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 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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
the_o gospel_n and_o christ_n wisdom_n in_o these_o thing_n as_o that_o church_n will_v be_v most_o pure_a as_o have_v nothing_o of_o humane_a make_v in_o it_o so_o it_o will_v perfect_o annihilate_v all_o those_o pretend_a necessity_n for_o the_o interposition_n of_o humane_a authority_n about_o such_o thing_n if_o the_o magistrate_n have_v likewise_o a_o far_a power_n to_o suppress_v all_o error_n and_o heresy_n and_o to_o establish_v by_o force_n the_o orthodox_n truth_n the_o rule_n of_o which_o must_v needs_o be_v what_o he_o think_v to_o be_v so_o this_o will_v inevitable_o follow_v that_o there_o can_v be_v never_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n in_o any_o case_n or_o upon_o any_o term_n in_o the_o world_n under_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n he_o sin_n if_o he_o suffer_v to_o tolerate_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o he_o think_v punctual_o right_a if_o he_o be_v the_o proper_a judge_n entrust_v first_o to_o judge_v and_o then_o to_o execute_v his_o judgement_n with_o the_o temporal_a power_n all_o liberty_n to_o whosoever_o be_v not_o of_o his_o mind_n be_v perfect_o go_v this_o be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o make_v the_o magistrate_n power_n a_o mere_a inquisition_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v a_o christian_a magistrate_n will_v prove_v a_o marvellous_a hurt_n to_o much_o of_o the_o church_n where_o he_o govern_v for_o unless_o you_o will_v suppose_v all_o the_o truth_n and_o all_o sound_a christian_n to_o be_v include_v in_o what_o he_o establish_v for_o orthodox_n if_o there_o be_v any_o truth_n or_o true_a professor_n of_o christianity_n among_o all_o the_o other_o opinion_n he_o persecute_v they_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v sufferer_n and_o it_o will_v ever_o fall_v out_o that_o all_o those_o that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o magistrate_n opinion_n have_v better_o live_v under_o one_o of_o gallio_n temper_n than_o under_o a_o magistrate_n so_o practise_v these_o large_a position_n about_o the_o magistrate_n power_n have_v no_o visible_a ground_n for_o themselves_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o when_o it_o be_v say_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a magistrate_n till_o long_o after_o and_o so_o little_a mention_n be_v make_v of_o his_o authority_n in_o these_o thing_n there_o be_v nothing_o say_v that_o can_v be_v any_o way_n satisfactory_a because_o what_o power_n soever_o any_o shall_v exercise_v in_o or_o over_o the_o gospel_n church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n must_v have_v its_o rise_n and_o derivation_n from_o what_o be_v then_o establish_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n however_o they_o be_v sure_a of_o a_o popular_a acceptance_n 1._o because_o they_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o visible_a judge_n and_o a_o humane_a certainty_n which_o most_o man_n have_v rather_o be_v at_o than_o a_o laborious_a inquiry_n after_o divine_a truth_n in_o the_o way_n god_n have_v reveal_v it_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o 2._o because_o they_o be_v position_n that_o land_n we_o in_o a_o very_a safe_a harbour_n and_o free_v we_o from_o any_o danger_n of_o suffer_v about_o those_o thing_n he_o that_o think_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o be_v always_o of_o the_o magistrate_n religion_n be_v so_o secure_v in_o that_o duty_n that_o no_o religion_n can_v possible_o ever_o hurt_v he_o and_o whoever_o think_v the_o magistrate_n be_v god_n substitute_n to_o determine_v all_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o he_o please_v must_v needs_o think_v it_o a_o duty_n to_o be_v of_o his_o mind_n the_o second_o extreme_a about_o the_o magistrate_n power_n be_v in_o assert_v the_o magistrate_n to_o have_v ample_a concern_v about_o religion_n and_o a_o power_n sufficient_a entrust_v to_o he_o but_o the_o manner_n in_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v be_v in_o a_o punctual_a suberviency_n to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v they_o be_v to_o determine_v and_o he_o be_v to_o execute_v they_o be_v to_o be_v his_o eye_n and_o he_o be_v to_o be_v their_o hand_n as_o the_o first_o extreme_a debase_v the_o church_n and_o all_o ecclesiastical_a power_n under_o the_o magistrate_n foot_n and_o make_v he_o the_o sole_a lord_n of_o all_o so_o this_o in_o another_o extreme_a make_v the_o magistrate_n a_o slave_n to_o the_o church_n this_o be_v a_o unreasonable_a imposition_n upon_o he_o and_o give_v he_o less_o liberty_n than_o each_o private_a christian_n ought_v to_o have_v to_o oblige_v he_o to_o put_v a_o civil_a sanction_n and_o execute_v by_o his_o authority_n whatever_o the_o church_n decree_n whether_o he_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v right_a or_o no_o this_o be_v only_o to_o make_v he_o a_o sword-bearer_n to_o the_o clergy_n this_o be_v the_o great_a engine_n by_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v enslave_v so_o much_o of_o the_o world_n antichrist_n can_v never_o have_v be_v settle_v in_o his_o throne_n if_o kingdom_n have_v not_o thus_o give_v up_o their_o power_n to_o he_o how_o shameful_o upon_o this_o pretence_n that_o the_o civil_a power_n must_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o ecclesiastical_a have_v the_o pope_n of_o rome_n bring_v king_n and_o emperor_n not_o only_o to_o employ_v their_o power_n as_o they_o please_v but_o to_o suffer_v all_o the_o scorn_n and_o indignity_n from_o they_o imaginable_a the_o story_n of_o what_o hildebrand_n do_v to_o the_o emperor_n henry_n and_o many_o other_o do_v abundant_o show_v this_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o carnal_a conjunction_n of_o the_o temporal_a power_n with_o the_o spiritual_a be_v that_o which_o have_v make_v all_o ecclesiastical_a regiment_n odious_a and_o unsavoury_a in_o the_o nostril_n of_o the_o world_n in_o all_o age_n and_o have_v have_v no_o other_o effect_n but_o to_o enable_v the_o clergy_n under_o a_o pretext_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o trample_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n mankind_n under_o their_o foot_n that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n ought_v not_o to_o employ_v his_o power_n in_o such_o a_o sub-ordination_a let_v these_o thing_n be_v consider_v first_o this_o be_v to_o suppose_v either_o a_o insufficiency_n in_o that_o spiritual_a power_n which_o christ_n do_v at_o first_o leave_n in_o his_o church_n or_o else_o that_o he_o fail_v in_o that_o promise_n of_o be_v with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o continue_v his_o presence_n to_o make_v his_o law_n effectual_a for_o the_o end_n they_o be_v intend_v christ_n have_v appoint_v the_o mean_n of_o convert_v man_n to_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v the_o preach_n of_o it_o to_o they_o if_o you_o will_v compel_v man_n by_o the_o civil_a power_n to_o become_v convert_v it_o plain_o intimate_v we_o judge_v christ_n way_n insufficient_a and_o use_v the_o other_o as_o what_o we_o judge_v a_o better_a as_o christ_n have_v appoint_v preach_v the_o gospel_n as_o the_o great_a mean_n to_o bring_v man_n into_o the_o church_n so_o he_o have_v appoint_v excommunication_n as_o the_o great_a mean_n to_o cast_v offender_n out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o force_n be_v as_o unreasonable_a in_o the_o one_o as_o in_o the_o other_o the_o outward_a advantage_n a_o man_n have_v by_o become_v a_o christian_n lie_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o all_o christ_n institution_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o all_o gospel-crime_n lie_v in_o be_v cast_v out_o from_o those_o privilege_n and_o undergo_a the_o weight_n that_o christ_n shall_v lay_v upon_o the_o conscience_n thereby_o when_o a_o person_n be_v excommunicate_v to_o deliver_v he_o over_o to_o the_o temporal_a power_n to_o be_v corporal_o punish_v must_v either_o be_v because_o we_o think_v christ_n punishment_n in_o that_o case_n not_o enough_o or_o else_o because_o our_o own_o animosity_n prompt_v we_o to_o go_v far_o chrysost_n serm._n de_fw-fr anathem_n have_v a_o pious_a and_o prudent_a say_n dogmata_fw-la impia_fw-la &_o quae_fw-la ab_fw-la hereticis_fw-la profecta_fw-la sunt_fw-la arguere_fw-la &_o anathematizare_fw-la opertet_fw-la hominibus_fw-la autem_fw-la parcendum_fw-la &_o pro_fw-la salute_n eorum_fw-la orandum_fw-la that_o be_v we_o must_v confute_v and_o pronounce_v anathema_n to_o the_o wicked_a opinion_n of_o heretic_n but_o we_o must_v spare_v their_o person_n and_o pray_v for_o their_o salvation_n second_o this_o way_n alter_v the_o manner_n of_o christ_n rule_n under_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n it_o be_v much_o of_o christ_n glory_n to_o rule_v his_o subject_n under_o the_o gospel_n by_o a_o spiritual_a power_n it_o be_v that_o power_n make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_a it_o be_v that_o power_n in_o all_o gospel_n institution_n that_o keep_v man_n in_o their_o due_a obedience_n unto_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v that_o power_n carry_v the_o sting_n of_o the_o punishment_n when_o man_n be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v indeed_o that_o power_n do_v all_o under_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o bring_v in_o the_o temporal_a sword_n be_v to_o make_v the_o weapon_n of_o the_o
friend_n in_o europe_n than_o uniformity_n in_o england_n as_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n here_o be_v that_o they_o fear_v above_o any_o thing_n so_o it_o will_v insensible_o more_o weaken_v they_o than_o all_o the_o victory_n we_o have_v obtain_v over_o they_o two_o man_n will_v never_o trade_v free_o where_o they_o do_v not_o live_v and_o converse_v free_o where_o a_o man_n be_v afraid_a to_o be_v watch_v to_o a_o conventicle_n and_o most_o of_o the_o time_n he_o serve_v god_n be_v fain_o to_o hide_v himself_o no_o man_n will_v choose_v to_o live_v so_o if_o he_o can_v avoid_v it_o every_o man_n that_o can_v conform_v to_o the_o public_a religion_n lie_v under_o the_o lash_n of_o the_o law_n will_v prudent_o shun_v both_o business_n and_o company_n will_v never_o lay_v out_o his_o estate_n where_o it_o be_v in_o any_o man_n power_n to_o do_v he_o a_o mischief_n a_o man_n conscious_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o can_v comply_v with_o the_o law_n will_v avoid_v meddle_v with_o any_o 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the_o opinion_n of_o any_o one_o protestant_a party_n upon_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v but_o to_o make_v himself_o so_o much_o the_o weak_a by_o every_o dissenter_n and_o be_v indeed_o total_o destructive_a to_o the_o very_o be_v of_o such_o a_o thing_n first_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o secure_v we_o to_o the_o protestant_a faith_n and_o to_o prevent_v a_o relapse_n to_o popery_n the_o protestant_a religion_n will_v be_v fast_o root_v by_o exert_v full_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o and_o a_o throughout_o adhere_v to_o they_o by_o our_o practice_n in_o deal_v one_o with_o another_o to_o deny_v those_o principle_n by_o which_o we_o justify_v our_o separation_n from_o rome_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o make_v they_o return_v thither_o again_o teach_v man_n that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n nor_o man_n under_o any_o one_o denomination_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n that_o be_v infallible_a in_o deliver_v divine_a truth_n teach_v man_n that_o the_o scripture_n 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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 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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 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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
he_o and_o that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o accuser_n etc._n etc._n in_o answer_n to_o w._n r_n book_n may_v not_o say_v to_o i_o as_o he_o in_o pag._n 86._o viz._n howbeit_o w._n r._n produce_v not_o any_o now_o prescription_n method_n rule_n order_n and_o form_n of_o church-government_n now_o say_v the_o say_a author_n of_o the_o accuser_n etc._n etc._n now_o he_o shall_v have_v produce_v some_o new_a order_n and_o form_n of_o church-government_n introduce_v among_o in_o since_o that_o time_n mean_v the_o year_n 1673._o to_o prove_v his_o charge_n of_o apostasy_n and_o innovation_n against_o g._n f._n and_o those_o he_o call_v his_o party_n etc._n etc._n and_o pag._n 133._o we_o affirm_v that_o his_o meaning_n w._n r._n cry_v out_o imposition_n form_n of_o church-government_n order_n prescription_n etc._n etc._n in_o general_n be_v no_o answer_n nor_o any_o proof_n of_o his_o charge_n of_o apostate_n and_o innovator_n against_o we_o let_v he_o either_o specify_v say_v this_o notable_a as_o well_o as_o confident_a author_n of_o the_o accuser_n etc._n etc._n the_o particular_n thereof_o that_o he_o condemn_v we_o for_o as_o apostate_n and_o that_o we_o practice_n as_o church_n discipline_n or_o else_o for_o ever_o be_v ashamed_a etc._n etc._n and_o pag._n 3._o and_o what_o new_a and_o unchristian_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n be_v they_o meaning_n g._n f._n and_o his_o party_n fall_v into_o we_o find_v no_o proof_n nor_o discovery_n thereof_o in_o all_o his_o book_n etc._n etc._n and_o pag._n 128._o of_o the_o say_v confident_a author_n of_o the_o accuser_n etc._n etc._n we_o do_v profess_v serious_o a_o notable_a serious_a george_n if_o we_o may_v believe_v he_o we_o see_v no_o real_a cause_n or_o valid_a reason_n our_o opposer_n meaning_n w._n r._n show_v for_o the_o great_a noise_n and_o rumble_v he_o make_v about_o outward_a law_n prescription_n order_n edict_n or_o decree_n outward_a form_n of_o government_n apostasy_n innovation_n imposition_n lording_n over_o faith_n over_o conscience_n etc._n etc._n while_o he_o show_v we_o no_o unjust_a no_o unlawful_a nor_o uncomely_a order_n or_o proceed_n among_o we_o as_o a_o people_n nor_o yet_o give_v we_o any_o instance_n or_o catalogue_n of_o those_o imposition_n innovation_n new_a doctrine_n or_o practice_n bring_v in_o and_o receive_v among_o we_o which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o our_o first_o testimony_n to_o the_o light_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n within_o and_o teach_n thereof_o etc._n etc._n i_o say_v thing_n consider_v as_o practise_v among_o we_o i_o marvel_v that_o the_o say_a author_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v g._n whitehead_n shall_v have_v the_o confidence_n thus_o to_o call_v for_o a_o proof_n to_o call_v for_o a_o catalogue_n of_o the_o new_a order_n that_o be_v introduce_v among_o we_o when_o he_o at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o write_n can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o thing_n complain_v of_o by_o w._n r._n who_o it_o be_v probable_a think_v there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o produce_v such_o proof_n such_o a_o catalogue_n and_o such_o manifest_a instance_n to_o prove_v the_o same_o and_o that_o none_o will_v have_v the_o confidence_n or_o rather_o impudence_n to_o deny_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v every_o month_n put_v in_o practice_n among_o we_o but_o as_o i_o say_v that_o be_v may_v not_o say_v so_o to_o i_o i_o will_v bring_v he_o both_o proof_n and_o precedent_n and_o if_o he_o will_v call_v they_o a_o catalogue_n he_o may_v but_o first_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o womens-meeting_n namely_o george_n fox_n his_o order_n above_o recite_v by_o a_o general_n council_n hold_v at_o london_n anno_fw-la 1675._o concern_v propound_v marriage_n london_n the_o 27_o of_o 3d._n mon._n 1675._o it_o be_v our_o judgement_n that_o for_o better_a satisfaction_n to_o all_o party_n that_o there_o may_v be_v due_a time_n for_o inquiry_n of_o clearness_n of_o the_o person_n concern_v it_o be_v convenient_a that_o marriage_n be_v at_o twice_o propound_v to_o the_o meeting_n that_o be_v to_o take_v care_n therein_o both_o to_o the_o man_n and_o woman_n meeting_n where_o both_o be_v establish_v before_o they_o be_v accomplish_v and_o when_o thing_n be_v clear_v that_o the_o marriage_n be_v accomplish_v in_o a_o grave_a and_o public_a assembly_n of_o friend_n and_o relation_n observation_n and_o now_o set_v the_o authority_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o woman_n meeting_n and_o how_o g._n f._n his_o pretend_a motion_n be_v corroborate_v and_o strengthen_v i_o be_o necessitate_v to_o transcribe_v more_o of_o the_o transaction_n of_o this_o notable_a if_o not_o universal_a council_n than_o i_o be_o willing_a lest_o g._n whitchead_n shall_v again_o call_v for_o a_o proof_n or_o catalogue_n of_o their_o new_a stamp_a government_n etc._n etc._n concern_v man_n and_o womens-meeting_n it_o be_v our_o judgement_n and_o testimony_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n wisdom_n that_o the_o rise_v and_o practice_n set_v up_o and_o establishment_n of_o man_n and_o womens-meeting_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o our_o day_n and_o generation_n be_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n and_o do_v in_o the_o order_n and_o lead_v of_o his_o eternal_a spirit_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o friend_n and_o brethren_n in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n in_o all_o place_n to_o be_v diligent_a therein_o and_o to_o encourage_v and_o further_o each_o other_o in_o that_o bless_a work_n and_o particular_o that_o friend_n and_o brethren_n in_o their_o respective_a country_n encourage_v their_o faithful_a &_o grave_a woman_n in_o the_o settlement_n of_o the_o say_a meeting_n and_o if_o any_o profess_v truth_n shall_v either_o direct_o or_o indirect_o discountence_v a_o notable_a warn_v and_o little_o obey_v except_o by_o g._n f._n his_o man_n of_o war_n or_o weaken_v the_o hand_n of_o either_o man_n or_o woman_n in_o the_o work_n and_o service_n of_o the_o lord_n let_v such_o be_v admonish_v according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o they_o receive_v it_o not_o but_o resist_v counsel_n and_o persist_v in_o the_o work_n of_o division_n we_o can_v but_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o therein_o not_o in_o unity_n with_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n therefore_o let_v friend_n go_v on_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o in_o that_o work_n for_o he_o his_o truth_n and_o people_n and_o not_o to_o be_v sway_v or_o hinder_v by_o they_o or_o their_o opposition_n observation_n behold_v the_o difference_n between_o this_o decree_n and_o the_o letter_n of_o advice_n and_o counsel_n in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o this_o treatise_n that_o have_v a_o particular_a relation_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o holy_a man_n record_v therein_o but_o this_o be_v whole_o a_o stranger_n to_o any_o such_o authority_n yet_o that_o be_v not_o propose_v otherwise_o than_o advice_n and_o counsel_n and_o not_o as_o a_o form_n or_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v so_o much_o in_o it_o to_o justify_v the_o press_n of_o it_o both_o as_o be_v bottom_v on_o scripture_n authority_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n record_v in_o scripture_n but_o this_o no_o relation_n to_o scripture_n authority_n precept_n or_o precedent_n no_o relation_n to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n record_v in_o scripture_n nor_o any_o command_n of_o god_n or_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v head_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o lawgiver_n too_o but_o notwithstanding_o the_o author_n of_o this_o decretal_a order_n be_v peremptory_a and_o positive_a none_o must_v refuse_v a_o compliance_n none_o must_v discountenance_v the_o observatition_n of_o it_o direct_o or_o indirect_o for_o if_o they_o do_v they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o in_o unity_n with_o the_o church_n that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o christian_n and_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o so_o at_o once_o make_v heathen_n by_o this_o new_a fashion_v edict_n but_o to_o make_v good_a provision_n against_o any_o that_o shall_v yet_o dare_v to_o slight_v this_o new_a model_n or_o new_a find_v method_n of_o church-government_n or_o call_v in_o question_n their_o power_n or_o authority_n see_v what_o a_o strict_a and_o severe_a admonition_n be_v utter_v forth_o even_o as_o if_o it_o have_v come_v from_o the_o pope_n council_n of_o jesuit_n and_o crafty_a friar_n i_o know_v that_o some_o will_v be_v mighty_a angry_a and_o sore_o displease_v with_o i_o for_o transcribe_v so_o much_o of_o their_o hide_a mystery_n but_o in_o my_o apprehension_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o it_o for_o if_o womens-meeting_n be_v of_o such_o excellency_n and_o their_o government_n and_o jurisdiction_n so_o virtuous_a &_o amiable_a as_o that_o whoever_o comply_v and_o yield_v obedience_n to_o they_o be_v in_o
the_o state_n of_o salvation_n and_o within_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o church_n and_o capable_a to_o be_v in_o spiritual_a union_n and_o fellowship_n with_o the_o brethren_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a such_o as_o do_v not_o countenance_v they_o but_o either_o direct_o or_o indirect_o weaken_v the_o hand_n of_o such_o womens-meeting_n they_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o out_o of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n i_o say_v if_o it_o be_v so_o why_o shall_v not_o the_o episcopalian_o presbyterian_o independent_n baptist_n etc._n etc._n know_v of_o they_o how_o to_o erect_v they_o speedy_o i_o will_v not_o say_v the_o papist_n for_o i_o perceive_v by_o richard_n richardsons_n ingredient_n that_o they_o have_v something_o like_o it_o viz._n their_o nunnery_n etc._n etc._n but_o if_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a imagination_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n and_o a_o idol_n of_o their_o own_o erect_n why_o shall_v it_o not_o public_o be_v bring_v to_o light_n and_o make_v as_o manifest_v as_o the_o lord_n cromwell_n make_v the_o papist_n great_a idol_n viz._n the_o rood_n of_o grace_n which_o have_v goggle_n eye_n and_o will_v smile_v when_o a_o good_a gift_n be_v offer_v to_o it_o when_o he_o cause_v it_o to_o be_v bring_v to_o pauls-cross_n where_o the_o people_n tear_v it_o all_o to_o piece_n in_o king_n henry_n the_o eigth_n time_n which_o do_v not_o a_o little_a vex_v that_o infallible_a people_n so_o then_o take_v it_o which_o way_n you_o will_v and_o it_o do_v not_o amount_v to_o a_o publish_n in_o gath_n and_o a_o tell_n in_o askelon_n suitable_a to_o that_o make_v mention_n of_o by_o david_n etc._n etc._n but_o to_o return_v let_v we_o hear_v what_o shall_v be_v say_v to_o such_o as_o transgress_v this_o ordinance_n this_o notable_a not_o scriptural_a but_o anti-scriptural_a edict_n viz._n it_o be_v our_o sense_n advice_n admonition_n and_o judgement_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o power_n and_o spirit_n to_o friend_n and_o brethren_n in_o their_o several_a meeting_n that_o no_o such_o slight_a and_o contemptible_a name_n arid_a expression_n as_o call_v man_n or_o womens-meeting_n court_n session_n or_o synod_n that_o they_o be_v popish_a imposition_n useless_a and_o burdensome_a that_o faithful_a friend_n paper_n which_o we_o testify_v have_v be_v give_v forth_o by_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o god_n be_v man_n edict_n or_o cannon_n or_o embrace_v they_o bow_v to_o men._n elder_n in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n pope_n and_o bishop_n with_o such_o scornful_a say_n be_v permit_v among_o they_o but_o let_v god_n power_n be_v set_v upon_o the_o top_n of_o that_o unsavoury_a spirit_n that_o use_v they_o etc._n etc._n observation_n this_o admonition_n thus_o stamp_v with_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n divine_a power_n be_v enough_o to_o put_v any_o man_n to_o a_o stand_n and_o to_o admire_v their_o confidence_n first_o to_o erect_v a_o new_a model_n of_o church-government_n even_o such_o a_o one_o as_o no_o one_o society_n from_o noah_n flood_n to_o this_o day_n ever_o practise_v and_o to_o bring_v all_o into_o a_o subjection_n to_o this_o new_a discipline_n use_v these_o high_a and_o lofty_a expression_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o all_o but_o now_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o secure_v their_o interest_n and_o the_o way_n to_o do_v it_o be_v very_o notable_a first_o to_o make_v a_o law_n that_o the_o church_n testimony_n be_v to_o be_v record_v and_o the_o condemnation_n of_o transgressor_n except_o they_o come_v and_o acknowledge_v their_o fault_n that_o part_n of_o this_o yearly_o cannon_n i_o may_v subscribe_v and_o then_o leave_v it_o as_o have_v take_v enough_o to_o show_v the_o author_n to_o the_o accuser_n a_o proof_n of_o their_o innovation_n and_o manifest_a apostasy_n and_o degeneration_n from_o the_o nature_n and_o tendency_n of_o the_o epistle_n mention_v to_o be_v write_v to_o friend_n in_o the_o north_n in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o this_o treatise_n etc._n etc._n concern_v recording_n the_o church_n testimony_n and_o the_o party_n condemnation_n etc._n etc._n that_o the_o church_n testimony_n and_o judgement_n against_o disorderly_a and_o scandalous_a walker_n also_o the_o repentance_n and_o condemnation_n of_o the_o party_n restore_v be_v record_v in_o a_o distinct_a book_n in_o the_o respective_a monthly_a and_o quarterly_o meet_v for_o the_o clear_n truth_n friend_n and_o our_o holy_a profession_n to_o be_v produce_v or_o publish_v for_o that_o end_n and_o purpose_n so_o far_o only_o as_o in_o god_n heavenly_a wisdom_n they_o shall_v be_v needful_a and_o it_o be_v our_o advice_n in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o after_o any_o friend_n repentance_n and_o restauration_n he_o abide_v faithful_a in_o the_o truth_n that_o condemn_v the_o evil_a none_o among_o you_o so_o remember_v his_o transgression_n as_o to_o cast_v it_o at_o he_o or_o upbraid_v he_o with_o it_o for_o that_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n subscribe_v by_o william_n penn._n george_n whitchead_n steven_n crisp_n alex._n parker_n tho._n salthouse_n john_n burnyeat_a observation_n perhaps_o some_o may_v expect_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o sincerity_n under_o these_o fine_a pretence_n and_o that_o the_o meaning_n hereof_o be_v to_o record_v the_o condemnation_n of_o such_o person_n as_o have_v live_v a_o scandalous_a life_n and_o break_v the_o command_n of_o god_n disobey_v the_o precept_n of_o christ_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o four_o evangelist_n or_o refuse_v obedience_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n but_o alas_o if_o i_o may_v speak_v what_o i_o have_v know_v and_o what_o my_o eye_n have_v be_v a_o witness_n of_o ever_o since_o these_o canonical_a rule_n be_v make_v i_o must_v say_v the_o contrary_a for_o let_v any_o man_n search_v the_o record_n of_o our_o quarterly-meeting_a book_n in_o hadenham_n in_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n and_o they_o shall_v there_o find_v a_o record_n of_o condemnation_n against_o john_n ansloe_n a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o every_o way_n so_o far_o as_o ever_o i_o hear_v or_o know_v of_o a_o blameless_a conversation_n wherein_o he_o be_v record_v out_o of_o the_o unity_n not_o for_o any_o breach_n of_o christ_n his_o command_n or_o any_o matter_n of_o evil_a fact_n but_o for_o not_o take_v his_o wife_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o friend_n i._n e._n not_o publish_v his_o intention_n before_o the_o womens-meeting_n as_o hereafter_o will_v be_v further_o manifest_v but_o not_o one_o record_v that_o ever_o i_o remember_v for_o any_o breach_n of_o god_n commandment_n or_o matter_n of_o evil_a fact_n in_o all_o the_o say_a quarterly-book_n and_o if_o any_o man_n can_v convince_v i_o that_o there_o be_v a_o man_n call_v a_o quaker_n in_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n or_o else_o where_o that_o have_v live_v so_o upright_o as_o that_o in_o all_o his_o time_n of_o be_v under_o that_o denomination_n he_o have_v not_o in_o any_o wise_a violate_a some_o of_o god_n commandment_n or_o christ_n precept_n whereby_o he_o have_v sin_v against_o god_n and_o grieve_v his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o his_o pardon_n mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n than_o i_o shall_v conclude_v and_o not_o while_o then_o that_o there_o be_v some_o sincerity_n in_o the_o contriver_n of_o these_o cannon_n and_o the_o recorder_n of_o these_o condemnation_n for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o man_n or_o man_n they_o may_v leave_v out_o that_o part_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n which_o he_o teach_v his_o disclples_a who_o well_o know_v what_o form_n of_o prayer_n suit_v best_o with_o the_o condition_n and_o state_n of_o man_n who_o by_o nature_n be_v prone_a to_o sin_n and_o liable_a to_o temptation_n and_o no_o long_o preserve_v from_o enter_v into_o the_o temptation_n than_o there_o be_v a_o diligent_a watch_n keep_v the_o clause_n i_o mean_v be_v this_o forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n as_o we_o forgive_v they_o that_o trespass_n against_o we_o and_o true_o that_o man_n that_o say_v he_o have_v no_o need_n to_o make_v this_o one_o of_o his_o petition_n or_o after_o that_o manner_n when_o he_o put_v up_o his_o prayer_n to_o god_n i_o be_o satisfy_v he_o too_o much_o resemble_v the_o proud_a pharisee_fw-mi who_o say_v he_o be_v not_o as_o other_o man_n etc._n etc._n a_o general_n observarion_n upon_o the_o four_o forego_v branch_n of_o the_o say_a general_n council_n grant_v and_o confirmation_n of_o g._n f._n his_o erect_v of_o womens-meeting_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o order_n about_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o second_o chapter_n and_o then_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o the_o next_o chapter_n first_o it_o be_v decree_v that_o marriage_n from_o the_o day_n of_o the_o date_n of_o those_o cannon_n shall_v be_v propound_v that_o be_v the_o intention_n thereof_o publish_v yea_o no_o less_o than_o twice_o publish_v
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
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
by_o they_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o inform_v thou_o that_o i_o do_v not_o pretend_v constant_o to_o write_v true_a english_a but_o thy_o pride_n and_o contempt_n be_v manifest_a which_o become_v not_o a_o man_n of_o thy_o pretence_n and_o whether_o i_o and_o other_o friend_n desire_v to_o have_v that_o cannon_n rule_n or_o order_n record_v in_o our_o quarterly_o meet_v book_n which_o prohibit_v all_o marriage_n to_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o party_n publish_v their_o intention_n and_o the_o record_n of_o condemnation_n against_o j._n a._n for_o his_o non-submission_n to_o the_o say_a order_n reverse_v and_o raze_v out_o be_v such_o a_o piece_n of_o imperiousness_n and_o menace_v as_o thou_o seem_v to_o apprehend_v i_o shall_v leave_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o other_o especial_o since_o it_o be_v the_o declare_a judgement_n of_o friend_n and_o have_v past_o the_o second-day_n meeting_n approbation_n that_o all_o ruler_n be_v accountable_a to_o the_o people_n see_v pag._n 442._o of_o edw._n burrough_n work_v where_o it_o be_v write_v and_o we_o believe_v that_o all_o governor_n and_o ruler_n ought_v to_o be_v accountable_a to_o the_o people_n and_o to_o the_o next_o proceed_v ruler_n for_o all_o their_o action_n which_o may_v be_v inquire_v into_o upon_o occasion_n etc._n etc._n what_o be_v it_o our_o opinion_n that_o constable_n and_o all_o other_o governor_n and_o ruler_n be_v accountable_a to_o the_o people_n and_o be_v it_o such_o a_o piece_n of_o imperiousness_n and_o menace_v in_o i_o and_o other_o to_o write_v a_o few_o line_n to_o the_o second-day_n meet_v desire_v not_o require_v they_o as_o thou_o fallacious_o word_n it_o the_o annihilate_v and_o repeal_n of_o such_o a_o antichristian_a yoke_n of_o bondage_n mean_v the_o order_n as_o anon_o will_v appear_v if_o i_o have_v write_v query_n so_o foolish_o as_o thou_o imagine_v let_v thy_o grave_a and_o learned_a answer_n to_o they_o instruct_v my_o ignorance_n if_o thou_o think_v i_o miss_v the_o matter_n then_o shall_v thou_o show_v i_o wherein_o by_o a_o distinct_a solid_a and_o a_o intelligeable_a answer_n as_o for_o g._n w_n send_v to_o our_o quarterly-meeting_a that_o can_v fright_v i_o for_o except_o he_o lay_v his_o indictment_n true_a and_o legal_a i_o shall_v demur_n to_o their_o jurisdiction_n as_o believe_v that_o they_o have_v not_o the_o king_n broad_a seal_n to_o commissionate_v they_o to_o call_v delinquent_n to_o a_o account_n if_o such_o a_o one_o i_o be_v nor_o yet_o one_o verse_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o great_a visible_a charter_n of_o our_o christian-liberty_n that_o authorise_v they_o to_o give_v a_o summons_n thither_o but_o if_o he_o will_v admit_v of_o a_o meet_v right_o constitute_v and_o man_n by_o he_o and_o myself_o equal_o choose_v i_o do_v hereby_o offer_v to_o prove_v the_o verity_n of_o whatever_o i_o have_v write_v to_o he_o or_o other_o on_o the_o foot_n of_o this_o controversy_n and_o this_o i_o desire_v thou_o to_o let_v he_o know_v thy_o line_n i_o look_v upon_o impertinent_a and_o in_o several_a place_n false_a and_o unsound_a but_o in_o regard_n i_o be_o not_o certain_a that_o they_o pass_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o second_o day_n meet_v in_o london_n and_o also_o consider_v they_o be_v produce_v through_o such_o obscondency_n i_o have_v write_v enough_o in_o answer_n to_o such_o a_o hide_a conceit_a projector_n although_o perhaps_o not_o in_o such_o true_a english_a as_o that_o every_o word_n be_v right_o spell_v which_o piece_n of_o fallibility_n i_o must_v confess_v attend_v my_o write_v often_o and_o better_a scholar_n than_o myself_o or_o thou_o either_o so_o let_v this_o acknowledgement_n suffice_v and_o when_o thou_o write_v again_o write_v more_o to_o the_o purpose_n and_o let_v i_o know_v who_o thou_o be_v for_o many_o name_n begin_v r._n r._n and_o also_o where_o thou_o dwell_v that_o i_o may_v the_o better_a know_v how_o to_o give_v thou_o a_o suitable_a reply_n and_o thus_o i_o conclude_v and_o rest_v account_v it_o my_o duty_n to_o discover_v error_n public_o when_o all_o private_a endeavour_n will_v not_o avail_v and_o hypocrisy_n how_o hidden_o soever_o it_o make_v its_o progress_n know_a by_o the_o name_n of_o mildenhall_n in_o suffolk_n the_o second_o of_o the_o one_a month_n 1681._o f._n bugg_n now_o follow_v a_o copy_n of_o a_o letter_n which_o i_o write_v to_o the_o second-day_n meet_v out_o of_o which_o i_o presume_v he_o apprehend_v my_o imperiousness_n as_o by_o his_o letter_n to_o i_o appear_v the_o which_o also_o i_o will_v leave_v to_o the_o reader_n conscience_n that_o therein_o i_o may_v have_v a_o witness_n against_o such_o unrighteous_a reflection_n for_o i_o begin_v to_o see_v the_o truth_n of_o robert_n rich_a his_o word_n in_o a_o letter_n from_o barbadoes_n to_o his_o friend_n abstract_n etc._n etc._n p._n 20._o and_o i_o can_v assure_v you_o that_o who_o meddle_v with_o the_o quaker_n have_v need_n be_v fence_v within_o and_o without_o with_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n truth_n and_o love_n to_o righteousness_n david_n sling_n and_o stone_n and_o enable_v to_o use_v both_o hand_n the_o left_a as_o well_o as_o the_o right_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o to_o the_o witness_n of_o god_n in_o the_o reader_n conscience_n i_o commend_v the_o follow_v to_o see_v whether_o i_o do_v imperious_o and_o menace_o require_v or_o friendly_a desire_n their_o annihillate_v of_o the_o say_a order_n especial_o consider_v what_o private_a mean_n by_o my_o frequent_a letter_n query_n protestation_n debate_n i_o have_v have_v with_o they_o near_o four_o year_n together_o as_o this_o chapter_n and_o the_o 2d_o and_o 3d._a chapter_n sufficient_o manifest_v viz._n to_o friend_n of_o the_o second-days-meeting_a in_o london_n friend_n forasmuch_o as_o it_o have_v so_o happen_v that_o a_o difference_n among_o we_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n be_v rise_v about_o church-discipline_n church-government_n and_o outward_a order_n form_n and_o prescription_n and_o that_o by_o no_o mean_n a_o condescension_n can_v be_v admit_v of_o whereby_o a_o christian_a composure_n may_v be_v obtain_v in_o order_n to_o the_o settle_v a_o happy_a union_n and_o bless_a fellowship_n among_o we_o as_o in_o the_o beginning_n but_o instead_o thereof_o begin_v to_o excommunicate_v and_o censure_v one_o another_o for_o that_o which_o be_v no_o sin_n against_o god_n but_o mere_a formality_n no_o breach_n of_o god_n commandment_n but_o man_n tradition_n i_o say_v inasmuch_o as_o it_o have_v thus_o happen_v and_o that_o there_o yet_o appear_v no_o probability_n of_o a_o reconciliation_n and_o that_o as_o you_o look_v upon_o yourselves_o the_o head_n of_o the_o people_n and_o chief_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o such_o assume_v the_o place_n of_o approbation_n of_o what_o pass_v the_o press_n and_o other_o epistle_n directory_n to_o the_o church_n for_o their_o information_n how_o to_o proceed_v in_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a etc._n etc._n so_o that_o it_o be_v with_o i_o at_o this_o time_n to_o write_v a_o few_o line_n to_o you_o not_o that_o i_o admit_v you_o to_o have_v any_o power_n or_o lawful_a authority_n over_o the_o conscience_n and_o persuasion_n of_o your_o brethren_n or_o any_o particular_a right_n of_o dominion_n transmit_v to_o you_o beyond_o your_o brethren_n yet_o i_o say_v inasmuch_o as_o you_o assume_v the_o place_n and_o authority_n aforesaid_a although_o usurp_v i_o hereby_o signify_v to_o you_o that_o whereas_o there_o be_v a_o decree_n or_o cannon_n call_v order_n record_v in_o our_o quarterly-book_n date_v the_o one_a of_o the_o 10_o month_n 1675._o which_o say_v that_o no_o friend_n for_o time_n to_o come_v may_v permit_v or_o suffer_v marriage_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o friend_n at_o two_o man_n and_o womens-meeting_n and_o the_o man_n and_o woman_n to_o come_v twice_o to_o the_o say_a meeting_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o j._n a._n stand_v excommunicate_a or_o record_v out_o of_o the_o unity_n for_o his_o nonconformity_n to_o the_o say_a order_n decree_n or_o cannon_n and_o i_o have_v write_v to_o several_a friend_n particular_o and_o to_o monthly_o and_o quarterly-meeting_n touch_v these_o thing_n and_o be_v for_o several_a year_n dissatisfy_v with_o these_o proceed_n have_v desire_v to_o know_v by_o what_o authority_n womens-meeting_n be_v set_v up_o monthly_o distinct_a and_o apart_o from_o mens-meeting_n with_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 in_o particular_a in_o the_o case_n of_o marriage_n and_o in_o who_o name_n a_o conformity_n be_v require_v to_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o to_o this_o day_n no_o man_n have_v give_v i_o one_o line_n in_o answer_n i_o not_o then_o know_v what_o i_o now_o understand_v by_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o christian-quaker_n distinguish_v etc._n etc._n put_v forth_o by_o w._n