another_o word_n may_v come_v from_o they_o proper_a to_o our_o state_n then_o to_o warn_v we_o not_o to_o despise_v prophesy_v or_o the_o gift_n power_n and_o authority_n of_o life_n in_o other_o now_o both_o these_o be_v proper_a useful_a and_o weighty_a in_o their_o season_n when_o give_v forth_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n nor_o be_v they_o contradictory_n one_o to_o the_o other_o but_z subservient_fw-fr in_o their_o season_n and_o place_n which_o that_o which_o be_v of_o god_n feel_v but_o that_o which_o be_v err_v from_o god_n and_o join_v to_o another_o under_o a_o false_a representation_n and_o belief_n of_o thing_n feel_v not_o but_o find_v a_o seem_a difference_n and_o set_v they_o at_o variance_n one_o with_o another_o as_o if_o they_o can_v not_o stand_v together_o and_o this_o be_v the_o false_a nature_n the_o false_a spirit_n the_o false_a appearance_n of_o life_n which_o appear_v as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o the_o pure_a true_a life_n but_o be_v not_o this_o be_v the_o false_a woman_n the_o false_a wisdom_n who_o heart_n be_v as_o snare_n and_o net_n and_o her_o hand_n band_n who_o so_o please_v god_n abide_v in_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o truth_n shall_v escape_v she_o but_o the_o sinner_n that_o depart_v therefrom_o shall_v be_v take_v by_o she_o therefore_o fear_v the_o lord_n come_v to_o that_o which_o first_o convince_v to_o the_o first_o truth_n to_o the_o first_o sense_n to_o the_o first_o love_n etc._n etc._n and_o all_o these_o imagination_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o subtle_a device_n of_o the_o enemy_n will_v fly_v away_o and_o thy_o poor_a entangle_a soul_n be_v deliver_v as_o a_o bird_n out_o of_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o fowler_n if_o the_o enemy_n shall_v direct_o cry_v out_o against_o god_n or_o his_o christ_n or_o his_o grace_n or_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o truth_n he_o will_v easy_o be_v espy_v and_o turn_v from_o therefore_o he_o teach_v to_o cry_v up_o these_o in_o a_o wrong_a spirit_n and_o judgement_n and_o after_o a_o wrong_a manner_n to_o undermine_v betray_v and_o lead_v the_o heart_n from_o that_o secret_o which_o open_o it_o will_v never_o hear_v any_o thing_n against_o now_o those_o that_o be_v thus_o deceive_v be_v exceed_o to_o be_v pity_v and_o their_o deliverance_n from_o their_o entanglement_n and_o captivity_n to_o be_v breathe_v after_o and_o wait_v for_o for_o i_o may_v say_v in_o truth_n and_o upright_a sense_n of_o heart_n there_o be_v many_o that_o look_v towards_o zion_n who_o yet_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o device_n and_o slight_n of_o satan_n to_o entangle_v they_o in_o their_o way_n and_o some_o be_v catch_v in_o his_o snare_n like_o foolish_a bird_n catch_v at_o the_o chaff_n which_o make_v the_o big_a show_n instead_o of_o the_o wheat_n lose_v the_o substance_n for_o a_o shadow_n the_o life_n and_o power_n in_o the_o heart_n for_o a_o notion_n and_o conceit_n in_o the_o brain_n and_o these_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n so_o that_o indeed_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o reach_v or_o recover_v they_o yea_o much_o hard_a than_o it_o be_v at_o first_o because_o they_o be_v become_v more_o root_v and_o settle_v in_o the_o wrong_a ground_n yea_o in_o a_o worse_a earth_n than_o they_o be_v when_o they_o be_v first_o reach_v to_o by_o the_o power_n of_o truth_n yet_o over_o these_o there_o be_v a_o deep_a lamentation_n and_o for_o these_o a_o sore_a travel_n which_o the_o lord_n god_n bless_v and_o prosper_v for_o their_o recovery_n unto_o that_o from_o which_o through_o mistake_n they_o have_v err_v object_n 4._o if_o any_o man_n have_v receive_v a_o gift_n of_o ministry_n he_o have_v receive_v it_o of_o the_o lord_n and_o its_o end_n be_v to_o gather_v to_o the_o lord_n they_o that_o by_o it_o be_v gather_v be_v to_o be_v deliver_v up_o to_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o as_o king_n priest_n and_o prophet_n may_v govern_v etc._n etc._n answ_n the_o end_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v not_o only_o to_o gather_v but_o also_o to_o preserve_v and_o build_v up_o what_o be_v gather_v even_o to_o perfection_n and_o the_o soul_n be_v especial_o at_o first_o if_o not_o for_o a_o long_a time_n weak_a and_o babish_a not_o so_o full_o acquaint_v with_o the_o measure_n of_o life_n have_v have_v but_o some_o touch_n and_o demonstration_n of_o it_o but_o not_o be_v gather_v full_o into_o it_o nor_o root_v and_o settle_v in_o it_o i_o say_v the_o soul_n in_o this_o state_n have_v as_o much_o need_n of_o the_o ministry_n to_o preserve_v direct_a and_o watch_v over_o it_o in_o the_o truth_n as_o to_o gather_v it_o out_o of_o the_o world_n therefore_o the_o father_n in_o his_o tender_a mercy_n and_o love_n have_v appoint_v those_o who_o be_v grow_v in_o his_o life_n and_o in_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o oversee_v watch_v over_o instruct_v and_o take_v care_n of_o the_o flock_n so_o as_o they_o may_v give_v to_o he_o a_o account_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o in_o their_o care_n diligence_n and_o faithfulness_n they_o be_v own_v and_o bless_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o other_o in_o their_o holy_a fear_n reverence_n and_o subjection_n now_o this_o be_v right_a order_n from_o god_n wherein_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o flock_n consist_v but_o out_o of_o this_o be_v danger_n and_o confusion_n which_o the_o measure_n of_o life_n teach_v to_o avoid_v object_n 5._o but_o in_o a_o case_n of_o doubt_n or_o difference_n which_o shall_v be_v the_o judge_n the_o measure_n of_o life_n within_o or_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o without_o shall_v i_o judge_v as_o i_o feel_v the_o thing_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o my_o own_o life_n or_o shall_v i_o submit_v to_o other_o against_o my_o own_o sense_n and_o judgement_n because_o i_o have_v a_o esteem_n of_o they_o as_o be_v much_o above_o i_o in_o the_o growth_n sense_n and_o understanding_n of_o truth_n answ_n it_o be_v a_o great_a matter_n to_o judge_v aright_o and_o to_o discern_v and_o know_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n the_o voice_n motion_n and_o judgement_n thereof_o from_o all_o the_o enemy_n false_a appearance_n and_o from_o all_o the_o deceit_n of_o the_o heart_n this_o be_v most_o certain_a jerusalem_n the_o heavenly-building_n the_o church_n of_o the_o first-born_a be_v at_o unity_n with_o itself_o truth_n be_v pure_a eternal_a unchangeable_a always_o the_o same_o the_o same_o in_o every_o member_n in_o every_o vessel_n throughout_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o this_o i_o may_v say_v concern_v its_o appearance_n in_o this_o our_o age_n be_v ever_o the_o like_a unity_n know_v and_o bring_v forth_o since_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n how_o have_v the_o spirit_n be_v one_o the_o demonstration_n and_o testimony_n of_o truth_n one_o the_o doctrine_n one_o the_o conversation_n and_o practice_n one_o in_o we_o all_o why_o or_o how_o so_o because_o we_o have_v have_v our_o beget_n birth_n and_o teach_n from_o the_o same_o life_n the_o same_o spitit_fw-la the_o same_o fountain_n spring_v up_o and_o open_v in_o we_o all_o that_o have_v be_v gather_v into_o its_o nature_n and_o power_n now_o from_o this_o fountain_n from_o this_o spring_n of_o life_n never_o issue_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o life_n in_o any_o therefore_o if_o there_o appear_v a_o contrariety_n there_o must_v be_v a_o wait_a to_o feel_v who_o be_v err_v from_o or_o at_o least_o not_o yet_o full_o gather_v into_o the_o measure_n of_o life_n and_o such_o as_o be_v of_o a_o inferior_a stature_n and_o growth_n in_o the_o body_n be_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n to_o watch_v and_o wait_v in_o sobriety_n and_o fear_n till_o the_o lord_n clear_v up_o and_o make_v thing_n manifest_a &_o likewise_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o a_o hasty_a conclude_v according_a to_o what_o rise_v up_o in_o the_o understanding_n or_o judgement_n though_o with_o never_o so_o great_a a_o seem_a clearness_n and_o satisfaction_n as_o if_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v of_o and_o from_o the_o life_n in_o the_o vessel_n it_o be_v not_o a_o easy_a matter_n in_o all_o case_n clear_o and_o understand_o to_o discern_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o shepherd_n the_o motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o certain_o to_o distinguish_v the_o measure_n of_o life_n from_o all_o other_o voice_n motion_n and_o appearance_n whatsoever_o through_o much_o growth_n in_o the_o truth_n through_o much_o wait_a on_o the_o lord_n through_o much_o fear_n and_o tremble_v through_o much_o sobriety_n and_o meekness_n through_o much_o exercise_n of_o the_o sense_n this_o be_v at_o length_n give_v and_o obtain_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o preservation_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n to_o that_o which_o be_v lowly_a and_o submissive_a look_v up_o to_o the_o lord_n continual_o and_o not_o trust_v to_o its_o own_o
some_o query_n concern_v the_o order_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n query_n 1_o whither_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o head_n lord_n king_n etc._n etc._n have_v not_o appoint_v a_o spiritual_a order_n and_o government_n to_o be_v in_o his_o church_n and_o congregation_n qu._n 2._o whether_o a_o spiritual_a order_n and_o government_n be_v not_o useful_a profitable_a and_o necessary_a for_o the_o well-being_n and_o right-managing_a of_o this_o spiritual_a body_n and_o holy_a society_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o life_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o natural_a society_n natural_a government_n and_o order_n be_v profitable_a and_o necessary_a and_o be_v not_o spiritual_a government_n as_o profitable_a and_o necessary_a in_o spiritual_a society_n qu._n 3._o do_v not_o christ_n give_v power_n of_o government_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o minister_n at_o the_o first_o publication_n of_o his_o everlasting_a gospel_n all_o power_n be_v give_v he_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n and_o do_v not_o he_o who_o have_v all_o power_n give_v he_o give_v power_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o minister_n to_o preach_v his_o everlasting_a gospel_n to_o the_o world_n to_o gather_v his_o sheep_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o watch_v over_o they_o oversee_v they_o reprove_v exhort_v admonish_v build_v up_o in_o the_o holy_a faith_n and_o out_o off_o and_o cast_v out_o that_o which_o be_v unholy_a and_o will_v dispute_v against_o but_o not_o submit_v unto_o the_o spirit_n life_n and_o power_n of_o truth_n qu._n 4._o do_v not_o christ_n give_v they_o gift_n also_o answerable_a spirit_n of_o discern_v that_o they_o may_v be_v eye_n to_o the_o body_n and_o quick_a ear_n that_o they_o may_v hear_v for_o the_o body_n for_o though_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v every_o one_o a_o eye_n and_o a_o ear_n as_o to_o themselves_o yet_o every_o one_o be_v not_o make_v by_o the_o lord_n a_o eye_n or_o ear_n unto_o the_o body_n but_o this_o be_v appoint_v for_o and_o give_v to_o those_o to_o who_o the_o lord_n please_v who_o have_v order_v all_o thing_n wise_o careful_o and_o tender_o for_o the_o good_a of_o all_o qu._n 5._o be_v there_o not_o title_n give_v they_o suitable_a to_o their_o office_n and_o service_n in_o this_o kind_n as_o pastor_n or_o shepherd_n after_o god_n heart_n according_a to_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o new-covenant_n overseer_n or_o bishop_n such_o as_o watch_v for_o the_o soul_n such_o as_o be_v not_o only_o to_o lay_v the_o foundation_n but_o also_o carry_v on_o the_o building_n even_o to_o perfection_n even_o till_o they_o be_v able_a to_o present_v the_o gather_v and_o quicken_v soul_n a_o chaste_a virgin_n to_o christ_n and_o be_v they_o not_o to_o watch_v against_o testify_v against_o and_o in_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o strike_v at_o all_o that_o be_v contrary_a and_o will_v endeavour_v to_o interrupt_v overturn_v and_o destroy_v their_o work_n which_o be_v of_o in_o and_o from_o the_o lord_n qu._n 6._o whether_o the_o body_n and_o common_a member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o hearken_v to_o these_o he_o that_o know_v god_n hear_v we_o 1_o joh._n 4._o 6._o to_o obey_v they_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o submit_v to_o this_o ministry_n and_o their_o work_n in_o it_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o holy_a exhortation_n and_o admonition_n milk_v out_o by_o these_o to_o they_o from_o the_o breast_n of_o life_n and_o be_v not_o they_o that_o do_v hearken_v and_o obey_v commend_v and_o be_v not_o the_o other_o that_o be_v not_o subject_v but_o slight_v they_o and_o their_o ministry_n and_o authority_n testify_v against_o as_o disorderly_a and_o unruly_a qu._n 7._o be_v there_o not_o some_o relic_n of_o this_o order_n and_o government_n all_o along_o the_o apostasy_n in_o the_o true_a church_n and_o ministry_n thereof_o for_o there_o have_v be_v a_o church_n and_o a_o ministry_n all_o along_o the_o apostasy_n bless_a be_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n though_o not_o so_o visible_a and_o outward_o glorious_a as_o many_o who_o have_v err_v from_o the_o spirit_n and_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o be_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a understanding_n will_v make_v it_o it_o be_v true_a the_o church_n have_v be_v as_o in_o a_o wilderness_n desolate_a as_o a_o woman_n forsake_v as_o a_o widow_n bereave_v of_o her_o husband_n strip_v of_o her_o child_n her_o visage_n mar_v her_o witness_n mourn_v nothing_o of_o her_o beauty_n former_a estate_n or_o glory_n to_o be_v discern_v or_o find_v out_o yet_o all_o have_v be_v preserve_v in_o the_o root_n and_o there_o have_v be_v some_o shooting_n and_o sprouting_n of_o it_o forth_o which_o have_v be_v inward_o feel_v by_o that_o which_o be_v of_o god_n in_o the_o heart_n though_o not_o outward_o see_v by_o man_n eye_n thus_o the_o witness_n have_v have_v a_o ministry_n have_v have_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n even_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n all_o this_o dark_a night_n of_o apostasy_n and_o in_o it_o have_v speak_v mourn_o to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o the_o captivate_v soul_n which_o that_o which_o be_v of_o god_n in_o he_o have_v hearken_v to_o and_o there_o have_v be_v a_o bow_n and_o subjection_n of_o spirit_n in_o the_o lord_n o_o read_v this_o and_o praise_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o his_o mercy_n to_o he_o in_o former_a generation_n you_o who_o be_v now_o gather_v into_o his_o pure_a light_n and_o live_a power_n from_o who_o the_o night_n be_v past_a and_o on_o who_o the_o day_n the_o everlasting_a dayspring_n from_o on_o high_a be_v rise_v qu._n 8._o after_o the_o apostasy_n do_v not_o god_n renew_v his_o commission_n and_o send_v forth_o his_o angel_n for_o they_o be_v all_o but_o one_o to_o preach_v his_o everlasting_a gospel_n and_o do_v not_o he_o give_v they_o power_n to_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o gather_v those_o that_o hear_v the_o everlasting_a voice_n through_o they_o into_o holy_a assembly_n separate_v in_o spirit_n nature_n and_o appearance_n from_o the_o world_n and_o have_v they_o not_o authority_n and_o gift_n as_o well_o to_o build_v up_o as_o to_o plant_v and_o ought_v not_o those_o that_o be_v gather_v by_o they_o as_o well_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o light_n spirit_n power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o they_o as_o the_o former_a to_o the_o former_a minister_n of_o the_o lord_n o_o that_o the_o world_n know_v they_o o_o that_o the_o world_n know_v the_o appearance_n of_o god_n in_o they_o sure_o than_o they_o will_v bow_v to_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o glorious_a appearance_n thereof_o and_o happiness_n both_o inward_a and_o outward_a will_v break_v forth_o upon_o the_o earth_n there_o will_v be_v no_o more_o misery_n sorrow_n nor_o distress_n in_o nation_n if_o the_o dispensation_n of_o life_n from_o god_n have_v but_o their_o course_n in_o the_o earth_n yea_o nation_n and_o person_n that_o be_v now_o deadly_a sick_a will_v soon_o be_v heal_v do_v they_o but_o eat_v of_o the_o leave_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n which_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n for_o their_o heal_n and_o can_v easy_o heal_v those_o wound_n and_o repair_v those_o breach_n which_o the_o wisdom_n or_o counsel_n of_o man_n can_v heal_v or_o repair_v and_o o_o that_o they_o that_o be_v gather_v may_v keep_v and_o be_v preserve_v in_o that_o sense_n and_o subjection_n which_o they_o have_v and_o receive_v from_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o convincement_n o_o how_o beautiful_a how_o precious_a how_o glorious_a be_v the_o ministry_n and_o minister_n of_o god_n in_o their_o eye_n then_o and_o to_o those_o that_o be_v still_o there_o they_o be_v still_o precious_a and_o to_o those_o that_o grow_v there_o they_o be_v yet_o more_o precious_a but_o those_o that_o enter_v into_o or_o be_v ensnare_v in_o another_o thing_n which_o lead_v from_o the_o true_a spirit_n lose_v the_o sight_n and_o sense_n which_o they_o then_o have_v and_o instead_o thereof_o be_v fill_v with_o prejudices_fw-la and_o wise_a reason_n which_o to_o they_o may_v seem_v very_o strong_a and_o undeniable_a though_o truth_n and_o the_o true_a spiritual_a eye_n sense_n and_o understanding_n easy_o pierce_v through_o they_o and_o preserve_v those_o who_o abide_v single_a in_o it_o to_o the_o lord_n now_o against_o this_o holy_a order_n and_o government_n appoint_v by_o god_n there_o may_v arise_v in_o some_o heart_n some_o such_o objection_n as_o these_o follow_v object_n 1._o but_o be_v not_o this_o a_o turn_n away_o from_o the_o measure_n of_o life_n in_o a_o man_n own_o vessel_n to_o another_o man_n measure_n answ_n wait_v on_o god_n in_o his_o ordinance_n and_o appointment_n and_o upon_o the_o ministry_n which_o he_o have_v set_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o life_n in_o he_o teach_v
understanding_n sense_n and_o judgement_n but_o that_o which_o be_v hasty_a and_o confident_a and_o so_o ready_a to_o plead_v for_o its_o own_o sense_n and_o judgement_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o life_n as_o it_o call_v it_o that_o be_v common_o out_o enter_v into_o the_o err_a spirit_n plead_v and_o contend_v for_o it_o know_v not_o what_o and_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v other_o in_o that_o very_a respect_n wherein_o itself_o be_v most_o just_o and_o righteous_o judge_v and_o condemn_v by_o the_o lord_n even_o by_o his_o pure_a life_n and_o spirit_n in_o his_o people_n this_o then_o be_v in_o my_o heart_n to_o say_v in_o short_a to_o this_o objection_n let_v the_o measure_n of_o life_n judge_v free_o in_o thou_o at_o any_o time_n concern_v any_o thing_n and_o that_o judgement_n will_v stand_v for_o ever_o but_o be_v thou_o wary_a wait_v on_o the_o lord_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v sure_a thou_o do_v not_o mistake_v in_o thy_o own_o particular_a call_v that_o life_n which_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o people_n know_v to_o be_v otherwise_o for_o if_o so_o thou_o departe_v from_o the_o unity_n and_o bond_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o from_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o judgement_n and_o give_v deceit_n a_o advantage_n over_o thou_o even_o to_o lay_v a_o foundation_n of_o destroy_v thou_o likewise_o those_o who_o be_v to_o watch_v over_o thou_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o lay_v his_o truth_n before_o thou_o to_o exhort_v and_o reprove_v thou_o as_o occasion_n be_v that_o they_o may_v give_v a_o account_n of_o thy_o soul_n to_o he_o can_v do_v it_o with_o joy_n and_o rejoice_v in_o his_o presence_n but_o with_o grief_n and_o lamentation_n of_o heart_n which_o be_v not_o at_o all_o profitable_a but_o very_o unprofitable_a for_o thou_o now_o for_o a_o close_a there_o be_v some_o consideration_n spring_v up_o in_o my_o heart_n concern_v unity_n which_o i_o find_v drawing_n here_o to_o annex_v in_o true_a love_n and_o tenderness_n for_o the_o use_n and_o service_n of_o other_o which_o be_v as_o follow_v 1._o unity_n in_o the_o spiritual_a body_n which_o be_v gather_v into_o and_o knit_v together_o in_o the_o pure_a life_n be_v a_o most_o natural_a and_o comely_a thing_n yea_o it_o be_v exceed_o lovely_a to_o find_v all_o that_o be_v of_o the_o lord_n of_o one_o heart_n of_o one_o mind_n of_o one_o judgement_n in_o one_o way_n of_o practice_n and_o order_n in_o all_o thing_n 2._o the_o lord_n be_v to_o be_v wait_v upon_o for_o the_o bring_v forth_o of_o this_o in_o the_o body_n that_o as_o there_o be_v a_o foundation_n of_o it_o lay_v in_o all_o the_o life_n and_o spirit_n be_v one_o in_o all_o so_o all_o may_v be_v bring_v by_o he_o into_o the_o true_a and_o full_a oneness_n 3._o the_o lord_n be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o praise_v in_o the_o bring_n of_o it_o forth_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v bring_v forth_o and_o to_o be_v wait_v upon_o for_o the_o further_o perfect_v of_o it_o 4._o a_o watch_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v throughout_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o in_o every_o heart_n for_o the_o preserve_n of_o it_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v bring_v forth_o that_o the_o enemy_n by_o no_o device_n or_o subtlety_n cause_n disunion_n or_o difference_n in_o any_o respect_n wherein_o there_o be_v once_o a_o true_a unity_n and_o oneness_n for_o the_o enemy_n will_v watch_v to_o divide_v and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o watch_v against_o in_o that_o which_o be_v able_a to_o discover_v and_o keep_v he_o out_o by_o some_o device_n or_o other_o he_o will_v take_v his_o advantage_n to_o make_v a_o rent_n in_o those_o that_o be_v not_o watchful_a from_o the_o pure_a truth_n and_o unity_n of_o life_n in_o the_o body_n for_o he_o that_o in_o the_o least_o thing_n rend_v from_o the_o body_n in_o any_o respect_n or_o particular_a which_o be_v bring_v forth_o by_o the_o life_n he_o in_o that_o respect_n hearken_v to_o another_o spirit_n even_o the_o divide_v spirit_n and_o by_o its_o instigation_n rend_v from_o the_o life_n itself_o and_o so_o do_v not_o keep_v his_o habitation_n nor_o his_o unity_n with_o that_o which_o abide_v in_o its_o habitation_n now_o it_o be_v also_o in_o my_o heart_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o this_o close_a to_o mention_v a_o few_o thing_n in_o the_o same_o love_n and_o tenderness_n which_o i_o have_v find_v helpful_a to_o i_o towards_o the_o preserve_n of_o i_o in_o unity_n with_o the_o body_n perhaps_o it_o may_v please_v the_o lord_n to_o refresh_v some_o other_o by_o the_o mention_n of_o they_o and_o to_o make_v they_o useful_a and_o helpful_a to_o they_o also_o 1._o the_o first_o be_v the_o pure_a fear_n of_o the_o lord_n this_o poize_v and_o guard_v the_o mind_n keep_v down_o fleshly_a confidence_n and_o conceitedness_n which_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o spring_v up_o make_v it_o wary_a and_o considerate_a either_o of_o what_o it_o receive_v or_o reject_v of_o what_o it_o practise_v or_o forbear_v practise_v cause_v it_o to_o wait_v much_o try_v much_o and_o consult_v much_o with_o the_o lord_n and_o with_o his_o minister_n and_o people_n and_o preserve_v out_o of_o that_o suddenness_n and_o inconsiderateness_n of_o spirit_n at_o which_o the_o enemy_n often_o enter_v for_o truth_n be_v weighty_a and_o will_v bear_v trial_n and_o the_o more_o it_o be_v try_v in_o the_o balance_n the_o more_o manifest_a its_o nature_n and_o way_n appear_v but_o the_o enemy_n appearance_n and_o likeness_n be_v not_o so_o but_o their_o deceit_n by_o a_o thorough_a trial_n come_v to_o be_v make_v manifest_a 2._o the_o second_o be_v humility_n of_o heart_n this_o be_v very_o precious_a and_o of_o a_o preserve_a nature_n yea_o in_o this_o state_n the_o lord_n help_v and_o teach_v and_o the_o soul_n also_o in_o this_o state_n be_v fit_a to_o receive_v the_o help_n and_o teach_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o which_o be_v lift_v up_o and_o conceit_v ready_a to_o justify_v its_o own_o way_n and_o condemn_v even_o the_o whole_a body_n be_v neither_o fit_a to_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o lord_n nor_o do_v the_o lord_n delight_n but_o rather_o disdain_v to_o teach_v it_o and_o so_o not_o be_v teach_v by_o he_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v liable_a to_o err_v yea_o to_o hearken_v to_o that_o spirit_n who_o voice_n be_v more_o please_a and_o suitable_a to_o the_o err_a mind_n than_o the_o lord_n voice_n be_v 3._o a_o three_o great_a help_n which_o in_o the_o tender_a mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n i_o have_v have_v experience_n of_o be_v sobriety_n of_o judgement_n not_o to_o value_v or_o set_v up_o my_o own_o judgement_n or_o that_o which_o i_o account_v the_o judgement_n of_o life_n in_o i_o above_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o or_o that_o which_o be_v indeed_o life_n in_o other_o for_o the_o lord_n have_v appear_v to_o other_o as_o well_o as_o to_o i_o yea_o there_o be_v other_o who_o be_v in_o the_o growth_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o in_o the_o purity_n and_o dominion_n of_o his_o life_n far_o beyond_o i_o now_o for_o i_o to_o set_v up_o or_o hold_v forth_o a_o sense_n or_o judgement_n of_o a_o thing_n in_o opposition_n to_o they_o this_o be_v out_o of_o the_o sobriety_n which_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n therefore_o in_o such_o case_n i_o be_o to_o retire_v and_o fear_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o wait_v upon_o he_o for_o a_o clear_a discern_a and_o sense_n of_o his_o truth_n in_o the_o unity_n and_o demonstration_n of_o his_o spirit_n with_o other_o who_o be_v of_o he_o and_o see_v in_o he_o and_o this_o will_v prevent_v the_o rent_n which_o the_o want_n of_o this_o sobriety_n may_v occasion_v 4._o the_o last_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v now_o to_o mention_v be_v tenderness_n meekness_n coolness_n and_o stillness_n of_o spirit_n i_o wrap_v up_o these_o together_o because_o they_o be_v much_o of_o a_o nature_n and_o go_v much_o together_o these_o be_v of_o a_o unite_n preserve_a nature_n he_o that_o differ_v and_o divide_v from_o the_o body_n can_v be_v thus_o and_o he_o that_o be_v thus_o can_v rend_v or_o divide_v thus_o be_v the_o pure_a heavenly_a wisdom_n which_o be_v peaceable_a and_o keep_v the_o peace_n but_o the_o other_o wisdom_n be_v rough_a stiff_a hard_a clamourous_a ready_a to_o take_v offence_n ready_a to_o give_v offence_n exceed_v deep_a in_o the_o justification_n of_o itself_o exceed_v deep_a in_o the_o condemnation_n of_o other_o and_o dare_v in_o this_o temper_n appeal_v to_o the_o lord_n as_o if_o it_o be_v right_a in_o its_o way_n but_o wrong_v by_o other_o as_o if_o it_o do_v abide_v in_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o life_n which_o other_o be_v depart_v from_o and_o how_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o how_o can_v the_o wrong_a eye_n the_o wrong_a spirit_n the_o wrong_a wisdom_n but_o judge_v wrong_n justify_v the_o wrong_a practice_n and_o condemn_v the_o right_a but_o such_o shall_v find_v if_o they_o come_v to_o the_o true_a touchstone_n even_o the_o measure_n of_o life_n indeed_o that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o true_a tenderness_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o life_n in_o the_o true_a meekness_n and_o gentleness_n in_o the_o true_a coolness_n and_o stillness_n but_o rather_o in_o the_o reason_n noise_n clamour_n and_o disturbance_n which_o arise_v from_o another_o spirit_n mind_n and_o nature_n than_o that_o which_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o in_o come_v back_o from_o this_o wisdom_n to_o the_o pure_a wisdom_n from_o the_o pretend_a measure_n of_o life_n to_o the_o true_a measure_n and_o become_v tender_a meek_a cool_a and_o still_o in_o it_o they_o shall_v there_o feel_v their_o error_n from_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o therein_o own_o their_o condemnation_n therefore_o from_o he_o and_o also_o justify_v they_o who_o have_v abide_v in_o the_o power_n and_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o pure_a measure_n of_o life_n which_o be_v from_o god_n and_o in_o god_n while_o they_o have_v depart_v from_o it_o for_o though_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n wherewith_o they_o have_v be_v deceive_v and_o entangle_v have_v make_v they_o believe_v that_o they_o have_v faithful_o abide_v in_o the_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n while_o other_o have_v depart_v yet_o that_o will_v soon_o vanish_v as_o truth_n come_v again_o to_o be_v feel_v and_o hear_v speak_v in_o they_o and_o the_o measure_n of_o life_n to_o live_v again_o in_o they_o and_o to_o redeem_v they_o afresh_o into_o its_o holy_a nature_n and_o pure_a live_a sense_n and_o bless_v be_v he_o who_o be_v not_o deceive_v about_o truth_n but_o be_v of_o the_o pure_a nature_n and_o in_o the_o pure_a power_n of_o it_o in_o who_o the_o true_a eye_n see_v the_o true_a ear_n hear_v the_o true_a heart_n understand_v who_o be_v of_o a_o right_a spirit_n and_o walk_v upright_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o among_o his_o people_n the_o blessing_n of_o the_o seed_n the_o peace_n comfort_n and_o joy_n which_o be_v from_o the_o most_o high_a shall_v descend_v upon_o he_o fill_v his_o vessel_n and_o continue_v with_o he_o to_o the_o satisfy_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o the_o overflow_a of_o his_o cup_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o brethren_n and_o in_o the_o very_a sight_n of_o his_o enemy_n the_o lord_n god_n of_o his_o tender_a mercy_n who_o be_v the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o the_o sheep_n watch_v over_o preserve_v and_o mighty_o defend_v all_o his_o from_o all_o devour_a spirit_n and_o inward_a device_n and_o deceit_n of_o the_o enemy_n carry_v on_o and_o perfect_v the_o work_n of_o his_o goodness_n love_n and_o mercy_n in_o they_o to_o his_o own_o glorious_a eternal_a everlasting_a praise_n amen_n write_a by_o isaac_n penington_n in_o alisbury_n prison_n
and_o it_o be_v not_o a_o turn_n from_o the_o measure_n but_o a_o subject_n to_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o life_n so_o to_o teach_v and_o do_v the_o measure_n of_o his_o life_n teach_v i_o thus_o to_o do_v at_o first_o and_o teach_v i_o to_o do_v so_o still_o and_o will_v teach_v so_o still_o all_o that_o harken_v to_o it_o it_o do_v not_o teach_v subjection_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n to_o the_o ministry_n then_o and_o another_o thing_n now_o to_o the_o ministry_n now_o but_o christ_n be_v the_o same_o to_o day_n as_o yesterday_o his_o life_n the_o same_o his_o spirit_n the_o same_o its_o doctrine_n and_o teach_v the_o same_o and_o that_o of_o god_n in_o the_o conscience_n within_o answer_v the_o pure_a voice_n when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o ear_n without_o if_o life_n speak_v in_o one_o vessel_n and_o its_o voice_n be_v not_o hear_v or_o own_v by_o another_o vessel_n the_o pure_a ear_n in_o that_o other_o vessel_n be_v not_o at_o that_o time_n open_a but_o there_o be_v somewhat_o there_o that_o obstruct_v and_o if_o the_o pure_a ear_n of_o the_o sheep_n be_v not_o open_a to_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o shepherd_n but_o it_o be_v account_v strange_a it_o be_v much_o if_o the_o other_o ear_n in_o that_o vessel_n be_v not_o open_v to_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o stranger_n and_o to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o shepherd_n it_o agree_v with_o that_o and_o answer_v to_o that_o which_o now_o go_v for_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o measure_n of_o life_n in_o that_o heart_n he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n let_v he_o hear_v for_o it_o be_v easy_a be_v take_v in_o this_o snare_n and_o the_o danger_n thereof_o be_v very_o great_a object_n 2._o be_v not_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o life_n in_o any_o vessel_n if_o subject_v to_o wait_v on_o and_o believe_v in_o sufficient_a to_o instruct_v and_o build_v up_o into_o a_o perfect_a man_n in_o god_n answ_n the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n turn_v to_o and_o wait_v upon_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o my_o heart_n either_o to_o undervalue_v myself_o or_o to_o teach_v other_o so_o to_o do_v nor_o when_o god_n do_v appoint_v a_o ministry_n to_o gather_v and_o build_v up_o his_o church_n do_v i_o believe_v he_o do_v intend_v therein_o to_o undervalue_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o his_o grace_n yea_o i_o very_o believe_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n turn_v and_o hearken_v to_o and_o follow_v by_o any_o soul_n in_o the_o dark_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n have_v sufficiency_n in_o it_o to_o save_v and_o will_v save_v that_o soul_n though_o there_o be_v none_o outward_o to_o minister_v to_o it_o or_o help_v it_o yet_o this_o i_o also_o believe_v that_o as_o there_o be_v a_o sufficiency_n in_o every_o measure_n of_o life_n to_o the_o work_n god_n have_v appoint_v for_o that_o measure_n so_o there_o be_v a_o great_a sufficiency_n in_o the_o growth_n and_o full_a proportion_n of_o life_n and_o the_o lesser_a the_o weak_a the_o poor_a the_o afflict_a the_o babe_n be_v to_o be_v help_v by_o the_o strong_a especial_o in_o their_o darkness_n affliction_n temptation_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o the_o great_a and_o strong_a in_o the_o life_n spirit_n and_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o strength_n and_o blessing_n to_o the_o weak_a which_o the_o weak_a make_n use_n of_o in_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o sense_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o sweet_a help_n and_o relief_n which_o often_o the_o lord_n please_v to_o give_v forth_o thereby_o will_v find_v just_a cause_n and_o be_v often_o draw_v to_o bless_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o the_o measure_n of_o life_n in_o the_o vessel_n teach_v to_o subject_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o life_n in_o other_o which_o the_o measure_n of_o life_n in_o any_o never_o refuse_v but_o still_o know_v when_o awake_a and_o live_a in_o the_o vessel_n its_o own_o and_o have_v at_o least_o a_o secret_a sense_n of_o it_o and_o unity_n with_o it_o but_o that_o which_o pretend_v to_o set_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o life_n as_o a_o teacher_n otherwise_o than_o god_n have_v appoint_v and_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o teach_v and_o ministry_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v and_o to_o his_o gift_n in_o those_o vessel_n which_o be_v as_o well_o for_o the_o build_n up_o and_o perfect_v of_o the_o body_n as_o for_o the_o gather_n that_o be_v another_o thing_n in_o that_o vessel_n that_o do_v so_o than_o the_o measure_n of_o life_n another_o spirit_n another_o nature_n another_o ear_n than_o that_o that_o first_o hear_v and_o though_o it_o seem_v to_o cry_v up_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o measure_n of_o life_n and_o to_o plead_v for_o that_o and_o perhaps_o the_o creature_n think_v it_o be_v real_o so_o yet_o that_o be_v not_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o vessel_n but_o to_o cry_v up_o itself_o and_o to_o make_v its_o voice_n go_v for_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o measure_n of_o life_n and_o so_o such_o err_v from_o the_o faith_n the_o truth_n the_o spirit_n the_o measure_n of_o life_n and_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n spirit_n and_o measure_n of_o another_o thing_n which_o be_v indeed_o death_n though_o they_o see_v it_o not_o but_o look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o glorious_o live_v and_o abide_v in_o the_o pure_a doctrine_n and_o principle_n above_o other_o now_o to_o help_v these_o a_o little_a out_o of_o the_o snare_n and_o deep_a entanglement_n of_o the_o enemy_n if_o the_o lord_n please_v i_o will_v earnest_o press_v the_o consideration_n of_o this_o upon_o they_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n preach_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o life_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o their_o day_n christ_n within_o the_o word_n of_o faith_n nigh_o in_o the_o mouth_n and_o heart_n the_o anoint_v within_o its_o sufficiency_n to_o teach_v all_o thing_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o do_v they_o so_o preach_v it_o as_o to_o overthrow_v the_o ministry_n or_o their_o gift_n or_o service_n either_o towards_o they_o that_o be_v without_o or_o they_o that_o be_v within_o have_v they_o not_o power_n over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n be_v they_o not_o to_o teach_v they_o to_o instruct_v they_o to_o build_v they_o up_o in_o the_o holy_a faith_n and_o also_o to_o watch_v against_o wolf_n and_o devour_a spirit_n which_o will_v strive_v to_o enter_v the_o flock_n in_o sheep_n clothing_n and_o as_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n to_o make_v a_o prey_n of_o the_o innocent_a life_n in_o the_o upright-hearted_n if_o possible_a object_n 3._o but_o those_o who_o have_v minister_v from_o the_o lord_n and_o who_o ministry_n i_o have_v feel_v and_o own_v and_o in_o the_o distress_n and_o affliction_n of_o my_o soul_n have_v have_v recourse_n to_o hope_v that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o sense_n of_o my_o condition_n and_o give_v i_o proper_a advice_n yet_o they_o instead_o thereof_o have_v turn_v i_o to_o his_o witness_n that_o wound_v i_o counsel_v i_o to_o wait_v on_o the_o lord_n there_o and_o have_v they_o not_o also_o tell_v we_o that_o if_o they_o themselves_o shall_v turn_v from_o the_o thing_n they_o have_v declare_v this_o truth_n will_v abide_v for_o ever_o to_o wit_n that_o man_n be_v to_o keep_v to_o the_o measure_n of_o life_n in_o his_o own_o particular_a answ_n it_o be_v true_a a_o man_n be_v to_o keep_v to_o the_o measure_n of_o life_n in_o his_o own_o particular_a they_o teach_v this_o then_o they_o teach_v it_o now_o we_o practise_v it_o then_o we_o be_v to_o practice_v it_o now_o in_o this_o measure_n of_o life_n we_o receive_v they_o then_o and_o in_o this_o measure_n of_o life_n if_o we_o abide_v still_o in_o it_o we_o shall_v receive_v they_o now_o and_o feel_v their_o growth_n in_o the_o ability_n gift_n and_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o when_o any_o come_v to_o they_o for_o advice_n they_o be_v to_o wait_v on_o the_o lord_n to_o feel_v in_o he_o their_o state_n who_o come_v and_o to_o give_v forth_o what_o the_o lord_n give_v they_o whether_o wordâ—_n from_o the_o lord_n to_o the_o party_n concern_v his_o state_n of_o direction_n to_o retire_v in_o and_o wait_v for_o his_o more_o immediate_a appearance_n in_o their_o own_o measure_n for_o when_o we_o feel_v â—â—e_v presence_n and_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n in_o they_o we_o 〈◊〉_d too_o apt_a to_o look_v at_o they_o and_o then_o a_o word_n may_v come_v proper_a to_o our_o estate_n to_o recall_v we_o to_o retire_v to_o our_o measure_n and_o when_o we_o feel_v immediate_a relief_n from_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o appear_v to_o we_o in_o our_o retiredness_n in_o our_o own_o spirit_n than_o we_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o despise_v the_o gift_n and_o service_n of_o other_o and_o then_o