6.53_o john_n 6.53_o when_o he_o say_v except_o you_o eat_v of_o 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 though_o christ_n so_o say_v yet_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v that_o there_o can_v be_v a_o profit_v as_o to_o the_o growth_n of_o the_o inward_a man_n by_o eat_v outward_a flesh_n no_o more_o than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n do_v at_o this_o day_n believe_v that_o the_o eat_v of_o the_o outward_a bread_n can_v nourish_v the_o immortal_a soul_n 6.63_o joh._n 6.63_o and_o therefore_o christ_n say_v it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o quicken_v the_o flesh_n profit_v nothing_o chap._n xi_o touch_v justification_n and_o salvation_n through_o faith_n in_o christ_n what_o the_o scripture_n say_v touch_v justification_n and_o salvation_n we_o own_v viz._n 8.30_o rom._n 8.30_o that_o the_o call_v of_o god_n be_v justify_v and_o that_o this_o justification_n be_v free_o by_o his_o grace_n through_o the_o redemption_n 25._o rom._n 3.24_o 25._o that_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n by_o faith_n in_o his_o blood_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v past_a and_o that_o 2.11_o tit._n 2.11_o salvation_n be_v bring_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o have_v appear_v unto_o all_o men._n object_n this_o sense_n of_o you_o can_v be_v deny_v because_o your_o language_n agree_v with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o your_o mean_v thereby_o be_v that_o you_o own_o a_o justification_n of_o person_n or_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n attainable_a through_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o without_o a_o infusion_n of_o righteousness_n but_o also_o by_o a_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o accept_v of_o person_n as_o perfect_o righteous_a at_o the_o tribunal_n of_o god_n not_o for_o any_o work_v wrought_v in_o they_o or_o do_v by_o they_o but_o for_o christ_n sake_n not_o by_o impute_v the_o act_n of_o faith_n or_o any_o pretend_a light_n or_o principle_n within_o they_o or_o any_o of_o their_o evangelical_n obedience_n to_o he_o as_o their_o righteousness_n before_o god_n but_o by_o accept_n and_o impute_v the_o obedience_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n for_o they_o and_o to_o they_o and_o whether_o or_o no_o you_o do_v not_o account_v that_o justification_n and_o sanctification_n be_v all_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n because_o sanctification_n be_v inseparable_o join_v with_o justification_n 1_o cor._n 6.11_o which_o if_o you_o shall_v we_o can_v but_o take_v you_o therein_o to_o err_v because_o in_o justification_n god_n impute_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n to_o we_o rom._n 4.6_o 8._o but_o in_o sanctification_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n infuse_v grace_n into_o we_o and_o enable_v to_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o ezek._n 36.27_o answ_n the_o objection_n seem_v to_o be_v raise_v by_o such_o as_o have_v put_v their_o meaning_n on_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n when_o in_o truth_n they_o can_v say_v that_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n they_o have_v be_v lead_v thereto_o and_o therefore_o such_o meaning_n may_v well_o be_v take_v to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o mere_a private_a interpretation_n and_o not_o that_o which_o be_v signify_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n however_o that_o our_o sense_n relate_v to_o the_o material_a part_n of_o the_o objection_n may_v be_v know_v we_o thus_o say_v first_o that_o justification_n unto_o life_n eternal_a or_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n be_v not_o attainable_a but_o through_o faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o leading_n of_o god_n grace_n that_o have_v appear_v unto_o all_o man_n and_o that_o nothing_o which_o we_o of_o ourselves_o be_v capable_a to_o perform_v can_v in_o any_o wise_a be_v so_o meritorious_a as_o thereby_o to_o render_v we_o worthy_a of_o that_o justification_n which_o all_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n be_v attain_v unto_o as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v make_v a_o partaker_n of_o the_o great_a salvation_n of_o god_n by_o these_o our_o word_n nothing_o which_o we_o of_o ourselves_o be_v capable_a to_o perform_v our_o mean_v be_v not_o only_o a_o exclusion_n of_o all_o legal_a performance_n which_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o epistle_n plentiful_o hint_v at_o but_o also_o of_o all_o other_o outward_a duty_n and_o performance_n of_o what_o nature_n and_o kind_a soever_o that_o our_o outward_a man_n be_v of_o ability_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o act_v and_o bring_v forth_o and_o if_o any_o from_o these_o word_n in_o the_o objection_n viz._n wrought_v in_o they_o act_n of_o faith_n evangelical_n obedience_n etc._n etc._n shall_v conclude_v that_o the_o very_a work_n and_o action_n which_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n we_o be_v enable_v to_o bring_v forth_o be_v of_o no_o advantage_n towards_o eternal_a salvation_n but_o that_o it_o be_v through_o faith_n alone_o attainable_a we_o then_o thus_o answer_v that_o the_o word_n faith_n in_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v take_v in_o a_o twofold_a sense_n the_o one_o be_v a_o faith_n that_o be_v not_o without_o a_o further_a growth_n accompany_v with_o the_o salvation_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v the_o faith_n intend_v in_o the_o objection_n the_o other_o be_v faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o this_o faith_n be_v unto_o salvation_n and_o so_o must_v be_v that_o intend_a in_o the_o objection_n but_o then_o this_o inconsistency_n with_o truth_n plain_o appear_v in_o the_o objection_n viz._n a_o reliance_n on_o faith_n exclude_v work_v wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n the_o inconsistency_n lie_v here_o wheresoever_o a_o lively_a faith_n unto_o salvation_n be_v manifest_v it_o be_v accompany_v with_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o evangelical_n obedience_n which_o be_v as_o inseparable_a each_o from_o other_o as_o sanctification_n and_o justification_n in_o the_o objection_n be_v confess_v to_o be_v we_o shall_v now_o prove_v to_o evince_v against_o all_o opposer_n the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o have_v assert_v first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o faith_n which_o without_o a_o further_a growth_n be_v not_o accompany_v with_o the_o salvation_n of_o god_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o word_n of_o paul_n rom._n 13.11_o for_o now_o be_v our_o salvation_n near_o than_o when_o we_o believe_v which_o clear_o show_v that_o the_o scripture_n inform_v we_o of_o a_o belief_n or_o faith_n attain_v by_o such_o as_o be_v not_o arrive_v unto_o nor_o yet_o witness_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o god_n they_o be_v only_o come_v near_a unto_o it_o than_o when_o they_o first_o believe_v but_o not_o come_v at_o it_o and_o no_o doubt_n but_o this_o belief_n or_o faith_n speak_v of_o by_o the_o apostle_n be_v a_o faith_n on_o christ_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n for_o so_o to_o believe_v be_v the_o work_n encourage_v in_o the_o beginning_n according_a as_o appear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o multitude_n john_n 6.29_o this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n that_o you_o believe_v on_o he_o who_o he_o have_v send_v and_o this_o be_v say_v by_o christ_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n propose_v to_o he_o by_o the_o multitude_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v that_o we_o may_v work_v the_o work_n of_o god_n 18._o phil._n 1.15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o beside_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n rejoice_v that_o christ_n be_v preach_v though_o by_o some_o it_o be_v of_o envy_n and_o strife_n and_o in_o pretence_n and_o no_o doubt_n his_o end_n be_v that_o the_o son_n of_o man_n may_v come_v to_o believe_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o messiah_n that_o be_v wait_v for_o be_v come_v of_o who_o there_o be_v a_o expectation_n 4.25_o john_n 4.25_o that_o he_o shall_v tell_v we_o all_o thing_n and_o so_o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n be_v come_v so_o far_o as_o to_o believe_v that_o christ_n be_v that_o messiah_n that_o be_v to_o come_v there_o be_v ground_n of_o hope_n that_o they_o may_v in_o due_a time_n come_v to_o witness_v the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n unto_o righteousness_n the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n tell_v we_o 12.2_o heb._n 12.2_o that_o jesus_n be_v the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n no_o doubt_v this_o be_v not_o a_o work_n do_v in_o a_o moment_n or_o twinkle_v of_o a_o eye_n for_o though_o he_o be_v the_o author_n and_o object_n of_o every_o true_a christian_n faith_n yet_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o such_o as_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o many_o 24._o many_o rom._n 13.13_o 14._o heb._n 10.23_o 24._o exhortation_n reproof_n and_o instruction_n and_o that_o god_n make_v use_v of_o instrument_n to_o build_v they_o up_o in_o the_o most_o holy_a
lest_o you_o be_v find_v fighter_n against_o that_o which_o the_o lord_n by_o a_o constrant_a of_o his_o power_n lead_v into_o and_o builder_n again_o of_o the_o thing_n that_o you_o have_v destroy_v for_o as_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n never_o lead_v we_o to_o respect_v person_n in_o judgement_n so_o have_v it_o not_o lead_v we_o to_o refuse_v to_o call_v upon_o the_o high_a as_o well_o as_o the_o low_a to_o stoop_v to_o a_o just_a hear_n when_o matter_n of_o error_n and_o evil_a fact_n shall_v be_v lay_v at_o the_o door_n of_o such_o a_o one_o that_o i_o may_v as_o much_o as_o in_o i_o lie_v be_v ease_v in_o my_o spirit_n with_o relation_n to_o you_o i_o can_v but_o in_o bowel_n of_o true_a love_n warn_v you_o that_o these_o my_o few_o line_n may_v be_v read_v in_o the_o fear_n and_o dread_a of_o the_o live_a god_n that_o so_o if_o it_o may_v be_v with_o you_o to_o answer_n or_o act_n any_o thing_n in_o relation_n hereunto_o you_o may_v not_o add_v to_o my_o burden_n by_o grieve_v that_o which_o the_o lord_n never_o grieve_v have_v thus_o far_o clear_v my_o conscience_n to_o you_o as_o it_o be_v with_o i_o on_o my_o bed_n this_o very_a morning_n i_o have_v peace_n herein_o and_o remain_v your_o friend_n william_n rogers_n a_o postscript_n that_o which_o have_v drop_v from_o one_o or_o some_o of_o your_o lip_n since_o my_o come_n to_o london_n have_v occasion_v i_o to_o add_v this_o postscript_n my_o end_n in_o communicate_v unto_o you_o what_o be_v with_o i_o on_o this_o occasion_n be_v not_o that_o either_o you_o or_o any_o shall_v take_v upon_o you_o to_o judge_v the_o cause_n without_o assent_n or_o hear_v both_o of_o george_n fox_n and_o myself_o and_o if_o any_o have_v or_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o insinuate_v the_o contrary_a from_o any_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v either_o speak_v or_o write_a the_o god_n of_o heaven_n will_v blast_v that_o spirit_n from_o whence_o it_o have_v or_o may_v come_v as_o that_o which_o seek_v occasion_n against_o i_o undeserved_o the_o like_a practice_n be_v that_o cry_v sin_n which_o my_o conscience_n have_v be_v concern_v to_o cry_v against_o know_v that_o it_o have_v enter_v many_o under_o the_o profession_n of_o truth_n and_o for_o which_o their_o name_n lie_v on_o record_n to_o their_o shame_n but_o yet_o i_o be_o not_o without_o this_o secret_a hope_n that_o the_o day_n will_v come_v wherein_o many_o of_o they_o may_v repent_v of_o the_o same_o i_o can_v also_o but_o inform_v you_o that_o it_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o gross_a darkness_n to_o compare_v such_o as_o be_v at_o unity_n with_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n on_o a_o religious_a score_n and_o that_o on_o the_o foot_n of_o such_o unity_n to_o john_n parrot_n and_o his_o follower_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o keep_v on_o their_o hat_n in_o prayer_n because_o john_n perrot_n practice_n therein_o may_v proper_o be_v term_v such_o innovation_n in_o the_o church_n as_o tend_v to_o schism_n contrary_a to_o the_o approve_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o so_o be_v worthy_o judge_v and_o condemn_v but_o as_o to_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n i_o remember_v not_o that_o ever_o any_o accuse_v they_o for_o introduce_v any_o practice_n into_o the_o church_n of_o god_n contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n or_o the_o approve_a practice_n of_o friend_n when_o at_o unity_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o i_o be_o well_o satisfy_v in_o my_o conscience_n and_o that_o on_o sufficient_a ground_n too_o large_a here_o to_o insert_v that_o the_o very_a secret_a reason_n wherefore_o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n have_v be_v judge_v by_o many_o though_o unheard_a by_o such_o to_o speak_v for_o themselves_o and_o that_o certificate_n against_o they_o have_v be_v either_o send_v or_o approve_v to_o be_v send_v abroad_o by_o george_n fox_n with_o direction_n to_o send_v they_o both_o to_o enemy_n and_o friend_n be_v because_o they_o can_v stoop_v and_o bow_v to_o innovation_n not_o practise_v by_o friend_n when_o in_o unity_n in_o the_o truth_n nor_o yet_o justifyable_a from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n or_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o conscience_n and_o if_o any_o to_o who_o these_o line_n may_v come_v have_v or_o may_v think_v i_o too_o zealous_a i_o earnest_o desire_v that_o such_o may_v watch_v against_o a_o lukewarm_a spirit_n and_o that_o which_o be_v inclinable_a to_o respect_n person_n in_o judgement_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o against_o that_o spirit_n that_o have_v be_v ready_a to_o proclaim_v the_o suppose_a infirmity_n of_o some_o on_o the_o housetop_n while_o endeavour_n be_v make_v to_o cover_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o high_a and_o lofty_a one_o george_n fox_n though_o the_o so_o do_v have_v tend_v to_o the_o stumble_n of_o many_o among_o the_o flock_n of_o god_n whoever_o may_v so_o do_v and_o for_o the_o accomplishment_n thereof_o shall_v pervert_v the_o counsel_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o apostle_n when_o he_o exhort_v to_o bear_v all_o thing_n as_o if_o that_o scripture_n may_v be_v produce_v to_o cover_v the_o notorious_a sin_n of_o one_o that_o may_v pretend_v himself_o infallible_a i_o then_o say_v it_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o introduce_v a_o justification_n of_o rantism_n itself_o i_o now_o be_o further_o to_o acquaint_v you_o that_o if_o either_o of_o you_o or_o any_o friend_n unto_o who_o this_o may_v come_v be_v write_v for_o public_a view_n among_o friend_n shall_v within_o twenty_o day_n time_n after_o the_o date_n hereof_o write_v unto_o george_n fox_n and_o therein_o signify_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o since_o i_o call_v for_o justice_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o wrong_n do_v and_o thing_n act_v by_o he_o reproachful_a to_o the_o truth_n he_o then_o ought_v to_o submit_v to_o a_o hear_v thereof_o before_o friend_n in_o truth_n that_o so_o if_o guilty_a he_o may_v condemn_v it_o and_o if_o not_o he_o may_v be_v justife_v i_o then_o shall_v free_o forbear_v print_v against_o he_o until_o such_o time_n he_o either_o send_v answer_n to_o such_o a_o letter_n or_o else_o send_v no_o answer_n when_o it_o may_v be_v desire_v of_o he_o but_o yet_o with_o this_o proviso_n that_o such_o so_o to_o be_v concern_v send_v the_o say_a letter_n to_o i_o to_o be_v send_v unto_o he_o and_o if_o he_o shall_v answer_v and_o propose_v such_o a_o method_n for_o a_o hear_v as_o may_v be_v approve_v in_o my_o conscience_n i_o may_v then_o submit_v thereto_o william_n rogers_n to_o this_o letter_n i_o never_o receive_v any_o answer_n here_o follow_v william_n rogers_n his_o remonstrance_n to_o which_o his_o aforesaid_a letter_n give_v cover_v to_o the_o friend_n of_o london_n in_o relation_n to_o g._n f._n to_o the_o intent_n that_o some_o expedient_a may_v be_v find_v to_o prevent_v print_v against_o he_o friend_n it_o be_v not_o unknown_a unto_o many_o of_o you_o that_o i_o have_v be_v concern_v touch_v the_o difference_n arisen_a among_o friend_n and_o whatever_o censure_v some_o may_v pass_v upon_o i_o yet_o i_o have_v this_o evidence_n in_o my_o conscience_n that_o my_o concern_v have_v be_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n his_o truth_n and_o people_n and_o so_o through_o his_o mercy_n be_o inward_o mad_a partaker_n of_o his_o peace_n though_o many_o under_o the_o profession_n of_o truth_n have_v endeavour_v to_o give_v i_o outward_a trouble_n and_o be_v it_o so_o that_o with_o peace_n of_o conscience_n i_o can_v have_v forbear_v to_o come_v up_o unto_o this_o city_n of_o london_n on_o the_o occasion_n i_o now_o be_o here_o i_o shall_v much_o rather_o have_v stay_v at_o home_n about_o my_o outward_a business_n than_o have_v take_v this_o journey_n which_o i_o have_v do_v and_o that_o through_o a_o constraint_n upon_o my_o spirit_n to_o lay_v before_o friend_n in_o several_a part_n of_o the_o nation_n a_o part_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v and_o be_v my_o burden_n to_o the_o end_n that_o as_o much_o as_o in_o i_o lie_v i_o may_v endeavour_v that_o a_o expedient_a may_v be_v find_v whereby_o they_o may_v be_v remove_v and_o lay_v at_o the_o proper_a door_n and_o that_o so_o the_o guilty_a after_o serious_a examination_n by_o a_o equal_a consent_n of_o party_n may_v be_v by_o those_o who_o retain_v their_o integrity_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o truth_n visit_v exhort_v and_o warn_v to_o repent_v and_o turn_v from_o that_o spirit_n which_o have_v beguile_v so_o may_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v witness_v to_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o mind_n unto_o god_n again_o among_o friend_n in_o general_a the_o friend_n at_o london_n be_v before_o i_o to_o visit_v on_o this_o occasion_n but_o to_o be_v very_o
to_o and_o fro_o have_v little_o other_o business_n or_o matter_n than_o to_o cry_v against_o some_o friend_n under_o the_o term_n of_o dark_a separate_a spirit_n though_o such_o as_o be_v faithful_a we_o shall_v not_o have_v so_o many_o false_a accuser_n as_o we_o have_v trouble_v the_o country_n raise_v public_a contention_n in_o meeting_n for_o worship_n among_o we_o to_o the_o open_a scandal_n of_o truth_n and_o observation_n of_o our_o common_a enemy_n whereby_o they_o rejoice_v and_o cry_v ha_o several_a instance_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v record_v in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o say_v first_o manuscript_n mention_v in_o the_o preface_n ready_a for_o the_o view_n of_o friend_n as_o aforesaid_a and_o though_o they_o give_v the_o first_o onset_n by_o public_a testimony_n against_o particular_a person_n ancient_a and_o honourable_a in_o the_o truth_n yet_o a_o sober_a request_n from_o any_o of_o we_o desire_v to_o know_v the_o matter_n that_o be_v evil_a whereof_o such_o be_v 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over_o our_o property_n as_o well_o as_o conscience_n for_o proof_n whereof_o we_o say_v the_o second_o day_n meet_v of_o minister_a friend_n in_o london_n take_v upon_o they_o the_o approbation_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a book_n relate_v to_o government_n whereby_o they_o be_v entitle_v to_o the_o matter_n therein_o contain_v the_o reader_n may_v peruse_v the_o five_o section_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a book_n of_o government_n beginning_n page_n 37._o the_o title_n of_o which_o section_n be_v in_o what_o case_n and_o how_o far_o this_o government_n extend_v and_o first_o as_o to_o outward_o and_o temporal_n the_o author_n treat_v thereon_o page_n 39_o say_v thus_o in_o the_o second_o place_n this_o order_n reach_v the_o taking-up_a and_o compose_v of_o difference_n as_o to_o outward_a thing_n be_v so_o proceed_v on_o that_o subject_a the_o author_n come_v thus_o to_o affirm_v we_o do_v bold_o averre_n 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 and_o distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o by_o our_o joint_a testimony_n and_o suffering_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 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 14._o man_n luke_n 12.13_o 14._o 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 we_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o impartial_a and_o understand_a reader_n to_o weigh_v and_o consider_v and_o in_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n to_o judge_n say_v in_o our_o heart_n bless_a be_v the_o lord_n that_o neither_o the_o second_o day_n meeting_n nor_o those_o who_o be_v at_o unity_n with_o they_o as_o approver_n of_o the_o say_a book_n have_v any_o jurisdiction_n over_o our_o property_n for_o if_o they_o have_v and_o shall_v appear_v so_o unjust_a in_o their_o sentence_n towards_o we_o as_o some_o have_v be_v scandalous_a in_o their_o tongue_n the_o prophecy_n of_o our_o outward_o wither_v in_o basket_n and_o store_n may_v quick_o come_v to_o pass_v but_o bless_v be_v god_n the_o lord_n have_v hitherto_o be_v a_o blessing_n to_o we_o so_o that_o at_o this_o time_n in_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o of_o that_o charity_n which_o obliege_v we_o to_o love_v our_o enemy_n we_o do_v hearty_o desire_v that_o the_o false_a prophecy_n and_o plague_n against_o other_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v and_o do_v bless_v may_v not_o be_v fulfil_v on_o the_o head_n of_o such_o prophesier_n object_n but_o perhaps_o some_o may_v query_n of_o we_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v in_o case_n of_o difference_n between_o brother_n and_o brother_n answ_n to_o this_o we_o say_v the_o party_n differ_v aught_o to_o choose_v honest_a man_n skill_v in_o the_o matter_n wherein_o they_o differ_v to_o end_v the_o same_o and_o not_o go_v to_o law_n and_o if_o any_o shall_v refuse_v so_o to_o do_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v only_a power_n to_o admonish_v they_o to_o their_o duty_n and_o if_o they_o refuse_v to_o take_v their_o wholesome_a counsel_n may_v then_o declare_v such_o unworthy_a of_o their_o society_n but_o for_o any_o member_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n to_o say_v we_o have_v power_n to_o decide_v and_o remove_v these_o thing_n without_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o party_n differ_v be_v a_o usurpation_n and_o that_o the_o assent_n of_o party_n be_v not_o intend_v by_o the_o approver_n of_o the_o say_a book_n of_o government_n it_o be_v evident_a to_o we_o for_o that_o there_o be_v not_o in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o say_a book_n one_o tittle_n to_o that_o purpose_n neither_o can_v such_o assent_n be_v so_o express_v and_o yet_o the_o case_n whereunto_o unto_o it_o relate_v be_v pertinent_a to_o the_o matter_n of_o power_n treat_v on_o in_o that_o section_n which_o be_v in_o what_o case_n and_o how_o far_o this_o government_n extend_v whenas_o any_o heathen_a man_n may_v claim_v the_o like_a power_n when_o give_v by_o assent_n of_o party_n and_o to_o we_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o purport_n of_o paul_n counsel_n to_o the_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 6._o at_o variance_n be_v that_o they_o who_o be_v at_o variance_n shall_v choose_v some_o of_o the_o least_o in_o the_o church_n and_o not_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n choose_v or_o set_v apart_o any_o for_o they_o to_o decide_v their_o difference_n for_o that_o when_o he_o say_v i_o speak_v to_o your_o shame_n be_v it_o so_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o wise_a man_n among_o you_o he_o can_v not_o in_o truth_n intend_v shame_n to_o those_o in_o the_o church_n who_o be_v not_o at_o variance_n but_o in_o peace_n love_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o truth_n each_o towards_o other_o for_o no_o question_n but_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o choose_v wise_a man_n to_o judge_v the_o matter_n if_o they_o have_v have_v power_n or_o the_o differ_a party_n will_v have_v assent_v but_o doubtless_o the_o shame_n intend_v by_o the_o apostle_n relate_v to_o the_o party_n differ_v who_o have_v power_n to_o choose_v person_n to_o decide_v their_o difference_n and_o yet_o will_v not_o but_o go_v to_o law_n on_o the_o whole_a matter_n we_o have_v this_o further_a
darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n 18._o act_n 26.16_o 17_o 18._o this_o eye_n that_o be_v to_o be_v open_v be_v not_o the_o carnal_a eye_n that_o so_o thereby_o they_o may_v be_v turn_v from_o outward_a darkness_n to_o outward_a light_n for_o though_o paul_n behold_v the_o light_n that_o shine_v from_o heaven_n which_o we_o take_v to_o be_v a_o light_n visible_a to_o his_o carnal_a eye_n yet_o he_o after_o continue_v three_o day_n blind_a through_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o light_n and_o then_o afterward_o the_o lord_n appoint_v he_o to_o be_v his_o witness_n and_o send_v he_o to_o the_o gentile_n to_o open_v their_o eye_n that_o they_o may_v turn_v from_o darkness_n unto_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n this_o eye_n that_o he_o be_v send_v to_o open_v be_v the_o inward_a eye_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o darkness_n speak_v of_o be_v that_o wherewith_o their_o heart_n and_o not_o their_o outward_a eye_n be_v 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of_o those_o thing_n which_o appertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n obj._n this_o show_v there_o be_v a_o infallibility_n but_o than_o it_o may_v be_v say_v this_o seem_v to_o respect_v the_o outward_a sense_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o see_v christ_n their_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o in_o hear_v the_o thing_n he_o speak_v which_o appertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o this_o infallibility_n be_v ready_o confess_v unto_o but_o how_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o infallibility_n accompany_v the_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o inward_a man_n see_v many_o have_v pretend_v to_o give_v true_a infallible_a judgement_n from_o their_o inward_a sense_n which_o have_v prove_v notorious_o wrong_v and_o detectable_a by_o our_o outward_a sense_n answer_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v if_o any_o shall_v so_o object_v it_o be_v very_o true_a but_o yet_o it_o may_v in_o truth_n be_v assert_v that_o there_o be_v a_o infallibility_n viz._n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n accompany_v the_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o inward_a man_n whereof_o the_o faithful_a have_v a_o assurance_n from_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o if_o any_o pretend_v to_o any_o other_o infallibility_n accompany_v they_o we_o understand_v it_o not_o obj._n how_o then_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o man_n endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v deceive_v and_o fallible_a ans_fw-fr we_o ought_v to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o man_n and_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o he_o come_v to_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mind_n unto_o god_n that_o by_o which_o man_n come_v to_o be_v renew_v and_o circumcise_v in_o heart_n which_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v infallible_a but_o that_o which_o be_v so_o renew_v may_v be_v deceive_v if_o not_o exercise_v in_o and_o by_o that_o spirit_n in_o which_o preservation_n be_v for_o there_o be_v no_o estate_n on_o this_o side_n the_o grave_a wherein_o it_o be_v not_o needful_a to_o watch_v and_o therefore_o do_v christ_n our_o lord_n thus_o say_v what_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o i_o say_v unto_o all_o watch_n it_o have_v be_v a_o common_a assertion_n that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v infallible_a and_o can_v err_v and_o therefore_o have_v many_o assembly_n of_o man_n assume_v the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n declare_v their_o sentence_n judgement_n and_o decree_n infallible_a to_o this_o may_v be_v say_v that_o since_o the_o apostasieentred_a it_o be_v not_o unknown_a what_o visible_a and_o outward_o glorious_a church_n have_v publish_v this_o doctrine_n with_o application_n to_o herself_o by_o which_o door_n a_o body_n of_o darkness_n usurpation_n and_o persecution_n have_v enter_v and_o on_o this_o score_n thousand_o have_v be_v deceive_v and_o lead_v from_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n in_o themselves_o to_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o fallible_a man_n but_o yet_o as_o it_o have_v be_v so_o it_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o many_o that_o the_o lord_n never_o will_v raise_v any_o people_n who_o by_o his_o spirit_n he_o will_v lead_v to_o publish_v such_o a_o doctrine_n with_o respect_n to_o outward_a and_o visible_a society_n of_o man_n on_o earth_n that_o may_v be_v outward_o describable_a as_o needful_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o the_o build_n up_o one_o another_o in_o the_o most_o holy_a faith_n this_o faith_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n be_v ground_v on_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o for_o that_o the_o contrary_n will_v have_v a_o plain_a tendency_n to_o draw_v the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o man_n from_o the_o anoint_v in_o themselves_o to_o the_o lo_n here_o be_v and_o the_o lo_n there_o be_v again_o for_o what_o religious_a assembly_n in_o unity_n and_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n will_v scruple_n to_o say_v we_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o albeit_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o that_o church_n which_o be_v build_v on_o the_o rock_n christ_n can_v whilst_o abide_v on_o the_o rock_n be_v prevail_v against_o yet_o no_o argument_n from_o hence_o may_v rational_o be_v bring_v to_o prove_v any_o one_o member_n of_o this_o church_n whilst_o on_o this_o side_n the_o grave_n not_o liable_a through_o temptation_n to_o err_v and_o depart_v from_o the_o rock_n whilst_o there_o be_v a_o enemy_n ready_a to_o enter_v all_o if_o they_o watch_v not_o and_o now_o as_o to_o perfection_n we_o have_v this_o to_o say_v though_o we_o do_v believe_v that_o all_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o work_v of_o righteousness_n bring_v forth_o through_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n be_v perfect_a and_o that_o in_o that_o sense_n it_o may_v be_v say_v we_o be_v partaker_n of_o a_o measure_n of_o that_o which_o be_v perfect_a even_o as_o the_o apostle_n testify_v 1.17_o jam._n 1.17_o every_o perfect_a gift_n be_v from_o above_o if_o any_o man_n offend_v not_o in_o word_n 3.2_o jam._n 3.2_o the_o same_o be_v a_o perfect_a man_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o perfect_a estate_n attainable_a on_o this_o side_n the_o grave_a wherein_o it_o be_v not_o needful_a for_o man_n to_o watch_v and_o wait_v in_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n that_o so_o he_o may_v not_o only_o be_v preserve_v in_o that_o perfect_a state_n whereunto_o in_o measure_n he_o have_v already_o attain_v but_o also_o come_v to_o know_v a_o growth_n and_o increase_n in_o the_o increase_v of_o god_n for_o though_o paul_n have_v attain_v unto_o such_o a_o state_n as_o appear_v by_o these_o his_o word_n let_v we_o therefore_o 3.15_o phil._n 3.15_o as_o many_o as_o be_v perfect_a be_v thus_o mind_v 3.14_o phil._n 3.14_o yet_o we_o find_v that_o that_o very_a exhortation_n have_v relation_n unto_o a_o press_n towards_o the_o
design_v to_o be_v treat_v upon_o be_v the_o government_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v to_o be_v represent_v by_o visible_a person_n certain_o know_v by_o outward_a name_n distinguish_v by_o outward_a mark_n and_o token_n and_o invest_v with_o power_n from_o he_o to_o execute_v outward_a law_n in_o a_o outward_a form_n of_o government_n visible_a by_o our_o carnal_a eye_n as_o aforesaid_a that_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o inward_a government_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n jer._n 31.31_o 32_o 33._o i_o will_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n etc._n etc._n not_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n that_o i_o make_v with_o your_o father_n but_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o covenant_n that_o i_o will_v make_v etc._n etc._n after_o those_o day_n i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n and_o they_o shall_v teach_v no_o more_o every_o man_n his_o neighbour_n and_o every_o man_n his_o brother_n say_v know_v the_o lord_n for_o they_o shall_v all_o know_v i_o from_o the_o least_o of_o they_o to_o the_o great_a of_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n this_o we_o believe_v be_v speak_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o reign_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o man_n and_o clear_o show_v that_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n government_n under_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n and_o therefore_o a_o inward_a government_n objection_n but_o if_o any_o shall_v object_v that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n relate_v not_o to_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o gentile_a stock_n of_o which_o stock_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o we_o be_v we_o thereto_o say_v that_o the_o word_n of_o paul_n do_v effectual_o answer_v that_o objection_n rom._n 10.12_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o gentile_a for_o the_o same_o lord_n over_o all_o be_v rich_a unto_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o col._n 3.9_o 10_o 11._o lie_v not_o one_o to_o another_o see_v that_o you_o have_v put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n with_o his_o deed_n and_o have_v put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o be_v renew_v in_o knowledge_n after_o the_o image_n of_o he_o that_o create_v he_o where_o there_o be_v neither_o gentile_a nor_o jew_n circumcision_n nor_o uncircumcision_n barbarian_a scythian_a bond_n nor_o free_a but_o christ_n be_v all_o and_o in_o all_o many_o other_o scripture_n both_o out_o of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n write_n may_v be_v quote_v to_o evidence_n the_o matter_n intend_v we_o be_v yet_o sensible_a that_o this_o further_a objection_n may_v be_v raise_v viz._n objection_n that_o neither_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n nor_o of_o the_o apostle_n cite_v by_o we_o make_v mention_n of_o government_n over_o jew_n or_o gentile_n but_o do_v show_v as_o from_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o scripture_n appear_v that_o the_o apostle_n so_o write_v to_o convince_v the_o jew_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n and_o that_o of_o faith_n and_o to_o show_v unto_o believer_n whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n that_o though_o some_o may_v appear_v in_o a_o voluntary_a humility_n worship_n angel_n intrude_v into_o those_o thing_n they_o have_v not_o see_v and_o be_v vain_o puff_v up_o in_o their_o fleshly_a mind_n and_o not_o give_v all_o obedience_n unto_o the_o head_n christ_n through_o who_o alone_o there_o be_v a_o increase_n in_o the_o increase_v of_o god_n yet_o they_o be_v therein_o reprovable_a as_o not_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n and_o further_a also_o to_o show_v that_o those_o who_o be_v dead_a with_o christ_n from_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o nor_o yet_o to_o touch_v taste_n or_o handle_v such_o ordinance_n as_o be_v after_o the_o commandment_n and_o doctrine_n of_o men._n to_o this_o objection_n we_o answer_v that_o though_o the_o word_n government_n be_v not_o express_o mention_v yet_o there_o be_v word_n in_o what_o be_v cite_v out_o of_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n import_v the_o three_o material_a object_n of_o government_n viz._n a_o lawgiver_n the_o place_n where_o the_o law_n be_v to_o be_v find_v write_v and_o the_o people_n for_o who_o it_o be_v give_v beside_o from_o these_o word_n of_o paul_n viz._n the_o same_o lord_n over_o all_o a_o governor_n be_v imply_v viz._n christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n and_o so_o consequent_o a_o government_n over_o that_o all._n and_o from_o what_o hereafter_o follow_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o the_o end_n of_o this_o government_n be_v to_o lead_v into_o all_o truth_n moreover_o it_o lead_v we_o to_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v divers_a true_a mark_n whereby_o the_o opposer_n of_o christ_n government_n may_v be_v distinguish_v first_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v in_o a_o voluntary_a humility_n second_o such_o as_o worship_n angel_n which_o may_v reasonable_o be_v take_v to_o be_v a_o worship_v of_o some_o messenger_n who_o god_n have_v send_v because_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n angel_n be_v a_o messenger_n three_o such_o as_o intrude_v into_o those_o thing_n they_o have_v not_o see_v four_o such_o as_o be_v puff_v up_o in_o their_o fleshly_a mind_n five_o such_o as_o give_v not_o all_o obedience_n unto_o the_o head_n christ_n and_o last_o such_o as_o be_v subject_a to_o ordinance_n after_o the_o commandment_n and_o doctrine_n of_o men._n and_o to_o be_v very_o plain_a for_o the_o clear_n the_o truth_n we_o must_v give_v this_o our_o testimony_n that_o we_o be_v real_o persuade_v from_o what_o our_o eye_n &_o ear_n have_v be_v witness_n that_o many_o of_o those_o among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n who_o have_v zealous_o contend_v for_o the_o observation_n of_o outward_a rule_n and_o order_n give_v forth_o by_o one_o man_n bear_v all_o the_o aforesaid_a mark_n for_o whosoever_o they_o be_v that_o pretend_v zeal_n to_o promote_v submit_v unto_o and_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o other_o man_n line_n make_v ready_a to_o their_o hand_n and_o that_o on_o a_o pretend_a religious_a score_n when_o through_o the_o word_n of_o true_a faith_n they_o see_v it_o not_o their_o duty_n or_o if_o they_o shall_v pretend_v they_o do_v and_o thereupon_o strive_v to_o enforce_v other_o to_o submit_v thereto_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n or_o light_n of_o christ_n so_o to_o strive_v it_o natura_o follow_v that_o the_o aforesaid_a mark_n accompany_v such_o and_o this_o we_o confident_o aver_v that_o through_o the_o whole_a scripture_n of_o truth_n there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v rational_o expect_v and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o christ_n have_v or_o will_v commissionate_v any_o one_o man_n or_o man_n to_o prescribe_v outward_a rule_n and_o order_n relate_v to_o faith_n or_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n to_o be_v bind_v on_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n whether_o they_o shall_v see_v it_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n from_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n or_o no._n beside_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o government_n it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v such_o unto_o which_o outward_a write_a law_n visible_a by_o our_o carnal_a eye_n and_o to_o be_v execute_v by_o perish_a object_n according_a to_o a_o outward_a magistratical_a or_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n be_v whole_o unsuitable_a because_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n but_o be_v a_o everlasting_a kingdom_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v that_o of_o the_o increase_n of_o his_o government_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o end_n and_o though_o john_n in_o the_o revelation_n chap._n 11._o v._o 15._o give_v this_o testimony_n that_o there_o be_v great_a voice_n in_o heaven_n say_v the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n and_o he_o shall_v reign_v forever_o and_o ever_o isa_n 61.11_o yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o say_v to_o signify_v that_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o reign_n be_v or_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o then_o as_o before_o be_v describe_v moreover_o if_o any_o man_n or_o man_n have_v or_o may_v pretend_v he_o or_o themselves_o to_o be_v such_o on_o earth_n on_o who_o the_o weight_n of_o christ_n government_n which_o be_v spiritual_a be_v lay_v it_o be_v not_o like_a to_o have_v any_o evidence_n in_o our_o conscience_n first_o not_o only_o because_o we_o find_v no_o such_o prophecy_n or_o promise_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n but_o also_o for_o that_o we_o rather_o find_v the_o contrary_a for_o
member_n or_o member_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v witness_n thereof_o in_o their_o own_o heart_n we_o be_v sorry_a for_o such_o weakness_n however_o it_o give_v we_o occasion_n to_o add_v this_o testimony_n that_o if_o we_o consult_v the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n and_o light_n of_o christ_n we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o believe_v that_o under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o second_o covenant_n god_n have_v or_o ever_o will_v move_v by_o his_o spirit_n in_o any_o mortal_a man_n or_o man_n to_o take_v upon_o he_o or_o they_o so_o to_o appoint_v certain_a day_n for_o other_o to_o meet_v upon_o to_o manage_v the_o outward_a affair_n of_o a_o christian_a society_n as_o that_o if_o any_o of_o that_o society_n assent_v not_o thereto_o or_o endeavour_v to_o alter_v they_o to_o another_o day_n than_o such_o may_v be_v just_o censure_v as_o man_n of_o loose_a spirit_n or_o lead_v by_o a_o corrupt_a spirit_n of_o darkness_n for_o every_o member_n of_o such_o a_o society_n ought_v first_o to_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n in_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o faith_n or_o discipline_n and_o not_o to_o be_v judge_v one_o another_o about_o any_o thing_n wherein_o they_o may_v differ_v when_o the_o matter_n itself_o spring_v from_o a_o conscientious_a scruple_n and_o not_o obstinacy_n contrary_a to_o knowledge_n for_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o learn_v that_o that_o which_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n and_o that_o there_o be_v the_o day_n of_o ignorance_n accompany_v some_o at_o which_o the_o lord_n wink_v and_o yet_o to_o our_o grief_n we_o may_v say_v that_o such_o a_o day_n of_o gloominess_n and_o thick_a darkness_n have_v overtake_v some_o among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n who_o appear_v zealous_a for_o some_o outward_a form_n of_o discipline_n which_o they_o as_o we_o take_v it_o foollish_o imagine_v be_v establish_v as_o by_o a_o decree_n from_o heaven_n that_o they_o seem_v to_o make_v void_a the_o law_n of_o charity_n and_o humane_a society_n and_o as_o if_o their_o religion_n be_v most_o effectual_o demonstrate_v by_o appear_v in_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o spirit_n that_o christ_n reprove_v in_o his_o disciple_n when_o they_o ask_v he_o on_o this_o wise_a will_v thou_o that_o we_o command_v fire_n to_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o consume_v they_o mean_v the_o samaritan_n that_o do_v not_o receive_v christ_n because_o his_o face_n be_v as_o though_o he_o will_v go_v to_o jerusalem_n to_o return_v again_o we_o far_o say_v that_o whoever_o have_v give_v occasion_n for_o such_o a_o objection_n to_o be_v raise_v as_o aforesaid_a it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v it_o spring_v from_o one_o that_o aspire_v to_o give_v rule_n to_o other_o while_o he_o will_v not_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o himself_o for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a we_o may_v have_v escape_v the_o severe_a judgement_n of_o be_v guilty_a of_o corahs_n sin_n and_o that_o only_o because_o we_o have_v endeavour_v to_o convince_v some_o that_o that_o f._n that_o namely_o g._n f._n one_o person_n intend_v in_o the_o objection_n christian-quaker_n see_v the_o four_o and_o five_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n have_v act_v contrary_a to_o the_o outward_a rule_n and_o order_n that_o he_o himself_o have_v prescribe_v for_o other_o to_o walk_v by_o as_o to_o the_o word_n establish_v we_o further_o add_v that_o the_o word_n as_o use_v in_o the_o objection_n be_v disow_v by_o we_o for_o though_o the_o child_n of_o god_n may_v be_v instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o establish_v one_o another_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n or_o of_o any_o one_o of_o they_o positive_o and_o without_o exception_n to_o establish_v what_o ought_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v whether_o it_o respect_v doctrine_n or_o discipline_n and_o if_o any_o one_o or_o more_o have_v atempt_v so_o to_o do_v it_o may_v just_o be_v say_v of_o such_o that_o he_o or_o they_o have_v endeavour_v to_o invade_v christ_n prerogative_n beside_o we_o observe_v that_o the_o objection_n be_v make_v with_o respect_n to_o one_o man_n which_o to_o we_o seem_v as_o if_o in_o the_o objector_n sense_n that_o one_o man_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n have_v power_n give_v he_o of_o god_n to_o establish_v a_o outward_a form_n wherein_o all_o god_n people_n ought_v to_o walk_v or_o else_o severe_o to_o be_v censure_v for_o rebellion_n whether_o they_o see_v it_o their_o christian_a duty_n or_o not_o but_o this_o we_o deny_v as_o that_o which_o may_v just_o be_v term_v a_o abomination_n either_o so_o to_o endeavour_v or_o so_o to_o submit_v second_o if_o we_o inquire_v what_o be_v establish_v we_o know_v if_o any_o answer_v be_v give_v to_o what_o by_o the_o question_n we_o intend_v it_o will_v be_v on_o this_o wise_a certain_a meeting_n to_o be_v hold_v by_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n or_o at_o least_o some_o of_o they_o on_o certain_a prefix_a day_n but_o if_o we_o ask_v who_o be_v the_o metre_n that_o be_v to_o make_v up_o the_o establish_v meeting_n none_o can_v give_v such_o a_o certain_a description_n as_o that_o the_o metre_n may_v be_v certain_o know_v and_o therefore_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n establish_v applicable_a to_o outward_a society_n of_o people_n so_o uncertain_a to_o be_v know_v or_o outward_o describable_a seem_v to_o we_o vain_a and_o ridiculous_a by_o this_o discourse_n the_o reader_n may_v gather_v that_o we_o be_v remote_a from_o own_v those_o meeting_n mention_v in_o the_o last_o objection_n to_o be_v establish_v as_o a_o part_n of_o christ_n government_n and_o as_o to_o their_o have_v any_o share_n as_o a_o church_n in_o church_n government_n it_o will_v be_v time_n enough_o for_o we_o to_o answer_v when_o any_o shall_v pretend_v that_o they_o have_v manifest_v that_o those_o uncertain_a qualify_v person_n usual_o assemble_v in_o such_o meeting_n be_v then_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o as_o member_n thereof_o they_o have_v right_a to_o style_v themselves_o church-governor_n however_o we_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o signify_v that_o the_o chief_a end_n as_o we_o understand_v wherefore_o the_o say_v meeting_n be_v assent_v to_o by_o many_o friend_n be_v to_o relieve_v the_o poor_a and_o to_o perform_v other_o necessary_a service_n relate_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o friend_n concern_v therein_o in_o which_o we_o think_v ourselves_o and_o doubtless_o all_o the_o faithful_a with_o we_o servant_n one_o unto_o another_o and_o not_o master_n governor_n or_o ruler_n over_o one_o another_o for_o that_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o enter_v into_o our_o heart_n but_o when_o we_o perceive_v that_o some_o upstart_n that_o to_o we_o seem_v to_o love_v pre-eminence_n as_o diotrephes_n do_v look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o somebody_o from_o their_o appear_a and_o be_v encourage_v to_o appear_v member_n in_o such_o meeting_n and_o to_o lay_v a_o stress_n on_o the_o prefix_a day_n for_o meet_v affirm_v that_o they_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n that_o friend_n who_o be_v heir_n of_o the_o power_n may_v come_v and_o take_v their_o possession_n therein_o a_o sort_n of_o language_n not_o well_o understand_v by_o such_o as_o be_v endue_v with_o wisdom_n from_o above_o than_o many_o friend_n begin_v to_o startle_v thereat_o fear_v that_o some_o through_o weakness_n and_o blind_a zeal_n will_v idolise_v the_o same_o and_o run_v into_o a_o indispensable_a form_n and_o endeavour_v to_o bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o about_o outward_a thing_n and_o so_o at_o length_n some_o friend_n in_o truth_n move_v to_o alter_v the_o day_n of_o meet_v in_o some_o place_n but_z other_o not_o assent_v thereto_o contention_n arise_v and_o a_o fire_n have_v be_v kindle_v about_o church-government_n at_o so_o high_a a_o rate_n as_o that_o public_a meet_v place_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n have_v sometime_o become_v mere_a stage_n of_o contention_n and_o other_o time_n the_o keep_n on_o of_o hat_n in_o prayer_n by_o some_o while_o other_o have_v be_v uncover_v have_v become_v as_o a_o ensign_n of_o division_n the_o knowledge_n whereof_o being_n no_o long_o to_o be_v hide_v have_v more_o vigorous_o occasion_v the_o bring_v forth_o of_o our_o treatise_n entitle_v the_o christian-quaker_n distinguish_v from_o the_o apostate_n and_o innovator_n in_o five_o part_n whereof_o this_o treatise_n touch_v government_n be_v one_o that_o so_o all_o may_v now_o know_v that_o darkness_n be_v not_o so_o overshadow_a but_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v preserve_v a_o remnant_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n that_o can_v bow_v their_o knee_n to_o any_o image_n or_o image-maker_n nor_o yet_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o salvation_n be_v attainable_a through_o faith_n in_o any_o other_o name_n than_o
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 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 yet_o i_o affirm_v 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 i_o can_v give_v many_o instance_n hereof_o but_o one_o shall_v suffice_v viz._n the_o form_n of_o proceed_n in_o marriage_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n be_v whole_o silent_a as_o to_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o though_o the_o papist_n pretend_v to_o tradition_n yet_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n do_v not_o beside_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n that_o the_o apostle_n be_v find_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o which_o the_o people_n call_v 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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
and_o whereas_o it_o may_v be_v say_v we_o assign_v not_o to_o man_n as_o judge_n but_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o man_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o whole_o mend_v the_o matter_n while_o the_o question_n remain_v unanswered_a who_o or_o where_o be_v the_o man_n through_o who_o the_o spirit_n appear_v to_o judge_n or_o at_o least_o so_o unanswered_a as_o not_o to_o remove_v the_o reasonable_a objection_n of_o such_o as_o may_v gainsay_v and_o so_o through_o these_o thing_n the_o mind_n of_o the_o weak_a may_v come_v to_o be_v entertain_v with_o doubtful_a disputation_n rather_o than_o those_o thing_n which_o tend_v to_o edification_n contrary_a to_o the_o drift_n and_o bent_n of_o the_o apostle_n spirit_n rom._n 14.1_o 1_o cor._n 14.26_o second_o i_o can_v yet_o cease_v from_o a_o further_a observation_n on_o the_o aforesaid_a position_n viz._n which_o positive_a sentence_n and_o decision_n may_v become_v obligatory_a on_o believer_n it_o be_v true_a the_o aforesaid_a author_n do_v not_o here_o say_v it_o ought_v to_o become_v obligatory_a upon_o believer_n yet_o to_o i_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o intend_v that_o such_o a_o sentence_n ought_v to_o become_v obligatory_a on_o believer_n see_v on_o one_o instance_n as_o proof_n to_o his_o affirmation_n he_o thus_o say_v and_o be_v not_o this_o obligatory_a on_o all_o the_o member_n &_o c_o further_n say_v with_o relation_n thereto_o i_o can_v tell_v that_o any_o man_n of_o reason_n can_v well_o deny_v this_o that_o which_o r._n b._n in_o these_o thing_n seem_v to_o drive_v at_o have_v as_o to_o i_o appear_v a_o plain_a tendency_n to_o draw_v from_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n in_o ourselves_o though_o i_o dare_v not_o be_v so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o conclude_v he_o so_o intend_v and_o if_o any_o line_n have_v drop_v from_o my_o pen_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o import_v so_o much_o i_o declare_v that_o not_o to_o be_v my_o mean_v or_o at_o least_o to_o encourage_v the_o lend_v a_o ear_n to_o the_o sense_n and_o judgement_n of_o other_o more_o than_o to_o that_o sense_n and_o savour_n which_o we_o have_v within_o ourselves_o for_o first_o by_o believer_n i_o take_v the_o aforesaid_a author_n plain_o to_o intend_v as_o well_o such_o believer_n as_o be_v no_o way_n concern_v in_o give_v forth_o such_o positive_a sentence_n or_o decision_n as_o those_o that_o be_v else_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o these_o his_o word_n and_o be_v not_o this_o obligatory_a on_o all_o the_o member_n and_o so_o such_o unconcerned_a may_v have_v no_o better_a ground_n to_o be_v at_o unity_n therewith_o than_o the_o say_n of_o other_o now_o i_o can_v tell_v how_o any_o man_n of_o reason_n can_v make_v out_o that_o this_o seem_v any_o better_a than_o this_o sort_n of_o language_n ye_o must_v believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v of_o which_o more_o anon_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v understand_v to_o reflect_v on_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v in_o any_o measure_n savour_n of_o truth_n three_o it_o do_v seem_v plain_o to_o contradict_v this_o wholesome_a testimony_n of_o and_o for_o the_o truth_n viz._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 recommendation_n to_o the_o conscience_n which_o to_o my_o knowledge_n have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n and_o when_o the_o conscience_n be_v sensible_a that_o god_n witness_v therein_o answer_v than_o the_o conscience_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v bind_v other_o bond_n may_v make_v hypocrite_n and_o busi-body_n but_o not_o good_a christian_n paul_n write_v to_o the_o corinthian_n tell_v they_o we_o recommend_v ourselves_o to_o every_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 4.2_o here_o paul_n become_v not_o a_o bond_n upon_o they_o further_o than_o they_o have_v a_o sense_n that_o god_n witness_v in_o the_o conscience_n answer_v the_o same_o paul_n tell_v the_o corinthian_n as_o before_o be_v quote_v thus_o have_v hope_n that_o when_o your_o faith_n be_v increase_v we_o shall_v be_v enlarge_v by_o you_o according_a to_o our_o rule_n abundant_o this_o do_v not_o manifest_a paul_n desire_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v walk_v according_a to_o his_o rule_n until_o their_o faith_n be_v increase_v let_v we_o now_o examine_v how_o r._n b._n by_o scripture_n prove_v that_o the_o positive_a sentence_n and_o decision_n of_o the_o church_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n may_v be_v obligatory_a upon_o believer_n for_o that_o he_o say_v i_o shall_v prove_v it_o from_o divers_a instance_n from_o scripture_n and_o in_o order_n thereto_o i_o find_v he_o to_o quote_v only_o three_o scripture_n the_o first_o be_v gal._n 1.8_o but_o though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n unto_o you_o than_o that_o which_o we_o have_v preach_v unto_o you_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v if_o this_o scripture_n be_v a_o proper_a proof_n of_o the_o matter_n then_o by_o the_o word_n we_o paul_n must_v be_v understand_v to_o mean_v the_o church_n and_o that_o in_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n sense_n now_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n sense_n as_o appear_v page_n 68_o be_v that_o such_o assembly_n be_v the_o church_n which_o in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n may_v be_v so_o term_v but_o doubtless_o paul_n be_v so_o exact_a as_o not_o to_o deliver_v any_o thing_n as_o doctrine_n but_o what_o he_o have_v see_v and_o handle_v according_a to_o this_o testimony_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n what_o we_o have_v see_v and_o handle_v of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n that_o declare_v we_o unto_o you_o which_o be_v certain_a and_o infallible_a token_n be_v more_o than_o tolerable_a supposition_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o conclude_v paul_n never_o intend_v that_o such_o who_o refuse_v to_o be_v bind_v in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n by_o the_o sentence_n of_o every_o such_o assembly_n which_o in_o any_o 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confident_a assertion_n the_o qualification_n of_o a_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n be_v sanctification_n through_o the_o spirit_n wheresoever_o any_o number_n of_o person_n so_o qualify_v be_v assemble_v in_o christ_n name_n there_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n though_o they_o be_v of_o that_o number_n who_o be_v of_o the_o low_a degree_n or_o rank_n in_o the_o body_n now_o a_o assembly_n of_o such_o member_n may_v be_v as_o insensible_a and_o void_a of_o understanding_n in_o many_o divine_a matter_n and_o mystery_n relate_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n may_v be_v insensible_a of_o what_o the_o eye_n do_v see_v and_o so_o may_v have_v case_n of_o controversy_n bring_v before_o they_o whereof_o they_o be_v no_o more_o competent_a judge_n not_o be_v gift_v thereunto_o by_o the_o spirit_n than_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n be_v capable_a to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o diversity_n of_o voice_n and_o sound_v or_o the_o ear_n of_o diversity_n of_o colour_n and_o yet_o may_v be_v all_o faithful_a in_o their_o place_n walk_v according_a to_o their_o respective_a measure_n of_o grace_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o so_o that_o none_o can_v in_o truth_n say_v such_o a_o assembly_n may_v not_o proper_o be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v build_v upon_o he_o their_o rock_n and_o have_v perfect_a fellowship_n each_o with_o other_o in_o the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n obj._n and_o whereas_o some_o may_v be_v ready_a to_o object_n and_o say_v why_o do_v thou_o seem_v to_o reflect_v on_o this_o sort_n of_o language_n we_o must_v believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v part._n believe_v note_n this_o question_n be_v state_v in_o a_o print_a book_n and_o publish_v by_o one_o call_v a_o quaker_n who_o name_n be_v omit_v for_o the_o reason_n mention_v in_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o first_o part._n be_v not_o the_o true_a church_n in_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o must_v we_o not_o either_o believe_v thus_o as_o the_o true_a church_n believe_v or_o else_o do_v we_o not_o manifest_v both_o folly_n and_o hypocrisy_n to_o profess_v ourselves_o member_n thereof_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n have_v in_o my_o forego_v line_n use_v such_o a_o expression_n i_o thus_o say_v the_o general_a assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v be_v write_v in_o heaven_n heb._n 12.23_o but_o i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o this_o general_a assembly_n set_v forth_o their_o creed_n record_v on_o earth_n by_o that_o i_o thus_o mean_a i_o do_v not_o find_v any_o certain_a number_n of_o article_n of_o faith_n write_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n which_o every_o member_n of_o this_o general_a assembly_n do_v believe_v and_o which_o every_o one_o who_o shall_v come_v to_o be_v gather_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o christ_n body_n
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
the_o name_n of_o jesus_n who_o be_v give_v of_o the_o father_n to_o be_v salvation_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n i_o now_o come_v to_o give_v the_o reader_n a_o particular_a account_n of_o some_o assertion_n and_o scripture_n quotation_n relate_v to_o government_n among_o one_o part_n of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n publish_v in_o print_n by_o robert_n barclay_n together_o with_o answer_n thereto_o contain_v in_o a_o manuscript_n give_v forth_o by_o myself_o who_o be_v concern_v in_o my_o conscience_n so_o to_o do_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o as_o be_v weak_a be_v apt_a to_o be_v precipitate_v into_o a_o zealous_a observation_n of_o other_o man_n line_n make_v ready_a to_o their_o hand_n when_o not_o lead_v thereinto_o by_o a_o measure_n of_o god_n gift_n and_o grace_n in_o themselves_o and_o so_o may_v just_o be_v term_v like_o unto_o those_o who_o render_v for_o doctrine_n the_o tradition_n of_o men._n the_o aforesaid_a assertion_n quotation_n and_o particular_a answer_n thereto_o some_o year_n past_a send_v to_o steven_n crisp_n and_o another_o public_a person_n as_o well_o as_o the_o author_n of_o the_o say_a book_n do_v follow_v as_o proper_a in_o relation_n to_o this_o treatise_n touch_v government_n and_o if_o the_o reader_n shall_v find_v any_o thing_n therein_o which_o have_v be_v herein_o already_o treat_v upon_o or_o in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n distinguish_v from_o the_o apostate_n and_o innovator_n i_o hope_v he_o will_v not_o be_v offend_v thereat_o since_o the_o ensue_a line_n be_v write_v on_o a_o particular_a occasion_n though_o of_o a_o general_n concern_v relate_v to_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n and_o that_o also_o before_o it_o be_v design_v that_o the_o say_v first_o part_n shall_v be_v prepare_v much_o less_o commit_v to_o the_o press_n however_o that_o which_o may_v well_o plead_v my_o excuse_n for_o the_o reader_n expense_n of_o time_n on_o such_o a_o occasion_n be_v this_o there_o be_v very_o little_a discourse_n of_o which_o have_v be_v mention_v before_o and_o that_o which_o be_v be_v very_o material_a to_o be_v observe_v as_o a_o proper_a looking-glass_n in_o some_o respect_n to_o distinguish_v the_o true_a christian_n term_v in_o derision_n quaker_n from_o the_o apostate_n and_o innovator_n the_o innovation_n and_o scripture-misapplications_a of_o r._n b._n detect_v be_v part_n of_o some_o observation_n on_o his_o small_a treatise_n entitle_v the_o anarchy_n of_o the_o ranter_n etc._n etc._n wherein_o he_o say_v the_o ancient_a apostolic_a order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v re-establisht_a among_o they_o mean_v the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v in_o derision_n quaker_n this_o small_a treatise_n be_v weigh_v in_o the_o equal_a balance_n this_o ensue_a discourse_n be_v become_v a_o twofold_a defence_n for_o those_o of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n call_v quaker_n who_o have_v retain_v their_o first_o love_n and_o integrity_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o only_a fundamental_a principle_n thereof_o viz._n the_o light_n wherein_o they_o be_v vindicate_v from_o the_o aspersion_n of_o those_o who_o may_v accuse_v they_o of_o despise_v of_o christ_n government_n and_o indulge_v that_o liberty_n which_o truth_n condemn_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o from_o such_o who_o may_v calumniate_v they_o for_o endeavour_v to_o establish_v the_o outward_a order_n and_o prescription_n of_o man_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o become_v a_o bond_n on_o other_o to_o obey_v though_o they_o see_v it_o not_o their_o duty_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n show_v that_o the_o place_n where_o christ_n government_n have_v be_v be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v exalt_v be_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n and_o so_o can_v be_v the_o duty_n of_o man_n to_o establish_v that_o government_n which_o be_v already_o on_o christ_n shoulder_n give_v forth_o in_o the_o year_n 1676._o by_o william_n rogers_n 1_o cor._n 3.11.21_o for_o other_o foundation_n can_v no_o man_n lay_v than_o that_o which_o be_v already_o lay_v let_v no_o man_n rejoice_v in_o men._n to_o the_o reader_n the_o aforementioned_a treatise_n of_o r._n b._n be_v the_o first_o that_o to_o my_o remembrance_n or_o knowledge_n be_v under_o the_o name_n of_o one_o call_v a_o quaker_n extant_a in_o print_n whereby_o the_o adversary_n to_o that_o ancient_a truth_n whereof_o they_o have_v be_v witness_n may_v have_v cause_n to_o be_v jealous_a first_o that_o that_o people_n who_o have_v be_v so_o great_a contender_n against_o that_o spirit_n which_o will_v have_v enforce_v outward_a form_n and_o order_n of_o man_n relate_v to_o conscience_n though_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o assembly_n call_v themselves_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n shall_v now_o be_v more_o exercise_v to_o encourage_v their_o brethren_n to_o follow_v the_o order_n tradition_n example_n or_o commandment_n of_o any_o relate_n to_o matter_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n though_o under_o the_o most_o plausible_a pretence_n whatsoever_o than_o that_o never-erring_a and_o infallible_a guide_n which_o have_v be_v so_o often_o exalt_v among_o they_o viz._n christ_n light_n in_o the_o conscience_n second_o that_o though_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n have_v plead_v much_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o for_o the_o liberty_n thereof_o which_o one_o eminent_a among_o they_o have_v describe_v to_o be_v a_o mere_a liberty_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o believe_v or_o dis-believing_a etc._n etc._n yet_o there_o be_v among_o they_o who_o have_v endeavour_v to_o insinuate_v a_o belief_n that_o the_o church_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n may_v not_o only_o give_v positive_a sentence_n which_o may_v be_v obligatory_a upon_o believer_n but_o also_o that_o the_o pretence_n of_o any_o refuse_v to_o submit_v on_o account_n they_o see_v it_o not_o will_v not_o excuse_v they_o from_o be_v real_o guilty_a of_o disobey_v god_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o manifest_a by_o any_o outward_a description_n where_o or_o what_o assembly_n be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n now_o though_o i_o can_v vindicate_v the_o author_n of_o the_o say_a treatise_n from_o give_v occasion_n of_o these_o and_o such_o like_a jealousy_n yet_o i_o know_v there_o be_v many_o of_o those_o people_n yet_o in_o be_v who_o integrity_n to_o god_n be_v so_o great_a who_o steadfastness_n in_o the_o unchangeable_a truth_n be_v so_o sure_a and_o who_o understandding_n in_o the_o pure_a principle_n thereof_o be_v so_o clear_a that_o they_o give_v not_o occasion_n for_o such_o jealousy_n but_o have_v a_o testimony_n in_o their_o heart_n against_o all_o such_o that_o do_v know_v this_o that_o whosoever_o build_v on_o any_o other_o foundation_n than_o that_o which_o have_v be_v already_o lay_v viz._n christ_n the_o lord_n to_o who_o all_o power_n be_v give_v to_o rule_n and_o reign_v and_o who_o alone_o be_v lord_n over_o the_o conscience_n and_o the_o only_a lawgiver_n shall_v be_v confound_v and_o bring_v to_o nought_o w._n r._n the_o matter_n occasional_o discourse_v in_o this_o ensue_a treatise_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n describe_v in_o what_o follow_v first_o i_o affirm_v that_o though_o there_o have_v be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n unto_o which_o every_o member_n of_o the_o say_a church_n ought_v to_o be_v subject_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o the_o outward_a form_n thereof_o and_o all_o matter_n cognizable_a thereby_o be_v so_o exact_o describe_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o else_o where_o as_o that_o the_o member_n thereof_o by_o any_o such_o outward_a description_n as_o a_o sufficient_a mean_n may_v so_o exact_o be_v exercise_v therein_o as_o to_o find_v acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n that_o at_o this_o day_n nothing_o can_v be_v true_o call_v the_o exact_a and_o perfect_a order_n of_o this_o government_n but_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o so_o have_v it_o often_o be_v testify_v by_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n which_o power_n be_v of_o ability_n to_o establish_v man_n but_o man_n not_o of_o ability_n to_o establish_v it_o and_o that_o the_o power_n bring_v forth_o its_o own_o form_n in_o every_o member_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o god_n grace_n inward_o give_v receive_v and_o obey_v and_o yet_o i_o be_o abundant_o satisfy_v that_o set_v and_o appoint_v meeting_n on_o certain_a prefix_v 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_a and_o to_o take_v care_n that_o truth_n may_v not_o be_v scandlize_v through_o the_o backslide_n of_o such_o who_o have_v be_v in_o