etc._n get_v the_o key_n only_o in_o that_o little_a cabinet_n of_o council_n ellis_n hook_n his_o chamber_n viz._n the_o second-day_n meet_v in_o london_n what_o have_v they_o get_v a_o patent_n for_o all_o gospel_n privilege_n be_v all_o power_n look_v up_o viz._n in_o the_o church_n i_o mean_v a_o yearly_o meet_v a_o second-day_n meet_v a_o quarterly-meeting_a i_o mean_v a_o meeting_n of_o man_n and_o a_o meeting_n of_o woman_n apart_o from_o the_o men._n must_v we_o give_v up_o all_o our_o concern_v both_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o man_n and_o womens-meeting_n as_o they_o say_v in_o barbadoes_n what_o shall_v we_o not_o manifest_v the_o mischief_n of_o imposition_n shall_v they_o preach_v false_a doctrine_n and_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o shall_v we_o be_v afraid_a to_o reprove_v they_o vnmask_v and_o discover_v they_o for_o fear_n of_o a_o few_o invecttives_n no_o but_o we_o will_v slight_v they_o as_o honest_a bennet_n do_v the_o papist_n curse_v and_o still_o hold_v maintain_v and_o assert_v christian-liberty_n which_o we_o in_o the_o beginning_n plead_v for_o and_o admit_v the_o same_o to_o each_o other_o in_o thing_n which_o god_n by_o his_o servant_n the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n have_v not_o set_v a_o limit_v believe_v that_o as_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n stand_v not_o in_o meat_n or_o in_o drink_n nor_o carnal_a ordinance_n so_o do_v it_o not_o come_v by_o outward_a observation_n but_o that_o as_o many_o as_o fear_n god_n and_o keep_v his_o holy_a commandment_n be_v fence_v and_o secure_v from_o hurt_n by_o threat_n and_o censure_n of_o men._n for_o in_o a_o steady_a belief_n of_o christ_n word_n and_o in_o confidence_n of_o his_o power_n and_o protection_n let_v all_o true_o conscientious_a christian_n trust_v who_o say_v mat._n 5.6.7_o chapter_n which_o contain_v his_o excellent_a sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n that_o as_o many_o as_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o and_o do_v they_o he_o it_o be_v that_o build_v on_o a_o rock_n and_o yet_o not_o woman_n meeting_n set_v up_o by_o he_o or_o so_o much_o as_o counsel_v to_o in_o the_o manner_n g._n f._n and_o the_o new_a zealot_n have_v devise_v and_o he_o that_o hear_v my_o say_n and_o do_v they_o not_o it_o be_v he_o that_o will_v find_v himself_o uppn_o a_o sandy_a foundation_n although_o he_o conform_v never_o so_o exastly_a to_o g._n fox_n his_o new_a model_n of_o government_n here_o be_v the_o distinction_n make_v by_o christ_n who_o be_v head_n of_o the_o true_a spiritual_a church_n his_o mystical_a body_n make_v up_o of_o live_v member_n universal_o scatter_v in_o all_o country_n language_n profession_n and_o people_n who_o fear_v god_n and_o be_v faithful_a to_o that_o discovery_n they_o have_v of_o he_o be_v and_o i_o believe_v shall_v be_v accept_v of_o he_o and_o the_o large_a commission_n that_o ever_o christ_n give_v his_o desciple_n and_o apostle_n be_v mat._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o where_o he_o say_v go_v teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v etc._n etc._n bid_v they_o observe_v whatever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o mark_v have_v command_v he_o do_v not_o commit_v the_o people_n observation_n to_o what_o the_o apostle_n shall_v command_v no_o no_o neither_o do_v paul_n desire_v to_o assume_v it_o but_o say_v follow_v we_o as_o we_o follow_v christ_n etc._n etc._n but_o what_o i_o have_v command_v you_o that_o bid_v they_o observe_v for_o all_o power_n be_v commit_v to_o i_o and_o i_o will_v have_v the_o government_n of_o my_o chozen_a people_n and_o since_o they_o have_v such_o a_o esteem_n of_o this_o my_o visible_a appearance_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o miracle_n and_o wonder_n i_o do_v i_o have_v tell_v they_o that_o it_o be_v expedient_a for_o i_o to_o go_v away_o and_o then_o he_o that_o be_v with_o they_o shall_v be_v in_o they_o in_o a_o more_o large_a manner_n as_o they_o wait_v for_o my_o appearance_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o as_o many_o as_o have_v regard_n to_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n and_o live_v in_o subjection_n to_o christ_n their_o head_n they_o be_v in_o unity_n though_o they_o may_v disobey_v what_o george_n fox_n have_v prescribe_v for_o he_o be_v not_o the_o prophet_n that_o we_o be_v to_o hear_v in_o all_o thing_n no_o no_o christ_n jesus_n be_v he_o bless_a and_o magnify_v be_v his_o most_o holy_a and_o powerful_a name_n for_o ever_o say_v my_o soul_n amen_o now_o forasmuch_o as_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n through_o the_o assistance_n of_o christ_n holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v give_v by_o measure_n to_o we_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o observe_v and_o do_v those_o his_o most_o excellent_a say_n which_o be_v as_o athanasius_n say_v in_o his_o apology_n the_o perfection_n of_o a_o christian_a i_o will_v ask_v whether_o he_o may_v be_v capable_a to_o be_v in_o unity_n with_o the_o church_n body_n and_o spouse_n of_o christ_n although_o he_o may_v not_o observe_v george_n fox_n his_o order_n viz._n not_o submit_v to_o the_o new_a order_n of_o the_o woman_n but_o if_o george_n fox_n and_o his_o party_n shall_v stiff_o stand_v to_o it_o that_o the_o women-meeting_a be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o therefore_o no_o conformity_n no_o unity_n i_o than_o will_v ask_v they_o whether_o christ_n be_v deficient_a either_o in_o his_o deliver_n himself_o to_o that_o honour_a auditory_a or_o in_o his_o memory_n and_o if_o in_o either_o then_o in_o which_o do_v his_o deficiency_n consist_v and_o who_o do_v he_o constitute_v in_o his_o room_n to_o supply_v that_o defect_n which_o no_o christian_n can_v admit_v that_o there_o be_v any_o defect_n etc._n etc._n whether_o a_o visible_a head_n namely_o george_n fox_n or_o some_o other_o to_o who_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o eye_n at_o who_o mouth_n we_o shall_v receive_v the_o law_n in_o these_o gospel_n time_n if_o you_o say_v no_o as_o you_o dare_v not_o say_v otherwise_o than_o i_o make_v this_o reply_n not_o at_o all_o grant_v a_o deficiency_n in_o christ_n jesus_n that_o then_o his_o spirit_n or_o a_o manifestation_n of_o it_o be_v give_v to_o every_o man_n to_o profit_v withal_o by_o which_o rule_n i_o have_v my_o proper_a gift_n and_o to_o my_o own_o master_n i_o shall_v stand_v or_o fall_v who_o be_v thou_o then_o that_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n be_v not_o thy_o name_n and_o appearance_n antichrist_n what_o pretence_n so_o ever_o thou_o may_v have_v i_o know_v thou_o cry_v up_o holy_a order_n good_a order_n church_n government_n with_o abundance_n of_o fair_a pretence_n and_o specious_a show_n as_o if_o thou_o be_v the_o very_a spouse_n of_o christ_n and_o intend_v some_o special_a reformation_n but_o alas_o thou_o be_v jezabel_n that_o paint_a harlot_n who_o be_v go_v a_o whore_v from_o thy_o husband_n deck_v and_o pride_v thyself_o with_o his_o jewel_n &_o ornamenn_n fit_v like_o a_o qveen_n and_o say_v i_o be_o and_o there_o be_v none_o beside_o me._n but_o bless_v be_v the_o lord_n the_o light_n have_v discover_v thou_o and_o make_v thou_o manifest_a wherefore_o return_n and_o repent_v that_o thy_o backslide_n may_v be_v heal_v and_o this_o be_v my_o desire_n for_o you_o all_o who_o begin_v in_o the_o spirit_n decry_v all_o lifeless_a form_n and_o tradition_n of_o man_n outward_a rule_n and_o directory_n imposition_n and_o compulsion_n formality_n and_o idolatry_n but_o alas_o the_o scale_n be_v turn_v the_o scheme_n be_v change_v for_o these_o thing_n which_o you_o former_o testify_v against_o you_o be_v now_o find_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o building_n again_o the_o thing_n you_o once_o destroy_v thereby_o make_v yourselves_o transgressor_n etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o preface_n in_o the_o word_n of_o william_n penn_n elsewhere_o etc._n etc._n have_v thus_o historical_o introduce_v my_o discourse_n not_o out_o of_o ill_a will_n to_o any_o god_n know_v but_o in_o perfect_a love_n to_o all_o that_o the_o very_a truth_n of_o thing_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o light_n in_o order_n to_o a_o more_o clear_a understanding_n of_o that_o controversy_n which_o be_v now_o on_o foot_n etc._n etc._n this_o with_o much_o sincerity_n i_o do_v dedesire_v that_o truth_n may_v triumph_v over_o formality_n and_o conviction_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o conformity_n francis_n bugg_n milden-hall_n the_o 11_o of_o the_o one_a month._n 1681._o chap._n i._n treat_v of_o principle_n of_o truth_n receive_v and_o believe_v in_o the_o beginning_n with_o a_o epistle_n about_o marriage_n and_o other_o thing_n not_o as_o a_o form_n to_o walk_v by_o but_o as_o advice_n suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o tendency_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n receive_v and_o believe_v etc._n etc._n that_o in_o the_o beginning_n the_o inshining_a light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n by_o his_o heavenly_a spiritual_a appearance_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o soul_n of_o
limit_a form_n to_o walk_v by_o as_o it_o seem_v as_o if_o it_o be_v design_v by_o the_o projector_n thereof_o by_o the_o event_n for_o we_o have_v so_o long_o dispute_v against_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o rule_n that_o we_o never_o think_v that_o instead_o thereof_o we_o have_v be_v introduce_v a_o rule_n of_o our_o own_o make_n neither_o do_v we_o once_o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v the_o product_n of_o a_o london_n consult_v as_o afterward_o we_o find_v it_o be_v when_o it_o come_v to_o be_v impose_v as_o a_o rule_n to_o be_v indispensable_o obey_v under_o the_o penalty_n of_o be_v record_v out_o of_o the_o unity_n but_o when_o j._n a._n come_v to_o be_v concern_v in_o take_v a_o wife_n and_o perceive_v the_o ill_a tendency_n such_o record_n may_v produce_v in_o after_o time_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o maintain_v christian-liberty_n and_o like_o the_o apostle_n will_v not_o be_v bring_v under_o the_o power_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v prove_v a_o yoke_n to_o his_o brethren_n he_o will_v neither_o touch_v nor_o taste_v nor_o in_o the_o least_o conform_v to_o it_o whereupon_o many_o contest_v arise_v and_o strong_a debate_n about_o it_o some_o cry_v out_o that_o he_o must_v own_v his_o condemnation_n for_o not_o marry_v according_o to_o the_o order_n of_o friend_n other_o say_v nay_o but_o what_o evil_a have_v he_o do_v what_o commandment_n of_o god_n or_o precept_n of_o christ_n have_v he_o break_v other_o say_v if_o we_o let_v he_o alone_o other_o will_v take_v example_n by_o he_o and_o then_o the_o order_n will_v not_o be_v regard_v and_o amid_o these_o controversy_n it_o be_v put_v to_o the_o vote_n whether_o he_o shall_v be_v condemn_v by_o public_a censure_v or_o not_o whereupon_o samuel_n cater_n and_o about_o nineteen_o friend_n more_o they_o be_v the_o major_a part_n voted_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v record_v out_o of_o the_o unity_n which_o according_o be_v do_v a_o copy_n whereof_o follow_v etc._n etc._n at_o a_o quarterly-meeting_a in_o hadenham_n the_o four_o day_n of_o the_o seven_o month_n anno_fw-la 1678._o we_o at_o this_o quarterly_o meet_v have_v the_o business_n of_o john_n ansloe_n his_o take_v his_o wife_n contrary_a to_o the_o order_n of_o friend_n bring_v before_o we_o and_o friend_n have_v several_a time_n speak_v to_o he_o about_o it_o and_o he_o not_o give_v friend_n satisfaction_n we_o do_v testify_v that_o we_o have_v no_o union_n with_o he_o in_o this_o his_o so_o do_v this_o unrighteous_a and_o unchristian_a precedure_n be_v testify_v against_o at_o the_o same_o time_n by_o edward_n love_n thomas_n wright_n francis_n bugg_n philip_n taylor_n and_o some_o few_o other_o which_o tell_v they_o that_o all_o vnrighteousness_n be_v sin_n and_o sin_n be_v the_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n and_o if_o they_o can_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o he_o have_v commit_v sin_n in_o disobey_v their_o order_n we_o be_v ready_a to_o hear_v they_o edward_n love_n tell_v they_o they_o have_v exceed_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o notwithstanding_o they_o be_v the_o major_a part_n and_o the_o poll_n over_o they_o resolve_v to_o pass_v that_o sentence_n on_o he_o above_o recite_v although_o they_o then_o do_v confess_v that_o they_o have_v nothing_o against_o he_o save_v his_o not_o take_v his_o wife_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o friend_n whereupon_o soon_o after_o francis_n bugg_n write_v a_o letter_n to_o samuel_n cater_n a_o copy_n whereof_o here_o follow_v viz._n friend_n i_o have_v since_o our_o last_o quarterly-meeting_a weigh_v and_o ponder_v the_o record_v of_o j._n a._n and_o upon_o a_o deliberate_a consideration_n thereof_o do_v find_v it_o not_o apostolical_a nor_o agreeable_a with_o our_o profession_n at_o least_o in_o my_o apprehension_n but_o that_o it_o rather_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o product_n or_o fruit_n of_o that_o spirit_n which_o do_v apostatise_v and_o draw_v back_o into_o the_o old_a compel_a path_n where_o dominion_n be_v exercise_v over_o the_o faith_n and_o persuasion_n of_o other_o which_o be_v not_o a_o do_v to_o other_o as_o we_o will_v that_o other_o shall_v do_v unto_o we_o it_o be_v true_a i_o do_v think_v that_o publish_v our_o intention_n of_o marriage_n be_v very_o meet_a and_o for_o my_o part_n if_o it_o be_v my_o concern_n i_o know_v not_o but_o that_o i_o shall_v do_v it_o as_o desire_v but_o that_o i_o or_o any_o other_o man_n or_o man_n approbation_n herein_o shall_v be_v a_o absolute_a rule_n for_o other_o under_o the_o penalty_n of_o be_v record_v to_o perpetuity_n i_o know_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o for_o it_o be_v my_o judgement_n that_o no_o imposition_n ought_v to_o be_v upon_o man_n conscience_n by_o any_o but_o the_o lord_n for_o the_o apostle_n in_o his_o day_n say_v let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o do_v not_o go_v about_o to_o force_v people_n to_o conform_v to_o such_o thing_n that_o they_o be_v not_o persuade_v of_o in_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o whatsoever_o people_n or_o church_n though_o they_o claim_v infallibility_n that_o teach_v a_o contrary_a doctrine_n unto_o this_o we_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o suspect_v it_o to_o he_o that_o hasty_a drive_v and_o over_o drive_v spirit_n that_o will_v force_v a_o faith_n where_o god_n have_v not_o give_v it_o even_o like_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v my_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n the_o which_o i_o be_o very_o free_a to_o communicate_v to_o thou_o or_o any_o one_o as_o not_o be_v ashamed_a thereof_o and_o if_o upon_o thy_o serious_a consideration_n thou_o see_v cause_n to_o race_n out_o the_o say_a record_n lest_o it_o prove_v a_o ill_a precedent_n to_o posterity_n as_o well_o as_o great_a injustice_n to_o the_o party_n concern_v then_o i_o desire_v thou_o peaceable_o and_o quiet_o to_o join_v in_o the_o race_v of_o it_o out_o again_o forasmuch_o as_o thou_o have_v a_o chief_a hand_n in_o the_o obtain_n of_o it_o through_o the_o influence_n thou_o have_v upon_o the_o meeting_n and_o doubtless_o cause_v they_o to_o err_v but_o if_o thou_o shall_v stand_v to_o maintain_v it_o or_o justify_v it_o than_o it_o will_v stand_v thou_o upon_o to_o appear_v at_o the_o next_o quarterly-meeting_a there_o to_o vindicate_v it_o by_o sound_a argument_n for_o many_o be_v offend_v at_o it_o and_o burden_a with_o it_o and_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o oppose_v the_o papist_n antichristian-imposition_n it_o will_v be_v oppose_v and_o withstand_v and_o this_o i_o think_v good_a to_o let_v thou_o know_v for_o divers_a reason_n partly_o because_o thou_o may_v consider_v of_o it_o and_o not_o be_v surprise_v and_o partly_o because_o thou_o may_v not_o do_v as_o several_a bishop_n and_o teacher_n have_v do_v who_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o have_v broach_v any_o heresy_n as_o ever_o more_o they_o be_v the_o original_a cause_n thereof_o and_o kindle_v a_o flame_n among_o the_o people_n than_o they_o slank_a away_o and_o seldom_o or_o never_o manful_o maintain_v the_o same_o as_o socrates_n scholastious_a eusebius_fw-la and_o evagrius_n scholasticus_n and_o divers_a other_o historian_n make_v mention_n of_o in_o the_o church-history_n thus_o in_o a_o few_o word_n i_o have_v clear_v my_o mind_n thus_o far_o and_o rest_v a_o lover_n of_o all_o such_o as_o serve_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n pure_o for_o for_o his_o namesake_n f._n bugg_n the_o 22d_o of_o the_o 9th_o month_n 1678._o but_o although_o samuel_n have_v the_o recite_v letter_n time_n enough_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o appear_v at_o the_o next_o quarterly-meeting_a but_o i_o be_v there_o do_v endeavour_v what_o i_o can_v to_o have_v race_v it_o out_o as_o well_o as_o some_o other_o friend_n but_o we_o can_v not_o then_o i_o desire_v that_o some_o one_o of_o they_o who_o be_v for_o its_o continuance_n will_v prove_v it_o apostolical_a but_o none_o will_v adventure_v to_o take_v that_o task_n upon_o they_o whereupon_o i_o enter_v my_o protestation_n in_o write_v and_o several_a friend_n put_v their_o hand_n to_o it_o on_o the_o backside_n the_o substance_n of_o it_o follow_v the_o which_o i_o leave_v among_o they_o etc._n etc._n f._n b._n his_o protestation_n forasmuch_o as_o that_o on_o the_o four_o of_o the_o seven_o month_n last_o pass_v j._n a._n a_o minict_a of_o the_o gospel_n be_v by_o s.c._n and_o divers_a other_o they_o be_v the_o major_a part_n by_o vote_n adjudge_v and_o that_o in_o his_o absense_n condemn_v and_o record_v out_o of_o the_o unity_n for_o not_o observe_v the_o prescribe_a rule_n and_o order_n of_o friend_n in_o take_v his_o wife_n and_o none_o of_o you_o will_v adventure_v to_o prove_v the_o say_a rule_n apostolical_a nor_o the_o proceed_n against_o j._n a._n according_a to_o gospel_n order_n and_o thereupon_o i_o francis_n bugg_n do_v offer_v to_o prove_v
reason_n be_v so_o home_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o such_o a_o demonstration_n of_o equity_n and_o reason_n as_o one_o will_v think_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n and_o especial_o such_o who_o still_o seem_v to_o have_v r._n hubberthorn_n in_o estimation_n to_o deny_v it_o yet_o be_v go_v from_o the_o tenderness_n that_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n be_v but_o like_o the_o pharisee_n who_o in_o word_n will_v high_o commend_v the_o prophet_n garnish_v the_o sepulcre_n of_o the_o righteous_a who_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v devise_v how_o to_o persecute_v the_o bless_a messiah_n because_o he_o can_v not_o conform_v to_o their_o order_n and_o outward_a observation_n etc._n etc._n next_o i_o shall_v produce_v somewhat_o out_o of_o f._n howgil_n work_n in_o p._n 614._o 616._o 617._o 620._o 625._o 626._o etc._n etc._n whereby_o it_o will_v appear_v how_o his_o testimony_n be_v contradict_v by_o our_o late_a proceed_n in_o our_o church-government_n etc._n etc._n see_v francis_n howgil_n etc._n etc._n faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n there_o be_v divers_a degree_n and_o measure_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o the_o giver_n so_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v any_o measure_n or_o degree_n must_v not_o be_v exclude_v as_o have_v no_o faith_n though_o he_o attain_v not_o to_o that_o degree_n that_o some_o do_v enjoy_v and_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n be_v that_o every_o one_o shall_v be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o if_o any_o be_v otherewise_o mind_v they_o be_v to_o be_v let_v alone_o until_o god_n reveal_v it_o to_o they_o and_o whatsoever_o people_z or_o church_n though_o they_o claim_v infallibility_n that_o teach_v a_o contrary_a doctrine_n to_o this_o we_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o suspect_v it_o to_o be_v that_o hasty-driving_a and_o over-driving_a spirit_n that_o will_v force_v a_o faith_n where_o god_n have_v not_o give_v it_o for_o we_o be_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o we_o say_v the_o papist_n and_o other_o too_o like_o they_o have_v the_o infallible_a spirit_n and_o though_o we_o make_v decree_n contrary_a to_o what_o the_o apostle_n make_v in_o their_o day_n yet_o none_o to_o question_v that_o the_o church_n be_v but_o in_o its_o infancy_n then_o as_o unwashed_a and_o unswadle_v and_o in_o persecution_n but_o now_o she_o be_v grow_v up_o to_o a_o great_a stature_n and_o power_n and_o endue_v with_o great_a privilege_n and_o that_o say_v the_o papist_n may_v be_v necessary_a now_o that_o be_v not_o necessary_a then_o etc._n etc._n and_o whosoever_o bring_v in_o now_o mark_v set_v up_o other_o precept_n constitution_n order_n &_o practice_n in_o point_n of_o worship_n and_o in_o marriage_n and_o the_o celebration_n thereof_o there_o be_v a_o point_n of_o worship_n in_o opposition_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n which_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o will_v set_v up_o other_o tradition_n than_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v either_o by_o word_n or_o write_v such_o be_v manifest_a to_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o error_n and_o be_v innovator_n and_o bringer_n in_o of_o other_o thing_n as_o necessary_a in_o point_n of_o worship_n among_o christian_n which_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o see_v necessary_a then_o and_o yet_o they_o want_v no_o part_n of_o the_o council_n of_o god_n and_o furthermore_o they_o say_v we_o have_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o christ_n mind_n be_v not_o variable_a and_o speak_v of_o the_o spirit_n say_v it_o be_v that_o only_a sure_a guide_n judge_n way_n rule_n in_o which_o there_o be_v certain_o and_o assurance_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n it_o be_v that_o by_o which_o the_o deed_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v mortify_v what_o shall_v i_o say_v but_o this_o let_v all_o flesh_n be_v confound_v before_o it_o and_o all_o deceit_n stop_v its_o mouth_n and_o all_o the_o son_n of_o man_n how_o before_o it_o all_o council_n and_o church_n all_o ruler_n and_o elder_n all_o reason_n and_o comprehension_n all_o word_n and_o write_n of_o man_n yea_o of_o holy_a men._n observation_n from_o whence_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o such_o as_o set_v up_o other_o order_n constitution_n tradition_n etc._n etc._n than_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v either_o by_o word_n or_o write_n be_v innovator_n and_o be_v manifest_a to_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o error_n and_o that_o g._n f._n g._n w._n and_o those_o of_o party_n with_o they_o have_v so_o do_v be_v manifest_a from_o what_o be_v say_v in_o the_o 2d_o and_o 3d._a chapter_n or_o else_o i_o be_o under_o a_o great_a mistake_n so_o that_o w._n r_n title_n of_o his_o book_n the_o christian-quaker_n can_v be_v blasphemy_n as_o c._n taylor_n false_o and_o wicked_o say_v but_o both_o the_o tile_n and_o the_o book_n which_o answer_v the_o same_o will_v stand_v a_o witness_n against_o they_o unless_o they_o repent_v and_o make_v void_a their_o cannon_n order_n and_o prescribe_v rule_n and_o platform_n to_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o people_n and_o indispensible_o obey_v under_o pain_n of_o be_v record_v out_o of_o the_o unity_n etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v at_o present_v only_o add_v something_o of_o g._n f._n his_o testimony_n in_o former_a time_n before_o those_o order_n have_v a_o be_v which_o testimony_n sufficient_o thwar_n and_o contradict_v their_o new_a model_n of_o church-government_n and_o proceed_n thereupon_o and_o then_o shall_v finish_v this_o chapter_n have_v elsewhere_o occasion_n to_o mention_v w._n p_n address_n to_o protestant_n etc._n etc._n viz._n several_a paper_n give_v forth_o for_o the_o spread_a of_o truth_n and_o detect_v deceit_n by_o g._n fox_n minister_n of_o the_o eternal_a word_n of_o god_n pag._n 5._o the_o world_n be_v rule_v by_o outward_a rule_n and_o all_o go_v from_o the_o rule_n the_o saint_n rule_n be_v within_o they_o christ_n who_o rule_v over_o they_o be_v head_n of_o the_o body_n the_o world_n record_n be_v without_o they_o the_o saint_n record_n be_v within_o they_o the_o spirit_n which_o god_n have_v give_v unto_o they_o be_v their_o record_n the_o world_n guide_n be_v without_o they_o in_o the_o tradition_n and_o precept_n of_o man_n which_o lead_v from_o god_n the_o saint_n guide_n be_v within_o they_o to_o the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n all_o you_o professor_n that_o read_v these_o thing_n read_v yourselves_o where_o you_o be_v whether_o you_o be_v within_o among_o the_o saint_n or_o without_o among_o the_o world_n and_o pag._n 31._o query_n 44._o what_o scripture_n have_v you_o for_o sprinkle_v infant_n and_o for_o the_o word_n sacrament_n and_o if_o no_o scripture_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o the_o command_v of_o man_n teach_v for_o doctrine_n observation_n for_o my_o part_n i_o be_o at_o a_o stand_n to_o see_v how_o this_o man_n former_a doctrine_n contradict_v his_o present_a practice_n and_o if_o w._n r._n call_v he_o apostate_n and_o innovator_n as_o that_o he_o be_v manifest_a enough_o to_o be_v then_o he_o be_v angry_a and_o those_o of_o party_n with_o he_o stigmatize_v and_o abuse_v w._n r._n instead_o of_o endeavour_v to_o convince_v g._n f._n of_o the_o error_n of_o his_o way_n nay_o some_o of_o they_o have_v say_v to_o i_o admit_v all_o you_o say_v be_v true_a and_o that_o it_o be_v grant_v oo_z be_v as_o you_o seem_v to_o suggest_v yet_o for_o you_o to_o print_v and_o publish_v these_o thing_n be_v great_a wickedness_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v nay_o if_o all_o we_o say_v be_v true_a touch_v your_o innovation_n as_o that_o we_o stand_v ready_a to_o prove_v than_o i_o say_v that_o it_o be_v no_o evil_a to_o discover_v such_o manifest_a hypocrisy_n as_o you_o be_v guilty_a of_o what_o pretend_v one_o thing_n &_o intend_v another_o as_o your_o practice_n manifest_v indeed_o be_v they_o not_o true_a then_o to_o publish_v such_o thing_n will_v be_v great_a wickedness_n but_o after_o all_o endeavour_n private_o use_v to_o bring_v you_o to_o a_o sense_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o to_o entreat_v you_o and_o beg_v of_o you_o to_o make_v void_a your_o anti-christian_n cannon_n which_o limit_n people_n to_o a_o stint_a form_n and_o for_o non-submission_n must_v be_v put_v out_o of_o fellowship_n as_o i_o have_v do_v for_o four_o year_n together_o as_o my_o letter_n from_o time_n to_o time_n which_o i_o have_v now_o make_v public_a do_v abundant_o manifest_v i_o say_v if_o after_o all_o these_o private_a endeavour_n by_o myself_o and_o other_o by_o letter_n to_o quarterly_o meeting_n to_o particular_a friend_n to_o the_o second-day_n metting_n by_o way_n of_o intercession_n for_o peace-sake_n and_o that_o you_o will_v raze_v out_o one_o order_n one_o cannon_n one_o condemnation_n for_o non-submission_n upon_o which_o i_o promise_v to_o cease_v all_o further_a testimony_n against_o you_o whether_o by_o print_n or_o otherwise_o in_o
practice_n a_o man_n may_v discern_v without_o a_o pair_n of_o spectacle_n error_n and_o superstition_n come_v in_o apace_o limp_a upon_o their_o old_a crooked_a crutch_n of_o implicit_a faith_n and_o blind_a obedience_n and_o lest_o you_o shall_v not_o know_v how_o to_o answer_v these_o query_n i_o will_v answer_v they_o in_o the_o word_n of_o our_o own_o principle_n that_o so_o you_o may_v the_o better_o behold_v your_o revolting_n and_o perceive_v your_o innovation_n and_o take_v notice_n of_o your_o apostatise_v from_o your_o primitive_a principle_n but_o if_o my_o answer_n please_v you_o not_o then_o let_v i_o see_v by_o one_o answer_n of_o your_o own_o what_o you_o can_v say_v for_o yourselves_o query_n i._n whether_o to_o impose_v any_o thing_n upon_o another_o man_n conscience_n either_o to_o do_v or_o practice_n be_v not_o a_o do_v otherwise_o to_o other_o than_o we_o will_v they_o shall_v do_v unto_o we_o and_o so_o antichristian_a see_v the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n about_o marriage_n answ_n yea_o for_o so_o say_v r._n hubberthorn_n in_o his_o work_n p._n 188._o where_o he_o tender_v seven_o reason_n why_o no_o imposition_n ought_v to_o be_v upon_o any_o man_n conscience_n by_o any_o but_o the_o lord_n and_o say_v he_o to_o impose_v any_o thing_n upon_o another_o man_n conscience_n either_o to_o do_v or_o practice_n be_v not_o a_o do_v to_o other_o as_o they_o will_v be_v deal_v by_o and_o therefore_o be_v contrary_a to_o christ_n doctrine_n which_o say_v i_o be_v antichristian_a query_n ii_o whether_o such_o society_n as_o do_v not_o govern_v themselves_o according_a to_o their_o primitive_a principle_n but_o erect_v new_a order_n and_o new_a model_n of_o government_n new_a ceremony_n and_o new_a way_n of_o sentence_v judge_a and_o condemn_v the_o innocent_a recording_n and_o excommunicate_v such_o as_o can_v yield_v conformity_n and_o uniformity_n thereunto_o do_v not_o more_o resemble_v tyranny_n than_o order_n nay_o be_v it_o not_o antichristian_a answ_n yea_o for_o all_o society_n be_v to_o govern_v themselves_o according_a to_o their_o institution_n and_o first_o principle_n of_o union_n where_o there_o be_v violence_n upon_o this_o part_n tyranny_n and_o not_o order_n be_v introduce_v now_o since_o persuasion_n and_o conviction_n begin_v all_o true_a christian_a society_n all_o christian-society_n mu_o uphold_v themselves_o upon_o the_o same_o free_a bottom_n or_o they_o turn_v antichristian_a query_n iii_o whether_o to_o restrain_v people_n from_o the_o free_a exercise_n of_o their_o conscience_n or_o to_o compel_v people_n to_o act_v against_o their_o faith_n and_o persuasion_n in_o matter_n spiritual_a be_v not_o popish_a and_o a_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n address_v to_o prot._n pag._n 149._o 150._o answ_n yea_o for_o the_o apostle_n in_o his_o day_n say_v let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n or_o conscience_n and_o do_v not_o go_v about_o to_o force_v people_n to_o conform_v to_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v not_o persuade_v of_o in_o their_o own_o conscience_n but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v not_o admit_v that_o every_o one_o shall_v walk_v or_o act_n as_o they_o be_v persuade_v in_o their_o own_o conscience_n see_v josiah_n coal_n whore_n vnvail_v p._n 71._o 72._o query_n iu._n if_o so_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o wisdom_n to_o beware_v of_o this_o trojan_a horse_n of_o this_o practice_n which_o so_o much_o resemble_v rome_n who_o common_o lie_v more_o stress_n upon_o their_o own_o ceremony_n and_o write_v tradition_n order_n and_o institution_n than_o upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o the_o primitive_a christian_n example_n answ_n yea_o i_o beseech_v you_o protestant_n by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o love_n of_o jesus_n christ_n ratify_v to_o you_o in_o his_o most_o precious_a blood_n fly_v rome_n at_o home_n have_v a_o care_n of_o this_o presumption_n carry_v it_o not_o too_o high_a lay_v not_o stress_n where_o god_n have_v lay_v none_o neither_o use_v his_o royal_a stamp_n to_o authorize_v your_o apprehension_n in_o the_o main_n of_o his_o institution_n address_v to_o prot._n p._n 77._o query_n v._o whether_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o of_o more_o authority_n than_o our_o write_a tradition_n and_o order_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o as_o commendable_a now_o to_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o see_v whether_o our_o order_n tradition_n and_o ceremony_n be_v agreeable_a to_o they_o as_o it_o be_v former_o for_o the_o berean_o who_o by_o the_o scripture_n examine_v paul_n testimony_n see_v some_o of_o you_o call_v they_o the_o professor_n weapon_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v allege_v in_o our_o quarterly-meeting_n answ_n yea_o for_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o great_a foundation_n of_o our_o protestant_a religion_n be_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n from_o without_o we_o and_o the_o testimony_n and_o illumination_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n within_o we_o upon_o this_o foot_n the_o first_o reformer_n stand_v and_o make_v and_o maintain_v their_o separation_n from_o rome_n with_o good_a cause_n therefore_o it_o be_v the_o general_a consent_n of_o all_o sound_n protestant_n writer_n that_o neither_o tradition_n counsel_n nor_o cannon_n of_o any_o visible_a church_n much_o less_o the_o edict_n of_o any_o civil_a session_n or_o jurisdiction_n but_o the_o scripture_n only_a interpret_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o we_o give_v the_o final_a determination_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o only_a in_o the_o conscience_n of_o every_o christian_a to_o himself_o which_o protestation_n make_v by_o the_o first_o public_a reformer_n against_o the_o imperial_a edict_n of_o charles_n the_o five_o impose_v church_n tradition_n without_o scripture_n authority_n mark_n you_o order_v maker_n the_o same_o cause_n move_v to_o the_o same_o thing_n give_v first_o beginning_n to_o the_o name_n protestant_a and_o with_o that_o name_n have_v ever_o be_v receive_v this_o doctrine_n which_o prefer_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o spirit_n to_o that_o of_o the_o church_n and_o her_o tradition_n address_v to_o prot._n p._n 148._o query_n vi_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o a_o popish_a tenet_n to_o cry_v down_o wisdom_n and_o to_o say_v that_o wisdom_n will_v destroy_v we_o as_o it_o be_v usual_o with_o you_o to_o say_v for_o the_o papist_n care_v not_o how_o foolish_a the_o common_a people_n be_v nor_o how_o much_o in_o ignorance_n it_o be_v as_o they_o say_v the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n they_o educate_v they_o provide_v their_o minister_n and_o jesuit_n be_v very_o expert_a and_o able_a to_o defend_v their_o way_n of_o worship_n and_o heap_n of_o ceremony_n and_o when_o do_v any_o that_o write_v or_o dispute_v to_o defend_v our_o way_n of_o worship_n write_v and_o speak_v like_o fool_n except_o they_o can_v neither_o write_v nor_o speak_v otherwise_o and_o why_o do_v you_o cry_v out_o against_o wisdom_n upon_o every_o occasion_n as_o if_o ignarance_n be_v become_v our_o only_a darling_n answ_n for_o to_o admire_v what_o man_n do_v not_o know_v and_o to_o make_v it_o a_o principle_n not_o to_o inquire_v be_v the_o last_o mark_n of_o folly_n in_o the_o believer_n and_o of_o imposture_n in_o the_o imposer_n to_o be_v short_a a_o christian_n imply_v a_o man_n and_o a_o man_n imply_v conscience_n and_o understanding_n but_o he_o that_o have_v no_o conscience_n nor_o understanding_n as_o he_o have_v not_o who_o have_v deliver_v they_o up_o to_o the_o will_n of_o another_o man_n be_v no_o man_n and_o therefore_o no_o christian_a upon_o this_o principle_n man_n must_v be_v make_v fool_n in_o order_n to_o believe_v shall_v folly_n which_o be_v the_o shame_n if_o not_o the_o curse_n of_o a_o man_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o a_o christian._n address_v to_o prot._n pag._n 187._o query_n vii_o be_v it_o not_o great_a deceit_n and_o illusion_n first_o to_o make_v rule_n or_o cannon_n to_o walk_v by_o and_o when_o any_o refuse_v obedience_n to_o they_o and_o can_v for_o conscience_n sake_n conform_v to_o they_o then_o to_o senctence_n judge_n and_o record_v such_o out_o of_o the_o unity_n and_o yet_o to_o the_o world_n pretend_v and_o that_o in_o print_n that_o we_o do_v no_o such_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v not_o this_o great_a decoit_n and_o delusion_n answ_n yea_o that_o our_o friend_n say_v w._n p._n meaning_n we_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n require_v any_o man_n to_o practise_v what_o they_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o i_o utter_o renounce_v in_o their_o name_n and_o that_o at_o a_o infamous_a slander_n alexander_n the_o coppersmith_n page_n 10._o query_n viii_o whether_o antichristian_a practice_n popish_a principle_n contempt_n of_o scripture_n folly_n ignorance_n and_o partiality_n practise_v one_o thing_n and_o pretend_v another_o be_v corruption_n or_o no_o if_o yea_o then_o whither_o or_o no_o a_o private_a man_n ought_v not_o
reflect_v act_n in_o adam_n knowledge_n that_o he_o full_o view_v and_o behold_v himself_o and_o know_v in_o what_o a_o happy_a estate_n god_n have_v make_v he_o be_v also_o clear_a and_o that_o this_o exercise_n of_o his_o knowledge_n also_o in_o a_o way_n of_o conscience_n he_o have_v to_o tell_v he_o he_o be_v accept_v of_o god_n and_o do_v well_o in_o whatsoever_o he_o do_v but_o that_o equal_a reflection_n of_o man_n understanding_n both_o towards_o good_a and_o evil_n allow_v the_o one_o and_o condemn_v the_o other_o be_v first_o introduce_v when_o he_o do_v eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a which_o be_v so_o call_v by_o anticipation_n because_o by_o the_o sin_n commit_v in_o eat_v of_o it_o adam_z who_o know_v nothing_o before_o neither_o in_o himself_o nor_o any_o other_o creature_n but_o what_o be_v perfect_o good_a come_v to_o the_o miserable_a knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n evil_n before_o he_o can_v not_o know_v for_o till_o he_o have_v sin_v there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n present_v to_o his_o view_n but_o in_o that_o act_n of_o his_o sin_v he_o see_v the_o great_a evil_n and_o the_o root_n of_o all_o other_o evil_a what_o be_v good_a also_o by_o his_o fall_n he_o come_v to_o know_v in_o another_o manner_n than_o before_o for_o before_o he_o know_v it_o only_o simple_o consider_v in_o itself_o but_o now_o as_o it_o stand_v in_o a_o direct_a contrariety_n and_o opposition_n unto_o evil._n that_o perfect_a knowledge_n man_n have_v at_o the_o first_o so_o far_o retain_v since_o the_o fall_n its_o excellent_a nature_n as_o to_o be_v a_o distinguisher_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o a_o constant_a witness_n for_o god_n in_o his_o soul_n and_o by_o secret_a reference_n to_o what_o he_o be_v at_o first_o tell_v he_o what_o he_o still_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n we_o call_v conscience_n which_o as_o it_o be_v the_o best_a thing_n leave_v in_o man_n by_o far_o since_o the_o fall_n so_o it_o be_v the_o noble_a and_o worthy_a thing_n the_o world_n have_v leave_v in_o it_o and_o which_o above_o all_o other_o ought_v to_o be_v cherish_v and_o value_v as_o that_o whereby_o god_n be_v most_o acknowledge_v each_o man_n in_o his_o own_o breast_n most_o quiet_v and_o settle_v and_o mankind_n best_o enable_v to_o live_v peaceable_o in_o society_n and_o converse_v together_o that_o it_o have_v continue_v among_o man_n ever_o since_o the_o fall_n be_v plain_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o even_o in_o the_o dark_a time_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n before_o any_o law_n from_o god_n be_v write_v this_o knowledge_n man_n have_v of_o themselves_o in_o reference_n to_o god_n be_v a_o law_n unto_o they_o their_o natural_a light_n derive_v to_o they_o from_o their_o first_o creation_n dictate_v to_o they_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o what_o not_o and_o enable_v they_o to_o pass_v a_o judgement_n upon_o themselves_o of_o their_o due_a behaviour_n towards_o god_n and_o this_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n call_v conscience_n which_o will_v either_o excuse_v they_o or_o accuse_v they_o in_o the_o great_a judgement_n day_n when_o the_o secret_n of_o man_n heart_n shall_v be_v make_v know_v there_o be_v since_o man_n fall_n two_o thing_n eminent_o leave_v in_o he_o a_o sense_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n though_o remote_a and_o that_o two_o way_n first_o by_o instinct_n in_o his_o very_a composition_n and_o constitution_n god_n make_v he_o at_o first_o in_o his_o own_o image_n and_o second_o by_o the_o use_n of_o his_o reason_n in_o behold_v the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n which_o he_o do_v daily_o behold_v and_o converse_v with_o and_o which_o do_v eminent_o preach_v god_n unto_o he_o the_o other_o thing_n be_v a_o sense_n of_o please_v or_o displease_v god_n by_o do_v what_o his_o understanding_n tell_v he_o be_v good_a or_o ill_a and_o this_o be_v to_o each_o man_n a_o law_n so_o paul_n in_o that_o place_n of_o the_o roman_n tell_v we_o that_o those_o that_o have_v not_o the_o law_n write_v be_v a_o law_n unto_o themselves_o and_o do_v by_o nature_n the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n when_o afterward_o man_n come_v to_o be_v under_o a_o law_n write_v and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n mind_n concern_v man_n be_v more_o clear_o reveal_v every_o man_n come_v to_o have_v a_o large_a view_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o clear_a reflection_n upon_o himself_o in_o reference_n to_o it_o and_o so_o come_v to_o have_v a_o more_o enlighten_v conscience_n suitable_a to_o the_o enlargedness_n of_o his_o understanding_n in_o his_o walk_n before_o god_n this_o then_o be_v premise_v that_o man_n perfect_a knowledge_n which_o he_o have_v at_o first_o do_v still_o retain_v a_o taste_n of_o and_o a_o discern_a principle_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o do_v enable_v a_o man_n to_o judge_v of_o himself_o in_o reference_n to_o his_o please_a or_o displease_v of_o god_n by_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o and_o that_o every_o man_n have_v more_o or_o less_o in_o he_o of_o that_o we_o call_v conscience_n unless_o in_o some_o particular_a case_n whereby_o often_o endeavour_v to_o resist_v and_o oppose_v conscience_n god_n in_o just_a judgement_n take_v away_o the_o use_n of_o it_o and_o that_o conscience_n be_v whole_o regulate_v by_o the_o understanding_n and_o the_o light_n thereof_o we_o will_v consider_v first_o that_o man_n do_v and_o always_o have_v differ_v in_o their_o understanding_n and_o apprehension_n and_o so_o in_o their_o conscience_n about_o divine_a thing_n and_o their_o duty_n to_o god_n second_o what_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n be_v upon_o which_o man_n come_v to_o differ_v and_o three_o how_o far_o man_n be_v to_o be_v tolerate_v and_o indulge_v one_o by_o another_o in_o such_o variety_n and_o difference_n of_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n for_o the_o first_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o too_o obvious_o plain_a so_o to_o have_v be_v in_o all_o time_n a_o man_n must_v have_v some_o ill_a will_n either_o to_o himself_o or_o his_o reader_n that_o shall_v spend_v much_o time_n in_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o if_o we_o look_v into_o those_o early_a time_n before_o any_o law_n be_v write_v though_o all_o man_n have_v one_o common_a instinct_n of_o god_n in_o their_o nature_n and_o be_v and_o have_v the_o same_o outward_a medium_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n for_o there_o be_v no_o place_n where_o their_o voice_n sound_v not_o yet_o doubtless_o the_o various_a apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o of_o man_n duty_n to_o he_o be_v very_o great_a some_o improve_n those_o common_a rudiment_n of_o divinity_n to_o more_o reverend_a thought_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o a_o more_o sober_a virtuous_a way_n of_o live_v by_o their_o natural_a light_n and_o other_o so_o far_o degenerate_v from_o they_o as_o that_o when_o they_o know_v god_n and_o may_v have_v know_v more_o of_o he_o they_o glorify_v he_o not_o as_o god_n but_o turn_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o true_a and_o incorruptible_a god_n into_o mock-deity_n of_o bird_n and_o beast_n and_o so_o come_v to_o be_v give_v up_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o evil._n such_o who_o live_v in_o those_o day_n and_o be_v by_o dream_n vision_n voice_n and_o otherwise_o particular_o enlighten_v have_v other_o kind_n of_o apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o principle_n of_o conscience_n suitable_a thereunto_o which_o yet_o can_v reach_v no_o further_o than_o themselves_o nor_o be_v oblige_v to_o other_o far_o than_o they_o can_v justify_v those_o divine_a discovery_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n or_o by_o the_o credit_n of_o their_o own_o testimony_n gain_v belief_n and_o persuade_v man_n thereunto_o when_o aferwards_o the_o law_n come_v to_o be_v write_v in_o stone_n which_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n write_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o be_v in_o truth_n no_o other_o than_o a_o transcript_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o light_n thereof_o yet_o what_o great_a variety_n do_v we_o find_v in_o the_o exposition_n of_o it_o and_o what_o various_a principle_n derive_v from_o it_o he_o be_v a_o great_a stranger_n to_o all_o rabbinical_a learning_n who_o know_v not_o the_o wide_a compass_n of_o the_o jewish_a debate_n and_o controversy_n and_o since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o large_a and_o full_a revelation_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v we_o not_o see_v that_o knowledge_n have_v multiply_v division_n what_o great_a variety_n of_o thought_n have_v arisen_a among_o man_n not_o only_o concern_v those_o more_o obscure_a notion_n of_o the_o order_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o gospel_n church_n but_o of_o most_o of_o the_o other_o doctrine_n and_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o so_o general_a
the_o glorious_a presence_n of_o christ_n upon_o earth_n and_o which_o may_v any_o way_n contribute_v to_o rear_v up_o the_o fabric_n of_o the_o new-testament_n church_n it_o be_v much_o that_o such_o a_o officer_n of_o so_o absolute_a concernment_n as_o this_o opinion_n make_v he_o shall_v not_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n for_o three_o hundred_o year_n together_o if_o we_o will_v seek_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o providential_a disposal_n of_o thing_n may_v we_o not_o sober_o think_v it_o to_o be_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o thing_n whole_o found_v upon_o spiritual_a power_n be_v complete_a therein_o and_o need_v not_o any_o temporal_a power_n to_o contribute_v to_o its_o perfection_n this_o impower_v the_o magistrate_n with_o a_o superlative_a authority_n in_o settle_v what_o relate_v to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n suppose_v this_o that_o the_o scripture_n have_v reveal_v no_o truth_n that_o be_v bind_v in_o this_o matter_n but_o this_o that_o what_o the_o magistrate_n please_v to_o settle_v in_o every_o place_n that_o be_v right_a be_v this_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o scripture_n have_v no_o where_o reveal_v and_o so_o we_o be_v like_a to_o have_v as_o many_o distinct_a government_n as_o there_o be_v state_n and_o distinct_a kindgdom_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v strange_a those_o that_o be_v for_o exact_a uniformity_n in_o any_o one_o church_n shall_v lay_v a_o foundation_n of_o such_o confuse_a multiplicity_n in_o the_o church_n universal_a either_o we_o must_v suppose_v christ_n be_v not_o faithful_a to_o reveal_v all_o that_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o the_o gospel-church_n which_o god_n entrust_v he_o with_o or_o else_o that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o reveal_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v be_v transient_o leave_v to_o the_o magistrate_n to_o say_v the_o first_o be_v but_o to_o urge_v blasphemy_n for_o reason_n if_o the_o second_o it_o be_v to_o empower_v a_o officer_n in_o such_o a_o necessary_a and_o weighty_a matter_n who_o very_a be_v in_o the_o church_n with_o a_o ability_n to_o do_v it_o have_v a_o futurity_n of_o three_o hundred_o year_n to_o come_v during_o all_o which_o time_n if_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n settle_v no_o government_n in_o the_o church_n and_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a magistrate_n that_o can_v settle_v any_o how_o can_v the_o church_n then_o come_v lawful_o to_o have_v any_o if_o it_o be_v say_v where_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a magistrate_n every_o church_n may_v use_v their_o own_o discretion_n then_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o gospel_n have_v no_o other_o bottom_n than_o what_o every_o magistrate_n and_o every_o particular_a church_n please_v and_o so_o not_o only_a magistrate_n but_o church_n and_o indeed_o all_o the_o world_n may_v be_v their_o own_o carver_n in_o this_o weighty_a matter_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o be_v credit_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o do_v so_o great_o relate_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o doctrine_n in_o it_o shall_v be_v leave_v to_o such_o float_a uncertainty_n beside_o this_o position_n make_v all_o that_o part_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o lie_v in_o precept_n and_o precedent_n about_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o what_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n then_o practise_v and_o command_v to_o be_v of_o no_o use_n to_o we_o nor_o obligation_n upon_o we_o far_o than_o the_o magistrate_n please_v it_o be_v to_o give_v he_o a_o dominion_n over_o that_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o open_v a_o door_n to_o make_v he_o as_o some_o have_v full_o do_v lord_n over_o the_o whole_a new-testament_n two_o thing_n be_v usual_o say_v to_o prop_v up_o this_o power_n in_o the_o magistrate_n first_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o positive_o determine_v in_o the_o gospel_n about_o these_o thing_n because_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o take_v place_n throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n no_o one_o frame_v or_o model_n of_o government_n can_v be_v compose_v that_o will_v convenient_o fit_v all_o person_n and_o place_n where_o the_o gospel_n may_v come_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o settle_v and_o therefore_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n have_v leave_v thing_n of_o that_o nature_n whole_o undetermined_a this_o be_v a_o thing_n take_v for_o grant_v and_o whole_o without_o any_o divine_a ground_n to_o warrant_v it_o and_o be_v in_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o insufficient_a for_o we_o find_v nothing_o in_o command_n or_o practice_n by_o the_o apostle_n in_o settle_v the_o christian_a church_n but_o what_o will_v agree_v with_o any_o nation_n or_o people_n in_o the_o world_n he_o that_o will_v say_v that_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o we_o there_o find_v it_o practise_v and_o require_v will_v not_o agree_v to_o any_o place_n may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n if_o not_o more_o say_v that_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o gospel_n itself_o in_o the_o general_a belief_n of_o it_o will_v not_o agree_v to_o that_o place_n these_o thing_n make_v it_o evident_a that_o the_o order_n and_o discipline_n we_o find_v settle_v in_o the_o gospel-churche_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n must_v needs_o fit_v every_o place_n and_o people_n and_o can_v do_v no_o hurt_n any_o where_o one_a it_o high_o intend_v to_o heighten_v and_o complete_a the_o duty_n incumbent_a on_o all_o moral_a and_o natural_a relation_n that_o which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v to_o preserve_v order_n among_o christian_n as_o christian_n will_v never_o hinder_v but_o far_o it_o among_o man_n as_o man_n two_o the_o power_n upon_o which_o christ_n rule_n settle_v in_o his_o church_n be_v found_v be_v whole_o spiritual_a it_o can_v never_o do_v any_o violence_n to_o mankind_n nor_o clash_n with_o any_o humane_a power_n because_o that_o be_v the_o boundery_a of_o it_o three_o the_o thing_n design_v and_o attain_v by_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel-church_n be_v no_o more_o than_o to_o preserve_v man_n in_o a_o regular_a capacity_n to_o enjoy_v all_o christ_n institution_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o will_v say_v this_o order_n will_v not_o suit_v any_o nation_n must_v say_v in_o effect_n none_o of_o christ_n institution_n will_v agree_v to_o that_o nation_n four_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o christ_n government_n of_o his_o church_n that_o be_v proper_o relative_a to_o the_o political_a government_n of_o a_o state_n or_o do_v any_o way_n determine_v the_o form_n of_o it_o but_o it_o may_v be_v equal_o exercise_v under_o any_o government_n whatsoever_o the_o religious_a policy_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v high_o relate_v to_o the_o state_n and_o be_v commix_v with_o it_o and_o the_o same_o government_n of_o that_o church_n can_v not_o have_v be_v without_o a_o suitable_a conformity_n of_o the_o state_n to_o it_o and_o so_o can_v not_o well_o reach_v beyond_o that_o nation_n and_o peculiar_a country_n and_o people_n but_o the_o gospel-church_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o be_v ground_v upon_o quite_o other_o term_n and_o have_v its_o first_o principle_n in_o that_o say_n of_o our_o saviour_n where_o ever_o two_o or_o three_o be_v meet_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o there_o be_v no_o place_n nor_o people_n under_o the_o sun_n but_o where_o with_o much_o advantage_n the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o well_o as_o the_o gospel_n itself_o may_v be_v introduce_v a_o second_o thing_n make_v to_o prop_v up_o this_o power_n in_o the_o magistrate_n be_v because_o of_o the_o wonderful_a difficulty_n we_o find_v in_o the_o new-testament_n about_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n this_o i_o acknowledge_v shall_v put_v we_o upon_o much_o enquiry_n and_o great_a indulgence_n to_o each_o other_o but_o i_o can_v yield_v it_o a_o good_a reason_n to_o establish_v a_o visible_a judge_n to_o settle_v a_o civil_a pope_n for_o at_o last_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n it_o will_v be_v find_v out_o that_o the_o scripture_n in_o doctrinal_n be_v obscure_v too_o and_o so_o the_o magistrate_n must_v be_v likewise_o a_o umpire_n in_o those_o thing_n and_o final_o in_o all_o be_v once_o all_o these_o carnal_a interest_n and_o political_n concern_v that_o be_v now_o twist_v into_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n lay_v by_o it_o will_v be_v find_v a_o thing_n very_o feasible_a to_o deduce_v from_o scripture_n precept_n and_o example_n limit_v to_o no_o particular_a case_n in_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o a_o system_a of_o ecclesiastical_a rule_n sufficient_a for_o the_o obtain_v all_o the_o holy_a and_o good_a end_n design_v by_o the_o gospel_n and_o complete_n man_n in_o a_o spiritual_a society_n as_o a_o organical-church_n and_o if_o a_o church_n can_v be_v so_o constitute_v which_o be_v a_o thing_n in_o itself_o of_o no_o harship_n if_o man_n will_v be_v content_v with_o the_o simplicity_n of_o
gospel_n not_o mighty_a through_o god_n but_o mighty_a through_o the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o whole_o to_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o all_o its_o institution_n it_o be_v to_o arm_v the_o church_n with_o weapon_n christ_n never_o give_v she_o and_o to_o make_v she_o a_o military_a rather_o than_o a_o spiritual_a society_n three_o suppose_v but_o this_o truth_n that_o all_o church_n even_o the_o pure_a be_v in_o the_o execution_n of_o christ_n law_n fallible_a and_o liable_a to_o mistake_v this_o doctrine_n have_v a_o marvellous_a tendency_n to_o bring_v the_o magistrate_n under_o great_a transgression_n and_o each_o christian_a under_o a_o possibility_n of_o such_o bondage_n as_o the_o gospel_n no_o where_o impose_v on_o he_o if_o a_o man_n be_v unjust_o cast_v out_o of_o a_o church_n and_o the_o magistrate_n proceed_v against_o he_o he_o execute_v a_o evil_a sentence_n and_o do_v it_o blindfold_a be_v by_o this_o doctrine_n a_o officer_n no_o way_n competent_a nor_o in_o any_o capacity_n to_o make_v a_o judgement_n of_o the_o truth_n or_o error_n of_o it_o and_o so_o can_v possible_o escape_v a_o great_a sin_n a_o christian_a undue_o cast_v out_o of_o a_o church_n have_v this_o security_n against_o such_o a_o proceed_n that_o christ_n will_v never_o ratify_v it_o upon_o his_o conscience_n but_o by_o this_o manner_n of_o execution_n he_o be_v sure_a whether_o the_o sentence_n be_v right_a or_o no_o to_o fall_v under_o as_o heavy_a a_o outward_a suffering_n as_o the_o magistrate_n sword_n can_v inflict_v upon_o he_o and_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o man_n shall_v be_v more_o dangerous_o concern_v in_o their_o life_n and_o estate_n by_o be_v in_o the_o church_n than_o by_o be_v member_n of_o any_o society_n whatsoever_o the_o three_o extreme_a in_o this_o matter_n lie_v among_o those_o who_o say_v that_o the_o magistrate_n have_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o do_v about_o religion_n this_o lie_v very_o wide_a from_o truth_n and_o can_v in_o such_o a_o general_a position_n be_v make_v good_a if_o we_o consider_v first_o that_o every_o man_n in_o the_o world_n as_o he_o be_v a_o creature_n and_o a_o subject_a to_o the_o great_a god_n be_v bind_v in_o his_o station_n and_o in_o god_n way_n to_o promote_v his_o honour_n and_o endeavour_v that_o his_o will_n may_v be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n it_o will_v be_v strange_a that_o the_o magistrate_n who_o be_v his_o chief_a officer_n shall_v be_v no_o way_n concern_v to_o see_v the_o law_n which_o god_n give_v the_o world_n put_v in_o execution_n by_o the_o person_n and_o in_o the_o manner_n he_o have_v appoint_v it_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o he_o that_o have_v the_o complicate_v relation_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o a_o magistrate_n to_o other_o shall_v have_v no_o care_n relative_a to_o their_o spiritual_a good_a it_o be_v to_o say_v the_o magistrate_n must_v not_o do_v that_o which_o every_o man_n else_o in_o the_o world_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v second_o god_n never_o since_o the_o world_n begin_v trust_v any_o with_o the_o care_n of_o man_n body_n but_o he_o entrust_v they_o likewise_o with_o some_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n if_o we_o look_v over_o all_o the_o natural_a and_o moral_a relation_n in_o the_o world_n such_o as_o parent_n master_n general_n of_o army_n we_o shall_v ever_o find_v it_o so_o man_n be_v to_o be_v rule_v over_o as_o creature_n that_o have_v immortal_a soul_n to_o be_v chief_o care_v for_o and_o they_o be_v to_o be_v rule_v over_o as_o such_o who_o have_v a_o special_a relation_n to_o god_n and_o a_o homage_n to_o pay_v he_o above_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n a_o rule_n over_o man_n without_o some_o respect_n to_o this_o will_v denominate_v mankind_n into_o brute_n three_o to_o say_v the_o magistrate_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v about_o religion_n be_v to_o deny_v what_o have_v be_v practise_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n before_o the_o law_n be_v practise_v under_o the_o law_n suitable_a to_o that_o dispensation_n and_o both_o command_v and_o commend_v and_o be_v to_o be_v practise_v under_o the_o gospel_n suitable_a to_o this_o dispensation_n and_o be_v foretell_v as_o a_o blessing_n so_o to_o be_v and_o in_o fact_n have_v be_v so_o ever_o since_o there_o have_v be_v a_o magistrate_n christian_n in_o the_o world_n have_v thus_o consider_v these_o hurtful_a extreme_n about_o the_o magistrate_n power_n the_o last_o thing_n to_o come_v under_o consideration_n will_v be_v the_o due_a bound_n of_o a_o magistrate_n power_n under_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v how_o far_o a_o magistrate_n be_v christian_n may_v improve_o exercise_v his_o natural_a power_n for_o the_o advantage_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o wherein_o he_o stand_v bound_v and_o oblige_v not_o to_o proceed_v the_o preserve_v a_o right_a state_n whereof_o through_o the_o torrent_n of_o these_o extreme_n will_v be_v of_o singular_a moment_n to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n we_o have_v see_v that_o the_o power_n of_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n differ_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o kind_n a_o heathen_a magistrate_n have_v the_o same_o right_n and_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v as_o much_o in_o religion_n as_o a_o christian_a only_o the_o one_o have_v more_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o mind_n be_v bind_v improve_o to_o exercise_v his_o power_n according_o the_o first_o thing_n a_o christian_a magistrate_n stand_v bind_v to_o do_v for_o the_o good_a of_o religion_n be_v to_o afford_v the_o church_n all_o negative_a good_a that_o be_v to_o remove_v all_o oppression_n from_o they_o and_o all_o thing_n that_o do_v any_o way_n hinder_v they_o to_o enjoy_v the_o institution_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v to_o give_v they_o rest_n that_o they_o may_v be_v edify_v and_o walk_v in_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o lead_v quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n this_o as_o it_o be_v a_o special_a blessing_n the_o church_n do_v not_o often_o enjoy_v so_o it_o be_v one_o chief_a part_n of_o that_o benefit_n it_o receive_v by_o christian_a ruler_n and_o this_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n will_v easy_o guide_v a_o magistrate_n to_o do_v for_o any_o religion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o he_o be_v persuade_v in_o the_o affirmative_a he_o be_v not_o only_o to_o see_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v and_o all_o under_o he_o full_o instruct_v in_o the_o truth_n thereof_o to_o unite_v all_o christian_n and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v preserve_v peace_n in_o the_o church_n to_o encourage_v those_o he_o find_v most_o zealous_a constant_a and_o sincere_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o his_o own_o example_n to_o lead_v forth_o his_o subject_n in_o all_o sound_a orthodox_n profession_n and_o practice_n but_o to_o comprehend_v all_o in_o one_o he_o be_v to_o endeavour_v in_o a_o gospel-way_n to_o see_v all_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n put_v in_o execution_n and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v see_v his_o will_n do_v in_o the_o world_n he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v bind_v to_o execute_v only_o what_o the_o church_n will_v have_v he_o that_o he_o be_v to_o oversee_v their_o proceed_n and_o to_o take_v care_n as_o christ_n chief_a officer_n in_o the_o world_n that_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n be_v due_o and_o according_a to_o christ_n appointment_n administer_v the_o apostle_n word_n be_v general_a and_o full_a let_v every_o soul_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n wheresoever_o the_o high_a power_n be_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o unless_o you_o will_v have_v a_o high_a and_o a_o high_a which_o will_v breed_v inevitable_a confusion_n the_o civil_a power_n bid_v a_o man_n do_v one_o thing_n and_o the_o ecclesiastical_a another_o it_o have_v ever_o in_o fact_n be_v so_o but_o under_o the_o roman_a church_n where_o the_o emperor_n be_v make_v believe_v that_o it_o be_v the_o high_a piece_n of_o religion_n voluntary_o to_o yield_v up_o their_o power_n to_o the_o church_n and_o submit_v to_o her_o direction_n for_o the_o use_n of_o it_o which_o at_o first_o they_o confess_v be_v inherent_a in_o the_o emperor_n and_o not_o in_o the_o church_n before_o the_o law_n not_o only_o the_o power_n but_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o priesthood_n itself_o natural_o fall_v into_o the_o magistrate_n it_o be_v so_o in_o noah_n in_o abraham_n and_o in_o melchizedeck_v who_o be_v a_o king_n and_o a_o priest_n it_o be_v so_o in_o moses_n the_o regal_a and_o sacerdotal_a power_n be_v both_o in_o he_o till_o they_o be_v by_o god_n divide_v between_o he_o and_o aaron_n ever_o since_o which_o time_n the_o exercise_n of_o magistracy_n and_o ministry_n have_v be_v and_o be_v to_o be_v distinct_a it_o be_v so_o likewise_o among_o
and_o ratiocination_n and_o give_v every_o man_n freedom_n of_o debate_n and_o count_v it_o a_o noble_a thing_n in_o the_o berean_o to_o examine_v the_o scripture_n whether_o the_o thing_n they_o preach_v be_v so_o or_o no._n after_o all_o mean_v use_v every_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o his_o own_o light_n paul_n profess_v he_o be_v not_o lord_n over_o any_o man_n faith_n the_o truth_n be_v that_o part_n of_o the_o soul_n where_o faith_n and_o conscience_n be_v seat_v can_v be_v reach_v by_o any_o compulsion_n and_o therefore_o force_v reach_v but_o to_o outward_a practice_n there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o end_n of_o it_o but_o to_o make_v we_o suffer_v or_o else_o practise_v contrary_a to_o what_o we_o believe_v six_o force_v man_n to_o a_o religion_n which_o be_v whole_o supernatural_a and_o impose_v principle_n upon_o they_o which_o be_v out_o of_o the_o compass_n of_o moral_a light_n as_o all_o gospel-principle_n be_v suppose_v a_o perfect_a infallibility_n in_o the_o imposer_n and_o the_o thing_n impose_v or_o else_o it_o be_v strange_o unreasonable_a to_o force_v man_n against_o their_o own_o light_n to_o be_v guide_v by_o we_o unless_o we_o be_v sure_o we_o can_v mistake_v be_v a_o strange_a absurdity_n there_o be_v some_o excuse_n for_o be_v guide_v by_o a_o mistake_n of_o our_o own_o if_o it_o be_v the_o best_a light_n we_o have_v but_o there_o be_v no_o excuse_n for_o be_v guide_v by_o a_o mistake_n of_o another_o man_n three_o sort_n of_o man_n there_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n eminent_a for_o imposition_n in_o religion_n and_o common_a discretion_n teach_v they_o that_o the_o necessary_a support_n of_o such_o imposition_n must_v be_v a_o pretend_a infallibility_n in_o themselves_o &_o their_o doctrine_n such_o be_v the_o jewish_a rabbi_n of_o old_a who_o have_v so_o delude_v the_o people_n that_o luther_n tell_v we_o the_o jew_n think_v they_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v what_o their_o rabbi_n teach_v though_o they_o shall_v say_v the_o right_a hand_n be_v the_o left_a and_o the_o leave_v the_o right_n such_o also_o be_v mahomet_n and_o the_o mufti_n who_o impose_v all_o upon_o the_o ground_n of_o infallibility_n mahomet_n at_o the_o first_o lay_v this_o down_o as_o a_o maxim_n that_o there_o be_v to_o be_v no_o debate_n nor_o discourse_n of_o what_o he_o prescribe_v and_o his_o mufti_n subdue_v the_o people_n by_o carry_v on_o the_o same_o ever_o since_o grotius_n give_v a_o very_a full_a account_n of_o this_o in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n sect._n 3_o famous_a for_o imposition_n be_v the_o pope_n and_o priest_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o they_o with_o the_o hammer_n of_o infallibility_n beat_v down_o all_o opposition_n that_o be_v a_o refuge_n never_o fail_v to_o justify_v thing_n against_o scripture_n reason_n and_o common_a sense_n of_o man_n that_o the_o arrogant_a assumption_n of_o infallibility_n since_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o political_a cheat_n upon_o the_o world_n god_n by_o his_o providence_n in_o fact_n as_o well_o as_o otherwise_o have_v make_v it_o clear_a to_o we_o since_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o it_o have_v as_o often_o contradict_v each_o other_o and_o err_v even_o in_o the_o opinion_n each_o of_o other_o as_o any_o people_n in_o the_o world_n god_n in_o his_o just_a judgement_n leave_v those_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v so_o much_o above_o all_o man_n to_o appear_v as_o weak_a and_o as_o deprave_a man_n as_o any_o the_o world_n have_v but_o imposition_n where_o infallibility_n be_v not_o pretend_v nor_o claim_v must_v needs_o be_v but_o weak_o underset_v he_o that_o impose_v a_o religion_n upon_o i_o intend_v i_o shall_v take_v his_o light_n instead_o of_o my_o own_o impose_v a_o religion_n upon_o i_o suppose_v a_o duty_n in_o i_o of_o perfect_a subjection_n or_o else_o it_o be_v ridiculous_a and_o signify_v nothing_o admit_v a_o man_n to_o use_v his_o own_o light_n in_o judge_v destroy_v the_o be_v of_o imposition_n in_o religion_n upon_o any_o tolerable_a ground_n of_o reason_n and_o no_o body_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v in_o whatever_o they_o command_v but_o those_o that_o be_v infallible_a whoever_o it_o be_v the_o church_n or_o the_o magistrate_n that_o confess_v himself_o fallible_a must_v needs_o admit_v a_o possibility_n of_o mistake_n and_o so_o give_v ground_n unquestionable_a to_o reason_n and_o consider_v what_o be_v offer_v to_o i_o and_o to_o what_o purpose_n will_v that_o be_v but_o far_o to_o ensnare_v i_o if_o i_o must_v necessary_o obey_v and_o unless_o i_o discover_v the_o weakness_n and_o mistake_n of_o what_o be_v put_v upon_o i_o i_o may_v refuse_v it_o among_o the_o protestant_a church_n where_o infallibility_n be_v not_o claim_v and_o this_o doctrine_n teach_v that_o if_o any_o man_n command_v any_o thing_n sinful_a of_o which_o every_o man_n conscience_n be_v likewise_o acknowledge_v the_o judge_n we_o be_v to_o suffer_v passive_o and_o not_o obey_v active_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o success_n of_o imposition_n but_o to_o make_v i_o suffer_v for_o be_v a_o honest_a man_n and_o follow_v the_o light_n of_o my_o own_o conscience_n for_o if_o the_o thing_n enforce_v be_v according_a to_o my_o own_o judgement_n force_v i_o to_o it_o be_v needless_a if_o it_o be_v not_o i_o be_o bind_v by_o principle_n acknowledge_v by_o all_o not_o to_o obey_v and_o so_o the_o event_n must_v needs_o be_v my_o suffering_n in_o perform_v my_o duty_n nay_o suppose_v further_o that_o the_o thing_n enjoin_v be_v infallible_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o the_o person_n enjoin_v it_o be_v so_o in_o that_o very_a act_n yet_o till_o i_o be_o convince_v in_o my_o reason_n of_o both_o those_o they_o be_v to_o i_o as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o so_o and_o i_o shall_v never_o upon_o that_o account_n yield_v implicit_a obedience_n and_o when_o i_o be_o convince_v of_o such_o a_o infallibility_n my_o own_o reason_n without_o any_o other_o motive_n force_v i_o into_o subjection_n as_o that_o which_o be_v best_a for_o i_o no_o man_n can_v or_o aught_o to_o command_v i_o to_o alter_v my_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n guide_v by_o the_o best_a light_n i_o have_v till_o he_o can_v show_v i_o that_o as_o i_o be_o fallible_a so_o he_o be_v infallible_a and_o that_o he_o be_v so_o in_o that_o act_n of_o impose_v a_o religion_n upon_o i_o my_o own_o light_n be_v more_o safe_a to_o i_o than_o any_o other_o man_n that_o be_v not_o so_o entrust_v and_o be_v but_o equal_o fallible_a with_o myself_o though_o in_o knowledge_n never_o so_o far_o above_o i_o he_o that_o own_v he_o may_v be_v mistake_v as_o well_o as_o i_o and_o yet_o will_v have_v i_o obey_v what_o he_o command_v against_o what_o i_o believe_v will_v at_o the_o same_o time_n make_v i_o both_o a_o sinner_n and_o a_o fool_n a_o sinner_n to_o god_n and_o a_o fool_n to_o my_o own_o reason_n a_o sinner_n to_o depart_v from_o my_o own_o conscience_n by_o which_o god_n expect_v i_o shall_v be_v 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he_o and_o that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o accuser_n etc._n etc._n in_o answer_n to_o w._n r_n book_n may_v not_o say_v to_o i_o as_o he_o in_o pag._n 86._o viz._n howbeit_o w._n r._n produce_v not_o any_o now_o prescription_n method_n rule_n order_n and_o form_n of_o church-government_n now_o say_v the_o say_a author_n of_o the_o accuser_n etc._n etc._n now_o he_o shall_v have_v produce_v some_o new_a order_n and_o form_n of_o church-government_n introduce_v among_o in_o since_o that_o time_n mean_v the_o year_n 1673._o to_o prove_v his_o charge_n of_o apostasy_n and_o innovation_n against_o g._n f._n and_o those_o he_o call_v his_o party_n etc._n etc._n and_o pag._n 133._o we_o affirm_v that_o his_o meaning_n w._n r._n cry_v out_o imposition_n form_n of_o church-government_n order_n prescription_n etc._n etc._n in_o general_n be_v no_o answer_n nor_o any_o proof_n of_o his_o charge_n of_o apostate_n and_o innovator_n against_o we_o let_v he_o either_o specify_v say_v this_o 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who_o be_v both_o head_n and_o lawgiver_n to_o his_o church_n which_o be_v frequent_o lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n by_o the_o four_o evangelist_n and_o other_o his_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n rather_o than_o the_o practice_n precept_n command_n prescription_n and_o exhortation_n of_o g._n f._n or_o any_o other_o mortal_a man_n query_n iu._n if_o you_o say_v that_o the_o command_n precept_n prescription_n and_o exhortation_n of_o christ_n jesus_n ought_v rather_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o be_v obey_v as_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v not_o dare_v to_o say_v otherwise_o then_o i_o further_o query_n whether_o christ_n or_o any_o of_o his_o apostle_n command_v that_o a_o womens-meeting_a shall_v be_v set_v up_o monthly_o distinct_a and_o apart_o from_o the_o man_n and_o a_o power_n commit_v to_o they_o to_o hear_v examine_v and_o determine_v matter_n relate_v to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n as_o now_o practise_v by_o many_o of_o we_o and_o that_o if_o any_o do_v not_o 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deny_v whatever_o you_o think_v then_o i_o still_o further_a query_n of_o you_o directory-makers_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n and_o what_o do_v it_o mean_a that_o neither_o matthew_n mark_n luke_n nor_o john_n nor_o any_o one_o chapter_n of_o any_o of_o those_o book_n be_v record_v in_o our_o great_a book_n of_o record_n first_o and_o before_o the_o epistle_n of_o g._n f._n as_o that_o which_o be_v more_o powerful_a more_o bind_v and_o of_o much_o more_o authority_n answer_v these_o thing_n query_n vi._n whether_o be_v not_o the_o berean_o commend_v in_o that_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o see_v whether_o paul_n testimony_n accord_v therewith_o yea_o and_o account_v more_o noble_a than_o they_o of_o thessalonica_n who_o be_v not_o so_o inquisitive_a and_o be_v it_o not_o more_o commendable_a to_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o see_v whether_o the_o institution_n order_n cannon_n degree_n tradition_n and_o ceremony_n of_o g._n f._n and_o other_o innovator_n of_o party_n with_o he_o together_o with_o the_o compel_v a_o uniformity_n and_o conformity_n thereunto_o which_o have_v occasion_v so_o much_o division_n discord_n strife_n and_o contention_n since_o their_o arrival_n be_v according_a to_o scripture_n yea_o or_o nay_o see_v it_o be_v write_v try_v all_o thing_n and_o if_o upon_o a_o diligent_a search_n they_o be_v find_v direct_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n and_o the_o practice_n doctrine_n and_o example_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o holy_a apostle_n saint_n and_o martyr_n in_o all_o age_n then_o i_o further_o query_n whether_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v oppose_v withstand_v and_o testify_v against_o by_o all_o those_o that_o have_v a_o certain_a sight_n thereof_o allege_v constant_o according_a to_o scripture_n that_o every_o one_o shall_v be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o if_o any_o be_v otherwise_o or_o contrary_a mind_a they_o ought_v to_o be_v let_v alone_o until_o it_o please_v god_n to_o reveal_v and_o make_v manifest_a his_o will_n unto_o they_o for_o what_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n as_o say_v the_o apostle_n so_o answer_v these_o thing_n touch_v the_o point_n of_o church-government_n for_o your_o practice_n bring_v you_o into_o suspicion_n and_o you_o must_v come_v to_o trial_n as_o other_o have_v do_v before_o you_o f._n b._n the_o twelve_o month_n 1678._o to_o these_o query_n there_o be_v some_o testimony_n of_o friend_n add_v which_o for_o brevity_n sake_n i_o here_o omit_v likewise_o the_o letter_n wherein_o i_o enclose_v they_o to_o s._n cater_n i_o also_o at_o present_a omit_v for_o some_o reason_n and_o to_o this_o day_n i_o never_o have_v any_o answer_n to_o the_o say_a query_n whereby_o i_o perceive_v what_o effect_v the_o advice_n give_v by_o a_o public_a preacher_n of_o party_n with_o g._n f._n have_v take_v viz._n let_v not_o this_o spirit_n be_v reason_v with_o enter_v not_o into_o proposal_n and_o article_n with_o it_o but_o feed_v it_o with_o judgement_n that_o be_v god_n decree_n which_o advice_n when_o compare_v with_o this_o kind_n of_o doctrine_n frequent_o publish_v as_o w._n r._n aver_v in_o his_o preface_n to_o the_o christian-quaker_n distinguish_v etc._n etc._n viz._n let_v we_o exclude_v the_o reason_v the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o jealousy_n and_o let_v we_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o brethren_n i_o say_v when_o i_o compare_v they_o and_o many_o other_o like_o exhortation_n it_o be_v the_o less_o marvel_n that_o they_o shall_v refuse_v any_o answer_n especial_o consider_v that_o if_o they_o shall_v answer_v there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o evade_v be_v discover_v and_o error_n love_v obscurity_n for_o its_o habitation_n be_v darkness_n and_o ignorance_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o its_o devotion_n and_o conformity_n the_o monstrous_a womb_n that_o produce_v it_o and_o when_o attend_v with_o the_o secular_a power_n support_v all_o its_o deform_a part_n with_o great_a admiration_n cry_v who_o be_v able_a to_o make_v war_n with_o the_o beast_n etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v add_v one_o query_n which_v j._n a._n put_v forth_o to_o which_o i_o never_o hear_v that_o he_o have_v any_o answer_n and_o by_o that_o the_o reader_n may_v understand_v his_o sense_n about_o the_o proceed_n of_o our_o quarterly-meeting_a against_o he_o and_o then_o i_o purpose_v to_o conclude_v this_o chapter_n etc._n etc._n a_o question_n propound_v to_o s._n cater_n and_o other_o of_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n and_o elsewhere_o who_o force_n a_o conformity_n to_o church-discipline_n and_o say_v without_o conformity_n no_o unity_n the_o question_n be_v what_o be_v conformity_n a_o very_a short_a question_n and_o easy_o answer_v it_o may_v be_v s._n c._n and_o other_o may_v say_v it_o be_v to_o the_o spirit_n but_o not_o mean_v so_o but_o intend_v the_o will_n and_o edict_n of_o man_n as_o in_o example_n the_o late_a proceed_n against_o j._n a._n concern_v take_n he_o wife_n who_o in_o every_o particular_a