Sacrilegious desertion of the holy ministry rebuked, and tolerated preaching of the gospel vindicated,…Sacrilegious desertion of the holy ministery rebuked, and tolerated preaching of the gospel vindicated,…

Thank God therefore that you may have help, and take it, whether you meet in one or two Assemblies: Help your tolerated Brethren in their work, as those that more desire the good of the peoples souls than they. Consult together for the removing of impediments, and for the strengthening of each other. And if any factious, or froward Non-conformist should happen to be your Neighbour, go to him, and by love and familiarity seek to win and cure him; and you will win the hearts of all good people. And if he be really turbulent, and do more harm in the place than good, I am persuaded the rest of ⟨p. 130⟩the Non-conformists will rebuke him, and disown him. I add,

Thank God therefore that you may have help, and take it, whether you meet in one or two Assemblies: Help your tolerated Brethren in their work, as those that more desire the good of the peoples souls than they. Consult together for the removing of impediments, and for the strengthening of each other. And if any factious, or froward Non-conformist should happen to be your Neighbour, go to him, and by love and familiarity seek to win and cure him; and you will win the hearts of all good people. And if he be really turbulent, and do more harm in the place than good, I am perswaded the rest of ⟨p. 130⟩the Non-conformists will rebuke him, and disown him. I add,

IV. If any difference between you cannot be composed, instead of troubling the people about it, quietly refer it to some indifferent Arbitrators. Is there not a wise man among you? Must Abraham's and Lots Servants, separate them for a Well? Must Paul and Barnabas part for different censures of another mans omission? Shall Christians, Protestants, Ministers, the Teachers of Love, and Concord and Patience, be so weak, so selfish, so bad, such contradicters of their daily Doctrine, as not to be able to carry on Christs work in peace; nor to make an amicable composure of their differences? If you are Christians indeed, the difference is not who shall have the most followers, applause or honour, but who serveth God and saveth souls, in the right and true effectual way? And may not prayer and consultation reconcile such a controversy? For my own part I am conscious of pride and selfishness; Yet I can confidently say, that when I had a Pastoral charge, where I needed many Assistants, if I had known where that man lived whom the people would have loved, honoured and profited by, more than my self, I would have rid night and day to get him to be the man: And when I have heard my Neighbour Ministers that were younger men (I can scarce forbear naming