we_o a_o answer_n by_o the_o bearer_n hereof_o who_o come_v on_o purpose_n to_o bring_v this_o and_o to_o receive_v a_o answer_n from_o thou_o we_o be_v thy_o friend_n thomas_n gouldney_n william_n ford._n william_n rogers_n as_o before_o be_v hint_v no_o answer_n be_v yet_o come_v which_o be_v ground_n of_o jealousy_n that_o g._n f._n be_v author_n of_o the_o say_v abusive_a letter_n to_o conclude_v my_o desire_n now_o be_v that_o every_o thing_n herein_o treat_v of_o may_v be_v weigh_v in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o then_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o it_o will_v appear_v unto_o every_o understanding_n impartial_a reader_n that_o george_n for_o have_v be_v act_v by_o a_o erroneous_a spirit_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o many_o thing_n reproachful_a to_o the_o truth_n for_o which_o he_o ought_v to_o humble_v himself_o if_o peradventure_o he_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o no_o question_n but_o god_n peculiar_a people_n 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as_o void_a it_o be_v most_o just_a and_o reasonable_a to_o declare_v that_o such_o a_o one_o have_v cut_v he_o off_o from_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n by_o depart_v from_o the_o rock_n christ_n on_o which_o preservation_n and_o help_n be_v lay_v on_o this_o score_n i_o be_o now_o concern_v in_o my_o conscience_n thus_o to_o declare_v and_o conclude_v that_o for_o sometime_o past_a g._n f._n have_v stand_v in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n from_o many_o of_o the_o lord_n people_n may_v the_o god_n of_o heaven_n give_v he_o a_o true_a sight_n and_o sense_n thereof_o unto_o repentance_n that_o so_o before_o his_o body_n be_v turn_v to_o dust_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v he_o may_v be_v restore_v into_o fellowship_n with_o they_o again_o say_v my_o soul_n bristol_n 1_o st_z day_n of_o the_o 8_o the_o month_n 1680._o william_n rogers_n the_o end_n a_o index_n of_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a matter_n treat_v on_o a_o apostasy_n a_o discovery_n of_o several_a thing_n 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part_n p._n 54._o the_o apostle_n assume_v not_o authority_n to_o give_v a_o decisive_n judgement_n in_o a_o religious_a conscientious_a case_n without_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o party_n differ_v and_o then_o they_o give_v their_o judgement_n according_a to_o the_o faith_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n unto_o who_o it_o do_v relate_v 3_o d._n part_n p._n 65_o 66._o see_v church-government_n b_o baptism_n of_o water_n be_v the_o ministration_n of_o john_n not_o to_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n 2_o d._n part_n p._n 45_o to_o 50._o the_o one_o baptism_n speak_v of_o by_o paul_n be_v the_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2_o d._n part_n p._n 50._o believer_n in_o robert_n barclay_n sense_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o positive_a sentence_n and_o decision_n of_o the_o church_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 54._o his_o sense_n and_o reason_n examine_v and_o refute_v 3_o d._n part_n p._n 54_o to_o 61._o believer_n in_o opposite_a practice_n and_o yet_o the_o christian-bond_n of_o their_o fellowship_n not_o break_v 3_o d._n part_n p._n 56._o see_v isaac_n penington_n testimony_n touch_v that_o authority_n which_o christ_n exclude_v out_o of_o his_o church_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 89_o to_o 98._o this_o sentence_n viz._n we_o must_v believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v publish_v by_o one_o call_v a_o quaker_n examine_v and_o the_o truth_n clear_v from_o such_o construction_n as_o may_v be_v erroneous_o import_v from_o thence_o 3_o d._n part_n p._n 73_o 74._o see_v 1_o st_o part_n p._n 23_o to_o 27._o c_o charity_n a_o objection_n ground_v thereon_o in_o favour_n of_o our_o opposer_n answer_v show_v fruit_n of_o weakness_n presumption_n danger_n of_o go_v beyond_o one_o gift_n exclude_v reason_n eye_v man_n and_o thing_n without_o instead_o of_o our_o inward_a teacher_n the_o reason_n why_o the_o word_n of_o life_n become_v to_o some_o the_o savour_n of_o death_n 1_o st_o part_n p._n 17_o to_o 22._o charles_n martial_n a_o subscriber_n with_o thirty-six_a more_o of_o a_o unrighteous_a paper_n on_o the_o hear_n of_o a_o debate_n between_o robert_n barclay_n and_o william_n rogers_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 128_o 129._o observation_n thereon_o manifest_v their_o error_n and_o partiality_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 137_o to_o 140._o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n a_o lawgiver_n like_v unto_o moses_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 9_o 10._o church-government_n our_o sense_n of_o our_o opposer_n mean_v touch_v church-government_n our_o denial_n of_o that_o mean_v and_o that_o no_o just_a pretence_n be_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o church-government_n to_o claim_v a_o power_n over_o property_n and_o conscience_n the_o doctrine_n of_o robert_n barclay_n import_v power_n over_o property_n and_o conscience_n refute_v and_o our_o sense_n touch_v the_o method_n of_o decide_v controversy_n lay_v down_o a_o objection_n answer_v whereby_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o acceptable_a obedience_n carry_v with_o it_o conviction_n of_o conscience_n and_o that_o christ_n encourage_v not_o his_o disciple_n to_o be_v ruler_n over_o each_o other_o 1_o st_o part_n p._n 44_o to_o 61._o see_v the_o 3_o d._n part_n p._n 35_o to_o 41._o divers_a sentence_n cite_v out_o of_o robert_n barclay_n book_n of_o government_n import_v a_o approbation_n of_o such_o a_o form_n of_o outward_a church-government_n by_o some_o of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n over_o other_o so_o term_v wherein_o they_o undertake_v to_o teach_v tradition_n exercise_v a_o authority_n to_o ordain_v appoint_v command_v and_o rule_n over_o other_o who_o duty_n in_o robert_n barclay_n sense_n it_o be_v to_o submit_v and_o that_o there_o lie_v a_o obligation_n on_o such_o as_o be_v gather_v to_o reverence_n honour_n and_o obey_v such_o as_o be_v set_v over_o they_o 3_o d._n part_n p._n 44_o 45._o the_o say_v sentence_n examine_v and_o that_o which_o be_v take_v to_o be_v his_o sense_n on_o the_o scripture_n quote_v demonstrate_v to_o be_v a_o perversion_n and_o that_o the_o word_n order_n rule_n command_v govern_n government_n tradition_n etc._n etc._n will_n not_o in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n import_v a_o obligation_n on_o any_o christian_a believer_n to_o act_v any_o thing_n relate_v to_o faith_n or_o discipline_n on_o a_o religious_a score_n whereof_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n or_o light_n in_o the_o conscience_n he_o be_v not_o persuade_v to_o be_v his_o duty_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 46_o to_o 52._o christian-quaker_n what_o he_o stand_v for_o 1_o st_o part_n p._n 27_o to_o 30._o command_v who_o be_v deem_v by_o our_o opposer_n to_o have_v power_n to_o command_v ordain_v and_o appoint_v 1_o st_o part_n p._n 6_o 7_o 8._o see_v church-government_n confidence_n the_o qualification_n of_o such_o as_o abound_v in_o confidence_n without_o either_o knowledge_n or_o zeal_n 1_o st_o part_n p._n 76._o
and_o whereas_o it_o may_v be_v say_v we_o assign_v not_o to_o man_n as_o judge_n but_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o man_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o whole_o mend_v the_o matter_n while_o the_o question_n remain_v unanswered_a who_o or_o where_o be_v the_o man_n through_o who_o the_o spirit_n appear_v to_o judge_n or_o at_o least_o so_o unanswered_a as_o not_o to_o remove_v the_o reasonable_a objection_n of_o such_o as_o may_v gainsay_v and_o so_o through_o these_o thing_n the_o mind_n of_o the_o weak_a may_v come_v to_o be_v entertain_v with_o doubtful_a disputation_n rather_o than_o those_o thing_n which_o tend_v to_o edification_n contrary_a to_o the_o drift_n and_o bent_n of_o the_o apostle_n spirit_n rom._n 14.1_o 1_o cor._n 14.26_o second_o i_o can_v yet_o cease_v from_o a_o further_a observation_n on_o the_o aforesaid_a position_n viz._n which_o positive_a sentence_n and_o decision_n may_v become_v obligatory_a on_o believer_n it_o be_v true_a the_o aforesaid_a author_n do_v not_o here_o say_v it_o ought_v to_o become_v obligatory_a upon_o believer_n yet_o to_o i_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o intend_v that_o such_o a_o sentence_n ought_v to_o become_v obligatory_a on_o believer_n see_v on_o one_o instance_n as_o proof_n to_o his_o affirmation_n he_o thus_o say_v and_o be_v not_o this_o obligatory_a on_o all_o the_o member_n &_o c_o further_n say_v with_o relation_n thereto_o i_o can_v tell_v that_o any_o man_n of_o reason_n can_v well_o deny_v this_o that_o which_o r._n b._n in_o these_o thing_n seem_v to_o drive_v at_o have_v as_o to_o i_o appear_v a_o plain_a tendency_n to_o draw_v from_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n in_o ourselves_o though_o i_o dare_v not_o be_v so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o conclude_v he_o so_o intend_v and_o if_o any_o line_n have_v drop_v from_o my_o pen_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o import_v so_o much_o i_o declare_v that_o not_o to_o be_v my_o mean_v or_o at_o least_o to_o encourage_v the_o lend_v a_o ear_n to_o the_o sense_n and_o judgement_n of_o other_o more_o than_o to_o that_o sense_n and_o savour_n which_o we_o have_v within_o ourselves_o for_o first_o by_o believer_n i_o take_v the_o aforesaid_a author_n plain_o to_o intend_v as_o well_o such_o believer_n as_o be_v no_o way_n concern_v in_o give_v forth_o such_o positive_a sentence_n or_o decision_n as_o those_o that_o be_v else_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o these_o his_o word_n and_o be_v not_o this_o obligatory_a on_o all_o the_o member_n and_o so_o such_o unconcerned_a may_v have_v no_o better_a ground_n to_o be_v at_o unity_n therewith_o than_o the_o say_n of_o other_o now_o i_o can_v tell_v how_o any_o man_n of_o reason_n can_v make_v out_o that_o this_o seem_v any_o better_a than_o this_o sort_n of_o language_n ye_o must_v believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v of_o which_o more_o anon_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v understand_v to_o reflect_v on_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v in_o any_o measure_n savour_n of_o truth_n three_o it_o do_v seem_v plain_o to_o contradict_v this_o wholesome_a testimony_n of_o and_o for_o the_o truth_n viz._n that_o the_o sentence_n and_o judgement_n of_o any_o man_n or_o man_n whatsoever_o relate_v to_o matter_n of_o conscience_n ought_v not_o at_o this_o day_n to_o be_v give_v forth_o but_o by_o way_n of_o recommendation_n to_o the_o conscience_n which_o to_o my_o knowledge_n have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n and_o when_o the_o conscience_n be_v sensible_a that_o god_n witness_v therein_o answer_v than_o the_o conscience_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v bind_v other_o bond_n may_v make_v hypocrite_n and_o busi-body_n but_o not_o good_a christian_n paul_n write_v to_o the_o corinthian_n tell_v they_o we_o recommend_v ourselves_o to_o every_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 4.2_o here_o paul_n become_v not_o a_o bond_n upon_o they_o further_o than_o they_o have_v a_o sense_n that_o god_n witness_v in_o the_o conscience_n answer_v the_o same_o paul_n tell_v the_o corinthian_n as_o before_o be_v quote_v thus_o have_v hope_n that_o when_o your_o faith_n be_v increase_v we_o shall_v be_v enlarge_v by_o you_o according_a to_o our_o rule_n abundant_o this_o do_v not_o manifest_a paul_n desire_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v walk_v according_a to_o his_o rule_n until_o their_o faith_n be_v increase_v let_v we_o now_o examine_v how_o r._n b._n by_o scripture_n prove_v that_o the_o positive_a sentence_n and_o decision_n of_o the_o church_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n may_v be_v obligatory_a upon_o believer_n for_o that_o he_o say_v i_o shall_v prove_v it_o from_o divers_a instance_n from_o scripture_n and_o in_o order_n thereto_o i_o find_v he_o to_o quote_v only_o three_o scripture_n the_o first_o be_v gal._n 1.8_o but_o though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n unto_o you_o than_o that_o which_o we_o have_v preach_v unto_o you_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v if_o this_o scripture_n be_v a_o proper_a proof_n of_o the_o matter_n then_o by_o the_o word_n we_o paul_n must_v be_v understand_v to_o mean_v the_o church_n and_o that_o in_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n sense_n now_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n sense_n as_o appear_v page_n 68_o be_v that_o such_o assembly_n be_v the_o church_n which_o in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n may_v be_v so_o term_v but_o doubtless_o paul_n be_v so_o exact_a as_o not_o to_o deliver_v any_o thing_n as_o doctrine_n but_o what_o he_o have_v see_v and_o handle_v according_a to_o this_o testimony_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n what_o we_o have_v see_v and_o handle_v of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n that_o declare_v we_o unto_o you_o which_o be_v certain_a and_o infallible_a token_n be_v more_o than_o tolerable_a supposition_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o conclude_v paul_n never_o intend_v that_o such_o who_o refuse_v to_o be_v bind_v in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n by_o the_o sentence_n of_o every_o such_o assembly_n which_o in_o any_o 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consequence_n may_v import_v the_o same_o but_o no_o such_o doctrine_n nor_o the_o import_n thereof_o by_o any_o reasonable_a consequence_n appear_v from_o the_o church_n nor_o yet_o from_o paul_n to_o the_o galatian_n or_o any_o else_o and_o since_o paul_n be_v thus_o quote_v let_v we_o inquire_v how_o paul_n do_v after_o it_o please_v god_n to_o reveal_v his_o son_n in_o he_o for_o there_o be_v apostle_n and_o elder_n before_o he_o and_o yet_o he_o say_v gal._n 1.16_o 17._o i_o consult_v not_o with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n neither_o come_v i_o again_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n before_o i_o and_o though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o a_o case_n of_o controversy_n touch_v conscience_n yet_o it_o be_v in_o a_o case_n that_o to_o he_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n and_o when_o he_o perceive_v that_o peter_n and_o other_o of_o the_o jew_n will_v have_v constrain_v the_o gentile_n to_o do_v like_o the_o jew_n he_o withstand_v peter_n to_o the_o face_n gal._n 2.11_o 13._o now_o peter_n and_o those_o other_o jew_n may_v have_v reason_v with_o paul_n and_o say_v we_o be_v the_o brethren_n and_o the_o church_n and_o our_o practice_n ought_v to_o be_v a_o bond_n on_o thou_o and_o thou_o ought_v rather_o to_o submit_v to_o we_o than_o we_o to_o thou_o but_o have_v they_o so_o do_v doubtless_o paul_n will_v still_o have_v withstand_v they_o and_o have_v be_v justify_v therein_o the_o second_o scripture_n r._n b._n quote_v be_v 1_o tim._n 1.19_o 20._o which_o thus_o say_v hold_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o some_o have_v put_v away_o concern_v faith_n have_v make_v shipwreck_n of_o who_o be_v hymeneus_n and_o allexander_n who_o i_o have_v deliver_v to_o satan_n that_o they_o may_v learn_v not_o to_o blaspheme_n what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o purpose_n to_o prove_v that_o
thing_n have_v a_o tendency_n to_o insinuate_v submission_n without_o conviction_n to_o nurture_n up_o ignorance_n instead_o of_o wisdom_n and_o to_o introduce_v bondage_n instead_o of_o freedom_n in_o christ_n as_o much_o as_o ever_o be_v under_o the_o cover_n of_o a_o black-coat_n in_o the_o dark_a night_n of_o apostasy_n where_o this_o maxim_n viz._n ignorance_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n be_v know_v to_o be_v true_a with_o respect_n to_o a_o zealous_a observation_n of_o what_o the_o clergy_n have_v impose_v and_o teach_v what_o be_v already_o signify_v may_v give_v some_o little_a taste_n of_o apostasy_n or_o innovation_n unto_o such_o as_o have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o primitive_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o true_a christian-quaker_n or_o child_n of_o light_n for_o so_o we_o be_v call_v in_o the_o beginning_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v with_o i_o a_o little_a to_o treat_v of_o one_o other_o grand_a mark_n of_o apostasy_n or_o innovation_n viz._n judge_v the_o merit_n of_o a_o cause_n without_o hear_v the_o same_o as_o before_o be_v signify_v it_o be_v the_o say_v of_o christ_n as_o i_o hear_v i_o judge_v but_o yet_o i_o be_o a_o witness_n that_o ignorance_n or_o envy_n or_o that_o which_o be_v worse_o have_v so_o abound_v as_o that_o the_o true_a christian-quaker_n have_v be_v judge_v and_o censure_v by_o such_o as_o retain_v that_o name_n but_o not_o his_o nature_n when_o see_v the_o appendix_n to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n unheard_a in_o the_o defence_n of_o himself_o and_o the_o cause_n of_o truth_n which_o he_o have_v stand_v for_o when_o i_o consider_v the_o aforesaid_a word_n of_o christ_n as_o i_o hear_v i_o judge_v john_n 5.26_o 27._o and_o that_o it_o spring_v from_o he_o who_o be_v partaker_n of_o his_o father_n life_n and_o power_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n john_n 16.30_o it_o be_v to_o i_o a_o real_a confirmation_n that_o a_o pretence_n to_o life_n power_n and_o discern_v of_o spirit_n can_v be_v sufficient_a plea_n to_o justify_v a_o practice_n contrary_a to_o that_o example_n and_o therefore_o since_o i_o know_v that_o such_o a_o pretence_n have_v be_v the_o only_a plea_n for_o that_o practice_n i_o conclude_v it_o no_o better_o than_o the_o fruit_n of_o ignorance_n or_o envy_n or_o that_o which_o be_v worse_o ignorance_n in_o those_o who_o have_v believe_v that_o outward_a minister_n be_v ordain_v of_o god_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n to_o see_v for_o the_o body_n and_o hear_v for_o the_o body_n and_o on_o that_o foot_n sign_n and_o glory_n in_o other_o man_n line_n make_v ready_a to_o their_o hand_n whether_o they_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o or_o no._n envy_n or_o that_o which_o be_v worse_o in_o such_o a_o one_o as_o have_v use_v both_o acquire_v and_o natural_a part_n from_o the_o strength_n of_o reason_n testimony_n of_o scripture_n argument_n from_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n citation_n out_o of_o ancient_n and_o modern_a writer_n as_o well_o as_o example_n of_o ancient_a father_n to_o convince_v some_o professor_n of_o christianity_n of_o their_o error_n and_o yet_o imperative_o signify_v to_o god_n friend_n every_o where_o as_o before_o be_v cite_v on_o this_o wise_a let_v not_o this_o spirit_n be_v reason_v with_o enter_v not_o into_o proposal_n and_o article_n with_o it_o but_o feed_v it_o with_o judgement_n that_o be_v god_n decree_n and_o indeed_o the_o endeavour_n of_o some_o have_v take_v such_o a_o effect_n as_o that_o the_o abuse_a party_n readiness_n to_o abide_v a_o hear_v before_o a_o competent_a number_n of_o person_n equal_o to_o be_v choose_v if_o any_o one_o have_v matter_n of_o evil_a fact_n or_o false_a doctrine_n to_o lay_v to_o their_o charge_n will_v not_o be_v accept_v but_o instead_o thereof_o a_o persevere_v to_o term_v they_o dark_a and_o rend_a spirit_n without_o evidence_a wherein_n which_o be_v far_o short_a of_o that_o justice_n which_o appear_v in_o festus_n when_o he_o direct_v the_o jewish_a informer_n against_o paul_n to_o accuse_v he_o of_o wickedness_n if_o there_o be_v any_o in_o he_o these_o thing_n consider_v what_o ingenious_a reader_n can_v conclude_v that_o person_n so_o qualify_v be_v of_o any_o better_a spirit_n than_o those_o persecute_v jew_n be_v of_o unto_o who_o the_o aforesaid_a festus_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o persecute_a paul_n say_v act_n 25.16_o it_o be_v not_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o roman_n to_o deliver_v any_o man_n to_o die_v before_o that_o he_o which_o be_v accuse_v have_v the_o accuser_n face_n to_o face_n and_o have_v licence_n to_o answer_v for_o himself_o concern_v the_o crime_n lay_v against_o he_o and_o though_o the_o testimony_n of_o festus_n run_v not_o parallel_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o take_v away_o of_o the_o natural_a life_n yet_o several_a instance_n may_v be_v produce_v to_o manifest_v that_o there_o be_v among_o the_o people_n term_v quaker_n such_o as_o practice_v so_o far_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v the_o bring_v a_o death_n upon_o the_o good_a name_n and_o reputation_n of_o the_o true_a christian-quaker_n without_o give_v opportunity_n to_o know_v whether_o they_o pretend_v to_o accuse_v of_o matter_n of_o evil_a fact_n or_o no._n these_o thing_n consider_v put_v i_o in_o mind_n to_o note_v that_o one_o great_a part_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o controversy_n be_v touch_v john_n story_n who_o in_o public_a meeting_n for_o worship_n have_v in_o my_o hear_n be_v accuse_v for_o a_o false_a prophet_n and_o when_o the_o accuser_n have_v be_v desire_v to_o prove_v he_o so_o the_o answer_n have_v be_v he_o be_v of_o a_o divide_v spirit_n and_o therefore_o a_o false_a prophet_n but_o when_o in_o answer_n it_o have_v be_v say_v as_o of_o late_o it_o have_v bring_v forth_o and_o prove_v matter_n of_o evil_a fact_n or_o false_a doctrine_n against_o he_o and_o we_o will_v disow_v he_o then_o nothing_o of_o that_o nature_n have_v be_v bring_v forth_o much_o less_o prove_v against_o he_o which_o consider_v i_o rational_o infer_v that_o such_o opposer_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n who_o in_o this_o preface_n i_o intend_v be_v guilty_a of_o one_o other_o mark_n of_o apostasy_n or_o innovation_n in_o not_o admit_v to_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n the_o rule_n of_o christ_n when_o he_o say_v you_o shall_v know_v they_o by_o their_o fruit_n matth._n 7.16_o meaning_n as_o the_o scripture_n declare_v such_o as_o be_v false_a prophet_n and_o that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o evade_v the_o rule_n prescribe_v as_o by_o christ_n sometime_o affirm_v that_o a_o good_a cause_n may_v be_v ill_o manage_v and_o a_o bad_a cause_n well_o manage_v thereby_o insinuate_v into_o ignorant_a people_n that_o though_o john_n story_n and_o his_o friend_n have_v manage_v their_o cause_n well_o while_o their_o opposer_n have_v manage_v their_o cause_n but_o ill_o yet_o that_o john_n story_n and_o his_o friend_n be_v person_n of_o bad_a spirit_n and_o their_o opposer_n person_n of_o right_a spirit_n and_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o no_o way_n doubt_v but_o that_o this_o sort_n of_o argumentation_n have_v become_v a_o defence_n and_o cover_v for_o false_a certificate_n lie_n and_o slanderous_a accusation_n whereby_o some_o have_v be_v proselyte_v to_o oppose_v the_o truth_n itself_o oh_o great_a abomination_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 and_o if_o evil_a practice_n and_o unsound_a doctrine_n pretend_v to_o be_v publish_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n shall_v admit_v of_o this_o cover_n he_o be_v notwithstanding_o of_o a_o good_a spirit_n a_o little_a religion_n and_o common_a sense_n will_v give_v a_o understanding_n of_o what_o absurdity_n and_o gross_a darkness_n may_v be_v introduce_v under_o those_o notion_n it_o be_v then_o easy_o to_o be_v discern_v that_o if_o the_o envy_n of_o a_o proud_a man_n that_o seek_v lordship_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o other_o do_v but_o once_o put_v to_o speak_v comparative_o the_o bare-skin_n upon_o the_o back_n of_o a_o friend_n in_o truth_n there_o will_v not_o be_v want_v a_o company_n of_o ignorant_a or_o envious_a person_n ready_a to_o bite_v and_o devour_v he_o and_o to_o spread_v abroad_o certificate_n of_o defamation_n right_o or_o wrong_n among_o enemy_n as_o well_o as_o friend_n according_a to_o the_o example_n give_v by_o g._n f._n when_o write_v to_o h._n s._n r._n t._n and_o another_o person_n of_o harford_n he_o thus_o say_v here_o be_v a_o certificate_n enclose_v from_o two_o of_o john_n story_n be_v neighbour_n who_o very_o well_o know_v he_o have_v be_v a_o encourager_n of_o the_o separate-meeting_a in_o westmoreland_n which_o you_o may_v show_v both_o to_o enemy_n and_o friend_n with_o the_o other_o
two_o certificate_n which_o be_v compare_v with_o what_o he_o write_v from_o amsterdam_n the_o 14_o the_o day_n of_o 7_o the_o month_n 1677._o on_o this_o wise_a and_o you_o that_o have_v give_v your_o testimony_n against_o that_o note_v by_o the_o word_n this_o spirit_n i_o take_v his_o mean_v to_o be_v j._n s._n and_o j.w._n and_o such_o as_o be_v at_o unity_n with_o they_o because_o in_o another_o paper_n i_o find_v he_o thus_o express_v himself_o viz._n this_o separate_a spirit_n of_o j._n s._n and_o j.w._n 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 clear_o 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 mean_v be_v that_o he_o will_v not_o have_v friend_n 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_v of_o difference_n than_o his_o own_o practice_n afterward_o in_o submit_v to_o a_o limit_a meeting_n with_o i_o on_o a_o particular_a occasion_n within_o the_o city_n of_o bristol_n in_o the_o 12_o the_o month_n 1677._o before_o twelve_o person_n choose_v on_o each_o side_n condemn_v his_o own_o direction_n beside_o such_o a_o mean_v from_o the_o great_a apostle_n of_o christ_n which_o doubtless_o g._n f._n be_v at_o least_o repute_v by_o many_o to_o be_v seem_v whole_o repugnant_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o say_v judas_n 3_o 4._o it_o be_v needful_a for_o i_o to_o write_v unto_o you_o that_o you_o shall_v earnest_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n for_o there_o be_v certain_a man_n creep_v in_o unaware_o viz._n ungodly_a men._n we_o also_o find_v that_o gainsayer_n according_a to_o paul_n counsel_n to_o titus_n be_v to_o be_v convince_v by_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o exhortation_n titus_n 1.9_o which_o lead_v i_o to_o query_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o room_n leave_v to_o convince_v gainsayers_a by_o sound_a doctrine_n or_o exhortation_n or_o otherwise_o earnest_o to_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n with_o such_o as_o be_v creep_v in_o unaware_o etc._n etc._n unless_o conference_n be_v admit_v with_o such_o as_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v so_o that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v make_v manifest_a to_o all_o 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 g._n f_n mean_v be_v that_o such_o who_o he_o condemn_v have_v no_o right_n to_o note_v some_o perhaps_o may_v think_v this_o a_o groundless_a insinuation_n and_o therefore_o i_o think_v meet_v thus_o to_o note_v that_o one_o of_o my_o correspondent_o high_o affect_v with_o g._n f._n and_o who_o for_o many_o year_n past_a have_v be_v partner_n with_o i_o in_o a_o merchandizing-trade_n to_o several_a part_n beyond_o the_o sea_n be_v of_o late_o come_v so_o far_o as_o on_o the_o score_n of_o my_o concern_v in_o religious_a difference_n among_o the_o aforesaid_a people_n to_o break_v off_o all_o manner_n of_o deal_v with_o i_o in_o partnership_n declare_v by_o his_o letter_n as_o a_o reason_n for_o his_o so_o do_v in_o these_o word_n i_o can_v but_o reasonable_o expect_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v against_o thou_o and_o that_o peradventure_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n i_o omit_v his_o name_n among_o other_o concern_v in_o the_o difference_n for_o the_o reason_n hereafter_o mention_v let_v now_o the_o ingenious_a and_o impartial_a reader_n consider_v whether_o this_o be_v not_o at_o lest_o next_o door_n to_o a_o discouragement_n to_o buy_v and_o sell_v with_o i_o for_o if_o all_o shall_v so_o serve_v i_o i_o shall_v be_v obstruct_v to_o proceed_v in_o that_o method_n of_o trade_n by_o which_o i_o have_v be_v enable_v not_o only_o to_o provide_v for_o my_o family_n but_o to_o administer_v to_o the_o relief_n of_o other_o also_o bargain_n buy_v or_o sell_v until_o they_o answer_v by_o condemnation_n then_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 13.17_o where_o it_o be_v thus_o say_v no_o man_n may_v buy_v or_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 revel_n 13.14_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 have_v thus_o far_o proceed_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o manifest_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o publication_n hereof_o as_o well_o as_o to_o note_v a_o few_o mark_n of_o apostasy_n or_o innovation_n that_o so_o the_o reader_n from_o the_o preface_n may_v have_v a_o little_a savour_n of_o that_o spirit_n by_o which_o the_o opposer_n of_o the_o child_n of_o light_n be_v lead_v i_o now_o come_v to_o signify_v that_o the_o further_a design_n of_o this_o preface_n be_v chief_o to_o answer_v the_o three_o follow_a query_n which_o on_o the_o perusal_n of_o the_o ensue_a treatise_n i_o be_o sensible_a from_o discourse_n already_o have_v may_v arise_v in_o the_o breast_n of_o some_o call_v quaker_n qu._n i._n why_o have_v thou_o omit_v to_o mention_v the_o name_n of_o some_o person_n and_o author_n of_o some_o book_n and_o paper_n reflect_v on_o in_o this_o treatise_n qu._n ii_o why_o have_v thou_o treat_v on_o principle_n hold_v forth_o by_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n since_o many_o book_n have_v already_o be_v give_v forth_o by_o some_o among_o they_o treat_v on_o many_o if_o not_o all_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o thou_o have_v do_v qu._n iii_o whether_o thy_o publish_v this_o treatise_n in_o print_n may_v not_o in_o probability_n give_v unto_o other_o a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o difference_n among_o we_o and_o so_o obstruct_v the_o increase_n of_o our_o meeting_n and_o the_o gather_v of_o some_o yet_o walk_v in_o the_o broad_a way_n into_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o cause_n many_o already_o gather_v thereunto_o to_o stumble_v and_o fall_v before_o i_o shall_v make_v direct_a answer_n to_o these_o query_n it_o be_v needful_a to_o inform_v the_o reader_n of_o some_o thing_n relate_v to_o orderly_o proceed_v and_o constraint_n of_o spirit_n which_o be_v consider_v may_v be_v well_o take_v for_o a_o just_a apology_n thus_o to_o appear_v in_o print_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o may_v render_v the_o direct_a answer_n more_o satisfactory_a and_o therefore_o i_o do_v first_o proceed_v to_o signify_v that_o in_o the_o year_n 1678._o the_o religious_a difference_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n be_v so_o public_o manifest_v that_o several_a of_o my_o brethren_n seem_v not_o only_o grievous_o burden_a therewith_o but_o also_o concern_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o become_v their_o burden_n may_v be_v state_v in_o write_v and_o remonstrate_v to_o such_o among_o they_o who_o as_o be_v suppose_v may_v be_v instrument_n to_o put_v a_o stop_v thereto_o this_o be_v several_a time_n treat_v on_o by_o some_o i_o be_v desire_v and_o at_o length_n it_o become_v my_o concern_v of_o conscience_n to_o put_v pen_n to_o paper_n on_o that_o subject_a which_o according_o i_o do_v until_o at_o length_n i_o complete_v a_o historical_a manuscript_n consist_v of_o three_o part_n in_o the_o first_o part_n be_v manifest_a a_o part_n of_o those_o thing_n wherein_o the_o faithful_a be_v at_o unity_n and_o by_o what_o way_n and_o mean_n that_o unity_n come_v to_o be_v break_v in_o the_o second_o part_n be_v cite_v many_o paper_n epistle_n testimony_n proceed_n and_o practice_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o disunion_n separation_n and_o division_n in_o the_o three_o part_n certain_a doctrine_n be_v treat_v on_o and_o that_o sense_n manifest_v wherein_o they_o have_v be_v and_o be_v receive_v believe_v and_o own_a among_o the_o child_n of_o light_n who_o be_v not_o affect_v to_o leave_v that_o teacher_n which_o can_v be_v remove_v into_o a_o corner_n to_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o such_o man_n who_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n do_v manifest_v they_o fallible_a have_v and_o do_v keep_v their_o place_n and_o habitation_n in_o the_o unchangeable_a truth_n after_o the_o say_a manuscript_n be_v prepare_v four_o friend_n whereof_o myself_o be_v one_o write_v unto_o george_n fox_n and_o two_o other_o person_n
viz._n that_o it_o be_v folly_n and_o hypocrisy_n to_o profess_v ourselves_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o yet_o not_o believe_v thus_o as_o the_o true_a church_n believe_v pag._n 36._o sect._n v._n what_o we_o stand_v for_o viz._n truth_n and_o righteousness_n and_o that_o christ_n government_n may_v be_v exalt_v in_o every_o heart_n under_o which_o we_o be_v instruct_v not_o to_o depend_v on_o man_n but_o on_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n grace_n page_n 27._o a_o testimony_n against_o tithe_n and_o for_o meet_v together_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n the_o neglect_n whereof_o may_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o weakness_n or_o disobedience_n page_n 28._o the_o government_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o law_n thereof_o be_v inward_a some_o part_n of_o the_o fruit_n bring_v forth_o under_o the_o say_a government_n be_v describe_v page_n 29._o a_o objection_n relate_v to_o the_o secure_v any_o part_n of_o a_o man_n estate_n on_o a_o foresight_n of_o a_o praemunire_n or_o fine_n for_o meet_v answer_v page_n 31._o sect._n vi._n on_o the_o occasion_n of_o a_o objection_n raise_v touch_v the_o sufficiciency_n of_o god_n grace_n unity_n be_v treat_v on_o from_o the_o word_n of_o paul_n to_o the_o corinthian_n that_o they_o shall_v all_o speak_v one_o thing_n page_n 36._o touch_v the_o word_n independency_n occasion_v by_o a_o public_a preacher_n page_n 38._o that_o leave_v friend_n to_o the_o grace_n light_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o lead_v into_o rantism_n page_n 42_o 43._o sect._n vii_o touch_v church_n government_n and_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n church_n government_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o opposer_n as_o we_o on_o sufficient_a ground_n take_v it_o lay_v down_o page_n 44._o our_o denial_n of_o that_o meaning_n page_n 46._o several_a scripture_n from_o whence_o a_o proof_n for_o church_n government_n have_v be_v pretend_v be_v treat_v on_o show_v that_o from_o thence_o no_o pretence_n can_v be_v to_o claim_v a_o power_n over_o conscience_n or_o outward_a property_n page_n 46_o 47._o the_o doctrine_n touch_v power_n over_o conscience_n and_o outward_a thing_n relate_v to_o meum_fw-la and_o tuum_fw-la as_o r._n b_n term_n be_v which_o we_o therefore_o call_v outward_a property_n examine_v and_o testify_v against_o as_o contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o liberty_n we_o have_v in_o christ_n jesus_n page_n 47._o our_o sense_n what_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o decision_n of_o controversy_n with_o relation_n to_o property_n between_o brother_n and_o brother_n page_n 48._o a_o objection_n raise_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o what_o be_v give_v forth_o by_o the_o spirit_n through_o the_o brethren_n aught_o to_o be_v obey_v and_o not_o account_v the_o dictate_v of_o fallible_a man_n and_o that_o if_o thou_o see_v it_o not_o thy_o duty_n to_o obey_v the_o reason_n be_v thy_o want_n of_o diligence_n and_o not_o wait_v in_o thy_o measure_n and_o so_o no_o plea_n for_o thy_o disobedience_n be_v good_a page_n 54._o the_o say_a objection_n answer_v page_n 54._o a_o examination_n from_o the_o scripture_n whether_o christ_n give_v any_o encouragement_n to_o his_o disciple_n to_o become_v ruler_n over_o one_o another_o page_n 59_o sect._n viii_o a_o manifestation_n that_o the_o variance_n have_v original_o reason_n from_o a_o different_a sense_n touch_v george_n fox_n the_o general_n meeting_n or_o woman_n meeting_n page_n 61._o sect._n ix_o a_o epistle_n evidence_v the_o qualification_n of_o such_o who_o satan_n make_v use_v of_o to_o rend_v and_o divide_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n page_n 68_o a_o paper_n give_v forth_o by_o edward_n burrough_n anno_fw-la 1661._o touch_v the_o scatter_a in_o israel_n wherein_o by_o a_o parable_n be_v lively_o describe_v a_o part_n of_o what_o have_v happen_v among_o the_o flock_n of_o god_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n pag._n 78._o the_o conclusion_n manifest_v several_a passage_n very_o material_a and_o worthy_a observation_n as_o a_o further_a discovery_n of_o the_o fruit_n and_o cause_n of_o division_n and_o in_o particular_a what_o have_v be_v the_o bait_n whereby_o george_n fox_n have_v be_v tempt_v and_o ensnare_v pag._n 85._o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n distinguish_v from_o the_o apostate_n and_o innovator_n etc._n etc._n section_n i._n the_o introduction_n wherein_o the_o case_n be_v state_v manifest_v that_o there_o be_v a_o union_n and_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o it_o come_v to_o be_v break_v to_o all_o the_o faithful_a people_n of_o god_n call_v quaker_n throughout_o this_o nation_n of_o england_n or_o else_o where_o we_o your_o brethren_n do_v send_v greeting_n in_o the_o lord_n breathe_v unto_o the_o god_n of_o our_o life_n that_o the_o same_o everlasting_a arm_n and_o power_n whereby_o we_o have_v be_v gather_v unto_o god_n and_o into_o a_o heavenly_a fellowship_n and_o union_n one_o with_o another_o in_o the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n may_v preserve_v we_o all_o to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o day_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o perfect_a love_n each_o towards_o other_o establish_v upon_o that_o sure_a rock_n of_o age_n christ_n jesus_n against_o which_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n never_o do_v can_v or_o shall_v prevail_v and_o in_o this_o love_n our_o desire_n be_v that_o the_o faithful_a unto_o who_o this_o treatise_n be_v direct_v may_v communicate_v the_o same_o unto_o other_o as_o in_o the_o wisdom_n and_o love_n of_o god_n they_o may_v see_v a_o service_n thereof_o dear_a friend_n and_o brother_n we_o be_v true_o sensible_a that_o all_o those_o who_o keep_v their_o place_n and_o habitation_n in_o the_o unchangeable_a truth_n have_v with_o we_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o many_o snare_n and_o temptation_n whereby_o satan_n have_v endeavour_v to_o betray_v the_o innocent_a who_o face_n have_v be_v zion-ward_n and_o that_o his_o most_o subtle_a invention_n have_v be_v to_o appear_v as_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n thereby_o to_o turn_v those_o who_o heart_n have_v be_v incline_v to_o follow_v the_o lord_n out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o now_o friend_n that_o which_o in_o the_o grief_n of_o our_o heart_n we_o have_v to_o signify_v to_o you_o be_v this_o we_o be_v sensible_a that_o the_o evil_a seedsman_n be_v creep_v in_o among_o many_o of_o those_o call_v quaker_n who_o as_o we_o believe_v have_v in_o day_n past_o walk_v together_o in_o true_a fellowship_n each_o with_o other_o and_o that_o in_o the_o sensible_a feel_n of_o that_o immortal_a life_n whereby_o we_o with_o they_o be_v knit_v and_o unite_v together_o as_o bone_n of_o one_o another_o bone_n and_o flesh_n of_o one_o another_o flesh_n have_v the_o evidence_n of_o such_o our_o heavenly_a union_n spring_v from_o that_o which_o neither_o the_o carnal_a eye_n nor_o the_o carnal_a ear_n can_v be_v witness_n of_o in_o order_n hereunto_o we_o have_v this_o follow_a observation_n to_o make_v that_o the_o day_n be_v wherein_o those_o very_a person_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n who_o now_o be_v at_o great_a variance_n and_o out_o of_o unity_n each_o with_o other_o be_v once_o in_o unity_n and_o therefore_o we_o think_v necessary_a to_o lay_v down_o viz._n first_o some_o part_n of_o those_o thing_n touch_v which_o the_o faithful_a be_v at_o unity_n second_o by_o what_o way_n and_o mean_n that_o unity_n come_v to_o be_v break_v and_o so_o leave_v the_o consideration_n thereof_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o who_o profess_v the_o truth_n that_o so_o in_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n they_o may_v weigh_v and_o consider_v whether_o their_o unity_n stand_v in_o the_o unchangeable_a truth_n and_o which_o of_o these_o party_n now_o at_o variance_n deviate_v therefrom_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o observation_n do_v lead_v we_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o first_o particular_a thus_o to_o testify_v viz._n that_o about_o twenty_o six_o year_n past_a it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o send_v forth_o many_o faithful_a labourer_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n jesus_n who_o in_o his_o name_n dread_a and_o power_n testify_v that_o their_o call_v be_v not_o of_o man_z but_o of_o god_n and_o that_o their_o message_n be_v both_o to_o the_o professor_n and_o to_o the_o profane_a to_o the_o profane_a cry_v on_o this_o wise_a turn_v from_o the_o evil_a of_o your_o way_n and_o do_n and_o meet_v the_o lord_n by_o sudden_a repentance_n of_o your_o open_a transgression_n to_o the_o professor_n who_o be_v not_o in_o the_o common_a pollution_n of_o the_o world_n on_o this_o wise_a your_o outward_a form_n your_o outward_a ordinance_n and_o outward_a church_n fellowship_n they_o be_v even_o but_o as_o rudiment_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o lord_n have_v no_o regard_n thereto_o and_n to_o both_o of_o they_o turn_v in_o your_o mind_n to_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n that_o shine_v in_o your_o conscience_n exalt_v the_o measure_n
and_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v lead_v into_o rantism_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o care_n of_o faithful_a brethren_n to_o appear_v as_o watchman_n over_o the_o flock_n that_o so_o none_o under_o pretence_n of_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o light_n may_v run_v into_o looseness_n lightness_n and_o vanity_n say_v the_o light_n in_o my_o conscience_n condemn_v i_o not_o to_o this_o we_o say_v the_o lord_n rebuke_v that_o spirit_n that_o do_v so_o much_o as_o jealous_a that_o leave_v people_n to_o the_o light_n may_v lead_v into_o rantism_n such_o a_o sugestion_n be_v notorious_o wicked_a since_o the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n have_v be_v unto_o which_o we_o this_o day_n bear_v record_n that_o the_o light_n be_v a_o reprover_n of_o all_o sin_n and_o as_o to_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o objection_n we_o say_v that_o those_o who_o be_v true_a watchman_n will_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v use_v their_o endeavour_n to_o bring_v the_o flock_n to_o the_o light_n to_o prove_v their_o deed_n whether_o they_o be_v wrought_v in_o god_n and_o not_o to_o paper_n rather_o than_o to_o the_o light_n as_o know_v this_o that_o every_o work_n and_o word_n bring_v forth_o by_o man_n be_v but_o the_o effect_n of_o what_o be_v first_o wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n which_o nothing_o outward_a can_v be_v a_o bond_n upon_o to_o alter_v and_o change_v and_o if_o we_o do_v but_o consider_v how_o fruitless_a in_o day_n and_o year_n that_o be_v past_a as_o well_o as_o in_o this_o present_a age_n all_o man_n outward_a endeavour_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o church-government_n have_v be_v to_o preserve_v in_o a_o real_a true_a heavenly_a society_n it_o appear_v to_o we_o as_o a_o mere_a badge_n of_o apostasy_n for_o any_o to_o have_v a_o dependency_n on_o any_o such_o mean_n of_o preservation_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v jealouse_v some_o may_v run_v into_o looseness_n and_o say_v the_o light_n in_o my_o conscience_n condemn_v i_o not_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o care_n of_o faithful_a brethren_n to_o appear_v as_o watchman_n over_o the_o flock_n we_o say_v so_o too_o and_o those_o who_o approve_v themselves_o watchman_n will_v endeavour_v to_o convince_v such_o who_o in_o very_a deed_n run_v into_o looseness_n etc._n etc._n that_o though_o they_o may_v pretend_v the_o light_n condemn_v they_o not_o yet_o that_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a and_o that_o the_o light_n do_v condemn_v that_o same_o though_o they_o may_v be_v harden_v and_o see_v it_o not_o and_o so_o endeavour_v to_o awaken_v the_o conscience_n that_o god_n witness_n may_v be_v hear_v for_o that_o nothing_o that_o be_v outward_a can_v be_v a_o bond_n on_o such_o a_o one_o to_o forsake_v his_o sin_n and_o embrace_v the_o truth_n sect_n vii_o touch_v church-government_n and_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 as_o we_o on_o sufficient_a ground_n take_v it_o lay_v down_o our_o denial_n of_o that_o meaning_n several_a scripture_n from_o whence_o a_o proof_n for_o church-government_n have_v be_v pretend_v be_v treat_v on_o show_v that_o from_o thence_o no_o pretence_n can_v be_v to_o claim_v a_o power_n over_o conscience_n or_o outward_a property_n the_o doctrine_n touch_v power_n over_o conscience_n and_o outward_a thing_n relate_v to_o meum_fw-la and_o tuum_fw-la as_o the_o author_n term_n be_v which_o we_o therefore_o call_v outward_a property_n examine_v and_o testify_v against_o as_o contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o liberty_n we_o have_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o sense_n what_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o decision_n of_o controversy_n with_o relation_n to_o property_n between_o brother_n and_o brother_n a_o objection_n raise_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o what_o be_v give_v forth_o by_o the_o spirit_n through_o the_o brethren_n aught_o to_o be_v obey_v and_o not_o account_v the_o dictate_v of_o fallible_a man_n and_o that_o if_o thou_o see_v it_o not_o thy_o duty_n to_o obey_v the_o reason_n be_v thy_o want_n of_o diligence_n and_o not_o wait_v in_o thy_o measure_n and_o so_o no_o plea_n for_o thy_o disobedience_n be_v good_n the_o say_a objection_n answer_v a_o examination_n from_o the_o scripture_n whether_o christ_n give_v any_o encouragement_n to_o his_o disciple_n to_o become_v ruler_n over_o one_o another_o this_o kind_n of_o discourse_n we_o be_v ready_a to_o suppose_v may_v at_o length_n occasion_n from_o some_o such_o a_o objection_n as_o this_o object_n what_o be_v you_o not_o for_o church-government_n answ_n to_o this_o we_o say_v we_o be_v for_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n know_v it_o be_v his_o right_n to_o govern_v his_o church_n obj._n this_n may_n some_o say_v be_v a_o evasive_a answer_n to_o the_o question_n and_o therefore_o may_v again_o reply_v be_v plain_a and_o tell_v we_o be_v you_o for_o church-government_n answ_n for_o answer_v than_o we_o say_v we_o ought_v to_o ask_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o word_n church-government_n since_o we_o find_v not_o the_o word_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n and_o it_o be_v a_o word_n most_o use_v under_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n by_o such_o who_o have_v become_v persecutor_n we_o be_v the_o more_o jealous_a that_o corruption_n usurpation_n and_o injustice_n may_v creep_v in_o by_o such_o who_o contend_v so_o much_o for_o church-government_n with_o respect_n to_o outward_o form_n of_o government_n since_o the_o form_n some_o take_v to_o govern_v be_v in_o some_o respect_n worse_o than_o the_o form_n of_o divers_a apostate_n christian_n take_v this_o for_o one_o instance_n among_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v give_v viz._n judge_v the_o merit_n of_o a_o cause_n without_o hear_v both_o party_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_o evidence_v by_o the_o give_v forth_o that_o paper_n from_o ellis_n hook_n his_o chamber_n london_n the_o twelve_o of_o the_o four_o month_n 1677._o and_o subscribe_v by_o charles_n marshal_n and_o sixty_o five_o person_n more_o against_o two_o ancient_a and_o honourable_a brethren_n viz._n john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n though_o not_o then_o present_a to_o speak_v for_o themselves_o nor_o yet_o ever_o speak_v to_o by_o many_o of_o the_o say_v sixty_o six_o touch_v any_o evil_n lay_v to_o their_o charge_n beside_o we_o do_v know_v that_o many_o of_o our_o opposer_n who_o appear_v to_o we_o high_o affect_v with_o church-government_n as_o in_o their_o account_n be_v establish_v among_o we_o and_o that_o with_o respect_n to_o outward_a form_n do_v in_o a_o high_a decree_n manifest_v a_o spirit_n of_o persecution_n by_o endeavour_v to_o take_v away_o the_o good_a name_n of_o honest_a man_n by_o lie_n slander_n and_o false_a accusation_n wherein_o our_o opposer_n have_v be_v to_o our_o certain_a knowledge_n so_o industrious_a as_o that_o we_o have_v scarcy_o know_v their_o peer_n in_o that_o evil_a work_n which_o in_o many_o section_n of_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o first_o manuscript_n make_v mention_n of_o in_o the_o preface_n particular_o the_o 13_o 18_o 12_o 22th_o be_v lareg_o evidence_v and_o ready_a for_o the_o view_n of_o any_o friend_n that_o may_v desire_v the_o perusal_n thereof_o though_o for_o the_o reason_n mention_v in_o the_o preface_n not_o herewith_o publish_v 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 to_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 if_o this_o be_v 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 as_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o believe_v it_o be_v not_o only_o from_o r._n b_n book_n of_o government_n but_o also_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v or_o propagate_v by_o other_o which_o we_o be_v persuade_v will_v appear_v to_o all_o impartial_a reader_n who_o shall_v diligent_o and_o in_o a_o unprejudiced_a spirit_n weigh_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o say_v first_o manuscript_n mention_v in_o the_o preface_n which_o as_o we_o say_v before_o be_v ready_a for_o the_o perusal_n of_o any_o friend_n desire_v so_o to_o do_v though_o for_o the_o reason_n mention_v in_o the_o preface_n not_o herewith_o publish_v we_o then_o direct_o answer_v we_o be_v not_o for_o such_o a_o church-government_n this_o subject_a whereof_o we_o be_v now_o treat_v be_v as_o some_o may_n comparative_o say_v the_o very_a hinge_v on_o which_o the_o present_a controversy_n seem_v to_o depend_v 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
and_o by_o his_o spirit_n we_o come_v to_o be_v baptize_v into_o one_o body_n and_o so_o be_v centre_v into_o the_o heavenly_a fellowship_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o as_o for_o thy_o say_n a_o belief_n in_o certain_a principle_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n necessary_o depend_v thereon_o be_v the_o term_n and_o very_a bond_n by_o which_o we_o become_v centre_v into_o one_o body_n and_o the_o cause_n that_o gather_v we_o this_o be_v not_o only_o wrong_v in_o itself_o though_o as_o be_v say_v before_o they_o may_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o bond_n but_o exact_o like_o the_o false_a church_n in_o the_o world_n papist_n and_o protestant_n of_o all_o sort_n in_o the_o apostasy_n have_v outward_a mark_n and_o token_n as_o be_v either_o of_o such_o a_o order_n or_o have_v such_o a_o commission_n or_o as_o believe_v in_o such_o principle_n and_o submit_v to_o such_o practice_n and_o the_o like_a by_o which_o the_o member_n of_o their_o church_n be_v describe_v and_o therefore_o be_v it_o that_o among_o those_o there_o be_v outward_a society_n of_o man_n certain_o know_v as_o aforesaid_a according_a to_o the_o various_a manner_n and_o way_n which_o their_o principle_n admit_v and_o allow_v of_o which_o be_v term_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o these_o have_v many_o outward_a order_n rule_n prescription_n ordinance_n decree_n or_o law_n for_o the_o establishment_n and_o preservation_n of_o their_o outward_a society_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o constitution_n may_v become_v fit_a mean_n for_o the_o conservation_n thereof_o but_o inasmuch_o as_o the_o belief_n of_o certain_a principle_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n necessary_o depend_v thereon_o be_v not_o the_o very_a term_n or_o bond_n to_o unite_v any_o in_o outward_a assembly_n whereby_o to_o assume_v unto_o themselves_o the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o that_o if_o hold_v in_o a_o pure_a mind_n which_o be_v in_o the_o best_a sense_n they_o be_v but_o the_o fruit_n of_o that_o bond_n and_o when_o hold_v in_o a_o impure_a mind_n be_v no_o indication_n that_o such_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n church_n i_o can_v but_o say_v it_o be_v against_o right_a reason_n for_o any_o to_o prescribe_v and_o establish_v outward_a indispensable_a rule_n and_o order_n relate_v to_o the_o conscience_n and_o in_o order_n to_o be_v a_o bond_n thereon_o for_o the_o conservation_n of_o christ_n body_n since_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o most_o certain_a and_o infallible_a mark_n of_o membership_n in_o the_o say_a body_n be_v invisible_a to_o the_o outward_a man_n though_o feel_v and_o know_v to_o the_o inward_a man_n of_o the_o heart_n for_o though_o action_n outward_o just_a be_v many_o time_n the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o be_v not_o always_o certain_a token_n that_o those_o through_o who_o they_o appear_v be_v member_n of_o christ_n body_n but_o those_o who_o be_v circumcise_a in_o heart_n and_o have_v the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n be_v the_o very_a member_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o therefore_o the_o most_o proper_a mean_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o such_o member_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o as_o member_n of_o one_o body_n be_v that_o whereby_o they_o come_v to_o be_v circumcise_a in_o heart_n and_o gather_v unto_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o spirit_n and_o arm_v of_o god_n power_n which_o surround_v all_o those_o that_o wait_v upon_o he_o and_o have_v a_o daily_a dependence_n upon_o the_o lord_n with_o the_o mind_n inward_o stay_v in_o the_o measure_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o the_o apostle_n say_v be_v sufficient_a for_o they_o and_o thus_o the_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n will_v be_v witness_v continual_o in_o which_o every_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n come_v to_o be_v center_a into_o a_o heavenly_a fellowship_n and_o communion_n each_o with_o other_o in_o the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n the_o next_o thing_n i_o shall_v examine_v be_v whether_o r._n b_n affirmative_a answer_n to_o this_o question_n viz._n whether_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v power_n in_o any_o case_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n to_o give_v postive_a sentence_n and_o decision_n which_o may_v be_v obligatory_a upon_o believer_n be_v agreeable_a to_o truth_n and_o sound_a doctrine_n my_o observation_n hereon_o be_v this_o that_o he_o have_v not_o here_o adjoin_v inward_a conviction_n whereby_o they_o may_v find_v clearness_n in_o themselves_o to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n as_o necessary_a to_o the_o obligation_n he_o intend_v and_o inasmuch_o as_o nothing_o without_o a_o inward_a clearness_n and_o conviction_n can_v become_v a_o real_a and_o acceptable_a bond_n upon_o a_o believer_n to_o be_v at_o unity_n with_o his_o brethren_n in_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o thing_n relate_v to_o conscience_n and_o that_o those_o who_o be_v find_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o other_o man_n line_n before_o they_o have_v faith_n therein_o may_v oft_o time_n run_v into_o the_o sin_n of_o hypocrisy_n even_o as_o other_o may_n into_o the_o sin_n of_o negligence_n who_o through_o unwatchfulness_n to_o their_o own_o measure_n want_v clearness_n of_o sight_n and_o understanding_n to_o practice_v and_o join_v with_o those_o thing_n which_o other_o waiting_z in_o their_o own_o measure_n may_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v lead_v into_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o say_v that_o the_o scope_n and_o bend_v of_o his_o spirit_n so_o far_o as_o from_o his_o word_n i_o can_v savour_n in_o relation_n to_o this_o matter_n be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o since_o it_o be_v so_o as_o r._n b._n observe_v page_n 35._o that_o god_n have_v not_o give_v we_o our_o reason_n to_o no_o purpose_n i_o shall_v according_a to_o the_o line_n of_o right_a reason_n a_o little_a further_o observe_v first_o i_o find_v r._n b._n treat_v in_o his_o seven_o section_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o decision_n thus_o to_o say_v page_z 66._o the_o only_a proper_a judge_n of_o controversy_n in_o the_o church_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o decide_v sole_o lie_v in_o it_o as_o have_v the_o only_a infallible_a judgement_n belong_v to_o it_o which_o infallibility_n be_v not_o necessary_o annex_v to_o any_o person_n person_n or_o place_n whatsoever_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o office_n place_n or_o station_n any_o one_o may_v have_v or_o have_v have_v in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o any_o have_v ground_n to_o reason_n thus_o because_o i_o be_o or_o have_v be_v such_o a_o eminent_a member_n therefore_o my_o judgement_n be_v infallible_a or_o because_o we_o be_v the_o great_a number_n or_o that_o we_o live_v in_o such_o a_o note_a or_o famous_a place_n or_o the_o like_a though_o some_o of_o these_o reason_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v their_o true_a weight_n in_o case_n of_o contradictory_n assertion_n thus_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n from_o all_o which_o two_o thing_n be_v observable_a first_o that_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n account_v the_o spirit_n the_o only_a judge_n second_o that_o though_o he_o affirm_v that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v power_n in_o case_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n to_o give_v positive_a sentence_n and_o decision_n which_o may_v be_v obligatory_a upon_o believer_n yet_o through_o his_o whole_a treatise_n i_o find_v not_o that_o he_o have_v describe_v who_o be_v the_o person_n that_o be_v the_o church_n and_o where_o those_o person_n do_v usual_o assemble_v as_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o though_o my_o very_a soul_n abhor_v light_o to_o esteem_v of_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n or_o to_o undervalue_v the_o power_n the_o church_n of_o god_n either_o stand_v in_o or_o be_v endue_v with_o yet_o since_o i_o do_v know_v how_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o any_o to_o burden_n the_o conscience_n of_o god_n people_n though_o under_o ever_o so_o specious_a pretence_n and_o that_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n we_o mean_v visible_a person_n distinguish_v as_o outward_a person_n by_o name_n that_o may_v be_v know_v to_o the_o outward_a man_n though_o as_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n distinguish_v not_o by_o such_o name_n but_o by_o that_o name_n which_o be_v write_v in_o heaven_n and_o know_v to_o the_o inward_a man_n i_o can_v but_o query_n to_o what_o end_n do_v the_o aforesaid_a author_n assign_v the_o decision_n of_o case_n of_o conscience_n which_o be_v matter_n certain_o to_o be_v know_v so_o as_o to_o be_v bind_v on_o believer_n to_o judge_n so_o describe_v as_o that_o a_o great_a controversy_n may_v immediate_o arise_v upon_o the_o ask_n of_o this_o question_n who_o or_o where_o those_o man_n be_v this_o instead_o of_o remove_v one_o difference_n or_o clear_v one_o doubt_n may_v beget_v more_o
boldness_n affirm_v he_o can_v but_o then_o appear_v guilty_a of_o great_a confusion_n a_o taste_n whereof_o the_o reader_n may_v have_v by_o due_o weigh_v my_o 6_o and_o 9th_o observation_n annex_v to_o this_o his_o postscript_n i_o have_v never_o find_v occasion_n to_o repent_v or_o retract_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o matter_n or_o principle_n there_o assert_v by_o i_o but_o have_v the_o testimony_n and_o approbation_n of_o god_n light_n and_o spirit_n in_o my_o heart_n for_o my_o work_n and_o service_n in_o that_o matter_n moreover_o albeit_o i_o labour_v with_o all_o the_o care_n and_o circumspection_n i_o can_v so_o to_o express_v myself_o as_o not_o to_o offend_v in_o a_o word_n yet_o have_v i_o know_v or_o can_v have_v foresee_v that_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o word_v or_o express_v thereof_o will_v have_v stumble_v or_o hurt_v any_o i_o have_v that_o tenderness_n and_o hope_n always_o to_o have_v to_o the_o least_o of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n that_o i_o will_v have_v rather_o omit_v or_o change_v any_o such_o word_n or_o expression_n than_o minister_v they_o any_o occasion_n of_o dissatisfaction_n and_o therefore_o i_o be_v not_o a_o little_a surprise_v when_o i_o understand_v that_o several_a sheet_n of_o paper_n be_v spread_v abroad_o in_o opposition_n to_o that_o book_n of_o i_o at_o a_o time_n when_o i_o be_v whole_o a_o stranger_n to_o these_o proceed_n by_o reason_n of_o my_o imprisonment_n for_o the_o truth_n sake_n especial_o w._n r._n a_o person_n who_o not_o only_o to_o myself_o but_o afterward_o before_o many_o witness_n profess_v a_o singular_a respect_n and_o friendship_n to_o i_o print_n i_o i_o the_o reason_n of_o spread_v my_o answer_n to_o a_o part_n of_o his_o book_n of_o government_n before_o it_o be_v send_v to_o he_o be_v these_o first_o i_o be_v concern_v in_o conscience_n to_o detect_v the_o error_n as_o expeditious_o as_o i_o can_v second_o i_o do_v not_o know_v where_o to_o send_v unto_o he_o suppose_v that_o at_o that_o time_n he_o be_v beyond_o the_o sea_n and_o though_o it_o be_v say_v in_o a_o letter_n which_o be_v pretend_v to_o he_o i_o though_o never_o sign_v nor_o publish_v by_o i_o of_o which_o more_o anon_o that_o my_o publish_n thereof_o before_o i_o give_v r._n b._n notice_n of_o my_o objection_n and_o intention_n therein_o be_v not_o according_a to_o gospel_n order_n yet_o i_o disow_v that_o expression_n because_o it_o can_v be_v contrary_a to_o gospel_n order_n to_o detect_v by_o writing_n error_n relate_v to_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n that_o be_v in_o print_n and_o yet_o without_o once_o acquaint_v i_o observation_n w._n r_n second_o observation_n now_o what_o follow_v upon_o my_o meeting_n with_o that_o person_n at_o london_n near_o two_o year_n ago_o will_v appear_v by_o a_o copy_n of_o w._n r_n own_o letter_n annex_v hereto_o and_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o brethren_n who_o be_v witness_n to_o that_o transaction_n so_o that_o rest_v thereupon_o in_o my_o own_o innocency_n especial_o since_o those_o in_o such_o place_n where_o the_o great_a dissatisfaction_n be_v say_v to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n signify_v to_o i_o their_o satisfaction_n i_o forbear_v hitherto_o to_o meddle_v any_o more_o in_o that_o matter_n hope_v it_o may_v have_v dye_v of_o itself_o and_o be_v conscientious_o gather_v in_o that_o spirit_n wherein_o i_o desire_v rather_o to_o bear_v than_o by_o seek_v too_o earnest_o to_o vindicate_v myself_o any_o way_n advance_v or_o foment_n controversy_n among_o friend_n by_o multiply_a paper_n have_v some_o hope_n he_o may_v according_a to_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o brethren_n have_v call_v in_o his_o paper_n and_o as_o to_o what_o relate_v to_o i_o i_o i_o i_o if_o that_o pretend_a letter_n of_o i_o express_v my_o satisfaction_n as_o to_o the_o soundness_n of_o his_o principle_n and_o his_o sense_n of_o thing_n scruple_v yet_o there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n in_o the_o say_a letter_n signify_v that_o i_o mistake_v his_o book_n and_o if_o upon_o the_o debate_n of_o that_o matter_n r._n b._n in_o word_n declare_v himself_o otherwise_o principled_a than_o his_o book_n teach_v yet_o i_o can_v but_o now_o say_v he_o have_v give_v i_o just_a occasion_n to_o impeach_v he_o for_o a_o man_n of_o a_o stretch_a conscience_n in_o say_v as_o aforesaid_a thus_o i_o have_v never_o find_v occasion_n to_o repent_v or_o retract_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o matter_n or_o principle_n there_o assert_v by_o i_o his_o letter_n suffice_v observation_n w._n r_n three_o observation_n wherein_o he_o express_v my_o sense_n of_o the_o thing_n scruple_v by_o he_o to_o his_o own_o satisfaction_n and_o his_o belief_n of_o the_o soundness_n of_o my_o principle_n and_o true_o i_o have_v be_v so_o willing_a to_o starve_v that_o spirit_n that_o have_v any_o life_n in_o division_n or_o controversy_n of_o this_o kind_n either_o in_o myself_o or_o other_o that_o since_o i_o read_v those_o paper_n of_o w._n r._n at_o london_n now_o near_o two_o year_n ago_o i_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o once_o look_v out_o upon_o they_o until_o now_o and_o albeit_o i_o may_v have_v mention_v that_o transaction_n without_o any_o disadvantage_n to_o myself_o but_o otherwise_o as_o most_o if_o not_o all_o at_o present_a can_v testify_v yea_o w._n r'_v own_o letter_n do_v import_v thereon_o import_v import_v r._n b._n now_o seem_v to_o proclaim_v his_o own_o virtue_n in_o not_o mention_v unless_o on_o enquiry_n the_o matter_n between_o we_o insinuate_a that_o he_o may_v have_v mention_v it_o without_o any_o disadvantage_n to_o himself_o and_o that_o in_o my_o own_o letter_n i_o import_v so_o much_o this_o i_o affirm_v be_v but_o a_o further_a confirmation_n to_o i_o of_o his_o stretch_a conscience_n take_v liberty_n to_o vindicate_v himself_o from_o that_o which_o forever_o will_v lie_v upon_o he_o to_o his_o just_a defamation_n until_o he_o repent_v as_o can_v but_o appear_v to_o every_o impartial_a and_o understand_a reader_n who_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o peruse_v his_o book_n of_o government_n my_o answer_n and_o his_o explanatory_a postscript_n with_o the_o observation_n thereon_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v observation_n w._n r_n four_o observation_n that_o i_o do_v ever_o so_o much_o as_o once_o mention_v it_o to_o any_o unless_o their_o inquiry_n occasion_v it_o yea_o i_o have_v whole_o conceal_v it_o to_o this_o day_n from_o divers_a friend_n in_o who_o i_o be_o near_o concern_v and_o who_o i_o know_v will_v be_v very_o apt_a to_o justify_v and_o commend_v my_o whole_a proceedure_n in_o that_o matter_n so_o unwilling_a be_v i_o to_o fill_v the_o mind_n of_o any_o with_o such_o thing_n be_v otherways_o weighty_o concern_v as_o well_o with_o the_o inward_a work_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o my_o own_o soul_n as_o in_o those_o concern_v of_o truth_n prosperity_n both_o abroad_o where_o i_o have_v a_o service_n and_o at_o home_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o present_a continue_v suffer_v friend_n lie_v under_o 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thereof_o as_o give_v to_o every_o man_n to_o profit_v withal_o to_o be_v that_o law_n that_o order_n that_o rule_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o which_o every_o one_o respective_o aught_o to_o be_v subject_n and_o yield_v obedience_n not_o by_o constraint_n but_o of_o a_o willing_a mind_n and_o that_o for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o as_o we_o be_v so_o subject_a we_o become_v member_n of_o that_o body_n against_o which_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n never_o do_v or_o can_v prevail_v nor_o yet_o against_o any_o one_o member_n thereof_o while_o abide_v on_o the_o rock_n christ_n which_o be_v that_o body_n the_o unworthy_a eater_n discern_v not_o and_o thus_o for_o many_o year_n it_o continue_v among_o the_o friend_n of_o truth_n or_o child_n of_o light_n for_o so_o be_v we_o call_v in_o the_o beginning_n magnify_v by_o their_o testimony_n obedience_n unto_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n which_o as_o the_o scripture_n testify_v light_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n as_o the_o only_a rule_n and_o governor_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n unto_o which_o whosoever_o take_v heed_n and_o be_v obedient_a be_v esteem_v to_o live_v under_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n know_v and_o believe_v that_o as_o christ_n come_n be_v to_o be_v wait_v for_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o man_n so_o there_o his_o government_n to_o be_v exalt_v and_o that_o whosoever_o shall_v endeavour_v by_o outward_a way_n and_o mean_n to_o establish_v a_o outward_a government_n and_o outward_a rule_n order_n law_n or_o prescription_n over_o the_o heritage_n of_o god_n under_o the_o notion_n or_o pretence_n of_o christ_n government_n will_v be_v find_v invader_n of_o christ_n prerogative_n and_o build_v the_o thing_n which_o in_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n have_v be_v often_o testify_v against_o as_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o first_o covenant_n than_o the_o second_o under_o which_o we_o be_v and_o 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person_n who_o may_v not_o be_v sensible_a of_o such_o a_o variance_n hint_v at_o viz._n how_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o great_a difference_n and_o dis-union_n to_o this_o we_o say_v the_o public_a testimoneis_n of_o many_o person_n in_o those_o public_a meeting_n for_o worship_n where_o we_o have_v be_v conversant_a and_o that_o when_o many_o other_o not_o under_o the_o same_o profession_n with_o we_o have_v be_v present_a against_o dark_a bad_a leaven_a rend_a divide_v or_o separate_a spirit_n with_o application_n to_o such_o who_o be_v under_o the_o profession_n of_o truth_n and_o as_o we_o believe_v have_v bear_v the_o brunt_n and_o heat_n of_o the_o day_n and_o do_v yet_o continue_v unchanged_a as_o to_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o as_o blameless_a in_o life_n and_o conversation_n as_o ever_o they_o be_v in_o day_n past_a when_o their_o opposer_n be_v at_o unity_n with_o they_o so_o far_o as_o we_o know_v do_v evident_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o 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upon_o some_o other_o to_o obey_v and_o submit_v and_o that_o such_o as_o be_v in_o the_o true_a feel_n and_o sense_n will_v find_v it_o their_o place_n to_o obey_v and_o be_v one_o with_o the_o church_n in_o such_o like_a case_n and_o that_o its_o such_o that_o have_v lose_v their_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o body_n that_o descent_n and_o be_v disobedient_a under_o the_o false_a pretence_n of_o liberty_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v first_o that_o general_n meeting_n do_v usual_o consist_v only_o of_o such_o person_n as_o pretend_v a_o freedom_n in_o their_o spirit_n to_o go_v thither_o or_o have_v outward_a business_n call_v they_o to_o the_o place_n where_o it_o be_v usual_o hold_v and_o though_o it_o have_v be_v account_v a_o meeting_n of_o minister_a friend_n yet_o of_o late_a year_n we_o be_v very_o certain_a it_o have_v consist_v and_o so_o for_o the_o future_a may_v of_o some_o other_o person_n profess_v the_o truth_n that_o will_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o 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friend_n in_o the_o beginning_n be_v turn_v to_o the_o light_n in_o their_o own_o conscience_n as_o their_o guide_n but_o when_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o gather_v so_o great_a a_o number_n into_o the_o knowledge_n and_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n as_o be_v in_o few_o year_n gather_v than_o the_o heavenly_a motion_n come_v upon_o g._n f._n as_o the_o lord_n anoint_v and_o choose_v have_v the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n as_o be_v the_o great_a apostle_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o as_o one_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v ordain_v to_o be_v in_o that_o place_n among_o the_o child_n of_o light_n in_o this_o our_o day_n as_o moses_n be_v among_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o his_o day_n to_o set_v forth_o method_n and_o form_n of_o church_n government_n and_o to_o establish_v monthly_o and_o quarterly_o meeting_n of_o man_n and_o of_o woman_n distinct_a from_o man_n and_o these_o meeting_n since_o be_v call_v the_o church_n who_o counsel_n advice_n and_o judgement_n as_o occasion_n 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three_o position_n seem_v to_o be_v deducible_a first_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v ordain_v g._n f._n to_o be_v in_o that_o place_n among_o the_o child_n of_o light_n in_o this_o our_o day_n as_o moses_n be_v among_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o his_o day_n second_o that_o monthly_a and_o quarterly_a meeting_n be_v call_v the_o church_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v submit_v to_o three_o that_o it_o be_v folly_n and_o hypocrisy_n to_o profess_v ourselves_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o yet_o not_o believe_v thus_o as_o the_o true_a church_n believe_v sect_n ii_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o position_n deducible_a from_o a_o objection_n raise_v towards_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o first_o section_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v ordain_v g._n f._n to_o be_v in_o that_o place_n among_o the_o child_n of_o light_n in_o this_o our_o day_n as_o moses_n be_v among_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o his_o day_n the_o lord_n under_o the_o first_o covenant_n promise_v to_o 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