it_o be_v much_o doubt_v that_o some_o ignorant_a people_n have_v conclude_v that_o frequent_v those_o meeting_n be_v a_o evidence_n that_o they_o be_v heir_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n observe_v he_o be_v now_o upon_o his_o doubt_n reflect_v by_o way_n of_o inference_n upon_o he_o know_v not_o who_o among_o we_o and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o render_v some_o man_n or_o woman_n or_o both_o among_o friend_n both_o silly_a and_o ridiculous_a as_o take_v up_o such_o a_o ignorant_a conclusion_n as_o that_o their_o frequent_v those_o meeting_n be_v evidence_n that_o they_o be_v heir_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n what_o silly_a and_o tedious_a work_n have_v he_o make_v from_o his_o doubt_n false_a jealousy_n and_o prejudice_n disaffect_v xix_o w._n r._n one_a part_n pag._n 42._o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n frequent_o utter_v have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o brethren_n be_v chief_o mean_v with_o respect_n to_o that_o i._n e._n general_n meeting_n this_o we_o take_v to_o be_v both_o limitation_n and_o a_o design_n of_o imposition_n observe_v this_o we_o take_v to_o be_v a_o dark_a and_o causeless_o reflection_n who_o do_v he_o accuse_v with_o this_o frequent_a exhortation_n and_o design_n of_o imposition_n we_o deny_v any_o such_o design_n disaffect_v xx._n w._n r._n one_a part_n p._n 46._o and_o now_o as_o to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n church-government_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o opposer_n we_o take_v it_o to_o be_v thus_o viz._n that_o some_o who_o account_v themselves_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n claim_v a_o power_n to_o rule_v over_o other_o some_o if_o not_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o give_v forth_o sentence_n direction_n or_o order_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o own_o receive_v or_o obey_v though_o they_o may_v pretend_v they_o see_v it_o not_o their_o duty_n observe_v this_o still_o we_o deem_v a_o dark_a and_o implicit_a way_n of_o smite_v and_o may_v be_v construe_v to_o extend_v far_o than_o can_v be_v prove_v and_o that_o to_o the_o reproach_n of_o such_o direction_n order_n etc._n etc._n as_o be_v real_o necessary_a and_o convenient_a we_o own_v no_o such_o a_o claim_n of_o a_o power_n to_o rule_n overdo_n christ_n member_n or_o over_o their_o conscience_n what_o gospel-power_n we_o have_v it_o be_v give_v we_o not_o claim_v by_o we_o as_o he_o imagine_v beside_o w._n r._n confess_v pag._n 8._o that_o it_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o all_o those_o meeting_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n then_o we_o say_v this_o power_n give_v forth_o no_o sentence_n direction_n or_o order_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o such_o as_o the_o light_n will_v give_v his_o member_n a_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o as_o to_o their_o true_a use_n and_o service_n as_o they_o wait_v in_o it_o by_o church-government_n we_o understand_v the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n who_o have_v his_o minister_n servant_n and_o instrument_n therein_o as_o he_o always_o have_v in_o his_o church_n when_o gather_v into_o visible_a order_n and_o society_n w._n r._n one_a part_n pag._n 46_o 47._o we_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o quote_v those_o scripture_n from_o whence_o so_o far_o as_o ever_o we_o understand_v the_o most_o pertinent_a argument_n may_v be_v produce_v to_o prove_v church-government_n mat._n 18._o 15_o 16_o 17._o we_o find_v christ_n thus_o say_v moreover_o if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_n against_o thou_o go_v tell_v he_o his_o fault_n if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v in_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n compare_v this_o scripture_n touch_v the_o trespass_n of_o one_o brother_n against_o another_o with_o what_o paul_n write_v 1_o cor._n 6._o 1_o 2_o 4._o dare_v any_o of_o you_o have_v a_o matter_n against_o another_o go_v to_o law_n before_o the_o unjust_a do_v you_o not_o know_v that_o the_o saint_n shall_v judge_v the_o world_n if_o then_o you_o have_v judgement_n of_o thing_n pertain_v to_o this_o life_n set_v they_o to_o judge_v who_o be_v leave_v esteem_v in_o the_o church_n we_o reasonable_o conclude_v that_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n only_a conclusion_n hint_v at_o either_o personal_a offence_n or_o difference_n touch_v worldly_a matter_n and_o that_o therein_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n be_v only_o to_o exhort_v to_o submit_v to_o their_o counsel_n which_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o may_v just_o be_v esteem_v as_o heathen_a man_n but_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n of_o those_o who_o have_v approve_v a_o plea_n for_o such_o a_o church-government_n as_o claim_v a_o power_n 21._o of_o decide_v matter_n relate_v to_o conscience_n and_o outward_a thing_n also_o on_o the_o occasion_n of_o difference_n raise_v touch_v worldly_a estate_n and_o that_o other_o ought_v to_o obey_v such_o decision_n which_o in_o its_o natural_a consequence_n have_v as_o we_o take_v it_o no_o less_o tendency_n than_o to_o claim_v power_n over_o our_o property_n as_o well_o as_o conscience_n observe_v in_o these_o passage_n we_o judge_v our_o adversary_n have_v write_v very_o confuse_o &_o contradictory_o for_o one_a he_o grant_v from_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v hear_v &_o to_o judge_v in_o personal_a offence_n and_o difference_n in_o worldly_a matter_n yea_o that_o therein_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o exhort_v to_o submit_v to_o their_o counsel_n query_n what_o counsel_n if_o not_o tend_v to_o decide_v the_o difference_n but_o 2_o he_o undo_v that_o again_o in_o oppose_v the_o church_n power_n of_o decide_v matter_n 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christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n as_o only_a hint_n at_o personal_a difference_n touch_v worldly_a matter_n we_o find_v he_o again_o inconsistent_a with_o himself_o in_o his_o 3d_o part_n pag._n 36._o on_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n mat._n 18._o 15_o 16_o 17._o in_o these_o word_n viz._n w._n r._n perhaps_o some_o may_v object_v thus_o this_o relate_v not_o to_o outward_a affair_n but_o to_o offence_n that_o be_v of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n in_o answer_n it_o may_v be_v say_v as_o to_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v whole_o silent_a and_o therefore_o every_o case_n wherein_o one_o brother_n may_v trespass_n against_o another_o may_v according_a to_o right_n reason_n be_v comprehend_v in_o it_o thus_o far_o w._n r._n hence_o observe_v his_o inconsistence_n be_v plain_a one_a on_o pretence_n of_o a_o reasonable_a conclusion_n he_o limit_n the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o so_o the_o church_n power_n therein_o to_o judge_v and_o counsel_n in_o that_o case_n only_o to_o difference_n touch_v worldly_a matter_n two_o he_o grant_v that_o every_o case_n wherein_o one_o brother_n may_v trespass_v against_o another_o may_v be_v comprehend_v in_o it_o that_o be_v in_o what_o christ_n say_v mat._n 18._o 17._o and_o that_o according_a to_o right_a reason_n which_o every_o case_n may_v therefore_o include_v case_n relate_v to_o conscience_n or_o offence_n of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n as_o well_o as_o those_o about_o worldly_a concern_v outward_a property_n etc._n etc._n those_o that_o be_v spiritual_a have_v power_n from_o christ_n to_o judge_v also_o concern_v a_o mistake_v and_o offend_a conscience_n and_o a_o wrong_a spirit_n without_o usurpation_n and_o it_o be_v no_o difficult_a matter_n for_o the_o least_o child_n of_o light_a to_o give_v a_o right_n and_o absolute_a judgement_n in_o the_o case_n of_o our_o adversary_n conscience_n
to_o execute_v or_o put_v in_o practice_n outward_a prescribe_v instruction_n and_o order_n etc._n etc._n nor_o against_o such_o outward_a prescription_n and_o order_n be_v give_v forth_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n through_o one_o or_o more_o man_n or_o person_n in_o this_o our_o day_n for_o there_o be_v many_o wholesome_a and_o bind_a rule_n precept_n and_o command_n outward_o record_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n that_o proceed_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n which_o be_v now_o renew_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o his_o servant_n but_o his_o objection_n be_v against_o their_o be_v give_v forth_o with_o intent_n to_o be_v obey_v by_o other_o whether_o they_o see_v it_o their_o duty_n or_o not_o wherein_o the_o objection_n do_v not_o only_o vary_v from_o that_o in_o his_o title_n page_n but_o be_v very_o frivolous_a and_o loose_a and_o will_v serve_v only_o for_o a_o pretence_n to_o loose_a spirit_n who_o to_o evade_v just_a precept_n and_o instruction_n proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o servant_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o pretend_v they_o see_v it_o not_o their_o duty_n which_o yet_o be_v no_o proof_n that_o any_o thing_n just_a and_o lawful_a in_o itself_o be_v not_o their_o duty_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n see_v whatever_o precept_n direction_n or_o command_n be_v give_v forth_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o concern_v our_o duty_n either_o towards_o god_n or_o man_n and_o the_o keep_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o both_o be_v not_o give_v forth_o to_o be_v leave_v indifferent_a as_o to_o be_v accept_v or_o reject_v but_o to_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n in_o that_o case_n leave_v the_o conscience_n without_o evidence_n or_o the_o creature_n to_o who_o it_o direct_v in_o such_o blindness_n as_o not_o to_o see_v that_o a_o duty_n which_o in_o itself_o 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of_o diligence_n if_o he_o grant_v that_o every_o one_o have_v a_o measure_n of_o the_o true_a light_n and_o spirit_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n whatever_o be_v real_o any_o one_o duty_n in_o relation_n to_o a_o good_a conscience_n it_o can_v be_v live_o and_o acceptable_o perform_v as_o in_o god_n sight_n without_o keep_v in_o a_o true_a sight_n and_o sense_n of_o that_o divine_a light_n and_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v near_o to_o show_v man_n his_o duty_n both_o in_o shun_v evil_a and_o do_v good_a as_o also_o to_o lead_v he_o into_o all_o truth_n as_o he_o give_v up_o to_o it_o and_o attend_v upon_o its_o guidance_n but_o further_a the_o member_n of_o christ_n the_o true_a and_o spiritual_a believer_n have_v so_o much_o inward_a sense_n and_o feel_n of_o those_o outward_a instruction_n and_o precept_n that_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n in_o their_o brethren_n that_o they_o have_v unity_n therewith_o and_o have_v some_o discern_v of_o the_o nature_n good_a tendence_n and_o end_n thereof_o and_o even_o such_o as_o be_v but_o weak_a in_o the_o faith_n be_v tender_a and_o honest-hearted_a as_o the_o lord_n lay_v no_o more_o upon_o they_o than_o what_o they_o can_v bear_v so_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o oppose_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n counsel_n through_o his_o servant_n which_o they_o have_v not_o a_o present_a sight_n of_o that_o they_o apply_v their_o heart_n to_o the_o lord_n with_o diligent_a attention_n that_o he_o may_v reveal_v that_o unto_o they_o for_o in_o assurance_n of_o god_n reveal_v what_o shall_v be_v needful_a to_o the_o true_a believer_n in_o the_o primitive_a christian_n day_n as_o they_o walk_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o mind_v the_o same_o thing_n the_o apostle_n to_o the_o philipian_o say_v if_o in_o any_o thing_n you_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v god_n shall_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o you_o phil._n 3._o 15._o and_o to_o the_o thessalonian_n we_o have_v confidence_n in_o the_o lord_n touch_v you_o that_o you_o both_o do_v and_o will_v do_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o command_v you_o 2_o thess._n 3._o 4._o the_o true_a minister_n and_o servant_n of_o christ_n write_v and_o speak_v in_o a_o holy_a confidence_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o preach_v in_o much_o assurance_n that_o their_o testimony_n will_v meet_v with_o reception_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o they_o who_o receive_v the_o love_n of_o truth_n they_o do_v not_o leave_v the_o concern_v of_o truth_n and_o of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n relate_v to_o unity_n or_o good_a order_n upon_o loose_a and_o indifferent_a term_n as_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n require_v they_o to_o teach_v exhort_v or_o command_v any_o thing_n needful_a to_o be_v practise_v in_o church_n of_o christ_n with_o respect_n to_o good_a order_n society_n unity_n and_o holiness_n of_o conversation_n they_o faithful_o signify_v it_o and_o do_v not_o leave_v the_o matter_n loose_a and_o indifferent_a in_o this_o wise_a viz._n these_o thing_n we_o be_v require_v of_o the_o lord_n to_o signify_v to_o you_o as_o very_o needful_a in_o such_o and_o such_o case_n but_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v upon_o you_o you_o need_v not_o practise_v they_o unless_o you_o see_v they_o to_o be_v your_o duty_n or_o if_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o let_v you_o see_v they_o to_o be_v your_o duty_n you_o may_v let_v they_o alone_o you_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o practise_v any_o thing_n we_o preach_v direct_v or_o counsel_v you_o to_o do_v if_o you_o do_v not_o see_v it_o to_o be_v your_o duty_n this_o will_v be_v a_o very_a feeble_a kind_n of_o preach_v and_o bespeak_v such_o inconsistency_n and_o distrust_n in_o their_o testimony_n as_o if_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o open_v their_o eye_n to_o see_v that_o which_o his_o spirit_n direct_v to_o and_o lead_v his_o servant_n to_o testify_v and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o such_o kind_n of_o loose_a indifferent_a preach_v will_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o leave_v they_o blind_a and_o dim-sighted_n who_o be_v so_o instead_o of_o open_v their_o eye_n by_o the_o plain_a evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o god_n whereas_o the_o true_a minister_n and_o servant_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o manifestation_n of_o truth_n do_v commend_v themselves_o to_o every_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n as_o have_v faith_n confidence_n and_o assurance_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o evidence_n and_o answer_n in_o the_o conscience_n be_v unto_o god_n a_o sweet_a savour_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o that_o be_v save_v and_o in_o they_o that_o perish_v to_o the_o one_o the_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n and_o to_o the_o other_o the_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o life_n 2_o cor._n 2._o 15_o 16._o they_o preach_v both_o in_o assurance_n and_o divine_a authority_n these_o thing_n command_v and_o teach_v preach_v the_o word_n be_v instant_a in_o season_n out_o of_o season_n reprove_v rebuke_v exhort_v with_o all_o long-suffering_a and_o doctrine_n i_o charge_v thou_o etc._n etc._n charge_v they_o that_o be_v rich_a etc._n etc._n in_o such_o term_n paul_n write_v to_o timothy_n and_o concern_v a_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n and_o elder_a in_o the_o church_n he_o give_v the_o description_n to_o titus_n how_o he_o must_v be_v qualify_v titus_n 1._o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o hold_v fast_o the_o faithful_a word_n as_o he_o have_v be_v teach_v that_o he_o may_v be_v able_a by_o sound_a doctrine_n both_o to_o exhort_v and_o convince_v the_o gainsayer_n and_o bless_v be_v the_o lord_n we_o know_v nothing_o we_o practice_v among_o we_o as_o a_o people_n gather_v by_o he_o in_o our_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n either_o in_o respect_n to_o unity_n church-government_n order_n or_o discipline_n but_o such_o thing_n as_o we_o have_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o
shall_v suffice_v viz._n the_o form_n of_o proceed_n in_o marriage_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n be_v whole_o silent_a as_o to_o the_o primitive_a christian_n by_o which_o you_o may_v see_v what_o a_o narrow_a compass_n his_o great_a noise_n of_o innovation_n outward_a order_n in_o discipline_n be_v bring_v to_o he_o shall_v have_v make_v his_o book_n whole_o on_o this_o subject_n about_o the_o form_n of_o proceed_n in_o marriage_n among_o we_o and_o not_o have_v make_v such_o a_o great_a impertinent_a blunder_n upon_o general_a scandalous_a charge_n to_o no_o purpose_n and_o than_o it_o will_v have_v appear_v whether_o he_o can_v have_v disapprove_v our_o proceed_n therein_o or_o not_o or_o prove_v they_o inconsistent_a with_o those_o righteous_a end_n that_o he_o himself_o have_v grant_v two_o in_o his_o preface_n he_o only_o mention_n outward_a form_n relate_v to_o marriage_n relief_n of_o the_o poor_a etc._n etc._n about_o which_o he_o say_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o contention_n seem_v to_o be_v and_o yet_o he_o be_v the_o hot_a maintainer_n of_o the_o contention_n three_o and_o though_o in_o some_o circumstance_n every_o thing_n be_v not_o specify_v in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o part_n of_o church-discipline_n practise_v among_o we_o that_o do_v not_o tend_v to_o answer_v the_o apostolic_a doctrine_n in_o respect_n to_o good_a order_n a_o holy_a conversation_n a_o heavenly_a society_n and_o thing_n that_o be_v honest_a just_a reasonable_a and_o of_o good_a report_n what_o form_n or_o discipline_n do_v we_o practice_v that_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o these_o righteous_a end_n we_o affirm_v that_o his_o cry_v out_o imposition_n innovation_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 the_o particular_n thereof_o that_o he_o condemn_v we_o for_o as_o apostate_n and_o that_o we_o practise_v as_o church-discipline_n or_o else_o forever_o be_v ashamed_a of_o such_o impertinency_n and_o scandalous_a charge_v the_o meeting_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n call_v quaker_n which_o be_v concern_v in_o and_o about_o those_o outward_a affair_n and_o christian_a service_n for_o which_o they_o be_v intend_v as_o charitable_a duty_n inspect_v marriage_n take_v care_n that_o truth_n be_v not_o scandalize_v etc._n etc._n which_o he_o have_v confess_v and_o the_o service_n of_o such_o our_o meeting_n be_v to_o answer_v those_o righteous_a and_o good_a ends._n as_o also_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n in_o reference_n to_o friend_n care_v about_o print_n in_o these_o word_n viz._n three_o part_n pag._n 31._o i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v that_o it_o be_v unnecessary_a for_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o take_v care_n that_o nothing_o scandalous_a to_o the_o truth_n come_v forth_o in_o public_a under_o the_o name_n of_o any_o who_o make_v profession_n thereof_o and_o be_v it_o so_o that_o i_o have_v aught_o upon_o i_o on_o truth_n behalf_n to_o bring_v to_o public_a view_n i_o shall_v be_v glad_a of_o the_o opportunity_n to_o lay_v it_o before_o such_o brethren_n with_o who_o the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n knowledge_n and_o discern_v of_o spirit_n dwell_v hence_o it_o appear_v that_o this_o man_n will_v seem_v to_o be_v for_o order_n and_o society_n with_o such_o brethren_n as_o he_o have_v a_o good_a esteem_n of_o and_o to_o be_v so_o conformable_a and_o submissive_a as_o to_o have_v their_o counsel_n and_o approbation_n of_o what_o he_o bring_v to_o public_a view_n grant_v it_o necessary_a for_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o take_v care_n that_o nothing_o scandalous_a to_o truth_n come_v forth_o in_o public_a which_o be_v one_o main_a end_n of_o our_o meeting_n in_o london_n so_o much_o strike_v at_o and_o vilify_v by_o he_o but_o who_o those_o brethren_n be_v with_o who_o he_o account_v the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n dwell_v and_o before_o who_o he_o will_v lay_v what_o he_o will_v bring_v to_o public_a view_n for_o their_o care_n and_o approbation_n he_o tell_v we_o not_o but_o we_o may_v easy_o guess_v by_o his_o high_a character_n of_o ancient_n and_o honourable_a friend_n labourer_n in_o the_o gospel_n etc._n etc._n and_o whether_o they_o do_v see_v and_o approve_v of_o this_o confuse_a scandalous_a book_n of_o he_o or_o not_o be_v best_a know_v to_o themselves_o either_o they_o do_v or_o they_o do_v not_o if_o they_o do_v then_o by_o his_o own_o inference_n they_o be_v entitle_v to_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o it_o if_o neither_o of_o they_o do_v see_v and_o approve_v of_o it_o than_o that_o omission_n contradict_v his_o own_o pretence_n it_o not_o be_v probable_a that_o he_o can_v just_o plead_v he_o want_v opportunity_n to_o lay_v it_o before_o any_o of_o his_o honourable_a brethren_n in_o two_o or_o three_o year_n time_n three_o part_n pag._n 82._o there_o be_v great_a need_n for_o every_o one_o to_o watch_v against_o a_o censorious_a judge_a spirit_n lest_o whilst_o they_o be_v judge_v their_o brethren_n they_o themselves_o become_v castaway_n p._n 83._o it_o behoove_v every_o one_o diligent_o to_o watch_v that_o we_o judge_v not_o one_o another_o by_o reason_n of_o these_o differ_a exercise_n etc._n etc._n observe_v how_o well_o this_o man_n can_v counsel_n other_o but_o how_o contrary_a thereto_o he_o act_v himself_o in_o give_v forth_o such_o a_o censorious_a judge_a book_n as_o he_o have_v do_v tend_v to_o render_v many_o innocent_a person_n and_o people_n apostate_n and_o innovator_n wherein_o he_o be_v far_o more_o loud_a in_o his_o charge_n and_o exclamation_n than_o in_o his_o proof_n or_o instance_n of_o that_o apostasy_n or_o those_o innovation_n but_o if_o he_o can_v prove_v such_o innovation_n or_o new_a matter_n in_o discipline_n or_o differ_v exercise_n therein_o as_o he_o will_v insinuate_v which_o yet_o be_v not_o grant_v he_o then_o by_o his_o own_o rule_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v bring_v forth_o his_o censorious_a book_n but_o rather_o have_v watch_v and_o study_v to_o be_v quiet_a pag._n 80._o i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v to_o judge_v apostle_n or_o elder_n when_o they_o shall_v find_v freedom_n from_o the_o lord_n be_v meet_v together_o for_o give_v forth_o any_o thing_n by_o way_n of_o recommendation_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o brethren_n answ._n we_o know_v nothing_o give_v forth_o as_o duty_n to_o god_n or_o man_n to_o be_v practise_v among_o we_o by_o apostle_n or_o elder_n but_o what_o be_v in_o truth_n intend_v at_o least_o to_o be_v recommend_v to_o the_o conscience_n and_o have_v a_o answer_n and_o reception_n in_o the_o conscience_n of_o friend_n in_o truth_n what_o we_o write_v or_o preach_v on_o behalf_n of_o truth_n and_o true_a religion_n be_v recommend_v by_o divine_a authority_n and_o evidence_n in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n by_o the_o manifestation_n of_o truth_n commend_v ourselves_o to_o every_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o this_o may_v be_v either_o by_o good_a exhortation_n counsel_n admonition_n reproof_n judgement_n testimony_n warn_v charge_n command_v etc._n etc._n all_o which_o the_o holy_a apostle_n use_v but_o it_o appear_v our_o opposer_n have_v another_o sense_n of_o recommendation_n as_o leave_v matter_n more_o indifferent_a and_o loose_a by_o way_n of_o doubtful_a proposition_n as_o on_o these_o or_o the_o like_a term_n viz._n you_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o submit_v whether_o you_o see_v it_o your_o duty_n or_o not_o and_o whereas_o this_o person_n be_v frequent_o judge_v our_o friend_n for_o imposition_n innovation_n etc._n etc._n we_o will_v be_v understand_v that_o those_o thing_n commend_v among_o we_o as_o necessary_a for_o good_a order_n and_o holiness_n of_o conversation_n be_v not_o recommend_v doubtful_o or_o upon_o mere_a supposition_n nor_o as_o matter_n of_o indifferency_n to_o be_v practise_v or_o reject_v but_o in_o faith_n and_o full_a assurance_n as_o answer_v god_n witness_n and_o truth_n in_o the_o conscience_n and_o that_o such_o will_v meet_v with_o a_o tender_a reception_n and_o not_o opposition_n in_o all_o tender_a and_o upright_a heart_n disaffect_v xliv_o three_o part_n pag._n 83._o among_o the_o primitive_a believer_n there_o be_v such_o as_o practise_v circumcision_n some_o make_a conscience_n of_o keep_v a_o day_n and_o some_o that_o abstain_v from_o eat_a flesh_n and_o other_o that_o do_v not_o and_o yet_o a_o christian-liberty_n and_o forbearance_n be_v so_o exercise_v as_o that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v one_o another_o about_o these_o thing_n and_o that_o we_o find_v not_o that_o these_o differ_v exercise_n in_o a_o christian_a liberty_n do_v subject_a any_o of_o those_o believer_n exercise_v therein_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o be_v out_o of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n
any_o of_o those_o monthly_a or_o quarterly_o meeting_n among_o friend_n be_v not_o gather_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n part_n 1._o p._n 14._o this_o doctrine_n frequent_o of_o late_a publish_v among_o we_o that_o the_o apostasy_n shall_v never_o enter_v the_o generality_n more_o do_v give_v we_o just_a occasion_n to_o be_v jealous_a etc._n etc._n part_n 3._o pag._n 78._o i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v to_o say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o invest_v with_o power_n from_o on_o high_a or_o that_o the_o apostasy_n shall_v enter_v the_o generality_n again_o qu._n then_o why_o do_v he_o so_o often_o quarrel_v with_o the_o doctrine_n frequent_o publish_v as_o he_o say_v viz._n that_o the_o apostasy_n shall_v never_o enter_v the_o generality_n more_o part_n 1._o pag._n 47._o on_o mat._n 18._o 15_o 16_o 17._o and_o 1_o cor._n 6._o 1_o 2_o 4._o we_o reasonable_o conclude_v that_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n only_a hint_v at_o either_o personal_a offence_n or_o difference_n touch_v worldly_a matter_n and_o that_o therein_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n be_v only_o to_o exhort_v to_o submit_v to_o their_o connsel_n which_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o may_v just_o be_v esteem_v as_o heathen_a man_n part_n 3._o pag._n 36._o on_o mat._n 18._o 15_o 16_o 17._o some_o may_v object_v thus_o this_o relate_v not_o to_o outward_a affair_n but_o to_o offence_n that_o be_v of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n in_o answer_n it_o may_v be_v say_v as_o to_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v whole_o silent_a and_o therefore_o every_o case_n wherein_o one_o brother_n may_v trespass_n against_o another_o may_v in_o rihght_n reason_n be_v comprehend_v in_o it_o qu._n whether_o every_o case_n be_v to_o be_v limit_v only_o to_o worldly_a matter_n and_o not_o extend_v to_o any_o case_n or_o offence_n of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n part_n 3._o pag._n 64._o not_o the_o least_o tittle_n to_o countenance_v this_o sentence_n that_o the_o positive_a sentence_n or_o decision_n of_o the_o church_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n may_v be_v obligatory_a on_o believer_n nay_o in_o that_o very_a case_n mat._n 18._o 15_o 16._o if_o he_o refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n the_o scripture_n do_v not_o say_v that_o sentence_n ought_v to_o be_v obligatory_a on_o all_o other_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n but_o it_o say_v let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man._n part_n 1._o pag._n 47._o the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o exhort_v to_o submit_v to_o their_o counsel_n which_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o may_v just_o be_v esteem_v as_o heathen_a men._n and_o part_v 3._o pag._n 36._o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n when_o a_o brother_n be_v through_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o church_n become_v so_o to_o the_o other_o brother_n etc._n etc._n every_o case_n wherein_o one_o brother_n may_v trespass_n against_o another_o may_v according_a to_o right_a reason_n be_v comprehend_v in_o it_o qu._n why_o then_o not_o a_o heathen_a man_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n if_o they_o may_v just_o be_v esteem_v as_o heathen_a man_n that_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o church_n counsel_n see_v it_o be_v confess_v by_o w._n r._n to_o his_o own_o confutation_n part_v 1._o pag._n 52._o that_o they_o who_o refuse_v to_o take_v the_o church_n wholesome_a counsel_n or_o admonition_n the_o church_n may_v then_o declare_v such_o unworthy_a of_o their_o society_n and_o be_v not_o this_o then_o obligatory_a on_o other_o believer_n and_o member_n part_n 3._o pag._n 82._o on_o gal._n 5._o 2._o &_o 4._o 9_o 10_o 11._o this_o do_v not_o at_o that_o time_n condemn_v that_o christian_a liberty_n and_o forbearance_n which_o the_o apostle_n before_o approve_v in_o and_o with_o respect_n unto_o such_o as_o make_v conscience_n of_o circumcision_n and_o pag._n 83._o there_o be_v such_o as_o practise_v circumcision_n yet_o a_o christian_a liberty_n be_v so_o exercise_v as_o that_o we_o find_v not_o these_o differ_a exercise_n in_o a_o christian_a liberty_n do_v subject_a any_o of_o those_o believer_n exercise_v therein_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o be_v out_o of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n part_n 5._o p._n 74_o 75._o neither_o do_v they_o i._n e._n the_o apostle_n endeavour_v to_o oblige_v those_o who_o practise_v circumcision_n after_o they_o believe_v to_o forbear_v the_o same_o before_o by_o the_o spirit_n they_o be_v lead_v from_o it_o pag._n 75._o on_o gal._n 5._o 2._o &_o 4._o 9_o 10_o 11._o this_o do_v not_o at_o that_o time_n condemn_v that_o christian_a liberty_n in_o such_o as_o make_v conscience_n of_o circumcision_n part_n 1._o pag._n 73._o the_o labour_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o primitive_a day_n be_v to_o draw_v the_o outward_a jew_n from_o off_o the_o observation_n of_o these_o ordinance_n which_o be_v real_o establish_v by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n himself_o have_v exalt_v instead_o thereof_o the_o word_n nigh_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o law_n write_v therein_o as_o a_o fulfil_n of_o that_o which_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o prophet_n be_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v under_o the_o new_a covenant_n which_o be_v not_o like_a unto_o the_o old_a and_o part_v 3._o pag._n 82._o and_o part_v 5._o pag._n 75._o on_o gal._n 5._o 2._o i_o paul_n say_v unto_o you_o if_o you_o be_v circumcise_a christ_n shall_v profit_v you_o nothing_o a_o qu._n how_o can_v it_o be_v good_a doctrine_n to_o account_v circumcision_n a_o christian_a liberty_n and_o a_o exercise_v not_o condemnable_a in_o believer_n when_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o draw_v the_o outward_a jew_n from_o off_o the_o observation_n of_o these_o ordinance_n part_n 1._o pag._n 73._o we_o appeal_v unto_o every_o understanding_n ingenious_a reader_n whether_o it_o can_v consist_v with_o the_o tenure_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n for_o any_o to_o attempt_v the_o establishment_n or_o give_v forth_o of_o outward_a order_n prescription_n sentence_n or_o decree_n to_o be_v a_o bond_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o they_o who_o have_v believe_v in_o the_o everlasting_a light_n part_v 3_o title_n page_n the_o inward_a government_n of_o christ_n not_o represent_v by_o person_n visible_a by_o carnal_a eye_n invest_v with_o power_n from_o he_o to_o execute_v outward_a law_n prescription_n order_n edict_n or_o decree_n in_o a_o outward_a form_n of_o government_n visible_a part_n 3._o pag._n 23_o 24._o not_o that_o i_o will_v be_v understand_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o outward_a order_n with_o respect_n to_o that_o gospel-discipline_n which_o become_v the_o church_n of_o christ._n the_o principle_n of_o truth_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n have_v and_o may_v further_o lead_v into_o the_o practice_n of_o outward_a order_n in_o discipline_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n qu._n be_v not_o this_o a_o very_a fair_a confession_n what_o will_v this_o man_n be_v at_o do_v he_o know_v have_v he_o not_o here_o very_o plain_o grant_v the_o thing_n we_o plead_v for_o viz._n outward_a order_n and_o gospel-discipline_n in_o the_o church_n what_o be_v now_o become_v of_o w._n r_n contest_v against_o outward_a order_n discipline_n and_o form_n of_o church-government_n visible_a &_o c_o part_n 3._o pag._n 34._o the_o apostle_n may_v well_o say_v be_v you_o not_o unwise_a but_o understand_v what_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v he_o do_v not_o say_v what_o the_o will_n of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o what_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v submit_v yourselves_o one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n part_n 3._o pag._n 34._o though_o i_o say_v as_o aforesaid_a not_o the_o church_n but_o what_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v yet_o hereby_o i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v to_o render_v christ_n and_o his_o church_n divide_v qu._n if_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n be_v not_o divide_v how_o do_v he_o oppose_v the_o will_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n his_o tell_v we_o of_o the_o will_n of_o those_o who_o depart_v from_o christ_n this_o be_v not_o the_o will_n of_o the_o church_n in_o unity_n with_o he_o therefore_o his_o divide_v the_o church_n and_o christ_n in_o will_n stand_v not_o with_o that_o unity_n part_v 1._o pag._n 75._o outward_a conformity_n to_o outward_a rule_n and_o order_n relate_v to_o the_o conscience_n establish_v among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n we_o have_v no_o ground_n either_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o prophet_n or_o from_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n