the_o glorious_a presence_n of_o christ_n upon_o earth_n and_o which_o may_v any_o way_n contribute_v to_o rear_v up_o the_o fabric_n of_o the_o new-testament_n church_n it_o be_v much_o that_o such_o a_o officer_n of_o so_o absolute_a concernment_n as_o this_o opinion_n make_v he_o shall_v not_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n for_o three_o hundred_o year_n together_o if_o we_o will_v seek_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o providential_a disposal_n of_o thing_n may_v we_o not_o sober_o think_v it_o to_o be_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o thing_n whole_o found_v upon_o spiritual_a power_n be_v complete_a therein_o and_o need_v not_o any_o temporal_a power_n to_o contribute_v to_o its_o perfection_n this_o impower_v the_o magistrate_n with_o a_o superlative_a authority_n in_o settle_v what_o relate_v to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n suppose_v this_o that_o the_o scripture_n have_v reveal_v no_o truth_n that_o be_v bind_v in_o this_o matter_n but_o this_o that_o what_o the_o magistrate_n please_v to_o settle_v in_o every_o place_n that_o be_v right_a be_v this_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o scripture_n have_v no_o where_o reveal_v and_o so_o we_o be_v like_a to_o have_v as_o many_o distinct_a government_n as_o there_o be_v state_n and_o distinct_a kindgdom_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v strange_a those_o that_o be_v for_o exact_a uniformity_n in_o any_o one_o church_n shall_v lay_v a_o foundation_n of_o such_o confuse_a multiplicity_n in_o the_o church_n universal_a either_o we_o must_v suppose_v christ_n be_v not_o faithful_a to_o reveal_v all_o that_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o the_o gospel-church_n which_o god_n entrust_v he_o with_o or_o else_o that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o reveal_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v be_v transient_o leave_v to_o the_o magistrate_n to_o say_v the_o first_o be_v but_o to_o urge_v blasphemy_n for_o reason_n if_o the_o second_o it_o be_v to_o empower_v a_o officer_n in_o such_o a_o necessary_a and_o weighty_a matter_n who_o very_a be_v in_o the_o church_n with_o a_o ability_n to_o do_v it_o have_v a_o futurity_n of_o three_o hundred_o year_n to_o come_v during_o all_o which_o time_n if_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n settle_v no_o government_n in_o the_o church_n and_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a magistrate_n that_o can_v settle_v any_o how_o can_v the_o church_n then_o come_v lawful_o to_o have_v any_o if_o it_o be_v say_v where_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a magistrate_n every_o church_n may_v use_v their_o own_o discretion_n then_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o gospel_n have_v no_o other_o bottom_n than_o what_o every_o magistrate_n and_o every_o particular_a church_n please_v and_o so_o not_o only_a magistrate_n but_o church_n and_o indeed_o all_o the_o world_n may_v be_v their_o own_o carver_n in_o this_o weighty_a matter_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o be_v credit_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o do_v so_o great_o relate_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o doctrine_n in_o it_o shall_v be_v leave_v to_o such_o float_a uncertainty_n beside_o this_o position_n make_v all_o that_o part_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o lie_v in_o precept_n and_o precedent_n about_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o what_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n then_o practise_v and_o command_v to_o be_v of_o no_o use_n to_o we_o nor_o obligation_n upon_o we_o far_o than_o the_o magistrate_n please_v it_o be_v to_o give_v he_o a_o dominion_n over_o that_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o open_v a_o door_n to_o make_v he_o as_o some_o have_v full_o do_v lord_n over_o the_o whole_a new-testament_n two_o thing_n be_v usual_o say_v to_o prop_v up_o this_o power_n in_o the_o magistrate_n first_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o positive_o determine_v in_o the_o gospel_n about_o these_o thing_n because_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o take_v place_n throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n no_o one_o frame_v or_o model_n of_o government_n can_v be_v compose_v that_o will_v convenient_o fit_v all_o person_n and_o place_n where_o the_o gospel_n may_v come_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o settle_v and_o therefore_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n have_v leave_v thing_n of_o that_o nature_n whole_o undetermined_a this_o be_v a_o thing_n take_v for_o grant_v and_o whole_o without_o any_o divine_a ground_n to_o warrant_v it_o and_o be_v in_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o insufficient_a for_o we_o find_v nothing_o in_o command_n or_o practice_n by_o the_o apostle_n in_o settle_v the_o christian_a church_n but_o what_o will_v agree_v with_o any_o nation_n or_o people_n in_o the_o world_n he_o that_o will_v say_v that_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o we_o there_o find_v it_o practise_v and_o require_v will_v not_o agree_v to_o any_o place_n may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n if_o not_o more_o say_v that_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o gospel_n itself_o in_o the_o general_a belief_n of_o it_o will_v not_o agree_v to_o that_o place_n these_o thing_n make_v it_o evident_a that_o the_o order_n and_o discipline_n we_o find_v settle_v in_o the_o gospel-churche_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n must_v needs_o fit_v every_o place_n and_o people_n and_o can_v do_v no_o hurt_n any_o where_o one_a it_o high_o intend_v to_o heighten_v and_o complete_a the_o duty_n incumbent_a on_o all_o moral_a and_o natural_a relation_n that_o which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v to_o preserve_v order_n among_o christian_n as_o christian_n will_v never_o hinder_v but_o far_o it_o among_o man_n as_o man_n two_o the_o power_n upon_o which_o christ_n rule_n settle_v in_o his_o church_n be_v found_v be_v whole_o spiritual_a it_o can_v never_o do_v any_o violence_n to_o mankind_n nor_o clash_n with_o any_o humane_a power_n because_o that_o be_v the_o boundery_a of_o it_o three_o the_o thing_n design_v and_o attain_v by_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel-church_n be_v no_o more_o than_o to_o preserve_v man_n in_o a_o regular_a capacity_n to_o enjoy_v all_o christ_n institution_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o will_v say_v this_o order_n will_v not_o suit_v any_o nation_n must_v say_v in_o effect_n none_o of_o christ_n institution_n will_v agree_v to_o that_o nation_n four_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o christ_n government_n of_o his_o church_n that_o be_v proper_o relative_a to_o the_o political_a government_n of_o a_o state_n or_o do_v any_o way_n determine_v the_o form_n of_o it_o but_o it_o may_v be_v equal_o exercise_v under_o any_o government_n whatsoever_o the_o religious_a policy_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v high_o relate_v to_o the_o state_n and_o be_v commix_v with_o it_o and_o the_o same_o government_n of_o that_o church_n can_v not_o have_v be_v without_o a_o suitable_a conformity_n of_o the_o state_n to_o it_o and_o so_o can_v not_o well_o reach_v beyond_o that_o nation_n and_o peculiar_a country_n and_o people_n but_o the_o gospel-church_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o be_v ground_v upon_o quite_o other_o term_n and_o have_v its_o first_o principle_n in_o that_o say_n of_o our_o saviour_n where_o ever_o two_o or_o three_o be_v meet_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o there_o be_v no_o place_n nor_o people_n under_o the_o sun_n but_o where_o with_o much_o advantage_n the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o well_o as_o the_o gospel_n itself_o may_v be_v introduce_v a_o second_o thing_n make_v to_o prop_v up_o this_o power_n in_o the_o magistrate_n be_v because_o of_o the_o wonderful_a difficulty_n we_o find_v in_o the_o new-testament_n about_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n this_o i_o acknowledge_v shall_v put_v we_o upon_o much_o enquiry_n and_o great_a indulgence_n to_o each_o other_o but_o i_o can_v yield_v it_o a_o good_a reason_n to_o establish_v a_o visible_a judge_n to_o settle_v a_o civil_a pope_n for_o at_o last_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n it_o will_v be_v find_v out_o that_o the_o scripture_n in_o doctrinal_n be_v obscure_v too_o and_o so_o the_o magistrate_n must_v be_v likewise_o a_o umpire_n in_o those_o thing_n and_o final_o in_o all_o be_v once_o all_o these_o carnal_a interest_n and_o political_n concern_v that_o be_v now_o twist_v into_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n lay_v by_o it_o will_v be_v find_v a_o thing_n very_o feasible_a to_o deduce_v from_o scripture_n precept_n and_o example_n limit_v to_o no_o particular_a case_n in_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o a_o system_a of_o ecclesiastical_a rule_n sufficient_a for_o the_o obtain_v all_o the_o holy_a and_o good_a end_n design_v by_o the_o gospel_n and_o complete_n man_n in_o a_o spiritual_a society_n as_o a_o organical-church_n and_o if_o a_o church_n can_v be_v so_o constitute_v which_o be_v a_o thing_n in_o itself_o of_o no_o harship_n if_o man_n will_v be_v content_v with_o the_o simplicity_n of_o
never_o delegated_a to_o any_o substitute_n upon_o earth_n nor_o be_v there_o since_o the_o world_n begin_v a_o judgement_n entrust_v in_o any_o hand_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n nor_o be_v it_o indeed_o under_o a_o possibility_n to_o be_v since_o no_o man_n nor_o man_n with_o the_o existence_n of_o humane_a power_n can_v ever_o come_v to_o know_v the_o state_n of_o another_o man_n conscience_n nor_o the_o manifold_a circumstance_n only_a open_a to_o a_o divine_a eye_n relate_v to_o it_o and_o therefore_o do_v paul_n himself_o to_o the_o corinthian_n whole_o disclaim_v the_o exercise_n of_o such_o a_o power_n the_o simple_a act_n therefore_o of_o conscience_n abstract_o consider_v be_v not_o capable_a of_o a_o forcible_a impression_n from_o without_o nor_o need_v any_o man_n fear_v the_o loss_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n in_o that_o sense_n of_o it_o nor_o reckon_v himself_o under_o a_o obligation_n to_o any_o indulgence_n for_o it_o since_o a_o donation_n of_o it_o from_o any_o will_v with_o no_o more_o reality_n afford_v it_o to_o i_o than_o a_o restraint_n from_o they_o will_v any_o way_n actual_o take_v it_o from_o i_o that_o which_o will_v as_o most_o proper_a and_o genuine_a to_o the_o present_a enquiry_n propose_v come_v under_o consideration_n will_v be_v how_o far_o the_o product_n and_o effect_n of_o conscience_n in_o man_n act_n in_o pursuance_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v indulge_v and_o how_o far_o restrain_v and_o this_o will_v all_o come_v under_o two_o head_n first_o how_o far_o man_n be_v to_o be_v suffer_v to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o say_v they_o be_v in_o conscience_n oblige_v to_o do_v second_o how_o far_o man_n be_v to_o be_v urge_v by_o command_n to_o do_v such_o thing_n which_o they_o say_v they_o be_v in_o conscience_n oblige_v not_o to_o do_v that_o a_o punctual_a clear_a answer_n to_o these_o question_n will_v be_v a_o travel_n of_o great_a peril_n undertake_v none_o that_o have_v any_o way_n verse_v themselves_o in_o such_o controversy_n will_v deny_v and_o therefore_o the_o better_a to_o secure_v our_o progress_n herein_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a chief_o and_o principal_o to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o magistrate_n and_o the_o power_n he_o be_v entrust_v withal_o this_o method_n will_v carry_v its_o own_o evidence_n sufficient_o with_o it_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o power_n that_o mankind_n have_v over_o each_o other_o be_v exercise_v by_o he_o and_o that_o the_o success_n of_o this_o notion_n and_o the_o influence_n both_o of_o freedom_n and_o restraint_n depend_v sole_o upon_o he_o and_o that_o the_o power_n of_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n do_v actual_o bind_v and_o loose_v in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n i_o say_v if_o we_o consider_v this_o we_o shall_v soon_o make_v a_o discovery_n that_o find_v out_o what_o the_o magistrate_n may_v do_v and_o what_o he_o may_v not_o do_v in_o religious_a affair_n will_v give_v we_o a_o determination_n of_o this_o matter_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o these_o several_a thing_n shall_v be_v attempt_v first_o to_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o magistracy_n be_v a_o institution_n ground_v upon_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o how_o far_o he_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o proceed_v by_o that_o both_o negative_o and_o positive_o in_o these_o thing_n second_o that_o a_o magistrate_n by_o become_a christian_n receive_v no_o addition_n of_o power_n to_o what_o he_o have_v before_o only_o stand_v bind_v to_o a_o improve_a exercise_n of_o his_o power_n suitable_a to_o the_o light_n he_o then_o receive_v three_o to_o discover_v some_o eminent_a mistake_a extreme_n about_o the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o religion_n which_o have_v miserable_o involve_v we_o and_o last_o to_o show_v how_o far_o the_o magistrate_n under_o the_o gospel_n shall_v and_o ought_v to_o act_v about_o religion_n and_o wherein_o he_o be_v not_o to_o interpose_v his_o power_n the_o right_a state_v whereof_o be_v the_o true_a and_o solid_a foundation_n upon_o which_o all_o true_a liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v build_v for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o that_o magistracy_n and_o government_n be_v a_o institution_n ground_v upon_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v easy_a enough_o to_o be_v make_v appear_v the_o first_o rise_v of_o it_o be_v in_o family_n where_o it_o be_v whole_o natural_a and_o paternal_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o first_o commandment_n wherein_o all_o subjection_n to_o superior_n be_v command_v be_v comprehend_v under_o the_o obedience_n of_o child_n require_v to_o their_o parent_n that_o be_v the_o first_o magistratical_a power_n exercise_v that_o first_o power_n and_o authority_n god_n give_v adam_n upon_o the_o fall_n over_o the_o woman_n be_v a_o distinguish_a power_n between_o the_o two_o sex_n and_o not_o proper_o any_o magistratical_a power_n relate_v to_o a_o community_n after_o there_o come_v to_o be_v several_a divide_a family_n in_o the_o world_n they_o find_v a_o necessity_n of_o a_o power_n that_o may_v have_v a_o large_a and_o far_a extent_n than_o that_o in_o each_o family_n which_o can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o ground_v than_o by_o a_o joint_n and_o common_a consent_n god_n have_v not_o by_o particular_a designation_n appoint_v any_o to_o rule_v over_o the_o world_n and_o no_o one_o family_n can_v claim_v a_o right_a to_o rule_v over_o another_o nor_o can_v the_o first_o bear_v in_o any_o family_n exercise_v any_o power_n or_o extend_v his_o dominion_n far_o than_o that_o particular_a family_n the_o reason_n whereof_o seem_v plain_a because_o that_o paternal_a power_n which_o be_v original_o in_o a_o family_n be_v not_o successive_a there_o be_v no_o succession_n of_o that_o power_n parent_n have_v over_o their_o child_n and_o master_n have_v over_o their_o servant_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o family-government_n far_o than_o those_o relation_n still_o reach_v hence_o it_o be_v the_o power_n a_o parent_n may_v exercise_v in_o his_o family_n as_o a_o father_n and_o a_o master_n he_o can_v exercise_v upon_o any_o of_o his_o kindred_n or_o other_o collateral_a relation_n in_o any_o degree_n further_o and_o therefore_o that_o kind_n of_o dominion_n must_v needs_o rest_v circumscribe_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o each_o particular_a family_n and_o that_o more_o extensive_a government_n of_o many_o family_n together_o be_v by_o a_o joynt-coalition_a and_o agreement_n of_o they_o dictate_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n for_o general_a good_a there_o be_v scarce_o any_o thing_n a_o more_o necessary_a direction_n of_o nature_n for_o man_n own_o preservation_n and_o good_a since_o his_o fall_n than_o to_o associate_v himself_o in_o a_o community_n under_o one_o common_a government_n how_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n do_v at_o the_o first_o operate_v upon_o man_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o a_o necessity_n to_o join_v together_o in_o a_o subjection_n to_o superior_n and_o how_o great_o their_o interest_n lie_v in_o such_o a_o subjection_n relative_a to_o such_o a_o public_a dominion_n we_o may_v somewhat_o discover_v if_o we_o consider_v first_o that_o the_o earth_n be_v at_o the_o first_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o great_a creator_n to_o the_o son_n of_o adam_n and_o what_o every_o man_n first_o possess_v be_v his_o own_o and_o whatever_o he_o can_v by_o his_o labour_n produce_v from_o it_o the_o same_o law_n that_o be_v to_o this_o day_n to_o the_o first_o discoverer_n of_o any_o unpossessed_a part_n of_o the_o world_n now_o the_o only_a way_n to_o preserve_v man_n in_o such_o a_o propriety_n and_o to_o make_v good_a that_o first_o law_n of_o god_n donation_n be_v to_o have_v by_o common_a consent_n a_o public_a power_n to_o take_v care_n of_o it_o and_o restrain_v the_o violence_n and_o exorbitant_a injustice_n that_o will_v otherwise_o have_v fill_v the_o world_n second_o when_o private_a difference_n come_v to_o arise_v between_o man_n and_o man_n between_o cause_n and_o cause_n it_o will_v prove_v impossible_a to_o end_v any_o strife_n while_o each_o man_n will_v be_v a_o judge_n in_o his_o own_o case_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v find_v impracticable_a for_o man_n to_o live_v without_o a_o three_o judgement_n which_o do_v necessary_o point_v they_o to_o a_o magistrate_n three_o man_n be_v not_o only_o a_o sociable_a creature_n in_o himself_o make_v to_o live_v in_o society_n and_o prompt_v by_o particular_a inclination_n to_o it_o but_o each_o man_n come_v to_o see_v man_n have_v common_a concern_v one_o with_o another_o and_o interest_n of_o a_o public_a nature_n beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o own_o particular_a family_n &_o there_o can_v be_v no_o way_n find_v out_o to_o capacitate_v they_o to_o enjoy_v those_o common_a advantage_n they_o may_v afford_v each_o to_o other_o but_o by_o imbody_v themselves_o together_o and_o create_v a_o public_a relation_n each_o to_o other_o in_o one_o joynt-society_n the_o very_a be_v of_o
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
instance_n in_o that_o law_n about_o put_v idolater_n to_o death_n where_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o circumstance_n attend_v it_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o impossible_a nay_o unlawful_a now_o to_o be_v execute_v whosoever_o tempt_v another_o to_o idolatry_n be_v not_o to_o be_v conceal_v but_o the_o person_n tempt_v be_v oblige_v to_o kill_v he_o himself_o whether_o he_o be_v his_o brother_n son_n wife_n or_o whatever_o relation_n it_o be_v in_o the_o 13_o of_o deut._n vers_fw-la 9_o thou_o shall_v sure_o kill_v he_o thy_o hand_n shall_v be_v first_o upon_o he_o and_o then_o the_o hand_n of_o all_o the_o people_n and_o they_o shall_v stone_n he_o and_o afterward_o we_o find_v there_o whole_a city_n of_o idolater_n be_v to_o be_v race_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o their_o child_n and_o cattle_n utter_o destroy_v these_o be_v law_n that_o can_v be_v now_o execute_v under_o the_o gospel_n nay_o they_o be_v forbid_v for_o we_o be_v bid_v to_o walk_v in_o wisdom_n to_o those_o that_o be_v without_o to_o do_v good_a to_o all_o man_n and_o to_o give_v no_o offence_n neither_o to_o jew_n nor_o gentile_n nay_o believe_a husband_n and_o wife_n be_v bid_v to_o live_v with_o their_o unbelieving_a relation_n in_o hope_n to_o convert_v they_o who_o can_v avoid_v see_v that_o these_o punishment_n as_o well_o as_o promise_n be_v relative_a to_o that_o people_n and_o that_o state_n of_o thing_n to_o preserve_v they_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o expire_v with_o the_o distinction_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o oppose_v the_o magistrate_n use_v the_o civil_a power_n to_o force_v religion_n under_o the_o gospel_n first_o because_o it_o be_v against_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o second_o it_o be_v not_o only_a without_o but_o against_o the_o command_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o to_o do_v famous_a be_v that_o say_n of_o tertullian_n to_o scapula_n it_o appertain_v unto_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o law_n of_o man_n and_o nature_n that_o every_o man_n worship_n as_o he_o think_v good_a and_o one_o man_n religion_n do_v not_o hurt_v nor_o profit_v another_o neither_o be_v it_o any_o piece_n of_o religion_n to_o enforce_v religion_n which_o must_v be_v undertake_v by_o a_o man_n own_o accord_n and_o not_o through_o violence_n so_o think_v turtullian_n ancient_o so_o say_v lactantius_n who_o shall_v enforce_v i_o either_o to_o believe_v what_o i_o will_v not_o or_o not_o to_o believe_v what_o i_o will_v so_o say_v cassdor_n religion_n can_v be_v force_v and_o bernard_n have_v a_o excellent_a say_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n faith_n be_v to_o be_v plant_v by_o persuasion_n not_o obtrude_v by_o violence_n bede_n tell_v we_o that_o here_o in_o england_n so_o soon_o as_o king_n ethelbert_n be_v convert_v by_o austin_n the_o monk_n he_o make_v a_o law_n that_o none_o shall_v be_v compel_v to_o religion_n have_v understand_v that_o christ_n service_n ought_v to_o be_v voluntary_a and_o not_o compel_v a_o three_o reason_n against_o use_v force_n &_o compulsion_n about_o thing_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v because_o it_o be_v not_o adequate_a to_o the_o malady_n for_o if_o the_o meaning_n be_v to_o make_v a_o man_n forsake_v error_n and_o embrace_v the_o truth_n it_o be_v no_o remedy_n suitable_a to_o the_o disease_n nor_o will_v it_o ever_o reach_v such_o a_o distemper_n or_o effect_v such_o a_o cure_n the_o disease_n lie_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o in_o the_o understanding_n the_o compel_a and_o punish_v the_o body_n will_v never_o help_v it_o the_o end_n will_v be_v whole_o lose_v a_o man_n can_v never_o be_v force_v to_o alter_v or_o embrace_v a_o opinion_n he_o may_v deny_v it_o or_o conceal_v it_o but_o if_o he_o have_v a_o desire_n through_o fear_n or_o other_o slavish_a consideration_n to_o do_v it_o yet_o he_o can_v and_o so_o a_o man_n be_v compel_v to_o a_o impossibility_n this_o usual_o make_v hypocrite_n and_o at_o last_o atheist_n but_o never_o make_v a_o right_a convert_n so_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n this_o way_n be_v endanger_v the_o devil_n interest_n promote_v but_o neither_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n nor_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n by_o enlarge_a truth_n any_o way_n further_v he_o that_o use_v no_o other_o medium_fw-la but_o force_n to_o i_o make_v a_o lion_n and_o a_o mastiff-dog_n as_o capable_a of_o convert_v i_o and_o give_v law_n to_o my_o understanding_n as_o he_o we_o be_v bid_v to_o restore_v person_n fall_v into_o error_n by_o a_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n consider_v ourselves_o lest_o we_o also_o be_v tempt_v so_o paul_n to_o timothy_n the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n must_v not_o strive_v but_o be_v gentle_a to_o all_o man_n in_o meekness_n instruct_v those_o that_o oppose_v themselves_o if_o god_n peradventure_o will_v give_v repentance_n no_o man_n ever_o yet_o do_v any_o good_a to_o himself_o or_o other_o by_o force_v a_o man_n against_o the_o law_n of_o his_o own_o light_n and_o reason_n how_o many_o that_o through_o fear_n and_o oppression_n have_v go_v against_o their_o light_n have_v repent_v open_o to_o the_o shame_n and_o disgrace_n of_o those_o who_o violent_o obtrude_v principle_n upon_o they_o contrary_a to_o what_o be_v native_o and_o proper_o their_o own_o take_v among_o many_o one_o famous_a instance_n record_v by_o socrates_n in_o his_o ecclesiastical_a history_n the_o emperor_n valens_n by_o threat_n and_o menace_n to_o confiscate_v and_o banish_v he_o make_v elusius_fw-la bishop_n of_o cyzicum_n turn_v arrian_n and_o approve_v the_o decree_n of_o the_o council_n of_o arminium_n the_o effect_n of_o it_o be_v elusius_fw-la present_o fall_v into_o horror_n of_o conscience_n open_o at_o cyzicum_n recant_v what_o he_o have_v do_v cry_v out_o of_o the_o emperor_n unjust_a cruelty_n and_o make_v all_o man_n loathe_v such_o a_o proceed_n a_o late_a author_n undertake_v to_o justify_v the_o use_n of_o force_n in_o religion_n from_o the_o opinion_n of_o saint_n austin_n who_o opinion_n at_o first_o as_o be_v well_o know_v be_v that_o it_o be_v no_o way_n lawful_a to_o use_v force_n to_o man_n of_o differ_v opinion_n in_o religion_n the_o retraction_n of_o that_o and_o the_o change_n of_o his_o mind_n be_v occasion_v by_o a_o particular_a accident_n at_o hippo_n and_o it_o may_v be_v if_o we_o consult_v all_o circumstance_n we_o shall_v find_v his_o last_o opinion_n have_v more_o need_n of_o a_o retractation_n than_o his_o first_o and_o yet_o at_o last_o he_o be_v very_o positive_a against_o all_o capital_a punishment_n his_o word_n be_v nullis_fw-la tamen_fw-la bonis_fw-la it_o be_v a_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o please_v no_o good_a man_n that_o any_o heretic_n shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n we_o may_v see_v by_o this_o how_o man_n do_v curtail_v and_o enlarge_v these_o thing_n according_a to_o their_o interest_n and_o particular_a affection_n and_o set_v bound_n at_o their_o own_o pleasure_n some_o be_v for_o one_o kind_n of_o temporal_a severity_n and_o some_o for_o another_o and_o so_o when_o we_o leave_v the_o scripture_n that_o give_v no_o direction_n for_o any_o we_o lose_v ourselves_o and_o wander_v as_o the_o fancy_n and_o interest_n of_o man_n lead_v we_o but_o the_o author_n word_n be_v these_o though_o force_n say_v he_o will_v not_o remove_v the_o error_n yet_o it_o may_v prevent_v its_o spread_n though_o it_o do_v not_o take_v away_o the_o cause_n yet_o it_o hinder_v most_o of_o the_o mischievous_a effect_n the_o mischievous_a effect_n of_o a_o opinion_n be_v consider_v as_o it_o relate_v to_o a_o man_n himself_o who_o be_v possess_v with_o it_o and_o as_o it_o relate_v to_o other_o who_o may_v be_v by_o he_o infect_v with_o it_o force_n do_v in_o no_o wise_n hinder_v the_o spread_a of_o a_o opinion_n for_o if_o a_o man_n be_v punish_v for_o declare_v to_o other_o what_o he_o think_v be_v right_n and_o he_o think_v himself_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o declare_v other_o be_v more_o easy_o take_v and_o by_o his_o suffering_n make_v more_o please_v with_o his_o notion_n and_o soon_o become_v his_o proselyte_n in_o the_o other_o case_n he_o that_o force_v i_o to_o deny_v my_o opinion_n sin_n in_o do_v it_o but_o i_o sin_v likewise_o if_o i_o comply_v with_o he_o for_o such_o mischievous_a effect_n as_o relate_v to_o the_o person_n himself_o possess_v with_o a_o opinion_n hinder_v they_o not_o at_o all_o unless_o you_o can_v convert_v he_o by_o it_o for_o it_o either_o confirm_v he_o in_o one_o error_n or_o lead_v he_o into_o a_o worse_a if_o he_o stand_v it_o out_o and_o suffer_v he_o will_v be_v the_o more_o root_v in_o his_o persuasion_n by_o it_o and_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v want_v of_o argument_n bring_v man_n to_o club-law_n if_o he_o comply_v against_o his_o light_n he_o run_v then_o into_o a_o apparent_a and_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 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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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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
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 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grief_n too_o strong_a and_o i_o write_v another_o letter_n much_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n on_o the_o 22d_o of_o the_o 6_o mo._n and_o send_v it_o to_o g._n w._n which_o for_o brevity_n sake_n i_o here_o omit_v and_o the_o rather_o because_o it_o be_v among_o other_o thing_n insert_v as_o i_o understand_v in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o seven_o part_v of_o the_o christian_a quaker_n distinguish_v etc._n etc._n put_v forth_o by_o w._n r._n in_o answer_n to_o the_o accuser_n etc._n etc._n and_o after_o i_o can_v have_v no_o answer_n but_o instead_o thereof_o g._n w._n come_v to_o our_o quarterly_o meet_v the_o seven_o of_o the_o seven_o month_n 1681._o and_o instead_o of_o heal_a breach_n be_v a_o instrument_n and_o a_o great_a one_o too_o against_o robert_n smith_n of_o colne_n his_o proceed_n in_o marriage_n except_o he_o will_v go_v and_o publish_v his_o intention_n before_o the_o woman_n they_o be_v in_o number_n about_o five_o or_o six_o in_o a_o cold_a back_n room_n by_o themselves_o according_a to_o g._n f._n his_o order_n as_o heretofore_o i_o have_v treat_v on_o insomuch_o that_o it_o come_v into_o my_o mind_n to_o send_v he_o a_o few_o query_n a_o copy_n whereof_o here_o follow_v viz._n the_o letter_n as_o prologue_n to_o they_o etc._n etc._n george_n whitehead_n i_o write_v to_o thou_o not_o long_o since_o to_o desire_v thy_o assistance_n in_o a_o composure_n of_o the_o late_a difference_n but_o in_o thy_o last_o journey_n i_o be_v loath_a to_o say_v circuit_n this_o way_n thou_o have_v show_v i_o and_o other_o thy_o resolution_n it_o be_v report_v that_o nicholas_n lucas_n tell_v thou_o thou_o wente_v up_o and_o down_o to_o cheat_v the_o country_n i_o reckon_v he_o mean_v not_o of_o money_n but_o the_o people_n of_o their_o liberty_n they_o have_v right_a to_o truly_n thy_o behaviour_n have_v manifest_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n as_o i_o be_o able_a to_o make_v appear_v not_o only_o by_o thy_o advice_n in_o huntingtonshire_n but_o also_o by_o thy_o erroneous_a doctrine_n among_o we_o if_o g._n f._n say_v true_a in_o his_o gospel-liberty_n pag._n 23._o and_o therefore_o to_o bring_v people_n to_o that_o which_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v to_o bring_v they_o into_o sin_n and_o to_o make_v they_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n but_o i_o believe_v the_o time_n be_v hasten_v that_o such_o as_o thou_o shall_v be_v often_o call_v in_o question_n than_o yet_o thou_o have_v be_v for_o we_o begin_v to_o see_v the_o truth_n of_o w._n p_n doctrine_n who_o say_v in_o his_o address_n to_o protestant_n that_o the_o neglect_n of_o question_v our_o minister_n be_v the_o cause_n both_o of_o superstition_n and_o schism_n however_o at_o present_a i_o desire_v and_o expect_v a_o answer_n from_o thou_o touch_v these_o thing_n query_v viz._n either_o of_o thy_o approbation_n of_o my_o answer_n or_o a_o answer_n of_o thou_o lest_o i_o spread_v they_o before_o thou_o in_o fair_a character_n than_o my_o hand_n can_v write_v for_o thou_o and_o other_o practice_n have_v bring_v you_o into_o suspicion_n with_o the_o people_n for_o we_o see_v how_o you_o seek_v to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o the_o conscience_n and_o contrary_n to_o your_o pretension_n exercise_v dominion_n gentile-like_a over_o your_o brethren_n as_o if_o you_o be_v resolve_v to_o turn_v monopolizer_n and_o ingrocer_n of_o all_o power_n rule_n and_o dominion_n over_o conscience_n into_o your_o own_o hand_n but_o your_o authority_n be_v come_v into_o question_n and_o by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v by_o you_o so_o slight_v must_v you_o be_v examine_v try_v and_o prove_v and_o the_o less_o you_o value_v the_o scripture_n or_o direction_n therefrom_o the_o less_o will_v you_o be_v value_v and_o the_o more_o you_o magnify_v your_o directory_n order_n and_o cannon_n which_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o primitive_a christian_n example_n the_o more_o will_v you_o grow_v despise_v and_o turn_v from_o wherefore_o consider_v your_o way_n and_o wherein_o you_o can_v see_v and_o perceive_v yourselves_o innovator_n and_o apostate_n let_v there_o be_v a_o return_n to_o your_o first_o love_n viz._n when_o you_o love_v both_o to_o give_v and_o receive_v liberty_n in_o matter_n spiritual_a and_o do_v your_o first_o work_n and_o do_v not_o think_v to_o heal_v yourselves_o by_o call_v other_o what_o you_o real_o be_v yourselves_o for_o that_o will_v not_o now_o do_v by_o your_o fruit_n you_o be_v manifest_a and_o we_o know_v you_o by_o they_o oh_o the_o discord_n contention_n and_o debate_v which_o enter_v and_o do_v daily_o increase_v by_o reason_n of_o your_o ceremony_n and_o your_o force_a conformity_n to_o they_o and_o the_o chief_a cause_n hereof_o lie_v at_o your_o door_n for_o now_o as_o in_o age_n past_a the_o leader_n of_o the_o people_n cause_v they_o to_o err_v who_o have_v great_o increase_v the_o difference_n instead_o of_o heal_v the_o breach_n and_o that_o you_o may_v see_v as_o you_o be_v see_v i_o have_v draw_v before_o your_o view_n your_o practice_n and_o thereby_o show_v you_o your_o error_n yet_o in_o as_o much_o as_o thou_o be_v more_o especial_o concern_v i_o direct_v they_o to_o thou_o for_o a_o more_o immediate_a answer_n who_o be_o a_o lover_n of_o truth_n f._n bug._n the_o seven_o of_o the_o 8_o month_n 1678._o a_o few_o query_n propound_v to_o such_o among_o we_o who_o be_v cry_v up_o holy_a order_n church-government_n and_o be_v add_v new_a ceemorny_n and_o outward_a observation_n whereby_o we_o thwart_v and_o contradict_v our_o avow_a principle_n and_o so_o be_v build_v again_o the_o thing_n we_o once_o destroy_v and_o cry_v out_o against_o condemn_v in_o other_o the_o thing_n we_o allow_v in_o ourselves_o through_o which_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 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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