perverseness_n of_o the_o counsel_n or_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o instrument_n thereof_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o my_o call_n to_o trace_v politician_n in_o the_o crooked_a &_o serpentine_a way_n wherein_o they_o walk_v the_o interest_n of_o state_n be_v a_o trouble_a sea_n full_a of_o hideous_a monster_n and_o hide_a rock_n whereupon_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n make_v shipwreck_n and_o therein_o all_o the_o nation_n and_o great_a family_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v toss_v up_o and_o down_o according_a to_o the_o fancy_n of_o the_o ruler_n who_o aim_n though_o under_o other_o pretence_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o greatness_n and_o command_n to_o be_v support_v by_o riches_n and_o power_n my_o soul_n enter_v thou_o not_o into_o their_o counsel_n for_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n in_o their_o way_n there_o be_v no_o faithfulness_n in_o their_o mouth_n their_o inward_a part_n be_v very_a wickedness_n and_o that_o our_o distraction_n proceed_v from_o this_o generation_n of_o man_n and_o from_o the_o counsel_n which_o be_v take_v up_o upon_o their_o principle_n there_o be_v no_o question_n to_o be_v make_v but_o i_o shall_v leave_v they_o unto_o god_n to_o be_v judge_v in_o his_o own_o time_n and_o walk_v in_o my_o own_o sphere_n shall_v speak_v unto_o thou_o that_o be_v a_o christian_a indeed_o of_o thing_n belong_v to_o our_o religious_a profession_n to_o discover_v at_o the_o root_n the_o cause_n of_o our_o disease_n which_o i_o conceive_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o corrupt_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n whereof_o we_o must_v all_o confess_v ourselves_o guilty_a every_o one_o of_o we_o more_o or_o less_o which_o how_o to_o reform_v first_o in_o ourselves_o and_o then_o in_o other_o will_v be_v a_o profitable_a enquiry_n if_o the_o truth_n have_v not_o be_v manifest_v unto_o we_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o sin_n but_o now_o since_o we_o have_v know_v it_o and_o hold_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o in_o unrighteousness_n we_o have_v no_o cloak_n for_o our_o sin_n we_o ought_v then_o to_o confess_v and_o deplore_v that_o our_o profession_n be_v corrupt_v two_o way_n first_o that_o most_o of_o we_o although_o we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o the_o truth_n yet_o we_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o we_o have_v lose_v the_o true_a aim_n of_o the_o holy_a profession_n thereof_o second_o that_o although_o some_o aim_n be_v right_o set_v and_o the_o profession_n of_o many_o commendable_a yet_o for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o mean_n and_o way_n of_o prosecute_a the_o same_o be_v either_o not_o answerable_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o christianity_n or_o else_o direct_o destructive_a thereunto_o the_o true_a aim_n of_o the_o holy_a profession_n be_v to_o show_v forth_o unto_o it_o what_o the_o aim_n of_o our_o profession_n be_v and_o how_o we_o fail_v of_o it_o this_o evil_a world_n the_o life_n and_o virtue_n of_o he_o who_o have_v call_v we_o unto_o his_o kingdom_n and_o glory_n the_o truth_n which_o we_o know_v and_o which_o by_o the_o gospel_n be_v reveal_v unto_o we_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n that_o in_o he_o alone_o there_o be_v redemption_n from_o all_o sin_n that_o by_o he_o alone_o there_o be_v all_o sufficiency_n of_o grace_n to_o be_v receive_v through_o faith_n that_o for_o his_o sake_n alone_o we_o have_v free_a access_n by_o the_o spirit_n unto_o the_o father_n that_o the_o title_n and_o name_n of_o king_n captain_z and_o forerunner_n of_o apostle_n prophet_n and_o high_a priest_n of_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o salvation_n do_v belong_v to_o he_o alone_o and_o that_o he_o be_v alone_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n no_o man_n can_v come_v to_o the_o father_n but_o by_o he_o this_o we_o do_v know_v and_o acknowledge_v this_o we_o do_v maintain_v and_o profess_v as_o the_o truth_n but_o who_o can_v say_v that_o the_o true_a aim_n of_o this_o profession_n be_v take_v up_o and_o follow_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v this_o aime_fw-fr be_v to_o follow_v he_o as_o dear_a child_n express_v he_o in_o his_o life_n that_o be_v in_o his_o lowly_a just_a holy_a and_o unblameable_a conversation_n among_o man_n and_o in_o his_o death_n that_o be_v in_o his_o mortify_a his_o self-denying_a his_o afflict_a his_o meek_a and_o humble_a condition_n in_o this_o world_n i_o say_v this_o aim_n be_v not_o take_v up_o and_o maintain_v in_o this_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n yet_o we_o know_v that_o this_o shall_v be_v our_o whole_a aim_n and_o because_o we_o know_v it_o and_o do_v it_o not_o therefore_o our_o sin_n be_v heavy_a upon_o we_o therefore_o these_o judgement_n do_v overtake_v we_o and_o god_n do_v revenge_v the_o quarrel_n of_o his_o covenant_n against_o we_o the_o covenant_n be_v that_o we_o be_v in_o christ_n 17._o matth._n 16._o 24._o rom._n 8._o 17._o 2_o cor._n 6_o 17._o shall_v bear_v his_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o that_o we_o shall_v suffer_v together_o and_o be_v separate_a from_o the_o world_n with_o he_o and_o if_o we_o touch_v not_o the_o unclean_a thing_n thereof_o we_o have_v a_o promise_n that_o the_o father_n will_v receive_v we_o but_o who_o be_v it_o that_o do_v true_o aim_v at_o a_o full_a separation_n from_o the_o world_n and_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o uphold_v the_o high_a thing_n and_o full_a enjoyment_n thereof_o together_o with_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v we_o not_o content_a and_o have_v we_o not_o a_o desire_n to_o enjoy_v the_o fashion_n of_o thing_n present_a although_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v call_v to_o seek_v and_o apprehend_v only_o the_o thing_n to_o come_v we_o be_v call_v to_o be_v conformable_a unto_o the_o image_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o be_v no_o way_n conformable_a unto_o this_o world_n but_o if_o we_o mind_v no_o such_o thing_n how_o can_v we_o be_v say_v to_o maintain_v the_o true_a aim_n of_o our_o holy_a profession_n the_o socinian_o who_o have_v cast_v off_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n concern_v our_o justification_n before_o god_n and_o have_v make_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o person_n in_o the_o truth_n void_a by_o their_o heresy_n these_o uphold_v still_o the_o aim_n of_o the_o profession_n namely_o that_o we_o must_v follow_v his_o footstep_n but_o we_o who_o be_v convict_v of_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o have_v deny_v seem_v to_o deny_v at_o least_o in_o our_o practice_n that_o which_o they_o uphold_v and_o consequent_o make_v the_o truth_n itself_o which_o we_o acknowledge_v ineffectual_a by_o our_o profession_n thereof_o because_o our_o aim_n be_v not_o in_o simplicity_n answerable_a but_o rather_o cross_v in_o all_o appearance_n unto_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o the_o end_n of_o our_o heavenly_a call_n now_o if_o the_o main_a and_o principal_a aim_n be_v lose_v in_o our_o walk_n with_o god_n how_o can_v he_o be_v at_o peace_n with_o we_o or_o we_o with_o he_o can_v two_o walk_v together_o except_o they_o be_v agree_v and_o be_v those_o agree_v who_o aim_n be_v different_a do_v not_o he_o know_v the_o secret_n of_o all_o heart_n that_o he_o may_v reward_v every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o work_n what_o then_o can_v we_o expect_v from_o he_o other_o then_o to_o reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o seed_n which_o we_o sow_v for_o we_o sow_v to_o the_o flesh_n worldly_a aim_n in_o the_o field_n of_o a_o religious_a profession_n and_o can_v we_o expect_v any_o other_o harvest_n from_o thence_o but_o trouble_n and_o confusion_n this_o then_o be_v the_o first_o and_o main_a cause_n of_o all_o our_o distraction_n that_o the_o true_a aim_n of_o our_o profession_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n lose_v among_o we_o the_o second_o cause_n of_o our_o public_a distraction_n be_v this_o that_o although_o for_o the_o main_a a_o work_n of_o reformation_n be_v true_o aim_v at_o by_o some_o and_o many_o particular_a matter_n tend_v thereunto_o be_v right_o design_v by_o many_o for_o the_o advancement_n of_o religion_n yet_o the_o mean_n to_o bring_v this_o aim_n and_o these_o design_n to_o pass_v be_v not_o at_o all_o proportionate_a to_o the_o effect_n intend_v thereby_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n no_o doubt_n hearty_o aim_v at_o by_o some_o be_v a_o real_a and_o thorough_a purge_n of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n from_o the_o corruption_n which_o have_v overgrow_v the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o and_o a_o settlement_n of_o both_o in_o a_o way_n of_o righteousness_n i_o say_v that_o it_o what_o the_o reformation_n aim_v at_o be_v and_o why_o we_o come_v short_a of_o it_o some_o aim_v hearty_o at_o this_o and_o i_o true_o do_v believe_v it_o but_o how_o many_o there_o be_v god_n alone_o do_v know_v sure_o i_o be_o we_o can_v discern_v very_o many_o that_o have_v nothing_o else_o in_o their_o aim_n but_o
partiality_n so_o i_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o that_o liberty_n which_o in_o a_o business_n of_o this_o nature_n do_v beseem_v my_o profession_n in_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o all_o alike_o to_o be_v free_a in_o the_o matter_n and_o plain_a in_o speech_n to_o utter_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o my_o heart_n first_o then_o i_o think_v myself_o bind_v to_o declare_v this_o that_o i_o be_o under_o a_o vow_n to_o prosecute_v upon_o all_o occasion_n as_o long_o as_o i_o live_v the_o way_n of_o evangelical_n reconciliation_n among_o protestant_n that_o be_v to_o say_v profess_o to_o seek_v and_o upon_o all_o occasion_n offer_v to_o advance_v among_o those_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o their_o rule_n and_o keep_v to_o the_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n and_o practice_n the_o mean_n of_o spiritual_a unity_n of_o peace_n and_o of_o love_n by_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o holy_a communion_n have_v therefore_o this_o opportunity_n fair_o offer_v i_o be_o oblige_v in_o mind_v my_o vow_n to_o discharge_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o for_o the_o love_n which_o i_o owe_v unto_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o prosperity_n and_o flourish_a condition_n thereof_o in_o this_o nation_n to_o make_v some_o overture_n which_o i_o hope_v shall_v give_v no_o matter_n of_o grievance_n unto_o any_o but_o will_v prove_v edify_v unto_o all_o at_o least_o my_o aim_n shall_v be_v none_o other_o preface_n the_o scope_n of_o the_o preface_n but_o to_o stir_v up_o thy_o pure_a mind_n christian_n reader_n to_o the_o thought_n of_o brotherly_a kindness_n of_o meekness_n and_o of_o peace_n to_o the_o end_n that_o some_o way_n may_v be_v take_v up_o which_o will_v help_v to_o reconcile_v the_o affection_n of_o many_o divide_v about_o circumstantial_o to_o preserve_v and_o keep_v entire_a the_o unity_n which_o remain_v about_o fundamental_o and_o to_o prevent_v or_o cure_v the_o manifold_a misprision_n which_o increase_v our_o confusion_n and_o obstruct_v the_o remedy_n of_o our_o disease_n now_o to_o offer_v at_o this_o i_o shall_v not_o cry_v out_o against_o particular_a fault_n not_o because_o i_o think_v they_o not_o very_o hurtful_a to_o the_o way_n of_o reformation_n or_o that_o i_o think_v it_o unlawful_a in_o due_a time_n and_o place_n or_o altogether_o unuseful_a to_o warn_v all_o of_o public_a danger_n when_o none_o other_o remedy_n be_v leave_v but_o i_o shall_v not_o do_v it_o because_o it_o be_v more_o suitable_a to_o my_o spirit_n to_o seek_v to_o gain_v all_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o necessary_a duty_n than_o to_o reprove_v some_o for_o the_o neglect_n thereof_o because_o my_o resolution_n be_v to_o follow_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a the_o rule_n of_o charity_n first_o to_o admonish_v a_o brother_n in_o private_a before_o his_o fault_n be_v charge_v upon_o he_o in_o public_a and_o because_o i_o find_v it_o the_o theme_n of_o many_o on_o all_o side_n that_o do_v almost_o nothing_o else_o and_o yet_o this_o course_n do_v prove_v no_o lenitive_a but_o rather_o a_o incentive_a to_o our_o distemper_n my_o way_n then_o shall_v be_v 1._o to_o represent_v as_o it_o the_o part_n of_o it_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v the_o general_a danger_n which_o hang_v over_o all_o our_o head_n by_o reason_n of_o our_o common_a fault_n 2._o to_o discover_v the_o cause_n whence_o our_o danger_n do_v original_o proceed_v and_o 3._o to_o offer_v at_o some_o counsel_n which_o may_v point_v at_o a_o way_n to_o prevent_v the_o lamentable_a consequence_n which_o be_v like_a to_o ensue_v if_o no_o course_n be_v find_v and_o follow_v for_o heal_v of_o our_o breach_n first_o concern_v the_o danger_n wherein_o we_o be_v thus_o in_o brief_a that_o we_o among_o ourselves_o almost_o in_o respect_n of_o every_o thing_n be_v all_o break_a to_o piece_n in_o our_o affection_n be_v very_o evident_a that_o in_o this_o rapture_n of_o affection_n there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o distance_n of_o party_n but_o much_o heat_n of_o opposition_n no_o man_n can_v deny_v that_o by_o this_o heat_n the_o alienation_n and_o thought_n of_o heart_n grow_v daily_o great_a and_o great_a every_o one_o can_v perceive_v that_o few_o set_v themselves_o in_o the_o gap_n and_o labour_n to_o make_v up_o breach_n all_o must_v confess_v and_o by_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o if_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o unsettlement_n continue_v long_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v habituate_v unto_o breach_n even_o till_o we_o be_v consume_v none_o can_v just_o doubt_v but_o every_o one_o shall_v sad_o apprehend_v because_o the_o say_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n be_v undeniable_o true_a that_o every_o kingdom_n divide_v against_o itself_o be_v bring_v to_o desolation_n and_o every_o city_n and_o house_n divide_v against_o itself_o shall_v not_o stand_v mat._n 12._o 23._o if_o then_o i_o may_v parallel_v the_o universal_a state_n of_o protestancie_n as_o it_o be_v opposite_a to_o popery_n unto_o a_o kingdom_n and_o the_o nationall_n church_n thereof_o unto_o so_o many_o city_n and_o the_o several_a congregation_n of_o each_o city_n unto_o so_o many_o house_n and_o in_o all_o these_o if_o i_o reflect_v upon_o the_o breach_n which_o be_v apparent_a unto_o all_o first_o between_o the_o lutheran_n and_o the_o reform_a church_n which_o have_v bring_v they_o both_o from_o a_o flourish_a to_o a_o desolate_a condition_n in_o germany_n second_o between_o each_o of_o these_o within_o themselves_o by_o their_o sub-division_n and_o cross_a party_n which_o have_v weaken_v all_o their_o strength_n and_o multiply_v scandal_n among_o they_o i_o must_v needs_o confess_v that_o christ_n sentence_n be_v verify_v upon_o they_o and_o that_o the_o judgement_n which_o of_o old_a be_v denounce_v and_o execute_v against_o israel_n be_v now_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o part_n upon_o the_o protestant_a church_n and_o may_v be_v accomplish_v over_o they_o all_o if_o the_o cause_n thereof_o be_v not_o take_v away_o by_o true_a repentance_n let_v we_o brief_o consider_v what_o the_o prophet_n amos_n in_o his_o sixth_o chapter_n say_v unto_o israel_n that_o we_o may_v apprehend_v therein_o our_o own_o danger_n first_o he_o denounce_v a_o heavy_a woe_n unto_o those_o that_o be_v at_o their_o ease_n in_o zion_n and_o be_v not_o grieve_v at_o the_o affliction_n of_o joseph_n namely_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v lead_v away_o captive_a with_o the_o first_o that_o go_v captive_a v._o 1._o till_o 7._o captivity_n then_o be_v threaten_v unto_o all_o but_o chief_o unto_o these_o then_o he_o show_v the_o certainty_n of_o this_o judgement_n with_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o and_o the_o chief_a cause_n for_o which_o it_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o judgement_n be_v declare_v v._o 8_o 9_o 10._o namely_o that_o god_n have_v swear_v by_o himself_o that_o he_o do_v abhor_v their_o excellency_n and_o hate_v their_o palace_n that_o he_o will_v deliver_v up_o the_o city_n and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o it_o to_o the_o enemy_n thereof_o and_o that_o he_o will_v kill_v with_o death_n such_o as_o remain_v after_o the_o captivity_n in_o the_o city_n although_o there_o shall_v be_v but_o ten_o man_n remain_v in_o one_o house_n the_o mean_n by_o which_o and_o the_o cause_n for_o which_o this_o heavy_a judgement_n shall_v be_v thus_o execute_v be_v set_v forth_o in_o vers_n 11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o the_o mean_n be_v two_o he_o will_v divide_v they_o within_o themselves_o v._o 11._o and_o he_o will_v bring_v a_o foreign_a nation_n against_o they_o to_o afflict_v they_o v._o 14._o the_o cause_n be_v chief_o two_o their_o incorrigibleness_n in_o unrighteousness_n v._o 12._o and_o their_o pride_n in_o their_o own_o strength_n v._o 13._o all_o these_o thing_n be_v considerable_a in_o our_o present_a case_n for_o this_o be_v evident_a although_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v heavy_o afflict_v every_o where_o and_o the_o saint_n throughout_o the_o world_n have_v great_a cause_n to_o mourn_v yet_o that_o most_o of_o we_o take_v our_o ease_n and_o rest_v content_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o our_o victory_n and_o that_o we_o grieve_v for_o nothing_o in_o effect_n but_o because_o we_o have_v not_o all_o our_o will_n accomplish_v against_o the_o adverse_a party_n with_o who_o we_o be_v in_o contest_v about_o particular_a concernment_n and_o as_o for_o other_o thing_n beside_o we_o be_v secure_a and_o careless_a we_o take_v our_o pleasure_n to_o the_o full_a without_o restraint_n and_o we_o grieve_v not_o at_o the_o affliction_n of_o joseph_n but_o in_o effect_n we_o do_v even_o as_o joseph_n brethren_n do_v they_o sit_v down_o to_o eat_v bread_n when_o they_o have_v cast_v their_o brother_n into_o a_o pit_n gen._n 37._o 24_o 25._o so_o we_o who_o heretofore_o have_v help_v to_o
that_o most_o man_n be_v very_o fierce_a in_o their_o private_a and_o very_o cold_a in_o the_o public_a occasion_n we_o can_v easy_o discern_v and_o yet_o their_o covenant_n both_o with_o god_n and_o man_n do_v otherwise_o oblige_v they_o and_o will_v to_o god_n there_o be_v not_o some_o that_o do_v make_v the_o aim_n of_o a_o religious_a reformation_n a_o mere_a pretence_n to_o compass_v their_o own_o worldly_a end_n and_o a_o snare_n to_o entrap_v other_o into_o difficulty_n i_o shall_v not_o meddle_v with_o the_o state_n the_o church_n be_v my_o task_n at_o this_o time_n but_o i_o find_v that_o to_o advance_v this_o reformation_n in_o both_o the_o mean_v use_v be_v very_o disproportionate_a to_o the_o effect_n not_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o way_n wherein_o many_o of_o the_o reformer_n walk_v in_o their_o own_o thought_n but_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o manner_n of_o concurrence_n every_o one_o with_o another_o the_o way_n wherein_o most_o man_n walk_v in_o their_o thought_n to_o reform_v the_o state_n have_v no_o relation_n unto_o christianity_n but_o only_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o way_n by_o which_o they_o seek_v to_o reform_v the_o church_n have_v as_o little_a relation_n unto_o charity_n but_o be_v either_o carry_v in_o the_o way_n of_o liberty_n or_o of_o authority_n for_o man_n walk_v by_o one_o rule_n of_o prudencie_n in_o state_n matter_n and_o by_o another_o in_o church_n affair_n as_o if_o a_o christion_n in_o his_o civil_a employment_n may_v act_v without_o a_o relation_n unto_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n or_o in_o church-matter_n may_v either_o please_v himself_o alone_o without_o a_o relation_n to_o his_o brethren_n or_o may_v use_v all_o the_o power_n whereunto_o he_o can_v pretend_v without_o a_o compliance_n and_o condescension_n to_o the_o weak_a these_o false_a principle_n of_o reformation_n make_v man_n inconsistent_a with_o themselves_o both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n here_o they_o act_v one_o way_n by_o this_o rule_n and_o there_o another_o way_n by_o that_o rule_n and_o sometime_o they_o jumble_v both_o way_n together_o and_o look_v at_o once_o with_o two_o face_n in_o the_o same_o business_n different_a way_n the_o simplicity_n and_o truth_n of_o christianity_n be_v by_o this_o mean_v lose_v in_o the_o aim_n and_o with_o it_o all_o true_a prudencie_n in_o the_o deliberation_n and_o these_o two_o be_v go_v man_n be_v leave_v unto_o the_o counsel_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o betake_v themselves_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o design_n as_o well_o in_o the_o one_o as_o the_o other_o sphere_n to_o the_o trick_n and_o contrivement_n of_o policy_n or_o to_o main_a power_n and_o strength_n and_o thus_o it_o fall_v out_o that_o even_o the_o best_a and_o most_o hearty_a reformer_n walk_v as_o man_n in_o spiritual_a undertake_n fall_v into_o different_a way_n take_v up_o different_a maxim_n and_o rule_n and_o act_v according_a to_o the_o same_o because_o they_o respect_v not_o the_o maxim_n and_o rule_n of_o holy_a communion_n in_o christianity_n they_o make_v use_v of_o all_o their_o strength_n and_o wit_n to_o oppose_v one_o another_o by_o different_a contrivement_n about_o the_o same_o work_n and_o while_o they_o be_v whole_o bend_v and_o possess_v as_o man_n natural_o be_v with_o the_o thought_n and_o affection_n of_o their_o own_o way_n and_o designment_n they_o look_v upon_o other_o no_o more_o as_o upon_o christian_n but_o as_o upon_o a_o party_n because_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o holy_a profession_n be_v lose_v in_o the_o aim_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o holy_a prudencie_n for_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n be_v lay_v aside_o in_o the_o work_n and_o man_n have_v forget_v that_o they_o be_v call_v to_o be_v brethren_n and_o member_n of_o one_o another_o in_o their_o relation_n to_o christ_n they_o act_v no_o more_o in_o this_o though_o otherwise_o godly_a man_n and_o hearty_a towards_o a_o reformation_n as_o man_n of_o godliness_n and_o true_o reform_v from_o the_o world_n but_o as_o man_n interest_v in_o a_o party_n of_o the_o world_n for_o such_o or_o such_o a_o design_n to_o gain_v or_o to_o oppose_v this_o or_o that_o purpose_n and_o because_o this_o frame_n of_o spirit_n even_o in_o the_o best_a of_o we_o all_o if_o we_o look_v not_o careful_o to_o our_o spirit_n may_v be_v find_v more_o or_o less_o therefore_o the_o mean_n of_o our_o reformation_n be_v disproportionate_a unto_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v undertake_v and_o this_o because_o they_o be_v not_o put_v forth_o by_o we_o in_o god_n way_n which_o alone_o can_v edify_v his_o church_n and_o without_o which_o no_o design_n therein_o can_v prosper_v now_o when_o the_o author_n of_o our_o reformation_n act_v thus_o and_o be_v act_v by_o a_o principle_n of_o division_n within_o themselves_o how_o can_v they_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o hearty_a concurrence_n one_o with_o another_o except_o a_o way_n can_v be_v find_v to_o rectify_v this_o fundamental_a error_n in_o every_o one_o of_o they_o and_o if_o the_o instrument_n who_o be_v to_o put_v life_n in_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o reformation_n either_o can_v at_o all_o join_v or_o if_o without_o their_o conjunction_n nothing_o at_o all_o can_v be_v effect_v to_o any_o purpose_n for_o a_o settlement_n how_o shall_v the_o work_n be_v carry_v on_o if_o christ_n will_v not_o have_v his_o own_o nation_n to_o come_v to_o perfection_n without_o we_o sure_o he_o will_v not_o have_v any_o one_o of_o we_o come_v to_o perfection_n without_o another_o if_o then_o the_o agent_n who_o be_v to_o work_v out_o the_o perfection_n whereat_o we_o aim_v be_v so_o far_o from_o join_v in_o it_o as_o that_o they_o prove_v by_o their_o conjunction_n rather_o destructive_a to_o one_o another_o than_o furtherer_n of_o god_n work_n what_o hope_n be_v there_o of_o any_o success_n christian_n reader_n give_v i_o leave_v without_o offence_n to_o speak_v plain_o what_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o actor_n of_o a_o reformation_n at_o this_o time_n i_o mean_v such_o who_o have_v the_o mean_n thereof_o in_o their_o hand_n or_o at_o least_o a_o hand_n in_o the_o mean_n these_o we_o may_v find_v to_o be_v of_o three_o sort_n some_o mind_n the_o work_n sincere_o for_o itself_o although_o they_o now_o and_o then_o mistake_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o they_o shall_v walk_v some_o mind_n the_o work_n only_o to_o gain_v some_o temporal_a advantage_n by_o it_o and_o some_o mind_n it_o only_o to_o spy_v the_o fault_n and_o stop_v the_o proceed_n of_o the_o actor_n now_o if_o our_o constitution_n be_v such_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v do_v effectual_o in_o the_o public_a without_o some_o of_o each_o sort_n of_o these_o agent_n whensoever_o they_o listen_v to_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o the_o business_n it_o be_v apparent_a that_o no_o mean_n can_v be_v employ_v successful_o towards_o the_o thorough_a reformation_n of_o any_o thing_n for_o the_o upright_o man_n fail_v as_o we_o all_o do_v to_o walk_v by_o his_o rule_n which_o be_v his_o strength_n he_o easy_o be_v draw_v by_o the_o worldling_n into_o a_o plot_n to_o do_v thing_n for_o some_o end_n which_o be_v not_o answerable_a to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o assoon_o as_o any_o such_o thing_n be_v in_o agitation_n the_o three_o agent_n who_o be_v also_o interest_v in_o state-contrivement_n step_n in_o to_o observe_v and_o obstruct_v or_o overthrow_v their_o proceed_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o mean_n of_o a_o intend_a reformation_n well_o mean_v by_o many_o and_o set_v afoot_a by_o some_o be_v unsuccesfull_a in_o the_o event_n because_o in_o the_o proceed_n and_o use_n of_o mean_n there_o be_v no_o suitableness_n but_o rather_o a_o destructive_a quality_n unto_o the_o advancement_n of_o religion_n for_o in_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v propose_v or_o take_v in_o hand_n the_o jealousy_n of_o a_o party_n do_v come_v in_o which_o overrule_a the_o affection_n by_o worldly_a consideration_n raise_v a_o endless_a contest_v about_o every_o thing_n concern_v every_o part_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o work_n by_o which_o mean_v the_o design_n though_o never_o so_o just_a and_o harmless_a in_o itself_o be_v either_o stify_v in_o the_o conception_n or_o else_o become_v abortive_a before_o the_o time_n of_o strength_n or_o a_o birth_n of_o so_o loug_a continuance_n that_o in_o end_n there_o be_v no_o strength_n leave_v to_o bring_v it_o forth_o and_o this_o be_v brief_o my_o thought_n of_o the_o cause_n why_o the_o main_a work_n of_o our_o reformation_n be_v so_o much_o perplex_v as_o we_o find_v it_o as_o for_o more_o particular_a matter_n honest_o design_v for_o the_o advancement_n of_o religion_n by_o many_o in_o their_o several_a place_n and_o calling_n as_o they_o can_v have_v but_o little_a influence_n upon_o the_o main_a because_o the_o
great_a corner_n stone_n of_o the_o reformation_n be_v not_o as_o yet_o public_o profess_v and_o lay_v upon_o which_o every_o one_o shall_v make_v a_o orderly_a superstructure_n of_o gold_n and_o silver_n and_o precious_a stone_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n towards_o his_o brethren_n so_o the_o more_o such_o design_n be_v stand_v upon_o and_o advance_v in_o a_o private_a course_n they_o accidental_o become_v the_o great_a hindrance_n to_o the_o general_a work_n while_o man_n that_o be_v thereby_o stint_v within_o themselves_o rest_v satisfy_v in_o their_o own_o private_a way_n and_o by_o leave_v the_o thought_n of_o a_o public_a communion_n they_o prove_v opposite_n thereunto_o when_o they_o admit_v of_o nothing_o that_o be_v not_o every_o way_n agreeable_a unto_o their_o particular_a contrivement_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o many_o able_a man_n throughout_o the_o kingdom_n have_v many_o excellent_a thing_n in_o readiness_n which_o may_v be_v useful_o apply_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n both_o for_o the_o advancement_n of_o knowledge_n and_o of_o godliness_n if_o the_o way_n of_o our_o settlement_n be_v clear_v but_o now_o as_o matter_n stand_v i_o can_v look_v otherwise_o upon_o their_o excellency_n but_o as_o upon_o the_o scatter_a stone_n of_o a_o building_n not_o yet_o frame_v and_o as_o upon_o the_o furniture_n of_o a_o house_n who_o model_n be_v neither_o apparent_a nor_o yet_o well_o understand_v by_o any_o therefore_o although_o there_o be_v many_o man_n in_o these_o church_n of_o eminent_a ability_n and_o vessel_n of_o great_a honour_n fit_a for_o very_o good_a use_n in_o the_o build_n of_o this_o tabernacle_n yet_o because_o the_o rule_n and_o way_n of_o their_o brotherly_a communion_n and_o correspondency_n be_v not_o determine_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v they_o stand_v though_o in_o their_o private_a sphere_n profitable_a as_o to_o god_n yet_o as_o to_o the_o church_n useless_a in_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n for_o the_o part_n of_o the_o building_n not_o be_v set_v together_o their_o serviceable_a gif_n be_v not_o employ_v as_o joint_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o body_n to_o make_v up_o and_o compact_v the_o whole_a and_o for_o want_v of_o this_o aim_n and_o endeavour_v by_o all_o that_o they_o do_v they_o bring_v nothing_o forth_o unto_o perfection_n i_o have_v brief_o point_v at_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o disease_n that_o thou_o may_v consider_v thyself_o christian_n reader_n as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n how_o thou_o be_v lead_v by_o what_o spirit_n thou_o be_v guide_v and_o how_o thou_o shall_v free_v thyself_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o contribute_v further_o any_o cause_n or_o matter_n of_o continuance_n to_o our_o distemper_n now_o the_o lord_n grant_v we_o all_o grace_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n without_o murmur_n &_o dispute_n to_o his_o glory_n unblamable_o in_o love_n amen_o i_o be_o in_o the_o last_o place_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o remedy_n of_o this_o corrupt_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o if_o i_o shall_v enter_v at_o large_a upon_o this_o task_n i_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o write_v a_o volume_n but_o my_o purpose_n be_v only_o to_o name_v the_o head_n of_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v intend_v and_o set_v a-work_o to_o advance_v our_o reformation_n and_o redress_v the_o evil_n which_o threaten_v our_o final_a ruin_n that_o if_o thou_o christian_n reader_n be_v convict_v of_o the_o usefulness_n thereof_o thou_o may_v contribute_v in_o thy_o way_n what_o thou_o can_v thereunto_o the_o remedy_n then_o of_o our_o distract_a condition_n i_o conceive_v will_v be_v find_v in_o a_o discovery_n of_o two_o thing_n first_o of_o that_o which_o will_v help_v to_o rectify_v the_o disease_n at_o the_o root_n by_o take_v away_o the_o cause_n which_o do_v origional_o beget_v it_o second_o of_o that_o which_o will_v help_v to_o prevent_v distraction_n of_o the_o remedy_n of_o our_o public_a distraction_n the_o effect_n thereof_o which_o become_v cause_n of_o increase_v the_o distemper_n to_o propagate_v and_o continue_v the_o disease_n i_o have_v show_v my_o opinion_n that_o the_o cause_n which_o beget_v our_o distemper_n be_v the_o want_n of_o the_o true_a aim_n in_o the_o holy_a profession_n and_o the_o disproportionatnes_n of_o the_o mean_v use_v to_o prosecute_v the_o true_a and_o lawful_a aim_n of_o the_o reformation_n which_o we_o seek_v to_o rectify_v the_o inward_a hypocrisy_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v only_a god_n work_n but_o to_o discover_v it_o and_o convict_v man_n conscience_n of_o it_o may_v be_v the_o work_n of_o his_o servant_n by_o the_o right_a interpretation_n and_o disease_n the_o remedy_n of_o the_o first_o cause_n of_o our_o disease_n application_n of_o the_o word_n as_o the_o apostle_n testify_v 1_o cor._n 14._o 24_o 25._o yet_o the_o bare_a discovery_n of_o vice_n or_o error_n and_o the_o conviction_n of_o a_o natural_a man_n that_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o remedy_v the_o evil_a disposition_n of_o his_o spirit_n or_o to_o beget_v a_o true_a aim_n in_o he_o to_o answer_v the_o heavenly_a call_n nothing_o can_v do_v this_o but_o god_n by_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o loveliness_n thereof_o when_o he_o give_v faith_n to_o the_o elect_a by_o the_o engraft_a word_n wherein_o they_o receive_v the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o purify_v their_o soul_n and_o make_v they_o obedient_a thereunto_o through_o the_o spirit_n unto_o this_o work_n of_o god_n the_o faithful_a minister_n of_o the_o word_n be_v subservient_fw-fr when_o they_o hold_v forth_o the_o truth_n in_o sincerity_n and_o manifest_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n and_o life_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o first_o remedy_n then_o will_v be_v to_o stir_v up_o minister_n who_o understand_v this_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n ordinary_o to_o press_v and_o preach_v the_o main_a thing_n which_o discover_v the_o life_n and_o spiritual_a estate_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o truth_n be_v in_o he_o that_o their_o hearer_n may_v know_v first_o positive_o what_o that_o life_n be_v whereunto_o they_o be_v call_v and_o then_o negative_o what_o that_o life_n and_o state_n be_v wherein_o man_n be_v by_o nature_n from_o which_o they_o be_v call_v and_o this_o shall_v be_v do_v not_o so_o much_o by_o a_o enlargement_n of_o themselves_o upon_o many_o particular_a branch_n and_o twig_n of_o duty_n as_o upon_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o principle_n and_o essential_a property_n of_o the_o spiritual_a and_o carnal_a man_n from_o whence_o the_o knowledge_n of_o duty_n will_v of_o itself_o flow_v i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o the_o preach_n of_o particular_a duty_n be_v unprofitable_a or_o aught_o to_o be_v omit_v but_o i_o conceive_v that_o the_o fundamental_o which_o discover_v the_o hide_a man_n of_o the_o heart_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o spiritual_a and_o of_o the_o unrighteousness_n of_o the_o fleshly_a nature_n shall_v be_v main_o and_o ordinary_o so_o propose_v as_o from_o the_o discovery_n of_o that_o which_o be_v conformable_a or_o inconformable_a unto_o the_o image_n of_o god_n life_n in_o christ_n all_o particular_a duty_n shall_v be_v derive_v and_o press_v upon_o the_o conscience_n and_o i_o believe_v that_o because_o godly_a and_o zealous_a man_n common_o spend_v more_o of_o their_o strength_n in_o matter_n of_o particular_a concernment_n then_o in_o such_o a_o fundamental_a course_n that_o two_o evil_n arise_v from_o thence_o unto_o the_o hearer_n and_o one_o in_o the_o minister_n themselves_o first_o that_o the_o natural_a corruption_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n remain_v in_o some_o altogether_o in_o other_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n undiscovered_a at_o the_o root_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o still_o conceive_v well_o of_o themselves_o or_o better_a than_o they_o ought_v be_v not_o true_o humble_v before_o god_n and_o mortify_v unto_o the_o world_n but_o live_v still_o as_o man_n in_o the_o world_n and_o take_v up_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o certain_a duty_n rather_o than_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o a_o heavenly_a call_v to_o come_v unto_o christ_n jesus_n second_o that_o such_o as_o be_v ingenuous_a and_o have_v taste_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o thereupon_o be_v get_v into_o a_o hatred_n of_o the_o world_n be_v fervent_a in_o spirit_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n be_v drive_v by_o the_o much_o press_n of_o particular_a duty_n to_o a_o over_o act_v zeal_n either_o against_o or_o for_o some_o person_n or_o action_n which_o zeal_n have_v no_o temperament_n of_o love_n meekness_n and_o lenity_n to_o heal_v and_o bear_v with_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o weak_a or_o to_o bring_v their_o own_o proceed_n with_o they_o home_o to_o the_o true_a aim_n of_o the_o holy_a profession_n which_o be_v to_o discover_v christ_n unto_o those_o that_o
what_o rule_n and_o ground_n it_o do_v stand_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n to_o prejudge_v no_o man_n just_a and_o conscionable_a liberty_n and_o yet_o to_o act_v regular_o and_o with_o all_o competent_a authority_n 3._o what_o the_o way_n shall_v be_v by_o which_o the_o combination_n of_o eldership_n ought_v to_o deal_v with_o such_o as_o be_v without_o who_o disturb_z and_o trouble_v the_o peace_n of_o their_o congregation_n here_o the_o manner_n of_o confer_v with_o those_o that_o be_v not_o coordinate_a with_o they_o in_o the_o profession_n be_v to_o be_v open_v to_o show_v that_o it_o do_v tend_v only_o to_o the_o conviction_n and_o reformation_n of_o man_n spirit_n and_o not_o to_o the_o blast_a of_o man_n name_n or_o any_o other_o outward_a inconveniency_n to_o be_v bring_v upon_o they_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o disagreement_n from_o they_o in_o opinion_n and_o practice_n if_o these_o declaration_n concern_v the_o classical_a presbytery_n be_v publish_v as_o i_o conceive_v they_o may_v be_v draw_v up_o from_o the_o ground_n of_o scripture_n and_o undeniable_a principle_n of_o holy_a communion_n and_o right_a reason_n and_o back_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n they_o may_v be_v a_o fit_a plaster_n for_o the_o sore_n which_o be_v in_o man_n mind_n against_o the_o government_n these_o be_v in_o brief_a the_o head_n of_o my_o thought_n concern_v the_o cure_n of_o our_o present_a fit_n of_o distemper_n as_o it_o may_v by_o god_n blessing_n be_v wrought_v out_o in_o a_o spiritual_a way_n what_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o his_o prudence_n and_o according_a to_o his_o place_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o do_v outward_o to_o regulate_v the_o outward_a behaviour_n of_o man_n so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o without_o offence_n i_o shall_v not_o now_o speak_v of_o but_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o state_n pray_v that_o god_n will_v direct_v they_o to_o do_v all_o thing_n by_o their_o own_o light_n and_o for_o their_o true_a end_n of_o government_n and_o not_o by_o the_o instigation_n and_o prompt_v of_o other_o who_o may_v have_v by-end_n to_o sway_v they_o as_o for_o the_o reformation_n in_o time_n to_o come_v because_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v not_o only_o to_o build_v up_o the_o waste_a place_n but_o also_o to_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o many_o generation_n thought_n shall_v be_v have_v of_o these_o thing_n follow_v without_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o which_o in_o some_o competent_a measure_n we_o shall_v transmit_v little_a or_o no_o comfort_n unto_o posterity_n in_o the_o fruit_n of_o our_o undertake_n thought_n than_o i_o say_v shall_v be_v have_v first_o of_o the_o way_n of_o constitute_a school_n for_o the_o education_n of_o youth_n throughout_o the_o kingdom_n in_o reference_n to_o four_o sort_n of_o people_n viz._n 1._o to_o the_o mechanic_n 2._o to_o the_o gentry_n and_o noble_n 3._o to_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v train_v up_o to_o teach_v other_o in_o humane_a science_n 4._o to_o the_o son_n of_o the_o prophet_n second_o of_o the_o way_n of_o purge_v the_o university_n from_o the_o froth_n of_o ambitious_a and_o contentious_a learning_n and_o debate_n of_o science_n false_o so_o call_v to_o bring_v scholar_n to_o a_o demonstrative_a way_n of_o attain_v profitable_a knowledge_n and_o by_o the_o exercise_n and_o employment_n of_o their_o talent_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o each_o other_o without_o envy_n to_o increase_v in_o infinitum_fw-la beyond_o the_o present_a bound_n thereof_o three_o of_o enlarge_n unto_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n scripturall_a knowledge_n not_o only_o by_o catecheticall_a exercise_n more_o exact_o to_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o manner_n thereof_o by_o pastor_n parent_n schoolmaster_n and_o master_n of_o family_n than_o hitherto_o have_v be_v mind_v but_o by_o regular_a and_o well_o order_v conference_n either_o in_o private_a or_o in_o public_a as_o well_o to_o resolve_v doubt_n from_o the_o text_n as_o to_o enlarge_v the_o discovery_n of_o truth_n and_o mystery_n therein_o four_o and_o last_o of_o the_o way_n and_o rule_n of_o spiritual_a and_o rational_a meditation_n in_o divine_a and_o humane_a thing_n to_o rectify_v the_o principle_n of_o man_n thought_n in_o the_o search_n of_o knowledge_n whether_o from_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o ground_n of_o demonstrate_v the_o true_a sense_n thereof_o in_o the_o literal_a material_a and_o mystical_a analysis_n of_o the_o text_n or_o from_o other_o object_n wherein_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n may_v be_v more_o free_o employ_v either_o for_o theoretical_a or_o practical_a aim_n of_o all_o which_o it_o be_v not_o now_o seasonable_a to_o speak_v any_o more_o but_o this_o that_o i_o shall_v entreat_v thou_o good_a reader_n not_o to_o despise_v the_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n nor_o to_o mistrust_v god_n power_n and_o goodness_n concern_v that_o which_o he_o do_v intend_v to_o do_v in_o the_o last_o day_n but_o to_o lift_v up_o thy_o prayer_n with_o i_o that_o we_o may_v be_v all_o fit_v to_o receive_v and_o to_o make_v right_a use_n of_o the_o grace_n which_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o many_o trial_n be_v offer_v unto_o we_o in_o christ_n jesus_n to_o he_o be_v glory_n for_o ever_o amen_n the_o content_n chap._n 1._o pag._n 1._o concern_v a_o church_n as_o it_o be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n chap._n 2._o p._n 2._o of_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o their_o conjunction_n chap._n 3._o p._n 4._o of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n and_o government_n chap._n 4._o p._n 7._o concern_v the_o office_n &_o employment_n of_o the_o pastor_n &_o teacher_n chap._n 5._o p._n 19_o concern_v the_o office_n and_o employment_n of_o rule_v elder_n chap._n 6._o p._n 23._o some_o rule_n take_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o show_v how_o the_o eldership_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n ought_v to_o settle_v the_o spiritual_a government_n of_o the_o flock_n commit_v to_o they_o chap._n 7._o p._n 25._o concern_v the_o office_n and_o employment_n of_o deacon_n chap._n 8._o p._n 28._o concern_v the_o duty_n of_o christian_n as_o they_o be_v to_o be_v in_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o under_o the_o government_n of_o ruler_n set_v over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n chap._n 9_o p._n 36._o certain_a rule_n concern_v the_o administration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o the_o decent_a order_n of_o the_o action_n offer_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o that_o scruple_n at_o the_o gesture_n of_o sit_v chap._n 10._o p._n 55._o the_o practice_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o ground_n of_o the_o spiritual_a frame_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god._n chap._n i._o concern_v a_o church_n as_o it_o be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n 1._o a_o congregationall_a church_n be_v a_o a_o dwell_v place_n of_o mount_n zion_n a_o isa_n 4_o 5._o the_o lord_n will_v create_v a_o cloud_n upon_o every_o dwel_v place_n of_o mount_n zion_n and_o upon_o her_o assembly_n ergo_fw-la there_o be_v many_o dwell_a place_n &_o many_o assembly_n of_o mount_n zion_n and_o each_o of_o they_o have_v a_o promise_n of_o the_o lord_n presence_n with_o they_o and_o one_o of_o her_o assembly_n that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o b_o house_n of_o god_n b_o 1_o tim._n 3._o 15._o the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n 2._o this_o house_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n c_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n c_o ephes_n 2._o 20._o and_o you_o viz._n ephesian_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_n corner_n stone_n as_o the_o ephesian_n be_v so_o all_o true_a church_n be_v build_v upon_o christ_n alone_o 3._o the_o end_n and_o use_v of_o this_o building_n be_v to_o be_v a_o d_o habitation_n of_o god_n through_o the_o spirit_n d_o ephes_n 2._o 22._o in_o who_o you_o viz._n ephesian_n also_o be_v build_v together_o for_o a_o habitation_n of_o god_n through_o the_o spirit_n 4._o god_n then_o through_o e_z christ_n dwell_v therein_o e_o joh._n 17._o 23._o i_o in_o they_o and_o thou_o in_o i_o that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v perfect_a in_o one_o ergo_fw-la if_o they_o be_v unite_v by_o any_o other_o tie_n to_o one_o another_o then_o by_o their_o relation_n to_o christ_n they_o be_v neither_o perfect_a as_o one_o nor_o a_o true_a habitation_n of_o god_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o two_o way_n first_o in_o the_o lively_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n fit_o join_v together_o second_o in_o the_o spiritual_a ordinance_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o government_n right_o observe_v chap._n ii_o of_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o their_o conjunction_n the_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n be_v all_o the_o
17._o 19_o the_o care_n belong_v to_o the_o preservation_n and_o defence_n of_o the_o flock_n be_v these_o first_o to_o pray_v constant_o for_o the_o flock_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v rom._n 1._o 9_o &_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 4._o ephes_n 1._o 16._o phil._n 1._o 3_o 4._o col._n 1._o 3_o 4_o 9_o &_o 1_o thess_n 1._o 2_o 3._o second_o to_o warn_v they_o of_o danger_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v the_o ephesian_n act._n 20._o 31._o and_o god_n do_v charge_n watchman_n to_o do_v ezek._n 3_o 17._o &_o 33_o 3._o three_o to_o be_v helpful_a to_o they_o in_o all_o their_o infirmity_n that_o be_v to_o bear_v the_o sheep_n that_o stand_v still_o zach._n 11._o 16._o to_o heal_v and_o strengthen_v the_o sick_a and_o bound_v up_o the_o break_a ezek._n 34._o 4._o to_o comfort_v the_o feeble_a and_o support_v the_o weak_a 1_o thess_n 5._o 14._o to_o restore_v those_o that_o be_v takâ—n_v in_o a_o fault_n gal._n 6._o 1._o 4._o to_o bring_v back_o that_o which_o be_v drive_v away_o and_o seek_v out_o that_o which_o be_v lose_v ezek._n 34._o 4._o five_o to_o resist_v the_o ravenous_a wolf_n and_o man_n speak_v perverse_a thing_n act._n 20._o 29_o 30._o to_o convince_v gainsayer_n and_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o unruly_a and_o vain_a talker_n tit._n 1._o 9_o 10_o 11._o to_o reject_v heretic_n tit._n 2._o 10._o six_o to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o the_o sheep_n to_o defend_v they_o and_o not_o as_o a_o hireling_n to_o run_v away_o from_o they_o joh._n 10._o 10_o 1â—_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o duty_n now_o follow_v to_o consider_v of_o iii_o the_o spiritual_a way_n how_o these_o duty_n shall_v be_v perform_v 20._o the_o manner_n and_o way_n of_o perform_v these_o duty_n be_v not_o arbitrary_a depend_v upon_o the_o wit_n or_o will_v and_o contrivance_n of_o man_n wisdom_n but_o spiritual_o to_o be_v regulate_v either_o by_o the_o word_n which_o be_v express_v or_o by_o the_o undoubted_a principle_n of_o edification_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 1._o i_o come_v not_o with_o excellency_n of_o speech_n or_o of_o wisdom_n &_o v._o 4._o my_o speech_n be_v not_o with_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n but_o in_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n &_o 2_o cor._n 1._o 12._o not_o with_o worldly_a wisdom_n but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o have_v have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o more_o abundant_o to_o youward_n &_o chap._n 4._o 12._o not_o walk_v in_o craftiness_n or_o handle_v the_o word_n of_o god_n deceitful_o 21._o the_o way_n then_o to_o regulate_v and_o order_v these_o duty_n have_v three_o spiritual_a path_n the_o first_o be_v that_o which_o set_v the_o pastor_n spirit_n upon_o his_o proper_a employment_n the_o second_o that_o whereby_o his_o endeavour_n be_v fit_v towards_o the_o flock_n and_o the_o flock_v fit_v to_o receive_v they_o at_o his_o hand_n the_o three_o be_v that_o wherein_o his_o employment_n be_v make_v edify_a and_o useful_a towards_o all_o in_o the_o first_o path_n he_o will_v be_v accept_v of_o god_n in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o approve_v of_o man_n of_o the_o first_o path._n 22._o the_o pastor_n spirit_n will_v be_v direct_v towards_o the_o work_n of_o his_o employment_n if_o he_o bear_v in_o mind_n what_o his_o relation_n be_v to_o god_n in_o his_o office_n what_o the_o end_n and_o use_v of_o his_o work_n be_v and_o what_o the_o frame_n of_o his_o affection_n and_o rule_n of_o performance_n shall_v be_v to_o make_v his_o way_n answerable_a unto_o these_o 23._o his_o relation_n unto_o god_n be_v that_o god_n do_v intrust_v he_o with_o his_o mystery_n and_o with_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o child_n as_o a_o steward_n to_o dispense_v the_o mystery_n unto_o god_n child_n to_o have_v inspection_n over_o they_o and_o to_o keep_v the_o key_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god._n 24._o as_o a_o steward_n thus_o entrust_v the_o frame_n of_o his_o affection_n must_v be_v faithfulness_n a_o towards_o his_o master_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o performance_n must_v be_v to_o study_v to_o approve_v his_o conscience_n to_o god_n not_o regard_v the_o judgement_n of_o man_n but_o that_o of_o god_n alone_o a_o 1_o cor._n 4._o 1._o let_v a_o man_n so_o account_v of_o we_o as_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n &_o v._o 2._o it_o be_v require_v in_o steward_n that_o a_o man_n be_v find_v faithful_a &_o v._o 3._o with_o mrit_n be_v a_o small_a thing_n that_o i_o shall_v be_v judge_v by_o you_o or_o of_o man_n judgement_n v._o 4._o i_o know_v nothing_o by_o myself_o yet_o be_o i_o not_o hereby_o justify_v but_o he_o that_o justifi_v i_o be_v the_o lord_n 25._o the_o mystery_n wherewith_o he_o be_v entrust_v be_v the_o word_n and_o the_o ordinance_n 26._o as_o a_o steward_n entrust_v with_o the_o word_n the_o frame_n of_o his_o affection_n must_v be_v sincerity_n b_o not_o to_o mix_v any_o self-end_n with_o the_o word_n b_o 2_o cor._n 2._o 17._o we_o corrupt_v not_o the_o word_n but_o as_o of_o sincerity_n as_o of_o god_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n speak_v we_o in_o christ_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o performance_n in_o reference_n to_o god_n be_v to_o speak_v as_o in_o his_o sight_n and_o presence_n and_o in_o reference_n to_o man_n to_o renounce_v the_o hide_a c_o thing_n of_o dishonesty_n and_o by_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o approve_v himself_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o every_o one_o c_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 2._o we_o have_v renounce_v the_o hide_a thing_n of_o dishonesty_n but_o by_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n commend_v ourselves_o to_o every_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n 27._o then_o also_o as_o a_o steward_n entrust_v with_o the_o ordinance_n the_o frame_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o affection_n must_v be_v free_a from_o prejudice_n not_o prefer_v one_o ordinance_n before_o another_o and_o the_o rule_n of_o performance_n be_v to_o dispense_v the_o ordinance_n d_o impartial_o d_o 1_o tim._n 5._o 21._o i_o charge_v thou_o that_o thou_o observe_v these_o thing_n without_o prefer_v one_o before_o another_o do_v nothing_o by_o partiality_n and_o to_o keep_v himself_o and_o the_o holy_a thing_n pure_a himself_o by_o not_o e_z partake_v of_o other_o man_n sin_n e_o 1_o tim._n 5._o 22._o neither_o be_v partaker_n of_o other_o man_n sin_n keep_v thyself_o pure_a the_o holy_a thing_n by_o not_o give_v they_o unto_o dog_n f_z and_o swine_n f_z mat._n 7._o 6._o give_v not_o that_o which_o be_v holy_a unto_o the_o dog_n neither_o cast_v you_o your_o pearl_n before_o swine_n 28._o to_o discharge_v the_o truth_n commit_v unto_o he_o concern_v the_o soul_n of_o god_n child_n the_o frame_n of_o his_o affection_n must_v be_v faithfulness_n unto_o they_o for_o god_n sake_n and_o watchfulness_n over_o they_o as_o one_o that_o must_v g_o give_v a_o account_n g_o heb._n 13._o 17._o they_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n as_o they_o that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n and_o according_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o performance_n unto_o they_o must_v be_v in_o dispense_n the_o word_n to_o withhold_v nothing_o from_o they_o which_o be_v profitable_a touch_v the_o whole_a h_z counsel_n of_o god_n h_z act._n 20._o 20._o i_o have_v keep_v back_o nothing_o that_o be_v profitable_a unto_o you_o &_o v._o 27._o i_o have_v not_o shun_v to_o declare_v unto_o you_o all_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n and_o in_o dispense_n the_o ordinance_n to_o be_v jealous_a over_o they_o with_o a_o godly_a jealousy_n lest_o they_o shall_v be_v corrupt_v from_o the_o simplicity_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 11._o 2_o 3._o 29._o the_o end_n and_o use_v of_o the_o work_n be_v that_o god_n glory_n through_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o common_a edification_n ay_o of_o every_o one_o by_o another_o through_o the_o right_a use_n of_o god_n grace_n may_v be_v advance_v ay_o 1_o pet._n 4._o 10_o 11._o as_o every_o man_n have_v receive_v the_o gift_n even_o so_o minister_v the_o same_o one_o to_o another_o that_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v glorify_v through_o jesus_n christ_n 30._o and_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o affection_n whereby_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o pastor_n will_v be_v enable_v to_o reach_v this_o end_n be_v k_n love_n k_n 1_o cor._n 8._o 1._o charity_n edify_v &_o 1_o cor._n 13._o 1_o 2_o 3._o though_o i_o speak_v with_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o have_v no_o charity_n i_o be_o as_o sound_a brass_n and_o a_o tinkle_a cymbal_n and_o though_o i_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o understand_v all_o mystery_n and_o all_o knowledge_n and_o though_o i_o have_v all_o faith_n so_o that_o i_o can_v remove_v mountain_n and_o have_v no_o charity_n i_o be_o nothing_o and_o
though_o i_o bestow_v all_o my_o good_n to_o feed_v the_o poor_a and_o though_o i_o give_v my_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v and_o have_v no_o charity_n it_o profit_v i_o nothing_o &_o ephes_n 4._o 15._o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n you_o may_v grow_v up_o unto_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n &_o v._o 16._o the_o body_n unto_o the_o edify_n of_o itself_o in_o love_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o performance_n subservient_fw-fr hereunto_o for_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n be_v to_o speak_v as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o for_o matter_n of_o action_n be_v to_o do_v as_o of_o the_o ability_n which_o god_n do_v give_v 1_o pet._n 4._o 11._o the_o second_o path._n 31._o the_o way_n to_o fit_v all_o pastoral_a endeavour_n to_o the_o flock_n be_v threefold_a first_o to_o make_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n free_a from_o all_o worldly_a aim_n as_o to_o l_o please_v man_n to_o get_v m_z profit_n or_o to_o get_v n_z humane_a glory_n l_o 1_o thess_n 2._o 4._o we_o speak_v not_o as_o please_a man_n but_o god_n which_o tri_v our_o heart_n for_o neither_o at_o any_o time_n use_v we_o flatter_v word_n m_o ibid._n v._n 5._o nor_o use_v we_o a_o cloak_n of_o covetousness_n n_z ibid._n v._n 6._o nor_o of_o man_n seek_v we_o glory_n neither_o of_o you_o nor_o of_o other_o too_o be_v free_a from_o entanglement_n of_o o_o worldly_a care_n o_o 2_o tim._n 2_o 3_o 4._o endure_v hardness_n as_o a_o good_a soldier_n of_o jesus_n christ_n no_o man_n that_o war_v entangle_v himself_n with_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n that_o he_o may_v please_v he_o who_o have_v choose_v he_o to_o be_v a_o soldier_n and_o not_o to_o be_v engage_v to_o administer_v worldly_a p_o judicature_n in_o order_n to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n p_o luk._n 12._o 13_o 14._o and_o one_o of_o the_o company_n say_v unto_o he_o viz._n to_o christ_n master_n speak_v to_o my_o brother_n that_o he_o divide_v the_o inheritance_n with_o i_o and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o man_z who_o make_v i_o a_o judge_n or_o a_o divider_n among_o you_o second_o to_o do_v the_o work_n towards_o the_o flock_n with_o a_o willing_a q_o and_o ready_a mind_n without_o constraint_n q_o 1_o pet._n 5._o 2._o feed_v the_o flock_n taking_z the_o care_n thereof_o not_o by_o constraint_n but_o willing_o not_o for_o filthy_a lucre_n but_o of_o a_o ready_a mind_n with_o all_o gentleness_n and_o tenderness_n of_o affection_n and_o nurse-like_a r_o love_v care_n r_o 1_o thess_n 2._o 7_o 8._o but_o we_o be_v gentle_a among_o you_o even_o as_o a_o nurse_n cherish_v her_o child_n so_o be_v affectionate_o desirous_a of_o you_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o have_v impart_v unto_o you_o not_o the_o gospel_n of_o god_n only_o but_o also_o our_o own_o soul_n because_o you_o be_v dear_a to_o we_o with_o all_o just_a holy_a and_o unblameable_a s_o outward_a behaviour_n s_o 1_o thess_n 2._o 10._o you_o be_v witness_n and_o god_n also_o how_o holy_o just_o and_o unblamable_o we_o have_v behave_v ourselves_o among_o you_o that_o believe_v and_o without_o all_o burden_n t_z unto_o the_o flock_n so_o far_o as_o can_v be_v possible_o t_z 1_o thess_n 2._o 6_o 9_o we_o may_v have_v be_v burdensome_a as_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n but_o you_o remember_v our_o labour_n and_o travel_n for_o labour_a night_n and_o day_n because_o we_o will_v not_o be_v chargeable_a unto_o any_o three_o to_o undergo_v any_o inconvenience_n whatsoever_o rather_o then_o to_o give_v occasion_n u_o of_o offence_n unto_o any_o at_o the_o gospel_n u_o 2_o cor._n 6._o 3_o 4._o give_v no_o offence_n in_o any_o thing_n that_o the_o ministry_n be_v not_o blame_v but_o in_o all_o thing_n approve_v ourselves_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n in_o much_o patience_n in_o affliction_n in_o necessity_n in_o distress_n etc._n etc._n 32._o the_o way_n to_o fit_v the_o flock_n to_o receive_v and_o admit_v of_o all_o pastoral_a duty_n at_o their_o pastor_n hand_n be_v fourfold_o first_o to_o walk_v open_o x_o and_o in_o the_o light_n towards_o they_o x_o joh._n 3._o 21._o he_o that_o do_v the_o truth_n come_v to_o the_o light_n that_o his_o deed_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v wrought_v in_o god_n &_o 1_o joh._n 1._o 7._o if_o we_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n as_o he_o be_v in_o the_o light_n we_o have_v fellowship_n one_o with_o another_o now_o god_n be_v in_o the_o light_n by_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o truth_n to_o the_o conscience_n if_o therefore_o a_o pastor_n do_v walk_v in_o this_o light_n to_o the_o flock_n he_o will_v fit_v they_o to_o receive_v his_o administration_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v by_o prepare_v and_o preinforming_a their_o understanding_n concern_v the_o course_n which_o be_v to_o be_v take_v towards_o they_o that_o they_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v surprise_v or_o bind_v to_o walk_v by_o a_o implicit_a faith_n under_o their_o pastor_n in_o blind_a submission_n second_o to_o make_v they_o sensible_a that_o all_o be_v do_v ministerial_o as_o a_o service_n of_o love_n unto_o they_o and_o to_o be_v a_o help_n unto_o their_o joy_n and_o not_o to_o exercise_v any_o dominion_n over_o their_o faith_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 24._o or_o y_z lord_n it_o over_o their_o person_n y_z 1_o pet._n 5._o 3._o neither_o as_o be_v lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n but_o be_v ensample_n to_o the_o flock_n and_o yet_o not_o to_o give_v they_o occasion_n to_o take_v authority_n over_o their_o pastor_n or_o to_o a_o despise_v he_o a_o 1_o tim._n 4._o 12._o let_v no_o man_n despise_v thy_o youth_n &_o tit._n 2._o 15._o exhort_v and_o rebuke_v with_o all_o authority_n let_v no_o man_n despise_v thou_o three_o to_o deal_v with_o every_o one_o of_o they_o as_o well_o in_o b_o private_a â—â—_o in_o public_a as_o need_n may_v be_v b_o act._n 20._o 20._o i_o keep_v back_o nothing_o that_o be_v profitable_a unto_o you_o but_o have_v show_v you_o and_o have_v teach_v you_o public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n four_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o contract_n with_o christ_n as_o espouse_v c_o and_o to_o be_v present_v unto_o he_o c_o 2_o cor._n 11._o 2._o i_o have_v espouse_v you_o unto_o one_o husband_n that_o i_o may_v present_v you_o as_o a_o chaste_a virgin_n unto_o christ_n the_o three_o path._n 33._o although_o every_o pastor_n be_v authorise_v in_o himself_o by_o his_o office_n to_o lead_v and_o rule_v the_o flock_n and_o as_o one_o who_o be_v accountable_a unto_o god_n must_v discharge_v his_o conscience_n in_o the_o observation_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o god_n ordinance_n and_o that_o every_o congregation_n have_v full_a power_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n for_o its_o own_o edification_n decent_o and_o by_o a_o order_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 40._o yet_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o holy_a communion_n do_v in_o christianity_n no_o pastor_n nor_o flock_n nor_o christian_a also_o ought_v to_o walk_n or_o stand_v by_o himself_o alone_o if_o possible_o they_o can_v be_v join_v unto_o other_o in_o the_o public_a profession_n do_v ephes_n 4._o 1._o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o vocation_n wherewith_o you_o be_v call_v &_o v._o 3._o endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n v._o 4_o 5._o one_o body_n one_o spirit_n even_o as_o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o hope_n of_o your_o call_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n v._n 6._o one_o god_n and_o father_n &_o v._o 14._o till_o we_o all_o come_v to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n &_o v._o 14._o that_o we_o be_v no_o more_o toss_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o â—â—rried_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n v._o 16._o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v together_o and_o compact_a &_o 1_o cor._n 9_o 19_o though_o i_o be_o free_a from_o all_o man_n yet_o i_o make_v myself_o a_o servant_n unto_o all_o that_o i_o may_v gain_v the_o 〈◊〉_d v._o 20._o to_o the_o jew_n i_o become_v as_o a_o jew_n to_o they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n as_o under_o the_o law_n v._n 21._o to_o they_o that_o be_v without_o law_n as_o without_o law_n be_v not_o without_o law_n to_o god_n but_o under_o the_o law_n to_o christ_n that_o i_o may_v gain_v they_o that_o be_v without_o law_n v._o 22._o to_o the_o weak_a i_o become_v as_o weak_a i_o be_o make_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o and_o this_o i_o do_v for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n that_o i_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n thereof_o with_o you_o if_o the_o apostle_n do_v thus_o condescend_v to_o all_o to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o those_o that_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o it_o then_o all_o that_o have_v any_o interest_n in_o the_o gospel_n aught_o to_o