Selected quad for the lemma: ground_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
ground_n	church_n	scripture_n	truth_n	5,145	5	6.4163	4	true

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A47197	The way cast up, and the stumbling-blocks removed from before the feet of those who are seeking the way to Zion, with their faces thitherward containing an answere to a postcript, printed at the end of Sam Rutherford's letters, third edition, by a nameless author, indeed not without cause, considering the many lyes and falshoods therein, against the people, called Quakers, which are here disproved, and refuted / by George Keith ...	Keith, George, 1639?-1716.; Rutherford, Samuel, 1600?-1661.	1677 (1677)	Wing K233; ESTC R19568	115,272	246

his_o spirit_n and_o by_o that_o also_o they_o be_v call_v then_o they_o cry_v out_o blasphemy_n and_o delusion_n there_o be_v no_o prophet_n or_o man_n divine_o inspire_v or_o immediate_o teach_v and_o call_v since_o the_o apostle_n day_n divine_a inspiration_n and_o immediate_a teach_n and_o revelation_n cease_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o yet_o now_o they_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o allege_v as_o if_o some_o of_o themselves_o be_v great_a prophet_n and_o seer_n 6._o but_o i_o remember_v a_o deceitful_a distinction_n that_o james_n dur●am_n have_v in_o his_o exposition_n on_o the_o revelation_n that_o prophecy_n as_o it_o be_v take_v for_o a_o immediate_a reveal_n of_o gospel_n truth_n be_v now_o cease_v but_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n may_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n endue_v some_o with_o a_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n to_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come●_n and_o he_o mention_v some_o of_o our_o nation_n that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n in_o former_a time_n this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o most_o deceitful_a distinction_n and_o altogether_o without_o any_o real_a ground_n from_o scripture_n as_o if_o god_n will_v reveal_v himself_o to_o his_o church_n by_o immediate_a revelation_n as_o to_o thing_n of_o a_o lesser_a moment_n and_o not_o reveal_v himself_o theirunto_o as_o to_o thing_n of_o great_a yea_o of_o the_o great_a moment_n such_o as_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n are●_n but_o we_o plead_v not_o for_o any_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o new_a gospel_n truth_n not_o former_o reveal_v to_o other_o or_o not_o declare_v sufficient_o in_o the_o scripture_n but_o we_o say_v it_o can_v suffice_v unto_o we_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v immediate_o reveal_v unto_o other_o and_o from_o or_o by_o they_o at_o second_o hand_n declare_v or_o report_v of_o unto_o we_o but_o we_o need_v to_o have_v the_o same_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n especial_o such_o as_o belong_v to_o the_o inward_a testimony_n experience_n and_o feeling_n of_o life_n as_o immediate_o reveal_v unto_o we_o as_o they_o be_v unto_o they_o otherwise_o our_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n shall_v be_v mere_o humane_a traditional_a historical_a and_o but_o after_o the_o letter_n and_o although_o what_o belong_v to_o the_o historical_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o particular_o concern_v christ_n his_o outward_a comminginto_n the_o world_n his_o outward_a birth_n life_n suffering_n miracle_n death_n return_v to_o judgement_n be_v indeed_o make_v know_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o scripture_n testimony_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o bless_a ●●fe_n and_o spirit_n of_o christ_n jesus_n immediate_o reveal_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o the_o shine_a of_o his_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a light_n in_o our_o inward_a part_n that_o both_o incline_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o report_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a and_o also_o open_v our_o understanding_n to_o know_v and_o see_v unto_o the_o great_a and_o bless_a advantage_n of_o they_o and_o unto_o the_o spiritual_a intent_n and_o signification_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o the_o history_n itself_o section_n ii_o 1._o presbyterian_a teacher_n assume_v the_o title_n of_o master_n and_o yet_o give_v it_o not_o to_o the_o apostle_n 2._o s._n r._n his_o allege_a prophecy_n against_o those_o in_o aberdeen_n who_o separate_v from_o the_o national_n presbyterian_a church_n of_o no_o weight_n 3._o divers_a remarkable_a instance_n of_o s._n r._n his_o decline_v from_o that_o good_a condition_n he_o be_v once_o in_o and_o also_o from_o his_o own_o principle_n 4._o s._n r._n his_o prophecy_n inconsistent_a with_o the_o presbyterian_a doctrine_n of_o once_o in_o grace_n and_o ever_o in_o grace_n 5._o as_o also_o with_o his_o own_o judgement_n that_o some_o independent_o be_v gracious_a man_n but_o whereas_o this_o writer_n threaten_v we_o with_o a_o prophecy_n of_o this_o great_a seer_n who_o he_o call_v master_n rutherford_n but_o why_o shall_v he_o call_v he_o master_n rutherford_n see_v that_o i_o can_v not_o find_v that_o he_o or_o his_o brethren_n give_v this_o title_n of_o master_n to_o any_o of_o the_o prophet_n or_o apostle_n i_o wonder_v wherefore_o they_o be_v so_o angry_a at_o the_o title_n of_o lord_n bishop_n and_o yet_o so_o allow_v the_o title_n of_o mr._n unto_o their_o own_o teacher_n see_v christ_n do_v as_o express_o forbid_v the_o one_o as_o the_o other_o 2._o let_v we_o examine_v what_o weight_n be_v in_o that_o allege_a prophecy_n he_o tell_v they_o who_o have_v go_v from_o the_o presbyterian_a way_n towards_o the_o independent_o they_o will_v not_o stand_v or_o remain_v there_o and_o this_o say_v this_o post-scribe_n be_v fullfil_v for_o they_o be_v proceed_v now_o to_o join_v with_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n but_o if_o this_o be_v any_o prophecy_n it_o may_v be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o to_o this_o particular_a as_o be_v that_o of_o cajaphas_n the_o high_a priest_n who_o say_v it_o be_v expedient_a that_o one_o shall_v die_v for_o the_o people_n but_o he_o understand_v not_o his_o own_o prophecy_n so_o nor_o have_v s._n r._n for_o he_o mean_v that_o they_o will_v go_v into_o more_o error_n whereas_o the_o truth_n be_v they_o only_o be_v advance_v further_o into_o more_o clear_a discovery_n of_o truth_n suppose_v by_o he_o and_o his_o brethren_n to_o be_v error_n and_o that_o s._n r._n as_o to_o this_o particular_a be_v as_o blind_v and_o dark_a as_o cajaphas_n be_v as_o touch_v christ_n i_o have_v not_o the_o least_o question_n and_o indeed_o if_o we_o will_v consider_v the_o particular_a time_n wherein_o s._n r._n write_v this_o epistle_n to_o these_o well_o mean_v people_n in_o aberdeen_n it_o will_v much_o help_v to_o clear_v it_o unto_o the_o impartial_a how_o much_o he_o be_v then_o in_o the_o dark_a himself_o know_v therefore_o reader_n that_o when_o s._n r._n write_v this_o epistle_n to_o they_o in_o aberdeen_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o time_n that_o he_o have_v these_o fresh_a and_o lively_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n presence_n and_o power_n which_o he_o have_v former_o in_o his_o more_o pure_a time_n wherein_o he_o both_o experience_v and_o declare_v of_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o the_o spirit_n immediate_a teach_n as_o his_o epistle_n abundant_o witness_v and_o as_o i_o intend_v to_o show_v in_o its_o proper_a place_n but_o it_o be_v after_o he_o have_v in_o a_o manner_n altogether_o lose_v those_o bless_a enjoyment_n and_o be_v become_v exceed_o dark_a and_o barren_a which_o thing_n ●ay_v plain_o appear_v by_o the_o strain_n of_o his_o epistle_n write_v in_o his_o late_a year_n which_o to_o he_o that_o have_v the_o true_a spiritual_a discern_a and_o can_v savour_v word_n as_o the_o mouth_n savour_v meat_n do_v as_o far_o come_v short_a and_o faill_n as_o in_o respect_n of_o life_n of_o his_o epistle_n he_o write_v in_o his_o best_a time_n as_o a_o dark_a night_n fall_v short_a of_o a_o bright_a day_n or_o as_o a_o cold_a winter_n of_o a_o warm_a and_o fruitful_a summer_n but_o let_v we_o hear_v himself_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o inward_a condition_n in_o his_o late_a time_n in_o the_o 2._o part_n of_o his_o epistle_n ep._n 49._o he_o say_v but_o i_o be_o at_o a_o low_a ebb_n as_o to_o any_o sensible_a communion_n with_o christ_n yea_o as_o low_a as_o any_o soul_n can_v be_v and_o do_v scarce_o know_v where_o i_o be_o and_o do_v now_o make_v it_o a_o question_n if_o any_o can_v go_v to_o he_o who_o dwell_v in_o light_n inaccessible_a through_o nothing_o but_o darkness_n and_o a_o little_a after_o but_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v either_o this_o be_v the_o lord_n make_v grace_n a_o new_a creation_n where_o there_o be_v pure_a nothing_o and_o sinful_a nothing_o to_o work_v upon_o or_o i_o be_o go_v i_o shall_v count_v my_o soul_n engage_v to_o yourself_o and_o other_o there_o with_o you_o if_o you_o will_v but_o carry_v to_o christ_n for_o i_o a_o letter_n of_o cypher_n and_o nonsense_n for_o i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o make_v language_n of_o my_o condition_n only_o show_v that_o i_o have_v need_n of_o his_o love_n again_o in_o the_o 3._o part_n ep._n 56._o he_o say_v but_o for_o i_o i_o neither_o know_v what_o he_o be_v nor_o his_o son_n name_n nor_o where_o he_o dwell_v i_o hear_v a_o report_n of_o christ_n great_a enough_o and_o that_o be_v all_o o_o what_o be_v nearness_n to_o he_o and_o in_o this_o epistle_n he_o not_o only_o acknowledge_v his_o own_o great_a deadness_n and_o dryness_n but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o general_a thing_n over_o professor_n o_o say_v he_o where_o be_v the_o some_o time_n quicken_a breathe_n and_o influence_n from_o heaven_n that_o have_v refresh_v his_o hidden_a one_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o withdrawing_n be_v unknown_a to_o we_o yet_o afterward_o he_o point_v true_o at_o the_o cause_n

in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n will_v ready_o be_v quite_o spoil_v and_o they_o be_v necessitate_v to_o betake_v themselves_o to_o other_o calling_n to_o gain_v a_o livelihood_n to_o themselves_o and_o family_n see_v there_o will_v be_v no_o use_n for_o study_a sermon_n and_o their_o rhetorical_a con_v discourse_n by_o which_o they_o have_v labour_v to_o tickle_v the_o ear_n and_o please_v the_o fancy_n of_o their_o hearer_n and_o have_v do_v all_o their_o art_n or_o eloquence_n can_v to_o reach_v the_o natural_a affection_n of_o people_n but_o now_o the_o lord_n choose_v people_n that_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o true_a shepherd_n jesus_n christ_n have_v learned_a to_o know_v his_o voice_n from_o the_o voice_n of_o a_o stranger_n and_o to_o feel_v more_o of_o the_o true_a life_n of_o jesus_n christ_n raise_v up_o in_o their_o heart_n by_o a_o few_o word_n speak_v from_o that_o life_n though_o it_o be_v but_o in_o a_o homely_a way_n by_o a_o tradesman_n or_o a_o poor_a handmaid_n than_o ever_o they_o sensible_o feel_v by_o the_o most_o eloquent_a and_o mere_a artificial_a preacher_n that_o be_v stranger_n to_o this_o life_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v but_o little_a wonder_n though_o these_o man_n stretch_v forth_o and_o employ_v the_o most_o of_o their_o rhetoric_n and_o part_n to_o declare_v against_o we_o both_o in_o pulpit_n and_o print_n for_o they_o homologate_v that_o word_n which_o erasmus_n speak_v concern_v luther_n that_o it_o be_v a_o hardtask_v he_o have_v take_v in_o hand_n see_v the_o pope_n mi●re_n and_o the_o monk●_n bell_n stand_v in_o the_o way_n so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o lord_n witness_n in_o this_o day_n their_o work_n will_v be_v easy_a in_o promote_a the_o true_a reformation_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o people_n if_o the_o pride_n &_o greedyness_n of_o the_o clergy_n their_o esteem_n with_o &_o power_n over_o the_o people_n their_o stipend_n &_o set_a rent_n be_v not_o concern_v for_o they_o walk_v no_o further_o by_o scripture_n rule_v though_o they_o call_v it_o their_o only_a rule_n than_o the_o scripture_n do_v stand_v with_o their_o interest_n hence_o though_o there_o be_v no_o warrant_n to_o admit_v of_o any_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o true_a believer_n that_o know_v upon_o what_o ground_n they_o own_o the_o christian_a faith_n yet_o they_o will_v have_v all_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o nation_n whether_o they_o have_v any_o evidence_n of_o faith_n or_o not_o to_o be_v member_n of_o their_o church_n that_o their_o power_n may_v be_v of_o as_o large_a extent_n as_o that_o of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n yea_o without_o any_o scripture_n warrant_v they_o take_v infant_n to_o be_v member_n by_o sprinkle_v they_o &_o though_o they_o have_v no_o better_a warrant_n for_o join_v man_n and_o woman_n in_o marriage_n together_o than_o a_o popish_a canon_n yet_o such_o be_v their_o love_n to_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o all_o the_o concernment_n of_o the_o people_n that_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o instrument_n against_o which_o with_o many_o more_o of_o this_o nature_n we_o bear_v our_o testimony_n and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n they_o rage_v so_o much_o against_o we_o now_o there_o be_v no_o formal_a charge_n in_o all_o the_o say_v bitter_a postscript_n set_v down_o against_o we_o but_o that_o false_a one_o that_o we_o put_v a_o false_a christ_n in_o stead_n of_o the_o true_a jesus_n deny_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o second_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n &_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n to_o be_v the_o true_a christ_n alone_o etc._n etc._n as_o he_o go_v on_o in_o that_o pag_n 553._o without_o any_o proof_n it_o shall_v here_o suffice_v to_o say_v those_o thing_n be_v so_o full_o answer_v in_o this_o follow_a treatise_n and_o also_o in_o other_o book_n of_o our_o friend_n the_o lord_n know_v we_o be_v shameless_o traduce_v &_o slander_v in_o this_o matter_n as_o in_o most_o of_o other_o thing_n charge_v upon_o we_o by_o our_o adversary_n and_o it_o can_v not_o be_v but_o strange_a to_o i_o that_o any_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v christian_n or_o gospel-minister_n shall_v be_v so_o impudent_a or_o otherwise_o so_o gross_o ignorant_a if_o not_o malicious_a in_o their_o calumny_n see_v it_o have_v so_o often_o be_v publish_v both_o by_o word_n and_o writ_n and_o in_o print_n that_o we_o own_v no_o other_o saviour_n but_o jesus_n christ_n bear_v of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n and_o crucify_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o the_o lord_n people_n never_o have_v have_v or_o ever_o shall_v have_v remission_n of_o sin_n but_o through_o the_o meri●s_n and_o virtue_n of_o that_o precious_a blood_n and_o suffering_n which_o our_o lord_n jesus_n the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n do_v undergo_v and_o shed_v at_o jerusalem_n that_o he_o be_v true_a god_n and_o man_n yea_o what_o ever_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o truth_n do_v witness_v concern_v he_o that_o we_o dear_o own_o with_o our_o soul_n and_o heart_n avouch_v with_o a_o firm_a faith_n that_o the_o same_o christ_n have_v give_v a_o measure_n of_o light_n to_o every_o man_n joh._n 1_o 9_o tit._n 2_o 11._o which_o be_v of_o a_o divine_a supernatural_a substantial_a be_v a_o beam_n and_o ray_n of_o his_o bless_a spirit_n to_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n and_o duty_n sufficient_a to_o bring_v all_o man_n to_o salvation_n be_v join_v unto_o and_o right_o improven_v according_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o many_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o call_v he_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n and_o a_o light_n to_o enlighten_v the_o gentile_n the_o true_a light_n that_o enlighten_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v unto_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodlynesse_n and_o worldly_a lust_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o free_a gift_n which_o christ_n have_v purchase_v rom._n 5_o 18._o and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v take_v heed_n to_o and_o believe_v in_o as_o john_n 12_o 36._o for_o christ_n be_v give_v to_o be_v a_o leader_n to_o his_o people_n and_o have_v promise_v to_o be_v with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v by_o his_o spiritual_a and_o inward_a appearance_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o because_o we_o bear_v our_o testimony_n to_o this_o appearance_n of_o christ_n in_o we_o shall_v we_o be_v therefore_o thus_o malicious_o traduce_v by_o such_o prejudicate_v man_n i_o shall_v wish_v no_o worse_o to_o he_o or_o they_o but_o the_o lord_n forgive_v they_o and_o open_v their_o eye_n see_v i_o know_v some_o that_o have_v be_v little_a inferior_a to_o they_o in_o prejudice_n in_o a_o day_n to_o who_o god_n have_v show_v mercy_n and_o therefore_o my_o bowel_n be_v move_v for_o such_o this_o man_n also_o charge_v we_o that_o we_o be_v great_a enemy_n to_o none_o then_o to_o the_o faithful_a minister_n and_o eminent_a labourer_n in_o the_o gospel_n as_o he_o do_v expatiate_v at_o large_a in_o the_o begin_n of_o that_o page_n 556_o in_o the_o postscript_n to_o which_o i_o reply_v pass_v by_o his_o ungodly_a and_o unchristian_a expression_n and_o epithet_n that_o we_o have_v ever_o have_v a_o reverend_a esteem_n of_o all_o faithful_a minister_n that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n have_v endeavour_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n though_o in_o many_o thing_n short_a of_o these_o bless_a discovery_n god_n have_v manifest_v to_o we_o and_o we_o do_v remember_v they_o that_o be_v such_o with_o that_o due_a respect_n that_o become_v as_o have_v be_v faithful_a according_a to_o their_o measure_n in_o their_o day_n and_o be_v bless_v to_o be_v instrument_n in_o god_n hand_n to_o the_o good_a of_o many_o that_o in_o singlness_n and_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n do_v hear_v they_o but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o any_o christian_n to_o stand_v still_o and_o shut_v out_o any_o further_a discovery_n than_o they_o attain_v unto_o for_o as_o all_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o apostasy_n come_v not_o at_o once_o nor_o with_o the_o first_o or_o second_o trumpet_n rev._n 8._o so_o neither_o be_v the_o reformation_n to_o be_v complete_v by_o the_o first_o or_o second_o vial_n rev._n 16._o and_o therefore_o though_o they_o study_v sermon_n yet_o many_o of_o they_o at_o time_n speak_v as_o the_o lord_n give_v it_o they_o witness_n john_n knox_n who_o tell_v the_o queen_n of_o scotland_n when_o she_o be_v threaten_v he_o as_o alexander_n petry_n in_o his_o history_n of_o the_o kirk_n sheweth_z pag._n 236._o that_o in_o the_o preach_a place_n he_o be_v not_o master_n of_o his_o own_o tongue_n but_o behove_v to_o speak_v as_o god_n commmand_v he_o etc._n etc._n so_o many_o good_a man_n after_o the_o reformation_n from_o popery_n can_v be_v

instance_a who_o have_v bear_v testimony_n against_o study_a sermon_n and_o lean_v to_o their_o note_n and_o limit_v the_o holy_a spirit_n i_o shall_v for_o this_o give_v but_o one_o clear_a instance_n among_o the_o first_o reformer_n for_o all_o franciscus_n lambertus_n avinionensis_fw-la in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr literâ_fw-la &_o spiritu_fw-la 5_o tractat._v fol._n 84._o print_a 1526._o his_o word_n be_v these_o summè_fw-la autem_fw-la de_fw-la vita_fw-la ne_fw-la sequaris_fw-la morem_fw-la hypocritarum_fw-la qui_fw-la ferme_fw-fr de_fw-fr verbo_fw-la ad_fw-la verbum_fw-la quicquid_fw-la dicturi_fw-la sunt_fw-la scripserunt_fw-la &_o quasi_fw-la recitaturi_fw-la aliquot_fw-la versus_fw-la in_o the_o atro_fw-la cum_fw-la tragoedis_fw-la totam_fw-la concionem_fw-la didicerunt_fw-la &_o postea_fw-la cum_fw-la sunt_fw-la in_o prophetandi_fw-la loco_fw-la or_o ant_n dominum_fw-la ut_fw-la linguam_fw-la eorum_fw-la dirigat_fw-la sed_fw-la interim_n claudentes_fw-la viam_fw-la spiritui_fw-la sancto_fw-la definiunt_fw-la se_fw-la nihildicturos_fw-la praeter_fw-la id_fw-la quod_fw-la scripserunt_fw-la o_o infelix_fw-la prophetarum_fw-la genus_fw-la imò_fw-la veer_fw-la maledictum_fw-la quod_fw-la à_fw-la suis_fw-la scriptis_fw-la aut_fw-la meditatione_n non_fw-la à_fw-la dei_fw-la spiritu_fw-la pendet_fw-la quid_fw-la pseudo-propheta_a or_o as_o dominium_fw-la ut_fw-la spiritum_fw-la det_fw-la quo_fw-la loquaris_fw-la utilia_fw-la &_o interim_n spiritum_fw-la repellis_fw-la cur_n praefer_v tuam_fw-la meditationem_fw-la aut_fw-la studium_fw-la spiritui_fw-la dei_fw-la alioqui_fw-la cur_n ipsi_fw-la spiritui_fw-la non_fw-la te_fw-la committis_fw-la fol._n 85._o he_o add_v sed_fw-la tu_fw-la quisquis_fw-la es_fw-la si_fw-la verè_fw-la propheta_fw-la dei_fw-la es_fw-la docebit_fw-la te_fw-la spiritus_fw-la domini_fw-la quod_fw-la sanè_fw-la prophet_n which_o english_v be_v thus_o but_o chief_o be_v thou_o aware_a that_o thoru_o follow_v not_o the_o way_n of_o hypocrite_n that_o have_v write_v down_o almost_o word_n by_o word_n whatever_o they_o be_v to_o declare_v and_o even_o as_o stage-player_n that_o be_v to_o repeat_v some_o verse_n upon_o a_o theatre_n they_o have_v learn_v and_o get_v by_o heart_n their_o whole_a sermon_n and_o when_o they_o be_v in_o their_o pulpit_n pray_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v order_v or_o direct_v their_o tongue_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n shut_v up_o the_o way_n to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n determine_v to_o say_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o they_o have_v write_v o_o unhappy_a kind_n of_o preacher_n yea_o real_o accurse_v that_o depend_v upon_o their_o own_o write_n or_o meditation_n and_o not_o upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n thou_o false_a prophet_n why_o pray_v thou_o to_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o will_v give_v thou_o his_o spirit_n by_o who_o assistance_n thou_o may_v preach_v profitable_o and_o yet_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n rejecte_v the_o spirit_n why_o prefer_v thou_o thy_o meditation_n or_o study_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n otherwise_o why_o do_v thou_o not_o give_v up_o thyself_o to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o thou_o whoever_o thou_o be_v if_o thou_o be_v a_o true_a prophet_n of_o god_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v teach_v thou_o what_o thou_o ought_v safe_o to_o preach_v i_o have_v set_v down_o this_o at_o large_a that_o all_o sober_a people_n may_v observe_v whether_o the_o national_a preacher_n or_o these_o call●d_n in_o derision_n quake●s_n be_v in_o great_a unity_n with_o the_o fi●st_a reformer_n to_o this_o purpose_n i_o may_v add_v that_o of_o calvin_n against_o the_o papist_n in_o his_o i●stitut_n lib._n 3_o cap._n 2._o sect_n 39_o and_o several_a other_o godly_a man_n since_o his_o time_n which_o for_o brevity_n i_o omit_v but_o see_v god_n have_v promise_v a_o complete_a deliverance_n from_o babylon_n and_o all_o anti-christian_n idolatry_n and_o superstition_n it_o be_v sad_a that_o they_o who_o profess_v to_o pray_v for_o it_o and_o expect_v it_o shall_v oppose_v it_o because_o it_o come_v not_o in_o that_o way_n and_o manner_n as_o they_o desi●e_v it_o thus_o that_o in_o isaiah_n 53_o 1_o 2_o 3._o which_o be_v speak_v of_o christ_n come_v in_o the_o flesh_n outward_o be_v fulfil_v at_o this_o time_n in_o his_o inward_a appearance_n for_o it_o be_v say_v he_o shall_v grow_v up_o before_o he_o as_o a_o tender_a plant_n and_o root_n out_o of_o a_o dry_a ground_n have_v no_o form_n nor_o comeliness_n when_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o there_o be_v no_o beauty_n that_o we_o shall_v desire_v he_o he_o be_v despise_v and_o reject_v of_o man_n etc._n etc._n because_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v reveal_v to_o these_o despise_a people_n call_v quaker_n be_v not_o come_v out_o with_o the_o authority_n which_o a_o general_a assembly_n etc._n etc._n have_v and_o they_o be_v a_o ridiculous_a people_n in_o the_o carnal_a eye_n therefore_o they_o be_v all_o stigmatise_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n as_o blasphemy_n and_o heresy_n and_o so_o can_v not_o be_v receive_v by_o many_o who_o have_v be_v educate_v and_o bring_v up_o other_o way_n even_o as_o christ_n say_v luk_n 5_o 39_o no_o man_n have_v drink_v old_a wine_n straightway_o desire_v new_a for_o he_o say_v the_o old_a be_v better_a and_o as_o upon_o this_o account_n many_o reject_v christ_n and_o his_o doctrine_n that_o be_v educate_v under_o the_o moysaicall_a ceremony_n so_o many_o now_o adays_o reject_v we_o and_o our_o testimony_n because_o we_o be_v not_o a_o people_n in_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o this_o world_n and_o bring_v new_a thing_n as_o to_o the_o world_n observation_n which_o agree_v not_o with_o their_o education_n and_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o account_n and_o the_o like_a that_o we_o have_v be_v misrepresent_v by_o many_o as_o the_o most_o odious_a and_o abominable_a people_n that_o ever_o appear_v but_o god_n will_n vindicat_fw-la his_o own_a truth_n in_o his_o own_o good_a time_n and_o wipe_v away_o our_o reproach_n and_o get_v we_o praise_v and_o fame_n in_o every_o land_n where_o we_o have_v be_v shameful_o use_v zeph._n 3_o 19_o and_o in_o the_o live_a hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o the_o lord_n glorious_a and_o gracious_a appearance_n for_o we_o we_o be_v content_a to_o suffer_v and_o bear_v the_o most_o ignominious_a and_o disgraceful_a epithet_n and_o character_n this_o author_n with_o many_o of_o his_o brethren_n have_v put_v upon_o we_o such_o as_o his_o call_a quakerism_n a_o abyss_n of_o all_o abomination_n satan_n slime_n and_o the_o botch_n of_o bell_n pure_a devilism_n monstrous_a brood_n swallow_v down_o the_o dung_n of_o all_o desperate_a and_o soul-destroying_a heresy_n hatch_v in_o hell_n by_o the_o father_n of_o falsehood_n and_o ●yes_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v any_o of_o these_o heresy_v most_o dreadful_a and_o damnable_a that_o be_v to_o they_o their_o darling_n a_o piece_n of_o the_o black_a art_n peculiar_a to_o that_o tribe_n dish_v up_o the_o dung_n of_o hell_n the_o stink_n of_o hell_n blasphemy_n against_o god_n christ_n his_o spirit_n his_o word_n etc._n etc._n a_o most_o odious_a vermin_n of_o black_a locust_n that_o ever_o crooked_a upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o sound_n of_o their_o blasphemous_a belching_n be_v to_o be_v flee_v as_o the_o very_a sibilation_n of_o the_o old_a serpent_n doctrine_n of_o devil_n as_o if_o in_o this_o one_o shape_n and_o size_n of_o enemy_n to_o the_o gospel_n be_v gather_v together_o and_o cement_v all_o the_o several_a party_n that_o ever_o abaddon_n and_o apollyon_n command_v in_o his_o several_a expedition_n against_o the_o prince_n michaël_n matter_n void_a of_o the_o whole_a gospel_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o of_o all_o that_o bless_a contrivance_n of_o salvation_n by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o a_o slay_a saviour_n satan_n sole_a trustee_n and_o his_o only_a janizary_n with_o a_o multitud_n of_o such_o like_a character_n which_o be_v tedious_a here_o to_o relat_n against_o which_o i_o shall_v take_v up_o no_o rail_a accusation_n but_o as_o the_o angel_n rebuke_v the_o devil_n the_o lord_n rebuke_v thou_o satan_n it_o be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o sober_a people_n in_o this_o city_n and_o country_n that_o i_o write_v this_o upon_o the_o first_o sight_n of_o this_o postscript_n which_o be_v in_o the_o 4_o month_n call_v jun_n last_o 1676._o and_o now_o see_v my_o dear_a friend_n g._n k._n have_v since_o answer_v it_o more_o large_o and_o have_v discover_v the_o folly_n malice_n mistake_n and_o partiality_n of_o the_o author_n i_o have_v yield_v to_o let_v it_o be_v set_v down_o as_o a_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n as_o my_o testimony_n to_o the_o precious_a truth_n which_o the_o lord_n be_v manifest_v in_o this_o day_n wherein_o he_o be_v about_o to_o discover_v the_o heel_n and_o make_v bare_a the_o skirt_n of_o all_o that_o have_v transgress_v by_o their_o iniquity_n jer._n 13_o 22._o and_o if_o g._n k._n in_o this_o follow_a answer_n have_v deal_v more_o plain_o than_o will_v be_v please_v to_o the_o author_n of_o this_o

saint_n be_v not_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o misjudging_a in_o he_o there_o be_v much_o in_o we_o and_o a_o doubt_v it_o be_v if_o we_o shall_v have_v full_o one_o heart_n till_o we_o have_v one_o heaven_n our_o starlight_n hide_v we_o from_o ourselves_o and_o hide_v we_o one_o from_o another_o and_o christ_n from_o we_o all_o but_o he_o will_v not_o be_v hide_v from_o we_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n to_o i_o that_o s._n r._n find_v it_o so_o dark_a a_o time_n to_o he_o when_o he_o write_v this_o for_o he_o be_v then_o at_o london_n carry_v on_o that_o dark_a work_n the_o westminster_z confession_n and_o catechism_n which_o cry_v down_o all_o new_a revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o cry_v up_o sin_n for_o term_n of_o life_n and_o in_o that_o large_a description_n they_o give_v of_o god_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o christ_n they_o altogether_o omit_v these_o two_o most_o excellent_a and_o significative_a that_o god_n be_v light_a and_o in_o he_o be_v no_o darkness_n at_o all_o and_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o true_a light_n that_o enlighten_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n it_o seem_v very_o the_o true_a light_n have_v small_a place_n in_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o do_v so_o altogether_o forget_v it_o however_o it_o be_v well_o that_o s._n r._n confess_v there_o be_v much_o misjudging_a in_o himself_o and_o his_o bretbren_n it_o be_v possible_a then_o that_o he_o misjudge_v these_o sober_a people_n at_o aberdeen_n as_o they_o well_o know_v he_o do_v for_o whereas_o he_o threaten_v that_o if_o they_o do_v forsake_v the_o national_a presbyterian_a church_n christ_n will_v forsake_v they_o but_o s._n r._n be_v not_o christ_n nor_o be_v all_o his_o say_n christ_n these_o people_n have_v find_v more_o of_o christ_n since_o that_o time_n then_o before_o and_o they_o may_v on_o good_a ground_n better_o believe_v their_o own_o experience_n than_o his_o rash_a uncharitable_a judge_n i_o write_v not_o these_o thing_n in_o the_o least_o out_o of_o prejudice_n to_o s._n r._n his_o memory_n or_o as_o if_o i_o do_v conclude_v that_o he_o have_v not_o find_v mercy_n with_o the_o lord_n god_n forbid_v i_o shall_v harbour_v any_o such_o uncharitable_a thought_n only_o because_o the_o author_n of_o the_o postscript_n bring_v in_o his_o testimony_n against_o those_o people_n at_o aberdeen_n and_o lay_v such_o weight_n upon_o it_o i_o find_v myself_o more_o concern_v in_o the_o love_n and_o zeal_n of_o god_n to_o take_v some_o pain_n to_o remove_v this_o stumble_a block_n out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o the_o simple_a as_o because_o such_o a_o good_a man_n as_o s._n r._n judge_v so_o of_o such_o a_o people_n and_o of_o such_o a_o way_n therefore_o it_o be_v bad_a which_o yet_o will_v have_v no_o more_o weight_n with_o those_o that_o be_v true_o judicious_a then_o when_o the_o papist_n tell_v we_o of_o their_o eminent_a saint_n who_o have_v such_o holy_a life_n and_o witness_v so_o much_o of_o spiritual_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o yet_o oppose_v the_o waldenses_n as_o great_a heretic_n and_o cry_v up_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o the_o only_a true_a church_n will_v have_v weight_n with_o we_o either_o to_o believe_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o and_o i_o do_v not_o question_v it_o but_o bernard_n who_o live_v in_o the_o dark_a time_n of_o popery_n be_v as_o holy_a a_o man_n and_o have_v as_o much_o or_o rather_o more_o spiritual_a experience_n as_o s._n r._n as_o his_o write_n do_v declare_v to_o any_o who_o have_v the_o true_a spiritual_a discern_a and_o shall_v compare_v bernard_n with_o those_o of_o s._n r._n and_o yet_o the_o same_o bernard_n be_v a_o most_o vehement_a opposer_n of_o the_o waldenses_n who_o be_v a_o good_a people_n and_o bear_v a_o true_a and_o faithful_a testimony_n in_o their_o day_n according_a to_o the_o discovery_n give_v they_o of_o god_n against_o the_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n 4._o but_o before_o i_o leave_v this_o particular_a i_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o another_o thing_n that_o will_v serve_v not_o a_o little_a to_o discover_v how_o weak_a s._n r._n his_o authority_n be_v as_o to_o his_o peremptory_a conclusion_n he_o make_v concern_v those_o few_o sober_a people_n at_o aberdeen_n which_o be_v no_o less_o than_o this_o that_o if_o they_o do_v forsake_v the_o national_n church_n christ_n will_v forsake_v they_o which_o threaten_v the_o author_n of_o the_o postscript_n look_v upon_o to_o be_v a_o divine_a prediction_n confirm_v by_o their_o since_o turn_v to_o quakeri●in_v which_o he_o call_v the_o abyss_n of_o all_o abomination_n but_o i_o ask_v this_o author_n of_o the_o postscript_n can_v any_o divine_a prediction_n contradict_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n if_o he_o say_v nay_o than_o i_o query_n again_o be_v it_o not_o a_o article_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a faith_n that_o none_o true_o gracious_a in_o the_o least_o measure_n can_v total_o fall_v away_o from_o grace_n or_o be_v total_o forsake_v of_o god_n this_o be_v their_o express_a doctrine_n whereupon_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o none_o true_o gracious_a can_v fall_v into_o quakerism_n which_o he_o call_v the_o abyss_n of_o all_o abomination_n the_o ●otch_n of_o hell_n yea_o pure_a hellism_n and_o devilism_n again_o see_v their_o fall_n into_o independency_n be_v the_o sin_n that_o provoke_v god_n as_o this_o author_n will_v have_v it_o to_o suffer_v they_o to_o fall_v thus_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o according_a to_o s._n r._n none_o true_o gracious_a can_v turn_v independent_a see_v to_o turn_v independent_a be_v to_o be_v forsake_v of_o christ_n as_o he_o do_v positive_o threaten_v in_o his_o letter_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o same_o letter_n he_o tell_v they_o of_o their_o work_n of_o faith_n and_o labour_n of_o love_n and_o patience_n of_o hop●_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n as_o also_o he_o tell_v they_o of_o their_o be_v seal_v unto_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n by_o the_o hear_n of_o faith_n all_o which_o plain_o import_v their_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o if_o either_o he_o or_o the_o author_n of_o the_o postscript_n think_v that_o after_o all_o this_o they_o can_v fall_v away_o so_o as_o to_o be_v forsake_v of_o christ_n they_o contradict_v their_o own_o principle_n if_o he_o reply_v that_o s._n r._n judge_v they_o to_o be_v saint_n only_o in_o a_o judgement_n of_o charity_n i_o answer_v by_o inquire_v whether_o this_o his_o judgement_n of_o charity_n be_v true_a or_o false_a from_o his_o own_o spirit_n or_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o there_o be_v no_o midst_n if_o he_o say_v it_o be_v false_a and_o from_o his_o own_o spirit_n and_o not_o fro●_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n then_o sure_o these_o people_n who_o he_o so_o threaten_v have_v no_o cause_n to_o fear_v or_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o prophet_n or_o divine_o inspire_v in_o the_o write_n of_o this_o letter_n see_v he_o begin_v with_o a_o false_a judgement_n that_o be_v confess_v to_o be_v from_o his_o own_o spirit_n and_o not_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o see_v the_o author_n of_o the_o postscript_n will_v allow_v he_o to_o have_v be_v great_o mistake_v in_o his_o judge_v they_o to_o be_v saint_n we_o may_v with_o as_o much_o ground_n in_o all_o reason_n judge_v he_o to_o be_v mistake_v when_o he_o do_v so_o threaten_v they_o that_o christ_n will_v forsake_v they_o but_o if_o they_o never_o have_v christ_n how_o can_v he_o forsake_v they_o 5._o we_o need_v not_o fear_v such_o prediction_n as_o carry_v in_o their_o bosom_n flat_a contradiction_n but_o s._n r._n do_v not_o think_v independency_n inconsistent_a with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n for_o ep_n 53_o part_n 3._o he_o give_v a_o express_a testimony_n of_o some_o independent_o particular_o thomas_z godwyn_n jeremiah_n burrough_n that_o they_o be_v gracious_a man_n so_o he_o tell_v that_o he_o conceive_v of_o they_o which_o abundant_o prove_v he_o think_v man_n may_v be_v true_o gracious_a and_o yet_o independent_o and_o mighty_a opposite_n to_o presbyterial_a government_n as_o his_o word_n in_o that_o epistle_n show_v section_n iii_o 1._o the_o presbyterian_a reformation_n not_o a_o matter_n to_o make_v so_o great_a a_o boast_n of_o as_o the_o author_n do_v 2._o that_o s._n r._n say_v in_o presbytry_n the_o letter_n only_o be_v reform_v and_o scarce_o that_o and_o that_o god_n will_v not_o build_v his_o zion_n on_o that_o skin_n of_o reformation_n 3._o many_o thousand_o of_o the_o presbyterian_a church_n not_o fit_a to_o be_v member_n of_o a_o well_o order_v humane_a society_n 4._o a_o precious_a life_n stir_v among_o many_o presbyterian_o especial_o in_o the_o west_n 40_o year_n ago_o and_o upward_o 5._o the_o presbyterian_o do_v not_o go_v forward_o

print_n before_o his_o death_n some_o year_n that_o god_n have_v forsake_v their_o national_n church_n and_o be_v not_o like_a to_o return_v to_o she_o again_o and_o he_o answer_v all_o the_o common_a reason_n from_o sciptur_fw-la or_o the_o covenant_n that_o seem_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v return_v unto_o they_o and_o plain_o show_v the_o weakness_n and_o invalidity_n of_o they_o the_o book_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o many_o which_o i_o have_v read_v and_o i_o have_v it_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o honest_a faithful_a man_n that_o he_o hear_v john_n livingston_n say_v in_o prayer_n lord_n since_o dumbar_n thou_o have_v spit_v in_o our_o face_n and_o since_o that_o never_o look_v over_o thy_o shoulder_n to_o we_o again_o this_o be_v he_o who_o the_o author_n of_o the_o postscript_n call_v that_o great_a man_n of_o god_n and_o this_o prayer_n he_o have_v in_o a_o certain_a family_n in_o aberdeen_n and_o this_o be_v that_o church_n that_o be_v such_o a_o apostate_n and_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v so_o forsake_v by_o the_o confession_n of_o their_o chief_a seer_n and_o who_o indeed_o be_v never_o a_o true_a gospel_n church_n that_o we_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n have_v forsake_v and_o we_o be_v resolve_v by_o god_n grace_n never_o to_o return_v unto_o she_o for_o the_o lord_n have_v say_v unto_o we_o let_v they_o come_v unto_o you_o but_o go_v not_o you_o unto_o they_o the_o lord_n have_v add_v divers_a who_o be_v among_o they_o and_o under_o that_o profession_n unto_o we_o and_o will_v add_v many_o more_o yea_o thousand_o in_o due_a time_n for_o the_o lord_n have_v a_o precious_a seed_n to_o gather_v out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o there_o be_v many_o among_o they_o i_o know_v who_o have_v true_a breathe_n after_o the_o lord_n and_o these_o in_o due_a time_n the_o lord_n will_v regard_v and_o bring_v they_o to_o his_o zion_n which_o he_o have_v begin_v to_o build_v in_o great_a glory_n even_o in_o and_o among_o the_o people_n call_v in_o scorn_n quaker_n section_n v._n 1._o what_o be_v say_v against_o the_o presbyterian_a church_n in_o general_n as_o national_a and_o as_o be_v so_o guilty_a of_o persecution_n and_o blood_n be_v not_o understand_v of_o all_o that_o go_v under_o that_o name_n many_o among_o they_o be_v free_a of_o such_o crime_n and_o of_o a_o more_o sober_a spirit_n and_o principle_n 2._o a_o apology_n why_o i_o frequent_o use_v the_o word_n presbyterian_a 3_o presbytery_n too_o good_a a_o name_n for_o they_o unless_o with_o this_o addition_n pseudo-presbytery_n that_o be_v presbytery_n false_o so_o call_v 4._o the_o presbyterian_a church_n guilty_a of_o deny_v the_o true_a christ_n who_o will_v exclud_v he_o out_o of_o the_o very_a saint_n 5._o the_o presbyterian_a church_n a_o foolish_a builder_n and_o guilty_a of_o very_o bad_a and_o unchristian_a doctrine_n 6._o the_o presbyterian_a church_n although_o she_o pretend_v to_o be_v more_o for_o a_o spritual_a way_n of_o preach_v and_o worship_v than_o the_o papal_a or_o episcopal_n yet_o upon_o the_o matter_n she_o be_v not_o one_o jot_n more_o for_o the_o same_o than_o they_o be_v prove_v by_o divers_a instance_n 7._o two_o question_n put_v to_o the_o presbyterian_o 8._o a_o list_n of_o the_o revil_v false_a acousation_n and_o rail_a speech_n of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o postscript_n against_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n 9_o presbyterian_a teacher_n have_v not_o that_o credit_n now_o with_o many_o people_n as_o to_o make_v they_o believe_v whatever_o they_o say_v with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n as_o former_o they_o too_o much_o have_v 1._o and_o as_o to_o what_o i_o have_v say_v in_o general_a against_o the_o presbyterian_a church_n as_o national_n and_o as_o be_v so_o guilty_a of_o persecution_n and_o blood_n i_o understand_v it_o not_o of_o all_o that_o go_v under_o that_o name_n for_o i_o do_v believe_v many_o among_o they_o be_v altogether_o free_a of_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o such_o thing_n and_o be_v of_o a_o more_o sober_a spirit_n and_o of_o more_o sober_a principle_n but_o i_o understand_v it_o of_o a_o great_a faction_n and_o party_n of_o they_o that_o do_v most_o prevail_v and_o carry_v away_o many_o simple_a wel-meaning_n people_n along_o with_o they_o what_o by_o deceitful_a persuasion_n and_o what_o by_o fear_n and_o i_o know_v many_o that_o be_v so_o carry_v away_o be_v now_o come_v to_o see_v the_o evil_n of_o these_o practice_n and_o be_v resolve_v never_o to_o concur_v in_o or_o countenance_v the_o like_a of_o they_o again_o but_o especial_o the_o presbyterian_a clergy_n and_o priesthood_n have_v the_o main_a hand_n and_o stroke_n in_o these_o disorder_n and_o all_o to_o uphold_v their_o kingdom_n and_o gratify_v their_o lust_n and_o ambition_n 2._o and_o that_o i_o have_v so_o frequent_o use_v the_o word_n presbyterian_a or_o may_v afterward_o use_v it_o be_v only_o for_o distinction_n sake_n because_o i_o know_v not_o how_o otherwise_o to_o design_n they_o yet_o i_o be_o far_o from_o judge_v they_o to_o be_v true_a presbyterian_o or_o that_o their_o classical_a judicatory_n be_v true_a presbytery_n such_o as_o be_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o therefore_o presbytery_n be_v too_o good_a a_o name_n to_o give_v they_o unless_o with_o this_o addition_n pseudo-presbyter●_a that_o be_v to_o say_v presbytery_n false_o so_o call_v see_v they_o have_v so_o positive_o deny_v that_o which_o give_v the_o very_a life_n and_o be_v either_o to_o any_o true_a church_n or_o presbytery_n viz_o the_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o 〈◊〉_d teach_n and_o leading_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o every_o member_n so_o that_o as_o of_o old_a there_o be_v who_o call_v themselves_o jew_n and_o apostle_n and_o be_v not_o so_o these_o presbyterian_o call_v themselves_o true_a pre●●●●erys_n but_o be_v no_o more_o so_o than_o a_o dead_a image_n of_o a_o man_n be_v a_o true_a man_n and_o indeed_o who_o ever_o have_v a_o true_a knowledge_n of_o either_o the_o gospel_n or_o a_o true_a gospel_n church_n will_v see_v that_o with_o good_a reason_n and_o good_a ground_n we_o have_v forsake_v the_o presbyterian_a and_o national_n church_n and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o of_o her_o bad_a practice_n but_o also_o for_o her_o bad_a antichristian_a and_o unsound_a doctrine_n in_o many_o thing_n she_o deny_v the_o real_a in-being_a and_o revelation_n of_o jes●●_n christ_n in_o any_o of_o her_o member_n or_o indeed_o in_o any_o man_n in_o those_o day_n 4._o and_o although_o she_o false_o accuse_v we_o as_o deny_v the_o true_a christ_n yet_o i_o hope_v to_o make_v it_o apparent_a that_o she_o and_o not_o we_o be_v the_o denier_n of_o he_o who_o will_v exclud_v he_o out_o of_o the_o very_a saint_n and_o altogether_o confine_v he_o to_o some_o particular_a place_n but_o this_o i_o intend_v to_o reserve_v till_o afterward_o 5._o also_o she_o discover_v herself_o to_o be_v a_o very_a foolish_a builder_n who_o make_v her_o foundation_n so_o narrow_a and_o her_o build_n so_o wide_o for_o no_o less_o than_o the_o whole_a nation_n she_o will_v take_v into_o her_o build_n yea_o all_o nation_n if_o she_o can_v and_o yet_o the_o true_a and_o save_a power_n and_o grace_n of_o christ_n jesus_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o church_n she_o ●ill_v only_o have_v it_o extend_v but_o to_o a_o small_a number_n of_o ●er_n member_n and_o that_o the_o great_a part_n have_v neither_o ●eceived_v this_o grace_n nor_o ever_o shall_v but_o be_v exclude_v inevitable_o from_o it_o without_o their_o own_o consent_n ●y_a god_n absolute_a decree_n that_o bar_v they_o out_o from_o 〈◊〉_d possibility_n of_o salvation_n before_o they_o ever_o come_v 〈◊〉_d the_o world_n sure_o this_o be_v too_o narrow_a a_o foundaion_n for_o so_o wide_a a_o build_n and_o it_o be_v but_o a_o small_a ●avour_n to_o so_o many_o thousand_o of_o her_o member_n than_o ●hey_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o under_o any_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n yea_o it_o seem_v they_o be_v rather_o the_o worse_a than_o the_o better_a for_o be_v her_o church_n member_n see_v to_o the_o boot_n they_o shall_v be_v more_o guilty_a of_o condemnation_n than_o the_o heathen_a who_o never_o hear_v the_o gospel_n outward_o preach_v and_o yet_o neve●_n a_o whit_n the_o more_o near_o unto_o salvation_n these_o ar●_n sad_a tiding_n she_o preach_v to_o her_o church_n member_n again_o her_o most_o eminent_a saint_n she_o leave_v the●_n still_o in_o the_o dirt_n and_o mire_n of_o sin_n for_o term_v of_o life_n and_o tell_v they_o they_o can_v never_o be_v free_a from_o sin_n i●_n this_o life_n but_o sin_n and_o can_v not_o but_o sin_n daily_o in_o thought_n word_n and_o deed_n sure_o such_o un-christian_a doctrine_n with_o many_o more_o can_v be_v name_v a_o ground_n enough_o for_o any_o man_n who_o

the_o judgement_n and_o pass_v natural_a understanding_n whence_o we_o feel_v we_o taste_v we_o enjoy_v yea_o his_o voice_n be_v hear_v in_o the_o soul_n which_o we_o sure_o know_v to_o be_v he_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a testimony_n to_o inmedtat_v revelation_n which_o be_v our_o main_a principle_n and_o be_v so_o great_o oppose_v in_o this_o day_n by_o presbyterian_o as_o much_o as_o other_o again_o pag._n 229._o he_o speak_v of_o a_o immediate_a teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o a_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n that_o can_v witness_v in_o many_o young_a one_o ere_o they_o can_v well_o speak_v or_o exercise_v reason_n the_o power_n of_o religion_n again_o pag._n 120._o speak_v of_o prayer_n he_o say_v it_o may_v seem_v strange_a how_o easy_o we_o can_v step_v out_o from_o the_o world_n and_o the_o noise_n thereof_o in_o before_o the_o lord_n without_o the_o least_o pause_n or_o time_n interveening_a 26._o and_o again_o he_o say_v alas_o it_o be_v sad_a this_o seem_v rather_o a_o piece_n of_o invention_n many_o time_n than_o a_o matter_n of_o earnest_n with_o the_o lord_n ●_o to_o what_o a_o class_n can_v such_o a_o piece_n of_o atheism_n be_v reduce_v as_o appear_v say_v he_o in_o our_o near_a approach_n unto_o god_n 27._o and_o last_o as_o concern_v preach_v he_o commend_v it_o in_o the_o say_v robert_n bruce_n that_o at_o a_o certain_a time_n wrestle_v earnest_o with_o the_o lord_n by_o prayer_n before_o he_o come_v into_o the_o assembly_n he_o be_v hear_v say_v in_o his_o prayer_n unto_o the_o lord_n i_o protest_v i_o will_v not_o go_v except_o thou_o go_v with_o i_o how_o far_o be_v the_o presbyterian_a teacher_n now_o go_v from_o this_o that_o say_v grace_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o plead_v both_o for_o preach_v and_o pray_v without_o the_o spirit_n and_o after_o that_o be_v go_v forth_o and_o preach_v in_o such_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o by_o the_o shine_a of_o his_o face_n &_o that_o shower_n of_o divine_a influence_n that_o the_o word_n speak_v be_v accompany_v with_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o the_o hearer_n to_o perceive_v that_o he_o have_v be_v in_o the_o mount_n with_o god_n and_o that_o he_o have_v indeed_o bring_v that_o god_n who_o he_o have_v meet_v with_o in_o private_a into_o his_o mother_n house_n and_o into_o the_o chamber_n of_o she_o that_o conceive_v he_o pag._n 444._o 28._o these_o and_o many_o other_o passage_n in_o that_o book_n can_v not_o but_o force_v a_o acknowledgement_n from_o any_o that_o read_v it_o &_o be_v ingenuous_a that_o it_o do_v great_o commend_v and_o justify_v that_o which_o presbyterian_o know_v great_o condemn_v under_o the_o termeof_o qvakerism_n finis_fw-la a_o postscript_n to_o my_o belove_a relation_n friend_n and_o acquaintance_n in_o the_o shire_n and_o city_n of_o aberdeen_n alexander_n skein_n wish_v all_o happiness_n and_o the_o sound_n and_o save_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n it_o be_v no_o small_a matter_n of_o regrete_a that_o so_o many_o person_n of_o all_o rank_n and_o condition_n be_v so_o little_o concern_v with_o the_o public_a work_n of_o god_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o kingdom_n at_o this_o time_n if_o their_o own_o affair_n go_v well_o they_o matter_n little_a how_o it_o go_v with_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o great_a ground_n of_o the_o prophet_n complaint_n jer._n 5._o 1._o that_o there_o be_v none_o that_o seek_v the_o truth_n or_o be_v valiant_a for_o the_o truth_n on_o earth_n jer._n 9_o 3._o this_o be_v not_o only_o the_o guilt_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o nation_n but_o also_o the_o sin_n of_o these_o that_o pretend_v to_o a_o piece_n of_o more_o seriousness_n but_o they_o shall_v know_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o the_o truth_n jer._n 5._o 3._o and_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o ●ath_v occasion_v great_a wrath_n upon_o a_o people_n and_o a_o hand_n from_o the_o lord_n ver_fw-la 3._o whereupon_o the_o prophet_n say_v ver_fw-la 4._o sure_o these_o be_v poor_a they_o be_v foolish_a for_o they_o know_v not_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n nor_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o god_n this_o very_a thing_n have_v with_o weight_n come_v near_o my_o heart_n when_o i_o have_v observe_v such_o a_o indifferency_n among_o many_o that_o they_o have_v be_v at_o little_a or_o no_o pain_n to_o search_v for_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n amid_o all_o the_o dispute_v and_o debat_n anent_o his_o truth_n in_o their_o day_n and_o be_v thus_o exercise_v the_o lord_n have_v in_o a_o measure_n manifest_v this_o to_o i_o that_o there_o be_v some_o special_a obstruction_n that_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n why_o people_n have_v not_o a_o desire_n to_o search_v after_o the_o truth_n 1._o one_o be_v that_o truth_n be_v most_o the_o object_n of_o reproach_n and_o scorn_n to_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o world_n &_o the_o owner_n of_o it_o be_v hate_v despise_a and_o persecute_v and_o upon_o this_o account_n many_o be_v content_a to_o be_v without_o the_o conviction_n of_o it_o yea_o to_o hearken_v rather_o to_o anything_o that_o may_v strengthen_v they_o to_o stand_v out_o against_o it_o then_o that_o which_o will_v incline_v they_o to_o come_v under_o subjection_n to_o the_o yoke_n thereof_o wherefore_o it_o be_v upon_o good_a ground_n that_o christ_n say_v if_o any_o man_n will_v be_v my_o disciple_n he_o must_v deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n daily_o and_o follow_v i_o this_o be_v a_o necessary_a condition_n and_o qualification_n of_o a_o disciple_n they_o may_v as_o well_o renounce_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n as_o refuse_v to_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n which_o be_v entail_v on_o all_o that_o will_v be_v follower_n of_o christ_n for_o if_o any_o love_n father_n or_o mother_n husband_n or_o wife_n house_n or_o land_n etc._n etc._n better_o than_o christ_n he_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o say_v christ_n there_o must_v be_v a_o complete_a resignation_n of_o all_o that_o be_v near_a and_o dear_a to_o we_o in_o the_o world_n if_o we_o mind_v to_o be_v real_a christian_n and_o to_o encourage_v all_o to_o make_v this_o choice_n there_o want_v not_o many_o sweet_a and_o precious_a promise_n of_o reward_n both_o in_o time_n and_o eternity_n though_o few_o believe_v they_o a_o 2._o obstruction_n be_v that_o people_n have_v a_o persuasion_n they_o may_v be_v eternal_o save_v whether_o they_o embrace_v the_o truth_n or_o not_o see_v it_o be_v acknowledge_v upon_o all_o hand_n that_o many_o have_v be_v save_v that_o have_v live_v and_o die_v in_o the_o same_o profession_n they_o stand_v in_o and_o upon_o this_o ground_n they_o suppose_v they_o need_v not_o embrace_v any_o thing_n that_o will_v disquiet_v their_o rest_n or_o interrupt_v their_o ease_n and_o render_v they_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o cross_n but_o if_o this_o have_v any_o weight_n in_o it_o it_o may_v have_v as_o well_o excuse_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n &_o unbelieving_a jew_n for_o refuse_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o teach_v they_o to_o forbear_v circumcision_n and_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n because_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o all_o the_o godly_a for_o many_o generation_n walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o profesion_n yea_o this_o may_v have_v excuse_v the_o papist_n at_o the_o reformation_n to_o have_v reject_v the_o light_a the_o lord_n hold_v forth_o to_o they_o because_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o sincere_a and_o single_a heart_a among_o they_o in_o precede_a generation_n be_v save_v but_o who_o among_o the_o protestant_n will_v say_v that_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o remain_v still_o in_o popery_n for_o have_v any_o of_o they_o that_o walk_v up_o right_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o mosaïcall_a ceremony_n be_v live_v when_o these_o thing_n become_v deadly_a and_o have_v oppose_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o repeal_v they_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v safe_a neither_o any_o profess_v popery_n that_o have_v occasion_n to_o embrace_v the_o light_n of_o reformation_n and_o yet_o in_o opposition_n to_o that_o light_n will_v needs_o continue_v to_o defend_v that_o idolatry_n &_o superstition_n &_o refuse_v to_o receive_v that_o light_n after_o these_o water_n be_v turn_v into_o blood_n rev._n 16._o 3._o so_o it_o be_v now_o though_o they_o believe_v that_o many_o good_a man_n that_o be_v faithful_a ●o_o what_o they_o know_v &_o walk_v upright_o according_a to_o their_o measure_n in_o former_a time_n yet_o if_o they_o shall_v upon_o that_o pretence_n presume_v to_o resist_v reject_v or_o refuse_v the_o light_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v further_o manifest_v at_o this_o day_n such_o can_v have_v any_o ground_n to_o expect_v salvation_n see_v jo●_a

because_o it_o be_v not_o deck_v with_o the_o trim_n and_o ornament_n of_o the_o whore_n i_o need_v not_o enlarge_v on_o this_o the_o application_n be_v so_o plain_a four_o education_n and_o breed_n in_o wrong_a gloss_n and_o mistake_n of_o scripture_n proof_n have_v be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o hindrance_n of_o the_o progress_n of_o truth_n or_o of_o its_o reception_n and_o for_o this_o let_v the_o many_o divers_a reason_n of_o the_o jew_n against_o christ_n in_o his_o descent_n doctrine_n and_o miracle_n be_v consider_v and_o man_n may_v then_o as_o in_o a_o glass_n see_v the_o image_n of_o that_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o opposition_n to_o truth_n in_o this_o day_n and_o for_o this_o i_o refer_v the_o sober_a inquirer_n after_o truth_n to_o isaac_n pennington_n his_o book_n call_v the_o outward_a jew_n a_o look_a glass_n for_o professor_n this_o be_v such_o a_o person_n that_o none_o acquaint_v with_o his_o write_n but_o will_v allow_v he_o a_o good_a character_n if_o he_o be_v not_o a_o prejudicate_v opposer_n 5._o another_o great_a obstruction_n which_o keep_v people_n from_o the_o search_n after_o truth_n be_v a_o light_n and_o 〈◊〉_d mind_n which_o predominat_n in_o the_o most_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n in_o the_o world_n this_o hinder_v truth_n in_o the_o very_a power_n and_o life_n of_o it_o and_o permit_v none_o to_o be_v serious_a in_o the_o search_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o the_o conviction_n of_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o truth_n that_o the_o lord_n call_v for_o only_a or_o that_o his_o faithful_a servant_n endeavour_v as_o if_o it_o be_v satisfaction_n to_o they_o to_o see_v many_o own_n it_o or_o profess_v the_o form_n thereof_o these_o be_v but_o at_o best_a like_o the_o stony_a or_o thorny_a ground_n that_o receive_v the_o seed_n with_o joy_n and_o yet_o in_o a_o day_n of_o the_o heat_n of_o persecution_n turn_v from_o it_o and_o so_o may_v become_v a_o discredit_n to_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v only_o these_o that_o labour_v not_o only_o 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when_o time_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o if_o they_o do_v mind_n the_o care_n of_o their_o precioussoule_n and_o consider_v their_o mortality_n how_o uncertain_a their_o time_n be_v and_o of_o what_o concernment_n it_o be_v to_o they_o to_o be_v true_o serious_a they_o will_v not_o make_v too_o light_a of_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n which_o concern_v their_o everlasting_a salvation_n but_o will_v find_v they_o of_o far_o great_a moment_n than_o these_o temporal_a pleasure_n profit_n and_o recreation_n wherewith_o they_o be_v so_o intentive_o take_v up_o wherefore_o my_o desire_n to_o all_o be_v that_o they_o will_v serious_o consider_v these_o few_o obstruction_n mention_v and_o apply_v their_o mind_n to_o search_v after_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o beware_v to_o take_v matter_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n upon_o trust_n from_o any_o man_n or_o company_n of_o man_n but_o impartial_o weigh_v and_o ponder_v by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o their_o own_o heart_n what_o be_v truth_n and_o what_o be_v error_n by_o what_o doctrine_n the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n will_v be_v most_o esteem_v and_o the_o pride_n of_o man_n most_o abase_v beware_v of_o a_o implicit_a faith_n for_o t●e_v just_a shall_v live_v by_o his_o faith_n hab._n 2._o 4._o and_o not_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o another_o they_o be_v most_o to_o be_v suspect_v as_o deceiver_n that_o do_v most_o hinder_v inquiry_n and_o trial_n as_o many_o preacher_n at_o this_o time_n be_v do_v it_o be_v a_o know_v popish_a imposition_n to_o forbid_v search_v and_o be_v now_o renounce_v and_o abominate_v by_o all_o sound_a protestant_n therefore_o they_o be_v yet_o drink_v with_o the_o whore_n cup_n that_o will_v obtrude_v their_o doctrine_n to_o be_v believe_v without_o trial_n or_o to_o hinder_v from_o try_v the_o spirit_n and_o from_o try_v all_o thing_n that_o what_o be_v best_a may_v be_v keep_v to_o if_o any_o object_n that_o word_n prov._n 19_o 27._o coase_o to_o hear_v the_o instruction_n that_o cause_v to_o err_v from_o the_o word_n of_o knowledge_n i_o answer_v this_o presuppose_v a_o clear_a and_o well_o ground_a faith_n of_o the_o truth_n from_o a_o inward_a principle_n which_o few_o ordinary_a professor_n can_v lay_v claim_n to_o otherways_o this_o may_v have_v excuse_v the_o jew_n in_o not_o harken_v to_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o say_v we_o know_v god_n ●pake_v to_o moses_n but_o for_o this_o fellow_n we_o know_v not_o whence_o 〈◊〉_d be_v joh._n 9_o v._n 26._o yea_o we_o and_o our_o predecessor_n shall_v have_v remain_v in_o popery_n without_o trial_n wherefore_o friend_n if_o you_o will_v true_o join_v and_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o power_n and_o life_n which_o the_o lord_n be_v ready_a to_o reveal_v in_o your_o heart_n it_o will_v not_o only_o help_v you_o to_o discern_v truth_n from_o error_n but_o to_o overcome_v your_o lust_n and_o get_v victory_n over_o your_o idol_n that_o stand_v up_o to_o make_v distance_n &_o separation_n betwixt_o god_n peace_n and_o favour_n and_o your_o soul_n that_o place_n be_v considerable_a rom._n 12._o verse_n 2._o be_v not_o conform_v to_o this_o world_n but_o be_v you_o transform_v by_o the_o renew_n of_o your_o mind_n that_o you_o may_v prove_v what_o be_v that_o good_a and_o acceptable_a and_o perfect_a will_n of_o god_n and_o thereby_o you_o shall_v come_v to_o get_v your_o heart_n establish_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o get_v all_o these_o straying●_n and_o wander_n in_o your_o heart_n reform_v by_o w●●ch_a your_o best_a duty_n be_v corrupt_v and_o defile_v ●hich_v be_v the_o earnest_a desire_n and_o travel_v of_o my_o soul_n that_o all_o my_o belove_a 〈◊〉_d and_o acquaintance_n every_o where_o may_v true_o and_o sensible_o come_v unto_o a_o real_a lover_n of_o your_o eternal_a welfare_n and_o peace_n alexander_z skein_n from_o the_o tolbooth_n of_o aberdeen_n the_o 1_o of_o the_o 5_o month_n 1676._o where_o i_o be_o a_o prisoner_n for_o my_o testimony_n print_a in_o the_o year_n 1677._o