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a_o part_n 2d_o part_n p._n 85_o to_o 92._o jew_n a_o objection_n raise_v whether_o they_o act_v not_o from_o the_o light_n within_o in_o crucify_a christ_n a_o answer_n to_o the_o say_a objection_n 2_o d._n part_n p._n 9_o 10._o ignorant_n the_o way_n how_o the_o ignorant_a have_v be_v ensnare_v 4_o the_o part_n p._n 32_o 33._o imposer_n see_v church-government_n independency_n the_o write_a word_n of_o a_o public_a preacher_n insinuate_v as_o if_o the_o tendency_n of_o some_o of_o our_o spirit_n be_v downright_a independency_n be_v treat_v on_o show_v that_o we_o be_v principled_a to_o depend_v on_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o not_o on_o man_n etc._n etc._n 1_o st_o part_n p._n 38_o to_o 42._o infallibility_n as_o relate_v to_o internal_a thing_n annex_v only_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 2_o d._n part_n p._n 11_o 12._o how_o man_n endue_v with_o the_o infallible_a spirit_n be_v deceive_v &_o fallible_a 2_o d._n part_n p._n 12_o 13._o a_o animadversion_n on_o 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unto_o person_n while_o sin_n be_v reign_v in_o their_o mortal_a body_n show_v that_o though_o such_o as_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v redeem_a from_o under_o the_o law_n which_o consist_v in_o carnal_a ordinance_n yet_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v accompany_v with_o work_n of_o righteousness_n wrought_v in_o man_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 2_o d._n part_n p._n 61_o to_o 71._o k_o kingdom_n of_o god_n thing_n relate_v thereto_o be_v reveal_v to_o the_o creature_n but_o by_o one_o way_n viz._n the_o spirit_n though_o the_o manifestation_n may_v be_v various_a viz._n sometime_o through_o man_n or_o the_o scripture_n as_o instrument_n and_o sometime_o through_o himself_o 2_o d._n part_n p._n 2_o 3_o 4._o knowledge_n without_o zeal_n some_o part_n of_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o discover_v 1_o st_o part_n p._n 73_o 74_o 75_o 76._o the_o want_n of_o knowledge_n the_o cause_n of_o a_o perish_a estate_n and_o bow_v to_o man_n 2_o d._n part_n p._n 25._o the_o mean_v of_o these_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n knowledge_n puff_v up_o 2_o d._n part_n p._n 26_o 27._o l_o liberty_n and_o forbearance_n in_o robert_n barclay_n sense_n refute_v 3_o d._n part_n p_o 80_o 81_o 82._o liberty_n of_o conscience_n a_o description_n wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v 3_o d._n part_n p._n 17_o 18._o what_o that_o liberty_n of_o the_o conscience_n be_v that_o be_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n in_o particular_a it_o admit_v of_o no_o liberty_n to_o sin_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 86_o 87._o light_n of_o christ_n what_o the_o measure_n of_o it_o be_v and_o the_o effect_n of_o obedience_n to_o it_o 1_o st_o part_n p._n 3_o 4._o see_v the_o 2_o d._n part_n p._n 2_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o those_o who_o this_o day_n say_v we_o be_v teach_v to_o follow_v the_o light_n in_o our_o conscience_n and_o not_o the_o order_n of_o man_n and_o that_o we_o will_v not_o have_v man_n to_o rule_v over_o we_o thereby_o mean_v such_o man_n as_o be_v in_o a_o separation_n from_o the_o establish_v religion_n by_o law_n will_v yet_o be_v account_v church-governor_n over_o we_o utter_v language_n become_v christian_n and_o though_o robert_n barclay_n have_v reflect_v on_o such_o kind_n of_o language_n yet_o it_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v sound_z 3_o d._n part_n p._n 43_o 44._o m_o magistracy_n obedience_n active_a or_o passive_a due_n to_o it_o 2_o d._n part_n p._n 30_o 31_o 32._o master_n on_o what_o ground_n and_o to_o who_o the_o word_n master_n be_v dis-used_n by_o we_o 2_o d._n part_n p._n 34._o meeting_n some_o part_n at_o least_o of_o nine_o meeting_n for_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o westmoreland_n submit_v their_o affair_n without_o restriction_n either_o to_o temporal_a or_o spiritual_a affair_n to_o establish_v monthly_o and_o quarterly-meeting_n and_o discharge_v the_o separate_v so_o term_v who_o be_v repute_v to_o be_v of_o party_n with_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n to_o concern_v themselves_o in_o their_o affair_n mean_v as_o by_o the_o 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foot_n expect_v submission_n p._n 14._o the_o order_n in_o collect_v the_o sense_n of_o such_o meeting_n speak_v of_o 1_o st_o part_n p._n 14_o 15._o and_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o counsel_n in_o hold_v such_o meeting_n be_v embrace_v and_o the_o end_v thereof_o 1_o st_o part_n p._n 15_o 16._o monthly_o &_o quarterly-meeting_n of_o man_n and_o also_o of_o woman_n distinct_a from_o man_n not_o own_v by_o we_o to_o be_v establish_v as_o a_o part_n of_o christ_n government_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 8_o to_o 14._o womens-meeting_n distinct_a from_o man_n how_o they_o come_v to_o be_v hold_v and_o for_o what_o end_n 1_o st_o part_n p._n 63_o to_o 67._o the_o general-meeting_a have_v usual_o consist_v of_o uncertain_a number_n of_o uncertain_a qualify_v person_n 1_o st_o
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own_o that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o every_o one_o be_v own_o measure_n of_o christ_n light_n or_o grace_n of_o god_n received_n which_o the_o apostle_n say_v be_v sufficient_a with_o this_o secret_a breathe_n of_o spirit_n unto_o the_o god_n of_o our_o life_n that_o all_o may_v be_v thereto_o retire_v for_o if_o that_o counsel_n may_v but_o take_v place_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o there_o can_v then_o be_v no_o room_n for_o any_o to_o impose_v or_o press_v the_o observation_n of_o other_o man_n line_n upon_o any_o which_o no_o doubt_n be_v one_o great_a occasion_n of_o the_o religious_a difference_n treat_v on_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o it_o will_v mould_v all_o who_o retain_v the_o name_n of_o christianity_n into_o the_o very_a nature_n thereof_o and_o so_o consequent_o a_o reconciliation_n in_o the_o everlasting_a truth_n may_v quick_o ensue_v for_o if_o that_o door_n be_v but_o once_o shut_v through_o which_o variance_n and_o disunion_n enter_v there_o may_v then_o arise_v a_o hope_n of_o cessation_n to_o such_o contention_n and_o strife_n as_o be_v out_o of_o the_o truth_n but_o if_o not_o i_o may_v then_o say_v how_o can_v the_o effect_n cease_v whilst_o the_o cause_n remain_v i_o well_o remember_v and_o many_o with_o i_o that_o while_o friend_n keep_v to_o their_o own_o and_o concern_v not_o themselves_o to_o promote_v a_o zealous_a observation_n of_o other_o man_n line_n make_v ready_a to_o their_o hand_n we_o then_o hear_v not_o of_o so_o much_o contention_n strife_n and_o debate_n both_o public_a and_o private_a as_o of_o late_a year_n have_v be_v but_o since_o the_o promotion_n thereof_o confusion_n disorder_n emulation_n malice_n and_o envy_n have_v be_v its_o offspring_n which_o have_v be_v manifest_v by_o public_a unjust_a revile_n against_o some_o when_o zealous_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n and_o though_o these_o be_v of_o that_o number_n that_o prefer_v obedience_n to_o their_o own_o measure_n of_o grace_n receive_v before_o 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many_o year_n decease_v be_v honourable_o speak_v of_o by_o some_o if_o not_o by_o all_o of_o both_o party_n of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n at_o variance_n one_o that_o have_v the_o trumpet_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o sound_v and_o have_v therewith_o sound_v as_o a_o son_n of_o thunder_n as_o well_o as_o of_o consolation_n many_o alarm_n unto_o the_o nation_n i_o shall_v conclude_v with_o the_o citation_n of_o a_o part_n of_o a_o epistle_n write_v by_o he_o in_o the_o year_n 1658._o to_o the_o friend_n of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n and_o so_o leave_v the_o consideration_n thereof_o to_o the_o impartial_a reader_n to_o savour_v whether_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o counsel_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o know_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o ourselves_o to_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o our_o action_n and_o if_o so_o then_o to_o practice_v from_o other_o man_n line_n without_o a_o inward_a conviction_n by_o the_o spirit_n in_o ourselves_o can_v be_v no_o more_o accept_v as_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o than_o the_o offering_n of_o the_o halt_n and_o the_o blind_a for_o a_o sacrifice_n under_o the_o first_o covenant_n be_v here_o follow_v the_o citation_n out_o of_o edward_n burrough_n aforesaid_a epistle_n yea_o it_o be_v peace_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o gladness_n to_o the_o heart_n and_o refreshment_n to_o the_o life_n to_o feel_v and_o witness_v the_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o father_n lead_v into_o all_o truth_n and_o preserve_v out_o of_o all_o transgression_n wherefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o all_o let_v this_o be_v your_o whole_a desire_n and_o the_o full_a practice_n in_o your_o life_n and_o then_o shall_v the_o countenance_n of_o the_o lord_n shine_v upon_o you_o and_o his_o face_n shall_v make_v you_o glad_a if_o in_o all_o thing_n you_o look_v unto_o
on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o that_o therein_o be_v plain_o demonstrate_v the_o qualification_n of_o such_o as_o satan_n have_v make_v use_n of_o to_o rend_v and_o divide_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n sect_n ix_o a_o epistle_n evidence_v the_o qualication_n of_o such_o who_o satan_n make_v use_v of_o to_o rend_n and_o divide_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n a_o paper_n give_v forth_o by_o edward_n burrough_n anno_fw-la 1661._o touch_v the_o scatter_a in_o israel_n wherein_o by_o a_o parable_n be_v lively_o describe_v a_o part_n of_o what_o have_v happen_v among_o the_o flock_n of_o god_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n the_o conclusion_n manifest_v several_a passage_n very_o material_a and_o worthy_a observation_n as_o a_o further_a discovery_n of_o the_o fruit_n and_o cause_n of_o division_n a_o epistle_n prefix_v to_o the_o historical_a manuscript_n mention_v in_o the_o preface_n to_o this_o treatise_n evidence_v the_o qualification_n of_o such_o who_o satan_n have_v make_v use_n of_o to_o rend_v and_o divide_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o great_a evidence_n of_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a religion_n be_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n but_o the_o contrary_n be_v attend_v with_o anxiety_n and_o trouble_n he_o that_o in_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n incline_v to_o preserve_v such_o a_o conscience_n must_v not_o so_o value_v his_o repute_n and_o name_n among_o man_n as_o thereby_o to_o loose_v his_o peace_n with_o the_o lord_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o have_v abundant_o satisfy_v we_o to_o encourage_v the_o prepare_n of_o this_o treatise_n know_v that_o the_o long-suffering_a patience_n and_o warning_n of_o many_o faithful_a friend_n have_v have_v little_a place_n with_o many_o such_o persecute_v opposer_n of_o the_o friend_n of_o truth_n as_o be_v under_o the_o profession_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v just_o with_o the_o lord_n to_o suffer_v their_o long-suffering_a to_o have_v a_o end_n we_o also_o know_v that_o the_o unsavoury_a testimony_n and_o unchristianlike_a discourse_n of_o many_o such_o in_o our_o meeting_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n have_v be_v so_o frequent_o as_o well_o as_o public_o manifest_v as_o that_o it_o be_v thereby_o know_v both_o to_o professor_n and_o profane_a that_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n be_v now_o divide_v by_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v that_o some_o may_v real_o conclude_v that_o though_o their_o name_n be_v not_o extinguish_v yet_o that_o the_o nature_n doctrine_n and_o life_n which_o accompany_v they_o at_o their_o first_o come_v forth_o have_v of_o late_o suffer_v shipwreck_n this_o have_v be_v serious_o ponder_v by_o we_o have_v increase_v the_o concern_n of_o our_o conscience_n thus_o to_o appear_v that_o so_o as_o the_o door_n have_v thereby_o be_v so_o far_o shut_v in_o some_o part_n of_o this_o nation_n as_o that_o there_o have_v be_v of_o late_a but_o few_o gather_v into_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o everlasting_a light_n so_o it_o may_v again_o in_o the_o lord_n time_n be_v more_o open_v by_o a_o clear_a discovery_n that_o there_o be_v yet_o remain_v a_o remnant_n of_o that_o ancient_a stock_n who_o have_v be_v and_o our_o faith_n in_o god_n be_v that_o they_o will_v be_v preserve_v in_o his_o fear_n to_o persevere_v in_o his_o unchangeable_a way_n light_n and_o life_n of_o truth_n unto_o the_o end_n that_o now_o the_o reader_n may_v have_v some_o short_a account_n of_o what_o the_o lord_n have_v manifest_v unto_o we_o on_o this_o occasion_n we_o further_o thus_o declare_v the_o original_a cause_n of_o division_n and_o separation_n between_o the_o member_n of_o any_o society_n once_o at_o unity_n in_o the_o truth_n touch_v religious_a matter_n have_v spring_v from_o satan_n the_o person_n in_o who_o he_o have_v chief_o appear_v to_o accomplish_v the_o same_o have_v be_v such_o as_o usual_o appear_v more_o public_a than_o other_o their_o brethren_n and_o that_o under_o various_a qualification_n some_o have_v have_v zeal_n without_o knowledge_n and_o some_o have_v have_v knowledge_n without_o zeal_n and_o other_o have_v abound_v in_o confidence_n without_o either_o knowledge_n or_o zeal_n and_o none_o of_o these_o whilst_o exercise_v under_o these_o qualification_n have_v find_v acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n and_o as_o satan_n have_v make_v use_n of_o person_n thus_o various_o qualify_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o his_o kingdom_n so_o christ_n jesus_n who_o appearance_n have_v be_v and_o be_v to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n have_v and_o do_v make_v use_n of_o such_o instrument_n in_o his_o hand_n who_o he_o have_v furnish_v with_o true_a zeal_n and_o that_o according_a to_o knowledge_n for_o though_o all_o have_v not_o the_o like_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n yet_o that_o zeal_n which_o be_v exercise_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n give_v by_o god_n and_o receive_v by_o man_n find_v acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n now_o forasmuch_o as_o in_o this_o treatise_n variety_n of_o matter_n be_v discourse_v wherein_o divers_a person_n have_v be_v concern_v many_o of_o who_o be_v once_o at_o unity_n which_o we_o be_v persuade_v consist_v in_o the_o everlasting_a truth_n and_o that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o may_v reasonable_o have_v be_v take_v to_o be_v under_o one_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a qualification_n it_o be_v with_o we_o at_o this_o time_n consider_v that_o the_o tree_n be_v to_o be_v know_v by_o its_o fruit_n to_o note_v a_o few_o thing_n attend_v such_o respective_a qualification_n and_o that_o chief_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o as_o have_v zeal_n without_o knowledge_n and_o so_o if_o the_o lord_n make_v we_o instrument_n in_o his_o hand_n to_o open_v the_o understanding_n of_o any_o whereby_o they_o may_v come_v to_o have_v a_o true_a savour_n of_o and_o unity_n with_o those_o who_o have_v so_o receive_v the_o spirit_n as_o to_o be_v exercise_v themselves_o in_o true_a zeal_n and_o that_o according_a to_o knowledge_n we_o then_o shall_v have_v our_o end_n we_o now_o begin_v to_o speak_v of_o those_o who_o have_v zeal_n without_o knowledge_n charity_n obliege_v we_o not_o to_o conclude_v that_o they_o design_v any_o thing_n more_o than_o to_o live_v well_o that_o so_o they_o may_v die_v well_o or_o any_o thing_n less_o than_o to_o appear_v what_o they_o know_v they_o be_v not_o but_o yet_o this_o we_o certain_o know_v that_o albeit_o these_o have_v profess_v christ_n jesus_n to_o be_v their_o foundation_n yet_o many_o of_o they_o for_o want_n of_o knowledge_n have_v be_v build_v thereon_o the_o wood_n the_o hay_n and_o the_o stubble_n of_o other_o man_n invention_n whereby_o they_o have_v suffer_v loss_n have_v exalt_v their_o own_o righteousness_n through_o a_o zealous_a submission_n to_o other_o man_n line_n make_v ready_a to_o their_o hand_n as_o if_o therein_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n consist_v or_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a contrary_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o glory_n in_o man_n the_o apostle_n paul_n rom_n 10.2_o thus_o say_v i_o bear_v they_o record_v they_o have_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n but_o not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n and_o from_o the_o next_o verse_n we_o learn_v that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n righteousness_n and_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n have_v not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n this_o be_v speak_v of_o israel_n for_o their_o information_n that_o they_o may_v not_o have_v a_o dependency_n on_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n as_o if_o through_o the_o strict_a performance_n and_o observation_n of_o outward_a thing_n establish_v under_o the_o law_n they_o shall_v come_v to_o know_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n through_o christ_n but_o rather_o that_o their_o dependency_n shall_v be_v upon_o the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o faith_n which_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n verse_n the_o 8_o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n inform_v we_o thus_o the_o word_n be_v nigh_o thou_o even_o in_o thy_o mouth_n and_o in_o thy_o heart_n that_o be_v the_o word_n of_o faith_n which_o we_o preach_v so_o that_o by_o this_o doctrine_n and_o what_o elsewhere_o be_v write_v in_o other_o of_o his_o epistle_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o apostle_n care_v for_o israel_n be_v that_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v off_o those_o outward_a and_o carnal_a ordinance_n which_o be_v establish_v for_o a_o season_n until_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n unto_o the_o word_n nigh_o in_o the_o heart_n which_o undoubted_o be_v and_o be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o law_n which_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n jer._n 31.33_o be_v to_o be_v put_v in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v in_o their_o heart_n all_o which_o lead_v we_o to_o make_v this_o observation_n that_o whosoever_o
mouth_n of_o his_o prophet_n or_o from_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n in_o we_o or_o from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n give_v forth_o by_o inspiration_n since_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n to_o expect_v that_o any_o shall_v be_v invest_v with_o power_n from_o on_o high_a to_o establish_v such_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o conscience_n much_o less_o to_o expect_v that_o the_o child_n of_o light_n under_o the_o new_a covenant_n shall_v be_v lead_v by_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n and_o word_n nigh_o in_o the_o heart_n unto_o such_o a_o conformity_n moreover_o it_o be_v observable_a paul_n plain_a confession_n thus_o be_v after_o the_o way_n which_o they_o call_v heresy_n so_o worship_n i_o the_o god_n of_o my_o father_n believe_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n and_o herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o men._n if_o all_o those_o unto_o who_o god_n have_v give_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o truth_n in_o this_o gospel-day_n have_v have_v so_o much_o zeal_n as_o to_o have_v walk_v according_a to_o this_o example_n they_o may_v have_v all_o become_v honourable_a in_o their_o day_n &_o have_v keep_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n and_o then_o none_o of_o they_o will_v have_v be_v afraid_a of_o be_v stigmatise_v as_o sect-master_n by_o such_o who_o like_o the_o outward_a jew_n have_v glory_v in_o thing_n outward_o pretend_a to_o be_v establish_v in_o this_o gospel-day_n and_o have_v make_v such_o thing_n to_o be_v as_o a_o rule_n whereby_o they_o have_v endeavour_v to_o try_v their_o brethren_n who_o at_o this_o day_n have_v approve_v themselves_o jew_n in_o spirit_n zealous_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o the_o word_n nigh_o in_o the_o heart_n according_a to_o knowledge_n even_o as_o the_o outward_a jew_n will_v have_v do_v by_o paul_n for_o such_o a_o reflection_n will_v never_o have_v hurt_v they_o in_o the_o breast_n of_o those_o that_o have_v continue_v true_o faithful_a and_o this_o many_o be_v give_v to_o understand_v from_o that_o honourable_a esteem_n that_o some_o ancient_a and_o faithful_a brethren_n have_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o such_o as_o have_v not_o in_o a_o temporize_a spirit_n change_v their_o way_n notwithstanding_o they_o be_v stigmatise_v with_o the_o name_n of_o sect-master_n even_o by_o those_o who_o like_o the_o gentile_n appear_v to_o exercise_n lordship_n over_o their_o brethren_n in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o come_v to_o take_v a_o little_a notice_n of_o those_o who_o abound_v in_o confidence_n without_o either_o knowledge_n or_o zeal_n this_o sort_n may_v be_v well_o compare_v unto_o those_o beast_n with_o who_o it_o be_v repute_v paul_n fight_v at_o ephesus_n which_o if_o it_o be_v so_o be_v doubtless_o he_o contest_v have_v with_o unreasonable_a men._n the_o bait_n by_o which_o this_o sort_n be_v entice_v to_o appear_v somebody_n in_o probability_n be_v this_o the_o door_n be_v open_a for_o any_o under_o the_o profession_n of_o truth_n who_o life_n be_v not_o outward_o scandalous_a to_o appear_v among_o some_o of_o the_o society_n of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n as_o governor_n and_o though_o it_o be_v hard_a for_o we_o to_o suppose_v who_o among_o such_o be_v the_o person_n that_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v when_o liberty_n be_v take_v and_o admit_v as_o aforesaid_a whereby_o none_o of_o the_o society_n be_v exclude_v to_o appear_v as_o governor_n yet_o so_o it_o be_v and_o of_o this_o have_v our_o eye_n and_o ear_n be_v witness_n a_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o sort_n we_o have_v understand_v to_o be_v on_o this_o wise_a if_o you_o do_v not_o see_v yourselves_o you_o must_v follow_v we_o that_o do_v see_v alas_o it_o be_v easy_o to_o be_v savour_v where_o all_o may_v then_o run_v if_o such_o a_o exhortation_n from_o any_o one_o thus_o qualify_v and_o that_o with_o respect_n to_o follow_v the_o exhorte_a shall_v take_v place_n he_o than_o that_o lead_v and_o those_o who_o may_v be_v lead_v will_v quick_o fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n together_o and_o so_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n come_v to_o be_v advance_v instead_o of_o be_v destroy_v but_o bless_v be_v the_o name_n of_o the_o everlasting_a god_n that_o sun_n which_o have_v arisen_a among_o we_o that_o glorious_a appearance_n if_o the_o everlasting_a light_n which_o have_v shine_v in_o many_o heart_n be_v not_o yet_o set_v in_o obscurity_n and_o our_o faith_n be_v that_o it_o will_v not_o the_o lord_n have_v have_v a_o regard_n to_o his_o own_o name_n and_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o eternal_a power_n so_o that_o though_o many_o ancient_a and_o honourable_a brethren_n who_o the_o lord_n commissioned_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n to_o publish_v his_o everlasting_a gospel_n exhort_v all_o to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n in_o they_o be_v fall_v asleep_o yet_o there_o be_v many_o of_o the_o same_o stock_n yet_o remain_v upon_o who_o he_o have_v not_o only_o pour_v forth_o of_o his_o spirit_n and_o anoint_v they_o to_o publish_v his_o everlasting_a gospel_n but_o also_o have_v keep_v they_o in_o integrity_n and_o their_o garment_n undefiled_a from_o the_o spot_n and_o pollution_n of_o this_o world_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o have_v give_v unto_o they_o true_a zeal_n according_a to_o knowledge_n through_o which_o the_o way_n unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o demonstration_n of_o his_o spirit_n have_v be_v declare_v and_o have_v continue_v they_o in_o the_o service_n whereunto_o they_o have_v be_v call_v and_o these_o have_v not_o in_o a_o temporize_a spirit_n for_o fear_n of_o the_o threat_n and_o frown_n of_o man_n change_v their_o way_n nor_o yet_o follow_v any_o for_o the_o loaf_n and_o though_o some_o of_o these_o have_v of_o late_o be_v account_v dark_a spirit_n leaven_a spirit_n troubler_n of_o israel_n sect-master_n leader_n into_o a_o separation_n and_o into_o downright_a independency_n parish_n and_o schism_n yet_o this_o testimony_n live_v with_o we_o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n on_o which_o alone_o we_o be_v persuade_v their_o dependency_n have_v be_v and_o be_v have_v accompany_v such_o when_o thus_o judge_v despise_a and_o revile_v by_o that_o generation_n who_o unto_o we_o appear_v as_o if_o their_o dependency_n be_v upon_o man_n that_o labour_n and_o travel_v to_o gather_v unto_o themselves_o to_o conclude_v this_o further_a testimony_n live_v with_o we_o that_o the_o righteous_a god_n bear_v we_o this_o day_n record_n that_o the_o very_a reason_n wherefore_o this_o treatise_n be_v now_o prepare_v be_v because_o our_o very_a conscience_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o god_n truth_n and_o people_n be_v concern_v and_o therefore_o we_o can_v but_o encourage_v this_o so_o necessary_a a_o work_n have_v among_o many_o other_o our_o brethren_n long_o wait_v and_o bear_v in_o patience_n to_o see_v if_o peradventure_o the_o lord_n may_v change_v the_o heart_n of_o those_o who_o have_v occasion_v contention_n strife_n and_o division_n to_o arise_v among_o the_o family_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n for_o whatever_o measure_n other_o may_v take_v of_o we_o yet_o this_o evidence_n we_o have_v in_o ourselves_o that_o our_o soul_n desire_n be_v that_o the_o bright_a appearance_n of_o the_o everlasting_a day_n may_v not_o set_v in_o obscurity_n in_o any_o heart_n where_o it_o have_v be_v both_o manifest_v and_o receive_v nor_o yet_o that_o any_o of_o the_o lord_n people_n may_v be_v ensnare_v to_o build_v again_o the_o thing_n which_o in_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n our_o lord_n they_o have_v destroy_v william_n rogers_n william_n ford_n here_o now_o follow_v that_o paper_n make_v mention_n of_o in_o the_o title_n page_n touch_v the_o scatter_a of_o israel_n give_v forth_o in_o the_o year_n 1661._o by_o edward_n burrough_n minister_n of_o the_o everlasting_a gospel_n on_o the_o 22th_o of_o the_o 8_o month_n 1661._o i_o be_v grieve_v in_o my_o spirit_n for_o the_o scatter_v of_o israel_n and_o my_o thought_n trouble_v i_o very_o much_o for_o the_o afflict_a in_o jerusalem_n for_o i_o also_o be_v great_o afflict_v with_o they_o and_o i_o pray_v unto_o god_n that_o he_o will_v show_v i_o his_o purpose_n concern_v they_o and_o these_o word_n come_v unto_o i_o abide_v thou_o in_o i_o thou_o helpless_a lamb_n and_o i_o will_v show_v thou_o great_a thing_n only_o stir_v not_o from_o i_o for_o thou_o have_v no_o helper_n but_o i_o and_o if_o thou_o go_v never_o so_o little_a from_o i_o behold_v a_o wild_a beast_n seek_v to_o devour_v thou_o therefore_o i_o say_v abide_v and_o then_o i_o weep_v great_o because_o i_o see_v what_o great_a danger_n i_o be_v in_o for_o i_o
their_o hunt_n bite_a devour_a spirit_n nor_o yet_o weary_a themselves_o for_o mere_a vanity_n lest_o the_o eternal_a decree_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v seal_v against_o they_o to_o their_o destruction_n for_o ever_o more_o to_o conclude_v this_o first_o part_n we_o have_v yet_o to_o add_v that_o since_o it_o be_v signify_v that_o the_o forty_o four_o article_n before_o cite_v relate_v to_o church-government_n and_o that_o we_o say_v they_o be_v draw_v up_o against_o two_o ancient_a and_o honourable_a friend_n in_o the_o truth_n viz._n john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n we_o think_v it_o proper_a to_o cite_v one_o passage_n as_o a_o evidence_n thereof_o out_o of_o the_o four_o section_n of_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o historical_a manuscript_n mention_v in_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n with_o the_o omission_n only_o of_o the_o name_n of_o person_n for_o the_o reason_n already_o give_v in_o the_o say_a preface_n the_o passage_n be_v as_o follow_v before_o we_o shall_v make_v any_o observation_n on_o the_o aforesaid_a article_n or_o preamble_n thereto_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o inform_v the_o reader_n that_o nine_o person_n concern_v in_o exhibit_v the_o say_v forty_o four_o article_n against_o the_o two_o friend_n speak_v of_o before_o thus_o declare_v concern_v they_o in_o a_o letter_n to_o nine_o other_o choose_v by_o the_o accuser_n to_o be_v judge_n over_o they_o viz._n and_o friend_n it_o be_v not_o any_o personal_a trespass_n against_o any_o of_o we_o that_o we_o charge_v they_o with_o nor_o any_o particular_a concern_v of_o our_o own_o as_o man_n that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o defence_n but_o the_o cause_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o wrong_n they_o have_v do_v to_o he_o but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o in_o the_o same_o letter_n they_o say_v that_o they_o have_v bear_v a_o dear_a love_n and_o honourable_a respect_n unto_o they_o in_o the_o holy_a truth_n compare_v he_o with_o what_o be_v write_v in_o the_o three_o article_n of_o the_o 44_o article_n before_o cite_v viz._n slight_v the_o heavenly_a motion_n on_o george_n fox_n his_o spirit_n in_o that_o case_n in_o the_o unity_n precious_o feel_v and_o close_v with_o mean_v the_o rule_n or_o form_n of_o church-government_n set_v forth_o by_o george_n fox_n pretend_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o by_o the_o say_a article_n appear_v it_o be_v evident_a to_o we_o that_o in_o their_o sense_n a_o slight_n of_o george_n fox_n rule_n method_n and_o order_n with_o respect_n to_o church-government_n be_v a_o slight_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o though_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o unity_n precious_o feel_v and_o close_v with_o yet_o that_o be_v notorious_o erroneous_a if_o thereby_o be_v mean_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o all_o friend_n for_o that_o some_o of_o his_o paper_n and_o prescription_n in_o many_o part_n of_o the_o nation_n among_o friend_n have_v be_v little_o take_v notice_n of_o as_o be_v well_o know_v to_o we_o and_o credible_o report_v by_o many_o moreover_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o we_o that_o some_o have_v have_v so_o great_a esteem_n for_o the_o prescription_n or_o paper_n give_v forth_o by_o he_o as_o that_o they_o have_v conclude_v it_o to_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o fruit_n of_o confusion_n and_o darkness_n to_o believe_v that_o what_o he_o have_v give_v forth_o be_v not_o intend_v by_o he_o to_o be_v urge_v with_o severity_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o enforce_a and_o this_o do_v thus_o appear_v john_n story_n one_o of_o those_o two_o brethren_n article_v against_o as_o aforesaid_a in_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o say_v forty_o four_o article_n take_v occasion_n to_o give_v his_o sense_n touch_v such_o thing_n which_o george_n fox_n have_v give_v forth_o on_o this_o wise_a viz._n that_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o george_n fox_n intend_v any_o such_o thing_n that_o they_o mean_v his_o paper_n direct_v to_o the_o church_n shall_v with_o severity_n be_v urge_v upon_o any_o of_o god_n faithful_a people_n but_o as_o instruction_n or_o direction_n commend_v they_o to_o the_o church_n leave_v the_o effect_n thereof_o to_o god_n and_o his_o lead_a grace_n in_o his_o people_n to_o make_v use_n thereof_o as_o he_o shall_v manifest_v a_o need_n of_o such_o direction_n counsel_n or_o advice_n to_o this_o sense_n robert_n barrow_n and_o eight_o person_n part_n of_o those_o who_o be_v concern_v in_o exhibit_v the_o say_v forty_o four_o article_n reply_v a_o part_n whereof_o be_v on_o this_o wise_a true_o thy_o darkness_n and_o blindness_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v feel_v and_o they_o must_v be_v very_o dim_a of_o sight_n that_o see_v thou_o not_o oh_o the_o confusion_n thy_o dark_a spirit_n be_v in_o to_o this_o we_o say_v this_o answer_n seem_v so_o very_o dark_a as_o if_o blindness_n be_v the_o lot_n of_o their_o inheritance_n who_o so_o write_v forwe_v well_o remember_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o ancient_a brethren_n who_o be_v skill_v in_o gather_v and_o careful_a not_o to_o scatter_v the_o flock_n do_v not_o encourage_v any_o to_o follow_v any_o outward_a direction_n whatsoever_o without_o a_o inward_a conviction_n from_o the_o leading_n of_o god_n all-sufficient_a grace_n free_o give_v to_o profit_n withal_o of_o the_o needfulness_n of_o the_o direction_n counsel_n or_o advice_n contain_v therein_o and_o why_o but_o because_o a_o observance_n not_o ground_v on_o their_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n lead_v grace_n in_o ourselves_o of_o outward_a instruction_n or_o direction_n in_o this_o gospel_n day_n may_v find_v no_o more_o acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n who_o be_v now_o to_o be_v worship_v obey_v and_o reverence_v not_o otherwise_o than_o in_o and_o by_o the_o spirit_n and_o light_n through_o which_o he_o do_v appear_v in_o man_n than_o a_o offering_n of_o the_o halt_n and_o the_o blind_a which_o be_v forbid_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n for_o a_o sacrifice_n might_n and_o this_o our_o sense_n may_v well_o be_v vindicate_v from_o such_o like_a testimony_n as_o these_o frequent_o utter_v by_o our_o ancient_a brethren_n we_o preach_v not_o ourselves_o let_v not_o your_o dependency_n be_v on_o we_o we_o be_v not_o neither_o desire_n to_o be_v lord_n over_o your_o conscience_n you_o ought_v to_o be_v lief_o for_o yourselves_o and_o see_v for_o yourselves_o and_o therefore_o we_o counsel_v you_o to_o 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 we_o now_o appeal_v to_o god_n witness_v in_o all_o conscience_n how_o this_o kind_a of_o language_n and_o discourse_n can_v agree_v with_o such_o as_o render_v it_o the_o fruit_n of_o confusion_n and_o darkness_n not_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o outward_a instruction_n or_o direction_n of_o g._n f._n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n be_v intend_v to_o be_v urge_v with_o severity_n upon_o god_n faithful_a people_n beside_o that_o which_o seem_v to_o aggravate_v the_o darkness_n be_v this_o that_o the_o faithful_a must_v have_v outward_a precept_n direction_n or_o instruction_n impose_v upon_o they_o have_v the_o sense_n of_o those_o who_o sense_n we_o can_v own_v be_v only_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o unfaithful_a it_o may_v have_v seem_v a_o little_a better_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v great_a cause_n of_o lamentation_n and_o mourning_n especial_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o believe_v either_o from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n give_v forth_o by_o inspiration_n or_o from_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o conscience_n that_o any_o man_n according_a to_o the_o motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o this_o gospel-day_n ought_v to_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o give_v forth_o any_o outward_a rule_n or_o prescription_n relate_v to_o faith_n or_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n with_o a_o intent_n that_o they_o shall_v become_v a_o bond_n upon_o other_o to_o submit_v thereto_o further_o than_o from_o a_o recommendation_n unto_o the_o conscience_n a_o service_n may_v be_v see_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o light_n give_v from_o he_o who_o be_v the_o fullness_n but_o whether_o this_o our_o sense_n be_v not_o by_o many_o other_o beside_o the_o aforesaid_a nine_o person_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n slight_o esteem_v and_o a_o combine_a sort_n of_o submission_n contrive_v as_o we_o suppose_v by_o a_o few_o tho_o enter_v into_o by_o many_o at_o this_o day_n we_o shall_v leave_v it_o to_o the_o unprejudiced_a understand_a reader_n to_o judge_n on_o mature_a consideration_n of_o what_o yet_o follow_v some_o few_o year_n past_o many_o friend_n in_o the_o county_n of_o westmoreland_n have_v be_v a_o long_a time_n burden_a in_o monthly_a and_o quarterly_a meeting_n by_o such_o as_o endeavour_v to_o introduce_v the_o practice_n of_o some_o thing_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o church
faith_n and_o all_o this_o may_v be_v attribute_v unto_o christ_n the_o author_n thereof_o and_o to_o what_o end_n but_o that_o as_o they_o have_v believe_v on_o he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o they_o may_v come_v to_o grow_v from_o strength_n to_o strength_n from_o grace_n to_o grace_n until_o they_o may_v be_v live_v witness_n not_o only_o that_o he_o be_v the_o author_n and_o object_n of_o their_o faith_n but_o also_o the_o finisher_n thereof_o unto_o eternal_a salvation_n second_o as_o before_o be_v signify_v there_o be_v a_o 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 wheresoever_o it_o 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 the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n tell_v we_o that_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n 5.9_o heb._n 5.9_o unto_o all_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o this_o show_v that_o obedience_n unto_o christ_n which_o undoubted_o be_v no_o other_o but_o obedience_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o qualification_n accompany_v such_o as_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o god_n who_o then_o dare_v say_v such_o obedience_n be_v of_o no_o advantage_n unto_o those_o who_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v lead_v thereunto_o beside_o we_o find_v that_o the_o same_o author_n write_v on_o this_o wise_a but_o belove_v 10._o heb._n 6.9_o 10._o we_o be_v persuade_v better_a thing_n of_o you_o and_o thing_n that_o accompany_v salvation_n though_o we_o thus_o speak_v for_o god_n be_v not_o unrighteous_a to_o forget_v your_o work_n and_o labour_n of_o love_n which_o you_o have_v show_v towards_o his_o name_n in_o that_o you_o have_v minister_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o do_v minister_n this_o do_v not_o only_o show_v that_o good_a work_n accompany_v salvation_n but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o recompense_n for_o the_o same_o employ_v in_o these_o word_n for_o god_n be_v not_o unrighteous_a to_o forget_v your_o work_n and_o labour_n who_o then_o dare_v say_v that_o it_o be_v no_o advantage_n unto_o salvation_n to_o those_o who_o be_v find_v exercise_v themselves_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o thing_n accompany_v salvation_n especial_o since_o we_o sin_v the_o apostle_n paul_n not_o only_o to_o exhort_v we_o to_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v but_o express_o signify_v that_o godly_a sorrow_n work_v repentance_n to_o 7.10_o to_o 2_o cor._n 7.10_o salvation_n not_o to_o be_v repent_v of_o moreover_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o though_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n tell_v we_o that_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n 11.6_o heb._n 11.6_o for_o say_v he_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v yet_o he_o do_v not_o rest_v here_o as_o if_o that_o faith_n be_v sufficient_a but_o proceed_v in_o the_o very_a same_o verse_n say_v that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v something_o as_o a_o act_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v bring_v forth_o through_o man_n beside_o rest_v in_o a_o bare_a faith_n that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o for_o such_o act_n there_o be_v a_o reward_n which_o if_o due_o weigh_v together_o with_o these_o scripture-citation_n mat._n 5.12_o 6.1.10.41_o 42.16.27_o luke_n 23.4_o 1_o cor._n 3.14.9.17_o col._n 2.18_o heb._n 10.35_o john_n 2.8_o nothing_o can_v then_o be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o those_o through_o who_o work_v which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n or_o act_n spring_v through_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n be_v bring_v forth_o shall_v receive_v a_o reward_n for_o such_o work_n and_o as_o to_o these_o word_n in_o the_o objection_n not_o by_o infusion_n of_o righteousness_n but_o by_o impute_v the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n 5.19_o rom._n 5.19_o which_o we_o take_v to_o be_v ground_v on_o the_o apostle_n word_n viz._n as_o by_o one_o man_n disobedience_n many_o be_v make_v sinner_n so_o by_o the_o obedience_n of_o one_o shall_v many_o be_v make_v righteous_a 19.21_o 2_o cor._n 19.21_o and_o god_n be_v in_o christ_n reconcile_n the_o world_n unto_o himself_o not_o impute_v their_o trespass_n unto_o they_o for_o he_o have_v make_v he_o to_o be_v sin_n for_o we_o who_o know_v no_o sin_n that_o we_o may_v be_v make_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o he_o we_o thus_o answer_v that_o these_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n viz._n by_o the_o obedience_n of_o one_o shall_v many_o be_v make_v righteous_a do_v not_o show_v that_o any_o one_o of_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n whilst_o sin_n be_v reign_v in_o their_o mortal_a body_n the_o word_n will_v bear_v no_o such_o consequence_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o such_o who_o be_v ready_a to_o object_n as_o aforesaid_a have_v high_o commend_v the_o practice_n of_o compare_v scripture_n with_o scripture_n that_o so_o the_o truth_n may_v the_o more_o clear_o shine_v forth_o in_o its_o beauty_n we_o shall_v manifest_v thereby_o that_o no_o such_o mean_v be_v the_o mean_v of_o the_o spirit_n for_o in_o the_o 21th_o verse_n of_o the_o same_o chapter_n it_o be_v thus_o say_v that_o as_o sin_n have_v reign_v unto_o death_n even_o so_o may_v grace_n reign_v through_o righteousness_n unto_o eternal_a life_n by_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n this_o reign_n of_o sin_n be_v in_o the_o mortal_a body_n of_o those_o that_o through_o a_o breach_n of_o the_o righteous_a law_n of_o god_n become_v subject_a to_o condemnation_n but_o when_o grace_n come_v to_o reign_v through_o righteousness_n unto_o eternal_a life_n than_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v witness_v and_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n reveal_v 3.9_o 1_o tim._n 3.9_o that_o be_v hold_v in_o a_o pure_a conscience_n which_o doubtless_o be_v not_o then_o a_o defile_v conscience_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v proper_o term_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n in_o which_o by_o faith_n salvation_n be_v know_v the_o mystery_n through_o which_o man_n arrive_v unto_o godliness_n notwithstanding_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n have_v wrought_v in_o some_o to_o pretend_v salvation_n thereby_o whilst_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o degeneration_n their_o conscience_n be_v pollute_v and_o sin_n reign_v in_o their_o mortal_a body_n then_o we_o may_v also_o say_v that_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n be_v dethrone_v then_o the_o old_a man_n with_o his_o deed_n be_v put_v off_o and_o the_o new_a man_n which_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 4.24_o eph._n 4.24_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n be_v put_v on_o again_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o word_n not_o impute_v their_o trespass_n unto_o they_o do_v only_o argue_v that_o their_o trespass_n be_v forgive_v as_o necessary_a to_o a_o state_n of_o reconciliation_n with_o their_o maker_n but_o do_v not_o at_o all_o hold_n forth_o that_o they_o can_v be_v in_o such_o a_o state_n whilst_o either_o their_o former_a sin_n be_v not_o forgive_v or_o whilst_o they_o be_v actual_o commit_v sin_n and_o trespass_n anew_o after_o that_o they_o have_v be_v through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n make_v partaker_n of_o such_o forgiveness_n and_o as_o to_o these_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o we_o may_v be_v make_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o he_o we_o also_o say_v it_o will_v not_o from_o thence_o follow_v that_o man_n can_v become_v a_o partaker_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n whilst_o sin_n be_v in_o dominion_n in_o he_o for_o the_o state_n speak_v of_o be_v a_o state_n in_o christ._n now_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o very_a same_o chapter_n verse_n the_o 17_o be_v on_o this_o wise_a if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n old_a thing_n be_v pass_v away_o all_o thing_n be_v become_v new_a and_o though_o this_o new_a state_n be_v a_o state_n wherein_o man_n be_v free_o justify_v by_o grace_n and_o bring_v into_o the_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o be_v redeem_a from_o under_o the_o law_n which_o consist_v in_o carnal_a ordinance_n that_o make_v not_o the_o comer_n thereunto_o perfect_a 7.19_o heb._n 7.19_o as_o pertain_v unto_o the_o conscience_n though_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o a_o better_a hope_n do_v yet_o notwithstanding_o we_o do_v not_o find_v any_o ground_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n man_n be_v thereby_o bring_v into_o be_v such_o a_o state_n wherein_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o a_o law_n 3.26_o rom._n
in_o isa_n 9.6_o it_o be_v thus_o say_v and_o the_o government_n shall_v be_v upon_o his_o shoulder_n and_o his_o name_n shall_v be_v call_v wonderful_a councillor_n etc._n etc._n second_o because_o it_o be_v whole_o repugnant_a to_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o conscience_n that_o the_o weight_n of_o a_o government_n that_o be_v spiritual_a and_o everlasting_a the_o law_n whereof_o be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o wherein_o nothing_o but_o true_a judgement_n and_o justice_n have_v be_v be_v and_o shall_v be_v execute_v for_o evermore_o shall_v rest_v upon_o any_o man_n or_o man_n as_o a_o governor_n or_o governor_n over_o other_o since_o there_o be_v no_o man_n nor_o man_n but_o be_v subject_n through_o temptation_n to_o err_v if_o they_o watch_v not_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v well_o say_v much_o less_o on_o any_o such_o one_o man_n though_o term_v by_o some_o the_o great_a apostle_n of_o christ_n who_o action_n towards_o his_o brethren_n have_v be_v find_v injurious_a to_o they_o undeserved_o and_o reproachful_a to_o the_o truth_n nor_o yet_o upon_o any_o such_o assembly_n as_o the_o usual_a general_n meet_v so_o term_v though_o improper_o of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n be_v because_o the_o metre_n have_v usual_o consist_v of_o uncertain_a number_n of_o uncertain_a qualify_v person_n that_o take_v upon_o they_o so_o to_o assemble_v while_o other_o behold_v the_o ill_a consequence_n of_o their_o meeting_n conscientious_o forbear_v to_o join_v with_o they_o three_o because_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n have_v their_o eye_n so_o much_o on_o his_o outward_a and_o bodily_a appearance_n as_o that_o christ_n their_o lord_n and_o master_n see_v it_o meet_v to_o tell_v they_o in_o these_o word_n joh._n 16.7_o it_o be_v expedient_a for_o you_o that_o i_o go_v away_o and_o when_o he_o so_o say_v he_o do_v not_o then_o tell_v they_o nor_o yet_o at_o any_o time_n before_o or_o after_o i_o will_v commissionate_v some_o man_n or_o assembly_n of_o man_n in_o my_o stead_n that_o so_o you_o may_v have_v your_o eye_n unto_o and_o expect_v write_a order_n from_o him_z or_o they_o to_o walk_v by_o and_o to_o lead_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n but_o john_n give_v they_o a_o reason_n for_o his_o so_o say_v in_o these_o word_n joh._n 16.7_o for_o if_o i_o go_v not_o away_o the_o comforter_n will_v not_o come_v but_o if_o i_o depart_v i_o will_v send_v he_o unto_o you_o mean_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o as_o he_o promise_v shall_v abide_v with_o they_o for_o ever_o and_o shall_v be_v in_o they_o which_o undoubted_o be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o exaltation_n of_o his_o government_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o that_o they_o may_v have_v their_o whole_a dependency_n on_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o as_o before_o be_v signify_v christ_n promise_v shall_v abide_v with_o they_o forever_o and_o so_o this_o may_v true_o be_v term_v that_o everlasting_a unerring_a unchangeable_a governor_n unto_o which_o the_o subject_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n owe_v obedience_n and_o why_o so_o but_o because_o under_o it_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v guide_v into_o all_o truth_n according_a as_o be_v plain_o signify_v from_o these_o follow_a word_n speak_v by_o christ_n himself_o joh._n 16.13_o i_o have_v yet_o many_o thing_n to_o say_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o can_v bear_v they_o now_o howbeit_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n for_o he_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o but_o whatsoever_o he_o shall_v hear_v that_o shall_v he_o speak_v here_o be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o contend_v about_o form_n of_o government_n or_o who_o shall_v be_v governor_n under_o christ_n government_n for_o if_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o we_o and_o that_o be_v to_o remain_v with_o we_o forever_o shall_v guide_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n than_o our_o dependency_n ought_v to_o be_v thereon_o that_o so_o thereby_o we_o may_v be_v lead_v into_o all_o truth_n or_o else_o we_o can_v manifest_v ourselves_o to_o be_v obedient_a subject_n unto_o christ_n under_o his_o government_n that_o he_o be_v exalt_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o men._n the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n lead_v we_o to_o give_v this_o testimony_n that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n either_o from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o we_o or_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o we_o to_o believe_v that_o any_o christian_a professor_n can_v in_o truth_n affirm_v that_o there_o be_v outward_a prescription_n and_o order_n give_v forth_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n through_o any_o one_o or_o more_o mortal_a man_n in_o this_o our_o day_n which_o other_o ought_v to_o obey_v and_o follow_v of_o which_o more_o anon_o in_o answer_n to_o r._n b_n book_n of_o government_n whether_o they_o see_v it_o their_o duty_n or_o no_o and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o may_v therefore_o come_v under_o the_o curse_n and_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n from_o god_n which_o happen_v to_o corah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n for_o their_o rebellion_n against_o moses_n and_o though_o the_o sin_n of_o corah_n etc._n etc._n have_v frequent_o in_o our_o public_a meeting_n for_o worship_n be_v speak_v of_o and_o intend_v as_o we_o have_v take_v it_o to_o be_v as_o a_o proper_a citation_n to_o describe_v the_o state_n of_o such_o as_o on_o a_o conscientious_a score_n can_v submit_v unto_o the_o outward_a order_n of_o one_o man_n yet_o we_o testify_v that_o such_o sort_n of_o insinuate_a and_o threaten_a language_n seem_v much_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o first_o covenant_n than_o the_o second_o under_o which_o we_o be_v and_o when_o countenance_v or_o speak_v by_o any_o expect_v such_o a_o submission_n it_o than_o seem_v to_o savour_v of_o a_o spirit_n that_o speak_v of_o himself_o and_o not_o what_o he_o have_v hear_v from_o the_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o consequent_o from_o another_o spirit_n than_o that_o which_o christ_n promise_v he_o will_v send_v for_o christ_n own_o word_n signify_v he_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o moreover_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o corah_n and_o his_o company_n rebel_v against_o moses_n who_o be_v king_n in_o jesuran_n and_o a_o leader_n of_o israel_n and_o through_o who_o the_o lord_n give_v forth_o his_o law_n to_o the_o people_n but_o we_o know_v that_o none_o can_v according_a to_o truth_n at_o this_o day_n pretend_v that_o any_o other_o governor_n be_v raise_v up_o among_o the_o child_n of_o light_n to_o be_v like_a unto_o moses_n who_o we_o ought_v to_o hear_v in_o all_o thing_n save_v christ_n jesus_n who_o by_o his_o spirit_n manifest_v in_o every_o subject_a of_o his_o kingdom_n be_v thereby_o become_v their_o lawgiver_n and_o while_o they_o be_v obedient_a thereunto_o they_o may_v in_o truth_n be_v reckon_v to_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n because_o they_o may_v then_o true_o be_v term_v such_o as_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o such_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n there_o be_v no_o condemnation_n objection_n this_o discourse_n touch_v government_n may_v occasion_v some_o to_o raise_v this_o objection_n we_o understand_v that_o many_o call_v quaker_n do_v hold_v monthly_a and_o quarterly-meeting_n of_o man_n and_o also_o of_o woman_n distinct_a from_o man_n about_o their_o church_n affair_n and_o that_o these_o meeting_n be_v repute_v to_o be_v establish_v on_o certain_a day_n that_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v alter_v by_o one_o man_n among_o they_o that_o have_v pretend_v he_o be_v move_v of_o god_n so_o to_o do_v and_o that_o the_o same_o person_n have_v by_o his_o paper_n spread_v abroad_o in_o divers_a part_n of_o the_o nation_n signify_v that_o none_o but_o loose_a spirit_n and_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o looseness_n pretend_v to_o set_v up_o a_o better_a way_n or_o to_o alter_v they_o to_o another_o day_n for_o fear_v of_o corruption_n in_o observe_v a_o day_n and_o that_o it_o be_v but_o from_o a_o corrupt_a spirit_n of_o darkness_n which_o god_n will_v blast_v and_o that_o some_o call_v these_o meeting_n the_o government_n of_o christ_n set_v up_o among_o they_o and_o establish_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o church_n affair_n and_o that_o true_a judgement_n and_o justice_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o christ_n government_n may_v be_v execute_v to_o this_o we_o answer_v we_o confess_v there_o have_v be_v and_o yet_o may_v be_v such_o meeting_n but_o if_o any_o think_v they_o have_v be_v or_o be_v establish_v by_o any_o one_o man_n or_o that_o therein_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n be_v set_v up_o any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o any_o
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
every_o memis_n to_o wait_v in_o that_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v to_o feel_v the_o go_n forth_o of_o the_o spirit_n in_o he_o that_o teach_v and_o govern_v and_o so_o to_o subject_v not_o to_o man_n but_o to_o the_o lord_n to_o receive_v from_o the_o lord_n to_o obey_v the_o lord_n not_o to_o know_v any_o minister_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n but_o to_o receive_v and_o submit_v to_o what_o come_v from_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o spirit_n not_o to_o know_v paul_n or_o apollo_n or_o cephas_n but_o the_o spirit_n minister_a in_o they_o paul_n may_v err_v apollo_n may_v err_v peter_n may_v err_v and_o do_v err_v when_o he_o compel_v the_o gentile_n to_o live_v as_o the_o jew_n gal._n 2.14_o for_o which_o paul_n withstand_v he_o to_o the_o face_n verse_n 11_o and_o barnabas_n also_o do_v err_v verse_n 13._o but_o the_o spirit_n can_v err_v and_o he_o that_o keep_v to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o himself_o can_v let_v in_o any_o of_o their_o error_n if_o they_o shall_v err_v but_o be_v preserve_v for_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v true_a and_o give_v true_a judgement_n but_o he_o that_o receive_v never_o so_o great_a a_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o if_o he_o keep_v not_o low_a therein_o but_o lift_v up_o himself_o because_o thereof_o above_o his_o brethren_n may_v easy_o err_v himself_o and_o draw_v aside_o other_o into_o his_o error_n second_o care_n must_v be_v have_v that_o the_o conscience_n be_v keep_v tender_a that_o nothing_o be_v receive_v but_o according_a to_o the_o light_n in_o the_o conscience_n the_o conscience_n be_v the_o seat_n of_o faith_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o light_n which_o god_n light_v there_o faith_n be_v soon_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o christianity_n be_v begin_v in_o the_o spirit_n which_o keep_v out_o the_o fleshly_a part_n with_o all_o its_o fleshly_a wisdom_n and_o reason_v about_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o as_o the_o begin_n be_v in_o the_o anoint_v so_o must_v the_o progress_n be_v as_o the_o spirit_n begin_v in_o the_o conscience_n by_o convince_a that_n by_o persuade_v that_o by_o set_v up_o his_o light_n there_o and_o lead_v the_o soul_n by_o that_o light_n so_o that_o light_n must_v still_o be_v eye_v and_o according_a to_o its_o growth_n and_o manifestation_n in_o the_o conscience_n so_o must_v the_o soul_n stand_v still_o or_o go_v on_o the_o great_a error_n of_o the_o age_n of_o the_o apostasy_n have_v be_v to_o set_v up_o a_o outward_a order_n and_o unformity_n and_o to_o make_v man_n conscience_n bend_v thereto_o either_o by_o argument_n of_o wisdom_n or_o by_o force_n but_o the_o property_n of_o the_o true_a church_n government_n be_v to_o leave_v the_o conscience_n to_o its_o full_a liberty_n in_o the_o lord_n to_o preserve_v it_o single_a and_o entire_a for_o the_o lord_n to_o exercise_v and_o to_o seek_v unity_n in_o the_o light_n and_o in_o the_o spirit_n walk_v sweet_o and_o harmonious_o together_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o different_a practice_n yea_o and_o he_o that_o have_v faith_n and_o can_v see_v beyond_o another_o yet_o can_v have_v it_o to_o him-self_n and_o not_o disturb_v his_o brother_n with_o it_o but_o can_v descend_v and_o walk_v with_o he_o according_a to_o his_o measure_n and_o if_o his_o brother_n have_v any_o heavy_a burden_n upon_o he_o he_o can_v lend_v he_o his_o shoulder_n and_o bear_v part_n of_o his_o burden_n with_o he_o oh_o how_o sweet_a and_o lovely_a be_v it_o to_o see_v brethren_n dwell_v together_o in_o unity_n to_o see_v the_o true_a image_n of_o god_n raise_v in_o person_n and_o they_o know_v and_o love_v one_o another_o in_o that_o image_n and_o bear_v with_o one_o another_o through_o love_n and_o help_v one_o another_o under_o their_o temptation_n and_o distress_n of_o spirit_n which_o every_o one_o must_v expect_v to_o meet_v with_o if_o thou_o be_v a_o christian_n in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n preserve_v thy_o conscience_n pure_a and_o tender_a towards_o god_n do_v not_o defile_v it_o with_o such_o religious_a practice_n duty_n ordinance_n etc._n etc._n as_o thou_o do_v not_o feel_v the_o spirit_n lead_v thou_o into_o for_o all_o such_o be_v idol_n and_o exceed_o pollute_v thou_o and_o be_v tender_a also_o of_o thy_o brother_n conscience_n and_o be_v not_o a_o instrument_n to_o draw_v he_o unto_o any_o thing_n which_o the_o lord_n lead_v he_o not_o into_o but_o rejoice_v if_o thou_o find_v he_o in_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n startle_v at_o any_o thing_n for_o if_o he_o abide_v here_o faithful_a his_o guide_n will_v in_o due_a season_n appear_v to_o he_o and_o clear_v up_o his_o way_n before_o he_o but_o if_o he_o be_v too_o hasty_a he_o may_v follow_v a_o wrong_a guide_n and_o that_o guide_n will_v never_o lead_v he_o aright_o towards_o the_o kingdom_n but_o entangle_v he_o further_o and_o further_o from_o it_o oh_o how_o many_o have_v run_v a_o whore_v from_o the_o lord_n how_o many_o have_v first_o lose_v the_o guidance_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o then_o drown_v their_o life_n in_o religion_n performance_n how_o many_o have_v drink_v of_o the_o cup_n of_o fornication_n from_o the_o life_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o fleshly_a wisdom_n how_o many_o have_v fill_v their_o spirit_n with_o new-testament_n idol_n and_o image_n how_o many_o have_v even_o harden_v their_o heart_n and_o conscience_n by_o follow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n their_o imaginary_a meaning_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o imagination_n and_o dream_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n be_v it_o not_o time_n for_o man_n at_o length_n to_o turn_v back_o towards_o the_o lord_n to_o wait_v for_o the_o visitation_n and_o light_n of_o his_o spirit_n from_o who_o they_o have_v go_v a_o whore_v and_o who_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n they_o have_v grieve_v and_o if_o ever_o any_o feel_v and_o enjoy_v the_o guidance_n of_o god_n spirit_n their_o conscience_n must_v be_v keep_v tender_a to_o it_o and_o ready_a to_o hear_v and_o follow_v his_o voice_n who_o speak_v in_o spirit_n to_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o he_o which_o infallible_o know_v his_o voice_n and_o be_v keep_v clear_a can_v doubt_v concern_v it_o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n say_v christ_n they_o know_v it_o and_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o strange_a spirit_n they_o know_v not_o so_o as_o to_o follow_v it_o but_o turn_v from_o it_o both_o in_o themselves_o and_o other_o but_o that_o which_o be_v not_o the_o sheep_n but_o have_v only_o get_v the_o sheep_n clothing_n cry_v out_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o may_v be_v deceive_v nay_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n that_o which_o be_v the_o elect_a of_o god_n can_v be_v deceive_v wait_v therefore_o for_o the_o birth_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o which_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v for_o a_o guide_n who_o infallible_o guide_v it_o out_o of_o deceit_n all_o deceiver_n be_v out_o of_o this_o birth_n out_o of_o this_o spirit_n perhaps_o in_o some_o birth_n or_o other_o frame_v from_o the_o letter_n and_o live_v in_o the_o imitation_n of_o some_o practice_n and_o ordinance_n from_o the_o letter_n under_o which_o cover_n they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v but_o stranger_n to_o the_o life_n and_o power_n and_o to_o that_o wisdom_n which_o beget_v and_o bear_v to_o god_n thus_o the_o jew_n err_v and_o deceive_v their_o proselyte_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n thus_o the_o christian_n in_o name_n have_v general_o err_v all_o along_o the_o apostasy_n and_o indeed_o for_o the_o generality_n have_v not_o be_v true_a christian_n but_o only_o a_o persecute_a remnant_n among_o they_o who_o life_n have_v be_v nourish_v and_o preserve_v not_o by_o doctrine_n and_o observation_n which_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v by_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n nor_o by_o the_o knowledge_n which_o they_o themselves_o have_v gather_v but_o by_o a_o little_a bread_n daily_o hand_v to_o they_o from_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n out_o of_o the_o wilderness_n that_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o nourish_v their_o soul_n up_o to_o god_n though_o many_o of_o they_o know_v not_o distinct_o what_o it_o be_v that_o nourish_v they_o nor_o how_o they_o come_v by_o it_o object_n but_o be_v not_o uniformity_n lovely_a and_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v christian_n to_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o sweet_a thing_n if_o we_o be_v all_o of_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o way_n answer_n yea_o uniformity_n be_v very_o lovely_a and_o to_o be_v desire_v and_o wait_v for_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v one_o lead_v and_o draw_v into_o one_o but_o for_o the_o fleshly_a part_n the_o wise_a reason_v part_n of_o man_n by_o fleshly_a way_n and_o mean_n to_o strive_v to_o bring_v
nation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o all_o their_o idolatry_n wickedness_n and_o superstition_n for_o that_o they_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o the_o evil_a of_o it_o whereas_o truth_n teach_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o have_v they_o be_v faithful_a to_o the_o small_a measure_n of_o light_n in_o thing_n more_o obvious_a it_o will_v have_v further_o open_v and_o manifest_v other_o thing_n then_o shall_v not_o the_o jew_n have_v be_v condemn_v for_o crucify_a christ_n since_o peter_n say_v they_o do_v it_o ignorant_o and_o paul_n testify_v that_o if_o they_o have_v know_v they_o will_v not_o have_v crucify_v the_o lord_n of_o glory_n yea_o than_o all_o those_o that_o persecute_a and_o burn_v the_o protestant-martyr_n be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v for_o it_o because_o they_o suppose_v they_o do_v well_o in_o it_o even_o according_a to_o christ_n testimony_n who_o say_v that_o in_o kill_v you_o they_o shall_v think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n shall_v man_n than_o never_o be_v condemn_v for_o do_v evil_a or_o omit_v their_o duty_n because_o they_o see_v it_o not_o what_o absurdity_n will_v folthereupon_o may_v easy_o appear_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o w._n r._n in_o his_o paper_n shall_v labour_v so_o much_o against_o this_o affirm_v very_o positive_o that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v give_v forth_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o by_o way_n of_o recommendation_n &_o not_o of_o command_n wherein_o he_o do_v either_o great_o mistake_v the_o matter_n as_o affirm_v by_o i_o or_o otherways_o run_v into_o a_o far_o great_a inconveniency_n than_o he_o be_v aware_a for_o if_o he_o mean_v that_o no_o man_n of_o or_o from_o himself_o only_o or_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o office_n or_o place_n he_o either_o have_v or_o have_v bear_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n aught_o to_o command_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o church_n i_o free_o agree_v to_o it_o and_o have_v assert_v the_o same_o in_o very_o full_a and_o ample_a term_n but_o if_o he_o will_v say_v that_o no_o man_n albeit_o real_o move_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n aught_o to_o go_v further_o than_o a_o mere_a reomendation_n it_o be_v a_o most_o insolent_a limit_v of_o god_n under_o a_o false_a pretence_n of_o liberty_n &_o will_v necessary_o conclude_v that_o god_n have_v not_o power_n to_o command_v any_o thing_n unless_o man_n be_v content_a to_o agree_v to_o it_o for_o the_o controversy_n be_v here_o draw_v to_o a_o narrow_a compass_n for_o he_o that_o will_v allow_v that_o god_n have_v power_n to_o command_v thing_n to_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o those_o command_n must_v be_v convey_v by_o immediate_a revelation_n through_o some_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o it_o may_v fall_v out_o that_o some_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n may_v through_o weakness_n or_o unwatchfulness_n not_o be_v sensible_a they_o must_v either_o acknowledge_v that_o such_o be_v to_o be_v condemn_v or_o say_v that_o god_n have_v not_o power_n to_o command_v or_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o revelation_n now_o a_o day_n as_o do_v the_o priest_n and_o truth_n enemy_n or_o that_o man_n be_v not_o condemnable_a for_o disobey_v god_n if_o he_o believe_v it_o not_o to_o be_v his_o duty_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v that_o unbelief_n be_v no_o sin_n now_o let_v these_o thing_n be_v serious_o consider_v how_o this_o be_v or_o can_v be_v avoid_v without_o grant_v the_o thing_n affirm_v by_o i_o for_o what_o way_n the_o truth_n can_v be_v assert_v the_o honour_n and_o just_a authority_n of_o god_n acknowledge_v the_o necessity_n and_o continuance_n of_o immediate_a revelation_n affirm_v and_o the_o iniquity_n of_o unbelief_n not_o justify_v and_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o rebellious_a and_o disobedient_a vindicate_v without_o affirm_v what_o i_o have_v do_v and_o if_o any_o can_v do_v this_o in_o word_n more_o wary_a than_o i_o have_v do_v i_o shall_v very_o ready_o agree_v to_o it_o for_o that_o thing_n may_v be_v propose_v to_o the_o church_n by_o way_n of_o command_n and_o further_o than_o a_o mere_a recommendation_n the_o whole_a current_n of_o the_o scripture_n show_v not_o only_o to_o the_o church_n among_o the_o jew_n where_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n do_v propose_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o be_v perform_v very_o positive_o and_o peremtory_o but_o even_o under_o the_o new-covenant_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o 15_o of_o the_o act_n and_o in_o many_o place_n of_o paul_n epistle_n particular_o that_o on_o 2_o thes_n 3.14_o if_o any_o man_n obey_v not_o our_o word_n by_o this_o epistle_n note_v that_o man_n and_o have_v no_o company_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a this_o then_o be_v manifest_v with_o respect_n to_o those_o time_n i_o will_v know_v of_o w._n r._n whether_o christ_n have_v now_o lose_v any_o of_o his_o authority_n or_o have_v leave_v off_o to_o rule_v his_o church_n immediate_o by_o his_o spirit_n whether_o so_o to_o affirm_v be_v not_o gross_o to_o contradict_v the_o ancient_n and_o primitive_a doctrine_n of_o friend_n observation_n w._n r_o be_v ten_o observation_n thereto_o observation_n observation_n this_o be_v not_o my_o concern_v have_v give_v no_o occasion_n in_o my_o answer_n for_o this_o his_o defence_n and_o therefore_o do_v make_v no_o reply_n thereto_o five_o whereas_o some_o do_v suppose_v that_o i_o do_v make_v the_o difference_n in_o the_o end_n but_o very_o small_a betwixt_o decissive_a judgement_n among_o friend_n and_o among_o papist_n and_o other_o person_n because_o i_o say_v they_o place_v the_o decisive_n judgement_n in_o the_o plurality_n of_o a_o assembly_n make_v up_o of_o their_o chief_a teacher_n and_o minister_n and_o albeit_o i_o limit_v it_o not_o to_o that_o yet_o i_o seem_v to_o affirm_v that_o it_o most_o usual_o be_v so_o convey_v and_o so_o the_o difference_n only_o be_v that_o they_o make_v it_o always_o so_o and_o i_o most_o usual_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o if_o in_o charity_n i_o may_v suppose_v this_o insinuation_n come_v not_o from_o malice_n at_o least_o it_o proceed_v from_o great_a ignorance_n of_o the_o popish_a principle_n and_o it_o be_v better_o for_o such_o to_o be_v silent_a than_o to_o judge_n of_o thing_n they_o do_v not_o understand_v for_o the_o difference_n here_o be_v very_o great_a and_o fundamental_a in_o respect_n both_o papist_n and_o other_o do_v affirm_v that_o man_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o outward_a succession_n or_o vocation_n may_v have_v true_a right_o to_o sit_v and_o give_v judgement_n in_o such_o assembly_n albeit_o they_o be_v void_a of_o true_a holiness_n and_o have_v not_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o they_o say_v be_v no_o necessary_a qualification_n to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o minister_n so_o that_o they_o place_v the_o power_n of_o judgement_n not_o only_o in_o the_o plurality_n of_o vote_n absolute_o in_o which_o we_o differ_v from_o they_o but_o also_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o such_o as_o may_v without_o any_o absurdity_n by_o their_o own_o principle_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v all_o and_o each_o of_o they_o void_a of_o the_o true_a grace_n of_o god_n and_o who_o even_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v gracious_a they_o affirm_v not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o immediate_a spirit_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o say_v be_v now_o cease_v now_o can_v there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n than_o be_v betwixt_o these_o two_o to_o wit_n to_o affirm_v that_o the_o power_n of_o decision_n be_v in_o a_o assembly_n of_o man_n to_o be_v member_n of_o which_o assembly_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v no_o necessary_a qualification_n and_o who_o deny_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o to_o be_v immediate_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n as_o a_o thing_n not_o attainable_a in_o these_o day_n and_o yet_o that_o all_o christian_n must_v be_v subject_a to_o what_o the_o plurality_n of_o such_o a_o assembly_n so_o constitute_v do_v determine_v and_o to_o affirm_v that_o the_o power_n of_o decision_n be_v only_o and_o alone_o in_o the_o spirit_n not_o necessary_o tie_v to_o a_o general_a assembly_n but_o if_o it_o please_v god_n to_o make_v use_n of_o such_o a_o assembly_n yet_o neither_o to_o the_o plurality_n of_o they_o but_o in_o and_o through_o such_o of_o his_o servant_n as_o he_o see_v meet_v and_o that_o none_o be_v capable_a or_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v member_n of_o such_o a_o assembly_n or_o esteem_v such_o from_o who_o such_o a_o judgement_n can_v be_v expect_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v receive_v unless_o they_o be_v man_n in_o who_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n not_o only_o be_v but_o have_v true_o wrought_v to_o mortify_v and_o regenerate_v they_o in_o a_o good_a measure_n in_o who_o the_o judgement_n of_o truth_n real_o
far_o the_o citation_n out_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a manuscript_n and_o now_o to_o return_v again_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o aforesaid_a query_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o grant_v the_o answer_n of_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n to_o be_v true_a it_o render_v they_o innocent_a man_n so_o far_o as_o relate_v to_o the_o matter_n query_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v too_o plain_a to_o i_o that_o this_o give_v not_o g._n f._n satisfaction_n to_o which_o i_o intend_v to_o speak_v more_o particular_o here_o after_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o can_v not_o be_v just_o according_a to_o his_o own_o rule_n who_o have_v often_o exhort_v friend_n to_o follow_v report_n until_o the_o author_n be_v find_v to_o conceal_v the_o informer_n have_v the_o answer_n of_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n give_v he_o satisfaction_n than_o i_o query_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o much_o more_o unjust_a to_o conceal_v they_o when_o the_o answer_n give_v not_o satisfaction_n especial_o since_o john_n wilkinson_n testify_v that_o he_o write_v to_o those_o who_o pretend_v g._n f._n desire_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o query_n to_o desire_v g._n f._n to_o give_v the_o name_n of_o the_o informer_n with_o the_o witness_n that_o now_o which_o satisfy_v i_o that_o the_o answer_n give_v not_o satisfaction_n be_v this_o robert_n barrow_n and_o other_o concern_v at_o the_o request_n of_o g._n f._n with_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n touch_v the_o say_a query_n be_v among_o other_o subscriber_n to_o the_o forty-four_a article_n of_o accusation_n draw_v up_o against_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n either_o joint_o or_o several_o wherein_o the_o matter_n query_v be_v reduce_v into_o article_n of_o accusation_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o be_v concern_v in_o write_v a_o letter_n unto_o other_o touch_v this_o business_n wherein_o they_o give_v this_o description_n of_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n viz._n and_o friend_n it_o be_v not_o any_o personal_a trespass_n against_o any_o of_o we_o that_o we_o charge_v they_o with_o nor_o any_o particular_a concern_v of_o our_o own_o as_o man_n that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o but_o the_o cause_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o wrong_n they_o have_v do_v to_o he_o but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o from_o the_o same_o letter_n they_o say_v they_o have_v bear_v a_o dear_a love_n and_o honourable_a respect_n unto_o they_o in_o the_o holy_a truth_n compare_v this_o with_o what_o be_v write_v in_o the_o three_o article_n of_o the_o forty-four_a article_n before-cited_n viz._n slight_v the_o heavenly_a motion_n on_o g._n f_n spirit_n in_o that_o case_n in_o the_o unity_n precious_o feel_v and_o close_v with_o mean_v the_o rule_n or_o form_n of_o church-government_n set_v forth_o by_o g._n f._n as_o by_o the_o say_a article_n appear_v it_o be_v to_o i_o evident_a that_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o who_o be_v espouser_n of_o those_o article_n a_o slight_v of_o g._n f_n outward_a rule_n method_n and_o order_n with_o respect_n to_o church-government_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n be_v a_o slight_v of_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n i_o now_o appeal_v to_o all_o such_o as_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o that_o respect_n that_o be_v give_v by_o robert_n barrow_n etc._n etc._n unto_o g._n f._n whether_o it_o be_v rational_a to_o suppose_v that_o robert_n barrow_n etc._n etc._n will_v have_v concern_v themselves_o in_o subscribe_v and_o abet_v such_o article_n as_o relate_v to_o the_o say_a query_n without_o his_o approbation_n or_o permission_n beside_o i_o well_o remember_v that_o in_o a_o reply_n make_v by_o robert_n barrow_n and_o other_o to_z john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n their_o answer_n to_o the_o forty-four_a article_n aforesaid_a john_n story_n be_v account_v a_o man_n of_o a_o dark_a spirit_n and_o in_o confusion_n because_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o what_o be_v give_v forth_o by_o g._n f._n be_v by_o he_o intend_v to_o be_v urge_v with_o severity_n upon_o any_o of_o god_n faithful_a people_n but_o as_o instruction_n and_o direction_n commend_v to_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v dislike_v by_o many_o friend_n unto_o who_o the_o knowledge_n thereof_o come_v i_o be_v the_o more_o concern_v to_o query_n of_o g._n f._n when_o i_o have_v opportunity_n whether_o he_o own_v that_o sense_n give_v of_o john_n story_n on_o that_o occasion_n and_o thereupon_o be_v in_o his_o house_n at_o swarthmore_n before_o the_o meeting_n at_o drawell_n occasion_v by_o the_o say_a difference_n in_o the_o north_n i_o speak_v to_o he_o of_o it_o which_o occasion_v he_o to_o call_v for_o the_o answer_n wherein_o i_o affirm_v it_o be_v and_o when_o the_o passage_n relate_v thereto_o be_v produce_v i_o also_o well_o remember_v that_o he_o speak_v not_o one_o word_n to_o condemn_v the_o same_o nor_o yet_o to_o manifest_v the_o least_o disapprobation_n thereof_o which_o serious_o ponder_v many_o month_n after_o on_o receipt_n of_o a_o letter_n receive_v from_o he_o date_v the_o 14_o the_o of_o the_o 11_o the_o m_o on_o 1676._o and_o compare_v it_o with_o something_o write_v therein_o which_o within_o a_o few_o line_n herein_o after_o will_v be_v cite_v i_o think_v it_o a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n that_o whatever_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n be_v fail_v yet_o nothing_o will_v give_v satisfaction_n but_o submission_n to_o he_o and_o his_o outward_a order_n prescription_n or_o rule_n whether_o lead_v thereinto_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n or_o no._n object_n why_o do_v thou_o speak_v of_o submission_n to_o he_o will_v not_o a_o submission_n to_o his_o outward_a order_n &c_n &c_n have_v give_v satisfaction_n i_o answer_v i_o be_o not_o satisfy_v it_o will_v because_o g._n f._n in_o his_o letter_n last_o mention_v thus_o write_v of_o they_o i_o tell_v thou_o they_o that_o thou_o call_v accuse_v be_v not_o right_o for_o have_v they_o be_v right_o and_o in_o the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o god_n as_o at_o the_o first_o they_o will_v have_v come_v to_o i_o when_o i_o send_v for_o they_o which_o seem_v not_o to_o i_o to_o be_v like_a unto_o the_o language_n of_o that_o good_a shepherd_n who_o be_v principled_a to_o leave_v the_o ninety-nine_a and_o seek_v after_o the_o one_o that_o which_o be_v lose_v after_o the_o receipt_n of_o the_o seven_o query_n by_o john_n wilkinson_n he_o write_v to_o john_n blaikle_v and_o the_o rest_n to_o show_v unto_o they_o the_o inconveniency_n of_o his_o answer_v such_o question_n who_o tendency_n be_v to_o gender_v strife_n who_o not_o take_v warn_v thereby_o and_o still_o press_v for_o a_o answer_n john_n wilkinson_n at_o length_n answer_v they_o the_o substance_n whereof_o be_v before_o cite_v and_o after_o that_o say_v that_o he_o be_v move_v of_o the_o lord_n a_o second_o time_n to_o write_v unto_o those_o who_o concern_v themselves_o about_o the_o say_a query_n advise_v they_o to_o call_v in_o their_o paper_n and_o tell_v how_o far_o they_o have_v be_v spread_v warn_v they_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o come_v unto_o he_o the_o 20_o the_o day_n of_o the_o 6_o the_o m_o on_o 1675._o to_o repent_v and_o turn_v from_o their_o proceed_n and_o leave_v god_n people_n to_o the_o order_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o command_n and_o that_o if_o they_o will_v not_o than_o the_o lord_n himself_o will_v break_v they_o and_o turn_v they_o one_o against_o another_o about_o their_o order_n but_o yet_o they_o desist_v not_o i_o be_o now_o sensible_a that_o some_o who_o may_v industrious_o endeavour_v to_o clear_v g._n f._n from_o what_o be_v from_o the_o foregoing_a line_n just_o as_o i_o take_v it_o lay_v at_o his_o door_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o say_a query_n propose_v to_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n may_v thus_o say_v we_o be_v not_o satisfy_v from_o all_o thou_o yet_o have_v signify_v that_o g._n f._n be_v a_o abetter_n of_o robert_n barrow_n and_o those_o other_o who_o concern_v themselves_o about_o the_o aforesaid_a query_n and_o proceed_n therein_o and_o we_o believe_v if_o g._n f._n shall_v be_v interrogated_a touch_v it_o that_o he_o will_v disow_v that_o it_o be_v do_v by_o his_o authority_n or_o approbation_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o i_o desire_v they_o serious_o to_o consider_v the_o observation_n which_o i_o make_v on_o these_o follow_a word_n mention_v in_o a_o postscript_n to_o a_o certificate_n write_v by_o john_n blaikling_n own_o be_v one_o of_o those_o concern_v with_o robert_n barrow_n touch_v the_o query_n and_o proceed_n thereon_o in_o favour_n of_o g._n f._n cite_v towards_o the_o latter-end_a of_o the_o five_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n viz._n what_o do_v you_o think_v to_o do_v with_o your_o vain_o attempt_v
to_o set_v one_o of_o we_o against_o another_o if_o you_o can_v through_o your_o hatch_n and_o suck_v up_o such_o lie_n as_o these_o do_v john_n wilkinson_n or_o such_o as_o stand_v by_o he_o think_v thereby_o to_o have_v his_o lie_a prophecy_n fulfil_v who_o say_v when_o a_o renew_a care_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n according_a to_o gospel-order_n spring_v among_o we_o and_o a_o testimony_n be_v bear_v against_o your_o opposite_a spirit_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v break_v to_o piece_n be_v this_o the_o shift_n you_o be_v put_v to_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v find_v a_o false_a prophet_n with_o a_o lie_n in_o his_o mouth_n to_o charge_v a_o lie_n upon_o i_o to_o defame_v the_o innocent_a withal_o my_o observation_n hereon_o be_v these_o what_o john_n blaikle_v account_n a_o lie_n be_v only_o a_o query_n relate_v to_o g._n f._n and_o john_n blaikling_n and_o which_o john_n blaikle_v give_v i_o occasion_n to_o query_n as_o in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o five_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n will_v appear_v by_o which_o it_o evident_o appear_v that_o in_o john_n blaikling_n sense_n g._n f._n be_v one_o of_o those_o we_o unto_o who_o john_n wilkinson_n prophecy_n extend_v which_o be_v on_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a query_n and_o relate_v to_o the_o person_n concern_v therein_o now_o forasmuch_o as_o g._n f._n spread_v abroad_o the_o postscript_n wherein_o it_o be_v write_v as_o aforesaid_a it_o natural_o follow_v that_o he_o own_v himself_o to_o be_v one_o of_o those_o we_o mention_v by_o john_n blaikling_n and_o they_o be_v the_o person_n concern_v in_o the_o query_n as_o aforesaid_a i_o now_o come_v to_o signify_v that_o after_o the_o aforesaid_a forty-four_a article_n of_o accusation_n be_v draw_v up_o robert_n barrow_n etc._n etc._n all_o informer_n against_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n write_v to_o nine_o other_o person_n who_o the_o say_v informer_n without_o assent_n of_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n choose_v as_o judge_n to_o judge_v the_o case_n thereby_o as_o i_o suppose_v to_o avoid_v the_o slander_n of_o be_v accuser_n and_o judge_n but_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n will_v not_o own_v their_o authority_n and_o so_o refuse_v to_o appear_v before_o they_o and_o thereupon_o they_o proceed_v to_o judge_v the_o spirit_n that_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o forty-four_a article_n without_o exception_n which_o manifest_v their_o weakness_n as_o not_o capable_a to_o discern_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a since_o many_o of_o the_o article_n be_v uncondemnable_a but_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v not_o my_o present_a purpose_n to_o cite_v the_o particular_a letter_n passage_n and_o judgement_n on_o this_o occasion_n i_o willing_o at_o present_a omit_v the_o same_o with_o this_o only_a observation_n that_o i_o be_o well_o satisfy_v from_o the_o observation_n and_o matter_n already_o mention_v that_o g._n f._n be_v privy_a to_o these_o proceed_n and_o if_o he_o esteem_v himself_o one_o have_v the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o he_o as_o no_o doubt_n he_o do_v he_o will_v in_o probability_n have_v be_v a_o reproof_n thereto_o have_v he_o think_v the_o proceed_n reprovable_a this_o judgement_n become_v a_o concern_v on_o many_o friend_n in_o the_o nation_n so_o that_o several_a from_o london_n write_v to_o friend_n in_o bristol_n to_o go_v down_o into_o the_o north_n to_o endeavour_v a_o accommodation_n of_o the_o difference_n for_o that_o divers_a paper_n by_o this_o time_n both_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o on_o the_o other_o be_v spread_v up_o and_o down_o the_o nation_n and_o person_n concern_v come_v to_o be_v various_o affect_v such_o as_o believe_v g._n f._n to_o be_v what_o i_o know_v he_o have_v describe_v himself_o and_o that_o in_o my_o own_o hear_n viz._n one_o unto_o who_o infallible_a judgement_n have_v be_v commit_v in_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o he_o know_v a_o state_n of_o purity_n at_o eleven_o year_n of_o age_n receive_v sufficient_a satisfaction_n that_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n and_o all_o at_o unity_n with_o they_o be_v apostatise_v when_o they_o understand_v g._n f._n own_a they_o not_o thus_o the_o door_n become_v shut_v unto_o these_o whereby_o their_o conscience_n may_v be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o goodness_n or_o badness_n of_o the_o tree_n from_o the_o taste_n of_o the_o fruit_n as_o if_o this_o be_v sound_a and_o rational_a discourse_n alas_o i_o have_v a_o inward_a savour_n that_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o tree_n be_v bad_a though_o i_o confess_v i_o have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o taste_v of_o the_o fruit_n as_o that_o i_o have_v never_o see_v the_o tree_n nor_o yet_o what_o kind_n of_o fruit_n it_o bear_v more_o than_o by_o report_n here_o methinks_v this_o observation_n and_o objection_n may_v be_v urge_v as_o rational_a obj._n thy_o whole_a discourse_n seem_v to_o carry_v a_o kind_n of_o a_o edge_n against_o the_o spirit_n that_o of_o late_a year_n have_v act_v through_o g._n f._n of_o who_o it_o be_v certain_o know_v from_o his_o write_n yet_o extant_a that_o he_o have_v thus_o advise_v take_v heed_n of_o judge_v one_o another_o and_o judge_v not_o one_o another_o i_o command_v you_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n neither_o lay_v open_a one_o another_o weakness_n behind_o one_o another_o back_n for_o thou_o that_o do_v so_o be_v one_o of_o ham_n family_n which_o be_v under_o the_o curse_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o backbiting_a behind_o one_o another_o back_n but_o love_n and_o so_o the_o same_o that_o do_v condemn_v behind_o the_o back_n be_v for_o condemnation_n with_o the_o light_n it_o also_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o his_o counsel_n have_v be_v to_o follow_v a_o evil_a report_n until_o the_o original_a reporter_n be_v find_v and_o his_o end_n i_o believe_v than_o be_v that_o judgement_n may_v be_v lay_v on_o the_o head_n of_o the_o transgressor_n all_o which_o be_v serious_o consider_v the_o objector_n may_v then_o say_v object_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o many_o of_o his_o action_n come_v under_o the_o just_a stroke_n and_o censure_n of_o his_o own_o word_n to_o this_o i_o say_v i_o know_v not_o how_o better_a to_o answer_n than_o to_o testify_v that_o pride_n must_v have_v a_o fall_v and_o that_o my_o persuasion_n be_v the_o lord_n have_v suffer_v this_o great_a evil_a to_o come_v upon_o he_o and_o to_o be_v thus_o manifest_v unto_o those_o who_o have_v profess_v his_o name_n that_o they_o may_v have_v no_o dependency_n on_o any_o other_o name_n that_o may_v be_v give_v under_o heaven_n but_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n the_o eternal_a son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o that_o every_o one_o that_o have_v make_v a_o profession_n that_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n in_o man_n be_v sufficient_a to_o guide_v such_o as_o obey_v the_o same_o unto_o the_o father_n of_o life_n so_o they_o may_v not_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o subtle_a craft_n and_o invention_n of_o man_n to_o leave_v that_o teacher_n and_o have_v their_o dependence_n on_o the_o line_n of_o other_o make_v ready_a to_o their_o hand_n though_o under_o the_o very_a pretence_n of_o be_v the_o appearance_n of_o the_o light_n itself_o for_o under_o that_o pretence_n satan_n in_o many_o age_n past_a have_v shroud_v himself_o as_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n on_o which_o subject_n a_o large_a volumn_n may_v be_v write_v most_o evident_o to_o illustrate_v the_o same_o which_o i_o omit_v now_o be_v not_o my_o present_a business_n this_o my_o sense_n and_o answer_n on_o the_o last_o observation_n and_o objection_n i_o be_o now_o sensible_a may_v create_v in_o some_o this_o further_a objection_n object_n what_o cunning_a device_n have_v be_v use_v among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n whereby_o the_o weak_a and_o most_o ignorant_a sort_n among_o they_o have_v be_v so_o ensnare_v as_o to_o judge_n from_o a_o pretend_a inward_a sense_n that_o the_o tree_n be_v bad_a when_o the_o person_n so_o judge_v have_v neither_o see_v the_o tree_n nor_o fruit_n nor_o yet_o know_v any_o thing_n thereof_o more_o than_o by_o report_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o some_o among_o they_o know_v to_o stand_v by_o g._n f._n even_o in_o the_o vindication_n of_o many_o error_n whereof_o g._n f._n be_v guilty_a to_o the_o dissatisfaction_n of_o a_o very_a great_a number_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n have_v publish_v with_o seem_v zeal_n and_o thunder_a lung_n such_o like_a kind_n of_o doctrine_n and_o exhortation_n as_o this_o away_o with_o this_o jealous_a spirit_n oh_o friend_n exclude_v the_o reason_n the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o jealousy_n and_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o brethren_n if_o you_o do_v not_o see_v yourselves_o then_o follow_v we_o that_o do_v see_v and_o no_o doubt_n but_o this_o doctrine_n have_v
faithful_a friend_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o dark_a spirit_n and_o whether_o otherwise_o the_o prophecy_n of_o those_o who_o have_v prophesy_v blast_v and_o wither_v outward_o may_v not_o quick_o come_v to_o pass_v where_o persecution_n be_v the_o aforesaid_a query_n my_o desire_n be_v that_o thou_o george_n fox_n may_v answer_v that_o so_o the_o simplehearted_n friend_n may_v plain_o know_v what_o thy_o judgement_n be_v in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n for_o i_o have_v cause_n to_o believe_v that_o many_o such_o be_v at_o this_o day_n draw_v into_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o some_o thing_n for_o which_o they_o have_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n from_o the_o conviction_n of_o conscience_n in_o themselves_o but_o rather_o as_o prompt_v thereto_o by_o such_o who_o be_v like_a unto_o those_o who_o lie_v heavy_a burden_n on_o other_o which_o they_o themselves_o will_v not_o touch_v with_o their_o little_a finger_n but_o bless_v be_v the_o lord_n there_o be_v eye_n that_o see_v and_o do_v perceive_v there_o be_v ear_n that_o hear_v and_o do_v understand_v and_o have_v boldness_n and_o confidence_n give_v they_o of_o the_o lord_n to_o stand_v in_o the_o gap_n as_o witness_n against_o such_o who_o cry_v against_o fleer_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n and_o yet_o be_v fleer_n at_o such_o time_n themselves_o that_o blame_n other_o for_o secure_v their_o good_n from_o the_o spoiler_n and_o yet_o secure_v their_o own_o that_o prompt_v the_o poor_a to_o offer_v up_o their_o all_z and_o yet_o take_v care_n to_o advise_v the_o rich_a to_o secure_v their_o estate_n that_o cry_n against_o other_o as_o unruly_a because_o they_o will_v not_o be_v subject_a to_o they_o and_o yet_o think_v themselves_o not_o oblige_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o any_o rule_n but_o their_o own_o that_o testify_v against_o libertine_n and_o yet_o take_v liberty_n to_o backbite_v slander_n and_o false_n accuse_v that_o declare_v against_o tale-bearer_n and_o yet_o be_v the_o chief_a nourisher_n and_o upholder_n of_o such_o that_o bear_v witness_n against_o wickedness_n and_o dark_a spirit_n and_o be_v so_o dark_a as_o to_o record_v 43.44_o record_v record_v read_v g._n f_n book_n touch_v woman_n meeting_n page_n 43.44_o a_o idolatrous_a woman_n for_o a_o virtuous_a one_o and_o as_o it_o be_v say_v to_o try_v the_o bad_a spirit_n that_o cry_n against_o looseness_n and_o yet_o be_v so_o loose_a as_o to_o quote_v a_o meeting_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n where_o womens-meeting_n where_o where_o viz._n the_o meeting_n before_o the_o door_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o congregation_n where_o old_a ely_n son_n lay_v with_o the_o woman_n as_o in_o g._n f_n book_n of_o womens-meeting_n lewdness_n be_v commit_v to_o prove_v woman_n meeting_n as_o g._n f._n have_v do_v that_o will_v be_v account_v watchman_n watch_v for_o good_a healer_n of_o breach_n remover_n of_o stumbling-block_n and_o yet_o appear_v watch_v for_o evil_n and_o not_o for_o good_a increaser_n of_o difference_n by_o add_v fuel_n to_o the_o fire_n and_o cast_v stumbling-block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o simple_a that_o appear_v reprover_n of_o such_o for_o tythe-payer_n who_o ever_o bear_v a_o faithful_a testimony_n against_o it_o and_o yet_o advise_v other_o to_o buy_v their_o tithe_n that_o say_v god_n have_v give_v they_o infallible_a judgement_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o yet_o appear_v notorious_o fallible_a how_o far_o thou_o g.f._n be_v concern_v in_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o every_o man_n word_n and_o work_n must_v be_v bring_v to_o judgement_n for_o i_o firm_o believe_v thou_o be_v the_o man_n that_o have_v be_v guilty_a in_o all_o these_o thing_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n take_v this_o as_o the_o four_o warn_v caution_n or_o advice_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o thy_o friend_n who_o never_o know_v the_o moment_n wherein_o i_o have_v more_o peace_n in_o any_o one_o action_n of_o my_o life_n than_o in_o what_o i_o now_o be_o write_v let_v the_o time_n pass_v be_v sufficient_a repent_v for_o thy_o many_o miscarriage_n which_o god_n have_v raise_v i_o as_o a_o instrument_n in_o his_o hand_n to_o discover_v unto_o thou_o for_o the_o imperiousness_n of_o thy_o spirit_n have_v but_o a_o ill_a savour_n in_o the_o noscril_n of_o god_n people_n and_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o priest_n of_o old_a whereof_o the_o prophet_n declare_v that_o because_o they_o cause_v many_o to_o stumble_v therefore_o be_v they_o despise_v and_o make_v vile_a before_o all_o the_o people_n so_o it_o may_v in_o time_n be_v say_v of_o thou_o unless_o thou_o repent_v because_o thou_o have_v lay_v stumbling-block_n before_o many_o the_o righteous_a god_n be_v witness_n between_o thou_o and_o i_o when_o no_o mortal_a ear_n that_o i_o know_v of_o do_v hear_v save_v our_o own_o that_o thou_o tell_v i_o after_o thou_o grant_v my_o request_n of_o have_v a_o hour_n private_a discourse_n with_o thou_o at_o my_o be_v at_o london_n this_o last_o spring_n that_o thou_o know_v what_o thou_o do_v in_o that_o quotation_n of_o micha_n mother_n that_o idolatrous_a woman_n though_o thou_o rendr_v she_o as_o one_o record_v for_o her_o wisdom_n and_o her_o dirtue_n and_o that_o thou_o see_v it_o will_v be_v a_o stumbling-block_n i_o therefore_o can_v but_o take_v this_o opportunity_n serious_o to_o put_v it_o to_o thy_o conscience_n do_v thou_o think_v thou_o have_v do_v well_o to_o put_v a_o stumble_v block_n before_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n do_v thou_o think_v a_o blessing_n can_v attend_v such_o a_o action_n in_o thou_o when_o christ_n himself_o have_v pronounce_v a_o general_a woe_n against_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a thereof_o oh_o george_n consider_v before_o it_o be_v quite_o too_o late_o do_v not_o continue_v a_o instrument_n to_o raise_v division_n strife_n and_o contention_n among_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o if_o thou_o do_v the_o loss_n of_o many_o soul_n may_v be_v lay_v at_o thy_o door_n which_o in_o one_o day_n may_v be_v a_o burden_n too_o heavy_a for_o thou_o to_o bear_v perhaps_o some_o may_v think_v many_o thing_n i_o hint_n at_o be_v groundless_a especial_o the_o matter_n relate_v to_o g._n f_n advise_v the_o rich_a to_o secure_v worldly_a estate_n and_o to_o buy_v tithe_n and_o therefore_o to_o come_v a_o little_a close_o i_o add_v these_o two_o query_n i._o whether_o thou_o g._n f._n whilst_o isaac_n penington_n be_v in_o prison_n and_o in_o erpectation_n of_o be_v premunire_v do_v not_o thou_o advise_v or_o at_o least_o encourage_v mary_n penington_n to_o secure_v she_o or_o their_o estate_n and_o whether_o afterward_o thou_o g._n f._n do_v not_o speak_v in_o discourse_n with_o another_o friend_n about_o the_o same_o matter_n to_o this_o effect_n viz._n what_o a_o condition_n she_o viz._n marry_o penington_n have_v be_v in_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o thou_o mean_v as_o to_o outward_a estate_n if_o thou_o g._n f._n deny_v this_o i_o will_v undertake_v to_o prove_v it_o or_o bring_v teltimony_n under_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o credible_a friend_n in_o truth_n that_o mary_n penington_n do_v signify_v so_o much_o as_o be_v query_v in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o query_n and_o also_o prove_v or_o bring_v under_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o credible_a friend_n in_o truth_n to_o who_o thou_o g._n f._n speak_v according_a as_o be_v query_v in_o the_o latter_a part_n ii_o whether_o thou_o g._n f._n do_v not_o advise_v nathaniel_z crip_n of_o the_o county_n of_o gloucester_n to_o buy_v his_o eythe_n both_o of_o priest_n and_o impropriator_n if_o thou_o deny_v it_o i_o will_v undertake_v to_o prove_v it_o or_o bring_v it_o under_o the_o hand_n of_o nathaniel_n crip_n that_o thou_o so_o do_v bristol_n the_o 20_o of_o the_o seven_o month_n 1678._o william_n rogers_n the_o aforesaid_a answer_n be_v read_v in_o the_o man_n meet_v of_o friend_n of_o the_o city_n of_o bristol_n at_o which_o some_o of_o the_o party_n with_o g._n f._n seem_v very_o uneasy_a whereupon_o some_o priend_n to_o william_n rogers_n propose_v to_o this_o effect_n that_o william_n rogers_n be_v in_o the_o city_n for_o he_o acquaint_v a_o friend_n that_o he_o will_v be_v within_o at_o his_o house_n if_o occasion_n shall_v be_v to_o send_v for_o he_o and_o ready_a to_o stand_v by_o what_o he_o have_v do_v and_o that_o if_o they_o please_v they_o may_v appoint_v a_o meeting_n on_o purpose_n with_o william_n rogers_n on_o this_o occasion_n but_o none_o of_o the_o party_n with_o g._n f._n appear_v to_o appoint_v a_o meeting_n the_o secret_a cause_n whereof_o we_o believe_v be_v because_o that_o some_o of_o the_o party_n with_o he_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o that_o g._n f._n in_o many_o thing_n be_v represent_v no_o otherwise_o than_o he_o have_v manifest_v himself_o to_o be_v thus_o far_o
the_o citation_n out_o of_o the_o 15_o section_n of_o the_o 2d_o part_n of_o the_o say_a manuscript_n to_o the_o aforesaid_a answer_n and_o query_n give_v by_o i_o g.f._n make_v a_o reply_n with_o a_o false_a certificate_n as_o hereafter_o will_v be_v mention_v annex_v thereto_o by_o john_n blaykling_n unto_o which_o i_o write_v a_o rejoynder_n and_o cause_v the_o same_o to_o be_v copy_v and_o send_v unto_o he_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o some_o other_o abuse_v lay_v at_o g._n f_n door_n be_v together_o with_o my_o rejoinder_n mention_v in_o the_o 21th_o section_n of_o the_o 2d_o part_n of_o the_o manuscript_n beforeeit_v i_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o insert_v not_o only_o my_o rejoinder_n to_o g._n f._n but_o also_o some_o other_o part_n of_o the_o say_a section_n pertinent_a on_o this_o occasion_n with_o the_o omission_n of_o some_o name_n for_o the_o reason_n mention_v in_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o one_a part_n which_o now_o follow_v on_o the_o 21th_o of_o the_o first_o month_n 1678._o be_v deliver_v i_o a_o manuscript_n subscribe_v g._n f._n with_o a_o testimony_n and_o postscript_n subscribe_v john_n blaykle_v what_o be_v therein_o write_v and_o subscribe_v g._n f._n be_v a_o reply_n to_o a_o answer_n that_o i_o give_v toa_o paper_n give_v forth_o by_o g._n f._n date_a the_o four_o month_n 1678._o which_o be_v read_v in_o the_o man_n meet_v of_o friend_n in_o the_o city_n of_o bristol_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o g._n f._n have_v lay_v down_o two_o false_a assertion_n on_o which_o he_o seem_v to_o build_v the_o great_a part_n if_o not_o all_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o conclude_v be_v false_a charge_n i_o shall_v apply_v myself_o to_o manifest_v those_o two_o false_a assertion_n and_o so_o the_o force_n of_o his_o six_o sheet_n of_o paper_n in_o answer_n to_o one_o of_o i_o will_v for_o the_o most_o part_n if_o not_o altogether_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n as_o such_o a_o impertinent_a idle_a discourse_n that_o be_v nauseous_a to_o man_n of_o honesty_n and_o endue_v with_o understanding_n unless_o it_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o understanding_n and_o honesty_n which_o i_o know_v be_v not_o nor_o can_v be_v to_o give_v credit_n unto_o the_o word_n of_o a_o man_n detectable_a of_o many_o lie_v from_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o own_o reply_n and_o compare_v with_o what_o he_o pretend_v to_o answer_v moreover_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o he_o not_o only_o praise_v himself_o at_o a_o high_a rate_n but_o also_o vilifi_v and_o scandalize_v other_o in_o general_a term_n and_o sometime_o in_o particular_a and_o yet_o bring_v no_o proof_n for_o either_o to_o i_o it_o appear_v that_o his_o best_a skill_n to_o answer_v any_o thing_n be_v of_o late_a so_o manifest_v which_o can_v but_o be_v obvious_a to_o every_o impartial_a eye_n that_o shall_v thorough_o peruse_v and_o ponder_v his_o answer_n to_o i_o g._n f_n first_o false_a assertion_n hint_v at_o as_o before_z be_v contain_v in_o these_o his_o word_n viz._n my_o paper_n be_v a_o epistle_n to_o friend_n which_o thou_o confess_v be_v a_o exhortation_n in_o itself_o good_a to_o this_o i_o reply_v this_o sentence_n and_o assertion_n be_v false_a and_o not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o my_o answer_n to_o he_o my_o own_o word_n relate_v to_o a_o exhortation_n in_o itself_o good_a be_v in_o my_o answer_n to_o be_v find_v only_o in_o these_o two_o sentence_n viz._n the_o above-recited_n paper_n i_o take_v to_o be_v whole_o make_v up_o of_o query_n to_o all_o those_o that_o make_v away_o their_o estate_n for_o fear_n of_o the_o spoiler_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n except_v this_o one_o sentence_n of_o exhortation_n do_v you_o not_o distrust_v and_o despair_v of_o god_n almighty_n his_o protect_v and_o deliver_v you_o with_o his_o almighty_a power_n to_o the_o exhortation_n i_o say_v it_o be_v in_o itself_o good_a etc._n etc._n which_o plain_o relate_v to_o that_o one_o sentence_n which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o exhortation_n but_o not_o to_o all_o his_o paper_n which_o he_o term_v a_o epistle_n to_o friend_n from_o g._n f_n word_n viz._n a_o epistle_n to_o friend_n such_o as_o have_v not_o hear_v what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o say_a paper_n may_v be_v apt_a to_o conclude_v that_o it_o contain_v something_o of_o exhortation_n counsel_n doctrine_n instruction_n teach_v prophesy_v or_o prayer_n or_o at_o least_o some_o sentence_n which_o import_v his_o be_v then_o exercise_v in_o some_o or_o one_o of_o the_o aforementioned_a spiritual_a gift_n but_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v therein_o find_v more_o than_o what_o may_v be_v pretend_v from_o the_o aforesaid_a sentence_n of_o exhortation_n as_o i_o take_v it_o but_o that_o sentence_n may_v also_o be_v take_v for_o a_o query_n as_o well_o as_o a_o exhortation_n and_o as_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o paper_n it_o be_v all_o query_n which_o give_v i_o occasion_n to_o ask_v this_o question_n viz._n whether_o such_o a_o paper_n can_v proper_o be_v call_v a_o epistle_n to_o friend_n in_o truth_n especial_o since_o it_o be_v easy_o savour_v that_o those_o he_o write_v to_o be_v such_o as_o in_o his_o esteem_n be_v exercise_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n that_o lu_v to_o envy_n for_o so_o his_o word_n clear_o import_v if_o one_o of_o his_o query_n and_o the_o beginning_n of_o his_o paper_n be_v compare_v the_o beginning_n of_o his_o paper_n run_v thus_o friend_n all_o you_o that_o do_v make_v away_o or_o over_o your_o estate_n etc._n etc._n and_o then_o about_o the_o middle_n of_o his_o query_n thus_o say_v whether_o this_o spirit_n that_o do_v so_o be_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n that_o do_v lust_n to_o envy_n to_o conclude_v as_o to_o this_o false_a assertion_n g_z f._n have_v scatter_v the_o substance_n thereof_o in_o at_o least_o eight_o several_a place_n in_o his_o answer_n to_o i_o which_o to_o speak_v in_o plain_a and_o vulgar_a language_n be_v one_o downright_a lie_n tell_v eight_o time_n over_o and_o since_o in_o the_o second_o page_n of_o the_o say_a manuscript_n he_o seem_v to_o imply_v that_o i_o have_v not_o be_v civil_a and_o ingenuous_a as_o a_o man_n i_o now_o appeal_v to_o all_o ingenuous_a reader_n whether_o this_o his_o action_n show_v any_o degree_n of_o civility_n or_o ingenuity_n either_o as_o a_o man_n or_o christian_a the_o second_o false_a assertion_n before_o hint_v at_o i_o thus_o manifest_a i_o propose_v thirteen_o query_n to_o he_o after_o i_o have_v answer_v the_o substance_n of_o his_o query_n and_o have_v so_o do_v i_o then_o proceed_v to_o add_v and_o that_o in_o a_o distinct_a paragraph_n from_o the_o query_n these_o few_o follow_a line_n viz._n the_o aforesaid_a query_n my_o desire_n be_v that_o thou_o george_n fox_n may_v answer_v that_o so_o the_o simplehearted_n friend_n may_v plain_o know_v what_o thy_o judgement_n be_v in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n for_o i_o have_v cause_n to_o believe_v that_o many_o such_o be_v at_o this_o day_n draw_v into_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o some_o thing_n for_o which_o they_o have_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n from_o the_o conviction_n of_o conscience_n in_o themselves_o but_o rather_o as_o prompt_v thereto_o by_o such_o who_o be_v like_a unto_o those_o who_o lie_v heavy_a burden_n on_o other_o which_o they_o themselves_o will_v not_o touch_v with_o their_o little_a finger_n but_o bless_v be_v the_o lord_n there_o be_v eye_n that_o see_v and_o do_v perceive_v there_o be_v ear_n that_o hear_v and_o do_v understand_v and_o have_v boldness_n and_o confidence_n give_v they_o of_o the_o lord_n to_o stand_v in_o the_o gap_n as_o witness_n against_o such_o who_o cry_v against_o fleer_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n and_o yet_o be_v fleer_n at_o such_o time_n themselves_o that_o blame_n other_o for_o secure_v of_o their_o good_n from_o the_o spoiler_n and_o yet_o secure_v their_o own_o that_o prompt_v the_o poor_a to_o offer_v up_o their_o all_z and_o yet_o take_v care_n to_o advise_v the_o rich_a to_o secure_v their_o estate_n that_o cry_n against_o other_o as_o unruly_a because_o they_o will_v not_o be_v subject_a to_o they_o and_o yet_o think_v themselves_o not_o oblige_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o any_o rule_n but_o their_o own_o that_o reâ—â—â—ite_n against_o libertine_n and_o yet_o take_v liberty_n to_o backbite_v slander_n and_o false_a accuse_v that_o declare_v against_o tale-bearer_n and_o yet_o be_v the_o chief_a nourisher_n and_o uphoider_n of_o such_o that_o bear_v witness_n against_o wickedness_n and_o dark_a spirit_n and_o yet_o be_v so_o dark_a as_o to_o record_v a_o idolatrous_a woman_n for_o a_o virtuous_a one_o and_o as_o it_o be_v say_v to_o try_v the_o bad_a spirit_n that_o cry_n against_o loesness_n and_o yet_o be_v so_o loose_a as_o to_o quote_v a_o meeting_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n where_o lewdness_n be_v
adam_n do_v through_o his_o rebellion_n in_o eat_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n chap._n v._o touch_v magistracy_n and_o obedience_n thereto_o on_o this_o subject_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o treat_v as_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o magistracy_n and_o people_n of_o england_n whereof_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n be_v a_o part_n 1._o we_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o owe_v obedience_n either_o active_a or_o passive_a unto_o this_o magistracy_n and_o that_o such_o obedience_n be_v as_o well_o ground_v on_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o as_o warrantable_a from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o for_o when_o the_o magistrate_n do_v command_v obedience_n unto_o any_o law_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o indeed_o no_o law_n of_o england_n according_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o its_o government_n and_o those_o maxim_n which_o be_v declare_v for_o law_n aught_o to_o be_v contrary_a thereto_o than_o we_o ought_v to_o yield_v active_a obedience_n and_o whilst_o the_o magistrate_n be_v in_o execution_n of_o such_o law_n they_o be_v as_o occasion_n require_v punisher_n of_o those_o that_o do_v evil_a 14._o 1_o pet._n 2.13_o 14._o and_o a_o praise_n unto_o they_o that_o do_v well_o which_o be_v agreeable_a unto_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n touch_v magistracy_n unto_o who_o in_o such_o case_n active_a obedience_n be_v to_o be_v give_v for_o the_o lord_n sake_n obj._n you_o speak_v very_o well_o so_o far_o as_o you_o have_v limit_v your_o obedience_n to_o good_a law_n but_o what_o if_o those_o in_o power_n shall_v make_v such_o law_n which_o you_o account_v bad_a and_o not_o ground_v on_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o direct_o against_o those_o who_o you_o term_v god_n people_n dare_v you_o then_o say_v that_o it_o be_v agreeable_a unto_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o and_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o to_o yield_v obedience_n in_o such_o case_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o light_n within_o and_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o that_o a_o christian_a yield_v passive_a obedience_n since_o for_o conscience_n sake_n choose_v rather_o to_o obey_v god_n than_o man_n 29._o act._n 5.28_o 29._o which_o be_v the_o apostle_n case_n he_o can_v yield_v active_a obedience_n for_o we_o find_v the_o counsel_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v on_o this_o wise_a resist_v not_o evil_a 5.39_o mat._n 5.39_o but_o whosoever_o shall_v smite_v thou_o on_o thy_o right_a cheek_n turn_v to_o he_o the_o other_o which_o clear_o show_v it_o be_v against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o resist_v and_o so_o consequent_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v passive_a and_o therefore_o since_o we_o have_v not_o at_o any_o time_n plead_v for_o any_o other_o light_n within_o save_v the_o light_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v as_o well_o agreeable_a unto_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o as_o with_o the_o counsel_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o that_o man_n under_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n put_v in_o practice_n that_o wholesome_a counsel_n which_o be_v give_v by_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o way_n be_v unchangeable_a viz._n resist_v not_o evil_a obj._n this_o show_v you_o principled_a against_o outward_a war_n and_o fight_n to_o work_v your_o own_o deliverance_n from_o under_o oppressive_a magistrate_n ans_fw-fr yes_o very_o for_o so_o we_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o child_n of_o light_n be_v desire_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lord_n according_a as_o the_o prophet_n say_v 2.5_o isa_n 2.5_o o_o house_n of_o jacob_n come_v you_o let_v we_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o last_o day_n touch_v which_o the_o same_o prophet_n thus_o prophesi_v 2.4_o isa_n 2.4_o he_o shall_v judge_v among_o the_o nation_n and_o shall_v rebuke_v many_o people_n and_o they_o shall_v beat_v their_o sword_n into_o ploughshare_n and_o their_o spear_n into_o pruning-hook_n nation_n shall_v not_o lift_v up_o sword_n against_o nation_n neither_o shall_v they_o learn_v war_n any_o more_o this_o be_v speak_v prophetical_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o reign_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n show_v that_o all_o outward_a force_n and_o war_n be_v to_o be_v deny_v by_o the_o member_n of_o his_o body_n which_o be_v his_o church_n to_o work_v their_o own_o deliverance_n a_o far_a proof_n whereof_o be_v manifest_v unto_o we_o by_o christ_n himself_o when_o he_o say_v unto_o peter_n put_v up_o thy_o sword_n into_o thy_o sheath_n and_o therefore_o in_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n unto_o we_o who_o as_o his_o peculiar_a people_n he_o have_v choose_v to_o follow_v his_o precept_n and_o example_n we_o can_v say_v bless_a be_v the_o lord_n many_o there_o be_v in_o this_o our_o day_n who_o by_o the_o peaceable_a spirit_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v lead_v like_o a_o lamb_n dumb_a before_o the_o shearer_n be_v retire_v in_o their_o spirit_n unto_o the_o lord_n out_o of_o all_o outward_a warring_n and_o fight_n resign_v up_o unto_o he_o in_o who_o preservation_n be_v know_v this_o that_o the_o same_o occasion_n may_v be_v give_v in_o this_o our_o day_n to_o testify_v as_o paul_n do_v in_o his_o day_n 3.12_o 2_o tim._n 3.12_o viz._n all_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n shall_v suffer_v persecution_n and_o so_o on_o this_o score_n be_v lead_v by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n not_o to_o resist_v evil_a lest_o they_o shall_v be_v find_v opposer_n of_o that_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v think_v good_a to_o suffer_v to_o come_v upon_o his_o heritage_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o patience_n which_o be_v much_o more_o precious_a than_o gold_n that_o now_o also_o our_o persuasion_n touch_v government_n in_o general_n may_v be_v full_o know_v we_o refer_v to_o the_o 3d_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n be_v a_o treatise_n on_o that_o subject_a chap._n vi_o touch_v respect_n of_o person_n plain_a language_n disuse_n of_o the_o word_n master_n unless_o by_o a_o servant_n to_o his_o master_n of_o custom_n and_o fashion_n of_o this_o world_n and_o of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o unknown_a that_o the_o outward_a deportment_n of_o friend_n in_o truth_n have_v become_v as_o a_o stumbling-block_n to_o many_o conclude_v that_o our_o manner_n of_o habit_n gesture_n and_o language_n distinct_a from_o other_o be_v either_o the_o fruit_n of_o pride_n or_o ignorance_n or_o else_o of_o both_o and_o therefore_o on_o this_o occasion_n it_o be_v think_v needful_a to_o add_v something_o in_o relation_n to_o this_o subject_a wherein_o our_o intent_n be_v not_o to_o make_v a_o apology_n for_o any_o action_n that_o in_o itself_o be_v real_o rude_a whimsical_a or_o imaginary_a but_o rather_o to_o give_v in_o our_o testimony_n on_o behalf_n of_o ourselves_o and_o all_o those_o who_o through_o obedience_n unto_o the_o inshinings_a of_o christ_n light_n in_o their_o conscience_n be_v make_v or_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n by_o which_o those_o who_o conscience_n be_v purify_v from_o dead_a work_n come_v to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n in_o newness_n of_o life_n and_o therein_o to_o have_v their_o conversation_n order_v aright_o so_o as_o not_o to_o give_v any_o just_a occasion_n of_o offence_n either_o to_o jew_n or_o gentile_n or_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o that_o keep_v themselves_o unspotted_a of_o the_o world_n nor_o yet_o fashion_v themselves_o according_a to_o their_o former_a lust_n they_o may_v not_o have_v whereof_o to_o 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 to_o they_o and_o they_o unto_o the_o world_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o ourselves_o and_o all_o such_o our_o testimony_n now_o be_v that_o when_o the_o everlasting_a light_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n shine_v in_o every_o conscience_n be_v exalt_v as_o that_o spiritual_a appearance_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o be_v to_o lead_v and_o guide_v into_o all_o truth_n we_o be_v witness_n that_o it_o become_v a_o discoverer_n that_o man_n in_o his_o fall_a estate_n be_v puff_v up_o in_o pride_n use_v many_o unnecessary_a attire_n and_o complimental_a expression_n to_o please_v and_o affect_v that_o mind_n which_o be_v alienate_v from_o god_n and_o estrange_v from_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n neither_o do_v this_o light_n only_o make_v such_o a_o discovery_n but_o also_o prompt_v to_o bear_v a_o testimony_n against_o the_o same_o by_o example_n and_o conversation_n and_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o dare_v to_o go_v after_o the_o vain_a fashion_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o world_n but_o rather_o have_v our_o eye_n unto_o that_o which_o be_v incorruptible_a viz._n the_o ornament_n of_o a_o meek_a and_o quiet_a
spirit_n neither_o do_v we_o dare_v to_o give_v any_o other_o than_o plain_a language_n to_o any_o single_a person_n not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o propriety_n of_o speech_n but_o because_o we_o be_v sensible_a that_o there_o be_v a_o will_n in_o man_n which_o be_v ready_a to_o hold_v the_o faith_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n with_o respect_n of_o person_n and_o that_o this_o will_n be_v to_o be_v cross_v that_o so_o a_o spirit_n of_o pride_n and_o partiality_n may_v not_o be_v nourish_v in_o any_o and_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n that_o we_o have_v be_v lead_v into_o the_o use_n of_o plain_a language_n and_o plain_a habit_n have_v we_o also_o be_v lead_v not_o to_o use_v the_o word_n master_n unless_o unto_o such_o as_o be_v real_o master_n and_o unto_o who_o as_o master_n obedience_n be_v or_o be_v due_a from_o such_o as_o have_v or_o may_v use_v that_o title_n though_o some_o may_v have_v ignorant_o think_v that_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n unto_o his_o disciple_n viz._n neither_o be_v you_o call_v master_n be_v our_o only_a ground_n obj._n do_v you_o place_n religion_n in_o thou_o and_o thou_o and_o not_o put_v off_o your_o hat_n and_o call_v man_n by_o their_o proper_a name_n without_o adjoin_v the_o word_n master_n and_o go_v plain_o in_o your_o apparel_n than_o some_o other_o may_n ans_fw-fr to_o this_o we_o answer_v we_o place_v religion_n in_o keep_v our_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o if_o thy_o conscience_n be_v convince_v by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o word_n thou_o or_o thou_o to_o a_o single_a person_n be_v not_o only_o more_o proper_a than_o you_o but_o that_o which_o on_o the_o aforesaid_a consideration_n thou_o ought_v to_o use_v and_o that_o thou_o ought_v not_o to_o use_v the_o word_n master_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o world_n unto_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v not_o thy_o master_n than_o it_o become_v thou_o to_o bridle_v thy_o tongue_n and_o express_v thyself_o according_a to_o such_o a_o conviction_n else_o thou_o may_v only_o seem_v to_o be_v religious_a when_o thy_o religion_n be_v vain_a and_o so_o likewise_o may_v we_o say_v that_o if_o thou_o have_v the_o like_a conviction_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o put_v off_o thy_o nat_n and_o go_v in_o plain_a apparel_n thou_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v lest_o the_o contrary_n become_v sin_n unto_o thou_o since_o thou_o can_v not_o pretend_v after_o such_o a_o conviction_n that_o freedom_n therein_o which_o may_v stand_v with_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n obj._n we_o have_v observe_v that_o your_o friend_n have_v in_o many_o particular_a respect_n behave_v themselves_o so_o cross_a unto_o the_o custom_n and_o fashion_n of_o all_o other_o as_o that_o they_o have_v appear_v not_o only_o rude_a but_o as_o if_o their_o ignorance_n be_v so_o great_a as_o to_o conclude_v that_o the_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n do_v consist_v in_o act_v a_o cross_n unto_o all_o other_o society_n of_o people_n whatsoever_o to_o this_o we_o answer_v if_o any_o have_v give_v just_a occasion_n for_o this_o objection_n it_o be_v to_o be_v lament_v because_o the_o great_a sign_n of_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n be_v to_o deny_v self_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o 16.24_o mat_n 16.24_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o beside_o we_o do_v testify_v the_o principle_n of_o truth_n lead_v none_o to_o be_v rude_a either_o in_o word_n or_o action_n nor_o yet_o to_o cross_v the_o custom_n and_o fashion_n of_o other_o society_n which_o in_o themselves_o be_v comely_a decent_a and_o of_o good_a report_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o cross_n be_v to_o they_o that_o perish_v 1.18_o 1_o cor._n 1.18_o foolishness_n but_o unto_o we_o which_o be_v save_v it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n a_o earthly-spirited_n man_n may_v become_v singular_a and_o cross_v unto_o all_o other_o and_o yet_o not_o deny_v himself_o through_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n may_v therein_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n another_o man_n may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n and_o yet_o not_o lead_v by_o his_o spirit_n to_o act_v cross_a unto_o all_o other_o though_o through_o the_o denial_n of_o self_n he_o may_v be_v true_o exercise_v in_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n and_o therein_o act_v many_o thing_n which_o some_o through_o envy_n or_o want_v of_o right_a understanding_n may_v term_v the_o fruit_n of_o rudeness_n and_o ignorance_n when_o not_o so_o in_o itself_o to_o conclude_v therefore_o we_o say_v it_o be_v good_a for_o every_o one_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o mind_n the_o inward_a divine_a and_o spiritual_a teacher_n that_o so_o none_o may_v run_v before_o that_o guide_n and_o then_o doubtless_o such_o will_v be_v lead_v to_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n in_o denial_n of_o self_n and_o not_o be_v active_a in_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v just_o be_v term_v rude_a or_o ignorant_a but_o in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v comely_a decent_a and_o of_o good_a report_n chp._n vii_o touch_v swear_v those_o unto_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v a_o divine_a understanding_n have_v declare_v that_o under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o truth_n to_o swear_v in_o any_o case_n whatsoever_o this_o position_n be_v justifiable_a according_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n and_o be_v not_o disagreeable_a to_o the_o light_n within_o matth._n 5.33_o 34_o 35_o 36_o 37._o it_o be_v thus_o say_v by_o christ_n again_o you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o have_v be_v say_v by_o they_o of_o old_a time_n thou_o shall_v not_o forswear_v thyself_o but_o shall_v perform_v unto_o the_o lord_n thy_o oath_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o swear_v not_o at_o all_o neither_o by_o heaven_n for_o it_o be_v god_n throne_n nor_o by_o the_o earth_n for_o it_o be_v his_o footstool_n neither_o by_o jerusalem_n for_o it_o be_v the_o city_n of_o the_o great_a king_n neither_o shall_v thou_o swear_v by_o thy_o head_n because_o thou_o cause_v not_o make_v one_o hair_n white_a or_o black_a but_o let_v your_o communication_n be_v yea_o yea_o nay_o nay_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v more_o than_o these_o come_v of_o evil_a these_o word_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o themselves_o a_o positive_a prohibition_n not_o only_o of_o vain_a oath_n but_o of_o all_o other_o whatsoever_o which_o be_v account_v lawful_a and_o though_o some_o have_v object_v that_o vain_a oath_n be_v only_o forbid_v by_o christ_n 6.16_o heb._n 6.16_o because_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n thus_o write_v for_o man_n very_o swear_v by_o the_o great_a and_o a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n be_v to_o they_o a_o end_v of_o all_o strife_n thence_o infer_v that_o under_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n oath_n by_o way_n of_o testimony_n for_o end_v of_o controversy_n be_v lawful_a yet_o these_o word_n will_v not_o bear_v any_o such_o inserence_n for_o the_o word_n in_o themselves_o do_v only_o signify_v what_o be_v practise_v by_o man_n but_o nothing_o be_v say_v in_o justification_n of_o that_o practice_n and_o if_o we_o peruse_v the_o 13_o and_o 17_o verse_n of_o the_o same_o chapter_n it_o will_v thence_o appear_v that_o the_o occasion_n whereon_o these_o word_n be_v write_v be_v by_o way_n of_o illustration_n or_o comparison_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o promise_n which_o god_n make_v unto_o abraham_n and_o confirm_v by_o a_o oath_n moreover_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o christ_n intend_v the_o prohibition_n of_o something_o which_o be_v lawful_a which_o can_v not_o be_v if_o nothing_o be_v prohibit_v save_o vain_a oath_n because_o such_o the_o law_n allow_v not_o obj._n on_o this_o subject_a some_o may_v ready_o thus_o object_n do_v you_o believe_v that_o the_o light_n within_o will_v have_v direct_v you_o to_o have_v deny_v the_o take_n of_o a_o oath_n before_o a_o magistrate_n on_o any_o occasion_n whatsoever_o have_v the_o scripture_n be_v silent_a in_o this_o case_n ans_fw-fr the_o matter_n of_o swear_v especial_o the_o form_n thereof_o as_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o people_n of_o england_n be_v but_o a_o humane_a political_a institution_n not_o justifiable_a by_o any_o testimony_n give_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n either_o under_o the_o first_o or_o second_o covenant_n and_o introduce_v on_o this_o score_n as_o suppose_v a_o great_a dread_n may_v lie_v on_o the_o conscience_n of_o mankind_n to_o speak_v the_o truth_n and_o perform_v a_o covenant_n when_o swear_v so_o to_o do_v than_z when_o not_o but_o those_o who_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n do_v know_v