verse_n 64._o but_o notwithstanding_o we_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v positive_o to_o affirm_v that_o christ_n intend_v not_o a_o baptism_n of_o water_n 4.2_o joh._n 4.2_o as_o needful_a to_o be_v administer_v by_o some_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o people_n for_o a_o season_n because_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o not_o only_a christ_n disciple_n before_o he_o be_v crucify_a when_o it_o appear_v not_o that_o they_o have_v any_o power_n to_o baptise_v with_o the_o spirit_n do_v baptise_v but_o also_o that_o some_o after_o that_o time_n of_o his_o be_v crucify_a 37._o act._n 8.16_o 29_o 36_o 37._o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o yet_o they_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v compare_v with_o what_o be_v write_v touch_v the_o eunuch_n and_o philip_n 38.39_o act._n 38.39_o who_o by_o the_o spirit_n be_v bid_v to_o go_v near_o and_o join_v himself_o to_o the_o eunuch_n chariot_n do_v clear_o import_v that_o water_n baptism_n be_v use_v as_o well_o after_o the_o crucify_a of_o christ_n as_o before_o but_o whether_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o command_n from_o christ_n so_o to_o do_v be_v yet_o the_o question_n and_o uncertain_a from_o any_o positive_a scripture_n however_o suppose_v that_o the_o baptism_n of_o water_n be_v the_o baptism_n intend_v by_o christ_n in_o the_o word_n go_v teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o etc._n etc._n it_o then_o seem_v natural_o to_o follow_v that_o this_o be_v but_o a_o confirmation_n of_o john_n ministry_n and_o that_o be_v a_o legal_a administration_n but_o for_o a_o season_n and_o not_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v not_o that_o baptism_n wherewith_o john_n testify_v 2.4_o luk._n 25.49_o act._n 1.4_o act._n 2.4_o christ_n shall_v baptise_v which_o be_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n especial_o if_o we_o do_v but_o consider_v that_o christ_n be_v not_o yet_o ascend_v after_o which_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o father_n be_v to_o be_v fulfil_v viz._n the_o pover_v forth_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o undoubted_o be_v the_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o every_o baptism_n in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o that_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o be_v clear_o signify_v act._n 8.15_o 16._o who_o when_o they_o be_v come_v down_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o as_o yet_o he_o be_v fall_v on_o one_o of_o they_o only_o they_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n all_o which_o be_v due_o weigh_v it_o be_v rational_a to_o conclude_v that_o the_o baptism_n of_o water_n ought_v to_o end_v in_o time_n and_o that_o these_o word_n and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o baptism_n of_o water_n be_v thereby_o intend_v to_o continue_v as_o a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o dissolution_n of_o all_o thing_n but_o can_v nor_o so_o much_o be_v say_v as_o already_o be_v to_o evidence_n that_o the_o continuance_n thereof_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o the_o meaning_n of_o christ_n unto_o his_o disciple_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v affirm_v that_o the_o word_n themselves_o in_o the_o greek_a tongue_n if_o we_o compare_v scripture_n with_o scripture_n will_v not_o hold_v forth_o such_o a_o interpretation_n for_o the_o sentence_n and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v in_o greek_a thus_o express_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o may_v proper_o be_v render_v thus_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o every_o day_n unto_o the_o consummation_n of_o the_o age._n this_o interpretation_n be_v compare_v with_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n unto_o john_n when_o he_o be_v forbid_v by_o john_n to_o be_v baptize_v by_o he_o say_v suffer_v it_o to_o be_v so_o now_o for_o thus_o it_o become_v we_o to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n clear_o show_v that_o christ_n do_v not_o by_o that_o commission_n intend_v a_o continuation_n of_o that_o administration_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o rather_o that_o as_o other_o shadow_n type_n figure_n and_o pattern_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n under_o the_o law_n be_v to_o have_v a_o end_n in_o time_n so_o the_o baptism_n of_o water_n be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o baptism_n by_o his_o spirit_n be_v also_o to_o have_v a_o end_n in_o time_n and_o this_o interpretation_n be_v clear_o evidence_v from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o to_o be_v according_a to_o truth_n for_o we_o find_v the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n thus_o testify_v heb._n 9.24_o 25_o 26._o christ_n be_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a place_n make_v with_o hand_n which_o be_v the_o figure_n of_o the_o true_a but_o into_o heaven_n itself_o now_o to_o appear_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o we_o nor_o yet_o that_o he_o shall_v offer_v himself_o often_o as_o the_o high_a priest_n enter_v into_o the_o holy_a place_n every_o year_n with_o blood_n of_o other_o for_o than_o must_v he_o often_o have_v suffer_v since_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n but_o now_o once_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n have_v he_o appear_v to_o put_v away_o sin_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o on_o this_o scripture_n it_o be_v thus_o observe_v that_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n appear_v to_o put_v away_o sin_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o be_v term_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o translate_v from_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o may_v proper_o be_v translate_v in_o the_o consummation_n of_o age_n experience_n tell_v we_o as_o well_o as_o the_o signification_n of_o word_n that_o these_o word_n be_v not_o so_o intelligible_o translate_v as_o they_o may_v since_o it_o now_o relate_v to_o time_n above_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n past_a now_o forasmuch_o as_o we_o find_v that_o in_o this_o sentence_n and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o same_o greek_n word_n be_v render_v to_o signify_v the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o be_v in_o the_o aforesaid_a quotation_n to_o the_o hebrew_n which_o relate_v to_o a_o time_n above_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n past_a save_v only_o that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o matthew_n be_v the_o singular_a number_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o hebrew_n the_o plural_a there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o christ_n commission_n to_o baptise_v be_v intend_v to_o continue_v as_o a_o ordinance_n under_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n until_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o as_o a_o further_a evidence_n that_o this_o interpretation_n be_v the_o very_a truth_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o word_n world_n in_o this_o sentence_n before_o cite_v viz._n since_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v render_v in_o greek_n not_o by_o the_o same_o word_n as_o the_o word_n world_n in_o the_o two_o other_o sentence_n be_v viz._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o may_v be_v true_o render_v a_o age_n or_o the_o time_n of_o a_o man_n life_n but_o by_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o proper_o signify_v the_o world_n viz._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d can_v no_o more_o be_v say_v to_o render_v christ_n word_n in_o matthew_n not_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o practice_v water-baptism_n at_o this_o day_n as_o a_o gospel-ordinance_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o every_o impartial_a reader_n unto_o who_o god_n have_v give_v divine_a understanding_n in_o relation_n to_o this_o matter_n but_o since_o we_o find_v that_o after_o christ_n ascension_n it_o be_v use_v for_o a_o season_n we_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o add_v that_o our_o faith_n be_v that_o the_o practice_n thereof_o be_v chief_o by_o way_n of_o condescension_n to_o those_o who_o be_v weak_a and_o not_o easy_o bring_v off_o from_o the_o observation_n of_o outward_a ordinance_n to_o have_v their_o eye_n unto_o christ_n jesus_n the_o great_a ordinance_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n and_o this_o spirit_n of_o condescension_n seem_v to_o be_v in_o paul_n when_o he_o say_v 22._o 1_o cor._n 9.20_o 21_o 22._o unto_o the_o jew_n i_o become_v as_o a_o jew_n that_o i_o may_v gain_v the_o jew_n to_o they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n as_o under_o the_o law_n that_o i_o may_v gain_v they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n to_o they_o that_o be_v without_o law_n as_o without_o law_n be_v not_o without_o law_n to_o god_n but_o under_o the_o law_n to_o christ_n that_o i_o may_v gain_v they_o that_o be_v without_o law_n to_o the_o weak_a i_o become_v as_o weak_a that_o i_o may_v gain_v the_o weak_a i_o be_o make_v all_o thing_n to_o
man_n on_o the_o part_n of_o our_o opposer_n in_o public_a meeting_n for_o worship_n of_o god_n have_v frequent_o be_v cause_n of_o stumble_v to_o some_o so_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v that_o jealousy_n have_v be_v ready_a to_o enter_v many_o that_o though_o the_o name_n of_o christianity_n be_v retain_v among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n yet_o that_o the_o nature_n life_n and_o doctrine_n thereof_o have_v suffer_v shipwreck_n among_o they_o if_o all_o under_o that_o name_n ought_v at_o this_o day_n to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o deportment_n and_o doctrine_n of_o some_o the_o particular_a instance_n of_o such_o deportment_n and_o doctrine_n whereof_o i_o have_v be_v eye_n and_o earwitness_a may_v fill_v a_o large_a volumn_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o be_v grant_v it_o can_v but_o by_o every_o considerate_a and_o impartial_a reader_n be_v think_v needful_a enough_o that_o a_o testimony_n unto_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n ancient_o hold_v forth_o among_o they_o may_v once_o more_o be_v revive_v and_o commit_v to_o posterity_n on_o behalf_n of_o that_o party_n among_o they_o who_o account_v themselves_o persecute_v revile_a and_o evil_o entreat_v when_o they_o know_v no_o other_o cause_o thereof_o than_o in_o their_o steadfast_a adhere_n to_o and_o persevere_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o have_v begin_v in_o the_o spirit_n can_v be_v in_o unity_n with_o such_o as_o to_o they_o seem_v to_o expect_v perfection_n through_o a_o zealous_a exalt_v of_o other_o man_n line_n make_v ready_a to_o their_o hand_n and_o thus_o the_o generation_n to_o come_v as_o well_o as_o at_o this_o day_n may_v know_v that_o though_o some_o lover_n of_o pre-eminence_n innovator_n and_o unskilful_a preacher_n that_o know_v not_o how_o to_o divide_v the_o word_n aright_o have_v be_v please_v to_o stigmatize_v other_o with_o these_o term_n viz._n dark_a leaven_a rend_v divide_v separate_a spirit_n yet_o it_o have_v be_v manifest_a that_o it_o be_v because_o such_o other_o can_v in_o a_o temporize_a spirit_n change_v their_o way_n and_o depart_v from_o their_o ancient_a path_n which_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n they_o have_v be_v lead_v into_o and_o wherein_o they_o have_v have_v fellowship_n with_o their_o ancient_a brethren_n who_o the_o lord_n anoint_v to_o publish_v his_o everlasting_a gospel_n and_o to_o gather_v other_o from_o the_o lo_n here_o be_v and_o the_o lo_n there_o be_v to_o take_v heed_n unto_o the_o holy_a unction_n in_o themselves_o as_o a_o sufficient_a guide_n unto_o the_o father_n of_o life_n quer._n 3_o whether_o thy_o publish_v this_o treatise_n in_o print_n may_v not_o in_o probability_n give_v unto_o other_o a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o difference_n among_o we_o and_o so_o obstruct_v the_o increase_n of_o our_o meeting_n and_o the_o gather_n of_o some_o yet_o walk_v in_o the_o broad_a way_n into_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o cause_n many_o already_o gather_v thereunto_o to_o stumble_v and_o fall_v answ_n nay_o the_o consideration_n induce_v i_o so_o to_o answer_n be_v these_o though_o this_o treatise_n declare_v that_o there_o be_v division_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n yet_o that_o be_v not_o more_o than_o what_o to_o my_o knowledge_n be_v public_o know_v both_o to_o professor_n and_o profane_a and_o that_o from_o observation_n of_o such_o in_o the_o public_a meeting_n for_o worship_n for_o many_o month_n if_o not_o year_n pass_v as_o be_v not_o repute_v to_o be_v of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n the_o occasion_n of_o such_o observation_n in_o some_o meeting_n have_v be_v so_o frequent_o give_v as_o that_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v as_o impossible_a to_o cover_v the_o knowledge_n thereof_o as_o that_o which_o have_v be_v proclaim_v by_o a_o common_a bell-man_n and_o the_o instrument_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v be_v the_o proclaimer_n hereof_o have_v be_v such_o as_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o preacher_n in_o god_n name_n though_o in_o a_o reality_n but_o idle_a ignorant_a prater_n in_o the_o will_n of_o man_n by_o their_o declaration_n run_v against_o the_o friend_n of_o truth_n sometime_o by_o name_n and_o other_o time_n not_o so_o particular_a though_o intelligible_a enough_o and_o yet_o incapable_a to_o detect_v such_o as_o be_v evil_a either_o in_o conversation_n or_o doctrine_n which_o be_v consider_v and_o compare_v with_o many_o imaginary_a discourse_n in_o public_a meeting_n for_o worship_n of_o god_n whereby_o the_o publisher_n thereof_o appear_v unlearned_a in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v irrational_a to_o expect_v that_o any_o person_n conscientious_o seek_v after_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n shall_v be_v gather_v to_o such_o as_o be_v at_o variance_n each_o with_o other_o and_o who_o public_a assembly_n have_v be_v at_o some_o time_n the_o very_a stage_n of_o contention_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v it_o be_v most_o certain_a they_o will_v not_o therein_o be_v gather_v unto_o such_o as_o be_v in_o a_o heavenly_a fellowship_n each_o with_o other_o but_o if_o on_o the_o contrary_a such_o as_o be_v seek_v after_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n have_v be_v disaffect_v with_o they_o in_o general_a from_o a_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o their_o division_n and_o the_o unsound_a doctrine_n hold_v forth_o by_o some_o and_o yet_o shall_v but_o serious_o ponder_v this_o treatise_n it_o may_v become_v a_o mean_n unto_o such_o to_o eschew_v the_o evil_a and_o embrace_v the_o good_a by_o incline_v their_o heart_n unto_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n herein_o hold_v forth_o and_o not_o suffer_v the_o offence_n give_v by_o such_o among_o they_o as_o have_v retain_v the_o name_n but_o not_o the_o nature_n nor_o yet_o in_o some_o respect_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n so_o to_o enter_v as_o to_o hinder_v their_o perseverance_n and_o growth_n in_o the_o true_a faith_n until_o at_o length_n they_o may_v come_v into_o union_n and_o fellowship_n with_o the_o faithful_a friend_n thereof_o moreover_o to_o i_o it_o seem_v impossible_a that_o the_o seasonable_a assert_v the_o truth_n and_o plead_v for_o it_o can_v occasion_v any_o to_o stumble_v and_o fall_v from_o it_o but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a however_o i_o must_v confess_v it_o be_v probable_a enough_o that_o it_o may_v occasion_v many_o to_o disregard_n such_o kind_n of_o preacher_n or_o rather_o prater_n who_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n have_v not_o only_o cause_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v evil_o speak_v of_o but_o who_o necessity_n have_v seem_v to_o be_v a_o bait_n unto_o they_o to_o follow_v for_o the_o loaf_n and_o no_o marvel_n if_o these_o instead_o of_o gather_v to_o god_n gather_v to_o themselves_o and_o as_o a_o proper_a expedient_a to_o obtain_v such_o a_o gather_v publish_v in_o the_o open_a meeting_n for_o worship_n of_o god_n such_o like_a doctrine_n as_o these_o according_a as_o i_o have_v already_o hint_v and_o which_o i_o be_o a_o witness_n from_o the_o hear_n of_o my_o ear_n have_v in_o public_a meeting_n for_o worship_n be_v publish_v viz._n have_v your_o eye_n to_o the_o brethren_n mean_v thereby_o public_a preacher_n if_o you_o do_v not_o see_v yourselves_o follow_v we_o that_o do_v see_v and_o frequent_o exhort_v to_o shut_v out_o the_o reason_n the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o jealousy_n without_o distinction_n which_o be_v compare_v with_o these_o primitive_a and_o wholesome_a exhortation_n and_o doctrine_n wisdom_n be_v justify_v of_o her_o child_n look_v not_o unto_o we_o but_o unto_o the_o lord_n take_v heed_n unto_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n in_o your_o own_o conscience_n draw_v water_n out_o of_o your_o own_o well_n let_v it_o be_v your_o own_o and_o not_o another_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o more_o like_o the_o language_n of_o those_o shepherd_n who_o as_o the_o prophet_n say_v seek_v for_o their_o gain_n from_o their_o quarter_n than_o the_o language_n of_o such_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v anoint_v to_o cherish_v and_o feed_v his_o sheep_n to_o conclude_v this_o preface_n it_o be_v with_o i_o to_o say_v unto_o every_o one_o through_o the_o nation_n call_v by_o the_o name_n quaker_n on_o this_o wise_a let_v the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o day_n that_o be_v pass_v come_v before_o you_o wherein_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o live_a god_n labourer_n in_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o latter_a day_n of_o the_o ministration_n of_o light_n sound_v by_o his_o trumpet_n a_o alarm_n to_o the_o nation_n and_o what_o say_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o eternal_a power_n through_o they_o it_o speak_v to_o this_o effect_n unto_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n awake_v awake_v from_o the_o sleep_n of_o death_n that_o the_o lord_n may_v give_v unto_o you_o life_n he_o that_o be_v and_o be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v be_v arisen_a in_o a_o remnant_n and_o christ_n the_o son_n
not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o second_o covenant_n to_o expect_v that_o any_o one_o shall_v be_v ordain_v of_o god_n to_o be_v among_o the_o child_n of_o light_n like_v unto_o moses_n save_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n and_o master_n who_o by_o his_o spiritual_a appearance_n in_o we_o be_v become_v our_o leader_n and_o lawgiver_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o believe_v that_o any_o one_o mortal_a man_n aught_o to_o assume_v that_o place_n among_o the_o child_n of_o light_n at_o this_o day_n as_o moses_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n do_v among_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o his_o day_n especial_o if_o we_o do_v but_o consider_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o lord_n through_o his_o prophet_n jeremiah_n jer._n 31.33_o 34._o with_o relation_n to_o that_o time_n and_o dispensation_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n under_o which_o we_o be_v be_v on_o this_o wise_a i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o they_o shall_v teach_v no_o more_o every_o man_n his_o neighbour_n and_o every_o man_n his_o brother_n say_v know_v the_o lord_n for_o they_o shall_v all_o know_v i_o from_o the_o least_o of_o they_o unto_o the_o great_a of_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n sect_n iii_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o second_o position_n deducible_a from_o a_o objection_n raise_v towards_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o first_o section_n viz._n that_o monthly_o and_o quarterly_o meeting_n be_v call_v the_o church_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v submit_v to_o it_o be_v well_o remember_v that_o that_o one_o man_n g._n f._n go_v some_o year_n pass_v into_o many_o part_n of_o this_o nation_n advise_v friend_n to_o hold_v such_o meeting_n viz._n monthly_a and_o quarterly_o and_o in_o many_o place_n his_o counsel_n be_v ready_o embrace_v but_o for_o our_o part_n we_o understand_v not_o at_o that_o day_n that_o it_o be_v design_v by_o he_o or_o any_o else_o that_o those_o meeting_n shall_v not_o only_o be_v account_v the_o church_n but_o also_o such_o as_o profess_v the_o truth_n aught_o to_o believe_v as_o this_o church_n believe_v have_v he_o so_o express_v himself_o testimony_n will_v have_v arisen_a as_o a_o flood_n against_o such_o darkness_n for_o this_o will_v have_v plain_o appear_v to_o we_o to_o have_v open_v a_o door_n whereby_o that_o babylonish_n rubbish_n which_o we_o have_v be_v long_o testify_v against_o may_v have_v be_v exalt_v in_o one_o day_n and_o to_o be_v very_o plain_a we_o can_v but_o now_o declare_v that_o we_o be_v full_o satisfy_v in_o our_o conscience_n that_o by_o this_o very_a door_n a_o body_n of_o strife_n contention_n emulation_n malice_n and_o envy_n together_o with_o a_o rend_v divide_v separate_a spirit_n from_o the_o truth_n be_v enter_v among_o many_o hundred_o who_o before_o walk_v together_o with_o we_o in_o a_o heavenly_a union_n and_o fellowship_n in_o the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n which_o doubtless_o may_v if_o it_o have_v not_o already_o occasion_n many_o honest_a simplehearted_n friend_n thus_o in_o their_o heart_n to_o say_v where_o be_v the_o people_n who_o we_o shall_v now_o follow_v but_o if_o such_o retire_n into_o the_o sanctuary_n of_o the_o lord_n there_o in_o stillness_n to_o wait_v what_o god_n will_v say_v they_o will_v undoubted_o have_v this_o answer_n you_o have_v a_o teacher_n within_o you_o which_o can_v be_v remove_v into_o a_o corner_n follow_v that_o teacher_n lest_o peradventer_v your_o foot_n do_v slip_v by_o go_v from_o your_o inward_a guide_n and_o follow_v the_o footstep_n and_o dictate_v of_o man._n but_o to_o return_v it_o be_v now_o our_o concern_v as_o to_o the_o second_o position_n thus_o further_o to_o declare_v that_o whosoever_o have_v or_o shall_v testify_v that_o all_o those_o meeting_n as_o usual_o hold_v be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v and_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v such_o as_o know_v not_o whereof_o they_o affirm_v for_o such_o a_o testimony_n carry_v with_o it_o neither_o inward_a nor_o outward_a evidence_n though_o we_o dare_v not_o conclude_v that_o none_o in_o those_o meeting_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n consist_v proper_o of_o such_o as_o be_v by_o one_o spirit_n baptize_v into_o one_o body_n 12.13_o 1_o cor._n 12.13_o and_o so_o be_v in_o the_o possession_n as_o well_o as_o profession_n of_o truth_n but_o yet_o whoever_o they_o be_v that_o do_v but_o so_o much_o as_o profess_v the_o truth_n be_v admit_v to_o be_v member_n of_o such_o meeting_n while_o they_o appear_v in_o the_o outward_a form_n thereof_o and_o be_v not_o then_o of_o scandalous_a conversation_n all_o which_o may_v appear_v in_o such_o as_o be_v far_o remote_a from_o witness_v the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n which_o must_v be_v witness_v as_o the_o proper_a product_n of_o the_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n before_o a_o possession_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v know_v and_o whether_o man_n meeting_n have_v not_o often_o consist_v of_o such_o member_n and_o be_v like_o so_o to_o do_v while_o the_o door_n be_v open_a for_o any_o under_o the_o aforesaid_a qualification_n to_o sit_v there_o as_o it_o yet_o be_v we_o recommend_v to_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o impartial_a reader_n and_o if_o so_o we_o desire_v they_o further_a to_o weigh_v and_o consider_v first_o whether_o it_o can_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o truth_n to_o account_v every_o thing_n act_v and_o do_v by_o every_o such_o meeting_n to_o be_v the_o product_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o according_o to_o be_v submit_v to_o second_o whether_o the_o judge_n of_o some_o conscientious_o refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o be_v dark_a leaven_a rend_v divide_v or_o separate_a spirit_n because_o they_o refuse_v be_v not_o the_o fruit_n of_o that_o spirit_n that_o will_v remove_v we_o from_o that_o teacher_n that_o can_v be_v remove_v into_o a_o corner_n to_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o fallible_a men._n three_o whether_o a_o plea_n for_o obedience_n to_o the_o order_n of_o such_o meeting_n from_o person_n conscientious_o refuse_v to_o obey_v have_v not_o a_o tendency_n to_o justify_v usurpation_n since_o they_o have_v never_o evidence_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o those_o from_o who_o they_o have_v seem_v to_o expect_v obedience_n any_o other_o call_v to_o that_o service_n than_o their_o own_o four_o whether_o a_o plea_n for_o such_o meeting_n to_o govern_v in_o matter_n relate_v to_o conscience_n have_v not_o a_o tendency_n to_o justify_v confusion_n since_o according_a to_o the_o repute_a order_n of_o such_o meeting_n none_o that_o be_v to_o be_v rule_v be_v exclude_v from_o be_v ruler_n let_v those_o who_o can_v believe_v this_o our_o last_o assertion_n peruse_v robert_n barclay_n book_n of_o government_n approve_v by_o such_o as_o have_v be_v account_v minister_a friend_n at_o the_o second_o day_n meet_v in_o london_n wherein_o it_o be_v say_v page_n 33._o we_o be_v not_o so_o foolish_a as_o to_o concern_v ourselves_o with_o those_o who_o be_v not_o of_o we_o none_o of_o which_o be_v according_a to_o the_o import_n of_o the_o say_a book_n of_o government_n as_o we_o take_v it_o exclude_v from_o such_o meeting_n nor_o yet_o to_o give_v judgement_n therein_o witness_n page_n 79_o and_o 82._o of_o the_o say_a book_n and_o since_o we_o be_v now_o treat_v of_o those_o meeting_n we_o be_v not_o without_o a_o sense_n but_o that_o some_o may_v be_v ready_a thus_o to_o query_n viz._n what_o order_n be_v either_o prescribe_v or_o use_v whereby_o the_o sense_n of_o such_o meeting_n be_v collect_v to_o this_o we_o say_v a_o eminent_a person_n profess_v truth_n be_v at_o bristol_n do_v take_v occasion_n to_o signify_v at_o a_o mens-meeting_a hold_v in_o that_o city_n to_o this_o effect_n that_o in_o london_n and_o other_o part_n of_o this_o nation_n where_o such_o meeting_n be_v usual_o hold_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o generality_n have_v be_v take_v for_o the_o sense_n of_o such_o meeting_n compare_v this_o with_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 that_o our_o opposer_n for_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o their_o design_n against_o we_o have_v contrive_v this_o method_n of_o carry_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o generality_n or_o major_a number_n of_o voice_n which_o limitation_n we_o know_v have_v be_v heretofore_o and_o by_o the_o faithful_a to_o this_o day_n utter_o disow_v as_o contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o also_o by_o the_o approver_n of_o r._n b_n book_n of_o government_n as_o in_o page_n 81._o and_o though_o the_o counsel_n of_o that_o one_o man_n who_o first_o advise_v to_o the_o aforesaid_a meeting_n in_o some_o part_n be_v
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 may_v judge_v the_o sound_a form_n of_o word_n to_o be_v deadness_n dryness_n &_o barrenness_n especial_o when_v spring_a from_o such_o who_o thou_o have_v know_v to_o be_v in_o the_o life_n upon_o this_o search_n be_v not_o the_o reason_n thereof_o because_o i_o be_o watch_v for_o evil_n and_o have_v let_v in_o a_o spirit_n of_o prejudice_n believe_v a_o evil_a report_n when_o perhaps_o it_o may_v not_o be_v truth_n if_o this_o be_v thy_o state_n we_o must_v plain_o tell_v thou_o they_o be_v the_o very_a token_n of_o a_o perish_a condition_n and_o then_o though_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o life_n that_o be_v preach_v yet_o it_o can_v be_v no_o other_o according_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o the_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o thou_o beside_o we_o have_v this_o further_a observation_n to_o make_v that_o some_o at_o least_o of_o those_o thus_o testify_v against_o as_o dead_a dry_a and_o barren_a be_v chief_o such_o unto_o who_o god_n have_v give_v a_o portion_n of_o understanding_n above_o many_o of_o their_o brethren_n and_o have_v and_o yet_o do_v as_o far_o as_o ever_o we_o know_v appear_v sound_n in_o doctrine_n and_o as_o blameless_a in_o life_n and_o conversation_n as_o any_o friend_n we_o have_v ever_o know_v and_o so_o can_v run_v with_o the_o current_n of_o the_o time_n we_o desire_v therefore_o that_o every_o one_o of_o the_o opposer_n of_o or_o judge_n over_o such_o will_v yet_o more_o thorough_o search_v their_o own_o conscience_n and_o in_o a_o godly_a jealousy_n over_o themselves_o put_v these_o query_n unto_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o try_v thing_n in_o the_o equal_a balance_n have_v not_o i_o many_o time_n hear_v unsound_a doctrine_n and_o behold_v disorder_n and_o confusion_n bring_v forth_o even_o in_o public_a meeting_n for_o worship_n by_o those_o who_o cry_v against_o dark_a separate_a spirit_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v a_o reproof_n thereto_o conclude_v notwithstanding_o that_o there_o do_v a_o freshness_n and_o life_n appear_v have_v not_o i_o be_v often_o affect_v with_o a_o outward_a tone_n and_o strength_n of_o lung_n when_o there_o have_v be_v little_a to_o the_o information_n and_o building_n up_o one_o another_o in_o the_o most_o holy_a faith_n have_v not_o i_o be_v better_o content_v to_o hear_v a_o thunder_a kind_n of_o voice_n cry_v out_o against_o a_o separate_a spirit_n though_o without_o distinction_n when_o not_o a_o word_n be_v speak_v to_o show_v the_o way_n to_o the_o kingdom_n than_o to_o hear_v the_o way_n of_o eternal_a life_n plain_o demonstrate_v by_o a_o soft_a and_o moderate_a voice_n we_o know_v there_o be_v great_a cause_n for_o many_o to_o put_v these_o question_n to_o their_o conscience_n and_o to_o be_v cool_a in_o spirit_n that_o so_o they_o may_v have_v a_o answer_n from_o the_o lord_n who_o appearance_n be_v not_o in_o the_o strong_a wind_n but_o in_o the_o still_a voice_n sect_n iv_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o three_o position_n deducible_a from_o a_o objection_n raise_v towards_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o first_o section_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v folly_n and_o hypocrisy_n to_o profess_v ourselves_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o yet_o not_o believe_v thus_o as_o the_o true_a church_n believe_v to_o this_o we_o say_v we_o be_v altogether_o dissatisfy_v especial_o when_o we_o consider_v what_o a_o body_n of_o darkness_n have_v enter_v under_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o position_n we_o must_v believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v among_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n in_o age_n past_a as_o well_o as_o at_o this_o present_a day_n that_o such_o language_n can_v become_v the_o mouth_n or_o pen_n of_o any_o one_o that_o profess_v not_o only_a faith_n in_o christ_n but_o also_o that_o such_o his_o faith_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o inward_a manifestation_n and_o revelation_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o himself_o mark_v we_o say_v in_o himself_o those_o who_o be_v account_v apostate_n christian_n have_v from_o such_o assembly_n which_o 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 accounte_v the_o true_a church_n and_o if_o so_o be_v it_o not_o folly_n to_o talk_v of_o believe_v as_o this_o church_n believe_v when_o no_o assembly_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o this_o church_n have_v to_o this_o day_n declare_v and_o publish_v their_o creed_n for_o the_o end_n aforesaid_a nay_o may_v it_o not_o further_o be_v say_v we_o know_v how_o papist_n and_o protestant_n describe_v their_o church_n but_o at_o the_o day_n wherein_o that_o which_o occasion_n this_o present_a discourse_n be_v give_v forth_o it_o be_v not_o discover_v by_o any_o repute_a quaker_n public_o in_o print_n that_o we_o know_v of_o who_o or_o be_v the_o true_a church_n be_v with_o respect_n to_o visible_a person_n more_o than_o what_o be_v to_o this_o effect_n give_v forth_o by_o the_o author_n occasion_v this_o present_a discourse_n viz._n that_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n be_v the_o church_n wherein_o we_o do_v not_o take_v his_o meaning_n to_o be_v that_o all_o call_v quaker_n be_v the_o 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 their_o faith_n so_o this_o light_n of_o christ_n be_v preach_v up_o as_o a_o lantern_n to_o our_o path_n and_o as_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o then_o as_o our_o understanding_n come_v to_o be_v more_o and_o more_o open_v we_o clear_o see_v that_o as_o other_o church_n have_v outward_a mark_n and_o token_n whereby_o a_o man_n may_v manifest_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o their_o church_n when_o receive_v into_o society_n with_o their_o church_n so_o we_o who_o have_v believe_v in_o the_o light_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o have_v the_o evidence_n in_o ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v of_o the_o true_a brotherhood_n and_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n be_v at_o a_o loss_n infallible_o to_o manifest_v unto_o other_o by_o any_o outward_a mark_n or_o token_n that_o we_o be_v in_o
to_o add._n if_o paul_n look_v on_o himself_o as_o one_o have_v power_n to_o command_v to_o rule_v and_o govern_v over_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o obey_v he_o whether_o they_o see_v it_o so_o or_o no_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n that_o the_o same_o paul_n testify_v for_o himself_o and_o other_o his_o brethren_n 2_o cor._n 4.2_o that_o they_o have_v not_o handle_v the_o word_n of_o god_n deceitful_o but_o by_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n commend_v themselves_o to_o every_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n compare_v this_o with_o what_o paul_n write_v in_o the_o same_o epistle_n 2_o cor._n 10.15_o have_v hope_n when_o your_o faith_n be_v increase_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v enlarge_v by_o you_o according_a to_o our_o rule_n abundant_o it_o appear_v evident_o to_o we_o that_o preach_v up_o obedience_n to_o that_o wherein_o the_o conscience_n through_o faith_n be_v not_o satisfy_v be_v a_o handle_v the_o word_n of_o god_n deceitful_o and_o therefore_o though_o we_o have_v be_v inform_v that_o we_o be_v dark_a and_o blind_a even_o by_o such_o who_o tell_v we_o they_o do_v see_v public_o preach_v on_o this_o wise_a if_o you_o do_v not_o see_v yourselves_o you_o must_v then_o follow_v we_o that_o do_v see_v yet_o we_o can_v on_o that_o foot_n embrace_v such_o doctrine_n lest_o like_o blind_a man_n we_o fall_v all_o together_o into_o the_o ditch_n and_o embrace_v that_o for_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o dark_a body_n of_o the_o moon_n we_o be_v now_o sensible_a another_o objection_n may_v thus_o arise_v object_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v but_o one_o in_o all_o have_v move_v in_o our_o brethren_n to_o give_v forth_o certain_a order_n command_n and_o prescription_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v according_o to_o obey_v and_o this_o can_v be_v call_v the_o dictate_v of_o fallible_a man_n but_o of_o the_o spirit_n give_v forth_o through_o man_n and_o be_v thou_o that_o pretend_v thou_o see_v it_o not_o thy_o duty_n to_o obey_v but_o obedient_a to_o thy_o own_o measure_n thou_o will_v then_o see_v it_o so_o and_o be_v one_o with_o the_o brethren_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v but_o tell_v thou_o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n to_o obey_v since_o the_o reason_n thou_o see_v it_o not_o thy_o duty_n be_v thy_o want_n of_o diligence_n and_o not_o wait_v on_o thy_o own_o measure_n beside_o we_o find_v that_o that_o very_a person_n who_o have_v travel_v much_o for_o the_o settle_n of_o man_n meeting_n have_v late_o give_v forth_o a_o paper_n the_o import_n whereof_o be_v to_o justify_v prescription_n answ_n to_o this_o we_o say_v that_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n move_v in_o any_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n to_o give_v forth_o certain_a order_n and_o prescription_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n as_o that_o which_o though_o relate_v to_o their_o conscience_n they_o ought_v to_o perform_v and_o practice_v whether_o they_o see_v it_o their_o duty_n or_o no_o or_o whether_o they_o be_v free_a so_o to_o do_v or_o no_o then_o not_o doubt_n but_o they_o ought_v so_o to_o act_v and_o do_v because_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n have_v so_o move_v but_o this_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o which_o under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o second_o covenant_n we_o have_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n or_o light_n of_o christ_n to_o suppose_v for_o if_o the_o blind_a be_v not_o to_o be_v accept_v of_o for_o a_o sacrifice_n under_o the_o first_o covenant_n much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v acceptable_a under_o the_o second_o and_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o expect_v that_o any_o such_o motion_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v appear_v through_o any_o one_o or_o more_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n with_o respect_n to_o other_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o our_o faith_n be_v that_o all_o those_o who_o be_v heir_n of_o that_o kingdom_n which_o be_v everlasting_a be_v entitle_v to_o a_o like_a freedom_n not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o each_o by_o other_o contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a sense_n and_o heavenly_a understanding_n which_o as_o coheir_n and_o co-worker_n together_o they_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o and_o this_o in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n will_v evince_o be_v manifest_v from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n however_o we_o must_v confess_v he_o that_o be_v not_o diligent_a to_o wait_v upon_o god_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o own_o measure_n of_o grace_n receive_v be_v by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n condemnable_a not_o for_o refuse_v to_o perform_v that_o which_o he_o see_v not_o to_o be_v his_o duty_n with_o respect_n to_o other_o man_n line_n make_v ready_a to_o his_o hand_n wherein_o he_o be_v not_o satisfy_v but_o for_o his_o neglect_v to_o wait_v upon_o god_n because_o it_o be_v manifest_a in_o every_o one_o that_o have_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o wait_v upon_o god_n and_o this_o our_o sense_n and_o reason_n answer_v to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n where_o it_o be_v say_v rom._n 1.18_o 19_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodlyness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n who_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n because_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o they_o for_o god_n have_v show_v it_o unto_o they_o so_o it_o be_v clear_a to_o we_o from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o we_o as_o well_o as_o from_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o we_o that_o the_o wrath_n and_o condemnation_n of_o god_n go_v forth_o against_o such_o as_o live_v not_o answerable_a to_o what_o god_n have_v manifest_v in_o they_o but_o it_o be_v neither_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n or_o light_v within_o for_o any_o to_o pour_v forth_o judgement_n against_o any_o for_o not_o follow_v or_o give_v heed_n unto_o this_o or_o tother_o prescription_n or_o outward_a observation_n wherein_o the_o conscience_n be_v concern_v when_o such_o be_v not_o convince_v thereof_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n from_o the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o they_o the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v this_o that_o in_o all_o the_o last_o mention_v objection_n there_o be_v no_o plea_n for_o obedience_n unto_o or_o follow_v any_o thing_n but_o the_o spirit_n in_o its_o appearance_n whether_o through_o the_o brethren_n or_o thyself_o from_o whence_o we_o observe_v first_o that_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a description_n who_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o word_n brethren_n second_o that_o it_o be_v the_o appearance_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o follow_v now_o shall_v this_o question_n be_v ask_v of_o such_o who_o may_v so_o object_n as_o aforesaid_a will_v you_o have_v we_o follow_v we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o believe_v that_o they_o will_v say_v nay_o if_o they_o answer_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o question_n and_o if_o so_o than_o the_o force_n of_o the_o objection_n fall_v for_o that_o we_o account_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o follow_v the_o appearance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n through_o the_o mean_a member_n when_o our_o conscience_n be_v convince_v that_o it_o be_v the_o appearance_n of_o that_o spirit_n but_o before_o we_o can_v say_v in_o truth_n though_o we_o shall_v do_v as_o such_o a_o one_o will_v have_v we_o that_o we_o be_v follower_n of_o and_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n no_o more_o than_o jesus_n can_v in_o truth_n be_v call_v lord_n 12.13_o lord_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o and_o not_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n beside_o we_o can_v on_o this_o occasion_n but_o testify_v that_o as_o that_o obedience_n which_o be_v of_o faith_n in_o christ_n find_v acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n 14.23_o lord_n rom._n 14.23_o so_o that_o obedience_n which_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n be_v but_o a_o dead_a performance_n and_o not_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o live_a member_n who_o through_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n unto_o righteousness_n be_v make_v alive_a unto_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v the_o duty_n of_o any_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n to_o run_v before_o his_o inward_a guide_n but_o to_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n that_o all_o his_o action_n may_v be_v regulate_v according_a to_o the_o manifestation_n and_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o himself_o which_o seem_v clear_o agreeable_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n where_o he_o thus_o say_v phil._n 3.15_o 16._o if_o in_o any_o thing_n you_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v god_n shall_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o you_o nevertheless_o whereunto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v
have_v open_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o other_o way_n by_o which_o all_o thing_n relate_v unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n come_v to_o be_v reveal_v and_o this_o appear_v agrecable_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n john_n 14.26_o 2_o cor._n 4.2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o 2_o tim._n 3.15_o 16._o we_o be_v now_o sensible_a that_o some_o who_o may_v peruse_v the_o forego_n scripture_n may_v be_v ready_a thus_o to_o say_v you_o seem_v to_o propound_v two_o way_n by_o which_o the_o thing_n appertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n have_v be_v and_o be_v reveal_v viz._n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n or_o appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n as_o one_o way_n and_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n as_o another_o way_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v the_o way_n we_o propose_v be_v but_o one_o though_o the_o manifestation_n thereof_o may_v seem_v various_a to_o man_n viz._n sometime_o through_o instrument_n and_o sometime_o through_o himself_o for_o though_o paul_n write_v unto_o timothy_n unto_o who_o he_o be_v make_v a_o instrument_n and_o therefore_o call_v he_o his_o son_n tell_v he_o 16._o 2_o tim._n 3.15_o 16._o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v able_a to_o make_v he_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o that_o they_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n yet_o it_o be_v speak_v with_o respect_n to_o those_o scripture_n that_o be_v give_v forth_o by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o with_o this_o limitation_n viz._n through_o the_o say_v that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n whereon_o we_o observe_v that_o the_o scripture_n give_v forth_o by_o inspiration_n be_v but_o as_o a_o instrument_n make_v serviceable_a to_o the_o reader_n through_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o faith_n in_o christ_n come_v to_o be_v raise_v even_o as_o a_o man_n endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o instrument_n through_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o wholesome_a exhortation_n to_o open_v the_o inward_a eye_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o have_v be_v darken_v and_o to_o awaken_v the_o conscience_n which_o have_v be_v defile_v that_o so_o man_n may_v come_v to_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mind_n unto_o god_n through_o faith_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o conscience_n purify_v from_o dead_a work_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n and_o therefore_o we_o reasonable_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o way_n though_o various_a in_o operation_n and_o manifestation_n through_o which_o the_o thing_n appertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n come_v to_o be_v reveal_v which_o be_v by_o the_o powerful_a appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n and_o light_n convict_v the_o conscience_n convert_v and_o renew_v the_o mind_n unto_o god_n sometime_o through_o scripture_n give_v forth_o by_o inspiration_n sometime_o through_o man_n as_o a_o instrument_n and_o sometime_o by_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o light_n in_o man_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o such_o instrument_n but_o yet_o the_o end_n of_o all_o be_v that_o faith_n in_o christ_n may_v be_v raise_v wherein_o as_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v by_o the_o carnal_a eye_n the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v behold_v which_o be_v that_o treasure_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n speak_v that_o be_v hide_v in_o our_o earthen_a vessel_n that_o the_o excellency_n of_o that_o power_n may_v be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n these_o thing_n be_v due_o consider_v this_o testimony_n do_v natural_o arise_v that_o neither_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n nor_o any_o other_o writing_n whatsoever_o though_o give_v forth_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n itself_o can_v proper_o be_v term_v so_o profitable_a a_o rule_n unto_o we_o as_o the_o light_n and_o spirit_n from_o which_o they_o be_v give_v forth_o and_o therefore_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n ought_v chief_o to_o be_v unto_o the_o spiritual_a appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n and_o spirit_n in_o we_o as_o that_o unerring_a guide_n which_o never_o can_v be_v remove_v into_o a_o corner_n beside_o we_o find_v the_o scripture_n itself_o testify_v that_o no_o prophecy_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n 1.20_o 2_o pet._n 1.20_o that_o be_v it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v interpret_v but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n through_o who_o motion_n it_o be_v give_v forth_o for_o all_o other_o interpretation_n may_v true_o be_v term_v private_a from_o whence_o we_o observe_v that_o if_o the_o prophecy_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n shall_v be_v read_v unto_o we_o from_o morning_n to_o evening_n and_o from_o evening_n to_o morning_n again_o we_o may_v receive_v little_a benefit_n or_o profit_n thereby_o unless_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n come_v to_o be_v stay_v in_o the_o unchangeable_a light_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n whereby_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o they_o out_o of_o all_o private_a interpretation_n have_v be_v and_o be_v signify_v unto_o man._n chap._n ii_o touch_v the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o and_o exhortation_n to_o obedience_n thereof_o those_o faithful_a messenger_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o the_o lord_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n send_v forth_o for_o the_o gather_n of_o the_o nation_n unto_o the_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n that_o their_o soul_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n frequent_o sound_v in_o our_o ear_n on_o this_o wise_a turn_v in_o your_o mind_n unto_o the_o light_n within_o mean_v thereby_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o which_o show_v you_o that_o a_o tie_n be_v not_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o as_o through_o faith_n you_o come_v to_o be_v obedient_a unto_o the_o light_n within_o and_o that_o measure_n of_o grace_n give_v by_o god_n and_o receive_v by_o you_o so_o will_v you_o come_v to_o be_v make_v partalter_n of_o that_o great_a salvation_n this_o doctrine_n be_v acceptable_a to_o many_o who_o in_o the_o love_n of_o truth_n receive_v the_o joyful_a sound_n thereof_o but_o unto_o other_o mean_a and_o despise_a who_o notwithstanding_o that_o testimony_n account_v the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n a_o more_o sure_a rule_n and_o guide_n unto_o the_o father_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o at_o this_o time_n have_v be_v as_o a_o obligation_n to_o examine_v whether_o the_o aforesaid_a doctrine_n so_o acceptable_a to_o some_o and_o despise_v by_o other_o be_v consonant_n to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n which_o task_n be_v the_o more_o free_o undertake_v because_o the_o aforesaid_a doctrine_n have_v become_v so_o great_a a_o stumble_a block_n unto_o many_o as_o that_o they_o have_v think_v it_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n that_o the_o professor_n thereof_o have_v be_v out_o of_o the_o path_n of_o truth_n ready_o object_v on_o this_o wise_a objection_n do_v you_o not_o think_v that_o those_o jew_n who_o crucify_v christ_n act_v not_o from_o the_o light_n within_o since_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o very_o think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n therein_o have_v thus_o premise_v it_o be_v now_o needful_a to_o examine_v what_o may_v be_v speak_v from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n for_o the_o light_n within_o and_o to_o turn_v in_o the_o mind_n unto_o the_o same_o to_o obey_v it_o etc._n etc._n in_o order_n thereunto_o we_o find_v john_n the_o evangelist_n thus_o testify_v 1.4.9_o joh._n 1.4.9_o in_o he_o mean_v the_o word_n which_o be_v god_n be_v life_n and_o the_o life_n be_v the_o light_n of_o man_n that_o be_v the_o true_a light_n which_o light_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n i_o be_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n 8.12_o john_n 8.12_o he_o that_o follow_v i_o shall_v not_o walk_v in_o darkness_n but_o shall_v have_v the_o light_n of_o life_n 12.46_o joh._n 12.46_o i_o be_o come_v a_o light_n into_o the_o world_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o i_o shall_v not_o abide_v in_o darkness_n these_o scripture_n plain_o show_v that_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v in_o and_o follow_v christ_n who_o be_v that_o light_n that_o light_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n objection_n however_o some_o object_v may_v say_v what_o be_v this_o to_o a_o light_n within_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o john_n the_o evangelist_n mean_v nothing_o of_o a_o light_n within_o in_o your_o sense_n but_o of_o the_o personal_a appearance_n of_o christ_n without_o as_o that_o word_n which_o be_v make_v flesh_n and_o as_o evidence_n produce_v what_o the_o same_o evangelist_n say_v chap._n
darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n 18._o act_n 26.16_o 17_o 18._o this_o eye_n that_o be_v to_o be_v open_v be_v not_o the_o carnal_a eye_n that_o so_o thereby_o they_o may_v be_v turn_v from_o outward_a darkness_n to_o outward_a light_n for_o though_o paul_n behold_v the_o light_n that_o shine_v from_o heaven_n which_o we_o take_v to_o be_v a_o light_n visible_a to_o his_o carnal_a eye_n yet_o he_o after_o continue_v three_o day_n blind_a through_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o light_n and_o then_o afterward_o the_o lord_n appoint_v he_o to_o be_v his_o witness_n and_o send_v he_o to_o the_o gentile_n to_o open_v their_o eye_n that_o they_o may_v turn_v from_o darkness_n unto_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n this_o eye_n that_o he_o be_v send_v to_o open_v be_v the_o inward_a eye_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o darkness_n speak_v of_o be_v that_o wherewith_o their_o heart_n and_o not_o their_o outward_a eye_n be_v overshadow_a so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o behold_v the_o light_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n shine_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o give_v unto_o they_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n chap._n iii_o touch_v infallibility_n and_o perfection_n the_o doctrine_n of_o infallibility_n hold_v by_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n have_v be_v account_v ridiculous_a because_o either_o occasion_n have_v be_v give_v through_o weakness_n among_o they_o or_o else_o take_v by_o their_o opponent_n whether_o give_v or_o no_o to_o assert_v that_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n be_v infallible_a be_v it_o as_o it_o be_v such_o a_o bare_a assertion_n without_o distinction_n or_o explication_n must_v be_v either_o the_o fruit_n of_o weakness_n if_o proceed_v from_o any_o real_o of_o that_o people_n call_v quaker_n or_o else_o slander_v and_o envy_n if_o proceed_v from_o their_o opposer_n without_o occasion_n give_v they_o so_o to_o say_v that_o therefore_o the_o inquire_a reader_n may_v be_v true_o inform_v what_o doctrine_n in_o relation_n to_o infallibility_n be_v hold_v forth_o own_a and_o receive_v by_o such_o among_o they_o unto_o who_o god_n have_v reveal_v of_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o kingdom_n it_o be_v not_o remote_a from_o the_o present_a purpose_n on_o this_o occasion_n to_o give_v this_o ensue_a testimony_n there_o be_v a_o outward_a man_n and_o a_o inward_a man_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n testimony_n 4.16_o 2_o cor._n 4.16_o and_o therefore_o the_o word_n infallible_a or_o infallibility_n may_v have_v relation_n to_o external_n and_o internal_a thing_n touch_v external_n thing_n the_o outward_a man_n with_o his_o outward_a sense_n be_v excreise_v but_o as_o to_o thing_n internal_a the_o inward_a man_n with_o his_o inward_a sense_n act_n 1.3_o it_o be_v thus_o say_v to_o who_o also_o he_o present_v himself_o alive_a after_o that_o he_o have_v suffer_v by_o many_o infallible_a token_n be_v see_v of_o they_o by_o the_o space_n of_o forty_o day_n and_o speak_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o appertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n obj._n this_o show_v there_o be_v a_o infallibility_n but_o than_o it_o may_v be_v say_v this_o seem_v to_o respect_v the_o outward_a sense_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o see_v christ_n their_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o in_o hear_v the_o thing_n he_o speak_v which_o appertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o this_o infallibility_n be_v ready_o confess_v unto_o but_o how_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o infallibility_n accompany_v the_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o inward_a man_n see_v many_o have_v pretend_v to_o give_v true_a infallible_a judgement_n from_o their_o inward_a sense_n which_o have_v prove_v notorious_o wrong_v and_o detectable_a by_o our_o outward_a sense_n answer_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v if_o any_o shall_v so_o object_v it_o be_v very_o true_a but_o yet_o it_o may_v in_o truth_n be_v assert_v that_o there_o be_v a_o infallibility_n viz._n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n accompany_v the_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o inward_a man_n whereof_o the_o faithful_a have_v a_o assurance_n from_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o if_o any_o pretend_v to_o any_o other_o infallibility_n accompany_v they_o we_o understand_v it_o not_o obj._n how_o then_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o man_n endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v deceive_v and_o fallible_a ans_fw-fr we_o ought_v to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o man_n and_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o he_o come_v to_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mind_n unto_o god_n that_o by_o which_o man_n come_v to_o be_v renew_v and_o circumcise_v in_o heart_n which_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v infallible_a but_o that_o which_o be_v so_o renew_v may_v be_v deceive_v if_o not_o exercise_v in_o and_o by_o that_o spirit_n in_o which_o preservation_n be_v for_o there_o be_v no_o estate_n on_o this_o side_n the_o grave_a wherein_o it_o be_v not_o needful_a to_o watch_v and_o therefore_o do_v christ_n our_o lord_n thus_o say_v what_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o i_o say_v unto_o all_o watch_n it_o have_v be_v a_o common_a assertion_n that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v infallible_a and_o can_v err_v and_o therefore_o have_v many_o assembly_n of_o man_n assume_v the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n declare_v their_o sentence_n judgement_n and_o decree_n infallible_a to_o this_o may_v be_v say_v that_o since_o the_o apostasieentred_a it_o be_v not_o unknown_a what_o visible_a and_o outward_o glorious_a church_n have_v publish_v this_o doctrine_n with_o application_n to_o herself_o by_o which_o door_n a_o body_n of_o darkness_n usurpation_n and_o persecution_n have_v enter_v and_o on_o this_o score_n thousand_o have_v be_v deceive_v and_o lead_v from_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n in_o themselves_o to_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o fallible_a man_n but_o yet_o as_o it_o have_v be_v so_o it_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o many_o that_o the_o lord_n never_o will_v raise_v any_o people_n who_o by_o his_o spirit_n he_o will_v lead_v to_o publish_v such_o a_o doctrine_n with_o respect_n to_o outward_a and_o visible_a society_n of_o man_n on_o earth_n that_o may_v be_v outward_o describable_a as_o needful_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o the_o build_n up_o one_o another_o in_o the_o most_o holy_a faith_n this_o faith_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n be_v ground_v on_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o for_o that_o the_o contrary_n will_v have_v a_o plain_a tendency_n to_o draw_v the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o man_n from_o the_o anoint_v in_o themselves_o to_o the_o lo_n here_o be_v and_o the_o lo_n there_o be_v again_o for_o what_o religious_a assembly_n in_o unity_n and_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n will_v scruple_n to_o say_v we_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o albeit_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o that_o church_n which_o be_v build_v on_o the_o rock_n christ_n can_v whilst_o abide_v on_o the_o rock_n be_v prevail_v against_o yet_o no_o argument_n from_o hence_o may_v rational_o be_v bring_v to_o prove_v any_o one_o member_n of_o this_o church_n whilst_o on_o this_o side_n the_o grave_n not_o liable_a through_o temptation_n to_o err_v and_o depart_v from_o the_o rock_n whilst_o there_o be_v a_o enemy_n ready_a to_o enter_v all_o if_o they_o watch_v not_o and_o now_o as_o to_o perfection_n we_o have_v this_o to_o say_v though_o we_o do_v believe_v that_o all_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o work_v of_o righteousness_n bring_v forth_o through_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n be_v perfect_a and_o that_o in_o that_o sense_n it_o may_v be_v say_v we_o be_v partaker_n of_o a_o measure_n of_o that_o which_o be_v perfect_a even_o as_o the_o apostle_n testify_v 1.17_o jam._n 1.17_o every_o perfect_a gift_n be_v from_o above_o if_o any_o man_n offend_v not_o in_o word_n 3.2_o jam._n 3.2_o the_o same_o be_v a_o perfect_a man_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o perfect_a estate_n attainable_a on_o this_o side_n the_o grave_a wherein_o it_o be_v not_o needful_a for_o man_n to_o watch_v and_o wait_v in_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n that_o so_o he_o may_v not_o only_o be_v preserve_v in_o that_o perfect_a state_n whereunto_o in_o measure_n he_o have_v already_o attain_v but_o also_o come_v to_o know_v a_o growth_n and_o increase_n in_o the_o increase_v of_o god_n for_o though_o paul_n have_v attain_v unto_o such_o a_o state_n as_o appear_v by_o these_o his_o word_n let_v we_o therefore_o 3.15_o phil._n 3.15_o as_o many_o as_o be_v perfect_a be_v thus_o mind_v 3.14_o phil._n 3.14_o yet_o we_o find_v that_o that_o very_a exhortation_n have_v relation_n unto_o a_o press_n towards_o the_o
mark_n for_o the_o price_n of_o the_o high_a call_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n which_o denote_v that_o there_o be_v a_o state_n attainable_a beyond_o that_o state_n of_o perfection_n whereunto_o he_o have_v then_o attain_v moreover_o that_o the_o scripture_n in_o other_o part_n thereof_o denote_v a_o state_n of_o perfection_n be_v plain_a from_o these_o follow_a testimony_n among_o many_o other_o record_v therein_o 6.40_o luk._n 6.40_o but_o every_o one_o that_o be_v perfect_a shall_v be_v as_o his_o master_n 5.48_o mat._n 5.48_o be_v you_o therefore_o perfect_a as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a obj._n this_o perfect_a state_n which_o you_o speak_v of_o we_o ready_o confess_v unto_o so_o far_o as_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v signify_v unto_o we_o therein_o because_o it_o be_v the_o very_a language_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o yet_o we_o be_v dissatisfy_v that_o the_o mean_v of_o the_o spirit_n by_o this_o perfect_a estate_n be_v such_o a_o state_n as_o therein_o to_o cease_v from_o sin_n answer_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o such_o a_o construction_n can_v hold_v in_o truth_n unless_o truth_n shall_v lead_v to_o impeach_v our_o heavenly_a father_n as_o guilty_a of_o sin_n which_o can_v be_v for_o the_o very_a word_n be_v be_v you_o perfect_a as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a beside_o it_o be_v a_o undoubted_a truth_n that_o a_o cessation_n from_o action_n manifest_v to_o be_v sinful_a be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o profess_v christianity_n and_o we_o can_v but_o have_v so_o much_o charity_n for_o all_o so_o profess_v as_o that_o none_o such_o will_v deny_v this_o but_o if_o any_o shall_v they_o will_v therein_o deny_v the_o end_n for_o which_o christ_n be_v manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n which_o be_v to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n which_o be_v sin_n 3.8_o 1_o joh._n 3.8_o according_a to_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n he_o that_o commit_v sin_n be_v of_o the_o devil_n for_o the_o devil_n sin_v from_o the_o beginning_n for_o this_o purpose_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v that_o he_o may_v destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n obj._n this_o also_o we_o can_v deny_v be_v the_o express_a testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o yet_o since_o scripture_n ought_v to_o be_v compare_v with_o scripture_n when_o there_o be_v a_o seem_a contradiction_n as_o on_o this_o occasion_n we_o suppose_v there_o be_v we_o therefore_o say_v that_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v according_a to_o what_o the_o express_a word_n seem_v to_o hold_v forth_o in_o this_o case_n 1._o because_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v from_o the_o scripture_n but_o that_o the_o saint_n be_v subject_a to_o fail_v and_o that_o many_o of_o they_o do_v fail_v 2._o 1.7_o 1_o john_n 1.7_o though_o the_o apostle_n testify_v that_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n cleanse_v from_o all_o sin_n yet_o this_o have_v be_v interpret_v to_o be_v only_o from_o the_o gild_n and_o not_o from_o the_o act_n of_o all_o sin_n so_o as_o to_o cease_v therefrom_o whilst_o on_o this_o side_n the_o grave_n which_o doubtless_o be_v the_o reason_n wherefore_o we_o find_v these_o testimony_n record_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 9_o ephes_n 2.8_o 9_o by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v through_o faith_n and_o that_o not_o of_o yourselves_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n not_o of_o work_n lest_o any_o man_n shall_v boast_v thereby_o imply_v as_o if_o salvation_n through_o faith_n may_v be_v obtain_v though_o good_a work_n be_v want_v and_o so_o consequent_o sin_n commit_v instead_o thereof_o since_o it_o be_v irrational_a to_o conclude_v that_o whilst_o man_n be_v in_o the_o body_n he_o can_v cease_v from_o work_v both_o good_a and_o evil._n in_o many_o thing_n we_o offend_v all_o 3.2_o jam._n 3.2_o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v no_o sin_n we_o deceive_v ourselves_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o we_o 1.8_o 1_o joh._n 1.8_o ans_fw-fr as_o to_o the_o first_o reason_n contain_v in_o the_o objection_n that_o the_o saint_n be_v subject_a to_o fail_v and_o that_o many_o of_o they_o do_v fail_v we_o say_v that_o this_o do_v not_o contradict_v any_o thing_n assert_v by_o we_o for_o we_o have_v declare_v that_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o perfect_a state_n attainable_a on_o this_o side_n the_o grave_a wherein_o it_o be_v not_o needful_a for_o man_n to_o watch_v etc._n etc._n that_o he_o may_v be_v preserve_v etc._n etc._n but_o if_o through_o unwatchfulness_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a neglect_n of_o what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o true_a christian_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n what_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o i_o say_v unto_o all_o watch_n any_o one_o come_v either_o to_o fall_v away_o from_o that_o good_a state_n whereunto_o he_o have_v attain_v or_o else_o not_o to_o attain_v unto_o that_o state_n which_o be_v attainable_a this_o can_v be_v a_o sound_a argument_n to_o prove_v the_o matter_n against_o we_o intend_v by_o the_o objection_n viz._n that_o man_n can_v cease_v from_o sin_n no_o more_o than_o the_o not_o go_v of_o some_o traveller_n to_o a_o certain_a land_n when_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o go_v or_o the_o return_v of_o other_o from_o the_o same_o land_n after_o according_a to_o their_o duty_n through_o travel_v arrive_v there_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o it_o be_v impossble_a to_o go_v thither_o and_o there_o remain_v to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o day_n to_o the_o second_o reason_n contain_v in_o the_o aforesaid_a objection_n we_o say_v it_o be_v needful_a to_o distinguish_v what_o sort_n of_o work_n be_v exclude_v as_o unnecessary_a to_o accompany_v that_o faith_n through_o which_o salvation_n be_v and_o what_o sort_n of_o work_n be_v necessary_a for_o though_o the_o language_n of_o paul_n exclude_v work_n yet_o james_n tell_v we_o 26._o jam._n 2.20_o 26._o that_o faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a and_o no_o doubt_n but_o the_o testimony_n of_o these_o two_o apostle_n have_v be_v understand_v to_o be_v repugnant_a and_o contradictory_n each_o to_o other_o and_o on_o this_o foot_n different_a mean_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n have_v be_v hold_v forth_o whenas_o if_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o they_o both_o be_v but_o right_o understand_v there_o will_v then_o be_v no_o seem_a occasion_n to_o declare_v their_o testimony_n contradictory_n each_o to_o other_o for_o the_o clear_n therefore_o of_o this_o matter_n we_o shall_v distinguish_v touch_v work_n treat_v on_o by_o paul_n and_o james_n there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o work_n treat_v on_o by_o paul_n the_o one_o be_v work_n of_o the_o law_n that_o by_o the_o one_o offer_v of_o christ_n as_o a_o eternal_a sacrifice_n unto_o god_n whereby_o the_o law_n of_o commandment_n be_v abolish_v be_v exclude_v as_o unnecessary_a to_o accompany_v that_o faith_n which_o be_v unto_o salvation_n for_o otherwise_o though_o the_o salvation_n of_o god_n through_o christ_n be_v extend_v as_o well_o to_o the_o believe_v gentile_a as_o the_o believe_a jew_n yet_o the_o jew_n may_v have_v whereof_o to_o glory_v contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n testimony_n gal._n 6.14_o 15._o god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v glory_v save_v in_o the_o cross_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o who_o the_o world_n be_v crucify_v unto_o i_o and_o i_o unto_o the_o world_n for_o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n nor_o uncircumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n and_o therefore_o do_v the_o apostle_n paul_n testify_v that_o by_o the_o work_v of_o the_o law_n no_o flesh_n shall_v be_v justify_v and_o so_o no_o doubt_n but_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n be_v that_o sort_n of_o work_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n through_o that_o wise_a apostle_n paul_n signify_v when_o he_o say_v and_o that_o in_o relation_n to_o such_o as_o be_v once_o dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n but_o then_o quicken_v and_o become_v new_a creature_n by_o grace_n be_v you_o save_v through_o faith_n 9_o ephes_n 2.8_o 9_o and_o that_o not_o of_o yourselves_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n not_o of_o work_n lest_o any_o man_n shall_v boast_v the_o other_o sort_n of_o work_n be_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o may_v proper_o be_v term_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n which_o indeed_o be_v the_o very_a end_n wherefore_o paul_n testify_v that_o he_o have_v receive_v his_o apostleship_n and_o that_o the_o mystery_n keep_v secret_a since_o the_o world_n begin_v be_v reveal_v read_v rom._n chap._n 1.5_o and_o chap._n 16.25_o 26._o and_o no_o doubt_n but_o that_o those_o very_a work_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o work_v intend_v by_o the_o spirit_n through_o paul_n so_o
all_o man_n that_o i_o may_v by_o all_o mean_n save_o some_o and_o this_o i_o do_v for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n but_o to_o return_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o john_n testify_v concern_v christ_n and_o himself_o on_o this_o wise_a 3.30_o joh._n 3.30_o he_o must_v increase_v but_o i_o must_v decrease_v which_o if_o the_o whole_a scope_n of_o the_o scripture_n relate_v to_o baptism_n be_v consider_v seem_v clear_o to_o hint_n that_o therein_o john_n speak_v not_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o person_n but_o that_o administration_n of_o water-baptism_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o minister_n moreover_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n paul_n testify_v 17._o 1_o cor._n 1.14_o 15_o 17._o i_o thank_v god_n i_o baptize_v none_o of_o you_o but_o crispus_n and_o gaius_n lest_o any_o shall_v say_v i_o have_v baptize_v in_o my_o own_o name_n and_o i_o baptize_v also_o the_o house_n of_o stephanus_n beside_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o i_o baptise_a any_o other_o for_o christ_n send_v i_o not_o to_o baptise_v but_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n which_o be_v compare_v with_o what_o he_o write_v unto_o the_o ephesian_n 6._o eph._n 4.4_o 5_o 6._o there_o be_v one_o body_n one_o spirit_n even_o as_o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o hope_n of_o your_o call_v one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o and_o with_o what_o he_o write_v to_o the_o colossian_n where_o circumcision_n be_v equallise_v with_o baptism_n 12._o col._n 2.11_o 12._o its_o clear_a to_o every_o enlighten_v eye_n that_o paul_n be_v by_o the_o spirit_n lead_v to_o exalt_v one_o only_a baptism_n which_o doubtless_o be_v the_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o which_o he_o give_v testimony_n when_o he_o write_v to_o the_o corinthian_n on_o this_o wise_a 12.13_o 1_o cor._n 12.13_o for_o by_o one_o spirit_n be_v we_o all_o baptise_a into_o one_o body_n whether_o we_o be_v jew_n or_o gentile_n whether_o we_o be_v bond_n or_o free_a and_o have_v be_v all_o make_v to_o drink_v into_o one_o spirit_n more_o may_v be_v write_v on_o this_o subject_a from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n to_o evidence_n the_o matter_n intend_v but_o at_o present_a we_o shall_v forbear_v further_a to_o enlarge_v thereon_o chap._n x._o touch_v the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o his_o disciple_n the_o night_n before_o he_o be_v betray_v forasmuch_o as_o the_o child_n of_o light_n among_o those_o call_v quaker_n have_v be_v repute_v apostutise_v from_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o disowners_n of_o gospel_n ordinance_n not_o only_o because_o since_o they_o have_v believe_v in_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n grace_n give_v by_o god_n and_o inward_o receive_v by_o they_o they_o have_v not_o be_v find_v in_o the_o outward_a practice_n of_o water_n baptism_n of_o which_o in_o the_o last_o chapter_n we_o have_v already_o treat_v but_o also_o for_o that_o they_o as_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o principled_a to_o meet_v together_o at_o some_o certain_a appoint_a time_n and_o season_n to_o break_v bread_n and_o drink_n wine_n as_o that_o which_o according_a to_o the_o repute_a institution_n of_o christ_n they_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o a_o more_o solemn_a manner_n than_o at_o other_o time_n and_o then_o term_v such_o their_o eat_n and_o drink_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o communion_n and_o participation_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v therefore_o think_v meet_v at_o this_o time_n to_o treat_v somewhat_o on_o this_o subject_a evidence_a that_o the_o doctrine_n publish_v by_o christ_n at_o his_o last_o supper_n be_v own_v by_o we_o and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o it_o be_v thus_o observe_v when_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n the_o night_n before_o he_o be_v betray_v be_v eat_v the_o passover_n with_o he_o the_o evangelist_n thus_o declare_v 20._o luk._n 22.19_o 20._o and_o he_o take_v bread_n and_o give_v thanks_o and_o break_v it_o and_o give_v unto_o they_o say_v this_o be_v my_o body_n which_o be_v give_v for_o you_o this_o do_v in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o likewise_o also_o the_o cup_n after_o supper_n say_v this_o cup_n be_v the_o new_a testament_n in_o my_o blood_n which_o be_v shed_v for_o you_o the_o aforesaid_a word_n this_o do_v in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o be_v the_o only_a sentence_n speak_v by_o christ_n whereof_o the_o scripture_n make_v mention_v whereby_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n so_o call_v may_v be_v pretend_v to_o be_v prove_v from_o which_o word_n it_o natural_o follow_v that_o christ_n disciple_n be_v to_o do_v something_o which_o he_o then_o do_v which_o undoubted_o be_v to_o give_v thanks_o and_o break_v bread_n in_o remembrance_n of_o he_o and_o according_a to_o this_o command_n we_o believe_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a both_o in_o eat_v and_o drink_v to_o receive_v the_o same_o with_o thankful_a heart_n and_o to_o be_v not_o only_o at_o such_o time_n and_o season_n but_o at_o other_o time_n also_o in_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o benefit_n whereof_o the_o faithful_a be_v partaker_n through_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o those_o who_o thus_o believe_v and_o thus_o practice_v which_o the_o faithful_a people_n of_o god_n among_o those_o call_v quaker_n do_v own_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n at_o his_o last_o supper_n and_o if_o we_o say_v no_o more_o we_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o evidence_n what_o we_o have_v undertake_v to_o do_v viz._n that_o the_o doctrine_n publish_v by_o christ_n at_o his_o last_o supper_n be_v own_v by_o we_o but_o since_o it_o be_v so_o that_o divers_a place_n of_o scripture_n have_v be_v take_v by_o many_o profess_v christianity_n to_o signify_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v find_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o administer_a and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o supper_n so_o call_v it_o be_v further_o signify_v what_o may_v be_v pretend_v to_o be_v say_v in_o favour_n thereof_o after_o christ_n ascend_v act_n 2._o it_o appear_v that_o after_o the_o pour_v forth_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n peter_n stand_v up_o and_o preach_v unto_o the_o jew_n at_o which_o sermon_n there_o be_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n about_o three_o thousand_o touch_v who_o verse_n the_o 42._o it_o be_v thus_o say_v and_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n no_o doubt_n but_o this_o be_v take_v for_o a_o manifest_a proof_n of_o the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o supper_n so_o call_v as_o practise_v by_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n at_o this_o day_n but_o whether_o on_o sufficient_a ground_n be_v now_o the_o question_n for_o our_o part_n we_o testify_v it_o appear_v groundless_a to_o we_o for_o verse_n the_o 44th_o it_o be_v say_v all_o that_o believe_v be_v together_o and_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a and_o verse_n the_o 46th_o thus_o and_o they_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n do_v eat_v their_o own_o meat_n with_o gladness_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n praise_v god_n these_o scripture_n be_v due_o weigh_v clear_o manifest_a that_o as_o often_o as_o they_o do_v cat_n they_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a and_o praise_v god_n and_o that_o here_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o daily_o break_v of_o bread_n there_o speak_v of_o have_v a_o relation_n to_o daily_o solemn_a appoint_a meeting_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n do_v take_v bread_n bless_v break_v it_o and_o distribute_v it_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o sign_n unto_o they_o that_o they_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v nourish_v but_o rather_o that_o at_o those_o opportunity_n their_o outward_a body_n and_o hunger_n be_v refresh_v and_o satisfy_v which_o in_o the_o apostle_n paul_n sense_n be_v not_o eat_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o be_v manifest_a 1_o cor._n 11.20_o 21_o 22_o 33_o 34._o moreover_o if_o we_o do_v but_o compare_v the_o aforesaid_a scripture_n act_v 2.42_o 46._o with_o what_o be_v write_v act_n 6._o from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o seven_o verse_n it_o be_v rational_a to_o conclude_v that_o in_o their_o daily_a break_a bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n no_o other_o institution_n ordinance_n or_o sacrament_n be_v hint_v at_o than_o what_o be_v neglect_v towards_o the_o grecian_a widow_n mention_v act_n 6.1_o which_o neglect_v occasion_v a_o choice_n of_o seven_o deacon_n because_o it_o be_v not_o judge_v reasonable_a that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v leave_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o serve_v table_n which_o service_n there_o hint_v at_o be_v doubtless_o a_o ministration_n of_o outward_a food_n for_o the_o nourishment_n of_o the_o outward_a man_n and_o not_o the_o nourishment_n of_o the_o soul_n act_n 20.7_o
account_v crucifyer_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n afresh_o and_o putter_n of_o he_o to_o open_a shame_n read_v heb._n 6.5_o 6._o and_o though_o we_o have_v repeat_v the_o 23_o 24_o 25._o verse_n yet_o they_o be_v chief_o a_o repetition_n of_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n already_o speak_v to_o in_o this_o chapter_n we_o shall_v say_v the_o less_o thereto_o and_o at_o present_a take_v notice_n only_o of_o these_o word_n therein_o contain_v viz._n this_o do_v in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o have_v these_o word_n be_v omit_v by_o luke_n as_o they_o be_v by_o matthew_n and_o mark_n on_o the_o same_o occasion_n there_o will_v be_v no_o pretence_n from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n to_o call_v christ_n break_v of_o bread_n at_o his_o last_o supper_n a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n to_o continue_v foreve_a moreover_o it_o be_v worthy_a our_o observation_n that_o john_n the_o evangelist_n whole_o omit_v that_o narration_n give_v by_o matthew_n mark_n and_o luke_n 13._o john_n 13._o from_o whence_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o supper_n so_o call_v be_v contend_v for_o more_o than_o to_o say_v he_o riseth_z from_o supper_n and_o yet_o do_v express_o unto_o his_o disciple_n after_o supper_n be_v end_v thus_o say_v 15._o 4.13_o 14_o 15._o you_o call_v i_o master_n and_o lord_n and_o you_o do_v well_o for_o so_o i_o be_o if_o i_o then_o your_o lord_n and_o master_n have_v wash_v your_o foot_n you_o ought_v also_o to_o wash_v one_o another_o foot_n for_o i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o example_n that_o you_o shall_v do_v as_o i_o have_v do_v to_o you_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n aught_o to_o be_v weigh_v 5._o john_n 5._o and_o ponder_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o those_o who_o so_o do_v will_v clear_o discern_v that_o christ_n by_o that_o outward_a action_n of_o wash_v the_o disciple_n foot_n do_v not_o only_o show_v unto_o his_o disciple_n a_o pattern_n of_o humility_n and_o a_o example_n of_o readiness_n to_o serve_v one_o another_o in_o love_n but_o also_o to_o figure_v forth_o unto_o they_o the_o necessity_n of_o be_v wash_v cleanse_v and_o purify_v in_o the_o inward_a man_n and_o that_o otherwise_o there_o be_v no_o have_v a_o part_n in_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v clear_o signify_v in_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n unto_o peter_n then_o come_v he_o to_o simon_n peter_n 7._o john_n 13.6_o 7._o and_o peter_n say_v unto_o he_o lord_n do_v thou_o wash_v my_o foot_n jesus_n answer_v and_o say_v what_o i_o do_v thou_o know_v not_o now_o but_o thou_o shall_v know_v hereafter_o which_o clear_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a signification_n hint_v at_o by_o christ_n outward_a wash_v for_o that_o peter_n do_v know_v his_o outward_a wash_v and_o therefore_o say_v 8._o verse_n 8._o thou_o shall_v never_o wash_v my_o foot_n whereupon_o jesus_n answer_v he_o thus_o if_o i_o wash_v thou_o not_o thou_o have_v no_o part_n in_o i_o all_o which_o be_v due_o weigh_v it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v as_o much_o ground_n at_o this_o day_n from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n to_o practice_v the_o wash_v of_o one_o another_o foot_n and_o call_v such_o a_o practice_n a_o sacrament_n to_o figure_v forth_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n in_o which_o the_o sin_n of_o those_o who_o be_v quicken_v unto_o god_n be_v wash_v away_o as_o the_o eat_v of_o bread_n and_o drink_v of_o wine_n in_o imitation_n of_o what_o be_v practise_v or_o command_v by_o christ_n the_o night_n before_o he_o be_v betray_v may_v and_o now_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o ourselves_o and_o all_o the_o child_n of_o light_n among_o those_o call_v quaker_n may_v it_o at_o this_o day_n be_v say_v that_o though_o we_o be_v not_o find_v in_o that_o outward_a practice_n of_o wash_v one_o another_o foot_n as_o a_o religious_a exercise_n after_o that_o outward_a example_n which_o be_v give_v by_o christ_n unto_o his_o disciple_n the_o night_n before_o he_o be_v betray_v and_o enjoin_v as_o their_o duty_n nor_o yet_o be_v find_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o appoint_v certain_a time_n and_o season_n on_o purpose_n to_o eat_v bread_n and_o drink_v wine_n as_o that_o which_o we_o ought_v religious_o to_o do_v in_o a_o more_o solemn_a manner_n than_o at_o other_o time_n yet_o we_o can_v bold_o say_v christ_n our_o lord_n and_o master_n speak_v no_o more_o condemnation_n unto_o we_o as_o person_n in_o that_o respect_n neglect_v any_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v institute_v for_o we_o to_o practice_v than_o he_o do_v to_o many_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n at_o this_o day_n who_o visit_v the_o sick_a neglect_v to_o anoint_v with_o oil_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o other_o who_o be_v of_o the_o gentile-stock_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n do_v not_o abstain_v from_o eat_v blood_n and_o yet_o in_o neither_o of_o these_o respect_n condemn_v though_o express_o exhort_v to_o by_o the_o apostle_n read_v act_n 15.20_o james_n 5.14_o moreover_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o though_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n so_o call_v be_v by_o some_o repute_v to_o be_v institute_v by_o christ_n 12.13_o exod._n 12.13_o in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o passover_n and_o to_o continue_v as_o a_o ordinance_n forever_o 14._o heb._n 9.10_o 14._o even_o as_o water-baptism_n be_v take_v to_o be_v institute_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n yet_o both_o be_v groundless_a for_o though_o the_o scripture_n testify_v that_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o passover_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v by_o a_o ordinance_n forever_o yet_o when_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n come_v it_o end_v even_o as_o all_o those_o outward_a service_n and_o ordinance_n which_o stand_v only_o in_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o divers_a wash_n and_o carnal_a ordinance_n impose_v until_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n do_v now_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n be_v the_o time_n wherein_o christ_n through_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n offer_v himself_o without_o spot_n unto_o god_n we_o query_n whether_o after_o this_o time_n of_o reformation_n it_o can_v be_v consist_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n for_o any_o one_o to_o impose_v upon_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o for_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n though_o not_o impose_v upon_o to_o practice_v such_o ordinance_n as_o consist_v in_o outward_a meat_n drink_n and_o wash_n as_o the_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n and_o sacrament_n of_o the_o supper_n so_o call_v do_v as_o needful_a in_o order_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n since_o not_o only_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n testify_v that_o the_o like_a ordinance_n under_o the_o first_o covenant_n have_v a_o end_n when_o the_o law_n be_v change_v but_o that_o paul_n likewise_o exhort_v against_o the_o use_n of_o ordinance_n after_o the_o commandment_n and_o doctrine_n of_o man_n as_o be_v large_o declare_v to_o the_o colossian_n chapt._n 2.8_o 14_o 16._o to_o the_o end_n and_o whether_o the_o introduce_v thereof_o at_o this_o day_n be_v not_o a_o building_n again_o the_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n reject_v to_o conclude_v this_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n that_o be_v with_o we_o to_o give_v on_o this_o occasion_n that_o we_o be_v not_o at_o this_o day_n convince_v in_o our_o conscience_n that_o there_o be_v any_o better_a ground_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o water-baptism_n and_o break_v of_o outward_a bread_n as_o ordinance_n under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o our_o day_n than_o the_o commandment_n and_o doctrine_n of_o man_n but_o yet_o be_v witness_n that_o christ_n be_v come_v in_o spirit_n unto_o the_o child_n of_o light_n and_o that_o at_o the_o hear_n of_o his_o voice_n they_o have_v open_v the_o door_n of_o their_o heart_n 3.1_o col._n 3.1_o whereby_o they_o have_v supp_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o they_o according_a to_o this_o testimony_n revel_v 3.20_o if_o any_o man_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o open_v the_o door_n i_o will_v come_v in_o to_o he_o and_o will_v sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o and_o so_o these_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n seek_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o 14.17_o rom._n 14.17_o know_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n consist_v not_o in_o meat_n and_o in_o drink_n but_o in_o righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o therefore_o have_v receive_v a_o earnest_a of_o that_o life_n which_o be_v eternal_a through_o faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v offer_v up_o a_o sacrifice_n unto_o god_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n do_v inward_o feel_v the_o benefit_n of_o that_o offer_n and_o so_o be_v sensible_a chapter_n heb._n 9_o 10._o chapter_n that_o the_o flesh_n profit_v nothing_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o that_o quicken_a spirit_n which_o be_v signify_v by_o christ_n
6.53_o john_n 6.53_o when_o he_o say_v except_o you_o eat_v of_o the_o flesh_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n you_o have_v no_o life_n in_o you_o for_o though_o christ_n so_o say_v yet_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v that_o there_o can_v be_v a_o profit_v as_o to_o the_o growth_n of_o the_o inward_a man_n by_o eat_v outward_a flesh_n no_o more_o than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n do_v at_o this_o day_n believe_v that_o the_o eat_v of_o the_o outward_a bread_n can_v nourish_v the_o immortal_a soul_n 6.63_o joh._n 6.63_o and_o therefore_o christ_n say_v it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o quicken_v the_o flesh_n profit_v nothing_o chap._n xi_o touch_v justification_n and_o salvation_n through_o faith_n in_o christ_n what_o the_o scripture_n say_v touch_v justification_n and_o salvation_n we_o own_v viz._n 8.30_o rom._n 8.30_o that_o the_o call_v of_o god_n be_v justify_v and_o that_o this_o justification_n be_v free_o by_o his_o grace_n through_o the_o redemption_n 25._o rom._n 3.24_o 25._o that_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n by_o faith_n in_o his_o blood_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v past_a and_o that_o 2.11_o tit._n 2.11_o salvation_n be_v bring_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o have_v appear_v unto_o all_o men._n object_n this_o sense_n of_o you_o can_v be_v deny_v because_o your_o language_n agree_v with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o your_o mean_v thereby_o be_v that_o you_o own_o a_o justification_n of_o person_n or_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n attainable_a through_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o without_o a_o infusion_n of_o righteousness_n but_o also_o by_o a_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o accept_v of_o person_n as_o perfect_o righteous_a at_o the_o tribunal_n of_o god_n not_o for_o any_o work_v wrought_v in_o they_o or_o do_v by_o they_o but_o for_o christ_n sake_n not_o by_o impute_v the_o act_n of_o faith_n or_o any_o pretend_a light_n or_o principle_n within_o they_o or_o any_o of_o their_o evangelical_n obedience_n to_o he_o as_o their_o righteousness_n before_o god_n but_o by_o accept_n and_o impute_v the_o obedience_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n for_o they_o and_o to_o they_o and_o whether_o or_o no_o you_o do_v not_o account_v that_o justification_n and_o sanctification_n be_v all_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n because_o sanctification_n be_v inseparable_o join_v with_o justification_n 1_o cor._n 6.11_o which_o if_o you_o shall_v we_o can_v but_o take_v you_o therein_o to_o err_v because_o in_o justification_n god_n impute_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n to_o we_o rom._n 4.6_o 8._o but_o in_o sanctification_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n infuse_v grace_n into_o we_o and_o enable_v to_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o ezek._n 36.27_o answ_n the_o objection_n seem_v to_o be_v raise_v by_o such_o as_o have_v put_v their_o meaning_n on_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n when_o in_o truth_n they_o can_v say_v that_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n they_o have_v be_v lead_v thereto_o and_o therefore_o such_o meaning_n may_v well_o be_v take_v to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o mere_a private_a interpretation_n and_o not_o that_o which_o be_v signify_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n however_o that_o our_o sense_n relate_v to_o the_o material_a part_n of_o the_o objection_n may_v be_v know_v we_o thus_o say_v first_o that_o justification_n unto_o life_n eternal_a or_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n be_v not_o attainable_a but_o through_o faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o leading_n of_o god_n grace_n that_o have_v appear_v unto_o all_o man_n and_o that_o nothing_o which_o we_o of_o ourselves_o be_v capable_a to_o perform_v can_v in_o any_o wise_a be_v so_o meritorious_a as_o thereby_o to_o render_v we_o worthy_a of_o that_o justification_n which_o all_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n be_v attain_v unto_o as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v make_v a_o partaker_n of_o the_o great_a salvation_n of_o god_n by_o these_o our_o word_n nothing_o which_o we_o of_o ourselves_o be_v capable_a to_o perform_v our_o mean_v be_v not_o only_o a_o exclusion_n of_o all_o legal_a performance_n which_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o epistle_n plentiful_o hint_v at_o but_o also_o of_o all_o other_o outward_a duty_n and_o performance_n of_o what_o nature_n and_o kind_a soever_o that_o our_o outward_a man_n be_v of_o ability_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o act_v and_o bring_v forth_o and_o if_o any_o from_o these_o word_n in_o the_o objection_n viz._n wrought_v in_o they_o act_n of_o faith_n evangelical_n obedience_n etc._n etc._n shall_v conclude_v that_o the_o very_a work_n and_o action_n which_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n we_o be_v enable_v to_o bring_v forth_o be_v of_o no_o advantage_n towards_o eternal_a salvation_n but_o that_o it_o be_v through_o faith_n alone_o attainable_a we_o then_o thus_o answer_v that_o the_o word_n faith_n in_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v take_v in_o a_o twofold_a sense_n the_o one_o be_v a_o faith_n that_o be_v not_o without_o a_o further_a growth_n accompany_v with_o the_o salvation_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v the_o faith_n intend_v in_o the_o objection_n the_o other_o be_v faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o this_o faith_n be_v unto_o salvation_n and_o so_o must_v be_v that_o intend_a in_o the_o objection_n but_o then_o this_o inconsistency_n with_o truth_n plain_o appear_v in_o the_o objection_n viz._n a_o reliance_n on_o faith_n exclude_v work_v wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n the_o inconsistency_n lie_v here_o wheresoever_o a_o lively_a faith_n unto_o salvation_n be_v manifest_v it_o be_v accompany_v with_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o evangelical_n obedience_n which_o be_v as_o inseparable_a each_o from_o other_o as_o sanctification_n and_o justification_n in_o the_o objection_n be_v confess_v to_o be_v we_o shall_v now_o prove_v to_o evince_v against_o all_o opposer_n the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o have_v assert_v first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o faith_n which_o without_o a_o further_a growth_n be_v not_o accompany_v with_o the_o salvation_n of_o god_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o word_n of_o paul_n rom._n 13.11_o for_o now_o be_v our_o salvation_n near_o than_o when_o we_o believe_v which_o clear_o show_v that_o the_o scripture_n inform_v we_o of_o a_o belief_n or_o faith_n attain_v by_o such_o as_o be_v not_o arrive_v unto_o nor_o yet_o witness_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o god_n they_o be_v only_o come_v near_a unto_o it_o than_o when_o they_o first_o believe_v but_o not_o come_v at_o it_o and_o no_o doubt_n but_o this_o belief_n or_o faith_n speak_v of_o by_o the_o apostle_n be_v a_o faith_n on_o christ_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n for_o so_o to_o believe_v be_v the_o work_n encourage_v in_o the_o beginning_n according_a as_o appear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o multitude_n john_n 6.29_o this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n that_o you_o believe_v on_o he_o who_o he_o have_v send_v and_o this_o be_v say_v by_o christ_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n propose_v to_o he_o by_o the_o multitude_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v that_o we_o may_v work_v the_o work_n of_o god_n 18._o phil._n 1.15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o beside_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n rejoice_v that_o christ_n be_v preach_v though_o by_o some_o it_o be_v of_o envy_n and_o strife_n and_o in_o pretence_n and_o no_o doubt_n his_o end_n be_v that_o the_o son_n of_o man_n may_v come_v to_o believe_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o messiah_n that_o be_v wait_v for_o be_v come_v of_o who_o there_o be_v a_o expectation_n 4.25_o john_n 4.25_o that_o he_o shall_v tell_v we_o all_o thing_n and_o so_o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n be_v come_v so_o far_o as_o to_o believe_v that_o christ_n be_v that_o messiah_n that_o be_v to_o come_v there_o be_v ground_n of_o hope_n that_o they_o may_v in_o due_a time_n come_v to_o witness_v the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n unto_o righteousness_n the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n tell_v we_o 12.2_o heb._n 12.2_o that_o jesus_n be_v the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n no_o doubt_v this_o be_v not_o a_o work_n do_v in_o a_o moment_n or_o twinkle_v of_o a_o eye_n for_o though_o he_o be_v the_o author_n and_o object_n of_o every_o true_a christian_n faith_n yet_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o such_o as_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o many_o 24._o many_o rom._n 13.13_o 14._o heb._n 10.23_o 24._o exhortation_n reproof_n and_o instruction_n and_o that_o god_n make_v use_v of_o instrument_n to_o build_v they_o up_o in_o the_o most_o holy_a
basis_n and_o foundation_n to_o which_o i_o thus_o say_v this_o kind_n of_o language_n with_o respect_n to_o divers_a practice_n in_o discipline_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n or_o any_o outward_a form_n and_o order_n which_o be_v or_o have_v be_v by_o any_o call_v the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o do_v not_o understand_v to_o be_v right_o applicable_a to_o those_o among_o the_o say_a people_n who_o have_v retain_v their_o first_o love_n to_o and_o savour_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o principle_n thereof_o not_o that_o i_o will_v hereby_o 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 but_o that_o which_o i_o understand_v not_o to_o be_v right_o applicable_a unto_o they_o be_v manifest_v in_o what_o follow_v though_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n have_v and_o may_v further_o lead_v into_o the_o practice_n of_o outward_a order_n in_o discipline_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n yet_o i_o affirm_v 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 i_o can_v give_v many_o instance_n hereof_o but_o one_o shall_v suffice_v viz._n the_o form_n of_o proceed_n in_o marriage_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n be_v whole_o silent_a as_o to_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o though_o the_o papist_n pretend_v to_o tradition_n yet_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n do_v not_o beside_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n that_o the_o apostle_n be_v find_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o which_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n do_v not_o only_o out_o of_o conscience_n to_o god_n forbear_v but_o have_v have_v many_o contest_v with_o other_o touch_v the_o same_o as_o esteem_v it_o though_o permit_v for_o a_o season_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o people_n among_o the_o number_n of_o those_o outward_a ordinance_n out_o of_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v at_o this_o day_n gather_v his_o people_n witness_v water-baptism_n the_o word_n order_n with_o respect_n to_o outward_a government_n establish_v by_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n over_o itself_o i_o remember_v not_o in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n yet_o much_o of_o late_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o establish_v the_o same_o and_o that_o with_o respect_n to_o outward_a prescription_n and_o order_n practise_v or_o endeavour_v to_o be_v introduce_v among_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n and_o in_o particular_a r._n b._n page_n 40._o speak_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o faith_n we_o have_v be_v and_o be_v in_o the_o lord_n hand_n build_v up_o to_o which_o i_o say_v the_o consideration_n that_o christ_n be_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o great_a power_n of_o god_n and_o that_o a_o establish_n in_o the_o faith_n can_v proper_o be_v term_v a_o build_n up_o of_o faith_n give_v i_o occasion_n to_o treat_v a_o little_a touch_v the_o word_n establish_v and_o build_v up_o we_o know_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n in_o ourselves_o as_o well_o as_o from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o build_v up_o one_o another_o in_o the_o most_o holy_a faith_n in_o christ_n the_o truth_n the_o power_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v neither_o agreeable_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n in_o we_o nor_o yet_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o we_o for_o any_o to_o account_v themselves_o of_o ability_n to_o establish_v god_n power_n for_o its_o that_o by_o which_o the_o world_n be_v make_v now_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o nothing_o else_o according_a to_o the_o declare_a sense_n of_o our_o ancient_a friend_n can_v proper_o be_v call_v the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o the_o power_n of_o god_n for_o though_o some_o outward_a form_n or_o appearance_n may_v be_v according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o it_o can_v no_o more_o proper_o be_v call_v the_o very_a order_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o tree_n can_v be_v call_v the_o tree_n itself_o and_o therefore_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o establish_v the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v as_o well_o pretend_v to_o establish_v the_o power_n of_o god_n itself_o it_o be_v true_a this_o power_n be_v of_o ability_n to_o establish_v man_n in_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n but_o man_n be_v not_o of_o ability_n to_o establish_v it_o those_o who_o understand_v the_o nature_n and_o tenour_n of_o the_o two_o covenant_n may_v easy_o discern_v the_o truth_n hereof_o under_o the_o first_o covenant_n which_o be_v outward_a the_o mind_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v to_o the_o people_n from_o the_o priest_n lip_n which_o be_v to_o preserve_v knowledge_n and_o this_o covenant_n do_v consist_v in_o divers_a outward_a ordinance_n etc._n etc._n establish_v and_o impose_v upon_o the_o people_n until_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n under_o the_o second_o covenant_n be_v the_o new_a covenant_n or_o gospel_n dispensation_n the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v in_o his_o people_n through_o the_o revelation_n of_o his_o spirit_n according_a to_o that_o of_o paul_n rom._n 1.19_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_v in_o they_o christ_n also_o say_v john_n 14.26_o the_o comforter_n which_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o the_o father_n will_v send_v in_o my_o name_n he_o shall_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n the_o law_n under_o this_o covenant_n be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n heb._n 8.10_o 11._o i_o will_v write_v my_o law_n in_o their_o heart_n &_o they_o shall_v not_o teach_v every_o man_n his_o neighbour_n and_o every_o man_n his_o brother_n say_v know_v the_o lord_n for_o all_o shall_v know_v i_o etc._n etc._n here_o be_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n of_o encouragement_n for_o any_o man_n under_o the_o new_a covenant_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v like_a unto_o the_o old_a to_o pretend_v that_o god_n spirit_n do_v or_o will_v lead_v any_o to_o establish_v outward_a order_n relate_v to_o matter_n of_o conscience_n as_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o if_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_v in_o we_o than_o though_o it_o may_v be_v needful_a to_o stir_v up_o according_a as_o the_o lord_n shall_v move_v in_o his_o servant_n the_o pure_a mind_n in_o we_o that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o what_o god_n require_v through_o the_o maifestation_n of_o himself_o in_o we_o there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o establish_v any_o thing_n without_o we_o to_o show_v it_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v to_o lead_v into_o all_o truth_n those_o who_o will_v be_v lead_v we_o in_o another_o way_n will_v prove_v little_o better_o than_o thief_n and_o robber_n which_o climb_v up_o another_o way_n to_o enter_v in_o than_o by_o the_o door_n if_o the_o law_n be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o that_o no_o obedience_n find_v acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n but_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n from_o a_o inward_a impulse_n and_o draw_v of_o his_o spirit_n thereunto_o in_o ourselves_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o establish_v outward_a indispensible_a rule_n which_o may_v relate_v to_o the_o conscience_n to_o walk_v by_o for_o be_v it_o possible_a so_o to_o do_v and_o any_o shall_v yield_v obedience_n on_o no_o better_a ground_n then_o because'tis_o so_o establish_v by_o such_o a_o man_n or_o assembly_n of_o man_n this_o sort_n of_o obedience_n will_v find_v no_o more_o acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n than_o the_o offering_n of_o swine_n flesh_n or_o the_o halt_n and_o blind_a for_o a_o sacrifice_n under_o the_o first_o covenant_n do_v for_o though_o many_o may_v be_v so_o weak_a as_o not_o to_o know_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o two_o covenant_n in_o some_o respect_n yet_o there_o be_v few_o of_o the_o lord_n people_n call_v quaker_n but_o have_v this_o undoubted_a truth_n seal_v in_o their_o heart_n that_o none_o of_o their_o outward_a practice_n under_o the_o exercise_n of_o christ_n government_n find_n acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n but_o as_o they_o have_v a_o evidence_n in_o their_o conscience_n that_o therein_o they_o answer_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n in_o themselves_o paul_n write_v to_o the_o colossian_n thus_o say_v as_o you_o have_v receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n so_o walk_v in_o he_o root_v and_o build_v up_o
in_o he_o establish_v in_o the_o faith_n col._n 2.6_o 7._o and_o then_o the_o very_a next_o verse_n say_v beware_v lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v you_o through_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n according_a to_o the_o rudimnet_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o after_o christ_n if_o the_o follow_a outward_a decree_n precept_n sentence_n decisive_n judgement_n or_o tradition_n of_o any_o sort_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v in_o paul_n '_o eye_n a_o real_a and_o certain_a indication_n of_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o root_v in_o christ_n or_o that_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v establish_v outward_a indispensible_a order_n relate_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o believer_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judicious_a reader_n to_o savour_n whether_o paul_n will_v have_v so_o immediate_o and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o one_o breath_n caution_v they_o to_o beware_v of_o be_v spoil_v through_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n etc._n etc._n without_o a_o further_a caution_n to_o take_v heed_n lest_o they_o shall_v account_v the_o command_n sentence_n decree_n or_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n such_o these_o thing_n consider_v and_o compare_v with_o the_o measure_n of_o light_n in_o ourselves_o i_o be_o satisfy_v it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o truth_n for_o any_o man_n or_o assembly_n of_o man_n to_o attempt_v a_o outward_a indispensible_a establishment_n of_o outward_a order_n rule_n and_o decree_n relate_v to_o matter_n of_o conscience_n under_o the_o new_a covenant_n as_o the_o order_n rule_n and_o decree_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n moreover_o if_o christ_n do_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o assistance_n to_o establish_v his_o government_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o man_n who_o day_n be_v but_o as_o a_o span_n long_o shall_v be_v capable_a to_o establish_v that_o government_n of_o who_o increase_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o end_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o he_o do_v not_o stand_v in_o need_n thereof_o for_o the_o son_n that_o be_v give_v shall_v order_n his_o government_n and_o establish_v it_o with_o judgement_n and_o with_o justice_n even_o from_o henceforth_o and_o forever_o read_v isa_n 9.6_o 7._o beside_o if_o we_o do_v but_o consider_v where_o and_o after_o what_o manner_n the_o second_o appearance_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v and_o yet_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v and_o wait_v for_o those_o who_o know_v the_o truth_n as_o preach_v receive_v and_o believe_v among_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n in_o the_o beginning_n do_v know_v that_o his_o second_o appearance_n have_v be_v and_o yet_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v and_o wait_v for_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o man_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o appearance_n have_v be_v and_o be_v by_o his_o spirit_n in_o we_o this_o have_v often_o be_v testify_v and_o that_o in_o opposition_n to_o those_o who_o have_v be_v look_v for_o his_o second_o come_v in_o some_o outward_a bodily_a appearance_n to_o reign_v as_o lord_n and_o king_n i_o now_o appeal_v to_o god_n witness_v in_o all_o conscience_n whether_o the_o outward_a establishment_n of_o outward_a government_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o christ_n government_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o square_v more_o with_o the_o principle_n of_o such_o who_o look_v for_o his_o second_o come_v in_o some_o outward_a bodily_a appearance_n than_o with_o the_o principle_n of_o those_o who_o conclude_v his_o second_o come_v to_o be_v by_o his_o spiritual_a appearance_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o right_a reason_n and_o truth_n to_o conclude_v that_o christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n will_v establish_v his_o government_n otherwise_o than_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o in_o the_o heart_n where_o his_o appearance_n have_v be_v and_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v and_o wait_v for_o and_o since_o it_o be_v undoubted_o so_o that_o of_o the_o increase_n of_o christ_n government_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o end_n i_o can_v understand_v to_o what_o end_v any_o man_n shall_v concern_v himself_o to_o consider_v how_o far_o it_o may_v extend_v yet_o r.b._n have_v so_o do_v witness_v his_o 37_o page_n where_o he_o thus_o say_v it_o be_v next_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o what_o case_n and_o how_o far_o it_o may_v extend_v to_o which_o i_o can_v but_o thus_o reply_v those_o who_o be_v not_o puff_v up_o with_o spiritual_a pride_n or_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n may_v easy_o discern_v from_o such_o kind_n of_o language_n a_o spirit_n that_o will_v limit_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n by_o put_v bound_n unto_o that_o government_n of_o who_o increase_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o end_n and_o though_o i_o speak_v of_o man_n inability_n to_o establish_v christ_n government_n yet_o i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v as_o one_o accuse_v the_o aforesaid_a author_n or_o any_o else_o to_o assert_v man_n ability_n so_o to_o do_v for_o i_o know_v not_o any_o man_n that_o will_v pretend_v themselves_o in_o that_o case_n other_o than_o instrument_n in_o god_n hand_n but_o yet_o this_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o since_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n everwill_v make_v use_n of_o man_n under_o the_o new_a covenant_n to_o establish_v outward_a indespensible_a order_n rule_n or_o decree_n to_o be_v as_o a_o measuring-line_n whereby_o those_o who_o be_v under_o christ_n government_n shall_v be_v know_v therefore_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o conclude_v that_o the_o endeavour_n of_o such_o who_o may_v exercise_v themselves_o therein_o may_v proceed_v from_o no_o better_a power_n than_o that_o ability_n which_o be_v of_o man._n and_o notwithstanding_o he_o have_v consider_v how_o far_o it_o extend_v yet_o i_o find_v not_o that_o he_o have_v make_v any_o mention_n of_o the_o business_n or_o at_o least_o a_o part_n of_o the_o business_n of_o one_o considerable_a meeting_n which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o government_n or_o order_n which_o he_o pretend_v to_o describe_v and_o that_o be_v a_o meet_v hold_v every_o second_o day_n of_o the_o week_n wherein_o writing_n treat_v of_o divine_a matter_n and_o which_o be_v intend_v by_o the_o author_n for_o public_a view_n be_v first_o view_v in_o order_n to_o a_o approbation_n or_o the_o contrary_a more_o contrary_a witness_v the_o paper_n at_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o this_o three_o part_n sign_v by_o charles_n marshal_n and_o thirty_o six_o more_o at_o which_o meeting_n his_o treatise_n be_v past_a which_o give_v occasion_n to_o treat_v a_o little_a of_o that_o meeting_n since_o those_o of_o that_o meeting_n be_v as_o well_o concern_v in_o the_o say_a treatise_n as_o he_o that_o write_v it_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n as_o far_o as_o i_o remember_v be_v whole_o silent_a as_o to_o any_o such_o service_n act_v in_o any_o meeting_n among_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o therefore_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v that_o there_o can_v be_v any_o real_a ground_n or_o tolerable_a pretence_n that_o this_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o ancient_a apostolic_a order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n we_o find_v the_o apostle_n act_v 3._o direct_v to_o choose_v seven_o man_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o take_v care_n that_o the_o widow_n shall_v not_o be_v neglect_v in_o the_o daily_a ministration_n if_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n direct_v to_o choose_v a_o certain_a select_a well_o qualify_v number_n of_o man_n for_o such_o a_o service_n as_o doubtless_o it_o do_v it_o be_v against_o right_a reason_n to_o suppose_v that_o the_o apostle_n will_v in_o their_o day_n have_v leave_v the_o consideration_n of_o such_o weighty_a matter_n as_o treatise_n of_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n to_o the_o approbation_n of_o a_o uncertain_a unselected_a assembly_n for_o such_o i_o call_v that_o meeting_n wherein_o many_o of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n intend_v for_o public_a view_n be_v approve_v or_o disapprove_v for_o that_o no_o certain_a select_a number_n of_o person_n be_v choose_v for_o that_o service_n but_o any_o person_n who_o have_v public_a testimony_n for_o the_o truth_n though_o but_o by_o way_n of_o exhortation_n and_o be_v own_v as_o friend_n of_o truth_n and_o come_v where_o that_o meeting_n be_v appoint_v be_v the_o person_n by_o who_o such_o write_n whither_o give_v forth_o by_o a_o paul_n a_o father_n or_o a_o timothy_n a_o son_n as_o be_v for_o public_a service_n be_v approve_v or_o disapprove_v i_o now_o appeal_v to_o the_o impartial_a understand_a reader_n whether_o according_a to_o this_o form_n of_o government_n one_o that_o be_v in_o the_o place_n of_o paul_n a_o father_n who_o according_a to_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n have_v right_a to_o rule_v over_o and_o command_v may_v not_o have_v the_o testimony_n which_o he_o have_v through_o the_o motion_n
of_o god_n spirit_n to_o publish_v unto_o the_o world_n for_o god_n be_v overrule_v by_o timothy_n a_o son_n when_o according_a to_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n he_o ought_v to_o be_v rule_v by_o paul_n the_o father_n nay_o perhaps_o by_o one_o that_o be_v of_o much_o lesser_a rank_n in_o the_o body_n if_o so_o be_v he_o have_v a_o word_n of_o exhortation_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o god_n truth_n &_o be_v usual_o exercise_v therein_o in_o public_a but_o suppose_v no_o such_o obstruction_n have_v or_o may_v appear_v yet_o i_o query_n whether_o it_o look_v like_o a_o part_n of_o christ_n government_n for_o timothy_n the_o son_n to_o be_v admit_v as_o a_o judge_n over_o the_o write_n of_o paul_n who_o as_o a_o father_n beget_v he_o unto_o the_o truth_n paul_n 1_o cor._n 12._o treat_v of_o the_o diversity_n of_o gift_n by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n mention_v several_a of_o they_o viz._n the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n the_o word_n of_o knowledge_n faith_n gift_n of_o healing_n work_v of_o miracle_n prophesy_v discern_v of_o spirit_n divers_a kind_n of_o tongue_n interpretation_n of_o tongue_n and_o then_o at_o length_n say_v god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n first_o apostles_n secondary_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n and_o after_o that_o miracle_n etc._n etc._n and_o then_o say_v be_v all_o prophet_n be_v all_o apostle_n be_v all_o teacher_n etc._n etc._n and_o again_o rom_n 14.6_o 7_o 8._o he_o thus_o say_v have_v then_o gift_n differ_v according_a to_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v give_v to_o we_o whether_o prophecy_n let_v we_o prophesy_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n or_o ministry_n let_v we_o wait_v on_o our_o ministry_n or_o he_o that_o teach_v on_o teach_v or_o he_o that_o exhort_v on_o exhortation_n from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o god_n have_v give_v diversity_n of_o gift_n and_o that_o those_o member_n who_o may_v be_v skilful_a through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o exercise_n one_o gift_n may_v be_v unskillful_a to_o exercise_v another_o and_o so_o every_o own_o aught_o to_o wait_v on_o their_o own_o gift_n that_o therein_o they_o may_v be_v exercise_v and_o that_o also_o not_o beyond_o but_o according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n for_o doubtless_o the_o apostle_n be_v sensible_a there_o be_v a_o proneness_n in_o some_o to_o run_v beyond_o their_o gift_n and_o therefore_o he_o say_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n now_o shall_v any_o number_n of_o person_n among_o who_o there_o shall_v be_v only_o such_o who_o gift_n be_v either_o to_o prophesy_v teach_v or_o exhort_v but_o not_o to_o discern_v spirit_n sit_v together_o and_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o consider_v whether_o that_o which_o be_v give_v forth_o for_o public_a service_n by_o any_o brother_n serious_o declare_v that_o god_n move_v thereunto_o aught_o to_o come_v to_o public_a view_n and_o be_v find_v hinder_v the_o come_n forth_o of_o the_o same_o when_o nothing_o unsound_a appear_v they_o will_v therein_o make_v a_o breach_n on_o that_o christian-liberty_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v preserve_v inviolable_a in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n nay_o if_o peradventure_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o among_o they_o who_o gift_n be_v to_o discern_v spirit_n and_o so_o according_o give_v their_o approabation_n or_o disapprobation_n it_o become_v not_o other_o not_o gift_v therein_o to_o concern_v themselves_o because_o their_o duty_n be_v if_o paul_n counsel_n be_v good_a to_o wait_v on_o their_o own_o gift_n and_o though_o such_o may_v declare_v they_o have_v unity_n therewith_o in_o the_o life_n yet_o that_o may_v be_v only_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o lip_n or_o of_o a_o hasty_a spirit_n that_o may_v have_v zeal_n without_o knowledge_n when_o the_o matter_n wherewith_o they_o declare_v themselves_o at_o unity_n be_v without_o the_o compass_n of_o their_o gift_n knowledge_n or_o capacity_n to_o judge_n of_o but_o yet_o i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v that_o it_o be_v unnecessary_a for_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o take_v care_n that_o nothing_o scandalous_a to_o the_o truth_n come_v forth_o in_o public_a under_o the_o name_n of_o any_o who_o make_v profession_n thereof_o and_o be_v it_o so_o that_o i_o have_v aught_o upon_o i_o on_o truth_n behalf_n to_o bring_v to_o public_a view_n i_o shall_v be_v glad_a of_o the_o opportunity_n to_o lay_v it_o before_o such_o brethren_n with_o who_o the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n knowledge_n and_o discern_v of_o spirit_n dwell_v yet_o be_o persuade_v the_o lord_n will_v preserve_v i_o from_o suffer_v the_o counsel_n of_o any_o to_o lead_v i_o contrary_a to_o what_o i_o believe_v the_o lord_n move_v unless_o through_o the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n they_o can_v convince_v i_o of_o error_n and_o so_o come_v to_o see_v it_o my_o place_n to_o forbear_v and_o this_o i_o account_v agreeable_a to_o the_o truth_n which_o prefer_v obedience_n to_o our_o own_o measure_n of_o grace_n before_o obedience_n to_o the_o measure_n of_o other_o and_o to_o wait_v on_o our_o own_o gift_n and_o not_o the_o gift_n of_o other_o even_o as_o i_o account_v it_o contrary_n to_o truth_n and_o as_o a_o branch_n spring_v from_o that_o spirit_n which_o will_v limit_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n to_o subject_v the_o approbation_n of_o come_v or_o not_o come_v of_o all_o write_n whatsoever_o give_v forth_o on_o a_o religious_a account_n to_o public_a view_n unto_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o unless_o such_o as_o be_v perfect_o skilful_a in_o all_o spiritual_a gift_n mystery_n and_o knowledge_n relate_v to_o the_o matter_n appertain_v to_o god_n kingdom_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n have_v this_o uncertain_a unselected_a assembly_n speak_v of_o be_v such_o at_o the_o time_n when_o r._n b_n small_a treatise_n be_v approve_v doubtless_o it_o will_v never_o have_v pass_v as_o that_o whereby_o truth_n will_v be_v promote_v through_o a_o belief_n of_o all_o the_o matter_n which_o therein_o he_o assert_n for_o truth_n moreover_o when_o i_o consider_v that_o all_o miscarriage_n in_o write_n approve_v at_o that_o assembly_n do_v not_o only_o become_v the_o error_n of_o a_o particular_a person_n but_o of_o that_o assembly_n also_o &_o not_o only_o so_o but_o peradventure_o may_v be_v reflect_v though_o unworthy_o on_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n on_o a_o common_a presumption_n that_o have_v past_o the_o test_n of_o that_o meeting_n the_o whole_a church_n approve_v thereof_o i_o be_o even_o ready_a to_o query_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o better_a to_o let_v every_o man_n stand_v or_o fall_v to_o his_o own_o master_n in_o this_o respect_n unless_o some_o better_a expedient_a may_v be_v find_v than_o such_o a_o one_o as_o have_v admit_v of_o such_o erroneous_a assertion_n as_o to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o truth_n be_v contain_v in_o r._n b_n treatise_n and_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v object_v and_o say_v what_o will_v not_o thou_o submit_v to_o the_o sentence_n of_o such_o apostle_n with_o who_o the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n dwell_v yes_o very_o i_o shall_v and_o aught_o so_o to_o do_v if_o my_o faith_n be_v such_o as_o certain_o to_o believe_v they_o be_v such_o apostle_n to_o i_o but_o not_o before_o read_v 2_o cor._n 10.13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o from_o all_o which_o i_o do_v according_a to_o truth_n thus_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v groundless_o assert_v by_o r._n b._n in_o the_o sense_n i_o take_v his_o line_n to_o import_v viz._n with_o respect_n to_o outward_a order_n that_o the_o ancient_a apostolic_a order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v re-establish_v among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n call_v quaker_n yet_o i_o do_v testify_v that_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n ought_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o and_o over_o his_o church_n and_o that_o though_o the_o order_n of_o this_o government_n be_v not_o so_o describe_v as_o that_o by_o any_o outward_a rule_n or_o write_a prescription_n as_o a_o sufficient_a mean_n man_n may_v exact_o walk_v therein_o yet_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o there_o be_v many_o of_o god_n people_n among_o those_o who_o in_o derision_n be_v call_v quaker_n that_o have_v be_v so_o obedient_a unto_o that_o grace_n which_o have_v be_v give_v they_o according_a to_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n as_o that_o it_o may_v be_v true_o say_v of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n and_o that_o they_o be_v in_o subjection_n according_a to_o their_o measure_n to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n which_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o own_o power_n and_o spirit_n he_o have_v establish_v in_o their_o inward_a part_n so_o that_o through_o that_o obedience_n which_o be_v of_o faith_n other_o obedience_n avail_v not_o they_o be_v exercise_v themselves_o according_a to_o the_o leading_n of_o
declare_v the_o intent_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o be_v not_o the_o slip_n of_o his_o tongue_n or_o pen_n but_o how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v that_o matter_n of_o worldly_a property_n and_o thing_n relate_v to_o conscience_n shall_v be_v decide_v by_o such_o assembly_n without_o a_o election_n for_o that_o service_n by_o the_o party_n differ_v i_o shall_v leave_v it_o to_o the_o judicious_a impartial_a reader_n to_o savour_n have_v elsewhere_o in_o this_o follow_a treatise_n plain_o evidence_v that_o there_o may_v be_v such_o assembly_n and_o yet_o not_o own_v by_o the_o lord_n for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o may_v be_v remote_a from_o give_v righteous_a judgement_n tho_o r._n b._n say_v god_n spirit_n will_v never_o bewant_v in_o such_o assembly_n and_o whereas_o some_o may_v be_v so_o charitable_a as_o to_o conclude_v r._n b._n intend_v not_o by_o his_o word_n that_o any_o shall_v assume_v authority_n to_o decide_v difference_n relate_v to_o outward_a thing_n without_o consent_n of_o the_o party_n concern_v to_o such_o i_o say_v he_o have_v leave_v no_o room_n for_o a_o reasonable_a man_n so_o to_o think_v because_o he_o have_v write_v several_a page_n to_o prove_v his_o assertion_n which_o in_o that_o case_n be_v all_o unnecessary_a for_o who_o can_v be_v so_o ignorant_a as_o not_o to_o know_v that_o person_n choose_v by_o the_o differ_a party_n have_v of_o right_a power_n to_o decide_v but_o if_o any_o shall_v i_o know_v that_o r._n b._n be_v none_o of_o they_o my_o acquaintance_n with_o he_o tell_v i_o not_o only_o so_o but_o also_o that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o better_a reason_n than_o to_o have_v write_v so_o many_o line_n on_o this_o subject_a without_o tell_v the_o reader_n so_o if_o that_o have_v be_v his_o meaning_n beside_o if_o the_o assent_n of_o party_n be_v intend_v and_o that_o the_o order_n of_o this_o government_n reach_v not_o to_o this_o case_n without_o such_o assent_n it_o natural_o follow_v that_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n pretend_v to_o in_o this_o case_n be_v none_o at_o all_o and_o now_o that_o the_o reader_n may_v not_o have_v a_o misunderstanding_n of_o my_o sense_n in_o relation_n to_o difference_n touch_v outward_a thing_n i_o have_v this_o testimony_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o truth_n to_o give_v on_o this_o occasion_n viz._n that_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n i_o do_v conclude_v it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n for_o any_o number_n of_o man_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o assume_v a_o jurisdiction_n over_o their_o brethren_n property_n and_o worldly_a concern_v when_o not_o choose_v by_o consent_n of_o such_o over_o who_o outward_a concern_v they_o assume_v power_n to_o judge_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o difference_n arise_v between_o brother_n and_o brother_n i_o do_v conclude_v that_o go_v to_o law_n before_o unbeliever_n be_v a_o indication_n that_o one_o or_o both_o be_v depart_v from_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o such_o who_o be_v at_o variance_n to_o request_v such_o brethren_n as_o be_v skill_v in_o the_o matter_n touch_v which_o they_o differ_v to_o hear_v and_o determine_v the_o cause_n and_o then_o of_o a_o willing_a and_o ready_a mind_n and_o not_o as_o by_o constraint_n to_o submit_v unto_o such_o determination_n and_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o a_o incombent_a duty_n on_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n to_o be_v watch_v over_o one_o another_o so_o as_o that_o by_o wholesome_a counsel_n admonition_n and_o sound_v doctrine_n all_o variance_n strife_n emulation_n rent_n and_o division_n both_o in_o relation_n to_o temporal_a as_o well_o as_o spiritual_a matter_n may_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v be_v keep_v out_o from_o among_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n r._n b._n assert_n page_n the_o 11._o that_o the_o ground_n of_o schism_n division_n or_o rent_n in_o the_o body_n be_v when_o any_o member_n assume_v another_o place_n than_o be_v allot_v it_o or_o be_v go_v from_o the_o life_n let_v we_o in_o the_o eye_n that_o watch_v for_o evil._n this_o position_n be_v truth_n and_o right_o state_v but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o i_o can_v but_o testify_v that_o if_o any_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n do_v recommend_v that_o administration_n or_o operation_n wherein_o by_o god_n spirit_n he_o be_v exercise_v unto_o his_o brethren_n and_o shall_v judge_v all_o such_o dark_a spirit_n and_o out_o of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n who_o on_o such_o a_o recommendation_n become_v not_o exercise_v as_o he_o be_v or_o do_v not_o immediate_o close_a with_o his_o experience_n and_o operation_n though_o otherwise_o faithful_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n receive_v such_o a_o one_o so_o judge_v may_v just_o be_v judge_v of_o the_o lord_n as_o a_o person_n not_o only_o assume_v another_o place_n in_o the_o body_n than_o be_v allot_v he_o but_o also_o as_o endeavour_v to_o draw_v other_o into_o the_o like_a snare_n for_o that_o it_o be_v as_o probable_a that_o a_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n may_v be_v as_o remote_a from_o have_v experience_n of_o his_o brother_n operation_n as_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n may_v be_v from_o discern_v what_o the_o natural_a eye_n do_v see_v and_o yet_o the_o ear_n according_a to_o that_o of_o paul_n 1_o cor._n 12.16_o may_v as_o true_o be_v account_v a_o member_n of_o the_o body_n as_o the_o eye_n it_o be_v a_o exhortation_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o day_n which_o in_o these_o latter_a year_n have_v dawn_v among_o we_o though_o thou_o grow_v but_o slow_a yet_o grow_v sure_a this_o sure_a grow_a be_v obedience_n after_o convincement_n or_o obedience_n to_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n receive_v all_o performance_n before_o with_o respect_n to_o worship_n or_o service_n for_o god_n be_v account_v but_o will-worship_n or_o will-service_n and_o therefore_o many_o who_o face_n be_v sion-ward_n do_v right_o testify_v on_o this_o wise_a i_o must_v stay_v until_o i_o be_v convince_v and_o since_o i_o see_v not_o this_o to_o be_v wrong_n i_o dare_v not_o be_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o another_o thing_n contrary_a thereto_o lest_o i_o become_v a_o will-worshipper_n and_o yet_o this_o kind_n of_o language_n be_v according_a to_o my_o understanding_n too_o reflect_o speak_v of_o by_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n witness_v his_o 13_o page_n this_o put_v i_o in_o mind_n to_o signify_v what_o the_o apostle_n paul_n say_v 1_o cor._n 12.3_o no_o man_n can_v say_v jesus_n be_v lord_n but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o be_v the_o fame_n of_o truth_n that_o jesus_n as_o in_o himself_o be_v lord_n and_o so_o we_o know_v a_o wicked_a man_n not_o act_v by_o the_o spirit_n may_v say_v these_o word_n jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n yet_o none_o can_v in_o truth_n say_v jesus_n be_v lord_n in_o they_o but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o whence_o i_o observe_v that_o no_o testimony_n though_o ever_o so_o true_a in_o itself_o can_v become_v the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n in_o any_o further_o than_o through_o certain_a conviction_n it_o be_v know_v to_o be_v so_o even_o as_o jesus_n can_v in_o truth_n be_v call_v lord_n by_o we_o until_o by_o his_o spirit_n we_o be_v convince_v and_o experimental_o know_v that_o he_o be_v lord_n in_o we_o and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o say_v it_o be_v savoury_a language_n to_o say_v i_o mu_o stay_n until_o convince_v tho_o r._n b._n as_o his_o line_n to_o i_o import_n account_v such_o language_n to_o be_v a_o reason_v truth_n from_o one_o self_n through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o the_o serpent_n query_v how_o do_v they_o mean_v the_o primitive_a labourer_n among_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n knock_v down_o this_o manner_n of_o reason_v but_o doubtless_o herein_o he_o have_v abuse_v both_o himself_o and_o the_o truth_n not_o so_o much_o for_o that_o he_o know_v no_o other_o than_o by_o report_n whereof_o he_o treat_v as_o to_o this_o matter_n if_o his_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o primitive_a labourer_n in_o the_o gospel_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o that_o day_n which_o in_o these_o latter_a age_n have_v daw_v among_o we_o do_v condemn_v such_o kind_n of_o language_n but_o for_o that_o many_o of_o those_o who_o yet_o remain_v witness_n of_o the_o first_o gather_v remember_v no_o such_o thing_n those_o who_o at_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 utter_a language_n become_v christian_n notwithstanding_o r._n b_n reflection_n on_o such_o kind_n of_o language_n as_o this_o also_o in_o his_o seventeen_o page_n for_o christ_n in_o this_o day_n as_o well_o as_o in_o that_o day_n wherein_o truth_n be_v
your_o faith_n be_v increase_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v enlarge_v by_o you_o according_a to_o our_o rule_n abundant_o not_o to_o boast_v in_o another_o man_n line_n of_o thing_n make_v ready_a to_o our_o hand_n hence_o it_o be_v evident_a those_o who_o keep_v to_o their_o own_o measure_n follow_v paul_n as_o they_o have_v he_o for_o a_o ensample_n and_o that_o those_o who_o hope_v and_o desire_v their_o brethren_n conformity_n to_o their_o line_n before_o they_o have_v faith_n therein_o be_v of_o another_o hope_n than_o paul_n be_v who_o as_o be_v above_o recite_v thus_o say_v have_v hope_n when_o your_o faith_n be_v increase_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v enlarge_v by_o your_o according_a to_o our_o rule_n abundant_o and_o so_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o paul_n do_v not_o desire_v the_o corinthian_n to_o walk_v by_o his_o line_n until_o their_o faith_n be_v increase_v otherwise_o they_o may_v become_v proud_a boaster_n of_o other_o man_n line_n make_v ready_a to_o their_o hand_n as_o many_o yea_o too_o to_o many_o at_o this_o day_n be_v i_o now_o come_v to_o consider_v of_o his_o 6_o section_n the_o title_n whereof_o page_n 47._o be_v this_o viz._n how_o far_a this_o government_n do_v extend_v in_o matter_n spiritual_a and_o pure_o conscientious_a in_o which_o the_o great_a question_n say_v the_o aforesaid_a author_n be_v how_o far_o in_o such_o case_n the_o church_n may_v give_v positive_a order_n or_o rule_n how_o far_o her_o authority_n reach_v or_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v bind_v and_o ought_v to_o be_v submit_v to_o for_o the_o better_a clear_n and_o examination_n of_o which_o he_o thus_o further_o say_v it_o will_v be_v fit_a to_o consider_v first_o whether_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v power_n in_o any_o case_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n to_o give_v a_o positive_a sentence_n or_o decision_n which_o may_v be_v obligatory_a upon_o believer_n second_o if_o so_o in_o what_o case_n and_o respect_n she_o may_v so_o do_v three_o wherein_o consist_v the_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n which_o may_v be_v exercise_v by_o the_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n diverse_o without_o judge_v one_o another_o and_o last_o in_o who_o the_o power_n decisive_n be_v in_o case_n of_o controversy_n and_o contention_n in_o such_o matter_n as_o to_o the_o first_o whether_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v power_n in_o any_o case_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n to_o give_v positive_a sentence_n or_o decision_n which_o may_v be_v obligatory_a upon_o believer_n i_o answer_v affirmative_o she_o have_v and_o shall_v prove_v it_o from_o divers_a instance_n both_o from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n thus_o far_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n the_o force_n of_o r_n b_n reason_n i_o apprehend_v to_o be_v chief_o comprehend_v in_o or_o draw_v from_o these_o his_o follow_a word_n as_o by_o his_o write_a page_n 48_o 49._o more_o at_o large_a appear_v viz._n that_o we_o be_v gather_v together_o into_o the_o belief_n of_o certain_a principle_n and_o doctrine_n through_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n on_o our_o understanding_n and_o practice_n necessary_o depend_v upon_o they_o these_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o term_n that_o have_v draw_v we_o together_o and_o bond_n by_o which_o we_o become_v centre_v into_o one_o body_n and_o fellowship_n yet_o say_v he_o by_o a_o marginal_a note_n not_o so_o the_o bond_n but_o that_o we_o have_v also_o a_o more_o inward_a viz._n the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n the_o scripture_n proof_n that_o he_o quote_v be_v these_o gal._n 1.8_o 1_o tim._n 1.19_o 20._o 2_o john_n 10._o thus_o further_a add_v these_o scripture_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o clear_a in_o themselves_o that_o they_o need_v no_o great_a exposition_n to_o the_o unbyased_a reader_n my_o place_n now_o be_v to_o detect_v the_o impertinency_n of_o r._n b_n reason_n and_o to_o show_v that_o he_o have_v quote_v scripture_n which_o be_v not_o to_o the_o purpose_n yet_o i_o can_v but_o first_o observe_v that_o since_o the_o main_a scop_n of_o his_o treatise_n relate_v to_o this_o matter_n both_o from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n tend_v as_o it_o be_v chief_o if_o not_o whole_o to_o evidence_n that_o such_o principle_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n necessary_o depend_v thereon_o be_v the_o bond_n by_o which_o we_o become_v center_a into_o one_o body_n and_o fellowship_n be_v it_o not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o these_o kind_n of_o term_n have_v the_o great_a room_n on_o his_o heart_n and_o the_o marginal_a description_n of_o a_o more_o inward_a bond_n viz_o the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n be_v but_o like_o the_o entertainment_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o manger_n but_o to_o proceed_v i_o do_v affirm_v the_o belief_n of_o certain_a principle_n and_o doctrine_n though_o believe_v through_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n on_o the_o understanding_n and_o practice_n necessary_o depend_v upon_o they_o be_v not_o the_o very_a term_n and_o bond_n by_o which_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o this_o day_n be_v become_v centre_v into_o one_o body_n though_o i_o do_v confess_v that_o certain_a principle_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n hold_v and_o practise_v in_o a_o pure_a mind_n be_v the_o fruit_n and_o offspring_n of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o bond_n but_o the_o very_a bond_n they_o be_v not_o if_o they_o be_v how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o to_o this_o day_n the_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n which_o be_v his_o church_n have_v not_o declare_v and_o agree_v what_o and_o how_o many_o be_v those_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n and_o what_o be_v those_o practice_n necessary_o depend_v thereon_o that_o aught_o to_o be_v believe_v receive_v and_o practise_v by_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o that_o by_o which_o they_o be_v centre_v into_o the_o heavenly_a fellowship_n of_o christ_n body_n with_o confidence_n i_o may_v say_v that_o i_o never_o hear_v or_o understand_v of_o any_o such_o thing_n yet_o extant_a among_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n neither_o do_v i_o believe_v there_o be_v and_o doubtless_o if_o there_o be_v the_o aforesaid_a author_n be_v a_o man_n to_o speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n that_o be_v well_o read_v and_o not_o of_o a_o mean_a capacity_n will_v have_v quote_v it_o to_o free_v himself_o from_o the_o censure_n of_o such_o who_o may_v just_o say_v he_o have_v leave_v we_o in_o the_o dark_a how_o to_o know_v these_o member_n who_o to_o use_v his_o own_o language_n page_n 49._o cut_v themselves_o off_o from_o be_v member_n by_o dissolve_v the_o very_a bond_n by_o which_o they_o be_v link_v to_o the_o body_n nay_o i_o may_v true_o say_v that_o in_o the_o primitive_a day_n there_o be_v many_o believer_n who_o be_v find_v in_o opposite_a faith_n and_o practice_n witness_v those_o who_o circumcise_a keep_v a_o day_n abstain_v from_o flesh_n and_o other_o there_o be_v who_o believe_v and_o practise_v quite_o otherwise_o and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o the_o bond_n which_o centre_v they_o into_o the_o heavenly_a fellowship_n of_o christ_n body_n be_v break_v for_o doubtless_o many_o of_o they_o under_o those_o differ_v faith_n and_o practice_n be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o such_o who_o be_v sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n or_o at_o least_o in_o some_o measure_n sanctify_v which_o be_v the_o description_n of_o a_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n according_a as_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n himself_o do_v in_o his_o treatise_n signify_v and_o this_o be_v answerable_a to_o the_o truth_n itself_o read_v rom._n 14._o 1_o cor._n 8._o for_o further_a discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o have_v assert_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o query_n what_o be_v the_o very_a term_n and_o bond_n by_o which_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v become_v center_a into_o one_o body_n the_o answer_n be_v plain_a it_o be_v the_o spirit_n according_a to_o paul_n testimony_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o for_o by_o one_o spirit_n be_v we_o all_o baptise_a into_o one_o body_n now_o the_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v witness_v by_o such_o who_o integrity_n may_v lead_v they_o to_o die_v for_o truth_n but_o shall_v they_o be_v question_v by_o any_o one_o what_o be_v those_o principle_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n you_o hold_v which_o be_v the_o very_a term_n by_o which_o you_o come_v to_o be_v centre_v into_o christ_n body_n and_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o gather_v you_o for_o so_o be_v his_o word_n page_n 47._o relate_v to_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n they_o will_v be_v ready_a thus_o to_o say_v what_o blind_a question_n do_v thou_o bring_v forth_o in_o thy_o carnal_a sensual_a reason_n it_o be_v god_n power_n and_o spirit_n gather_v we_o from_o among_o such_o as_o be_v out_o of_o the_o life_n glory_v in_o their_o owtward_a fellowship_n principle_n and_o doctrine_n and_o by_o his_o power_n circumcise_a our_o heart_n
and_o by_o his_o spirit_n we_o come_v to_o be_v baptize_v into_o one_o body_n and_o so_o be_v centre_v into_o the_o heavenly_a fellowship_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o as_o for_o thy_o say_n a_o belief_n in_o certain_a principle_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n necessary_o depend_v thereon_o be_v the_o term_n and_o very_a bond_n by_o which_o we_o become_v centre_v into_o one_o body_n and_o the_o cause_n that_o gather_v we_o this_o be_v not_o only_o wrong_v in_o itself_o though_o as_o be_v say_v before_o they_o may_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o bond_n but_o exact_o like_o the_o false_a church_n in_o the_o world_n papist_n and_o protestant_n of_o all_o sort_n in_o the_o apostasy_n have_v outward_a mark_n and_o token_n as_o be_v either_o of_o such_o a_o order_n or_o have_v such_o a_o commission_n or_o as_o believe_v in_o such_o principle_n and_o submit_v to_o such_o practice_n and_o the_o like_a by_o which_o the_o member_n of_o their_o church_n be_v describe_v and_o therefore_o be_v it_o that_o among_o those_o there_o be_v outward_a society_n of_o man_n certain_o know_v as_o aforesaid_a according_a to_o the_o various_a manner_n and_o way_n which_o their_o principle_n admit_v and_o allow_v of_o which_o be_v term_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o these_o have_v many_o outward_a order_n rule_n prescription_n ordinance_n decree_n or_o law_n for_o the_o establishment_n and_o preservation_n of_o their_o outward_a society_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o constitution_n may_v become_v fit_a mean_n for_o the_o conservation_n thereof_o but_o inasmuch_o as_o the_o belief_n of_o certain_a principle_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n necessary_o depend_v thereon_o be_v not_o the_o very_a term_n or_o bond_n to_o unite_v any_o in_o outward_a assembly_n whereby_o to_o assume_v unto_o themselves_o the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o that_o if_o hold_v in_o a_o pure_a mind_n which_o be_v in_o the_o best_a sense_n they_o be_v but_o the_o fruit_n of_o that_o bond_n and_o when_o hold_v in_o a_o impure_a mind_n be_v no_o indication_n that_o such_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n church_n i_o can_v but_o say_v it_o be_v against_o right_a reason_n for_o any_o to_o prescribe_v and_o establish_v outward_a indispensable_a rule_n and_o order_n relate_v to_o the_o conscience_n and_o in_o order_n to_o be_v a_o bond_n thereon_o for_o the_o conservation_n of_o christ_n body_n since_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o most_o certain_a and_o infallible_a mark_n of_o membership_n in_o the_o say_a body_n be_v invisible_a to_o the_o outward_a man_n though_o feel_v and_o know_v to_o the_o inward_a man_n of_o the_o heart_n for_o though_o action_n outward_o just_a be_v many_o time_n the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o be_v not_o always_o certain_a token_n that_o those_o through_o who_o they_o appear_v be_v member_n of_o christ_n body_n but_o those_o who_o be_v circumcise_a in_o heart_n and_o have_v the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n be_v the_o very_a member_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o therefore_o the_o most_o proper_a mean_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o such_o member_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o as_o member_n of_o one_o body_n be_v that_o whereby_o they_o come_v to_o be_v circumcise_a in_o heart_n and_o gather_v unto_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o spirit_n and_o arm_v of_o god_n power_n which_o surround_v all_o those_o that_o wait_v upon_o he_o and_o have_v a_o daily_a dependence_n upon_o the_o lord_n with_o the_o mind_n inward_o stay_v in_o the_o measure_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o the_o apostle_n say_v be_v sufficient_a for_o they_o and_o thus_o the_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n will_v be_v witness_v continual_o in_o which_o every_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n come_v to_o be_v center_a into_o a_o heavenly_a fellowship_n and_o communion_n each_o with_o other_o in_o the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n the_o next_o thing_n i_o shall_v examine_v be_v whether_o r._n b_n affirmative_a answer_n to_o this_o question_n viz._n whether_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v power_n in_o any_o case_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n to_o give_v postive_a sentence_n and_o decision_n which_o may_v be_v obligatory_a upon_o believer_n be_v agreeable_a to_o truth_n and_o sound_a doctrine_n my_o observation_n hereon_o be_v this_o that_o he_o have_v not_o here_o adjoin_v inward_a conviction_n whereby_o they_o may_v find_v clearness_n in_o themselves_o to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n as_o necessary_a to_o the_o obligation_n he_o intend_v and_o inasmuch_o as_o nothing_o without_o a_o inward_a clearness_n and_o conviction_n can_v become_v a_o real_a and_o acceptable_a bond_n upon_o a_o believer_n to_o be_v at_o unity_n with_o his_o brethren_n in_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o thing_n relate_v to_o conscience_n and_o that_o those_o who_o be_v find_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o other_o man_n line_n before_o they_o have_v faith_n therein_o may_v oft_o time_n run_v into_o the_o sin_n of_o hypocrisy_n even_o as_o other_o may_n into_o the_o sin_n of_o negligence_n who_o through_o unwatchfulness_n to_o their_o own_o measure_n want_v clearness_n of_o sight_n and_o understanding_n to_o practice_v and_o join_v with_o those_o thing_n which_o other_o waiting_z in_o their_o own_o measure_n may_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v lead_v into_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o say_v that_o the_o scope_n and_o bend_v of_o his_o spirit_n so_o far_o as_o from_o his_o word_n i_o can_v savour_n in_o relation_n to_o this_o matter_n be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o since_o it_o be_v so_o as_o r._n b._n observe_v page_n 35._o that_o god_n have_v not_o give_v we_o our_o reason_n to_o no_o purpose_n i_o shall_v according_a to_o the_o line_n of_o right_a reason_n a_o little_a further_o observe_v first_o i_o find_v r._n b._n treat_v in_o his_o seven_o section_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o decision_n thus_o to_o say_v page_z 66._o the_o only_a proper_a judge_n of_o controversy_n in_o the_o church_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o decide_v sole_o lie_v in_o it_o as_o have_v the_o only_a infallible_a judgement_n belong_v to_o it_o which_o infallibility_n be_v not_o necessary_o annex_v to_o any_o person_n person_n or_o place_n whatsoever_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o office_n place_n or_o station_n any_o one_o may_v have_v or_o have_v have_v in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o any_o have_v ground_n to_o reason_n thus_o because_o i_o be_o or_o have_v be_v such_o a_o eminent_a member_n therefore_o my_o judgement_n be_v infallible_a or_o because_o we_o be_v the_o great_a number_n or_o that_o we_o live_v in_o such_o a_o note_a or_o famous_a place_n or_o the_o like_a though_o some_o of_o these_o reason_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v their_o true_a weight_n in_o case_n of_o contradictory_n assertion_n thus_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n from_o all_o which_o two_o thing_n be_v observable_a first_o that_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n account_v the_o spirit_n the_o only_a judge_n second_o that_o though_o he_o affirm_v that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v power_n in_o case_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n to_o give_v positive_a sentence_n and_o decision_n which_o may_v be_v obligatory_a upon_o believer_n yet_o through_o his_o whole_a treatise_n i_o find_v not_o that_o he_o have_v describe_v who_o be_v the_o person_n that_o be_v the_o church_n and_o where_o those_o person_n do_v usual_o assemble_v as_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o though_o my_o very_a soul_n abhor_v light_o to_o esteem_v of_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n or_o to_o undervalue_v the_o power_n the_o church_n of_o god_n either_o stand_v in_o or_o be_v endue_v with_o yet_o since_o i_o do_v know_v how_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o any_o to_o burden_n the_o conscience_n of_o god_n people_n though_o under_o ever_o so_o specious_a pretence_n and_o that_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n we_o mean_v visible_a person_n distinguish_v as_o outward_a person_n by_o name_n that_o may_v be_v know_v to_o the_o outward_a man_n though_o as_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n distinguish_v not_o by_o such_o name_n but_o by_o that_o name_n which_o be_v write_v in_o heaven_n and_o know_v to_o the_o inward_a man_n i_o can_v but_o query_n to_o what_o end_n do_v the_o aforesaid_a author_n assign_v the_o decision_n of_o case_n of_o conscience_n which_o be_v matter_n certain_o to_o be_v know_v so_o as_o to_o be_v bind_v on_o believer_n to_o judge_n so_o describe_v as_o that_o a_o great_a controversy_n may_v immediate_o arise_v upon_o the_o ask_n of_o this_o question_n who_o or_o where_o those_o man_n be_v this_o instead_o of_o remove_v one_o difference_n or_o clear_v one_o doubt_n may_v beget_v more_o
but_o to_o stir_v up_o strife_n and_o to_o sow_v discord_n but_o be_v not_o david_n and_o manasses_n and_o peter_n and_z many_z other_o their_o sin_n record_v and_o their_o repentance_n and_o change_a record_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o what_o need_v john_n wilkinson_n be_v afraid_a and_o trouble_v himself_o about_o the_o record_v the_o condemnation_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a but_o who_o have_v curse_v david_n or_o peter_n or_o any_o other_o who_o condemnation_n of_o sin_n and_o repentance_n and_o turn_v from_o it_o be_v record_v or_o call_v they_o apostate_n and_o what_o spirit_n be_v this_o in_o john_n wilkinson_n that_o will_v not_o have_v such_o thing_n record_v now_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n record_v in_o former_a age_n sure_o it_o be_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n nor_o light_n of_o christ_n for_o if_o they_o be_v sin_n private_a that_o only_o the_o church_n know_v they_o than_o they_o go_v no_o further_o than_o the_o church_n but_o if_o they_o be_v open_a sin_n to_o the_o world_n among_o sinner_n than_o their_o condemnation_n and_o repentance_n must_v go_v as_o far_o as_o the_o fact_n be_v know_v but_o if_o john_n wilkinson_n be_v afraid_a lest_o he_o shall_v be_v curse_v and_o his_o company_n and_o count_v apostate_n to_o posterity_n if_o their_o fail_n sin_n and_o transgression_n shall_v be_v record_v true_o without_o your_o repentance_n they_o will_v be_v record_v and_o it_o will_v be_v well_o if_o you_o do_v repent_v and_o condemn_v they_o for_o than_o your_o resurrection_n will_v be_v record_v out_o of_o this_o apostasy_n else_o you_o need_v not_o question_v stand_v upon_o record_n and_o they_o that_o have_v be_v lead_v by_o you_o into_o a_o separation_n and_o now_o come_v off_o from_o you_o do_v not_o bless_v you_o as_o several_z have_v declare_v so_o you_o bring_v that_o upon_o yourselves_o which_o you_o think_v to_o avoid_v but_o why_o shall_v thou_o and_o you_o be_v so_o afraid_a of_o have_v your_o repentance_n from_o sin_n and_o evil_a action_n record_v which_o you_o have_v commit_v in_o grieve_v god_n spirit_n and_o his_o people_n and_o open_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o world_n without_o a_o fear_n of_o be_v curse_v or_o count_v apostate_n be_v this_o the_o cause_n you_o will_v hide_v your_o sin_n and_o have_v no_o testimony_n give_v forth_o against_o you_o if_o thou_o and_o you_o have_v such_o a_o love_n to_o they_o thou_o and_o you_o may_v keep_v they_o but_o the_o truth_n testimony_n will_v stand_v against_o all_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o there_o be_v condemnation_n upon_o record_n ever_o since_o 1652._o so_o no_o new_a thing_n among_o we_o but_o according_a to_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o lord_n know_v i_o will_v have_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v pure_a to_o rule_n and_o reign_v and_o all_o sin_n and_o evil_a to_o be_v condemn_v and_o that_o which_o be_v private_a to_o be_v only_o among_o friend_n and_o that_o which_o be_v public_a to_o be_v public_o condemn_v to_o the_o world_n and_o if_o the_o world_n shall_v say_v such_o a_o one_o do_v so_o or_o so_o there_o be_v a_o testimony_n upon_o record_n that_o such_o a_o one_o be_v convert_v and_o translate_v to_o posterity_n as_o david_n be_v from_o the_o evil_a to_o good_a and_o from_o the_o darkness_n to_o the_o light_n and_o have_v you_o continue_v in_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o in_o his_o spirit_n that_o lead_v the_o saint_n to_o condemn_v those_o evil_n which_o be_v record_v in_o scripture_n and_o to_o glorify_v god_n in_o their_o resurrection_n you_o will_v never_o have_v be_v in_o opposition_n against_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n practice_n now_o in_o such_o thing_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n you_o call_v it_o a_o new_a way_n and_o that_o which_o will_v not_o have_v sin_n and_o evil_n condemn_v and_o condemn_v that_o which_o record_v it_o be_v for_o condemnation_n for_o instead_o of_o be_v curse_v as_o thou_o say_v they_o that_o do_v condemn_v sin_n and_o evil_a and_o arise_v out_o of_o that_o which_o be_v condennied_a and_o this_o be_v record_v to_o posterity_n the_o church_n and_o their_o relation_n can_v testify_v to_o their_o change_n and_o their_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n but_o i_o be_o sorry_a for_o you_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o heaven_n know_v that_o you_o shall_v dishonour_v the_o lord_n god_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o people_n in_o the_o north_n and_o have_v separate_v from_o the_o light_n and_o spirit_n that_o do_v first_o convince_v you_o for_o have_v you_o be_v in_o the_o love_n and_o spirit_n you_o will_v have_v be_v in_o the_o same_o love_n in_o the_o same_o gentleness_n and_o meekness_n and_o wisdom_n that_o be_v pure_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n and_o so_o you_o have_v lose_v that_o glory_n that_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n and_o your_o nakedness_n be_v discover_v that_o the_o priest_n justices_z and_o drunkard_n can_v say_v that_o the_o quaker_n be_v separate_a one_o from_o another_o and_o look_v into_o yourselves_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o froward_a stubborn_a self-willed_a spirit_n and_o rough_a and_o short_a that_o now_o may_v talk_v of_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o will_v have_v liberty_n but_o be_v to_o be_v reprove_v and_o well_o it_o will_v be_v for_o you_o if_o you_o will_v turn_v at_o the_o reproof_n and_o whereas_o thou_o speak_v of_o a_o way_n of_o come_v into_o unity_n alack_o for_o thou_o if_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o universal_a spirit_n and_o power_n of_o god_n that_o be_v over_o all_o thou_o will_v not_o make_v such_o a_o noise_n about_o imposition_n for_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o very_a spirit_n of_o imposition_n in_o thou_o and_o you_o that_o do_v not_o know_v what_o it_o will_v be_v at_o itself_o nor_o to_o what_o to_o bring_v other_o and_o much_o i_o can_v say_v as_o to_o that_o but_o that_o whereby_o you_o may_v come_v into_o unity_n it_o must_v be_v in_o the_o unlimited_a power_n and_o spirit_n and_o light_n that_o do_v first_o convince_v you_o and_o bring_v you_o into_o unity_n and_o meet_v without_o prescription_n of_o your_o elder_n or_o deacon_n or_o your_o member_n so_o your_o way_n to_o come_v into_o unity_n be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o light_n and_o spirit_n that_o do_v first_o convince_v you_o and_o judge_n and_o condemn_v this_o spirit_n that_o have_v lead_v you_o into_o separation_n with_o all_o its_o work_n since_o and_o then_o in_o that_o spirit_n there_o be_v no_o fear_n of_o imposition_n but_o everlasting_a unity_n in_o the_o everlasting_a seed_n that_o bruise_n the_o head_n of_o the_o serpent_n and_o all_o his_o son_n of_o belial_n that_o be_v without_o the_o yoke_n and_o be_v afraid_a of_o it_o now_o there_o be_v they_o that_o will_v not_o be_v yoke_v with_o the_o law_n of_o god_n nor_o with_o the_o gospel_n nor_o with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o hammer_n and_o a_o fire_n and_o this_o be_v count_v imposition_n by_o such_o to_o be_v yoke_v and_o hammer_v down_o and_o to_o be_v reprove_v and_o rebuke_v and_o admonish_v this_o be_v imposition_n and_o overdriving_a though_o the_o power_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o everlasting_a god_n lead_v to_o it_o which_o spirit_n of_o god_n sanctify_v and_o exalt_v god_n with_o a_o sanctify_v spirit_n and_o reprove_v all_o that_o which_o dishonour_v he_o or_o will_v defile_v and_o walk_v not_o in_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v baptise_a and_o make_v to_o drink_v into_o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n charge_v and_o warn_v and_o reprove_v all_o the_o unruly_a and_o charge_v the_o faithful_a to_o stand_v fast_o and_o admonish_v as_o in_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v plentiful_o see_v and_o what_o be_v this_o imposition_n and_o force_n think_v you_o which_o god_n spirit_n lead_v the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n unto_o and_o have_v no_o fellowship_n but_o with_o they_o that_o walk_v in_o the_o same_o spirit_n or_o will_v you_o say_v there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o holy-ghost_n now_o as_o be_v then_o yes_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o the_o same_o and_o all_o that_o keep_v in_o it_o be_v in_o the_o holy_a and_o eternal_a fellowship_n and_o it_o lead_v to_o the_o same_o practice_n now_o as_o then_o and_o all_o such_o as_o the_o apostle_n admonish_v to_o have_v no_o fellowship_n withal_o as_o in_o their_o epistle_n and_o in_o judas_n may_v not_o those_o have_v cry_v imposition_n as_o well_o as_o you_o and_o whereas_o thou_o speak_v of_o a_o new_a way_n and_o a_o new_a form_n carry_v on_o with_o church-authority_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o priest_n old_a spirit_n that_o use_v to_o tell_v we_o of_o our_o new_a way_n and_o where_o be_v our_o religion_n twenty_o year_n ago_o but_o
we_o a_o answer_n by_o the_o bearer_n hereof_o who_o come_v on_o purpose_n to_o bring_v this_o and_o to_o receive_v a_o answer_n from_o thou_o we_o be_v thy_o friend_n thomas_n gouldney_n william_n ford._n william_n rogers_n as_o before_o be_v hint_v no_o answer_n be_v yet_o come_v which_o be_v ground_n of_o jealousy_n that_o g._n f._n be_v author_n of_o the_o say_v abusive_a letter_n to_o conclude_v my_o desire_n now_o be_v that_o every_o thing_n herein_o treat_v of_o may_v be_v weigh_v in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o then_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o it_o will_v appear_v unto_o every_o understanding_n impartial_a reader_n that_o george_n for_o have_v be_v act_v by_o a_o erroneous_a spirit_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o many_o thing_n reproachful_a to_o the_o truth_n for_o which_o he_o ought_v to_o humble_v himself_o if_o peradventure_o he_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o no_o question_n but_o god_n peculiar_a people_n will_v have_v a_o sense_n thereof_o but_o until_o he_o appear_v humble_v through_o that_o repentance_n that_o be_v never_o to_o be_v repent_v of_o his_o state_n and_o condition_n be_v to_o be_v lament_v of_o and_o though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o mortal_a man_n or_o any_o assembly_n of_o man_n on_o earth_n whatsoever_o to_o excommunicate_v from_o among_o the_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n a_o servant_n of_o the_o live_a god_n unto_o who_o through_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v give_v a_o earnest_a of_o the_o great_a salvation_n yet_o if_o any_o one_o so_o outward_o pretend_v have_v act_v erroneous_o and_o have_v concern_v himself_o against_o his_o brother_n at_o so_o large_a a_o rate_n as_o can_v be_v vindicate_v unless_o that_o rule_n which_o almighty_a god_n as_o by_o a_o finger_n from_o heaven_n through_o his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n have_v lay_v down_o viz._n by_o their_o fruit_n you_o shall_v know_v they_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v as_o void_a it_o be_v most_o just_a and_o reasonable_a to_o declare_v that_o such_o a_o one_o have_v cut_v he_o off_o from_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n by_o depart_v from_o the_o rock_n christ_n on_o which_o preservation_n and_o help_n be_v lay_v on_o this_o score_n i_o be_o now_o concern_v in_o my_o conscience_n thus_o to_o declare_v and_o conclude_v that_o for_o sometime_o past_a g._n f._n have_v stand_v in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n from_o many_o of_o the_o lord_n people_n may_v the_o god_n of_o heaven_n give_v he_o a_o true_a sight_n and_o sense_n thereof_o unto_o repentance_n that_o so_o before_o his_o body_n be_v turn_v to_o dust_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v he_o may_v be_v restore_v into_o fellowship_n with_o they_o again_o say_v my_o soul_n bristol_n 1_o st_z day_n of_o the_o 8_o the_o month_n 1680._o william_n rogers_n the_o end_n a_o index_n of_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a matter_n treat_v on_o a_o apostasy_n a_o discovery_n of_o several_a thing_n which_o may_v be_v just_o term_v the_o fruit_n of_o apostasy_n and_o innovation_n and_o in_o particular_a that_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n have_v be_v judge_v and_o condemn_v by_o person_n that_o have_v not_o hear_v they_o speak_v for_o themselves_o as_o do_v appear_v in_o a_o answer_n give_v by_o thomas_n gouldeny_n william_n ford_n and_o william_n rogers_n to_o a_o paper_n subscribe_v by_o charles_n martial_n and_o sixty-five_a more_o date_v at_o ellis_n hook_n his_o chamber_n london_n the_o 12_o the_o of_o the_o 4_o the_o month_n 1677._o 2_o d._n part_n p._n 72_o to_o 84._o apostolick-order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n robert_n barclay_n assert_n be_v establish_v among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n and_o by_o the_o scope_n of_o his_o book_n of_o government_n his_o mean_v be_v with_o respect_n to_o outward_a order_n his_o sense_n therein_o disprove_v 3_o d._n part_n p._n 23_o to_o 33._o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o robert_n barclay_n sense_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 54._o the_o apostle_n assume_v not_o authority_n to_o give_v a_o decisive_n judgement_n in_o a_o religious_a conscientious_a case_n without_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o party_n differ_v and_o then_o they_o give_v their_o judgement_n according_a to_o the_o faith_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n unto_o who_o it_o do_v relate_v 3_o d._n part_n p._n 65_o 66._o see_v church-government_n b_o baptism_n of_o water_n be_v the_o ministration_n of_o john_n not_o to_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n 2_o d._n part_n p._n 45_o to_o 50._o the_o one_o baptism_n speak_v of_o by_o paul_n be_v the_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2_o d._n part_n p._n 50._o believer_n in_o robert_n barclay_n sense_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o positive_a sentence_n and_o decision_n of_o the_o church_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 54._o his_o sense_n and_o reason_n examine_v and_o refute_v 3_o d._n part_n p._n 54_o to_o 61._o believer_n in_o opposite_a practice_n and_o yet_o the_o christian-bond_n of_o their_o fellowship_n not_o break_v 3_o d._n part_n p._n 56._o see_v isaac_n penington_n testimony_n touch_v that_o authority_n which_o christ_n exclude_v out_o of_o his_o church_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 89_o to_o 98._o this_o sentence_n viz._n we_o must_v believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v publish_v by_o one_o call_v a_o quaker_n examine_v and_o the_o truth_n clear_v from_o such_o construction_n as_o may_v be_v erroneous_o import_v from_o thence_o 3_o d._n part_n p._n 73_o 74._o see_v 1_o st_o part_n p._n 23_o to_o 27._o c_o charity_n a_o objection_n ground_v thereon_o in_o favour_n of_o our_o opposer_n answer_v show_v fruit_n of_o weakness_n presumption_n danger_n of_o go_v beyond_o one_o gift_n exclude_v reason_n eye_v man_n and_o thing_n without_o instead_o of_o our_o inward_a teacher_n the_o reason_n why_o the_o word_n of_o life_n become_v to_o some_o the_o savour_n of_o death_n 1_o st_o part_n p._n 17_o to_o 22._o charles_n martial_n a_o subscriber_n with_o thirty-six_a more_o of_o a_o unrighteous_a paper_n on_o the_o hear_n of_o a_o debate_n between_o robert_n barclay_n and_o william_n rogers_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 128_o 129._o observation_n thereon_o manifest_v their_o error_n and_o partiality_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 137_o to_o 140._o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n a_o lawgiver_n like_v unto_o moses_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 9_o 10._o church-government_n our_o sense_n of_o our_o opposer_n mean_v touch_v church-government_n our_o denial_n of_o that_o mean_v and_o that_o no_o just_a pretence_n be_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o church-government_n to_o claim_v a_o power_n over_o property_n and_o conscience_n the_o doctrine_n of_o robert_n barclay_n import_v power_n over_o property_n and_o conscience_n refute_v and_o our_o sense_n touch_v the_o method_n of_o decide_v controversy_n lay_v down_o a_o objection_n answer_v whereby_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o acceptable_a obedience_n carry_v with_o it_o conviction_n of_o conscience_n and_o that_o christ_n encourage_v not_o his_o disciple_n to_o be_v ruler_n over_o each_o other_o 1_o st_o part_n p._n 44_o to_o 61._o see_v the_o 3_o d._n part_n p._n 35_o to_o 41._o divers_a sentence_n cite_v out_o of_o robert_n barclay_n book_n of_o government_n import_v a_o approbation_n of_o such_o a_o form_n of_o outward_a church-government_n by_o some_o of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n over_o other_o so_o term_v wherein_o they_o undertake_v to_o teach_v tradition_n exercise_v a_o authority_n to_o ordain_v appoint_v command_v and_o rule_n over_o other_o who_o duty_n in_o robert_n barclay_n sense_n it_o be_v to_o submit_v and_o that_o there_o lie_v a_o obligation_n on_o such_o as_o be_v gather_v to_o reverence_n honour_n and_o obey_v such_o as_o be_v set_v over_o they_o 3_o d._n part_n p._n 44_o 45._o the_o say_v sentence_n examine_v and_o that_o which_o be_v take_v to_o be_v his_o sense_n on_o the_o scripture_n quote_v demonstrate_v to_o be_v a_o perversion_n and_o that_o the_o word_n order_n rule_n command_v govern_n government_n tradition_n etc._n etc._n will_n not_o in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n import_v a_o obligation_n on_o any_o christian_a believer_n to_o act_v any_o thing_n relate_v to_o faith_n or_o discipline_n on_o a_o religious_a score_n whereof_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n or_o light_n in_o the_o conscience_n he_o be_v not_o persuade_v to_o be_v his_o duty_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 46_o to_o 52._o christian-quaker_n what_o he_o stand_v for_o 1_o st_o part_n p._n 27_o to_o 30._o command_v who_o be_v deem_v by_o our_o opposer_n to_o have_v power_n to_o command_v ordain_v and_o appoint_v 1_o st_o part_n p._n 6_o 7_o 8._o see_v church-government_n confidence_n the_o qualification_n of_o such_o as_o abound_v in_o confidence_n without_o either_o knowledge_n or_o zeal_n 1_o st_o part_n p._n 76._o