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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
spirit_n abate_v able_a great_a 39 3 2.3964 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A57582 The Christian-Quaker distinguished from the apostate & innovator in five parts, wherein religious differences amongst the people termed in derision Quakers, are treated on : George Fox one (at least, if not the chief) reputed author thereof, is deducted : doctrines of truth owned by the children of light (and cleared from objections) are laid down according to Holy Scriptures and revelation of the Spirit / by William Rogers, on behalf of himself and other friends in truth concerned. Rogers, William, d. ca. 1709. 1680 (1680) Wing R1858; ESTC R17833 416,424 648

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f._n against_o william_n rogers_n and_o vilify_v he_o to_o one_o not_o relate_v to_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n take_v no_o care_n first_o to_o speak_v with_o he_o to_o know_v what_o he_o can_v say_v for_o himself_o neither_o have_v g._n f._n clear_v himself_o from_o be_v the_o author_n of_o that_o scandalous_a paper_n before_o cite_v subscribe_v s._n h._n though_o by_o a_o letter_n write_v to_o he_o the_o 11_o of_o the_o 11_o mo._n 1678_o by_o thomas_n gouldney_n william_n ford_n and_o william_n rogers_n they_o manifest_v their_o jealousy_n that_o he_o be_v not_o unacquainted_a with_o the_o person_n that_o write_v it_o and_o so_o desire_v he_o to_o advise_v who_o it_o be_v if_o he_o know_v say_v truth_n seek_v no_o corner_n thus_o far_o the_o citation_n out_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a manuscript_n it_o be_v now_o worthy_a the_o reader_n be_v notice_n that_o g._n f._n have_v write_v nothing_o thereto_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o day_n but_o have_v give_v a_o further_a occasion_n of_o 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10_o month_n 1677._o the_o four_o of_o the_o 11_o month_n 1678._o the_o 11_o of_o the_o 11_o month_n 1678._o one_o other_o on_o the_o same_o day_n sign_v by_o thomas_n gouldeny_n william_n ford_n and_o myself_o one_o other_o the_o 22th_o of_o the_o 2d_o month_n 1679._o sign_v by_o myself_o and_o three_o other_o friend_n direct_v to_o he_o and_o two_o other_o and_o one_o other_o from_o myself_o only_o date_v the_o 6_o of_o the_o 12_o month_n 1679._o manifest_v the_o ground_n of_o my_o dissatisfaction_n with_o relation_n to_o many_o thing_n of_o a_o public_a concern_v among_o friend_n as_o well_o as_o personal_a injury_n which_o become_v he_o to_o clear_v or_o else_o give_v satisfaction_n and_o yet_o to_o this_o day_n be_v the_o 16_o day_n of_o the_o 6_o month_n 1680._o i_o can_v in_o truth_n say_v that_o any_o answer_n be_v come_v from_o he_o to_o i_o notwithstanding_o messenger_n be_v send_v unto_o he_o on_o purpose_n with_o several_a of_o they_o and_o advice_n give_v i_o of_o the_o 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a_o man_n charge_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o thing_n reproachful_a to_o the_o truth_n as_o that_o he_o must_v be_v exempt_v though_o guilty_a from_o the_o stroke_n of_o that_o justice_n which_o in_o the_o like_a case_n of_o gild_n he_o have_v prescribe_v for_o other_o for_o though_o the_o apostle_n testify_v that_o charity_n suffer_v long_o bear_v and_o endure_v all_o thing_n yet_o his_o mean_v be_v not_o that_o any_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n of_o what_o degree_n soever_o shall_v not_o be_v treat_v withal_o when_o over-taken_a in_o a_o fault_n else_o the_o same_o apostle_n will_v not_o have_v give_v these_o testimony_n gal._n 6.5_o every_o man_n shall_v bear_v his_o own_o burden_n col._n 3.25_o he_o that_o do_v wrong_a shall_v receive_v for_o the_o wrong_n which_o he_o have_v do_v and_o there_o be_v no_o respect_n of_o person_n beside_o it_o be_v observable_a from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n rev._n 2.2_o that_o it_o be_v praiseworthy_a not_o to_o bear_v liar_n 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for_o the_o reason_n mention_v in_o this_o preface_n to_o publish_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o say_a manuscript_n we_o instead_o thereof_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o friend_n do_v declare_v that_o it_o be_v ready_a for_o the_o view_n of_o any_o friend_n in_o order_n to_o prove_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o reflection_n make_v or_o objection_n raise_v have_v thus_o premise_v i_o now_o come_v again_o to_o lay_v down_o the_o three_o beforementioned_a query_n and_o to_o give_v direct_a answer_n thereto_o quer._n 1._o 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 answ_n though_o i_o have_v be_v reflect_v upon_o at_o a_o ungodly_a rate_n by_o many_o because_o i_o have_v be_v concern_v to_o oppose_v a_o erroneous_a and_o persecute_v spirit_n which_o i_o have_v behold_v enter_v among_o the_o flock_n of_o god_n yet_o bless_a be_v the_o lord_n he_o have_v so_o preserve_v i_o by_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o power_n as_o that_o none_o of_o my_o opposer_n have_v so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v lay_v any_o thing_n unto_o my_o charge_n but_o for_o matter_n wherein_o i_o have_v act_v though_o misrepresent_v by_o they_o to_o keep_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o as_o it_o become_v my_o concern_v of_o conscience_n to_o prepare_v the_o manuscript_n first_o mention_v that_o so_o the_o truth_n of_o some_o material_a matter_n occasion_v or_o accompany_v division_n and_o separation_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n may_v lie_v on_o record_n at_o least_o until_o a_o union_n may_v again_o be_v witness_v so_o also_o it_o have_v be_v my_o frequent_a breathe_v unto_o the_o lord_n that_o i_o may_v not_o bring_v forth_o a_o untimely_o birth_n but_o may_v so_o be_v lead_v and_o guide_v in_o this_o affair_n as_o that_o i_o may_v answer_v the_o witness_n of_o god_n in_o all_o conscience_n and_o to_o my_o inward_a peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o lord_n i_o can_v say_v that_o i_o have_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o spirit_n notwithstanding_o what_o any_o man_n may_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a that_o he_o have_v own_v my_o proceed_v therein_o hitherto_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o answer_n thereto_o in_o many_o brethren_n and_o as_o i_o be_v serious_o wait_v on_o the_o lord_n i_o become_v satisfy_v in_o my_o conscience_n to_o forbear_v reflect_o to_o mention_v in_o this_o treatise_n the_o name_n of_o many_o repute_a quaker_n that_o as_o yet_o i_o doubt_v remain_v deviate_v in_o some_o thing_n from_o the_o line_n of_o truth_n and_o i_o hope_v such_o a_o spirit_n of_o mediation_n and_o justice_n will_v have_v appear_v among_o some_o of_o our_o friend_n who_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v to_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o difference_n between_o other_o as_o that_o they_o may_v have_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o cause_n g._n f._n to_o stoop_v so_o timely_a to_o justice_n as_o that_o there_o 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more_o especial_o to_o such_o as_o have_v depart_v from_o the_o anoint_v in_o themselves_o that_o they_o may_v repent_v and_o turn_v to_o their_o first_o love_n viz._n the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n in_o they_o and_o not_o in_o neglect_n of_o god_n teach_n lie_v dote_v on_o outward_a order_n as_o if_o that_o which_o be_v promise_v to_o be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n be_v now_o to_o be_v seek_v after_o in_o piece_n and_o scrap_n of_o paper_n or_o that_o the_o write_a order_n of_o any_o at_o this_o day_n shall_v become_v a_o certain_a rule_n through_o which_o a_o heavenly_a possession_n may_v be_v obtain_v by_o such_o as_o can_v not_o own_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o though_o by_o the_o spirit_n give_v forth_o to_o be_v that_o certain_a rule_n but_o instead_o thereof_o the_o spirit_n itself_o to_o be_v it_o and_o if_o any_o think_v themselves_o hereby_o reflect_v on_o unjust_o because_o at_o some_o time_n they_o have_v appear_v of_o another_o language_n yet_o 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as_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o than_o the_o offering_n of_o the_o halt_n and_o the_o blind_a for_o a_o sacrifice_n under_o the_o first_o covenant_n be_v here_o follow_v the_o citation_n out_o of_o edward_n burrough_n aforesaid_a epistle_n yea_o it_o be_v peace_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o gladness_n to_o the_o heart_n and_o refreshment_n to_o the_o life_n to_o feel_v and_o witness_v the_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o father_n lead_v into_o all_o truth_n and_o preserve_v out_o of_o all_o transgression_n wherefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o all_o let_v this_o be_v your_o whole_a desire_n and_o the_o full_a practice_n in_o your_o life_n and_o then_o shall_v the_o countenance_n of_o the_o lord_n shine_v upon_o you_o and_o his_o face_n shall_v make_v you_o glad_a if_o in_o all_o thing_n you_o look_v unto_o
on_o this_o wise_a choose_v from_o among_o you_o the_o faithful_a yet_o such_o a_o limitation_n we_o have_v cause_n to_o believe_v will_v not_o now_o be_v bear_v by_o some_o it_o be_v well_o if_o the_o ground_n thereof_o in_o our_o opposer_n be_v not_o to_o bring_v in_o the_o multitude_n if_o they_o can_v and_o that_o under_o a_o pretence_n that_o all_o friend_n in_o truth_n may_v have_v free_a access_n that_o so_o the_o generality_n may_v be_v on_o their_o side_n for_o of_o late_a man_n meeting_n be_v know_v to_o consist_v of_o many_o such_o who_o if_o any_o aught_o to_o be_v govern_v be_v much_o fit_a to_o be_v govern_v then_o appear_v as_o governor_n and_o who_o we_o be_v well_o satisfy_v in_o our_o conscience_n will_v of_o themselves_o be_v more_o modest_a than_o to_o appear_v in_o such_o meeting_n as_o governor_n be_v they_o not_o prompt_v to_o be_v there_o the_o secret_a end_n thereof_o as_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o doubt_v be_v for_o the_o carry_v on_o that_o which_o we_o 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give_v by_o we_o that_o any_o one_o man_n or_o man_n shall_v take_v upon_o he_o or_o they_o to_o rule_v and_o govern_v in_o such_o meeting_n but_o our_o expectation_n be_v that_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 dishonour_v 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 not_o then_o think_v that_o 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whereby_o as_o great_a darkness_n may_v be_v bring_v over_o the_o people_n as_o ever_o be_v in_o any_o age_n under_o the_o profession_n of_o christian_a religion_n objection_n but_o perhaps_o some_o person_n may_v thus_o object_n we_o can_v but_o have_v more_o charity_n for_o some_o at_o least_o of_o those_o who_o be_v concern_v in_o these_o thing_n you_o strike_v at_o and_o can_v believe_v they_o intend_v a_o imposition_n on_o any_o of_o our_o conscience_n for_o when_o we_o have_v be_v in_o meeting_n with_o they_o we_o have_v be_v witness_n that_o the_o life_n have_v be_v raise_v and_o our_o soul_n have_v be_v refresh_v through_o their_o ministry_n and_o in_o their_o epistle_n they_o tell_v we_o how_o eminent_o the_o lord_n appear_v among_o they_o unto_o which_o we_o can_v but_o give_v credit_n because_o when_o they_o be_v with_o we_o the_o life_n in_o we_o answer_n to_o the_o life_n in_o they_o as_o face_n answer_v face_n in_o a_o glass_n but_o when_o those_o who_o they_o oppose_v do_v speak_v than_o deadness_n dryness_n and_o barrenness_n appear_v beside_o many_o of_o the_o minister_a friend_n have_v exhort_v we_o and_o as_o they_o say_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o shut_v out_o jealousy_n the_o reason_v and_o the_o wisdom_n tell_v we_o as_o before_o be_v hint_v that_o the_o apostasy_n shall_v never_o enter_v the_o generality_n more_o and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o brethren_n answ_n this_o objection_n may_v seem_v very_o weighty_a with_o some_o especial_o such_o who_o may_v conclude_v that_o if_o they_o be_v of_o the_o true_a brotherhood_n the_o lord_n will_v give_v they_o a_o inward_a sense_n when_o they_o wait_v upon_o he_o whereby_o a_o testimony_n according_a to_o the_o truth_n may_v arise_v from_o they_o in_o every_o case_n wherein_o they_o may_v concern_v their_o thought_n but_o alas_o it_o be_v either_o the_o fruit_n of_o weakness_n or_o presumption_n so_o to_o conclude_v with_o respect_n to_o 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spiritual_a guide_n and_o teacher_n which_o be_v infailible_n and_o can_v be_v remove_v into_o a_o corner_n with_o confidence_n than_o may_v we_o conclude_v that_o none_o such_o will_n ever_o more_o boast_n of_o the_o possession_n which_o they_o have_v take_v as_o heir_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o respect_n to_o thing_n that_o be_v without_o second_o as_o to_o this_o part_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a objection_n viz._n that_o nothing_o but_o dryness_n deadness_n and_o barrenness_n appear_v in_o those_o who_o be_v oppose_v by_o such_o with_o who_o thou_o be_v at_o unity_n we_o say_v this_o seem_v not_o strange_a unto_o we_o for_o the_o apostle_n thus_o testify_v we_o be_v unto_o god_n a_o sweet_a savour_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o that_o be_v save_v and_o in_o they_o that_o perish_v to_o the_o one_o we_o be_v the_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n and_o to_o the_o other_o the_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o life_n this_o give_v we_o occasion_n to_o put_v every_o one_o that_o have_v or_o 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they_o call_v their_o church_n set_v forth_o their_o creed_n by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v know_v what_o the_o member_n of_o their_o church_n do_v and_o aught_o to_o believe_v and_o since_o it_o be_v so_o that_o no_o person_n be_v able_a to_o make_v out_o that_o ever_o any_o assembly_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o true_a church_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n have_v publish_v their_o creed_n by_o which_o we_o mean_v a_o certain_a number_n of_o article_n of_o faith_n recommend_v they_o as_o those_o thing_n which_o every_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n ought_v to_o believe_v or_o else_o not_o be_v account_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n we_o can_v account_v it_o unreasonable_a if_o any_o one_o that_o like_v not_o the_o language_n touch_v believe_v as_o the_o true_a church_n believe_v shall_v ask_v the_o publisher_n thereof_o this_o question_n have_v thou_o not_o speak_v this_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n as_o those_o who_o thou_o 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church_n of_o god_n but_o the_o elect_a among_o they_o for_o he_o also_o say_v the_o church_n signify_v the_o elect_n and_o so_o the_o reader_n be_v leave_v without_o any_o certain_a description_n who_o or_o where_o this_o church_n be_v with_o respect_n to_o visible_a person_n since_o the_o elect_a among_o they_o be_v not_o outward_o describe_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o open_n of_o the_o understanding_n of_o such_o as_o may_v be_v muddle_v about_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v with_o we_o thus_o to_o testify_v it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o reach_v unto_o many_o of_o our_o conscience_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o latter_a day_n that_o have_v dawn_v among_o we_o whereby_o we_o come_v to_o believe_v in_o the_o everlasting_a light_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o as_o other_o hold_v forth_o the_o visible_a order_n and_o write_a faith_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n to_o be_v as_o a_o lantern_n to_o their_o path_n and_o as_o a_o ground_n of_o 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seem_v to_o glory_n in_o suffer_v their_o good_n to_o be_v take_v away_o and_o to_o speak_v in_o their_o language_n account_v it_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o dark_a spirit_n to_o endeavour_v to_o save_v any_o though_o but_o from_o the_o thirst_n of_o informer_n occasion_v persecution_n mere_o to_o enrich_v themselves_o we_o can_v but_o query_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o more_o christian_a like_o so_o to_o act_v according_a to_o one_o plain_a persuasion_n than_o to_o contend_v so_o much_o for_o offer_v upall_a &_o yet_o after_o take_v away_o to_o use_v divers_a mean_n to_o get_v it_o again_o sometime_o by_o law_n open-faced_a as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o appeal_n and_o sometime_o by_o private_a and_o secret_a solicitation_n wherein_o not_o only_a time_n and_o breath_n be_v spend_v but_o as_o be_v credible_o report_v the_o purse_n open_v too_o as_o some_o of_o our_o opposer_n have_v do_v we_o shall_v now_o return_v and_o consider_v what_o in_o probability_n may_v be_v object_v touch_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n grace_n etc._n etc._n as_o in_o the_o next_o follow_v section_n sect_n vi_o on_o the_o occasion_n of_o a_o objection_n raise_v touch_v the_o sufficiency_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 corinth_n that_o they_o shall_v all_o speak_v one_o thing_n touch_v the_o word_n independency_n occasion_v by_o a_o public_a preacher_n 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 objection_n it_o be_v true_a may_n some_o say_v this_o doctrine_n of_o exalt_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n grace_n square_n with_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n as_o preach_v among_o we_o in_o the_o beginning_n and_o it_o have_v then_o and_o still_o have_v a_o answer_n in_o our_o conscience_n but_o now_o several_a of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v instrument_n to_o gather_v we_o increase_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o they_o now_o 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to_o pin_v their_o faith_n on_o a_o apollo_n a_o paul_n or_o a_o cephas_n to_o be_v for_o christ_n we_o shall_v think_v it_o good_a exhortation_n therein_o to_o speak_v one_o thing_n and_o that_o which_o will_v cast_v a_o great_a line_n of_o reflection_n on_o those_o ignorant_a zealot_n who_o of_o late_a day_n have_v much_o exhort_v we_o to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o brethren_n in_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o we_o their_o meaning_n be_v to_o some_o particular_a brethren_n while_o other_o ancient_a and_o honourable_a be_v despise_v by_o they_o beside_o we_o can_v on_o this_o occasion_n but_o observe_v that_o the_o same_o paul_n do_v sufficient_o evidence_n his_o dislike_n of_o any_o plea_n for_o unity_n save_v that_o of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o though_o he_o exhort_v to_o unity_n ephes_n 4.3_o yet_o verse_n 7._o he_o say_v but_o unto_o every_o one_o of_o we_o be_v give_v grace_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n which_o clear_o evidence_n to_o our_o conscience_n that_o paul_n never_o intend_v to_o magnify_v any_o 15.10_o any_o 1_o cor._n 12.7_o 1_o cor._n 15.10_o unity_n among_o brethren_n but_o that_o which_o may_v be_v the_o natural_a product_n of_o this_o gift_n of_o grace_n or_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o give_v to_o every_o one_o according_a to_o measure_n to_o profit_v withal_o and_o whereby_o they_o may_v in_o the_o language_n and_o according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n say_v each_o unto_o other_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n i_o be_o what_o i_o be_o we_o be_v yet_o sensible_a that_o another_o objection_n may_v still_o arise_v obj._n what_o then_o be_v you_o for_o a_o independency_n yes_o very_o we_o be_v for_o a_o independency_n that_o be_v to_o say_v independency_n say_v some_o may_v wonder_v why_o we_o raise_v this_o objection_n but_o doubtless_o it_o will_v come_v to_o the_o view_n of_o one_o and_o not_o a_o mean_a one_o too_o who_o manifest_v his_o doubt_n that_o some_o of_o we_o intend_v a_o independency_n not_o to_o depend_v on_o the_o counsel_n of_o one_o man_n nor_o yet_o to_o depend_v on_o the_o counsel_n of_o general_n quarterly_o or_o monthly_a meeting_n but_o as_o there_o be_v sufficiency_n in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o to_o profit_v withal_o so_o to_o have_v a_o dependency_n on_o that_o grace_n to_o teach_v didirect_a and_o instruct_v in_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o in_o ward_n man_n of_o the_o heart_n know_v that_o it_o be_v against_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o principle_n in_o which_o we_o have_v believe_v to_o have_v a_o dependency_n on_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v outward_a lest_o it_o prove_v unto_o we_o like_o the_o reed_n of_o egypt_n and_o arm_v of_o flesh_n that_o can_v save_v but_o yet_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 nor_o yet_o exalt_v themselves_o as_o if_o thereby_o they_o be_v enter_v into_o that_o possession_n which_o can_v never_o be_v take_v from_o they_o object_n we_o be_v now_o sensible_a that_o some_o may_v be_v ready_a thus_o to_o say_v we_o can_v scarce_o believe_v that_o any_o man_n of_o weight_n and_o under_o the_o name_n of_o one_o that_o may_v be_v account_v by_o any_o a_o faithful_a quaker_n will_v give_v occasion_n for_o such_o a_o discourse_n as_o this_o occasion_v on_o the_o word_n independency_n for_o that_o many_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o say_v it_o be_v the_o language_n of_o a_o hypocrite_n that_o have_v outward_a power_n to_o uphold_v it_o because_o some_o who_o be_v account_v separate_a from_o it_o be_v call_v independent_o ans_fw-fr this_o occasion_n we_o to_o signify_v that_o preface_n that_o note_v his_o name_n be_v omit_v for_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o preface_n a_o eminent_a person_n write_v to_o friend_n in_o wiltshire_n by_o way_n of_o reply_n to_o a_o answer_n they_o give_v to_o the_o paper_n from_o ellis_n hook_n his_o chamber_n sign_v by_o charles_n martial_n and_o sixty_o five_o more_o against_o two_o ancient_a and_o honourable_a friend_n in_o truth_n viz._n john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n etc._n etc._n thus_o repeat_v part_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o friend_n of_o wiltshire_n and_o what_o if_o we_o in_o this_o county_n or_o any_o friend_n elsewhere_o shall_v say_v to_o any_o of_o you_o of_o london_n or_o other_o city_n or_o country_n as_o to_o our_o public_a concern_v in_o the_o managment_n of_o our_o affair_n repeat_v affair_n note_v though_o it_o be_v recite_v meddle_v not_o with_o we_o yet_o the_o very_a follow_a word_n be_v thus_o unless_o concern_v but_o if_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v real_o with_o any_o of_o you_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o hear_v it_o which_o be_v leave_v out_o by_o the_o reply_o we_o appeal_v to_o the_o righteous_a judge_n whether_o he_o have_v not_o therein_o act_v notorious_o unjust_a since_o there_o can_v not_o have_v be_v the_o least_o pretence_n for_o he_o to_o have_v write_v as_o he_o have_v on_o that_o subject_n have_v the_o whole_a sentence_n be_v repeat_v meddle_v not_o with_o we_o if_o we_o shall_v so_o say_v unto_o you_o we_o can_v think_v that_o this_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o imposition_n have_v no_o penalty_n annex_v thereunto_o neither_o do_v we_o understand_v they_o to_o be_v any_o otherwise_o these_o word_n be_v thus_o repeat_v the_o replyer_n proceed_v and_o give_v this_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o
by_o the_o same_o rule_n he_o that_o savour_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n may_v easy_o perceive_v that_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o paul_n unto_o those_o philippian_n be_v that_o those_o who_o be_v come_v to_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n shall_v walk_v by_o that_o rule_n whereunto_o they_o have_v attain_v but_o those_o who_o have_v not_o attain_v so_o far_o and_o be_v otherwise-minded_n be_v to_o wait_v for_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o son_n and_o now_o to_o conclude_v as_o to_o this_o objection_n we_o have_v this_o further_a to_o add_v that_o we_o do_v know_v many_o of_o our_o opposer_n or_o at_o least_o such_o who_o be_v not_o at_o unity_n with_o we_o have_v very_o confident_o make_v use_n of_o such_o discourse_n as_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o last_o recite_v objection_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o follow_v outward_a prescription_n and_o order_n though_o not_o convince_v of_o its_o service_n which_o occasion_n we_o to_o be_v jealous_a that_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o enemy_n may_v so_o enter_v in_o at_o this_o door_n as_o that_o darkness_n may_v more_o general_o overshadow_v again_o than_o it_o yet_o do_v though_o our_o hope_n in_o god_n be_v that_o he_o will_v lay_v such_o a_o constraint_n on_o many_o of_o those_o who_o eye_n be_v open_a behold_v the_o approach_v apostasy_n as_o that_o they_o may_v be_v raise_v in_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n indignation_n and_o appear_v as_o lion_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o lion_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o juda_n to_o oppose_v every_o appearance_n of_o that_o spirit_n which_o will_v be_v exalt_v self_n or_o any_o form_n observation_n prescription_n or_o order_n to_o be_v as_o a_o bond_n on_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n when_o by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n their_o alone_a lawgiver_n they_o be_v not_o full_o persuade_v thereof_o in_o their_o own_o conscience_n which_o undoubted_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o paul_n when_o he_o write_v unto_o the_o roman_n chap._n 14._o verse_n 5_o 23._o let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n and_o to_o come_v a_o little_a close_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n it_o be_v too_o too_o evident_a that_o nonconformity_n to_o outward_a prescription_n be_v take_v as_o a_o mark_n of_o apostasy_n even_o among_o those_o who_o have_v be_v under_o the_o profession_n of_o truth_n of_o which_o many_o instance_n too_o too_o large_a here_o to_o insert_v may_v be_v produce_v which_o be_v now_o forbear_v because_o we_o suppose_v there_o be_v very_o few_o among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n for_o who_o sake_n this_o be_v chief_o write_v who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o truth_n hereof_o beside_o it_o have_v be_v a_o observation_n of_o late_a that_o these_o question_n or_o question_n to_o the_o like_a import_n have_v be_v frequent_o ask_v by_o such_o with_o who_o we_o can_v be_v at_o unity_n in_o all_o thing_n viz._n be_v you_o for_o woman_n meeting_n mean_v distinct_a woman_n meeting_n from_o man_n among_o who_o under_o pretence_n of_o take_v care_n of_o the_o poor_a another_o thing_n seem_v to_o be_v more_o chief_o aim_v at_o as_o anon_o will_v be_v make_v appear_v be_v you_o for_o record_v condemnation_n mean_v thereby_o whether_o the_o party_n who_o have_v condemn_v their_o fail_n and_o through_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v restore_v and_o their_o officence_n blot_v out_o and_o forgive_v by_o he_o assent_v thereto_o or_o no._n be_v you_o for_o settle_a monthly_a and_o quarterly_o meeting_n touch_v outward_a business_n since_o those_o who_o will_v have_v meeting_n as_o occasion_n offer_v be_v account_v designer_n to_o through_o down_o all_o meeting_n for_o outward_a business_n relate_v to_o the_o affair_n of_o truth_n and_o when_o these_o or_o such_o like_a question_n have_v be_v a_o skt_a of_o friend_n in_o truth_n that_o can_v not_o answer_v thereto_o yea_o we_o be_v sensible_a that_o it_o have_v be_v take_v by_o many_o as_o a_o sufficient_a token_n of_o a_o dark_a leaven_a rend_v divide_v spirit_n and_o mere_o as_o we_o take_v it_o form_n a_o apprehension_n that_o the_o form_n they_o stand_v for_o be_v thereby_o strike_v at_o though_o the_o service_n will_v be_v effectual_o perform_v in_o another_o method_n as_o experience_n in_o the_o county_n of_o westmoreland_n and_o wilts_n have_v of_o late_o testify_v for_o be_v it_o not_o so_o that_o great_a stress_n be_v lay_v upon_o the_o outward_a form_n of_o thing_n prescribe_v to_o be_v practise_v how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o j._n s._n be_v article_v against_o by_o robert_n barrow_n and_o twenty_o six_o person_n more_o in_o the_o north_n on_o this_o wise_a viz._n j._n s._n speak_v among_o many_o friend_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o form_n because_o of_o the_o consequence_n that_o may_v follow_v say_v that_o among_o the_o christian_n of_o old_a the_o difference_n that_o do_v arise_v be_v about_o form_n which_o can_v not_o be_v seasonable_a word_n when_o we_o be_v establish_v the_o church_n in_o the_o holy_a order_n of_o truth_n much_o more_o may_v be_v collect_v from_o the_o article_n be_v forty_o four_o in_o number_n exhibit_v by_o robert_n barrow_n and_o twenty_o six_o person_n as_o aforesaid_a to_o show_v how_o earnest_o and_o zealous_o the_o very_a outward_a form_n of_o thing_n be_v contend_v for_o which_o occasion_n we_o in_o all_o seriousness_n of_o spirit_n thus_o to_o say_v may_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n so_o preserve_v his_o people_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v ensnare_v by_o those_o who_o have_v raise_v so_o great_a contention_n about_o the_o outward_a form_n of_o thing_n prescribe_v to_o be_v practise_v among_o the_o professor_n of_o truth_n lest_o they_o with_o they_o prove_v to_o be_v boaster_n proud_a blasphemer_n false_a accuser_n despiser_n of_o those_o that_o be_v good_a which_o be_v the_o very_a mark_n and_o token_n of_o those_o who_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o from_o who_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v to_o turn_v away_o and_o how_o far_o these_o mark_v rest_n upon_o many_o of_o those_o who_o so_o earnest_o contend_v for_o their_o outward_a form_n we_o leave_v to_o the_o impartial_a reader_n with_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n to_o judge_n when_o he_o have_v thorough_o inform_v himself_o of_o their_o fruit_n oh_o friend_n the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n bow_v we_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o mercy_n to_o we_o we_o can_v no_o long_o keep_v silent_a but_o in_o his_o fear_n declare_v that_o our_o conscience_n be_v concern_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o since_o it_o be_v so_o that_o a_o ill_a use_n be_v make_v of_o that_o spirit_n of_o forbearance_n and_o condescension_n which_o we_o be_v sensible_a have_v be_v use_v by_o many_o of_o our_o brethren_n it_o be_v now_o become_v our_o portion_n to_o unburthen_v ourselves_o of_o that_o which_o have_v be_v our_o burden_n believe_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o only_o arisen_a but_o will_v yet_o more_o and_o more_o arise_v against_o that_o spirit_n that_o will_v exalt_v itself_o over_o the_o heritage_n of_o god_n endeavour_v to_o rule_v over_o their_o conscience_n whenas_o christ_n alone_o be_v lord_n thereof_o it_o may_v now_o be_v worthy_a our_o observation_n to_o consider_v whether_o any_o encouragement_n be_v give_v by_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n christ_n jesus_n while_o on_o earth_n unto_o his_o disciple_n to_o become_v ruler_n one_o over_o another_o we_o find_v that_o he_o exhort_v his_o disciple_n judge_v not_o that_o you_o be_v not_o judge_v be_v not_o you_o call_v rabbi_n for_o one_o be_v your_o master_n even_o christ_n and_o all_o you_o be_v brethren_n but_o he_o that_o be_v great_a among_o you_o shall_v be_v your_o servant_n and_o whosoever_o shall_v exalthimself_n shall_v be_v abase_v and_o he_o that_o shall_v humble_v himself_o shall_v be_v exalt_v here_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o believe_v that_o christ_n intend_v that_o when_o he_o be_v depart_v his_o disciple_n shall_v be_v exalt_v themselves_o one_o over_o another_o as_o governor_n and_o ruler_n and_o if_o we_o consult_v the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o though_o his_o disciple_n have_v a_o dependency_n upon_o he_o while_o in_o his_o bodily_a appearance_n to_o be_v their_o leader_n yet_o he_o tell_v they_o john_n 16.7.13_o it_o be_v expedient_a for_o you_o that_o i_o go_v away_o for_o if_o i_o go_v not_o away_o the_o comforter_n will_v not_o come_v unto_o you_o but_o if_o i_o depart_v i_o will_v send_v he_o unto_o you_o and_o he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n for_o he_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o have_v it_o be_v so_o that_o christ_n jesus_n intend_v the_o
all_o man_n be_v to_o praise_v he_o or_o to_o speak_v of_o his_o wonder_n for_o they_o be_v altogether_o past_o find_v out_o than_o i_o weep_v great_o and_o desire_v only_o that_o he_o will_v permit_v i_o to_o sit_v at_o his_o foot_n and_o he_o swear_v unto_o i_o by_o himself_o that_o he_o will_v deliver_v i_o from_o all_o my_o trouble_n within_o &_o without_o and_o true_o it_o be_v his_o own_o free_a promise_n for_o i_o dare_v not_o ask_v it_o of_o he_o but_o be_v content_v to_o have_v wait_v still_o in_o my_o sorrowful_a condition_n all_o the_o day_n of_o my_o life_n that_o i_o have_v to_o spend_v among_o men._n but_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v i_o be_o content_v with_o his_o will_n and_o rest_n at_o his_o foot_n friend_n i_o be_o constrain_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o endless_a love_n to_o warn_v you_o all_o that_o you_o may_v forbear_v judge_v of_o any_o man_n any_o more_o upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o but_o commit_v all_o judgement_n to_o the_o son_n for_o he_o cry_v in_o i_o that_o he_o will_v short_o appear_v with_o righteous_a judgement_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o woe_n be_v upon_o he_o that_o have_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o sit_v upon_o my_o seat_n of_o judgement_n and_o have_v not_o judge_v righteous_o for_o the_o same_o measure_n that_o he_o meet_v shall_v be_v meet_v to_o he_o again_o for_o whosoever_o i_o find_v upon_o my_o seat_n of_o judgement_n when_o i_o come_v if_o he_o be_v not_o as_o i_o be_o holy_a just_a and_o merciful_a without_o any_o mixture_n he_o will_v i_o destroy_v with_o the_o breath_n of_o my_o mouth_n for_o he_o be_v as_o unclean_a smoke_n before_o i_o therefore_o dear_a friend_n let_v all_o unrighteousness_n be_v far_o from_o you_o for_o thus_o say_v the_o voice_n in_o i_o whosoever_o i_o find_v in_o envy_n the_o same_o envy_n shall_v be_v his_o torment_n and_o whosoever_o in_o covetousness_n or_o in_o pride_n or_o any_o unclean_a mind_n that_o same_o shall_v be_v their_o clothing_n and_o they_o shall_v stand_v behind_o i_o and_o all_o that_o be_v with_o i_o have_v no_o other_o garment_n but_o their_o own_o filthiness_n for_o the_o envious_n shall_v have_v their_o envy_n for_o their_o reward_n and_o the_o covetous_a shall_v have_v his_o covetousness_n and_o whatsoever_o his_o work_n shall_v be_v here_o that_o shall_v be_v his_o cover_n when_o i_o appear_v therefore_o all_o people_n mind_n your_o own_o soul_n and_o let_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v like_o the_o same_o holiness_n righteousness_n mercy_n and_o love_n without_o respect_n of_o person_n in_o any-wise_a appear_v and_o let_v covetousness_n be_v far_o from_o you_o and_o be_v you_o as_o he_o be_v in_o this_o world_n that_o you_o may_v be_v like_o he_o in_o his_o glory_n for_o very_o you_o can_v be_v like_o he_o in_o his_o glory_n further_o than_o you_o be_v in_o his_o nature_n of_o holiness_n therefore_o all_o friend_n look_v into_o your_o heart_n and_o let_v no_o spark_n abide_v there_o of_o the_o old_a nature_n for_o if_o there_o be_v it_o will_v drive_v you_o to_o look_v out_o at_o other_o and_o in_o that_o time_n it_o will_v gather_v strength_n and_o kindle_v a_o great_a fire_n in_o you_o which_o be_v not_o easy_o put_v out_o which_o many_o at_o this_o day_n may_v know_v edward_n burrough_n though_o many_o thing_n be_v very_o worthy_a notice_n from_o the_o abovecited_a line_n give_v forth_o through_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n edward_n burrough_n and_o obvious_a enough_o to_o many_o yet_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o it_o be_v think_v meet_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o two_o particular_a matter_n which_o seem_v very_o pertinent_a on_o this_o occasion_n first_o that_o some_o of_o the_o young_a unlearned_a dog_n not_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o master_n manner_n in_o gather_v the_o sheep_n do_v run_v from_o the_o flock_n with_o fierceness_n after_o the_o sheep_n that_o stay_v behind_o and_o do_v affrighten_v they_o and_o bite_v some_o of_o they_o neither_o will_v they_o be_v lead_v nor_o yet_o stay_v at_o home_n 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which_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n have_v spread_v before_o he_o since_o his_o first_o come_v forth_o to_o preach_v the_o light_n etc._n etc._n to_o concern_v himself_o so_o much_o as_o he_o have_v against_o some_o that_o can_v own_v a_o urge_n with_o severity_n his_o direction_n or_o prescription_n on_o god_n faithful_a people_n and_o in_o particular_a to_o appear_v a_o persecutor_n of_o such_o which_o can_v certain_o be_v prove_v against_o he_o if_o endeavour_v unjust_o to_o take_v away_o a_o man_n good_a name_n and_o reputation_n can_v be_v term_v such_o to_o this_o the_o answer_n be_v as_o the_o serpent_n beguile_v eve_n so_o eve_n beguile_v adam_n in_o prevail_v upon_o he_o to_o eat_v of_o the_o forbid_v fruit_n which_o she_o have_v eat_v and_o the_o argument_n use_v by_o the_o serpent_n to_o tempt_v eve_n be_v this_o you_o shall_v be_v as_o go_n even_o so_o be_v we_o persuade_v that_o there_o have_v not_o be_v want_v unto_o he_o to_o speak_v comparitive_o a_o 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and_o not_o give_v way_n to_o such_o a_o false_a imagination_n that_o true_a judgement_n be_v commit_v to_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o can_v now_o be_v testify_v be_v speak_v by_o he_o and_o that_o at_o that_o time_n wherein_o his_o judgement_n be_v know_v to_o be_v false_a and_o that_o he_o may_v take_v a_o liberty_n know_o to_o put_v stumble_v block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n people_n and_o yet_o be_v justify_v therein_o it_o therein_o note_v when_o william_n rogers_n discourse_v with_o he_o touch_v this_o particular_a passage_n in_o his_o book_n of_o woman_n meeting_n and_o be_v not_o micahs_n mother_n a_o virtuous_a woman_n read_v judge_n 17_o and_o then_o a_o few_o line_n after_o though_o she_o be_v a_o idolatrous_a woman_n say_v these_o and_o such_o
and_o have_v so_o much_o memory_n as_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o other_o to_o use_v the_o word_n of_o that_o wise_a apostle_n paul_n when_o he_o say_v 3.19_o 1_o cor._n 3.19_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v foolishness_n with_o god_n as_o if_o thereby_o they_o have_v bring_v some_o excellent_a proof_n to_o justify_v all_o those_o rude_a action_n and_o impertinent_a expression_n which_o as_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o ignorance_n and_o folly_n in_o a_o boisterous_a unruly_a spirit_n they_o have_v bring_v up_o be_v such_o but_o sober_a gird_v up_o the_o loin_n of_o their_o mind_n they_o will_v undoubted_o come_v to_o see_v that_o such_o their_o word_n and_o action_n be_v but_o the_o fruit_n of_o that_o ignorance_n that_o lu_v to_o envy_n which_o be_v to_o be_v silence_v and_o doubtless_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v these_o who_o the_o apostle_n peter_n hint_v at_o 14._o 1_o pet._n 13_o 14._o when_o he_o say_v wherefore_o gird_v up_o the_o loin_n of_o your_o mind_n be_v sober_a as_o 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at_o in_o this_o discourse_n we_o now_o come_v to_o signify_v that_o some_o have_v a_o far_o great_a portion_n of_o wisdom_n knowledge_n and_o understanding_n than_o other_o and_o that_o it_o be_v give_v they_o of_o god_n as_o they_o be_v creature_n distinct_a from_o what_o they_o be_v when_o act_v by_o a_o good_a spirit_n or_o a_o bad_a and_o in_o this_o respect_n be_v man_n as_o a_o creature_n the_o most_o excellent_a creature_n that_o god_n have_v make_v but_o yet_o such_o be_v the_o ignorance_n of_o this_o age_n as_o to_o account_v this_o portion_n of_o wisdom_n knowledge_n or_o understanding_n as_o we_o be_v creature_n to_o be_v that_o wisdom_n which_o the_o apostle_n term_v earthly_a sensual_a and_o devilish_a or_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n or_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o wise_a 1.19_o 1_o cor._n 1.19_o which_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n have_v say_v he_o will_v destroy_v but_o herein_o such_o do_v manifest_v themselves_o not_o know_v whereof_o they_o affirm_v for_o that_o wisdom_n knowledge_n or_o understanding_n which_o we_o have_v as_o creature_n be_v the_o proper_a gift_n of_o god_n and_o a_o part_n of_o his_o own_o creation_n and_o be_v honourable_a in_o its_o place_n and_o it_o be_v against_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o divine_a be_v to_o destroy_v this_o wisdom_n because_o it_o be_v his_o own_o gift_n even_o as_o it_o be_v against_o his_o nature_n to_o destroy_v the_o life_n of_o man_n which_o be_v his_o creation_n 7.5_o luke_n 7.5_o for_o the_o evangelist_n say_v the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v not_o to_o destroy_v man_n life_n obj._n what_o then_o do_v the_o apostle_n hint_n at_o when_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o world_n the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o word_n to_o this_o it_o may_v be_v say_v 22.3_o act._n 22.3_o that_o as_o paul_n be_v bring_v up_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o gamaliel_n and_o teach_v according_a to_o the_o perfect_a manner_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o father_n so_o doubtless_o many_o there_o be_v who_o through_o education_n attain_v unto_o that_o which_o paul_n in_o his_o convert_a state_n term_n to_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n etc._n etc._n from_o whence_o it_o may_v be_v conclude_v that_o he_o hint_v at_o those_o thing_n which_o in_o that_o day_n be_v give_v forth_o by_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o other_o disputer_n against_o that_o divine_a appearance_n whereby_o paul_n be_v make_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o everlasting_a gospel_n which_o thing_n so_o give_v forth_o we_o do_v not_o take_v to_o be_v the_o natural_a effect_n of_o that_o wisdom_n knowledge_n or_o understanding_n give_v unto_o they_o as_o creature_n but_o rather_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o degeneration_n as_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o education_n and_o acquire_v part_n wherewith_o be_v not_o subject_a unto_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n they_o then_o become_v opposer_n of_o the_o truth_n beside_o as_o the_o word_n flesh_n in_o scripture_n be_v sometime_o use_v not_o with_o relation_n to_o a_o carnal_a body_n but_o in_o a_o metaphorical_a and_o mystical_a sense_n by_o way_n of_o opposition_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n so_o be_v these_o word_n fleshly_a wisdom_n use_v not_o with_o respect_n to_o man_n as_o a_o creature_n but_o by_o way_n of_o opposition_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o be_v from_o above_o and_o therefore_o be_v another_o thing_n than_o that_o which_o man_n be_v endue_v withal_o as_o he_o be_v a_o part_n of_o god_n creation_n to_o conclude_v solomon_n in_o his_o day_n magnify_v wisdom_n at_o a_o high_a rate_n as_o the_o scripture_n testify_v too_o large_a here_o to_o be_v insert_v who_o in_o his_o day_n do_v undoubted_o account_v it_o the_o sign_n of_o a_o just_a man_n 10.30_o pro._n 10.30_o and_o therefore_o say_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o just_a bring_v forth_o wisdom_n the_o apostle_n in_o his_o day_n do_v magnify_v wisdom_n exhort_v the_o saint_n to_o walk_v in_o wisdom_n 4.5_o col._n 4.5_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n testify_v 11.19_o mat._n 11.19_o wisdom_n be_v justify_v of_o her_o child_n these_o thing_n consider_v our_o desire_n be_v that_o those_o who_o have_v true_a wisdom_n may_v prize_v it_o that_o those_o who_o lack_v it_o may_v embrace_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o apostle_n james_n 1.5_o jam._n 1.5_o and_o ask_v it_o of_o god_n who_o give_v liberal_o and_o that_o those_o fool_n who_o despise_v wisdom_n may_v come_v to_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o what_o solomon_n speak_v when_o he_o thus_o say_v how_o long_o you_o simple_a one_o will_v you_o love_v simplicity_n and_o fool_n hate_v knowledge_n turn_v you_o at_o my_o reproof_n sure_o we_o be_v the_o apostle_n write_n encourage_v none_o to_o cry_v down_o wisdom_n at_o the_o rate_n it_o be_v of_o late_a without_o distinction_n exclaim_v against_o by_o some_o but_o rather_o the_o contrary_n for_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n paul_n write_v to_o the_o colossian_n thus_o to_o say_v 28._o col._n 1.9_o 28._o we_o do_v not_o cease_v to_o pray_v for_o you_o and_o to_o desire_v that_o you_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n and_o again_o thus_o who_o we_o preach_v warn_v every_o man_n and_o teach_v every_o man_n in_o all_o wisdom_n that_o we_o may_v present_v every_o man_n perfect_a in_o christ_n jesus_n but_o this_o ignorance_n we_o doubt_v have_v happen_v unto_o many_o not_o only_o from_o a_o principle_n of_o have_v their_o eye_n out_o unto_o man_n 3.15_o 2_o tim._n 3.15_o but_o also_o from_o a_o neglect_n to_o read_v the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n give_v forth_o by_o inspiration_n which_o the_o apostle_n say_v be_v able_a to_o make_v thou_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n through_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n as_o to_o the_o word_n knowledge_n this_o may_v be_v add_v that_o in_o the_o want_n thereof_o in_o day_n past_a those_o who_o be_v escape_v of_o the_o nation_n set_v up_o their_o graven-image_n according_a as_o isaiah_n the_o prophet_n testify_v they_o have_v no_o knowledge_n 45.20_o isa_n 45.20_o that_o set_v up_o the_o wood_n of_o their_o graven_n image_n and_o pray_v unto_o a_o god_n that_o can_v save_v oh_o that_o at_o this_o day_n there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o take_v up_o a_o lamentation_n that_o the_o want_n of_o knowledge_n be_v the_o cause_n that_o many_o have_v appear_v ready_a to_o exalt_v man_n to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o man_n and_o in_o neglect_n of_o that_o heavenly_a gift_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o mankind_n to_o bow_v in_o their_o heart_n unto_o man_n as_o have_v a_o dependency_n on_o the_o dictate_v prescription_n order_n and_o outward_a rule_n of_o man_n this_o under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n we_o take_v to_o be_v as_o great_a a_o fall_n
four_o month_n 1677._o which_o now_o follow_v we_o who_o name_n be_v here_o unto_o subscribe_v do_v testify_v that_o on_o the_o sixteenth_o day_n of_o the_o five_o month_n 1677._o we_o be_v present_a in_o a_o meeting_n usual_o hold_v in_o the_o city_n of_o bristol_n for_o the_o take_a care_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o promote_a of_o other_o christian_a duty_n when_o a_o paper_n subscribe_v by_o sixty_o six_o person_n and_o date_v from_o a_o metting_n hold_v at_o ellis_n hook_n his_o chamber_n in_o london_n the_o twelve_o of_o the_o four_o month_n 1677._o be_v there_o read_v and_o therein_o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n be_v reprove_v and_o judge_v in_o these_o word_n viz._n we_o do_v hereby_o reprove_v and_o judge_n that_o jealous_a rend_v and_o separate_a spirit_n and_o they_o meaning_n john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o their_o separate_a company_n as_o be_v in_o that_o spirit_n of_o separation_n and_o that_o by_o the_o power_n and_o spirit_n of_o our_o god_n and_o 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that_o where_o they_o have_v credit_n it_o be_v but_o too_o probable_a that_o it_o may_v gain_v a_o persuasion_n or_o belief_n that_o the_o sixty_o six_o subscriber_n be_v apostle_n and_o so_o may_v become_v a_o mean_n to_o obtain_v the_o better_a credit_n to_o their_o paper_n shall_v any_o thus_o be_v persuade_v they_o therein_o will_v be_v mistake_v for_o three_o or_o four_o from_o the_o city_n of_o bristol_n who_o be_v well_o know_v to_o we_o be_v not_o exercise_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n beside_o other_o from_o other_o country_n and_o place_n three_o we_o find_v in_o the_o say_a paper_n these_o two_o follow_a sentence_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o appear_v to_o we_o that_o they_o will_v not_o come_v to_o we_o nor_o near_o we_o in_o the_o peaceable_a truth_n which_o we_o have_v frequent_o true_o desire_v for_o their_o good_a but_o that_o they_o will_v go_v on_o in_o their_o opposition_n refuse_v to_o dissolve_v their_o separate-company_n in_o the_o north_n etc._n 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in_o isa_n 9.6_o it_o be_v thus_o say_v and_o the_o government_n shall_v be_v upon_o his_o shoulder_n and_o his_o name_n shall_v be_v call_v wonderful_a councillor_n etc._n etc._n second_o because_o it_o be_v whole_o repugnant_a to_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o conscience_n that_o the_o weight_n of_o a_o government_n that_o be_v spiritual_a and_o everlasting_a the_o law_n whereof_o be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o wherein_o nothing_o but_o true_a judgement_n and_o justice_n have_v be_v be_v and_o shall_v be_v execute_v for_o evermore_o shall_v rest_v upon_o any_o man_n or_o man_n as_o a_o governor_n or_o governor_n over_o other_o since_o there_o be_v no_o man_n nor_o man_n but_o be_v subject_n through_o temptation_n to_o err_v if_o they_o watch_v not_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v well_o say_v much_o less_o on_o any_o such_o one_o man_n though_o term_v by_o some_o the_o great_a apostle_n of_o christ_n who_o action_n towards_o his_o brethren_n have_v be_v find_v 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that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n because_o they_o may_v then_o true_o be_v term_v such_o as_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o such_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n there_o be_v no_o condemnation_n objection_n this_o discourse_n touch_v government_n may_v occasion_v some_o to_o raise_v this_o objection_n we_o understand_v that_o many_o call_v quaker_n do_v hold_v monthly_a and_o quarterly-meeting_n of_o man_n and_o also_o of_o woman_n distinct_a from_o man_n about_o their_o church_n affair_n and_o that_o these_o meeting_n be_v repute_v to_o be_v establish_v on_o certain_a day_n that_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v alter_v by_o one_o man_n among_o they_o that_o have_v pretend_v he_o be_v move_v of_o god_n so_o to_o do_v and_o that_o the_o same_o person_n have_v by_o his_o paper_n spread_v abroad_o in_o divers_a part_n of_o the_o nation_n signify_v that_o none_o but_o loose_a spirit_n and_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o looseness_n pretend_v to_o set_v 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first_o publish_v among_o we_o be_v become_v our_o only_a teacher_n and_o lawgiver_n by_o the_o in_o shine_v of_o his_o light_n in_o our_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o his_o reflection_n seem_v unsavoury_a but_o that_o which_o to_o i_o render_v it_o the_o more_o unsavoury_a be_v this_o when_o i_o consider_v the_o whole_a scope_n of_o his_o treatise_n it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v it_o be_v use_v so_o far_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o advancement_n of_o some_o outward_a government_n by_o man_n or_o man_n else_o what_o be_v the_o mean_v that_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n have_v make_v such_o a_o diligent_a search_n among_o the_o apostle_n write_n after_o the_o word_n order_n rule_n command_v govern_n government_n tradition_n and_o such_o like_a and_o whether_o he_o do_v not_o apply_v they_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o assembly_n which_o in_o any_o tolerable_a suposition_n may_v be_v term_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n let_v the_o impartial_a reader_n diligent_o peruse_v his_o treatise_n and_o then_o judge_n for_o so_o it_o be_v plain_o to_o be_v discover_v as_o to_o i_o appear_v by_o every_o impartial_a eye_n that_o shall_v serious_o observe_v the_o scope_n of_o his_o treatise_n and_o therefore_o i_o do_v conclude_v that_o his_o reflection_n on_o such_o sound_n and_o savoury_a language_n denote_v a_o wrong_a spirit_n and_o not_o the_o spirit_n which_o appear_v among_o those_o ancient_a labourer_n who_o be_v instrument_n in_o god_n hand_n to_o gather_v many_o and_o who_o in_o the_o approbation_n of_o such_o language_n be_v account_v honourable_a this_o put_v i_o in_o mind_n to_o inform_v the_o reader_n that_o r._n b._n in_o his_o three_o section_n quote_v divers_a testimony_n in_o the_o scripture_n where_o these_o sentence_n be_v viz_o know_v they_o that_o be_v over_o you_o hold_v the_o tradition_n you_o have_v be_v teach_v though_o i_o shall_v boast_v somewhat_o more_o of_o our_o authority_n and_o we_o have_v confidence_n that_o you_o will_v do_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o command_v now_o we_o command_v you_o brethren_n etc._n etc._n and_o then_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n comment_v thereon_o what_o more_o positive_a than_o this_o and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o here_o a_o imposer_n and_o further_o if_o any_o obey_v not_o our_o word_n remember_v they_o which_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o these_o filthy_a dreamer_n despise_v dominion_n and_o then_o thus_o say_v there_o can_v nothing_o be_v more_o plain_a from_o these_o testimony_n than_o that_o some_o do_v appoint_v and_o ordain_v certain_a thing_n that_o there_o lie_v a_o obligation_n in_o point_n of_o duty_n on_o other_o to_o import_v to_o it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v his_o meaning_n be_v other_o ought_v to_o obey_v whether_o they_o see_v it_o their_o duty_n or_o no_o as_o his_o 68_o page_n seem_v to_o import_v obey_v that_o this_o be_v no_o encroachment_n nor_o imposition_n on_o their_o christian-liberty_n nor_o any_o way_n contradictory_n to_o their_o be_v inward_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o last_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 of_o christ_n in_o such_o like_a case_n and_o that_o it_o be_v such_o as_o have_v lose_v their_o sense_n and_o feel_v of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o body_n that_o dissent_n and_o be_v disobedient_a under_o the_o false_a pretence_n of_o liberty_n three_o i_o judge_v there_o will_v need_v no_o great_a argument_n to_o prove_v the_o people_n of_o god_n may_v and_o do_v well_o to_o exercise_n the_o like_a government_n upon_o the_o very_a like_o occasion_n thus_o much_o may_v be_v collect_v out_o of_o r._n b_n 26_o 27_o and_o 28._o page_n moreover_o in_o page_n 23._o 24._o 25._o he_o quote_v these_o scripture_n say_n viz_o in_o christ_n jesus_n i_o have_v beget_v you_o through_o the_o gospel_n wherefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o be_v follower_n of_o i_o as_o absent_a in_o body_n but_o present_a in_o spirit_n have_v judge_v already_o etc._n etc._n from_o all_o which_o i_o shall_v observe_v say_v the_o aforesaid_a author_n that_o it_o seem_v it_o be_v judge_v no_o inconsistency_n nor_o contradiction_n to_o be_v follower_n of_o the_o grace_n in_o ourselves_o and_o also_o to_o be_v follower_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n and_o his_o way_n because_o his_o way_n and_o example_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o themselves_o will_v have_v lead_v they_o to_o if_o they_o have_v be_v obedient_a and_o therefore_o he_o find_v it_o needful_a to_o charge_v they_o positive_o to_o follow_v he_o without_o add_v this_o reason_n next_o the_o great_a argument_n the_o apostle_n use_v to_o persuade_v they_o hereunto_o upon_o which_o he_o main_o insist_o because_o he_o have_v beget_v they_o into_o the_o truth_n you_o have_v not_o many_o father_n for_o in_o christ_n jesus_n i_o have_v beget_v you_o through_o the_o gospel_n wherefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o be_v you_o follower_n of_o i_o so_o he_o make_v that_o as_o the_o cause_n etc._n etc._n we_o see_v then_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v and_o do_v give_v such_o who_o he_o have_v send_v forth_o to_o gather_v a_o people_n unto_o himself_o a_o certain_a authority_n in_o the_o power_n over_o they_o and_o to_o bring_v they_o back_o to_o their_o duty_n when_o they_o stray_v at_o any_o time_n and_o to_o appoint_v yea_o and_o command_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v needful_a for_o peace_n order_n and_o unity_n sake_n and_o that_o there_o lie_v a_o obligation_n on_o such_o as_o be_v so_o gather_v to_o reverence_n honour_n yea_o and_o obey_v such_o as_o be_v set_v over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n thus_o far_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n from_o all_o which_o i_o observe_v first_o that_o here_o be_v nothing_o speak_v in_o these_o scripture_n of_o the_o command_v of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o if_o god_n have_v at_o any_o time_n move_v a_o apostle_n on_o some_o occasion_n to_o write_v unto_o a_o peculiar_a church_n and_o that_o perhaps_o with_o relation_n to_o particular_a member_n only_o by_o way_n of_o command_n yet_o this_o according_a to_o right_a reason_n be_v no_o ground_n for_o any_o assembly_n of_o person_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o give_v forth_o positive_a command_n in_o expectation_n that_o all_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n must_v obey_v the_o same_o whether_o they_o have_v a_o sense_n thereof_o from_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n in_o themselves_o or_o no._n second_o r._n b._n quote_v this_o scripture_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n viz._n in_o christ_n jesus_n i_o have_v beget_v you_o through_o the_o gospel_n conclude_v that_o paul_n do_v main_o insist_v upon_o his_o beget_v they_o unto_o the_o truth_n as_o a_o argument_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o obey_v his_o positive_a charge_n to_o follow_v he_o by_o this_o then_o those_o who_o have_v beget_v any_o to_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o fit_a to_o rule_v over_o such_o who_o they_o have_v beget_v if_o this_o be_v worthy_a observation_n at_o this_o day_n i_o then_o may_v well_o query_n whether_o those_o who_o will_v rule_v over_o such_o who_o they_o have_v not_o gather_v be_v not_o intruder_n and_o busy-body_n meddle_v with_o that_o which_o concern_v other_o more_o than_o themselves_o moreover_o i_o query_n whether_o any_o of_o these_o foregoing_a scripture_n give_v the_o least_o countenance_n for_o whole_a assembly_n to_o minister_n by_o their_o write_n that_o which_o may_v be_v matter_n of_o faith_n and_o relative_a to_o the_o conscience_n and_o to_o be_v a_o bond_n thereon_o before_o their_o understanding_n be_v illuminate_v especial_o when_o what_o they_o do_v minister_n first_o spring_v from_o the_o gift_n either_o but_o of_o one_o or_o at_o most_o but_o a_o very_a few_o of_o they_o for_o since_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o minister_v according_a as_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n and_o that_o if_o any_o speak_v they_o ought_v to_o speak_v as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o that_o if_o any_o minister_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v of_o the_o ability_n which_o god_n give_v according_a to_o that_o of_o peter_n 1_o pet._n 4.10_o 11._o i_o can_v but_o again_o query_n whether_o the_o endeavour_v to_o obtain_v a_o multitude_n of_o hand_n to_o confirm_v and_o approve_v that_o which_o be_v give_v forth_o by_o one_o or_o at_o least_o a_o very_a few_o may_v not_o become_v a_o temptation_n to_o many_o to_o run_v beyond_o their_o own_o line_n and_o when_o they_o have_v so_o do_v instead_o of_o wait_v on_o their_o own_o gift_n make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o stand_v by_o what_o they_o have_v do_v though_o it_o may_v prove_v no_o better_o in_o the_o best_a sense_n than_o a_o stand_n by_o the_o gift_n of_o other_o out_z of_o and_o in_o the_o
subjection_n to_o christ_n the_o head_n to_o who_o all_o power_n be_v give_v in_o and_o over_o his_o church_n who_o be_v fellow-member_n and_o fellow-servant_n of_o and_o in_o his_o body_n who_o power_n and_o prevalency_n with_o the_o lord_n be_v better_a demonstrate_v by_o covet_v to_o wash_v each_o other_o foot_n according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n their_o lord_n and_o master_n than_o to_o be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o outward_a jurisdiction_n as_o lord_n and_o master_n over_o each_o other_o for_o that_o agree_v not_o with_o the_o testimony_n of_o paul_n rom._n 14.10_o who_o thus_o say_v why_o do_v thou_o judge_v thy_o brother_n why_o do_v thou_o despise_v thy_o brother_n for_o we_o shall_v all_o appear_v before_o the_o judgment-seat_n of_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v write_v say_v the_o lord_n every_o knee_n shall_v bow_v to_o i_o and_o all_o tongue_n shall_v confess_v unto_o god_n so_o than_o every_o one_o of_o we_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n of_o himself_o to_o god_n let_v we_o not_o therefore_o judge_v one_o another_o any_o more_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n put_v i_o in_o mind_n that_o there_o be_v some_o who_o in_o their_o buisy_n mind_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v consider_v what_o sort_n of_o joy_n heaven_n yield_v to_o the_o faithful_a after_o this_o life_n whenas_o their_o time_n will_v undoubted_o be_v much_o better_o spend_v in_o contemplate_v how_o to_o come_v thither_o or_o if_o they_o have_v assurance_n thereof_o to_o be_v demonstrate_v the_o way_n to_o other_o if_o call_v thereto_o to_o this_o sort_n may_v such_o be_v liken_v who_o will_v needs_o give_v themselves_o the_o trouble_n to_o treat_v how_o far_o christ_n government_n extend_v though_o of_o its_o increase_n there_o be_v no_o end_n and_o in_o what_o case_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o give_v forth_o positive_a sentence_n that_o may_v oblige_v believer_n though_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o acceptable_a bond_n upon_o the_o conscience_n until_o by_o the_o light_n convince_v and_o that_o in_o such_o case_n great_a controversy_n may_v arise_v whether_o such_o as_o give_v forth_o such_o sentence_n be_v the_o church_n or_o no_o than_o be_v before_o concern_v the_o matter_n whereof_o they_o assume_v jurisdiction_n and_o therefore_o of_o such_o it_o may_v be_v true_o say_v that_o their_o time_n may_v be_v much_o better_o spend_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o mind_n unto_o god_n that_o if_o they_o be_v not_o subject_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o under_o his_o government_n they_o may_v attain_v thereto_o and_o be_v subject_a to_o his_o power_n to_o who_o all_o power_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v give_v and_o that_o be_v thereunto_o attain_v may_v be_v preserve_v therein_o unto_o the_o end_n and_o be_v demonstrate_v unto_o other_o how_o to_o attain_v the_o same_o if_o call_v thereunto_o concern_v the_o power_n of_o decision_n r._n b._n page_n 66._o say_v as_o on_o another_o occasion_n be_v already_o quote_v 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 be_v not_o necessary_o annex_v to_o any_o person_n or_o person_n or_o place_v whatsoever_o etc._n etc._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 on_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 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 here_o i_o can_v but_o query_n that_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a proper_a judge_n of_o controversy_n in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n say_v it_o be_v how_o then_o can_v there_o be_v any_o weight_n in_o any_o other_o thing_n else_o beside_o the_o spirit_n and_o whether_o these_o his_o word_n viz._n some_o of_o these_o reason_n ought_v to_o have_v their_o true_a weight_n in_o case_n of_o contradictory_n assertion_n when_o relative_a to_o that_o which_o he_o himself_o conclude_v be_v unalterable_o seat_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n seem_v not_o a_o contradiction_n in_o common_a sense_n and_o whether_o under_o this_o very_a notion_n those_o who_o be_v but_o weak_a in_o the_o faith_n or_o of_o a_o temporize_a spirit_n may_v not_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o some_o eminent_a member_n or_o the_o great_a number_n or_o the_o brethren_n in_o some_o note_a or_o famous_a place_n more_o than_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o measure_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o themseule_n i_o leave_v to_o the_o judicious_a reader_n to_o consider_v beside_o why_o be_v not_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o flock_n the_o lesser_a number_n and_o some_o inconsiderable_a ignoble_a place_n mention_v and_o that_o some_o of_o these_o also_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v their_o true_a weight_n since_o the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n have_v be_v that_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o foolish_a weak_a and_o vile_a despise_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o wise_a and_o mighty_a r._n b._n further_n say_v page_n 68_o first_o that_o there_o never_o will_v nor_o can_v be_v want_v in_o case_n of_o controversy_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o give_v judgement_n through_o some_o or_o other_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n so_o long_o as_o any_o assembly_n can_v proper_o or_o in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n be_v so_o term_v second_o that_o god_n ordinary_o have_v employ_v such_o who_o he_o have_v make_v use_n of_o in_o gather_v his_o church_n though_o not_o exclude_v other_o three_o that_o their_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la give_v a_o positive_a judgement_n in_o such_o case_n will_v not_o import_v tyranny_n and_o usurpation_n neither_o will_v the_o pretence_n of_o any_o contradict_v they_o or_o refuse_v to_o submit_v on_o the_o account_n they_o see_v it_o not_o excuse_v they_o of_o be_v guilty_a of_o disobey_v god_n but_o of_o these_o three_o assertion_n may_v be_v collect_v without_o the_o least_o abuse_n of_o the_o author_n word_n this_o short_a ensue_a sentence_n that_o a_o person_n be_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o positive_a judgement_n touch_v controversy_n give_v by_o any_o assembly_n or_o at_o least_o by_o some_o or_o other_o of_o they_o which_o may_v in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n be_v term_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v disobedience_n to_o god_n though_o the_o person_n refuse_v pretend_v they_o refuse_v to_o submit_v on_o the_o account_n they_o see_v it_o not_o by_o this_o sort_n of_o language_n every_o one_o must_v not_o only_o now_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v of_o which_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v misunderstand_v i_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o what_o shall_v be_v write_v thereon_o in_o what_o hereafter_o follow_v but_o also_o must_v believe_v as_o any_o assembly_n or_o some_o or_o other_o of_o they_o do_v which_o in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n may_v be_v term_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o at_o least_o submit_v to_o such_o though_o the_o person_n refuse_v shall_v pretend_v they_o see_v it_o not_o he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v a_o body_n of_o darkness_n and_o confusion_n herein_o what_o a_o long_a step_n at_o once_o be_v here_o from_z under_z christ_n government_n that_o now_o submission_n must_v be_v to_o any_o assembly_n or_o some_o or_o other_o of_o they_o that_o in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n may_v be_v term_v christ_n church_n nay_o if_o the_o want_n of_o sight_n be_v lay_v for_o a_o excuse_n shall_v not_o excuse_v submission_n may_v i_o not_o far_o say_v what_o a_o long_a step_n at_o once_o be_v this_o to_o magnify_v that_o devotion_n whereof_o ignorance_n be_v the_o mother_n and_o that_o zeal_n which_o be_v without_o knowledge_n be_v here_o any_o room_n leave_v to_o see_v and_o savour_v for_o ourselves_o and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o apparent_a mark_n of_o a_o impose_v usurp_a spirit_n and_o a_o evident_a abuse_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o ancient_a labourer_n therein_o who_o testimony_n be_v we_o preach_v not_o ourselves_o nor_o yet_o that_o you_o shall_v be_v follower_n of_o we_o otherwise_o than_o as_o you_o have_v a_o inward_a sense_n in_o yourselves_o that_o we_o be_v follower_n of_o christ_n let_v god_n witness_n in_o all_o judge_n to_o the_o same_o witness_n i_o can_v but_o yet_o appeal_v whether_o the_o submission_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v aim_v at_o be_v not_o one_o of_o the_o great_a step_n to_o a_o apostasy_n that_o have_v appear_v in_o our_o age_n or_o since_o the_o truth_n have_v in_o these_o latter_a year_n be_v publish_v among_o we_o for_o i_o do_v know_v have_v be_v a_o witness_n of_o the_o primitive_a gather_n and_o testimony_n among_o we_o in_o these_o latter_a age_n that_o one_o
instrumental_a to_o gather_v though_o in_o r._n b_n sense_n as_o be_v before_o manifest_v such_o be_v the_o fit_a to_o rule_v over_o those_o who_o they_o have_v beget_v to_o the_o truth_n but_o also_o over_o the_o labour_n of_o other_o and_o then_o style_v themselves_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n though_o not_o guide_v by_o the_o unerring_a spirit_n so_o to_o do_v and_o then_o also_o pretend_v that_o they_o 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 obliege_v believer_n to_o obey_v receive_v and_o own_o the_o same_o and_o that_o it_o be_v disobedience_n to_o god_n not_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o positive_a sentence_n and_o decisive_n judgement_n of_o any_o assembly_n or_o some_o or_o other_o of_o they_o which_o in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n may_v be_v term_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n though_o we_o see_v it_o not_o and_o so_o by_o degree_n may_v endeavour_v to_o divest_v christ_n of_o his_o government_n and_o prerogative_n who_o alone_o be_v lord_n over_o the_o conscience_n and_o by_o his_o spirit_n in_o we_o be_v become_v our_o only_a lawgiver_n and_o who_o alone_o by_o the_o influence_a virtue_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n be_v able_a to_o bring_v unto_o that_o love_n and_o unity_n which_o through_o the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n find_v exceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n william_n rogers_n have_v now_o do_v with_o the_o citation_n of_o what_o be_v write_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o aforesaid_a book_n of_o government_n and_o consider_v that_o in_o the_o first_o section_n thereof_o the_o author_n as_o be_v already_o cite_v and_o observe_v write_v of_o a_o sort_n of_o person_n that_o will_v needs_o be_v innovator_n and_o give_v to_o change_n and_o introduce_v new_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n not_o only_o differ_v but_o contrary_a to_o what_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o beginning_n and_o in_o page_n thirteen_o seem_v reflect_o to_o treat_v on_o such_o kind_n of_o language_n as_o this_o i_o must_v stay_v till_o i_o be_v convince_v as_o if_o such_o language_n be_v knock_v down_o in_o the_o beginning_n and_o as_o may_v reasonable_o be_v take_v from_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o say_a book_n to_o reflect_v on_o such_o among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n who_o be_v not_o so_o zealous_o affect_v with_o the_o outward_a form_n of_o government_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o church-government_n pretend_v to_o be_v establish_v among_o they_o as_o the_o author_n or_o approver_n of_o his_o book_n be_v we_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o cite_v a_o testimony_n publish_v in_o print_n by_o isaac_n penington_n the_o young_a in_o the_o year_n one_o thousand_o six_o hundred_o and_o sixty_o be_v a_o part_n of_o a_o discourse_n entitle_v the_o authority_n and_o government_n which_o christ_n exclude_v out_o of_o his_o church_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o it_o lie_v all_o together_o word_n for_o word_n and_o not_o take_v by_o part_n and_o piece_n here_o and_o there_o our_o end_n in_o cite_v this_o testimony_n be_v that_o the_o impartial_a reader_n may_v consider_v whether_o the_o say_a testimony_n have_v any_o coherence_n with_o that_o part_n of_o the_o say_a book_n of_o government_n which_o be_v object_v against_o by_o we_o or_o do_v contradict_v any_o subject_a matter_n that_o we_o have_v treat_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o say_v isaac_n penington_n the_o young_a now_o follow_v the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n come_v from_o christ_n with_o a_o message_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n with_o a_o testimony_n concern_v the_o good_a will_n of_o god_n and_o his_o love_n to_o mankind_n point_v out_o the_o way_n from_o death_n to_o life_n from_o bondage_n to_o liberty_n from_o wrath_n and_o destruction_n to_o peace_n and_o salvation_n what_o they_o have_v see_v what_o they_o have_v feel_v what_o they_o have_v taste_v what_o they_o have_v handle_v what_o they_o have_v find_v redeem_v and_o deliver_v they_o that_o they_o declare_v abroad_o to_o other_o as_o they_o be_v move_v as_o they_o be_v send_v as_o they_o be_v guide_v and_o assist_v now_o that_o which_o they_o preach_v to_o be_v man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n they_o open_v the_o truth_n which_o they_o know_v they_o give_v their_o testimony_n in_o the_o move_a lead_v and_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o they_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o same_o spirit_n to_o demonstrate_v it_o to_o man_n conscience_n as_o it_o please_v they_o be_v nothing_o they_o can_v do_v nothing_o they_o can_v convert_v any_o man_n to_o god_n but_o the_o power_n that_o speak_v by_o they_o the_o same_o power_n work_v in_o other_o man_n conscience_n at_o its_o pleasure_n and_o here_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o heart_n when_o his_o truth_n carry_v conviction_n with_o it_o to_o the_o conscience_n and_o the_o conscience_n be_v draw_v to_o yield_v itself_o up_o to_o he_o than_o he_o lay_v his_o yoke_n upon_o it_o and_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o guide_n of_o it_o he_o cherish_v it_o he_o cleanse_v it_o he_o comfort_v it_o he_o order_v it_o at_o his_o pleasure_n and_o he_o alone_o preserve_v it_o pure_a chaste_a gentle_a meek_a and_o pliable_a to_o the_o impression_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o as_o the_o conscience_n be_v keep_v single_a and_o tender_a to_o christ_n so_o his_o government_n increase_v therein_o but_o as_o it_o become_v hard_a or_o subject_n to_o man_n will_n so_o another_o spirit_n get_v dominion_n over_o it_o therefore_o the_o great_a work_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o keep_v the_o conscience_n open_a to_o christ_n and_o to_o preserve_v man_n from_o receive_v any_o truth_n of_o christ_n as_o from_o they_o further_o than_o the_o spirit_n open_v or_o to_o imitate_v any_o of_o their_o practice_n further_o than_o the_o spirit_n lead_v guide_n and_o persuade_v they_o for_o person_n be_v exceed_o prone_a to_o receive_v thing_n as_o truth_n from_o those_o who_o they_o have_v a_o high_a opinion_n of_o and_o to_o imitate_v their_o practice_n and_o so_o hurt_v their_o own_o growth_n and_o endanger_v their_o soul_n for_o if_o i_o receive_v a_o truth_n before_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o spirit_n make_v it_o manifest_a to_o i_o i_o lose_v my_o guide_n and_o follow_v but_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o be_v exceed_o greedy_a of_o receive_v truth_n and_o run_v into_o religious_a practice_n without_o the_o spirit_n therefore_o the_o main_a thing_n in_o religion_n be_v to_o keep_v the_o conscience_n pure_a to_o the_o lord_n to_o know_v the_o guide_n to_o follow_v the_o guide_n to_o receive_v from_o he_o that_o light_v whereby_o i_o be_o to_o walk_v and_o not_o to_o take_v thing_n for_o truth_n because_o other_o see_v they_o to_o be_v truth_n but_o wait_v till_o the_o spirit_n make_v they_o manifest_v to_o i_o nor_o to_o run_v into_o worship_n duty_n performance_n or_o practice_n because_o other_o be_v lead_v thither_o but_o to_o wait_v till_o the_o spirit_n lead_v i_o thither_o he_o that_o make_v haste_n to_o be_v rich_a even_o in_o religion_n run_v into_o knowledge_n and_o into_o worship_n and_o performance_n before_o he_o feel_v a_o true_a and_o clear_a guidance_n shall_v not_o be_v innocent_a nor_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o hold_v he_o guiltless_a when_o he_o come_v to_o visit_v for_o spiritual_a adultery_n and_o idolatry_n the_o apostle_n be_v exceed_o tender_a in_o this_o point_n for_o though_o they_o certain_o and_o infallible_o know_v what_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v yet_o they_o be_v not_o lord_n over_o man_n faith_n but_o wait_v till_o he_o who_o be_v lord_n of_o the_o faith_n will_v open_v the_o way_n into_o man_n conscience_n they_o do_v not_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v able_a to_o turn_v the_o key_n to_o let_v in_o truth_n and_o conviction_n into_o man_n spirit_n as_o man_n in_o these_o day_n have_v be_v too_o apt_a to_o undertake_v but_o direct_v they_o to_o he_o who_o have_v the_o key_n there_o to_o wait_v for_o the_o conviction_n and_o illumination_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o so_o to_o receive_v in_o as_o they_o find_v he_o give_v forth_o to_o they_o let_v every_o man_n say_v the_o apostle_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n take_v heed_n of_o receive_v thing_n too_o soon_o take_v heed_n of_o run_v into_o practice_n too_o soon_o &_o do_v what_o you_o see_v other_o do_v but_o wait_v for_o your_o own_o particular_a guidance_n and_o a_o full_a persuasion_n from_o god_n what_o be_v his_o will_n concern_v you_o though_o i_o know_v this_o to_o be_v a_o truth_n yet_o do_v not_o you_o receive_v it_o till_o god_n make_v it_o manifest_a to_o you_o receive_v truth_n from_o his_o hand_n stay_v till_o he_o give_v it_o you._n indeed_o the_o main_a matter_n in_o religion_n be_v to_o keep_v out_o the_o wrong_a part_n the_o forward_z part_n the_o bastardly_a
birth_n from_o run_v into_o duty_n catch_v of_o open_n and_o lay_v hold_n of_o promise_n and_o to_o feel_v the_o heir_n bear_v of_o the_o immortal_a seed_n to_o who_o all_o belong_v and_o the_o other_o birth_n never_o afterward_o get_v up_o above_o he_o but_o be_v subdue_v and_o bring_v into_o subjection_n again_o say_v the_o apostle_n take_v heed_n of_o do_v any_o thing_n doubt_o be_v not_o forward_a be_v not_o hasty_a wait_v for_o the_o lead_n wait_v for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v sure_o thou_o receive_v what_o thou_o receive_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o practise_v what_o thou_o practise_v in_o the_o faith_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n be_v a_o error_n from_o the_o principle_n of_o life_n which_o be_v to_o guide_v and_o thereby_o thou_o lose_v ground_n and_o dishonour_v christ_n and_o come_v under_o condemnation_n and_o so_o the_o apostle_n warn_v believer_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o draw_v one_o another_o on_o too_o fast_o or_o of_o judge_v one_o another_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o some_o of_o they_o may_v have_v light_a in_o other_o not_z he_o that_o eat_v not_o to_o judge_v he_o that_o do_v not_o eat_v and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o eat_v not_o to_o judge_v he_o that_o do_v eat_v yea_o in_o matter_n of_o worship_n he_o that_o observe_v a_o day_n and_o keep_v a_o sabbath_n not_o to_o judge_v he_o that_o observe_v not_o a_o day_n or_o keep_v not_o a_o sabbath_n for_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v true_o convert_v yet_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v draw_v off_o from_o the_o observation_n of_o their_o sabbath_n and_o can_v hardly_o bear_v with_o the_o believe_a gentile_n who_o be_v never_o teach_v to_o keep_v their_o sabbath_n with_o they_o but_o be_v teach_v to_o esteem_v every_o day_n and_o sanctify_v it_o to_o the_o lord_n rom._n 14.5_o and_o those_o who_o esteem_v every_o day_n and_o dedicate_v it_o to_o the_o lord_n cease_v from_o sin_n and_o rest_v to_o he_o for_o under_o the_o gospel_n we_o be_v not_o to_o set_v up_o a_o new_a type_n but_o to_o enter_v by_o faith_n into_o the_o true_a rest_n which_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o the_o other_o signify_v can_v hardly_o bear_v with_o they_o who_o observe_v a_o day_n even_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n christian_n be_v too_o apt_a to_o strive_v after_o a_o wrong_a unity_n and_o uniformity_n in_o outward_a practice_n and_o observation_n and_o to_o judge_v one_o another_o unrighteous_o in_o those_o thing_n and_o mark_v it_o be_v not_o the_o different_a practice_n from_o one_o another_o that_o break_v the_o peace_n and_o the_o unity_n but_o the_o judge_n of_o one_o another_o because_o of_o different_a practice_n he_o that_o keep_v not_o a_o day_n may_v unite_v in_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o the_o same_o life_n in_o the_o same_o love_n with_o he_o that_o keep_v a_o day_n and_o he_o who_o keep_v a_o day_n may_v unite_v in_o heart_n and_o soul_n with_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o life_n in_o he_o who_o keep_v not_o a_o day_n but_o he_o that_o judge_v the_o other_o because_o of_o either_o of_o these_o err_v from_o the_o spirit_n from_o the_o love_n from_o the_o life_n and_o so_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o unity_n and_o he_o that_o draw_v another_o to_o any_o practice_n before_o the_o life_n in_o his_o own_o particular_a lead_v he_o do_v as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o destroy_v the_o soul_n of_o that_o person_n verse_n 15._o this_o be_v the_o apostle_n rule_n for_o every_o one_o to_o perform_v single_o to_o the_o lord_n what_o he_o do_v and_o not_o for_o one_o to_o meddle_v with_o the_o light_n or_o conscience_n of_o another_o undervalue_v his_o brother_n or_o judge_v he_o because_o his_o light_n and_o practice_n differ_v from_o he_o verse_n 10._o of_o that_o 14_o chap._n but_o every_o one_o to_o keep_v close_o to_o their_o own_o measure_n of_o light_n even_o to_o that_o proportion_n of_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n which_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n have_v bestow_v on_o they_o and_o here_o be_v the_o true_a unity_n in_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o inward_a life_n and_o not_o in_o a_o outward_a uniformity_n that_o be_v not_o necessary_a in_o the_o apostle_n day_n nor_o be_v it_o necessary_a now_o and_o that_o eye_n which_o so_o dote_v upon_o it_o overlook_v the_o one_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a man_n keep_v close_o to_o god_n the_o lord_n will_v lead_v they_o on_o fast_o enough_o and_o give_v they_o light_v fast_o enough_o for_o he_o take_v care_n of_o such_o and_o know_v what_o light_n and_o what_o practice_n be_v most_o proper_a for_o they_o but_o for_o man_n to_o walk_v on_o fast_a than_o the_o lord_n hold_v forth_o light_a to_o they_o this_o overturn_v they_o raise_v up_o a_o wrong_a thing_n in_o they_o and_o the_o true_a birth_n hereby_o come_v to_o suffer_v to_o shrink_v and_o be_v drive_v back_o and_o oh_o how_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a be_v it_o to_o the_o true_o spiritual_a eye_n to_o see_v several_a sort_n of_o believer_n several_a form_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n every_o one_o learning_n their_o own_o lesson_n perform_v their_o own_o peculiar_a service_n and_o know_v own_v and_o love_v one_o another_o in_o their_o several_a place_n and_o different_a performance_n to_o their_o master_n to_o who_o they_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n and_o not_o to_o quarrel_v with_o one_o another_o about_o their_o different_a practice_n rom._n 14.4_o for_o this_o be_v the_o true_a ground_n of_o love_n and_o unity_n not_o that_o such_o a_o man_n walk_v and_o do_v just_a as_o i_o do_v but_o because_o i_o feel_v the_o same_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o he_o and_o in_o that_o he_o walk_v in_o his_o rank_n in_o his_o own_o order_n in_o his_o proper_a way_n and_o place_n of_o subjection_n to_o that_o and_o this_o be_v far_o more_o please_a to_o i_o than_o if_o he_o walk_v just_a in_o that_o tract_n wherein_o i_o walk_v nay_o so_o far_o as_o i_o be_o spiritual_a i_o can_v so_o much_o as_o desire_v that_o he_o shall_v do_v so_o until_o he_o be_v particular_o lead_v thereto_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o lead_v i_o and_o he_o that_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o receive_v any_o truth_n from_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o be_v lead_v into_o practice_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o how_o prone_a the_o fleshly_a man_n be_v to_o make_v haste_n and_o how_o dangerous_a that_o haste_n be_v will_v not_o be_v forward_o to_o press_v his_o knowledge_n or_o practice_n upon_o other_o but_o rather_o wait_v patient_o till_o the_o lord_n fit_v they_o for_o the_o receive_n thereof_o and_o fear_v lest_o they_o shall_v receive_v and_o practice_v too_o soon_o even_o in_o that_o part_n which_o can_v serve_v the_o lord_n and_o this_o i_o can_v true_o say_v concern_v myself_o i_o never_o find_v my_o spirit_n forward_o to_o draw_v any_o either_o to_o any_o thing_n i_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a or_o to_o any_o practice_n or_o way_n of_o worship_n i_o observe_v or_o walk_v in_o but_o desire_v that_o the_o power_n and_o leading_n of_o life_n may_v go_v before_o they_o and_o be_v afraid_a lest_o man_n shall_v receive_v thing_n from_o my_o hand_n and_o not_o from_o the_o lord_n yea_o and_o this_o i_o very_o well_o remember_v that_o when_o i_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o independency_n as_o it_o have_v be_v common_o call_v i_o have_v more_o unity_n with_o more_o love_n towards_o such_o as_o be_v single-hearted_n in_o other_o way_n and_o practice_n of_o worship_n who_o spirit_n i_o have_v some_o feel_n of_o in_o the_o true_a simplicity_n and_o in_o the_o life_n than_o with_o divers_a of_o such_o who_o be_v very_o know_v and_o zealous_a in_o that_o way_n of_o independency_n in_o who_o a_o wrong_a thing_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n have_v get_v up_o which_o have_v cause_v they_o to_o swerve_v from_o the_o life_n and_o from_o the_o simplicity_n so_o that_o the_o true_a church_n government_n be_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o over_o the_o conscience_n as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n the_o great_a care_n must_v be_v to_o keep_v it_o within_o its_o bound_n that_o nothing_o else_o govern_v but_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o the_o government_n be_v extend_v only_o unto_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v first_o care_n must_v be_v have_v that_o nothing_o govern_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n that_o nothing_o else_o teach_v nothing_o else_o exhort_v nothing_o else_o admonish_v and_o reprove_v nothing_o else_o cut_v off_o and_o cast_v out_o every_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o watch_v over_o his_o own_o spirit_n that_o it_o intrude_v not_o into_o the_o work_n of_o god_n that_o it_o take_v not_o upon_o it_o to_o be_v the_o teacher_n the_o exhorte_a the_o reprover_n etc._n etc._n and_o
every_o memis_n to_o wait_v in_o that_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v to_o feel_v the_o go_n forth_o of_o the_o spirit_n in_o he_o that_o teach_v and_o govern_v and_o so_o to_o subject_v not_o to_o man_n but_o to_o the_o lord_n to_o receive_v from_o the_o lord_n to_o obey_v the_o lord_n not_o to_o know_v any_o minister_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n but_o to_o receive_v and_o submit_v to_o what_o come_v from_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o spirit_n not_o to_o know_v paul_n or_o apollo_n or_o cephas_n but_o the_o spirit_n minister_a in_o they_o paul_n may_v err_v apollo_n may_v err_v peter_n may_v err_v and_o do_v err_v when_o he_o compel_v the_o gentile_n to_o live_v as_o the_o jew_n gal._n 2.14_o for_o which_o paul_n withstand_v he_o to_o the_o face_n verse_n 11_o and_o barnabas_n also_o do_v err_v verse_n 13._o but_o the_o spirit_n can_v err_v and_o he_o that_o keep_v to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o himself_o can_v let_v in_o any_o of_o their_o error_n if_o they_o shall_v err_v but_o be_v preserve_v for_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v true_a and_o give_v true_a judgement_n but_o he_o that_o receive_v never_o so_o great_a a_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o if_o he_o keep_v not_o low_a therein_o but_o lift_v up_o himself_o because_o thereof_o above_o his_o brethren_n may_v easy_o err_v himself_o and_o draw_v aside_o other_o into_o his_o error_n second_o care_n must_v be_v have_v that_o the_o conscience_n be_v keep_v tender_a that_o nothing_o be_v receive_v but_o according_a to_o the_o light_n in_o the_o conscience_n the_o conscience_n be_v the_o seat_n of_o faith_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o light_n which_o god_n light_v there_o faith_n be_v soon_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o christianity_n be_v begin_v in_o the_o spirit_n which_o keep_v out_o the_o fleshly_a part_n with_o all_o its_o fleshly_a wisdom_n and_o reason_v about_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o as_o the_o begin_n be_v in_o the_o anoint_v so_o must_v the_o progress_n be_v as_o the_o spirit_n begin_v in_o the_o conscience_n by_o convince_a that_n by_o persuade_v that_o by_o set_v up_o his_o light_n there_o and_o lead_v the_o soul_n by_o that_o light_n so_o that_o light_n must_v still_o be_v eye_v and_o according_a to_o its_o growth_n and_o manifestation_n in_o the_o conscience_n so_o must_v the_o soul_n stand_v still_o or_o go_v on_o the_o great_a error_n of_o the_o age_n of_o the_o apostasy_n have_v be_v to_o set_v up_o a_o outward_a order_n and_o unformity_n and_o to_o make_v man_n conscience_n bend_v thereto_o either_o by_o argument_n of_o wisdom_n or_o by_o force_n but_o the_o property_n of_o the_o true_a church_n government_n be_v to_o leave_v the_o conscience_n to_o its_o full_a liberty_n in_o the_o lord_n to_o preserve_v it_o single_a and_o entire_a for_o the_o lord_n to_o exercise_v and_o to_o seek_v unity_n in_o the_o light_n and_o in_o the_o spirit_n walk_v sweet_o and_o harmonious_o together_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o different_a practice_n yea_o and_o he_o that_o have_v faith_n and_o can_v see_v beyond_o another_o yet_o can_v have_v it_o to_o him-self_n and_o not_o disturb_v his_o brother_n with_o it_o but_o can_v descend_v and_o walk_v with_o he_o according_a to_o his_o measure_n and_o if_o his_o brother_n have_v any_o heavy_a burden_n upon_o he_o he_o can_v lend_v he_o his_o shoulder_n and_o bear_v part_n of_o his_o burden_n with_o he_o oh_o how_o sweet_a and_o lovely_a be_v it_o to_o see_v brethren_n dwell_v together_o in_o unity_n to_o see_v the_o true_a image_n of_o god_n raise_v in_o person_n and_o they_o know_v and_o love_v one_o another_o in_o that_o image_n and_o bear_v with_o one_o another_o through_o love_n and_o help_v one_o another_o under_o their_o temptation_n and_o distress_n of_o spirit_n which_o every_o one_o must_v expect_v to_o meet_v with_o if_o thou_o be_v a_o christian_n in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n preserve_v thy_o conscience_n pure_a and_o tender_a towards_o god_n do_v not_o defile_v it_o with_o such_o religious_a practice_n duty_n ordinance_n etc._n etc._n as_o thou_o do_v not_o feel_v the_o spirit_n lead_v thou_o into_o for_o all_o such_o be_v idol_n and_o exceed_o pollute_v thou_o and_o be_v tender_a also_o of_o thy_o brother_n conscience_n and_o be_v not_o a_o instrument_n to_o draw_v he_o unto_o any_o thing_n which_o the_o lord_n lead_v he_o not_o into_o but_o rejoice_v if_o thou_o find_v he_o in_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n startle_v at_o any_o thing_n for_o if_o he_o abide_v here_o faithful_a his_o guide_n will_v in_o due_a season_n appear_v to_o he_o and_o clear_v up_o his_o way_n before_o he_o but_o if_o he_o be_v too_o hasty_a he_o may_v follow_v a_o wrong_a guide_n and_o that_o guide_n will_v never_o lead_v he_o aright_o towards_o the_o kingdom_n but_o entangle_v he_o further_o and_o further_o from_o it_o oh_o how_o many_o have_v run_v a_o whore_v from_o the_o lord_n how_o many_o have_v first_o lose_v the_o guidance_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o then_o drown_v their_o life_n in_o religion_n performance_n how_o many_o have_v drink_v of_o the_o cup_n of_o fornication_n from_o the_o life_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o fleshly_a wisdom_n how_o many_o have_v fill_v their_o spirit_n with_o new-testament_n idol_n and_o image_n how_o many_o have_v even_o harden_v their_o heart_n and_o conscience_n by_o follow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n their_o imaginary_a meaning_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o imagination_n and_o dream_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n be_v it_o not_o time_n for_o man_n at_o length_n to_o turn_v back_o towards_o the_o lord_n to_o wait_v for_o the_o visitation_n and_o light_n of_o his_o spirit_n from_o who_o they_o have_v go_v a_o whore_v and_o who_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n they_o have_v grieve_v and_o if_o ever_o any_o feel_v and_o enjoy_v the_o guidance_n of_o god_n spirit_n their_o conscience_n must_v be_v keep_v tender_a to_o it_o and_o ready_a to_o hear_v and_o follow_v his_o voice_n who_o speak_v in_o spirit_n to_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o he_o which_o infallible_o know_v his_o voice_n and_o be_v keep_v clear_a can_v doubt_v concern_v it_o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n say_v christ_n they_o know_v it_o and_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o strange_a spirit_n they_o know_v not_o so_o as_o to_o follow_v it_o but_o turn_v from_o it_o both_o in_o themselves_o and_o other_o but_o that_o which_o be_v not_o the_o sheep_n but_o have_v only_o get_v the_o sheep_n clothing_n cry_v out_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o may_v be_v deceive_v nay_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n that_o which_o be_v the_o elect_a of_o god_n can_v be_v deceive_v wait_v therefore_o for_o the_o birth_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o which_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v for_o a_o guide_n who_o infallible_o guide_v it_o out_o of_o deceit_n all_o deceiver_n be_v out_o of_o this_o birth_n out_o of_o this_o spirit_n perhaps_o in_o some_o birth_n or_o other_o frame_v from_o the_o letter_n and_o live_v in_o the_o imitation_n of_o some_o practice_n and_o ordinance_n from_o the_o letter_n under_o which_o cover_n they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v but_o stranger_n to_o the_o life_n and_o power_n and_o to_o that_o wisdom_n which_o beget_v and_o bear_v to_o god_n thus_o the_o jew_n err_v and_o deceive_v their_o proselyte_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n thus_o the_o christian_n in_o name_n have_v general_o err_v all_o along_o the_o apostasy_n and_o indeed_o for_o the_o generality_n have_v not_o be_v true_a christian_n but_o only_o a_o persecute_a remnant_n among_o they_o who_o life_n have_v be_v nourish_v and_o preserve_v not_o by_o doctrine_n and_o observation_n which_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v by_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n nor_o by_o the_o knowledge_n which_o they_o themselves_o have_v gather_v but_o by_o a_o little_a bread_n daily_o hand_v to_o they_o from_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n out_o of_o the_o wilderness_n that_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o nourish_v their_o soul_n up_o to_o god_n though_o many_o of_o they_o know_v not_o distinct_o what_o it_o be_v that_o nourish_v they_o nor_o how_o they_o come_v by_o it_o object_n but_o be_v not_o uniformity_n lovely_a and_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v christian_n to_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o sweet_a thing_n if_o we_o be_v all_o of_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o way_n answer_n yea_o uniformity_n be_v very_o lovely_a and_o to_o be_v desire_v and_o wait_v for_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v one_o lead_v and_o draw_v into_o one_o but_o for_o the_o fleshly_a part_n the_o wise_a reason_v part_n of_o man_n by_o fleshly_a way_n and_o mean_n to_o strive_v to_o bring_v
retain_v that_o tenderness_n to_o god_n and_o regard_n to_o the_o hurt_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n as_o to_o make_v conscience_n unjust_o to_o accuse_v the_o innocent_a that_o since_o it_o be_v assert_v by_o some_o and_o entertain_v as_o a_o truth_n by_o divers_a that_o that_o book_n be_v write_v upon_o design_n and_o with_o a_o particular_a respect_n of_o prejudice_n to_o some_o person_n who_o i_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o once_o think_v on_o in_o write_v of_o it_o with_o somewhat_o worse_o which_o i_o be_o not_o willing_a to_o remember_v far_o less_o to_o mention_v whether_o those_o that_o propagate_v and_o entertain_v so_o false_a and_o groundless_a a_o jealousy_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o innocent_a have_v not_o reason_n narrow_o to_o examine_v what_o spirit_n they_o be_v influence_v by_o in_o so_o do_v which_o certain_o can_v not_o be_v of_o god_n and_o whether_o they_o ought_v not_o thence_o to_o take_v occasion_n just_o to_o suspect_v the_o effect_n and_o fruit_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o they_o even_o when_o it_o have_v appear_v in_o thing_n for_o which_o they_o may_v have_v somewhat_o more_o to_o say_v sure_o with_o man_n of_o inward_a tenderness_n this_o can_v but_o have_v great_a weight_n and_o albeit_o that_o my_o intention_n be_v so_o clear_a in_o this_o matter_n yet_o i_o will_v not_o say_v but_o the_o lord_n who_o way_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o past_o find_v out_o may_v have_v purpose_v by_o those_o paper_n seasonable_o to_o reprove_v and_o smite_v at_o a_o wrong_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o all_o concern_v have_v need_n in_o true_a tenderness_n and_o godly_a fear_n to_o beware_v how_o they_o shut_v out_o and_o turn_v by_o the_o warning_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o lord_n seek_v to_o carp_v at_o and_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o innocent_a instrument_n lest_o they_o be_v find_v foolish_o like_o those_o dog_n that_o run_v after_o and_o seek_v to_o bite_v the_o stone_n because_o they_o can_v reach_v the_o hand_n that_o throw_v it_o i_o have_v know_v this_o by_o manifold_a experience_n to_o have_v be_v a_o snare_n to_o many_o and_o therefore_o without_o the_o least_o prejudice_n or_o reflection_n upon_o any_o god_n know_v out_o of_o true_a tenderness_n and_o love_n do_v desire_n it_o may_v be_v serious_o weigh_v in_o the_o true_a light_n by_o all_o that_o may_v feel_v themselves_o concern_v in_o this_o matter_n fallacious_o matter_n matter_n since_o r._n b._n as_o before_o be_v signify_v in_o his_o line_n touch_v which_o i_o make_v my_o first_o observation_n on_o his_o explanatory_a postscript_n affirm_v that_o he_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 assert_v by_o he_o and_o that_o he_o labour_v with_o all_o the_o care_n and_o circumspection_n he_o can_v so_o to_o express_v himself_o as_o not_o to_o offend_v in_o a_o word_n i_o may_v now_o with_o confidence_n affirm_v that_o his_o word_n therein_o since_o he_o well_o understand_v the_o propriety_n of_o word_n and_o sentence_n may_v be_v just_o take_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o his_o mind_n that_o now_o his_o fallatiousness_n may_v appear_v i_o shall_v in_o order_n thereto_o cite_v his_o very_a word_n relate_v to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n touch_v jurisdiction_n over_o man_n property_n r._n b._n in_o his_o six_o section_n treat_v how_o far_o this_o government_n extend_v pag._n 39_o thus_o say_v this_o order_n reach_v and_o take_v up_o the_o compose_v of_o difference_n as_o to_o outward_a thing_n and_o further_o say_v we_o do_v bold_o aver_v as_o a_o people_n gather_v together_o by_o the_o lord_n unto_o the_o same_o faith_n etc._n etc._n that_o we_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o decide_v and_o remove_v these_o thing_n among_o ourselves_o from_o which_o positive_a sentence_n it_o natural_o follow_v that_o the_o church_n touch_v who_o authority_n in_o government_n he_o treat_v have_v power_n to_o decide_v and_o remove_v in_o case_n of_o difference_n touch_v outward_a thing_n and_o since_o in_o the_o same_o section_n he_o use_v the_o word_n meum_fw-la and_o tuum_fw-la with_o respect_n to_o outward_a thing_n touch_v which_o difference_n may_v arise_v it_o natural_o follow_v that_o the_o power_n claim_v be_v in_o that_o case_n a_o power_n over_o property_n i_o now_o desire_v that_o the_o reader_n may_v observe_v that_o in_o this_o his_o explanatory_a postscript_n he_o say_v not_o one_o word_n of_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o party_n differ_v which_o clear_o show_v that_o though_o as_o in_o the_o five_o observation_n be_v signify_v he_o intend_v to_o give_v under_o his_o own_o hand_n that_o he_o be_v principled_a as_o the_o aforesaid_a pretend_a letter_n say_v he_o be_v yet_o he_o therein_o deal_v fallacious_o but_o now_o as_o to_o the_o thing_n scruple_v at_o observation_n w._n r_n six_o observation_n whereas_o some_o do_v suppose_v that_o i_o do_v ascribe_v to_o friend_n a_o absolute_a jurisdiction_n over_o man_n property_n in_o outward_a thing_n therein_o i_o have_v be_v great_o mistake_v for_o i_o never_o intend_v any_o such_o thing_n but_o simple_o to_o hold_v forth_o that_o which_o by_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 6._o be_v urge_v that_o whereas_o there_o will_v a_o manifest_a scandal_n arise_v from_o friend_n go_v to_o law_n together_o that_o therefore_o such_o as_o will_v rather_o go_v to_o law_n than_o seek_v to_o come_v to_o agreement_n by_o the_o interpose_v of_o friend_n aught_o with_o a_o respect_n to_o their_o bring_v such_o a_o scandal_n be_v censure_v since_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o any_o such_o difference_n as_o to_o outward_a thing_n can_v fall_v out_o among_o friend_n but_o some_o or_o other_o may_v be_v find_v who_o either_o by_o their_o own_o knowledge_n or_o by_o advice_n &_o information_n of_o such_o as_o may_v be_v know_v in_o the_o matter_n controvert_v may_v bring_v it_o to_o a_o end_n second_o that_o whereas_o i_o say_v there_o will_v not_o be_v want_v in_o case_n of_o controversy_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o give_v judgement_n through_o one_o or_o other_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n so_o long_o as_o any_o assembly_n can_v proper_o or_o in_o any_o tolerable_a sense_n be_v so_o call_v some_o have_v suppose_v that_o by_o these_o last_o word_n i_o do_v insinuate_v as_o if_o any_o assembly_n assume_v to_o themselves_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v some_o show_n of_o it_o may_v of_o right_a claim_n the_o power_n of_o such_o decision_n and_o ought_v according_o to_o be_v submit_v unto_o such_o a_o thing_n never_o enter_v i_o but_o be_v far_o from_o my_o intention_n for_o albeit_o that_o i_o judge_v that_o a_o assembly_n may_v sometime_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o not_o to_o have_v lose_v that_o claim_n albeit_o not_o altogether_o so_o fresh_a and_o lively_a at_o least_o in_o the_o generality_n of_o its_o member_n and_o so_o under_o some_o languish_a and_o hazard_v to_o decay_v if_o life_n do_v not_o again_o come_v up_o more_o abundant_o as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n who_o notwithstanding_o of_o the_o several_a weakness_n divers_a of_o they_o be_v under_o yet_o the_o apostle_n or_o rather_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o apostle_n dignify_v with_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n neither_o do_v i_o intend_v to_o make_v this_o judgement_n necessary_o to_o attend_v every_o particular_a church_n or_o assembly_n but_o by_o the_o church_n there_o i_o understand_v it_o in_o a_o more_o universal_a sense_n that_o be_v some_o or_o other_o among_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o complex_fw-la may_v be_v right_o term_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o same_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n for_o albeit_o we_o may_v suppose_v there_o may_v have_v be_v want_v in_o each_o of_o they_o some_o to_o give_v forth_o 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nation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o all_o their_o idolatry_n wickedness_n and_o superstition_n for_o that_o they_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o the_o evil_a of_o it_o whereas_o truth_n teach_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o have_v they_o be_v faithful_a to_o the_o small_a measure_n of_o light_n in_o thing_n more_o obvious_a it_o will_v have_v further_o open_v and_o manifest_v other_o thing_n then_o shall_v not_o the_o jew_n have_v be_v condemn_v for_o crucify_a christ_n since_o peter_n say_v they_o do_v it_o ignorant_o and_o paul_n testify_v that_o if_o they_o have_v know_v they_o will_v not_o have_v crucify_v the_o lord_n of_o glory_n yea_o than_o all_o those_o that_o persecute_a and_o burn_v the_o protestant-martyr_n be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v for_o it_o because_o they_o suppose_v they_o do_v well_o in_o it_o even_o according_a to_o christ_n testimony_n who_o say_v that_o in_o kill_v you_o they_o shall_v think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n shall_v man_n than_o never_o be_v condemn_v for_o do_v evil_a or_o omit_v their_o duty_n because_o they_o see_v it_o not_o what_o absurdity_n will_v folthereupon_o may_v easy_o appear_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o w._n r._n in_o his_o paper_n shall_v labour_v so_o much_o against_o this_o affirm_v very_o positive_o that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v give_v forth_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o by_o way_n of_o recommendation_n &_o not_o of_o command_n wherein_o he_o do_v either_o great_o mistake_v the_o matter_n as_o affirm_v by_o i_o or_o otherways_o run_v into_o a_o far_o great_a inconveniency_n than_o he_o be_v aware_a for_o if_o he_o mean_v that_o no_o man_n of_o or_o from_o himself_o only_o or_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o office_n or_o place_n he_o either_o have_v or_o have_v bear_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n aught_o to_o command_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o church_n i_o free_o agree_v to_o it_o and_o have_v assert_v the_o same_o in_o very_o full_a and_o ample_a term_n 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whether_o so_o to_o affirm_v be_v not_o gross_o to_o contradict_v the_o ancient_n and_o primitive_a doctrine_n of_o friend_n observation_n w._n r_o be_v ten_o observation_n thereto_o observation_n observation_n this_o be_v not_o my_o concern_v have_v give_v no_o occasion_n in_o my_o answer_n for_o this_o his_o defence_n and_o therefore_o do_v make_v no_o reply_n thereto_o five_o whereas_o some_o do_v suppose_v that_o i_o do_v make_v the_o difference_n in_o the_o end_n but_o very_o small_a betwixt_o decissive_a judgement_n among_o friend_n and_o among_o papist_n and_o other_o person_n because_o i_o say_v they_o place_v the_o decisive_n judgement_n in_o the_o plurality_n of_o a_o assembly_n make_v up_o of_o their_o chief_a teacher_n and_o minister_n and_o albeit_o i_o limit_v it_o not_o to_o that_o yet_o i_o seem_v to_o affirm_v that_o it_o most_o usual_o be_v so_o convey_v and_o so_o the_o difference_n only_o be_v that_o they_o make_v it_o always_o so_o and_o i_o most_o usual_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o if_o in_o charity_n i_o may_v suppose_v this_o insinuation_n come_v not_o from_o malice_n at_o least_o it_o proceed_v from_o great_a ignorance_n of_o the_o popish_a principle_n and_o it_o be_v better_o for_o such_o to_o be_v silent_a than_o to_o judge_n of_o thing_n they_o do_v not_o understand_v for_o the_o difference_n here_o be_v very_o great_a and_o fundamental_a in_o respect_n both_o papist_n and_o other_o do_v affirm_v that_o man_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o outward_a succession_n or_o vocation_n may_v have_v true_a right_o to_o sit_v and_o give_v judgement_n in_o such_o assembly_n albeit_o they_o be_v void_a of_o true_a holiness_n and_o have_v not_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o they_o say_v be_v no_o necessary_a qualification_n to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o minister_n so_o that_o they_o place_v the_o power_n of_o judgement_n not_o only_o in_o the_o plurality_n of_o vote_n absolute_o in_o which_o we_o differ_v from_o they_o but_o also_o in_o the_o 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to_o affirm_v that_o the_o power_n of_o decision_n be_v only_o and_o alone_o in_o the_o spirit_n not_o necessary_o tie_v to_o a_o general_a assembly_n but_o if_o it_o please_v god_n to_o make_v use_n of_o such_o a_o assembly_n yet_o neither_o to_o the_o plurality_n of_o they_o but_o in_o and_o through_o such_o of_o his_o servant_n as_o he_o see_v meet_v and_o that_o none_o be_v capable_a or_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v member_n of_o such_o a_o assembly_n or_o esteem_v such_o from_o who_o such_o a_o judgement_n can_v be_v expect_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v receive_v unless_o they_o be_v man_n in_o who_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n not_o only_o be_v but_o have_v true_o wrought_v to_o mortify_v and_o regenerate_v they_o in_o a_o good_a measure_n in_o who_o the_o judgement_n of_o truth_n real_o
the_o truth_n those_o who_o refuse_v so_o to_o assent_v may_v be_v subject_a to_o a_o excommunication_n by_o g._n e._n and_o his_o adherent_n from_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o men._n beside_o it_o have_v be_v a_o observation_n of_o late_a that_o these_o question_n or_o question_n to_o the_o like_a import_n have_v be_v frequent_o ask_v by_o such_o with_o who_o we_o can_v be_v at_o unity_n in_o all_o thing_n viz._n be_v you_o for_o womens-meeting_n mean_v distinct_a womens-meeting_n from_o man_n among_o who_o under_o pretence_n of_o take_v care_n of_o the_o poor_a another_o thing_n seem_v to_o be_v more_o chief_o aim_v at_o as_o anon_o will_v be_v make_v appear_v be_v you_o for_o record_v condemnation_n mean_v thereby_o whether_o the_o party_n who_o have_v condemn_v their_o fail_n and_o through_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v restore_v and_o their_o offence_n blot_v out_o and_o forgive_v by_o he_o assent_v thereto_o or_o no_o be_v you_o for_o settle_a mouthly_a and_o quarterly-meeting_n touch_v outward_a business_n since_o those_o who_o will_v have_v meeting_n as_o occasion_n offer_v be_v account_v designer_n to_o throw_v down_o all_o meeting_n for_o outward_a business_n relate_v to_o the_o affair_n of_o truth_n and_o when_o these_o or_o such_o like_a question_n have_v be_v ask_v of_o friend_n in_o truth_n that_o can_v not_o answer_v thereto_o yea_o we_o be_v sensible_a that_o it_o have_v be_v take_v by_o many_o adherent_n to_o g._n f._n as_o a_o sufficient_a token_n of_o a_o dark_a leaven_a rend_v divide_v spirit_n and_o mere_o as_o we_o take_v it_o from_o a_o apprehension_n that_o the_o form_n they_o stand_v for_o be_v thereby_o strike_v at_o though_o the_o service_n will_v be_v effectual_o perform_v in_o another_o method_n as_o experience_n in_o the_o county_n of_o westmoreland_n and_o wilts_n have_v of_o late_o testify_v for_o be_v it_o not_o so_o that_o great_a stress_n be_v lay_v upon_o the_o outward_a form_n of_o thing_n prescribe_v to_o 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contend_v for_o which_o occasion_n we_o in_o all_o seriousness_n of_o spirit_n thus_o to_o say_v may_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n so_o preserve_v his_o people_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v ensnare_v by_o those_o who_o have_v raise_v so_o great_a contention_n about_o the_o outward_a form_n of_o thing_n prescribe_v to_o be_v practise_v among_o the_o professor_n of_o truth_n lest_o they_o with_o they_o prove_v to_o be_v boaster_n proud_a blasphemous_a false_a accuser_n despiser_n of_o those_o that_o be_v good_a which_o be_v the_o very_a mark_n and_o token_n of_o those_o who_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o from_o who_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v to_o turn_v away_o and_o how_o far_o these_o mark_v rest_n upon_o many_o of_o those_o who_o so_o earnest_o contend_v for_o their_o outward_a form_n we_o leave_v to_o the_o impartial_a reader_n with_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n to_o judge_n when_o he_o have_v thorough_o peruse_v this_o manuscript_n this_o mean_v the_o aforesaid_a historical_a manuscript_n treatise_n especial_o the_o second_o part._n oh_o friend_n the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n bow_v we_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o mercy_n to_o we_o we_o can_v no_o long_o keep_v silence_n but_o in_o his_o fear_n declare_v unto_o all_o that_o our_o conscience_n be_v concern_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o since_o it_o be_v so_o that_o a_o ill_a use_n be_v make_v of_o that_o spirit_n of_o forbearance_n and_o condescension_n which_o we_o be_v sensible_a have_v be_v use_v by_o many_o of_o our_o brethren_n it_o be_v now_o become_v our_o portion_n to_o unburthen_v ourselves_o of_o that_o which_o have_v be_v our_o burden_n believe_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o only_a arisen_n but_o will_v yet_o more_o and_o more_o arise_v against_o that_o spirit_n that_o will_v exalt_v itself_o over_o the_o heritage_n of_o god_n endeavour_v to_o rule_v over_o their_o conscience_n whenas_o christ_n alone_o be_v lord_n thereof_o it_o may_v be_v now_o worthy_a our_o observation_n to_o consider_v whether_o any_o encouragement_n be_v give_v by_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n christ_n jesus_n whilst_o on_o earth_n unto_o his_o disciple_n to_o become_v ruler_n one_o over_o another_o we_o find_v that_o he_o exhort_v his_o disciple_n judge_v not_o that_o you_o be_v not_o judge_v be_v not_o you_o call_v rabbi_n 23.8_o matth._n 7.1_o &_o 23.8_o for_o one_o be_v your_o master_n even_o christ_n and_o all_o you_o be_v brethren_n but_o he_o that_o be_v great_a among_o you_o shall_v be_v your_o servant_n and_o whosoever_o shall_v exalt_v himself_o shall_v be_v abase_v and_o he_o that_o shall_v humble_v himself_o shall_v be_v exalt_v here_o be_v no_o good_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o christ_n intend_v that_o when_o he_o be_v depart_v his_o disciple_n shall_v be_v exalt_v themselves_o one_o over_o another_o as_o governor_n and_o ruler_n and_o if_o we_o consult_v the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o though_o his_o disciple_n have_v a_o dependency_n upon_o he_o whilst_o in_o his_o bodily_a appearance_n to_o be_v their_o leader_n yet_o he_o tell_v they_o 13._o john_n 16.7_o 13._o it_o be_v expedient_a for_o you_o that_o i_o go_v away_o for_o if_o i_o go_v not_o away_o the_o comforter_n will_v not_o come_v unto_o you_o but_o if_o i_o depart_v i_o will_v send_v he_o unto_o you_o and_o he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n for_o he_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o have_v it_o be_v so_o that_o christ_n jesus_n intend_v the_o exaltation_n of_o one_o of_o his_o disciple_n as_o a_o head_n or_o supreme_a unto_o who_o the_o rest_n ought_v to_o have_v have_v a_o eye_n in_o a_o more_o particular_a manner_n than_o ordinary_a he_o will_v have_v undoubted_o signify_v so_o much_o but_o doubtless_o he_o see_v that_o their_o eye_n and_o dependency_n be_v too_o much_o on_o his_o outward_a and_o bodily_a appearance_n and_o therefore_o signify_v it_o be_v expedient_a i_o go_v hence_o that_o the_o comforter_n come_v agreeable_a to_o which_o be_v the_o apostle_n word_n though_o we_o have_v know_v christ_n after_o the_o flesh_n yet_o henceforth_o know_v we_o he_o no_o more_o that_o be_v to_o say_v after_o the_o flesh_n no_o more_o all_o which_o do_v clear_o demonstrate_v unto_o we_o it_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o under_o this_o administration_n we_o shall_v have_v our_o eye_n out_o unto_o man_n but_o that_o our_o great_a dependency_n shall_v be_v on_o that_o comforter_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o christ_n testify_v the_o father_n will_v send_v in_o his_o name_n to_o teach_v we_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o this_o comforter_n shall_v be_v in_o we_o and_o therefore_o on_o this_o occasion_n it_o be_v with_o we_o to_o give_v this_o further_a testimony_n that_o every_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v through_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n make_v dead_a unto_o any_o other_o law_n save_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n manifest_v through_o the_o arise_v of_o christ_n by_o his_o appearance_n in_o every_o such_o member_n and_o so_o as_o particular_a member_n be_v become_v marry_v unto_o he_o 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 of_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 but_o as_o to_o obedience_n every_o member_n owe_v that_o unto_o christ_n his_o head_n unto_o who_o 10.5_o 2_o cor._n 10.5_o every_o thought_n according_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n ought_v to_o be_v bring_v into_o obedience_n thus_o
the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n and_o in_o the_o wisdom_n that_o be_v peaceable_a you_o will_v have_v seek_v the_o peace_n or_o come_v to_o i_o as_o i_o desire_v you_o before_o these_o thing_n break_v out_o as_o i_o say_v before_o but_o you_o be_v of_o a_o high_a lofty_a spirit_n which_o those_o virtue_n be_v over_o it_o and_o they_o and_o the_o truth_n remain_v in_o themselves_o and_o among_o they_o that_o have_v right_a to_o they_o but_o they_o have_v little_a place_n in_o you_o till_o you_o come_v to_o that_o which_o will_v bring_v you_o to_o condemn_v all_o the_o contrary_a for_o though_o you_o think_v you_o may_v get_v ease_n by_o scribble_a and_o write_v but_o that_o will_v not_o ease_v you_o for_o what_o you_o sow_v that_o you_o must_v reap_v for_o have_v they_o have_v place_n in_o you_o you_o will_v have_v be_v preserve_v in_o peace_n my_o love_n be_v to_o all_o that_o fear_n god_n and_o retain_v their_o first_o simplicity_n in_o the_o humility_n the_o foundation_n of_o god_n that_o stand_v sure_a my_o writing_n so_o large_o have_v be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o simple_a which_o thou_o may_v communicate_v to_o they_o that_o they_o may_v hear_v fear_v and_o consider_v the_o 16_o the_o of_o the_o 10_o the_o m_o on_o 1676._o george_n fox_n though_o the_o above-written_a answer_n give_v by_o g._n f._n to_o john_n wilkinson_n be_v in_o itself_o very_o remote_a from_o a_o pertinent_a answer_n to_o john_n wilkinson_n last_o recite_v letter_n and_o can_v but_o be_v very_o obvious_a to_o many_o without_o observation_n and_o answer_n to_o any_o part_n thereof_o yet_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o that_o may_v be_v more_o weak_a we_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o make_v some_o few_o observation_n and_o short_a reply_n unto_o some_o part_n thereof_o the_o purport_n of_o john_n wilkinson_n letter_n we_o take_v to_o be_v chief_o that_o g._n f._n may_v manifest_v two_o thing_n viz._n first_o wherein_o john_n wilkinson_n john_n story_n and_o such_o as_o g._n f._n may_v account_v their_o company_n be_v separate_v from_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o the_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n or_o have_v build_v again_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o once_o destroy_v second_o that_o g._n f._n may_v clear_v himself_o that_o he_o approve_v of_o no_o force_n about_o religion_n but_o the_o force_n and_o effect_v of_o the_o word_n deliver_v g._n f_n chief_a matter_n as_o we_o take_v it_o produce_v against_o they_o be_v this_o how_o be_v the_o lord_n sanctify_v among_o you_o concern_v your_o pay_v of_o tithe_n or_o your_o connive_n at_o your_o wife_n or_o other_o pay_v for_o you_o this_o amount_n to_o a_o plain_a accusation_n against_o john_n wilkinson_n &_o other_o among_o who_o it_o may_v reasonable_o be_v take_v that_o he_o mean_v john_n story_n for_o one_o tythe-payer_n either_o by_o themselves_o direct_o or_o else_o by_o their_o connive_n at_o other_o pay_v for_o they_o it_o be_v no_o marvel_n that_o g._n f._n be_v so_o general_o repute_a among_o friend_n far_o and_o near_o to_o report_v that_o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n be_v tythe-payer_n since_o he_o have_v write_v with_o relation_n to_o john_n wilkinson_n etc._n etc._n touch_v tithe_n as_o aforesaid_a but_o though_o he_o have_v so_o do_v yet_o it_o be_v a_o notorious_a falsehood_n and_o untruth_n for_o john_n wilkinson_n have_v not_o only_o be_v a_o great_a sufferer_n for_o tithe_n but_o also_o be_v never_o know_v to_o evade_v his_o testimony_n in_o the_o least_o or_o that_o his_o wife_n or_o any_o for_o he_o ever_o pay_v pay_v we_o be_v now_o sensible_a the_o reader_n may_v be_v ready_a to_o query_n whether_o there_o be_v no_o pretence_n to_o render_v john_n wilkinson_n a_o tythe-payer_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v we_o never_o understand_v any_o other_o pretence_n that_o such_o as_o have_v accuse_v he_o thereof_o have_v make_v when_o narrow_o examine_v but_o this_o viz._n that_o he_o pay_v tythe-male-silver_n and_o whether_o that_o can_v he_o such_o a_o just_a occasion_n as_o 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testimony_n therein_o be_v a_o single_a man_n not_o manage_v any_o estate_n in_o his_o possession_n more_o than_o by_o declaration_n against_o that_o oppression_n wilkinson_n as_o to_o tythe-male-silver_n payable_a by_o i_o john_n wilkinson_n i_o say_v that_o i_o pay_v two_o shilling_n seven_o penny_n yearly_a term_v on_o my_o deed_n tythe-male-silver_n and_o that_o the_o same_o i_o always_o pay_v ever_o since_o i_o enjoy_v my_o land_n and_o that_o the_o say_a sum_n be_v under_o fine_a as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o rent_n to_o the_o king_n be_v and_o this_o fine_a have_v be_v enjoin_v on_o the_o possessor_n in_o former_a deed_n and_o that_o on_o the_o death_n of_o a_o tenant_n the_o next_o taker_n be_v finable_a for_o the_o same_o and_o i_o never_o do_v understand_v that_o there_o ever_o be_v any_o deed_n of_o purchase_n of_o tithe_n for_o the_o land_n i_o enjoy_v nor_o yet_o that_o the_o aforesaid_a sum_n of_o two_o shilling_n seven_o penny_n be_v ever_o pay_v in_o lieu_n of_o tithe_n nor_o that_o any_o friend_n account_v i_o a_o offender_n for_o pay_v the_o same_o until_o of_o late_a but_o though_o this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o my_o case_n yet_o i_o know_v other_o of_o my_o neighbour_n possess_v land_n of_o another_o hold_v be_v liable_a to_o pay_v a_o small_a sum_n term_v tythe-male-silver_n or_o composition-money_n and_o in_o default_n of_o payment_n be_v liable_a to_o tithe_n in_o kind_n and_o such_o have_v deed_n of_o purchase_n for_o tithe_n wherein_o such_o composition-money_n be_v express_v but_o that_o be_v not_o my_o case_n witness_v my_o hand_n this_o 3d._n of_o the_o 12_o month_n 1678._o john_n wilkinson_n which_o he_o have_v often_o do_v and_o in_o particular_a both_o of_o they_o give_v in_o a_o testimony_n in_o write_v of_o their_o clearness_n in_o that_o particular_a both_o as_o to_o judgement_n and_o practice_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o falsehood_n have_v undoubted_o be_v a_o great_a mean_n by_o which_o g._n f._n have_v obtain_v many_o proselyte_n on_o his_o side_n to_o oppose_v john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n as_o tythe-payer_n and_o so_o consequent_o apostate_n and_o dark_a spirit_n the_o lord_n rebuke_v that_o evil_a spirit_n that_o have_v enter_v the_o leader_n of_o many_o people_n to_o cause_v they_o through_o the_o belief_n of_o lie_n to_o err_v and_o as_o to_o g._n f_n so_o frequent_a tell_v they_o that_o they_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o inward_a light_n and_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n that_o fall_v of_o itself_o be_v prove_v by_o no_o convince_v instance_n great_a than_o this_o his_o say_v viz._n if_o not_o you_o will_v have_v be_v at_o unity_n with_o i_o as_o at_o first_o and_o whereas_o g._n f._n tell_v john_n wilkinson_n that_o he_o be_v of_o a_o angry_a disquiet_v froward_a peevish_a pretful_a malicious_a high_a high_a note_v as_o to_o the_o word_n high_a and_o lofty_a spirit_n with_o application_n to_o john_n wilkinson_n by_o g._n f._n we_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o give_v a_o character_n of_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o likewise_o of_o g._n f._n according_a to_o their_o desert_n and_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o impartial_a reader_n to_o consider_v which_o of_o they_o deserve_v to_o be_v term_v of_o a_o high_a and_o losty_a spirit_n john_n wilkinson_n when_o he_o be_v first_o convince_v of_o truth_n have_v a_o estate_n of_o tenant-right_a land_n value_v between_o fifteen_o and_o twenty_o pound_n per_fw-la annum_fw-la and_o ever_o since_o at_o time_n and_o season_n when_o he_o be_v at_o home_n exercise_n himself_o in_o bodily_a labour_n sometime_o at_o blow_n and_o sometime_o otherwise_o he_o also_o have_v ever_o since_o keep_v his_o family_n to_o labour_n and_o so_o have_v live_v handsome_o according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o country_n upon_o his_o estate_n which_o he_o have_v keep_v in_o his_o own_o hand_n
though_o the_o apostle_n thus_o exhort_v little_a child_n keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n yet_o thy_o book_n touch_v womens-meeting_n etc._n etc._n very_a scandalous_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o worthy_a in_o several_a particular_n to_o be_v judge_v and_o condemn_v inform_v we_o as_o if_o micah_n mother_n speak_v of_o judge_n 17._o when_o she_o give_v money_n to_o make_v a_o grave_v image_n to_o be_v worship_v be_v a_o virtuous_a woman_n for_o touch_v she_o thou_o have_v thus_o write_v and_o be_v not_o micah_n mother_n a_o virtuous_a woman_n read_v judge_n 17._o and_o see_v what_o she_o say_v to_o she_o son_n and_o in_o a_o few_o line_n after_o thou_o thus_o testifyes_n these_o and_o such_o like_a woman_n be_v record_v to_o posterity_n for_o their_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n see_v thy_o book_n pag._n 43_o 44._o three_o though_o there_o be_v endeavour_n to_o send_v paper_n to_o and_o fro_o to_o bespatter_n john_n story_n for_o go_v out_o of_o a_o meeting_n when_o the_o persecutor_n come_v yet_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o thyself_o have_v be_v find_v in_o the_o like_a action_n and_o if_o report_n be_v true_a the_o frequent_a of_o any_o man_n that_o ever_o i_o hear_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o quaker_n and_o it_o be_v to_o i_o a_o broad_a sign_n that_o this_o will_v not_o have_v be_v omit_v as_o a_o grand_a article_n against_o he_o among_o other_o at_o drawel_n have_v not_o thou_o be_v guilty_a in_o the_o like_a case_n four_o that_o though_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n be_v persecute_v by_o such_o unto_o who_o thy_o paper_n seem_v a_o strength_n because_o they_o will_v not_o condemn_v themselves_o yet_o i_o never_o hear_v that_o thou_o as_o yet_o have_v ever_o give_v forth_o any_o paper_n of_o condemnation_n for_o the_o error_n thou_o have_v commit_v in_o write_v the_o book_n about_o woman_n meeeting_n etc._n etc._n or_o any_o thing_n else_o though_o i_o can_v believe_v but_o that_o thou_o be_v conscious_a to_o thyself_o that_o truth_n be_v scandalize_v thereby_o unless_o so_o great_a imagination_n have_v enter_v thou_o as_o to_o conclude_v that_o all_o thy_o word_n write_n and_o action_n be_v right_o because_o they_o be_v bring_v forth_o through_o thy_o earthly_a vessel_n and_o to_o speak_v plain_a i_o must_v tell_v thou_o thou_o be_v not_o free_a from_o give_v occasion_n to_o be_v jealous_a that_o thou_o do_v so_o conclude_v else_o when_o i_o treat_v thou_o about_o the_o business_n of_o micha_n mother_n why_o do_v thou_o tell_v i_o as_o thou_o than_o do_v viz._n that_o thou_o know_v what_o thou_o do_v and_o that_o thou_o see_v it_o will_v be_v a_o stumbling-block_n but_o rather_o on_o the_o sight_n of_o thy_o mistake_n have_v ingenious_o confess_v the_o same_o for_o it_o be_v a_o abominable_a thing_n in_o thou_o or_o any_o man_n know_o too_o put_v stumbling-block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n people_n and_o know_v this_o from_o i_o thou_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o wipe_v away_o the_o reproach_n that_o lie_v upon_o thou_o for_o write_v that_o book_n until_o thou_o condemn_v and_o judge_v thyself_o for_o many_o thing_n therein_o contain_v and_o to_o be_v yet_o more_o plain_a when_o i_o do_v consider_v that_o the_o reputation_n and_o respect_n that_o have_v be_v give_v unto_o thou_o by_o many_o if_o not_o most_o of_o those_o who_o in_o the_o part_n here-a-way_n be_v first_o convince_v of_o truth_n do_v first_o spring_n from_o the_o testimony_n we_o have_v concern_v thou_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o those_o who_o we_o believe_v the_o lord_n and_o not_o thou_o send_v forth_o to_o gather_v we_o it_o seem_v a_o very_a strange_a thing_n and_o the_o badge_n of_o a_o grand_a apostasy_n that_o any_o of_o the_o survive_a remnant_n of_o those_o ancient_a labourer_n be_v as_o sound_v in_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n and_o as_o blameless_a in_o their_o outward_a life_n and_o conversation_n as_o in_o the_o beginning_n and_o thereby_o manifest_v themselves_o stay_v in_o the_o unchangeable_a truth_n shall_v be_v persecute_v 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christ_n in_o yourselves_o and_o yet_o one_o cause_n assign_v by_o thou_o that_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n be_v wrong_a be_v their_o not_o come_v to_o thou_o and_o by_o the_o sixty_o six_o subscriber_n at_o ellis_n hook_n chamber_n in_o london_n their_o not_o come_v to_o they_o true_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v their_o ministry_n from_o god_n be_v not_o to_o run_v hither_o and_o thither_o at_o thy_o call_n or_o any_o man_n call_n whatsoever_o though_o i_o do_v know_v thou_o have_v in_o a_o letter_n write_v to_o i_o assign_v their_o not_o come_v to_o thou_o when_o thou_o send_v for_o they_o to_o be_v as_o a_o proof_n that_o they_o be_v not_o right_o nor_o in_o the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o god_n but_o by_o what_o authority_n or_o according_a to_o what_o principle_n of_o truth_n man_n call_v of_o god_n into_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n must_v be_v declare_v to_o be_v not_o right_a nor_o in_o the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o god_n because_o they_o come_v not_o 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marvel_n if_o such_o conclude_v that_o every_o friend_n be_v just_o condemn_v if_o they_o be_v not_o at_o unity_n with_o the_o paper_n give_v forth_o by_o the_o sixty-six_a subscriber_n at_o ellis_n hooks_n chamber_n as_o if_o now_o it_o be_v good_a doctrine_n or_o exhortation_n to_o direct_v to_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n that_o appear_v in_o the_o sixty-six_a subscriber_n when_o they_o bring_v forth_o their_o unchristian_a like_a papen_n instead_o of_o direct_v to_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n in_o themselves_o one_o thing_n more_o lie_v upon_o i_o to_o say_v unto_o thou_o that_o though_o among_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o world_n there_o be_v such_o politic_a contrivance_n to_o carry_v on_o their_o design_n as_o to_o engage_v such_o other_o therein_o who_o for_o self-advancement_n become_v of_o a_o temporize_a spirit_n or_o for_o want_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v ready_a to_o follow_v for_o the_o loaf_n for_o be_v of_o a_o mean_a spirit_n be_v hurry_a or_o 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in_o truth_n then_o it_o be_v a_o evident_a token_n thou_o will_v exalt_v thyself_o for_o what_o be_v that_o less_o than_o to_o conclude_v that_o the_o infallible_a spirit_n be_v limit_v to_o appear_v through_o thy_o earthen_a vessel_n only_o for_o if_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n the_o spirit_n be_v the_o judge_n and_o that_o its_o pour_v forth_o in_o our_o day_n be_v upon_o many_o son_n and_o many_o daughter_n why_o then_o shall_v not_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o any_o vessel_n have_v its_o free_a passage_n as_o well_o as_o through_o thou_o or_o why_o must_v some_o write_n give_v forth_o by_o the_o spirit_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o second_o day_n meeting_n to_o be_v approve_v and_o other_o not_o but_o to_o return_v i_o have_v this_o further_a to_o say_v that_o if_o thou_o or_o any_o be_v so_o imaginary_a as_o to_o conclude_v that_o all_o thy_o write_n and_o book_n be_v give_v forth_o by_o the_o infallible_a spirit_n and_o that_o as_o such_o 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or_o depart_v from_o the_o truth_n iii_o have_v thou_o not_o a_o sense_n that_o thy_o aforesaid_a paper_n of_o query_n may_v cast_v a_o line_n of_o reflection_n on_o every_o one_o that_o may_v secure_v from_o the_o devourer_n any_o part_n of_o that_o outward_a substance_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o to_o maintain_v their_o family_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o thou_o sensible_a that_o thou_o be_v the_o man_n that_o have_v advise_v the_o rich_a to_o secure_v worldly_a estate_n that_o so_o the_o persecutor_n may_v not_o become_v spoiler_n thereof_o and_o if_o so_o iu._n will_v it_o not_o evident_o appear_v that_o these_o thy_o reflect_v query_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o that_o spirit_n that_o lu_v to_o envy_n and_o appear_v with_o two_o face_n v._n do_v thou_o not_o remember_v that_o at_o a_o quarterly-meeting_a in_o gloucestershire_n sudden_o after_o thy_o last_o departure_n from_o bristol_n there_o be_v a_o person_n that_o judge_v i_o not_o sit_v to_o judge_v in_o that_o meeting_n 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to_o be_v take_v away_o for_o fine_n impose_v for_o the_o preach_n of_o such_o false_a prophet_n and_o since_o it_o be_v say_v solomon_n eccles_n manifest_v the_o same_o first_o to_o thou_o i_o query_n whether_o thou_o be_v not_o a_o encourager_n of_o the_o say_v false_a prophet_n because_o it_o be_v say_v he_o cry_v thou_o up_o as_o one_o that_o be_v great_a than_o moses_n or_o whether_o thou_o do_v become_v a_o reproof_n to_o he_o xiii_o whether_o or_o no_o it_o be_v not_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o englighmed_a understanding_n in_o those_o who_o be_v call_v dark_a spirit_n to_o secure_v what_o they_o have_v from_o be_v take_v away_o for_o fine_n impose_v for_o the_o babble_n of_o such_o who_o great_a business_n at_o meeting_n be_v to_o rail_v against_o
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dispensation_n from_o he_o so_o to_o do_v and_o why_o he_o shall_v condemn_v i_o for_o so_o do_v i_o understand_v not_o unless_o he_o think_v my_o care_n therein_o may_v prevent_v a_o outward_a blast_v which_o some_o of_o his_o temporize_a party_n have_v prophesy_v will_v come_v upon_o i_o and_o all_o that_o join_v to_o that_o spirit_n as_o they_o be_v please_v to_o phrase_n it_o in_o my_o 5_o query_n it_o be_v thus_o say_v and_o do_v thou_o not_o remember_v that_o at_o a_o quarterly-meeting_a in_o gloucestershire_n sudden_o after_o thy_o last_o departure_n from_o bristol_n there_o be_v a_o person_n that_o judge_v i_o not_o fit_a to_o judge_v in_o that_o meeting_n because_o i_o have_v secure_v a_o part_n of_o my_o good_n without_o door_n though_o i_o have_v leave_v above_o two_o hundred_o pound_n value_n of_o movable_a good_n subject_a to_o the_o spoiler_n beside_o and_o do_v thou_o not_o remember_v that_o none_o of_o the_o say_a meeting_n declare_v any_o approbation_n of_o his_o so_o do_v and_o that_o thou_o thyself_o then_o present_a manifest_v a_o dislike_n thereof_o as_o well_o as_o leveral_a other_o after_o thy_o usual_a manner_n thus_o wish_v wish_v do_v thou_o not_o also_o remember_v that_o i_o then_o signify_v to_o this_o effect_n if_o what_o i_o have_v do_v be_v a_o crime_n those_o who_o be_v account_v of_o the_o chief_a among_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o crime_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n this_o g._n f._n in_o answer_n thereto_o deny_v not_o but_o in_o effect_n confess_v it_o by_o these_o his_o word_n but_o i_o do_v not_o say_v nothing_o else_o but_o wish_v whisht_o i_o now_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o compare_v this_o with_o his_o before-cited_n word_n viz._n i_o know_v they_o to_o be_v all_o mean_v all_o my_o thirteen_o query_n before_o speak_v of_o false_a and_o malicious_a charge_n and_o then_o consider_v whether_o he_o have_v not_o herein_o belie_v his_o conscience_n at_o a_o large_a rate_n i_o now_o come_v to_o reckon_v with_o george_n fox_n for_o his_o answer_n to_o my_o 10_o query_n a_o part_n whereof_o be_v whether_o it_o be_v fit_a for_o one_o that_o feed_v of_o the_o fat_a of_o the_o land_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o have_v twelve_o or_o thirteen_o hundred_o pound_n well_o secure_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o spoiler_n etc._n etc._n to_o admonish_v a_o company_n of_o poor_a innocent_a harmless_a friend_n that_o have_v three_o or_o four_o cow_n a_o piece_n to_o feed_v themselves_o and_o child_n not_o to_o secure_v they_o from_o the_o spoiler_n &_o c_o if_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o such_o a_o one_o so_o to_o admonish_v i_o then_o query_n whether_o thou_o be_v not_o the_o man_n that_o be_v so_o qualify_v and_o who_o in_o effect_n have_v so_o admonish_v to_o this_o a_o part_n of_o g._n f_n answer_n be_v on_o this_o wise_a the_o lord_n know_v i_o have_v neither_o twelve_o or_o thirteen_o hundred_o pound_n in_o my_o life_n secure_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o spoiler_n it_o be_v true_a i_o may_v have_v have_v something_o in_o the_o other_o power_n day_n that_o descend_v to_o i_o as_o my_o birthright_a but_o i_o give_v it_o away_o to_o my_o relation_n not_o for_o fear_v of_o persecution_n or_o to_o make_v it_o away_o from_o the_o spoiler_n on_o this_o i_o observe_v that_o he_o do_v not_o deny_v that_o he_o have_v twelve_o or_o thirteen_o hundred_o pound_n but_o he_o deny_v that_o he_o have_v so_o much_o secure_v and_o as_o to_o his_o speak_n of_o something_o that_o descend_v to_o he_o as_o his_o birthright_a it_o be_v probable_a enough_o that_o some_o in_o age_n to_o come_v compare_v that_o with_o his_o not_o deny_v to_o have_v have_v twelve_o or_o thirteen_o hundred_o pound_n and_o that_o he_o give_v not_o away_o what_o descend_v to_o he_o by_o birthright_a for_o fear_v of_o persecution_n may_v conclude_v that_o he_o have_v some_o estate_n by_o birthright_a which_o may_v be_v account_v worth_n twelve_o or_o thirteen_o hundred_o pound_n or_o at_o least_o very_a considerable_a but_o i_o can_v take_v that_o to_o bespeak_v so_o much_o credit_n and_o repute_v to_o he_o as_o a_o plain_a state_v that_o matter_n will_v be_v because_o i_o can_v true_o say_v and_o so_o i_o believe_v many_o more_o can_v that_o in_o his_o person_n i_o account_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n fulfil_v who_o say_v god_n have_v choose_v the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o wise_a and_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o weak_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o mighty_a and_o base_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n and_o thing_n which_o be_v despise_v have_v god_n choose_v yea_o and_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o to_o bring_v to_o nought_o thing_n that_o be_v that_o no_o flesh_n shall_v glory_v in_o his_o presence_n and_o partly_o on_o this_o score_n can_v i_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n say_v and_o that_o just_o too_o that_o he_o be_v to_o i_o whilst_o he_o keep_v his_o place_n and_o habitation_n in_o the_o truth_n true_o honourable_a and_o therefore_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o he_o will_v have_v add_v more_o to_o his_o repute_n and_o name_n to_o have_v acquaint_v the_o reader_n if_o he_o will_v needs_o discourse_v of_o his_o birthright_a that_o he_o descend_v of_o poor_a parentage_n and_o that_o before_o he_o go_v abroad_o to_o preach_v the_o light_n he_o be_v a_o journyman_n shoemaker_n and_o as_o such_o a_o one_o wrought_v journey_n work_v with_o george_n gee_n of_o manchester_n if_o he_o so_o do_v as_o report_n say_v he_o do_v and_o so_o have_v give_v glory_n to_o god_n that_o in_o year_n past_a he_o make_v choice_n of_o so_o poor_a mean_a and_o despise_v a_o person_n through_o who_o to_o preach_v the_o everlasting_a light_n christ_n jesus_n the_o guide_n to_o the_o father_n and_o if_o g._n f._n have_v ever_o since_o he_o go_v abroad_o to_o preach_v labour_v whilst_o able_a and_o at_o leisure_n with_o his_o hand_n as_o the_o primitive_a apostle_n do_v or_o otherwise_o be_v industrious_a in_o a_o outward_a call_v that_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n may_v not_o be_v chargeable_a and_o so_o have_v get_v twelve_o or_o thirteen_o hundred_o pound_n that_o also_o may_v have_v tend_v to_o his_o repute_n especial_o if_o instead_o of_o discourse_v of_o that_o which_o descend_v unto_o he_o by_o birthright_a he_o have_v signify_v that_o out_o of_o the_o twelve_o or_o thirteen_o hundred_o pound_n he_o will_v take_v care_n of_o his_o poor_a relation_n that_o so_o their_o outward_a man_n may_v be_v somewhat_o more_o refresh_v and_o comfort_v with_o necessary_a food_n raiment_n and_o live_v than_o of_o late_a year_n they_o have_v be_v and_o that_o whilst_o he_o be_v repute_v to_o be_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o all_o thing_n needful_a as_o to_o outward_a enjoyment_n the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n bring_v to_o my_o remembrance_n g._n f_n language_n in_o another_o case_n and_o occasion_n i_o to_o use_v the_o like_a poor_a george_n i_o be_o forry_a for_o thou_o and_o pity_v thou_o and_o one_o reason_n among_o many_o more_o that_o i_o can_v now_o give_v why_o on_o this_o occasion_n i_o so_o say_v be_v this_o i_o well_o remember_v the_o day_n be_v and_o yet_o be_v wherein_o i_o neither_o do_v or_o do_v measure_v he_o according_a to_o the_o nonsense_n of_o his_o word_n but_o the_o intent_n and_o mean_v of_o his_o mind_n and_o yet_o his_o disingenuity_n towards_o i_o be_v so_o great_a as_o that_o it_o appear_v that_o one_o of_o his_o chief_a defence_n for_o himself_o next_o to_o a_o lie_a tongue_n and_o suffer_v false_a certificate_n to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o his_o favour_n of_o which_o more_o anon_o have_v be_v to_o pervert_v sound_a and_o undetectable_a word_n to_o render_v his_o friend_n
a_o part_n 2d_o part_n p._n 85_o to_o 92._o jew_n a_o objection_n raise_v whether_o they_o act_v not_o from_o the_o light_n within_o in_o crucify_a christ_n a_o answer_n to_o the_o say_a objection_n 2_o d._n part_n p._n 9_o 10._o ignorant_n the_o way_n how_o the_o ignorant_a have_v be_v ensnare_v 4_o the_o part_n p._n 32_o 33._o imposer_n see_v church-government_n independency_n the_o write_a word_n of_o a_o public_a preacher_n insinuate_v as_o if_o the_o tendency_n of_o some_o of_o our_o spirit_n be_v downright_a independency_n be_v treat_v on_o show_v that_o we_o be_v principled_a to_o depend_v on_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o not_o on_o man_n etc._n etc._n 1_o st_o part_n p._n 38_o to_o 42._o infallibility_n as_o relate_v to_o internal_a thing_n annex_v only_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 2_o d._n part_n p._n 11_o 12._o how_o man_n endue_v with_o the_o infallible_a spirit_n be_v deceive_v &_o fallible_a 2_o d._n part_n p._n 12_o 13._o a_o animadversion_n on_o this_o sentence_n that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v infallible_a and_o can_v err_v 3_o d._n part_n p._n 13._o iniquity_n not_o distinguish_v by_o our_o opposer_n from_o conscientious_a scruple_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 50_o 51._o innovation_n see_v apostasy_n innovator_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 49._o a_o part_n of_o their_o doctrine_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 50._o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n some_o concern_v in_o draw_v up_o forty-four_a article_n against_o they_o confess_v under_o their_o hand_n that_o it_o be_v not_o any_o personal_a trespass_n against_o any_o of_o they_o that_o they_o charge_v john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n with_o nor_o any_o particular_a concern_v of_o their_o own_o as_o man_n that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o but_o the_o cause_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o the_o wrong_n they_o have_v do_v to_o he_o but_o yet_o some_o of_o we_o know_v and_o that_o from_o their_o own_o write_n that_o their_o pretend_a wrong_n to_o god_n be_v a_o slight_v some_o of_o george_n fox_n rule_n etc._n etc._n which_o in_o some_o of_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n be_v opposer_n sense_n be_v to_o be_v urge_v with_o severity_n which_o be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o enforce_v on_o god_n faithful_a people_n 1_o st_o part_n p._n 86_o 87_o 88_o 89._o john_n wilkinson_n write_v to_o some_o who_o of_o late_o be_v his_o opposer_n that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v to_o he_o the_o 20_o the_o day_n of_o the_o 6_o the_o month_n 1675._o the_o import_n whereof_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v break_v his_o opposer_n and_o turn_v they_o one_o against_o another_o about_o their_o order_n if_o they_o repent_v not_o 4_o the_o part_n p._n 28._o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n their_o accuser_n choose_v judge_n to_o judge_v the_o matter_n whereof_o they_o accuse_v they_o 4_o the_o part_n p._n 29_o 30._o the_o testimony_n of_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n in_o relation_n to_o five_o head_n from_o whence_o the_o forty-four_a article_n of_o accusation_n be_v draw_v up_o against_o they_o relate_v to_o church-government_n wherein_o they_o particular_o bear_v their_o testimony_n against_o payment_n of_o tithe_n 4_o the_o part_n p._n 37_o 38_o 39_o 40._o isaac_n penington_n his_o testimony_n touch_v that_o authority_n which_o christ_n exclude_v out_o of_o his_o church_n and_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o run_v into_o religious_a practice_n before_o lead_v thereinto_o by_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o receive_v thing_n for_o truth_n because_o other_o see_v they_o to_o be_v truth_n and_o that_o the_o great_a error_n of_o the_o age_n of_o the_o apostasy_n have_v be_v to_o set_v up_o a_o outward_a order_n and_o uniformity_n and_o to_o make_v man_n conscience_n bow_v thereto_o 3_o d._n part_n p._n 89_o to_o 98._o justification_n and_o salvation_n through_o faith_n in_o christ_n own_a and_o clear_v from_o the_o objection_n of_o such_o as_o have_v seem_v to_o extend_v the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n obedience_n 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p._n 25._o the_o mean_v of_o these_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n knowledge_n puff_v up_o 2_o d._n part_n p._n 26_o 27._o l_o liberty_n and_o forbearance_n in_o robert_n barclay_n sense_n refute_v 3_o d._n part_n p_o 80_o 81_o 82._o liberty_n of_o conscience_n a_o description_n wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v 3_o d._n part_n p._n 17_o 18._o what_o that_o liberty_n of_o the_o conscience_n be_v that_o be_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n in_o particular_a it_o admit_v of_o no_o liberty_n to_o sin_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 86_o 87._o light_n of_o christ_n what_o the_o measure_n of_o it_o be_v and_o the_o effect_n of_o obedience_n to_o it_o 1_o st_o part_n p._n 3_o 4._o see_v the_o 2_o d._n part_n p._n 2_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o those_o who_o this_o day_n say_v we_o be_v teach_v to_o follow_v the_o light_n in_o our_o conscience_n and_o not_o the_o order_n of_o man_n and_o that_o we_o will_v not_o have_v man_n to_o rule_v over_o we_o thereby_o mean_v such_o man_n as_o be_v in_o a_o separation_n from_o 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