enmity_n and_o contest_v be_v nourish_v and_o strengthen_v among_o those_o that_o be_v near_o join_v together_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o christian_n religion_n and_o shall_v be_v so_o likewise_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a love_n they_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o what_o be_v express_v in_o my_o text_n that_o by_o bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o they_o shall_v come_v at_o last_o to_o be_v consume_v one_o of_o another_o and_o thus_o much_o be_v speak_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o my_o text_n now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o application_n of_o this_o point_n use_v 1_o and_o first_o i_o shall_v desire_v all_o man_n to_o consider_v whether_o the_o present_a doctrine_n do_v not_o look_v sad_o upon_o we_o at_o this_o day_n whether_o this_o doctrine_n do_v not_o speak_v terror_n more_o than_o all_o the_o army_n and_o conspiracy_n in_o the_o world_n unto_o this_o city_n and_o all_o the_o city_n of_o the_o kingdom_n unto_o this_o state_n single_o consider_v and_o complex_o together_o with_o the_o annex_v kingdom_n unto_o our_o church_n and_o almost_o every_o branch_n and_o parcel_n thereof_o i_o see_v not_o so_o terrible_a a_o indication_n of_o common_a ruin_n approach_v unto_o we_o as_o this_o that_o man_n be_v leave_v so_o general_o so_o sottish_o with_o malicious_a despite_n to_o bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o not_o lay_v it_o to_o heart_n that_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v consume_v one_o of_o another_o first_o first_o inprosecution_n of_o this_o use_n i_o suppose_v to_o speak_v first_o to_o civil_a contention_n and_o division_n and_o while_o we_o have_v they_o only_o in_o our_o eye_n this_o doctrine_n be_v like_a to_o ezekiel_n role_n that_o be_v write_v within_o and_o without_o &_o it_o be_v write_v lamentation_n &_o mourning_n and_o woe_n for_o be_v there_o not_o such_o a_o spirit_n of_o intestine_a rage_n and_o bitter_a enmity_n go_v out_o not_o only_o into_o this_o city_n but_o into_o the_o whole_a land_n that_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o very_a meat_n and_o drink_n of_o many_o to_o be_v bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o both_o public_o and_o in_o secret_a in_o word_n and_o print_n and_o whilst_o it_o be_v thus_o be_v it_o not_o lamentable_a to_o consider_v how_o we_o stand_v upon_o the_o brink_n but_o that_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n do_v work_v beyond_o thought_n in_o miracle_n of_o power_n for_o our_o preservation_n how_o we_o stand_v i_o say_v every_o moment_n upon_o the_o brink_n of_o common_a destruction_n i_o shall_v not_o adventure_v it_o belong_v not_o to_o i_o to_o speak_v a_o word_n as_o a_o statist_n concern_v either_o the_o cause_n or_o remedy_n of_o this_o misery_n but_o as_o a_o poor_a servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n i_o desire_v to_o speak_v a_o little_a of_o both_o from_o scripture_n information_n and_o first_o if_o any_o man_n demand_v what_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o england_n be_v whole_o give_v up_o to_o savage_a felf-crueltie_n and_o all_o the_o city_n thereof_o to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o pluck_n out_o of_o their_o own_o blood_n and_o bowel_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n thereof_o to_o sport_n themselves_o in_o mutual_o bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o sure_o the_o multitude_n do_v much_o mistake_n the_o cause_n of_o this_o mischief_n every_o man_n almost_o think_v he_o see_v the_o reason_n hereof_o here_o and_o there_o without_o himself_o in_o the_o folly_n falseshood_n and_o politic_a miscarriage_n of_o other_o and_o very_o few_o look_n into_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o unto_o heaven_n to_o see_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o this_o grow_a misery_n but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o whoever_o be_v the_o instrument_n the_o root_n of_o this_o our_o misery_n lie_v in_o our_o own_o breast_n and_o life_n there_o be_v shall_v i_o say_v a_o shameful_a i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v better_o call_v a_o shameless_a practice_n of_o notorious_a wickedness_n in_o several_a kind_n among_o we_o continue_v to_o this_o day_n we_o have_v talk_v of_o a_o reformation_n and_o i_o believe_v that_o the_o heart_n of_o many_o have_v groan_v after_o it_o and_o further_o i_o believe_v that_o the_o desire_n of_o it_o have_v be_v acceptable_a to_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o let_v i_o say_v one_o thing_n more_o i_o do_v yet_o believe_v that_o we_o or_o our_o posterity_n shall_v live_v to_o see_v a_o happy_a reformation_n and_o that_o all_o this_o which_o have_v be_v do_v and_o suffer_v in_o relation_n thereunto_o shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a but_o in_o the_o present_a state_n of_o affair_n among_o we_o when_o we_o look_v for_o a_o reformation_n we_o can_v but_o see_v abundance_n of_o corruption_n prevail_v in_o the_o land_n yea_o those_o that_o stand_v upon_o the_o watch-tower_n be_v require_v to_o speak_v the_o truth_n can_v say_v no_o more_o nor_o less_o of_o we_o then_o what_o you_o find_v in_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n 6.28.29_o jer._n 6.28.29_o they_o be_v all_o grievous_a revolter_n they_o go_v about_o with_o slander_n they_o be_v all_o corrupter_n the_o bellows_n be_v burn_v the_o lead_n be_v consume_v in_o the_o fire_n the_o melter_n melt_v but_o in_o vain_a for_o the_o wicked_a be_v not_o pluck_v away_o and_o therefore_o what_o can_v the_o conclusion_n be_v without_o the_o incomprehensible_a act_n of_o mercy_n but_o as_o it_o follow_v reprobate_a silver_n shall_v man_n call_v they_o because_o the_o lord_n have_v reject_v they_o i_o can_v but_o speak_v and_o yet_o the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o speak_v in_o a_o case_n so_o notorious_a and_o universal_o acknowledge_v before_o hand_n concern_v some_o yet_o but_o a_o very_a little_a parcel_n of_o those_o sin_n that_o do_v outface_v as_o it_o be_v god_n and_o man_n among_o we_o at_o this_o time_n there_o be_v that_o abominable_a pride_n and_o wantonness_n to_o be_v read_v in_o the_o face_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n in_o their_o gate_n gestures_z '_o and_o attire_v there_o be_v that_o heavy_a oppression_n and_o hateful_a prophannesse_n yet_o remain_v in_o our_o land_n there_o be_v that_o gross_a hypocrisy_n under_o several_a livery_n walk_v in_o our_o street_n for_o the_o body_n of_o hypocrisy_n be_v now_o adays_o wear_v upon_o a_o great_a many_o kind_n of_o cloth_n and_o colour_n by_o man_n who_o have_v learn_v the_o abominable_a art_n of_o make_v god_n and_o religion_n to_o serve_v turn_n there_o be_v that_o unjust_a partiality_n that_o manifest_a contradiction_n to_o divine_a truth_n that_o lewd_a and_o loud_a lie_v both_o in_o word_n and_o print_n abound_v among_o we_o that_o in_o regard_n of_o these_o and_o many_o more_o sin_n the_o messenger_n of_o god_n may_v true_o speak_v of_o we_o as_o the_o prophet_n write_v of_o old_a concern_v the_o jew_n the_o show_n of_o their_o countenance_n witness_v against_o they_o they_o have_v declare_v their_o sin_n as_o sodom_n they_o hide_v they_o not_o for_o there_o be_v no_o hide_v nor_o conceal_v of_o these_o and_o many_o the_o like_a notorious_a sin_n they_o be_v to_o be_v see_v without_o secret_a search_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o multitude_n and_o can_v we_o then_o wonder_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o evil_a spirit_n of_o contention_n from_o god_n when_o there_o be_v such_o a_o evil_a spirit_n of_o contention_n against_o god_n maintain_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o we_o can_v it_o seem_v strange_a that_o when_o we_o quarrel_v with_o and_o fight_v against_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n the_o god_n of_o heaven_n shall_v leave_v we_o in_o judgement_n to_o quarrel_v with_o and_o fight_v against_o one_o another_o god_n be_v the_o same_o to_o a_o nation_n as_o to_o a_o man_n when_o the_o way_n of_o a_o man_n please_v he_o he_o make_v his_o enemy_n to_o be_v at_o peace_n with_o he_o but_o when_o as_o the_o way_n of_o a_o man_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o lord_n the_o lord_n walk_v contrary_a to_o he_o and_o usual_o leave_v very_a friend_n to_o walk_v in_o a_o way_n of_o contrariety_n towards_o such_o a_o person_n and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o nation_n when_o the_o way_n of_o a_o nation_n please_v the_o lord_n he_o will_v make_v their_o enemy_n to_o be_v at_o peace_n with_o they_o but_o when_o the_o way_n of_o a_o nation_n be_v contrary_a to_o god_n god_n will_v walk_v contrary_a to_o they_o and_o make_v their_o very_a friend_n their_o enemy_n nay_o make_v they_o to_o themselves_o their_o great_a enemy_n that_o they_o shall_v need_v no_o enemy_n whilst_o they_o cruel_o meditate_v and_o act_v their_o own_o ruin_n according_a to_o that_o in_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n 13.14_o jer._n 13.14_o i_o will_v dash_v they_o say_v the_o lord_n one_o against_o another_o the_o father_n against_o the_o child_n i_o will_v not_o pity_v nor_o spare_v nor_o have_v mercy_n but_o i_o will_v destroy_v they_o i_o desire_v to_o leave_v one_o scripture_n with_o you_o that_o you_o
against_o those_o wicked_a damnable_a blasphemy_n and_o heresy_n and_o other_o notorious_a error_n which_o like_o a_o smoke_n out_o of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n be_v ready_a overshadow_v our_o land_n i_o know_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o believer_n and_o minister_n in_o special_a to_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o give_v to_o the_o saint_n 3_o jude_n 3_o nor_o do_v i_o bewail_v the_o christian_a zeal_n of_o any_o who_o with_o christian_a moderation_n fervency_n and_o sincerity_n do_v public_o rebuke_v those_o public_a sin_n which_o carry_v with_o they_o a_o direct_a opposition_n against_o truth_n and_o holiness_n and_o stand_v condemn_v by_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n i_o know_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n so_o to_o do_v they_o have_v a_o command_n for_o it_o 5.20_o 1_o tim._n 5.20_o they_o that_o sin_n rebuke_n before_o all_o that_o other_o also_o may_v fear_v neither_o do_v i_o bewail_v the_o sixed_a steadfastness_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o who_o do_v hold_v close_o unto_o truth_n those_o truth_n which_o they_o have_v former_o receive_v and_o learn_v from_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n against_o all_o that_o contradict_v and_o oppose_v the_o same_o for_o it_o be_v not_o for_o christian_n to_o child_n it_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n 4.14_o ephes_n 4.14_o and_o to_o be_v toss_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n stability_n of_o judgement_n become_v those_o that_o have_v receive_v truth_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n nor_o do_v i_o bewail_v the_o endeavour_n of_o those_o who_o desire_n and_o labour_n to_o see_v church-discipline_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n establish_v with_o vigour_n and_o activity_n in_o our_o land_n for_o the_o purge_n out_o of_o old_a leaven_n that_o we_o may_v be_v a_o new_a lump_n according_a to_o the_o certain_a will_n and_o appointment_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o his_o apostle_n 5.7_o 1_o cor._n 5.7_o purge_v out_o therefore_o the_o old_a leaven_n that_o you_o may_v be_v a_o new_a lump_n i_o will_v not_o be_v mistake_v as_o if_o i_o do_v glance_n in_o the_o least_o at_o any_o such_o practice_n which_o be_v according_a to_o god_n and_o which_o be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o that_o which_o i_o intend_v to_o speak_v of_o i_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o sorrowful_a subject_n and_o such_o as_o no_o tear_n be_v sufficient_a to_o bewail_v for_o there_o be_v beyond_o all_o this_o that_o insufferable_a rage_n and_o violent_a strife_n of_o tongue_n that_o rail_v and_o bitterness_n appear_v in_o our_o land_n among_o those_o who_o have_v good_a ground_n to_o build_v christian_a love_n and_o union_n upon_o that_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o blush_v if_o not_o to_o tremble_v at_o the_o mention_n of_o it_o i_o hope_v no_o man_n will_v say_v that_o this_o shall_v be_v conceal_v i_o will_v it_o can_v be_v conceal_v but_o the_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v too_o late_o to_o talk_v of_o conceal_v that_o folly_n which_o be_v open_o lay_v before_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n by_o many_o of_o those_o of_o all_o side_n who_o yet_o i_o dare_v not_o give_v up_o as_o man_n whole_o destitute_a of_o unfeigned_a regard_n unto_o the_o live_a god_n i_o will_v not_o discuss_v how_o far_o grace_n may_v lie_v at_o the_o root_n of_o that_o zeal_n which_o fleshly_a corruption_n may_v transport_v unto_o such_o a_o distemper_n as_o bring_v forth_o bitter_a rail_n against_o brethren_n that_o will_v be_v to_o long_o too_o speak_v of_o but_o this_o i_o say_v that_o whether_o it_o be_v from_o grace_n in_o part_n and_o corruption_n overcarry_v it_o or_o whether_o it_o be_v from_o corruption_n only_o work_v under_o a_o pretence_n of_o grace_n evident_a it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o palpable_a and_o gross_a miscarriage_n in_o this_o kind_n among_o we_o at_o this_o day_n to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o reproach_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o much_o to_o the_o weaken_n of_o the_o hand_n and_o heart_n of_o those_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n i_o shall_v not_o adventure_v to_o press_v far_o into_o this_o point_n than_o i_o be_o sure_a you_o will_v or_o may_v easy_o go_v along_o with_o i_o in_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o shall_v speak_v and_o in_o this_o which_o i_o shall_v now_o bewail_v i_o will_v speak_v impartial_o i_o do_v not_o know_v on_o either_o hand_n which_o of_o the_o differ_a party_n among_o we_o be_v more_o or_o less_o guilty_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o miscarriage_n so_o notorious_a in_o this_o kind_n do_v not_o our_o street_n ring_v and_o be_v not_o our_o stall_n fill_v from_o day_n to_o day_n with_o contradiction_n *_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o some_o book_n which_o have_v truth_n for_o their_o centre_n yet_o because_o they_o have_v want_v temperance_n modesty_n and_o urbanitie_n for_o their_o circumference_n have_v to_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o the_o truth_n harden_v the_o adversary_n in_o their_o error_n and_o by_o their_o bitter_a invective_n whet_v they_o not_o only_o to_o defend_v themselves_o and_o to_o offend_v in_o the_o like_a but_o many_o time_n be_v thereby_o urge_v to_o write_v to_o defend_v the_o error_n itself_o to_o the_o hurt_n of_o many_o which_o otherwise_o may_v have_v vanish_v away_o without_o any_o contradiction_n book_n write_v with_o ink_n steep_v in_o the_o gall_n of_o hell_n and_o print_v in_o the_o most_o unlovely_a character_n of_o bitterness_n and_o despite_n it_o be_v so_o plain_a posterity_n will_v read_v the_o folly_n and_o madness_n of_o man_n among_o we_o in_o this_o kind_n of_o man_n i_o say_v on_o all_o side_n who_o do_v in_o all_o their_o difference_n unhappy_o agree_v with_o might_n and_o main_a to_o slander_v one_o another_o for_o whereas_o charity_n shall_v cover_v a_o multitude_n of_o sin_n charity_n itself_o be_v cover_v and_o many_o as_o if_o they_o be_v strong_o engage_v thereunto_o studious_o lay_v out_o the_o offence_n of_o brethren_n in_o print_n with_o some_o advantage_n yea_o lay_v on_o offence_n upon_o brethren_n with_o boldness_n which_o no_o eye_n but_o that_o which_o be_v dazzle_v with_o envious_a jea_n lousy_a no_o heart_n but_o that_o which_o be_v brace_v with_o malicious_a partiality_n can_v ever_o have_v see_v or_o adjudge_v they_o guilty_a of_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o many_o in_o this_o kind_n at_o this_o time_n be_v such_o that_o charity_n itself_o be_v put_v oftentime_o to_o the_o stress_n to_o be_v charitable_a towards_o such_o man_n as_o do_v please_v themselves_o in_o such_o uncharitable_a practice_n of_o this_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n may_v just_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o laâ—â—â—â—tation_n i_o wish_v it_o may_v not_o be_v add_v and_o shall_v be_v for_o a_o lamentation_n nor_o will_v recrimination_n serve_v to_o justify_v any_o man_n in_o this_o kind_n if_o one_o man_n be_v before_o another_o in_o bitter_a reproching_n that_o will_v never_o justify_v the_o injure_a person_n in_o pay_v the_o railer_n again_o in_o his_o own_o coin_n and_o reband_v those_o scoff_n and_o scorn_n which_o can_v without_o shame_v appear_v or_o be_v make_v mention_n of_o among_o christian_a brethren_n the_o rule_n of_o christianity_n will_v never_o ply_v to_o this_o practice_n if_o one_o man_n be_v so_o mad_a as_o to_o fire_v his_o tongue_n at_o hell_n for_o so_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o a_o wicked_a tongue_n that_o it_o be_v a_o fire_n kindle_v at_o hell_n and_o then_o spit_v he_o care_v not_o who_o in_o the_o face_n with_o scorch_a reproach_n lector_fw-la sir_n ed._n cook_n 5._o pt_n â—_o of_o his_o report_n ad_fw-la lector_fw-la in_o this_o case_n a_o christian_a man_n be_v bind_v so_o far_o to_o tender_v his_o own_o esteem_n yea_o god_n honour_n as_o in_o the_o word_n of_o meekness_n and_o of_o truth_n to_o quench_v if_o possible_a the_o slander_n that_o it_o may_v not_o blast_v his_o reputation_n and_o profession_n but_o no_o man_n be_v warrant_v to_o answer_v this_o spit-fire_n just_a in_o his_o own_o hellish_a language_n and_o to_o strain_v again_o to_o raise_v such_o reproache_n against_o he_o as_o be_v likely_a to_o expose_v both_o to_o common_a scorn_n the_o rule_n for_o christian_n be_v this_o 12.17.21_o rom._n 12.17.21_o render_v to_o no_o man_n evil_a for_o evil_n be_v not_o overcome_v by_o evil_a but_o overcome_v evil_a with_o good_a a_o man_n will_v say_v why_o they_o provoke_v i_o provoke_v thou_o and_o be_v not_o the_o lord_n christ_n provoke_v he_o leave_v his_o own_o example_n for_o we_o to_o imitate_v who_o when_o he_o be_v revile_v revile_v not_o again_o when_o he_o suffer_v he_o threaten_v not_o but_o commit_v himself_o to_o he_o that_o judge_v righteous_o 2.21_o 1_o pet._n 2.21_o it_o be_v a_o happy_a and_o
bite_v hard_a when_o such_o reproach_n and_o hurtful_a speech_n be_v not_o only_o utter_v into_o the_o air_n and_o unto_o the_o ear_n of_o man_n but_o when_o they_o be_v in_o writing_n or_o in_o print_v make_v sharp_a to_o bite_v the_o reputation_n and_o the_o esteem_n of_o other_o public_o and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a perpetual_o unto_o all_o posterity_n then_o these_o tooth_n be_v sharpen_v indeed_o and_o then_o they_o bite_v home_o when_o man_n bite_v not_o in_o present_a only_o but_o take_v a_o course_n to_o bite_v and_o feed_v as_o it_o be_v as_o death_n do_v upon_o other_o after_o they_o be_v in_o the_o grave_a and_o after_o they_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n in_o the_o next_o place_n 2_o the_o devour_a or_o eat_v for_o so_o the_o word_n do_v proper_o signify_v which_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o supposition_n may_v either_o import_v a_o far_a degree_n of_o that_o mischief_n which_o be_v do_v with_o the_o tongue_n bite_v being_n as_o it_o be_v a_o grieve_v reproach_n and_o devour_v a_o ruine_v report_n for_o so_o you_o shall_v find_v devour_v ascribe_v to_o the_o tongue_n 52.4_o psal_n 52.4_o thou_o have_v love_v all_o devour_a word_n o_o thou_o false_a tongue_n or_o else_o we_o may_v by_o this_o devour_a understand_v a_o further_o act_v by_o way_n of_o persecution_n and_o oppress_a opposition_n of_o other_o according_a to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o phrase_n 14.4_o psal_n 14.4_o have_v the_o worker_n of_o wickedness_n no_o knowledge_n which_o eat_v up_o my_o people_n as_o if_o they_o will_v eat_v bread_n that_o be_v which_o oppose_v oppress_v and_o with_o rage_n persecute_v they_o and_o so_o devour_v they_o as_o a_o man_n will_v eat_v bread_n put_v both_o together_o and_o you_o have_v the_o full_a sense_n of_o devour_v in_o my_o text_n when_o as_o man_n do_v in_o height_n of_o enmity_n by_o bitter_a word_n devour_v as_o it_o be_v the_o name_n esteem_v and_o safety_n one_o of_o another_o and_o when_o which_o further_a degree_n of_o virulency_n usual_o go_v along_o with_o this_o there_o be_v according_a to_o man_n power_n a_o open_a persecution_n and_o oppress_a opposition_n raise_v by_o one_o against_o another_o than_o such_o man_n be_v full_o come_v to_o that_o devour_a one_o of_o another_o which_o my_o text_n intend_v last_o in_o the_o caveat_n take_v heed_n lest_o you_o be_v consume_v one_o of_o another_o these_o word_n be_v very_o plain_a and_o very_o terrible_a for_o they_o import_v a_o utter_a and_o a_o common_a destruction_n ready_a to_o seize_v upon_o those_o who_o be_v mutual_o guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n of_o bite_a and_o devour_v one_o another_o and_o that_o by_o the_o mean_n and_o hand_n one_o of_o another_o for_o that_o the_o apostle_n show_v to_o be_v the_o dreadful_a judgement_n which_o usual_o follow_v at_o the_o heel_n of_o this_o sin_n of_o mutual_a bite_n and_o devour_v one_o another_o as_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n plain_o intimate_v if_o you_o bite_v one_o another_o take_v heed_n you_o be_v not_o consume_v one_o of_o another_o thus_o i_o come_v from_o survey_v the_o sense_n unto_o the_o doctrine_n which_o the_o word_n be_v hold_v together_o hold_v out_o unto_o we_o and_o this_o it_o be_v that_o they_o who_o be_v join_v together_o in_o any_o near_a union_n doctr._n when_o they_o rise_v up_o one_o against_o another_o in_o bitter_a railing_n and_o oppress_a opposition_n they_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o implung_v one_o another_o in_o utter_a and_o common_a destruction_n more_o brief_o thus_o intestine_a division_n be_v a_o sad_a preface_n and_o preparation_n unto_o utter_a common_a and_o mutual_a destruction_n for_o entrance_n to_o that_o which_o i_o shall_v now_o speak_v in_o prosecution_n of_o this_o point_n first_o consider_v that_o the_o union_n of_o man_n which_o this_o doctrine_n do_v relate_v unto_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n namely_o 1_o civil_a or_o politic_a 2_o ecclesiastical_a or_o religious_a 1_o there_o be_v a_o civil_a union_n of_o man_n in_o relation_n to_o temporal_a preservation_n and_o happiness_n and_o 2_o there_o be_v a_o ecclesiastical_a union_n of_o man_n in_o relation_n to_o everlasting_a salvation_n and_o blessedness_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o my_o text_n hold_v of_o both_o and_o of_o both_o express_o but_o the_o apostle_n have_v especial_o in_o his_o eye_n those_o railing_n and_o contention_n those_o bite_n and_o devouring_n which_o be_v among_o christian_a brethren_n who_o christian_a religion_n do_v or_o shall_v near_o unite_v first_o therefore_o to_o speak_v unto_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n in_o relation_n unto_o man_n that_o be_v join_v together_o in_o civil_a union_n when_o they_o bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o they_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n to_o be_v consume_v one_o by_o another_o we_o can_v learn_v this_o better_a than_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n 12.25_o mat._n 12.25_o a_o kingdom_n say_v he_o divide_v against_o itself_o be_v bring_v to_o desolation_n and_o every_o city_n or_o house_n divide_v against_o itself_o can_v stand_v that_o be_v it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v stand_v long_o when_o there_o be_v a_o division_n and_o a_o contention_n raise_v within_o the_o bowel_n thereof_o it_o be_v well_o and_o general_o know_v that_o all_o civil_a union_n begin_v in_o a_o family_n in_o a_o house_n in_o those_o three_o combination_n of_o husband_n and_o wife_n parent_n and_o child_n governor_n and_o servant_n by_o the_o union_n of_o house_n city_n and_o township_n be_v constitute_v by_o the_o union_n of_o city_n kingdom_n be_v compose_v and_o so_o upward_o out_o of_o the_o union_n of_o kingdom_n arise_v large_a and_o comprehensive_a empire_n or_o state_n of_o the_o earth_n under_o whatsoever_o denomination_n of_o unity_n now_o our_o saviour_n show_v that_o if_o we_o begin_v at_o the_o low_a civil_a union_n a_o house_n and_o so_o rise_v to_o a_o city_n and_o then_o come_v to_o a_o kingdom_n and_o by_o proportion_n if_o we_o thence_o ascend_v whither_o we_o can_v to_o any_o superior_a civil_a union_n still_o it_o be_v true_a that_o such_o a_o union_n divide_v in_o itself_o against_o itself_o can_v stand_v divide_v in_o itself_o against_o itself_o it_o come_v to_o desolation_n when_o the_o lord_n will_v express_v the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o the_o people_n of_o judah_n in_o the_o immediate_a occasion_n thereof_o he_o show_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v effect_v by_o intestine_a division_n and_o dissension_n 3.5_o isay_n 3.5_o the_o people_n shall_v be_v oppress_v every_o one_o by_o another_o and_o every_o one_o by_o his_o neighbour_n and_o the_o child_n shall_v behave_v himself_o unseemly_a against_o the_o age_a and_o the_o base_a against_o the_o honourable_a which_o word_n declare_v that_o innate_a division_n and_o contention_n in_o the_o state_n of_o judah_n shall_v breed_v confusion_n and_o that_o bring_v forth_o utter_a destruction_n in_o any_o of_o the_o same_o and_o according_o how_o homebred_a division_n be_v the_o immediate_a occasion_n of_o the_o last_o and_o great_a destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n when_o the_o hand_n of_o divine_a justice_n draw_v out_o the_o roman_a sword_n against_o it_o i_o need_v not_o speak_v it_o be_v so_o famous_o know_v in_o story_n nor_o indeed_o be_v there_o any_o cause_n why_o to_o speak_v much_o either_o for_o the_o express_v or_o assert_v of_o this_o truth_n in_o regard_n of_o civil_a state_n that_o fret_a division_n and_o contention_n in_o the_o bowel_n be_v a_o disease_n that_o bring_v a_o consumption_n upon_o they_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n have_v know_v thus_o much_o by_o experience_n who_o never_o flourish_v but_o under_o concord_n and_o be_v ever_o in_o a_o consume_a temper_n when_o blast_v with_o embowelled_a and_o embitter_v contention_n no_o wonder_n therefore_o that_o all_o the_o deep-working_a politician_n of_o the_o world_n lay_v it_o for_o a_o maxim_n divide_v &_o impera_fw-la once_o raise_v division_n in_o any_o state_n how_o mighty_a soever_o and_o you_o may_v rule_v and_o ruin_v it_o at_o pleasure_n a_o state_n divide_v in_o itself_o need_v no_o enemy_n it_o be_v enemy_n enough_o unto_o itself_o and_o will_v do_v a_o enemy_n work_v against_o itself_o although_o it_o have_v no_o other_o wage_n but_o self_n destruction_n and_o utter_a overthrow_n but_o of_o civil_a union_n and_o the_o mischief_n which_o come_v by_o they_o i_o shall_v doctrinal_o say_v no_o more_o but_o proceed_v to_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n do_v especial_o eye_n in_o this_o text_n which_o be_v bite_a and_o devour_v among_o those_o that_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v near_o join_v together_o by_o the_o bond_n of_o christian_a religion_n when_o person_n be_v join_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o same_o save_a christian_a truth_n and_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o same_o god_n and_o through_o vicinity_n of_o habitation_n and_o
that_o be_v effectual_o serve_v god_n save_v mercy_n for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o people_n pray_v therefore_o earnest_o all_v you_o that_o can_v pray_v unto_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o pray_v in_o faith_n for_o this_o need_v mercy_n of_o a_o civil_a peace_n to_o be_v afford_v to_o our_o land_n though_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o such_o shall_v pray_v in_o a_o absolute_a assurance_n of_o the_o particular_a mercy_n present_o to_o be_v enjoy_v yet_o they_o may_v and_o shall_v pray_v in_o a_o faithful_a dependence_n upon_o the_o power_n goodness_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n hope_v that_o the_o lord_n who_o have_v do_v so_o much_o for_o we_o already_o will_v at_o the_o length_n answer_v the_o prayer_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o crown_v their_o desire_n with_o that_o peace_n and_o civil_a union_n which_o they_o groan_v to_o see_v establish_v in_o the_o land_n and_o in_o the_o kingdom_n annex_v unto_o it_o one_o word_n more_o that_o this_o peace_n may_v be_v premoted_a follow_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n with_o that_o cautionary_a addition_n and_o holiness_n universal_a peace_n be_v to_o be_v press_v after_o as_o far_o as_o possible_o may_v stand_v with_o due_a regard_n to_o holiness_n 12.14_o heb._n 12.14_o follow_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n and_o holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n this_o holiness_n here_o point_v at_o by_o the_o apostle_n i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o just_a bind_v of_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a in_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o the_o roman_n if_o it_o â—e_v possible_a as_o much_o as_o in_o you_o be_v 12.18_o ro._n 12.18_o live_v peaceable_o with_o all_o man_n there_o aught_o to_o be_v in_o god_n servant_n as_o far_o as_o respect_v to_o holiness_n will_v bear_v all_o possible_a endeavour_n to_o obtain_v and_o maintain_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n i_o press_v not_o this_o to_o interrupt_v the_o course_n of_o judgement_n according_a to_o righteousness_n 5.24_o amos_n 5.24_o may_v it_o ever_o flow_v out_o like_o a_o stream_n in_o the_o land_n and_o overflow_v all_o malicious_a unreconcilable_a enemy_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o union_n both_o of_o this_o land_n and_o the_o kingdom_n annex_v whoever_o they_o be_v but_o with_o this_o proviso_n that_o the_o stream_n of_o judgement_n according_a to_o righteousness_n may_v run_v in_o the_o channel_n of_o safe_a and_o save_a mercy_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v 7.9_o zac._n 7.9_o consider_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v judgement_n without_o mercy_n to_o he_o that_o show_v no_o mercy_n and_o mercy_n rejoice_v against_o judgement_n as_o far_o as_o a_o due_a respect_n to_o holiness_n 2.13_o jam._n 2.13_o and_o judgement_n according_a to_o righteousness_n do_v admit_v there_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o all_o a_o conscionable_a pursuance_n of_o peace_n with_o all_o man_n and_o i_o suppose_v that_o a_o civil_a peace_n can_v never_o be_v well_o expect_v in_o a_o scripture_n way_n in_o this_o kingdom_n unless_o the_o holy_a ghost_n counsel_v be_v follow_v herein_o now_o then_o for_o you_o that_o be_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o great_a city_n not_o to_o reproach_v you_o by_o rip_v up_o any_o of_o those_o flame_a contention_n which_o appear_v among_o you_o the_o lord_n avert_v the_o evil_n which_o they_o threaten_v for_o his_o mercy_n sake_n let_v i_o speak_v unto_o you_o as_o one_o that_o desire_v serious_o the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o this_o place_n be_v exhort_v to_o pray_v for_o and_o to_o pursue_v peace_n with_o all_o those_o who_o be_v together_o with_o yourselves_o member_n of_o this_o city_n as_o far_o as_o a_o due_a regard_n to_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n may_v possible_o bear_v do_v not_o you_o see_v that_o a_o sweep_a destruction_n be_v ready_a to_o invade_v you_o at_o the_o wide_a gate_n of_o your_o division_n and_o let_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o land_n be_v persuade_v with_o due_a respect_n to_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n to_o follow_v peace_n with_o all_o those_o that_o be_v together_o with_o themselves_o member_n of_o this_o state_n let_v every_o man_n in_o his_o place_n study_v to_o bring_v the_o parliament_n the_o army_n the_o city_n the_o several_a county_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a the_o king_n and_o kingdom_n the_o head_n and_o member_n of_o our_o state_n into_o a_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o love_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o sweet_a join_n of_o all_o together_o for_o the_o mutual_a defence_n security_n and_o benefit_n one_o of_o another_o and_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a and_o for_o those_o that_o be_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o three_o kingdom_n let_v they_o all_o be_v persuade_v to_o pray_v for_o and_o pursue_v a_o stable_a peace_n betwixt_o the_o nation_n that_o these_o three_o land_n may_v be_v as_o a_o threefold_a cord_n twist_v together_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n mercy_n to_o such_o a_o strength_n as_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o fear_v the_o force_n or_o fury_n of_o any_o public_a or_o common_a enemy_n it_o be_v very_o happy_a if_o this_o speech_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o my_o text_n may_v general_o ring_v throughout_o the_o kingdom_n yea_o throughout_o the_o kingdom_n if_o you_o bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o take_v heed_n that_o you_o he_o not_o consume_v one_o of_o another_o there_o be_v a_o very_a great_a danger_n of_o a_o common_a consumption_n whilst_o man_n go_v on_o in_o so_o much_o particular_a bitterness_n foment_v civil_a division_n and_o contention_n among_o themselves_o it_o be_v the_o prophet_n habakkuks_n complaint_n there_o be_v that_o bring_v in_o strife_n and_o contention_n 1.3_o hab._n 1.3_o and_o be_v there_o not_o such_o among_o we_o be_v there_o not_o such_o in_o the_o the_o kingdom_n in_o the_o kingdom_n at_o this_o day_n who_o like_a bellows_n fill_v with_o the_o arie_a of_o hell_n do_v continual_o breathe_v out_o lie_v suggestion_n and_o study_v intimation_n of_o ground_n of_o jealousy_n among_o brethren_n for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o blow_v up_o a_o everlasting_a contention_n in_o the_o land_n and_o between_o the_o kingdom_n that_o they_o who_o god_n have_v great_o bless_v may_v at_o the_o length_n be_v sad_o ruin_v together_o shall_v such_o man_n be_v so_o diligent_a to_o divide_v and_o to_o de_fw-mi destroy_v and_o shall_v not_o every_o man_n that_o sove_v god_n and_o love_v the_o kingdom_n be_v awaken_v to_o press_v on_o and_o pray_v for_o a_o peaceful_a union_n of_o parlialiament_n city_n army_n country_n magistracy_n ministry_n and_o if_o god_n have_v such_o a_o mercy_n in_o store_n for_o we_o of_o he_o with_o all_o who_o we_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o enjoy_v as_o head_n of_o all_o in_o faithfulness_n and_o righteousness_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o union_n of_o all_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n almighty_a to_o be_v real_o assistant_n one_o to_o another_o as_o fellow-member_n of_o the_o same_o state_n for_o the_o mutual_a good_a and_o benefit_n one_o of_o another_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o to_o this_o point_n but_o what_o you_o find_v in_o the_o epistle_n of_o james_n namely_o that_o the_o wisdom_n which_o be_v from_o above_o 3.17_o jam._n 3.17_o heavenly_a wisdom_n it_o be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a gentle_a easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a fruit_n without_o partiality_n and_o without_o hypocrisy_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n be_v sow_v in_o peace_n of_o those_o that_o make_v peace_n 5.9_o mat._n 5.9_o and_o bless_v be_v the_o peacemaker_n for_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o child_n of_o god_n therefore_o let_v all_o with_o a_o due_a respect_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n in_o maintenance_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n which_o i_o lie_v still_o as_o the_o foundation_n and_o boundstone_n of_o our_o peace_n be_v ever_o careful_a to_o promote_v and_o maintain_v a_o universal_a civil_a peace_n in_o this_o and_o the_o annex_v kingdom_n which_o may_v be_v the_o foundation_n of_o comfort_n and_o safety_n to_o we_o and_o our_o posterity_n thus_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v unto_o the_o second_o kind_n of_o bite_v and_o devour_v which_o the_o apostle_n have_v a_o special_a eye_n unto_o in_o my_o text._n and_o now_o i_o be_o to_o enter_v upon_o a_o very_a sad_a argument_n to_o mourn_v over_o the_o bitter_a rail_n and_o opposition_n which_o mutual_o prevail_v among_o many_o brethren_n join_v together_o in_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o same_o god_n but_o before_o i_o begin_v because_o i_o desire_v to_o speak_v plain_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prevent_v all_o mistake_n by_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o entrance_n first_o that_o i_o do_v not_o bewail_v the_o zeal_n of_o any_o brethren_n who_o in_o a_o way_n of_o love_n and_o faithfulness_n do_v give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o jesus_n