Selected quad for the lemma: authority_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
authority_n	apostle_n	church_n	tradition_n	3,170	5	9.1818	5	false

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A30026	De Christiana libertate, or, Liberty of conscience upon it's [sic] true and proper grounds asserted & vindicated and the mischief of impositions amongst the people called Quakers made manifest : in two parts : the first proving that no prince nor state ought by force to compel men to any part of the doctrine, worship, or discipline of the Gospel, by a nameless, yet an approved author [i.e. Sir Charles Wolseley], &c. : the second shewing the inconsistency betwixt the church-government erected by G. Fox, &c., and that in the primitive times ... : to which is added, A word of advice to the Pencilvanians / by Francis Bugg.	Bugg, Francis, 1640-1724?; Wolseley, Charles, Sir, 1630?-1714. Liberty of conscience upon its true and proper grounds asserted and vindicated.; Wolseley, Charles, Sir, 1630?-1714. Liberty of conscience the magistrates interest.	1682 (1682)	Wing B5370; ESTC R14734	148,791	384

the_o say_a record_n either_o open_o by_o dispute_n or_o public_o by_o write_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o christ_n doctrine_n and_o example_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o example_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o example_n of_o francis_n howgil_n richard_n hubthorn_n and_o divers_a other_o friend_n testimony_n in_o print_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o antichrictian_n and_o romish_n and_o thereupon_o do_v hereby_o enter_v my_o protestation_n against_o the_o say_a record_n and_o every_o part_n thereof_o witness_v my_o hand_n the_o four_o of_o the_o 10_o month_n 1678._o francis_n bugg_n all_o which_o desire_v of_o their_o prove_v their_o proceed_n apostolical_a and_o debate_v the_o matter_n both_o by_o i_o and_o other_o they_o deny_v and_o utter_o refuse_v but_o i_o marvel_n the_o less_o since_o i_o now_o understand_v by_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o book_n of_o w._n r._n in_o five_o part_n entitle_v the_o christian-quaker_n distinguish_v etc._n etc._n that_o it_o be_v the_o advice_n of_o such_o a_o eminent_a man_n of_o party_n with_o g._n f._n that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v reason_v with_o a_o notable_a way_n but_o methinks_v very_o singular_a yea_o so_o singular_a that_o there_o be_v no_o profession_n of_o people_n that_o i_o know_v of_o now_o extant_a in_o england_n that_o will_v refuse_v to_o be_v reason_v with_o except_o only_o the_o papist_n and_o they_o be_v so_o infallible_o sure_a that_o upon_o that_o foot_n they_o do_v not_o doubt_v nor_o scruple_n their_o faith_n and_o belief_n for_o they_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v and_o g._n w._n say_v in_o his_o apost_n incendi_fw-la etc._n etc._n p._n 16._o that_o the_o true_a church_n be_v in_o the_o true_a faith_n that_o be_v in_o god_n and_o we_o must_v either_o believe_v thus_o as_o the_o true_a church_n believe_v or_o else_o it_o be_v but_o folly_n and_o hypocrisy_n to_o profess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v of_o the_o true_a church_n indeed_o the_o first_o part_n of_o george_n his_o assertion_n be_v true_a for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o faithful_a member_n among_o episcopalian_o presbyterian_o independent_o and_o baptist_n or_o under_o any_o other_o denomination_n whatsoever_o in_o any_o county_n city_n language_n or_o people_n that_o fear_n god_n and_o work_v righteousness_n these_o all_o have_v their_o faith_n in_o god_n but_o that_o those_o with_o respect_n to_o degree_n growth_n or_o measure_n do_v differ_v and_o be_v of_o different_a persuasion_n in_o many_o point_n and_o thereupon_o aught_o to_o bear_v and_o forbear_v judge_v one_o another_o be_v manifest_a as_o also_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o w._n r._n and_o t.c._n have_v full_o manifest_v which_o not_o only_o thwart_n g._n w_n answer_v to_o the_o four_o position_n mention_v in_o the_o 15_o and_o 16_o page_n of_o the_o say_a book_n but_o the_o whole_a rubric_n law_n and_o cannon_n ecclesiastical_a of_o g._n f._n and_o other_o innovator_n who_o be_v so_o infallible_o sure_a of_o the_o way_n and_o that_o all_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n that_o as_o i_o say_v they_o have_v no_o will_n to_o reason_n thing_n to_o debate_v thing_n but_o too_o much_o like_o the_o papist_n will_v have_v thing_n take_v upon_o trust_n implicit_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v practise_v as_o the_o church_n practice_n and_o in_o all_o point_n yield_v obedience_n to_o her_o decree_n without_o any_o examination_n scruple_n or_o doubt_n or_o else_o why_o shall_v that_o abetter_v of_o the_o cause_n of_o g._n f._n advise_v as_o follow_v viz._n let_v not_o this_o spirit_n be_v reason_v with_o enter_v not_o into_o proposal_n and_o article_n with_o it_o but_o feed_v it_o with_o judgement_n that_o be_v god_n decree_n mark_v the_o nature_n and_o tendency_n of_o this_o advice_n for_o shall_v the_o apostle_n have_v thus_o preach_v to_o the_o boreans_n what_o liberty_n have_v be_v leave_v for_o their_o search_n and_o their_o further_a examination_n nay_o christ_n himself_o reason_v in_o the_o synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o apostle_n do_v the_o like_a nay_o when_o any_o difference_n arise_v among_o themselves_o a_o free_a debate_n be_v admit_v which_o among_o we_o have_v be_v both_o by_o advice_n and_o practice_n stiff_o deny_v as_o i_o shall_v yet_o more_o manifest_a six_o query_n propound_v by_o f._n b._n the_o 12_o month_n 1678._o some_o qvery_n propound_v to_o such_o among_o we_o as_o endeavour_v to_o impose_v a_o uniformity_n and_o conformity_n to_o such_o right_n and_o ceremony_n as_o have_v ho_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n and_o to_o such_o a_o church_n discipline_n as_o neither_o the_o prophet_n christ_n jesus_n nor_o his_o holy_a apostle_n primitive_a christian_n saint_n or_o martyr_n in_o any_o age_n or_o generation_n either_o command_v or_o practise_v and_o do_v expect_v your_o answer_n according_a to_o scripture_n for_o the_o scripture_n testify_v of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o example_n and_o the_o apostle_n who_o write_v scripture_n have_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o mind_n be_v not_o variable_a so_o let_v your_o answer_n accord_n with_o scripture_n and_o whereas_o you_o pretend_v you_o be_v for_o holy_a order_n and_o good_a government_n in_o the_o church_n maintain_v the_o same_o by_o scripture_n proof_n otherwise_o we_o shall_v look_v upon_o your_o pretension_n altogether_o vain_a and_o your_o plea_n no_o better_o than_o that_o which_o be_v common_o use_v by_o the_o persecute_v papist_n and_o degenerate_v protestant_n who_o when_o we_o bid_v they_o prove_v the_o use_n of_o their_o ceremony_n and_o other_o observation_n by_o plain_a scripture_n they_o say_v they_o need_v not_o for_o the_o apostle_n say_v let_v thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n and_o the_o church_n see_v a_o decency_n in_o the_o use_n of_o these_o thing_n she_o have_v a_o power_n commit_v to_o she_o to_o impose_v they_o on_o her_o member_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o her_o authority_n she_o command_v the_o strict_a observation_n of_o they_o under_o pain_n of_o her_o displeasure_n and_o if_o any_o will_v not_o yield_v obedience_n to_o her_o decretal_a order_n when_o once_o approve_v on_o by_o a_o general-council_n or_o synodical-assemble_o or_o question_v her_o authority_n she_o have_v a_o power_n to_o excommunicate_v and_o cut_v off_o such_o as_o heritick_n or_o gainsayers_a or_o man_n of_o opposite_a spirit_n etc._n etc._n thus_o say_v rome_n and_o thus_o say_v the_o episcopalian_o &_o thus_o say_v all_o imposer_n who_o have_v no_o authority_n from_o christ_n jesus_n for_o their_o un-scriptural_a tradition_n &_o that_o it_o begin_v to_o be_v so_o with_o we_o be_v plain_a &_o manifest_a and_o for_o a_o particular_a instance_n view_v the_o case_n of_o j._n a._n who_o be_v both_o judge_v and_o condemn_v and_o record_v out_o of_o the_o unity_n at_o a_o quarterly-meeting_a or_o general_a council_n hold_v at_o hadenham_n in_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n the_o four_o of_o the_o seven_o month_n 1678._o and_o in_o as_o much_o as_o you_o seem_v to_o make_v g._n f._n the_o author_n of_o your_o error_n it_o stand_v he_o upon_o final_o to_o reject_v and_o to_o bear_v a_o public_a testimony_n against_o your_o new_a strange_a and_o dangerous_a innovation_n and_o babylonish_n invention_n and_o to_o show_v that_o he_o have_v no_o hand_n in_o the_o introduce_v and_o promote_a the_o same_o wherefore_o answer_v these_o thing_n follow_v that_o so_o your_o mind_n intent_n and_o purpose_n may_v be_v full_o and_o clear_o manifest_a and_o upon_o what_o bottom_n you_o stand_v and_o who_o give_v you_o your_o power_n and_o whence_o you_o derive_v your_o authority_n and_o in_o who_o name_n you_o compel_v a_o conformity_n to_o your_o new_a invenetd_a order_n and_o rule_n under_o pain_n of_o condemnation_n query_n i._n whether_o christ_n jesus_n the_o true_a god_n and_o eternal_a life_n in_o who_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n dwell_v bodily_a be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o true_a church_n or_o whether_o george_n fox_n who_o be_v but_o a_o man_n unto_o who_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v but_o by_o measure_n be_v head_n thereof_o answer_n query_n ii_o if_o you_o say_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n thereof_o as_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v not_o dare_v to_o say_v otherwise_o then_o i_o further_o query_n whether_o christ_n be_v not_o lawgiver_n to_o his_o church_n answer_n query_n iii_o if_o you_o say_v that_o christ_n be_v and_o of_o right_a aught_o to_o be_v both_o head_n and_o lawgiver_n to_o his_o church_n as_o i_o presume_v you_o will_v not_o say_v otherwise_o then_o i_o further_o query_n whether_o we_o who_o profess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v disciple_n &_o follower_n of_o christ_n ought_v not_o to_o follow_v and_o obey_v the_o example_n practice_n precept_n command_n prescription_n and_o exhortation_n of_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n and_o master_n

his_o people_n be_v our_o principle_n the_o very_a foundation_n principle_n and_o corner_n stone_n in_o our_o building_n there_o be_v yet_o many_o live_a witness_n and_o our_o work_n and_o labour_n in_o that_o day_n be_v to_o turn_v people_n mind_n thereunto_o as_o to_o the_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n whereunto_o as_o many_o as_o take_v heed_n do_v well_o and_o that_o there_o be_v sufficiency_n in_o it_o be_v obey_v to_o lead_v to_o salvation_n and_o as_o our_o mind_n come_v to_o be_v turn_v to_o this_o inward_a teacher_n and_o as_o we_o come_v to_o experience_n the_o virtue_n and_o excellency_n of_o this_o holy_a unction_n so_o we_o hold_v a_o public_a testimony_n thereof_o to_o other_o that_o they_o may_v thereby_o be_v provoke_v to_o make_v trial_n thereof_o that_o so_o they_o may_v have_v the_o witness_v in_o themselves_o and_o see_v for_o themselves_o and_o taste_v for_o themselves_o and_o to_o this_o word_n nigh_o in_o the_o heart_n be_v we_o commit_v and_o recommend_v suitable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o ancient_a prophecy_n of_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n and_o his_o bless_a apostle_n and_o prophet_n and_o in_o that_o day_n how_o do_v our_o harmony_n sound_n in_o our_o assembly_n and_o how_o do_v our_o love_n abound_v one_o towards_o another_o and_o our_o zeal_n for_o the_o holy_a name_n of_o our_o god_n in_o this_o stand_v our_o unity_n in_o this_o stand_v our_o fellowship_n even_o in_o that_o inward_a testimony_n which_o god_n commit_v to_o we_o to_o bear_v for_o his_o name_n sake_n here_o be_v the_o move_a cause_n of_o our_o love_n to_o god_n &_o one_o towards_o another_o even_o the_o inward_a testimony_n or_o manifestation_n of_o his_o spirit_n which_o god_n in_o his_o infinite_a love_n have_v give_v we_o to_o profit_v withal_o persuant_n to_o his_o former_a promise_n to_o our_o father_n by_o his_o prophet_n say_v i_o will_v give_v he_o for_o a_o light_n to_o the_o gentile_n and_o to_o be_v my_o salvation_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n i_o will_v give_v he_o for_o a_o commander_n and_o a_o leader_n to_o my_o people_n israel_n and_o as_o we_o come_v to_o believe_v this_o report_n and_o to_o experience_n the_o fulfil_n of_o these_o promise_n and_o to_o be_v witness_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o this_o his_o bless_a appearance_n so_o we_o declare_v to_o other_o that_o they_o also_o may_v believe_v and_o have_v fellowship_n with_o we_o therein_o and_o the_o more_o we_o come_v thus_o to_o be_v spiritually-minded_n and_o spiritually-exercised_n and_o the_o more_o we_o come_v to_o take_v delight_n therein_o and_o to_o meditate_v therein_o the_o more_o the_o lord_n manifest_v his_o love_n unto_o we_o and_o his_o pure_a power_n among_o we_o and_o become_v a_o hedge_n about_o we_o and_o a_o wall_n unto_o we_o and_o give_v we_o favour_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o people_n bless_v and_o praise_v be_v his_o holy_a name_n for_o ever_o and_o in_o that_o day_n when_o other_o will_v boast_v of_o their_o church_n authority_n and_o church_n discipline_n useful_a ceremony_n comely_a order_n and_o decent_a vestment_n etc._n etc._n we_o tell_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n that_o christ_n jesus_n the_o second_o adam_n the_o lord_n from_o heaven_n who_o be_v a_o quicken_a spirit_n be_v head_n of_o our_o church_n lawgiver_n to_o our_o church_n on_o who_o shoulder_n the_o government_n and_o authority_n of_o our_o church_n be_v lay_v yea_o the_o hedge_n and_o pale_a of_o our_o church_n and_o able_a to_o preserve_v our_o church_n and_o in_o this_o faith_n we_o live_v and_o walk_v in_o pure_a undefiled_a love_n if_o any_o say_v to_o we_o lo_o here_o be_v christ_n in_o this_o ordinance_n or_o in_o that_o observation_n we_o tell_v they_o nay_o christ_n be_v within_o and_o there_o they_o must_v wait_v to_o know_v he_o except_o they_o be_v reprobate_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v within_o and_o there_o they_o must_v wait_v to_o receive_v the_o earnest_a of_o it_o for_o it_o come_v not_o by_o outward_a observation_n this_o we_o tell_v people_n this_o we_o prove_v to_o the_o people_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n this_o upon_o all_o occasion_n we_o testify_v to_o all_o people_n professor_n and_o profane_a bond_n and_o free_a noble_a and_o ignoble_a when_o they_o tell_v we_o of_o their_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o how_o many_o they_o have_v and_o of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n etc._n etc._n we_o tell_v they_o that_o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v wait_v for_o and_o that_o faith_n be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v and_o that_o although_o in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v faith_n many_o and_o lord_n many_o yet_o to_o we_o there_o be_v but_o one_o faith_n and_o one_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o that_o faith_n and_o that_o although_o the_o scripture_n be_v good_a and_o a_o true_a declaration_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o sure_o believe_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o we_o aught_o to_o be_v believe_v yet_o not_o the_o only_a rule_n but_o still_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n the_o foundation_n principle_n the_o palc_n and_o only_a hedge_n of_o the_o church_n and_o sanctify_a people_n of_o god_n so_o likewise_o it_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o life_n &_o practice_n first_o and_o before_o any_o other_o rule_n and_o always_o have_v the_o preeminency_n in_o our_o testimony_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o if_o any_o question_n the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o have_v here_o affirm_v then_o for_o proof_n thereof_o i_o refer_v they_o to_o the_o testimony_n of_o isaac_n pennington_n edward_n burrough_n george_n bishop_n etc._n etc._n publish_a by_o t._n crisp_n together_o with_o the_o write_n of_o francis_n howgil_n richard_n hubberthorn_n and_o many_o other_o ancient_a friend_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o that_o day_n if_o any_o brethren_n give_v forth_o a_o letter_n of_o advice_n and_o counsel_n for_o the_o help_n and_o information_n of_o the_o weak_a and_o late_o convince_v it_o be_v so_o word_v as_o that_o christian-liberty_n be_v preserve_v and_o the_o people_n not_o impose_v upon_o beyond_o their_o freedom_n and_o that_o it_o be_v so_o i_o shall_v prove_v by_o a_o undeniable_a instance_n in_o a_o letter_n of_o advice_n from_o the_o brethren_n in_o the_o north_n about_o twenty_o year_n since_o contain_v twenty_o particular_a thing_n wherein_o advice_n and_o counsel_n be_v give_v yet_o so_o as_o to_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o freedom_n and_o not_o to_o impose_v they_o further_o than_o friend_n to_o who_o they_o write_v can_v receive_v they_o or_o see_v a_o service_n in_o they_o as_o be_v evident_a both_o from_o the_o title_n or_o direction_n of_o the_o say_a paper_n and_o also_o from_o the_o closure_n and_o conclusion_n of_o the_o say_a letter_n both_o which_o i_o shall_v here_o insert_v as_o also_o that_o clause_n or_o particular_a advice_n about_o marriage_n which_o be_v the_o seven_o particular_a thing_n wherein_o counsel_n be_v give_v in_o the_o say_a paper_n or_o letter_n of_o advice_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n send_v unto_o the_o brethren_n in_o the_o north_n these_o necessary_a thing_n follow_v to_o which_o if_o you_o in_o the_o light_n wait_v to_o be_v keep_v in_o obedience_n you_o will_v do_v well_o fare_v you_o well_o this_o be_v the_o title_n or_o direction_n of_o the_o say_a letter_n of_o advice_n now_o follow_v the_o seven_o particular_a which_o be_v about_o marriage_n etc._n etc._n that_o as_o any_o be_v move_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o his_o light_n call_v to_o take_v a_o brother_n or_o sister_n in_o marriage_n marriage_n be_v honourable_a in_o all_o and_o the_o bed_n undefiled_a let_v it_o be_v make_v know_v to_o the_o child_n of_o light_n especial_o to_o those_o of_o the_o meeting_n of_o which_o the_o party_n be_v member_n that_o all_o in_o the_o light_n may_v it_o witness_v to_o be_v of_o god_n and_o be_v in_o the_o light_n make_v manifest_a to_o be_v of_o god_n let_v they_o be_v join_v together_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o his_o fear_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o many_o witness_n according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n record_v which_o be_v write_v for_o our_o example_n and_o learning_n and_o that_o no_o scandal_n may_v rest_v upon_o the_o truth_n nor_o any_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o secret_a but_o all_o thing_n to_o the_o light_n bring_v that_o truth_n may_v triumph_v over_o all_o deceit_n and_o that_o they_o who_o be_v join_v together_o in_o the_o lord_n may_v not_o by_o man_n be_v put_v asunder_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v join_v together_o that_o there_o may_v

who_o be_v both_o head_n and_o lawgiver_n to_o his_o church_n which_o be_v frequent_o lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n by_o the_o four_o evangelist_n and_o other_o his_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n rather_o than_o the_o practice_n precept_n command_n prescription_n and_o exhortation_n of_o g._n f._n or_o any_o other_o mortal_a man_n query_n iu._n if_o you_o say_v that_o the_o command_n precept_n prescription_n and_o exhortation_n of_o christ_n jesus_n ought_v rather_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o be_v obey_v as_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v not_o dare_v to_o say_v otherwise_o then_o i_o further_o query_n whether_o christ_n or_o any_o of_o his_o apostle_n command_v that_o a_o womens-meeting_a shall_v be_v set_v up_o monthly_o distinct_a and_o apart_o from_o the_o man_n and_o a_o power_n commit_v to_o they_o to_o hear_v examine_v and_o determine_v matter_n relate_v to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n as_o now_o practise_v by_o many_o of_o we_o and_o that_o if_o any_o do_v not_o subject_v themselves_o to_o the_o skill_n prudence_n and_o approbation_n of_o such_o women-governour_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v judge_v and_o condemn_v and_o record_v out_o of_o the_o unity_n or_o have_v christ_n or_o any_o of_o his_o apostle_n leave_v a_o precise_a or_o particular_a command_n that_o when_o any_o be_v intend_v to_o join_v in_o marriage_n that_o first_o and_o before_o the_o accomplishment_n thereof_o they_o the_o say_a couple_n shall_v always_o twice_o go_v to_o a_o mans-meeting_a and_o womens-meeting_a they_o be_v distinct_a and_o apart_o from_o each_o other_o for_o so_o they_o must_v be_v or_o else_o not_o according_a to_o g._n f._n his_o order_n and_o then_o all_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o publish_v their_o intention_n of_o marriage_n and_o when_o so_o do_v to_o stay_v a_o complete_a month_n and_o then_o go_v again_o to_o the_o say_a meeting_n viz._n first_o to_o the_o womens-meeting_a for_o they_o have_v the_o pre-eminence_n in_o our_o new_a church_n procedure_v and_o then_o to_o the_o mens-meeting_a they_o be_v distinct_a as_o i_o observe_v before_o which_o be_v a_o main_a principle_n in_o this_o new_a frame_n of_o church-government_n to_o ask_v and_o receive_v their_o approbation_n and_o licence_n to_o marry_v and_o this_o to_o be_v do_v under_o pain_n of_o the_o church_n censure_n which_o peradventure_o may_v be_v to_o record_v they_o out_o of_o the_o unity_n if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o particular_a or_o general_a command_n pray_v show_v it_o we_o or_o whether_o do_v not_o christ_n leave_v his_o people_n to_o their_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n how_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n they_o perform_v and_o complete_a the_o outward_a ceremony_n provide_v they_o come_v together_o chaste_a and_o clean_a as_o become_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o query_n v._n if_o you_o say_v that_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n leave_v neither_o command_n example_n nor_o precedent_n for_o womens-meeting_n a_o part_n from_o the_o man_n to_o be_v set_v up_o monthly_o any_o way_n to_o intermeddle_v with_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n as_o that_o you_o must_v confess_v how_v angry_a soever_o you_o may_v be_v at_o the_o discovery_n of_o these_o hide_a mystery_n then_o i_o do_v further_a query_n of_o you_o the_o say_a imposer_n where_o have_v you_o your_o power_n and_o from_o whence_o have_v you_o your_o authority_n to_o institute_n and_o ordain_v such_o a_o way_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n by_o woman_n or_o otherwise_o contain_v such_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n as_o have_v no_o precedent_n in_o scripture_n and_o in_o who_o name_n do_v you_o compel_v to_o a_o uniformity_n and_o conformity_n thereunto_o and_o whether_o be_v not_o christ_n doctrine_n and_o command_v lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n of_o more_o authority_n than_o the_o command_n institution_n and_o prescription_n of_o g._n f_o which_o if_o you_o grant_v they_o be_v as_o i_o know_v in_o word_n you_o dare_v not_o deny_v whatever_o you_o think_v then_o i_o still_o further_a query_n of_o you_o directory-makers_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n and_o what_o do_v it_o mean_a that_o neither_o matthew_n mark_n luke_n nor_o john_n nor_o any_o one_o chapter_n of_o any_o of_o those_o book_n be_v record_v in_o our_o great_a book_n of_o record_n first_o and_o before_o the_o epistle_n of_o g._n f._n as_o that_o which_o be_v more_o powerful_a more_o bind_v and_o of_o much_o more_o authority_n answer_v these_o thing_n query_n vi._n whether_o be_v not_o the_o berean_o commend_v in_o that_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o see_v whether_o paul_n testimony_n accord_v therewith_o yea_o and_o account_v more_o noble_a than_o they_o of_o thessalonica_n who_o be_v not_o so_o inquisitive_a and_o be_v it_o not_o more_o commendable_a to_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o see_v whether_o the_o institution_n order_n cannon_n degree_n tradition_n and_o ceremony_n of_o g._n f._n and_o other_o innovator_n of_o party_n with_o he_o together_o with_o the_o compel_v a_o uniformity_n and_o conformity_n thereunto_o which_o have_v occasion_v so_o much_o division_n discord_n strife_n and_o contention_n since_o their_o arrival_n be_v according_a to_o scripture_n yea_o or_o nay_o see_v it_o be_v write_v try_v all_o thing_n and_o if_o upon_o a_o diligent_a search_n they_o be_v find_v direct_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n and_o the_o practice_n doctrine_n and_o example_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o holy_a apostle_n saint_n and_o martyr_n in_o all_o age_n then_o i_o further_o query_n whether_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v oppose_v withstand_v and_o testify_v against_o by_o all_o those_o that_o have_v a_o certain_a sight_n thereof_o allege_v constant_o according_a to_o scripture_n that_o every_o one_o shall_v be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o if_o any_o be_v otherwise_o or_o contrary_a mind_a they_o ought_v to_o be_v let_v alone_o until_o it_o please_v god_n to_o reveal_v and_o make_v manifest_a his_o will_n unto_o they_o for_o what_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n as_o say_v the_o apostle_n so_o answer_v these_o thing_n touch_v the_o point_n of_o church-government_n for_o your_o practice_n bring_v you_o into_o suspicion_n and_o you_o must_v come_v to_o trial_n as_o other_o have_v do_v before_o you_o f._n b._n the_o twelve_o month_n 1678._o to_o these_o query_n there_o be_v some_o testimony_n of_o friend_n add_v which_o for_o brevity_n sake_n i_o here_o omit_v likewise_o the_o letter_n wherein_o i_o enclose_v they_o to_o s._n cater_n i_o also_o at_o present_a omit_v for_o some_o reason_n and_o to_o this_o day_n i_o never_o have_v any_o answer_n to_o the_o say_a query_n whereby_o i_o perceive_v what_o effect_v the_o advice_n give_v by_o a_o public_a preacher_n of_o party_n with_o g._n f._n have_v take_v viz._n let_v not_o this_o spirit_n be_v reason_v with_o enter_v not_o into_o proposal_n and_o article_n with_o it_o but_o feed_v it_o with_o judgement_n that_o be_v god_n decree_n which_o advice_n when_o compare_v with_o this_o kind_n of_o doctrine_n frequent_o publish_v as_o w._n r._n aver_v in_o his_o preface_n to_o the_o christian-quaker_n distinguish_v etc._n etc._n viz._n let_v we_o exclude_v the_o reason_v the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o jealousy_n and_o let_v we_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o brethren_n i_o say_v when_o i_o compare_v they_o and_o many_o other_o like_o exhortation_n it_o be_v the_o less_o marvel_n that_o they_o shall_v refuse_v any_o answer_n especial_o consider_v that_o if_o they_o shall_v answer_v there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o evade_v be_v discover_v and_o error_n love_v obscurity_n for_o its_o habitation_n be_v darkness_n and_o ignorance_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o its_o devotion_n and_o conformity_n the_o monstrous_a womb_n that_o produce_v it_o and_o when_o attend_v with_o the_o secular_a power_n support_v all_o its_o deform_a part_n with_o great_a admiration_n cry_v who_o be_v able_a to_o make_v war_n with_o the_o beast_n etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v add_v one_o query_n which_v j._n a._n put_v forth_o to_o which_o i_o never_o hear_v that_o he_o have_v any_o answer_n and_o by_o that_o the_o reader_n may_v understand_v his_o sense_n about_o the_o proceed_n of_o our_o quarterly-meeting_a against_o he_o and_o then_o i_o purpose_v to_o conclude_v this_o chapter_n etc._n etc._n a_o question_n propound_v to_o s._n cater_n and_o other_o of_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n and_o elsewhere_o who_o force_n a_o conformity_n to_o church-discipline_n and_o say_v without_o conformity_n no_o unity_n the_o question_n be_v what_o be_v conformity_n a_o very_a short_a question_n and_o easy_o answer_v it_o may_v be_v s._n c._n and_o other_o may_v say_v it_o be_v to_o the_o spirit_n but_o not_o mean_v so_o but_o intend_v the_o will_n and_o edict_n of_o man_n as_o in_o example_n the_o late_a proceed_n against_o j._n a._n concern_v take_n he_o wife_n who_o in_o every_o particular_a

practice_n a_o man_n may_v discern_v without_o a_o pair_n of_o spectacle_n error_n and_o superstition_n come_v in_o apace_o limp_a upon_o their_o old_a crooked_a crutch_n of_o implicit_a faith_n and_o blind_a obedience_n and_o lest_o you_o shall_v not_o know_v how_o to_o answer_v these_o query_n i_o will_v answer_v they_o in_o the_o word_n of_o our_o own_o principle_n that_o so_o you_o may_v the_o better_o behold_v your_o revolting_n and_o perceive_v your_o innovation_n and_o take_v notice_n of_o your_o apostatise_v from_o your_o primitive_a principle_n but_o if_o my_o answer_n please_v you_o not_o then_o let_v i_o see_v by_o one_o answer_n of_o your_o own_o what_o you_o can_v say_v for_o yourselves_o query_n i._n whether_o to_o impose_v any_o thing_n upon_o another_o man_n conscience_n either_o to_o do_v or_o practice_n be_v not_o a_o do_v otherwise_o to_o other_o than_o we_o will_v they_o shall_v do_v unto_o we_o and_o so_o antichristian_a see_v the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n about_o marriage_n answ_n yea_o for_o so_o say_v r._n hubberthorn_n in_o his_o work_n p._n 188._o where_o he_o tender_v seven_o reason_n why_o no_o imposition_n ought_v to_o be_v upon_o any_o man_n conscience_n by_o any_o but_o the_o lord_n and_o say_v he_o to_o impose_v any_o thing_n upon_o another_o man_n conscience_n either_o to_o do_v or_o practice_n be_v not_o a_o do_v to_o other_o as_o they_o will_v be_v deal_v by_o and_o therefore_o be_v contrary_a to_o christ_n doctrine_n which_o say_v i_o be_v antichristian_a query_n ii_o whether_o such_o society_n as_o do_v not_o govern_v themselves_o according_a to_o their_o primitive_a principle_n but_o erect_v new_a order_n and_o new_a model_n of_o government_n new_a ceremony_n and_o new_a way_n of_o sentence_v judge_a and_o condemn_v the_o innocent_a recording_n and_o excommunicate_v such_o as_o can_v yield_v conformity_n and_o uniformity_n thereunto_o do_v not_o more_o resemble_v tyranny_n than_o order_n nay_o be_v it_o not_o antichristian_a answ_n yea_o for_o all_o society_n be_v to_o govern_v themselves_o according_a to_o their_o institution_n and_o first_o principle_n of_o union_n where_o there_o be_v violence_n upon_o this_o part_n tyranny_n and_o not_o order_n be_v introduce_v now_o since_o persuasion_n and_o conviction_n begin_v all_o true_a christian_a society_n all_o christian-society_n mu_o uphold_v themselves_o upon_o the_o same_o free_a bottom_n or_o they_o turn_v antichristian_a query_n iii_o whether_o to_o restrain_v people_n from_o the_o free_a exercise_n of_o their_o conscience_n or_o to_o compel_v people_n to_o act_v against_o their_o faith_n and_o persuasion_n in_o matter_n spiritual_a be_v not_o popish_a and_o a_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n address_v to_o prot._n pag._n 149._o 150._o answ_n yea_o for_o the_o apostle_n in_o his_o day_n say_v let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n or_o conscience_n and_o do_v not_o go_v about_o to_o force_v people_n to_o conform_v to_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v not_o persuade_v of_o in_o their_o own_o conscience_n but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v not_o admit_v that_o every_o one_o shall_v walk_v or_o act_n as_o they_o be_v persuade_v in_o their_o own_o conscience_n see_v josiah_n coal_n whore_n vnvail_v p._n 71._o 72._o query_n iu._n if_o so_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o wisdom_n to_o beware_v of_o this_o trojan_a horse_n of_o this_o practice_n which_o so_o much_o resemble_v rome_n who_o common_o lie_v more_o stress_n upon_o their_o own_o ceremony_n and_o write_v tradition_n order_n and_o institution_n than_o upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o the_o primitive_a christian_n example_n answ_n yea_o i_o beseech_v you_o protestant_n by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o love_n of_o jesus_n christ_n ratify_v to_o you_o in_o his_o most_o precious_a blood_n fly_v rome_n at_o home_n have_v a_o care_n of_o this_o presumption_n carry_v it_o not_o too_o high_a lay_v not_o stress_n where_o god_n have_v lay_v none_o neither_o use_v his_o royal_a stamp_n to_o authorize_v your_o apprehension_n in_o the_o main_n of_o his_o institution_n address_v to_o prot._n p._n 77._o query_n v._o whether_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o of_o more_o authority_n than_o our_o write_a tradition_n and_o order_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o as_o commendable_a now_o to_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o see_v whether_o our_o order_n tradition_n and_o ceremony_n be_v agreeable_a to_o they_o as_o it_o be_v former_o for_o the_o berean_o who_o by_o the_o scripture_n examine_v paul_n testimony_n see_v some_o of_o you_o call_v they_o the_o professor_n weapon_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v allege_v in_o our_o quarterly-meeting_n answ_n yea_o for_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o great_a foundation_n of_o our_o protestant_a religion_n be_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n from_o without_o we_o and_o the_o testimony_n and_o illumination_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n within_o we_o upon_o this_o foot_n the_o first_o reformer_n stand_v and_o make_v and_o maintain_v their_o separation_n from_o rome_n with_o good_a cause_n therefore_o it_o be_v the_o general_a consent_n of_o all_o sound_n protestant_n writer_n that_o neither_o tradition_n counsel_n nor_o cannon_n of_o any_o visible_a church_n much_o less_o the_o edict_n of_o any_o civil_a session_n or_o jurisdiction_n but_o the_o scripture_n only_a interpret_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o we_o give_v the_o final_a determination_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o only_a in_o the_o conscience_n of_o every_o christian_a to_o himself_o which_o protestation_n make_v by_o the_o first_o public_a reformer_n against_o the_o imperial_a edict_n of_o charles_n the_o five_o impose_v church_n tradition_n without_o scripture_n authority_n mark_n you_o order_v maker_n the_o same_o cause_n move_v to_o the_o same_o thing_n give_v first_o beginning_n to_o the_o name_n protestant_a and_o with_o that_o name_n have_v ever_o be_v receive_v this_o doctrine_n which_o prefer_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o spirit_n to_o that_o of_o the_o church_n and_o her_o tradition_n address_v to_o prot._n p._n 148._o query_n vi_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o a_o popish_a tenet_n to_o cry_v down_o wisdom_n and_o to_o say_v that_o wisdom_n will_v destroy_v we_o as_o it_o be_v usual_o with_o you_o to_o say_v for_o the_o papist_n care_v not_o how_o foolish_a the_o common_a people_n be_v nor_o how_o much_o in_o ignorance_n it_o be_v as_o they_o say_v the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n they_o educate_v they_o provide_v their_o minister_n and_o jesuit_n be_v very_o expert_a and_o able_a to_o defend_v their_o way_n of_o worship_n and_o heap_n of_o ceremony_n and_o when_o do_v any_o that_o write_v or_o dispute_v to_o defend_v our_o way_n of_o worship_n write_v and_o speak_v like_o fool_n except_o they_o can_v neither_o write_v nor_o speak_v otherwise_o and_o why_o do_v you_o cry_v out_o against_o wisdom_n upon_o every_o occasion_n as_o if_o ignarance_n be_v become_v our_o only_a darling_n answ_n for_o to_o admire_v what_o man_n do_v not_o know_v and_o to_o make_v it_o a_o principle_n not_o to_o inquire_v be_v the_o last_o mark_n of_o folly_n in_o the_o believer_n and_o of_o imposture_n in_o the_o imposer_n to_o be_v short_a a_o christian_n imply_v a_o man_n and_o a_o man_n imply_v conscience_n and_o understanding_n but_o he_o that_o have_v no_o conscience_n nor_o understanding_n as_o he_o have_v not_o who_o have_v deliver_v they_o up_o to_o the_o will_n of_o another_o man_n be_v no_o man_n and_o therefore_o no_o christian_a upon_o this_o principle_n man_n must_v be_v make_v fool_n in_o order_n to_o believe_v shall_v folly_n which_o be_v the_o shame_n if_o not_o the_o curse_n of_o a_o man_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o a_o christian._n address_v to_o prot._n pag._n 187._o query_n vii_o be_v it_o not_o great_a deceit_n and_o illusion_n first_o to_o make_v rule_n or_o cannon_n to_o walk_v by_o and_o when_o any_o refuse_v obedience_n to_o they_o and_o can_v for_o conscience_n sake_n conform_v to_o they_o then_o to_o senctence_n judge_n and_o record_v such_o out_o of_o the_o unity_n and_o yet_o to_o the_o world_n pretend_v and_o that_o in_o print_n that_o we_o do_v no_o such_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v not_o this_o great_a decoit_n and_o delusion_n answ_n yea_o that_o our_o friend_n say_v w._n p._n meaning_n we_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n require_v any_o man_n to_o practise_v what_o they_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o i_o utter_o renounce_v in_o their_o name_n and_o that_o at_o a_o infamous_a slander_n alexander_n the_o coppersmith_n page_n 10._o query_n viii_o whether_o antichristian_a practice_n popish_a principle_n contempt_n of_o scripture_n folly_n ignorance_n and_o partiality_n practise_v one_o thing_n and_o pretend_v another_o be_v corruption_n or_o no_o if_o yea_o then_o whither_o or_o no_o a_o private_a man_n ought_v not_o