design_v to_o be_v treat_v upon_o be_v the_o government_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v to_o be_v represent_v by_o visible_a person_n certain_o know_v by_o outward_a name_n distinguish_v by_o outward_a mark_n and_o token_n and_o invest_v with_o power_n from_o he_o to_o execute_v outward_a law_n in_o a_o outward_a form_n of_o government_n visible_a by_o our_o carnal_a eye_n as_o aforesaid_a that_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o inward_a government_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n jer._n 31.31_o 32_o 33._o i_o will_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n etc._n etc._n not_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n that_o i_o make_v with_o your_o father_n but_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o covenant_n that_o i_o will_v make_v etc._n etc._n after_o those_o day_n i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n and_o they_o shall_v teach_v no_o more_o every_o man_n his_o neighbour_n and_o every_o man_n his_o brother_n say_v know_v the_o lord_n for_o they_o shall_v all_o know_v i_o from_o the_o least_o of_o they_o to_o the_o great_a of_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n this_o we_o believe_v be_v speak_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o reign_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o man_n and_o clear_o show_v that_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n government_n under_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n and_o therefore_o a_o inward_a government_n objection_n but_o if_o any_o shall_v object_v that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n relate_v not_o to_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o gentile_a stock_n of_o which_o stock_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o we_o be_v we_o thereto_o say_v that_o the_o word_n of_o paul_n do_v effectual_o answer_v that_o objection_n rom._n 10.12_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o gentile_a for_o the_o same_o lord_n over_o all_o be_v rich_a unto_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o col._n 3.9_o 10_o 11._o lie_v not_o one_o to_o another_o see_v that_o you_o have_v put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n with_o his_o deed_n and_o have_v put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o be_v renew_v in_o knowledge_n after_o the_o image_n of_o he_o that_o create_v he_o where_o there_o be_v neither_o gentile_a nor_o jew_n circumcision_n nor_o uncircumcision_n barbarian_a scythian_a bond_n nor_o free_a but_o christ_n be_v all_o and_o in_o all_o many_o other_o scripture_n both_o out_o of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n write_n may_v be_v quote_v to_o evidence_n the_o matter_n intend_v we_o be_v yet_o sensible_a that_o this_o further_a objection_n may_v be_v raise_v viz._n objection_n that_o neither_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n nor_o of_o the_o apostle_n cite_v by_o we_o make_v mention_n of_o government_n over_o jew_n or_o gentile_n but_o do_v show_v as_o from_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o scripture_n appear_v that_o the_o apostle_n so_o write_v to_o convince_v the_o jew_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n and_o that_o of_o faith_n and_o to_o show_v unto_o believer_n whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n that_o though_o some_o may_v appear_v in_o a_o voluntary_a humility_n worship_n angel_n intrude_v into_o those_o thing_n they_o have_v not_o see_v and_o be_v vain_o puff_v up_o in_o their_o fleshly_a mind_n and_o not_o give_v all_o obedience_n unto_o the_o head_n christ_n through_o who_o alone_o there_o be_v a_o increase_n in_o the_o increase_v of_o god_n yet_o they_o be_v therein_o reprovable_a as_o not_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n and_o further_a also_o to_o show_v that_o those_o who_o be_v dead_a with_o christ_n from_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o nor_o yet_o to_o touch_v taste_n or_o handle_v such_o ordinance_n as_o be_v after_o the_o commandment_n and_o doctrine_n of_o men._n to_o this_o objection_n we_o answer_v that_o though_o the_o word_n government_n be_v not_o express_o mention_v yet_o there_o be_v word_n in_o what_o be_v cite_v out_o of_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n import_v the_o three_o material_a object_n of_o government_n viz._n a_o lawgiver_n the_o place_n where_o the_o law_n be_v to_o be_v find_v write_v and_o the_o people_n for_o who_o it_o be_v give_v beside_o from_o these_o word_n of_o paul_n viz._n the_o same_o lord_n over_o all_o a_o governor_n be_v imply_v viz._n christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n and_o so_o consequent_o a_o government_n over_o that_o all._n and_o from_o what_o hereafter_o follow_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o the_o end_n of_o this_o government_n be_v to_o lead_v into_o all_o truth_n moreover_o it_o lead_v we_o to_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v divers_a true_a mark_n whereby_o the_o opposer_n of_o christ_n government_n may_v be_v distinguish_v first_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v in_o a_o voluntary_a humility_n second_o such_o as_o worship_n angel_n which_o may_v reasonable_o be_v take_v to_o be_v a_o worship_v of_o some_o messenger_n who_o god_n have_v send_v because_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n angel_n be_v a_o messenger_n three_o such_o as_o intrude_v into_o those_o thing_n they_o have_v not_o see_v four_o such_o as_o be_v puff_v up_o in_o their_o fleshly_a mind_n five_o such_o as_o give_v not_o all_o obedience_n unto_o the_o head_n christ_n and_o last_o such_o as_o be_v subject_a to_o ordinance_n after_o the_o commandment_n and_o doctrine_n of_o men._n and_o to_o be_v very_o plain_a for_o the_o clear_n the_o truth_n we_o must_v give_v this_o our_o testimony_n that_o we_o be_v real_o persuade_v from_o what_o our_o eye_n &_o ear_n have_v be_v witness_n that_o many_o of_o those_o among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n who_o have_v zealous_o contend_v for_o the_o observation_n of_o outward_a rule_n and_o order_n give_v forth_o by_o one_o man_n bear_v all_o the_o aforesaid_a mark_n for_o whosoever_o they_o be_v that_o pretend_v zeal_n to_o promote_v submit_v unto_o and_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o other_o man_n line_n make_v ready_a to_o their_o hand_n and_o that_o on_o a_o pretend_a religious_a score_n when_o through_o the_o word_n of_o true_a faith_n they_o see_v it_o not_o their_o duty_n or_o if_o they_o shall_v pretend_v they_o do_v and_o thereupon_o strive_v to_o enforce_v other_o to_o submit_v thereto_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n or_o light_n of_o christ_n so_o to_o strive_v it_o natura_o follow_v that_o the_o aforesaid_a mark_n accompany_v such_o and_o this_o we_o confident_o aver_v that_o through_o the_o whole_a scripture_n of_o truth_n there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v rational_o expect_v and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o christ_n have_v or_o will_v commissionate_v any_o one_o man_n or_o man_n to_o prescribe_v outward_a rule_n and_o order_n relate_v to_o faith_n or_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n to_o be_v bind_v on_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n whether_o they_o shall_v see_v it_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n from_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n or_o no._n beside_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o government_n it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v such_o unto_o which_o outward_a write_a law_n visible_a by_o our_o carnal_a eye_n and_o to_o be_v execute_v by_o perish_a object_n according_a to_o a_o outward_a magistratical_a or_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n be_v whole_o unsuitable_a because_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n but_o be_v a_o everlasting_a kingdom_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v that_o of_o the_o increase_n of_o his_o government_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o end_n and_o though_o john_n in_o the_o revelation_n chap._n 11._o v._o 15._o give_v this_o testimony_n that_o there_o be_v great_a voice_n in_o heaven_n say_v the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n and_o he_o shall_v reign_v forever_o and_o ever_o isa_n 61.11_o yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o say_v to_o signify_v that_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o reign_n be_v or_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o then_o as_o before_o be_v describe_v moreover_o if_o any_o man_n or_o man_n have_v or_o may_v pretend_v he_o or_o themselves_o to_o be_v such_o on_o earth_n on_o who_o the_o weight_n of_o christ_n government_n which_o be_v spiritual_a be_v lay_v it_o be_v not_o like_a to_o have_v any_o evidence_n in_o our_o conscience_n first_o not_o only_o because_o we_o find_v no_o such_o prophecy_n or_o promise_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n but_o also_o for_o that_o we_o rather_o find_v the_o contrary_a for_o
a_o prey_n obtain_v by_o commission_n from_o god_n and_o that_o with_o a_o severe_a command_n to_o destroy_v all_o and_o therefore_o we_o ready_o confess_v that_o if_o any_o among_o we_o have_v endeavour_v to_o divert_v another_o from_o what_o he_o know_v to_o be_v his_o duty_n or_o have_v in_o save_v any_o part_n of_o that_o substance_n which_o god_n command_v to_o be_v destroy_v act_v contrary_a to_o his_o know_a duty_n it_o be_v just_o to_o be_v condemn_v and_o the_o scripture_n before-cited_n may_v in_o that_o case_n be_v term_v a_o proper_a allusion_n thereto_o but_o alas_o this_o be_v far_o remote_a from_o the_o case_n reflect_v on_o because_o some_o person_n therein_o concern_v have_v receive_v no_o command_n from_o god_n to_o the_o contrary_a nor_o yet_o have_v save_v any_o thing_n which_o the_o lord_n command_v to_o destroy_v and_o therefore_o such_o may_v just_o thus_o say_v how_o dare_v thou_o to_o judge_v the_o friend_n of_o truth_n and_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o that_o wherein_o they_o be_v not_o judge_v of_o the_o lord_n beside_o it_o be_v worthy_a observation_n that_o if_o any_o shall_v go_v beyond_o their_o proper_a gift_n and_o line_n of_o right_a understanding_n and_o in_o that_o state_n offer_v up_o their_o all_z when_o the_o lord_n call_v not_o for_o it_o but_o instead_o thereof_o a_o company_n of_o informer_n and_o that_o also_o by_o illegal_a way_n to_o devour_v it_o on_o their_o lust_n this_o offer_v may_v have_v no_o more_o acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n under_o this_o dispensation_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n than_o the_o offer_n of_o the_o blind_a and_o the_o lame_a under_o the_o first_o covenant_n have_v and_o indeed_o it_o may_v not_o be_v unnecessary_a far_o to_o confide_v the_o end_n wherefore_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v we_o steward_n of_o worldly_a estate_n doubtless_o it_o be_v and_o be_v that_o therewith_o we_o may_v maintain_v our_o family_n and_o have_v a_o due_a regard_n to_o the_o poor_a the_o fatherless_a and_o the_o widow_n that_o be_v or_o may_v be_v object_n of_o charity_n and_o therefore_o it_o may_v well_o be_v deem_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n lawful_o to_o preserve_v the_o same_o for_o the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v give_v and_o to_o endeavour_v by_o all_o lawful_a way_n and_o mean_n to_o prevent_v the_o spoiler_n design_v of_o possess_v our_o estate_n to_o consume_v it_o on_o their_o lust_n and_o indeed_o charity_n oblige_v we_o to_o suppose_v that_o these_o very_a consideration_n occasion_v g._n f._n to_o advice_n mary_n penington_n to_o secure_v worldly_a estate_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o such_o who_o be_v suppose_v in_o a_o persecute_v spirit_n to_o thirst_n after_o it_o though_o of_o herself_o if_o what_o g._n f._n have_v write_v in_o relation_n to_o this_o matter_n be_v to_o be_v credit_v she_o have_v no_o inclination_n to_o remove_v her_o movable_a good_n in_o order_n to_o secure_v it_o and_o if_o any_o shall_v question_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o relate_v to_o g._n f._n and_o mary_n penington_n we_o thereto_o say_v that_o sufficient_a witness_n to_o prove_v marry_o peningtons_n confession_n thereof_o can_v be_v now_o produce_v beside_o g._n f._n be_v charge_v therewith_o do_v not_o in_o his_o answer_n write_v deny_v it_o this_o our_o answer_n may_v in_o probability_n occasion_n from_o some_o another_o objection_n on_o this_o wise_a obj._n this_o be_v but_o a_o subtle_a evasion_n of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o friend_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o faithful_a friend_n and_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n in_o answer_n to_o peter_n and_o of_o samuel_n to_o saul_n will_v stand_v over_o the_o head_n of_o such_o dark_a spirit_n as_o you_o be_v answ_n this_o objection_n contain_v such_o language_n wherewith_o we_o be_v well_o acquaint_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o our_o opposer_n may_v thus_o in_o truth_n be_v answer_v that_o it_o can_v no_o more_o stand_v over_o our_o head_n than_o the_o word_n of_o some_o priest_n urge_v abraham_n payment_n of_o tithe_n out_o of_o spoil_n he_o obtain_v in_o war_n gen._n 14.20_o can_v stand_v over_o the_o head_n of_o friend_n refuse_v to_o pay_v tithe_n of_o those_o land_n which_o be_v their_o inheritance_n or_o proper_a purchase_n and_o no_o part_n of_o spoil_n obtain_v in_o war._n those_o who_o will_v not_o receive_v this_o as_o a_o full_a answer_n to_o evidence_n the_o weakness_n of_o the_o last_o objection_n but_o tenacious_o persist_v in_o assert_v that_o the_o say_a objection_n be_v reasonable_a and_o that_o from_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o saul_n will_v undoubted_o give_v just_a occasion_n to_o confirm_v the_o sense_n of_o our_o common_a enemy_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n who_o make_v of_o the_o scripture_n a_o mere_a nose_n of_o wax_n for_o though_o the_o scripture_n mention_v not_o any_o command_n from_o god_n to_o abraham_n to_o pay_v unto_o melchisedeck_v the_o ten_o of_o his_o spoil_n yet_o doubtless_o he_o therein_o do_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n even_o as_o saul_n will_v have_v do_v have_v he_o destroy_v all_o according_a to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o if_o what_o be_v practise_v by_o abraham_n may_v be_v take_v to_o be_v a_o incumbent_a duty_n on_o christian_n at_o this_o day_n even_o as_o our_o opposer_n will_v have_v what_o saul_n ought_v to_o have_v practise_v according_a to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n to_o be_v exemplary_a at_o this_o day_n yet_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o both_o one_o and_o tother_o have_v a_o real_a relation_n to_o what_o be_v obtain_v in_o war_n and_o so_o no_o proper_a precedent_n either_o to_o pay_v a_o ten_o part_n or_o to_o offer_v up_o the_o nine_o part_n with_o the_o ten_o of_o that_o estate_n which_o be_v our_o inheritance_n or_o proper_a purchase_n this_o we_o be_v far_a sensible_a may_n also_o occasion_v another_o objection_n to_o this_o purpose_n viz._n obj._n your_o discourse_n seem_v to_o encourage_v the_o avoid_n all_o suffer_v and_o then_o how_o in_o this_o our_o day_n shall_v that_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v fullfil_v viz._n all_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n shall_v suffer_v persecution_n 2_o tim._n 3.12_o answ_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v our_o former_a discourse_n encourage_v the_o assemble_v ourselves_o together_o though_o not_o to_o put_v into_o the_o mouth_n of_o informer_n at_o their_o will_n and_o pleasure_n and_o doubtless_o few_o so_o weak_a but_o do_v know_v that_o suffering_n of_o divers_a kind_n may_v therefore_o attend_v so_o that_o unless_o we_o be_v discourager_n of_o assemble_v together_o to_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n we_o can_v reasonable_o be_v understand_v to_o encourage_v the_o avoid_n all_o suffering_n and_o though_o paul_n word_n seem_v so_o positive_a and_o general_a yet_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o paul_n may_v be_v more_o particular_a viz._n in_o relation_n to_o time_n season_n and_o person_n wherein_o the_o lord_n may_v suffer_v the_o adversary_n to_o exercise_v some_o of_o his_o people_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o not_o strict_o mean_v that_o if_o a_o man_n have_v not_o suffer_v persecution_n therefore_o he_o have_v not_o live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n for_o who_o dare_v to_o be_v so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o conclude_v that_o none_o who_o be_v fall_v asleep_o that_o taste_v not_o of_o persecution_n in_o their_o day_n nor_o have_v occasion_n offer_v for_o the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n dye_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n and_o of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n especial_o since_o we_o know_v it_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o some_o who_o have_v be_v apt_a to_o reflect_v as_o aforesaid_a to_o use_v divers_a way_n and_o mean_n according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o skill_n and_o understanding_n to_o prevent_v the_o stroke_n of_o persecution_n in_o their_o day_n moreover_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o paul_n word_n to_o felix_n etc._n etc._n act_n 26.29_o i_o will_v to_o god_n that_o not_o only_o thou_o but_o also_o all_o that_o hear_v i_o this_o day_n be_v both_o almost_o and_o altogether_o such_o as_o i_o be_o except_o these_o bond_n do_v clear_o show_v that_o persecution_n be_v not_o such_o a_o absolute_a companion_n to_o a_o true_a christian_a as_o that_o without_o it_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n because_o no_o doubt_n but_o paul_n be_v then_o in_o that_o state_n of_o godliness_n and_o so_o also_o will_v those_o on_o who_o behalf_n he_o so_o speak_v have_v be_v have_v paul_n desire_n be_v answer_v notwithstanding_o he_o except_v the_o bond_n he_o then_o be_v in_o by_o reason_n of_o persecution_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o we_o know_v some_o of_o our_o opposer_n
thereof_o as_o give_v to_o every_o man_n to_o profit_v withal_o to_o be_v that_o law_n that_o order_n that_o rule_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o which_o every_o one_o respective_o aught_o to_o be_v subject_n and_o yield_v obedience_n not_o by_o constraint_n but_o of_o a_o willing_a mind_n and_o that_o for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o as_o we_o be_v so_o subject_a we_o become_v member_n of_o that_o body_n against_o which_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n never_o do_v or_o can_v prevail_v nor_o yet_o against_o any_o one_o member_n thereof_o while_o abide_v on_o the_o rock_n christ_n which_o be_v that_o body_n the_o unworthy_a eater_n discern_v not_o and_o thus_o for_o many_o year_n it_o continue_v among_o the_o friend_n of_o truth_n or_o child_n of_o light_n for_o so_o be_v we_o call_v in_o the_o beginning_n magnify_v by_o their_o testimony_n obedience_n unto_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n which_o as_o the_o scripture_n testify_v light_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n as_o the_o only_a rule_n and_o governor_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n unto_o which_o whosoever_o take_v heed_n and_o be_v obedient_a be_v esteem_v to_o live_v under_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n know_v and_o believe_v that_o as_o christ_n come_n be_v to_o be_v wait_v for_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o man_n so_o there_o his_o government_n to_o be_v exalt_v and_o that_o whosoever_o shall_v endeavour_v by_o outward_a way_n and_o mean_n to_o establish_v a_o outward_a government_n and_o outward_a rule_n order_n law_n or_o prescription_n over_o the_o heritage_n of_o god_n under_o the_o notion_n or_o pretence_n of_o christ_n government_n will_v be_v find_v invader_n of_o christ_n prerogative_n and_o build_v the_o thing_n which_o in_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n have_v be_v often_o testify_v against_o as_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o first_o covenant_n than_o the_o second_o under_o which_o we_o be_v and_o touch_v which_o it_o be_v thus_o say_v by_o the_o prophet_n i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o they_o shall_v teach_v no_o more_o every_o man_n his_o neighbour_n and_o every_o man_n his_o brother_n say_v know_v the_o lord_n for_o they_o shall_v all_o know_v i_o from_o the_o least_o of_o they_o to_o the_o great_a of_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n jer._n 31.33.34_o in_o these_o thing_n we_o with_o many_o other_o be_v at_o unity_n we_o now_o recommend_v the_o same_o to_o every_o conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n whether_o this_o our_o unity_n be_v not_o and_o yet_o be_v consist_v with_o and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o unchangeable_a truth_n the_o next_o thing_n we_o be_v to_o treat_v upon_o be_v by_o what_o way_n and_o mean_v this_o unity_n come_v to_o be_v break_v in_o order_n to_o the_o discovery_n thereof_o we_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o answer_v one_o question_v which_o probable_o may_v be_v ask_v by_o some_o person_n who_o may_v not_o be_v sensible_a of_o such_o a_o variance_n hint_v at_o viz._n how_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o great_a difference_n and_o dis-union_n to_o this_o we_o say_v the_o public_a testimoneis_n of_o many_o person_n in_o those_o public_a meeting_n for_o worship_n where_o we_o have_v be_v conversant_a and_o that_o when_o many_o other_o not_o under_o the_o same_o profession_n with_o we_o have_v be_v present_a against_o dark_a bad_a leaven_a rend_a divide_v or_o separate_a spirit_n with_o application_n to_o such_o who_o be_v under_o the_o profession_n of_o truth_n and_o as_o we_o believe_v have_v bear_v the_o brunt_n and_o heat_n of_o the_o day_n and_o do_v yet_o continue_v unchanged_a as_o to_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o as_o blameless_a in_o life_n and_o conversation_n as_o ever_o they_o be_v in_o day_n past_a when_o their_o opposer_n be_v at_o unity_n with_o they_o so_o far_o as_o we_o know_v do_v evident_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o breach_n be_v not_o only_o very_o wide_a but_o so_o public_a as_o it_o can_v but_o concern_v some_o of_o the_o wrongful_o scandalized_a party_n whereof_o we_o be_v a_o part_n as_o man_n and_z as_o christian_n for_o our_o reputation_n or_o at_o least_o the_o reputation_n of_o some_o of_o we_o in_o both_o respect_n have_v be_v strike_v at_o to_o appear_v thus_o public_a in_o the_o vindication_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o have_v long_o bear_v the_o reproach_n and_o scandal_n of_o scandalous_a tongue_n hope_v that_o those_o who_o have_v so_o persecute_v we_o and_o other_o our_o brethren_n for_o who_o sake_n we_o also_o be_v the_o more_o concern_v will_v have_v come_v to_o see_v their_o error_n and_o repent_v do_v now_o think_v ourselves_o oblige_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o truth_n and_o information_n of_o all_o the_o friend_n thereof_o as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v betray_v and_o lead_v from_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n to_o proceed_v to_o manifest_v for_o what_o cause_n both_o we_o and_o many_o other_o our_o brethren_n in_o the_o vnchangable_a truth_n be_v account_v such_o dark_a leaven_a rend_a divide_v and_o separate_a spirit_n which_o be_v true_o state_v the_o impartial_a reader_n will_v easy_o discover_v by_o what_o way_n and_o mean_v the_o aforesaid_a unity_n come_v to_o be_v break_v and_o at_o who_o door_n that_o will_v lie_v and_o which_o of_o those_o divide_a party_n do_v yet_o stand_v in_o and_o for_o the_o unchangeable_a truth_n that_o the_o aforesaid_a cause_n wherefore_o we_o and_o other_o be_v account_v dark_a leaven_a rend_a divide_v or_o separate_a spirit_n may_v be_v the_o more_o clear_o manifest_v it_o be_v needful_a to_o consider_v that_o some_o inquire_a reader_n may_v be_v ready_a to_o ask_v this_o question_n what_o do_v you_o believe_v be_v mean_v by_o the_o word_n dark_a leaven_a rend_a divide_v or_o separate_a spirit_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o many_o signal_n and_o outward_a demonstration_n both_o by_o word_n and_o write_n too_o large_a here_o to_o insert_v have_v be_v give_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o publisher_n of_o such_o reflect_v expression_n on_o many_o ancient_a and_o honourable_a brethren_n who_o we_o believe_v have_v approve_v themselves_o to_o this_o day_n faithful_a labourer_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n do_v intend_v that_o if_o any_o one_o who_o have_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n as_o preach_v among_o we_o in_o the_o beginning_n do_v scruple_n though_o conscientious_o to_o put_v in_o practice_v the_o outward_a order_n and_o prescription_n of_o some_o person_n or_o person_n take_v upon_o he_o or_o they_o to_o give_v forth_o the_o same_o such_o a_o one_o may_v just_o be_v account_v of_o a_o dark_a leaven_a rend_a divide_v or_o separate_v spirit_n and_o though_o of_o our_o certain_a knowledge_n we_o can_v declare_v that_o the_o understanding_n of_o many_o be_v so_o enlighten_v by_o the_o truth_n as_o clear_o to_o discern_v a_o deceivable_a spirit_n enter_v in_o by_o this_o door_n yet_o we_o be_v sensible_a that_o there_o be_v many_o honest-hearted_n friend_n who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o many_o thing_n that_o be_v come_v to_o our_o knowledge_n may_v have_v a_o dread_a upon_o they_o lest_o they_o err_v in_o take_v part_n either_o with_o one_o or_o other_o party_n until_o they_o have_v further_o inquire_v and_o satisfy_v themselves_o and_o these_o peradventure_o may_v be_v ready_a thus_o to_o object_n and_o tell_v we_o objection_n that_o they_o be_v inform_v that_o some_o of_o those_o who_o we_o term_v some_o person_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o give_v forth_o outward_a order_n and_o priscription_n be_v such_o as_o usual_o frequent_v the_o general_n meeting_n and_o have_v be_v ancient_a labourer_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v be_v instrument_n to_o gather_v we_o from_o the_o lo_o hen_n and_o the_o lo_n they_o to_o follow_v that_o teacher_n that_o can_v be_v remove_v into_o a_o corner_n and_o that_o the_o general_n meeting_n be_v a_o establish_v meet_v and_o that_o they_o have_v power_n to_o command_v govern_n and_o rule_n over_o other_o and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o other_o to_o obey_v for_o we_o find_v as_o they_o may_v say_v robert_n barclay_n in_o his_o book_n of_o government_n which_o friend_n ought_v not_o to_o judge_n because_o it_o be_v approve_v by_o the_o second_o day_n meet_v in_o london_n which_o be_v a_o meeting_n of_o minister_a friend_n to_o inform_v we_o page_n 27_o 28._o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n practise_a order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n that_o some_o do_v appoint_v and_o ordain_v certain_a thing_n condemn_v and_o approve_v certain_a practice_n as_o well_o as_o doctrine_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o there_o lie_v a_o obligation_n in_o point_n of_o duty_n
they_o be_v though_o under_o ever_o so_o specious_a pretence_n that_o have_v endeavour_v to_o establish_v outward_a indispensible_a rule_n and_o order_n in_o matter_n relate_v to_o conscience_n for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o gospel_n day_n to_o walk_v by_o neglect_v to_o commit_v and_o commend_v every_o one_o unto_o the_o word_n nigh_o in_o the_o heart_n that_o thereby_o they_o may_v be_v preserve_v from_o subjection_n to_o any_o thing_n outward_o ordain_v which_o they_o may_v either_o scruple_n in_o conscience_n or_o be_v not_o lead_v by_o the_o word_n nigh_o in_o the_o heart_n to_o practise_v be_v such_o as_o in_o the_o best_a and_o most_o fovourable_a construction_n act_n from_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n in_o which_o kind_n of_o zeal_n paul_n himself_o phil._n 3.6_o though_o as_o to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n blameless_a yet_o persecute_v the_o church_n this_o kind_n of_o zeal_n be_v accompany_v with_o that_o ignorance_n which_o the_o chief_a among_o apostatise_v church_n have_v account_v the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n by_o which_o thousand_o in_o age_n past_a in_o the_o dark_a night_n of_o apostasy_n have_v be_v lead_v into_o the_o observation_n of_o many_o unsavoury_a dictate_v erroneous_a decree_n unwarrantable_a tradition_n and_o superstitious_a example_n either_o of_o one_o man_n or_o assembly_n of_o man_n not_o know_v what_o they_o have_v either_o believe_v or_o practise_v to_o be_v a_o incumbent_a duty_n upon_o they_o through_o a_o inward_a evidence_n from_o god_n witness_v in_o their_o conscience_n or_o trial_n thereof_o by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n may_v not_o the_o same_o cloud_n of_o darkness_n overshadow_v any_o of_o the_o child_n of_o light_n in_o this_o our_o day_n say_v our_o soul_n moreover_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o if_o report_n be_v true_a this_o doctrine_n have_v of_o late_o be_v exalt_v no_o unity_n but_o in_o conformity_n which_o if_o apply_v to_o the_o outward_a prescription_n of_o one_o man_n or_o assembly_n of_o man_n assume_v to_o themselves_o authority_n to_o act_n and_o determine_v in_o matter_n appertain_v to_o the_o gospel_n and_o its_o order_n thereby_o to_o become_v a_o bond_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o those_o who_o have_v believe_v in_o the_o everlasting_a light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n as_o the_o great_a order_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o this_o gospel_n day_n may_v occasion_v the_o continuation_n of_o discord_n distraction_n and_o division_n contrary_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n which_o have_v be_v publish_v receive_v and_o believe_v among_o the_o child_n of_o light_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n who_o neither_o have_v nor_o can_v receive_v any_o doctrine_n contrary_a to_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 3.6_o the_o letter_n kill_v but_o the_o spirit_n give_v life_n we_o now_o appeal_v unto_o every_o understanding_n ingenious_a and_o impartial_a reader_n whether_o since_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o primitive_a day_n be_v to_o draw_v the_o outward_a jew_n off_o from_o the_o observation_n of_o these_o ordinance_n which_o be_v rea_o establish_v by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n himself_o have_v exalt_v instead_o thereof_o the_o word_n nigh_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o law_n write_v therein_o as_o a_o fulfil_n of_o that_o which_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o prophet_n be_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v under_o the_o new_a covenant_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v like_a unto_o the_o old_a can_v consist_v with_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n for_o any_o to_o attempt_v the_o establishment_n or_o give_v forth_o of_o outward_a order_n prescription_n sentence_n or_o decree_n to_o be_v on_o that_o foot_n a_o bond_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o those_o who_o have_v believe_v in_o the_o everlasting_a light_n especial_o if_o they_o be_v of_o the_o gentile_a stock_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n unto_o who_o the_o law_n appertain_v not_o for_o so_o the_o people_n of_o england_n be_v and_o if_o not_o whether_o those_o who_o be_v otherwise_o persuade_v and_o according_a to_o such_o a_o persuasion_n may_v be_v find_v act_v may_v not_o though_o under_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o truth_n itself_o just_o be_v number_v among_o those_o of_o who_o in_o the_o best_a sense_n it_o may_v be_v say_v they_o have_v zeal_n without_o knowledge_n and_o ignorance_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o their_o devotion_n and_o now_o as_o to_o those_o who_o have_v knowledge_n without_o zeal_n charity_n do_v not_o oblige_v we_o to_o conclude_v that_o such_o in_o that_o state_n chief_o design_n to_o live_v well_o that_o so_o they_o may_v die_v well_o for_o as_o christ_n say_v so_o may_v we_o luk._n 12.48_o unto_o whosoever_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o shall_v be_v much_o require_v the_o want_n of_o zeal_n in_o a_o know_a good_a cause_n be_v as_o we_o take_v it_o the_o neglect_n of_o a_o know_a incumbent_a duty_n wherein_o god_n have_v give_v power_n else_o how_o can_v it_o have_v be_v say_v to_o the_o lukewarm_a church_n of_o laodicea_n after_o a_o understanding_n be_v give_v unto_o she_o how_o she_o may_v come_v to_o see_v viz._n by_o anoint_v her_o eye_n with_o eye_n salve_n leu._n 3.19_o be_v zealous_n &_o amend_v for_o doubtless_o power_n be_v give_v of_o god_n into_o she_o to_o amend_v as_o well_o as_o direction_n how_o to_o see_v but_o of_o the_o want_n of_o knowledge_n it_o can_v be_v so_o say_v as_o of_o the_o want_n of_o zeal_n because_o it_o be_v not_o equal_o in_o our_o power_n to_o attain_v unto_o knowledge_n when_o we_o want_v it_o as_o it_o be_v zealous_o to_o practise_v what_o we_o know_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n we_o may_v therefore_o conclude_v that_o where_o knowledge_n be_v not_o accompany_v with_o zeal_n though_o requisite_a it_o be_v in_o the_o best_a sense_n a_o token_n of_o a_o lukewarm_a spirit_n and_o in_o some_o where_o it_o have_v predominate_v we_o have_v clear_o discern_v that_o first_o they_o have_v be_v overawe_v by_o the_o frown_n of_o man_n or_o man_n and_o then_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o bear_v all_o thing_n neglect_v to_o give_v their_o testimony_n for_o the_o truth_n without_o respect_n to_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o more_o than_o the_o truth_n may_v require_v and_o by_o this_o mean_v some_o have_v undoubted_o be_v the_o occasion_n whereby_o many_o have_v be_v catch_v in_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o evil_a one_o not_o know_v through_o a_o neglect_n of_o their_o inward_a teacher_n which_o way_n to_o turn_v and_o that_o load_v and_o burden_n have_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o other_o who_o while_o they_o have_v keep_v steadfast_a unto_o the_o ancient_a doctrine_n exalt_v the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n to_o be_v our_o law_n rule_n and_o guide_n have_v behold_v some_o of_o their_o brethren_n not_o only_o captivate_v with_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o slavish_a fear_n but_o also_o in_o their_o practice_n recee_v from_o what_o their_o first_o principle_n will_v have_v lead_v they_o to_o have_v use_v politic_a contrivance_n to_o retain_v the_o favour_n and_o affection_n of_o some_o who_o perhaps_o in_o their_o view_n have_v appear_v to_o be_v like_a unto_o the_o rise_a sun_n and_o so_o have_v give_v more_o way_n to_o a_o temporize_a spirit_n than_o to_o acquit_v themselves_o as_o good_a christian_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n by_o which_o the_o conscience_n come_v to_o be_v keep_v void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n and_o all_o this_o as_o with_o respect_n to_o some_o it_o be_v doubt_v for_o fear_v lest_o they_o shall_v be_v term_v sect-master_n by_o such_o as_o in_o this_o gospel-day_n have_v assume_v a_o pretend_a authority_n to_o establish_v outward_a order_n to_o be_v a_o rule_n for_o and_o bond_n upon_o the_o child_n of_o light_a to_o walk_v by_o without_o any_o exception_n thereby_o to_o avoid_v oppress_v a_o tender_a conscience_n but_o this_o be_v far_o wide_a of_o that_o zeal_n which_o accompany_v the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o his_o convert_v state_n who_o be_v term_v a_o ringleader_n of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nazerenes_n by_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n that_o will_v have_v judge_v he_o according_a to_o their_o law_n which_o undoubted_o will_v then_o have_v inflict_v severe_a punishment_n on_o he_o which_o be_v due_o consider_v we_o may_v well_o say_v it_o be_v far_o wide_a of_o paul_n zeal_n to_o fear_v under_o this_o gospel-day_n the_o title_n of_o a_o sect-master_n on_o the_o score_n of_o refuse_v outward_a conformity_n to_o outward_a rule_n and_o order_n relate_v to_o the_o conscience_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o gospel-order_n establish_v among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n not_o only_o because_o they_o have_v no_o law_n whereby_o corporal_o to_o punish_v but_o also_o because_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n either_o from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o
mouth_n of_o his_o prophet_n or_o from_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n in_o we_o or_o from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n give_v forth_o by_o inspiration_n since_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n to_o expect_v that_o any_o shall_v be_v invest_v with_o power_n from_o on_o high_a to_o establish_v such_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o conscience_n much_o less_o to_o expect_v that_o the_o child_n of_o light_n under_o the_o new_a covenant_n shall_v be_v lead_v by_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n and_o word_n nigh_o in_o the_o heart_n unto_o such_o a_o conformity_n moreover_o it_o be_v observable_a paul_n plain_a confession_n thus_o be_v after_o the_o way_n which_o they_o call_v heresy_n so_o worship_n i_o the_o god_n of_o my_o father_n believe_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n and_o herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o men._n if_o all_o those_o unto_o who_o god_n have_v give_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o truth_n in_o this_o gospel-day_n have_v have_v so_o much_o zeal_n as_o to_o have_v walk_v according_a to_o this_o example_n they_o may_v have_v all_o become_v honourable_a in_o their_o day_n &_o have_v keep_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n and_o then_o none_o of_o they_o will_v have_v be_v afraid_a of_o be_v stigmatise_v as_o sect-master_n by_o such_o who_o like_o the_o outward_a jew_n have_v glory_v in_o thing_n outward_o pretend_a to_o be_v establish_v in_o this_o gospel-day_n and_o have_v make_v such_o thing_n to_o be_v as_o a_o rule_n whereby_o they_o have_v endeavour_v to_o try_v their_o brethren_n who_o at_o this_o day_n have_v approve_v themselves_o jew_n in_o spirit_n zealous_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o the_o word_n nigh_o in_o the_o heart_n according_a to_o knowledge_n even_o as_o the_o outward_a jew_n will_v have_v do_v by_o paul_n for_o such_o a_o reflection_n will_v never_o have_v hurt_v they_o in_o the_o breast_n of_o those_o that_o have_v continue_v true_o faithful_a and_o this_o many_o be_v give_v to_o understand_v from_o that_o honourable_a esteem_n that_o some_o ancient_a and_o faithful_a brethren_n have_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o such_o as_o have_v not_o in_o a_o temporize_a spirit_n change_v their_o way_n notwithstanding_o they_o be_v stigmatise_v with_o the_o name_n of_o sect-master_n even_o by_o those_o who_o like_o the_o gentile_n appear_v to_o exercise_n lordship_n over_o their_o brethren_n in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o come_v to_o take_v a_o little_a notice_n of_o those_o who_o abound_v in_o confidence_n without_o either_o knowledge_n or_o zeal_n this_o sort_n may_v be_v well_o compare_v unto_o those_o beast_n with_o who_o it_o be_v repute_v paul_n fight_v at_o ephesus_n which_o if_o it_o be_v so_o be_v doubtless_o he_o contest_v have_v with_o unreasonable_a men._n the_o bait_n by_o which_o this_o 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that_o with_o respect_n to_o follow_v the_o exhorte_a shall_v take_v place_n he_o than_o that_o lead_v and_o those_o who_o may_v be_v lead_v will_v quick_o fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n together_o and_o so_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n come_v to_o be_v advance_v instead_o of_o be_v destroy_v but_o bless_v be_v the_o name_n of_o the_o everlasting_a god_n that_o sun_n which_o have_v arisen_a among_o we_o that_o glorious_a appearance_n if_o the_o everlasting_a light_n which_o have_v shine_v in_o many_o heart_n be_v not_o yet_o set_v in_o obscurity_n and_o our_o faith_n be_v that_o it_o will_v not_o the_o lord_n have_v have_v a_o regard_n to_o his_o own_o name_n and_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o eternal_a power_n so_o that_o though_o many_o ancient_a and_o honourable_a brethren_n who_o the_o lord_n commissioned_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n to_o publish_v his_o everlasting_a gospel_n exhort_v all_o to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n in_o they_o be_v fall_v asleep_o yet_o there_o be_v many_o of_o the_o same_o stock_n yet_o remain_v upon_o who_o he_o have_v not_o only_o pour_v forth_o of_o his_o spirit_n and_o anoint_v they_o to_o publish_v his_o everlasting_a gospel_n but_o also_o have_v keep_v they_o in_o integrity_n and_o their_o garment_n undefiled_a from_o the_o spot_n and_o pollution_n of_o this_o world_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o have_v give_v unto_o they_o true_a zeal_n according_a to_o knowledge_n through_o which_o the_o way_n unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o demonstration_n of_o his_o spirit_n have_v be_v declare_v and_o have_v continue_v they_o in_o the_o service_n whereunto_o they_o have_v be_v call_v and_o these_o have_v not_o in_o a_o temporize_a spirit_n for_o fear_n of_o the_o threat_n and_o frown_n of_o man_n change_v their_o way_n nor_o yet_o follow_v any_o for_o the_o loaf_n and_o though_o some_o of_o these_o have_v of_o late_o be_v account_v dark_a spirit_n leaven_a spirit_n troubler_n of_o israel_n sect-master_n leader_n into_o a_o separation_n and_o into_o downright_a independency_n parish_n and_o schism_n yet_o this_o testimony_n live_v with_o we_o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n on_o which_o alone_o we_o be_v persuade_v their_o dependency_n have_v be_v and_o be_v have_v accompany_v such_o when_o thus_o judge_v despise_a and_o revile_v by_o that_o generation_n who_o unto_o we_o appear_v as_o if_o their_o dependency_n be_v upon_o man_n that_o labour_n and_o travel_v to_o gather_v unto_o themselves_o to_o conclude_v this_o further_a testimony_n live_v with_o we_o that_o the_o righteous_a god_n bear_v we_o this_o day_n record_n that_o the_o very_a reason_n wherefore_o this_o treatise_n be_v now_o prepare_v be_v because_o our_o very_a conscience_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o god_n truth_n and_o people_n be_v concern_v and_o therefore_o we_o can_v but_o encourage_v this_o so_o necessary_a a_o work_n have_v among_o many_o other_o our_o brethren_n long_o wait_v and_o bear_v in_o patience_n to_o see_v if_o peradventure_o the_o lord_n may_v change_v the_o heart_n of_o those_o who_o have_v occasion_v contention_n strife_n and_o division_n to_o arise_v among_o the_o family_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n for_o whatever_o measure_n other_o may_v take_v of_o we_o yet_o this_o evidence_n we_o have_v in_o ourselves_o that_o our_o soul_n desire_n be_v that_o the_o bright_a appearance_n of_o the_o everlasting_a day_n may_v not_o set_v in_o obscurity_n in_o any_o heart_n where_o it_o have_v be_v both_o manifest_v and_o receive_v nor_o yet_o that_o any_o of_o the_o lord_n people_n may_v be_v ensnare_v to_o build_v again_o the_o thing_n which_o in_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n our_o lord_n they_o have_v destroy_v william_n rogers_n william_n ford_n here_o now_o follow_v that_o paper_n make_v mention_n of_o in_o the_o title_n page_n touch_v the_o scatter_a of_o israel_n give_v forth_o in_o the_o year_n 1661._o by_o edward_n burrough_n minister_n of_o the_o everlasting_a gospel_n on_o the_o 22th_o of_o the_o 8_o month_n 1661._o i_o be_v grieve_v in_o my_o spirit_n for_o the_o scatter_v of_o israel_n and_o my_o thought_n trouble_v i_o very_o much_o for_o the_o afflict_a in_o jerusalem_n for_o i_o also_o be_v great_o afflict_v with_o they_o and_o i_o pray_v unto_o god_n that_o he_o will_v show_v i_o his_o purpose_n concern_v they_o and_o these_o word_n come_v unto_o i_o abide_v thou_o in_o i_o thou_o helpless_a lamb_n and_o i_o will_v show_v thou_o great_a thing_n only_o stir_v not_o from_o i_o for_o thou_o have_v no_o helper_n but_o i_o and_o if_o thou_o go_v never_o so_o little_a from_o i_o behold_v a_o wild_a beast_n seek_v to_o devour_v thou_o therefore_o i_o say_v abide_v and_o then_o i_o weep_v great_o because_o i_o see_v what_o great_a danger_n i_o be_v in_o for_o i_o
have_v open_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o other_o way_n by_o which_o all_o thing_n relate_v unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n come_v to_o be_v reveal_v and_o this_o appear_v agrecable_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n john_n 14.26_o 2_o cor._n 4.2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o 2_o tim._n 3.15_o 16._o we_o be_v now_o sensible_a that_o some_o who_o may_v peruse_v the_o forego_n scripture_n may_v be_v ready_a thus_o to_o say_v you_o seem_v to_o propound_v two_o way_n by_o which_o the_o thing_n appertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n have_v be_v and_o be_v reveal_v viz._n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n or_o appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n as_o one_o way_n and_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n as_o another_o way_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v the_o way_n we_o propose_v be_v but_o one_o though_o the_o manifestation_n thereof_o may_v seem_v various_a to_o man_n viz._n sometime_o through_o instrument_n and_o 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term_v so_o profitable_a a_o rule_n unto_o we_o as_o the_o light_n and_o spirit_n from_o which_o they_o be_v give_v forth_o and_o therefore_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n ought_v chief_o to_o be_v unto_o the_o spiritual_a appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n and_o spirit_n in_o we_o as_o that_o unerring_a guide_n which_o never_o can_v be_v remove_v into_o a_o corner_n beside_o we_o find_v the_o scripture_n itself_o testify_v that_o no_o prophecy_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n 1.20_o 2_o pet._n 1.20_o that_o be_v it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v interpret_v but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n through_o who_o motion_n it_o be_v give_v forth_o for_o all_o other_o interpretation_n may_v true_o be_v term_v private_a from_o whence_o we_o observe_v that_o if_o the_o prophecy_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n shall_v be_v read_v unto_o we_o from_o morning_n to_o evening_n and_o from_o evening_n to_o morning_n again_o we_o may_v receive_v little_a benefit_n or_o profit_n thereby_o unless_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n come_v to_o be_v stay_v in_o the_o unchangeable_a light_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n whereby_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o they_o out_o of_o all_o private_a interpretation_n have_v be_v and_o be_v signify_v unto_o man._n chap._n ii_o touch_v the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o and_o exhortation_n to_o obedience_n thereof_o those_o faithful_a messenger_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o the_o lord_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n send_v forth_o for_o the_o gather_n of_o the_o nation_n unto_o the_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n that_o their_o soul_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n frequent_o sound_v in_o our_o ear_n on_o this_o wise_a turn_v in_o your_o mind_n unto_o the_o light_n within_o mean_v thereby_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o which_o show_v you_o that_o a_o tie_n be_v not_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o as_o through_o faith_n you_o come_v to_o be_v obedient_a unto_o the_o light_n within_o and_o that_o measure_n of_o grace_n give_v by_o god_n and_o receive_v by_o you_o so_o will_v you_o come_v to_o be_v make_v partalter_n of_o that_o great_a salvation_n this_o doctrine_n be_v acceptable_a to_o many_o who_o in_o the_o love_n of_o truth_n receive_v the_o joyful_a sound_n thereof_o but_o unto_o other_o mean_a and_o despise_a who_o notwithstanding_o that_o testimony_n account_v the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n a_o more_o sure_a rule_n and_o guide_n unto_o the_o father_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o at_o this_o time_n have_v be_v as_o a_o obligation_n to_o examine_v whether_o the_o aforesaid_a doctrine_n so_o acceptable_a to_o some_o and_o despise_v by_o other_o be_v consonant_n to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n which_o task_n be_v the_o more_o free_o undertake_v because_o the_o aforesaid_a doctrine_n have_v become_v so_o great_a a_o stumble_a block_n unto_o many_o as_o that_o they_o have_v think_v it_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n that_o the_o professor_n thereof_o have_v be_v out_o of_o the_o path_n of_o truth_n ready_o object_v on_o this_o wise_a objection_n do_v you_o not_o think_v that_o those_o jew_n who_o crucify_v christ_n act_v not_o from_o the_o light_n within_o since_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o very_o think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n therein_o have_v thus_o premise_v it_o be_v now_o needful_a to_o examine_v what_o may_v be_v speak_v from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n for_o the_o light_n within_o and_o to_o turn_v in_o the_o mind_n unto_o the_o same_o to_o obey_v it_o etc._n etc._n in_o order_n thereunto_o we_o find_v john_n the_o evangelist_n thus_o testify_v 1.4.9_o joh._n 1.4.9_o in_o he_o mean_v the_o word_n which_o be_v god_n be_v life_n and_o the_o life_n be_v the_o light_n of_o man_n that_o be_v the_o true_a light_n which_o light_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n i_o be_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n 8.12_o john_n 8.12_o he_o that_o follow_v i_o shall_v not_o walk_v in_o darkness_n but_o shall_v have_v the_o light_n of_o life_n 12.46_o joh._n 12.46_o i_o be_o come_v a_o light_n into_o the_o world_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o i_o shall_v not_o abide_v in_o darkness_n these_o scripture_n plain_o show_v that_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v in_o and_o follow_v christ_n who_o be_v that_o light_n that_o light_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n objection_n however_o some_o object_v may_v say_v what_o be_v this_o to_o a_o light_n within_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o john_n the_o evangelist_n mean_v nothing_o of_o a_o light_n within_o in_o your_o sense_n but_o of_o the_o personal_a appearance_n of_o christ_n without_o as_o that_o word_n which_o be_v make_v flesh_n and_o as_o evidence_n produce_v what_o the_o same_o evangelist_n say_v chap._n
adam_n do_v through_o his_o rebellion_n in_o eat_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n chap._n v._o touch_v magistracy_n and_o obedience_n thereto_o on_o this_o subject_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o treat_v as_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o magistracy_n and_o people_n of_o england_n whereof_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n be_v a_o part_n 1._o we_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o owe_v obedience_n either_o active_a or_o passive_a unto_o this_o magistracy_n and_o that_o such_o obedience_n be_v as_o well_o ground_v on_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o as_o warrantable_a from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o for_o when_o the_o magistrate_n do_v command_v obedience_n unto_o any_o law_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o indeed_o no_o law_n of_o england_n according_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o its_o government_n and_o those_o maxim_n which_o be_v declare_v for_o law_n aught_o to_o be_v contrary_a thereto_o than_o we_o ought_v to_o yield_v active_a obedience_n and_o whilst_o the_o magistrate_n be_v in_o execution_n of_o such_o law_n they_o be_v as_o occasion_n require_v punisher_n of_o those_o that_o do_v evil_a 14._o 1_o pet._n 2.13_o 14._o and_o a_o praise_n unto_o they_o that_o do_v well_o which_o be_v agreeable_a unto_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n touch_v magistracy_n unto_o who_o in_o such_o case_n active_a obedience_n be_v to_o be_v give_v for_o the_o lord_n sake_n obj._n you_o speak_v very_o well_o so_o far_o as_o you_o have_v limit_v your_o obedience_n to_o good_a law_n but_o what_o if_o those_o in_o power_n shall_v make_v such_o law_n which_o you_o account_v bad_a and_o not_o ground_v on_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o direct_o against_o those_o who_o you_o term_v god_n people_n dare_v you_o then_o say_v that_o it_o be_v agreeable_a unto_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o and_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o to_o yield_v obedience_n in_o such_o case_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o light_n within_o and_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o that_o a_o christian_a yield_v passive_a obedience_n since_o for_o conscience_n sake_n choose_v rather_o to_o obey_v god_n than_o man_n 29._o act._n 5.28_o 29._o which_o be_v the_o apostle_n case_n he_o can_v yield_v active_a obedience_n for_o we_o find_v the_o counsel_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v on_o this_o wise_a resist_v not_o evil_a 5.39_o mat._n 5.39_o but_o whosoever_o shall_v smite_v thou_o on_o thy_o right_a cheek_n turn_v to_o he_o the_o other_o which_o clear_o show_v it_o be_v against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o resist_v and_o so_o consequent_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v passive_a and_o therefore_o since_o we_o have_v not_o at_o any_o time_n plead_v for_o any_o other_o light_n within_o save_v the_o light_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v as_o well_o agreeable_a unto_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o as_o with_o the_o counsel_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o that_o man_n under_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n put_v in_o practice_n that_o wholesome_a counsel_n which_o be_v give_v by_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o way_n be_v unchangeable_a viz._n resist_v not_o evil_a obj._n this_o show_v you_o principled_a against_o outward_a war_n and_o fight_n to_o work_v your_o own_o deliverance_n from_o under_o oppressive_a magistrate_n ans_fw-fr yes_o very_o for_o so_o we_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o child_n of_o light_n be_v desire_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lord_n according_a as_o the_o prophet_n say_v 2.5_o isa_n 2.5_o o_o house_n of_o jacob_n come_v you_o let_v we_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o last_o day_n touch_v which_o the_o same_o prophet_n thus_o prophesi_v 2.4_o isa_n 2.4_o he_o shall_v judge_v among_o the_o nation_n and_o shall_v rebuke_v many_o people_n and_o they_o shall_v beat_v their_o sword_n into_o ploughshare_n and_o their_o spear_n into_o pruning-hook_n nation_n shall_v not_o lift_v up_o sword_n against_o nation_n neither_o shall_v they_o learn_v war_n any_o more_o this_o be_v speak_v prophetical_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o reign_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n show_v that_o all_o outward_a force_n and_o war_n be_v to_o be_v deny_v by_o the_o member_n of_o his_o body_n which_o be_v his_o church_n to_o work_v their_o own_o deliverance_n a_o far_a proof_n whereof_o be_v manifest_v unto_o we_o by_o christ_n himself_o when_o he_o say_v unto_o peter_n put_v up_o thy_o sword_n into_o thy_o sheath_n and_o therefore_o in_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n unto_o we_o who_o as_o his_o peculiar_a people_n he_o have_v choose_v to_o follow_v his_o precept_n and_o example_n we_o can_v say_v bless_a be_v the_o lord_n many_o there_o be_v in_o this_o our_o day_n who_o by_o the_o peaceable_a spirit_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v lead_v like_o a_o lamb_n dumb_a before_o the_o shearer_n be_v retire_v in_o their_o spirit_n unto_o the_o lord_n out_o of_o all_o outward_a warring_n and_o fight_n resign_v up_o unto_o he_o in_o who_o preservation_n be_v know_v this_o that_o the_o same_o occasion_n may_v be_v give_v in_o this_o our_o day_n to_o testify_v as_o paul_n do_v in_o his_o day_n 3.12_o 2_o tim._n 3.12_o viz._n all_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n shall_v suffer_v persecution_n and_o so_o on_o this_o score_n be_v lead_v by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n not_o to_o resist_v evil_a lest_o they_o shall_v be_v find_v opposer_n of_o that_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v think_v good_a to_o suffer_v to_o come_v upon_o his_o heritage_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o patience_n which_o be_v much_o more_o precious_a than_o gold_n that_o now_o also_o our_o persuasion_n touch_v government_n in_o general_n may_v be_v full_o know_v we_o refer_v to_o the_o 3d_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n be_v a_o treatise_n on_o that_o subject_a chap._n vi_o touch_v respect_n of_o person_n plain_a language_n disuse_n of_o the_o word_n master_n unless_o by_o a_o servant_n to_o his_o master_n of_o custom_n and_o fashion_n of_o this_o world_n and_o of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o unknown_a that_o the_o outward_a deportment_n of_o friend_n in_o truth_n have_v become_v as_o a_o stumbling-block_n to_o many_o conclude_v that_o our_o manner_n of_o habit_n gesture_n and_o language_n distinct_a from_o other_o be_v either_o the_o fruit_n of_o pride_n or_o ignorance_n or_o else_o of_o both_o and_o therefore_o on_o this_o occasion_n it_o be_v think_v needful_a to_o add_v something_o in_o relation_n to_o this_o subject_a wherein_o our_o intent_n be_v not_o to_o make_v a_o apology_n for_o any_o action_n that_o in_o itself_o be_v real_o rude_a whimsical_a or_o imaginary_a but_o rather_o to_o give_v in_o our_o testimony_n on_o behalf_n of_o ourselves_o and_o all_o those_o who_o through_o obedience_n unto_o the_o inshinings_a of_o christ_n light_n in_o their_o conscience_n be_v make_v or_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n by_o which_o those_o who_o conscience_n be_v purify_v from_o dead_a work_n come_v to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n in_o newness_n of_o life_n and_o therein_o to_o have_v their_o conversation_n order_v aright_o so_o as_o not_o to_o give_v any_o just_a occasion_n of_o offence_n either_o to_o jew_n or_o gentile_n or_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o that_o keep_v themselves_o unspotted_a of_o the_o world_n nor_o yet_o fashion_v themselves_o according_a to_o their_o former_a lust_n they_o may_v not_o have_v whereof_o to_o glory_v save_v in_o the_o cross_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o who_o the_o world_n be_v crucify_v to_o they_o and_o they_o unto_o the_o world_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o ourselves_o and_o all_o such_o our_o testimony_n now_o be_v that_o when_o the_o everlasting_a light_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n shine_v in_o every_o conscience_n be_v exalt_v as_o that_o spiritual_a appearance_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o be_v to_o lead_v and_o guide_v into_o all_o truth_n we_o be_v witness_n that_o it_o become_v a_o discoverer_n that_o man_n in_o his_o fall_a estate_n be_v puff_v up_o in_o pride_n use_v many_o unnecessary_a attire_n and_o complimental_a expression_n to_o please_v and_o affect_v that_o mind_n which_o be_v alienate_v from_o god_n and_o estrange_v from_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n neither_o do_v this_o light_n only_o make_v such_o a_o discovery_n but_o also_o prompt_v to_o bear_v a_o testimony_n against_o the_o same_o by_o example_n and_o conversation_n and_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o dare_v to_o go_v after_o the_o vain_a fashion_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o world_n but_o rather_o have_v our_o eye_n unto_o that_o which_o be_v incorruptible_a viz._n the_o ornament_n of_o a_o meek_a and_o quiet_a
and_o variety_n of_o charter_n by_o which_o a_o pretend_a claim_n have_v be_v make_v thereto_o will_v fill_v a_o large_a volumn_n and_o be_v not_o much_o to_o the_o purpose_n on_o this_o occasion_n that_o therefore_o be_v pass_v over_o and_o the_o inquisitive_a reader_n refer_v to_o selden_n history_n on_o that_o subject_a and_o the_o statute_n make_v on_o behalf_n of_o tithe_n in_o the_o reign_v of_o henry_n 8_o edward_z 6_o queen_n elizabeth_z etc._n etc._n and_o so_o proceed_v to_o manifest_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o just_a pretence_n from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n to_o claim_v tithe_n under_o a_o gospel-dispensation_n as_o a_o proper_a maintenance_n for_o a_o gospel-ministry_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o humane_a institution_n the_o most_o pertinent_a part_n of_o scripture_n that_o at_o present_a we_o remember_v to_o prove_v a_o maintenance_n for_o a_o gospel-ministry_n be_v what_o paul_n write_v 1._o cor._n 9_o from_o verse_n 3._o to_o verse_n 16._o on_o which_o this_o observation_n may_v be_v make_v that_o paul_n pretend_v not_o to_o have_v any_o power_n to_o claim_v carnal_a thing_n by_o any_o humane_a institution_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o one_o word_n intimate_v that_o he_o have_v either_o power_n or_o liberty_n to_o make_v use_n of_o carnal_a thing_n unless_o from_o those_o unto_o who_o he_o have_v sow_o spiritual_a moreover_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o paul_n be_v so_o far_o from_o use_v that_o gospel-power_n which_o he_o have_v that_o he_o account_v it_o a_o reward_n unto_o he_o that_o when_o he_o preach_v the_o gospel_n he_o may_v make_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n without_o charge_n obj._n but_o what_o if_o it_o please_v the_o supreme_a power_n to_o bestow_v on_o the_o national_a ministry_n tithe_n how_o prove_v you_o from_o the_o scripture_n that_o those_o who_o free_o pay_v it_o do_v ill_a or_o that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o they_o to_o receive_v it_o from_o such_o and_o sue_v for_o it_o by_o the_o law_n from_o other_o who_o be_v not_o free_a to_o pay_v it_o ans_fw-fr we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o condemn_v all_o those_o who_o free_o pay_v they_o and_o not_o as_o by_o constraint_n that_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o profess_v christianity_n to_o contribute_v towards_o the_o outward_a maintenance_n of_o such_o who_o they_o usual_o hear_v and_o account_v to_o be_v the_o true_a minister_n of_o christ_n though_o not_o oblige_v thereto_o by_o law_n in_o case_n they_o have_v need_n and_o if_o the_o charity_n of_o any_o shall_v be_v such_o as_o to_o bestow_v upon_o they_o one_o five_o part_n instead_o of_o a_o ten_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o condemn_v it_o but_o the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n be_v against_o all_o those_o who_o under_o pretence_n of_o be_v gospel-minister_n have_v receive_v carnal_a thing_n from_o any_o who_o give_v they_o not_o free_o but_o by_o virtue_n of_o humane_a institution_n and_o as_o to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o objection_n viz._n to_o prove_v it_o lawful_a to_o sue_v for_o tithe_n when_o give_v by_o law_n to_o a_o gospel-ministry_n it_o be_v time_n enough_o so_o to_o do_v when_o any_o one_o shall_v undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o make_v outward_a law_n to_o enforce_v a_o contribution_n in_o any_o form_n or_o method_n whatsoever_o for_o maintenance_n of_o a_o gospel-ministry_n hitherto_o we_o have_v not_o understand_v that_o any_o pen_n have_v undertake_v such_o a_o proof_n and_o therefore_o no_o necessity_n to_o enlarge_v for_o disproof_n of_o that_o which_o be_v neither_o prove_v or_o pretend_v to_o be_v provable_a as_o we_o know_v however_o lest_o any_o shall_v think_v this_o premise_v a_o kind_n of_o a_o shift_n we_o shall_v add_v thus_o much_o that_o as_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o spiritual_a work_n so_o a_o temporal_a constitution_n be_v unsuitable_a for_o the_o maintenance_n thereof_o 9.14_o 1_o cor._n 9.14_o paul_n testify_v the_o lord_n ordain_v that_o they_o which_o preach_v the_o gospel_n shall_v live_v of_o the_o gospel_n we_o now_o desire_v the_o impartial_a reader_n serious_o to_o weigh_v and_o consider_v whether_o since_o god_n have_v ordain_v that_o those_o who_o preach_v the_o gospel_n shall_v live_v of_o the_o gospel_n it_o can_v be_v justifiable_a in_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n instead_o of_o cleave_v to_o what_o god_n have_v ordain_v to_o cleave_v to_o a_o humane_a law_n thereby_o to_o sue_v for_o tithe_n from_o those_o who_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v partaker_n of_o that_o gospel_n pretend_v to_o be_v minister_v as_o that_o they_o disow_v the_o same_o to_o every_o enlighten_v eye_n it_o can_v but_o be_v plain_a that_o a_o maintenance_n so_o obtain_v be_v not_o a_o live_n of_o the_o gospel_n because_o as_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v free_o receive_v so_o it_o be_v free_o give_v and_o he_o that_o be_v exercise_v therein_o reap_v no_o man_n carual_a thing_n unless_o they_o be_v free_o offer_v caap._n ix_o touch_v baptism_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n 1.12_o mat._n 1.12_o that_o the_o baptism_n of_o water_n be_v the_o ministration_n of_o john_n who_o be_v send_v a_o messenger_n to_o prepare_v the_o way_n of_o christ_n before_o he_o and_o that_o though_o he_o be_v send_v to_o baptise_v with_o water_n unto_o repentance_n yet_o he_o thus_o testify_v in_o relation_n to_o christ_n 3.11_o mat._n 3.11_o he_o that_o come_v after_o i_o be_v mighty_a than_o i_o who_o shoe_n i_o be_o not_o worthy_a to_o bear_v he_o shall_v baptise_v you_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n now_o forasmuch_o as_o christ_n himself_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o after_o his_o resurrection_n exhort_v his_o disciple_n on_o this_o wise_a go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n 28.19_o mat._n 28.19_o baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n that_o i_o have_v command_v you_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v conclude_v by_o many_o that_o the_o baptism_n of_o water_n ought_v also_o to_o continue_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o a_o gospel_n ordinance_n to_o be_v administer_v by_o those_o who_o be_v call_v into_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n ans_fw-fr one_a it_o do_v not_o appear_v from_o the_o recite_v scripture_n that_o the_o disciple_n be_v hereby_o commissionated_a too_o baptise_v with_o water_n and_o though_o it_o may_v be_v urge_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o 10.47_o of_o act._n 8.38_o act._n 10.47_o philip_n to_o the_o eunuch_n and_o the_o word_n of_o peter_n show_v that_o christ_n intend_v the_o baptism_n of_o water_n and_o that_o that_o baptism_n be_v to_o be_v administer_v by_o gospel_n minister_n for_o ever_o yet_o that_o be_v not_o more_o a_o infallible_a proof_n thereof_o 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ghost_n as_o some_o of_o christ_n disciple_n joh._n 6.53_o be_v in_o these_o his_o word_n except_o you_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n you_o have_v no_o life_n in_o you_o for_o christ_n meaning_n thereby_o be_v not_o that_o the_o flesh_n do_v profit_n 6.61_o joh._n 6.61_o as_o be_v plain_a by_o these_o his_o word_n it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o quicken_v the_o flesh_n profit_v nothing_o the_o word_n that_o i_o speak_v unto_o you_o they_o be_v spirit_n and_o they_o be_v life_n yet_o for_o want_v of_o true_a discern_v what_o christ_n mean_v by_o eat_v of_o his_o flesh_n until_o he_o explain_v himself_o many_o of_o his_o disciple_n say_v this_o be_v a_o hard_a say_n who_o can_v hear_v it_o read_v john_n 6._o from_o verse_n 47._o to_o
fellowship_n with_o the_o child_n of_o light_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o that_o form_n that_o the_o power_n of_o god_n may_v lead_v into_o for_o i_o be_o a_o witness_n for_o many_o year_n past_a even_o to_o this_o day_n that_o such_o meeting_n have_v be_v serviceable_a to_o answer_v those_o righteous_a ends._n but_o if_o the_o member_n of_o any_o such_o meeting_n shall_v by_o their_o practice_n therein_o not_o only_o assume_v as_o some_o there_o be_v who_o to_o my_o knowledge_n have_v too_o manifest_o so_o do_v but_o continue_v to_o assume_v another_o place_n in_o the_o body_n than_o that_o wherein_o god_n have_v place_v they_o or_o shall_v endeavour_v so_o to_o establish_v outward_a indispensible_a rule_n and_o order_n therein_o relate_v to_o conscience_n as_o that_o such_o of_o the_o brethren_n who_o submit_v not_o thereunto_o shall_v be_v account_v not_o of_o the_o body_n though_o they_o see_v it_o not_o their_o duty_n it_o may_v be_v just_o with_o the_o lord_n as_o a_o token_n of_o his_o indignation_n and_o displeasure_n to_o withdraw_v his_o refresh_a presence_n from_o such_o assembly_n and_o then_o their_o meeting_n may_v become_v as_o useless_a as_o a_o body_n without_o a_o spirit_n be_v but_o yet_o robert_n barclay_n undertake_v to_o describe_v the_o order_n of_o the_o government_n and_o how_o far_o it_o extend_v and_o also_o testify_v the_o ancient_a apostolic_a order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v re-establisht_a among_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n notwithstanding_o which_o his_o say_n i_o affirm_v they_o be_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o many_o thing_n with_o respect_n to_o church-discipline_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n treat_v of_o those_o thing_n give_v forth_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v silent_a and_o be_v not_o find_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o some_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v either_o practise_v exhort_v to_o or_o command_v by_o the_o apostle_n second_o i_o affirm_v that_o as_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n so_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n have_v not_o power_n in_o case_n of_o difference_n arise_v among_o themselves_o touch_v outward_a thing_n to_o assume_v jurisdiction_n over_o the_o property_n and_o worldly_a concern_v each_o of_o other_o when_o not_o choose_v for_o that_o service_n by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o member_n differ_v and_o yet_o i_o do_v say_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o fellow-member_n that_o be_v at_o variance_n to_o refer_v by_o mutual_a choice_n their_o cause_n unto_o other_o brethren_n but_o yet_o r._n b._n say_v as_o a_o people_n gather_v together_o by_o the_o lord_n unto_o the_o same_o faith_n etc._n etc._n that_o we_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o decide_v and_o remove_v these_o thing_n three_o i_o affirm_v that_o nothing_o can_v become_v a_o right_n and_o christian_a bond_n upon_o believer_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o any_o practical_a duty_n relate_v to_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o matter_n of_o conscience_n until_o convince_v by_o the_o witness_n of_o god_n in_o their_o conscience_n of_o the_o service_n thereof_o four_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o certain_a principle_n and_o doctines_n though_o believe_v through_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n on_o the_o understanding_n and_o practice_n depend_v thereon_o be_v not_o the_o very_a bond_n by_o which_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n be_v become_v center_a into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o christ_n body_n nor_o yet_o the_o cause_n that_o gather_v they_o but_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o bond_n and_o in_o the_o best_a sense_n such_o principle_n etc._n etc._n be_v but_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o bond_n and_o the_o cause_n that_o gather_v they_o be_v god_n love_n that_o the_o sentence_n and_o judgement_n of_o any_o man_n or_o man_n whatsoever_o relate_v to_o matter_n of_o conscience_n ought_v not_o at_o this_o day_n to_o be_v give_v forth_o but_o by_o way_n of_o recomendation_n to_o every_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o 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member_n of_o christ_n body_n be_v sanctification_n through_o the_o spirit_n that_o where_o any_o number_n of_o such_o be_v assemble_v together_o in_o christ_n name_n though_o but_o of_o the_o lesser_a rank_n in_o the_o body_n there_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o before_o such_o a_o assembly_n case_n of_o difference_n may_v be_v bring_v which_o may_v be_v beside_o the_o gift_n or_o capacity_n of_o such_o to_o determine_v and_o judge_n and_o therefore_o infallible_a judgement_n which_o be_v unalterable_o seat_v in_o the_o spirit_n in_o some_o case_n may_v be_v want_v to_o appear_v through_o any_o one_o member_n in_o such_o assembly_n as_o proper_o may_v be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o yet_o r._n b._n say_v in_o his_o treatise_n page_n 68_o that_o there_o never_o will_v nor_o can_v be_v want_v in_o case_n of_o controversy_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o give_v judgement_n through_o some_o or_o other_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n so_o long_o as_o any_o 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basis_n and_o foundation_n to_o which_o i_o thus_o say_v this_o kind_n of_o language_n with_o respect_n to_o divers_a practice_n in_o discipline_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n or_o any_o outward_a form_n and_o order_n which_o be_v or_o have_v be_v by_o any_o call_v the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o do_v not_o understand_v to_o be_v right_o applicable_a to_o those_o among_o the_o say_a people_n who_o have_v retain_v their_o first_o love_n to_o and_o savour_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o principle_n thereof_o not_o that_o i_o will_v hereby_o be_v understand_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o outward_a order_n with_o respect_n to_o that_o gospel-discipline_n which_o become_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o that_o which_o i_o understand_v not_o to_o be_v right_o applicable_a unto_o they_o be_v manifest_v in_o what_o follow_v though_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n have_v and_o 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be_v and_o be_v in_o the_o lord_n hand_n build_v up_o to_o which_o i_o say_v the_o consideration_n that_o christ_n be_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o great_a power_n of_o god_n and_o that_o a_o establish_n in_o the_o faith_n can_v proper_o be_v term_v a_o build_n up_o of_o faith_n give_v i_o occasion_n to_o treat_v a_o little_a touch_v the_o word_n establish_v and_o build_v up_o we_o know_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n in_o ourselves_o as_o well_o as_o from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o build_v up_o one_o another_o in_o the_o most_o holy_a faith_n in_o christ_n the_o truth_n the_o power_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v neither_o agreeable_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n in_o we_o nor_o yet_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o we_o for_o any_o to_o account_v themselves_o of_o ability_n to_o establish_v god_n power_n for_o its_o that_o by_o which_o the_o world_n be_v make_v now_o 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truth_n hereof_o under_o the_o first_o covenant_n which_o be_v outward_a the_o mind_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v to_o the_o people_n from_o the_o priest_n lip_n which_o be_v to_o preserve_v knowledge_n and_o this_o covenant_n do_v consist_v in_o divers_a outward_a ordinance_n etc._n etc._n establish_v and_o impose_v upon_o the_o people_n until_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n under_o the_o second_o covenant_n be_v the_o new_a covenant_n or_o gospel_n dispensation_n the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v in_o his_o people_n through_o the_o revelation_n of_o his_o spirit_n according_a to_o that_o of_o paul_n rom._n 1.19_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_v in_o they_o christ_n also_o say_v john_n 14.26_o the_o comforter_n which_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o the_o father_n will_v send_v in_o my_o name_n he_o shall_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n the_o law_n under_o this_o covenant_n be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n heb._n 8.10_o 11._o i_o will_v write_v my_o law_n in_o their_o heart_n &_o they_o shall_v not_o teach_v every_o man_n his_o neighbour_n and_o every_o man_n his_o brother_n say_v know_v the_o lord_n for_o all_o shall_v know_v i_o etc._n etc._n here_o be_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n of_o encouragement_n for_o any_o man_n under_o the_o new_a covenant_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v like_a unto_o the_o old_a to_o pretend_v that_o god_n spirit_n do_v or_o will_v lead_v any_o to_o establish_v outward_a order_n relate_v to_o matter_n of_o conscience_n as_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o if_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_v in_o we_o than_o though_o it_o may_v be_v needful_a to_o stir_v up_o according_a as_o the_o lord_n shall_v move_v in_o his_o servant_n the_o pure_a mind_n in_o we_o that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o what_o god_n require_v through_o the_o maifestation_n of_o himself_o in_o we_o there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o establish_v any_o thing_n without_o we_o to_o show_v it_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v to_o lead_v into_o all_o truth_n those_o who_o will_v be_v lead_v we_o in_o another_o way_n will_v prove_v little_o better_o than_o thief_n and_o robber_n which_o climb_v up_o another_o way_n to_o enter_v in_o than_o by_o the_o door_n if_o the_o law_n be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o that_o no_o obedience_n find_v acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n but_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n from_o a_o inward_a impulse_n and_o draw_v of_o his_o spirit_n thereunto_o in_o ourselves_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o establish_v outward_a indispensible_a rule_n which_o may_v relate_v to_o the_o conscience_n to_o walk_v by_o for_o be_v it_o possible_a so_o to_o do_v and_o any_o shall_v yield_v obedience_n on_o no_o better_a ground_n then_o because'tis_o so_o establish_v by_o such_o a_o man_n or_o assembly_n of_o man_n this_o sort_n of_o obedience_n will_v find_v no_o more_o acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n than_o the_o offering_n of_o swine_n flesh_n or_o the_o halt_n and_o blind_a for_o a_o sacrifice_n under_o the_o first_o covenant_n do_v for_o though_o many_o may_v be_v so_o weak_a as_o not_o to_o know_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o two_o covenant_n in_o some_o respect_n yet_o there_o be_v few_o of_o the_o lord_n people_n call_v quaker_n but_o have_v this_o undoubted_a truth_n seal_v in_o their_o heart_n that_o none_o of_o their_o outward_a practice_n under_o the_o exercise_n of_o christ_n government_n find_n acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n but_o as_o they_o have_v a_o evidence_n in_o their_o conscience_n that_o therein_o they_o answer_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n in_o themselves_o paul_n write_v to_o the_o colossian_n thus_o say_v as_o you_o have_v receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n so_o walk_v in_o he_o root_v and_o build_v up_o
first_o publish_v among_o we_o be_v become_v our_o only_a teacher_n and_o lawgiver_n by_o the_o in_o shine_v of_o his_o light_n in_o our_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o his_o reflection_n seem_v unsavoury_a but_o that_o which_o to_o i_o render_v it_o the_o more_o unsavoury_a be_v this_o when_o i_o consider_v the_o whole_a scope_n of_o his_o treatise_n it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v it_o be_v use_v so_o far_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o advancement_n of_o some_o outward_a government_n by_o man_n or_o man_n else_o what_o be_v the_o mean_v that_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n have_v make_v such_o a_o diligent_a search_n among_o the_o apostle_n write_n after_o the_o word_n order_n rule_n command_v govern_n government_n tradition_n and_o such_o like_a and_o whether_o he_o do_v not_o apply_v they_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o assembly_n which_o in_o any_o tolerable_a suposition_n may_v be_v term_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n let_v the_o impartial_a reader_n diligent_o peruse_v his_o treatise_n and_o then_o judge_n for_o so_o it_o be_v plain_o to_o be_v discover_v as_o to_o i_o appear_v by_o every_o impartial_a eye_n that_o shall_v serious_o observe_v the_o scope_n of_o his_o treatise_n and_o therefore_o i_o do_v conclude_v that_o his_o reflection_n on_o such_o sound_n and_o savoury_a language_n denote_v a_o wrong_a spirit_n and_o not_o the_o spirit_n which_o appear_v among_o those_o ancient_a labourer_n who_o be_v instrument_n in_o god_n hand_n to_o gather_v many_o and_o who_o in_o the_o approbation_n of_o such_o language_n be_v account_v honourable_a this_o put_v i_o in_o mind_n to_o inform_v the_o reader_n that_o r._n b._n in_o his_o three_o section_n quote_v divers_a testimony_n in_o the_o scripture_n where_o these_o sentence_n be_v viz_o know_v they_o that_o be_v over_o you_o hold_v the_o tradition_n you_o have_v be_v teach_v though_o i_o shall_v boast_v somewhat_o more_o of_o our_o authority_n and_o we_o have_v confidence_n that_o you_o will_v do_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o command_v now_o we_o command_v you_o brethren_n etc._n etc._n and_o then_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n comment_v thereon_o what_o more_o positive_a than_o this_o and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o here_o a_o imposer_n and_o further_o if_o any_o obey_v not_o our_o word_n remember_v they_o which_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o these_o filthy_a dreamer_n despise_v dominion_n and_o then_o thus_o say_v there_o can_v nothing_o be_v more_o plain_a from_o these_o testimony_n than_o that_o some_o do_v appoint_v and_o ordain_v certain_a thing_n that_o there_o lie_v a_o obligation_n in_o point_n of_o duty_n on_o other_o to_o import_v to_o it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v his_o meaning_n be_v other_o ought_v to_o obey_v whether_o they_o see_v it_o their_o duty_n or_o no_o as_o his_o 68_o page_n seem_v to_o import_v obey_v that_o this_o be_v no_o encroachment_n nor_o imposition_n on_o their_o christian-liberty_n nor_o any_o way_n contradictory_n to_o their_o be_v inward_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o last_o that_o such_o as_o be_v in_o the_o true_a feel_n and_o sense_n will_v find_v it_o their_o place_n to_o obey_v and_o be_v one_o with_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o such_o like_a case_n and_o that_o it_o be_v such_o as_o have_v lose_v their_o sense_n and_o feel_v of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o body_n that_o dissent_n and_o be_v disobedient_a under_o the_o false_a pretence_n of_o liberty_n three_o i_o judge_v there_o will_v need_v no_o great_a argument_n to_o prove_v the_o people_n of_o god_n may_v and_o do_v well_o to_o exercise_n the_o like_a government_n upon_o the_o very_a like_o occasion_n thus_o much_o may_v be_v collect_v out_o of_o r._n b_n 26_o 27_o and_o 28._o page_n moreover_o in_o page_n 23._o 24._o 25._o he_o quote_v these_o scripture_n say_n viz_o in_o christ_n jesus_n i_o have_v beget_v you_o through_o the_o gospel_n wherefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o be_v follower_n of_o i_o as_o absent_a in_o body_n but_o present_a in_o spirit_n have_v judge_v already_o etc._n etc._n from_o all_o which_o i_o shall_v observe_v say_v the_o aforesaid_a author_n that_o it_o seem_v it_o be_v judge_v no_o inconsistency_n nor_o contradiction_n to_o be_v follower_n of_o the_o grace_n in_o ourselves_o and_o also_o to_o be_v follower_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n and_o his_o way_n because_o his_o way_n and_o example_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o themselves_o will_v have_v lead_v they_o to_o if_o they_o have_v be_v obedient_a and_o therefore_o he_o find_v it_o needful_a to_o charge_v they_o positive_o to_o follow_v he_o without_o add_v this_o reason_n next_o the_o great_a argument_n the_o apostle_n use_v to_o persuade_v they_o hereunto_o upon_o which_o he_o main_o insist_o because_o he_o have_v beget_v they_o into_o the_o truth_n you_o have_v not_o many_o father_n for_o in_o christ_n jesus_n i_o have_v beget_v you_o through_o the_o gospel_n wherefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o be_v you_o follower_n of_o i_o so_o he_o make_v that_o as_o the_o cause_n etc._n etc._n we_o see_v then_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v and_o do_v give_v such_o who_o he_o have_v send_v forth_o to_o gather_v a_o people_n unto_o himself_o a_o certain_a authority_n in_o the_o power_n over_o they_o and_o to_o bring_v they_o back_o to_o their_o duty_n when_o they_o stray_v at_o any_o time_n and_o to_o appoint_v yea_o and_o command_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v needful_a for_o peace_n order_n and_o unity_n sake_n and_o that_o there_o lie_v a_o obligation_n on_o such_o as_o be_v so_o gather_v to_o reverence_n honour_n yea_o and_o obey_v such_o as_o be_v set_v over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n thus_o far_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n from_o all_o which_o i_o observe_v first_o that_o here_o be_v nothing_o speak_v in_o these_o scripture_n of_o the_o command_v of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o if_o god_n have_v at_o any_o time_n move_v a_o apostle_n on_o some_o occasion_n to_o write_v unto_o a_o peculiar_a church_n and_o that_o perhaps_o with_o relation_n to_o particular_a member_n only_o by_o way_n of_o command_n yet_o this_o according_a to_o right_a reason_n be_v no_o ground_n for_o any_o assembly_n of_o person_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o give_v forth_o positive_a command_n in_o expectation_n that_o all_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n must_v obey_v the_o same_o whether_o they_o have_v a_o sense_n thereof_o from_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n in_o themselves_o or_o no._n second_o r._n b._n quote_v this_o scripture_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n viz._n in_o christ_n jesus_n i_o have_v beget_v you_o through_o the_o gospel_n conclude_v that_o paul_n do_v main_o insist_v upon_o his_o beget_v they_o unto_o the_o truth_n as_o a_o argument_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o obey_v his_o positive_a charge_n to_o follow_v he_o by_o this_o then_o those_o who_o have_v beget_v any_o to_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o fit_a to_o rule_v over_o such_o who_o they_o have_v beget_v if_o this_o be_v worthy_a observation_n at_o this_o day_n i_o then_o may_v well_o query_n whether_o those_o who_o will_v rule_v over_o such_o who_o they_o have_v not_o gather_v be_v not_o intruder_n and_o busy-body_n meddle_v with_o that_o which_o concern_v other_o more_o than_o themselves_o moreover_o i_o query_n whether_o any_o of_o these_o foregoing_a scripture_n give_v the_o least_o countenance_n for_o whole_a assembly_n to_o minister_n by_o their_o write_n that_o which_o may_v be_v matter_n of_o faith_n and_o relative_a to_o the_o conscience_n and_o to_o be_v a_o bond_n thereon_o before_o their_o understanding_n be_v illuminate_v especial_o when_o what_o they_o do_v minister_n first_o spring_v from_o the_o gift_n either_o but_o of_o one_o or_o at_o most_o but_o a_o very_a few_o of_o they_o for_o since_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o minister_v according_a as_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n and_o that_o if_o any_o speak_v they_o ought_v to_o speak_v as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o that_o if_o any_o minister_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v of_o the_o ability_n which_o god_n give_v according_a to_o that_o of_o peter_n 1_o pet._n 4.10_o 11._o i_o can_v but_o again_o query_n whether_o the_o endeavour_v to_o obtain_v a_o multitude_n of_o hand_n to_o confirm_v and_o approve_v that_o which_o be_v give_v forth_o by_o one_o or_o at_o least_o a_o very_a few_o may_v not_o become_v a_o temptation_n to_o many_o to_o run_v beyond_o their_o own_o line_n and_o when_o they_o have_v so_o do_v instead_o of_o wait_v on_o their_o own_o gift_n make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o stand_v by_o what_o they_o have_v do_v though_o it_o may_v prove_v no_o better_o in_o the_o best_a sense_n than_o a_o stand_n by_o the_o gift_n of_o other_o out_z of_o and_o in_o the_o
aught_o to_o believe_v and_o though_o there_o have_v be_v so_o many_o diversity_n of_o creed_n in_o the_o world_n according_a to_o the_o various_a apprehension_n of_o divers_a assembly_n assume_v to_o themselves_o the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n yet_o to_o this_o day_n i_o find_v not_o among_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n that_o any_o certain_a number_n of_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v give_v forth_o from_o any_o general_a assembly_n or_o particular_a congregation_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o their_o creed_n and_o as_o a_o measuring-line_n by_o which_o those_o who_o be_v either_o in_o or_o depart_v from_o the_o faith_n may_v be_v know_v and_o the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v evident_a because_o it_o be_v against_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n viz._n the_o light_n to_o exalt_v any_o other_o measuring-line_n than_o that_o by_o which_o we_o be_v baptise_a into_o the_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n viz._n the_o spirit_n have_v thus_o promise_v as_o a_o more_o particular_a answer_n to_o the_o question_n i_o thus_o say_v i_o confess_v the_o true_a church_n be_v in_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o every_o member_n thereof_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n at_o least_o of_o the_o same_o faith_n that_o all_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n be_v of_o so_o that_o it_o may_v in_o truth_n be_v say_v every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n do_v in_o some_o measure_n believe_v as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n do_v i_o say_v in_o some_o measure_n because_o as_o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o gift_n and_o operation_n so_o also_o be_v there_o difference_n in_o measure_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o do_v the_o apostle_n wise_o say_v to_o this_o purpose_n let_v he_o that_o prophesi_v prophesy_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n rom._n 12.6_o but_o shall_v any_o arise_v to_o say_v it_o be_v folly_n and_o hypocrisy_n to_o professone_n self_n a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n &_o yet_o not_o believe_v thus_o as_o the_o true_a church_n believe_v without_o any_o further_a explanation_n of_o the_o word_n or_o of_o what_o be_v intend_v thereby_o such_o may_v subject_v themselves_o to_o censure_v for_o by_o the_o word_n true_a church_n in_o this_o sentence_n and_o yet_o not_o believe_v thus_o as_o the_o true_a church_n believe_v will_v be_v understand_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n from_o who_o one_o or_o more_o differ_v in_o faith_n now_o there_o may_v happen_v to_o be_v a_o weak_a brother_n who_o faith_n in_o some_o particular_a matter_n may_v be_v otherwise_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o brethren_n be_v this_o case_n happen_v among_o the_o roman_n to_o who_o paul_n thus_o write_v rom._n 14.3_o 4_o 22_o 23._o let_v not_o he_o that_o eat_v despise_v he_o that_o eat_v not_o and_o let_v not_o he_o that_o eat_v not_o judge_v he_o that_o eat_v for_o god_n have_v receive_v he_o who_o be_v thou_o that_o condemne_v another_o man_n servant_n to_o his_o own_o master_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v have_v thou_o faith_n have_v it_o to_o thyself_o he_o that_o doubt_v be_v condemn_v if_o he_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n here_o a_o diversity_n of_o faith_n be_v evident_a and_o that_o between_o brethren_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o neither_o appear_v to_o be_v fool_n or_o hypocrite_n he_o that_o do_v eat_v be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v because_o he_o be_v receive_v of_o god_n and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o eat_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v judge_v that_o the_o apostle_n condemn_v the_o very_a eat_v while_o there_o be_v a_o doubt_n though_o the_o abstinence_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o weakness_n these_o thing_n consider_v i_o appeal_v to_o god_n witness_v in_o all_o conscience_n whether_o truth_n can_v be_v serve_v at_o this_o day_n by_o assert_v under_o the_o name_n of_o one_o call_v a_o quaker_n such_o principle_n as_o give_v occasion_n of_o jealousy_n that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v promote_a among_o we_o we_o must_v believe_v thus_o as_o the_o church_n believe_v without_o remove_v those_o objection_n which_o for_o want_v of_o a_o explanation_n may_v necessary_o follow_v it_o be_v a_o true_a say_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n that_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o rock_n christ_n and_o that_o the_o elect_n can_v be_v deceive_v but_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v thus_o say_v yet_o we_o know_v that_o particular_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v err_v objection_n yet_o some_o may_v be_v ready_a to_o object_n and_o say_v write_v say_v note_n this_o objection_n be_v so_o lay_v to_o â—n_n in_o the_o same_o book_n wherein_o the_o last_o answer_v query_n be_v write_v though_o some_o particular_a member_n may_v be_v liable_a to_o err_v it_o be_v neither_o reasonable_a nor_o just_a to_o conclude_v the_o whole_a body_n or_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v liable_a to_o err_v to_o this_o i_o say_v god_n forbid_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n shall_v err_v yet_o i_o say_v neither_o the_o light_n within_o we_o nor_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o we_o do_v evidence_n that_o any_o member_n one_o more_o than_o another_o be_v by_o any_o peculiar_a election_n exempt_v from_o be_v liable_a to_o err_v no_o more_o than_o particular_a person_n be_v from_o all_o eternity_n elect_v and_o other_o reprobate_v and_o so_o it_o appear_v to_o i_o that_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o with_o respect_n that_o some_o shall_v continue_v still_o faithful_a and_o not_o liable_a to_o err_v though_o other_o be_v liable_a thereto_o shall_v err_v but_o with_o respect_n to_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n while_o establish_v on_o the_o rock_n christ_n so_o that_o not_o only_o a_o part_n of_o the_o church_n but_o every_o member_n thereof_o whilst_o build_v on_o the_o rock_n christ_n shall_v be_v so_o preserve_v as_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o any_o one_o of_o they_o and_o this_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o very_a connection_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o scripture_n mat._n 16.18_o and_o upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o that_o be_v against_o the_o church_n build_v and_o while_o remain_v on_o the_o rock_n christ_n but_o if_o any_o assembly_n through_o unwatchfulness_n and_o disobedience_n depart_v from_o the_o rock_n christ_n whereon_o they_o be_v build_v then_o in_o that_o state_n they_o can_v proper_o be_v call_v the_o church_n build_v and_o remain_v on_o the_o rock_n christ_n and_o so_o have_v be_v liable_a to_o be_v overcome_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n do_v prevail_v and_o therefore_o though_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o one_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n while_o abide_v in_o the_o seed_n in_o which_o the_o election_n stand_v and_o to_o which_o the_o promise_n be_v can_v be_v deceive_v yet_o notwithstanding_o i_o affirm_v that_o every_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o if_o every_o member_n than_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v liable_a to_o err_v if_o they_o wait_v not_o in_o and_o keep_v not_o unto_o that_o in_o which_o their_o preservation_n stand_v christ_n say_v watch_n and_o pray_v that_o you_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n this_o be_v speak_v not_o with_o respect_n to_o some_o particular_a member_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v liable_a to_o err_v and_o as_o if_o there_o be_v other_o that_o be_v not_o and_o therefore_o its_o reasonable_a to_o conclude_v that_o all_o may_v through_o temptation_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o err_v if_o they_o watch_v not_o but_o yet_o my_o faith_n be_v that_o a_o remnant_n will_v be_v preserve_v so_o watchful_a as_o that_o be_v build_v on_o the_o rock_n christ_n the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o prevail_v against_o they_o these_o thing_n be_v due_o weigh_v and_o consider_v what_o great_a abuse_n have_v be_v make_v of_o scripture_n that_o speak_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o what_o they_o bound_v or_o loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v or_o lose_v in_o heaven_n and_o that_o also_o to_o maintain_v a_o antichristian_a yoke_n of_o bondage_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o christ_n church_n say_v that_o it_o can_v err_v it_o appear_v not_o much_o more_o like_a one_o call_v a_o quaker_n if_o we_o consult_v the_o write_n of_o some_o of_o those_o ancient_a and_o honourable_a labourer_n who_o be_v instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o turn_v thousand_o unto_o the_o light_n within_o we_o as_o the_o unerring_a guide_n to_o treat_v on_o such_o scripture_n if_o apply_v to_o outward_a and_o settle_a assembly_n as_o such_o as_o be_v not_o
liable_a to_o err_v than_o a_o treat_v on_o this_o scripture_n take_v eat_v this_o be_v my_o body_n and_o apply_v it_o to_o outward_a bread_n will_v and_o though_o none_o among_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n as_o ever_o i_o yet_o hear_v treat_v on_o the_o late_a scripture_n in_o approbation_n of_o the_o sense_n and_o application_n before_o recite_v yet_o i_o find_v the_o aforesaid_a author_n treat_v on_o the_o former_a scripture_n and_o that_o as_o to_o i_o appear_v with_o respect_n to_o settle_a assembly_n who_o if_o they_o watch_v not_o may_v err_v which_o be_v easy_o to_o be_v savour_v if_o the_o whole_a scope_n of_o his_o treatise_n be_v but_o due_o weigh_v the_o service_n for_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n in_o his_o so_o do_v at_o this_o day_n be_v hard_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o many_o who_o have_v a_o honourable_a esteem_n for_o truth_n as_o preach_v in_o the_o beginning_n especial_o since_o it_o may_v occasion_v many_o to_o stumble_v and_o fall_v through_o a_o jealousy_n that_o those_o scripture_n in_o process_n of_o time_n may_v be_v use_v to_o enforce_v obedience_n to_o outward_a sentence_n and_o decree_n relate_v to_o conscience_n whether_o the_o understanding_n be_v so_o illuminate_v as_o to_o see_v the_o service_n of_o such_o obedience_n for_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n yea_o or_o nay_o and_o since_o it_o be_v so_o that_o of_o late_a much_o be_v speak_v touch_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o liable_a to_o err_v and_o that_o the_o apostasy_n shall_v never_o enter_v the_o generality_n more_o it_o be_v at_o this_o time_n with_o i_o to_o treat_v a_o little_a further_o touch_v thing_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o though_o i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v to_o say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o invest_v with_o power_n from_o on_o high_a for_o every_o member_n thereof_o according_a to_o measure_n stand_v in_o the_o power_n or_o that_o the_o apostasy_n shall_v enter_v the_o generality_n again_o yet_o i_o have_v this_o certain_a sense_n that_o in_o assert_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o her_o infallibility_n etc._n etc._n time_n have_v not_o be_v so_o well_o employ_v as_o may_v have_v be_v in_o a_o inward_a exercise_n to_o be_v comprehend_v in_o the_o power_n thereby_o to_o be_v preserve_v out_o of_o all_o apostasy_n and_o error_n but_o to_o proceed_v we_o read_v that_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n tell_v they_o they_o be_v come_v to_o the_o 12.13_o the_o heb._n 12.13_o general_n assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first-born_a which_o be_v write_v in_o heaven_n and_o to_o god_n the_o judge_n of_o all_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o general_a assembly_n so_o that_o their_o sentence_n and_o decisive_n judgement_n shall_v be_v a_o bond_n on_o believer_n to_o obey_v though_o they_o see_v it_o not_o but_o say_v god_n be_v judge_n of_o all_o neither_o do_v i_o find_v that_o the_o scripture_n make_v mention_n of_o any_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n other_o than_o in_o this_o place_n and_o since_o the_o word_n church_n be_v most_o use_v in_o scripture_n with_o respect_n to_o particular_a congregation_n or_o assembly_n what_o ground_n be_v there_o to_o exalt_v the_o power_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n above_o any_o particular_a one_o especial_o since_o no_o such_o assembly_n whether_o general_n or_o particular_a as_o assembly_n of_o man_n have_v power_n one_o above_o another_o further_o than_o the_o power_n of_o god_n appear_v more_o eminent_a in_o degree_n in_o one_o than_o another_o for_o god_n by_o his_o spirit_n alone_o be_v sole_a judge_n which_o appear_v though_o but_o through_o a_o handmaid_n or_o mean_a of_o the_o flock_n in_o the_o least_o of_o assembly_n ought_v to_o be_v submit_v to_o when_o god_n witness_n in_o the_o conscience_n answer_v whether_o a_o assembly_n esteem_v a_o general_n assembly_n approve_v thereof_o or_o no._n where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o christ_n name_n there_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n 20._o christ_n matth._n 18.19_o 20._o christ_n say_v if_o two_o of_o such_o agree_v on_o earth_n as_o touch_v any_o thing_n they_o shall_v ask_v the_o father_n it_o shall_v be_v do_v for_o they_o of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n can_v the_o agreement_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n do_v more_o than_o this_o viz._n than_o prevail_v with_o the_o father_n and_o therefore_o i_o may_v well_o query_n why_o the_o agreement_n of_o two_o in_o any_o case_n who_o in_o christ_n name_n agree_v ought_v not_o to_o have_v as_o great_a a_o prevalency_n among_o their_o brethren_n as_o the_o agreement_n of_o a_o assembly_n esteem_v a_o general_n one_o oughts_z and_o why_o the_o people_n of_o god_n at_o this_o day_n may_v not_o have_v a_o eye_n as_o well_o to_o two_o brethren_n who_o in_o christ_n name_n agree_v and_o be_v at_o unity_n in_o the_o truth_n as_o unto_o a_o assembly_n esteem_v a_o general_n one_o though_o particular_a society_n of_o man_n may_v constitute_v some_o person_n or_o person_n to_o represent_v they_o and_o so_o may_v confer_v a_o power_n on_o they_o to_o negotiate_v outward_a worldly_a affair_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o such_o constitution_n there_o may_v be_v assembly_n which_o in_o that_o respect_n may_v be_v call_v general_n assembly_n yet_o i_o query_n whether_o any_o assembly_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n can_v in_o a_o proper_a sense_n be_v call_v a_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n unless_o such_o a_o one_o where_o every_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n be_v convince_v because_o as_o they_o pretend_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o no_o power_n in_o their_o assembly_n when_o negotiate_v the_o affair_n of_o truth_n as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o bare_o as_o man_n but_o god_n power_n so_o they_o do_v not_o profess_v that_o as_o such_o they_o have_v power_n to_o confer_v god_n power_n and_o spirit_n on_o any_o for_o they_o account_v that_o only_o proper_a to_o christ_n the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o particular_a congregation_n shall_v attempt_v to_o send_v person_n as_o their_o representative_n to_o any_o particular_a place_n in_o order_n to_o meet_v together_o as_o a_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o that_o any_o part_n of_o the_o church_n without_o such_o particular_a election_n or_o mission_n shall_v assemble_v together_o and_o call_v themselves_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n i_o query_n whether_o those_o so_o affirm_v will_v not_o therein_o manifest_o err_v yet_o i_o will_v not_o hereby_o be_v understand_v to_o judge_v it_o as_o a_o evil_a for_o any_o whether_o apostle_n or_o elder_n or_o any_o else_o to_o meet_v together_o when_o where_o and_o as_o often_o as_o they_o in_o the_o spirit_n shall_v find_v freedom_n from_o the_o lord_n so_o to_o do_v nor_o yet_o be_v meet_v together_o to_o judge_v they_o for_o give_v forth_o any_o thing_n by_o way_n of_o recommendation_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o brethren_n when_o they_o find_v freedom_n from_o the_o lord_n so_o to_o do_v yet_o in_o this_o case_n every_o one_o have_v need_v to_o wait_v in_o their_o own_o gift_n that_o so_o they_o may_v not_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o thing_n beside_o their_o gift_n and_o then_o what_o such_o bring_v forth_o may_v have_v a_o answer_n in_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o fellow-brethren_n but_o shall_v such_o assembly_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o give_v forth_o positive_a sentence_n decree_n or_o decisive_n judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n in_o order_n to_o become_v a_o bond_n upon_o believer_n to_o obey_v though_o they_o see_v it_o not_o and_o in_o defect_n of_o obedience_n to_o such_o their_o sentence_n pronounce_v all_o such_o their_o brethren_n who_o may_v refuse_v to_o obey_v the_o same_o rebellious_a against_o the_o lord_n they_o will_v therein_o manifest_v themselves_o to_o be_v lay_v another_o foundation_n than_o that_o which_o have_v be_v already_o lay_v and_o so_o it_o may_v be_v just_o with_o the_o lord_n to_o withdraw_v his_o comfort_a presence_n from_o they_o r._n b._n page_n 63._o treat_v of_o the_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n which_o may_v be_v exercise_v by_o the_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n diverse_o without_o judge_v one_o another_o thus_o say_v there_o be_v a_o certain_a liberty_n and_o forbearance_n also_o that_o be_v more_o particular_a and_o have_v a_o relation_n to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n which_o will_v not_o hold_v universal_o the_o first_o be_v in_o suffer_v circumcision_n to_o the_o jew_n the_o second_o be_v in_o observation_n of_o certain_a day_n the_o three_o abstain_v from_o meat_n to_o which_o i_o say_v the_o aforesaid_a author_n as_o in_o other_o thing_n
in_o the_o latter-end_a of_o the_o quarterly-meeting_a a_o paper_n of_o anthony_n pearson_n that_o direct_v that_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n shall_v be_v as_o the_o way_n of_o a_o ship_n in_o the_o sea_n and_o such_o like_a answ_n i_o consent_v to_o a_o paper_n that_o have_v some_o such_o word_n but_o know_v not_o it_o be_v althony_n pearson_n qu._n 14._o whether_o do_v thou_o advise_v that_o paper_n of_o condemnation_n shall_v not_o be_v record_v or_o gainsayed_n it_o and_o the_o bring_n in_o friend_n testimony_n concern_v friend_n faithfulness_n or_o unfaithfulness_n in_o the_o case_n of_o tithe_n answ_n to_o this_o fourteen_o query_n john_n story_n answer_v much_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n as_o john_n wilkinson_n do_v to_o the_o same_o question_n signify_v in_o the_o four_o and_o five_o query_n to_o john_n wilkinson_n already_o cite_v qu._n 15._o whether_o do_v thou_o consent_v to_o approve_v of_o or_o be_v it_o present_a at_o the_o race_v or_o tear_v out_o of_o the_o book_n h._n g's_o paper_n of_o condemnation_n for_o his_o be_v marry_v by_o a_o priest_n answ_n no._n qu._n 16._o and_o whether_o do_v thou_o say_v thou_o will_v have_v all_o friend_n leave_v to_o their_o freedom_n to_o pay_v tithe_n or_o not_o to_o pay_v tithe_n answ_n to_o this_o sixteenth_o query_n john_n story_n answer_v much_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n as_o john_n wilkinson_n do_v to_o the_o same_o question_n which_o be_v the_o seven_o propose_v to_o john_n wilkinson_n though_o before_o the_o give_v forth_o of_o these_o query_n there_o may_v be_v some_o small_a difference_n among_o friend_n in_o the_o north_n which_o be_v aggravate_v by_o g._n f_n wife_n partly_o by_o her_o cause_v to_o be_v read_v in_o the_o quarterly-meeting_a in_o westmoreland_n a_o paper_n date_v the_o 21_o st_o of_o the_o 11_o m_o on_o 1672._o give_v forth_o by_o she_o against_o john_n story_n and_o therein_o signify_v that_o he_o judge_v the_o god_n the_o note_v john_n story_n deny_v that_o he_o ever_o judge_v the_o power_n of_o god_n power_n of_o god_n as_o it_o break_v forth_o in_o hymn_n or_o spiritual_a song_n yet_o many_o be_v not_o so_o well_o satisfy_v that_o g._n f._n be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a person_n that_o occasion_v or_o at_o least_o encourage_v the_o keep_n alive_a of_o those_o difference_n until_o these_o query_n be_v send_v to_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n but_o than_o jealousy_n enter_v many_o that_o occasion_n be_v seek_v against_o they_o and_o mere_o because_o they_o can_v not_o gratify_v that_o spirit_n in_o g._n f._n which_o as_o be_v also_o jealouse_v have_v accept_v of_o such_o submission_n from_o some_o as_o many_o faithful_a friend_n have_v abhor_v i_o now_o come_v to_o make_v some_o observation_n on_o the_o aforesaid_a query_n wherein_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o matter_n of_o they_o and_o the_o manner_n of_o negotiate_v that_o matter_n it_o be_v plain_a to_o i_o that_o if_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n have_v answer_v to_o each_o query_n propose_v to_o they_o respective_o yea_o then_o since_o g._n f._n receive_v the_o information_n and_o prosecute_v the_o same_o the_o informer_n against_o they_o to_o g._n f._n will_v have_v have_v his_o end_n which_o doubtless_o be_v to_o render_v they_o guilty_a of_o evil_a principle_n or_o practice_n and_o have_v g._n f_n imaginary_a authority_n to_o prosecute_v they_o for_o the_o same_o the_o consideration_n whereof_o lead_v i_o thus_o further_o to_o observe_v that_o if_o any_o one_o of_o the_o matter_n therein_o contain_v can_v not_o render_v the_o person_n therein_o concern_v by_o his_o answer_n yea_o guilty_a of_o unsoundness_n in_o principle_n or_o of_o any_o evil_a practice_n then_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o g._n f._n as_o well_o as_o the_o informer_n endeavour_v to_o make_v the_o person_n so_o concern_v a_o offender_n in_o that_o particular_a which_o be_v no_o offence_n the_o reader_n may_v now_o weigh_v the_o matter_n in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n which_o if_o he_o do_v he_o will_v doubtless_o perceive_v that_o the_o answer_n yea_o to_o several_a of_o the_o query_n will_v not_o render_v either_o of_o they_o either_o unsound_a in_o principle_n or_o blame-worthy_a as_o to_o matter_n of_o fact_n from_o the_o nine_o query_n to_o j._n s._n and_o his_o answer_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o if_o j._n s._n have_v say_v keep_v order_n by_o way_n of_o reproof_n to_o the_o noise_n of_o deceit_n by_o one_o person_n though_o pretend_v to_o sing_v for_o joy_n while_o another_o be_v pray_v it_o be_v not_o matter_n of_o evil_a fact_n but_o a_o shame_n to_o any_o one_o so_o to_o esteem_v it_o since_o god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o order_n and_o not_o of_o confusion_n in_o the_o church_n and_o indeed_o to_o i_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n above_o many_o other_o that_o seem_v worthy_a of_o observation_n and_o that_o be_v the_o second_o query_n to_o john_n wilkinson_n when_o a_o answer_n yea_o can_v not_o render_v he_o a_o offender_n unless_o it_o be_v sound_a doctrine_n that_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n aught_o to_o practice_v thing_n that_o be_v impose_v by_o man_n or_o in_o the_o will_n of_o man_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v no_o authority_n or_o warrant_n for_o if_o g._n f._n will_v be_v so_o plain_a as_o positive_o to_o assert_v that_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v employ_v in_o that_o query_n if_o from_o a_o query_n any_o thing_n may_v proper_o be_v employ_v then_o it_o will_v put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o controversy_n with_o many_o for_o than_o it_o must_v be_v assert_v that_o there_o be_v either_o one_o or_o more_o that_o have_v power_n to_o impose_v in_o the_o will_n of_o man_n that_o which_o the_o scripture_n give_v no_o authority_n or_o warrant_v for_o but_o notwithstanding_o i_o will_v suppose_v in_o favour_n to_o g._n f._n that_o as_o answer_v to_o this_o he_o may_v thus_o say_v i_o do_v not_o put_v that_o question_n with_o a_o intent_n to_o justify_v imposition_n in_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o rather_o to_o find_v out_o whether_o what_o robert_n barrow_n and_o other_o have_v endeavour_v to_o impose_v have_v a_o persuasion_n that_o my_o paper_n have_v be_v give_v forth_o in_o the_o motion_n of_o god_n be_v account_v thing_n impose_v in_o the_o will_n of_o man_n and_o that_o if_o it_o shall_v so_o appear_v john_n wilkinson_n unto_o who_o the_o question_n be_v propose_v may_v condemn_v the_o same_o since_o i_o affirm_v that_o i_o have_v give_v forth_o nothing_o to_o be_v impose_v but_o what_o i_o have_v be_v move_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o give_v forth_o and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v submit_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o suposition_n put_v i_o in_o remembrance_n of_o a_o objection_n raise_v in_o the_o seven_o section_n of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o manuscript_n wherein_o the_o difference_n among_o friend_n be_v collect_v as_o before_o be_v hint_v which_o with_o the_o answer_n thereto_o may_v be_v proper_a to_o cite_v on_o this_o occasion_n the_o objection_n and_o answer_n follow_v object_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v but_o one_o in_o all_o have_v move_v in_o our_o brethren_n to_o give_v forth_o certain_a order_n command_n and_o prescription_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v according_o to_o obey_v and_o this_o can_v be_v call_v the_o dictate_v of_o fallible_a man_n but_o of_o the_o spirit_n give_v forth_o through_o man_n and_o be_v thou_o that_o pretend_v thou_o see_v it_o not_o thy_o duty_n to_o obey_v but_o obedient_a to_o thy_o owe_v measure_n thou_o will_v then_o see_v it_o so_o and_o be_v one_o with_o the_o brethren_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v but_o tell_v thou_o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n to_o obey_v since_o the_o reason_n thou_o see_v it_o not_o thy_o duty_n be_v thy_o want_n of_o diligence_n and_o not_o wait_v in_o thy_o own_o measure_n beside_o we_o find_v that_o g._n f._n have_v late_o give_v forth_o a_o paper_n the_o import_n whereof_o be_v to_o justify_v prescription_n to_o this_o we_o say_v that_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n move_v in_o any_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n to_o give_v forth_o certain_a order_n and_o prescription_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n as_o that_o which_o though_o relate_v to_o their_o conscience_n they_o ought_v to_o perform_v and_o practice_v whether_o they_o see_v it_o their_o duty_n or_o no_o or_o whether_o they_o be_v free_a so_o to_o do_v or_o no_o then_o no_o doubt_n but_o they_o ought_v so_o to_o act_n and_o do_v because_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n have_v so_o move_v but_o this_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o which_o under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o second-covenant_n we_o have_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n or_o light_n of_o christ_n to_o suppose_v and_o so_o we_o do_v