any_o of_o those_o monthly_a or_o quarterly_o meeting_n among_o friend_n be_v not_o gather_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n part_n 1._o p._n 14._o this_o doctrine_n frequent_o of_o late_a publish_v among_o we_o that_o the_o apostasy_n shall_v never_o enter_v the_o generality_n more_o do_v give_v we_o just_a occasion_n to_o be_v jealous_a etc._n etc._n part_n 3._o pag._n 78._o i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v to_o say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o invest_v with_o power_n from_o on_o high_a or_o that_o the_o apostasy_n shall_v enter_v the_o generality_n again_o qu._n then_o why_o do_v he_o so_o often_o quarrel_v with_o the_o doctrine_n frequent_o publish_v as_o he_o say_v viz._n that_o the_o apostasy_n shall_v never_o enter_v the_o generality_n more_o part_n 1._o pag._n 47._o on_o mat._n 18._o 15_o 16_o 17._o and_o 1_o cor._n 6._o 1_o 2_o 4._o we_o reasonable_o conclude_v that_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n only_a hint_v at_o either_o personal_a offence_n or_o difference_n touch_v worldly_a matter_n and_o that_o therein_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n be_v only_o to_o exhort_v to_o submit_v to_o their_o connsel_n which_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o may_v just_o be_v esteem_v as_o heathen_a man_n part_n 3._o pag._n 36._o on_o mat._n 18._o 15_o 16_o 17._o some_o may_v object_v thus_o this_o relate_v not_o to_o outward_a affair_n but_o to_o offence_n that_o be_v of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n in_o answer_n it_o may_v be_v say_v as_o to_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v whole_o silent_a and_o therefore_o every_o case_n wherein_o one_o brother_n may_v trespass_n against_o another_o may_v in_o rihght_n reason_n be_v comprehend_v in_o it_o qu._n whether_o every_o case_n be_v to_o be_v limit_v only_o to_o worldly_a matter_n and_o not_o extend_v to_o any_o case_n or_o offence_n of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n part_n 3._o pag._n 64._o not_o the_o least_o tittle_n to_o countenance_v this_o sentence_n that_o the_o positive_a sentence_n or_o decision_n of_o the_o church_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n may_v be_v obligatory_a on_o believer_n nay_o in_o that_o very_a case_n mat._n 18._o 15_o 16._o if_o he_o refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n the_o scripture_n do_v not_o say_v that_o sentence_n ought_v to_o be_v obligatory_a on_o all_o other_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n but_o it_o say_v let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man._n part_n 1._o pag._n 47._o the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o exhort_v to_o submit_v to_o their_o counsel_n which_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o may_v just_o be_v esteem_v as_o heathen_a men._n and_o part_v 3._o pag._n 36._o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n when_o a_o brother_n be_v through_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o church_n become_v so_o to_o the_o other_o brother_n etc._n etc._n every_o case_n wherein_o one_o brother_n may_v trespass_n against_o another_o may_v according_a to_o right_a reason_n be_v comprehend_v in_o it_o qu._n why_o then_o not_o a_o heathen_a man_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n if_o they_o may_v just_o be_v esteem_v as_o heathen_a man_n that_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o church_n counsel_n see_v it_o be_v confess_v by_o w._n r._n to_o his_o own_o confutation_n part_v 1._o pag._n 52._o that_o they_o who_o refuse_v to_o take_v the_o church_n wholesome_a counsel_n or_o admonition_n the_o church_n may_v then_o declare_v such_o unworthy_a of_o their_o society_n and_o be_v not_o this_o then_o obligatory_a on_o other_o believer_n and_o member_n part_n 3._o pag._n 82._o on_o gal._n 5._o 2._o &_o 4._o 9_o 10_o 11._o this_o do_v not_o at_o that_o time_n condemn_v that_o christian_a liberty_n and_o forbearance_n which_o the_o apostle_n before_o approve_v in_o and_o with_o respect_n unto_o such_o as_o make_v conscience_n of_o circumcision_n and_o pag._n 83._o there_o be_v such_o as_o practise_v circumcision_n yet_o a_o christian_a liberty_n be_v so_o exercise_v as_o that_o we_o find_v not_o these_o differ_a exercise_n in_o a_o christian_a liberty_n do_v subject_a any_o of_o those_o believer_n exercise_v therein_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o be_v out_o of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n part_n 5._o p._n 74_o 75._o neither_o do_v they_o i._n e._n the_o apostle_n endeavour_v to_o oblige_v those_o who_o practise_v circumcision_n after_o they_o believe_v to_o forbear_v the_o same_o before_o by_o the_o spirit_n they_o be_v lead_v from_o it_o pag._n 75._o on_o gal._n 5._o 2._o &_o 4._o 9_o 10_o 11._o this_o do_v not_o at_o that_o time_n condemn_v that_o christian_a liberty_n in_o such_o as_o make_v conscience_n of_o circumcision_n part_n 1._o pag._n 73._o the_o labour_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o primitive_a day_n be_v to_o draw_v the_o outward_a jew_n from_o off_o the_o observation_n of_o these_o ordinance_n which_o be_v real_o establish_v by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n himself_o have_v exalt_v instead_o thereof_o the_o word_n nigh_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o law_n write_v therein_o as_o a_o fulfil_n of_o that_o which_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o prophet_n be_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v under_o the_o new_a covenant_n which_o be_v not_o like_a unto_o the_o old_a and_o part_v 3._o pag._n 82._o and_o part_v 5._o pag._n 75._o on_o gal._n 5._o 2._o i_o paul_n say_v unto_o you_o if_o you_o be_v circumcise_a christ_n shall_v profit_v you_o nothing_o a_o qu._n how_o can_v it_o be_v good_a doctrine_n to_o account_v circumcision_n a_o christian_a liberty_n and_o a_o exercise_v not_o condemnable_a in_o believer_n when_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o draw_v the_o outward_a jew_n from_o off_o the_o observation_n of_o these_o ordinance_n part_n 1._o pag._n 73._o we_o appeal_v unto_o every_o understanding_n ingenious_a reader_n whether_o it_o can_v consist_v with_o the_o tenure_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n for_o any_o to_o attempt_v the_o establishment_n or_o give_v forth_o of_o outward_a order_n prescription_n sentence_n or_o decree_n to_o be_v a_o bond_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o they_o who_o have_v believe_v in_o the_o everlasting_a light_n part_v 3_o title_n page_n the_o inward_a government_n of_o christ_n not_o represent_v by_o person_n visible_a by_o carnal_a eye_n invest_v with_o power_n from_o he_o to_o execute_v outward_a law_n prescription_n order_n edict_n or_o decree_n in_o a_o outward_a form_n of_o government_n visible_a part_n 3._o pag._n 23_o 24._o not_o that_o i_o will_v be_v understand_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o outward_a order_n with_o respect_n to_o that_o gospel-discipline_n which_o become_v the_o church_n of_o christ._n the_o principle_n of_o truth_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n have_v and_o may_v further_o lead_v into_o the_o practice_n of_o outward_a order_n in_o discipline_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n qu._n be_v not_o this_o a_o very_a fair_a confession_n what_o will_v this_o man_n be_v at_o do_v he_o know_v have_v he_o not_o here_o very_o plain_o grant_v the_o thing_n we_o plead_v for_o viz._n outward_a order_n and_o gospel-discipline_n in_o the_o church_n what_o be_v now_o become_v of_o w._n r_n contest_v against_o outward_a order_n discipline_n and_o form_n of_o church-government_n visible_a &_o c_o part_n 3._o pag._n 34._o the_o apostle_n may_v well_o say_v be_v you_o not_o unwise_a but_o understand_v what_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v he_o do_v not_o say_v what_o the_o will_n of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o what_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v submit_v yourselves_o one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n part_n 3._o pag._n 34._o though_o i_o say_v as_o aforesaid_a not_o the_o church_n but_o what_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v yet_o hereby_o i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v to_o render_v christ_n and_o his_o church_n divide_v qu._n if_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n be_v not_o divide_v how_o do_v he_o oppose_v the_o will_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n his_o tell_v we_o of_o the_o will_n of_o those_o who_o depart_v from_o christ_n this_o be_v not_o the_o will_n of_o the_o church_n in_o unity_n with_o he_o therefore_o his_o divide_v the_o church_n and_o christ_n in_o will_n stand_v not_o with_o that_o unity_n part_v 1._o pag._n 75._o outward_a conformity_n to_o outward_a rule_n and_o order_n relate_v to_o the_o conscience_n establish_v among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n we_o have_v no_o ground_n either_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o prophet_n or_o from_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n
meeting_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n within_o the_o city_n of_o bristol_n the_o 21_o of_o the_o 11_o month_n 1678._o as_o he_o say_v where_o some_o be_v present_a not_o account_v to_o be_v of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n though_o there_o be_v but_o very_o few_o such_o there_o then_o as_o credible_a account_n be_v give_v from_o bristol_n but_o at_o that_o meet_v the_o people_n present_a be_v most_o friend_n as_o in_o a_o account_n date_v bristol_n the_o 25_o of_o the_o 11_o month_n 1678._o and_o what_o though_o some_o other_o be_v present_a and_o hear_v it_o read_v what_o know_v he_o but_o it_o have_v a_o good_a effect_n on_o some_o of_o they_o see_v division_n contention_n and_o discord_n have_v both_o before_o and_o since_o that_o happen_v in_o that_o meeting_n according_a as_o he_o have_v relate_v in_o print_n there_o be_v the_o more_o need_n of_o such_o a_o testimony_n go_v forth_o against_o such_o a_o spirit_n of_o contention_n and_o discord_n that_o have_v so_o open_o appear_v in_o that_o place_n four_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o just_a or_o equal_a comparison_n between_o the_o say_v print_v epistle_n and_o w._n r._n his_o great_a invective_n book_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o perpetual_a reproach_n scandal_n and_o infamy_n of_o divers_a faithful_a person_n by_o name_n and_o of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n the_o truth_n and_o christian_a religion_n profess_v by_o they_o whereas_o the_o say_a epistle_n by_o mary_n elson_n and_o anne_n whitehead_n be_v not_o to_o infamize_v any_o friend_n or_o professor_n of_o truth_n by_o name_n but_o according_a to_o the_o title_n a_o epistle_n for_o true_a love_n unity_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n against_o the_o spirit_n of_o discord_n disorder_n and_o confusion_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o consider_v w._n r._n have_v manifest_v his_o injustice_n in_o these_o his_o several_a instance_n as_o well_o as_o his_o apparent_a fallacy_n and_o impertinency_n in_o that_o one_o principal_a instance_n of_o the_o say_v print_v epistle_n so_o that_o the_o foundation_n of_o w._n r_n proceed_v to_o print_n be_v evident_o prove_v deceit_n and_o falsehood_n but_o come_v on_o we_o have_v dwell_v somewhat_o long_o upon_o this_o point_n let_v we_o now_o brief_o sum_v up_o and_o present_v the_o case_n in_o w._n r._n his_o own_o sense_n and_o see_v how_o far_o that_o will_v go_v thus_o viz._n the_o say_a epistle_n of_o two_o print_a sheet_n give_v out_o by_o anne_n whitehead_n and_o mary_n elson_n amount_v to_o a_o publication_n of_o division_n though_o reflect_v on_o no_o person_n by_o name_n come_v to_o my_o hand_n the_o 8_o of_o november_n 1680._o it_o be_v a_o great_a provocation_n to_o i_o and_o the_o chief_a concern_v upon_o i_o to_o publish_v my_o book_n of_o eighty_o sheet_n or_o above_o reflect_v on_o many_o of_o the_o chieftain_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n by_o name_n in_o particular_a and_o upon_o the_o great_a part_n of_o that_o people_n in_o general_n who_o own_v they_o as_o also_o upon_o their_o meeting_n that_o be_v for_o a_o outward_a form_n of_o church-government_n visible_a order_n etc._n etc._n as_o be_v apostate_n and_o innovator_n etc._n etc._n to_o all_o which_o it_o may_v be_v say_v oh_o great_a champion_n scribe_n of_o the_o schism_n and_o faction_n and_o popular_a person_n be_v it_o thou_o so_o provoke_v by_o two_o poor_a woman_n with_o their_o but_o two_o print_a sheet_n against_o the_o spirit_n of_o discord_n that_o thou_o must_v needs_o revenge_v thyself_o with_o a_o furious_a confuse_a book_n of_o above_o eighty_o sheet_n in_o print_n be_v this_o thy_o justice_n manhood_n and_o valour_n so_o excessive_o to_o vent_v thy_o fury_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o two_o such_o in_o thy_o esteem_n doubtless_o inconsiderable_a person_n their_o two_o sheet_n at_o this_o rate_n we_o may_v expect_v that_o we_o shall_v so_o huge_o provoke_v thou_o by_o this_o treatise_n against_o thy_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o confusion_n that_o thou_o will_v severe_o pay_v we_o off_o with_o a_o book_n of_o five_o or_o six_o hundred_o sheet_n at_o least_o but_o then_o thy_o friend_n must_v very_o high_o advance_v their_o purse_n towards_o the_o charge_n if_o they_o will_v be_v so_o mad_a or_o silly_a be_v sure_a if_o thou_o write_v against_o we_o make_v it_o a_o huge_a big_a book_n or_o else_o thou_o will_v not_o proceed_v according_a to_o thy_o former_a great_a concern_v of_o conscience_n and_o justice_n against_o the_o two_o woman_n two_o sheet_n and_o many_o more_o because_o thereof_o however_o if_o thou_o pretend_v to_o make_v answer_n or_o reply_v hereunto_o let_v it_o be_v as_o big_a as_o it_o will_v let_v it_o but_o refer_v to_o holy_a scripture_n and_o be_v argumentative_a and_o it_o may_v probable_o be_v the_o more_o take_v notice_n of_o but_o if_o it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o history_n make_v up_o of_o story_n report_n and_o thy_o own_o jealousy_n to_o expose_v weakness_n and_o to_o render_v person_n by_o name_n odious_a it_o will_v then_o be_v no_o answer_n but_o a_o dirty_a revengeful_a clamour_n like_o much_o of_o thy_o unchristian_a book_n already_o extant_a to_o thy_o and_o thy_o abettor_n great_a shame_n and_o disgrace_n disaffect_v xi_o first_o part_n pag._n 9_o w._n r._n frame_v a_o objection_n in_o which_o be_v these_o word_n viz._n and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v compare_v with_o his_o four_o sect._n pag._n 23._o the_o title_n whereof_o with_o some_o other_o word_n object_v by_o he_o follow_v viz._n sect._n 4._o a_o answer_n to_o the_o three_o position_n deduceable_a from_o a_o objection_n raise_v towards_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o first_o section_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v folly_n and_o hypocrisy_n to_o profess_v ourselves_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o yet_o not_o believe_v thus_o as_o the_o true_a church_n believe_v vv._n r._n to_o this_o we_o say_v we_o be_v altogether_o dissatisfy_v especial_o when_o we_o consider_v what_o a_o body_n of_o darkness_n have_v enter_v under_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o position_n we_o must_v believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v and_o pag._n 24._o may_v it_o not_o further_o be_v say_v we_o know_v how_o papist_n and_o protestant_n describe_v their_o church_n etc._n etc._n observe_v that_o herein_o our_o adversary_n still_o persist_v in_o his_o course_n of_o envy_n and_o persecution_n by_o thus_o seek_v to_o render_v we_o as_o like_a papist_n as_o he_o can_v as_o if_o we_o be_v impose_v a_o implicit_a faith_n concern_v our_o assembly_n without_o conviction_n on_o the_o bare_a term_n of_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v which_o imposition_n we_o abhor_v be_v always_o for_o that_o faith_n that_o be_v explicit_fw-la clear_a and_o evident_a ground_v upon_o the_o plain_a evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n beside_o to_o render_v we_o odious_a and_o obnoxious_a in_o this_o matter_n w._n r._n have_v fallacious_o wrong_v the_o citation_n in_o his_o say_v four_o section_n and_o whereon_o he_o ground_n his_o whole_a section_n leave_v out_o the_o very_o forego_v word_n which_o be_v the_o most_o material_a and_o explanatory_a word_n as_o in_o the_o title_n of_o his_o say_a section_n compare_v with_o the_o book_n he_o take_v they_o out_o of_o entitle_v the_o apostate_n incendiary_n rebuke_v etc._n etc._n pag._n 16._o the_o word_n be_v these_o viz._n i_o affirm_v that_o the_o true_a church_n be_v in_o the_o true_a faith_n that_o be_v in_o god_n and_o we_o must_v either_o believe_v thus_o as_o the_o true_a church_n believe_v or_o else_o it_o be_v but_o both_o a_o folly_n and_o hypocrisy_n to_o profess_v ourselves_o member_n thereof_o see_v how_o plain_a the_o word_n be_v principal_o relate_v to_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o god_n which_o explain_v the_o matter_n but_o w._n r._n though_o in_o his_o first_o sect._n pag._n 9_o cite_v the_o word_n viz._n the_o true_a church_n be_v in_o the_o true_a faith_n that_o be_v in_o god_n in_o his_o four_o sect._n he_o whole_o leave_v they_o out_o and_o place_n his_o exception_n and_o answer_v upon_o the_o latter_a part_n somewhat_o vary_v into_o a_o position_n which_o he_o deduce_v from_o a_o objection_n of_o his_o own_o frame_n and_o then_o cry_v out_o we_o be_v altogether_o dissatisfy_v when_o we_o consider_v what_o a_o body_n of_o darkness_n have_v enter_v under_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o position_n we_o must_v believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v thus_o crooked_o and_o perverse_o have_v he_o scribble_v to_o put_v the_o odium_n of_o popery_n upon_o we_o but_o if_o we_o shall_v ask_v he_o be_v it_o not_o in_o itself_o true_a doctrine_n that_o the_o true_a church_n be_v in_o the_o true_a faith_n that_o be_v in_o god_n and_o we_o must_v either_o believe_v thus_o i._n e._n in_o god_n as_o the_o true_a church_n believe_v or_o else_o it_o be_v but_o folly_n
they_o over_o who_o they_o have_v the_o rule_n thus_o far_o w._n r._n whereby_o he_o have_v fair_o give_v away_o his_o cause_n for_o here_o he_o have_v grant_v authority_n of_o rule_n or_o government_n give_v to_o such_o member_n of_o christ_n as_o have_v speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n unto_o they_o over_o who_o they_o have_v the_o rule_n whence_o it_o follow_v that_o all_o such_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n whether_o elder_n or_o overseer_n etc._n etc._n as_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o speak_v or_o a_o testimony_n from_o he_o commit_v to_o they_o to_o bear_v to_o other_o may_v have_v a_o share_n and_o right_n in_o rule_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n with_o respect_n to_o they_o unto_o who_o they_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o this_o may_v extend_v to_o as_o many_o faithful_a member_n as_o grow_v up_o in_o truth_n and_o unto_o a_o testimony_n so_o as_o to_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o speak_v but_o then_o we_o ask_v if_o such_o be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n see_v he_o seem_v not_o to_o own_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n to_o be_v the_o church_n what!_o be_v only_o the_o hearer_n and_o not_o the_o preacher_n the_o church_n however_o w._n r._n have_v grant_v rule_n to_o the_o preacher_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v tie_v up_o to_o the_o first_o preacher_n but_o also_o to_o extend_v to_o other_o who_o god_n shall_v raise_v up_o and_o fit_a for_o his_o service_n though_o he_o have_v oppose_v and_o gainsay_v many_o faithful_a one_o in_o his_o book_n yet_o he_o grant_v such_o preacher_n to_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n body_n however_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o inferior_a member_n or_o weak_a part_n of_o the_o church_n owe_v a_o submission_n to_o those_o superior_a in_o the_o church_n obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o etc._n etc._n yet_o all_o in_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o light_n and_o clear_a sight_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o humbleness_n of_o mind_n submit_v themselves_o one_o to_o another_o as_o the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v also_o the_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v not_o come_v to_o the_o same_o growth_n to_o the_o same_o dignity_n to_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o judgement_n to_o the_o same_o measure_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n nor_o to_o the_o same_o stature_n in_o he_o some_o be_v more_o eminent_o dignify_v for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n than_o other_o be_v and_o according_o be_v require_v to_o be_v helpful_a to_o other_o and_o a_o suitable_a submission_n one_o to_o another_o according_a to_o the_o heavenly_a order_n of_o the_o gospel_n church_n and_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o diversity_n of_o gift_n operation_n and_o degree_n of_o growth_n through_o the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n do_v not_o oppose_v nor_o contradict_v nor_o clash_v one_o against_o another_o and_o even_o they_o that_o be_v appoint_v elder_n and_o overseer_n in_o his_o church_n be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o faithful_a word_n as_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a by_o sound_a doctrine_n both_o to_o exhort_v and_o convince_v the_o gainsayer_n moreover_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o every_o faithful_a member_n thereof_o have_v power_n to_o give_v testimony_n absolute_a judgement_n and_o sentence_n against_o all_o loose_a disorderly_a and_o scandalous_a way_n and_o conversation_n when_o due_o manifest_a among_o any_o professor_n of_o truth_n which_o dishonour_n our_o holy_a profession_n and_o let_v up_o a_o spirit_n of_o ranterism_n and_o false_a liberty_n and_o these_o aught_o to_o be_v testify_v against_o judge_v and_o condemn_v and_o it_o be_v not_o just_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o offender_n in_o those_o case_n to_o make_v their_o own_o choice_n of_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o to_o evade_v or_o make_v void_a any_o such_o judgement_n or_o sentence_n nor_o ought_v the_o offender_n to_o be_v at_o his_o own_o choice_n in_o such_o criminal_a case_n of_o looseness_n and_o disorderly_o walk_v but_o the_o universal_a judgement_n of_o truth_n to_o be_v set_v over_o the_o transgressor_n head_n in_o a_o gospel_n way_n and_o order_n on_o a_o judicial_a hear_n and_o discovery_n of_o the_o offence_n for_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v commend_v in_o not_o bear_v they_o that_o be_v evil_a and_o hate_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n rev._n 2._o 2_o 6._o but_o the_o church_n in_o pergamos_n be_v blame_v for_o have_v they_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n which_o tend_v to_o ranterism_n fornication_n or_o community_n of_o woman_n which_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v out_o with_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n forever_o see_v euseb._n hist._n l._n 3._o c._n 26._o w._n r._n be_v impertinent_a also_o in_o his_o gainsay_n where_o in_o pag._n 53._o one_a part_n he_o have_v these_o word_n viz._n disaffect_v xxix_o it_o appear_v evident_o to_o we_o that_o preach_v up_o obedience_n to_o that_o wherein_o the_o conscience_n through_o faith_n be_v not_o satisfy_v be_v a_o handle_v the_o word_n of_o god_n deceitful_o this_o as_o it_o be_v general_o state_v and_o as_o it_o be_v design_v be_v not_o only_o unfound_a but_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o implicit_a smite_v at_o those_o who_o he_o write_v against_o &_o tend_v to_o make_v void_a that_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n to_o people_n unconvince_v and_o unsatisfy_a in_o their_o conscience_n concern_v the_o most_o essential_a truth_n relate_v to_o salvation_n as_o that_o of_o the_o light_n the_o cross_n of_o christ_n the_o narrow_a way_n be_v crucify_a to_o the_o world_n and_o the_o vain_a fashion_n thereof_o etc._n etc._n which_o be_v preach_v to_o many_o before_o they_o be_v satisfy_v or_o convince_v in_o their_o conscience_n to_o come_v into_o obedience_n in_o these_o thing_n yet_o these_o thing_n must_v be_v preach_v that_o they_o may_v be_v convince_v and_o convert_v too_o and_o we_o have_v a_o ministry_n from_o christ_n for_o that_o end_n and_o as_o we_o have_v receive_v mercy_n we_o faint_v not_o but_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o much_o boldness_n and_o assurance_n in_o christ_n of_o the_o good_a effect_n thereof_o and_o be_v one_o with_o the_o apostle_n testimony_n as_o have_v renounce_v the_o hide_a thing_n of_o dishonesty_n not_o walk_v in_o craftyness_n not_o handle_v the_o word_n of_o god_n deceitful_o but_o by_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n commend_v ourselves_o to_o every_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 2._o our_o preach_n be_v to_o convince_v the_o conscience_n and_o not_o to_o leave_v it_o dark_a or_o unsatisfied_a in_o that_o wherein_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n stand_v a_o blind_a conscience_n be_v convincible_a by_o spiritual_a and_o effectual_a preach_v which_o have_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o it_o make_v its_o way_n into_o the_o conscience_n if_o not_o whole_o harden_v and_o sear_v through_o rebellion_n and_o stubbornness_n even_o gainsayer_n be_v to_o be_v exhort_v and_o convince_v by_o sound_a doctrine_n titus_n 1._o 9_o disaffect_v xxx_o w._n r._n one_a part_n pag._n 53_o 54._o proceed_v thus_o viz._n we_o have_v be_v inform_v that_o we_o be_v dark_a and_o blind_a even_o by_o such_o who_o tell_v we_o they_o do_v see_v public_o preach_v on_o this_o wise_a if_o you_o do_v not_o see_v yourselves_o you_o must_v then_o follow_v we_o that_o do_v see_v yet_o we_o can_v on_o that_o foot_n embrace_v such_o doctrine_n lest_o like_o blind_a man_n we_o fall_v all_o together_o into_o the_o ditch_n observe_v this_o be_v such_o a_o reflection_n upon_o some_o public_a preacher_n and_o preach_a as_o tend_v to_o scandalize_v our_o friend_n and_o meeting_n as_o if_o still_o our_o design_n be_v to_o preach_v up_o a_o blind_a obedience_n and_o a_o implicit_a faith_n and_o to_o impose_v on_o other_o to_o follow_v we_o therein_o and_o this_o he_o often_o and_o much_o harp_n upon_o but_o tell_v we_o not_o who_o they_o be_v that_o thus_o preach_v for_o we_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o such_o preach_n for_o any_o to_o follow_v we_o in_o their_o blindness_n and_o though_o it_o be_v probable_a some_o may_v have_v public_o commend_v the_o example_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o be_v follow_v by_o other_o yet_o not_o exclusive_a of_o all_o sight_n and_o sense_n in_o the_o hearer_n and_o follower_n of_o their_o example_n for_o our_o travel_n and_o desire_n have_v always_o be_v and_o be_v that_o the_o eye_n of_o people_n understanding_n may_v be_v open_v and_o enlighten_v first_o to_o see_v their_o way_n and_o how_o to_o follow_v the_o footstep_n of_o christ_n flock_n in_o his_o divine_a light_n and_o faith_n disaffect_v xxxi_o w._n r._n sect._n 8._o pag._n 61._o first_o part_n g._n f._n have_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o give_v forth_o direction_n and_o instruction_n to_o other_o and_o
which_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n himself_o have_v exalt_v instead_o thereof_o the_o word_n nigh_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o law_n write_v therein_o under_o the_o new_a covenant_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v like_a unto_o the_o old_a can_v consist_v with_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n for_o any_o to_o attempt_v the_o establishment_n or_o give_v forth_o of_o outward_a order_n prescription_n sentence_n or_o decree_n to_o be_v on_o that_o foot_n a_o bond_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o those_o who_o have_v believe_v in_o the_o everlasting_a light_n especial_o if_o they_o be_v of_o the_o gentile_n stock_n observe_v his_o principal_a objection_n against_o outward_a order_n prescription_n sentence_n decree_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n lie_v in_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o old_a covenant_n and_o the_o new_a answer_v god_n have_v his_o minister_n officer_n and_o messenger_n both_o under_o the_o old_a and_o new_a covenant_n and_o also_o outward_a instruction_n and_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n under_o both_o though_o the_o new_a far_o excel_v the_o old_a in_o spirituality_n and_o brightness_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o condescension_n to_o low_a estate_n under_o both_o to_o believe_v jew_n and_o gentile_n even_o in_o outward_a ministry_n help_n and_o service_n but_o all_o centre_n in_o the_o inward_a life_n and_o substance_n christ_n minister_n both_o immediate_o and_o instrumental_o both_o in_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n both_o with_o respect_n to_o divine_a faith_n and_o a_o christian_a conversation_n good_a order_n and_o society_n under_o his_o government_n in_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o effect_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v not_o confine_v within_o to_o a_o invisibility_n because_o that_o covenant_n be_v inward_a and_o the_o law_n of_o it_o first_o write_v in_o the_o heart_n we_o can_v reduce_v and_o confine_v our_o assembly_n society_n and_o christian_n counsel_n and_o admonition_n which_o many_o have_v need_n of_o all_o to_o a_o invisibility_n because_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v invisible_a for_o visible_a and_o religious_a action_n good_a instruction_n and_o conversation_n outward_a proceed_v from_o the_o law_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n in_o the_o heart_n be_v of_o the_o nature_n thereof_o and_o that_o for_o the_o universal_a benefit_n and_o help_v of_o other_o and_o such_o as_o own_v not_o this_o can_v endure_v sound_a doctrine_n especial_o the_o practical_a doctrine_n disaffect_v xxxiii_o w._n r._n pag._n 75._o one_a part_n we_o have_v no_o ground_n either_o from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n or_o from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_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 i._n e._n outward_a order_n sentence_n decree_n etc._n etc._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 in_o the_o heart_n unto_o such_o a_o conformity_n observe_v this_o still_o relate_v to_o his_o general_n objection_n against_o outward_a rule_n and_o direction_n form_n of_o church-government_n discipline_n etc._n etc._n but_o be_v still_o contrary_a to_o the_o say_a epistle_n sign_v by_o he_o arthur_z eastmead_n and_o other_o at_z anne_z traver_n 1673._o as_o also_o contradictory_n to_o what_o he_o himself_o have_v grant_v p._n 23._o 3d_o part_n in_o these_o word_n viz._n not_o that_o i_o will_v be_v hereby_o understand_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o outward_a order_n with_o respect_n to_o that_o gospel_n discipline_n which_o become_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n thus_o w._n r._n have_v grant_v both_o outward_a order_n and_o gospel_n discipline_n as_o become_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o as_o necessary_a to_o be_v exercise_v whereby_o he_o have_v still_o fair_o give_v away_o his_o cause_n against_o church-government_n and_o the_o outward_a method_n and_o form_n thereof_o as_o also_o observe_v further_o how_o manifest_o he_o have_v overturn_v his_o work_n by_o what_o follow_v and_o therein_o behold_v w._n r_n self-confutation_n in_o his_o own_o word_n 3d_o part_n p._n 82_o 83._o viz._n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o there_o be_v many_o who_o be_v ready_a to_o conclude_v that_o a_o universal_a unity_n ought_v to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o assistance_n of_o outward_a instrument_n that_o as_o we_o be_v member_n of_o one_o body_n so_o we_o may_v not_o only_o be_v one_o in_o faith_n one_o in_o doctrine_n but_o also_o one_o in_o practice_n with_o relation_n to_o discipline_n order_n and_o outward_a form_n of_o government_n my_o soul_n shall_v rejoice_v to_o see_v that_o day_n wherein_o we_o may_v be_v all_o so_o lead_v by_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n spirit_n in_o we_o under_o his_o government_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v exalt_v over_o all_o as_o that_o this_o oneness_n may_v thereby_o be_v witness_v among_o all_o the_o family_n of_o god_n people_n at_o this_o day_n thus_o far_o w._n r._n we_o need_v not_o explicate_v upon_o this_o passage_n it_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o evident_a a_o confutation_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o gainsay_n and_o most_o general_a objection_n against_o we_o in_o relation_n to_o church-government_n and_o order_n among_o we_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n disaffect_v xxxiv_o w._n r._n one_a part_n pag._n 72._o moreover_o it_o be_v observable_a if_o report_n be_v true_a this_o doctrine_n have_v of_o late_o be_v exalt_v no_o unity_n but_o in_o conformity_n observe_v here_o in_o pursuance_n of_o report_n as_o elsewhere_o of_o his_o jealousy_n doubt_n and_o fear_n he_o bring_v a_o ambiguous_a doctrine_n as_o report_a which_o as_o its_o lay_v down_o and_o charge_v without_o distinction_n we_o own_v not_o and_o do_v question_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o report_n let_v he_o place_v it_o where_o he_o can_v disaffect_v xxxv_o of_o woman_n meeting_n w._n r._n one_a part_n pag._n 63._o there_o be_v among_o many_o friend_n a_o difference_n touch_v the_o meeting_n of_o woman_n separate_v from_o the_o men._n observe_v not_o among_o many_o friend_n do_v a_o difference_n appear_v but_o among_o a_o few_o heady_a rash_a spirit_n who_o despise_v those_o meeting_n and_o the_o service_n of_o they_o call_v they_o a_o image_n a_o idol_n etc._n etc._n but_o w._n r._n appear_v more_o warey_a in_o this_o point_n in_o not_o so_o direct_o and_o absolute_o oppose_v the_o meeting_n themselves_o as_o some_o have_v do_v but_o only_o give_v a_o history_n of_o the_o different_a sense_n and_o jealousy_n of_o some_o about_o they_o as_o also_o his_o friend_n j._n w._n and_o j._n s._n write_v more_o cautious_o in_o this_o point_n of_o woman_n meeting_n in_o these_o word_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a with_o the_o line_n of_o truth_n to_o oppose_v other_o in_o the_o exercise_n and_o appoint_a service_n of_o the_o say_a meeting_n who_o be_v conscious_a therein_o etc._n etc._n and_o if_o it_o shall_v please_v the_o lord_n to_o manifest_v a_o service_n in_o those_o meeting_n in_o the_o country_n as_o well_o as_o city_n the_o same_o integrity_n towards_o god_n which_o have_v dwell_v with_o we_o these_o many_o year_n past_a we_o believe_v will_v become_v a_o bond_n on_o we_o to_o join_v hand_n and_o heart_n with_o other_o our_o brethren_n and_o sister_n therein_o etc._n etc._n thus_o far_o j._n w._n and_o j._n s._n four_o part_n pag._n 38._o herein_o they_o appear_v more_o moderate_a than_o some_o that_o take_v their_o part_n who_o oppose_v contemn_v and_o vilify_v those_o meeting_n pag._n 64._o in_o process_n of_o time_n some_o friend_n think_v it_o necessary_a that_o marriage_n may_v be_v propose_v to_o the_o womens-meeting_n but_o yet_o several_a friend_n in_o divers_a county_n will_v not_o assent_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v concern_v in_o marriage_n at_o length_n several_a of_o those_o who_o appear_v for_o those_o distinct_a meeting_n to_o be_v concern_v say_v the_o faithful_a see_v a_o necessity_n and_o cause_n to_o propose_v marriage_n to_o the_o faithful_a man_n and_o woman_n meeting_n this_o be_v utter_v with_o those_o of_o party_n with_o g._n f._n etc._n etc._n observe_v many_o faithful_a friend_n who_o be_v not_o for_o party_n for_o man_n but_o follower_n of_o christ_n do_v see_v a_o real_a conveniency_n and_o service_n in_o propose_v marriage_n both_o to_o the_o faithful_a man_n and_o faithful_a woman_n meeting_n distinct_o and_o because_o our_o adversary_n give_v we_o no_o valid_a reason_n nor_o proof_n to_o the_o contrary_a we_o shall_v only_o at_o present_a cite_v the_o reason_n give_v in_o a_o epistle_n from_o the_o quarterly-meeting_a in_o suffolk_n date_v mendlesham_n the_o 29_o day_n of_o
and_o 5_o part_n pag._n 75._o on_o gal._n 5._o 2._o &_o 4._o 9_o 10_o 11._o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n he_o say_v yet_o this_o do_v not_o at_o that_o time_n condemn_v that_o christian-liberty_n and_o forbearance_n which_o the_o apostle_n before_o approve_v in_o and_o with_o respect_n unto_o such_o as_o make_v conscience_n of_o circumcision_n and_o the_o observe_v of_o day_n before_o they_o have_v so_o receive_v the_o spirit_n as_o to_o be_v lead_v out_o of_o it_o that_o be_v many_o of_o the_o believe_a jew_n who_o he_o say_v the_o apostle_n do_v not_o condemn_v the_o same_o in_o until_o by_o faith_n they_o see_v beyond_o it_o 3d_o part_n pag._n 81._o observe_v here_o it_o be_v evident_a what_o kind_n of_o liberty_n this_o person_n will_v introduce_v a_o indulgence_n of_o under_o the_o notion_n and_o title_n of_o christian-liberty_n but_o his_o mistake_n in_o this_o matter_n appear_v very_o great_a for_o he_o take_v that_o to_o be_v christian-liberty_n which_o be_v no_o other_o in_o itself_o than_o a_o legal_a bondage_n or_o servitude_n as_o circumcision_n be_v with_o the_o legal_a observation_n of_o day_n which_o be_v not_o only_a shadow_n and_o mere_a type_n abolish_v by_o christ_n and_o nail_v to_o his_o cross_n as_o inconsistent_a with_o that_o evangelical_n dispensation_n the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n be_v in_o but_o also_o count_v a_o yoke_n and_o bondage_n act_v 15._o 10._o gal._n 5._o cap._n and_o not_o a_o christian-liberty_n their_o testimony_n be_v absolute_a for_o christ_n abolish_n and_o end_v these_o type_n and_o shadow_n under_o the_o law_n but_o christ_n do_v not_o abolish_v christian-liberty_n nor_o do_v the_o apostle_n forbear_v their_o absolute_a testimony_n to_o christ_n as_o the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n because_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o see_v the_o end_n of_o thing_n abolish_v nor_o yet_o do_v they_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o christian-liberty_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o circumcision_n or_o those_o thing_n abolish_v but_o that_o the_o veil_n be_v over_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o do_v not_o see_v to_o the_o end_n of_o thing_n abolish_v we_o grant_v there_o be_v a_o christian-forbearance_n towards_o the_o weakness_n of_o believe_v jew_n in_o circumcision_n etc._n etc._n but_o not_o a_o christian-liberty_n declare_v in_o the_o practice_n thereof_o our_o opposer_n have_v great_o err_v in_o this_o point_n and_o extend_v his_o liberty_n too_o far_o in_o this_o and_o many_o other_o matter_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o have_v manifest_o contradict_v himself_o have_v in_o his_o first_o part_n pag._n 73._o confess_v that_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o primitive_a day_n be_v to_o draw_v the_o outward_a jew_n off_o from_o the_o observation_n of_o these_o ordinance_n which_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n himself_o have_v exalt_v instead_o thereof_o the_o word_n nigh_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o law_n write_v therein_o see_v now_o how_o inconsistent_a this_o man_n work_n be_v sure_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o labour_n to_o draw_v they_o off_o from_o a_o christian-liberty_n nor_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o and_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n witness_v to_o the_o inward_a circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n inward_a and_o law_n inward_a this_o man_n who_o be_v thâ—s_o discompose_v in_o his_o work_n shall_v not_o have_v meddle_v so_o much_o with_o point_n of_o divinity_n which_o he_o appear_v so_o little_a skilful_a in_o he_o dream_n so_o much_o of_o liberty_n that_o he_o be_v great_o bewilder_v in_o the_o mannagement_n of_o it_o and_o what_o be_v the_o tendence_n of_o his_o work_n but_o to_o invalidate_v the_o christian_a authority_n care_n and_o oversight_n that_o god_n have_v set_v up_o in_o his_o church_n and_o people_n among_o we_o the_o case_n further_o explain_v but_o to_o take_v w._n r_n notion_n of_o christian-liberty_n in_o the_o best_a and_o most_o charitable_a sense_n of_o his_o intention_n viz._n not_o to_o judge_v one_o another_o about_o the_o outward_a circumstance_n of_o discipline_n nor_o urge_v they_o with_o severity_n on_o rom._n 14._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o he_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n receive_v but_o not_o to_o doubtful_a disputation_n one_o man_n believe_v that_o he_o may_v eat_v all_o thing_n another_o who_o be_v weak_a eat_v herb_n let_v not_o he_o that_o eat_v despise_v he_o that_o eat_v not_o and_o let_v not_o he_o that_o eat_v not_o judge_v he_o that_o eat_v for_o god_n have_v receive_v he_o and_o vers._n 5._o one_o man_n esteem_v one_o day_n above_o another_o another_o esteem_v every_o day_n alike_o let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n we_o do_v testify_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o where_o this_o be_v real_o the_o case_n of_o any_o one_o weak_a in_o the_o faith_n who_o be_v under_o some_o private_a scruple_n or_o dissatisfaction_n of_o conscience_n yet_o peaceable_o mind_v and_o have_v his_o faith_n to_o himself_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v christian_a tenderness_n and_o forbearance_n towards_o such_o and_o no_o urge_v with_o severity_n for_o too_o much_o of_o that_o we_o mean_v of_o severity_n or_o zeal_n without_o true_a knowledge_n or_o wisdom_n from_o god_n may_v possible_o discourage_v the_o weak_a drive_v and_o scatter_v from_o truth_n into_o prejudice_n and_o make_v some_o desperate_a hard_a and_o careless_a but_o tender_a persuasion_n and_o instruction_n towards_o such_o be_v needful_a and_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o be_v severe_a in_o such_o case_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v teach_v and_o daily_o teach_v his_o servant_n how_o to_o bear_v the_o burden_n of_o the_o weak_a one_o and_o their_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n to_o help_v they_o and_o not_o drive_v they_o out_o for_o a_o private_a difference_n in_o opinion_n or_o judgement_n in_o one_o that_o be_v peaceable_a though_o but_o weak_a may_v be_v better_o bear_v than_o public_a opposition_n and_o contention_n in_o the_o church_n but_o where_o person_n may_v differ_v only_o in_o judgement_n in_o some_o outward_a thing_n or_o circumstance_n from_o the_o society_n they_o belong_v to_o and_o yet_o will_v be_v contentious_a strive_v with_o oppose_v and_o disturb_v their_o brethren_n or_o the_o meeting_n they_o belong_v to_o and_o seek_v to_o make_v party_n raise_v annimosity_n sow_v discord_n and_o strife_n cause_n division_n and_o separation_n whisper_v murmur_v backbite_v and_o complain_v against_o their_o brethren_n who_o be_v unanimous_a and_o conscientious_a towards_o god_n in_o what_o they_o believe_v be_v convenient_a and_o good_a order_n the_o opposer_n imagine_v themselves_o to_o be_v strong_a and_o wise_a than_o all_o the_o rest_n not_o be_v content_a to_o be_v quiet_a nor_o to_o demean_v themselves_o peaceable_a under_o their_o differ_a opinion_n this_o be_v not_o tender_a brotherly_a nor_o sociable_a but_o to_o be_v avoid_v and_o they_o mark_v mark_v they_o that_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n and_o avoid_v they_o if_o any_o man_n lust_n to_o be_v contentious_a we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n there_o can_v be_v no_o unity_n in_o orderly_a proceed_n in_o the_o church_n without_o love_n &_o concord_n there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a society_n hold_v without_o agreement_n due_a order_n and_o method_n be_v of_o one_o mind_n be_v of_o one_o judgement_n be_v of_o one_o accord_n do_v all_o thing_n without_o murmur_a and_o dispute_n let_v nothing_o be_v do_v through_o strife_n or_o vain_a glory_n whosoever_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v elder_n and_o overseer_n in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v at_o variance_n and_o do_v not_o accord_v with_o faithful_a brethren_n in_o public_a wholesome_a counsel_n and_o advice_n to_o the_o young_a sort_n nor_o to_o agree_v in_o due_a method_n and_o orderly_a proceed_n these_o be_v wrong_a this_o their_o way_n tend_v to_o distract_v those_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n who_o shall_v be_v help_v by_o good_a and_o unanimous_a counsel_n and_o advice_n those_o that_o mind_n not_o peace_n nor_o unity_n &_o concord_n with_o their_o brethren_n in_o due_a and_o orderly_a proceed_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o advise_v other_o they_o have_v better_o keep_v at_o home_n than_o disturb_v meeting_n and_o confound_v the_o weak_a it_o be_v a_o shame_n for_o such_o to_o undertake_v the_o place_n or_o office_n of_o elder_n overseer_n and_o counsellor_n of_o other_o who_o be_v neither_o sound_n nor_o unanimous_a in_o judgement_n and_o advice_n themselves_o with_o they_o who_o be_v for_o peace_n and_o good_a order_n and_o to_o prevent_v reproach_n and_o scandal_n but_o be_v ready_a to_o let_v loose_a youth_n and_o let_v up_o a_o spirit_n of_o false_a and_o fleshly_a liberty_n under_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n for_o instance_n set_v case_n two_o young_a person_n about_o to_o
by_o his_o light_n in_o we_o or_o from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_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 muchless_a 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 part_n 3._o pag._n 82_o 83._o it_o be_v a_o bless_a thing_n for_o brethren_n to_o dwell_v together_o in_o love_n and_o unity_n this_o aught_o to_o consist_v in_o the_o truth_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o there_o be_v many_o who_o be_v ready_a to_o conclude_v that_o a_o universal_a unity_n ought_v to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o assistance_n of_o outward_a instrument_n that_o as_o we_o be_v member_n of_o one_o body_n so_o we_o may_v not_o only_o be_v one_o in_o faith_n one_o in_o doctrine_n but_o also_o one_o in_o practice_n with_o relation_n to_o discipline_n order_n &_o outward_a form_n of_o government_n my_o soul_n shall_v rejoice_v to_o see_v that_o day_n wherein_o we_o may_v all_o be_v so_o lead_v by_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n spirit_n in_o we_o under_o his_o government_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v exalt_v over_o all_o as_o that_o this_o oneness_n may_v thereby_o be_v witness_v among_o all_o the_o family_n of_o god_n people_n at_o this_o day_n qu._n 1._o be_v it_o not_o evident_a that_o one_o while_n he_o declare_v that_o he_o and_o they_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o expect_v that_o oneness_n which_o another_o while_n he_o shall_v rejoice_v to_o see_v the_o day_n we_o may_v all_o be_v lead_v by_o christ_n to_o witness_v it_o viz._n oneness_n in_o faith_n oneness_n in_o doctrine_n oneness_n in_o practice_n discipline_n order_n and_o outward_a form_n of_o government_n qu._n 2._o how_o shall_v that_o universal_a unity_n be_v establish_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o outward_a instrument_n or_o that_o oneness_n in_o faith_n doctrine_n practice_n discipline_n order_n and_o form_n of_o government_n be_v witness_v by_o the_o lead_n of_o christ_n spirit_n if_o we_o have_v no_o true_a ground_n at_o all_o 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 be_v instrumental_a therein_o nor_o yet_o that_o the_o child_n of_o the_o light_n shall_v be_v lead_v into_o any_o such_o conformity_n by_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n strange_a confusion_n part_n 2._o pag._n 27._o obj._n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o divers_a among_o you_o call_v quaker_n etc._n etc._n tel_v we_o that_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n be_v not_o good_a for_o food_n w._n r_n answ._n it_o be_v very_o true_a however_o that_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o all_o such_o expression_n be_v according_a to_o truth_n etc._n etc._n pag._n 28._o as_o to_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a though_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o positive_o declare_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a for_o food_n or_o no_o a_o father_n may_v command_v his_o child_n not_o to_o eat_v a_o apple_n his_o rebellious_a eat_v will_v be_v no_o argument_n that_o the_o apple_n in_o itself_o be_v not_o good_a for_o food_n p._n 29._o we_o know_v not_o on_o what_o foot_n of_o truth_n any_o one_o can_v assert_v that_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n be_v not_o good_a for_o food_n as_o in_o itself_o part_n 2._o page_n 29._o i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v to_o reflect_v on_o all_o that_o have_v use_v that_o expression_n viz._n the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n be_v not_o good_a for_o food_n because_o i_o question_v not_o but_o many_o have_v so_o express_v themselves_o to_o show_v forth_o that_o if_o we_o shall_v feed_v upon_o or_o admire_v any_o excellent_a qualification_n or_o endowment_n whatsoever_o &_o not_o have_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n chief_o unto_o the_o giver_n we_o may_v then_o come_v to_o a_o loss_n even_o as_o adam_n do_v qu._n 1._o if_o he_o count_v the_o doctrine_n erroneous_a or_o not_o of_o the_o truth_n to_o say_v that_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n be_v not_o good_a for_o food_n do_v not_o this_o reflect_v on_o all_o that_o have_v use_v that_o expression_n qu._n 2._o and_o be_v it_o not_o erroneous_a and_o ignorance_n in_o w._n r._n not_o only_o to_o esteem_v the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n a_o excellent_a qualification_n or_o endowment_n but_o to_o compare_v it_o to_o that_o which_o be_v a_o discoverer_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v life_n eternal_a quote_v john_n 17._o 3._o pag._n 28._o and_o in_o commendation_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n to_o prove_v it_o good_a for_o food_n to_o add_v that_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o knowledge_n be_v the_o way_n to_o life_n qu._n 3._o do_v god_n forbid_v the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o the_o knowledge_n which_o be_v life_n eternal_a that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v the_o way_n to_o life_n to_o man_n in_o that_o state_n of_o innocency_n in_o the_o beginning_n let_v this_o be_v consider_v qu._n 4._o can_v it_o be_v good_a doctrine_n to_o say_v that_o the_o serpent_n persuade_v eve_n to_o that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v the_o way_n to_o life_n or_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v life_n eternal_a can_v that_o be_v the_o knowledge_n that_o god_n forbid_v man_n to_o eat_v of_o be_v not_o this_o very_a absurd_a to_o render_v the_o serpent_n more_o kind_a to_o man_n than_o his_o maker_n be_v w._n r._n part_n 2._o pag._n 43._o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o condemn_v all_o those_o who_o pay_v they_o that_o be_v tithe_n and_o not_o as_o by_o constraint_n that_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o alice_n profess_v christianity_n to_o contribute_v etc._n etc._n and_o if_o the_o charity_n of_o any_o shall_v be_v such_o as_o to_o bestow_v upon_o they_o i._n e._n their_o minister_n one_o five_o part_n instead_o of_o a_o ten_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o coudemn_v it_o part_n 4._o p._n 39_o j._n w._n and_o j._n s._n in_o their_o testimony_n viz._n as_o to_o tithe_n we_o can_v in_o truth_n say_v it_o be_v never_o so_o much_o as_o in_o our_o heart_n to_o speak_v any_o word_n whatsoever_o with_o the_o least_o intent_n to_o strengthen_v any_o in_o the_o payment_n thereof_o nor_o yet_o to_o weaken_v the_o faith_n of_o any_o have_v a_o testimony_n in_o our_o heart_n that_o tithe_n as_o at_o this_o day_n pay_v be_v antichristian_a and_o part_v 4._o pag._n 9_o in_o j._n w_n answer_n viz._n i_o bring_v in_o a_o testimony_n against_o tithe_n no_z such_o word_n speak_v by_o i_o as_o to_o put_v a_o indifferency_n concern_v testimony_n for_o god_n against_o the_o grand_a oppression_n of_o tithe_n the_o word_n of_o life_n to_o stir_v they_o up_o with_o testimony_n against_o the_o grand_a oppression_n of_o tithe_n observe_v qu._n whether_o the_o liberty_n w._n r._n have_v here_o grant_v for_o the_o free_a payment_n of_o tithe_n be_v not_o a_o innovation_n tend_v to_o beget_v into_o a_o looseness_n and_o apostasy_n from_o our_o ancient_a christian_a testimony_n against_o tithe_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o contradictory_n to_o j._n w._n and_o j._n s._n their_o testimony_n cite_v by_o himself_o against_o tithe_n part_n 1._o pag._n 48._o w._n r._n except_v against_o r._n b_n affirm_v that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v power_n in_o some_o case_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n to_o give_v positive_a sentence_n or_o decision_n which_o may_v be_v obligatory_a upon_o believer_n and_o that_o their_o give_v a_o positive_a sentence_n in_o such_o case_n will_v not_o import_v tyranny_n neither_o will_v the_o pretence_n of_o any_o contradict_v they_o or_o refuse_v to_o submit_v on_o the_o account_n they_o see_v it_o not_o excuse_v they_o of_o be_v guilty_a of_o disobey_v god_n w._n r._n object_n viz._n clearly_n show_v to_o we_o his_o meaning_n to_o be_v that_o in_o some_o case_n the_o conscience_n of_o believer_n ought_v to_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o positive_a sentence_n of_o other_o this_o mean_v and_o government_n we_o take_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o liberty_n we_o have_v in_o christ_n jesus_n part_n 1._o pag._n 43._o whereas_o it_o be_v jealouse_v some_o be_v run_v into_o looseness_n and_o say_v the_o light_n in_o my_o conscience_n condemn_v i_o not_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o care_n of_o faithful_a brethren_n to_o appear_v as_o watch_z men_n overdo_n the_o flock_n we_o say_v so_o too_o and_o those_o who_o approve_v themselves_o watchman_n will_v endeavour_v to_o convince_v such_o who_o in_o very_a deed_n run_v into_o looseness_n etc._n etc._n that_o though_o they_o may_v
shall_v suffice_v viz._n the_o form_n of_o proceed_n in_o marriage_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n be_v whole_o silent_a as_o to_o the_o primitive_a christian_n by_o which_o you_o may_v see_v what_o a_o narrow_a compass_n his_o great_a noise_n of_o innovation_n outward_a order_n in_o discipline_n be_v bring_v to_o he_o shall_v have_v make_v his_o book_n whole_o on_o this_o subject_n about_o the_o form_n of_o proceed_n in_o marriage_n among_o we_o and_o not_o have_v make_v such_o a_o great_a impertinent_a blunder_n upon_o general_a scandalous_a charge_n to_o no_o purpose_n and_o than_o it_o will_v have_v appear_v whether_o he_o can_v have_v disapprove_v our_o proceed_n therein_o or_o not_o or_o prove_v they_o inconsistent_a with_o those_o righteous_a end_n that_o he_o himself_o have_v grant_v two_o in_o his_o preface_n he_o only_o mention_n outward_a form_n relate_v to_o marriage_n relief_n of_o the_o poor_a etc._n etc._n about_o which_o he_o say_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o contention_n seem_v to_o be_v and_o yet_o he_o be_v the_o hot_a maintainer_n of_o the_o contention_n three_o and_o though_o in_o some_o circumstance_n every_o thing_n be_v not_o specify_v in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o part_n of_o church-discipline_n practise_v among_o we_o that_o do_v not_o tend_v to_o answer_v the_o apostolic_a doctrine_n in_o respect_n to_o good_a order_n a_o holy_a conversation_n a_o heavenly_a society_n and_o thing_n that_o be_v honest_a just_a reasonable_a and_o of_o good_a report_n what_o form_n or_o discipline_n do_v we_o practice_v that_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o these_o righteous_a end_n we_o affirm_v that_o his_o cry_v out_o imposition_n innovation_n form_n of_o church-government_n order_n prescription_n etc._n etc._n in_o general_n be_v no_o answer_n nor_o any_o proof_n of_o his_o charge_n of_o apostate_n and_o innovator_n against_o we_o let_v he_o either_o specify_v the_o particular_n thereof_o that_o he_o condemn_v we_o for_o as_o apostate_n and_o that_o we_o practise_v as_o church-discipline_n or_o else_o forever_o be_v ashamed_a of_o such_o impertinency_n and_o scandalous_a charge_v the_o meeting_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n call_v quaker_n which_o be_v concern_v in_o and_o about_o those_o outward_a affair_n and_o christian_a service_n for_o which_o they_o be_v intend_v as_o charitable_a duty_n inspect_v marriage_n take_v care_n that_o truth_n be_v not_o scandalize_v etc._n etc._n which_o he_o have_v confess_v and_o the_o service_n of_o such_o our_o meeting_n be_v to_o answer_v those_o righteous_a and_o good_a ends._n as_o also_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n in_o reference_n to_o friend_n care_v about_o print_n in_o these_o word_n viz._n three_o part_n pag._n 31._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 hence_o it_o appear_v that_o this_o man_n will_v seem_v to_o be_v for_o order_n and_o society_n with_o such_o brethren_n as_o he_o have_v a_o good_a esteem_n of_o and_o to_o be_v so_o conformable_a and_o submissive_a as_o to_o have_v their_o counsel_n and_o approbation_n of_o what_o he_o bring_v to_o public_a view_n grant_v it_o necessary_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 truth_n come_v forth_o in_o public_a which_o be_v one_o main_a end_n of_o our_o meeting_n in_o london_n so_o much_o strike_v at_o and_o vilify_v by_o he_o but_o who_o those_o brethren_n be_v with_o who_o he_o account_v the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n dwell_v and_o before_o who_o he_o will_v lay_v what_o he_o will_v bring_v to_o public_a view_n for_o their_o care_n and_o approbation_n he_o tell_v we_o not_o but_o we_o may_v easy_o guess_v by_o his_o high_a character_n of_o ancient_n and_o honourable_a friend_n labourer_n in_o the_o gospel_n etc._n etc._n and_o whether_o they_o do_v see_v and_o approve_v of_o this_o confuse_a scandalous_a book_n of_o he_o or_o not_o be_v best_a know_v to_o themselves_o either_o they_o do_v or_o they_o do_v not_o if_o they_o do_v then_o by_o his_o own_o inference_n they_o be_v entitle_v to_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o it_o if_o neither_o of_o they_o do_v see_v and_o approve_v of_o it_o than_o that_o omission_n contradict_v his_o own_o pretence_n it_o not_o be_v probable_a that_o he_o can_v just_o plead_v he_o want_v opportunity_n to_o lay_v it_o before_o any_o of_o his_o honourable_a brethren_n in_o two_o or_o three_o year_n time_n three_o part_n pag._n 82._o there_o be_v great_a need_n for_o every_o one_o to_o watch_v against_o a_o censorious_a judge_a spirit_n lest_o whilst_o they_o be_v judge_v their_o brethren_n they_o themselves_o become_v castaway_n p._n 83._o it_o behoove_v every_o one_o diligent_o to_o watch_v that_o we_o judge_v not_o one_o another_o by_o reason_n of_o these_o differ_a exercise_n etc._n etc._n observe_v how_o well_o this_o man_n can_v counsel_n other_o but_o how_o contrary_a thereto_o he_o act_v himself_o in_o give_v forth_o such_o a_o censorious_a judge_a book_n as_o he_o have_v do_v tend_v to_o render_v many_o innocent_a person_n and_o people_n apostate_n and_o innovator_n wherein_o he_o be_v far_o more_o loud_a in_o his_o charge_n and_o exclamation_n than_o in_o his_o proof_n or_o instance_n of_o that_o apostasy_n or_o those_o innovation_n but_o if_o he_o can_v prove_v such_o innovation_n or_o new_a matter_n in_o discipline_n or_o differ_v exercise_n therein_o as_o he_o will_v insinuate_v which_o yet_o be_v not_o grant_v he_o then_o by_o his_o own_o rule_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v bring_v forth_o his_o censorious_a book_n but_o rather_o have_v watch_v and_o study_v to_o be_v quiet_a pag._n 80._o i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v to_o judge_v apostle_n or_o elder_n when_o they_o shall_v find_v freedom_n from_o the_o lord_n be_v meet_v together_o for_o give_v forth_o any_o thing_n by_o way_n of_o recommendation_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o brethren_n answ._n we_o know_v nothing_o give_v forth_o as_o duty_n to_o god_n or_o man_n to_o be_v practise_v among_o we_o by_o apostle_n or_o elder_n but_o what_o be_v in_o truth_n intend_v at_o least_o to_o be_v recommend_v to_o the_o conscience_n and_o have_v a_o answer_n and_o reception_n in_o the_o conscience_n of_o friend_n in_o truth_n what_o we_o write_v or_o preach_v on_o behalf_n of_o truth_n and_o true_a religion_n be_v recommend_v by_o divine_a authority_n and_o evidence_n in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n by_o the_o manifestation_n of_o truth_n commend_v ourselves_o to_o every_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o this_o may_v be_v either_o by_o good_a exhortation_n counsel_n admonition_n reproof_n judgement_n testimony_n warn_v charge_n command_v etc._n etc._n all_o which_o the_o holy_a apostle_n use_v but_o it_o appear_v our_o opposer_n have_v another_o sense_n of_o recommendation_n as_o leave_v matter_n more_o indifferent_a and_o loose_a by_o way_n of_o doubtful_a proposition_n as_o on_o these_o or_o the_o like_a term_n viz._n you_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o submit_v whether_o you_o see_v it_o your_o duty_n or_o not_o and_o whereas_o this_o person_n be_v frequent_o judge_v our_o friend_n for_o imposition_n innovation_n etc._n etc._n we_o will_v be_v understand_v that_o those_o thing_n commend_v among_o we_o as_o necessary_a for_o good_a order_n and_o holiness_n of_o conversation_n be_v not_o recommend_v doubtful_o or_o upon_o mere_a supposition_n nor_o as_o matter_n of_o indifferency_n to_o be_v practise_v or_o reject_v but_o in_o faith_n and_o full_a assurance_n as_o answer_v god_n witness_n and_o truth_n in_o the_o conscience_n and_o that_o such_o will_v meet_v with_o a_o tender_a reception_n and_o not_o opposition_n in_o all_o tender_a and_o upright_a heart_n disaffect_v xliv_o three_o part_n pag._n 83._o among_o the_o primitive_a believer_n there_o be_v such_o as_o practise_v circumcision_n some_o make_a conscience_n of_o keep_v a_o day_n and_o some_o that_o abstain_v from_o eat_a flesh_n and_o other_o that_o do_v not_o and_o yet_o a_o christian-liberty_n and_o forbearance_n be_v so_o exercise_v as_o that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v one_o another_o about_o these_o thing_n and_o that_o we_o find_v not_o that_o these_o differ_v exercise_n in_o a_o christian_a liberty_n do_v subject_a any_o of_o those_o believer_n exercise_v therein_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o be_v out_o of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n