it_o be_v much_o doubt_v that_o some_o ignorant_a people_n have_v conclude_v that_o frequent_v those_o meeting_n be_v a_o evidence_n that_o they_o be_v heir_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n observe_v he_o be_v now_o upon_o his_o doubt_n reflect_v by_o way_n of_o inference_n upon_o he_o know_v not_o who_o among_o we_o and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o render_v some_o man_n or_o woman_n or_o both_o among_o friend_n both_o silly_a and_o ridiculous_a as_o take_v up_o such_o a_o ignorant_a conclusion_n as_o that_o their_o frequent_v those_o meeting_n be_v evidence_n that_o they_o be_v heir_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n what_o silly_a and_o tedious_a work_n have_v he_o make_v from_o his_o doubt_n false_a jealousy_n and_o prejudice_n disaffect_v xix_o w._n r._n one_a part_n pag._n 42._o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n frequent_o utter_v have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o brethren_n be_v chief_o mean_v with_o respect_n to_o that_o i._n e._n general_n meeting_n this_o we_o take_v to_o be_v both_o limitation_n and_o a_o design_n of_o imposition_n observe_v this_o we_o take_v to_o be_v a_o dark_a and_o causeless_o reflection_n who_o do_v he_o accuse_v with_o this_o frequent_a exhortation_n and_o design_n of_o imposition_n we_o deny_v any_o such_o design_n disaffect_v xx._n w._n r._n one_a part_n p._n 46._o and_o now_o as_o to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n church-government_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o opposer_n we_o take_v it_o to_o be_v thus_o viz._n that_o some_o who_o account_v themselves_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n claim_v a_o power_n to_o rule_v over_o other_o some_o if_o not_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o give_v forth_o sentence_n direction_n or_o order_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o own_o receive_v or_o obey_v though_o they_o may_v pretend_v they_o see_v it_o not_o their_o duty_n observe_v this_o still_o we_o deem_v a_o dark_a and_o implicit_a way_n of_o smite_v and_o may_v be_v construe_v to_o extend_v far_o than_o can_v be_v prove_v and_o that_o to_o the_o reproach_n of_o such_o direction_n order_n etc._n etc._n as_o be_v real_o necessary_a and_o convenient_a we_o own_v no_o such_o a_o claim_n of_o a_o power_n to_o rule_n overdo_n christ_n member_n or_o over_o their_o conscience_n what_o gospel-power_n we_o have_v it_o be_v give_v we_o not_o claim_v by_o we_o as_o he_o imagine_v beside_o w._n r._n confess_v pag._n 8._o that_o it_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o all_o those_o meeting_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n then_o we_o say_v this_o power_n give_v forth_o no_o sentence_n direction_n or_o order_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o such_o as_o the_o light_n will_v give_v his_o member_n a_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o as_o to_o their_o true_a use_n and_o service_n as_o they_o wait_v in_o it_o by_o church-government_n we_o understand_v the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n who_o have_v his_o minister_n servant_n and_o instrument_n therein_o as_o he_o always_o have_v in_o his_o church_n when_o gather_v into_o visible_a order_n and_o society_n w._n r._n one_a part_n pag._n 46_o 47._o we_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o quote_v those_o scripture_n from_o whence_o so_o far_o as_o ever_o we_o understand_v the_o most_o pertinent_a argument_n may_v be_v produce_v to_o prove_v church-government_n mat._n 18._o 15_o 16_o 17._o we_o find_v christ_n thus_o say_v moreover_o if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_n against_o thou_o go_v tell_v he_o his_o fault_n if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v in_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n compare_v this_o scripture_n touch_v the_o trespass_n of_o one_o brother_n against_o another_o with_o what_o paul_n write_v 1_o cor._n 6._o 1_o 2_o 4._o dare_v any_o of_o you_o have_v a_o matter_n against_o another_o go_v to_o law_n before_o the_o unjust_a do_v you_o not_o know_v that_o the_o saint_n shall_v judge_v the_o world_n if_o then_o you_o have_v judgement_n of_o thing_n pertain_v to_o this_o life_n set_v they_o to_o judge_v who_o be_v leave_v esteem_v in_o the_o church_n we_o reasonable_o conclude_v that_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n only_a conclusion_n hint_v at_o either_o personal_a offence_n or_o difference_n touch_v worldly_a matter_n and_o that_o therein_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n be_v only_o to_o exhort_v to_o submit_v to_o their_o counsel_n which_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o may_v just_o be_v esteem_v as_o heathen_a man_n but_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n of_o those_o who_o have_v approve_v a_o plea_n for_o such_o a_o church-government_n as_o claim_v a_o power_n 21._o of_o decide_v matter_n relate_v to_o conscience_n and_o outward_a thing_n also_o on_o the_o occasion_n of_o difference_n raise_v touch_v worldly_a estate_n and_o that_o other_o ought_v to_o obey_v such_o decision_n which_o in_o its_o natural_a consequence_n have_v as_o we_o take_v it_o no_o less_o tendency_n than_o to_o claim_v power_n over_o our_o property_n as_o well_o as_o conscience_n observe_v in_o these_o passage_n we_o judge_v our_o adversary_n have_v write_v very_o confuse_o &_o contradictory_o for_o one_a he_o grant_v from_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v hear_v &_o to_o judge_v in_o personal_a offence_n and_o difference_n in_o worldly_a matter_n yea_o that_o therein_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o exhort_v to_o submit_v to_o their_o counsel_n query_n what_o counsel_n if_o not_o tend_v to_o decide_v the_o difference_n but_o 2_o he_o undo_v that_o again_o in_o oppose_v the_o church_n power_n of_o decide_v matter_n relate_v to_o conscience_n and_o outward_a thing_n also_o on_o occasion_n of_o difference_n raise_v touch_v worldly_a estate_n as_o tend_v to_o claim_v a_o power_n over_o property_n as_o well_o as_o conscience_n which_o be_v not_o only_a contradictory_n but_o unjust_o deduce_v for_o in_o that_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v hear_v even_o in_o personal_a offence_n or_o difference_n and_o to_o exhort_v to_o a_o submission_n touch_v worldly_a matter_n as_o he_o grant_v and_o in_o those_o matter_n the_o least_o esteem_v in_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o judge_v this_o be_v not_o to_o claim_v a_o power_n over_o the_o property_n of_o other_o as_o he_o very_o unjust_o charge_v but_o by_o a_o right_a judgement_n to_o compose_v the_o difference_n and_o set_v they_o to_o right_n each_o man_n in_o his_o own_o that_o they_o may_v not_o wrong_v one_o another_o in_o their_o property_n nor_o go_v to_o law_n with_o each_o other_o but_o whereas_o w._n r._n will_v bind_v up_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n as_o only_a hint_n at_o personal_a difference_n touch_v worldly_a matter_n we_o find_v he_o again_o inconsistent_a with_o himself_o in_o his_o 3d_o part_n pag._n 36._o on_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n mat._n 18._o 15_o 16_o 17._o in_o these_o word_n viz._n w._n r._n perhaps_o some_o may_v object_v thus_o this_o relate_v not_o to_o outward_a affair_n but_o to_o offence_n that_o be_v of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n in_o answer_n it_o may_v be_v say_v as_o to_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v whole_o silent_a and_o therefore_o every_o case_n wherein_o one_o brother_n may_v trespass_n against_o another_o may_v according_a to_o right_n reason_n be_v comprehend_v in_o it_o thus_o far_o w._n r._n hence_o observe_v his_o inconsistence_n be_v plain_a one_a on_o pretence_n of_o a_o reasonable_a conclusion_n he_o limit_n the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o so_o the_o church_n power_n therein_o to_o judge_v and_o counsel_n in_o that_o case_n only_o to_o difference_n touch_v worldly_a matter_n two_o he_o grant_v that_o every_o case_n wherein_o one_o brother_n may_v trespass_v against_o another_o may_v be_v comprehend_v in_o it_o that_o be_v in_o what_o christ_n say_v mat._n 18._o 17._o and_o that_o according_a to_o right_a reason_n which_o every_o case_n may_v therefore_o include_v case_n relate_v to_o conscience_n or_o offence_n of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n as_o well_o as_o those_o about_o worldly_a concern_v outward_a property_n etc._n etc._n those_o that_o be_v spiritual_a have_v power_n from_o christ_n to_o judge_v also_o concern_v a_o mistake_v and_o offend_a conscience_n and_o a_o wrong_a spirit_n without_o usurpation_n and_o it_o be_v no_o difficult_a matter_n for_o the_o least_o child_n of_o light_a to_o give_v a_o right_n and_o absolute_a judgement_n in_o the_o case_n of_o our_o adversary_n conscience_n
that_o such_o a_o one_o be_v a_o dark_a separate_a spirit_n which_o can_v be_v evidence_v either_o by_o doctrine_n or_o conversation_n as_o if_o the_o tree_n be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v know_v by_o its_o fruit_n as_o in_o day_n past_a have_v they_o not_o entertain_v unrighteous_a jealousy_n we_o be_v persuade_v they_o will_v not_o have_v testify_v against_o such_o as_o have_v approve_v themselves_o unto_o we_o no_o other_o than_o faithful_a minister_n of_o christ_n sound_v in_o doctrine_n and_o as_o blameless_a in_o conversation_n as_o any_o friend_n compare_v with_o part_n 5._o p._n 91._o that_o rule_n which_o god_n almighty_a as_o by_o a_o finger_n from_o heaven_n have_v lay_v down_o viz._n by_o their_o fruit_n you_o shall_v know_v they_o qu._n whether_o then_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o blameless_a conversation_n be_v not_o such_o fruit_n mark_n and_o token_n whereby_o person_n may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v good_a tree_n member_n and_o follower_n of_o christ_n jesus_n but_o w._n r_n contradiction_n appear_v both_o way_n as_o in_o what_o follow_v also_o partly_o relate_v to_o the_o contradiction_n before_o preface_n p._n 10._o insist_v on_o judge_v by_o outward_a fruit_n viz._n if_o live_v well_o and_o hold_v forth_o nothing_o but_o sound_a doctrine_n shall_v not_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o measure_v line_n of_o christ_n what_o defence_n can_v there_o be_v against_o a_o slanderous_a tongue_n part_n 3._o pag._n 83._o i_o therefore_o do_v reasonable_o conclude_v that_o the_o infallible_a mark_n whereby_o any_o member_n of_o the_o body_n be_v know_v to_o be_v in_o true_a unity_n with_o the_o body_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o profession_n and_o belief_n of_o certain_a principle_n and_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n depend_v thereon_o which_o comprehend_v both_o well_o live_v &_o hold_v forth_o nothing_o but_o sound_a doctrine_n but_o in_o the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o a_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n &_o p._n 84._o the_o most_o infallible_a mark_n and_o token_n then_o of_o a_o member_n in_o the_o true_a unity_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o inward_a invisible_a mark_n that_o can_v be_v stamp_v on_o any_o but_o by_o the_o impression_n of_o god_n power_n on_o the_o heart_n qu._n be_v not_o his_o contradiction_n various_a and_o manifold_a one_o while_n no_o outward_a mark_n and_o token_n do_v infallible_o manifest_v the_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n another_o while_n live_v well_o and_o hold_v forth_o nothing_o but_o sound_a doctrine_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o measure_v line_n of_o christ_n i._n e._n you_o shall_v know_v they_o by_o their_o fruit_n another_o while_n the_o infallible_a mark_n to_o know_v a_o member_n of_o the_o body_n in_o true_a unity_n be_v a_o invisible_a mark_n stamp_v on_o the_o heart_n by_o the_o impression_n of_o god_n power_n it_o be_v the_o inward_a circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o answer_v of_o a_o good_a conscience_n it_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o profession_n and_o belief_n of_o certain_a principle_n and_o doctrine_n no_o nor_o in_o any_o outward_a mark_n and_o practice_n thereon_o depend_v especial_o if_o by_o no_o outward_a mark_n or_o token_n christ_n member_n be_v to_o be_v know_v one_o while_n the_o infallible_a mark_n be_v outward_a another_o while_n it_o be_v inward_a again_o it_o be_v outward_a in_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n again_o it_o be_v not_o outward_a but_o inward_a one_o while_n it_o be_v visible_a another_o while_n it_o be_v invisible_a whereas_o there_o be_v real_o good_a fruit_n both_o inward_a and_o outward_a visible_a and_o invisible_a proceed_n from_o the_o true_a and_o holy_a root_n of_o life_n all_o manifest_a in_o the_o light_n for_o be_v sure_a bad_a fruit_n come_v from_o a_o bad_a root_n and_o spirit_n but_o to_o take_v the_o matter_n in_o w._n r._n his_o last_o sense_n viz._n the_o most_o infallible_a mark_n and_o token_n of_o a_o member_n in_o the_o true_a unity_n be_v a_o invisible_a mark_n and_o this_o grant_v a_o inward_a and_o invisible_a evidence_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o a_o certain_a sense_n and_o judgement_n of_o member_n in_o the_o true_a unity_n and_o member_n out_o of_o it_o beyond_o all_o outward_a evidence_n mark_n or_o token_n and_o this_o inward_a sense_n and_o judgement_n extend_v even_o to_o man_n spirit_n certain_o to_o discover_v whether_o they_o be_v right_a or_o wrong_n in_o true_a unity_n or_o not_o in_o it_o and_o yet_o in_o give_v any_o public_a judgement_n upon_o person_n as_o be_v in_o a_o wrong_n divide_v spirit_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v outward_a apparent_a evidence_n mark_v they_o which_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o avoid_v they_o those_o division_n and_o offence_n be_v somewhere_o evident_a though_o they_o be_v not_o drunkard_n nor_o open_o gross_a or_o scandalous_a in_o conversation_n yet_o if_o they_o cause_v division_n schism_n and_o rent_n in_o the_o church_n this_o may_v be_v easy_o evidence_v and_o be_v to_o be_v condemn_v and_o we_o know_v of_o none_o judge_v among_o we_o on_o this_o account_n without_o some_o real_a evidence_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n of_o this_o kind_n if_o any_o be_v we_o allow_v it_o not_o part_n 1._o pag._n 7._o some_o person_n uncertain_a in_o number_n and_o qualification_n do_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o call_v themselves_o a_o general_n meet_v pag._n 16._o man_n meeting_n have_v most_o usual_o consist_v of_o man_n uncertain_a as_o to_o qualification_n etc._n etc._n may_v assume_v a_o power_n over_o conscience_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n pag._n 12._o we_o dare_v not_o conclude_v that_o none_o in_o those_o meeting_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n part_n 3._o pag._n 39_o 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 note_v if_o some_o of_o those_o meeting_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n or_o gather_v in_o christ_n name_n and_o so_o his_o church_n then_o such_o be_v certain_o qualify_v they_o consist_v not_o of_o man_n uncertain_a part_n 1._o p._n 11._o that_o one_o man_n g._n f._n advise_v friend_n to_o hold_v such_o meeting_n monthly_a and_o quarterly_o but_o for_o our_o part_n we_o understand_v not_o at_o that_o day_n that_o it_o be_v design_v by_o he_o or_o any_o else_o that_o those_o meeting_n shall_v not_o only_o be_v account_v the_o church_n but_o also_o such_o as_o profess_v the_o truth_n ought_v to_o believe_v *_o as_o his_o church_n believe_v have_v he_o so_o express_v himself_o testimony_n will_v have_v arisen_a as_o a_o flood_n against_o such_o darkness_n part_n 4._o pag._n 37._o j._n w._n and_o j._n s._n do_v testify_v thus_o viz._n on_o the_o whole_a matter_n in_o the_o fear_n and_o presence_n of_o the_o almighty_a god_n we_o declare_v that_o as_o we_o do_v approve_v of_o monthly_a and_o quarterly_o meeting_n for_o the_o necessary_a service_n of_o the_o truth_n so_o we_o further_o say_v that_o as_o these_o or_o any_o other_o meeting_n of_o friend_n in_o truth_n shall_v be_v continue_v to_o answer_v these_o service_n we_o believe_v that_o as_o it_o now_o be_v it_o also_o will_v become_v our_o duty_n to_o be_v at_o unity_n with_o our_o brethren_n in_o the_o service_n thereof_o part_n 3._o pag._n 74._o *_o ay_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 note_v qu._n one_a wherein_o have_v those_o meeting_n decline_v the_o service_n of_o truth_n two_o then_o why_o not_o to_o be_v account_v the_o church_n if_o two_o or_o three_o gather_v in_o christ_n name_n be_v the_o church_n three_o how_o come_v w._n r._n to_o unchurch_n they_o and_o yet_o they_o approve_v by_o his_o friend_n four_o how_o can_v every_o member_n be_v in_o the_o same_o faith_n if_o they_o believe_v not_o as_o the_o same_o church_n do_v part_n 1._o p._n 12._o it_o be_v now_o our_o concern_n to_o declare_v that_o whosoever_o have_v or_o shall_v testify_v that_o all_o those_o meeting_n as_o usual_o hold_v viz._n monthly_a and_o quarterly_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v and_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v such_o as_o know_v not_o whereof_o they_o affirm_v part_n 3._o pag._n 78._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 pag._n 79._o 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 mat._n 18._o 19_o 20._o qu._n whether_o w._n r._n can_v prove_v that_o
the_o case_n of_o offence_n which_o such_o injurious_a offend_a brother_n have_v not_o and_o therefore_o to_o be_v reject_v as_o a_o heathen_a man_n chief_o for_o refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n and_o herein_o consist_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o w._n r._n we_o take_v part_n with_o the_o innocent_a brother_n that_o be_v injure_v and_o offend_v who_o be_v willing_a to_o bring_v his_o case_n before_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o hear_v the_o church_n as_o in_o point_n of_o judgement_n and_o as_o know_v his_o presence_n in_o the_o midst_n but_o w._n r._n plain_o appear_v to_o take_v part_n with_o that_o injurous_a offend_a brother_n that_o will_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n and_o as_o for_o the_o power_n w._n r._n grant_v it_o any_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o decide_v and_o remove_v difference_n only_o when_o give_v by_o the_o assent_n of_o party_n he_o confess_v that_o any_o heathen_a man_n may_v claim_v the_o like_a power_n p._n 53._o what_o power_n then_o have_v he_o here_o allow_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n in_o these_o case_n more_o than_o to_o any_o heathen_a man_n but_o mark_v if_o this_o gainsay_n spirit_n be_v not_o draw_v back_o among_o the_o heathen_a that_o have_v so_o little_a esteem_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o he_o often_o contradict_v himself_o confess_v to_o divers_a truth_n against_o his_o own_o opposition_n so_o that_o the_o light_n sometime_o interpose_v though_o darkness_n have_v moâ—â—_n prevail_v in_o his_o work_n disaffect_v xxvii_o w._n r._n three_o part_n pag._n 64._o christ_n doctrine_n well_o describe_v by_o his_o sermon_n in_o the_o mount_n mat._n 5._o and_o chap._n 6._o wherein_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o tittle_n to_o countenance_v this_o sentence_n that_o the_o positive_a sentence_n or_o decission_n of_o the_o church_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n may_v be_v obligatory_a on_o believer_n observe_v his_o main_a work_n be_v still_o to_o invalid_n the_o authority_n and_o sentence_n of_o the_o true_a church_n whereby_o here_o he_o will_v set_v believer_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o church_n as_o not_o oblige_v by_o the_o church_n sentence_n without_o exception_n let_v it_o be_v as_o real_o from_o christ_n and_o as_o true_a just_a and_o reasonable_a as_o may_v be_v but_o if_o the_o sentence_n or_o decision_n of_o the_o church_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n be_v no_o way_n oblige_v on_o believer_n then_o why_o have_v he_o tell_v we_o of_o the_o counsel_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o church_n which_o they_o that_o will_v not_o submit_v unto_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v by_o the_o church_n his_o inconsistence_n and_o self-contradiction_n be_v numerous_a &_o what_o be_v that_o counsel_n which_o he_o that_o do_v but_o say_v to_o his_o brother_n racha_n shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o as_o christ_n say_v mat._n 5._o 22._o be_v not_o this_o counsel_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n under_o the_o gospel_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o law_n but_o still_o our_o adversary_n proceed_v in_o his_o inconsistency_n disaffect_v xxviii_o w._n r._n pag._n 64._o three_o part_n nay_o in_o that_o very_a case_n mat._n 18._o 15_o 16._o where_o it_o be_v say_v if_o thy_o brother_n trespass_n against_o thou_o go_v tell_v he_o his_o fault_n if_o he_o hear_v thou_o not_o take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o if_o he_o hear_v not_o they_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n if_o he_o refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n the_o scripture_n do_v not_o say_v that_o sentence_n ought_v to_o be_v obligatory_a on_o all_o other_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n who_o may_v be_v no_o way_n concern_v either_o in_o the_o admonition_n or_o sentence_n to_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n but_o it_o say_v let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man._n observe_v this_o we_o do_v except_v against_o as_o unsound_a doctrine_n the_o sentence_n in_o this_o place_n against_o that_o brother_n that_o refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n be_v christ_n and_o the_o offence_n for_o which_o he_o be_v sentence_v as_o a_o heathen_a man_n be_v both_o against_o a_o brother_n in_o particular_a and_o against_o the_o church_n in_o his_o refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n and_o therefore_o see_v its_o christ_n admonition_n and_o sentence_n to_o let_v he_o be_v to_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n how_o can_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n look_v on_o he_o otherwise_o than_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n have_v refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n strange_a doctrine_n that_o one_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n shall_v have_v occasion_n and_o that_o according_a to_o christ_n doctrine_n to_o look_v upon_o a_o brother_n so_o offend_v against_o he_o and_o the_o church_n as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o yet_o other_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n not_o to_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n what_o then_o may_v they_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o good_a christian_a contrary_a to_o christ_n own_o sentence_n and_o what_o though_o there_o be_v other_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v not_o immediate_o concern_v in_o the_o admonition_n or_o sentence_n against_o the_o offender_n be_v not_o present_a in_o the_o church_n when_o he_o refuse_v to_o hear_v they_o do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v be_v so_o far_o divide_v in_o their_o sense_n and_o judgement_n either_o from_o the_o sentence_n of_o christ_n the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n to_o who_o complaint_n be_v make_v against_o the_o brother_n trespass_v or_o from_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o brother_n offend_v as_o to_o look_v on_o he_o not_o as_o christ_n or_o the_o offend_a brother_n or_o the_o church_n who_o he_o refuse_v to_o hear_v have_v judge_v of_o he_o that_o be_v as_o a_o heathen_a man_n what_o confusion_n will_v this_o make_v in_o the_o church_n and_o contradiction_n to_o christ_n own_o sentence_n much_o may_v be_v say_v to_o show_v the_o absurdity_n of_o this_o but_o w._n r._n in_o his_o own_o contradiction_n have_v grant_v 3d_o part_n pag._n 36._o viz._n since_o the_o case_n be_v state_v between_o two_o brethren_n and_o that_o on_o a_o orderly_a proceed_v and_o admonition_n of_o the_o church_n the_o sentence_n for_o not_o hear_v the_o church_n be_v let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man._n here_o he_o have_v grant_v both_o authority_n order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o respect_n to_o such_o judicial_a proceed_n as_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o sentence_n of_o christ_n himself_o this_o be_v the_o man_n who_o work_n be_v much_o of_o it_o to_o oppose_v church-government_n and_o to_o render_v the_o sentence_n or_o decision_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n not_o obligatory_a on_o believer_n we_o have_v rare_o know_v any_o of_o truth_n be_v adversary_n more_o confound_v in_o their_o attempt_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o people_n of_o god_n than_o he_o be_v howbeit_o we_o will_v grant_v he_o that_o nothing_o that_o be_v outward_a whether_o it_o be_v sentence_n judgement_n order_n or_o decree_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o can_v be_v a_o bond_n on_o such_o to_o forsake_v sin_n and_o embrace_v the_o truth_n as_o be_v run_v into_o looseness_n evil_a deed_n and_o be_v become_v harden_v as_o he_o say_v pag._n 43._o 3d_o part_n until_o their_o conscience_n be_v awaken_v to_o hear_v god_n witness_v in_o themselves_o this_o be_v true_a but_o then_o it_o be_v no_o proof_n against_o church-government_n or_o that_o the_o just_a sentence_n admonition_n or_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v no_o way_n bind_v on_o believer_n who_o be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n but_o only_o that_o they_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o such_o as_o be_v harden_v through_o sin_n that_o they_o see_v not_o their_o duty_n who_o part_n our_o adversary_n have_v take_v and_o their_o cause_n he_o have_v plead_v against_o church-government_n and_o against_o the_o authority_n sentence_n judgement_n outward_a direction_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o church_n again_o w._n r._n grant_v one_a part_n pag._n 48._o that_o though_o we_o find_v the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n chap._n 13._o v._n 7._o say_v on_o this_o wise_a remember_v they_o which_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o say_v such_o who_o have_v the_o rule_n be_v the_o church_n but_o describe_v they_o to_o be_v such_o who_o have_v speak_v unto_o they_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o that_o if_o any_o authority_n be_v give_v to_o any_o to_o rule_v as_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n it_o appear_v from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n to_o be_v unto_o such_o who_o have_v speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n unto_o
the_o notion_n of_o christ_n government_n will_v be_v find_v invader_n of_o christ_n prerogative_n this_o compare_v with_o what_o he_o write_v pag._n 13._o viz._n that_o spirit_n that_o will_v remove_v we_o from_o that_o teacher_n that_o can_v be_v remove_v into_o a_o corner_n to_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o fallible_a men._n observe_v first_o we_o judge_v both_o these_o be_v unjust_a reflection_n as_o well_o as_o unjust_o apply_v for_o we_o know_v no_o outward_a rule_n order_n law_n or_o prescription_n practise_v among_o we_o that_o be_v the_o mere_a dictate_v of_o fallible_a man_n but_o such_o as_o christ_n be_v original_o the_o author_n of_o and_o which_o answer_n his_o pure_a law_n of_o love_n of_o truth_n within_o second_o our_o adversary_n to_o prove_v we_o and_o our_o meeting_n apostate_n from_o the_o inward_a teacher_n be_v very_o uncertain_a and_o frequent_o various_a in_o his_o opposition_n as_o one_o while_o it_o be_v against_o outward_a rule_n order_n etc._n etc._n another_o while_n against_o they_o as_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o fallible_a man_n another_o while_n as_o be_v impose_v or_o urge_v with_o too_o much_o severity_n another_o while_n as_o impose_v on_o our_o fellow_n member_n without_o conviction_n sight_n or_o sense_n of_o their_o duty_n therein_o another_o while_n as_o be_v innovation_n and_o such_o as_o christ_n light_n within_o parswade_v not_o to_o and_o so_o he_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n in_o his_o uncertainty_n not_o assign_v what_o those_o rule_n order_n law_n or_o prescription_n be_v that_o be_v liable_a to_o all_o these_o exception_n which_o while_o he_o do_v not_o his_o work_n and_o great_a clutter_n and_o noise_n therein_o appear_v very_o impertinent_a and_o contentious_a silly_a and_o ridiculous_a and_o what_o be_v his_o chief_a allegation_n against_o the_o man_n meeting_n of_o our_o friend_n see_v what_o follow_v disaffect_v fourteen_o w._n r._n one_a part_n pag._n 16._o that_o man_n meeting_n have_v most_o usual_o consist_v of_o man_n uncertain_a in_o number_n as_o well_o as_o to_o qualification_n may_v assume_v power_n over_o conscience_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n pag._n 7._o person_n uncertain_a in_o qualification_n do_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o call_v themselves_o a_o general_n meet_v query_n but_o do_v these_o meeting_n most_o usual_o consist_v of_o such_o person_n uncertain_a in_o qualification_n no_o we_o deny_v that_o and_o take_v his_o own_o word_n to_o show_v his_o inconsistence_n therein_o viz_o w._n r._n pag._n 12._o though_o we_o dare_v not_o conclude_v that_o none_o in_o those_o meeting_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n observe_v then_o they_o be_v not_o all_o uncertain_a in_o qualification_n disaffect_v xv._n w._n r._n pag._n 7._o concern_v friend_n say_v meet_v to_o be_v very_o plain_a we_o can_v but_o appeal_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o such_o honourable_a friend_n who_o be_v both_o intelligent_a and_o impartial_a whether_o some_o who_o have_v usual_o there_o assemble_v or_o may_v pretend_v right_o to_o be_v member_n thereof_o have_v not_o be_v false_a accuser_n and_o man-pleasers_a and_o many_o of_o they_o a_o sort_n of_o person_n who_o be_v lover_n of_o pre-eminence_n and_o time-servers_a take_v that_o as_o a_o opportunity_n to_o appear_v unto_o other_o that_o which_o they_o be_v not_o in_o themselves_o observe_v these_o accusation_n we_o do_v judge_n be_v not_o only_o scandalous_a against_o many_o friend_n but_o tend_v to_o the_o great_a reproach_n and_o scandal_n of_o our_o say_a meeting_n and_o the_o truth_n profess_v among_o we_o disaffect_v xvi_o w._n r._n one_a part_n pag._n 11._o sect._n 3_o it_o be_v well_o remember_v that_o that_o one_o man_n g._n f._n go_v some_o year_n pass_v into_o many_o part_n of_o this_o nation_n advise_v friend_n to_o hold_v such_o meeting_n viz._n monthly_a and_o quarterly_o and_o in_o many_o place_n his_o counsel_n be_v ready_o embrace_v but_o for_o our_o part_n we_o understand_v not_o at_o that_o day_n that_o it_o be_v design_v by_o he_o or_o any_o else_o that_o those_o meeting_n shall_v not_o only_o be_v account_v the_o church_n but_o also_o such_o as_o profess_v the_o truth_n aught_o to_o believe_v as_o this_o church_n believe_v have_v he_o so_o express_v himself_o testimony_n will_v have_v rise_v as_o a_o flood_n against_o such_o darkness_n for_o this_o will_v have_v plain_o appear_v to_o we_o to_o have_v open_v a_o door_n whereby_o that_o babylonish_n rubbish_n which_o we_o have_v be_v long_o testify_v against_o may_v have_v be_v exalt_v in_o one_o day_n observe_v this_o passage_n we_o judge_v do_v great_o bespeak_v the_o man_n enmity_n and_o perverse_a jealousy_n both_o against_o g._n f._n and_o those_o meeting_n to_o render_v he_o one_o that_o have_v act_v upon_o some_o hide_a selfish_a and_o unchristian_a design_n to_o set_v up_o a_o absolute_a dominion_n in_o and_o by_o those_o meeting_n over_o the_o faith_n and_o conscience_n of_o their_o brethren_n which_o we_o utter_o testify_v against_o and_o look_v upon_o it_o to_o be_v very_o gross_o scandalous_a and_o reproachful_a for_o the_o very_a intent_n and_o design_n of_o those_o meeting_n have_v be_v from_o the_o beginning_n manifest_a to_o be_v for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o lord_n his_o truth_n and_o people_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o true_a faith_n and_o love_n as_o fellow-helper_n one_o of_o another_o query_n and_o why_o may_v not_o these_o meeting_n be_v account_v the_o church_n or_o any_o of_o they_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n when_o gather_v in_o his_o name_n and_o fear_v have_v not_o w._n r._n count_v they_o such_o former_o be_v none_o of_o they_o now_o worthy_a of_o the_o name_n church_n in_o his_o esteem_n will_v he_o unchurch_n they_o all_o at_o once_o if_o so_o why_o do_v he_o come_v at_o any_o of_o they_o then_o but_o see_v his_o 3d_o part_n pag._n 78._o what_o he_o confess_v viz._n that_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 and_o pag._n 79._o 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 and_o dare_v he_o say_v there_o be_v not_o so_o many_o as_o two_o or_o three_o that_o gather_v together_o in_o christ_n name_n among_o we_o no_o he_o have_v confess_v he_o dare_v not_o conclude_v that_o none_o in_o those_o meeting_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n one_a part_n pag._n 12._o thus_o he_o show_v his_o uncertainty_n in_o his_o gainsaying_n disaffect_v xvii_o w._n r._n pag._n 14._o one_a part_n a_o eminent_a person_n profess_v truth_n be_v at_o bristol_n do_v take_v occasion_n to_o signify_v at_o a_o man_n meet_v hold_v in_o that_o city_n to_o this_o effect_n that_o in_o london_n and_o other_o part_n of_o this_o nation_n where_o such_o meeting_n be_v usual_o hold_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o generality_n have_v be_v take_v for_o the_o sense_n of_o such_o meeting_n compare_v this_o with_o this_o doctrine_n frequent_o of_o late_a publish_v among_o we_o that_o the_o apostasy_n shall_v never_o enter_v the_o generality_n more_o do_v give_v we_o just_a occasion_n to_o be_v jealous_a that_o our_o opposer_n for_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o their_o design_n against_o we_o have_v contrive_v this_o method_n of_o carry_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o generality_n or_o major_a number_n of_o voice_n observe_v he_o draw_v inference_n from_o his_o own_o perverse_a jealousy_n still_o which_o we_o affirm_v be_v unjust_o deduce_v from_o what_o here_o he_o false_o pretend_v do_v give_v just_a occasion_n thereof_o for_o such_o design_n and_o contrivance_n to_o carry_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o major_a number_n of_o voice_n we_o plain_o disow_v but_o by_o the_o sense_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o demonstration_n of_o truth_n and_o where_o that_o make_v the_o generality_n of_o one_o accord_n it_o be_v no_o design_n or_o contrivance_n against_o person_n query_n we_o ask_v he_o if_o he_o believe_v a_o general_a apostasy_n shall_v come_v over_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o enter_v the_o generality_n thereof_o in_o these_o latter_a day_n see_v he_o seem_v so_o much_o concern_v against_o such_o a_o doctrine_n as_o that_o the_o apostasy_n shall_v never_o enter_v the_o generality_n more_o how_o then_o do_v he_o consist_v with_o his_o own_o confession_n 3d_o part_n pag._n 77._o viz._n 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 disaffect_v xviii_o w._n r._n pag._n 21._o one_a part_n marginal_a note_n this_o sentence_n as_o heir_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n take_v your_o possession_n of_o late_a year_n frequent_o express_v by_o way_n of_o encouragement_n to_o continue_v man_n and_o woman_n meeting_n by_o which_o mean_v
both_o he_o and_o our_o say_a meeting_n from_o any_o such_o imputation_n as_o either_o assume_v or_o exercise_v a_o absolute_a jurisdiction_n power_n or_o dominion_n over_o man_n property_n in_o outward_a thing_n for_o r._n b._n affirm_v that_o they_o have_v great_o mistake_v he_o who_o do_v suppose_v that_o he_o do_v ascribe_v to_o friend_n a_o absolute_a jurisdiction_n over_o man_n property_n in_o outward_a thing_n nor_o be_v our_o say_a meeting_n in_o london_n or_o any_o of_o we_o in_o the_o least_o design_v or_o principled_a to_o any_o such_o thing_n who_o ox_n or_o who_o ass_n have_v we_o take_v &_o c_o therefore_o have_v our_o adversary_n most_o gross_o misrepresent_v and_o abuse_v we_o therein_o to_o the_o great_a scandal_n and_o reproach_n of_o we_o and_o the_o holy_a truth_n profess_v by_o we_o as_o to_o the_o take_v up_o and_o compose_v of_o difference_n among_o ourselves_o as_o to_o outward_a thing_n and_o r._n b_n aver_v that_o as_o a_o people_n gather_v together_o by_o the_o lord_n unto_o the_o same_o faith_n we_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o decide_v and_o remove_v these_o thing_n against_o this_o w._n r._n immediate_o testify_v in_o these_o word_n viz._n disaffect_v xxiv_o w._n r._n first_o part_n pag._n 51._o this_o we_o testify_v be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n within_o we_o and_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o we_o for_o as_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n so_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o his_o member_n shall_v by_o his_o authority_n claim_v a_o jurisdiction_n in_o the_o matter_n relate_v to_o this_o world_n and_o if_o christ_n himself_o when_o he_o be_v desire_v by_o a_o certain_a man_n to_o bid_v his_o brother_n divide_v the_o inheritance_n with_o he_o refuse_v to_o be_v a_o judge_n in_o that_o matter_n relate_v to_o property_n when_o desire_v by_o one_o party_n say_v who_o make_v i_o a_o judge_n over_o you_o how_o much_o more_o unreasonable_a be_v it_o for_o his_o member_n to_o assume_v a_o jurisdiction_n when_o desire_v by_o neither_o party_n &_o c_o observe_v we_o look_v upon_o this_o testimony_n in_o the_o first_o place_n unsound_a and_o the_o allegation_n impertinent_a for_o one_a that_o as_o a_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o church_n of_o christ_n we_o have_v power_n to_o compose_v difference_n as_o to_o outward_a thing_n this_o be_v neither_o repugnant_a to_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o nor_o to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n without_o we_o see_v 1_o cor._n 6._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o maâ—_n 18._o 15_o 16_o 17._o two_o claim_v a_o jurisdiction_n what_o jurisdiction_n do_v christ_n member_n claim_v by_o his_o authority_n other_o than_o what_o he_o himself_o have_v give_v they_o viz._n to_o counsel_n advise_v and_o admonish_v for_o the_o end_n of_o difference_n and_o to_o give_v true_a judgement_n three_o what_o do_v jurisdiction_n mean_v proper_o but_o a_o pronounce_v right_a equity_n or_o justice_n though_o in_o the_o common_a law_n it_o be_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o minister_v and_o execute_v law_n which_o in_o a_o gospel_n way_n and_o order_n be_v not_o exclude_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n see_v the_o law_n shall_v go_v forth_o of_o zion_n four_o christ_n refuse_v to_o be_v a_o judge_n in_o that_o matter_n relate_v to_o property_n when_o desire_v by_o one_o party_n luk._n 12._o 13_o 14._o argue_v not_o that_o none_o of_o his_o member_n church_n or_o saint_n have_v power_n to_o judge_v in_o matter_n relate_v to_o outward_a property_n for_o that_o be_v to_o contradict_v the_o apostle_n testimony_n 1_o cor._n 6._o 3._o know_v you_o not_o that_o we_o shall_v judge_v angel_n how_o much_o more_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o this_o life_n 5th_o that_o of_o luke_n 12._o 13_o 14._o allege_a prove_v not_o that_o either_o christ_n have_v not_o power_n and_o right_o to_o judge_v among_o his_o disciple_n in_o matter_n relate_v to_o this_o world_n nor_o yet_o that_o the_o saint_n or_o his_o member_n be_v altogether_o to_o refuse_v judge_v in_o matter_n relate_v to_o property_n among_o themselves_o or_o they_o of_o the_o same_o faith_n six_o in_o the_o scripture_n allege_v luke_n 12._o 13._o be_v say_v one_o of_o the_o company_n say_v unto_o he_o master_n speak_v to_o my_o brother_n that_o he_o divide_v the_o inheritance_n with_o i_o it_o be_v not_o say_v it_o be_v one_o of_o his_o disciple_n nor_o will_v it_o have_v be_v judicial_a for_o he_o to_o have_v give_v judgement_n in_o the_o matter_n upon_o the_o motion_n and_o determination_n of_o one_o paâ—ty_n assign_v what_o he_o will_v have_v do_v in_o his_o own_o case_n aforehand_o and_o who_o fault_n christ_n seem_v to_o reprehend_v in_o the_o follow_a word_n luk._n 12._o 15._o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o covetousness_n for_o a_o man_n life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v nor_o be_v it_o so_o proper_o christ_n ministry_n and_o work_n to_o be_v concern_v in_o determine_v those_o outward_a matter_n of_o property_n have_v give_v a_o high_a ministry_n and_o sufficient_a law_n light_n and_o judgement_n in_o man_n conscience_n to_o determine_v what_o be_v right_a and_o to_o do_v right_o in_o those_o case_n especial_o in_o his_o church_n and_o follower_n the_o lord_n be_v exalt_v when_o zion_n be_v fill_v with_o judgement_n and_o righteousness_n and_o now_o whereas_o r._n b._n plead_v for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v power_n in_o some_o case_n of_o conscience_n to_o give_v a_o positive_a sentence_n or_o decision_n which_o may_v be_v obligatory_a upon_o believer_n this_o w._n r._n oppose_v as_o be_v a_o government_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o believer_n contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o liberty_n they_o have_v in_o christ_n jesus_n pag._n 48._o because_o his_o plea_n be_v for_o a_o liberty_n for_o a_o believer_n to_o refuse_v to_o submit_v on_o account_n of_o not_o see_v it_o his_o duty_n this_o be_v still_o to_o divide_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o believer_n as_o if_o the_o church_n do_v see_v and_o believer_n be_v blind_a which_o be_v absurd_a and_o ignorant_a he_o now_o neither_o allow_v the_o church_n power_n in_o case_n of_o conscience_n nor_o outward_a thing_n to_o give_v positive_a sentence_n or_o judgement_n to_o decide_v difference_n pag._n 48_o &_o 51._o but_o both_o these_o he_o have_v sufficient_o contradict_v one_a in_o conclude_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n mat._n 18._o and_o 1_o cor._n 6._o do_v concern_v personal_a offence_n or_o difference_n touch_v worldly_a matter_n two_o in_o grant_v that_o every_o case_n wherein_o one_o brother_n may_v trespass_n against_o another_o may_v be_v comprehend_v in_o it_o but_o now_o to_o his_o opposition_n against_o the_o church_n judgement_n set_v case_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o some_o or_o any_o matter_n of_o conscience_n or_o property_n where_o a_o difference_n be_v do_v give_v a_o positive_a sentence_n or_o judgement_n which_o in_o itself_o be_v just_a and_o reasonable_a our_o opposer_n be_v for_o a_o liberty_n for_o believer_n to_o refuse_v to_o submit_v on_o account_n of_o not_o see_v it_o their_o duty_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o believer_n who_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n church_n may_v refuse_v submission_n to_o their_o brethren_n in_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o themselves_o just_a and_o reasonable_a according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o conscience_n on_o the_o pretence_n of_o not_o see_v it_o their_o duty_n which_o be_v a_o most_o blind_a and_o irrational_a way_n of_o plead_v and_o argue_v and_o we_o can_v make_v nothing_o of_o it_o but_o what_o tend_v to_o confusion_n rebellion_n and_o ranterism_n and_o to_o a_o contempt_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o undervalue_v of_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n which_o be_v in_o all_o true_a believer_n ready_a to_o engage_v in_o a_o concord_n in_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a just_a and_o reasonable_a and_o that_o which_o aggravate_v the_o offence_n of_o our_o adversary_n be_v his_o father_v this_o contradiction_n and_o opposition_n which_o he_o will_v make_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o liberty_n for_o believer_n refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o this_o church_n upon_o the_o liberty_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n which_o be_v as_o absurd_a as_o to_o tell_v we_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n may_v in_o some_o thing_n have_v a_o liberty_n in_o christ_n to_o give_v a_o righteous_a judgement_n both_o in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n and_o property_n but_o believer_n who_o be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n must_v have_v a_o liberty_n in_o christ_n to_o refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o same_o judgement_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o a_o liberty_n in_o christ_n to_o plead_v that_o they_o see_v it_o not_o to_o
show_v forth_o that_o if_o we_o shall_v feed_v upon_o or_o admire_v any_o excellent_a qualification_n or_o endowment_n whatsoever_o and_o not_o have_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n chief_o unto_o the_o giver_n we_o may_v then_o come_v to_o a_o loss_n from_o all_o whîch_n observe_v that_o our_o adversary_n have_v here_o find_v out_o a_o salve_n or_o better_a construction_n for_o the_o say_a doctrine_n than_o his_o oppose_a and_o contradict_v of_o it_o before_o as_o not_o be_v according_o to_o truth_n at_o this_o rate_n he_o may_v make_v large_a book_n against_o we_o but_o to_o what_o purpose_n thus_o to_o say_v and_o unsay_v as_o if_o he_o shall_v tell_v we_o it_o be_v unsound_a doctrine_n to_o say_v the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n be_v not_o good_a for_o food_n but_o to_o turn_v about_o again_o it_o may_v be_v use_v in_o a_o good_a and_o sound_a sense_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v to_o reflect_v upon_o all_o that_o have_v use_v that_o expression_n viz._n the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n be_v not_o good_a for_o food_n what_o kind_n of_o preacher_n will_v he_o make_v if_o he_o shall_v tell_v people_n the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n be_v good_a for_o food_n the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n be_v not_o good_a for_o food_n and_o what_o if_o some_o as_o he_o say_v have_v reflect_v on_o the_o wisdom_n that_o be_v sensual_a when_o they_o have_v declare_v the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n not_o good_a for_o food_n what_o unsoundness_n can_v he_o prove_v therein_o as_o to_o the_o allusion_n the_o question_n be_v whether_o man_n by_o transgress_v god_n command_n in_o eat_v of_o that_o tree_n do_v not_o fall_v into_o that_o wisdom_n that_o be_v earthly_a and_o sensual_a or_o devilish_a whether_o that_o sensual_a wisdom_n be_v not_o produce_v in_o man_n by_o that_o transgression_n and_o therefore_o w._n r'_v tell_v we_o that_o which_o be_v a_o discoverer_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v in_o it_o 2d_o self_n good_a as_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n be_v can_v be_v a_o proper_a allusion_n etc._n etc._n we_o be_v sure_a his_o allusion_n and_o comparison_n here_o be_v not_o proper_a nor_o according_a to_o scripture_n he_o here_o confound_v the_o discoverer_n which_o be_v christ_n the_o tree_n of_o life_n with_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n as_o if_o man_n in_o innocency_n be_v forbid_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n for_o our_o opposer_n in_o his_o very_a next_o instance_n p._n 28._o have_v these_o word_n john_n the_o evangelist_n testify_v this_o be_v life_n eternal_a that_o they_o may_v know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v a_o very_a good_a scripture_n but_o no_o proof_n that_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n be_v good_a for_o food_n or_o that_o god_n do_v forbid_v the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o and_o of_o his_o son_n to_o man_n in_o innocency_n when_o he_o give_v he_o this_o command_n but_o of_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a thou_o shall_v not_o eat_v of_o it_o for_o in_o the_o day_n thou_o eat_v thereof_o thou_o shall_v sure_o die_v gen._n 2._o 17._o this_o tree_n be_v except_v from_o every_o tree_n yield_v seed_n and_o good_a for_o food_n which_o be_v allow_v unto_o man_n gen._n 1._o 29._o and_o 2._o 9_o do_v god_n forbid_v man_n in_o innocency_n the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o maker_n or_o command_v he_o not_o to_o eat_v of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a for_o his_o soul_n food_n no_o sure_a who_o then_o present_v the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n as_o good_a for_o food_n to_o be_v eat_v to_o make_v one_o wise_a &_o c_o it_o be_v the_o serpent_n therefore_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o silent_a in_o it_o the_o serpent_n say_v unto_o the_o woman_n you_o shall_v not_o sure_o die_v for_o god_n do_v know_v that_o in_o the_o day_n you_o eat_v thereof_o your_o eye_n shall_v be_v open_v and_o you_o shall_v be_v as_o god_n know_v good_a and_o evil_a and_o when_o the_o woman_n see_v that_o the_o tree_n be_v good_a for_o food_n and_o a_o tree_n to_o be_v desire_v to_o make_v one_o wise_a she_o take_v of_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o and_o do_v eat_v etc._n etc._n gen._n 3._o 4_o 5_o 6._o do_v the_o serpent_n say_v true_a in_o say_v you_o shall_v not_o sure_o die_v no_o sure_a for_o god_n have_v say_v the_o contrary_a in_o the_o day_n thou_o eat_v thereof_o die_v thou_o shall_v die_v therefore_o when_o the_o woman_n see_v that_o the_o tree_n be_v good_a for_o food_n she_o see_v not_o aright_o she_o have_v let_v in_o the_o serpent_n persuasion_n to_o eat_v thereof_o contrary_a to_o god_n command_n there_o be_v a_o eye_n open_a giving_z way_n to_o the_o temptation_n which_o god_n do_v not_o open_a a_o mistake_a sight_n it_o be_v the_o same_o by_o which_o she_o see_v it_o be_v a_o tree_n to_o be_v desire_v to_o make_v one_o wise._n whence_o come_v that_o desire_n but_o from_o the_o serpent_n allurement_n that_o beget_v a_o false_a sight_n a_o misapprehension_n not_o consistent_a with_o the_o law_n of_o innocence_n or_o uncorruptness_n of_o mind_n that_o stand_v in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o truth_n all_o which_o consider_v our_o opposer_n be_v so_o far_o from_o prove_v any_o of_o we_o apostate_n and_o innovator_n in_o say_v that_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n be_v not_o good_a for_o food_n that_o he_o have_v discover_v his_o own_o apostasy_n and_o innovation_n in_o introduce_v the_o serpent_n doctrine_n contrary_a to_o god_n command_n and_o the_o doctrine_n ancient_o preach_v among_o we_o and_o therein_o we_o can_v believe_v that_o god_n or_o christ_n be_v his_o 3._o teacher_n but_o the_o serpent_n who_o beguile_v eve_n through_o his_o subtlety_n so_o he_o have_v corrupt_v the_o mind_n of_o some_o from_o the_o simplicity_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n to_o feed_v upon_o that_o which_o bring_v death_n over_o they_o and_o to_o fall_v into_o that_o knowledge_n which_o puff_v up_o the_o fleshly_a mind_n and_o that_o eye_n that_o the_o serpent_n open_v be_v not_o a_o single_a but_o a_o evil_a eye_n which_o christ_n come_v to_o blind_a and_o to_o bring_v that_o knowledge_n to_o nought_o that_o puff_v up_o before_o man_n can_v clear_o see_v with_o that_o innocent_a single_a eye_n that_o christ_n open_v or_o partake_v of_o that_o true_a divine_a knowledge_n which_o be_v life_n eternal_a the_o matter_n we_o principal_o aim_v at_o and_o stand_v for_o both_o in_o the_o forego_n and_o follow_v controversy_n on_o our_o part_n be_v include_v in_o these_o general_a proposition_n viz._n i._o that_o since_o the_o term_n church-government_n be_v of_o late_a so_o much_o cast_v upon_o we_o we_o do_v thereby_o intend_v christ_n government_n in_o his_o church_n exercise_v by_o he_o both_o immediate_o and_o instrumental_o ii_o that_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n and_o master_n govern_v rule_n and_o order_n in_o his_o church_n and_o people_n immediate_o and_o principal_o by_o himself_o and_o instrumental_o in_o some_o measure_n by_o his_o minister_n and_o servant_n as_o well_o as_o he_o teach_v and_o instruct_v both_o immediate_o and_o instrumental_o iii_o that_o christ_n govern_v and_o rule_v instrumental_o by_o his_o minister_n and_o servant_n relate_v to_o the_o godly_a care_n good_a instruction_n admonition_n and_o true_a judgement_n give_v to_o and_o minister_v by_o such_o his_o faithful_a servant_n minister_n and_o elder_n in_o truth_n who_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v overseer_n 12_o and_o appoint_v for_o help_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o sake_n especial_o of_o the_o young_a and_o weak_a member_n child_n and_o such_o as_o be_v under_o age_n as_o to_o truth_n and_o experience_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v about_o this_o last_o proposition_n that_o the_o controversy_n do_v most_o depend_v for_o christ_n immediate_a rule_n and_o government_n in_o the_o conscience_n be_v in_o word_n own_v by_o our_o opposer_n iu._n no_o other_o kind_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o substance_n nature_n and_o end_n do_v we_o at_o this_o day_n plead_v for_o than_o what_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o primitive_a christian_a church_n before_o the_o apostasy_n in_o a_o spiritual_a persuasive_a convince_v way_n and_o manner_n suitable_a to_o christ_n spiritual_a kingdom_n which_o prosper_v by_o his_o truth_n and_o meekness_n righteousness_n and_o true_a judgement_n wherein_o we_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v our_o king_n lord_n and_o lawgiver_n all_o carnal_a force_n and_o rigour_n be_v exclude_v his_o kingdom_n v._o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n we_o utter_o deny_v and_o detest_v exercise_v lordship_n over_o god_n heritage_n or_o seek_v dominion_n over_o the_o faith_n and_o conscience_n of_o his_o people_n and_o assume_v to_o ourselves_o any_o power_n dominion_n or_o arbitrary_a jurisdiction_n over_o their_o
and_o have_v a_o tendence_n towards_o the_o great_a end_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o christian_a society_n as_o have_v a_o godly_a care_n among_o we_o over_o one_o another_o the_o strong_a to_o help_v the_o weak_a and_o that_o all_o may_v be_v preserve_v out_o of_o the_o world_n be_v evil_a way_n and_o pollution_n in_o that_o pure_a religion_n that_o be_v to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n and_o keep_v unspotted_a of_o the_o world_n so_o as_o we_o may_v provoke_v one_o another_o to_o love_n and_o good_a work_n and_o to_o serve_v one_o another_o in_o love_n as_o the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v know_v that_o all_o our_o care_n and_o the_o very_a intent_n of_o our_o proceed_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v for_o these_o end_n and_o all_o centre_n in_o that_o love_n which_o be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n and_o have_v these_o thing_n in_o our_o eye_n we_o can_v the_o more_o easy_o concur_v and_o accord_v as_o to_o circumstance_n and_o outward_a method_n and_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n so_o condescend_v one_o to_o another_o and_o accommodate_v matter_n as_o not_o to_o divide_v about_o they_o and_o therefore_o we_o do_v profess_v serious_o we_o see_v no_o real_a cause_n or_o valid_a reason_n our_o opposer_n show_v for_o the_o great_a noise_n and_o rumble_v he_o make_v about_o outward_a law_n prescription_n order_n edict_n or_o decree_n outward_a form_n of_o government_n apostasy_n innovation_n imposition_n lording_n over_o faith_n over_o conscience_n etc._n etc._n whilst_o he_o show_v we_o no_o unjust_a no_o unlawful_a nor_o uncomely_a order_n or_o proceed_n among_o we_o as_o a_o people_n nor_o yet_o give_v we_o any_o instance_n or_o catalogue_n of_o those_o imposition_n innovation_n new_a doctrine_n or_o practice_n bring_v in_o and_o receive_v among_o we_o which_o be_v either_o inconsistent_a with_o our_o first_o testimony_n to_o the_o light_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n within_o and_o the_o teach_n thereof_o or_o thereby_o condemn_v as_o evil_a or_o whole_o unnecessary_a in_o themselves_o he_o shall_v have_v give_v we_o a_o catalogue_n of_o those_o innovation_n he_o complain_v of_o and_o what_o order_n and_o method_n he_o will_v prescribe_v to_o the_o contrary_a whether_o any_o or_o none_o and_o not_o go_v to_o fill_v the_o people_n ear_n with_o a_o general_a clamour_n of_o apostasy_n innovation_n and_o imposition_n scandalous_o to_o render_v we_o as_o bad_a as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n he_o often_o charge_v we_o with_o uncertain_a qualify_a person_n 12._o that_o usual_o assemble_v in_o our_o meeting_n which_o concern_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n among_o we_o which_o be_v a_o very_a impertinent_a objection_n for_o grant_v some_o person_n uncertain_o or_o not_o right_o qualify_v may_v come_v into_o such_o meeting_n such_o sway_n not_o the_o meeting_n in_o truth_n be_v affair_n but_o there_o be_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o universal_a power_n of_o god_n to_o sway_v and_o rule_v in_o our_o proceed_n and_o concern_v of_o truth_n and_o what_o reason_n and_o evidence_n be_v in_o truth_n give_v in_o matter_n before_o we_o these_o have_v place_n in_o our_o meeting_n and_o it_o be_v very_o needful_a that_o some_o that_o be_v not_o grow_v into_o the_o exercise_n of_o help_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n who_o be_v honest-minded_n shall_v be_v present_a at_o such_o meeting_n that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o advantage_n thereof_o in_o order_n to_o their_o furtherance_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o service_n as_o the_o lord_n shall_v make_v they_o capable_a for_o the_o least_o sound_a member_n have_v its_o service_n in_o the_o body_n but_o w._n r._n appear_v not_o of_o the_o apostle_n mind_n who_o say_v those_o member_n of_o the_o body_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v more_o feeble_a be_v necessary_a and_o those_o member_n of_o the_o body_n which_o we_o think_v to_o be_v less_o honourable_a upon_o these_o we_o bestow_v more_o abundant_a honour_n etc._n etc._n see_v 1_o cor._n 12._o 22_o 23_o 24._o and_o chap._n 9_o 22._o we_o do_v not_o disgrace_v they_o in_o print_n as_o w._n r._n have_v do_v and_o therefore_o those_o our_o meeting_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o a_o select_a number_n for_o our_o opposer_n grant_v that_o the_o child_n of_o god_n may_v be_v instrumental_a in_o his_o hand_n to_o establish_v one_o another_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n 3d_o part_n pag._n 12._o as_o also_o pag._n 19_o he_o have_v these_o word_n viz._n i_o be_o abundant_o satisfy_v that_o set_v and_o appoint_v meeting_n on_o certain_a prefix_a day_n be_v with_o the_o joint_a concurrence_n of_o those_o member_n assemble_v and_o from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o be_v assemble_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o discharge_v other_o charitable_a duty_n to_o inspect_v marriage_n that_o none_o come_v together_o disorderly_o and_o to_o take_v care_n that_o truth_n may_v not_o be_v scandalize_v through_o the_o backslide_n of_o such_o who_o have_v be_v in_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 end_n observe_v he_o have_v here_o grant_v the_o point_n for_o church-government_n to_o his_o own_o confutation_n and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o such_o our_o assembly_n what_o be_v then_o his_o complaint_n of_o rule_n outward_a order_n form_n of_o government_n &_o c_o and_o who_o among_o the_o child_n of_o light_n do_v not_o see_v these_o to_o be_v needful_a as_o well_o as_o serviceable_a and_o what_o form_n prescription_n rule_n or_o law_n be_v execute_v or_o put_v in_o practice_n among_o we_o which_o tend_v not_o to_o answer_v those_o righteous_a end_n to_o wit_n the_o take_a care_n of_o the_o poor_a discharge_v of_o other_o charitable_a duty_n inspect_v marriage_n to_o prevent_v disorder_n therein_o and_o to_o take_v care_n that_o truth_n be_v not_o scandalize_v through_o the_o backslide_n of_o such_o who_o have_v be_v in_o fellowship_n among_o we_o these_o be_v the_o very_a righteous_a end_n and_o service_n intend_v and_o aim_v at_o in_o those_o our_o meeting_n which_o be_v grant_v in_o the_o general_n we_o will_v ask_v this_o person_n or_o any_o one_o adhere_v to_o he_o one_a what_o be_v those_o innovation_n he_o complain_v of_o among_o we_o in_o respect_n to_o a_o outward_a order_n discipline_n and_o form_n of_o government_n two_o what_o imposition_n order_n prescription_n law_n or_o rule_n can_v he_o just_o charge_v the_o people_n call_v quaker_n who_o be_v not_o of_o his_o party_n withal_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n have_v not_o unity_n with_o and_o which_o therefore_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o child_n of_o light_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o obey_v or_o practice_v as_o not_o see_v it_o their_o duty_n disaffect_v xliii_o and_o see_v he_o affirm_v that_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n 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 three_o part_n pag._n 20._o compare_v with_o what_o he_o affirm_v pag._n 24._o that_o part_n of_o that_o outward_a order_n in_o discipline_n wherein_o divers_a of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n have_v be_v act_v be_v such_o as_o that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o footstep_n thereof_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o exhort_v to_o or_o as_o practise_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o what_o suppose_v this_o be_v true_a which_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o grant_v he_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o they_o wait_v on_o he_o he_o be_v their_o shepherd_n and_o guide_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o principle_n of_o truth_n within_o which_o lead_v not_o contrary_a to_o any_o wholesome_a and_o evangelical_n precept_n or_o christian_a conversation_n and_o practice_n record_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o w._n r._n so_o far_o answer_v himself_o in_o this_o matter_n as_o that_o he_o grant_v the_o principle_n of_o truth_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n have_v and_o may_v lead_v into_o the_o practice_n of_o outward_a order_n in_o discipline_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n whereby_o he_o assent_v to_o a_o high_a rule_n than_o the_o scripture_n namely_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o then_o the_o question_n be_v one_a what_o those_o many_o thing_n be_v with_o respect_n to_o church_n discipline_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n be_v silent_a we_o find_v he_o only_o in_o reference_n to_o this_o point_n tell_v we_o thus_o 3d_o part_n pag._n 24._o viz._n i_o can_v give_v many_o instance_n hereof_o but_o one_o
any_o of_o those_o monthly_a or_o quarterly_o meeting_n among_o friend_n be_v not_o gather_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n part_n 1._o p._n 14._o this_o doctrine_n frequent_o of_o late_a publish_v among_o we_o that_o the_o apostasy_n shall_v never_o enter_v the_o generality_n more_o do_v give_v we_o just_a occasion_n to_o be_v jealous_a etc._n etc._n part_n 3._o pag._n 78._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 or_o that_o the_o apostasy_n shall_v enter_v the_o generality_n again_o qu._n then_o why_o do_v he_o so_o often_o quarrel_v with_o the_o doctrine_n frequent_o publish_v as_o he_o say_v viz._n that_o the_o apostasy_n shall_v never_o enter_v the_o generality_n more_o part_n 1._o pag._n 47._o on_o mat._n 18._o 15_o 16_o 17._o and_o 1_o cor._n 6._o 1_o 2_o 4._o we_o reasonable_o conclude_v that_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n only_a hint_v at_o either_o personal_a offence_n or_o difference_n touch_v worldly_a matter_n and_o that_o therein_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n be_v only_o to_o exhort_v to_o submit_v to_o their_o connsel_n which_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o may_v just_o be_v esteem_v as_o heathen_a man_n part_n 3._o pag._n 36._o on_o mat._n 18._o 15_o 16_o 17._o some_o may_v object_v thus_o this_o relate_v not_o to_o outward_a affair_n but_o to_o offence_n that_o be_v of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n in_o answer_n it_o may_v be_v say_v as_o to_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v whole_o silent_a and_o therefore_o every_o case_n wherein_o one_o brother_n may_v trespass_n against_o another_o may_v in_o rihght_n reason_n be_v comprehend_v in_o it_o qu._n whether_o every_o case_n be_v to_o be_v limit_v only_o to_o worldly_a matter_n and_o not_o extend_v to_o any_o case_n or_o offence_n of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n part_n 3._o pag._n 64._o not_o the_o least_o tittle_n to_o countenance_v this_o sentence_n that_o the_o positive_a sentence_n or_o decision_n of_o the_o church_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n may_v be_v obligatory_a on_o believer_n nay_o in_o that_o very_a case_n mat._n 18._o 15_o 16._o if_o he_o refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n the_o scripture_n do_v not_o say_v that_o sentence_n ought_v to_o be_v obligatory_a on_o all_o other_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n but_o it_o say_v let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man._n part_n 1._o pag._n 47._o the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o exhort_v to_o submit_v to_o their_o counsel_n which_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o may_v just_o be_v esteem_v as_o heathen_a men._n and_o part_v 3._o pag._n 36._o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n when_o a_o brother_n be_v through_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o church_n become_v so_o to_o the_o other_o brother_n etc._n etc._n every_o case_n wherein_o one_o brother_n may_v trespass_n against_o another_o may_v according_a to_o right_a reason_n be_v comprehend_v in_o it_o qu._n why_o then_o not_o a_o heathen_a man_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n if_o they_o may_v just_o be_v esteem_v as_o heathen_a man_n that_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o church_n counsel_n see_v it_o be_v confess_v by_o w._n r._n to_o his_o own_o confutation_n part_v 1._o pag._n 52._o that_o they_o who_o refuse_v to_o take_v the_o church_n wholesome_a counsel_n or_o admonition_n the_o church_n may_v then_o declare_v such_o unworthy_a of_o their_o society_n and_o be_v not_o this_o then_o obligatory_a on_o other_o believer_n and_o member_n part_n 3._o pag._n 82._o on_o gal._n 5._o 2._o &_o 4._o 9_o 10_o 11._o this_o do_v not_o at_o that_o time_n condemn_v that_o christian_a liberty_n and_o forbearance_n which_o the_o apostle_n before_o approve_v in_o and_o with_o respect_n unto_o such_o as_o make_v conscience_n of_o circumcision_n and_o pag._n 83._o there_o be_v such_o as_o practise_v circumcision_n yet_o a_o christian_a liberty_n be_v so_o exercise_v as_o that_o we_o find_v not_o these_o differ_a exercise_n in_o a_o christian_a liberty_n do_v subject_a any_o of_o those_o believer_n exercise_v therein_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o be_v out_o of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n part_n 5._o p._n 74_o 75._o neither_o do_v they_o i._n e._n the_o apostle_n endeavour_v to_o oblige_v those_o who_o practise_v circumcision_n after_o they_o believe_v to_o forbear_v the_o same_o before_o by_o the_o spirit_n they_o be_v lead_v from_o it_o pag._n 75._o on_o gal._n 5._o 2._o &_o 4._o 9_o 10_o 11._o this_o do_v not_o at_o that_o time_n condemn_v that_o christian_a liberty_n in_o such_o as_o make_v conscience_n of_o circumcision_n part_n 1._o pag._n 73._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 from_o off_o the_o observation_n of_o these_o ordinance_n which_o be_v real_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 like_a unto_o the_o old_a and_o part_v 3._o pag._n 82._o and_o part_v 5._o pag._n 75._o on_o gal._n 5._o 2._o i_o paul_n say_v unto_o you_o if_o you_o be_v circumcise_a christ_n shall_v profit_v you_o nothing_o a_o qu._n how_o can_v it_o be_v good_a doctrine_n to_o account_v circumcision_n a_o christian_a liberty_n and_o a_o exercise_v not_o condemnable_a in_o believer_n when_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o draw_v the_o outward_a jew_n from_o off_o the_o observation_n of_o these_o ordinance_n part_n 1._o pag._n 73._o we_o appeal_v unto_o every_o understanding_n ingenious_a reader_n whether_o it_o can_v consist_v with_o the_o tenure_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 a_o bond_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o they_o who_o have_v believe_v in_o the_o everlasting_a light_n part_v 3_o title_n page_n the_o inward_a government_n of_o christ_n not_o represent_v by_o person_n visible_a by_o carnal_a eye_n invest_v with_o power_n from_o he_o to_o execute_v outward_a law_n prescription_n order_n edict_n or_o decree_n in_o a_o outward_a form_n of_o government_n visible_a part_n 3._o pag._n 23_o 24._o not_o that_o i_o will_v be_v understand_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o outward_a order_n with_o respect_n to_o that_o gospel-discipline_n which_o become_v the_o church_n of_o christ._n the_o principle_n of_o truth_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n have_v and_o may_v further_o lead_v into_o the_o practice_n of_o outward_a order_n in_o discipline_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n qu._n be_v not_o this_o a_o very_a fair_a confession_n what_o will_v this_o man_n be_v at_o do_v he_o know_v have_v he_o not_o here_o very_o plain_o grant_v the_o thing_n we_o plead_v for_o viz._n outward_a order_n and_o gospel-discipline_n in_o the_o church_n what_o be_v now_o become_v of_o w._n r_n contest_v against_o outward_a order_n discipline_n and_o form_n of_o church-government_n visible_a &_o c_o part_n 3._o pag._n 34._o the_o apostle_n may_v well_o say_v be_v you_o not_o unwise_a but_o understand_v what_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v he_o do_v not_o say_v what_o the_o will_n of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o what_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v submit_v yourselves_o one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n part_n 3._o pag._n 34._o though_o i_o say_v as_o aforesaid_a not_o the_o church_n but_o what_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v yet_o hereby_o i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v to_o render_v christ_n and_o his_o church_n divide_v qu._n if_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n be_v not_o divide_v how_o do_v he_o oppose_v the_o will_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n his_o tell_v we_o of_o the_o will_n of_o those_o who_o depart_v from_o christ_n this_o be_v not_o the_o will_n of_o the_o church_n in_o unity_n with_o he_o therefore_o his_o divide_v the_o church_n and_o christ_n in_o will_n stand_v not_o with_o that_o unity_n part_v 1._o pag._n 75._o outward_a conformity_n to_o outward_a rule_n and_o order_n relate_v to_o the_o conscience_n establish_v among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n we_o have_v no_o ground_n either_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_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 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 muchless_a 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 part_n 3._o pag._n 82_o 83._o it_o be_v a_o bless_a thing_n for_o brethren_n to_o dwell_v together_o in_o love_n and_o unity_n this_o aught_o to_o consist_v in_o the_o truth_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o there_o be_v many_o who_o be_v ready_a to_o conclude_v that_o a_o universal_a unity_n ought_v to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o assistance_n of_o outward_a instrument_n that_o as_o we_o be_v member_n of_o one_o body_n so_o we_o may_v not_o only_o be_v one_o in_o faith_n one_o in_o doctrine_n but_o also_o one_o in_o practice_n with_o relation_n to_o discipline_n order_n &_o outward_a form_n of_o government_n my_o soul_n shall_v rejoice_v to_o see_v that_o day_n wherein_o we_o may_v all_o be_v so_o lead_v by_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n spirit_n in_o we_o under_o his_o government_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v exalt_v over_o all_o as_o that_o this_o oneness_n may_v thereby_o be_v witness_v among_o all_o the_o family_n of_o god_n people_n at_o this_o day_n qu._n 1._o be_v it_o not_o evident_a that_o one_o while_n he_o declare_v that_o he_o and_o they_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o expect_v that_o oneness_n which_o another_o while_n he_o shall_v rejoice_v to_o see_v the_o day_n we_o may_v all_o be_v lead_v by_o christ_n to_o witness_v it_o viz._n oneness_n in_o faith_n oneness_n in_o doctrine_n oneness_n in_o practice_n discipline_n order_n and_o outward_a form_n of_o government_n qu._n 2._o how_o shall_v that_o universal_a unity_n be_v establish_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o outward_a instrument_n or_o that_o oneness_n in_o faith_n doctrine_n practice_n discipline_n order_n and_o form_n of_o government_n be_v witness_v by_o the_o lead_n of_o christ_n spirit_n if_o we_o have_v no_o true_a ground_n at_o all_o 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 be_v instrumental_a therein_o nor_o yet_o that_o the_o child_n of_o the_o light_n shall_v be_v lead_v into_o any_o such_o conformity_n by_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n strange_a confusion_n part_n 2._o pag._n 27._o obj._n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o divers_a among_o you_o call_v quaker_n etc._n etc._n tel_v we_o that_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n be_v not_o good_a for_o food_n w._n r_n answ._n it_o be_v very_o true_a however_o that_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o all_o such_o expression_n be_v according_a to_o truth_n etc._n etc._n pag._n 28._o as_o to_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a though_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o positive_o declare_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a for_o food_n or_o no_o a_o father_n may_v command_v his_o child_n not_o to_o eat_v a_o apple_n his_o rebellious_a eat_v will_v be_v no_o argument_n that_o the_o apple_n in_o itself_o be_v not_o good_a for_o food_n p._n 29._o we_o know_v not_o on_o what_o foot_n of_o truth_n any_o one_o can_v assert_v that_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n be_v not_o good_a for_o food_n as_o in_o itself_o part_n 2._o page_n 29._o i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v to_o reflect_v on_o all_o that_o have_v use_v that_o expression_n viz._n the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n be_v not_o good_a for_o food_n because_o i_o question_v not_o but_o many_o have_v so_o express_v themselves_o to_o show_v forth_o that_o if_o we_o shall_v feed_v upon_o or_o admire_v any_o excellent_a qualification_n or_o endowment_n whatsoever_o &_o not_o have_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n chief_o unto_o the_o giver_n we_o may_v then_o come_v to_o a_o loss_n even_o as_o adam_n do_v qu._n 1._o if_o he_o count_v the_o doctrine_n erroneous_a or_o not_o of_o the_o truth_n to_o say_v that_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n be_v not_o good_a for_o food_n do_v not_o this_o reflect_v on_o all_o that_o have_v use_v that_o expression_n qu._n 2._o and_o be_v it_o not_o erroneous_a and_o ignorance_n in_o w._n r._n not_o only_o to_o esteem_v the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n a_o excellent_a qualification_n or_o endowment_n but_o to_o compare_v it_o to_o that_o which_o be_v a_o discoverer_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v life_n eternal_a quote_v john_n 17._o 3._o pag._n 28._o and_o in_o commendation_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n to_o prove_v it_o good_a for_o food_n to_o add_v that_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o knowledge_n be_v the_o way_n to_o life_n qu._n 3._o do_v god_n forbid_v the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o the_o knowledge_n which_o be_v life_n eternal_a that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v the_o way_n to_o life_n to_o man_n in_o that_o state_n of_o innocency_n in_o the_o beginning_n let_v this_o be_v consider_v qu._n 4._o can_v it_o be_v good_a doctrine_n to_o say_v that_o the_o serpent_n persuade_v eve_n to_o that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v the_o way_n to_o life_n or_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v life_n eternal_a can_v that_o be_v the_o knowledge_n that_o god_n forbid_v man_n to_o eat_v of_o be_v not_o this_o very_a absurd_a to_o render_v the_o serpent_n more_o kind_a to_o man_n than_o his_o maker_n be_v w._n r._n part_n 2._o pag._n 43._o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o condemn_v all_o those_o who_o pay_v they_o that_o be_v tithe_n 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 alice_n profess_v christianity_n to_o contribute_v etc._n etc._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 i._n e._n their_o minister_n 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 coudemn_v it_o part_n 4._o p._n 39_o j._n w._n and_o j._n s._n in_o their_o testimony_n viz._n as_o to_o tithe_n we_o can_v in_o truth_n say_v it_o be_v never_o so_o much_o as_o in_o our_o heart_n to_o speak_v any_o word_n whatsoever_o with_o the_o least_o intent_n to_o strengthen_v any_o in_o the_o payment_n thereof_o nor_o yet_o to_o weaken_v the_o faith_n of_o any_o have_v a_o testimony_n in_o our_o heart_n that_o tithe_n as_o at_o this_o day_n pay_v be_v antichristian_a and_o part_v 4._o pag._n 9_o in_o j._n w_n answer_n viz._n i_o bring_v in_o a_o testimony_n against_o tithe_n no_z such_o word_n speak_v by_o i_o as_o to_o put_v a_o indifferency_n concern_v testimony_n for_o god_n against_o the_o grand_a oppression_n of_o tithe_n the_o word_n of_o life_n to_o stir_v they_o up_o with_o testimony_n against_o the_o grand_a oppression_n of_o tithe_n observe_v qu._n whether_o the_o liberty_n w._n r._n have_v here_o grant_v for_o the_o free_a payment_n of_o tithe_n be_v not_o a_o innovation_n tend_v to_o beget_v into_o a_o looseness_n and_o apostasy_n from_o our_o ancient_a christian_a testimony_n against_o tithe_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o contradictory_n to_o j._n w._n and_o j._n s._n their_o testimony_n cite_v by_o himself_o against_o tithe_n part_n 1._o pag._n 48._o w._n r._n except_v against_o r._n b_n affirm_v that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v power_n in_o some_o case_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n to_o give_v positive_a sentence_n or_o decision_n which_o may_v be_v obligatory_a upon_o believer_n and_o that_o their_o give_v a_o positive_a sentence_n in_o such_o case_n will_v not_o import_v tyranny_n neither_o will_v the_o pretence_n of_o any_o contradict_v they_o or_o refuse_v to_o submit_v on_o the_o account_n they_o see_v it_o not_o excuse_v they_o of_o be_v guilty_a of_o disobey_v god_n w._n r._n object_n viz._n clearly_n show_v to_o we_o his_o meaning_n to_o be_v that_o in_o some_o case_n the_o conscience_n of_o believer_n ought_v to_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o positive_a sentence_n of_o other_o this_o mean_v and_o government_n we_o take_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o liberty_n we_o have_v in_o christ_n jesus_n part_n 1._o pag._n 43._o whereas_o it_o be_v jealouse_v some_o be_v run_v into_o looseness_n and_o say_v the_o light_n in_o my_o conscience_n condemn_v i_o not_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o care_n of_o faithful_a brethren_n to_o appear_v as_o watch_z men_n overdo_n the_o flock_n we_o say_v so_o too_o and_o those_o who_o approve_v themselves_o watchman_n will_v endeavour_v to_o convince_v such_o who_o in_o very_a deed_n run_v into_o looseness_n etc._n etc._n that_o though_o they_o may_v
pretend_v the_o light_n condemn_v they_o not_o yet_o that_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a and_o that_o the_o light_n do_v condemn_v the_o same_o though_o they_o may_v be_v harden_a and_o see_v it_o not_o &_o so_o endeavour_v to_o awaken_v the_o conscience_n that_o god_n witness_n may_v be_v hear_v part_n 1._o pag._n 47._o the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o exhort_v to_o submit_n to_o their_o counsel_n which_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o may_v just_o be_v esteem_v as_o heathen_a men._n and_o pag._n 52._o if_o they_o refuse_v to_o take_v their_o wholesome_a counsel_n the_o church_n may_v then_o declare_v such_o unworthy_a of_o their_o society_n part_n 3._o pag._n 36._o every_o case_n i._n e._n outward_a or_o spiritual_a may_v in_o right_n reason_n be_v comprehend_v in_o it_o viz._n in_o the_o case_n mention_v by_o christ_n in_o mat._n 18._o 15_o 16_o 17._o query_n for_o what_o end_v then_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o admonish_v or_o counsel_v and_o the_o faithful_a brethren_n to_o watch_v and_o take_v care_n over_o the_o flock_n if_o their_o sentence_n or_o judgement_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o they_o in_o any_o case_n of_o conscience_n whether_o it_o relate_v to_o spiritual_a or_o temporal_a matter_n and_o why_o shall_v god_n make_v use_n of_o instrument_n to_o build_v believer_n up_o in_o the_o most_o holy_a faith_n as_o he_o confess_v part_v 2._o pag._n 65._o if_o the_o exhortation_n reproof_n and_o instruction_n which_o he_o also_o grant_v be_v not_o bind_v on_o those_o other_o believer_n for_o be_v not_o the_o most_o holy_a faith_n a_o spiritual_a matter_n and_o relate_v to_o conscience_n as_o also_o part_v 3._o pag._n 33._o he_o confess_v that_o those_o who_o be_v invest_v with_o power_n from_o on_o high_a may_v be_v instrument_n in_o god_n hand_n according_a to_o the_o dispensation_n thereof_o give_v they_o of_o god_n to_o stir_v up_o the_o pure_a mind_n in_o other_o sometime_o by_o way_n of_o admonition_n exhortation_n and_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o sometime_o by_o charge_n or_o command_n according_a as_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n move_v and_o opperate_v a_o plain_a confession_n to_o truth_n now_o he_o speak_v like_o some_o ambassador_n of_o christ_n but_o keep_v not_o to_o this_o he_o be_v inconsistent_a we_o will_v ask_v he_o if_o such_o admonition_n charge_n and_o command_v by_o such_o instrument_n in_o god_n hand_n be_v not_o bind_v on_o other_o to_o who_o they_o be_v direct_v and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o their_o conscience_n and_o if_o the_o light_n in_o their_o conscience_n do_v not_o the_o more_o enforce_v they_o and_o make_v they_o bind_v where_o be_v then_o the_o imposition_n and_o have_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n no_o power_n to_o give_v forth_o any_o command_n or_o precept_n that_o be_v bind_v to_o conscience_n all_o just_a one_o be_v bind_v but_o have_v not_o w._n r._n in_o his_o five_o part_n pag._n 91_o 92._o denounce_v a_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n against_o g._n f._n as_o one_o that_o have_v cut_v him-himself_a off_o from_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n by_o depart_v from_o the_o rock_n christ_n and_o as_o one_o that_o for_o sometime_o past_a have_v stand_v in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n be_v not_o this_o a_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n see_v he_o on_o this_o occasion_n say_v it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o mortal_a man_n or_o assembly_n to_o excommunicate_v from_o among_o the_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n a_o servant_n of_o the_o live_n god_n can_n w._n r._n expect_v this_o his_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n to_o be_v bind_v on_o true_a believer_n conscience_n when_o he_o have_v so_o much_o oppose_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o give_v forth_o sentence_n and_o judgement_n to_o be_v bind_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o believer_n have_v not_o he_o here_o assume_v a_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n above_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v not_o this_o pope-like_a or_o antichrist-like_a doubtless_o he_o will_v have_v all_o friend_n in_o truth_n believe_v and_o receive_v his_o positive_a sentence_n or_o else_o he_o will_v not_o have_v take_v so_o much_o pain_n as_o he_o have_v do_v in_o revile_v set_v at_o nought_o judge_v and_o condemn_v many_o other_o far_o more_o righteous_a and_o innocent_a than_o himself_o for_o which_o and_o the_o reproach_n he_o have_v bring_v upon_o truth_n we_o be_v persuade_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n hang_v over_o his_o head_n and_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v against_o that_o cruel_a jealous_a spirit_n in_o he_o and_o god_n truth_n and_o power_n have_v exclude_v and_o excommunicate_v all_o his_o uncharitable_a judgement_n usurp_v and_o unjust_a excommunication_n his_o gross_a abuse_n against_o the_o innocent_a and_o perversion_n of_o truth_n and_o foul_a aspersion_n together_o with_o his_o fallacy_n and_o self-contradiction_n be_v numerous_a and_o manifold_a we_o wish_v the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n may_v yet_o incline_v his_o heart_n to_o seek_v repentance_n before_o he_o die_v that_o he_o may_v not_o end_v his_o day_n in_o horror_n and_o anguish_n a_o catalogue_n of_o some_o of_o william_n rogers_n his_o manifest_a falsehood_n notorious_a slander_n scandalous_a abuse_n perversion_n rail_a scoff_v flatter_v and_o revile_v in_o the_o four_o and_o 5_o part_n of_o his_o book_n and_o preface_n against_o george_n fox_n and_o other_o in_o w._n r_n own_o word_n and_o term_n with_o interlineary_n note_n upon_o they_o i._o that_o of_o those_o who_o in_o derision_n have_v be_v call_v quaker_n 4._o by_o who_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n have_v be_v hold_v forth_o and_o own_v it_o may_v be_v now_o say_v the_o enemy_n have_v so_o prevail_v as_o that_o the_o seed_n of_o dissension_n and_o discord_n sow_v among_o they_o have_v take_v so_o deep_a root_n as_o that_o their_o public_a meeting_n for_o worship_n in_o several_a part_n of_o this_o nation_n have_v be_v the_o stage_n of_o contention_n these_o we_o take_v to_o be_v infamous_a and_o scandalous_a too_o general_a to_o be_v true_a against_o the_o say_a people_n and_o their_o meeting_n ii_o page_n 4._o that_o they_o be_v persecute_v opposer_n who_o oppose_v j._n w._n and_o j._n s._n will_v w._n r._n be_v count_v a_o persecutor_n for_o his_o oppose_v other_o more_o vehement_o iii_o page_n 5._o that_o imagination_n have_v so_o possess_v the_o heart_n of_o many_o that_o travel_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o minister_a friend_n as_o that_o instead_o of_o manifest_v a_o divine_a understanding_n or_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n they_o have_v bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o unsound_a mind_n show_v forth_o no_o better_a resemblance_n than_o the_o confuse_a chaos_n before_o the_o creation_n etc._n etc._n a_fw-la gross_a scandalon_n many_o minister_a friend_n iv._o pag._n ibid._n that_o either_o the_o multitude_n of_o iniquity_n or_o great_a hatred_n through_o the_o influence_n of_o g._n f._n possess_v the_o heart_n of_o such_o be_v the_o occasion_n thereof_o viz._n of_o their_o show_a no_o better_a resemblance_n he_o adhere_v scandal_n still_o v_o p._n ibid._n of_o the_o present_a separation_n in_o some_o part_n etc._n etc._n that_o g._n f._n have_v be_v one_o of_o those_o very_a person_n occasion_v the_o difference_n to_o arise_v unto_o the_o height_n they_o now_o be_v and_o pag._n 6._o one_o chief_a instrument_n that_o a_o destroy_n and_o devour_a spirit_n have_v enter_v into_o some_o among_o the_o flock_n and_o that_o many_o a_o simple_a honest-hearted_n friend_n to_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n have_v receive_v and_o believe_v lie_n and_o slanderous_a false_a report_n against_o many_o brethren_n etc._n etc._n pag._n 6._o and_o that_o the_o blood_n of_o many_o such_o if_o they_o perish_v before_o true_a repentance_n will_v be_v lay_v at_o g._n f_n door_n gross_n and_o abusive_a charge_n against_o g._n f._n and_o many_o honest-hearted_n friend_n vi_o pag_n 15_o 16._o that_o in_o g._n f_n second_o query_n to_o j._n vv._n seem_v to_o be_v employ_v if_o from_o a_o query_n any_o thing_n may_v proper_o be_v employ_v 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_n for_o compare_v with_o his_o forego_v word_n pag._n 15._o viz._n that_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n ought_v to_o practice_v thing_n impose_v by_o man_n or_o in_o the_o will_n of_o man_n etc._n etc._n a_o most_o slanderous_a perversion_n vii_o pag._n 30._o that_o g._n f._n have_v describe_v himself_o one_o unto_o who_o infallible_a judgement_n have_v be_v commit_v in_o all_o thing_n this_n be_v suspect_v at_o least_o for_o a_o untruth_n till_o prove_v viii_o pag._n 32_o 33._o that_o some_o among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n know_v to_o