of_o the_o innocent_a to_o discourage_v the_o testimony_n bear_v for_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n so_o that_o they_o of_o the_o meeting_n he_o belong_v to_o have_v many_o of_o they_o almost_o lose_v all_o relate_n to_o truth_n but_o the_o form_n of_o word_n and_o outside_n profession_n and_o in_o that_o also_o a_o grief_n to_o the_o faithful_a which_o many_o of_o the_o simple_a heart_a among_o they_o come_v off_o from_o they_o since_o with_o joy_n in_o true_a brokenness_n do_v tender_o confess_v and_o in_o this_o shrink_a work_n john_n wilkinson_n also_o public_o appear_v to_o stand_v by_o they_o to_o the_o grief_n of_o many_o for_o his_o sake_n on_o these_o occasion_n as_o that_o which_o be_v needful_a lest_o the_o life_n of_o christianity_n as_o william_n rogers_n apply_v to_o the_o faithful_a 〈◊〉_d be_v quite_o let_v fall_v and_o extinct_a among_o we_o the_o lord_n stir_v up_o zeal_n and_o care_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n among_o the_o faithful_a and_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n strive_v in_o that_o day_n with_o a_o gainsay_n backslide_a people_n who_o will_v not_o be_v subject_a to_o he_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o many_o exhortation_n and_o good_a advice_n they_o have_v in_o love_n and_o mercy_n mix_v with_o sound_a judgement_n upon_o the_o spirit_n that_o have_v prevail_v over_o they_o and_o upon_o the_o work_v thereof_o and_o the_o heart_n of_o many_o in_o other_o country_n be_v touch_v with_o sorrow_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n sake_n which_o this_o perfidious_a spirit_n be_v strike_v at_o and_o in_o a_o holy_a zeal_n for_o god_n many_o brethren_n that_o come_v among_o we_o be_v move_v in_o a_o testimony_n for_o he_o to_o clear_v their_o conscience_n in_o god_n sight_n to_o the_o comfort_n and_o heart_n break_v gladness_n of_o the_o upright_a among_o we_o but_o to_o the_o grief_n and_o vexation_n of_o the_o other_o sort_n whereupon_o they_o cry_v ou_fw-fr against_o 〈◊〉_d overdriving_a and_o urge_v thing_n with_o severity_n and_o margaret_n fox_n and_o some_o other_o friend_n be_v come_v to_o visit_v friend_n at_o our_o quarterly_o meet_v very_o tender_o signify_v to_o we_o that_o she_o hear_v there_o be_v division_n among_o we_o and_o that_o she_o partly_o believe_v it_o and_o be_v sorry_a therefore_o she_o desire_v also_o that_o if_o there_o be_v dissatisfaction_n in_o any_o on_o any_o account_n relate_v to_o church_n care_n and_o gospel_n order_n that_o they_o will_v speak_v that_o thing_n may_v be_v open_o discourse_v and_o none_o go_v private_o under_o hand_n to_o work_v discontent_n in_o any_o on_o the_o account_n thereof_o or_o word_n to_o that_o purpose_n john_n story_n be_v not_o then_o among_o we_o but_o john_n 〈◊〉_d on_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d himself_o and_o they_o of_o party_n with_o he_o reply_v say_v 〈◊〉_d what_o 〈◊〉_d have_v we_o to_o practise_v thing_n impose_v upon_o we_o by_o man_n or_o in_o the_o will_n of_o man_n that_o there_o be_v no_o scripture_n proof_n or_o example_n for_o in_o reply_v whereunto_o m._n fox_n ask_v he_o if_o 〈◊〉_d will_v say_v that_o our_o meeting_n relate_v to_o church_n care_n be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o will_n of_o man_n or_o word_n direct_o to_o that_o purpose_n unto_o which_o he_o give_v no_o direct_a answer_n neither_o will_v plain_o and_o open_o declare_v what_o it_o be_v that_o he_o and_o they_o take_v occasion_n to_o stumble_v at_o yet_o that_o which_o principal_o be_v upon_o he_o to_o make_v a_o opposition_n to_o 〈◊〉_d afterward_o be_v observe_v be_v woman_n meeting_n on_o the_o account_n of_o church_n concern_v think_v thereby_o to_o undervalue_v &_o lessen_v the_o esteem_n and_o authority_n of_o our_o whole_a concern_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o practice_n in_o the_o church_n be_v vindicate_v by_o the_o honest_a heart_a as_o a_o very_a proper_a concern_v for_o they_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n receive_v in_o their_o place_n order_n and_o sex_n it_o seem_v strange_a also_o to_o many_o why_o john_n wilkinson_n propound_v such_o a_o question_n in_o opposition_n to_o woman_n meeting_n see_v that_o he_o &_o twenty_o three_o more_o at_o a_o former_a quarterly_o meet_v in_o kendal_n have_v subscribe_v a_o paper_n signify_v their_o consent_n to_o the_o woman_n meeting_n with_o several_a expression_n in_o it_o tend_v great_o to_o encourage_v the_o same_o and_o upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o a_o paper_n from_o g._n fox_n read_v in_o the_o say_a meeting_n to_o encourage_v woman_n friend_n to_o meet_v together_o on_o the_o account_n aforesaid_a the_o meeting_n with_o a_o unanimous_a consent_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o subscription_n express_v themselves_o thus_o viz._n it_o be_v further_a agree_v upon_o that_o this_o paper_n be_v read_v in_o every_o particular_a meeting_n that_o the_o woman_n friend_n who_o be_v faithful_a may_v be_v stir_v up_o into_o a_o serious_a consideration_n in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o answer_v the_o lord_n with_o diligence_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o woman_n assemble_v together_o to_o see_v and_o consider_v that_o all_o woman_n young_a and_o old_a who_o profess_v the_o truth_n do_v walk_v therein_o in_o order_n and_o in_o modesty_n out_o of_o the_o custom_n and_o fashion_n of_o the_o world_n herein_o male_a and_o female_a be_v serviceable_a in_o our_o place_n and_o call_v in_o our_o day_n and_o generation_n etc._n etc._n so_o all_o woman_n friend_n who_o feel_v secret_a desire_n in_o themselves_o to_o be_v instrument_n of_o good_a unto_o other_o let_v they_o meet_v together_o as_o aforesaid_a and_o in_o this_o desire_n certain_o the_o lord_n will_v assist_v you_o in_o his_o wisdom_n and_o counsel_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o all_o the_o faithful_a woman_n who_o be_v thus_o incline_v and_o affect_v herewith_o may_v signify_v their_o mind_n and_o intent_n to_o the_o man_n meeting_n and_o so_o be_v encourage_v by_o we_o who_o name_n be_v hereunto_o subscribe_v viz_o john_n wilkinson_n one_a henry_n story_n john_n clearkson_n r._n pinder_n and_o 20._o more_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o the_o say_a paper_n it_o do_v appear_v that_o it_o be_v woman_n meeting_n that_o they_o be_v dis-affected_n with_o and_o smite_v at_o in_o their_o mind_n in_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o dislike_v also_o our_o man_n meeting_n but_o that_o they_o be_v afraid_a to_o appear_v so_o open_o against_o they_o for_o afterward_o they_o break_v forth_o into_o more_o disdainful_a term_n against_o the_o woman_n meeting_n call_v they_o a_o idol_n a_o 〈◊〉_d invention_n imposition_n and_o the_o like_a yet_o contradictory_o to_o their_o own_o approbation_n and_o well-liking_a thereof_o as_o the_o aforesaid_a paper_n demonstrate_v that_o earthly_a loose_a 〈◊〉_d spirit_n that_o have_v be_v all_o along_o stir_v in_o some_o of_o the_o rich_a and_o wise_a sort_n in_o the_o wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o below_o against_o the_o church_n care_n and_o discipline_n thereof_o be_v offend_v with_o it_o because_o of_o the_o inspection_n of_o it_o and_o limit_v thereby_o to_o their_o wrong_a spirit_n yet_o dare_v not_o public_o appear_v in_o opposition_n to_o it_o but_o in_o a_o private_a 〈◊〉_d manner_n be_v work_v contempt_n and_o disesteem_n thereof_o where_o it_o can_v prevail_v till_o on_o these_o occasion_n it_o be_v force_v either_o submissive_o to_o bow_v and_o fall_v under_o which_o it_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o do_v or_o else_o to_o appear_v with_o its_o open_a face_n to_o manifest_v itself_o and_o stand_v up_o in_o its_o own_o defence_n the_o lord_n suffer_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v that_o esau_n hide_a guile_n may_v be_v find_v out_o and_o the_o way_n thereof_o block_v up_o what_o ever_o it_o cost_v the_o innocent_a to_o god_n to_o accomplish_v the_o same_o and_o bless_v be_v god_n thing_n have_v wrought_v well_o and_o will_v do_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o name_n that_o be_v the_o strength_n and_o crown_n of_o the_o righteous_a that_o shall_v never_o rot_v for_o in_o the_o exercise_n that_o the_o faithful_a meet_v withal_o through_o this_o spirit_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v bless_v to_o we_o life_n spring_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o many_o soul_n be_v tender_o concern_v 〈◊〉_d god_n and_o his_o ancient_a truth_n which_o have_v be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o north_n where_o many_o live_a witness_n have_v be_v raise_v for_o god_n to_o the_o glad_a of_o many_o thousand_o and_o from_o among_o who_o faithful_a labourer_n spring_v for_o the_o publish_n the_o everlasting_a truth_n where_o the_o lord_n have_v call_v they_o and_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o eternal_a truth_n appear_v even_o to_o lie_v at_o stake_n the_o lord_n put_v courage_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o several_a young_a brethren_n that_o from_o babe_n and_o 〈◊〉_d the_o lord_n praise_v may_v be_v perfect_v and_o the_o more_o the_o lord_n appear_v among_o we_o the_o more_o
such_o as_o go_v from_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o life_n and_o kernel_n of_o truth_n and_o to_o none_o other_o as_o in_o the_o scripture-sense_n it_o be_v clear_a and_o as_o late_a experience_n also_o have_v demonstrate_v and_o to_o apply_v that_o state_n to_o such_o as_o have_v the_o kernel_n of_o christianity_n and_o be_v in_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o thing_n that_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o member_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n lead_v into_o be_v 〈◊〉_d confusion_n a_o false_a application_n and_o a_o ridiculous_a thing_n among_o all_o sober_a conscientious_a people_n and_o render_v the_o asserter_n '_o thereof_o in_o a_o state_n of_o distraction_n as_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n ready_a to_o be_v cast_v aside_o not_o worth_a the_o take_a notice_n of_o what_o further_a need_n be_v there_o may_v many_o say_v of_o any_o further_a proof_n of_o the_o matter_n against_o he_o and_o they_o of_o party_n with_o he_o as_o to_o the_o trample_n upon_o this_o false_a and_o malicious_a charge_n but_o hold_v he_o to_o his_o and_o john_n wilkinson_n grant_n concern_v we_o and_o then_o see_v how_o he_o will_v prove_v the_o accusation_n against_o we_o unless_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o give_v they_o leave_v to_o retract_v what_o they_o have_v confess_v which_o see_v we_o see_v not_o that_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o call_v back_o his_o charge_n for_o the_o further_o manifest_v his_o confusion_n his_o folly_n his_o malice_n and_o his_o envy_n and_o for_o the_o vindication_n of_o our_o innocent_a life_n and_o care_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o grieve_v the_o backslide_a sort_n we_o be_v incline_v to_o do_v and_o shall_v proceed_v to_o examine_v far_o what_o be_v the_o matter_n on_o the_o church_n account_n or_o what_o have_v he_o against_o we_o for_o which_o he_o thus_o render_v we_o in_o print_n and_o leave_v it_o on_o record_n to_o posterity_n that_o we_o be_v apostate_n innovator_n and_o such_o as_o in_o who_o the_o life_n of_o christianity_n be_v extinct_a and_o intruder_n into_o the_o government_n that_o belong_v to_o christ_n imposer_n bringer_n in_a of_o man_n prescription_n with_o what_o inveterateness_n he_o can_v in_o the_o height_n of_o malice_n appear_v in_o in_o order_n to_o which_o we_o say_v thus_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v through_o his_o whole_a book_n what_o work_n he_o make_v against_o the_o order_n and_o discipline_n use_v and_o practise_v among_o we_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n under_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o a_o knowledge_n of_o and_o a_o portion_n in_o and_o we_o testify_v that_o none_o other_o government_n but_o that_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n do_v we_o as_o the_o child_n of_o god_n maintain_v and_o stand_v in_o the_o vindication_n of_o to_o which_o subjection_n we_o owe_v for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o under_o which_o we_o desire_v and_o be_v concern_v as_o instrument_n in_o god_n hand_n to_o be_v help_n in_o government_n in_o the_o church_n to_o the_o keep_n down_o that_o which_o will_v not_o be_v subject_a to_o truth_n that_o so_o in_o all_o thing_n we_o may_v be_v decent_a lovely_a and_o of_o good_a report_n keep_v ourselves_o unspotted_a of_o the_o world_n according_a to_o that_o holy_a profession_n we_o have_v maintain_v and_o confess_v to_o before_o all_o it_o be_v admirable_a to_o take_v notice_n what_o ado_n he_o make_v against_o discipline_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n and_o what_o contemptible_a term_n he_o put_v upon_o the_o direction_n and_o instruction_n justifiable_a and_o commendable_a therein_o to_o be_v get_v a_o disesteem_a thereof_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o people_n let_v but_o his_o book_n be_v peruse_v through_o it_o will_v manifest_v it_o together_o with_o what_o be_v observe_v out_o of_o it_o by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o accuser_n of_o our_o brethren_n 〈◊〉_d down_o subscribe_v by_o ellis_n hook_n &c._n &c._n therein_o insert_v and_o full_o speak_v 〈◊〉_d to_o demonstrable_o so_o that_o much_o here_o on_o that_o wise_a need_v not_o be_v insert_v reference_n be_v have_v unto_o the_o a_o foresay_a treatise_n because_o whereof_o we_o shall_v much_o what_o pass_v by_o the_o trouble_n of_o recollect_v the_o same_o or_o much_o concern_v ourselves_o therewith_o it_o be_v obvious_a to_o all_o what_o downright_o slight_v he_o be_v in_o and_o what_o inveigh_v he_o make_v against_o any_o concern_n on_o that_o wise_a in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n under_o a_o gospel-dispensation_n in_o many_o part_n of_o his_o book_n there_o be_v scarce_o one_o page_n without_o reflection_n on_o that_o wise_a see_v page_n the_o 4_o the_o in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o his_o book_n whosoever_o shall_v endeavour_v by_o outward_a way_n and_o mean_n to_o establish_v a_o outward_a government_n outward_a law_n rule_n and_o order_n etc._n etc._n under_o the_o notion_n or_o pretence_n of_o christ_n government_n will_v be_v find_v invader_n of_o christ_n prerogative_n and_o in_o page_n 43._o of_o his_o first_o part_n he_o say_v and_o if_o we_o do_v but_o consider_v how_o fruitless_a in_o day_n and_o year_n past_a as_o well_o as_o in_o this_o present_a age_n all_o man_n outward_a endeavour_n have_v be_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o church-government_n to_o preserve_v in_o any_o true_a real_a and_o heavenly_a society_n etc._n etc._n and_o from_o thence_o place_n upon_o all_o concern_v on_o that_o wise_a the_o badge_n of_o apostasy_n thus_o he_o manifest_v his_o slight_n of_o the_o care_n of_o god_n people_n in_o the_o church_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o outward_a exercise_n we_o shall_v appear_v in_o for_o god_n and_o our_o mutual_a help_n comfort_n edification_n and_o build_v up_o one_o another_o and_o to_o render_v the_o same_o the_o more_o contemptible_a and_o useless_a he_o bring_v in_o a_o false_a instance_n from_o the_o apostate_n state_n that_o the_o church_n in_o day_n past_a according_a to_o what_o john_n see_v come_v over_o they_o fall_v into_o who_o lose_v the_o power_n and_o only_o keep_v the_o form_n in_o which_o all_o their_o endeavour_n can_v not_o be_v successful_a to_o preserve_v in_o love_n nor_o any_o christian_a heavenly_a society_n and_o as_o this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o unchristian_a comparison_n and_o a_o reflection_n also_o upon_o the_o primitive_a care_n and_o endeavour_n on_o that_o wise_a before_o the_o apostasy_n be_v which_o the_o church_n be_v zealous_a in_o and_o god_n bless_v their_o endeavour_n in_o that_o day_n but_o also_o it_o be_v insert_v here_o by_o our_o adversary_n and_o the_o adversary_n to_o the_o church_n life_n and_o peace_n in_o a_o contempt_n of_o that_o good_a order_n discipline_n and_o care_n use_v among_o we_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n for_o god_n glory_n and_o one_o another_o comfort_n in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o which_o be_v peace_n and_o thereby_o do_v he_o plain_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o tendency_n of_o his_o spirit_n be_v to_o emmulation_n and_o 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d loose_v of_o a_o corrupt_a mind_n that_o be_v gratify_v therewith_o so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v conclude_v that_o church-government_n in_o the_o spirit_n under_o which_o there_o be_v a_o godly_a care_n for_o one_o another_o in_o righteousness_n and_o a_o tender_a inspection_n in_o relation_n to_o it_o and_o sound_a 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o limit_v of_o the_o flesh_n that_o like_v not_o subje_fw-fr ction_n to_o truth_n be_v that_o which_o be_v in_o his_o way_n and_o the_o great_a occasion_n of_o the_o discontent_n of_o his_o mind_n as_o the_o like_a also_o we_o have_v meet_v withal_o from_o they_o of_o his_o spirit_n and_o party_n with_o he_o in_o the_o north_n which_o through_o sad_a experience_n we_o have_v have_v a_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o and_o be_v able_a to_o demonstrate_v as_o in_o the_o sequel_n of_o our_o discourse_n god_n will_v in_o sincerity_n we_o purpose_v to_o do_v and_o on_o this_o score_n have_v the_o discomposure_n grow_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o william_n rogers_n under_o which_o he_o have_v vent_v the_o heat_n and_o rancour_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o opposition_n to_o church-order_n and_o discipline_n and_o his_o contempt_n of_o the_o good_a and_o wholesome_a direction_n observe_v and_o use_v among_o we_o call_v by_o he_o man_n prescription_n other_o man_n line_n make_v ready_a to_o our_o hand_n dictate_v of_o fallible_a man_n dutward_a rule_n order_n and_o the_o like_a under_o which_o discomposure_n of_o spirit_n he_o have_v run_v himself_o into_o grievous_a mistake_v and_o contradiction_n in_o relation_n to_o government_n and_o 〈◊〉_d direction_n and_o rule_n observable_a and_o practicable_a therein_o and_o not_o like_o a_o man_n of_o his_o part_n as_o he_o will_v be_v render_v nor_o like_o a_o man_n steadfast_a in_o the_o good_a understanding_n god_n give_v but_o very_o break_o and_o under_o
much_o confusion_n he_o seem_v to_o prosecute_v his_o opposite_a work_n one_o while_n against_o all_o outward_a rule_n order_n and_o discipline_n etc._n etc._n another_o while_n as_o bring_v in_o prescription_n innovation_n or_o dictate_v of_o fallible_a man_n another_o while_n as_o be_v impose_v with_o too_o much_o severity_n or_o impose_v on_o fellow-member_n without_o conviction_n see_v the_o treatise_n subscribe_v by_o ellis_n hook_n etc._n etc._n therein_o be_v even_o a_o catalogue_n of_o the_o confusion_n contradiction_n and_o mistake_v he_o have_v run_v himself_o into_o which_o we_o do_v impute_v to_o have_v happen_v 〈◊〉_d he_o as_o say_v before_o under_o the_o discomposure_n he_o be_v plunge_v in_o and_o 〈◊〉_d distractedness_n as_o to_o the_o weighty_a thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v take_v with_o otherwise_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o ancient_a love_n to_o truth_n and_o regard_v to_o the_o unity_n of_o brethren_n and_o the_o qualification_n in_o that_o day_n that_o accompany_v he_o he_o will_v have_v tremble_v as_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o have_v be_v ashamed_a as_o a_o member_n of_o christ_n to_o have_v appear_v on_o such_o a_o subject_a as_o this_o to_o wit_n opposition_n to_o truth_n life_n and_o the_o church_n care_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o proceed_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o will_v have_v be_v unto_o he_o as_o a_o man_n a_o horrid_a and_o detestable_a thing_n this_o than_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o the_o matter_n and_o manner_n of_o his_o discourse_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o good_a order_n and_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n and_o visible_a family_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v be_v establish_v among_o we_o although_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o torment_n of_o a_o loose_a and_o corrupt_a mind_n be_v that_o which_o he_o be_v grieve_v with_o and_o have_v put_v the_o odium_n upon_o it_o which_o by_o all_o mean_v he_o can_v devise_v to_o mar_v the_o face_n and_o beauty_n thereof_o as_o if_o we_o be_v run_v into_o form_n without_o the_o power_n and_o so_o go_v from_o the_o inward_a teacher_n we_o be_v first_o direct_v to_o then_o on_o the_o score_n thereof_o render_v we_o apostate_n innovator_n and_o what_o not_o and_o this_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o matter_n that_o the_o first_o part_n of_o our_o treatise_n relate_v to_o former_o make_v mention_n of_o as_o upon_o we_o a_o little_a to_o speak_v to_o viz._n that_o under_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n 〈◊〉_d order_n discipline_n and_o government_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v necessary_a justifiable_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v find_v in_o subjection_n to_o god_n power_n among_o god_n people_n that_o we_o may_v be_v truth_n praise_n in_o the_o tabernacle_n god_n have_v give_v we_o as_o that_o which_o answer_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n the_o apostle_n care_v and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n according_a to_o scripture-record_n this_o be_v the_o plain_a and_o a_o positive_a truth_n consistent_a with_o the_o pure_a religion_n to_o visit_v the_o widow_n and_o the_o fatherless_a and_o to_o keep_v unspotted_a of_o the_o world_n and_o have_v be_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n since_o there_o be_v a_o people_n that_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o gather_v into_o a_o society_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o truth_n which_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v zealous_a in_o the_o matter_n of_o and_o the_o very_a 〈◊〉_d christian_n have_v be_v ashamed_a as_o man_n not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o form_n thereof_o and_o the_o reformer_n of_o latter_a day_n according_a to_o more_o modern_a record_n have_v be_v as_o incumbent_n upon_o they_o exercise_v therein_o in_o the_o several_a visible_a society_n they_o have_v be_v gather_v into_o and_o until_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o establish_v this_o people_n w._n rogers_n inveigh_v against_o through_o the_o elder_a brethren_n as_o instrument_n in_o his_o hand_n in_o the_o matter_n and_o practice_n thereof_o which_o can_v not_o be_v till_o we_o become_v a_o people_n considerable_a in_o relation_n to_o it_o we_o be_v under_o a_o 〈◊〉_d thereof_o in_o order_n to_o our_o more_o complete_a mutual_a 〈◊〉_d strength_n and_o comfort_n each_o to_o other_o so_o far_o as_o the_o matter_n thereof_o relate_v thereunto_o as_o also_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n truth_n our_o repute_n and_o the_o church_n comfort_n and_o ease_n all_o which_o in_o the_o record_n we_o have_v to_o bear_v for_o god_n we_o can_v true_o say_v have_v attend_v we_o in_o our_o exercise_n and_o concern_v in_o relation_n to_o this_o matter_n so_o that_o in_o the_o sweet_a and_o comfortable_a order_n in_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v place_v we_o in_o a_o tender_a care_n for_o truth_n be_v praise_n we_o have_v the_o sense_n of_o god_n love_n and_o delight_n with_o we_o in_o blessing_n upon_o we_o and_o the_o work_n we_o be_v concern_v in_o as_o a_o reward_n into_o our_o bosom_n manifold_a and_o our_o esteem_n and_o good_a report_n in_o many_o conscience_n both_o among_o they_o that_o be_v save_v and_o among_o they_o that_o perish_v have_v great_o be_v enlarge_v hereby_o so_o that_o we_o say_v as_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o certain_a truth_n and_o justify_v practice_n in_o which_o we_o be_v find_v although_o our_o adversary_n william_n rogers_n do_v despise_v the_o same_o and_o revile_v our_o practice_n and_o concern_v therein_o much_o need_v not_o be_v say_v it_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o obvious_a to_o all_o yet_o in_o short_a the_o tender_a reader_n may_v take_v notice_n not_o know_v into_o what_o hand_n this_o may_v come_v that_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n and_o lawgiver_n confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o 〈◊〉_d in_o that_o say_n matthew_n 18._o if_o thy_o brother_n trespass_n against_o thou_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o his_o fault_n betwixt_o he_o and_o thou_o alone_o if_o he_o hear_v thou_o than_o thou_o have_v gain_v thy_o brother_n if_o he_o hear_v thou_o not_o take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o more_o etc._n etc._n 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 〈◊〉_d thou_o as_o a_o heathen-man_n this_o imply_v positive_o church_n order_n 〈◊〉_d yea_o church-power_n and_o government_n in_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o promise_v to_o give_v and_o the_o determination_n and_o sentence_n thereof_o requireable_a the_o offender_n for_o not_o hear_v he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v unto_o he_o as_o a_o heathen-man_n till_o he_o have_v refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n and_o until_o the_o sentence_n give_v by_o it_o william_n rogers_n one_o while_o say_v and_o so_o also_o john_n wilkinson_n have_v preach_v that_o the_o church-power_n on_o that_o wise_a 〈◊〉_d only_o to_o matter_n criminal_a and_o in_o difference_n about_o outward_a thing_n and_o yet_o contradict_v himself_o again_o and_o say_v on_o the_o same_o subject_n give_v judgement_n in_o the_o case_n of_o not_o hear_v that_o every_o case_n of_o one_o brother_n trespass_v against_o another_o according_a to_o right_a reason_n may_v be_v comprehend_v again_o it_o be_v say_v in_o 1_o cor._n 6._o 15._o the_o spiritual_a man_n judge_v all_o thing_n and_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o saint_n shall_v judge_v the_o world_n and_o paul_n say_v know_v you_o not_o that_o we_o shall_v judge_v angel_n how_o much_o more_o the_o thing_n that_o appertain_v to_o this_o life_n be_v not_o here_o order_n and_o discipline_n to_o be_v use_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o judgement_n that_o the_o church_n be_v to_o give_v paul_n again_o write_v to_o the_o hebrew_n say_v obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o for_o they_o watch_v over_o your_o soul_n as_o they_o that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n etc._n etc._n see_v what_o care_n in_o the_o church_n be_v use_v and_o what_o a_o 〈◊〉_d confer_v upon_o such_o who_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o power_n make_v overseer_n and_o what_o a_o duty_n incumbent_n upon_o the_o young_a of_o submission_n in_o the_o lord_n to_o the_o brethren_n as_o those_o that_o watch_v over_o they_o and_o as_o for_o who_o they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n but_o william_n rogers_n be_v of_o another_o spirit_n than_o the_o apostle_n and_o overseer_n be_v in_o that_o day_n the_o tendency_n of_o his_o discourse_n be_v to_o undervalue_v to_o lessen_v and_o to_o make_v contemptible_a the_o church_n power_n paul_n say_v obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o william_n rogers_n say_v nay_o this_o be_v a_o impose_v and_o resist_v on_o this_o account_n viz._n we_o do_v not_o see_v it_o our_o duty_n nor_o a_o require_v upon_o we_o so_o to_o do_v we_o be_v not_o inward_o persuade_v in_o our_o conseience_n concern_v it_o this_o we_o say_v be_v indeed_o to_o set_v
no_o ill_a where_o be_v the_o charity_n without_o which_o all_o that_o be_v do_v be_v accurse_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o work_n of_o he_o william_n rogers_n have_v clear_o manifest_v himself_o void_a thereof_o and_o to_o be_v one_o that_o watch_v for_o evil_a to_o smite_v withal_o and_o when_o he_o want_v matter_n of_o fact_n against_o he_o he_o strike_v at_o bring_v accusation_n upon_o this_o evidence_n if_o report_v be_v true_a or_o its_o likely_a so_o but_o let_v we_o see_v what_o the_o matter_n be_v on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o charge_n that_o robert_n barrow_n and_o other_o have_v allege_v against_o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n that_o have_v no_o matter_n of_o evil_a fact_n in_o it_o and_o therefore_o robert_n barrow_n and_o other_o be_v condemnable_a and_o consequent_o george_n fox_n as_o concern_v therein_o as_o william_n rogers_n upon_o his_o unchristian_a supposition_n conclude_v the_o first_o charge_n william_n rogers_n insert_v for_o that_o end_n out_o of_o the_o forty_o four_o article_n allege_v against_o they_o be_v thus_o john_n story_n speak_v among_o many_o friend_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o form_n because_o of_o the_o consequence_n thereof_o say_v that_o among_o the_o christian_n of_o old_a the_o difference_n that_o do_v arise_v be_v about_o from_n which_o william_n rogers_n say_v seem_v to_o have_v no_o matter_n of_o evil_a fact_n in_o it_o answ._n first_o we_o say_v the_o word_n there_o be_v not_o state_v as_o they_o be_v give_v in_o evidence_n nor_o according_a to_o the_o first_o copy_n but_o the_o word_n be_v that_o great_a difference_n do_v arise_v among_o the_o christian_n about_o form_n and_o second_o we_o say_v that_o although_o the_o word_n be_v true_a in_o themselves_o and_o that_o they_o differ_v about_o form_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o seasonable_o speak_v nor_o from_o a_o right_a spirit_n by_o john_n story_n as_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o charge_n and_o the_o reply_v insert_v demonstrate_v we_o prove_v it_o thus_o friends_z be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n care_n and_o gospel_n order_n in_o the_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n friend_n be_v zealous_a therein_o in_o opposition_n to_o a_o loose_a spirit_n that_o do_v not_o like_o the_o inspection_n nor_o judgement_n thereof_o and_o it_o be_v a_o evil_a thing_n in_o john_n story_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n chargeable_a upon_o he_o to_o lay_v stumble_v block_n in_o the_o way_n thereof_o by_o present_v the_o danger_n of_o form_n and_o at_o this_o season_n and_o on_o such_o a_o occasion_n to_o tell_v of_o evil_a consequence_n to_o arise_v out_o of_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n settle_v among_o we_o and_o on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n jesus_n instrumental_o in_o the_o church_n for_o thereby_o he_o gratify_v a_o wrong_n rebellious_a mind_n and_o evil_a heart_n of_o 〈◊〉_d against_o that_o justifiable_a practice_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o upon_o which_o occasion_n all_o the_o loose_a sort_n stick_v to_o he_o and_o become_v of_o party_n with_o they_o and_o cry_v against_o george_n fox_n order_n and_o against_o our_o meeting_n as_o formal_a and_o not_o gospel-like_a etc._n etc._n and_o we_o do_v affirm_v that_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o apostasy_n and_o difference_n about_o form_n among_o the_o christian_n of_o old_a be_v the_o depart_n from_o the_o power_n and_o life_n of_o truth_n and_o from_o their_o first_o love_n and_o care_n for_o god_n in_o which_o church_n government_n and_o discipline_n be_v settle_v in_o god_n visible_a family_n 〈◊〉_d a_o outward_a visible_a appearance_n as_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n from_o which_o power_n and_o faith_n they_o be_v depart_v the_o form_n which_o the_o life_n bring_v forth_o and_o they_o have_v be_v bless_v in_o only_o remain_v and_o then_o they_o strive_v about_o method_n and_o outward_a form_n have_v nothing_o else_o leave_v where_o the_o apostate_n christian_n at_o this_o day_n be_v and_o be_v in_o their_o lo_n here_o be_v and_o lo_n there_o be_v and_o this_o form_n and_o the_o other_o form_n without_o the_o life_n and_o power_n where_o the_o force_v and_o compulsion_n stand_v that_o be_v accurse_v before_o the_o lord_n but_o to_o come_v to_o the_o matter_n we_o say_v because_o that_o in_o the_o apostate_n state_n there_o have_v be_v a_o false_a church_n and_o a_o false_a government_n and_o rule_n exercise_v lordship_n over_o the_o conscience_n which_o be_v come_v up_o since_o the_o apostle_n day_n must_v there_o therefore_o in_o the_o true_a church_n come_v up_o again_o out_o of_o the_o wilderness_n lean_v on_o the_o breast_n of_o her_o belove_a be_v no_o visible_a government_n in_o subjection_n to_o the_o power_n and_o subservient_fw-fr thereunto_o must_v there_o be_v no_o visible_a form_n or_o outward_a exercise_n relate_v to_o it_o no_o order_n no_o rule_n or_o direction_n receive_v or_o practise_v therein_o but_o the_o tender_o concern_v in_o it_o must_v be_v run_v upon_o as_o apostate_n and_o innovator_n and_o bringer_n in_o of_o a_o new_a form_n of_o government_n and_o of_o imposition_n and_o dictate_v of_o fallible_a man_n etc._n etc._n oh_o abominable_a wickedness_n that_o tend_v to_o liberty_n in_o the_o flesh_n and_o a_o lead_n back_o again_o into_o death_n and_o the_o path_n thereof_o be_v it_o justifiable_a in_o john_n story_n in_o this_o day_n of_o the_o true_a church_n concern_v on_o this_o wise_a to_o go_v creep_v up_o and_o down_o from_o place_n to_o place_n and_o sometime_o more_o open_o buzz_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o weak_a and_o carnal_a sort_n a_o opposition_n thereunto_o and_o tell_v people_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o form_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o they_o to_o draw_v from_o subjection_n to_o god_n power_n and_o into_o a_o contempt_n of_o the_o church_n care_n in_o the_o gospel_n day_n and_o power_n thereof_o we_o say_v this_o be_v john_n story_n be_v work_n as_o the_o scope_n of_o those_o article_n that_o belong_v to_o this_o head_n tend_v to_o prove_v the_o same_o against_o he_o and_o if_o william_n rogers_n have_v be_v sincere_a in_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o insert_v the_o aforesaid_a article_n and_o the_o reply_n to_o their_o answer_n he_o may_v have_v manifest_v the_o same_o as_o clear_a as_o the_o sun_n at_o noonday_n to_o which_o article_n we_o refer_v the_o reader_n together_o with_o the_o reply_n at_o large_a to_o their_o answer_n thereunto_o which_o we_o have_v in_o manuscript_n ready_a to_o be_v produce_v if_o any_o do_v desire_v a_o sight_n thereof_o now_o what_o repute_n do_v william_n roger_n gain_n to_o himself_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o charge_v the_o faithful_a for_o their_o care_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n or_o what_o credit_n do_v he_o bring_v to_o john_n story_n that_o give_v we_o cause_n to_o publish_v on_o this_o wise_a his_o contentious_a opposite_a work_n against_o the_o life_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o pure_a religion_n which_o have_v be_v the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o concern_v these_o many_o year_n or_o be_v robert_n barrow_n and_o other_o detectable_a on_o the_o score_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a article_n against_o john_n story_n or_o wherein_o be_v george_n fox_n detectable_a of_o be_v a_o apostate_n or_o one_o 〈◊〉_d concern_v in_o the_o difference_n or_o wherein_o yet_o be_v he_o manifest_v to_o be_v one_o that_o will_v have_v all_o to_o submit_v to_o he_o as_o william_n rogers_n malicious_o will_v render_v he_o &_o therefore_o bring_v up_o whatever_o he_o can_v get_v any_o way_n to_o detect_v he_o 〈◊〉_d through_o pervert_v or_o 〈◊〉_d infer_v from_o his_o sincere_a and_o upright_a intent_n labour_n and_o work_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n let_v the_o reader_n consider_v one_o other_o thing_n we_o take_v notice_n william_n rogers_n have_v take_v out_o of_o the_o reply_n to_o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n their_o answer_n to_o the_o charge_n against_o they_o and_o in_o his_o book_n have_v insert_v the_o same_o to_o bring_v a_o aspersion_n upon_o robert_n barrow_n and_o other_o concern_v therein_o as_o also_o upon_o george_n fox_n in_o that_o it_o relate_v to_o he_o against_o who_o william_n rogers_n principal_o in_o this_o and_o other_o thing_n smite_v william_n rogers_n say_v john_n story_n be_v account_v a_o man_n of_o a_o dark_a spirit_n and_o in_o confusion_n 〈◊〉_d he_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o what_o be_v give_v forth_o by_o george_n fox_n be_v by_o he_o intend_v to_o be_v urge_v with_o severity_n upon_o any_o of_o god_n faithful_a people_n but_o as_o instruction_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o church_n 〈◊〉_d this_o be_v a_o wrong_n state_v of_o the_o matter_n and_o thereby_o make_v a_o malicious_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d against_o robert_n barrow_n and_o other_o first_o we_o say_v john_n story_n be_v not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d spirit_n for_o his_o so_o say_v but_o he_o be_v