Christs Forgiveness of True Christians is a Preceptive Pattern, Doctrine

Christs Forgiveness of True Christians is a Preceptive Pattern · Doctrine

p. 56DOCTRINE.

¶ Sinful STRIFE of Godly Brethren is a very Odious Thing, and the Saints have and ought to have an extream Dread of it, and Antipathy to it, and to be holily ſtriving againſt it.

Three things we ſhall here endeavour as the Lord ſhall help us, viz.

1. To ſhew what Sinful Strife is.

2. To Open and Demonſtrate the Odiouſneſs of it, on the account whereof it ought to be dreaded by the Children of God. And,

3. How they may and ought to be ſtriving againſt it in an holy manner.

I. To ſhew what Sinful. Strife is. p. 57And foraſmuch as there is an Holy Strife and Contention; ſee Jude v. 3. Where we are Commanded to Contend earneſtly for the Faith; and for…ſmuch as Rectum eſt index ſui et Obliqui: That which is ſtrait is the Ind… whereby we diſcover what is Straight, and … is Crooked … and foraſmuch as whatſoever is Sinful, is morally Defective, Know therefore, that Strife is Sinful, if it be defective, if it want any of the choice Ingredients that go to the making of Godly Strife; and there are no leſs than Eight of them, viz. Good Principles, Good Ends, Good Frames, a Good Cauſe, a Good Call, a Good Time, a Good Manner and Degree, and Good Inſtruments, When all theſe are Good, then Strife is Good, but if any one is Evil, the Strife is Depraved thereby and made Evil.

I. Strife in an Evil Cauſe is Sinful. How Good ſoever it is to be zealouſly affected always (even unto an holy p. 58ſtriving) in a thing that is Good, Gal. 4.18. It is as wicked to ſtand in an Evil Thing, and much more with both hands to ſtrive for it, Eccleſ. 8.3. Mic. 7.3. Thus to have a mans Bow bent for lies, (to ſtrive for Errors, Will worſhip, Idolatry) and not to be valiant for the Truth (but againſt the Truth, and againſt God's Holy Ways and Ordinances) is very ſinful, Jer. 9.3. Thus alſo to ſtrive for an Office & Imployment which God has (by with-holding due Qualifications and Abilities to Capacitate a man for it) forbidden a man to meddle with, is Sinful, and an unlawful Tempting of God, Mat. 4. Rom. 12.3. 'Tis alſo ſinful and directly againſt our Lord's Direction, in Luk 14.8, 9. to affect a Superiour Seat, and to Contend for it; and yet how many Congregations and Aſſemblies of Sion have been in Convulſions for this Cauſe! 'Tis alſo a Sinful Strife, when a man contends to have his Will & Humour, p. 59in the Management of Affairs, againſt Order, Rule and Counſel. 'Tis a Wilfulneſs and Headineſs of an horrid Character and Heinouſneſs, 1 Tim. 3.4.1 Cor. 6.3, 4. Acts 15.1—6.23,—29.2 Sam. 20.18. And inaſmuch as the Glory of God, and Good of Mankind make it neceſſary, that Convicted Criminals ſhould not eſcape without meet Diſcipline and Puniſhment, Exod. 21.24, 27. Lev. 24.20. Deut. 19.21. Joſh. 6.13.—15. Therefore' tis a Sinful Strife when men, thro' Partiality and forbidden Pity, ſtrive to reſcue either themſelves or others, when ſcandalous Offenders, from due Domeſtical, Eccleſiaſtical or Civil Diſcipline; nor is it the leſs flagicious, becauſe frequent and common, to the great obſtruction of Good Government and Reformation. Alſo when a man is lawfully under Government in Family, School, Church, Province or Kingdom, then againſt right to ſtrive to caſt off the Yoke, tis a ſinful Strife for Liberty & an atrocious Rebellion, Rom. 13.2.

p. 60It's alſo very Sinful to ſtrive againſt the Payment of Juſt Taxes & Tributes, Rom. 13.6, 7. Mat. 22.21.

Strife to Get or to Hold what belongs to another, and to with hold from the Right Owner his Goods & Poſſeſſions is ſinful and unrighteous Strife, Judg. 11.23.1 Joh. 5.17.

Sinful alſo is a Strife of Tenaciouſneſs of what is a man's own; when a man will ſtruggle and contend to the laſt, before he will part with, or relinquiſh his private legal Claim & Right in any thing, although his holding of it hazard the Peace and Safety of the Community, wound the Spirits of Godly Brethren, and directly expoſe ſome Neighbours to commit Sin, and to ruin their Souls. See Rom. 14.15, 20, 22. Rom. 15.2.1 Cor. 8.13. And foraſmuch as our Lord has ſhewn us, that a blow or two ought to be patiently born and put up, and a Suit at Law, (Commenced againſt us) alſo overlook'd, and a Coat and Cloak too be p. 61readily Reſign'd and Sacrificed for the prevention and remedy of grievous Strife, Mat. 5.39. Therefore for a man (when in little things his proper demands and demonſtrations of his Right prove unſucceſsful) to purſue and vex his Neighbour with hot Strife for ſmall Trifles unto the Contracting to himſelf, and inflicting on his. Neighbour great vexation of Spirit, and to the hazarding of the committing of much Sin, is wickedly to violate the Laws and Rules of Holineſs and Charity: That man is not only a Tranſgreſſor, but alſo a lover of Tranſgreſſion, who ſo far love Strife, Prov. 17.19.

Strife is alſo Sinful when a man fears that perhaps his Neighbour is in the right, and he himſelf in the wrong: His Strife then not being of Faith, (but waged with a doubting, fearing Conſcience) is Sin, Rom. 14.23.

II. Strife is Sinful, when its Principle p. 62and End are not Gracious, but Carnal. A Godly man is two men; he has two contrary Principles in him, viz. Grace and Sin, continually at War, one with another. Now if a mans Strife is, in a Good Cauſe from an Evil Principle, and for Vicious Ends: His Strife is Ungodly, and makes work for Repentance.

So, to ſtrive for Religion, and for the Defence of the Truth, and Confutation and Suppreſſion of Error, from a Principle of Vain Glory; (a mans Aim and End being to make to himſelf a great Name) it is exceeding loathſome in the ſight of God: God requires that we bring no ſtrange Fire for his Holy Altar, but that our ſtrivings for him, and all our actings before him, be fired with the Heavenly Flames of pure Zeal for his Glory, and not our own Vain-glory, 1 Cor. 10.31. Gal. 5.26. Phil 2.3.

To ſtrive for Victory over our Antagoniſts, for Victories ſake, and p. 63not for the ſake of an higher End, and a better Good than Victory, is culpable of Impiety.

Alſo becauſe a man is like to be out-ſhone by his Neighbour, therefore to Wage Strife with him, to prevent or eclipſe his envied Felicity or Glory, is to commit Iniquity, & ſhamefully to violate the Divine Law, that injoins us to deſire, purſue and rejoice in our Neighbours Good, as really and conſtantly as our own, without Envyings, 1 Pet. 2.1. 1 Cor. 13.4. Jam. 3.14, 16. Gal. 5.26.

And foraſmuch as not the miſery of the Offender, but his reclaiming, not his ſhame, but the Glory of God, not his ruine, but the Publick Safety, and the warning of, & prevention of the Sin of others, are to be aimed at in the Puniſhment inflicted upon him, according to the Rules of Chriſtianity, & of Humanity; & for a man to hate his offending and puniſhable Neighbour in his Heart, is abſolutely p. 64forbidden: (Prov. 17 5. & 24.17. Lev. 19.17. Gal 5.20.) therefore to Strive againſt a man to bring Miſchief on him for Miſchiefs ſake, and to Strive for his Puniſhment (tho' he has injured us) to gratifie our Paſſion, & to manifeſt and give vent to our own vexation and rage, (a thing too too common among Chriſtians, in their Proſecuting of Offenders in Courts & Churches,) is to ſtrive ſinfully, ſpitefully, barbarouſly. Verily not to inform againſt, and proſecute and puniſh Scandalous Offenders, is a Cruelty to all Societies, & traiterous againſt the Publick Weal, and highly provoking to God; and ſo alſo never to inform againſt them, but when (on account of perſonal Injuries) a man has a mind to ſhew his anger and reſentment, and to vent the ſame ſpitefully by revenge, is to commit Iniquity in ſeeking to puniſh it, and to teſtifie againſt Scandal, with a greater Scandal.

Again, To Strive againſt a Neighbour, p. 65from a love to Strife, and becauſe a man delights in Contending, is wicked with a witneſs; for he loveth Tranſgreſſion that loveth Strife, Prov. 17.19. And the more delight there is in Strife, there's the more Sin in it.

To ſtrive againſt a man, without being heartily grieved, that a man has cauſe, and is neceſſitated ſo to do, and without heartily wiſhing, Oh that it were otherwiſe! & without endeavouring to put an end to Strife, as ſoon as may be; and to ſtrive from a luſt after, and pleaſure in Quarrelling, is not God-like and Saint-like, but Diabolical, Pſal, 68.30. Prov. 2.14.

Again, If the luſt of inordinate Worldlineſs be the Principle that animates a mans Strife with his Neighbour; and if his ſecret end in ſtriving for a temporal ſuppoſed Right, be to gratifie that Luſt, although no illegal courſe be uſed in the management of the Strife, yet is the ſtrife p. 66vicious; and the Holy GOD, who… looks into the inmoſt thoughts, abominates the wicked mind (as well as the wicked hand) and Dete… whatſoever is produced from i… 1 King. 8.39. Prov. 21.27.

III. Strife is Sinful when 'tis managed in a ſinful manner. And thus a man may ſtrive in a Good Cauſe, from a good Principle, upon a good Call, and for a good End; and yet his Strife be very Evil, culpable and unjuſtifiable: An Error in the Manner, once coſt the meekeſt man upon Earth, an Excluſion from the Land of Promiſe, (though not from Heaven) for he ſpake unadviſedly with his lips, (Pſal. 106 33) at unawares, and ſaid, Hear …e Rebels, Numb 20.10. and ſtruck the Rock that he ſhould have ſpoken to: giving an Admonition to the beſt of meer men on earth to fear greatly, when they muſt engage in Strife, and to fly to Heaven for guardance, where they are in ſuch p. 67…tream danger of miſſing it in the …nner and meaſure, to the great …iſchief both of themſelves and of …thers. Now the Manner of Strife is …inful, and the Strife ſinful, when in …e ſtrife, near Relations and dear fellow-members miſs of, and are robb'd of that ſingular Tenderneſs …nd Kindneſs and Reſpect that is …ue unto them, and which to withdraw from them, is horrible Iniquity, Mic. 7.6. Iſa. 9.19 Rom. 1.31.2 Tim. 3.3. Deut. 15.9. As alſo when, in Strife, Superiours in Family, Town, School, Church, Province and Realm, are any of them treated irreverently, ſaucily, malapertly, or rebelliouſly, without due Reſpect and Obſequiouſneſs, contrary to the Fifth Com…andment, Exod. 20.12. Lev. 19.32. Rom. 13.7.1 Pet. 2.17. Eph. 5.33. So alſo when Strife is managed in a way of Inſolency towards Equals, and of Imperiouſneſs towards Inferiours, with a ſlighting or deſpiſing of them, Luk. 18.9. Contrary to the great Goſpel Rules, in 1 Pet. 5.5. p. 68Rom. 12.10. Phil. 2.3. of eſteeming each other better than our ſelves, & of being ſubject one to another, i… honour, preferring one another; and foraſmuch as Chriſtians are commanded to be courteous, 1 Pet. 3.8 therefore to be uncourteous in Carriag… or Language in Strife, incurs guilt and if a defectiveneſs of Decency & Civility therein are intollerable, wha… ſhall we think of Scurrility and Reviling? (calling bad Names, &c. Theſe ſhut a man out of Heaven and run him into Hell-fire, Mat. 5.22.1 Cor. 6.10.

And verily it is a crying Crime t… ſtrive with a Neighbour vexatiouſly exaſperatingly, and with unjuſt provocations to his Spirit, 1 Sam. 1.6, 7 & 2.3.9. Gal. 5.26. Eph. 6.4. Exo… 22.21. Lev. 19.33. There is alſo certain exceſſive ſtiffneſs, pertinaciouſneſs and obſtinacy that is forbidden, Pſal. 75.5. Moreover the Strife forbidden and ſinful, that is carrie on without due meekneſs and moderation, p. 69and puſh'd forward without gentleneſs and Chriſtian forbearance, Gal. 5 23. Col. 3.12. But undue and violent heats, paſſionateneſs and furiouſneſs render the ſtrife abominable, Jam. 1.20. Prov. 21.24. and 14.29. & 22.24. & 29.22. So alſo do D…eg-like uncandid ſuſpiciouſneſſeſs, and hard, wrong, & falſe inſinuations in Strife, 1 Sam. 22.8, 9, 10. Pſal. 55.3. & 52.1, 2, 5.1 Cor. 13.5. Yet very rarely is there any great ſtrife without them, to the unſpeakable prejudice of holy Brethren, not to be recovered again, for many years, if ever in this World. Very faulty alſo is Strife, by reaſon of its being managed and carried on by Tatling, Talebearing, Whiſpering, Reporting, Repeating, Aggravating, what Brotherly Charity binds a man to overlook, & conceal, Rom. 1.29. Prov. 18.8. & 11, 13. & 17.9. & 26.20. & 20.19. Lev. 19.16.2 Cor. 12.20. Deut. 19.15. Thus as frequently, as wickedly, are divu… ged, all the ſecret faults, that in their p. 70whole lives, men have eſpied, in their Neighbours, to leſſen their Reputation, weaken their Intereſt, and diſable them from managing their Cauſe, to Effect and Succeſs. That Strife alſo is not free from Sin that runs into Schiſm; as when a man having Strife with a Brother, will not Sit down with him at the Lord's Table, rending away from the Communion of the Church on that account unduly, Heb 10.25.1 Cor. 11.18 & 12.25. Or in a paſſion turning over to another Sect. And, that Strife abounds with Tranſgreſſion, that is managed by undue Party-makings, and Party-taking, Sidings, Diviſions, Factions; Effects and Evidences of too far prevailing Carnality in Spiritual men, Hab. 1.3.1 Cor. 3.3, 4. And the bane of Churches. Striving is catching, and it aggravates the Sin of ſome that they labour to inflame others, (as the little angry Dogs do ſet on the great Maſtiffs) and make themſelves guilty of other p. 71mens Sins, and Ruines. All injurious ſtriving is ſinful becauſe injurious: If a man ſtrive in a very good cauſe, yet …s his ſtrife ſinful if he wrong his Neighbours by ſtriving in a wrong manner, Col. 3, 25. Again, inaſmuch as Chriſtians ought to act reaſonably and ſo as to convince and ſatisfy reaſonable men, therefore Strife is ſinful when 'tis managed without producing ſolid arguments and ſufficient Reaſons, Proofs and Evidences, Mat. 18.16. Deut. 19.15. Alſo a mans ſtrife is ſinful, if in it he act Diſcompoſedly and with too great a ruffling of mind, ſuch as makes him unfit for Prayer, and other Duties, and Ordinances, and for Communion with the LORD in them, Luk. 21.19. As alſo … a man has no Patience but act untreatably, 1 Tim. 6.11. Prov. 14.29. Eccl. 7.9.1 Theſ. 5.14. And alſo if he ſtrive with a ſinful Alienation of Spirit from his Neighbour, not loving him with a pure heart fervently, nor heartily Praying for him, for his good, p. 72nor readily forgiving him, 1 Pet. 1.22. Mat. 5.44. & 6.14. Alſo Diſorderlineſs and Unrulineſs and Confuſion manifeſted in the manner of ſtriving render the ſtrife Sinful and Diſpleaſing to the GOD of Order, Jam. 3.8, 16, 1 Cor. 14.33, 40.1 Theſ. 5.14.2 Theſ. 3.6. So doth alſo Partiality ſhewn and acted in ſtrife, Jam. 2 9. & 3.17. Mat. 7.12. Luk. 6.31. And very highly Provoking to GOD is all Subdolouſneſs and Unfairneſs, all Falſehood, Treachery, and baſe Under-hand-Dealing, when ſtrife is really and dreadfully continued and acted yet under falſe ſhews of Courteſy, Amity, and Peaceableneſs, Lev. 19.11. Prov. 27.6, & 11, 18. Pſal. 51.21. Moreover the ſtrife is ſinful that is managed with verboſity, with too many words; For in the Multitude of Words there wants not Sin, Prov. 10.19. It's yet more ſinful if managed Brawlingly and with Clamour, Eph. 4.31. Titus. 3.2. It's yet more ſinful if managed with ſuch fierce p. 73Threatnings as may produce terrible fears and uneaſineſſes in the hearts of Neighbours, Eph 6.9.1 Pet. 2.23. Or if attended with evil Wiſhings, and Curſings, Job 31.30. Pſal. 40.14 Rom 12.14. And Invocations of the Devil? But how dreadfully ſinful is it, when it comes to Blows & Murder! Then 'tis unmerciful indeed & horrible. Rom. 1.30. And yet ſtrife has fill'd Chriſtendome with not only moſt bloody Wars, but alſo moſt barbarous Maſſacres.

Again if ſtrife of Neighbours be carry'd on irreconcilably perpetually, endleſsly, it is very ſinful and abominable, Prov. 17.14.2 Sam. 20.18. Yet furthermore there is a ſportful Strife in Wreſtling, Running, handling a Weapon, &c. which grows ſinful when too Intenſely managed, and when it takes away the heart from it's intenſeneſs in matters of Religion and Virtue; and inſtead of moderately Recreating of mens ſpirits, to fit them for ſerious buſineſs, doth really dull them and unfit them, and when it p. 74needleſsly hazzards life or limb, and waſtes time, and eſtate, unprofitably, and perniciouſly, Eccl. 11.9, 10.1 Cor. 10.7. Hoſ. 4.11. Eph. 5.16. Col. 4.5. Iſa 46.6. And as too great eagerneſs in Ludicrous-ſtrife is ſufficient alone (tho' there were not (as there often are) other evil ingredients cauſes and circumſtances,) to make that ſtrife ſinful, ſo too great indifference and careleſsneſs in ſtrife about ſerious matters, and the uſing of lightneſs and ſlightneſs in ſtriving for the Truths of GOD, the Ordinances of GOD, the Cauſe of GOD, the Glory of GOD, and the Kingdom of CHRIST, ſtriving for them in a vain and profane manner, without awful ſeriouſneſs and heavenly zealouſneſs, will render a mans ſtrife ſinful and condemnable, Gal. 4.18.1 Tim. 6.20.2 Tim 2.16.2 Cor. 1.17 Col. 2.18. Such a manner of ſtriving for Religion becomes not GOD's witneſſes, and Truths Champions. Thus ſtrife is ſinful when 'tis managed in a ſinful MANNER.

p. 75IV. The ſtrife is ſinful if a man want a good Call to an engaging in ſtrife; (if the ſtrife no ways belongs to him, Prov. 26.17. If he has no Divine warrant, to guard and fortify his Conſcience, to juſtify his Action, to encourage him to Pray over his Strife, and to believe and hope in the LORD for the divine acceptance of it, and aſſiſtance in it, 1 Tim. 4.5.) Or if he go beyond his call and line in the degree of his ſtrife, whether he be an Aggreſſor or a Defendant, an Original Party, or a Second, and do contend for Spirituals or Temporals, Publick intereſt, or Particular, (ſuch a going beyond a mans call and warrant, being a ſinful preſumption and tempting of GOD) Or if his ſtriving be out of ſeaſon and irregular as to the time, if it be on the Lords-Day, when men are called to Actions of another nature, if it be at a time when 'tis evident that Satan will be much more gratify'd directly by the ſtrife, than GOD glorify'd, and apparent p. 76that Religion and the Souls of men will loſe and ſuffer much more than there's any likelihood of their gaining thereby, Luk. 6.29. Or if unlawful inſtruments are made uſe of in the ſtrife to the prophanation of it, and Infidels engaged againſt Brethren. 1 Chron 12.19. Iſa. 8.12.2 Chron. 25.7—9. & 19.2. Thus we have ſeen what ſinful ſtrife is.

II. We are now to open and demonſtrate the Odiouſneſs & Horridneſs of this ſinful ſtrife, whence it deſerves to be greatly dreaded and abhorred by the Godly Brethren.

1. Strife has moſt odious Cauſes. Now that cannot but be it ſelf odious, that is the natural iſſue of that which is loathſome and odious. Evil ſtrife is from evil luſts, Jam. 4.1.11. Whence come Fightings (Quarrellings) come they not from luſts that war in you. Indwelling ſin in the Godly ſpawns forth many odious luſts, and theſe luſts ſpawn forth ſtrife.

p. 771. Pride is an odious Luſt, a moſt loathſome Thing; Prov 6.16. It's an abomination to the LORD. Prov. 8.13. Pride and Arrogancy the Lord hates. Now ſinful ſtrife is from pride, Prov. 13 10. Only by pride comes Contention. So that all other cauſes of contention are beholden unto pride for their Efficacy, for without the prime operation of pride, they could not produce it, Prov. 28.25. He that is of a proud heart ſtirs up ſtrife: but the wiſdom which is from above, which is pure and peaceable, Jam. 3.17. Is with the lowly, Prov. 11.2. Who do in lowlineſs of mind eſteem each other better than themſelves, Phil 2.3. And are yielding and ſubmiſſive to one another, Eph. 5.21. Which prevents ſtrife: but 'tis odious Pride that boiles up in the ſcalding caldron of ſtrife.

2. Inordinate ſelf love and love of the World are odious luſts; There's moſt deteſtable Idolatry in them, Col. 3.5. And the Lord abhors them, Pſal. 10 3. p. 78Now ſinful Stri…e is from inordinate Self-love, and love of the World. The Times are Quarrelſome and Perilous, and men are dangerous and hurtful one to another, when men are lovers of themſelves and of the World, 2 Tim 3.2. when all ſeek their own things, Phil. 2.21. And when one tries to draw to his own ſide, what another Strives to draw to his; & none will deny himſelf. or lay down his Worldly Intereſt. A Worldly Intereſt is a dividing Intereſt: Self and World are Idols where Brethren are ſet for Cyphers, to be incroached upon, and ſtriven with.

3. Envy is an Odious Luſt. Tis not of the Spirit, but of the Fleſh, of Corruption; Gal. 5.21. And of the Devil, Jam. 3.15, 16. Where Envy is, there is every evil work, Jam. 3.16. Such as are Judicially forſaken and abhorred of God are filled with it, Rom. 1.28, 29. full of Envy, Acts 5.17. & 13.45. Now Sinful Strife is produced by Envy. When the Philiſtines envied p. 79Iſaac, they ſtrove with him, Gen. 26.14, 15, 20. They that are full of Envy, are full of ſtrife and debate, Rom. 1.29. Jam. 3.14. Such as grudge and are grieved that a Neighbour is too happy, and out-ſhines themſelves in Honour, Wealth, Wiſdom, or any other good thing; their Envy puts them upon a ſtriving againſt him to deprive him, Mat. 27.18. Acts 7.9. Ecl. 4.4. How odious and contrary to God is this! Mat. 20.15. Is thine eye evil, becauſe I am good?

4. Inordinate Angrineſs and Wrathfulneſs is an Odious Thing. 'Tis contrary to the Meekneſs and Mercifulneſs Commanded in the Goſpel; 'tis irrational and bruitiſh, Eccl. 7.9. Prov. 14.29. 'Tis Outragious, Cruel, Murderous, and Diabolical, and Accurſed, Gen. 49.6, 7. Prov. 27.4. & 21, 24. 'Tis contrary to the Spirit of God, and to Holineſs, Gal. 5.20.1 Tim. 2.8. Now Sinful Strife is produced by finful Wrathfulneſs, Prov. 15.18. The wrathful man ſtirreth up ſtrife, Prov. p. 8030.33. The forcing of wrath bringeth forth ſtrife, even a ſtrife full of Unrighteouſneſs, Jam. 1.20. An odious Daughter of an odious Mother.

5. Hatred is an Odious Evil. It is joyned with Witchcraft, as a fruit of the fleſh, that is, of Original In…dwelling Sin, Gal. 5.20. 'Tis contrary to love, which is the fulfilling of the Law, Rom. 13.10. and contrary to the new Command of the Goſpel, & to the Character of a Chriſtian, Joh. 13.34.35. Now Sinful Strife is produced by Hatred, Prov. 10.12. Hatred ſtirreth up ſtrifes. They who hate their Neighbours are murderers in their hearts, 1 Joh. 3.15. and will deal hatefully, and ſtrive wickedly, Ezek. 23.29. Iſa. 66.5.

6. Impatience, Injuriouſneſs, Implac… bleneſs, Spitefulneſs, Revengefulneſs are Odious Things: (What are the men who are of a ſpiteful, miſchievous, irreconcileable Spirit, that will put up no Injuries, & that have no Conſcience of Righteouſneſs, but the very p. 81Children of Belial, 2 Sam. 23.6, 7. The man that ſhall touch them has need to be fenced with Iron) Now thoſe Odious Evils ingender ſtrife; for Injuriouſneſs to others, provokes them, and begins a Quarrel; and the other Evils mentioned, ſeek & have their firſt vent in Strife to bring Affliction, and to execute vengeance (yet contrary to the Goſpel) upon ones Neighbour, who is miſtaken for an Enemy: Thus the Scorpion Maggots of Strife are bred of the Fruit that is forbidden, Rom. 12.19. Prov. 24.17. & 25.21. & 20.22. Gal. 5.26. Prov. 3.29. Luk. 6.37.1 Theſ. 5.14.

7. Vain Credulity, Jealouſie, & Evilſurmiſings, Raſhneſs, Headineſs, Diſorderlineſs, and the ungovernable Diſpoſition in Chriſtians eſpecially, are Odious Evils, full of folly, Prov. 14.15.1 Tim. 6.4. full of Uncharitableneſs, 1 Cor. 13.5. & moſt contrary to God, who is the God of Order, 1 Cor. 14.33. and contrary to the Weal of humane Societies, 2 Tim. 3.1, 4 & tending to their Ruine. Now theſe Evils beget p. 82Strife, and the Peace of Brethren is broken by them. When the Backbiting Slanderous Tongue meets with an over-credulous Ear, and an Uncharitable Mind entertains Evil Jealouſies of Neighbours, then all their words, and actions are look'd upon with an evil Eye, and taken in the worſt ſence, and then Men will quickly ſuppoſe that they have found ground enough of Diſpleaſure and Debate, and their Spirits will be diſpoſed to fall out with their Neighbours, eſpecially if Raſhneſs, and want of due Conſideration be added to their evil Jealouſy; and if their Headineſs hinder them from hearkning to good Counſel, offer'd them by the Wiſe & Peaceable; and if they refuſe to obſerve the Rules of Order; then Peace will certainly fly away; and Diſcord and Contention will come in its ſtead. Peace & Quietneſs are the Genuine Product and Iſſue of Good Government and Order well obſerved, 1 Tim. 2.2. Judg. 21.25. & 20.14, and Strife and Broils of the contrary. Thus in Seven particulars p. 83we have ſhewn, that the moſt Odious and Loathſome Corruptions & Cauſes have their foul iſſue & effect in Strife; They ſpawn forth ſtrife, they have their vile Activity in ſtrife, they ſmite on the Anvil of ſtrife, the Coals of Sinful ſtrife of Brethren are continually blown up by the loathſome Breath of moſt Noiſome and Noxious Luſts; And Belial Luſts are very Rampant, and have a glorious time of it when they have produced ſtrife among Brethren. But the ſteams that iſſue out from a multitude of putrified carcaſſes are not more odious and abominable to humane nature, than the ſteams of ſinful ſtrife are unto Grace, that fume up from ſo many moſt loathſome Carcaſſes, & horrendous Vulcano's of Luſt.

So much for the Firſt Demonſtration.

II. That which has a moſt Sinful Nature and moſt Heinous Aggravations, and is very Contagious, and cauſes Men to commit a Multitude of vile Tranſgreſſions, is an Odious & Horrendous p. 84Evil, earneſtly & zealouſly to be Striven againſt by the Saints of God: But Sinful Strife of Brethren has a moſt Sinful Nature and moſt Heinous Aggravations; It is very Contagious, and cauſes men to commit a Multitude of vile Tranſgreſſions: It is therefore an Odious and Horrendous Evil. The ſweetneſs & excellency of the Divine Law of Peaceableneſs ſhews the Odiouſneſs of the Nature of the Unpeaceable Luſt of ſtrife. Strife is very ſinful & vile, if the Will of GOD be very Good & Holy; For 'tis the Will of GOD that we meddle not with Contention; Prov. 17.14. That the Servants of the LORD ſtrive not; 2 Tim. 2.24. That Chriſtians walk not in ſtrife; Rom. 13.13. But that they live Peaceably with all Men, Rom. 12.18. Eſpecially, That they be at Peace among themſelves; 1 Theſ. 5.13, And that they follow Peace with them that Call upon the LORD; 2 Tim. 2.22. And Follow after the things that make for Peace: Rom. 12.18. Yea that, as much as in them lieth they live p. 85Peaceably. We ſee then that the Vice of Strife and the Will of GOD are contrary. Now to Contradict the Perfect & Acceptable Will of GOD is Odious Again, That's Odious that is moſt Different from, and Unlike to the moſt Lovely Nature of GOD; Now Strife is moſt Unlike to the Nature of GOD; and moſt Different from the moſt Pacifick Perfections of GOD, moſt Different from the Love, Sweetneſs & Goodneſs of GOD, from His Radiant Philanthropy, Benignity, Fidelity, Equity, Compaſſion, Condeſcention, Clemency, Patience, Forbearance, Long-ſuffering, and Indulgence, Qualities that demonſtrate Him to be the God of Peace, and not of a Contentious Nature. Again, That's Odious that's contrary to a Man's Glorifying GOD, as GOD; now 'tis contrary to a Mans Glorifying GOD, as GOD, by Sinful Strife to be Unchriſtianly Quarrelling with, and diſcouraging, Grieving, Vexing & Hurting of the Children of GOD, who bear p. 86the Image of their Heavenly Father. Again, that's Odious to a Saint that ſeparates him from the Lord; Now ſinful Strife doth ſo; For as when a Man carries it Litigiouſly & Abuſively to a Neighbours Child, he ſcarce knows how to look his Father in the Face; ſo a Chriſtian by reaſon of his Rebellious, Abuſive, Injurious, and very Guilty Strife doth grow Shy & Timorous, and is Staggered in his Hope and Boldneſs, and has not his wonted Freedom in the Preſence of GOD. Again, that's an Odious Evil, and may well ſtrike the Saints with ſome degree of horrour, in which they find themſelves Rebels againſt the Light, and Covenant-Breakers with God & Brethren, and acted by the Devil & Vileſt Luſts, and Practically juſtifying of the Ungodly in their Sins againſt the Brethren, and hardning them therein; Now in their Sinful Strife with the Brethren they find themſelves Rebels againſt Light, Covenant-breakers, Sinridden, Devil-driven, and on the ſide p. 87of thoſe that Hate the LORD, with bliſtered & bleeding Conſciences, a Tattered & Sullied Livery, and a Blotted Character; Aggravations, (One would think) ſufficient to ſtartle them, and to Terrify them from Medling any more with Strife againſt the Brethren. Verily the Nearer and more Frequent Communion a man has with GOD, the leſs he has to do with this Iniquity, and the more he doth and will abhor and eſchue it. Again, If an evil be Contagious, Spreading, and Infectious, it is the more Odious & Horrid: Now the Plague of Sinful Strife is Contagious & Infectious: It ſpreads quickly and over-ſpreads whole Streets, Towns, Churches, Realms: It ferments like Leaven, Diffuſes it ſelf like Volatile Spirits, Runs like the Lightning, and carries all before it like the Devouring Fire. A few Strangers among the Iſraelites fall a luſting, and ſtrait way all the Congregation of Iſrael luſt alſo, Numb. 11.4. And Corah ſtrives with Moſes and Aaron, and preſently p. 88the Chieftains, Dathan & Abiram and their Companies take part in the Strife: and that man (Corah) Periſhed not alone in his Iniquity, Numb. 16.1. Pſal. 106.17. One Righteous Man (in his Error) blows the Trumpet of Strife againſt another Righteous Man, and bids him Defiance; and perhaps at firſt a Duel only of Words is intended; yet preſently great Multitudes take the Alarm, and are Muſtered in Strong Parties, into the Partnerſhip of their Errour, Engaging in Fierce Battle; and among them, Many that are not Saints but carnal; and tho' the Saints are Recovered of their Wounds, by Soveraign Grace; yet Others dye and periſh for ever, Pſal. 34.21. filling up the Meaſure of their Sins, by their Oppoſition to the Righteous, in which they manifeſt their Spite & Hatred againſt them, and againſt CHRIST in them. Now the irrecoverable Periſhing of Carnal Perſons thro' the Infection of the Example of Good Mens Strife, it renders the Sinful Strife of p. 89Good Men very Odious in the eyes of ſuch as deſire Mens Salvation, and abhor to have a Sinful hand in their Eternal Ruine. Again, That's an Odious & Formidable Evil to the Children of GOD, that Seduceth them to Commit, and Involves them in the Guilt & Filth of a Multitude of Great Tranſgreſſions; Now Sinful Strife doth thus ſeduce & involve them: Strife opens the Catarracts & Sluces of Sin to make an Univerſal Deluge: Prov. 17.14. Where this Strife is, there is Confuſion and every evil Work: James 3.16. Therefore he Loveth Tranſgreſſion that Loveth Strife, Prov. 17.19. Odious Omiſſions & Neglects of Known Duty, Odious Obſtructions of that which is Good, and Oppoſitions to it, and Odious Perpetrations of Evil are from Sinful Strife. To Exerciſe Devotion towards GOD, and to Worſhip GOD inwardly and externally are Great Duties, Sweet & Precious Duties; But this Odious Strife is a Foe, and a Bar to the Well-doing of 'em. p. 90The fumes of Aduſt Choller and the Peſt…ferous Vapours that Spring from Crudities & Indigeſtions do not more Obſtruct & Annoy Nature than the feculent & peſtiferous Fumes of Strife do Obſtruct & Annoy Grace; mightily helping the bad Principle in acting of Evil, & hi…dring the better Principle in a Saint that would be doing of good: For as an Odious Cancer by drawing that which ſhould be for the Nutriment of the Natural Fleſh, unto its Self, doth conſume the Fleſh and weaken the Body; ſo ſinful Strife by Imploying & Spending the very Life and Strength of the Soul in its own Service, it leaves the Soul Liſtleſs and Unapt to Acts of Religion; it depauperates it ſo far, that it becomes too feeble & infirm to Engage in, and Go… thorow with the Exerciſes of Intenſe Meditation, Fervent and Importunate Prayer, Seraphic Thanksgiving, Right, Diligent Hearing and Improving of the Holy Word of GOD, and Receiving of Sacraments, and Cuts off all Freedom of Spirit in Communion p. 91with GOD; It ſo creeples the Soul, that it can't raiſe it ſelf up Heavenward, as it was wont before, and it cauſes that the Saint ſhall have but Little Time and leſs Heart for Acts of Religion, (that require the whole Heart, and ſufficient Time,) and too little Life, Power, and Vigour therein. The Iniquity of Strife muſt be Suppreſſed or the Religion of Prayer will be Hindred, 1 Pet. 3.4, 7, 9.

Many of the Dear Children of God can give evidence to this heavy charge againſt Strife from their own dear experience. Thus Devotion & Religion may ſay to wicked Strife; Hoſt thou found me O mine Enemy! and verily Juſtice and Charity may each of them ſay ſo alſo; for this Strife is an odious Foe to them both. This Strife will not allow a man to be his Brothers Keeper; nor permit him to think worthily of his Brother, or ſpeak peaceably to him, and reſpectfully of him, much leſs to act profitably for him; but as to the p. 92Admoniſhing of him for his good, with pity, kindneſs, meekneſs, ſweetneſs and wiſdom, this curſed Strife moſt powerfully prevents & obſtructs that. And as for the Exerciſe of the Duty of Brotherly Forgiveneſs, Strife is like the made Horſe in the Chariot that pulls backward, and the ſinful Striver muſt be forc'd to ſay the Fifth Petition of the Lord's Prayer backward, or elſe he will Curſe himſelf; for if God ſhould no otherwiſe Forgive him then he Forgives his Offending Brother, he were undone. Yea, this Odious Strife will neither do good it ſelf, (and never did good for good's ſake) nor will let others do it; hence when one Party propoſes and engages in any Enterprize tending to much Publick Good, the Evil Spirit of Strife ſtirs up the other Party to manifeſt an Antipathy againſt it; and from Emulation, and through Jealouſies and Miſpriſions, and by Miſrepreſentations and other ill Practices to be putting of inſuperable p. 93blocks in the way, ſo that moſt excellent attempts, through the malignant influences of Strife are rendred fruitleſs. Nor is Strife only faulty for neglecting and obſtructing that which is Good, but alſo for poſitive direct Acts of Evil: For Multifarious and very Nefarious Perpetrations of Iniquity are juſtly chargeable upon it: To profane God's Ordinances, (ſuch as Praying, Preaching, Faſting, &c.) is an Odious Iniquity: Yet this is done by Strife: Chriſt ſaith, Pray for Enemies much more for Brethren; Strife profanely ſaith, Pray againſt them: Chriſt ſaith, Bleſs them; but Strife Curſes them: and they that faſt for Strife, do Faſt to ſmite with the Fiſt of Wickedneſs; and they that Preach Chriſt of Contention, pollute their Offerings in God's Temple with Sulphur and Wild-fire, which God has forbidden, Phil. 1.15 Such Strange Fire is loathſome to GOD. But tho' Strife carries on Religion and Temple p. 94Work with odious & provoking Carnality, yet it impudently ſaith (with Je…u) Come ſee my zeal for the Lord of Hoſts; which is not zeal but a tainted Paſſion, moſt abominable to the Lord of Hoſts. No man is fit to offer any Gift on God's Altar in Sinful Strife; he had better leave it not offered; Mat. 5.23. Leave thy Gift, &c. Alſo Strife makes men moſt ſcandalous even in their Exerciſing of Diſcipline towards the Scandalous. Again, To profane Gods Providences, is an Odious Iniquity; yet Strife doth this alſo: Are Providences proſperous to the Striver, the Spirit of Strife in him impiouſly proclaims a juſtication from Heaven, & that Almighty GOD is of its Party, yea, its Patron, when as He abhor… it. Are Providences Calamitous to the Oppoſite Party; The Spirit of Strife is glad at the Calamities (which yet is a provocation to God, Prov 17.5.) and profanely ſaith, that its hard thoughts of, & wicked Cenſures it has p. 95paſs'd upon Brethren and Antagoniſts, are allowed and owned in Heaven. But if the Divine providence work not for the Striver, and againſt his Oppoſite, as the Spirit of Strife would have had it, the man is ready to treat Providence it ſelf, & the Lord of Providence, Sacrilegiouſly and abuſively; and to charge the Lord fooliſhly, and wickedly; Yea, to take grievous offence at Him, ſo as to fall out with Him, and to fall off from him, and not eaſily to be Pacified & Reconciled. Again, To profane and abuſe God's Saints and Servants, is an Odious Iniquity; for they bear the Divine Image, and they cannot be profaned and abuſed without ſcandalous violations of the Great and Glo…ous Commandments, in the Second Table of the Law, and of the precious Precepts of the Goſpel, and of the Grace thereof: But this Sinning and Sinful Strife doth profane and abuſe God's Saints and Servants, violating both Law and Goſpel. But to p. 96vilifie the Saints, to blacken 'em, diſcourage 'em, ſadden 'em, weaken 'em, tempt 'em to Evil and to treat 'em ſordidly and unworthily, and to diſown, and deny the Grace that is in them, and the Good that is done by them; & to turn that Light whereby they ſhould ſhine before men, & Glorify their Heavenly Father, into Darkneſs, is to profane & abuſe Gods Holy Ones: Now Sinful Strife is wont to do all this; violating the Divine Precepts, as well as hurting the Brethren, by odious miſp…ons, ſuſpicions, alienations hatreds, ill-wiſhings, revilings, jearings, ſcornings, irreverend carriage, diſorderlineſs, diſcourteouſneſs, unkindneſſes, clamours, affronts, injuries, & acts of Revenge, Slandrous Defamations, Deceits, Over-reachings, (all of them works of the Fleſh forbidden) and by manifold unjuſt provocations of the Brethren; and ſcandalous Miſcarriages, odious to God and man: Not to mention Man-ſlaughters, ſometimes p. 97committed in Strife; nor the bloody, barbarous Wars of Chriſtian Nations. Oh thou Odious Strife! how doſt thou cauſe the Name of the Eternal God to be blaſphemed, and the Names, and Spirits, and Vertues of his Children to be blaſted; and how amazingly doſt thou multiply Tranſgreſſions among men!

III. A third and laſt Argument for Demonſtration of its horrid Odiouſneſs, (on account whereof the Saints ought to hate and dread it, & ſtrive againſt it) is to be taken from the Conſideration of the dreadful Puniſhments that it is by the Holy Anger of God Recompenſed with; and of the diſtreſſing, deſtroying Woes and Plagues that it is the procuring cauſe of. That Evil which brings down the Wrath of God, and dreadful Spiritual and Temporal Plagues is Odious & Horrendous: But Sinful Strife is an Evil that brings down the Wrath of God, and dreadful Spiritual and p. 98Temporal Plagues: Therefore Sinful Strife is Odious and Horrendous. Sinful Strivers, and men of Contention are often puniſhed for a time, as the Experience of Saints and Churches doth teſtify, with ſome degrees of Blindneſs of Mind, and Hardneſs of Heart, and Searedneſs of Conſcience, and Withdrawments of the Spirit of God, with ſad fears, with want of Reſtraining Grace, with moleſtations from Satan, with decay of their Gifts, with diſability to near Approaches to God, and to Intimate Communion with Him; with loſs of the ſenſe of the Love of God in Chriſt, with Diminutions of Confidence of being Pardoned, and with Abdication unto vile Luſts; they find want of Joy in God, little ſucceſs of their Labours in Religion, little progreſs Heavenward, little light of Gods Countenance, no ſealings of Divine Acceptance of their Perſons and Works; they ſuffer under Blemiſhings of their good Name, and Frowns in their Families p. 99and Eſtates; & for this cauſe many are ſick, and ſome are ſnatched away by Death. We judge not the Eternal Eſtate of all that joined with Corah, in ſtriving againſt M…ſes, nor of the whole Congregation that ſtrove with him as well as Aaron and Miriam; yet tho' many of them we hope went to Heaven, yet they ſuffered ſignally and dreadfully for their ſtrife on Earth, being Condemned as to Men in the Fleſh. Fierce Contentions of Brethren have been puniſhed with terrible Perſecutions from Heretical and Antichriſtian Powers; and with the Sword of Barbarous Nations. And when Brethren will not leave off their ſtrife, but keep biting one another; God ſometimes gives them over to that fearful Judgment of being conſumed one of another, Gal. 5.15. How Odious and Horrendous is this Strife then that runs men into danger of all this.

III. But I paſs to the Third Thing p. 100that was propoſed, viz. To ſhew how the Saints may be ſtriving againſt this ſinful Strife in an holy manner; which may ſerve for an Uſe of Direction, and with it I ſhall Conclude.

And here,

1. They will do well to make ſure that they ſtrive for Hol, Peace, and againſt Sinful Sirife; they being in an Holy and Peaceful State, a ſtate of Union with Chriſt the Prince of Peace; a ſtate of Peace with God through Jeſus Chriſt; a New-Covenant ſtate, a ſtate wherein they have Right and Title to the Promiſed and Purchaſed Bleſſing of mutual fraternal Peace, as a means of their Edification in Holineſs & Comfort in their Communion with God, and one with another.

God may ſay to the man that ſtrives for this Peace, without a Title, (as Jehu once ſaid, 2 King. 19.22.) What haſt thou to do with Peace? Get thee behind me.

Peace with God & Peace with Brethren are to be held by the ſame Title and Tenure.

p. 101We ſhould therefore purſue our Peace with Brethren, by aſſuring our Peace with God in Chriſt. Let a man's heart be fervently engaged and imployed in clearing up, and renewing and confirming his Peace with God, and he will willingly and eaſily drop his ſtrife with his Brethren. May he but obtain the ſenſe of the Divine Love to himſelf, & a good aſſurance that his Sins are forgiven him, he will with marvellous meekneſs, calmneſs, and ſweetneſs, forgive and receive offending Brethren.

2. The Saints ſhould ſtrive againſt Sinful Strife, from holy Principles, and for holy Ends, and with holy Frames and Diſpoſitions of Soul. He that finds in himſelf that he is two men thorowout, may conclude aſſuredly, that he is a Saint of God; if he is two in his mind, two in his wi…, two in his Conſcience, and Affections, &c. If he is ſtill warring with himſelf, his good principles againſt his bad principles, his good ends againſt his bad ends, p. 102&c. then is he Renewed in part, in every part, & a partaker of Spiritual Life, Rom. 7.22, 23. Now in his ſtriving for Peace and againſt Sinful Strife, he muſt labour to ſuppreſs all carnal principles, frames and aims, and awaken up, and ſtrengthen, and actuate, and make uſe of only thoſe which are Spiritual & Holy; would he ſtrive holily, as a Saint, he muſt ſtrive againſt Unbrotherly Fraternal Strife as it is a Sin, a Contrariety to, a Rebellion againſt the Great Jehovah, againſt the Father, who is the God of Peace, Love and Unity; againſt the Son, who is the Prince, Purchaſer & Donor of Peace, Love and Unity, and has Interceeded with God for them; & moſt ſtrictly injoyn'd and Required them in the Saints; and againſt the Holy Spirit, who is the Spirit of Love and Peace and Comfort, and ſeals them to the Saints, and is the Band of their Unity together in Chriſt. Hence he muſt ſtrive againſt it from gracious Principles of Faith in God, p. 103Love to God, Fear of God, and hatred of Sin, and Holy Self-love, and Love to Saints, with holy aims at the Glorifying and Pleaſing of God, and preventing the Diſhonour of his Glorious Name, the diſparagement of the Goſpel, the provocation of his Wrath, and the defeatment of the Saints of their full enjoyment of the ſweet fruits of Divine Grace. If a Child of God ſtrive againſt the ſtrife of Brethren, under the Influence of Carnal Principles and Diſpoſitions; as his ſtrivings will not be very pleaſing to the Lord, ſo they will prove lame, feeble, inconſtant, and will carry him but a little way towards the conquering of ſinful Strife: but if he act under the influence of holy Principles and Diſpoſitions; his ſtrivings againſt ſinful ſtrife will be moſt conſcientious, & ſpiritual, lively, vigorous, conſtant, indefatigable, abundant and mighty through God. (For as a mans Principles, Ends, & Diſpoſitions are, ſo will his actings be;) The Saint p. 104warring againſt ſinful ſtrife, under the power and influence of his beſt principles, will firmly reſolve & ſay, By the help of God, I'l have no ſtrife with my Brethren, but the ſtrife of Love; I'l plainly and kindly rebuke 'em, and not ſuffer Sin upon 'em; but yet I'l embrace 'em, and not endure any ſtrife with 'em; I'l bear Contradiction from 'em, without making any irritating Retortions upon 'em; I'l for peace ſake, & on Chriſts account, put up many leſſer injuries at their hands, ſince he has put up many greater at mine; I'l have no hand in leading them or my ſelf into Temptation & Tranſgreſſion; I'l not injuriouſly offend & grieve 'em, left I grieve the Holy Spirit of God in them; I'l heap coals of kindneſs to warm their cold Charity; the more they whom my deareſt Lord has dearly bought, and dearly loves, are beſides themſelves, I'l pity 'em the more, and not be bitter againſt 'em; I'l not beat up the Drum, nor p. 105fire the Beacon of my Soul at the noiſe of every Pot-gun; I'll bear many a Squib, and to him that has ſtruck the one Cheek, I'l meekly offer the other, and ſend the Cloak after the Coat, and deny my ſelf, and blow away the looſe corns of a little Money, rather than by waging a wrathful ſtrife with my Brother, to procure the diſhonour, and incur the wrath of the Immortal God; I'l not repay affronts and injuries with revenge; and I'l venture my being call'd a Coward for't; In the Name of God, I'l not be overcome of Evil, but I'l overcome Evil with Good; I'l even leave my Gift at the Altar, that I may go to quench the unhallowed flames of ſtrife, if they have broken out; my Eyes ſhall be Water-ſpouts, and my heart Rivers, to quench thoſe Flames: I'l ply the Throne of Grace day and night, and give the Lord no reſt, and I'l ply mine own heart, and my Brethrens, and give them no reſt till the Peſtilence of ſinful ſtrife be p. 106taken away, and the Glory and Favour of God in Chriſt, and the Edification and comfort of his Children be reſtored and ſecured. Hereof holy Paul was an eminent Inſtance and Example, who laboured and ſtrove againſt ſtrife, under the mighty influence of holy Principles and Ends, invigorated by the Almighty Influences of the Eternal Spirit.

3. In a ſpecial manner the Saints ſhould ſtrive againſt ſinful Strife one with another in the Exerciſe of mutual Holy Love, Meekneſs, Humility Forbearance, and Condeſcention. The Holy wiſe Soveraign Providence of our LORD JESUS CHRIST has ſo diſpoſed that ſome Chriſtians ſhall have more outward Means of light, more abundant Inſtructions, more inlarged natural capacities and abilities of underſtanding and conception of things, greater degrees of Knowledge and Wiſdom, and more of the divine Illuminations and Irradiations than others; tho' all true Saints have p. 107ſufficient to Bottom them upon the only ſaving Foundation, viz. Chriſt Jeſus, and God in Him, and 'tis the duty of all to improve their outward helps and their inward abilities, with dependance on the divine Grace and Aids, unto an increaſe in Wiſdom and Knowledge, and unto a guiding of their Thoughts, Affections, Words and Actions in all their duties towards God and Man. But inaſmuch as ſome have leſs Light and leſs Capacity of underſtanding, and more Darkneſs and Weakneſs than others, it naturally follows, that they ſhould have a difference in their Apprehenſions and Conceptions of things; and their union in main Fundamentals being ſecured, their diverſity of Opinions in other matters may be permitted, nor has GOD promiſed never to permit the ſame; only to ſecure their Peace and Union, he has given ſpecial order and charge for their mutual Toleration, and Forbearance, in the things wherein they Differ; and for an p. 108uniformity in Practice, ſo far as they have attained an unity of Apprehenſion; and for a Patient Waiting 'till GOD ſhall reveal more to them, in order to their better unanimity in other things, Phil. 3.15, 16. And alſo for their conſtant exerciſe and expreſſion of Honourable Reſpect, Profound Submiſſion, and Affectionate Love one to another, in the Bowels of CHRIST JESUS, all their difference in Opinions, and in their Practiſes, concientiouſly agreable with their Opinions, notwithſtanding, Rom. 12.10. Eph. 5.21. And finally for their ſetting up of men of Wiſdom, by their Advice and Arbitriment to end Diſputes, to keep good Order among them, Acts 15.2.1 Cor. 6.4—7. By applying the General Rules, given in the Holy Word of GOD, unto particular Perſons, and Caſes, according to their beſt Underſtanding; and for their Submiſſion to 'em in the LORD; All which by the Bleſſing of CHRSIT and Influences of the Bleſſed SPIRIT p. 109on ſuch as duly ſhould attend the ſame, might ſufficiently guard 'em againſt the fatal Eruptions of Strife & Diviſion, and Preſerve their Unity & Peace. Therefore among thoſe who own and deſire Conſcientiouſly to adhere and conform unto the main Fundamentals of Saving Truths, according to the holy Scriptures, the Prime Rules of Religion and Chriſtian Practice, and of Righteouſneſs and Equity; the grand & main Principles of Prudence, and the Eſſentials of good Order; Strife is to be kept down, by keeping up good Charity; Which paſſeth over Tranſgreſſions, Prov. 19.11. And Covers a multitude of Sins, Prov. 10.12. & 17.9. And delights not to diſcover mens Nakedneſs, (to expoſe them to ſhame, and provoke them to indignation, Gen. 9.21. — 25. Mat. 18.5, 15. Prov. 17 9. Which Charity alſo Watches not for Iniquity, not makes a man an Offender for a Word, (Iſai. 29.21, 22. And takes not up Prejudices raſhly, believes not ill reports eaſily, Hates p. 110the Tale-bearer, & Back-biter, & judges not Cenſoriouſly, Pſal. 101.5. & 15.1, 2. Prov. 11.13. & 16.28. & 18.8. Mat. 7.1. James 4.11, 12. But believes and hopes the beſt, 1 Cor. 13.4.—7. And is ready and eaſy to accept of juſt Apologies, Joſh 22.10—20. Defers Anger, Prov. 19.11. James 1.19, 20. And lets not the Sun go down upon Wrath; Puts away all Spite & Malice; Col. 3.8. Works no ill to ones Neighbour, Rom. 13.10. Suffereth long, beareth, and endureth all things. 1 Cor. 13.4—7. Puts on bowels of Mercy and long-Suffering, and Gentleneſs and Goodneſs, Gal. 5.15, 22, 23, 26. Eph. 4.1, 2, 32. Col. 3.8, 12, 13. Baniſhes away all Bitterneſs, Clamour, and Evil Speaking; Eph. 4.3—6, 31.1 Pet. 2.1. Dreads to give any juſt cauſe of offence and provocation; Avoids, (not Evil only, but alſo) All Appearance of Evil, leſt any ſhould be Scandalized thereat. 1 Theſ. 5.22. And Renders not Evil for Evil, and Railing for Railing, but contrary-wiſe, Bleſſing for Curſing, p. 1111 Pet. 3.9. And if ſuch as do Injury, were by Name never particularly Pray'd for, before they ſhew'd their diſtemperature in Oppoſing and Perſecuting; yet now it Prays for 'em heartily & fervently by Name; Mat. 5.44. And they are according to their folly dealt withal, not by an Acting like unto 'em, but the contrary, Prov. 26.4. Not by being overcome of Evil, but by overcoming of Evil with good, Rom. 12.21. Not by committing Treſpaſſes againſt them in a way of Retaliation, but by forgiving them their Treſpaſſes, in a way of Liberality, Mat. 6 14, 15. & 18 35. both freely & frequently; and that for CHRIST's Sake only who has deſerved it, when men have not deſerved that they ſhould be forgiven for their own ſakes, Luk. 17.3, 4. Eph 4.1, 2, 32. Col. 3.8, 12, 13.

Thus to keep up good Charity according to the Divine Commandments is the Way to keep down Sinful Strife. Be not then over-rigid & ſevere in your Reſentments of the p. 112Actions or Words of fellow Chriſtians that are grievous to you; but make the beſt Conſtruction of them, that a reaſonable Charity can Allow; Impute much to their Ignorance, Miſtaken Apprehenſions, Miſinformations, Temptations and meer humane Infirmities; Damn 'em not prefently as Perſons of Profligate Conſciences; but treat 'em rather with meekneſs & gentleneſs, patience & compaſſion as Perſons hopefully Reclaimable; and ſuffer not the Exerciſe of Private Spiritual Fraternal. Communion in Praying together & conferring about the things of God to Cool or Fail by any means; Be often with them, and Expreſs your moſt hearty Love to them, in the bowels of CHRIST. All Diſpoſition in you & them unto Sinful Strife will be proportionably Weakned, as your Mutual Love is Strengthned, and your Spirits ſweetned by your Conjoyned Exerciſes of Religion & Communion with God. Make p. 113Conſcience then of Approving your ſelves one to another as moſt Sincere in Brotherly Love, as well as moſt Upright & Steady in the Eſſentials of true Godlineſs, Righteouſneſs, Prudence, & Order, that you may get an Heart-Intereſt One in Another; and then tho' your Minds are invincibly poſſeſſed with different Opinions leading to ſome diverſity in Practice, Yet conſidering that the things wherein you agree are vaſtly more and greater than the things wherein you differ, and that under Variety of Apprehenſion you Retain Unity of Affection, Tis not impoſſible for you, by the Gift and Help of the Holy SPIRIT, ſo to manage Matters with Wiſdom, Forbearance and Condeſcention, as not to Contract the Guilt of being diſturbers of Mutual Peace: Thoſe Incendiaries, Pride & Self Conceitedneſs, Magiſterial Impoſitions on one another, Impatience of Contradiction, Envy, Self-Intereſt, Intruſions of New Opinions p. 114againſt fundamental Truths, Invaſions of Long Poſſeſſed Rights, Blind and Furious Zeal for leſſer Points of Truth, Order or Right, and all Gravaminous Mutual Reflections, being utterly Abandoned and Abhorred by you. For then will you Diſcourſe & Argue all things with Sedate Minds; then will you be able to Hear Scripture & found Reaſon, as well as Speak it; and to give Soft Words, & Sweet Arguments; then you'l take to heart your Neighbours Caſes & Intereſts as well as your Own; & where Conſcience will ſuffer it, You'l be ready to meet 'em half way; Yea, ſo great will your Self Denial be, that you'l be Inclined to ſay as Mephiboſheth, 2 Sam. 19.26. Even let 'em Take all: Yea, you'l not Aſſume to be your own judges, but will willingly Submit to the Arbitration, Advice, or Judgment of Others; and Ask at Abel, that ſo you may End your Matters? 2 Sam. 20 18. And you'l not grudge to part with a little inconſiderable p. 115Pelf, to purchaſe the very precious & invaluable Jewel of Peace: Then you'l humbly Reſolve that that ſhall never be gotten by ſtrife that can be gotten by Peace: Then alſo 'twil do your hearts good to behold the Good and Proſperity & Comforts of other men, and more good to be the Inſtruments to procure'em: Then you'l carefully avoid all undue ſiding and Party-taking; but if you belong to … ſtrong and difficult Party, and have a Party ſtrong and difficult againſt you and the Matter of Right contended about, be very conſiderable, and Arbitrators and Judges are …ivided in their Opinions, and other …rdinary means of iſſuing fail of …ucceſs, then after much Prayer to …eaven; you'l ſubmit to a ſacred …ot, and by that Ordinance be De…rmined, Prov. 18.18, 19. & 16.32, 33. … 17.1. Moreover you'l count eve…y new injury done unto you to be a …ew Probation that you are put upon …y the Divine Permiſſive and Overruling p. 116Providence, and will be more concern'd to acquit your ſelves well in Piety & Meekneſs & Charity under the Trial, than to bring trouble on him that did you the injury; and you'l account every new injury to be a new call to ſome new act of Beneficence to the injurious perſon. You'l count that when you provoke any Fellow Chriſtians and Fellow Members, and hurt them, that you hurt your ſelves, and you will your ſelves feel and be in pain for every ſtroke and hurt that you inflict on others, which will make you wary of dealing ſharply with 'em; you'l offer any thing for Peace, but to Sin againſt God; you'l not put by any really good motion out of prejudice to him that makes it, thro' Indignation that he complies not with your Sentiments o… outward Intereſt: You'l ſpeak of others, as you would be ſpoken of your ſelves, and ſpeak to them as you your ſelves would be ſpoken to, & will do as you would be done by; you will ſanctifie the Name of God, p. 117when he permits your Brethrens falls, (when they ſinfully fall upon you) and be more heartily concerned in deep pity to them to obtain their Pardon and Recovery, than to get any Revenge upon them for your ſelves; and praiſing God, that you yet ſtand, you'l be warned thereby to take heed leſt you fall alſo. If any one be overtaken in a Fault, you'l endeavour to reſtore him in the Spirit of meekneſs; conſidering your ſelves, leſt you alſo be Tempted, Gal. 6.1. Alſo knowing that Fructus liberat arborem, the Husbandman will not fell the Tree that is loaden with choice Fruit; you'l labour that your Fraternal Peace be not expoſed to be cut down for its Laodicean barrenneſs; you'l ſee that it be fruitfully improved, as the Primitive Church's was; who having peace and reſt, were edified in the Comforts of the Holy Ghoſt, and multiplied, Acts 9.31. You'l walk in, and work by the light of it, and not forfeit it by Security, Senſuality, p. 118Worldlineſs, neglect of Ordinances, and Diſobedience to the Commands of Redeeming the Time, and working out your Salvation with fear, and watching and preparing for the Coming of your Lord, and Exhorting one another daily, while it is called to day, leſt any be hardened through the deceitfulneſs of Sin.

And you'll dread to dance after the Devil in the Inchanted Ring of Sinful Strife, to the fatal hazard of all your beſt Intereſts for Time and Eternity. Now the God of Peace help you to follow theſe Directions of His Holy Word, in an Holy Striving againſt Sinful Strife; and give you Peace always by all means, through Chriſt Joſus, by His Holy Spirit; to whom be Glory for ever. Amen.