and_o withal_o t._n e._n as_o you_o can_v but_o observe_v be_v so_o unconstant_a to_o his_o own_o assertion_n and_o confuse_a in_o his_o notion_n of_o perfection_n and_o the_o right_n fix_v the_o notion_n of_o thing_n be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o clear_a proceed_n in_o affirm_v or_o deny_v any_o thing_n concern_v they_o i_o will_v digress_v a_o little_a to_o state_n the_o case_n and_o that_o in_o three_o particular_n by_o which_o many_o of_o my_o adversarie_n objection_n will_v fall_v without_o take_v any_o further_a notice_n of_o they_o we_o shall_v therefore_o consider_v 1._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o perfection_n and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v grant_v or_o deny_v concern_v it_o 2._o whether_o the_o best_a of_o man_n can_v attain_v such_o a_o perfection_n as_o that_o they_o need_v not_o or_o ought_v not_o to_o acknowledge_v themselves_o sinner_n and_o offender_n 3._o what_o be_v the_o result_n tendency_n and_o consequent_a of_o assert_v or_o deny_v such_o a_o perfection_n par._n i_o shall_v be_v very_o glad_a to_o have_v a_o just_a account_n of_o these_o particular_n min._n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o perfection_n or_o be_v perfect_a be_v take_v in_o different_a sense_n in_o holy_a scripture_n sometime_o in_o a_o positive_a sense_n and_o sometime_o in_o a_o comparative_a a_o positive_a perfection_n be_v that_o which_o include_v such_o a_o compleatness_n wherein_o nothing_o be_v want_v or_o deficient_a to_o the_o answer_v and_o come_v up_o to_o those_o measure_n by_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v and_o examine_v now_o the_o measure_n by_o which_o the_o perfection_n of_o man_n must_v be_v judge_v of_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n first_o the_o capacity_n of_o our_o nature_n take_v in_o its_o best_a and_o sinless_a estate_n and_o the_o holy_a and_o perfect_a law_n of_o god_n to_o which_o it_o be_v in_o every_o respect_n exact_o conformable_a and_o hence_o the_o first_o sense_n of_o perfection_n be_v when_o a_o man_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o enjoy_v as_o great_a good_a and_o satisfaction_n and_o as_o high_a purity_n and_o freedom_n from_o all_o stain_n of_o evil_a as_o either_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n can_v arrive_v unto_o or_o as_o the_o perfect_a law_n of_o god_n do_v require_v this_o be_v our_o state_n in_o paradise_n and_o will_v be_v in_o heaven_n this_o be_v the_o perfection_n speak_v of_o 1_o cor._n 13._o 10._o and_o probable_o eph._n 4._o 13._o heb._n 12._o 23._o and_o elsewhere_o the_o second_o measure_n by_o which_o a_o man_n perfection_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v of_o be_v the_o capacity_n of_o our_o nature_n since_o the_o â—…all_n and_o the_o term_n which_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n prescribe_v and_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n accept_v hence_o the_o second_o sense_n of_o perfection_n be_v when_o a_o man_n live_v as_o holy_o as_o ever_o he_o can_v in_o this_o frail_a estate_n sincere_o strive_v to_o do_v all_o christian_a duty_n and_o to_o avoid_v all_o sin_n and_o supply_v his_o fail_n by_o faith_n and_o repentance_n so_o that_o god_n accept_v he_o upon_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o perfect_o righteous_a in_o and_o through_o christ_n this_o may_v be_v call_v evangelical_n perfection_n and_o be_v speak_v of_o heb._n 10._o 14._o and_o 13._o 21._o jam._n 3._o 2._o and_o this_o be_v oft_o express_v by_o the_o perfect_a heart_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n perfect_a be_v oppose_v to_o wicked_a job._n 9_o 22._o and_o be_v explain_v by_o be_v upright_o psal._n 37._o 37._o and_o this_o may_v be_v consistent_a with_o some_o fail_n that_o there_o be_v two_o measure_n of_o perfection_n appear_v by_o that_o instance_n i_o give_v you_o of_o st._n paul_n who_o acknowledge_v himself_o perfect_a according_o to_o one_o measure_n and_o yet_o not_o perfect_a according_a to_o another_o phil._n 3._o 12_o and_o 15._o compare_v so_o according_a to_o this_o second_o measure_n and_o god_n gracious_a acceptance_n asa_n heart_n be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v perfect_a all_o his_o day_n 1_o king_n 15._o 14._o yet_o come_v he_o far_o short_a of_o a_o sinless_a perfection_n for_o the_o high_a place_n be_v not_o take_v away_o ibid._n and_o he_o be_v sinful_o passionate_a against_o hanani_n 2_o chron._n 16._o 10._o who_o do_v but_o his_o office_n in_o reprove_v he_o for_o rely_v on_o the_o king_n of_o syria_n ver_fw-la 7_o and_o be_v lame_a on_o his_o foot_n seek_v not_o to_o the_o lord_n but_o to_o the_o physician_n ver_fw-la 12._o now_o let_v ellwood_n ask_v what_o notion_n the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v of_o perfection_n who_o record_v asa_n both_o perfect_a and_o a_o sinner_n therefore_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o this_o second_o sense_n of_o perfection_n the_o hebrew_n word_n for_o perfect_a be_v by_o our_o translator_n often_o render_v upright_o and_o make_v use_v of_o to_o express_v the_o necessary_a qualification_n for_o obtain_v god_n favour_n psal._n 15._o 2._o compare_v with_o ver_fw-la 1_o 5._o and_o psal._n 18._o 23._o elsewhere_o it_o be_v express_v by_o a_o heart_n that_o be_v sound_a in_o god_n statute_n and_o make_v to_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o sure_a hope_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n mercy_n psal._n 119._o 80._o yea_o the_o hebrew_n word_n signify_v perfection_n be_v translate_v sincerity_n jos._n 24._o 14._o which_o t._n e._n seem_v to_o deny_v p._n 72._o this_o for_o the_o positive_a sense_n of_o perfection_n the_o next_o sense_n of_o perfection_n be_v comparative_a by_o which_o be_v mean_v such_o a_o perfection_n as_o be_v not_o exact_o complete_a in_o itself_o in_o respect_n to_o the_o first_o and_o high_a measure_n but_o only_o more_o complete_a than_o some_o other_o to_o which_o it_o be_v compare_v and_o this_o apply_v to_o our_o case_n consist_v in_o outdo_v the_o low_a sort_n of_o christian_n and_o come_v up_o to_o the_o high_a measure_n and_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n perfection_n be_v take_v heb._n 6._o 1._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 6._o now_o to_o apply_v this_o threefold_a distinction_n of_o perfection_n the_o attain_v a_o comparative_a perfection_n be_v not_o only_o desirable_a and_o useful_a but_o possible_a nay_o it_o be_v actual_o arrive_v to_o by_o some_o though_o not_o by_o all_o who_o notwithstanding_o may_v be_v true_a christian_n the_o attain_v a_o evangelical_n perfection_n be_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o also_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o all_o true_a christian_n but_o a_o absolute_a perfection_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n about_o which_o the_o dispute_n lie_v though_o it_o be_v the_o crown_n we_o aim_v at_o yet_o be_v not_o attain_v by_o any_o in_o this_o life_n which_o be_v my_o next_o particular_a of_o which_o i_o shall_v now_o give_v you_o a_o account_n par._n as_o you_o propound_v it_o before_o it_o be_v this_o whether_o the_o best_a of_o man_n can_v in_o this_o world_n attain_v to_o such_o a_o perfection_n as_o they_o need_v not_o or_o ought_v not_o to_o acknowledge_v themselves_o sinner_n and_o offender_n min._n to_o which_o query_n i_o reply_v by_o lay_v down_o these_o proposition_n first_o that_o there_o be_v two_o measure_n by_o which_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o our_o perfection_n namely_o the_o perfect_a and_o exact_a law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o duty_n the_o second_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o acceptance_n which_o be_v not_o one_o and_o the_o same_o under_o the_o gospel_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o a_o covenant_n require_v not_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o perfection_n in_o order_n to_o our_o acceptance_n though_o the_o law_n do_v still_o call_v for_o it_o for_o if_o it_o do_v salvation_n be_v impossible_a for_o we_o in_o our_o fall_a and_o frail_a estate_n yet_o still_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o dispensation_n of_o purity_n as_o well_o as_o grace_v nor_o be_v it_o the_o design_n thereof_o to_o cancel_v our_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n but_o rather_o to_o advance_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o reject_v not_o any_o moral_a duty_n nor_o allow_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v moral_o evil_a for_o as_o it_o can_v be_v that_o any_o thing_n good_a or_o evil_a shall_v cease_v to_o be_v so_o under_o the_o gospel_n so_o it_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o design_n of_o that_o doctrine_n that_o establish_v god_n kingdom_n to_o discharge_v man_n from_o the_o obedience_n which_o he_o owe_v as_o a_o creature_n whence_o it_o follow_v second_o that_o all_o even_o the_o least_o evil_n be_v a_o sin_n because_o the_o transgression_n of_o a_o law_n as_o well_o as_o the_o grosser_n act_n of_o sin_n all_o evil_a thought_n irregular_a desire_n and_o disorderly_a passion_n and_o also_o the_o omission_n of_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o good_a thought_n and_o desire_n as_o well_o as_o of_o good_a word_n and_o action_n be_v breach_n of_o god_n
holy_a law_n now_o incur_v his_o displeasure_n deserve_v his_o wrath_n and_o need_v his_o pardon_n for_o man_n present_a inability_n to_o keep_v the_o law_n in_o the_o rigour_n of_o it_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n excuse_v he_o of_o his_o duty_n to_o keep_v the_o whole_a law_n because_o his_o weakness_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o own_o sin_n and_o fall_v and_o he_o be_v accountable_a for_o it_o three_o the_o perfection_n of_o practice_n in_o avoid_v all_o evil_a and_o perform_v every_o duty_n which_o god_n require_v aught_o to_o be_v endeavour_v after_o yet_o such_o a_o absolute_a sinless_a perfection_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n be_v not_o attain_v in_o this_o life_n nor_o be_v it_o ever_o actual_o attain_v by_o any_o mere_a man_n since_o the_o fall_n which_o though_o i_o former_o prove_v to_o you_o in_o the_o conference_n yet_o will_v i_o now_o take_v more_o pain_n with_o you_o to_o confirm_v it_o perfection_n be_v oppose_v to_o moral_a imperfection_n and_o signify_v a_o state_n and_o condition_n absolute_o sinless_a in_o rigour_n of_o law_n such_o as_o come_v up_o to_o the_o first_o measure_n and_o our_o primitive_a capacity_n before_o we_o fall_v thus_o the_o word_n ought_v to_o be_v take_v in_o this_o controversy_n and_o now_o i_o shall_v tell_v you_o how_o far_o we_o dispute_v against_o it_o and_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v both_o negative_o and_o affirmative_o first_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v desirable_a for_o it_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o high_a aim_n and_o hope_n nor_o second_o as_o whole_o and_o for_o ever_o impossible_a to_o we_o for_o we_o believe_v we_o shall_v attain_v it_o when_o we_o reach_v the_o heavenly_a mansion_n nor_o three_o as_o impossible_a for_o god_n to_o effect_v now_o in_o our_o present_a state_n who_o can_v do_v every_o thing_n which_o imply_v not_o a_o contradiction_n nor_o four_o do_v we_o discard_v sincere_a endeavour_n after_o it_o for_o we_o constant_o maintain_v that_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o perfect_a holiness_n and_o to_o live_v without_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n for_o what_o divine_a ever_o affirm_v it_o lawful_a to_o allow_v ourselves_o in_o any_o sin_n that_o therefore_o we_o assert_v be_v as_o follow_v we_o maintain_v first_o that_o the_o absolute_a perfection_n here_o explain_v be_v not_o the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n see_v even_o babe_n in_o christ_n who_o be_v far_o remote_a from_o it_o may_v be_v save_v second_o we_o maintain_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o ordinary_a condition_n of_o christian_n but_o be_v to_o be_v reckon_v though_o not_o among_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thing_n simple_o impossible_a if_o god_n be_v please_v to_o use_v his_o power_n yet_o among_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thing_n that_o do_v not_o actual_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o this_o world_n which_o they_o that_o please_v may_v call_v moral_o impossible_a that_o be_v so_o difficult_a that_o man_n will_v not_o actual_o arrive_v to_o it_o in_o this_o low_a state_n wherein_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o set_v we_o and_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o assertion_n be_v these_o first_o the_o many_o expression_n of_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n who_o testify_v of_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v not_o absolute_o sinless_a in_o rigour_n of_o law_n and_o the_o constant_a experience_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n since_o the_o scripture_n time_n second_o the_o inconsistency_n of_o such_o perfection_n with_o the_o present_a weakness_n of_o man_n nature_n and_o the_o many_o deplorable_a circumstance_n which_o be_v the_o consequent_n of_o his_o fall_n three_o the_o end_n of_o gospel_n institution_n which_o be_v plain_o design_v for_o a_o imperfect_a state_n and_o of_o no_o use_n if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o in_o the_o foremention_v explain_v sense_n four_o abundance_n of_o scripture_n command_v etc._n we_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n therefore_o we_o can_v never_o be_v past_o grow_v in_o this_o life_n we_o must_v abound_v more_o and_o more_o these_o and_o many_o other_o suppose_v plain_o that_o we_o come_v not_o to_o our_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o our_o ultimate_a perfection_n in_o this_o life_n five_o those_o scriptune_n which_o show_v the_o danger_n of_o stand_v upon_o term_n with_o god_n and_o the_o misery_n we_o be_v in_o if_o god_n shall_v deal_v with_o we_o in_o rigour_n of_o law_n enter_v not_o into_o judgement_n with_o thy_o servant_n for_o in_o thy_o sight_n shall_v no_o man_n live_v be_v justify_v psal._n 143._o 2._o if_o thou_o lord_n shall_v mark_v iniquity_n o_o lord_n who_o shall_v stand_v psal._n 130._o 3_o etc._n etc._n sixthly_a those_o scripture_n which_o show_v our_o need_n of_o mercy_n at_o death_n and_o judgement_n the_o lord_n grant_v unto_o he_o that_o he_o may_v find_v mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o that_o day_n 2_o tim._n 1._o 18_o etc._n etc._n seven_o we_o may_v confirm_v it_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n from_o leu._n 16._o 6._o and_o heb._n 9_o 7._o where_o aaron_n the_o saint_n of_o the_o lord_n 16._o with_o his_o successor_n be_v enjoin_v yearly_a to_o offer_v a_o sin-offering_a as_o well_o for_o himself_o as_o for_o the_o error_n of_o the_o people_n which_o show_v plain_o that_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o old_a time_n have_v not_o attain_v to_o a_o unsinning_a perfection_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o same_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o description_n of_o the_o gospel_n righteousness_n consist_v in_o have_v sin_n pardon_v rom._n 3._o 6_o 7_o 8._o eph._n 1._o 7._o 1_o joh._n 1._o 8_o 9_o so_o that_o after_o all_o this_o four_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v discourage_v as_o to_o our_o final_a estate_n because_o this_o unsinning_a perfection_n be_v not_o the_o term_n of_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n nor_o will_v the_o want_n of_o it_o cause_v our_o final_a rejection_n for_o to_o assert_v this_o will_v make_v void_a the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o admit_v repentance_n propose_v forgiveness_n and_o accept_v sincerity_n because_o though_o it_o be_v as_o i_o say_v the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o prohibit_v all_o sin_n and_o to_o allow_v none_o yet_o if_o through_o infirmity_n a_o man_n fall_v it_o provide_v a_o remedy_n 1_o joh._n 2._o 1._o and_o upon_o performance_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o acceptance_n secure_v salvation_n par._n i_o see_v not_o why_o man_n shall_v require_v more_o than_o god_n be_v please_v to_o accept_v and_o we_o in_o a_o capacity_n to_o perform_v so_o that_o you_o need_v enlarge_v no_o further_o in_o the_o proof_n of_o these_o only_o let_v i_o understand_v what_o be_v the_o result_n tendency_n and_o consequent_a of_o deny_v the_o quaker_n absolute_a unsinning_a state_n and_o assert_v the_o evangelical_n perfection_n which_o be_v your_o three_o particular_a min._n we_o deny_v the_o quaker_n absolute_a perfection_n not_o only_o as_o unattainable_a and_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o condition_n of_o fall_a man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o deceive_v some_o man_n into_o a_o groundless_a pride_n to_o make_v they_o neglect_v the_o mean_n of_o remission_n despise_v the_o mercy_n of_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o rely_v on_o their_o own_o merit_n as_o it_o confound_v the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o grace_n and_o as_o it_o stand_v as_o that_o two-edged_a sword_n gen._n 3._o 24._o keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n and_o make_v they_o despair_n of_o ever_o attain_v everlasting_a glory_n when_o they_o once_o find_v themselves_o deceive_v but_o then_o there_o be_v no_o ill_a consequent_n as_o be_v false_o pretend_v by_o our_o deny_v this_o absolute_a unsinning_a righteousness_n or_o perfection_n first_o it_o be_v no_o discouragement_n to_o christian_a care_n and_o diligence_n and_o the_o most_o vigorous_a endeavour_n that_o any_o christian_n can_v use_v while_o he_o attain_v at_o present_a a_o evangelical_n perfection_n and_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n and_o the_o favour_n to_o be_v own_v as_o his_o child_n and_o a_o heir_n of_o glory_n and_o of_o that_o state_n of_o absolute_a perfection_n in_o heaven_n yea_o and_o of_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o glory_n according_a to_o his_o growth_n in_o grace_n here_o second_o it_o be_v no_o doctrine_n of_o looseness_n or_o encouragement_n to_o sin_n since_o that_o grace_n which_o tender_v remission_n of_o sin_n to_o the_o sincere_a and_o penitent_a will_v never_o accept_v the_o slothful_a and_o careless_a and_o it_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o the_o gospel_n give_v no_o allowance_n to_o sin_n but_o promise_v great_a reward_n to_o great_a degree_n of_o piety_n last_o the_o assert_v this_o evangelical_n perfection_n have_v many_o good_a consequent_n for_o it_o direct_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o many_o considerable_a duty_n which_o else_o will_v have_v
not_o consider_v what_o they_o be_v rather_o than_o from_o who_o they_o come_v to_o these_o question_n they_o will_v then_o be_v as_o speechless_a 12._o as_o he_o in_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v find_v without_o his_o wedding_n garment_n and_o it_o will_v not_o be_v thomas_n ellwood_n that_o will_v then_o be_v able_a to_o open_v their_o mouth_n par._n you_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o convince_v i_o both_o of_o the_o weakness_n and_o naughtiness_n of_o this_o plea_n which_o he_o have_v teach_v the_o people_n and_o by_o which_o they_o encourage_v themselves_o to_o sleight_n their_o teacher_n and_o their_o doctrine_n for_o the_o least_o fail_v they_o find_v in_o they_o min._n this_o will_v neither_o justify_v the_o impiety_n of_o these_o man_n nor_o the_o separation_n of_o such_o as_o have_v already_o leave_v the_o church_n on_o that_o pretence_n of_o the_o teacher_n not_o follow_v his_o own_o direction_n which_o be_v as_o absurd_a and_o preposterous_a say_v st._n augustin_n 50._o as_o if_o a_o traveller_n shall_v think_v he_o must_v go_v back_o again_o or_o leave_v the_o way_n because_o he_o see_v the_o millstone_n with_o its_o inscription_n show_v he_o the_o way_n but_o not_o move_v in_o it_o at_o all_o itself_o but_o there_o be_v too_o many_o that_o rejoice_v at_o the_o fault_n of_o minister_n where_o they_o find_v they_o and_o invent_v and_o impute_v they_o where_o they_o find_v they_o not_o that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o pretence_n for_o their_o separation_n to_o which_o purpose_n right_o say_v st._n augustin_n in_o the_o same_o place_n man_n seek_v not_o so_o much_o with_o charity_n who_o they_o may_v commend_v in_o order_n to_o their_o imitation_n as_o with_o ill_a will_n who_o they_o may_v carp_n at_o in_o order_n to_o their_o own_n deception_n some_o can_v find_v out_o good_a man_n be_v ill_a themselves_o and_o other_o fear_v to_o find_v such_o because_o they_o will_v still_o be_v evil_a par._n the_o true_a minister_n be_v always_o example_n of_o goodness_n he_o say_v but_o too_o many_o of_o these_o minister_n be_v example_n of_o evil_a p._n 24_o min._n have_v not_o the_o quaker_n forget_v himself_o here_o for_o too_o many_o be_v a_o implicit_a acknowledgement_n that_o many_o be_v not_o example_n of_o evil_a and_o therefore_o after_o all_o his_o exclamation_n may_v be_v good_a man_n par._n when_o you_o can_v clear_v they_o of_o your_o own_o profession_n say_v he_o you_o fall_v upon_o the_o quaker_n who_o if_o you_o can_v render_v as_o bad_a as_o your_o own_o you_o think_v you_o have_v do_v something_o etc._n etc._n p._n 24_o 25._o min._n i_o never_o endeavour_v to_o clear_v those_o of_o my_o own_o profession_n that_o be_v faulty_a but_o the_o innocent_a and_o to_o justify_v the_o profession_n itself_o from_o unjust_a cavil_n i_o ever_o think_v it_o a_o method_n as_o ungentile_a as_o improper_a to_o defend_v truth_n by_o personal_a reflection_n a_o zealous_a turk_n and_o a_o profane_a christian_a make_v i_o think_v no_o better_o of_o mahometanism_n nor_o worse_o of_o christianity_n but_o see_v the_o quaker_n themselves_o have_v be_v the_o first_o aggressor_n in_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v and_o do_v place_n so_o much_o of_o their_o strength_n therein_o it_o be_v proper_a for_o i_o only_o in_o general_a term_n not_o name_v any_o particular_a person_n and_o indeed_o i_o be_v engage_v to_o confnte_v it_o by_o let_v they_o see_v how_o much_o it_o reflect_v upon_o their_o own_o faction_n and_o make_v all_o such_o objection_n void_a however_o that_o the_o world_n may_v know_v it_o be_v no_o groundless_a intimation_n of_o i_o be_v thus_o put_v upon_o it_o i_o desire_v sir_n james_n whitlock_n case_n as_o it_o be_v late_o manage_v in_o chancery_n and_o two_o book_n the_o one_o call_v the_n quaker_n spritual_a court_n the_o other_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o hat_n write_v by_o a_o quaker_n may_v be_v examine_v by_o this_o time_n i_o hope_v i_o have_v remove_v your_o scruple_n occasion_v by_o the_o quaker_n first_o chapter_n which_o in_o his_o preface_n he_o tell_v his_o reader_n be_v offensive_a as_o great_a a_o truth_n as_o ever_o he_o speak_v for_o i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v it_o so_o to_o be_v that_o be_v offensive_a to_o god_n to_o truth_n and_o all_o good_a man_n but_o let_v we_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o examination_n of_o his_o second_o chapter_n chap._n ii_o of_o say_n you_o to_o a_o single_a person_n par._n in_o his_o second_o chapter_n t._n e._n say_v you_o seem_v offend_v with_o their_o use_v the_o wrd_a thou_o to_o a_o single_a person_n min._n i_o only_o vindicate_v the_o use_n of_o you_o to_o a_o single_a person_n yet_o must_v i_o tell_v he_o that_o to_o take_v up_o a_o word_n or_o phrase_n though_o lawful_a in_o itself_o in_o contradiction_n to_o a_o innocent_a custom_n and_o in_o a_o affect_a singularity_n as_o a_o mark_n of_o distinction_n from_o their_o neighbour_n this_o be_v just_o offensive_a and_o to_o make_v it_o a_o necessary_a duty_n to_o say_v thou_o to_o a_o single_a person_n and_o a_o sin_n to_o say_v you_o when_o god_n have_v neither_o command_v the_o one_o nor_o forbid_v the_o other_o this_o be_v add_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o be_v rank_a superstition_n and_o pharisaism_n in_o enslave_v the_o conscience_n and_o place_v religion_n in_o pitiful_a nicety_n superstition_n be_v a_o impiety_n which_o represent_v god_n so_o light_a or_o so_o froward_a as_o to_o be_v either_o please_v or_o angry_a with_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o of_o no_o moment_n 2._o par._n but_o t._n e._n say_v that_o they_o lay_v not_o the_o stress_n of_o their_o religion_n upon_o word_n p._n 27._o min._n a_o good_a hear_n then_o may_v a_o good_a man_n without_o any_o violence_n to_o religion_n say_v as_o well_o you_o as_o thou_o to_o a_o single_a person_n but_o if_o he_o speak_v as_o he_o think_v why_o do_v they_o and_o he_o contend_v so_o much_o about_o a_o word_n and_o divide_v the_o church_n and_o separate_v themselves_o from_o it_o for_o a_o thing_n they_o dare_v lay_v no_o stress_n of_o religion_n upon_o so_o that_o he_o have_v in_o those_o word_n do_v little_a credit_n to_o his_o cause_n and_o his_o whole_a party_n in_o make_v they_o all_o schismatic_n yet_o can_v we_o think_v that_o he_o have_v here_o true_o represent_v his_o own_o party_n or_o clear_v they_o of_o superstition_n while_o we_o observe_v their_o strict_a and_o demure_a use_n of_o word_n and_o phrase_n to_o the_o enslave_v of_o their_o own_o conscience_n as_o if_o to_o say_v i_o thank_v you_o for_o your_o kindness_n or_o the_o like_a be_v not_o as_o good_a sense_n and_o as_o lawful_a as_o to_o say_v i_o receive_v thy_o love_n or_o to_o say_v such_o a_o one_o be_v dead_a be_v not_o as_o please_v to_o god_n as_o to_o say_v he_o be_v out_o of_o the_o body_n or_o to_o say_v i_o can_v consent_v to_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v not_o as_o proper_a and_o as_o religious_a as_o to_o say_v i_o be_o not_o free_a which_o be_v a_o phrase_n they_o have_v very_o ready_a to_o oppose_v good_a law_n and_o good_a counsel_n and_o if_o you_o mark_v the_o quaker_n you_o can_v but_o observe_v that_o in_o the_o affect_a use_n of_o their_o distinguish_a phrase_n tone_n and_o gesture_n they_o real_o esteem_v themselves_o more_o religious_a than_o their_o neighbour_n whilst_o indeed_o if_o they_o understand_v it_o they_o be_v the_o less_o religious_a by_o how_o they_o be_v the_o more_o superstitious_a and_o schismatical_a but_o i_o believe_v that_o in_o many_o of_o they_o much_o of_o this_o proceed_v from_o want_n of_o knowledge_n who_o now_o i_o hope_v will_v by_o one_o of_o their_o own_o teacher_n be_v at_o length_n convince_v of_o their_o great_a error_n in_o lay_v so_o much_o stress_n of_o religion_n upon_o word_n and_o phrase_n par._n you_o must_v be_v cautious_a how_o you_o reflect_v upon_o the_o quaker_n for_o the_o use_n of_o their_o phrase_n see_v many_o of_o they_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n min._n though_o the_o holy_a scripture_n ought_v to_o be_v remember_v and_o frequent_o use_v in_o our_o converse_n for_o our_o mutual_a instruction_n yet_o i_o will_v not_o have_v you_o so_o ignorant_a and_o superstitious_a as_o to_o think_v that_o god_n in_o reveal_v his_o will_n there_o design_v that_o our_o duty_n shall_v consist_v in_o the_o continual_a use_n of_o those_o very_a form_n of_o speech_n but_o in_o a_o due_a regard_n to_o those_o truth_n and_o command_v contain_v in_o they_o as_o for_o the_o style_n of_o the_o scripture_n you_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o it_o be_v ever_o accommodate_v to_o the_o particular_a dialect_n of_o that_o people_n to_o who_o they_o be_v write_v and_o therefore_o vary_v according_o as_o we_o find_v it_o do_v in_o the_o different_a propriety_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n in_o
whole_o by_o the_o spirit_n if_o he_o do_v believe_v he_o not_o par._n i_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o ready_a hereafter_o to_o believe_v pretence_n as_o i_o have_v be_v but_o to_o your_o other_o instance_n of_o saint_n john_n write_v to_o the_o elect_a lady_n etc._n etc._n t._n e._n answer_n who_o 1._o she_o be_v and_o in_o what_o relation_n john_n stand_v to_o she_o or_o how_o far_o her_o temporal_a power_n may_v extend_v do_v not_o appear_v ibid._n min._n he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n the_o relation_n he_o stand_v to_o she_o in_o do_v not_o appear_v therefore_o a_o title_n may_v be_v give_v where_o there_o be_v not_o even_o so_o much_o as_o a_o appearance_n of_o any_o relation_n par._n lady_n he_o say_v signify_v no_o more_o than_o mistress_n or_o dame_n ibid._n min._n mistress_n dame_n and_o lady_n be_v all_o express_v by_o the_o latin_a word_n domina_fw-la and_o by_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d though_o in_o common_a usage_n they_o be_v distinguish_v but_o suppose_v it_o no_o more_o than_o mistress_n or_o dame_n the_o quaker_n will_v gain_v little_a by_o the_o plot_n for_o saint_n john_n be_v her_o guide_n and_o instructor_n and_o sure_o that_o great_a apostle_n stand_v in_o no_o relation_n of_o servitude_n to_o she_o and_o have_v no_o temporal_a office_n under_o she_o if_o so_o than_o you_o may_v collect_v from_o hence_o that_o according_a to_o this_o quaker_n its_o lawful_a without_o the_o appearance_n of_o such_o relation_n he_o talk_v of_o to_o call_v a_o woman_n mistress_n but_o not_o a_o man_n master_n par._n i_o pray_v you_o see_v t._n e._n trade_n so_o much_o in_o beza_n have_v he_o no_o note_n upon_o this_o place_n min._n yes_o have_v translate_v it_o domina_fw-la he_o add_v thisingenuous_a note_n for_o ne_o ither_o do_v the_o christian_a religion_n reject_v such_o lawful_a title_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v just_a and_o equal_a so_o that_o it_o be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v write_v to_o the_o lady_n of_o eminent_a dignity_n domine_fw-la par._n st._n john_n write_v to_o gaius_n t._n e._n say_v he_o do_v not_o call_v he_o rabbi_n or_o mr._n gaius_n but_o simple_o say_v the_o elder_a to_o the_o well_o belove_a gaius_n ibid._n min._n i_o never_o hear_v that_o gaius_n be_v one_o of_o the_o rabbi_n or_o a_o person_n of_o quality_n above_o the_o common_a people_n if_o so_o no_o wonder_n st._n john_n give_v he_o no_o title_n par._n but_o he_o conclude_v his_o remark_n upon_o st._n john_n thus_o if_o therefore_o the_o priest_n will_v have_v it_o that_o john_n give_v the_o title_n of_o lady_n in_o compliment_n only_o let_v he_o prove_v it_o ibid._n min._n by_o his_o good_a leave_n the_o priest_n neither_o write_v nor_o think_v any_o such_o thing_n the_o priest_n believe_v that_o st._n john_n give_v the_o title_n in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n as_o answerable_a to_o her_o quality_n but_o be_v this_o ingenuous_a of_o the_o quaker_n from_o a_o supposition_n of_o his_o own_o make_n to_o put_v i_o upon_o prove_v what_o i_o never_o affirm_v par._n you_o say_v sarah_n be_v commend_v not_o only_o for_o obey_v abraham_n but_o call_v he_o lord_n to_o this_o he_o answer_v abraham_n have_v a_o lordship_n or_o power_n over_o she_o as_o he_o be_v her_o husband_n here_o be_v government_n and_o subjection_n for_o lord_n or_o master_n which_o import_v the_o same_o be_v a_o relative_a title_n to_o it_o p._n 48._o min._n if_o he_o mean_v the_o husband_n have_v such_o a_o despotic_a power_n over_o his_o wife_n as_o to_o make_v she_o stand_v in_o the_o same_o relation_n to_o he_o with_o his_o servant_n this_o will_v not_o be_v grant_v for_o the_o subjection_n of_o the_o wife_n be_v of_o a_o more_o ingenuous_a sort_n indeed_o the_o jewish_a doctor_n affirm_v man_n to_o have_v a_o real_a lordship_n over_o their_o concubine_n because_o they_o take_v they_o without_o the_o solemnity_n of_o law_n as_o our_o quaker_n do_v their_o woman_n who_o yet_o be_v still_o in_o worse_a circumstance_n for_o thereby_o their_o child_n be_v incapable_a of_o inherit_v their_o father_n estate_n and_o themselves_o of_o have_v any_o advantage_n by_o dower_n or_o alimony_n let_v this_o suffice_v for_o a_o caveat_n to_o woman_n how_o they_o adventure_n on_o quaker_n as_o fâ—…_n his_o reflection_n upon_o the_o government_n and_o polity_n of_o our_o church_n with_o which_o he_o conclude_v his_o chapter_n of_o civil_a respect_n i_o shall_v in_o his_o own_o term_n tell_v you_o that_o it_o be_v a_o old_a and_o overworn_a objection_n long_o since_o baffle_v and_o confute_v by_o the_o learned_a pen_n of_o the_o incomparable_a mr._n hooker_n and_o bishop_n sanderson_n and_o of_o late_a by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o friendly_a debate_n and_o by_o mr._n falkner_n in_o a_o good_a book_n call_v libertas_n ecclesiastica_fw-la to_o which_o i_o shall_v refer_v you_o for_o satisfaction_n now_o i_o shall_v leave_v it_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o all_o sober_a man_n whether_o of_o these_o two_o be_v more_o christian_n to_o add_v a_o title_n to_o a_o name_n or_o a_o adjunct_n a_o title_n to_o express_v our_o civility_n and_o charity_n or_o a_o adjunct_n to_o express_v malice_n revenge_n and_o bitterness_n chap._n iu._n of_o confession_n par._n t._n e._n tell_v his_o reader_n that_o from_o contend_v for_o empty_a title_n you_o come_v to_o confession_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o in_o his_o own_o opinion_n not_o without_o reason_n because_o you_o defend_v such_o vain_a flatter_a and_o untrue_a word_n as_o he_o say_v title_n be_v p_o 50._o min._n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o unprejudiced_a reader_n who_o have_v observe_v how_o this_o quaker_n have_v prove_v himself_o true_o guilty_a of_o that_o whereof_o he_o unjust_o accuse_v i_o will_v judge_v it_o more_o reasonable_a for_o he_o than_o i_o to_o come_v to_o confession_n if_o his_o pride_n will_v suffer_v he_o but_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o it_o that_o he_o write_v against_o it_o as_o if_o he_o be_v one_o that_o need_v no_o repentance_n par._n yet_o he_o own_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o humble_a penitent_a to_o confess_v his_o sin_n p._n 51._o min._n either_o then_o t._n e._n be_v no_o humble_a penitent_a or_o neglect_v his_o duty_n par._n but_o he_o say_v the_o question_n be_v whether_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o confession_n be_v a_o duty_n ibid._n min._n no_o good_a man_n ever_o make_v a_o question_n of_o it_o indeed_o those_o heretic_n the_o pelagian_n and_o donatist_n do_v and_o you_o shall_v hear_v what_o answer_n they_o have_v from_o the_o holy_a father_n of_o the_o church_n confess_v always_o say_v st._n augustine_n for_o thou_o have_v always_o matter_n to_o confess_v 99_o he_o be_v teach_v that_o he_o sin_v daily_o who_o be_v command_v to_o pray_v daily_o for_o the_o remission_n of_o his_o sin_n say_v st._n cyprian_n on_o the_o lord_n prayer_n who_o live_v 250_o year_n after_o christ._n therefore_o thou_o must_v daily_o say_v this_o prayer_n say_v st._n ambrose_n that_o thou_o may_v daily_o ask_v pardon_n for_o thy_o offence_n 126._o and_o that_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v always_o a_o form_n of_o confession_n in_o they_o be_v what_o all_o the_o ancient_a liturgy_n do_v manifest_a this_o be_v according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n david_n be_v far_o from_o the_o temper_n of_o a_o quaker_n who_o profess_v that_o he_o will_v declare_v his_o iniquity_n and_o be_v sorry_a for_o his_o sin_n ps._n 38._o 18._o and_o confess_v that_o his_o sin_n be_v more_o in_o number_n than_o the_o hair_n of_o his_o head_n ps._n 40._o 15._o the_o low_a a_o christian_a be_v in_o his_o own_o thought_n the_o high_a he_o be_v in_o god_n favour_n let_v then_o this_o perk_v pharisee_n tell_v god_n that_o he_o be_v not_o as_o other_o man_n be_v and_o that_o he_o have_v no_o sin_n to_o confess_v unless_o he_o belie_v himself_o god_n grant_v i_o may_v follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o humble_a and_o penitent_a publican_n in_o my_o prayer_n to_o god_n to_o be_v merciful_a to_o i_o a_o sinner_n par._n but_o t._n e._n say_v a_o constant_a course_n of_o confession_n imply_v a_o constant_a course_n of_o sin_v ibid._n min._n i_o answer_v 1._o confession_n of_o sin_n past_a imply_v no_o such_o thing_n some_o author_n report_n that_o st._n peter_n rise_v betimes_o every_o morning_n to_o weep_v for_o the_o denial_n of_o his_o master_n 2._o a_o constant_a general_a confession_n of_o our_o be_v sinner_n imply_v no_o wilful_a course_n of_o sin_n but_o the_o quite_o contrary_a in_o they_o that_o do_v it_o sincere_o viz._n a_o constant_a sight_n and_o sense_n of_o it_o a_o constant_a sorrow_n for_o it_o a_o constant_a desire_n and_o endeavour_v to_o reform_v it_o this_o we_o deny_v not_o that_o such_o confession_n imply_v
daily_o need_v of_o mercy_n but_o then_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o become_v the_o best_a of_o man_n while_o even_o such_o do_v find_v themselves_o not_o yet_o deliver_v from_o all_o infirmity_n bradford_n who_o the_o quaker_n himself_o acknowledge_v a_o eminent_a martyr_n use_v in_o his_o confession_n to_o say_v thou_o be_v heaven_n and_o i_o be_o hell_n we_o be_v sure_o the_o quaker_n have_v the_o disease_n of_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o other_o but_o alas_o not_o the_o same_o hope_n of_o cure_n because_o they_o will_v not_o see_v the_o need_n they_o have_v of_o a_o physician_n 12._o par._n now_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n from_o day_n to_o day_n etc._n etc._n to_o confess_v that_o we_o be_v still_o guilty_a of_o those_o sin_n which_o by_o god_n grace_n we_o have_v forsake_v and_o which_o god_n have_v forgive_v we_o ibid._n min._n it_o be_v our_o duty_n no_o question_n to_o confess_v our_o sin_n after_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o we_o have_v forsake_v they_o and_o have_v obtain_v the_o pardon_n of_o they_o confession_n be_v a_o general_a duty_n command_v in_o scripture_n without_o limitation_n do_v not_o david_n confess_v his_o sin_n psal._n 51_o which_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o title_n of_o the_o psalm_n be_v after_o that_o nathan_n have_v already_o assure_v he_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n that_o his_o sin_n be_v pardon_v elsewhere_o he_o confess_v and_o beg_v the_o pardon_n of_o 13._o his_o sin_n long_o since_o commit_v and_o reform_v viz._n the_o sin_n of_o his_o youth_n psal._n 25._o 7._o remember_v not_o the_o sin_n of_o my_o youth_n now_o let_v the_o quaker_n speak_v out_o and_o say_v in_o his_o style_n to_o david_n this_o confession_n of_o thou_o be_v a_o untruth_n which_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v no_o man_n duty_n par._n some_o among_o the_o corinthian_n before_o their_o conversion_n have_v be_v fornicaters_n idolater_n adulterer_n etc._n etc._n paul_n say_v to_o those_o corinthian_n you_o be_v wash_v etc._n etc._n have_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o these_o corinthian_n after_o they_o be_v thus_o wash_v to_o have_v say_v we_o be_v such_o still_o we_o be_v fornicator_n still_o etc._n etc._n this_o will_v have_v be_v the_o way_n to_o have_v make_v they_o liar_n still_o p._n 52._o min._n what_o a_o pitiful_a piece_n of_o sophistry_n be_v this_o may_v they_o not_o for_o all_o that_o have_v say_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o time_n past_a that_o they_o have_v sin_v by_o fornication_n by_o idolatry_n etc._n etc._n have_v pardon_v sinner_n no_o reason_n to_o grieve_v and_o accuse_v themselves_o any_o long_o than_o till_o they_o think_v they_o have_v gain_v their_o pardon_n yes_o sure_o they_o have_v a_o new_a occasion_n a_o great_a reason_n than_o they_o have_v before_o a_o high_a instance_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o engage_v they_o to_o renew_v their_o repentance_n than_o they_o have_v at_o first_o to_o lead_v they_o to_o it_o while_o they_o sad_o consider_v how_o good_a a_o god_n they_o offend_v a_o god_n so_o good_a as_o upon_o their_o reformation_n to_o forgive_v they_o but_o then_o let_v ellwood_n show_v where_o the_o church_n of_o england_n make_v any_o public_a confession_n in_o the_o present_a tense_n they_o run_v in_o the_o preterperfect_a tense_n as_o we_o have_v err_v and_o stray_v etc._n etc._n we_o have_v offend_v etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o public_a they_o be_v always_o general_n now_o where_o be_v the_o untruth_n may_v not_o the_o most_o perfect_a man_n in_o the_o world_n say_v all_o this_o par._n but_o you_o still_o call_v yourselves_o miserable_a sinner_n min._n that_o he_o and_o all_o may_v see_v it_o be_v our_o judgement_n only_o thus_o to_o confess_v i_o shall_v here_o in_o ellwood_n own_o form_n 115._o produce_v a_o very_a authentic_a witness_n basil_n surname_v the_o great_a who_o advise_v to_o confession_n of_o sin_n have_v these_o expression_n though_o thou_o know_v no_o wicked_a thing_n by_o thyself_o thou_o ought_v to_o say_v thus_o i_o true_o o_o lord_n be_o not_o exercit._n worthy_a to_o speak_v to_o thou_o because_o i_o be_o a_o grievous_a sinner_n for_o there_o be_v none_o free_a from_o sin_n but_o god_n alone_o we_o be_v all_o in_o the_o construction_n of_o the_o law_n miserable_a sinner_n and_o shall_v be_v find_v so_o if_o god_n shall_v arraign_v we_o at_o his_o tribunal_n and_o try_v we_o by_o the_o rigour_n of_o it_o david_n have_v tell_v we_o as_o much_o psal._n 103._o 2._o enter_v not_o into_o judgement_n with_o thy_o servant_n o_o lord_n for_o in_o thy_o sight_n shall_v no_o man_n live_v be_v justify_v the_o least_o obliquity_n from_o or_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n be_v enough_o to_o render_v we_o sinner_n and_o to_o make_v matter_n of_o confession_n he_o that_o have_v but_o once_o offend_v may_v ever_o after_o just_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o sinner_n a_o regenerate_a man_n be_v conscious_a of_o have_v commit_v sin_n though_o he_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o the_o present_a dominion_n of_o any_o the_o fact_n do_v can_v be_v undo_v a_o heathen_a can_v say_v ne_o non_fw-la peccaram_fw-la mors_fw-la quoque_fw-la non_fw-la faciat_fw-la ovid._n but_o after_o all_o this_o i_o must_v ask_v our_o confident_a quaker_n 1._o how_o he_o be_v infallible_o certain_a he_o have_v obtain_v to_o a_o absolute_a unsinning_a state_n of_o perfection_n for_o he_o must_v grant_v that_o he_o ought_v to_o confess_v and_o ask_v pardon_n till_o he_o be_v infallible_o certain_a of_o his_o be_v pure_a from_o all_o sin_n and_o without_o all_o spot_n and_o blemish_n as_o pure_a as_o adam_n before_o he_o fall_v as_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a for_o he_o must_v grant_v that_o he_o ought_v to_o confess_v and_o ask_v forgiveness_n of_o all_o even_o the_o least_o moral_a weakness_n and_o all_o defect_n of_o obedience_n whereby_o he_o fall_v short_a in_o the_o small_a degree_n of_o the_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o the_o law_n until_o he_o be_v thus_o sure_o his_o performance_n be_v without_o all_o defect_n and_o himself_o without_o all_o infirmity_n and_o be_v t._n e._n indeed_o sure_o he_o be_v so_o and_o do_v he_o know_v the_o hour_n and_o minute_n when_o he_o first_o arrive_v to_o this_o state_n and_o may_v take_v confidence_n to_o conclude_v of_o his_o absolute_a perfection_n but_o if_o neither_o we_o nor_o he_o himself_o be_v sure_a of_o this_o or_o of_o the_o possibility_n of_o it_o i_o think_v it_o be_v very_o safe_a for_o we_o to_o continue_v the_o confession_n of_o sin_n yea_o and_o for_o he_o too_o lest_o perhaps_o he_o shall_v be_v mistake_v and_o in_o some_o small_a degree_n be_v yet_o imperfect_a for_o as_o there_o be_v little_a danger_n of_o his_o displease_a god_n by_o any_o excess_n of_o humility_n in_o the_o continuance_n of_o such_o confession_n though_o he_o be_v real_o arrive_v to_o such_o a_o perfection_n so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n in_o the_o case_n of_o our_o state_n towards_o god_n there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o danger_n in_o our_o mistake_n i_o think_v it_o be_v good_a for_o he_o to_o consider_v of_o it_o and_o for_o we_o to_o go_v on_o in_o our_o course_n of_o confession_n till_o we_o be_v sure_a 2._o i_o must_v also_o ask_v he_o how_o he_o infallible_o know_v that_o all_o his_o sin_n be_v for_o ever_o pardon_v for_o i_o suppose_v he_o will_v grant_v that_o he_o ought_v to_o confess_v and_o to_o ask_v forgiveness_n till_o he_o be_v sure_a of_o a_o pardon_n par._n he_o will_v say_v he_o know_v they_o be_v forgive_v because_o he_o have_v forsake_v they_o min._n that_o indeed_o be_v the_o best_a ground_n of_o hope_n if_o he_o have_v it_o but_o not_o such_o as_o to_o make_v fear_n or_o confession_n needless_a for_o see_v first_o according_a to_o his_o own_o assertion_n 68_o the_o state_n of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o perfect_a man_n here_o be_v not_o immutable_a but_o that_o they_o may_v fall_v from_o it_o second_o see_v perseverance_n to_o the_o end_n be_v a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o final_a pardon_n and_o salvation_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o though_o t._n e._n be_v perfect_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o improper_a for_o he_o to_o confess_v and_o ask_v forgiveness_n of_o his_o former_a sin_n because_o according_a to_o his_o own_o principle_n he_o be_v not_o sure_a but_o he_o may_v fall_v into_o sin_n again_o which_o may_v cause_v his_o pardon_n to_o be_v revoke_v and_o as_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o displease_v god_n as_o be_v say_v before_o in_o any_o excess_n of_o humility_n in_o these_o confession_n so_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o humility_n and_o the_o fight_n and_o sense_n of_o our_o former_a sin_n be_v a_o very_a expedient_a and_o indeed_o a_o necessary_a mean_n
to_o preserve_v we_o from_o fall_v into_o sin_n again_o for_o this_o be_v that_o say_v st._n bernard_n which_o make_v it_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o be_v solicitous_a with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a and_o always_o humble_v ourselves_o under_o the_o mighty_a hand_n of_o god_n since_o though_o we_o can_v know_v in_o part_n what_o we_o be_v yet_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a septuage_n for_o we_o to_o know_v what_o we_o shall_v be_v final_o then_o since_o our_o sin_n be_v certain_a our_o pardon_n conditional_a our_o enemy_n vigilant_a and_o we_o frail_a whatever_o ellwood_n think_v of_o himself_o we_o think_v we_o ought_v to_o call_v and_o esteem_v ourselves_o miserable_a sinner_n till_o god_n upon_o our_o perseverance_n have_v seal_v our_o absolute_a pardon_n par._n be_v there_o but_o one_o lesson_n say_v t._n f._n for_o all_o degree_n p._n 53._o min._n yes_o there_o be_v several_a lesson_n for_o several_a state_n of_o man_n but_o this_o lesson_n suit_v they_o all_o this_o confession_n like_o those_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v design_v for_o the_o public_a where_o be_v man_n of_o all_o degree_n child_n young_a man_n and_o father_n be_v make_v in_o such_o general_a term_n that_o all_o may_v join_v in_o it_o the_o particular_n we_o leave_v to_o every_o man_n conscience_n and_o to_o his_o closet_n to_o supply_v but_o since_o we_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o to_o live_v together_o in_o a_o miserable_a sinful_a world_n and_o we_o all_o have_v sin_v and_o as_o t._n e._n acknowledge_v we_o all_o may_v sin_v therefore_o it_o be_v not_o unreasonable_a we_o shall_v all_o agree_v to_o confess_v that_o we_o be_v miserable_a sinner_n if_o this_o will_v not_o suffice_v let_v ellwood_n use_v his_o captious_a question_n to_o st._n paul_n o_o paul_n do_v thou_o say_v thou_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n thou_o be_v so_o at_o thy_o first_o come_v into_o this_o school_n what_o no_o proficiency_n no_o improvement_n no_o go_v forward_o after_o thou_o have_v spend_v thy_o age_n in_o this_o school_n if_o we_o measure_v thou_o by_o thy_o own_o confession_n thou_o be_v not_o one_o step_n near_o thy_o journey_n end_n no_o whit_n better_o than_o when_o thou_o come_v first_o in_o and_o therefore_o worse_o 53._o par._n but_o to_o conclude_v this_o subject_a t._n e._n tell_v we_o it_o be_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o any_o man_n to_o propose_v to_o himself_o a_o constant_a and_o common_a course_n of_o confession_n because_o whosoever_o do_v so_o must_v first_o propose_v to_o himself_o a_o constant_a and_o common_a course_n of_o sin_v p._n 54._o min._n that_o which_o be_v lawful_a and_o fit_a to_o be_v use_v as_o i_o have_v prove_v confession_n to_o be_v till_o we_o have_v persevere_v and_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a without_o all_o infirmity_n be_v lawful_a to_o be_v propose_v to_o man_n practice_n and_o may_v be_v so_o without_o any_o propose_v to_o ourselves_o a_o common_a course_n of_o sin_v because_o the_o proposal_n of_o this_o course_n of_o confession_n most_o proper_o proceed_v from_o a_o con-contrary_a cause_n viz._n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o infirmity_n and_o mutability_n from_o humility_n a_o pious_a fear_n 20._o prudence_n and_o sense_n of_o duty_n therefore_o the_o quaker_n pride_n and_o scoff_v shall_v not_o make_v we_o out_o of_o love_n with_o the_o medicine_n that_o god_n have_v provide_v for_o we_o it_o may_v shame_v we_o say_v tertullian_n poenit_fw-la that_o we_o sin_n again_o but_o to_o repent_v when_o we_o have_v sin_v shall_v not_o shame_v we_o we_o have_v another_o kind_n of_o judge_n than_o ellwood_n who_o see_v our_o heart_n and_o will_v account_v with_o he_o for_o his_o malicious_a censure_n of_o our_o penitence_n and_o of_o the_o devout_a and_o orthodox_n constitution_n of_o our_o church_n so_o that_o my_o adversary_n have_v take_v much_o pain_n here_o to_o prove_v himself_o not_o only_o weak_a but_o wicked_a and_o true_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o believe_v that_o in_o this_o abuse_n of_o piety_n and_o so_o necessary_a a_o duty_n as_o confession_n be_v t._n e._n be_v too_o much_o a_o socinian_n to_o please_v all_o even_o of_o his_o own_o party_n or_o any_o man_n that_o be_v considerate_a and_o i_o wish_v the_o quaker_n will_v at_o last_o open_v their_o eye_n to_o see_v by_o what_o seducer_n they_o be_v lead_v that_o at_o length_n they_o may_v withdraw_v from_o they_o and_o make_v choice_n of_o more_o upright_a more_o orthodox_n and_o safe_a guide_n chap_n v._o of_o perfection_n par._n what_o ground_n t._n e._n have_v lose_v in_o his_o four_o first_o chapter_n will_v sure_o be_v regain_v in_o his_o five_o of_o perfection_n a_o doctrine_n which_o he_o say_v have_v not_o meet_v with_o opposition_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o most_o sort_n of_o man_n since_o the_o time_n it_o be_v first_o preach_v in_o this_o late_a age_n of_o the_o world_n p._n 54._o min._n if_o the_o old_a thing_n in_o religion_n be_v best_a then_o the_o new_a must_v needs_o be_v the_o worst_a but_o if_o it_o will_v not_o make_v the_o quaker_n too_o proud_a i_o will_v tell_v he_o that_o his_o doctrine_n of_o perfection_n be_v of_o great_a antiquity_n than_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o allow_v it_o for_o it_o be_v preach_v before_o the_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o if_o it_o please_v he_o to_o look_v again_o into_o goodwin_n antiquity_n and_o particular_o into_o that_o instance_n he_o give_v i_o of_o the_o seven_o sort_n of_o pharisee_n he_o will_v find_v that_o one_o sort_n of_o they_o be_v call_v quid_fw-la debeo_fw-la facere_fw-la &_o faciam_fw-la illud_fw-la from_o their_o boast_n of_o a_o perfect_a power_n to_o keep_v the_o law_n and_o that_o author_n think_v that_o the_o young_a man_n mention_v luk._n 18_o 21._o be_v of_o this_o order_n so_o that_o elwood_n may_v have_v learn_v that_o the_o pharisee_n be_v quaker_n in_o this_o point_n yet_o hypocrite_n in_o christ_n account_n and_o upon_o a_o further_a search_n into_o this_o controversy_n i_o find_v this_o doctrine_n much_o ancient_a than_o i_o think_v when_o we_o first_o discourse_v it_o for_o the_o gnostick_n heretic_n and_o particular_o that_o herd_n of_o they_o call_v the_o valentinian_o do_v exalt_v themselves_o call_v themselves_o perfect_a say_v epiphanius_n after_o they_o the_o 193._o novatian_o call_v themselves_o cathari_n i._n e._n pure_a but_o those_o who_o call_v themselves_o pure_a say_v the_o same_o epiph._n be_v confute_v by_o their_o own_o word_n for_o whosoever_o do_v call_v himself_o pure_a do_v perfect_o condemn_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v impure_a next_o after_o 440._o they_o the_o pelagian_a heretic_n hold_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v without_o sin_n which_o the_o holy_a augustine_n confute_v by_o many_o of_o the_o same_o argument_n which_o this_o quaker_n deride_v i_o for_o use_v 89._o and_o celestinus_fw-la the_o pelagian_a use_v such_o false_a medium_n as_o his_o friend_n ellwood_n have_v steal_v from_o he_o to_o justify_v this_o doctrine_n and_o this_o may_v be_v see_v in_o that_o book_n which_o he_o write_v against_o he_o 7._o now_o will_v this_o bold_a quaker_n tell_v these_o orthodox_n father_n who_o oppose_v this_o notion_n of_o perfection_n that_o some_o through_o ignorance_n mistake_v it_o other_o through_o interest_n revile_v and_o gainsay_v it_o as_o foresee_v it_o destructive_a to_o their_o trade_n and_o profit_n &_o c_o as_o he_o tell_v his_o reader_n p._n 55._o par._n i_o perceive_v then_o this_o doctrine_n of_o perfection_n be_v condemn_v for_o hereâ—…ie_n by_o the_o holy_a father_n of_o the_o church_n but_o do_v not_o the_o quaker_n first_o broach_n this_o opinion_n in_o these_o late_a age_n min._n quakerism_n itself_o can_v plead_v the_o prescription_n of_o one_o age._n but_o this_o doctrine_n be_v preach_v by_o the_o popish_a friar_n as_o a_o foundation_n for_o their_o merit_n and_o work_v of_o supererogation_n the_o wild_a anabaptist_n about_o 140_o year_n ago_o pretend_v also_o to_o perfection_n and_o it_o be_v the_o socinian_n doctrine_n that_o we_o may_v perfect_o fulfil_v the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o all_o orthodox_n protestant_n ever_n oppose_v these_o man_n as_o much_o as_o i_o do_v the_o quaker_n herein_o who_o may_v go_v and_o boast_v that_o they_o have_v the_o pharisee_n the_o old_a heretic_n the_o wild_a anabaptist_n and_o the_o socinian_o on_o their_o side_n in_o this_o matter_n whilst_o we_o by_o god_n grace_n do_v and_o will_v hold_v the_o constant_a doctrine_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n par._n you_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o make_v i_o aware_a of_o this_o quaker_n who_o wonder_v that_o you_o shall_v own_o perfection_n and_o yet_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v a_o unsinning_a state_n therefore_o he_o ask_v what_o kind_n of_o notion_n you_o have_v get_v of_o perfection_n who_o will_v be_v perfect_a yet_o a_o sinner_n ibid._n min._n see_v i_o believe_v you_o sincere_o desire_v to_o be_v inform_v