and_o 5_o part_n pag._n 75._o on_o gal._n 5._o 2._o &_o 4._o 9_o 10_o 11._o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n he_o say_v yet_o this_o do_v not_o at_o that_o time_n condemn_v that_o christian-liberty_n and_o forbearance_n which_o the_o apostle_n before_o approve_v in_o and_o with_o respect_n unto_o such_o as_o make_v conscience_n of_o circumcision_n and_o the_o observe_v of_o day_n before_o they_o have_v so_o receive_v the_o spirit_n as_o to_o be_v lead_v out_o of_o it_o that_o be_v many_o of_o the_o believe_a jew_n who_o he_o say_v the_o apostle_n do_v not_o condemn_v the_o same_o in_o until_o by_o faith_n they_o see_v beyond_o it_o 3d_o part_n pag._n 81._o observe_v here_o it_o be_v evident_a what_o kind_n of_o liberty_n this_o person_n will_v introduce_v a_o indulgence_n of_o under_o the_o notion_n and_o title_n of_o christian-liberty_n but_o his_o mistake_n in_o this_o matter_n appear_v very_o great_a for_o he_o take_v that_o to_o be_v christian-liberty_n which_o be_v no_o other_o in_o itself_o than_o a_o legal_a bondage_n or_o servitude_n as_o circumcision_n be_v with_o the_o legal_a observation_n of_o day_n which_o be_v not_o only_a shadow_n and_o mere_a type_n abolish_v by_o christ_n and_o nail_v to_o his_o cross_n as_o inconsistent_a with_o that_o evangelical_n dispensation_n the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n be_v in_o but_o also_o count_v a_o yoke_n and_o bondage_n act_v 15._o 10._o gal._n 5._o cap._n and_o not_o a_o christian-liberty_n their_o testimony_n be_v absolute_a for_o christ_n abolish_n and_o end_v these_o type_n and_o shadow_n under_o the_o law_n but_o christ_n do_v not_o abolish_v christian-liberty_n nor_o do_v the_o apostle_n forbear_v their_o absolute_a testimony_n to_o christ_n as_o the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n because_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o see_v the_o end_n of_o thing_n abolish_v nor_o yet_o do_v they_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o christian-liberty_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o circumcision_n or_o those_o thing_n abolish_v but_o that_o the_o veil_n be_v over_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o do_v not_o see_v to_o the_o end_n of_o thing_n abolish_v we_o grant_v there_o be_v a_o christian-forbearance_n towards_o the_o weakness_n of_o believe_v jew_n in_o circumcision_n etc._n etc._n but_o not_o a_o christian-liberty_n declare_v in_o the_o practice_n thereof_o our_o opposer_n have_v great_o err_v in_o this_o point_n and_o extend_v his_o liberty_n too_o far_o in_o this_o and_o many_o other_o matter_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o have_v manifest_o contradict_v himself_o have_v in_o his_o first_o part_n pag._n 73._o confess_v that_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 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 the_o law_n write_v therein_o see_v now_o how_o inconsistent_a this_o man_n work_n be_v sure_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o labour_n to_o draw_v they_o off_o from_o a_o christian-liberty_n nor_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o and_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n witness_v to_o the_o inward_a circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n inward_a and_o law_n inward_a this_o man_n who_o be_v thâ—s_o discompose_v in_o his_o work_n shall_v not_o have_v meddle_v so_o much_o with_o point_n of_o divinity_n which_o he_o appear_v so_o little_a skilful_a in_o he_o dream_n so_o much_o of_o liberty_n that_o he_o be_v great_o bewilder_v in_o the_o mannagement_n of_o it_o and_o what_o be_v the_o tendence_n of_o his_o work_n but_o to_o invalidate_v the_o christian_a authority_n care_n and_o oversight_n that_o god_n have_v set_v up_o in_o his_o church_n and_o people_n among_o we_o the_o case_n further_o explain_v but_o to_o take_v w._n r_n notion_n of_o christian-liberty_n in_o the_o best_a and_o most_o charitable_a sense_n of_o his_o intention_n viz._n not_o to_o judge_v one_o another_o about_o the_o outward_a circumstance_n of_o discipline_n nor_o urge_v they_o with_o severity_n on_o rom._n 14._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o he_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n receive_v but_o not_o to_o doubtful_a disputation_n one_o man_n believe_v that_o he_o may_v eat_v all_o thing_n another_o who_o be_v weak_a eat_v herb_n 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 and_o vers._n 5._o one_o man_n esteem_v one_o day_n above_o another_o another_o esteem_v every_o day_n alike_o let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n we_o do_v testify_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o where_o this_o be_v real_o the_o case_n of_o any_o one_o weak_a in_o the_o faith_n who_o be_v under_o some_o private_a scruple_n or_o dissatisfaction_n of_o conscience_n yet_o peaceable_o mind_v and_o have_v his_o faith_n to_o himself_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v christian_a tenderness_n and_o forbearance_n towards_o such_o and_o no_o urge_v with_o severity_n for_o too_o much_o of_o that_o we_o mean_v of_o severity_n or_o zeal_n without_o true_a knowledge_n or_o wisdom_n from_o god_n may_v possible_o discourage_v the_o weak_a drive_v and_o scatter_v from_o truth_n into_o prejudice_n and_o make_v some_o desperate_a hard_a and_o careless_a but_o tender_a persuasion_n and_o instruction_n towards_o such_o be_v needful_a and_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o be_v severe_a in_o such_o case_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v teach_v and_o daily_o teach_v his_o servant_n how_o to_o bear_v the_o burden_n of_o the_o weak_a one_o and_o their_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n to_o help_v they_o and_o not_o drive_v they_o out_o for_o a_o private_a difference_n in_o opinion_n or_o judgement_n in_o one_o that_o be_v peaceable_a though_o but_o weak_a may_v be_v better_o bear_v than_o public_a opposition_n and_o contention_n in_o the_o church_n but_o where_o person_n may_v differ_v only_o in_o judgement_n in_o some_o outward_a thing_n or_o circumstance_n from_o the_o society_n they_o belong_v to_o and_o yet_o will_v be_v contentious_a strive_v with_o oppose_v and_o disturb_v their_o brethren_n or_o the_o meeting_n they_o belong_v to_o and_o seek_v to_o make_v party_n raise_v annimosity_n sow_v discord_n and_o strife_n cause_n division_n and_o separation_n whisper_v murmur_v backbite_v and_o complain_v against_o their_o brethren_n who_o be_v unanimous_a and_o conscientious_a towards_o god_n in_o what_o they_o believe_v be_v convenient_a and_o good_a order_n the_o opposer_n imagine_v themselves_o to_o be_v strong_a and_o wise_a than_o all_o the_o rest_n not_o be_v content_a to_o be_v quiet_a nor_o to_o demean_v themselves_o peaceable_a under_o their_o differ_a opinion_n this_o be_v not_o tender_a brotherly_a nor_o sociable_a but_o to_o be_v avoid_v and_o they_o mark_v mark_v they_o that_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n and_o avoid_v they_o if_o any_o man_n lust_n to_o be_v contentious_a we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n there_o can_v be_v no_o unity_n in_o orderly_a proceed_n in_o the_o church_n without_o love_n &_o concord_n there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a society_n hold_v without_o agreement_n due_a order_n and_o method_n be_v of_o one_o mind_n be_v of_o one_o judgement_n be_v of_o one_o accord_n do_v all_o thing_n without_o murmur_a and_o dispute_n let_v nothing_o be_v do_v through_o strife_n or_o vain_a glory_n whosoever_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v elder_n and_o overseer_n in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v at_o variance_n and_o do_v not_o accord_v with_o faithful_a brethren_n in_o public_a wholesome_a counsel_n and_o advice_n to_o the_o young_a sort_n nor_o to_o agree_v in_o due_a method_n and_o orderly_a proceed_n these_o be_v wrong_a this_o their_o way_n tend_v to_o distract_v those_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n who_o shall_v be_v help_v by_o good_a and_o unanimous_a counsel_n and_o advice_n those_o that_o mind_n not_o peace_n nor_o unity_n &_o concord_n with_o their_o brethren_n in_o due_a and_o orderly_a proceed_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o advise_v other_o they_o have_v better_o keep_v at_o home_n than_o disturb_v meeting_n and_o confound_v the_o weak_a it_o be_v a_o shame_n for_o such_o to_o undertake_v the_o place_n or_o office_n of_o elder_n overseer_n and_o counsellor_n of_o other_o who_o be_v neither_o sound_n nor_o unanimous_a in_o judgement_n and_o advice_n themselves_o with_o they_o who_o be_v for_o peace_n and_o good_a order_n and_o to_o prevent_v reproach_n and_o scandal_n but_o be_v ready_a to_o let_v loose_a youth_n and_o let_v up_o a_o spirit_n of_o false_a and_o fleshly_a liberty_n under_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n for_o instance_n set_v case_n two_o young_a person_n about_o to_o
property_n or_o the_o property_n of_o any_o other_o people_n in_o outward_a thing_n but_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v and_o stand_v for_o justice_n and_o right_n between_o man_n and_o man_n against_o all_o injurious_a and_o unjust_a action_n and_o deal_n we_o be_v for_o do_v to_o all_o man_n as_o we_o will_v they_o shall_v do_v unto_o we_o god_n be_v our_o record_n for_o our_o christian_a principle_n and_o conscientious_a tenderness_n in_o these_o matter_n however_o our_o adversary_n have_v asperse_v we_o to_o the_o contrary_a from_o his_o perverse_a and_o cruel_a jealousy_n disaffect_v xlii_o in_o the_o title_n page_n of_o the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n so_o call_v there_o be_v this_o passage_n viz._n w._n r._n manifest_v that_o there_o be_v but_o two_o sort_n of_o government_n own_v by_o the_o child_n of_o light_n or_o christian-quaker_n one_o be_v the_o outward_a government_n under_o which_o we_o live_v the_o other_o be_v the_o inward_a government_n of_o christ_n who_o alone_o be_v lord_n over_o the_o conscience_n which_o be_v not_o represent_v by_o person_n visible_a by_o carnal_a eye_n invest_v with_o power_n from_o he_o to_o execute_v outward_a law_n prescription_n order_n edict_n or_o decree_n in_o a_o outward_a form_n of_o government_n 1672._o visible_a as_o aforesaid_a observe_v first_o that_o w._n r._n and_o his_o party_n be_v by_o he_o account_v the_o christian-quaker_n and_o child_n of_o light_n and_o that_o all_o those_o that_o be_v not_o in_o unity_n with_o he_o and_o they_o nor_o of_o his_o party_n be_v count_v apostate_n and_o innovator_n and_o why_o so_o but_o because_o they_o be_v for_o some_o outward_a law_n order_n etc._n etc._n in_o a_o outward_a form_n of_o order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v visible_a second_o that_o this_o outward_a order_n and_o visible_a form_n be_v such_o as_o by_o his_o sense_n and_o state_n of_o the_o case_n be_v both_o render_v obnoxious_a to_o the_o outward_a government_n under_o which_o we_o live_v and_o against_o the_o inward_a government_n of_o christ_n insomuch_o that_o all_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n who_o be_v for_o outward_a and_o visible_a form_n and_o order_n among_o they_o be_v put_v under_o the_o character_n of_o the_o apostate_n and_o innovator_n and_o this_o still_o tend_v to_o expose_v they_o to_o persecution_n whereas_o our_o innocent_a conversation_n and_o peaceable_a deportment_n towards_o the_o outward_a government_n under_o which_o we_o live_v have_v be_v and_o be_v well_o know_v to_o be_v such_o as_o neither_o our_o opposer_n be_v able_a to_o disprove_v nor_o need_v we_o here_o vindicate_v ourselves_o therein_o although_o unjust_o render_v as_o neither_o consistent_a with_o the_o outward_a and_o national_a government_n which_o have_v be_v the_o charge_n of_o our_o persecutor_n nor_o yet_o with_o christ_n inward_a and_o spiritual_a government_n this_o appear_v not_o only_o malicious_a but_o absurd_a as_o if_o because_o christ_n immediate_a government_n and_o kingdom_n be_v inward_a and_o spiritual_a in_o the_o conscience_n therefore_o he_o must_v have_v no_o visible_a minister_n in_o his_o kingdom_n no_o visible_a order_n and_o form_n of_o government_n under_o his_o dominion_n no_o visible_a person_n exercise_v in_o any_o rule_n outward_a order_n law_n or_o decree_n under_o his_o government_n as_o if_o all_o christ_n minister_n apostle_n elder_n overseer_n help_n government_n which_o be_v appoint_v by_o he_o in_o his_o church_n with_o all_o the_o instruction_n decree_n and_o command_v of_o the_o apostle_n set_v in_o order_n thing_n that_o be_v lack_v do_v all_o thing_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n be_v aâ—â—_n invisible_a and_o nothing_o outward_a visible_a or_o formal_a because_o christ_n inward_a and_o spiritual_a government_n whence_o these_o proceed_v be_v invisible_a we_o can_v make_v no_o better_o argue_v than_o this_o kind_n in_o our_o adversary_n distinction_n of_o his_o christian-quaker_n from_o the_o apostate_n and_o innovator_n nor_o deduce_v a_o more_o natural_a inference_n from_o his_o opposition_n against_o visible_a person_n be_v concern_v in_o a_o outward_a form_n of_o government_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n but_o three_o how_o do_v he_o consist_v with_o himself_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o paper_n which_o he_o say_v be_v account_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o separation_n in_o the_o north_n 2d_o part_n pag._n 78._o which_o paper_n be_v subscribe_v by_o his_o say_a honourable_a friend_n j._n w._n and_o j._n s._n and_o above_o eighty_o more_o person_n in_o which_o paper_n be_v these_o word_n and_o term_n viz._n we_o who_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o church_n and_o in_o their_o behalf_n to_o act_n some_o of_o other_o county_n and_o some_o among_o ourselves_o not_o choose_v by_o the_o church_n have_v usurp_v authority_n over_o we_o the_o meeting_n by_o who_o we_o be_v employ_v our_o man_n who_o have_v their_o authority_n give_v they_o by_o the_o church_n choice_n and_o consent_n be_v hinder_v by_o other_o not_o so_o appoint_v to_o who_o we_o give_v no_o power_n by_o our_o consent_n but_o do_v deny_v that_o they_o have_v have_v authority_n from_o we_o to_o dispose_v of_o our_o collection_n or_o record_n or_o order_n or_o matter_n of_o our_o concern_v our_o choose_a man_n they_o who_o be_v not_o choose_v by_o the_o church_n you_o who_o be_v concern_v and_o right_o choose_v by_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n with_o many_o other_o passage_n in_o the_o say_a paper_n all_o which_o intimate_a authority_n power_n and_o government_n together_o with_o record_n order_n etc._n etc._n what_o power_n as_o a_o church_n they_o assurn_v to_o choose_v person_n to_o act_v in_o their_o concern_v and_o give_v power_n to_o person_n therein_o so_o that_o here_o be_v w._n r_n great_a intimate_v friend_n for_o a_o sort_n of_o a_o church-government_n authority_n order_n instruction_n prescription_n etc._n etc._n do_v he_o not_o deserve_v to_o be_v severe_o reprove_v by_o they_o for_o so_o manifest_o contradict_v they_o who_o cause_n he_o pretend_v to_o plead_v by_o his_o publish_v such_o a_o great_a book_n against_o church-government_n visible_a form_n order_n etc._n etc._n and_o now_o we_o will_v ask_v w._n r._n if_o those_o church_n choose_v and_o give_v power_n to_o other_o and_o the_o person_n choose_v to_o be_v employ_v in_o their_o affair_n be_v all_o invisible_a and_o their_o affair_n and_o business_n invisible_a and_o their_o respective_a meeting_n with_o the_o method_n they_o intend_v therein_o invisible_a and_o their_o record_n and_o order_n invisible_a sure_o the_o say_a paper_n of_o they_o with_o the_o limit_v prescription_n therein_o be_v not_o invisible_a any_o more_o than_o the_o person_n that_o form_v they_o four_o but_o see_v w._n r._n be_v so_o much_o for_o invisibility_n in_o church-order_n government_n etc._n etc._n it_o have_v be_v well_o his_o great_a book_n of_o division_n and_o those_o his_o confuse_a opposition_n and_o gainsaying_n have_v never_o be_v so_o visible_a but_o keep_v all_o invisible_a that_o he_o may_v not_o have_v trouble_v poor_a simplehearted_n friend_n and_o the_o world_n with_o such_o his_o groundless_a jealousy_n and_o ill_o manage_v controversy_n we_o be_v persuade_v if_o this_o his_o fruitless_a work_n have_v be_v all_o keep_v in_o obscurity_n and_o invisibility_n it_o have_v be_v far_o more_o reputable_a for_o he_o than_o it_o now_o be_v or_o ever_o like_a to_o be_v in_o its_o visibility_n howbeit_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o he_o vary_v in_o his_o objection_n against_o visible_a person_n be_v invest_v with_o power_n to_o execute_v law_n prescription_n order_n etc._n etc._n under_o christ_n government_n in_o a_o outward_a visible_a form_n whereas_o this_o objection_n be_v absolute_a in_o other_o place_n he_o seem_v to_o restrict_n and_o qualify_v it_o with_o this_o frequent_a addition_n viz._n whether_o they_o see_v it_o their_o duty_n or_o no_o that_o be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o obey_v outward_a prescription_n order_n etc._n etc._n unless_o they_o see_v it_o their_o duty_n as_o for_o instance_n see_v his_o 3d_o part_n p._n 9_o pretend_a on_o behalf_n of_o christ_n government_n and_o his_o spirit_n be_v guidance_n into_o all_o truth_n he_o give_v this_o testimony_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n either_o from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o we_o or_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o we_o to_o believe_v that_o any_o christian_a professor_n can_v in_o truth_n affirm_v that_o there_o be_v outward_a prescription_n and_o order_n give_v forth_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n through_o any_o one_o or_o more_o mortal_a man_n in_o this_o our_o day_n which_o other_o ought_v to_o obey_v and_o follow_v whether_o they_o see_v it_o their_o duty_n or_o no._n observe_v again_o here_o that_o his_o objection_n be_v not_o absolute_a as_o before_o against_o visible_a person_n be_v invest_v with_o power_n from_o christ_n
propose_v their_o intention_n of_o marriage_n to_o a_o meeting_n shall_v pretend_v a_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n whether_o from_o themselves_o or_o as_o they_o be_v prepossess_v by_o other_o for_o not_o propose_v it_o a_o second_o time_n and_o some_o pretend_v to_o sit_v as_o overseer_n in_o the_o meeting_n take_v part_n with_o they_o abet_v and_o plead_v for_o such_o liberty_n therein_o against_o come_v a_o second_o time_n and_o against_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o meeting_n who_o be_v tender_o and_o conscientious_o concern_v for_o that_o good_a and_o needful_a order_n of_o propose_v the_o marriage_n twice_o they_o that_o oppose_v this_o and_o plead_v a_o liberty_n to_o come_v but_o once_o be_v therein_o unsociable_a and_o what_o they_o stand_v for_o be_v not_o in_o reality_n tender_a conscience_n but_o flesh_n and_o fleshly_a will_n it_o look_v not_o like_o the_o pure_a spirit_n but_o flesh_n nor_o like_o tender_a conscience_n but_o selfwill_a and_o humour_n what!_o a_o tender_a conscience_n against_o so_o much_o patience_n temperance_n and_o due_a order_n as_o to_o forbear_v consumnate_v the_o marriage_n until_o lay_v before_o the_o meet_v a_o second_o time_n and_o that_o both_o for_o example_n to_o other_o and_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o meeting_n touch_v the_o party_n clearness_n there_o can_v be_v no_o honest_a pretence_n of_o conscience_n for_o such_o irregularity_n hasty_a and_o abrupt_a procedure_v let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o due_a order_n our_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n and_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o love_v good_a order_n now_o it_o be_v evident_a our_o present_a controversy_n lie_v not_o with_o person_n that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n scruple_n meat_n and_o esteem_v one_o day_n above_o another_o nor_o with_o such_o as_o do_v conscientious_o scruple_n to_o proceed_v with_o we_o in_o some_o outward_a matter_n of_o order_n or_o discipline_n and_o desire_v only_a to_o wait_v in_o quietness_n until_o satisfy_v by_o inward_a light_n and_o conviction_n but_o with_o some_o few_o person_n that_o think_v themselves_o strong_a and_o wise_a than_o all_o their_o brethren_n beside_o and_o thereupon_o be_v restless_a and_o turbulent_a in_o their_o opposition_n and_o gainsay_v spirit_n so_o that_o the_o case_n in_o controversy_n or_o difference_n may_v be_v in_o general_n thus_o state_v viz._n they_o cry_v out_o imposition_n too_o much_o severity_n urge_v with_o severity_n etc._n etc._n we_o complain_v of_o opposition_n against_o thing_n in_o themselves_o innocent_a and_o needful_a for_o due_a order_n and_o against_o draw_v back_o into_o a_o libertine_n spirit_n contempt_n and_o gainsaying_n in_o w._n r._n and_o a_o few_o that_o be_v his_o abettor_n they_o cry_v against_o outward_a form_n method_n and_o order_n visible_a form_n of_o church-government_n and_o discipline_n pretend_v a_o fear_n of_o get_v too_o much_o into_o the_o form_n go_v from_o the_o power_n inward_a teacher_n etc._n etc._n we_o may_v rather_o plead_v a_o fear_n of_o the_o other_o extreme_a i._n e._n that_o by_o oppose_a form_n due_a order_n and_o method_n they_o will_v be_v so_o in_o form_n confuse_a and_o void_a of_o good_a order_n due_a method_n and_o discipline_n that_o they_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o let_v up_o a_o libertine_n spirit_n looseness_n ranterism_n wilfulness_n and_o contempt_n in_o youth_n against_o the_o godly_a care_n oversight_n good_a government_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o through_o their_o neglect_n of_o true_a judgement_n due_a care_n and_o order_n they_o will_v let_v in_o ranterism_n and_o confusion_n and_o the_o spirit_n and_o anarchy_n of_o the_o ranter_n over_o they_o this_o be_v our_o serious_a sense_n and_o state_n of_o the_o case_n which_o we_o recommend_v to_o god_n faithful_a witness_n inward_a and_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o sincere_a tender-hearted_a friend_n who_o be_v zealous_a for_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o holy_a name_n and_o truth_n disaffect_v xlv_o preface_n pag._n 11_o 12_o 13._o w._n r._n on_o g._n f_o '_o s_z word_n in_o a_o letter_n from_o amsterdam_n the_o 14_o of_o the_o seven_o month_n 1677._o he_o thus_o cite_v g._n f_n word_n viz._n and_o you_o that_o have_v give_v your_o testimony_n against_o that_o spirit_n stand_v in_o your_o testimony_n till_o they_o answer_v by_o condemnation_n and_o do_v not_o strive_v and_o make_v bargain_n with_o that_o which_o be_v out_o of_o the_o truth_n against_o which_o w._n r._n proceed_v thus_o viz._n clearly_n show_v a_o design_n of_o imposition_n and_o that_o so_o far_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o obstruct_v friend_n from_o bargain_v with_o such_o who_o he_o condemn_v by_o which_o if_o his_o meaning_n be_v that_o he_o will_v not_o have_v friend_n to_o discourse_v with_o such_o nor_o yet_o to_o agree_v about_o any_o orderly_a conference_n in_o order_n to_o a_o reconciliation_n or_o hear_n of_o difference_n then_o his_o own_o practice_n afterward_o condemn_v his_o own_o direction_n in_o submit_v to_o a_o limit_v meet_v with_o i_o within_o the_o city_n of_o bristol_n in_o the_o 12_o month_n 1677._o gainsayer_n be_v to_o be_v convince_v by_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o rational_a to_o conclude_v that_o g._n f._n who_o endeavour_n that_o other_o shall_v avoid_v such_o conference_n do_v not_o give_v just_a cause_n of_o jealousy_n that_o he_o be_v of_o that_o number_n who_o the_o apostle_n repute_v ungodly_a vain_a talker_n and_o deceiver_n but_o if_o otherwise_o his_o meaning_n be_v that_o such_o who_o he_o condemn_v have_v no_o right_n to_o bargain_n buy_v or_o sell_v until_o they_o answer_v by_o condemnation_n than_o i_o may_v just_o term_v that_o to_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o the_o beast_n speak_v of_o rev._n 13._o 17._o where_o it_o be_v thus_o say_v no_o man_n may_v buy_v nor_o sell_v save_v he_o that_o have_v the_o mark_n or_o name_n of_o the_o beast_n let_v the_o reader_n take_v either_o of_o these_o two_o meaning_n for_o a_o three_o i_o can_v think_v of_o and_o it_o be_v the_o mark_n of_o a_o deceiver_n of_o such_o as_o dwell_v on_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v the_o term_n wherein_o john_n rev._n 13._o 14._o describe_v the_o beast_n he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v let_v he_o hear_v observe_v he_o give_v a_o positive_a judgement_n against_o g._n f._n as_o a_o deceiver_n upon_o his_o own_o uncertain_a supposition_n of_o his_o meaning_n and_o that_o because_o he_o can_v think_v of_o a_o three_o he_o suppose_v doubtful_o g._n f_n mean_v two_o way_n that_o be_v if_o his_o meaning_n by_o not_o make_v bargain_n be_v that_o he_o will_v not_o have_v friend_n discourse_n with_o such_o or_o not_o buy_v or_o sell_v with_o they_o conclude_v it_o must_v be_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o of_o these_o by_o bid_v the_o reader_n take_v either_o of_o these_o two_o meaning_n and_o it_o be_v the_o mark_n of_o a_o deceiver_n the_o mark_n of_o the_o beast_n etc._n etc._n he_o have_v false_o suppose_v two_o meaning_n or_o two_o if_o his_o and_o thereupon_o give_v his_o positive_a judgement_n to_o render_v g._n f._n a_o deceiver_n compare_v he_o with_o the_o beast_n and_o as_o cause_v other_o to_o receive_v his_o mark_n etc._n etc._n and_o what_o for_o but_o for_o exhort_v friend_n to_o keep_v to_o their_o testimony_n against_o that_o spirit_n to_o wit_n the_o spirit_n of_o division_n and_o separation_n and_o not_o to_o strive_v and_o make_v bargain_n with_o that_o which_o be_v out_o of_o the_o truth_n the_o true_a intent_n whereof_o be_v not_o to_o make_v peace_n with_o that_o spirit_n in_o its_o own_o term_n nor_o to_o come_v under_o it_o contrary_a to_o truth_n be_v testimony_n but_o w._n r._n turn_v the_o word_n from_o spirit_n to_o person_n whereas_o g._n f_n meaning_n can_v not_o be_v to_o forbid_v friend_n have_v any_o discourse_n or_o orderly_a conference_n for_o the_o convincement_n of_o the_o person_n mistake_v thereby_o nor_o yet_o to_o forbid_v friend_n buy_v and_o sell_v or_o trade_n with_o any_o of_o they_o therefore_o w._n r'_v suppose_v meaning_n be_v both_o false_a dark_a and_o silly_a and_o his_o positive_a judgement_n wicked_a and_o malicious_a void_a of_o all_o sincerity_n as_o well_o as_o of_o reason_n or_o good_a argument_n and_o if_o it_o be_v account_v plain_a forgery_n material_o to_o alter_v the_o sense_n of_o another_o man_n word_n as_o w._n r._n confess_v 5_o part_n p._n 84._o than_o be_v he_o himself_o guilty_a of_o plain_a forgery_n in_o this_o case_n for_o he_o have_v so_o material_o alter_v the_o sense_n and_o mean_v of_o g._n f_n word_n and_o w._n r_n comparison_n betwixt_o g._n f._n and_o the_o beast_n and_o between_o answer_v by_o condemnation_n and_o the_o mark_n of_o the_o beast_n be_v absurd_a malicious_a and_o wicked_a as_o if_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o g._n f._n in_o advise_v
in_o leave_v out_o account_v of_o william_n mead'_v engage_v on_o g._n f_n behalf_n for_o his_o giving_z w._n r._n a_o meeting_n but_o w._n r._n will_v not_o accept_v of_o his_o security_n in_o that_o case_n the_o matter_n be_v more_o particular_o thus_o viz._n william_n mead_n understanding_n that_o nicholas_n lucas_n and_o john_n barnard_n be_v concern_v on_o william_n rogers_n behalf_n for_o the_o bring_v forth_o of_o his_o book_n in_o print_n he_o ask_v they_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o will_v bring_v forth_o such_o a_o book_n as_o he_o hear_v it_o be_v they_o tell_v he_o that_o george_n fox_n will_v not_o give_v w._n r._n a_o meeting_n william_n mead_n reply_v that_o he_o do_v believe_v that_o g._n f._n will_v not_o decline_v give_v he_o a_o meeting_n nicholas_n lucas_n ask_v he_o if_o he_o will_v engage_v he_o shall_v give_v he_o a_o meeting_n william_n mead_n tell_v he_o it_o be_v not_o proper_a so_o to_o engage_v till_o he_o have_v speak_v with_o g._n f._n first_o whereupon_o william_n forthwith_o go_v and_o speak_v with_o g._n f._n about_o it_o who_o very_o free_o and_o ready_o answer_v that_o if_o william_n rogers_n desire_v it_o he_o will_v meet_v he_o in_o his_o own_o way_n before_o person_n choose_v on_o each_o side_n provide_v he_o come_v within_o a_o certain_a time_n while_o he_o stay_v in_o or_o about_o the_o city_n with_o which_o answer_n the_o very_a next_o day_n on_o the_o exchange_n william_n mead_n acquaint_v nicholas_n lucas_n then_o add_v that_o he_o now_o will_v engage_v on_o g._n f_n behalf_n that_o he_o shall_v certain_o give_v vv._n r._n a_o meeting_n whereupon_o nicholas_n lucas_n seem_v to_o be_v satisfy_v and_o say_v he_o will_v stay_v the_o come_n forth_o of_o the_o book_n and_o say_v he_o will_v write_v to_o william_n rogers_n about_o it_o some_o time_n after_o nicholas_n lucas_n meet_v william_n mead_n upon_o the_o exchange_n tell_v he_o he_o have_v write_v to_o william_n rogers_n and_o receive_v his_o answer_n which_o be_v that_o he_o will_v have_v it_o under_o george_n fox_n his_o hand_n william_n mead_n forthwith_o again_o speak_v with_o g._n f._n about_o it_o who_o say_v he_o matter_a not_o the_o give_v it_o under_o his_o hand_n but_o that_o he_o be_v sensible_a they_o will_v make_v a_o ill_a use_n of_o it_o in_o print_n for_o which_o very_a cause_n only_o he_o forbear_v give_v it_o under_o his_o hand_n but_o do_v not_o refuse_v give_v w._n r._n a_o meeting_n however_o then_o william_n mead_n do_v proffer_v very_o earnest_o to_o engage_v on_o behalf_n of_o g._n f._n for_o his_o certain_a give_v w._n r._n a_o meeting_n nicholas_n lucas_n his_o answer_n be_v that_o william_n rogers_n will_v not_o take_v his_o security_n in_o this_o matter_n a_o summary_n collection_n of_o more_o passage_n and_o acknowledgement_n in_o william_n rogers_n his_o book_n which_o may_v stand_v for_o answer_n to_o he_o and_o in_o condemnation_n against_o himself_o and_o to_o the_o manifest_a confutation_n of_o all_o that_o he_o have_v write_v or_o can_v write_v in_o general_a against_o a_o form_n of_o church-government_n outward_a order_n discipline_n etc._n etc._n in_o his_o own_o word_n grant_v to_o truth_n our_o expectation_n be_v that_o 16._o every_o member_n shall_v there_o appear_v in_o subjection_n to_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o high_a power_n unto_o which_o as_o member_n of_o his_o body_n we_o owe_v obedience_n in_o this_o sense_n we_o ready_o embrace_v the_o counsel_n to_o meet_v together_o to_o serve_v but_o not_o to_o bear_v rule_n over_o one_o another_o conscience_n and_o the_o matter_n intend_v by_o we_o to_o be_v transact_v in_o those_o meeting_n and_o by_o other_o also_o as_o far_o as_o we_o understand_v be_v chief_o to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o poor_a the_o fatherless_a and_o the_o widow_n and_o that_o if_o any_o profess_v the_o truth_n and_o dishoncured_a the_o same_o by_o profane_a and_o evil_a conversation_n we_o may_v by_o such_o way_n and_o mean_n as_o the_o lord_n on_o every_o occasion_n may_v direct_v part_v 1._o pag._n 38._o we_o be_v not_o against_o appoint_a meeting_n for_o the_o outward_a service_n of_o truth_n for_o that_o have_v be_v and_o be_v our_o practice_n know_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o service_n therein_o as_o occasion_n offer_v provide_v all_o in_o such_o meeting_n may_v be_v keep_v in_o humility_n as_o servant_n each_o to_o other_o and_o the_o truth_n not_o exercise_v lordship_n over_o the_o conscience_n which_o be_v god_n prerogative_n part_n 2._o pag._n 64_o 65._o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n tell_v we_o that_o jesus_n be_v the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n no_o doubt_n this_o be_v not_o a_o work_n do_v in_o a_o moment_n or_o twinkle_v of_o a_o eye_n for_o though_o he_o be_v the_o author_n &_o object_n of_o every_o true_a christian_a faith_n yet_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o such_o as_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o many_o exhortation_n reproof_n and_o instruction_n to_o build_v they_o up_o in_o the_o most_o holy_a faith_n and_o all_o this_o may_v be_v attribute_v to_o christ_n the_o author_n thereof_o part_n 3._o pag._n 34._o the_o apostle_n 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 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 submit_v yourselves_o one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n part_n 3._o pag._n 41._o if_o difference_n arise_v between_o brother_n and_o brother_n i_o do_v conclude_v that_o go_v to_o law_n before_o unbeliever_n be_v a_o indication_n that_o one_o or_o both_o be_v depart_v from_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o such_o who_o be_v at_o variance_n to_o request_v such_o brethren_n as_o be_v skill_v in_o the_o matter_n touch_v which_o they_o differ_v to_o hear_v and_o determine_v the_o case_n and_o then_o of_o a_o willing_a and_o ready_a mind_n and_o not_o as_o by_o constraint_n to_o submit_v unto_o such_o determination_n and_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o a_o incumbant_fw-la duty_n on_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n to_o be_v watch_v over_o one_o another_o so_o as_o that_o by_o wholesome_a counsel_n admonition_n and_o sound_a doctrine_n all_o variance_n strife_n emulation_n rent_n and_o division_n both_o in_o relation_n to_o temporal_a as_o well_o as_o spiritual_a matter_n may_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v be_v keep_v out_o from_o among_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n part_n 3._o pag._n 23._o not_o that_o i_o will_v be_v understand_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o outward_a order_n with_o respect_n to_o that_o gospel_n discipline_n which_o become_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n pag._n 24._o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n have_v and_o may_v further_o lead_v into_o the_o practice_n of_o outward_a order_n in_o discipline_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n this_o be_v a_o very_a fair_a confession_n in_o word_n to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o much_o of_o his_o book_n part_n 4._o pag._n 38._o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n their_o testimony_n viz._n 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 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 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 part_n 4._o pag._n 24._o as_o particular_a member_n be_v become_v marry_v unto_o christ_n and_o have_v all_o fellowship_n each_o with_o other_o in_o the_o spirit_n those_o who_o be_v such_o aught_o to_o demean_v themselves_o each_o towards_o other_o full_a of_o love_n charity_n bowel_n of_o compassion_n long-suffering_a forbearance_n meekness_n humility_n patience_n gentleness_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n that_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n a_o fair_a acknowledgement_n good_a word_n but_o these_o virtue_n and_o fruit_n be_v awanting_a in_o w._n r._n how_o do_v these_o acknowledgement_n agree_v with_o his_o uncharitable_a unchristian_a deal_v in_o his_o book_n part_n 4._o pag._n 100_o such_o who_o contend_v that_o their_o order_n for_o gospel_n discipline_n ought_v to_o spring_v from_o truth_n within_o