a_o epistolary_a discourse_n wherein_o among_o other_o particular_n these_o follow_a question_n be_v brief_o resolve_v i._o whether_o or_o no_o the_o state_n shall_v tolerate_v the_o independent_a government_n ii_o if_o they_o shall_v tolerate_v it_o how_o far_o and_o with_o what_o limitation_n iii_o if_o they_o shall_v not_o tolerate_v it_o what_o course_n shall_v be_v take_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o conformity_n with_o the_o presbyterials_n write_a by_o mr._n john_n dury_n to_o mr._n tho._n goodwin_n mr._n philip_n nye_n mr._n samuel_n hartlib_n publish_a by_o a_o friend_n for_o more_o common_a use_n julâ—_n 27._o 1644._o imprimatur_fw-la ja_fw-la cranford_n london_n print_v for_o charles_n greene_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o shop_n in_o lvie_n lane_n 1644._o the_o copy_n of_o letter_n to_o mr._n tho._n goodwin_n and_o mr._n philip_n nye_n worthy_a sir_n although_o i_o be_o not_o yet_o settle_v here_o nor_o can_v promise_v unto_o myself_o any_o leisure_n and_o freedom_n of_o spirit_n from_o other_o necessary_a thought_n which_o my_o present_a condition_n do_v oblige_v i_o unto_o and_o although_o i_o may_v imagine_v that_o there_o be_v little_a use_n as_o yet_o to_o be_v make_v among_o you_o of_o any_o thing_n that_o i_o can_v propose_v tend_v to_o moderation_n in_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o distract_a condition_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n nevertheless_o because_o i_o do_v promise_v you_o that_o i_o will_v put_v something_o to_o paper_n concern_v the_o scope_n of_o my_o negotiation_n and_o the_o argument_n which_o i_o have_v use_v to_o persuade_v man_n spirit_n unto_o mutual_a forbearance_n and_o because_o i_o know_v that_o if_o one_o will_v observe_v the_o wind_n very_o narrow_o he_o shall_v hardly_o ever_o sow_v his_o seed_n eccles_n 11.4_o or_o if_o he_o regard_v the_o cloud_n reap_v his_o corn_n therefore_o i_o will_v not_o delay_v any_o long_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o which_o i_o undertake_v which_o that_o i_o may_v do_v in_o some_o order_n i_o will_v branch_v out_o this_o discourse_n into_o these_o particular_n first_o i_o will_v relate_v unto_o you_o the_o true_a state_n of_o my_o negotiation_n with_o the_o lutheran_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o moderation_n towards_o we_o second_o i_o will_v set_v down_o the_o head_n of_o reason_n which_o induce_v i_o to_o this_o endeavour_n and_o which_o i_o use_v to_o persuade_v other_o to_o that_o duty_n which_o i_o have_v press_v upon_o they_o three_o i_o will_v let_v you_o know_v my_o opinion_n concern_v you_o case_n for_o which_o you_o desire_v to_o know_v these_o matter_n that_o you_o may_v understand_v how_o far_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v agree_v or_o disagree_v with_o that_o which_o hitherto_o i_o have_v agitate_a and_o what_o i_o will_v advise_v you_o to_o do_v in_o it_o for_o the_o advancement_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o the_o public_a edification_n of_o your_o brethren_n the_o true_a state_n of_o my_o negotiation_n be_v this_o that_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o bring_v the_o lutheran_n to_o some_o orderly_a treaty_n with_o we_o and_o joint_a resolution_n among_o themselves_o concern_v the_o way_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o public_a and_o private_a profession_n of_o christianity_n that_o the_o scandalous_a and_o unconscionable_a effect_n of_o our_o division_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n some_o joint_a course_n may_v be_v seâ—led_v to_o set_v forward_o the_o reformation_n of_o protestant_a church_n unto_o that_o period_n whereunto_o it_o may_v by_o god_n assistance_n be_v bring_v to_o this_o effect_n have_v first_o deal_v with_o our_o own_o side_n and_o get_v their_o consent_n unto_o this_o aim_n i_o have_v offer_v myself_o also_o unto_o the_o rest_n as_o a_o solicitor_n of_o the_o counsel_n of_o peace_n and_o a_o servant_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n in_o this_o matter_n in_o this_o posture_n i_o have_v take_v the_o freedom_n to_o provoke_v all_o unto_o the_o duty_n of_o love_n and_o of_o good_a work_n either_o by_o propose_v or_o ask_v council_n of_o they_o or_o make_v motion_n tend_v to_o the_o composure_n of_o difference_n for_o have_v make_v my_o spirit_n void_a of_o partiality_n and_o lay_v aside_o all_o private_a aim_n i_o take_v up_o universal_a rule_n which_o i_o think_v appâ—â—â—â—e_v unto_o all_o man_n understanding_n in_o theoreticis_fw-la and_o to_o their_o conâ—â—â—â—â—â—es_n in_o practicis_fw-la that_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o fâ—llow_n the_o apostle_n council_n unto_o the_o philippian_n chap._n 3.15.16_o which_o be_v that_o so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v come_v we_o shall_v mind_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n as_o it_o become_v those_o that_o indeed_o be_v brethren_n in_o jesus_n christ_n for_o i_o do_v not_o aim_v so_o mâ—ch_o at_o a_o â—are_a toleration_n betwixt_o we_o and_o lutheran_n as_o at_o a_o pub_fw-la iâ—ue_fw-la profession_n of_o brotherhood_n whereupon_o i_o conceive_v a_o toleration_n will_v follow_v of_o itself_o in_o matter_n of_o lesser_a difference_n which_o câ—uld_v be_v no_o just_a occasion_n of_o a_o breach_n and_o as_o for_o thing_n of_o great_a importance_n wherein_o some_o do_v seem_v to_o find_v sufficient_a cause_n of_o break_v of_o brotherhood_n from_o we_o i_o suppose_v these_o may_v be_v remove_v two_o way_n first_o by_o a_o fundamental_a confession_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o duty_n requisite_a unto_o salvation_n which_o may_v be_v common_a to_o all_o and_o open_o profess_v as_o the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o badge_n of_o our_o fraternal_a union_n second_o by_o a_o common_a and_o infallible_a rule_n of_o interpret_n the_o text_n of_o holy_a scripture_n by_o which_o all_o doubt_n incident_a in_o other_o matter_n not_o fundamental_a may_v be_v clear_v and_o decide_v and_o as_o the_o fundamental_a confession_n shall_v serve_v for_o all_o in_o common_a so_o this_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n shall_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o join_v the_o more_o learned_a sort_n in_o one_o sense_n and_o meaning_n lest_o their_o difference_n about_o matter_n of_o lesser_a moment_n may_v rend_v the_o body_n in_o piece_n notwithstanding_o the_o former_a tie_n of_o union_n in_o fundamental_a truth_n for_o see_v we_o see_v daily_o that_o among_o man_n of_o good_a repute_n otherwise_o for_o godliness_n in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n and_o for_o zeal_n in_o their_o profession_n of_o religion_n great_a dispute_n fall_v out_o for_o small_a matter_n as_o for_o the_o different_a acception_n of_o a_o word_n in_o a_o place_n of_o scripture_n or_o for_o the_o meaning_n of_o a_o sentence_n which_o may_v be_v diverse_o interpret_v according_a to_o the_o different_a relation_n which_o it_o have_v unto_o the_o matter_n precedent_n and_o consequent_a and_o these_o dispute_v ofttimes_o come_v to_o such_o a_o height_n betwixt_o they_o that_o they_o not_o only_o lose_v all_o charitable_a affection_n and_o amicablenesse_n of_o conversation_n one_o towards_o another_o but_o also_o involve_v other_o their_o hearer_n into_o the_o same_o breach_n of_o christian_a love_n from_o whence_o schism_n and_o separation_n at_o last_o arise_v and_o increase_v in_o the_o church_n although_o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n thereof_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o substantial_a and_o material_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n see_v i_o say_v we_o daily_o see_v that_o this_o do_v fall_v out_o and_o that_o this_o alone_a be_v able_a to_o breed_v many_o division_n among_o the_o learned_a notwithstanding_o all_o other_o tie_v of_o brotherly_a union_n and_o friendship_n betwixt_o they_o therefore_o i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v expedient_a if_o not_o necessary_a to_o find_v some_o remedy_n for_o this_o inconvenient_a which_o at_o last_o i_o suppose_v be_v find_v and_o if_o god_n will_v be_v please_v to_o enable_v i_o to_o propose_v it_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v prove_v effectual_a towards_o man_n that_o be_v not_o self-conceited_a but_o tractable_a either_o by_o the_o ground_n of_o reason_n or_o of_o conscience_n lead_v in_o aspirituall_a way_n which_o be_v above_o but_o not_o contrary_a unto_o reason_n for_o spiritual_a truth_n be_v rational_o deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n although_o man_n that_o be_v natural_o rational_a be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v the_o sense_n thereof_o in_o a_o word_n i_o conceive_v the_o remedy_n to_o be_v this_o that_o when_o we_o have_v agree_v upon_o the_o substance_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n we_o may_v have_v also_o some_o undoubted_a rule_n whereby_o to_o reduce_v all_o matter_n which_o be_v extra-substantiall_a unto_o their_o own_o principle_n that_o the_o doubt_n which_o arise_v concern_v the_o same_o may_v be_v decide_v according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v out_o of_o all_o doubt_n and_o according_a to_o the_o clear_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n regular_o analyse_v so_o that_o the_o rule_n first_o of_o determine_v fundamental_n in_o faith_n and_o
practice_n second_o of_o reduce_v doubtful_a matter_n concern_v faith_n and_o practice_n unto_o their_o own_o fundamental_n and_o three_o of_o analyze_a the_o text_n of_o holy_a scripture_n demonstrative_o be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o the_o disorderly_a proceed_n of_o all_o our_o dispute_n may_v be_v remedy_v and_o the_o whole_a state_n of_o my_o negotiation_n have_v proper_o be_v employ_v in_o this_o to_o bring_v the_o lutheran_n as_o well_v as_o our_o own_o side_n to_o intend_v joint_o the_o right_a apprehension_n and_o application_n of_o these_o rule_n as_o antidote_n to_o cure_v our_o disease_n which_o be_v infectious_a and_o spread_v their_o distemper_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o all_o man_n that_o walk_v not_o by_o the_o same_o to_o order_v their_o theory_n and_o their_o practice_n to_o the_o end_n of_o godliness_n and_o of_o mutual_a edification_n through_o love_n you_o may_v perceive_v then_o that_o i_o do_v not_o negotiate_v for_o the_o decision_n of_o this_o or_o of_o that_o particular_a opinion_n about_o which_o most_o man_n be_v so_o earnest_o set_v either_o pro_fw-la or_o contra_fw-la for_o i_o leave_v all_o such_o dispute_n as_o matter_n of_o indifferency_n to_o i_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o scope_n of_o my_o negotiation_n although_o i_o make_v they_o not_o matter_n of_o indifferency_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o weight_n and_o in_o regard_n of_o my_o private_a judgement_n concern_v they_o and_o insist_v only_o upon_o the_o rule_n which_o all_o man_n that_o handle_v controversy_n rational_o or_o conscionable_o shall_v follow_v as_o well_o in_o theory_n as_o in_o practice_n to_o come_v at_o last_o unto_o the_o decision_n thereof_o in_o this_o state_n my_o negotiation_n do_v stand_v at_o this_o time_n with_o all_o party_n and_o my_o aim_n be_v to_o meddle_v with_o you_o no_o further_o than_o to_o this_o purpose_n at_o this_o time_n yet_o i_o never_o refuse_v chief_o if_o it_o be_v require_v at_o my_o hand_n or_o if_o otherwise_o i_o find_v it_o fit_a for_o edification_n to_o let_v my_o judgement_n be_v know_v concern_v particular_n of_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n which_o may_v be_v doubtful_a but_o i_o stand_v not_o upon_o that_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o consequence_n in_o my_o negotiation_n but_o rather_o do_v it_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_n of_o peter_n c._n 3.15_o and_o leave_v my_o opinion_n to_o be_v judge_v by_o other_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o decision_n of_o doubt_n whereupon_o we_o do_v agree_v nor_o must_v you_o imagine_v that_o i_o do_v by_o this_o negotiation_n seek_v to_o prescribe_v rule_n and_o method_n unto_o other_o as_o one_o that_o will_v have_v mastery_n over_o their_o understanding_n and_o persuade_v they_o to_o follow_v my_o direction_n but_o i_o endeavour_v to_o draw_v they_o to_o a_o consultation_n about_o such_o matter_n that_o by_o a_o amiable_a conference_n matter_n of_o this_o nature_n tend_v to_o regulate_v our_o thought_n and_o affection_n in_o the_o work_n of_o reconciliation_n may_v be_v beat_v out_o and_o clear_v that_o when_o we_o have_v find_v the_o rule_n of_o proceed_v without_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n we_o may_v make_v use_n of_o they_o for_o the_o public_a good_a and_o our_o mutual_a edification_n and_o if_o you_o do_v not_o disallow_v of_o this_o undertake_n you_o may_v come_v in_o as_o a_o healer_n of_o the_o breach_n and_o a_o repairer_n of_o the_o ruin_n of_o many_o generation_n for_o all_o that_o i_o desire_v be_v to_o engage_v every_o one_o who_o be_v able_a to_o help_v to_o contribute_v assistance_n unto_o this_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o because_o you_o seem_v desirous_a to_o draw_v from_o i_o some_o help_n unto_o your_o private_a case_n that_o other_o may_v be_v persuade_v to_o use_v that_o moderation_n towards_o you_o which_o you_o think_v be_v just_a you_o shall_v enjoy_v therefore_o i_o be_o reciprocal_o desirous_a to_o draw_v from_o you_o some_o help_n towards_o the_o public_a that_o all_o may_v be_v persuade_v to_o use_v that_o moderation_n one_o towards_o another_o which_o you_o will_v obtain_v from_o those_o of_o england_n towards_o yourself_o and_o if_o you_o work_v effectual_o for_o this_o and_o that_o according_a to_o rule_n which_o no_o man_n can_v refuse_v i_o suppose_v in_o do_v good_a to_o the_o public_a you_o will_v find_v the_o benefit_n immediate_o redound_v unto_o yourself_o for_o if_o you_o study_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n by_o a_o rule_n and_o can_v make_v other_o sensible_a that_o the_o rule_n which_o you_o follow_v in_o your_o profession_n be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o perfect_a way_n of_o peace_n and_o edification_n among_o all_o you_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o you_o shall_v enjoy_v the_o liberty_n which_o your_o rule_n yield_v when_o other_o shall_v perceive_v the_o righteousness_n thereof_o let_v we_o then_o beat_v out_o the_o matter_n of_o regulate_v our_o proceed_n and_o order_v our_o theory_n and_o practice_n towards_o peace_n truth_n and_o mutual_a edification_n in_o godliness_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v in_o the_o end_n that_o our_o labour_n will_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n for_o if_o we_o true_o study_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 and_o if_o we_o do_v the_o truth_n which_o we_o know_v in_o love_n no_o doubt_n other_o will_v do_v in_o like_a manner_n to_o we_o not_o only_o because_o our_o example_n will_v be_v a_o provocation_n and_o pattern_n unto_o they_o to_o walk_v as_o we_o do_v but_o also_o and_o chief_o because_o they_o shall_v see_v that_o we_o do_v not_o walk_v at_o random_n or_o partial_o but_o by_o a_o rule_n which_o be_v universal_a and_o will_v lead_v all_o man_n that_o will_v take_v it_o up_o unto_o the_o fruition_n of_o that_o happiness_n which_o we_o aim_v at_o which_o be_v no_o more_o but_o the_o unblameable_a liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o their_o father_n to_o serve_v he_o and_o declare_v the_o praise_n of_o his_o goodness_n towards_o we_o through_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o great_a congregation_n this_o liberty_n of_o serve_v god_n according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o of_o speak_v of_o his_o praise_n and_o of_o his_o goodness_n if_o we_o can_v show_v how_o it_o shall_v be_v use_v without_o partiality_n and_o self-seeking_a according_a unto_o clear_a and_o infallible_a rule_n tend_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o all_o man_n i_o say_v if_o we_o can_v show_v to_o this_o generation_n this_o liberty_n what_o it_o be_v and_o how_o it_o shall_v be_v use_v not_o to_o contradict_v and_o overthrow_v so_o much_o as_o to_o build_v up_o and_o gain_v assent_n we_o shall_v enjoy_v our_o share_n thereof_o without_o opposition_n and_o because_o i_o be_o very_o confident_a hereof_o through_o jesus_n christ_n i_o make_v bold_a to_o provoke_v you_o unto_o this_o meditation_n with_o i_o and_o will_v now_o leave_v you_o at_o this_o time_n to_o think_v upon_o the_o matter_n till_o the_o next_o occasion_n of_o writing_n wherein_o i_o purpose_v god_n willing_a to_o insist_v upon_o the_o second_o head_n which_o i_o do_v propose_v unto_o myself_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o discourse_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v we_o pray_v one_o for_o another_o and_o for_o light_n towards_o all_o that_o be_v in_o error_n and_o darkness_n from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n to_o who_o favour_n i_o commend_v you_o as_o your_o friend_n and_o servant_n in_o christ_n john_n dury_n hagve_n 24_o june_n 1642._o 4_o july_n 1642._o grace_n and_o peace_n be_v multiply_v unto_o you_o from_o god_n the_o father_n and_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n amen_n i_o make_v a_o beginning_n on_o the_o 24._o day_n of_o june_n last_o to_o write_v unto_o you_o concern_v the_o thing_n which_o you_o desire_v to_o know_v of_o i_o touch_v my_o negotiation_n of_o peace_n among_o protestant_n then_o i_o do_v show_v you_o first_o that_o my_o aim_n be_v not_o to_o procure_v a_o bare_a toleration_n betwixt_o we_o and_o lutheran_n but_o rather_o a_o real_a profession_n of_o true_a brotherhood_n second_o that_o to_o procure_v this_o i_o have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o my_o work_n upon_o the_o apostle_n rule_n which_o be_v phil._n 3.15.16_o three_o that_o to_o make_v use_n of_o this_o apostolical_a precept_n and_o apply_v it_o unto_o the_o present_a occasion_n of_o the_o church_n i_o have_v labour_v to_o find_v out_o three_o thing_n first_o rule_v whereby_o the_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n and_o practice_n may_v be_v determine_v second_o rule_v whereby_o doubtful_a matter_n which_o be_v not_o fundamental_a may_v be_v reduce_v to_o their_o own_o principle_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n according_a to_o the_o analogy_n whereof_o they_o shall_v be_v decide_v three_o rule_n of_o true_a and_o demonstrative_a scripturall_a analysis_n whereby_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v the_o last_o judge_n of_o all_o controversy_n may_v
one_o to_o another_o if_o these_o argument_n be_v enlarge_v according_a to_o the_o richness_n of_o their_o subject_n they_o can_v fill_v up_o a_o great_a volume_n but_o i_o suppose_v you_o desire_v nothing_o else_o of_o i_o but_o the_o intimation_n of_o these_o head_n to_o which_o some_o other_o can_v be_v add_v if_o time_n do_v permit_v but_o i_o be_o straighten_a many_o way_n and_o still_o distract_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o new_a frame_n of_o life_n and_o the_o unsettle_a condition_n of_o attendance_n whereunto_o i_o be_o come_v of_o late_a wherein_o nevertheless_o as_o i_o shall_v never_o forget_v the_o public_a good_a so_o i_o shall_v always_o be_v ready_a to_o show_v myself_o your_o faithful_a brother_n and_o servant_n in_o christ_n john_n dury_n hague_n 7_o 17_o july_n 1642._o grace_n and_o peace_n be_v with_o you_o from_o god_n the_o father_n and_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n amen_n you_o have_v receive_v i_o make_v no_o doubt_n the_o two_o former_a letter_n wherein_o you_o have_v see_v the_o state_n of_o my_o negotiation_n with_o the_o reason_n which_o have_v move_v i_o to_o undertake_v it_o and_o which_o i_o propose_v unto_o other_o to_o move_v they_o to_o join_v with_o i_o in_o the_o same_o endeavour_n i_o conceive_v that_o therein_o i_o have_v satisfy_v your_o desire_n and_o my_o promise_n i_o may_v therefore_o suâ—ceâ—â—â—_n from_o this_o subject_n but_o because_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v be_v profitable_a unto_o you_o and_o the_o public_a also_o and_o i_o find_v it_o answerable_a unto_o my_o aim_n of_o solicitation_n to_o draw_v you_o unto_o a_o near_a consideration_n of_o those_o matter_n for_o this_o cause_n i_o will_v proceed_v unto_o the_o three_o point_n which_o at_o first_o i_o do_v mention_v which_o be_v to_o let_v you_o know_v my_o opinion_n concern_v your_o case_n for_o which_o you_o do_v require_v these_o declaration_n from_o i_o for_o i_o suppose_v you_o will_v make_v use_n of_o my_o reason_n for_o your_o private_a advantage_n to_o gain_v the_o end_n for_o which_o you_o treat_v with_o some_o of_o your_o brethren_n now_o in_o england_n that_o namely_o they_o may_v be_v induce_v to_o bear_v with_o you_o as_o you_o suppose_v i_o will_v have_v persuade_v the_o lutheran_n to_o have_v bear_v with_o us._n i_o do_v not_o disallow_v of_o your_o purpose_n nor_o be_o i_o unwilling_a to_o contribute_v assistance_n to_o it_o so_o far_o as_o i_o judge_v it_o answerable_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o holy_a profession_n &_o the_o lawful_a liberty_n whereunto_o we_o be_v call_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o father_n but_o i_o must_v true_o confess_v that_o i_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o serve_v a_o particular_a aime_n as_o it_o be_v a_o particular_a and_o not_o direct_o subordinate_a unto_o the_o universal_a end_n of_o public_a edification_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n for_o if_o i_o live_v not_o unto_o myself_o in_o particular_a nor_o dare_v i_o aim_v at_o my_o own_o advantage_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o i_o may_v not_o seek_v my_o own_o far_o less_o shall_v i_o seek_v another_o man_n particu_n arâ—_n as_o it_o be_v a_o particular_a but_o as_o the_o public_a good_a of_o many_o be_v make_v up_o of_o several_a particular_n so_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o do_v service_n unto_o every_o one_o therefore_o i_o keep_v myself_o free_a from_o all_o that_o i_o may_v be_v a_o servant_n unto_o all_o in_o that_o which_o be_v true_o good_a which_o be_v always_o common_a and_o appliable_a unto_o every_o one_o you_o see_v then_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o i_o walk_v which_o do_v keep_v i_o without_o prejudice_n because_o i_o look_v more_o unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n as_o they_o stand_v in_o relation_n towards_o other_o to_o find_v a_o way_n how_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o intend_v mutual_a good_a and_o edify_v one_o another_o in_o that_o whereunto_o they_o be_v come_v than_o unto_o their_o outward_a particular_a action_n or_o design_n which_o i_o never_o reflect_v otherwise_o upon_o but_o as_o they_o must_v be_v take_v up_o and_o compare_v with_o the_o infallible_a ground_n of_o charity_n and_o holiness_n wherein_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o public_a edification_n be_v contract_v for_o all_o truth_n of_o knowledge_n and_o of_o practice_n for_o which_o most_o man_n so_o earnest_o contend_v in_o maintain_v several_a opinion_n must_v end_v at_o last_o in_o these_o two_o or_o if_o they_o lead_v we_o not_o clear_o unto_o these_o they_o be_v matter_n of_o no_o consequence_n but_o if_o they_o can_v be_v find_v direct_o mean_n to_o advance_v these_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o all_o man_n conscience_n they_o will_v easy_o be_v make_v manifest_a if_o the_o manner_n of_o propose_v evangelicall_n truth_n inoffensive_o be_v know_v and_o observe_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o before_o we_o propose_v fruth_n unto_o other_o though_o never_o so_o important_a we_o shall_v always_o premeditate_v the_o inoffensive_a way_n of_o deal_n with_o they_o that_o out_o testimony_n may_v be_v receive_v and_o without_o prejudice_n admit_v by_o they_o and_o i_o find_v that_o this_o be_v the_o main_a care_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o such_o a_o matter_n wherein_o he_o do_v place_n the_o chief_a character_n as_o of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n who_o be_v fit_a to_o hold_v forth_o the_o word_n of_o life_n to_o a_o froward_a generation_n phil._n 2.15_o so_o of_o his_o own_o divine_a ministry_n 2_o cor._n 6.1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o for_o the_o fulful_n of_o which_o without_o offence_n to_o other_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o undergo_v all_o manner_n of_o affliction_n and_o distress_n in_o all_o patience_n &_o long_a suffering_n o_o show_v that_o no_o inconvenience_n befalling_a to_o ourselves_o be_v such_o a_o hindrance_n unto_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o least_o offence_n which_o may_v be_v give_v unto_o any_o to_o who_o the_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v propose_v so_o than_o although_o i_o be_v never_o so_o full_o assure_v of_o a_o truth_n yet_o i_o must_v not_o propose_v it_o without_o a_o rule_n which_o may_v teach_v i_o to_o do_v it_o without_o offence_n unto_o edification_n and_o now_o i_o be_o fall_v upon_o this_o discourse_n with_o you_o to_o lay_v a_o ground_n of_o communication_n betwixt_o we_o and_o to_o prevent_v jealousy_n which_o you_o may_v have_v of_o i_o in_o case_n i_o shall_v seem_v to_o dissent_v from_o you_o in_o some_o thing_n or_o if_o perhaps_o i_o interpret_v your_o deal_n otherwise_o then_o you_o will_v have_v they_o understand_v and_o indeed_o there_o be_v great_a danger_n in_o mistake_n of_o this_o nature_n therefore_o before_o i_o proceed_v i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v very_o expedient_a you_o shall_v brief_o state_n your_o case_n wherein_o you_o be_v in_o england_n and_o let_v i_o know_v your_o true_a aim_n as_o i_o have_v make_v my_o know_a unto_o you_o for_o if_o i_o shall_v guess_v &_o say_v that_o your_o aim_n be_v to_o have_v the_o liberty_n of_o independency_n and_o if_o i_o shall_v describe_v that_o independency_n so_o as_o other_o do_v i_o suppose_v you_o will_v think_v yourself_o wrong_v now_o i_o be_o loath_a to_o wrong_v those_o who_o i_o desire_v to_o edify_v and_o by_o who_o i_o suppose_v if_o we_o understand_v one_o another_o aright_o i_o may_v be_v edify_v let_v i_o then_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o a_o true_a information_n before_o i_o proceed_v and_o i_o will_v promise_v that_o if_o your_o aim_n and_o way_n of_o proceed_v approve_v itself_o to_o my_o judgement_n that_o my_o conscience_n will_v bind_v i_o to_o assist_v you_o in_o it_o for_o i_o have_v dedicate_v myself_o and_o my_o labour_n without_o partiality_n unto_o all_o good_a undertake_n which_o tend_v any_o way_n unto_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n if_o then_o you_o will_v show_v i_o what_o your_o proper_a endeavour_n be_v towards_o the_o set_n up_o of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o by_o what_o rule_v you_o frame_v your_o proceed_n as_o well_o in_o spiritual_a as_o temporal_a undertake_n as_o well_o in_o ecclesiastical_a as_o civil_a relation_n i_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o show_v myself_o effectual_o according_o to_o my_o light_n and_o ability_n your_o faithful_a brother_n and_o servant_n in_o christ_n john_n dury_n hagve_n 28_o 7_o july_n august_n 1642._o a_o copy_n of_o the_o letter_n to_o mr._n samurl_n hartlib_n love_v friend_n the_o apologetical_a narration_n of_o the_o minister_n who_o former_o be_v name_v independent_o but_o now_o refuse_v that_o title_n which_o you_o have_v send_v i_o be_v pen_v with_o much_o art_n circumspect_o and_o advantageous_o for_o their_o end_n &_o to_o i_o it_o have_v give_v some_o general_a satisfaction_n in_o that_o which_o i_o do_v require_v hitherto_o from_o they_o but_o never_o can_v obtain_v which_o be_v to_o know_v the_o true_a point_n of_o difference_n
but_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o state_n the_o question_n true_o without_o mistake_n and_o to_o clear_v the_o truth_n thereof_o by_o the_o evident_a word_n of_o god_n this_o manner_n of_o conference_n may_v be_v describe_v in_o due_a time_n if_o the_o state_n shall_v incline_v to_o yield_v unto_o a_o toleration_n upon_o the_o term_n forenamed_a and_o then_o in_o the_o interim_n while_o the_o matter_n be_v in_o debate_n the_o whole_a difference_n of_o their_o course_n in_o public_a and_o the_o underhand_a practice_n which_o perhaps_o some_o of_o they_o may_v intend_v shall_v be_v so_o limit_v as_o that_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o government_n own_v by_o the_o state_n shall_v suffer_v nothing_o thereby_o and_o to_o find_v out_o these_o limitation_n so_o as_o they_o themselves_o shall_v have_v no_o cause_n to_o except_v against_o the_o same_o the_o state_n may_v command_v they_o to_o give_v up_o a_o draught_n of_o the_o whole_a way_n which_o they_o intend_v to_o follow_v in_o gather_v frame_v and_o govern_v their_o church_n according_a to_o god_n ordinance_n require_v they_o to_o show_v witwall_a what_o limitation_n they_o will_v admit_v of_o voluntary_o in_o respect_n of_o other_o that_o the_o latitude_n of_o difference_n wherein_o they_o desire_v to_o stand_v may_v be_v no_o disturbance_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o their_o brethren_n or_o occasion_n of_o scandal_n to_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o when_o this_o draught_n be_v give_v up_o than_o the_o state_n may_v give_v it_o to_o the_o other_o side_n to_o be_v consider_v desire_v they_o to_o declare_v if_o any_o thing_n more_o shall_v just_o be_v require_v of_o they_o to_o prevent_v scandal_n and_o maintain_v the_o public_a peace_n of_o that_o religious_a profession_n whereby_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v most_o honour_a and_o advance_v till_o in_o due_a time_n the_o cause_n of_o their_o separation_n may_v be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o when_o these_o have_v give_v up_o their_o consideration_n to_o that_o effect_n the_o state_n may_v show_v the_o same_o to_o the_o non-communionists_a to_o see_v what_o they_o will_v except_v against_o they_o and_o if_o they_o except_v not_o against_o the_o limitation_n require_v by_o the_o presbyterian_o than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o state_n may_v ratify_v the_o same_o but_o if_o they_o do_v except_v against_o the_o foresay_a superadded_a limitation_n than_o the_o state_n be_v to_o judge_v and_o determine_v the_o matter_n as_o it_o shall_v think_v fit_a for_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n in_o the_o mean_n of_o outward_a edification_n now_o because_o difficulty_n may_v be_v incident_a and_o many_o doubtful_a case_n arise_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o state_n how_o to_o determine_v of_o such_o limitation_n as_o may_v be_v disputable_a betwixt_o party_n of_o several_a interest_n therefore_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v without_o some_o rule_n whereby_o it_o may_v discern_v what_o be_v justice_n and_o give_v satisfaction_n unto_o its_o own_o conscience_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n it_o will_v then_o not_o be_v amiss_o to_o set_v down_o some_o proposition_n tend_v this_o way_n which_o if_o all_o side_n agree_v unto_o it_o may_v be_v hope_v that_o the_o limitation_n will_v not_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o be_v find_v first_o than_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o a_o state_n to_o look_v both_o to_o the_o ou_fw-fr ward_n visible_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o itself_o and_o to_o the_o frame_n of_o humane_a society_n wherein_o god_n be_v public_o worship_v that_o neither_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o worship_v god_n nor_o in_o the_o society_n of_o the_o worshipper_n any_o thing_n be_v admit_v which_o may_v overthrow_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n or_o cross_v any_o maxim_n of_o civil_a righteousness_n and_o tranquillity_n by_o this_o rule_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n will_v be_v bind_v to_o suffer_v no_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n in_o the_o form_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o to_o repress_v all_o confuse_a tumul_n vous_fw-fr and_o factious_a meeting_n of_o the_o worshipper_n and_o the_o occasion_n thereof_o second_o as_o that_o which_o be_v mere_o spiritual_a belong_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o spiritual_a office-bearer_n wherein_o they_o be_v to_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o word_n only_o within_o themselves_o and_o that_o which_o be_v mere_o civil_a belong_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n wherein_o they_o be_v to_o be_v guide_v within_o themselves_o by_o the_o ground_n of_o right_a reason_n teach_v the_o fundamental_n of_o humane_a society_n consist_v in_o the_o principle_n of_o good_a order_n and_o mutual_a innocence_n to_o be_v prescribe_v unto_o their_o subject_n so_o in_o thing_n of_o a_o mix_a nature_n the_o care_n thereof_o belong_v to_o the_o spiritual_a &_o civil_a office-bearer_n joint_o wherein_o both_o be_v to_o concur_v to_o determine_v the_o matter_n according_a to_o their_o several_a interest_n therein_o by_o which_o rule_n as_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v bind_v not_o to_o meddle_v with_o the_o spiritual_a nor_o the_o spiritual_a office-bearer_n with_o the_o civil_a charge_n and_o authority_n so_o both_o be_v oblige_v to_o make_v their_o charge_n useful_a to_o the_o good_a of_o each_o other_o in_o the_o advancement_n of_o god_n glory_n therefore_o whatsoever_o may_v tend_v to_o make_v a_o confuse_a mixture_n of_o these_o charge_n such_o as_o be_v in_o popery_n and_o papal_a episcopacy_n or_o to_o break_v the_o amiable_a correspondency_n which_o shall_v be_v betwixt_o they_o in_o their_o distinct_a charge_n shall_v be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n three_o although_o the_o spiritual_a charge_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n belong_v not_o to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n yet_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o state_n profess_v christianity_n be_v bind_v not_o only_o to_o look_v to_o the_o inconvenience_n which_o may_v hinder_v the_o progress_n or_o overthrow_v the_o truth_n of_o christianite_n that_o they_o may_v authoritative_o be_v take_v away_o but_o also_o to_o the_o convenience_n advance_v that_o truth_n that_o these_o may_v be_v further_v so_o far_o as_o his_o sphere_n do_v reach_v in_o the_o nurse_n care_n of_o religion_n by_o which_o rule_n the_o conscience_n of_o a_o state_n be_v bind_v as_o i_o suppose_v to_o these_o follow_a duty_n first_o to_o satisfy_v itself_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o infallible_a true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o in_o that_o which_o be_v absolute_o requisite_a in_o the_o public_a profession_n thereof_o that_o it_o may_v be_v full_o settle_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o state_n and_o none_o suffer_v therein_o that_o will_v oppose_v the_o same_o second_o to_o bear_v a_o hand_n over_o it_o to_o nurse_n and_o protect_v it_o from_o outward_a and_o inward_a enemy_n whensoever_o the_o church_n shall_v make_v a_o true_a discovery_n of_o the_o same_o to_o the_o state_n and_o three_o to_o oversee_v within_o itself_o the_o outward_a discharge_n of_o all_o duty_n belong_v to_o god_n ordinance_n that_o for_o the_o matter_n justice_n and_o for_o the_o manner_n good_a order_n may_v be_v observe_v therein_o for_o although_o the_o spiritual_a ordinance_n be_v not_o to_o be_v administer_v by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n himself_o yet_o the_o just_a and_o orderly_a behaviour_n of_o those_o that_o do_v administrate_n the_o same_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n belong_v unto_o his_o cognizance_n and_o if_o he_o find_v that_o injustice_n and_o disorder_n be_v practise_v by_o any_o who_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o discharge_n of_o spiritual_a duty_n he_o ought_v to_o take_v council_n with_o the_o spiritual_a office-bearer_n of_o the_o church_n own_v and_o as_o the_o case_n may_v be_v also_o of_o the_o church_n tolerate_v how_o the_o scandal_n thereof_o may_v be_v take_v away_o and_o prevent_v in_o time_n to_o come_v four_o because_o the_o right_n and_o orderly_o outward_a call_v and_o authorise_v of_o minister_n to_o a_o spiritual_a charge_n and_o the_o appropriate_a of_o they_o to_o the_o church_n wherein_o their_o charge_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v be_v the_o groundwork_n and_o cornerstone_n of_o the_o outward_a settlement_n of_o congregation_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o religion_n therefore_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o state_n ought_v to_o look_v narrow_o unto_o this_o that_o by_o the_o congregation_n tolerate_v no_o root_n of_o confusion_n in_o any_o kind_n be_v plant_v or_o admit_v to_o spring_v up_o and_o trouble_v many_o in_o their_o public_a society_n but_o all_o prudent_a and_o circumspect_a limitation_n shall_v be_v use_v to_o prevent_v so_o far_o as_o the_o sphere_n of_o the_o magistrate_n charge_v in_o this_o kind_n reach_v that_o neither_o the_o multitude_n have_v itch_a ear_n shall_v be_v permit_v to_o heap_v unto_o themselves_o teacher_n after_o their_o own_o lust_n nor_o the_o teacher_n
property_n of_o every_o member_n wherewith_o god_n have_v endue_v it_o as_o the_o eye_n the_o ear_n the_o nose_n the_o tongue_n the_o hand_n the_o foot_n be_v all_o member_n and_o as_o in_o one_o body_n and_o move_v by_o one_o spirit_n be_v bind_v all_o to_o have_v the_o same_o care_n each_o for_o another_o yet_o their_o care_n be_v in_o a_o different_a way_n according_a to_o the_o place_n and_o property_n which_o they_o have_v in_o the_o body_n for_o some_o of_o these_o member_n have_v a_o more_o eminent_a place_n and_o property_n than_o other_o and_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o their_o care_n be_v command_v the_o member_n then_o which_o have_v their_o property_n and_o place_n in_o the_o head_n be_v command_v to_o care_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o head_n which_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n be_v authoritative_a thus_o the_o property_n of_o the_o eye_n be_v towards_o the_o foot_n and_o hand_n authoritative_a namely_o to_o direct_v it_o by_o judge_v and_o discern_v the_o way_n wherein_o to_o walk_v or_o the_o matter_n that_o be_v to_o be_v feel_v now_o the_o property_n of_o the_o hand_n be_v not_o of_o this_o nature_n yet_o it_o care_v for_o the_o body_n and_o it_o have_v the_o faculty_n of_o feel_n to_o none_o other_o end_n but_o the_o property_n of_o the_o faculty_n be_v not_o authoritative_a and_o direct_v further_o than_o it_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o superior_a member_n or_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o head_n by_o all_o which_o i_o intend_v to_o intimate_v thus_o much_o first_o that_o the_o commandment_n of_o mutual_a care_n do_v not_o give_v to_o member_n of_o a_o inferior_a faculty_n any_o power_n to_o act_v above_o that_o which_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o place_n in_o the_o body_n far_o less_o to_o oversee_v or_o over-rule_v the_o ruler_n as_o the_o custom_n of_o some_o be_v or_o have_v be_v and_o second_o that_o this_o same_o commandment_n do_v give_v to_o the_o member_n of_o a_o superior_a faculty_n a_o charge_n to_o act_v love_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o place_n and_o office_n in_o the_o body_n for_o the_o office_n of_o every_o member_n do_v make_v the_o action_n do_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o to_o the_o end_n of_o common_a good_a authoritative_a and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o natural_a so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o spiritual_a and_o mystical_a body_n therefore_o as_o in_o the_o head_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n there_o be_v a_o senate_n of_o superior_a sense_n which_o in_o the_o act_n of_o their_o charge_n can_v be_v without_o authority_n towards_o inferior_a member_n so_o in_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o the_o church_n these_o officer_n which_o partake_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o head_n can_v be_v without_o authority_n in_o the_o act_n of_o their_o charge_n and_o their_o care_n which_o be_v recommend_v to_o they_o for_o the_o body_n in_o their_o charge_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v different_a herein_o from_o that_o which_o belong_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n and_o if_o the_o look_v to_o and_o care_v thus_o for_o one_o another_o be_v a_o express_a commandment_n of_o god_n as_o well_o to_o minister_n one_o towards_o another_o in_o their_o charge_n and_o place_n as_o to_z member_n each_o to_o other_o then_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o best_a mean_n to_o perform_v this_o duty_n be_v also_o command_v and_o if_o this_o be_v find_v to_o be_v the_o presbyterial_a conjunction_n of_o minister_n than_o i_o must_v conceive_v that_o a_o combination_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o many_o church_n be_v the_o complete_a and_o entire_a seat_n of_o church_n power_n over_o each_o congregation_n so_o combine_v which_o be_v the_o thing_n whereof_o they_o make_v a_o question_n now_o if_o this_o relation_n of_o ministerial_a authority_n and_o respective_a subjection_n for_o mutual_a edification_n be_v once_o settle_v then_o all_o other_o matter_n tend_v to_o public_a edification_n will_v easy_o be_v determine_v in_o matter_n of_o public_a worship_n for_o uniformity_n therein_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n which_o to_o prevent_v scandal_n and_o division_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o that_o this_o uniformity_n may_v be_v obtain_v i_o conceive_v that_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o 1._o that_o in_o and_o about_o the_o act_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n some_o thing_n be_v his_o own_o immediate_a ordinance_n some_o thing_n be_v not_o of_o that_o nature_n 2._o his_o own_o immediate_a ordinance_n as_o they_o be_v unalterable_a so_o they_o be_v of_o necessity_n to_o be_v observe_v and_o must_v be_v do_v in_o his_o name_n 3._o all_o thing_n of_o another_o nature_n be_v not_o necessary_a but_o alterable_a and_o may_v not_o be_v do_v in_o his_o name_n 4._o the_o thing_n of_o a_o alterable_a nature_n relate_v the_o bodily_a and_o outward_a part_n of_o the_o worship_n as_o it_o be_v clothe_v with_o outward_a circumstance_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v spiritual_a and_o relate_v the_o inward_a truth_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o worship_n be_v determine_v in_o the_o word_n and_o not_o subject_a to_o outward_a circumstance_n 5._o the_o power_n to_o determine_v what_o be_v alterable_a and_o how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v alter_v for_o public_a edification_n do_v belong_v to_o those_o that_o have_v a_o public_a charge_n in_o the_o church_n 6._o yet_o in_o some_o case_n which_o may_v relate_v the_o right_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n his_o power_n be_v not_o to_o be_v neglect_v but_o respect_v joint_o with_o the_o church_n officer_n 7._o the_o limit_n of_o the_o joint_a power_n in_o case_n of_o a_o mix_a nature_n be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o their_o different_a object_n end_n and_o property_n of_o fundamental_a right_n and_o law_n of_o government_n by_o which_o they_o attain_v their_o end_n several_o 8._o no_o particular_a church_n lose_v she_o right_o to_o order_n within_o herself_o matter_n of_o particular_a edification_n only_o the_o occasion_n of_o scandal_n to_o other_o must_v be_v avoid_v and_o may_v be_v prevent_v by_o a_o brotherly_a communication_n of_o reason_n why_o thing_n must_v be_v so_o order_v in_o a_o private_a way_n 9_o therefore_o the_o uniformity_n of_o public_a worship_n be_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v by_o mere_a circumstantial_o which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v too_o precise_o determine_v but_o by_o the_o fullness_n of_o substantial_o agree_v and_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o a_o latitude_n under_o certain_a rule_n of_o brotherly_a correspondency_n therein_o betwixt_o unite_a church_n 10._o the_o manner_n of_o introduce_v new_a order_n to_o be_v observe_v or_o of_o alter_v any_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v observe_v shall_v not_o be_v without_o a_o due_a preparation_n of_o the_o understanding_n of_o that_o flock_n towards_o which_o the_o alteration_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v if_o these_o position_n be_v not_o deny_v i_o suppose_v that_o most_o of_o the_o scrupulosity_n of_o the_o non-communionists_a may_v be_v resolve_v thereby_o in_o matter_n of_o public_a order_n decency_n and_o government_n about_o which_o they_o seem_v to_o intend_v a_o scholastical_a disputation_n but_o i_o will_v entreat_v every_o one_o who_o aim_n be_v public_a edification_n to_o beware_v of_o the_o dispute_v of_o that_o nature_n which_o may_v easy_o breed_v heat_n and_o needle_n contradiction_n about_o matter_n of_o no_o great_a consequence_n or_o if_o they_o undertake_v they_o to_o agree_v with_o those_o with_o who_o matter_n be_v to_o be_v discuss_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o debate_v which_o ought_v to_o be_v limit_v and_o regulate_v and_o free_a from_o all_o personal_a reproach_n which_o lie_v open_v the_o nakedness_n of_o other_o infirmity_n or_o censure_v fault_n prejudicial_o for_o except_o these_o caution_n be_v prudent_o use_v those_o that_o take_v in_o hand_n to_o dispute_v will_v lose_v their_o way_n and_o be_v take_v off_o from_o the_o main_a work_n of_o the_o ministry_n which_o be_v to_o declare_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n without_o partiality_n as_o it_o may_v be_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o all_o we_o know_v and_o that_o experimental_o that_o knowledge_n do_v puff_n up_o the_o spirit_n but_o it_o be_v charity_n that_o do_v edify_v now_o to_o maintain_v the_o affection_n of_o charity_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o spiritual_a unity_n there_o be_v nothing_o so_o effectual_a as_o the_o way_n of_o brotherly_a consultation_n by_o which_o all_o can_v be_v say_v which_o in_o a_o scholastical_a or_o disputative_a way_n can_v be_v propose_v and_o with_o more_o force_n by_o how_o much_o the_o aim_n be_v more_o friendly_a and_o insinuate_a then_o that_o of_o a_o contradictory_n debate_n thus_o i_o have_v brief_o do_v with_o the_o last_o point_n of_o this_o discourse_n where_o many_o other_o thing_n may_v be_v insist_v upon_o which_o i_o purposely_o omit_v as_o not_o be_v willing_a to_o descend_v unto_o particular_n which_o may_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o several_a passage_n of_o the_o apologetical_a narration_n hereafter_o if_o it_o be_v find_v expedient_a and_o you_o require_v it_o i_o may_v add_v a_o appendix_n to_o this_o discourse_n contain_v the_o same_o till_o then_o and_o ever_o i_o commend_v you_o to_o the_o grace_n and_o love_n of_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n in_o who_o i_o be_o your_o faithful_a friend_n and_o servant_n john_n dirt_n hague_n 17_o 7_o march_n 1644._o finis_fw-la
be_v know_v four_o that_o to_o find_v these_o rule_n i_o do_v abstract_n my_o thought_n from_o all_o particular_a opinion_n in_o the_o way_n of_o my_o negotiation_n not_o endeavour_v to_o prescribe_v unto_o any_o my_o sense_n concern_v these_o rule_n but_o rather_o to_o draw_v other_o to_o a_o consultation_n and_o search_n with_o i_o of_o the_o way_n of_o find_v out_o the_o same_o that_o when_o we_o shall_v have_v agree_v upon_o a_o orderly_a way_n of_o proceed_v in_o all_o doubtful_a matter_n to_o find_v the_o decision_n thereof_o we_o may_v at_o last_o come_v to_o some_o issue_n of_o the_o controversy_n which_o hitherto_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o confuse_a manner_n of_o agitation_n have_v be_v undecidable_a this_o be_v the_o whole_a purpose_n of_o that_o discourse_n the_o second_o principal_a matter_n whereupon_o i_o be_v to_o insist_v towards_o you_o be_v concern_v the_o reason_n and_o argument_n which_o first_o have_v induce_v i_o to_o this_o study_n of_o moderation_n and_o which_o second_o i_o have_v use_v to_o persuade_v other_o towards_o the_o same_o first_o then_o concern_v myself_o i_o do_v ingenious_o confess_v that_o the_o mere_a love_n of_o peace_n and_o quietness_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o do_v good_a to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n do_v move_v i_o to_o embrace_v this_o endeavour_n when_o i_o be_v call_v thereunto_o in_o prussia_n by_o dr._n godeman_n a_o counsellor_n of_o state_n to_o the_o late_a king_n of_o sweden_n in_o the_o year_n 1628._o since_o which_o time_n as_o i_o have_v never_o intend_v to_o discontinue_v my_o purpose_n of_o follicit_v the_o public_a way_n of_o peace_n so_o i_o have_v have_v several_a kind_n of_o inducement_n bind_v my_o conscience_n to_o the_o duty_n and_o some_o encouragement_n which_o be_v able_a to_o support_v i_o against_o the_o manifold_a difficulty_n and_o impediment_n which_o have_v be_v incident_a to_o my_o way_n the_o first_o inducement_n which_o bind_v my_o conscience_n to_o think_v upon_o these_o endeavour_n be_v the_o call_n which_o i_o have_v to_o think_v upon_o the_o same_o which_o i_o can_v not_o but_o answer_n except_o i_o shall_v have_v be_v want_v to_o my_o duty_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n therefore_o as_o i_o be_v provoke_v to_o think_v upon_o the_o object_n of_o peace_n and_o truth_n so_o i_o think_v other_o will_v be_v move_v in_o like_a manner_n to_o do_v the_o same_o if_o i_o do_v call_v upon_o they_o to_o that_o effect_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o i_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o become_v a_o public_a solicitor_n of_o these_o endeavour_n for_o i_o conceive_v that_o none_o that_o be_v godly_a wise_a and_o learned_a will_v refuse_v to_o concur_v in_o so_o necessary_a a_o work_n so_o profitable_a for_o holy_a communication_n and_o so_o fit_a for_o correspondency_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n upon_o this_o ground_n you_o know_v that_o i_o draw_v a_o certain_a form_n of_o a_o declaration_n to_o be_v subscribe_v by_o all_o such_o as_o will_v join_v to_o help_v by_o spiritual_a council_n these_o endeavour_n to_o this_o you_o both_o do_v subscribe_v and_o i_o do_v in_o some_o occasion_n require_v your_o advice_n and_o assistance_n but_o what_o have_v hinder_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o your_o promise_n you_o yourselves_o best_o know_v perhaps_o god_n will_v have_v the_o fruit_n of_o your_o meditation_n in_o this_o kind_n reserve_v till_o this_o time_n wherein_o they_o will_v be_v most_o seasonable_a the_o second_o inducement_n be_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o time_n wherein_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o useful_a for_o the_o public_a good_a then_o to_o heal_v the_o breach_n of_o protestant_a church_n which_o we_o be_v all_o bind_v to_o pray_v for_o and_o i_o in_o my_o simplicity_n do_v then_o and_o still_o do_v conceive_v that_o what_o i_o be_o bind_v by_o prayer_n to_o sue_v for_o unto_o almighty_a god_n i_o ought_v also_o by_o my_o best_a endeavour_n so_o far_o as_o god_n do_v enable_v i_o actual_o to_o accomplish_v and_o promote_v the_o three_o inducement_n be_v the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o the_o work_n if_o self_n as_o it_o have_v place_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n this_o consideration_n do_v not_o come_v at_o first_o so_o full_o into_o my_o mind_n as_o afterward_o when_o i_o have_v be_v a_o certain_a space_n in_o action_n for_o then_o upon_o trial_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o examination_n of_o my_o aim_n i_o find_v that_o in_o all_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o duty_n so_o oft_o and_o so_o earnest_o recommend_v as_o this_o which_o tend_v to_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o to_o the_o care_n of_o mutual_a edification_n through_o love_n therefore_o i_o set_v myself_o with_o so_o much_o more_o zeal_n and_o diligence_n to_o dive_v into_o the_o property_n of_o these_o virtue_n whereby_o to_o discern_v the_o excellency_n thereof_o and_o what_o their_o usefulnes_n be_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o when_o i_o perceive_v that_o all_o other_o virtue_n and_o grace_n be_v useless_a and_o unprofitable_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o good_a of_o his_o saint_n except_o these_o be_v effectual_o join_v unto_o they_o i_o rectify_v my_o purpose_n in_o many_o particular_n to_o make_v they_o answerable_a unto_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o duty_n and_o settle_v a_o resolution_n unalterable_a to_o pursue_v this_o aim_n continual_o more_o than_o any_o other_o study_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v beside_o these_o many_o other_o motive_n to_o draw_v i_o on_o towards_o these_o endeavour_n which_o it_o be_v not_o needful_a to_o mention_v yet_o because_o some_o of_o they_o be_v of_o moment_n and_o have_v much_o wrought_v upon_o i_o i_o will_v name_v they_o brief_o as_o this_o that_o i_o find_v the_o proneness_n of_o man_n spirit_n to_o strive_v &_o to_o lift_v itself_o up_o against_o other_o for_o some_o particular_a matter_n of_o difference_n very_o great_a and_o then_o perceive_v the_o danger_n of_o such_o strife_n and_o the_o most_o pernicious_a effect_n thereof_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n i_o be_v exceed_o confirm_v in_o the_o love_n of_o peaceable_a endeavour_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n to_o preserve_v my_o soul_n from_o be_v involve_v into_o the_o great_a inconvenience_n whereunto_o i_o perceive_v most_o man_n be_v wrap_v unaware_o for_o want_v of_o a_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o in_o seek_v peace_n also_o this_o that_o the_o only_a way_n to_o encounter_v with_o man_n of_o cross_a humour_n and_o that_o be_v strong_o lead_v away_o into_o gross_a error_n be_v to_o bring_v they_o unto_o the_o thought_n and_o affection_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n to_o be_v intend_v according_a to_o just_a and_o equitable_a rule_n with_o they_o from_o who_o they_o dissent_v for_o in_o convince_a their_o understanding_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o walk_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o love_n which_o lead_v we_o to_o maintain_v peace_n and_o aim_v at_o the_o way_n of_o edification_n they_o be_v make_v void_a of_o prejudices_fw-la and_o tractable_a to_o receive_v instruction_n moreover_o this_o that_o all_o dispute_n turn_v at_o last_o to_o bitterness_n and_o vain_a jangle_n among_o all_o man_n and_o become_v endless_a and_o without_o fruit_n except_o the_o aim_n of_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n be_v intend_v and_o a_o rule_n of_o proceed_v be_v use_v which_o may_v lâ—ad_v we_o unto_o the_o same_o these_o be_v the_o principal_a head_n of_o the_o inducement_n which_o move_v i_o to_o these_o endeavour_n to_o which_o divers_a encouragement_n from_o time_n to_o time_n do_v concur_v whereby_o i_o have_v be_v strengthen_v against_o the_o strait_n and_o opposition_n which_o be_v fall_v in_o my_o way_n to_o stop_v i_o in_o this_o course_n of_o negotiation_n first_o i_o have_v from_o time_n to_o time_n the_o clear_a consent_n and_o full_a approbation_n of_o all_o the_o most_o godly_a divine_n of_o both_o side_n so_o long_o as_o their_o judgement_n be_v free_a and_o void_a of_o partiality_n and_o when_o they_o do_v fall_v off_o from_o i_o i_o perceive_v that_o it_o come_v from_o groundless_a jealousy_n and_o false_a information_n or_o suspicion_n which_o do_v make_v they_o leave_v their_o true_a principle_n and_o rule_n of_o edification_n which_o at_o first_o they_o have_v intend_v second_o i_o have_v the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o chief_a statesman_n that_o be_v rational_a and_o prudent_a in_o he_o way_n of_o true_a government_n who_o engage_v themselves_o to_o give_v i_o real_a assistance_n by_o their_o authority_n three_o i_o find_v not_o only_o great_a hope_n of_o proceed_n but_o real_a effect_n of_o my_o wâ—â—ke_n by_o god_n blessing_n dispose_v the_o spirit_n of_o lead_v man_n unto_o the_o way_n of_o moderation_n four_o i_o see_v that_o the_o very_a opposition_n of_o unreasonable_a man_n do_v
turn_v to_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o my_o work_n and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n so_o that_o at_o last_o it_o be_v almost_o indifferent_a unto_o i_o whether_o i_o meet_v with_o opposite_n or_o no_o see_v i_o can_v turn_v all_o to_o my_o advantage_n and_o last_o i_o come_v to_o this_o resolution_n that_o i_o make_v a_o vow_n of_o perseverance_n in_o the_o work_n whether_o i_o perceive_v any_o temarkable_a furtherance_n of_o the_o work_n or_o no_o in_o respect_n that_o i_o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n whereof_o the_o event_n do_v depend_v upon_o god_n special_a providence_n to_o who_o i_o be_v bind_v to_o refer_v the_o issue_n whatsoever_o be_v come_v of_o i_o or_o my_o endeavour_n so_o that_o now_o i_o look_v no_o more_o to_o the_o outward_a appearance_n of_o man_n in_o this_o negotiation_n but_o unto_o the_o tenor_n of_o my_o vow_n which_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v answerable_a unto_o the_o express_a will_n of_o god_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v i_o hope_v i_o be_o confirm_v invincible_o against_o all_o opposition_n whatsoever_o these_o be_v brief_o the_o motive_n and_o encouragement_n which_o have_v bring_v i_o to_o the_o negotiation_n of_o peace_n and_o confirm_v i_o therein_o hitherto_o now_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o the_o sum_n of_o the_o argument_n which_o i_o have_v use_v to_o persuade_v other_o unto_o the_o same_o disposition_n towards_o peace_n and_o moderation_n which_o god_n have_v wrought_v in_o my_o heart_n first_o the_o woe_n which_o be_v denounce_v against_o the_o world_n by_o reason_n of_o offence_n mat._n 18_o 7.8.9_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o be_v not_o accessary_a to_o the_o multiply_a of_o the_o same_o now_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o many_o scandal_n be_v multiply_v by_o reason_n of_o superfluous_a and_o disorderly_a dispute_n which_o scandalize_v the_o little_a one_o and_o by_o reason_n of_o contention_n and_o partial_a proceed_n which_o divide_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o professor_n &_o draw_v they_o into_o faction_n and_o if_o we_o connive_v at_o these_o scandal_n and_o labour_v not_o to_o take_v they_o out_o of_o the_o way_n when_o occasion_n be_v off_o red_a to_o we_o we_o be_v accessary_a thereunto_o and_o so_o be_v liable_a to_o the_o woe_n denounce_v against_o the_o world_n and_o the_o author_n of_o offence_n second_o the_o miserable_a effect_n of_o our_o endless_a strife_n and_o division_n be_v a_o large_a field_n of_o discourse_n to_o show_v how_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v stop_v thereby_o how_o the_o truth_n be_v darken_v how_o the_o practice_n of_o godliness_n be_v neglect_v how_o the_o church_n be_v consume_v one_o by_o another_o and_o make_v a_o prey_n unto_o the_o common_a adversary_n who_o lie_v in_o wait_n and_o watch_v for_o our_o destruction_n and_o prevail_v by_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o by_o our_o inward_a confusion_n disorder_n and_o passionate_a debate_n among_o ourselves_o this_o argument_n be_v make_v plain_a from_o the_o present_a state_n of_o all_o the_o protestant_a church_n in_o all_o country_n which_o be_v expose_v to_o all_o manner_n of_o danger_n and_o lay_v waste_n in_o many_o place_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o prevail_a plot_n of_o the_o papist_n and_o socinian_o which_o take_v effect_n only_o because_o we_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o walk_v by_o one_o rule_n to_o be_v like_o mind_a in_o that_o whereunto_o we_o be_v come_v and_o to_o edify_v one_o another_o in_o that_o wherein_o we_o be_v at_o uâ—riance_n by_o common_a principle_n and_o orderly_a way_n of_o prophesy_v three_o the_o benefit_n which_o will_v redound_v to_o all_o the_o church_n from_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o themselves_o and_o what_o advantage_n the_o gospel_n itself_o will_v receive_v thereby_o and_o how_o by_o the_o joint_n and_o brotherly_a endeavour_n of_o protestant_n all_o nation_n of_o he_o world_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o mahumetan_n may_v be_v bring_v unto_o the_o sheepfold_a of_o christ_n and_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n in_o a_o short_a time_n quite_o overthrow_v this_o be_v a_o most_o ample_a and_o large_a subject_n to_o be_v insist_v upon_o towards_o those_o that_o believe_v the_o raise_v up_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o overthrow_n of_o babylon_n in_o the_o latter_a time_n four_o the_o express_a commandment_n of_o god_n to_o seek_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n and_o the_o manifold_a exhortation_n tend_v to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o happy_a condition_n of_o those_o that_o study_v to_o observe_v the_o same_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v so_o many_o well-spring_n of_o reason_n to_o move_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n unto_o this_o duty_n and_o endeavour_n five_o the_o example_n and_o forwardness_n of_o other_o in_o former_a time_n and_o in_o these_o time_n also_o with_o the_o preparative_n use_v and_o make_v ready_a on_o all_o side_n to_o entertain_v the_o motion_n of_o agreement_n and_o to_o concur_v in_o the_o counsel_n of_o peace_n be_v allege_v as_o a_o call_v offer_v from_o god_n which_o all_o godly_a man_n be_v bind_v to_o entertain_v with_o readiness_n except_o they_o will_v be_v find_v want_v to_o their_o duty_n before_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n and_o guilty_a of_o the_o evil_n which_o follow_v upon_o strife_n and_o debate_n among_o brethren_n six_o the_o brotherly_a relation_n which_o be_v real_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o same_o save_a faith_n betwixt_o we_o do_v bind_v we_o to_o make_v profession_n of_o brotherhood_n and_o labour_n to_o edify_v one_o another_o therein_o except_o we_o will_v betray_v the_o truth_n and_o break_v the_o tie_n of_o one_o faith_n and_o hope_n which_o oblige_v we_o to_o provide_v and_o seek_v for_o one_o another_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a good_a as_o member_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o head_n jesus_n christ_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o lutheran_n and_o we_o be_v one_o in_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o hope_n it_o follow_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v in_o couscience_n to_o make_v this_o unity_n manifest_a by_o our_o public_a profession_n because_o we_o do_v otherwise_o suppress_v the_o chief_a fruit_n of_o that_o truth_n whereby_o god_n be_v to_o be_v glorify_v and_o christ_n make_v know_v unto_o the_o world_n as_o he_o do_v intimate_v joh._n 17.21_o 22_o 23._o last_o this_o argument_n i_o have_v ofttimes_o press_v and_o find_v it_o unanswerable_a i_o say_v then_o that_o as_o i_o find_v myself_o bind_v to_o profess_v brotherhood_n towards_o another_o so_o i_o suppose_v every_o one_o will_v find_v himself_o oblige_v unto_o the_o same_o duty_n towards_o i_o if_o he_o will_v consider_v i_o as_o i_o do_v he_o now_o i_o consider_v every_o one_o with_o who_o i_o seek_v brotherhood_n in_o profession_n as_o he_o have_v a_o relation_n unto_o god_n who_o be_v my_o father_n in_o christ_n if_o then_o i_o find_v that_o he_o have_v the_o same_o interest_n in_o god_n which_o i_o have_v and_o do_v call_v he_o father_n upon_o the_o same_o ground_n which_o i_o do_v namely_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o same_o new_a covenant_n whereby_o i_o be_o unite_v unto_o god_n in_o christ_n then_o i_o do_v conceive_v he_o to_o be_v my_o brother_n in_o respect_n that_o his_o soul_n be_v beget_v by_o the_o same_o heavenly_a father_n through_o the_o same_o spiritual_a seed_n and_o in_o the_o womb_n of_o the_o same_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n and_o to_o the_o same_o lively_a hope_n by_o who_o through_o which_o seed_n in_o which_o womb_n and_o to_o which_o hope_n my_o soul_n be_v beget_v and_o if_o i_o find_v he_o sound_a in_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n must_v needs_o acknowledge_v he_o in_o my_o heart_n my_o brother_n and_o a_o son_n of_o the_o same_o spiritual_a father_n and_o mother_n than_o i_o ought_v not_o before_o man_n to_o conceal_v the_o same_o acknowledgement_n but_o be_o bind_v in_o conscience_n chief_o when_o it_o may_v tend_v much_o to_o his_o good_a and_o to_o the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n glory_n to_o make_v open_a profession_n thereof_o although_o in_o some_o other_o respect_v there_o may_v be_v some_o difference_n of_o opinion_n and_o of_o custom_n of_o behaviour_n betwixt_o we_o for_o all_o brethren_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o stature_n and_o clothe_v alike_o and_o speak_v with_o one_o and_o the_o same_o tone_n and_o alike_o ready_o some_o be_v tall_a than_o other_o and_o more_o comely_a some_o more_o neat_a in_o their_o clothes_n and_o speak_v more_o distinct_o and_o with_o more_o reason_n than_o other_o do_v and_o yet_o this_o do_v make_v no_o difference_n in_o the_o interest_n which_o they_o have_v all_o alike_o unto_o their_o father_n and_o to_o his_o inheritance_n and_o in_o the_o brotherly_a relation_n which_o they_o have_v