separately_z each_o from_o other_o without_o any_o care_n to_o maintain_v good_a neighbourhood_n and_o acquaintance_n but_o rather_o to_o cross_v one_o another_o in_o their_o walk_n and_o draw_v sheep_n one_o from_o another_o how_o will_v they_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v it_o to_o he_o that_o have_v entrust_v they_o with_o the_o joint_a care_n of_o his_o flock_n i_o find_v that_o when_o the_o soul_n 8_o cant._n 1._o 7_o 8_o which_o be_v in_o love_n with_o christ_n do_v seek_v to_o find_v he_o out_o it_o be_v afraid_a to_o turn_v aside_o unto_o the_o flock_n of_o his_o companion_n and_o when_o it_o be_v direct_v how_o to_o come_v to_o he_o it_o be_v bid_v go_v forth_o by_o the_o footstep_n of_o the_o flock_n and_o feed_v beside_o the_o shepherd_n tent_n whence_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o flock_n under_o many_o pretend_v to_o be_v christ_n companion_n do_v perplex_v the_o soul_n and_o turn_v it_o aside_o from_o he_o but_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o flock_n under_o shepherd_n that_o be_v unite_v be_v the_o way_n wherein_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v find_v three_o their_o relation_n to_o the_o work_n of_o their_o employment_n do_v whole_o necessitate_v they_o to_o maintain_v mutual_a love_n and_o unity_n because_o not_o only_o these_o duty_n in_o themselves_o be_v a_o principal_a part_n of_o their_o work_n but_o what_o ever_o else_o do_v belong_v to_o their_o charge_n whether_o it_o concern_v the_o church_n or_o the_o gospel_n it_o can_v neither_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n nor_o profitable_a unto_o man_n except_o it_o be_v do_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o unity_n first_o then_o that_o these_o duty_n be_v recommend_v unto_o they_o as_o a_o main_a part_n of_o the_o very_a work_n which_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v aâ—med_v at_o in_o their_o profession_n i_o suppose_v have_v be_v abundant_o make_v out_o by_o that_o which_o former_o have_v be_v allege_v second_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n without_o this_o frame_n of_o spirit_n be_v evident_a because_o god_n be_v love_n and_o he_o that_o love_v not_o know_v not_o god_n 1_o john_n 4._o 8._o and_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o that_o dwell_v in_o love_n dwell_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o he_o ibid._n verse_n 16._o moreover_o he_o that_o do_v not_o all_o his_o work_n in_o love_n as_o he_o be_v command_v 1_o cor._n 16._o 14._o transgress_v the_o whole_a law_n by_o the_o unlovely_a frame_n of_o his_o spirit_n because_o as_o love_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o whole_a law_n rom._n 13._o 8_o 9_o 10._o so_o the_o want_n of_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o transgression_n of_o the_o whole_a law_n and_o he_o that_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n can_v please_v he_o say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 8._o 7_o 8._o and_o as_o nothing_o can_v be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n which_o be_v not_o do_v in_o love_n so_o it_o can_v be_v profitable_a unto_o man_n for_o if_o god_n bless_v it_o not_o how_o can_v it_o prosper_v towards_o they_o and_o how_o can_v he_o bless_v that_o which_o be_v displease_v to_o he_o and_o then_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o knowledge_n be_v apt_a to_o puff_n man_n up_o but_o it_o be_v charity_n which_o edifi_v 1_o cor._n 8._o 1._o and_o what_o i_o say_v of_o love_n may_v be_v verify_v of_o unity_n as_o it_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o love_n inseparable_a from_o it_o in_o christ_n aim_n john_n 37._o 23._o and_o equal_o recommend_v to_o we_o by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 10._o and_o 2_o cor._n 13._o 11._o ephes_n 4._o 1._o ephes_n 4._o 1._o till_o 7._o phil._n 2._o 2._o whence_o we_o see_v that_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o any_o must_v thus_o be_v qualify_v to_o find_v acceptance_n but_o if_o we_o look_v more_o distinct_o upon_o the_o proper_a work_n of_o their_o employment_n towards_o the_o church_n and_o for_o the_o gospel_n we_o shall_v perceive_v more_o clear_o the_o intrinsical_a coherence_n which_o be_v find_v between_o these_o duty_n and_o the_o ministerial_a administration_n for_o the_o work_n of_o their_o administration_n towards_o the_o church_n be_v all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n belong_v to_o the_o public_a worship_n in_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n whereunto_o the_o sacrament_n the_o 4_o act_n 6._o 4_o government_n and_o the_o discipline_n be_v subordinate_a that_o therein_o by_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n the_o saint_n may_v have_v communion_n with_o god_n through_o the_o spirit_n the_o whole_a substance_n and_o sum_n of_o all_o that_o they_o have_v to_o do_v be_v express_v by_o the_o apostle_n ephes_n 4._o 4._o ephes_n 4._o from_o verse_n 11._o till_o 17._o where_o i_o observe_v that_o all_o the_o gift_n and_o 11._o verse_n 11._o office_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n both_o the_o extraordinary_a of_o apostle_n prophet_n and_o evangelist_n and_o the_o ordinary_a of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n their_o work_n be_v the_o same_o towards_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o world_n end_n namely_o this_o 1._o to_o be_v serviceable_a 12._o verse_n 12._o in_o perfect_v the_o saint_n and_o in_o build_v up_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n in_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n till_o they_o all_o come_v to_o the_o unity_n thereof_o unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n 13._o verse_n 13._o where_o we_o see_v that_o the_o end_n of_o their_o work_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o perfection_n of_o unity_n and_o consequent_o if_o any_o shall_v not_o aim_v at_o this_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o come_v short_a of_o the_o true_a end_n of_o their_o administration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n and_o shoot_v not_o at_o the_o mark_n which_o god_n have_v set_v before_o they_o second_o their_o service_n be_v to_o preserve_v by_o this_o mean_v the_o 14._o verse_n 14._o professor_n of_o christianity_n from_o that_o unsettlement_n which_o be_v bring_v upon_o those_o that_o be_v child_n in_o understanding_n by_o the_o different_a doctrine_n of_o man_n and_o their_o sleight_n and_o cunning_a craftiness_n whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v the_o simple_a and_o draw_v disciple_n after_o they_o whence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o if_o the_o true_a minister_n have_v do_v their_o work_n as_o they_o shall_v have_v do_v in_o love_n and_o unity_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n the_o deceiver_n of_o these_o time_n will_v never_o have_v prevail_v so_o as_o they_o have_v do_v hitherto_o but_o because_o this_o have_v not_o be_v intend_v therefore_o they_o have_v get_v all_o the_o advantage_n that_o they_o can_v desire_v and_o wish_v for_o both_o against_o we_o and_o all_o other_o protestant_n three_o their_o work_n be_v not_o only_o to_o unite_v they_o in_o faith_n and_o 15._o verse_n 15._o knowledge_n and_o to_o preserve_v they_o from_o seducer_n but_o to_o endeavour_v their_o growth_n in_o all_o thing_n into_o he_o who_o be_v their_o head_n christ_n by_o the_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n of_o love_n four_o and_o to_o this_o effect_n their_o work_n be_v to_o compact_v they_o 16._o verse_n 16._o and_o join_v they_o together_o as_o one_o body_n to_o build_v up_o themselves_o in_o love_n by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n be_v able_a to_o supply_v unto_o another_o whence_o we_o may_v most_o evident_o perceive_v that_o the_o whole_a substance_n of_o their_o work_n towards_o the_o church_n and_o saint_n to_o perfect_v they_o and_o build_v they_o up_o be_v in_o effect_n nothing_o but_o this_o to_o unite_v they_o in_o the_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n to_o preserve_v they_o from_o unsettlement_n and_o to_o cause_v they_o grow_v up_o within_o themselves_o by_o the_o love_a communication_n of_o their_o grace_n to_o each_o other_o as_o concern_v the_o work_n which_o they_o be_v to_o intend_v for_o the_o gospel_n to_o maintain_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v in_o a_o word_n to_o uphold_v the_o truth_n which_o be_v after_o godliness_n that_o it_o 1._o tit._n 1._o 1._o may_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n and_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v unto_o all_o man_n to_o teach_v they_o to_o 14._o tit._n 2._o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n look_v for_o the_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appear_v of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o the_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o purify_v unto_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n jealous_a of_o good_a work_n now_o to_o hold_v forth_o this_o word_n of_o life_n the_o apostle_n require_v in_o all_o professor_n and_o therefore_o most_o of_o all_o in_o
not_o the_o will_n of_o he_o that_o command_v i_o but_o my_o own_o for_o i_o walk_v not_o in_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n but_o in_o the_o dictate_v of_o my_o fancy_n for_o now_o i_o lean_a to_o i_o own_o understanding_n and_o suffer_v the_o pride_n of_o my_o heart_n to_o be_v my_o counsellor_n which_o be_v unwillling_a to_o be_v foil_v in_o any_o undertake_n do_v make_v i_o quit_v the_o work_n because_o i_o think_v i_o shall_v not_o have_v the_o credit_n of_o it_o but_o if_o for_o some_o other_o reason_n i_o demur_n upon_o the_o duty_n and_o suspend_v my_o action_n as_o perhaps_o because_o i_o see_v not_o i_o can_v gain_v this_o or_o that_o benefit_n by_o it_o or_o because_o i_o think_v it_o not_o seasonable_a to_o appear_v till_o matter_n of_o state_n be_v so_o and_o so_o contrive_v that_o such_o and_o such_o a_o business_n may_v come_v in_o at_o such_o a_o time_n for_o such_o a_o design_n etc._n etc._n although_o in_o matter_n mere_o humane_a arbitrary_a and_o external_a i_o do_v not_o blame_v this_o prudentiall_a contrivance_n yet_o i_o say_v if_o any_o such_o consideration_n shall_v by_o as_o my_o resolution_n towards_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o which_o in_o itself_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n as_o i_o fear_v it_o do_v with_o many_o than_o i_o walk_v no_o more_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o simplicity_n but_o by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n then_o my_o aim_n be_v not_o to_o serve_v christ_n but_o rather_o to_o make_v use_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n and_o of_o my_o interest_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o serve_v either_o i_o own_o turn_n or_o the_o turn_v of_o other_o earthly_a man_n out_o of_o it_o and_o if_o i_o do_v so_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o i_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n deceitful_o and_o the_o reward_n of_o a_o hypocrite_n will_v be_v give_v to_o i_o upon_o these_o ground_n i_o have_v lay_v aside_o all_o such_o hide_a thing_n of_o darkness_n which_o i_o have_v see_v sway_n with_o some_o in_o the_o work_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o therefore_o i_o be_o persuade_v i_o have_v herein_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n which_o do_v give_v i_o confidence_n to_o cast_v myself_o upon_o he_o hope_v for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o these_o endeavour_n because_o i_o look_v to_o nothing_o but_o the_o do_v of_o his_o will_n therein_o although_o then_o i_o may_v ingenuous_o confess_v that_o i_o can_v rational_o treaty_n motive_n dissuade_v the_o publication_n of_o the_o ensue_a treaty_n foresee_v as_o the_o time_n now_o be_v and_o as_o most_o man_n stand_v affect_v to_o each_o other_o that_o these_o motion_n will_v be_v entertain_v for_o they_o will_v suit_v no_o end_n of_o party_n but_o be_o rather_o apt_a to_o conceive_v that_o some_o who_o think_v themselves_o wise_a will_v laugh_v at_o i_o and_o at_o this_o discourse_n that_o most_o will_v not_o relish_v the_o motion_n as_o be_v somewhat_o out_o of_o the_o common_a way_n that_o many_o will_v mistake_v my_o meaning_n misconstrue_v my_o aim_n and_o fall_v foul_a upon_o i_o perhaps_o for_o what_o they_o have_v misconstrue_v and_o mistake_v and_o final_o that_o few_o or_o none_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v pillar_n will_v hearty_o join_v and_o help_v to_o advance_v either_o these_o or_o other_o impartial_a way_n thereunto_o motive_n induce_v thereunto_o of_o peace_n i_o say_v although_o this_o may_v be_v confess_v yet_o i_o can_v forbear_v to_o offer_v these_o thought_n unto_o you_o both_o that_o i_o may_v discharge_v my_o conscience_n towards_o god_n in_o the_o vow_n which_o i_o have_v make_v to_o prosecute_v peace_n and_o truth_n by_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n whatsoever_o some_o may_v or_o do_v think_v of_o i_o and_o also_o that_o they_o may_v stand_v not_o only_o for_o i_o as_o a_o witness_n that_o i_o have_v seek_v without_o partiality_n the_o way_n as_o well_o of_o truth_n as_o of_o peace_n among_o brethren_n but_o also_o rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n if_o you_o think_v good_a to_o publish_v they_o against_o those_o who_o for_o worldly_a end_n and_o self_n will_v lest_o they_o shall_v seem_v to_o lose_v ground_n keep_v we_o at_o a_o distance_n and_o make_v our_o division_n irreconciliable_a weaken_v our_o hand_n in_o the_o gospel_n here_o i_o desire_v not_o to_o be_v mistake_v for_o i_o say_v not_o that_o any_o thereby_o why_o some_o do_v keep_v up_o our_o difference_n &_o what_o guilt_n they_o draw_v upon_o themselves_o thereby_o do_v purposely_o intend_v except_o they_o be_v the_o emissary_n of_o jesuit_n of_o which_o too_o many_o be_v creep_v in_o among_o we_o in_o this_o dissolution_n of_o all_o order_n to_o make_v our_o division_n irreconciliable_a and_o to_o weaken_v our_o hand_n in_o the_o gospel_n god_n forbid_v that_o any_o profess_v the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v think_v so_o malicious_o partial_a but_o this_o i_o i_o mean_v to_o say_v free_o that_o all_o such_o as_o by_o the_o management_n or_o composure_n of_o these_o difference_n seek_v any_o way_n rather_o to_o please_v themselves_o then_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n to_o please_v other_o to_o their_o edification_n i_o say_v of_o these_o that_o they_o keep_v we_o at_o a_o distance_n that_o they_o widen_v our_o breach_n that_o they_o make_v our_o division_n by_o little_a and_o little_a irreconciliable_a and_o so_o they_o weaken_v both_o their_o own_o and_o their_o brethren_n hand_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o herein_o they_o not_o take_v heed_n to_o themselves_o principal_o serve_v no_o body_n turn_v but_o satan_n and_o become_v his_o instrument_n most_o effectual_o to_o hinder_v the_o power_n and_o prevalencie_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o it_o be_v satan_n main_a interest_n above_o all_o other_o to_o set_v and_o keep_v the_o minister_n of_o minister_n what_o satan_n interest_n be_v in_o the_o differencâ—_n of_o minister_n the_o gospel_n at_o variance_n among_o themselves_o and_o disagree_v in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o testimony_n for_o as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v keep_v so_o he_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o world_n the_o wickedness_n and_o greatness_n thereof_o and_o the_o height_n of_o man_n will_v not_o fall_v before_o the_o throne_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o their_o mean_n for_o if_o we_o will_v look_v upon_o satan_n kingdom_n and_o consider_v the_o way_n by_o which_o he_o do_v set_v up_o and_o settle_v the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n among_o man_n we_o shall_v perceive_v that_o one_o of_o they_o be_v this_o that_o he_o be_v the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n do_v establish_v the_o government_n thereof_o by_o mere_a power_n and_o deceive_a policy_n this_o government_n he_o endeavour_v always_o to_o put_v in_o the_o interest_n how_o satan_n do_v prosecute_v his_o interest_n hand_n of_o such_o man_n who_o intend_v to_o make_v use_n thereof_o only_o for_o their_o own_o end_n which_o common_o be_v none_o other_o but_o greatness_n and_o glory_n for_o this_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o as_o the_o way_n of_o self-deniall_n and_o humility_n be_v proper_a to_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n so_o the_o practice_n of_o man_n in_o seek_v themselves_o by_o power_n and_o policy_n be_v the_o work_n of_o satan_n spirit_n and_o of_o their_o own_o corruption_n in_o order_n to_o his_o design_n and_o as_o the_o end_n of_o natural_a man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v only_o to_o maintain_v and_o enlarge_v themselves_o according_a to_o their_o own_o will_n by_o their_o own_o way_n so_o the_o end_n of_o satan_n in_o teach_v they_o to_o manage_v their_o affair_n rather_o by_o power_n and_o policy_n with_o a_o absolute_a command_n then_o by_o love_a persuasion_n and_o conviction_n of_o the_o mind_n with_o the_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v only_o to_o oppose_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o light_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n for_o by_o these_o christ_n be_v the_o king_n and_o conqueror_n of_o soul_n for_o by_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n he_o rule_v in_o the_o understanding_n and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n he_o rule_v in_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n of_o his_o subject_n if_o then_o satan_n can_v gain_v the_o opportunity_n to_o set_v his_o minister_n a_o work_n who_o by_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o power_n and_o policy_n for_o their_o own_o temporal_a end_n draw_v away_o man_n mind_n from_o the_o attention_n unto_o and_o the_o apprehension_n of_o truth_n and_o put_v out_o of_o their_o affection_n the_o frame_n of_o meekness_n love_n and_o humility_n wherein_o the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n do_v stand_v if_o i_o say_v he_o can_v get_v such_o instrument_n which_o he_o can_v act_v either_o direct_o or_o
the_o minister_n of_o the_o profession_n that_o they_o shall_v do_v all_o thing_n without_o murmur_n and_o 14._o phil._n 2._o 14._o dispute_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v in_o their_o conversation_n blameless_a and_o harmless_a as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n without_o rebuke_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a nation_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v stand_v fast_o in_o 27._o phil._n 1._o 27._o in_o one_o spirit_n with_o one_o mind_n strive_v together_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n where_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o in_o that_o work_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o world_n the_o holiness_n of_o life_n the_o peaceablenesse_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o professor_n be_v the_o necessary_a requisite_n without_o which_o nothing_o in_o this_o kind_n can_v be_v effect_v for_o this_o work_n have_v two_o part_n the_o one_o be_v towards_o the_o child_n of_o truth_n the_o other_o be_v against_o the_o adversary_n of_o truth_n towards_o the_o child_n of_o truth_n the_o work_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o common_a profession_n to_o concur_v in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n of_o charity_n and_o of_o peace_n with_o all_o those_o that_o call_v upon_o god_n out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n 2_o tim._n 2._o 22._o and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o aim_n of_o mutual_a edification_n for_o practice_n it_o be_v to_o exhort_v one_o another_o daily_a while_n it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n hebr._n 3._o 13._o and_o to_o provoke_v one_o another_o to_o love_n and_o to_o good_a work_n heb._n 10._o 24._o and_o for_o knowledge_n it_o be_v to_o endeavour_v that_o their_o heart_n may_v be_v comfort_v be_v knit_v together_o in_o love_n and_o to_o all_o riches_n of_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o understanding_n to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o christ_n in_o who_o be_v hide_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n col._n 2._o 2_o 3._o where_o we_o ought_v to_o observe_v that_o the_o study_n of_o love_n and_o unity_n have_v not_o only_o a_o influence_n upon_o the_o common_a profession_n and_o that_o part_n of_o the_o peculiar_a work_n of_o edification_n which_o be_v practical_a to_o maintain_v it_o but_o also_o that_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o confirm_v and_o comfort_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o believer_n in_o all_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o high_a and_o most_o secret_a mystery_n and_o consequent_o that_o where_o this_o study_n be_v not_o entertain_v there_o both_o the_o profession_n and_o all_o the_o comfort_n which_o arise_v unto_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n practical_o and_o intellectual_o from_o their_o peculiar_a interest_n in_o each_o other_o edification_n do_v whole_o decay_v and_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o our_o salvation_n concern_v god_n and_o the_o father_n and_o christ_n be_v darken_v make_v doubtful_a and_o by_o some_o utter_o contradict_v all_o which_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v now_o adays_o as_o much_o if_o not_o more_o then_o in_o any_o age_n heretofore_o by_o our_o dissension_n as_o for_o the_o adversary_n and_o gainsayer_n who_o be_v to_o be_v oppose_v if_o we_o take_v they_o to_o be_v the_o principality_n and_o power_n of_o darkness_n and_o spirituality_n of_o malice_n in_o high_a place_n a_o chief_a part_n of_o the_o armour_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o fight_v against_o they_o and_o preserve_v ourselves_o from_o their_o assault_n be_v to_o have_v our_o loin_n that_o be_v our_o affection_n gird_v about_o with_o truth_n that_o be_v with_o sincere_a love_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n ephes_n 6._o 14._o and_o to_o have_v our_o foot_n 15._o col._n 3._o 14._o with_o ephes_n 4._o 15._o shod_a that_o be_v our_o way_n of_o conversion_n fit_v with_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n that_o be_v with_o mean_n of_o peace_n to_o prepare_v man_n to_o entertain_v without_o offence_n and_o peaceable_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v reveal_v in_o his_o word_n to_o we_o ephes_n 6._o 15._o but_o if_o we_o take_v the_o opposer_n to_o be_v man_n although_o sometime_o their_o mouth_n must_v be_v stop_v and_o they_o sharp_o rebuke_v 23._o tit._n 1._o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o tit._n 3._o 9_o 2_o tim._n 2._o 23._o namely_o when_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o be_v vain_a talker_n unruly_a deceiver_n and_o liar_n yet_o always_o matter_n of_o strife_n and_o jangle_v both_o with_o they_o and_o all_o other_o be_v to_o be_v avoid_v which_o we_o now_o have_v not_o heed_v and_o the_o behaviour_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n even_o in_o his_o great_a zeal_n and_o in_o the_o worst_a of_o time_n must_v never_o be_v precipitate_a and_o hasty_a that_o be_v without_o long_a suffering_n 2_o tim._n 4._o 2_o 3._o but_o chief_o towards_o such_o of_o who_o there_o may_v be_v hope_n of_o recovery_n all_o gentleness_n patience_n forbearance_n and_o meekness_n of_o instruction_n be_v with_o great_a care_n to_o be_v use_v as_o the_o apostle_n do_v teach_v timothy_n 2_o epist_n 2._o 24_o 25._o which_o be_v a_o lesson_n almost_o utter_o forget_v in_o these_o our_o day_n among_o some_o that_o esteem_v themselves_o the_o chief_a of_o professor_n thus_o than_o we_o see_v that_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a part_n of_o all_o the_o ministerial_a work_n wherein_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o unity_n must_v not_o appear_v as_o the_o principal_a agent_n to_o make_v it_o successful_a four_o and_o last_o their_o relation_n to_o each_o other_o as_o fellow-labourer_n in_o these_o work_n be_v proper_o that_o of_o joint_n which_o be_v between_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n to_o unite_v they_o to_o each_o other_o and_o to_o make_v they_o dependent_a upon_o the_o head_n for_o in_o ephes_n 4._o vers_fw-la 16._o the_o apostle_n do_v clear_o speak_v of_o the_o visible_a body_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o have_v a_o spiritual_a communion_n with_o christ_n and_o within_o itself_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n suppli_v if_o then_o every_o part_n by_o his_o joint_n that_o be_v by_o his_o minister_n to_o who_o be_v join_v a_o society_n of_o saint_n as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a be_v bind_v to_o supply_v to_o another_o part_n that_z which_o be_v his_o effectual_a work_n towards_o the_o build_n up_o of_o the_o body_n in_o love_n than_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o correspond_v and_o concur_v with_o his_o neighbour_n and_o fellow-joynt_n for_o how_o can_v any_o part_n supply_v any_o thing_n to_o another_o part_n of_o the_o body_n without_o the_o joint_n thereof_o so_o then_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o the_o association_n of_o the_o saint_n which_o be_v undeniable_a true_a part_n of_o the_o whole_a shall_v edify_v one_o another_o by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n suppli_v for_o to_o that_o effect_n joint_n be_v in_o the_o body_n and_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o the_o whole_a body_n to_o let_v we_o understand_v that_o all_o the_o particular_a association_n of_o believer_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o common_a profession_n be_v to_o be_v count_v as_o one_o association_n and_o that_o by_o the_o joint_n which_o god_n have_v set_v in_o the_o whole_a the_o part_n therefore_o be_v fit_o to_o be_v join_v together_o whence_o we_o must_v gather_v that_o minister_n be_v not_o only_a joint_n to_o unite_v individual_a professor_n into_o a_o society_n but_o to_o unite_v one_o congregation_n unto_o another_o for_o he_o say_v that_o the_o whole_a be_v compact_v by_o joint_n it_o follow_v then_o that_o the_o congregation_n though_o distinct_a by_o themselves_o and_o one_o within_o themselves_o as_o to_o their_o several_a joint_n yet_o aught_o to_o be_v further_o joint_v with_o other_o congregation_n and_o not_o to_o be_v at_o a_o distance_n and_o stand_v by_o themselves_o as_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a disjoint_v from_o each_o other_o which_o be_v the_o posture_n whereat_o many_o desire_n to_o stand_v and_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o too_o many_o upon_o several_a pretence_n to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o common_a profession_n of_o christianity_n but_o how_o contrary_a this_o be_v unto_o the_o true_a end_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n to_o the_o call_n of_o the_o ministry_n to_o the_o aim_n of_o christ_n in_o give_v gift_n unto_o man_n to_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n and_o to_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n i_o hope_v such_o as_o be_v conscionable_a will_v be_v able_a to_o see_v by_o that_o which_o have_v be_v hitherto_o say_v and_o although_o i_o think_v it_o needless_a to_o speak_v much_o more_o of_o this_o relation_n which_o minister_n ought_v to_o maintain_v one_o to_o another_o see_v it_o have_v already_o
the_o moderator_n endeavour_v a_o full_a composure_n and_o quiet_a settlement_n of_o those_o many_o difference_n both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n which_o have_v so_o long_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o this_o commonwealth_n intend_v especial_o at_o this_o time_n to_o beget_v a_o brotherly_a love_n and_o unity_n among_o the_o minister_n and_o people_n of_o all_o the_o three_o nation_n the_o parliament_n have_v now_o appoint_v a_o committee_n for_o receive_v proposal_n for_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n brotherly_o unity_n among_o all_o christian_n especial_o among_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o itself_o so_o excellent_a and_o comely_a at_o all_o time_n and_o consider_v the_o danger_n and_o sad_a consequence_n of_o our_o present_a division_n so_o desirable_a and_o necessary_a at_o this_o time_n i_o conceive_v all_o overture_n and_o counsel_n have_v a_o true_a tendency_n thereunto_o worthy_a the_o public_a light_n and_o do_v therefore_o approve_v the_o publication_n of_o this_o ensue_a discourse_n joseph_n caryl_n london_n print_v for_o john_n bellamy_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o shop_n at_o the_o three_o golden_a lion_n in_o cornhill_n near_o the_o royal_a exchange_n 1652._o a_o preface_n to_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n show_v i._n how_o the_o mean_n of_o christian_a peace_n both_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a aught_o to_o be_v follow_v and_o may_v be_v find_v ii_o what_o the_o let_v of_o reconciliation_n be_v and_o the_o cause_n of_o division_n and_o how_o to_o be_v remedy_v section_n i._o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o resolution_n of_o some_o of_o our_o lead_a man_n eminent_a in_o the_o prevail_a side_n to_o moderate_a matter_n and_o compose_v our_o difference_n happy_a have_v this_o church_n and_o state_n be_v if_o that_o aim_n have_v be_v carry_v all_o along_o from_o the_o begin_n in_o the_o counsel_n and_o endeavour_n of_o letter_n the_o occasion_n and_o scope_n of_o this_o letter_n those_o who_o have_v be_v entrust_v with_o the_o management_n of_o affair_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o now_o too_o late_o to_o quench_v this_o flame_n or_o if_o it_o can_v be_v hope_v that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o so_o great_a fear_n so_o many_o jealousy_n so_o different_a practice_n and_o so_o loud_a clamour_n and_o so_o sensible_a injury_n man_n spirit_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o mutual_a confidence_n and_o make_v susceptible_a of_o temperate_a thought_n towards_o one_o another_o i_o will_v advise_v all_o but_o chief_o such_o as_o have_v power_n in_o the_o parliament_n in_o the_o city_n in_o the_o army_n and_o most_o of_o all_o the_o general_n and_o the_o lieutenant_n general_n on_o who_o the_o eye_n of_o most_o man_n be_v fix_v to_o proceed_v after_o this_o manner_n and_o lead_v as_o in_o this_o way_n first_o let_v our_o aim_n be_v as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n who_o tri_v the_o rein_n to_o purge_v our_o heart_n from_o a_o design_n to_o serve_v the_o interest_n of_o one_o side_n main_o to_o cross_v another_o for_o he_o that_o look_v upon_o his_o peace_n what_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o â—ight_a aim_n of_o those_o that_o trea_v for_o peace_n brother_n with_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o party_n have_v put_v out_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o christian_n a_o christian_a do_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o man_n after_o the_o flesh_n he_o look_v upon_o the_o new_a creature_n in_o every_o one_o and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o walk_v after_o this_o rule_n there_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o misery_n and_o destruction_n in_o his_o way_n for_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n and_o truth_n he_o have_v not_o know_v second_o then_o if_o we_o can_v clear_v our_o aim_n from_o partiality_n our_o counsel_n may_v be_v free_a from_o prejudice_n and_o if_o this_o be_v we_o will_v not_o shun_v the_o light_n but_o desire_v to_o show_v that_o our_o work_n be_v wrought_v in_o god_n and_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o declare_v to_o all_o in_o public_a the_o true_a rule_n and_o maxim_n by_o which_o our_o conscience_n be_v guide_v by_o which_o we_o intend_v to_o walk_v and_o by_o which_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v judge_v aim_n hom_o they_o shall_v manifest_v their_o aim_n by_o all_o in_o our_o proceed_n but_o if_o we_o either_o have_v no_o such_o rule_n or_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o declare_v they_o we_o shun_v the_o light_n we_o love_v darkness_n and_o let_v we_o not_o deceive_v ourselves_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n nor_o love_n to_o peace_n in_o we_o and_o what_o although_o hitherto_o perhaps_o we_o have_v not_o mind_v conscionable_o the_o equitable_a and_o charitable_a affection_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n do_v suggest_v yet_o now_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n thereof_o if_o henceforth_o the_o motion_n of_o his_o spirit_n be_v not_o reject_v but_o sincere_o entertain_v open_o profess_v and_o effectual_o follow_v who_o do_v not_o know_v but_o that_o yet_o a_o happy_a composure_n of_o our_o difference_n may_v be_v effect_v three_o declaration_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v in_o we_o be_v good_a but_o however_o they_o be_v no_o more_o but_o word_n except_o then_o real_a action_n answer_v they_o and_o speak_v the_o truth_n of_o justice_n and_o peaceablenesse_n aim_n how_o they_o shall_v prosecute_v their_o aim_n in_o our_o proceed_n there_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o bitterness_n in_o the_o end_n for_o nothing_o can_v prevent_v the_o cross_a working_n of_o man_n spirit_n against_o we_o but_o that_o which_o be_v able_a to_o beget_v and_o settle_v a_o confidence_n in_o their_o mind_n towards_o we_o and_o to_o beget_v this_o confidence_n and_o allay_v these_o jealousy_n which_o cause_n man_n spirit_n boil_v up_o to_o a_o disturbance_n of_o those_o proceed_n wherein_o we_o mean_v well_o i_o will_v suggest_v to_o our_o lead_a man_n these_o impartial_a consideration_n 1._o that_o they_o ought_v to_o lay_v to_o heart_n the_o cause_n which_o hinder_v other_o discourse_n the_o part_n of_o this_o discourse_n to_o confide_v in_o we_o to_o remove_v the_o same_o 2._o that_o they_o ought_v to_o seek_v and_o find_v out_o the_o person_n which_o be_v most_o capable_a of_o receive_v good_a impression_n of_o we_o and_o from_o we_o that_o the_o same_o may_v be_v give_v they_o and_o by_o they_o propagate_v unto_o all_o 3_o that_o they_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o the_o proper_a mean_n by_o which_o confidence_n be_v breed_v in_o honest_a mind_n towards_o we_o that_o the_o same_o may_v be_v set_v a_o work_n 4_o that_o they_o shall_v observe_v the_o method_n and_o manner_n of_o proceed_v requisite_a in_o do_v this_o that_o the_o attempt_n may_v be_v effectual_a and_o not_o miscarry_v of_o these_o four_o head_n i_o shall_v suggest_v somewhat_o tend_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o peace_n and_o truth_n as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v first_o concern_v the_o cause_n hinder_v other_o to_o confide_v in_o we_o and_o beget_v fear_n in_o they_o against_o we_o let_v i_o say_v this_o he_o that_o do_v not_o confide_v in_o his_o neighbour_n do_v hinder_v they_o fear_n the_o cause_n of_o mistrust_n and_o fear_n to_o confide_v in_o he_o and_o he_o that_o do_v fear_n other_o do_v beget_v in_o they_o cause_n of_o fear_n against_o himself_o if_o then_o we_o will_v have_v other_o to_o confide_v in_o we_o and_o not_o fear_v we_o we_o must_v also_o confide_v in_o they_o and_o not_o fear_v they_o for_o if_o i_o can_v bring_v my_o spirit_n to_o trust_v my_o neighbour_n how_o can_v i_o expect_v that_o his_o spirit_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o trust_v i_o and_o if_o i_o think_v that_o he_o do_v not_o trust_v i_o i_o will_v ready_o suspect_v he_o if_o i_o suspect_v he_o i_o will_v either_o arm_v myself_o to_o oppose_v he_o or_o weaken_v he_o lest_o he_o oppose_v i_o and_o if_o i_o give_v way_n to_o these_o thought_n i_o be_o at_o war_n with_o he_o in_o my_o heart_n and_o the_o affection_n of_o christian_a love_n and_o ingenuity_n which_o only_o can-beget_a confidence_n be_v lose_v between_o we_o love_n be_v lose_v the_o fruit_n of_o emulation_n envy_n and_o passion_n will_v be_v find_v and_o break_v forth_o in_o our_o nature_n i_o find_v the_o sequel_n of_o matter_n in_o our_o nature_n to_o lie_v thus_o where_o i_o do_v not_o love_v i_o can_v confide_v where_o i_o confide_v not_o i_o will_v find_v cause_n to_o mistrust_v where_o i_o find_v cause_n to_o mistrust_v i_o will_v fortify_v myself_o against_o the_o same_o and_o if_o i_o fortify_v myself_o against_o my_o neighbour_n i_o must_v expect_v that_o he_o will_v do_v the_o like_a against_o i_o for_o what_o cause_n have_v he_o to_o trust_v i_o more_o than_o i_o do_v he_o therefore_o as_o long_o as_o i_o manifest_v no_o love_n nor_o trust_v but_o force_v only_o there_o can_v be_v no_o confidence_n expect_v from_o any_o towards_o i_o the_o main_a hindrance_n then_o of_o confidence_n and_o cause_n of_o
and_o peace_n for_o the_o unity_n of_o their_o spirit_n in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o truth_n be_v their_o strength_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o grace_n without_o worldly_a wisdom_n in_o their_o walk_n will_v make_v they_o not_o only_o invincible_a but_o even_o irresistible_a because_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n which_o be_v a_o two-edged_a sword_n and_o the_o armour_n of_o righteousness_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o on_o the_o leave_v when_o they_o be_v handle_v in_o sincerity_n without_o all_o mixture_n of_o humane_a policy_n will_v be_v prevalent_a to_o 1â—_n 2_o cor._n 2._o 1â—_n make_v they_o triumph_v in_o christ_n and_o to_o cause_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o world_n to_o fall_v in_o due_a time_n before_o they_o that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n power_n which_o we_o hope_v be_v approach_v all_o the_o strong_a hold_n of_o satan_n may_v be_v surrender_v unto_o he_o this_o ensue_a discourse_n then_o concern_v unity_n and_o forbearance_n to_o show_v the_o ground_n term_n and_o motive_n thereof_o be_v by_o paper_n the_o end_n of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n and_o the_o occasion_n of_o put_v it_o to_o paper_n i_o conceive_v as_o a_o proposal_n of_o matter_n belong_v proper_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o orthodox_n minister_n of_o this_o kingdom_n who_o dissent_v only_o from_o each_o other_o in_o the_o way_n of_o government_n that_o if_o our_o private_a or_o public_a conference_n have_v continue_v as_o they_o be_v begin_v in_o simplicity_n the_o head_n thereof_o may_v have_v be_v a_o subject_n of_o further_a deliberation_n among_o we_o for_o to_o that_o effect_n they_o be_v put_v to_o paper_n at_o the_o desire_n of_o some_o but_o see_v the_o motion_n tend_v to_o a_o reconcilement_n of_o our_o religious_a difference_n seem_v to_o be_v obstruct_v so_o that_o there_o be_v little_a or_o no_o hope_n to_o gain_v any_o further_a meeting_n and_o conference_n in_o this_o kind_n and_o for_o this_o aim_n therefore_o i_o have_v enlarge_v they_o a_o little_a and_o same_o and_o of_o enlarge_n and_o publish_v the_o same_o alter_v the_o frame_n thereof_o somewhat_o and_o now_o shall_v leave_v they_o to_o you_o to_o be_v dispose_v of_o as_o god_n shall_v direct_v you_o for_o the_o public_a good_a to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o for_o whether_o the_o obstruction_n of_o these_o thought_n of_o reconcilement_n arise_v from_o the_o unwillingness_n of_o some_o who_o perhaps_o think_v it_o not_o wisdom_n to_o venture_v their_o pain_n in_o such_o a_o way_n or_o from_o the_o state_n contrivement_n or_o preingagement_n and_o combination_n of_o other_o who_o by_o any_o of_o these_o mean_n think_v themselves_o strong_a enough_o to_o gain_v their_o own_o desire_n another_o way_n whether_o i_o say_v from_o any_o or_o from_o all_o of_o those_o cause_n the_o obstruction_n do_v arise_v it_o be_v to_o i_o a_o matter_n of_o no_o discouragement_n but_o rather_o a_o occasion_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o appear_v so_o as_o i_o be_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n free_a from_o interest_n and_o before_o man_n without_o all_o pretence_n to_o wisdom_n strength_n and_o authority_n that_o so_o far_o as_o those_o motion_n shall_v be_v find_v agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o suitable_a to_o the_o conscience_n of_o those_o who_o wisdom_n strength_n and_o authority_n be_v the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n in_o perform_v their_o duty_n they_o may_v be_v entertain_v with_o singleness_n of_o heart_n and_o if_o so_o many_o of_o we_o as_o have_v free_v our_o spirit_n from_o the_o bondage_n of_o fear_n and_o hope_n in_o respect_n of_o outward_a matter_n and_o have_v give_v ourselves_o upto_o walk_n open_o by_o know_a and_o undeniable_a rule_n and_o by_o the_o law_n of_o unprejudicate_a love_n to_o be_v without_o offence_n towards_o all_o shall_v but_o resolve_v upon_o this_o provocation_n to_o lay_v the_o matter_n of_o duty_n represent_v therein_o more_o serious_o to_o heart_n then_o hitherto_o we_o have_v do_v and_o to_o ripen_v further_a thought_n concern_v the_o same_o who_o know_v what_o god_n may_v work_v thereby_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a for_o he_o to_o blow_v upon_o the_o dead_a bone_n of_o our_o scatter_a affection_n from_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n and_o communion_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o concurrence_n in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o some_o rule_n which_o shall_v relate_v to_o nothing_o but_o his_o own_o will_n and_o if_o any_o such_o spirit_n of_o life_n be_v breathe_v but_o in_o a_o few_o of_o we_o we_o may_v hope_v that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v without_o effect_n towards_o other_o but_o that_o some_o resolution_n may_v ensue_v which_o god_n will_v bless_v with_o successefulnesse_n in_o the_o prosecution_n however_o i_o be_o resolve_v without_o all_o appearance_n of_o success_n to_o cast_v this_o bread_n upon_o the_o water_n and_o commend_v myself_o unto_o his_o providence_n leave_v these_o paper_n to_o you_o to_o be_v dispose_v of_o as_o you_o shall_v think_v fit_a in_o your_o discretion_n which_o with_o yourself_o be_v recommend_v to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o moderator_n endeavour_v a_o full_a composure_n and_o quiet_a settlement_n of_o those_o many_o difference_n both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n which_o have_v so_o long_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o this_o commonwealth_n chap._n i._n the_o introduction_n show_v the_o scope_n and_o matter_n of_o the_o discourse_n although_o the_o case_n be_v doleful_a and_o high_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o there_o be_v no_o where_n in_o the_o world_n so_o much_o strife_n and_o division_n apparent_a as_o among_o those_o that_o be_v name_v christian_n nor_o that_o among_o any_o christian_n great_a animosity_n do_v break_v forth_o then_o sometime_o among_o those_o that_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o this_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a and_o undeniable_a truth_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n in_o itself_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o everlasting_a peace_n that_o therein_o christ_n be_v reveal_v to_o be_v the_o prince_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n that_o none_o but_o his_o follower_n be_v capable_a of_o peace_n and_o unity_n with_o god_n and_o that_o among_o man_n the_o true_a direction_n to_o live_v in_o love_n and_o peace_n one_o with_o another_o be_v not_o where_o to_o be_v find_v but_o in_o his_o kingdom_n which_o be_v so_o it_o will_v follow_v notwithstanding_o all_o these_o division_n that_o none_o shall_v more_o willing_o undertake_v nor_o can_v more_o profitable_o entertain_v the_o thought_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n for_o the_o composure_n of_o difference_n and_o end_n of_o strife_n among_o man_n than_o they_o who_o god_n have_v call_v to_o be_v preacher_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o who_o he_o have_v appoint_v to_o be_v witness_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o peace_n and_o see_v all_o they_o to_o who_o this_o covenant_n be_v tender_v and_o by_o who_o it_o be_v receive_v through_o faith_n be_v bind_v to_o live_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n as_o be_v all_o one_o in_o christ_n and_o confederate_n one_o to_o another_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o covenant_n therefore_o i_o shall_v offer_v myself_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o heavenly_a call_n as_o one_o to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v reveal_v and_o to_o who_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o peace_n be_v commit_v unto_o those_o that_o be_v my_o brethren_n in_o the_o same_o ministry_n humble_o entreat_v they_o all_o but_o chief_o such_o as_o be_v most_o conscionable_o wise_a in_o look_v rather_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o ministerial_a function_n then_o to_o the_o interest_n of_o a_o party_n among_o man_n to_o observe_v and_o consider_v with_o i_o concern_v the_o way_n of_o unity_n and_o forbearance_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o mind_n among_o themselves_o and_o acquaint_v their_o hearer_n withal_o these_o three_o assertion_n first_o that_o the_o ground_n wherefore_o they_o ought_v to_o profess_v and_o practice_v unity_n and_o forbearance_n one_o towards_o another_o be_v the_o undeniable_a law_n of_o christian_a brotherhood_n second_o that_o the_o term_n of_o unity_n whereunto_o they_o have_v already_o attain_v be_v full_a and_o satisfactory_a and_o that_o the_o term_n of_o the_o forbearance_n which_o they_o shall_v intend_v to_o practice_v be_v plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o settle_v among_o they_o three_o that_o the_o motive_n which_o shall_v induce_v they_o to_o the_o acknowledgement_n profession_n practice_n and_o setlement_n thereof_o be_v as_o strong_a as_o unavoidable_a necessity_n and_o the_o high_a relation_n unto_o duty_n can_v make_v they_o and_o to_o make_v good_a these_o three_o assertion_n i_o shall_v with_o as_o much_o brevity_n as_o i_o can_v declare_v my_o sense_n thereof_o distinct_o and_o plain_o
than_o some_o rule_n shall_v be_v think_v upon_o debate_v and_o by_o common_a consent_n settle_v concern_v three_o thing_n first_o how_o needless_a dispute_n and_o multiplicity_n of_o new_a controversy_n break_v forth_o in_o the_o press_n and_o pulpit_n may_v be_v prevent_v second_o how_o the_o injuriousnesse_n of_o censure_n and_o of_o proceed_v which_o man_n of_o partial_a disposition_n and_o of_o high_a thought_n run_v into_o may_v be_v rectify_v when_o dispute_n be_v necessary_a and_o three_o how_o the_o secret_a mischief_n of_o suspicious_a whisper_n and_o tale-bearing_a among_o brethren_n may_v be_v prevent_v and_o be_v discover_v satisfactory_o correct_v and_o that_o some_o rule_n of_o righteousness_n may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o word_n to_o remedy_v these_o evil_n and_o may_v be_v raise_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a charity_n equity_n ingenuity_n piety_n discretion_n and_o prudencie_n i_o suppose_v none_o will_v deny_v who_o do_v believe_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n with_o and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v able_a to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a and_o thorough_o furnish_v unto_o every_o good_a word_n and_o work_n thus_o i_o have_v make_v out_o as_o brief_o and_o as_o distinct_o as_o this_o occasion_n seem_v to_o require_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o first_o and_o second_o assertion_n of_o this_o discourse_n namely_o that_o the_o ministry_n of_o this_o kingdom_n be_v undeniable_o oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o the_o mutual_a profession_n of_o brotherhood_n and_o that_o the_o term_n of_o their_o unity_n and_o forbearance_n be_v both_o in_o themselves_o full_a and_o satisfactory_a and_o may_v be_v settle_v reciprocal_o among_o they_o in_o a_o plain_a and_o easy_a way_n if_o the_o man_n that_o lead_v other_o be_v but_o willing_a to_o look_v to_o god_n more_o than_o to_o man_n and_o to_o conscience_n more_o than_o to_o outward_a interest_n chap._n xii_o the_o three_o assertion_n concern_v the_o motion_n which_o shall_v induce_v we_o to_o make_v profession_n of_o this_o unity_n and_o forbearance_n why_o these_o be_v requisite_a and_o what_o they_o be_v but_o now_o although_o these_o thing_n be_v evident_o thus_o demonstrable_a and_o by_o all_o that_o which_o hitherto_o have_v be_v allege_v it_o may_v be_v manifest_o apparent_a that_o these_o who_o be_v the_o leader_n of_o the_o flock_n shall_v not_o only_o stand_v unite_v and_o walk_v by_o one_o rule_n in_o that_o whereunto_o they_o have_v attain_v but_o also_o that_o their_o difference_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v compose_v in_o love_n by_o amiable_a meeting_n by_o orderly_a conference_n and_o by_o the_o settlement_n of_o a_o necessary_a and_o lawful_a forbearance_n of_o each_o other_o although_o i_o say_v all_o this_o be_v so_o yet_o we_o see_v to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o god_n the_o lamentable_a disadvantage_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o extreme_a grief_n of_o many_o godly_a soul_n that_o this_o have_v not_o hitherto_o either_o be_v do_v or_o effectual_o prosecute_v and_o intend_v by_o thâ—se_a that_o be_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n or_o if_o it_o have_v be_v intend_v by_o some_o yet_o not_o so_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v that_o be_v upon_o the_o ground_n which_o be_v proper_a unto_o their_o vocation_n what_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o neglect_n may_v be_v we_o shall_v not_o now_o particular_o search_v into_o only_o in_o general_a we_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o all_o such_o fail_n in_o duty_n may_v proceed_v from_o two_o main_a cause_n either_o that_o man_n otherwise_o know_v and_o godly_a yet_o consider_v not_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o duty_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o evil_n that_o follow_v upon_o the_o neglect_n thereof_o or_o that_o the_o excellency_n commendablenesse_n and_o worth_n thereof_o be_v either_o not_o know_v or_o if_o not_o unknown_a yet_o not_o lay_v to_o heart_n now_o then_o in_o this_o our_o present_a sad_a condition_n if_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v suggest_v which_o may_v be_v a_o help_n to_o remove_v these_o cause_n of_o our_o fail_v in_o this_o kind_n it_o may_v be_v hope_v that_o godly_a and_o conscionable_a man_n will_v be_v more_o careful_a of_o the_o performance_n and_o more_o fearful_a of_o the_o neglect_n thereof_o then_o hitherto_o they_o have_v be_v therefore_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o but_o may_v be_v of_o very_o great_a use_n to_o offer_v some_o motive_n and_o inducement_n to_o incline_v they_o without_o partiality_n to_o these_o resolution_n and_o this_o we_o shall_v intend_v to_o do_v if_o god_n permit_v chap._n xiii_o concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o brotherly_a unity_n in_o the_o ministry_n if_o then_o we_o shall_v take_v into_o consideration_n the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o this_o duty_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o the_o present_a evil_n whereinto_o these_o church_n and_o the_o state_n of_o this_o kingdom_n be_v fall_v and_o which_o threaten_v all_o with_o unavoidable_a ruin_n be_v main_o bring_v upon_o we_o through_o the_o neglect_n of_o that_o ministerial_a unity_n and_o correspondency_n which_o be_v suitable_a unto_o christianity_n for_o whosoever_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n shall_v lay_v to_o heart_n the_o woeful_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o land_n will_v perceive_v that_o among_o the_o manifold_a cause_n of_o our_o miserable_a breach_n misery_n the_o cause_n ofâ—_n all_o our_o misery_n and_o sinful_a distraction_n the_o original_n and_o consequent_o the_o great_a of_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v this_o that_o such_o as_o be_v call_v to_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n be_v brethren_n and_o fellow-labourer_n in_o the_o same_o employment_n do_v not_o maintain_v those_o duty_n of_o brotherly_a love_n fellowship_n and_o communion_n which_o by_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o work_n and_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n be_v make_v necessary_a for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o for_o their_o own_o mutual_a edification_n for_o see_v by_o that_o which_o have_v be_v hitherto_o show_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o stand_v together_o and_o look_v upon_o each_o other_o as_o brethren_n beget_v of_o the_o same_o father_n as_o fellow-soldier_n in_o the_o same_o fight_n and_o warfare_n and_o as_o fellow-member_n in_o the_o same_o body_n of_o christ_n see_v i_o say_v this_o be_v confess_v and_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v so_o it_o will_v follow_v also_o undeniable_o that_o they_o ought_v in_o conscience_n to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n belong_v to_o these_o relation_n which_o be_v not_o only_o to_o profess_v a_o brotherhood_n but_o to_o be_v knit_v together_o in_o fervent_a love_n to_o have_v the_o same_o care_n one_o for_o another_o and_o joint_o to_o communicate_v in_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n but_o that_o these_o duty_n notwithstanding_o all_o these_o relation_n be_v neither_o real_o think_v upon_o nor_o at_o all_o prosecure_v to_o any_o purpose_n almost_o by_o any_o be_v no_o less_o undeniable_a and_o must_v needs_o although_o to_o our_o great_a shame_n be_v plain_o and_o ingenuous_o confess_v see_v then_o the_o guilt_n of_o this_o their_o fault_n be_v so_o great_a and_o so_o apparent_a that_o no_o colour_n of_o excuse_n can_v be_v pretend_v to_o extenuate_v it_o therefore_o the_o judgement_n be_v ripe_a for_o they_o and_o the_o punishment_n have_v now_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o the_o world_n most_o just_o overtake_v they_o for_o whereas_o they_o be_v late_o in_o a_o capacity_n to_o be_v as_o happy_a within_o themselves_o and_o as_o profitable_a to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n abroad_o as_o any_o of_o all_o the_o minister_n on_o earth_n if_o they_o have_v continue_v in_o their_o unity_n now_o they_o be_v like_a to_o be_v more_o unsettle_a and_o more_o miserable_a within_o themselves_o and_o less_o respect_v by_o other_o and_o less_o useful_a both_o at_o home_n and_o abroad_o towards_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n than_o any_o that_o be_v elsewhere_o in_o all_o the_o church_n &_o this_o only_a because_o they_o have_v suffer_v themselves_o in_o their_o profession_n to_o be_v divide_v and_o have_v not_o regard_v nor_o do_v they_o yet_o regard_v the_o duty_n of_o their_o christian_a brotherhood_n ministry_n the_o guilt_n of_o the_o ministry_n so_o much_o as_o outward_a concernment_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o have_v corrupt_v the_o covenant_n and_o be_v become_v partial_a in_o the_o law_n and_o cause_v many_o to_o stumble_v at_o the_o law_n and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n 9_o mal._n 2._o 8_o 9_o have_v make_v they_o contemptible_a and_o cause_v all_o their_o adversary_n to_o prevail_v against_o they_o so_o that_o they_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o give_v glory_n unto_o he_o to_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o their_o mouth_n to_o be_v sensible_a of_o
their_o guiltiness_n and_o to_o accept_v of_o the_o punishment_n of_o their_o transgression_n for_o if_o the_o very_a vocation_n wherewith_o all_o the_o professor_n 3._o ephe._n 4._o 1_o 2_o 3._o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v unto_o god_n do_v oblige_v they_o to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n one_o with_o another_o far_o more_o do_v it_o oblige_v the_o minister_n to_o intend_v before_o other_o this_o great_a and_o fundamental_a duty_n in_o the_o vocation_n wherewith_o they_o be_v call_v and_o if_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n be_v by_o god_n appointment_n fit_o join_v together_o and_o aught_o to_o be_v compact_v in_o their_o station_n to_o make_v the_o increase_n of_o the_o body_n unto_o the_o edify_n of_o itself_o in_o love_n by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n supply_v than_o it_o must_v needs_o also_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o chief_a joint_n of_o these_o member_n be_v more_o especial_o appoint_v by_o god_n and_o oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o be_v unite_v in_o their_o relation_n and_o compact_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o ministerial_a employment_n but_o how_o far_o they_o be_v not_o only_o distant_a from_o this_o conjunction_n but_o have_v even_o a_o aversion_n unto_o it_o i_o need_v not_o at_o all_o to_o mention_v the_o thing_n be_v clear_a as_o the_o sun_n at_o noon_n day_n nor_o shall_v i_o search_v at_o who_o door_n the_o fault_n do_v principal_o lie_v whether_o here_o or_o there_o for_o i_o know_v that_o every_o one_o will_v justify_v his_o own_o proceed_n but_o this_o i_o shall_v free_o say_v and_o i_o say_v it_o with_o grief_n of_o heart_n and_o therefore_o i_o hope_v without_o offence_n to_o either_o side_n that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a sin_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o nation_n that_o at_o this_o time_n when_o a_o concurrence_n of_o affection_n and_o of_o endeavour_n be_v so_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o very_a fundamental_o thereof_o and_o guilt_n the_o sinful_a misery_n follow_v upon_o this_o guilt_n when_o we_o all_o be_v call_v forth_o to_o fight_v in_o the_o same_o cause_n as_o it_o be_v for_o our_o life_n that_o i_o say_v at_o this_o time_n there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o animositie_n prevail_v and_o so_o small_a a_o sense_n of_o christianity_n in_o common_a duty_n and_o of_o imminent_a danger_n find_v in_o man_n heart_n that_o it_o be_v almost_o impossible_a to_o move_v any_o to_o compassionate_v one_o another_o calamity_n far_o less_o to_o draw_v any_o to_o rise_v up_o and_o stand_v unite_v for_o each_o other_o conservation_n that_o i_o say_v again_o it_o be_v so_o with_o we_o at_o such_o a_o time_n this_o be_v the_o great_a sin_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o nation_n for_o where_o be_v the_o man_n to_o be_v find_v that_o do_v true_o mourn_v and_o not_o rejoice_v rather_o at_o his_o opposite_n party_n fail_n and_o miscarriage_n and_o yet_o we_o know_v that_o charity_n do_v not_o rejoice_v at_o iniquity_n where_o be_v he_o that_o do_v 6._o 1_o cor._n 13._o 6._o seek_v to_o heal_v breach_n upon_o common_a principle_n and_o without_o a_o particular_a interest_n and_o yet_o we_o all_o know_v that_o charity_n do_v 5._o 1_o cor._n 13._o 5._o not_o seek_v itself_o and_o who_o be_v he_o that_o do_v blow_v a_o retreat_n from_o the_o battle_n and_o seek_v for_o a_o cessation_n from_o needless_a and_o injurious_a controversy_n who_o be_v he_o that_o do_v endeavour_v a_o through_o and_o unprejudicate_v reconciliation_n and_o who_o dare_v own_o a_o treaty_n for_o mutual_a condescension_n without_o a_o fear_n of_o be_v cast_v off_o or_o fall_v upon_o by_o his_o brethren_n and_o yet_o we_o all_o know_v that_o we_o be_v serious_o exhort_v even_o because_o the_o lord_n be_v at_o hand_n to_o let_v our_o moderation_n be_v know_v to_o all_o man_n and_o that_o we_o be_v 18._o phil._n 4._o 5._o 1_o pet._n 3._o 11._o 1_o cor._n 9_o 22._o rom._n 12._o 18._o express_o command_v to_o seek_v peace_n and_o follow_v after_o it_o and_o that_o it_o iâ—_n our_o duty_n to_o become_v all_o thing_n unto_o every_o one_o for_o their_o edification_n sake_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o so_o far_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o have_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v then_o to_o these_o thing_n shall_v we_o still_o justify_v ourselves_o notwithstanding_o the_o manifest_a transgression_n of_o all_o these_o rule_n no_o sure_o for_o to_o cover_v or_o to_o excuse_v this_o fault_n will_v aggravate_v the_o guilt_n thereof_o and_o to_o discover_v or_o condemn_v it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o gain_v pardon_n for_o it_o but_o to_o reform_v and_o remove_v the_o cause_n thereof_o be_v that_o only_a which_o in_o this_o case_n will_v make_v we_o happy_a for_o it_o will_v avail_v nothing_o to_o confess_v our_o sin_n except_o it_o be_v forsake_v let_v we_o then_o look_v upon_o it_o so_o as_o to_o resolve_v effectual_o upon_o a_o course_n of_o reformation_n our_o sin_n in_o a_o word_n be_v this_o breach_n of_o christian_a unity_n the_o chief_a cause_n thereof_o be_v carnal_a self-seeking_a disorderly_a controversy_n and_o the_o want_n of_o true_a brotherly_a inclination_n notwithstanding_o the_o manifold_a bond_n and_o the_o name_n of_o brotherhood_n take_v up_o among_o we_o the_o remedy_n of_o these_o cause_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v learn_v self-deniall_n from_o christ_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o strive_v nor_o cry_v nor_o let_v our_o voice_n be_v hear_v in_o the_o street_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n nor_o 20._o matth._n 12._o 19_o 20._o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n but_o that_o we_o shall_v in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n consider_v one_o another_o to_o exhort_v 24._o heb._n 10._o 24._o and_o provoke_v each_o other_o unto_o love_n and_o to_o good_a work_n now_o to_o move_v we_o effectual_o hereunto_o next_o unto_o the_o express_a and_o know_a will_n of_o god_n which_o be_v before_o all_o other_o the_o great_a of_o inducement_n i_o know_v nothing_o that_o shall_v be_v more_o powerful_a with_o we_o than_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o doleful_a and_o pernicious_a effect_n of_o our_o division_n genâ—rall_n the_o doleful_a effect_n of_o our_o division_n as_o punishment_n of_o the_o sin_n upon_o all_o in_o genâ—rall_n and_o distemper_n for_o whilst_o we_o be_v thus_o at_o a_o distance_n for_o point_n of_o outward_a order_n the_o inward_a substance_n of_o the_o profession_n be_v not_o regard_v whilst_o we_o contend_v for_o circumstantial_o concern_v the_o way_n of_o go_v about_o our_o work_n the_o main_a of_o the_o work_n be_v lest_o undo_v and_o whilst_o for_o temporal_a jealousy_n about_o small_a matter_n brethren_n uphold_v no_o spiritual_a correspondency_n satan_n in_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a concernment_n have_v get_v this_o advantage_n against_o we_o that_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o truth_n be_v become_v doubtful_a unto_o very_o many_o and_o the_o gospel_n itself_o and_o in_o it_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n the_o chief_a object_n of_o comfort_n be_v make_v a_o matter_n of_o strife_n and_o contradiction_n unto_o all_o and_o if_o we_o will_v observe_v particular_n we_o shall_v perceive_v that_o among_o other_o thing_n by_o this_o way_n of_o strife_n and_o contradiction_n he_o have_v prevail_v chief_o in_o this_o that_o the_o very_o be_v of_o a_o orderly_a ministry_n be_v call_v in_o question_n and_o oppose_v most_o universal_o for_o to_o abolish_v the_o work_n and_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ordinary_a ministry_n be_v that_o about_o which_o under_o several_a pretence_n all_o his_o agent_n on_o all_o hand_n be_v most_o earnest_o employ_v and_o by_o their_o mean_n all_o the_o fundamental_o of_o order_n and_o ordinance_n in_o the_o church_n be_v already_o unsettle_a and_o all_o the_o ground_n of_o authority_n in_o the_o state_n be_v almost_o quite_o overthrow_v for_o by_o and_o upon_o some_o principle_n of_o that_o which_o be_v call_v a_o new_a light_n it_o be_v free_a for_o every_o one_o to_o do_v what_o seem_v good_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n without_o control_n or_o give_v account_n thereof_o unto_o any_o this_o licentious_a freedom_n do_v lead_v they_o that_o follow_v it_o to_o the_o fulfil_n of_o all_o their_o fleshly_a desire_n and_o do_v confirm_v they_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o confusion_n wherein_o the_o spirit_n of_o rail_v of_o bitterness_n of_o envy_n of_o contradiction_n and_o of_o uncharitableness_n in_o oppose_v and_o censure_v other_o do_v increase_v strife_n and_o hatred_n and_o multiply_v scandal_n infinite_o all_o which_o bring_v forth_o the_o woe_n that_o lie_v upon_o we_o for_o to_o rail_v and_o calumniate_v without_o shame_n be_v become_v the_o very_a trade_n of_o many_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o way_n
among_o we_o and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o faithfulness_n and_o constancy_n to_o be_v expect_v from_o those_o that_o profess_v christianity_n have_v enter_v into_o solemn_a protestation_n vow_n and_o covenant_n to_o stand_v unite_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o a_o common-reformation_n and_o the_o settlement_n of_o our_o union_n therein_o if_o i_o say_v there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o love_v to_o truth_n zeal_n for_o righteousness_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o christian_a covenant_n i_o may_v adjure_v such_o as_o pretend_v thereunto_o to_o show_v themselves_o at_o this_o time_n therein_o for_o their_o own_o and_o their_o brethren_n preservation_n that_o by_o the_o duty_n of_o brotherly_a unity_n in_o the_o holy_a profession_n they_o may_v be_v find_v to_o keep_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n without_o blame_n for_o as_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o the_o faith_n once_o give_v to_o the_o saint_n can_v be_v maintain_v by_o any_o without_o a_o good_a conscience_n so_o the_o integrity_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n can_v be_v keep_v without_o observe_v the_o end_n of_o the_o holy_a commandment_n which_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o love_n out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n now_o this_o practice_n among_o miinister_n in_o their_o ministerial_a charge_n can_v be_v none_o other_o but_o a_o conscionable_a concurrence_n of_o their_o spirit_n in_o that_o aim_n wherein_o the_o all_o relate_v unto_o christ_n to_o strengthen_v one_o another_o hand_n in_o the_o work_n of_o his_o service_n for_o their_o unity_n and_o love_n to_o each_o other_o can_v have_v no_o truth_n but_o as_o it_o relate_v unto_o he_o nor_o can_v it_o relate_v otherwise_o unto_o he_o then_o by_o fulfil_v his_o will_n in_o do_v the_o work_n of_o his_o service_n and_o if_o this_o aim_v be_v lose_v in_o any_o let_v they_o pretend_v what_o they_o will_v their_o conscience_n be_v not_o sound_a their_o performance_n be_v not_o acceptable_a nor_o will_v their_o endeavour_n be_v for_o ever_o establish_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o because_o many_o have_v leave_v off_o to_o aim_v sincere_o at_o this_o who_o either_o delight_n to_o stand_v whole_o by_o themselves_o and_o give_v way_n to_o divide_v principle_n and_o practice_n or_o think_v it_o more_o expedient_a to_o stand_v whole_o associate_v but_o give_v way_n to_o the_o mean_n of_o humane_a power_n to_o trust_v more_o thereunto_o then_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_a love_n and_o serviceablenesse_n therefore_o it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o withdraw_v from_o such_o of_o both_o side_n that_o walk_v in_o these_o way_n and_o from_o their_o undertake_n the_o blessing_n of_o his_o presence_n so_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o want_n of_o his_o strength_n to_o go_v along_o and_o conduct_v to_o guide_v they_o all_o their_o hand_n be_v weaken_v nothing_o which_o be_v undertake_v do_v prosper_v the_o service_n of_o christ_n house_n be_v not_o advance_v the_o steward_n thereof_o be_v either_o divide_v by_o themselves_o or_o scatter_v by_o other_o and_o general_o they_o be_v as_o man_n without_o a_o heart_n afraid_a one_o of_o another_o and_o through_o these_o their_o breach_n a_o whole_a deluge_n of_o damnable_a error_n and_o a_o full_a current_n of_o all_o unrighteous_a wicked_a and_o scandalous_a practice_n have_v overwhelm_v and_o almost_o drown_v the_o church_n so_o that_o the_o very_a floodgate_n of_o hell_n seem_v to_o be_v open_v upon_o we_o and_o have_v cover_v we_o with_o the_o proud_a wave_n of_o all_o licentiousness_n and_o although_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o suffer_v satan_n thus_o far_o to_o prevail_v against_o all_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o all_o and_o to_o make_v this_o breach_n upon_o the_o leader_n for_o their_o ministry_n a_o doubt_n answer_v concern_v the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n fail_v in_o the_o ministry_n yet_o it_o be_v far_o from_o i_o to_o think_v as_o some_o do_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v fail_v in_o this_o our_o age_n at_o if_o there_o be_v neither_o true_a church_n nor_o ministry_n any_o more_o among_o we_o or_o any_o where_n in_o this_o world_n but_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n have_v prevail_v against_o the_o church_n which_o christ_n do_v once_o institute_v by_o his_o apostle_n a_o new_a mission_n must_v be_v expect_v and_o a_o new_a foundation_n lay_v for_o the_o erect_n of_o his_o kingdom_n i_o say_v god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v think_v so_o yea_o let_v god_n be_v true_a but_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n for_o i_o believe_v that_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v pass_v 19_o rom._n 3._o 4._o matth._n 24._o 3â—_n matth._n 16._o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o away_o but_o the_o word_n that_o be_v go_v out_o of_o christ_n mouth_n shall_v not_o pass_v away_o now_o christ_n upon_o a_o special_a occasion_n say_v distinct_o unto_o his_o disciple_n three_o thing_n which_o be_v these_o 1_o that_o his_o church_n shall_v be_v build_v upon_o the_o rock_n of_o that_o truth_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n make_v confession_n which_o be_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n 2_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o that_o church_n 3_o and_o last_o that_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n with_o authority_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v on_o earth_n whatever_o shall_v be_v bind_v and_o loosen_v in_o heaven_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o this_o church_n these_o promise_n i_o believe_v to_o be_v so_o sure_a that_o they_o shall_v never_o fail_v therefore_o i_o must_v conclude_v that_o neither_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o the_o church_n which_o be_v build_v thereupon_o nor_o the_o ministerial_a authority_n of_o the_o key_n give_v to_o that_o church_n shall_v fail_v so_o long_o as_o this_o world_n do_v last_o forwhat_o although_o some_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o be_v disobedient_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n shall_v their_o unbelief_n and_o disobedience_n make_v the_o faith_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n without_o effect_n god_n forbid_v yea_o all_o man_n be_v to_o be_v find_v liar_n that_o god_n may_v be_v find_v true_a for_o he_o have_v conclude_v all_o in_o unbelief_n that_o he_o may_v have_v mercy_n upon_o all_o therefore_o in_o his_o say_n he_o shall_v be_v justifify_v and_o when_o he_o be_v judge_v overcome_v we_o must_v therefore_o acknowledge_v that_o by_o our_o unrighteousness_n the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v commend_v and_o that_o although_o we_o of_o this_o nation_n shall_v utter_o fail_v he_o and_o be_v no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v count_v his_o church_n yet_o that_o he_o will_v never_o fail_v to_o do_v what_o he_o have_v say_v unto_o the_o seed_n of_o christ_n among_o man_n and_o never_o recall_v the_o word_n which_o he_o have_v speak_v concern_v his_o church_n but_o 21._o isa_n 59_o 21._o this_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v that_o wheresoever_o there_o be_v a_o society_n of_o man_n believe_v with_o their_o heart_n and_o with_o their_o mouth_n make_v open_o profession_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n there_o be_v a_o church_n existent_a and_o wheresoever_o a_o church_n be_v existent_a there_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o key_n be_v not_o want_v because_o christ_n have_v say_v that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o i_o shall_v then_o confident_o conclude_v from_o these_o premise_n two_o thing_n first_o see_v there_o be_v society_n of_o believer_n which_o be_v here_o existent_a and_o know_v to_o be_v build_v upon_o that_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n that_o therefore_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o fail_n in_o particular_a duty_n whereof_o they_o be_v guilty_a that_o yet_o god_n promise_v for_o the_o main_n will_v never_o be_v want_v to_o they_o as_o to_o his_o church_n second_o i_o may_v infer_v this_o also_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o advantage_n which_o satan_n seem_v to_o have_v get_v both_o against_o the_o ministry_n of_o this_o church_n and_o against_o their_o administration_n therein_o whereby_o he_o do_v blast_v they_o and_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o labour_n yet_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o he_o shall_v never_o prevail_v so_o far_o as_o to_o make_v void_a the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v to_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o thereby_o to_o the_o administration_n of_o all_o christ_n ordinance_n now_o than_o although_o indeed_o it_o be_v very_o sad_a and_o lamentable_a that_o the_o builder_n themselves_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o want_v to_o their_o duty_n as_o by_o their_o division_n to_o give_v such_o a_o advantage_n unto_o satan_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v able_a visible_o to_o pull_v down_o more_o than_o they_o be_v able_a to_o build_v up_o yet_o
we_o know_v that_o all_o thing_n even_o these_o same_o and_o such_o like_a fail_n will_v work_v together_o for_o the_o best_a towards_o 10._o the_o comfort_n of_o believer_n against_o these_o evil_n psal_n 76._o 10._o those_o that_o love_n god_n and_o that_o all_o the_o advantage_n which_o satan_n have_v get_v against_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n will_v tend_v together_o to_o god_n great_a glory_n and_o satan_n own_o overthrow_n at_o last_o for_o as_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n shall_v sure_o praise_v the_o lord_n so_o the_o plot_n of_o satan_n and_o all_o his_o prevail_a upon_o the_o infirmity_n of_o his_o saint_n when_o he_o shall_v have_v mercy_n upon_o zion_n will_v redound_v exceed_o to_o the_o increase_n of_o his_o glory_n by_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o of_o the_o stability_n of_o his_o purpose_n in_o set_v up_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n through_o a_o final_a and_o total_a destruction_n of_o all_o the_o enemy_n thereof_o see_v then_o i_o have_v cause_n to_o hope_v for_o such_o a_o issue_n of_o this_o warfare_n i_o shall_v not_o fear_v that_o the_o discovery_n of_o this_o fail_n in_o the_o ministry_n will_v be_v take_v as_o a_o reproach_n to_o discredit_v they_o towards_o other_o in_o their_o function_n which_o i_o acknowledge_v in_o its_o own_o way_n and_o degree_n to_o be_v of_o god_n &_o not_o of_o man_n but_o rather_o as_o a_o admonition_n of_o love_n to_o show_v to_o those_o that_o be_v conscionable_a the_o necessity_n of_o lay_v their_o own_o condition_n to_o heart_n and_o of_o seek_v the_o remedy_n thereof_o in_o that_o way_n wherein_o it_o may_v be_v find_v and_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v want_v press_v the_o necessity_n of_o unity_n further_o press_v unto_o this_o design_n i_o shall_v add_v one_o thing_n more_o for_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o brotherly_a unity_n which_o be_v so_o much_o neglect_v among_o we_o that_o afterward_o i_o may_v come_v to_o speak_v more_o full_o of_o the_o usefulness_n and_o excellency_n thereof_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n the_o apostle_n say_v that_o neither_o 16._o gal._n 6._o 15_o 16._o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n and_o as_o many_o as_o walk_v by_o this_o rule_n peace_n say_v he_o will_v be_v upon_o they_o and_o mercy_n and_o upon_o the_o israel_n of_o god_n here_o then_o we_o see_v that_o the_o fruit_n of_o peace_n and_o of_o mercy_n be_v god_n blessing_n upon_o the_o life_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n and_o where_o these_o fruit_n be_v not_o at_o all_o apparent_a but_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o spirit_n of_o strife_n of_o bitterness_n of_o hatred_n and_o of_o merciless_a affection_n do_v prevail_v there_o we_o needs_o must_v say_v that_o the_o old_a creature_n be_v still_o alive_a because_o the_o 18._o jam._n 3._o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o wisdom_n which_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a and_o devilish_a which_o be_v the_o old_a man_n rule_n bring_v forth_o such_o effect_n now_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o the_o true_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o persuade_v all_o man_n to_o live_v the_o life_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n and_o to_o mortify_v the_o member_n 8._o col._n 3._o 5._o 8._o of_o the_o old_a man_n which_o be_v upon_o the_o earth_n whereof_o these_o be_v a_o part_n but_o if_o through_o the_o spirit_n of_o division_n and_o variance_n the_o minister_n themselves_o be_v entangle_v in_o these_o passion_n and_o that_o even_o one_o against_o another_o so_o that_o they_o do_v not_o show_v forth_o all_o meekness_n with_o all_o long-suffering_a and_o forbearance_n wherein_o they_o ought_v to_o receive_v each_o other_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n as_o christ_n receive_v we_o how_o can_v they_o perform_v this_o work_n how_o can_v they_o persuade_v other_o to_o walk_v by_o a_o rule_n which_o they_o mind_v not_o and_o wherein_o they_o themselves_o be_v not_o exercise_v it_o be_v clear_a then_o that_o to_o do_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o their_o ministry_n it_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o to_o intend_v the_o duty_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o unity_n moreover_o it_o be_v say_v here_o that_o neither_o circumcision_n nor_o uncircumcision_n do_v avail_v any_o thing_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o than_o the_o division_n and_o distraction_n which_o be_v among_o we_o for_o thing_n of_o such_o a_o kind_n be_v sinful_a and_o necessary_a to_o be_v leave_v off_o for_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o circumcision_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o uncircumcision_n to_o the_o gentile_a be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a concernment_n than_o any_o thing_n about_o which_o we_o at_o this_o time_n be_v divide_v and_o if_o that_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v make_v a_o breach_n between_o they_o far_o less_o these_o thing_n among_o we_o now_o that_o 6._o gal._n 5._o 6._o which_o by_o the_o new_a creature_n be_v available_a in_o christ_n jesus_n be_v faith_n only_o which_o work_v by_o love_n if_o then_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o beget_v faith_n and_o love_n in_o their_o hearer_n that_o be_v to_o persuade_v the_o unbeliever_n thereunto_o and_o to_o build_v up_o and_o confirm_v and_o increase_v the_o believer_n therein_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n and_o by_o their_o unity_n and_o love_n among_o themselves_o how_o shall_v they_o be_v able_a to_o do_v this_o except_o they_o be_v first_o agree_v to_o hold_v forth_o the_o same_o testimony_n and_o except_o there_o be_v some_o amiable_a concurrence_n among_o they_o in_o the_o work_n of_o their_o ministry_n therefore_o as_o faith_n and_o love_n be_v inseparable_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o true_a christian_a so_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o unity_n be_v inseparable_o requisite_a for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o as_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n lie_v upon_o the_o ministry_n to_o bear_v witness_n unto_o the_o truth_n towards_o the_o manifestation_n thereof_o for_o the_o save_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n so_o they_o be_v also_o no_o less_o necessitate_v to_o maintain_v the_o profession_n of_o their_o unity_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o their_o hearer_n for_o without_o this_o profession_n that_o manifestation_n will_v never_o in_o reason_n be_v find_v a_o truth_n fit_a to_o convict_v the_o world_n which_o otherwise_o it_o may_v be_v because_o as_o it_o be_v just_a that_o when_o witness_n do_v not_o agree_v their_o testimony_n shall_v not_o be_v receive_v so_o it_o be_v equitable_a that_o when_o they_o do_v agree_v their_o testimony_n shall_v not_o be_v reject_v and_o if_o by_o this_o only_a default_n they_o make_v their_o testimony_n without_o effect_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o to_o establish_v the_o truth_n and_o not_o to_o discredit_v it_o to_o uphold_v the_o ministry_n and_o not_o to_o make_v it_o contemptible_a to_o buildup_v the_o church_n and_o not_o to_o ruin_v they_o and_o to_o confirm_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o professor_n and_o not_o to_o stagger_v they_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o brotherly_a unity_n among_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o all_o may_v see_v that_o be_v not_o blind_a and_o senseless_a that_o original_o nothing_o but_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n have_v deprive_v we_o of_o all_o our_o hope_n and_o blessing_n and_o bring_v we_o under_o the_o yoke_n of_o all_o these_o misery_n upon_o all_o which_o this_o consequence_n do_v manifest_o follow_v that_o the_o only_a way_n to_o preserve_v the_o remnant_n which_o be_v leave_v entire_a to_o restore_v that_o which_o be_v not_o utter_o decay_v in_o the_o church_n and_o to_o help_v this_o distract_a state_n unto_o some_o settlement_n if_o there_o be_v any_o possibility_n of_o attain_v it_o be_v this_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v set_v themselves_o to_o concur_v and_o correspond_v together_o that_o they_o may_v hold_v forth_o unto_o the_o world_n in_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o loveliness_n the_o peaceablenesse_n the_o meekness_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o the_o end_n that_o both_o they_o and_o their_o hearer_n may_v follow_v therein_o his_o footstep_n as_o he_o be_v go_v before_o we_o to_o leave_v we_o a_o example_n for_o this_o be_v a_o path_n of_o the_o new_a and_o the_o live_a way_n which_o he_o have_v consecrate_v for_o we_o and_o out_o of_o this_o way_n no_o man_n can_v come_v unto_o the_o father_n it_o be_v therefore_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o such_o as_o will_v enter_v into_o the_o holy_a become_v follower_n of_o god_n as_o dear_a child_n and_o walk_v in_o love_n as_o christ_n also_o have_v love_v we_o and_o make_v himself_o as_o one_o of_o we_o even_o our_o brother_n to_o gain_v we_o unto_o god_n chap._n fourteen_o
they_o may_v lay_v the_o thing_n to_o heart_n and_o weigh_v it_o considerate_o that_o god_n may_v persuade_v their_o affection_n to_o the_o practice_n thereof_o the_o excellency_n of_o brotherly_a unity_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o the_o 133._o psal_n where_o first_o by_o way_n of_o preface_n and_o proposition_n the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v call_v upon_o we_o and_o invite_v we_o to_o contemplate_v and_o observe_v the_o same_o with_o admiration_n in_o the_o twofold_a property_n thereof_o viz._n the_o goodness_n and_o the_o pleasantness_n which_o be_v in_o it_o behold_v how_o good_a and_o how_o pleasant_a it_o be_v for_o brethren_n to_o dwell_v together_o in_o unity_n verse_n 1._o then_o second_o by_o way_n of_o proof_n and_o demonstration_n he_o do_v show_v wherein_o that_o goodness_n and_o pleasantness_n do_v consist_v and_o whence_o it_o do_v proceed_v the_o goodness_n and_o pleasantness_n of_o brotherly_a unity_n do_v consist_v in_o this_o that_o it_o do_v bring_v with_o it_o to_o those_o that_o maintain_v it_o all_o manner_n of_o blessing_n in_o great_a plenty_n the_o blessing_n be_v both_o spiritual_a and_o bodily_a the_o first_o in_o the_o church_n the_o second_o in_o the_o commonwealth_n the_o spiritual_a blessing_n bestow_v in_o the_o church_n be_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a anoint_v it_o be_v like_o the_o ointment_n who_o excellency_n be_v 1._o in_o their_o worth_n the_o precious_a ointment_n 2._o in_o their_o use_n and_o application_n which_o be_v to_o consecrate_v and_o make_v man_n priest_n unto_o god_n by_o the_o virtue_n confer_v upon_o their_o principal_a faculty_n upon_o the_o head_n the_o beard_n aaron_n beard_n 3._o in_o their_o abundance_n and_o fruitful_a proceed_n from_o the_o head_n to_o all_o the_o inferior_a part_n it_o run_v down_o upon_o the_o beard_n go_v down_o upon_o the_o skirt_n of_o his_o garment_n verse_n 2._o the_o bodily_a blessing_n bestow_v in_o the_o commonwealth_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o the_o high_a part_n thereof_o both_o far_o from_o the_o church_n and_o near_o unto_o the_o same_o as_o the_o dew_n of_o hermon_n a_o hill_n and_o land_n far_o from_o jerusalem_n near_o jordan_n and_o the_o dew_n that_o descend_v upon_o the_o mountain_n of_o zion_n verse_n 3._o all_o this_o goodness_n and_o pleasantness_n do_v accompany_v brotherly_a unity_n because_o the_o lord_n have_v command_v the_o blessing_n to_o be_v there_o viz._n where_o unity_n be_v and_o the_o blessing_n which_o he_o have_v command_v be_v even_o life_n for_o evermore_o verse_n 3._o and_o consequent_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o life_n and_o if_o of_o life_n eternal_a then_o of_o temporal_a also_o for_o we_o have_v the_o promise_n that_o if_o we_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n all_o other_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o we_o matth._n 6._o 33._o now_o from_o all_o this_o which_o be_v the_o clear_a doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n i_o shall_v make_v this_o inference_n only_o that_o if_o these_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o brotherly_a unity_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o those_o that_o maintain_v it_o in_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n than_o we_o may_v denounce_v the_o contrary_a threaten_n unto_o those_o that_o maintain_v it_o not_o for_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o those_o that_o be_v contentious_a 9_o rom._n 2._o 8_o 9_o and_o obey_v not_o the_o truth_n hitherto_o of_o unity_n the_o ground_n of_o it_o be_v love_n as_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o 1_o cor._n 12._o 25._o where_o the_o same_o care_n of_o member_n one_o for_o another_o which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o their_o love_n be_v the_o cause_n why_o there_o be_v no_o rent_n in_o the_o body_n and_o consequent_o why_o unity_n be_v preserve_v for_o where_o that_o love_a care_n be_v not_o unity_n be_v not_o but_o a_o rent_n will_v be_v as_o we_o may_v daily_o perceive_v in_o our_o doleful_a estate_n therefore_o all_o the_o excellency_n that_o belong_v to_o brotherly_a unity_n be_v first_o and_o original_o to_o be_v attribute_v unto_o charity_n but_o then_o there_o be_v yet_o other_o excellency_n which_o be_v more_o immediate_o attribute_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o 1_o cor._n 13._o where_o the_o apostle_n have_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n from_o the_o beginning_n reckon_v up_o the_o spiritual_a gift_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o church_n to_o profit_v withal_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o verse_n 7._o compare_v with_o verse_n 12_o 13._o of_o chap._n 12._o he_o come_v in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o that_o chapter_n to_o exhort_v the_o saint_n to_o covet_v earnest_o the_o best_a gift_n and_o to_o encourage_v they_o unto_o this_o duty_n he_o promise_v to_o show_v they_o the_o way_n which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d most_o excellent_a which_o be_v that_o which_o immediate_o in_o the_o follow_v 13_o chapter_n he_o begin_v to_o describe_v from_o whence_o this_o inference_n do_v offer_v itself_o that_o as_o the_o chief_a and_o most_o excellent_a mean_n to_o attain_v to_o all_o spiritual_a gift_n be_v the_o practice_n and_o exercise_v of_o love_n so_o the_o neglect_n of_o that_o duty_n be_v the_o chief_a cause_n of_o the_o decay_n and_o loss_n of_o all_o spiritual_a gift_n now_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o description_n of_o this_o way_n do_v show_v a_o threefold_a excellency_n and_o usefulness_n of_o love_n the_o first_o be_v that_o without_o it_o no_o spiritual_a talent_n or_o good_a work_n be_v profitable_a to_o the_o church_n or_o to_o our_o own_o salvation_n verse_n 1_o 2_o 3._o the_o second_o be_v that_o in_o it_o and_o by_o it_o all_o virtue_n tend_v to_o make_v a_o man_n perfect_a be_v wrought_v in_o we_o verse_n 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o the_o three_o be_v that_o above_o all_o other_o grace_n it_o be_v the_o only_a durable_a and_o last_a unto_o eternity_n verse_n 8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o which_o doctrine_n be_v refer_v to_o the_o forego_n proposition_n in_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o chap._n 12._o will_v produce_v this_o argument_n or_o demonstration_n concern_v the_o excellency_n of_o love_n that_o virtue_n without_o which_o no_o gift_n nor_o good_a work_n be_v useful_a unto_o any_o and_o by_o which_o all_o virtue_n be_v wrought_v in_o we_o and_o which_o alone_o last_v unto_o eternity_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a way_n to_o spiritual_a gift_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o charity_n be_v that_o virtue_n ergo_fw-la it_o be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o excellent_a way_n to_o spiritual_a gift_n the_o minor_a or_o the_o assumption_n of_o this_o argument_n be_v make_v good_a concern_v charity_n in_o the_o three_o several_a part_n thereof_o foremention_v first_o then_o that_o without_o it_o no_o spiritual_a talent_n and_o outward_a good_a work_n be_v useful_a the_o apostle_n do_v make_v out_o in_o many_o particular_n for_o he_o first_o mention_v the_o gift_n of_o utterance_n suppose_v a_o man_n can_v speak_v with_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n yet_o if_o he_o want_v charity_n he_o be_v to_o his_o auditory_a but_o as_o sound_a brass_n or_o a_o tinkle_a cymbale_n verse_n 1._o afterward_o the_o gift_n of_o pprophecy_n of_o understand_v all_o mystery_n of_o all_o knowledge_n of_o all_o faith_n to_o do_v miracle_n yet_o if_o there_o be_v no_o charity_n he_o declare_v that_o all_o this_o be_v of_o no_o use_n and_o virtue_n neither_o to_o the_o church_n nor_o to_o he_o that_o have_v it_o ver._n 2._o then_o concern_v good_a work_n he_o suppose_v the_o large_a and_o most_o compassionate_a relief_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o great_a constancy_n in_o martyrdom_n for_o the_o truth_n even_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v give_v his_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v yet_o if_o there_o be_v no_o charity_n all_o these_o work_n will_v avail_v he_o nothing_o verse_n 3._o charity_n then_o be_v more_o excellent_a than_o these_o gift_n and_o be_v to_o be_v count_v the_o life_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o they_o all_o second_o that_o by_o charity_n all_o virtue_n be_v wrought_v in_o we_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o like_a manner_n declare_v in_o many_o particular_n for_o the_o virtue_n which_o make_v we_o perfect_a for_o our_o behaviour_n towards_o person_n in_o action_n and_o about_o thing_n they_o all_o proceed_v from_o charity_n for_o our_o behaviour_n towards_o person_n if_o other_o be_v cross_a and_o froward_a it_o teach_v long-suffering_a if_o they_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a it_o teach_v kindness_n if_o they_o be_v in_o glory_n and_o prosperity_n it_o do_v not_o envy_v their_o condition_n if_o we_o in_o respect_n of_o ourselves_o find_v some_o excellency_n or_o eminency_n in_o our_o own_o condition_n which_o other_o have_v not_o it_o do_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o vaunt_v thereof_o towards_o other_o nor_o to_o be_v puff_v up_o thereby_o within_o
perfection_n of_o spiritual_a unity_n which_o may_v be_v clear_o gather_v from_o john_n 17._o 21_o 22_o 23._o compare_v with_o ephes_n 4._o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a end_n of_o their_o ministry_n than_o the_o main_a neglect_n of_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o this_o end_n may_v be_v obtain_v and_o without_o which_o it_o can_v be_v prosecute_v must_v needs_o be_v their_o great_a guilt_n whence_o it_o will_v clear_o follow_v that_o to_o maintain_v no_o communion_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n one_o with_o another_o be_v one_o of_o their_o great_a fault_n because_o most_o direct_o cross_v to_o the_o end_n of_o their_o administration_n so_o theâ—_n if_o to_o maintain_v spiritual_a communion_n be_v a_o duty_n in_o this_o respect_n fundamental_a and_o necessary_a than_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o engagement_n unto_o a_o concurrence_n and_o the_o lawful_a way_n of_o spiritual_a correspondency_n be_v also_o fundamental_a and_o necessary_a to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o must_v be_v entertain_v because_o without_o these_o the_o duty_n of_o holy_a communion_n can_v be_v maintain_v nor_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n bring_v to_o any_o visible_a perfection_n but_o rather_o visible_o dissolve_v thus_o then_o upon_o this_o consideration_n it_o be_v a_o undeniable_a scripturall_a truth_n that_o for_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o ministerial_a charge_n nothing_o be_v more_o conscionable_a nothing_o more_o commendable_a nothing_o more_o profitable_a and_o nothing_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n then_o that_o they_o shall_v maintain_v a_o brotherly_a communion_n and_o correspondency_n one_o with_o another_o and_o such_o as_o neglect_v it_o walk_v not_o worthy_a of_o the_o call_n wherewith_o they_o be_v call_v in_o the_o common_a profession_n of_o christianity_n sect_n iv_o of_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o as_o infallible_a example_n in_o the_o ministry_n although_o the_o mediatory_a action_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n as_o he_o be_v our_o saviour_n be_v not_o imitable_a nor_o be_v they_o perform_v to_o be_v imitate_v by_o any_o for_o he_o alone_o be_v the_o only_a mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n yet_o his_o relation_n unto_o we_o as_o 11._o heb._n 2._o 11._o our_o brother_n sanctify_v we_o in_o our_o flesh_n and_o the_o way_n of_o his_o converse_n among_o man_n be_v such_o that_o in_o all_o case_n of_o duty_n wherein_o we_o be_v to_o come_v to_o god_n or_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o dutiful_o one_o towards_o another_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n he_o have_v leave_v we_o either_o a_o example_n which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o imitate_v or_o a_o precept_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o observe_v and_o which_o he_o himself_o do_v practice_v for_o in_o this_o he_o be_v the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n because_o he_o go_v before_o we_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o follow_v not_o only_o he_o before_o all_o other_o but_o also_o none_o further_a than_o they_o be_v find_v to_o be_v his_o follower_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 1._o and_o for_o this_o cause_n we_o see_v that_o the_o apostle_n as_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n so_o chief_o in_o these_o duty_n of_o love_n unity_n forbearance_n and_o condescension_n towards_o the_o weak_a do_v allege_v his_o practice_n as_o the_o strong_a argument_n that_o can_v be_v use_v to_o oblige_v we_o thereunto_o thus_o 1_o john_n 3._o 16._o he_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o we_o and_o we_o ought_v to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o the_o brethren_n ephes_n 5._o 1_o 2._o be_v you_o follower_n of_o god_n as_o dear_a child_n and_o walk_v in_o love_n as_o christ_n also_o have_v love_v we_o coloss_n 3._o 13._o even_o as_o christ_n forgive_v you_o so_o also_o do_v you_o gal._n 6._o 2._o bear_v you_o one_o another_o burden_n and_o so_o fulfil_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n 1_o pet._n 4._o 1._o forasmuch_o as_o christ_n have_v suffer_v for_o we_o in_o the_o flesh_n arm_n yourselves_o likewise_o with_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o the_o apostle_n phil._n 2._o have_v use_v many_o strong_a inducement_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o love_n and_o unity_n verse_n 1_o 2._o and_o to_o dissuade_v we_o from_o strife_n and_o division_n vers_fw-la 3._o than_o vers_n 4_o he_o exhort_v we_o to_o mutual_a care_n of_o one_o another_o whereunto_o as_o a_o argument_n be_v bring_v in_o christ_n example_n as_o the_o chief_a of_o all_o other_o motive_n verse_n 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o let_v this_o mind_n be_v in_o you_o which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n etc._n etc._n and_o christ_n say_v to_o his_o father_n john_n 17._o 22._o the_o glory_n which_o thâ—u_n give_v i_o i_o have_v give_v they_o that_o they_o may_v bâ—e_v one_o even_o as_o we_o be_v one_o by_o glory_n i_o understand_v here_o grace_n as_o 1_o pet._n 5._o 1._o partaker_n of_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v as_o concern_v christ_n practice_n in_o his_o ministry_n to_o avoid_v breach_n and_o contention_n between_o he_o and_o other_o it_o be_v set_v forth_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o isa_n 42._o 2_o 3._o and_o matth._n 12._o 19_o 20._o thus_o he_o shall_v not_o strive_v nor_o cry_v neither_o shall_v any_o man_n bear_v his_o voice_n in_o the_o street_n a_o bruise_a reed_n shall_v he_o not_o break_v and_o the_o smoke_a flâ—x_n shall_v he_o not_o quench_v till_o he_o send_v forth_o judgement_n unto_o victory_n and_o concern_v his_o way_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o unity_n with_o himself_o and_o with_o god_n the_o apostle_n do_v set_v it_o forth_o as_o a_o example_n to_o be_v imitate_v rom._n 15._o verse_n 2_o 3._o let_v every_o one_o of_o we_o please_v his_o neighbour_n for_o his_o good_a to_o edification_n for_o even_o christ_n please_v not_o himself_o etc._n etc._n which_o be_v further_o apply_v to_o our_o practice_n vers_fw-la 5_o 6_o 7._o the_o god_n of_o patience_n and_o consolation_n grant_v you_o that_o you_o be_v like_o mind_a one_o towards_o another_o according_a to_o christ_n jesus_n that_o you_o may_v with_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o mouth_n glorify_v god_n even_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n wherefore_o receive_v you_o one_o another_o as_o christ_n also_o receive_v we_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o then_o explain_v in_o show_v what_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n ministry_n be_v verse_n 8_o 9_o now_o i_o say_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o circumcision_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o confirm_v the_o promise_n make_v unto_o the_o father_n and_o that_o the_o gentile_n may_v glorify_v god_n for_o his_o mercy_n etc._n etc._n where_o we_o may_v clear_o understand_v that_o by_o christ_n ministerial_a behaviour_n which_o be_v without_o strife_n free_a from_o all_o clamour_n and_o dispute_n and_o which_o do_v tend_v to_o the_o unite_n of_o all_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n both_o circumcise_a and_o uncircumcised_a unto_o god_n we_o be_v teach_v to_o be_v without_o partiality_n to_o endeavour_v the_o communication_n of_o god_n glory_n unto_o all_o and_o oblige_v in_o our_o ministry_n not_o to_o stand_v and_o walk_v by_o ourselves_o to_o satisfy_v our_o own_o desire_n and_o enjoy_v our_o right_n and_o privilege_n which_o we_o pretend_v unto_o for_o private_a content_n but_o rather_o to_o please_v other_o to_o their_o edification_n although_o we_o shall_v suffer_v reproach_n for_o their_o sake_n for_o thus_o christ_n be_v reproach_v by_o the_o pharisee_n who_o be_v much_o in_o love_n with_o their_o own_o holiness_n for_o converse_v and_o eat_v with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n matth._n 9_o verse_n 10_o 11_o 12._o &_o chap._n 11._o 19_o and_o upon_o this_o ground_n of_o please_v other_o and_o receive_v all_o that_o come_v in_o his_o way_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n christ_n converse_v do_v eat_v and_o drink_v with_o the_o samaritan_n with_o who_o other_o jew_n have_v no_o deal_n john_n 4._o 9_o till_o vers_fw-la 43._o nor_o be_v it_o without_o a_o mystery_n that_o at_o his_o death_n he_o be_v crucify_v between_o two_o malefactor_n that_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v fulfil_v which_o say_v and_o he_o be_v number_v with_o the_o transgressor_n mark_v 15._o 27_o 28._o for_o by_o god_n and_o by_o himself_o just_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o imputation_n of_o our_o sin_n to_o he_o and_o by_o sinner_n unjust_o he_o be_v number_v in_o his_o life_n and_o in_o his_o death_n one_o of_o they_o for_o their_o good_a to_o save_v they_o this_o example_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o ministry_n make_v the_o apostle_n paul_n become_v all_o thing_n unto_o all_o man_n that_o he_o may_v gain_v some_o and_o partake_v of_o the_o gospel_n with_o every_o one_o as_o he_o himself_o do_v set_v forth_o his_o own_o practice_n to_o exhort_v we_o
to_o follow_v it_o 1_o cor._n 9_o vers_fw-la 19_o till_o 24._o now_o if_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n do_v thus_o behave_v themselves_o with_o indifferency_n and_o apply_v themselves_o without_o respect_n of_o person_n by_o their_o ministry_n unto_o all_o that_o be_v any_o way_n capable_a of_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o edification_n though_o great_a sinner_n otherwise_o how_o can_v the_o practice_n of_o a_o separation_n or_o of_o a_o semiseparation_n be_v warrant_v and_o that_o even_o from_o those_o who_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o profession_n can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v our_o brethren_n shall_v we_o dare_v to_o put_v upon_o matter_n that_o be_v mere_o circumstantial_a and_o upon_o thing_n no_o where_o express_o enjoin_v but_o rather_o take_v up_o by_o ourselves_o more_o weight_n then_o upon_o all_o these_o fundamental_a duty_n of_o christianity_n and_o upon_o the_o undeniable_a practice_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o work_n of_o their_o ministry_n if_o we_o do_v make_v ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o way_n the_o measure_n of_o all_o perfection_n sure_o we_o become_v perfect_a idol_n to_o and_o idolater_n of_o ourselves_o in_o god_n worship_n for_o if_o in_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o worship_v and_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n in_o public_a though_o his_o own_o ordinance_n be_v observe_v as_o he_o have_v appoint_v they_o as_o to_o the_o outward_a man_n for_o to_o the_o inward_a fellowship_n he_o himself_o alone_o do_v admit_v whosoever_o he_o please_v yet_o if_o then_o we_o love_v to_o set_v ourselves_o at_o a_o distance_n from_o other_o or_o reject_v other_o from_o be_v partaker_n with_o we_o of_o the_o ordinance_n either_o because_o we_o count_v they_o in_o holiness_n inferior_a to_o we_o or_o because_o we_o be_v not_o satisfy_v concern_v their_o sincerity_n or_o because_o they_o come_v not_o up_o to_o join_v in_o opinion_n with_o we_o concern_v all_o the_o circumstantial_o of_o our_o way_n if_o i_o say_v for_o these_o or_o such_o like_a cause_n we_o stand_v aloof_o in_o the_o common_a profession_n and_o think_v that_o god_n be_v not_o where_o to_o be_v find_v but_o in_o our_o way_n and_o society_n do_v we_o not_o idolise_v ourselves_o do_v we_o not_o make_v ourselves_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o all_o perfection_n and_o say_v in_o our_o heart_n stand_v thou_o by_o thyself_o come_v not_o near_o for_o i_o be_o holy_a than_o thou_o and_o what_o 5._o isa_n 65._o 5._o can_v be_v imagine_v more_o opposite_a to_o the_o love_n humility_n and_o condescension_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o ministry_n let_v we_o therefore_o take_v heed_n to_o this_o snare_n let_v we_o count_v nothing_o perfect_a but_o that_o which_o upon_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o common_a profession_n be_v conformable_a to_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n who_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v and_o draw_v sinner_n unto_o god_n not_o by_o a_o distance_n but_o by_o a_o condescension_n unto_o they_o in_o their_o weakness_n as_o for_o the_o communion_n and_o correspondency_n which_o the_o primitive_a minister_n maintain_v one_o with_o another_o in_o the_o ministerial_a work_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o do_v tend_v to_o these_o four_o end_n first_o to_o advance_v the_o conversion_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o profession_n of_o christianity_n second_o to_o build_v up_o and_o confirm_v those_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o they_o may_v be_v settle_v therein_o three_o to_o preserve_v those_o that_o be_v settle_v from_o the_o danger_n of_o seducer_n four_o and_o last_o to_o strengthen_v themselves_o in_o the_o work_n of_o their_o employment_n towards_o the_o church_n all_o which_o aim_n be_v still_o necessary_a to_o be_v follow_v and_o therefore_o the_o mean_n which_o be_v serviceable_a thereunto_o and_o which_o they_o then_o use_v must_v not_o now_o be_v neglect_v if_o they_o can_v be_v set_v afoot_o first_o we_o find_v then_o that_o for_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o the_o gentile_n some_o go_v forth_o to_o preach_v unto_o they_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o take_v nothing_o of_o they_o to_o receive_v such_o and_o bring_v they_o forward_o on_o their_o journey_n after_o a_o godly_a sort_n be_v a_o work_n of_o holy_a communion_n commend_v in_o gajus_n by_o the_o apostle_n john_n as_o be_v a_o duty_n which_o all_o aught_o to_o intend_v and_o the_o ground_n why_o all_o aught_o to_o intend_v it_o be_v that_o all_o may_v be_v fellow-helper_n to_o the_o truth_n this_o practice_n than_o be_v still_o to_o 8._o 3_o john_n 6._o 7_o 8._o be_v follow_v by_o all_o that_o be_v call_v to_o the_o ministry_n so_o long_o as_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o truth_n shall_v be_v necessary_a second_o for_o the_o confirmation_n and_o edification_n of_o convert_n in_o the_o faith_n by_o the_o care_n of_o neighbour_n minister_n correspond_v with_o those_o that_o do_v convert_v they_o we_o have_v a_o example_n in_o act_n 8._o 14._o where_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n send_v to_o samaria_n two_o of_o their_o number_n to_o confirm_v the_o believer_n and_o build_v they_o up_o in_o the_o faith_n in_o like_a manner_n when_o they_o hear_v that_o some_o be_v turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n in_o antioch_n they_o send_v barnabas_n and_o he_o go_v to_o the_o same_o end_n and_o purpose_n act_v 11._o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o three_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o truth_n from_o the_o danger_n of_o seducer_n and_o the_o decision_n of_o doubt_n in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_v cast_v in_o among_o the_o professor_n to_o trouble_v they_o we_o have_v a_o example_n of_o brotherly_a communion_n and_o correspondency_n in_o act_n 15._o vers_fw-la 1._o till_o 30._o where_n one_o church_n do_v crave_v and_o another_o do_v contribute_v assistance_n counsel_n and_o authority_n in_o a_o synodical_a way_n towards_o the_o decision_n and_o settlement_n of_o the_o difference_n which_o break_v forth_o among_o they_o four_o the_o example_n wherein_o minister_n among_o themselves_o do_v strengthen_v one_o another_o in_o the_o work_n of_o their_o employment_n towards_o the_o church_n be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n who_o have_v communicate_v together_o concern_v the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v gal._n 2._o vers_fw-la 2._o and_o make_v know_v to_o one_o another_o their_o practice_n verse_n 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o to_o gain_v mutual_a approbation_n and_o confirmation_n therein_o verse_n 6._o 7_o 8._o they_o do_v enter_v into_o a_o contract_n of_o followship_n verse_n 9_o and_o a_o obligation_n of_o communion_n and_o communication_n of_o good_a thing_n between_o their_o church_n verse_n 9_o 10._o nor_o be_v it_o find_v lawful_a or_o answerable_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o upon_o humane_a consideration_n or_o partial_a respect_n that_o communion_n shall_v be_v break_v verse_n 11._o till_o the_o end_n from_o all_o which_o again_o do_v follow_v that_o which_o former_o have_v be_v conclude_v that_o nothing_o be_v more_o conscionable_a nothing_o more_o commendable_a nothing_o more_o profitable_a and_o nothing_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n then_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v maintain_v a_o brotherly_a communion_n and_o correspondency_n one_o with_o another_o and_o that_o such_o as_o neglect_v this_o duty_n walk_v not_o worthy_a of_o the_o call_n wherewith_o they_o be_v call_v in_o imitation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n sect._n v._o concern_v that_o which_o concern_v the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o itself_o if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o ministerial_a office_n in_o itself_o and_o consider_v that_o whereunto_o it_o have_v a_o special_a reference_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o all_o minister_n that_o be_v faithful_a to_o their_o charge_n be_v bind_v at_o all_o time_n to_o have_v respect_n unto_o four_o thing_n the_o first_o be_v their_o relation_n unto_o christ_n as_o they_o be_v under_o he_o who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o second_o be_v their_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n as_o therein_o they_o be_v officer_n the_o three_o be_v their_o relation_n to_o the_o work_n of_o their_o charge_n in_o the_o office_n the_o four_o be_v their_o relation_n to_o their_o fellow-labourer_n in_o these_o work_n none_o of_o these_o respect_n must_v be_v want_v because_o without_o their_o subordination_n unto_o christ_n they_o be_v no_o minister_n nor_o be_v they_o otherwise_o in_o christ_n but_o as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o his_o church_n nor_o can_v they_o be_v count_v member_n without_o a_o work_n to_o perform_v because_o the_o use_n of_o every_o member_n be_v to_o be_v a_o organ_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o body_n now_o the_o soul_n of_o this_o body_n be_v
the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o every_o true_a believer_n be_v a_o member_n organical_a in_o his_o own_o place_n that_o be_v appoint_v to_o some_o useful_a work_n nor_o be_v any_o member_n alone_o but_o it_o be_v put_v together_o with_o the_o rest_n to_o make_v up_o the_o whole_a by_o mutual_a conjunction_n and_o cooperation_n therefore_o none_o do_v work_v as_o it_o be_v alone_o but_o as_o it_o stand_v unite_v with_o its_o fellow-labourer_n in_o every_o work_n and_o as_o none_o of_o these_o respect_n can_v be_v want_v in_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n so_o none_o beside_o these_o be_v needful_a for_o if_o a_o member_n do_v due_o depend_v upon_o his_o head_n and_o stand_v in_o its_o right_a place_n in_o the_o body_n and_o have_v a_o lively_a faculty_n to_o do_v its_o own_o work_n and_o be_v no_o way_n disjoint_v but_o fit_o compact_v and_o link_v to_o the_o other_o member_n in_o do_v its_o work_n nothing_o can_v be_v further_o desire_v or_o wish_v for_o in_o it_o these_o be_v then_o the_o essential_a and_o proper_a relation_n under_o which_o a_o minister_n as_o a_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v now_o if_o it_o be_v find_v that_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n nothing_o do_v make_v he_o so_o fit_a for_o his_o office_n in_o all_o these_o relation_n as_o to_o maintain_v the_o duty_n of_o brotherly_a love_n unity_n communion_n and_o correspondency_n and_o that_o without_o the_o study_n of_o these_o he_o can_v stand_v aright_o in_o any_o of_o those_o relation_n then_o i_o suppose_v that_o these_o duty_n will_v without_o contradiction_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o most_o commendable_a and_o useful_a that_o he_o can_v apply_v himself_o unto_o and_o that_o without_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o same_o he_o can_v be_v say_v to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o vocation_n wherewith_o he_o be_v call_v let_v we_o therefore_o take_v these_o relation_n into_o a_o more_o distinct_a consideration_n and_o see_v how_o therein_o by_o these_o duty_n a_o minister_n be_v fit_v for_o his_o office_n first_o than_o a_o minister_n by_o his_o office_n be_v subordinate_a unto_o christ_n as_o a_o servant_n as_o a_o disciple_n and_o as_o a_o friend_n of_o he_o and_o to_o make_v these_o relation_n evident_a to_o the_o world_n and_o sure_a to_o himself_o be_v to_o make_v his_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a which_o be_v effect_v when_o both_o other_o be_v make_v to_o see_v and_o he_o himself_o do_v assure_o of_o himself_o know_v that_o what_o he_o do_v in_o his_o charge_n be_v do_v to_o serve_v christ_n as_o it_o become_v his_o disciple_n and_o friend_n but_o except_o his_o behaviour_n in_o all_o the_o work_n of_o his_o charge_n be_v suitable_a to_o that_o love_n whereby_o christ_n his_o master_n do_v love_v we_o and_o thereby_o do_v unite_v himself_o unto_o we_o these_o relation_n will_v not_o be_v evidence_v for_o to_o be_v a_o faithful_a servant_n of_o christ_n he_o must_v make_v two_o thing_n appear_v first_o that_o he_o serve_v none_o but_o he_o alone_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v gal._n 1._o 10._o and_o as_o christ_n require_v of_o all_o to_o be_v do_v when_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o none_o can_v serve_v two_o master_n matth._n 6._o 24._o and_o second_o that_o he_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o same_o work_n which_o christ_n do_v for_o he_o command_v all_o his_o servant_n to_o follow_v he_o john_n 12._o 26._o namely_o in_o that_o service_n which_o he_o perform_v which_o be_v to_o do_v the_o will_n and_o manifest_v the_o love_n of_o his_o father_n unto_o we_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 5._o in_o order_n to_o this_o do_v profess_v not_o to_o preach_v himself_o but_o christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n and_o himself_o a_o servant_n to_o the_o corinthian_n for_o jesus_n sake_n this_o be_v to_o be_v a_o servant_n of_o the_o love_n of_o jesus_n to_o we_o to_o invite_v all_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n for_o his_o sake_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 18_o 19_o 21._o and_o 6._o 1._o as_o the_o employment_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o service_n of_o love_n gal._n 5._o 13._o that_o be_v to_o express_v the_o love_n and_o fulfil_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n gal._n 6._o 2._o so_o the_o infallible_a character_n of_o a_o disciple_n by_o 14._o 1_o cor._n 16._o 14._o which_o he_o be_v to_o be_v distinguish_v in_o the_o world_n from_o all_o other_o be_v mutual_a love_n and_o unity_n as_o be_v clear_a by_o john_n 13._o 35._o and_o herein_o as_o well_o as_o in_o hold_v forth_o the_o word_n they_o be_v to_o approve_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n matth._n 5._o 14._o which_o will_v appear_v by_o compare_v these_o two_o place_n phil._n 2._o 14_o 15_o 16._o with_o 1_o john_n 2._o 9_o 10_o 11._o the_o whole_a relation_n then_o of_o be_v a_o true_a servant_n and_o disciple_n be_v evidence_v by_o nothing_o more_o than_o by_o this_o work_n of_o love_n and_o mutual_a unity_n last_o also_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o none_o can_v claim_v the_o title_n of_o be_v christ_n friend_n but_o by_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n for_o christ_n have_v entail_v the_o right_a to_o this_o dignity_n whole_o upon_o this_o condition_n which_o be_v clear_o express_v john_n 15._o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o this_o be_v my_o commandment_n that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o as_o i_o have_v love_v you_o great_a love_n have_v no_o man_n then_o this_o that_o a_o man_n lie_v down_o his_o life_n for_o his_o friend_n you_o be_v my_o friend_n if_o you_o do_v whatsoever_o i_o command_v you_o etc._n etc._n and_o when_o in_o vers_n 15._o and_o 16._o he_o have_v show_v how_o much_o by_o his_o friendship_n to_o they_o he_o have_v oblige_v they_o already_o and_o what_o further_a obligation_n they_o shall_v receive_v from_o his_o father_n he_o conclude_v vers_fw-la 17._o thus_o these_o thing_n i_o command_v you_o that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o so_o that_o he_o put_v all_o the_o relation_n which_o we_o have_v to_o he_o of_o servant_n of_o disciple_n and_o of_o friend_n upon_o the_o expression_n of_o our_o love_n to_o each_o other_o from_o whence_o we_o must_v forcible_o conclude_v that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o expression_n of_o love_n but_o rather_o of_o disaffection_n and_o of_o hatred_n to_o one_o another_o in_o our_o ministry_n that_o we_o make_v it_o apparent_a unto_o the_o world_n and_o to_o our_o own_o conscience_n when_o they_o awake_v it_o will_v be_v evident_a that_o we_o be_v none_o of_o his_o servant_n nor_o his_o disciple_n nor_o his_o friend_n but_o rather_o the_o servant_n disciple_n and_o friend_n of_o his_o enemy_n the_o prince_n of_o wickedness_n in_o heavenly_a 12._o ephes_n 6._o 12._o matter_n therefore_o let_v no_o man_n be_v deceive_v with_o fair_a pretence_n of_o holiness_n and_o with_o large_a plea_n and_o discourse_n about_o special_a right_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o if_o we_o have_v bitter_a envy_n and_o strife_n in_o our_o heart_n one_o against_o another_o and_o if_o we_o glory_v therein_o we_o 16._o jam._n 3._o 14_o 15_o 16._o lie_v against_o the_o truth_n for_o the_o wisdom_n by_o which_o man_n be_v lead_v in_o such_o case_n descend_v not_o from_o above_o but_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a and_o devilish_a second_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o house_n of_o god_n the_o minister_n therein_o be_v bvilder_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 10_o 11_o 12._o as_o it_o be_v the_o household_n of_o faith_n they_o be_v steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 1_o 2._o and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o flock_n they_o be_v shepherd_n thereof_o 1_o pet._n 5._o 2._o now_o if_o in_o build_v the_o same_o house_n there_o be_v no_o concurrence_n and_o correspondency_n between_o the_o bvilder_n thereof_o how_o will_v it_o be_v fit_o frame_v together_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v ephes_n 20._o 21._o can_v bvilder_n that_o have_v no_o spiritual_a communion_n but_o be_v rather_o disunite_v in_o their_o way_n frame_v fit_o one_o and_o the_o same_o house_n for_o god_n spirit_n to_o dwell_v in_o and_o if_o in_o a_o great_a household_n where_o one_o steward_n can_v oversee_v all_o several_a steward_n be_v appoint_v to_o do_v all_o by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o administration_n yet_o they_o agree_v not_o among_o themselves_o but_o walk_v different_a way_n and_o cross_v each_o other_o will_v not_o this_o distraction_n disorder_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o household_n will_v not_o this_o reflect_v upon_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n as_o if_o he_o can_v not_o govern_v his_o family_n in_o peace_n and_o if_o several_a shepherd_n belong_v to_o a_o great_a flock_n to_o feed_v it_o joint_o do_v every_o one_o take_v a_o part_n thereof_o for_o himself_o and_o feed_v it_o
indirect_o to_o draw_v man_n wind_n from_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n by_o this_o way_n of_o his_o own_o create_v then_o he_o have_v clear_o gain_v his_o end_n because_o he_o will_v be_v able_a to_o keep_v man_n understanding_n in_o darkness_n that_o be_v in_o ignorance_n or_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o their_o will_n and_o affection_n in_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n that_o be_v in_o a_o frame_n opposite_a kingdom_n the_o direct_a mean_n of_o erect_v satan_n kingdom_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n now_o satan_n will_v be_v able_a to_o do_v this_o direct_o by_o his_o instrument_n when_o he_o can_v cause_v the_o profession_n of_o ignorance_n to_o be_v advance_v set_v up_o and_o commend_v by_o authority_n or_o command_v by_o a_o law_n or_o when_o he_o can_v cause_v the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o any_o thing_n beside_o that_o which_o be_v settle_v by_o mere_a humane_a authority_n for_o certain_a end_n of_o state_n to_o be_v make_v a_o crime_n punishable_a by_o death_n by_o infamy_n or_o by_o any_o other_o penalty_n and_o when_o he_o can_v cause_v the_o whole_a frame_n and_o profession_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v fit_v only_o to_o establish_v that_o greatness_n wherein_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o outward_a state_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o instrument_n do_v consist_v all_o which_o satan_n do_v with_o a_o high_a hand_n gross_o in_o the_o mahometan_a but_o with_o more_o subtlety_n and_o most_o complete_o in_o the_o papal_a state_n and_o this_o he_o be_v able_a to_o do_v every_o where_o else_o in_o some_o competent_a measure_n wheresoever_o the_o maxim_n of_o absolute_a dominion_n be_v maintain_v and_o where_o the_o great_a idol_n of_o politician_n which_o be_v call_v the_o reason_n or_o interest_n of_o state_n be_v only_o worship_v and_o the_o true_a reason_n and_o interest_n of_o conscience_n and_o religion_n be_v lay_v aside_o and_o comparative_o not_o at_o all_o regard_v i_o say_v wheresoever_o this_o course_n be_v follow_v there_o satan_n be_v able_a to_o oppose_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n direct_o but_o where_o he_o can_v attain_v to_o this_o he_o take_v the_o near_a kingdom_n the_o indirect_a mean_n whereby_o satan_n set_v up_o his_o kingdom_n way_n he_o can_v to_o gain_v the_o same_o purpose_n indirect_o which_o be_v do_v by_o make_v all_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n doubtful_a and_o all_o gospel_n ordinance_n full_a of_o confusion_n now_o to_o make_v all_o truth_n doubtful_a he_o raise_v dispute_n and_o do_v find_v out_o way_n to_o make_v they_o undecidable_a and_o this_o he_o do_v chief_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v be_v the_o unanimous_a witness_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o be_v call_v into_o question_n when_o they_o be_v disunite_v among_o themselves_o and_o to_o confound_v the_o ordinance_n he_o set_v every_o one_o promiscuous_o upon_o the_o administration_n thereof_o in_o his_o own_o way_n not_o only_o by_o give_v a_o freedom_n unto_o all_o both_o to_o do_v without_o control_n what_o they_o please_v in_o such_o matter_n and_o to_o condemn_v and_o oppose_v every_o one_o that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o way_n but_o also_o by_o disannul_v the_o authority_n by_o which_o all_o order_n shall_v be_v settle_v in_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n and_o to_o bring_v all_o this_o to_o pass_v his_o main_a endeavour_n be_v to_o cause_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n either_o to_o be_v subordinate_a unto_o his_o minister_n in_o all_o thing_n at_o their_o will_n or_o by_o variance_n of_o judgement_n among_o themselves_o and_o difference_n of_o practice_n from_o each_o other_o to_o lose_v their_o way_n to_o neglect_v the_o rule_n of_o unity_n and_o forbearance_n which_o the_o word_n prescribe_v to_o uphold_v the_o communion_n of_o saint_n which_o be_v their_o strength_n to_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o have_v engage_v they_o into_o quarrel_n to_o bring_v they_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o reach_n that_o be_v to_o move_v they_o 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