and_o have_v a_o tendence_n towards_o the_o great_a end_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o christian_a society_n as_o have_v a_o godly_a care_n among_o we_o over_o one_o another_o the_o strong_a to_o help_v the_o weak_a and_o that_o all_o may_v be_v preserve_v out_o of_o the_o world_n be_v evil_a way_n and_o pollution_n in_o that_o pure_a religion_n that_o be_v to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n and_o keep_v unspotted_a of_o the_o world_n so_o as_o we_o may_v provoke_v one_o another_o to_o love_n and_o good_a work_n and_o to_o serve_v one_o another_o in_o love_n as_o the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v know_v that_o all_o our_o care_n and_o the_o very_a intent_n of_o our_o proceed_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v for_o these_o end_n and_o all_o centre_n in_o that_o love_n which_o be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n and_o have_v these_o thing_n in_o our_o eye_n we_o can_v the_o more_o easy_o concur_v and_o accord_v as_o to_o circumstance_n and_o outward_a method_n and_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n so_o condescend_v one_o to_o another_o and_o accommodate_v matter_n as_o not_o to_o divide_v about_o they_o and_o therefore_o we_o do_v profess_v serious_o we_o see_v no_o real_a cause_n or_o valid_a reason_n our_o opposer_n show_v for_o the_o great_a noise_n and_o rumble_v he_o make_v about_o outward_a law_n prescription_n order_n edict_n or_o decree_n outward_a form_n of_o government_n apostasy_n innovation_n imposition_n lording_n over_o faith_n over_o conscience_n etc._n etc._n whilst_o he_o show_v we_o no_o unjust_a no_o unlawful_a nor_o uncomely_a order_n or_o proceed_n among_o we_o as_o a_o people_n nor_o yet_o give_v we_o any_o instance_n or_o catalogue_n of_o those_o imposition_n innovation_n new_a doctrine_n or_o practice_n bring_v in_o and_o receive_v among_o we_o which_o be_v either_o inconsistent_a with_o our_o first_o testimony_n to_o the_o light_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n within_o and_o the_o teach_n thereof_o or_o thereby_o condemn_v as_o evil_a or_o whole_o unnecessary_a in_o themselves_o he_o shall_v have_v give_v we_o a_o catalogue_n of_o those_o innovation_n he_o complain_v of_o and_o what_o order_n and_o method_n he_o will_v prescribe_v to_o the_o contrary_a whether_o any_o or_o none_o and_o not_o go_v to_o fill_v the_o people_n ear_n with_o a_o general_a clamour_n of_o apostasy_n innovation_n and_o imposition_n scandalous_o to_o render_v we_o as_o bad_a as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n he_o often_o charge_v we_o with_o uncertain_a qualify_a person_n 12._o that_o usual_o assemble_v in_o our_o meeting_n which_o concern_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n among_o we_o which_o be_v a_o very_a impertinent_a objection_n for_o grant_v some_o person_n uncertain_o or_o not_o right_o qualify_v may_v come_v into_o such_o meeting_n such_o sway_n not_o the_o meeting_n in_o truth_n be_v affair_n but_o there_o be_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o universal_a power_n of_o god_n to_o sway_v and_o rule_v in_o our_o proceed_n and_o concern_v of_o truth_n and_o what_o reason_n and_o evidence_n be_v in_o truth_n give_v in_o matter_n before_o we_o these_o have_v place_n in_o our_o meeting_n and_o it_o be_v very_o needful_a that_o some_o that_o be_v not_o grow_v into_o the_o exercise_n of_o help_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n who_o be_v honest-minded_n shall_v be_v present_a at_o such_o meeting_n that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o advantage_n thereof_o in_o order_n to_o their_o furtherance_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o service_n as_o the_o lord_n shall_v make_v they_o capable_a for_o the_o least_o sound_a member_n have_v its_o service_n in_o the_o body_n but_o w._n r._n appear_v not_o of_o the_o apostle_n mind_n who_o say_v those_o member_n of_o the_o body_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v more_o feeble_a be_v necessary_a and_o those_o member_n of_o the_o body_n which_o we_o think_v to_o be_v less_o honourable_a upon_o these_o we_o bestow_v more_o abundant_a honour_n etc._n etc._n see_v 1_o cor._n 12._o 22_o 23_o 24._o and_o chap._n 9_o 22._o we_o do_v not_o disgrace_v they_o in_o print_n as_o w._n r._n have_v do_v and_o therefore_o those_o our_o meeting_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o a_o select_a number_n for_o our_o opposer_n grant_v that_o the_o child_n of_o god_n may_v be_v instrumental_a in_o his_o hand_n to_o establish_v one_o another_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n 3d_o part_n pag._n 12._o as_o also_o pag._n 19_o he_o have_v these_o word_n viz._n i_o be_o abundant_o satisfy_v that_o set_v and_o appoint_v meeting_n on_o certain_a prefix_a day_n be_v with_o the_o joint_a concurrence_n of_o those_o member_n assemble_v and_o from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o be_v assemble_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o discharge_v other_o charitable_a duty_n to_o inspect_v marriage_n that_o none_o come_v together_o disorderly_o and_o to_o take_v care_n that_o truth_n may_v not_o be_v scandalize_v through_o the_o backslide_n of_o such_o who_o have_v be_v in_o fellowship_n with_o the_o child_n of_o light_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o that_o form_n that_o the_o power_n of_o god_n may_v lead_v into_o for_o i_o be_o a_o witness_n for_o many_o year_n past_a even_o to_o this_o day_n that_o such_o meeting_n have_v be_v serviceable_a to_o answer_v those_o righteous_a end_n observe_v he_o have_v here_o grant_v the_o point_n for_o church-government_n to_o his_o own_o confutation_n and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o such_o our_o assembly_n what_o be_v then_o his_o complaint_n of_o rule_n outward_a order_n form_n of_o government_n &_o c_o and_o who_o among_o the_o child_n of_o light_n do_v not_o see_v these_o to_o be_v needful_a as_o well_o as_o serviceable_a and_o what_o form_n prescription_n rule_n or_o law_n be_v execute_v or_o put_v in_o practice_n among_o we_o which_o tend_v not_o to_o answer_v those_o righteous_a end_n to_o wit_n the_o take_a care_n of_o the_o poor_a discharge_v of_o other_o charitable_a duty_n inspect_v marriage_n to_o prevent_v disorder_n therein_o and_o to_o take_v care_n that_o truth_n be_v not_o scandalize_v through_o the_o backslide_n of_o such_o who_o have_v be_v in_o fellowship_n among_o we_o these_o be_v the_o very_a righteous_a end_n and_o service_n intend_v and_o aim_v at_o in_o those_o our_o meeting_n which_o be_v grant_v in_o the_o general_n we_o will_v ask_v this_o person_n or_o any_o one_o adhere_v to_o he_o one_a what_o be_v those_o innovation_n he_o complain_v of_o among_o we_o in_o respect_n to_o a_o outward_a order_n discipline_n and_o form_n of_o government_n two_o what_o imposition_n order_n prescription_n law_n or_o rule_n can_v he_o just_o charge_v the_o people_n call_v quaker_n who_o be_v not_o of_o his_o party_n withal_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n have_v not_o unity_n with_o and_o which_o therefore_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o child_n of_o light_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o obey_v or_o practice_v as_o not_o see_v it_o their_o duty_n disaffect_v xliii_o and_o see_v he_o affirm_v that_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n be_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o many_o thing_n with_o respect_n to_o church-discipline_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n treat_v of_o those_o thing_n give_v forth_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v silent_a three_o part_n pag._n 20._o compare_v with_o what_o he_o affirm_v pag._n 24._o that_o part_n of_o that_o outward_a order_n in_o discipline_n wherein_o divers_a of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n have_v be_v act_v be_v such_o as_o that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o footstep_n thereof_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o exhort_v to_o or_o as_o practise_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o what_o suppose_v this_o be_v true_a which_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o grant_v he_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o they_o wait_v on_o he_o he_o be_v their_o shepherd_n and_o guide_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o principle_n of_o truth_n within_o which_o lead_v not_o contrary_a to_o any_o wholesome_a and_o evangelical_n precept_n or_o christian_a conversation_n and_o practice_n record_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o w._n r._n so_o far_o answer_v himself_o in_o this_o matter_n as_o that_o he_o grant_v the_o principle_n of_o truth_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n have_v and_o may_v lead_v into_o the_o practice_n of_o outward_a order_n in_o discipline_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n whereby_o he_o assent_v to_o a_o high_a rule_n than_o the_o scripture_n namely_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o then_o the_o question_n be_v one_a what_o those_o many_o thing_n be_v with_o respect_n to_o church_n discipline_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n be_v silent_a we_o find_v he_o only_o in_o reference_n to_o this_o point_n tell_v we_o thus_o 3d_o part_n pag._n 24._o viz._n i_o can_v give_v many_o instance_n hereof_o but_o one_o
and_o hypocrisy_n to_o profess_v ourselves_o member_n thereof_o dare_v he_o say_v that_o to_o believe_v in_o god_n as_o the_o true_a church_n believe_v be_v unsound_a doctrine_n but_o be_v it_o note_v how_o he_o have_v contradict_v himself_o in_o confess_v to_o that_o which_o he_o have_v make_v a_o section_n against_o as_o before_o see_v his_o three_o part_n pag._n 74._o his_o word_n be_v these_o viz._n i_o confess_v the_o true_a church_n be_v in_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o every_o member_n thereof_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n at_o least_o of_o the_o same_o faith_n that_o all_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n be_v of_o so_o that_o it_o may_v in_o truth_n be_v say_v every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n do_v in_o some_o measure_n believe_v as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n do_v behold_v here_o he_o have_v grant_v the_o matter_n which_o he_o have_v make_v so_o much_o ado_n against_o in_o his_o four_o section_n of_o his_o one_a part_n aforesaid_a thus_o one_o while_o he_o oppose_v another_o while_o he_o grant_v the_o thing_n oppose_v one_o while_o he_o condemn_v another_o while_n retract_v but_o that_o we_o do_v not_o impute_v to_o his_o ingenuity_n but_o to_o his_o enmity_n inadvertency_n and_o discomposedness_n and_o prolixity_n in_o his_o writing_n disaffect_v xii_o w._n r._n first_o part_n pag._n 9_o he_o frame_v the_o objection_n viz._n it_o be_v true_a friend_n in_o the_o beginning_n be_v turn_v to_o the_o light_n in_o their_o own_o conscience_n as_o their_o guide_n but_o when_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o gather_v so_o great_a a_o number_n into_o the_o knowledge_n and_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n as_o be_v in_o few_o year_n gather_v than_o the_o heavenly_a motion_n come_v upon_o g._n f._n as_o the_o lord_n be_v anoint_v and_o choose_v have_v the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n as_o be_v the_o great_a apostle_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o as_o one_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v ordain_v to_o be_v in_o that_o place_n among_o the_o child_n of_o light_n in_o this_o our_o day_n as_o moses_n be_v among_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o his_o day_n to_o set_v forth_o method_n and_o form_n of_o church-government_n and_o to_o establish_v monthly_o and_o quarterly-meeting_n of_o man_n and_o of_o woman_n distinct_a from_o man_n etc._n etc._n observe_v here_o he_o have_v heap_v up_o divers_a matter_n to_o make_v up_o this_o objection_n as_o one_o scrape_v up_o and_o devise_v what_o he_o can_v to_o render_v we_o odious_a never_o be_v any_o such_o entire_a objection_n make_v by_o any_o real_a quaker_n he_o have_v frame_v it_o much_o like_o a_o open_a adversary_n and_o then_o deduce_v his_o own_o position_n and_o inference_n to_o render_v friend_n who_o be_v for_o outward_a order_n and_o method_n in_o the_o church_n not_o only_o weak_a and_o silly_a in_o their_o argue_n but_o apostate_n from_o the_o light_n in_o their_o conscience_n to_o which_o they_o be_v turn_v in_o the_o beginning_n the_o design_n of_o this_o whole_a objection_n forge_v by_o he_o be_v to_o render_v we_o a_o people_n depart_v from_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n within_o to_o set_v up_o man_n and_o man_n precept_n instead_o thereof_o which_o be_v wicked_a and_o scornful_a tend_v also_o to_o render_v the_o very_a profession_n of_o the_o heavenly_a motion_n contemptible_a which_o heavenly_a motion_n in_o opposition_n to_o his_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n we_o affirm_v come_v not_o only_o on_o g._n f._n but_o also_o on_o many_o other_o faithful_a brethren_n for_o due_a method_n and_o order_n as_o to_o church-government_n no_o way_n repugnant_a to_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o and_o for_o g._n f._n though_o a_o apostle_n and_o servant_n of_o christ_n yet_o to_o be_v in_o this_o our_o gospel_n day_n in_o that_o very_a place_n among_o the_o child_n of_o light_n as_o moses_n be_v among_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o his_o day_n this_o comparison_n we_o own_v not_o nor_o do_v g._n f._n own_o it_o for_o it_o be_v to_o render_v the_o gospel_n day_n of_o christ_n no_o bright_a than_o moses_n day_n under_o the_o law_n and_o the_o child_n of_o light_n in_o this_o gospel_n day_n as_o in_o no_o further_a dispensation_n than_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n under_o the_o law_n but_o such_o doctrine_n we_o utter_o disow_v neither_o do_v g._n f._n own_o the_o comparison_n but_o as_o a_o faithful_a servant_n of_o christ_n his_o labour_n be_v and_o be_v to_o turn_v people_n to_o christ_n his_o light_n and_o spirit_n in_o they_o neither_o he_o nor_o we_o do_v own_o any_o sect_n master_n nor_o make_v of_o sect_n among_o we_o but_o seek_v to_o bring_v all_o to_o the_o universal_a spirit_n and_o unity_n and_o bond_n of_o peace_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o we_o all_o as_o servant_n of_o christ_n and_o sufferer_n for_o his_o name_n and_o testimony_n and_o do_v own_o the_o dispensation_n of_o christ_n as_o far_o excel_v that_o of_o moses_n as_o be_v more_o bright_a inward_a and_o spiritual_a for_o thus_o far_o only_o the_o comparison_n in_o scripture_n be_v between_o moses_n and_o christ_n heb._n 3._o 1_o 2_o 3._o consider_v the_o apostle_n and_o highpriest_n of_o our_o profession_n christ_n jesus_n who_o be_v faithful_a to_o he_o that_o appoint_v he_o as_o also_o moses_n be_v faithful_a in_o all_o his_o house_n for_o this_o man_n be_v count_v of_o more_o glory_n than_o moses_n inasmuch_o as_o he_o who_o build_v the_o house_n have_v more_o honour_n than_o the_o house_n and_o moses_n be_v faithful_a in_o all_o his_o house_n as_o a_o servant_n but_o christ_n as_o a_o son_n over_o his_o own_o house_n see_z vers_n 4_o 5_o 6._o but_o far_o observe_v our_o adversary_n jealousy_n in_o this_o case_n namely_o in_o his_o four_o part_n pag._n 83_o 84._o w._n r._n in_o his_o letter_n to_o g._n f._n date_v bristol_n the_o 27_o of_o the_o one_a month_n 1677._o among_o other_o thing_n this_o jealousy_n enter_v i_o viz._n that_o thou_o look_v upon_o thyself_o that_o man_n at_o least_o in_o who_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v appear_v to_o give_v forth_o his_o law_n hide_v and_o to_o be_v record_v as_o his_o law_n under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n even_o as_o moses_n be_v the_o giver_n forth_o of_o the_o law_n in_o that_o day_n if_o this_o be_v so_o etc._n etc._n and_o in_o his_o margenal_a note_n on_o the_o same_o passage_n he_o have_v these_o word_n viz._n the_o reader_n may_v take_v notice_n that_o g._n f._n in_o his_o letter_n on_o the_o 14_o of_o the_o 11_o month_n 1676._o hint_n at_o something_o write_v by_o i_o to_o he_o thus_o and_o thou_o mean_v myself_o say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o spirit_n rise_v at_o this_o day_n that_o give_v many_o occasion_n to_o be_v jealous_a that_o thou_o meaning_n g._n f._n art_n look_v upon_o by_o some_o as_o that_o prophet_n which_o moses_n testify_v of_o that_o god_n will_v raise_v up_o etc._n etc._n and_o thou_o say_v christ_n be_v that_o prophet_n that_o be_v to_o be_v hear_v etc._n etc._n and_o he_o be_v the_o only_a lawgiver_n and_o no_o outward_a man_n observe_v we_o testify_v against_o w._n r_n jealousy_n and_o the_o jealousy_n of_o those_o he_o represent_v against_o g._n f._n as_o tend_v to_o persecution_n and_o that_o the_o jealousy_n of_o his_o be_v look_v upon_o by_o some_o as_o that_o prophet_n which_o moses_n testify_v of_o that_o god_n will_v raise_v up_o viz._n christ_n jesus_n be_v not_o only_o in_o itself_o a_o jealousy_n tend_v to_o cruelty_n and_o persecution_n but_o a_o jealousy_n that_o proceed_v from_o enmity_n and_o darkness_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o this_o jealousy_n be_v contradict_v by_o w._n r._n his_o own_o jealousy_n that_o have_v enter_v he_o viz._n of_o g._n f_n look_v upon_o himself_o that_o man_n in_o who_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v appear_v and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o confess_v that_o g._n f._n thus_o answer_v viz._n then_o be_v not_o this_o prophet_n meaning_n christ_n to_o be_v in_o man_n to_o give_v forth_o his_o law_n &_o c_o and_o what_o i_o be_o i_o be_o by_o the_o grace_n and_o love_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n four_o part_n pag._n 83_o 84._o marg._n note_n mark_v how_o w._n r._n have_v go_v about_o to_o accuse_v and_o bespatter_n g._n f._n and_o other_o with_o his_o own_o and_o other_o jealousy_n though_o inconsistent_a as_o well_o as_o he_o show_v himself_o impertinent_a and_o envious_a in_o his_o writing_n against_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n who_o confess_v christ_n to_o be_v in_o man_n and_o not_o themselves_o to_o be_v christ._n disaffect_v xiii_o w._n r._n one_a part_n pag._n 4._o and_o that_o whosoever_o shall_v endeavour_v by_o outward_a way_n and_o mean_n to_o establish_v a_o outward_a government_n and_o outward_a rule_n order_n law_n or_o prescription_n overdo_n the_o heritage_n of_o god_n under_o
and_o 5_o part_n pag._n 75._o on_o gal._n 5._o 2._o &_o 4._o 9_o 10_o 11._o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n he_o say_v yet_o this_o do_v not_o at_o that_o time_n condemn_v that_o christian-liberty_n and_o forbearance_n which_o the_o apostle_n before_o approve_v in_o and_o with_o respect_n unto_o such_o as_o make_v conscience_n of_o circumcision_n and_o the_o observe_v of_o day_n before_o they_o have_v so_o receive_v the_o spirit_n as_o to_o be_v lead_v out_o of_o it_o that_o be_v many_o of_o the_o believe_a jew_n who_o he_o say_v the_o apostle_n do_v not_o condemn_v the_o same_o in_o until_o by_o faith_n they_o see_v beyond_o it_o 3d_o part_n pag._n 81._o observe_v here_o it_o be_v evident_a what_o kind_n of_o liberty_n this_o person_n will_v introduce_v a_o indulgence_n of_o under_o the_o notion_n and_o title_n of_o christian-liberty_n but_o his_o mistake_n in_o this_o matter_n appear_v very_o great_a for_o he_o take_v that_o to_o be_v christian-liberty_n which_o be_v no_o other_o in_o itself_o than_o a_o legal_a bondage_n or_o servitude_n as_o circumcision_n be_v with_o the_o legal_a observation_n of_o day_n which_o be_v not_o only_a shadow_n and_o mere_a type_n abolish_v by_o christ_n and_o nail_v to_o his_o cross_n as_o inconsistent_a with_o that_o evangelical_n dispensation_n the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n be_v in_o but_o also_o count_v a_o yoke_n and_o bondage_n act_v 15._o 10._o gal._n 5._o cap._n and_o not_o a_o christian-liberty_n their_o testimony_n be_v absolute_a for_o christ_n abolish_n and_o end_v these_o type_n and_o shadow_n under_o the_o law_n but_o christ_n do_v not_o abolish_v christian-liberty_n nor_o do_v the_o apostle_n forbear_v their_o absolute_a testimony_n to_o christ_n as_o the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n because_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o see_v the_o end_n of_o thing_n abolish_v nor_o yet_o do_v they_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o christian-liberty_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o circumcision_n or_o those_o thing_n abolish_v but_o that_o the_o veil_n be_v over_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o do_v not_o see_v to_o the_o end_n of_o thing_n abolish_v we_o grant_v there_o be_v a_o christian-forbearance_n towards_o the_o weakness_n of_o believe_v jew_n in_o circumcision_n etc._n etc._n but_o not_o a_o christian-liberty_n declare_v in_o the_o practice_n thereof_o our_o opposer_n have_v great_o err_v in_o this_o point_n and_o extend_v his_o liberty_n too_o far_o in_o this_o and_o many_o other_o matter_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o have_v manifest_o contradict_v himself_o have_v in_o his_o first_o part_n pag._n 73._o confess_v that_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o primitive_a day_n be_v to_o draw_v the_o outward_a jew_n off_o from_o the_o observation_n of_o these_o ordinance_n which_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n himself_o have_v exalt_v instead_o thereof_o the_o word_n nigh_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o law_n write_v therein_o see_v now_o how_o inconsistent_a this_o man_n work_n be_v sure_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o labour_n to_o draw_v they_o off_o from_o a_o christian-liberty_n nor_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o and_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n witness_v to_o the_o inward_a circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n inward_a and_o law_n inward_a this_o man_n who_o be_v thâ—s_o discompose_v in_o his_o work_n shall_v not_o have_v meddle_v so_o much_o with_o point_n of_o divinity_n which_o he_o appear_v so_o little_a skilful_a in_o he_o dream_n so_o much_o of_o liberty_n that_o he_o be_v great_o bewilder_v in_o the_o mannagement_n of_o it_o and_o what_o be_v the_o tendence_n of_o his_o work_n but_o to_o invalidate_v the_o christian_a authority_n care_n and_o oversight_n that_o god_n have_v set_v up_o in_o his_o church_n and_o people_n among_o we_o the_o case_n further_o explain_v but_o to_o take_v w._n r_n notion_n of_o christian-liberty_n in_o the_o best_a and_o most_o charitable_a sense_n of_o his_o intention_n viz._n not_o to_o judge_v one_o another_o about_o the_o outward_a circumstance_n of_o discipline_n nor_o urge_v they_o with_o severity_n on_o rom._n 14._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o he_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n receive_v but_o not_o to_o doubtful_a disputation_n one_o man_n believe_v that_o he_o may_v eat_v all_o thing_n another_o who_o be_v weak_a eat_v herb_n let_v not_o he_o that_o eat_v despise_v he_o that_o eat_v not_o and_o let_v not_o he_o that_o eat_v not_o judge_v he_o that_o eat_v for_o god_n have_v receive_v he_o and_o vers._n 5._o one_o man_n esteem_v one_o day_n above_o another_o another_o esteem_v every_o day_n alike_o let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n we_o do_v testify_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o where_o this_o be_v real_o the_o case_n of_o any_o one_o weak_a in_o the_o faith_n who_o be_v under_o some_o private_a scruple_n or_o dissatisfaction_n of_o conscience_n yet_o peaceable_o mind_v and_o have_v his_o faith_n to_o himself_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v christian_a tenderness_n and_o forbearance_n towards_o such_o and_o no_o urge_v with_o severity_n for_o too_o much_o of_o that_o we_o mean_v of_o severity_n or_o zeal_n without_o true_a knowledge_n or_o wisdom_n from_o god_n may_v possible_o discourage_v the_o weak_a drive_v and_o scatter_v from_o truth_n into_o prejudice_n and_o make_v some_o desperate_a hard_a and_o careless_a but_o tender_a persuasion_n and_o instruction_n towards_o such_o be_v needful_a and_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o be_v severe_a in_o such_o case_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v teach_v and_o daily_o teach_v his_o servant_n how_o to_o bear_v the_o burden_n of_o the_o weak_a one_o and_o their_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n to_o help_v they_o and_o not_o drive_v they_o out_o for_o a_o private_a difference_n in_o opinion_n or_o judgement_n in_o one_o that_o be_v peaceable_a though_o but_o weak_a may_v be_v better_o bear_v than_o public_a opposition_n and_o contention_n in_o the_o church_n but_o where_o person_n may_v differ_v only_o in_o judgement_n in_o some_o outward_a thing_n or_o circumstance_n from_o the_o society_n they_o belong_v to_o and_o yet_o will_v be_v contentious_a strive_v with_o oppose_v and_o disturb_v their_o brethren_n or_o the_o meeting_n they_o belong_v to_o and_o seek_v to_o make_v party_n raise_v annimosity_n sow_v discord_n and_o strife_n cause_n division_n and_o separation_n whisper_v murmur_v backbite_v and_o complain_v against_o their_o brethren_n who_o be_v unanimous_a and_o conscientious_a towards_o god_n in_o what_o they_o believe_v be_v convenient_a and_o good_a order_n the_o opposer_n imagine_v themselves_o to_o be_v strong_a and_o wise_a than_o all_o the_o rest_n not_o be_v content_a to_o be_v quiet_a nor_o to_o demean_v themselves_o peaceable_a under_o their_o differ_a opinion_n this_o be_v not_o tender_a brotherly_a nor_o sociable_a but_o to_o be_v avoid_v and_o they_o mark_v mark_v they_o that_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n and_o avoid_v they_o if_o any_o man_n lust_n to_o be_v contentious_a we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n there_o can_v be_v no_o unity_n in_o orderly_a proceed_n in_o the_o church_n without_o love_n &_o concord_n there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a society_n hold_v without_o agreement_n due_a order_n and_o method_n be_v of_o one_o mind_n be_v of_o one_o judgement_n be_v of_o one_o accord_n do_v all_o thing_n without_o murmur_a and_o dispute_n let_v nothing_o be_v do_v through_o strife_n or_o vain_a glory_n whosoever_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v elder_n and_o overseer_n in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v at_o variance_n and_o do_v not_o accord_v with_o faithful_a brethren_n in_o public_a wholesome_a counsel_n and_o advice_n to_o the_o young_a sort_n nor_o to_o agree_v in_o due_a method_n and_o orderly_a proceed_n these_o be_v wrong_a this_o their_o way_n tend_v to_o distract_v those_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n who_o shall_v be_v help_v by_o good_a and_o unanimous_a counsel_n and_o advice_n those_o that_o mind_n not_o peace_n nor_o unity_n &_o concord_n with_o their_o brethren_n in_o due_a and_o orderly_a proceed_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o advise_v other_o they_o have_v better_o keep_v at_o home_n than_o disturb_v meeting_n and_o confound_v the_o weak_a it_o be_v a_o shame_n for_o such_o to_o undertake_v the_o place_n or_o office_n of_o elder_n overseer_n and_o counsellor_n of_o other_o who_o be_v neither_o sound_n nor_o unanimous_a in_o judgement_n and_o advice_n themselves_o with_o they_o who_o be_v for_o peace_n and_o good_a order_n and_o to_o prevent_v reproach_n and_o scandal_n but_o be_v ready_a to_o let_v loose_a youth_n and_o let_v up_o a_o spirit_n of_o false_a and_o fleshly_a liberty_n under_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n for_o instance_n set_v case_n two_o young_a person_n about_o to_o
any_o of_o those_o monthly_a or_o quarterly_o meeting_n among_o friend_n be_v not_o gather_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n part_n 1._o p._n 14._o this_o doctrine_n frequent_o of_o late_a publish_v among_o we_o that_o the_o apostasy_n shall_v never_o enter_v the_o generality_n more_o do_v give_v we_o just_a occasion_n to_o be_v jealous_a etc._n etc._n part_n 3._o pag._n 78._o i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v to_o say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o invest_v with_o power_n from_o on_o high_a or_o that_o the_o apostasy_n shall_v enter_v the_o generality_n again_o qu._n then_o why_o do_v he_o so_o often_o quarrel_v with_o the_o doctrine_n frequent_o publish_v as_o he_o say_v viz._n that_o the_o apostasy_n shall_v never_o enter_v the_o generality_n more_o part_n 1._o pag._n 47._o on_o mat._n 18._o 15_o 16_o 17._o and_o 1_o cor._n 6._o 1_o 2_o 4._o we_o reasonable_o conclude_v that_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n only_a hint_v at_o either_o personal_a offence_n or_o difference_n touch_v worldly_a matter_n and_o that_o therein_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n be_v only_o to_o exhort_v to_o submit_v to_o their_o connsel_n which_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o may_v just_o be_v esteem_v as_o heathen_a man_n part_n 3._o pag._n 36._o on_o mat._n 18._o 15_o 16_o 17._o some_o may_v object_v thus_o this_o relate_v not_o to_o outward_a affair_n but_o to_o offence_n that_o be_v of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n in_o answer_n it_o may_v be_v say_v as_o to_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v whole_o silent_a and_o therefore_o every_o case_n wherein_o one_o brother_n may_v trespass_n against_o another_o may_v in_o rihght_n reason_n be_v comprehend_v in_o it_o qu._n whether_o every_o case_n be_v to_o be_v limit_v only_o to_o worldly_a matter_n and_o not_o extend_v to_o any_o case_n or_o offence_n of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n part_n 3._o pag._n 64._o not_o the_o least_o tittle_n to_o countenance_v this_o sentence_n that_o the_o positive_a sentence_n or_o decision_n of_o the_o church_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n may_v be_v obligatory_a on_o believer_n nay_o in_o that_o very_a case_n mat._n 18._o 15_o 16._o if_o he_o refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n the_o scripture_n do_v not_o say_v that_o sentence_n ought_v to_o be_v obligatory_a on_o all_o other_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n but_o it_o say_v let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man._n part_n 1._o pag._n 47._o the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o exhort_v to_o submit_v to_o their_o counsel_n which_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o may_v just_o be_v esteem_v as_o heathen_a men._n and_o part_v 3._o pag._n 36._o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n when_o a_o brother_n be_v through_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o church_n become_v so_o to_o the_o other_o brother_n etc._n etc._n every_o case_n wherein_o one_o brother_n may_v trespass_n against_o another_o may_v according_a to_o right_a reason_n be_v comprehend_v in_o it_o qu._n why_o then_o not_o a_o heathen_a man_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n if_o they_o may_v just_o be_v esteem_v as_o heathen_a man_n that_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o church_n counsel_n see_v it_o be_v confess_v by_o w._n r._n to_o his_o own_o confutation_n part_v 1._o pag._n 52._o that_o they_o who_o refuse_v to_o take_v the_o church_n wholesome_a counsel_n or_o admonition_n the_o church_n may_v then_o declare_v such_o unworthy_a of_o their_o society_n and_o be_v not_o this_o then_o obligatory_a on_o other_o believer_n and_o member_n part_n 3._o pag._n 82._o on_o gal._n 5._o 2._o &_o 4._o 9_o 10_o 11._o this_o do_v not_o at_o that_o time_n condemn_v that_o christian_a liberty_n and_o forbearance_n which_o the_o apostle_n before_o approve_v in_o and_o with_o respect_n unto_o such_o as_o make_v conscience_n of_o circumcision_n and_o pag._n 83._o there_o be_v such_o as_o practise_v circumcision_n yet_o a_o christian_a liberty_n be_v so_o exercise_v as_o that_o we_o find_v not_o these_o differ_a exercise_n in_o a_o christian_a liberty_n do_v subject_a any_o of_o those_o believer_n exercise_v therein_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o be_v out_o of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n part_n 5._o p._n 74_o 75._o neither_o do_v they_o i._n e._n the_o apostle_n endeavour_v to_o oblige_v those_o who_o practise_v circumcision_n after_o they_o believe_v to_o forbear_v the_o same_o before_o by_o the_o spirit_n they_o be_v lead_v from_o it_o pag._n 75._o on_o gal._n 5._o 2._o &_o 4._o 9_o 10_o 11._o this_o do_v not_o at_o that_o time_n condemn_v that_o christian_a liberty_n in_o such_o as_o make_v conscience_n of_o circumcision_n part_n 1._o pag._n 73._o the_o labour_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o primitive_a day_n be_v to_o draw_v the_o outward_a jew_n from_o off_o the_o observation_n of_o these_o ordinance_n which_o be_v real_o establish_v by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n himself_o have_v exalt_v instead_o thereof_o the_o word_n nigh_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o law_n write_v therein_o as_o a_o fulfil_n of_o that_o which_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o prophet_n be_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v under_o the_o new_a covenant_n which_o be_v not_o like_a unto_o the_o old_a and_o part_v 3._o pag._n 82._o and_o part_v 5._o pag._n 75._o on_o gal._n 5._o 2._o i_o paul_n say_v unto_o you_o if_o you_o be_v circumcise_a christ_n shall_v profit_v you_o nothing_o a_o qu._n how_o can_v it_o be_v good_a doctrine_n to_o account_v circumcision_n a_o christian_a liberty_n and_o a_o exercise_v not_o condemnable_a in_o believer_n when_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o draw_v the_o outward_a jew_n from_o off_o the_o observation_n of_o these_o ordinance_n part_n 1._o pag._n 73._o we_o appeal_v unto_o every_o understanding_n ingenious_a reader_n whether_o it_o can_v consist_v with_o the_o tenure_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n for_o any_o to_o attempt_v the_o establishment_n or_o give_v forth_o of_o outward_a order_n prescription_n sentence_n or_o decree_n to_o be_v a_o bond_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o they_o who_o have_v believe_v in_o the_o everlasting_a light_n part_v 3_o title_n page_n the_o inward_a government_n of_o christ_n not_o represent_v by_o person_n visible_a by_o carnal_a eye_n invest_v with_o power_n from_o he_o to_o execute_v outward_a law_n prescription_n order_n edict_n or_o decree_n in_o a_o outward_a form_n of_o government_n visible_a part_n 3._o pag._n 23_o 24._o not_o that_o i_o will_v be_v understand_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o outward_a order_n with_o respect_n to_o that_o gospel-discipline_n which_o become_v the_o church_n of_o christ._n the_o principle_n of_o truth_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n have_v and_o may_v further_o lead_v into_o the_o practice_n of_o outward_a order_n in_o discipline_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n qu._n be_v not_o this_o a_o very_a fair_a confession_n what_o will_v this_o man_n be_v at_o do_v he_o know_v have_v he_o not_o here_o very_o plain_o grant_v the_o thing_n we_o plead_v for_o viz._n outward_a order_n and_o gospel-discipline_n in_o the_o church_n what_o be_v now_o become_v of_o w._n r_n contest_v against_o outward_a order_n discipline_n and_o form_n of_o church-government_n visible_a &_o c_o part_n 3._o pag._n 34._o the_o apostle_n may_v well_o say_v be_v you_o not_o unwise_a but_o understand_v what_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v he_o do_v not_o say_v what_o the_o will_n of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o what_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v submit_v yourselves_o one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n part_n 3._o pag._n 34._o though_o i_o say_v as_o aforesaid_a not_o the_o church_n but_o what_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v yet_o hereby_o i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v to_o render_v christ_n and_o his_o church_n divide_v qu._n if_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n be_v not_o divide_v how_o do_v he_o oppose_v the_o will_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n his_o tell_v we_o of_o the_o will_n of_o those_o who_o depart_v from_o christ_n this_o be_v not_o the_o will_n of_o the_o church_n in_o unity_n with_o he_o therefore_o his_o divide_v the_o church_n and_o christ_n in_o will_n stand_v not_o with_o that_o unity_n part_v 1._o pag._n 75._o outward_a conformity_n to_o outward_a rule_n and_o order_n relate_v to_o the_o conscience_n establish_v among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n we_o have_v no_o ground_n either_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o prophet_n or_o from_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n