r._n hence_o observe_v one_a that_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o have_v reflect_o mention_v the_o name_n of_o some_o person_n in_o his_o book_n be_v their_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o continue_v to_o oppose_v as_o he_o judge_n two_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o name_n of_o other_o reflect_v upon_o be_v omit_v in_o his_o book_n be_v that_o he_o have_v hope_n of_o their_o come_n to_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o fail_n ana_n repent_v and_o three_o that_o when_o they_o repent_v either_o the_o memory_n of_o their_o offence_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o or_o their_o repentance_n therewith_o record_v see_v now_o what_o authority_n and_o judgement_n he_o have_v diotrephes-like_a assume_v to_o himself_o without_o the_o church_n or_o consent_v thereof_o to_o excommunicate_v to_o condemn_v and_o record_v such_o person_n as_o oppose_v he_o and_o with_o what_o distinction_n some_o by_o name_n as_o hopeless_a of_o their_o repentance_n other_o not_o by_o name_n as_o have_v hope_n for_o they_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o all_o who_o he_o have_v censure_v and_o condemn_v by_o name_n be_v in_o his_o account_n harden_v past_o recovery_n as_o george_n fox_n charles_n marshal_n jasper_n batt_n robert_n barclay_n john_n blaykle_v robert_n barrow_n and_o other_o man_n more_o righteous_a than_o himself_o he_o have_v reflect_v on_o and_o severe_o judge_v by_o name_n and_o that_o on_o record_n render_v they_o infamous_a what_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o posterity_n in_o his_o print_a volumn_n and_o when_o be_v such_o a_o record_n and_o memory_n like_o to_o be_v blot_v out_o as_o he_o pretend_v but_o if_o to_o get_v off_o this_o hanck_n he_o shall_v allege_v that_o his_o meaning_n be_v not_o so_o severe_a as_o to_o render_v they_o who_o he_o have_v name_v irrecoverable_o harden_a or_o without_o hope_n though_o it_o most_o evident_o follow_v from_o his_o reason_n before_o cite_v why_o he_o have_v omit_v the_o name_n of_o other_o person_n reflect_v on_o for_o that_o he_o have_v intimate_v some_o hope_n concern_v g._n f._n in_o his_o five_o part_n p_o 92._o in_o these_o word_n viz._n on_o this_o score_n i_o be_o now_o concern_v in_o my_o conscience_n thus_o to_o declare_v and_o conclude_v that_o for_o sometime_o past_a g._n f._n have_v stand_v in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n from_o many_o of_o the_o lord_n people_n may_v the_o god_n of_o heaven_n give_v he_o a_o true_a sight_n and_o sense_n thereof_o unto_o repentance_n that_o so_o before_o his_o body_n be_v turn_v to_o dust_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v he_o may_v be_v restore_v into_o fellowship_n with_o they_o again_o say_v my_o soul_n william_n rogers_n it_o be_v true_a that_o he_o have_v herein_o intimate_v that_o there_o be_v yet_o some_o hope_n for_o g._n f._n as_o that_o his_o offence_n be_v not_o so_o great_a nor_o he_o so_o irrecoverable_o harden_v but_o that_o he_o may_v possible_o repent_v and_o be_v restore_v into_o fellowship_n with_o the_o lord_n people_n that_o be_v in_o his_o sense_n with_o w._n r._n and_o his_o party_n but_o then_o how_o fair_o do_v this_o contradict_v his_o reason_n for_o omit_v the_o name_n of_o other_o as_o not_o be_v without_o hope_n of_o their_o come_n to_o a_o sense_n and_o repentance_n for_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n he_o shall_v have_v omit_v to_o name_n g._n f._n and_o other_o upon_o record_n so_o infamous_o as_o he_o have_v do_v if_o he_o be_v not_o without_o hope_n of_o their_o repentance_n and_o restoration_n otherwise_o he_o have_v deal_v very_o partial_o and_o unjust_o in_o record_v g._n f._n and_o other_o by_o name_n whilst_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o to_o have_v omit_v their_o name_n that_o he_o give_v for_o omit_v other_o thus_o this_o severe_a judge_n and_o excommunicator_n run_v himself_o into_o a_o labyrinth_n of_o confusion_n and_o this_o be_v not_o all_o but_o there_o lie_v another_o palpable_a contradiction_n in_o the_o case_n he_o appear_v for_o record_v person_n offence_n and_o their_o repentance_n also_o as_o his_o great_a book_n in_o print_n contain_v matter_n of_o record_n and_o condemnation_n against_o many_o friend_n some_o by_o name_n and_o other_o not_o all_z as_o be_v the_o apostate_n and_o innovator_n from_o who_o he_o distinguish_v the_o christian-quaker_n in_o his_o title_n page_n and_o yet_o as_o person_n not_o irrecoverable_o fall_v but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v restore_v to_o a_o true_a sight_n and_o sense_n unto_o repentance_n but_o how_o notorious_o in_o this_o matter_n have_v he_o contradict_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o frequent_o term_v two_o ancient_a and_o honourable_a friend_n and_o brethren_n j._n w._n &_o j._n s._n cite_v in_o his_o four_o part_n pag._n 39_o where_o they_o thus_o declare_v viz._n from_o that_o inward_a sense_n and_o heavenly_a understanding_n we_o have_v we_o see_v no_o necessity_n to_o leave_v they_o i._n e._n condemnations_n upon_o record_n to_o posterity_n or_o retain_v they_o when_o the_o sin_n be_v blot_v out_o and_o remit_v by_o the_o lord_n neither_o to_o be_v extend_v far_a than_o the_o offence_n be_v know_v nor_o yet_o to_o continue_v long_o than_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o offence_n abide_v thus_o far_o w._n r_n say_v brethren_n but_o w._n r._n have_v record_v condemnation_n in_o his_o great_a book_n in_o print_n that_o be_v like_a to_o be_v of_o far_a extent_n and_o long_a continuance_n then_o either_o the_o offence_n suppose_v or_o memory_n of_o they_o otherwise_o will_v have_v be_v and_o that_o in_o a_o very_a infamous_a and_o disgraceful_a manner_n against_o particular_a person_n by_o name_n who_o yet_o upon_o serious_a thought_n he_o dare_v not_o final_o condemn_v as_o person_n irrecoverable_a see_v how_o apparent_o contradictory_n his_o work_n be_v to_o itself_o and_o to_o his_o brethren_n testimony_n he_o be_v contradict_v they_o who_o he_o advocate_n for_o so_o that_o his_o judgement_n against_o particular_a person_n will_v be_v of_o less_o credit_n with_o all_o judicious_a reader_n because_o of_o its_o inconsistency_n disaffect_v ix_o w._n r._n have_v plead_v his_o be_v concern_v to_o oppose_v a_o erroneous_a and_o persecute_v spirit_n which_o he_o say_v he_o have_v behold_v enter_v among_o the_o flock_n of_o god_n and_o his_o be_v preserve_v by_o the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n power_n in_o his_o act_n to_o keep_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n and_o his_o concern_n of_o conscience_n to_o prepare_v his_o manuscript_n his_o frequent_a breathe_n unto_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o may_v not_o bring_v forth_o a_o untimely_a birth_n but_o may_v answer_v the_o witness_n of_o god_n in_o all_o conscience_n on_o all_o which_o he_o tell_v the_o reader_n thus_o viz._n that_o to_o my_o inward_a peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o lord_n i_o can_v say_v that_o i_o have_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o spirit_n notwithstanding_o what_o any_o man_n may_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a that_o he_o have_v own_v my_o proceed_n therein_o hitherto_o these_o be_v very_o fair_a and_o specious_a pretence_n but_o his_o work_n appear_v 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chief_a agent_n in_o their_o cause_n have_v manage_v it_o well_o but_o great_o to_o his_o own_o and_o their_o disadvantage_n xl_o another_o notorious_a and_o twofold_a untruth_n before_o open_v in_o this_o treatise_n be_v that_o by_o these_o word_n do_v not_o strive_v nor_o make_v bargain_n with_o that_o i._n e._n that_o spirit_n which_o be_v out_o of_o the_o truth_n w._n r._n insinuate_v that_o g._n f_o '_o s_z mean_v must_v be_v that_o he_o will_v not_o have_v friend_n discourse_v nor_o have_v orderly_a conference_n in_o order_n to_o reconciliation_n nor_o to_o bargain_n buy_v or_o sell_v with_o such_o who_o he_o condemn_v until_o they_o answer_v by_o condemnation_n which_o be_v gross_a falsehood_n and_o foul_a perversion_n the_o like_a perversion_n have_v he_o make_v on_o another_o friend_n word_n in_o pag._n 4_o 5._o of_o his_o preface_n viz._n let_v not_o this_o spirit_n be_v reason_v with_o enter_v not_o into_o proposal_n and_o article_n with_o it_o but_o feed_v it_o with_o judgement_n that_o be_v god_n decree_n so_o may_v the_o soul_n that_o be_v deceive_v come_v by_o the_o right_a door_n into_o the_o heavenly_a unity_n etc._n etc._n yet_o 41._o say_v w._n r._n he_o himself_o do_v a_o few_o month_n after_o accompany_v g._n f._n to_o the_o city_n of_o bristol_n and_o there_o enter_v into_o reason_v proposal_n and_o article_n with_o such_o as_o own_v j._n s._n etc._n etc._n contrary_a to_o his_o own_o counsel_n here_o w._n r._n have_v deal_v very_o disingenious_o confound_v the_o person_n with_o the_o spirit_n make_v no_o difference_n between_o enter_v into_o term_n with_o the_o spirit_n and_o some_o proposal_n with_o the_o person_n for_o a_o fair_a discourse_n concern_v the_o difference_n as_o if_o we_o can_v not_o reason_n with_o the_o person_n without_o enter_v into_o covenant_n and_o term_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o division_n whereas_o he_o know_v the_o contrary_a and_o that_o when_o w._n p._n enter_v into_o article_n with_o he_o at_o bristol_n it_o 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but_o with_o strong_a delusion_n and_o error_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o believe_v a_o lie_n which_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o father_n of_o which_o will_v be_v his_o own_o trouble_n in_o the_o end_n nor_o can_v we_o believe_v that_o he_o say_v true_a in_o say_v there_o have_v be_v a_o answer_n in_o many_o brethren_n see_v there_o have_v not_o yet_o appear_v any_o brethren_n so_o much_o as_o his_o own_o that_o will_v public_o own_v or_o stand_v by_o his_o book_n as_o have_v the_o evidence_n of_o god_n spirit_n for_o it_o when_o close_o call_v in_o question_n about_o it_o abundance_n of_o his_o abuse_n perversion_n raillery_n slander_n falsehood_n scorn_v revile_v and_o foul_a aspersion_n be_v here_o omit_v and_o pass_v by_o which_o be_v disperse_v throughout_o his_o book_n for_o which_o he_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o righteous_a judge_n of_o all_o to_o deal_v with_o he_o as_o no_o doubt_n he_o will_v in_o his_o own_o due_a time_n xliii_o as_o concern_v the_o quotation_n about_o micahs_n mother_n judges_z 17._o which_o he_o have_v make_v a_o great_a ado_n about_o over_o and_o over_o in_o his_o book_n call_v it_o that_o abominable_a quotation_n part_v 4._o pag._n 96._o which_o seem_v but_o a_o irreverent_a character_n of_o a_o quotation_n out_o of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o concern_v the_o woman_n or_o widow_n of_o tekoah_n and_o what_o she_o say_v to_o king_n david_n 2_o sam._n 14._o w._n r._n also_o show_v himself_o very_o fierce_a against_o this_o poor_a widow_n accuse_v she_o over_o and_o over_o with_o a_o lie_a story_n part_v 5._o p._n 5._o whereas_o it_o be_v but_o a_o parable_n or_o form_n of_o speech_n as_o joab_n have_v direct_v she_o to_o save_v absolom_n life_n at_o this_o rate_n w._n r._n may_v charge_v the_o prophet_n parable_n to_o king_n ahab_n 1_o king_n 20._o 39_o and_o abudance_n of_o parable_n more_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n with_o be_v lie_v story_n because_o it_o seem_v g._n f._n express_v some_o charitable_a thought_n 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a_o friend_n from_o london_n advise_v i_o that_o william_n mead_n desire_v nicholas_n lucas_n that_o it_o may_v be_v intimate_v unto_o i_o that_o now_o george_n fox_n will_v give_v i_o a_o meeting_n which_o occasion_v i_o immediate_o to_o take_v care_n that_o my_o mind_n may_v be_v communicate_v to_o nicholas_n lucas_n who_o thereupon_o acquaint_v william_n mead_n that_o their_o desire_n that_o i_o will_v give_v g._n f._n a_o meeting_n be_v accept_v by_o i_o provide_v that_o g._n f._n will_v give_v it_o under_o his_o hand_n to_o meet_v i_o to_o which_o william_n mead_n say_v he_o will_v speak_v to_o g._n f._n about_o it_o and_o afterward_o thâ—_n say_v william_n mead_n tell_v nicholas_n lucas_n he_o have_v speak_v with_o george_n fox_n and_o his_o answer_n be_v he_o will_v not_o give_v it_o under_o his_o hand_n nor_o write_v to_o i_o by_o which_o all_o impartial_a reader_n may_v further_o judge_v whether_o george_n fox_n have_v any_o inclination_n at_o all_o to_o give_v i_o a_o meeting_n for_o clear_v of_o matter_n lay_v to_o his_o charge_n william_n mead'_v exception_n against_o which_o account_n w._n mead_n object_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a truth_n but_o partial_a fallacious_a &_o abusive_a both_o to_o he_o and_o george_n fox_n in_o leave_v out_o the_o most_o material_a part_n of_o g._n f._n his_o answer_n which_o be_v that_o he_o will_v meet_v william_n rogers_n in_o his_o own_o way_n before_o person_n choose_v on_o each_o side_n provide_v that_o he_o come_v within_o a_o certain_a time_n while_o he_o stay_v in_o the_o city_n as_o also_o in_o leave_v out_o the_o reason_n william_n mead_n give_v why_o g._n f._n refuse_v to_o give_v it_o under_o his_o hand_n which_o be_v that_o he_o be_v sensible_a they_o will_v make_v a_o ill_a use_n of_o it_o against_o he_o in_o print_n as_o also_o
meeting_n which_o he_o reflect_v upon_o whether_o by_o name_n or_o not_o name_v in_o his_o book_n and_o that_o his_o book_n be_v in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o title_n as_o appear_v at_o large_a in_o it_o this_o we_o judge_v to_o be_v both_o false_a and_o scandalous_a and_o also_o as_o absolute_a a_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n and_o much_o like_o a_o bull_n from_o rome_n against_o many_o faithful_a servant_n of_o christ_n and_o herein_o have_v w._n r._n unjust_o assume_v a_o power_n of_o excommunication_n never_o give_v he_o by_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n nor_o allow_v by_o his_o church_n in_o the_o title_n page_n of_o his_o three_o first_o part_n he_o write_v thus_o viz._n disaffect_v ii_o by_o william_n rogers_n on_o behalf_n of_o himself_o and_o other_o friend_n in_o truth_n concern_v to_o those_o he_o write_v against_o he_o give_v these_o title_n viz._n preface_n adherent_n to_o george_n fox_n apostate_n or_o innovator_n george_n fox_n his_o party_n those_o of_o party_n with_o g._n f._n etc._n etc._n observe_v first_o we_o can_v believe_v that_o w._n r._n in_o this_o his_o book_n true_o represent_v friend_n in_o truth_n but_o second_o that_o many_o friend_n in_o truth_n be_v scandalize_v and_o abuse_v thereby_o disaffect_v iii_o william_n rogers_n preface_n say_v now_o so_o it_o be_v that_o so_o great_a a_o concern_v of_o conscience_n lie_v on_o many_o to_o encourage_v the_o publication_n thereof_o as_o that_o we_o can_v no_o long_o forbear_v lest_o it_o shall_v be_v repute_v that_o the_o doctrine_n and_o life_n of_o christianity_n be_v whole_o extinct_a among_o the_o aforesaid_a people_n observe_v this_o passage_n we_o also_o judge_n tend_v to_o the_o great_a reproach_n and_o scandal_n of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n as_o imply_v that_o they_o by_o a_o great_a apostasy_n have_v give_v occasion_n to_o be_v so_o repute_v and_o that_o therefore_o w._n r._n and_o his_o party_n only_o be_v so_o deep_o concern_v to_o vindicate_v the_o doctrine_n and_o 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of_o his_o treatise_n do_v show_v that_o it_o be_v design_v to_o be_v publish_v not_o only_o among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n but_o among_o the_o world_n people_n and_o such_o as_o be_v our_o adversary_n and_o opposer_n as_o appear_v by_o these_o objection_n among_o other_o in_o his_o second_o part_n chap._n 2._o page_n 6._o viz._n obj._n do_v you_o not_o think_v that_o those_o jew_n who_o crucify_a christ_n act_v not_o from_o the_o light_n within_o since_o some_o of_o they_o very_o think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n therein_o which_o have_v give_v a_o answer_n to_o he_o frame_v another_o objection_n thus_o viz._n however_o some_o object_v may_v say_v what_o be_v this_o to_o a_o light_n within_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o john_n the_o evangelist_n mean_v nothing_o of_o the_o light_n within_o in_o your_o sense_n but_o of_o the_o personal_a appearance_n of_o christ_n without_o etc._n etc._n observe_v that_o these_o objection_n be_v take_v from_o our_o adversary_n and_o opposer_n of_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_n and_o not_o from_o any_o call_v quaker_n which_o w._n r._n according_o undertake_v to_o answer_n in_o vindication_n of_o the_o light_n within_o and_o therefore_o it_o appear_v he_o design_v his_o treatise_n to_o go_v among_o truth_n be_v adversary_n as_o well_o as_o friend_n whence_o it_o follow_v that_o wherein_o it_o either_o charge_n or_o reflect_v on_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o as_o be_v apostate_n innovator_n etc._n etc._n or_o go_v from_o the_o doctrine_n and_o life_n of_o christianity_n the_o scandal_n and_o reproach_n thereof_o against_o the_o say_a people_n and_o the_o holy_a truth_n profess_v by_o they_o be_v the_o more_o notorious_o aggravate_v and_o though_o w._n r._n have_v show_v himself_o as_o a_o strong_a oak_n and_o tall_a cedar_n in_o this_o work_n of_o division_n we_o doubt_v not_o but_o some_o that_o have_v lean_v upon_o he_o and_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o design_n will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o their_o oak_n disaffect_v iv._o w._n r._n preface_n pag._n 3._o many_o in_o that_o city_n i._n e._n bristol_n retain_v their_o ancient_a respect_n for_o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n two_o ancient_a and_o honourable_a labourer_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o conversation_n and_o doctrine_n i_o have_v not_o know_v or_o understand_v to_o be_v exceed_v in_o godliness_n by_o any_o mortal_a man_n whatsoever_o observe_v by_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o w._n r._n seem_v to_o be_v a_o great_a admirer_n of_o and_o advocate_n for_o these_o person_n who_o he_o thus_o high_o applaud_v and_o contend_v for_o but_o whether_o his_o be_v so_o great_o officious_a for_o they_o will_v redound_v to_o their_o reputation_n or_o the_o credit_n of_o their_o cause_n we_o refer_v to_o god_n witness_n in_o all_o impartial_a friend_n and_o even_o to_o the_o same_o in_o their_o conscience_n for_o who_o he_o thus_o high_o advocate_v and_o we_o disow_v his_o admiration_n and_o comparison_n of_o they_o as_o not_o safe_a nor_o a_o preach_n up_o christ_n but_o set_v up_o man_n and_o creature_n the_o same_o he_o have_v accuse_v other_o for_o he_o have_v neither_o know_v nor_o so_o much_o as_o understand_v their_o conversation_n and_o doctrine_n to_o be_v exceed_v in_o godliness_n by_o any_o mortal_a man_n whatsoever_o he_o have_v not_o understand_v that_o either_o righteous_a abel_n enoch_n daniel_n job_n elijah_n elisha_n jeremiah_n or_o any_o of_o the_o holy_a prophet_n of_o god_n or_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n do_v exceed_v these_o person_n who_o he_o so_o high_o contend_v for_o in_o godliness_n of_o conversation_n and_o doctrine_n we_o can_v own_v his_o judgement_n or_o comparison_n herein_o and_o we_o ask_v if_o j._n s._n and_o j._n w._n do_v real_o approve_v thereof_o or_o not_o disaffect_v v._o w._n r._n preface_n p._n 6._o these_o kind_n of_o declaration_n frequent_o publish_v among_o the_o aforesaid_a people_n viz._n let_v we_o exclude_v the_o reason_v the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o jealousy_n and_o let_v we_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o brethren_n further_o insinuate_v as_o if_o god_n have_v ordain_v minister_n among_o they_o that_o be_v to_o see_v and_o hear_v for_o the_o body_n and_o common_a member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o print_a term_n be_v term_n i_o can_v but_o be_v full_a of_o jealousy_n that_o these_o thing_n have_v a_o tendency_n to_o insinuate_v submission_n without_o conviction_n and_o nurture_n up_o ignorance_n instead_o of_o wisdom_n and_o to_o introduce_v bondage_n instead_o of_o freedom_n in_o christ_n as_o much_o as_o ever_o be_v under_o the_o cover_n of_o a_o black-coat_n in_o the_o dark_a night_n of_o apostasy_n where_o this_o maxim_n viz._n ignorance_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n be_v know_v to_o be_v true_a with_o respect_n to_o a_o zealous_a observation_n of_o what_o the_o clergy_n have_v impose_v and_o teach_v observe_v first_o that_o these_o kind_n of_o declaration_n be_v frequent_o publish_v among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n we_o utter_o deny_v he_o have_v therein_o as_o we_o judge_v utter_v falsehood_n and_o abuse_v the_o say_a people_n and_o yet_o to_o his_o own_o contradiction_n he_o have_v grant_v the_o matter_n herein_o oppose_v by_o he_o in_o pag._n 18._o first_o part_n in_o his_o marginal_a note_n the_o word_n be_v these_o viz._n we_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v that_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o faithful_a brethren_n in_o any_o thing_n whereby_o he_o grant_v that_o a_o eye_n be_v to_o be_v have_v to_o faithful_a brethren_n in_o some_o thing_n at_o least_o the_o more_o unjust_a he_o to_o make_v such_o ill_a use_n as_o he_o have_v do_v of_o the_o word_n before-cited_n by_o he_o second_o if_o any_o of_o the_o say_a people_n have_v at_o any_o time_n so_o publish_v as_o let_v we_o exclude_v the_o reason_v the_o
outward_a form_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n hereupon_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o his_o contest_v throughout_o his_o book_n yet_o he_o own_v a_o submission_n to_o his_o brethren_n in_o a_o matter_n which_o be_v such_o a_o concern_n of_o conscience_n to_o he_o but_o if_o any_o direction_n advice_n or_o counsel_n be_v give_v by_o a_o assembly_n meet_v or_o church_n among_o we_o such_o as_o he_o himself_o former_o have_v own_v to_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o join_v with_o in_o counsel_n than_o he_o can_v easy_o evade_v it_o on_o this_o pretence_n it_o be_v not_o his_o duty_n to_o obey_v without_o inward_a conviction_n it_o be_v no_o bond_n upon_o he_o when_o he_o see_v it_o not_o they_o be_v not_o to_o submit_v to_o outward_a order_n instruction_n or_o prescription_n of_o any_o assembly_n whether_o they_o see_v it_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n or_o not_o it_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o they_o unless_o they_o see_v it_o with_o these_o and_o such_o like_a exception_n be_v much_o of_o his_o book_n make_v up_o to_o shun_v that_o authority_n and_o right_n of_o judgement_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v his_o church_n and_o people_n that_o answer_v his_o witness_n though_o these_o his_o exception_n and_o allegation_n as_o apply_v contain_v a_o very_a unjust_a insinuation_n and_o reflection_n upon_o our_o meeting_n which_o be_v for_o the_o service_n of_o truth_n and_o one_o another_o in_o love_n as_o if_o we_o impose_v rule_n and_o method_n for_o our_o fellow_n member_n to_o observe_v in_o a_o implicit_a faith_n or_o blind_a obedience_n which_o have_v ever_o be_v far_o from_o we_o and_o contrary_a to_o our_o principle_n and_o testimony_n since_o we_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o truth_n be_v inward_a conviction_n and_o work_n nor_o do_v our_o say_a meeting_n give_v any_o instruction_n or_o advice_n relate_v to_o good_a order_n in_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n to_o such_o as_o be_v blind_a faithless_a or_o senseless_a and_o not_o belong_v to_o we_o as_o a_o people_n but_o to_o such_o who_o eye_n be_v open_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o incite_v they_o to_o faithfulness_n and_o diligence_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o true_a light_n will_v show_v to_o be_v their_o duty_n as_o they_o be_v watchful_a in_o it_o to_o receive_v and_o practice_v good_a advice_n and_o counsel_n from_o the_o light_n both_o in_o themselves_o and_o in_o their_o elder_a brethren_n in_o christ_n jesus_n disaffect_v x._o w._n rogers_n to_o prove_v the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o proceed_n to_o print_n and_o publish_v his_o book_n give_v this_o account_n date_v bristol_n the_o 10_o of_o november_n 1680._o postscript_n pag._n 25_o 26_o 27._o viz._n the_o question_n needful_a to_o be_v answer_v be_v this_o whether_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o evil_a fact_n in_o i_o to_o publish_v in_o print_n a_o historical_a relation_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o my_o conscience_n &_o c_o the_o answer_n in_o short_a be_v nay_o to_o every_o impartial_a and_o unprejudiced_a reader_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n the_o introduction_n to_o the_o first_o and_o four_o part_n of_o this_o treatise_n may_v give_v sufficient_a satisfaction_n but_o lest_o the_o ignorance_n and_o blindness_n of_o any_o shall_v be_v so_o great_a as_o nâ—â—_n from_o thence_o to_o perceive_v the_o righteousness_n of_o my_o present_a proceed_n to_o print_n or_o that_o the_o partiality_n of_o any_o that_o do_v so_o shall_v so_o abound_v as_o to_o strengthen_v evil_a insinuation_n against_o i_o on_o that_o account_n 26._o i_o have_v this_o to_o say_v that_o such_o aâ—_n have_v be_v of_o party_n against_o we_o concern_v in_o the_o publication_n hereof_o have_v be_v the_o first_o and_o frequent_a promulgator_n by_o declaration_n by_o manuscript_n and_o by_o print_v that_o there_o have_v be_v division_n among_o the_o aforesaid_a people_n pass_v by_o at_o present_a his_o impertinent_a instance_n relate_v to_o declaration_n and_o manuscript_n for_o perspicuity_n and_o brevity_n sake_n we_o will_v insist_v on_o his_o chief_a instance_n that_o relate_v to_o print_v which_o he_o give_v to_o prove_v the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o proceed_n to_o print_n or_o to_o promulgate_v or_o publish_v by_o print_v according_a to_o his_o own_o term_n his_o pretend_a historical_a relation_n his_o instance_n follow_v viz._n but_o that_o which_o on_o this_o occasion_n be_v 27._o chief_o my_o concern_n be_v to_o evidence_n that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o publication_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a division_n in_o print_n before_o the_o publication_n hereof_o and_o that_o by_o and_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o some_o of_o g._n fox_n party_n on_o the_o 8_o instant_a come_n to_o my_o hand_n two_o sheet_n of_o print_a paper_n entitle_v a_o epistle_n etc._n etc._n anne_n whitehead_n and_o mary_n elson_n the_o subscriber_n i_o shall_v now_o 28._o proceed_v to_o cite_v a_o few_o sentence_n out_o of_o it_o which_o amount_v to_o a_o publication_n of_o division_n thus_o far_o w._n r._n to_o evince_v the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o proceed_n to_o print_n and_o publish_v his_o great_a book_n of_o division_n be_v please_v to_o observe_v then_o that_o what_o he_o allege_v for_o instance_n in_o this_o case_n to_o prove_v his_o proceed_v righteous_a bear_v this_o sense_n that_o the_o instance_n he_o cite_v for_o this_o end_n be_v not_o only_a occasion_n and_o cause_n just_o provoke_v he_o to_o proceed_v to_o print_v but_o also_o that_o they_o be_v all_o such_o occasion_n give_v he_o before_o he_o proceed_v to_o print_v or_o to_o promulgate_v division_n by_o print_v which_o we_o judge_v be_v both_o very_o unjust_o pretend_v and_o nothing_o parallel_v to_o his_o work_n in_o his_o book_n nor_o demeriting_a any_o such_o public_a volumnious_a and_o remain_v infamy_n and_o reproach_n as_o his_o book_n contain_v against_o certain_a faithful_a man_n in_o particular_a and_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n in_o general_n and_o now_o we_o will_v present_o detect_v his_o fallacy_n and_o manifest_a injustice_n in_o this_o his_o principal_a instance_n relate_v to_o his_o print_n query_n whether_o w._n r._n do_v not_o know_v in_o his_o own_o conscience_n that_o he_o have_v proceed_v to_o print_v his_o book_n some_o time_n before_o the_o 8_o day_n of_o november_n 1680_o which_o he_o confess_v to_o be_v the_o time_n that_o the_o say_v two_o sheet_n of_o print_a paper_n come_v to_o his_o hand_n we_o answer_v yes_o he_o know_v in_o his_o conscience_n that_o he_o have_v print_v most_o of_o his_o book_n before_o that_o day_n or_o time_n for_o he_o confess_v post._n p._n 24._o in_o these_o word_n bristol_n the_o 8_o of_o november_n 1680._o which_o be_v the_o same_o day_n that_o the_o two_o print_a sheet_n come_v to_o his_o hand_n notwithstanding_o that_o all_o this_o treatise_n except_v the_o postscript_n index_n and_o errata_fw-la be_v already_o print_v so_o that_o all_o his_o treatise_n except_v as_o be_v except_v be_v print_v before_o the_o two_o print_a sheet_n come_v to_o his_o hand_n and_o therefore_o that_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n of_o his_o proceed_n to_o print_v his_o book_n or_o to_o promulgate_v or_o publish_v it_o by_o print_v it_o be_v print_v before_o that_o epistle_n for_o note_v also_o that_o by_o w._n r_o '_o be_v own_o letter_n to_o john_n bringhurst_n date_v the_o 21_o of_o the_o 8_o month_n 1680._o it_o appear_v much_o of_o his_o book_n viz._n of_o all_o the_o five_o part_n be_v then_o already_o print_v about_o eighteen_o day_n before_o the_o say_v print_v epistle_n of_o two_o sheet_n come_v to_o his_o hand_n be_v about_o eighteen_o day_n from_o the_o 21_o of_o the_o 8_o month_n to_o the_o 8_o of_o the_o 9th_o month_n 1680._o in_o the_o say_a letter_n to_o john_n bringhurst_n the_o printer_n w._n r._n advise_v he_o thus_o viz._n this_o morning_n i_o receive_v another_o small_a parcel_n i_o want_v two_o sheet_n of_o the_o three_o part_n from_o pag._n 113._o to_o pag._n 128._o and_o one_o sheet_n of_o the_o five_o part_n from_o pag._n 69_o to_o 83._o and_o when_o i_o have_v those_o sheet_n than_o the_o sheet_n i_o shall_v have_v from_o thou_o will_v be_v as_o follow_v first_o three_o sheet_n of_o the_o preface_n of_o the_o first_o part_n to_o page_n 72._o of_o the_o second_o part_n to_o pag._n 80._o of_o the_o three_o part_n to_o pag._n 136._o all_o the_o four_o part_n viz._n to_o pag._n 108._o of_o the_o five_o part_n to_o pag._n 84._o not_o more_o to_o add_v then_o to_o desire_v thy_o expedition_n thus_o w._n r._n in_o the_o say_a letter_n date_v the_o 21_o of_o the_o 8_o month_n 1680._o as_o before_o by_o all_o which_o its_o apparent_a first_o that_o on_o the_o 21_o of_o the_o 8_o month_n 1680._o much_o of_o w._n r_o '_o s_o book_n be_v print_v and_o receive_v by_o he_o at_o
bristol_n two_o several_a part_n of_o it_o almost_o finish_v as_o appear_v by_o the_o page_n second_o that_o w._n r._n be_v then_o earnest_a for_o the_o expedition_n of_o it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v print_v which_o be_v about_o eighteen_o day_n before_o the_o say_a epistle_n come_v to_o his_o hand_n and_o to_o be_v sure_a his_o book_n be_v put_v to_o the_o press_n a_o considerable_a time_n before_o that_o the_o printer_n say_v it_o be_v begin_v withal_o in_o the_o press_n in_o the_o month_n call_v august_n 1680._o which_o be_v about_o or_o near_o two_o month_n before_o the_o say_a epistle_n allege_v by_o he_o be_v in_o be_v for_o it_o be_v not_o deliver_v unto_o the_o printer_n until_o the_o 25_o of_o the_o 8_o month_n 1680._o which_o be_v four_o day_n after_o the_o date_n of_o w._n r_n say_v letter_n to_o j._n b._n the_o printer_n which_o intimate_v so_o much_o of_o his_o book_n then_o already_o print_v and_o require_v expedition_n for_o the_o rest_n qu._n but_o then_o why_o be_v w._n r._n so_o ready_a to_o catch_v up_o the_o say_a epistle_n that_o come_v to_o his_o hand_n but_o the_o 8_o of_o november_n 1680._o for_o to_o make_v such_o a_o principal_a instance_n of_o it_o to_o prove_v the_o righteousness_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o his_o proceed_n to_o print_v his_o book_n of_o division_n see_v he_o know_v in_o his_o conscience_n he_o have_v proceed_v so_o far_o in_o the_o print_n his_o book_n so_o long_o before_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o confess_v the_o same_o 8_o of_o november_n 1680._o that_o all_o his_o treatise_n except_v postscript_n index_n and_o errata_fw-la be_v then_o already_o print_v we_o can_v make_v no_o better_o of_o it_o than_o that_o he_o be_v befool_v in_o his_o craft_n so_o as_o to_o manifest_v his_o own_o fallacy_n and_o unrighteousness_n in_o his_o silly_a pretence_n and_o deceitful_a subterfuge_n and_o the_o plain_a truth_n of_o it_o be_v the_o say_a epistle_n by_o anne_n whitehead_n and_o mary_n elson_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o of_o w._n r_n print_n and_o publish_v his_o contentious_a book_n that_o his_o print_n thereof_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o their_o write_n and_o print_v their_o epistle_n as_o they_o be_v concern_v in_o conscience_n when_o they_o hear_v that_o w._n r_n book_n be_v in_o the_o press_n and_o have_v be_v for_o some_o time_n print_v before_o they_o write_v heir_n and_o they_o understanding_n what_o kind_n of_o book_n his_o be_v when_o some_o sheet_n of_o it_o be_v hand_v up_o and_o down_o tend_v to_o strife_n and_o division_n whereas_o their_o end_n in_o write_v they_o be_v to_o warn_v friend_n against_o the_o spirit_n of_o discord_n and_o not_o against_o person_n by_o name_n so_o that_o w._n r._n have_v not_o imitate_v that_o copy_n whatever_o occasion_n he_o make_v of_o it_o if_o he_o allege_v that_o the_o publication_n of_o his_o book_n be_v not_o till_o after_o he_o meet_v with_o the_o say_a epistle_n we_o answer_v that_o be_v a_o unjust_a and_o silly_a evasion_n again_o only_o vary_v from_o his_o term_n proceed_v to_o print_v for_o which_o he_o bring_v the_o instance_n of_o their_o epistle_n unto_o the_o term_n publication_n which_o leave_v he_o without_o his_o chief_a plea_n of_o righteousness_n in_o printing_n this_o equivocal_a and_o fallacious_a way_n of_o write_v and_o plead_v will_v not_o excuse_v or_o cover_v he_o as_o a_o innocent_a or_o righteous_a person_n in_o his_o proceed_n to_o print_n or_o in_o his_o allegation_n for_o himself_o therein_o against_o other_o for_o he_o have_v grant_v print_v to_o be_v a_o promulgation_n or_o publication_n as_o in_o his_o word_n frequent_a promulgator_n by_o printing_n which_o be_v a_o falsehood_n and_o he_o have_v confess_v his_o treatise_n be_v print_v when_o the_o say_a epistle_n come_v to_o his_o hand_n be_v the_o 8_o of_o november_n 1680._o so_o that_o in_o print_v his_o book_n of_o division_n he_o do_v promulgate_v or_o publish_v it_o only_o it_o be_v so_o bulkey_n that_o he_o can_v not_o get_v it_o all_o complete_v bind_v up_o and_o sell_v abroad_o before_o the_o say_a epistle_n be_v print_v however_o that_o be_v accidential_n the_o bigness_n trouble_v and_o charge_n of_o his_o book_n make_v it_o not_o so_o expeditious_a as_o a_o epistle_n of_o two_o sheet_n which_o no_o whit_n prove_v his_o intention_n or_o proceed_v to_o be_v righteous_a in_o first_o put_v he_o to_o the_o press_n and_o have_v get_v it_o print_v before_o the_o two_o sheet_n come_v to_o his_o hand_n beside_o be_v not_o w._n r._n so_o earnest_a for_o expedition_n in_o the_o print_n his_o book_n that_o in_o its_o several_a part_n it_o be_v put_v into_o several_a hand_n of_o the_o world_n printter_n person_n not_o call_v quaker_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o be_v print_v it_o appear_v to_o be_v design_v to_o go_v abroad_o in_o the_o world_n and_o further_o if_o to_o evade_v the_o charge_n of_o fallacy_n and_o injustice_n deceit_n and_o false_a cover_n lay_v on_o w._n r._n in_o this_o matter_n he_o fly_v to_o his_o grammatical_a sense_n of_o his_o word_n and_o plead_v his_o intention_n etc._n etc._n as_o think_v himself_o safe_a in_o both_o one_a we_o say_v his_o present_a proceed_n to_o print_n can_v in_o reason_n be_v confine_v to_o his_o postscript_n wherein_o the_o word_n be_v nor_o answer_v the_o some_z of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n he_o tell_v of_o that_o have_v judge_v he_o wicked_a as_o for_o intend_v to_o print_v against_o friend_n post._n pag._n 25._o who_o he_o undertake_v to_o answer_v in_o that_o case_n nor_o vindicate_v he_o as_o to_o his_o historical_a relation_n mention_v in_o the_o same_o page_n which_o include_v his_o book_n which_o can_v be_v confine_v to_o nor_o include_v in_o his_o postscript_n two_o the_o reason_n he_o give_v in_o his_o postscript_n to_o prove_v himself_o righteous_a in_o his_o proceed_n to_o print_n can_v relate_v only_o to_o that_o his_o postscript_n but_o to_o his_o whole_a book_n because_o they_o aread_v for_o a_o supplement_n to_o his_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n his_o introduction_n to_o the_o first_o and_o four_o part_n of_o his_o treatise_n which_o preface_n and_o introduction_n concern_v his_o whole_a book_n or_o historical_a relalation_n as_o he_o call_v it_o and_o which_o preface_n and_o introduction_n he_o think_v may_v give_v sufficient_a satisfaction_n to_o every_o impartial_a and_o unprejudiced_a reader_n but_o lest_o the_o ignorance_n or_o blindness_n of_o any_o shall_v be_v so_o great_a as_o not_o from_o thence_o to_o perceive_v the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o present_a proceed_n to_o print_n etc._n etc._n he_o give_v his_o additional_a reason_n and_o instance_n in_o his_o postscript_n the_o chief_a whereof_o be_v that_o relate_n to_o the_o two_o print_a sheet_n which_o come_v to_o his_o hand_n the_o 8_o of_o november_n 1680._o as_o aforesaid_a wherein_o the_o supplymental_a reason_n give_v be_v more_o clear_o to_o evince_v the_o justness_n of_o his_o proceed_n to_o print_n than_o he_o have_v do_v before_o in_o his_o say_a preface_n or_o introduction_n as_o that_o it_o be_v even_o to_o prevent_v such_o great_a ignorance_n and_o partiality_n as_o will_v hinder_v any_o from_o perceive_v his_o righteousness_n in_o proceed_v to_o print_v three_o if_o w._n r._n say_v that_o he_o think_v himself_o safe_a both_o in_o his_o intention_n and_o grammatical_a sense_n 1681._o of_o his_o word_n viz._n that_o such_o as_o have_v be_v of_o party_n against_o we_o concern_v in_o the_o publication_n hereof_o have_v be_v the_o first_o and_o frequent_a promulgator_n by_o declaration_n by_o manuscript_n and_o by_o print_v that_o there_o have_v be_v division_n among_o the_o aforesaid_a people_n as_o thence_o conclude_v the_o word_n be_v conjunctive_a only_o to_o import_v that_o frequent_a can_v relate_v to_o each_o one_o abstract_o but_o to_o all_o joint_o viz._n to_o publish_v by_o declaration_n by_o manuscript_n and_o by_o print_v and_o that_o he_o intend_v by_o printing_n only_o the_o say_a epistle_n of_o two_o sheet_n be_v publish_v before_o his_o book_n come_v out_o of_o the_o press_n we_o say_v that_o then_o he_o write_v fallacious_o and_o prevaricate_o for_o frequent_a do_v as_o well_o relate_v to_o print_v as_o to_o declaration_n and_o manuscript_n wherein_o we_o can_v think_v that_o he_o intend_v only_o that_o there_o be_v but_o once_o a_o publication_n by_o declaration_n and_o but_o once_o by_o manuscript_n and_o so_o but_o once_o by_o print_v as_o if_o only_a those_o three_o publication_n in_o these_o three_o way_n do_v amount_v to_o make_v up_o the_o frequent_a publication_n intend_v for_o he_o quote_v several_a declaration_n and_o several_a manuscript_n and_o but_o that_o one_o epistle_n in_o print_n for_o his_o print_n as_o also_o his_o intention_n in_o print_n can_v be_v prove_v righteous_a by_o
his_o instance_n of_o that_o epistle_n be_v public_a before_o his_o book_n for_o his_o intention_n of_o print_v as_o also_o his_o often_o threaten_v to_o print_v be_v a_o long_a time_n before_o that_o epistle_n ever_o be_v in_o be_v and_o when_o he_o give_v his_o say_a supplymental_a reason_n in_o his_o postscript_n on_o the_o 10_o of_o november_n 1680._o he_o have_v print_v his_o treatise_n except_o the_o postscript_n index_n and_o errata_fw-la as_o he_o confess_v the_o 8_o of_o november_n 1680._o be_v the_o same_o day_n that_o epistle_n come_v to_o his_o hand_n and_o therefore_o his_o intention_n of_o print_v and_o publish_v division_n can_v have_v no_o relation_n to_o that_o epistle_n as_o any_o cause_n or_o reason_n of_o his_o intention_n and_o how_o can_v that_o epistle_n be_v any_o reason_n of_o his_o print_n when_o it_o be_v not_o in_o be_v till_o after_o he_o have_v print_v a_o great_a part_n of_o his_o book_n in_o the_o five_o part_n of_o it_o four_o if_o he_o yet_o allege_v that_o in_o the_o title_n page_n of_o the_o say_a epistle_n it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v print_v by_o andrew_n sowle_n and_o to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o shop_n in_o devonshire-building_n and_o that_o therefore_o he_o be_v the_o more_o concern_v for_o the_o publication_n of_o his_o book_n when_o it_o be_v print_v to_o this_o we_o say_v that_o addition_n show_v by_o who_o it_o be_v print_v and_o sell_v be_v the_o printer_n own_o addition_n and_o not_o the_o author_n and_o yet_o suitable_a enough_o for_o he_o to_o add_v be_v caution_v in_o the_o same_o title_n page_n how_o far_o it_o be_v intend_v by_o the_o author_n to_o be_v publish_v be_v plain_o recommend_v to_o friend_n in_o truth_n chief_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o weak_a and_o unstable-minded_n for_o information_n and_o encouragement_n in_o our_o christian_a unity_n and_o society_n hold_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n both_o in_o faith_n and_o practice_n as_o their_o word_n be_v so_o that_o the_o advice_n where_o to_o have_v that_o epistle_n be_v for_o friend_n to_o who_o it_o be_v recommend_v that_o they_o may_v know_v where_o to_o have_v it_o whereas_o w._n r._n have_v give_v no_o such_o caution_n in_o his_o title_n page_n but_o leave_v his_o whole_a book_n and_o friend_n reflect_v on_o therein_o to_o the_o censure_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o world_n unbeliever_n and_o truth_n be_v adversary_n to_o the_o great_a scandal_n and_o reproach_n of_o truth_n and_o friend_n in_o it_o qu._n but_o have_v not_o w._n r._n place_v the_o publication_n of_o his_o book_n upon_o a_o high_a motion_n and_o necessity_n than_o the_o occasion_n pretend_v of_o the_o aforesaid_a epistle_n answ._n yes_o a_o far_o high_a and_o what_o be_v it_o it_o be_v upon_o such_o a_o great_a concern_v of_o conscience_n pretend_v that_o the_o publication_n of_o it_o can_v no_o long_o be_v forbear_v the_o account_n he_o give_v in_o the_o case_n be_v these_o viz._n so_o great_a a_o concern_v of_o conscience_n lie_v on_o many_o to_o encourage_v the_o publication_n thereof_o as_o that_o we_o can_v no_o long_o forbear_v lest_o it_o shall_v be_v repute_v that_o the_o doctrine_n and_o life_n of_o christianity_n be_v whole_o extinct_a among_o the_o aforesaid_a people_n as_o in_o his_o preface_n and_o pag._n 77._o one_a part_n the_o righteous_a god_n bear_v we_o record_v that_o the_o very_a reason_n why_o this_o treatise_n be_v now_o prepare_v be_v because_o our_o very_a conscience_n on_o behalf_n of_o god_n people_n be_v concern_v thus_o far_o william_n rogers_n william_n ford_n the_o subscriber_n note_v that_o these_o high_a pretence_n of_o conscience_n both_o for_o the_o preparation_n and_o publication_n of_o their_o book_n as_o that_o they_o can_v no_o long_o forbear_v must_v needs_o be_v before_o it_o be_v print_v here_o be_v two_o great_a concern_v in_o the_o case_n the_o one_o to_o prepare_v it_o the_o other_o to_o print_n or_o publish_v it_o by_o print_v both_o which_o concern_v be_v before_o the_o aforesaid_a epistle_n of_o a._n whitehead_n and_o m._n elson_n be_v in_o be_v at_o least_o before_o ever_o w._n r._n know_v or_o see_v that_o epistle_n and_o therefore_o that_o epistle_n can_v not_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o such_o concern_n of_o conscience_n to_o prepare_v print_n or_o publish_v w._n r_n great_a and_o chargeable_a book_n beside_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o all_o the_o allegation_n use_v by_o some_o of_o his_o party_n for_o the_o publication_n of_o his_o book_n as_o about_o g._n f_n not_o give_v he_o a_o meeting_n or_o not_o give_v it_o under_o his_o hand_n to_o meet_v he_o appear_v but_o mere_a pretence_n and_o slight_a cover_v have_v place_v a_o necessity_n to_o encourage_v the_o publication_n thereof_o upon_o a_o high_a and_o more_o absolute_a concern_v of_o conscience_n as_o namely_o to_o prevent_v such_o a_o misrepute_n as_o that_o of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o life_n of_o christianity_n be_v whole_o extinct_a among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n and_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o colour_n or_o pretence_n of_o reason_n that_o this_o danger_n shall_v be_v place_v either_o upon_o the_o say_a epistle_n or_o upon_o g._n f_n not_o meet_v w._n r._n in_o his_o time_n this_o his_o pretence_n of_o such_o concern_n of_o conscience_n be_v far_o high_a than_o these_o but_o if_o it_o shall_v yet_o be_v pretend_v by_o any_o that_o g._n f_n not_o give_v w._n r._n a_o meeting_n be_v cause_n of_o his_o publish_v his_o book_n then_o how_o unjust_a and_o gross_o unreasonable_a be_v it_o to_o expose_v the_o name_n of_o divers_a other_o faithful_a friend_n in_o print_n and_o that_o to_o infamy_n without_o any_o such_o particular_a offer_n to_o they_o and_o refusal_n on_o their_o part_n moreover_o w._n r._n be_v so_o far_o from_o prove_v himself_o just_a or_o righteous_a in_o his_o proceed_n to_o print_n by_o those_o instance_n he_o give_v of_o a_o publication_n of_o division_n by_o declaration_n by_o manuscript_n and_o by_o print_v that_o his_o great_a injustice_n and_o iniquity_n therein_o appear_v there_o be_v no_o just_a comparison_n between_o these_o so_o far_o as_o he_o yet_o give_v instance_n and_o his_o great_a book_n in_o print_n either_o as_o to_o the_o nature_n quality_n or_o quantity_n for_o one_a what_o he_o mention_n of_o declaration_n in_o their_o meeting_n if_o it_o be_v all_o true_a it_o be_v not_o publish_v in_o print_n to_o the_o world_n until_o he_o himself_o do_v it_o neither_o do_v we_o understand_v that_o such_o unprint_v declaration_n can_v equalise_v his_o book_n in_o the_o pernicious_a nature_n and_o tendence_n of_o it_o in_o many_o particular_n which_o be_v scandalous_a to_o we_o as_o a_o people_n and_o against_o divers_a honest_a man_n by_o name_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o it_o be_v against_o church-government_n and_o order_n among_o we_o two_o the_o forty_o four_o article_n he_o mention_n be_v not_o in_o print_n nor_o the_o paper_n of_o sixty_o six_o nor_o the_o narrative_a at_o drawell_n nor_o be_v these_o ever_o intend_v to_o be_v expose_v in_o print_n or_o to_o the_o world_n as_o his_o book_n be_v but_o to_o be_v reserve_v within_o the_o church_n till_o matter_n may_v be_v clear_v and_o reconciliation_n and_o union_n effect_v which_o divers_a faithful_a friend_n among_o we_o have_v earnest_o desire_v and_o travel_v for_o who_o work_n and_o reward_n be_v with_o the_o lord_n though_o this_o perverse_a spirit_n turn_v all_o into_o bitterness_n gall_n and_o wormwood_n three_o and_o as_o to_o that_o epistle_n write_v by_o a_o public_a preacher_n as_o he_o say_v post._n pag._n 26._o that_o be_v not_o in_o print_n nor_o any_o person_n by_o name_n reflect_v on_o in_o it_o though_o mention_n be_v make_v in_o it_o of_o rent_n schism_n contention_n strife_n distraction_n discord_n etc._n etc._n a_o faithful_a testimony_n be_v therein_o give_v against_o the_o spirit_n of_o discord_n division_n and_o separation_n refer_v it_o to_o the_o witness_n of_o truth_n in_o all_o conscience_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o judgement_n in_o themselves_o to_o make_v the_o application_n to_o person_n and_o not_o by_o name_n to_o infamize_v any_o g._n whitehead_n own_v the_o say_a epistle_n and_o say_v he_o have_v stand_v by_o it_o and_o hope_n ever_o to_o stand_v by_o the_o testimony_n and_o tender_a counsel_n therein_o in_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o move_v he_o to_o write_v it_o as_o also_o that_o since_o w._n r._n have_v make_v such_o a_o occasion_n and_o pretence_n of_o it_o to_o justify_v his_o own_o proceed_n to_o print_n he_o have_v do_v he_o more_o right_o if_o he_o have_v print_v it_o together_o among_o other_o in_o his_o book_n which_o epistle_n and_o the_o public_a read_n of_o it_o be_v approve_v by_o divers_a of_o w._n r_n own_o friend_n and_o what_o if_o it_o be_v read_v in_o such_o a_o public_a
even_o as_o to_o his_o high_a pretence_n of_o conscience_n to_o bring_v forth_o his_o great_a book_n which_o be_v fill_v with_o envy_n confusion_n and_o false_a jealousy_n that_o his_o conscience_n therein_o be_v not_o a_o good_a conscience_n it_o be_v not_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n but_o very_o offensive_a to_o both_o and_o that_o his_o contradiction_n be_v obvious_a in_o his_o one_o while_o limit_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n mat._n 18._o 15._o 1_o cor._n 6._o only_a to_o personal_a offence_n about_o outward_a matter_n and_o that_o upon_o pretence_n of_o a_o reasonable_a conclusion_n another_o while_o grant_v that_o in_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n mat._n 18._o 17._o every_o case_n may_v be_v comprehend_v wherein_o one_o brother_n may_v trespass_n against_o another_o and_o that_o according_a to_o right_n reason_n whereby_o he_o have_v set_v his_o right_a reason_n in_o contradiction_n to_o his_o reasonable_a conclusion_n you_o may_v see_v what_o a_o master_n of_o reason_n this_o person_n be_v in_o pursuance_n of_o his_o charge_n against_o we_o of_o claim_v power_n over_o the_o property_n and_o conscience_n of_o believer_n he_o proceed_v thus_o viz._n disaffect_v xxii_o w._n r._n one_a part_n pag._n 47._o we_o be_v sensible_a that_o many_o friend_n will_v be_v even_o startle_v at_o this_o and_o ready_a to_o query_n be_v there_o any_o such_o among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n we_o answer_v yes_o very_o and_o that_o those_o who_o may_v be_v account_v chieftain_n too_o viz._n those_o who_o approve_v in_o the_o second_o day_n meet_v at_o london_n the_o before-cited_n book_n of_o r._n b._n relate_v to_o government_n in_o the_o church_n observe_v his_o charge_n of_o claim_v power_n over_o the_o property_n as_o well_o as_o conscience_n of_o believer_n upon_o those_o count_v chieftain_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n and_o the_o second_o day_n meet_v at_o london_n we_o do_v judge_v to_o be_v very_o scandalous_a as_o well_o as_o unjust_a and_o tend_v to_o render_v we_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n obnoxious_a to_o the_o civil_a government_n as_o assume_v a_o arbitrary_a and_o absolute_a dominion_n over_o the_o property_n and_o conscience_n of_o other_o which_o be_v a_o abhorence_n to_o we_o and_o what_o he_o allege_v out_o of_o r._n b.'s_n book_n in_o the_o case_n do_v not_o appear_v to_o we_o any_o proof_n of_o his_o charge_n against_o we_o be_v right_o and_o ingenious_o consider_v as_o to_o what_o r._n b._n affirm_v of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v power_n in_o some_o case_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n to_o give_v positive_a sentence_n or_o decision_n which_o may_v be_v obligatory_a upon_o believer_n we_o will_v ask_v this_o opposer_n if_o in_o no_o case_n of_o conscience_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v power_n to_o give_v such_o positive_a sentence_n as_o be_v just_a and_o righteous_a for_o the_o true_a church_n neither_o pretend_v nor_o claim_v any_o other_o if_o she_o have_v then_o whether_o such_o sentence_n be_v not_o obligatory_a to_o other_o believer_n concern_v and_o then_o whether_o there_o can_v be_v any_o just_a pretence_n for_o a_o believer_n to_o refuse_v to_o submit_v as_o not_o see_v that_o his_o duty_n which_o be_v just_a and_o equal_a which_o no_o doubt_n but_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o will_v discover_v and_o oblige_v he_o to_o if_o he_o obey_v it_o and_o therefore_o w._n r._n his_o inference_n that_o this_o mean_v and_o government_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o believer_n he_o take_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o liberty_n we_o have_v in_o christ_n jesus_n appear_v to_o we_o both_o perverse_a and_o impertinent_a for_o all_o just_a sentence_n give_v and_o decision_n make_v either_o by_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o faithful_a member_n thereof_o be_v do_v in_o his_o service_n and_o according_a to_o his_o mind_n and_o in_o subjection_n to_o his_o power_n and_o therein_o the_o dominion_n over_o the_o conscience_n be_v his_o dominion_n which_o be_v neither_o claim_v nor_o assume_v out_o of_o his_o hand_n by_o his_o church_n or_o any_o faithful_a member_n thereof_o we_o claim_v no_o power_n nor_o assume_v any_o dominion_n of_o ourselves_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n over_o conscience_n be_v christ_n and_o we_o be_v but_o his_o minister_n or_o servant_n but_o it_o appear_v our_o adversary_n allow_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n no_o power_n in_o case_n of_o conscience_n to_o give_v positive_a sentence_n or_o decision_n which_o may_v be_v obligatory_a upon_o believer_n if_o he_o say_v he_o do_v then_o why_o do_v he_o oppose_v affirm_v the_o church_n have_v such_o power_n but_o to_o proceed_v upon_o his_o scandalous_a charge_n against_o the_o second_o day_n meet_v in_o london_n see_v what_o he_o further_o say_v pag._n 51_o 52._o one_a part_n viz._n disaffect_v xxiii_o w._n r._n some_o there_o be_v among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n who_o may_v be_v account_v chieftain_n too_o that_o approve_v of_o a_o plea_n for_o government_n among_o themselves_o which_o in_o its_o natural_a consequence_n have_v no_o less_o tendency_n than_o to_o claim_v a_o power_n over_o our_o property_n as_o well_o as_o conscience_n for_o proof_n whereof_o we_o say_v the_o second_o day_n meet_v of_o minister_a friend_n in_o london_n take_v upon_o they_o the_o approbation_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a book_n relate_v to_o government_n whereby_o they_o be_v entitle_v to_o the_o matter_n therein_o contain_v compare_v with_o what_o he_o say_v pag._n 52._o viz._n say_v in_o our_o heart_n bless_a be_v the_o lord_n that_o neither_o the_o second_o day_n meet_v nor_o those_o who_o be_v at_o unity_n with_o they_o as_o approver_n of_o the_o say_a book_n have_v any_o jurisdiction_n over_o our_o property_n etc._n etc._n observe_v in_o these_o passage_n we_o do_v still_o positive_o judge_v that_o our_o adversary_n have_v gross_o scandalize_v our_o say_a meeting_n in_o london_n as_o claim_v a_o power_n and_o assume_v a_o jurisdiction_n over_o their_o property_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o have_v render_v the_o say_v meet_v arbitrary_a and_o usurp_a a_o dominion_n in_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o thing_n temporal_a which_o appear_v to_o we_o horrid_a and_o odious_a tend_v to_o expose_v the_o people_n call_v quaker_n to_o suffer_v and_o ruin_n by_o the_o temporal_a power_n and_o government_n and_o his_o principal_a instance_n for_o proof_n of_o his_o charge_n against_o our_o say_a meeting_n in_o london_n we_o can_v judge_v amount_n to_o any_o real_a proof_n thereof_o he_o take_v it_o out_o of_o r._n b_n book_n entitle_v the_o anarchy_n of_o the_o ranter_n etc._n etc._n pag._n 37._o in_o these_o word_n viz._n in_o what_o case_n and_o how_o far_o this_o government_n extend_v and_o first_o as_o to_o outward_o and_o temporal_n pag._n 39_o in_o the_o second_o place_n this_o order_n reach_v the_o take_n up_o and_o compose_v of_o difference_n as_o to_o outward_a thing_n we_o do_v bold_o aver_n that_o as_o a_o people_n gather_v together_o by_o the_o lord_n unto_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o by_o our_o joint_a testimony_n and_o suffering_n that_o we_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o decide_v and_o remove_v these_o thing_n we_o request_v the_o friendly_a reader_n to_o note_v this_o instance_n that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n in_o it_o that_o either_o in_o itself_o or_o natural_a consequence_n amount_v to_o a_o proof_n of_o his_o charge_n against_o we_o or_o our_o say_a meeting_n that_o be_v of_o claim_v a_o power_n or_o assume_v a_o jurisdiction_n over_o the_o property_n of_o friend_n or_o other_o but_o only_o a_o power_n give_v we_o in_o truth_n to_o compose_v decide_v and_o remove_v difference_n in_o outward_a thing_n among_o ourselves_o as_o a_o people_n gather_v by_o the_o lord_n into_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o to_o make_v no_o other_o composure_n or_o decision_n thereof_o than_o what_o consist_v with_o truth_n as_o appear_v more_o full_o in_o the_o word_n follow_v the_o same_o passage_n in_o r._n b_n book_n quote_v by_o our_o adversary_n as_o where_o r._n b._n say_v pag._n 40._o if_o the_o truth_n we_o profess_v have_v not_o efficacy_n as_o to_o reconcile_v we_o among_o ourselves_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o world_n if_o we_o be_v force_v to_o go_v out_o to_o other_o for_o equity_n and_o justice_n because_o we_o can_v find_v it_o among_o ourselves_o how_o can_v we_o expect_v to_o invite_v they_o to_o come_v among_o we_o this_o with_o many_o other_o passage_n in_o r._n b_n say_v book_n together_o with_o his_o own_o explication_n thereupon_o date_v aberdene_n prison_n the_o 6_o of_o the_o one_a month_n 1679._o cite_v at_o large_a by_o w._n r._n in_o his_o three_o part_n from_o pag._n 99_o to_o pag._n 122._o we_o do_v at_o least_o real_o suppose_v do_v full_o clear_a
show_v forth_o that_o if_o we_o shall_v feed_v upon_o or_o admire_v any_o excellent_a qualification_n or_o endowment_n whatsoever_o and_o not_o have_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n chief_o unto_o the_o giver_n we_o may_v then_o come_v to_o a_o loss_n from_o all_o whîch_n observe_v that_o our_o adversary_n have_v here_o find_v out_o a_o salve_n or_o better_a construction_n for_o the_o say_a doctrine_n than_o his_o oppose_a and_o contradict_v of_o it_o before_o as_o not_o be_v according_o to_o truth_n at_o this_o rate_n he_o may_v make_v large_a book_n against_o we_o but_o to_o what_o purpose_n thus_o to_o say_v and_o unsay_v as_o if_o he_o shall_v tell_v we_o it_o be_v unsound_a doctrine_n to_o say_v the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n be_v not_o good_a for_o food_n but_o to_o turn_v about_o again_o it_o may_v be_v use_v in_o a_o good_a and_o sound_a sense_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v to_o reflect_v upon_o all_o that_o have_v use_v that_o expression_n viz._n the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n be_v not_o good_a for_o food_n what_o kind_n of_o preacher_n will_v he_o make_v if_o he_o shall_v tell_v people_n the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n be_v good_a for_o food_n the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n be_v not_o good_a for_o food_n and_o what_o if_o some_o as_o he_o say_v have_v reflect_v on_o the_o wisdom_n that_o be_v sensual_a when_o they_o have_v declare_v the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n not_o good_a for_o food_n what_o unsoundness_n can_v he_o prove_v therein_o as_o to_o the_o allusion_n the_o question_n be_v whether_o man_n by_o transgress_v god_n command_n in_o eat_v of_o that_o tree_n do_v not_o fall_v into_o that_o wisdom_n that_o be_v earthly_a and_o sensual_a or_o devilish_a whether_o that_o sensual_a wisdom_n be_v not_o produce_v in_o man_n by_o that_o transgression_n and_o therefore_o w._n r'_v tell_v we_o that_o which_o be_v a_o discoverer_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v in_o it_o 2d_o self_n good_a as_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n be_v can_v be_v a_o proper_a allusion_n etc._n etc._n we_o be_v sure_a his_o allusion_n and_o comparison_n here_o be_v not_o proper_a nor_o according_a to_o scripture_n he_o here_o confound_v the_o discoverer_n which_o be_v christ_n the_o tree_n of_o life_n with_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n as_o if_o man_n in_o innocency_n be_v forbid_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n for_o our_o opposer_n in_o his_o very_a next_o instance_n p._n 28._o have_v these_o word_n john_n the_o evangelist_n testify_v this_o be_v life_n eternal_a that_o they_o may_v know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v a_o very_a good_a scripture_n but_o no_o proof_n that_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n be_v good_a for_o food_n or_o that_o god_n do_v forbid_v the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o and_o of_o his_o son_n to_o man_n in_o innocency_n when_o he_o give_v he_o this_o command_n but_o of_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a thou_o shall_v not_o eat_v of_o it_o for_o in_o the_o day_n thou_o eat_v thereof_o thou_o shall_v sure_o die_v gen._n 2._o 17._o this_o tree_n be_v except_v from_o every_o tree_n yield_v seed_n and_o good_a for_o food_n which_o be_v allow_v unto_o man_n gen._n 1._o 29._o and_o 2._o 9_o do_v god_n forbid_v man_n in_o innocency_n the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o maker_n or_o command_v he_o not_o to_o eat_v of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a for_o his_o soul_n food_n no_o sure_a who_o then_o present_v the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n as_o good_a for_o food_n to_o be_v eat_v to_o make_v one_o wise_a &_o c_o it_o be_v the_o serpent_n therefore_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o silent_a in_o it_o the_o serpent_n say_v unto_o the_o woman_n you_o shall_v not_o sure_o die_v for_o god_n do_v know_v that_o in_o the_o day_n you_o eat_v thereof_o your_o eye_n shall_v be_v open_v and_o you_o shall_v be_v as_o god_n know_v good_a and_o evil_a and_o when_o the_o woman_n see_v that_o the_o tree_n be_v good_a for_o food_n and_o a_o tree_n to_o be_v desire_v to_o make_v one_o wise_a she_o take_v of_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o and_o do_v eat_v etc._n etc._n gen._n 3._o 4_o 5_o 6._o do_v the_o serpent_n say_v true_a in_o say_v you_o shall_v not_o sure_o die_v no_o sure_a for_o god_n have_v say_v the_o contrary_a in_o the_o day_n thou_o eat_v thereof_o die_v thou_o shall_v die_v therefore_o when_o the_o woman_n see_v that_o the_o tree_n be_v good_a for_o food_n she_o see_v not_o aright_o she_o have_v let_v in_o the_o serpent_n persuasion_n to_o eat_v thereof_o contrary_a to_o god_n command_n there_o be_v a_o eye_n open_a giving_z way_n to_o the_o temptation_n which_o god_n do_v not_o open_a a_o mistake_a sight_n it_o be_v the_o same_o by_o which_o she_o see_v it_o be_v a_o tree_n to_o be_v desire_v to_o make_v one_o wise._n whence_o come_v that_o desire_n but_o from_o the_o serpent_n allurement_n that_o beget_v a_o false_a sight_n a_o misapprehension_n not_o consistent_a with_o the_o law_n of_o innocence_n or_o uncorruptness_n of_o mind_n that_o stand_v in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o truth_n all_o which_o consider_v our_o opposer_n be_v so_o far_o from_o prove_v any_o of_o we_o apostate_n and_o innovator_n in_o say_v that_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n be_v not_o good_a for_o food_n that_o he_o have_v discover_v his_o own_o apostasy_n and_o innovation_n in_o introduce_v the_o serpent_n doctrine_n contrary_a to_o god_n command_n and_o the_o doctrine_n ancient_o preach_v among_o we_o and_o therein_o we_o can_v believe_v that_o god_n or_o christ_n be_v his_o 3._o teacher_n but_o the_o serpent_n who_o beguile_v eve_n through_o his_o subtlety_n so_o he_o have_v corrupt_v the_o mind_n of_o some_o from_o the_o simplicity_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n to_o feed_v upon_o that_o which_o bring_v death_n over_o they_o and_o to_o fall_v into_o that_o knowledge_n which_o puff_v up_o the_o fleshly_a mind_n and_o that_o eye_n that_o the_o serpent_n open_v be_v not_o a_o single_a but_o a_o evil_a eye_n which_o christ_n come_v to_o blind_a and_o to_o bring_v that_o knowledge_n to_o nought_o that_o puff_v up_o before_o man_n can_v clear_o see_v with_o that_o innocent_a single_a eye_n that_o christ_n open_v or_o partake_v of_o that_o true_a divine_a knowledge_n which_o be_v life_n eternal_a the_o matter_n we_o principal_o aim_v at_o and_o stand_v for_o both_o in_o the_o forego_n and_o follow_v controversy_n on_o our_o part_n be_v include_v in_o these_o general_a proposition_n viz._n i._o that_o since_o the_o term_n church-government_n be_v of_o late_a so_o much_o cast_v upon_o we_o we_o do_v thereby_o intend_v christ_n government_n in_o his_o church_n exercise_v by_o he_o both_o immediate_o and_o instrumental_o ii_o that_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n and_o master_n govern_v rule_n and_o order_n in_o his_o church_n and_o people_n immediate_o and_o principal_o by_o himself_o and_o instrumental_o in_o some_o measure_n by_o his_o minister_n and_o servant_n as_o well_o as_o he_o teach_v and_o instruct_v both_o immediate_o and_o instrumental_o iii_o that_o christ_n govern_v and_o rule_v instrumental_o by_o his_o minister_n and_o servant_n relate_v to_o the_o godly_a care_n good_a instruction_n admonition_n and_o true_a judgement_n give_v to_o and_o minister_v by_o such_o his_o faithful_a servant_n minister_n and_o elder_n in_o truth_n who_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v overseer_n 12_o and_o appoint_v for_o help_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o sake_n especial_o of_o the_o young_a and_o weak_a member_n child_n and_o such_o as_o be_v under_o age_n as_o to_o truth_n and_o experience_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v about_o this_o last_o proposition_n that_o the_o controversy_n do_v most_o depend_v for_o christ_n immediate_a rule_n and_o government_n in_o the_o conscience_n be_v in_o word_n own_v by_o our_o opposer_n iu._n no_o other_o kind_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o substance_n nature_n and_o end_n do_v we_o at_o this_o day_n plead_v for_o than_o what_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o primitive_a christian_a church_n before_o the_o apostasy_n in_o a_o spiritual_a persuasive_a convince_v way_n and_o manner_n suitable_a to_o christ_n spiritual_a kingdom_n which_o prosper_v by_o his_o truth_n and_o meekness_n righteousness_n and_o true_a judgement_n wherein_o we_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v our_o king_n lord_n and_o lawgiver_n all_o carnal_a force_n and_o rigour_n be_v exclude_v his_o kingdom_n v._o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n we_o utter_o deny_v and_o detest_v exercise_v lordship_n over_o god_n heritage_n or_o seek_v dominion_n over_o the_o faith_n and_o conscience_n of_o his_o people_n and_o assume_v to_o ourselves_o any_o power_n dominion_n or_o arbitrary_a jurisdiction_n over_o their_o
shall_v suffice_v viz._n the_o form_n of_o proceed_n in_o marriage_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n be_v whole_o silent_a as_o to_o the_o primitive_a christian_n by_o which_o you_o may_v see_v what_o a_o narrow_a compass_n his_o great_a noise_n of_o innovation_n outward_a order_n in_o discipline_n be_v bring_v to_o he_o shall_v have_v make_v his_o book_n whole_o on_o this_o subject_n about_o the_o form_n of_o proceed_n in_o marriage_n among_o we_o and_o not_o have_v make_v such_o a_o great_a impertinent_a blunder_n upon_o general_a scandalous_a charge_n to_o no_o purpose_n and_o than_o it_o will_v have_v appear_v whether_o he_o can_v have_v disapprove_v our_o proceed_n therein_o or_o not_o or_o prove_v they_o inconsistent_a with_o those_o righteous_a end_n that_o he_o himself_o have_v grant_v two_o in_o his_o preface_n he_o only_o mention_n outward_a form_n relate_v to_o marriage_n relief_n of_o the_o poor_a etc._n etc._n about_o which_o he_o say_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o contention_n seem_v to_o be_v and_o yet_o he_o be_v the_o hot_a maintainer_n of_o the_o contention_n three_o and_o though_o in_o some_o circumstance_n every_o thing_n be_v not_o specify_v in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o part_n of_o church-discipline_n practise_v among_o we_o that_o do_v not_o tend_v to_o answer_v the_o apostolic_a doctrine_n in_o respect_n to_o good_a order_n a_o holy_a conversation_n a_o heavenly_a society_n and_o thing_n that_o be_v honest_a just_a reasonable_a and_o of_o good_a report_n what_o form_n or_o discipline_n do_v we_o practice_v that_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o these_o righteous_a end_n we_o affirm_v that_o his_o cry_v out_o imposition_n innovation_n form_n of_o church-government_n order_n prescription_n etc._n etc._n in_o general_n be_v no_o answer_n nor_o any_o proof_n of_o his_o charge_n of_o apostate_n and_o innovator_n against_o we_o let_v he_o either_o specify_v the_o particular_n thereof_o that_o he_o condemn_v we_o for_o as_o apostate_n and_o that_o we_o practise_v as_o church-discipline_n or_o else_o forever_o be_v ashamed_a of_o such_o impertinency_n and_o scandalous_a charge_v the_o meeting_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n call_v quaker_n which_o be_v concern_v in_o and_o about_o those_o outward_a affair_n and_o christian_a service_n for_o which_o they_o be_v intend_v as_o charitable_a duty_n inspect_v marriage_n take_v care_n that_o truth_n be_v not_o scandalize_v etc._n etc._n which_o he_o have_v confess_v and_o the_o service_n of_o such_o our_o meeting_n be_v to_o answer_v those_o righteous_a and_o good_a ends._n as_o also_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n in_o reference_n to_o friend_n care_v about_o print_n in_o these_o word_n viz._n three_o part_n pag._n 31._o i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v that_o it_o be_v unnecessary_a for_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o take_v care_n that_o nothing_o scandalous_a to_o the_o truth_n come_v forth_o in_o public_a under_o the_o name_n of_o any_o who_o make_v profession_n thereof_o and_o be_v it_o so_o that_o i_o have_v aught_o upon_o i_o on_o truth_n behalf_n to_o bring_v to_o public_a view_n i_o shall_v be_v glad_a of_o the_o opportunity_n to_o lay_v it_o before_o such_o brethren_n with_o who_o the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n knowledge_n and_o discern_v of_o spirit_n dwell_v hence_o it_o appear_v that_o this_o man_n will_v seem_v to_o be_v for_o order_n and_o society_n with_o such_o brethren_n as_o he_o have_v a_o good_a esteem_n of_o and_o to_o be_v so_o conformable_a and_o submissive_a as_o to_o have_v their_o counsel_n and_o approbation_n of_o what_o he_o bring_v to_o public_a view_n grant_v it_o necessary_a for_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o take_v care_n that_o nothing_o scandalous_a to_o truth_n come_v forth_o in_o public_a which_o be_v one_o main_a end_n of_o our_o meeting_n in_o london_n so_o much_o strike_v at_o and_o vilify_v by_o he_o but_o who_o those_o brethren_n be_v with_o who_o he_o account_v the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n dwell_v and_o before_o who_o he_o will_v lay_v what_o he_o will_v bring_v to_o public_a view_n for_o their_o care_n and_o approbation_n he_o tell_v we_o not_o but_o we_o may_v easy_o guess_v by_o his_o high_a character_n of_o ancient_n and_o honourable_a friend_n labourer_n in_o the_o gospel_n etc._n etc._n and_o whether_o they_o do_v see_v and_o approve_v of_o this_o confuse_a scandalous_a book_n of_o he_o or_o not_o be_v best_a know_v to_o themselves_o either_o they_o do_v or_o they_o do_v not_o if_o they_o do_v then_o by_o his_o own_o inference_n they_o be_v entitle_v to_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o it_o if_o neither_o of_o they_o do_v see_v and_o approve_v of_o it_o than_o that_o omission_n contradict_v his_o own_o pretence_n it_o not_o be_v probable_a that_o he_o can_v just_o plead_v he_o want_v opportunity_n to_o lay_v it_o before_o any_o of_o his_o honourable_a brethren_n in_o two_o or_o three_o year_n time_n three_o part_n pag._n 82._o there_o be_v great_a need_n for_o every_o one_o to_o watch_v against_o a_o censorious_a judge_a spirit_n lest_o whilst_o they_o be_v judge_v their_o brethren_n they_o themselves_o become_v castaway_n p._n 83._o it_o behoove_v every_o one_o diligent_o to_o watch_v that_o we_o judge_v not_o one_o another_o by_o reason_n of_o these_o differ_a exercise_n etc._n etc._n observe_v how_o well_o this_o man_n can_v counsel_n other_o but_o how_o contrary_a thereto_o he_o act_v himself_o in_o give_v forth_o such_o a_o censorious_a judge_a book_n as_o he_o have_v do_v tend_v to_o render_v many_o innocent_a person_n and_o people_n apostate_n and_o innovator_n wherein_o he_o be_v far_o more_o loud_a in_o his_o charge_n and_o exclamation_n than_o in_o his_o proof_n or_o instance_n of_o that_o apostasy_n or_o those_o innovation_n but_o if_o he_o can_v prove_v such_o innovation_n or_o new_a matter_n in_o discipline_n or_o differ_v exercise_n therein_o as_o he_o will_v insinuate_v which_o yet_o be_v not_o grant_v he_o then_o by_o his_o own_o rule_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v bring_v forth_o his_o censorious_a book_n but_o rather_o have_v watch_v and_o study_v to_o be_v quiet_a pag._n 80._o i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v to_o judge_v apostle_n or_o elder_n when_o they_o shall_v find_v freedom_n from_o the_o lord_n be_v meet_v together_o for_o give_v forth_o any_o thing_n by_o way_n of_o recommendation_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o brethren_n answ._n we_o know_v nothing_o give_v forth_o as_o duty_n to_o god_n or_o man_n to_o be_v practise_v among_o we_o by_o apostle_n or_o elder_n but_o what_o be_v in_o truth_n intend_v at_o least_o to_o be_v recommend_v to_o the_o conscience_n and_o have_v a_o answer_n and_o reception_n in_o the_o conscience_n of_o friend_n in_o truth_n what_o we_o write_v or_o preach_v on_o behalf_n of_o truth_n and_o true_a religion_n be_v recommend_v by_o divine_a authority_n and_o evidence_n in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n by_o the_o manifestation_n of_o truth_n commend_v ourselves_o to_o every_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o this_o may_v be_v either_o by_o good_a exhortation_n counsel_n admonition_n reproof_n judgement_n testimony_n warn_v charge_n command_v etc._n etc._n all_o which_o the_o holy_a apostle_n use_v but_o it_o appear_v our_o opposer_n have_v another_o sense_n of_o recommendation_n as_o leave_v matter_n more_o indifferent_a and_o loose_a by_o way_n of_o doubtful_a proposition_n as_o on_o these_o or_o the_o like_a term_n viz._n you_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o submit_v whether_o you_o see_v it_o your_o duty_n or_o not_o and_o whereas_o this_o person_n be_v frequent_o judge_v our_o friend_n for_o imposition_n innovation_n etc._n etc._n we_o will_v be_v understand_v that_o those_o thing_n commend_v among_o we_o as_o necessary_a for_o good_a order_n and_o holiness_n of_o conversation_n be_v not_o recommend_v doubtful_o or_o upon_o mere_a supposition_n nor_o as_o matter_n of_o indifferency_n to_o be_v practise_v or_o reject_v but_o in_o faith_n and_o full_a assurance_n as_o answer_v god_n witness_n and_o truth_n in_o the_o conscience_n and_o that_o such_o will_v meet_v with_o a_o tender_a reception_n and_o not_o opposition_n in_o all_o tender_a and_o upright_a heart_n disaffect_v xliv_o three_o part_n pag._n 83._o among_o the_o primitive_a believer_n there_o be_v such_o as_o practise_v circumcision_n some_o make_a conscience_n of_o keep_v a_o day_n and_o some_o that_o abstain_v from_o eat_a flesh_n and_o other_o that_o do_v not_o and_o yet_o a_o christian-liberty_n and_o forbearance_n be_v so_o exercise_v as_o that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v one_o another_o about_o these_o thing_n and_o that_o we_o find_v not_o that_o these_o differ_v exercise_n in_o a_o christian_a liberty_n do_v subject_a any_o of_o those_o believer_n exercise_v therein_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o be_v out_o of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n
accuser_n cast_v on_o he_o this_o perverse_a insinuation_n with_o a_o if_o viz._n so_o if_o he_o do_v speak_v a_o rabble_n of_o lie_n of_o people_n behind_o their_o back_n be_v it_o upon_o his_o own_o head_n w._n r._n have_v publish_v this_o doubtful_a and_o infamous_a insinuation_n among_o his_o testimony_n against_o g._n f._n and_o its_o pretend_a in_o vindication_n of_o truth_n too_o pag._n 84_o 85._o part_n 5._o and_o not_o only_o this_o but_o there_o be_v another_o if_o against_o g._n f._n in_o e._n p_n pretend_a testimony_n viz._n as_o if_o he_o have_v surround_v the_o country_n to_o get_v up_o all_o the_o miscarriage_n and_o fail_n do_v and_o commit_v in_o time_n past_a be_v ever_o such_o senseless_a testimony_n print_v before_o herein_o e._n p._n have_v neither_o appear_v impartial_a nor_o do_v friendly_a nor_o as_o he_o will_v be_v do_v by_o howbeit_o to_o do_v he_o right_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o understand_v that_o he_o give_v not_o his_o consent_n to_o the_o print_n these_o angry_a word_n of_o he_o how_o willing_a therefore_o be_v w._n r._n to_o rake_v up_o gather_v and_o receive_v any_o pitiful_a sorry_a stuff_n up_o and_o down_o the_o nation_n to_o help_v to_o make_v up_o his_o partial_a confuse_a and_o revengeful_a book_n withal_o disaffect_v xlvi_o about_o flee_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n w._n r._n one_a part_n p._n 30._o neither_o can_v we_o be_v at_o unity_n with_o the_o appearance_n of_o that_o spirit_n in_o any_o one_o that_o villify_v other_o for_o fleer_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n when_o such_o a_o one_o have_v appear_v a_o fleer_v himself_o this_o compare_v with_o w._n r.'s_n charge_v in_o his_o letter_n to_o g._n f._n date_a the_o 3d_o day_n of_o the_o 10_o month_n 1677._o pag._n 93_o 94._o four_o part_n there_o be_v endeavour_n to_o send_v paper_n to_o and_o fro_o to_o be_v spatter_n j._n s._n for_o go_v out_o of_o a_o meeting_n when_o the_o persecutor_n come_v yet_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o thyself_o have_v be_v find_v in_o the_o like_a action_n and_o if_o report_n be_v true_a the_o frequent_a of_o any_o man_n that_o ever_o i_o hear_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o quaker_n observe_v a_o very_a high_a and_o foul_a charge_n to_o render_v g._n f._n a_o flyer_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n yea_o the_o frequent_a flyer_n or_o goer_n out_o of_o meeting_n when_o persecutor_n come_v of_o any_o man_n that_o ever_o he_o hear_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o quaker_n oh_o sad_a will_v any_o that_o have_v know_v g._n f_n many_o and_o frequent_a suffering_n and_o long_a imprisonment_n for_o the_o truth_n be_v sake_n believe_v this_o accusation_n so_o gross_o cast_v upon_o he_o and_o that_o on_o no_o better_a proof_n than_o if_o report_n be_v true_a when_o doubtless_o w._n r._n can_v not_o but_o know_v such_o report_n to_o be_v false_a this_o be_v that_o judicious_a and_o conscientious_a person_n william_n rogers_n that_o be_v so_o severe_o set_v against_o censure_v and_o judge_v person_n upon_o report_n without_o hear_v the_o accuser_n and_o the_o accuse_a face_n to_o face_n who_o thus_o extrajudicial_o and_o gross_o have_v represent_v a_o person_n in_o print_n as_o the_o most_o frequent_a flyer_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n of_o any_o call_v a_o quaker_n that_o ever_o he_o hear_v of_o and_o that_o upon_o report_n with_o a_o if_o i._n e._n if_o report_n be_v true_a but_o his_o pretence_n of_o justice_n will_v not_o hide_v his_o manifest_a injustice_n it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o w._n r._n in_o his_o second_o part_n pag._n 88_o have_v print_v these_o report_n against_o jasper_n batt_n viz._n that_o he_o go_v abroad_o preach_v thereby_o occasion_v sometime_o twenty_o pound_n fines_n sometime_o forty_o pound_n fine_n to_o be_v impose_v on_o the_o hearer_n whilst_o his_o estate_n be_v well_o secure_v out_o of_o the_o persecutor_n reach_v and_o yet_o w._n r._n will_v be_v think_v a_o very_a just_a man_n in_o this_o case_n by_o this_o false_a and_o hypocritical_a pretence_n pag._n 89._o viz._n we_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o accuse_v on_o report_n when_o it_o be_v his_o frequent_a practice_n against_o g._n f._n and_o other_o which_o if_o he_o be_v just_a towards_o jasper_n batt_n in_o not_o accuse_v he_o upon_o report_n than_o he_o be_v very_o unjust_a to_o g._n f._n in_o accuse_v and_o judge_v he_o upon_o report_n and_o he_o have_v not_o show_v himself_o ingenious_a towards_o j._n b._n in_o print_v those_o report_n against_o he_o to_o cast_v and_o leave_v a_o odium_n upon_o he_o which_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o credit_v all_o either_o as_o undeniable_a verity_n or_o as_o just_o state_v by_o he_o upon_o bare_a report_n and_o this_o be_v not_o all_o as_o to_z g._n f._n we_o must_v proceed_v further_a to_o find_v some_o more_o likely_a proof_n for_o his_o charge_n against_o g._n f._n of_o fly_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n and_o that_o be_v to_o some_o pretend_a certificate_n and_o testimony_n in_o his_o five_o part_n pag._n 62_o 63._o in_o the_o first_o whereof_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o a_o meeting_n hold_v in_o broad-mead_n in_o the_o city_n of_o bristol_n when_o persecution_n attend_v friend_n and_o that_o g._n f._n stand_v up_o and_o speak_v in_o the_o meeting_n and_o after_o depart_v out_o of_o the_o meeting_n at_o a_o back_n pair_n of_o stair_n a_o very_a considerable_a time_n before_o the_o meeting_n break_v up_o and_o be_v not_o take_v prisoner_n that_o day_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o departure_n at_o that_o time_n we_o have_v cause_n to_o believe_v be_v to_o avoid_v be_v take_v prisoner_n now_o m._n g._n m._n n._n and_o a._n d._n who_o be_v the_o subscriber_n we_o be_v sorry_a your_o name_n shall_v be_v expose_v in_o print_n to_o such_o a_o impertinent_a and_o silly_a testimony_n as_o this_o to_o gratify_v a_o envious_a spirit_n against_o g._n f._n and_o we_o testify_v the_o charge_v contain_v in_o it_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o testimony_n but_o a_o accusation_n on_o your_o own_o belief_n that_o his_o departure_n then_o be_v to_o avoid_v be_v take_v prisoner_n nor_o do_v we_o remember_v any_o back_n pair_n of_o stair_n belong_v to_o that_o meeting_n but_o such_o as_o be_v a_o common_a passage_n to_o it_o such_o insinuation_n therefore_o be_v not_o kind_a nor_o friendly_a to_o your_o testimony_n so_o call_v william_n james_n say_v he_o also_o can_v bear_v witness_n and_o also_o nathaniel_n day_n say_v thus_o viz._n i_o believe_v his_o so_o depart_v be_v to_o save_v himself_o from_o be_v take_v by_o the_o persecutor_n how_o now_o n._n d_o how_o come_v thou_o in_o print_n as_o a_o witness_n for_o w._n r_o look_v at_o home_n and_o mind_n thy_o own_o condition_n but_o to_o the_o matter_n we_o have_v this_o to_o say_v that_o as_o your_o belief_n import_v no_o matter_n of_o testimony_n so_o if_o the_o belief_n of_o all_o those_o who_o have_v appear_v a_o party_n with_o w._n r._n be_v take_v and_o record_v for_o certificate_n and_o testimony_n against_o g._n f._n we_o may_v have_v more_o strange_a testimony_n suppose_v they_o believe_v as_o w._n r._n do_v and_o be_v full_a of_o jealousy_n as_o he_o be_v they_o may_v write_v and_o print_v such_o testimony_n as_o this_o viz._n we_o believe_v and_o be_v jealous_a that_o g._n f._n be_v a_o apostate_n a_o innovator_n a_o imposer_n of_o blind_a obedience_n a_o deceiver_n a_o liar_n one_o that_o have_v the_o mark_n of_o the_o beast_n the_o great_a fleer_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n that_o ever_o we_o hear_v of_o among_o any_o call_v quaker_n etc._n etc._n according_a as_o w._n r._n have_v represent_v he_o pray_v what_o kind_n of_o valid_a testimony_n will_v these_o be_v and_o of_o what_o credit_n with_o impartial_a reader_n from_o such_o as_o be_v a_o party_n with_o w._n r._n against_o g._n f._n oh_o friend_n consider_v what_o impertinency_n and_o silly_a occasion_n prejudice_n be_v apt_a to_o produce_v and_o we_o must_v tell_v w._n r._n that_o this_o kind_n of_o his_o proceed_n to_o print_v such_o pretend_a testimony_n or_o rather_o accusation_n ground_v on_o the_o belief_n or_o jealousy_n of_o a_o party_n be_v a_o new_a kind_n of_o process_n neither_o christian_a nor_o legal_a have_v he_o hear_v the_o accuser_n and_o the_o accuse_a face_n to_o face_n in_o this_o matter_n according_a to_o his_o own_o rule_n we_o presume_v he_o have_v not_o then_o what_o a_o new_a uncouth_a and_o irregular_a course_n have_v he_o take_v to_o infamize_v a_o person_n in_o print_n upon_o pretend_a testimony_n and_o certificate_n without_o any_o real_a proof_n or_o lawful_a evidence_n on_o any_o judicial_a procedure_n at_o what_o a_o easy_a rate_n can_v he_o defame_v and_o expose_v friend_n by_o name_n to_o public_a censure_n in_o print_n beside_o friend_n m._n g._n m._n n._n a._n
in_o leave_v out_o account_v of_o william_n mead'_v engage_v on_o g._n f_n behalf_n for_o his_o giving_z w._n r._n a_o meeting_n but_o w._n r._n will_v not_o accept_v of_o his_o security_n in_o that_o case_n the_o matter_n be_v more_o particular_o thus_o viz._n william_n mead_n understanding_n that_o nicholas_n lucas_n and_o john_n barnard_n be_v concern_v on_o william_n rogers_n behalf_n for_o the_o bring_v forth_o of_o his_o book_n in_o print_n he_o ask_v they_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o will_v bring_v forth_o such_o a_o book_n as_o he_o hear_v it_o be_v they_o tell_v he_o that_o george_n fox_n will_v not_o give_v w._n r._n a_o meeting_n william_n mead_n reply_v that_o he_o do_v believe_v that_o g._n f._n will_v not_o decline_v give_v he_o a_o meeting_n nicholas_n lucas_n ask_v he_o if_o he_o will_v engage_v he_o shall_v give_v he_o a_o meeting_n william_n mead_n tell_v he_o it_o be_v not_o proper_a so_o to_o engage_v till_o he_o have_v speak_v with_o g._n f._n first_o whereupon_o william_n forthwith_o go_v and_o speak_v with_o g._n f._n about_o it_o who_o very_o free_o and_o ready_o answer_v that_o if_o william_n rogers_n desire_v it_o he_o will_v meet_v he_o in_o his_o own_o way_n before_o person_n choose_v on_o each_o side_n provide_v he_o come_v within_o a_o certain_a time_n while_o he_o stay_v in_o or_o about_o the_o city_n with_o which_o answer_n the_o very_a next_o day_n on_o the_o exchange_n william_n mead_n acquaint_v nicholas_n lucas_n then_o add_v that_o he_o now_o will_v engage_v on_o g._n f_n behalf_n that_o he_o shall_v certain_o give_v vv._n r._n a_o meeting_n whereupon_o nicholas_n lucas_n seem_v to_o be_v satisfy_v and_o say_v he_o will_v stay_v the_o come_n forth_o of_o the_o book_n and_o say_v he_o will_v write_v to_o william_n rogers_n about_o it_o some_o time_n after_o nicholas_n lucas_n meet_v william_n mead_n upon_o the_o exchange_n tell_v he_o he_o have_v write_v to_o william_n rogers_n and_o receive_v his_o answer_n which_o be_v that_o he_o will_v have_v it_o under_o george_n fox_n his_o hand_n william_n mead_n forthwith_o again_o speak_v with_o g._n f._n about_o it_o who_o say_v he_o matter_a not_o the_o give_v it_o under_o his_o hand_n but_o that_o he_o be_v sensible_a they_o will_v make_v a_o ill_a use_n of_o it_o in_o print_n for_o which_o very_a cause_n only_o he_o forbear_v give_v it_o under_o his_o hand_n but_o do_v not_o refuse_v give_v w._n r._n a_o meeting_n however_o then_o william_n mead_n do_v proffer_v very_o earnest_o to_o engage_v on_o behalf_n of_o g._n f._n for_o his_o certain_a give_v w._n r._n a_o meeting_n nicholas_n lucas_n his_o answer_n be_v that_o william_n rogers_n will_v not_o take_v his_o security_n in_o this_o matter_n a_o summary_n collection_n of_o more_o passage_n and_o acknowledgement_n in_o william_n rogers_n his_o book_n which_o may_v stand_v for_o answer_n to_o he_o and_o in_o condemnation_n against_o himself_o and_o to_o the_o manifest_a confutation_n of_o all_o that_o he_o have_v write_v or_o can_v write_v in_o general_a against_o a_o form_n of_o church-government_n outward_a order_n discipline_n etc._n etc._n in_o his_o own_o word_n grant_v to_o truth_n our_o expectation_n be_v that_o 16._o every_o member_n shall_v there_o appear_v in_o subjection_n to_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o high_a power_n unto_o which_o as_o member_n of_o his_o body_n we_o owe_v obedience_n in_o this_o sense_n we_o ready_o embrace_v the_o counsel_n to_o meet_v together_o to_o serve_v but_o not_o to_o bear_v rule_n over_o one_o another_o conscience_n and_o the_o matter_n intend_v by_o we_o to_o be_v transact_v in_o those_o meeting_n and_o by_o other_o also_o as_o far_o as_o we_o understand_v be_v chief_o to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o poor_a the_o fatherless_a and_o the_o widow_n and_o that_o if_o any_o profess_v the_o truth_n and_o dishoncured_a the_o same_o by_o profane_a and_o evil_a conversation_n we_o may_v by_o such_o way_n and_o mean_n as_o the_o lord_n on_o every_o occasion_n may_v direct_v part_v 1._o pag._n 38._o we_o be_v not_o against_o appoint_a meeting_n for_o the_o outward_a service_n of_o truth_n for_o that_o have_v be_v and_o be_v our_o practice_n know_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o service_n therein_o as_o occasion_n offer_v provide_v all_o in_o such_o meeting_n may_v be_v keep_v in_o humility_n as_o servant_n each_o to_o other_o and_o the_o truth_n not_o exercise_v lordship_n over_o the_o conscience_n which_o be_v god_n prerogative_n part_n 2._o pag._n 64_o 65._o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n tell_v we_o that_o jesus_n be_v the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n no_o doubt_n this_o be_v not_o a_o work_n do_v in_o a_o moment_n or_o twinkle_v of_o a_o eye_n for_o though_o he_o be_v the_o author_n &_o object_n of_o every_o true_a christian_a faith_n yet_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o such_o as_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o many_o exhortation_n reproof_n and_o instruction_n to_o build_v they_o up_o in_o the_o most_o holy_a faith_n and_o all_o this_o may_v be_v attribute_v to_o christ_n the_o author_n thereof_o part_n 3._o pag._n 34._o the_o apostle_n labour_n be_v to_o establish_v the_o church_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o power_n have_v they_o so_o establish_v to_o be_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o form_n which_o the_o power_n either_o have_v or_o shall_v lead_v they_o into_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n may_v well_o say_v be_v you_o not_o unwise_a but_o understand_v what_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v submit_v yourselves_o one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n part_n 3._o pag._n 41._o if_o difference_n arise_v between_o brother_n and_o brother_n i_o do_v conclude_v that_o go_v to_o law_n before_o unbeliever_n be_v a_o indication_n that_o one_o or_o both_o be_v depart_v from_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o such_o who_o be_v at_o variance_n to_o request_v such_o brethren_n as_o be_v skill_v in_o the_o matter_n touch_v which_o they_o differ_v to_o hear_v and_o determine_v the_o case_n and_o then_o of_o a_o willing_a and_o ready_a mind_n and_o not_o as_o by_o constraint_n to_o submit_v unto_o such_o determination_n and_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o a_o incumbant_fw-la duty_n on_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n to_o be_v watch_v over_o one_o another_o so_o as_o that_o by_o wholesome_a counsel_n admonition_n and_o sound_a doctrine_n all_o variance_n strife_n emulation_n rent_n and_o division_n both_o in_o relation_n to_o temporal_a as_o well_o as_o spiritual_a matter_n may_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v be_v keep_v out_o from_o among_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n part_n 3._o pag._n 23._o not_o that_o i_o will_v be_v understand_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o outward_a order_n with_o respect_n to_o that_o gospel_n discipline_n which_o become_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n pag._n 24._o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n have_v and_o may_v further_o lead_v into_o the_o practice_n of_o outward_a order_n in_o discipline_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n this_o be_v a_o very_a fair_a confession_n in_o word_n to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o much_o of_o his_o book_n part_n 4._o pag._n 38._o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n their_o testimony_n viz._n that_o inward_a sense_n and_o heavenly_a understanding_n we_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n have_v and_o yet_o do_v confirm_v we_o in_o this_o judgement_n that_o it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a with_o the_o line_n of_o truth_n to_o oppose_v other_o in_o the_o exercise_n and_o appoint_a service_n of_o the_o say_a meeting_n as_o heretofore_o and_o yet_o settle_v and_o agree_v upon_o who_o be_v conscientious_a therein_o and_o if_o any_o of_o our_o word_n and_o action_n have_v have_v any_o tendency_n to_o oppose_v we_o say_v the_o truth_n in_o we_o will_v have_v condemn_v it_o even_o as_o it_o now_o do_v part_n 4._o pag._n 24._o as_o particular_a member_n be_v become_v marry_v unto_o christ_n and_o have_v all_o fellowship_n each_o with_o other_o in_o the_o spirit_n those_o who_o be_v such_o aught_o to_o demean_v themselves_o each_o towards_o other_o full_a of_o love_n charity_n bowel_n of_o compassion_n long-suffering_a forbearance_n meekness_n humility_n patience_n gentleness_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n that_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n a_o fair_a acknowledgement_n good_a word_n but_o these_o virtue_n and_o fruit_n be_v awanting_a in_o w._n r._n how_o do_v these_o acknowledgement_n agree_v with_o his_o uncharitable_a unchristian_a deal_v in_o his_o book_n part_n 4._o pag._n 100_o such_o who_o contend_v that_o their_o order_n for_o gospel_n discipline_n ought_v to_o spring_v from_o truth_n within_o
and_o have_v a_o tendence_n towards_o the_o great_a end_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o christian_a society_n as_o have_v a_o godly_a care_n among_o we_o over_o one_o another_o the_o strong_a to_o help_v the_o weak_a and_o that_o all_o may_v be_v preserve_v out_o of_o the_o world_n be_v evil_a way_n and_o pollution_n in_o that_o pure_a religion_n that_o be_v to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n and_o keep_v unspotted_a of_o the_o world_n so_o as_o we_o may_v provoke_v one_o another_o to_o love_n and_o good_a work_n and_o to_o serve_v one_o another_o in_o love_n as_o the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v know_v that_o all_o our_o care_n and_o the_o very_a intent_n of_o our_o proceed_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v for_o these_o end_n and_o all_o centre_n in_o that_o love_n which_o be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n and_o have_v these_o thing_n in_o our_o eye_n we_o can_v the_o more_o easy_o concur_v and_o accord_v as_o to_o circumstance_n and_o outward_a method_n and_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n so_o condescend_v one_o to_o another_o and_o accommodate_v matter_n as_o not_o to_o divide_v about_o they_o and_o therefore_o we_o do_v profess_v serious_o we_o see_v no_o real_a cause_n or_o valid_a reason_n our_o opposer_n show_v for_o the_o great_a noise_n and_o rumble_v he_o make_v about_o outward_a law_n prescription_n order_n edict_n or_o decree_n outward_a form_n of_o government_n apostasy_n innovation_n imposition_n lording_n over_o faith_n over_o conscience_n etc._n etc._n whilst_o he_o show_v we_o no_o unjust_a no_o unlawful_a nor_o uncomely_a order_n or_o proceed_n among_o we_o as_o a_o people_n nor_o yet_o give_v we_o any_o instance_n or_o catalogue_n of_o those_o imposition_n innovation_n new_a doctrine_n or_o practice_n bring_v in_o and_o receive_v among_o we_o which_o be_v either_o inconsistent_a with_o our_o first_o testimony_n to_o the_o light_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n within_o and_o the_o teach_n thereof_o or_o thereby_o condemn_v as_o evil_a or_o whole_o unnecessary_a in_o themselves_o he_o shall_v have_v give_v we_o a_o catalogue_n of_o those_o innovation_n he_o complain_v of_o and_o what_o order_n and_o method_n he_o will_v prescribe_v to_o the_o contrary_a whether_o any_o or_o none_o and_o not_o go_v to_o fill_v the_o people_n ear_n with_o a_o general_a clamour_n of_o apostasy_n innovation_n and_o imposition_n scandalous_o to_o render_v we_o as_o bad_a as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n he_o often_o charge_v we_o with_o uncertain_a qualify_a person_n 12._o that_o usual_o assemble_v in_o our_o meeting_n which_o concern_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n among_o we_o which_o be_v a_o very_a impertinent_a objection_n for_o grant_v some_o person_n uncertain_o or_o not_o right_o qualify_v may_v come_v into_o such_o meeting_n such_o sway_n not_o the_o meeting_n in_o truth_n be_v affair_n but_o there_o be_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o universal_a power_n of_o god_n to_o sway_v and_o rule_v in_o our_o proceed_n and_o concern_v of_o truth_n and_o what_o reason_n and_o evidence_n be_v in_o truth_n give_v in_o matter_n before_o we_o these_o have_v place_n in_o our_o meeting_n and_o it_o be_v very_o needful_a that_o some_o that_o be_v not_o grow_v into_o the_o exercise_n of_o help_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n who_o be_v honest-minded_n shall_v be_v present_a at_o such_o meeting_n that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o advantage_n thereof_o in_o order_n to_o their_o furtherance_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o service_n as_o the_o lord_n shall_v make_v they_o capable_a for_o the_o least_o sound_a member_n have_v its_o service_n in_o the_o body_n but_o w._n r._n appear_v not_o of_o the_o apostle_n mind_n who_o say_v those_o member_n of_o the_o body_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v more_o feeble_a be_v necessary_a and_o those_o member_n of_o the_o body_n which_o we_o think_v to_o be_v less_o honourable_a upon_o these_o we_o bestow_v more_o abundant_a honour_n etc._n etc._n see_v 1_o cor._n 12._o 22_o 23_o 24._o and_o chap._n 9_o 22._o we_o do_v not_o disgrace_v they_o in_o print_n as_o w._n r._n have_v do_v and_o therefore_o those_o our_o meeting_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o a_o select_a number_n for_o our_o opposer_n grant_v that_o the_o child_n of_o god_n may_v be_v instrumental_a in_o his_o hand_n to_o establish_v one_o another_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n 3d_o part_n pag._n 12._o as_o also_o pag._n 19_o he_o have_v these_o word_n viz._n i_o be_o abundant_o satisfy_v that_o set_v and_o appoint_v meeting_n on_o certain_a prefix_a day_n be_v with_o the_o joint_a concurrence_n of_o those_o member_n assemble_v and_o from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o be_v assemble_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o discharge_v other_o charitable_a duty_n to_o inspect_v marriage_n that_o none_o come_v together_o disorderly_o and_o to_o take_v care_n that_o truth_n may_v not_o be_v scandalize_v through_o the_o backslide_n of_o such_o who_o have_v be_v in_o fellowship_n with_o the_o child_n of_o light_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o that_o form_n that_o the_o power_n of_o god_n may_v lead_v into_o for_o i_o be_o a_o witness_n for_o many_o year_n past_a even_o to_o this_o day_n that_o such_o meeting_n have_v be_v serviceable_a to_o answer_v those_o righteous_a end_n observe_v he_o have_v here_o grant_v the_o point_n for_o church-government_n to_o his_o own_o confutation_n and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o such_o our_o assembly_n what_o be_v then_o his_o complaint_n of_o rule_n outward_a order_n form_n of_o government_n &_o c_o and_o who_o among_o the_o child_n of_o light_n do_v not_o see_v these_o to_o be_v needful_a as_o well_o as_o serviceable_a and_o what_o form_n prescription_n rule_n or_o law_n be_v execute_v or_o put_v in_o practice_n among_o we_o which_o tend_v not_o to_o answer_v those_o righteous_a end_n to_o wit_n the_o take_a care_n of_o the_o poor_a discharge_v of_o other_o charitable_a duty_n inspect_v marriage_n to_o prevent_v disorder_n therein_o and_o to_o take_v care_n that_o truth_n be_v not_o scandalize_v through_o the_o backslide_n of_o such_o who_o have_v be_v in_o fellowship_n among_o we_o these_o be_v the_o very_a righteous_a end_n and_o service_n intend_v and_o aim_v at_o in_o those_o our_o meeting_n which_o be_v grant_v in_o the_o general_n we_o will_v ask_v this_o person_n or_o any_o one_o adhere_v to_o he_o one_a what_o be_v those_o innovation_n he_o complain_v of_o among_o we_o in_o respect_n to_o a_o outward_a order_n discipline_n and_o form_n of_o government_n two_o what_o imposition_n order_n prescription_n law_n or_o rule_n can_v he_o just_o charge_v the_o people_n call_v quaker_n who_o be_v not_o of_o his_o party_n withal_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n have_v not_o unity_n with_o and_o which_o therefore_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o child_n of_o light_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o obey_v or_o practice_v as_o not_o see_v it_o their_o duty_n disaffect_v xliii_o and_o see_v he_o affirm_v that_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n be_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o many_o thing_n with_o respect_n to_o church-discipline_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n treat_v of_o those_o thing_n give_v forth_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v silent_a three_o part_n pag._n 20._o compare_v with_o what_o he_o affirm_v pag._n 24._o that_o part_n of_o that_o outward_a order_n in_o discipline_n wherein_o divers_a of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n have_v be_v act_v be_v such_o as_o that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o footstep_n thereof_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o exhort_v to_o or_o as_o practise_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o what_o suppose_v this_o be_v true_a which_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o grant_v he_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o they_o wait_v on_o he_o he_o be_v their_o shepherd_n and_o guide_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o principle_n of_o truth_n within_o which_o lead_v not_o contrary_a to_o any_o wholesome_a and_o evangelical_n precept_n or_o christian_a conversation_n and_o practice_n record_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o w._n r._n so_o far_o answer_v himself_o in_o this_o matter_n as_o that_o he_o grant_v the_o principle_n of_o truth_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n have_v and_o may_v lead_v into_o the_o practice_n of_o outward_a order_n in_o discipline_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n whereby_o he_o assent_v to_o a_o high_a rule_n than_o the_o scripture_n namely_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o then_o the_o question_n be_v one_a what_o those_o many_o thing_n be_v with_o respect_n to_o church_n discipline_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n be_v silent_a we_o find_v he_o only_o in_o reference_n to_o this_o point_n tell_v we_o thus_o 3d_o part_n pag._n 24._o viz._n i_o can_v give_v many_o instance_n hereof_o but_o one_o