thou_o must_v answer_v for_o it_o and_o be_v judge_v by_o it_o at_o the_o last_o day_n that_o for_o the_o first_o motive_n for_o this_o forsake_v the_o assembly_n which_o you_o see_v be_v groundless_a the_o prejudice_n man_n have_v to_o their_o pastor_n concern_v his_o life_n obj._n 2._o concern_v his_o opinion_n for_o so_o will_v some_o say_v will_v you_o have_v we_o bind_v to_o hear_v he_o who_o be_v popish_o affect_v or_o the_o next_o door_n strict_a in_o the_o law_n too_o canonical_a nay_o we_o fear_v superstitious_a and_o so_o may_v mix_v the_o child_n bread_n with_o poison_n and_o mislead_v we_o out_o of_o the_o right_a way_n be_v it_o not_o dangerous_a to_o hear_v he_o answ_n to_o this_o i_o oppose_v these_o consideration_n be_v not_o elias_n jeremy_n john_n baptist_n saint_n paul_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o speak_v as_o never_o man_n speak_v account_v pestilent_a fellow_n ring_v leader_n of_o sect_n troubler_n of_o state_n deceiver_n of_o the_o people_n how_o shall_v these_o instance_n warn_v you_o of_o slander_v your_o pastor_n causeless_o or_o conclude_v he_o erroneous_a upon_o the_o malicious_a hear_v say_v or_o surmise_n of_o those_o that_o be_v not_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o no._n yet_o suppose_v he_o be_v erroneous_a then_o must_v you_o consider_v of_o what_o nature_n his_o error_n be_v for_o though_o all_o truth_n be_v precious_a yet_o be_v truth_n of_o different_a nature_n some_o essential_a fundamental_a point_n de_fw-fr fide_fw-la of_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n some_o circumstantial_a ceremonial_a indifferent_a some_o be_v perspicuous_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n wherein_o error_n be_v damnable_a some_o be_v more_o dark_o reveal_v of_o which_o wise_a and_o holy_a man_n in_o all_o age_n have_v doubt_v now_o if_o it_o be_v only_o in_o circumstantial_a and_o less_o necessary_a truth_n wherein_o you_o dislike_v your_o pastor_n opinion_n then_o must_v not_o this_o difference_n of_o opinion_n beget_v in_o you_o any_o heart_n burn_v or_o alienation_n of_o affection_n though_o you_o do_v discentire_fw-la think_v diverse_o yet_o ought_v you_o not_o discordare_fw-la disagree_v they_o that_o unwilling_o differ_v in_o judgement_n ought_v yet_o to_o be_v one_o in_o heart_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v promise_v to_o lead_v all_o his_o choose_a into_o all_o necessary_a truth_n but_o not_o to_o all_o less_o essential_a disscâ—ntions_n have_v in_o all_o age_n be_v between_o great_a clerk_n and_o holy_a saint_n contention_n have_v even_o through_o satan_n craft_n be_v cherish_v in_o the_o church_n they_o be_v apt_a to_o disagree_v on_o earth_n that_o shall_v meet_v in_o the_o same_o heaven_n what_o remain_v then_o but_o that_o love_n be_v still_o keep_v on_o foot_n and_o we_o all_o endeavour_n to_o avoid_v bitterness_n of_o contention_n about_o these_o thing_n to_o follow_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n as_o in_o building_n solomon_n temple_n there_o be_v no_o noise_n hear_v of_o axe_n or_o hammer_n 6.7_o hammer_n 2_o king_n 6.7_o so_o in_o the_o spiritual_a build_n of_o the_o church_n we_o shall_v not_o let_v any_o sound_n of_o contention_n be_v hear_v among_o we_o such_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o both_o pastor_n and_o people_n especial_o it_o be_v the_o people_n duty_n to_o be_v so_o a_o ware_n of_o satan_n stratagem_n which_o be_v to_o divide_v they_o from_o their_o pastor_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a as_o not_o to_o entertain_v any_o needless_a jealousy_n or_o evil_a surmising_n judge_v cautious_o of_o your_o minister_n if_o possible_a search_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o berean_o do_v to_o see_v if_o what_o he_o deliver_v be_v agreeable_a to_o god_n word_n and_o if_o you_o find_v of_o a_o truth_n that_o he_o and_o you_o differ_v in_o opinion_n in_o thing_n less_o necessary_a and_o material_a your_o care_n must_v be_v to_o pare_v the_o apple_n and_o leave_v the_o worm_n and_o that_o which_o be_v eat_v by_o it_o take_v the_o good_a and_o leave_v the_o bad_a which_o direction_n be_v sound_n and_o wholesome_a if_o they_o be_v observe_v it_o will_v natural_o follow_v that_o this_o be_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n neither_o for_o any_o to_o leave_v our_o church_n assembly_n for_o any_o prejudice_n man_n have_v against_o their_o pastor_n opinion_n obj._n 3_o the_o three_o prejudice_n be_v against_o their_o gift_n alas_o will_v some_o say_v our_o minister_n though_o he_o be_v good_a and_o orthodox_n yet_o be_v hê_a a_o very_a mean_a preacher_n he_o be_v no_o body_n for_o gift_n where_o such_o or_o such_o come_v in_o comparison_n his_o knowledge_n shallow_a how_o can_v he_o inlighten_v we_o he_o be_v no_o orator_n how_o can_v he_o work_v on_o our_o affection_n or_o persuade_v we_o what_o good_a can_v we_o expect_v from_o his_o dry_a sapless_a weak_a sermon_n or_o why_o shall_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o hear_v he_o when_o we_o may_v have_v better_o by_o who_o we_o may_v profit_v more_o to_o this_o i_o oppose_v these_o consideration_n answ_n 1._o there_o may_v be_v in_o minister_n great_a difference_n of_o gift_n without_o any_o in_o equality_n at_o all_o for_o which_o the_o one_o shall_v be_v prefer_v before_o the_o other_o for_o he_o who_o be_v inferior_a to_o he_o thou_o admire_v in_o one_o kind_n may_v excel_v in_o another_o perhaps_o in_o a_o kind_n more_o useful_a and_o benefical_a the_o gift_n of_o god_n to_o his_o church_n be_v dispense_v in_o a_o marvellous_a great_a variety_n so_o that_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o two_o minister_n but_o they_o differ_v in_o their_o gift_n 12.14_o gift_n cor._n 12.14_o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o gift_n but_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o the_o body_n natural_a the_o eye_n see_v better_a but_o the_o tongue_n utter_v better_a if_o the_o whole_a body_n be_v eye_n what_o will_v it_o do_v for_o a_o tongue_n saint_n paul_n have_v more_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n 11._o knowledge_n 1_o cor._n 11._o be_v at_o lystra_n style_v for_o his_o utterance_n mercury_n or_o chief_a speaker_n 14.11_o speaker_n act_n 14.11_o yet_o be_v not_o of_o that_o excellent_a presence_n as_o other_o apostle_n be_v barnabas_n in_o comfort_v the_o afflict_a excel_v he_o be_v therefore_o style_v the_o son_n of_o consolation_n 4.36_o consolation_n acts._n 4.36_o john_n baptist_n be_v excellent_a in_o terrify_v secure_a sinner_n 12.17_o sinner_n luk._n 12.17_o he_o come_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o elias_n but_o our_o saviour_n be_v mild_a not_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n 12.20_o flax_n mat._n 12.20_o in_o liklyhood_n peter_n do_v in_o some_o gift_n excel_v the_o rest_n to_o who_o christ_n give_v in_o special_a charge_n to_o feed_v his_o lamb_n 21.15_o lamb_n joh._n 21.15_o yet_o in_o powerful_a reprove_v of_o sin_n and_o denounce_v god_n judgement_n james_n and_o john_n excel_v he_o be_v therefore_o style_v boanerges_n son_n of_o thunder_n so_o in_o the_o great_a diversity_n of_o his_o gift_n that_o be_v among_o minister_n yet_o each_o of_o they_o excel_v in_o their_o kind_n one_o may_v have_v deep_a matter_n another_o a_o more_o eloquent_a mouth_n one_o may_v be_v sweet_a in_o comfort_n another_o more_o powerful_a in_o reproof_n one_o may_v be_v graceful_a in_o pulpit_n another_z in_o private_a conference_n one_o may_v be_v excellent_a in_o interpret_n to_o increase_v knowledge_n another_o in_o application_n to_o breed_v good_a affection_n in_o man_n 12.8_o man_n 1_o cor._n 12.8_o to_o one_o be_v give_v a_o word_n of_o wisdom_n by_o the_o spirit_n to_o another_o the_o utterance_n of_o knowledge_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n one_o may_v excel_v in_o this_o gift_n another_o in_o that_o none_o in_o all_o now_o 2._o consider_v this_o be_v the_o lord_n do_v for_o the_o beauty_n and_o benefit_n of_o his_o church_n their_o different_a education_n diligence_n or_o industry_n be_v not_o all_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o diversity_n of_o gift_n though_o it_o be_v one_o god_n gift_n be_v now_o to_o be_v acquire_v in_o the_o use_n of_o these_o mean_n whence_o st._n paul_n injunction_n to_o timothy_n â—3_n timothy_n tim._n 4._o â—3_n give_v attendance_n to_o read_v etc._n etc._n but_o it_o come_v chief_o from_o god_n free_a disposition_n who_o distribute_v to_o every_o man_n several_o as_o he_o will_v 12.11_o will_v 1_o cor._n 12.11_o and_o this_o 3._o make_v much_o for_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o benefit_n and_o beauty_n of_o his_o church_n for_o god_n glory_n for_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o freedom_n of_o his_o grace_n shine_v in_o this_o difference_n perspicuous_o and_o for_o the_o church_n beauty_n and_o benefit_n for_o flower_n of_o divers_a bigness_n for_o colour_n and_o smell_v do_v adorn_v a_o field_n exceed_o with_o its_o party_n colour_a coat_n difference_n of_o voice_n base_a treble_a tenor_n and_o counter_a tenor_n and_o difserence_n of_o string_n in_o a_o
of_o their_o foot_n locum_fw-la they_o be_v but_o like_o cain_n as_o flee_v from_o the_o place_n of_o rest_n so_o dwell_v in_o the_o land_n of_o nod_n i.e._n of_o wander_a vid._n dr._n stillingfleet_n sherinah_n in_o locum_fw-la till_o they_o return_v to_o the_o ark_n again_o they_o be_v like_o child_n toss_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n and_o even_o when_o they_o think_v themselves_o fix_v they_o mostwhat_a still_o have_v some_o jealousy_n remain_v in_o their_o mind_n that_o possible_o they_o be_v deceive_v so_o that_o they_o seldom_o have_v any_o rest_n unless_o they_o come_v at_o last_o to_o a_o hardness_n of_o of_o heart_n and_o a_o stupid_a and_o benumb_a in_o sensual_a security_n cry_v peace_n where_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n for_o no_o true_a peace_n no_o true_a rest_n be_v to_o be_v have_v till_o they_o come_v to_o this_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n without_o division_n from_o their_o brethren_n how_o often_o do_v we_o see_v they_o like_o drunken_a man_n reel_v to_o and_o fro_o carry_v from_o this_o to_o that_o extreme_a till_o they_o come_v at_o last_o to_o conclude_v in_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n whereas_o by_o be_v unite_v particular_a christian_n will_v be_v strengthen_v in_o the_o truth_n have_v nothing_o more_o to_o do_v but_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o make_v progress_n from_o degree_n to_o degree_n in_o holiness_n which_o be_v the_o very_a design_n of_o christianity_n indeed_o 3_o it_o concern_v every_o one_o to_o labour_v after_o this_o unity_n if_o they_o do_v but_o consider_v that_o this_o alone_a will_v put_v they_o in_o a_o fit_a posture_n to_o receive_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n it_o be_v remarkable_a the_o psalmist_n 134._o psalmist_n psa_fw-la 134._o exhort_v the_o people_n behold_v bless_v you_o the_o lord_n all_o you_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o stand_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n mark_n he_o exhort_v they_o plural_o you_o and_o all_o you_o bless_v you_o but_o in_o the_o three_o verse_n he_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o bless_v the_o people_n singular_o the_o lord_n bless_v thou_o out_o of_o zion_n plures_fw-la hortatur_fw-la ut_fw-la benedicant_fw-la iâ—se_n uni_fw-la benedicit_fw-la say_v s._n austin_n he_o exhort_v all_o to_o bless_v the_o lord_n but_o he_o bless_v all_o from_o the_o lord_n as_o one_o man_n it_o hint_n that_o then_o god_n use_v to_o bless_v his_o people_n when_o they_o be_v at_o unity_n as_o one_o man_n so_o christ_n come_v to_o his_o disciple_n with_o a_o blessing_n when_o they_o be_v a_o row_v together_o 2d_o together_o mâ—â—_n 1â—_n 2d_o and_o to_o his_o apostle_n with_o a_o blessing_n of_o peace_n when_o they_o be_v assemble_v together_o 19_o together_o john_n 2d_o 19_o and_o he_o send_v his_o holy_a ghost_n to_o they_o when_o with_o one_o accord_n they_o be_v meet_v together_o and_o so_o the_o promise_n run_v where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v meet_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o while_o christian_n disagree_v in_o their_o manner_n of_o serve_v and_o blessing_n and_o worship_v god_n god_n will_v not_o bless_v they_o as_o he_o will_v do_v if_o in_o one_o way_n and_o with_o one_o mouth_n and_o heart_n they_o glorify_v their_o father_n if_o they_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o there_o be_v no_o divisious_a among_o they_o if_o he_o will_v hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o christian_n when_o two_o or_o three_o be_v unite_v together_o how_o much_o more_o when_o several_a thousand_o nay_o not_o only_o all_o in_o a_o congregation_n but_o all_o in_o all_o congregation_n throughout_o a_o whole_a land_n be_v unite_v speak_v and_o ask_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o this_o case_n sure_o if_o in_o any_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n suffer_v violence_n and_o the_o violent_a take_v it_o by_o force_n on_o the_o contrary_a if_o there_o be_v division_n we_o can_v never_o be_v so_o hopeful_a in_o our_o prayer_n for_o these_o division_n mostwhat_a cause_v alienation_n of_o affection_n and_o so_o we_o can_v pray_v with_o such_o hope_n of_o audience_n because_o we_o can_v then_o lift_v up_o pure_a hand_n without_o wrath_n the_o clamour_n of_o our_o boil_a malice_n to_o each_o other_o will_v outcry_n our_o prayer_n our_o dissension_n will_v make_v that_o sweet_a incense_n stink_n in_o god_n nostril_n and_o will_v turn_v our_o prayer_n into_o curse_n if_o we_o do_v not_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n but_o there_o be_v division_n among_o we_o many_o more_o motive_n i_o may_v heap_v up_o to_o enforce_v our_o exhortation_n especial_o that_o draw_v from_o the_o many_o example_n we_o have_v set_v before_o we_o as_o that_o of_o god_n the_o father_n who_o be_v provoke_v by_o we_o yet_o by_o all_o mean_n seek_v peace_n and_o union_n with_o we_o have_v send_v his_o minister_n of_o reconciliation_n to_o beseech_v we_o to_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o he_o load_v we_o with_o his_o blessing_n cause_v his_o sun_n to_o shine_v and_o his_o rain_n to_o fall_v on_o we_o and_o all_o to_o induce_v we_o to_o be_v at_o peace_n with_o himself_o and_o can_v we_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n or_o son_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n if_o we_o be_v not_o follower_n of_o he_o as_o dear_a child_n in_o endeavour_v to_o be_v unite_v one_o with_o another_o nay_o christ_n his_o son_n do_v become_v incarnate_a to_o unite_v we_o to_o god_n and_o make_v our_o peace_n with_o god_n yea_o and_o lo_o the_o prince_n of_o peace_n come_v to_o dwell_v among_o man_n for_o this_o end_n when_o peace_n be_v among_o man_n in_o augustus_n day_n when_o there_o be_v general_a quiet_a and_o union_n through_o all_o the_o world_n and_o at_o his_o birth_n the_o angel_n proclaim_v peace_n on_o earth_n good_a will_n towards_o man_n o_o how_o then_o can_v we_o be_v disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o follow_v after_o peace_n to_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o division_n among_o we_o yea_o and_o this_o oil_n of_o charity_n pour_v on_o christ_n the_o head_n do_v run_v down_o to_o the_o beard_n yea_o unto_o the_o skirt_n of_o all_o his_o garment_n for_o all_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n now_o in_o heaven_n have_v go_v thither_o in_o this_o way_n of_o peace_n abraham_n say_v to_o lot_n let_v there_o be_v no_o contention_n among_o we_o for_o we_o be_v brethren_n stephen_n pray_v for_o his_o persecutor_n father_n forgive_v they_o the_o saint_n be_v ever_o peacemaker_n and_o not_o peace-disturber_n or_o divider_n nay_o very_o wicked_a man_n and_o devil_n be_v sensible_a of_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o way_n of_o union_n one_o with_o another_o therefore_o do_v ephraim_n and_o manasseh_n agree_v together_o against_o judah_n herod_n and_o pilate_n scribe_n and_o pharisee_n against_o christ_n nay_o very_a bruit_n beast_n covet_v a_o union_n saevis_fw-la inter_fw-la se_fw-la convenit_fw-la ursis_fw-la and_o shall_v we_o be_v more_o blockish_a than_o they_o in_o a_o word_n god_n style_v himself_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n christ_n the_o prince_n of_o peace_n his_o name_n be_v immanuel_n a_o name_n of_o peace_n be_v crown_v at_o his_o baptism_n with_o a_o dove_n the_o emblem_n of_o peace_n be_v in_o the_o build_n 〈…〉_o church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o cornerstone_n the_o place_n of_o peace_n come_v into_o the_o world_n with_o a_o song_n of_o peace_n and_o go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n with_o a_o legacy_n of_o peace_n the_o spirit_n the_o bond_n of_o peace_n the_o gospel_n the_o covenant_n of_o peace_n and_o the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n minister_n ambassador_n thereof_o jerusalem_n the_o type_n of_o the_o church_n signify_v in_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n the_o vision_n of_o peace_n and_o the_o bliss_n in_o heaven_n we_o all_o look_v for_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o eternal_a peace_n where_o we_o shall_v all_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n without_o division_n to_o the_o glory_n and_o praise_n of_o god_n if_o then_o we_o be_v son_n of_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n servant_n of_o the_o frince_n of_o peace_n temple_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o peace_n professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n if_o we_o have_v any_o consolation_n in_o the_o minister_n the_o ambassador_n of_o peace_n if_o we_o be_v citizen_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o vision_n of_o peace_n and_o hope_v to_o be_v gather_v to_o our_o father_n to_o enjoy_v a_o eternal_a sabbath_n of_o peace_n if_o there_o be_v in_o we_o any_o consolation_n in_o christ_n any_o comfort_n of_o love_n any_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n let_v it_o be_v our_o care_n to_o walk_v by_o this_o rule_n of_o peace_n unity_n unanimity_n and_o uniformity_n with_o our_o brethren_n to_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o division_n among_o we_o but_o let_v we_o be_v perfect_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o the_o same_o judgement_n and_o as_o
man_n may_v foolish_o imagine_v that_o they_o can_v do_v well_o enough_o with_o the_o private_a use_n of_o the_o word_n though_o they_o enjoy_v not_o the_o public_a and_o can_v pray_v well_o enough_o by_o themselves_o though_o they_o have_v no_o society_n with_o the_o general_n and_o public_a devotion_n yet_o be_v it_o sure_a on_o the_o contrary_a that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o promise_n make_v to_o the_o private_a as_o to_o the_o public_a nay_o none_o at_o all_o to_o the_o private_a if_o the_o public_a be_v neglect_v or_o contemn_v such_o a_o woeful_a thing_n it_o be_v for_o man_n to_o do_v themselves_o the_o great_a injury_n that_o can_v be_v to_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o god_n presence_n by_o forsake_v the_o assembly_n of_o his_o people_n upon_o this_o ground_n god_n people_n complain_v of_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o rage_n and_o fury_n of_o their_o enemy_n 7â—_n enemy_n psal_n 47_o 7â—_n they_o raze_v the_o sanctuary_n to_o the_o ground_n defile_v the_o dwell_a place_n of_o god_n name_n and_o burn_v up_o all_o the_o synagogue_n of_o god_n in_o the_o land_n and_o jeremiah_n in_o his_o lamentation_n 1.4_o lamentation_n lam._n 1.4_o the_o way_n of_o zion_n lament_v because_o no_o man_n come_v to_o the_o solemn_a feast_n all_o her_o gate_n be_v desolate_a and_o hence_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n have_v ever_o by_o religious_a soul_n be_v account_v the_o great_a of_o punishment_n as_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o god_n presence_n and_o give_v they_o up_o to_o satan_n 5.5_o satan_n 2_o cor._n 5.5_o so_o sottish_a be_v they_o that_o wilful_o excommunicate_v themselves_o by_o forsake_v the_o assembly_n it_o be_v like_o a_o man_n be_v outlaw_v in_o matter_n of_o civil_a government_n by_o which_o he_o be_v deprive_v of_o all_o the_o benefit_n and_o protection_n belong_v to_o a_o subject_n of_o the_o realm_n just_o so_o do_v this_o censure_n put_v they_o out_o of_o the_o privilege_n of_o christian_n and_o our_o of_o god_n protection_n for_o a_o time_n so_o as_o to_o be_v reckon_v as_o stranger_n or_o forraâ—ners_n as_o heathen_n and_o publican_n 18.17_o publican_n matt._n 18.17_o the_o sin_n of_o these_o man_n will_v best_o be_v discover_v if_o we_o pass_v from_o this_o eight_o proposition_n to_o the_o second_o general_n in_o the_o text._n 2._o the_o apostle_n taxation_n of_o some_o for_o this_o sin_n of_o forsake_v the_o assembly_n and_o so_o put_v themselves_o in_o a_o way_n of_o apostasy_n or_o fall_v back_o from_o or_o waver_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n for_o so_o the_o text_n run_v not_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v yourselves_o together_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v so_o then_o in_o the_o apostle_n judgement_n those_o some_o whoever_o they_o be_v be_v blame_v worthy_a and_o be_v to_o be_v reprove_v and_o sharp_o rebuke_v what_o motive_n soever_o they_o may_v have_v for_o forsake_v the_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o true_a church_n they_o can_v forsake_v they_o and_o be_v innocent_a it_o be_v a_o act_n that_o can_v be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n not_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o yourselves_o together_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v as_o there_o be_v diverse_a person_n that_o forsake_v the_o assembly_n so_o be_v their_o motive_n to_o forsake_v they_o different_a some_o give_v â—ne_a account_n thereof_o and_o some_o another_o all_o blame_n worthy_a let_v we_o but_o consider_v and_o weigh_v the_o apollogy_n and_o motive_n of_o some_o of_o they_o 1._o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v to_o forsake_v the_o assembly_n upon_o pretence_n of_o some_o corruption_n in_o they_o it_o be_v holiness_n and_o purity_n these_o man_n pretend_v to_o in_o a_o high_a measure_n and_o therefore_o they_o forsake_v our_o assembly_n because_o as_o they_o affirm_v they_o be_v unholy_a be_v mix_v assembly_n consist_v of_o both_o good_a and_o bad_a book_n bad_a vide_fw-la robinson_n and_o cant_v book_n a_o miscellany_n multitude_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o woman_n and_o of_o the_o serpent_n and_o much_o more_o they_o inveigh_v and_o rail_v bitter_o against_o they_o and_o thence_o infer_v a_o necessity_n of_o separation_n from_o they_o 12.14_o they_o heb._n 12.14_o but_o that_o this_o be_v a_o most_o corrupt_a and_o unsound_a inference_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v 1._o that_o the_o pure_a church_n on_o earth_n be_v not_o free_a perfect_o free_a from_o all_o corruption_n the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n be_v comely_a yet_o black_a it_o become_v christ_n church_n to_o be_v as_o true_a so_o humble_a far_o from_o arrogate_a perfection_n for_o any_o church_n on_o this_o side_n heaven_n to_o say_v that_o she_o be_v absolute_a and_o neither_o want_n nor_o abound_v be_v the_o voice_n of_o laodicea_n or_o tyrus_n in_o the_o prophet_n as_o there_o be_v no_o element_n which_o be_v not_o through_o many_o mixture_n depart_v from_o its_o first_o simplicity_n so_o be_v there_o no_o church_n that_o breathe_v in_o so_o pure_a a_o air_n but_o it_o may_v just_o complain_v of_o some_o thick_a and_o unwholesome_a evaporation_n of_o sin_n and_o error_n in_o it_o be_v not_o the_o church_n type_v by_o noah_n ark_n wherein_o be_v unclear_a as_o well_o as_o clean_a beast_n do_v not_o christ_n compare_v it_o to_o a_o feiled_a wherein_o grow_v both_o tare_n and_o wheat_n promiscuous_o until_o the_o harvest_n 13.12_o harvest_n mat._n 13.12_o to_o a_o great_a house_n wherein_o be_v vessel_n of_o gold_n and_o silver_n and_o of_o brass_n earth_n and_o clay_n 2.20_o clay_n 2_o tim._n 2.20_o to_o a_o sheep_n foul_v wherein_o be_v fold_v both_o sheep_n and_o goat_n 32._o goat_n matt._n 25_o 32._o to_o a_o company_n of_o virgin_n all_o invite_v by_o a_o external_a call_n to_o the_o wedding_n whereof_o some_o be_v foolish_a some_o wise_a 25.1_o wise_a mat_n 25.1_o to_o a_o orchard_n or_o vineyard_n 61.1_o vineyard_n esai_n 61.1_o wherein_o all_o be_v not_o fruitful_a tree_n that_o bring_v forth_o their_o fruit_n in_o due_a season_n but_o on_o some_o god_n bestow_v dig_v and_o dung_v unto_o they_o and_o fence_v they_o which_o cumber_v the_o ground_n and_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o fire_n to_o a_o vine_n in_o which_o be_v some_o branch_n that_o only_o bear_v leaf_n of_o profession_n or_o at_o the_o best_a but_o sour_a grape_n nay_o sometime_o in_o a_o true_a church_n even_o the_o chief_a member_n for_o eminency_n and_o authority_n be_v corrupt_v sometime_o the_o prime_a governor_n of_o a_o church_n as_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o elder_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n may_v be_v great_a enemy_n of_o real_a goodness_n nay_o to_o come_v close_o to_o ourselves_o 2._o we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o even_o in_o our_o church_n and_o the_o assembly_n thereof_o there_o be_v such_o general_a decay_n of_o that_o first_o love_n and_o primitive_a piety_n which_o consist_v chief_o in_o humility_n mortification_n obedience_n and_o good_a work_n and_o such_o a_o general_a increase_n of_o all_o filthy_a and_o abominable_a sin_n and_o those_o too_o frequent_o uncensured_a unrereproved_a that_o there_o be_v just_a cause_n for_o any_o godly_a man_n to_o fear_v lest_o god_n be_v about_o to_o take_v away_o his_o tabernacle_n from_o among_o we_o and_o remove_v our_o candlestick_n and_o go_v far_o off_o from_o our_o sanctuary_n 8.6_o sanctuary_n ezek._n 8.6_o 3._o it_o be_v undoubted_a that_o when_o a_o pious_a christian_a consider_v these_o thing_n he_o ought_v to_o be_v deep_o affect_v with_o they_o and_o neither_o communicate_v with_o a_o whole_a church_n in_o any_o corruption_n that_o be_v evident_a corruption_n in_o it_o nor_o yet_o partake_v in_o the_o sin_n of_o any_o the_o particular_a member_n thereof_o but_o observe_v his_o brother_n profaneness_n his_o duty_n be_v to_o admonish_v he_o and_o to_o bewail_v his_o sin_n and_o do_v what_o lie_v in_o he_o to_o bring_v he_o to_o a_o reformation_n thereof_o this_o be_v the_o right_a course_n but_o 4._o this_o be_v no_o ground_n at_o all_o for_o he_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n or_o to_o forsake_v the_o assembly_n there_o of_o it_o be_v of_o mr._n hildershams_n doctrine_n agreeable_a to_o the_o ninteenth_fw-mi article_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o that_o those_o assembly_n that_o enjoy_v the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n though_o they_o may_v have_v many_o corruption_n remain_v in_o they_o yet_o they_o be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v true_a church_n of_o god_n and_o such_o as_o none_o of_o the_o faithful_a may_v make_v separation_n from_o because_o 1._o there_o be_v never_o church_n on_o earth_n free_a from_o corruption_n either_o in_o the_o whole_a or_o in_o its_o particular_a assembly_n and_o yet_o never_o do_v the_o saint_n of_o god_n forsake_v they_o upon_o that_o account_n never_o be_v there_o church_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o this_o day_n from_o one_o side_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o
one_o of_o the_o best_a presbyterian_a guide_n that_o ever_o this_o church_n have_v deliver_v as_o sound_v doctrine_n &_o oppose_v these_o particulars_n to_o mr._n baxter_n late_a answer_n of_o toleration_n not_o to_o abuse_v a_o book_n wherein_o be_v many_o strange_a &_o ill_o digest_v conceit_n in_o my_o poor_a judgement_n and_o the_o pretence_n of_o other_o setter_n up_o of_o private_a assembly_n and_o see_v if_o they_o can_v have_v consistence_n and_o agreement_n and_o observe_v that_o while_o this_o pious_a author_n allow_v man_n go_n to_o another_o pastor_n than_o their_o own_o for_o better_a edification_n yet_o do_v he_o evident_o understand_v the_o settle_a pastor_n of_o a_o neighbour_n church_n which_o make_v the_o case_n quite_o different_a from_o man_n present_n forsake_v their_o own_o pastor_n to_o hear_v unsettled_a intrude_a preacher_n who_o whether_o they_o be_v lawful_o call_v to_o that_o holy_a function_n i_o be_o confident_a thousand_o be_v utter_o ignorant_a not_o have_v any_o good_a ground_n to_o think_v it_o so_o that_o for_o as_o much_o as_o even_o these_o sober_a dissenter_n which_o do_v plead_v for_o or_o at_o all_o allow_v man_n ordinary_n leave_v their_o own_o pastor_n to_o go_v to_o another_o have_v yet_o allow_v it_o with_o such_o caution_n as_o these_o that_o man_n must_v do_v it_o for_o no_o by_o end_n but_o for_o their_o better_a edification_n only_o and_o must_v be_v very_o careful_a it_o be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o judgement_n in_o their_o choice_n and_o it_o must_v be_v with_o their_o own_o pastor_n consent_n and_o as_o acknowledge_v his_o superiority_n over_o they_o and_o their_o obligation_n unto_o he_o and_o as_o seek_v his_o joy_n and_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n and_o for_o as_o much_o as_o this_o their_o allowance_n be_v only_o with_o relation_n to_o settle_a pastor_n and_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v not_o but_o with_o such_o caution_n leave_v the_o pastor_n of_o his_o own_o church_n to_o hear_v the_o pastor_n of_o another_o church_n much_o less_o may_v he_o to_o hear_v a_o unknown_a novel_a corner_n intruder_n 342_o intruder_n vide_fw-la in_o hildersham_n on_o john_n 4.32_o page_n 342_o by_o this_o it_o appear_v how_o tender_a and_o nice_a a_o good_a conscience_n shall_v be_v to_o do_v it_o and_o what_o a_o horrible_a guilt_n of_o transgress_v the_o very_a ordnance_n of_o god_n there_o lie_v upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o most_o that_o forsake_v the_o assembly_n out_o of_o dislike_n of_o their_o own_o pastor_n and_o go_v to_o other_o which_o particular_n be_v so_o clear_o lay_v down_o i_o come_v to_o show_v how_o groundless_a these_o man_n usual_a complaint_n of_o their_o own_o pastor_n be_v and_o that_o in_o these_o follow_a objection_n object_n 1._o concern_v his_o life_n it_o be_v lewd_a or_o scandalous_a so_o as_o they_o can_v look_v for_o benefit_n by_o his_o ministry_n object_n 2._o his_o opinion_n it_o be_v dangerous_a so_o as_o they_o fear_v to_o be_v pervert_v by_o he_o object_n 3._o his_o gift_n they_o be_v mean_a so_o as_o they_o can_v hope_v for_o much_o good_a by_o he_o object_n 4._o his_o carriage_n it_o be_v indiscreet_a or_o intolerable_a and_o not_o to_o be_v endure_v 1._o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o weighty_a prejudice_n many_o have_v against_o their_o pastor_n so_o as_o to_o forsake_v the_o assembly_n for_o his_o sake_n when_o they_o can_v just_o pretend_v his_o life_n be_v lewd_a or_o scandalous_a and_o will_v you_o have_v we_o then_o bind_v up_o to_o his_o minstry_n who_o example_n be_v enough_o to_o undo_v we_o must_v we_o needs_o hear_v he_o who_o hear_v not_o himself_o must_v he_o guide_v we_o to_o heaven_n who_o walk_v himself_o in_o the_o in_o the_o path_n of_o hell_n how_o can_v we_o credit_v his_o word_n who_o show_v his_o own_o unbelief_n by_o his_o wicked_a life_n who_o confute_v his_o sermon_n by_o his_o practice_n who_o pull_v down_o with_o his_o life_n what_o he_o build_v up_o with_o his_o lip_n will_v the_o spirit_n lodge_v in_o his_o lip_n in_o who_o heart_n he_o have_v no_o room_n will_v the_o holy_a god_n make_v use_n of_o a_o profane_a instrument_n who_o can_v gather_v grape_n of_o thorn_n or_o sig_z of_o thistle_n how_o can_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o hear_v he_o who_o life_n be_v so_o lewd_a or_o if_o we_o hear_v he_o what_o benefit_n can_v we_o hope_v for_o from_o he_o ans_fw-fr i_o confess_v it_o be_v the_o most_o grievous_a complaint_n this_o that_o can_v be_v if_o it_o be_v just_a a_o wicked_a minister_n be_v of_o all_o man_n most_o odious_a and_o abominable_a if_o the_o salt_n have_v lose_v its_o savour_n it_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o but_o the_o dunghill_n if_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n be_v darkness_n how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n the_o vrim_fw-he and_o thummim_n purity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o exemplarity_n of_o life_n be_v the_o two_o great_a requisite_n in_o a_o faithful_a minister_n of_o christ_n far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o to_o patronize_v or_o plead_v for_o any_o in_o who_o there_o be_v a_o notorious_a defect_n of_o these_o any_o such_o enemy_n of_o christ_n or_o judas_n like_o traitor_n to_o christ_n as_o every_o scandalous_a minister_n be_v but_o yet_o may_v i_o oppose_v to_o this_o prejudice_n these_o necessary_a consideration_n 1._o from_o such_o the_o pure_a church_n upon_o earth_n can_v be_v free_a and_o that_o â—_o by_o reason_n of_o that_o innate_a corruption_n that_o be_v in_o minister_n as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o man_n alas_o they_o be_v but_o flesh_n temper_v of_o the_o same_o clay_n with_o other_o pollute_v with_o the_o same_o original_a corruption_n prone_a to_o the_o same_o vice_n be_v angel_n by_o office_n yet_o man_n by_o nature_n to_o who_o though_o god_n have_v commit_v the_o heavenly_a treasure_n yet_o be_v these_o but_o earthly_a vessel_n still_o as_o frail_a and_o weak_a as_o other_o man_n and_o 2._o be_v as_o prone_a to_o sin_n as_o other_o their_o temption_n be_v far_o more_o than_o other_o man_n for_o satan_n the_o common_a adversary_n of_o all_o soul_n know_v his_o great_a advantage_n be_v in_o devour_v those_o that_o shall_v save_v man_n soul_n as_o the_o syrian_n be_v command_v to_o fight_v especial_o against_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n so_o do_v the_o devil_n chief_o combat_v with_o the_o priest_n and_o prophet_n of_o israel_n the_o pull_v down_o of_o these_o pillar_n be_v to_o weaken_v or_o raise_v the_o whole_a building_n the_o mislead_v of_o these_o guide_n be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v all_o to_o err_v the_o smite_v of_o the_o shepherd_n be_v to_o scatter_v the_o flock_n to_o lull_v a_o sleep_n these_o watchman_n be_v the_o way_n to_o surprise_v the_o whole_a army_n it_o be_v satan_n compendious_a way_n of_o destruction_n to_o prevert_v those_o that_o shall_v convert_v other_o to_o deform_v those_o that_o shall_v reform_v other_o so_o that_o they_o be_v as_o weak_a as_o other_o and_o satan_n grudge_v no_o pain_n continual_o to_o assault_v they_o be_v it_o any_o wonder_n if_o they_o be_v after_o foil_v from_o such_o therefore_o the_o pure_a church_n on_o earth_n can_v be_v free_a 2._o when_o thy_o own_o pastor_n be_v such_o yet_o have_v thou_o reason_n to_o hear_v he_o and_o no_o reason_n to_o forsake_v the_o public_a assembly_n for_o his_o lewdness_n sake_n the_o heathen_a seneca_n can_v advise_v man_n non_fw-la quia_fw-la loquor_fw-la sed_fw-la quid_fw-la not_o so_o much_o to_o weigh_v who_o speak_v as_o the_o matter_n speak_v and_o the_o scripture_n warn_v they_o not_o to_o have_v man_n person_n in_o admiration_n 16._o admiration_n judas_n 16._o nor_o to_o have_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n with_o respect_n of_o person_n 2.1_o person_n james_n 2.1_o though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v bring_v a_o untruth_n declare_v another_o gospel_n we_o ought_v to_o give_v no_o ear_n to_o he_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v 1.8_o accurse_v gal._n 1.8_o and_o though_o a_o devil_n from_o hell_n shall_v utter_v a_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v reject_v for_o his_o sake_n that_o speak_v it_o truth_n be_v god_n where_o ever_o it_o grow_v as_o a_o mine_n of_o god_n or_o silver_n be_v the_o prince_n in_o who_o ground_n soever_o it_o be_v find_v it_o must_v be_v receive_v for_o the_o love_n thereof_o as_o truth_n and_o for_o his_o sake_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n by_o who_o soever_o it_o be_v speak_v moses_n learn_v of_o the_o heathen_a jethro_n his_o father_n in_o law_n a_o platform_n for_o the_o order_n the_o magistracy_n of_o israel_n 4._o israel_n exod._n 4._o pharaoh_n learn_v of_o his_o prisoner_n joseph_n how_o to_o prevent_v a_o famine_n in_o egypt_n 41._o egypt_n gen._n 41_o 41._o naaman_n be_v instructle_v by_o his_o captive_a damosel_n where_o he_o may_v get_v his_o leprous_o heal_v 5._o heal_v 2_o king_n 5._o old_a eli_n be_v teach_v by_o the_o child_n