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
and_o 5_o part_n pag._n 75._o on_o gal._n 5._o 2._o &_o 4._o 9_o 10_o 11._o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n he_o say_v yet_o this_o do_v not_o at_o that_o time_n condemn_v that_o christian-liberty_n and_o forbearance_n which_o the_o apostle_n before_o approve_v in_o and_o with_o respect_n unto_o such_o as_o make_v conscience_n of_o circumcision_n and_o the_o observe_v of_o day_n before_o they_o have_v so_o receive_v the_o spirit_n as_o to_o be_v lead_v out_o of_o it_o that_o be_v many_o of_o the_o believe_a jew_n who_o he_o say_v the_o apostle_n do_v not_o condemn_v the_o same_o in_o until_o by_o faith_n they_o see_v beyond_o it_o 3d_o part_n pag._n 81._o observe_v here_o it_o be_v evident_a what_o kind_n of_o liberty_n this_o person_n will_v introduce_v a_o indulgence_n of_o under_o the_o notion_n and_o title_n of_o christian-liberty_n but_o his_o mistake_n in_o this_o matter_n appear_v very_o great_a for_o he_o take_v that_o to_o be_v christian-liberty_n which_o be_v no_o other_o in_o itself_o than_o a_o legal_a bondage_n or_o servitude_n as_o circumcision_n be_v with_o the_o legal_a observation_n of_o day_n which_o be_v not_o only_a shadow_n and_o mere_a type_n abolish_v by_o christ_n and_o nail_v to_o his_o cross_n as_o inconsistent_a with_o that_o evangelical_n dispensation_n the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n be_v in_o but_o also_o count_v a_o yoke_n and_o bondage_n act_v 15._o 10._o gal._n 5._o cap._n and_o not_o a_o christian-liberty_n their_o testimony_n be_v absolute_a for_o christ_n abolish_n and_o end_v these_o type_n and_o shadow_n under_o the_o law_n but_o christ_n do_v not_o abolish_v christian-liberty_n nor_o do_v the_o apostle_n forbear_v their_o absolute_a testimony_n to_o christ_n as_o the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n because_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o see_v the_o end_n of_o thing_n abolish_v nor_o yet_o do_v they_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o christian-liberty_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o circumcision_n or_o those_o thing_n abolish_v but_o that_o the_o veil_n be_v over_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o do_v not_o see_v to_o the_o end_n of_o thing_n abolish_v we_o grant_v there_o be_v a_o christian-forbearance_n towards_o the_o weakness_n of_o believe_v jew_n in_o circumcision_n etc._n etc._n but_o not_o a_o christian-liberty_n declare_v in_o the_o practice_n thereof_o our_o opposer_n have_v great_o err_v in_o this_o point_n and_o extend_v his_o liberty_n too_o far_o in_o this_o and_o many_o other_o matter_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o have_v manifest_o contradict_v himself_o have_v in_o his_o first_o part_n pag._n 73._o confess_v that_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o primitive_a day_n be_v to_o draw_v the_o outward_a jew_n off_o from_o the_o observation_n of_o these_o ordinance_n which_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n himself_o have_v exalt_v instead_o thereof_o the_o word_n nigh_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o law_n write_v therein_o see_v now_o how_o inconsistent_a this_o man_n work_n be_v sure_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o labour_n to_o draw_v they_o off_o from_o a_o christian-liberty_n nor_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o and_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n witness_v to_o the_o inward_a circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n inward_a and_o law_n inward_a this_o man_n who_o be_v thâ—s_o discompose_v in_o his_o work_n shall_v not_o have_v meddle_v so_o much_o with_o point_n of_o divinity_n which_o he_o appear_v so_o little_a skilful_a in_o he_o dream_n so_o much_o of_o liberty_n that_o he_o be_v great_o bewilder_v in_o the_o mannagement_n of_o it_o and_o what_o be_v the_o tendence_n of_o his_o work_n but_o to_o invalidate_v the_o christian_a authority_n care_n and_o oversight_n that_o god_n have_v set_v up_o in_o his_o church_n and_o people_n among_o we_o the_o case_n further_o explain_v but_o to_o take_v w._n r_n notion_n of_o christian-liberty_n in_o the_o best_a and_o most_o charitable_a sense_n of_o his_o intention_n viz._n not_o to_o judge_v one_o another_o about_o the_o outward_a circumstance_n of_o discipline_n nor_o urge_v they_o with_o severity_n on_o rom._n 14._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o he_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n receive_v but_o not_o to_o doubtful_a disputation_n one_o man_n believe_v that_o he_o may_v eat_v all_o thing_n another_o who_o be_v weak_a eat_v herb_n let_v not_o he_o that_o eat_v despise_v he_o that_o eat_v not_o and_o let_v not_o he_o that_o eat_v not_o judge_v he_o that_o eat_v for_o god_n have_v receive_v he_o and_o vers._n 5._o one_o man_n esteem_v one_o day_n above_o another_o another_o esteem_v every_o day_n alike_o let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n we_o do_v testify_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o where_o this_o be_v real_o the_o case_n of_o any_o one_o weak_a in_o the_o faith_n who_o be_v under_o some_o private_a scruple_n or_o dissatisfaction_n of_o conscience_n yet_o peaceable_o mind_v and_o have_v his_o faith_n to_o himself_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v christian_a tenderness_n and_o forbearance_n towards_o such_o and_o no_o urge_v with_o severity_n for_o too_o much_o of_o that_o we_o mean_v of_o severity_n or_o zeal_n without_o true_a knowledge_n or_o wisdom_n from_o god_n may_v possible_o discourage_v the_o weak_a drive_v and_o scatter_v from_o truth_n into_o prejudice_n and_o make_v some_o desperate_a hard_a and_o careless_a but_o tender_a persuasion_n and_o instruction_n towards_o such_o be_v needful_a and_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o be_v severe_a in_o such_o case_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v teach_v and_o daily_o teach_v his_o servant_n how_o to_o bear_v the_o burden_n of_o the_o weak_a one_o and_o their_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n to_o help_v they_o and_o not_o drive_v they_o out_o for_o a_o private_a difference_n in_o opinion_n or_o judgement_n in_o one_o that_o be_v peaceable_a though_o but_o weak_a may_v be_v better_o bear_v than_o public_a opposition_n and_o contention_n in_o the_o church_n but_o where_o person_n may_v differ_v only_o in_o judgement_n in_o some_o outward_a thing_n or_o circumstance_n from_o the_o society_n they_o belong_v to_o and_o yet_o will_v be_v contentious_a strive_v with_o oppose_v and_o disturb_v their_o brethren_n or_o the_o meeting_n they_o belong_v to_o and_o seek_v to_o make_v party_n raise_v annimosity_n sow_v discord_n and_o strife_n cause_n division_n and_o separation_n whisper_v murmur_v backbite_v and_o complain_v against_o their_o brethren_n who_o be_v unanimous_a and_o conscientious_a towards_o god_n in_o what_o they_o believe_v be_v convenient_a and_o good_a order_n the_o opposer_n imagine_v themselves_o to_o be_v strong_a and_o wise_a than_o all_o the_o rest_n not_o be_v content_a to_o be_v quiet_a nor_o to_o demean_v themselves_o peaceable_a under_o their_o differ_a opinion_n this_o be_v not_o tender_a brotherly_a nor_o sociable_a but_o to_o be_v avoid_v and_o they_o mark_v mark_v they_o that_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n and_o avoid_v they_o if_o any_o man_n lust_n to_o be_v contentious_a we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n there_o can_v be_v no_o unity_n in_o orderly_a proceed_n in_o the_o church_n without_o love_n &_o concord_n there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a society_n hold_v without_o agreement_n due_a order_n and_o method_n be_v of_o one_o mind_n be_v of_o one_o judgement_n be_v of_o one_o accord_n do_v all_o thing_n without_o murmur_a and_o dispute_n let_v nothing_o be_v do_v through_o strife_n or_o vain_a glory_n whosoever_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v elder_n and_o overseer_n in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v at_o variance_n and_o do_v not_o accord_v with_o faithful_a brethren_n in_o public_a wholesome_a counsel_n and_o advice_n to_o the_o young_a sort_n nor_o to_o agree_v in_o due_a method_n and_o orderly_a proceed_n these_o be_v wrong_a this_o their_o way_n tend_v to_o distract_v those_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n who_o shall_v be_v help_v by_o good_a and_o unanimous_a counsel_n and_o advice_n those_o that_o mind_n not_o peace_n nor_o unity_n &_o concord_n with_o their_o brethren_n in_o due_a and_o orderly_a proceed_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o advise_v other_o they_o have_v better_o keep_v at_o home_n than_o disturb_v meeting_n and_o confound_v the_o weak_a it_o be_v a_o shame_n for_o such_o to_o undertake_v the_o place_n or_o office_n of_o elder_n overseer_n and_o counsellor_n of_o other_o who_o be_v neither_o sound_n nor_o unanimous_a in_o judgement_n and_o advice_n themselves_o with_o they_o who_o be_v for_o peace_n and_o good_a order_n and_o to_o prevent_v reproach_n and_o scandal_n but_o be_v ready_a to_o let_v loose_a youth_n and_o let_v up_o a_o spirit_n of_o false_a and_o fleshly_a liberty_n under_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n for_o instance_n set_v case_n two_o young_a person_n about_o to_o
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 by_o which_o you_o may_v see_v what_o a_o narrow_a compass_n his_o great_a noise_n of_o innovation_n outward_a order_n in_o discipline_n be_v bring_v to_o he_o shall_v have_v make_v his_o book_n whole_o on_o this_o subject_n about_o the_o form_n of_o proceed_n in_o marriage_n among_o we_o and_o not_o have_v make_v such_o a_o great_a impertinent_a blunder_n upon_o general_a scandalous_a charge_n to_o no_o purpose_n and_o than_o it_o will_v have_v appear_v whether_o he_o can_v have_v disapprove_v our_o proceed_n therein_o or_o not_o or_o prove_v they_o inconsistent_a with_o those_o righteous_a end_n that_o he_o himself_o have_v grant_v two_o in_o his_o preface_n he_o only_o mention_n outward_a form_n relate_v to_o marriage_n relief_n of_o the_o poor_a etc._n etc._n about_o which_o he_o say_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o contention_n seem_v to_o be_v and_o yet_o he_o be_v the_o hot_a maintainer_n of_o the_o contention_n three_o and_o though_o in_o some_o circumstance_n every_o thing_n be_v not_o specify_v in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o part_n of_o church-discipline_n practise_v among_o we_o that_o do_v not_o tend_v to_o answer_v the_o apostolic_a doctrine_n in_o respect_n to_o good_a order_n a_o holy_a conversation_n a_o heavenly_a society_n and_o thing_n that_o be_v honest_a just_a reasonable_a and_o of_o good_a report_n what_o form_n or_o discipline_n do_v we_o practice_v that_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o these_o righteous_a end_n we_o affirm_v that_o his_o cry_v out_o imposition_n innovation_n form_n of_o church-government_n order_n prescription_n etc._n etc._n in_o general_n be_v no_o answer_n nor_o any_o proof_n of_o his_o charge_n of_o apostate_n and_o innovator_n against_o we_o let_v he_o either_o specify_v the_o particular_n thereof_o that_o he_o condemn_v we_o for_o as_o apostate_n and_o that_o we_o practise_v as_o church-discipline_n or_o else_o forever_o be_v ashamed_a of_o such_o impertinency_n and_o scandalous_a charge_v the_o meeting_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n call_v quaker_n which_o be_v concern_v in_o and_o about_o those_o outward_a affair_n and_o christian_a service_n for_o which_o they_o be_v intend_v as_o charitable_a duty_n inspect_v marriage_n take_v care_n that_o truth_n be_v not_o scandalize_v etc._n etc._n which_o he_o have_v confess_v and_o the_o service_n of_o such_o our_o meeting_n be_v to_o answer_v those_o righteous_a and_o good_a ends._n as_o also_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n in_o reference_n to_o friend_n care_v about_o print_n in_o these_o word_n viz._n three_o part_n pag._n 31._o i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v that_o it_o be_v unnecessary_a for_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o take_v care_n that_o nothing_o scandalous_a to_o the_o truth_n come_v forth_o in_o public_a under_o the_o name_n of_o any_o who_o make_v profession_n thereof_o and_o be_v it_o so_o that_o i_o have_v aught_o upon_o i_o on_o truth_n behalf_n to_o bring_v to_o public_a view_n i_o shall_v be_v glad_a of_o the_o opportunity_n to_o lay_v it_o before_o such_o brethren_n with_o who_o the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n knowledge_n and_o discern_v of_o spirit_n dwell_v hence_o it_o appear_v that_o this_o man_n will_v seem_v to_o be_v for_o order_n and_o society_n with_o such_o brethren_n as_o he_o have_v a_o good_a esteem_n of_o and_o to_o be_v so_o conformable_a and_o submissive_a as_o to_o have_v their_o counsel_n and_o approbation_n of_o what_o he_o bring_v to_o public_a view_n grant_v it_o necessary_a for_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o take_v care_n that_o nothing_o scandalous_a to_o truth_n come_v forth_o in_o public_a which_o be_v one_o main_a end_n of_o our_o meeting_n in_o london_n so_o much_o strike_v at_o and_o vilify_v by_o he_o but_o who_o those_o brethren_n be_v with_o who_o he_o account_v the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n dwell_v and_o before_o who_o he_o will_v lay_v what_o he_o will_v bring_v to_o public_a view_n for_o their_o care_n and_o approbation_n he_o tell_v we_o not_o but_o we_o may_v easy_o guess_v by_o his_o high_a character_n of_o ancient_n and_o honourable_a friend_n labourer_n in_o the_o gospel_n etc._n etc._n and_o whether_o they_o do_v see_v and_o approve_v of_o this_o confuse_a scandalous_a book_n of_o he_o or_o not_o be_v best_a know_v to_o themselves_o either_o they_o do_v or_o they_o do_v not_o if_o they_o do_v then_o by_o his_o own_o inference_n they_o be_v entitle_v to_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o it_o if_o neither_o of_o they_o do_v see_v and_o approve_v of_o it_o than_o that_o omission_n contradict_v his_o own_o pretence_n it_o not_o be_v probable_a that_o he_o can_v just_o plead_v he_o want_v opportunity_n to_o lay_v it_o before_o any_o of_o his_o honourable_a brethren_n in_o two_o or_o three_o year_n time_n three_o part_n pag._n 82._o there_o be_v great_a need_n for_o every_o one_o to_o watch_v against_o a_o censorious_a judge_a spirit_n lest_o whilst_o they_o be_v judge_v their_o brethren_n they_o themselves_o become_v castaway_n p._n 83._o it_o behoove_v every_o one_o diligent_o to_o watch_v that_o we_o judge_v not_o one_o another_o by_o reason_n of_o these_o differ_a exercise_n etc._n etc._n observe_v how_o well_o this_o man_n can_v counsel_n other_o but_o how_o contrary_a thereto_o he_o act_v himself_o in_o give_v forth_o such_o a_o censorious_a judge_a book_n as_o he_o have_v do_v tend_v to_o render_v many_o innocent_a person_n and_o people_n apostate_n and_o innovator_n wherein_o he_o be_v far_o more_o loud_a in_o his_o charge_n and_o exclamation_n than_o in_o his_o proof_n or_o instance_n of_o that_o apostasy_n or_o those_o innovation_n but_o if_o he_o can_v prove_v such_o innovation_n or_o new_a matter_n in_o discipline_n or_o differ_v exercise_n therein_o as_o he_o will_v insinuate_v which_o yet_o be_v not_o grant_v he_o then_o by_o his_o own_o rule_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v bring_v forth_o his_o censorious_a book_n but_o rather_o have_v watch_v and_o study_v to_o be_v quiet_a pag._n 80._o i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v to_o judge_v apostle_n or_o elder_n when_o they_o shall_v find_v freedom_n from_o the_o lord_n be_v meet_v together_o for_o give_v forth_o any_o thing_n by_o way_n of_o recommendation_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o brethren_n answ._n we_o know_v nothing_o give_v forth_o as_o duty_n to_o god_n or_o man_n to_o be_v practise_v among_o we_o by_o apostle_n or_o elder_n but_o what_o be_v in_o truth_n intend_v at_o least_o to_o be_v recommend_v to_o the_o conscience_n and_o have_v a_o answer_n and_o reception_n in_o the_o conscience_n of_o friend_n in_o truth_n what_o we_o write_v or_o preach_v on_o behalf_n of_o truth_n and_o true_a religion_n be_v recommend_v by_o divine_a authority_n and_o evidence_n in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n by_o the_o manifestation_n of_o truth_n commend_v ourselves_o to_o every_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o this_o may_v be_v either_o by_o good_a exhortation_n counsel_n admonition_n reproof_n judgement_n testimony_n warn_v charge_n command_v etc._n etc._n all_o which_o the_o holy_a apostle_n use_v but_o it_o appear_v our_o opposer_n have_v another_o sense_n of_o recommendation_n as_o leave_v matter_n more_o indifferent_a and_o loose_a by_o way_n of_o doubtful_a proposition_n as_o on_o these_o or_o the_o like_a term_n viz._n you_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o submit_v whether_o you_o see_v it_o your_o duty_n or_o not_o and_o whereas_o this_o person_n be_v frequent_o judge_v our_o friend_n for_o imposition_n innovation_n etc._n etc._n we_o will_v be_v understand_v that_o those_o thing_n commend_v among_o we_o as_o necessary_a for_o good_a order_n and_o holiness_n of_o conversation_n be_v not_o recommend_v doubtful_o or_o upon_o mere_a supposition_n nor_o as_o matter_n of_o indifferency_n to_o be_v practise_v or_o reject_v but_o in_o faith_n and_o full_a assurance_n as_o answer_v god_n witness_n and_o truth_n in_o the_o conscience_n and_o that_o such_o will_v meet_v with_o a_o tender_a reception_n and_o not_o opposition_n in_o all_o tender_a and_o upright_a heart_n disaffect_v xliv_o three_o part_n pag._n 83._o among_o the_o primitive_a believer_n there_o be_v such_o as_o practise_v circumcision_n some_o make_a conscience_n of_o keep_v a_o day_n and_o some_o that_o abstain_v from_o eat_a flesh_n and_o other_o that_o do_v not_o and_o yet_o a_o christian-liberty_n and_o forbearance_n be_v so_o exercise_v as_o that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v one_o another_o about_o these_o thing_n and_o that_o we_o find_v not_o that_o these_o differ_v 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
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