birth_n from_o run_v into_o duty_n catch_v of_o open_n and_o lay_v hold_n of_o promise_n and_o to_o feel_v the_o heir_n bear_v of_o the_o immortal_a seed_n to_o who_o all_o belong_v and_o the_o other_o birth_n never_o afterward_o get_v up_o above_o he_o but_o be_v subdue_v and_o bring_v into_o subjection_n again_o say_v the_o apostle_n take_v heed_n of_o do_v any_o thing_n doubt_o be_v not_o forward_a be_v not_o hasty_a wait_v for_o the_o lead_n wait_v for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v sure_o thou_o receive_v what_o thou_o receive_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o practise_v what_o thou_o practise_v in_o the_o faith_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n be_v a_o error_n from_o the_o principle_n of_o life_n which_o be_v to_o guide_v and_o thereby_o thou_o lose_v ground_n and_o dishonour_v christ_n and_o come_v under_o condemnation_n and_o so_o the_o apostle_n warn_v believer_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o draw_v one_o another_o on_o too_o fast_o or_o of_o judge_v one_o another_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o some_o of_o they_o may_v have_v light_a in_o other_o not_z he_o that_o eat_v not_o to_o judge_v he_o that_o do_v not_o eat_v and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o eat_v not_o to_o judge_v he_o that_o do_v eat_v yea_o in_o matter_n of_o worship_n he_o that_o observe_v a_o day_n and_o keep_v a_o sabbath_n not_o to_o judge_v he_o that_o observe_v not_o a_o day_n or_o keep_v not_o a_o sabbath_n for_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v true_o convert_v yet_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v draw_v off_o from_o the_o observation_n of_o their_o sabbath_n and_o can_v hardly_o bear_v with_o the_o believe_a gentile_n who_o be_v never_o teach_v to_o keep_v their_o sabbath_n with_o they_o but_o be_v teach_v to_o esteem_v every_o day_n and_o sanctify_v it_o to_o the_o lord_n rom._n 14.5_o and_o those_o who_o esteem_v every_o day_n and_o dedicate_v it_o to_o the_o lord_n cease_v from_o sin_n and_o rest_v to_o he_o for_o under_o the_o gospel_n we_o be_v not_o to_o set_v up_o a_o new_a type_n but_o to_o enter_v by_o faith_n into_o the_o true_a rest_n which_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o the_o other_o signify_v can_v hardly_o bear_v with_o they_o who_o observe_v a_o day_n even_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n christian_n be_v too_o apt_a to_o strive_v after_o a_o wrong_a unity_n and_o uniformity_n in_o outward_a practice_n and_o observation_n and_o to_o judge_v one_o another_o unrighteous_o in_o those_o thing_n and_o mark_v it_o be_v not_o the_o different_a practice_n from_o one_o another_o that_o break_v the_o peace_n and_o the_o unity_n but_o the_o judge_n of_o one_o another_o because_o of_o different_a practice_n he_o that_o keep_v not_o a_o day_n may_v unite_v in_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o the_o same_o life_n in_o the_o same_o love_n with_o he_o that_o keep_v a_o day_n and_o he_o who_o keep_v a_o day_n may_v unite_v in_o heart_n and_o soul_n with_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o life_n in_o he_o who_o keep_v not_o a_o day_n but_o he_o that_o judge_v the_o other_o because_o of_o either_o of_o these_o err_v from_o the_o spirit_n from_o the_o love_n from_o the_o life_n and_o so_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o unity_n and_o he_o that_o draw_v another_o to_o any_o practice_n before_o the_o life_n in_o his_o own_o particular_a lead_v he_o do_v as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o destroy_v the_o soul_n of_o that_o person_n verse_n 15._o this_o be_v the_o apostle_n rule_n for_o every_o one_o to_o perform_v single_o to_o the_o lord_n what_o he_o do_v and_o not_o for_o one_o to_o meddle_v with_o the_o light_n or_o conscience_n of_o another_o undervalue_v his_o brother_n or_o judge_v he_o because_o his_o light_n and_o practice_n differ_v from_o he_o verse_n 10._o of_o that_o 14_o chap._n but_o every_o one_o to_o keep_v close_o to_o their_o own_o measure_n of_o light_n even_o to_o that_o proportion_n of_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n which_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n have_v bestow_v on_o they_o and_o here_o be_v the_o true_a unity_n in_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o inward_a life_n and_o not_o in_o a_o outward_a uniformity_n that_o be_v not_o necessary_a in_o the_o apostle_n day_n nor_o be_v it_o necessary_a now_o and_o that_o eye_n which_o so_o dote_v upon_o it_o overlook_v the_o one_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a man_n keep_v close_o to_o god_n the_o lord_n will_v lead_v they_o on_o fast_o enough_o and_o give_v they_o light_v fast_o enough_o for_o he_o take_v care_n of_o such_o and_o know_v what_o light_n and_o what_o practice_n be_v most_o proper_a for_o they_o but_o for_o man_n to_o walk_v on_o fast_a than_o the_o lord_n hold_v forth_o light_a to_o they_o this_o overturn_v they_o raise_v up_o a_o wrong_a thing_n in_o they_o and_o the_o true_a birth_n hereby_o come_v to_o suffer_v to_o shrink_v and_o be_v drive_v back_o and_o oh_o how_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a be_v it_o to_o the_o true_o spiritual_a eye_n to_o see_v several_a sort_n of_o believer_n several_a form_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n every_o one_o learning_n their_o own_o lesson_n perform_v their_o own_o peculiar_a service_n and_o know_v own_v and_o love_v one_o another_o in_o their_o several_a place_n and_o different_a performance_n to_o their_o master_n to_o who_o they_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n and_o not_o to_o quarrel_v with_o one_o another_o about_o their_o different_a practice_n rom._n 14.4_o for_o this_o be_v the_o true_a ground_n of_o love_n and_o unity_n not_o that_o such_o a_o man_n walk_v and_o do_v just_a as_o i_o do_v but_o because_o i_o feel_v the_o same_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o he_o and_o in_o that_o he_o walk_v in_o his_o rank_n in_o his_o own_o order_n in_o his_o proper_a way_n and_o place_n of_o subjection_n to_o that_o and_o this_o be_v far_o more_o please_a to_o i_o than_o if_o he_o walk_v just_a in_o that_o tract_n wherein_o i_o walk_v nay_o so_o far_o as_o i_o be_o spiritual_a i_o can_v so_o much_o as_o desire_v that_o he_o shall_v do_v so_o until_o he_o be_v particular_o lead_v thereto_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o lead_v i_o and_o he_o that_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o receive_v any_o truth_n from_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o be_v lead_v into_o practice_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o how_o prone_a the_o fleshly_a man_n be_v to_o make_v haste_n and_o how_o dangerous_a that_o haste_n be_v will_v not_o be_v forward_o to_o press_v his_o knowledge_n or_o practice_n upon_o other_o but_o rather_o wait_v patient_o till_o the_o lord_n fit_v they_o for_o the_o receive_n thereof_o and_o fear_v lest_o they_o shall_v receive_v and_o practice_v too_o soon_o even_o in_o that_o part_n which_o can_v serve_v the_o lord_n and_o this_o i_o can_v true_o say_v concern_v myself_o i_o never_o find_v my_o spirit_n forward_o to_o draw_v any_o either_o to_o any_o thing_n i_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a or_o to_o any_o practice_n or_o way_n of_o worship_n i_o observe_v or_o walk_v in_o but_o desire_v that_o the_o power_n and_o leading_n of_o life_n may_v go_v before_o they_o and_o be_v afraid_a lest_o man_n shall_v receive_v thing_n from_o my_o hand_n and_o not_o from_o the_o lord_n yea_o and_o this_o i_o very_o well_o remember_v that_o when_o i_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o independency_n as_o it_o have_v be_v common_o call_v i_o have_v more_o unity_n with_o more_o love_n towards_o such_o as_o be_v single-hearted_n in_o other_o way_n and_o practice_n of_o worship_n who_o spirit_n i_o have_v some_o feel_n of_o in_o the_o true_a simplicity_n and_o in_o the_o life_n than_o with_o divers_a of_o such_o who_o be_v very_o know_v and_o zealous_a in_o that_o way_n of_o independency_n in_o who_o a_o wrong_a thing_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n have_v get_v up_o which_o have_v cause_v they_o to_o swerve_v from_o the_o life_n and_o from_o the_o simplicity_n so_o that_o the_o true_a church_n government_n be_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o over_o the_o conscience_n as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n the_o great_a care_n must_v be_v to_o keep_v it_o within_o its_o bound_n that_o nothing_o else_o govern_v but_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o the_o government_n be_v extend_v only_o unto_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v first_o care_n must_v be_v have_v that_o nothing_o govern_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n that_o nothing_o else_o teach_v nothing_o else_o exhort_v nothing_o else_o admonish_v and_o reprove_v nothing_o else_o cut_v off_o and_o cast_v out_o every_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o watch_v over_o his_o own_o spirit_n that_o it_o intrude_v not_o into_o the_o work_n of_o god_n that_o it_o take_v not_o upon_o it_o to_o be_v the_o teacher_n the_o exhorte_a the_o reprover_n etc._n etc._n and_o
they_o be_v though_o under_o ever_o so_o specious_a pretence_n that_o have_v endeavour_v to_o establish_v outward_a indispensible_a rule_n and_o order_n in_o matter_n relate_v to_o conscience_n for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o gospel_n day_n to_o walk_v by_o neglect_v to_o commit_v and_o commend_v every_o one_o unto_o the_o word_n nigh_o in_o the_o heart_n that_o thereby_o they_o may_v be_v preserve_v from_o subjection_n to_o any_o thing_n outward_o ordain_v which_o they_o may_v either_o scruple_n in_o conscience_n or_o be_v not_o lead_v by_o the_o word_n nigh_o in_o the_o heart_n to_o practise_v be_v such_o as_o in_o the_o best_a and_o most_o fovourable_a construction_n act_n from_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n in_o which_o kind_n of_o zeal_n paul_n himself_o phil._n 3.6_o though_o as_o to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n blameless_a yet_o persecute_v the_o church_n this_o kind_n of_o zeal_n be_v accompany_v with_o that_o ignorance_n which_o the_o chief_a among_o apostatise_v church_n have_v account_v the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n by_o which_o thousand_o in_o age_n past_a in_o the_o dark_a night_n of_o apostasy_n have_v be_v lead_v into_o the_o observation_n of_o many_o unsavoury_a dictate_v erroneous_a decree_n unwarrantable_a tradition_n and_o superstitious_a example_n either_o of_o one_o man_n or_o assembly_n of_o man_n not_o know_v what_o they_o have_v either_o believe_v or_o practise_v to_o be_v a_o incumbent_a duty_n upon_o they_o through_o a_o inward_a evidence_n from_o god_n witness_v in_o their_o conscience_n or_o trial_n thereof_o by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n may_v not_o the_o same_o cloud_n of_o darkness_n overshadow_v any_o of_o the_o child_n of_o light_n in_o this_o our_o day_n say_v our_o soul_n moreover_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o if_o report_n be_v true_a this_o doctrine_n have_v of_o late_o be_v exalt_v no_o unity_n but_o in_o conformity_n which_o if_o apply_v to_o the_o outward_a prescription_n of_o one_o man_n or_o assembly_n of_o man_n assume_v to_o themselves_o authority_n to_o act_n and_o determine_v in_o matter_n appertain_v to_o the_o gospel_n and_o its_o order_n thereby_o to_o become_v a_o bond_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o those_o who_o have_v believe_v in_o the_o everlasting_a light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n as_o the_o great_a order_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o this_o gospel_n day_n may_v occasion_v the_o continuation_n of_o discord_n distraction_n and_o division_n contrary_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n which_o have_v be_v publish_v receive_v and_o believe_v among_o the_o child_n of_o light_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n who_o neither_o have_v nor_o can_v receive_v any_o doctrine_n contrary_a to_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 3.6_o the_o letter_n kill_v but_o the_o spirit_n give_v life_n we_o now_o appeal_v unto_o every_o understanding_n ingenious_a and_o impartial_a reader_n whether_o since_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o primitive_a day_n be_v to_o draw_v the_o outward_a jew_n off_o from_o the_o observation_n of_o these_o ordinance_n which_o be_v rea_o establish_v by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n himself_o have_v exalt_v instead_o thereof_o the_o word_n nigh_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o law_n write_v therein_o as_o a_o fulfil_n of_o that_o which_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o prophet_n be_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v under_o the_o new_a covenant_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v like_a unto_o the_o old_a can_v consist_v with_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n for_o any_o to_o attempt_v the_o establishment_n or_o give_v forth_o of_o outward_a order_n prescription_n sentence_n or_o decree_n to_o be_v on_o that_o foot_n a_o bond_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o those_o who_o have_v believe_v in_o the_o everlasting_a light_n especial_o if_o they_o be_v of_o the_o gentile_a stock_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n unto_o who_o the_o law_n appertain_v not_o for_o so_o the_o people_n of_o england_n be_v and_o if_o not_o whether_o those_o who_o be_v otherwise_o persuade_v and_o according_a to_o such_o a_o persuasion_n may_v be_v find_v act_v may_v not_o though_o under_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o truth_n itself_o just_o be_v number_v among_o those_o of_o who_o in_o the_o best_a sense_n it_o may_v be_v say_v they_o have_v zeal_n without_o knowledge_n and_o ignorance_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o their_o devotion_n and_o now_o as_o to_o those_o who_o have_v knowledge_n without_o zeal_n charity_n do_v not_o oblige_v we_o to_o conclude_v that_o such_o in_o that_o state_n chief_o design_n to_o live_v well_o that_o so_o they_o may_v die_v well_o for_o as_o christ_n say_v so_o may_v we_o luk._n 12.48_o unto_o whosoever_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o shall_v be_v much_o require_v the_o want_n of_o zeal_n in_o a_o know_a good_a cause_n be_v as_o we_o take_v it_o the_o neglect_n of_o a_o know_a incumbent_a duty_n wherein_o god_n have_v give_v power_n else_o how_o can_v it_o have_v be_v say_v to_o the_o lukewarm_a church_n of_o laodicea_n after_o a_o understanding_n be_v give_v unto_o she_o how_o she_o may_v come_v to_o see_v viz._n by_o anoint_v her_o eye_n with_o eye_n salve_n leu._n 3.19_o be_v zealous_n &_o amend_v for_o doubtless_o power_n be_v give_v of_o god_n into_o she_o to_o amend_v as_o well_o as_o direction_n how_o to_o see_v but_o of_o the_o want_n of_o knowledge_n it_o can_v be_v so_o say_v as_o of_o the_o want_n of_o zeal_n because_o it_o be_v not_o equal_o in_o our_o power_n to_o attain_v unto_o knowledge_n when_o we_o want_v it_o as_o it_o be_v zealous_o to_o practise_v what_o we_o know_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n we_o may_v therefore_o conclude_v that_o where_o knowledge_n be_v not_o accompany_v with_o zeal_n though_o requisite_a it_o be_v in_o the_o best_a sense_n a_o token_n of_o a_o lukewarm_a spirit_n and_o in_o some_o where_o it_o have_v predominate_v we_o have_v clear_o discern_v that_o first_o they_o have_v be_v overawe_v by_o the_o frown_n of_o man_n or_o man_n and_o then_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o bear_v all_o thing_n neglect_v to_o give_v their_o testimony_n for_o the_o truth_n without_o respect_n to_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o more_o than_o the_o truth_n may_v require_v and_o by_o this_o mean_v some_o have_v undoubted_o be_v the_o occasion_n whereby_o many_o have_v be_v catch_v in_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o evil_a one_o not_o know_v through_o a_o neglect_n of_o their_o inward_a teacher_n which_o way_n to_o turn_v and_o that_o load_v and_o burden_n have_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o other_o who_o while_o they_o have_v keep_v steadfast_a unto_o the_o ancient_a doctrine_n exalt_v the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n to_o be_v our_o law_n rule_n and_o guide_n have_v behold_v some_o of_o their_o brethren_n not_o only_o captivate_v with_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o slavish_a fear_n but_o also_o in_o their_o practice_n recee_v from_o what_o their_o first_o principle_n will_v have_v lead_v they_o to_o have_v use_v politic_a contrivance_n to_o retain_v the_o favour_n and_o affection_n of_o some_o who_o perhaps_o in_o their_o view_n have_v appear_v to_o be_v like_a unto_o the_o rise_a sun_n and_o so_o have_v give_v more_o way_n to_o a_o temporize_a spirit_n than_o to_o acquit_v themselves_o as_o good_a christian_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n by_o which_o the_o conscience_n come_v to_o be_v keep_v void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n and_o all_o this_o as_o with_o respect_n to_o some_o it_o be_v doubt_v for_o fear_v lest_o they_o shall_v be_v term_v sect-master_n by_o such_o as_o in_o this_o gospel-day_n have_v assume_v a_o pretend_a authority_n to_o establish_v outward_a order_n to_o be_v a_o rule_n for_o and_o bond_n upon_o the_o child_n of_o light_a to_o walk_v by_o without_o any_o exception_n thereby_o to_o avoid_v oppress_v a_o tender_a conscience_n but_o this_o be_v far_o wide_a of_o that_o zeal_n which_o accompany_v the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o his_o convert_v state_n who_o be_v term_v a_o ringleader_n of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nazerenes_n by_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n that_o will_v have_v judge_v he_o according_a to_o their_o law_n which_o undoubted_o will_v then_o have_v inflict_v severe_a punishment_n on_o he_o which_o be_v due_o consider_v we_o may_v well_o say_v it_o be_v far_o wide_a of_o paul_n zeal_n to_o fear_v under_o this_o gospel-day_n the_o title_n of_o a_o sect-master_n on_o the_o score_n of_o refuse_v outward_a conformity_n to_o outward_a rule_n and_o order_n relate_v to_o the_o conscience_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o gospel-order_n establish_v among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n not_o only_o because_o they_o have_v no_o law_n whereby_o corporal_o to_o punish_v but_o also_o because_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n either_o from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o
man_n on_o the_o part_n of_o our_o opposer_n in_o public_a meeting_n for_o worship_n of_o god_n have_v frequent_o be_v cause_n of_o stumble_v to_o some_o so_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v that_o jealousy_n have_v be_v ready_a to_o enter_v many_o that_o though_o the_o name_n of_o christianity_n be_v retain_v among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n yet_o that_o the_o nature_n life_n and_o doctrine_n thereof_o have_v suffer_v shipwreck_n among_o they_o if_o all_o under_o that_o name_n ought_v at_o this_o day_n to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o deportment_n and_o doctrine_n of_o some_o the_o particular_a instance_n of_o such_o deportment_n and_o doctrine_n whereof_o i_o have_v be_v eye_n and_o earwitness_a may_v fill_v a_o large_a volumn_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o be_v grant_v it_o can_v but_o by_o every_o considerate_a and_o impartial_a reader_n be_v think_v needful_a enough_o that_o a_o testimony_n unto_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n ancient_o hold_v forth_o among_o they_o may_v 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be_v in_o a_o heavenly_a fellowship_n each_o with_o other_o but_o if_o on_o the_o contrary_a such_o as_o be_v seek_v after_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n have_v be_v disaffect_v with_o they_o in_o general_a from_o a_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o their_o division_n and_o the_o unsound_a doctrine_n hold_v forth_o by_o some_o and_o yet_o shall_v but_o serious_o ponder_v this_o treatise_n it_o may_v become_v a_o mean_n unto_o such_o to_o eschew_v the_o evil_a and_o embrace_v the_o good_a by_o incline_v their_o heart_n unto_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n herein_o hold_v forth_o and_o not_o suffer_v the_o offence_n give_v by_o such_o among_o they_o as_o have_v retain_v the_o name_n but_o not_o the_o nature_n nor_o yet_o in_o some_o respect_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n so_o to_o enter_v as_o to_o hinder_v their_o perseverance_n and_o growth_n in_o the_o true_a faith_n until_o at_o length_n they_o may_v come_v into_o union_n and_o fellowship_n 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of_o the_o eternal_a god_n who_o be_v with_o the_o father_n before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v lay_v be_v become_v the_o horn_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o have_v bring_v immortality_n to_o light_n in_o they_o and_o reveal_v that_o teacher_n that_o can_v never_o be_v move_v into_o a_o corner_n and_o therefore_o these_o can_v depend_v any_o long_o on_o the_o teach_n of_o man_n nor_o yet_o on_o outward_a canonical_a article_n creed_n directory_n or_o church-faith_n prescribe_v by_o man_n but_o on_o the_o teach_n of_o christ_n alone_o by_o his_o light_n and_o spiritual_a appearance_n in_o themselves_o to_o lead_v and_o guide_v unto_o the_o father_n of_o life_n the_o sound_n of_o this_o alarm_n as_o many_o can_v yet_o witness_v become_v a_o joyful_a sound_n to_o that_o soul_n which_o be_v hunger_a after_o the_o lord_n though_o pierce_v as_o a_o dart_n through_o the_o liver_n to_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n so_o that_o astonishment_n and_o amazement_n seem_v to_o take_v 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persuade_v that_o the_o voice_n of_o truth_n through_o they_o be_v not_o only_o thus_o viz._n to_o your_o own_o which_o be_v observe_v lead_v into_o a_o independency_n upon_o other_o but_o also_o frequent_o on_o this_o wise_a we_o preach_v not_o ourselves_o look_v not_o unto_o we_o in_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n i_o can_v but_o cry_v aloud_o in_o the_o aforesaid_a word_n of_o the_o angel_n that_o have_v the_o everlasting_a gospel_n to_o preach_v fear_v god_n and_o give_v glory_n to_o he_o and_o then_o no_o doubt_n but_o every_o such_o one_o that_o have_v concern_v himself_o to_o condemn_v his_o brother_n on_o no_o better_a ground_n than_o from_o the_o example_n and_o prescription_n of_o another_o will_v come_v to_o see_v that_o therein_o he_o have_v not_o keep_v to_o his_o own_o and_o so_o have_v be_v lead_v into_o a_o by_o and_o err_v path._n oh_o friend_n let_v therefore_o this_o cry_n pass_v through_o every_o heart_n to_o our_o own_o to_o our_o own_o to_o our_o own_o that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o every_o one_o be_v own_o measure_n of_o christ_n light_n or_o grace_n of_o god_n received_n which_o the_o apostle_n say_v be_v sufficient_a with_o this_o secret_a breathe_n of_o spirit_n unto_o the_o god_n of_o our_o life_n that_o all_o may_v be_v thereto_o retire_v for_o if_o that_o counsel_n may_v but_o take_v place_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o there_o can_v then_o be_v no_o room_n for_o any_o to_o impose_v or_o press_v the_o observation_n of_o other_o man_n line_n upon_o any_o which_o no_o doubt_n be_v one_o great_a occasion_n of_o the_o religious_a difference_n treat_v on_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o it_o will_v mould_v all_o who_o retain_v the_o name_n of_o christianity_n into_o the_o very_a nature_n thereof_o and_o so_o consequent_o a_o reconciliation_n in_o the_o everlasting_a truth_n may_v quick_o ensue_v for_o if_o that_o door_n be_v but_o once_o shut_v through_o which_o variance_n and_o disunion_n enter_v there_o may_v then_o arise_v a_o hope_n of_o cessation_n to_o such_o contention_n and_o strife_n as_o be_v out_o of_o the_o truth_n but_o if_o not_o i_o may_v then_o say_v how_o can_v the_o effect_n cease_v whilst_o the_o cause_n remain_v i_o well_o remember_v and_o many_o with_o i_o that_o while_o friend_n keep_v to_o their_o own_o and_o concern_v not_o themselves_o to_o promote_v a_o zealous_a observation_n of_o other_o man_n line_n make_v ready_a to_o their_o hand_n we_o then_o hear_v not_o of_o so_o much_o contention_n strife_n and_o debate_n both_o public_a and_o private_a as_o of_o late_a year_n have_v be_v but_o since_o the_o promotion_n thereof_o confusion_n disorder_n emulation_n malice_n and_o envy_n have_v be_v its_o offspring_n which_o have_v be_v manifest_v by_o public_a unjust_a revile_n against_o some_o when_o zealous_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n and_o though_o these_o be_v of_o that_o number_n that_o prefer_v obedience_n to_o their_o own_o measure_n of_o grace_n receive_v before_o 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many_o year_n decease_v be_v honourable_o speak_v of_o by_o some_o if_o not_o by_o all_o of_o both_o party_n of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n at_o variance_n one_o that_o have_v the_o trumpet_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o sound_v and_o have_v therewith_o sound_v as_o a_o son_n of_o thunder_n as_o well_o as_o of_o consolation_n many_o alarm_n unto_o the_o nation_n i_o shall_v conclude_v with_o the_o citation_n of_o a_o part_n of_o a_o epistle_n write_v by_o he_o in_o the_o year_n 1658._o to_o the_o friend_n of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n and_o so_o leave_v the_o consideration_n thereof_o to_o the_o impartial_a reader_n to_o savour_v whether_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o counsel_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o know_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o ourselves_o to_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o our_o action_n and_o if_o so_o then_o to_o practice_v from_o other_o man_n line_n without_o a_o inward_a conviction_n by_o the_o spirit_n in_o ourselves_o can_v be_v no_o more_o accept_v as_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o than_o the_o offering_n of_o the_o halt_n and_o the_o blind_a for_o a_o sacrifice_n under_o the_o first_o covenant_n be_v here_o follow_v the_o citation_n out_o of_o edward_n burrough_n aforesaid_a epistle_n yea_o it_o be_v peace_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o gladness_n to_o the_o heart_n and_o refreshment_n to_o the_o life_n to_o feel_v and_o witness_v the_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o father_n lead_v into_o all_o truth_n and_o preserve_v out_o of_o all_o transgression_n wherefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o all_o let_v this_o be_v your_o whole_a desire_n and_o the_o full_a practice_n in_o your_o life_n and_o then_o shall_v the_o countenance_n of_o the_o lord_n shine_v upon_o you_o and_o his_o face_n shall_v make_v you_o glad_a if_o in_o all_o thing_n you_o look_v unto_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 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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
upon_o some_o other_o to_o obey_v and_o submit_v and_o that_o such_o as_o be_v in_o the_o true_a feel_n and_o sense_n will_v find_v it_o their_o place_n to_o obey_v and_o be_v one_o with_o the_o church_n in_o such_o like_a case_n and_o that_o its_o such_o that_o have_v lose_v their_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o body_n that_o descent_n and_o be_v disobedient_a under_o the_o false_a pretence_n of_o liberty_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v first_o that_o general_n meeting_n do_v usual_o consist_v only_o of_o such_o person_n as_o pretend_v a_o freedom_n in_o their_o spirit_n to_o go_v thither_o or_o have_v outward_a business_n call_v they_o to_o the_o place_n where_o it_o be_v usual_o hold_v and_o though_o it_o have_v be_v account_v a_o meeting_n of_o minister_a friend_n yet_o of_o late_a year_n we_o be_v very_o certain_a it_o have_v consist_v and_o so_o for_o the_o future_a may_v of_o some_o other_o person_n profess_v the_o truth_n that_o will_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o 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friend_n in_o the_o beginning_n be_v turn_v to_o the_o light_n in_o their_o own_o conscience_n as_o their_o guide_n but_o when_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o gather_v so_o great_a a_o number_n into_o the_o knowledge_n and_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n as_o be_v in_o few_o year_n gather_v than_o the_o heavenly_a motion_n come_v upon_o g._n f._n as_o the_o lord_n anoint_v and_o choose_v have_v the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n as_o be_v the_o great_a apostle_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o as_o one_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v ordain_v to_o be_v in_o that_o place_n among_o the_o child_n of_o light_n in_o this_o our_o day_n as_o moses_n be_v among_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o his_o day_n to_o set_v forth_o method_n and_o form_n of_o church_n government_n and_o to_o establish_v monthly_o and_o quarterly_o meeting_n of_o man_n and_o of_o woman_n distinct_a from_o man_n and_o these_o meeting_n since_o be_v call_v the_o church_n who_o counsel_n advice_n and_o judgement_n as_o occasion_n shall_v offer_v be_v to_o be_v submit_v unto_o by_o every_o one_o who_o profess_v himself_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v else_o why_o shall_v a_o eminent_a friend_n in_o the_o sixteenth_o page_n of_o his_o bookthus_n say_v i_o affirm_v that_o the_o true_a church_n be_v in_o the_o true_a faith_n that_o be_v in_o god_n and_o we_o must_v either_o believe_v thus_o as_o the_o true_a church_n believe_v or_o else_o it_o be_v but_o both_o a_o folly_n and_o hypocrisy_n to_o profess_v ourselves_o member_n thereof_o and_n so_o in_o the_o same_o page_n proceed_v to_o manifest_v that_o he_o who_o seem_v to_o own_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o a_o member_n of_o she_o and_o yet_o tell_v the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o dangerous_a position_n that_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v be_v a_o treacherous_a enemy_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n from_o this_o objection_n these_o 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raise_v up_o a_o prophet_n like_o unto_o moses_n who_o the_o people_n be_v to_o hear_v in_o all_o thing_n deut._n 18.15_o this_o prophet_n speak_v of_o be_v christ_n jesus_n who_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n appear_v upon_o the_o earth_n and_o than_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o man_n to_o hearken_v unto_o his_o voice_n since_o he_o ascend_v on_o high_a the_o father_n according_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o son_n christ_n have_v send_v unto_o we_o the_o comforter_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n who_o be_v to_o lead_v and_o guide_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n this_o spirit_n we_o witness_v to_o be_v in_o we_o according_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o shall_v be_v in_o you_o our_o testimony_n now_o be_v that_o it_o be_v
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
spiritual_a guide_n and_o teacher_n which_o be_v infailible_n and_o can_v be_v remove_v into_o a_o corner_n with_o confidence_n than_o may_v we_o conclude_v that_o none_o such_o will_n ever_o more_o boast_n of_o the_o possession_n which_o they_o have_v take_v as_o heir_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o respect_n to_o thing_n that_o be_v without_o second_o as_o to_o this_o part_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a objection_n viz._n that_o nothing_o but_o dryness_n deadness_n and_o barrenness_n appear_v in_o those_o who_o be_v oppose_v by_o such_o with_o who_o thou_o be_v at_o unity_n we_o say_v this_o seem_v not_o strange_a unto_o we_o for_o the_o apostle_n thus_o testify_v we_o be_v unto_o god_n a_o sweet_a savour_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o that_o be_v save_v and_o in_o they_o that_o perish_v to_o the_o one_o we_o be_v the_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n and_o to_o the_o other_o the_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o life_n this_o give_v we_o occasion_n to_o put_v every_o one_o that_o have_v or_o may_v judge_v the_o sound_a form_n of_o word_n to_o be_v deadness_n dryness_n &_o barrenness_n especial_o when_v spring_a from_o such_o who_o thou_o have_v know_v to_o be_v in_o the_o life_n upon_o this_o search_n be_v not_o the_o reason_n thereof_o because_o i_o be_o watch_v for_o evil_n and_o have_v let_v in_o a_o spirit_n of_o prejudice_n believe_v a_o evil_a report_n when_o perhaps_o it_o may_v not_o be_v truth_n if_o this_o be_v thy_o state_n we_o must_v plain_o tell_v thou_o they_o be_v the_o very_a token_n of_o a_o perish_a condition_n and_o then_o though_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o life_n that_o be_v preach_v yet_o it_o can_v be_v no_o other_o according_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o the_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o thou_o beside_o we_o have_v this_o further_a observation_n to_o make_v that_o some_o at_o least_o of_o those_o thus_o testify_v against_o as_o dead_a dry_a and_o barren_a be_v chief_o such_o unto_o who_o god_n have_v give_v a_o portion_n of_o understanding_n above_o many_o of_o their_o brethren_n and_o have_v and_o yet_o do_v as_o far_o as_o ever_o we_o know_v appear_v sound_n in_o doctrine_n and_o as_o blameless_a in_o life_n and_o conversation_n as_o any_o friend_n we_o have_v ever_o know_v and_o so_o can_v run_v with_o the_o current_n of_o the_o time_n we_o desire_v therefore_o that_o every_o one_o of_o the_o opposer_n of_o or_o judge_n over_o such_o will_v yet_o more_o thorough_o search_v their_o own_o conscience_n and_o in_o a_o godly_a jealousy_n over_o themselves_o put_v these_o query_n unto_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o try_v thing_n in_o the_o equal_a balance_n have_v not_o i_o many_o time_n hear_v unsound_a doctrine_n and_o behold_v disorder_n and_o confusion_n bring_v forth_o even_o in_o public_a meeting_n for_o worship_n by_o those_o who_o cry_v against_o dark_a separate_a spirit_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v a_o reproof_n thereto_o conclude_v notwithstanding_o that_o there_o do_v a_o freshness_n and_o life_n appear_v have_v not_o i_o be_v often_o affect_v with_o a_o outward_a tone_n and_o strength_n of_o lung_n when_o there_o have_v be_v little_a to_o the_o information_n and_o building_n up_o one_o another_o in_o the_o most_o holy_a faith_n have_v not_o i_o be_v better_o content_v to_o hear_v a_o thunder_a kind_n of_o voice_n cry_v out_o against_o a_o separate_a spirit_n though_o without_o distinction_n when_o not_o a_o word_n be_v speak_v to_o show_v the_o way_n to_o the_o kingdom_n than_o to_o hear_v the_o way_n of_o eternal_a life_n plain_o demonstrate_v by_o a_o soft_a and_o moderate_a voice_n we_o know_v there_o be_v great_a cause_n for_o many_o to_o put_v these_o question_n to_o their_o conscience_n and_o to_o be_v cool_a in_o spirit_n that_o so_o they_o may_v have_v a_o answer_n from_o the_o lord_n who_o appearance_n be_v not_o in_o the_o strong_a wind_n but_o in_o the_o still_a voice_n sect_n iv_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o three_o position_n deducible_a from_o a_o objection_n raise_v towards_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o first_o section_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v folly_n and_o hypocrisy_n to_o profess_v ourselves_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o yet_o not_o believe_v thus_o as_o the_o true_a church_n believe_v to_o this_o we_o say_v we_o be_v altogether_o dissatisfy_v especial_o when_o we_o consider_v what_o a_o body_n of_o darkness_n have_v enter_v under_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o position_n we_o must_v believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v among_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n in_o age_n past_a as_o well_o as_o at_o this_o present_a day_n that_o such_o language_n can_v become_v the_o mouth_n or_o pen_n of_o any_o one_o that_o profess_v not_o only_a faith_n in_o christ_n but_o also_o that_o such_o his_o faith_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o inward_a manifestation_n and_o revelation_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o himself_o mark_v we_o say_v in_o himself_o those_o who_o be_v account_v apostate_n christian_n have_v from_o such_o assembly_n which_o they_o call_v their_o church_n set_v forth_o their_o creed_n by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v know_v what_o the_o member_n of_o their_o church_n do_v and_o aught_o to_o believe_v and_o since_o it_o be_v so_o that_o no_o person_n be_v able_a to_o make_v out_o that_o ever_o any_o assembly_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o true_a church_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n have_v publish_v their_o creed_n by_o which_o we_o mean_v a_o certain_a number_n of_o article_n of_o faith_n recommend_v they_o as_o those_o thing_n which_o every_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n ought_v to_o believe_v or_o else_o not_o be_v account_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n we_o can_v account_v it_o unreasonable_a if_o any_o one_o that_o like_v not_o the_o language_n touch_v believe_v as_o the_o true_a church_n believe_v shall_v ask_v the_o publisher_n thereof_o this_o question_n have_v thou_o not_o speak_v this_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n as_o those_o who_o thou_o accounte_v the_o true_a church_n and_o if_o so_o be_v it_o not_o folly_n to_o talk_v of_o believe_v as_o this_o church_n believe_v when_o no_o assembly_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o this_o church_n have_v to_o this_o day_n declare_v and_o publish_v their_o creed_n for_o the_o end_n aforesaid_a nay_o may_v it_o not_o further_o be_v say_v we_o know_v how_o papist_n and_o protestant_n describe_v their_o church_n but_o at_o the_o day_n wherein_o that_o which_o occasion_n this_o present_a discourse_n be_v give_v forth_o it_o be_v not_o discover_v by_o any_o repute_a quaker_n public_o in_o print_n that_o we_o know_v of_o who_o or_o be_v the_o true_a church_n be_v with_o respect_n to_o visible_a person_n more_o than_o what_o be_v to_o this_o effect_n give_v forth_o by_o the_o author_n occasion_v this_o present_a discourse_n viz._n that_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n be_v the_o church_n wherein_o we_o do_v not_o take_v his_o meaning_n to_o be_v that_o all_o call_v quaker_n be_v the_o 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reality_n member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n because_o this_o light_n in_o which_o we_o have_v believe_v do_v reveal_v unto_o we_o that_o those_o who_o be_v but_o in_o the_o gentile_a nature_n and_o have_v come_v no_o further_o than_o the_o outward_a court_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o gentile_n may_v have_v all_o the_o outward_a mark_n and_o sign_n of_o a_o member_n of_o their_o church_n and_o yet_o know_v very_o little_a of_o the_o wash_n by_o the_o water_n of_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n through_o the_o spirit_n which_o every_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n that_o be_v build_v on_o the_o rock_n christ_n come_v to_o be_v witness_n of_o and_o therefore_o when_o our_o opposer_n who_o profess_v not_o the_o truth_n will_v reflect_v upon_o we_o on_o this_o wise_a you_o be_v a_o confuse_a people_n you_o gather_v not_o into_o church-fellowship_n you_o have_v no_o certain_a way_n to_o know_v one_o another_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o we_o have_v and_o why_o do_v you_o not_o put_v forth_o your_o creed_n that_o so_o we_o may_v know_v what_o and_o how_o many_o the_o article_n of_o your_o faith_n be_v and_o what_o you_o stand_v for_o and_o what_o you_o stand_v against_o the_o best_a answer_n that_o ever_o as_o we_o can_v understand_v we_o be_v capable_a to_o give_v in_o truth_n unto_o such_o be_v this_o the_o true_a church_n be_v in_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o have_v believe_v in_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o his_o grace_n unto_o which_o if_o we_o be_v obedient_a according_a to_o the_o respective_a measure_n thereof_o give_v of_o god_n and_o receive_v by_o we_o we_o then_o have_v the_o witness_v of_o god_n in_o our_o conscience_n give_v evidence_n that_o we_o be_v of_o the_o true_a brotherhood_n and_o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v who_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n though_o we_o do_v not_o allege_v any_o outward_a mark_n and_o sign_n whereby_o our_o body_n be_v temple_n 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be_v they_o shall_v not_o forbear_v may_v thereby_o come_v to_o lose_v their_o strength_n in_o the_o lord_n for_o that_o we_o believe_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a to_o think_v nothing_o too_o dear_a to_o offer_v up_o for_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o command_v or_o call_v for_o it_o mark_n we_o do_v not_o say_v at_o every_o time_n that_o any_o informer_n that_o thirst_v after_o our_o ruin_n and_o estate_n through_o malice_n especial_o when_v not_o prompt_v thereto_o by_o such_o as_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o law_n call_v for_o it_o but_o we_o say_v when_o the_o lord_n command_v or_o call_v for_o it_o and_o if_o peradventure_o any_o shall_v be_v so_o overcome_v as_o through_o disobedience_n fear_v or_o weakness_n not_o to_o stand_v steadfast_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n even_o in_o that_o manner_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v it_o be_v then_o the_o duty_n of_o those_o that_o be_v strong_a to_o deal_v gentle_o with_o such_o and_o 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that_o this_o government_n can_v be_v establish_v by_o man_n because_o it_o be_v already_o on_o christ_n shoulder_n and_o he_o that_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n of_o david_n be_v to_o establish_v it_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o some_o call_v quaker_n by_o write_v under_o their_o hand_n have_v declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o establisher_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o holy_a order_n of_o truth_n we_o also_o do_v believe_v that_o those_o who_o have_v live_v under_o this_o government_n of_o christ_n bring_v forth_o the_o peaceable_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n strive_v not_o for_o pre-eminence_n nor_o yet_o like_o the_o gentile_n exercise_n lordship_n over_o one_o another_o but_o be_v meek_a gentle_a humble_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v ready_a to_o pass_v by_o and_o forgive_v offence_n even_o as_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n have_v forgive_v we_o and_o so_o show_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o that_o love_n whereof_o christ_n our_o lord_n and_o master_n do_v declare_v when_o he_o say_v by_o this_o shall_v all_o man_n know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o love_v one_o another_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o can_v but_o testify_v that_o those_o who_o be_v so_o far_o from_o follow_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n which_o be_v the_o apostle_n counsel_n as_o to_o raise_v contention_n among_o their_o brethren_n endeavour_v to_o make_v they_o offender_n for_o those_o thing_n which_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o all-seeing_a god_n be_v no_o offence_n do_v not_o appear_v to_o be_v subject_a unto_o christ_n government_n though_o they_o may_v style_v themselves_o establisher_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o holy_a order_n of_o truth_n object_n but_o perhaps_o some_o may_v here_o object_n how_o come_v you_o and_o those_o your_o opposer_n who_o run_v against_o you_o as_o dark_a leaven_a superate_v spirit_n thus_o to_o disagree_v for_o certain_a we_o be_v that_o we_o have_v hear_v they_o testify_v to_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o teach_n of_o man_n magnify_v the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n as_o the_o guide_n to_o the_o father_n and_o bear_v witness_n against_o tyth-payer_n and_o fleer_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n answ_n yes_o very_o we_o believe_v so_o too_o but_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o of_o those_o who_o can_v hold_v a_o unity_n with_o such_o who_o sometime_o tell_v we_o we_o must_v walk_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o ourselves_o and_o that_o magnify_v the_o sufficiency_n thereof_o as_o the_o only_a unerring_a rule_n and_o yet_o be_v judge_v their_o brethren_n because_o they_o can_v have_v a_o eye_n to_o some_o outward_a rule_n and_o order_n give_v forth_o by_o such_o who_o have_v say_v look_v not_o unto_o we_o but_o unto_o the_o lord_n when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n such_o as_o may_v be_v so_o judge_v shall_v solemu_o affirm_v it_o reach_v not_o to_o their_o conscience_n unto_o which_o all_o paper_n outward_a rule_n and_o prescription_n be_v to_o be_v bring_v that_o so_o by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n therein_o they_o may_v be_v try_v and_o not_o our_o conscience_n bring_v unto_o paper_n or_o any_o thing_n outward_a to_o be_v a_o bond_n thereon_o before_o a_o inward_a conviction_n from_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n receive_v neither_o can_v we_o be_v at_o unity_n with_o the_o appearance_n of_o that_o spirit_n in_o any_o one_o that_o villify_v other_o for_o fleer_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n backbiting_a instead_o of_o endeavour_v to_o restore_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n such_o when_o such_o a_o one_o have_v appear_v a_o fleer_v at_o such_o like_a time_n himself_o neither_o can_v we_o be_v at_o unity_n with_o the_o appearance_n of_o that_o spirit_n be_v it_o in_o whosoever_o it_o will_v that_o can_v recriminate_a man_n as_o tyth-payer_n who_o have_v be_v faithful_a in_o their_o testimony_n relate_v to_o tithe_n and_o yet_o advise_v a_o friend_n to_o purchase_v tithe_n which_o be_v g._n f_n case_n with_o relation_n to_o his_o advice_n unto_o nathaniel_n crip_n and_o robert_n arch_n according_a as_o be_v treat_v on_o and_o prove_v by_o certificate_n under_o their_o hand_n record_v in_o the_o 21th_o section_n of_o the_o manuscript_n first_o mention_v in_o the_o preface_n ready_a to_o be_v see_v we_o be_v now_o sensible_a that_o some_o of_o our_o opposer_n may_v take_v occasion_n from_o a_o part_n of_o our_o fore_n go_v word_n thus_o to_o object_n obj._n this_o your_o language_n of_o offer_v up_o all_o seem_v not_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o some_o to_o square_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o secure_v any_o part_n of_o your_o estate_n when_o you_o foresee_v a_o probability_n of_o incur_v a_o praemunire_n or_o be_v fine_v for_o meet_v which_o as_o report_n say_v have_v be_v the_o case_n of_o some_o of_o you_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o that_o you_o have_v justify_v the_o same_o notwithstanding_o some_o who_o we_o account_v faithful_a have_v in_o public_a meeting_n for_o worship_n declare_v against_o it_o instance_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n when_o he_o say_v unto_o peter_n get_v thou_o behind_o i_o satan_n thou_o be_v a_o offence_n to_o i_o for_o thou_o savory_a not_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o god_n which_o be_v so_o speak_v by_o christ_n because_o peter_n say_v unto_o he_o be_v it_o far_o from_o thou_o lord_n this_o shall_v not_o be_v unto_o thou_o meaning_n as_o the_o context_n show_n that_o he_o will_v not_o have_v jesus_n go_v to_o jerusalem_n there_o to_o sufer_v though_o it_o be_v manifest_v to_o he_o that_o he_o must_v go_v thither_o and_o suffer_v etc._n etc._n read_v mat._n 16.21_o 22_o 23._o and_o so_o by_o consequence_n it_o appear_v that_o christ_n reprove_v that_o spirit_n which_o exhort_v to_o save_v self_n beside_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o on_o this_o occasion_n the_o rebellion_n and_o condemn_a action_n of_o saul_n in_o save_v agag_n and_o he_o best_a of_o the_o sheep_n and_o ox_n alive_a be_v a_o part_n of_o what_o by_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o take_v of_o the_o amalakite_n have_v frequent_o be_v bring_v as_o a_o instance_n against_o some_o of_o you_o to_o show_v that_o all_o aught_o to_o be_v offer_v up_o read_v 1_o sam._n 15._o answ_n forasmuch_o as_o this_o very_a objection_n have_v be_v make_v use_n of_o as_o a_o prevail_a argument_n to_o affect_v some_o ignorant_a people_n against_o the_o friend_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v needful_a it_o shall_v receive_v a_o particular_a answer_n and_o observation_n which_o now_o follow_v peter_n word_n have_v a_o tendency_n to_o divert_v christ_n from_o what_o he_o know_v to_o be_v his_o duty_n saul_n action_n be_v know_v and_o confess_v rebellion_n in_o save_v that_o which_o be_v no_o part_n of_o his_o own_o proper_a substance_n but_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 peculiar_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 meaning_n of_o 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-suffer_v 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 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 sect_n viii_o a_o manifestation_n that_o the_o variance_n have_v original_o rise_v from_o a_o different_a sense_n touch_v g._n f._n the_o general_n meeting_n or_o womens-meeting_n etc._n etc._n the_o end_n for_o which_o womens-meeting_n be_v assent_v to_o on_o the_o whole_a matter_n the_o great_a variance_n among_o some_o once_o at_o unity_n we_o have_v cause_n to_o know_v have_v rise_v from_o a_o different_a sense_n touch_v one_o some_o or_o all_o of_o these_o three_o particular_n follow_v the_o first_o relate_v to_o george_n fox_n that_o have_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o give_v forth_o direction_n and_o instruction_n to_o other_o and_o his_o proceed_n the_o second_o to_o the_o general_n meet_v and_o their_o proceed_n the_o three_o to_o woman_n meeting_n and_o their_o proceed_n as_o to_o the_o first_o we_o say_v many_o there_o be_v among_o we_o who_o affirm_v that_o they_o have_v more_o than_o ordinary_a cause_n to_o believe_v that_o many_o profess_v the_o truth_n do_v look_v upon_o g._n f._n as_o one_o who_o the_o lord_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n have_v raise_v up_o and_o set_v in_o the_o like_a place_n among_o the_o child_n of_o light_n as_o moses_n be_v among_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o that_o whosoever_o shall_v oppose_v he_o shall_v never_o prosper_v which_o we_o be_v persuade_v have_v so_o overawe_v many_o that_o they_o become_v sacrificer_n of_o their_o own_o sense_n and_o understanding_n to_o the_o will_n of_o man_n and_o doubtless_o on_o this_o foot_n many_o may_v think_v those_o who_o tell_v he_o his_o book_n about_o womens-meeting_n be_v notorious_o erroneous_a will_v never_o prosper_v though_o they_o have_v evidence_v it_o to_o be_v so_o to_o his_o face_n and_o that_o in_o the_o view_n of_o several_a hundred_o of_o friend_n at_o a_o meeting_n assent_v to_o by_o himself_o and_o those_o of_o party_n with_o he_o when_o at_o bristol_n in_o the_o 12_o month_n 1677._o as_o one_o instance_n of_o the_o error_n of_o the_o say_a book_n take_v this_o pag._n 43._o he_o thus_o say_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 her_o son_n and_o a_o few_o line_n after_o he_o say_v so_o these_o and_o such_o woman_n be_v record_v for_o their_o wisdom_n and_o their_o virtue_n and_o their_o faith_n for_o our_o part_n we_o can_v understand_v that_o any_o thing_n of_o wisdom_n virtue_n or_o faith_n be_v record_v touch_v michah_n mother_n unless_o blessing_n or_o curse_v out_o of_o one_o mouth_n from_o a_o idolatrous_a woman_n may_v be_v account_v the_o fruit_n thereof_o many_o other_o thing_n may_v be_v quote_v out_o of_o his_o say_a book_n notorious_o erroneous_a and_o therefore_o will_v certain_o remain_v on_o record_n to_o his_o shame_n until_o he_o repent_v and_o it_o be_v not_o his_o proselit_v party_n say_v none_o shall_v prosper_v that_o oppose_v he_o nor_o yet_o his_o say_n that_o he_o know_v what_o he_o do_v and_o see_v it_o will_v be_v a_o stumbling-block_n for_o so_o william_n rogers_n positive_o affirm_v he_o do_v say_v to_o he_o will_v excuse_v he_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o we_o firm_o believe_v that_o unless_o he_o repent_v he_o will_v become_v despise_v and_o vile_a before_o the_o people_n even_o as_o the_o lord_n make_v those_o priest_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n who_o as_o the_o prophet_n say_v mal._n 2.8_o 9_o cause_v many_o to_o stumble_v to_o be_v therefore_o despise_v and_o vile_a before_o all_o the_o people_n we_o know_v he_o have_v be_v a_o instrument_n to_o cause_n many_o to_o condemn_v their_o fail_n we_o desire_v that_o he_o may_v be_v so_o ingenious_a as_o once_o to_o confess_v his_o own_o second_o we_o be_v persuade_v some_o other_o have_v look_v upon_o the_o general_n meet_v as_o that_o unto_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o eye_n be_v principled_a to_o receive_v own_o and_o stand_v by_o whatsoever_o come_v from_o thence_o as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n without_o bring_v the_o matter_n they_o appear_v at_o unity_n with_o to_o the_o test_n of_o christ_n light_n in_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o no_o marvel_n if_o such_o as_o be_v principled_a to_o shut_v out_o reason_n wisdom_n and_o jealousy_n without_o distinction_n thus_o do_v and_o when_o any_o paper_n be_v give_v forth_o by_o that_o meeting_n or_o g._n f._n such_o as_o be_v at_o unity_n with_o they_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o man_n meeting_n for_o outward_a business_n which_o oft_o time_n occasion_n strife_n and_o contention_n the_o one_o party_n account_v themselves_o oblige_v as_o we_o take_v it_o to_o receive_v and_o stand_v by_o what_o come_v from_o they_o the_o other_o party_n do_v the_o same_o also_o when_o it_o reach_v to_o the_o witness_n of_o god_n in_o their_o conscience_n as_o matter_n proper_a to_o be_v bring_v to_o such_o meeting_n but_o if_o not_o they_o can_v receive_v it_o though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n bring_v it_o then_o the_o other_o party_n account_v this_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o jealous_a dark_a leaven_a spirit_n and_o thus_o contention_n and_o debate_n have_v arisen_a even_o among_o those_o who_o former_o before_o the_o outward_a form_n of_o government_n be_v so_o much_o plead_v for_o walk_v together_o in_o peace_n and_o concord_n three_o there_o be_v among_o many_o friend_n a_o difference_n touch_v the_o meeting_n of_o woman_n separate_v from_o the_o man_n which_o though_o not_o hitherto_o treat_v on_o yet_o it_o may_v not_o be_v improper_a to_o be_v speak_v to_o on_o this_o occasion_n but_o first_o we_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o answer_v this_o question_n which_o natural_o seem_v to_o arise_v for_o the_o information_n of_o the_o reader_n viz._n how_o come_v those_o meeting_n first_o to_o be_v hold_v and_o for_o what_o end_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o g._n f._n so_o far_o as_o we_o understand_v exhort_v thereto_o and_o the_o end_v thereof_o in_o sum_n be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o poor_a in_o some_o case_n the_o metre_n themselves_o according_a to_o their_o freedom_n bear_v freedom_n note_v this_o method_n of_o raise_v money_n for_o that_o service_n be_v though_o very_o unreasonable_a because_o it_o reach_v not_o all_o by_o who_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o outward_o poor_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n aught_o to_o be_v bear_v raise_v money_n which_o cause_v the_o charge_n to_o light_n much_o on_o some_o who_o be_v most_o constant_a in_o meet_v while_o other_o for_o want_v of_o another_o method_n to_o collect_v money_n be_v very_o little_o concern_v in_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o poor_a but_o in_o
mouth_n of_o his_o prophet_n or_o from_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n in_o we_o or_o from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n give_v forth_o by_o inspiration_n since_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n to_o expect_v that_o any_o shall_v be_v invest_v with_o power_n from_o on_o high_a to_o establish_v such_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o conscience_n much_o less_o to_o expect_v that_o the_o child_n of_o light_n under_o the_o new_a covenant_n shall_v be_v lead_v by_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n and_o word_n nigh_o in_o the_o heart_n unto_o such_o a_o conformity_n moreover_o it_o be_v observable_a paul_n plain_a confession_n thus_o be_v after_o the_o way_n which_o they_o call_v heresy_n so_o worship_n i_o the_o god_n of_o my_o father_n believe_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n and_o herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o men._n if_o all_o those_o unto_o who_o god_n have_v give_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o truth_n in_o this_o gospel-day_n have_v have_v so_o much_o zeal_n as_o to_o have_v walk_v according_a to_o this_o example_n they_o may_v have_v all_o become_v honourable_a in_o their_o day_n &_o have_v keep_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n and_o then_o none_o of_o they_o will_v have_v be_v afraid_a of_o be_v stigmatise_v as_o sect-master_n by_o such_o who_o like_o the_o outward_a jew_n have_v glory_v in_o thing_n outward_o pretend_a to_o be_v establish_v in_o this_o gospel-day_n and_o have_v make_v such_o thing_n to_o be_v as_o a_o rule_n whereby_o they_o have_v endeavour_v to_o try_v their_o brethren_n who_o at_o this_o day_n have_v approve_v themselves_o jew_n in_o spirit_n zealous_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o the_o word_n nigh_o in_o the_o heart_n according_a to_o knowledge_n even_o as_o the_o outward_a jew_n will_v have_v do_v by_o paul_n for_o such_o a_o reflection_n will_v never_o have_v hurt_v they_o in_o the_o breast_n of_o those_o that_o have_v continue_v true_o faithful_a and_o this_o many_o be_v give_v to_o understand_v from_o that_o honourable_a esteem_n that_o some_o ancient_a and_o faithful_a brethren_n have_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o such_o as_o have_v not_o in_o a_o temporize_a spirit_n change_v their_o way_n notwithstanding_o they_o be_v stigmatise_v with_o the_o name_n of_o sect-master_n even_o by_o those_o who_o like_o the_o gentile_n appear_v to_o exercise_n lordship_n over_o their_o brethren_n in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o come_v to_o take_v a_o little_a notice_n of_o those_o who_o abound_v in_o confidence_n without_o either_o knowledge_n or_o zeal_n this_o sort_n may_v be_v well_o compare_v unto_o those_o beast_n with_o who_o it_o be_v repute_v paul_n fight_v at_o ephesus_n which_o if_o it_o be_v so_o be_v doubtless_o he_o contest_v have_v with_o unreasonable_a men._n the_o bait_n by_o which_o this_o sort_n be_v entice_v to_o appear_v somebody_n in_o probability_n be_v this_o the_o door_n be_v open_a for_o any_o under_o the_o profession_n of_o truth_n who_o life_n be_v not_o outward_o scandalous_a to_o appear_v among_o some_o of_o the_o society_n of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n as_o governor_n and_o though_o it_o be_v hard_a for_o we_o to_o suppose_v who_o among_o such_o be_v the_o person_n that_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v when_o liberty_n be_v take_v and_o admit_v as_o aforesaid_a whereby_o none_o of_o the_o society_n be_v exclude_v to_o appear_v as_o governor_n yet_o so_o it_o be_v and_o of_o this_o have_v our_o eye_n and_o ear_n be_v witness_n a_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o sort_n we_o have_v understand_v to_o be_v on_o this_o wise_a if_o you_o do_v not_o see_v yourselves_o you_o must_v follow_v we_o that_o do_v see_v alas_o it_o be_v easy_o to_o be_v savour_v where_o all_o may_v then_o run_v if_o such_o a_o exhortation_n from_o any_o one_o thus_o qualify_v and_o that_o with_o respect_n to_o follow_v the_o exhorte_a shall_v take_v place_n he_o than_o that_o lead_v and_o those_o who_o may_v be_v lead_v will_v quick_o fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n together_o and_o so_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n come_v to_o be_v advance_v instead_o of_o be_v destroy_v but_o bless_v be_v the_o name_n of_o the_o everlasting_a god_n that_o sun_n which_o have_v arisen_a among_o we_o that_o glorious_a appearance_n if_o the_o everlasting_a light_n which_o have_v shine_v in_o many_o heart_n be_v not_o yet_o set_v in_o obscurity_n and_o our_o faith_n be_v that_o it_o will_v not_o the_o lord_n have_v have_v a_o regard_n to_o his_o own_o name_n and_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o eternal_a power_n so_o that_o though_o many_o ancient_a and_o honourable_a brethren_n who_o the_o lord_n commissioned_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n to_o publish_v his_o everlasting_a gospel_n exhort_v all_o to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n in_o 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of_o israel_n sect-master_n leader_n into_o a_o separation_n and_o into_o downright_a independency_n parish_n and_o schism_n yet_o this_o testimony_n live_v with_o we_o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n on_o which_o alone_o we_o be_v persuade_v their_o dependency_n have_v be_v and_o be_v have_v accompany_v such_o when_o thus_o judge_v despise_a and_o revile_v by_o that_o generation_n who_o unto_o we_o appear_v as_o if_o their_o dependency_n be_v upon_o man_n that_o labour_n and_o travel_v to_o gather_v unto_o themselves_o to_o conclude_v this_o further_a testimony_n live_v with_o we_o that_o the_o righteous_a god_n bear_v we_o this_o day_n record_n that_o the_o very_a reason_n wherefore_o this_o treatise_n be_v now_o prepare_v be_v because_o our_o very_a conscience_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o god_n truth_n and_o people_n be_v concern_v and_o therefore_o we_o can_v but_o encourage_v this_o so_o necessary_a a_o work_n have_v among_o many_o other_o our_o brethren_n long_o 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the_o everlasting_a gospel_n on_o the_o 22th_o of_o the_o 8_o month_n 1661._o i_o be_v grieve_v in_o my_o spirit_n for_o the_o scatter_v of_o israel_n and_o my_o thought_n trouble_v i_o very_o much_o for_o the_o afflict_a in_o jerusalem_n for_o i_o also_o be_v great_o afflict_v with_o they_o and_o i_o pray_v unto_o god_n that_o he_o will_v show_v i_o his_o purpose_n concern_v they_o and_o these_o word_n come_v unto_o i_o abide_v thou_o in_o i_o thou_o helpless_a lamb_n and_o i_o will_v show_v thou_o great_a thing_n only_o stir_v not_o from_o i_o for_o thou_o have_v no_o helper_n but_o i_o and_o if_o thou_o go_v never_o so_o little_a from_o i_o behold_v a_o wild_a beast_n seek_v to_o devour_v thou_o therefore_o i_o say_v abide_v and_o then_o i_o weep_v great_o because_o i_o see_v what_o great_a danger_n i_o be_v in_o for_o i_o
all_o man_n be_v to_o praise_v he_o or_o to_o speak_v of_o his_o wonder_n for_o they_o be_v altogether_o past_o find_v out_o than_o i_o weep_v great_o and_o desire_v only_o that_o he_o will_v permit_v i_o to_o sit_v at_o his_o foot_n and_o he_o swear_v unto_o i_o by_o himself_o that_o he_o will_v deliver_v i_o from_o all_o my_o trouble_n within_o &_o without_o and_o true_o it_o be_v his_o own_o free_a promise_n for_o i_o dare_v not_o ask_v it_o of_o he_o but_o be_v content_v to_o have_v wait_v still_o in_o my_o sorrowful_a condition_n all_o the_o day_n of_o my_o life_n that_o i_o have_v to_o spend_v among_o men._n but_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v i_o be_o content_v with_o his_o will_n and_o rest_n at_o his_o foot_n friend_n i_o be_o constrain_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o endless_a love_n to_o warn_v you_o all_o that_o you_o may_v forbear_v judge_v of_o any_o man_n any_o more_o upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o but_o commit_v all_o judgement_n to_o the_o son_n for_o he_o cry_v in_o i_o that_o he_o will_v short_o appear_v with_o righteous_a judgement_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o woe_n be_v upon_o he_o that_o have_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o sit_v upon_o my_o seat_n of_o judgement_n and_o have_v not_o judge_v righteous_o for_o the_o same_o measure_n that_o he_o meet_v shall_v be_v meet_v to_o he_o again_o for_o whosoever_o i_o find_v upon_o my_o seat_n of_o judgement_n when_o i_o come_v if_o he_o be_v not_o as_o i_o be_o holy_a just_a and_o merciful_a without_o any_o mixture_n he_o will_v i_o destroy_v with_o the_o breath_n of_o my_o mouth_n for_o he_o be_v as_o unclean_a smoke_n before_o i_o therefore_o dear_a friend_n let_v all_o unrighteousness_n be_v far_o from_o you_o for_o thus_o say_v the_o voice_n in_o i_o whosoever_o i_o find_v in_o envy_n the_o same_o envy_n shall_v be_v his_o torment_n and_o whosoever_o in_o covetousness_n or_o in_o pride_n or_o any_o unclean_a mind_n that_o same_o shall_v be_v their_o clothing_n and_o they_o shall_v stand_v behind_o i_o and_o 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drive_v you_o to_o look_v out_o at_o other_o and_o in_o that_o time_n it_o will_v gather_v strength_n and_o kindle_v a_o great_a fire_n in_o you_o which_o be_v not_o easy_o put_v out_o which_o many_o at_o this_o day_n may_v know_v edward_n burrough_n though_o many_o thing_n be_v very_o worthy_a notice_n from_o the_o abovecited_a line_n give_v forth_o through_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n edward_n burrough_n and_o obvious_a enough_o to_o many_o yet_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o it_o be_v think_v meet_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o two_o particular_a matter_n which_o seem_v very_o pertinent_a on_o this_o occasion_n first_o that_o some_o of_o the_o young_a unlearned_a dog_n not_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o master_n manner_n in_o gather_v the_o sheep_n do_v run_v from_o the_o flock_n with_o fierceness_n after_o the_o sheep_n that_o stay_v behind_o and_o do_v affrighten_v they_o and_o bite_v some_o of_o they_o neither_o will_v they_o be_v lead_v nor_o yet_o stay_v at_o home_n but_o will_v always_o be_v go_v abroad_o and_o bark_v at_o the_o lamb_n to_o affrighten_v they_o be_v ready_a to_o devour_v they_o for_o there_o be_v something_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o wolf_n in_o they_o and_o they_o the_o shepherd_n bind_v up_o in_o chain_n to_o fulfil_v his_o purpose_n on_o they_o second_o that_o some_o of_o the_o dog_n well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o master_n manner_n do_v wise_o go_v behind_o the_o sheep_n and_o such_o do_v drive_v they_o gentle_o along_o without_o hunt_v of_o they_o or_o weary_v themselves_o from_o these_o two_o citation_n out_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a paper_n we_o may_v learn_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n through_o his_o servant_n have_v in_o a_o parable_n very_o 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 for_o of_o certain_a knowledge_n we_o can_v say_v that_o there_o be_v such_o as_o be_v learn_v in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o christ_n jesus_n their_o lord_n and_o master_n manner_n of_o gather_v the_o sheep_n do_v not_o over-drive_a the_o flock_n nor_o yet_o weary_a themselves_o for_o mere_a vanity_n and_o there_o be_v also_o the_o unlearned_a who_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o the_o great_a master_n manner_n in_o gather_v the_o sheep_n and_o these_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n have_v occasion_v the_o increase_n and_o continuation_n of_o division_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n by_o their_o fierce_a contend_v for_o a_o outward_a unity_n and_o conformity_n with_o respect_n to_o form_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n so_o that_o they_o seem_v not_o only_o ready_a to_o bite_v but_o also_o to_o devour_v other_o that_o see_v not_o clearness_n in_o themselves_o to_o practice_v according_a as_o they_o in_o their_o hunt_a spirit_n will_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v constrain_v and_o enforce_v nay_o there_o be_v some_o not_o only_o unacquainted_a with_o christ_n jesus_n manner_n of_o gather_v the_o flock_n like_o a_o shepherd_n that_o gather_v his_o lamb_n in_o his_o arm_n and_o gentle_o lead_v they_o that_o be_v with_o young_a but_o also_o have_v lay_v blame_n on_o such_o as_o have_v exact_o walk_v in_o his_o footstep_n and_o indeed_o so_o foolish_a and_o confident_a have_v some_o be_v that_o the_o master_n manner_n of_o gather_v the_o flock_n have_v become_v as_o a_o byword_n or_o a_o mock_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o matter_n of_o evil_a fact_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o some_o witness_v the_o forty_o four_o article_n relate_v to_o church-government_n draw_v up_o against_o j._n s._n and_o j._n w._n two_o ancient_a and_o honourable_a friend_n in_o the_o truth_n a_o part_n whereof_o be_v for_o that_o they_o shall_v say_v they_o will_v not_o have_v friend_n over-driven_a to_o conclude_v we_o also_o know_v that_o some_o of_o these_o have_v be_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n reprove_v as_o not_o fit_a to_o say_v they_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o speak_v by_o they_o nor_o yet_o to_o appear_v as_o if_o they_o be_v send_v of_o god_n to_o gather_v the_o flock_n or_o to_o proclaim_v themselves_o keeper_n of_o other_o folk_n vineyard_n when_o they_o have_v not_o keep_v their_o own_o vineyard_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n touch_v such_o have_v be_v that_o they_o shall_v harken_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o reproof_n and_o be_v lead_v by_o his_o spirit_n which_o if_o they_o have_v they_o will_v have_v stay_v at_o home_n until_o they_o have_v be_v instruct_v and_o learned_a in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o some_o have_v contrary_a hereunto_o go_v abroad_o and_o their_o great_a work_n have_v be_v to_o cry_v out_o against_o honest_a friend_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o dark_a spirit_n levened_a spirit_n troubler_n of_o israel_n corah_n judas_n etc._n etc._n just_a like_a unto_o those_o young_a unlearned_a dog_n signify_v in_o the_o parable_n that_o will_v not_o be_v lead_v but_o will_v be_v go_v abroad_o and_o bark_v at_o the_o lamb_n to_o affrighten_v they_o be_v ready_a to_o devour_v they_o for_o as_o in_o the_o parable_n it_o be_v say_v there_o have_v be_v something_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o wolf_n in_o they_o but_o bless_v be_v the_o lord_n many_o be_v witness_n that_o of_o late_a some_o of_o they_o have_v be_v as_o in_o chain_n and_o fetter_n of_o iron_n so_o that_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o prey_n upon_o those_o who_o be_v upon_o the_o rock_n christ_n who_o doubtless_o in_o his_o own_o time_n will_v fulfil_v his_o purpose_n on_o they_o oh_o that_o all_o concern_v herein_o at_o this_o day_n will_v serious_o consider_v &_o proceed_v no_o far_o in_o
their_o hunt_n bite_a devour_a spirit_n nor_o yet_o weary_a themselves_o for_o mere_a vanity_n lest_o the_o eternal_a decree_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v seal_v against_o they_o to_o their_o destruction_n for_o ever_o more_o to_o conclude_v this_o first_o part_n we_o have_v yet_o to_o add_v that_o since_o it_o be_v signify_v that_o the_o forty_o four_o article_n before_o cite_v relate_v to_o church-government_n and_o that_o we_o say_v they_o be_v draw_v up_o against_o two_o ancient_a and_o honourable_a friend_n in_o the_o truth_n viz._n john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n we_o think_v it_o proper_a to_o cite_v one_o passage_n as_o a_o evidence_n thereof_o out_o of_o the_o four_o section_n of_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o historical_a manuscript_n mention_v in_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n with_o the_o omission_n only_o of_o the_o name_n of_o person_n for_o the_o reason_n already_o give_v in_o the_o say_a preface_n the_o passage_n be_v as_o follow_v before_o we_o shall_v make_v any_o observation_n on_o the_o aforesaid_a article_n or_o preamble_n thereto_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o inform_v the_o reader_n that_o nine_o person_n concern_v in_o exhibit_v the_o say_v forty_o four_o article_n against_o the_o two_o friend_n speak_v of_o before_o thus_o declare_v concern_v they_o in_o a_o letter_n to_o nine_o other_o choose_v by_o the_o accuser_n to_o be_v judge_n over_o they_o viz._n and_o friend_n it_o be_v not_o any_o personal_a trespass_n against_o any_o of_o we_o that_o we_o charge_v they_o with_o nor_o any_o particular_a concern_v of_o our_o own_o as_o man_n that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o defence_n but_o the_o cause_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o wrong_n they_o have_v do_v to_o he_o but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o in_o the_o same_o letter_n they_o say_v that_o they_o have_v bear_v a_o dear_a love_n and_o honourable_a respect_n unto_o they_o in_o the_o holy_a truth_n compare_v he_o with_o what_o be_v write_v in_o the_o three_o article_n of_o the_o 44_o article_n before_o cite_v viz._n slight_v the_o heavenly_a motion_n on_o george_n fox_n his_o spirit_n in_o that_o case_n in_o the_o unity_n precious_o feel_v and_o close_v with_o mean_v the_o rule_n or_o form_n of_o church-government_n set_v forth_o by_o george_n fox_n pretend_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o by_o the_o say_a article_n appear_v it_o be_v evident_a to_o we_o that_o in_o their_o sense_n a_o slight_n of_o george_n fox_n rule_n method_n and_o order_n with_o respect_n to_o church-government_n be_v a_o slight_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o though_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o unity_n precious_o feel_v and_o close_v with_o yet_o that_o be_v notorious_o erroneous_a if_o thereby_o be_v mean_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o all_o friend_n for_o that_o some_o of_o his_o paper_n and_o prescription_n in_o many_o part_n of_o the_o nation_n among_o friend_n have_v be_v little_o take_v notice_n of_o as_o be_v well_o know_v to_o we_o and_o credible_o report_v by_o many_o moreover_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o we_o that_o some_o have_v have_v so_o great_a esteem_n for_o the_o prescription_n or_o paper_n give_v forth_o by_o he_o as_o that_o they_o have_v conclude_v it_o to_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o fruit_n of_o confusion_n and_o darkness_n to_o believe_v that_o what_o he_o have_v give_v forth_o be_v not_o intend_v by_o he_o to_o be_v urge_v with_o severity_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o enforce_a and_o this_o do_v thus_o appear_v john_n story_n one_o of_o those_o two_o brethren_n article_v against_o as_o aforesaid_a in_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o say_v forty_o four_o article_n take_v occasion_n to_o give_v his_o sense_n touch_v such_o thing_n which_o george_n fox_n have_v give_v forth_o on_o this_o wise_a viz._n that_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o george_n fox_n intend_v any_o such_o thing_n that_o they_o mean_v his_o paper_n direct_v to_o the_o church_n shall_v with_o severity_n be_v urge_v upon_o any_o of_o god_n faithful_a people_n but_o as_o instruction_n or_o direction_n commend_v they_o to_o the_o church_n leave_v the_o effect_n thereof_o to_o god_n and_o his_o lead_a grace_n in_o his_o people_n to_o make_v use_n thereof_o as_o he_o shall_v manifest_v a_o need_n of_o such_o direction_n counsel_n or_o advice_n to_o this_o sense_n robert_n barrow_n and_o eight_o person_n part_n of_o those_o who_o be_v concern_v in_o exhibit_v the_o say_v forty_o four_o article_n reply_v a_o part_n whereof_o be_v on_o this_o wise_a true_o thy_o darkness_n and_o blindness_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v feel_v and_o they_o must_v be_v very_o dim_a of_o sight_n that_o see_v thou_o not_o oh_o the_o confusion_n thy_o dark_a spirit_n be_v in_o to_o this_o we_o say_v this_o answer_n seem_v so_o very_o dark_a as_o if_o blindness_n be_v the_o lot_n of_o their_o inheritance_n who_o so_o write_v forwe_v well_o remember_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o ancient_a brethren_n who_o be_v skill_v in_o gather_v and_o careful_a not_o to_o scatter_v the_o flock_n do_v not_o encourage_v any_o to_o follow_v any_o outward_a direction_n whatsoever_o without_o a_o inward_a conviction_n from_o the_o leading_n of_o god_n all-sufficient_a grace_n free_o give_v to_o profit_n withal_o of_o the_o needfulness_n of_o the_o direction_n counsel_n or_o advice_n contain_v therein_o and_o why_o but_o because_o a_o observance_n not_o ground_v on_o their_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n lead_v grace_n in_o ourselves_o of_o outward_a instruction_n or_o direction_n in_o this_o gospel_n day_n may_v find_v no_o more_o acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n who_o be_v now_o to_o be_v worship_v obey_v and_o reverence_v not_o otherwise_o than_o in_o and_o by_o the_o spirit_n and_o light_n through_o which_o he_o do_v appear_v in_o man_n than_o a_o offering_n of_o the_o halt_n and_o the_o blind_a which_o be_v forbid_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n for_o a_o sacrifice_n might_n and_o this_o our_o sense_n may_v well_o be_v vindicate_v from_o such_o like_a testimony_n as_o these_o frequent_o utter_v by_o our_o ancient_a brethren_n we_o preach_v not_o ourselves_o let_v not_o your_o dependency_n be_v on_o we_o we_o be_v not_o neither_o desire_n to_o be_v lord_n over_o your_o conscience_n you_o ought_v to_o be_v lief_o for_o yourselves_o and_o see_v for_o yourselves_o and_o therefore_o we_o counsel_v you_o to_o draw_v water_n out_o of_o your_o own_o well_n let_v it_o be_v your_o own_o and_o not_o another_o we_o now_o appeal_v to_o god_n witness_v in_o all_o conscience_n how_o this_o kind_a of_o language_n and_o discourse_n can_v agree_v with_o such_o as_o render_v it_o the_o fruit_n of_o confusion_n and_o darkness_n not_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o outward_a instruction_n or_o direction_n of_o g._n f._n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n be_v intend_v to_o be_v urge_v with_o severity_n upon_o god_n faithful_a people_n beside_o that_o which_o seem_v to_o aggravate_v the_o darkness_n be_v this_o that_o the_o faithful_a must_v have_v outward_a precept_n direction_n or_o instruction_n impose_v upon_o they_o have_v the_o sense_n of_o those_o who_o sense_n we_o can_v own_v be_v only_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o unfaithful_a it_o may_v have_v seem_v a_o little_a better_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v great_a cause_n of_o lamentation_n and_o mourning_n especial_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o believe_v either_o from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n give_v forth_o by_o inspiration_n or_o from_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o conscience_n that_o any_o man_n according_a to_o the_o motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o this_o gospel-day_n ought_v to_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o give_v forth_o any_o outward_a rule_n or_o prescription_n relate_v to_o faith_n or_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n with_o a_o intent_n that_o they_o shall_v become_v a_o bond_n upon_o other_o to_o submit_v thereto_o further_o than_o from_o a_o recommendation_n unto_o the_o conscience_n a_o service_n may_v be_v see_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o light_n give_v from_o he_o who_o be_v the_o fullness_n but_o whether_o this_o our_o sense_n be_v not_o by_o many_o other_o beside_o the_o aforesaid_a nine_o person_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n slight_o esteem_v and_o a_o combine_a sort_n of_o submission_n contrive_v as_o we_o suppose_v by_o a_o few_o tho_o enter_v into_o by_o many_o at_o this_o day_n we_o shall_v leave_v it_o to_o the_o unprejudiced_a understand_a reader_n to_o judge_n on_o mature_a consideration_n of_o what_o yet_o follow_v some_o few_o year_n past_o many_o friend_n in_o the_o county_n of_o westmoreland_n have_v be_v a_o long_a time_n burden_a in_o monthly_a and_o quarterly_a meeting_n by_o such_o as_o endeavour_v to_o introduce_v the_o practice_n of_o some_o thing_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o church
which_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n have_v spread_v before_o he_o since_o his_o first_o come_v forth_o to_o preach_v the_o light_n etc._n etc._n to_o concern_v himself_o so_o much_o as_o he_o have_v against_o some_o that_o can_v own_v a_o urge_n with_o severity_n his_o direction_n or_o prescription_n on_o god_n faithful_a people_n and_o in_o particular_a to_o appear_v a_o persecutor_n of_o such_o which_o can_v certain_o be_v prove_v against_o he_o if_o endeavour_v unjust_o to_o take_v away_o a_o man_n good_a name_n and_o reputation_n can_v be_v term_v such_o to_o this_o the_o answer_n be_v as_o the_o serpent_n beguile_v eve_n so_o eve_n beguile_v adam_n in_o prevail_v upon_o he_o to_o eat_v of_o the_o forbid_v fruit_n which_o she_o have_v eat_v and_o the_o argument_n use_v by_o the_o serpent_n to_o tempt_v eve_n be_v this_o you_o shall_v be_v as_o go_n even_o so_o be_v we_o persuade_v that_o there_o have_v not_o be_v want_v unto_o he_o to_o speak_v comparitive_o a_o tempt_a eve_n which_o have_v be_v too_o aspire_v after_o such_o a_o state_n which_o with_o respect_n to_o humble_v self-denying_a persecute_a member_n of_o christ_n church_n be_v neither_o fit_a nor_o president_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v that_o this_o aspire_a mind_n have_v have_v so_o much_o place_n with_o he_o as_o that_o he_o have_v take_v too_o much_o upon_o he_o which_o have_v occasion_v rent_n and_o division_n among_o the_o flock_n and_o sometime_o to_o pretend_v that_o he_o have_v see_v thing_n in_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o almighty_a which_o have_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o imagination_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o have_v give_v way_n thereto_o and_o find_v a_o fear_n upon_o friend_n through_o a_o tender_a respect_n unto_o he_o to_o judge_n or_o dislike_v what_o he_o may_v bring_v forth_o under_o pretence_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n it_o in_o probability_n increase_v his_o confidence_n especial_o when_o he_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v write_v unto_o he_o by_o some_o friend_n in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o infancy_n which_o be_v in_o such_o language_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o a_o aspire_a mind_n may_v tend_v to_o his_o hurt_n at_o length_n his_o fame_n grow_v so_o great_a as_o that_o among_o some_o weak_a friend_n it_o become_v even_o as_o a_o proverb_n that_o none_o will_v prosper_v who_o shall_v oppose_v he_o this_o by_o other_o have_v clear_o be_v see_v to_o be_v a_o subtle_a way_n to_o oblige_v all_o such_o as_o shall_v so_o believe_v to_o be_v servant_n to_o his_o will_n and_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v this_o persuasion_n have_v the_o more_o easy_o obtain_v he_o the_o repute_n with_o some_o of_o be_v set_v by_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o like_a place_n among_o the_o child_n of_o light_n at_o this_o dayas_n moses_n have_v among_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o his_o day_n and_o this_o we_o doubt_v be_v the_o occasion_n that_o the_o rebellion_n of_o corah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n be_v much_o treat_v on_o to_o affrighten_v simple_a people_n in_o our_o public_a meeting_n for_o worship_n of_o god_n since_o the_o division_n among_o friend_n especial_o in_o those_o place_n where_o g._n f_n paper_n relate_v to_o church-government_n have_v little_a place_n but_o alas_o those_o who_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n can_v be_v affright_v with_o such_o thing_n no_o more_o than_o they_o can_v be_v convince_v with_o the_o sight_n of_o such_o false_a certificate_n on_o certificate_n note_v the_o reader_n may_v peruse_v the_o five_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a quaker_n and_o therein_o the_o say_a certificate_n be_v more_o large_o treat_v on_o record_v in_o the_o 21_o section_n of_o the_o manuscript_n first_o mention_v in_o the_o preface_n and_o ready_a for_o perusal_n of_o any_o friend_n desire_v the_o sight_n thereof_o as_o of_o late_o have_v be_v spread_v abroad_o in_o his_o favour_n to_o render_v he_o a_o innocent_a man_n and_o to_o acquit_v he_o from_o the_o gild_n of_o some_o matter_n of_o fact_n lay_v to_o his_o charge_n when_o the_o certifier_n know_v nothing_o at_o all_o thereof_o and_o of_o this_o he_o himself_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a though_o the_o occasion_n of_o spread_v such_o certificate_n abroad_o if_o he_o know_v what_o be_v contain_v therein_o which_o will_v have_v be_v prove_v to_o his_o face_n have_v he_o be_v but_o so_o just_a to_o the_o cause_n of_o truth_n as_o to_o have_v submit_v to_o a_o hear_n according_a as_o be_v desire_v and_o in_o the_o preface_n signify_v before_o friend_n of_o thing_n reproachful_a to_o the_o truth_n whereof_o he_o be_v guilty_a but_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o we_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o his_o preach_v the_o light_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o travel_n abroad_o as_o well_o as_o the_o preach_a the_o light_n by_o other_o his_o fellow-servant_n in_o the_o beginning_n with_o he_o be_v not_o the_o ministration_n give_v they_o of_o god_n for_o at_o the_o sound_n thereof_o many_o face_n gather_v paleness_n horror_n and_o amazement_n seize_v many_o who_o then_o become_v sensible_a of_o their_o lose_a state_n and_o condition_n while_o they_o be_v admire_v their_o teacher_n and_o busy_v in_o outward_a ordinance_n more_o than_o in_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o day_n wherein_o many_o be_v not_o only_o so_o strike_v with_o amazement_n but_o through_o faith_n receive_v the_o testimony_n give_v touch_v the_o light_n of_o christ_n may_v true_o be_v term_v the_o day_n of_o their_o infancy_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o so_o the_o more_o likely_a to_o be_v prevail_v upon_o by_o the_o enemy_n who_o in_o that_o day_n as_o in_o age_n past_a seek_v how_o he_o may_v destroy_v that_o tenderness_n to_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v so_o beget_v for_o it_o be_v certain_o know_v that_o many_o who_o eye_n ought_v to_o have_v be_v unto_o the_o creator_n admire_v and_o give_v glory_n unto_o he_o for_o his_o gift_n of_o grace_n and_o ministration_n of_o light_n then_o reveal_v do_v on_o a_o sudden_a admire_v the_o creature_n in_o such_o a_o abundant_a manner_n as_o if_o not_o only_o the_o plant_n and_o water_v be_v by_o he_o but_o the_o increase_v also_o and_o in_o that_o day_n some_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v as_o watchman_n in_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n be_v concern_v thereat_o and_o jealous_a with_o a_o godly_a jealousy_n and_o though_o at_o present_a it_o be_v not_o with_o we_o to_o declare_v what_o that_o jealousy_n be_v yet_o if_o the_o tree_n may_v be_v know_v by_o its_o fruit_n we_o may_v with_o boldness_n affirm_v that_o the_o then_o admire_v the_o creature_n may_v be_v true_o parallel_v with_o that_o state_n out_o of_o which_o the_o lord_n through_o the_o ministration_n of_o light_n or_o spirit_n of_o life_n have_v lead_v many_o at_o that_o day_n who_o have_v so_o learned_a the_o truth_n as_o according_a to_o the_o testimony_n thereof_o to_o have_v their_o eye_n to_o the_o light_n within_o viz._n the_o light_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o instead_o thereof_o to_o any_o outward_a person_n through_o who_o among_o other_o brethren_n the_o ministration_n of_o light_n be_v reveal_v but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o some_o there_o be_v as_o before_o be_v signify_v that_o admire_v the_o creature_n which_o not_o only_o become_v unto_o they_o a_o snare_n but_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v doubt_v unto_o the_o creature_n also_o that_o be_v admire_v for_o the_o acceptation_n of_o more_o respect_n than_o be_v meet_v stand_v in_o the_o same_o ground_n with_o the_o offer_v thereof_o and_o it_o be_v too_o much_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o imprudent_a acceptation_n of_o what_o be_v undue_o offer_v have_v beget_v a_o spirit_n of_o pride_n and_o exaltation_n in_o g._n f._n which_o the_o lord_n be_v determine_v for_o his_o namesake_n to_o bring_v into_o the_o dust_n and_o if_o he_o do_v but_o serious_o mind_n his_o state_n and_o condition_n and_o be_v but_o more_o ready_a to_o appear_v little_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n than_o to_o be_v account_v great_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o other_o and_o not_o give_v way_n to_o such_o a_o false_a imagination_n that_o true_a judgement_n be_v commit_v to_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o can_v now_o be_v testify_v be_v speak_v by_o he_o and_o that_o at_o that_o time_n wherein_o his_o judgement_n be_v know_v to_o be_v false_a and_o that_o he_o may_v take_v a_o liberty_n know_o to_o put_v stumble_v block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n people_n and_o yet_o be_v justify_v therein_o it_o therein_o note_v when_o william_n rogers_n discourse_v with_o he_o touch_v this_o particular_a passage_n in_o his_o book_n of_o woman_n meeting_n and_o be_v not_o micahs_n mother_n a_o virtuous_a woman_n read_v judge_n 17_o and_o then_o a_o few_o line_n after_o though_o she_o be_v a_o idolatrous_a woman_n say_v these_o and_o such_o
have_v open_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o other_o way_n by_o which_o all_o thing_n relate_v unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n come_v to_o be_v reveal_v and_o this_o appear_v agrecable_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n john_n 14.26_o 2_o cor._n 4.2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o 2_o tim._n 3.15_o 16._o we_o be_v now_o sensible_a that_o some_o who_o may_v peruse_v the_o forego_n scripture_n may_v be_v ready_a thus_o to_o say_v you_o seem_v to_o propound_v two_o way_n by_o which_o the_o thing_n appertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n have_v be_v and_o be_v reveal_v viz._n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n or_o appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n as_o one_o way_n and_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n as_o another_o way_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v the_o way_n we_o propose_v be_v but_o one_o though_o the_o manifestation_n thereof_o may_v seem_v various_a to_o man_n viz._n sometime_o through_o instrument_n and_o sometime_o through_o himself_o for_o though_o paul_n write_v unto_o timothy_n unto_o who_o he_o be_v make_v a_o instrument_n and_o therefore_o call_v he_o his_o son_n tell_v he_o 16._o 2_o tim._n 3.15_o 16._o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v able_a to_o make_v he_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o that_o they_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n yet_o it_o be_v speak_v with_o respect_n to_o those_o scripture_n that_o be_v give_v forth_o by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o with_o this_o limitation_n viz._n through_o the_o say_v that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n whereon_o we_o observe_v that_o the_o scripture_n give_v forth_o by_o inspiration_n be_v but_o as_o a_o instrument_n make_v serviceable_a to_o the_o reader_n through_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o faith_n in_o christ_n come_v to_o be_v raise_v even_o as_o a_o man_n endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o instrument_n through_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o wholesome_a exhortation_n to_o open_v the_o inward_a eye_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o have_v be_v darken_v and_o to_o awaken_v the_o conscience_n which_o have_v be_v defile_v that_o so_o man_n may_v come_v to_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mind_n unto_o god_n through_o faith_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o conscience_n purify_v from_o dead_a work_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n and_o therefore_o we_o reasonable_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o way_n though_o various_a in_o operation_n and_o manifestation_n through_o which_o the_o thing_n appertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n come_v to_o be_v reveal_v which_o be_v by_o the_o powerful_a appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n and_o light_n convict_v the_o conscience_n convert_v and_o renew_v the_o mind_n unto_o god_n sometime_o through_o scripture_n give_v forth_o by_o inspiration_n sometime_o through_o man_n as_o a_o instrument_n and_o sometime_o by_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o light_n in_o man_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o such_o instrument_n but_o yet_o the_o end_n of_o all_o be_v that_o faith_n in_o christ_n may_v be_v raise_v wherein_o as_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v by_o the_o carnal_a eye_n the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v behold_v which_o be_v that_o treasure_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n speak_v that_o be_v hide_v in_o our_o earthen_a vessel_n that_o the_o excellency_n of_o that_o power_n may_v be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n these_o thing_n be_v due_o consider_v this_o testimony_n do_v natural_o arise_v that_o neither_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n nor_o any_o other_o writing_n whatsoever_o though_o give_v forth_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n itself_o can_v proper_o be_v term_v so_o profitable_a a_o rule_n unto_o we_o as_o the_o light_n and_o spirit_n from_o which_o they_o be_v give_v forth_o and_o therefore_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n ought_v chief_o to_o be_v unto_o the_o spiritual_a appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n and_o spirit_n in_o we_o as_o that_o unerring_a guide_n which_o never_o can_v be_v remove_v into_o a_o corner_n beside_o we_o find_v the_o scripture_n itself_o testify_v that_o no_o prophecy_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n 1.20_o 2_o pet._n 1.20_o that_o be_v it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v interpret_v but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n through_o who_o motion_n it_o be_v give_v forth_o for_o all_o other_o interpretation_n may_v true_o be_v term_v private_a from_o whence_o we_o observe_v that_o if_o the_o prophecy_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n shall_v be_v read_v unto_o we_o from_o morning_n to_o evening_n and_o from_o evening_n to_o morning_n again_o we_o may_v receive_v little_a benefit_n or_o profit_n thereby_o unless_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n come_v to_o be_v stay_v in_o the_o unchangeable_a light_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n whereby_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o they_o out_o of_o all_o private_a interpretation_n have_v be_v and_o be_v signify_v unto_o man._n chap._n ii_o touch_v the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o and_o exhortation_n to_o obedience_n thereof_o those_o faithful_a messenger_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o the_o lord_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n send_v forth_o for_o the_o gather_n of_o the_o nation_n unto_o the_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n that_o their_o soul_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n frequent_o sound_v in_o our_o ear_n on_o this_o wise_a turn_v in_o your_o mind_n unto_o the_o light_n within_o mean_v thereby_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o which_o show_v you_o that_o a_o tie_n be_v not_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o as_o through_o faith_n you_o come_v to_o be_v obedient_a unto_o the_o light_n within_o and_o that_o measure_n of_o grace_n give_v by_o god_n and_o receive_v by_o you_o so_o will_v you_o come_v to_o be_v make_v partalter_n of_o that_o great_a salvation_n this_o doctrine_n be_v acceptable_a to_o many_o who_o in_o the_o love_n of_o truth_n receive_v the_o joyful_a sound_n thereof_o but_o unto_o other_o mean_a and_o despise_a who_o notwithstanding_o that_o testimony_n account_v the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n a_o more_o sure_a rule_n and_o guide_n unto_o the_o father_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o at_o this_o time_n have_v be_v as_o a_o obligation_n to_o examine_v whether_o the_o aforesaid_a doctrine_n so_o acceptable_a to_o some_o and_o despise_v by_o other_o be_v consonant_n to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n which_o task_n be_v the_o more_o free_o undertake_v because_o the_o aforesaid_a doctrine_n have_v become_v so_o great_a a_o stumble_a block_n unto_o many_o as_o that_o they_o have_v think_v it_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n that_o the_o professor_n thereof_o have_v be_v out_o of_o the_o path_n of_o truth_n ready_o object_v on_o this_o wise_a objection_n do_v you_o not_o think_v that_o those_o jew_n who_o crucify_v christ_n act_v not_o from_o the_o light_n within_o since_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o very_o think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n therein_o have_v thus_o premise_v it_o be_v now_o needful_a to_o examine_v what_o may_v be_v speak_v from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n for_o the_o light_n within_o and_o to_o turn_v in_o the_o mind_n unto_o the_o same_o to_o obey_v it_o etc._n etc._n in_o order_n thereunto_o we_o find_v john_n the_o evangelist_n thus_o testify_v 1.4.9_o joh._n 1.4.9_o in_o he_o mean_v the_o word_n which_o be_v god_n be_v life_n and_o the_o life_n be_v the_o light_n of_o man_n that_o be_v the_o true_a light_n which_o light_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n i_o be_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n 8.12_o john_n 8.12_o he_o that_o follow_v i_o shall_v not_o walk_v in_o darkness_n but_o shall_v have_v the_o light_n of_o life_n 12.46_o joh._n 12.46_o i_o be_o come_v a_o light_n into_o the_o world_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o i_o shall_v not_o abide_v in_o darkness_n these_o scripture_n plain_o show_v that_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v in_o and_o follow_v christ_n who_o be_v that_o light_n that_o light_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n objection_n however_o some_o object_v may_v say_v what_o be_v this_o to_o a_o light_n within_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o john_n the_o evangelist_n mean_v nothing_o of_o a_o light_n within_o in_o your_o sense_n but_o of_o the_o personal_a appearance_n of_o christ_n without_o as_o that_o word_n which_o be_v make_v flesh_n and_o as_o evidence_n produce_v what_o the_o same_o evangelist_n say_v chap._n
9th_o and_o 5_o as_o long_o as_o i_o be_o in_o the_o world_n i_o be_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n and_o chap._n 12.35_o yet_o a_o little_a while_n be_v the_o light_n with_o you_o walk_v while_o you_o have_v the_o light_n and_o ver_fw-la the_o 36._o while_o you_o have_v the_o light_n believe_v in_o the_o light_n that_o you_o may_v be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o light_n to_o this_o may_v be_v answer_v that_o these_o last_o recite_v scripture_n do_v in_o the_o most_o favourable_a construction_n on_o the_o objector_n part_n intimate_v that_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n while_o he_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n but_o do_v not_o say_v that_o he_o be_v or_o will_v be_v no_o long_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n such_o a_o say_n or_o sense_n will_v limit_v the_o appearance_n of_o light_n to_o that_o body_n only_o and_o dispensation_n of_o time_n wherein_o the_o say_a body_n appear_v on_o earth_n which_o be_v contradictory_n to_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o evangelist_n before_o quote_v viz._n that_o be_v the_o true_a light_n that_o light_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n which_o scripture_n sentence_n relate_v to_o every_o man_n be_v so_o universal_a that_o it_o can_v but_o extend_v to_o those_o who_o never_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o jesus_n in_o his_o fleshly_a and_o bodily_a appearance_n nor_o yet_o come_v to_o be_v inform_v by_o any_o outward_a instrument_n of_o his_o doctrine_n though_o partaker_n of_o his_o light_n which_o therefore_o may_v proper_o be_v term_v by_o such_o his_o light_z within_z that_o be_v the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n shine_v in_o their_o heart_n agreeable_a whereunto_o in_o effect_n we_o take_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v viz._n that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n 1.19_o rom._n 1.19_o be_v manifest_a in_o they_o for_o god_n have_v show_v it_o unto_o they_o see_v you_o seek_v a_o proof_n of_o christ_n speak_v in_o i_o 13.3_o 2_o cor._n 13.3_o which_o riches_n be_v christ_n in_o you_o 1.27_o col._n 1.27_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n who_o shall_v descend_v into_o the_o deep_a that_o be_v 8._o rom._n 10.7_o 8._o to_o bring_v christ_n again_o from_o the_o dead_a but_o what_o say_v it_o the_o word_n be_v near_o thou_o even_o in_o thy_o mouth_n and_o in_o thy_o heart_n this_o be_v the_o word_n of_o faith_n which_o we_o preach_v and_o all_o this_o appear_v agreeable_a unto_o what_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n hint_v at_o who_o speak_v of_o what_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o last_o day_n signify_v 5._o isa_n 1.2_o 3_o 5._o that_o the_o god_n of_o jacob_n will_v teach_v we_o of_o his_o way_n and_o therefore_o say_v oh_o house_n of_o jacob_n come_v you_o let_v we_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v compare_v with_o what_o the_o same_o prophet_n say_v in_o relation_n to_o a_o people_n â—_o isa_n 5â—_n â—_o in_o who_o heart_n be_v the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o with_o what_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n say_v i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n 34._o jer._n 31.33_o 34._o 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 to_o the_o great_a it_o be_v evident_a to_o we_o that_o this_o write_a law_n in_o the_o heart_n be_v that_o light_n within_o whereof_o the_o faithful_a messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o our_o day_n have_v bear_v witness_n unto_o and_o whereof_o the_o same_o prophet_n give_v testimony_n when_o he_o say_v as_o before_o o_o house_n of_o jacob_n come_v you_o let_v we_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lord_n beside_o such_o a_o limitation_n as_o aforesaid_a will_v have_v a_o tendency_n to_o make_v void_a the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v offer_v up_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o many_o and_o on_o this_o score_n do_v the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n testify_v 9.28_o heb._n 9.28_o that_o unto_o they_o that_o look_v for_o he_o shall_v he_o appear_v the_o second_o time_n without_o sin_n unto_o salvation_n which_o be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n unto_o we_o that_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o witness_v effectual_o in_o this_o our_o day_n but_o by_o those_o who_o have_v look_v for_o his_o second_o appearance_n have_v receive_v he_o in_o his_o appearance_n this_o appearance_n we_o take_v to_o be_v his_o appearance_n by_o his_o light_n and_o spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o who_o through_o faith_n in_o his_o blood_n have_v know_v their_o conscience_n purify_v from_o dead_a work_n and_o so_o come_v to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n in_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n it_o be_v now_o to_o be_v consider_v whether_o these_o word_n turn_v in_o your_o mind_n be_n agreeable_a to_o truth_n for_o that_o this_o kind_n of_o objection_n may_v be_v raise_v objection_n do_v not_o this_o put_v the_o creature_n upon_o action_n in_o his_o own_o selfwill_a when_o as_o the_o will_n of_o man_n can_v bring_v forth_o that_o birth_n unto_o which_o power_n be_v give_v to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o answer_v hereto_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o consider_v that_o the_o faithful_a labourer_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n commend_v their_o exhortation_n and_o testimony_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o hearer_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o the_o reason_n doubtless_o be_v because_o there_o be_v a_o capacity_n in_o man_n which_o through_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n render_v man_n capable_a to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o righteousness_n unto_o life_n and_o those_o who_o be_v so_o act_v can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v act_v in_o the_o selfwill_a of_o man._n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o same_o capacity_n let_v in_o tempration_n and_o join_v thereto_o render_v man_n a_o servant_n of_o sin_n unto_o death_n and_o be_v once_o so_o dead_a in_o sin_n no_o redemption_n come_v to_o be_v obtain_v but_o through_o christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n testify_v 2.1_o ephes_n 2.1_o you_o have_v he_o quicken_v that_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n these_o thing_n consider_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o through_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n those_o who_o have_v cast_v off_o the_o old_a man_n be_v become_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o their_o mind_n unto_o god_n and_o so_o have_v put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n and_o therefore_o since_o there_o be_v such_o a_o capacity_n in_o man_n as_o aforesaid_a it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o truth_n to_o exhort_v the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o turn_v in_o their_o mind_n unto_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n that_o through_o the_o assistance_n thereof_o the_o will_n of_o god_n may_v be_v do_v in_o their_o earthen_a vessel_n the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o weight_n in_o this_o objection_n do_v you_o not_o think_v that_o the_o jew_n who_o crucify_v christ_n act_v not_o from_o the_o light_n within_o since_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n therein_o to_o this_o may_v be_v answer_v that_o the_o friend_n of_o truth_n never_o preach_v up_o the_o light_n within_o but_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n as_o that_o light_a within_o intend_a by_o they_o and_o since_o christ_n can_v be_v divide_v to_o act_v against_o himself_o therefore_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o therein_o act_v from_o that_o light_n within_o unto_o which_o we_o have_v be_v direct_v from_o what_o then_o may_z the_o objector_n say_v do_v those_o of_o they_o act_n who_o very_o think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n therein_o ans_fw-fr 3.6_o phil._n 3.6_o from_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n not_o have_v their_o mind_n stay_v and_o order_v according_a to_o that_o universal_a principle_n of_o truth_n 11._o act_n 26.9_o 11._o which_o if_o hearken_v unto_o will_v teach_v all_o man_n to_o do_v as_o they_o will_v be_v do_v by_o in_o which_o zeal_n paul_n very_o think_v in_o himself_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o in_o that_o self-thought_a be_v exceed_o mad_a persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n consent_v to_o the_o death_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o compel_v they_o to_o blaspheme_n but_o when_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o appear_v unto_o he_o and_o to_o make_v he_o a_o minister_n of_o his_o everlasting_a gospel_n he_o be_v send_v unto_o the_o gentile_n to_o open_v their_o eye_n that_o they_o may_v turn_v from_o
darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n 18._o act_n 26.16_o 17_o 18._o this_o eye_n that_o be_v to_o be_v open_v be_v not_o the_o carnal_a eye_n that_o so_o thereby_o they_o may_v be_v turn_v from_o outward_a darkness_n to_o outward_a light_n for_o though_o paul_n behold_v the_o light_n that_o shine_v from_o heaven_n which_o we_o take_v to_o be_v a_o light_n visible_a to_o his_o carnal_a eye_n yet_o he_o after_o continue_v three_o day_n blind_a through_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o light_n and_o then_o afterward_o the_o lord_n appoint_v he_o to_o be_v his_o witness_n and_o send_v he_o to_o the_o gentile_n to_o open_v their_o eye_n that_o they_o may_v turn_v from_o darkness_n unto_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n this_o eye_n that_o he_o be_v send_v to_o open_v be_v the_o inward_a eye_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o darkness_n speak_v of_o be_v that_o wherewith_o their_o heart_n and_o not_o their_o outward_a eye_n be_v overshadow_a so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o behold_v the_o light_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n shine_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o give_v unto_o they_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n chap._n iii_o touch_v infallibility_n and_o perfection_n the_o doctrine_n of_o infallibility_n hold_v by_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n have_v be_v account_v ridiculous_a because_o either_o occasion_n have_v be_v give_v through_o weakness_n among_o they_o or_o else_o take_v by_o their_o opponent_n whether_o give_v or_o no_o to_o assert_v that_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n be_v infallible_a be_v it_o as_o it_o be_v such_o a_o bare_a assertion_n without_o distinction_n or_o explication_n must_v be_v either_o the_o fruit_n of_o weakness_n if_o proceed_v from_o any_o real_o of_o that_o people_n call_v quaker_n or_o else_o slander_v and_o envy_n if_o proceed_v from_o their_o opposer_n without_o occasion_n give_v they_o so_o to_o say_v that_o therefore_o the_o inquire_a reader_n may_v be_v true_o inform_v what_o doctrine_n in_o relation_n to_o infallibility_n be_v hold_v forth_o own_a and_o receive_v by_o such_o among_o they_o unto_o who_o god_n have_v reveal_v of_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o kingdom_n it_o be_v not_o remote_a from_o the_o present_a purpose_n on_o this_o occasion_n to_o give_v this_o ensue_a testimony_n there_o be_v a_o outward_a man_n and_o a_o inward_a man_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n testimony_n 4.16_o 2_o cor._n 4.16_o and_o therefore_o the_o word_n infallible_a or_o infallibility_n may_v have_v relation_n to_o external_n and_o internal_a thing_n touch_v external_n thing_n the_o outward_a man_n with_o his_o outward_a sense_n be_v excreise_v but_o as_o to_o thing_n internal_a the_o inward_a man_n with_o his_o inward_a sense_n act_n 1.3_o it_o be_v thus_o say_v to_o who_o also_o he_o present_v himself_o alive_a after_o that_o he_o have_v suffer_v by_o many_o infallible_a token_n be_v see_v of_o they_o by_o the_o space_n of_o forty_o day_n and_o speak_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o appertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n obj._n this_o show_v there_o be_v a_o infallibility_n but_o than_o it_o may_v be_v say_v this_o seem_v to_o respect_v the_o outward_a sense_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o see_v christ_n their_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o in_o hear_v the_o thing_n he_o speak_v which_o appertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o this_o infallibility_n be_v ready_o confess_v unto_o but_o how_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o infallibility_n accompany_v the_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o inward_a man_n see_v many_o have_v pretend_v to_o give_v true_a infallible_a judgement_n from_o their_o inward_a sense_n which_o have_v prove_v notorious_o wrong_v and_o detectable_a by_o our_o outward_a sense_n answer_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v if_o any_o shall_v so_o object_v it_o be_v very_o true_a but_o yet_o it_o may_v in_o truth_n be_v assert_v that_o there_o be_v a_o infallibility_n viz._n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n accompany_v the_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o inward_a man_n whereof_o the_o faithful_a have_v a_o assurance_n from_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o if_o any_o pretend_v to_o any_o other_o infallibility_n accompany_v they_o we_o understand_v it_o not_o obj._n how_o then_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o man_n endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v deceive_v and_o fallible_a ans_fw-fr we_o ought_v to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o man_n and_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o he_o come_v to_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mind_n unto_o god_n that_o by_o which_o man_n come_v to_o be_v renew_v and_o circumcise_v in_o heart_n which_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v infallible_a but_o that_o which_o be_v so_o renew_v may_v be_v deceive_v if_o not_o exercise_v in_o and_o by_o that_o spirit_n in_o which_o preservation_n be_v for_o there_o be_v no_o estate_n on_o this_o side_n the_o grave_a wherein_o it_o be_v not_o needful_a to_o watch_v and_o therefore_o do_v christ_n our_o lord_n thus_o say_v what_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o i_o say_v unto_o all_o watch_n it_o have_v be_v a_o common_a assertion_n that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v infallible_a and_o can_v err_v and_o therefore_o have_v many_o assembly_n of_o man_n assume_v the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n declare_v their_o sentence_n judgement_n and_o decree_n infallible_a to_o this_o may_v be_v say_v that_o since_o the_o apostasieentred_a it_o be_v not_o unknown_a what_o visible_a and_o outward_o glorious_a church_n have_v publish_v this_o doctrine_n with_o application_n to_o herself_o by_o which_o door_n a_o body_n of_o darkness_n usurpation_n and_o persecution_n have_v enter_v and_o on_o this_o score_n thousand_o have_v be_v deceive_v and_o lead_v from_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n in_o themselves_o to_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o fallible_a man_n but_o yet_o as_o it_o have_v be_v so_o it_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o many_o that_o the_o lord_n never_o will_v raise_v any_o people_n who_o by_o his_o spirit_n he_o will_v lead_v to_o publish_v such_o a_o doctrine_n with_o respect_n to_o outward_a and_o visible_a society_n of_o man_n on_o earth_n that_o may_v be_v outward_o describable_a as_o needful_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o the_o build_n up_o one_o another_o in_o the_o most_o holy_a faith_n this_o faith_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n be_v ground_v on_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o for_o that_o the_o contrary_n will_v have_v a_o plain_a tendency_n to_o draw_v the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o man_n from_o the_o anoint_v in_o themselves_o to_o the_o lo_n here_o be_v and_o the_o lo_n there_o be_v again_o for_o what_o religious_a assembly_n in_o unity_n and_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n will_v scruple_n to_o say_v we_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o albeit_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o that_o church_n which_o be_v build_v on_o the_o rock_n christ_n can_v whilst_o abide_v on_o the_o rock_n be_v prevail_v against_o yet_o no_o argument_n from_o hence_o may_v rational_o be_v bring_v to_o prove_v any_o one_o member_n of_o this_o church_n whilst_o on_o this_o side_n the_o grave_n not_o liable_a through_o temptation_n to_o err_v and_o depart_v from_o the_o rock_n whilst_o there_o be_v a_o enemy_n ready_a to_o enter_v all_o if_o they_o watch_v not_o and_o now_o as_o to_o perfection_n we_o have_v this_o to_o say_v though_o we_o do_v believe_v that_o all_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o work_v of_o righteousness_n bring_v forth_o through_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n be_v perfect_a and_o that_o in_o that_o sense_n it_o may_v be_v say_v we_o be_v partaker_n of_o a_o measure_n of_o that_o which_o be_v perfect_a even_o as_o the_o apostle_n testify_v 1.17_o jam._n 1.17_o every_o perfect_a gift_n be_v from_o above_o if_o any_o man_n offend_v not_o in_o word_n 3.2_o jam._n 3.2_o the_o same_o be_v a_o perfect_a man_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o perfect_a estate_n attainable_a on_o this_o side_n the_o grave_a wherein_o it_o be_v not_o needful_a for_o man_n to_o watch_v and_o wait_v in_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n that_o so_o he_o may_v not_o only_o be_v preserve_v in_o that_o perfect_a state_n whereunto_o in_o measure_n he_o have_v already_o attain_v but_o also_o come_v to_o know_v a_o growth_n and_o increase_n in_o the_o increase_v of_o god_n for_o though_o paul_n have_v attain_v unto_o such_o a_o state_n as_o appear_v by_o these_o his_o word_n let_v we_o therefore_o 3.15_o phil._n 3.15_o as_o many_o as_o be_v perfect_a be_v thus_o mind_v 3.14_o phil._n 3.14_o yet_o we_o find_v that_o that_o very_a exhortation_n have_v relation_n unto_o a_o press_n towards_o the_o
adam_n do_v through_o his_o rebellion_n in_o eat_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n chap._n v._o touch_v magistracy_n and_o obedience_n thereto_o on_o this_o subject_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o treat_v as_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o magistracy_n and_o people_n of_o england_n whereof_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n be_v a_o part_n 1._o we_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o owe_v obedience_n either_o active_a or_o passive_a unto_o this_o magistracy_n and_o that_o such_o obedience_n be_v as_o well_o ground_v on_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o as_o warrantable_a from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o for_o when_o the_o magistrate_n do_v command_v obedience_n unto_o any_o law_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o indeed_o no_o law_n of_o england_n according_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o its_o government_n and_o those_o maxim_n which_o be_v declare_v for_o law_n aught_o to_o be_v contrary_a thereto_o than_o we_o ought_v to_o yield_v active_a obedience_n and_o whilst_o the_o magistrate_n be_v in_o execution_n of_o such_o law_n they_o be_v as_o occasion_n require_v punisher_n of_o those_o that_o do_v evil_a 14._o 1_o pet._n 2.13_o 14._o and_o a_o praise_n unto_o they_o that_o do_v well_o which_o be_v agreeable_a unto_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n touch_v magistracy_n unto_o who_o in_o such_o case_n active_a obedience_n be_v to_o be_v give_v for_o the_o lord_n sake_n obj._n you_o speak_v very_o well_o so_o far_o as_o you_o have_v limit_v your_o obedience_n to_o good_a law_n but_o what_o if_o those_o in_o power_n shall_v make_v such_o law_n which_o you_o account_v bad_a and_o not_o ground_v on_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o direct_o against_o those_o who_o you_o term_v god_n people_n dare_v you_o then_o say_v that_o it_o be_v agreeable_a unto_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o and_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o to_o yield_v obedience_n in_o such_o case_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o light_n within_o and_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o that_o a_o christian_a yield_v passive_a obedience_n since_o for_o conscience_n sake_n choose_v rather_o to_o obey_v god_n than_o man_n 29._o act._n 5.28_o 29._o which_o be_v the_o apostle_n case_n he_o can_v yield_v active_a obedience_n for_o we_o find_v the_o counsel_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v on_o this_o wise_a resist_v not_o evil_a 5.39_o mat._n 5.39_o but_o whosoever_o shall_v smite_v thou_o on_o thy_o right_a cheek_n turn_v to_o he_o the_o other_o which_o clear_o show_v it_o be_v against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o resist_v and_o so_o consequent_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v passive_a and_o therefore_o since_o we_o have_v not_o at_o any_o time_n plead_v for_o any_o other_o light_n within_o save_v the_o light_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v as_o well_o agreeable_a unto_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o as_o with_o the_o counsel_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o that_o man_n under_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n put_v in_o practice_n that_o wholesome_a counsel_n which_o be_v give_v by_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o way_n be_v unchangeable_a viz._n resist_v not_o evil_a obj._n this_o show_v you_o principled_a against_o outward_a war_n and_o fight_n to_o work_v your_o own_o deliverance_n from_o under_o oppressive_a magistrate_n ans_fw-fr yes_o very_o for_o so_o we_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o child_n of_o light_n be_v desire_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lord_n according_a as_o the_o prophet_n say_v 2.5_o isa_n 2.5_o o_o house_n of_o jacob_n come_v you_o let_v we_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o last_o day_n touch_v which_o the_o same_o prophet_n thus_o prophesi_v 2.4_o isa_n 2.4_o he_o shall_v judge_v among_o the_o nation_n and_o shall_v rebuke_v many_o people_n and_o they_o shall_v beat_v their_o sword_n into_o ploughshare_n and_o their_o spear_n into_o pruning-hook_n nation_n shall_v not_o lift_v up_o sword_n against_o nation_n neither_o shall_v they_o learn_v war_n any_o more_o this_o be_v speak_v prophetical_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o reign_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n show_v that_o all_o outward_a force_n and_o war_n be_v to_o be_v deny_v by_o the_o member_n of_o his_o body_n which_o be_v his_o church_n to_o work_v their_o own_o deliverance_n a_o far_a proof_n whereof_o be_v manifest_v unto_o we_o by_o christ_n himself_o when_o he_o say_v unto_o peter_n put_v up_o thy_o sword_n into_o thy_o sheath_n and_o therefore_o in_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n unto_o we_o who_o as_o his_o peculiar_a people_n he_o have_v choose_v to_o follow_v his_o precept_n and_o example_n we_o can_v say_v bless_a be_v the_o lord_n many_o there_o be_v in_o this_o our_o day_n who_o by_o the_o peaceable_a spirit_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v lead_v like_o a_o lamb_n dumb_a before_o the_o shearer_n be_v retire_v in_o their_o spirit_n unto_o the_o lord_n out_o of_o all_o outward_a warring_n and_o fight_n resign_v up_o unto_o he_o in_o who_o preservation_n be_v know_v this_o that_o the_o same_o occasion_n may_v be_v give_v in_o this_o our_o day_n to_o testify_v as_o paul_n do_v in_o his_o day_n 3.12_o 2_o tim._n 3.12_o viz._n all_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n shall_v suffer_v persecution_n and_o so_o on_o this_o score_n be_v lead_v by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n not_o to_o resist_v evil_a lest_o they_o shall_v be_v find_v opposer_n of_o that_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v think_v good_a to_o suffer_v to_o come_v upon_o his_o heritage_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o patience_n which_o be_v much_o more_o precious_a than_o gold_n that_o now_o also_o our_o persuasion_n touch_v government_n in_o general_n may_v be_v full_o know_v we_o refer_v to_o the_o 3d_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n be_v a_o treatise_n on_o that_o subject_a chap._n vi_o touch_v respect_n of_o person_n plain_a language_n disuse_n of_o the_o word_n master_n unless_o by_o a_o servant_n to_o his_o master_n of_o custom_n and_o fashion_n of_o this_o world_n and_o of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o unknown_a that_o the_o outward_a deportment_n of_o friend_n in_o truth_n have_v become_v as_o a_o stumbling-block_n to_o many_o conclude_v that_o our_o manner_n of_o habit_n gesture_n and_o language_n distinct_a from_o other_o be_v either_o the_o fruit_n of_o pride_n or_o ignorance_n or_o else_o of_o both_o and_o therefore_o on_o this_o occasion_n it_o be_v think_v needful_a to_o add_v something_o in_o relation_n to_o this_o subject_a wherein_o our_o intent_n be_v not_o to_o make_v a_o apology_n for_o any_o action_n that_o in_o itself_o be_v real_o rude_a whimsical_a or_o imaginary_a but_o rather_o to_o give_v in_o our_o testimony_n on_o behalf_n of_o ourselves_o and_o all_o those_o who_o through_o obedience_n unto_o the_o inshinings_a of_o christ_n light_n in_o their_o conscience_n be_v make_v or_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n by_o which_o those_o who_o conscience_n be_v purify_v from_o dead_a work_n come_v to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n in_o newness_n of_o life_n and_o therein_o to_o have_v their_o conversation_n order_v aright_o so_o as_o not_o to_o give_v any_o just_a occasion_n of_o offence_n either_o to_o jew_n or_o gentile_n or_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o that_o keep_v themselves_o unspotted_a of_o the_o world_n nor_o yet_o fashion_v themselves_o according_a to_o their_o former_a lust_n they_o may_v not_o have_v whereof_o to_o glory_v save_v in_o the_o cross_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o who_o the_o world_n be_v crucify_v to_o they_o and_o they_o unto_o the_o world_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o ourselves_o and_o all_o such_o our_o testimony_n now_o be_v that_o when_o the_o everlasting_a light_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n shine_v in_o every_o conscience_n be_v exalt_v as_o that_o spiritual_a appearance_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o be_v to_o lead_v and_o guide_v into_o all_o truth_n we_o be_v witness_n that_o it_o become_v a_o discoverer_n that_o man_n in_o his_o fall_a estate_n be_v puff_v up_o in_o pride_n use_v many_o unnecessary_a attire_n and_o complimental_a expression_n to_o please_v and_o affect_v that_o mind_n which_o be_v alienate_v from_o god_n and_o estrange_v from_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n neither_o do_v this_o light_n only_o make_v such_o a_o discovery_n but_o also_o prompt_v to_o bear_v a_o testimony_n against_o the_o same_o by_o example_n and_o conversation_n and_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o dare_v to_o go_v after_o the_o vain_a fashion_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o world_n but_o rather_o have_v our_o eye_n unto_o that_o which_o be_v incorruptible_a viz._n the_o ornament_n of_o a_o meek_a and_o quiet_a
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 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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 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four_o month_n 1677._o which_o now_o follow_v we_o who_o name_n be_v here_o unto_o subscribe_v do_v testify_v that_o on_o the_o sixteenth_o day_n of_o the_o five_o month_n 1677._o we_o be_v present_a in_o a_o meeting_n usual_o hold_v in_o the_o city_n of_o bristol_n for_o the_o take_a care_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o promote_a of_o other_o christian_a duty_n when_o a_o paper_n subscribe_v by_o sixty_o six_o person_n and_o date_v from_o a_o metting_n hold_v at_o ellis_n hook_n his_o chamber_n in_o london_n the_o twelve_o of_o the_o four_o month_n 1677._o be_v there_o read_v and_o therein_o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n be_v reprove_v and_o judge_v in_o these_o word_n viz._n we_o do_v hereby_o reprove_v and_o judge_n that_o jealous_a rend_v and_o separate_a spirit_n and_o they_o meaning_n john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o their_o separate_a company_n as_o be_v in_o that_o spirit_n of_o separation_n and_o that_o by_o the_o power_n and_o spirit_n of_o our_o god_n and_o 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in_o order_n to_o the_o silence_v of_o one_o declare_v yet_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v with_o respect_n to_o one_o in_o unity_n with_o the_o church_n but_o as_o we_o say_v he_o own_v not_o john_n story_n so_o to_o be_v and_o so_o it_o may_v reasonable_o be_v conclude_v that_o his_o hypocrisy_n be_v not_o only_o thereby_o make_v manifest_a but_o also_o his_o discourse_n be_v consider_v that_o he_o have_v no_o revelation_n to_o declare_v from_o god_n on_o that_o occasion_n to_o the_o people_n but_o yet_o john_n story_n observe_v how_o he_o introduce_v his_o discourse_n not_o as_o a_o open_a opposer_n of_o his_o word_n do_v for_o the_o people_n sake_n and_o that_o he_o may_v administer_v no_o occasion_n of_o discord_n give_v way_n and_o in_o a_o few_o word_n after_o draw_v to_o a_o conclusion_n but_o francis_n lea_n discourse_n be_v such_o both_o morning_n and_o afternoon_n as_o give_v occasion_n both_o to_o professor_n and_o profane_a public_o to_o manifest_a that_o we_o be_v now_o divide_v now_o whether_o this_o be_v a_o stand_n up_o in_o the_o power_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o a_o peace-offering_a let_v those_o who_o be_v wise_a in_o heart_n judge_n but_o that_o which_o further_o manifest_v francis_n lea_n rudeness_n be_v this_o after_o francis_n lea_n in_o the_o morning-meeting_a have_v end_v his_o declaration_n wherein_o he_o lay_v down_o seem_a contradictory_n assertion_n viz._n that_o two_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o prince_n and_o renown_a man_n in_o israel_n be_v revel_n and_o wicked_a man_n and_o yet_o also_o say_v to_o this_o effect_n as_o if_o they_o be_v blameless_a and_o harmless_a william_n rogers_n stand_v up_o and_o take_v up_o his_o word_n and_o speak_v thereon_o in_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o sound_v doctrine_n that_o so_o the_o people_n may_v not_o go_v away_o with_o a_o misunderstand_a and_o not_o as_o a_o opposer_n of_o any_o truth_n that_o day_n deliver_v nor_o yet_o as_o a_o 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we_o also_o shall_v disow_v they_o we_o dare_v not_o as_o we_o say_v before_o own_o the_o say_a judgement_n to_o be_v righteous_a nor_o yet_o deny_v the_o say_a john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n lest_o we_o sin_n against_o god_n and_o despise_v those_o unto_o who_o a_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v commit_v and_o now_o our_o counsel_n to_o the_o sixty_o six_o subscriber_n be_v that_o they_o mind_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o call_v in_o their_o paper_n for_o we_o be_v well_o satisfy_v that_o their_o paper_n be_v not_o give_v forth_o from_o the_o motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o if_o any_o of_o the_o sixty_o six_o subscriber_n as_o man_n lean_v upon_o other_o have_v assert_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o speak_v by_o they_o and_o that_o to_o defame_v the_o
design_v to_o be_v treat_v upon_o be_v the_o government_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v to_o be_v represent_v by_o visible_a person_n certain_o know_v by_o outward_a name_n distinguish_v by_o outward_a mark_n and_o token_n and_o invest_v with_o power_n from_o he_o to_o execute_v outward_a law_n in_o a_o outward_a form_n of_o government_n visible_a by_o our_o carnal_a eye_n as_o aforesaid_a that_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o inward_a government_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n jer._n 31.31_o 32_o 33._o i_o will_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n etc._n etc._n not_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n that_o i_o make_v with_o your_o father_n but_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o covenant_n that_o i_o will_v make_v etc._n etc._n after_o those_o day_n i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n and_o they_o shall_v teach_v no_o more_o every_o man_n his_o neighbour_n and_o every_o man_n his_o brother_n say_v know_v the_o lord_n for_o they_o shall_v all_o know_v i_o from_o the_o least_o of_o they_o to_o the_o great_a of_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n this_o we_o believe_v be_v speak_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o reign_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o man_n and_o clear_o show_v that_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n government_n under_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n and_o therefore_o a_o inward_a government_n objection_n but_o if_o any_o shall_v object_v that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n relate_v not_o to_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o gentile_a stock_n of_o which_o stock_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o we_o be_v we_o thereto_o say_v that_o the_o word_n of_o paul_n do_v effectual_o answer_v that_o objection_n rom._n 10.12_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o gentile_a for_o the_o same_o lord_n over_o all_o be_v rich_a unto_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o col._n 3.9_o 10_o 11._o lie_v not_o one_o to_o another_o see_v that_o you_o have_v put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n with_o his_o deed_n and_o have_v put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o be_v renew_v in_o knowledge_n after_o the_o image_n of_o he_o that_o create_v he_o where_o there_o be_v neither_o gentile_a nor_o jew_n circumcision_n nor_o uncircumcision_n barbarian_a scythian_a bond_n nor_o free_a but_o christ_n be_v all_o and_o in_o all_o many_o other_o scripture_n both_o out_o of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n write_n may_v be_v quote_v to_o evidence_n the_o matter_n intend_v we_o be_v yet_o sensible_a that_o this_o further_a objection_n may_v be_v raise_v viz._n objection_n that_o neither_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n nor_o of_o the_o apostle_n cite_v by_o we_o make_v mention_n of_o government_n over_o jew_n or_o gentile_n but_o do_v show_v as_o from_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o scripture_n appear_v that_o the_o apostle_n so_o write_v to_o convince_v the_o jew_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n and_o that_o of_o faith_n and_o to_o show_v unto_o believer_n whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n that_o though_o some_o may_v appear_v in_o a_o voluntary_a humility_n worship_n angel_n intrude_v into_o those_o thing_n they_o have_v not_o see_v and_o be_v vain_o puff_v up_o in_o their_o fleshly_a mind_n and_o not_o give_v all_o obedience_n unto_o the_o head_n christ_n through_o who_o alone_o there_o be_v a_o increase_n in_o the_o increase_v of_o god_n yet_o they_o be_v therein_o reprovable_a as_o not_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n and_o further_a also_o to_o show_v that_o those_o who_o be_v dead_a with_o christ_n from_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o nor_o yet_o to_o touch_v taste_n or_o handle_v such_o ordinance_n as_o be_v after_o the_o commandment_n and_o doctrine_n of_o men._n to_o this_o objection_n we_o answer_v that_o though_o the_o word_n government_n be_v not_o express_o mention_v yet_o there_o be_v word_n in_o what_o be_v cite_v out_o of_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n import_v the_o three_o material_a object_n of_o government_n viz._n a_o lawgiver_n the_o place_n where_o the_o law_n be_v to_o be_v find_v write_v and_o the_o people_n for_o who_o it_o be_v give_v beside_o from_o these_o word_n of_o paul_n viz._n the_o same_o lord_n over_o all_o a_o governor_n be_v imply_v viz._n christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n and_o so_o consequent_o a_o government_n over_o that_o all._n and_o from_o what_o hereafter_o follow_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o the_o end_n of_o this_o government_n be_v to_o lead_v into_o all_o truth_n moreover_o it_o lead_v we_o to_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v divers_a true_a mark_n whereby_o the_o opposer_n of_o christ_n government_n may_v be_v distinguish_v first_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v in_o a_o voluntary_a humility_n second_o such_o as_o worship_n angel_n which_o may_v reasonable_o be_v take_v to_o be_v a_o worship_v of_o some_o messenger_n who_o god_n have_v send_v because_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n angel_n be_v a_o messenger_n three_o such_o as_o intrude_v into_o those_o thing_n they_o have_v not_o see_v four_o such_o as_o be_v puff_v up_o in_o their_o fleshly_a mind_n five_o such_o as_o give_v not_o all_o obedience_n unto_o the_o head_n christ_n and_o last_o such_o as_o be_v subject_a to_o ordinance_n after_o the_o commandment_n and_o doctrine_n of_o men._n and_o to_o be_v very_o plain_a for_o the_o clear_n the_o truth_n we_o must_v give_v this_o our_o testimony_n that_o we_o be_v real_o persuade_v from_o what_o our_o eye_n &_o ear_n have_v be_v witness_n that_o many_o of_o those_o among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n who_o have_v zealous_o contend_v for_o the_o observation_n of_o outward_a rule_n and_o order_n give_v forth_o by_o one_o man_n bear_v all_o the_o aforesaid_a mark_n for_o whosoever_o they_o be_v that_o pretend_v zeal_n to_o promote_v submit_v unto_o and_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o other_o man_n line_n make_v ready_a to_o their_o hand_n and_o that_o on_o a_o pretend_a religious_a score_n when_o through_o the_o word_n of_o true_a faith_n they_o see_v it_o not_o their_o duty_n or_o if_o they_o shall_v pretend_v they_o do_v and_o thereupon_o strive_v to_o enforce_v other_o to_o submit_v thereto_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n or_o light_n of_o christ_n so_o to_o strive_v it_o natura_o follow_v that_o the_o aforesaid_a mark_n accompany_v such_o and_o this_o we_o confident_o aver_v that_o through_o the_o whole_a scripture_n of_o truth_n there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v rational_o expect_v and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o christ_n have_v or_o will_v commissionate_v any_o one_o man_n or_o man_n to_o prescribe_v outward_a rule_n and_o order_n relate_v to_o faith_n or_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n to_o be_v bind_v on_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n whether_o they_o shall_v see_v it_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n from_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n or_o no._n beside_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o government_n it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v such_o unto_o which_o outward_a write_a law_n visible_a by_o our_o carnal_a eye_n and_o to_o be_v execute_v by_o perish_a object_n according_a to_o a_o outward_a magistratical_a or_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n be_v whole_o unsuitable_a because_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n but_o be_v a_o everlasting_a kingdom_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v that_o of_o the_o increase_n of_o his_o government_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o end_n and_o though_o john_n in_o the_o revelation_n chap._n 11._o v._o 15._o give_v this_o testimony_n that_o there_o be_v great_a voice_n in_o heaven_n say_v the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n and_o he_o shall_v reign_v forever_o and_o ever_o isa_n 61.11_o yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o say_v to_o signify_v that_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o reign_n be_v or_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o then_o as_o before_o be_v describe_v moreover_o if_o any_o man_n or_o man_n have_v or_o may_v pretend_v he_o or_o themselves_o to_o be_v such_o on_o earth_n on_o who_o the_o weight_n of_o christ_n government_n which_o be_v spiritual_a be_v lay_v it_o be_v not_o like_a to_o have_v any_o evidence_n in_o our_o conscience_n first_o not_o only_o because_o we_o find_v no_o such_o prophecy_n or_o promise_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n but_o also_o for_o that_o we_o rather_o find_v the_o contrary_a for_o
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
the_o name_n of_o jesus_n who_o be_v give_v of_o the_o father_n to_o be_v salvation_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n i_o now_o come_v to_o give_v the_o reader_n a_o particular_a account_n of_o some_o assertion_n and_o scripture_n quotation_n relate_v to_o government_n among_o one_o part_n of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n publish_v in_o print_n by_o robert_n barclay_n together_o with_o answer_n thereto_o contain_v in_o a_o manuscript_n give_v forth_o by_o myself_o who_o be_v concern_v in_o my_o conscience_n so_o to_o do_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o as_o be_v weak_a be_v apt_a to_o be_v precipitate_v into_o a_o zealous_a observation_n of_o other_o man_n line_n make_v ready_a to_o their_o hand_n when_o not_o lead_v thereinto_o by_o a_o measure_n of_o god_n gift_n and_o grace_n in_o themselves_o and_o so_o may_v just_o be_v term_v like_o unto_o those_o who_o render_v for_o doctrine_n the_o tradition_n of_o men._n the_o aforesaid_a assertion_n quotation_n and_o particular_a answer_n thereto_o some_o year_n past_a send_v to_o steven_n crisp_n and_o another_o public_a person_n as_o well_o as_o the_o author_n of_o the_o say_a book_n do_v follow_v as_o proper_a in_o relation_n to_o this_o treatise_n touch_v government_n and_o if_o the_o reader_n shall_v find_v any_o thing_n therein_o which_o have_v be_v herein_o already_o treat_v upon_o or_o in_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 i_o hope_v he_o will_v not_o be_v offend_v thereat_o since_o the_o ensue_a line_n be_v write_v on_o a_o particular_a occasion_n though_o of_o a_o general_n concern_v relate_v to_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n and_o that_o also_o before_o it_o be_v design_v that_o the_o say_v first_o part_n shall_v be_v prepare_v much_o less_o commit_v to_o the_o press_n however_o that_o which_o may_v well_o plead_v my_o excuse_n for_o the_o reader_n expense_n of_o time_n on_o such_o a_o occasion_n be_v this_o there_o be_v very_o little_a discourse_n of_o which_o have_v be_v mention_v before_o and_o that_o which_o be_v be_v very_o material_a to_o be_v observe_v as_o a_o proper_a looking-glass_n in_o some_o respect_n to_o distinguish_v the_o true_a christian_n term_v in_o derision_n quaker_n from_o the_o apostate_n and_o innovator_n the_o innovation_n and_o scripture-misapplications_a of_o r._n b._n detect_v be_v part_n of_o some_o observation_n on_o his_o small_a treatise_n entitle_v the_o anarchy_n of_o the_o ranter_n etc._n etc._n wherein_o he_o say_v the_o ancient_a apostolic_a order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v re-establisht_a among_o they_o mean_v the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v in_o derision_n quaker_n this_o small_a treatise_n be_v weigh_v in_o the_o equal_a balance_n this_o ensue_a discourse_n be_v become_v a_o twofold_a defence_n for_o those_o of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n call_v quaker_n who_o have_v retain_v their_o first_o love_n and_o integrity_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o only_a fundamental_a principle_n thereof_o viz._n the_o light_n wherein_o they_o be_v vindicate_v from_o the_o aspersion_n of_o those_o who_o may_v accuse_v they_o of_o despise_v of_o christ_n government_n and_o indulge_v that_o liberty_n which_o truth_n condemn_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o from_o such_o who_o may_v calumniate_v they_o for_o endeavour_v to_o establish_v the_o outward_a order_n and_o prescription_n of_o man_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o become_v a_o bond_n on_o other_o to_o obey_v though_o they_o see_v it_o not_o their_o duty_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n show_v that_o the_o place_n where_o christ_n government_n have_v be_v be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v exalt_v be_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n and_o so_o can_v be_v the_o duty_n of_o man_n to_o establish_v that_o government_n which_o be_v already_o on_o christ_n shoulder_n give_v forth_o in_o the_o year_n 1676._o by_o william_n rogers_n 1_o cor._n 3.11.21_o for_o other_o foundation_n can_v no_o man_n lay_v than_o that_o which_o be_v already_o lay_v let_v no_o man_n rejoice_v in_o men._n to_o the_o reader_n the_o aforementioned_a treatise_n of_o r._n b._n be_v the_o first_o that_o to_o my_o remembrance_n or_o knowledge_n be_v under_o the_o name_n of_o one_o call_v a_o quaker_n extant_a in_o print_n whereby_o the_o adversary_n to_o that_o ancient_a truth_n whereof_o they_o have_v be_v witness_n may_v have_v cause_n to_o be_v jealous_a first_o that_o that_o people_n who_o have_v be_v so_o great_a contender_n against_o that_o spirit_n which_o will_v have_v enforce_v outward_a form_n and_o order_n of_o man_n relate_v to_o conscience_n though_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o assembly_n call_v themselves_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n shall_v now_o be_v more_o exercise_v to_o encourage_v their_o brethren_n to_o follow_v the_o order_n tradition_n example_n or_o commandment_n of_o any_o relate_n to_o matter_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n though_o under_o the_o most_o plausible_a pretence_n whatsoever_o than_o that_o never-erring_a and_o infallible_a guide_n which_o have_v be_v so_o often_o exalt_v among_o they_o viz._n christ_n light_n in_o the_o conscience_n second_o that_o though_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n have_v plead_v much_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o for_o the_o liberty_n thereof_o which_o one_o eminent_a among_o they_o have_v describe_v to_o be_v a_o mere_a liberty_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o believe_v or_o dis-believing_a etc._n etc._n yet_o there_o be_v among_o they_o who_o have_v endeavour_v to_o insinuate_v a_o belief_n that_o the_o church_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n may_v not_o only_o give_v positive_a sentence_n which_o may_v be_v obligatory_a upon_o believer_n but_o also_o that_o the_o pretence_n of_o any_o refuse_v to_o submit_v on_o account_n they_o see_v it_o not_o will_v not_o excuse_v they_o from_o be_v real_o guilty_a of_o disobey_v god_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o manifest_a by_o any_o outward_a description_n where_o or_o what_o assembly_n be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n now_o though_o i_o can_v vindicate_v the_o author_n of_o the_o say_a treatise_n from_o give_v occasion_n of_o these_o and_o such_o like_a jealousy_n yet_o i_o know_v there_o be_v many_o of_o those_o people_n yet_o in_o be_v who_o integrity_n to_o god_n be_v so_o great_a who_o steadfastness_n in_o the_o unchangeable_a truth_n be_v so_o sure_a and_o who_o understandding_n in_o the_o pure_a principle_n thereof_o be_v so_o clear_a that_o they_o give_v not_o occasion_n for_o such_o jealousy_n but_o have_v a_o testimony_n in_o their_o heart_n against_o all_o such_o that_o do_v know_v this_o that_o whosoever_o build_v on_o any_o other_o foundation_n than_o that_o which_o have_v be_v already_o lay_v viz._n christ_n the_o lord_n to_o who_o all_o power_n be_v give_v to_o rule_n and_o reign_v and_o who_o alone_o be_v lord_n over_o the_o conscience_n and_o the_o only_a lawgiver_n shall_v be_v confound_v and_o bring_v to_o nought_o w._n r._n the_o matter_n occasional_o discourse_v in_o this_o ensue_a treatise_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n describe_v in_o what_o follow_v first_o i_o affirm_v that_o though_o there_o have_v be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n unto_o which_o every_o member_n of_o the_o say_a church_n ought_v to_o be_v subject_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o the_o outward_a form_n thereof_o and_o all_o matter_n cognizable_a thereby_o be_v so_o exact_o describe_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o else_o where_o as_o that_o the_o member_n thereof_o by_o any_o such_o outward_a description_n as_o a_o sufficient_a mean_n may_v so_o exact_o be_v exercise_v therein_o as_o to_o find_v acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n that_o at_o this_o day_n nothing_o can_v be_v true_o call_v the_o exact_a and_o perfect_a order_n of_o this_o 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basis_n and_o foundation_n to_o which_o i_o thus_o say_v this_o kind_n of_o language_n with_o respect_n to_o divers_a practice_n in_o discipline_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n or_o any_o outward_a form_n and_o order_n which_o be_v or_o have_v be_v by_o any_o call_v the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o do_v not_o understand_v to_o be_v right_o applicable_a to_o those_o among_o the_o say_a people_n who_o have_v retain_v their_o first_o love_n to_o and_o savour_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o principle_n thereof_o not_o that_o i_o will_v hereby_o be_v understand_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o outward_a order_n with_o respect_n to_o that_o gospel-discipline_n which_o become_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o that_o which_o i_o understand_v not_o to_o be_v right_o applicable_a unto_o they_o be_v manifest_v in_o what_o follow_v though_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n have_v and_o 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quaker_n do_v not_o only_o out_o of_o conscience_n to_o god_n forbear_v but_o have_v have_v many_o contest_v with_o other_o touch_v the_o same_o as_o esteem_v it_o though_o permit_v for_o a_o season_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o people_n among_o the_o number_n of_o those_o outward_a ordinance_n out_o of_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v at_o this_o day_n gather_v his_o people_n witness_v water-baptism_n the_o word_n order_n with_o respect_n to_o outward_a government_n establish_v by_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n over_o itself_o i_o remember_v not_o in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n yet_o much_o of_o late_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o establish_v the_o same_o and_o that_o with_o respect_n to_o outward_a prescription_n and_o order_n practise_v or_o endeavour_v to_o be_v introduce_v among_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n and_o in_o particular_a r._n b._n page_n 40._o speak_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o faith_n we_o have_v be_v and_o be_v in_o the_o lord_n hand_n build_v up_o to_o which_o i_o say_v the_o consideration_n that_o christ_n be_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o great_a power_n of_o god_n and_o that_o a_o establish_n in_o the_o faith_n can_v proper_o be_v term_v a_o build_n up_o of_o faith_n give_v i_o occasion_n to_o treat_v a_o little_a touch_v the_o word_n establish_v and_o build_v up_o we_o know_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n in_o ourselves_o as_o well_o as_o from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o build_v up_o one_o another_o in_o the_o most_o holy_a faith_n in_o christ_n the_o truth_n the_o power_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v neither_o agreeable_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n in_o we_o nor_o yet_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o we_o for_o any_o to_o account_v themselves_o of_o ability_n to_o establish_v god_n power_n for_o its_o that_o by_o which_o the_o world_n be_v make_v now_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o nothing_o else_o according_a to_o the_o declare_a sense_n of_o our_o ancient_a friend_n can_v proper_o be_v call_v the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o the_o power_n of_o god_n for_o though_o some_o outward_a form_n or_o appearance_n may_v be_v according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o it_o can_v no_o more_o proper_o be_v call_v the_o very_a order_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o tree_n can_v be_v call_v the_o tree_n itself_o and_o therefore_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o establish_v the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v as_o well_o pretend_v to_o establish_v the_o power_n of_o god_n itself_o it_o be_v true_a this_o power_n be_v of_o ability_n to_o establish_v man_n in_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n but_o man_n be_v not_o of_o ability_n to_o establish_v it_o those_o who_o understand_v the_o nature_n and_o tenour_n of_o the_o two_o covenant_n may_v easy_o discern_v the_o truth_n hereof_o under_o the_o first_o covenant_n which_o be_v outward_a the_o mind_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v to_o the_o people_n from_o the_o priest_n lip_n which_o be_v to_o preserve_v knowledge_n and_o this_o covenant_n do_v consist_v in_o divers_a outward_a ordinance_n etc._n etc._n establish_v and_o impose_v upon_o the_o people_n until_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n under_o the_o second_o covenant_n be_v the_o new_a covenant_n or_o gospel_n dispensation_n the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v in_o his_o people_n through_o the_o revelation_n of_o his_o spirit_n according_a to_o that_o of_o paul_n rom._n 1.19_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_v in_o they_o christ_n also_o say_v john_n 14.26_o the_o comforter_n which_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o the_o father_n will_v send_v in_o my_o name_n he_o shall_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n the_o law_n under_o this_o covenant_n be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n heb._n 8.10_o 11._o i_o will_v write_v my_o law_n in_o their_o heart_n &_o they_o shall_v not_o teach_v 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 all_o shall_v know_v i_o etc._n etc._n here_o be_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n of_o encouragement_n for_o any_o man_n under_o the_o new_a covenant_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v like_a unto_o the_o old_a to_o pretend_v that_o god_n spirit_n do_v or_o will_v lead_v any_o to_o establish_v outward_a order_n relate_v to_o matter_n of_o conscience_n as_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o if_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_v in_o we_o than_o though_o it_o may_v be_v needful_a to_o stir_v up_o according_a as_o the_o lord_n shall_v move_v in_o his_o servant_n the_o pure_a mind_n in_o we_o that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o what_o god_n require_v through_o the_o maifestation_n of_o himself_o in_o we_o there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o establish_v any_o thing_n without_o we_o to_o show_v it_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v to_o lead_v into_o all_o truth_n those_o who_o will_v be_v lead_v we_o in_o another_o way_n will_v prove_v little_o better_o than_o thief_n and_o robber_n which_o climb_v up_o another_o way_n to_o enter_v in_o than_o by_o the_o door_n if_o the_o law_n be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o that_o no_o obedience_n find_v acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n but_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n from_o a_o inward_a impulse_n and_o draw_v of_o his_o spirit_n thereunto_o in_o ourselves_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o establish_v outward_a indispensible_a rule_n which_o may_v relate_v to_o the_o conscience_n to_o walk_v by_o for_o be_v it_o possible_a so_o to_o do_v and_o any_o shall_v yield_v obedience_n on_o no_o better_a ground_n then_o because'tis_o so_o establish_v by_o such_o a_o man_n or_o assembly_n of_o man_n this_o sort_n of_o obedience_n will_v find_v no_o more_o acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n than_o the_o offering_n of_o swine_n flesh_n or_o the_o halt_n and_o blind_a for_o a_o sacrifice_n under_o the_o first_o covenant_n do_v for_o though_o many_o may_v be_v so_o weak_a as_o not_o to_o know_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o two_o covenant_n in_o some_o respect_n yet_o there_o be_v few_o of_o the_o lord_n people_n call_v quaker_n but_o have_v this_o undoubted_a truth_n seal_v in_o their_o heart_n that_o none_o of_o their_o outward_a practice_n under_o the_o exercise_n of_o christ_n government_n find_n acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n but_o as_o they_o have_v a_o evidence_n in_o their_o conscience_n that_o therein_o they_o answer_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n in_o themselves_o paul_n write_v to_o the_o colossian_n thus_o say_v as_o you_o have_v receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n so_o walk_v in_o he_o root_v and_o build_v up_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
christ_n light_n and_o in_o subjection_n unto_o the_o law_n appertain_v unto_o his_o government_n which_o be_v not_o write_v in_o table_n of_o stone_n but_o in_o the_o heart_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o new-covenant_n heb._n 8.9_o 10_o 11._o and_o that_o those_o who_o be_v invest_v with_o power_n from_o on_o high_a may_v be_v instrument_n in_o god_n hand_n according_a to_o the_o dispensation_n thereof_o give_v they_o of_o god_n to_o stir_v up_o the_o pure_a mind_n in_o other_o sometime_o by_o way_n of_o admonition_n exhortation_n and_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o sometime_o by_o charge_n or_o command_n according_a as_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n move_v and_o operate_v and_o yet_o every_o one_o of_o these_o operation_n according_a to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n be_v only_o to_o stir_v up_o the_o pure_a mind_n that_o so_o through_o a_o sensible_a close_v with_o the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n shine_v in_o the_o heart_n god_n witness_n in_o the_o conscience_n may_v be_v raise_v in_o dominion_n for_o that_o it_o be_v according_a to_o truth_n to_o affirm_v that_o the_o admonition_n doctrine_n and_o exhortation_n charge_n or_o command_v of_o any_o whatsoever_o can_v be_v right_o receive_v and_o embrace_v otherwise_o than_o according_a to_o the_o leading_n of_o christ_n light_n that_o so_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o excellency_n of_o that_o power_n be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n read_v 2_o cor._n 4.5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v not_o the_o least_o testimony_n that_o the_o apostle_n nor_o any_o person_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n endeavour_v to_o establish_v any_o outward_a order_n and_o then_o term_v they_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o power_n of_o god_n much_o less_o so_o to_o establish_v any_o outward_a order_n or_o form_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n as_o that_o not_o only_o a_o deviation_n therefrom_o but_o a_o not_o embrace_v those_o outward_a form_n or_o order_n by_o such_o believer_n who_o be_v never_o in_o the_o practice_n thereof_o shall_v be_v a_o token_n that_o they_o be_v depart_v from_o the_o faith_n but_o their_o labour_n be_v to_o establish_v the_o church_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o power_n rather_o than_o to_o build_v up_o form_n or_o order_n have_v they_o so_o establish_v to_o be_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o form_n which_o the_o power_n either_o have_v or_o shall_v lead_v they_o into_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n may_v well_o say_v be_v you_o not_o unwise_a but_o understand_v what_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v he_o do_v not_o say_v what_o the_o will_n of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o what_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v submit_v yourselves_o one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n according_a to_o which_o submission_n i_o appeal_v to_o god_n witness_v whether_o it_o may_v not_o become_v as_o well_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o brethren_n to_o submit_v to_o one_o or_o two_o as_o one_o or_o two_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o brethren_n and_o whether_o these_o kind_n of_o submission_n have_v not_o be_v practise_v among_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n and_o though_o i_o say_v as_o aforesaid_a not_o the_o church_n but_o what_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v yet_o hereby_o i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v to_o render_v christ_n and_o his_o church_n divide_v but_o rather_o to_o show_v that_o his_o will_n who_o can_v err_v be_v a_o sure_a foundation_n to_o build_v upon_o than_o the_o will_n of_o those_o who_o if_o they_o depart_v from_o christ_n their_o rock_n may_n err._n r._n b._n in_o his_o six_o section_n treat_v how_o far_o this_o government_n extend_v page_n 39_o thus_o say_v this_o order_n reach_v the_o compose_v difference_n as_o to_o outward_a thing_n and_o further_o say_v we_o do_v bold_o aver_v as_o a_o people_n gather_v together_o by_o the_o lord_n unto_o the_o same_o faith_n etc._n etc._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 among_o ourselves_o on_o which_o i_o thus_o observe_v if_o difference_n happen_v between_o two_o brethren_n and_o not_o through_o the_o least_o intention_n to_o wrong_v each_o other_o than_o the_o power_n of_o truth_n in_o themselves_o will_v constrain_v such_o to_o choose_v faithful_a brethren_n skill_v in_o the_o matter_n wherein_o they_o differ_v to_o decide_v the_o same_o and_o according_o to_o submit_v and_o all_o this_o of_o a_o willing_a and_o ready_a mind_n through_o the_o power_n of_o truth_n in_o themselves_o and_o not_o through_o constraint_n of_o other_o and_o so_o in_o this_o case_n here_o be_v no_o need_n for_o any_o to_o come_v to_o their_o brethren_n and_o say_v we_o do_v bold_o aver_v we_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o decide_v etc._n etc._n but_o suppose_v this_o ensue_a case_n shall_v happen_v viz_o that_o two_o brethren_n be_v at_o variance_n touch_v their_o property_n and_o outward_a concern_v relate_v to_o meum_fw-la and_o tuum_fw-la as_o r._n b_n term_n be_v and_o one_o of_o they_o be_v so_o depart_v from_o truth_n in_o himself_o as_o that_o he_o will_v not_o of_o a_o ready_a mind_n submit_v his_o cause_n to_o the_o hear_n of_o person_n to_o be_v choose_v by_o themselves_o indifferent_o but_o be_v contentious_a will_v either_o go_v to_o law_n or_o else_o so_o abound_v in_o his_o own_o sense_n as_o nothing_o shall_v serve_v but_o to_o be_v judge_n in_o his_o own_o cause_n if_o we_o now_o inquire_v what_o christ_n the_o truth_n do_v in_o general_a direct_a and_o wherein_o this_o case_n may_v be_v comprehend_v which_o be_v so_o great_a a_o offence_n to_o the_o other_o brother_n who_o truth_n constrain_v to_o submit_v his_o cause_n to_o the_o hear_v and_o judgement_n of_o person_n indifferent_o choose_v and_o that_o of_o a_o willing_a and_o ready_a mind_n we_o shall_v find_v he_o thus_o say_v mat._n 18.15_o 16_o 17._o if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_n against_o thou_o go_v tell_v he_o his_o fault_n between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o but_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o then_o take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o more_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n if_o he_o hear_v not_o the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n christ_n word_n do_v not_o here_o import_v that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n over_o any_o man_n worldly_a property_n or_o outward_a concern_v it_o only_o say_v if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man._n and_o when_o a_o brother_n be_v through_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o church_n become_v so_o to_o the_o other_o brother_n against_o who_o he_o have_v trespass_v than_o the_o offend_a brother_n may_v just_o seek_v his_o remedy_n if_o the_o offence_n and_o trespass_n be_v touch_v outward_a concern_v according_a to_o the_o just_a law_n of_o man_n relate_v to_o property_n but_o perhaps_o some_o may_v object_n thus_o this_o relate_v not_o to_o outward_a affair_n but_o to_o offence_n that_o be_v of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n in_o answer_v it_o may_v be_v say_v as_o to_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v whole_o silent_a and_o therefore_o every_o case_n wherein_o one_o brother_n may_v trespass_v against_o another_o may_v according_a to_o right_a reason_n be_v comprehend_v in_o it_o and_o since_o the_o case_n be_v state_v between_o two_o brethren_n and_o that_o on_o a_o orderly_a proceed_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o church_n the_o sentence_n for_o not_o hear_v the_o church_n be_v let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n to_o i_o it_o seem_v to_o import_v that_o the_o trespass_n intend_v be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o in_o a_o particular_a manner_n be_v against_o one_o brother_n more_o than_o another_o and_o so_o as_o probable_a to_o be_v about_o their_o outward_a concern_v as_o any_o thing_n else_o beside_o if_o we_o do_v but_o consider_v that_o if_o a_o brother_n be_v so_o much_o depart_v from_o the_o truth_n as_o after_o admonition_n by_o the_o church_n not_o to_o join_v with_o his_o brother_n with_o who_o he_o be_v at_o variance_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o one_o or_o more_o to_o decide_v the_o matter_n it_o be_v a_o certain_a token_n that_o he_o be_v out_o of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o bond_n by_o which_o he_o become_v centre_v into_o the_o heavenly_a fellowship_n of_o christ_n body_n the_o church_n and_o so_o then_o if_o it_o real_o be_v so_o that_o any_o assembly_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n shall_v assume_v to_o themselves_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o decide_v in_o case_n relate_v to_o property_n yet_o in_o this_o and_o the_o like_a case_n there_o can_v be_v no_o
aught_o to_o believe_v and_o though_o there_o have_v be_v so_o many_o diversity_n of_o creed_n in_o the_o world_n according_a to_o the_o various_a apprehension_n of_o divers_a assembly_n assume_v to_o themselves_o the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n yet_o to_o this_o day_n i_o find_v not_o among_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n that_o any_o certain_a number_n of_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v give_v forth_o from_o any_o general_a assembly_n or_o particular_a congregation_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o their_o creed_n and_o as_o a_o measuring-line_n by_o which_o those_o who_o be_v either_o in_o or_o depart_v from_o the_o faith_n may_v be_v know_v and_o the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v evident_a because_o it_o be_v against_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n viz._n the_o light_n to_o exalt_v any_o other_o measuring-line_n than_o that_o by_o which_o we_o be_v baptise_a into_o the_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n viz._n the_o spirit_n have_v thus_o promise_v as_o a_o more_o particular_a answer_n to_o the_o question_n i_o thus_o say_v i_o confess_v the_o true_a church_n be_v in_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o every_o member_n thereof_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n at_o least_o of_o the_o same_o faith_n that_o all_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n be_v of_o so_o that_o it_o may_v in_o truth_n be_v say_v every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n do_v in_o some_o measure_n believe_v as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n do_v i_o say_v in_o some_o measure_n because_o as_o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o gift_n and_o operation_n so_o also_o be_v there_o difference_n in_o measure_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o do_v the_o apostle_n wise_o say_v to_o this_o purpose_n let_v he_o that_o prophesi_v prophesy_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n rom._n 12.6_o but_o shall_v any_o arise_v to_o say_v it_o be_v folly_n and_o hypocrisy_n to_o professone_n self_n a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n &_o yet_o not_o believe_v thus_o as_o the_o true_a church_n believe_v without_o any_o further_a explanation_n of_o the_o word_n or_o of_o what_o be_v intend_v thereby_o such_o may_v subject_v themselves_o to_o censure_v for_o by_o the_o word_n true_a church_n in_o this_o sentence_n and_o yet_o not_o believe_v thus_o as_o the_o true_a church_n believe_v will_v be_v understand_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n from_o who_o one_o or_o more_o differ_v in_o faith_n now_o there_o may_v happen_v to_o be_v a_o weak_a brother_n who_o faith_n in_o some_o particular_a matter_n may_v be_v otherwise_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o brethren_n be_v this_o case_n happen_v among_o the_o roman_n to_o who_o paul_n thus_o write_v rom._n 14.3_o 4_o 22_o 23._o let_v not_o he_o that_o eat_v despise_v he_o that_o eat_v not_o and_o let_v not_o he_o that_o eat_v not_o judge_v he_o that_o eat_v for_o god_n have_v receive_v he_o who_o be_v thou_o that_o condemne_v another_o man_n servant_n to_o his_o own_o master_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v have_v thou_o faith_n have_v it_o to_o thyself_o he_o that_o doubt_v be_v condemn_v if_o he_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n here_o a_o diversity_n of_o faith_n be_v evident_a and_o that_o between_o brethren_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o neither_o appear_v to_o be_v fool_n or_o hypocrite_n he_o that_o do_v eat_v be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v because_o he_o be_v receive_v of_o god_n and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o eat_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v judge_v that_o the_o apostle_n condemn_v the_o very_a eat_v while_o there_o be_v a_o doubt_n though_o the_o abstinence_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o weakness_n these_o thing_n consider_v i_o appeal_v to_o god_n witness_v in_o all_o conscience_n whether_o truth_n can_v be_v serve_v at_o this_o day_n by_o assert_v under_o the_o name_n of_o one_o call_v a_o quaker_n such_o principle_n as_o give_v occasion_n of_o jealousy_n that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v promote_a among_o we_o we_o must_v believe_v thus_o as_o the_o church_n believe_v without_o remove_v those_o objection_n which_o for_o want_v of_o a_o explanation_n may_v necessary_o follow_v it_o be_v a_o true_a say_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n that_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o rock_n christ_n and_o that_o the_o elect_n can_v be_v deceive_v but_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v thus_o say_v yet_o we_o know_v that_o particular_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v err_v objection_n yet_o some_o may_v be_v ready_a to_o object_n and_o say_v write_v say_v note_n this_o objection_n be_v so_o lay_v to_o â—n_n in_o the_o same_o book_n wherein_o the_o last_o answer_v query_n be_v write_v though_o some_o particular_a member_n may_v be_v liable_a to_o err_v it_o be_v neither_o reasonable_a nor_o just_a to_o conclude_v the_o whole_a body_n or_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v liable_a to_o err_v to_o this_o i_o say_v god_n forbid_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n shall_v err_v yet_o i_o say_v neither_o the_o light_n within_o we_o nor_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o we_o do_v evidence_n that_o any_o member_n one_o more_o than_o another_o be_v by_o any_o peculiar_a election_n exempt_v from_o be_v liable_a to_o err_v no_o more_o than_o particular_a person_n be_v from_o all_o eternity_n elect_v and_o other_o reprobate_v and_o so_o it_o appear_v to_o i_o that_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o with_o respect_n that_o some_o shall_v continue_v still_o faithful_a and_o not_o liable_a to_o err_v though_o other_o be_v liable_a thereto_o shall_v err_v but_o with_o respect_n to_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n while_o establish_v on_o the_o rock_n christ_n so_o that_o not_o only_o a_o part_n of_o the_o church_n but_o every_o member_n thereof_o whilst_o build_v on_o the_o rock_n christ_n shall_v be_v so_o preserve_v as_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o any_o one_o of_o they_o and_o this_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o very_a connection_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o scripture_n mat._n 16.18_o and_o upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o that_o be_v against_o the_o church_n build_v and_o while_o remain_v on_o the_o rock_n christ_n but_o if_o any_o assembly_n through_o unwatchfulness_n and_o disobedience_n depart_v from_o the_o rock_n christ_n whereon_o they_o be_v build_v then_o in_o that_o state_n they_o can_v proper_o be_v call_v the_o church_n build_v and_o remain_v on_o the_o rock_n christ_n and_o so_o have_v be_v liable_a to_o be_v overcome_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n do_v prevail_v and_o therefore_o though_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o one_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n while_o abide_v in_o the_o seed_n in_o which_o the_o election_n stand_v and_o to_o which_o the_o promise_n be_v can_v be_v deceive_v yet_o notwithstanding_o i_o affirm_v that_o every_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o if_o every_o member_n than_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v liable_a to_o err_v if_o they_o wait_v not_o in_o and_o keep_v not_o unto_o that_o in_o which_o their_o preservation_n stand_v christ_n say_v watch_n and_o pray_v that_o you_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n this_o be_v speak_v not_o with_o respect_n to_o some_o particular_a member_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v liable_a to_o err_v and_o as_o if_o there_o be_v other_o that_o be_v not_o and_o therefore_o its_o reasonable_a to_o conclude_v that_o all_o may_v through_o temptation_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o err_v if_o they_o watch_v not_o but_o yet_o my_o faith_n be_v that_o a_o remnant_n will_v be_v preserve_v so_o watchful_a as_o that_o be_v build_v on_o the_o rock_n christ_n the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o prevail_v against_o they_o these_o thing_n be_v due_o weigh_v and_o consider_v what_o great_a abuse_n have_v be_v make_v of_o scripture_n that_o speak_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o what_o they_o bound_v or_o loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v or_o lose_v in_o heaven_n and_o that_o also_o to_o maintain_v a_o antichristian_a yoke_n of_o bondage_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o christ_n church_n say_v that_o it_o can_v err_v it_o appear_v not_o much_o more_o like_a one_o call_v a_o quaker_n if_o we_o consult_v the_o write_n of_o some_o of_o those_o ancient_a and_o honourable_a labourer_n who_o be_v instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o turn_v thousand_o unto_o the_o light_n within_o we_o as_o the_o unerring_a guide_n to_o treat_v on_o such_o scripture_n if_o apply_v to_o outward_a and_o settle_a assembly_n as_o such_o as_o be_v not_o
copy_n of_o a_o letter_n pretend_v to_o be_v give_v forth_o by_o w._n r._n friend_n it_o be_v upon_o i_o for_o several_a week_n past_a if_o any_o occasion_n will_v in_o any_o wise_a permit_v to_o come_v up_o to_o the_o city_n of_o london_n to_o be_v present_a among_o friend_n from_o divers_a part_n of_o the_o nation_n at_o this_o time_n that_o so_o i_o may_v have_v opportunity_n to_o confer_v with_o friend_n who_o be_v dissatisfy_v with_o i_o touch_v what_o i_o have_v write_v in_o answer_n to_o robert_n barclay_v book_n of_o government_n and_o a_o few_o day_n before_o my_o come_n up_o robert_n barclay_n be_v in_o london_n write_v unto_o i_o to_o come_v up_o that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o conference_n at_o large_a touch_v the_o same_o this_o his_o request_n have_v the_o great_a obligation_n upon_o i_o to_o be_v present_a in_o london_n at_o this_o time_n on_o conference_n have_v with_o he_o we_o agree_v that_o a_o free-meeting_a may_v be_v have_v with_o friend_n in_o who_o presence_n robert_n barclay_n and_o myself_o may_v in_o all_o coolness_n and_o moderation_n confer_v together_o that_o so_o all_o misunderstanding_n may_v be_v remove_v and_o the_o truth_n be_v evidence_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o brethren_n then_o present_a the_o meeting_n for_o this_o end_n be_v this_o day_n have_v and_o a_o very_a christian_a and_o fair_a debate_n be_v have_v to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o both_o of_o we_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v understand_v and_o the_o matter_n chief_o object_v by_o i_o be_v fair_o and_o brother-like_a and_o in_o much_o love_n discourse_v and_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o be_o satisfy_v that_o robert_n barclay_n be_v not_o principled_a so_o as_o i_o and_o other_o have_v take_v his_o book_n to_o import_v in_o particular_a he_o do_v declare_v that_o his_o book_n teach_v not_o that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v jurisdiction_n over_o the_o outward_a concern_v of_o friend_n in_o case_n of_o difference_n without_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o differ_v party_n and_o that_o it_o be_v far_o from_o his_o intention_n for_o his_o intention_n as_o he_o declare_v be_v only_o to_o manifest_v that_o friend_n ought_v to_o submit_v their_o case_n of_o difference_n to_o the_o decision_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o case_n of_o refractoriness_n that_o such_o person_n ought_v to_o be_v disow_v that_o though_o robert_n barclay_n in_o one_o place_n affirm_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o there_o never_o will_v or_o can_v be_v want_v in_o case_n of_o controversy_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o give_v judgement_n through_o some_o or_o other_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n so_o long_o as_o any_o assembly_n can_v proper_o or_o in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n be_v so_o term_v he_o declare_v that_o the_o word_n be_v sound_a and_o further_o say_v that_o thereby_o he_o intend_v no_o other_o but_o such_o assembly_n as_o in_o reality_n and_o truth_n may_v be_v term_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o whereas_o he_o say_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o it_o be_v disobedience_n to_o god_n not_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o sentence_n of_o such_o assembly_n though_o the_o person_n refuse_v to_o submit_v pretend_v they_o see_v it_o not_o yet_o he_o declare_v that_o his_o meaning_n thereby_o be_v not_o that_o if_o they_o submit_v before_o conviction_n of_o conscience_n they_o therein_o find_v acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n but_o rather_o to_o show_v that_o their_o want_n of_o sight_n be_v through_o disobedience_n or_o unwatchfulness_n to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o themselves_o which_o if_o they_o do_v take_v heed_n thereunto_o will_v show_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o obey_v we_o also_o have_v discourse_n touch_v his_o assertion_n that_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n etc._n etc._n believe_v through_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n on_o the_o understanding_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o term_n and_o in_o another_o place_n the_o book_n produce_v it_o appear_v that_o he_o assert_v there_o be_v a_o more_o inward_a bond_n viz._n the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n and_o that_o the_o book_n declare_v that_o we_o be_v gather_v into_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n by_o the_o truth_n and_o its_o power_n and_o influence_n upon_o our_o heart_n and_o the_o very_a bond_n by_o which_o we_o become_v centre_v into_o one_o body_n and_o fellowship_n etc._n etc._n and_o on_o a_o debate_n thereof_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o his_o meaning_n be_v not_o they_o be_v the_o original_a bond_n but_o rather_o as_o fruit_n and_o branch_n of_o that_o bond_n and_o so_o in_o that_o respect_n may_v be_v as_o a_o outward_a bond_n whereby_o we_o be_v unite_v in_o a_o heavenly_a society_n we_o have_v also_o some_o discourse_n touch_v his_o title_n page_n wherein_o he_o assert_n that_o the_o ancient_a apostolic_a order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v reestablished_a on_o its_o right_a basis_n and_o foundation_n touch_v which_o he_o declare_v that_o his_o meaning_n be_v not_o only_o with_o respect_n to_o all_o the_o outward_a order_n and_o form_n of_o discipline_n in_o government_n among_o we_o but_o also_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n which_o in_o the_o primitive_a day_n be_v and_o now_o be_v the_o great_a order_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o though_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 if_o due_o weigh_v have_v give_v you_o a_o account_n in_o short_a of_o what_o be_v discourse_v this_o day_n among_o friend_n this_o further_a lie_n upon_o i_o to_o signify_v unto_o you_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o r._n barclay_n i_o be_o satisfy_v that_o he_o be_v not_o principled_a as_o i_o and_o many_o by_o some_o passage_n in_o his_o book_n take_v he_o to_o be_v and_o since_o it_o be_v so_o that_o many_o have_v take_v a_o offence_n against_o he_o for_o that_o cause_n as_o may_v be_v doubt_v even_o so_o far_o as_o to_o reject_v his_o testimony_n and_o service_n for_o the_o truth_n it_o lie_v upon_o i_o as_o my_o duty_n even_o for_o he_o and_o the_o truth_n sake_n to_o warn_v all_o that_o they_o take_v heed_n not_o to_o entertain_v prejudice_n against_o his_o testimony_n or_o jealousy_n that_o may_v enter_v on_o the_o score_n of_o any_o apprehension_n or_o mistake_v of_o his_o book_n and_o that_o answer_n that_o i_o have_v give_v thereto_o but_o rather_o in_o a_o unprejudiced_a spirit_n to_o wait_v on_o the_o lord_n to_o feel_v and_o savour_n his_o testimony_n even_o as_o if_o the_o occasion_n take_v have_v never_o be_v and_o i_o do_v free_o confess_v that_o inasmuch_o as_o i_o publish_v my_o book_n before_o i_o give_v robert_n barclay_n notice_n of_o my_o objection_n and_o intention_n therein_o i_o act_v in_o that_o respect_n not_o according_a to_o gospel_n order_n but_o be_o just_o worthy_a of_o blame_n therein_o it_o be_v with_o i_o also_o to_o signify_v to_o you_o that_o i_o be_o abundant_o satisfy_v that_o robert_n barclay_v book_n of_o 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christ_n to_o the_o defamation_n of_o the_o say_v robert_n barclay_n the_o great_a derogation_n from_o the_o christian_a authority_n of_o the_o say_a meeting_n and_o the_o general_a dis-service_n to_o truth_n especial_o be_v send_v unto_o person_n who_o at_o present_a be_v disaffect_v to_o the_o present_a unity_n of_o the_o body_n of_o friend_n and_o whereas_o on_o the_o seven_o day_n of_o the_o four_o month_n 77._o we_o who_o name_n be_v under_o written_n be_v meet_v together_o in_o the_o city_n of_o london_n in_o the_o pure_a fear_n and_o holy_a dread_a of_o the_o lord_n god_n almihty_a to_o hear_v what_o the_o say_v william_n rogers_n have_v object_v against_o the_o say_a book_n of_o robert_n barclay_n it_o appear_v to_o we_o upon_o a_o deliberate_a serious_a and_o impartial_a hear_v of_o the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n that_o the_o
far_o the_o citation_n out_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a manuscript_n and_o now_o to_o return_v again_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o aforesaid_a query_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o grant_v the_o answer_n of_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n to_o be_v true_a it_o render_v they_o innocent_a man_n so_o far_o as_o relate_v to_o the_o matter_n query_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v too_o plain_a to_o i_o that_o this_o give_v not_o g._n f._n satisfaction_n to_o which_o i_o intend_v to_o speak_v more_o particular_o here_o after_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o can_v not_o be_v just_o according_a to_o his_o own_o rule_n who_o have_v often_o exhort_v friend_n to_o follow_v report_n until_o the_o author_n be_v find_v to_o conceal_v the_o informer_n have_v the_o answer_n of_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n give_v he_o satisfaction_n than_o i_o query_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o much_o more_o unjust_a to_o conceal_v they_o when_o the_o answer_n give_v not_o satisfaction_n especial_o since_o john_n wilkinson_n testify_v that_o he_o write_v to_o those_o who_o pretend_v g._n f._n desire_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o query_n to_o desire_v g._n f._n to_o give_v the_o name_n of_o the_o informer_n with_o the_o witness_n that_o now_o which_o satisfy_v i_o that_o the_o answer_n give_v not_o satisfaction_n be_v this_o robert_n barrow_n and_o other_o concern_v at_o the_o request_n of_o g._n f._n with_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n touch_v the_o say_a query_n be_v among_o other_o subscriber_n to_o the_o forty-four_a article_n of_o accusation_n draw_v up_o against_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n either_o joint_o or_o several_o wherein_o the_o matter_n query_v be_v reduce_v into_o article_n of_o accusation_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o be_v concern_v in_o write_v a_o letter_n unto_o other_o touch_v this_o business_n wherein_o they_o give_v this_o description_n of_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n viz._n and_o friend_n it_o be_v not_o any_o personal_a trespass_n against_o any_o of_o we_o that_o we_o charge_v they_o with_o nor_o any_o particular_a concern_v of_o our_o own_o as_o man_n that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o but_o the_o cause_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o wrong_n they_o have_v do_v to_o he_o but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o from_o the_o same_o letter_n they_o say_v they_o have_v bear_v a_o dear_a love_n and_o honourable_a respect_n unto_o they_o in_o the_o holy_a truth_n compare_v this_o with_o what_o be_v write_v in_o the_o three_o article_n of_o the_o forty-four_a article_n before-cited_n viz._n slight_v the_o heavenly_a motion_n on_o g._n f_n spirit_n in_o that_o case_n in_o the_o unity_n precious_o feel_v and_o close_v with_o mean_v the_o rule_n or_o form_n of_o church-government_n set_v forth_o by_o g._n f._n as_o by_o the_o say_a article_n appear_v it_o be_v to_o i_o evident_a that_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o who_o be_v espouser_n of_o those_o article_n a_o slight_v of_o g._n f_n outward_a rule_n method_n and_o order_n with_o respect_n to_o church-government_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n be_v a_o slight_v of_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n i_o now_o appeal_v to_o all_o such_o as_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o that_o respect_n that_o be_v give_v by_o robert_n barrow_n etc._n etc._n unto_o g._n f._n whether_o it_o be_v rational_a to_o suppose_v that_o robert_n barrow_n etc._n etc._n will_v have_v concern_v themselves_o in_o subscribe_v and_o abet_v such_o article_n as_o relate_v to_o the_o say_a query_n without_o his_o approbation_n or_o permission_n beside_o i_o well_o remember_v that_o in_o a_o reply_n make_v by_o robert_n barrow_n and_o other_o to_z john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n their_o answer_n to_o the_o forty-four_a article_n aforesaid_a john_n story_n be_v account_v a_o man_n of_o a_o dark_a spirit_n and_o in_o confusion_n because_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o what_o be_v give_v forth_o by_o g._n f._n be_v by_o he_o intend_v to_o be_v urge_v with_o severity_n upon_o any_o of_o god_n faithful_a people_n but_o as_o instruction_n and_o direction_n commend_v to_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v dislike_v by_o many_o friend_n unto_o who_o the_o knowledge_n thereof_o come_v i_o be_v the_o more_o concern_v to_o query_n of_o g._n f._n when_o i_o have_v opportunity_n whether_o he_o own_v that_o sense_n give_v of_o john_n story_n on_o that_o occasion_n and_o thereupon_o be_v in_o his_o house_n at_o swarthmore_n before_o the_o meeting_n at_o drawell_n occasion_v by_o the_o say_a difference_n in_o the_o north_n i_o speak_v to_o he_o of_o it_o which_o occasion_v he_o to_o call_v for_o the_o answer_n wherein_o i_o affirm_v it_o be_v and_o when_o the_o passage_n relate_v thereto_o be_v produce_v i_o also_o well_o remember_v that_o he_o speak_v not_o one_o word_n to_o condemn_v the_o same_o nor_o yet_o to_o manifest_v the_o least_o disapprobation_n thereof_o which_o serious_o ponder_v 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they_o be_v right_o and_o in_o the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o god_n as_o at_o the_o first_o they_o will_v have_v come_v to_o i_o when_o i_o send_v for_o they_o which_o seem_v not_o to_o i_o to_o be_v like_a unto_o the_o language_n of_o that_o good_a shepherd_n who_o be_v principled_a to_o leave_v the_o ninety-nine_a and_o seek_v after_o the_o one_o that_o which_o be_v lose_v after_o the_o receipt_n of_o the_o seven_o query_n by_o john_n wilkinson_n he_o write_v to_o john_n blaikle_v and_o the_o rest_n to_o show_v unto_o they_o the_o inconveniency_n of_o his_o answer_v such_o question_n who_o tendency_n be_v to_o gender_v strife_n who_o not_o take_v warn_v thereby_o and_o still_o press_v for_o a_o answer_n john_n wilkinson_n at_o length_n answer_v they_o the_o substance_n whereof_o be_v before_o cite_v and_o after_o that_o say_v that_o he_o be_v move_v of_o the_o lord_n a_o second_o time_n to_o write_v unto_o those_o who_o concern_v themselves_o about_o the_o say_a query_n advise_v they_o to_o call_v in_o their_o paper_n and_o tell_v how_o far_o they_o have_v be_v spread_v warn_v they_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o come_v unto_o he_o the_o 20_o the_o day_n of_o the_o 6_o the_o m_o on_o 1675._o to_o repent_v and_o turn_v from_o their_o proceed_n and_o leave_v god_n people_n to_o the_o order_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o command_n and_o that_o if_o they_o will_v not_o than_o the_o lord_n himself_o will_v break_v they_o and_o turn_v they_o one_o against_o another_o about_o their_o order_n but_o yet_o they_o desist_v not_o i_o be_o now_o sensible_a that_o some_o who_o may_v industrious_o endeavour_v to_o clear_v g._n f._n from_o what_o be_v from_o the_o foregoing_a line_n just_o as_o i_o take_v it_o lay_v at_o his_o door_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o say_a query_n propose_v to_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n may_v thus_o say_v we_o be_v not_o satisfy_v from_o all_o thou_o yet_o have_v signify_v that_o g._n f._n be_v a_o abetter_n of_o robert_n barrow_n and_o those_o other_o who_o concern_v themselves_o about_o the_o aforesaid_a query_n and_o proceed_n therein_o and_o we_o believe_v if_o g._n f._n shall_v be_v interrogated_a touch_v it_o that_o he_o will_v disow_v that_o it_o be_v do_v by_o his_o authority_n or_o approbation_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o i_o desire_v they_o serious_o to_o consider_v the_o observation_n which_o i_o make_v on_o these_o follow_a word_n mention_v in_o a_o postscript_n to_o a_o certificate_n write_v by_o john_n blaikling_n own_o be_v one_o of_o those_o concern_v with_o robert_n barrow_n touch_v the_o query_n and_o proceed_n thereon_o in_o favour_n of_o g._n f._n cite_v towards_o the_o latter-end_a of_o the_o five_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n viz._n what_o do_v you_o think_v to_o do_v with_o your_o vain_o attempt_v
into_o the_o north_n much_o write_v be_v occasion_v in_o relation_n thereto_o which_o be_v not_o my_o present_a purpose_n to_o treat_v of_o i_o here_o omit_v that_o now_o the_o reader_n may_v have_v a_o understanding_n of_o that_o sense_n and_o judgement_n that_o be_v with_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n in_o relation_n to_o those_o five_o head_n from_o whence_o all_o the_o beforementioned_a forty-four_a article_n do_v spring_n i_o think_v meet_v to_o cite_v their_o testimony_n in_o relation_n thereto_o read_v at_o the_o meeting_n at_o drawel_n and_o then_o compare_v such_o their_o sense_n and_o judgement_n with_o those_o ancient_n and_o faithful_a testimony_n of_o many_o labour_a friend_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n who_o change_v not_o their_o way_n since_o they_o become_v publisher_n thereof_o to_o the_o day_n they_o fall_v asleep_o it_o may_v then_o easy_o be_v savour_v from_o what_o spirit_n all_o the_o mire_n and_o dirt_n that_o have_v be_v cast_v up_o against_o 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vnity_n sake_n yet_o according_a to_o that_o inward_a sense_n we_o now_o have_v there_o appear_v to_o we_o no_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o continue_v womens-meeting_n in_o this_o country_n distinct_a and_o separate_a from_o the_o man_n and_o therefore_o do_v conscientious_o forbear_v to_o assent_v or_o encourage_v to_o lay_v the_o intention_n of_o marriage_n before_o they_o yet_o that_o inward_a sense_n and_o heavenly_a understanding_n we_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n have_v and_o yet_o do_v confirm_v we_o in_o this_o judgement_n that_o it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a with_o the_o line_n of_o truth_n to_o oppose_v other_o in_o the_o exercise_n and_o appoint_a service_n of_o the_o say_a meeting_n as_o heretofore_o and_o yet_o settle_v and_o agree_v upon_o who_o be_v conscientious_a therein_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v than_o we_o be_v and_o if_o any_o of_o our_o word_n and_o action_n have_v have_v any_o tendency_n to_o oppose_v etc._n etc._n which_o we_o be_v not_o conscious_a of_o but_o if_o we_o be_v we_o will_v ready_o confess_v we_o say_v the_o truth_n in_o we_o will_v have_v condemn_v it_o even_o as_o it_o now_o do_v and_o if_o it_o shall_v please_v the_o lord_n to_o manifest_v unto_o we_o a_o service_n in_o those_o meeting_n in_o the_o country_n as_o well_o as_o city_n the_o same_o integrity_n towards_o god_n which_o have_v dwell_v with_o we_o these_o many_o year_n past_a we_o believe_v will_v become_v a_o bond_n on_o we_o to_o join_v hand_n and_o heart_n with_o other_o our_o brethren_n and_o sister_n therein_o but_o till_o then_o our_o desire_n be_v that_o this_o may_v not_o become_v a_o occasion_n of_o straitness_n of_o spirit_n each_o towards_o other_o but_o that_o embrace_v the_o wholesome_a counsel_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o another_o case_n if_o in_o any_o thing_n you_o be_v otherwise-minded_n wait_v till_o god_n reveal_v we_o may_v walk_v together_o in_o that_o pure_a undefiled_a love_n of_o our_o god_n which_o think_v no_o evil._n that_o though_o many_o of_o our_o brethren_n see_v a_o service_n in_o record_v condemnation_n and_o leave_v they_o upon_o record_n to_o posterity_n yet_o from_o that_o inward_a sense_n and_o heavenly_a understanding_n we_o have_v we_o see_v no_o necessity_n to_o leave_v they_o upon_o record_n to_o posterity_n or_o retain_v they_o when_o the_o sin_n be_v blot_v out_o and_o remit_v by_o the_o lord_n neither_o to_o be_v extend_v further_a than_o the_o offence_n be_v know_v nor_o yet_o to_o continue_v long_o than_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o offence_n abide_v but_o if_o any_o see_v meet_v from_o a_o inward_a sense_n of_o truth_n in_o themselves_o to_o leave_v such_o testimony_n relate_v to_o themselves_o to_o posterity_n we_o have_v therewith_o unity_n that_o this_o our_o sense_n may_v be_v no_o occasion_n of_o straitness_n of_o spirit_n each_o towards_o other_o be_v the_o earnest_a desire_n of_o our_o soul_n who_o desire_v the_o prosperity_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n among_o all_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o to_o tithe_n we_o can_v in_o truth_n say_v it_o be_v never_o so_o much_o as_o in_o our_o heart_n to_o speak_v any_o word_n whatsoever_o with_o the_o least_o intent_n to_o strengthen_v any_o in_o the_o payment_n thereof_o nor_o yet_o to_o weaken_v the_o faith_n of_o any_o have_v a_o testimony_n in_o our_o heart_n that_o tithe_n as_o at_o this_o day_n pay_v be_v anti-christian_n that_o as_o groan_n sigh_v sounding_n and_o sing_n may_v proceed_v from_o deceitful_a spirit_n so_o also_o we_o declare_v groan_n sigh_v sounding_n and_o sing_n may_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n among_o god_n people_n and_o that_o as_o the_o first_o be_v discourage_v the_o second_o ought_v to_o be_v encourage_v and_o the_o earnest_a desire_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v that_o as_o to_o these_o thing_n nothing_o but_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o sound_a judgement_n may_v appear_v either_o to_o reprove_v or_o to_o encourage_v and_o though_o we_o have_v be_v accuse_v as_o if_o we_o be_v opposer_n of_o such_o groan_n etc._n etc._n which_o the_o truth_n approve_v yet_o god_n be_v our_o witness_n we_o know_v it_o not_o that_o though_o we_o have_v be_v represent_v as_o person_n encourage_v flee_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n we_o say_v we_o be_v not_o conscious_a to_o ourselves_o of_o so_o do_v for_o we_o believe_v those_o who_o stand_v not_o to_o their_o testimony_n but_o flee_v therefrom_o in_o the_o day_n of_o persecution_n may_v true_o be_v account_v either_o weak_a in_o the_o faith_n or_o depart_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o thus_o have_v give_v our_o inward_a sense_n according_a to_o the_o uprightness_n and_o integrity_n of_o our_o heart_n concern_v these_o five_o general_a head_n from_o whence_o all_o the_o forty-four_a article_n do_v arise_v we_o shall_v with_o this_o conclude_v that_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n be_v our_o witness_n our_o desire_n be_v to_o approve_v ourselves_o man_n of_o peace_n in_o the_o abhorrency_n of_o all_o fleshly_a liberty_n and_o looseness_n and_o to_o follow_v after_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n that_o the_o regin_v of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n may_v be_v over_o all_o so_o will_v the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o christ_n as_o to_o the_o two_o question_n answer_v by_o the_o friend_n and_o brethren_n meet_v on_o this_o occasion_n we_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n say_v we_o in_o the_o propose_v thereof_o have_v not_o the_o least_o thought_n to_o obtain_v your_o yea_o and_o nay_o with_o intent_n thereby_o to_o strengthen_v such_o who_o may_v be_v account_v our_o party_n in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o truth_n nor_o to_o encourage_v looseness_n or_o bad_a spirit_n but_o conscientious_o to_o remove_v the_o scruple_n of_o some_o and_o further_o we_o say_v we_o be_v better_o satisfy_v with_o your_o explication_n therein_o than_o with_o your_o bare_a yea_o and_o nay_o for_o that_o we_o as_o well_o as_o you_o be_v sensible_a apostate_n and_o bad_a spirit_n seek_v a_o fleshly_a liberty_n have_v make_v use_n of_o argument_n deducible_a from_o such_o principle_n of_o truth_n to_o oppose_v the_o power_n of_o god_n itself_o and_o the_o practice_n of_o god_n people_n in_o the_o power_n john_n wilkinson_n john_n story_n it_o be_v now_o worthy_a the_o reader_n notice_n that_o g._n f._n take_v occasion_n to_o write_v unto_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n sometime_o after_o the_o meeting_n at_o drawel_n which_o be_v cite_v in_o the_o eight_o section_n of_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o beforementioned_a manuscript_n together_o with_o answer_n thereto_o pertinent_a on_o this_o occasion_n i_o think_v meet_v here_o to_o transcribe_v the_o same_o together_o with_o those_o observation_n that_o be_v make_v thereon_o in_o the_o say_a section_n this_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o you_o john_n
our_o way_n be_v before_o the_o devil_n be_v and_o all_o the_o word_n way_n and_o all_o apostate_n and_o will_v be_v when_o they_o be_v go_v and_o this_o i_o tell_v thou_o and_o them_o but_o these_o word_n of_o thou_o be_v not_o from_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n nor_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o i_o know_v no_o new_a way_n nor_o new_a form_n carry_v on_o with_o church-authority_n as_o thou_o reproachful_o say_v but_o here_o thou_o have_v manifest_v thy_o separate_a spirit_n and_o mind_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o our_o man_n and_o womens-meeting_n be_v the_o power_n of_o christ_n jesus_n who_o be_v the_o new_a and_o live_a way_n and_o never_o change_v and_o all_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o believe_v in_o his_o light_n and_o receive_v he_o he_o give_v they_o power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o such_o be_v heir_n of_o the_o power_n which_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o meeting_n and_o they_o ought_v free_o to_o come_v and_o go_v to_o that_o which_o they_o be_v heir_n of_o without_o your_o imposition_n or_o opposition_n and_o all_o that_o receive_v he_o in_o the_o light_n he_o give_v they_o power_n and_o they_o be_v heir_n of_o his_o power_n and_o his_o life_n so_o they_o be_v heir_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o man_n and_o womens-meeting_n and_o every_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o be_v a_o heir_n have_v right_o to_o the_o authority_n and_o they_o have_v take_v their_o possession_n and_o be_v take_v their_o possession_n and_o you_o in_o your_o separate_a spirit_n from_o the_o divine_a light_n of_o christ_n say_v your_o choose_a man_n and_o they_o who_o you_o have_v give_v power_n unto_o and_o say_v usurper_n of_o authority_n have_v come_v among_o your_o choose_a man_n who_o you_o have_v give_v no_o power_n unto_o and_o that_o none_o shall_v sit_v among_o your_o choose_a man_n neither_o of_o your_o own_o county_n nor_o other_o but_o to_o tell_v their_o message_n and_o go_v their_o way_n and_o so_o this_o kind_n of_o church-order_n among_o 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authority_n proceed_v to_o accuse_v and_o obtain_v such_o judge_n to_o judge_v the_o matter_n and_o spread_v that_o judgement_n over_o a_o nation_n to_o his_o defamation_n right_a or_o wrong_n it_o will_v not_o add_v to_o my_o credit_n though_o i_o may_v quote_v nine_a who_o have_v be_v take_v to_o be_v of_o the_o party_n with_o g._n f._n for_o a_o precedent_n in_o the_o very_a like_o case_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o may_v also_o quote_v several_a other_o judge_v i_o with_o respect_n to_o my_o answer_n to_o g._n f._n without_o either_o hear_n what_o i_o can_v say_v to_o manifest_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o my_o so_o write_v or_o g._n f._n to_o plead_v his_o innocency_n to_o all_o the_o matter_n write_v by_o way_n of_o reflection_n on_o he_o and_o whereas_o g._n f._n say_v that_o i_o say_v to_o bray_n daily_o that_o i_o send_v it_o mean_v my_o answer_n to_o g._n f._n three_o week_n before_o it_o be_v read_v in_o the_o meeting_n i_o say_v that_o be_v utter_o false_a it_o be_v 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a_o part_n 2d_o part_n p._n 85_o to_o 92._o jew_n a_o objection_n raise_v whether_o they_o act_v not_o from_o the_o light_n within_o in_o crucify_a christ_n a_o answer_n to_o the_o say_a objection_n 2_o d._n part_n p._n 9_o 10._o ignorant_n the_o way_n how_o the_o ignorant_a have_v be_v ensnare_v 4_o the_o part_n p._n 32_o 33._o imposer_n see_v church-government_n independency_n the_o write_a word_n of_o a_o public_a preacher_n insinuate_v as_o if_o the_o tendency_n of_o some_o of_o our_o spirit_n be_v downright_a independency_n be_v treat_v on_o show_v that_o we_o be_v principled_a to_o depend_v on_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o not_o on_o man_n etc._n etc._n 1_o st_o part_n p._n 38_o to_o 42._o infallibility_n as_o relate_v to_o internal_a thing_n annex_v only_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 2_o d._n part_n p._n 11_o 12._o how_o man_n endue_v with_o the_o infallible_a spirit_n be_v deceive_v &_o fallible_a 2_o d._n part_n p._n 12_o 13._o a_o animadversion_n on_o this_o sentence_n that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v infallible_a and_o can_v err_v 3_o d._n part_n p._n 13._o iniquity_n not_o distinguish_v by_o our_o opposer_n from_o conscientious_a scruple_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 50_o 51._o innovation_n see_v apostasy_n innovator_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 49._o a_o part_n of_o their_o doctrine_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 50._o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n some_o concern_v in_o draw_v up_o forty-four_a article_n against_o they_o confess_v under_o their_o hand_n that_o it_o be_v not_o any_o personal_a trespass_n against_o any_o of_o they_o that_o they_o charge_v john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n with_o nor_o any_o particular_a concern_v of_o their_o own_o as_o man_n that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o but_o the_o cause_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o the_o wrong_n they_o have_v do_v to_o he_o but_o yet_o some_o of_o we_o know_v and_o that_o from_o their_o own_o write_n that_o their_o pretend_a wrong_n to_o god_n be_v a_o 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forty-four_a article_n of_o accusation_n be_v draw_v up_o against_o they_o relate_v to_o church-government_n wherein_o they_o particular_o bear_v their_o testimony_n against_o payment_n of_o tithe_n 4_o the_o part_n p._n 37_o 38_o 39_o 40._o isaac_n penington_n his_o testimony_n touch_v that_o authority_n which_o christ_n exclude_v out_o of_o his_o church_n and_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o run_v into_o religious_a practice_n before_o lead_v thereinto_o by_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o receive_v thing_n for_o truth_n because_o other_o see_v they_o to_o be_v truth_n and_o that_o the_o great_a error_n of_o the_o age_n of_o the_o apostasy_n have_v be_v to_o set_v up_o a_o outward_a order_n and_o uniformity_n and_o to_o make_v man_n conscience_n bow_v thereto_o 3_o d._n part_n p._n 89_o to_o 98._o justification_n and_o salvation_n through_o faith_n in_o christ_n own_a and_o clear_v from_o the_o objection_n of_o such_o as_o have_v seem_v to_o extend_v the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n obedience_n 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p._n 25._o the_o mean_v of_o these_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n knowledge_n puff_v up_o 2_o d._n part_n p._n 26_o 27._o l_o liberty_n and_o forbearance_n in_o robert_n barclay_n sense_n refute_v 3_o d._n part_n p_o 80_o 81_o 82._o liberty_n of_o conscience_n a_o description_n wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v 3_o d._n part_n p._n 17_o 18._o what_o that_o liberty_n of_o the_o conscience_n be_v that_o be_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n in_o particular_a it_o admit_v of_o no_o liberty_n to_o sin_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 86_o 87._o light_n of_o christ_n what_o the_o measure_n of_o it_o be_v and_o the_o effect_n of_o obedience_n to_o it_o 1_o st_o part_n p._n 3_o 4._o see_v the_o 2_o d._n part_n p._n 2_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o those_o who_o this_o day_n say_v we_o be_v teach_v to_o follow_v the_o light_n in_o our_o conscience_n and_o not_o the_o order_n of_o man_n and_o that_o we_o will_v not_o have_v man_n to_o rule_v over_o we_o thereby_o mean_v such_o man_n as_o be_v in_o a_o separation_n from_o 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