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
property_n or_o the_o property_n of_o any_o other_o people_n in_o outward_a thing_n but_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v and_o stand_v for_o justice_n and_o right_n between_o man_n and_o man_n against_o all_o injurious_a and_o unjust_a action_n and_o deal_n we_o be_v for_o do_v to_o all_o man_n as_o we_o will_v they_o shall_v do_v unto_o we_o god_n be_v our_o record_n for_o our_o christian_a principle_n and_o conscientious_a tenderness_n in_o these_o matter_n however_o our_o adversary_n have_v asperse_v we_o to_o the_o contrary_a from_o his_o perverse_a and_o cruel_a jealousy_n disaffect_v xlii_o in_o the_o title_n page_n of_o the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n so_o call_v there_o be_v this_o passage_n viz._n w._n r._n manifest_v that_o there_o be_v but_o two_o sort_n of_o government_n own_v by_o the_o child_n of_o light_n or_o christian-quaker_n one_o be_v the_o outward_a government_n under_o which_o we_o live_v the_o other_o be_v the_o inward_a government_n of_o christ_n who_o alone_o be_v lord_n over_o the_o conscience_n which_o be_v not_o represent_v by_o person_n visible_a by_o carnal_a eye_n invest_v with_o power_n from_o he_o to_o execute_v outward_a law_n prescription_n order_n edict_n or_o decree_n in_o a_o outward_a form_n of_o government_n 1672._o visible_a as_o aforesaid_a observe_v first_o that_o w._n r._n and_o his_o party_n be_v by_o he_o account_v the_o christian-quaker_n and_o child_n of_o light_n and_o that_o all_o those_o that_o be_v not_o in_o unity_n with_o he_o and_o they_o nor_o of_o his_o party_n be_v count_v apostate_n and_o innovator_n and_o why_o so_o but_o because_o they_o be_v for_o some_o outward_a law_n order_n etc._n etc._n in_o a_o outward_a form_n of_o order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v visible_a second_o that_o this_o outward_a order_n and_o visible_a form_n be_v such_o as_o by_o his_o sense_n and_o state_n of_o the_o case_n be_v both_o render_v obnoxious_a to_o the_o outward_a government_n under_o which_o we_o live_v and_o against_o the_o inward_a government_n of_o christ_n insomuch_o that_o all_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n who_o be_v for_o outward_a and_o visible_a form_n and_o order_n among_o they_o be_v put_v under_o the_o character_n of_o the_o apostate_n and_o innovator_n and_o this_o still_o tend_v to_o expose_v they_o to_o persecution_n whereas_o our_o innocent_a conversation_n and_o peaceable_a deportment_n towards_o the_o outward_a government_n under_o which_o we_o live_v have_v be_v and_o be_v well_o know_v to_o be_v such_o as_o neither_o our_o opposer_n be_v able_a to_o disprove_v nor_o need_v we_o here_o vindicate_v ourselves_o therein_o although_o unjust_o render_v as_o neither_o consistent_a with_o the_o outward_a and_o national_a government_n which_o have_v be_v the_o charge_n of_o our_o persecutor_n nor_o yet_o with_o christ_n inward_a and_o spiritual_a government_n this_o appear_v not_o only_o malicious_a but_o absurd_a as_o if_o because_o christ_n immediate_a government_n and_o kingdom_n be_v inward_a and_o spiritual_a in_o the_o conscience_n therefore_o he_o must_v have_v no_o visible_a minister_n in_o his_o kingdom_n no_o visible_a order_n and_o form_n of_o government_n under_o his_o dominion_n no_o visible_a person_n exercise_v in_o any_o rule_n outward_a order_n law_n or_o decree_n under_o his_o government_n as_o if_o all_o christ_n minister_n apostle_n elder_n overseer_n help_n government_n which_o be_v appoint_v by_o he_o in_o his_o church_n with_o all_o the_o instruction_n decree_n and_o command_v of_o the_o apostle_n set_v in_o order_n thing_n that_o be_v lack_v do_v all_o thing_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n be_v aâ—â—_n invisible_a and_o nothing_o outward_a visible_a or_o formal_a because_o christ_n inward_a and_o spiritual_a government_n whence_o these_o proceed_v be_v invisible_a we_o can_v make_v no_o better_o argue_v than_o this_o kind_n in_o our_o adversary_n distinction_n of_o his_o christian-quaker_n from_o the_o apostate_n and_o innovator_n nor_o deduce_v a_o more_o natural_a inference_n from_o his_o opposition_n against_o visible_a person_n be_v concern_v in_o a_o outward_a form_n of_o government_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n but_o three_o how_o do_v he_o consist_v with_o himself_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o paper_n which_o he_o say_v be_v account_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o separation_n in_o the_o north_n 2d_o part_n pag._n 78._o which_o paper_n be_v subscribe_v by_o his_o say_a honourable_a friend_n j._n w._n and_o j._n s._n and_o above_o eighty_o more_o person_n in_o which_o paper_n be_v these_o word_n and_o term_n viz._n we_o who_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o church_n and_o in_o their_o behalf_n to_o act_n some_o of_o other_o county_n and_o some_o among_o ourselves_o not_o choose_v by_o the_o church_n have_v usurp_v authority_n over_o we_o the_o meeting_n by_o who_o we_o be_v employ_v our_o man_n who_o have_v their_o authority_n give_v they_o by_o the_o church_n choice_n and_o consent_n be_v hinder_v by_o other_o not_o so_o appoint_v to_o who_o we_o give_v no_o power_n by_o our_o consent_n but_o do_v deny_v that_o they_o have_v have_v authority_n from_o we_o to_o dispose_v of_o our_o collection_n or_o record_n or_o order_n or_o matter_n of_o our_o concern_v our_o choose_a man_n they_o who_o be_v not_o choose_v by_o the_o church_n you_o who_o be_v concern_v and_o right_o choose_v by_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n with_o many_o other_o passage_n in_o the_o say_a paper_n all_o which_o intimate_a authority_n power_n and_o government_n together_o with_o record_n order_n etc._n etc._n what_o power_n as_o a_o church_n they_o assurn_v to_o choose_v person_n to_o act_v in_o their_o concern_v and_o give_v power_n to_o person_n therein_o so_o that_o here_o be_v w._n r_n great_a intimate_v friend_n for_o a_o sort_n of_o a_o church-government_n authority_n order_n instruction_n prescription_n etc._n etc._n do_v he_o not_o deserve_v to_o be_v severe_o reprove_v by_o they_o for_o so_o manifest_o contradict_v they_o who_o cause_n he_o pretend_v to_o plead_v by_o his_o publish_v such_o a_o great_a book_n against_o church-government_n visible_a form_n order_n etc._n etc._n and_o now_o we_o will_v ask_v w._n r._n if_o those_o church_n choose_v and_o give_v power_n to_o other_o and_o the_o person_n choose_v to_o be_v employ_v in_o their_o affair_n be_v all_o invisible_a and_o their_o affair_n and_o business_n invisible_a and_o their_o respective_a meeting_n with_o the_o method_n they_o intend_v therein_o invisible_a and_o their_o record_n and_o order_n invisible_a sure_o the_o say_a paper_n of_o they_o with_o the_o limit_v prescription_n therein_o be_v not_o invisible_a any_o more_o than_o the_o person_n that_o form_v they_o four_o but_o see_v w._n r._n be_v so_o much_o for_o invisibility_n in_o church-order_n government_n etc._n etc._n it_o have_v be_v well_o his_o great_a book_n of_o division_n and_o those_o his_o confuse_a opposition_n and_o gainsaying_n have_v never_o be_v so_o visible_a but_o keep_v all_o invisible_a that_o he_o may_v not_o have_v trouble_v poor_a simplehearted_n friend_n and_o the_o world_n with_o such_o his_o groundless_a jealousy_n and_o ill_o manage_v controversy_n we_o be_v persuade_v if_o this_o his_o fruitless_a work_n have_v be_v all_o keep_v in_o obscurity_n and_o invisibility_n it_o have_v be_v far_o more_o reputable_a for_o he_o than_o it_o now_o be_v or_o ever_o like_a to_o be_v in_o its_o visibility_n howbeit_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o he_o vary_v in_o his_o objection_n against_o visible_a person_n be_v invest_v with_o power_n to_o execute_v law_n prescription_n order_n etc._n etc._n under_o christ_n government_n in_o a_o outward_a visible_a form_n whereas_o this_o objection_n be_v absolute_a in_o other_o place_n he_o seem_v to_o restrict_n and_o qualify_v it_o with_o this_o frequent_a addition_n viz._n whether_o they_o see_v it_o their_o duty_n or_o no_o that_o be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o obey_v outward_a prescription_n order_n etc._n etc._n unless_o they_o see_v it_o their_o duty_n as_o for_o instance_n see_v his_o 3d_o part_n p._n 9_o pretend_a on_o behalf_n of_o christ_n government_n and_o his_o spirit_n be_v guidance_n into_o all_o truth_n he_o give_v this_o testimony_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n either_o from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o we_o or_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o we_o to_o believe_v that_o any_o christian_a professor_n can_v in_o truth_n affirm_v that_o there_o be_v outward_a prescription_n and_o order_n give_v forth_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n through_o any_o one_o or_o more_o mortal_a man_n in_o this_o our_o day_n which_o other_o ought_v to_o obey_v and_o follow_v whether_o they_o see_v it_o their_o duty_n or_o no._n observe_v again_o here_o that_o his_o objection_n be_v not_o absolute_a as_o before_o against_o visible_a person_n be_v invest_v with_o power_n from_o christ_n
in_o leave_v out_o account_v of_o william_n mead'_v engage_v on_o g._n f_n behalf_n for_o his_o giving_z w._n r._n a_o meeting_n but_o w._n r._n will_v not_o accept_v of_o his_o security_n in_o that_o case_n the_o matter_n be_v more_o particular_o thus_o viz._n william_n mead_n understanding_n that_o nicholas_n lucas_n and_o john_n barnard_n be_v concern_v on_o william_n rogers_n behalf_n for_o the_o bring_v forth_o of_o his_o book_n in_o print_n he_o ask_v they_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o will_v bring_v forth_o such_o a_o book_n as_o he_o hear_v it_o be_v they_o tell_v he_o that_o george_n fox_n will_v not_o give_v w._n r._n a_o meeting_n william_n mead_n reply_v that_o he_o do_v believe_v that_o g._n f._n will_v not_o decline_v give_v he_o a_o meeting_n nicholas_n lucas_n ask_v he_o if_o he_o will_v engage_v he_o shall_v give_v he_o a_o meeting_n william_n mead_n tell_v he_o it_o be_v not_o proper_a so_o to_o engage_v till_o he_o have_v speak_v with_o g._n f._n first_o whereupon_o william_n forthwith_o go_v and_o speak_v with_o g._n f._n about_o it_o who_o very_o free_o and_o ready_o answer_v that_o if_o william_n rogers_n desire_v it_o he_o will_v meet_v he_o in_o his_o own_o way_n before_o person_n choose_v on_o each_o side_n provide_v he_o come_v within_o a_o certain_a time_n while_o he_o stay_v in_o or_o about_o the_o city_n with_o which_o answer_n the_o very_a next_o day_n on_o the_o exchange_n william_n mead_n acquaint_v nicholas_n lucas_n then_o add_v that_o he_o now_o will_v engage_v on_o g._n f_n behalf_n that_o he_o shall_v certain_o give_v vv._n r._n a_o meeting_n whereupon_o nicholas_n lucas_n seem_v to_o be_v satisfy_v and_o say_v he_o will_v stay_v the_o come_n forth_o of_o the_o book_n and_o say_v he_o will_v write_v to_o william_n rogers_n about_o it_o some_o time_n after_o nicholas_n lucas_n meet_v william_n mead_n upon_o the_o exchange_n tell_v he_o he_o have_v write_v to_o william_n rogers_n and_o receive_v his_o answer_n which_o be_v that_o he_o will_v have_v it_o under_o george_n fox_n his_o hand_n william_n mead_n forthwith_o again_o speak_v with_o g._n f._n about_o it_o who_o say_v he_o matter_a not_o the_o give_v it_o under_o his_o hand_n but_o that_o he_o be_v sensible_a they_o will_v make_v a_o ill_a use_n of_o it_o in_o print_n for_o which_o very_a cause_n only_o he_o forbear_v give_v it_o under_o his_o hand_n but_o do_v not_o refuse_v give_v w._n r._n a_o meeting_n however_o then_o william_n mead_n do_v proffer_v very_o earnest_o to_o engage_v on_o behalf_n of_o g._n f._n for_o his_o certain_a give_v w._n r._n a_o meeting_n nicholas_n lucas_n his_o answer_n be_v that_o william_n rogers_n will_v not_o take_v his_o security_n in_o this_o matter_n a_o summary_n collection_n of_o more_o passage_n and_o acknowledgement_n in_o william_n rogers_n his_o book_n which_o may_v stand_v for_o answer_n to_o he_o and_o in_o condemnation_n against_o himself_o and_o to_o the_o manifest_a confutation_n of_o all_o that_o he_o have_v write_v or_o can_v write_v in_o general_a against_o a_o form_n of_o church-government_n outward_a order_n discipline_n etc._n etc._n in_o his_o own_o word_n grant_v to_o truth_n our_o expectation_n be_v that_o 16._o every_o member_n shall_v there_o appear_v in_o subjection_n to_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o high_a power_n unto_o which_o as_o member_n of_o his_o body_n we_o owe_v obedience_n in_o this_o sense_n we_o ready_o embrace_v the_o counsel_n to_o meet_v together_o to_o serve_v but_o not_o to_o bear_v rule_n over_o one_o another_o conscience_n and_o the_o matter_n intend_v by_o we_o to_o be_v transact_v in_o those_o meeting_n and_o by_o other_o also_o as_o far_o as_o we_o understand_v be_v chief_o to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o poor_a the_o fatherless_a and_o the_o widow_n and_o that_o if_o any_o profess_v the_o truth_n and_o dishoncured_a the_o same_o by_o profane_a and_o evil_a conversation_n we_o may_v by_o such_o way_n and_o mean_n as_o the_o lord_n on_o every_o occasion_n may_v direct_v part_v 1._o pag._n 38._o we_o be_v not_o against_o appoint_a meeting_n for_o the_o outward_a service_n of_o truth_n for_o that_o have_v be_v and_o be_v our_o practice_n know_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o service_n therein_o as_o occasion_n offer_v provide_v all_o in_o such_o meeting_n may_v be_v keep_v in_o humility_n as_o servant_n each_o to_o other_o and_o the_o truth_n not_o exercise_v lordship_n over_o the_o conscience_n which_o be_v god_n prerogative_n part_n 2._o pag._n 64_o 65._o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n tell_v we_o that_o jesus_n be_v the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n no_o doubt_n 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 &_o object_n of_o every_o true_a christian_a 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 exhortation_n reproof_n and_o instruction_n to_o build_v they_o up_o in_o the_o most_o holy_a faith_n and_o all_o this_o may_v be_v attribute_v to_o christ_n the_o author_n thereof_o part_n 3._o pag._n 34._o the_o apostle_n labour_n be_v to_o establish_v the_o church_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o power_n have_v they_o so_o establish_v to_o be_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o form_n which_o the_o power_n either_o have_v or_o shall_v lead_v they_o into_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n may_v well_o say_v be_v you_o not_o unwise_a but_o understand_v what_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v submit_v yourselves_o one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n part_n 3._o pag._n 41._o if_o difference_n arise_v between_o brother_n and_o brother_n i_o do_v conclude_v that_o go_v to_o law_n before_o unbeliever_n be_v a_o indication_n that_o one_o or_o both_o be_v depart_v from_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o such_o who_o be_v at_o variance_n to_o request_v such_o brethren_n as_o be_v skill_v in_o the_o matter_n touch_v which_o they_o differ_v to_o hear_v and_o determine_v the_o case_n and_o then_o of_o a_o willing_a and_o ready_a mind_n and_o not_o as_o by_o constraint_n to_o submit_v unto_o such_o determination_n and_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o a_o incumbant_fw-la duty_n on_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n to_o be_v watch_v over_o one_o another_o so_o as_o that_o by_o wholesome_a counsel_n admonition_n and_o sound_a doctrine_n all_o variance_n strife_n emulation_n rent_n and_o division_n both_o in_o relation_n to_o temporal_a as_o well_o as_o spiritual_a matter_n may_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v be_v keep_v out_o from_o among_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n part_n 3._o pag._n 23._o not_o that_o i_o will_v be_v understand_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o outward_a order_n with_o respect_n to_o that_o gospel_n discipline_n which_o become_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n pag._n 24._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 this_o be_v a_o very_a fair_a confession_n in_o word_n to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o much_o of_o his_o book_n part_n 4._o pag._n 38._o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n their_o testimony_n viz._n that_o inward_a sense_n and_o heavenly_a understanding_n we_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n have_v and_o yet_o do_v confirm_v we_o in_o this_o judgement_n that_o it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a with_o the_o line_n of_o truth_n to_o oppose_v other_o in_o the_o exercise_n and_o appoint_a service_n of_o the_o say_a meeting_n as_o heretofore_o and_o yet_o settle_v and_o agree_v upon_o who_o be_v conscientious_a therein_o and_o if_o any_o of_o our_o word_n and_o action_n have_v have_v any_o tendency_n to_o oppose_v we_o say_v the_o truth_n in_o we_o will_v have_v condemn_v it_o even_o as_o it_o now_o do_v part_n 4._o pag._n 24._o as_o particular_a member_n be_v become_v marry_v unto_o christ_n and_o have_v all_o fellowship_n each_o with_o other_o in_o the_o spirit_n those_o who_o be_v such_o aught_o to_o demean_v themselves_o each_o towards_o other_o full_a of_o love_n charity_n bowel_n of_o compassion_n long-suffering_a forbearance_n meekness_n humility_n patience_n gentleness_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n that_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n a_o fair_a acknowledgement_n good_a word_n but_o these_o virtue_n and_o fruit_n be_v awanting_a in_o w._n r._n how_o do_v these_o acknowledgement_n agree_v with_o his_o uncharitable_a unchristian_a deal_v in_o his_o book_n part_n 4._o pag._n 100_o such_o who_o contend_v that_o their_o order_n for_o gospel_n discipline_n ought_v to_o spring_v from_o truth_n within_o
the_o case_n of_o offence_n which_o such_o injurious_a offend_a brother_n have_v not_o and_o therefore_o to_o be_v reject_v as_o a_o heathen_a man_n chief_o for_o refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n and_o herein_o consist_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o w._n r._n we_o take_v part_n with_o the_o innocent_a brother_n that_o be_v injure_v and_o offend_v who_o be_v willing_a to_o bring_v his_o case_n before_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o hear_v the_o church_n as_o in_o point_n of_o judgement_n and_o as_o know_v his_o presence_n in_o the_o midst_n but_o w._n r._n plain_o appear_v to_o take_v part_n with_o that_o injurous_a offend_a brother_n that_o will_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n and_o as_o for_o the_o power_n w._n r._n grant_v it_o any_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o decide_v and_o remove_v difference_n only_o when_o give_v by_o the_o assent_n of_o party_n he_o confess_v that_o any_o heathen_a man_n may_v claim_v the_o like_a power_n p._n 53._o what_o power_n then_o have_v he_o here_o allow_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n in_o these_o case_n more_o than_o to_o any_o heathen_a man_n but_o mark_v if_o this_o gainsay_n spirit_n be_v not_o draw_v back_o among_o the_o heathen_a that_o have_v so_o little_a esteem_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o he_o often_o contradict_v himself_o confess_v to_o divers_a truth_n against_o his_o own_o opposition_n so_o that_o the_o light_n sometime_o interpose_v though_o darkness_n have_v moâ—â—_n prevail_v in_o his_o work_n disaffect_v xxvii_o w._n r._n three_o part_n pag._n 64._o christ_n doctrine_n well_o describe_v by_o his_o sermon_n in_o the_o mount_n mat._n 5._o and_o chap._n 6._o wherein_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o tittle_n to_o countenance_v this_o sentence_n that_o the_o positive_a sentence_n or_o decission_n of_o the_o church_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n may_v be_v obligatory_a on_o believer_n observe_v his_o main_a work_n be_v still_o to_o invalid_n the_o authority_n and_o sentence_n of_o the_o true_a church_n whereby_o here_o he_o will_v set_v believer_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o church_n as_o not_o oblige_v by_o the_o church_n sentence_n without_o exception_n let_v it_o be_v as_o real_o from_o christ_n and_o as_o true_a just_a and_o reasonable_a as_o may_v be_v but_o if_o the_o sentence_n or_o decision_n of_o the_o church_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n be_v no_o way_n oblige_v on_o believer_n then_o why_o have_v he_o tell_v we_o of_o the_o counsel_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o church_n which_o they_o that_o will_v not_o submit_v unto_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v by_o the_o church_n his_o inconsistence_n and_o self-contradiction_n be_v numerous_a &_o what_o be_v that_o counsel_n which_o he_o that_o do_v but_o say_v to_o his_o brother_n racha_n shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o as_o christ_n say_v mat._n 5._o 22._o be_v not_o this_o counsel_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n under_o the_o gospel_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o law_n but_o still_o our_o adversary_n proceed_v in_o his_o inconsistency_n disaffect_v xxviii_o w._n r._n pag._n 64._o three_o part_n nay_o in_o that_o very_a case_n mat._n 18._o 15_o 16._o where_o it_o be_v say_v if_o thy_o brother_n trespass_n against_o thou_o go_v tell_v he_o his_o fault_n if_o he_o hear_v thou_o not_o take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o if_o he_o hear_v not_o they_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n if_o he_o refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n the_o scripture_n do_v not_o say_v that_o sentence_n ought_v to_o be_v obligatory_a on_o all_o other_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n who_o may_v be_v no_o way_n concern_v either_o in_o the_o admonition_n or_o sentence_n to_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n but_o it_o say_v let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man._n observe_v this_o we_o do_v except_v against_o as_o unsound_a doctrine_n the_o sentence_n in_o this_o place_n against_o that_o brother_n that_o refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n be_v christ_n and_o the_o offence_n for_o which_o he_o be_v sentence_v as_o a_o heathen_a man_n be_v both_o against_o a_o brother_n in_o particular_a and_o against_o the_o church_n in_o his_o refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n and_o therefore_o see_v its_o christ_n admonition_n and_o sentence_n to_o let_v he_o be_v to_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n how_o can_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n look_v on_o he_o otherwise_o than_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n have_v refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n strange_a doctrine_n that_o one_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n shall_v have_v occasion_n and_o that_o according_a to_o christ_n doctrine_n to_o look_v upon_o a_o brother_n so_o offend_v against_o he_o and_o the_o church_n as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o yet_o other_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n not_o to_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n what_o then_o may_v they_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o good_a christian_a contrary_a to_o christ_n own_o sentence_n and_o what_o though_o there_o be_v other_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v not_o immediate_o concern_v in_o the_o admonition_n or_o sentence_n against_o the_o offender_n be_v not_o present_a in_o the_o church_n when_o he_o refuse_v to_o hear_v they_o do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v be_v so_o far_o divide_v in_o their_o sense_n and_o judgement_n either_o from_o the_o sentence_n of_o christ_n the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n to_o who_o complaint_n be_v make_v against_o the_o brother_n trespass_v or_o from_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o brother_n offend_v as_o to_o look_v on_o he_o not_o as_o christ_n or_o the_o offend_a brother_n or_o the_o church_n who_o he_o refuse_v to_o hear_v have_v judge_v of_o he_o that_o be_v as_o a_o heathen_a man_n what_o confusion_n will_v this_o make_v in_o the_o church_n and_o contradiction_n to_o christ_n own_o sentence_n much_o may_v be_v say_v to_o show_v the_o absurdity_n of_o this_o but_o w._n r._n in_o his_o own_o contradiction_n have_v grant_v 3d_o part_n pag._n 36._o viz._n since_o the_o case_n be_v state_v between_o two_o brethren_n and_o that_o on_o a_o orderly_a proceed_v and_o admonition_n of_o the_o church_n the_o sentence_n for_o not_o hear_v the_o church_n be_v let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man._n here_o he_o have_v grant_v both_o authority_n order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o respect_n to_o such_o judicial_a proceed_n as_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o sentence_n of_o christ_n himself_o this_o be_v the_o man_n who_o work_n be_v much_o of_o it_o to_o oppose_v church-government_n and_o to_o render_v the_o sentence_n or_o decision_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n not_o obligatory_a on_o believer_n we_o have_v rare_o know_v any_o of_o truth_n be_v adversary_n more_o confound_v in_o their_o attempt_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o people_n of_o god_n than_o he_o be_v howbeit_o we_o will_v grant_v he_o that_o nothing_o that_o be_v outward_a whether_o it_o be_v sentence_n judgement_n order_n or_o decree_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o can_v be_v a_o bond_n on_o such_o to_o forsake_v sin_n and_o embrace_v the_o truth_n as_o be_v run_v into_o looseness_n evil_a deed_n and_o be_v become_v harden_v as_o he_o say_v pag._n 43._o 3d_o part_n until_o their_o conscience_n be_v awaken_v to_o hear_v god_n witness_v in_o themselves_o this_o be_v true_a but_o then_o it_o be_v no_o proof_n against_o church-government_n or_o that_o the_o just_a sentence_n admonition_n or_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v no_o way_n bind_v on_o believer_n who_o be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n but_o only_o that_o they_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o such_o as_o be_v harden_v through_o sin_n that_o they_o see_v not_o their_o duty_n who_o part_n our_o adversary_n have_v take_v and_o their_o cause_n he_o have_v plead_v against_o church-government_n and_o against_o the_o authority_n sentence_n judgement_n outward_a direction_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o church_n again_o w._n r._n grant_v one_a part_n pag._n 48._o that_o though_o we_o find_v the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n chap._n 13._o v._n 7._o say_v on_o this_o wise_a remember_v they_o which_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o say_v such_o who_o have_v the_o rule_n be_v the_o church_n but_o describe_v they_o to_o be_v such_o who_o have_v speak_v unto_o they_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o that_o if_o any_o authority_n be_v give_v to_o any_o to_o rule_v as_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n it_o appear_v from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n to_o be_v unto_o such_o who_o have_v speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n unto_o
pag._n 61_o 62._o many_o profess_v truth_n do_v look_v upon_o g._n f._n as_o one_o who_o the_o lord_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n have_v raise_v up_o and_o set_v in_o the_o like_a place_n among_o the_o child_n of_o light_n as_o moses_n be_v etc._n etc._n and_o that_o whosoever_o shall_v oppose_v he_o shall_v never_o prosper_v which_o we_o be_v persuade_v have_v so_o overawe_v many_o that_o they_o become_v sacrificer_n of_o their_o own_o sense_n and_o understanding_n to_o the_o will_n of_o man_n and_o p._n 62._o we_o firm_o believe_v he_o will_v become_v despise_v and_o vile_a before_o the_o people_n etc._n etc._n and_o pag._n 86._o a_o slight_n of_o g._n f_n rule_n method_n and_o order_n with_o respect_n to_o church-government_n be_v in_o their_o sense_n a_o slight_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o p._n 91._o if_o a_o conscientious_a slight_n of_o g._n f_n pretend_a motion_n with_o respect_n to_o form_n of_o church-government_n impose_v contrary_a to_o faith_n and_o a_o charitable_a belief_n that_o he_o intend_v not_o to_o urge_v his_o paper_n relate_v thereto_o on_o any_o of_o god_n faithful_a people_n with_o severity_n etc._n etc._n observe_v we_o be_v very_o sensible_a of_o our_o adversary_n great_a envy_n against_o g._n f._n and_o his_o great_a abuse_n and_o scandalous_a work_n in_o his_o book_n to_o render_v he_o odious_a and_o vile_a but_o he_o have_v know_v better_a thing_n and_o give_v another_o manner_n of_o testimony_n on_o g._n f_n behalf_n than_o now_o he_o have_v do_v slight_v his_o direction_n and_o instruction_n without_o distinction_n as_o have_v take_v it_o upon_o he_o to_o give_v they_o forth_o from_o his_o pretend_a motion_n not_o own_v he_o now_o as_o a_o servant_n of_o christ_n or_o move_v by_o he_o at_o all_o therein_o but_o only_o render_v he_o one_o assume_v to_o himself_o a_o power_n to_o direct_v other_o time_n be_v when_o w._n r._n give_v a_o better_a account_n of_o g._n f._n witness_v a_o epistle_n date_v london_n the_o 26_o of_o the_o 3d_o month_n 1673._o and_o subscribe_v by_o thomas_n briggs_n william_n rogers_n arthur_n eastmead_n john_n rance_n charles_n martial_n morgin_n watkins_n jasper_n batt_n william_n gibson_n samuel_n cater_n stephen_n crisp_n john_n moon_n william_n penn_n robert_n barclay_n george_n whitehead_n thomas_n green_n and_o above_o twenty_o more_o of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n at_o a_o meeting_n at_o anne_n traver_n house_n at_o horslie-down_a the_o day_n and_o year_n abovesaid_a wherein_o william_n rogers_n and_o the_o rest_n do_v thus_o testify_v concern_v g._n f._n viz._n dear_o friend_n let_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n power_n heavenly_a and_o peaceable_a wisdom_n be_v eye_v in_o all_o your_o assembly_n that_o the_o government_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n may_v be_v exalt_v over_o all_o that_o true_a judgement_n and_o mercy_n may_v have_v their_o place_n and_o though_o a_o general_n care_n be_v not_o lay_v upon_o every_o member_n touch_v the_o good_a order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n affair_n nor_o have_v many_o travel_v therein_o yet_o the_o lord_n have_v lay_v it_o more_o upon_o some_o in_o who_o he_o have_v open_v counsel_n for_o that_o end_n and_o particular_o in_o our_o dear_a brother_n and_o god_n faithful_a labourer_n g._n f._n for_o the_o help_n of_o many_o and_o god_n have_v in_o his_o wisdom_n afford_v those_o help_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v despise_v be_v in_o subjection_n to_o christ_n the_o one_o head_n and_o lawgiver_n answer_v his_o witness_n in_o all_o and_o so_o all_o necessary_a counsel_n admonition_n or_o testimony_n that_o have_v be_v give_v forth_o and_o receive_v in_o the_o universal_a spirit_n of_o life_n and_o unity_n have_v their_o service_n for_o god_n in_o subjection_n to_o his_o light_n and_o subservency_n to_o and_o in_o order_n to_o answer_v the_o great_a rule_n and_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n as_o proceed_v from_o it_o and_o they_o that_o be_v spiritual_a will_v acknowledge_v those_o thing_n speak_v or_o write_v from_o this_o spirit_n and_o for_o this_o end_n to_o be_v the_o requiring_n of_o the_o lord_n thus_o far_o the_o say_a epistle_n wherein_o w._n r._n and_o the_o rest_n have_v plain_o confess_v first_o to_o that_o care_v the_o lord_n have_v lay_v on_o some_o with_o respect_n to_o good_a order_n and_o government_n in_o his_o church_n and_o second_o to_o the_o counsel_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v open_v for_o that_o end_n particular_o in_o g._n f._n and_o three_o that_o g._n f._n be_v therein_o own_a to_o be_v a_o dear_a brother_n and_o god_n faithful_a labourer_n four_o that_o god_n have_v in_o his_o wisdom_n afford_v those_o help_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v despise_v etc._n etc._n which_o thing_n do_v answer_n confute_v and_o condemn_v much_o of_o w._n r_n book_n against_o church-government_n outward_a method_n order_n and_o rule_n etc._n etc._n with_o respect_n to_o church-government_n which_o he_o call_v g._n f_n method_n and_o order_n pag._n 86._o one_a part_n but_o though_o in_o his_o letter_n to_o g._n f._n cite_v in_o his_o four_o part_n pag._n 93._o he_o tell_v of_o some_o new_a prescription_n which_o they_o can_v embrace_v for_o conscience-sake_n and_o which_o g._n f._n be_v account_v either_o the_o author_n or_o countenancer_n of_o howbeit_o w._n r._n produce_v not_o any_o new_a prescription_n method_n rule_n order_n and_o form_n of_o church-government_n set_v up_o and_o impose_v by_o g._n f._n at_o his_o pretend_a motion_n and_o that_o contrary_a to_o faith_n since_o the_o date_n of_o the_o say_a epistle_n of_o the_o 3d_o month_n 1673._o and_o sign_v by_o w._n r._n etc._n etc._n he_o have_v justify_v g._n f._n in_o his_o service_n until_o that_o time_n now_o he_o shall_v have_v produce_v some_o such_o new_a order_n &_o form_n of_o church-government_n introduce_v among_o we_o since_o that_o time_n to_o prove_v his_o charge_n of_o apostasy_n and_o innovation_n against_o g._n f._n and_o those_o he_o call_v his_o party_n or_o otherwise_o have_v forbear_v such_o unjust_a judgement_n and_o compare_v w._n r_n book_n against_o g._n f._n and_o form_n of_o church-government_n with_o the_o say_a epistle_n on_o behalf_n of_o both_o it_o will_v plain_o appear_v that_o w._n r._n be_v guilty_a of_o apostasy_n and_o that_o his_o book_n be_v a_o scandalous_a innovation_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o people_n of_o god_n call_v quaker_n and_o further_o w._n r._n his_o oppose_a outward_a rule_n order_n precept_n etc._n etc._n with_o respect_n to_o church-government_n appear_v contradictory_n to_o what_o his_o honourable_a friend_n j._n s._n have_v grant_v as_o be_v cite_v p._n 87._o one_a part_n viz._n that_o john_n story_n take_v occasion_n to_o give_v his_o sense_n touch_v such_o thing_n which_o g._n f._n have_v give_v forth_o on_o this_o wise_a viz._n that_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o g._n fox_n intend_v any_o such_o thing_n that_o they_o mean_v his_o paper_n direct_v to_o the_o church_n shall_v with_o severity_n be_v urge_v upon_o any_o of_o god_n faithful_a people_n but_o as_o instruction_n or_o direction_n commend_v they_o to_o the_o church_n leave_v the_o effect_n thereof_o to_o god_n and_o his_o lead_a grace_n in_o his_o people_n to_o make_v use_n thereof_o as_o he_o shall_v manifest_v a_o need_n of_o such_o direction_n counsel_n or_o advice_n thus_o far_o j._n s._n who_o sense_n herein_o appear_v contrary_a to_o w._n r_n both_o in_o respect_n to_o g._n f._n and_o to_o those_o outward_a instruction_n or_o direction_n j._n s._n grant_v also_o that_o god_n and_o his_o lead_a grace_n in_o his_o people_n may_v lead_v they_o to_o make_v use_v thereof_o as_o he_o shall_v manifest_v a_o need_n of_o such_o counsel_n or_o advice_n which_o answer_n and_o confute_v w._n r._n in_o his_o oppose_a outward_a direction_n method_n and_o form_n relate_v to_o church-government_n thus_o his_o plead_v and_o advocate_a on_o his_o honourable_a friend_n behalf_n be_v run_v to_o a_o contradiction_n to_o they_o and_o their_o sense_n as_o well_o as_o to_o himself_o in_o many_o thing_n and_o that_o on_o the_o same_o objection_n he_o make_v to_o prove_v g._n f._n and_o other_o apostate_n and_o its_o very_a much_o if_o he_o do_v not_o fly_v out_o against_o j._n s._n and_o j._n w._n as_o apostate_n also_o if_o so_o be_v they_o shall_v but_o plain_o oppose_v the_o unsoundness_n and_o inconsistency_n of_o his_o work_n which_o to_o evince_v far_o on_o the_o point_n observe_v what_o follow_v viz._n disaffect_v xxxii_o w._n r._n pag._n 73._o first_o part_n we_o now_o appeal_v unto_o every_o understanding_n ingenious_a and_o impartial_a reader_n whether_o since_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n 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
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
propose_v their_o intention_n of_o marriage_n to_o a_o meeting_n shall_v pretend_v a_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n whether_o from_o themselves_o or_o as_o they_o be_v prepossess_v by_o other_o for_o not_o propose_v it_o a_o second_o time_n and_o some_o pretend_v to_o sit_v as_o overseer_n in_o the_o meeting_n take_v part_n with_o they_o abet_v and_o plead_v for_o such_o liberty_n therein_o against_o come_v a_o second_o time_n and_o against_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o meeting_n who_o be_v tender_o and_o conscientious_o concern_v for_o that_o good_a and_o needful_a order_n of_o propose_v the_o marriage_n twice_o they_o that_o oppose_v this_o and_o plead_v a_o liberty_n to_o come_v but_o once_o be_v therein_o unsociable_a and_o what_o they_o stand_v for_o be_v not_o in_o reality_n tender_a conscience_n but_o flesh_n and_o fleshly_a will_n it_o look_v not_o like_o the_o pure_a spirit_n but_o flesh_n nor_o like_o tender_a conscience_n but_o selfwill_a and_o humour_n what!_o a_o tender_a conscience_n against_o so_o much_o patience_n temperance_n and_o due_a order_n as_o to_o forbear_v consumnate_v the_o marriage_n until_o lay_v before_o the_o meet_v a_o second_o time_n and_o that_o both_o for_o example_n to_o other_o and_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o meeting_n touch_v the_o party_n clearness_n there_o can_v be_v no_o honest_a pretence_n of_o conscience_n for_o such_o irregularity_n hasty_a and_o abrupt_a procedure_v let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o due_a order_n our_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n and_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o love_v good_a order_n now_o it_o be_v evident_a our_o present_a controversy_n lie_v not_o with_o person_n that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n scruple_n meat_n and_o esteem_v one_o day_n above_o another_o nor_o with_o such_o as_o do_v conscientious_o scruple_n to_o proceed_v with_o we_o in_o some_o outward_a matter_n of_o order_n or_o discipline_n and_o desire_v only_a to_o wait_v in_o quietness_n until_o satisfy_v by_o inward_a light_n and_o conviction_n but_o with_o some_o few_o person_n that_o think_v themselves_o strong_a and_o wise_a than_o all_o their_o brethren_n beside_o and_o thereupon_o be_v restless_a and_o turbulent_a in_o their_o opposition_n and_o gainsay_v spirit_n so_o that_o the_o case_n in_o controversy_n or_o difference_n may_v be_v in_o general_n thus_o state_v viz._n they_o cry_v out_o imposition_n too_o much_o severity_n urge_v with_o severity_n etc._n etc._n we_o complain_v of_o opposition_n against_o thing_n in_o themselves_o innocent_a and_o needful_a for_o due_a order_n and_o against_o draw_v back_o into_o a_o libertine_n spirit_n contempt_n and_o gainsaying_n in_o w._n r._n and_o a_o few_o that_o be_v his_o abettor_n they_o cry_v against_o outward_a form_n method_n and_o order_n visible_a form_n of_o church-government_n and_o discipline_n pretend_v a_o fear_n of_o get_v too_o much_o into_o the_o form_n go_v from_o the_o power_n inward_a teacher_n etc._n etc._n we_o may_v rather_o plead_v a_o fear_n of_o the_o other_o extreme_a i._n e._n that_o by_o oppose_a form_n due_a order_n and_o method_n they_o will_v be_v so_o in_o form_n confuse_a and_o void_a of_o good_a order_n due_a method_n and_o discipline_n that_o they_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o let_v up_o a_o libertine_n spirit_n looseness_n ranterism_n wilfulness_n and_o contempt_n in_o youth_n against_o the_o godly_a care_n oversight_n good_a government_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o through_o their_o neglect_n of_o true_a judgement_n due_a care_n and_o order_n they_o will_v let_v in_o ranterism_n and_o confusion_n and_o the_o spirit_n and_o anarchy_n of_o the_o ranter_n over_o they_o this_o be_v our_o serious_a sense_n and_o state_n of_o the_o case_n which_o we_o recommend_v to_o god_n faithful_a witness_n inward_a and_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o sincere_a tender-hearted_a friend_n who_o be_v zealous_a for_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o holy_a name_n and_o truth_n disaffect_v xlv_o preface_n pag._n 11_o 12_o 13._o w._n r._n on_o g._n f_o '_o s_z word_n in_o a_o letter_n from_o amsterdam_n the_o 14_o of_o the_o seven_o month_n 1677._o he_o thus_o cite_v g._n f_n word_n viz._n and_o you_o that_o have_v give_v your_o testimony_n against_o that_o spirit_n stand_v in_o your_o testimony_n till_o they_o answer_v by_o condemnation_n and_o do_v not_o strive_v and_o make_v bargain_n with_o that_o which_o be_v out_o of_o the_o truth_n against_o which_o w._n r._n proceed_v thus_o viz._n clearly_n show_v a_o design_n of_o imposition_n and_o that_o so_o far_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o obstruct_v friend_n from_o bargain_v with_o such_o who_o he_o condemn_v by_o which_o if_o his_o meaning_n be_v that_o he_o will_v not_o have_v friend_n to_o discourse_v with_o such_o nor_o yet_o to_o agree_v about_o any_o orderly_a conference_n in_o order_n to_o a_o reconciliation_n or_o hear_n of_o difference_n then_o his_o own_o practice_n afterward_o condemn_v his_o own_o direction_n in_o submit_v to_o a_o limit_v meet_v with_o i_o within_o the_o city_n of_o bristol_n in_o the_o 12_o month_n 1677._o gainsayer_n be_v to_o be_v convince_v by_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o rational_a to_o conclude_v that_o g._n f._n who_o endeavour_n that_o other_o shall_v avoid_v such_o conference_n do_v not_o give_v just_a cause_n of_o jealousy_n that_o he_o be_v of_o that_o number_n who_o the_o apostle_n repute_v ungodly_a vain_a talker_n and_o deceiver_n but_o if_o otherwise_o his_o meaning_n be_v that_o such_o who_o he_o condemn_v have_v no_o right_n to_o bargain_n buy_v or_o sell_v until_o they_o answer_v by_o condemnation_n than_o i_o may_v just_o term_v that_o to_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o the_o beast_n speak_v of_o rev._n 13._o 17._o where_o it_o be_v thus_o say_v no_o man_n may_v buy_v nor_o sell_v save_v he_o that_o have_v the_o mark_n or_o name_n of_o the_o beast_n let_v the_o reader_n take_v either_o of_o these_o two_o meaning_n for_o a_o three_o i_o can_v think_v of_o and_o it_o be_v the_o mark_n of_o a_o deceiver_n of_o such_o as_o dwell_v on_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v the_o term_n wherein_o john_n rev._n 13._o 14._o describe_v the_o beast_n he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v let_v he_o hear_v observe_v he_o give_v a_o positive_a judgement_n against_o g._n f._n as_o a_o deceiver_n upon_o his_o own_o uncertain_a supposition_n of_o his_o meaning_n and_o that_o because_o he_o can_v think_v of_o a_o three_o he_o suppose_v doubtful_o g._n f_n mean_v two_o way_n that_o be_v if_o his_o meaning_n by_o not_o make_v bargain_n be_v that_o he_o will_v not_o have_v friend_n discourse_n with_o such_o or_o not_o buy_v or_o sell_v with_o they_o conclude_v it_o must_v be_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o of_o these_o by_o bid_v the_o reader_n take_v either_o of_o these_o two_o meaning_n and_o it_o be_v the_o mark_n of_o a_o deceiver_n the_o mark_n of_o the_o beast_n etc._n etc._n he_o have_v false_o suppose_v two_o meaning_n or_o two_o if_o his_o and_o thereupon_o give_v his_o positive_a judgement_n to_o render_v g._n f._n a_o deceiver_n compare_v he_o with_o the_o beast_n and_o as_o cause_v other_o to_o receive_v his_o mark_n etc._n etc._n and_o what_o for_o but_o for_o exhort_v friend_n to_o keep_v to_o their_o testimony_n against_o that_o spirit_n to_o wit_n the_o spirit_n of_o division_n and_o separation_n and_o not_o to_o strive_v and_o make_v bargain_n with_o that_o which_o be_v out_o of_o the_o truth_n the_o true_a intent_n whereof_o be_v not_o to_o make_v peace_n with_o that_o spirit_n in_o its_o own_o term_n nor_o to_o come_v under_o it_o contrary_a to_o truth_n be_v testimony_n but_o w._n r._n turn_v the_o word_n from_o spirit_n to_o person_n whereas_o g._n f_n meaning_n can_v not_o be_v to_o forbid_v friend_n have_v any_o discourse_n or_o orderly_a conference_n for_o the_o convincement_n of_o the_o person_n mistake_v thereby_o nor_o yet_o to_o forbid_v friend_n buy_v and_o sell_v or_o trade_n with_o any_o of_o they_o therefore_o w._n r'_v suppose_v meaning_n be_v both_o false_a dark_a and_o silly_a and_o his_o positive_a judgement_n wicked_a and_o malicious_a void_a of_o all_o sincerity_n as_o well_o as_o of_o reason_n or_o good_a argument_n and_o if_o it_o be_v account_v plain_a forgery_n material_o to_o alter_v the_o sense_n of_o another_o man_n word_n as_o w._n r._n confess_v 5_o part_n p._n 84._o than_o be_v he_o himself_o guilty_a of_o plain_a forgery_n in_o this_o case_n for_o he_o have_v so_o material_o alter_v the_o sense_n and_o mean_v of_o g._n f_n word_n and_o w._n r_n comparison_n betwixt_o g._n f._n and_o the_o beast_n and_o between_o answer_v by_o condemnation_n and_o the_o mark_n of_o the_o beast_n be_v absurd_a malicious_a and_o wicked_a as_o if_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o g._n f._n in_o advise_v