that_o of_o former_a time_n and_o i_o shall_v hop_v such_o a_o exercise_n may_v be_v of_o use_n and_o bless_a through_o the_o lord_n gracious_a concurrence_n for_o christian_n farthest_o confirm_v thus_o but_o to_o reason_n with_o themselves_o and_o have_v more_o deep_a reflecting_n thereon_o 1._o what_o ever_o hight_v this_o present_a assault_n from_o popery_n may_v come_v to_o yet_o we_o know_v how_o solemn_a a_o triumph_n the_o gospel_n hes_z have_v and_o that_o surly_a it_o be_v the_o same_o truth_n and_o cause_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n for_o which_o so_o great_a thing_n have_v the_o lord_n wrought_v when_o that_o bless_a revolution_n once_o come_v after_o antichristian_a darkness_n have_v overspread_v the_o face_n of_o the_o world_n for_o many_o age_n so_o as_o the_o full_a stroke_n and_o down_o fall_v of_o that_o kingdom_n seem_v not_o more_o marvellous_a and_o above_o all_o humane_a appearance_n when_o now_o at_o a_o distance_n than_o what_o we_o have_v already_o see_v 2._o that_o it_o be_v clear_a how_o extraordinare_a a_o power_n do_v attend_v this_o bless_a work_n of_o the_o church_n rise_v and_o that_o astonish_a swift_a progress_n thereof_o as_o nation_n seem_v to_o be_v bear_v at_o once_o and_o the_o earth_n to_o bring_v forth_o in_o one_o day_n church_n be_v then_o both_o plant_v and_o confirm_v betwixt_o the_o year_n 1521._o and_o 70._o like_o a_o new_a christian_a world_n thus_o bring_v forth_o and_o settle_v yea_o how_o far_o this_o be_v above_o visible_a mean_n and_o how_o little_a interest_n instrument_n have_v therein_o as_o it_o may_v be_v still_o say_v let_v none_o fear_v or_o stagger_n at_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n though_o difficulty_n in_o a_o ordinare_fw-la way_n seem_v insuperable_a after_o we_o have_v now_o see_v what_o the_o lord_n have_v do_v these_o last_o age_n 3._o that_o it_o be_v so_o evident_a how_o with_o the_o first_o shine_v forth_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o purity_n thereof_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o christianity_n come_v also_o therewith_o to_o the_o world_n and_o how_o this_o bless_a light_n do_v lead_v in_o to_o great_a tenderness_n in_o the_o walk_n and_o practice_v of_o christian_n which_o we_o may_v see_v yet_o as_o still_o present_a before_o we_o how_o extraordinare_a a_o effusion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n this_o be_v which_o cause_v then_o so_o marvellous_a a_o change_n and_o lustre_n on_o the_o church_n 4._o have_v we_o not_o see_v to_o confirm_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n these_o prodigy_n of_o cruelty_n have_v be_v act_v by_o the_o popish_a party_n such_o as_o some_o immediate_a power_n and_o incitement_n of_o the_o devil_n can_v only_o answer_v and_o have_v so_o far_o outgo_v the_o ordinare_fw-la rate_n of_o humane_a cruelty_n as_o if_o infernal_a spirit_n have_v then_o come_v and_o assume_v human_a shape_n to_o act_v this_o way_n yea_o be_v evident_a that_o no_o such_o measure_n can_v be_v find_v under_o the_o heathenish_a persecution_n against_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o in_o that_o strange_a way_n and_o manner_n follow_v as_o the_o french_a and_o irish_a massacre_n have_v be_v 5._o that_o such_o horrid_a practice_n also_o have_v be_v consequential_a to_o their_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n so_o as_o this_o have_v not_o only_o be_v dispense_v with_o 〈◊〉_d by_o that_o church_n but_o account_v as_o high_o meritorious_a that_o it_o may_v be_v now_o easy_a to_o judge_v where_o that_o spirit_n and_o way_n tend_v and_o what_o may_v be_v expect_v where_o this_o long_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d fury_n shall_v but_o once_o get_v a_o vent_n 6._o have_v we_o not_o see_v also_o no_o possible_a mâ—â—â—…_n security_n from_o such_o who_o great_a strength_n have_v thus_o be_v to_o move_v still_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o by_o surprise_n to_o make_v their_o great_a assault_n yea_o who_o very_a religion_n do_v so_o evident_o subvert_v all_o truth_n and_o mutual_a confidence_n among_o man_n 7._o but_o have_v we_o not_o also_o see_v amore_fw-la excellent_a spirit_n and_o invincible_a power_n have_v be_v to_o bear_v up_o against_o all_o this_o cruelty_n and_o rage_n and_o how_o great_a a_o seal_n thus_o have_v be_v to_o the_o protestant_a â—â—…se_n and_o doctrine_n in_o these_o late_a time_n by_o innumerable_a witness_n who_o even_o in_o their_o extreme_a suffering_n do_v so_o convince_o evidence_n a_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o undoubted_a seal_n of_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o their_o soul_n 8._o that_o these_o likewise_o be_v rare_a example_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o holiness_n in_o their_o day_n and_o of_o humility_n and_o subduedness_n to_o the_o flesh_n yea_o of_o tenderness_n and_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n to_o their_o persecutor_n who_o the_o lord_n do_v thus_o call_v and_o prepare_v for_o such_o a_o sacrifice_n 9_o that_o no_o precipitancy_n or_o stubbornness_n in_o the_o least_o be_v in_o their_o way_n but_o as_o with_o great_a assurance_n of_o mind_n so_o with_o a_o tender_a humble_a and_o deliberate_a act_n their_o study_n then_o be_v by_o rational_a conviction_n to_o deal_v with_o the_o conscience_n of_o adversary_n in_o a_o willing_a render_n the_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o suffer_v with_o all_o meekness_n from_o the_o scripture_n with_o a_o reference_n thereto_o before_o the_o world_n to_o be_v try_v and_o search_v out_o in_o what_o any_o can_v object_v 10._o have_v we_o not_o see_v the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n most_o bright_o shine_v forth_o in_o that_o day_n in_o the_o weakness_n of_o mean_n and_o that_o no_o special_a piece_n of_o service_n be_v then_o call_v for_o but_o a_o most_o surprise_a and_o discernible_a call_n and_o excitement_n of_o instrument_n thereto_o who_o in_o the_o same_o spirit_n by_o which_o other_o be_v help_v to_o suffer_v be_v remarkable_o then_o carry_v out_o to_o act_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o gospel_n much_o above_o themselves_o and_o their_o ordinare_fw-la reach_n 11._o have_v we_o not_o see_v also_o that_o no_o great_a thing_n be_v by_o the_o lord_n than_o bring_v forth_o for_o his_o church_n but_o some_o remarkable_a height_n of_o trouble_n go_v before_o and_o how_o every_o step_n of_o she_o rise_v and_o prevail_v over_o antichrist_n have_v be_v still_o usher_v in_o with_o some_o sore_a conflict_n and_o down_o cast_v like_o the_o pang_n and_o throw_v of_o the_o birth_n before_o a_o delivery_n 12._o have_v we_o not_o clear_o see_v that_o no_o humane_a power_n since_o the_o break_n forth_o of_o this_o bless_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v yet_o ever_o reach_v its_o end_n against_o the_o reform_a church_n though_o no_o possible_a way_n and_o change_v of_o weapon_n have_v be_v leave_v untried_a but_o how_o most_o visible_o the_o work_n of_o their_o own_o hand_n have_v ensnare_v they_o herein_o and_o tend_v more_o to_o the_o furtherance_n of_o the_o gospel_n 13._o and_o may_v it_o not_o be_v confirm_v what_o have_v be_v so_o clear_a to_o see_v the_o reform_a church_n of_o france_n get_v so_o sweet_a a_o clam_n yea_o fix_v in_o a_o settle_a state_n with_o outward_a peace_n and_o legal_a security_n by_o the_o catholic_n league_n there_o andby_o such_o a_o formidable_a conjunction_n as_o be_v therein_o of_o person_n and_o interest_n for_o her_o utter_a ruin_n 14._o to_o see_v four_o king_n of_o france_n successive_o take_v away_o in_o 30_o year_n all_o upon_o the_o same_o design_n and_o in_o a_o vigorous_a pursuit_n to_o destroy_v the_o protestant_a interest_n there_o and_o in_o they_o that_o race_n of_o the_o house_n of_o valois_n whole_o extinct_a of_o who_o two_o be_v by_o a_o violent_a death_n henry_n the_o second_o and_o three_o and_o this_o last_o so_o remarkable_o from_o that_o very_a airt_n with_o who_o he_o have_v most_o concur_v and_o join_v in_o counsel_n as_o particular_o with_o the_o duke_n of_o guise_n for_o the_o massacre_n but_o both_o fall_n and_o destroy_v by_o other_o in_o a_o short_a time_n 15._o to_o see_v the_o netherlands_o fix_v both_o in_o a_o settle_a state_n and_o church_n by_o that_o bloody_a engine_n of_o the_o spanish_a inquisition_n set_v up_o there_o and_o severe_a cruelty_n of_o philip_n the_o ii_o as_o the_o very_o mean_v make_v most_o subservient_fw-fr thereto_o 16._o to_o see_v the_o protestant_a doctrine_n more_o effectual_o promote_v and_o root_v in_o england_n by_o the_o bloody_a day_n of_o queen_n mary_n than_o the_o peace_n full_a calm_n of_o king_n eduard_n who_o have_v go_v before_o 17._o to_o see_v the_o violence_n and_o falsehood_n of_o queen_n dovager_n and_o inbr_v of_o the_o french_a to_o scotland_n to_o bear_v down_o and_o destroy_v the_o protestant_a interest_n there_o such_o a_o effectual_a mean_a and_o advantage_n for_o its_o rise_n and_o further_a establishment_n 18._o to_o see_v the_o blood_n and_o cruelty_n by_o ferdinand_n the_o ii_o in_o bohemia_n in_o so_o very_o short_a a_o time_n most_o visible_o return_v on_o himself_o to_o a_o make_v germany_n almost_o desolate_a and_o for_o many_o year_n to_o sum_n in_o its_o own_o blood_n by_o the_o swede_n and_o their_o confederate_n 19_o to_o see_v that_o horrid_a late_a irish_a massacre_n in_o a_o few_o year_n after_o resolve_v in_o a_o utter_a root_n out_o almost_o of_o that_o cruel_a party_n who_o have_v move_v therein_o with_o such_o a_o discernible_a sunshine_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o do_v follow_v after_o in_o that_o land_n 20._o i_o must_v here_o add_v which_o may_v be_v clear_a and_o confirm_v this_o day_n how_o so_o strange_a a_o fall_n in_o with_o popery_n have_v be_v now_o these_o 20._o year_n past_a in_o britain_n and_o what_o ground_n that_o interest_n have_v gain_v there_o have_v so_o visible_o have_v its_o strength_n from_o that_o airt_n of_o atheism_n ignorance_n and_o the_o get_n up_o of_o a_o profane_a spirit_n which_o as_o a_o prodigy_n and_o deluge_n have_v thus_o break_v forth_o in_o these_o land_n once_o blessed_v both_o with_o the_o purity_n and_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n beyond_o most_o of_o the_o church_n and_o how_o such_o have_v indeed_o find_v it_o easy_a to_o quit_v the_o truth_n who_o yet_o never_o know_v it_o beside_o the_o influence_n and_o suit_v of_o such_o a_o bait_n as_o this_o way_n be_v to_o the_o temper_n of_o so_o licentious_a a_o time_n and_o for_o some_o private_a interest_n when_o that_o have_v be_v under_o so_o favourable_a a_o aspect_n finis_fw-la
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 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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 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