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'P T U: f "7A > • ■/ v-t S*; t: ■RA rv*. * ■ ■•■ • I 1 J / J !>« ^^^H t ^^H ^^^1 H ^^^2i^_mu^^^^^^^IS H ^^^1 ^^^^^1 ^^H HB ^^H^^i^iHai ^■^1 ^Hj ^t^m ^^H^^^^^^^^H>H^^B^ ^ . • «^ ana, ttiat* uiecniidrui otGod, Unfortiinatelv /or v.m nil however, vou havp IpI-x*,; 1.1 ot ^ ^" ^"> crape shoiWd florf . ^^''^*^^ ^'^'^ vvi.erethe LC nt th.^^^ "''*"^'^ "^ the unity of me sprn jt, tliere are divisions amon- you. profess olf.'l'fr'r^' honourable to a christiaa thar it V ' '.^f^esay. you are able to add Jt^sureoTrV"'^''^^^" "^'*''^'^ '^^' profit nor ae aavibdWe to teage from coaten^ j imd it og. ,..^4^j i M il ii --asg ■ .:j*''-iafc '- f9" mtiMmmi9if> MIM k r4i 4Mirs to w *», that, if you -would only be a» candU and re»K«nable as 1 have formerly found you, thia «nd mi;zht be very eaHJly gained. I do not insinu- ate that any of you wish to be unreasonable. Bi I you mcjtt have often observed, that persons en- gaged in dispute, do not always approve their own condurt, wthen calra reflection returns. Keennesw of d( bate will, attii*fSj, nrvake even reasonable and teligious men overlook points of importance whicli should be considered with care. Allow me, there- fore, to suu^gest to you a few remarks, winch per- sons in your situation might usefully weigh ; and let me entreat you to hear them with christian af- fection. I can have no wish to displease any of you : but truth is the foundal* " f »»eace ; and I do wish to tell you the tru' 'ly vou u\ re- ceive it, as the truth ought 1 ' el\*\ dl feel Its influence, aftd agaia walk .' nit) \ peaca cf the gospel. ■- I do not say that dispntea si. ji.' j . ?r exist tn the chur<^h. It is possible for even the peace of the church to be too dearly purcha>?d. Of tliis you are aware, however, that, among the friends of religion, they are always unseemly. The con- tention of christians is so utterly repugnant to a religions profession, and so com| ' 'tely o[tposite to the design of the gospel, that very few cause* can authorize its introduction into the church. Be- sides, upon the subject of pea^e, the iiijunctious of Christ are so plain and explicit ; that he who interrupts tl>e harmony of the church, onghl to be well assured of the validity of his reasons. With much fervent piayer and meditation, he should bring the point of debate to the test of scripture ; and be- fore he proceed, the trial should leave upon his iiiind an impression, that his conduct will receive the approbation of Christ. Be sure, brethren, that you can contemplate vath confidence, an appearance before hiui Tiho kIiuII judge the quick aud the dead^ iWlMiimiw [)ii, thi» ; insimi- p. hut ons eii- leir ovi II eeimes» ibie nnd ) vrhicli ', Ihere- ich per- t ; and ivtian af- any of ; uihI I s.il re- vll feel \ peac» ?r exist e peace Ofthi» J friend» 'he con" ml to a )osite ta cause* :h. Be- liHCtioitt he who 111 lo be . With lid bring and be- ipon hia receive en, that [)earance le dead^ ^> r « 1 tiicd by fire. ^ ""*" ' *<"''' "*" b* *ver there is sWf/lftk*' '"J'"-'"'"- Wl.erd disioffanl of d vi„ ' «* •l''"'"'^''' ""•''•<' """^l b, «" thf .-pel t c::*''''S ^|,A" Vl^^^^^ "T «ommmiio» of cliri.tJan. ! j ?'. destroys th* gross oCreiigio.. "tVc ;,rWd '"wi"''"V*'"' P'"' occurs, it musf tfc»„ i "*" "lissens o« and tl.i,^!.,^ ■'"**'' '^"""terMance the loss> *cfore i t med^red'^^ifri^ C^ ''"'^'"S '"'' »W« preservative of "J l.-^'', P^- - -ceMent "«K„dt tKr "oteS^^ '*^"^ the world ; certainly ;;„ut "'' ■^«<'»™ineiid it to m^chless'trdl^Sl'' h!^''"r *" ?''"i"'''- »'«* *he God o. peace LltT" "'« "PProl^tion of weio-hiv Vr. P * 'j "'** ""^ supported bv verr thrtll'dSl't*^'' '/■;•" J«t - all reufe,;be? hu-na/S and ?L T™""^ .«'"'' <'««P '"to th. they encZsI Tlf *■""/"*' *••«? "'« considered «bs^rbcd by t^ feel^!;rff- \ '? ''t'' "'<- "'"«'. I r 6 J vhich arc really important, are frequently overlook* €(1. A li)n< of cMJiiteiilioi above all others, reqiiire« the exercise of a sound judifrnent; yet, that is the very period in wliich the ealm dictates of reason aro least re^rarded ; in whieli lliernind is most apt to be deceived. Wirli much purity of inrention, there may he much ineorrect reasoning-, both respecting, the suhjfct of debate and its consequences; and th«reforf', when we begin to dispute, we ought to re- collect that the feelings of nali're may deeeive and mislead us. Let us tliiiik a great deul about chris- tiaa charity. This will give to our )ud«uient a just cJireclion ; and tiien ofienees will have less influence, and be n»ore easily removed. Lrr us think a great deal about christian cha- nty. Tiie influence of disputes upon the dispositi- ons of men, makes this vastly important. Yielding IS at no time a leading qn;dily of human nature, «nd least of all dnringa period of contention. The mere feelings of the niind are tlien mistaken for in- jury ; and iu proportion as persons conceive them- selves to be injured, they are prone to be obstinate, c^ueh a disposition savours ratljer of vengeance, than ■of the ujercy of the gospel. IleJigion savs. Do (rood iof/iosew/iodfspifefullyiisc you; and ought not offences to be met oy a merciful and yielding mind ? When our I/)rd was reviled, he reviled not again ; jvhen he suffered, helhreatened not : He committed hunKelltobijnthat judgeth righteously. This is example worthy ofiiaitation. Besijjes, it may be remarked, that obstinacy produces very dangerous fruit. Where that is in- dulged, the most upriiJ^ht intentions will degenerate into eagtrness to secure a victory ; and a mind de- termined upon this point, becomes not very scrupu- lous about the means of gaining it. Certainly, then, in disputinir we ought to beware, lest our zeal for re- ligion terminate in thn mere purpose of pleasing our- selves; // is good to be zealously ejected always ^ f 4 ■\ requires !. is tll0 iRori arft apt to n, tlioro pecting-, s; ; and it to re- ive and t tliris- t a just rtuence, in cha- spositi- ielding nature, Tlie for in- ( theni- Eitinate. !e. than h s^ood i^lit not mind ? ajffiin ; imitted riiis is stinacy !; is in- Jueraie ind de- crupii- , tlien, for re- ig our- always I f ' ) >ng cannot casilv do iushI . ' V'"'.'"'^'"'"""* 'I"*l'"t- rsllj- disposed to cast f J U '^ '^' ""^ '""« "«'"- to admit the |,«, i ty of their Zl» 'IV . "'"'"» J-eud, isusuullya,,rin.-i,.a cI,'eof tli. ' .' "'"'""''- o/^qyarrcls Cane our a wnvt continuation ea".e it sees less to oml! /' '?'"""'^ "Pposition, he- "rise, between ca, "ltd 'miBdHh'"'" "'"^'' <'i»P"te. »ettt<..l r'l • """ ""BrtM they are vcrv nvil» Ion,' and itlZ TZ, ^Hi ^'',"'1'" "'t^'^'"' ei-it, beaielU .ll'iL ' P''<>'">M, think, th no are ^ilJi,,,. to makp .. u/ n ^^ ourselves we "ei,.ibo,,r%;ro.?htt: Xa ;:r ■ «^"^^^^^^^ ^^^ ;^|.ic.. strives :it';;2. d:; s rsr^' f"" and prospentv will Hw^ii 4U ""f"*^*^^'""- Feace .a.vL„^nA:';,tr;uLr ='*''"* ^^^^^^ ".tercore'^i^retl'tiTer"*^"*!"" '"^'='^^*« --« putes arise t ere s^J^ T'""",'""- ^'''«'' ' Pe'cwves "ir."ee Re "rail V ,1 •".''''?'"''*• ^"'"'""'^ of f.iendshipand2„. '"""■:'' ,".' P™P«rtio.. to the •'•'I- Ye t eso »t r "'"' *'^'^'' "''-y are discus! be who opposef US m^.if I ""■• t'""'"-Ji"g tl.«t ""•MM kad as suspiewn su^'gcsts j an* 4 91 1 ,.Jl>k\.«l.!.....„ .'.,:. f 8 J ''! Pf R :!►-' then we OTorlook hi, poorf qnnlities and \m snoj ac ,«,.s t,.ij.ll,..r : Vc «i,h,lraw from hi.,. „..r frS •h p we a.:a),.i,t l.ini uiiwo. thy of r.(/arj ; w.- w.ll ««tall«w I...,, eve. ll.„.e ...arks of civ.lity ZZh wo would jf.vc to a slr,u,gcr. Y».. ,n.„t have also ohse, vr'<) not douht, hitthren, that ycu all wish to ' •»» J"stice. grace L.i.'^e'.ain.l'L.ot""""' '"""-""" "^ "« healing pow^ro ^i:lu t a-^d""'^' Tf "' "'« tern of |.i,.„„,iHg ...n.t; 'reselhleV ,'1 "' r^^ God command quarrel in^r /n! [* '• ^"'=* »V man agai„„tl s br er ? niTr." ^T"=' '-' ''*«- his fricndl. ?. He ov«,l ! <^'';'st strive with even to the death h.d 12 "■"'' ■ ''" '»^««Hhem ncBS. How repugnant L f,''?'""^' t' "'^i' «^ive, christians ' It Tw/I I?* '"' '" ""^ «<«»tention of hroil, of let .re /are t„ ,f ^^".r""""' *» ^«''' "" "'• hi,w.estg,or?j:rd^r hlt:'::^''ft''^v ^^ ^mjteiiton, then mu^Y Uc l\ ' "'^ cjinrch. that we ea; pS" lle^rfhi r:\rfh otr'^ ^mha;- It into his presence it wi u' i t"^ ""^ confusion. If wL iove Ari * ^''''''''"' "« ^^^'^ ofo...' love to G^d 7;.d ;:: I'r T, the sincerity :»'l.on. his lord, when he come'rshal fill ''"""' W^tKj«« ,n love J thi» i. th« .-«« f;,u,^,";,J n )*' '^\ •^*Hf -l'jf^%^ no) af t!if p^ospel, and an important end of the cliristiaii vocation. It is n..t good for man to be alone : the Lord, therefore, «etteth the solitary in families ; and tins arrangement he has introduced into rehrjion. lo save every man hy himself, would be easy for ^oa. Bnt man assists man to sin ; and man is or- dained to aid man, in the service of God and in the attainment of happiness. Qood men have one fa- therotalland one common inheritance, the same ivilderness to tread and the same common afflicti- ons. God, therefore, brings them to-ether, that they may know each other and each others wants ; that they may experience tjie feelin-s, and afford the assistance ot brethren. This is honourable to the divnie benevolence, and experience has proved It to be profitable to the Church. Christian com- nitinion is incalculable gain. Rdigiou i„ secret is sweet ; but a day in the family of God, is better than a thousand. Unfortunately for you all, howe- ver, m proceeding through the wilderness, von have fallen out by the way. I say unfortunately ; for, were the truth told, it has fared with voa accordingly. Contention kills the benevolent feel- ing^ of the mind ; and even christians at variunce. Ills ead of cherishing the f 'lowship of the gospel J ?.7'^ themselves to make one another stumble and fal . Once, yon enjoyed communion in the house of God : now, you have not the same mutual affection and confidence. Ask yourselves, then, ^h,ch way is best ; which, most glorifying to God honourable to the gospel of his grace, and rroiitable to the interests of religion in the church. Doubtless yon will all say, that it is not with vou as in months past ; that your disputes have des- troyed christian helpfulness and the comfort of christian communion ; and, that the church had never less appearance of religious improvement. JNONE of yoM, brethren, can, in present circnm- #taocc$, make that proj^aiw iii godliness which be* jliristiaii e : the ies ; and religion. ?asy for in is or- l ill the ! one fa- le same afllicti- iT, that wants ; I afford •able to proved n com- ecret is better , howe- % yon lately ; th \ou nt feel- iriunce, gospel, ituiiible in the mutual , then, ing to e, and ihurch. th you 3 tles- I'ort of h had nt. irciim* 1 11 ) > *omen yonr profession. If yon were trowinff ii fetti:? \Z;r''^' "^""^ '""•« •^o"^' o7 a? fection. I will venture to affirm, that, ifanyim- KveT„M„t%"""'r' ''r ''y those indi^duar/who arc n2 '"'f^'^?'"^. *'t'' 5 onr disputes at all ; wl.» men above the gospel of peace. Warned by yonr contention, these may be learning humility /but w nt h'n?'"^"'''' " "'"''"'' ""y 'J«P^^«>'i»''- They rffecti„r„f T"?^ sensations, which the mutual •ttection of christians excites. Intercourse with you affords no fellowship , f brotherly love : itTs a communication with minds brooding on strife; and ^fZlT"! 4."*''""' ^^'«*^»"P into the hm^e ZJ eiT tl"^ P^spect can give them no elad- chur,'! r*' •.''*''' r *'" '■•^'=' flourish In , ThnvL r 'tV''*™'"'^'"''* P^-'y *» contention, /nn^ili .• *''*""? '"«« neglecting the means of re- conciliation and peace; and how can the God of Cr?^nV "' •" M'resence and blessing from on high !• Did you only consider your present situa- tion yon would easily perceive, you would all tec how pernicious to improvement in personal rehgion your contention is. "^liow injurious to the exercise of every christian grace. You may have « consciousness that you are acting uprightly ; but IZZT'.'t" "Tf"' ^-t-'-tfoirof LliVg that yon love the whole family of God. and ari beloved ,„ return. Besides, a 'mind brooding o™ rtrife has within itself, what enfeebles every spriuit of activity m a religious life. Its unfriendly d s? positions pervade its most solcmn.acts of devotion. Even Its professions of love are mingled with nre^ judice and dislike ; and how can it. iiT such a sta'e. lubmltM"^™'*""' '" "Sliteousness ? It will no submit to those precepts, which enjoin the exer- " poTcrs "'""""'" **='^t'»» t^^ard it" keenest op. Bmide», it may be remarked, that y«ur pr«« ^ (f *■•. four d,t! ?!"*''?"'"• ^'>" ''"o* it to b« tC itli!'!/''"" *'"' SO'P-' for the sake of o! iToJe SZTV'' r" t" "'"^"'P'!''y it« love likewise ih^r/;. ""''""on. Xa your situation -t Zt otrkeT-^'fe e^^Se Iftir""' fooked t^ v„,? "" I>^^'«''yt«nan duuch. We tham J I ^ f "■ ^""^"^'y "'■ «l"'stiai.s, witl, when >ou became a con-.Kn. r/ccTved Tn-S^f h^T' ""V'"^* '""' "" t''* ordinance of re. ''gwn dispensed among v«n ; and wl.at are th. conseqiienees ? Tliere is" sp.rolv . .• promise voarseIvf>* fmm "'^'^'''^^"' ^'^'^t you can , diia biirtly, if yonconsider their future efti.nf. you can have no wish that they lo d he for ^ W w ♦are time to reflect ; and, when calm reflection m tuHis, those things which would please you „oT my prove to you a source of very 'painful sensatU those cheerless reflections, which such an event »ust ur^voidably produce. The protracted con- tention of a church inflicts many wounds, which you have yet to feel. Did you'behold so itude in the house of God, his children dispersed in th" world, and the enemies of religion, by .your means confirmed in their prejudices f th; medit^ions of your solitary moments, would not V the same as to day. Gor^ to God in the hi^he.t ; m earth peace, good will toicard men, would not he your long, in the house of your pilirri«iagc. Do not persuade yoj^rselves that these events may occur without impairing your own peace of mind The mere consciousness of ^ourpart in this contention, must have a saddening effect upon your reliLnoui enjoyments ; and what will you fed, when God deals with you as a father deals with his unduti- ful children ? H.s paternal lave may preserve you from destruction ; hut it will save you so as by hre : and, should you ever experience the cor- rections of mercy, you will feel them to be hea. yiier, than you are well able to bear. But, granting that none of the adversities ctT life should ever assail you ; (and may you brethren, always enjoy tiie loving kindness of the Lord aiid always rejoice in the light of his countenance;) yet, though you should live an hundred years and rejoice m them all ; there are days of darknc s.3 to be encountered, when even the voice of reiorcin- hegets sadness of heart. No prosperity can\rrest the progress of that period, m which even the ■trong men bow themselves and descend into the grave. It is eusy to conceive, what you would wish your latter end to be. You would wish it to be clie^r- •4 with the coutolutiuus of mwcy : u posses* the 1 -^ ri4 3 jvidence (Jf an interest in the loring kinAifM ofihg Lord ; to die with a well gioundcd assurance, that you are going where the Saviour is, and when there IS fulness of joy forever. But is there no dant?er tiiat your conduct now may cloud the evidences of all these thiugs, at the very time when you have the greatest need of them ? You are now strivina together; will you he then able to say, I have fought the good fight P May not God withhold Irom you the light of his countenance, and permit the darkness of death to compars you about ? You vill find dying sufficiently hard, without tlfe fruits t>f contention to increase its sorrows: And let m« «ay to you, bretiiren, tiiat a contentious spirit is the Y