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church_n authority_n believe_v infallibility_n 2,951 5 11.3667 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A57582 The Christian-Quaker distinguished from the apostate & innovator in five parts, wherein religious differences amongst the people termed in derision Quakers, are treated on : George Fox one (at least, if not the chief) reputed author thereof, is deducted : doctrines of truth owned by the children of light (and cleared from objections) are laid down according to Holy Scriptures and revelation of the Spirit / by William Rogers, on behalf of himself and other friends in truth concerned. Rogers, William, d. ca. 1709. 1680 (1680) Wing R1858; ESTC R17833 416,424 648

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liable_a to_o err_v than_o a_o treat_v on_o this_o scripture_n take_v eat_v this_o be_v my_o body_n and_o apply_v it_o to_o outward_a bread_n will_v and_o though_o none_o among_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n as_o ever_o i_o yet_o hear_v treat_v on_o the_o late_a scripture_n in_o approbation_n of_o the_o sense_n and_o application_n before_o recite_v yet_o i_o find_v the_o aforesaid_a author_n treat_v on_o the_o former_a scripture_n and_o that_o as_o to_o i_o appear_v with_o respect_n to_o settle_a assembly_n who_o if_o they_o watch_v not_o may_v err_v which_o be_v easy_o to_o be_v savour_v if_o the_o whole_a scope_n of_o his_o treatise_n be_v but_o due_o weigh_v the_o service_n for_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n in_o his_o so_o do_v at_o this_o day_n be_v hard_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o many_o who_o have_v a_o honourable_a esteem_n for_o truth_n as_o preach_v in_o the_o beginning_n especial_o since_o it_o may_v occasion_v many_o to_o stumble_v and_o fall_v through_o 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understand_v the_o most_o pertinent_a argument_n may_v be_v produce_v to_o prove_v church-government_n or_o a_o government_n in_o some_o member_n or_o member_n over_o the_o rest_n mat._n 18.15_o 16_o 17._o we_o find_v christ_n thus_o say_v moreover_o if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o go_v tell_v he_o his_o fault_n if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n but_o 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 very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v in_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n compare_v this_o scripture_n touch_v the_o trespass_n of_o one_o brother_n against_o another_o with_o what_o paul_n write_v 1_o cor._n 2.4_o dare_v any_o of_o you_o have_v a_o matter_n against_o another_o go_v to_o law_n before_o the_o unjust_a do_v you_o not_o know_v that_o the_o 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the_o conscience_n of_o believer_n ought_v to_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o positive_a sentence_n of_o other_o without_o leave_v any_o liberty_n for_o a_o believer_n to_o refuse_v to_o submit_v on_o account_n of_o not_o see_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o submit_v this_o mean_v and_o government_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o believer_n we_o take_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o liberty_n we_o have_v in_o christ_n jesus_n for_o that_o no_o outward_a sentence_n or_o matter_n whatsoever_o can_v oblige_v the_o conscience_n to_o be_v approve_v this_o or_o that_o exercise_n or_o practice_n or_o to_o be_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o or_o that_o judgement_n sentence_n or_o decree_n until_o such_o time_n that_o the_o conscience_n through_o the_o inshining_a of_o christ_n light_n therein_o come_v to_o be_v satisfy_v and_o thereby_o to_o be_v bind_v and_o obleige_v and_o though_o we_o find_v the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n chap._n 13._o verse_n 7._o say_v on_o this_o wise_a remember_v they_o which_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o say_v such_o who_o have_v the_o rule_n be_v the_o church_n but_o discribe_v they_o in_o the_o next_o follow_v word_n to_o be_v such_o who_o have_v speak_v unto_o they_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o that_o if_o any_o authority_n be_v give_v to_o any_o to_o rule_v as_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n it_o appear_v from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n to_o be_v unto_o such_o who_o have_v speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n unto_o they_o over_o who_o they_o have_v the_o rule_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v no_o precedent_n or_o proof_n that_o mix_v and_o uncertain_a assembly_n as_o to_o number_n and_o qualification_n may_v call_v themselves_o the_o church_n and_o under_o that_o notion_n give_v forth_o order_n rule_n and_o sentence_n tell_v the_o rest_n of_o those_o who_o they_o may_v account_v their_o fellow-member_n it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o obey_v though_o you_o pretend_v you_o see_v it_o not._n beside_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o those_o who_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v give_v forth_o any_o sentence_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o authority_n that_o may_v become_v a_o bond_n on_o the_o conscience_n before_o conviction_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o why_o because_o it_o be_v by_o that_o grace_n that_o the_o heart_n come_v to_o be_v establish_v according_a as_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n write_v verse_n 9_o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n for_o it_o be_v a_o good_a thing_n that_o the_o heart_n be_v establish_v with_o grace_n but_o perhaps_o some_o may_v quote_v paul_n 2_o thes_n 3.6_o who_o thus_o say_v now_o we_o command_v you_o brethren_n in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o you_o withdraw_v yourselves_o from_o every_o brother_n that_o walk_v disorderly_a and_o not_o after_o the_o tradition_n which_o he_o receive_v of_o we_o to_o this_o we_o say_v paul_n in_o the_o follow_a verse_n give_v the_o reaon_n for_o the_o urge_v obedience_n to_o his_o precept_n viz._n for_o you_o yourselves_o know_v how_o you_o ought_v to_o follow_v we_o hence_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o their_o heart_n be_v so_o establish_v in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o duty_n become_v a_o great_a obligation_n upon_o they_o than_o paul_n command_n verse_n the_o 14_o of_o the_o same_o chap._n paul_n say_v if_o any_o man_n obey_v not_o our_o word_n by_o this_o epistle_n note_v that_o man_n and_o have_v no_o company_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a this_o may_n some_o say_v seem_v very_o positive_a to_o imply_v that_o god_n have_v give_v authority_n to_o some_o to_o rule_v in_o the_o church_n our_o answer_n to_o this_o be_v paul_n word_n relate_v to_o such_o of_o who_o verse_n 11_o 12_o 13._o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n he_o say_v we_o hear_v that_o there_o be_v some_o among_o you_o that_o walk_v inordinate_o and_o work_v not_o at_o all_o but_o be_v busy-bodye_n therefore_o they_o that_o be_v such_o 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which_o they_o can_v not_o as_o they_o have_v declare_v in_o conscience_n consent_n unto_o do_v at_o length_n forbear_v to_o join_v with_o such_o on_o the_o day_n of_o monthly_a and_o quarterly_a meeting_n which_o be_v understand_v by_o we_o to_o be_v first_o assent_v to_o we_o can_v say_v unalterable_o establish_v to_o relieve_v the_o poor_a and_o take_v care_n of_o any_o other_o outward_a concern_v relate_v to_o the_o affair_n of_o friend_n as_o a_o society_n gather_v into_o the_o everlasting_a truth_n abhor_v lordship_n over_o one_o another_o faith_n or_o conscience_n but_o yet_o the_o person_n so_o refuse_v to_o join_v with_o other_o as_o aforefaid_n do_v as_o we_o have_v be_v credible_o inform_v on_o convenient_a time_n and_o day_n appoint_v by_o themselves_o to_o meet_v together_o to_o take_v care_n in_o that_o method_n wherein_o they_o find_v freedom_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o same_o service_n for_o which_o monthly_a and_o quarterly_o meeting_n be_v first_o understand_v 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first_o publish_v among_o we_o be_v become_v our_o only_a teacher_n and_o lawgiver_n by_o the_o in_o shine_v of_o his_o light_n in_o our_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o his_o reflection_n seem_v unsavoury_a but_o that_o which_o to_o i_o render_v it_o the_o more_o unsavoury_a be_v this_o when_o i_o consider_v the_o whole_a scope_n of_o his_o treatise_n it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v it_o be_v use_v so_o far_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o advancement_n of_o some_o outward_a government_n by_o man_n or_o man_n else_o what_o be_v the_o mean_v that_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n have_v make_v such_o a_o diligent_a search_n among_o the_o apostle_n write_n after_o the_o word_n order_n rule_n command_v govern_n government_n tradition_n and_o such_o like_a and_o whether_o he_o do_v not_o apply_v they_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o assembly_n which_o in_o any_o tolerable_a suposition_n may_v be_v term_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n let_v the_o impartial_a reader_n diligent_o 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do_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o command_v now_o we_o command_v you_o brethren_n etc._n etc._n and_o then_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n comment_v thereon_o what_o more_o positive_a than_o this_o and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o here_o a_o imposer_n and_o further_o if_o any_o obey_v not_o our_o word_n remember_v they_o which_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o these_o filthy_a dreamer_n despise_v dominion_n and_o then_o thus_o say_v there_o can_v nothing_o be_v more_o plain_a from_o these_o testimony_n than_o that_o some_o do_v appoint_v and_o ordain_v certain_a thing_n that_o there_o lie_v a_o obligation_n in_o point_n of_o duty_n on_o other_o to_o import_v to_o it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v his_o meaning_n be_v other_o ought_v to_o obey_v whether_o they_o see_v it_o their_o duty_n or_o no_o as_o his_o 68_o page_n seem_v to_o import_v obey_v that_o this_o be_v no_o encroachment_n nor_o imposition_n on_o their_o christian-liberty_n nor_o any_o way_n 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follower_n of_o i_o as_o absent_a in_o body_n but_o present_a in_o spirit_n have_v judge_v already_o etc._n etc._n from_o all_o which_o i_o shall_v observe_v say_v the_o aforesaid_a author_n that_o it_o seem_v it_o be_v judge_v no_o inconsistency_n nor_o contradiction_n to_o be_v follower_n of_o the_o grace_n in_o ourselves_o and_o also_o to_o be_v follower_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n and_o his_o way_n because_o his_o way_n and_o example_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o themselves_o will_v have_v lead_v they_o to_o if_o they_o have_v be_v obedient_a and_o therefore_o he_o find_v it_o needful_a to_o charge_v they_o positive_o to_o follow_v he_o without_o add_v this_o reason_n next_o the_o great_a argument_n the_o apostle_n use_v to_o persuade_v they_o hereunto_o upon_o which_o he_o main_o insist_o because_o he_o have_v beget_v they_o into_o the_o truth_n you_o have_v not_o many_o father_n for_o in_o christ_n jesus_n i_o have_v beget_v you_o through_o the_o gospel_n wherefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o be_v you_o follower_n of_o i_o so_o he_o make_v that_o as_o the_o cause_n etc._n etc._n we_o see_v then_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v and_o do_v give_v such_o who_o he_o have_v send_v forth_o to_o gather_v a_o people_n unto_o himself_o a_o certain_a authority_n in_o the_o power_n over_o they_o and_o to_o bring_v they_o back_o to_o their_o duty_n when_o they_o stray_v at_o any_o time_n and_o to_o appoint_v yea_o and_o command_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v needful_a for_o peace_n order_n and_o unity_n sake_n and_o that_o there_o lie_v a_o obligation_n on_o such_o as_o be_v so_o gather_v to_o reverence_n honour_n yea_o and_o obey_v such_o as_o be_v set_v over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n thus_o far_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n from_o all_o which_o i_o observe_v first_o that_o here_o be_v nothing_o speak_v in_o these_o scripture_n of_o the_o command_v of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o if_o god_n have_v at_o any_o time_n move_v a_o apostle_n on_o some_o occasion_n to_o write_v unto_o a_o peculiar_a church_n and_o that_o perhaps_o with_o relation_n to_o particular_a member_n only_o by_o way_n of_o command_n yet_o this_o according_a to_o right_a reason_n be_v no_o ground_n for_o any_o assembly_n of_o person_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o give_v forth_o positive_a command_n in_o expectation_n that_o all_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n must_v obey_v the_o same_o whether_o they_o have_v a_o sense_n thereof_o from_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n in_o themselves_o or_o no._n second_o r._n b._n quote_v this_o scripture_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n viz._n in_o christ_n jesus_n i_o have_v beget_v you_o through_o the_o gospel_n conclude_v that_o paul_n do_v main_o insist_v upon_o his_o beget_v they_o unto_o the_o truth_n as_o a_o argument_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o obey_v his_o positive_a charge_n to_o follow_v he_o by_o this_o then_o those_o who_o have_v beget_v any_o to_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o fit_a to_o rule_v over_o such_o who_o they_o have_v beget_v if_o this_o be_v worthy_a observation_n at_o this_o day_n i_o then_o may_v well_o query_n whether_o those_o who_o will_v rule_v over_o such_o who_o they_o have_v not_o gather_v be_v not_o intruder_n and_o busy-body_n meddle_v with_o that_o which_o concern_v other_o more_o than_o themselves_o moreover_o i_o query_n whether_o any_o of_o these_o foregoing_a scripture_n give_v the_o least_o countenance_n for_o whole_a assembly_n to_o minister_n by_o their_o write_n that_o which_o may_v be_v matter_n of_o faith_n and_o relative_a to_o the_o conscience_n and_o to_o be_v a_o bond_n thereon_o before_o their_o understanding_n be_v illuminate_v especial_o when_o what_o they_o do_v minister_n first_o spring_v from_o the_o gift_n either_o but_o of_o one_o or_o at_o most_o but_o a_o very_a few_o of_o they_o for_o since_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o minister_v according_a as_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n and_o that_o if_o any_o speak_v they_o ought_v to_o speak_v as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o that_o if_o any_o minister_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v of_o the_o ability_n which_o god_n give_v according_a to_o that_o of_o peter_n 1_o pet._n 4.10_o 11._o i_o can_v but_o again_o query_n whether_o the_o endeavour_v to_o obtain_v a_o multitude_n of_o hand_n to_o confirm_v and_o approve_v that_o which_o be_v give_v forth_o by_o one_o or_o at_o least_o a_o very_a few_o may_v not_o become_v a_o temptation_n to_o many_o to_o run_v beyond_o their_o own_o line_n and_o when_o they_o have_v so_o do_v instead_o of_o wait_v on_o their_o own_o gift_n make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o stand_v by_o what_o they_o have_v do_v though_o it_o may_v prove_v no_o better_o in_o the_o best_a sense_n than_o a_o stand_n by_o the_o gift_n of_o other_o out_z of_o and_o in_o the_o
can_v account_v sound_a language_n if_o paul_n testimony_n phil._n 1.15_o 18._o be_v sound_a who_o say_v some_o preach_v christ_n of_o envy_n and_o strife_n what_o then_o notwithstanding_o every_o way_n whether_o in_o pretence_n or_o in_o truth_n christ_n be_v preach_v and_o i_o therein_o rejoice_v yea_o and_o will_v rejoice_v second_o that_o to_o pretend_v want_n of_o clearness_n in_o sight_n will_v not_o excuse_v any_o from_o disobedience_n to_o god_n who_o submit_v not_o to_o the_o sentence_n of_o a_o assembly_n or_o some_o or_o other_o of_o they_o which_o may_v in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n be_v term_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o be_v ready_a to_o judge_v their_o brethren_n as_o apostatise_v from_o the_o truth_n if_o they_o walk_v not_o according_a to_o the_o line_n and_o measure_n of_o other_o though_o they_o have_v no_o faith_n therein_o contrary_a to_o that_o of_o paul_n who_o to_o the_o corinthian_n say_v 1_o cor._n 10.15_o have_v hope_n when_o your_o faith_n be_v increase_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v enlarge_v by_o you_o according_a to_o our_o rule_n and_o whether_o these_o be_v not_o of_o that_o number_n who_o bring_v another_o gospel_n than_o what_o we_o have_v already_o receive_v and_o so_o subject_a themselves_o to_o the_o curse_n while_o they_o be_v endeavour_v to_o manifest_v other_o accurse_v let_v god_n witness_v in_o all_o judge_n there_o be_v at_o this_o day_n who_o seem_v to_o make_v no_o distinction_n between_o such_o as_o will_v have_v no_o iniquity_n reprove_v and_o those_o who_o conscientious_o scruple_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o dictate_v of_o other_o till_o their_o understanding_n be_v illuminate_v these_o be_v of_o that_o number_n who_o divide_v not_o aright_o and_o seem_v so_o void_a of_o charity_n as_o not_o to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o precious_a and_o the_o vile_a for_o though_o it_o be_v so_o that_o paul_n in_o thes_n 3.6_o a_o scripture_n quote_v by_o r._n b._n thus_o say_v now_o we_o command_v you_o brethren_n in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o you_o withdraw_v yourselves_o from_o every_o brother_n that_o walk_v disorderly_a and_o not_o after_o the_o tradition_n which_o he_o receive_v of_o we_o and_o then_o comment_n upon_o it_o what_o more_o positive_a than_o this_o and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o here_o a_o imposer_n to_o which_o i_o thus_o say_v that_o this_o scripture_n be_v no_o warrant_n for_o any_o to_o follow_v the_o command_n or_o tradition_n of_o other_o at_o this_o day_n until_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o real_a service_n of_o obedience_n to_o such_o command_n or_o tradition_n which_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o reason_n that_o paul_n in_o the_o follow_a verse_n give_v for_o the_o urge_v obedience_n to_o his_o precept_n viz._n for_o you_o yourselves_o know_v how_o that_o you_o ought_v to_o follow_v we_o so_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o duty_n be_v the_o bond_n rather_o than_o paul_n command_n verse_n 14._o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n be_v another_o scripture_n quote_v by_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n page_n 27._o paul_n say_v if_o any_o man_n obey_v not_o our_o word_n by_o this_o epistle_n note_v that_o man_n and_o have_v no_o company_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a this_o relate_v to_o such_o of_o who_o paul_n verse_n 11_o 12_o 13_o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n say_v we_o have_v hear_v that_o there_o be_v some_o among_o you_o that_o walk_v inordinate_o and_o work_v not_o at_o all_o but_o be_v busi-body_n therefore_o they_o that_o be_v such_o we_o command_v and_o exhort_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o they_o work_v with_o quietness_n and_o eat_v their_o own_o bread_n and_o you_o brother_n be_v not_o weary_a in_o well_o do_v and_o then_o he_o exhort_v verse_n 14._o if_o any_o man_n obey_v not_o our_o say_v etc._n etc._n which_o plain_o relate_v that_o to_o so_o undoubted_a &_o necessary_a a_o duty_n mention_v verse_n 11._o that_o such_o who_o be_v busi-body_n walk_v inordinate_o may_v not_o in_o their_o busy_a inordinate_a spirit_n eat_v the_o bread_n of_o other_o but_o work_n that_o they_o may_v eat_v their_o own_o bread_n but_o whosoever_o they_o be_v that_o shall_v bring_v such_o scripture_n as_o these_o to_o manifest_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o outward_a form_n prescription_n ceremonial_a dictate_v or_o decisive_a sentence_n of_o other_o when_o they_o be_v or_o may_v be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n and_o that_o there_o lie_v a_o obligation_n in_o point_n of_o duty_n to_o obey_v in_o every_o or_o any_o of_o such_o thing_n though_o we_o see_v it_o not_o show_v themselves_o a_o sort_n of_o busybody_n want_v work_n paul_n 1_o cor._n 14.37_o a_o scripture_n quote_v by_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n thus_o say_v if_o any_o man_n think_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o prophet_n or_o spiritual_n let_v he_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o thing_n that_o i_o write_v unto_o you_o be_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o verse_n 34._o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n paul_n say_v let_v your_o woman_n keep_v silence_n in_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n here_o be_v a_o positive_a proof_n that_o woman_n ought_v to_o be_v silent_a in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o by_o the_o command_n of_o paul_n and_o therefore_o i_o think_v it_o shall_v be_v a_o shame_n for_o such_o who_o plead_v for_o woman_n speak_v in_o the_o church_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o for_o their_o service_n with_o respect_n to_o exercise_n in_o discipline_n to_o pin_v so_o much_o as_o to_o i_o appear_v the_o aforesaid_a author_n do_v in_o his_o treatise_n on_o the_o word_n command_v use_v by_o paul_n when_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o truth_n which_o the_o child_n of_o light_n have_v receive_v they_o have_v and_o do_v testify_v and_o that_o according_a to_o truth_n notwithstanding_o what_o paul_n say_v and_o have_v command_v that_o together_o that_o note_v i_o will_v not_o hereby_o be_v understand_v to_o justify_v all_o woman_n that_o have_v speak_v in_o our_o meeting_n because_o many_o of_o they_o have_v of_o late_o be_v so_o rude_a in_o their_o opposition_n to_o john_n story_n as_o that_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v a_o mere_a scandal_n to_o religion_n and_o be_o persuade_v that_o by_o paul_n command_n the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o positive_o according_a as_o his_o own_o word_n seem_v to_o intiate_v not_o only_o because_o the_o prophet_n joel_n 2.28_o prophesy_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v pour_v out_o of_o his_o spirit_n upon_o son_n and_o daughter_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v prophesy_v but_o also_o for_o that_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n 1_o cor._n 14._o he_o exhort_v the_o church_n who_o doubless_a consist_v of_o woman_n as_o well_o as_o man_n to_o covet_v spiritual_a gift_n but_o rather_o that_o they_o may_v prophesy_v say_v you_o may_v all_o prophesy_v one_o by_o one_o all_o which_o consider_v it_o be_v rational_a to_o take_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o he_o that_o there_o be_v some_o unruly_a disorderly_a woman_n then_o in_o the_o church_n as_o in_o these_o our_o day_n be_v who_o then_o have_v need_n as_o some_o now_o have_v to_o be_v warn_v to_o keep_v silence_n though_o other_o that_o have_v receive_v a_o revelation_n from_o god_n may_v declare_v the_o same_o in_o the_o church_n when_o meet_v together_o woman_n as_o well_o as_o man_n and_o man_n as_o well_o as_o woman_n may_v speak_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n according_a to_o their_o respective_a measure_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n move_v and_o since_o as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n himself_o testify_v 1_o cor._n 10.8_o that_o his_o authority_n be_v give_v he_o for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n i_o can_v but_o be_v more_o charitable_a than_o to_o think_v paul_n ever_o use_v the_o word_n command_v ordain_v tradition_n and_o such_o like_a on_o any_o other_o account_n but_o that_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v follower_n of_o he_o according_a as_o in_o their_o own_o measure_n they_o have_v a_o sense_n or_o savour_n that_o he_o be_v a_o follower_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o otherwise_o which_o compare_v phil._n 3.17_o with_o 2_o cor._n 10.13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o do_v evident_o appear_v the_o forementioned_a scripture_n to_o the_o philipian_o thus_o say_v brethren_n be_v follower_n together_o of_o i_o and_o mark_v they_o that_o walk_v so_o as_o you_o have_v we_o for_o a_o ensample_n that_o to_o the_o corinth_n say_v but_o we_o will_v not_o boast_v of_o thing_n without_o our_o measure_n but_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o rule_n which_o god_n have_v distribute_v to_o we_o a_o measure_n to_o reach_v even_o unto_o you_o for_o we_o stretch_v not_o ourselves_o beyond_o our_o measure_n etc._n etc._n not_o boast_v of_o thing_n without_o our_o measure_n that_o be_v other_o man_n labour_n but_o have_v hope_n when_o
your_o faith_n be_v increase_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v enlarge_v by_o you_o according_a to_o our_o rule_n abundant_o not_o to_o boast_v in_o another_o man_n line_n of_o thing_n make_v ready_a to_o our_o hand_n hence_o it_o be_v evident_a those_o who_o keep_v to_o their_o own_o measure_n follow_v paul_n as_o they_o have_v he_o for_o a_o ensample_n and_o that_o those_o who_o hope_v and_o desire_v their_o brethren_n conformity_n to_o their_o line_n before_o they_o have_v faith_n therein_o be_v of_o another_o hope_n than_o paul_n be_v who_o as_o be_v above_o recite_v thus_o say_v have_v hope_n when_o your_o faith_n be_v increase_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v enlarge_v by_o your_o according_a to_o our_o rule_n abundant_o and_o so_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o paul_n do_v not_o desire_v the_o corinthian_n to_o walk_v by_o his_o line_n until_o their_o faith_n be_v increase_v otherwise_o they_o may_v become_v proud_a boaster_n of_o other_o man_n line_n make_v ready_a to_o their_o hand_n as_o many_o yea_o too_o to_o many_o at_o this_o day_n be_v i_o now_o come_v to_o consider_v of_o his_o 6_o section_n the_o title_n whereof_o page_n 47._o be_v this_o viz._n how_o far_a this_o government_n do_v extend_v in_o matter_n spiritual_a and_o pure_o conscientious_a in_o which_o the_o great_a question_n say_v the_o aforesaid_a author_n be_v how_o far_o in_o such_o case_n the_o church_n may_v give_v positive_a order_n or_o rule_n how_o far_o her_o authority_n reach_v or_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v bind_v and_o ought_v to_o be_v submit_v to_o for_o the_o better_a clear_n and_o examination_n of_o which_o he_o thus_o further_o say_v it_o will_v be_v fit_a to_o consider_v first_o whether_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v power_n in_o any_o case_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n to_o give_v a_o positive_a sentence_n or_o decision_n which_o may_v be_v obligatory_a upon_o believer_n second_o if_o so_o in_o what_o case_n and_o respect_n she_o may_v so_o do_v three_o wherein_o 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certain_a principle_n and_o doctrine_n through_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n on_o our_o understanding_n and_o practice_n necessary_o depend_v upon_o they_o these_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o term_n that_o have_v draw_v we_o together_o and_o bond_n by_o which_o we_o become_v centre_v into_o one_o body_n and_o fellowship_n yet_o say_v he_o by_o a_o marginal_a note_n not_o so_o the_o bond_n but_o that_o we_o have_v also_o a_o more_o inward_a viz._n the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n the_o scripture_n proof_n that_o he_o quote_v be_v these_o gal._n 1.8_o 1_o tim._n 1.19_o 20._o 2_o john_n 10._o thus_o further_a add_v these_o scripture_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o clear_a in_o themselves_o that_o they_o need_v no_o great_a exposition_n to_o the_o unbyased_a reader_n my_o place_n now_o be_v to_o detect_v the_o impertinency_n of_o r._n b_n reason_n and_o to_o show_v that_o he_o have_v quote_v scripture_n which_o be_v not_o to_o the_o purpose_n yet_o i_o can_v but_o first_o observe_v that_o since_o the_o main_a scop_n of_o his_o treatise_n relate_v to_o this_o matter_n both_o from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n tend_v as_o it_o be_v chief_o if_o not_o whole_o to_o evidence_n that_o such_o principle_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n necessary_o depend_v thereon_o be_v the_o bond_n by_o which_o we_o become_v center_a into_o one_o body_n and_o fellowship_n be_v it_o not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o these_o kind_n of_o term_n have_v the_o great_a room_n on_o his_o heart_n and_o the_o marginal_a description_n of_o a_o more_o inward_a bond_n viz_o the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n be_v but_o like_o the_o entertainment_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o manger_n but_o to_o proceed_v i_o do_v affirm_v the_o belief_n of_o certain_a principle_n and_o doctrine_n though_o believe_v through_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n on_o the_o understanding_n and_o practice_n necessary_o depend_v upon_o they_o be_v not_o the_o very_a term_n and_o bond_n by_o which_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o this_o day_n be_v become_v centre_v into_o one_o body_n though_o i_o do_v confess_v that_o certain_a principle_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n hold_v and_o practise_v in_o a_o pure_a mind_n be_v the_o fruit_n and_o offspring_n of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o bond_n but_o the_o very_a bond_n they_o be_v not_o if_o they_o be_v how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o to_o this_o day_n the_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n which_o be_v his_o church_n have_v not_o declare_v and_o agree_v what_o and_o how_o many_o be_v those_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n and_o what_o be_v those_o practice_n necessary_o depend_v thereon_o that_o aught_o to_o be_v believe_v receive_v and_o practise_v by_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o that_o by_o which_o they_o be_v centre_v into_o the_o heavenly_a fellowship_n of_o christ_n body_n with_o confidence_n i_o may_v say_v that_o i_o never_o hear_v or_o understand_v of_o any_o such_o thing_n yet_o extant_a among_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n neither_o do_v i_o believe_v there_o be_v and_o doubtless_o if_o there_o be_v the_o aforesaid_a author_n be_v a_o man_n to_o speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n that_o be_v well_o read_v and_o not_o of_o a_o mean_a capacity_n will_v have_v quote_v it_o to_o free_v himself_o from_o the_o censure_n of_o such_o who_o may_v just_o say_v he_o have_v leave_v we_o in_o the_o dark_a how_o to_o know_v these_o member_n who_o to_o use_v his_o own_o language_n page_n 49._o cut_v themselves_o off_o from_o be_v member_n by_o dissolve_v the_o very_a bond_n by_o which_o they_o be_v link_v to_o the_o body_n nay_o i_o may_v true_o say_v that_o in_o the_o primitive_a day_n there_o be_v many_o believer_n who_o be_v find_v in_o opposite_a faith_n and_o practice_n witness_v those_o who_o circumcise_a keep_v a_o day_n abstain_v from_o flesh_n and_o other_o there_o be_v who_o believe_v and_o practise_v quite_o otherwise_o and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o the_o bond_n which_o centre_v they_o into_o the_o heavenly_a fellowship_n of_o christ_n body_n be_v break_v for_o doubtless_o many_o of_o they_o under_o those_o differ_v faith_n and_o practice_n be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o such_o who_o be_v sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n or_o at_o least_o in_o some_o measure_n sanctify_v which_o be_v the_o description_n of_o a_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n according_a as_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n himself_o do_v in_o his_o treatise_n signify_v and_o this_o be_v answerable_a to_o the_o truth_n itself_o read_v rom._n 14._o 1_o cor._n 8._o for_o further_a discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o have_v assert_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o query_n what_o be_v the_o very_a term_n and_o bond_n by_o which_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v become_v center_a into_o one_o body_n the_o answer_n be_v plain_a it_o be_v the_o spirit_n according_a to_o paul_n testimony_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o for_o by_o one_o spirit_n be_v we_o all_o baptise_a into_o one_o body_n now_o the_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v witness_v by_o such_o who_o integrity_n may_v lead_v they_o to_o die_v for_o truth_n but_o shall_v they_o be_v question_v by_o any_o one_o what_o be_v those_o principle_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n you_o hold_v which_o be_v the_o very_a term_n by_o which_o you_o come_v to_o be_v centre_v into_o christ_n body_n and_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o gather_v you_o for_o so_o be_v his_o word_n page_n 47._o relate_v to_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n they_o will_v be_v ready_a thus_o to_o say_v what_o blind_a question_n do_v thou_o bring_v forth_o in_o thy_o carnal_a sensual_a reason_n it_o be_v god_n power_n and_o spirit_n gather_v we_o from_o among_o such_o as_o be_v out_o of_o the_o life_n glory_v in_o their_o owtward_a fellowship_n principle_n and_o doctrine_n and_o by_o his_o power_n circumcise_a our_o heart_n
and_o by_o his_o spirit_n we_o come_v to_o be_v baptize_v into_o one_o body_n and_o so_o be_v centre_v into_o the_o heavenly_a fellowship_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o as_o for_o thy_o say_n a_o belief_n in_o certain_a principle_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n necessary_o depend_v thereon_o be_v the_o term_n and_o very_a bond_n by_o which_o we_o become_v centre_v into_o one_o body_n and_o the_o cause_n that_o gather_v we_o this_o be_v not_o only_o wrong_v in_o itself_o though_o as_o be_v say_v before_o they_o may_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o bond_n but_o exact_o like_o the_o false_a church_n in_o the_o world_n papist_n and_o protestant_n of_o all_o sort_n in_o the_o apostasy_n have_v outward_a mark_n and_o token_n as_o be_v either_o of_o such_o a_o order_n or_o have_v such_o a_o commission_n or_o as_o believe_v in_o such_o principle_n and_o submit_v to_o such_o practice_n and_o the_o like_a by_o which_o the_o member_n of_o their_o church_n be_v describe_v and_o therefore_o be_v it_o that_o among_o those_o there_o be_v outward_a society_n of_o man_n certain_o know_v as_o aforesaid_a according_a to_o the_o various_a manner_n and_o way_n which_o their_o principle_n admit_v and_o allow_v of_o which_o be_v term_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o these_o have_v many_o outward_a order_n rule_n prescription_n ordinance_n decree_n or_o law_n for_o the_o establishment_n and_o preservation_n of_o their_o outward_a society_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o constitution_n may_v become_v fit_a mean_n for_o the_o conservation_n thereof_o but_o inasmuch_o as_o the_o belief_n of_o certain_a principle_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n necessary_o depend_v thereon_o be_v not_o the_o very_a term_n or_o bond_n to_o unite_v any_o in_o outward_a assembly_n whereby_o to_o assume_v unto_o themselves_o the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o that_o if_o hold_v in_o a_o pure_a mind_n which_o be_v in_o the_o best_a sense_n they_o be_v but_o the_o fruit_n of_o that_o bond_n and_o when_o hold_v in_o a_o impure_a mind_n be_v no_o indication_n that_o such_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n church_n i_o can_v but_o say_v it_o be_v against_o right_a reason_n for_o any_o to_o prescribe_v and_o establish_v outward_a indispensable_a rule_n and_o order_n relate_v to_o the_o conscience_n and_o in_o order_n to_o be_v a_o bond_n thereon_o for_o the_o conservation_n of_o christ_n body_n since_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o most_o certain_a and_o infallible_a mark_n of_o membership_n in_o the_o say_a body_n be_v invisible_a to_o the_o outward_a man_n though_o feel_v and_o know_v to_o the_o inward_a man_n of_o the_o heart_n for_o though_o action_n outward_o just_a be_v many_o time_n the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o be_v not_o always_o certain_a token_n that_o those_o through_o who_o they_o appear_v be_v member_n of_o christ_n body_n but_o those_o who_o be_v circumcise_a in_o heart_n and_o have_v the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n be_v the_o very_a member_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o therefore_o the_o most_o proper_a mean_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o such_o member_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o as_o member_n of_o one_o body_n be_v that_o whereby_o they_o come_v to_o be_v circumcise_a in_o heart_n and_o gather_v unto_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o spirit_n and_o arm_v of_o god_n power_n which_o surround_v all_o those_o that_o wait_v upon_o he_o and_o have_v a_o daily_a dependence_n upon_o the_o lord_n with_o the_o mind_n inward_o stay_v in_o the_o measure_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o the_o apostle_n say_v be_v sufficient_a for_o they_o and_o thus_o the_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n will_v be_v witness_v continual_o in_o which_o every_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n come_v to_o be_v center_a into_o a_o heavenly_a fellowship_n and_o communion_n each_o with_o other_o in_o the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n the_o next_o thing_n i_o shall_v examine_v be_v whether_o r._n b_n affirmative_a answer_n to_o this_o question_n viz._n whether_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v power_n in_o any_o case_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n to_o give_v postive_a sentence_n and_o decision_n which_o may_v be_v obligatory_a upon_o believer_n be_v agreeable_a to_o truth_n and_o sound_a doctrine_n my_o observation_n hereon_o be_v this_o that_o he_o have_v not_o here_o adjoin_v inward_a conviction_n whereby_o they_o may_v find_v clearness_n in_o themselves_o to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n as_o necessary_a to_o the_o obligation_n he_o intend_v and_o inasmuch_o as_o nothing_o without_o a_o inward_a clearness_n and_o conviction_n can_v become_v a_o real_a and_o acceptable_a bond_n upon_o a_o believer_n to_o be_v at_o unity_n with_o his_o brethren_n in_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o thing_n relate_v to_o conscience_n and_o that_o those_o who_o be_v find_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o other_o man_n line_n before_o they_o have_v faith_n therein_o may_v oft_o time_n run_v into_o the_o sin_n of_o hypocrisy_n even_o as_o other_o may_n into_o the_o sin_n of_o negligence_n who_o through_o unwatchfulness_n to_o their_o own_o measure_n want_v clearness_n of_o sight_n and_o understanding_n to_o practice_v and_o join_v with_o those_o thing_n which_o other_o waiting_z in_o their_o own_o measure_n may_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v lead_v into_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o say_v that_o the_o scope_n and_o bend_v of_o his_o spirit_n so_o far_o as_o from_o his_o word_n i_o can_v savour_n in_o relation_n to_o this_o matter_n be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o since_o it_o be_v so_o as_o r._n b._n observe_v page_n 35._o that_o god_n have_v not_o give_v we_o our_o reason_n to_o no_o purpose_n i_o shall_v according_a to_o the_o line_n of_o right_a reason_n a_o little_a further_o observe_v first_o i_o find_v r._n b._n treat_v in_o his_o seven_o section_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o decision_n thus_o to_o say_v page_z 66._o the_o only_a proper_a judge_n of_o controversy_n in_o the_o church_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o decide_v sole_o lie_v in_o it_o as_o have_v the_o only_a infallible_a judgement_n belong_v to_o it_o which_o infallibility_n be_v not_o necessary_o annex_v to_o any_o person_n person_n or_o place_n whatsoever_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o office_n place_n or_o station_n any_o one_o may_v have_v or_o have_v have_v in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o any_o have_v ground_n to_o reason_n thus_o because_o i_o be_o or_o have_v be_v such_o a_o eminent_a member_n therefore_o my_o judgement_n be_v infallible_a or_o because_o we_o be_v the_o great_a number_n or_o that_o we_o live_v in_o such_o a_o note_a or_o famous_a place_n or_o the_o like_a though_o some_o of_o these_o reason_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v their_o true_a weight_n in_o case_n of_o contradictory_n assertion_n thus_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n from_o all_o which_o two_o thing_n be_v observable_a first_o that_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n account_v the_o spirit_n the_o only_a judge_n second_o that_o though_o he_o affirm_v that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v power_n in_o case_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n to_o give_v positive_a sentence_n and_o decision_n which_o may_v be_v obligatory_a upon_o believer_n yet_o through_o his_o whole_a treatise_n i_o find_v not_o that_o he_o have_v describe_v who_o be_v the_o person_n that_o be_v the_o church_n and_o where_o those_o person_n do_v usual_o assemble_v as_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o though_o my_o very_a soul_n abhor_v light_o to_o esteem_v of_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n or_o to_o undervalue_v the_o power_n the_o church_n of_o god_n either_o stand_v in_o or_o be_v endue_v with_o yet_o since_o i_o do_v know_v how_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o any_o to_o burden_n the_o conscience_n of_o god_n people_n though_o under_o ever_o so_o specious_a pretence_n and_o that_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n we_o mean_v visible_a person_n distinguish_v as_o outward_a person_n by_o name_n that_o may_v be_v know_v to_o the_o outward_a man_n though_o as_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n distinguish_v not_o by_o such_o name_n but_o by_o that_o name_n which_o be_v write_v in_o heaven_n and_o know_v to_o the_o inward_a man_n i_o can_v but_o query_n to_o what_o end_n do_v the_o aforesaid_a author_n assign_v the_o decision_n of_o case_n of_o conscience_n which_o be_v matter_n certain_o to_o be_v know_v so_o as_o to_o be_v bind_v on_o believer_n to_o judge_n so_o describe_v as_o that_o a_o great_a controversy_n may_v immediate_o arise_v upon_o the_o ask_n of_o this_o question_n who_o or_o where_o those_o man_n be_v this_o instead_o of_o remove_v one_o difference_n or_o clear_v one_o doubt_n may_v beget_v more_o
the_o positive_a sentence_n and_o dicision_n of_o the_o church_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n may_v bind_v believer_n it_o be_v so_o remote_a from_o it_o that_o it_o need_v no_o explanation_n to_o show_v it_o so_o nay_o i_o may_v reasonable_o query_n whether_o this_o scripture_n be_v to_o ordinary_a capacity_n plain_a to_o the_o purpose_n that_o paul_n himself_o intend_v for_o if_o we_o consult_v the_o light_n it_o do_v not_o tell_v we_o that_o a_o delivery_n to_o satan_n may_v be_v a_o expedient_a whereby_o to_o learn_v not_o to_o blaspheme_n if_o by_o the_o word_n satan_n be_v mean_v the_o devil_n as_o be_v usual_o understand_v the_o last_o scripture_n he_o quote_v for_o proof_n be_v joh._n 2.10_o if_o there_o come_v any_o unto_o you_o and_o bring_v not_o this_o doctrine_n receive_v he_o not_o into_o your_o house_n neither_o bid_v he_o rejoice_v for_o so_o say_v the_o aforesaid_a author_n the_o greek_a have_v it_o here_o also_o no_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o any_o positive_a sentence_n or_o decision_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o yet_o the_o import_n thereof_o by_o any_o natural_a consequence_n and_o therefore_o we_o will_v consider_v what_o the_o word_n doctrine_n be_v relative_a to_o the_o forego_v verse_n tell_v we_o thus_o whosoever_o transgress_v and_o abide_v not_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n have_v not_o god_n it_o be_v now_o necessary_a to_o consider_v what_o be_v christ_n doctrine_n it_o be_v well_o describe_v by_o his_o sermon_n in_o the_o mount_n mat._n 5.6_o chapter_n wherein_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o title_n to_o countenance_v this_o sentence_n that_o the_o positive_a sentence_n or_o decision_n of_o the_o church_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n may_v be_v obligatory_a on_o believer_n nay_o in_o that_o very_a case_n mat._n 18.15_o 16._o where_o it_o be_v say_v if_o thy_o brother_n trespass_n against_o thou_o go_v tell_v he_o his_o fault_n if_o he_o hear_v thou_o not_o take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o if_o he_o hear_v not_o they_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n if_o he_o refuse_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 the_o scripture_n do_v not_o say_v that_o sentence_n ought_v to_o be_v obligatory_a on_o all_o other_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n who_o may_v be_v no_o way_n concern_v either_o in_o the_o admonition_n or_o sentence_n to_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n but_o it_o say_v let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man._n christ_n doctrine_n also_o be_v that_o when_o he_o shall_v depart_v hence_o the_o father_n will_v send_v the_o comforter_n the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o say_v he_o shall_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n he_o do_v not_o say_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v obligatory_a on_o all_o believer_n nor_o yet_o that_o the_o church_n shall_v teach_v they_o all_o thing_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o apostle_n writing_n that_o they_o themselves_o have_v need_v of_o teach_v these_o thing_n due_o weigh_v i_o do_v according_a to_o truth_n conclude_v that_o the_o three_o forego_v scripture_n which_o he_o have_v quote_v do_v no_o way_n import_v to_o prove_v the_o matter_n he_o intend_v beside_o i_o remember_v only_o one_o example_n of_o decisive_n judgement_n or_o sentence_n give_v in_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n who_o do_v it_o not_o as_o assume_v authority_n so_o to_o do_v say_v we_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o we_o have_v power_n to_o decide_v without_o your_o assent_n but_o what_o they_o do_v be_v by_o assent_n of_o the_o differ_v party_n which_o assent_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v note_v by_o such_o who_o say_v as_o r._n b._n have_v we_o bold_o aver_v we_o have_v power_n to_o decide_v and_o that_o speak_v nothing_o in_o favour_n of_o what_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n seem_v to_o drive_v at_o when_o he_o say_v and_o be_v not_o this_o obligatory_a on_o all_o the_o member_n but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o 15_o of_o the_o act_n where_o a_o dissension_n be_v signify_v between_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o certain_a of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n who_o believe_v and_o teach_v unless_o you_o be_v circumcise_a after_o the_o manner_n of_o moses_n you_o can_v be_v save_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n agree_v that_o circumcision_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v lay_v on_o the_o gentile_n which_o be_v believer_n who_o never_o be_v in_o the_o practice_n nor_o yet_o have_v any_o faith_n touch_v the_o same_o yet_o do_v not_o say_v that_o their_o sentence_n shall_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v obligatory_a on_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n nor_o yet_o that_o those_o jew_n who_o practise_v circumcision_n after_o they_o believe_v shall_v desist_v the_o same_o for_o than_o it_o may_v have_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o obligatory_a on_o such_o believe_a jew_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o that_o 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but_o according_a to_o their_o faith_n and_o therefore_o this_o example_n can_v be_v no_o precedent_n or_o warrant_v for_o any_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o sentence_n or_o decisive_n judgement_n of_o any_o whatsoever_o wherein_o there_o be_v no_o faith_n much_o less_o to_o conclude_v that_o the_o conscience_n ought_v to_o be_v bind_v for_o it_o be_v no_o more_o in_o the_o power_n of_o believer_n or_o any_o else_o to_o force_v a_o assent_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n to_o the_o sentence_n and_o decisive_n judgement_n of_o other_o though_o pretend_v themselves_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n without_o a_o invisible_a operation_n and_o conviction_n thereon_o through_o which_o alone_o its_o capable_a to_o be_v bind_v than_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n so_o to_o alter_v the_o outward_a shape_v of_o our_o face_n as_o to_o make_v they_o like_v unto_o other_o mens_fw-la from_o who_o they_o vary_v moreover_o when_o i_o consider_v how_o innumerable_a controversy_n have_v a_o rise_v touch_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o decree_n that_o have_v be_v bring_v forth_o touch_v matter_n of_o conscience_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o age_n past_a and_o that_o the_o like_a controversy_n in_o probability_n may_v arise_v at_o this_o day_n shall_v any_o number_n of_o person_n whatsoever_o assemble_v and_o not_o only_o say_v we_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o also_o thus_o we_o have_v power_n to_o bind_v and_o lose_v and_o upon_o that_o foot_n give_v forth_o positive_a sentence_n and_o decesive_a judgement_n in_o case_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n in_o order_n to_o be_v obligatory_a upon_o believer_n i_o can_v but_o query_n especial_o since_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n have_v not_o preach_v up_o this_o doctrine_n you_o must_v believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v but_o have_v commend_v their_o testimony_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o truth_n to_o every_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n 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instrumental_a to_o gather_v though_o in_o r._n b_n sense_n as_o be_v before_o manifest_v such_o be_v the_o fit_a to_o rule_v over_o those_o who_o they_o have_v beget_v to_o the_o truth_n but_o also_o over_o the_o labour_n of_o other_o and_o then_o style_v themselves_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n though_o not_o guide_v by_o the_o unerring_a spirit_n so_o to_o do_v and_o then_o also_o pretend_v that_o they_o have_v power_n in_o case_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n to_o give_v positive_a sentence_n obliege_v believer_n to_o obey_v receive_v and_o own_o the_o same_o and_o that_o it_o be_v disobedience_n to_o god_n not_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o positive_a sentence_n and_o decisive_n judgement_n of_o any_o assembly_n or_o some_o or_o other_o of_o they_o which_o in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n may_v be_v term_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n though_o we_o see_v it_o not_o and_o so_o by_o degree_n may_v endeavour_v to_o divest_v christ_n of_o his_o government_n and_o prerogative_n who_o alone_o be_v lord_n over_o the_o conscience_n and_o by_o his_o spirit_n in_o we_o be_v become_v our_o only_a lawgiver_n and_o who_o alone_o by_o the_o influence_a virtue_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n be_v able_a to_o bring_v unto_o that_o love_n and_o unity_n which_o through_o the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n find_v exceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n william_n rogers_n have_v now_o do_v with_o the_o citation_n of_o what_o be_v write_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o aforesaid_a book_n of_o government_n and_o consider_v that_o in_o the_o first_o section_n thereof_o the_o author_n as_o be_v already_o cite_v and_o observe_v write_v of_o a_o sort_n of_o person_n that_o will_v needs_o be_v innovator_n and_o give_v to_o change_n and_o introduce_v new_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n not_o only_o differ_v but_o contrary_a to_o what_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o beginning_n and_o in_o page_n thirteen_o seem_v reflect_o to_o treat_v on_o such_o kind_n of_o language_n as_o 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cite_v this_o testimony_n be_v that_o the_o impartial_a reader_n may_v consider_v whether_o the_o say_a testimony_n have_v any_o coherence_n with_o that_o part_n of_o the_o say_a book_n of_o government_n which_o be_v object_v against_o by_o we_o or_o do_v contradict_v any_o subject_a matter_n that_o we_o have_v treat_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o say_v isaac_n penington_n the_o young_a now_o follow_v the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n come_v from_o christ_n with_o a_o message_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n with_o a_o testimony_n concern_v the_o good_a will_n of_o god_n and_o his_o love_n to_o mankind_n point_v out_o the_o way_n from_o death_n to_o life_n from_o bondage_n to_o liberty_n from_o wrath_n and_o destruction_n to_o peace_n and_o salvation_n what_o they_o have_v see_v what_o they_o have_v feel_v what_o they_o have_v taste_v what_o they_o have_v handle_v what_o they_o have_v find_v redeem_v and_o deliver_v they_o that_o they_o declare_v abroad_o to_o 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guide_n of_o it_o he_o cherish_v it_o he_o cleanse_v it_o he_o comfort_v it_o he_o order_v it_o at_o his_o pleasure_n and_o he_o alone_o preserve_v it_o pure_a chaste_a gentle_a meek_a and_o pliable_a to_o the_o impression_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o as_o the_o conscience_n be_v keep_v single_a and_o tender_a to_o christ_n so_o his_o government_n increase_v therein_o but_o as_o it_o become_v hard_a or_o subject_n to_o man_n will_n so_o another_o spirit_n get_v dominion_n over_o it_o therefore_o the_o great_a work_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o keep_v the_o conscience_n open_a to_o christ_n and_o to_o preserve_v man_n from_o receive_v any_o truth_n of_o christ_n as_o from_o they_o further_o than_o the_o spirit_n open_v or_o to_o imitate_v any_o of_o their_o practice_n further_o than_o the_o spirit_n lead_v guide_n and_o persuade_v they_o for_o person_n be_v exceed_o prone_a to_o receive_v thing_n as_o truth_n from_o those_o who_o they_o have_v a_o high_a opinion_n of_o and_o to_o imitate_v their_o practice_n and_o so_o hurt_v their_o own_o growth_n and_o endanger_v their_o soul_n for_o if_o i_o receive_v a_o truth_n before_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o spirit_n make_v it_o manifest_a to_o i_o i_o lose_v my_o guide_n and_o follow_v but_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o be_v exceed_o greedy_a of_o receive_v truth_n and_o run_v into_o religious_a practice_n without_o the_o spirit_n therefore_o the_o main_a thing_n in_o religion_n be_v to_o keep_v the_o conscience_n pure_a to_o the_o lord_n to_o know_v the_o guide_n to_o follow_v the_o guide_n to_o receive_v from_o he_o that_o light_v whereby_o i_o be_o to_o walk_v and_o not_o to_o take_v thing_n for_o truth_n because_o other_o see_v they_o to_o be_v truth_n but_o wait_v till_o the_o spirit_n make_v they_o manifest_v to_o i_o nor_o to_o run_v into_o worship_n duty_n performance_n or_o practice_n because_o other_o be_v lead_v thither_o but_o to_o wait_v till_o the_o spirit_n lead_v i_o thither_o he_o that_o make_v haste_n to_o be_v rich_a even_o in_o religion_n run_v into_o knowledge_n and_o into_o worship_n and_o performance_n before_o he_o feel_v a_o true_a and_o clear_a guidance_n shall_v not_o be_v innocent_a nor_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o hold_v he_o guiltless_a when_o he_o come_v to_o visit_v for_o spiritual_a adultery_n and_o idolatry_n the_o apostle_n be_v exceed_o tender_a in_o this_o point_n for_o though_o they_o certain_o and_o infallible_o know_v what_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v yet_o they_o be_v not_o lord_n over_o man_n faith_n but_o wait_v till_o he_o who_o be_v lord_n of_o the_o faith_n will_v open_v the_o way_n into_o man_n conscience_n they_o do_v not_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v able_a to_o turn_v the_o key_n to_o let_v in_o truth_n and_o conviction_n into_o man_n spirit_n as_o man_n in_o these_o day_n have_v be_v too_o apt_a to_o undertake_v but_o direct_v they_o to_o he_o who_o have_v the_o key_n there_o to_o wait_v for_o the_o conviction_n and_o 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retain_v that_o tenderness_n to_o god_n and_o regard_n to_o the_o hurt_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n as_o to_o make_v conscience_n unjust_o to_o accuse_v the_o innocent_a that_o since_o it_o be_v assert_v by_o some_o and_o entertain_v as_o a_o truth_n by_o divers_a that_o that_o book_n be_v write_v upon_o design_n and_o with_o a_o particular_a respect_n of_o prejudice_n to_o some_o person_n who_o i_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o once_o think_v on_o in_o write_v of_o it_o with_o somewhat_o worse_o which_o i_o be_o not_o willing_a to_o remember_v far_o less_o to_o mention_v whether_o those_o that_o propagate_v and_o entertain_v so_o false_a and_o groundless_a a_o jealousy_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o innocent_a have_v not_o reason_n narrow_o to_o examine_v what_o spirit_n they_o be_v influence_v by_o in_o so_o do_v which_o certain_o can_v not_o be_v of_o god_n and_o whether_o they_o ought_v not_o thence_o to_o take_v occasion_n just_o to_o suspect_v the_o effect_n and_o fruit_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o they_o even_o when_o it_o have_v appear_v in_o thing_n for_o which_o they_o may_v have_v somewhat_o more_o to_o say_v sure_o with_o man_n of_o inward_a tenderness_n this_o can_v but_o have_v great_a weight_n and_o albeit_o that_o my_o intention_n be_v so_o clear_a in_o this_o matter_n yet_o i_o will_v not_o say_v but_o the_o lord_n who_o way_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o past_o find_v out_o may_v have_v purpose_v by_o those_o paper_n seasonable_o to_o reprove_v and_o smite_v at_o a_o wrong_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o all_o concern_v have_v need_n in_o true_a tenderness_n and_o godly_a fear_n to_o beware_v how_o they_o shut_v out_o and_o turn_v by_o the_o warning_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o lord_n seek_v to_o carp_v at_o and_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o innocent_a instrument_n lest_o they_o be_v find_v foolish_o like_o those_o dog_n that_o run_v after_o and_o seek_v to_o bite_v the_o stone_n because_o they_o can_v reach_v the_o hand_n that_o throw_v it_o i_o have_v know_v this_o by_o manifold_a experience_n to_o have_v be_v a_o snare_n to_o many_o and_o therefore_o without_o the_o least_o prejudice_n or_o reflection_n upon_o any_o god_n know_v out_o of_o true_a tenderness_n and_o love_n do_v desire_n it_o may_v be_v serious_o weigh_v in_o the_o true_a light_n by_o all_o that_o may_v feel_v themselves_o concern_v in_o this_o matter_n fallacious_o matter_n matter_n since_o r._n b._n as_o before_o be_v signify_v in_o his_o line_n touch_v which_o i_o make_v my_o first_o observation_n on_o his_o explanatory_a postscript_n affirm_v that_o he_o have_v never_o find_v occasion_n to_o repent_v or_o retract_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o matter_n or_o principle_n assert_v by_o he_o and_o that_o he_o labour_v with_o all_o the_o care_n and_o circumspection_n he_o can_v so_o to_o express_v himself_o as_o not_o to_o offend_v in_o a_o word_n i_o may_v now_o with_o confidence_n affirm_v that_o his_o word_n therein_o since_o he_o well_o understand_v the_o propriety_n of_o word_n and_o sentence_n may_v be_v just_o take_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o his_o mind_n that_o now_o his_o fallatiousness_n may_v appear_v i_o shall_v in_o order_n thereto_o cite_v his_o very_a word_n relate_v to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n touch_v jurisdiction_n over_o man_n property_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 pag._n 39_o thus_o say_v this_o order_n reach_v and_o take_v up_o the_o compose_v of_o 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 from_o which_o positive_a sentence_n it_o natural_o follow_v that_o the_o church_n touch_v who_o authority_n in_o government_n he_o treat_v have_v power_n to_o decide_v and_o remove_v in_o case_n of_o difference_n touch_v outward_a thing_n and_o since_o in_o the_o same_o section_n he_o use_v the_o word_n meum_fw-la and_o tuum_fw-la with_o respect_n to_o outward_a thing_n touch_v which_o difference_n may_v arise_v it_o natural_o follow_v that_o the_o power_n claim_v be_v in_o that_o case_n a_o power_n over_o property_n i_o now_o desire_v that_o the_o reader_n may_v observe_v that_o in_o this_o his_o explanatory_a postscript_n he_o say_v not_o one_o word_n of_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o party_n differ_v which_o clear_o show_v that_o though_o as_o in_o the_o five_o observation_n be_v signify_v he_o intend_v to_o give_v under_o his_o own_o hand_n that_o he_o be_v principled_a as_o the_o aforesaid_a pretend_a letter_n say_v he_o be_v yet_o he_o therein_o deal_v fallacious_o but_o now_o as_o to_o the_o thing_n scruple_v at_o observation_n w._n r_n six_o observation_n whereas_o some_o do_v suppose_v that_o i_o do_v ascribe_v to_o friend_n a_o absolute_a jurisdiction_n over_o man_n property_n in_o outward_a thing_n therein_o i_o have_v be_v great_o mistake_v for_o i_o never_o intend_v any_o such_o thing_n but_o simple_o to_o hold_v forth_o that_o which_o by_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 6._o be_v urge_v that_o whereas_o there_o will_v a_o manifest_a scandal_n arise_v from_o friend_n go_v to_o law_n together_o that_o therefore_o such_o as_o will_v rather_o go_v to_o law_n than_o seek_v to_o come_v to_o agreement_n by_o the_o interpose_v of_o friend_n aught_o with_o a_o respect_n to_o their_o bring_v such_o a_o scandal_n be_v censure_v since_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o any_o such_o difference_n as_o to_o outward_a thing_n can_v fall_v out_o among_o friend_n but_o some_o or_o other_o may_v be_v find_v who_o either_o by_o their_o own_o knowledge_n or_o by_o advice_n &_o information_n of_o such_o as_o may_v be_v know_v in_o the_o matter_n controvert_v may_v bring_v it_o to_o a_o end_n second_o that_o whereas_o i_o say_v there_o will_v not_o be_v want_v in_o case_n of_o controversy_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o give_v judgement_n through_o one_o or_o other_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n so_o long_o as_o any_o assembly_n can_v proper_o or_o in_o any_o tolerable_a sense_n be_v so_o call_v some_o have_v suppose_v that_o by_o these_o last_o word_n i_o do_v insinuate_v as_o if_o any_o assembly_n assume_v to_o themselves_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v some_o show_n of_o it_o may_v of_o right_a claim_n the_o power_n of_o such_o decision_n and_o ought_v according_o to_o be_v submit_v unto_o such_o a_o thing_n never_o enter_v i_o but_o be_v far_o from_o my_o intention_n for_o albeit_o that_o i_o judge_v that_o a_o assembly_n may_v sometime_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o not_o to_o have_v lose_v that_o claim_n albeit_o not_o altogether_o so_o fresh_a and_o lively_a at_o least_o in_o the_o generality_n of_o its_o member_n and_o so_o under_o some_o languish_a and_o hazard_v to_o decay_v if_o life_n do_v not_o again_o come_v up_o more_o abundant_o as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n who_o notwithstanding_o of_o the_o several_a weakness_n divers_a of_o they_o be_v under_o yet_o the_o apostle_n or_o rather_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o apostle_n dignify_v with_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n neither_o do_v i_o intend_v to_o make_v this_o judgement_n necessary_o to_o attend_v every_o particular_a church_n or_o assembly_n but_o by_o the_o church_n there_o i_o understand_v it_o in_o a_o more_o universal_a sense_n that_o be_v some_o or_o other_o among_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o complex_fw-la may_v be_v right_o term_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o same_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n for_o albeit_o we_o may_v suppose_v there_o may_v have_v be_v want_v in_o each_o of_o they_o some_o to_o give_v forth_o this_o true_a judgement_n concern_v they_o yet_o in_o respect_n they_o be_v such_o as_o in_o some_o tolerable_a supposition_n may_v be_v term_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n 3.16_o christ_n christ_n rev_n 2.4_o 5_o 14_o 15_o 20._o chap._n 3.16_o albeit_o some_o of_o they_o have_v lose_v their_o first_o love_n and_o be_v near_o to_o have_v their_o candlestick_n remove_v and_o some_o have_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n and_o of_o the_o nicholaitan_n and_o some_o suffer_v the_o woman_n jezabel_n and_o some_o be_v lukewarm_a and_o ready_a to_o be_v spew_v out_o we_o see_v god_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v without_o a_o certain_a judgement_n but_o give_v forth_o one_o through_o the_o apostle_n john_n who_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o to_o esteem_v that_o any_o assembly_n may_v be_v tolerable_o
reach_v the_o conscience_n of_o many_o i_o now_o come_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o r._n b_n word_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o w._n r_n in_o his_o paper_n shall_v labour_v so_o much_o against_o this_o affirm_v very_o positive_o that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v give_v forth_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o by_o way_n of_o recommendation_n and_o not_o of_o command_n on_o this_o i_o observe_v first_o the_o say_a sentence_n be_v make_v up_o of_o a_o part_n of_o one_o sentence_n of_o i_o and_o with_o the_o addition_n to_o that_o sentence_n of_o these_o r._n b_n own_o word_n and_o not_o of_o command_n and_o all_o this_o as_o by_o his_o discourse_n to_o i_o appear_v to_o insinuate_v a_o belief_n that_o i_o hold_v a_o principle_n so_o large_a as_o that_o the_o very_a murderer_n of_o christ_n those_o that_o persecute_a and_o burn_v the_o protestant_n martye_n and_o all_o idolotry_n wickedness_n and_o superstition_n be_v to_o be_v thereby_o justify_v which_o my_o soul_n abhor_v and_o bless_v be_v the_o lord_n he_o have_v give_v i_o a_o better_a understanding_n than_o to_o assert_v any_o thing_n from_o which_o such_o horrid_a conclusion_n may_v be_v draw_v and_o indeed_o his_o language_n seem_v to_o favour_n of_o that_o spirit_n which_o oppose_v the_o child_n of_o light_n in_o the_o beginning_n say_v the_o jew_n act_v from_o the_o light_n in_o they_o when_o they_o crucify_v christ_n and_o since_o r._n b._n be_v so_o disingenuous_a as_o not_o to_o lay_v down_o all_o my_o word_n nor_o yet_o the_o occasion_n which_o if_o he_o have_v his_o present_a discourse_n hereon_o will_v have_v seem_v more_o impertinent_a i_o shall_v therefore_o on_o this_o subject_n further_o add_v r_n b._n in_o his_o book_n of_o government_n ask_v this_o question_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v power_n in_o any_o case_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n to_o give_v positive_a sentence_n and_o decision_n which_o may_v be_v obligatory_a upon_o believer_n and_o then_o proceed_v to_o answer_v the_o say_a question_n thus_o i_o answer_v affirmative_o she_o have_v on_o this_o occasion_n treat_v among_o other_o thing_n i_o say_v that_o it_o do_v seem_v plain_o to_o contradict_v this_o wholesome_a testimony_n of_o and_o for_o the_o truth_n viz._n that_o the_o sentence_n and_o judgement_n of_o any_o man_n or_o man_n whatsoever_o relate_v to_o matter_n of_o conscience_n ought_v not_o at_o this_o day_n to_o be_v give_v forth_o but_o by_o way_n of_o recommendation_n to_o the_o conscience_n which_o to_o my_o knowledge_n have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n and_o when_o the_o conscience_n be_v sensible_a that_o god_n witness_v therein_o answer_n than_o the_o conscience_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v bind_v other_o bond_n may_v make_v hypocrite_n and_o busy_a body_n but_o not_o good_a christian_n it_o be_v now_o to_o be_v consider_v how_o from_o these_o my_o aforesaid_a word_n speak_v on_o the_o aforesaid_a occasion_n with_o respect_n to_o a_o dislike_n of_o o●●_n believer_n or_o disciple_n of_o christ_n his_o impose_v upon_o another_o contrary_a to_o his_o conscience_n r._n b._n can_v draw_v a_o conclusion_n that_o my_o my_o language_n in_o that_o sentence_n have_v a_o tendency_n to_o justify_v the_o jew_n in_o crucify_a christ_n and_o those_o that_o persecute_a and_o burn_v the_o protestant_n martyr_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o idolatry_n wickedness_n and_o superstition_n etc._n etc._n and_o whereas_o after_o he_o have_v make_v his_o aforesaid_a insinuation_n he_o free_o agree_v to_o my_o word_n if_o as_o r._n b._n say_v his_o meaning_n be_v that_o no_o man_n of_o or_o from_o himself_o only_o or_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o office_n etc._n etc._n ought_v to_o command_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o church_n but_o say_v r._n b_o if_o he_o will_v say_v that_o no_o man_n albeit_o real_o move_v by_o the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n aught_o to_o go_v further_o than_o a_o recommendation_n it_o be_v a_o most_o insolent_a limit_v of_o god_n under_o a_o false_a pretence_n of_o liberty_n these_o forego_v word_n of_o r._n b._n give_v i_o occasion_n thus_o to_o answer_n that_o since_o my_o word_n will_v admit_v of_o a_o construction_n allowable_a by_o himself_o for_o truth_n his_o secret_a evil_a insinuation_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o as_o to_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o his_o construction_n thereon_o i_o thus_o say_v that_o what_o god_n move_v to_o aught_o to_o be_v obey_v that_o his_o power_n be_v unlimmitable_a that_o all_o his_o action_n motion_n and_o command_n be_v just_a because_o they_o be_v he_o but_o yet_o though_o i_o so_o grant_v i_o do_v affirm_v that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n nor_o yet_o from_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n to_o believe_v that_o in_o this_o our_o day_n god_n have_v or_o by_o his_o spirit_n will_v move_v any_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o give_v forth_o certain_a order_n and_o prescription_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n as_o that_o which_o though_o relate_v to_o their_o conscience_n they_o ought_v to_o perform_v and_o practice_n whether_o they_o see_v if_o their_o duty_n or_o whether_o tehy_a be_v or_o no_o free_a so_o so_o do_v for_o if_o the_o blind_a be_v not_o to_o be_v accept_v for_o a_o sacrifice_n under_o the_o first_o covenant_n much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v acceptable_a under_o the_o second_o unless_o god_n shall_v so_o command_v which_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o suppose_v and_o foarsmuch_o as_o this_o subject_n be_v large_o treat_v on_o in_o the_o seven_o section_n of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a quaker_n which_o be_v give_v forrh_n by_o i_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o myself_o and_o other_o concern_v i_o shall_v refer_v the_o reader_n thereto_o for_o the_o further_a mani_n festation_n of_o the_o truth_n relate_v to_o this_o this_o matter_n and_o whereas_o r._n b._n say_v that_o thing_n may_v be_v propose_v to_o the_o church_n by_o way_n of_o command_n i_o shall_v refer_v the_o reader_n to_o the_o seven_o section_n of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n and_o also_o to_o my_o answer_n to_o his_o book_n of_o government_n contain_v in_o this_o treatise_n in_o both_o which_o the_o scripture_n urge_v by_o he_o relate_v to_o the_o word_n command_n and_o such_o like_a be_v treat_v on_o and_o the_o meaning_n thereof_o according_a to_o the_o truth_n discover_v four_o if_o any_o do_v suppose_v that_o by_o my_o assert_v the_o ancient_a apostolic_a order_n be_v establish_v among_o we_o upon_o the_o right_a basis_n and_o foundation_n i_o intend_v that_o these_o particular_a order_n relate_v to_o outward_a thing_n that_o be_v among_o the_o apostle_n either_o be_v or_o be_v to_o be_v establish_v among_o we_o they_o do_v much_o mistake_v i_o for_o i_o never_o purpose_v any_o such_o thing_n but_o only_o to_o signify_v that_o by_o establish_v the_o government_n and_o authority_n in_o and_o upon_o the_o spirit_n only_o and_o such_o as_o be_v lead_v by_o it_o we_o do_v establish_v it_o upon_o the_o same_o basis_n and_o foundation_n whereupon_o that_o exercise_n in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v build_v for_o i_o be_o far_o from_o believe_v that_o the_o most_o exact_a conformity_n to_o the_o order_n and_o method_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n or_o even_o to_o what_o may_v be_v now_o appoint_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n without_o the_o inward_a life_n and_o virtue_n go_v along_o signify_v any_o thing_n for_o i_o know_v that_o nothing_o do_v by_o mere_a imitation_n will_v any_o thing_n avail_v in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o that_o no_o act_n do_v without_o conviction_n will_v any_o way_n be_v profitable_a to_o the_o doer_n yet_o that_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o such_o as_o forbear_v to_o do_v what_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n in_o his_o servant_n be_v command_v to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o church_n be_v just_o to_o be_v blame_v and_o be_v judge_n dtherefore_o in_o respect_n that_o through_o disobedience_n and_o unwatchfullness_n they_o have_v blind_v themselves_o from_o the_o sight_n and_o knowledge_n of_o their_o duty_n for_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v no_o man_n be_v to_o be_v condemn_v for_o not_o do_v that_o which_o he_o yet_o see_v not_o to_o be_v his_o duty_n than_o no_o man_n be_v to_o be_v condemn_v who_o have_v by_o iniquity_n and_o unwatchfullness_n bring_v hardness_n and_o blindness_n upon_o himself_o for_o all_o the_o iniquity_n be_v commit_v afterward_o and_o how_o will_v this_o tend_v to_o establish_v rantism_n the_o substance_n of_o which_o be_v to_o bring_v their_o conscience_n to_o that_o pass_n as_o not_o to_o be_v sensible_a of_o any_o check_n then_o the_o
nation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o all_o their_o idolatry_n wickedness_n and_o superstition_n for_o that_o they_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o the_o evil_a of_o it_o whereas_o truth_n teach_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o have_v they_o be_v faithful_a to_o the_o small_a measure_n of_o light_n in_o thing_n more_o obvious_a it_o will_v have_v further_o open_v and_o manifest_v other_o thing_n then_o shall_v not_o the_o jew_n have_v be_v condemn_v for_o crucify_a christ_n since_o peter_n say_v they_o do_v it_o ignorant_o and_o paul_n testify_v that_o if_o they_o have_v know_v they_o will_v not_o have_v crucify_v the_o lord_n of_o glory_n yea_o than_o all_o those_o that_o persecute_a and_o burn_v the_o protestant-martyr_n be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v for_o it_o because_o they_o suppose_v they_o do_v well_o in_o it_o even_o according_a to_o christ_n testimony_n who_o say_v that_o in_o kill_v you_o they_o shall_v think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n shall_v man_n than_o never_o be_v condemn_v for_o do_v evil_a or_o omit_v their_o duty_n because_o they_o see_v it_o not_o what_o absurdity_n will_v folthereupon_o may_v easy_o appear_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o w._n r._n in_o his_o paper_n shall_v labour_v so_o much_o against_o this_o affirm_v very_o positive_o that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v give_v forth_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o by_o way_n of_o recommendation_n &_o not_o of_o command_n wherein_o he_o do_v either_o great_o mistake_v the_o matter_n as_o affirm_v by_o i_o or_o otherways_o run_v into_o a_o far_o great_a inconveniency_n than_o he_o be_v aware_a for_o if_o he_o mean_v that_o no_o man_n of_o or_o from_o himself_o only_o or_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o office_n or_o place_n he_o either_o have_v or_o have_v bear_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n aught_o to_o command_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o church_n i_o free_o agree_v to_o it_o and_o have_v assert_v the_o same_o in_o very_o full_a and_o ample_a term_n but_o if_o he_o will_v say_v that_o no_o man_n albeit_o real_o move_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n aught_o to_o go_v further_o than_o a_o mere_a reomendation_n it_o be_v a_o most_o insolent_a limit_v of_o god_n under_o a_o false_a pretence_n of_o liberty_n &_o will_v necessary_o conclude_v that_o god_n have_v not_o power_n to_o command_v any_o thing_n unless_o man_n be_v content_a to_o agree_v to_o it_o for_o the_o controversy_n be_v here_o draw_v to_o a_o narrow_a compass_n for_o he_o that_o will_v allow_v that_o god_n have_v power_n to_o command_v thing_n to_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o those_o command_n must_v be_v convey_v by_o immediate_a revelation_n through_o some_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o it_o may_v fall_v out_o that_o some_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n may_v through_o weakness_n or_o unwatchfulness_n not_o be_v sensible_a they_o must_v either_o acknowledge_v that_o such_o be_v to_o be_v condemn_v or_o say_v that_o god_n have_v not_o power_n to_o command_v or_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o revelation_n now_o a_o day_n as_o do_v the_o priest_n and_o truth_n enemy_n or_o that_o man_n be_v not_o condemnable_a for_o disobey_v god_n if_o he_o believe_v it_o not_o to_o be_v his_o duty_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v that_o unbelief_n be_v no_o sin_n now_o let_v these_o thing_n be_v serious_o consider_v how_o this_o be_v or_o can_v be_v avoid_v without_o grant_v the_o thing_n affirm_v by_o i_o for_o what_o way_n the_o truth_n can_v be_v assert_v the_o honour_n and_o just_a authority_n of_o god_n acknowledge_v the_o necessity_n and_o continuance_n of_o immediate_a revelation_n affirm_v and_o the_o iniquity_n of_o unbelief_n not_o justify_v and_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o rebellious_a and_o disobedient_a vindicate_v without_o affirm_v what_o i_o have_v do_v and_o if_o any_o can_v do_v this_o in_o word_n more_o wary_a than_o i_o have_v do_v i_o shall_v very_o ready_o agree_v to_o it_o for_o that_o thing_n may_v be_v propose_v to_o the_o church_n by_o way_n of_o command_n and_o further_o than_o a_o mere_a recommendation_n the_o whole_a current_n of_o the_o scripture_n show_v not_o only_o to_o the_o church_n among_o the_o jew_n where_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n do_v propose_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o be_v perform_v very_o positive_o and_o peremtory_o but_o even_o under_o the_o new-covenant_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o 15_o of_o the_o act_n and_o in_o many_o place_n of_o paul_n epistle_n particular_o that_o on_o 2_o thes_n 3.14_o if_o any_o man_n obey_v not_o our_o word_n by_o this_o epistle_n note_v that_o man_n and_o have_v no_o company_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a this_o then_o be_v manifest_v with_o respect_n to_o those_o time_n i_o will_v know_v of_o w._n r._n whether_o christ_n have_v now_o lose_v any_o of_o his_o authority_n or_o have_v leave_v off_o to_o rule_v his_o church_n immediate_o by_o his_o spirit_n whether_o so_o to_o affirm_v be_v not_o gross_o to_o contradict_v the_o ancient_n and_o primitive_a doctrine_n of_o friend_n observation_n w._n r_o be_v ten_o observation_n thereto_o observation_n observation_n this_o be_v not_o my_o concern_v have_v give_v no_o occasion_n in_o my_o answer_n for_o this_o his_o defence_n and_o therefore_o do_v make_v no_o reply_n thereto_o five_o whereas_o some_o do_v suppose_v that_o i_o do_v make_v the_o difference_n in_o the_o end_n but_o very_o small_a betwixt_o decissive_a judgement_n among_o friend_n and_o among_o papist_n and_o other_o person_n because_o i_o say_v they_o place_v the_o decisive_n judgement_n in_o the_o plurality_n of_o a_o assembly_n make_v up_o of_o their_o chief_a teacher_n and_o minister_n and_o albeit_o i_o limit_v it_o not_o to_o that_o yet_o i_o seem_v to_o affirm_v that_o it_o most_o usual_o be_v so_o convey_v and_o so_o the_o difference_n only_o be_v that_o they_o make_v it_o always_o so_o and_o i_o most_o usual_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o if_o in_o charity_n i_o may_v suppose_v this_o insinuation_n come_v not_o from_o malice_n at_o least_o it_o proceed_v from_o great_a ignorance_n of_o the_o popish_a principle_n and_o it_o be_v better_o for_o such_o to_o be_v silent_a than_o to_o judge_n of_o thing_n they_o do_v not_o understand_v for_o the_o difference_n here_o be_v very_o great_a and_o fundamental_a in_o respect_n both_o papist_n and_o other_o do_v affirm_v that_o man_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o outward_a succession_n or_o vocation_n may_v have_v true_a right_o to_o sit_v and_o give_v judgement_n in_o such_o assembly_n albeit_o they_o be_v void_a of_o true_a holiness_n and_o have_v not_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o they_o say_v be_v no_o necessary_a qualification_n to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o minister_n so_o that_o they_o place_v the_o power_n of_o judgement_n not_o only_o in_o the_o plurality_n of_o vote_n absolute_o in_o which_o we_o differ_v from_o they_o but_o also_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o such_o as_o may_v without_o any_o absurdity_n by_o their_o own_o principle_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v all_o and_o each_o of_o they_o void_a of_o the_o true_a grace_n of_o god_n and_o who_o even_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v gracious_a they_o affirm_v not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o immediate_a spirit_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o say_v be_v now_o cease_v now_o can_v there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n than_o be_v betwixt_o these_o two_o to_o wit_n to_o affirm_v that_o the_o power_n of_o decision_n be_v in_o a_o assembly_n of_o man_n to_o be_v member_n of_o which_o assembly_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v no_o necessary_a qualification_n and_o who_o deny_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o to_o be_v immediate_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n as_o a_o thing_n not_o attainable_a in_o these_o day_n and_o yet_o that_o all_o christian_n must_v be_v subject_a to_o what_o the_o plurality_n of_o such_o a_o assembly_n so_o constitute_v do_v determine_v and_o to_o affirm_v that_o the_o power_n of_o decision_n be_v only_o and_o alone_o in_o the_o spirit_n not_o necessary_o tie_v to_o a_o general_a assembly_n but_o if_o it_o please_v god_n to_o make_v use_n of_o such_o a_o assembly_n yet_o neither_o to_o the_o plurality_n of_o they_o but_o in_o and_o through_o such_o of_o his_o servant_n as_o he_o see_v meet_v and_o that_o none_o be_v capable_a or_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v member_n of_o such_o a_o assembly_n or_o esteem_v such_o from_o who_o such_o a_o judgement_n can_v be_v expect_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v receive_v unless_o they_o be_v man_n in_o who_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n not_o only_o be_v but_o have_v true_o wrought_v to_o mortify_v and_o regenerate_v they_o in_o a_o good_a measure_n in_o who_o the_o judgement_n of_o truth_n real_o
child_n of_o israel_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o some_o do_v lead_v many_o into_o a_o temptation_n to_o run_v beyond_o their_o line_n by_o procure_v a_o multitude_n of_o hand_n to_o confirm_v what_o be_v give_v forth_o by_o one_o or_o at_o least_o by_o a_o very_a few_o with_o divers_a other_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n which_o take_v up_o no_o small_a part_n of_o his_o paper_n now_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o pertinent_o bring_v in_o against_o i_o nor_o will_v i_o judge_v myself_o less_o impertinent_a to_o enlarge_v in_o a_o contest_v concern_v these_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o immediate_o concern_v the_o thing_n under_o debate_n since_o the_o person_n or_o person_n aim_v at_o by_o he_o in_o these_o reflection_n may_v take_v occasion_n as_o they_o find_v it_o their_o place_n to_o answer_n and_o perhaps_o may_v have_v have_v opportnity_n to_o have_v discourse_v with_o he_o divers_a of_o these_o thing_n ere_o this_o time_n upon_o other_o occasion_n three_o since_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o w._n r_n paper_n be_v take_v up_o to_o evidence_n as_o he_o pretend_v impertinent_a application_n i_o make_v of_o the_o several_a passage_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o he_o think_v i_o have_v be_v too_o curious_a to_o collect_v that_o make_v mention_n of_o these_o word_n order_n rule_n command_v and_o government_n how_o he_o evince_v that_o i_o leave_v to_o the_o serious_a reader_n be_v the_o more_o willing_a to_o bear_v his_o reflection_n in_o that_o respect_n that_o he_o be_v so_o bold_a when_o he_o can_v compass_n his_o matter_n otherwise_o not_o only_o to_o censure_v i_o but_o the_o apostle_n paul_n say_v of_o 1_o tim._n 1.19_o 20._o mention_v by_o i_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o the_o purpose_n intend_v by_o i_o but_o that_o it_o be_v not_o plain_a to_o the_o purpose_n paul_n himself_o intend_v at_o least_o to_o ordinary_a capacity_n add_v that_o the_o method_n there_o propose_v by_o the_o apostle_n answer_v not_o that_o which_o the_o light_n within_o tell_v we_o since_o since_o then_o the_o light_n he_o follow_v be_v such_o as_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o apostle_n assertion_n i_o may_v the_o more_o patient_o bear_v his_o affirm_v i_o to_o be_v erroneous_a and_o whereas_o w._n r._n labour_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o scripture_n bring_v by_o i_o to_o prove_v a_o power_n of_o decision_n in_o the_o church_n do_v not_o affirm_v any_o such_o thing_n because_o in_o these_o scripture_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o the_o church_n division_n yet_o if_o he_o consider_v that_o those_o place_n do_v speak_v of_o the_o separate_n from_o and_o cut_v off_o of_o divers_a person_n forsake_v their_o fellowship_n to_o the_o saint_n who_o make_v up_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n it_o necessary_o presuppose_v a_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n or_o saint_n concern_v these_o person_n for_o which_o they_o be_v so_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v his_o church_n four_o observation_n w._n r_n twelsth_n observation_n a_o great_a part_n of_o w._n r_n work_n blame_v work_n work_n r._n p._n now_o seem_v very_o confident_a that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o my_o work_n be_v a_o building_n up_o and_o then_o a_o pull_v down_o but_o give_v no_o substantial_a reason_n to_o prove_v his_o assertion_n for_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o discover_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o other_o the_o weakness_n or_o error_n both_o in_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o one_o profess_v christianity_n it_o be_v another_o thing_n to_o make_v one_o self_n a_o judge_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o such_o so_o as_o to_o condemn_v they_o for_o not_o walk_v according_o to_o another_o persuasion_n though_o contrary_a to_o their_o own_o this_o first_o be_v commendable_a and_o the_o only_a thing_n aim_v at_o and_o perform_v by_o i_o in_o that_o part_n of_o my_o work_n which_o he_o pretend_v be_v a_o building_n up_o and_o then_o a_o pull_v down_o the_o other_o i_o affirm_v r._n b._n be_v not_o capable_a to_o render_v i_o guilty_a of_o if_o he_o be_v doubtless_o he_o will_v have_v do_v it_o and_o then_o i_o shall_v have_v ready_o acknowledge_v my_o error_n therein_o for_o examples-sake_n i_o shall_v cite_v one_o instance_n i_o positive_o affirm_v that_o this_o judgement_n touch_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o decision_n of_o difference_n tonch_v outward_a thing_n be_v erroneous_a and_o have_v write_v somewhat_o large_a to_o manifest_v it_o so_o this_o i_o do_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o truth_n and_o perhaps_o he_o may_v term_v it_o as_o a_o evidence_n that_o i_o therein_o build_v that_o which_o i_o destroy_v when_o i_o say_v we_o find_v the_o apostle_n exhort_v the_o church_n not_o to_o he_o judge_v one_o another_o with_o respect_n to_o thing_n relate_v to_o conscience_n but_o a_o inference_n will_v not_o hold_v unless_o i_o have_v also_o declare_v that_o if_o he_o or_o any_o believer_n like_o mind_a with_o he_o shall_v practise_v according_a to_o such_o a_o judgement_n they_o be_v then_o to_o be_v condemn_v but_o that_o i_o have_v not_o do_v for_o shall_v i_o so_o have_v do_v his_o construction_n of_o my_o building_n up_o and_o pull_v down_o may_v have_v hold_v but_o i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o be_v of_o such_o a_o censorious_a spirit_n as_o that_o i_o think_v it_o be_v rather_o his_o duty_n while_o so_o principled_a to_o refer_v any_o such_o difference_n arise_v between_o he_o and_o another_o friend_n unto_o the_o decision_n of_o the_o church_n this_o i_o hope_v will_v suffice_v to_o show_v the_o fallaciousness_n of_o his_o inference_n and_o the_o abuse_n and_o perversion_n not_o only_o of_o my_o intent_n but_o my_o word_n themselves_o and_o if_o his_o inference_n to_o my_o word_n be_v good_a than_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o paul_n may_v just_o be_v blame_v when_o he_o withstand_v peter_n gal._n 2.11_o to_o the_o face_n because_o peter_n be_v to_o be_v blame_v be_v but_o a_o build_n up_o and_o then_o a_o pull_v down_o wherein_o he_o apparent_o contradict_v himself_o yea_o the_o whole_a scope_n of_o his_o book_n imply_v a_o manifest_a contradiction_n for_o whereas_o he_o plain_o declare_v his_o writing_n to_o be_v a_o plea_n for_o christian_a liberty_n against_o judge_v and_o censure_v one_o another_o hold_v forth_o the_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n or_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n but_o especial_o in_o such_o matter_n as_o relate_v to_o discipline_n and_o government_n be_v not_o nor_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o unity_n which_o he_o understand_v may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o diversity_n of_o gift_n and_o administration_n mention_v in_o scripture_n which_o he_o exprese_n in_o these_o word_n upon_o paul_n in_o rom._n 14._o so_o then_o every_o one_o of_o we_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n of_o himself_o unto_o god_n let_v we_o not_o therefore_o judge_v one_o another_o any_o more_o and_o again_o he_o say_v upon_o chap._n 14.34_o which_o evident_o show_v that_o inasmuch_o as_o every_o one_o must_v answer_v for_o himself_o it_o be_v fit_a every_o one_o shall_v believe_v for_o himself_o and_o so_o practice_n without_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o other_o and_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o christian_n forbearance_n and_o again_o in_o another_o place_n he_o say_v these_o thing_n consider_v and_o that_o also_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n exhort_v the_o church_n not_o to_o be_v judge_v one_o another_o with_o respect_n to_o thing_n relate_v to_o conscience_n there_o be_v great_a need_n to_o watch_v against_o this_o censorious_a judge_a spirit_n lest_o while_o any_o be_v judge_v their_o brethren_n themselves_o become_v castaways_a he_o have_v many_o more_o expression_n of_o this_o kind_n now_o since_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a scope_n of_o w._n r_n paper_n and_o that_o he_o do_v yea_o have_v since_o he_o write_v those_o paper_n acknowledge_v i_o to_o be_v his_o christian_a brother_n and_o many_o more_o at_o least_o then_o he_o do_v repute_v such_o who_o he_o censure_v judge_n and_o condems_n through_o his_o whole_a treatise_n yea_o since_o his_o whole_a paper_n be_v a_o judge_a censure_v and_o condemn_v of_o i_o and_o my_o judgement_n in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o conscience_n and_o to_o my_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o government_n and_o outward_a discipline_n do_v not_o the_o work_n itself_o imply_v a_o manifest_a contradiction_n so_o his_o very_a write_n contradict_v the_o matter_n that_o he_o write_v of_o and_o plead_v for_o especial_o since_o he_o not_o only_o make_v some_o general_a censure_n of_o i_o and_o many_o other_o profess_v the_o same_o fundamental_a truth_n with_o he_o but_o be_v very_o partricular_a and_o peremptory_a yea_o insinuate_a accusation_n as_o if_o i_o in_o particular_a intend_v to_o make_v way_n for_o a_o authority_n to_o rule_v over_o at_o least_o some_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 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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
a_o part_n 2d_o part_n p._n 85_o to_o 92._o jew_n a_o objection_n raise_v whether_o they_o act_v not_o from_o the_o light_n within_o in_o crucify_a christ_n a_o answer_n to_o the_o say_a objection_n 2_o d._n part_n p._n 9_o 10._o ignorant_n the_o way_n how_o the_o ignorant_a have_v be_v ensnare_v 4_o the_o part_n p._n 32_o 33._o imposer_n see_v church-government_n independency_n the_o write_a word_n of_o a_o public_a preacher_n insinuate_v as_o if_o the_o tendency_n of_o some_o of_o our_o spirit_n be_v downright_a independency_n be_v treat_v on_o show_v that_o we_o be_v principled_a to_o depend_v on_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o not_o on_o man_n etc._n etc._n 1_o st_o part_n p._n 38_o to_o 42._o infallibility_n as_o relate_v to_o internal_a thing_n annex_v only_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 2_o d._n part_n p._n 11_o 12._o how_o man_n endue_v with_o the_o infallible_a spirit_n be_v deceive_v &_o fallible_a 2_o d._n part_n p._n 12_o 13._o a_o animadversion_n on_o this_o sentence_n that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v infallible_a and_o can_v err_v 3_o d._n part_n p._n 13._o iniquity_n not_o distinguish_v by_o our_o opposer_n from_o conscientious_a scruple_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 50_o 51._o innovation_n see_v apostasy_n innovator_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 49._o a_o part_n of_o their_o doctrine_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 50._o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n some_o concern_v in_o draw_v up_o forty-four_a article_n against_o they_o confess_v under_o their_o hand_n that_o it_o be_v not_o any_o personal_a trespass_n against_o any_o of_o they_o that_o they_o charge_v john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n with_o nor_o any_o particular_a concern_v of_o their_o own_o as_o man_n that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o but_o the_o cause_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o the_o wrong_n they_o have_v do_v to_o he_o but_o yet_o some_o of_o we_o know_v and_o that_o from_o their_o own_o write_n that_o their_o pretend_a wrong_n to_o god_n be_v a_o slight_v some_o of_o george_n fox_n rule_n etc._n etc._n which_o in_o some_o of_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n be_v opposer_n sense_n be_v to_o be_v urge_v with_o severity_n which_o be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o enforce_v on_o god_n faithful_a people_n 1_o st_o part_n p._n 86_o 87_o 88_o 89._o john_n wilkinson_n write_v to_o some_o who_o of_o late_o be_v his_o opposer_n that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v to_o he_o the_o 20_o the_o day_n of_o the_o 6_o the_o month_n 1675._o the_o import_n whereof_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v break_v his_o opposer_n and_o turn_v they_o one_o against_o another_o about_o their_o order_n if_o they_o repent_v not_o 4_o the_o part_n p._n 28._o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n their_o accuser_n choose_v judge_n to_o judge_v the_o matter_n whereof_o they_o accuse_v they_o 4_o the_o part_n p._n 29_o 30._o the_o testimony_n of_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n in_o relation_n to_o five_o head_n from_o whence_o the_o forty-four_a article_n of_o accusation_n be_v draw_v up_o against_o they_o relate_v to_o church-government_n wherein_o they_o particular_o bear_v their_o testimony_n against_o payment_n of_o tithe_n 4_o the_o part_n p._n 37_o 38_o 39_o 40._o isaac_n penington_n his_o testimony_n touch_v that_o authority_n which_o christ_n exclude_v out_o of_o his_o church_n and_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o run_v into_o religious_a practice_n before_o lead_v thereinto_o by_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o receive_v thing_n for_o truth_n because_o other_o see_v they_o to_o be_v truth_n and_o that_o the_o great_a error_n of_o the_o age_n of_o the_o apostasy_n have_v be_v to_o set_v up_o a_o outward_a order_n and_o uniformity_n and_o to_o make_v man_n conscience_n bow_v thereto_o 3_o d._n part_n p._n 89_o to_o 98._o justification_n and_o salvation_n through_o faith_n in_o christ_n own_a and_o clear_v from_o the_o objection_n of_o such_o as_o have_v seem_v to_o extend_v the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n obedience_n unto_o person_n while_o sin_n be_v reign_v in_o their_o mortal_a body_n show_v that_o though_o such_o as_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v redeem_a from_o under_o the_o law_n which_o consist_v in_o carnal_a ordinance_n yet_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v accompany_v with_o work_n of_o righteousness_n wrought_v in_o man_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 2_o d._n part_n p._n 61_o to_o 71._o k_o kingdom_n of_o god_n thing_n relate_v thereto_o be_v reveal_v to_o the_o creature_n but_o by_o one_o way_n viz._n the_o spirit_n though_o the_o manifestation_n may_v be_v various_a viz._n sometime_o through_o man_n or_o the_o scripture_n as_o instrument_n and_o sometime_o through_o himself_o 2_o d._n part_n p._n 2_o 3_o 4._o knowledge_n without_o zeal_n some_o part_n of_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o discover_v 1_o st_o part_n p._n 73_o 74_o 75_o 76._o the_o want_n of_o knowledge_n the_o cause_n of_o a_o perish_a estate_n and_o bow_v to_o man_n 2_o d._n part_n p._n 25._o the_o mean_v of_o these_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n knowledge_n puff_v up_o 2_o d._n part_n p._n 26_o 27._o l_o liberty_n and_o forbearance_n in_o robert_n barclay_n sense_n refute_v 3_o d._n part_n p_o 80_o 81_o 82._o liberty_n of_o conscience_n a_o description_n wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v 3_o d._n part_n p._n 17_o 18._o what_o that_o liberty_n of_o the_o conscience_n be_v that_o be_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n in_o particular_a it_o admit_v of_o no_o liberty_n to_o sin_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 86_o 87._o light_n of_o christ_n what_o the_o measure_n of_o it_o be_v and_o the_o effect_n of_o obedience_n to_o it_o 1_o st_o part_n p._n 3_o 4._o see_v the_o 2_o d._n part_n p._n 2_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o those_o who_o this_o day_n say_v we_o be_v teach_v to_o follow_v the_o light_n in_o our_o conscience_n and_o not_o the_o order_n of_o man_n and_o that_o we_o will_v not_o have_v man_n to_o rule_v over_o we_o thereby_o mean_v such_o man_n as_o be_v in_o a_o separation_n from_o the_o establish_v religion_n by_o law_n will_v yet_o be_v account_v church-governor_n over_o we_o utter_v language_n become_v christian_n and_o though_o robert_n barclay_n have_v reflect_v on_o such_o kind_n of_o language_n yet_o it_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v sound_z 3_o d._n part_n p._n 43_o 44._o m_o magistracy_n obedience_n active_a or_o passive_a due_n to_o it_o 2_o d._n part_n p._n 30_o 31_o 32._o master_n on_o what_o ground_n and_o to_o who_o the_o word_n master_n be_v dis-used_n by_o we_o 2_o d._n part_n p._n 34._o meeting_n some_o part_n at_o least_o of_o nine_o meeting_n for_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o westmoreland_n submit_v their_o affair_n without_o restriction_n either_o to_o temporal_a or_o spiritual_a affair_n to_o establish_v monthly_o and_o quarterly-meeting_n and_o discharge_v the_o separate_v so_o term_v who_o be_v repute_v to_o be_v of_o party_n with_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n to_o concern_v themselves_o in_o their_o affair_n mean_v as_o by_o the_o scope_n of_o their_o word_n appear_v the_o church_n affair_n 1_o st_o part_n p._n 89_o 90._o such_o submission_n may_v be_v by_o we_o reasonable_o take_v to_o be_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o such_o submitter_n a_o mark_n to_o know_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n at_o least_o in_o those_o part_n p._n 90._o and_o such_o their_o discharge_n seem_v a_o token_n of_o some_o imaginary_a authority_n and_o design_n of_o the_o exaltation_n of_o one_o man_n namely_o george_n fox_n for_o which_o several_a reason_n be_v give_v in_o the_o defamation_n of_o other_o and_o that_o the_o name_n of_o monthly_a and_o quarterly-meeting_n be_v but_o as_o a_o conduit_n to_o convey_v it_o to_o he_o p._n 90_o 91_o 92._o see_v also_o what_o be_v write_v touch_v monthly_o and_o quarterly-meeting_n in_o 1_o st_o part_n p._n 11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o and_o then_o consider_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o whole_o irrational_a that_o such_o shall_v assume_v unto_o themselves_o the_o title_n of_o church_n and_o on_o that_o foot_n expect_v submission_n p._n 14._o the_o order_n in_o collect_v the_o sense_n of_o such_o meeting_n speak_v of_o 1_o st_o part_n p._n 14_o 15._o and_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o counsel_n in_o hold_v such_o meeting_n be_v embrace_v and_o the_o end_v thereof_o 1_o st_o part_n p._n 15_o 16._o monthly_o &_o quarterly-meeting_n of_o man_n and_o also_o of_o woman_n distinct_a from_o man_n not_o own_v by_o we_o to_o be_v establish_v as_o a_o part_n of_o christ_n government_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 8_o to_o 14._o womens-meeting_n distinct_a from_o man_n how_o they_o come_v to_o be_v hold_v and_o for_o what_o end_n 1_o st_o part_n p._n 63_o to_o 67._o the_o general-meeting_a have_v usual_o consist_v of_o uncertain_a number_n of_o uncertain_a qualify_v person_n 1_o st_o