on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o that_o therein_o be_v plain_o demonstrate_v the_o qualification_n of_o such_o as_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 sect_n ix_o a_o epistle_n evidence_v the_o qualication_n of_o such_o who_o satan_n make_v use_v of_o to_o rend_n and_o divide_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n 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 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 a_o epistle_n prefix_v to_o the_o historical_a manuscript_n mention_v in_o the_o preface_n to_o this_o treatise_n evidence_v 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 the_o great_a evidence_n of_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a religion_n be_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n but_o the_o contrary_n be_v attend_v with_o anxiety_n and_o trouble_n he_o that_o in_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n incline_v to_o preserve_v such_o a_o conscience_n must_v not_o so_o value_v his_o repute_n and_o name_n among_o man_n as_o thereby_o to_o loose_v his_o peace_n with_o the_o lord_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o have_v abundant_o satisfy_v we_o to_o encourage_v the_o prepare_n of_o this_o treatise_n know_v that_o the_o long-suffering_a patience_n and_o warning_n of_o many_o faithful_a friend_n have_v have_v little_a place_n with_o many_o such_o persecute_v opposer_n of_o the_o friend_n of_o truth_n as_o be_v under_o the_o profession_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v just_o with_o the_o lord_n to_o suffer_v their_o long-suffering_a to_o have_v a_o end_n we_o also_o know_v that_o the_o unsavoury_a testimony_n and_o unchristianlike_a discourse_n of_o many_o such_o in_o our_o meeting_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n have_v be_v so_o frequent_o as_o well_o as_o public_o manifest_v as_o that_o it_o be_v thereby_o know_v both_o to_o professor_n and_o profane_a that_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n be_v now_o divide_v by_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v that_o some_o may_v real_o conclude_v that_o though_o their_o name_n be_v not_o extinguish_v yet_o that_o the_o nature_n doctrine_n and_o life_n which_o accompany_v they_o at_o their_o first_o come_v forth_o have_v of_o late_o suffer_v shipwreck_n this_o have_v be_v serious_o ponder_v by_o we_o have_v increase_v the_o concern_n of_o our_o conscience_n thus_o to_o appear_v that_o so_o as_o the_o door_n have_v thereby_o be_v so_o far_o shut_v in_o some_o part_n of_o this_o nation_n as_o that_o there_o have_v be_v of_o late_a but_o few_o gather_v into_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o everlasting_a light_n so_o it_o may_v again_o in_o the_o lord_n time_n be_v more_o open_v by_o a_o clear_a discovery_n that_o there_o be_v yet_o remain_v a_o remnant_n of_o that_o ancient_a stock_n who_o have_v be_v and_o our_o faith_n in_o god_n be_v that_o they_o will_v be_v preserve_v in_o his_o fear_n to_o persevere_v in_o his_o unchangeable_a way_n light_n and_o life_n of_o truth_n unto_o the_o end_n that_o now_o the_o reader_n may_v have_v some_o short_a account_n of_o what_o the_o lord_n have_v manifest_v unto_o we_o on_o this_o occasion_n we_o further_o thus_o declare_v the_o original_a cause_n of_o division_n and_o separation_n between_o the_o member_n of_o any_o society_n once_o at_o unity_n in_o the_o truth_n touch_v religious_a matter_n have_v spring_v from_o satan_n the_o person_n in_o who_o he_o have_v chief_o appear_v to_o accomplish_v the_o same_o have_v be_v such_o as_o usual_o appear_v more_o public_a than_o other_o their_o brethren_n and_o that_o under_o various_a qualification_n some_o have_v have_v zeal_n without_o knowledge_n and_o some_o have_v have_v knowledge_n without_o zeal_n and_o other_o have_v abound_v in_o confidence_n without_o either_o knowledge_n or_o zeal_n and_o none_o of_o these_o whilst_o exercise_v under_o these_o qualification_n have_v find_v acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n and_o as_o satan_n have_v make_v use_n of_o person_n thus_o various_o qualify_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o his_o kingdom_n so_o christ_n jesus_n who_o appearance_n have_v be_v and_o be_v to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n have_v and_o do_v make_v use_n of_o such_o instrument_n in_o his_o hand_n who_o he_o have_v furnish_v with_o true_a zeal_n and_o that_o according_a to_o knowledge_n for_o though_o all_o have_v not_o the_o like_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n yet_o that_o zeal_n which_o be_v exercise_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n give_v by_o god_n and_o receive_v by_o man_n find_v acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n now_o forasmuch_o as_o in_o this_o treatise_n variety_n of_o matter_n be_v discourse_v wherein_o divers_a person_n have_v be_v concern_v many_o of_o who_o be_v once_o at_o unity_n which_o we_o be_v persuade_v consist_v in_o the_o everlasting_a truth_n and_o that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o may_v reasonable_o have_v be_v take_v to_o be_v under_o one_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a qualification_n it_o be_v with_o we_o at_o this_o time_n consider_v that_o the_o tree_n be_v to_o be_v know_v by_o its_o fruit_n to_o note_v a_o few_o thing_n attend_v such_o respective_a qualification_n and_o that_o chief_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o as_o have_v zeal_n without_o knowledge_n and_o so_o if_o the_o lord_n make_v we_o instrument_n in_o his_o hand_n to_o open_v the_o understanding_n of_o any_o whereby_o they_o may_v come_v to_o have_v a_o true_a savour_n of_o and_o unity_n with_o those_o who_o have_v so_o receive_v the_o spirit_n as_o to_o be_v exercise_v themselves_o in_o true_a zeal_n and_o that_o according_a to_o knowledge_n we_o then_o shall_v have_v our_o end_n we_o now_o begin_v to_o speak_v of_o those_o who_o have_v zeal_n without_o knowledge_n charity_n obliege_v we_o not_o to_o conclude_v that_o they_o design_v any_o thing_n more_o than_o to_o live_v well_o that_o so_o they_o may_v die_v well_o or_o any_o thing_n less_o than_o to_o appear_v what_o they_o know_v they_o be_v not_o but_o yet_o this_o we_o certain_o know_v that_o albeit_o these_o have_v profess_v christ_n jesus_n to_o be_v their_o foundation_n yet_o many_o of_o they_o for_o want_n of_o knowledge_n have_v be_v build_v thereon_o the_o wood_n the_o hay_n and_o the_o stubble_n of_o other_o man_n invention_n whereby_o they_o have_v suffer_v loss_n have_v exalt_v their_o own_o righteousness_n through_o a_o zealous_a submission_n to_o other_o man_n line_n make_v ready_a to_o their_o hand_n as_o if_o therein_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n consist_v or_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a contrary_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o glory_n in_o man_n the_o apostle_n paul_n rom_n 10.2_o thus_o say_v i_o bear_v they_o record_v they_o have_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n but_o not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n and_o from_o the_o next_o verse_n we_o learn_v that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n righteousness_n and_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n have_v not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n this_o be_v speak_v of_o israel_n for_o their_o information_n that_o they_o may_v not_o have_v a_o dependency_n on_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n as_o if_o through_o the_o strict_a performance_n and_o observation_n of_o outward_a thing_n establish_v under_o the_o law_n they_o shall_v come_v to_o know_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n through_o christ_n but_o rather_o that_o their_o dependency_n shall_v be_v upon_o the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o faith_n which_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n verse_n the_o 8_o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n inform_v we_o thus_o the_o word_n be_v nigh_o thou_o even_o in_o thy_o mouth_n and_o in_o thy_o heart_n that_o be_v the_o word_n of_o faith_n which_o we_o preach_v so_o that_o by_o this_o doctrine_n and_o what_o elsewhere_o be_v write_v in_o other_o of_o his_o epistle_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o apostle_n care_v for_o israel_n be_v that_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v off_o those_o outward_a and_o carnal_a ordinance_n which_o be_v establish_v for_o a_o season_n until_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n unto_o the_o word_n nigh_o in_o the_o heart_n which_o undoubted_o be_v and_o be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o law_n which_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n jer._n 31.33_o be_v to_o be_v put_v in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v in_o their_o heart_n all_o which_o lead_v we_o to_o make_v this_o observation_n that_o whosoever_o
ninety_o four_o mile_n to_o london_n out_o of_o all_o the_o throng_n of_o his_o other_o occasion_n or_o if_o in_o london_n to_o wait_v for_o george_n fox_n come_n thither_o when_o near_o it_o to_o ask_v he_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n that_o which_o have_v be_v before_o ask_v by_o write_v and_o no_o answer_n give_v signify_v the_o least_o assent_n to_o meet_v as_o hereafter_o will_v appear_v this_o indeed_o will_v be_v a_o very_a ready_a way_n to_o bring_v outward_a blast_v according_a to_o the_o prophecy_n of_o some_o of_o my_o opposer_n if_o they_o can_v but_o create_v a_o belief_n in_o i_o that_o on_o i._o c_n notice_n that_o g._n f._n will_v be_v in_o london_n i_o must_v then_o run_v after_o he_o and_o attend_v upon_o he_o on_o no_o other_o foot_n but_o to_o know_v whether_o he_o will_v meet_v i_o without_o any_o assurance_n that_o he_o will_v be_v willing_a notwithstanding_o i_o have_v labour_v and_o endeavour_v so_o long_o before_o to_o obtain_v it_o and_o all_o in_o vain_a on_o this_o occasion_n two_o thing_n be_v worthy_a of_o some_o enquiry_n first_o whether_o george_n fox_n be_v real_o so_o dignify_v as_o that_o it_o be_v a_o additional_a error_n in_o one_o who_o he_o account_v a_o lose_a sheep_n not_o to_o run_v after_o and_o wait_v on_o he_o if_o he_o be_v in_o reality_n the_o great_a apostle_n of_o christ_n as_o esteem_v by_o some_o methinks_v he_o shall_v have_v in_o his_o remembrance_n the_o parable_n speak_v of_o by_o christ_n touch_v leave_v the_o ninety_o nine_o sheep_n to_o seek_v the_o one_o that_o be_v lose_v and_o so_o account_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o seek_v after_o much_o more_o be_v ready_a to_o meet_v one_o account_v a_o lose_a sheep_n that_o have_v be_v so_o desirous_a to_o meet_v he_o as_o i_o have_v be_v second_o whether_o james_n claypoole_n be_v in_o reality_n so_o dignify_v as_o that_o on_o his_o notice_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o friend_n have_v a_o concern_n upon_o he_o relate_v to_o george_n fox_n to_o ride_v ninety_o four_o mile_n or_o wait_v out_o of_o all_o his_o urge_v occasion_n many_o day_n to_o attend_v on_o g._n f._n when_o not_o willing_a to_o answer_v the_o end_n to_o be_v wait_v for_o or_o else_o must_v incar_n such_o like_a censure_n as_o be_v pat_o upon_o i_o for_o such_o a_o omission_n i_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o so_o dignifyed_a either_o of_o they_o and_o that_o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o enquiry_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o pride_n or_o a_o gentilian_n sort_n of_o lordship_n which_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n be_v determine_v to_o abase_v as_o to_o the_o report_n that_o i_o come_v up_o to_o the_o city_n of_o london_n to_o read_v a_o charge_n behind_o george_n fox_n back_o i_o thus_o answer_v as_o it_o be_v above_o represent_v the_o action_n seem_v vile_a and_o unchristianlike_a because_o from_o that_o representation_n it_o may_v be_v understand_v as_o if_o i_o will_v in_o a_o secret_a way_n endeavour_n to_o backbite_v and_o reproach_n george_n fox_n and_o avoid_v all_o occasion_n of_o meet_v he_o face_n to_o face_n which_o i_o abhor_v and_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n i_o so_o do_v so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n i_o account_v it_o vile_a and_o unchristianlike_a to_o spread_v such_o a_o representation_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o not_o declare_v the_o whole_a truth_n and_o end_v for_o which_o my_o come_n then_o be_v which_o if_o it_o have_v i_o may_v not_o then_o have_v have_v occasion_n to_o have_v add_v this_o postscript_n but_o since_o it_o be_v so_o i_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o inform_v the_o reader_n of_o the_o very_a naked_a truth_n from_o whence_o i_o take_v that_o evil_a insinuation_n or_o partial_a report_n to_o arise_v after_o i_o have_v by_o several_a letter_n signify_v to_o g._n f._n divers_a thing_n touch_v which_o i_o expect_v satisfaction_n from_o he_o and_o have_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v not_o give_v it_o and_o have_v a_o jealousy_n that_o many_o under_o the_o name_n of_o quaker_n look_v upon_o he_o as_o infallible_a i_o be_v constrain_v in_o my_o spirit_n to_o prepare_v a_o manuscript_n to_o discover_v his_o error_n out_o still_o with_o this_o reserve_n that_o if_o friend_n will_v so_o assist_v as_o that_o i_o may_v have_v justice_n among_o they_o in_o relation_n to_o he_o i_o may_v forbear_v among_o other_o place_n i_o come_v to_o london_n and_o spread_v the_o matter_n before_o james_n claypoole_n and_o three_o other_o ancient_a friend_n repute_v of_o the_o chief_a from_o who_o i_o can_v have_v no_o hope_n that_o a_o meeting_n will_v be_v assent_v to_o on_o the_o occasion_n desire_v to_o clear_v myself_o and_o therefore_o a_o concern_n of_o conscience_n be_v upon_o i_o to_o write_v the_o ensue_a letter_n to_o james_n claypoole_n and_o those_o other_o three_o friend_n to_o give_v cover_n unto_o the_o ensue_a remonstrance_n to_o the_o friend_n of_o london_n from_o both_o which_o the_o purpose_n of_o my_o mind_n may_v be_v collect_v and_o whether_o or_o no_o i_o do_v not_o therein_o act_n christian-like_a and_o do_v as_o much_o as_o in_o i_o do_v lie_v with_o a_o clear_a conscience_n that_o g._n f_n nakedness_n may_v not_o be_v so_o public_o discover_v as_o now_o it_o be_v william_n rogers_n his_o letter_n to_o james_n claypoole_n and_o three_o other_o ancient_a friend_n of_o london_n london_n 25_o of_o 12_o month_n 1679._o james_n claypoole_n etc._n etc._n friend_n you_o may_v remember_v that_o when_o i_o part_v with_o you_o yesterday_o you_o be_v desirous_a to_o know_v where_o i_o will_v be_v in_o the_o evening_n i_o tell_v you_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o know_v not_o certain_o but_o yet_o also_o acquaint_v you_o to_o this_o purpose_n that_o if_o you_o will_v appoint_v i_o to_o meet_v you_o i_o shall_v ready_o assent_v thereto_o and_o though_o you_o do_v not_o appoint_v i_o yet_o i_o be_v in_o expectation_n that_o you_o or_o at_o lest_o some_o of_o you_o may_v have_v have_v a_o desire_n to_o speak_v with_o i_o again_o but_o understanding_n nothing_o thereof_o i_o be_o clear_a in_o my_o spirit_n to_o depart_v the_o city_n and_o to_o let_v you_o have_v the_o enclose_v with_o a_o earnest_n breathe_v unto_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o may_v direct_v you_o to_o make_v that_o use_n thereof_o as_o may_v tend_v to_o his_o honour_n and_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v want_v to_o open_v unto_o you_o that_o counsel_n which_o i_o believe_v be_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o case_n i_o thus_o say_v that_o my_o persuasion_n be_v it_o will_v tend_v most_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n not_o to_o keep_v the_o enclose_v from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o friend_n of_o the_o city_n and_o if_o you_o be_v not_o free_a to_o appoint_v a_o meeting_n for_o the_o read_n thereof_o then_o to_o consider_v of_o some_o other_o way_n to_o communicate_v the_o same_o unto_o the_o flock_n of_o god_n in_o this_o city_n for_o you_o know_v not_o but_o that_o a_o word_n from_o the_o lord_n may_v arise_v out_o of_o the_o breast_n of_o a_o babe_n or_o suckling_n that_o may_v in_o this_o case_n be_v pierce_v as_o a_o dart_n to_o cause_v the_o high_a and_o lofty_a to_o bow_v to_o justice_n and_o no_o long_o give_v occasion_n of_o jealousy_n that_o any_o one_o among_o those_o who_o profess_v the_o truth_n shall_v stand_v as_o a_o infallible_a and_o justify_v person_n when_o such_o a_o one_o be_v charge_v with_o thing_n reproachful_a to_o the_o truth_n endeavour_v to_o evade_v the_o stroke_n of_o that_o justice_n which_o in_o like_a case_n he_o have_v prescribe_v for_o other_o oh_o friend_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n i_o affirm_v the_o sin_n of_o g._n fox_n to_o have_v be_v notorious_a god_n in_o his_o mercy_n have_v manifest_v he_o to_o be_v a_o fallible_a man_n and_o according_a to_o a_o gospel_n method_n his_o error_n have_v be_v lay_v before_o he_o and_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v and_o now_o my_o concern_v of_o conscience_n be_v to_o cry_v aloud_o for_o justice_n and_o to_o signify_v that_o i_o be_o constrain_v to_o detect_v he_o for_o his_o evil_n and_o error_n by_o a_o print_a record_n unless_o some_o expedient_a may_v be_v find_v agreeable_a to_o truth_n to_o satisfy_v my_o conscience_n otherwise_o and_o if_o you_o and_o other_o appear_v not_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o call_v and_o cry_v so_o as_o in_o truth_n you_o and_o they_o ought_v than_o since_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n from_o my_o pen_n let_v both_o you_o and_o all_o such_o unto_o who_o this_o cry_n and_o call_v may_v or_o shall_v come_v stop_v your_o mouth_n from_o gainsay_v my_o proceed_n to_o clear_v my_o conscience_n in_o the_o method_n that_o may_v seem_v to_o i_o most_o expedient_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
not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o second_o covenant_n to_o expect_v that_o any_o one_o shall_v be_v ordain_v of_o god_n to_o be_v among_o the_o child_n of_o light_n like_v unto_o moses_n save_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n and_o master_n who_o by_o his_o spiritual_a appearance_n in_o we_o be_v become_v our_o leader_n and_o lawgiver_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o believe_v that_o any_o one_o mortal_a man_n aught_o to_o assume_v that_o place_n among_o the_o child_n of_o light_n at_o this_o day_n as_o moses_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n do_v among_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o his_o day_n especial_o if_o we_o do_v but_o consider_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o lord_n through_o his_o prophet_n jeremiah_n jer._n 31.33_o 34._o with_o relation_n to_o that_o time_n and_o dispensation_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n under_o which_o we_o be_v be_v on_o this_o wise_a 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 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 unto_o the_o great_a of_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n sect_n iii_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o second_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 monthly_o and_o quarterly_o meeting_n be_v call_v the_o church_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v submit_v to_o it_o be_v well_o remember_v that_o that_o one_o man_n g._n f._n go_v some_o year_n pass_v into_o many_o part_n of_o this_o nation_n advise_v friend_n to_o hold_v such_o meeting_n viz._n monthly_a and_o quarterly_o and_o in_o many_o place_n his_o counsel_n be_v ready_o embrace_v but_o for_o our_o part_n we_o understand_v not_o at_o that_o day_n that_o it_o be_v design_v by_o he_o or_o any_o else_o that_o those_o meeting_n shall_v not_o only_o be_v account_v the_o church_n but_o also_o such_o as_o profess_v the_o truth_n aught_o to_o believe_v as_o this_o church_n believe_v have_v he_o so_o express_v himself_o testimony_n will_v have_v arisen_a as_o a_o flood_n against_o such_o darkness_n for_o this_o will_v have_v plain_o appear_v to_o we_o to_o have_v open_v a_o door_n whereby_o that_o babylonish_n rubbish_n which_o we_o have_v be_v long_o testify_v against_o may_v have_v be_v exalt_v in_o one_o day_n and_o to_o be_v very_o plain_a we_o can_v but_o now_o declare_v that_o we_o be_v full_o satisfy_v in_o our_o conscience_n that_o by_o this_o very_a door_n a_o body_n of_o strife_n contention_n emulation_n malice_n and_o envy_n together_o with_o a_o rend_v divide_v separate_a spirit_n from_o the_o truth_n be_v enter_v among_o many_o hundred_o who_o before_o walk_v together_o with_o we_o in_o a_o heavenly_a union_n and_o fellowship_n in_o the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n which_o doubtless_o may_v if_o it_o have_v not_o already_o occasion_n many_o honest_a simplehearted_n friend_n thus_o in_o their_o heart_n to_o say_v where_o be_v the_o people_n who_o we_o shall_v now_o follow_v but_o if_o such_o retire_n into_o the_o sanctuary_n of_o the_o lord_n there_o in_o stillness_n to_o wait_v what_o god_n will_v say_v they_o will_v undoubted_o have_v this_o answer_n you_o have_v a_o teacher_n within_o you_o which_o can_v be_v remove_v into_o a_o corner_n follow_v that_o teacher_n lest_o peradventer_v your_o foot_n do_v slip_v by_o go_v from_o your_o inward_a guide_n and_o follow_v the_o footstep_n and_o dictate_v of_o man._n but_o to_o return_v it_o be_v now_o our_o concern_v as_o to_o the_o second_o position_n thus_o further_o to_o declare_v that_o whosoever_o have_v or_o shall_v testify_v that_o all_o those_o meeting_n as_o usual_o hold_v be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v and_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v such_o as_o know_v not_o whereof_o they_o affirm_v for_o such_o a_o testimony_n carry_v with_o it_o neither_o inward_a nor_o outward_a evidence_n though_o we_o dare_v not_o conclude_v that_o none_o in_o those_o meeting_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n consist_v proper_o of_o such_o as_o be_v by_o one_o spirit_n baptize_v into_o one_o body_n 12.13_o 1_o cor._n 12.13_o and_o so_o be_v in_o the_o possession_n as_o well_o as_o profession_n of_o truth_n but_o yet_o whoever_o they_o be_v that_o do_v but_o so_o much_o as_o profess_v the_o truth_n be_v admit_v to_o be_v member_n of_o such_o meeting_n while_o they_o appear_v in_o the_o outward_a form_n thereof_o and_o be_v not_o then_o of_o scandalous_a conversation_n all_o which_o may_v appear_v in_o such_o as_o be_v far_o remote_a from_o witness_v the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n which_o must_v be_v witness_v as_o the_o proper_a product_n of_o the_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n before_o a_o possession_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v know_v and_o whether_o man_n meeting_n have_v not_o often_o consist_v of_o such_o member_n and_o be_v like_o so_o to_o do_v while_o the_o door_n be_v open_a for_o any_o under_o the_o aforesaid_a qualification_n to_o sit_v there_o as_o it_o yet_o be_v we_o recommend_v to_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o impartial_a reader_n and_o if_o so_o we_o desire_v they_o further_a to_o weigh_v and_o consider_v first_o whether_o it_o can_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o truth_n to_o account_v every_o thing_n act_v and_o do_v by_o every_o such_o meeting_n to_o be_v the_o product_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o according_o to_o be_v submit_v to_o second_o whether_o the_o judge_n of_o some_o conscientious_o refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o be_v dark_a leaven_a rend_v divide_v or_o separate_a spirit_n because_o they_o refuse_v be_v not_o the_o fruit_n of_o that_o spirit_n that_o will_v remove_v we_o from_o that_o teacher_n that_o can_v be_v remove_v into_o a_o corner_n to_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o fallible_a men._n three_o whether_o a_o plea_n for_o obedience_n to_o the_o order_n of_o such_o meeting_n from_o person_n conscientious_o refuse_v to_o obey_v have_v not_o a_o tendency_n to_o justify_v usurpation_n since_o they_o have_v never_o evidence_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o those_o from_o who_o they_o have_v seem_v to_o expect_v obedience_n any_o other_o call_v to_o that_o service_n than_o their_o own_o four_o whether_o a_o plea_n for_o such_o meeting_n to_o govern_v in_o matter_n relate_v to_o conscience_n have_v not_o a_o tendency_n to_o justify_v confusion_n since_o according_a to_o the_o repute_a order_n of_o such_o meeting_n none_o that_o be_v to_o be_v rule_v be_v exclude_v from_o be_v ruler_n let_v those_o who_o can_v believe_v this_o our_o last_o assertion_n peruse_v robert_n barclay_n book_n of_o government_n approve_v by_o such_o as_o have_v be_v account_v minister_a friend_n at_o the_o second_o day_n meet_v in_o london_n wherein_o it_o be_v say_v page_n 33._o we_o be_v not_o so_o foolish_a as_o to_o concern_v ourselves_o with_o those_o who_o be_v not_o of_o we_o none_o of_o which_o be_v according_a to_o the_o import_n of_o the_o say_a book_n of_o government_n as_o we_o take_v it_o exclude_v from_o such_o meeting_n nor_o yet_o to_o give_v judgement_n therein_o witness_n page_n 79_o and_o 82._o of_o the_o say_a book_n and_o since_o we_o be_v now_o treat_v of_o those_o meeting_n we_o be_v not_o without_o a_o sense_n but_o that_o some_o may_v be_v ready_a thus_o to_o query_n viz._n what_o order_n be_v either_o prescribe_v or_o use_v whereby_o the_o sense_n of_o such_o meeting_n be_v collect_v to_o this_o we_o say_v a_o eminent_a person_n profess_v truth_n be_v at_o bristol_n do_v take_v occasion_n to_o signify_v at_o a_o mens-meeting_a hold_v in_o that_o city_n to_o this_o effect_n that_o in_o london_n and_o other_o part_n of_o this_o nation_n where_o such_o meeting_n be_v usual_o hold_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o generality_n have_v be_v take_v for_o the_o sense_n of_o such_o meeting_n compare_v this_o with_o this_o doctrine_n frequent_o of_o late_a publish_v among_o we_o that_o the_o apostasy_n shall_v never_o enter_v the_o generality_n more_o do_v give_v we_o just_a occasion_n to_o be_v jealous_a that_o our_o opposer_n for_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o their_o design_n against_o we_o have_v contrive_v this_o method_n of_o carry_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o generality_n or_o major_a number_n of_o voice_n which_o limitation_n we_o know_v have_v be_v heretofore_o and_o by_o the_o faithful_a to_o this_o day_n utter_o disow_v as_o contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o also_o by_o the_o approver_n of_o r._n b_n book_n of_o government_n as_o in_o page_n 81._o and_o though_o the_o counsel_n of_o that_o one_o man_n who_o first_o advise_v to_o the_o aforesaid_a meeting_n in_o some_o part_n be_v
to_o and_o fro_o have_v little_o other_o business_n or_o matter_n than_o to_o cry_v against_o some_o friend_n under_o the_o term_n of_o dark_a separate_a spirit_n though_o such_o as_o be_v faithful_a we_o shall_v not_o have_v so_o many_o false_a accuser_n as_o we_o have_v trouble_v the_o country_n raise_v public_a contention_n in_o meeting_n for_o worship_n among_o we_o to_o the_o open_a scandal_n of_o truth_n and_o observation_n of_o our_o common_a enemy_n whereby_o they_o rejoice_v and_o cry_v ha_o several_a instance_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v record_v in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o say_v first_o manuscript_n mention_v in_o the_o preface_n ready_a for_o the_o view_n of_o friend_n as_o aforesaid_a and_o though_o they_o give_v the_o first_o onset_n by_o public_a testimony_n against_o particular_a person_n ancient_a and_o honourable_a in_o the_o truth_n yet_o a_o sober_a request_n from_o any_o of_o we_o desire_v to_o know_v the_o matter_n that_o be_v evil_a whereof_o such_o be_v guilty_a be_v with_o they_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o lay_v the_o contention_n at_o our_o door_n say_v why_o can_v you_o bear_v all_o thing_n will_v have_v be_v well_o if_o you_o can_v have_v bear_v but_o alas_o we_o be_v not_o of_o those_o who_o can_v so_o suffer_v truth_n to_o fall_v in_o our_o street_n and_o so_o they_o go_v on_o where_o they_o have_v credit_n proseliting_a simple_a people_n against_o honest_a friend_n by_o their_o lie_n and_o slander_n but_o to_o return_v let_v we_o consider_v whether_o the_o last_o recite_v quotation_n speak_v any_o thing_n to_o encourage_v one_o brother_n to_o claim_n authorty_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o another_o or_o that_o some_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n may_v meet_v together_o and_o give_v forth_o sentence_n and_o decree_n in_o matter_n relate_v to_o conscience_n against_o other_o obliege_v all_o to_o submit_v thereto_o nay_o very_o that_o construction_n can_v stand_v in_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n though_o it_o shall_v come_v from_o a_o assembly_n call_v a_o general_n assembly_n for_o albeit_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n tell_v they_o they_o be_v come_v to_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first-born_a which_o be_v write_v in_o heaven_n yet_o he_o speak_v nothing_o of_o their_o authority_n as_o judge_n much_o less_o that_o their_o sentence_n or_o judgement_n shall_v oblige_v the_o conscience_n of_o other_o without_o relation_n to_o a_o conviction_n from_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n or_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o themselves_o but_o tell_v they_o that_o god_n be_v the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o next_o thing_n we_o be_v to_o manifest_v be_v that_o some_o there_o be_v among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n who_o may_v be_v account_v chieftain_n too_o that_o approve_v of_o a_o plea_n for_o government_n among_o themselves_o which_o in_o its_o natural_a consequence_n have_v as_o we_o take_v it_o no_o less_o tendency_n than_o to_o claim_v a_o power_n over_o our_o property_n as_o well_o as_o conscience_n for_o proof_n whereof_o we_o say_v the_o second_o day_n meet_v of_o minister_a friend_n in_o london_n take_v upon_o they_o the_o approbation_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a book_n relate_v to_o government_n whereby_o they_o be_v entitle_v to_o the_o matter_n therein_o contain_v the_o reader_n may_v peruse_v the_o five_o section_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a book_n of_o government_n beginning_n page_n 37._o the_o title_n of_o which_o section_n be_v in_o what_o case_n and_o how_o far_o this_o government_n extend_v and_o first_o as_o to_o outward_o and_o temporal_n the_o author_n treat_v thereon_o page_n 39_o say_v thus_o in_o the_o second_o place_n this_o order_n reach_v the_o taking-up_a and_o compose_v of_o difference_n as_o to_o outward_a thing_n be_v so_o proceed_v on_o that_o subject_a the_o author_n come_v thus_o to_o affirm_v we_o do_v bold_o averre_n that_o as_o a_o people_n gather_v together_o by_o the_o lord_n unto_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o by_o our_o joint_a testimony_n and_o suffering_n that_o we_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o decide_v and_o remove_v these_o thing_n this_o we_o testify_v be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n within_o we_o and_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o we_o for_o as_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n so_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o his_o member_n shall_v by_o his_o authority_n claim_v a_o jurisdiction_n in_o the_o matter_n relate_v to_o this_o world_n and_o if_o christ_n himself_o when_o he_o be_v desire_v by_o a_o certain_a man_n 14._o man_n luke_n 12.13_o 14._o to_o bid_v his_o brother_n divide_v the_o inheritance_n with_o he_o refuse_v to_o be_v a_o judge_n in_o that_o matter_n relate_v to_o property_n when_o desire_v by_o one_o party_n say_v who_o make_v i_o a_o judge_n over_o you_o how_o much_o more_o unreasonable_a be_v it_o for_o his_o member_n to_o assume_v a_o jurisdiction_n when_o desire_v by_o neither_o party_n we_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o impartial_a and_o understand_a reader_n to_o weigh_v and_o consider_v and_o in_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n to_o judge_n say_v in_o our_o heart_n bless_a be_v the_o lord_n that_o neither_o the_o second_o day_n meeting_n nor_o those_o who_o be_v at_o unity_n with_o they_o as_o approver_n of_o the_o say_a book_n have_v any_o jurisdiction_n over_o our_o property_n for_o if_o they_o have_v and_o shall_v appear_v so_o unjust_a in_o their_o sentence_n towards_o we_o as_o some_o have_v be_v scandalous_a in_o their_o tongue_n the_o prophecy_n of_o our_o outward_o wither_v in_o basket_n and_o store_n may_v quick_o come_v to_o pass_v but_o bless_v be_v god_n the_o lord_n have_v hitherto_o be_v a_o blessing_n to_o we_o so_o that_o at_o this_o time_n in_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o of_o that_o charity_n which_o obliege_v we_o to_o love_v our_o enemy_n we_o do_v hearty_o desire_v that_o the_o false_a prophecy_n and_o plague_n against_o other_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v and_o do_v bless_v may_v not_o be_v fulfil_v on_o the_o head_n of_o such_o prophesier_n object_n but_o perhaps_o some_o may_v query_n of_o we_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v in_o case_n of_o difference_n between_o brother_n and_o brother_n answ_n to_o this_o we_o say_v the_o party_n differ_v aught_o to_o choose_v honest_a man_n skill_v in_o the_o matter_n wherein_o they_o differ_v to_o end_v the_o same_o and_o not_o go_v to_o law_n and_o if_o any_o shall_v refuse_v so_o to_o do_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v only_a power_n to_o admonish_v they_o to_o their_o duty_n and_o if_o they_o refuse_v to_o take_v their_o wholesome_a counsel_n may_v then_o declare_v such_o unworthy_a of_o their_o society_n but_o for_o any_o member_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n to_o say_v we_o have_v power_n to_o decide_v and_o remove_v these_o thing_n without_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o party_n differ_v be_v a_o usurpation_n and_o that_o the_o assent_n of_o party_n be_v not_o intend_v by_o the_o approver_n of_o the_o say_a book_n of_o government_n it_o be_v evident_a to_o we_o for_o that_o there_o be_v not_o in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o say_a book_n one_o tittle_n to_o that_o purpose_n neither_o can_v such_o assent_n be_v so_o express_v and_o yet_o the_o case_n whereunto_o unto_o it_o relate_v be_v pertinent_a to_o the_o matter_n of_o power_n treat_v on_o in_o that_o section_n which_o be_v in_o what_o case_n and_o how_o far_o this_o government_n extend_v whenas_o any_o heathen_a man_n may_v claim_v the_o like_a power_n when_o give_v by_o assent_n of_o party_n and_o to_o we_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o purport_n of_o paul_n counsel_n to_o the_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 6._o at_o variance_n be_v that_o they_o who_o be_v at_o variance_n shall_v choose_v some_o of_o the_o least_o in_o the_o church_n and_o not_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n choose_v or_o set_v apart_o any_o for_o they_o to_o decide_v their_o difference_n for_o that_o when_o he_o say_v i_o speak_v to_o your_o shame_n be_v it_o so_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o wise_a man_n among_o you_o he_o can_v not_o in_o truth_n intend_v shame_n to_o those_o in_o the_o church_n who_o be_v not_o at_o variance_n but_o in_o peace_n love_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o truth_n each_o towards_o other_o for_o no_o question_n but_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o choose_v wise_a man_n to_o judge_v the_o matter_n if_o they_o have_v have_v power_n or_o the_o differ_a party_n will_v have_v assent_v but_o doubtless_o the_o shame_n intend_v by_o the_o apostle_n relate_v to_o the_o party_n differ_v who_o have_v power_n to_o choose_v person_n to_o decide_v their_o difference_n and_o yet_o will_v not_o but_o go_v to_o law_n on_o the_o whole_a matter_n we_o have_v this_o further_a
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
verse_n 64._o but_o notwithstanding_o we_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v positive_o to_o affirm_v that_o christ_n intend_v not_o a_o baptism_n of_o water_n 4.2_o joh._n 4.2_o as_o needful_a to_o be_v administer_v by_o some_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o people_n for_o a_o season_n because_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o not_o only_a christ_n disciple_n before_o he_o be_v crucify_a when_o it_o appear_v not_o that_o they_o have_v any_o power_n to_o baptise_v with_o the_o spirit_n do_v baptise_v but_o also_o that_o some_o after_o that_o time_n of_o his_o be_v crucify_a 37._o act._n 8.16_o 29_o 36_o 37._o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o yet_o they_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v compare_v with_o what_o be_v write_v touch_v the_o eunuch_n and_o philip_n 38.39_o act._n 38.39_o who_o by_o the_o spirit_n be_v bid_v to_o go_v near_o and_o join_v himself_o to_o the_o eunuch_n chariot_n do_v clear_o import_v that_o water_n baptism_n be_v use_v as_o well_o after_o the_o crucify_a of_o christ_n as_o before_o but_o whether_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o command_n from_o christ_n so_o to_o do_v be_v yet_o the_o question_n and_o uncertain_a from_o any_o positive_a scripture_n however_o suppose_v that_o the_o baptism_n of_o water_n be_v the_o baptism_n intend_v by_o christ_n in_o the_o word_n go_v teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o etc._n etc._n it_o then_o seem_v natural_o to_o follow_v that_o this_o be_v but_o a_o confirmation_n of_o john_n ministry_n and_o that_o be_v a_o legal_a administration_n but_o for_o a_o season_n and_o not_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v not_o that_o baptism_n wherewith_o john_n testify_v 2.4_o luk._n 25.49_o act._n 1.4_o act._n 2.4_o christ_n shall_v baptise_v which_o be_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n especial_o if_o we_o do_v but_o consider_v that_o christ_n be_v not_o yet_o ascend_v after_o which_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o father_n be_v to_o be_v fulfil_v viz._n the_o pover_v forth_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o undoubted_o be_v the_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o every_o baptism_n in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o that_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o be_v clear_o signify_v act._n 8.15_o 16._o who_o when_o they_o be_v come_v down_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o as_o yet_o he_o be_v fall_v on_o one_o of_o they_o only_o they_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n all_o which_o be_v due_o weigh_v it_o be_v rational_a to_o conclude_v that_o the_o baptism_n of_o water_n ought_v to_o end_v in_o time_n and_o that_o these_o word_n and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o baptism_n of_o water_n be_v thereby_o intend_v to_o continue_v as_o a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o dissolution_n of_o all_o thing_n but_o can_v nor_o so_o much_o be_v say_v as_o already_o be_v to_o evidence_n that_o the_o continuance_n thereof_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o the_o meaning_n of_o christ_n unto_o his_o disciple_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v affirm_v that_o the_o word_n themselves_o in_o the_o greek_a tongue_n if_o we_o compare_v scripture_n with_o scripture_n will_v not_o hold_v forth_o such_o a_o interpretation_n for_o the_o sentence_n and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v in_o greek_a thus_o express_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o may_v proper_o be_v render_v thus_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o every_o day_n unto_o the_o consummation_n of_o the_o age._n this_o interpretation_n be_v compare_v with_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n unto_o john_n when_o he_o be_v forbid_v by_o john_n to_o be_v baptize_v by_o he_o say_v suffer_v it_o to_o be_v so_o now_o for_o thus_o it_o become_v we_o to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n clear_o show_v that_o christ_n do_v not_o by_o that_o commission_n intend_v a_o continuation_n of_o that_o administration_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o rather_o that_o as_o other_o shadow_n type_n figure_n and_o pattern_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n under_o the_o law_n be_v to_o have_v a_o end_n in_o time_n so_o the_o baptism_n of_o water_n be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o baptism_n by_o his_o spirit_n be_v also_o to_o have_v a_o end_n in_o time_n and_o this_o interpretation_n be_v clear_o evidence_v from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o to_o be_v according_a to_o truth_n for_o we_o find_v the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n thus_o testify_v heb._n 9.24_o 25_o 26._o christ_n be_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a place_n make_v with_o hand_n which_o be_v the_o figure_n of_o the_o true_a but_o into_o heaven_n itself_o now_o to_o appear_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o we_o nor_o yet_o that_o he_o shall_v offer_v himself_o often_o as_o the_o high_a priest_n enter_v into_o the_o holy_a place_n every_o year_n with_o blood_n of_o other_o for_o than_o must_v he_o often_o have_v suffer_v since_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n but_o now_o once_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n have_v he_o appear_v to_o put_v away_o sin_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o on_o this_o scripture_n it_o be_v thus_o observe_v that_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n appear_v to_o put_v away_o sin_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o be_v term_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o translate_v from_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o may_v proper_o be_v translate_v in_o the_o consummation_n of_o age_n experience_n tell_v we_o as_o well_o as_o the_o signification_n of_o word_n that_o these_o word_n be_v not_o so_o intelligible_o translate_v as_o they_o may_v since_o it_o now_o relate_v to_o time_n above_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n past_a now_o forasmuch_o as_o we_o find_v that_o in_o this_o sentence_n and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o same_o greek_n word_n be_v render_v to_o signify_v the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o be_v in_o the_o aforesaid_a quotation_n to_o the_o hebrew_n which_o relate_v to_o a_o time_n above_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n past_a save_v only_o that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o matthew_n be_v the_o singular_a number_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o hebrew_n the_o plural_a there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o christ_n commission_n to_o baptise_v be_v intend_v to_o continue_v as_o a_o ordinance_n under_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n until_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o as_o a_o further_a evidence_n that_o this_o interpretation_n be_v the_o very_a truth_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o word_n world_n in_o this_o sentence_n before_o cite_v viz._n since_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v render_v in_o greek_n not_o by_o the_o same_o word_n as_o the_o word_n world_n in_o the_o two_o other_o sentence_n be_v viz._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o may_v be_v true_o render_v a_o age_n or_o the_o time_n of_o a_o man_n life_n but_o by_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o proper_o signify_v the_o world_n viz._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d can_v no_o more_o be_v say_v to_o render_v christ_n word_n in_o matthew_n not_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o practice_v water-baptism_n at_o this_o day_n as_o a_o gospel-ordinance_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o every_o impartial_a reader_n unto_o who_o god_n have_v give_v divine_a understanding_n in_o relation_n to_o this_o matter_n but_o since_o we_o find_v that_o after_o christ_n ascension_n it_o be_v use_v for_o a_o season_n we_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o add_v that_o our_o faith_n be_v that_o the_o practice_n thereof_o be_v chief_o by_o way_n of_o condescension_n to_o those_o who_o be_v weak_a and_o not_o easy_o bring_v off_o from_o the_o observation_n of_o outward_a ordinance_n to_o have_v their_o eye_n unto_o christ_n jesus_n the_o great_a ordinance_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n and_o this_o spirit_n of_o condescension_n seem_v to_o be_v in_o paul_n when_o he_o say_v 22._o 1_o cor._n 9.20_o 21_o 22._o unto_o the_o jew_n i_o become_v as_o a_o jew_n that_o i_o may_v gain_v the_o jew_n to_o they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n as_o under_o the_o law_n that_o i_o may_v gain_v they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n to_o they_o that_o be_v without_o law_n as_o without_o law_n be_v not_o without_o law_n to_o god_n but_o under_o the_o law_n to_o christ_n that_o i_o may_v gain_v they_o that_o be_v without_o law_n to_o the_o weak_a i_o become_v as_o weak_a that_o i_o may_v gain_v the_o weak_a i_o be_o make_v all_o thing_n to_o
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 to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n reject_v to_o conclude_v this_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n that_o be_v with_o we_o to_o give_v on_o this_o occasion_n that_o we_o be_v not_o at_o this_o day_n convince_v in_o our_o conscience_n that_o there_o be_v any_o better_a ground_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o water-baptism_n and_o break_v of_o outward_a bread_n as_o ordinance_n under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o our_o day_n than_o the_o commandment_n and_o doctrine_n of_o man_n but_o yet_o be_v witness_n that_o christ_n be_v come_v in_o spirit_n unto_o the_o child_n of_o light_n and_o that_o at_o the_o hear_n of_o his_o voice_n they_o have_v open_v the_o door_n of_o their_o heart_n 3.1_o col._n 3.1_o whereby_o they_o have_v supp_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o they_o according_a to_o this_o testimony_n revel_v 3.20_o if_o any_o man_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o open_v the_o door_n i_o will_v come_v in_o to_o he_o and_o will_v sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o 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
member_n or_o member_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v witness_n thereof_o in_o their_o own_o heart_n we_o be_v sorry_a for_o such_o weakness_n however_o it_o give_v we_o occasion_n to_o add_v this_o testimony_n that_o if_o we_o consult_v the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n and_o light_n of_o christ_n we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o believe_v that_o under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o second_o covenant_n god_n have_v or_o ever_o will_v move_v by_o his_o spirit_n in_o any_o mortal_a man_n or_o man_n to_o take_v upon_o he_o or_o they_o so_o to_o appoint_v certain_a day_n for_o other_o to_o meet_v upon_o to_o manage_v the_o outward_a affair_n of_o a_o christian_a society_n as_o that_o if_o any_o of_o that_o society_n assent_v not_o thereto_o or_o endeavour_v to_o alter_v they_o to_o another_o day_n than_o such_o may_v be_v just_o censure_v as_o man_n of_o loose_a spirit_n or_o lead_v by_o a_o corrupt_a spirit_n of_o darkness_n for_o every_o member_n of_o such_o a_o society_n ought_v first_o to_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n in_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o faith_n or_o discipline_n and_o not_o to_o be_v judge_v one_o another_o about_o any_o thing_n wherein_o they_o may_v differ_v when_o the_o matter_n itself_o spring_v from_o a_o conscientious_a scruple_n and_o not_o obstinacy_n contrary_a to_o knowledge_n for_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o learn_v that_o that_o which_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n and_o that_o there_o be_v the_o day_n of_o ignorance_n accompany_v some_o at_o which_o the_o lord_n wink_v and_o yet_o to_o our_o grief_n we_o may_v say_v that_o such_o a_o day_n of_o gloominess_n and_o thick_a darkness_n have_v overtake_v some_o among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n who_o appear_v zealous_a for_o some_o outward_a form_n of_o discipline_n which_o they_o as_o we_o take_v it_o foollish_o imagine_v be_v establish_v as_o by_o a_o decree_n from_o heaven_n that_o they_o seem_v to_o make_v void_a the_o law_n of_o charity_n and_o humane_a society_n and_o as_o if_o their_o religion_n be_v most_o effectual_o demonstrate_v by_o appear_v in_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o spirit_n that_o christ_n reprove_v in_o his_o disciple_n when_o they_o ask_v he_o on_o this_o wise_a will_v thou_o that_o we_o command_v fire_n to_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o consume_v they_o mean_v the_o samaritan_n that_o do_v not_o receive_v christ_n because_o his_o face_n be_v as_o though_o he_o will_v go_v to_o jerusalem_n to_o return_v again_o we_o far_o say_v that_o whoever_o have_v give_v occasion_n for_o such_o a_o objection_n to_o be_v raise_v as_o aforesaid_a it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v it_o spring_v from_o one_o that_o aspire_v to_o give_v rule_n to_o other_o while_o he_o will_v not_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o himself_o for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a we_o may_v have_v escape_v the_o severe_a judgement_n of_o be_v guilty_a of_o corahs_n sin_n and_o that_o only_o because_o we_o have_v endeavour_v to_o convince_v some_o that_o that_o f._n that_o namely_o g._n f._n one_o person_n intend_v in_o the_o objection_n christian-quaker_n see_v the_o four_o and_o five_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n have_v act_v contrary_a to_o the_o outward_a rule_n and_o order_n that_o he_o himself_o have_v prescribe_v for_o other_o to_o walk_v by_o as_o to_o the_o word_n establish_v we_o further_o add_v that_o the_o word_n as_o use_v in_o the_o objection_n be_v disow_v by_o we_o for_o though_o the_o child_n of_o god_n may_v be_v instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o establish_v one_o another_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n or_o of_o any_o one_o of_o they_o positive_o and_o without_o exception_n to_o establish_v what_o ought_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v whether_o it_o respect_v doctrine_n or_o discipline_n and_o if_o any_o one_o or_o more_o have_v atempt_v so_o to_o do_v it_o may_v just_o be_v say_v of_o such_o that_o he_o or_o they_o have_v endeavour_v to_o invade_v christ_n prerogative_n beside_o we_o observe_v that_o the_o objection_n be_v make_v with_o respect_n to_o one_o man_n which_o to_o we_o seem_v as_o if_o in_o the_o objector_n sense_n that_o one_o man_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n have_v power_n give_v he_o of_o god_n to_o establish_v a_o outward_a form_n wherein_o all_o god_n people_n ought_v to_o walk_v or_o else_o severe_o to_o be_v censure_v for_o rebellion_n whether_o they_o see_v it_o their_o christian_a duty_n or_o not_o but_o this_o we_o deny_v as_o that_o which_o may_v just_o be_v term_v a_o abomination_n either_o so_o to_o endeavour_v or_o so_o to_o submit_v second_o if_o we_o inquire_v what_o be_v establish_v we_o know_v if_o any_o answer_v be_v give_v to_o what_o by_o the_o question_n we_o intend_v it_o will_v be_v on_o this_o wise_a certain_a meeting_n to_o be_v hold_v by_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n or_o at_o least_o some_o of_o they_o on_o certain_a prefix_a day_n but_o if_o we_o ask_v who_o be_v the_o metre_n that_o be_v to_o make_v up_o the_o establish_v meeting_n none_o can_v give_v such_o a_o certain_a description_n as_o that_o the_o metre_n may_v be_v certain_o know_v and_o therefore_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n establish_v applicable_a to_o outward_a society_n of_o people_n so_o uncertain_a to_o be_v know_v or_o outward_o describable_a seem_v to_o we_o vain_a and_o ridiculous_a by_o this_o discourse_n the_o reader_n may_v gather_v that_o we_o be_v remote_a from_o own_v those_o meeting_n mention_v in_o the_o last_o objection_n to_o be_v establish_v as_o a_o part_n of_o christ_n government_n and_o as_o to_o their_o have_v any_o share_n as_o a_o church_n in_o church_n government_n it_o will_v be_v time_n enough_o for_o we_o to_o answer_v when_o any_o shall_v pretend_v that_o they_o have_v manifest_v that_o those_o uncertain_a qualify_v person_n usual_o assemble_v in_o such_o meeting_n be_v then_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o as_o member_n thereof_o they_o have_v right_a to_o style_v themselves_o church-governor_n however_o we_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o signify_v that_o the_o chief_a end_n as_o we_o understand_v wherefore_o the_o say_v meeting_n be_v assent_v to_o by_o many_o friend_n be_v to_o relieve_v the_o poor_a and_o to_o perform_v other_o necessary_a service_n relate_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o friend_n concern_v therein_o in_o which_o we_o think_v ourselves_o and_o doubtless_o all_o the_o faithful_a with_o we_o servant_n one_o unto_o another_o and_o not_o master_n governor_n or_o ruler_n over_o one_o another_o for_o that_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o enter_v into_o our_o heart_n but_o when_o we_o perceive_v that_o some_o upstart_n that_o to_o we_o seem_v to_o love_v pre-eminence_n as_o diotrephes_n do_v look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o somebody_o from_o their_o appear_a and_o be_v encourage_v to_o appear_v member_n in_o such_o meeting_n and_o to_o lay_v a_o stress_n on_o the_o prefix_a day_n for_o meet_v affirm_v that_o they_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n that_o friend_n who_o be_v heir_n of_o the_o power_n may_v come_v and_o take_v their_o possession_n therein_o a_o sort_n of_o language_n not_o well_o understand_v by_o such_o as_o be_v endue_v with_o wisdom_n from_o above_o than_o many_o friend_n begin_v to_o startle_v thereat_o fear_v that_o some_o through_o weakness_n and_o blind_a zeal_n will_v idolise_v the_o same_o and_o run_v into_o a_o indispensable_a form_n and_o endeavour_v to_o bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o about_o outward_a thing_n and_o so_o at_o length_n some_o friend_n in_o truth_n move_v to_o alter_v the_o day_n of_o meet_v in_o some_o place_n but_z other_o not_o assent_v thereto_o contention_n arise_v and_o a_o fire_n have_v be_v kindle_v about_o church-government_n at_o so_o high_a a_o rate_n as_o that_o public_a meet_v place_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n have_v sometime_o become_v mere_a stage_n of_o contention_n and_o other_o time_n the_o keep_n on_o of_o hat_n in_o prayer_n by_o some_o while_o other_o have_v be_v uncover_v have_v become_v as_o a_o ensign_n of_o division_n the_o knowledge_n whereof_o being_n no_o long_o to_o be_v hide_v have_v more_o vigorous_o occasion_v the_o bring_v forth_o of_o our_o treatise_n entitle_v the_o christian-quaker_n distinguish_v from_o the_o apostate_n and_o innovator_n in_o five_o part_n whereof_o this_o treatise_n touch_v government_n be_v one_o that_o so_o all_o may_v now_o know_v that_o darkness_n be_v not_o so_o overshadow_a but_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v preserve_v a_o remnant_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n that_o can_v bow_v their_o knee_n to_o any_o image_n or_o image-maker_n nor_o yet_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o salvation_n be_v attainable_a through_o faith_n in_o any_o other_o name_n than_o
in_o he_o establish_v in_o the_o faith_n col._n 2.6_o 7._o and_o then_o the_o very_a next_o verse_n say_v beware_v lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v you_o through_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n according_a to_o the_o rudimnet_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o after_o christ_n if_o the_o follow_a outward_a decree_n precept_n sentence_n decisive_n judgement_n or_o tradition_n of_o any_o sort_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v in_o paul_n '_o eye_n a_o real_a and_o certain_a indication_n of_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o root_v in_o christ_n or_o that_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v establish_v outward_a indispensible_a order_n relate_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o believer_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judicious_a reader_n to_o savour_n whether_o paul_n will_v have_v so_o immediate_o and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o one_o breath_n caution_v they_o to_o beware_v of_o be_v spoil_v through_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n etc._n etc._n without_o a_o further_a caution_n to_o take_v heed_n lest_o they_o shall_v account_v the_o command_n sentence_n decree_n or_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n such_o these_o thing_n consider_v and_o compare_v with_o the_o measure_n of_o light_n in_o ourselves_o i_o be_o satisfy_v it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o truth_n for_o any_o man_n or_o assembly_n of_o man_n to_o attempt_v a_o outward_a indispensible_a establishment_n of_o outward_a order_n rule_n and_o decree_n relate_v to_o matter_n of_o conscience_n under_o the_o new_a covenant_n as_o the_o order_n rule_n and_o decree_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n moreover_o if_o christ_n do_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o assistance_n to_o establish_v his_o government_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o man_n who_o day_n be_v but_o as_o a_o span_n long_o shall_v be_v capable_a to_o establish_v that_o government_n of_o who_o increase_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o end_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o he_o do_v not_o stand_v in_o need_n thereof_o for_o the_o son_n that_o be_v give_v shall_v order_n his_o government_n and_o establish_v it_o with_o judgement_n and_o with_o justice_n even_o from_o henceforth_o and_o forever_o read_v isa_n 9.6_o 7._o beside_o if_o we_o do_v but_o consider_v where_o and_o after_o what_o manner_n the_o second_o appearance_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v and_o yet_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v and_o wait_v for_o those_o who_o know_v the_o truth_n as_o preach_v receive_v and_o believe_v among_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n in_o the_o beginning_n do_v know_v that_o his_o second_o appearance_n have_v be_v and_o yet_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v and_o wait_v for_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o man_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o appearance_n have_v be_v and_o be_v by_o his_o spirit_n in_o we_o this_o have_v often_o be_v testify_v and_o that_o in_o opposition_n to_o those_o who_o have_v be_v look_v for_o his_o second_o come_v in_o some_o outward_a bodily_a appearance_n to_o reign_v as_o lord_n and_o king_n i_o now_o appeal_v to_o god_n witness_v in_o all_o conscience_n whether_o the_o outward_a establishment_n of_o outward_a government_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o christ_n government_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o square_v more_o with_o the_o principle_n of_o such_o who_o look_v for_o his_o second_o come_v in_o some_o outward_a bodily_a appearance_n than_o with_o the_o principle_n of_o those_o who_o conclude_v his_o second_o come_v to_o be_v by_o his_o spiritual_a appearance_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o right_a reason_n and_o truth_n to_o conclude_v that_o christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n will_v establish_v his_o government_n otherwise_o than_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o in_o the_o heart_n where_o his_o appearance_n have_v be_v and_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v and_o wait_v for_o and_o since_o it_o be_v undoubted_o so_o that_o of_o the_o increase_n of_o christ_n government_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o end_n i_o can_v understand_v to_o what_o end_v any_o man_n shall_v concern_v himself_o to_o consider_v how_o far_o it_o may_v extend_v yet_o r.b._n have_v so_o do_v witness_v his_o 37_o page_n where_o he_o thus_o say_v it_o be_v next_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o what_o case_n and_o how_o far_o it_o may_v extend_v to_o which_o i_o can_v but_o thus_o reply_v those_o who_o be_v not_o puff_v up_o with_o spiritual_a pride_n or_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n may_v easy_o discern_v from_o such_o kind_n of_o language_n a_o spirit_n that_o will_v limit_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n by_o put_v bound_n unto_o that_o government_n of_o who_o increase_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o end_n and_o though_o i_o speak_v of_o man_n inability_n to_o establish_v christ_n government_n yet_o i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v as_o one_o accuse_v the_o aforesaid_a author_n or_o any_o else_o to_o assert_v man_n ability_n so_o to_o do_v for_o i_o know_v not_o any_o man_n that_o will_v pretend_v themselves_o in_o that_o case_n other_o than_o instrument_n in_o god_n hand_n but_o yet_o this_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o since_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n everwill_v make_v use_n of_o man_n under_o the_o new_a covenant_n to_o establish_v outward_a indespensible_a order_n rule_n or_o decree_n to_o be_v as_o a_o measuring-line_n whereby_o those_o who_o be_v under_o christ_n government_n shall_v be_v know_v therefore_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o conclude_v that_o the_o endeavour_n of_o such_o who_o may_v exercise_v themselves_o therein_o may_v proceed_v from_o no_o better_a power_n than_o that_o ability_n which_o be_v of_o man._n and_o notwithstanding_o he_o have_v consider_v how_o far_o it_o extend_v yet_o i_o find_v not_o that_o he_o have_v make_v any_o mention_n of_o the_o business_n or_o at_o least_o a_o part_n of_o the_o business_n of_o one_o considerable_a meeting_n which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o government_n or_o order_n which_o he_o pretend_v to_o describe_v and_o that_o be_v a_o meet_v hold_v every_o second_o day_n of_o the_o week_n wherein_o writing_n treat_v of_o divine_a matter_n and_o which_o be_v intend_v by_o the_o author_n for_o public_a view_n be_v first_o view_v in_o order_n to_o a_o approbation_n or_o the_o contrary_a more_o contrary_a witness_v the_o paper_n at_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o this_o three_o part_n sign_v by_o charles_n marshal_n and_o thirty_o six_o more_o at_o which_o meeting_n his_o treatise_n be_v past_a which_o give_v occasion_n to_o treat_v a_o little_a of_o that_o meeting_n since_o those_o of_o that_o meeting_n be_v as_o well_o concern_v in_o the_o say_a treatise_n as_o he_o that_o write_v it_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n as_o far_o as_o i_o remember_v be_v whole_o silent_a as_o to_o any_o such_o service_n act_v in_o any_o meeting_n among_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o therefore_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v that_o there_o can_v be_v any_o real_a ground_n or_o tolerable_a pretence_n that_o this_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o ancient_a apostolic_a order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n we_o find_v the_o apostle_n act_v 3._o direct_v to_o choose_v seven_o man_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o take_v care_n that_o the_o widow_n shall_v not_o be_v neglect_v in_o the_o daily_a ministration_n if_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n direct_v to_o choose_v a_o certain_a select_a well_o qualify_v number_n of_o man_n for_o such_o a_o service_n as_o doubtless_o it_o do_v it_o be_v against_o right_a reason_n to_o suppose_v that_o the_o apostle_n will_v in_o their_o day_n have_v leave_v the_o consideration_n of_o such_o weighty_a matter_n as_o treatise_n of_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n to_o the_o approbation_n of_o a_o uncertain_a unselected_a assembly_n for_o such_o i_o call_v that_o meeting_n wherein_o many_o of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n intend_v for_o public_a view_n be_v approve_v or_o disapprove_v for_o that_o no_o certain_a select_a number_n of_o person_n be_v choose_v for_o that_o service_n but_o any_o person_n who_o have_v public_a testimony_n for_o the_o truth_n though_o but_o by_o way_n of_o exhortation_n and_o be_v own_v as_o friend_n of_o truth_n and_o come_v where_o that_o meeting_n be_v appoint_v be_v the_o person_n by_o who_o such_o write_n whither_o give_v forth_o by_o a_o paul_n a_o father_n or_o a_o timothy_n a_o son_n as_o be_v for_o public_a service_n be_v approve_v or_o disapprove_v i_o now_o appeal_v to_o the_o impartial_a understand_a reader_n whether_o according_a to_o this_o form_n of_o government_n one_o that_o be_v in_o the_o place_n of_o paul_n a_o father_n who_o according_a to_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n have_v right_a to_o rule_v over_o and_o command_v may_v not_o have_v the_o testimony_n which_o he_o have_v through_o the_o motion_n
spring_v through_o a_o inward_a departure_n from_o the_o anoint_v in_o themselves_o obedience_n whereunto_o according_a to_o the_o respective_a measure_n of_o grace_n give_v of_o god_n and_o receive_v by_o each_o member_n be_v a_o manifestation_n of_o that_o wherein_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n stand_v and_o as_o the_o apostasy_n enter_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o tradition_n and_o rudiment_n of_o man_n come_v to_o be_v exalt_v against_o which_o the_o apostle_n paul_n caution_v the_o colossian_n say_v col._n 2.8_o beware_v lest_o there_o be_v any_o that_o spoil_v you_o through_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n according_a to_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o after_o christ_n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o i_o question_v whether_o any_o have_v be_v great_a pretender_n to_o unity_n than_o those_o who_o have_v be_v exalt_v the_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o shall_v leave_v it_o to_o the_o judicious_a reader_n to_o consider_v whether_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n hereof_o appear_v not_o in_o divers_a apostatise_v lord_n apostatise_v note_n *_o man_n of_o prejudice_v spirit_n may_v conclude_v that_o i_o herein_o strike_v at_o the_o true_a church_n god_n forbid_v i_o shall_v so_o do_v for_o the_o true_a church_n never_o exalt_v the_o tradition_n and_o rudiment_n of_o man_n for_o though_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o 2_o thes_n 2.15_o hold_v the_o tradition_n which_o you_o have_v be_v teach_v yet_o his_o very_a prayer_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v establish_v they_o in_o every_o good_a word_n and_o work_n show_v that_o his_o desire_n be_v not_o that_o any_o shall_v follow_v the_o tradition_n of_o any_o further_a than_o the_o lord_n may_v establish_v they_o therein_o and_o this_o be_v far_o from_o follow_v the_o rudiment_n and_o tradition_n of_o man_n of_o impose_v his_o tradition_n otherwise_o than_o according_a as_o they_o shall_v be_v establish_v therein_o by_o the_o lord_n church_n profess_v christianity_n wherein_o be_v establish_v by_o outward_a mean_n what_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v practise_v and_o yet_o doubtless_o as_o remote_a from_o the_o unity_n wherein_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n do_v consist_v as_o the_o east_n be_v from_o the_o west_n and_o so_o in_o their_o unity_n be_v but_o outward_a have_v find_v no_o more_o acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n than_o the_o unworthy_a eater_n do_v while_o they_o discern_v not_o the_o lord_n body_n many_o of_o god_n people_n yet_o in_o the_o body_n be_v witness_n that_o one_o part_n of_o that_o testimony_n which_o accompany_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o those_o latter_a day_n be_v against_o outward_a form_n tradition_n prescription_n decree_n ordinance_n of_o man_n with_o relation_n to_o matter_n spiritual_a and_o divine_a and_o wherein_o the_o conscience_n of_o god_n people_n may_v be_v concern_v as_o be_v those_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n out_o of_o which_o he_o have_v determine_v to_o gather_v his_o people_n for_o to_o the_o child_n of_o light_n they_o appear_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o tenor_n of_o the_o first-covenant_n than_o the_o second_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o to_o establish_v his_o church_n on_o the_o rock_n christ_n that_o so_o as_o they_o receive_v he_o they_o may_v walk_v in_o he_o according_a to_o their_o respective_a measure_n of_o grace_n give_v they_o of_o god_n to_o profit_v withal_o and_o which_o as_o the_o apostle_n declare_v be_v sufficient_a for_o they_o now_o inasmuch_o as_o the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n have_v be_v that_o what_o god_n lead_v out_o of_o he_o usual_o lead_v not_o into_o again_o i_o appeal_v to_o god_n witness_v in_o all_o conscience_n whether_o a_o indispensable_a establishment_n of_o outward_a order_n prescription_n and_o decree_n for_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o walk_v by_o and_o submit_v unto_o at_o this_o day_n and_o wherein_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n may_v be_v invade_v of_o which_o my_o meaning_n be_v no_o other_o liberty_n than_o what_o the_o gospel_n allow_v do_v not_o seem_v to_o exalt_v that_o sort_n of_o unity_n wherein_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n do_v not_o consist_v and_o so_o consequent_o may_v become_v the_o mean_n to_o draw_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n people_n outward_a and_o to_o cause_v they_o to_o look_v at_o outward_a thing_n under_o the_o notition_n of_o thing_n establish_v in_o the_o church_n more_o than_o to_o the_o anoint_v in_o themselves_o let_v god_n witness_v in_o every_o conscience_n judge_n objection_n but_o perhaps_o some_o may_v object_v and_o say_v may_v not_o a_o false_a liberty_n get_v strength_n by_o a_o plea_n for_o a_o gospel-liberty_n i_o answer_v nay_o for_o such_o a_o plea_n be_v righteous_a sin_n and_o iniquity_n which_o be_v a_o false_a liberty_n can_v get_v strength_n thereby_o and_o though_o i_o do_v confess_v the_o enemy_n of_o man_n soul_n may_v make_v use_n thereof_o as_o the_o devil_n do_v make_v use_n of_o scripture_n when_o he_o tempt_v christ_n to_o throw_v himself_o down_o from_o the_o pinnacle_n of_o the_o temple_n say_v the_o lord_n shall_v give_v his_o angel_n charge_v concern_v thou_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o conclude_v a_o just_a plea_n can_v strengthen_v any_o in_o a_o fleshly_a liberty_n but_o the_o tempter_n may_v if_o he_o prevail_v however_o i_o can_v see_v it_o yet_o to_o be_v my_o duty_n to_o cease_v to_o do_v good_a though_o another_o may_v pretend_v that_o thereby_o evil_a may_v abound_v and_o since_o r._n b._n speak_v page_z 28._o of_o a_o false_a pretence_n of_o liberty_n and_o that_o as_o i_o take_v his_o line_n to_o import_v with_o respect_n to_o disobedience_n to_o certain_a thing_n ordain_v relate_v to_o order_n in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v with_o i_o to_o describe_v what_o that_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v which_o be_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o consider_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v glad-tiding_n of_o salvation_n which_o be_v not_o attain_v but_o by_o witness_v the_o end_n for_o which_o christ_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n and_o that_o be_v to_o save_v people_n from_o their_o sin_n hence_o i_o conclude_v a_o pleafor_a a_o gospel_n liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v a_o plea_n for_o a_o freedom_n of_o the_o conscience_n from_o sin_n and_o so_o consequent_o a_o plea_n for_o a_o false_a liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v that_o which_o plead_v for_o sin_n objection_n i_o be_o yet_o sensible_a that_o some_o may_v yet_o further_o thus_o object_n the_o difference_n lie_v not_o here_o for_o we_o find_v many_o who_o contend_v for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n to_o plead_v against_o all_o sin_n and_o that_o many_o who_o will_v not_o have_v it_o extend_v so_o large_a as_o thou_o seem_v to_o plead_v for_o do_v also_o plead_v against_o all_o sin_n and_o therefore_o thy_o distinction_n do_v not_o yet_o satisfy_v to_o this_o then_o i_o thus_o say_v the_o true_a professor_n of_o religion_n say_v heaven_n be_v the_o mark_v they_o aim_v at_o and_o that_o this_o be_v not_o attainable_a without_o peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o that_o every_o man_n must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o himself_o to_o god_n hence_o the_o law_n of_o divine_a nature_n teach_v we_o that_o since_o we_o must_v give_v account_n for_o ourselves_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o but_o suffer_v to_o believe_v for_o ourselves_o and_o whosoever_o on_o that_o score_n and_o no_o evil_a end_n claim_v a_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v grant_v he_o and_o this_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o that_o liberty_n which_o the_o gospel_n allow_v if_o then_o any_o who_o deny_v all_o plea_n for_o sin_n rest_v dissatisfy_v in_o their_o conscience_n touch_v certain_a order_n ordain_v by_o some_o for_o the_o church_n to_o practice_v and_o refuse_v the_o practice_n thereof_o on_o this_o score_n that_o they_o have_v no_o faith_n touch_v their_o service_n in_o the_o church_n this_o can_v proper_o be_v call_v a_o plea_n under_o a_o false_a pretence_n of_o liberty_n but_o rather_o a_o just_a and_o righteous_a plea_n according_a to_o that_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n which_o the_o gospel_n allow_v to_o conclude_v let_v we_o all_o watch_n against_o that_o spirit_n that_o will_v insinuate_v a_o belief_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o follow_v the_o command_n tradition_n and_o example_n of_o man_n when_o god_n witness_v in_o our_o conscience_n answer_v not_o otherwise_o such_o insinuation_n though_o none_o of_o the_o ancient_a labourer_n in_o the_o primitive_a gather_n may_v either_o stand_v by_o or_o own_o the_o same_o may_v make_v way_n for_o man_n principled_a as_o r._n b._n by_o his_o small_a treatise_n seem_v to_o be_v to_o assume_v authority_n to_o command_n and_o rule_n not_o only_o over_o such_o their_o brethren_n who_o they_o have_v be_v
of_o my_o brethren_n as_o his_o very_a conclusion_n intimate_v and_o in_o divers_a other_o place_n may_v be_v observe_v and_o it_o will_v aggravate_v this_o injury_n do_v by_o he_o the_o more_o that_o the_o reader_n may_v observe_v as_o well_o in_o his_o own_o letter_n as_o in_o what_o be_v above_o mention_v that_o this_o his_o censure_n be_v build_v upon_o his_o own_o mistake_n so_o that_o i_o hope_v all_o who_o consider_v these_o thing_n will_v acknowledge_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n be_v hereby_o return_v and_o albeit_o i_o myself_o be_v full_o satify_v yet_o i_o shall_v not_o have_v churl_v the_o pain_n of_o a_o particular_a disquisition_n of_o every_o thing_n in_o order_n as_o assert_v by_o he_o albeit_o he_o have_v not_o do_v that_o to_o i_o if_o i_o have_v not_o a_o aversion_n from_o multiply_a controversy_n of_o this_o kind_n for_o the_o desire_n i_o have_v to_o avoid_v that_o sort_n of_o work_n and_o not_o for_o any_o strength_n of_o argumentation_n i_o observe_v in_o w._n r_n paper_n have_v stop_v i_o from_o so_o do_v but_o if_o any_o do_v apprehend_v that_o strength_n of_o reason_n in_o his_o paper_n as_o to_o judge_n i_o be_v unable_a to_o answer_v or_o that_o this_o be_v not_o satisfactory_a it_o will_v but_o evidence_n the_o weakness_n of_o their_o own_o understanding_n to_o the_o more_o judicious_a and_o i_o shall_v not_o think_v much_o to_o bear_v their_o censure_n for_o i_o value_v more_o my_o own_o inward_a peace_n and_o that_o of_o my_o brethren_n than_o to_o obtain_v a_o applause_n of_o my_o natural_a capacity_n wherein_o if_o any_o judge_n w._n r._n do_v surpass_v i_o i_o shall_v not_o therewith_o be_v trouble_v for_o i_o more_o and_o more_o see_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o simplicity_n that_o be_v in_o truth_n and_o of_o that_o unity_n that_o it_o lead_v to_o and_o thence_o do_v more_o earnest_o than_o ever_o desire_n to_o witness_v all_o that_o be_v of_o and_o from_o self_n crucify_a in_o i_o and_o bring_v into_o true_a subjection_n to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n that_o there_o alone_o may_v be_v my_o rejoice_v wherein_o i_o be_o at_o unity_n with_o all_o those_o who_o make_v self_n of_o no_o reputation_n for_o the_o seed_n sake_n that_o the_o prosperity_n of_o truth_n may_v be_v advance_v and_o the_o peace_n of_o israel_n preserved_n robert_n barclay_n the_o reader_n may_v now_o take_v notice_n that_o robert_n barclay_n do_v not_o only_o spread_v abroad_o a_o explanatory_a postscript_n to_o his_o book_n of_o government_n but_o also_o therewith_o two_o other_o paper_n add_v thereto_o this_o title_n here_o now_o follow_v william_n rogers_n his_o own_o letter_n concern_v this_o matter_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o brethren_n who_o be_v witness_n to_o what_o pass_v between_o he_o and_o i_o on_o which_o i_o observe_v first_o that_o the_o brethren_n give_v the_o judgement_n be_v but_o a_o part_n of_o the_o meeting_n second_o that_o the_o say_a letter_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v i_o though_o i_o never_o sign_v any_o letter_n or_o paper_n whereof_o what_o he_o have_v give_v forth_o be_v copy_n yet_o must_v confess_v that_o when_o at_o that_o meeting_n he_o declare_v himself_o by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o mouth_n to_o be_v otherwise_o principled_a than_o i_o know_v his_o book_n do_v teach_v i_o do_v intend_v the_o best_a i_o can_v with_o a_o clear_a conscience_n to_o send_v forth_o among_o friend_n of_o my_o own_o accord_n the_o most_o favourable_a account_n of_o he_o and_o that_o meeting_n as_o i_o can_v that_o so_o if_o possible_a breach_n then_o break_v forth_o among_o friend_n may_v be_v heal_v but_o of_o this_o more_o anon_o when_o i_o come_v to_o make_v my_o observation_n on_o the_o aforesaid_a letter_n and_o judgement_n yet_o at_o present_a i_o think_v it_o proper_a before_o i_o cite_v the_o say_a letter_n and_o judgement_n to_o notify_v the_o reader_n that_o by_o the_o little_a add_v thereto_o it_o appear_v that_o r._n b._n have_v send_v it_o abroad_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o in_o the_o say_a letter_n it_o be_v signify_v in_o these_o word_n although_o robert_n barclay_n have_v give_v these_o explication_n of_o his_o meaning_n yet_o the_o very_a explication_n as_o he_o say_v be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o his_o book_n it_o be_v rational_a to_o conclude_v that_o robert_n barclay_n if_o he_o be_v then_o to_o be_v believe_v be_v then_o principled_a as_o the_o say_a letter_n declare_v he_o to_o be_v and_o how_o his_o postscript_n will_v now_o bespeak_v his_o credit_n i_o know_v not_o since_o he_o therein_o do_v not_o declare_v himself_o principled_a according_o to_o the_o expliation_n give_v in_o the_o say_a letter_n of_o his_o word_n notwithstanding_o in_o the_o say_a postscript_n he_o thus_o declare_v and_o albeit_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v chief_o scruple_v at_o by_o any_o be_v sufficient_o clear_v by_o w._n r_n own_o letter_n yet_o that_o all_o may_v be_v satisfy_v in_o have_v they_o from_o my_o own_o hand_n i_o be_o free_a to_o signify_v thus_o as_o to_o they_o from_o these_o word_n what_o rational_a man_n can_v have_v expect_v less_o than_o a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o sense_n give_v in_o the_o say_a letter_n but_o how_o remote_a he_o be_v from_o that_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o will_v be_v sufficient_o obvious_a to_o every_o impartial_a understand_a reader_n that_o on_o perusal_n of_o the_o say_a letter_n hereafter-cited_n his_o postscript_n and_o the_o annex_v observation_n will_v give_v they_o all_o but_o their_o due_a weight_n and_o if_o thereto_o they_o add_v a_o due_a consideration_n of_o his_o book_n of_o government_n no_o question_n but_o he_o will_v then_o appear_v like_o a_o man_n with_o three_o face_n have_v on_o the_o sheep_n clothing_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o briery_a thicket_n who_o wile_v strive_v to_o get_v out_o thereof_o be_v the_o more_o and_o more_o entangle_v and_o though_o by_o one_o part_n of_o the_o conclusion_n of_o his_o postscript_n r._n b._n seem_v desirous_a of_o unity_n with_o such_o as_o rejoice_v in_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n make_v self_n of_o no_o reputation_n and_o that_o he_o value_v more_o his_o inward_a peace_n than_o to_o obtain_v a_o applause_n of_o his_o natural_a capacity_n wherein_o as_o his_o own_o word_n be_v if_o any_o judge_n w._n r._n do_v surpass_v i_o i_o shall_v not_o therewith_o be_v trouble_v yet_o in_o his_o apology_n for_o his_o not_o make_v a_o particular_a disquisition_n of_o every_o thing_n in_o order_n as_o assert_v by_o i_o he_o thus_o say_v but_o if_o any_o do_v apprehend_v that_o strength_n of_o reason_n in_o his_o paper_n as_o to_o judge_n i_o be_v unable_a to_o answer_v or_o that_o this_o be_v not_o satisfactory_a it_o will_v but_o evidence_n the_o weakness_n of_o their_o own_o understanding_n to_o the_o more_o judicious_a which_o be_v no_o great_a sign_n that_o he_o be_v one_o who_o desire_v to_o make_v self_n of_o no_o reputation_n especial_o if_o compare_v with_o this_o his_o expression_n which_o my_o first_o observation_n have_v relate_v to_o and_o that_o to_o maintain_v principle_n obvious_o erroneous_a viz._n i_o have_v never_o find_v occasion_n to_o repent_v or_o retract_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o matter_n or_o principle_n there_o assert_v by_o i_o mean_v his_o book_n of_o government_n but_o have_v the_o testimony_n and_o approbation_n of_o god_n light_n and_o spirit_n in_o my_o heart_n for_o my_o work_n and_o service_n in_o that_o matter_n for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n be_v accompany_v with_o no_o such_o rule_n as_o to_o prompt_v any_o rational_a christian_a and_o conscientious_a man_n to_o conclude_v that_o r._n b._n consider_v his_o capacity_n be_v free_a from_o offer_v a_o wilful_a violation_n to_o his_o own_o knowledge_n reason_n and_o understanding_n both_o as_o a_o man_n and_o christian_n and_o that_o to_o keep_v up_o his_o name_n and_o repute_n or_o else_o for_o some_o other_o more_o sinister_a end_n for_o which_o may_v the_o lord_n in_o his_o due_a time_n give_v he_o repentance_n to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o then_o i_o can_v but_o believe_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v lay_v a_o constraint_n upon_o he_o to_o bear_v testimony_n in_o plain_a against_o the_o erroneous_a principle_n which_o he_o have_v be_v find_v a_o asserter_n and_o promotor_n of_o the_o copy_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a letter_n term_v to_o be_v my_o letter_n together_o also_o with_o the_o paper_n contain_v according_a to_o r._n b_n title_n thereon_o give_v as_o aforesaid_a the_o judgement_n of_o the_o brethren_n who_o be_v witness_n to_o what_o pass_v between_o he_o and_o i_o do_v now_o follow_v to_o which_o be_v add_v my_o observation_n on_o both_o manifest_v the_o error_n of_o those_o who_o subscribe_v the_o judgement_n and_o concern_v themselves_o as_o the_o first_o publisher_n the_o
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
though_o the_o apostle_n thus_o exhort_v little_a child_n keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n yet_o thy_o book_n touch_v womens-meeting_n etc._n etc._n very_a scandalous_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o worthy_a in_o several_a particular_n to_o be_v judge_v and_o condemn_v inform_v we_o as_o if_o micah_n mother_n speak_v of_o judge_n 17._o when_o she_o give_v money_n to_o make_v a_o grave_v image_n to_o be_v worship_v be_v a_o virtuous_a woman_n for_o touch_v she_o thou_o have_v thus_o write_v and_o be_v not_o micah_n mother_n a_o virtuous_a woman_n read_v judge_n 17._o and_o see_v what_o she_o say_v to_o she_o son_n and_o in_o a_o few_o line_n after_o thou_o thus_o testifyes_n these_o and_o such_o like_a woman_n be_v record_v to_o posterity_n for_o their_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n see_v thy_o book_n pag._n 43_o 44._o three_o though_o there_o be_v endeavour_n to_o send_v paper_n to_o and_o fro_o to_o bespatter_n john_n story_n for_o go_v out_o of_o a_o meeting_n when_o the_o persecutor_n come_v yet_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o thyself_o have_v be_v find_v in_o the_o like_a action_n and_o if_o report_n be_v true_a the_o frequent_a of_o any_o man_n that_o ever_o i_o hear_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o quaker_n and_o it_o be_v to_o i_o a_o broad_a sign_n that_o this_o will_v not_o have_v be_v omit_v as_o a_o grand_a article_n against_o he_o among_o other_o at_o drawel_n have_v not_o thou_o be_v guilty_a in_o the_o like_a case_n four_o that_o though_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n be_v persecute_v by_o such_o unto_o who_o thy_o paper_n seem_v a_o strength_n because_o they_o will_v not_o condemn_v themselves_o yet_o i_o never_o hear_v that_o thou_o as_o yet_o have_v ever_o give_v forth_o any_o paper_n of_o condemnation_n for_o the_o error_n thou_o have_v commit_v in_o write_v the_o book_n about_o woman_n meeeting_n etc._n etc._n or_o any_o thing_n else_o though_o i_o can_v believe_v but_o that_o thou_o be_v conscious_a to_o thyself_o that_o truth_n be_v scandalize_v thereby_o unless_o so_o great_a imagination_n have_v enter_v thou_o as_o to_o conclude_v that_o all_o thy_o word_n write_n and_o action_n be_v right_o because_o they_o be_v bring_v forth_o through_o thy_o earthly_a vessel_n and_o to_o speak_v plain_a i_o must_v tell_v thou_o thou_o be_v not_o free_a from_o give_v occasion_n to_o be_v jealous_a that_o thou_o do_v so_o conclude_v else_o when_o i_o treat_v thou_o about_o the_o business_n of_o micha_n mother_n why_o do_v thou_o tell_v i_o as_o thou_o than_o do_v viz._n that_o thou_o know_v what_o thou_o do_v and_o that_o thou_o see_v it_o will_v be_v a_o stumbling-block_n but_o rather_o on_o the_o sight_n of_o thy_o mistake_n have_v ingenious_o confess_v the_o same_o for_o it_o be_v a_o abominable_a thing_n in_o thou_o or_o any_o man_n know_o too_o put_v stumbling-block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n people_n and_o know_v this_o from_o i_o thou_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o wipe_v away_o the_o reproach_n that_o lie_v upon_o thou_o for_o write_v that_o book_n until_o thou_o condemn_v and_o judge_v thyself_o for_o many_o thing_n therein_o contain_v and_o to_o be_v yet_o more_o plain_a when_o i_o do_v consider_v that_o the_o reputation_n and_o respect_n that_o have_v be_v give_v unto_o thou_o by_o many_o if_o not_o most_o of_o those_o who_o in_o the_o part_n here-a-way_n be_v first_o convince_v of_o truth_n do_v first_o spring_n from_o the_o testimony_n we_o have_v concern_v thou_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o those_o who_o we_o believe_v the_o lord_n and_o not_o thou_o send_v forth_o to_o gather_v we_o it_o seem_v a_o very_a strange_a thing_n and_o the_o badge_n of_o a_o grand_a apostasy_n that_o any_o of_o the_o survive_a remnant_n of_o those_o ancient_a labourer_n be_v as_o sound_v in_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n and_o as_o blameless_a in_o their_o outward_a life_n and_o conversation_n as_o in_o the_o beginning_n and_o thereby_o manifest_v themselves_o stay_v in_o the_o unchangeable_a truth_n shall_v be_v persecute_v and_o render_v offender_n for_o that_o which_o truth_n declare_v to_o be_v no_o offence_n and_o yet_o thou_o so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o reproof_n thereto_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o i_o from_o my_o discourse_n have_v with_o thou_o at_o swarthmore_n and_o other_o thing_n that_o thou_o be_v become_v a_o strength_n to_o they_o have_v thou_o forget_v that_o truth_n be_v preach_v in_o the_o beginning_n under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o unchangeable_a truth_n and_o be_v the_o day_n now_o come_v that_o a_o remnant_n of_o the_o ancient_a stock_n who_o bear_v the_o brunt_n and_o heat_v of_o the_o day_n must_v now_o be_v persecute_v whenas_o i_o be_o satisfy_v if_o they_o can_v but_o now_o run_v with_o other_o to_o change_v their_o way_n they_o may_v yet_o be_v esteem_v good_a friend_n have_v thou_o forget_v how_o often_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o ancient_a brethren_n be_v on_o this_o wise_a we_o preach_v not_o ourselves_o look_v not_o unto_o we_o but_o unto_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n in_o yourselves_o and_o yet_o one_o cause_n assign_v by_o thou_o that_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n be_v wrong_a be_v their_o not_o come_v to_o thou_o and_o by_o the_o sixty_o six_o subscriber_n at_o ellis_n hook_n chamber_n in_o london_n their_o not_o come_v to_o they_o true_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v their_o ministry_n from_o god_n be_v not_o to_o run_v hither_o and_o thither_o at_o thy_o call_n or_o any_o man_n call_n whatsoever_o though_o i_o do_v know_v thou_o have_v in_o a_o letter_n write_v to_o i_o assign_v their_o not_o come_v to_o thou_o when_o thou_o send_v for_o they_o to_o be_v as_o a_o proof_n that_o they_o be_v not_o right_o nor_o in_o the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o god_n but_o by_o what_o authority_n or_o according_a to_o what_o principle_n of_o truth_n man_n call_v of_o god_n into_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n must_v be_v declare_v to_o be_v not_o right_a nor_o in_o the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o god_n because_o they_o come_v not_o to_o thou_o when_o thou_o send_v for_o they_o i_o understand_v not_o for_o thou_o in_o thy_o best_a estate_n be_v but_o a_o member_n of_o the_o christ_n of_o god_n unto_o who_o we_o be_v all_o to_o come_v when_o he_o call_v and_o if_o any_o shall_v affirm_v that_o thou_o have_v and_o do_v retain_v thy_o place_n yet_o in_o that_o case_n thou_o can_v be_v but_o a_o fellow-servant_n accountable_a unto_o the_o christ_n of_o god_n as_o every_o member_n of_o the_o body_n whereof_o christ_n be_v head_n be_v have_v thou_o forget_v how_o thou_o have_v testify_v against_o james_n naylor_n spirit_n who_o great_a fall_n be_v his_o own_n or_o at_o least_o not_o reprove_v the_o woman_n when_o they_o cry_v with_o a_o carnal_a tongue_n hosanna_n to_o he_o and_o have_v thou_o no_o sense_n that_o its_o gross_a ignorance_n and_o thick_a darkness_n for_o any_o to_o look_v upon_o thou_o as_o that_o prophet_n who_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o servant_n moses_n prophesy_v he_o will_v raise_v up_o like_v unto_o he_o who_o the_o people_n be_v to_o hear_v in_o all_o thing_n i_o can_v believe_v thou_o be_v ignorant_a that_o such_o there_o be_v who_o so_o look_v on_o thou_o and_o i_o never_o understand_v thou_o become_v a_o reproof_n to_o this_o spirit_n have_v thou_o no_o sense_n that_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o ignorance_n have_v and_o can_v look_v upon_o that_o abominable_a quotation_n touch_v micahs_n mother_n as_o well_o enough_o which_o wherever_o it_o be_v do_v undoubted_o spring_n from_o this_o that_o it_o be_v george_n give_v forth_o and_o so_o there_o must_v be_v something_o in_o it_o and_o have_v thou_o not_o be_v desire_v to_o clear_a thing_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o to_o be_v a_o reproof_n to_o such_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n which_o tend_v to_o lead_v we_o into_o egypt_n again_o i_o be_o the_o man_n who_o have_v cause_n to_o be_v jealous_a that_o there_o be_v some_o who_o look_v upon_o other_o either_o apostatise_v from_o the_o truth_n or_o stand_v in_o slippery_a place_n when_o they_o find_v not_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a respect_n for_o thou_o i_o will_v not_o say_v a_o hosanna_n in_o their_o breast_n as_o the_o woman_n have_v in_o their_o mouth_n for_o james_n naylor_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o say_v it_o may_v well_o become_v thou_o by_o a_o plain_a testimony_n to_o clear_a thing_n of_o this_o nature_n many_o for_o truth_n be_v sake_n and_o out_o of_o a_o endear_a respect_n for_o thou_o in_o particular_a and_o a_o hope_n that_o these_o little_a difference_n among_o friend_n may_v pass_v over_o and_o that_o thou_o will_v use_v the_o interest_n thou_o have_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o truth_n to_o quell_v those_o many_o little_a commotion_n which_o seem_v some_o