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for_o his_o kingdom_n not_o be_v of_o this_o world_n we_o can_v suppose_v that_o he_o give_v any_o temporal_a law_n for_o the_o outward_a government_n of_o it_o min._n if_o his_o command_n do_v extend_v only_o to_o spiritual_n why_o then_o do_v quaker_n apply_v they_o to_o temporal_n such_o as_o civil_a honour_n and_o civil_a title_n be_v but_o i_o pray_v resolve_v i_o whether_o a_o civil_a and_o natural_a title_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o express_v a_o civil_a and_o natural_a relation_n par._n what_o do_v you_o mean_v min._n my_o meaning_n be_v plain_a do_v you_o allow_v your_o servant_n to_o call_v you_o master_n or_o your_o child_n to_o call_v you_o father_n par._n shall_v i_o not_o allow_v they_o so_o to_o do_v they_o will_v have_v no_o other_o term_n of_o relation_n to_o call_v i_o by_o min._n now_o you_o have_v confute_v yourself_o par._n wherein_o min._n in_o allow_v your_o child_n to_o call_v you_o father_n and_o your_o servant_n master_n par._n possible_o i_o have_v be_v 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saviour_n command_n agree_v with_o the_o quaker_n interpretation_n of_o it_o than_o have_v st._n stephen_n and_o st._n paul_n be_v high_o reprovable_a when_o both_o begin_v their_o speech_n at_o jerusalem_n in_o these_o word_n man_n brethren_n and_o father_n etc._n etc._n act_v 7._o 2._o &_o 22._o 1._o be_v it_o not_o strange_a that_o they_o shall_v use_v the_o term_n of_o father_n when_o christ_n say_v call_v no_o man_n father_n and_o as_o high_o reprovable_a for_o enjoin_v servant_n to_o obey_v their_o master_n when_o christ_n have_v say_v call_v no_o man_n master_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o the_o gospel_n continue_v the_o duty_n to_o parent_n and_o master_n yet_o forbid_v the_o title_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o eph._n chap._n 6._o col._n chap._n 4._o par._n but_o if_o our_o lord_n condemn_v not_o all_o civil_a title_n what_o then_o do_v these_o word_n mean_v min._n for_o your_o satisfaction_n herein_o you_o must_v know_v that_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n have_v so_o 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the_o child_n of_o the_o land_n gen._n 23._o 12._o when_o eli_n reprove_v hannah_n suppose_v she_o have_v be_v drink_v the_o mistake_n whereof_o may_v have_v provoke_v she_o be_v innocent_a yet_o she_o make_v no_o passionate_a reply_n but_o say_v no_o my_o lord_n for_o i_o be_o a_o woman_n of_o a_o sorrowful_a spirit_n i_o sam._n 2._o 15._o pray_v observe_v with_o what_o civility_n mephibosheth_n congratulate_v david_n return_n at_o every_o address_n it_o be_v my_o lord_n the_o king_n let_v he_o take_v all_o for_o as_o much_o as_o my_o lord_n the_o king_n be_v return_v in_o peace_n 2_o sam._n 19_o 30._o next_o i_o will_v show_v you_o that_o there_o be_v the_o same_o strain_n along_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n st._n luke_n dedicate_a his_o gospel_n to_o theophilus_n salute_v he_o with_o the_o title_n of_o most_o excellent_a theophilus_n chap._n 1._o 3._o the_o apostle_n barnabas_n and_o paul_n cry_v among_o the_o people_n sir_n why_o do_v you_o these_o thing_n acts._n 14._o 15._o though_o festus_n be_v a_o heathen_a yet_o st._n paul_n address_v himself_o to_o he_o with_o the_o title_n of_o most_o noble_a festus_n acts._n 25._o 26._o and_o he_o no_o way_n abridge_v agrippa_n of_o his_o royal_a title_n but_o call_v he_o king_n agrippa_n and_o st._n john_n in_o his_o second_o epistle_n write_v to_o the_o elect_a lady_n and_o st._n peter_n commend_v sarah_n not_o only_o for_o obey_v abraham_n but_o also_o for_o call_v he_o lord_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 6._o and_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n more_o which_o be_v to_o i_o very_o remarkable_a that_o friendship_n be_v a_o great_a moral_a and_o christian_a duty_n but_o then_o take_v friend_n as_o it_o be_v a_o civil_a title_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n give_v it_o even_o to_o that_o infamous_a traitor_n judas_n matth._n 27._o 50._o friend_n wherefore_o be_v thou_o come_v par._n i_o thank_v you_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n that_o you_o have_v give_v i_o herein_o and_o if_o you_o please_v i_o will_v go_v on_o to_o propound_v my_o next_o scruple_n you_o expect_v that_o all_o good_a christian_n shall_v join_v in_o communion_n with_o you_o and_o what_o reason_n have_v they_o so_o to_o do_v when_o in_o your_o service-book_n you_o confess_v yourselves_o not_o only_a sinner_n but_o miserable_a sinner_n and_o will_v you_o have_v we_o join_v with_o sinner_n min._n to_o put_v a_o speedy_a end_n to_o this_o debate_n pray_v resolve_v i_o whether_o you_o own_o confession_n of_o sin_n to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o humble_a penitent_a par._n it_o be_v yield_v that_o confession_n of_o sin_n be_v a_o duty_n because_o enjoin_v by_o these_o scripture_n psal._n 33._o 18._o behold_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o upon_o they_o that_o hope_v in_o his_o mercy_n 1_o joh._n 1._o 9_o if_o we_o confess_v
be_v necessary_o employ_v for_o how_o can_v he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v perfect_a who_o be_v subject_a to_o sin_n min._n now_o i_o will_v show_v you_o from_o this_o very_a instance_n which_o the_o quaker_n use_v to_o prove_v perfection_n by_o according_a to_o their_o notion_n of_o it_o that_o it_o overthrow_v the_o tenant_n which_o they_o think_v to_o establish_v by_o it_o and_o that_o by_o compare_v it_o with_o gen._n 9_o 20_o 21._o where_o we_o read_v that_o noah_n be_v drink_v &_o uncover_v in_o his_o tent._n it_o may_v be_v add_v that_o some_o of_o great_a note_n do_v expound_v perfect_a in_o his_o generation_n to_o be_v mean_v comparative_o that_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o man_n of_o that_o age._n 29._o a_o generation_n like_o that_o in_o which_o st._n salvian_n 6._o live_v wherein_o it_o be_v account_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o holiness_n to_o be_v less_o vicious_a your_o next_o instance_n be_v of_o job_n of_o who_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o he_o be_v perfect_a and_o upright_o and_o that_o he_o fear_v god_n and_o eschew_v evil_a job_n 1._o 1._o uprightness_n there_o explain_v perfection_n a_o perfect_a man_n he_o be_v that_o be_v upright_o sincere_a a_o fear_a of_o god_n and_o lover_n of_o he_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o character_n that_o be_v give_v he_o have_v his_o fail_n according_o he_o make_v confession_n chap._n 7._o 20._o i_o have_v sin_v what_o shall_v i_o do_v unto_o thou_o o_o thou_o preserver_n of_o man_n see_v also_o chap._n 4._o 34._o and_o 42._o 6._o and_o job_n answer_v the_o lord_n and_o say_v behold_v i_o be_o vile_a and_o for_o your_o last_o instance_n of_o david_n you_o can_v be_v ignorant_a though_o he_o be_v a_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n that_o he_o fall_v into_o the_o heinous_a sin_n of_o adultery_n and_o murder_n and_o beside_o the_o 51_o psalm_n which_o he_o compose_v upon_o that_o sad_a occasion_n he_o pen_v other_o penitential_a psalm_n and_o prayer_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n which_o will_v be_v strange_a to_o ask_v if_o he_o be_v altogether_o free_a from_o they_o so_o that_o the_o quaker_n may_v as_o well_o write_v against_o those_o psalm_n as_o against_o the_o confession_n in_o our_o service_n book_n par._n if_o perfection_n signify_v not_o such_o a_o state_n as_o suppose_v we_o absolute_o free_a from_o all_o sin_n what_o then_o do_v it_o signify_v min._n as_o perfection_n be_v attribute_v to_o the_o saint_n in_o this_o life_n it_o general_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o sincerity_n and_o uprightness_n a_o serve_a god_n with_o a_o single_a heart_n without_o hypocrisy_n and_o guile_n and_o this_o you_o will_v find_v in_o such_o bibles_n as_o have_v marginal_a note_n in_o they_o perfect_a in_o gen._n 6._o 9_o be_v note_v upright_o and_o in_o gen._n 17_o 1._o upright_a and_o sincere_a and_o by_o observation_n you_o may_v find_v the_o like_a in_o more_o place_n for_o the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a might_n as_o well_o be_v translate_v upright_o as_o perfect_a see_v david_n last_o advice_n to_o his_o son_n 1_o chror_n 28._o 9_o and_o thou_o solomon_n my_o son_n know_v thou_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o father_n and_o serve_v he_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n that_o sincerity_n be_v there_o mean_v by_o a_o perfect_a heart_n will_v appear_v in_o the_o follow_a word_n for_o the_o lord_n search_v all_o heart_n and_o understand_v all_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o thought_n that_o be_v he_o see_v into_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o heart_n whether_o they_o be_v sincere_a or_o no._n par._n but_o what_o do_v you_o say_v to_o this_o text_n phil._n 3._o 15._o let_v we_o therefore_o as_o many_o as_o be_v perfect_a be_v thus_o mind_v min._n compare_v it_o with_o the_o 12_o verse_n where_o it_o be_v say_v not_o as_o though_o i_o have_v already_o attain_v either_o be_v already_o perfect_a make_v a_o right_a inference_n from_o the_o text_n compare_v and_o you_o will_v find_v the_o mistake_n par._n do_v you_o suppose_v the_o apostle_n contradict_v himself_o min._n the_o apostle_n word_n be_v justifiable_a from_o any_o contradiction_n allow_v the_o right_a construction_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v put_v upon_o they_o by_o perfect_a in_o the_o text_n object_v he_o mean_v no_o more_o than_o sincerity_n in_o his_o christian_a course_n by_o perfect_a in_o the_o 12_o verse_n a_o fullness_n of_o grace_n together_o with_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v but_o in_o a_o state_n of_o glory_n and_o immortality_n par._n how_o do_v that_o appear_v to_o be_v his_o sense_n min._n very_o plain_o from_o the_o 11_o verse_n if_o by_o any_o mean_n i_o may_v attain_v to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a than_o follow_v not_o as_o though_o i_o have_v attain_v either_o be_v already_o perfect_a intimate_v that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v full_o perfect_a till_o he_o have_v attain_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a where_o you_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o sense_n we_o give_v of_o perfection_n be_v agreeable_a to_o st._n paul_n sense_n of_o it_o but_o you_o contradictory_n to_o it_o par._n if_o these_o scripture_n already_o name_v do_v not_o prove_v a_o unsinning_a perfection_n yet_o that_o of_o 1_o joh._n 5._o 18._o we_o know_v that_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o will_v put_v this_o question_n out_o of_o all_o doubt_n min._n that_o the_o quaker_n have_v a_o wrong_a notion_n of_o this_o scripture_n i_o hope_v to_o make_v evident_a to_o the_o mean_a capacity_n but_o before_o i_o proceed_v will_v you_o allow_v i_o this_o fundamental_a truth_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v no_o where_o contradict_v themselves_o par._n god_n forbid_v that_o such_o a_o thought_n shall_v enter_v into_o i_o that_o the_o infallible_a spirit_n by_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v can_v contradict_v himself_o min._n this_o be_v grant_v the_o text_n under_o our_o debate_n can_v be_v interpret_v to_o signify_v that_o any_o in_o this_o life_n have_v get_v a_o absolute_a conquest_n over_o all_o sin_n and_o that_o 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that_o we_o must_v suppose_v that_o when_o they_o so_o pray_v they_o have_v no_o trespass_n to_o forgive_v which_o very_a instance_n be_v inconsistent_a be_v enough_o to_o answer_v the_o objection_n par._n what_o then_o do_v these_o word_n real_o mean_a min._n the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n be_v this_o 1._o he_o sin_v not_o that_o sin_n unto_o death_n ver_fw-la 16._o by_o some_o expound_v to_o be_v the_o unpardonable_a sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n nor_o 2._o do_v he_o live_v in_o a_o wilful_a course_n and_o trade_n of_o sin_n 1_o 〈◊〉_d joh._n 3._o 9_o he_o make_v not_o sin_v his_o business_n he_o work_v not_o in_o it_o as_o a_o man_n do_v in_o his_o trade_n which_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o greek_a word_n in_o the_o text_n and_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o wicked_a man_n be_v call_v in_o scripture_n worker_n hor._n of_o iniquity_n because_o they_o do_v follow_v it_o as_o their_o business_n while_o sin_n of_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n which_o he_o daily_o strive_v and_o pray_v against_o be_v notwithstanding_o consistent_a with_o a_o regenerate_a estate_n par._n but_o be_v there_o not_o one_o clause_n in_o the_o text_n you_o mention_v which_o contradict_v the_o sense_n you_o have_v give_v of_o it_o wherein_o we_o read_v that_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n can_v sin_v whereof_o you_o have_v this_o reason_n give_v because_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n min._n the_o objection_n will_v soon_o be_v answer_v by_o consider_v what_o the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o the_o seed_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o new_a firm_a principle_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n wrought_v in_o he_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o which_o he_o be_v keep_v from_o habit_n of_o wilful_a and_o deliberate_a sin_n
our_o lord_n say_v matth._n 5._o 34._o but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o swear_v not_o at_o all_o and_o the_o same_o be_v repeat_v by_o the_o apostle_n james_n c._n 5._o 12._o from_o whence_o it_o appear_v all_o manner_n of_o oath_n be_v unlawful_a and_o they_o who_o say_v the_o contrary_a do_v live_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o gospel_n min._n you_o mince_v the_o text_n by_o take_v a_o piece_n of_o it_o only_o as_o your_o usual_a way_n be_v of_o which_o i_o hope_v to_o convince_v you_o in_o the_o process_n of_o this_o discourse_n in_o order_n whereunto_o i_o shall_v pitch_v upon_o this_o method_n follow_v first_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o that_o these_o word_n do_v not_o general_o forbid_v all_o manner_n of_o oath_n in_o that_o large_a sense_n you_o take_v they_o second_o i_o shall_v endèavour_v to_o give_v you_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n and_o show_v you_o what_o sort_n of_o swear_v be_v there_o forbid_a par._n it_o will_v very_o much_o contribute_v to_o my_o conviction_n if_o you_o do_v as_o you_o say_v pray_v you_o therefore_o first_o prove_v to_o i_o that_o the_o word_n do_v not_o forbid_v all_o manner_n of_o oath_n in_o that_o large_a sense_n wherein_o we_o take_v they_o min._n i_o shall_v do_v it_o in_o this_o order_n first_o by_o prove_v it_o a_o act_n of_o natural_a religion_n towards_o god_n second_o a_o act_n of_o necessary_a justice_n and_o charity_n towards_o man_n three_o that_o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o part_n of_o that_o moral_a and_o eternal_a law_n which_o our_o saviour_n profess_v he_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v but_o to_o fulfil_v and_o four_a that_o we_o find_v it_o practise_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n par._n i_o much_o desire_n to_o hear_v the_o first_o particular_a prove_v viz._n that_o a_o oath_n be_v a_o act_n of_o religion_n min._n i_o prove_v it_o first_o by_o reason_n second_o by_o consent_n of_o nation_n thus_o that_o whereby_o e._n we_o glorify_v god_n and_o adore_v his_o attribute_n be_v a_o act_n of_o religion_n but_o by_o a_o oath_n right_o take_v we_o glorify_v god_n and_o adore_v his_o attribute_n therefore_o such_o a_o oath_n be_v a_o act_n of_o religion_n the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o argument_n be_v evident_a of_o itself_o for_o what_o else_o be_v religion_n but_o to_o adore_v and_o glorify_v god_n in_o the_o humble_a acknowledgement_n of_o his_o attribute_n and_o that_o we_o do_v by_o a_o oath_n reverent_o take_v glorify_v god_n be_v clear_a from_o the_o nature_n and_o definition_n of_o it_o for_o a_o oath_n be_v a_o religious_a appeal_n unto_o god_n the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n as_o a_o witness_n of_o what_o we_o assert_v or_o promise_n and_o the_o avenger_n of_o perjury_n now_o that_o by_o such_o a_o reverend_a appeal_n unto_o god_n we_o glorify_v he_o appear_v in_o that_o we_o do_v therein_o make_v acknowledgement_n 1._o of_o god_n existence_n and_o be_v for_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v etc._n etc._n heb._n 11._o 6._o and_o a_o oath_n certain_o be_v one_o sort_n of_o come_v to_o god_n be_v a_o immediate_a appeal_n to_o he_o as_o witness_n and_o judge_n 2._o of_o his_o omnipresence_n and_o ubiquity_n that_o he_o be_v present_a in_o all_o place_n and_o at_o all_o time_n according_a to_o psalm_n 139._o whither_o shall_v i_o go_v from_o thy_o presence_n etc._n etc._n how_o can_v we_o call_v upon_o he_o either_o as_o witness_v of_o our_o sincerity_n or_o judge_n of_o our_o hypocrisy_n if_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v he_o within_o hear_v and_o therefore_o the_o not_o have_v god_n before_o our_o eye_n be_v in_o scripture_n the_o description_n of_o the_o most_o profligate_v wretchless_n state_n of_o sin_n 3._o herein_o we_o acknowledge_v his_o omniscience_n that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n style_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v naked_a and_o open_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o he_o with_o who_o we_o have_v then_o more_o immediate_o to_o do_v 4._o his_o truth_n and_o veracity_n a_o witness_v bring_v into_o the_o court_n that_o can_v lie_v nor_o be_v impose_v upon_o as_o say_v the_o apostle_n gal._n 6._o 7._o be_v not_o deceive_v god_n be_v not_o mock_v 5._o his_o providence_n and_o paternal_a care_n of_o the_o concern_v of_o mankind_n take_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o righteous_a into_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o help_v they_o to_o right_v that_o suffer_v wrong_a 6._o his_o superiority_n or_o rather_o supremacy_n over_o all_o thing_n according_a to_o that_o of_o st._n paul_n heb._n 6._o 16._o for_o very_o man_n swear_v by_o the_o great_a therefore_o in_o swear_v by_o he_o we_o own_v he_o to_o be_v supreme_a and_o most_o high_a 7._o we_o herein_o acknowledge_v his_o vindictive_a justice_n as_o he_o be_v a_o revenger_n of_o perjury_n such_o a_o one_o as_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n patronize_v iniquity_n fraud_n or_o guile_n exod._n 34._o 7._o and_o will_v both_o bring_v sin_n to_o light_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 5._o and_o punish_v it_o rom._n 12._o 19_o so_o that_o i_o hope_v you_o see_v by_o this_o time_n that_o a_o oath_n right_o circumstantiate_v and_o take_v viz._n in_o truth_n in_o judgement_n and_o in_o righteousness_n jer._n 4._o 2._o be_v a_o comprehensive_a part_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v such_o a_o solemn_a acknowledgement_n where_o by_o we_o glorify_v god_n existence_n omnipresence_n omniscience_n truth_n providence_n superiority_n and_o revenge_a justice_n how_o can_v you_o think_v it_o less_o than_o a_o duty_n fit_a to_o be_v command_v by_o god_n and_o to_o bear_v a_o part_n in_o the_o moral_a law_n as_o indeed_o we_o find_v it_o do_v deut._n 6._o 13._o thou_o shall_v fear_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o shall_v serve_v he_o and_o swear_v by_o his_o name_n and_o jer._n 4._o 2._o thou_o shall_v swear_v the_o lord_n live_v in_o truth_n in_o judgement_n and_o in_o righteousness_n par._n i_o have_v think_v that_o a_o oath_n have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o glorify_v god_n that_o it_o have_v be_v the_o only_a profanation_n of_o his_o name_n min._n then_o it_o will_v never_o at_o any_o time_n have_v be_v command_v par._n i_o confess_v this_o discourse_n incline_v i_o to_o some_o more_o consideration_n about_o it_o than_o hitherto_o i_o have_v enter_v into_o min._n therefore_o to_o confirm_v you_o further_o i_o shall_v resume_v the_o method_n propose_v and_o prove_v that_o a_o oath_n be_v a_o act_n of_o religion_n out_o of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o consent_n of_o nation_n as_o be_v evident_a to_o such_o as_o be_v conversant_a in_o ancient_a author_n aristotle_n the_o great_a philosopher_n say_v a_o oath_n be_v the_o most_o venerable_a thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o religion_n 〈◊〉_d cicero_n the_o learned_a orator_n give_v this_o account_n of_o a_o oath_n a_o oath_n be_v a_o religious_a affirmation_n and_o what_o you_o affirm_v or_o promise_v by_o take_v god_n to_o witness_v aught_o to_o be_v keep_v that_o be_v such_o a_o oath_n bind_v you_o to_o performance_n est_fw-la and_o elsewhere_o he_o have_v these_o word_n our_o forefather_n think_v no_o tie_n more_o fast_o to_o bind_v man_n faith_n than_o a_o oath_n voluerunt_fw-la and_o therefore_o ancient_o captain_n of_o war_n in_o list_v their_o soldier_n do_v always_o bind_v they_o to_o their_o fidelity_n with_o a_o oath_n which_o oath_n be_v have_v in_o so_o great_a reverence_n with_o they_o that_o they_o honour_v it_o with_o a_o religious_a title_n call_v it_o a_o sacrament_n or_o religious_a solemnity_n whereupon_o seneca_n that_o excellent_a moralist_n say_v religion_n that_o be_v that_o military_a oath_n which_o they_o call_v a_o sacrament_n be_v the_o chief_a bond_n of_o fidelity_n in_o the_o militia_n 95._o yea_o so_o great_a a_o reverence_n have_v they_o for_o a_o oath_n that_o those_o that_o break_v it_o be_v the_o infamiâ_fw-la notati_fw-la the_o only_a man_n of_o infamy_n and_o just_o seize_v upon_o by_o divine_a vengeance_n the_o heathen_n have_v so_o great_a a_o dread_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o perjury_n that_o they_o say_v it_o lay_v waste_v the_o whole_a stock_n and_o family_n root_n and_o branch_n herod_n and_o what_o other_o be_v this_o than_o what_o the_o prophet_n zachary_n have_v say_v almost_o in_o the_o same_o word_n cap._n 5._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o concern_v the_o fly_a roll_n that_o it_o shall_v enter_v into_o the_o house_n of_o he_o that_o swear_v false_o and_o consume_v it_o with_o the_o timber_n and_o stone_n thereof_o so_o that_o herein_o you_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o harmony_n and_o agreement_n between_o the_o light_n and_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n with_o the_o positive_a and_o moral_a law_n of_o god_n give_v by_o moses_n to_o mankind_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n renew_v and_o improve_v par._n how_o come_v you_o to_o allege_v
5._o 12._o min._n see_v our_o saviour_n in_o that_o gracious_a law_n of_o he_o have_v forbid_v nothing_o that_o be_v moral_o good_a nothing_o that_o be_v either_o indifferent_a or_o expedient_a 1_o cor._n 6._o 12._o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o a_o oath_n be_v no_o further_o forbid_v than_o as_o it_o be_v evil_a that_o be_v when_o it_o profane_v the_o name_n of_o god_n deut._n 19_o 12._o and_o 28._o 58._o or_o do_v any_o way_n dishonour_v he_o which_o a_o oath_n do_v when_o it_o be_v false_a irreverent_a or_o needless_a in_o these_o instance_n a_o oath_n be_v so_o dishonourable_a to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n be_v absolute_o forbid_v namely_o all_o swear_n by_o the_o creature_n or_o by_o any_o thing_n propose_v to_o our_o vain_a fancy_n that_o be_v to_o make_v a_o idol_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o to_o set_v it_o up_o for_o a_o god_n as_o also_o all_o swear_n by_o the_o express_a name_n of_o god_n in_o man_n ordinary_a communication_n which_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n so_o full_a of_o passion_n and_o vain_a transportation_n as_o to_o expose_v man_n to_o the_o frequent_a abuse_n of_o god_n name_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o perjury_n and_o therefore_o i_o must_v inform_v you_o that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n take_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o prohibition_n from_o the_o gross_a error_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n about_o this_o point_n and_o from_o the_o wicked_a custom_n of_o common_a swear_n and_o profaneness_n which_o by_o those_o error_n be_v encourage_v i_o will_v therefore_o show_v you_o first_o what_o those_o evil_a custom_n be_v and_o then_o give_v you_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n as_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o text_n and_o be_v accommodate_v to_o the_o heal_n of_o those_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n the_o erroneous_a gloss_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o the_o jewish_a doctor_n teach_v that_o while_o they_o abstain_v from_o the_o mention_n of_o god_n name_n it_o be_v lawful_a to_o swear_v by_o the_o creature_n as_o oft_o as_o they_o please_v and_o that_o such_o swear_v though_o false_o be_v no_o perjury_n see_v mattb._n 23._o 16_o 18_o 21._o there_o you_o will_v find_v that_o they_o make_v nothing_o of_o swear_v by_o the_o temple_n the_o altar_n or_o by_o heaven_n suppose_v it_o do_v not_o bind_v the_o conscience_n second_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a at_o any_o time_n to_o swear_v by_o god_n name_n so_o that_o they_o swear_v nothing_o but_o truth_n and_o perform_v their_o oath_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o these_o opinion_n it_o seem_v the_o jew_n think_v consistent_a enough_o with_o that_o part_n of_o the_o law_n cite_v by_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 5._o 33._o you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o have_v be_v say_v by_o they_o or_o rather_o to_o they_o of_o old_a time_n thou_o shall_v not_o forswear_v thyself_o and_o according_a to_o those_o corrupt_a doctrine_n they_o act_v without_o fear_n or_o measure_n by_o that_o wretched_a custom_n of_o common_a swear_n to_o the_o confute_v of_o which_o doctrine_n he_o accommodate_v his_o answer_n in_o the_o verse_n follow_v against_o the_o first_o of_o they_o viz._n swear_v by_o the_o creature_n he_o oppose_v that_o prohibition_n in_o the_o 34_o 35_o 36_o verse_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o swear_v not_o at_o all_o neither_o by_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n against_o the_o latter_a viz._n swear_v by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o our_o ordinary_a converse_n he_o give_v this_o precept_n v_o 37._o let_v your_o communication_n be_v yea_o yea_o etc._n etc._n par._n but_o do_v not_o our_o saviour_n say_v there_o swear_v not_o at_o all_o and_o so_o do_v he_o not_o general_o forbid_v all_o oath_n whatsoever_o min._n to_o ease_v you_o in_o this_o scruple_n let_v i_o tell_v you_o what_o advice_n i_o hear_v a_o famous_a judge_n give_v to_o a_o jury_n you_o must_v not_o say_v he_o determine_v by_o bit_n and_o parcel_n of_o what_o you_o have_v hear_v attest_v but_o you_o be_v to_o consider_v your_o whole_a evidence_n and_o according_o bring_v in_o your_o verdict_n so_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o that_o to_o give_v the_o true_a account_n of_o any_o scripture_n you_o be_v not_o to_o imitate_v the_o quaker_n who_o determine_v upon_o such_o bit_n and_o scrap_n as_o they_o steal_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o make_v one_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n contradict_v another_o and_o so_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o great_a error_n imaginable_a but_o to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o any_o scripture_n you_o must_v determine_v according_a to_o the_o whole_a evidence_n by_o compare_v the_o part_n of_o it_o together_o with_o each_o other_o and_o by_o consider_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o text_n from_o the_o whole_a so_o compare_v and_o consider_v to_o gather_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o it_o and_o so_o here_o in_o this_o place_n you_o be_v not_o to_o take_v these_o word_n single_a by_o themselves_o for_o you_o see_v they_o stand_v not_o alone_o and_o be_v not_o a_o whole_a sentence_n by_o themselves_o but_o be_v immediate_o conjoin_v in_o a_o continue_a discourse_n with_o other_o word_n which_o do_v restrain_v and_o limit_v they_o so_o that_o when_o he_o say_v swear_v not_o at_o all_o he_o add_v neither_o by_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n nor_o by_o the_o earth_n etc._n etc._n so_o as_o the_o prohibition_n be_v limit_v to_o those_o thing_n the_o jew_n be_v wont_a to_o swear_v by_o in_o order_n to_o the_o reform_v of_o that_o evil_a custom_n among_o they_o and_o therefore_o to_o each_o of_o those_o oath_n which_o he_o forbid_v he_o add_v a_o reason_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o error_n he_o bid_v they_o not_o swear_v at_o all_o by_o heaven_n because_o it_o be_v god_n throne_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v the_o pharisee_n teach_v you_o that_o swear_n by_o heaven_n by_o earth_n by_o jerusalem_n by_o your_o head_n by_o the_o temple_n by_o the_o altar_n etc._n etc._n matth._n 23._o be_v no_o real_a bind_v oath_n and_o that_o therefore_o to_o swear_v by_o they_o false_o be_v no_o perjury_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o swear_v not_o by_o heaven_n for_o it_o be_v god_n throne_n and_o therefore_o include_v he_o that_o sit_v on_o it_o so_o that_o he_o that_o shall_v swear_v by_o heaven_n swear_v by_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o he_o that_o sit_v thereon_o matth._n 23._o 22._o and_o therefore_o his_o oath_n be_v as_o real_o bind_v both_o to_o the_o sin_n and_o punishment_n if_o he_o forswear_v as_o if_o he_o have_v swear_v express_o by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n neither_o swear_v by_o the_o earth_n for_o it_o be_v his_o footstool_n and_o therefore_o agreeable_a to_o the_o other_o argument_n he_o that_o swear_v by_o the_o earth_n swear_v by_o it_o and_o he_o that_o set_v his_o foot_n upon_o it_o neither_o shall_v thou_o swear_v by_o jerusalem_n for_o it_o be_v the_o city_n of_o the_o great_a king_n he_o therefore_o that_o swear_v by_o jerusalem_n swear_v by_o it_o and_o he_o that_o inhabit_v in_o it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o same_o our_o saviour_n say_v matth._n 23._o 21._o whoso_o shall_v swear_v by_o the_o temple_n swear_v by_o it_o and_o by_o he_o that_o dwell_v therein_o again_o he_o say_v here_o neither_o shall_v thou_o swear_v by_o thy_o head_n because_o thou_o can_v not_o make_v one_o hair_n white_a or_o black_a that_o be_v it_o be_v not_o in_o thy_o power_n to_o engage_v or_o pawn_v it_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n thou_o affirm_v for_o thou_o do_v not_o make_v it_o neither_o can_v thou_o so_o much_o as_o change_v the_o colour_n of_o one_o hair_n therefore_o he_o that_o swear_v by_o his_o head_n swear_v by_o it_o and_o he_o to_o who_o he_o owe_v his_o head_n his_o life_n and_o safety_n so_o that_o whensoever_o you_o swear_v by_o any_o creature_n 7._o you_o do_v by_o interpretation_n swear_v by_o the_o maker_n of_o it_o which_o when_o you_o swear_v false_o by_o the_o creature_n involve_v you_o in_o the_o guilt_n of_o perjury_n before_o god_n and_o of_o the_o breach_n of_o that_o law_n which_o say_v thou_o shall_v not_o forswear_v thyself_o for_o in_o every_o oath_n whatsoever_o a_o man_n swear_v by_o it_o be_v god_n which_o be_v call_v upon_o either_o express_o or_o implicit_o par._n but_o while_o our_o saviour_n say_v swear_v not_o at_o all_o neither_o by_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n and_o then_o immediate_o add_v these_o word_n let_v your_o communication_n be_v yea_o yea_o nay_o nay_o have_v not_o these_o last_o word_n a_o relation_n to_o the_o other_o so_o that_o his_o meaning_n shall_v be_v do_v not_o bind_v or_o urge_v any_o thing_n you_o shall_v say_v by_o any_o form_n or_o further_a enforcement_n than_o by_o these_o term_n of_o asseveration_n yea_o yea_o nay_o nay_o this_o be_v that_o i_o take_v
to_o explain_v and_o apply_v the_o same_o and_o be_v not_o this_o kind_n of_o preach_v more_o fit_a to_o be_v hear_v by_o you_o and_o have_v it_o not_o more_o authority_n to_o command_v your_o reverence_n and_o attention_n than_o the_o extemporary_a effusion_n of_o those_o man_n who_o leave_v the_o conduct_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v rash_o vent_v their_o own_o fancy_n and_o schismatical_a dream_n and_o by_o lie_a divination_n do_v prophesy_v out_o of_o their_o 7._o own_o heart_n and_o from_o the_o heat_n of_o a_o disturb_a brain_n par._n i_o expect_v you_o will_v have_v produce_v dr._n sherlock_n instance_n min._n which_o be_v they_o par._n he_o endeavour_v to_o vindicate_v the_o custom_n by_o two_o scripture_n example_n the_o one_o of_o christ_n himself_o who_o take_v a_o text_n and_o preach_v upon_o it_o luk_n 4._o 17_o 22._o the_o other_o of_o philip_n who_o take_v a_o text_n which_o the_o eunuch_n read_v in_o isa._n 53._o 7._o and_o preach_v christ_n unto_o he_o convert_v he_o to_o christianity_n by_o give_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o text_n the_o eunuch_n be_v not_o able_a of_o himself_o to_o understand_v it_o without_o a_o interpreter_n act_v 8._o 30._o min._n and_o be_v not_o his_o instance_n very_o proper_a to_o justify_v this_o practice_n and_o do_v not_o the_o doctor_n speak_v worthy_o and_o like_o himself_o par._n for_o my_o part_n i_o be_v well_o satisfy_v with_o they_o till_o such_o time_n as_o i_o meet_v with_o a_o reply_n from_o richard_n hubberthorn_n min._n what_o be_v there_o in_o that_o reply_n par._n his_o word_n be_v these_o o_o thou_o enemy_n and_o slanderer_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n do_v they_o take_v text_n to_o get_v money_n with_o they_o and_o to_o lie_v a_o quarter_n of_o a_o year_n or_o half_o a_o year_n in_o a_o text_n christ_n come_v to_o fulfil_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o apostle_n sheme_v how_o he_o fulfil_v the_o scripture_n and_o come_v to_o fulfil_v that_o which_o the_o prophet_n speak_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v learned_a man_n and_o they_o can_v not_o open_v the_o scripture_n peter_n a_o unlearned_a man_n he_o open_v the_o scripture_n min._n have_v you_o not_o more_o reason_n to_o be_v confirm_v than_o alter_v by_o such_o a_o brutish_a reply_n i_o pray_v answer_v i_o this_o question_n do_v dr._n sherlock_n any_o where_o lie_v such_o a_o slander_n upon_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n as_o to_o say_v they_o take_v text_n to_o get_v money_n with_o they_o or_o to_o lie_v half_a or_o a_o quarter_n of_o a_o year_n in_o they_o as_o this_o man_n so_o injurious_o infer_v par._n i_o do_v not_o remember_v he_o do_v min._n who_o then_o think_v you_o be_v the_o slanderer_n and_o who_o stand_v at_o this_o man_n elbow_n to_o dictate_v unto_o he_o that_o wretched_a untruth_n but_o if_o you_o mind_v this_o reply_n a_o little_a better_o you_o may_v observe_v that_o he_o seem_v at_o last_o to_o yield_v to_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o take_v a_o text_n as_o be_v convince_v by_o the_o undeniable_a proof_n produce_v by_o the_o doctor_n his_o quarrel_n be_v that_o we_o take_v text_n to_o get_v money_n with_o they_o and_o that_o some_o insist_v a_o quarter_n of_o a_o year_n or_o half_o a_o year_n upon_o a_o text_n which_o i_o think_v very_o few_o do_v nor_o any_o but_o when_o their_o text_n have_v such_o plenty_n and_o variety_n of_o matter_n in_o it_o as_o require_v much_o time_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o it_o which_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o have_v no_o unlawfulness_n in_o it_o at_o all_o and_o therefore_o be_v far_o from_o be_v a_o just_a cause_n of_o separation_n from_o we_o last_o observe_v that_o he_o magnify_v the_o learning_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o make_v a_o very_a ignoramus_n of_o st._n peter_n affirm_v that_o peter_n who_o open_v the_o scripture_n be_v a_o unlearned_a man_n will_v they_o prove_v that_o st._n peter_n who_o open_v the_o scripture_n be_v a_o unlearned_a man_n be_v there_o no_o difference_n betwixt_o peter_n the_o fisherman_n and_o peter_z the_o disciple_n have_v he_o be_v so_o long_o with_o he_o that_o speak_v as_o never_o man_n speak_v and_o be_v he_o still_o unlearned_a do_v the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v he_o the_o tongue_n of_o the_o learned_a nay_o a_o portion_n of_o the_o cleave_a tongue_n by_o which_o he_o speak_v all_o language_n to_o enable_v he_o to_o expound_v the_o scripture_n to_o all_o nation_n and_o be_v this_o peter_n unlearned_a still_o do_v he_o not_o say_v that_o the_o unlearned_a and_o the_o unstable_a wrest_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n and_o be_v he_o himself_o unlearned_a be_v this_o the_o doctrine_n of_o their_o dear_a innocent_a richard_n be_v this_o a_o conquer_a through_o truth_n as_o some_o of_o his_o f._n brethrâ—…ns_n say_v of_o he_o 16._o i_o pray_v consider_v whether_o such_o blind_a guide_n and_o those_o that_o follow_v they_o be_v not_o in_o danger_n of_o fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n par._n but_o i_o pray_v tell_v i_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o last_o text_n you_o quote_v 2_o pet._n 3._o 16._o in_o which_o be_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o the_o unlearned_a and_o the_o unstable_a wrist_n as_o they_o do_v other_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n who_o be_v they_o who_o st._n peter_n here_o call_v unlearned_a min._n if_o those_o word_n of_o st._n peter_n be_v due_o weigh_v and_o understand_v by_o you_o they_o will_v give_v you_o abundant_a satisfaction_n in_o many_o of_o your_o scruple_n and_o let_v you_o see_v the_o weak_a foundation_n of_o quakerism_n or_o rather_o that_o it_o have_v none_o at_o all_o but_o ignorance_n unstableness_n and_o wrest_v of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n reprove_v in_o this_o text._n in_o which_o be_v four_o particular_n recommend_v to_o your_o observation_n 1._o that_o some_o passage_n of_o scripture_n be_v so_o obscure_a and_o dark_a that_o they_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v 2._o that_o by_o that_o occasion_n such_o place_n have_v be_v wrest_v that_o be_v misinterpret_v 3._o a_o twofold_a cause_n in_o those_o that_o wrest_v they_o viz._n want_v of_o learning_n and_o the_o want_n of_o stability_n or_o steadfastness_n 4._o the_o sad_a effect_n of_o it_o viz._n destruction_n to_o themselves_o par._n if_o you_o suppose_v that_o many_o thing_n in_o our_o present_a debate_n will_v fall_v under_o these_o head_n i_o pray_v let_v we_o proceed_v in_o your_o method_n and_o discourse_v these_o particular_n at_o large_a therefore_o what_o do_v you_o say_v to_o the_o first_o proposition_n that_o some_o passage_n in_o scripture_n be_v so_o obscure_a that_o they_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v what_o infer_v you_o from_o thence_o against_o the_o quaker_n min._n if_o the_o scripture_n abound_v with_o so_o many_o obscure_a passage_n i_o infer_v thence_o the_o same_o which_o the_o apostle_n word_n do_v imply_v viz._n the_o necessity_n of_o learning_n in_o the_o interpret_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o great_a danger_n of_o misinterpreting_a they_o without_o it_o as_o follows_z in_o the_o next_o word_n that_o tell_v we_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la how_o much_o they_o be_v wrest_v for_o want_n of_o learning_n therefore_o yourself_o may_v infer_v further_o that_o they_o that_o want_v it_o as_o most_o of_o your_o leader_n do_v be_v very_o unfit_a person_n to_o be_v preacher_n and_o interpreter_n of_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n or_o to_o be_v follow_v by_o you_o as_o your_o guide_n mystery_n type_n and_o allegory_n which_o the_o bible_n be_v so_o full_a of_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o render_v holy_a scripture_n difficult_a even_o to_o the_o most_o learned_a how_o much_o more_o to_o the_o unlearned_a and_o the_o unstable_a 24._o par._n but_o these_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o old_a law_n which_o be_v a_o shadow_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v a_o shadow_n indeed_o be_v dark_a but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v clear_a and_o bright_a min._n you_o will_v not_o deny_v that_o st._n paul_n be_v a_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o st._n peter_n word_n as_o they_o imply_v the_o obscurity_n of_o some_o other_o scripture_n in_o general_a so_o do_v they_o affirm_v that_o st._n paul_n epistle_n in_o particular_a be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o if_o they_o be_v hard_o then_o in_o those_o day_n of_o primitive_a light_n and_o purity_n and_o extraordinary_a inspiration_n and_o even_o to_o those_o that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o original_a language_n wherein_o they_o be_v write_v and_o with_o the_o peculiar_a proverb_n and_o propriety_n of_o they_o if_o they_o be_v hard_o then_o to_o those_o who_o well_o understand_v the_o rite_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o people_n to_o who_o they_o be_v particular_o write_v and_o who_o may_v be_v easy_o inform_v of_o the_o particular_a
occasion_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n of_o the_o true_a scope_n of_o they_o how_o much_o more_o difficult_a must_v they_o needs_o be_v to_o we_o at_o this_o distance_n especial_o to_o such_o as_o be_v whole_o stranger_n to_o all_o those_o thing_n aforementioned_a that_o be_v so_o necessary_a to_o the_o make_v any_o dark_a scripture_n intelligible_a par._n this_o i_o can_v deny_v but_o then_o i_o will_v glad_o know_v how_o to_o reconcile_v this_o with_o such_o passage_n in_o the_o bible_n which_o contrary_a wise_a call_v the_o gospel_n a_o light_n and_o bid_v we_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n min._n you_o be_v great_o mistake_v in_o suppose_v that_o i_o affirm_v all_o the_o scripture_n hâ—…rd_v to_o be_v understand_v i_o only_o say_v as_o st._n peter_n say_v that_o some_o passage_n be_v so_o for_o so_o run_v the_o word_n in_o which_o be_v some_o thing_n hard_a etc._n etc._n par._n be_v then_o the_o necessary_a point_n of_o religion_n in_o they_o hard_o to_o be_v understand_v min._n no_o they_o be_v not_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n either_o to_o be_v believe_v or_o to_o be_v do_v be_v in_o some_o place_n or_o other_o in_o holy_a scripture_n fit_v to_o the_o most_o vulgar_a capacity_n and_o shallow_a understanding_n as_o for_o example_n the_o history_n of_o christ_n birth_n death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v so_o plain_a to_o be_v understand_v though_o yet_o it_o have_v be_v pervert_v by_o the_o misinterpretation_n of_o the_o quaker_n and_o some_o heretic_n and_o from_o plain_a history_n turn_v into_o mere_a allegory_n then_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o first_o and_o second_o table_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n all_o the_o evangelical_n precept_n and_o the_o essential_o of_o religion_n be_v in_o the_o gospel_n make_v such_o easy_a doctrine_n that_o he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v they_o be_v fit_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o most_o unlearned_a and_o this_o remind_v we_o of_o our_o duty_n of_o thankfulness_n to_o our_o great_a lawgiver_n in_o that_o he_o have_v make_v those_o doctrine_n most_o plain_a which_o be_v most_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o those_o thing_n least_o necessary_a which_o be_v most_o difficult_a as_o for_o example_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n to_o be_v know_v in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o levitical_a rite_n nor_o in_o all_o the_o genealogy_n of_o the_o scripture_n nor_o in_o all_o the_o apocalyptical_a prophecy_n and_o therefore_o the_o obscurity_n of_o they_o need_v not_o dismay_v we_o par._n certain_o god_n will_v never_o have_v send_v his_o messenger_n to_o deliver_v those_o thing_n to_o the_o world_n which_o he_o do_v not_o indispensible_o require_v every_o one_o to_o understand_v min._n i_o hope_v to_o convince_v you_o of_o this_o mistake_n and_o to_o assist_v your_o apprehension_n by_o this_o plain_a comparison_n suppose_v a_o king_n make_v a_o great_a feast_n for_o his_o subject_n he_o prepare_v meat_n for_o all_o constitution_n and_o different_a dish_n for_o different_a stomach_n that_o among_o all_o this_o variety_n every_o person_n shall_v feed_v upon_o that_o which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o his_o constitution_n just_o such_o preparation_n have_v god_n make_v for_o the_o church_n in_o holy_a scripture_n where_o be_v viand_n for_o all_o palate_n for_o the_o strong_a there_o be_v strong_a meat_n and_o mystery_n to_o exercise_v the_o great_a wit_n and_o the_o most_o improve_a understanding_n heb._n 5._o 14._o and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o understanding_n be_v either_o cloud_v by_o a_o unhappy_a constitution_n or_o be_v never_o well_o open_v and_o improve_v by_o education_n to_o such_o there_o be_v not_o want_v what_o be_v necessary_a even_a milk_n for_o babe_n many_o passage_n especial_o those_o of_o the_o great_a concern_v be_v write_v in_o such_o a_o plain_a and_o familiar_a style_n that_o the_o weak_a and_o most_o illiterate_a of_o which_o number_n a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o excuse_v the_o neglect_n of_o they_o the_o omniscient_a author_n of_o the_o scripture_n herein_o gracious_o condescend_v to_o the_o shallow_a capacity_n to_o let_v they_o see_v that_o they_o be_v not_o forget_v nor_o overlook_v by_o he_o who_o say_v all_o soul_n be_v his_o ezek._n 18._o 4._o the_o scripture_n be_v ordinary_o compare_v to_o such_o a_o river_n wherein_o the_o elephant_n may_v swim_v and_o the_o lamb_n may_v wade_v but_o when_o illiterate_a people_n who_o common_o see_v no_o further_o than_o the_o outward_a appearance_n of_o thing_n will_v venture_v to_o be_v guide_n and_o will_v be_v rash_o pass_v judgement_n upon_o that_o which_o be_v above_o their_o understanding_n according_a to_o that_o character_n give_v of_o such_o man_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 7._o desire_v to_o be_v teacher_n of_o the_o law_n understand_v neither_o what_o they_o say_v nor_o whereof_o they_o 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hire_n the_o mystical_a sense_n viz._n the_o still_o further_o intendment_n of_o that_o law_n be_v a_o divine_a ordination_n that_o they_o who_o preach_v the_o gospel_n shall_v live_v of_o the_o gospel_n i._n e._n the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n ought_v to_o be_v provide_v for_o 1_o cor._n 9_o 9_o 12._o now_o as_o some_o scripture_n will_v bear_v a_o literal_a sense_n with_o the_o moral_n and_o the_o mystical_a there_o be_v yet_o other_o scripture_n that_o will_v not_o therefore_o in_o the_o four_o place_n such_o text_n as_o these_o be_v to_o be_v interpret_v tropical_o par._n what_o do_v you_o mean_v by_o that_o min._n such_o a_o figurative_a expression_n whereof_o there_o be_v several_a sort_n which_o you_o will_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n some_o be_v metaphorical_a which_o be_v a_o borrow_a expression_n when_o another_o thing_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o express_v our_o meaning_n by_o and_o can_v be_v take_v literal_o as_o that_o of_o john_n 15._o 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the_o apostle_n call_v the_o two_o covenant_n and_o say_v they_o be_v a_o allegory_n gal._n 4._o 24._o etc._n etc._n to_o the_o chapter_n end_n for_o so_o far_o you_o will_v find_v the_o explication_n of_o the_o allegory_n continue_v again_o there_o be_v other_o scripture_n which_o must_v be_v interpret_v by_o a_o hyperbole_n which_o be_v another_o kind_n of_o trope_n or_o figure_n when_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n affirm_v lie_v not_o in_o the_o letter_n but_o in_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o phrase_n as_o john_n 21._o 25._o and_o there_o be_v also_o many_o other_o thing_n which_o jesus_n do_v which_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v write_v every_o one_o i_o suppose_v that_o the_o world_n itself_o can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n that_o shall_v be_v write_v where_o the_o evangelist_n take_v a_o rhetorical_a liberty_n that_o he_o may_v with_o great_a elegancy_n express_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o idle_a in_o this_o life_n but_o marvellous_o busy_a and_o active_a in_o it_o 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scripture_n what_o mean_v you_o by_o that_o phrase_n min._n that_o be_v to_o observe_v to_o what_o period_n of_o time_n the_o history_n and_o especial_o the_o prophecy_n in_o scripture_n have_v a_o peculiar_a and_o proper_a relation_n and_o if_o due_a care_n be_v not_o take_v therein_o the_o mischief_n that_o may_v arise_v from_o your_o want_n of_o circumspection_n will_v be_v innumerable_a par._n explain_v your_o meaning_n by_o some_o instance_n and_o show_v where_o any_o one_o prophecy_n have_v be_v mistimed_n by_o the_o quaker_n min._n what_o do_v you_o think_v of_o that_o famous_a prophecy_n of_o joel_n so_o much_o abuse_v by_o quaker_n joel_n 2._o 28._o and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v afterward_o that_o i_o will_v pour_v out_o my_o spirit_n upon_o all_o flesh_n and_o your_o son_n and_o your_o daughter_n shall_v prophesy_v your_o old_a man_n shall_v dream_v dream_n your_o young_a man_n shall_v see_v vision_n which_o prophecy_n they_o apply_v to_o this_o present_a age_n therefore_o they_o say_v that_o the_o quaker_n have_v a_o extraordinary_a spirit_n according_a to_o the_o prediction_n thereof_o par._n but_o have_v not_o the_o quaker_n reason_n to_o time_n that_o prophecy_n to_o this_o present_a age_n wherein_o we_o live_v and_o do_v we_o not_o see_v the_o prophecy_n fulfil_v in_o they_o min._n i_o can_v tell_v how_o to_o undeceive_v you_o better_o than_o in_o the_o word_n of_o a_o learned_a hammond_n commentator_n upon_o that_o place_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o that_o prophecy_n be_v cite_v and_o apply_v by_o st._n peter_n act_v 2._o to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v afterward_o or_o 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o last_o day_n say_v god_n that_o i_o will_v pour_v out_o my_o spirit_n or_o 〈◊〉_d of_o my_o spirit_n upon_o all_o flesh_n and_o your_o son_n and_o your_o daughter_n shall_v prophesy_v your_o old_a man_n shall_v dream_v dream_n your_o young_a man_n shall_v see_v vision_n and_o also_o upon_o the_o servant_n and_o upon_o the_o handmaid_n in_o those_o day_n will_v i_o pour_v out_o my_o spirit_n or_o of_o my_o spirit_n and_o they_o shall_v prophesy_v whatsoever_o can_v be_v collect_v from_o this_o place_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o pretender_n will_v receive_v a_o short_a and_o clear_a answer_n by_o consider_v the_o time_n to_o which_o this_o prediction_n and_o the_o completion_n of_o it_o belong_v and_o that_o be_v express_o the_o last_o day_n in_o the_o notion_n wherein_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d new_a testament_n constant_o use_v that_o phrase_n not_o for_o these_o day_n of_o we_o so_o far_o advance_v towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o yet_o no_o man_n know_v how_o far_o distant_a it_o still_o be_v but_o for_o the_o time_n immediate_o precede_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o jewish_a polity_n their_o city_n and_o temple_n that_o this_o be_v it_o appear_v not_o
only_o by_o the_o mention_n of_o zion_n and_o the_o destruction_n approach_v it_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o that_o chapter_n of_o joel_n which_o signify_v it_o to_o belong_v to_o jerusalem_n that_o then_o be_v but_o also_o by_o two_o further_a undeceivable_a evidence_n 1._o by_o the_o mention_n of_o the_o wonder_n immediate_o subjoin_v in_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n etc._n etc._n as_o forerunner_n of_o the_o great_a and_o terrible_a day_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o same_o that_o have_v be_v before_o describe_v in_o joel_n v._n 2._o etc._n etc._n and_o apply_v by_o christ_n in_o the_o very_a word_n to_o this_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n matth._n 24._o 29_o 30._o 2._o by_o the_o occasion_n for_o which_o st._n peter_n produce_v it_o acis_n 2._o 14._o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o apostle_n v_o 2._o 4._o which_o say_v he_o be_v no_o effect_n of_o drunkenness_n in_o they_o but_o the_o very_a thing_n which_o be_v foretell_v by_o that_o place_n of_o joel_n 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the_o settle_a office_n of_o ministry_n in_o christ_n church_n as_o to_o have_v no_o such_o need_n of_o extraordinary_a so_o that_o they_o have_v no_o more_o right_a to_o charge_n god_n to_o perform_v this_o promise_n over_o again_o than_o a_o creditor_n have_v reason_n to_o exact_v a_o sum_n of_o money_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o cancel_v bond._n the_o quaker_n i_o perceive_v pretend_v to_o a_o interest_n in_o these_o prophecy_n but_o then_o why_o do_v not_o these_o pretender_n to_o new_a light_n speak_v with_o new_a tongue_n heal_v disease_n raise_v the_o dead_a and_o do_v other_o miraculous_a act_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o those_o prophecy_n par._n but_o they_o will_v tell_v you_o of_o as_o great_a act_n for_o they_o gain_v many_o proselyte_n and_o thereby_o enlarge_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ._n min._n if_o count_v number_n be_v the_o thing_n to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n in_o all_o probability_n they_o will_v renounce_v christianity_n itself_o and_o turn_v mahometan_n for_o mahomet_n have_v more_o that_o follow_v he_o than_o christ_n then_o woe_n be_v to_o that_o little_a flock_n to_o who_o a_o kingdom_n be_v promise_v par._n but_o what_o do_v you_o say_v to_o the_o three_o particular_a in_o order_n to_o apply_v scripture_n seasonable_o and_o proper_o min._n i_o say_v if_o a_o due_a regard_n be_v not_o have_v thereof_o there_o be_v scarce_o that_o irregularity_n in_o the_o world_n which_o you_o may_v not_o make_v the_o scripture_n to_o patronize_v therefore_o say_v the_o evangelical_n prophet_n isaiah_n cap._n 50._o 4._o the_o lord_n have_v give_v i_o the_o tongue_n of_o the_o learned_a to_o speak_v in_o due_a season_n and_o so_o prov._n 15._o 23._o a_o word_n speak_v in_o season_n be_v like_a apple_n of_o gold_n in_o picture_n of_o silver_n a_o good_a thing_n improper_o apply_v may_v be_v make_v instead_o of_o good_a the_o occasion_n of_o evil_n 〈◊〉_d for_o good_a thing_n do_v loose_v the_o grace_n of_o their_o goodness_n when_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o good_a and_o convenient_a manner_n perform_v suppose_v a_o carpenter_n frame_v a_o build_n with_o great_a art_n and_o skill_n and_o make_v a_o proper_a mortise_n for_o every_o tenon_n as_o the_o term_n be_v when_o this_o building_n come_v to_o be_v set_v up_o if_o you_o place_v not_o the_o joint_n aright_o the_o whole_a building_n will_v be_v in_o disorder_n so_o god_n almighty_a the_o wise_a architect_n have_v frame_v his_o word_n to_o proper_a time_n occasion_n and_o emergency_n now_o if_o you_o do_v not_o suit_v the_o text_n to_o the_o occasion_n to_o which_o it_o be_v original_o frame_v and_o to_o the_o season_n proper_a to_o it_o you_o spoil_v all_o though_o the_o word_n be_v good_a yet_o if_o the_o application_n be_v wrong_a they_o will_v prove_v like_o salt_n which_o have_v lose_v its_o savour_n suppose_v a_o physician_n prepare_v a_o great_a many_o excellent_a remedy_n there_o must_v be_v a_o due_a application_n otherwise_o a_o antidote_n may_v prove_v a_o poison_n so_o the_o great_a physician_n of_o soul_n have_v prepare_v for_o all_o malady_n their_o proper_a remedy_n and_o if_o we_o expect_v any_o benefit_n by_o they_o we_o must_v make_v a_o seasonable_a application_n of_o they_o and_o to_o make_v this_o more_o plain_a you_o may_v consult_v psalm_n 91._o 11_o 12._o for_o he_o shall_v give_v his_o angel_n charge_v over_o thou_o to_o keep_v thou_o in_o all_o thy_o way_n they_o shall_v bear_v thou_o up_o in_o their_o hand_n lest_o thou_o dash_v thy_o foot_n against_o a_o stone_n shall_v i_o say_v that_o in_o this_o scripture_n be_v represent_v to_o we_o god_n especial_a providence_n over_o his_o servant_n and_o whilst_o that_o i_o be_o perform_v my_o duty_n to_o god_n either_o in_o his_o immediate_a service_n or_o in_o a_o honest_a attendance_n on_o my_o lawful_a call_v i_o may_v expect_v the_o divine_a protection_n in_o this_o sense_n i_o apply_v the_o text_n seasonable_o and_o proper_o but_o shall_v i_o get_v upon_o the_o top_n of_o a_o pinnacle_n and_o cast_v myself_o down_o upon_o confidence_n of_o this_o promise_n that_o the_o angel_n shall_v bear_v i_o up_o than_o i_o wrest_v and_o misapply_v the_o scripture_n which_o no_o where_o give_v encouragement_n to_o a_o desperate_a attempt_n for_o it_o be_v write_v thou_o shall_v not_o tempt_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n that_o be_v thou_o shall_v not_o tempt_v he_o to_o work_v a_o miracle_n by_o cast_v thyself_o down_o from_o a_o desperate_a precipice_n when_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o his_o providence_n may_v effect_v thy_o preservation_n par._n what_o rule_n have_v you_o to_o prevent_v mistake_n in_o this_o kind_n min._n take_v this_o for_o one_o when_o any_o text_n have_v a_o relation_n to_o a_o particular_a case_n that_o text_n must_v not_o stand_v for_o a_o general_a rule_n but_o must_v be_v apply_v to_o a_o like_a occasion_n for_o its_o a_o most_o grand_a fallacy_n to_o draw_v a_o universal_a conclusion_n from_o particular_a premise_n take_v a_o instance_n of_o my_o meaning_n from_o 2_o cor._n 9_o 22._o i_o be_o make_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n make_v this_o a_o general_a rule_n and_o christianity_n which_o be_v the_o most_o pure_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n will_v from_o this_o text_n be_v a_o sanctuary_n for_o all_o villainy_n and_o impurity_n for_o if_o i_o may_v be_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n then_o may_v i_o lawful_o comply_v with_o all_o the_o irregularity_n of_o whatsoever_o company_n i_o come_v in_o but_o suit_n the_o text_n to_o its_o proper_a occasion_n and_o it_o import_v only_o this_o that_o all_o custom_n and_o constitution_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v conform_v unto_o as_o for_o the_o holy_a scripture_n they_o be_v the_o lively_a oracle_n of_o god_n and_o contain_v in_o they_o the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n but_o in_o the_o quaker_n impertinent_a application_n of_o they_o they_o look_v like_o so_o many_o jewel_n in_o a_o swine_n snout_n or_o like_o good_a liquor_n that_o be_v lose_v by_o the_o badness_n of_o the_o vessel_n that_o contain_v it_o have_v thus_o show_v you_o at_o large_a the_o first_o cause_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v wrest_v viz._n the_o want_n of_o learning_n i_o need_v say_v but_o little_a upon_o the_o other_o the_o instability_n of_o man_n mind_n par._n however_o let_v i_o hear_v what_o you_o can_v say_v upon_o that_o subject_n min._n little_o need_v be_v say_v for_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o those_o who_o be_v unlearned_a especial_o if_o they_o be_v bold_a and_o confident_a be_v unstable_a for_o it_o be_v the_o empty_a cloud_n which_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o every_o wind_n old_a truth_n ought_v to_o be_v most_o love_v but_o common_o they_o have_v the_o same_o fate_n with_o the_o manna_n in_o the_o wilderness_n
that_o either_o that_o passage_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v contradict_v right_o reason_n or_o prohibit_v whatever_o be_v so_o requisite_a to_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o common_a and_o evident_a necessity_n of_o mankind_n 2._o other_o scripture_n do_v both_o allow_v and_o establish_v secular_a government_n and_o enjoin_v obedience_n to_o the_o civil_a power_n even_o to_o those_o that_o be_v heathen_a and_o call_v they_o god_n ordinance_n rom._n 13._o 1_o 2._o and_o command_v magistrate_n to_o prosecute_v with_o all_o diligence_n and_o integrity_n all_o act_n of_o public_a justice_n 2_o chron._n 19_o 6_o 7._o fsa_n 1._o 17._o and_o this_o imply_v the_o warrantableness_n of_o go_v to_o law_n for_o how_o shall_v injure_v person_n be_v right_v and_o defend_v by_o the_o magistrate_n if_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o they_o to_o bring_v their_o cause_n before_o he_o that_o be_v to_o go_v to_o law_n 3._o if_o you_o read_v on_o in_o that_o discourse_n of_o the_o apostle_n you_o will_v find_v that_o the_o fault_n he_o reprove_v in_o the_o corinthian_n be_v not_o all_o go_n to_o law_n upon_o necessary_a and_o just_a occasion_n but_o their_o bring_v their_o private_a quarrel_n and_o disorder_n before_o the_o unjust_a that_o be_v before_o the_o unbeliever_n which_o be_v the_o heathen_a and_o infidel-judge_n as_o he_o interpret_v himself_o in_o v_o 6._o but_o brother_n go_v to_o law_n with_o brother_n and_o that_o before_o the_o unbeliever_n which_o will_v have_v be_v to_o the_o scandal_n and_o reproach_n of_o christianity_n among_o those_o who_o hate_v it_o and_o who_o will_v improve_v such_o occasion_n to_o bring_v it_o into_o great_a derision_n and_o he_o exhort_v they_o v_o 7._o rather_o to_o take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o wrong_n and_o to_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v defraud_v viz._n in_o their_o private_a right_n than_o thus_o to_o go_v to_o law_n one_o with_o another_o to_o expose_v their_o christian_a profession_n to_o so_o open_a contempt_n and_o to_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n to_o blaspheme_v but_o four_a though_o the_o apostle_n there_o forbid_v all_o such_o unbrother_o contention_n and_o bring_v they_o before_o infidel-judge_n yet_o he_o there_o if_o you_o mark_v appoint_v they_o a_o judicature_n before_o which_o they_o may_v lawful_o bring_v their_o reasonable_a and_o just_a complaint_n that_o be_v a_o christian_a judicature_n consist_v of_o believer_n v_o 1._o and_o expostulate_v with_o they_o sharp_o for_o not_o have_v appoint_v such_o a_o court_n among_o themselves_o before_o who_o wrong_a person_n may_v bring_v their_o cause_n pertain_v to_o this_o life_n v_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o while_o therefore_o we_o live_v under_o a_o christian_a prince_n govern_v we_o by_o christian_a law_n and_o appoint_v we_o court_n consist_v of_o christian_a judge_n we_o can_v suppose_v ourselves_o to_o be_v in_o the_o forecited_n scripture_n forbid_v to_o make_v application_n to_o they_o in_o case_n just_a and_o necessary_a par._n i_o have_v give_v you_o diligent_a attention_n and_o can_v but_o thank_v you_o for_o the_o satisfactory_a account_n you_o have_v give_v i_o for_o i_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v myself_o convince_v by_o you_o of_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o my_o scruple_n and_o of_o take_v any_o scripture_n in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o make_v void_a all_o law_n and_o government_n but_o when_o i_o come_v in_o a_o quaker_n meeting_n i_o fear_v new_a doubt_n will_v arise_v and_o when_o i_o hear_v they_o speak_v such_o thing_n as_o i_o can_v answer_v i_o be_o apt_a to_o conclude_v their_o argument_n to_o be_v unanswerable_a min._n if_o so_o than_o you_o have_v reason_n to_o observe_v in_o yourself_o such_o a_o unstableness_n of_o mind_n as_o be_v common_a to_o the_o vulgar_a no_o question_n but_o your_o waver_a mind_n will_v be_v under_o the_o same_o perplexity_n do_v you_o frequent_v the_o meeting_n of_o other_o separatist_n a_o jesuit_n socinian_n pelagian_a nay_o a_o turk_n or_o jew_n may_v bring_v such_o argument_n in_o vindication_n of_o their_o respective_a heresy_n and_o tenant_n as_o may_v puzzle_v you_o to_o give_v a_o solution_n to_o will_v you_o therefore_o conclude_v they_o all_o in_o the_o right_a if_o you_o hear_v the_o quaker_n bring_v such_o reason_n in_o vindication_n of_o their_o tenant_n and_o way_n as_o yourself_o can_v answer_v will_v you_o conclude_v they_o be_v unanswerable_a and_o because_o you_o know_v not_o a_o way_n to_o china_n and_o japan_n will_v you_o therefore_o suppose_v there_o be_v no_o such_o country_n at_o lest_o no_o way_n to_o they_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o instability_n of_o you_o shall_v teach_v you_o 1._o humility_n not_o to_o look_v upon_o yourself_o as_o a_o person_n fit_a to_o trust_v to_o your_o own_o judgement_n not_o to_o be_v confident_a in_o your_o own_o opinion_n nor_o to_o lean_v to_o your_o own_o understanding_n prov._n 3._o 5._o 2._o prudence_n to_o withdraw_v yourself_o whole_o from_o the_o meeting_n of_o those_o by_o who_o sophistries_n your_o judgement_n be_v in_o most_o danger_n to_o be_v pervert_v and_o to_o be_v carry_v away_o from_o those_o good_a principle_n you_o have_v already_o recover_v and_o of_o the_o soundness_n and_o reasonableness_n whereof_o you_o have_v already_o confess_v yourself_o convince_v and_o satisfy_v for_o to_o be_v lead_v away_o by_o a_o gad_a humour_n to_o every_o conventicle_n and_o irregular_a meeting_n be_v a_o presumption_n which_o may_v provoke_v god_n to_o withdraw_v his_o protection_n from_o you_o and_o to_o give_v you_o up_o to_o a_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n which_o make_v it_o very_o necessary_a to_o advise_v you_o to_o keep_v out_o of_o harm_n way_n and_o the_o reach_n of_o so_o take_v a_o infection_n and_o 3._o it_o be_v hence_o fit_a and_o seasonable_a to_o exhort_v you_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v teach_v and_o to_o that_o end_n to_o have_v recourse_n unto_o pious_a and_o sober_a man_n especial_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o be_v by_o their_o education_n and_o calling_n separate_v to_o study_n and_o devotion_n be_v the_o fit_a person_n to_o advise_v you_o and_o resolve_v your_o scruple_n they_o be_v such_o as_o by_o your_o own_o experience_n and_o acknowledgement_n have_v administer_v to_o you_o the_o most_o rational_a satisfaction_n you_o be_v ready_a to_o consult_v a_o physician_n in_o order_n to_o your_o health_n and_o to_o take_v the_o advice_n of_o a_o lawyer_n for_o the_o settlement_n of_o your_o estate_n and_o methinks_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o conscience_n a_o divine_a will_v be_v no_o less_o fit_a to_o be_v consult_v with_o the_o priest_n lip_n shall_v keep_v knowledge_n and_o they_o shall_v 7._o seek_v the_o law_n at_o his_o mouth_n for_o he_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n and_o in_o case_n of_o doubt_n our_o church_n advise_v you_o to_o consult_v either_o your_o own_o or_o some_o other_o discreet_a and_o learned_a minister_n of_o god_n word_n etc._n etc._n communion_n and_o when_o you_o have_v compare_v the_o discourse_n of_o the_o quaker_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o our_o church_n together_o and_o weigh_v they_o well_o and_o consider_v they_o in_o your_o heart_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o you_o will_v judge_v our_o doctrine_n to_o be_v in_o your_o conscience_n most_o agreeable_a to_o right_a reason_n and_o to_o make_v most_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o promote_a of_o godliness_n righteousness_n and_o sobriety_n wherein_o the_o sum_n of_o religion_n consist_v 12._o iu_n which_o thing_n you_o will_v find_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n far_o to_o exceed_v the_o new_a upstart_n tenant_n of_o the_o quaker_n par._n you_o can_v call_v their_o doctrine_n new_a when_o they_o be_v the_o same_o which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n min._n you_o may_v easy_o perceive_v this_o to_o be_v a_o manifest_a untruth_n for_o you_o know_v the_o 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