brethren_n their_o sin_n will_v cry_v aloud_o in_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n date_v this_o 20_o of_o the_o 3d._a month_n 1677._o thomas_n gouldney_n william_n ford_n william_n rogers_n postscript_n we_o who_o name_n be_v hereunto_o subscribe_v do_v thus_o testify_v that_o though_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o so_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o knowledge_n or_o remembrance_n as_o to_o subscribe_v all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o above-written_a paper_n yet_o be_v also_o present_a in_o our_o mens-meeting_a where_o the_o first_o above_o recite_v paper_n against_o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n be_v read_v it_o be_v with_o we_o to_o give_v this_o testimony_n that_o we_o do_v not_o own_o the_o judgement_n against_o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n contain_v in_o the_o say_v recite_v paper_n neither_o be_v we_o in_o our_o conscience_n convince_v that_o the_o say_v john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n have_v so_o behave_v themselves_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n or_o elsewhere_o as_o in_o the_o aforesaid_a recite_v paper_n as_o consideration_n for_o the_o judgement_n against_o they_o be_v rehearse_v to_o friend_n assemble_v at_o ellis_n hook_n his_o chamber_n the_o 12_o of_o the_o four_o month_n 1677._o london_n cornelius_n sergeant_n william_n dawson_n thomas_n watkins_n and_o diverse_a other_o friend_n according_a to_o the_o aforesaid_a direction_n the_o answer_n of_o the_o friend_n of_o bristol_n be_v send_v to_o london_n to_o be_v communicate_v to_o the_o sixty_o six_o subscriber_n that_o meet_v at_o ellis_n hook_n his_o chamber_n whereof_o charles_n marshal_n be_v one_o and_o though_o several_a general_n meeting_n have_v since_o be_v yet_o no_o general_a reply_n thereto_o be_v come_v to_o any_o of_o their_o hand_n concern_v in_o the_o aforesaid_a answer_n nor_o yet_o any_o excommunication_n for_o their_o so_o do_v but_o yet_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o the_o four_o subscriber_n thereof_o live_v in_o bristol_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o say_v something_o to_o one_o part_n thereof_o to_o which_o a_o reply_n be_v make_v manifest_v at_o least_o their_o notorious_a weakness_n if_o so_o be_v charity_n may_v excuse_v they_o from_o wilful_a wickedness_n for_o their_o reply_n in_o the_o manner_n they_o do_v and_o occasion_v other_o to_o affirm_v whereof_o they_o know_v not_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o no_o rejoinder_n be_v come_v from_o they_o to_o the_o say_a reply_n we_o hope_v that_o the_o reason_n thereof_o be_v from_o a_o convincement_n of_o their_o error_n in_o concern_v themselves_o as_o they_o have_v do_v we_o also_o must_v confess_v that_o jasper_n bat_n of_o somersetshire_n and_o three_o other_o subscriber_n to_o the_o say_a paper_n from_o ellis_n hook_n his_o chamber_n do_v concern_v themselves_o to_o give_v answer_n unto_o some_o other_o part_n thereof_o and_o by_o their_o answer_n it_o appear_v that_o they_o can_v own_v the_o sense_n of_o bristol_n friend_n in_o deny_v that_o it_o come_v from_o the_o general_a meeting_n but_o be_v it_o so_o that_o in_o reality_n it_o come_v from_o they_o no_o doubt_n but_o the_o say_v jasper_n batt_n and_o his_o three_o companion_n will_v have_v obtain_v from_o the_o next_o general_n meet_v a_o testimony_n to_o that_o purpose_n but_o no_o such_o testimony_n or_o approbation_n of_o the_o say_a paper_n from_o ellis_n hook_n his_o chamber_n subscribe_v by_o charles_n marshal_n and_o sixty_o five_o more_o have_v to_o this_o day_n be_v give_v forth_o as_o ever_o we_o can_v understand_v we_o also_o confess_v that_o one_o other_o subscriber_n of_o the_o say_a paper_n write_v something_o in_o vindication_n thereof_o by_o way_n of_o reply_n to_o divers_a friend_n in_o wiltshire_n who_o have_v give_v their_o testimony_n against_o it_o likewise_o but_o further_a testimony_n in_o write_v in_o vindication_n thereof_o against_o such_o as_o have_v oppose_v it_o we_o understand_v not_o but_o yet_o you_o must_v further_o confess_v that_o charles_n marshal_n by_o his_o late_a keep_n on_o his_o hat_n when_o john_n story_n have_v be_v in_o prayer_n be_v no_o token_n of_o his_o repentance_n the_o consideration_n of_o what_o be_v thus_o observe_v be_v some_o ground_n of_o reasonable_a hope_n that_o fifty_o six_o of_o the_o say_v sixty_o six_o subscriber_n be_v come_v to_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o weakness_n and_o that_o their_o understanding_n be_v open_v to_o behold_v their_o error_n that_o now_o the_o reader_n may_v have_v a_o little_a taste_n of_o that_o spirit_n in_o which_o jasper_n bat_n and_o his_o three_o companion_n write_v their_o reply_n we_o think_v meet_v to_o note_n a_o part_n thereof_o the_o say_v jasper_n and_o his_o three_o companion_n take_v notice_n of_o this_o position_n contain_v in_o the_o answer_n of_o bristol_n friend_n to_o the_o say_a paper_n subscribe_v by_o charles_n marshal_n and_o sixty_o five_o more_o position_n of_o bristol_n friend_n viz._n be_v it_o so_o that_o these_o sixty_o six_o be_v such_o qualify_a member_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o that_o none_o on_o the_o score_n of_o apostleship_n or_o eldership_n may_v have_v a_o great_a pretence_n of_o power_n to_o call_v john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n before_o they_o yet_o we_o affirm_v that_o neither_o the_o say_v sixty_o six_o nor_o any_o other_o assembly_n on_o earth_n have_v power_n to_o give_v judgement_n in_o such_o a_o case_n other_o than_o for_o contempt_n of_o authority_n and_o not_o a_o judgement_n on_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n though_o it_o be_v on_o the_o hear_n of_o one_o party_n answer_v by_o jasper_n batt_n and_o his_o three_o companion_n viz._n do_v you_o not_o show_v yourselves_o ignorant_a of_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o the_o power_n &_o judgement_n give_v to_o the_o saint_n of_o the_o most_o high_a and_o of_o the_o anoint_v by_o which_o the_o saint_n do_v know_v and_o be_v to_o try_v the_o spirit_n and_o be_v this_o trial_n to_o be_v without_o judgement_n or_o be_v not_o the_o saint_n to_o judge_n or_o be_v that_o judgement_n which_o they_o be_v to_o give_v only_o in_o contempt_n or_o whether_o do_v not_o they_o judge_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n as_o well_o as_o contempt_n of_o authority_n though_o we_o grant_v they_o do_v judge_n contempt_n of_o authority_n which_o also_o be_v for_o judgement_n as_o you_o may_v read_v both_o in_o peter_n and_o judas_n for_o we_o see_v there_o be_v such_o in_o those_o day_n as_o be_v now_o who_o do_v despise_v government_n presumptuous_a self-willed_a they_o be_v not_o afraid_a to_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n which_o have_v forsake_v the_o right_a way_n and_o go_v astray_o and_o so_o well_n without_o water_n and_o cloud_n that_o be_v carry_v with_o a_o tempest_n etc._n etc._n judas_n say_v these_o be_v they_o who_o separate_v themselves_o read_v peter_n and_o judas_n through_o and_o let_v those_o scripture_n be_v right_o apply_v and_o see_v to_o who_o they_o belong_v and_o further_o do_v not_o paul_n judge_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n when_o he_o write_v to_o they_o at_o galatia_n and_o tell_v they_o of_o be_v remove_v to_o another_o gospel_n and_o to_o be_v bewitch_v for_o not_o obey_v the_o truth_n do_v not_o he_o judge_v they_o for_o a_o persuasion_n that_o do_v not_o come_v from_o he_o that_o call_v they_o and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o judgement_n on_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n do_v not_o he_o say_v he_o that_o trouble_v you_o shall_v bear_v his_o judgement_n whosoever_o he_o be_v do_v not_o he_o judge_v dissimulation_n and_o some_o for_o not_o walk_v according_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n gal._n 2.13_o 14._o do_v not_o paul_n judge_v hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n for_o put_v away_o faith_n and_o good_a conscience_n and_o deliver_v they_o unto_o satan_n be_v not_o here_o a_o judgement_n on_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o we_o further_o query_n have_v not_o they_o put_v away_o faith_n and_o good_a conscience_n who_o flee_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n pay_v tithe_n and_o countenance_v they_o that_o do_v which_o through_o faith_n and_o for_o a_o good_a conscience_n friend_n in_o the_o beginning_n be_v lead_v to_o bear_v testimony_n against_o our_o observation_n on_o the_o aforesaid_a position_n write_v by_o the_o friend_n of_o bristol_n and_o the_o reply_v thereto_o be_v this_o first_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o query_n can_v be_v a_o positive_a answer_n to_o a_o positive_a position_n second_o that_o whosoever_o peruse_v the_o answer_n of_o bristol-friend_n shall_v find_v that_o the_o word_n judgement_n in_o such_o a_o case_n relate_v to_o a_o judgement_n give_v without_o a_o hear_v for_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n can_v be_v hear_v in_o their_o case_n by_o those_o before_o who_o they_o appear_v not_o to_o state_n their_o case_n and_o therefore_o if_o query_n may_v be_v a_o proper_a answer_n yet_o those_o propose_v as_o answer_n be_v
for_o the_o reason_n mention_v in_o this_o preface_n to_o publish_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o say_a manuscript_n we_o instead_o thereof_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o friend_n do_v declare_v that_o it_o be_v ready_a for_o the_o view_n of_o any_o friend_n in_o order_n to_o prove_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o reflection_n make_v or_o objection_n raise_v have_v thus_o premise_v i_o now_o come_v again_o to_o lay_v down_o the_o three_o beforementioned_a query_n and_o to_o give_v direct_a answer_n thereto_o quer._n 1._o why_o have_v thou_o omit_v to_o mention_v the_o name_n of_o some_o person_n and_o author_n of_o some_o book_n and_o paper_n reflect_v on_o in_o this_o treatise_n answ_n though_o i_o have_v be_v reflect_v upon_o at_o a_o ungodly_a rate_n by_o many_o because_o i_o have_v be_v concern_v to_o oppose_v a_o erroneous_a and_o persecute_v spirit_n which_o i_o have_v behold_v enter_v among_o the_o flock_n of_o god_n yet_o bless_a be_v the_o lord_n he_o have_v so_o preserve_v i_o by_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o power_n as_o that_o none_o of_o my_o opposer_n have_v so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v lay_v any_o thing_n unto_o my_o charge_n but_o for_o matter_n wherein_o i_o have_v act_v though_o misrepresent_v by_o they_o to_o keep_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o as_o it_o become_v my_o concern_v of_o conscience_n to_o prepare_v the_o manuscript_n first_o mention_v that_o so_o the_o truth_n of_o some_o material_a matter_n occasion_v or_o accompany_v division_n and_o separation_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n may_v lie_v on_o record_n at_o least_o until_o a_o union_n may_v again_o be_v witness_v so_o also_o it_o have_v be_v my_o frequent_a breathe_v unto_o the_o lord_n that_o i_o may_v not_o bring_v forth_o a_o untimely_o birth_n but_o may_v so_o be_v lead_v and_o guide_v in_o this_o affair_n as_o that_o i_o may_v answer_v the_o witness_n of_o god_n in_o all_o conscience_n and_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_v therein_o hitherto_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o answer_n thereto_o in_o many_o brethren_n and_o as_o i_o be_v serious_o wait_v on_o the_o lord_n i_o become_v satisfy_v in_o my_o conscience_n to_o forbear_v reflect_o to_o mention_v in_o this_o treatise_n the_o name_n of_o many_o repute_a quaker_n that_o as_o yet_o i_o doubt_v remain_v deviate_v in_o some_o thing_n from_o the_o line_n of_o truth_n and_o i_o hope_v such_o a_o spirit_n of_o mediation_n and_o justice_n will_v have_v appear_v among_o some_o of_o our_o friend_n who_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v to_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o difference_n between_o other_o as_o that_o they_o may_v have_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o cause_n g._n f._n to_o stoop_v so_o timely_a to_o justice_n as_o that_o there_o may_v have_v be_v not_o concern_v upon_o i_o and_o other_o to_o discover_v any_o part_n of_o his_o error_n so_o public_o as_o now_o they_o be_v the_o consideration_n occur_v in_o my_o breast_n when_o i_o become_v so_o satisfy_v as_o aforesaid_a be_v these_o first_o several_a of_o my_o brethren_n as_o before_o be_v premise_v intercede_v to_o forbear_v and_o if_o for_o my_o thus_o do_v any_o shall_v reflect_v upon_o i_o they_o may_v as_o well_o reflect_v upon_o the_o apostle_n counsel_n when_o he_o exhort_v the_o ephesian_n to_o submit_v themselves_o one_o unto_o another_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n for_o i_o be_v sensible_a that_o those_o who_o so_o concern_v themselves_o have_v a_o true_a sense_n that_o the_o cause_n wherein_o i_o be_v concern_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o truth_n on_o which_o foot_n their_o treatment_n of_o i_o be_v in_o much_o love_n and_o tenderness_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o i_o perceive_v they_o be_v not_o without_o hope_n that_o a_o little_o long_a forbearance_n may_v work_v for_o the_o better_a i_o become_v satisfy_v it_o be_v my_o place_n to_o submit_v and_o forbear_v a_o while_n second_o though_o hardness_n of_o heart_n have_v so_o overtake_v some_o as_o that_o they_o may_v still_o continue_v to_o oppose_v their_o brethren_n in_o the_o truth_n without_o the_o least_o just_a ground_n or_o pretence_n either_o from_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n or_o right_a reason_n yet_o i_o be_o not_o without_o hope_n that_o some_o other_o concern_v against_o their_o brethren_n in_o the_o present_a difference_n may_v in_o some_o time_n come_v to_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o fail_n and_o repent_v and_o then_o 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 if_o timely_o know_v record_v and_o that_o according_a as_o opportunity_n may_v permit_v and_o truth_n require_v three_o it_o be_v hope_v that_o this_o treatise_n may_v become_v a_o warn_v to_o many_o but_o more_o especial_o to_o such_o as_o have_v depart_v from_o the_o anoint_v in_o themselves_o that_o they_o may_v repent_v and_o turn_v to_o their_o first_o love_n viz._n the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n in_o they_o and_o not_o in_o neglect_n of_o god_n teach_n lie_v dote_v on_o outward_a order_n as_o if_o that_o which_o be_v promise_v to_o be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n be_v now_o to_o be_v seek_v after_o in_o piece_n and_o scrap_n of_o paper_n or_o that_o the_o write_a order_n of_o any_o at_o this_o day_n shall_v become_v a_o certain_a rule_n through_o which_o a_o heavenly_a possession_n may_v be_v obtain_v by_o such_o as_o can_v not_o own_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o though_o by_o the_o spirit_n give_v forth_o to_o be_v that_o certain_a rule_n but_o instead_o thereof_o the_o spirit_n itself_o to_o be_v it_o and_o if_o any_o think_v themselves_o hereby_o reflect_v on_o unjust_o because_o at_o some_o time_n they_o have_v appear_v of_o another_o language_n yet_o if_o such_o by_o their_o fruit_n have_v give_v the_o lie_n to_o the_o offer_n of_o their_o lip_n the_o deceit_n be_v the_o great_a and_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v discover_v four_o this_o treatise_n be_v chief_o intend_v for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n among_o who_o the_o religious_a difference_n be_v so_o public_o know_v as_o that_o i_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o matter_n treat_v on_o will_v be_v intelligible_a by_o they_o though_o the_o name_n of_o some_o person_n and_o author_n of_o some_o book_n and_o paper_n be_v not_o mention_v however_o if_o any_o among_o they_o for_o want_v of_o that_o public_a converse_n which_o other_o have_v have_v shall_v manifest_v the_o least_o jealousy_n that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n so_o to_o object_n or_o reflect_v as_o in_o the_o ensue_a treatise_n i_o shall_v then_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v unto_o such_o particular_a satisfaction_n from_o matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v to_o person_n or_o person_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o all_o paper_n and_o book_n which_o may_v evidence_n the_o reasonableness_n of_o all_o objection_n and_o reflection_n can_v lie_v at_o once_o in_o many_o hand_n and_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n with_o i_o therefore_o this_o treatise_n be_v sign_v thus_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 and_o so_o the_o name_n of_o those_o other_o my_o brethren_n concern_v with_o i_o in_o this_o work_n be_v omit_v partly_o because_o they_o may_v not_o be_v capable_a to_o give_v a_o ready_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n for_o want_v of_o the_o book_n or_o paper_n signify_v of_o as_o aforesaid_a quer._n 2._o why_o have_v thou_o treat_v on_o principle_n hold_v forth_o by_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n since_o many_o book_n have_v already_o be_v give_v forth_o by_o some_o among_o they_o treat_v on_o many_o if_o not_o all_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o thou_o have_v do_v answ_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o christian_n to_o clear_v their_o conscience_n as_o by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o conscience_n they_o be_v direct_v which_o doubtless_o be_v the_o real_a ground_n whereupon_o many_o ancient_a and_o honourable_a friend_n already_o fall_v asleep_o have_v give_v forth_o their_o testimony_n touch_v the_o same_o principle_n public_o hold_v forth_o both_o by_o word_n and_o printing_n by_o some_o other_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n before_o they_o and_o if_o no_o more_o be_v say_v to_o this_o query_n it_o ought_v to_o suffice_v but_o yet_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o the_o consideration_n attend_v i_o when_o i_o become_v conscientious_o concern_v so_o to_o do_v the_o deportment_n of_o some_o unruly_a woman_n and_o ignorant_a self-conceited_a
sensible_a of_o the_o danger_n in_o run_v beyond_o his_o gift_n and_o be_v so_o puff_v up_o with_o spiritual_a pride_n as_o to_o conclude_v himself_o more_o faithful_a more_o holy_a more_o circumspect_a more_o discern_v than_o his_o brother_n think_v of_o himself_o not_o only_o better_a than_o of_o his_o brother_n but_o in_o other_o thing_n above_o what_o be_v meet_v contrary_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o exhort_v not_o to_o think_v of_o ourselves_o more_o high_o than_o we_o ought_v may_v easy_o run_v himself_o on_o this_o rock_n of_o judge_v those_o who_o the_o lord_n judge_v not_o especial_o if_o such_o a_o one_o give_v himself_o liberty_n to_o judge_n from_o a_o apprehend_v inward_a sense_n ground_v on_o no_o outward_a knowledge_n or_o evidence_n that_o now_o which_o be_v with_o we_o far_o to_o signify_v in_o relation_n to_o this_o matter_n be_v this_o we_o have_v great_a cause_n to_o doubt_v that_o this_o kind_n of_o weakness_n or_o presumption_n have_v be_v and_o be_v yet_o like_a to_o be_v one_o mean_n by_o which_o the_o variance_n among_o such_o as_o have_v be_v former_o at_o unity_n may_v continue_v because_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o when_o testimony_n have_v arisen_a against_o some_o person_n in_o public_a as_o dark_a separate_a and_o divide_v spirit_n and_o that_o some_o such_o as_o have_v be_v dissatisfy_v have_v desire_v to_o know_v what_o be_v the_o matter_n and_o what_o be_v the_o fruit_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v evidence_v the_o answer_n common_o be_v let_v the_o testimony_n of_o friend_n arise_v this_o word_n when_o it_o spring_v from_o such_o who_o have_v be_v instrument_n to_o beget_v into_o this_o faith_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o shut_v out_o the_o reason_v the_o wisdom_n and_o jealousy_n and_o that_o without_o distinction_n and_o that_o the_o apostasy_n shall_v never_o enter_v the_o generality_n more_o and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o withal_o the_o 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 but_o yet_o we_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n that_o it_o sound_v not_o very_o comely_a out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o those_o with_o respect_n to_o themselves_o who_o have_v in_o public_a frequent_o thus_o testify_v we_o preach_v not_o ourselves_o look_v not_o unto_o we_o but_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o yourselves_o that_o be_v give_v to_o you_o to_o profit_v withal_o brethren_n easy_o raise_v the_o like_a testimony_n that_o such_o a_o one_o be_v of_o a_o dark_a separate_a spirit_n and_o then_o this_o come_v to_o be_v spread_v abroad_o as_o a_o seal_n to_o that_o which_o can_v be_v evidence_v either_o by_o doctrine_n or_o conversation_n as_o if_o the_o tree_n be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v know_v by_o its_o fruit_n as_o in_o day_n past_a and_o so_o whilst_o they_o have_v be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o one_o part_n of_o the_o counsel_n viz._n exclude_v the_o reason_n and_o the_o wisdom_n by_o which_o mean_v some_o have_v be_v betray_v to_o act_v contrary_a to_o all_o reason_n and_o all_o wisdom_n they_o have_v act_v contrary_a to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o counsel_n which_o be_v to_o shut_v out_o the_o jealousy_n for_o have_v they_o not_o entertain_v unrighteous_a jealousy_n we_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o will_v not_o have_v testify_v against_o such_o as_o have_v approve_v themselves_o unto_o we_o no_o other_o then_o faithful_a minister_n of_o christ_n sound_v in_o doctrine_n and_o as_o blameless_a in_o conversation_n so_o far_o as_o ever_o we_o know_v as_o any_o friend_n and_o thus_o the_o variance_n we_o fear_v be_v but_o too_o likely_a to_o continue_v now_o we_o appeal_v to_o the_o witness_n of_o god_n whether_o this_o kind_n of_o proceed_v be_v not_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o dark_a rend_v spirit_n that_o separate_v from_o the_o truth_n but_o to_o come_v a_o little_a near_o to_o answer_v other_o part_n of_o the_o objection_n viz._n when_o we_o have_v be_v in_o meeting_n with_o they_o we_o have_v be_v witness_n that_o the_o life_n have_v be_v raise_v and_o our_o soul_n have_v be_v refresh_v and_o that_o when_o those_o who_o they_o oppose_v do_v speak_v nothing_o but_o dryness_n deadness_n and_o barrenness_n appear_v we_o desire_v every_o one_o who_o may_v thus_o affirm_v serious_o to_o weigh_v and_o consider_v first_o whether_o if_o contrary_a to_o thou_o own_o principle_n thou_o have_v let_v in_o jealousy_n this_o jealousy_n may_v not_o darken_v thou_o so_o as_o to_o take_v light_n for_o darkness_n and_o darkness_n for_o light_n and_o that_o to_o be_v true_a refreshment_n which_o be_v no_o other_o but_o a_o rejoice_v in_o those_o imaginary_a spark_n which_o thou_o by_o a_o false_a fire_n have_v kindle_v for_o when_o the_o eye_n be_v not_o single_a to_o god_n and_o fix_v upon_o that_o teacher_n that_o can_v be_v remove_v into_o a_o corner_n but_o instead_o thereof_o have_v a_o eye_n unto_o man_n and_o to_o thing_n that_o be_v without_o weigh_v not_o the_o matter_n wherein_o thy_o mind_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o equal_a balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n it_o may_v be_v just_o with_o the_o lord_n to_o suffer_v thou_o to_o be_v overshadow_a with_o a_o veil_n of_o darkness_n and_o to_o become_v ignorant_a of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o they_o who_o be_v without_o be_v lest_o thou_o see_v with_o thy_o eye_n and_o understand_v with_o thy_o heart_n and_o be_v convert_v and_o save_v even_o as_o it_o be_v say_v by_o christ_n himself_o concern_v they_o who_o be_v without_o mark_z 4.11_o 12._o for_o we_o know_v that_o when_o truth_n be_v preach_v among_o we_o in_o the_o beginning_n and_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n shine_v in_o our_o conscience_n magnify_v as_o our_o only_a guide_n the_o gift_n of_o the_o father_n and_o appearance_n of_o christ_n jesus_n the_o great_a ordinance_n and_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n our_o soul_n be_v wonderful_o reach_v and_o affect_v with_o the_o sound_n thereof_o believe_v that_o the_o day_n be_v then_o come_v unto_o we_o wherein_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o father_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n be_v fulfil_v unto_o we_o viz._n but_o the_o comforter_n which_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o the_o father_n will_v send_v in_o my_o name_n he_o shall_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n and_o guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o thus_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n come_v to_o be_v open_v that_o we_o see_v most_o of_o the_o professor_n than_o in_o be_v to_o be_v but_o in_o the_o gentile_a nature_n and_o come_v no_o further_o than_o the_o outward_a court_n which_o the_o angel_n as_o john_n testify_v be_v not_o to_o measure_v for_o be_v not_o their_o preacher_n outward_a their_o rule_n outward_a their_o order_n outward_a their_o ordinance_n outward_a and_o the_o token_n and_o mark_v of_o membership_n in_o their_o church_n outward_a and_o when_o those_o outward_a thing_n be_v magnify_v and_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n as_o the_o guide_n to_o the_o father_n degrade_v by_o our_o opposer_n we_o be_v even_o ready_a to_o fear_v on_o their_o behalf_n that_o they_o be_v of_o that_o number_n who_o see_v but_o do_v not_o perceive_v do_v hear_v but_o not_o understand_v our_o breathe_n now_o unto_o the_o lord_n be_v that_o none_o of_o those_o who_o have_v former_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n thereof_o may_v continue_v so_o harden_v as_o to_o see_v and_o not_o perceive_v to_o hear_v and_o not_o understand_v and_o so_o in_o a_o dark_a and_o veil_a estate_n conclude_v that_o as_o salvation_n as_o note_v this_o sentence_n viz._n as_o heir_n of_o the_o gospel_n life_n &_o salvation_n take_v your_o possession_n have_v be_v of_o late_a year_n srequent_o express_v by_o g._n f._n when_o speak_v to_o friend_n by_o way_n of_o encouragement_n to_o continue_v man_n and_o woman_n meeting_n distinct_a from_o the_o public_a meeting_n for_o worship_n by_o which_o means_n it_o be_v much_o doubt_v that_o some_o ignorant_a people_n have_v conclude_v that_o their_o frequent_v those_o meeting_n be_v a_o evidence_n that_o they_o be_v heir_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n heir_n of_o the_o gospel_n life_n and_o salvation_n they_o be_v enter_v into_o a_o heavenly_a possession_n whenas_o the_o possession_n they_o be_v enter_v into_o be_v but_o some_o outward_a observation_n which_o may_v more_o proper_o be_v account_v to_o relate_v to_o the_o outward_a court_n than_o to_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o rather_o that_o they_o may_v so_o perceive_v and_o understand_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n as_o to_o bow_v to_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n jesus_n in_o themselves_o as_o the_o only_a lawgiver_n
spiritual_a guide_n and_o teacher_n which_o be_v infailible_n and_o can_v be_v remove_v into_o a_o corner_n with_o confidence_n than_o may_v we_o conclude_v that_o none_o such_o will_n ever_o more_o boast_n of_o the_o possession_n which_o they_o have_v take_v as_o heir_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o respect_n to_o thing_n that_o be_v without_o second_o as_o to_o this_o part_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a objection_n viz._n that_o nothing_o but_o dryness_n deadness_n and_o barrenness_n appear_v in_o those_o who_o be_v oppose_v by_o such_o with_o who_o thou_o be_v at_o unity_n we_o say_v this_o seem_v not_o strange_a unto_o we_o for_o the_o apostle_n thus_o testify_v we_o be_v unto_o god_n a_o sweet_a savour_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o that_o be_v save_v and_o in_o they_o that_o perish_v to_o the_o one_o we_o be_v the_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n and_o to_o the_o other_o the_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o life_n this_o give_v we_o occasion_n to_o put_v every_o one_o that_o have_v or_o may_v judge_v the_o sound_a form_n of_o word_n to_o be_v deadness_n dryness_n &_o barrenness_n especial_o when_v spring_a from_o such_o who_o thou_o have_v know_v to_o be_v in_o the_o life_n upon_o this_o search_n be_v not_o the_o reason_n thereof_o because_o i_o be_o watch_v for_o evil_n and_o have_v let_v in_o a_o spirit_n of_o prejudice_n believe_v a_o evil_a report_n when_o perhaps_o it_o may_v not_o be_v truth_n if_o this_o be_v thy_o state_n we_o must_v plain_o tell_v thou_o they_o be_v the_o very_a token_n of_o a_o perish_a condition_n and_o then_o though_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o life_n that_o be_v preach_v yet_o it_o can_v be_v no_o other_o according_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o the_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o thou_o beside_o we_o have_v this_o further_a observation_n to_o make_v that_o some_o at_o least_o of_o those_o thus_o testify_v against_o as_o dead_a dry_a and_o barren_a be_v chief_o such_o unto_o who_o god_n have_v give_v a_o portion_n of_o understanding_n above_o many_o of_o their_o brethren_n and_o have_v and_o yet_o do_v as_o far_o as_o ever_o we_o know_v appear_v sound_n in_o doctrine_n and_o as_o blameless_a in_o life_n and_o conversation_n as_o any_o friend_n we_o have_v ever_o know_v and_o so_o can_v run_v with_o the_o current_n of_o the_o time_n we_o desire_v therefore_o that_o every_o one_o of_o the_o opposer_n of_o or_o judge_n over_o such_o will_v yet_o more_o thorough_o search_v their_o own_o conscience_n and_o in_o a_o godly_a jealousy_n over_o themselves_o put_v these_o query_n unto_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o try_v thing_n in_o the_o equal_a balance_n have_v not_o i_o many_o time_n hear_v unsound_a doctrine_n and_o behold_v disorder_n and_o confusion_n bring_v forth_o even_o in_o public_a meeting_n for_o worship_n by_o those_o who_o cry_v against_o dark_a separate_a spirit_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v a_o reproof_n thereto_o conclude_v notwithstanding_o that_o there_o do_v a_o freshness_n and_o life_n appear_v have_v not_o i_o be_v often_o affect_v with_o a_o outward_a tone_n and_o strength_n of_o lung_n when_o there_o have_v be_v little_a to_o the_o information_n and_o building_n up_o one_o another_o in_o the_o most_o holy_a faith_n have_v not_o i_o be_v better_o content_v to_o hear_v a_o thunder_a kind_n of_o voice_n cry_v out_o against_o a_o separate_a spirit_n though_o without_o distinction_n when_o not_o a_o word_n be_v speak_v to_o show_v the_o way_n to_o the_o kingdom_n than_o to_o hear_v the_o way_n of_o eternal_a life_n plain_o demonstrate_v by_o a_o soft_a and_o moderate_a voice_n we_o know_v there_o be_v great_a cause_n for_o many_o to_o put_v these_o question_n to_o their_o conscience_n and_o to_o be_v cool_a in_o spirit_n that_o so_o they_o may_v have_v a_o answer_n from_o the_o lord_n who_o appearance_n be_v not_o in_o the_o strong_a wind_n but_o in_o the_o still_a voice_n sect_n iv_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o three_o position_n deducible_a from_o a_o objection_n raise_v towards_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o first_o section_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v folly_n and_o hypocrisy_n to_o profess_v ourselves_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o yet_o not_o believe_v thus_o as_o the_o true_a church_n believe_v to_o this_o we_o say_v we_o be_v altogether_o dissatisfy_v especial_o when_o we_o consider_v what_o a_o body_n of_o darkness_n have_v enter_v under_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o position_n we_o must_v believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v among_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n in_o age_n past_a as_o well_o as_o at_o this_o present_a day_n that_o such_o language_n can_v become_v the_o mouth_n or_o pen_n of_o any_o one_o that_o profess_v not_o only_a faith_n in_o christ_n but_o also_o that_o such_o his_o faith_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o inward_a manifestation_n and_o revelation_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o himself_o mark_v we_o say_v in_o himself_o those_o who_o be_v account_v apostate_n christian_n have_v from_o such_o assembly_n which_o they_o call_v their_o church_n set_v forth_o their_o creed_n by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v know_v what_o the_o member_n of_o their_o church_n do_v and_o aught_o to_o believe_v and_o since_o it_o be_v so_o that_o no_o person_n be_v able_a to_o make_v out_o that_o ever_o any_o assembly_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o true_a church_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n have_v publish_v their_o creed_n by_o which_o we_o mean_v a_o certain_a number_n of_o article_n of_o faith_n recommend_v they_o as_o those_o thing_n which_o every_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n ought_v to_o believe_v or_o else_o not_o be_v account_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n we_o can_v account_v it_o unreasonable_a if_o any_o one_o that_o like_v not_o the_o language_n touch_v believe_v as_o the_o true_a church_n believe_v shall_v ask_v the_o publisher_n thereof_o this_o question_n have_v thou_o not_o speak_v this_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n as_o those_o who_o thou_o accounte_v the_o true_a church_n and_o if_o so_o be_v it_o not_o folly_n to_o talk_v of_o believe_v as_o this_o church_n believe_v when_o no_o assembly_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o this_o church_n have_v to_o this_o day_n declare_v and_o publish_v their_o creed_n for_o the_o end_n aforesaid_a nay_o may_v it_o not_o further_o be_v say_v we_o know_v how_o papist_n and_o protestant_n describe_v their_o church_n but_o at_o the_o day_n wherein_o that_o which_o occasion_n this_o present_a discourse_n be_v give_v forth_o it_o be_v not_o discover_v by_o any_o repute_a quaker_n public_o in_o print_n that_o we_o know_v of_o who_o or_o be_v the_o true_a church_n be_v with_o respect_n to_o visible_a person_n more_o than_o what_o be_v to_o this_o effect_n give_v forth_o by_o the_o author_n occasion_v this_o present_a discourse_n viz._n that_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n be_v the_o church_n wherein_o we_o do_v not_o take_v his_o meaning_n to_o be_v that_o all_o call_v quaker_n be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o the_o elect_a among_o they_o for_o he_o also_o say_v the_o church_n signify_v the_o elect_n and_o so_o the_o reader_n be_v leave_v without_o any_o certain_a description_n who_o or_o where_o this_o church_n be_v with_o respect_n to_o visible_a person_n since_o the_o elect_a among_o they_o be_v not_o outward_o describe_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o open_n of_o the_o understanding_n of_o such_o as_o may_v be_v muddle_v about_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v with_o we_o thus_o to_o testify_v it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o reach_v unto_o many_o of_o our_o conscience_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o latter_a day_n that_o have_v dawn_v among_o we_o whereby_o we_o come_v to_o believe_v in_o the_o everlasting_a light_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o as_o other_o hold_v forth_o the_o visible_a order_n and_o write_a faith_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n to_o be_v as_o a_o lantern_n to_o their_o path_n and_o as_o a_o ground_n of_o their_o faith_n so_o this_o light_n of_o christ_n be_v preach_v up_o as_o a_o lantern_n to_o our_o path_n and_o as_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o then_o as_o our_o understanding_n come_v to_o be_v more_o and_o more_o open_v we_o clear_o see_v that_o as_o other_o church_n have_v outward_a mark_n and_o token_n whereby_o a_o man_n may_v manifest_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o their_o church_n when_o receive_v into_o society_n with_o their_o church_n so_o we_o who_o have_v believe_v in_o the_o light_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o have_v the_o evidence_n in_o ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v of_o the_o true_a brotherhood_n and_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n be_v at_o a_o loss_n infallible_o to_o manifest_v unto_o other_o by_o any_o outward_a mark_n or_o token_n that_o we_o be_v in_o
exaltation_n of_o one_o of_o his_o disciple_n as_o a_o head_n or_o supreme_a unto_o who_o the_o rest_n ought_v to_o have_v have_v a_o eye_n in_o a_o more_o peculiar_a manner_n than_o ordinary_a he_o will_v have_v undoubted_o signify_v so_o much_o but_o doubtless_o he_o see_v that_o their_o eye_n and_o dependency_n be_v too_o much_o on_o his_o outward_a and_o bodily_a appearance_n and_o therefore_o signify_v it_o be_v expedient_a i_o go_v hence_o that_o the_o comforter_n come_v agreeable_a to_o which_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n word_n though_o we_o have_v know_v christ_n after_o the_o flesh_n yet_o henceforth_o know_v we_o he_o no_o more_o that_o be_v to_o say_v after_o the_o flesh_n no_o more_o all_o which_o do_v clear_o demonstrate_v unto_o we_o it_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o under_o this_o administration_n we_o shall_v have_v our_o eye_n out_o unto_o man_n but_o that_o our_o great_a dependency_n shall_v be_v on_o that_o comforter_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o christ_n testify_v the_o father_n will_v send_v in_o his_o name_n to_o teach_v we_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o this_o comforter_n shall_v be_v in_o we_o and_o therefore_o on_o this_o occasion_n it_o be_v with_o we_o to_o give_v this_o further_a testimony_n that_o every_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v through_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n make_v dead_a unto_o any_o other_o law_n save_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n manifest_v through_o the_o arise_v of_o christ_n by_o his_o appearance_n in_o every_o such_o member_n and_o so_o as_o particular_a member_n be_v become_v marry_v unto_o he_o 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-suffer_v forbearance_n meekness_n humility_n patience_n gentleness_n and_o of_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 but_o as_o to_o obedience_n every_o member_n owe_v that_o unto_o christ_n his_o head_n unto_o who_o every_o thought_n according_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n ought_v to_o be_v bring_v into_o obedience_n sect_n viii_o a_o manifestation_n that_o the_o variance_n have_v original_o rise_v from_o a_o different_a sense_n touch_v g._n f._n the_o general_n meeting_n or_o womens-meeting_n etc._n etc._n the_o end_n for_o which_o womens-meeting_n be_v assent_v to_o on_o the_o whole_a matter_n the_o great_a variance_n among_o some_o once_o at_o unity_n we_o have_v cause_n to_o know_v have_v rise_v from_o a_o different_a sense_n touch_v one_o some_o or_o all_o of_o these_o three_o particular_n follow_v the_o first_o relate_v to_o george_n fox_n that_o have_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o give_v forth_o direction_n and_o instruction_n to_o other_o and_o his_o proceed_n the_o second_o to_o the_o general_n meet_v and_o their_o proceed_n the_o three_o to_o woman_n meeting_n and_o their_o proceed_n as_o to_o the_o first_o we_o say_v many_o there_o be_v among_o we_o who_o affirm_v that_o they_o have_v more_o than_o ordinary_a cause_n to_o believe_v that_o many_o profess_v the_o truth_n do_v look_v upon_o g._n f._n as_o one_o who_o the_o lord_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n have_v raise_v up_o and_o set_v in_o the_o like_a place_n among_o the_o child_n of_o light_n as_o moses_n be_v among_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o that_o whosoever_o shall_v oppose_v he_o shall_v never_o prosper_v which_o we_o be_v persuade_v have_v so_o overawe_v many_o that_o they_o become_v sacrificer_n of_o their_o own_o sense_n and_o understanding_n to_o the_o will_n of_o man_n and_o doubtless_o on_o this_o foot_n many_o may_v think_v those_o who_o tell_v he_o his_o book_n about_o womens-meeting_n be_v notorious_o erroneous_a will_v never_o prosper_v though_o they_o have_v evidence_v it_o to_o be_v so_o to_o his_o face_n and_o that_o in_o the_o view_n of_o several_a hundred_o of_o friend_n at_o a_o meeting_n assent_v to_o by_o himself_o and_o those_o of_o party_n with_o he_o when_o at_o bristol_n in_o the_o 12_o month_n 1677._o as_o one_o instance_n of_o the_o error_n of_o the_o say_a book_n take_v this_o pag._n 43._o he_o thus_o say_v and_o be_v not_o micah_n mother_n a_o virtuous_a woman_n read_v judge_n 17._o and_o see_v what_o she_o say_v to_o her_o son_n and_o a_o few_o line_n after_o he_o say_v so_o these_o and_o such_o woman_n be_v record_v for_o their_o wisdom_n and_o their_o virtue_n and_o their_o faith_n for_o our_o part_n we_o can_v understand_v that_o any_o thing_n of_o wisdom_n virtue_n or_o faith_n be_v record_v touch_v michah_n mother_n unless_o blessing_n or_o curse_v out_o of_o one_o mouth_n from_o a_o idolatrous_a woman_n may_v be_v account_v the_o fruit_n thereof_o many_o other_o thing_n may_v be_v quote_v out_o of_o his_o say_a book_n notorious_o erroneous_a and_o therefore_o will_v certain_o remain_v on_o record_n to_o his_o shame_n until_o he_o repent_v and_o it_o be_v not_o his_o proselit_v party_n say_v none_o shall_v prosper_v that_o oppose_v he_o nor_o yet_o his_o say_n that_o he_o know_v what_o he_o do_v and_o see_v it_o will_v be_v a_o stumbling-block_n for_o so_o william_n rogers_n positive_o affirm_v he_o do_v say_v to_o he_o will_v excuse_v he_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o we_o firm_o believe_v that_o unless_o he_o repent_v he_o will_v become_v despise_v and_o vile_a before_o the_o people_n even_o as_o the_o lord_n make_v those_o priest_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n who_o as_o the_o prophet_n say_v mal._n 2.8_o 9_o cause_v many_o to_o stumble_v to_o be_v therefore_o despise_v and_o vile_a before_o all_o the_o people_n we_o know_v he_o have_v be_v a_o instrument_n to_o cause_n many_o to_o condemn_v their_o fail_n we_o desire_v that_o he_o may_v be_v so_o ingenious_a as_o once_o to_o confess_v his_o own_o second_o we_o be_v persuade_v some_o other_o have_v look_v upon_o the_o general_n meet_v as_o that_o unto_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o eye_n be_v principled_a to_o receive_v own_o and_o stand_v by_o whatsoever_o come_v from_o thence_o as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n without_o bring_v the_o matter_n they_o appear_v at_o unity_n with_o to_o the_o test_n of_o christ_n light_n in_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o no_o marvel_n if_o such_o as_o be_v principled_a to_o shut_v out_o reason_n wisdom_n and_o jealousy_n without_o distinction_n thus_o do_v and_o when_o any_o paper_n be_v give_v forth_o by_o that_o meeting_n or_o g._n f._n such_o as_o be_v at_o unity_n with_o they_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o man_n meeting_n for_o outward_a business_n which_o oft_o time_n occasion_n strife_n and_o contention_n the_o one_o party_n account_v themselves_o oblige_v as_o we_o take_v it_o to_o receive_v and_o stand_v by_o what_o come_v from_o they_o the_o other_o party_n do_v the_o same_o also_o when_o it_o reach_v to_o the_o witness_n of_o god_n in_o their_o conscience_n as_o matter_n proper_a to_o be_v bring_v to_o such_o meeting_n but_o if_o not_o they_o can_v receive_v it_o though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n bring_v it_o then_o the_o other_o party_n account_v this_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o jealous_a dark_a leaven_a spirit_n and_o thus_o contention_n and_o debate_n have_v arisen_a even_o among_o those_o who_o former_o before_o the_o outward_a form_n of_o government_n be_v so_o much_o plead_v for_o walk_v together_o in_o peace_n and_o concord_n three_o there_o be_v among_o many_o friend_n a_o difference_n touch_v the_o meeting_n of_o woman_n separate_v from_o the_o man_n which_o though_o not_o hitherto_o treat_v on_o yet_o it_o may_v not_o be_v improper_a to_o be_v speak_v to_o on_o this_o occasion_n but_o first_o we_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o answer_v this_o question_n which_o natural_o seem_v to_o arise_v for_o the_o information_n of_o the_o reader_n viz._n how_o come_v those_o meeting_n first_o to_o be_v hold_v and_o for_o what_o end_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o g._n f._n so_o far_o as_o we_o understand_v exhort_v thereto_o and_o the_o end_v thereof_o in_o sum_n be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o poor_a in_o some_o case_n the_o metre_n themselves_o according_a to_o their_o freedom_n bear_v freedom_n note_v this_o method_n of_o raise_v money_n for_o that_o service_n be_v though_o very_o unreasonable_a because_o it_o reach_v not_o all_o by_o who_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o outward_o poor_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n aught_o to_o be_v bear_v raise_v money_n which_o cause_v the_o charge_n to_o light_n much_o on_o some_o who_o be_v most_o constant_a in_o meet_v while_o other_o for_o want_v of_o another_o method_n to_o collect_v money_n be_v very_o little_o concern_v in_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o poor_a but_o in_o
their_o hunt_n bite_a devour_a spirit_n nor_o yet_o weary_a themselves_o for_o mere_a vanity_n lest_o the_o eternal_a decree_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v seal_v against_o they_o to_o their_o destruction_n for_o ever_o more_o to_o conclude_v this_o first_o part_n we_o have_v yet_o to_o add_v that_o since_o it_o be_v signify_v that_o the_o forty_o four_o article_n before_o cite_v relate_v to_o church-government_n and_o that_o we_o say_v they_o be_v draw_v up_o against_o two_o ancient_a and_o honourable_a friend_n in_o the_o truth_n viz._n john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n we_o think_v it_o proper_a to_o cite_v one_o passage_n as_o a_o evidence_n thereof_o out_o of_o the_o four_o section_n of_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o historical_a manuscript_n mention_v in_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n with_o the_o omission_n only_o of_o the_o name_n of_o person_n for_o the_o reason_n already_o give_v in_o the_o say_a preface_n the_o passage_n be_v as_o follow_v before_o we_o shall_v make_v any_o observation_n on_o the_o aforesaid_a article_n or_o preamble_n thereto_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o inform_v the_o reader_n that_o nine_o person_n concern_v in_o exhibit_v the_o say_v forty_o four_o article_n against_o the_o two_o friend_n speak_v of_o before_o thus_o declare_v concern_v they_o in_o a_o letter_n to_o nine_o other_o choose_v by_o the_o accuser_n to_o be_v judge_n over_o they_o viz._n and_o friend_n it_o be_v not_o any_o personal_a trespass_n against_o any_o of_o we_o that_o we_o charge_v they_o with_o nor_o any_o particular_a concern_v of_o our_o own_o as_o man_n that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o defence_n but_o the_o cause_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o wrong_n they_o have_v do_v to_o he_o but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o in_o the_o same_o letter_n they_o say_v that_o they_o have_v bear_v a_o dear_a love_n and_o honourable_a respect_n unto_o they_o in_o the_o holy_a truth_n compare_v he_o with_o what_o be_v write_v in_o the_o three_o article_n of_o the_o 44_o article_n before_o cite_v viz._n slight_v the_o heavenly_a motion_n on_o george_n fox_n his_o spirit_n in_o that_o case_n in_o the_o unity_n precious_o feel_v and_o close_v with_o mean_v the_o rule_n or_o form_n of_o church-government_n set_v forth_o by_o george_n fox_n pretend_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o by_o the_o say_a article_n appear_v it_o be_v evident_a to_o we_o that_o in_o their_o sense_n a_o slight_n of_o george_n fox_n rule_n method_n and_o order_n with_o respect_n to_o church-government_n be_v a_o slight_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o though_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o unity_n precious_o feel_v and_o close_v with_o yet_o that_o be_v notorious_o erroneous_a if_o thereby_o be_v mean_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o all_o friend_n for_o that_o some_o of_o his_o paper_n and_o prescription_n in_o many_o part_n of_o the_o nation_n among_o friend_n have_v be_v little_o take_v notice_n of_o as_o be_v well_o know_v to_o we_o and_o credible_o report_v by_o many_o moreover_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o we_o that_o some_o have_v have_v so_o great_a esteem_n for_o the_o prescription_n or_o paper_n give_v forth_o by_o he_o as_o that_o they_o have_v conclude_v it_o to_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o fruit_n of_o confusion_n and_o darkness_n to_o believe_v that_o what_o he_o have_v give_v forth_o be_v not_o intend_v by_o he_o to_o be_v urge_v with_o severity_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o enforce_a and_o this_o do_v thus_o appear_v john_n story_n one_o of_o those_o two_o brethren_n article_v against_o as_o aforesaid_a in_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o say_v forty_o four_o article_n take_v occasion_n to_o give_v his_o sense_n touch_v such_o thing_n which_o george_n fox_n have_v give_v forth_o on_o this_o wise_a viz._n that_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o george_n fox_n intend_v any_o such_o thing_n that_o they_o mean_v his_o paper_n direct_v to_o the_o church_n shall_v with_o severity_n be_v urge_v upon_o any_o of_o god_n faithful_a people_n but_o as_o instruction_n or_o direction_n commend_v they_o to_o the_o church_n leave_v the_o effect_n thereof_o to_o god_n and_o his_o lead_a grace_n in_o his_o people_n to_o make_v use_n thereof_o as_o he_o shall_v manifest_v a_o need_n of_o such_o direction_n counsel_n or_o advice_n to_o this_o sense_n robert_n barrow_n and_o eight_o person_n part_n of_o those_o who_o be_v concern_v in_o exhibit_v the_o say_v forty_o four_o article_n reply_v a_o part_n whereof_o be_v on_o this_o wise_a true_o thy_o darkness_n and_o blindness_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v feel_v and_o they_o must_v be_v very_o dim_a of_o sight_n that_o see_v thou_o not_o oh_o the_o confusion_n thy_o dark_a spirit_n be_v in_o to_o this_o we_o say_v this_o answer_n seem_v so_o very_o dark_a as_o if_o blindness_n be_v the_o lot_n of_o their_o inheritance_n who_o so_o write_v forwe_v well_o remember_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o ancient_a brethren_n who_o be_v skill_v in_o gather_v and_o careful_a not_o to_o scatter_v the_o flock_n do_v not_o encourage_v any_o to_o follow_v any_o outward_a direction_n whatsoever_o without_o a_o inward_a conviction_n from_o the_o leading_n of_o god_n all-sufficient_a grace_n free_o give_v to_o profit_n withal_o of_o the_o needfulness_n of_o the_o direction_n counsel_n or_o advice_n contain_v therein_o and_o why_o but_o because_o a_o observance_n not_o ground_v on_o their_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n lead_v grace_n in_o ourselves_o of_o outward_a instruction_n or_o direction_n in_o this_o gospel_n day_n may_v find_v no_o more_o acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n who_o be_v now_o to_o be_v worship_v obey_v and_o reverence_v not_o otherwise_o than_o in_o and_o by_o the_o spirit_n and_o light_n through_o which_o he_o do_v appear_v in_o man_n than_o a_o offering_n of_o the_o halt_n and_o the_o blind_a which_o be_v forbid_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n for_o a_o sacrifice_n might_n and_o this_o our_o sense_n may_v well_o be_v vindicate_v from_o such_o like_a testimony_n as_o these_o frequent_o utter_v by_o our_o ancient_a brethren_n we_o preach_v not_o ourselves_o let_v not_o your_o dependency_n be_v on_o we_o we_o be_v not_o neither_o desire_n to_o be_v lord_n over_o your_o conscience_n you_o ought_v to_o be_v lief_o for_o yourselves_o and_o see_v for_o yourselves_o and_o therefore_o we_o counsel_v you_o to_o draw_v water_n out_o of_o your_o own_o well_n let_v it_o be_v your_o own_o and_o not_o another_o we_o now_o appeal_v to_o god_n witness_v in_o all_o conscience_n how_o this_o kind_a of_o language_n and_o discourse_n can_v agree_v with_o such_o as_o render_v it_o the_o fruit_n of_o confusion_n and_o darkness_n not_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o outward_a instruction_n or_o direction_n of_o g._n f._n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n be_v intend_v to_o be_v urge_v with_o severity_n upon_o god_n faithful_a people_n beside_o that_o which_o seem_v to_o aggravate_v the_o darkness_n be_v this_o that_o the_o faithful_a must_v have_v outward_a precept_n direction_n or_o instruction_n impose_v upon_o they_o have_v the_o sense_n of_o those_o who_o sense_n we_o can_v own_v be_v only_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o unfaithful_a it_o may_v have_v seem_v a_o little_a better_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v great_a cause_n of_o lamentation_n and_o mourning_n especial_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o believe_v either_o from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n give_v forth_o by_o inspiration_n or_o from_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o conscience_n that_o any_o man_n according_a to_o the_o motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o this_o gospel-day_n ought_v to_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o give_v forth_o any_o outward_a rule_n or_o prescription_n relate_v to_o faith_n or_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n with_o a_o intent_n that_o they_o shall_v become_v a_o bond_n upon_o other_o to_o submit_v thereto_o further_o than_o from_o a_o recommendation_n unto_o the_o conscience_n a_o service_n may_v be_v see_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o light_n give_v from_o he_o who_o be_v the_o fullness_n but_o whether_o this_o our_o sense_n be_v not_o by_o many_o other_o beside_o the_o aforesaid_a nine_o person_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n slight_o esteem_v and_o a_o combine_a sort_n of_o submission_n contrive_v as_o we_o suppose_v by_o a_o few_o tho_o enter_v into_o by_o many_o at_o this_o day_n we_o shall_v leave_v it_o to_o the_o unprejudiced_a understand_a reader_n to_o judge_n on_o mature_a consideration_n of_o what_o yet_o follow_v some_o few_o year_n past_o many_o friend_n in_o the_o county_n of_o westmoreland_n have_v be_v a_o long_a time_n burden_a in_o monthly_a and_o quarterly_a meeting_n by_o such_o as_o endeavour_v to_o introduce_v the_o practice_n of_o some_o thing_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o church
then_o find_v in_o a_o manifest_a untruth_n but_o we_o be_v satisfy_v in_o our_o conscience_n on_o good_a ground_n that_o several_a person_n who_o have_v subscribe_v the_o say_a paper_n have_v not_o so_o do_v but_o be_v it_o so_o that_o the_o sixty_o six_o subscriber_n have_v desire_v they_o to_o come_v to_o they_o and_o that_o those_o sixty_o six_o be_v such_o qualify_a member_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o that_o none_o on_o the_o score_n of_o apostleship_n or_o eldership_n may_v have_v a_o great_a pretence_n of_o power_n to_o call_v john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n before_o they_o yet_o we_o affirm_v that_o neither_o the_o sixty_o six_o subscriber_n nor_o any_o other_o assembly_n on_o earth_n have_v power_n to_o give_v judgement_n in_o such_o a_o case_n other_z then_o for_o contempt_n of_o authority_n if_o they_o have_v any_o over_o they_o and_o not_o a_o judgement_n on_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n though_o it_o be_v on_o the_o hear_n of_o one_o part_n and_o so_o much_o justice_n do_v the_o common_a practice_n both_o of_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a court_n so_o call_v in_o england_n show_v forth_o but_o that_o which_o to_o we_o seem_v to_o aggravate_v the_o offence_n of_o the_o sixty_o six_o subscriber_n be_v this_o john_n story_n be_v now_o with_o we_o do_v positive_o affirm_v that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o subscriber_n never_o speak_v or_o send_v to_o he_o about_o the_o matter_n for_o which_o he_o be_v now_o judge_v nor_o yet_o to_o john_n wilkinson_n as_o john_n story_n say_v so_o far_o as_o he_o know_v and_o so_o when_o we_o consider_v all_o circumstance_n we_o have_v great_a cause_n to_o doubt_v that_o not_o a_o few_o but_o many_o of_o the_o subscriber_n if_o not_o all_o have_v give_v judgement_n without_o a_o hear_n of_o either_o party_n for_o that_o their_o paper_n do_v not_o import_n that_o the_o judgement_n give_v be_v on_o the_o hear_v either_o of_o one_o or_o both_o party_n convene_v before_o they_o and_o as_o to_o the_o meeting_n at_o drawell_n the_o fame_n whereof_o have_v come_v to_o our_o ear_n several_a account_n have_v be_v give_v of_o that_o already_o and_o a_o judgement_n already_o past_a by_o some_o of_o the_o sixty_o six_o subscriber_n with_o a_o caution_n in_o the_o say_a judgement_n in_o these_o word_n and_o now_o friend_n in_o god_n love_n we_o desire_v you_o to_o suppress_v all_o paper_n of_o controversy_n relate_v to_o this_o difference_n that_o the_o mind_n of_o friend_n be_v not_o further_o trouble_v and_o defile_v nor_o this_o controversy_n keep_v any_o long_a alive_a and_o we_o do_v warn_v all_o to_o have_v a_o care_n that_o they_o be_v not_o lift_v up_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o hurt_n that_o be_v come_v upon_o these_o man_n nor_o yet_o insult_v over_o they_o for_o that_o spirit_n be_v not_o of_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v reasonable_o suppose_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o present_a judgement_n spring_v from_o any_o thing_n act_v by_o they_o before_o the_o say_a meeting_n but_o rather_o from_o something_o since_o and_o whereas_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n give_v forth_o a_o paper_n at_o drawell_n which_o since_o they_o disow_v this_o as_o john_n story_n say_v be_v wrong_a and_o as_o evidence_n thereto_o say_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o he_o own_v the_o paper_n as_o give_v forth_o yet_o that_o where_o any_o sentence_n may_v admit_v of_o more_o construction_n than_o one_o the_o giver_n forth_o thereof_o ought_v to_o interpret_v for_o himself_o and_o so_o say_v that_o he_o still_o own_v the_o same_o with_o that_o interpretation_n he_o and_o john_n wilkinson_n give_v and_o if_o the_o paper_n will_v not_o bear_v that_o interpretation_n give_v by_o they_o then_o let_v they_o be_v judge_v second_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o two_o or_o more_o friend_n in_o england_n to_o dissolve_v a_o meeting_n of_o other_o friend_n and_o therefore_o great_a weakness_n to_o assign_v john_n story_n be_v and_o john_n wilkinson_n refuse_v to_o dissolve_v a_o meeting_n as_o a_o consideration_n for_o so_o severe_a a_o reproof_n and_o judgement_n three_o as_o to_o the_o word_n forbearance_n it_o seem_v unbecoming_a such_o young_a man_n in_o truth_n if_o peradventure_o they_o be_v now_o in_o the_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o in_o year_n as_o some_o of_o the_o sixty_o six_o subscriber_n be_v know_v to_o be_v to_o write_v at_o the_o rate_n they_o have_v do_v touch_v such_o ancient_a brethren_n labourer_n in_o the_o gospel_n especial_o when_o we_o consider_v how_o credible_o it_o have_v be_v report_v to_o we_o that_o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n as_o to_o their_o doctrine_n and_o conversation_n have_v be_v even_o by_o some_o of_o their_o opposer_n account_v both_o sound_n and_o blameless_a we_o find_v that_o the_o say_a paper_n be_v direct_v to_o man_n meeting_n who_o the_o subscriber_n exhort_v that_o if_o notwithstanding_o their_o christian_a deal_v such_o person_n persevere_v and_o go_v on_o in_o their_o separate_a spirit_n let_v god_n truth_n be_v clear_a of_o they_o and_o truth_n set_v over_o their_o head_n according_a to_o that_o bless_a order_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n settle_v among_o you_o to_o this_o we_o say_v that_o we_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v inform_v by_o any_o that_o either_o john_n story_n or_o john_n wilkinson_n have_v be_v or_o be_v find_v in_o opposition_n to_o any_o order_n that_o be_v settle_v among_o we_o in_o our_o man_n meeting_n we_o have_v discourse_v john_n story_n in_o our_o last_o mens-meeting_a about_o the_o separate-meeting_a so_o call_v in_o the_o north_n and_o have_v have_v the_o view_n of_o that_o paper_n which_o be_v account_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o say_a meeting_n the_o word_n as_o to_o we_o appear_v that_o their_o opposer_n may_v most_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o say_a paper_n to_o justify_v their_o sense_n of_o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n therein_o be_v these_o viz._n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o amend_v for_o time_n to_o come_v we_o do_v resolve_v that_o neither_o they_o so_o choose_v by_o we_o nor_o we_o do_v trouble_v ourselves_o no_o further_o with_o such_o that_o strive_v and_o contend_v in_o take_v upon_o they_o our_o work_n who_o we_o do_v not_o employ_v about_o our_o affair_n and_o concern_v and_o if_o this_o must_v continue_v we_o hope_v to_o do_v our_o own_o business_n in_o our_o several_a respective_a meeting_n in_o quietness_n and_o in_o the_o order_n of_o truth_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n of_o lise_n on_o this_o we_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o resolve_v not_o to_o meet_v with_o they_o that_o strive_v and_o contend_v and_o be_v not_o employ_v etc._n etc._n and_o in_o other_o part_n of_o the_o paper_n there_o be_v proposal_n for_o a_o reunite_a which_o be_v not_o as_o we_o be_v inform_v accept_v but_o this_o do_v not_o amount_v to_o set_v up_o a_o separate_a meeting_n we_o also_o observe_v that_o their_o hope_n be_v to_o do_v their_o own_o business_n in_o their_o several_a and_o respective_a meeting_n this_o be_v not_o a_o resolve_v so_o to_o do_v or_o a_o set_n up_o another_o meeting_n but_o a_o hope_n etc._n etc._n yet_o so_o it_o be_v that_o to_o this_o day_n there_o be_v no_o such_o meeting_n as_o be_v then_o in_o their_o eye_n or_o hope_n that_o we_o be_v inform_v of_o for_o as_o we_o understand_v they_o meet_v not_o in_o their_o several_a respective_a meeting_n to_o do_v business_n but_o friend_n from_o their_o several_a and_o respective_a meeting_n do_v meet_v as_o we_o have_v be_v inform_v at_o their_o ancient_a monthly_a meetingplace_n in_o kendal_n and_o so_o the_o aforesaid_a paper_n can_v in_o our_o apprehension_n be_v construe_v according_a to_o reason_n to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o meeting_n call_v a_o separate_a meeting_n and_o so_o consequent_o john_n story_n be_v ask_v in_o our_o last_o mens-meeting_a whether_o he_o will_v disow_v it_o answer_v to_o this_o effect_n that_o it_o will_v be_v unjust_a for_o he_o to_o disow_v it_o until_o he_o hear_v both_o party_n for_o that_o will_v be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o give_a judgement_n on_o the_o hear_n of_o one_o part_n only_o which_o be_v unrighteous_a and_o further_o say_v that_o he_o never_o intend_v by_o the_o subscription_n of_o his_o name_n to_o the_o say_a paper_n to_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o a_o separate_a meeting_n but_o rather_o look_v upon_o the_o paper_n as_o a_o fit_a mean_n to_o reunite_a they_o and_o that_o if_o any_o can_v offer_v more_o christian_a proposal_n for_o their_o reunite_v he_o doubt_v not_o but_o he_o shall_v close_v therewith_o and_o further_o say_v that_o he_o remember_v not_o that_o he_o ever_o be_v at_o any_o or_o either_o of_o those_o meeting_n account_v a_o separate_a meeting_n but_o positive_o say_v
christ_n light_n and_o in_o subjection_n unto_o the_o law_n appertain_v unto_o his_o government_n which_o be_v not_o write_v in_o table_n of_o stone_n but_o in_o the_o heart_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o new-covenant_n heb._n 8.9_o 10_o 11._o and_o that_o those_o who_o be_v invest_v with_o power_n from_o on_o high_a may_v be_v instrument_n in_o god_n hand_n according_a to_o the_o dispensation_n thereof_o give_v they_o of_o god_n to_o stir_v up_o the_o pure_a mind_n in_o other_o sometime_o by_o way_n of_o admonition_n exhortation_n and_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o sometime_o by_o charge_n or_o command_n according_a as_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n move_v and_o operate_v and_o yet_o every_o one_o of_o these_o operation_n according_a to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n be_v only_o to_o stir_v up_o the_o pure_a mind_n that_o so_o through_o a_o sensible_a close_v with_o the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n shine_v in_o the_o heart_n god_n witness_n in_o the_o conscience_n may_v be_v raise_v in_o dominion_n for_o that_o it_o be_v according_a to_o truth_n to_o affirm_v that_o the_o admonition_n doctrine_n and_o exhortation_n charge_n or_o command_v of_o any_o whatsoever_o can_v be_v right_o receive_v and_o embrace_v otherwise_o than_o according_a to_o the_o leading_n of_o christ_n light_n that_o so_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o excellency_n of_o that_o power_n be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n read_v 2_o cor._n 4.5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v not_o the_o least_o testimony_n that_o the_o apostle_n nor_o any_o person_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n endeavour_v to_o establish_v any_o outward_a order_n and_o then_o term_v they_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o power_n of_o god_n much_o less_o so_o to_o establish_v any_o outward_a order_n or_o form_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n as_o that_o not_o only_o a_o deviation_n therefrom_o but_o a_o not_o embrace_v those_o outward_a form_n or_o order_n by_o such_o believer_n who_o be_v never_o in_o the_o practice_n thereof_o shall_v be_v a_o token_n that_o they_o be_v depart_v from_o the_o faith_n but_o their_o 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 rather_o than_o to_o build_v up_o form_n or_o order_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 he_o do_v not_o say_v what_o the_o will_n of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o 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 according_a to_o which_o submission_n i_o appeal_v to_o god_n witness_v whether_o it_o may_v not_o become_v as_o well_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o brethren_n to_o submit_v to_o one_o or_o two_o as_o one_o or_o two_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o brethren_n and_o whether_o these_o kind_n of_o submission_n have_v not_o be_v practise_v among_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n and_o though_o i_o say_v as_o aforesaid_a not_o the_o church_n but_o what_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v yet_o hereby_o i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v to_o render_v christ_n and_o his_o church_n divide_v but_o rather_o to_o show_v that_o his_o will_n who_o can_v err_v be_v a_o sure_a foundation_n to_o build_v upon_o than_o the_o will_n of_o those_o who_o if_o they_o depart_v from_o christ_n their_o rock_n may_n err._n r._n b._n in_o his_o six_o section_n treat_v how_o far_o this_o government_n extend_v page_n 39_o thus_o say_v this_o order_n reach_v the_o compose_v difference_n as_o to_o outward_a thing_n and_o further_o say_v we_o do_v bold_o aver_v as_o a_o people_n gather_v together_o by_o the_o lord_n unto_o the_o same_o faith_n etc._n etc._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 among_o ourselves_o on_o which_o i_o thus_o observe_v if_o difference_n happen_v between_o two_o brethren_n and_o not_o through_o the_o least_o intention_n to_o wrong_v each_o other_o than_o the_o power_n of_o truth_n in_o themselves_o will_v constrain_v such_o to_o choose_v faithful_a brethren_n skill_v in_o the_o matter_n wherein_o they_o differ_v to_o decide_v the_o same_o and_o according_o to_o submit_v and_o all_o this_o of_o a_o willing_a and_o ready_a mind_n through_o the_o power_n of_o truth_n in_o themselves_o and_o not_o through_o constraint_n of_o other_o and_o so_o in_o this_o case_n here_o be_v no_o need_n for_o any_o to_o come_v to_o their_o brethren_n and_o say_v we_o do_v bold_o aver_v we_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o decide_v etc._n etc._n but_o suppose_v this_o ensue_a case_n shall_v happen_v viz_o that_o two_o brethren_n be_v at_o variance_n touch_v their_o property_n and_o outward_a concern_v relate_v to_o meum_fw-la and_o tuum_fw-la as_o r._n b_n term_n be_v and_o one_o of_o they_o be_v so_o depart_v from_o truth_n in_o himself_o as_o that_o he_o will_v not_o of_o a_o ready_a mind_n submit_v his_o cause_n to_o the_o hear_n of_o person_n to_o be_v choose_v by_o themselves_o indifferent_o but_o be_v contentious_a will_v either_o go_v to_o law_n or_o else_o so_o abound_v in_o his_o own_o sense_n as_o nothing_o shall_v serve_v but_o to_o be_v judge_n in_o his_o own_o cause_n if_o we_o now_o inquire_v what_o christ_n the_o truth_n do_v in_o general_a direct_a and_o wherein_o this_o case_n may_v be_v comprehend_v which_o be_v so_o great_a a_o offence_n to_o the_o other_o brother_n who_o truth_n constrain_v to_o submit_v his_o cause_n to_o the_o hear_v and_o judgement_n of_o person_n indifferent_o choose_v and_o that_o of_o a_o willing_a and_o ready_a mind_n we_o shall_v find_v he_o thus_o say_v mat._n 18.15_o 16_o 17._o if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_n against_o thou_o go_v tell_v he_o his_o fault_n between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o but_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o then_o take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o more_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n if_o he_o hear_v not_o the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n christ_n word_n do_v not_o here_o import_v that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n over_o any_o man_n worldly_a property_n or_o outward_a concern_v it_o only_o say_v if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man._n and_o when_o a_o brother_n be_v through_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o church_n become_v so_o to_o the_o other_o brother_n against_o who_o he_o have_v trespass_v than_o the_o offend_a brother_n may_v just_o seek_v his_o remedy_n if_o the_o offence_n and_o trespass_n be_v touch_v outward_a concern_v according_a to_o the_o just_a law_n of_o man_n relate_v to_o property_n but_o perhaps_o some_o may_v object_n thus_o this_o relate_v not_o to_o outward_a affair_n but_o to_o offence_n that_o be_v of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n in_o answer_v it_o may_v be_v say_v as_o to_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v whole_o silent_a and_o therefore_o every_o case_n wherein_o one_o brother_n may_v trespass_v against_o another_o may_v according_a to_o right_a reason_n be_v comprehend_v in_o it_o and_o since_o the_o case_n be_v state_v between_o two_o brethren_n and_o that_o on_o a_o orderly_a proceed_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o church_n the_o sentence_n for_o not_o hear_v the_o church_n be_v let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n to_o i_o it_o seem_v to_o import_v that_o the_o trespass_n intend_v be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o in_o a_o particular_a manner_n be_v against_o one_o brother_n more_o than_o another_o and_o so_o as_o probable_a to_o be_v about_o their_o outward_a concern_v as_o any_o thing_n else_o beside_o if_o we_o do_v but_o consider_v that_o if_o a_o brother_n be_v so_o much_o depart_v from_o the_o truth_n as_o after_o admonition_n by_o the_o church_n not_o to_o join_v with_o his_o brother_n with_o who_o he_o be_v at_o variance_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o one_o or_o more_o to_o decide_v the_o matter_n it_o be_v a_o certain_a token_n that_o he_o be_v out_o of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o bond_n by_o which_o he_o become_v centre_v into_o the_o heavenly_a fellowship_n of_o christ_n body_n the_o church_n and_o so_o then_o if_o it_o real_o be_v so_o that_o any_o assembly_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n shall_v assume_v to_o themselves_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o decide_v in_o case_n relate_v to_o property_n yet_o in_o this_o and_o the_o like_a case_n there_o can_v be_v no_o
be_v suck_v in_o by_o many_o and_o then_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v favour_v that_o if_o the_o publisher_n thereof_o do_v but_o once_o put_v the_o bare-skin_n on_o any_o friend_n back_o though_o never_o so_o much_o of_o the_o lamb_n nature_n and_o spirit_n there_o will_v not_o be_v want_v those_o sort_n of_o beast_n with_o who_o it_o be_v suppose_v paul_n fight_v at_o ephesus_n who_o undoubted_o be_v unreasonable_a man_n to_o bait_v that_o person_n on_o who_o to_o speak_v comparative_o the_o bear-skin_n be_v put_v this_o discourse_n may_v occasion_v this_o further_a inquiry_n by_o what_o mark_n may_v we_o best_o be_v inform_v to_o discover_v those_o minister_a person_n in_o your_o public_a meeting_n who_o be_v of_o party_n with_o g._n f._n as_o thou_o take_v it_o and_o that_o be_v the_o encourager_n of_o such_o doctrine_n and_o exhortation_n as_o beforementioned_a to_o exclude_v the_o reason_n the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o jealousy_n and_o to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o brethren_n &_o c_o by_o which_o word_n brethren_n i_o know_v be_v mean_v one_o party_n of_o those_o call_a minister_a friend_n this_o i_o query_n of_o thou_o the_o rather_o because_o thou_o accounte_v it_o a_o good_a rule_n to_o judge_n of_o the_o tree_n by_o thy_o own_o taste_n and_o savour_n of_o the_o fruit._n to_o this_o i_o answer_v what_o garb_n they_o may_v appear_v in_o i_o know_v not_o but_o the_o garb_n they_o have_v appear_v in_o and_o the_o fruit_n they_o have_v bring_v forth_o i_o well_o know_v by_o the_o hear_n of_o my_o ear_n which_o be_v these_o they_o have_v be_v much_o exercise_v in_o cry_v out_o against_o dark_a spirit_n leaven_a spirit_n troubler_n of_o israel_n thereby_o intend_v such_o as_o have_v and_o yet_o do_v approve_v themselves_o faithful_a friend_n gainsaying_n the_o testimony_n of_o such_o as_o have_v declare_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o our_o public_a meeting_n in_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o power_n and_o spirit_n though_o they_o have_v not_o be_v capable_a to_o detect_v the_o publisher_n with_o any_o evil_a consersation_n or_o unsoundness_n of_o doctrine_n and_o ofttimes_o spend_v their_o breath_n at_o a_o eager_a rate_n a_o long_a time_n together_o when_o some_o part_n at_o least_o of_o what_o they_o bring_v forth_o be_v but_o due_o weigh_v be_v a_o mere_a scandal_n to_o religion_n the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o ancient_a friend_n in_o the_o beginning_n not_o have_v a_o word_n in_o many_o such_o tedious_a discourse_n i_o he_o at_o to_o inform_v the_o congregation_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n which_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n have_v profess_v nor_o yet_o to_o direct_v the_o hearer_n in_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n everlasting_a obj._n this_n may_n some_o say_v be_v treat_v of_o thing_n in_o a_o general_a way_n without_o particular_a matter_n to_o evidence_n this_o general_a reflection_n answ_n i_o confess_v it_o be_v so_o and_o that_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v evidence_n against_o any_o one_o not_o name_v neither_o be_v it_o my_o design_n that_o it_o shall_v but_o rather_o that_o i_o may_v thereby_o become_v a_o remembrancer_n to_o those_o who_o may_v read_v the_o same_o that_o they_o may_v consider_v whether_o it_o have_v not_o be_v so_o though_o at_o such_o time_n they_o may_v have_v be_v so_o much_o swallow_v up_o with_o affection_n to_o a_o imaginary_a airy_a declaration_n sound_v forth_o with_o the_o outward_a appearance_n of_o great_a zeal_n as_o that_o they_o have_v take_v that_o to_o be_v pure_a good_a bread_n which_o in_o reality_n be_v nothing_o but_o empty_a husk_n and_o if_o any_o shall_v think_v my_o general_a reflection_n whole_o groundless_a let_v such_o give_v the_o notice_n thereof_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o i_o shall_v be_v capable_a to_o bring_v many_o sufficient_a witness_n to_o the_o truth_n hereof_o for_o at_o the_o moment_n i_o now_o write_v i_o be_o well_o satisfy_v there_o be_v hundred_o will_v testify_v the_o same_o who_o have_v be_v ear-witness_n as_o well_o as_o myself_o however_o i_o must_v also_o testify_v that_o there_o be_v other_o among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n and_o that_o i_o hope_v by_o far_o the_o great_a part_n that_o can_v be_v affect_v with_o such_o kind_n of_o doctrine_n and_o exhortation_n as_o to_o exclude_v the_o reason_n the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o jealousy_n and_o whether_o they_o see_v or_o see_v not_o to_o have_v their_o eye_n unto_o other_o so_o as_o to_o follow_v they_o and_o these_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o concern_v themselves_o either_o the_o one_o way_n or_o the_o other_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o difference_n further_o than_o from_o certain_a evidence_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o these_o not_o receive_v sufficient_a satisfaction_n that_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n be_v such_o as_o represent_v have_v be_v as_o i_o be_o full_o persuade_v term_v such_o as_o have_v let_v in_o jealousy_n the_o reason_n and_o the_o wisdom_n and_o on_o that_o foot_n term_v dark_a spirit_n by_o the_o publisher_n or_o approver_n of_o this_o doctrine_n have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o brethren_n and_o if_o you_o do_v not_o see_v yourselves_o you_o must_v follow_v we_o that_o do_v see_v a_o notable_a expedient_a whereby_o the_o leader_n and_o those_o who_o may_v be_v lead_v may_v like_o blinde-man_n fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n together_o and_o instead_o of_o follow_v the_o bright_a beam_n of_o the_o sun_n may_v be_v find_v follower_n only_o of_o the_o dark_a body_n of_o the_o moon_n to_o be_v short_a when_o i_o consider_v whence_o they_o come_v and_o how_o great_a g._n f._n be_v esteem_v with_o such_o as_o publish_v such_o kind_n of_o doctrine_n and_o exhortation_n as_o before_o be_v cite_v i_o be_o well_o satisfy_v in_o my_o conscience_n that_o there_o be_v many_o at_o this_o day_n that_o have_v no_o better_a measure_n to_o discover_v whether_o one_o profess_v the_o truth_n be_v right_o and_o in_o the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o god_n but_o by_o understanding_n how_o they_o stand_v affect_v to_o g._n f._n and_o his_o outward_a prescription_n as_o if_o all_o the_o labour_n trial_n suffering_n and_o travel_n of_o friend_n be_v to_o centre_n in_o the_o exaltation_n of_o g._n f._n the_o certain_a sense_n whereof_o have_v increase_v the_o concern_v of_o my_o conscience_n to_o give_v forth_o this_o treatise_n entitle_v the_o four_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n to_o which_o also_o be_v add_v the_o five_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n both_o which_o be_v a_o proper_a looking-glass_n for_o those_o who_o desire_v to_o behold_v g._n f._n in_o his_o proper_a image_n but_o to_o return_v robert_n barrow_n and_o three_o more_o all_o informer_n against_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n write_v to_o some_o friend_n of_o bristol_n on_o the_o occasion_n of_o their_o dislike_n of_o some_o proceed_n in_o the_o north_n and_o acquaint_v they_o that_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n power_n they_o have_v a_o understanding_n give_v they_o of_o god_n to_o act_n and_o determine_v in_o affair_n appertain_v to_o the_o gospel_n and_o its_o order_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o this_o have_v be_v signify_v unto_o g._n f._n by_o myself_o and_o other_o in_o a_o letter_n direct_v unto_o he_o and_o other_o date_v the_o 22_o the_o day_n of_o the_o 2_o d._n month_n 1679._o and_o that_o he_o have_v not_o yet_o manifest_v any_o dislike_n thereof_o though_o something_o to_o that_o purpose_n be_v desire_v it_o be_v cause_n of_o jealousy_n that_o their_o pretend_a power_n be_v but_o under_o he_o if_o not_o from_o he_o and_o the_o rather_o also_o because_o they_o be_v great_a espouser_n of_o his_o cause_n and_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o be_v already_o write_v that_o g._n e._n be_v one_o of_o those_o we_o already_o mention_v by_o john_n blaikle_v at_o length_n some_o friend_n of_o london_n and_o bristol_n agree_v that_o six_o friend_n go_v into_o the_o north_n to_o endeavour_v a_o accommodation_n of_o the_o difference_n and_o thereupon_o a_o meeting_n be_v have_v at_o drawch_n in_o sedberch-parish_n in_o yorkshire_n which_o continue_v four_o day_n to_o audite_fw-la the_o difference_n but_o have_v no_o power_n give_v by_o the_o party_n differ_v to_o judge_n for_o some_o disaffect_v towrad_n john_n wilkinson_n &_o john_n story_n will_v not_o permit_v that_o the_o afore_o say_v nine_o judge_n so_o term_v shall_v he_o exclude_v as_o party_n and_o to_o the_o meet_v break_v up_o not_o agree_v too_o give_v any_o judgement_n in_o the_o case_n however_o some_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o give_v forth_o a_o narrative_a so_o call_v but_o be_v rather_o a_o judgement_n with_o a_o large_a preamble_n of_o matter_n not_o act_v at_o drawel_n which_o disagree_v with_o the_o relation_n i_o give_v of_o transaction_n in_o that_o meeting_n be_v one_o of_o the_o six_o choose_v to_o go_v down_o
wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n and_o your_o company_n to_o call_v in_o all_o your_o paper_n which_o you_o have_v give_v forth_o in_o your_o separation_n which_o tend_v to_o nothing_o but_o disquiet_v friend_n mind_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o strife_n jangle_v and_o vain_a dispute_v and_o corrupt_v their_o mind_n and_o draw_v they_o from_o better_a thing_n and_o from_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o peaceable_a truth_n and_o you_o may_v see_v if_o you_o will_v not_o shut_v your_o eye_n what_o your_o spirit_n beget_v into_o viz._n strife_n and_o what_o spirit_n be_v it_o that_o have_v lead_v and_o guide_v you_o so_o if_o you_o do_v not_o give_v over_o your_o work_n and_o separation_n the_o lord_n god_n will_v blast_v your_o spirit_n and_o work_n and_o you_o will_v become_v harden_v and_o as_o bad_a as_o the_o old_a opposer_n james_n naylor_n and_o his_o company_n and_o john_n perrot_n and_o pennyman_n and_o cobet_n and_o muggleton_n mark_v your_o end_n for_o the_o seed_n of_o life_n reign_v and_o will_v grind_v to_o powder_v its_o opposer_n this_o 23_o d._n of_o 8_o the_o m_o on_o 76._o george_n fox_n to_o the_o aforesaid_a letter_n john_n wilkinson_n return_v this_o ensue_a answer_n george_n fox_n i_o receive_v thy_o line_n in_o which_o thou_o say_v this_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o you_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n and_o your_o company_n to_o call_v in_o all_o your_o paper_n which_o you_o have_v give_v forth_o in_o your_o separation_n etc._n etc._n i_o judge_v thou_o mean_v not_o that_o that_o be_v a_o separation_n that_o all_o friend_n meet_v not_o outward_o together_o true_o george_n we_o may_v have_v expect_v thou_o will_v have_v tell_v we_o in_o love_n what_o the_o separation_n thou_o speak_v of_o consist_v in_o whether_o we_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o light_n within_o the_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n or_o have_v build_v again_o that_o which_o we_o have_v once_o destroy_v or_o what_o we_o have_v leave_v undo_v that_o god_n truth_n in_o our_o heart_n require_v of_o we_o and_o what_o paper_n we_o have_v give_v forth_o against_o the_o light_n within_o when_o the_o word_n through_o thou_o concern_v this_o matter_n enter_v our_o heart_n and_o give_v light_a to_o we_o that_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n manifest_v we_o guilty_a of_o a_o separation_n from_o god_n truth_n and_o give_v out_o paper_n against_o it_o we_o shall_v ready_o confess_v it_o and_o repent_v but_o till_o we_o know_v it_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v as_o a_o hammer_n and_o thy_o prophecy_n be_v to_o they_o who_o be_v in_o the_o separation_n and_o in_o strife_n cause_v division_n viz._n with_o article_n of_o accusation_n disquiet_v friend_n mind_n with_o a_o new_a form_n and_o way_n of_o proceed_v carry_v on_o with_o a_o profession_n of_o church-authority_n and_o great_a help_n which_o indeed_o be_v seldom_o want_v in_o a_o separation_n from_o truth_n when_o the_o apostasy_n enter_v and_o true_o there_o be_v great_a cause_n of_o jealousy_n what_o will_v be_v the_o end_n of_o these_o thing_n thou_o shall_v have_v tell_v we_o what_o new_a thing_n we_o have_v bring_v in_o as_o bad_a as_o the_o old_a opposer_n james_n naylor_n and_o his_o company_n and_o john_n perrot_n and_o pennyman_n etc._n etc._n before_o thou_o have_v tell_v we_o the_o lord_n god_n will_v blast_v your_o spirit_n and_o work_n and_o if_o james_n naylor_n opposition_n consist_v in_o not_o reprove_v his_o company_n when_o they_o bow_v to_o he_o and_o cry_v hosanna_n let_v it_o be_v a_o warn_v to_o thou_o and_o reprove_v thy_o company_n when_o they_o give_v thou_o the_o title_n and_o honour_n due_a to_o the_o high_a lest_o they_o that_o love_v pre-eminence_n and_o rule_n outlive_v thy_o time_n and_o render_v thy_o weakness_n to_o other_o as_o thou_o have_v do_v he_o when_o thou_o be_v dead_a and_o in_o thy_o grave_n turn_v to_o dust_n therefore_o be_v humble_a as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n under_o christ_n the_o head_n who_o rule_v in_o his_o church_n and_o people_n who_o right_a it_o be_v and_o remember_v the_o word_n to_o moses_n with_o the_o time_n and_o place_n of_o his_o death_n who_o sanctify_v not_o god_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o israel_n his_o people_n oh_o well_o may_v friend_n be_v call_v apostate_n in_o their_o day_n and_o be_v curse_v of_o man_n when_o they_o be_v dead_a who_o condemnation_n be_v leave_v on_o record_n by_o other_o to_o posterity_n in_o the_o church_n book_n see_v james_n naylor_n by_o thou_o be_v call_v a_o old_a opposer_n who_o confess_v his_o weakness_n repent_v and_o dye_v in_o truth_n and_o peace_n with_o god_n but_o george_n we_o may_v have_v be_v persuade_v that_o thy_o counsel_n and_o advice_n thou_o give_v to_o the_o church_n in_o writing_n be_v great_o abuse_v and_o we_o can_v judge_v how_o thou_o can_v intend_v force_n or_o such_o a_o way_n of_o proceed_v with_o friend_n about_o they_o that_o which_o i_o see_v at_o present_a tend_v to_o unity_n be_v for_o thou_o to_o manifest_a what_o thou_o intend_v by_o they_o if_o thou_o intend_v no_o force_n with_o they_o which_o thou_o can_v not_o do_v in_o truth_n for_o that_o will_v let_v thou_o see_v division_n will_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o they_o then_o manifest_a the_o abuse_n they_o have_v do_v to_o thou_o and_o thy_o counsel_n to_o friend_n by_o their_o proceed_n about_o they_o that_o we_o may_v know_v that_o thou_o be_v the_o same_o in_o principle_n in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n as_o in_o the_o beginning_n when_o thy_o testimony_n be_v recommend_v to_o the_o witness_n of_o god_n in_o all_o conscience_n that_o thou_o may_v clear_v thyself_o that_o thou_o approve_v of_o no_o force_n about_o religion_n but_o the_o force_n and_o effect_v of_o the_o word_n deliver_v that_o the_o increase_n may_v be_v of_o god_n and_o we_o all_o unto_o who_o god_n love_n have_v be_v large_a may_v have_v unity_n in_o truth_n as_o in_o the_o beginning_n the_o 9th_o mth._n 76._o from_o thy_o friend_n john_n wilkinson_n unto_o this_o letter_n george_n fox_n give_v this_o ensue_a answer_n john_n wilkinson_n i_o receive_v thy_o letter_n as_o i_o judge_v subscribe_v j._n w._n wherein_o thou_o will_v seem_v to_o shuffle_v off_o that_o which_o i_o write_v to_o thou_o and_z john_n story_n and_o the_o rest_n as_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o you_o and_o that_o i_o shall_v have_v tell_v you_o wherein_o you_o be_v separate_v and_o what_o paper_n you_o have_v give_v forth_o contrary_a to_o the_o light_n and_o truth_n etc._n etc._n your_o paper_n of_o your_o eighty_o subscriber_n be_v not_o from_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n nor_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n which_o you_o send_v up_o and_o down_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o to_o beget_v into_o strife_n why_o do_v you_o send_v it_o to_o carlisle_n and_o up_o and_o down_o to_o other_o place_n and_o another_o paper_n late_o that_o you_o have_v send_v beside_o all_o your_o other_o paper_n and_o as_o for_o my_o paper_n or_o write_n that_o i_o have_v be_v move_v of_o the_o lord_n to_o give_v forth_o i_o know_v no_o friend_n that_o do_v abuse_v they_o if_o thou_o know_v any_o thou_o shall_v have_v mention_v they_o and_o if_o thou_o be_v it_o not_o blind_a who_o be_v go_v from_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o thou_o be_v first_o convince_v thou_o will_v see_v that_o i_o be_o the_o same_o as_o i_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n and_o as_o for_o thy_o fear_n of_o make_v force_n in_o religion_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v pure_a can_v come_v into_o it_o but_o look_v into_o your_o own_o paper_n wherein_o you_o say_v none_o of_o your_o own_o county_n nor_o other_o county_n must_v sit_v among_o your_o choose_a man_n but_o who_o you_o have_v give_v power_n unto_o etc._n etc._n but_o i_o say_v as_o christ_n say_v unto_o you_o he_o that_o believe_v be_v save_v and_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v condemn_v already_o and_o thy_o neighbour_n and_o all_o that_o have_v be_v concern_v with_o you_o do_v know_v what_o you_o be_v separate_v from_o and_o i_o say_v also_o you_o be_v separate_v from_o that_o power_n and_o spirit_n which_o do_v first_o convince_v you_o for_o if_o not_o you_o will_v have_v be_v in_o unity_n with_o i_o as_o at_o the_o first_o and_o thou_o have_v better_o have_v take_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n patient_o and_o not_o resist_v it_o but_o it_o seem_v it_o have_v be_v as_o a_o fire_n unto_o thou_o and_o you._n for_o it_o be_v send_v in_o tenderness_n and_o care_n unto_o you_o and_o for_o your_o good_a though_o thou_o will_v make_v thyself_o ignorant_a of_o what_o separation_n you_o be_v go_v into_o for_o you_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o inward_a light_n and_o spirit_n that_o
but_o to_o stir_v up_o strife_n and_o to_o sow_v discord_n but_o be_v not_o david_n and_o manasses_n and_o peter_n and_z many_z other_o their_o sin_n record_v and_o their_o repentance_n and_o change_a record_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o what_o need_v john_n wilkinson_n be_v afraid_a and_o trouble_v himself_o about_o the_o record_v the_o condemnation_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a but_o who_o have_v curse_v david_n or_o peter_n or_o any_o other_o who_o condemnation_n of_o sin_n and_o repentance_n and_o turn_v from_o it_o be_v record_v or_o call_v they_o apostate_n and_o what_o spirit_n be_v this_o in_o john_n wilkinson_n that_o will_v not_o have_v such_o thing_n record_v now_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n record_v in_o former_a age_n sure_o it_o be_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n nor_o light_n of_o christ_n for_o if_o they_o be_v sin_n private_a that_o only_o the_o church_n know_v they_o than_o they_o go_v no_o further_o than_o the_o church_n but_o if_o they_o be_v open_a sin_n to_o the_o world_n among_o sinner_n than_o their_o condemnation_n and_o repentance_n must_v go_v as_o far_o as_o the_o fact_n be_v know_v but_o if_o john_n wilkinson_n be_v afraid_a lest_o he_o shall_v be_v curse_v and_o his_o company_n and_o count_v apostate_n to_o posterity_n if_o their_o fail_n sin_n and_o transgression_n shall_v be_v record_v true_o without_o your_o repentance_n they_o will_v be_v record_v and_o it_o will_v be_v well_o if_o you_o do_v repent_v and_o condemn_v they_o for_o than_o your_o resurrection_n will_v be_v record_v out_o of_o this_o apostasy_n else_o you_o need_v not_o question_v stand_v upon_o record_n and_o they_o that_o have_v be_v lead_v by_o you_o into_o a_o separation_n and_o now_o come_v off_o from_o you_o do_v not_o bless_v you_o as_o several_z have_v declare_v so_o you_o bring_v that_o upon_o yourselves_o which_o you_o think_v to_o avoid_v but_o why_o shall_v thou_o and_o you_o be_v so_o afraid_a of_o have_v your_o repentance_n from_o sin_n and_o evil_a action_n record_v which_o you_o have_v commit_v in_o grieve_v god_n spirit_n and_o his_o people_n and_o open_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o world_n without_o a_o fear_n of_o be_v curse_v or_o count_v apostate_n be_v this_o the_o cause_n you_o will_v hide_v your_o sin_n and_o have_v no_o testimony_n give_v forth_o against_o you_o if_o thou_o and_o you_o have_v such_o a_o love_n to_o they_o thou_o and_o you_o may_v keep_v they_o but_o the_o truth_n testimony_n will_v stand_v against_o all_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o there_o be_v condemnation_n upon_o record_n ever_o since_o 1652._o so_o no_o new_a thing_n among_o we_o but_o according_a to_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o lord_n know_v i_o will_v have_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v pure_a to_o rule_n and_o reign_v and_o all_o sin_n and_o evil_a to_o be_v condemn_v and_o that_o which_o be_v private_a to_o be_v only_o among_o friend_n and_o that_o which_o be_v public_a to_o be_v public_o condemn_v to_o the_o world_n and_o if_o the_o world_n shall_v say_v such_o a_o one_o do_v so_o or_o so_o there_o be_v a_o testimony_n upon_o record_n that_o such_o a_o one_o be_v convert_v and_o translate_v to_o posterity_n as_o david_n be_v from_o the_o evil_a to_o good_a and_o from_o the_o darkness_n to_o the_o light_n and_o have_v you_o continue_v in_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o in_o his_o spirit_n that_o lead_v the_o saint_n to_o condemn_v those_o evil_n which_o be_v record_v in_o scripture_n and_o to_o glorify_v god_n in_o their_o resurrection_n you_o will_v never_o have_v be_v in_o opposition_n against_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n practice_n now_o in_o such_o thing_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n you_o call_v it_o a_o new_a way_n and_o that_o which_o will_v not_o have_v sin_n and_o evil_n condemn_v and_o condemn_v that_o which_o record_v it_o be_v for_o condemnation_n for_o instead_o of_o be_v curse_v as_o thou_o say_v they_o that_o do_v condemn_v sin_n and_o evil_a and_o arise_v out_o of_o that_o which_o be_v condennied_a and_o this_o be_v record_v to_o posterity_n the_o church_n and_o their_o relation_n can_v testify_v to_o their_o change_n and_o their_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n but_o i_o be_o sorry_a for_o you_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o heaven_n know_v that_o you_o shall_v dishonour_v the_o lord_n god_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o people_n in_o the_o north_n and_o have_v separate_v from_o the_o light_n and_o spirit_n that_o do_v first_o convince_v you_o for_o have_v you_o be_v in_o the_o love_n and_o spirit_n you_o will_v have_v be_v in_o the_o same_o love_n in_o the_o same_o gentleness_n and_o meekness_n and_o wisdom_n that_o be_v pure_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n and_o so_o you_o have_v lose_v that_o glory_n that_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n and_o your_o nakedness_n be_v discover_v that_o the_o priest_n justices_z and_o drunkard_n can_v say_v that_o the_o quaker_n be_v separate_a one_o from_o another_o and_o look_v into_o yourselves_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o froward_a stubborn_a self-willed_a spirit_n and_o rough_a and_o short_a that_o now_o may_v talk_v of_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o will_v have_v liberty_n but_o be_v to_o be_v reprove_v and_o well_o it_o will_v be_v for_o you_o if_o you_o will_v turn_v at_o the_o reproof_n and_o whereas_o thou_o speak_v of_o a_o way_n of_o come_v into_o unity_n alack_o for_o thou_o if_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o universal_a spirit_n and_o power_n of_o god_n that_o be_v over_o all_o thou_o will_v not_o make_v such_o a_o noise_n about_o imposition_n for_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o very_a spirit_n of_o imposition_n in_o thou_o and_o you_o that_o do_v not_o know_v what_o it_o will_v be_v at_o itself_o nor_o to_o what_o to_o bring_v other_o and_o much_o i_o can_v say_v as_o to_o that_o but_o that_o whereby_o you_o may_v come_v into_o unity_n it_o must_v be_v in_o the_o unlimited_a power_n and_o spirit_n and_o light_n that_o do_v first_o convince_v you_o and_o bring_v you_o into_o unity_n and_o meet_v without_o prescription_n of_o your_o elder_n or_o deacon_n or_o your_o member_n so_o your_o way_n to_o come_v into_o unity_n be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o light_n and_o spirit_n that_o do_v first_o convince_v you_o and_o judge_n and_o condemn_v this_o spirit_n that_o have_v lead_v you_o into_o separation_n with_o all_o its_o work_n since_o and_o then_o in_o that_o spirit_n there_o be_v no_o fear_n of_o imposition_n but_o everlasting_a unity_n in_o the_o everlasting_a seed_n that_o bruise_n the_o head_n of_o the_o serpent_n and_o all_o his_o son_n of_o belial_n that_o be_v without_o the_o yoke_n and_o be_v afraid_a of_o it_o now_o there_o be_v they_o that_o will_v not_o be_v yoke_v with_o the_o law_n of_o god_n nor_o with_o the_o gospel_n nor_o with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o hammer_n and_o a_o fire_n and_o this_o be_v count_v imposition_n by_o such_o to_o be_v yoke_v and_o hammer_v down_o and_o to_o be_v reprove_v and_o rebuke_v and_o admonish_v this_o be_v imposition_n and_o overdriving_a though_o the_o power_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o everlasting_a god_n lead_v to_o it_o which_o spirit_n of_o god_n sanctify_v and_o exalt_v god_n with_o a_o sanctify_v spirit_n and_o reprove_v all_o that_o which_o dishonour_v he_o or_o will_v defile_v and_o walk_v not_o in_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v baptise_a and_o make_v to_o drink_v into_o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n charge_v and_o warn_v and_o reprove_v all_o the_o unruly_a and_o charge_v the_o faithful_a to_o stand_v fast_o and_o admonish_v as_o in_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v plentiful_o see_v and_o what_o be_v this_o imposition_n and_o force_n think_v you_o which_o god_n spirit_n lead_v the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n unto_o and_o have_v no_o fellowship_n but_o with_o they_o that_o walk_v in_o the_o same_o spirit_n or_o will_v you_o say_v there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o holy-ghost_n now_o as_o be_v then_o yes_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o the_o same_o and_o all_o that_o keep_v in_o it_o be_v in_o the_o holy_a and_o eternal_a fellowship_n and_o it_o lead_v to_o the_o same_o practice_n now_o as_o then_o and_o all_o such_o as_o the_o apostle_n admonish_v to_o have_v no_o fellowship_n withal_o as_o in_o their_o epistle_n and_o in_o judas_n may_v not_o those_o have_v cry_v imposition_n as_o well_o as_o you_o and_o whereas_o thou_o speak_v of_o a_o new_a way_n and_o a_o new_a form_n carry_v on_o with_o church-authority_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o priest_n old_a spirit_n that_o use_v to_o tell_v we_o of_o our_o new_a way_n and_o where_o be_v our_o religion_n twenty_o year_n ago_o but_o
unless_o they_o call_v in_o all_o their_o paper_n which_o be_v chief_o give_v forth_o to_o vindicate_v themselves_o as_o not_o depart_v from_o the_o truth_n though_o they_o can_v not_o be_v subject_a to_o imposition_n or_o prescription_n of_o other_o g._n f_n confusion_n do_v not_o end_n here_o but_o be_v further_o manifest_v in_o these_o word_n viz._n without_o prescription_n of_o your_o elder_n because_o it_o be_v his_o own_o counsel_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o man_n meeting_n to_o choose_v particular_a person_n for_o that_o service_n agreeable_a to_o which_o advice_n the_o elder_n he_o now_o strike_v at_o be_v choose_v and_o yet_o in_o a_o scoff_a manner_n reflect_v on_o the_o word_n choose_a man_n and_o on_o the_o departure_n of_o other_o when_o their_o message_n be_v tell_v and_o as_o if_o that_o very_a order_n be_v worse_a than_o any_o assize_n session_n and_o court_n as_o to_o the_o departure_n of_o other_o immediate_o after_o their_o message_n be_v tell_v we_o be_v persuade_v be_v never_o propose_v by_o those_o call_v separate_a while_o any_o come_n thither_o have_v any_o concern_v upon_o they_o as_o matter_n proper_a for_o the_o meeting_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o nor_o yet_o to_o exclude_v any_o friend_n that_o be_v free_a to_o stay_v after_o they_o have_v deliver_v their_o message_n for_o which_o persuasion_n sufficient_a ground_n be_v give_v unto_o we_o from_o the_o write_n of_o those_o call_v separatist_n in_o the_o 11_o section_n of_o this_o manuscript_n this_o mean_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a manuscript_n second_o part_n in_o these_o word_n viz._n we_o indeed_o declare_v and_o testify_v that_o our_o sense_n and_o mean_v in_o what_o we_o propose_v former_o to_o reunite_v the_o meeting_n be_v not_o to_o hinder_v any_o friend_n of_o stay_v in_o the_o meeting_n who_o behave_v themselves_o man_n of_o peace_n as_o we_o testify_v unto_o they_o in_o our_o reply_n to_o their_o answer_n to_o our_o proposal_n but_o such_o as_o incline_v to_o cause_n offence_n with_o rash_a censure_n and_o false_a judgement_n which_o have_v make_v and_o will_v make_v division_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n we_o have_v learned_a if_o they_o have_v object_v against_o any_o thing_n in_o love_n which_o we_o propose_v and_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o truth_n give_v we_o any_o reason_n of_o its_o inconveniency_n if_o we_o can_v not_o have_v convince_v they_o of_o the_o inconveniency_n thereof_o with_o weighty_a reason_n we_o shall_v ready_o have_v consent_v unto_o they_o we_o now_o desire_v the_o impartial_a reader_n serious_o to_o consider_v whether_o our_o persuasion_n aforesaid_a be_v not_o on_o sufficient_a ground_n and_o if_o so_o then_o it_o be_v plain_a g._n f._n reflect_v on_o his_o own_o church-order_n as_o his_o term_n be_v as_o worse_a than_o any_o court_n assizes_n or_o session_n by_o which_o we_o may_v in_o his_o own_o language_n to_o john_n wilkinson_n say_v that_o he_o know_v not_o what_o he_o will_v be_v at_o if_o his_o word_n and_o write_n may_v be_v take_v to_o be_v his_o real_a meaning_n at_o all_o time_n but_o as_o to_o that_o we_o have_v no_o cause_n so_o to_o conclude_v because_o we_o from_o this_o and_o other_o his_o word_n write_n and_o action_n be_v sufficient_o satisfy_v that_o he_o conclude_v all_o wrong_n and_o go_v from_o the_o light_n and_o spirit_n that_o be_v not_o at_o unity_n with_o what_o he_o say_v act_v and_o bring_v forth_o though_o it_o be_v ever_o so_o repugnant_a to_o truth_n and_o ground_v on_o ever_o so_o false_a a_o report_n and_o scandal_n and_o so_o though_o he_o talk_v of_o the_o unlimited_a spirit_n yet_o we_o be_v persuade_v he_o will_v limit_v every_o one_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o his_o spirit_n and_o that_o if_o they_o have_v not_o faith_n therein_o they_o be_v wrong_v and_o in_o a_o separate_a spirit_n from_o the_o light_n and_o spirit_n by_o which_o they_o be_v first_o convince_v and_o on_o this_o foot_n we_o do_v not_o question_v but_o he_o conclude_v every_o one_o wrong_v that_o conscientious_o may_v ask_v he_o any_o question_n for_o their_o information_n or_o satisfaction_n touch_v he_o conclude_v that_o it_o do_v spring_n from_o a_o jealous_a spirit_n that_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v satisfy_v the_o last_o thing_n we_o think_v meet_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o his_o aforesaid_a letter_n be_v this_o he_o repeat_v john_n wilkinson_n word_n thus_o and_o whereas_o thou_o speak_v of_o a_o new_a way_n and_o a_o new_a form_n and_o carry_v on_o with_o church-authority_n etc._n etc._n and_o then_o in_o part_n of_o his_o answer_n thus_o say_v for_o i_o know_v no_o new_a way_n nor_o new_a form_n carry_v on_o with_o church-authority_n as_o thou_o reproachful_o say_v but_o hear_v thou_o have_v manifest_v thy_o separate_a spirit_n and_o mind_n this_o manifest_v unto_o we_o that_o g._n f._n to_o use_v his_o own_o language_n do_v so_o jumble_v that_o he_o know_v not_o what_o he_o will_v be_v at_o for_o man_n and_o woman_n meeting_n be_v and_o as_o we_o take_v it_o in_o his_o sense_n account_v the_o church_n and_o what_o they_o carry_v on_o be_v account_v to_o be_v carry_v on_o by_o the_o power_n whereof_z g._n f._n account_v they_o heir_n which_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n that_o now_o this_o church_n have_v introduce_v new_a form_n or_o else_o g._n f._n have_v introduce_v new_a form_n among_o they_o which_o they_o as_o a_o church_n and_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o authority_n do_v bring_v forth_o we_o be_v satisfy_v be_v as_o certain_o know_v to_o g._n f._n as_o g._n f._n be_v know_v to_o any_o one_o and_o therefore_o his_o denial_n that_o he_o know_v of_o no_o new_a form_n carry_v on_o with_o church-authority_n be_v take_v by_o we_o to_o be_v a_o absolute_a quibble_n shift_n or_o shuffle_v if_o not_o a_o plain_a downright_a falsehood_n and_o untruth_n have_v thus_o observe_v on_o g._n f_n letter_n as_o aforesaid_a we_o desire_v the_o reader_n serious_o to_o weigh_v in_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n the_o observation_n make_v thereon_o and_o then_o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o every_o such_o reaer_fw-mi will_v have_v this_o answer_n in_o his_o own_o breast_n that_o what_o g._n f._n have_v write_v by_o way_n of_o reply_n to_o john_n wilkinson_n can_v not_o be_v give_v forth_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o can_v lie_v but_o be_v rather_o the_o fruit_n either_o of_o ignorance_n pride_n scorn_n and_o disdain_n in_o the_o best_a sense_n it_o be_v a_o common_a and_o tude_z say_v prid_n oft_o time_n go_v before_o a_o fall_n that_o g._n f._n be_v fall_v be_v manifest_o prove_v in_o part._n in_o note_v it_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o manuscript_n first_o mention_v in_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o first_o part._n this_o treatise_n if_o be_v guilty_a of_o error_n and_o matter_n of_o eyil_a fact_n may_v be_v account_v sufficient_a proof_n and_o that_o he_o have_v be_v of_o so_o proud_a a_o spirit_n as_o to_o expect_v a_o sort_n of_o reverence_n and_o submission_n to_o he_o which_o the_o truth_n can_v not_o own_o we_o doubt_v not_o may_v the_o lord_n open_v his_o eye_n to_o behold_v his_o error_n and_o give_v he_o repentance_n that_o so_o in_o a_o sense_n thereof_o he_o may_v confess_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o rejoice_v of_o his_o faithful_a and_o ancient_a friend_n though_o g._n f._n in_o his_o before-cited_n answer_v unto_o john_n wilkinson_n seem_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o receipt_n but_o of_o one_o letter_n yet_o so_o it_o be_v that_o john_n wilkinson_n for_o the_o further_o clear_v of_o his_o conscience_n write_v another_o letter_n unto_o g._n f._n sudden_o after_o who_o copy_n now_o follow_v george_n fox_n with_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o my_o heart_n i_o have_v of_o late_o be_v great_o concern_v in_o the_o remembrance_n of_o thou_o in_o who_o god_n appear_v in_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o day_n of_o life_n and_o reach_v unto_o we_o with_o his_o word_n who_o give_v we_o faith_n to_o believe_v and_o to_o receive_v thy_o testimony_n thou_o give_v of_o his_o light_n in_o our_o heart_n which_o gather_v we_o into_o unity_n with_o he_o and_o one_o with_o another_o and_o make_v we_o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o first-born_a or_o of_o the_o first_o fruit_n unto_o god_n continue_v many_o year_n in_o love_n and_o goodwill_n one_o to_o another_o but_o of_o late_a day_n the_o concord_n we_o once_o have_v seem_v much_o to_o be_v break_v and_o many_o instrument_n who_o god_n have_v wrought_v by_o and_o in_o great_a love_n have_v labour_v together_o but_o of_o late_a time_n have_v great_o jar_v and_o the_o cause_n god_n have_v manifest_v to_o i_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o principle_n of_o truth_n nor_o in_o christ_n doctrine_n nor_o in_o any_o practice_n which_o truth_n in_o the_o member_n
of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n lead_v into_o but_o about_o prescription_n from_o thou_o through_o the_o blind_a zeal_n of_o the_o weak_a to_o promote_v thy_o order_n it_o may_v be_v fear_v many_o do_v eye_n more_o the_o order_n from_o thou_o than_o they_o eye_v the_o lord_n in_o they_o accuse_v and_o judge_v all_o out_o of_o truth_n that_o practise_v not_o with_o all_o free_v from_o they_o use_v all_o force_n they_o can_v devise_v according_a to_o the_o power_n they_o have_v to_o compel_v all_o unto_o they_o censure_v all_o friend_n out_o of_o unity_n that_o come_v not_o to_o practise_v with_o they_o which_o be_v the_o great_a penalty_n and_o persecution_n they_o can_v inflict_v for_o want_v of_o ourward_n power_n and_o many_o friend_n think_v it_o godliness_n to_o accuse_v and_o condemn_v their_o brethren_n about_o outward_a thing_n before_o the_o accuse_v with_o truth_n be_v lead_v into_o they_o george_n for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o for_o his_o people_n sake_n open_v thy_o mind_n plain_o what_o thou_o intend_v by_o they_o and_o make_v it_o know_v unto_o friend_n if_o thou_o intend_v counsel_n unto_o the_o church_n only_o and_o no_o compel_v into_o the_o particular_a thing_n to_o practise_v but_o commend_v to_o god_n be_v witness_n in_o all_o conscience_n to_o be_v lead_v into_o the_o exercise_n and_o practice_n thereof_o as_o every_o one_o be_v inward_o persuade_v of_o god_n in_o each_o particular_a and_o not_o before_o if_o thou_o so_o do_v it_o will_v much_o clear_v thou_o and_o thy_o order_n from_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o division_n for_o iniquity_n work_v in_o a_o mystery_n in_o many_o that_o think_v it_o godliness_n to_o accuse_v and_o condemn_v their_o brethren_n about_o outward_a thing_n as_o i_o say_v before_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o great_a strife_n in_o former_a age_n but_o if_o thou_o open_v not_o thy_o mind_n to_o friend_n and_o deal_v plain_o and_o testify_v thou_o never_o intend_v that_o any_o who_o be_v faithful_a inward_o to_o god_n shall_v either_o be_v accuse_v or_o condemn_v about_o thy_o order_n and_o so_o let_v thy_o prudent_a care_n appear_v about_o these_o thing_n the_o breach_n among_o friend_n and_o brethren_n be_v in_o great_a danger_n to_o grow_v wide_a and_o then_o i_o fear_v the_o cause_n of_o division_n will_v lie_v at_o thy_o door_n which_o god_n almighty_a in_o his_o mercy_n prevent_v and_o raise_v thou_o up_o to_o put_v a_o stop_n unto_o for_o the_o enemy_n of_o truth_n have_v take_v occasion_n from_o thy_o order_n to_o work_v and_o beget_v a_o false_a birth_n in_o many_o even_a night-vision_n and_o false_a prophecy_n as_o the_o number_n of_o accusation_n and_o angry_a proceed_n about_o they_o of_o late_o declare_v which_o be_v not_o before_o in_o our_o age_n neither_o do_v head_n nor_o horus_n of_o the_o dragon_n appear_v to_o cast_v down_o the_o holy_a people_n by_o lie_v against_o they_o say_v that_o they_o oppose_v the_o holy_a order_n and_o by_o approve_v of_o such_o proceed_n be_v satan_n let_v lose_v in_o our_o time_n to_o deceive_v and_o all_o that_o see_v his_o transforming_n he_o cast_v flood_n out_o of_o his_o mouth_n against_o they_o to_o carry_v they_o away_o and_o cast_v such_o to_o the_o earth_n want_v nothing_o to_o effect_v his_o design_n but_o the_o outward_a power_n to_o carry_v they_o on_o to_o kill_v for_o his_o wrath_n be_v against_o they_o that_o keep_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o such_o he_o accuse_v of_o fleshly_a liberty_n and_o loose_v walk_v and_o of_o be_v separatist_n and_o heretic_n george_n i_o desire_v thou_o once_o again_o to_o warn_v all_o friend_n that_o they_o neither_o accuse_v nor_o condemn_v one_o another_o any_o more_o about_o the_o aforesaid_a thing_n for_o if_o that_o do_v continue_v among_o friend_n it_o will_v cause_v a_o great_a fall_v away_o and_o god_n will_v visit_v with_o great_a judgement_n that_o the_o profession_n of_o great_a power_n and_o church-authority_n will_v not_o save_v from_o while_o the_o accuser_n of_o the_o brethren_n in_o such_o that_o be_v deep_o in_o it_o be_v not_o cast_v down_o it_o be_v not_o the_o transform_v of_o satan_n into_o a_o shape_n of_o austerity_n and_o form_v power_n to_o fright_v the_o simple_a into_o this_o or_o that_o outward_a observation_n we_o have_v wait_v for_o nor_o labour_v after_o nor_o a_o feign_a profession_n of_o overcome_a love_n in_o word_n that_o can_v deceive_v we_o bless_a be_v god_n for_o his_o gift_n of_o light_n for_o ever_o more_o when_o such_o be_v bitter_o smite_v their_o fellow-servant_n and_o fill_v man_n mind_n with_o false_a accusation_n that_o even_o our_o holy_a profession_n be_v defile_v what_o i_o desire_v of_o thou_o be_v not_o for_o fear_v of_o more_o acousation_n nor_o false_a prophecy_n they_o do_v not_o move_v i_o from_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o i_o desire_v it_o for_o thy_o good_a and_o the_o church_n prosperity_n and_o peace_n for_o a_o image_n of_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n consist_v in_o outward_a prescription_n attend_v with_o force_n over_o the_o inward_a man_n we_o never_o expect_v in_o this_o gospel-day_n to_o bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o about_o but_o the_o inward_a and_o peaceable_a government_n of_o christ_n to_o govern_v the_o member_n of_o his_o own_o body_n the_o true_a church_n into_o all_o practice_n according_a to_o godliness_n and_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o follow_v he_o our_o redeemer_n who_o knit_v together_o in_o the_o autient_a unity_n and_o break_v not_o the_o holy_a fellowship_n among_o brethren_n i_o have_v clear_v my_o conscience_n which_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o remembrance_n of_o thou_o desire_v thou_o may_v quit_v thyself_o with_o truth_n in_o all_o thing_n in_o thy_o latter_a day_n that_o thy_o end_n may_v be_v crown_v with_o true_a honour_n thy_o friend_n in_o truth_n john_n wilkinson_n postscript_n what_o spirit_n or_o motion_n thy_o prescription_n be_v from_o be_v not_o my_o concern_v but_o i_o need_v not_o ask_v whether_o the_o holy-ghost_n or_o the_o spirit_n of_o guile_n force_n and_o compel_v have_v attend_v they_o if_o tree_n in_o our_o age_n may_v be_v true_o know_v by_o their_o fruit_n the_o 9th_o month_n 76._o to_o this_o letter_n john_n wilkinson_n say_v he_o never_o receive_v answer_n which_o consider_v the_o content_n thereof_o and_o compare_v it_o with_o what_o g._n f._n have_v write_v in_o answer_n to_o his_o former_a letter_n be_v just_a occasion_n of_o jealousy_n that_o g._n f._n intend_a compulsion_n so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v capable_a as_o well_o as_o counsel_n and_o that_o the_o weight_n and_o burden_n of_o all_o the_o ill_a consequence_n attend_v the_o late_a division_n among_o friend_n will_v lie_v at_o g._n f_n door_n since_o he_o have_v be_v so_o carnest_o press_v to_o give_v his_o sense_n touch_v these_o thing_n which_o have_v occasion_v the_o division_n and_o yet_o have_v either_o impertinent_o do_v it_o as_o his_o answer_n to_o john_n wilkinson_n first_o letter_n beforementioned_a do_v manifest_a or_o else_o have_v not_o give_v answer_v to_o the_o party_n concern_v which_o be_v evident_a not_o only_o from_o his_o not_o cause_v a_o answer_n to_o be_v deliver_v unto_o john_n wilkinson_n last_o recite_v letter_n but_o also_o from_o the_o like_a neglect_n unto_o william_n rogers_n who_o write_v he_o two_o large_a letter_n for_o the_o clear_v of_o his_o conscience_n etc._n etc._n the_o two_o letter_n write_v by_o i_o unto_o g._n f._n do_v now_o follow_v bristol_n the_o 27_o of_o the_o one_a month_n 1677._o george_n fox_n in_o a_o bow_a down_o spirit_n to_o god_n that_o my_o pen_n may_v not_o commit_v a_o tittle_n of_o error_n to_o this_o paper_n either_o by_o want_n of_o plainness_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n or_o take_v too_o much_o upon_o i_o on_o the_o other_o do_v i_o now_o write_v unto_o thou_o in_o expectation_n that_o thou_o will_v have_v a_o right_a savour_n of_o my_o integrity_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o so_o much_o charity_n if_o thou_o apprehend_v i_o herein_o err_v as_o to_o inform_v i_o wherein_o for_o my_o hope_n be_v that_o i_o shall_v for_o ever_o have_v a_o ready_a ear_n to_o hear_v and_o a_o ready_a mind_n to_o weigh_v any_o instruction_n though_o but_o from_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o flock_n much_o more_o from_o a_o elder_a brother_n thou_o of_o the_o 14_o the_o of_o the_o 11_o the_o month_n i_o receive_v but_o have_v nothing_o upon_o i_o to_o write_v as_o answer_v thereto_o not_o be_v willing_a to_o strive_v yet_o through_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o present_a and_o increase_a distraction_n among_o friend_n i_o have_v somewhat_o on_o my_o spirit_n to_o clear_v my_o conscience_n as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n have_v a_o certain_a sight_n sense_n and_o knowledge_n that_o many_o honest-hearted_a friend_n as_o well_o as_o myself_o remain_v for_o the_o truth_n
be_v now_o so_o open_v as_o to_o see_v that_o if_o thou_o own_v they_o thou_o will_v bring_v thyself_o under_o the_o just_a censure_n of_o truth_n for_o endeavour_v to_o make_v any_o brother_n a_o offender_n for_o that_o which_o be_v no_o offence_n and_o if_o thou_o own_v they_o not_o than_o thou_o will_v show_v thyself_o out_o of_o unity_n with_o the_o great_a opposer_n of_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n however_o if_o thou_o refuse_v to_o answer_n it_o will_v be_v evidence_n enough_o that_o thou_o walk_v not_o by_o that_o golden_a rule_n to_o do_v as_o thou_o will_v be_v do_v by_o moreov_a since_o thy_o paper_n give_v testimony_n against_o a_o spirit_n why_o do_v thou_o not_o tell_v we_o in_o plain_a word_n who_o they_o be_v in_o who_o according_a to_o thy_o sense_n it_o work_v for_o i_o much_o doubt_n that_o if_o thou_o be_v not_o the_o secret_a mover_n to_o all_o this_o strife_n yet_o the_o want_n of_o the_o right_a application_n of_o some_o expression_n in_o thy_o paper_n testify_v against_o bad_a spirit_n etc._n etc._n be_v one_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o increase_n of_o bad_a spirit_n and_o of_o their_o scribble_n and_o therefore_o be_v plainhearted_a for_o i_o do_v know_v that_o a_o dark_a imaginary_a spirit_n be_v enter_v and_o under_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o truth_n and_o that_o also_o such_o a_o spirit_n appear_v among_o those_o who_o espouse_v the_o cause_n against_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n and_o the_o fruit_n that_o be_v bring_v forth_o by_o they_o which_o evidence_n that_o they_o be_v of_o such_o a_o spirit_n be_v as_o follow_v viz._n judge_v the_o lord_n servant_n out_o of_o the_o truth_n for_o particular_a matter_n lay_v to_o their_o charge_n without_o hear_v they_o speak_v for_o themselves_o or_o first_o send_v their_o judgement_n or_o condemnation_n to_o they_o before_o the_o spread_a thereof_o contrary_a to_o the_o know_a practice_n of_o friend_n in_o truth_n gather_v friend_n together_o on_o purpose_n to_o entertain_v their_o ear_n with_o report_n against_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n and_o refuse_v to_o bring_v forth_o the_o same_o to_z john_n story_n be_v face_n before_o friend_n equal_o to_o be_v choose_v though_o desire_v so_o to_o do_v both_o by_o john_n story_n and_o other_o magnify_v unity_n among_o brethren_n and_o yet_o appear_v those_o who_o break_v the_o unity_n reprove_v the_o spirit_n of_o strife_n and_o yet_o not_o only_o the_o mover_n but_o carrier_n on_z of_o strife_n both_o by_o word_n and_o write_v or_o to_o speak_v in_o thy_o language_n stribling_n to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o truth_n and_o though_o such_o who_o espouse_v the_o cause_n against_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n may_v suppose_v themselves_o capable_a to_o quote_v thou_o for_o a_o example_n or_o at_o least_o as_o a_o approver_n of_o such_o action_n for_o none_o of_o they_o as_o i_o know_v of_o do_v so_o much_o as_o suppose_v that_o thy_o word_n or_o scribble_n tend_v to_o reprove_v they_o yet_o know_v this_o from_o i_o that_o there_o be_v many_o of_o god_n ancient_a flock_n who_o retain_v their_o first_o love_n for_o truth_n and_o every_o honourable_a labourer_n in_o the_o vineyard_n dare_v not_o approve_v of_o this_o late_a and_o new-found_a doctrine_n publish_v against_o all_o reason_v and_o all_o wisdom_n nor_o yet_o can_v suffer_v their_o faith_n to_o stand_v in_o thou_o or_o any_o man_n and_o therefore_o if_o thou_o or_o any_o man_n bring_v forth_o a_o dream_n or_o pretend_v a_o night-vision_n to_o run_v against_o faithful_a friend_n and_o on_o that_o foot_n scrible_n against_o they_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o bad_a spirit_n it_o have_v no_o place_n with_o they_o because_o the_o day_n have_v discover_v such_o folly_n to_o man_n of_o conscience_n and_o endue_v with_o the_o wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o but_o yet_o i_o can_v say_v but_o that_o as_o it_o have_v it_o may_v have_v place_n with_o some_o who_o be_v of_o this_o number_n and_o sort_v viz._n such_o who_o ignorance_n be_v so_o great_a as_o to_o conclude_v it_o the_o fruit_n of_o virtue_n to_o avoid_v all_o reason_v and_o all_o wisdom_n or_o who_o understanding_n be_v so_o veil_v as_o to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o night-vision_n or_o dream_n of_o man_n more_o than_o to_o the_o truth_n in_o themselves_o and_o on_o that_o foot_n eye_v the_o scribbler_n of_o paper_n more_o than_o the_o matter_n therein_o contain_v as_o be_v convince_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o shut_v out_o all_o wisdom_n and_o all_o reason_v a_o most_o dextrous_a expedient_a where_o it_o take_v place_n for_o anti-christ_n so_o to_o exalt_v his_o kingdom_n as_o that_o all_o manner_n of_o iniquity_n and_o deceit_n may_v quick_o enter_v the_o flock_n if_o once_o the_o leader_n or_o leader_n of_o the_o people_n bring_v forth_o their_o own_o imagination_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o night-vision_n and_o publish_v they_o for_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o no_o marvel_n if_o such_o conclude_v that_o every_o friend_n be_v just_o condemn_v if_o they_o be_v not_o at_o unity_n with_o the_o paper_n give_v forth_o by_o the_o sixty-six_a subscriber_n at_o ellis_n hooks_n chamber_n as_o if_o now_o it_o be_v good_a doctrine_n or_o exhortation_n to_o direct_v to_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n that_o appear_v in_o the_o sixty-six_a subscriber_n when_o they_o bring_v forth_o their_o unchristian_a like_a papen_n instead_o of_o direct_v to_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n in_o themselves_o one_o thing_n more_o lie_v upon_o i_o to_o say_v unto_o thou_o that_o though_o among_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o world_n there_o be_v such_o politic_a contrivance_n to_o carry_v on_o their_o design_n as_o to_o engage_v such_o other_o therein_o who_o for_o self-advancement_n become_v of_o a_o temporize_a spirit_n or_o for_o want_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v ready_a to_o follow_v for_o the_o loaf_n for_o be_v of_o a_o mean_a spirit_n be_v hurry_a or_o overawe_v with_o fear_n and_o so_o if_o their_o design_n succeed_v ill_a then_o it_o be_v the_o fruit_n either_o of_o evil_a counsel_n or_o ill_a management_n but_o if_o well_o than_o they_o carry_v away_o the_o glory_n thereof_o yet_o it_o become_v not_o any_o one_o or_o many_o profess_v themselves_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n thus_o to_o do_v and_o now_o to_o conclude_v i_o have_v this_o further_a to_o query_n whether_o thou_o conclude_v thyself_o no_o way_n oblige_v to_o bring_v thy_o write_n to_o the_o second_o day_n meet_v in_o london_n to_o be_v approve_v of_o there_o before_o they_o be_v print_v if_o thou_o do_v not_o thou_o have_v be_v wrong_o represent_v if_o thou_o do_v and_o yet_o think_v all_o other_o friend_n be_v as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v thou_o do_v for_o i_o have_v never_o hear_v that_o thy_o book_n about_o woman_n meeting_n be_v there_o approve_v or_o that_o all_o the_o thing_n therein_o contain_v will_v be_v stand_v by_o or_o own_v by_o any_o one_o friend_n in_o truth_n then_o it_o be_v a_o evident_a token_n thou_o will_v exalt_v thyself_o for_o what_o be_v that_o less_o than_o to_o conclude_v that_o the_o infallible_a spirit_n be_v limit_v to_o appear_v through_o thy_o earthen_a vessel_n only_o for_o if_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n the_o spirit_n be_v the_o judge_n and_o that_o its_o pour_v forth_o in_o our_o day_n be_v upon_o many_o son_n and_o many_o daughter_n why_o then_o shall_v not_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o any_o vessel_n have_v its_o free_a passage_n as_o well_o as_o through_o thou_o or_o why_o must_v some_o write_n give_v forth_o by_o the_o spirit_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o second_o day_n meeting_n to_o be_v approve_v and_o other_o not_o but_o to_o return_v i_o have_v this_o further_a to_o say_v that_o if_o thou_o or_o any_o be_v so_o imaginary_a as_o to_o conclude_v that_o all_o thy_o write_n and_o book_n be_v give_v forth_o by_o the_o infallible_a spirit_n and_o that_o as_o such_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o a_o part_n of_o which_o i_o be_o satisfy_v have_v so_o be_v thereby_o to_o obtain_v proselyte_n against_o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n it_o appear_v to_o i_o as_o if_o thy_o notorious_a err_v from_o the_o infallible_a spirit_n in_o write_v some_o thing_n contain_v in_o thy_o book_n of_o womens-meeting_n have_v be_v permit_v to_o be_v as_o a_o evidence_n record_v against_o all_o such_o who_o ignorant_o look_v upon_o thou_o so_o to_o be_v as_o aforesaid_a and_o therefore_o it_o become_v thou_o to_o be_v humble_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v thy_o error_n therein_o i_o be_o not_o without_o a_o sense_n what_o entertainment_n my_o plain_a deal_v will_v have_v among_o many_o if_o thou_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v read_v or_o spread_v