they_o and_o the_o true_a light_n will_v have_v shine_v in_o that_o brightness_n as_o to_o have_v discover_v unto_o they_o those_o error_n they_o shall_v have_v forsake_v and_o these_o truth_n they_o shall_v have_v embrace_v 5._o but_o alas_o this_o glory_n of_o god_n do_v not_o long_o continue_v to_o appear_v among_o that_o handful_n who_o in_o measure_n see_v it_o and_o taste_v of_o the_o sweetness_n of_o it_o but_o they_o not_o follow_v the_o lord_n in_o his_o further_a requiring_n and_o leading_n but_o stand_v still_o and_o in_o divers_a thing_n go_v back_o again_o as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o divers_a particular_n in_o my_o book_n call_v help_v in_o time_n of_o need_n print_v in_o the_o year_n 1665._o the_o lord_n be_v provoke_v to_o withdraw_v 〈…〉_z presence_n by_o degree_n from_o they_o till_o at_o last_o 〈◊〉_d become_v opposer_n and_o persecuter_n of_o the_o saâ—e_v appearance_n of_o god_n in_o other_o rise_v up_o in_o more_o power_n and_o glory_n but_o the_o great_a power_n and_o glory_n that_o ever_o shine_v in_o this_o nation_n in_o the_o pure_a and_o best_a time_n since_o the_o first_o reformation_n from_o popery_n reach_v only_o some_o few_o particular_a meeting_n and_o person_n by_o which_o they_o come_v to_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o life_n and_o feel_v of_o god_n power_n in_o their_o meeting_n 6._o whereas_o still_o the_o body_n of_o the_o national_a church_n continue_v full_a of_o thick_a darkness_n know_v nothing_o of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o for_o most_o part_n extreme_o ignorant_a of_o the_o very_a first_o doctrinal_a principl_n of_o chriâ—â—ianity_n as_o also_o they_o still_o continue_v at_o this_o day_n nor_o be_v the_o strong_a current_n and_o stream_n of_o profanity_n ordinary_a curse_v and_o swear_v by_o the_o bless_a name_n of_o god_n drink_v drink_v and_o other_o such_o scandalous_a practice_n utter_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o least_o measur_n of_o true_a christianity_n ever_o stop_v from_o run_v through_o the_o body_n of_o this_o nation_n but_o exceed_o abound_v â—n_o most_o place_n of_o the_o nation_n even_o when_o the_o presbyterian_a doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n have_v most_o sway_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o there_o be_v thousand_o of_o witness_n yet_o alive_a but_o especial_o these_o too_o abominable_a sin_n of_o ordinary_a swear_n and_o profane_v the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o drink_v drink_v still_o remain_v among_o the_o plurality_n of_o their_o church_n member_n among_o which_o those_o call_v the_o commons_n have_v their_o kind_n of_o swear_v and_o these_o call_v â—he_v gentry_n have_v they_o so_o that_o the_o ordinary_a way_n â—f_o swear_v will_v not_o serve_v their_o turn_n but_o as_o they_o excee_v the_o commons_o in_o outward_a greatness_n so_o 〈◊〉_d think_v it_o a_o property_n to_o exceed_v they_o in_o â—â—earing_v more_o great_a and_o terrible_a oath_n and_o these_o 〈◊〉_d call_v gentl-man-oath_n which_o two_o fearful_a 〈◊〉_d of_o late_a year_n with_o many_o more_o especial_o forâ—â—cation_n and_o adultery_n be_v much_o increase_v and_o â—â—ily_o increase_v in_o that_o called_z the_o national_a church_n â—â—ich_a if_o not_o prevent_v with_o repentance_n the_o â—â—rd_n will_v certain_o punish_v with_o great_a and_o sore_a judgement_n 7._o so_o that_o although_o i_o do_v free_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v and_o have_v among_o the_o presbyterian_o some_o who_o belong_v to_o his_o true_a church_n yet_o i_o can_v iâ—_n the_o least_o acknowledge_v that_o ever_o the_o national_a presbyterian_a church_n be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o that_o noâ—_n only_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a life_n oâ—_n the_o far_o great_a number_n of_o their_o church-member_n utter_o inconsistent_a with_o true_a piety_n but_o also_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o constitution_n way_n of_o worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n 8._o which_o make_v it_o impossible_a that_o ever_o any_o national_a church_n can_v be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n i_o meaâ—_n their_o sense_n of_o a_o national_a church_n that_o be_v to_o say_v 〈◊〉_d national_a so_o that_o simple_o because_o man_n be_v native_n and_o live_v in_o the_o nation_n they_o and_o all_o their_o posteriâ—â—_n must_v be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d willing_a unto_o it_o they_o must_v be_v compel_v this_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o way_n thâ—_n christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n take_v to_o build_v the_o 〈◊〉_d church_n which_o begin_v i_o mean_v the_o primitiâ—â—_n church_n in_o thâ—_n day_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o particular_a person_n and_o family_n and_o so_o spread_v more_o and_o moâ—â—_n yet_o never_o do_v take_v in_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o a_o â—_z as_o such_o it_o be_v indeed_o great_o to_o be_v wish_v 〈◊〉_d not_o only_o this_o nation_n but_o all_o nation_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o man_n shall_v 〈◊〉_d make_v such_o preposterous_a haste_n to_o make_v â—_z church_n by_o mere_a humane_a law_n and_o power_n 〈◊〉_d they_o shall_v wait_v on_o the_o lord_n and_o join_v with_o 〈◊〉_d â—o_o do_v it_o in_o his_o way_n &_o by_o his_o power_n for_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v to_o make_v the_o nation_n a_o willing_a people_n and_o to_o bow_v they_o to_o a_o true_a subjection_n to_o the_o sâ—â—pter_n and_o dominion_n of_o christ_n jesus_n bare_a humane_a law_n and_o edict_n and_o decree_n will_v never_o do_v it_o for_o indeed_o this_o have_v be_v the_o ground_n and_o rise_v of_o all_o the_o persecution_n that_o have_v be_v in_o christendom_n first_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o arian_n and_o eutychian_a emperor_n and_o next_o when_o popery_n prevail_v and_o popish_a emperor_n and_o king_n make_v compulsive_a law_n and_o decree_n that_o all_o shall_v join_v to_o the_o popish_a church_n every_o where_o which_o be_v national_a so_o that_o this_o form_n of_o a_o national_a church_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o from_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n for_o all_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v congregational_a and_o not_o national_a upward_o of_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n yea_o i_o see_v no_o national_a church_n set_v up_o in_o the_o world_n till_o after_o constantin_n and_o though_o constantin_n give_v great_a encouragement_n to_o all_o to_o become_v christian_n yet_o i_o find_v not_o that_o he_o force_v any_o to_o take_v on_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n but_o these_o that_o will_v have_v a_o national_a church_n they_o will_v have_v all_o other_o to_o bow_v to_o they_o and_o join_v with_o they_o and_o this_o give_v a_o natural_a and_o most_o necessary_a rise_v to_o persecution_n so_o that_o all_o those_o who_o she_o can_v not_o persuade_v to_o take_v on_o her_o yoke_n and_o become_v her_o member_n the_o only_a remedy_n in_o the_o next_o place_n be_v to_o force_v and_o compel_v they_o if_o she_o can_v otherwise_o her_o project_n be_v spoil_v &_o she_o will_v not_o be_v national_a and_o as_o the_o national_a church_n be_v always_o a_o persecute_v church_n it_o be_v her_o very_a nature_n so_o it_o must_v always_o be_v exceed_v hypocritical_a see_v it_o begete_v thousand_o to_o be_v its_o child_n and_o member_n by_o the_o mere_a will_n and_o power_n of_o man_n which_o only_o make_v hypocrite_n for_o the_o true_a child_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o true_a child_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n jerusalem_n from_o above_o who_o be_v free_a with_o all_o her_o child_n be_v bear_v not_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n nor_o of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n so_o that_o all_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o will_n and_o power_n of_o man_n be_v but_o bastard_n and_o not_o true_a child_n of_o god_n nor_o yet_o of_o the_o true_a church_n 9_o and_o indeed_o that_o the_o national_a presbyterian_a church_n be_v deep_o tincture_v with_o these_o two_o great_a sin_n of_o persecution_n and_o hypocrisy_n we_o need_v seek_v no_o other_o instance_n but_o what_o most_o man_n now_o live_v in_o the_o nation_n have_v see_v with_o their_o eye_n they_o do_v not_o only_o persecut_v the_o bishop_n who_o do_v well_o foreesee_v before_o hand_n the_o cruel_a usage_n they_o may_v expeâ—â—_n from_o they_o and_o therefore_o general_o flee_v out_o of_o the_o nation_n before_o they_o have_v opportunity_n to_o lay_v hand_n on_o they_o but_o some_o of_o their_o party_n that_o they_o get_v holâ—_n of_o they_o make_v they_o feel_v the_o dint_n as_o namely_o bishop_n wishart_n who_o then_o be_v not_o a_o bishop_n but_o only_o of_o their_o party_n this_o man_n they_o imprison_v in_o the_o tolbooth_n of_o edinburgh_n and_o use_v so_o hardly_o and_o unkind_o that_o he_o can_v hardly_o get_v any_o to_o minister_v to_o his_o outward_a necessity_n but_o have_v almost_o perish_v with_o want_n of_o necessary_a thing_n for_o his_o body_n and_o the_o lord_n cremond_n who_o be_v no_o clergy_n man_n
because_o it_o be_v not_o deck_v with_o the_o trim_n and_o ornament_n of_o the_o whore_n i_o need_v not_o enlarge_v on_o this_o the_o application_n be_v so_o plain_a four_o education_n and_o breed_n in_o wrong_a gloss_n and_o mistake_n of_o scripture_n proof_n have_v be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o hindrance_n of_o the_o progress_n of_o truth_n or_o of_o its_o reception_n and_o for_o this_o let_v the_o many_o divers_a reason_n of_o the_o jew_n against_o christ_n in_o his_o descent_n doctrine_n and_o miracle_n be_v consider_v and_o man_n may_v then_o as_o in_o a_o glass_n see_v the_o image_n of_o that_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o opposition_n to_o truth_n in_o this_o day_n and_o for_o this_o i_o refer_v the_o sober_a inquirer_n after_o truth_n to_o isaac_n pennington_n his_o book_n call_v the_o outward_a jew_n a_o look_a glass_n for_o professor_n this_o be_v such_o a_o person_n that_o none_o acquaint_v with_o his_o write_n but_o will_v allow_v he_o a_o good_a character_n if_o he_o be_v not_o a_o prejudicate_v opposer_n 5._o another_o great_a obstruction_n which_o keep_v people_n from_o the_o search_n after_o truth_n be_v a_o light_n and_o 〈◊〉_d mind_n which_o predominat_n in_o the_o most_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n in_o the_o world_n this_o hinder_v truth_n in_o the_o very_a power_n and_o life_n of_o it_o and_o permit_v none_o to_o be_v serious_a in_o the_o search_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o the_o conviction_n of_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o truth_n that_o the_o lord_n call_v for_o only_a or_o that_o his_o faithful_a servant_n endeavour_v as_o if_o it_o be_v satisfaction_n to_o they_o to_o see_v many_o own_n it_o or_o profess_v the_o form_n thereof_o these_o be_v but_o at_o best_a like_o the_o stony_a or_o thorny_a ground_n that_o receive_v the_o seed_n with_o joy_n and_o yet_o in_o a_o day_n of_o the_o heat_n of_o persecution_n turn_v from_o it_o and_o so_o may_v become_v a_o discredit_n to_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v only_o these_o that_o labour_v not_o only_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o espouse_v it_o in_o their_o understanding_n but_o also_o endeavour_v to_o feel_v the_o power_n and_o life_n of_o it_o reach_v their_o heart_n and_o this_o not_o only_o for_o a_o touch_n at_o a_o time_n but_o to_o live_v and_o feed_v upon_o that_o life_n &_o power_n which_o flow_v forth_o from_o the_o fountain_n &_o spring_n of_o it_o i_o say_v these_o only_a it_o be_v that_o will_v be_v true_a witness_n of_o the_o truth_n hence_o christ_n speak_v many_o parable_n to_o this_o purpose_n as_o that_o of_o the_o wise_a merchant_n that_o sell_v all_o &_o buy_v the_o pearl_n &_o the_o treasure_n that_o be_v hide_v in_o the_o ground_n etc._n etc._n let_v all_o person_n that_o be_v of_o this_o light_n and_o airy_a spirit_n consider_v their_o danger_n how_o uncapable_a they_o be_v not_o only_o to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o their_o day_n and_o generation_n but_o also_o utter_o unfit_a for_o be_v heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n when_o time_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o if_o they_o do_v mind_n the_o care_n of_o their_o precioussoule_n and_o consider_v their_o mortality_n how_o uncertain_a their_o time_n be_v and_o of_o what_o concernment_n it_o be_v to_o they_o to_o be_v true_o serious_a they_o will_v not_o make_v too_o light_a of_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n which_o concern_v their_o everlasting_a salvation_n but_o will_v find_v they_o of_o far_o great_a moment_n than_o these_o temporal_a pleasure_n profit_n and_o recreation_n wherewith_o they_o be_v so_o intentive_o take_v up_o wherefore_o my_o desire_n to_o all_o be_v that_o they_o will_v serious_o consider_v these_o few_o obstruction_n mention_v and_o apply_v their_o mind_n to_o search_v after_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o beware_v to_o take_v matter_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n upon_o trust_n from_o any_o man_n or_o company_n of_o man_n but_o impartial_o weigh_v and_o ponder_v by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o their_o own_o heart_n what_o be_v truth_n and_o what_o be_v error_n by_o what_o doctrine_n the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n will_v be_v most_o esteem_v and_o the_o pride_n of_o man_n most_o abase_v beware_v of_o a_o implicit_a faith_n for_o tâ—e_v just_a shall_v live_v by_o his_o faith_n hab._n 2._o 4._o and_o not_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o another_o they_o be_v most_o to_o be_v suspect_v as_o deceiver_n that_o do_v most_o hinder_v inquiry_n and_o trial_n as_o many_o preacher_n at_o this_o time_n be_v do_v it_o be_v a_o know_v popish_a imposition_n to_o forbid_v search_v and_o be_v now_o renounce_v and_o abominate_v by_o all_o sound_a protestant_n therefore_o they_o be_v yet_o drink_v with_o the_o whore_n cup_n that_o will_v obtrude_v their_o doctrine_n to_o be_v believe_v without_o trial_n or_o to_o hinder_v from_o try_v the_o spirit_n and_o from_o try_v all_o thing_n that_o what_o be_v best_a may_v be_v keep_v to_o if_o any_o object_n that_o word_n prov._n 19_o 27._o coase_o to_o hear_v the_o instruction_n that_o cause_v to_o err_v from_o the_o word_n of_o knowledge_n i_o answer_v this_o presuppose_v a_o clear_a and_o well_o ground_a faith_n of_o the_o truth_n from_o a_o inward_a principle_n which_o few_o ordinary_a professor_n can_v lay_v claim_n to_o otherways_o this_o may_v have_v excuse_v the_o jew_n in_o not_o harken_v to_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o say_v we_o know_v god_n â—pake_v to_o moses_n but_o for_o this_o fellow_n we_o know_v not_o whence_o 〈◊〉_d be_v joh._n 9_o v._n 26._o yea_o we_o and_o our_o predecessor_n shall_v have_v remain_v in_o popery_n without_o trial_n wherefore_o friend_n if_o you_o will_v true_o join_v and_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o power_n and_o life_n which_o the_o lord_n be_v ready_a to_o reveal_v in_o your_o heart_n it_o will_v not_o only_o help_v you_o to_o discern_v truth_n from_o error_n but_o to_o overcome_v your_o lust_n and_o get_v victory_n over_o your_o idol_n that_o stand_v up_o to_o make_v distance_n &_o separation_n betwixt_o god_n peace_n and_o favour_n and_o your_o soul_n that_o place_n be_v considerable_a rom._n 12._o verse_n 2._o be_v not_o conform_v to_o this_o world_n but_o be_v you_o transform_v by_o the_o renew_n of_o your_o mind_n that_o you_o may_v prove_v what_o be_v that_o good_a and_o acceptable_a and_o perfect_a will_n of_o god_n and_o thereby_o you_o shall_v come_v to_o get_v your_o heart_n establish_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o get_v all_o these_o strayingâ—_n and_o wander_n in_o your_o heart_n reform_v by_o wâ—â—ch_a your_o best_a duty_n be_v corrupt_v and_o defile_v â—hich_v be_v the_o earnest_a desire_n and_o travel_v of_o my_o soul_n that_o all_o my_o belove_a 〈◊〉_d and_o acquaintance_n every_o where_o may_v true_o and_o sensible_o come_v unto_o a_o real_a lover_n of_o your_o eternal_a welfare_n and_o peace_n alexander_z skein_n from_o the_o tolbooth_n of_o aberdeen_n the_o 1_o of_o the_o 5_o month_n 1676._o where_o i_o be_o a_o prisoner_n for_o my_o testimony_n print_a in_o the_o year_n 1677._o
the_o way_n cast_v up_o and_o the_o stumbling-blocke_n remove_v from_o before_o the_o foot_n of_o those_o who_o be_v seek_v the_o way_n to_o zion_n with_o their_o face_n thitherward_o contain_v a_o answer_n to_o a_o postscript_n print_v at_o the_o end_n of_o samuel_n rutherford_n letter_n three_o edition_n by_o a_o nameless_a author_n indeed_o not_o without_o cause_n consider_v the_o many_o lie_v and_o falsehood_n therein_o against_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n which_o be_v here_o disprove_v and_o refute_v and_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o hold_v touch_v those_o particular_n faithful_o declare_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n by_o george_n keith_n prisoner_n in_o the_o tolbooth_n of_o aberdeen_n with_o many_o 〈…〉_z have_v joyful_o suffer_v the_o spoil_n of_o our_o good_n 〈…〉_z sonement_n of_o our_o body_n for_o the_o precious_a name_v 〈…〉_z lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o for_o the_o 〈…〉_z who_o have_v say_v forsake_v not_o the_o assemble_v 〈…〉_z together_o write_a in_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o 〈…〉_z soul_n travel_v for_o the_o everlasting_a 〈…〉_z soul_n of_o all_o man_n but_o especial_o of_o they_o called_z 〈…〉_z to_o who_o this_o answer_n be_v particular_o direct_v exodus_fw-la 23_o 1._o thou_o shall_v not_o raise_v a_o false_a report_n 〈…〉_z wicked_a to_o be_v a_o unrighteous_a witness_n prov._n 14_o 25._o a_o true_a witness_n deliver_v soul_n 〈…〉_z speak_v lie_v math._n 5_o 11._o bless_a be_v you_o when_o man_n shall_v revile_v 〈…〉_z shall_v say_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_n against_o 〈…〉_z the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n have_v see_v a_o postscript_n add_v to_o the_o three_o edition_n of_o samuel_n rutherford_n letter_n upon_o occasion_n of_o a_o letter_n write_v by_o he_o doubtless_o out_o of_o zeal_n to_o some_o person_n in_o aberdeen_n at_o the_o time_n when_o they_o be_v endeavour_v to_o separat_fw-la themselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o profane_a and_o scandalous_a people_n reckon_v common_o for_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o also_o withdraw_v from_o under_o the_o yoke_n of_o imposâ—ing_v presbyterial_a government_n for_o which_o he_o be_v a_o sufferer_n by_o confinement_n in_o aberdeen_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o former_a prelate_n from_o which_o letter_n the_o author_n of_o this_o postscript_n have_v take_v occasion_n to_o vent_v and_o vomit_v forth_o more_o malice_n and_o bitter_a prejudice_n against_o the_o despise_a witness_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n then_o ever_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n do_v against_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n when_o he_o be_v among_o they_o in_o his_o bodily_a appearance_n i_o have_v judge_v fit_a to_o desire_v all_o sober_a people_n that_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n and_o have_v any_o knowledge_n of_o we_o or_o our_o principle_n that_o they_o will_v serious_o consider_v if_o we_o or_o our_o principle_n deserve_v such_o character_n as_o this_o man_n have_v put_v upon_o we_o see_v we_o be_v know_v to_o many_o to_o be_v a_o innocent_a harmless_a and_o blameless_a people_n in_o all_o our_o behaviour_n and_o conversation_n make_v conscience_n of_o our_o duty_n towards_o god_n in_o purity_n of_o worship_n and_o tenderness_n of_o own_v the_o same_o notwithstanding_o any_o threat_n punishment_n fine_n or_o imprisonment_n for_o our_o faithfulness_n therein_o and_o our_o real_a endeavour_n to_o obey_v all_o his_o holy_a command_n in_o which_o we_o shall_v never_o decline_v to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o precious_a scripture_n of_o truth_n nor_o be_v we_o less_o know_v to_o all_o neighbour_n relation_n and_o acquaintance_n to_o be_v just_a and_o righteous_a in_o our_o deal_n towards_o man_n next_o as_o to_o our_o principle_n they_o be_v so_o often_o and_o upon_o so_o many_o different_a occasion_n hold_v forth_o to_o the_o world_n in_o all_o place_n where_o we_o live_v that_o none_o can_v pretend_v ignorance_n thereof_o unless_o it_o be_v wilful_a wherefore_o i_o shall_v not_o enter_v upon_o this_o here_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o a_o preface_n and_o that_o so_o many_o of_o our_o friend_n both_o in_o our_o own_o nation_n and_o in_o england_n have_v perform_v this_o task_n in_o clear_v they_o from_o all_o the_o malicious_a and_o gross_a misrepresentation_n which_o opposer_n have_v labour_v to_o asperse_v they_o with_o so_o that_o none_o need_v remain_v ignorant_a of_o they_o but_o such_o as_o love_v to_o continue_v so_o through_o wilful_a prejudice_n or_o lazyness_n at_o least_o wherefore_o when_o i_o perceive_v from_o what_o a_o height_n of_o malice_n and_o spleen_n this_o author_n have_v vent_v himself_o against_o we_o by_o which_o any_o may_v see_v that_o the_o jew_n turk_n and_o heathen_n have_v never_o more_o against_o christian_n nor_o the_o malice_n and_o cruelty_n of_o the_o papist_n and_o popish_a inquisitor_n in_o spain_n or_o italy_n be_v ever_o great_a against_o dissenter_n from_o they_o who_o they_o judge_v heretic_n i_o can_v in_o the_o least_o doubt_n but_o if_o this_o man_n have_v power_n to_o influence_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o exercise_v his_o power_n against_o we_o he_o will_v not_o only_o parallel_v the_o cruelty_n of_o heathen_n and_o turk_n but_o equal_a if_o not_o exceed_v the_o inquisition_n of_o spain_n yea_o those_o cruel_a and_o bloody_a persecuter_n in_o new_a england_n who_o cut_n off_o the_o ear_n scourge_v and_o torment_v several_a of_o our_o friend_n till_o their_o flesh_n be_v like_o a_o jelly_n banish_v divers_a and_o hang_v three_o man_n and_o a_o woman_n 1659._o â—660_n for_o no_o other_o cause_n but_o this_o very_a thing_n that_o they_o own_v the_o testimony_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o we_o profess_v and_o for_o which_o we_o be_v sufferer_n this_o day_n which_o may_v serve_v abundant_o to_o scare_v any_o sober_a people_n that_o profess_v to_o own_o the_o meek_a and_o lowly_a spirit_n of_o jesus_n yea_o to_o cause_n they_o to_o abhor_v to_o keep_v company_n or_o converse_v with_o man_n of_o such_o spirit_n and_o if_o any_o have_v not_o yet_o see_v the_o prejudice_n to_o all_o civil_a interest_n that_o flow_v from_o persecution_n for_o conscience_n i_o shall_v refer_v they_o to_o the_o several_a book_n that_o have_v be_v publish_v thereanent_a in_o this_o age_n but_o when_o i_o consider_v the_o great_a rage_n that_o appear_v in_o this_o man_n and_o many_o of_o his_o brethren_n against_o we_o i_o can_v not_o impute_v it_o to_o any_o thing_n like_o zeal_n for_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o they_o will_v willing_o have_v people_n believe_v it_o be_v to_o i_o most_o clear_a that_o their_o chief_a quarrel_n be_v because_o we_o of_o all_o the_o people_n that_o ever_o appear_v be_v they_o that_o have_v most_o discover_v their_o pride_n ambition_n greedynesse_n and_o covetousness_n malice_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o deceit_n we_o assert_v and_o they_o deny_v immediate_a revelation_n or_o that_o god_n by_o his_o spirit_n have_v any_o immediate_a converse_n with_o the_o soul_n and_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n by_o which_o he_o do_v most_o clear_o make_v know_v his_o will_n to_o they_o and_o give_v the_o most_o effectual_a call_v to_o the_o ministry_n which_o they_o have_v put_v most_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n and_o make_v to_o depend_v upon_o a_o humane_a ordination_n yea_o some_o of_o they_o derive_v a_o succession_n from_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n and_o hence_o practical_o claim_v a_o power_n to_o be_v lord_n over_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n people_n impose_v their_o gloss_n on_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v no_o less_o believe_v than_o the_o scripture_n itself_o and_o so_o all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o persuasion_n must_v be_v heretical_a and_o heterodoxe_n though_o they_o lay_v no_o claim_n to_o be_v lead_v by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n themselves_o again_o the_o lord_n have_v bring_v we_o to_o witness_v the_o spirituality_n of_o worship_n in_o preach_v pray_v and_o praise_v know_v that_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o none_o but_o what_o flow_v immediate_o from_o the_o life_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n move_v in_o the_o heart_n whereas_o this_o man_n and_o his_o brethren_n be_v for_o perform_v all_o those_o duty_n whether_o they_o have_v this_o immediate_a assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n or_o not_o for_o they_o have_v learn_v by_o art_n to_o supply_v that_o defect_n with_o their_o natural_a and_o acquire_v part_n else_o many_o time_n they_o will_v sit_v silent_a in_o their_o pulpit_n whereas_o now_o they_o have_v lay_v and_o do_v lay_v a_o necessity_n upon_o themselves_o and_o their_o follower_n to_o go_v about_o those_o duty_n at_o their_o appoint_a time_n whatever_o be_v their_o temper_n or_o condition_n at_o the_o present_a and_o according_a to_o our_o principle_n other_o beside_o they_o may_v perform_v these_o duty_n in_o public_a as_o they_o find_v themselves_o move_v and_o furnish_v by_o the_o lord_n whereby_o their_o trade_n and_o traffic_v
and_o sensible_a enjoyment_n of_o himself_o and_o blessing_n they_o more_o abundant_o with_o the_o fruit_n of_o holiness_n &_o righteousness_n and_o victory_n over_o corruption_n in_o that_o despise_a way_n then_o former_o they_o ever_o witness_v although_o their_o experience_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v true_a among_o they_o call_v presbyterian_n be_v not_o short_a of_o many_o if_o not_o of_o the_o most_o of_o they_o even_o in_o that_o day_n pag._n 1._o l._n 18._o that_o which_o this_o great_a seer_n much_o upon_o his_o master_n secret_n because_o he_o have_v frequent_a access_n to_o lean_v his_o head_n upon_o his_o breast_n who_o come_v ouâ—_n of_o the_o father_n bosom_n foresee_v will_v follow_v upon_o this_o turn_n aside_o and_o fall_v upon_o the_o head_n of_o such_o forsaker_n of_o a_o church_n so_o often_o honour_v by_o receive_v signal_n testimony_n of_o the_o great_a bridgroom_n love_n towards_o she_o as_o his_o spouse_n etc._n etc._n answer_n 3._o i_o wonder_v how_o this_o man_n have_v the_o confidence_n to_o call_v this_o author_n a_o great_a seer_n and_o to_o tell_v we_o of_o his_o being_n much_o upon_o his_o master_n secret_n because_o he_o have_v frequent_a access_n to_o lean_v his_o head_n upon_o his_o breast_n who_o come_v out_o of_o the_o father_n bosom_n for_o these_o and_o such_o like_a expression_n do_v plain_o imply_v immediate_a revelation_n and_o that_o s._n r._n be_v a_o prophet_n and_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n as_o any_o of_o the_o prophet_n who_o be_v penman_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o what_o high_a eulogy_n can_v be_v give_v to_o any_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a prophet_n than_o these_o here_o and_o elsewhere_o give_v by_o he_o to_o this_o author_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v set_v down_o some_o other_o expression_n parallel_v to_o these_o in_o the_o postscript_n or_o rather_o surmount_v they_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n whether_o one_o man_n have_v write_v that_o epistle_n and_o the_o postscript_n be_v not_o material_a to_o inquire_v see_v doubtless_o they_o be_v both_o of_o one_o profession_n if_o differ_v person_n and_o he_o that_o write_v the_o postscript_n own_v the_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o that_o epistle_n he_o tell_v we_o consider_v how_o little_a need_n master_n rutherford_n as_o he_o call_v he_o his_o letter_n have_v of_o any_o man_n epistle_n commendatory_a his_o great_a master_n who_o he_o serve_v with_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o son_n have_v give_v they_o one_o write_v by_o his_o own_o hand_n on_o the_o heart_n of_o every_o one_o who_o be_v become_v his_o epistle_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o very_a same_o commendation_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n give_v to_o paul_n who_o be_v not_o behind_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o apostle_n as_o you_o may_v read_v 2._o cor._n 3_o 1_o 2_o verse_n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o great_a ground_n why_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v divine_o inspire_v because_o the_o inward_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o epistle_n commendatory_a write_v by_o god_n own_o hand_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o confirmation_n unto_o the_o scripture_n as_o be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o see_v god_n do_v give_v the_o same_o seal_n as_o this_o writer_n plain_o affirm_v to_o s._n r._n his_o epistle_n that_o he_o do_v to_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n will_v it_o not_o prove_v that_o s._n r._n his_o epistle_n be_v as_o real_o divine_o inspire_v as_o paul_n epistle_n be_v and_o then_o why_o may_v not_o s._n r._n his_o epistle_n be_v put_v into_o the_o bible_n with_o paul_n epistle_n this_o question_n be_v the_o more_o pertinent_o put_v to_o this_o man_n and_o these_o of_o his_o profession_n because_o they_o do_v so_o argue_v against_o we_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n that_o if_o any_o of_o our_o word_n or_o write_n be_v divinley_o inspire_v than_o we_o equal_v our_o write_n to_o the_o scripture_n for_o this_o consequence_n if_o it_o have_v any_o weight_n at_o all_o do_v as_o much_o fall_n upon_o their_o head_n as_o upon_o we_o and_o if_o they_o do_v still_o make_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o although_o both_o divine_o inspire_v can_v not_o we_o do_v the_o same_o but_o he_o proceed_v in_o his_o admirable_a commendation_n of_o this_o book_n thus_o as_o be_v a_o piece_n the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v set_v aside_o equal_a to_o any_o the_o world_n have_v yet_o see_v or_o this_o day_n can_v show_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o spiritualness_n of_o it_o a_o friendly_a testimony_n indeed_o i_o remember_v the_o presbyterian_o have_v wont_a to_o commend_v calvin_n institution_n above_o any_o book_n in_o the_o world_n next_o to_o the_o scripture_n according_a to_o these_o latin_a verse_n make_v on_o they_o praeter_fw-la apostolicas_fw-la post_fw-la christi_fw-la tempor_fw-la a_o chartas_fw-la huic_fw-la peperere_fw-la librum_fw-la secula_fw-la nulla_fw-la parem_fw-la and_o i_o have_v hear_v a_o eminent_a presbyterian_a preacher_n in_o his_o pulpit_n commend_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n with_o the_o large_a and_o short_a catechism_n set_v out_o by_o they_o call_v the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n at_o westminster_n above_o all_o book_n in_o the_o world_n except_o the_o scripture_n but_o now_o both_o calvin_n institution_n and_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n must_v give_v place_n to_o s._n r._n his_o epistle_n yea_o and_o most_o book_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o i_o write_v not_o this_o to_o lessen_v any_o due_a worth_n that_o belong_v to_o s._n r._n his_o epistle_n for_o i_o acknowledge_v have_v read_v they_o all_o over_o once_o and_o many_o of_o they_o several_a time_n i_o find_v many_o savoury_a expression_n in_o they_o that_o savour_n of_o that_o bless_a life_n of_o christ_n reveal_v of_o god_n in_o my_o heart_n yet_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v i_o find_v also_o very_a many_o unsound_a and_o unsavoury_a expression_n in_o they_o that_o the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o only_o not_o bear_v witness_n for_o but_o against_o as_o i_o may_v afterward_o show_v 4._o &_o i_o do_v real_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v divers_a book_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o the_o scripture_n nor_o shall_v i_o bring_v into_o the_o comparison_n our_o friend_n book_n lest_o any_o say_v i_o be_o partial_a more_o sound_a and_o more_o spiritual_a than_o this_o book_n be_v and_o which_o be_v more_o profitable_a to_o direct_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o who_o be_v stranger_n to_o christ_n where_o or_o how_o to_o find_v he_o little_a or_o nothing_o of_o which_o i_o can_v find_v in_o all_o this_o book_n of_o s._n r._n only_o somewhat_o of_o his_o own_o experience_n but_o i_o can_v not_o find_v in_o he_o any_o certain_a and_o clear_a direction_n certain_o and_o infallible_o direct_v stranger_n how_o to_o attain_v to_o the_o least_o true_a spiritual_a experience_n nor_o can_v i_o find_v the_o least_o hint_n or_o shadow_n of_o a_o testimony_n in_o all_o his_o book_n to_o the_o save_a power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o that_o universal_a light_n of_o christ_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v enlighten_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n which_o bless_v heavenly_a divine_a testimony_n i_o find_v in_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_n for_o which_o cause_n a_o few_o line_n of_o they_o be_v of_o more_o value_n to_o i_o and_o all_o who_o love_v god_n universal_a gift_n than_o this_o whole_a book_n of_o s._n rs._n and_o i_o question_v not_o but_o many_o have_v as_o much_o of_o a_o spiritual_a taste_n and_o discern_a as_o any_o presbyterian_a will_v affirm_v that_o the_o write_n of_o not_o only_a augustin_n and_o the_o like_a ancient_n but_o of_o late_a writer_n in_o dark_a time_n as_o of_o bernard_n thaulerus_n thomas_n a_o kempis_n and_o that_o little_a book_n call_v the_o dutch_a or_o german_a theology_n be_v full_o as_o spiritual_a though_o i_o be_o far_o from_o justify_v any_o error_n in_o these_o book_n as_o neither_o do_v i_o the_o error_n in_o s._n r._n his_o epistle_n and_o although_o i_o know_v the_o presbyterian_o some_o of_o they_o as_o have_v see_v and_o read_v the_o dutch_a theology_n account_v it_o a_o most_o dangerous_a book_n and_o full_a of_o blaâ—phemyes_n as_o i._o l._n do_v call_v it_o express_o to_o i._o s._n whereof_o both_o b._n f._n &_o i_o be_v witness_n in_o holland_n yet_o luther_n do_v commend_v it_o as_o one_o of_o the_o best_a book_n he_o have_v meet_v with_o next_o to_o the_o scripture_n and_o augustin_n and_o teach_v more_o sound_a divinity_n than_o all_o the_o divine_n in_o germany_n or_o any_o where_o else_o in_o that_o time_n and_o he_o write_v a_o epistle_n commendatory_a of_o it_o which_o be_v prefix_v to_o it_o in_o some_o edition_n a_o print_a copy_n
be_v among_o they_o it_o be_v easy_o answer_v that_o they_o do_v not_o owe_v this_o piety_n to_o the_o presbyterian_a church_n but_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v universal_a for_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n have_v shine_v in_o all_o so_o beza_n translate_v it_o tit_n 2_o 10_o 11._o and_o this_o grace_n teach_v to_o deny_v ungodlyness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v righteous_o and_o sober_o and_o godly_o in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o whoever_o in_o any_o age_n or_o place_n of_o the_o world_n join_v their_o heart_n unto_o this_o grace_n and_o do_v believe_v and_o obey_v its_o teach_n it_o make_v they_o good_a and_o pious_a man_n so_o that_o they_o do_v excel_v other_o in_o many_o good_a thing_n although_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o darkness_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o age_n and_o place_n where_o they_o live_v the_o prejudice_n of_o education_n and_o custom_n prevail_v so_o far_o that_o they_o also_o be_v dark_a and_o ignorant_a in_o many_o thing_n yet_o the_o lord_n regard_v their_o sincerity_n wink_v at_o their_o ignorance_n in_o those_o thing_n and_o thus_o the_o apostle_n paul_n take_v notice_n of_o some_o among_o the_o gentile_n in_o the_o time_n of_o heathenism_n who_o be_v a_o law_n unto_o themselves_o and_o do_v by_o nature_n to_o wit_n the_o divine_a nature_n of_o the_o word_n ingraft_v in_o they_o james_n 1._o or_o by_o their_o own_o nature_n restore_v and_o repair_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o augustin_n expound_v that_o place_n the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n &_o such_o be_v socrates_n among_o the_o grecians_n who_o justin_n martyr_n in_o one_o of_o his_o apologys_n do_v express_o call_v a_o christian_n and_o class_v he_o with_o abraham_n etc._n etc._n 2._o also_o all_o along_o the_o dark_a time_n of_o popery_n the_o lord_n raise_v up_o some_o even_n in_o the_o very_a heart_n of_o the_o popish_a church_n that_o excel_v other_o in_o virtue_n and_o piety_n and_o be_v as_o light_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n and_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n some_o in_o some_o thing_n and_o some_o in_o other_o and_o yet_o even_o these_o man_n live_v still_o in_o the_o popish_a church_n and_o in_o too_o many_o thing_n be_v carry_v away_o and_o tincture_v with_o divers_a corruption_n and_o superstition_n of_o this_o illyricus_n in_o his_o catologus_fw-la â—estium_fw-la veritatis_fw-la give_v a_o account_n and_o the_o author_n of_o fasciculus_fw-la temporum_fw-la with_o divers_a other_o historian_n and_o particular_o our_o countryman_n alexander_n petry_n in_o his_o church_n history_n from_o the_o year_n 600_o unto_o the_o year_n 1600_o as_o in_o the_o seven_o century_n gregory_n call_v the_o great_a and_o isidorus_n in_o the_o eight_o century_n john_n damascen_n and_o aponius_n in_o the_o nine_o century_n claudius_n turinensis_fw-la bishop_n of_o turin_n and_o rabanus_n maurus_n in_o the_o ten_o century_n a_o very_a dark_a age_n theophilact_fw-mi archbishop_n of_o bulgaria_n and_o smaragdus_n a_o benedictin_a abbot_n in_o the_o eleven_o century_n berno_n and_o fulbert_n bishop_n of_o carnatum_fw-la in_o the_o twelve_o century_n hugo_n de_fw-fr s._n victore_fw-la and_o bernard_n of_o clarevall_n in_o the_o thirteen_o age_n gulielmus_fw-la bishop_n of_o paris_n and_o joachim_n abbot_n of_o calabria_n in_o the_o fourteen_o age_n or_o century_n dante_n be_v aligerius_n and_o robertus_fw-la gallus_n this_o robertus_fw-la gallus_n be_v a_o franciscan_a friar_n and_o have_v prophetical_a vision_n which_o be_v interpret_v to_o he_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n there_o be_v a_o treatise_n under_o his_o name_n print_v together_o with_o the_o prophecy_n of_o hildegardis_n a_o woman_n prophetess_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n of_o both_o who_o prophecy_n fox_n take_v special_a notice_n in_o his_o martyrology_n and_o in_o the_o fifteen_o century_n vincentius_n a_o venetian_a who_o also_o prophesy_v against_o the_o clergy_n and_o theodorick_n urias_n there_o be_v also_o another_o theodorick_n bishop_n of_o croatia_n that_o prophesy_v in_o this_o same_o age_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o nought_o and_o that_o justice_n which_o have_v be_v shut_v up_o in_o darkness_n shall_v come_v into_o light_n and_o the_o true_a church_n shall_v flourish_v in_o godliness_n more_o than_o she_o have_v do_v in_o this_o age_n also_o live_v john_n huss_n a_o pious_a and_o virtuous_a man_n who_o the_o papist_n burn_v as_o a_o heretic_n and_o yet_o the_o same_o good_a man_n retain_v divers_a popish_a opinion_n now_o in_o the_o sixteen_o century_n the_o reformation_n from_o the_o grossness_n of_o popery_n begin_v by_o luther_n in_o germany_n and_o the_o lord_n raise_v up_o divers_a other_o instrument_n in_o other_o nation_n as_o in_o france_n in_o england_n and_o also_o in_o scotland_n and_o many_o worthy_a man_n die_v martyr_n and_o seaâ—ed_v to_o the_o truth_n with_o their_o blood_n before_o the_o presbyterian_a reformation_n yea_o some_o that_o be_v bishop_n in_o england_n die_v martyr_n for_o the_o truth_n as_o cranmer_n ridly_n latimâ—r_n therefore_o albeit_o i_o grant_v that_o there_o have_v be_v divers_a pious_a man_n among_o the_o presbyterian_o &_o some_o who_o enjoy_v communion_n with_o god_n in_o spirit_n and_o some_o also_o who_o have_v a_o prophetical_a spirit_n and_o be_v accompany_v with_o the_o power_n of_o god_n in_o their_o ministry_n 40_o year_n ago_o &_o upward_o and_o be_v make_v bless_v instrument_n of_o god_n to_o many_o soul_n in_o that_o day_n to_o who_o the_o lord_n give_v signal_n testimony_n of_o his_o love_n and_o of_o his_o admit_v they_o at_o time_n unto_o near_a communion_n with_o he_o among_o who_o be_v chief_o john_n welsh_n robert_n bruce_n davidson_n and_o patrick_n simpson_n and_o divers_a other_o concern_v who_o the_o author_n of_o the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o scripture_n give_v a_o account_n and_o i_o do_v very_o believe_v they_o be_v pious_a man_n and_o have_v precious_a feeling_n of_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o god_n which_o do_v at_o time_n accompany_v they_o in_o their_o ministry_n whereby_o many_o soul_n be_v reach_v and_o convert_v unto_o god_n and_o as_o touch_v some_o thing_n relate_v by_o the_o author_n concern_v these_o man_n i_o may_v afterward_o in_o its_o due_a place_n take_v notice_n which_o will_v not_o a_o little_a make_v for_o the_o present_a testimony_n of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n but_o all_o this_o will_v not_o in_o the_o least_o prove_v that_o the_o presbyterian_a natioâ—all_n church_n be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o need_v no_o further_a reformation_n from_o many_o thing_n than_o it_o will_v prove_v that_o the_o popish_a church_n be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n which_o as_o i_o have_v already_o mention_v have_v pious_a and_o virtuous_a man_n and_o some_o of_o they_o endue_v with_o the_o prophetical_a spirit_n also_o the_o episcopal_a english_a church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o q._n maâ—â—_n have_v very_o excellent_a man_n that_o be_v bishop_n and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v burn_v for_o the_o truth_n yet_o thiâ—_n prove_v not_o that_o the_o english_a church_n be_v sufficient_o reform_v or_o that_o those_o call_v puritan_n who_o will_v not_o conform_v to_o she_o do_v sin_n or_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n and_o i_o suppose_v the_o presbyterian_o will_v noâ—_n deny_v but_o luther_n for_o piety_n and_o zeal_n may_v be_v compare_v with_o any_o of_o these_o in_o scotland_n and_o yet_o luther_n be_v no_o presbyterian_a and_o the_o lutheran_n have_v have_v since_o luther_n divers_a excellent_a man_n of_o who_o i_o caâ—_n not_o forbear_v to_o mention_n johannes_n arnd_v who_o have_v write_v a_o more_o spiritual_a treatise_n of_o spritual_a doctrine_n contain_v more_o spiritual_a and_o profitable_a doctrine_n than_o any_o book_n that_o ever_o i_o can_v see_v write_v by_o any_o presbyterian_a and_o yet_o the_o lutherans_n differr_v faâ—â—_n from_o presbyterian_o nor_o shall_v the_o presbyterian_o in_o scotland_n so_o exalt_v themselves_o above_o all_o other_o church_n because_o some_o in_o their_o church_n be_v endue_v with_o a_o prophetical_a spirit_n for_o as_o i_o have_v already_o mention_v divers_a in_o the_o popish_a church_n have_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n as_o fox_n in_o his_o martyrology_n do_v bear_v witness_n &_o â—_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o as_o for_o spiritual_a doctrine_n some_o mystic_n among_o the_o papist_n have_v exceed_v any_o presbyterian_a writer_n that_o ever_o i_o can_v yet_o see_v and_o to_o speak_v free_o that_o one_o little_a book_n de_fw-fr imitation_n christâ—_n say_v to_o be_v write_v by_o thomas_n a_o kempis_n a_o popish_a monk_n be_v real_o to_o i_o a_o more_o useful_a book_n for_o spiritual_a doctrine_n than_o all_o the_o presbyterian_a book_n in_o the_o world_n that_o ever_o i_o see_v and_o i_o believe_v have_v few_o error_n in_o it_o i_o except_o the_o last_o book_n concern_v the_o
sacrament_n of_o the_o altar_n because_o for_o good_a reason_n it_o be_v judge_v not_o to_o be_v his_o but_o a_o spurious_a birth_n of_o some_o other_o writer_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o some_o of_o the_o most_o ancient_a coppy_n this_o little_a book_n of_o thomas_n a_o kempis_n have_v have_v a_o exceed_a great_a reception_n among_o protestant_n of_o all_o sort_n only_o some_o peevish_a narrow-spirited_n presbyterian_o can_v not_o endure_v to_o hear_v it_o commend_v because_o write_v by_o one_o that_o live_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o a_o dark_a time_n and_o yet_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o excel_v that_o of_o their_o most_o spiritual_a preacher_n it_o be_v a_o most_o unreasonable_a thing_n to_o cry_v up_o a_o faction_n or_o party_n or_o particular_a church_n because_o of_o some_o excellent_a man_n that_o have_v be_v among_o they_o and_o perhaps_o zealous_a for_o that_o way_n 3._o for_o indeed_o few_o profession_n or_o sect_n in_o christianity_n but_o have_v have_v some_o excellent_a man_n in_o they_o the_o baptist_n in_o holland_n have_v have_v some_o also_o they_o have_v faithful_a and_o zealous_a man_n that_o die_v martyr_n and_o be_v put_v to_o death_n by_o papist_n and_o both_o independent_o and_o baptist_n in_o england_n have_v some_o excellent_a man_n among_o they_o who_o labour_n no_o doubt_n the_o lord_n do_v bless_v with_o his_o presence_n few_o hill_n so_o barren_a but_o some_o excâ—llent_a medicinal_a herb_n grow_v upon_o they_o and_o in_o their_o bowel_n there_o be_v some_o mine_n of_o gold_n and_o silver_n and_o some_o desert_n yield_v diamond_n and_o precious_a stone_n so_o i_o shall_v most_o willing_o grant_v there_o have_v be_v holy_a and_o spiritual_a man_n in_o the_o presbyterian_a church_n that_o have_v know_v communion_n with_o god_n in_o spirit_n in_o a_o bless_a measure_n and_o be_v faithful_a in_o the_o talent_n give_v they_o of_o god_n and_o i_o believe_v their_o soul_n be_v enter_v into_o everlasting_a rest_n and_o their_o memory_n be_v as_o a_o box_n of_o precious_a ointment_n among_o other_o of_o the_o lordâ—_n witness_n in_o other_o profession_n and_o place_n of_o the_o world_n and_o though_o they_o have_v be_v honour_v by_o receive_v signal_n testimony_n of_o â—he_n great_a bridegroom_n love_n towards_o they_o as_o his_o spouse_n in_o reâ—oycing_v over_o they_o with_o sing_v and_o frequent_o help_v to_o giu_v he_o testimony_n of_o their_o endear_a affection_n to_o he_o â—_o head_n husband_n supreme_a lord_n and_o governor_n yet_o i_o altogether_o deny_v that_o such_o high_a commendation_n do_v belong_v to_o the_o national_a presbyterian_a church_n in_o the_o heap_n or_o indeed_o to_o any_o considerable_a part_n oâ—_n she_o for_o they_o who_o have_v any_o measure_n of_o true_a pietâ—_n among_o they_o do_v certain_o bear_v as_o small_a proportion_n unto_o the_o body_n of_o the_o nation_n as_o the_o white_a of_o the_o eye_n and_o tooth_n in_o a_o ethiopian_a or_o black_a mor_fw-fr do_v unto_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o body_n 4._o but_o alas_o the_o presbyterian_o in_o our_o day_n both_o teacher_n and_o people_n be_v shameful_o decline_v from_o the_o footstep_n and_o spirit_n of_o those_o ancient_a good_a man_n and_o this_o generation_n now_o live_v be_v no_o more_o of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o spirit_n of_o these_o worthy_a man_n than_o the_o jew_n that_o put_v christ_n to_o death_n be_v of_o the_o faith_n and_o spirit_n of_o abraham_n 5._o but_o that_o the_o presbyterian_a church_n deserve_v â—o_o such_o commendation_n as_o this_o author_n give_v she_o as_o â—eing_v so_o frequent_o help_v to_o give_v he_o testimony_n of_o â—er_o endear_a affection_n to_o he_o as_o her_o head_n husband_n supreme_a lord_n and_o governor_n we_o need_v go_v no_o â—urther_o to_o bring_v witness_n to_o confute_v this_o than_o 〈◊〉_d own_o treacherous_a practice_n upon_o every_o occasion_n 〈◊〉_d have_v to_o show_v her_o infidelity_n for_o although_o she_o â—â—yed_v up_o the_o presbyterian_a goverenment_n as_o be_v 〈◊〉_d a_o divine_a right_n and_o the_o only_a government_n establish_v by_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o at_o two_o seveâ—ll_a time_n the_o national_a presbyterian_a church_n when_o prelacy_n be_v impose_v by_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n 〈◊〉_d receive_v it_o and_o at_o lest_o in_o outward_a appearance_n â—â—atever_n she_o be_v in_o her_o heart_n turn_v prelatical_a 〈◊〉_d most_o shameful_o conform_v to_o that_o which_o 〈◊〉_d have_v often_o call_v antichristian_a the_o first_o time_n be_v when_o king_n jame_v the_o sixthâ—ught_n â—ught_z in_o prelacy_n which_o last_v about_o 28_o year_n and_o the_o second_o time_n when_o it_o be_v again_o introduce_v of_o late_a year_n and_o be_v at_o this_o present_a day_n remain_v and_o i_o can_v not_o think_v that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o postscript_n think_v the_o national_a church_n of_o scotland_n at_o this_o present_a time_n presbyterian_a otherwise_o she_o be_v a_o great_a hypocrite_n see_v she_o do_v outward_o conform_v to_o episcopacy_n so_o that_o whereas_o there_o arâ—_n reckon_v to_o be_v in_o this_o nation_n about_o a_o thousanâ—_o parish_n yet_o so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v understand_v or_o learnâ—_n there_o be_v not_o one_o parish_n in_o all_o the_o nation_n that_o 〈◊〉_d keep_v itself_o entire_o free_a from_o conformity_n and_o it_o 〈◊〉_d welknown_a that_o the_o body_n of_o the_o nation_n be_v conform_v to_o episcopacy_n and_o the_o far_o great_a numberâ—_n the_o presbyterian_a teacher_n conform_v also_o 〈◊〉_d some_o of_o they_o who_o be_v zealous_a for_o presbyteriâ—â—_n government_n be_v become_v bishop_n and_o indeâ—â—_n they_o who_o have_v not_o conform_v bear_v little_a or_o 〈◊〉_d proportion_n considerable_a to_o they_o who_o have_v 〈◊〉_d the_o presbyterian_a non_fw-fr conformist_n teacher_n have_v gâ—â—nerally_o manifest_v base_a and_o unchristian_a cowardiâ—â—_n in_o run_v away_o from_o their_o flock_n through_o fear_n suffer_v and_o expose_v they_o to_o those_o they_o 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v wolf_n and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v flee_v beyond_o sea_n other_o lurk_v in_o corner_n here_o and_o there_o 〈◊〉_d keep_v private_a conventicle_n where_o many_o time_n 〈◊〉_d preach_v sedition_n against_o their_o lawful_a prince_n instigation_n of_o who_o that_o insurrection_n happen_v 1666._o 6._o and_o some_o of_o they_o have_v print_v book_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o make_v waâ—r_n against_o the_o suprem_a magistrate_n in_o order_n to_o reestablish_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n a_o way_n flat_a contradictory_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n and_o also_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n to_o make_v any_o carnal_a or_o military_a resistance_n so_o much_o as_o in_o their_o own_o defence_n which_o last_v for_o hundred_o of_o year_n so_o that_o it_o be_v but_o of_o late_a time_n that_o any_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o christianity_n do_v offer_v to_o defend_v themselves_o by_o carnal_a weapon_n against_o their_o lawful_a magistrate_n during_o the_o ten_o persecution_n not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o shadow_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o church_n history_n and_o yet_o as_o tertullian_n give_v a_o account_n who_o live_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o persecution_n it_o be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o number_n or_o strength_n that_o they_o do_v not_o oppose_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o defence_n but_o only_o because_o they_o be_v christian_n 7._o and_o although_o suffering_n be_v a_o thing_n great_o commend_v and_o also_o command_v under_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v as_o s._n r._n call_v it_o in_o one_o of_o his_o epistle_n a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o ministry_n yet_o i_o know_v not_o if_o the_o presbyterian_o can_v instance_n one_o single_a person_n of_o they_o all_o since_o the_o late_a revolution_n that_o have_v suffer_v or_o do_v at_o present_a suffer_v for_o conscience_n sake_n in_o a_o pure_a and_o cleanly_a way_n i_o mean_v for_o matter_n pure_o evangelical_n and_o out_o of_o pure_a conscience_n for_o such_o of_o they_o who_o do_v suffer_v have_v not_o keep_v their_o hand_n clean_o from_o too_o much_o encroach_a upon_o affair_n of_o the_o stat_n and_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n so_o that_o they_o have_v little_a cause_n to_o glory_n in_o those_o suffering_n 8._o and_o if_o the_o presbyterian_o think_v they_o have_v have_v any_o martyr_n for_o presbyterian_a government_n yet_o this_o will_v not_o commend_v their_o church_n above_o the_o episcopal_a which_o have_v have_v its_o sufferer_n also_o who_o have_v suffer_v unto_o death_n and_o who_o suffering_n be_v as_o much_o matter_n of_o conscience_n unto_o they_o as_o the_o presbyterian_o be_v unto_o they_o yea_o the_o episcopal_a church_n glori_v that_o she_o have_v one_o of_o the_o most_o religious_a king_n that_o either_o than_o be_v or_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n for_o many_o age_n a_o martyr_n for_o she_o who_o life_n be_v worth_a many_o
and_o their_o heart_n incline_v by_o the_o lord_n to_o join_v with_o we_o in_o the_o same_o testimony_n 8._o now_o as_o concern_v john_n livingston_n who_o exemple_n this_o author_n commend_v to_o be_v imitate_v who_o when_o a_o certain_a perâ—on_n of_o that_o profession_n be_v his_o former_a acquaintance_n come_v in_o love_n to_o visit_v he_o and_o also_o to_o give_v he_o true_a information_n concern_v that_o people_n if_o there_o have_v be_v place_n in_o he_o to_o receive_v it_o do_v in_o a_o most_o rude_a and_o unchristian_a way_n refuse_v he_o access_n into_o his_o house_n yet_o have_v nothing_o just_o wherewith_o to_o charge_v he_o and_o when_o he_o inquire_v of_o he_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o carry_v so_o towards_o he_o he_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o have_v join_v with_o a_o people_n that_o hold_v blasphemous_a principle_n and_o when_o he_o again_o inquire_v what_o these_o blasphemous_a principle_n be_v he_o will_v not_o give_v a_o instance_n in_o one_o particular_a but_o find_v fault_n with_o he_o for_o speak_v the_o plain_a scripture_n language_n of_o thou_o and_o thou_o which_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n use_v to_o one_o person_n and_o of_o this_o rencontre_n b._n f._n a_o merchant_n in_o rotterdam_n and_o i_o myself_o be_v both_o eye_n and_o ear-witness_n then_o present_a in_o company_n with_o the_o say_a person_n and_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a truth_n that_o this_o be_v the_o first_o time_n that_o john_n livingston_n speak_v with_o the_o say_a person_n after_o he_o be_v of_o that_o profession_n and_o yet_o he_o reject_v he_o plain_a contrary_n to_o the_o apostle_n upon_o supposition_n that_o he_o have_v be_v a_o heretic_n as_o he_o be_v not_o a_o heretic_n after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o admonition_n reject_v and_o wherein_o also_o he_o deal_v contrary_a to_o many_o of_o his_o own_o brethren_n who_o have_v judge_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o speak_v with_o such_o and_o confer_v with_o we_o and_o the_o apostle_n will_v that_o in_o meekness_n we_o shall_v instruct_v they_o that_o oppose_v themselves_o if_o peradventure_o god_n may_v give_v they_o repentance_n 9_o but_o our_o great_a defence_n be_v that_o we_o be_v not_o heretic_n nor_o our_o principle_n heretical_a but_o true_o christian_n and_o apostolic_a and_o it_o be_v the_o height_n of_o injustice_n to_o condemn_v we_o before_o we_o get_v a_o fair_a hear_n and_o opportunity_n as_o often_o as_o need_n be_v to_o clear_v our_o selus_fw-la which_o neither_o this_o author_n nor_o i._n l._n have_v ever_o give_v we_o and_o therefore_o i_o leave_v it_o with_o all_o sober_a people_n to_o consider_v whether_o this_o practice_n of_o i._o l._n do_v not_o more_o resemble_v the_o pope_n who_o forbid_v to_o converse_v with_o protestant_n or_o read_v their_o book_n as_o be_v in_o his_o sense_n damnable_a heretic_n then_o either_o paul_n or_o john_n or_o christ_n who_o often_o reason_v with_o the_o srciber_n and_o pharisees_n his_o great_a enemy_n and_o paul_n dispute_v with_o the_o jew_n and_o greek_a philosopher_n that_o oppose_v themselves_o to_o the_o truth_n and_o bid_v reject_v none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v self-codemned_n which_o neither_o 〈◊〉_d author_n nor_o i._n l._n can_v just_o say_v of_o any_o call_v quaker_n 10._o and_o here_o again_o i_o can_v cease_v to_o wonder_v how_o this_o author_n cry_v up_o john_n livingston_n and_o give_v he_o no_o less_o tittle_n then_o if_o he_o be_v another_o elijah_n while_o he_o fall_v out_o into_o such_o a_o exclamation_n â—_o say_v he_o to_o see_v some_o on_o who_o this_o elijah_n mantle_n be_v fall_v &_o c_o which_o word_n plain_o import_v that_o i._o l._n be_v a_o prophet_n and_o have_v the_o same_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n that_o eliâ—ah_n have_v which_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v a_o man_n tooth_n to_o water_n to_o perceive_v their_o pride_n and_o insolency_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o there_o confusion_n and_o self-contradiction_n on_o the_o other_o while_o they_o plain_o teach_v as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophesy_n and_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v general_o cease_v since_o the_o apostle_n day_n as_o for_o i._o l._n himself_o whatever_o he_o be_v in_o former_a time_n sure_o i_o be_o in_o his_o latter_a day_n he_o be_v much_o in_o the_o dark_a otherwise_o he_o can_v not_o have_v so_o mistake_v and_o misjudge_v we_o as_o he_o have_v do_v if_o his_o habitation_n have_v be_v in_o the_o light_n he_o will_v have_v see_v and_o know_v better_a what_o we_o have_v be_v but_o to_o pass_v this_o it_o do_v not_o a_o little_a discover_v he_o to_o have_v be_v but_o a_o weak_a and_o cowardly_a man_n that_o at_o the_o mere_a will_n and_o command_v of_o man_n go_v over_o sea_n and_o subscribe_v his_o sentence_n of_o banishment_n with_o his_o own_o hand_n as_o other_o likewise_o do_v which_o the_o author_n of_o ius_n populi_n do_v plain_o acknowledge_v i_o challenge_v the_o author_n of_o the_o postscript_n to_o show_v i_o where_o any_o of_o the_o true_a prophet_n of_o god_n or_o ambassador_n of_o christ_n do_v such_o a_o thing_n sure_o this_o be_v no_o prophetical_a act_n but_o rather_o a_o renunce_n of_o all_o true_a obedience_n unto_o god_n not_o only_o to_o desert_v his_o â—lock_n but_o promise_v never_o to_o return_v to_o they_o nor_o to_o his_o native_a country_n on_o pain_n of_o death_n without_o leave_n of_o man_n now_o put_v the_o case_n that_o god_n have_v command_v he_o by_o immediate_a revelation_n or_o give_v he_o a_o immediate_a message_n to_o return_v as_o he_o have_v wont_a to_o give_v immediate_a message_n to_o elijah_n do_v he_o not_o here_o bind_v himself_o up_o not_o to_o go_v or_o else_o to_o make_v himself_o a_o transgressor_n guilty_a of_o death_n by_o his_o own_o hand-writting_a and_o if_o it_o â—e_v say_v there_o be_v no_o such_o immediate_a message_n to_o be_v expect_v in_o our_o day_n then_o for_o shame_n let_v they_o forbear_v compare_v he_o to_o elijah_n or_o tell_v we_o of_o i._n l._n 〈◊〉_d mantle_n 11._o sure_o it_o appear_v to_o i_o his_o mantle_n be_v â—_o cowardly_a spirit_n which_o have_v fall_v upon_o many_o of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v run_v away_o from_o their_o â—locks_n for_o they_o be_v not_o send_v prisoner_n over_o sea_n but_o go_v away_o to_o shun_v great_a suffering_n and_o i._o l._n in_o his_o letter_n to_o his_o parishioner_n a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n be_v so_o ingenuons_a as_o to_o confess_v he_o fail_v in_o his_o duty_n in_o not_o bear_v a_o faithful_a testimony_n before_o they_o who_o sentence_v he_o and_o yet_o i_o find_v not_o that_o he_o ever_o mend_v this_o fault_n although_o he_o live_v many_o year_n afterward_o however_o he_o be_v now_o before_o his_o judge_n and_o far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o to_o conclude_v he_o have_v not_o find_v merâ—y_o with_o god_n nor_o shall_v i_o have_v meddled_n with_o he_o if_o the_o great_a injustice_n of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o postscript_n have_v not_o constrain_v i_o and_o put_v i_o on_o a_o necessity_n so_o to_o do_v but_o what_o if_o the_o author_n of_o the_o postscript_n know_v noâ—_n so_o great_a a_o ambassador_n leave_v behind_o upon_o earth_n sure_o there_o be_v many_o great_a and_o more_o true_a ambassador_n then_o ever_o he_o know_v and_o how_o do_v he_o know_v that_o he_o be_v a_o true_a ambassador_n i_o suppose_v he_o wiâ—â—_n not_o deny_v his_o word_n to_o imply_v that_o i._o l._n be_v a_o very_a holy_a man_n 12._o now_o i_o ask_v he_o how_o do_v he_o know_v this_o what_o be_v his_o rule_n in_o this_o case_n not_o the_o scripture_n for_o it_o 〈◊〉_d nothing_o of_o such_o a_o man_n and_o as_o for_o the_o mark_n of_o true_a holiness_n how_o do_v he_o know_v that_o they_o werâ—â—eally_o applicable_a to_o he_o see_v a_o 〈◊〉_d go_v â—he_n length_n of_o all_o outward_n and_o he_o can_v not_o know_v â—he_v inward_o of_o a_o man_n without_o immediate_a revelation_n â—ndowning_v the_o spirit_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n contrary_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o catechism_n that_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n and_o immediate_a revelation_n 〈◊〉_d cease_v section_n vii_o 1._o a_o account_n of_o all_o the_o particular_n upon_o which_o the_o author_n of_o the_o postscript_n lay_v the_o whole_a stress_n of_o his_o accusation_n against_o we_o be_v eight_o in_o number_n 2._o the_o first_o accusation_n false_a 3._o we_o own_o christ_n to_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o true_a and_o perfect_a man_n 4._o his_o godhead_n be_v not_o his_o manhood_n yet_o the_o man_n christ_n be_v god_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o most_o wonderful_a union_n betwixt_o the_o two_o nature_n 5._o the_o christian_a quaker_n free_a of_o the_o error_n of_o socinian_o manichees_n apollinarian_o nestorian_n and_o other_o heretic_n
travel_v into_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o preach_v and_o they_o allege_v they_o have_v preach_v christ_n as_o much_o as_o the_o presbyterian_o allege_v they_o preach_v he_o at_o home_n xaverius_n a_o papist_n preach_v to_o the_o chinese_n and_o be_v at_o great_a pain_n than_o any_o presbyterian_a that_o ever_o i_o hear_v of_o for_o they_o common_o nest_n themselves_o at_o home_n and_o enjoy_v as_o much_o bodily_a ease_n and_o pleasure_n as_o other_o man_n they_o seldom_o preach_v out_o of_o their_o own_o parish_n but_o i_o never_o hear_v of_o any_o of_o they_o go_v and_o preach_v to_o heathen_n where_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n have_v not_o outward_o be_v mention_v as_o many_o in_o the_o popish_a church_n have_v do_v nor_o will_v it_o solve_v the_o matter_n to_o say_v that_o though_o there_o have_v be_v some_o holy_a preacher_n in_o the_o popish_a church_n yet_o they_o preach_v many_o error_n with_o some_o truth_n and_o therefore_o since_o the_o light_n be_v break_v up_o more_o clear_o they_o be_v now_o to_o be_v turn_v away_o from_o although_o in_o these_o dark_a time_n it_o may_v have_v please_v god_n to_o make_v some_o of_o they_o instrument_n of_o salvation_n to_o people_n soul_n which_o may_v as_o yet_o be_v where_o a_o further_a manifestation_n be_v not_o give_v of_o god_n for_o the_o same_o answer_n will_v as_o well_o serve_v we_o against_o the_o presbyterian_o as_o it_o will_v serve_v they_o against_o the_o papist_n admit_v then_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o holy_a man_n among_o the_o presbyterian_a teacher_n and_o that_o at_o time_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v breathe_v through_o they_o when_o they_o do_v little_a notice_n it_o and_o have_v not_o that_o care_n to_o attend_v his_o breathe_n and_o moving_n so_o as_o only_o to_o speak_v by_o they_o and_o that_o when_o the_o spirit_n thus_o breathe_v through_o they_o they_o have_v be_v instrumental_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o some_o soul_n yet_o because_o these_o man_n do_v also_o preach_v many_o error_n and_o do_v not_o regard_v the_o inward_a call_n and_o move_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o they_o shall_v have_v do_v but_o speak_v more_o frequent_o without_o they_o then_o with_o they_o and_o in_o their_o own_o will_n beginning_n and_o end_v with_o the_o hourglass_n as_o also_o because_o they_o lay_v too_o great_a weight_n on_o the_o bare_a outward_a call_n of_o man_n and_o on_o mere_a natural_a and_o acquire_v abiliâ—ys_n and_o have_v affirm_v that_o grace_n or_o piety_n be_v not_o essential_a to_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v not_o preach_v the_o pure_a truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n but_o for_o most_o part_n gross_a error_n as_o namely_o that_o god_n grace_n be_v not_o universal_a that_o immediate_a revelation_n be_v cease_v that_o we_o must_v sin_v for_o term_n of_o life_n that_o man_n may_v commit_v murder_n and_o adultery_n and_o yet_o be_v in_o a_o justify_v state_n and_o perfect_o justify_v at_o that_o instant_n 10._o i_o say_v for_o these_o and_o many_o other_o cause_n we_o can_v not_o own_v they_o as_o minister_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o pure_a order_n of_o a_o gospel_n ministry_n and_o especial_o because_o they_o take_v hire_n and_o wage_n as_o much_o as_o any_o they_o be_v hireling_n yet_o we_o do_v real_o make_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o those_o who_o be_v more_o tender_a and_o conscientious_a and_o other_o and_o be_v glad_a to_o meet_v with_o any_o such_o for_o they_o be_v very_o thin_a scatter_v at_o this_o day_n and_o if_o we_o take_v more_o pain_n on_o such_o then_o upon_o other_o &_o some_o time_n give_v they_o a_o sound_n thresh_v it_o be_v in_o love_n to_o they_o and_o in_o hope_n to_o find_v corn_n among_o they_o which_o we_o expect_v less_o to_o find_v among_o the_o profane_a who_o he_o call_v lazy_a lie-bye_n and_o idle_a loytere_n and_o yet_o such_o man_n be_v the_o far_o great_n part_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a ministry_n in_o its_o most_o flourish_a time_n section_n xv._n 1._o many_o unsound_a and_o unsavoury_a expression_n in_o s._n r._n his_o epistle_n 2._o yet_o he_o both_o experience_v and_o declare_v of_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o the_o spirit_n immediate_a teach_n 3._o he_o confess_v there_o be_v a_o gate_n of_o find_v christ_n that_o he_o have_v never_o light_v upon_o 4._o the_o christian_a quaker_n know_v this_o gate_n which_o be_v to_o wait_v upon_o he_o in_o the_o shining_n of_o his_o divine_a light_n in_o their_o heart_n be_v retire_v unto_o the_o same_o in_o pure_a silence_n 5._o silent_a wait_v prove_v from_o many_o scripture_n 6._o a_o observable_a confession_n of_o s._n r._n that_o the_o presbyterian_o have_v stint_v a_o measure_n of_o so_o many_o ounce_n weight_v upon_o holiness_n and_o no_o more_o 7._o some_o very_a observable_a testimony_n out_o of_o the_o book_n call_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o scripture_n high_o commend_v by_o the_o presbyterian_o to_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a and_o main_a principle_n experience_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n 8._o a_o great_a outleting_a of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o west_n of_o scotland_n about_o the_o year_n 1625._o 9_o call_v by_o the_o profane_a rabble_n the_o stewarton_n sickness_n that_o cause_v a_o strange_a unusual_a motion_n on_o the_o hearer_n that_o some_o be_v make_v to_o fall_v over_o in_o the_o place_n and_o be_v carry_v out_o 10._o the_o same_o life_n and_o power_n of_o god_n and_o outletting_a of_o his_o spirit_n but_o more_o clear_o be_v now_o among_o the_o christian_a quaker_n 11._o many_o presbyterian_o now_o join_v with_o the_o profane_a rabble_n to_o call_v these_o unusual_a motion_n the_o real_a effect_n of_o god_n spirit_n among_o we_o the_o sign_n of_o some_o diabolical_a possession_n 12._o the_o author_n of_o the_o postscript_n guilty_a of_o this_o impiety_n 13._o many_o presbyterian_o like_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o profeff_v to_o own_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o deny_v the_o same_o spirit_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n 14._o that_o glory_n that_o sâ—ined_v forth_o among_o they_o disappear_v when_o they_o turn_v persecuter_n of_o other_o 15._o a_o objection_n answer_v 16._o the_o author_n of_o the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v that_o there_o be_v a_o apostolic_a spirit_n let_v out_o upon_o the_o first_o reformer_n which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o their_o doctrine_n that_o immediate_a revelation_n be_v â—eased_v 17._o that_o robert_n bruce_n have_v a_o extraordinary_a call_n to_o the_o ministry_n 18._o that_o he_o keep_v silence_n for_o a_o considerable_a time_n before_o he_o preach_v as_o the_o preacher_n among_o the_o christian_a quaker_n do_v 19_o he_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o discern_v to_o know_v when_o a_o man_n preach_v not_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o when_o he_o do_v which_o be_v our_o experience_n also_o 20._o the_o author_n confess_v it_o be_v something_o else_o to_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n then_o to_o be_v a_o know_v and_o eloquent_a preacher_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o presbyterian_a doctrine_n now_o and_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a quaker_n 21._o robert_n bruce_n his_o prophecy_n that_o the_o ministry_n of_o scotland_n will_v prove_v the_o great_a persecuter_n that_o the_o gospel_n â—ad_n fullfil_v 22._o a_o wonderful_a influence_n that_o robert_n bruce_n his_o prayer_n have_v not_o only_o upon_o those_o present_n but_o on_o some_o absent_a that_o hear_v not_o his_o word_n 23._o the_o say_a author_n confess_v that_o the_o presbyterian_o be_v gross_o mistake_v concern_v some_o scripture_n truth_n and_o promise_n that_o after_o shall_v be_v make_v clear_a this_o we_o know_v fullfil_v 24._o a_o love_a exhortation_n to_o professor_n 25._o he_o do_v acknowledge_v immediate_a teach_n 26._o he_o call_v their_o own_o prayer_n many_o time_n a_o piece_n of_o invention_n rather_o than_o a_o matter_n of_o earnest_n with_o the_o lord_n 27._o he_o commend_v it_o in_o robert_n bruce_n that_o he_o will_v not_o go_v to_o preach_v without_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o presbyterian_a doctrine_n in_o our_o day_n 28._o he_o commend_v many_o thing_n in_o thâ—se_a man_n that_o presbyterian_o now_o condemn_v and_o reproach_n under_o the_o name_n of_o quakerism_n have_v in_o my_o answer_n to_o the_o postscript_n refer_v unto_o some_o place_n in_o s._n r._n his_o epistle_n and_o also_o unto_o that_o other_o book_n call_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o shall_v in_o this_o last_o section_n cite_v some_o passage_n that_o do_v sufficient_o answer_v unto_o those_o refer_v 1._o in_o my_o first_o section_n i_o say_v that_o i_o do_v find_v very_o many_o unsound_a and_o unsavoury_a expression_n in_o s._n r._n his_o epistle_n that_o the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o
4._o now_o this_o gate_n bless_v be_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o his_o eternal_a praise_n we_o can_v declare_v it_o many_o thousand_o in_o this_o day_n do_v know_v and_o by_o it_o they_o find_v christ_n and_o do_v enjoy_v his_o live_a presence_n daily_o who_o be_v the_o bridegroom_n and_o husband_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o this_o gate_n be_v to_o wait_v upon_o he_o in_o the_o shining_n of_o his_o divine_a light_n in_o their_o heart_n be_v retire_v and_o gather_v unto_o the_o same_o out_o of_o all_o their_o own_o thought_n word_n and_o work_n all_o their_o own_o willing_n and_o run_n in_o the_o self-will_n all_o selfish_a motion_n desire_n and_o inclination_n of_o self_n in_o pure_a silence_n and_o stillness_n of_o mind_n wait_v to_o feel_v his_o heavenly_a breathe_n and_o move_n which_o do_v raiâ—e_v up_o in_o we_o the_o true_a desire_n and_o prayer_n that_o we_o may_v find_v he_o and_o enjoy_v he_o and_o as_o we_o have_v seek_v he_o by_o this_o gate_n or_o after_o this_o manner_n we_o have_v never_o miss_v in_o some_o measure_n more_o or_o less_o to_o find_v he_o 5._o this_o silent_a wait_a to_o enjoy_v the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o mystery_n and_o as_o a_o seal_a book_n to_o professor_n general_o and_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v little_a or_o nothing_o know_v to_o this_o great_a seer_n as_o the_o author_n of_o the_o postscript_n do_v call_v he_o for_o i_o find_v nothing_o of_o it_o in_o his_o epistle_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o needful_a and_o most_o profitable_a lesson_n and_o instruction_n for_o people_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o and_o the_o scripture_n testimony_n be_v plain_a and_o clear_a concern_v it_o even_o of_o silent_a wait_n lament_n cap._n 3._o 26_o 27_o 28._o it_o be_v good_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v both_o hope_n and_o quiet_o or_o in_o silence_n wait_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v good_a for_o a_o man_n â—hat_n he_o bear_v the_o yoke_n in_o his_o youth_n he_o sit_v alone_a and_o keep_v silence_n because_o he_o have_v bear_v it_o upon_o he_o psal._n 46._o 10._o be_v still_o or_o silent_a and_o know_v that_o i_o be_o god_n psal._n 62._o 1._o true_o my_o soul_n be_v silent_a unto_o god_n from_o he_o come_v my_o salvation_n eccles._n 5._o 2._o be_v not_o 〈◊〉_d with_o thy_o mouth_n and_o let_v not_o thy_o heart_n be_v hasty_a 〈◊〉_d utter_v any_o thing_n before_o the_o lord_n zach._n 2._o 3._o be_v silent_a o_o all_o flesh_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o many_o more_o scripture_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o prove_v this_o so_o needful_a and_o profitable_a instruction_n as_o also_o here_o be_v manifest_a example's_n of_o this_o silent_a wait_v in_o scripture_n both_o together_o and_o apart_o ezekiell_n 3_o 15._o the_o prophet_n 〈◊〉_d with_o they_o of_o the_o captivity_n seven_o day_n and_o then_o 〈◊〉_d word_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v unto_o he_o and_o esdras_n sit_v silent_a with_o the_o people_n until_o the_o evening_n sacrifice_n esdra_n 9_o 3_o 4_o 5._o and_o the_o prophet_n elijah_n sit_v in_o a_o silent_a posture_n alone_o upon_o the_o top_n of_o mount_n carmell_n wait_v for_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o accomplishment_n thereof_o cast_v himself_o down_o upon_o the_o earth_n and_o put_v his_o face_n betwixt_o his_o knee_n king_n 18_o 42._o this_o be_v such_o a_o posture_n that_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v use_v it_o in_o our_o day_n people_n will_v say_v he_o be_v mad_a or_o possess_v with_o the_o devil_n such_o be_v their_o ignorance_n of_o the_o way_n and_o work_v of_o god_n and_o again_o 1_o king_n 19_o verse_n 2._o the_o lord_n appear_v unto_o elijah_n neither_o in_o the_o wind_n nor_o earthquake_n nor_o fire_n but_o in_o the_o still_a or_o silent_a small_a voice_n to_o wit_n that_o be_v hear_v in_o the_o stillness_n or_o silence_n of_o the_o soul_n 6._o there_o be_v one_o particular_a more_o that_o i_o find_v in_o s._n r._n that_o i_o can_v omit_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o same_o epistle_n 46._o which_o i_o have_v above_o mention_v either_o i_o know_v not_o say_v he_o what_o christianity_n be_v or_o we_o have_v stint_v a_o measure_n of_o so_o many_o oâ—nce_n weight_n and_o no_o more_o upon_o holiness_n and_o there_o we_o be_v at_o a_o stay_n it_o be_v good_a for_o the_o professor_n to_o consider_v this_o and_o be_v convince_v of_o their_o error_n whereas_o they_o say_v the_o holy_a man_n on_o earth_n do_v sin_n daily_o in_o thought_n word_n and_o deed_n yea_o every_o moment_n and_o can_v but_o sin_n continual_o be_v not_o this_o to_o stint_v a_o measure_n of_o so_o many_o ounce_n weight_n or_o rather_o of_o a_o few_o grain_n upon_o holiness_n yea_o altogether_o to_o annihilate_v it_o for_o i_o know_v not_o how_o that_o can_v be_v call_v holiness_n which_o can_v keep_v the_o soul_n one_o moment_n from_o sin_v however_o s._n r._n although_o here_o convince_v of_o this_o error_n yet_o afterward_o do_v fall_v foul_o into_o it_o when_o he_o join_v with_o the_o divine_n so_o call_v at_o westmunster_n in_o that_o unchristian_a assertion_n that_o no_o man_n by_o any_o grace_n give_v of_o god_n can_v perfect_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n but_o do_v daily_o break_v they_o in_o thought_n word_n &_o deed_n this_o be_v a_o bold_a &_o presumptuons_a stint_n &_o limit_v the_o power_n and_o powerful_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o child_n without_o all_o ground_n from_o scripture_n yea_o contrary_a to_o it_o which_o say_v his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a and_o his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n 7._o moreover_o in_o my_o four_o section_n i_o refer_v to_o some_o thing_n relate_v by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o scripture_n concern_v john_n welsh_n robert_n bruce_n and_o some_o other_o in_o those_o day_n which_o i_o say_v will_v not_o a_o little_a make_v for_o the_o present_a testimony_n of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n now_o for_o proof_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o few_o instance_n out_o of_o many_o more_o which_o may_v be_v bring_v out_o of_o the_o say_a book_n 8._o first_o the_o say_a author_n tell_v we_o pag._n 416._o 2_o edition_n of_o a_o very_a solemn_a and_o extraordinary_a outletting_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o west_n of_o scotland_n about_o the_o year_n 1625._o and_o there_o after_o which_o begin_v in_o the_o parish_n of_o stewarton_n while_o the_o persecution_n be_v hat_n from_o the_o prelatic_a party_n 9_o which_o by_o the_o profane_a rabble_n of_o that_o time_n be_v call_v the_o stewarton_n sickness_n and_o spread_v through_o much_o of_o that_o country_n particular_o at_o irvin_n through_o the_o ministry_n of_o david_n dickson_n of_o which_o he_o write_v that_o few_o sabbath_n mean_v first_o day_n do_v pass_v without_o some_o evident_o convert_v and_o some_o convince_a proof_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n accompany_v his_o word_n yea_o that_o many_o be_v so_o choke_v and_o take_v by_o the_o heart_n that_o through_o terror_n the_o spirit_n in_o such_o a_o measure_n convince_a they_o of_o sin_n in_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n they_o have_v be_v make_v to_o fall_v over_o and_o thus_o carry_v out_o of_o the_o church_n who_o after_o prove_v most_o solid_a and_o lively_a christian_n and_o say_v he_o this_o great_a springtide_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o of_o a_o short_a time_n but_o for_o some_o year_n continuance_n yea_o thus_o like_o a_o spread_a mooreburne_n the_o power_n of_o godliness_n do_v advance_v from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o which_o put_v a_o marvellous_a lustre_n on_o these_o part_n of_o the_o country_n the_o savour_n whereof_o bring_v many_o from_o other_o part_n of_o the_o land_n to_o see_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o same_o again_o he_o tell_v pag._n 417._o at_o the_o kirk_n of_o the_o shot_n 20_o of_o june_n 1630._o that_o there_o be_v so_o convince_a a_o appearance_n of_o god_n and_o down_o pour_v of_o the_o spirit_n even_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n especial_o at_o that_o sermon_n juny_a 21._o the_o day_n after_o their_o communion_n with_o a_o strange_a unusual_a motion_n on_o the_o hearer_n who_o in_o a_o great_a multitude_n be_v there_o convene_v of_o diverse_a rank_n that_o it_o be_v know_v which_o he_o say_v he_o can_v speak_v on_o sure_a ground_n near_o five_o hundred_o have_v at_o that_o time_n a_o discernible_a change_n wrought_v on_o they_o of_o who_o most_o prove_v lively_a christian_n afterward_o now_o that_o there_o be_v a_o true_a and_o real_a appearance_n of_o god_n and_o break_v forth_o of_o his_o power_n and_o out_o let_v of_o his_o spirit_n upon_o many_o at_o that_o time_n i_o very_o believe_v and_o my_o soul_n have_v unity_n with_o the_o testimony_n hereof_o and_o diver_n other_o testimony_n of_o
this_o nature_n in_o the_o say_a book_n 10._o and_o certain_o this_o be_v a_o immediate_a sensible_a appearance_n and_o revelation_n of_o the_o power_n and_o presence_n of_o god_n accompany_v the_o ministry_n of_o that_o time_n which_o produce_v such_o effect_n and_o in_o truth_n the_o very_a same_o power_n and_o presence_n of_o god_n with_o the_o very_a same_o and_o the_o like_a effect_n be_v now_o again_o break_v forth_o in_o our_o day_n among_o the_o despise_a people_n call_v quaker_n and_o that_o in_o much_o great_a clearness_n so_o that_o more_o sound_a principle_n be_v make_v know_v unto_o we_o and_o many_o thing_n which_o be_v let_n and_o snare_n unto_o they_o be_v discover_v unto_o we_o from_o the_o lord_n 11._o and_o yet_o be_v it_o not_o a_o most_o sad_a and_o lamentable_a thing_n that_o professor_n who_o cry_v up_o the_o appearance_n of_o god_n in_o that_o time_n will_v not_o own_o the_o same_o appearance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o nature_n and_o kind_n of_o it_o although_o more_o clear_a and_o glorious_a as_o to_o the_o measure_n among_o we_o now_o but_o join_v with_o the_o profane_a rabble_n to_o call_v those_o unusual_a motion_n which_o be_v the_o real_a effect_n of_o god_n power_n and_o spirit_n powerful_o seize_v upon_o both_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o many_o among_o we_o in_o great_a tremble_a cry_n and_o tear_n the_o sign_n of_o some_o diabolical_a possession_n whereas_o the_o same_o person_n by_o sobriety_n of_o life_n and_o conversation_n and_o by_o a_o walk_n as_o christian-like_a as_o any_o of_o these_o a_o fore_n mention_v &_o in_o many_o thing_n exceed_v they_o and_o also_o by_o the_o savour_n of_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o have_v evidence_v that_o they_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 12._o yea_o the_o author_n of_o â—he_n postscript_n be_v not_o afraid_a to_o impute_v these_o unusual_a and_o extraordinary_a motion_n that_o some_o time_n appear_v in_o the_o body_n of_o some_o of_o our_o friend_n to_o a_o possession_n of_o satan_n which_o if_o he_o do_v as_o know_o as_o malicious_o may_v true_o be_v call_v a_o blaspheme_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o they_o be_v judge_v here_o by_o some_o of_o their_o own_o prophet_n for_o see_v it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o raise_v these_o unusual_a motion_n in_o they_o abovemention_v why_o shall_v the_o like_v now_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o devil_n 13._o o_o how_o like_a be_v this_o generation_n of_o hypocritical_a professor_n to_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o jew_n of_o old_a who_o profess_v to_o own_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o yet_o reject_v and_o resist_v the_o same_o spirit_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n 14._o and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o this_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o appear_v among_o they_o at_o that_o time_n which_o be_v a_o time_n of_o persecution_n although_o it_o continue_v for_o some_o year_n yet_o afterward_o when_o the_o presbyterian_o get_v into_o the_o saddle_n themselves_o and_o turn_v persecuter_n of_o other_o that_o dissent_v from_o they_o this_o glory_n do_v disappear_v and_o in_o stead_n thereof_o great_a complain_v of_o deadness_n as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n among_o they_o who_o have_v most_o ingenuity_n this_o do_v plain_o show_v that_o they_o do_v not_o follow_v the_o lord_n in_o his_o further_o leading_n but_o rather_o go_v back_o otherwise_o this_o glory_n will_v not_o have_v depart_v bâ—t_v continue_v yea_o and_o increase_v among_o they_o and_o if_o some_o object_n that_o this_o glory_n appeare_v unto_o that_o people_n at_o a_o communion_n to_o wit_n at_o that_o call_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o supper_n it_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o small_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o god_n do_v own_o that_o external_a action_n as_o his_o ordinance_n although_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n deny_v it_o to_o be_v a_o stand_a ordinance_n to_o the_o world_n and_o do_v not_o practice_v it_o 15._o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o by_o the_o author_n own_o account_n the_o great_a outlete_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o on_o their_o communion_n day_n but_o on_o the_o day_n after_o but_o that_o god_n do_v at_o time_n of_o that_o external_a action_n of_o break_v bread_n condescend_v unto_o they_o regard_v their_o sincerity_n and_o give_v manifestation_n of_o himself_o will_v not_o prove_v that_o he_o command_v that_o thing_n unto_o they_o or_o that_o their_o mind_n be_v not_o in_o a_o error_n in_o lay_v too_o great_a weight_n upon_o that_o external_a action_n which_o be_v but_o a_o figure_n of_o the_o true_a communion_n for_o the_o same_o author_n do_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v also_o wonderful_o accompany_v luther_n in_o his_o ministry_n and_o yet_o luther_n do_v most_o gross_o err_v as_o in_o other_o thing_n so_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o sacrament_n teach_v that_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v consubstantiat_fw-la with_o the_o bread_n and_o that_o the_o oâ—â—ward_a mouth_n receive_v the_o body_n of_o christ._n and_o i_o believe_v such_o as_o be_v sober_a and_o ingenuous_a of_o the_o presbyterian_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o the_o lord_n do_v pour_v out_o of_o his_o spirit_n upon_o those_o bishop_n in_o england_n that_o die_v martyr_n that_o be_v both_o for_o episcopacy_n and_o the_o service-book_n yet_o this_o prove_v not_o that_o god_n do_v own_o these_o thing_n as_o his_o ordinance_n it_o be_v the_o sincerity_n and_o earnest_a desire_n of_o man_n soul_n after_o god_n that_o he_o regard_v although_o they_o be_v in_o error_n in_o some_o thing_n which_o he_o wink_v at_o but_o do_v not_o own_o yea_o do_v not_o christ_n wonderful_o appear_v to_o saul_n while_o he_o be_v go_v to_o damascus_n to_o obtain_v a_o order_n to_o persecute_v the_o saint_n a_o very_a unlawful_a action_n but_o this_o prove_v not_o that_o god_n allow_v 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o same_o many_o other_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v to_o show_v the_o weakness_n of_o that_o objection_n and_o certain_o in_o the_o dark_a time_n of_o popery_n god_n raise_v up_o some_o to_o be_v minister_n of_o his_o spirit_n that_o yet_o continue_a to_o hold_v many_o popish_a error_n as_o not_o only_a bernard_n and_o thauler_n but_o even_o john_n huss_n who_o dissent_v little_o from_o the_o papist_n in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n but_o most_o blame_v their_o ungodly_a life_n 16._o a_o second_o instance_n i_o shall_v bring_v out_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n be_v pag._n 422._o where_o he_o give_v as_o a_o six_o witness_n etc._n etc._n the_o convince_a appearance_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a and_o apostolic_a spirit_n on_o some_o of_o these_o instrument_n who_o the_o lord_n raise_v up_o in_o these_o last_o time_n who_o as_o he_o say_v have_v special_a revelation_n from_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o mind_n anent_o thing_n to_o come_v etc._n etc._n but_o how_o do_v this_o agree_v with_o their_o confession_n of_o faith_n that_o say_v the_o former_a way_n of_o god_n reveal_v himself_o to_o his_o people_n be_v cease_v since_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o new_a revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o that_o god_n have_v commit_v his_o counsel_n whole_o to_o write_v and_o of_o such_o special_a revelation_n he_o mention_v divers_a which_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o find_v in_o the_o say_a book_n 17._o a_o three_o instance_n shall_v be_v that_o which_o the_o author_n mention_v of_o robert_n bruce_n where_o i_o take_v notice_n of_o divers_a weighty_a particular_n as_o 1._o that_o his_o call_n be_v extraordinary_a pag._n 429._o to_o wit_n by_o a_o inward_a motion_n and_o press_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o such_o a_o call_v i_o confess_v be_v extraordinary_a as_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o call_v teacher_n which_o yet_o be_v most_o ordinary_a yea_o and_o most_o necessary_a to_o every_o true_a teacher_n and_o minister_n of_o christ._n 18._o 2._o he_o tell_v pag._n 431._o that_o it_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o robert_n bruce_n for_o a_o considerable_a time_n to_o keep_v 〈◊〉_d before_o he_o preach_v and_o yet_o how_o do_v the_o professor_n now_o blame_v our_o silence_n when_o even_o such_o among_o we_o as_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v a_o true_a ministry_n unto_o do_v find_v it_o at_o time_n their_o place_n to_o be_v silent_a a_o considerable_a time_n before_o they_o speak_v and_o sometime_o for_o a_o whole_a diet_n to_o be_v silent_a as_o ezekiel_n be_v of_o old_a now_o i_o beseech_v they_o to_o consider_v what_o do_v this_o silence_n of_o r._n b._n mean_v or_o what_o be_v his_o intent_n in_o be_v silent_a so_o long_o be_v it_o not_o he_o wait_v to_o receive_v â—hat_n he_o be_v to_o speak_v from_o the_o lord_n or_o at_o least_o to_o 〈◊〉_d the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o assist_v
he_o in_o what_o perhaps_o be_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o speak_v and_o true_o this_o be_v the_o very_a cause_n of_o our_o silence_n also_o for_o we_o know_v that_o no_o preach_n nor_o pray_v can_v avail_v to_o quicken_v or_o reach_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n or_o profit_v either_o speaker_n or_o hearer_n but_o that_o which_o be_v in_o the_o immediate_a move_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 19_o 3._o he_o tell_v plain_o pag._n 431._o that_o he_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o discern_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n in_o so_o much_o that_o have_v hear_v a_o sermon_n preach_v by_o robert_n blair_n it_o be_v the_o first_o he_o have_v preach_v and_o he_o be_v desire_v by_o the_o say_v robert_n blair_n to_o give_v his_o judgement_n concern_v the_o same_o do_v give_v it_o in_o these_o word_n i_o find_v say_v he_o your_o â—ermon_n very_o polish_v and_o digest_v but_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n i_o do_v miss_v in_o it_o to_o wit_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n i_o find_v not_o that_o this_o as_o the_o author_n say_v take_v a_o deep_a impression_n upon_o he_o and_o help_v he_o to_o see_v it_o be_v something_o else_o to_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n then_o to_o be_v a_o know_v and_o eloquent_a preacher_n pag._n 453._o but_o the_o professor_n general_o in_o this_o day_n deny_v any_o such_o spirit_n of_o discern_v as_o whereby_o one_o know_v suppose_v he_o to_o be_v never_o so_o spiritual_a when_o he_o hear_v another_o preach_v whether_o he_o do_v preach_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n or_o no_o &_o when_o we_o affirm_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v such_o a_o discern_a unto_o we_o they_o cry_v out_o many_o of_o they_o as_o if_o it_o be_v blasphemy_n to_o assert_v any_o such_o thing_n again_o whereas_o this_o author_n say_v it_o be_v some_o what_o else_o to_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n then_o to_o be_v a_o know_v and_o eloquent_a preacher_n we_o say_v the_o same_o but_o how_o far_o do_v this_o contradict_v the_o presbyterian_o doctrine_n that_o grace_n or_o piety_n be_v not_o essential_a or_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n as_o james_n durham_n express_o affirm_v in_o his_o book_n on_o the_o revelation_n 21._o 4._o the_o author_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o say_v robert_n bruce_n be_v deep_o affect_v with_o the_o naughtiness_n and_o profanity_n of_o many_o minister_n then_o in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o unsuitable_a carriage_n of_o other_o to_o so_o great_a a_o call_n and_o do_v express_v much_o his_o fear_n that_o the_o minister_n of_o scotland_n will_v prove_v the_o great_a persecuter_n that_o the_o gospel_n have_v and_o so_o in_o this_o we_o have_v find_v his_o word_n to_o be_v true_a for_o the_o say_a ministry_n of_o scotland_n even_o presbyterian_a as_o well_o as_o episcopal_a be_v the_o great_a persecuter_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o day_n as_o former_o and_o their_o doctrine_n that_o grace_n or_o piety_n be_v not_o essential_a to_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n nor_o a_o inward_a call_n by_o the_o spirit_n open_v a_o door_n to_o such_o a_o naughty_a and_o profane_a ministry_n 22._o pag._n 432._o 5._o he_o tell_v that_o on_o a_o certain_a time_n when_o robert_n bruce_n be_v at_o prayer_n in_o his_o chamber_n in_o edinburgh_n there_o be_v such_o a_o extraordinary_a motion_n on_o all_o present_a so_o sensible_a a_o down-pouring_a of_o the_o spirit_n that_o they_o can_v hardly_o contain_v themselves_o yea_o which_o be_v most_o strange_a even_o some_o unusual_a motion_n on_o those_o who_o be_v in_o other_o part_n of_o the_o house_n not_o know_v the_o cause_n at_o that_o very_a instant_n and_o one_o be_v occasional_o present_a when_o he_o go_v away_o say_v o_o how_o strange_a a_o man_n be_v this_o for_o he_o knock_v down_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o we_o all_o this_o he_o say_v because_o r._n b._n do_v divers_a time_n knock_v with_o his_o finger_n on_o the_o table_n and_o yet_o when_o such_o motion_n and_o effect_n be_v now_o witness_v when_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n pray_v in_o our_o meeting_n they_o will_v not_o believe_v but_o in_o the_o same_o pharisaical_a antichristian_a spirit_n as_o the_o jew_n say_v of_o christ_n they_o say_v of_o we_o that_o we_o have_v a_o devil_n for_o which_o i_o hearty_o wish_v that_o the_o lord_n may_v forgive_v they_o and_o open_v their_o heart_n to_o understand_v and_o receive_v the_o truth_n many_o more_o observable_a passage_n may_v be_v cite_v out_o of_o the_o same_o book_n to_o convince_v professor_n how_o these_o man_n who_o they_o have_v such_o a_o esteem_n of_o do_v both_o in_o principle_n practice_n and_o experience_n in_o many_o thing_n agree_v with_o we_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n against_o themselves_o who_o boast_v to_o be_v their_o successor_n and_o child_n as_o the_o jew_n boast_v that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o abraham_n but_o sure_o see_v the_o professor_n of_o this_o day_n stop_v their_o ear_n at_o the_o inward_a voice_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o also_o at_o so_o many_o plain_a and_o clear_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o make_v so_o abundant_o for_o the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n own_v by_o we_o i_o little_o expect_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o these_o man_n will_v prevail_v with_o many_o of_o they_o yea_o although_o even_o they_o shall_v come_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o witness_v for_o the_o truth_n against_o they_o as_o christ_n say_v in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d if_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o believe_v if_o one_o shall_v be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a yet_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o many_o other_o among_o they_o of_o who_o i_o have_v hope_n that_o god_n will_v in_o due_a time_n effectual_o reach_v they_o and_o open_v their_o eye_n i_o have_v find_v my_o heart_n move_v and_o draw_v by_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v at_o this_o pain_n for_o the_o good_a of_o who_o soul_n i_o can_v willing_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n endure_v much_o labour_n suffer_v and_o affliction_n both_o inward_o and_o outward_o that_o they_o may_v see_v and_o own_v the_o glorious_a work_n and_o appearance_n of_o god_n among_o we_o and_o be_v bring_v to_o enjoy_v the_o same_o with_o we_o 23._o and_o here_o in_o the_o close_a of_o all_o i_o shall_v cite_v a_o passage_n of_o this_o author_n himself_o which_o may_v be_v of_o service_n to_o some_o who_o be_v willing_a to_o understand_v how_o that_o the_o presbyterian_o even_o the_o most_o know_a and_o experience_a of_o they_o do_v not_o know_v all_o that_o be_v afterward_o to_o be_v reveal_v page_n 35._o he_o say_v we_o wait_v and_o believe_v the_o further_a accomplishment_n of_o this_o promise_n to_o wit_n the_o word_n dan._n last_o ver_fw-la 4._o many_o shall_v run_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o knowledge_n shall_v be_v increase_v to_o the_o church_n beyond_o all_o we_o have_v yet_o see_v that_o many_o scripture_n truth_n now_o dark_a and_o abstruse_a shall_v be_v make_v so_o clear_a as_o shall_v even_o cause_v we_o to_o wonder_v at_o the_o gross_a mistake_n we_o once_o have_v thereof_o yea_o that_o after_o generation_n shall_v have_v a_o discovery_n and_o uptake_n of_o some_o prophecy_n now_o obscure_a which_o shall_v as_o far_o exceed_v we_o as_o this_o time_n go_v beyond_o former_a age_n which_o comparative_o we_o must_v say_v be_v very_o dark_a 24._o now_o i_o earnest_o obtest_v and_o beseech_v such_o among_o they_o as_o have_v any_o measure_n of_o true_a tenderness_n and_o ingenuity_n and_o do_v believe_v these_o word_n of_o this_o author_n to_o consider_v in_o the_o cool_a of_o their_o mind_n if_o possible_o these_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n among_o we_o which_o they_o have_v call_v gross_a error_n and_o delusion_n of_o satan_n may_v not_o be_v these_o scripture_n truth_n whereof_o the_o author_n speak_v and_o that_o their_o condemn_v such_o principle_n be_v but_o their_o grosâ—e_n mistake_v yea_o sure_o we_o know_v it_o to_o be_v so_o and_o many_o of_o we_o that_o be_v former_o presbyterian_o be_v now_o make_v to_o wonder_v at_o our_o gross_a mistake_n which_o we_o then_o have_v but_o this_o i_o understand_v of_o such_o as_o be_v real_o own_v by_o we_o not_o of_o those_o which_o they_o do_v false_o allege_v and_o impose_v upon_o we_o i_o shall_v cite_v one_o or_o two_o passage_n more_o of_o this_o author_n and_o then_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o impartial_a and_o ingenuous_a judge_n if_o they_o do_v not_o arrive_v upon_o the_o matter_n at_o the_o same_o which_o many_o of_o his_o brethren_n reproach_n and_o nickname_v with_o the_o profane_a rabble_n under_o the_o term_n of_o enthusiasm_n and_o quakerism_n 25._o pag._n 112._o he_o say_v there_o be_v a_o demonstration_n within_o which_o go_v further_o than_o