Selected quad for the lemma: book_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
book_n	call_v	people_n	quaker_n	2,523	5	9.6997	5	true

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A40945	The Quakers plea with the bishops at their ecclesiastical courts, or, An answer of the people of God, reproachfully called Quakers, to the bill of presentment put against them into the bishops courts, for not coming to the church as is pretended whereby it may appear, that the Quakers, so called, do come to the church, both according to the Scriptures, and Common-prayer books account, and ought not in equity and reason to be presented, or punished for that, &c. / by Richard Farnsworth.	R. F. (Richard Farnworth), d. 1666.	1663 (1663)	Wing F499; ESTC R9314	16,422	24

THE QUAKERS PLEA WITH THE BISHOPS AT THEIR Ecclesiastical Courts OR An Answer of the People of God reproachfully called Quakers to the Bill of Presentment put against them into the Bishops Courts for not coming to the Church as is pretended Whereby it may appear that the Quakers so called do come to the Church both according to the Scriptures and Common-Prayer books account and ought not in equity and reason to be presented or punished for that c. By Richard Farnsworth LONDON Printed in the Year 1663. The Quakers Plea with the Bishops at their Ecclesiastical Courts c. VVHereas the People of God reproachfully called Quakers are presented to the Bishops as Offenders for not coming to the Church as is pretended Now if we can make it appear as we hope we can according to truth the Scripture Common-Prayer account that we are the onely people or of them that do come to the Church and Service of God then we ought in equity and reason to be cleared and clearly acquitted from those pretended offences and from all punishments due thereunto the case in controversie ought to be terminated and we to be acquitted and clearly discharged therefrom and our Accusers to be sharply reproved to the end and intent that they do so no more One main question or thing enquirable by the Bishops or their Officers of us at their Ecclesiastical Courts now in this age and time is Whether we come to the Church and Service of God or no In order to a full and satisfactory answer to the things in that case charged against us we ask What is it that you do really own to be or call and account the Church Whether the Church according to your own account be the Cathedrals and Parish Meeting-places because many in ignorance call them the Church And whether doth the Scriptures or Common-Prayer book account or declare Cathedrals or Parish Meeting-places to be the onely true Churches which we and all the people of God are enjoined to come unto in point of Religion and worship of God according to Gospel-order and practice of the people of God under that dispensation as left upon record in the holy Scriptures If in answer thereunto you say no then we further enquire Whether you would have us to own that to be the only true Church of Christ which is neither really owned or declared so to be either by the Scriptures or Common-Prayer-book And would you make us offenders when neither Scripture nor Common-Prayer-book maketh us so or would you punish us as offenders for not coming to that which in reallity is neither owned by the Scripture or Common-Prayer-book Is there any equity or reason for that Consider well of it and if upon serious consideration the witness of God in you answer the equitableness and justness of our innocent cause tel you by testifying to your consciences that there is neither equity nor reason to punish us as offenders for that which is neither owned by the Scripture or Common-Prayer-book because you profess them both as your rules in point of Religion and worship of God Then be advised and do not proceed against us in judgement when the witness of God in your own consciences answereth for us lest God the righteous Judge enter into judgement with you for so doing And if you be convinced and perswaded in your hearts and consciences that Cathedrals or Par sh-Meeting-places are not the onely true Church of Christ as well you may if you have any right understanding in the things of God according to Gospel dispensation because the Scriptures do declare the onely true Church to be the body of Christ and Christ to be the head of the Church which is his body as it is written and left upon Record in Scripture Ephes 1.22 23. And if you do believe that the Church is the body of Christ and that Christ is the head of his body the Church then you may well be convinced and perswaded or at least ought that Cathedrals or Parish Meeting-places are not the Church because Cathedrals and Parish-Meeting-places are not the body of Christ Christ so loved the Church that he gave himself for it that he might sanctifie and cleanse it and make it unto himself a glorious Church that it should be holy and without blemish Eph. 5.23 24 25 26 27. And also the Lord doth nourish and cherish the Church as it is written Eph. 5.28 29. But where is it written that Cathedrals and Parish-Meeting-places commonly called Parish churches are the body of Christ or that Christ is the Head of them or that Christ laid down his life for them or that they are nourished and cherishby the Lord as aforesaid If you say Cathedrals and Parish Meeting places commonly called Parishes are not the body of Christ therefore not the Church neither did Christ lay down his life for them neither are they nourished and cherished by the Lord as aforesaid therefore we do not account them the Church What then is it that you call and account the Church and require us to come unto which we are presented for not coming to if you say and confess that Cathedrals and Parish Meeting places commonly called Parish Churches is not the thing you require us to come unto because it is evident by the Scriptures and Common-prayer Book that Cathedrals and parish Meeting places are not the Church which is the body of Christ and nourished and cherished by the Lord as aforesaid We further ask What is the Church If you deny Cathedrals and parish-metting-places to be the Church as aforesaid are the ungodly people such as are not governed and sanctified by the Spirit of God though they may meet in Cathedrals and parish-meeting-places the Church which is the body of Christ subject unto Christ and as aforesaid And if you say No They who are not governed and sanctified by the Spirit of God are not true Members of the Church of God If so then may not we say That though we may not come to Cathedrals or parish meeting places commonly called parish churches nor meet in point of Religion and Worship of God with such people as are not governed sanctified by the Spirit of God it cannot properly be said that we do not come to the church neither ought we to be presented or punished for refusing to meet in point of Religion and Worship of God with them who are not governed and sanctified by the Spirit of the Lord though they may meet in Cathedrals or parish-meeting-places commonly called parish churches as aforesaid Concerning the Church what it is according to Scripture-account THe sanctified and beloved people of God are in Scripture accounted and declared to be the Church of God It is said in Eph. 5.25 Christ so loved the Church that he gave himself for it And in Eph. 5.1 2. it is said concerning the Saints Be ye therefore followens of God as dear children and walk in love even as Christ hath

loved us and hath given himself for us Christ so loved the Church that he gave himself for it Eph. 5.25 And Christ so loved us that he gave himself for us said the Saints and beloved people of God Eph. 5.1 2. Therefore the Saints and beloved people of God according both to the Scripture and our account are the Church as aforesaid And such we meet withal therefore we come to the Church But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness let it not be once named a mongst you as becometh Saints Eph. 5.3 Fornication and uncleanness are things not owned by the Church neither filthiness neither foolish talking nor jesting which are things not comely as it it is written Eph. 5.3 4. These things are cast out of the Church and are found amongst the unsanctified people who are not govemed and sanctified by the Spirit of God The Scriptures do own the Saints and beloved people of God to be the Church of God and we own them so to be Therefore with the Ser ptures we concur and agree 1 Thes 2.14 Acts 13.1 2 3. Matth. 18.15 16 17 Acts 20.28 Col. 1.24 25. Eph. 5.27 28 29 30 31.32 The Scripture saith That holiness becometh the House of the Lord for ever and we say the same therefore the Scriptures and we agree in one And the people of God in the New-Covenant are said to be the House of God Heb 3.5 6 therefore holiness beconieth them The Scrip ture saith That the Saints or people of God are the House and Houshold of God and we say the same therefore the Scriptures and we agree in one 1 Tim. 3.15 Eph. 2.19 20 21 22. The Church of God in the New Covenant and Gospel dispensation is the House of God and the people of God are the Church of God Therefore the people of God in the New Covenant and Gospel-dispensation are the House of God as may be read 1 Tim. 3.15 Eph. 5.23 24. Heb. 3.5 6. 1 Pet. 2.5 To meet in point of Religion and Worship of God with them who as dear children are followers of God Eph. 5.1 2. is to come to the Church and such we meet withall in point of Religion and Worship of God therefore we come to the Church according to the Scripture-account as aforesaid The Church according to the Scripture account is the Houshold of God and the Saints beloved people of God are the Houshold of God as may be read Eph. 2.19 20. Therefore the Saints and beloved people of God according to the Scripture account are the Church as foresaid To meet in point of Religion and Worship of God with the Houshold of God is to come to the Church according to the Scripture account and we meet in point of Religion and Worship of God with the Houshold of God therefore we come to the Church according to the Scripture account as aforesaid They who come to the Church according to the Scripture account ought not in equity and reason to be presented for not coming to the Church And we who are reproachfully called Quakers do come to the Church according to the Scripture account therefore we ought not to be presented or punished for not coming to the Church by them that own the Scriptures as their Rule in point of Religion there is neither Equity nor reason for it The Houshold of God which is the Church are builded upon the Foundation of the Apostles and Prophets Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone as may be seen Eph. 2.18 19 20. Then they who are builded upon the Foundation of the Apostles and Prophets Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone are the Church the Houshold of God And we who are reproached for the Name of Jesus and are built upon the Light and Power of God are built upon the Foundation of the Prophets and Apostles Christ Jesus himself being the chief Corner-stone We are of the Houshold and Family of God and do come to the Church according to the Scripture-account And by the Church we are neither presentable nor punishable for that They who are governed and sanctified by the Spirit of God are true Members of the Church of God 1 Cor. 1.2 Rom. 9. 1. And we witness on the behalf of the Lord and the Lords Spirit beareth witness on our behalf That we are governed and sanctified by the Spirit of God Rom. 8.14 15 16.17 Therefore we are true Members of the Church of God and are neither presentable nor punishable for not coming to the Church especially by them who own the government and sanctification of the Spirit in declaration though they seem to come far short thereof in life and conversation And if you say It 's true we come to the Church according to the Scripture acccount and you do not present us or go about to punish us for that but because we come not to the Church according to the Common prayer-Prayer-Book account Well Concerning the Church what it is according to the common-prayer-Common-Prayer-Book account IF it be granted that we who are reproachfully called Quakers do come to the Church according to the Scripture-account and are neither presentable nor punishable for that then therein we are cleared And if you say we are presented for not coming to the Church according to the account of the common-prayer-Common-Prayer-Book then if we can make it appear by the Common-Prayer that we come to the Church according to the account of the Common-Prayer as aforesaid then by your own rule and that according to Equity and Reason we ought to be clearly acquitted from the force of the aforesaid presentment and therefore discharged to all intents constructions and purposes whatsoever If you say yea then be men of your word and let your yea be yea by making good what you say and we shall proceed to prove the thing in hand or matter in question afore-mentioned that is Whether we come to the Church according to the Common-Prayer-Book account or not To the which we answer and say We do come to the Church according to the Common-Prayer-Book and are therefore neither presentable nor punishable for that but ought in equity and reason to be acquitted and clearly discharged therefrom as aforesaid And if you say it is not sufficiently proved by our affirmation aforesaid We say We do not say that which is false but regard our word and our yea is yea therefore you may believe it for a truth in what we have said but if you would have a further proof for the same we ask in order thereunto whether you own that only to be the Church which the Common-Prayer-Book owneth or declareth so to be If you say yea then stand to your word and be as you say and we shall give you a further proof to make good what we have said viz. That we come to the Church according to the account of the Common-Prayer-Book And if it be asked Who or what sort of people are owned by or declared in the Common-Prayer-book

to be the church of God It is answered That they who are governed and sanctified by the Spirit of God are the only people owned by or declared in the common-prayer-Common-Prayer-Book to be the church of God Then to meet in point of Religion and Worship of God with them who are governed and sanctified by the Spirit of God is to come to the church necording to the account of the common-prayer-Common-prayer-book But we who are reproachfully called Quakers do meet with them who are governed and sanctified by the Spirit of God in point of Religion and Worship of God therefore we come to the church as aforesaid And so we ought to have equal liberty and toleration with you in point of Religion and Worship of God The Common Prayer Book owneth or declareth the Houshold and Family of God to be the church of God And we say That the Houshold and Family of God are the saints and beloved people of God Therefore to meet in point of Religion and Worship of God with the Houshold and Family of God which are the saints and beloved people of God is to come to the Church according to the account of the Common-Prayer book and we met in point of Religion and worship of God with the houshold and family of God therefore we come to the Church as aforesaid and are neither presentable nor punishable for that by the Church before mentioned For proof that the Church is owned or declared by the Common-Prayer book to be the houshold and family of God 5 Sund. after Epiph. Coll. and 22 Sund. after Trinit Coll. See the 5 Sunday after Epiphany the Collect so called where it is said Lord keep thy Church and houshold continually in thy true Religion And see 22 Sunday after Trinity the Collect so called where it is said Lord we beseech thee to keep thy houshold the Church in continual godlmess Here the Church is declared to be the houshold of God and it is the work or act of God to keep it in continual godliness Then they who are in continual ungodliness are not accounted the houshold and Church of God as aforesaid because they are not willing to be ordered and kept by the Lord in continual godliness as aforesaid So that wicked and unsanctified people are not accounted the Church by the Common-Prayer book neither are we enjoyned thereby to come to meet with wicked and unsanctified people in point of Religion nor presentable for refusing so to do And for proof that the Church is accounted the family of God see Good Friday the Collect so called and moreover it is there said Almighty and everlasting God by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church is governed and sanctified So that the whole body of that Church which is owned or declared of in the Common-Prayer book is said to be governed and sanctified by the Spirit of God as aforesaid then that body which is not governed and sanctified by the Spirit of God is not there owned or declared by the Common-Prayer book to be the Church of God aforementioned If the whole body of the Church be governed and sanctified by the Spirit of God then every particular member of that body is under the government and sanctification of that Spirit And if the whole body of the Church of God be govenned and sanctified by the spirit of God whether are they any Ministers or members of the Church of God who are not governed and sanctified by the Spirit of God for it is said by the Apostle If any man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of his Rom. 8.9 no Minister of Christ nor member of his Church And doth not the Common-Prayer-book say the same in effect in saying That the Church of God is the houshold and family of God and that the whole body of the Church is governed and sanctified by the Spirit of God Doth it not therefore follow that they are no Ministers of Christ nor members of his Church who are not governed and sanctified by the Spirit of God as aforesaid If so whether they who dayly err and go astray from the ways of God be governed and sanctified by the Spirit of God and if they who dayly err and go astray from the ways of God be not governed and sanctified by the Spirit of God whether such be any Ministers of Christ or members of the Church of God and whether such as daily offend against Gods holy Laws be governed and sanctified by Gods holy Spirit because Gods holy Spirit doth not lead men daily to offend his own Laws Or whether any for denying or refusing for conscience towards God to meet in point of Religion and Worship of God with them who daily err and go astray from the ways of God and for neglecting to meet with such as are not governed and sanctified by the Spirit of God can or ought in equity and reason according to truth be said to deny and refuse to come to the Church which is the houshold and family of God who are sanctified and governed by the Spirit of God as aforesaid will it not follow then and that from the Common-Prayer-book viz. 1 That the Church of God is the houshold and family of God and that the houshold and family of God are the Saints and beloved people of God 2 That the family and houshold of God are governed and sanctified by the Spirit of God and they are the houshold and family of God who are governed and sanctified by the Spirit of God 3 That to come to and meet with the houshold and family of God is to come to and meet with the Church of God 4 That to meet in point of Religion and worship of God with them who are governed and sanctified by the Spirit of God is to come to the Church and service of God 5. That they who are not governed and sanctified by the Spirit of God are not the Church of God 6. That to refuse for conscience towards God to meet in point of Religion and worship of God with them who daily err and go astray from the ways of God and are not governed and sanctified by the Spirit of God is not to refuse to come to the Church as aforesaid 7. That they who daily offend against Gods holy Laws and being untaught of God daily err from his ways and refuse to meet in point of Religion and worship of God with the houshold of God which is governed and sanctified by the Spirit of God those are such as neglect to come to the Church and service of God For we say the Saints and beloved people of God are under the administration and teaching of the light and Spirit of God and subject thereunto And they are the Saints and beloved people of God who are under the administration and teachings of the Light and Spirit of God and subject thereunto as aforesaid For the grace of God which bringeth salvation hath appeared unto all men teaching