their_o hunt_n bite_a devour_a spirit_n nor_o yet_o weary_a themselves_o for_o mere_a vanity_n lest_o the_o eternal_a decree_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v seal_v against_o they_o to_o their_o destruction_n for_o ever_o more_o to_o conclude_v this_o first_o part_n we_o have_v yet_o to_o add_v that_o since_o it_o be_v signify_v that_o the_o forty_o four_o article_n before_o cite_v relate_v to_o church-government_n and_o that_o we_o say_v they_o be_v draw_v up_o against_o two_o ancient_a and_o honourable_a friend_n in_o the_o truth_n viz._n john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n we_o think_v it_o proper_a to_o cite_v one_o passage_n as_o a_o evidence_n thereof_o out_o of_o the_o four_o section_n of_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o historical_a manuscript_n mention_v in_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n with_o the_o omission_n only_o of_o the_o name_n of_o person_n for_o the_o reason_n already_o give_v in_o the_o say_a preface_n the_o passage_n be_v as_o follow_v before_o we_o shall_v make_v any_o observation_n on_o the_o aforesaid_a article_n or_o preamble_n thereto_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o inform_v the_o reader_n that_o nine_o person_n concern_v in_o exhibit_v the_o say_v forty_o four_o article_n against_o the_o two_o friend_n speak_v of_o before_o thus_o declare_v concern_v they_o in_o a_o letter_n to_o nine_o other_o choose_v by_o the_o accuser_n to_o be_v judge_n over_o they_o viz._n and_o friend_n it_o be_v not_o any_o personal_a trespass_n against_o any_o of_o we_o that_o we_o charge_v they_o with_o nor_o any_o particular_a concern_v of_o our_o own_o as_o man_n that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o defence_n but_o the_o cause_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o wrong_n they_o have_v do_v to_o he_o but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o in_o the_o same_o letter_n they_o say_v that_o they_o have_v bear_v a_o dear_a love_n and_o honourable_a respect_n unto_o they_o in_o the_o holy_a truth_n compare_v he_o with_o what_o be_v write_v in_o the_o three_o article_n of_o the_o 44_o article_n before_o cite_v viz._n slight_v the_o heavenly_a motion_n on_o george_n fox_n his_o spirit_n in_o that_o case_n in_o the_o unity_n precious_o feel_v and_o close_v with_o mean_v the_o rule_n or_o form_n of_o church-government_n set_v forth_o by_o george_n fox_n pretend_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o by_o the_o say_a article_n appear_v it_o be_v evident_a to_o we_o that_o in_o their_o sense_n a_o slight_n of_o george_n fox_n rule_n method_n and_o order_n with_o respect_n to_o church-government_n be_v a_o slight_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o though_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o unity_n precious_o feel_v and_o close_v with_o yet_o that_o be_v notorious_o erroneous_a if_o thereby_o be_v mean_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o all_o friend_n for_o that_o some_o of_o his_o paper_n and_o prescription_n in_o many_o part_n of_o the_o nation_n among_o friend_n have_v be_v little_o take_v notice_n of_o as_o be_v well_o know_v to_o we_o and_o credible_o 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faithful_a people_n but_o as_o instruction_n or_o direction_n commend_v they_o to_o the_o church_n leave_v the_o effect_n thereof_o to_o god_n and_o his_o lead_a grace_n in_o his_o people_n to_o make_v use_n thereof_o as_o he_o shall_v manifest_v a_o need_n of_o such_o direction_n counsel_n or_o advice_n to_o this_o sense_n robert_n barrow_n and_o eight_o person_n part_n of_o those_o who_o be_v concern_v in_o exhibit_v the_o say_v forty_o four_o article_n reply_v a_o part_n whereof_o be_v on_o this_o wise_a true_o thy_o darkness_n and_o blindness_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v feel_v and_o they_o must_v be_v very_o dim_a of_o sight_n that_o see_v thou_o not_o oh_o the_o confusion_n thy_o dark_a spirit_n be_v in_o to_o this_o we_o say_v this_o answer_n seem_v so_o very_o dark_a as_o if_o blindness_n be_v the_o lot_n of_o their_o inheritance_n who_o so_o write_v forwe_v well_o remember_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o ancient_a brethren_n who_o be_v skill_v in_o gather_v and_o careful_a not_o to_o scatter_v the_o flock_n do_v not_o encourage_v any_o to_o follow_v any_o outward_a direction_n whatsoever_o without_o a_o inward_a conviction_n from_o the_o leading_n of_o god_n all-sufficient_a grace_n free_o give_v to_o profit_n withal_o of_o the_o needfulness_n of_o the_o direction_n counsel_n or_o advice_n contain_v therein_o and_o why_o but_o because_o a_o observance_n not_o ground_v on_o their_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n lead_v grace_n in_o ourselves_o of_o outward_a instruction_n or_o direction_n in_o this_o gospel_n day_n may_v find_v no_o more_o acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n who_o be_v now_o to_o be_v worship_v obey_v and_o reverence_v not_o otherwise_o than_o in_o and_o by_o the_o spirit_n and_o light_n through_o which_o he_o do_v appear_v in_o man_n than_o a_o offering_n of_o the_o halt_n and_o the_o blind_a which_o be_v forbid_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n for_o a_o sacrifice_n might_n and_o this_o our_o sense_n may_v well_o be_v vindicate_v from_o such_o like_a testimony_n as_o these_o frequent_o utter_v by_o our_o ancient_a brethren_n we_o preach_v not_o ourselves_o let_v not_o your_o dependency_n be_v on_o we_o we_o be_v not_o neither_o desire_n to_o be_v lord_n over_o your_o conscience_n you_o ought_v to_o be_v lief_o for_o yourselves_o and_o see_v for_o yourselves_o and_o therefore_o we_o counsel_v you_o to_o draw_v water_n out_o of_o your_o own_o well_n let_v it_o be_v your_o own_o and_o not_o another_o we_o now_o appeal_v to_o god_n witness_v in_o all_o conscience_n how_o this_o kind_a of_o language_n and_o discourse_n can_v agree_v with_o such_o as_o render_v it_o the_o fruit_n of_o confusion_n and_o darkness_n not_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o outward_a instruction_n or_o direction_n of_o g._n f._n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n be_v intend_v to_o be_v urge_v with_o severity_n upon_o god_n faithful_a people_n beside_o that_o which_o seem_v to_o aggravate_v the_o darkness_n be_v this_o that_o the_o faithful_a must_v have_v outward_a precept_n direction_n or_o instruction_n impose_v upon_o they_o have_v the_o sense_n of_o those_o who_o sense_n we_o can_v own_v be_v only_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o unfaithful_a it_o may_v have_v seem_v a_o little_a better_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v great_a cause_n of_o lamentation_n and_o mourning_n especial_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o believe_v either_o from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n give_v forth_o by_o inspiration_n or_o from_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o conscience_n that_o any_o man_n according_a to_o the_o motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o this_o gospel-day_n ought_v to_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o give_v forth_o any_o outward_a rule_n or_o prescription_n relate_v to_o faith_n or_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n with_o a_o intent_n that_o they_o shall_v become_v a_o bond_n upon_o other_o to_o submit_v thereto_o further_o than_o from_o a_o recommendation_n unto_o the_o conscience_n a_o service_n may_v be_v see_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o light_n give_v from_o he_o who_o be_v the_o fullness_n but_o whether_o this_o our_o sense_n be_v not_o by_o many_o other_o beside_o the_o aforesaid_a nine_o person_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n slight_o esteem_v and_o a_o combine_a sort_n of_o submission_n contrive_v as_o we_o suppose_v by_o a_o few_o tho_o enter_v into_o by_o many_o at_o this_o day_n we_o shall_v leave_v it_o to_o the_o unprejudiced_a understand_a reader_n to_o judge_n on_o mature_a consideration_n of_o what_o yet_o follow_v some_o few_o year_n past_o many_o friend_n in_o the_o county_n of_o westmoreland_n have_v be_v a_o long_a time_n burden_a in_o monthly_a and_o quarterly_a meeting_n by_o such_o as_o endeavour_v to_o introduce_v the_o practice_n of_o some_o thing_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o church
design_v to_o be_v treat_v upon_o be_v the_o government_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v to_o be_v represent_v by_o visible_a person_n certain_o know_v by_o outward_a name_n distinguish_v by_o outward_a mark_n and_o token_n and_o invest_v with_o power_n from_o he_o to_o execute_v outward_a law_n in_o a_o outward_a form_n of_o government_n visible_a by_o our_o carnal_a eye_n as_o aforesaid_a that_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o inward_a government_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n jer._n 31.31_o 32_o 33._o i_o will_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n etc._n etc._n not_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n that_o i_o make_v with_o your_o father_n but_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o covenant_n that_o i_o will_v make_v etc._n etc._n after_o those_o day_n i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n and_o they_o shall_v teach_v no_o more_o every_o man_n his_o neighbour_n and_o every_o man_n his_o brother_n say_v know_v the_o lord_n for_o they_o shall_v all_o know_v i_o from_o the_o least_o of_o they_o to_o the_o great_a of_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n this_o we_o believe_v be_v speak_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o reign_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o man_n and_o clear_o show_v that_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n government_n under_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n and_o therefore_o a_o inward_a government_n objection_n but_o if_o any_o shall_v object_v that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n relate_v not_o to_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o gentile_a stock_n of_o which_o stock_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o we_o be_v we_o thereto_o say_v that_o the_o word_n of_o paul_n do_v effectual_o answer_v that_o objection_n rom._n 10.12_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o gentile_a for_o the_o same_o lord_n over_o all_o be_v rich_a unto_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o col._n 3.9_o 10_o 11._o lie_v not_o one_o to_o another_o see_v that_o you_o have_v put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n with_o his_o deed_n and_o have_v put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o be_v renew_v in_o knowledge_n after_o the_o image_n of_o he_o that_o create_v he_o where_o there_o be_v neither_o gentile_a nor_o jew_n circumcision_n nor_o uncircumcision_n barbarian_a scythian_a bond_n nor_o free_a but_o christ_n be_v all_o and_o in_o all_o many_o other_o scripture_n both_o out_o of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n write_n may_v be_v quote_v to_o evidence_n the_o matter_n intend_v we_o be_v yet_o sensible_a that_o this_o further_a objection_n may_v be_v raise_v viz._n objection_n that_o neither_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n nor_o of_o the_o apostle_n cite_v by_o we_o make_v mention_n of_o government_n over_o jew_n or_o gentile_n but_o do_v show_v as_o from_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o scripture_n appear_v that_o the_o apostle_n so_o write_v to_o convince_v the_o jew_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n and_o that_o of_o faith_n and_o to_o show_v unto_o believer_n whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n that_o though_o some_o may_v appear_v in_o a_o voluntary_a humility_n worship_n angel_n intrude_v into_o those_o thing_n they_o have_v not_o see_v and_o be_v vain_o puff_v up_o in_o their_o fleshly_a mind_n and_o not_o give_v all_o obedience_n unto_o the_o head_n christ_n through_o who_o alone_o there_o be_v a_o increase_n in_o the_o increase_v of_o god_n yet_o they_o be_v therein_o reprovable_a as_o not_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n and_o further_a also_o to_o show_v that_o those_o who_o be_v dead_a with_o christ_n from_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o nor_o yet_o to_o touch_v taste_n or_o handle_v such_o ordinance_n as_o be_v after_o the_o commandment_n and_o doctrine_n of_o men._n to_o this_o objection_n we_o answer_v that_o though_o the_o word_n government_n be_v not_o express_o mention_v yet_o there_o be_v word_n in_o what_o be_v cite_v out_o of_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n import_v the_o three_o material_a object_n of_o government_n viz._n a_o lawgiver_n the_o place_n where_o the_o law_n be_v to_o be_v find_v write_v and_o the_o people_n for_o who_o it_o be_v give_v beside_o from_o these_o word_n of_o paul_n viz._n the_o same_o lord_n over_o all_o a_o governor_n be_v imply_v viz._n christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n and_o so_o consequent_o a_o government_n over_o that_o all._n and_o from_o what_o hereafter_o follow_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o the_o end_n of_o this_o government_n be_v to_o lead_v into_o all_o truth_n moreover_o it_o lead_v we_o to_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v divers_a true_a mark_n whereby_o the_o opposer_n of_o christ_n government_n may_v be_v distinguish_v first_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v in_o a_o voluntary_a humility_n second_o such_o as_o worship_n angel_n which_o may_v reasonable_o be_v take_v to_o be_v a_o worship_v of_o some_o messenger_n who_o god_n have_v send_v because_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n angel_n be_v a_o messenger_n three_o such_o as_o intrude_v into_o those_o thing_n they_o have_v not_o see_v four_o such_o as_o be_v puff_v up_o in_o their_o fleshly_a mind_n five_o such_o as_o give_v not_o all_o obedience_n unto_o the_o head_n christ_n and_o last_o such_o as_o be_v subject_a to_o ordinance_n after_o the_o commandment_n and_o doctrine_n of_o men._n and_o to_o be_v very_o plain_a for_o the_o clear_n the_o truth_n we_o must_v give_v this_o our_o testimony_n that_o we_o be_v real_o persuade_v from_o what_o our_o eye_n &_o ear_n have_v be_v witness_n that_o many_o of_o those_o among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n who_o have_v zealous_o contend_v for_o the_o observation_n of_o outward_a rule_n and_o order_n give_v forth_o by_o one_o man_n bear_v all_o the_o aforesaid_a mark_n for_o whosoever_o they_o be_v that_o pretend_v zeal_n to_o promote_v submit_v unto_o and_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o other_o man_n line_n make_v ready_a to_o their_o hand_n and_o that_o on_o a_o pretend_a religious_a score_n when_o through_o the_o word_n of_o true_a faith_n they_o see_v it_o not_o their_o duty_n or_o if_o they_o shall_v pretend_v they_o do_v and_o thereupon_o strive_v to_o enforce_v other_o to_o submit_v thereto_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n or_o light_n of_o christ_n so_o to_o strive_v it_o natura_o follow_v that_o the_o aforesaid_a mark_n accompany_v such_o and_o this_o we_o confident_o aver_v that_o through_o the_o whole_a scripture_n of_o truth_n there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v rational_o expect_v and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o christ_n have_v or_o will_v commissionate_v any_o one_o man_n or_o man_n to_o prescribe_v outward_a rule_n and_o order_n relate_v to_o faith_n or_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n to_o be_v bind_v on_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n whether_o they_o shall_v see_v it_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n from_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n or_o no._n beside_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o government_n it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v such_o unto_o which_o outward_a write_a law_n visible_a by_o our_o carnal_a eye_n and_o to_o be_v execute_v by_o perish_a object_n according_a to_o a_o outward_a magistratical_a or_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n be_v whole_o unsuitable_a because_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n but_o be_v a_o everlasting_a kingdom_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v that_o of_o the_o increase_n of_o his_o government_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o end_n and_o though_o john_n in_o the_o revelation_n chap._n 11._o v._o 15._o give_v this_o testimony_n that_o there_o be_v great_a voice_n in_o heaven_n say_v the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n and_o he_o shall_v reign_v forever_o and_o ever_o isa_n 61.11_o yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o say_v to_o signify_v that_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o reign_n be_v or_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o then_o as_o before_o be_v describe_v moreover_o if_o any_o man_n or_o man_n have_v or_o may_v pretend_v he_o or_o themselves_o to_o be_v such_o on_o earth_n on_o who_o the_o weight_n of_o christ_n government_n which_o be_v spiritual_a be_v lay_v it_o be_v not_o like_a to_o have_v any_o evidence_n in_o our_o conscience_n first_o not_o only_o because_o we_o find_v no_o such_o prophecy_n or_o promise_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n but_o also_o for_o that_o we_o rather_o find_v the_o contrary_a for_o
for_o the_o reason_n mention_v in_o this_o preface_n to_o publish_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o say_a manuscript_n we_o instead_o thereof_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o friend_n do_v declare_v that_o it_o be_v ready_a for_o the_o view_n of_o any_o friend_n in_o order_n to_o prove_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o reflection_n make_v or_o objection_n raise_v have_v thus_o premise_v i_o now_o come_v again_o to_o lay_v down_o the_o three_o beforementioned_a query_n and_o to_o give_v direct_a answer_n thereto_o quer._n 1._o why_o have_v thou_o omit_v to_o mention_v the_o name_n of_o some_o person_n and_o author_n of_o some_o book_n and_o paper_n reflect_v on_o in_o this_o treatise_n answ_n though_o i_o have_v be_v reflect_v upon_o at_o a_o ungodly_a rate_n by_o many_o because_o i_o have_v be_v concern_v to_o oppose_v a_o erroneous_a and_o persecute_v spirit_n which_o i_o have_v behold_v enter_v among_o the_o flock_n of_o god_n yet_o bless_a be_v the_o lord_n he_o have_v so_o preserve_v i_o by_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o power_n as_o that_o none_o of_o my_o opposer_n have_v so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v lay_v any_o thing_n unto_o my_o charge_n but_o for_o matter_n wherein_o i_o have_v act_v though_o misrepresent_v by_o they_o to_o keep_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o as_o it_o become_v my_o concern_v of_o conscience_n to_o prepare_v the_o manuscript_n first_o mention_v that_o so_o the_o truth_n of_o some_o material_a matter_n occasion_v or_o accompany_v division_n and_o separation_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n may_v lie_v on_o record_n at_o least_o until_o a_o union_n may_v again_o be_v witness_v so_o also_o it_o have_v be_v my_o frequent_a breathe_v unto_o the_o lord_n that_o i_o may_v not_o bring_v forth_o a_o untimely_o birth_n but_o may_v so_o be_v lead_v and_o guide_v in_o this_o affair_n as_o that_o i_o may_v answer_v the_o witness_n of_o god_n in_o all_o conscience_n and_o to_o my_o inward_a peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o lord_n i_o can_v say_v that_o i_o have_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o spirit_n notwithstanding_o what_o any_o man_n may_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a that_o he_o have_v own_v my_o proceed_v therein_o hitherto_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o answer_n thereto_o in_o many_o brethren_n and_o as_o i_o be_v serious_o wait_v on_o the_o lord_n i_o become_v satisfy_v in_o my_o conscience_n to_o forbear_v reflect_o to_o mention_v in_o this_o treatise_n the_o name_n of_o many_o repute_a quaker_n that_o as_o yet_o i_o doubt_v remain_v deviate_v in_o some_o thing_n from_o the_o line_n of_o truth_n and_o i_o hope_v such_o a_o spirit_n of_o mediation_n and_o justice_n will_v have_v appear_v among_o some_o of_o our_o friend_n who_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v to_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o difference_n between_o other_o as_o that_o they_o may_v have_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o cause_n g._n f._n to_o stoop_v so_o timely_a to_o justice_n as_o that_o there_o may_v have_v be_v not_o concern_v upon_o i_o and_o other_o to_o discover_v any_o part_n of_o his_o error_n so_o public_o as_o now_o they_o be_v the_o consideration_n occur_v in_o my_o breast_n when_o i_o become_v so_o satisfy_v as_o aforesaid_a be_v these_o first_o several_a of_o my_o brethren_n as_o before_o be_v premise_v intercede_v to_o forbear_v and_o if_o for_o my_o thus_o do_v any_o shall_v reflect_v upon_o i_o they_o may_v as_o well_o reflect_v upon_o the_o apostle_n counsel_n when_o he_o exhort_v the_o ephesian_n to_o submit_v themselves_o one_o unto_o another_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n for_o i_o be_v sensible_a that_o those_o who_o so_o concern_v themselves_o have_v a_o true_a sense_n that_o the_o cause_n wherein_o i_o be_v concern_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o truth_n on_o which_o foot_n their_o treatment_n of_o i_o be_v in_o much_o love_n and_o tenderness_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o i_o perceive_v they_o be_v not_o without_o hope_n that_o a_o little_o long_a forbearance_n may_v work_v for_o the_o better_a i_o become_v satisfy_v it_o be_v my_o place_n to_o submit_v and_o forbear_v a_o while_n second_o though_o hardness_n of_o heart_n have_v so_o overtake_v some_o as_o that_o they_o may_v still_o continue_v to_o oppose_v their_o brethren_n in_o the_o truth_n without_o the_o least_o just_a ground_n or_o pretence_n either_o from_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n or_o right_a reason_n yet_o i_o be_o not_o without_o hope_n that_o some_o other_o concern_v against_o their_o brethren_n in_o the_o present_a difference_n may_v in_o some_o time_n come_v to_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o fail_n and_o repent_v and_o then_o either_o the_o memory_n of_o their_o offence_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o or_o their_o repentance_n therewith_o if_o timely_o know_v record_v and_o that_o according_a as_o opportunity_n may_v permit_v and_o truth_n require_v three_o it_o be_v hope_v that_o this_o treatise_n may_v become_v a_o warn_v to_o many_o but_o more_o especial_o to_o such_o as_o have_v depart_v from_o the_o anoint_v in_o themselves_o that_o they_o may_v repent_v and_o turn_v to_o their_o first_o love_n viz._n the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n in_o they_o and_o not_o in_o neglect_n of_o god_n teach_n lie_v dote_v on_o outward_a order_n as_o if_o that_o which_o be_v promise_v to_o be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n be_v now_o to_o be_v seek_v after_o in_o piece_n and_o scrap_n of_o paper_n or_o that_o the_o write_a order_n of_o any_o at_o this_o day_n shall_v become_v a_o certain_a rule_n through_o which_o a_o heavenly_a possession_n may_v be_v obtain_v by_o such_o as_o can_v not_o own_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o though_o by_o the_o spirit_n give_v forth_o to_o be_v that_o certain_a rule_n but_o instead_o thereof_o the_o spirit_n itself_o to_o be_v it_o and_o if_o any_o think_v themselves_o hereby_o reflect_v on_o unjust_o because_o at_o some_o time_n they_o have_v appear_v of_o another_o language_n yet_o if_o such_o by_o their_o fruit_n have_v give_v the_o lie_n to_o the_o offer_n of_o their_o lip_n the_o deceit_n be_v the_o great_a and_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v discover_v four_o this_o treatise_n be_v chief_o intend_v for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n among_o who_o the_o religious_a difference_n be_v so_o public_o know_v as_o that_o i_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o matter_n treat_v on_o will_v be_v intelligible_a by_o they_o though_o the_o name_n of_o some_o person_n and_o author_n of_o some_o book_n and_o paper_n be_v not_o mention_v however_o if_o any_o among_o they_o for_o want_v of_o that_o public_a converse_n which_o other_o have_v have_v shall_v manifest_v the_o least_o jealousy_n that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n so_o to_o object_n or_o reflect_v as_o in_o the_o ensue_a treatise_n i_o shall_v then_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v unto_o such_o particular_a satisfaction_n from_o matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v to_o person_n or_o person_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o all_o paper_n and_o book_n which_o may_v evidence_n the_o reasonableness_n of_o all_o objection_n and_o reflection_n can_v lie_v at_o once_o in_o many_o hand_n and_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n with_o i_o therefore_o this_o treatise_n be_v sign_v thus_o by_o william_n rogers_n on_o behalf_n of_o himself_o and_o other_o friend_n in_o truth_n concern_v and_o so_o the_o name_n of_o those_o other_o my_o brethren_n concern_v with_o i_o in_o this_o work_n be_v omit_v partly_o because_o they_o may_v not_o be_v capable_a to_o give_v a_o ready_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n for_o want_v of_o the_o book_n or_o paper_n signify_v of_o as_o aforesaid_a quer._n 2._o why_o have_v thou_o treat_v on_o principle_n hold_v forth_o by_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n since_o many_o book_n have_v already_o be_v give_v forth_o by_o some_o among_o they_o treat_v on_o many_o if_o not_o all_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o thou_o have_v do_v answ_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o christian_n to_o clear_v their_o conscience_n as_o by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o conscience_n they_o be_v direct_v which_o doubtless_o be_v the_o real_a ground_n whereupon_o many_o ancient_a and_o honourable_a friend_n already_o fall_v asleep_o have_v give_v forth_o their_o testimony_n touch_v the_o same_o principle_n public_o hold_v forth_o both_o by_o word_n and_o printing_n by_o some_o other_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n before_o they_o and_o if_o no_o more_o be_v say_v to_o this_o query_n it_o ought_v to_o suffice_v but_o yet_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o the_o consideration_n attend_v i_o when_o i_o become_v conscientious_o concern_v so_o to_o do_v the_o deportment_n of_o some_o unruly_a woman_n and_o ignorant_a self-conceited_a
viz._n that_o it_o be_v folly_n and_o hypocrisy_n to_o profess_v ourselves_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o yet_o not_o believe_v thus_o as_o the_o true_a church_n believe_v pag._n 36._o sect._n v._n what_o we_o stand_v for_o viz._n truth_n and_o righteousness_n and_o that_o christ_n government_n may_v be_v exalt_v in_o every_o heart_n under_o which_o we_o be_v instruct_v not_o to_o depend_v on_o man_n but_o on_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n grace_n page_n 27._o a_o testimony_n against_o tithe_n and_o for_o meet_v together_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n the_o neglect_n whereof_o may_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o weakness_n or_o disobedience_n page_n 28._o the_o government_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o law_n thereof_o be_v inward_a some_o part_n of_o the_o fruit_n bring_v forth_o under_o the_o say_a government_n be_v describe_v page_n 29._o a_o objection_n relate_v to_o the_o secure_v any_o part_n of_o a_o man_n estate_n on_o a_o foresight_n of_o a_o praemunire_n or_o fine_n for_o meet_v answer_v page_n 31._o sect._n vi._n on_o the_o occasion_n of_o a_o objection_n raise_v touch_v the_o sufficiciency_n of_o god_n grace_n unity_n be_v treat_v on_o from_o the_o word_n of_o paul_n to_o the_o corinthian_n that_o they_o shall_v all_o speak_v one_o thing_n page_n 36._o touch_v the_o word_n independency_n occasion_v by_o a_o public_a preacher_n page_n 38._o that_o leave_v friend_n to_o the_o grace_n light_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o lead_v into_o rantism_n page_n 42_o 43._o sect._n vii_o touch_v church_n government_n and_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n church_n government_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o opposer_n as_o we_o on_o sufficient_a ground_n take_v it_o lay_v down_o page_n 44._o our_o denial_n of_o that_o meaning_n page_n 46._o several_a scripture_n from_o whence_o a_o proof_n for_o church_n government_n have_v be_v pretend_v be_v treat_v on_o show_v that_o from_o thence_o no_o pretence_n can_v be_v to_o claim_v a_o power_n over_o conscience_n or_o outward_a property_n page_n 46_o 47._o the_o doctrine_n touch_v power_n over_o conscience_n and_o outward_a thing_n relate_v to_o meum_fw-la and_o tuum_fw-la as_o r._n b_n term_n be_v which_o we_o therefore_o call_v outward_a property_n examine_v and_o testify_v against_o as_o contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o liberty_n we_o have_v in_o christ_n jesus_n page_n 47._o our_o sense_n what_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o decision_n of_o controversy_n with_o relation_n to_o property_n between_o brother_n and_o brother_n page_n 48._o a_o objection_n raise_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o what_o be_v give_v forth_o by_o the_o spirit_n through_o the_o brethren_n aught_o to_o be_v obey_v and_o not_o account_v the_o dictate_v of_o fallible_a man_n and_o that_o if_o thou_o see_v it_o not_o thy_o duty_n to_o obey_v the_o reason_n be_v thy_o want_n of_o diligence_n and_o not_o wait_v in_o thy_o measure_n and_o so_o no_o plea_n for_o thy_o disobedience_n be_v good_a page_n 54._o the_o say_a objection_n answer_v page_n 54._o a_o examination_n from_o the_o scripture_n whether_o christ_n give_v any_o encouragement_n to_o his_o disciple_n to_o become_v ruler_n over_o one_o another_o page_n 59_o sect._n viii_o a_o manifestation_n that_o the_o variance_n have_v original_o reason_n from_o a_o different_a sense_n touch_v george_n fox_n the_o general_n meeting_n or_o woman_n meeting_n page_n 61._o sect._n ix_o a_o epistle_n evidence_v the_o qualification_n of_o such_o who_o satan_n make_v use_v of_o to_o rend_v and_o divide_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n page_n 68_o a_o paper_n give_v forth_o by_o edward_n burrough_n anno_fw-la 1661._o touch_v the_o scatter_a in_o israel_n wherein_o by_o a_o parable_n be_v lively_o describe_v a_o part_n of_o what_o have_v happen_v among_o the_o flock_n of_o god_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n pag._n 78._o the_o conclusion_n manifest_v several_a passage_n very_o material_a and_o worthy_a observation_n as_o a_o further_a discovery_n of_o the_o fruit_n and_o cause_n of_o division_n and_o in_o particular_a what_o have_v be_v the_o bait_n whereby_o george_n fox_n have_v be_v tempt_v and_o ensnare_v pag._n 85._o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n distinguish_v from_o the_o apostate_n and_o innovator_n etc._n etc._n section_n i._n the_o introduction_n wherein_o the_o case_n be_v state_v manifest_v that_o there_o be_v a_o union_n and_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o it_o come_v to_o be_v break_v to_o all_o the_o faithful_a people_n of_o god_n call_v quaker_n throughout_o this_o nation_n of_o england_n or_o else_o where_o we_o your_o brethren_n do_v send_v greeting_n in_o the_o lord_n breathe_v unto_o the_o god_n of_o our_o life_n that_o the_o same_o everlasting_a arm_n and_o power_n whereby_o we_o have_v be_v gather_v unto_o god_n and_o into_o a_o heavenly_a fellowship_n and_o union_n one_o with_o another_o in_o the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n may_v preserve_v we_o all_o to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o day_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o perfect_a love_n each_o towards_o other_o establish_v upon_o that_o sure_a rock_n of_o age_n christ_n jesus_n against_o which_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n never_o do_v can_v or_o shall_v prevail_v and_o in_o this_o love_n our_o desire_n be_v that_o the_o faithful_a unto_o who_o this_o treatise_n be_v direct_v may_v communicate_v the_o same_o unto_o other_o as_o in_o the_o wisdom_n and_o love_n of_o god_n they_o may_v see_v a_o service_n thereof_o dear_a friend_n and_o brother_n we_o be_v true_o sensible_a that_o all_o those_o who_o keep_v their_o place_n and_o habitation_n in_o the_o unchangeable_a truth_n have_v with_o we_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o many_o snare_n and_o temptation_n whereby_o satan_n have_v endeavour_v to_o betray_v the_o innocent_a who_o face_n have_v be_v zion-ward_n and_o that_o his_o most_o subtle_a invention_n have_v be_v to_o appear_v as_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n thereby_o to_o turn_v those_o who_o heart_n have_v be_v incline_v to_o follow_v the_o lord_n out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o now_o friend_n that_o which_o in_o the_o grief_n of_o our_o heart_n we_o have_v to_o signify_v to_o you_o be_v this_o we_o be_v sensible_a that_o the_o evil_a seedsman_n be_v creep_v in_o among_o many_o of_o those_o call_v quaker_n who_o as_o we_o believe_v have_v in_o day_n past_o walk_v together_o in_o true_a fellowship_n each_o with_o other_o and_o that_o in_o the_o sensible_a feel_n of_o that_o immortal_a life_n whereby_o we_o with_o they_o be_v knit_v and_o unite_v together_o as_o bone_n of_o one_o another_o bone_n and_o flesh_n of_o one_o another_o flesh_n have_v the_o evidence_n of_o such_o our_o heavenly_a union_n spring_v from_o that_o which_o neither_o the_o carnal_a eye_n nor_o the_o carnal_a ear_n can_v be_v witness_n of_o in_o order_n hereunto_o we_o have_v this_o follow_a observation_n to_o make_v that_o the_o day_n be_v wherein_o those_o very_a person_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n who_o now_o be_v at_o great_a variance_n and_o out_o of_o unity_n each_o with_o other_o be_v once_o in_o unity_n and_o therefore_o we_o think_v necessary_a to_o lay_v down_o viz._n first_o some_o part_n of_o those_o thing_n touch_v which_o the_o faithful_a be_v at_o unity_n second_o by_o what_o way_n and_o mean_n that_o unity_n come_v to_o be_v break_v and_o so_o leave_v the_o consideration_n thereof_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o who_o profess_v the_o truth_n that_o so_o in_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n they_o may_v weigh_v and_o consider_v whether_o their_o unity_n stand_v in_o the_o unchangeable_a truth_n and_o which_o of_o these_o party_n now_o at_o variance_n deviate_v therefrom_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o observation_n do_v lead_v we_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o first_o particular_a thus_o to_o testify_v viz._n that_o about_o twenty_o six_o year_n past_a it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o send_v forth_o many_o faithful_a labourer_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n jesus_n who_o in_o his_o name_n dread_a and_o power_n testify_v that_o their_o call_v be_v not_o of_o man_z but_o of_o god_n and_o that_o their_o message_n be_v both_o to_o the_o professor_n and_o to_o the_o profane_a to_o the_o profane_a cry_v on_o this_o wise_a turn_v from_o the_o evil_a of_o your_o way_n and_o do_n and_o meet_v the_o lord_n by_o sudden_a repentance_n of_o your_o open_a transgression_n to_o the_o professor_n who_o be_v not_o in_o the_o common_a pollution_n of_o the_o world_n on_o this_o wise_a your_o outward_a form_n your_o outward_a ordinance_n and_o outward_a church_n fellowship_n they_o be_v even_o but_o as_o rudiment_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o lord_n have_v no_o regard_n thereto_o and_n to_o both_o of_o they_o turn_v in_o your_o mind_n to_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n that_o shine_v in_o your_o conscience_n exalt_v the_o measure_n
spiritual_a guide_n and_o teacher_n which_o be_v infailible_n and_o can_v be_v remove_v into_o a_o corner_n with_o confidence_n than_o may_v we_o conclude_v that_o none_o such_o will_n ever_o more_o boast_n of_o the_o possession_n which_o they_o have_v take_v as_o heir_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o respect_n to_o thing_n that_o be_v without_o second_o as_o to_o this_o part_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a objection_n viz._n that_o nothing_o but_o dryness_n deadness_n and_o barrenness_n appear_v in_o those_o who_o be_v oppose_v by_o such_o with_o who_o thou_o be_v at_o unity_n we_o say_v this_o seem_v not_o strange_a unto_o we_o for_o the_o apostle_n thus_o testify_v we_o 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 we_o be_v 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 this_o give_v we_o occasion_n to_o put_v every_o one_o that_o have_v or_o may_v judge_v the_o sound_a form_n of_o word_n to_o be_v deadness_n dryness_n &_o barrenness_n especial_o when_v spring_a from_o such_o who_o thou_o have_v know_v to_o be_v in_o the_o life_n upon_o this_o search_n be_v not_o the_o reason_n thereof_o because_o i_o be_o watch_v for_o evil_n and_o have_v let_v in_o a_o spirit_n of_o prejudice_n believe_v a_o evil_a report_n when_o perhaps_o it_o may_v not_o be_v truth_n if_o this_o be_v thy_o state_n we_o must_v plain_o tell_v thou_o they_o be_v the_o very_a token_n of_o a_o perish_a condition_n and_o then_o though_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o life_n that_o be_v preach_v yet_o it_o can_v be_v no_o other_o according_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o the_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o thou_o beside_o we_o have_v this_o further_a observation_n to_o make_v that_o some_o at_o least_o of_o those_o thus_o testify_v against_o as_o dead_a dry_a and_o barren_a be_v chief_o such_o unto_o who_o god_n have_v give_v a_o portion_n of_o understanding_n above_o many_o of_o their_o brethren_n and_o have_v and_o yet_o do_v as_o far_o as_o ever_o we_o know_v appear_v sound_n in_o doctrine_n and_o as_o blameless_a in_o life_n and_o conversation_n as_o any_o friend_n we_o have_v ever_o know_v and_o so_o can_v run_v with_o the_o current_n of_o the_o time_n we_o desire_v therefore_o that_o every_o one_o of_o the_o opposer_n of_o or_o judge_n over_o such_o will_v yet_o more_o thorough_o search_v their_o own_o conscience_n and_o in_o a_o godly_a jealousy_n over_o themselves_o put_v these_o query_n unto_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o try_v thing_n in_o the_o equal_a balance_n have_v not_o i_o many_o time_n hear_v unsound_a doctrine_n and_o behold_v disorder_n and_o confusion_n bring_v forth_o even_o in_o public_a meeting_n for_o worship_n by_o those_o who_o cry_v against_o dark_a separate_a spirit_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v a_o reproof_n thereto_o conclude_v notwithstanding_o that_o there_o do_v a_o freshness_n and_o life_n appear_v have_v not_o i_o be_v often_o affect_v with_o a_o outward_a tone_n and_o strength_n of_o lung_n when_o there_o have_v be_v little_a to_o the_o information_n and_o building_n up_o one_o another_o in_o the_o most_o holy_a faith_n have_v not_o i_o be_v better_o content_v to_o hear_v a_o thunder_a kind_n of_o voice_n cry_v out_o against_o a_o separate_a spirit_n though_o without_o distinction_n when_o not_o a_o word_n be_v speak_v to_o show_v the_o way_n to_o the_o kingdom_n than_o to_o hear_v the_o way_n of_o eternal_a life_n plain_o demonstrate_v by_o a_o soft_a and_o moderate_a voice_n we_o know_v there_o be_v great_a cause_n for_o many_o to_o put_v these_o question_n to_o their_o conscience_n and_o to_o be_v cool_a in_o spirit_n that_o so_o they_o may_v have_v a_o answer_n from_o the_o lord_n who_o appearance_n be_v not_o in_o the_o strong_a wind_n but_o in_o the_o still_a voice_n sect_n iv_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o three_o position_n deducible_a from_o a_o objection_n raise_v towards_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o first_o section_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v folly_n and_o hypocrisy_n to_o profess_v ourselves_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o yet_o not_o believe_v thus_o as_o the_o true_a church_n believe_v to_o this_o we_o say_v we_o be_v altogether_o dissatisfy_v especial_o when_o we_o consider_v what_o a_o body_n of_o darkness_n have_v enter_v under_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o position_n we_o must_v believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v among_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n in_o age_n past_a as_o well_o as_o at_o this_o present_a day_n that_o such_o language_n can_v become_v the_o mouth_n or_o pen_n of_o any_o one_o that_o profess_v not_o only_a faith_n in_o christ_n but_o also_o that_o such_o his_o faith_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o inward_a manifestation_n and_o revelation_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o himself_o mark_v we_o say_v in_o himself_o those_o who_o be_v account_v apostate_n christian_n have_v from_o such_o assembly_n which_o they_o call_v their_o church_n set_v forth_o their_o creed_n by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v know_v what_o the_o member_n of_o their_o church_n do_v and_o aught_o to_o believe_v and_o since_o it_o be_v so_o that_o no_o person_n be_v able_a to_o make_v out_o that_o ever_o any_o assembly_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o true_a church_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n have_v publish_v their_o creed_n by_o which_o we_o mean_v a_o certain_a number_n of_o article_n of_o faith_n recommend_v they_o as_o those_o thing_n which_o every_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n ought_v to_o believe_v or_o else_o not_o be_v account_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n we_o can_v account_v it_o unreasonable_a if_o any_o one_o that_o like_v not_o the_o language_n touch_v believe_v as_o the_o true_a church_n believe_v shall_v ask_v the_o publisher_n thereof_o this_o question_n have_v thou_o not_o speak_v this_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n as_o those_o who_o thou_o accounte_v the_o true_a church_n and_o if_o so_o be_v it_o not_o folly_n to_o talk_v of_o believe_v as_o this_o church_n believe_v when_o no_o assembly_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o this_o church_n have_v to_o this_o day_n declare_v and_o publish_v their_o creed_n for_o the_o end_n aforesaid_a nay_o may_v it_o not_o further_o be_v say_v we_o know_v how_o papist_n and_o protestant_n describe_v their_o church_n but_o at_o the_o day_n wherein_o that_o which_o occasion_n this_o present_a discourse_n be_v give_v forth_o it_o be_v not_o discover_v by_o any_o repute_a quaker_n public_o in_o print_n that_o we_o know_v of_o who_o or_o be_v the_o true_a church_n be_v with_o respect_n to_o visible_a person_n more_o than_o what_o be_v to_o this_o effect_n give_v forth_o by_o the_o author_n occasion_v this_o present_a discourse_n viz._n that_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n be_v the_o church_n wherein_o we_o do_v not_o take_v his_o meaning_n to_o be_v that_o all_o call_v quaker_n be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o the_o elect_a among_o they_o for_o he_o also_o say_v the_o church_n signify_v the_o elect_n and_o so_o the_o reader_n be_v leave_v without_o any_o certain_a description_n who_o or_o where_o this_o church_n be_v with_o respect_n to_o visible_a person_n since_o the_o elect_a among_o they_o be_v not_o outward_o describe_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o open_n of_o the_o understanding_n of_o such_o as_o may_v be_v muddle_v about_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v with_o we_o thus_o to_o testify_v it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o reach_v unto_o many_o of_o our_o conscience_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o latter_a day_n that_o have_v dawn_v among_o we_o whereby_o we_o come_v to_o believe_v in_o the_o everlasting_a light_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o as_o other_o hold_v forth_o the_o visible_a order_n and_o write_a faith_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n to_o be_v as_o a_o lantern_n to_o their_o path_n and_o as_o a_o ground_n of_o their_o faith_n so_o this_o light_n of_o christ_n be_v preach_v up_o as_o a_o lantern_n to_o our_o path_n and_o as_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o then_o as_o our_o understanding_n come_v to_o be_v more_o and_o more_o open_v we_o clear_o see_v that_o as_o other_o church_n have_v outward_a mark_n and_o token_n whereby_o a_o man_n may_v manifest_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o their_o church_n when_o receive_v into_o society_n with_o their_o church_n so_o we_o who_o have_v believe_v in_o the_o light_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o have_v the_o evidence_n in_o ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v of_o the_o true_a brotherhood_n and_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n be_v at_o a_o loss_n infallible_o to_o manifest_v unto_o other_o by_o any_o outward_a mark_n or_o token_n that_o we_o be_v in_o
and_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v lead_v into_o rantism_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o care_n of_o faithful_a brethren_n to_o appear_v as_o watchman_n over_o the_o flock_n that_o so_o none_o under_o pretence_n of_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o light_n may_v run_v into_o looseness_n lightness_n and_o vanity_n say_v the_o light_n in_o my_o conscience_n condemn_v i_o not_o to_o this_o we_o say_v the_o lord_n rebuke_v that_o spirit_n that_o do_v so_o much_o as_o jealous_a that_o leave_v people_n to_o the_o light_n may_v lead_v into_o rantism_n such_o a_o sugestion_n be_v notorious_o wicked_a since_o the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n have_v be_v unto_o which_o we_o this_o day_n bear_v record_n that_o the_o light_n be_v a_o reprover_n of_o all_o sin_n and_o as_o to_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o objection_n we_o say_v that_o those_o who_o be_v true_a watchman_n will_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v use_v their_o endeavour_n to_o bring_v the_o flock_n to_o the_o light_n to_o prove_v their_o deed_n whether_o they_o be_v wrought_v in_o god_n and_o not_o to_o paper_n rather_o than_o to_o the_o light_n as_o know_v this_o that_o every_o work_n and_o word_n bring_v forth_o by_o man_n be_v but_o the_o effect_n of_o what_o be_v first_o wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n which_o nothing_o outward_a can_v be_v a_o bond_n upon_o to_o alter_v and_o change_v and_o if_o we_o do_v but_o consider_v how_o fruitless_a in_o day_n and_o year_n that_o be_v past_a as_o well_o as_o in_o this_o present_a age_n all_o man_n outward_a endeavour_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o church-government_n have_v be_v to_o preserve_v in_o a_o real_a true_a heavenly_a society_n it_o appear_v to_o we_o as_o a_o mere_a badge_n of_o apostasy_n for_o any_o to_o have_v a_o dependency_n on_o any_o such_o mean_n of_o preservation_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v jealouse_v some_o may_v run_v into_o looseness_n and_o say_v the_o light_n in_o my_o conscience_n condemn_v i_o not_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o care_n of_o faithful_a brethren_n to_o appear_v as_o watchman_n over_o the_o flock_n we_o say_v so_o too_o and_o those_o who_o approve_v themselves_o watchman_n will_v endeavour_v to_o convince_v such_o who_o in_o very_a deed_n run_v into_o looseness_n etc._n etc._n that_o though_o they_o may_v pretend_v the_o light_n condemn_v they_o not_o yet_o that_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a and_o that_o the_o light_n do_v condemn_v that_o same_o though_o they_o may_v be_v harden_v and_o see_v it_o not_o and_o so_o endeavour_v to_o awaken_v the_o conscience_n that_o god_n witness_n may_v be_v hear_v for_o that_o nothing_o that_o be_v outward_a can_v be_v a_o bond_n on_o such_o a_o one_o to_o forsake_v his_o sin_n and_o embrace_v the_o truth_n sect_n vii_o touch_v church-government_n and_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 as_o we_o on_o sufficient_a ground_n take_v it_o lay_v down_o our_o denial_n of_o that_o meaning_n several_a scripture_n from_o whence_o a_o proof_n for_o church-government_n have_v be_v pretend_v be_v treat_v on_o show_v that_o from_o thence_o no_o pretence_n can_v be_v to_o claim_v a_o power_n over_o conscience_n or_o outward_a property_n the_o doctrine_n touch_v power_n over_o conscience_n and_o outward_a thing_n relate_v to_o meum_fw-la and_o tuum_fw-la as_o the_o author_n term_n be_v which_o we_o therefore_o call_v outward_a property_n examine_v and_o testify_v against_o as_o contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o liberty_n we_o have_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o sense_n what_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o decision_n of_o controversy_n with_o relation_n to_o property_n between_o brother_n and_o brother_n a_o objection_n raise_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o what_o be_v give_v forth_o by_o the_o spirit_n through_o the_o brethren_n aught_o to_o be_v obey_v and_o not_o account_v the_o dictate_v of_o fallible_a man_n and_o that_o if_o thou_o see_v it_o not_o thy_o duty_n to_o obey_v the_o reason_n be_v thy_o want_n of_o diligence_n and_o not_o wait_v in_o thy_o measure_n and_o so_o no_o plea_n for_o thy_o disobedience_n be_v good_n the_o say_a objection_n answer_v a_o examination_n from_o the_o scripture_n whether_o christ_n give_v any_o encouragement_n to_o his_o disciple_n to_o become_v ruler_n over_o one_o another_o this_o kind_n of_o discourse_n we_o be_v ready_a to_o suppose_v may_v at_o length_n occasion_n from_o some_o such_o a_o objection_n as_o this_o object_n what_o be_v you_o not_o for_o church-government_n answ_n to_o this_o we_o say_v we_o be_v for_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n know_v it_o be_v his_o right_n to_o govern_v his_o church_n obj._n this_n may_n some_o say_v be_v a_o evasive_a answer_n to_o the_o question_n and_o therefore_o may_v again_o reply_v be_v plain_a and_o tell_v we_o be_v you_o for_o church-government_n answ_n for_o answer_v than_o we_o say_v we_o ought_v to_o ask_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o word_n church-government_n since_o we_o find_v not_o the_o word_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n and_o it_o be_v a_o word_n most_o use_v under_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n by_o such_o who_o have_v become_v persecutor_n we_o be_v the_o more_o jealous_a that_o corruption_n usurpation_n and_o injustice_n may_v creep_v in_o by_o such_o who_o contend_v so_o much_o for_o church-government_n with_o respect_n to_o outward_o form_n of_o government_n since_o the_o form_n some_o take_v to_o govern_v be_v in_o some_o respect_n worse_o than_o the_o form_n of_o divers_a apostate_n christian_n take_v this_o for_o one_o instance_n among_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v give_v viz._n judge_v the_o merit_n of_o a_o cause_n without_o hear_v both_o party_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_o evidence_v by_o the_o give_v forth_o that_o paper_n from_o ellis_n hook_n his_o chamber_n london_n the_o twelve_o of_o the_o four_o month_n 1677._o and_o subscribe_v by_o charles_n marshal_n and_o sixty_o five_o person_n more_o against_o two_o ancient_a and_o honourable_a brethren_n viz._n john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n though_o not_o then_o present_a to_o speak_v for_o themselves_o nor_o yet_o ever_o speak_v to_o by_o many_o of_o the_o say_v sixty_o six_o touch_v any_o evil_n lay_v to_o their_o charge_n beside_o we_o do_v know_v that_o many_o of_o our_o opposer_n who_o appear_v to_o we_o high_o affect_v with_o church-government_n as_o in_o their_o account_n be_v establish_v among_o we_o and_o that_o with_o respect_n to_o outward_a form_n do_v in_o a_o high_a decree_n manifest_v a_o spirit_n of_o persecution_n by_o endeavour_v to_o take_v away_o the_o good_a name_n of_o honest_a man_n by_o lie_n slander_n and_o false_a accusation_n wherein_o our_o opposer_n have_v be_v to_o our_o certain_a knowledge_n so_o industrious_a as_o that_o we_o have_v scarcy_o know_v their_o peer_n in_o that_o evil_a work_n which_o in_o many_o section_n of_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o first_o manuscript_n make_v mention_n of_o in_o the_o preface_n particular_o the_o 13_o 18_o 12_o 22th_o be_v lareg_o evidence_v and_o ready_a for_o the_o view_n of_o any_o friend_n that_o may_v desire_v the_o perusal_n thereof_o though_o for_o the_o reason_n mention_v in_o the_o preface_n not_o herewith_o publish_v 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 to_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 if_o this_o be_v 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 as_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o believe_v it_o be_v not_o only_o from_o r._n b_n book_n of_o government_n but_o also_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v or_o propagate_v by_o other_o which_o we_o be_v persuade_v will_v appear_v to_o all_o impartial_a reader_n who_o shall_v diligent_o and_o in_o a_o unprejudiced_a spirit_n weigh_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o say_v first_o manuscript_n mention_v in_o the_o preface_n which_o as_o we_o say_v before_o be_v ready_a for_o the_o perusal_n of_o any_o friend_n desire_v so_o to_o do_v though_o for_o the_o reason_n mention_v in_o the_o preface_n not_o herewith_o publish_v we_o then_o direct_o answer_v we_o be_v not_o for_o such_o a_o church-government_n this_o subject_a whereof_o we_o be_v now_o treat_v be_v as_o some_o may_n comparative_o say_v the_o very_a hinge_v on_o which_o the_o present_a controversy_n seem_v to_o depend_v 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
to_o add._n if_o paul_n look_v on_o himself_o as_o one_o have_v power_n to_o command_v to_o rule_v and_o govern_v over_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o obey_v he_o whether_o they_o see_v it_o so_o or_o no_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n that_o the_o same_o paul_n testify_v for_o himself_o and_o other_o his_o brethren_n 2_o cor._n 4.2_o that_o they_o have_v not_o handle_v the_o word_n of_o god_n deceitful_o but_o by_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n commend_v themselves_o to_o every_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n compare_v this_o with_o what_o paul_n write_v in_o the_o same_o epistle_n 2_o cor._n 10.15_o have_v hope_n when_o your_o faith_n be_v increase_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v enlarge_v by_o you_o according_a to_o our_o rule_n abundant_o it_o appear_v evident_o to_o we_o that_o preach_v up_o obedience_n to_o that_o wherein_o the_o conscience_n through_o faith_n be_v not_o satisfy_v be_v a_o handle_v the_o word_n of_o god_n deceitful_o and_o therefore_o though_o we_o have_v be_v inform_v that_o we_o be_v dark_a and_o blind_a even_o by_o such_o who_o tell_v we_o they_o do_v see_v public_o preach_v on_o this_o wise_a if_o you_o do_v not_o see_v yourselves_o you_o must_v then_o follow_v we_o that_o do_v see_v yet_o we_o can_v on_o that_o foot_n embrace_v such_o doctrine_n lest_o like_o blind_a man_n we_o fall_v all_o together_o into_o the_o ditch_n and_o embrace_v that_o for_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o dark_a body_n of_o the_o moon_n we_o be_v now_o sensible_a another_o objection_n may_v thus_o arise_v object_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v but_o one_o in_o all_o have_v move_v in_o our_o brethren_n to_o give_v forth_o certain_a order_n command_n and_o prescription_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v according_o to_o obey_v and_o this_o can_v be_v call_v the_o dictate_v of_o fallible_a man_n but_o of_o the_o spirit_n give_v forth_o through_o man_n and_o be_v thou_o that_o pretend_v thou_o see_v it_o not_o thy_o duty_n to_o obey_v but_o obedient_a to_o thy_o own_o measure_n thou_o will_v then_o see_v it_o so_o and_o be_v one_o with_o the_o brethren_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v but_o tell_v thou_o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n to_o obey_v since_o the_o reason_n thou_o see_v it_o not_o thy_o duty_n be_v thy_o want_n of_o diligence_n and_o not_o wait_v on_o thy_o own_o measure_n beside_o we_o find_v that_o that_o very_a person_n who_o have_v travel_v much_o for_o the_o settle_n of_o man_n meeting_n have_v late_o give_v forth_o a_o paper_n the_o import_n whereof_o be_v to_o justify_v prescription_n answ_n to_o this_o we_o say_v that_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n move_v in_o any_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n to_o give_v forth_o certain_a order_n and_o prescription_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n as_o that_o which_o though_o relate_v to_o their_o conscience_n they_o ought_v to_o perform_v and_o practice_v whether_o they_o see_v it_o their_o duty_n or_o no_o or_o whether_o they_o be_v free_a so_o to_o do_v or_o no_o then_o not_o doubt_n but_o they_o ought_v so_o to_o act_v and_o do_v because_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n have_v so_o move_v but_o this_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o which_o under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o second_o covenant_n we_o have_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n or_o light_n of_o christ_n to_o suppose_v for_o if_o the_o blind_a be_v not_o to_o be_v accept_v of_o for_o a_o sacrifice_n under_o the_o first_o covenant_n much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v acceptable_a under_o the_o second_o and_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o expect_v that_o any_o such_o motion_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v appear_v through_o any_o one_o or_o more_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n with_o respect_n to_o other_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o our_o faith_n be_v that_o all_o those_o who_o be_v heir_n of_o that_o kingdom_n which_o be_v everlasting_a be_v entitle_v to_o a_o like_a freedom_n not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o each_o by_o other_o contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a sense_n and_o heavenly_a understanding_n which_o as_o coheir_n and_o co-worker_n together_o they_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o and_o this_o in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n will_v evince_o be_v manifest_v from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n however_o we_o must_v confess_v he_o that_o be_v not_o diligent_a to_o wait_v upon_o god_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o own_o measure_n of_o grace_n receive_v be_v by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n condemnable_a not_o for_o refuse_v to_o perform_v that_o which_o he_o see_v not_o to_o be_v his_o duty_n with_o respect_n to_o other_o man_n line_n make_v ready_a to_o his_o hand_n wherein_o he_o be_v not_o satisfy_v but_o for_o his_o neglect_v to_o wait_v upon_o god_n because_o it_o be_v manifest_a in_o every_o one_o that_o have_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o wait_v upon_o god_n and_o this_o our_o sense_n and_o reason_n answer_v to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n where_o it_o be_v say_v rom._n 1.18_o 19_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodlyness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n who_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n because_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o they_o for_o god_n have_v show_v it_o unto_o they_o so_o it_o be_v clear_a to_o we_o from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o we_o as_o well_o as_o from_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o we_o that_o the_o wrath_n and_o condemnation_n of_o god_n go_v forth_o against_o such_o as_o live_v not_o answerable_a to_o what_o god_n have_v manifest_v in_o they_o but_o it_o be_v neither_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n or_o light_v within_o for_o any_o to_o pour_v forth_o judgement_n against_o any_o for_o not_o follow_v or_o give_v heed_n unto_o this_o or_o tother_o prescription_n or_o outward_a observation_n wherein_o the_o conscience_n be_v concern_v when_o such_o be_v not_o convince_v thereof_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n from_o the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o they_o the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v this_o that_o in_o all_o the_o last_o mention_v objection_n there_o be_v no_o plea_n for_o obedience_n unto_o or_o follow_v any_o thing_n but_o the_o spirit_n in_o its_o appearance_n whether_o through_o the_o brethren_n or_o thyself_o from_o whence_o we_o observe_v first_o that_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a description_n who_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o word_n brethren_n second_o that_o it_o be_v the_o appearance_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o follow_v now_o shall_v this_o question_n be_v ask_v of_o such_o who_o may_v so_o object_n as_o aforesaid_a will_v you_o have_v we_o follow_v we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o believe_v that_o they_o will_v say_v nay_o if_o they_o answer_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o question_n and_o if_o so_o than_o the_o force_n of_o the_o objection_n fall_v for_o that_o we_o account_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o follow_v the_o appearance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n through_o the_o mean_a member_n when_o our_o conscience_n be_v convince_v that_o it_o be_v the_o appearance_n of_o that_o spirit_n but_o before_o we_o can_v say_v in_o truth_n though_o we_o shall_v do_v as_o such_o a_o one_o will_v have_v we_o that_o we_o be_v follower_n of_o and_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n no_o more_o than_o jesus_n can_v in_o truth_n be_v call_v lord_n 12.13_o lord_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o and_o not_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n beside_o we_o can_v on_o this_o occasion_n but_o testify_v that_o as_o that_o obedience_n which_o be_v of_o faith_n in_o christ_n find_v acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n 14.23_o lord_n rom._n 14.23_o so_o that_o obedience_n which_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n be_v but_o a_o dead_a performance_n and_o not_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o live_a member_n who_o through_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n unto_o righteousness_n be_v make_v alive_a unto_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v the_o duty_n of_o any_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n to_o run_v before_o his_o inward_a guide_n but_o to_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n that_o all_o his_o action_n may_v be_v regulate_v according_a to_o the_o manifestation_n and_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o himself_o which_o seem_v clear_o agreeable_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n where_o he_o thus_o say_v phil._n 3.15_o 16._o 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 nevertheless_o whereunto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v
by_o the_o same_o rule_n he_o that_o savour_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n may_v easy_o perceive_v that_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o paul_n unto_o those_o philippian_n be_v that_o those_o who_o be_v come_v to_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n shall_v walk_v by_o that_o rule_n whereunto_o they_o have_v attain_v but_o those_o who_o have_v not_o attain_v so_o far_o and_o be_v otherwise-minded_n be_v to_o wait_v for_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o son_n and_o now_o to_o conclude_v as_o to_o this_o objection_n we_o have_v this_o further_a to_o add_v that_o we_o do_v know_v many_o of_o our_o opposer_n or_o at_o least_o such_o who_o be_v not_o at_o unity_n with_o we_o have_v very_o confident_o make_v use_n of_o such_o discourse_n as_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o last_o recite_v objection_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o follow_v outward_a prescription_n and_o order_n though_o not_o convince_v of_o its_o service_n which_o occasion_n we_o to_o be_v jealous_a that_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o enemy_n may_v so_o enter_v in_o at_o this_o door_n as_o that_o darkness_n may_v more_o general_o overshadow_v again_o than_o it_o yet_o do_v though_o our_o hope_n in_o god_n be_v that_o he_o will_v lay_v such_o a_o constraint_n on_o many_o of_o those_o who_o eye_n be_v open_a behold_v the_o approach_v apostasy_n as_o that_o they_o may_v be_v raise_v in_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n indignation_n and_o appear_v as_o lion_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o lion_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o juda_n to_o oppose_v every_o appearance_n of_o that_o spirit_n which_o will_v be_v exalt_v self_n or_o any_o form_n observation_n prescription_n or_o order_n to_o be_v as_o a_o bond_n on_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n when_o by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n their_o alone_a lawgiver_n they_o be_v not_o full_o persuade_v thereof_o in_o their_o own_o conscience_n which_o undoubted_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o paul_n when_o he_o write_v unto_o the_o roman_n chap._n 14._o verse_n 5_o 23._o let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n and_o to_o come_v a_o little_a close_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n it_o be_v too_o too_o evident_a that_o nonconformity_n to_o outward_a prescription_n be_v take_v as_o a_o mark_n of_o apostasy_n even_o among_o those_o who_o have_v be_v under_o the_o profession_n of_o truth_n of_o which_o many_o instance_n too_o too_o large_a here_o to_o insert_v may_v be_v produce_v which_o be_v now_o forbear_v because_o we_o suppose_v there_o be_v very_o few_o among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n for_o who_o sake_n this_o be_v chief_o write_v who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o truth_n hereof_o beside_o it_o have_v be_v a_o observation_n of_o late_a that_o these_o question_n or_o question_n to_o the_o like_a import_n have_v be_v frequent_o ask_v by_o such_o with_o who_o we_o can_v be_v at_o unity_n in_o all_o thing_n viz._n be_v you_o for_o woman_n meeting_n mean_v distinct_a woman_n meeting_n from_o man_n among_o who_o under_o pretence_n of_o take_v care_n of_o the_o poor_a another_o thing_n seem_v to_o be_v more_o chief_o aim_v at_o as_o anon_o will_v be_v make_v appear_v be_v you_o for_o record_v condemnation_n mean_v thereby_o whether_o the_o party_n who_o have_v condemn_v their_o fail_n and_o through_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v restore_v and_o their_o officence_n blot_v out_o and_o forgive_v by_o he_o assent_v thereto_o or_o no._n be_v you_o for_o settle_a monthly_a and_o quarterly_o meeting_n touch_v outward_a business_n since_o those_o who_o will_v have_v meeting_n as_o occasion_n offer_v be_v account_v designer_n to_o through_o down_o all_o meeting_n for_o outward_a business_n relate_v to_o the_o affair_n of_o truth_n and_o when_o these_o or_o such_o like_a question_n have_v be_v a_o skt_a of_o friend_n in_o truth_n that_o can_v not_o answer_v thereto_o yea_o we_o be_v sensible_a that_o it_o have_v be_v take_v by_o many_o as_o a_o sufficient_a token_n of_o a_o dark_a leaven_a rend_v divide_v spirit_n and_o mere_o as_o we_o take_v it_o form_n a_o apprehension_n that_o the_o form_n they_o stand_v for_o be_v thereby_o strike_v at_o though_o the_o service_n will_v be_v effectual_o perform_v in_o another_o method_n as_o experience_n in_o the_o county_n of_o westmoreland_n and_o wilts_n have_v of_o late_o testify_v for_o be_v it_o not_o so_o that_o great_a stress_n be_v lay_v upon_o the_o outward_a form_n of_o thing_n prescribe_v to_o be_v practise_v how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o j._n s._n be_v article_v against_o by_o robert_n barrow_n and_o twenty_o six_o person_n more_o in_o the_o north_n on_o this_o wise_a viz._n j._n s._n speak_v among_o many_o friend_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o form_n because_o of_o the_o consequence_n that_o may_v follow_v say_v that_o among_o the_o christian_n of_o old_a the_o difference_n that_o do_v arise_v be_v about_o form_n which_o can_v not_o be_v seasonable_a word_n when_o we_o be_v establish_v the_o church_n in_o the_o holy_a order_n of_o truth_n much_o more_o may_v be_v collect_v from_o the_o article_n be_v forty_o four_o in_o number_n exhibit_v by_o robert_n barrow_n and_o twenty_o six_o person_n as_o aforesaid_a to_o show_v how_o earnest_o and_o zealous_o the_o very_a outward_a form_n of_o thing_n be_v contend_v for_o which_o occasion_n we_o in_o all_o seriousness_n of_o spirit_n thus_o to_o say_v may_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n so_o preserve_v his_o people_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v ensnare_v by_o those_o who_o have_v raise_v so_o great_a contention_n about_o the_o outward_a form_n of_o thing_n prescribe_v to_o be_v practise_v among_o the_o professor_n of_o truth_n lest_o they_o with_o they_o prove_v to_o be_v boaster_n proud_a blasphemer_n false_a accuser_n despiser_n of_o those_o that_o be_v good_a which_o be_v the_o very_a mark_n and_o token_n of_o those_o who_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o from_o who_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v to_o turn_v away_o and_o how_o far_o these_o mark_v rest_n upon_o many_o of_o those_o who_o so_o earnest_o contend_v for_o their_o outward_a form_n we_o leave_v to_o the_o impartial_a reader_n with_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n to_o judge_n when_o he_o have_v thorough_o inform_v himself_o of_o their_o fruit_n oh_o friend_n the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n bow_v we_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o mercy_n to_o we_o we_o can_v no_o long_o keep_v silent_a but_o in_o his_o fear_n declare_v that_o our_o conscience_n be_v concern_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o since_o it_o be_v so_o that_o a_o ill_a use_n be_v make_v of_o that_o spirit_n of_o forbearance_n and_o condescension_n which_o we_o be_v sensible_a have_v be_v use_v by_o many_o of_o our_o brethren_n it_o be_v now_o become_v our_o portion_n to_o unburthen_v ourselves_o of_o that_o which_o have_v be_v our_o burden_n believe_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o only_o arisen_a but_o will_v yet_o more_o and_o more_o arise_v against_o that_o spirit_n that_o will_v exalt_v itself_o over_o the_o heritage_n of_o god_n endeavour_v to_o rule_v over_o their_o conscience_n whenas_o christ_n alone_o be_v lord_n thereof_o it_o may_v now_o be_v worthy_a our_o observation_n to_o consider_v whether_o any_o encouragement_n be_v give_v by_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n christ_n jesus_n while_o on_o earth_n unto_o his_o disciple_n to_o become_v ruler_n one_o over_o another_o we_o find_v that_o he_o exhort_v his_o disciple_n judge_v not_o that_o you_o be_v not_o judge_v be_v not_o you_o call_v rabbi_n for_o one_o be_v your_o master_n even_o christ_n and_o all_o you_o be_v brethren_n but_o he_o that_o be_v great_a among_o you_o shall_v be_v your_o servant_n and_o whosoever_o shall_v exalthimself_n shall_v be_v abase_v and_o he_o that_o shall_v humble_v himself_o shall_v be_v exalt_v here_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o believe_v that_o christ_n intend_v that_o when_o he_o be_v depart_v his_o disciple_n shall_v be_v exalt_v themselves_o one_o over_o another_o as_o governor_n and_o ruler_n and_o if_o we_o consult_v the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o though_o his_o disciple_n have_v a_o dependency_n upon_o he_o while_o in_o his_o bodily_a appearance_n to_o be_v their_o leader_n yet_o he_o tell_v they_o john_n 16.7.13_o it_o be_v expedient_a for_o you_o that_o i_o go_v away_o for_o if_o i_o go_v not_o away_o the_o comforter_n will_v not_o come_v unto_o you_o but_o if_o i_o depart_v i_o will_v send_v he_o unto_o you_o and_o he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n for_o he_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o have_v it_o be_v so_o that_o christ_n jesus_n intend_v the_o
spirit_n neither_o do_v we_o dare_v to_o give_v any_o other_o than_o plain_a language_n to_o any_o single_a person_n not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o propriety_n of_o speech_n but_o because_o we_o be_v sensible_a that_o there_o be_v a_o will_n in_o man_n which_o be_v ready_a to_o hold_v the_o faith_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n with_o respect_n of_o person_n and_o that_o this_o will_n be_v to_o be_v cross_v that_o so_o a_o spirit_n of_o pride_n and_o partiality_n may_v not_o be_v nourish_v in_o any_o and_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n that_o we_o have_v be_v lead_v into_o the_o use_n of_o plain_a language_n and_o plain_a habit_n have_v we_o also_o be_v lead_v not_o to_o use_v the_o word_n master_n unless_o unto_o such_o as_o be_v real_o master_n and_o unto_o who_o as_o master_n obedience_n be_v or_o be_v due_a from_o such_o as_o have_v or_o may_v use_v that_o title_n though_o some_o may_v have_v ignorant_o think_v that_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n unto_o his_o disciple_n viz._n neither_o be_v you_o call_v master_n be_v our_o only_a ground_n obj._n do_v you_o place_n religion_n in_o thou_o and_o thou_o and_o not_o put_v off_o your_o hat_n and_o call_v man_n by_o their_o proper_a name_n without_o adjoin_v the_o word_n master_n and_o go_v plain_o in_o your_o apparel_n than_o some_o other_o may_n ans_fw-fr to_o this_o we_o answer_v we_o place_v religion_n in_o keep_v our_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o if_o thy_o conscience_n be_v convince_v by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o word_n thou_o or_o thou_o to_o a_o single_a person_n be_v not_o only_o more_o proper_a than_o you_o but_o that_o which_o on_o the_o aforesaid_a consideration_n thou_o ought_v to_o use_v and_o that_o thou_o ought_v not_o to_o use_v the_o word_n master_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o world_n unto_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v not_o thy_o master_n than_o it_o become_v thou_o to_o bridle_v thy_o tongue_n and_o express_v thyself_o according_a to_o such_o a_o conviction_n else_o thou_o may_v only_o seem_v to_o be_v religious_a when_o thy_o religion_n be_v vain_a and_o so_o likewise_o may_v we_o say_v that_o if_o thou_o have_v the_o like_a conviction_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o put_v off_o thy_o nat_n and_o go_v in_o plain_a apparel_n thou_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v lest_o the_o contrary_n become_v sin_n unto_o thou_o since_o thou_o can_v not_o pretend_v after_o such_o a_o conviction_n that_o freedom_n therein_o which_o may_v stand_v with_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n obj._n we_o have_v observe_v that_o your_o friend_n have_v in_o many_o particular_a respect_n behave_v themselves_o so_o cross_a unto_o the_o custom_n and_o fashion_n of_o all_o other_o as_o that_o they_o have_v appear_v not_o only_o rude_a but_o as_o if_o their_o ignorance_n be_v so_o great_a as_o to_o conclude_v that_o the_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n do_v consist_v in_o act_v a_o cross_n unto_o all_o other_o society_n of_o people_n whatsoever_o to_o this_o we_o answer_v if_o any_o have_v give_v just_a occasion_n for_o this_o objection_n it_o be_v to_o be_v lament_v because_o the_o great_a sign_n of_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n be_v to_o deny_v self_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o 16.24_o mat_n 16.24_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o beside_o we_o do_v testify_v the_o principle_n of_o truth_n lead_v none_o to_o be_v rude_a either_o in_o word_n or_o action_n nor_o yet_o to_o cross_v the_o custom_n and_o fashion_n of_o other_o society_n which_o in_o themselves_o be_v comely_a decent_a and_o of_o good_a report_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o cross_n be_v to_o they_o that_o perish_v 1.18_o 1_o cor._n 1.18_o foolishness_n but_o unto_o we_o which_o be_v save_v it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n a_o earthly-spirited_n man_n may_v become_v singular_a and_o cross_v unto_o all_o other_o and_o yet_o not_o deny_v himself_o through_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n may_v therein_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n another_o man_n may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n and_o yet_o not_o lead_v by_o his_o spirit_n to_o act_v cross_a unto_o all_o other_o though_o through_o the_o denial_n of_o self_n he_o may_v be_v true_o exercise_v in_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n and_o therein_o act_v many_o thing_n which_o some_o through_o envy_n or_o want_v of_o right_a understanding_n may_v term_v the_o fruit_n of_o rudeness_n and_o ignorance_n when_o not_o so_o in_o itself_o to_o conclude_v therefore_o we_o say_v it_o be_v good_a for_o every_o one_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o mind_n the_o inward_a divine_a and_o spiritual_a teacher_n that_o so_o none_o may_v run_v before_o that_o guide_n and_o then_o doubtless_o such_o will_v be_v lead_v to_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n in_o denial_n of_o self_n and_o not_o be_v active_a in_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v just_o be_v term_v rude_a or_o ignorant_a but_o in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v comely_a decent_a and_o of_o good_a report_n chp._n vii_o touch_v swear_v those_o unto_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v a_o divine_a understanding_n have_v declare_v that_o under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o truth_n to_o swear_v in_o any_o case_n whatsoever_o this_o position_n be_v justifiable_a according_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n and_o be_v not_o disagreeable_a to_o the_o light_n within_o matth._n 5.33_o 34_o 35_o 36_o 37._o it_o be_v thus_o say_v by_o christ_n again_o you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o have_v be_v say_v by_o they_o of_o old_a time_n thou_o shall_v not_o forswear_v thyself_o but_o shall_v perform_v unto_o the_o lord_n thy_o oath_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o swear_v not_o at_o all_o neither_o by_o heaven_n for_o it_o be_v god_n throne_n nor_o by_o the_o earth_n for_o it_o be_v his_o footstool_n neither_o by_o jerusalem_n for_o it_o be_v the_o city_n of_o the_o great_a king_n neither_o shall_v thou_o swear_v by_o thy_o head_n because_o thou_o cause_v not_o make_v one_o hair_n white_a or_o black_a but_o let_v your_o communication_n be_v yea_o yea_o nay_o nay_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v more_o than_o these_o come_v of_o evil_a these_o word_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o themselves_o a_o positive_a prohibition_n not_o only_o of_o vain_a oath_n but_o of_o all_o other_o whatsoever_o which_o be_v account_v lawful_a and_o though_o some_o have_v object_v that_o vain_a oath_n be_v only_o forbid_v by_o christ_n 6.16_o heb._n 6.16_o because_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n thus_o write_v for_o man_n very_o swear_v by_o the_o great_a and_o a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n be_v to_o they_o a_o end_v of_o all_o strife_n thence_o infer_v that_o under_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n oath_n by_o way_n of_o testimony_n for_o end_v of_o controversy_n be_v lawful_a yet_o these_o word_n will_v not_o bear_v any_o such_o inserence_n for_o the_o word_n in_o themselves_o do_v only_o signify_v what_o be_v practise_v by_o man_n but_o nothing_o be_v say_v in_o justification_n of_o that_o practice_n and_o if_o we_o peruse_v the_o 13_o and_o 17_o verse_n of_o the_o same_o chapter_n it_o will_v thence_o appear_v that_o the_o occasion_n whereon_o these_o word_n be_v write_v be_v by_o way_n of_o illustration_n or_o comparison_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o promise_n which_o god_n make_v unto_o abraham_n and_o confirm_v by_o a_o oath_n moreover_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o christ_n intend_v the_o prohibition_n of_o something_o which_o be_v lawful_a which_o can_v not_o be_v if_o nothing_o be_v prohibit_v save_o vain_a oath_n because_o such_o the_o law_n allow_v not_o obj._n on_o this_o subject_a some_o may_v ready_o thus_o object_n do_v you_o believe_v that_o the_o light_n within_o will_v have_v direct_v you_o to_o have_v deny_v the_o take_n of_o a_o oath_n before_o a_o magistrate_n on_o any_o occasion_n whatsoever_o have_v the_o scripture_n be_v silent_a in_o this_o case_n ans_fw-fr the_o matter_n of_o swear_v especial_o the_o form_n thereof_o as_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o people_n of_o england_n be_v but_o a_o humane_a political_a institution_n not_o justifiable_a by_o any_o testimony_n give_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n either_o under_o the_o first_o or_o second_o covenant_n and_o introduce_v on_o this_o score_n as_o suppose_v a_o great_a dread_n may_v lie_v on_o the_o conscience_n of_o mankind_n to_o speak_v the_o truth_n and_o perform_v a_o covenant_n when_o swear_v so_o to_o do_v than_z when_o not_o but_o those_o who_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n do_v know_v
account_v crucifyer_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n afresh_o and_o putter_n of_o he_o to_o open_a shame_n read_v heb._n 6.5_o 6._o and_o though_o we_o have_v repeat_v the_o 23_o 24_o 25._o verse_n yet_o they_o be_v chief_o a_o repetition_n of_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n already_o speak_v to_o in_o this_o chapter_n we_o shall_v say_v the_o less_o thereto_o and_o at_o present_a take_v notice_n only_o of_o these_o word_n therein_o contain_v viz._n this_o do_v in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o have_v these_o word_n be_v omit_v by_o luke_n as_o they_o be_v by_o matthew_n and_o mark_n on_o the_o same_o occasion_n there_o will_v be_v no_o pretence_n from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n to_o call_v christ_n break_v of_o bread_n at_o his_o last_o supper_n a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n to_o continue_v foreve_a moreover_o it_o be_v worthy_a our_o observation_n that_o john_n the_o evangelist_n whole_o omit_v that_o narration_n give_v by_o matthew_n mark_n and_o luke_n 13._o john_n 13._o from_o whence_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o supper_n so_o call_v be_v contend_v for_o more_o than_o to_o say_v he_o riseth_z from_o supper_n and_o yet_o do_v express_o unto_o his_o disciple_n after_o supper_n be_v end_v thus_o say_v 15._o 4.13_o 14_o 15._o you_o call_v i_o master_n and_o lord_n and_o you_o do_v well_o for_o so_o i_o be_o if_o i_o then_o your_o lord_n and_o master_n have_v wash_v your_o foot_n you_o ought_v also_o to_o wash_v one_o another_o foot_n for_o i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o example_n that_o you_o shall_v do_v as_o i_o have_v do_v to_o you_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n aught_o to_o be_v weigh_v 5._o john_n 5._o and_o ponder_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o those_o who_o so_o do_v will_v clear_o discern_v that_o christ_n by_o that_o outward_a action_n of_o wash_v the_o disciple_n foot_n do_v not_o only_o show_v unto_o his_o disciple_n a_o pattern_n of_o humility_n and_o a_o example_n of_o readiness_n to_o serve_v one_o another_o in_o love_n but_o also_o to_o figure_v forth_o unto_o they_o the_o necessity_n of_o be_v wash_v cleanse_v and_o purify_v in_o the_o inward_a man_n and_o that_o otherwise_o there_o be_v no_o have_v a_o part_n in_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v clear_o signify_v in_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n unto_o peter_n then_o come_v he_o to_o simon_n peter_n 7._o john_n 13.6_o 7._o and_o peter_n say_v unto_o he_o lord_n do_v thou_o wash_v my_o foot_n jesus_n answer_v and_o say_v what_o i_o do_v thou_o know_v not_o now_o but_o thou_o shall_v know_v hereafter_o which_o clear_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a signification_n hint_v at_o by_o christ_n outward_a wash_v for_o that_o peter_n do_v know_v his_o outward_a wash_v and_o therefore_o say_v 8._o verse_n 8._o thou_o shall_v never_o wash_v my_o foot_n whereupon_o jesus_n answer_v he_o thus_o if_o i_o wash_v thou_o not_o thou_o have_v no_o part_n in_o i_o all_o which_o be_v due_o weigh_v it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v as_o much_o ground_n at_o this_o day_n from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n to_o practice_v the_o wash_v of_o one_o another_o foot_n and_o call_v such_o a_o practice_n a_o sacrament_n to_o figure_v forth_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n in_o which_o the_o sin_n of_o those_o who_o be_v quicken_v unto_o god_n be_v wash_v away_o as_o the_o eat_v of_o bread_n and_o drink_v of_o wine_n in_o imitation_n of_o what_o be_v practise_v or_o command_v by_o christ_n the_o night_n before_o he_o be_v betray_v may_v and_o now_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o ourselves_o and_o all_o the_o child_n of_o light_n among_o those_o call_v quaker_n may_v it_o at_o this_o day_n be_v say_v that_o though_o we_o be_v not_o find_v in_o that_o outward_a practice_n of_o wash_v one_o another_o foot_n as_o a_o religious_a exercise_n after_o that_o outward_a example_n which_o be_v give_v by_o christ_n unto_o his_o disciple_n the_o night_n before_o he_o be_v betray_v and_o enjoin_v as_o their_o duty_n nor_o yet_o be_v find_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o appoint_v certain_a time_n and_o season_n on_o purpose_n to_o eat_v bread_n and_o drink_v wine_n as_o that_o which_o we_o ought_v religious_o to_o do_v in_o a_o more_o solemn_a manner_n than_o at_o other_o time_n yet_o we_o can_v bold_o say_v christ_n our_o lord_n and_o master_n speak_v no_o more_o condemnation_n unto_o we_o as_o person_n in_o that_o respect_n neglect_v any_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v institute_v for_o we_o to_o practice_v than_o he_o do_v to_o many_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n at_o this_o day_n who_o visit_v the_o sick_a neglect_v to_o anoint_v with_o oil_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o other_o who_o be_v of_o the_o gentile-stock_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n do_v not_o abstain_v from_o eat_v blood_n and_o yet_o in_o neither_o of_o these_o respect_n condemn_v though_o express_o exhort_v to_o by_o the_o apostle_n read_v act_n 15.20_o james_n 5.14_o moreover_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o though_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n so_o call_v be_v by_o some_o repute_v to_o be_v institute_v by_o christ_n 12.13_o exod._n 12.13_o in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o passover_n and_o to_o continue_v as_o a_o ordinance_n forever_o 14._o heb._n 9.10_o 14._o even_o as_o water-baptism_n be_v take_v to_o be_v institute_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n yet_o both_o be_v groundless_a for_o though_o the_o scripture_n testify_v that_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o passover_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v by_o a_o ordinance_n forever_o yet_o when_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n come_v it_o end_v even_o as_o all_o those_o outward_a service_n and_o ordinance_n which_o stand_v only_o in_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o divers_a wash_n and_o carnal_a ordinance_n impose_v until_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n do_v now_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n be_v the_o time_n wherein_o christ_n through_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n offer_v himself_o without_o spot_n unto_o god_n we_o query_n whether_o after_o this_o time_n of_o reformation_n it_o can_v be_v consist_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n for_o any_o one_o to_o impose_v upon_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o for_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n though_o not_o impose_v upon_o to_o practice_v such_o ordinance_n as_o consist_v in_o outward_a meat_n drink_n and_o wash_n as_o the_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n and_o sacrament_n of_o the_o supper_n so_o call_v do_v as_o needful_a in_o order_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n since_o not_o only_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n testify_v that_o the_o like_a ordinance_n under_o the_o first_o covenant_n have_v a_o end_n when_o the_o law_n be_v change_v but_o that_o paul_n likewise_o exhort_v against_o the_o use_n of_o ordinance_n after_o the_o commandment_n and_o doctrine_n of_o man_n as_o be_v large_o declare_v to_o the_o colossian_n chapt._n 2.8_o 14_o 16._o to_o the_o end_n and_o whether_o the_o introduce_v thereof_o at_o this_o day_n be_v not_o a_o building_n again_o the_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v according_a 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i_o and_o so_o these_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n seek_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o 14.17_o rom._n 14.17_o know_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n consist_v not_o in_o meat_n and_o in_o drink_n but_o in_o righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o therefore_o have_v receive_v a_o earnest_a of_o that_o life_n which_o be_v eternal_a through_o faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v offer_v up_o a_o sacrifice_n unto_o god_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n do_v inward_o feel_v the_o benefit_n of_o that_o offer_n and_o so_o be_v sensible_a chapter_n heb._n 9_o 10._o chapter_n that_o the_o flesh_n profit_v nothing_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o that_o quicken_a spirit_n which_o be_v signify_v by_o christ_n
in_o isa_n 9.6_o it_o be_v thus_o say_v and_o the_o government_n shall_v be_v upon_o his_o shoulder_n and_o his_o name_n shall_v be_v call_v wonderful_a councillor_n etc._n etc._n second_o because_o it_o be_v whole_o repugnant_a to_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o conscience_n that_o the_o weight_n of_o a_o government_n that_o be_v spiritual_a and_o everlasting_a the_o law_n whereof_o be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o wherein_o nothing_o but_o true_a judgement_n and_o justice_n have_v be_v be_v and_o shall_v be_v execute_v for_o evermore_o shall_v rest_v upon_o any_o man_n or_o man_n as_o a_o governor_n or_o governor_n over_o other_o since_o there_o be_v no_o man_n nor_o man_n but_o be_v subject_n through_o temptation_n to_o err_v if_o they_o watch_v not_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v well_o say_v much_o less_o on_o any_o such_o one_o man_n though_o term_v by_o some_o the_o great_a apostle_n of_o christ_n who_o action_n towards_o his_o brethren_n have_v be_v find_v injurious_a to_o they_o undeserved_o and_o reproachful_a to_o the_o truth_n nor_o yet_o upon_o any_o such_o assembly_n as_o the_o usual_a general_n meet_v so_o term_v though_o improper_o of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n be_v because_o the_o metre_n have_v usual_o consist_v of_o uncertain_a number_n of_o uncertain_a qualify_v person_n that_o take_v upon_o they_o so_o to_o assemble_v while_o other_o behold_v the_o ill_a consequence_n of_o their_o meeting_n conscientious_o forbear_v to_o join_v with_o they_o three_o because_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n have_v their_o eye_n so_o much_o on_o his_o outward_a and_o bodily_a appearance_n as_o that_o christ_n their_o lord_n and_o master_n see_v it_o meet_v to_o tell_v they_o in_o these_o word_n joh._n 16.7_o it_o be_v expedient_a for_o you_o that_o i_o go_v away_o and_o when_o he_o so_o say_v he_o do_v not_o then_o tell_v they_o nor_o yet_o at_o any_o time_n before_o or_o after_o i_o will_v commissionate_v 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which_o the_o subject_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n owe_v obedience_n and_o why_o so_o but_o because_o under_o it_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v guide_v into_o all_o truth_n according_a as_o be_v plain_o signify_v from_o these_o follow_a word_n speak_v by_o christ_n himself_o joh._n 16.13_o i_o have_v yet_o many_o thing_n to_o say_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o can_v bear_v they_o now_o howbeit_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n for_o he_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o but_o whatsoever_o he_o shall_v hear_v that_o shall_v he_o speak_v here_o be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o contend_v about_o form_n of_o government_n or_o who_o shall_v be_v governor_n under_o christ_n government_n for_o if_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o we_o and_o that_o be_v to_o remain_v with_o we_o forever_o shall_v guide_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n than_o our_o dependency_n ought_v to_o 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therefore_o come_v under_o the_o curse_n and_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n from_o god_n which_o happen_v to_o corah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n for_o their_o rebellion_n against_o moses_n and_o though_o the_o sin_n of_o corah_n etc._n etc._n have_v frequent_o in_o our_o public_a meeting_n for_o worship_n be_v speak_v of_o and_o intend_v as_o we_o have_v take_v it_o to_o be_v as_o a_o proper_a citation_n to_o describe_v the_o state_n of_o such_o as_o on_o a_o conscientious_a score_n can_v submit_v unto_o the_o outward_a order_n of_o one_o man_n yet_o we_o testify_v that_o such_o sort_n of_o insinuate_a and_o threaten_a language_n seem_v much_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o first_o covenant_n than_o the_o second_o under_o which_o we_o be_v and_o when_o countenance_v or_o speak_v by_o any_o expect_v such_o a_o submission_n it_o than_o seem_v to_o savour_v of_o a_o spirit_n that_o speak_v of_o himself_o and_o not_o what_o he_o have_v hear_v from_o the_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o consequent_o from_o another_o spirit_n than_o that_o which_o christ_n promise_v he_o will_v send_v for_o christ_n own_o word_n signify_v he_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o moreover_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o corah_n and_o his_o company_n rebel_v against_o moses_n who_o be_v king_n in_o jesuran_n and_o a_o leader_n of_o israel_n and_o through_o who_o the_o lord_n give_v forth_o his_o law_n to_o the_o people_n but_o we_o know_v that_o none_o can_v according_a to_o truth_n at_o this_o day_n pretend_v that_o any_o other_o governor_n be_v raise_v up_o among_o the_o child_n of_o light_n to_o be_v like_a unto_o moses_n who_o we_o ought_v to_o hear_v in_o all_o thing_n save_v christ_n jesus_n who_o by_o his_o spirit_n manifest_v in_o every_o subject_a of_o his_o kingdom_n be_v thereby_o become_v their_o lawgiver_n and_o while_o they_o be_v obedient_a thereunto_o they_o may_v in_o truth_n be_v reckon_v to_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n because_o they_o may_v then_o true_o be_v term_v such_o as_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o such_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n there_o be_v no_o condemnation_n objection_n this_o discourse_n touch_v government_n may_v occasion_v some_o to_o raise_v this_o objection_n we_o understand_v that_o many_o call_v quaker_n do_v hold_v monthly_a and_o quarterly-meeting_n of_o man_n and_o also_o of_o woman_n distinct_a from_o man_n about_o their_o church_n affair_n and_o that_o these_o meeting_n be_v repute_v to_o be_v establish_v on_o certain_a day_n that_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v alter_v by_o one_o man_n among_o they_o that_o have_v pretend_v he_o be_v move_v of_o god_n so_o to_o do_v and_o that_o the_o same_o person_n have_v by_o his_o paper_n spread_v abroad_o in_o divers_a part_n of_o the_o nation_n signify_v that_o none_o but_o loose_a spirit_n and_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o looseness_n pretend_v to_o set_v 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part_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o administration_n under_o which_o thousand_o in_o these_o nation_n be_v gather_v unto_o god_n do_v consist_v in_o this_o that_o after_o they_o have_v be_v wander_v from_o mountain_n to_o hill_n from_o under_o one_o form_n and_o outward_a church-fellowship_n into_o another_o they_o come_v to_o be_v turn_v to_o the_o sure_a guide_n in_o themselves_o christ_n light_n and_o warn_v not_o to_o look_v out_o neither_o to_o be_v in_o the_o lo_n here_o be_v and_o the_o lo_n there_o be_v but_o to_o be_v faithful_a to_o their_o own_o measure_n for_o that_o according_a to_o paul_n testimony_n god_n grace_n be_v give_v to_o every_o one_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n but_o to_o return_v let_v we_o examine_v how_o he_o prove_v his_o first_o assertion_n viz._n that_o there_o never_o will_v nor_o can_v be_v want_v in_o case_n of_o controversy_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o give_v judgement_n through_o some_o or_o other_o in_o 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decide_v controversy_n in_o every_o assembly_n that_o in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n can_v be_v term_v christ_n church_n and_o so_o i_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o these_o and_o several_a other_o scripture_n which_o he_o have_v quote_v as_o proof_n of_o his_o assertion_n seem_v rather_o strain_v to_o vindicate_v what_o he_o assert_n than_o that_o his_o assertion_n be_v according_a to_o it_o on_o which_o hand_n he_o say_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n that_o both_o papist_n and_o protestant_n have_v great_o go_v aside_o which_o may_v have_v be_v a_o caution_n to_o he_o not_o to_o have_v err_v in_o the_o same_o path_n as_o now_o he_o have_v do_v let_v we_o a_o little_a further_o examine_v his_o word_n tolerable_a supposition_n when_o we_o be_v not_o certain_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n and_o yet_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v it_o be_v or_o may_v be_v so_o we_o common_o say_v my_o supposition_n be_v that_o it_o be_v or_o may_v be_v so_o and_o though_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n adjoin_v to_o the_o word_n supposition_n tolerable_a yet_o that_o ascertain_v nothing_o it_o only_o import_v such_o a_o supposition_n may_v be_v sufferable_a that_o be_v may_v be_v suffer_v to_o be_v a_o supposition_n not_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v assembly_n obvious_a to_o every_o eye_n that_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o christianity_n which_o can_v on_o any_o term_n be_v suppose_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v other_o assembly_n which_o have_v several_a mark_n and_o token_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n so_o far_o as_o several_a thing_n outward_a profess_a and_o act_v may_v be_v such_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o not_o own_v by_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o present_a age_n as_o well_o as_o age_n past_a yield_v many_o precedent_n to_o prove_v the_o same_o for_o that_o it_o be_v obvious_a there_o have_v be_v many_o assembly_n under_o various_a form_n who_o profess_v faith_n in_o christ_n work_v of_o righteousness_n and_o divers_a truth_n own_a by_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n now_o whether_o such_o thing_n profess_v and_o own_a may_v not_o be_v ground_n for_o a_o tolerable_a supposition_n that_o such_o assembly_n be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n i_o leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o impartial_a and_o judicious_a reader_n have_v this_o further_a testimony_n to_o add_v that_o the_o world_n have_v too_o much_o be_v trouble_v with_o the_o sentence_n decree_n and_o decisive_n judgement_n of_o too_o many_o assembly_n suppose_v to_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o that_o on_o tolerable_a supposition_n have_v be_v so_o term_v who_o have_v rather_o increase_v than_o end_v controversy_n as_o history_n do_v at_o large_a manifest_a and_o since_o r._n b._n undertake_v by_o reason_n to_o evidence_n the_o same_o i_o shall_v according_a to_o the_o line_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o truth_n take_v upon_o i_o further_o to_o discover_v the_o fallacy_n of_o his_o so_o confident_a assertion_n the_o qualification_n of_o a_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n be_v sanctification_n through_o the_o spirit_n wheresoever_o any_o number_n of_o person_n so_o qualify_v be_v assemble_v in_o christ_n name_n there_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n though_o they_o be_v of_o that_o number_n who_o be_v of_o the_o low_a degree_n or_o rank_n in_o the_o body_n now_o a_o assembly_n of_o such_o member_n may_v be_v as_o insensible_a and_o void_a of_o understanding_n in_o many_o divine_a matter_n and_o mystery_n relate_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n may_v be_v insensible_a of_o what_o the_o eye_n do_v see_v and_o so_o may_v have_v case_n of_o controversy_n bring_v before_o they_o whereof_o they_o be_v no_o more_o competent_a judge_n not_o be_v gift_v thereunto_o by_o the_o spirit_n than_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n be_v capable_a to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o diversity_n of_o voice_n and_o sound_v or_o the_o ear_n of_o diversity_n of_o colour_n and_o yet_o may_v be_v all_o faithful_a in_o their_o place_n walk_v according_a to_o their_o respective_a measure_n of_o grace_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o so_o that_o none_o can_v in_o truth_n say_v such_o a_o assembly_n may_v not_o proper_o be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v build_v upon_o he_o their_o rock_n and_o have_v perfect_a fellowship_n each_o with_o other_o in_o the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n obj._n and_o whereas_o some_o may_v be_v ready_a to_o object_n and_o say_v why_o do_v thou_o seem_v to_o reflect_v on_o this_o sort_n of_o language_n we_o must_v believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v part._n believe_v note_n this_o question_n be_v state_v in_o a_o print_a book_n and_o publish_v by_o one_o call_v a_o quaker_n who_o name_n be_v omit_v for_o the_o reason_n mention_v in_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o first_o part._n be_v not_o the_o true_a church_n in_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o must_v we_o not_o either_o believe_v thus_o as_o the_o true_a church_n believe_v or_o else_o do_v we_o not_o manifest_v both_o folly_n and_o hypocrisy_n to_o profess_v ourselves_o member_n thereof_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n have_v in_o my_o forego_v line_n use_v such_o a_o expression_n i_o thus_o say_v the_o general_a assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v be_v write_v in_o heaven_n heb._n 12.23_o but_o i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o this_o general_a assembly_n set_v forth_o their_o creed_n record_v on_o earth_n by_o that_o i_o thus_o mean_a i_o do_v not_o find_v any_o certain_a number_n of_o article_n of_o faith_n write_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n which_o every_o member_n of_o this_o general_a assembly_n do_v believe_v and_o which_o every_o one_o who_o shall_v come_v to_o be_v gather_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o christ_n body_n
birth_n from_o run_v into_o duty_n catch_v of_o open_n and_o lay_v hold_n of_o promise_n and_o to_o feel_v the_o heir_n bear_v of_o the_o immortal_a seed_n to_o who_o all_o belong_v and_o the_o other_o birth_n never_o afterward_o get_v up_o above_o he_o but_o be_v subdue_v and_o bring_v into_o subjection_n again_o say_v the_o apostle_n take_v heed_n of_o do_v any_o thing_n doubt_o be_v not_o forward_a be_v not_o hasty_a wait_v for_o the_o lead_n wait_v for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v sure_o thou_o receive_v what_o thou_o receive_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o practise_v what_o thou_o practise_v in_o the_o faith_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n be_v a_o error_n from_o the_o principle_n of_o life_n which_o be_v to_o guide_v and_o thereby_o thou_o lose_v ground_n and_o dishonour_v christ_n and_o come_v under_o condemnation_n and_o so_o the_o apostle_n warn_v believer_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o draw_v one_o another_o on_o too_o fast_o or_o of_o judge_v one_o another_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o some_o of_o they_o may_v have_v light_a in_o other_o not_z he_o that_o eat_v not_o to_o judge_v he_o that_o do_v not_o eat_v and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o eat_v not_o to_o judge_v he_o that_o do_v eat_v yea_o in_o matter_n of_o worship_n he_o that_o observe_v a_o day_n and_o keep_v a_o sabbath_n not_o to_o judge_v he_o that_o observe_v not_o a_o day_n or_o keep_v not_o a_o sabbath_n for_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v true_o convert_v yet_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v draw_v off_o from_o the_o observation_n of_o their_o sabbath_n and_o can_v hardly_o bear_v with_o the_o believe_a gentile_n who_o be_v never_o teach_v to_o keep_v their_o sabbath_n with_o they_o but_o be_v teach_v to_o esteem_v every_o day_n and_o sanctify_v it_o to_o the_o lord_n rom._n 14.5_o and_o those_o who_o esteem_v every_o day_n and_o dedicate_v it_o to_o the_o lord_n cease_v from_o sin_n and_o rest_v to_o he_o for_o under_o the_o gospel_n we_o be_v not_o to_o set_v up_o a_o new_a type_n but_o to_o enter_v by_o faith_n into_o the_o true_a rest_n which_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o the_o other_o signify_v can_v hardly_o bear_v with_o they_o who_o observe_v a_o day_n even_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n christian_n be_v too_o apt_a to_o strive_v after_o a_o wrong_a unity_n and_o uniformity_n in_o outward_a practice_n and_o observation_n and_o to_o judge_v one_o another_o unrighteous_o in_o those_o thing_n and_o mark_v it_o be_v not_o the_o different_a practice_n from_o one_o another_o that_o break_v the_o peace_n and_o the_o unity_n but_o the_o judge_n of_o one_o another_o because_o of_o different_a practice_n he_o that_o keep_v not_o a_o day_n may_v unite_v in_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o the_o same_o life_n in_o the_o same_o love_n with_o he_o that_o keep_v a_o day_n and_o he_o who_o keep_v a_o day_n may_v unite_v in_o heart_n and_o soul_n with_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o life_n in_o he_o who_o keep_v not_o a_o day_n but_o he_o that_o judge_v the_o other_o because_o of_o either_o of_o these_o err_v from_o the_o spirit_n from_o the_o love_n from_o the_o life_n and_o so_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o unity_n and_o he_o that_o draw_v another_o to_o any_o practice_n before_o the_o life_n in_o his_o own_o particular_a lead_v he_o do_v as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o destroy_v the_o soul_n of_o that_o person_n verse_n 15._o this_o be_v the_o apostle_n rule_n for_o every_o one_o to_o perform_v single_o to_o the_o lord_n what_o he_o do_v and_o not_o for_o one_o to_o meddle_v with_o the_o light_n or_o conscience_n of_o another_o undervalue_v his_o brother_n or_o judge_v he_o because_o his_o light_n and_o practice_n differ_v from_o he_o verse_n 10._o of_o that_o 14_o chap._n but_o every_o one_o to_o keep_v close_o to_o their_o own_o measure_n of_o light_n even_o to_o that_o proportion_n of_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n which_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n have_v bestow_v on_o they_o and_o here_o be_v the_o true_a unity_n in_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o inward_a life_n and_o not_o in_o a_o outward_a uniformity_n that_o be_v not_o necessary_a in_o the_o apostle_n day_n nor_o be_v it_o necessary_a now_o and_o that_o eye_n which_o so_o dote_v upon_o it_o overlook_v the_o one_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a man_n keep_v close_o to_o god_n the_o lord_n will_v lead_v they_o on_o fast_o enough_o and_o give_v they_o light_v fast_o enough_o for_o he_o take_v care_n of_o such_o and_o know_v what_o light_n and_o what_o practice_n be_v most_o proper_a for_o they_o but_o for_o man_n to_o walk_v on_o fast_a than_o the_o lord_n hold_v forth_o light_a to_o they_o this_o overturn_v they_o raise_v up_o a_o wrong_a thing_n in_o they_o and_o the_o true_a birth_n hereby_o come_v to_o suffer_v to_o shrink_v and_o be_v drive_v back_o and_o oh_o how_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a be_v it_o to_o the_o true_o spiritual_a eye_n to_o see_v several_a sort_n of_o believer_n several_a form_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n every_o one_o learning_n their_o own_o lesson_n perform_v their_o own_o peculiar_a service_n and_o know_v own_v and_o love_v one_o another_o in_o their_o several_a place_n and_o different_a performance_n to_o their_o master_n to_o who_o they_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n and_o not_o to_o quarrel_v with_o one_o another_o about_o their_o different_a practice_n rom._n 14.4_o for_o this_o be_v the_o true_a ground_n of_o love_n and_o unity_n not_o that_o such_o a_o man_n walk_v and_o do_v just_a as_o i_o do_v but_o because_o i_o feel_v the_o same_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o he_o and_o in_o that_o he_o walk_v in_o his_o rank_n in_o his_o own_o order_n in_o his_o proper_a way_n and_o place_n of_o subjection_n to_o that_o and_o this_o be_v far_o more_o please_a to_o i_o than_o if_o he_o walk_v just_a in_o that_o tract_n wherein_o i_o walk_v nay_o so_o far_o as_o i_o be_o spiritual_a i_o can_v so_o much_o as_o desire_v that_o he_o shall_v do_v so_o until_o he_o be_v particular_o lead_v thereto_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o lead_v i_o and_o he_o that_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o receive_v any_o truth_n from_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o be_v lead_v into_o practice_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o how_o prone_a the_o fleshly_a man_n be_v to_o make_v haste_n and_o how_o dangerous_a that_o haste_n be_v will_v not_o be_v forward_o to_o press_v his_o knowledge_n or_o practice_n upon_o other_o but_o rather_o wait_v patient_o till_o the_o lord_n fit_v they_o for_o the_o receive_n thereof_o and_o fear_v lest_o they_o shall_v receive_v and_o practice_v too_o soon_o even_o in_o that_o part_n which_o can_v serve_v the_o lord_n and_o this_o i_o can_v true_o say_v concern_v myself_o i_o never_o find_v my_o spirit_n forward_o to_o draw_v any_o either_o to_o any_o thing_n i_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a or_o to_o any_o practice_n or_o way_n of_o worship_n i_o observe_v or_o walk_v in_o but_o desire_v that_o the_o power_n and_o leading_n of_o life_n may_v go_v before_o they_o and_o be_v afraid_a lest_o man_n shall_v receive_v thing_n from_o my_o hand_n and_o not_o from_o the_o lord_n yea_o and_o this_o i_o very_o well_o remember_v that_o when_o i_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o independency_n as_o it_o have_v be_v common_o call_v i_o have_v more_o unity_n with_o more_o love_n towards_o such_o as_o be_v single-hearted_n in_o other_o way_n and_o practice_n of_o worship_n who_o spirit_n i_o have_v some_o feel_n of_o in_o the_o true_a simplicity_n and_o in_o the_o life_n than_o with_o divers_a of_o such_o who_o be_v very_o know_v and_o zealous_a in_o that_o way_n of_o independency_n in_o who_o a_o wrong_a thing_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n have_v get_v up_o which_o have_v cause_v they_o to_o swerve_v from_o the_o life_n and_o from_o the_o simplicity_n so_o that_o the_o true_a church_n government_n be_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o over_o the_o conscience_n as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n the_o great_a care_n must_v be_v to_o keep_v it_o within_o its_o bound_n that_o nothing_o else_o govern_v but_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o the_o government_n be_v extend_v only_o unto_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v first_o care_n must_v be_v have_v that_o nothing_o govern_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n that_o nothing_o else_o teach_v nothing_o else_o exhort_v nothing_o else_o admonish_v and_o reprove_v nothing_o else_o cut_v off_o and_o cast_v out_o every_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o watch_v over_o his_o own_o spirit_n that_o it_o intrude_v not_o into_o the_o work_n of_o god_n that_o it_o take_v not_o upon_o it_o to_o be_v the_o teacher_n the_o exhorte_a the_o reprover_n etc._n etc._n and_o
reach_v the_o conscience_n of_o many_o i_o now_o come_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o r._n b_n word_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o w._n r_n in_o his_o paper_n shall_v labour_v so_o much_o against_o this_o affirm_v very_o positive_o that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v give_v forth_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o by_o way_n of_o recommendation_n and_o not_o of_o command_n on_o this_o i_o observe_v first_o the_o say_a sentence_n be_v make_v up_o of_o a_o part_n of_o one_o sentence_n of_o i_o and_o with_o the_o addition_n to_o that_o sentence_n of_o these_o r._n b_n own_o word_n and_o not_o of_o command_n and_o all_o this_o as_o by_o his_o discourse_n to_o i_o appear_v to_o insinuate_v a_o belief_n that_o i_o hold_v a_o principle_n so_o large_a as_o that_o the_o very_a murderer_n of_o christ_n those_o that_o persecute_a and_o burn_v the_o protestant_n martye_n and_o all_o idolotry_n wickedness_n and_o superstition_n be_v to_o be_v thereby_o justify_v which_o my_o soul_n abhor_v and_o bless_v be_v the_o lord_n he_o have_v give_v i_o a_o better_a understanding_n than_o to_o assert_v any_o thing_n from_o which_o such_o horrid_a conclusion_n may_v be_v draw_v and_o indeed_o his_o language_n seem_v to_o favour_n of_o that_o spirit_n which_o oppose_v the_o child_n of_o light_n in_o the_o beginning_n say_v the_o jew_n act_v from_o the_o light_n in_o they_o when_o they_o crucify_v christ_n and_o since_o r._n b._n be_v so_o disingenuous_a as_o not_o to_o lay_v down_o all_o my_o word_n nor_o yet_o the_o occasion_n which_o if_o he_o have_v his_o present_a discourse_n hereon_o will_v have_v seem_v more_o impertinent_a i_o shall_v therefore_o on_o this_o subject_n further_o add_v r_n b._n in_o his_o book_n of_o government_n ask_v this_o question_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v power_n in_o any_o case_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n to_o give_v positive_a sentence_n and_o decision_n which_o may_v be_v obligatory_a upon_o believer_n and_o then_o proceed_v to_o answer_v the_o say_a question_n thus_o i_o answer_v affirmative_o she_o have_v on_o this_o occasion_n treat_v among_o other_o thing_n i_o say_v that_o it_o do_v seem_v plain_o to_o contradict_v this_o wholesome_a testimony_n of_o and_o for_o the_o truth_n viz._n that_o the_o sentence_n and_o judgement_n of_o any_o man_n or_o man_n whatsoever_o relate_v to_o matter_n of_o conscience_n ought_v not_o at_o this_o day_n to_o be_v give_v forth_o but_o by_o way_n of_o recommendation_n to_o the_o conscience_n which_o to_o my_o knowledge_n have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n and_o when_o the_o conscience_n be_v sensible_a that_o god_n witness_v therein_o answer_n than_o the_o conscience_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v bind_v other_o bond_n may_v make_v hypocrite_n and_o busy_a body_n but_o not_o good_a christian_n it_o be_v now_o to_o be_v consider_v how_o from_o these_o my_o aforesaid_a word_n speak_v on_o the_o aforesaid_a occasion_n with_o respect_n to_o a_o dislike_n of_o oâ—â—_n believer_n or_o disciple_n of_o christ_n his_o impose_v upon_o another_o contrary_a to_o his_o conscience_n r._n b._n can_v draw_v a_o conclusion_n that_o my_o my_o language_n in_o that_o sentence_n have_v a_o tendency_n to_o justify_v the_o jew_n in_o crucify_a christ_n and_o those_o that_o persecute_a and_o burn_v the_o protestant_n martyr_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o idolatry_n wickedness_n and_o superstition_n etc._n etc._n and_o whereas_o after_o he_o have_v make_v his_o aforesaid_a insinuation_n he_o free_o agree_v to_o my_o word_n if_o as_o r._n b._n say_v his_o meaning_n be_v that_o no_o man_n of_o or_o from_o himself_o only_o or_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o office_n etc._n etc._n ought_v to_o command_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o church_n but_o say_v r._n b_o if_o he_o will_v say_v that_o no_o man_n albeit_o real_o move_v by_o the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n aught_o to_o go_v further_o than_o a_o recommendation_n it_o be_v a_o most_o insolent_a limit_v of_o god_n under_o a_o false_a pretence_n of_o liberty_n these_o forego_v word_n of_o r._n b._n give_v i_o occasion_n thus_o to_o answer_n that_o since_o my_o word_n will_v admit_v of_o a_o construction_n allowable_a by_o himself_o for_o truth_n his_o secret_a evil_a insinuation_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o as_o to_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o his_o construction_n thereon_o i_o thus_o say_v that_o what_o god_n move_v to_o aught_o to_o be_v obey_v that_o his_o power_n be_v unlimmitable_a that_o all_o his_o action_n motion_n and_o command_n be_v just_a because_o they_o be_v he_o but_o yet_o though_o i_o so_o grant_v i_o do_v affirm_v that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n nor_o yet_o from_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n to_o believe_v that_o in_o this_o our_o day_n god_n have_v or_o by_o his_o spirit_n will_v move_v any_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o give_v forth_o certain_a order_n and_o prescription_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n as_o that_o which_o though_o relate_v to_o their_o conscience_n they_o ought_v to_o perform_v and_o practice_n whether_o they_o see_v if_o their_o duty_n or_o whether_o tehy_a be_v or_o no_o free_a so_o so_o do_v for_o if_o the_o blind_a be_v not_o to_o be_v accept_v for_o a_o sacrifice_n under_o the_o first_o covenant_n much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v acceptable_a under_o the_o second_o unless_o god_n shall_v so_o command_v which_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o suppose_v and_o foarsmuch_o as_o this_o subject_n be_v large_o treat_v on_o in_o the_o seven_o section_n of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a quaker_n which_o be_v give_v forrh_n by_o i_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o myself_o and_o other_o concern_v i_o shall_v refer_v the_o reader_n thereto_o for_o the_o further_a mani_n festation_n of_o the_o truth_n relate_v to_o this_o this_o matter_n and_o whereas_o r._n b._n say_v that_o thing_n may_v be_v propose_v to_o the_o church_n by_o way_n of_o command_n i_o shall_v refer_v the_o reader_n to_o the_o seven_o section_n of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n and_o also_o to_o my_o answer_n to_o his_o book_n of_o government_n contain_v in_o this_o treatise_n in_o both_o which_o the_o scripture_n urge_v by_o he_o relate_v to_o the_o word_n command_n and_o such_o like_a be_v treat_v on_o and_o the_o meaning_n thereof_o according_a to_o the_o truth_n discover_v four_o if_o any_o do_v suppose_v that_o by_o my_o assert_v the_o ancient_a apostolic_a order_n be_v establish_v among_o we_o upon_o the_o right_a basis_n and_o foundation_n i_o intend_v that_o these_o particular_a order_n relate_v to_o outward_a thing_n that_o be_v among_o the_o apostle_n either_o be_v or_o be_v to_o be_v establish_v among_o we_o they_o do_v much_o mistake_v i_o for_o i_o never_o purpose_v any_o such_o thing_n but_o only_o to_o signify_v that_o by_o establish_v the_o government_n and_o authority_n in_o and_o upon_o the_o spirit_n only_o and_o such_o as_o be_v lead_v by_o it_o we_o do_v establish_v it_o upon_o the_o same_o basis_n and_o foundation_n whereupon_o that_o exercise_n in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v build_v for_o i_o be_o far_o from_o believe_v that_o the_o most_o exact_a conformity_n to_o the_o order_n and_o method_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n or_o even_o to_o what_o may_v be_v now_o appoint_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n without_o the_o inward_a life_n and_o virtue_n go_v along_o signify_v any_o thing_n for_o i_o know_v that_o nothing_o do_v by_o mere_a imitation_n will_v any_o thing_n avail_v in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o that_o no_o act_n do_v without_o conviction_n will_v any_o way_n be_v profitable_a to_o the_o doer_n yet_o that_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o such_o as_o forbear_v to_o do_v what_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n in_o his_o servant_n be_v command_v to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o church_n be_v just_o to_o be_v blame_v and_o be_v judge_n dtherefore_o in_o respect_n that_o through_o disobedience_n and_o unwatchfullness_n they_o have_v blind_v themselves_o from_o the_o sight_n and_o knowledge_n of_o their_o duty_n for_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v no_o man_n be_v to_o be_v condemn_v for_o not_o do_v that_o which_o he_o yet_o see_v not_o to_o be_v his_o duty_n than_o no_o man_n be_v to_o be_v condemn_v who_o have_v by_o iniquity_n and_o unwatchfullness_n bring_v hardness_n and_o blindness_n upon_o himself_o for_o all_o the_o iniquity_n be_v commit_v afterward_o and_o how_o will_v this_o tend_v to_o establish_v rantism_n the_o substance_n of_o which_o be_v to_o bring_v their_o conscience_n to_o that_o pass_n as_o not_o to_o be_v sensible_a of_o any_o check_n then_o the_o
it_o have_v evident_o appear_v the_o lord_n have_v not_o speak_v by_o they_o if_o so_o be_v the_o tree_n may_v at_o this_o day_n be_v know_v by_o its_o fruit_n as_o well_o as_o in_o day_n past_a but_o rather_o that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v fulfil_v if_o not_o fulfil_v in_o they_o when_o he_o say_v the_o prophet_n be_v a_o fool_n the_o spiritual_a man_n be_v mad_a for_o the_o multitude_n of_o thy_o iniquity_n and_o great_a hatred_n hos_fw-la 9.7_o for_o i_o be_o a_o live_a witness_n that_o imagination_n have_v so_o possess_v the_o head_n and_o heart_n of_o many_o that_o travel_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o minister_a friend_n as_o that_o instead_o of_o manifest_v a_o divine_a understanding_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n or_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n in_o season_n they_o have_v bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o unsound_a mind_n show_v forth_o no_o better_a resemblance_n or_o evidence_n of_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n that_o divide_v the_o word_n aright_o than_o the_o confuse_a chaos_n before_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n be_v of_o the_o beauty_n and_o order_n that_o now_o be_v in_o it_o and_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o be_o well_o satisfy_v and_o that_o on_o sufficient_a ground_n too_o large_a to_o insert_v that_o either_o the_o multitude_n of_o iniquity_n or_o great_a hatred_n through_o the_o influence_n of_o g._n f._n possess_v the_o heart_n of_o such_o be_v the_o occasion_n thereof_o but_o notwithstanding_o my_o design_n be_v not_o as_o i_o say_v before_o to_o treat_v at_o large_a on_o the_o present_a difference_n between_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o present_a separation_n in_o some_o part_n of_o this_o nation_n yet_o since_o i_o be_o also_o satisfy_v and_o that_o on_o sufficient_a ground_n that_o g._n f._n have_v be_v one_o of_o those_o very_a person_n occasion_v the_o difference_n to_o arise_v unto_o the_o height_n they_o now_o be_v or_o at_o least_o a_o countenancer_n thereof_o at_o a_o large_a rate_n i_o purpose_v to_o treat_v a_o little_a thereon_o and_o partly_o as_o relate_v to_o g._n f._n that_o so_o the_o impartial_a reader_n may_v consider_v whether_o if_o g._n f._n have_v content_v himself_o in_o reality_n and_o truth_n with_o the_o place_n of_o a_o servant_n of_o christ_n that_o seek_v not_o dominion_n over_o his_o brethren_n faith_n and_o conscience_n nor_o yet_o to_o expect_v submission_n to_o his_o outward_a precept_n prescription_n or_o order_n further_o than_o every_o friend_n to_o truth_n be_v or_o may_v be_v by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o conscience_n lead_v and_o guide_v therein_o the_o difference_n now_o among_o friend_n touch_v which_o some_o seem_v ready_a to_o bite_v and_o devour_v other_o may_v never_o have_v be_v for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o in_o no_o wise_a question_n but_o that_o g._n f._n be_v one_o chief_a instrument_n that_o a_o destroy_n and_o devour_a spirit_n have_v enter_v into_o some_o among_o the_o flock_n and_o that_o many_o a_o simple_a honest-hearted_n friend_n to_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n have_v receive_v and_o believe_v lie_n and_o slanderous_a false_a report_n against_o many_o brethren_n undeserved_o to_o the_o betray_n of_o their_o simplicity_n and_o love_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o fill_v their_o heart_n with_o hatred_n enmity_n and_o prejudice_n and_o of_o this_o be_o i_o as_o well_o satisfy_v as_o i_o be_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n in_o heaven_n before_o who_o both_o he_o and_o all_o the_o son_n of_o man_n must_v come_v to_o judgement_n and_o that_o the_o blood_n of_o many_o such_o if_o they_o perish_v before_o true_a repentance_n will_v be_v lay_v at_o g._n f_o '_o s._n door_n otherwise_o i_o shall_v not_o have_v appear_v to_o discover_v the_o say_v g._n f._n as_o in_o conscience_n i_o be_o now_o constrain_v to_o do_v and_o therefore_o a_o warn_v be_v now_o proclaim_v unto_o all_o such_o that_o they_o redeem_v their_o time_n because_o the_o day_n be_v evil_a and_o proceed_v no_o further_o to_o receive_v and_o believe_v lie_n and_o scandalous_a report_n against_o such_o who_o they_o have_v once_o account_v honourable_a on_o the_o credit_n of_o g._n f._n as_o a_o man_n that_o for_o several_a year_n past_a have_v not_o err_v for_o many_o be_v this_o day_n witness_n that_o his_o action_n have_v render_v he_o a_o erroneous_a man._n and_o for_o as_o much_o as_o he_o have_v refuse_v to_o give_v that_o satisfaction_n for_o his_o error_n as_o in_o the_o like_a case_n he_o have_v prescribe_v for_o other_o it_o have_v increase_v the_o concern_v of_o my_o conscience_n to_o discover_v the_o same_o and_o that_o also_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o simple_a and_o honest-hearted_n and_o that_o those_o innocent_a and_o tender_a child_n that_o be_v grow_v up_o from_o the_o loin_n of_o believe_a parent_n etc._n etc._n may_v in_o their_o tender_a year_n be_v awaken_v and_o warn_v that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v captivate_v in_o the_o like_o snare_n and_o so_o breed_v up_o in_o a_o mere_a form_n and_o affect_v with_o airy_a imagination_n which_o have_v no_o tendency_n to_o open_v their_o understanding_n thereby_o to_o give_v unto_o they_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o principle_n of_o truth_n which_o the_o faithful_a by_o the_o spirit_n have_v be_v lead_v to_o own_o and_o hold_v forth_o nor_o yet_o the_o way_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o so_o their_o footstep_n may_v be_v direct_v into_o the_o path_n of_o peace_n and_o they_o come_v to_o know_v a_o lively_a feel_n and_o sense_n of_o that_o immortal_a power_n and_o spirit_n by_o which_o the_o everlasting_a god_n who_o way_n be_v unchangeable_a reach_v unto_o many_o in_o the_o beginning_n when_o the_o very_a thought_n of_o be_v embondaged_a again_o with_o the_o beggarly_a element_n and_o rudiment_n of_o this_o world_n or_o of_o have_v our_o eye_n or_o dependency_n on_o any_o mortal_a man_n be_v loathsome_a i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o lay_v down_o a_o few_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n a_o evidence_n to_o i_o that_o my_o aforesaid_a sense_n touch_v g._n f._n be_v true_a refer_v the_o reader_n for_o further_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o first_o and_o five_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n distinguish_v from_o the_o apostate_n and_o innovator_n first_o i_o take_v notice_n of_o seven_o question_n which_o be_v send_v unto_o john_n wilkinson_n by_o robert_n barrow_n and_o other_o who_o say_v they_o be_v desire_v by_o g._n f._n so_o to_o do_v the_o query_n be_v as_o follow_v together_o with_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o answer_n thereunto_o query_n 1_o whether_o do_v thou_o say_v concern_v that_o paper_n send_v down_o to_o the_o quarterly-meeting_a at_o kendal_n that_o it_o come_v from_o the_o female_a answ_n i_o remember_v no_o such_o word_n yet_o be_v great_o trouble_v at_o a_o name_n a_o note_v this_o be_v that_o paper_n mention_v in_o the_o title-page_n that_o g._n p_n wife_n cause_v to_o be_v read_v in_o a_o quarterly-meeting_a and_o be_v give_v forth_o in_o her_o name_n paper_n from_o the_o female_a read_v with_o grievous_a accusation_n against_o our_o faithful_a brother_n john_n story_n which_o as_o i_o say_v great_o trouble_v i_o and_o many_o beside_o i_o know_v his_o clearness_n from_o such_o thing_n and_o know_v his_o vessel_n fill_v with_o the_o power_n of_o god_n in_o abide_v in_o his_o house_n qu._n 2._o whether_o do_v thou_o say_v at_o the_o quarterly-meeting_a at_o kendal_n to_o margaret_n fox_n what_o ground_n or_o foundation_n have_v friend_n to_o practice_v thing_n which_o be_v impose_v by_o man_n or_o in_o the_o will_n of_o man_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v no_o authority_n or_o warrant_v for_o or_o word_n to_o that_o effect_n answ_n the_o word_n as_o state_v in_o this_o question_n i_o do_v not_o speak_v to_o m._n f._n yet_o the_o substance_n i_o own_o for_o the_o truth_n in_o it_o qu._n 3._o whether_o do_v thou_o read_v or_o consent_n to_o be_v read_v in_o the_o latter-end_a of_o a_o quarterly-meeting_a at_o kendal_n a_o paper_n of_o anthony_n pearson_n or_o other_o that_o direct_v or_o advise_v that_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n shall_v be_v as_o the_o way_n of_o a_o ship_n in_o the_o sea_n or_o such_o like_a answ_n nay_o but_o if_o they_o mean_v no_o impression_n of_o form_n leave_v behind_o i_o like_v it_o well_o qu._n 4._o whether_o do_v thou_o advise_v that_o paper_n of_o condemnation_n shall_v not_o be_v record_v answ_n nay_o i_o have_v no_o occasion_n to_o advise_v but_o my_o advice_n be_v and_o be_v that_o condemnation_n shall_v not_o stand_v on_o our_o deacon_n book_n to_o posterity_n according_a as_o the_o meet_v agree_v unto_o because_o fail_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v prove_v weapon_n for_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n to_o fight_v with_o against_o perfection_n
in_o the_o latter-end_a of_o the_o quarterly-meeting_a a_o paper_n of_o anthony_n pearson_n that_o direct_v that_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n shall_v be_v as_o the_o way_n of_o a_o ship_n in_o the_o sea_n and_o such_o like_a answ_n i_o consent_v to_o a_o paper_n that_o have_v some_o such_o word_n but_o know_v not_o it_o be_v althony_n pearson_n qu._n 14._o whether_o do_v thou_o advise_v that_o paper_n of_o condemnation_n shall_v not_o be_v record_v or_o gainsayed_n it_o and_o the_o bring_n in_o friend_n testimony_n concern_v friend_n faithfulness_n or_o unfaithfulness_n in_o the_o case_n of_o tithe_n answ_n to_o this_o fourteen_o query_n john_n story_n answer_v much_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n as_o john_n wilkinson_n do_v to_o the_o same_o question_n signify_v in_o the_o four_o and_o five_o query_n to_o john_n wilkinson_n already_o cite_v qu._n 15._o whether_o do_v thou_o consent_v to_o approve_v of_o or_o be_v it_o present_a at_o the_o race_v or_o tear_v out_o of_o the_o book_n h._n g's_o paper_n of_o condemnation_n for_o his_o be_v marry_v by_o a_o priest_n answ_n no._n qu._n 16._o and_o whether_o do_v thou_o say_v thou_o will_v have_v all_o friend_n leave_v to_o their_o freedom_n to_o pay_v tithe_n or_o not_o to_o pay_v tithe_n answ_n to_o this_o sixteenth_o query_n john_n story_n answer_v much_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n as_o john_n wilkinson_n do_v to_o the_o same_o question_n which_o be_v the_o seven_o propose_v to_o john_n wilkinson_n though_o before_o the_o give_v forth_o of_o these_o query_n there_o may_v be_v some_o small_a difference_n among_o friend_n in_o the_o north_n which_o be_v aggravate_v by_o g._n f_n wife_n partly_o by_o her_o cause_v to_o be_v read_v in_o the_o quarterly-meeting_a in_o westmoreland_n a_o paper_n date_v the_o 21_o st_o of_o the_o 11_o m_o on_o 1672._o give_v forth_o by_o she_o against_o john_n story_n and_o therein_o signify_v that_o he_o judge_v the_o god_n the_o note_v john_n story_n deny_v that_o he_o ever_o judge_v the_o power_n of_o god_n power_n of_o god_n as_o it_o break_v forth_o in_o hymn_n or_o spiritual_a song_n yet_o many_o be_v not_o so_o well_o satisfy_v that_o g._n f._n be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a person_n that_o occasion_v or_o at_o least_o encourage_v the_o keep_n alive_a of_o those_o difference_n until_o these_o query_n be_v send_v to_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n but_o than_o jealousy_n enter_v many_o that_o occasion_n be_v seek_v against_o they_o and_o mere_o because_o they_o can_v not_o gratify_v that_o spirit_n in_o g._n f._n which_o as_o be_v also_o jealouse_v have_v accept_v of_o such_o submission_n from_o some_o as_o many_o faithful_a friend_n have_v abhor_v i_o now_o come_v to_o make_v some_o observation_n on_o the_o aforesaid_a query_n wherein_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o matter_n of_o they_o and_o the_o manner_n of_o negotiate_v that_o matter_n it_o be_v plain_a to_o i_o that_o if_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n have_v answer_v to_o each_o query_n propose_v to_o they_o respective_o yea_o then_o since_o g._n f._n receive_v the_o information_n and_o prosecute_v the_o same_o the_o informer_n against_o they_o to_o g._n f._n will_v have_v have_v his_o end_n which_o doubtless_o be_v to_o render_v they_o guilty_a of_o evil_a principle_n or_o practice_n and_o have_v g._n f_n imaginary_a authority_n to_o prosecute_v they_o for_o the_o same_o the_o consideration_n whereof_o lead_v i_o thus_o further_o to_o observe_v that_o if_o any_o one_o of_o the_o matter_n therein_o contain_v can_v not_o render_v the_o person_n therein_o concern_v by_o his_o answer_n yea_o guilty_a of_o unsoundness_n in_o principle_n or_o of_o any_o evil_a practice_n then_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o g._n f._n as_o well_o as_o the_o informer_n endeavour_v to_o make_v the_o person_n so_o concern_v a_o offender_n in_o that_o particular_a which_o be_v no_o offence_n the_o reader_n may_v now_o weigh_v the_o matter_n in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n which_o if_o he_o do_v he_o will_v doubtless_o perceive_v that_o the_o answer_n yea_o to_o several_a of_o the_o query_n will_v not_o render_v either_o of_o they_o either_o unsound_a in_o principle_n or_o blame-worthy_a as_o to_o matter_n of_o fact_n from_o the_o nine_o query_n to_o j._n s._n and_o his_o answer_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o if_o j._n s._n have_v say_v keep_v order_n by_o way_n of_o reproof_n to_o the_o noise_n of_o deceit_n by_o one_o person_n though_o pretend_v to_o sing_v for_o joy_n while_o another_o be_v pray_v it_o be_v not_o matter_n of_o evil_a fact_n but_o a_o shame_n to_o any_o one_o so_o to_o esteem_v it_o since_o god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o order_n and_o not_o of_o confusion_n in_o the_o church_n and_o indeed_o to_o i_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n above_o many_o other_o that_o seem_v worthy_a of_o observation_n and_o that_o be_v the_o second_o query_n to_o john_n wilkinson_n when_o a_o answer_n yea_o can_v not_o render_v he_o a_o offender_n unless_o it_o be_v sound_a doctrine_n that_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n aught_o to_o practice_v thing_n that_o be_v impose_v by_o man_n or_o in_o the_o will_n of_o man_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v no_o authority_n or_o warrant_n for_o if_o g._n f._n will_v be_v so_o plain_a as_o positive_o to_o assert_v that_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v employ_v in_o that_o query_n if_o from_o a_o query_n any_o thing_n may_v proper_o be_v employ_v then_o it_o will_v put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o controversy_n with_o many_o for_o than_o it_o must_v be_v assert_v that_o there_o be_v either_o one_o or_o more_o that_o have_v power_n to_o impose_v in_o the_o will_n of_o man_n that_o which_o the_o scripture_n give_v no_o authority_n or_o warrant_v for_o but_o notwithstanding_o i_o will_v suppose_v in_o favour_n to_o g._n f._n that_o as_o answer_v to_o this_o he_o may_v thus_o say_v i_o do_v not_o put_v that_o question_n with_o a_o intent_n to_o justify_v imposition_n in_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o rather_o to_o find_v out_o 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answer_n follow_v object_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v but_o one_o in_o all_o have_v move_v in_o our_o brethren_n to_o give_v forth_o certain_a order_n command_n and_o prescription_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v according_o to_o obey_v and_o this_o can_v be_v call_v the_o dictate_v of_o fallible_a man_n but_o of_o the_o spirit_n give_v forth_o through_o man_n and_o be_v thou_o that_o pretend_v thou_o see_v it_o not_o thy_o duty_n to_o obey_v but_o obedient_a to_o thy_o owe_v measure_n thou_o will_v then_o see_v it_o so_o and_o be_v one_o with_o the_o brethren_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v but_o tell_v thou_o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n to_o obey_v since_o the_o reason_n thou_o see_v it_o not_o thy_o duty_n be_v thy_o want_n of_o diligence_n and_o not_o wait_v in_o thy_o own_o measure_n beside_o we_o find_v that_o g._n f._n have_v late_o give_v forth_o a_o paper_n the_o import_n whereof_o be_v to_o justify_v prescription_n to_o this_o we_o say_v that_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n move_v in_o any_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n to_o give_v forth_o certain_a order_n and_o prescription_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n as_o that_o which_o though_o relate_v to_o their_o conscience_n they_o ought_v to_o perform_v and_o practice_v whether_o they_o see_v it_o their_o duty_n or_o no_o or_o whether_o they_o be_v free_a so_o to_o do_v or_o no_o then_o no_o doubt_n but_o they_o ought_v so_o to_o act_n and_o do_v because_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n have_v so_o move_v but_o this_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o which_o under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o second-covenant_n we_o have_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n or_o light_n of_o christ_n to_o suppose_v and_o so_o we_o do_v
the_o truth_n those_o who_o refuse_v so_o to_o assent_v may_v be_v subject_a to_o a_o excommunication_n by_o g._n e._n and_o his_o adherent_n from_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o men._n beside_o it_o have_v be_v a_o observation_n of_o late_a that_o these_o question_n or_o question_n to_o the_o like_a import_n have_v be_v frequent_o ask_v by_o such_o with_o who_o we_o can_v be_v at_o unity_n in_o all_o thing_n viz._n be_v you_o for_o womens-meeting_n mean_v distinct_a womens-meeting_n from_o man_n among_o who_o under_o pretence_n of_o take_v care_n of_o the_o poor_a another_o thing_n seem_v to_o be_v more_o chief_o aim_v at_o as_o anon_o will_v be_v make_v appear_v be_v you_o for_o record_v condemnation_n mean_v thereby_o whether_o the_o party_n who_o have_v condemn_v their_o fail_n and_o through_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v restore_v and_o their_o offence_n blot_v out_o and_o forgive_v by_o he_o assent_v thereto_o or_o no_o be_v you_o for_o settle_a mouthly_a and_o quarterly-meeting_n touch_v outward_a business_n since_o those_o who_o will_v have_v meeting_n as_o occasion_n offer_v be_v account_v designer_n to_o throw_v down_o all_o meeting_n for_o outward_a business_n relate_v to_o the_o affair_n of_o truth_n and_o when_o these_o or_o such_o like_a question_n have_v be_v ask_v of_o friend_n in_o truth_n that_o can_v not_o answer_v thereto_o yea_o we_o be_v sensible_a that_o it_o have_v be_v take_v by_o many_o adherent_n to_o g._n f._n as_o a_o sufficient_a token_n of_o a_o dark_a leaven_a rend_v divide_v spirit_n and_o mere_o as_o we_o take_v it_o from_o a_o apprehension_n that_o the_o form_n they_o stand_v for_o be_v thereby_o strike_v at_o though_o the_o service_n will_v be_v effectual_o perform_v in_o another_o method_n as_o experience_n in_o the_o county_n of_o westmoreland_n and_o wilts_n have_v of_o late_o testify_v for_o be_v it_o not_o so_o that_o great_a stress_n be_v lay_v upon_o the_o outward_a form_n of_o thing_n prescribe_v to_o be_v practise_v how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o john_n story_n be_v article_v against_o by_o robert_n barrow_n of_o kendal_n and_o twenty-six_a other_o person_n as_o in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o manuscript_n this_o mean_v the_o aforesaid_a historical_a manuscript_n treatise_n section_n the_o four_o appear_v on_o this_o wise_a in_o the_o five_o article_n viz._n john_n story_n speak_v among_o many_o friend_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o form_n because_o of_o the_o consequence_n that_o may_v follow_v say_v that_o among_o the_o christian_n of_o old_a the_o difference_n that_o do_v arise_v be_v about_o form_n which_o can_v not_o be_v seasonable_a word_n when_o we_o be_v establish_v the_o church_n in_o the_o holy_a order_n of_o truth_n much_o more_o may_v be_v collect_v from_o the_o article_n be_v forty-four_a in_o number_n exhibit_v by_o the_o aforesaid_a robert_n barrow_n etc._n etc._n to_o show_v how_o earnest_o and_o zealous_o the_o very_a outward_a form_n of_o thing_n be_v contend_v for_o which_o occasion_n we_o in_o all_o seriousness_n of_o spirit_n thus_o to_o say_v may_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n so_o preserve_v his_o people_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v ensnare_v by_o those_o who_o have_v raise_v so_o great_a contention_n about_o the_o outward_a form_n of_o thing_n prescribe_v to_o be_v practise_v among_o the_o professor_n of_o truth_n lest_o they_o with_o they_o prove_v to_o be_v boaster_n proud_a blasphemous_a false_a accuser_n despiser_n of_o those_o that_o be_v good_a which_o be_v the_o very_a mark_n and_o token_n of_o those_o who_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o from_o who_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v to_o turn_v away_o and_o how_o far_o these_o mark_v rest_n upon_o many_o of_o those_o who_o so_o earnest_o contend_v for_o their_o outward_a form_n we_o leave_v to_o the_o impartial_a reader_n with_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n to_o judge_n when_o he_o have_v thorough_o peruse_v this_o manuscript_n this_o mean_v the_o aforesaid_a historical_a manuscript_n treatise_n especial_o the_o second_o part._n oh_o friend_n the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n bow_v we_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o mercy_n to_o we_o we_o can_v no_o long_o keep_v silence_n but_o in_o his_o fear_n declare_v unto_o all_o that_o our_o conscience_n be_v concern_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o since_o it_o be_v so_o that_o a_o ill_a use_n be_v make_v of_o that_o spirit_n of_o forbearance_n and_o condescension_n which_o we_o be_v sensible_a have_v be_v use_v by_o many_o of_o our_o brethren_n it_o be_v now_o become_v our_o portion_n to_o unburthen_v ourselves_o of_o that_o which_o have_v be_v our_o burden_n believe_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o only_a arisen_n but_o will_v yet_o more_o and_o more_o arise_v against_o that_o spirit_n that_o will_v exalt_v itself_o over_o the_o heritage_n of_o god_n endeavour_v to_o rule_v over_o their_o conscience_n whenas_o christ_n alone_o be_v lord_n thereof_o it_o may_v be_v now_o worthy_a our_o observation_n to_o consider_v whether_o any_o encouragement_n be_v give_v by_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n christ_n jesus_n whilst_o on_o earth_n unto_o his_o disciple_n to_o become_v ruler_n one_o over_o another_o we_o find_v that_o he_o exhort_v his_o disciple_n judge_v not_o that_o you_o be_v not_o judge_v be_v not_o you_o call_v rabbi_n 23.8_o matth._n 7.1_o &_o 23.8_o for_o one_o be_v your_o master_n even_o christ_n and_o all_o you_o be_v brethren_n but_o he_o that_o be_v great_a among_o you_o shall_v be_v your_o servant_n and_o whosoever_o shall_v exalt_v himself_o shall_v be_v abase_v and_o he_o that_o shall_v humble_v himself_o shall_v be_v exalt_v here_o be_v no_o good_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o christ_n intend_v that_o when_o he_o be_v depart_v his_o disciple_n shall_v be_v exalt_v themselves_o one_o over_o another_o as_o governor_n and_o ruler_n and_o if_o we_o consult_v the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o though_o his_o disciple_n have_v a_o dependency_n upon_o he_o whilst_o in_o his_o bodily_a appearance_n to_o be_v their_o leader_n yet_o he_o tell_v they_o 13._o john_n 16.7_o 13._o it_o be_v expedient_a for_o you_o that_o i_o go_v away_o for_o if_o i_o go_v not_o away_o the_o comforter_n will_v not_o come_v unto_o you_o but_o if_o i_o depart_v i_o will_v send_v he_o unto_o you_o and_o he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n for_o he_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o have_v it_o be_v so_o that_o christ_n jesus_n intend_v the_o exaltation_n of_o one_o of_o his_o disciple_n as_o a_o head_n or_o supreme_a unto_o who_o the_o rest_n ought_v to_o have_v have_v a_o eye_n in_o a_o more_o particular_a manner_n than_o ordinary_a he_o will_v have_v undoubted_o signify_v so_o much_o but_o doubtless_o he_o see_v that_o their_o eye_n and_o dependency_n be_v too_o much_o on_o his_o outward_a and_o bodily_a appearance_n and_o therefore_o signify_v it_o be_v expedient_a i_o go_v hence_o that_o the_o comforter_n come_v agreeable_a to_o which_o be_v the_o apostle_n word_n though_o we_o have_v know_v christ_n after_o the_o flesh_n yet_o henceforth_o know_v we_o he_o no_o more_o that_o be_v to_o say_v after_o the_o flesh_n no_o more_o all_o which_o do_v clear_o demonstrate_v unto_o we_o it_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o under_o this_o administration_n we_o shall_v have_v our_o eye_n out_o unto_o man_n but_o that_o our_o great_a dependency_n shall_v be_v on_o that_o comforter_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o christ_n testify_v the_o father_n will_v send_v in_o his_o name_n to_o teach_v we_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o this_o comforter_n shall_v be_v in_o we_o and_o therefore_o on_o this_o occasion_n it_o be_v with_o we_o to_o give_v this_o further_a testimony_n that_o every_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v through_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n make_v dead_a unto_o any_o other_o law_n save_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n manifest_v through_o the_o arise_v of_o christ_n by_o his_o appearance_n in_o every_o such_o member_n and_o so_o as_o particular_a member_n be_v become_v marry_v unto_o he_o and_o have_v all_o fellowship_n each_o with_o other_o in_o the_o spirit_n those_o who_o be_v such_o aught_o to_o demean_v themselves_o each_o towards_o other_o full_a of_o love_n charity_n bowel_n of_o compassion_n long-suffering_a forbearance_n meekness_n humility_n patience_n gentleness_n and_o of_o all_o other_o virtue_n that_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o as_o to_o obedience_n every_o member_n owe_v that_o unto_o christ_n his_o head_n unto_o who_o 10.5_o 2_o cor._n 10.5_o every_o thought_n according_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n ought_v to_o be_v bring_v into_o obedience_n thus_o
part_n p._n 7_o 8._o see_v also_o the_o 3_o d._n part_n p._n 7_o 8._o the_o general-assemble_o of_o the_o cburch_n of_o the_o first-born_a 3_o d._n part_n p._n 74_o 78._o member_n of_o christ_n body_n not_o certain_o describable_a by_o outward_a mark_n and_o token_n outward_a order_n insufficient_a for_o their_o conservation_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 57_o 58._o no_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n one_o more_o than_o another_o be_v exempt_v from_o be_v liable_a to_o err_v pag._n 75_o 76_o 77_o 78._o n_n  _fw-fr o_fw-fr obedience_n what_o kind_n of_o obedience_n find_v acceptance_n &_o what_o not_o 3_o d._n part_n p._n 26_o 33._o see_v church-government_n though_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n make_v many_o righteous_a yet_o it_o be_v no_o proof_n that_o any_o be_v or_o can_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o that_o righteousness_n while_o sin_n reign_v in_o the_o mortal_a body_n 2_o d._n part_n p._n 67_o 68_o opposer_n from_o a_o objection_n raise_v occasion_n be_v take_v to_o show_v the_o difference_n between_o we_o and_o our_o opposer_n though_o our_o language_n relate_v to_o principle_n and_o practice_n in_o some_o thing_n agree_v 1_o st_o part_n p._n 30_o 31._o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o can_v be_v establish_v by_o man_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 25._o outward_a order_n the_o establisher_n thereof_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o christ_n government_n invader_n of_o christ_n prerogative_n 1_o st_o part_n p._n 4._o reason_n give_v why_o they_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o be_v account_v a_o part_n of_o christ_n government_n 3_o d._n prt_n p._n 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 11_o 23_o 24._o see_v 1_o st_o part_n p_o 6_o 7_o 8._o see_v church-government_n p_o perfection_n every_o gift_n of_o god_n be_v perfect_a no_o such_o perfect_a state_n attainable_a wherein_o it_o be_v not_o needful_a for_o man_n to_o watch_n 2_o d._n part_n p._n 14._o a_o cessation_n from_o sin_n attainable_a 2_o d._n part_n p._n 14_o 15_o 16_o 19_o 20._o persecution_n a_o objection_n touch_v secure_v outward_a estate_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n christ_n word_n to_o peter_n and_o saul_n action_n of_o save_v agag_n be_v instance_a be_v answer_v 1_o st_o part_n p._n 30_o to_o 36._o plain-language_n on_o what_o ground_n use_v 2_o d._n part_n p._n 34._o power_n of_o decision_n of_o difference_n by_o robert_n barclay_n word_n import_v a_o jurisdiction_n in_o such_o as_o he_o account_v the_o church_n over_o property_n 3._o part_n p._n 35._o observation_n on_o the_o say_a sense_n show_v the_o inconsistency_n thereof_o with_o truth_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 35_o to_o 41._o power_n to_o bound_v and_o loose_v be_v not_o from_o christ_n word_n so_o far_o as_o from_o the_o scripture_n we_o learn_v plead_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o any_o assembly_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o christ_n church_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 66_o 67._o principle_n repute_a by_o robert_n barclay_n the_o bond_n by_o which_o we_o become_v centre_v into_o one_o body_n meaning_n christ_n body_n the_o church_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 54._o his_o assertion_n and_o argument_n refute_v p._n 54_o to_o 59_o the_o like_a he_o say_v touch_v practice_n and_o doctrine_n p._n 54._o professor_n of_o christianity_n how_o they_o come_v to_o disagree_v touch_v some_o religious_a matter_n whenas_o while_o they_o keep_v to_o scripture-language_n they_o agree_v in_o principle_n term_v fundamental_a that_o be_v relative_a to_o the_o matter_n wherein_o they_o differ_v 2_o d._n part_n p._n 69_o 70._o prophet_n raise_v like_o unto_o moses_n be_v christ_n jesus_n and_o no_o other_o be_v own_v by_o we_o like_v unto_o moses_n under_o the_o second_o covenant_n but_o christ_n jesus_n 1_o st_o part_n p._n 10_o 11._o qui_fw-fr  _fw-fr r_o reign_n of_o christ_n be_v by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 4._o robert_n barclay_n a_o answer_n to_o his_o book_n of_o government_n manifest_v erroneous_a doctrine_n hold_v forth_o by_o he_o 3_o d._n part_n p._n 15_o to_o 88_o the_o chief_a matter_n discourse_v of_o in_o the_o say_a answer_n p._n 19_o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o robert_n barclay_n postscript_n to_o the_o say_a book_n by_o way_n of_o epistle_n to_o friend_n wherein_o he_o affirm_v that_o he_o never_o find_v occasion_n to_o repent_v or_o retract_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o matter_n and_o principles_n there_o assert_v by_o he_o and_o further_o also_o that_o though_o the_o thing_n chief_o scruple_v at_o be_v as_o he_o say_v clear_v by_o will_n m._o rogers_n his_o own_o letter_n yet_o that_o all_o may_v be_v satisfy_v by_o have_v they_o from_o his_o own_o hand_n he_o be_v free_a to_o write_v his_o postscript_n william_n rogers_n his_o observation_n adjoin_v to_o the_o say_a postscript_n show_v first_o that_o robert_n barclay_n justify_v his_o book_n second_o that_o the_o pretend_a letter_n of_o william_n rogers_n be_v by_o robert_n barclay_n acknowledge_v to_o contain_v robert_z barclay_n sense_n and_o explication_n of_o the_o matter_n scruple_v in_o his_o book_n three_o that_o his_o postscript_n be_v write_v that_o all_o may_v have_v his_o sense_n of_o the_o matter_n chief_o scruple_v under_o his_o own_o hand_n according_a to_o the_o explication_n give_v in_o william_n rogers_n his_o pretend_a letter_n four_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o the_o explication_n in_o the_o say_a letter_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o his_o book_n nor_o yet_o all_o of_o they_o in_o his_o postscript_n neither_o do_v his_o postscript_n and_o book_n agree_v nor_o yet_o either_o of_o they_o with_o truth_n in_o many_o thing_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 99_o to_o 124._o rule_v see_v church-government_n s_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n see_v kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o justification_n satan_n the_o qualification_n of_o such_o who_o satan_n have_v make_v use_n of_o to_o rend_v and_o divide_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n viz._n such_o as_o have_v zeal_n without_o knowledge_n such_o as_o have_v knowledge_n without_o zeal_n and_o other_o that_o have_v abound_v in_o confidence_n without_o either_o knowledge_n or_o zeal_n 1_o st_o part_n p._n 69_o to_o 78._o schism_n the_o ground_n thereof_o and_o some_o mark_n by_o which_o it_o be_v know_v 3_o d._n part_n p._n 41_o 42._o scripture_n may_v be_v a_o instrument_n through_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o faith_n in_o christ_n may_v be_v attain_v unto_o 2_o d._n part_n p._n 3_o 4._o and_o albeit_o they_o have_v be_v own_v by_o we_o and_o our_o ancient_a friend_n to_o be_v a_o rule_n yet_o we_o have_v not_o own_v they_o to_o be_v the_o infallible_a rule_n but_o instead_o thereof_o the_o spirit_n and_o yet_o they_o have_v be_v of_o late_o strain_v by_o robert_n barclay_n to_o make_v they_o the_o rule_n to_o rule_v over_o our_o brethren_n p._n 48_o 49_o 50_o 51._o see_v church-government_n sentence_n or_o degree_n of_o any_o assembly_n though_o pretend_v themselves_o the_o church_n in_o matter_n relate_v to_o conscience_n no_o bond_n upon_o believer_n without_o inward_a conviction_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 58_o 61_o 62._o see_v believer_n sin_n see_v perfection_n spirit_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o this_o kind_n of_o our_o opposer_n language_n viz._n dark_a leaven_a rend_v divide_v separate_a spirit_n 1_o st_o part_n p._n 6._o spiritual_a matter_n cognizable_a by_o the_o government_n hold_v forth_o by_o robert_n barclay_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 53._o swear_v under_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n not_o lawful_a in_o any_o case_n 2_o d._n part_n 37_o 38_o 39_o submission_n to_o any_o assembly_n that_o in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n may_v be_v term_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o plead_v for_o by_o robert_n barclay_n as_o that_o want_n of_o sight_n shall_v not_o excuse_v be_v guilty_a of_o disobey_v god_n 3_o d._n pare_v p._n 69._o that_o sense_n refute_v his_o perversion_n of_o the_o scripture_n cite_v discover_v 3_o d._n part_n p._n 69_o to_o 80._o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o night_n before_o he_o be_v betray_v p._n 51._o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n at_o that_o supper_n own_v p._n 51_o 52._o scripture_n repute_v to_o relate_v to_o that_o practice_n explain_v p._n 52_o to_o 61._o t_o testimony_n in_o what_o case_n these_o word_n let_v th'testimony_n of_o friend_n arise_v have_v be_v notorious_o abuse_v 1_o st_o part_n p._n 18_o 19_o tradition_n see_v church-government_n tree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a can_v proper_o be_v a_o comparison_n to_o represent_v knowledge_n that_o be_v devilish_a or_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v evil_a 2_o d._n part_n p._n 28_o 29._o tithe_n no_o gospel-maintenance_n to_o a_o gospel-ministry_n 2_o d._n part_n p._n 40_o to_o 44._o u_o unity_n divers_a thing_n lay_v down_o wherein_o the_o faithful_a be_v at_o unity_n 1_o st_o part_n p._n 2_o 3_o 4._o in_o what_o sense_n the_o apostle_n exhort_v thereto_o 1_o st_o part_n p._n 36_o 37._o inconvenience_n attend_v this_o doctrine_n no_o unity_n but_o in_o conformity_n 1_o st_o part_n p._n 72_o 73._o a_o universal_a establish_v unity_n with_o respect_n to_o faith_n and_o discipline_n relate_v to_o believer_n in_o christ_n by_o outward_a instrument_n be_v inconsi_v with_o gospel-liberty_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 82_o to_o 86._o see_v believer_n the_o mark_n of_o a_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n in_o unity_n with_o the_o body_n be_v a_o inward_a invisible_a mark_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 83_o 84._o w_n war_n not_o lawful_a to_o be_v enter_v into_o by_o we_o to_o work_v our_o own_o deliverance_n from_o under_o oppressive_a law_n and_o magistrate_n 2_o d._n part_n p._n 30_o 31_o 32._o weak_a believer_n may_v be_v receive_v to_o doubtful_a disputation_n by_o assign_v the_o decision_n of_o controversy_n to_o the_o church_n since_o contention_n may_v arise_v who_o or_o where_n they_o be_v 3_o d._n part_n p._n 59_o 60._o wisdom_n from_o above_o and_o that_o which_o be_v not_o from_o above_o be_v describe_v wisdom_n which_o we_o have_v as_o creature_n be_v not_o that_o wisdom_n which_o by_o the_o apostle_n be_v term_v sensual_a and_o devilish_a but_o be_v give_v we_o of_o god_n 2_o d._n part_n p._n 21_o to_o 25._o woman_n have_v receive_v a_o revelation_n to_o utter_v in_o the_o church_n may_v speak_v unruly_a disorderly_a woman_n may_v be_v warn_v to_o be_v silent_a even_o as_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n so_o to_o be_v in_o the_o church_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 52._o work_n what_o sort_n be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o what_o not_o work_v speak_v of_o by_o the_o apostle_n james_n be_v the_o same_o sort_n of_o work_n speak_v of_o by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n 2_o d._n part_n p._n 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o write_n for_o public_a view_n by_o who_o approve_v or_o else_o not_o to_o be_v print_v 3_o d._n part_n p._n 29_o 30_o reason_n against_o the_o method_n of_o such_o approbation_n and_o limitation_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 29_o 30_o 31_o 32._o x_o  _fw-fr y_fw-fr  _fw-fr z_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n some_o part_n of_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o describe_v 1_o st_o part_n pag._n 70_o 71_o 72_o 73._o zeal_n according_a to_o knowledge_n accept_v by_o god_n 1_o st_o part_n p._n 70._o a_o part_n of_o the_o qualification_n of_o such_o as_o be_v endue_v with_o it_o 1_o st_o part_n p._n 77._o the_o postscript_n follow_v the_o preface_n be_v add_v to_o clear_v the_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o myself_o from_o this_o pretend_a argument_n against_o my_o print_n viz._n that_o i_o come_v up_o to_o london_n to_o read_v a_o charge_n behind_o george_n fox_n be_v back_o and_o that_o though_o i_o pretend_v a_o readiness_n to_o meet_v he_o i_o have_v no_o desire_n thereto_o which_o give_v i_o occasion_n to_o lay_v down_o several_a observation_n and_o reason_n invalidate_v the_o pretend_a argument_n together_o with_o a_o letter_n write_v by_o i_o to_o james_n claypoole_n and_o three_o other_o friend_n in_o london_n to_o cover_v a_o remonstrance_n to_o the_o friend_n of_o london_n all_o on_o purpose_n that_o they_o may_v use_v their_o interest_n to_o cause_n george_n fox_n to_o submit_v to_o a_o hear_v that_o so_o if_o possible_a some_o expedient_a may_v have_v be_v find_v to_o satisfy_v my_o conscience_n otherwise_o than_o by_o print_v which_o i_o acquaint_v they_o of_o as_o well_o as_o george_n fox_n and_o that_o i_o intend_v to_o proceed_v therein_o unless_o so_o much_o notice_n shall_v be_v take_v of_o my_o call_n for_o justice_n against_o the_o reproachful_a action_n and_o trespass_n of_o george_n fox_n as_o that_o he_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o hear_v before_o friend_n to_o the_o end_n that_o if_o guilty_a he_o may_v give_v satisfaction_n if_o not_o he_o may_v be_v quit_v there_o be_v also_o signify_v in_o the_o say_a postscript_n several_a thing_n which_o be_v clear_a evidence_n that_o george_n fox_n will_v not_o assent_v to_o any_o meeting_n for_o the_o aforesaid_a end_n which_o come_v to_o my_o knowledge_n i_o be_v then_o free_a of_o all_o concern_v to_o solicit_v he_o more_o either_o by_o word_n or_o write_n for_o a_o meeting_n and_o have_v no_o further_a bond_n upon_o i_o to_o forbear_v proceed_v to_o print_v as_o expeditious_a as_o i_o can_v william_n rogers_n
they_o be_v though_o under_o ever_o so_o specious_a pretence_n that_o have_v endeavour_v to_o establish_v outward_a indispensible_a rule_n and_o order_n in_o matter_n relate_v to_o conscience_n for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o gospel_n day_n to_o walk_v by_o neglect_v to_o commit_v and_o commend_v every_o one_o unto_o the_o word_n nigh_o in_o the_o heart_n that_o thereby_o they_o may_v be_v preserve_v from_o subjection_n to_o any_o thing_n outward_o ordain_v which_o they_o may_v either_o scruple_n in_o conscience_n or_o be_v not_o lead_v by_o the_o word_n nigh_o in_o the_o heart_n to_o practise_v be_v such_o as_o in_o the_o best_a and_o most_o fovourable_a construction_n act_n from_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n in_o which_o kind_n of_o zeal_n paul_n himself_o phil._n 3.6_o though_o as_o to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n blameless_a yet_o persecute_v the_o church_n this_o kind_n of_o zeal_n be_v accompany_v with_o that_o ignorance_n which_o the_o chief_a among_o apostatise_v church_n have_v account_v the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n by_o which_o thousand_o in_o age_n past_a in_o the_o dark_a night_n of_o apostasy_n have_v be_v lead_v into_o the_o observation_n of_o many_o unsavoury_a dictate_v erroneous_a decree_n unwarrantable_a tradition_n and_o superstitious_a example_n either_o of_o one_o man_n or_o assembly_n of_o man_n not_o know_v what_o they_o have_v either_o believe_v or_o practise_v to_o be_v a_o incumbent_a duty_n upon_o they_o through_o a_o inward_a evidence_n from_o god_n witness_v in_o their_o conscience_n or_o trial_n thereof_o by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n may_v not_o the_o same_o cloud_n of_o darkness_n overshadow_v any_o of_o the_o child_n of_o light_n in_o this_o our_o day_n say_v our_o soul_n moreover_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o if_o report_n be_v true_a this_o doctrine_n have_v of_o late_o be_v exalt_v no_o unity_n but_o in_o conformity_n which_o if_o apply_v to_o the_o outward_a prescription_n of_o one_o man_n or_o assembly_n of_o man_n assume_v to_o themselves_o authority_n to_o act_n and_o determine_v in_o matter_n appertain_v to_o the_o gospel_n and_o its_o order_n thereby_o to_o become_v a_o bond_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o those_o who_o have_v believe_v in_o the_o everlasting_a light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n as_o the_o great_a order_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o this_o gospel_n day_n may_v occasion_v the_o continuation_n of_o discord_n distraction_n and_o division_n contrary_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n which_o have_v be_v publish_v receive_v and_o believe_v among_o the_o child_n of_o light_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n who_o neither_o have_v nor_o can_v receive_v any_o doctrine_n contrary_a to_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 3.6_o the_o letter_n kill_v but_o the_o spirit_n give_v life_n we_o now_o appeal_v unto_o every_o understanding_n ingenious_a and_o impartial_a reader_n whether_o since_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 off_o from_o the_o observation_n of_o these_o ordinance_n which_o be_v rea_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 to_o be_v like_a unto_o the_o old_a can_v consist_v with_o the_o tenor_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 on_o that_o foot_n a_o bond_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o those_o who_o have_v believe_v in_o the_o everlasting_a light_n especial_o if_o they_o be_v of_o the_o gentile_a stock_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n unto_o who_o the_o law_n appertain_v not_o for_o so_o the_o people_n of_o england_n be_v and_o if_o not_o whether_o those_o who_o be_v otherwise_o persuade_v and_o according_a to_o such_o a_o persuasion_n may_v be_v find_v act_v may_v not_o though_o under_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o truth_n itself_o just_o be_v number_v among_o those_o of_o who_o in_o the_o best_a sense_n it_o may_v be_v say_v they_o have_v zeal_n without_o knowledge_n and_o ignorance_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o their_o devotion_n and_o now_o as_o to_o those_o who_o have_v knowledge_n without_o zeal_n charity_n do_v not_o oblige_v we_o to_o conclude_v that_o such_o in_o that_o state_n chief_o design_n to_o live_v well_o that_o so_o they_o may_v die_v well_o for_o as_o christ_n say_v so_o may_v we_o luk._n 12.48_o unto_o whosoever_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o shall_v be_v much_o require_v the_o want_n of_o zeal_n in_o a_o know_a good_a cause_n be_v as_o we_o take_v it_o the_o neglect_n of_o a_o know_a incumbent_a duty_n wherein_o god_n have_v give_v power_n else_o how_o can_v it_o have_v be_v say_v to_o the_o lukewarm_a church_n of_o laodicea_n after_o a_o understanding_n be_v give_v unto_o she_o how_o she_o may_v come_v to_o see_v viz._n by_o anoint_v her_o eye_n with_o eye_n salve_n leu._n 3.19_o be_v zealous_n &_o amend_v for_o doubtless_o power_n be_v give_v of_o god_n into_o she_o to_o amend_v as_o well_o as_o direction_n how_o to_o see_v but_o of_o the_o want_n of_o knowledge_n it_o can_v be_v so_o say_v as_o of_o the_o want_n of_o zeal_n because_o it_o be_v not_o equal_o in_o our_o power_n to_o attain_v unto_o knowledge_n when_o we_o want_v it_o as_o it_o be_v zealous_o to_o practise_v what_o we_o know_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n we_o may_v therefore_o conclude_v that_o where_o knowledge_n be_v not_o accompany_v with_o zeal_n though_o requisite_a it_o be_v in_o the_o best_a sense_n a_o token_n of_o a_o lukewarm_a spirit_n and_o in_o some_o where_o it_o have_v predominate_v we_o have_v clear_o discern_v that_o first_o they_o have_v be_v overawe_v by_o the_o frown_n of_o man_n or_o man_n and_o then_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o bear_v all_o thing_n neglect_v to_o give_v their_o testimony_n for_o the_o truth_n without_o respect_n to_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o more_o than_o the_o truth_n may_v require_v and_o by_o this_o mean_v some_o have_v undoubted_o be_v the_o occasion_n whereby_o many_o have_v be_v catch_v in_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o evil_a one_o not_o know_v through_o a_o neglect_n of_o their_o inward_a teacher_n which_o way_n to_o turn_v and_o that_o load_v and_o burden_n have_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o other_o who_o while_o they_o have_v keep_v steadfast_a unto_o the_o ancient_a doctrine_n exalt_v the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n to_o be_v our_o law_n rule_n and_o guide_n have_v behold_v some_o of_o their_o brethren_n not_o only_o captivate_v with_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o slavish_a fear_n but_o also_o in_o their_o practice_n recee_v from_o what_o their_o first_o principle_n will_v have_v lead_v they_o to_o have_v use_v politic_a contrivance_n to_o retain_v the_o favour_n and_o affection_n of_o some_o who_o perhaps_o in_o their_o view_n have_v appear_v to_o be_v like_a unto_o the_o rise_a sun_n and_o so_o have_v give_v more_o way_n to_o a_o temporize_a spirit_n than_o to_o acquit_v themselves_o as_o good_a christian_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n by_o which_o the_o conscience_n come_v to_o be_v keep_v void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n and_o all_o this_o as_o with_o respect_n to_o some_o it_o be_v doubt_v for_o fear_v lest_o they_o shall_v be_v term_v sect-master_n by_o such_o as_o in_o this_o gospel-day_n have_v assume_v a_o pretend_a authority_n to_o establish_v outward_a order_n to_o be_v a_o rule_n for_o and_o bond_n upon_o the_o child_n of_o light_a to_o walk_v by_o without_o any_o exception_n thereby_o to_o avoid_v oppress_v a_o tender_a conscience_n but_o this_o be_v far_o wide_a of_o that_o zeal_n which_o accompany_v the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o his_o convert_v state_n who_o be_v term_v a_o ringleader_n of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nazerenes_n by_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n that_o will_v have_v judge_v he_o according_a to_o their_o law_n which_o undoubted_o will_v then_o have_v inflict_v severe_a punishment_n on_o he_o which_o be_v due_o consider_v we_o may_v well_o say_v it_o be_v far_o wide_a of_o paul_n zeal_n to_o fear_v under_o this_o gospel-day_n the_o title_n of_o a_o sect-master_n on_o the_o score_n of_o refuse_v outward_a conformity_n to_o outward_a rule_n and_o order_n relate_v to_o the_o conscience_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o gospel-order_n establish_v among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n not_o only_o because_o they_o have_v no_o law_n whereby_o corporal_o to_o punish_v but_o also_o because_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n either_o from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_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 by_o his_o light_n in_o we_o or_o from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n give_v forth_o by_o inspiration_n since_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n to_o expect_v that_o any_o shall_v be_v invest_v with_o power_n from_o on_o high_a to_o establish_v such_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o conscience_n much_o less_o to_o expect_v that_o the_o child_n of_o light_n under_o the_o new_a covenant_n shall_v be_v lead_v by_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n and_o word_n nigh_o in_o the_o heart_n unto_o such_o a_o conformity_n moreover_o it_o be_v observable_a paul_n plain_a confession_n thus_o be_v after_o the_o way_n which_o they_o call_v heresy_n so_o worship_n i_o the_o god_n of_o my_o father_n believe_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n and_o herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o men._n if_o all_o those_o unto_o who_o god_n have_v give_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o truth_n in_o this_o gospel-day_n have_v have_v so_o much_o zeal_n as_o to_o have_v walk_v according_a to_o this_o example_n they_o may_v have_v all_o become_v honourable_a in_o their_o day_n &_o have_v keep_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n and_o then_o none_o of_o they_o will_v have_v be_v afraid_a of_o be_v stigmatise_v as_o sect-master_n by_o such_o who_o like_o the_o outward_a jew_n have_v glory_v in_o thing_n outward_o pretend_a to_o be_v establish_v in_o this_o gospel-day_n and_o have_v make_v such_o thing_n to_o be_v as_o a_o rule_n whereby_o they_o have_v endeavour_v to_o try_v their_o brethren_n who_o at_o this_o day_n have_v approve_v themselves_o jew_n in_o spirit_n zealous_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o the_o word_n nigh_o in_o the_o heart_n according_a to_o knowledge_n even_o as_o the_o outward_a jew_n will_v have_v do_v by_o paul_n for_o such_o a_o reflection_n will_v never_o have_v hurt_v they_o in_o the_o breast_n of_o those_o that_o have_v continue_v true_o faithful_a and_o this_o many_o be_v give_v to_o understand_v from_o that_o honourable_a esteem_n that_o some_o ancient_a and_o faithful_a brethren_n have_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o such_o as_o have_v not_o in_o a_o temporize_a spirit_n change_v their_o way_n notwithstanding_o they_o be_v stigmatise_v with_o the_o name_n of_o sect-master_n even_o by_o those_o who_o like_o the_o gentile_n appear_v to_o exercise_n lordship_n over_o their_o brethren_n in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o come_v to_o take_v a_o little_a notice_n of_o those_o who_o abound_v in_o confidence_n without_o either_o knowledge_n or_o zeal_n this_o sort_n may_v be_v well_o compare_v unto_o those_o beast_n with_o who_o it_o be_v repute_v paul_n fight_v at_o ephesus_n which_o if_o it_o be_v so_o be_v doubtless_o he_o contest_v have_v with_o unreasonable_a men._n the_o bait_n by_o which_o this_o sort_n be_v entice_v to_o appear_v somebody_n in_o probability_n be_v this_o the_o door_n be_v open_a for_o any_o under_o the_o profession_n of_o truth_n who_o life_n be_v not_o outward_o scandalous_a to_o appear_v among_o some_o of_o the_o society_n of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n as_o governor_n and_o though_o it_o be_v hard_a for_o we_o to_o suppose_v who_o among_o such_o be_v the_o person_n that_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v when_o liberty_n be_v take_v and_o admit_v as_o aforesaid_a whereby_o none_o of_o the_o society_n be_v exclude_v to_o appear_v as_o governor_n yet_o so_o it_o be_v and_o of_o this_o have_v our_o eye_n and_o ear_n be_v witness_n a_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o sort_n we_o have_v understand_v to_o be_v on_o this_o wise_a if_o you_o do_v not_o see_v yourselves_o you_o must_v follow_v we_o that_o do_v see_v alas_o it_o be_v easy_o to_o be_v savour_v where_o all_o may_v then_o run_v if_o such_o a_o exhortation_n from_o any_o one_o thus_o qualify_v and_o that_o with_o respect_n to_o follow_v the_o exhorte_a shall_v take_v place_n he_o than_o that_o lead_v and_o those_o who_o may_v be_v lead_v will_v quick_o fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n together_o and_o so_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n come_v to_o be_v advance_v instead_o of_o be_v destroy_v but_o bless_v be_v the_o name_n of_o the_o everlasting_a god_n that_o sun_n which_o have_v arisen_a among_o we_o that_o glorious_a appearance_n if_o the_o everlasting_a light_n which_o have_v shine_v in_o many_o heart_n be_v not_o yet_o set_v in_o obscurity_n and_o our_o faith_n be_v that_o it_o will_v not_o the_o lord_n have_v have_v a_o regard_n to_o his_o own_o name_n and_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o eternal_a power_n so_o that_o though_o many_o ancient_a and_o honourable_a brethren_n who_o the_o lord_n commissioned_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n to_o publish_v his_o everlasting_a gospel_n exhort_v all_o to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n in_o they_o be_v fall_v asleep_o yet_o there_o be_v many_o of_o the_o same_o stock_n yet_o remain_v upon_o who_o he_o have_v not_o only_o pour_v forth_o of_o his_o spirit_n and_o anoint_v they_o to_o publish_v his_o everlasting_a gospel_n but_o also_o have_v keep_v they_o in_o integrity_n and_o their_o garment_n undefiled_a from_o the_o spot_n and_o pollution_n of_o this_o world_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o have_v give_v unto_o they_o true_a zeal_n according_a to_o knowledge_n through_o which_o the_o way_n unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o demonstration_n of_o his_o spirit_n have_v be_v declare_v and_o have_v continue_v they_o in_o the_o service_n whereunto_o they_o have_v be_v call_v and_o these_o have_v not_o in_o a_o temporize_a spirit_n for_o fear_n of_o the_o threat_n and_o frown_n of_o man_n change_v their_o way_n nor_o yet_o follow_v any_o for_o the_o loaf_n and_o though_o some_o of_o these_o have_v of_o late_o be_v account_v dark_a spirit_n leaven_a spirit_n troubler_n of_o israel_n sect-master_n leader_n into_o a_o separation_n and_o into_o downright_a independency_n parish_n and_o schism_n yet_o this_o testimony_n live_v with_o we_o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n on_o which_o alone_o we_o be_v persuade_v their_o dependency_n have_v be_v and_o be_v have_v accompany_v such_o when_o thus_o judge_v despise_a and_o revile_v by_o that_o generation_n who_o unto_o we_o appear_v as_o if_o their_o dependency_n be_v upon_o man_n that_o labour_n and_o travel_v to_o gather_v unto_o themselves_o to_o conclude_v this_o further_a testimony_n live_v with_o we_o that_o the_o righteous_a god_n bear_v we_o this_o day_n record_n that_o the_o very_a reason_n wherefore_o this_o treatise_n be_v now_o prepare_v be_v because_o our_o very_a conscience_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o god_n truth_n and_o people_n be_v concern_v and_o therefore_o we_o can_v but_o encourage_v this_o so_o necessary_a a_o work_n have_v among_o many_o other_o our_o brethren_n long_o wait_v and_o bear_v in_o patience_n to_o see_v if_o peradventure_o the_o lord_n may_v change_v the_o heart_n of_o those_o who_o have_v occasion_v contention_n strife_n and_o division_n to_o arise_v among_o the_o family_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n for_o whatever_o measure_n other_o may_v take_v of_o we_o yet_o this_o evidence_n we_o have_v in_o ourselves_o that_o our_o soul_n desire_n be_v that_o the_o bright_a appearance_n of_o the_o everlasting_a day_n may_v not_o set_v in_o obscurity_n in_o any_o heart_n where_o it_o have_v be_v both_o manifest_v and_o receive_v nor_o yet_o that_o any_o of_o the_o lord_n people_n may_v be_v ensnare_v to_o build_v again_o the_o thing_n which_o in_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n our_o lord_n they_o have_v destroy_v william_n rogers_n william_n ford_n here_o now_o follow_v that_o paper_n make_v mention_n of_o in_o the_o title_n page_n touch_v the_o scatter_a of_o israel_n give_v forth_o in_o the_o year_n 1661._o by_o edward_n burrough_n minister_n of_o the_o everlasting_a gospel_n on_o the_o 22th_o of_o the_o 8_o month_n 1661._o i_o be_v grieve_v in_o my_o spirit_n for_o the_o scatter_v of_o israel_n and_o my_o thought_n trouble_v i_o very_o much_o for_o the_o afflict_a in_o jerusalem_n for_o i_o also_o be_v great_o afflict_v with_o they_o and_o i_o pray_v unto_o god_n that_o he_o will_v show_v i_o his_o purpose_n concern_v they_o and_o these_o word_n come_v unto_o i_o abide_v thou_o in_o i_o thou_o helpless_a lamb_n and_o i_o will_v show_v thou_o great_a thing_n only_o stir_v not_o from_o i_o for_o thou_o have_v no_o helper_n but_o i_o and_o if_o thou_o go_v never_o so_o little_a from_o i_o behold_v a_o wild_a beast_n seek_v to_o devour_v thou_o therefore_o i_o say_v abide_v and_o then_o i_o weep_v great_o because_o i_o see_v what_o great_a danger_n i_o be_v in_o for_o i_o