instrumental_a to_o gather_v though_o in_o r._n b_n sense_n as_o be_v before_o manifest_v such_o be_v the_o fit_a to_o rule_v over_o those_o who_o they_o have_v beget_v to_o the_o truth_n but_o also_o over_o the_o labour_n of_o other_o and_o then_o style_v themselves_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n though_o not_o guide_v by_o the_o unerring_a spirit_n so_o to_o do_v and_o then_o also_o pretend_v that_o they_o have_v power_n in_o case_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n to_o give_v positive_a sentence_n obliege_v believer_n to_o obey_v receive_v and_o own_o the_o same_o and_o that_o it_o be_v disobedience_n to_o god_n not_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o positive_a sentence_n and_o decisive_n judgement_n of_o any_o assembly_n or_o some_o or_o other_o of_o they_o which_o in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n may_v be_v term_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n though_o we_o see_v it_o not_o and_o so_o by_o degree_n may_v endeavour_v to_o divest_v christ_n of_o his_o government_n and_o prerogative_n who_o alone_o be_v lord_n over_o the_o conscience_n and_o by_o his_o spirit_n in_o we_o be_v become_v our_o only_a lawgiver_n and_o who_o alone_o by_o the_o influence_a virtue_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n be_v able_a to_o bring_v unto_o that_o love_n and_o unity_n which_o through_o the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n find_v exceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n william_n rogers_n have_v now_o do_v with_o the_o citation_n of_o what_o be_v write_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o aforesaid_a book_n of_o government_n and_o consider_v that_o in_o the_o first_o section_n thereof_o the_o author_n as_o be_v already_o cite_v and_o observe_v write_v of_o a_o sort_n of_o person_n that_o will_v needs_o be_v innovator_n and_o give_v to_o change_n and_o introduce_v new_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n not_o only_o differ_v but_o contrary_a to_o what_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o beginning_n and_o in_o page_n thirteen_o seem_v reflect_o to_o treat_v on_o such_o kind_n of_o language_n as_o this_o i_o must_v stay_v till_o i_o be_v convince_v as_o if_o such_o language_n be_v knock_v down_o in_o the_o beginning_n and_o as_o may_v reasonable_o be_v take_v from_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o say_a book_n to_o reflect_v on_o such_o among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n who_o be_v not_o so_o zealous_o affect_v with_o the_o outward_a form_n of_o government_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o church-government_n pretend_v to_o be_v establish_v among_o they_o as_o the_o author_n or_o approver_n of_o his_o book_n be_v we_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o cite_v a_o testimony_n publish_v in_o print_n by_o isaac_n penington_n the_o young_a in_o the_o year_n one_o thousand_o six_o hundred_o and_o sixty_o be_v a_o part_n of_o a_o discourse_n entitle_v the_o authority_n and_o government_n which_o christ_n exclude_v out_o of_o his_o church_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o it_o lie_v all_o together_o word_n for_o word_n and_o not_o take_v by_o part_n and_o piece_n here_o and_o there_o our_o end_n in_o cite_v this_o testimony_n be_v that_o the_o impartial_a reader_n may_v consider_v whether_o the_o say_a testimony_n have_v any_o coherence_n with_o that_o part_n of_o the_o say_a book_n of_o government_n which_o be_v object_v against_o by_o we_o or_o do_v contradict_v any_o subject_a matter_n that_o we_o have_v treat_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o say_v isaac_n penington_n the_o young_a now_o follow_v the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n come_v from_o christ_n with_o a_o message_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n with_o a_o testimony_n concern_v the_o good_a will_n of_o god_n and_o his_o love_n to_o mankind_n point_v out_o the_o way_n from_o death_n to_o life_n from_o bondage_n to_o liberty_n from_o wrath_n and_o destruction_n to_o peace_n and_o salvation_n what_o they_o have_v see_v what_o they_o have_v feel_v what_o they_o have_v taste_v what_o they_o have_v handle_v what_o they_o have_v find_v redeem_v and_o deliver_v they_o that_o they_o declare_v abroad_o to_o other_o as_o they_o be_v move_v as_o they_o be_v send_v as_o they_o be_v guide_v and_o assist_v now_o that_o which_o they_o preach_v to_o be_v man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n they_o open_v the_o truth_n which_o they_o know_v they_o give_v their_o testimony_n in_o the_o move_a lead_v and_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o they_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o same_o spirit_n to_o demonstrate_v it_o to_o man_n conscience_n as_o it_o please_v they_o be_v nothing_o they_o can_v do_v nothing_o they_o can_v convert_v any_o man_n to_o god_n but_o the_o power_n that_o speak_v by_o they_o the_o same_o power_n work_v in_o other_o man_n conscience_n at_o its_o pleasure_n and_o here_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o heart_n when_o his_o truth_n carry_v conviction_n with_o it_o to_o the_o conscience_n and_o the_o conscience_n be_v draw_v to_o yield_v itself_o up_o to_o he_o than_o he_o lay_v his_o yoke_n upon_o it_o and_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o guide_n of_o it_o he_o cherish_v it_o he_o cleanse_v it_o he_o comfort_v it_o he_o order_v it_o at_o his_o pleasure_n and_o he_o alone_o preserve_v it_o pure_a chaste_a gentle_a meek_a and_o pliable_a to_o the_o impression_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o as_o the_o conscience_n be_v keep_v single_a and_o tender_a to_o christ_n so_o his_o government_n increase_v therein_o but_o as_o it_o become_v hard_a or_o subject_n to_o man_n will_n so_o another_o spirit_n get_v dominion_n over_o it_o therefore_o the_o great_a work_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o keep_v the_o conscience_n open_a to_o christ_n and_o to_o preserve_v man_n from_o receive_v any_o truth_n of_o christ_n as_o from_o they_o further_o than_o the_o spirit_n open_v or_o to_o imitate_v any_o of_o their_o practice_n further_o than_o the_o spirit_n lead_v guide_n and_o persuade_v they_o for_o person_n be_v exceed_o prone_a to_o receive_v thing_n as_o truth_n from_o those_o who_o they_o have_v a_o high_a opinion_n of_o and_o to_o imitate_v their_o practice_n and_o so_o hurt_v their_o own_o growth_n and_o endanger_v their_o soul_n for_o if_o i_o receive_v a_o truth_n before_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o spirit_n make_v it_o manifest_a to_o i_o i_o lose_v my_o guide_n and_o follow_v but_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o be_v exceed_o greedy_a of_o receive_v truth_n and_o run_v into_o religious_a practice_n without_o the_o spirit_n therefore_o the_o main_a thing_n in_o religion_n be_v to_o keep_v the_o conscience_n pure_a to_o the_o lord_n to_o know_v the_o guide_n to_o follow_v the_o guide_n to_o receive_v from_o he_o that_o light_v whereby_o i_o be_o to_o walk_v and_o not_o to_o take_v thing_n for_o truth_n because_o other_o see_v they_o to_o be_v truth_n but_o wait_v till_o the_o spirit_n make_v they_o manifest_v to_o i_o nor_o to_o run_v into_o worship_n duty_n performance_n or_o practice_n because_o other_o be_v lead_v thither_o but_o to_o wait_v till_o the_o spirit_n lead_v i_o thither_o he_o that_o make_v haste_n to_o be_v rich_a even_o in_o religion_n run_v into_o knowledge_n and_o into_o worship_n and_o performance_n before_o he_o feel_v a_o true_a and_o clear_a guidance_n shall_v not_o be_v innocent_a nor_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o hold_v he_o guiltless_a when_o he_o come_v to_o visit_v for_o spiritual_a adultery_n and_o idolatry_n the_o apostle_n be_v exceed_o tender_a in_o this_o point_n for_o though_o they_o certain_o and_o infallible_o know_v what_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v yet_o they_o be_v not_o lord_n over_o man_n faith_n but_o wait_v till_o he_o who_o be_v lord_n of_o the_o faith_n will_v open_v the_o way_n into_o man_n conscience_n they_o do_v not_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v able_a to_o turn_v the_o key_n to_o let_v in_o truth_n and_o conviction_n into_o man_n spirit_n as_o man_n in_o these_o day_n have_v be_v too_o apt_a to_o undertake_v but_o direct_v they_o to_o he_o who_o have_v the_o key_n there_o to_o wait_v for_o the_o conviction_n and_o illumination_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o so_o to_o receive_v in_o as_o they_o find_v he_o give_v forth_o to_o they_o let_v every_o man_n say_v the_o apostle_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n take_v heed_n of_o receive_v thing_n too_o soon_o take_v heed_n of_o run_v into_o practice_n too_o soon_o &_o do_v what_o you_o see_v other_o do_v but_o wait_v for_o your_o own_o particular_a guidance_n and_o a_o full_a persuasion_n from_o god_n what_o be_v his_o will_n concern_v you_o though_o i_o know_v this_o to_o be_v a_o truth_n yet_o do_v not_o you_o receive_v it_o till_o god_n make_v it_o manifest_a to_o you_o receive_v truth_n from_o his_o hand_n stay_v till_o he_o give_v it_o you._n indeed_o the_o main_a matter_n in_o religion_n be_v to_o keep_v out_o the_o wrong_a part_n the_o forward_z part_n the_o bastardly_a
for_o the_o reason_n mention_v in_o this_o preface_n to_o publish_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o say_a manuscript_n we_o instead_o thereof_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o friend_n do_v declare_v that_o it_o be_v ready_a for_o the_o view_n of_o any_o friend_n in_o order_n to_o prove_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o reflection_n make_v or_o objection_n raise_v have_v thus_o premise_v i_o now_o come_v again_o to_o lay_v down_o the_o three_o beforementioned_a query_n and_o to_o give_v direct_a answer_n thereto_o quer._n 1._o why_o have_v thou_o omit_v to_o mention_v the_o name_n of_o some_o person_n and_o author_n of_o some_o book_n and_o paper_n reflect_v on_o in_o this_o treatise_n answ_n though_o i_o have_v be_v reflect_v upon_o at_o a_o ungodly_a rate_n by_o many_o because_o i_o have_v be_v concern_v to_o oppose_v a_o erroneous_a and_o persecute_v spirit_n which_o i_o have_v behold_v enter_v among_o the_o flock_n of_o god_n yet_o bless_a be_v the_o lord_n he_o have_v so_o preserve_v i_o by_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o power_n as_o that_o none_o of_o my_o opposer_n have_v so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v lay_v any_o thing_n unto_o my_o charge_n but_o for_o matter_n wherein_o i_o have_v act_v though_o misrepresent_v by_o they_o to_o keep_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o as_o it_o become_v my_o concern_v of_o conscience_n to_o prepare_v the_o manuscript_n first_o mention_v that_o so_o the_o truth_n of_o some_o material_a matter_n occasion_v or_o accompany_v division_n and_o separation_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n may_v lie_v on_o record_n at_o least_o until_o a_o union_n may_v again_o be_v witness_v so_o also_o it_o have_v be_v my_o frequent_a breathe_v unto_o the_o lord_n that_o i_o may_v not_o bring_v forth_o a_o untimely_o birth_n but_o may_v so_o be_v lead_v and_o guide_v in_o this_o affair_n as_o that_o i_o may_v answer_v the_o witness_n of_o god_n in_o all_o conscience_n and_o to_o my_o inward_a peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o lord_n i_o can_v say_v that_o i_o have_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o spirit_n notwithstanding_o what_o any_o man_n may_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a that_o he_o have_v own_v my_o proceed_v therein_o hitherto_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o answer_n thereto_o in_o many_o brethren_n and_o as_o i_o be_v serious_o wait_v on_o the_o lord_n i_o become_v satisfy_v in_o my_o conscience_n to_o forbear_v reflect_o to_o mention_v in_o this_o treatise_n the_o name_n of_o many_o repute_a quaker_n that_o as_o yet_o i_o doubt_v remain_v deviate_v in_o some_o thing_n from_o the_o line_n of_o truth_n and_o i_o hope_v such_o a_o spirit_n of_o mediation_n and_o justice_n will_v have_v appear_v among_o some_o of_o our_o friend_n who_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v to_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o difference_n between_o other_o as_o that_o they_o may_v have_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o cause_n g._n f._n to_o stoop_v so_o timely_a to_o justice_n as_o that_o there_o may_v have_v be_v not_o concern_v upon_o i_o and_o other_o to_o discover_v any_o part_n of_o his_o error_n so_o public_o as_o now_o they_o be_v the_o consideration_n occur_v in_o my_o breast_n when_o i_o become_v so_o satisfy_v as_o aforesaid_a be_v these_o first_o several_a of_o my_o brethren_n as_o before_o be_v premise_v intercede_v to_o forbear_v and_o if_o for_o my_o thus_o do_v any_o shall_v reflect_v upon_o i_o they_o may_v as_o well_o reflect_v upon_o the_o apostle_n counsel_n when_o he_o exhort_v the_o ephesian_n to_o submit_v themselves_o one_o unto_o another_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n for_o i_o be_v sensible_a that_o those_o who_o so_o concern_v themselves_o have_v a_o true_a sense_n that_o the_o cause_n wherein_o i_o be_v concern_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o truth_n on_o which_o foot_n their_o treatment_n of_o i_o be_v in_o much_o love_n and_o tenderness_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o i_o perceive_v they_o be_v not_o without_o hope_n that_o a_o little_o long_a forbearance_n may_v work_v for_o the_o better_a i_o become_v satisfy_v it_o be_v my_o place_n to_o submit_v and_o forbear_v a_o while_n second_o though_o hardness_n of_o heart_n have_v so_o overtake_v some_o as_o that_o they_o may_v still_o continue_v to_o oppose_v their_o brethren_n in_o the_o truth_n without_o the_o least_o just_a ground_n or_o pretence_n either_o from_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n or_o right_a reason_n yet_o i_o be_o not_o without_o hope_n that_o some_o other_o concern_v against_o their_o brethren_n in_o the_o present_a difference_n may_v in_o some_o time_n come_v to_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o fail_n and_o repent_v and_o then_o either_o the_o memory_n of_o their_o offence_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o or_o their_o repentance_n therewith_o if_o timely_o know_v record_v and_o that_o according_a as_o opportunity_n may_v permit_v and_o truth_n require_v three_o it_o be_v hope_v that_o this_o treatise_n may_v become_v a_o warn_v to_o many_o but_o more_o especial_o to_o such_o as_o have_v depart_v from_o the_o anoint_v in_o themselves_o that_o they_o may_v repent_v and_o turn_v to_o their_o first_o love_n viz._n the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n in_o they_o and_o not_o in_o neglect_n of_o god_n teach_n lie_v dote_v on_o outward_a order_n as_o if_o that_o which_o be_v promise_v to_o be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n be_v now_o to_o be_v seek_v after_o in_o piece_n and_o scrap_n of_o paper_n or_o that_o the_o write_a order_n of_o any_o at_o this_o day_n shall_v become_v a_o certain_a rule_n through_o which_o a_o heavenly_a possession_n may_v be_v obtain_v by_o such_o as_o can_v not_o own_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o though_o by_o the_o spirit_n give_v forth_o to_o be_v that_o certain_a rule_n but_o instead_o thereof_o the_o spirit_n itself_o to_o be_v it_o and_o if_o any_o think_v themselves_o hereby_o reflect_v on_o unjust_o because_o at_o some_o time_n they_o have_v appear_v of_o another_o language_n yet_o if_o such_o by_o their_o fruit_n have_v give_v the_o lie_n to_o the_o offer_n of_o their_o lip_n the_o deceit_n be_v the_o great_a and_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v discover_v four_o this_o treatise_n be_v chief_o intend_v for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n among_o who_o the_o religious_a difference_n be_v so_o public_o know_v as_o that_o i_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o matter_n treat_v on_o will_v be_v intelligible_a by_o they_o though_o the_o name_n of_o some_o person_n and_o author_n of_o some_o book_n and_o paper_n be_v not_o mention_v however_o if_o any_o among_o they_o for_o want_v of_o that_o public_a converse_n which_o other_o have_v have_v shall_v manifest_v the_o least_o jealousy_n that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n so_o to_o object_n or_o reflect_v as_o in_o the_o ensue_a treatise_n i_o shall_v then_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v unto_o such_o particular_a satisfaction_n from_o matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v to_o person_n or_o person_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o all_o paper_n and_o book_n which_o may_v evidence_n the_o reasonableness_n of_o all_o objection_n and_o reflection_n can_v lie_v at_o once_o in_o many_o hand_n and_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n with_o i_o therefore_o this_o treatise_n be_v sign_v thus_o by_o william_n rogers_n on_o behalf_n of_o himself_o and_o other_o friend_n in_o truth_n concern_v and_o so_o the_o name_n of_o those_o other_o my_o brethren_n concern_v with_o i_o in_o this_o work_n be_v omit_v partly_o because_o they_o may_v not_o be_v capable_a to_o give_v a_o ready_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n for_o want_v of_o the_o book_n or_o paper_n signify_v of_o as_o aforesaid_a quer._n 2._o why_o have_v thou_o treat_v on_o principle_n hold_v forth_o by_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n since_o many_o book_n have_v already_o be_v give_v forth_o by_o some_o among_o they_o treat_v on_o many_o if_o not_o all_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o thou_o have_v do_v answ_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o christian_n to_o clear_v their_o conscience_n as_o by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o conscience_n they_o be_v direct_v which_o doubtless_o be_v the_o real_a ground_n whereupon_o many_o ancient_a and_o honourable_a friend_n already_o fall_v asleep_o have_v give_v forth_o their_o testimony_n touch_v the_o same_o principle_n public_o hold_v forth_o both_o by_o word_n and_o printing_n by_o some_o other_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n before_o they_o and_o if_o no_o more_o be_v say_v to_o this_o query_n it_o ought_v to_o suffice_v but_o yet_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o the_o consideration_n attend_v i_o when_o i_o become_v conscientious_o concern_v so_o to_o do_v the_o deportment_n of_o some_o unruly_a woman_n and_o ignorant_a self-conceited_a
on_o this_o wise_a choose_v from_o among_o you_o the_o faithful_a yet_o such_o a_o limitation_n we_o have_v cause_n to_o believe_v will_v not_o now_o be_v bear_v by_o some_o it_o be_v well_o if_o the_o ground_n thereof_o in_o our_o opposer_n be_v not_o to_o bring_v in_o the_o multitude_n if_o they_o can_v and_o that_o under_o a_o pretence_n that_o all_o friend_n in_o truth_n may_v have_v free_a access_n that_o so_o the_o generality_n may_v be_v on_o their_o side_n for_o of_o late_a man_n meeting_n be_v know_v to_o consist_v of_o many_o such_o who_o if_o any_o aught_o to_o be_v govern_v be_v much_o fit_a to_o be_v govern_v then_o appear_v as_o governor_n and_o who_o we_o be_v well_o satisfy_v in_o our_o conscience_n will_v of_o themselves_o be_v more_o modest_a than_o to_o appear_v in_o such_o meeting_n as_o governor_n be_v they_o not_o prompt_v to_o be_v there_o the_o secret_a end_n thereof_o as_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o doubt_v be_v for_o the_o carry_v on_o that_o which_o we_o believe_v truth_n will_v never_o own_v and_o as_o to_o the_o apostasy_n never_o enter_v the_o generality_n more_o we_o say_v may_v the_o lord_n preserve_v we_o all_o so_o stay_v in_o his_o unchangeable_a truth_n as_o that_o we_o may_v never_o apostatise_v from_o it_o nor_o be_v draw_v away_o from_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o false_a prophet_n and_o seduce_a spirit_n for_o we_o do_v firm_o believe_v that_o as_o many_o of_o those_o who_o former_o be_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o do_v now_o account_v we_o dark_a spirit_n because_o we_o can_v be_v at_o unity_n with_o they_o in_o such_o action_n as_o we_o account_v persecution_n against_o ancient_a brother_n be_v already_o apostatise_v and_o doubtless_o they_o with_o their_o adherent_n account_v themselves_o the_o generality_n yet_o we_o hope_v better_a thing_n than_o so_o we_o now_o come_v to_o say_v something_o to_o these_o forego_v word_n viz._n that_o in_o london_n and_o other_o part_n of_o this_o nation_n where_o such_o meeting_n where_o usual_o hold_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o generality_n have_v be_v take_v for_o the_o sense_n of_o such_o meeting_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v if_o thereby_o be_v intend_v that_o the_o generality_n may_v claim_v power_n to_o declare_v that_o their_o sense_n be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o meeting_n it_o open_v a_o door_n whereby_o the_o reputation_n and_o honour_n of_o truth_n as_o profess_v own_a and_o practise_v among_o the_o friend_n thereof_o may_v fall_v in_o one_o day_n for_o when_o these_o meeting_n be_v assent_v unto_o we_o can_v say_v establish_v by_o any_o man_n we_o look_v upon_o ourselves_o all_o servant_n one_o unto_o another_o and_o not_o master_n and_o rulersover_n one_o another_o and_o so_o have_v then_o no_o occasion_n give_v we_o to_o discourse_v of_o authority_n but_o when_o there_o be_v we_o well_o remember_v that_o we_o ascribe_v all_o authority_n unto_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o invisible_a power_n of_o god_n and_o so_o no_o encouragement_n be_v give_v by_o we_o that_o any_o one_o man_n or_o man_n shall_v take_v upon_o he_o or_o they_o to_o rule_v and_o govern_v in_o such_o meeting_n but_o our_o expectation_n be_v that_o every_o member_n shall_v there_o appear_v in_o subjection_n to_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o high_a power_n unto_o which_o as_o member_n of_o his_o body_n we_o owe_v obedience_n in_o this_o sense_n we_o ready_o embrace_v the_o counsel_n to_o meet_v together_o to_o serve_v but_o not_o to_o bear_v rule_n over_o one_o another_o conscience_n and_o the_o matter_n intend_v by_o we_o to_o be_v transact_v in_o those_o meeting_n and_o by_o other_o also_o as_o far_o as_o we_o understand_v be_v chief_o to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o poor_a the_o fatherless_a and_o the_o widow_n and_o that_o if_o any_o profess_v the_o truth_n and_o dishonour_v the_o same_o by_o profane_a and_o evil_a conversation_n we_o may_v by_o such_o way_n and_o mean_n as_o the_o lord_n on_o every_o occasion_n may_v direct_v not_o then_o think_v that_o the_o day_n will_v ever_o come_v wherein_o a_o outward_a directory_n shall_v be_v place_v as_o a_o judge_n over_o our_o conscience_n endeavour_n to_o reclaim_v such_o from_o the_o evil_a of_o their_o way_n and_o for_o these_o service_n we_o be_v sensible_a that_o meeting_n be_v proper_a and_o therefore_o do_v continue_v in_o the_o service_n thereof_o yet_o never_o think_v that_o we_o shall_v have_v see_v the_o day_n wherein_o any_o profess_v the_o truth_n will_v have_v attempt_v to_o treat_v on_o such_o a_o subject_a as_o this_o viz._n how_o far_o do_v this_o government_n extend_v in_o matter_n spiritual_a and_o pure_o conscientious_a and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o be_v approve_v as_o the_o aforesaid_a book_n of_o government_n wherein_o the_o say_a sentence_n be_v write_v have_v be_v by_o a_o meeting_n that_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o take_v care_n as_o they_o pretend_v that_o nothing_o be_v print_v whereby_o the_o truth_n may_v be_v dishonour_v alas_o friend_n can_v such_o appear_v to_o we_o as_o man_n stay_v in_o the_o unchangeable_a truth_n who_o have_v suffer_v and_o high_o contend_v for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o that_o christ_n alone_o be_v lord_n over_o it_o and_o be_v its_o only_a lawgiver_n and_o yet_o now_o reckon_v that_o mens-meeting_n which_o we_o or_o at_o least_o several_a of_o we_o do_v know_v have_v be_v much_o conversant_a therein_o even_o from_o the_o begin_n to_o this_o day_n have_v most_o usual_o consist_v of_o man_n uncertain_a in_o number_n as_o well_o as_o to_o qualification_n and_o person_n may_v assume_v a_o power_n over_o conscience_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n true_o friend_n we_o can_v but_o testify_v that_o our_o soul_n have_v no_o unity_n with_o such_o thing_n and_o can_v but_o look_v upon_o the_o promoter_n thereof_o as_o lover_n of_o preeminency_n more_o than_o lover_n of_o god_n have_v let_v in_o a_o dark_a separate_a rend_a divide_v spirit_n from_o the_o truth_n and_o open_v a_o door_n whereby_o as_o great_a darkness_n may_v be_v bring_v over_o the_o people_n as_o ever_o be_v in_o any_o age_n under_o the_o profession_n of_o christian_a religion_n objection_n but_o perhaps_o some_o person_n may_v thus_o object_n we_o can_v but_o have_v more_o charity_n for_o some_o at_o least_o of_o those_o who_o be_v concern_v in_o these_o thing_n you_o strike_v at_o and_o can_v believe_v they_o intend_v a_o imposition_n on_o any_o of_o our_o conscience_n for_o when_o we_o have_v be_v in_o meeting_n with_o they_o we_o have_v be_v witness_n that_o the_o life_n have_v be_v raise_v and_o our_o soul_n have_v be_v refresh_v through_o their_o ministry_n and_o in_o their_o epistle_n they_o tell_v we_o how_o eminent_o the_o lord_n appear_v among_o they_o unto_o which_o we_o can_v but_o give_v credit_n because_o when_o they_o be_v with_o we_o the_o life_n in_o we_o answer_n to_o the_o life_n in_o they_o as_o face_n answer_v face_n in_o a_o glass_n but_o when_o those_o who_o they_o oppose_v do_v speak_v than_o deadness_n dryness_n and_o barrenness_n appear_v beside_o many_o of_o the_o minister_a friend_n have_v exhort_v we_o and_o as_o they_o say_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o shut_v out_o jealousy_n the_o reason_v and_o the_o wisdom_n tell_v we_o as_o before_o be_v hint_v that_o the_o apostasy_n shall_v never_o enter_v the_o generality_n more_o and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o brethren_n answ_n this_o objection_n may_v seem_v very_o weighty_a with_o some_o especial_o such_o who_o may_v conclude_v that_o if_o they_o be_v of_o the_o true_a brotherhood_n the_o lord_n will_v give_v they_o a_o inward_a sense_n when_o they_o wait_v upon_o he_o whereby_o a_o testimony_n according_a to_o the_o truth_n may_v arise_v from_o they_o in_o every_o case_n wherein_o they_o may_v concern_v their_o thought_n but_o alas_o it_o be_v either_o the_o fruit_n of_o weakness_n or_o presumption_n so_o to_o conclude_v with_o respect_n to_o every_o brother_n in_o what_o estate_n soever_o which_o have_v be_v sufficient_o evidence_v to_o we_o by_o the_o fruit_n of_o those_o who_o have_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o judge_v the_o merit_n of_o a_o cause_n without_o hear_v of_o both_o party_n of_o which_o more_o anon_o beside_o if_o we_o do_v but_o consider_v that_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n do_v testify_v there_o be_v diversity_n of_o gift_n diversity_n of_o administration_n and_o operation_n and_o yet_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prompt_v we_o to_o be_v so_o serious_a and_o weighty_a in_o this_o day_n of_o trial_n as_o to_o be_v find_v wait_v every_o one_o in_o his_o own_o gift_n that_o so_o all_o may_v be_v preserve_v and_o not_o meddle_v with_o thing_n that_o be_v too_o high_a for_o they_o he_o that_o be_v not_o
spiritual_a guide_n and_o teacher_n which_o be_v infailible_n and_o can_v be_v remove_v into_o a_o corner_n with_o confidence_n than_o may_v we_o conclude_v that_o none_o such_o will_n ever_o more_o boast_n of_o the_o possession_n which_o they_o have_v take_v as_o heir_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o respect_n to_o thing_n that_o be_v without_o second_o as_o to_o this_o part_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a objection_n viz._n that_o nothing_o but_o dryness_n deadness_n and_o barrenness_n appear_v in_o those_o who_o be_v oppose_v by_o such_o with_o who_o thou_o be_v at_o unity_n we_o say_v this_o seem_v not_o strange_a unto_o we_o for_o the_o apostle_n thus_o testify_v we_o be_v unto_o god_n a_o sweet_a savour_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o that_o be_v save_v and_o in_o they_o that_o perish_v to_o the_o one_o we_o be_v the_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n and_o to_o the_o other_o the_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o life_n this_o give_v we_o occasion_n to_o put_v every_o one_o that_o have_v or_o may_v judge_v the_o sound_a form_n of_o word_n to_o be_v deadness_n dryness_n &_o barrenness_n especial_o when_v spring_a from_o such_o who_o thou_o have_v know_v to_o be_v in_o the_o life_n upon_o this_o search_n be_v not_o the_o reason_n thereof_o because_o i_o be_o watch_v for_o evil_n and_o have_v let_v in_o a_o spirit_n of_o prejudice_n believe_v a_o evil_a report_n when_o perhaps_o it_o may_v not_o be_v truth_n if_o this_o be_v thy_o state_n we_o must_v plain_o tell_v thou_o they_o be_v the_o very_a token_n of_o a_o perish_a condition_n and_o then_o though_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o life_n that_o be_v preach_v yet_o it_o can_v be_v no_o other_o according_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o the_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o thou_o beside_o we_o have_v this_o further_a observation_n to_o make_v that_o some_o at_o least_o of_o those_o thus_o testify_v against_o as_o dead_a dry_a and_o barren_a be_v chief_o such_o unto_o who_o god_n have_v give_v a_o portion_n of_o understanding_n above_o many_o of_o their_o brethren_n and_o have_v and_o yet_o do_v as_o far_o as_o ever_o we_o know_v appear_v sound_n in_o doctrine_n and_o as_o blameless_a in_o life_n and_o conversation_n as_o any_o friend_n we_o have_v ever_o know_v and_o so_o can_v run_v with_o the_o current_n of_o the_o time_n we_o desire_v therefore_o that_o every_o one_o of_o the_o opposer_n of_o or_o judge_n over_o such_o will_v yet_o more_o thorough_o search_v their_o own_o conscience_n and_o in_o a_o godly_a jealousy_n over_o themselves_o put_v these_o query_n unto_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o try_v thing_n in_o the_o equal_a balance_n have_v not_o i_o many_o time_n hear_v unsound_a doctrine_n and_o behold_v disorder_n and_o confusion_n bring_v forth_o even_o in_o public_a meeting_n for_o worship_n by_o those_o who_o cry_v against_o dark_a separate_a spirit_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v a_o reproof_n thereto_o conclude_v notwithstanding_o that_o there_o do_v a_o freshness_n and_o life_n appear_v have_v not_o i_o be_v often_o affect_v with_o a_o outward_a tone_n and_o strength_n of_o lung_n when_o there_o have_v be_v little_a to_o the_o information_n and_o building_n up_o one_o another_o in_o the_o most_o holy_a faith_n have_v not_o i_o be_v better_o content_v to_o hear_v a_o thunder_a kind_n of_o voice_n cry_v out_o against_o a_o separate_a spirit_n though_o without_o distinction_n when_o not_o a_o word_n be_v speak_v to_o show_v the_o way_n to_o the_o kingdom_n than_o to_o hear_v the_o way_n of_o eternal_a life_n plain_o demonstrate_v by_o a_o soft_a and_o moderate_a voice_n we_o know_v there_o be_v great_a cause_n for_o many_o to_o put_v these_o question_n to_o their_o conscience_n and_o to_o be_v cool_a in_o spirit_n that_o so_o they_o may_v have_v a_o answer_n from_o the_o lord_n who_o appearance_n be_v not_o in_o the_o strong_a wind_n but_o in_o the_o still_a voice_n sect_n iv_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o three_o position_n deducible_a from_o a_o objection_n raise_v towards_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o first_o section_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v folly_n and_o hypocrisy_n to_o profess_v ourselves_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o yet_o not_o believe_v thus_o as_o the_o true_a church_n believe_v to_o this_o we_o say_v we_o be_v altogether_o dissatisfy_v especial_o when_o we_o consider_v what_o a_o body_n of_o darkness_n have_v enter_v under_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o position_n we_o must_v believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v among_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n in_o age_n past_a as_o well_o as_o at_o this_o present_a day_n that_o such_o language_n can_v become_v the_o mouth_n or_o pen_n of_o any_o one_o that_o profess_v not_o only_a faith_n in_o christ_n but_o also_o that_o such_o his_o faith_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o inward_a manifestation_n and_o revelation_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o himself_o mark_v we_o say_v in_o himself_o those_o who_o be_v account_v apostate_n christian_n have_v from_o such_o assembly_n which_o they_o call_v their_o church_n set_v forth_o their_o creed_n by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v know_v what_o the_o member_n of_o their_o church_n do_v and_o aught_o to_o believe_v and_o since_o it_o be_v so_o that_o no_o person_n be_v able_a to_o make_v out_o that_o ever_o any_o assembly_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o true_a church_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n have_v publish_v their_o creed_n by_o which_o we_o mean_v a_o certain_a number_n of_o article_n of_o faith_n recommend_v they_o as_o those_o thing_n which_o every_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n ought_v to_o believe_v or_o else_o not_o be_v account_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n we_o can_v account_v it_o unreasonable_a if_o any_o one_o that_o like_v not_o the_o language_n touch_v believe_v as_o the_o true_a church_n believe_v shall_v ask_v the_o publisher_n thereof_o this_o question_n have_v thou_o not_o speak_v this_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n as_o those_o who_o thou_o accounte_v the_o true_a church_n and_o if_o so_o be_v it_o not_o folly_n to_o talk_v of_o believe_v as_o this_o church_n believe_v when_o no_o assembly_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o this_o church_n have_v to_o this_o day_n declare_v and_o publish_v their_o creed_n for_o the_o end_n aforesaid_a nay_o may_v it_o not_o further_o be_v say_v we_o know_v how_o papist_n and_o protestant_n describe_v their_o church_n but_o at_o the_o day_n wherein_o that_o which_o occasion_n this_o present_a discourse_n be_v give_v forth_o it_o be_v not_o discover_v by_o any_o repute_a quaker_n public_o in_o print_n that_o we_o know_v of_o who_o or_o be_v the_o true_a church_n be_v with_o respect_n to_o visible_a person_n more_o than_o what_o be_v to_o this_o effect_n give_v forth_o by_o the_o author_n occasion_v this_o present_a discourse_n viz._n that_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n be_v the_o church_n wherein_o we_o do_v not_o take_v his_o meaning_n to_o be_v that_o all_o call_v quaker_n be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o the_o elect_a among_o they_o for_o he_o also_o say_v the_o church_n signify_v the_o elect_n and_o so_o the_o reader_n be_v leave_v without_o any_o certain_a description_n who_o or_o where_o this_o church_n be_v with_o respect_n to_o visible_a person_n since_o the_o elect_a among_o they_o be_v not_o outward_o describe_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o open_n of_o the_o understanding_n of_o such_o as_o may_v be_v muddle_v about_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v with_o we_o thus_o to_o testify_v it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o reach_v unto_o many_o of_o our_o conscience_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o latter_a day_n that_o have_v dawn_v among_o we_o whereby_o we_o come_v to_o believe_v in_o the_o everlasting_a light_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o as_o other_o hold_v forth_o the_o visible_a order_n and_o write_a faith_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n to_o be_v as_o a_o lantern_n to_o their_o path_n and_o as_o a_o ground_n of_o their_o faith_n so_o this_o light_n of_o christ_n be_v preach_v up_o as_o a_o lantern_n to_o our_o path_n and_o as_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o then_o as_o our_o understanding_n come_v to_o be_v more_o and_o more_o open_v we_o clear_o see_v that_o as_o other_o church_n have_v outward_a mark_n and_o token_n whereby_o a_o man_n may_v manifest_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o their_o church_n when_o receive_v into_o society_n with_o their_o church_n so_o we_o who_o have_v believe_v in_o the_o light_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o have_v the_o evidence_n in_o ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v of_o the_o true_a brotherhood_n and_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n be_v at_o a_o loss_n infallible_o to_o manifest_v unto_o other_o by_o any_o outward_a mark_n or_o token_n that_o we_o be_v in_o
seem_v to_o glory_n in_o suffer_v their_o good_n to_o be_v take_v away_o and_o to_o speak_v in_o their_o language_n account_v it_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o dark_a spirit_n to_o endeavour_v to_o save_v any_o though_o but_o from_o the_o thirst_n of_o informer_n occasion_v persecution_n mere_o to_o enrich_v themselves_o we_o can_v but_o query_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o more_o christian_a like_o so_o to_o act_v according_a to_o one_o plain_a persuasion_n than_o to_o contend_v so_o much_o for_o offer_v upall_a &_o yet_o after_o take_v away_o to_o use_v divers_a mean_n to_o get_v it_o again_o sometime_o by_o law_n open-faced_a as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o appeal_n and_o sometime_o by_o private_a and_o secret_a solicitation_n wherein_o not_o only_a time_n and_o breath_n be_v spend_v but_o as_o be_v credible_o report_v the_o purse_n open_v too_o as_o some_o of_o our_o opposer_n have_v do_v we_o shall_v now_o return_v and_o consider_v what_o in_o probability_n may_v be_v object_v touch_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n grace_n etc._n etc._n as_o in_o the_o next_o follow_v section_n sect_n vi_o on_o the_o occasion_n of_o a_o objection_n raise_v touch_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n grace_n unity_n be_v treat_v on_o from_o the_o word_n of_o paul_n to_o the_o corinth_n that_o they_o shall_v all_o speak_v one_o thing_n touch_v the_o word_n independency_n occasion_v by_o a_o public_a preacher_n that_o leave_v friend_n to_o the_o grace_n light_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o lead_v into_o rantism_n objection_n it_o be_v true_a may_n some_o say_v this_o doctrine_n of_o exalt_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n grace_n square_n with_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n as_o preach_v among_o we_o in_o the_o beginning_n and_o it_o have_v then_o and_o still_o have_v a_o answer_n in_o our_o conscience_n but_o now_o several_a of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v instrument_n to_o gather_v we_o increase_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o they_o now_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o doubt_v if_o there_o be_v no_o care_n take_v to_o preserve_v a_o unity_n among_o the_o professor_n of_o truth_n friend_n may_v be_v scatter_v and_o break_v and_o run_v into_o a_o separation_n etc._n etc._n for_o do_v not_o paul_n exhort_v the_o corinthian_n that_o they_o shall_v all_o speak_v one_o thing_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 10._o answ_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o when_o paul_n come_v to_o understand_v that_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n be_v some_o for_o paul_n and_o some_o for_o apollo_n and_o some_o for_o cephas_n and_o some_o for_o christ_n there_o be_v great_a need_n for_o he_o on_o that_o occasion_n to_o exhort_v they_o to_o speak_v one_o thing_n lest_o their_o faith_n and_o hope_n in_o the_o gospel_n may_v come_v utter_o to_o be_v destroy_v do_v those_o who_o cry_v against_o such_o who_o we_o account_v faithful_a friend_n as_o dark_a spirit_n and_o plead_v so_o much_o for_o unity_n and_o to_o speak_v one_o thing_n exhort_v those_o who_o be_v apt_a to_o pin_v their_o faith_n on_o a_o apollo_n a_o paul_n or_o a_o cephas_n to_o be_v for_o christ_n we_o shall_v think_v it_o good_a exhortation_n therein_o to_o speak_v one_o thing_n and_o that_o which_o will_v cast_v a_o great_a line_n of_o reflection_n on_o those_o ignorant_a zealot_n who_o of_o late_a day_n have_v much_o exhort_v we_o to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o brethren_n in_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o we_o their_o meaning_n be_v to_o some_o particular_a brethren_n while_o other_o ancient_a and_o honourable_a be_v despise_v by_o they_o beside_o we_o can_v on_o this_o occasion_n but_o observe_v that_o the_o same_o paul_n do_v sufficient_o evidence_n his_o dislike_n of_o any_o plea_n for_o unity_n save_v that_o of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o though_o he_o exhort_v to_o unity_n ephes_n 4.3_o yet_o verse_n 7._o he_o say_v but_o unto_o every_o one_o of_o we_o be_v give_v grace_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n which_o clear_o evidence_n to_o our_o conscience_n that_o paul_n never_o intend_v to_o magnify_v any_o 15.10_o any_o 1_o cor._n 12.7_o 1_o cor._n 15.10_o unity_n among_o brethren_n but_o that_o which_o may_v be_v the_o natural_a product_n of_o this_o gift_n of_o grace_n or_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o give_v to_o every_o one_o according_a to_o measure_n to_o profit_v withal_o and_o whereby_o they_o may_v in_o the_o language_n and_o according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n say_v each_o unto_o other_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n i_o be_o what_o i_o be_o we_o be_v yet_o sensible_a that_o another_o objection_n may_v still_o arise_v obj._n what_o then_o be_v you_o for_o a_o independency_n yes_o very_o we_o be_v for_o a_o independency_n that_o be_v to_o say_v independency_n say_v some_o may_v wonder_v why_o we_o raise_v this_o objection_n but_o doubtless_o it_o will_v come_v to_o the_o view_n of_o one_o and_o not_o a_o mean_a one_o too_o who_o manifest_v his_o doubt_n that_o some_o of_o we_o intend_v a_o independency_n not_o to_o depend_v on_o the_o counsel_n of_o one_o man_n nor_o yet_o to_o depend_v on_o the_o counsel_n of_o general_n quarterly_o or_o monthly_a meeting_n but_o as_o there_o be_v sufficiency_n in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o to_o profit_v withal_o so_o to_o have_v a_o dependency_n on_o that_o grace_n to_o teach_v didirect_a and_o instruct_v in_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o in_o ward_n man_n of_o the_o heart_n know_v that_o it_o be_v against_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o principle_n in_o which_o we_o have_v believe_v to_o have_v a_o dependency_n on_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v outward_a lest_o it_o prove_v unto_o we_o like_o the_o reed_n of_o egypt_n and_o arm_v of_o flesh_n that_o can_v save_v but_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o against_o appoint_a meeting_n for_o the_o outward_a service_n of_o truth_n for_o that_o have_v be_v and_o be_v our_o practice_n know_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o service_n therein_o as_o occasion_n offer_v provide_v all_o in_o such_o meeting_n may_v be_v keep_v in_o humility_n as_o servant_n each_o to_o other_o and_o the_o truth_n not_o exercise_v lordship_n over_o the_o conscience_n which_o be_v god_n prerogative_n nor_o yet_o exalt_v themselves_o as_o if_o thereby_o they_o be_v enter_v into_o that_o possession_n which_o can_v never_o be_v take_v from_o they_o object_n we_o be_v now_o sensible_a that_o some_o may_v be_v ready_a thus_o to_o say_v we_o can_v scarce_o believe_v that_o any_o man_n of_o weight_n and_o under_o the_o name_n of_o one_o that_o may_v be_v account_v by_o any_o a_o faithful_a quaker_n will_v give_v occasion_n for_o such_o a_o discourse_n as_o this_o occasion_v on_o the_o word_n independency_n for_o that_o many_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o say_v it_o be_v the_o language_n of_o a_o hypocrite_n that_o have_v outward_a power_n to_o uphold_v it_o because_o some_o who_o be_v account_v separate_a from_o it_o be_v call_v independent_o ans_fw-fr this_o occasion_n we_o to_o signify_v that_o preface_n that_o note_v his_o name_n be_v omit_v for_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o preface_n a_o eminent_a person_n write_v to_o friend_n in_o wiltshire_n by_o way_n of_o reply_n to_o a_o answer_n they_o give_v to_o the_o paper_n from_o ellis_n hook_n his_o chamber_n sign_v by_o charles_n martial_n and_o sixty_o five_o more_o against_o two_o ancient_a and_o honourable_a friend_n in_o truth_n viz._n john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n etc._n etc._n thus_o repeat_v part_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o friend_n of_o wiltshire_n and_o what_o if_o we_o in_o this_o county_n or_o any_o friend_n elsewhere_o shall_v say_v to_o any_o of_o you_o of_o london_n or_o other_o city_n or_o country_n as_o to_o our_o public_a concern_v in_o the_o managment_n of_o our_o affair_n repeat_v affair_n note_v though_o it_o be_v recite_v meddle_v not_o with_o we_o yet_o the_o very_a follow_a word_n be_v thus_o unless_o concern_v but_o if_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v real_o with_o any_o of_o you_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o hear_v it_o which_o be_v leave_v out_o by_o the_o reply_o we_o appeal_v to_o the_o righteous_a judge_n whether_o he_o have_v not_o therein_o act_v notorious_o unjust_a since_o there_o can_v not_o have_v be_v the_o least_o pretence_n for_o he_o to_o have_v write_v as_o he_o have_v on_o that_o subject_n have_v the_o whole_a sentence_n be_v repeat_v meddle_v not_o with_o we_o if_o we_o shall_v so_o say_v unto_o you_o we_o can_v think_v that_o this_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o imposition_n have_v no_o penalty_n annex_v thereunto_o neither_o do_v we_o understand_v they_o to_o be_v any_o otherwise_o these_o word_n be_v thus_o repeat_v the_o replyer_n proceed_v and_o give_v this_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o
by_o the_o same_o rule_n he_o that_o savour_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n may_v easy_o perceive_v that_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o paul_n unto_o those_o philippian_n be_v that_o those_o who_o be_v come_v to_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n shall_v walk_v by_o that_o rule_n whereunto_o they_o have_v attain_v but_o those_o who_o have_v not_o attain_v so_o far_o and_o be_v otherwise-minded_n be_v to_o wait_v for_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o son_n and_o now_o to_o conclude_v as_o to_o this_o objection_n we_o have_v this_o further_a to_o add_v that_o we_o do_v know_v many_o of_o our_o opposer_n or_o at_o least_o such_o who_o be_v not_o at_o unity_n with_o we_o have_v very_o confident_o make_v use_n of_o such_o discourse_n as_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o last_o recite_v objection_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o follow_v outward_a prescription_n and_o order_n though_o not_o convince_v of_o its_o service_n which_o occasion_n we_o to_o be_v jealous_a that_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o enemy_n may_v so_o enter_v in_o at_o this_o door_n as_o that_o darkness_n may_v more_o general_o overshadow_v again_o than_o it_o yet_o do_v though_o our_o hope_n in_o god_n be_v that_o he_o will_v lay_v such_o a_o constraint_n on_o many_o of_o those_o who_o eye_n be_v open_a behold_v the_o approach_v apostasy_n as_o that_o they_o may_v be_v raise_v in_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n indignation_n and_o appear_v as_o lion_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o lion_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o juda_n to_o oppose_v every_o appearance_n of_o that_o spirit_n which_o will_v be_v exalt_v self_n or_o any_o form_n observation_n prescription_n or_o order_n to_o be_v as_o a_o bond_n on_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n when_o by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n their_o alone_a lawgiver_n they_o be_v not_o full_o persuade_v thereof_o in_o their_o own_o conscience_n which_o undoubted_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o paul_n when_o he_o write_v unto_o the_o roman_n chap._n 14._o verse_n 5_o 23._o let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n and_o to_o come_v a_o little_a close_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n it_o be_v too_o too_o evident_a that_o nonconformity_n to_o outward_a prescription_n be_v take_v as_o a_o mark_n of_o apostasy_n even_o among_o those_o who_o have_v be_v under_o the_o profession_n of_o truth_n of_o which_o many_o instance_n too_o too_o large_a here_o to_o insert_v may_v be_v produce_v which_o be_v now_o forbear_v because_o we_o suppose_v there_o be_v very_o few_o among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n for_o who_o sake_n this_o be_v chief_o write_v who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o truth_n hereof_o beside_o it_o have_v be_v a_o observation_n of_o late_a that_o these_o question_n or_o question_n to_o the_o like_a import_n have_v be_v frequent_o ask_v by_o such_o with_o who_o we_o can_v be_v at_o unity_n in_o all_o thing_n viz._n be_v you_o for_o woman_n meeting_n mean_v distinct_a woman_n meeting_n from_o man_n among_o who_o under_o pretence_n of_o take_v care_n of_o the_o poor_a another_o thing_n seem_v to_o be_v more_o chief_o aim_v at_o as_o anon_o will_v be_v make_v appear_v be_v you_o for_o record_v condemnation_n mean_v thereby_o whether_o the_o party_n who_o have_v condemn_v their_o fail_n and_o through_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v restore_v and_o their_o officence_n blot_v out_o and_o forgive_v by_o he_o assent_v thereto_o or_o no._n be_v you_o for_o settle_a monthly_a and_o quarterly_o meeting_n touch_v outward_a business_n since_o those_o who_o will_v have_v meeting_n as_o occasion_n offer_v be_v account_v designer_n to_o through_o down_o all_o meeting_n for_o outward_a business_n relate_v to_o the_o affair_n of_o truth_n and_o when_o these_o or_o such_o like_a question_n have_v be_v a_o skt_a of_o friend_n in_o truth_n that_o can_v not_o answer_v thereto_o yea_o we_o be_v sensible_a that_o it_o have_v be_v take_v by_o many_o as_o a_o sufficient_a token_n of_o a_o dark_a leaven_a rend_v divide_v spirit_n and_o mere_o as_o we_o take_v it_o form_n a_o apprehension_n that_o the_o form_n they_o stand_v for_o be_v thereby_o strike_v at_o though_o the_o service_n will_v be_v effectual_o perform_v in_o another_o method_n as_o experience_n in_o the_o county_n of_o westmoreland_n and_o wilts_n have_v of_o late_o testify_v for_o be_v it_o not_o so_o that_o great_a stress_n be_v lay_v upon_o the_o outward_a form_n of_o thing_n prescribe_v to_o be_v practise_v how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o j._n s._n be_v article_v against_o by_o robert_n barrow_n and_o twenty_o six_o person_n more_o in_o the_o north_n on_o this_o wise_a viz._n j._n s._n speak_v among_o many_o friend_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o form_n because_o of_o the_o consequence_n that_o may_v follow_v say_v that_o among_o the_o christian_n of_o old_a the_o difference_n that_o do_v arise_v be_v about_o form_n which_o can_v not_o be_v seasonable_a word_n when_o we_o be_v establish_v the_o church_n in_o the_o holy_a order_n of_o truth_n much_o more_o may_v be_v collect_v from_o the_o article_n be_v forty_o four_o in_o number_n exhibit_v by_o robert_n barrow_n and_o twenty_o six_o person_n as_o aforesaid_a to_o show_v how_o earnest_o and_o zealous_o the_o very_a outward_a form_n of_o thing_n be_v contend_v for_o which_o occasion_n we_o in_o all_o seriousness_n of_o spirit_n thus_o to_o say_v may_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n so_o preserve_v his_o people_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v ensnare_v by_o those_o who_o have_v raise_v so_o great_a contention_n about_o the_o outward_a form_n of_o thing_n prescribe_v to_o be_v practise_v among_o the_o professor_n of_o truth_n lest_o they_o with_o they_o prove_v to_o be_v boaster_n proud_a blasphemer_n false_a accuser_n despiser_n of_o those_o that_o be_v good_a which_o be_v the_o very_a mark_n and_o token_n of_o those_o who_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o from_o who_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v to_o turn_v away_o and_o how_o far_o these_o mark_v rest_n upon_o many_o of_o those_o who_o so_o earnest_o contend_v for_o their_o outward_a form_n we_o leave_v to_o the_o impartial_a reader_n with_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n to_o judge_n when_o he_o have_v thorough_o inform_v himself_o of_o their_o fruit_n oh_o friend_n the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n bow_v we_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o mercy_n to_o we_o we_o can_v no_o long_o keep_v silent_a but_o in_o his_o fear_n declare_v that_o our_o conscience_n be_v concern_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o since_o it_o be_v so_o that_o a_o ill_a use_n be_v make_v of_o that_o spirit_n of_o forbearance_n and_o condescension_n which_o we_o be_v sensible_a have_v be_v use_v by_o many_o of_o our_o brethren_n it_o be_v now_o become_v our_o portion_n to_o unburthen_v ourselves_o of_o that_o which_o have_v be_v our_o burden_n believe_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o only_o arisen_a but_o will_v yet_o more_o and_o more_o arise_v against_o that_o spirit_n that_o will_v exalt_v itself_o over_o the_o heritage_n of_o god_n endeavour_v to_o rule_v over_o their_o conscience_n whenas_o christ_n alone_o be_v lord_n thereof_o it_o may_v now_o be_v worthy_a our_o observation_n to_o consider_v whether_o any_o encouragement_n be_v give_v by_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n christ_n jesus_n while_o on_o earth_n unto_o his_o disciple_n to_o become_v ruler_n one_o over_o another_o we_o find_v that_o he_o exhort_v his_o disciple_n judge_v not_o that_o you_o be_v not_o judge_v be_v not_o you_o call_v rabbi_n for_o one_o be_v your_o master_n even_o christ_n and_o all_o you_o be_v brethren_n but_o he_o that_o be_v great_a among_o you_o shall_v be_v your_o servant_n and_o whosoever_o shall_v exalthimself_n shall_v be_v abase_v and_o he_o that_o shall_v humble_v himself_o shall_v be_v exalt_v here_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o believe_v that_o christ_n intend_v that_o when_o he_o be_v depart_v his_o disciple_n shall_v be_v exalt_v themselves_o one_o over_o another_o as_o governor_n and_o ruler_n and_o if_o we_o consult_v the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o though_o his_o disciple_n have_v a_o dependency_n upon_o he_o while_o in_o his_o bodily_a appearance_n to_o be_v their_o leader_n yet_o he_o tell_v they_o john_n 16.7.13_o it_o be_v expedient_a for_o you_o that_o i_o go_v away_o for_o if_o i_o go_v not_o away_o the_o comforter_n will_v not_o come_v unto_o you_o but_o if_o i_o depart_v i_o will_v send_v he_o unto_o you_o and_o he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n for_o he_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o have_v it_o be_v so_o that_o christ_n jesus_n intend_v the_o
four_o month_n 1677._o which_o now_o follow_v we_o who_o name_n be_v here_o unto_o subscribe_v do_v testify_v that_o on_o the_o sixteenth_o day_n of_o the_o five_o month_n 1677._o we_o be_v present_a in_o a_o meeting_n usual_o hold_v in_o the_o city_n of_o bristol_n for_o the_o take_a care_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o promote_a of_o other_o christian_a duty_n when_o a_o paper_n subscribe_v by_o sixty_o six_o person_n and_o date_v from_o a_o metting_n hold_v at_o ellis_n hook_n his_o chamber_n in_o london_n the_o twelve_o of_o the_o four_o month_n 1677._o be_v there_o read_v and_o therein_o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n be_v reprove_v and_o judge_v in_o these_o word_n viz._n we_o do_v hereby_o reprove_v and_o judge_n that_o jealous_a rend_v and_o separate_a spirit_n and_o they_o meaning_n john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o their_o separate_a company_n as_o be_v in_o that_o spirit_n of_o separation_n and_o that_o by_o the_o power_n and_o spirit_n of_o our_o god_n and_o we_o warn_v all_o to_o who_o this_o come_v to_o beware_v of_o the_o say_v john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n who_o way_n at_o present_a be_v not_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n etc._n etc._n the_o aforesaid_a judgement_n we_o do_v now_o declare_v that_o we_o do_v not_o own_o to_o be_v righteous_a nor_o yet_o dare_v we_o deny_v the_o say_a john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n lest_o we_o sin_n against_o god_n and_o despise_v those_o unto_o who_o a_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v commit_v especial_o since_o that_o the_o aforementioned_a paper_n do_v sufficient_o manifest_a to_o our_o conscience_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o move_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o sixty_o six_o subscriber_n to_o give_v forth_o the_o same_o though_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n his_o power_n and_o spirit_n be_v frequent_o make_v mention_n of_o in_o the_o say_a paper_n and_o that_o this_o be_v so_o we_o thus_o manifest_a first_o the_o great_a crime_n against_o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n be_v for_o that_o as_o report_n say_v they_o have_v be_v instrument_n to_o set_v up_o or_o at_o least_o encourage_v a_o separate_a mens-meeting_a in_o the_o north_n wherein_o the_o outward_a affair_n of_o the_o church_n be_v manage_v and_o so_o consequent_o be_v esteem_v beside_o that_o form_n of_o government_n which_o be_v contend_v for_o now_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v to_o we_o from_o the_o say_a paper_n that_o the_o meeting_n from_o which_o the_o aforesaid_a paper_n be_v give_v forth_o be_v a_o meeting_n hold_v according_a to_o the_o form_n of_o government_n contend_v for_o and_o so_o we_o be_v dissatisfy_v that_o the_o action_n of_o that_o meeting_n be_v justifiable_a by_o the_o rule_n of_o those_o who_o oppose_v john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n on_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o separate-meeting_a so_o call_v for_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o the_o aforementioned_a meeting_n be_v the_o general_n meeting_n by_o any_o thing_n therein_o contain_v not_o be_v so_o much_o as_o date_v from_o thence_o nor_o yet_o within_o the_o time_n wherein_o it_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v hold_v beside_o if_o the_o paper_n do_v not_o prove_v that_o yet_o by_o a_o postscript_n thereto_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v several_a brethren_n that_o have_v leave_v the_o city_n before_o the_o say_a meeting_n wherein_o the_o say_a paper_n be_v subscribe_v and_o so_o have_v it_o be_v within_o the_o appoint_a time_n of_o the_o general-meeting_a it_o can_v in_o the_o best_a sense_n be_v but_o from_o a_o part_n of_o the_o say_a meeting_n the_o aforementioned_a meeting_n by_o the_o say_a paper_n appear_v not_o to_o be_v the_o second_o day_n weekly_a meeting_n for_o its_o date_n be_v on_o the_o three_o day_n and_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v give_v forth_o from_o that_o meeting_n it_o be_v usual_o date_v from_o the_o say_a meeting_n beside_o we_o find_v that_o the_o hand_n of_o many_o ancient_a labourer_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o great_a part_n by_o many_o of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o elder_n and_o minister_a friend_n dwell_v in_o and_o about_o the_o city_n of_o london_n be_v not_o thereto_o subscribe_v and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o we_o be_v credible_o inform_v that_o though_o it_o be_v discourse_v in_o the_o second_o day_n weekly_a meeting_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o unanimous_o assent_v to_o therein_o and_o if_o so_o it_o follow_v by_o natural_a consequence_n that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v the_o action_n of_o the_o say_a meeting_n have_v it_o be_v date_v on_o that_o day_n and_o that_o this_o expression_n in_o the_o aforesaid_a paper_n viz._n and_o bless_a and_o sweet_a and_o very_a precious_a to_o our_o soul_n be_v the_o heavenly_a unity_n of_o life_n among_o we_o wherein_o at_o this_o meeting_n the_o lord_n our_o god_n have_v crown_v we_o with_o glory_n dominion_n and_o peace_n can_v in_o truth_n be_v speak_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o aforesaid_a second_o day_n weekly_a meeting_n unity_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o aforesaid_a paper_n the_o aforementioned_a meeting_n can_v be_v reasonable_o suppose_v to_o be_v from_o the_o mens-meeting_a of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n for_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o member_n thereof_o have_v not_o their_o hand_n thereto_o neither_o be_v it_o say_v sign_v on_o behalf_n of_o that_o meeting_n or_o any_o other_o settle_a meeting_n in_o england_n nor_o yet_o from_o it_o or_o any_o other_o such_o meeting_n all_o which_o consideration_n confirm_v we_o in_o this_o persuasion_n that_o the_o aforesaid_a paper_n be_v give_v forth_o from_o a_o meeting_n hold_v out_o of_o the_o form_n of_o government_n contend_v for_o and_o so_o by_o their_o own_o rule_n aught_o to_o be_v disow_v by_o the_o meeting_n to_o who_o it_o be_v direct_v second_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o sixty_o six_o subscriber_n in_o their_o paper_n have_v give_v forth_o these_o sentence_n viz._n at_o this_o meeting_n the_o lord_n our_o god_n have_v crown_v we_o with_o glory_n dominion_n and_o peace_n at_o this_o time_n as_o on_o the_o like_a occasion_n have_v be_v frequent_a with_o we_o the_o care_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n come_v upon_o we_o and_o be_v your_o servant_n for_o he_o mean_v christ_n sake_n by_o that_o salt_n that_o we_o have_v in_o ourselves_o from_o the_o lord_n be_v we_o enable_v to_o savour_n between_o the_o transformation_n of_o the_o enemy_n and_o the_o scruple_n of_o the_o innocent_a and_o as_o to_o be_v tender_a of_o one_o so_o to_o give_v judgement_n against_o the_o other_o and_o true_o that_o which_o have_v encourage_v we_o in_o this_o epistle_n be_v that_o good_a success_n god_n have_v blessed_v our_o like_a endeavour_n in_o his_o power_n with_o we_o be_v unanimous_o your_o dear_a and_o faithful_a brethren_n in_o the_o labour_n travel_n tribulation_n patience_n hope_v and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n our_o lord_n on_o these_o last_o six_o sentence_n we_o thus_o observe_v that_o where_o they_o have_v credit_n it_o be_v but_o too_o probable_a that_o it_o may_v gain_v a_o persuasion_n or_o belief_n that_o the_o sixty_o six_o subscriber_n be_v apostle_n and_o so_o may_v become_v a_o mean_n to_o obtain_v the_o better_a credit_n to_o their_o paper_n shall_v any_o thus_o be_v persuade_v they_o therein_o will_v be_v mistake_v for_o three_o or_o four_o from_o the_o city_n of_o bristol_n who_o be_v well_o know_v to_o we_o be_v not_o exercise_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n beside_o other_o from_o other_o country_n and_o place_n three_o we_o find_v in_o the_o say_a paper_n these_o two_o follow_a sentence_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o appear_v to_o we_o that_o they_o will_v not_o come_v to_o we_o nor_o near_o we_o in_o the_o peaceable_a truth_n which_o we_o have_v frequent_o true_o desire_v for_o their_o good_a but_o that_o they_o will_v go_v on_o in_o their_o opposition_n refuse_v to_o dissolve_v their_o separate-company_n in_o the_o north_n etc._n etc._n and_o because_o we_o be_v sensible_a that_o they_o have_v make_v a_o ill_a use_n of_o our_o forbearance_n even_o to_o strengthen_v themselves_o in_o their_o separation_n etc._n etc._n on_o which_o we_o thus_o observe_v that_o these_o two_o sentence_n be_v assign_v as_o a_o part_n of_o those_o consideration_n wherefore_o the_o sixty_o six_o subscriber_n be_v as_o they_o say_v constrain_v after_o continue_a wait_v and_o exhortation_n slight_v by_o they_o meaning_n john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n more_o public_o to_o reprove_v and_o judge_v they_o in_o these_o thing_n as_o by_o their_o paper_n do_v plain_o appear_v which_o be_v due_o consider_v it_o natural_o follow_v that_o if_o every_o one_o of_o the_o sixty_o six_o subscriber_n have_v not_o frequent_o desire_v john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n to_o come_v to_o they_o they_o be_v
birth_n from_o run_v into_o duty_n catch_v of_o open_n and_o lay_v hold_n of_o promise_n and_o to_o feel_v the_o heir_n bear_v of_o the_o immortal_a seed_n to_o who_o all_o belong_v and_o the_o other_o birth_n never_o afterward_o get_v up_o above_o he_o but_o be_v subdue_v and_o bring_v into_o subjection_n again_o say_v the_o apostle_n take_v heed_n of_o do_v any_o thing_n doubt_o be_v not_o forward_a be_v not_o hasty_a wait_v for_o the_o lead_n wait_v for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v sure_o thou_o receive_v what_o thou_o receive_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o practise_v what_o thou_o practise_v in_o the_o faith_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n be_v a_o error_n from_o the_o principle_n of_o life_n which_o be_v to_o guide_v and_o thereby_o thou_o lose_v ground_n and_o dishonour_v christ_n and_o come_v under_o condemnation_n and_o so_o the_o apostle_n warn_v believer_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o draw_v one_o another_o on_o too_o fast_o or_o of_o judge_v one_o another_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o some_o of_o they_o may_v have_v light_a in_o other_o not_z he_o that_o eat_v not_o to_o judge_v he_o that_o do_v not_o eat_v and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o eat_v not_o to_o judge_v he_o that_o do_v eat_v yea_o in_o matter_n of_o worship_n he_o that_o observe_v a_o day_n and_o keep_v a_o sabbath_n not_o to_o judge_v he_o that_o observe_v not_o a_o day_n or_o keep_v not_o a_o sabbath_n for_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v true_o convert_v yet_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v draw_v off_o from_o the_o observation_n of_o their_o sabbath_n and_o can_v hardly_o bear_v with_o the_o believe_a gentile_n who_o be_v never_o teach_v to_o keep_v their_o sabbath_n with_o they_o but_o be_v teach_v to_o esteem_v every_o day_n and_o sanctify_v it_o to_o the_o lord_n rom._n 14.5_o and_o those_o who_o esteem_v every_o day_n and_o dedicate_v it_o to_o the_o lord_n cease_v from_o sin_n and_o rest_v to_o he_o for_o under_o the_o gospel_n we_o be_v not_o to_o set_v up_o a_o new_a type_n but_o to_o enter_v by_o faith_n into_o the_o true_a rest_n which_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o the_o other_o signify_v can_v hardly_o bear_v with_o they_o who_o observe_v a_o day_n even_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n christian_n be_v too_o apt_a to_o strive_v after_o a_o wrong_a unity_n and_o uniformity_n in_o outward_a practice_n and_o observation_n and_o to_o judge_v one_o another_o unrighteous_o in_o those_o thing_n and_o mark_v it_o be_v not_o the_o different_a practice_n from_o one_o another_o that_o break_v the_o peace_n and_o the_o unity_n but_o the_o judge_n of_o one_o another_o because_o of_o different_a practice_n he_o that_o keep_v not_o a_o day_n may_v unite_v in_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o the_o same_o life_n in_o the_o same_o love_n with_o he_o that_o keep_v a_o day_n and_o he_o who_o keep_v a_o day_n may_v unite_v in_o heart_n and_o soul_n with_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o life_n in_o he_o who_o keep_v not_o a_o day_n but_o he_o that_o judge_v the_o other_o because_o of_o either_o of_o these_o err_v from_o the_o spirit_n from_o the_o love_n from_o the_o life_n and_o so_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o unity_n and_o he_o that_o draw_v another_o to_o any_o practice_n before_o the_o life_n in_o his_o own_o particular_a lead_v he_o do_v as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o destroy_v the_o soul_n of_o that_o person_n verse_n 15._o this_o be_v the_o apostle_n rule_n for_o every_o one_o to_o perform_v single_o to_o the_o lord_n what_o he_o do_v and_o not_o for_o one_o to_o meddle_v with_o the_o light_n or_o conscience_n of_o another_o undervalue_v his_o brother_n or_o judge_v he_o because_o his_o light_n and_o practice_n differ_v from_o he_o verse_n 10._o of_o that_o 14_o chap._n but_o every_o one_o to_o keep_v close_o to_o their_o own_o measure_n of_o light_n even_o to_o that_o proportion_n of_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n which_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n have_v bestow_v on_o they_o and_o here_o be_v the_o true_a unity_n in_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o inward_a life_n and_o not_o in_o a_o outward_a uniformity_n that_o be_v not_o necessary_a in_o the_o apostle_n day_n nor_o be_v it_o necessary_a now_o and_o that_o eye_n which_o so_o dote_v upon_o it_o overlook_v the_o one_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a man_n keep_v close_o to_o god_n the_o lord_n will_v lead_v they_o on_o fast_o enough_o and_o give_v they_o light_v fast_o enough_o for_o he_o take_v care_n of_o such_o and_o know_v what_o light_n and_o what_o practice_n be_v most_o proper_a for_o they_o but_o for_o man_n to_o walk_v on_o fast_a than_o the_o lord_n hold_v forth_o light_a to_o they_o this_o overturn_v they_o raise_v up_o a_o wrong_a thing_n in_o they_o and_o the_o true_a birth_n hereby_o come_v to_o suffer_v to_o shrink_v and_o be_v drive_v back_o and_o oh_o how_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a be_v it_o to_o the_o true_o spiritual_a eye_n to_o see_v several_a sort_n of_o believer_n several_a form_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n every_o one_o learning_n their_o own_o lesson_n perform_v their_o own_o peculiar_a service_n and_o know_v own_v and_o love_v one_o another_o in_o their_o several_a place_n and_o different_a performance_n to_o their_o master_n to_o who_o they_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n and_o not_o to_o quarrel_v with_o one_o another_o about_o their_o different_a practice_n rom._n 14.4_o for_o this_o be_v the_o true_a ground_n of_o love_n and_o unity_n not_o that_o such_o a_o man_n walk_v and_o do_v just_a as_o i_o do_v but_o because_o i_o feel_v the_o same_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o he_o and_o in_o that_o he_o walk_v in_o his_o rank_n in_o his_o own_o order_n in_o his_o proper_a way_n and_o place_n of_o subjection_n to_o that_o and_o this_o be_v far_o more_o please_a to_o i_o than_o if_o he_o walk_v just_a in_o that_o tract_n wherein_o i_o walk_v nay_o so_o far_o as_o i_o be_o spiritual_a i_o can_v so_o much_o as_o desire_v that_o he_o shall_v do_v so_o until_o he_o be_v particular_o lead_v thereto_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o lead_v i_o and_o he_o that_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o receive_v any_o truth_n from_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o be_v lead_v into_o practice_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o how_o prone_a the_o fleshly_a man_n be_v to_o make_v haste_n and_o how_o dangerous_a that_o haste_n be_v will_v not_o be_v forward_o to_o press_v his_o knowledge_n or_o practice_n upon_o other_o but_o rather_o wait_v patient_o till_o the_o lord_n fit_v they_o for_o the_o receive_n thereof_o and_o fear_v lest_o they_o shall_v receive_v and_o practice_v too_o soon_o even_o in_o that_o part_n which_o can_v serve_v the_o lord_n and_o this_o i_o can_v true_o say_v concern_v myself_o i_o never_o find_v my_o spirit_n forward_o to_o draw_v any_o either_o to_o any_o thing_n i_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a or_o to_o any_o practice_n or_o way_n of_o worship_n i_o observe_v or_o walk_v in_o but_o desire_v that_o the_o power_n and_o leading_n of_o life_n may_v go_v before_o they_o and_o be_v afraid_a lest_o man_n shall_v receive_v thing_n from_o my_o hand_n and_o not_o from_o the_o lord_n yea_o and_o this_o i_o very_o well_o remember_v that_o when_o i_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o independency_n as_o it_o have_v be_v common_o call_v i_o have_v more_o unity_n with_o more_o love_n towards_o such_o as_o be_v single-hearted_n in_o other_o way_n and_o practice_n of_o worship_n who_o spirit_n i_o have_v some_o feel_n of_o in_o the_o true_a simplicity_n and_o in_o the_o life_n than_o with_o divers_a of_o such_o who_o be_v very_o know_v and_o zealous_a in_o that_o way_n of_o independency_n in_o who_o a_o wrong_a thing_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n have_v get_v up_o which_o have_v cause_v they_o to_o swerve_v from_o the_o life_n and_o from_o the_o simplicity_n so_o that_o the_o true_a church_n government_n be_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o over_o the_o conscience_n as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n the_o great_a care_n must_v be_v to_o keep_v it_o within_o its_o bound_n that_o nothing_o else_o govern_v but_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o the_o government_n be_v extend_v only_o unto_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v first_o care_n must_v be_v have_v that_o nothing_o govern_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n that_o nothing_o else_o teach_v nothing_o else_o exhort_v nothing_o else_o admonish_v and_o reprove_v nothing_o else_o cut_v off_o and_o cast_v out_o every_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o watch_v over_o his_o own_o spirit_n that_o it_o intrude_v not_o into_o the_o work_n of_o god_n that_o it_o take_v not_o upon_o it_o to_o be_v the_o teacher_n the_o exhorte_a the_o reprover_n etc._n etc._n and_o
every_o memis_n to_o wait_v in_o that_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v to_o feel_v the_o go_n forth_o of_o the_o spirit_n in_o he_o that_o teach_v and_o govern_v and_o so_o to_o subject_v not_o to_o man_n but_o to_o the_o lord_n to_o receive_v from_o the_o lord_n to_o obey_v the_o lord_n not_o to_o know_v any_o minister_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n but_o to_o receive_v and_o submit_v to_o what_o come_v from_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o spirit_n not_o to_o know_v paul_n or_o apollo_n or_o cephas_n but_o the_o spirit_n minister_a in_o they_o paul_n may_v err_v apollo_n may_v err_v peter_n may_v err_v and_o do_v err_v when_o he_o compel_v the_o gentile_n to_o live_v as_o the_o jew_n gal._n 2.14_o for_o which_o paul_n withstand_v he_o to_o the_o face_n verse_n 11_o and_o barnabas_n also_o do_v err_v verse_n 13._o but_o the_o spirit_n can_v err_v and_o he_o that_o keep_v to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o himself_o can_v let_v in_o any_o of_o their_o error_n if_o they_o shall_v err_v but_o be_v preserve_v for_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v true_a and_o give_v true_a judgement_n but_o he_o that_o receive_v never_o so_o great_a a_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o if_o he_o keep_v not_o low_a therein_o but_o lift_v up_o himself_o because_o thereof_o above_o his_o brethren_n may_v easy_o err_v himself_o and_o draw_v aside_o other_o into_o his_o error_n second_o care_n must_v be_v have_v that_o the_o conscience_n be_v keep_v tender_a that_o nothing_o be_v receive_v but_o according_a to_o the_o light_n in_o the_o conscience_n the_o conscience_n be_v the_o seat_n of_o faith_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o light_n which_o god_n light_v there_o faith_n be_v soon_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o christianity_n be_v begin_v in_o the_o spirit_n which_o keep_v out_o the_o fleshly_a part_n with_o all_o its_o fleshly_a wisdom_n and_o reason_v about_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o as_o the_o begin_n be_v in_o the_o anoint_v so_o must_v the_o progress_n be_v as_o the_o spirit_n begin_v in_o the_o conscience_n by_o convince_a that_n by_o persuade_v that_o by_o set_v up_o his_o light_n there_o and_o lead_v the_o soul_n by_o that_o light_n so_o that_o light_n must_v still_o be_v eye_v and_o according_a to_o its_o growth_n and_o manifestation_n in_o the_o conscience_n so_o must_v the_o soul_n stand_v still_o or_o go_v on_o the_o great_a error_n of_o the_o age_n of_o the_o apostasy_n have_v be_v to_o set_v up_o a_o outward_a order_n and_o unformity_n and_o to_o make_v man_n conscience_n bend_v thereto_o either_o by_o argument_n of_o wisdom_n or_o by_o force_n but_o the_o property_n of_o the_o true_a church_n government_n be_v to_o leave_v the_o conscience_n to_o its_o full_a liberty_n in_o the_o lord_n to_o preserve_v it_o single_a and_o entire_a for_o the_o lord_n to_o exercise_v and_o to_o seek_v unity_n in_o the_o light_n and_o in_o the_o spirit_n walk_v sweet_o and_o harmonious_o together_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o different_a practice_n yea_o and_o he_o that_o have_v faith_n and_o can_v see_v beyond_o another_o yet_o can_v have_v it_o to_o him-self_n and_o not_o disturb_v his_o brother_n with_o it_o but_o can_v descend_v and_o walk_v with_o he_o according_a to_o his_o measure_n and_o if_o his_o brother_n have_v any_o heavy_a burden_n upon_o he_o he_o can_v lend_v he_o his_o shoulder_n and_o bear_v part_n of_o his_o burden_n with_o he_o oh_o how_o sweet_a and_o lovely_a be_v it_o to_o see_v brethren_n dwell_v together_o in_o unity_n to_o see_v the_o true_a image_n of_o god_n raise_v in_o person_n and_o they_o know_v and_o love_v one_o another_o in_o that_o image_n and_o bear_v with_o one_o another_o through_o love_n and_o help_v one_o another_o under_o their_o temptation_n and_o distress_n of_o spirit_n which_o every_o one_o must_v expect_v to_o meet_v with_o if_o thou_o be_v a_o christian_n in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n preserve_v thy_o conscience_n pure_a and_o tender_a towards_o god_n do_v not_o defile_v it_o with_o such_o religious_a practice_n duty_n ordinance_n etc._n etc._n as_o thou_o do_v not_o feel_v the_o spirit_n lead_v thou_o into_o for_o all_o such_o be_v idol_n and_o exceed_o pollute_v thou_o and_o be_v tender_a also_o of_o thy_o brother_n conscience_n and_o be_v not_o a_o instrument_n to_o draw_v he_o unto_o any_o thing_n which_o the_o lord_n lead_v he_o not_o into_o but_o rejoice_v if_o thou_o find_v he_o in_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n startle_v at_o any_o thing_n for_o if_o he_o abide_v here_o faithful_a his_o guide_n will_v in_o due_a season_n appear_v to_o he_o and_o clear_v up_o his_o way_n before_o he_o but_o if_o he_o be_v too_o hasty_a he_o may_v follow_v a_o wrong_a guide_n and_o that_o guide_n will_v never_o lead_v he_o aright_o towards_o the_o kingdom_n but_o entangle_v he_o further_o and_o further_o from_o it_o oh_o how_o many_o have_v run_v a_o whore_v from_o the_o lord_n how_o many_o have_v first_o lose_v the_o guidance_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o then_o drown_v their_o life_n in_o religion_n performance_n how_o many_o have_v drink_v of_o the_o cup_n of_o fornication_n from_o the_o life_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o fleshly_a wisdom_n how_o many_o have_v fill_v their_o spirit_n with_o new-testament_n idol_n and_o image_n how_o many_o have_v even_o harden_v their_o heart_n and_o conscience_n by_o follow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n their_o imaginary_a meaning_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o imagination_n and_o dream_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n be_v it_o not_o time_n for_o man_n at_o length_n to_o turn_v back_o towards_o the_o lord_n to_o wait_v for_o the_o visitation_n and_o light_n of_o his_o spirit_n from_o who_o they_o have_v go_v a_o whore_v and_o who_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n they_o have_v grieve_v and_o if_o ever_o any_o feel_v and_o enjoy_v the_o guidance_n of_o god_n spirit_n their_o conscience_n must_v be_v keep_v tender_a to_o it_o and_o ready_a to_o hear_v and_o follow_v his_o voice_n who_o speak_v in_o spirit_n to_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o he_o which_o infallible_o know_v his_o voice_n and_o be_v keep_v clear_a can_v doubt_v concern_v it_o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n say_v christ_n they_o know_v it_o and_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o strange_a spirit_n they_o know_v not_o so_o as_o to_o follow_v it_o but_o turn_v from_o it_o both_o in_o themselves_o and_o other_o but_o that_o which_o be_v not_o the_o sheep_n but_o have_v only_o get_v the_o sheep_n clothing_n cry_v out_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o may_v be_v deceive_v nay_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n that_o which_o be_v the_o elect_a of_o god_n can_v be_v deceive_v wait_v therefore_o for_o the_o birth_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o which_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v for_o a_o guide_n who_o infallible_o guide_v it_o out_o of_o deceit_n all_o deceiver_n be_v out_o of_o this_o birth_n out_o of_o this_o spirit_n perhaps_o in_o some_o birth_n or_o other_o frame_v from_o the_o letter_n and_o live_v in_o the_o imitation_n of_o some_o practice_n and_o ordinance_n from_o the_o letter_n under_o which_o cover_n they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v but_o stranger_n to_o the_o life_n and_o power_n and_o to_o that_o wisdom_n which_o beget_v and_o bear_v to_o god_n thus_o the_o jew_n err_v and_o deceive_v their_o proselyte_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n thus_o the_o christian_n in_o name_n have_v general_o err_v all_o along_o the_o apostasy_n and_o indeed_o for_o the_o generality_n have_v not_o be_v true_a christian_n but_o only_o a_o persecute_a remnant_n among_o they_o who_o life_n have_v be_v nourish_v and_o preserve_v not_o by_o doctrine_n and_o observation_n which_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v by_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n nor_o by_o the_o knowledge_n which_o they_o themselves_o have_v gather_v but_o by_o a_o little_a bread_n daily_o hand_v to_o they_o from_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n out_o of_o the_o wilderness_n that_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o nourish_v their_o soul_n up_o to_o god_n though_o many_o of_o they_o know_v not_o distinct_o what_o it_o be_v that_o nourish_v they_o nor_o how_o they_o come_v by_o it_o object_n but_o be_v not_o uniformity_n lovely_a and_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v christian_n to_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o sweet_a thing_n if_o we_o be_v all_o of_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o way_n answer_n yea_o uniformity_n be_v very_o lovely_a and_o to_o be_v desire_v and_o wait_v for_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v one_o lead_v and_o draw_v into_o one_o but_o for_o the_o fleshly_a part_n the_o wise_a reason_v part_n of_o man_n by_o fleshly_a way_n and_o mean_n to_o strive_v to_o bring_v
the_o truth_n those_o who_o refuse_v so_o to_o assent_v may_v be_v subject_a to_o a_o excommunication_n by_o g._n e._n and_o his_o adherent_n from_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o men._n beside_o it_o have_v be_v a_o observation_n of_o late_a that_o these_o question_n or_o question_n to_o the_o like_a import_n have_v be_v frequent_o ask_v by_o such_o with_o who_o we_o can_v be_v at_o unity_n in_o all_o thing_n viz._n be_v you_o for_o womens-meeting_n mean_v distinct_a womens-meeting_n from_o man_n among_o who_o under_o pretence_n of_o take_v care_n of_o the_o poor_a another_o thing_n seem_v to_o be_v more_o chief_o aim_v at_o as_o anon_o will_v be_v make_v appear_v be_v you_o for_o record_v condemnation_n mean_v thereby_o whether_o the_o party_n who_o have_v condemn_v their_o fail_n and_o through_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v restore_v and_o their_o offence_n blot_v out_o and_o forgive_v by_o he_o assent_v thereto_o or_o no_o be_v you_o for_o settle_a mouthly_a and_o quarterly-meeting_n touch_v outward_a business_n since_o those_o who_o will_v have_v meeting_n as_o occasion_n offer_v be_v account_v designer_n to_o throw_v down_o all_o meeting_n for_o outward_a business_n relate_v to_o the_o affair_n of_o truth_n and_o when_o these_o or_o such_o like_a question_n have_v be_v ask_v of_o friend_n in_o truth_n that_o can_v not_o answer_v thereto_o yea_o we_o be_v sensible_a that_o it_o have_v be_v take_v by_o many_o adherent_n to_o g._n f._n as_o a_o sufficient_a token_n of_o a_o dark_a leaven_a rend_v divide_v spirit_n and_o mere_o as_o we_o take_v it_o from_o a_o apprehension_n that_o the_o form_n they_o stand_v for_o be_v thereby_o strike_v at_o though_o the_o service_n will_v be_v effectual_o perform_v in_o another_o method_n as_o experience_n in_o the_o county_n of_o westmoreland_n and_o wilts_n have_v of_o late_o testify_v for_o be_v it_o not_o so_o that_o great_a stress_n be_v lay_v upon_o the_o outward_a form_n of_o thing_n prescribe_v to_o be_v practise_v how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o john_n story_n be_v article_v against_o by_o robert_n barrow_n of_o kendal_n and_o twenty-six_a other_o person_n as_o in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o manuscript_n this_o mean_v the_o aforesaid_a historical_a manuscript_n treatise_n section_n the_o four_o appear_v on_o this_o wise_a in_o the_o five_o article_n viz._n john_n story_n speak_v among_o many_o friend_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o form_n because_o of_o the_o consequence_n that_o may_v follow_v say_v that_o among_o the_o christian_n of_o old_a the_o difference_n that_o do_v arise_v be_v about_o form_n which_o can_v not_o be_v seasonable_a word_n when_o we_o be_v establish_v the_o church_n in_o the_o holy_a order_n of_o truth_n much_o more_o may_v be_v collect_v from_o the_o article_n be_v forty-four_a in_o number_n exhibit_v by_o the_o aforesaid_a robert_n barrow_n etc._n etc._n to_o show_v how_o earnest_o and_o zealous_o the_o very_a outward_a form_n of_o thing_n be_v contend_v for_o which_o occasion_n we_o in_o all_o seriousness_n of_o spirit_n thus_o to_o say_v may_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n so_o preserve_v his_o people_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v ensnare_v by_o those_o who_o have_v raise_v so_o great_a contention_n about_o the_o outward_a form_n of_o thing_n prescribe_v to_o be_v practise_v among_o the_o professor_n of_o truth_n lest_o they_o with_o they_o prove_v to_o be_v boaster_n proud_a blasphemous_a false_a accuser_n despiser_n of_o those_o that_o be_v good_a which_o be_v the_o very_a mark_n and_o token_n of_o those_o who_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o from_o who_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v to_o turn_v away_o and_o how_o far_o these_o mark_v rest_n upon_o many_o of_o those_o who_o so_o earnest_o contend_v for_o their_o outward_a form_n we_o leave_v to_o the_o impartial_a reader_n with_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n to_o judge_n when_o he_o have_v thorough_o peruse_v this_o manuscript_n this_o mean_v the_o aforesaid_a historical_a manuscript_n treatise_n especial_o the_o second_o part._n oh_o friend_n the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n bow_v we_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o mercy_n to_o we_o we_o can_v no_o long_o keep_v silence_n but_o in_o his_o fear_n declare_v unto_o all_o that_o our_o conscience_n be_v concern_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o since_o it_o be_v so_o that_o a_o ill_a use_n be_v make_v of_o that_o spirit_n of_o forbearance_n and_o condescension_n which_o we_o be_v sensible_a have_v be_v use_v by_o many_o of_o our_o brethren_n it_o be_v now_o become_v our_o portion_n to_o unburthen_v ourselves_o of_o that_o which_o have_v be_v our_o burden_n believe_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o only_a arisen_n but_o will_v yet_o more_o and_o more_o arise_v against_o that_o spirit_n that_o will_v exalt_v itself_o over_o the_o heritage_n of_o god_n endeavour_v to_o rule_v over_o their_o conscience_n whenas_o christ_n alone_o be_v lord_n thereof_o it_o may_v be_v now_o worthy_a our_o observation_n to_o consider_v whether_o any_o encouragement_n be_v give_v by_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n christ_n jesus_n whilst_o on_o earth_n unto_o his_o disciple_n to_o become_v ruler_n one_o over_o another_o we_o find_v that_o he_o exhort_v his_o disciple_n judge_v not_o that_o you_o be_v not_o judge_v be_v not_o you_o call_v rabbi_n 23.8_o matth._n 7.1_o &_o 23.8_o for_o one_o be_v your_o master_n even_o christ_n and_o all_o you_o be_v brethren_n but_o he_o that_o be_v great_a among_o you_o shall_v be_v your_o servant_n and_o whosoever_o shall_v exalt_v himself_o shall_v be_v abase_v and_o he_o that_o shall_v humble_v himself_o shall_v be_v exalt_v here_o be_v no_o good_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o christ_n intend_v that_o when_o he_o be_v depart_v his_o disciple_n shall_v be_v exalt_v themselves_o one_o over_o another_o as_o governor_n and_o ruler_n and_o if_o we_o consult_v the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o though_o his_o disciple_n have_v a_o dependency_n upon_o he_o whilst_o in_o his_o bodily_a appearance_n to_o be_v their_o leader_n yet_o he_o tell_v they_o 13._o john_n 16.7_o 13._o it_o be_v expedient_a for_o you_o that_o i_o go_v away_o for_o if_o i_o go_v not_o away_o the_o comforter_n will_v not_o come_v unto_o you_o but_o if_o i_o depart_v i_o will_v send_v he_o unto_o you_o and_o he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n for_o he_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o have_v it_o be_v so_o that_o christ_n jesus_n intend_v the_o exaltation_n of_o one_o of_o his_o disciple_n as_o a_o head_n or_o supreme_a unto_o who_o the_o rest_n ought_v to_o have_v have_v a_o eye_n in_o a_o more_o particular_a manner_n than_o ordinary_a he_o will_v have_v undoubted_o signify_v so_o much_o but_o doubtless_o he_o see_v that_o their_o eye_n and_o dependency_n be_v too_o much_o on_o his_o outward_a and_o bodily_a appearance_n and_o therefore_o signify_v it_o be_v expedient_a i_o go_v hence_o that_o the_o comforter_n come_v agreeable_a to_o which_o be_v the_o apostle_n word_n though_o we_o have_v know_v christ_n after_o the_o flesh_n yet_o henceforth_o know_v we_o he_o no_o more_o that_o be_v to_o say_v after_o the_o flesh_n no_o more_o all_o which_o do_v clear_o demonstrate_v unto_o we_o it_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o under_o this_o administration_n we_o shall_v have_v our_o eye_n out_o unto_o man_n but_o that_o our_o great_a dependency_n shall_v be_v on_o that_o comforter_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o christ_n testify_v the_o father_n will_v send_v in_o his_o name_n to_o teach_v we_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o this_o comforter_n shall_v be_v in_o we_o and_o therefore_o on_o this_o occasion_n it_o be_v with_o we_o to_o give_v this_o further_a testimony_n that_o every_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v through_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n make_v dead_a unto_o any_o other_o law_n save_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n manifest_v through_o the_o arise_v of_o christ_n by_o his_o appearance_n in_o every_o such_o member_n and_o so_o as_o particular_a member_n be_v become_v marry_v unto_o he_o and_o have_v all_o fellowship_n each_o with_o other_o in_o the_o spirit_n those_o who_o be_v such_o aught_o to_o demean_v themselves_o each_o towards_o other_o full_a of_o love_n charity_n bowel_n of_o compassion_n long-suffering_a forbearance_n meekness_n humility_n patience_n gentleness_n and_o of_o all_o other_o virtue_n that_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o as_o to_o obedience_n every_o member_n owe_v that_o unto_o christ_n his_o head_n unto_o who_o 10.5_o 2_o cor._n 10.5_o every_o thought_n according_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n ought_v to_o be_v bring_v into_o obedience_n thus_o
the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n and_o in_o the_o wisdom_n that_o be_v peaceable_a you_o will_v have_v seek_v the_o peace_n or_o come_v to_o i_o as_o i_o desire_v you_o before_o these_o thing_n break_v out_o as_o i_o say_v before_o but_o you_o be_v of_o a_o high_a lofty_a spirit_n which_o those_o virtue_n be_v over_o it_o and_o they_o and_o the_o truth_n remain_v in_o themselves_o and_o among_o they_o that_o have_v right_a to_o they_o but_o they_o have_v little_a place_n in_o you_o till_o you_o come_v to_o that_o which_o will_v bring_v you_o to_o condemn_v all_o the_o contrary_a for_o though_o you_o think_v you_o may_v get_v ease_n by_o scribble_a and_o write_v but_o that_o will_v not_o ease_v you_o for_o what_o you_o sow_v that_o you_o must_v reap_v for_o have_v they_o have_v place_n in_o you_o you_o will_v have_v be_v preserve_v in_o peace_n my_o love_n be_v to_o all_o that_o fear_n god_n and_o retain_v their_o first_o simplicity_n in_o the_o humility_n the_o foundation_n of_o god_n that_o stand_v sure_a my_o writing_n so_o large_o have_v be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o simple_a which_o thou_o may_v communicate_v to_o they_o that_o they_o may_v hear_v fear_v and_o consider_v the_o 16_o the_o of_o the_o 10_o the_o m_o on_o 1676._o george_n fox_n though_o the_o above-written_a answer_n give_v by_o g._n f._n to_o john_n wilkinson_n be_v in_o itself_o very_o remote_a from_o a_o pertinent_a answer_n to_o john_n wilkinson_n last_o recite_v letter_n and_o can_v but_o be_v very_o obvious_a to_o many_o without_o observation_n and_o answer_n to_o any_o part_n thereof_o yet_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o that_o may_v be_v more_o weak_a we_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o make_v some_o few_o observation_n and_o short_a reply_n unto_o some_o part_n thereof_o the_o purport_n of_o john_n wilkinson_n letter_n we_o take_v to_o be_v chief_o that_o g._n f._n may_v manifest_v two_o thing_n viz._n first_o wherein_o john_n wilkinson_n john_n story_n and_o such_o as_o g._n f._n may_v account_v their_o company_n be_v separate_v from_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o the_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n or_o have_v build_v again_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o once_o destroy_v second_o that_o g._n f._n may_v clear_v himself_o that_o he_o approve_v of_o no_o force_n about_o religion_n but_o the_o force_n and_o effect_v of_o the_o word_n deliver_v g._n f_n chief_a matter_n as_o we_o take_v it_o produce_v against_o they_o be_v this_o how_o be_v the_o lord_n sanctify_v among_o you_o concern_v your_o pay_v of_o tithe_n or_o your_o connive_n at_o your_o wife_n or_o other_o pay_v for_o you_o this_o amount_n to_o a_o plain_a accusation_n against_o john_n wilkinson_n &_o other_o among_o who_o it_o may_v reasonable_o be_v take_v that_o he_o mean_v john_n story_n for_o one_o tythe-payer_n either_o by_o themselves_o direct_o or_o else_o by_o their_o connive_n at_o other_o pay_v for_o they_o it_o be_v no_o marvel_n that_o g._n f._n be_v so_o general_o repute_a among_o friend_n far_o and_o near_o to_o report_v that_o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n be_v tythe-payer_n since_o he_o have_v write_v with_o relation_n to_o john_n wilkinson_n etc._n etc._n touch_v tithe_n as_o aforesaid_a but_o though_o he_o have_v so_o do_v yet_o it_o be_v a_o notorious_a falsehood_n and_o untruth_n for_o john_n wilkinson_n have_v not_o only_o be_v a_o great_a sufferer_n for_o tithe_n but_o also_o be_v never_o know_v to_o evade_v his_o testimony_n in_o the_o least_o or_o that_o his_o wife_n or_o any_o for_o he_o ever_o pay_v pay_v we_o be_v now_o sensible_a the_o reader_n may_v be_v ready_a to_o query_n whether_o there_o be_v no_o pretence_n to_o render_v john_n wilkinson_n a_o tythe-payer_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v we_o never_o understand_v any_o other_o pretence_n that_o such_o as_o have_v accuse_v he_o thereof_o have_v make_v when_o narrow_o examine_v but_o this_o viz._n that_o he_o pay_v tythe-male-silver_n and_o whether_o that_o can_v he_o such_o a_o just_a occasion_n as_o to_o render_v he_o a_o tythe-payer_n by_o which_o he_o be_v take_v to_o be_v a_o man_n that_o have_v no_o testimony_n against_o tithe_n as_o a_o maintenance_n for_o the_o priest_n we_o shall_v leave_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o vnprejudiced_a reader_n when_o they_o have_v in_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n thorough_o weigh_v the_o cite_v the_o note_n the_o say_a testimony_n be_v in_o this_o treatise_n already_o cite_v testimony_n of_o john_n wilkinson_n &_o john_n story_n record_v in_o the_o four_o section_n of_o this_o second_o part_n of_o christian-quaker_n of_o mean_v the_o aforesaid_a manuscript_n mention_v in_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n this_o treatise_n and_o compare_v the_o same_o with_o this_o ensue_a testimony_n give_v under_o the_o hand_n of_o john_n wilkinson_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o payment_n of_o tythe-male-silver_n his_o tithe_n and_o as_o to_o john_n story_n he_o never_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o bear_v any_o testimony_n therein_o be_v a_o single_a man_n not_o manage_v any_o estate_n in_o his_o possession_n more_o than_o by_o declaration_n against_o that_o oppression_n wilkinson_n as_o to_o tythe-male-silver_n payable_a by_o i_o john_n wilkinson_n i_o say_v that_o i_o pay_v two_o shilling_n seven_o penny_n yearly_a term_v on_o my_o deed_n tythe-male-silver_n and_o that_o the_o same_o i_o always_o pay_v ever_o since_o i_o enjoy_v my_o land_n and_o that_o the_o say_a sum_n be_v under_o fine_a as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o rent_n to_o the_o king_n be_v and_o this_o fine_a have_v be_v enjoin_v on_o the_o possessor_n in_o former_a deed_n and_o that_o on_o the_o death_n of_o a_o tenant_n the_o next_o taker_n be_v finable_a for_o the_o same_o and_o i_o never_o do_v understand_v that_o there_o ever_o be_v any_o deed_n of_o purchase_n of_o tithe_n for_o the_o land_n i_o enjoy_v nor_o yet_o that_o the_o aforesaid_a sum_n of_o two_o shilling_n seven_o penny_n be_v ever_o pay_v in_o lieu_n of_o tithe_n nor_o that_o any_o friend_n account_v i_o a_o offender_n for_o pay_v the_o same_o until_o of_o late_a but_o though_o this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o my_o case_n yet_o i_o know_v other_o of_o my_o neighbour_n possess_v land_n of_o another_o hold_v be_v liable_a to_o pay_v a_o small_a sum_n term_v tythe-male-silver_n or_o composition-money_n and_o in_o default_n of_o payment_n be_v liable_a to_o tithe_n in_o kind_n and_o such_o have_v deed_n of_o purchase_n for_o tithe_n wherein_o such_o composition-money_n be_v express_v but_o that_o be_v not_o my_o case_n witness_v my_o hand_n this_o 3d._n of_o the_o 12_o month_n 1678._o john_n wilkinson_n which_o he_o have_v often_o do_v and_o in_o particular_a both_o of_o they_o give_v in_o a_o testimony_n in_o write_v of_o their_o clearness_n in_o that_o particular_a both_o as_o to_o judgement_n and_o practice_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o falsehood_n have_v undoubted_o be_v a_o great_a mean_n by_o which_o g._n f._n have_v obtain_v many_o proselyte_n on_o his_o side_n to_o oppose_v john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n as_o tythe-payer_n and_o so_o consequent_o apostate_n and_o dark_a spirit_n the_o lord_n rebuke_v that_o evil_a spirit_n that_o have_v enter_v the_o leader_n of_o many_o people_n to_o cause_v they_o through_o the_o belief_n of_o lie_n to_o err_v and_o as_o to_o g._n f_n so_o frequent_a tell_v they_o that_o they_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o inward_a light_n and_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n that_o fall_v of_o itself_o be_v prove_v by_o no_o convince_v instance_n great_a than_o this_o his_o say_v viz._n if_o not_o you_o will_v have_v be_v at_o unity_n with_o i_o as_o at_o first_o and_o whereas_o g._n f._n tell_v john_n wilkinson_n that_o he_o be_v of_o a_o angry_a disquiet_v froward_a peevish_a pretful_a malicious_a high_a high_a note_v as_o to_o the_o word_n high_a and_o lofty_a spirit_n with_o application_n to_o john_n wilkinson_n by_o g._n f._n we_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o give_v a_o character_n of_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o likewise_o of_o g._n f._n according_a to_o their_o desert_n and_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o impartial_a reader_n to_o consider_v which_o of_o they_o deserve_v to_o be_v term_v of_o a_o high_a and_o losty_a spirit_n john_n wilkinson_n when_o he_o be_v first_o convince_v of_o truth_n have_v a_o estate_n of_o tenant-right_a land_n value_v between_o fifteen_o and_o twenty_o pound_n per_fw-la annum_fw-la and_o ever_o since_o at_o time_n and_o season_n when_o he_o be_v at_o home_n exercise_n himself_o in_o bodily_a labour_n sometime_o at_o blow_n and_o sometime_o otherwise_o he_o also_o have_v ever_o since_o keep_v his_o family_n to_o labour_n and_o so_o have_v live_v handsome_o according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o country_n upon_o his_o estate_n which_o he_o have_v keep_v in_o his_o own_o hand_n
or_o depart_v from_o the_o truth_n iii_o have_v thou_o not_o a_o sense_n that_o thy_o aforesaid_a paper_n of_o query_n may_v cast_v a_o line_n of_o reflection_n on_o every_o one_o that_o may_v secure_v from_o the_o devourer_n any_o part_n of_o that_o outward_a substance_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o to_o maintain_v their_o family_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o thou_o sensible_a that_o thou_o be_v the_o man_n that_o have_v advise_v the_o rich_a to_o secure_v worldly_a estate_n that_o so_o the_o persecutor_n may_v not_o become_v spoiler_n thereof_o and_o if_o so_o iu._n will_v it_o not_o evident_o appear_v that_o these_o thy_o reflect_v query_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o that_o spirit_n that_o lu_v to_o envy_n and_o appear_v with_o two_o face_n v._n do_v thou_o not_o remember_v that_o at_o a_o quarterly-meeting_a in_o gloucestershire_n sudden_o after_o thy_o last_o departure_n from_o bristol_n there_o be_v a_o person_n that_o judge_v i_o not_o sit_v to_o judge_v in_o that_o meeting_n because_o i_o have_v secure_v part_n of_o my_o good_n without_o door_n though_o i_o have_v leave_v *_o already_o note_v my_o fine_n have_v be_v above_o ninety_o pound_n sterling_a and_o i_o have_v more_o than_o double_a that_o value_n unsecure_v and_o subject_a to_o the_o spoiler_n at_o the_o place_n of_o my_o residence_n beside_o what_o have_v be_v distrain_v from_o i_o already_o enough_o subject_a to_o the_o spoiler_n beside_o and_o do_v thou_o not_o remember_v that_o none_o of_o the_o say_a meeting_n declare_v any_o approbation_n of_o his_o so_o do_v and_o that_o thou_o thyself_o then_o present_a manifest_v a_o dislike_n thereof_o as_o well_o as_o several_a other_o after_o thy_o usual_a manner_n thus_o wish_v wish_v do_v thou_o not_o also_o remember_v that_o i_o then_o signify_v to_o this_o effect_n if_o what_o i_o have_v do_v be_v a_o crime_n those_o who_o be_v account_v as_o the_o chief_a among_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o crime_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n do_v thou_o not_o remember_v that_o nothing_o be_v then_o say_v in_o answer_n thereto_o either_o by_o thou_o or_o any_o other_o and_o if_o it_o be_v then_o a_o crime_n why_o do_v thou_o not_o then_o inform_v the_o meeting_n and_o to_o speak_v thy_o own_o language_n become_v a_o reproof_n to_o that_o spirit_n and_o to_o i_o in_o particular_a if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o crime_n why_o have_v thou_o send_v forth_o thy_o paper_n of_o query_n which_o plain_o carry_v a_o line_n of_o reflection_n on_o such_o as_o have_v or_o may_v secure_v from_o the_o spoiler_n when_o i_o can_v but_o believe_v that_o thou_o do_v know_v those_o who_o have_v not_o account_v their_o life_n too_o dear_a to_o offer_v up_o for_o the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n it_o witness_v many_o faithful_a friend_n in_o read_v or_o near_o it_o and_o will_v not_o have_v depart_v a_o foot_n from_o the_o meeting_n where_o their_o testimony_n for_o truth_n have_v be_v concern_v though_o thou_o have_v prove_v a_o shrinker_n have_v notwithstanding_o secure_v their_o estate_n for_o their_o family_n and_o never_o have_v be_v exhort_v to_o the_o contrary_a or_o reprove_v by_o thou_o so_o far_o as_o ever_o i_o can_v hear_v vi_o whether_o thou_o have_v not_o contrary_a to_o thy_o own_o conscience_n and_o thy_o former_a counsel_n write_v thy_o paper_n of_o query_n to_o gratify_v that_o envious_a spirit_n which_o exclaim_v against_o i_o for_o secure_v part_n of_o my_o estate_n and_o whether_o thou_o therein_o have_v hot_a act_v that_o behind_o my_o back_n by_o direct_v it_o to_o be_v read_v at_o the_o meeting_n which_o i_o have_v and_o usual_o do_v frequent_a that_o thou_o be_v either_o afraid_a or_o ashamed_a to_o have_v speak_v to_o my_o face_n in_o the_o hear_n of_o other_o lest_o open_o in_o the_o view_n of_o the_o country_n thou_o shall_v have_v be_v detect_v for_o appear_v with_o two_o face_n for_o so_o do_v i_o now_o believe_v thou_o have_v manifest_v thyself_o and_o that_o one_o of_o these_o appearance_n be_v but_o the_o fruit_n of_o that_o spirit_n in_o thou_o which_o lu_v to_o envy_n because_o i_o remember_v not_o that_o ever_o i_o hear_v before_o the_o time_n of_o my_o late_a secure_v something_o from_o the_o persecutor_n that_o any_o friend_n judge_v one_o another_o in_o that_o respect_n or_o that_o any_o from_o a_o principle_n of_o conscience_n refuse_v to_o do_v the_o thing_n that_o i_o then_o do_v which_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o i_o often_o have_v do_v when_o there_o be_v occasion_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o my_o outward_a estate_n in_o that_o day_n wherein_o thy_o respect_n be_v most_o unto_o i_o though_o now_o this_o must_v be_v make_v use_n of_o as_o the_o only_a matter_n of_o fact_n to_o stain_v my_o reputation_n and_o to_o render_v i_o one_o that_o be_v out_o of_o truth_n vii_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o better_o to_o secure_v a_o man_n outward_a substance_n to_o pay_v his_o debt_n and_o maintain_v his_o family_n when_o he_o be_v capable_a so_o to_o do_v and_o keep_v steadfast_a in_o his_o testimony_n at_o meeting_n than_o when_o persecutor_n come_v to_o shift_v out_o of_o meet_v whereby_o both_o body_n and_o estate_n too_o may_v be_v save_v as_o thou_o have_v do_v viii_o whether_o it_o be_v better_a so_o to_o do_v as_o aforesaid_a than_o to_o let_v all_o lie_v open_a to_o the_o persecutor_n and_o depend_v upon_o thou_o and_o to_o solicit_v at_o council_n board_n thy_o language_n to_o thomas_n pierce_v of_o this_o city_n occasion_n this_o last_o query_n which_o as_o he_o have_v say_v be_v on_o this_o wise_a or_o to_o this_o effect_n what_o will_v you_o do_v be_v it_o not_o for_o me_n and_o a_o few_o more_o to_o appear_v for_o you_o at_o council-table_n or_o before_o king_n and_o counsel_n ix_o whether_o thy_o writing_n so_o much_o of_o trust_v god_n be_v compare_v with_o thy_o aforesaid_a boast_v language_n to_o thomas_n pierce_n which_o have_v prove_v but_o like_o a_o reed_n of_o egypt_n show_v not_o confusion_n x._o whether_o it_o be_v fit_a for_o one_o that_o feed_v of_o the_o fat_a of_o the_o land_n and_o life_n in_o fullness_n of_o plenty_n attend_v in_o many_o respect_n like_o a_o earthly_a prince_n and_o that_o have_v twelve_o or_o thirteen_o hundred-pound_n with_o the_o increase_n thereof_o for_o many_o year_n if_o any_o be_v well_o secure_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o spoiler_n and_o persecutor_n to_o admonish_v a_o company_n of_o poor_a innocent_a harmless_a friend_n that_o may_v have_v three_o or_o four_o cow_n a_o piece_n to_o feed_v themselves_o and_o child_n not_o to_o secure_v they_o from_o the_o spoiler_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o such_o a_o one_o so_o to_o admonish_v i_o then_o query_n whether_o thou_o be_v not_o the_o man_n that_o be_v so_o qualify_v and_o who_o in_o effect_n have_v so_o admonish_v xi_o whether_o a_o man_n under_o the_o aforesaid_a qualification_n and_o circumstance_n can_v by_o such_o a_o admonition_n as_o aforesaid_a answer_n god_n witness_n in_o the_o conscience_n of_o such_o to_o who_o he_o be_v so_o know_v especial_o when_o no_o better_a care_n be_v take_v by_o the_o admonisher_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o such_o when_o their_o all_o be_v go_v than_o this_o viz._n never_o heed_n the_o fleece_n will_v grow_v again_o dont_fw-fr despair_n trust_v the_o lord_n spread_v your_o suffering_n before_o the_o judge_n be_v careful_a to_o send_v your_o suffering_n to_o the_o quarterly_a meeting_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v up_o once_o a_o year_n to_o london_n to_o be_v record_v xii_o whether_o or_o no_o a_o suffering_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o such_o false_a prophet_n as_o solomon_n eccles_n have_v prove_v himself_o to_o be_v as_o be_v manifest_a by_o his_o prophesy_a john_n story_n be_v death_n within_o one_o year_n and_o since_o expire_v can_v be_v call_v a_o suffering_n for_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o not_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o better_a to_o secure_v one_o outward_a substance_n from_o the_o spoiler_n than_o to_o let_v it_o lie_v open_a to_o be_v take_v away_o for_o fine_n impose_v for_o the_o preach_n of_o such_o false_a prophet_n and_o since_o it_o be_v say_v solomon_n eccles_n manifest_v the_o same_o first_o to_o thou_o i_o query_n whether_o thou_o be_v not_o a_o encourager_n of_o the_o say_v false_a prophet_n because_o it_o be_v say_v he_o cry_v thou_o up_o as_o one_o that_o be_v great_a than_o moses_n or_o whether_o thou_o do_v become_v a_o reproof_n to_o he_o xiii_o whether_o or_o no_o it_o be_v not_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o englighmed_a understanding_n in_o those_o who_o be_v call_v dark_a spirit_n to_o secure_v what_o they_o have_v from_o be_v take_v away_o for_o fine_n impose_v for_o the_o babble_n of_o such_o who_o great_a business_n at_o meeting_n be_v to_o rail_v against_o
thing_n have_v a_o tendency_n to_o insinuate_v submission_n without_o conviction_n to_o nurture_n up_o ignorance_n instead_o of_o wisdom_n and_o to_o introduce_v bondage_n instead_o of_o freedom_n in_o christ_n as_o much_o as_o ever_o be_v under_o the_o cover_n of_o a_o black-coat_n in_o the_o dark_a night_n of_o apostasy_n where_o this_o maxim_n viz._n ignorance_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n be_v know_v to_o be_v true_a with_o respect_n to_o a_o zealous_a observation_n of_o what_o the_o clergy_n have_v impose_v and_o teach_v what_o be_v already_o signify_v may_v give_v some_o little_a taste_n of_o apostasy_n or_o innovation_n unto_o such_o as_o have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o primitive_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o true_a christian-quaker_n or_o child_n of_o light_n for_o so_o we_o be_v call_v in_o the_o beginning_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v with_o i_o a_o little_a to_o treat_v of_o one_o other_o grand_a mark_n of_o apostasy_n or_o innovation_n viz._n judge_v the_o merit_n of_o a_o cause_n without_o hear_v the_o same_o as_o before_o be_v signify_v it_o be_v the_o say_v of_o christ_n as_o i_o hear_v i_o judge_v but_o yet_o i_o be_o a_o witness_n that_o ignorance_n or_o envy_n or_o that_o which_o be_v worse_o have_v so_o abound_v as_o that_o the_o true_a christian-quaker_n have_v be_v judge_v and_o censure_v by_o such_o as_o retain_v that_o name_n but_o not_o his_o nature_n when_o see_v the_o appendix_n to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n unheard_a in_o the_o defence_n of_o himself_o and_o the_o cause_n of_o truth_n which_o he_o have_v stand_v for_o when_o i_o consider_v the_o aforesaid_a word_n of_o christ_n as_o i_o hear_v i_o judge_v john_n 5.26_o 27._o and_o that_o it_o spring_v from_o he_o who_o be_v partaker_n of_o his_o father_n life_n and_o power_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n john_n 16.30_o it_o be_v to_o i_o a_o real_a confirmation_n that_o a_o pretence_n to_o life_n power_n and_o discern_v of_o spirit_n can_v be_v sufficient_a plea_n to_o justify_v a_o practice_n contrary_a to_o that_o example_n and_o therefore_o since_o i_o know_v that_o such_o a_o pretence_n have_v be_v the_o only_a plea_n for_o that_o practice_n i_o conclude_v it_o no_o better_o than_o the_o fruit_n of_o ignorance_n or_o envy_n or_o that_o which_o be_v worse_o ignorance_n in_o those_o who_o have_v believe_v that_o outward_a minister_n be_v ordain_v of_o god_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n to_o see_v for_o the_o body_n and_o hear_v for_o the_o body_n and_o on_o that_o foot_n sign_n and_o glory_n in_o other_o man_n line_n make_v ready_a to_o their_o hand_n whether_o they_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o or_o no._n envy_n or_o that_o which_o be_v worse_o in_o such_o a_o one_o as_o have_v use_v both_o acquire_v and_o natural_a part_n from_o the_o strength_n of_o reason_n testimony_n of_o scripture_n argument_n from_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n citation_n out_o of_o ancient_n and_o modern_a writer_n as_o well_o as_o example_n of_o ancient_a father_n to_o convince_v some_o professor_n of_o christianity_n of_o their_o error_n and_o yet_o imperative_o signify_v to_o god_n friend_n every_o where_o as_o before_o be_v cite_v on_o this_o wise_a let_v not_o this_o spirit_n be_v reason_v with_o enter_v not_o into_o proposal_n and_o article_n with_o it_o but_o feed_v it_o with_o judgement_n that_o be_v god_n decree_n and_o indeed_o the_o endeavour_n of_o some_o have_v take_v such_o a_o effect_n as_o that_o the_o abuse_a party_n readiness_n to_o abide_v a_o hear_v before_o a_o competent_a number_n of_o person_n equal_o to_o be_v choose_v if_o any_o one_o have_v matter_n of_o evil_a fact_n or_o false_a doctrine_n to_o lay_v to_o their_o charge_n will_v not_o be_v accept_v but_o instead_o thereof_o a_o persevere_v to_o term_v they_o dark_a and_o rend_a spirit_n without_o evidence_a wherein_n which_o be_v far_o short_a of_o that_o justice_n which_o appear_v in_o festus_n when_o he_o direct_v the_o jewish_a informer_n against_o paul_n to_o accuse_v he_o of_o wickedness_n if_o there_o be_v any_o in_o he_o these_o thing_n consider_v what_o ingenious_a reader_n can_v conclude_v that_o person_n so_o qualify_v be_v of_o any_o better_a spirit_n than_o those_o persecute_v jew_n be_v of_o unto_o who_o the_o aforesaid_a festus_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o persecute_a paul_n say_v act_n 25.16_o it_o be_v not_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o roman_n to_o deliver_v any_o man_n to_o die_v before_o that_o he_o which_o be_v accuse_v have_v the_o accuser_n face_n to_o face_n and_o have_v licence_n to_o answer_v for_o himself_o concern_v the_o crime_n lay_v against_o he_o and_o though_o the_o testimony_n of_o festus_n run_v not_o parallel_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o take_v away_o of_o the_o natural_a life_n yet_o several_a instance_n may_v be_v produce_v to_o manifest_v that_o there_o be_v among_o the_o people_n term_v quaker_n such_o as_o practice_v so_o far_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v the_o bring_v a_o death_n upon_o the_o good_a name_n and_o reputation_n of_o the_o true_a christian-quaker_n without_o give_v opportunity_n to_o know_v whether_o they_o pretend_v to_o accuse_v of_o matter_n of_o evil_a fact_n or_o no._n these_o thing_n consider_v put_v i_o in_o mind_n to_o note_v that_o one_o great_a part_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o controversy_n be_v touch_v john_n story_n who_o in_o public_a meeting_n for_o worship_n have_v in_o my_o hear_n be_v accuse_v for_o a_o false_a prophet_n and_o when_o the_o accuser_n have_v be_v desire_v to_o prove_v he_o so_o the_o answer_n have_v be_v he_o be_v of_o a_o divide_v spirit_n and_o therefore_o a_o false_a prophet_n but_o when_o in_o answer_n it_o have_v be_v say_v as_o of_o late_o it_o have_v bring_v forth_o and_o prove_v matter_n of_o evil_a fact_n or_o false_a doctrine_n against_o he_o and_o we_o will_v disow_v he_o then_o nothing_o of_o that_o nature_n have_v be_v bring_v forth_o much_o less_o prove_v against_o he_o which_o consider_v i_o rational_o infer_v that_o such_o opposer_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n who_o in_o this_o preface_n i_o intend_v be_v guilty_a of_o one_o other_o mark_n of_o apostasy_n or_o innovation_n in_o not_o admit_v to_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n the_o rule_n of_o christ_n when_o he_o say_v you_o shall_v know_v they_o by_o their_o fruit_n matth._n 7.16_o meaning_n as_o the_o scripture_n declare_v such_o as_o be_v false_a prophet_n and_o that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o evade_v the_o rule_n prescribe_v as_o by_o christ_n sometime_o affirm_v that_o a_o good_a cause_n may_v be_v ill_o manage_v and_o a_o bad_a cause_n well_o manage_v thereby_o insinuate_v into_o ignorant_a people_n that_o though_o john_n story_n and_o his_o friend_n have_v manage_v their_o cause_n well_o while_o their_o opposer_n have_v manage_v their_o cause_n but_o ill_o yet_o that_o john_n story_n and_o his_o friend_n be_v person_n of_o bad_a spirit_n and_o their_o opposer_n person_n of_o right_a spirit_n and_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o no_o way_n doubt_v but_o that_o this_o sort_n of_o argumentation_n have_v become_v a_o defence_n and_o cover_v for_o false_a certificate_n lie_n and_o slanderous_a accusation_n whereby_o some_o have_v be_v proselyte_v to_o oppose_v the_o truth_n itself_o oh_o great_a abomination_n if_o live_v well_o and_o hold_v forth_o nothing_o but_o sound_a doctrine_n shall_v not_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o measure_v line_n of_o christ_n what_o defence_n can_v there_o be_v against_o a_o slanderous_a tongue_n and_o if_o evil_a practice_n and_o unsound_a doctrine_n pretend_v to_o be_v publish_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n shall_v admit_v of_o this_o cover_n he_o be_v notwithstanding_o of_o a_o good_a spirit_n a_o little_a religion_n and_o common_a sense_n will_v give_v a_o understanding_n of_o what_o absurdity_n and_o gross_a darkness_n may_v be_v introduce_v under_o those_o notion_n it_o be_v then_o easy_o to_o be_v discern_v that_o if_o the_o envy_n of_o a_o proud_a man_n that_o seek_v lordship_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o other_o do_v but_o once_o put_v to_o speak_v comparative_o the_o bare-skin_n upon_o the_o back_n of_o a_o friend_n in_o truth_n there_o will_v not_o be_v want_v a_o company_n of_o ignorant_a or_o envious_a person_n ready_a to_o bite_v and_o devour_v he_o and_o to_o spread_v abroad_o certificate_n of_o defamation_n right_o or_o wrong_n among_o enemy_n as_o well_o as_o friend_n according_a to_o the_o example_n give_v by_o g._n f._n when_o write_v to_o h._n s._n r._n t._n and_o another_o person_n of_o harford_n he_o thus_o say_v here_o be_v a_o certificate_n enclose_v from_o two_o of_o john_n story_n be_v neighbour_n who_o very_o well_o know_v he_o have_v be_v a_o encourager_n of_o the_o separate-meeting_a in_o westmoreland_n which_o you_o may_v show_v both_o to_o enemy_n and_o friend_n with_o the_o other_o
eminent_o concern_v in_o the_o division_n threaten_v shall_v be_v the_o anvil_n to_o beat_v upon_o and_o intercede_v that_o we_o will_v forbear_v make_v mention_n of_o the_o name_n of_o person_n reflect_v on_o to_o this_o the_o answer_n be_v that_o it_o seem_v unlikely_a to_o bring_v forth_o a_o credible_a history_n touch_v religious_a difference_n without_o name_v the_o author_n of_o book_n paper_n and_o name_n of_o person_n reflect_v on_o evidence_v the_o reality_n of_o such_o principle_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n which_o occasion_v disunion_n and_o separation_n among_o some_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a people_n however_o truth_n oblige_v we_o to_o have_v a_o tender_a regard_n unto_o those_o who_o come_v unto_o we_o in_o brotherly_a love_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o our_o desire_n have_v be_v that_o the_o lord_n may_v permit_v we_o to_o bear_n forbear_v and_o suffer_v have_v a_o secret_a hope_n that_o the_o lord_n may_v make_v such_o instrument_n in_o his_o hand_n by_o a_o tender_a and_o brotherly_a mediation_n to_o cause_v the_o high_a and_o lofty_a to_o bow_v to_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n that_o so_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v exalt_v in_o every_o heart_n where_o his_o law_n be_v write_v and_o that_o none_o who_o make_v mention_v of_o his_o name_n may_v conclude_v themselves_o enter_v into_o a_o heavenly_a possession_n or_o inheritance_n because_o of_o a_o strict_a observance_n of_o some_o outward_a write_a order_n prescribe_v by_o man._n after_o we_o have_v long_o bear_v it_o then_o more_o particular_o become_v my_o concern_v to_o prepare_v another_o manuscript_n and_o that_o chief_o out_o of_o the_o second_o part_n of_o what_o be_v first_o prepare_v in_o relation_n to_o divers_a person_n concern_v in_o the_o division_n to_o discover_v that_o one_o man_n george_n for_o guilty_a of_o many_o thing_n reproachful_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o because_o it_o be_v and_o yet_o be_v clear_o manifest_v unto_o i_o and_o as_o i_o have_v understand_v many_o other_o that_o that_o one_o person_n have_v be_v the_o very_a chief_a instrument_n or_o at_o least_o a_o abettor_n of_o such_o as_o have_v whereby_o a_o bite_a devour_a spirit_n be_v enter_v in_o among_o the_o flock_n and_o yet_o great_a part_n of_o the_o contention_n of_o one_o party_n with_o another_o seem_v to_o be_v but_o about_o the_o shell_n and_o not_o the_o kernel_n my_o mean_v thereby_o be_v about_o outward_a form_n and_o method_n relate_v to_o marriage_n relief_n of_o the_o poor_a etc._n etc._n as_o if_o hell_n gate_n must_v be_v open_v to_o receive_v all_o such_o as_o walk_v not_o in_o that_o outward_a path_n which_o in_o relation_n thereto_o have_v be_v prescribe_v by_o that_o one_o man._n moreover_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o before_o i_o undertake_v to_o prepare_v the_o manuscript_n relate_v to_o that_o one_o man._n i_o write_v unto_o he_o seven_o letter_n date_v as_o follow_v viz._n the_o 27_o of_o the_o one_a month_n 1677._o the_o 3d._n of_o the_o 10_o month_n 1677._o the_o four_o of_o the_o 11_o month_n 1678._o the_o 11_o of_o the_o 11_o month_n 1678._o one_o other_o on_o the_o same_o day_n sign_v by_o thomas_n gouldeny_n william_n ford_n and_o myself_o one_o other_o the_o 22th_o of_o the_o 2d_o month_n 1679._o sign_v by_o myself_o and_o three_o other_o friend_n direct_v to_o he_o and_o two_o other_o and_o one_o other_o from_o myself_o only_o date_v the_o 6_o of_o the_o 12_o month_n 1679._o manifest_v the_o ground_n of_o my_o dissatisfaction_n with_o relation_n to_o many_o thing_n of_o a_o public_a concern_v among_o friend_n as_o well_o as_o personal_a injury_n which_o become_v he_o to_o clear_v or_o else_o give_v satisfaction_n and_o yet_o to_o this_o day_n be_v the_o 16_o day_n of_o the_o 6_o month_n 1680._o i_o can_v in_o truth_n say_v that_o any_o answer_n be_v come_v from_o he_o to_o i_o notwithstanding_o messenger_n be_v send_v unto_o he_o on_o purpose_n with_o several_a of_o they_o and_o advice_n give_v i_o of_o the_o delivery_n and_o though_o a_o paper_n come_v once_o to_o my_o hand_n in_o which_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o two_o of_o the_o say_a letter_n yet_o i_o can_v take_v it_o to_o be_v his_o answer_n but_o rather_o as_o by_o the_o language_n thereof_o appear_v the_o answer_n of_o another_o on_o his_o behalf_n and_o chief_o stuff_v with_o query_n so_o that_o my_o concern_v to_o expect_v satisfaction_n or_o detect_v he_o be_v increase_v at_o length_n when_o i_o perceive_v it_o be_v not_o probable_a to_o obtain_v what_o i_o expect_v from_o he_o by_o make_v manifest_a my_o burden_n and_o exercise_n either_o to_o he_o or_o one_o or_o two_o who_o i_o suppose_v he_o may_v esteem_v to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n nor_o yet_o from_o the_o general_n meet_v though_o as_o i_o suppose_v they_o be_v esteem_v by_o some_o though_o not_o by_o all_o the_o representative_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_a i_o then_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o many_o brethren_n travel_v in_o several_a part_n of_o the_o nation_n manifest_v that_o according_a to_o the_o understanding_n give_v i_o of_o god_n i_o have_v proceed_v towards_o that_o one_o person_n g._n f._n in_o a_o gospel-method_n and_o that_o if_o i_o than_o shall_v have_v proceed_v to_o print_v against_o he_o nothing_o can_v be_v just_o lay_v to_o my_o charge_n for_o want_v of_o orderly_o proceed_v to_o obtain_v satisfaction_n which_o hitherto_o be_v not_o give_v i_o but_o yet_o my_o condescension_n to_o my_o brethren_n be_v such_o as_o that_o though_o the_o manuscript_n relate_v to_o he_o be_v prepare_v i_o very_o public_o propose_v in_o write_v under_o my_o hand_n and_o spread_v the_o same_o abroad_o direct_v to_o friend_n in_o several_a county_n signify_v that_o if_o any_o one_o of_o they_o be_v free_a to_o write_v unto_o that_o one_o person_n or_o at_o least_o to_o give_v this_o testimony_n under_o their_o or_o any_o of_o their_o hand_n that_o since_o i_o charge_v he_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o thing_n reproachful_a to_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v but_o just_a and_o reasonable_a that_o he_o shall_v submit_v to_o a_o hear_v thereof_o before_o friend_n in_o truth_n to_o the_o end_n that_o if_o guilty_a he_o may_v condemn_v the_o same_o if_o not_o he_o may_v be_v justify_v and_o i_o condemn_v for_o accuse_v wrongful_o i_o shall_v then_o forbear_v print_v against_o he_o until_o such_o time_n i_o shall_v send_v such_o a_o letter_n or_o testimony_n unto_o the_o place_n of_o his_o habitation_n and_o if_o he_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o give_v answer_n thereto_o on_o request_n to_o he_o to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o messenger_n that_o shall_v go_v therewith_o than_o my_o purpose_n be_v as_o i_o then_o declare_v to_o communicate_v such_o answer_n to_o friend_n that_o so_o we_o may_v consider_v further_o what_o may_v be_v agreeable_a to_o truth_n to_o be_v do_v on_o this_o occasion_n one_o part_n of_o my_o end_n in_o thus_o do_v be_v to_o discover_v whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o erroneous_a principle_n in_o any_o so_o to_o stand_v by_o a_o man_n charge_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o thing_n reproachful_a to_o the_o truth_n as_o that_o he_o must_v be_v exempt_v though_o guilty_a from_o the_o stroke_n of_o that_o justice_n which_o in_o the_o like_a case_n of_o gild_n he_o have_v prescribe_v for_o other_o for_o though_o the_o apostle_n testify_v that_o charity_n suffer_v long_o bear_v and_o endure_v all_o thing_n yet_o his_o mean_v be_v not_o that_o any_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n of_o what_o degree_n soever_o shall_v not_o be_v treat_v withal_o when_o over-taken_a in_o a_o fault_n else_o the_o same_o apostle_n will_v not_o have_v give_v these_o testimony_n gal._n 6.5_o every_o man_n shall_v bear_v his_o own_o burden_n col._n 3.25_o he_o that_o do_v wrong_a shall_v receive_v for_o the_o wrong_n which_o he_o have_v do_v and_o there_o be_v no_o respect_n of_o person_n beside_o it_o be_v observable_a from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n rev._n 2.2_o that_o it_o be_v praiseworthy_a not_o to_o bear_v liar_n though_o they_o may_v say_v they_o be_v apostle_n i_o now_o come_v to_o inform_v the_o reader_n that_o the_o ensue_a treatise_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n collect_v out_o of_o the_o manuscript_n first_o make_v mention_n of_o but_o yet_o with_o the_o omission_n of_o some_o marginal_a memorial_n direct_v the_o reader_n to_o the_o several_a section_n of_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o say_a manuscript_n that_o so_o from_o matter_n of_o fact_n therein_o contain_v the_o truth_n of_o reflection_n make_v and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o objection_n raise_v and_o that_o from_o the_o book_n write_n or_o practice_n of_o some_o particular_a person_n or_o person_n repute_v of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n may_v be_v prove_v and_o therefore_o since_o it_o be_v not_o think_v fit_a
of_o the_o eternal_a god_n who_o be_v with_o the_o father_n before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v lay_v be_v become_v the_o horn_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o have_v bring_v immortality_n to_o light_n in_o they_o and_o reveal_v that_o teacher_n that_o can_v never_o be_v move_v into_o a_o corner_n and_o therefore_o these_o can_v depend_v any_o long_o on_o the_o teach_n of_o man_n nor_o yet_o on_o outward_a canonical_a article_n creed_n directory_n or_o church-faith_n prescribe_v by_o man_n but_o on_o the_o teach_n of_o christ_n alone_o by_o his_o light_n and_o spiritual_a appearance_n in_o themselves_o to_o lead_v and_o guide_v unto_o the_o father_n of_o life_n the_o sound_n of_o this_o alarm_n as_o many_o can_v yet_o witness_v become_v a_o joyful_a sound_n to_o that_o soul_n which_o be_v hunger_a after_o the_o lord_n though_o pierce_v as_o a_o dart_n through_o the_o liver_n to_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n so_o that_o astonishment_n and_o amazement_n seem_v to_o take_v hold_n on_o many_o whereby_o they_o become_v a_o byword_n a_o mock_n and_o a_o taunt_v unto_o such_o who_o dependency_n be_v on_o their_o outward_a teacher_n etc._n etc._n as_o aforesaid_a i_o say_v again_o oh_o friend_n let_v the_o remembrance_n of_o this_o day_n come_v before_o you_o and_o consider_v further_o what_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o eternal_a power_n unto_o such_o who_o be_v strike_v with_o amazement_n after_o they_o believe_v the_o appearance_n of_o that_o power_n whereby_o they_o be_v so_o strike_v to_o be_v the_o appearance_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n i_o well_o remember_v the_o voice_n be_v on_o this_o wise_a to_o your_o own_o to_o your_o own_o to_o your_o own_o mean_v thereby_o that_o they_o shall_v turn_v in_o their_o mind_n to_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o conscience_n which_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v that_o teacher_n which_o can_v never_o be_v remove_v into_o a_o corner_n that_o so_o they_o may_v witness_v the_o fulfil_n of_o that_o loud_a voice_n utter_v by_o the_o angel_n fly_v through_o the_o midst_n of_o heaven_n have_v the_o everlasting_a gospel_n to_o preach_v unto_o they_o that_o dwell_v on_o the_o earth_n etc._n etc._n fear_v god_n and_o give_v glory_n to_o he_o for_o the_o hour_n of_o his_o judgement_n be_v come_v and_o worship_v he_o that_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n etc._n etc._n for_o no_o doubt_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n reveal_v unto_o those_o first_o labourer_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o there_o be_v a_o proneness_n in_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o man_n to_o admire_v to_o depend_v upon_o and_o sometime_o through_o a_o affectionate_a part_n or_o blind_a zeal_n to_o worship_v such_o be_v be_v instrument_n to_o give_v forth_o outward_a directory_n or_o church-faith_n for_o we_o find_v that_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o of_o worship_v angel_n which_o be_v messenger_n who_o god_n have_v send_v by_o he_o that_o intrude_v into_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v not_o see_v therefore_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o the_o voice_n of_o truth_n through_o they_o be_v not_o only_o thus_o viz._n to_o your_o own_o which_o be_v observe_v lead_v into_o a_o independency_n upon_o other_o but_o also_o frequent_o on_o this_o wise_a we_o preach_v not_o ourselves_o look_v not_o unto_o we_o in_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n i_o can_v but_o cry_v aloud_o in_o the_o aforesaid_a word_n of_o the_o angel_n that_o have_v the_o everlasting_a gospel_n to_o preach_v fear_v god_n and_o give_v glory_n to_o he_o and_o then_o no_o doubt_n but_o every_o such_o one_o that_o have_v concern_v himself_o to_o condemn_v his_o brother_n on_o no_o better_a ground_n than_o from_o the_o example_n and_o prescription_n of_o another_o will_v come_v to_o see_v that_o therein_o he_o have_v not_o keep_v to_o his_o own_o and_o so_o have_v be_v lead_v into_o a_o by_o and_o err_v path._n oh_o friend_n let_v therefore_o this_o cry_n pass_v through_o every_o heart_n to_o our_o own_o to_o our_o own_o to_o our_o own_o that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o every_o one_o be_v own_o measure_n of_o christ_n light_n or_o grace_n of_o god_n received_n which_o the_o apostle_n say_v be_v sufficient_a with_o this_o secret_a breathe_n of_o spirit_n unto_o the_o god_n of_o our_o life_n that_o all_o may_v be_v thereto_o retire_v for_o if_o that_o counsel_n may_v but_o take_v place_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o there_o can_v then_o be_v no_o room_n for_o any_o to_o impose_v or_o press_v the_o observation_n of_o other_o man_n line_n upon_o any_o which_o no_o doubt_n be_v one_o great_a occasion_n of_o the_o religious_a difference_n treat_v on_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o it_o will_v mould_v all_o who_o retain_v the_o name_n of_o christianity_n into_o the_o very_a nature_n thereof_o and_o so_o consequent_o a_o reconciliation_n in_o the_o everlasting_a truth_n may_v quick_o ensue_v for_o if_o that_o door_n be_v but_o once_o shut_v through_o which_o variance_n and_o disunion_n enter_v there_o may_v then_o arise_v a_o hope_n of_o cessation_n to_o such_o contention_n and_o strife_n as_o be_v out_o of_o the_o truth_n but_o if_o not_o i_o may_v then_o say_v how_o can_v the_o effect_n cease_v whilst_o the_o cause_n remain_v i_o well_o remember_v and_o many_o with_o i_o that_o while_o friend_n keep_v to_o their_o own_o and_o concern_v not_o themselves_o to_o promote_v a_o zealous_a observation_n of_o other_o man_n line_n make_v ready_a to_o their_o hand_n we_o then_o hear_v not_o of_o so_o much_o contention_n strife_n and_o debate_n both_o public_a and_o private_a as_o of_o late_a year_n have_v be_v but_o since_o the_o promotion_n thereof_o confusion_n disorder_n emulation_n malice_n and_o envy_n have_v be_v its_o offspring_n which_o have_v be_v manifest_v by_o public_a unjust_a revile_n against_o some_o when_o zealous_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n and_o though_o these_o be_v of_o that_o number_n that_o prefer_v obedience_n to_o their_o own_o measure_n of_o grace_n receive_v before_o obedience_n to_o the_o measure_n of_o other_o yet_o other_o some_o there_o be_v who_o have_v endeavour_v to_o bring_v friend_n into_o conformity_n to_o the_o pretend_a dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n through_o other_o or_o at_o best_o through_o that_o one_o man_n g._n f._n before_o speak_v of_o and_o that_o under_o the_o penalty_n of_o be_v account_v guilty_a of_o corah_n sin_n for_o scruple_v to_o conform_v and_o thus_o the_o variance_n be_v like_a to_o continue_v unless_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n for_o his_o name_n sake_n by_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o own_o power_n shall_v put_v a_o stop_n thereto_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o i_o can_v not_o but_o say_v in_o all_o seriousness_n of_o spirit_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o my_o conscience_n let_v the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o day_n that_o be_v pass_v come_v before_o you_o wherein_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o live_a god_n sound_v by_o his_o trumpet_n a_o alarm_n to_o the_o nation_n and_o that_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n edward_n burrough_n many_o year_n decease_v be_v honourable_o speak_v of_o by_o some_o if_o not_o by_o all_o of_o both_o party_n of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n at_o variance_n one_o that_o have_v the_o trumpet_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o sound_v and_o have_v therewith_o sound_v as_o a_o son_n of_o thunder_n as_o well_o as_o of_o consolation_n many_o alarm_n unto_o the_o nation_n i_o shall_v conclude_v with_o the_o citation_n of_o a_o part_n of_o a_o epistle_n write_v by_o he_o in_o the_o year_n 1658._o to_o the_o friend_n of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n and_o so_o leave_v the_o consideration_n thereof_o to_o the_o impartial_a reader_n to_o savour_v whether_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o counsel_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o know_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o ourselves_o to_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o our_o action_n and_o if_o so_o then_o to_o practice_v from_o other_o man_n line_n without_o a_o inward_a conviction_n by_o the_o spirit_n in_o ourselves_o can_v be_v no_o more_o accept_v as_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o than_o the_o offering_n of_o the_o halt_n and_o the_o blind_a for_o a_o sacrifice_n under_o the_o first_o covenant_n be_v here_o follow_v the_o citation_n out_o of_o edward_n burrough_n aforesaid_a epistle_n yea_o it_o be_v peace_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o gladness_n to_o the_o heart_n and_o refreshment_n to_o the_o life_n to_o feel_v and_o witness_v the_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o father_n lead_v into_o all_o truth_n and_o preserve_v out_o of_o all_o transgression_n wherefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o all_o let_v this_o be_v your_o whole_a desire_n and_o the_o full_a practice_n in_o your_o life_n and_o then_o shall_v the_o countenance_n of_o the_o lord_n shine_v upon_o you_o and_o his_o face_n shall_v make_v you_o glad_a if_o in_o all_o thing_n you_o look_v unto_o
lest_o you_o be_v find_v fighter_n against_o that_o which_o the_o lord_n by_o a_o constrant_a of_o his_o power_n lead_v into_o and_o builder_n again_o of_o the_o thing_n that_o you_o have_v destroy_v for_o as_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n never_o lead_v we_o to_o respect_v person_n in_o judgement_n so_o have_v it_o not_o lead_v we_o to_o refuse_v to_o call_v upon_o the_o high_a as_o well_o as_o the_o low_a to_o stoop_v to_o a_o just_a hear_n when_o matter_n of_o error_n and_o evil_a fact_n shall_v be_v lay_v at_o the_o door_n of_o such_o a_o one_o that_o i_o may_v as_o much_o as_o in_o i_o lie_v be_v ease_v in_o my_o spirit_n with_o relation_n to_o you_o i_o can_v but_o in_o bowel_n of_o true_a love_n warn_v you_o that_o these_o my_o few_o line_n may_v be_v read_v in_o the_o fear_n and_o dread_a of_o the_o live_a god_n that_o so_o if_o it_o may_v be_v with_o you_o to_o answer_n or_o act_n any_o thing_n in_o relation_n hereunto_o you_o may_v not_o add_v to_o my_o burden_n by_o grieve_v that_o which_o the_o lord_n never_o grieve_v have_v thus_o far_o clear_v my_o conscience_n to_o you_o as_o it_o be_v with_o i_o on_o my_o bed_n this_o very_a morning_n i_o have_v peace_n herein_o and_o remain_v your_o friend_n william_n rogers_n a_o postscript_n that_o which_o have_v drop_v from_o one_o or_o some_o of_o your_o lip_n since_o my_o come_n to_o london_n have_v occasion_v i_o to_o add_v this_o postscript_n my_o end_n in_o communicate_v unto_o you_o what_o be_v with_o i_o on_o this_o occasion_n be_v not_o that_o either_o you_o or_o any_o shall_v take_v upon_o you_o to_o judge_v the_o cause_n without_o assent_n or_o hear_v both_o of_o george_n fox_n and_o myself_o and_o if_o any_o have_v or_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o insinuate_v the_o contrary_a from_o any_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v either_o speak_v or_o write_a the_o god_n of_o heaven_n will_v blast_v that_o spirit_n from_o whence_o it_o have_v or_o may_v come_v as_o that_o which_o seek_v occasion_n against_o i_o undeserved_o the_o like_a practice_n be_v that_o cry_v sin_n which_o my_o conscience_n have_v be_v concern_v to_o cry_v against_o know_v that_o it_o have_v enter_v many_o under_o the_o profession_n of_o truth_n and_o for_o which_o their_o name_n lie_v on_o record_n to_o their_o shame_n but_o yet_o i_o be_o not_o without_o this_o secret_a hope_n that_o the_o day_n will_v come_v wherein_o many_o of_o they_o may_v repent_v of_o the_o same_o i_o can_v also_o but_o inform_v you_o that_o it_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o gross_a darkness_n to_o compare_v such_o as_o be_v at_o unity_n with_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n on_o a_o religious_a score_n and_o that_o on_o the_o foot_n of_o such_o unity_n to_o john_n parrot_n and_o his_o follower_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o keep_v on_o their_o hat_n in_o prayer_n because_o john_n perrot_n practice_n therein_o may_v proper_o be_v term_v such_o innovation_n in_o the_o church_n as_o tend_v to_o schism_n contrary_a to_o the_o approve_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o so_o be_v worthy_o judge_v and_o condemn_v but_o as_o to_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n i_o remember_v not_o that_o ever_o any_o accuse_v they_o for_o introduce_v any_o practice_n into_o the_o church_n of_o god_n contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n or_o the_o approve_a practice_n of_o friend_n when_o at_o unity_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o i_o be_o well_o satisfy_v in_o my_o conscience_n and_o that_o on_o sufficient_a ground_n too_o large_a here_o to_o insert_v that_o the_o very_a secret_a reason_n wherefore_o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n have_v be_v judge_v by_o many_o though_o unheard_a by_o such_o to_o speak_v for_o themselves_o and_o that_o certificate_n against_o they_o have_v be_v either_o send_v or_o approve_v to_o be_v send_v abroad_o by_o george_n fox_n with_o direction_n to_o send_v they_o both_o to_o enemy_n and_o friend_n be_v because_o they_o can_v stoop_v and_o bow_v to_o innovation_n not_o practise_v by_o friend_n when_o in_o unity_n in_o the_o truth_n nor_o yet_o justifyable_a from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n or_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o conscience_n and_o if_o any_o to_o who_o these_o line_n may_v come_v have_v or_o may_v think_v i_o too_o zealous_a i_o earnest_o desire_v that_o such_o may_v watch_v against_o a_o lukewarm_a spirit_n and_o that_o which_o be_v inclinable_a to_o respect_n person_n in_o judgement_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o against_o that_o spirit_n that_o have_v be_v ready_a to_o proclaim_v the_o suppose_a infirmity_n of_o some_o on_o the_o housetop_n while_o endeavour_n be_v make_v to_o cover_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o high_a and_o lofty_a one_o george_n fox_n though_o the_o so_o do_v have_v tend_v to_o the_o stumble_n of_o many_o among_o the_o flock_n of_o god_n whoever_o may_v so_o do_v and_o for_o the_o accomplishment_n thereof_o shall_v pervert_v the_o counsel_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o apostle_n when_o he_o exhort_v to_o bear_v all_o thing_n as_o if_o that_o scripture_n may_v be_v produce_v to_o cover_v the_o notorious_a sin_n of_o one_o that_o may_v pretend_v himself_o infallible_a i_o then_o say_v it_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o introduce_v a_o justification_n of_o rantism_n itself_o i_o now_o be_o further_o to_o acquaint_v you_o that_o if_o either_o of_o you_o or_o any_o friend_n unto_o who_o this_o may_v come_v be_v write_v for_o public_a view_n among_o friend_n shall_v within_o twenty_o day_n time_n after_o the_o date_n hereof_o write_v unto_o george_n fox_n and_o therein_o signify_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o since_o i_o call_v for_o justice_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o wrong_n do_v and_o thing_n act_v by_o he_o reproachful_a to_o the_o truth_n he_o then_o ought_v to_o submit_v to_o a_o hear_v thereof_o before_o friend_n in_o truth_n that_o so_o if_o guilty_a he_o may_v condemn_v it_o and_o if_o not_o he_o may_v be_v justife_v i_o then_o shall_v free_o forbear_v print_v against_o he_o until_o such_o time_n he_o either_o send_v answer_n to_o such_o a_o letter_n or_o else_o send_v no_o answer_n when_o it_o may_v be_v desire_v of_o he_o but_o yet_o with_o this_o proviso_n that_o such_o so_o to_o be_v concern_v send_v the_o say_a letter_n to_o i_o to_o be_v send_v unto_o he_o and_o if_o he_o shall_v answer_v and_o propose_v such_o a_o method_n for_o a_o hear_v as_o may_v be_v approve_v in_o my_o conscience_n i_o may_v then_o submit_v thereto_o william_n rogers_n to_o this_o letter_n i_o never_o receive_v any_o answer_n here_o follow_v william_n rogers_n his_o remonstrance_n to_o which_o his_o aforesaid_a letter_n give_v cover_v to_o the_o friend_n of_o london_n in_o relation_n to_o g._n f._n to_o the_o intent_n that_o some_o expedient_a may_v be_v find_v to_o prevent_v print_v against_o he_o friend_n it_o be_v not_o unknown_a unto_o many_o of_o you_o that_o i_o have_v be_v concern_v touch_v the_o difference_n arisen_a among_o friend_n and_o whatever_o censure_v some_o may_v pass_v upon_o i_o yet_o i_o have_v this_o evidence_n in_o my_o conscience_n that_o my_o concern_v have_v be_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n his_o truth_n and_o people_n and_o so_o through_o his_o mercy_n be_o inward_o mad_a partaker_n of_o his_o peace_n though_o many_o under_o the_o profession_n of_o truth_n have_v endeavour_v to_o give_v i_o outward_a trouble_n and_o be_v it_o so_o that_o with_o peace_n of_o conscience_n i_o can_v have_v forbear_v to_o come_v up_o unto_o this_o city_n of_o london_n on_o the_o occasion_n i_o now_o be_o here_o i_o shall_v much_o rather_o have_v stay_v at_o home_n about_o my_o outward_a business_n than_o have_v take_v this_o journey_n which_o i_o have_v do_v and_o that_o through_o a_o constraint_n upon_o my_o spirit_n to_o lay_v before_o friend_n in_o several_a part_n of_o the_o nation_n a_o part_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v and_o be_v my_o burden_n to_o the_o end_n that_o as_o much_o as_o in_o i_o lie_v i_o may_v endeavour_v that_o a_o expedient_a may_v be_v find_v whereby_o they_o may_v be_v remove_v and_o lay_v at_o the_o proper_a door_n and_o that_o so_o the_o guilty_a after_o serious_a examination_n by_o a_o equal_a consent_n of_o party_n may_v be_v by_o those_o who_o retain_v their_o integrity_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o truth_n visit_v exhort_v and_o warn_v to_o repent_v and_o turn_v from_o that_o spirit_n which_o have_v beguile_v so_o may_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v witness_v to_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o mind_n unto_o god_n again_o among_o friend_n in_o general_a the_o friend_n at_o london_n be_v before_o i_o to_o visit_v on_o this_o occasion_n but_o to_o be_v very_o
plain_a and_o lest_o my_o so_o do_v shall_v become_v a_o stumbling-block_n to_o any_o of_o the_o friend_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v with_o i_o also_o to_o say_v that_o i_o do_v not_o so_o with_o expectation_n that_o the_o friend_n of_o london_n shall_v look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o have_v any_o authority_n or_o jurisdiction_n in_o any_o matter_n or_o concern_v whatsoever_o relate_v to_o the_o friend_n of_o truth_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o party_n give_v they_o but_o my_o chief_a end_n in_o choose_v to_o lay_v such_o thing_n which_o i_o at_o present_a have_v freedom_n to_o do_v before_o the_o friend_n of_o this_o great_a city_n be_v because_o i_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v several_a person_n in_o and_o adjacent_a thereunto_o who_o may_v be_v more_o capable_a to_o negotiate_v a_o matter_n tend_v to_o reconciliation_n in_o this_o case_n than_o some_o in_o some_o other_o place_n may_v and_o that_o because_o of_o the_o influence_n which_o as_o i_o suppose_v some_o among_o they_o if_o any_o at_o all_o elsewhere_o have_v with_o george_n fox_n touch_v who_o my_o present_n concern_v of_o spirit_n and_o conscience_n be_v and_o my_o end_n in_o thus_o open_v myself_o to_o several_a friend_n in_o divers_a part_n of_o the_o nation_n whereof_o you_o be_v a_o part_n be_v not_o that_o upon_o my_o thus_o write_v to_o you_o you_o shall_v take_v upon_o you_o to_o judge_v the_o matter_n but_o that_o when_o you_o have_v hear_v the_o matter_n that_o at_o present_a i_o be_o free_a to_o communicate_v to_o you_o you_o may_v then_o serious_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n and_o weigh_v the_o matter_n lay_v before_o you_o and_o if_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v with_o you_o to_o propose_v unto_o george_n fox_n and_o i_o in_o order_n to_o a_o decision_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o we_o and_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o which_o may_v be_v approve_v by_o the_o witness_n of_o god_n in_o my_o conscience_n i_o have_v this_o faith_n that_o a_o constraint_n will_v be_v upon_o my_o spirit_n to_o submit_v thereto_o for_o conscience_n sake_n so_o far_o as_o may_v concern_v i_o that_o now_o you_o may_v be_v make_v sensible_a of_o what_o i_o be_o at_o present_a free_a to_o communicate_v unto_o you_o i_o think_v meet_v to_o transcribe_v a_o letter_n write_v by_o i_o unto_o george_n fox_n for_o the_o further_o clear_v of_o my_o conscience_n and_o that_o if_o possible_a with_o clearness_n to_o my_o conscience_n his_o many_o error_n and_o slanderous_a false_a accusation_n may_v not_o lie_v on_o a_o print_a record_n to_o his_o shame_n unto_o posterity_n the_o say_a letter_n now_o follow_v bristol_n the_o 6_o of_o the_o 12_o mo._n 1679._o george_n fox_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o thou_o may_v remember_v that_o in_o a_o letter_n unto_o joan_n hy_o in_o or_o about_o the_o 10_o month_n 1678._o thou_o thus_o write_v i_o do_v understand_v that_o william_n rogers_n and_o his_o company_n have_v spread_v abroad_o a_o bad_a and_o lie_a paper_n against_o i_o and_o that_o he_o and_o they_o have_v contrary_a to_o their_o order_n &_o friend_n agreement_n when_o i_o and_o we_o be_v at_o bristol_n and_o have_v a_o meeting_n with_o they_o he_o have_v make_v a_o kind_n of_o narrative_n of_o the_o same_o and_o send_v it_o abroad_o in_o the_o nation_n among_o bad_a spirit_n thus_o far_o thou_o in_o thou_o to_o joan_n hy_o the_o report_n thereof_o come_v to_o my_o ear_n and_o understanding_n that_o it_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o a_o wicked_a report_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o another_o not_o profess_v the_o truth_n i_o concern_v myself_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o matter_n and_o thereupon_o obtain_v the_o follow_a certificate_n we_o who_o name_n be_v hereunto_o subscribe_v do_v testify_v that_o joseph_n forest_n of_o bristol_n button_n maker_n one_o that_o be_v never_o account_v as_o we_o know_v or_o ever_o hear_v to_o be_v of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n relate_v that_o he_o see_v a_o letter_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o joan_n hy_o of_o bristol_n widow_n wherein_o william_n rogers_n be_v much_o vilify_v as_o a_o wicked_a and_o bad_a man_n by_o george_n whereupon_o william_n rogers_n desire_v we_o to_o go_v to_o joan_n hy_o to_o see_v the_o letter_n who_o this_o day_n show_v we_o a_o letter_n etc._n etc._n at_o the_o end_n whereof_o we_o see_v write_v the_o above_o recite_v note_n the_o line_n mention_v to_o be_v above_o recite_v be_v the_o same_o mention_v in_o this_o letter_n as_o write_v by_o thou_o touch_v i_o line_n which_o joan_n hy_o say_v be_v write_v by_o george_n fox_n own_o hand_n and_o subscribe_v by_o he_o we_o also_o do_v believe_v it_o be_v his_o handwriting_a dated_n bristol_n four_o of_o 11_o mon._n 1678._o alexander_n pyott_n cornelius_n sarjant_n this_o occasion_v i_o to_o write_v unto_o thou_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o joan_n hy_o alexander_n pyot_n and_o cornelius_n sarjant_n the_o same_o day_n and_o therein_o repeat_v the_o matter_n of_o accusation_n etc._n etc._n as_o abovesaid_a i_o then_o thus_o answer_v and_o forasmuch_o as_o joan_n hy_o be_v desirous_a to_o know_v what_o i_o can_v say_v for_o myself_o i_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o acquaint_v thou_o that_o i_o thus_o say_v unto_o she_o i_o have_v not_o concern_v myself_o to_o spread_v abroad_o any_o bad_a or_o lie_a paper_n against_o thou_o nor_o yet_o have_v be_v any_o way_n concern_v in_o spread_v a_o kind_n of_o a_o narrative_a contrary_a to_o any_o agreement_n wherein_o i_o be_v concern_v and_o that_o thy_o write_n to_o joan_n hy_o touch_v i_o be_v a_o slander_n and_o a_o lie_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o will_v become_v thy_o burden_n be_v thou_o a_o innocent_a man_n thou_o will_v have_v endeavour_v in_o a_o christian_a method_n to_o clear_v the_o thing_n touch_v which_o i_o have_v often_o write_v unto_o thou_o thou_o may_v also_o remember_v that_o on_o the_o 11_o of_o the_o 11_o month_n 1678._o i_o write_v unto_o thou_o again_o and_o send_v it_o by_o a_o messenger_n on_o purpose_n that_o so_o i_o may_v have_v a_o account_n of_o its_o delivery_n unto_o thou_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o end_n of_o my_o so_o do_v be_v twofold_a first_o lest_o the_o other_o shall_v miscarry_v which_o joan_n hy_o undertake_v to_o send_v unto_o thou_o under_o her_o cover_n second_o to_o signify_v my_o expectation_n of_o satisfaction_n from_o thou_o for_o the_o wrong_n thou_o have_v do_v i_o etc._n etc._n thou_o may_v also_o remember_v that_o by_o letter_n date_v the_o 22th_o of_o the_o 2d_o month_n 1679._o write_v by_o myself_o and_o three_o other_o unto_o thou_o and_o two_o other_o it_o be_v signify_v unto_o thou_o on_o the_o occasion_n of_o my_o be_v render_v a_o covenant-breaker_n or_o to_o that_o purpose_n that_o thou_o have_v use_v many_o aggravate_v expression_n concern_v i_o viz._n render_v my_o practice_n therein_o in_o these_o word_n below_o common_a moral_a man_n not_o for_o the_o society_n of_o civil_a people_n short_a of_o christianity_n a_o truce-breaking_a spirit_n a_o covenant_n break_v spirit_n not_o to_o be_v credit_v and_o below_o some_o priest_n to_o spread_v such_o thing_n behind_o our_o back_n in_o a_o secret_a underly_a way_n which_o do_v clear_o manifest_a be_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n nor_o honesty_n among_o men._n and_o in_o the_o same_o letter_n i_o declare_v that_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a that_o thou_o shall_v prove_v the_o matter_n whereof_o thou_o accuse_v i_o because_o i_o declare_v thou_o be_v a_o false_a accuser_n thou_o may_v also_o remember_v that_o thomas_n gouldney_n william_n ford_n and_o myself_o signify_v unto_o thou_o by_o our_o letter_n date_v the_o 11_o of_o the_o 11_o month_n 78._o and_o because_o we_o will_v be_v sure_a it_o may_v come_v to_o thy_o hand_n we_o cause_v it_o to_o be_v send_v by_o a_o messenger_n on_o purpose_n to_o thou_o and_o then_o we_o give_v the_o copy_n of_o a_o letter_n date_v from_o no_o place_n and_o subscribe_v s._n h._n thou_o may_v also_o remember_v that_o in_o the_o say_a letter_n these_o follow_a reflection_n be_v make_v upon_o we_o on_o the_o aforesaid_a occasion_n viz._n you_o in_o a_o secret_a underly_a way_n send_v paper_n behind_o the_o back_n of_o they_o that_o be_v concern_v this_o practice_n of_o you_o be_v worse_a than_o the_o priest_n and_o make_v yourselves_o of_o no_o reputation_n nor_o credit_n among_o man_n such_o work_n etc._n etc._n not_o fit_a for_o the_o society_n of_o man_n all_o judicious_a civil_a man_n will_v abhor_v your_o practice_n make_v yourselves_o of_o no_o credit_n degenerate_a from_o common_a civil_a man_n in_o break_v covenant_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o we_o be_v jealous_a that_o thou_o be_v the_o note_v the_o language_n use_v by_o he_o and_o already_o cite_v be_v so_o near_o like_o this_o that_o sew_v will_v suppose_v that_o it_o drop_v from_o two_o distinct_a
thy_o reply_n to_o i_o thus_o say_v but_o let_v i_o ask_v william_n rogers_n and_o they_o that_o take_v his_o part_n have_v george_n fox_n show_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o careless_a loose_a libertine_n or_o dark_a spirit_n let_v that_o man_n come_v forth_o in_o the_o whole_a nation_n that_o can_v just_o charge_v he_o with_o such_o a_o spirit_n from_o his_o childhood_n this_o seem_v a_o challenge_n make_v by_o john_n blaickle_v on_o thy_o behalf_n and_o approve_v by_o thou_o since_o it_o be_v send_v by_o thou_o to_o i_o annex_v to_o thy_o reply_n unto_o i_o and_o therefore_o i_o be_o concern_v thus_o to_o answer_n that_o if_o thou_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o publication_n of_o lie_n the_o make_v use_n of_o a_o certificate_n in_o thy_o favour_n give_v forth_o by_o a_o man_n that_o thou_o thyself_o know_v know_v nothing_o of_o some_o of_o the_o matter_n whereof_o by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o testimony_n he_o undertake_v to_o clear_v thou_o give_v instruction_n to_o other_o to_o perform_v duty_n and_o yet_o take_v liberty_n direct_o to_o violate_v the_o same_o thyself_o as_o if_o thou_o will_v have_v friend_n follow_v thy_o word_n but_o not_o thy_o example_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o a_o careless_a loose_a libertine_n or_o dark_a spirit_n than_o i_o be_o the_o man_n in_o this_o nation_n who_o be_o ready_a to_o come_v forth_o to_o charge_v thou_o with_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o careless_a loose_a libertine_n dark_a spirit_n and_o to_o justify_v the_o charge_n against_o thou_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o shall_v at_o that_o time_n very_o free_o give_v thou_o liberty_n to_o take_v copy_n of_o what_o be_v prepare_v against_o thou_o as_o aforesaid_a after_o the_o read_n thereof_o in_o such_o a_o assembly_n as_o we_o may_v agree_v upon_o and_o to_o be_v plain_a i_o can_v but_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o my_o conscience_n tell_v thou_o that_o if_o thourefuse_v to_o come_v forth_o on_o this_o challenge_n occasion_v as_o aforesaid_a i_o hope_v all_o friend_n who_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n hereof_o will_v be_v on_o their_o watch_n that_o they_o may_v escape_v the_o snare_n in_o which_o many_o have_v be_v catch_v through_o the_o belief_n of_o lie_v publish_v by_o thou_o and_o that_o none_o for_o the_o future_a will_v account_v that_o all_o friend_n disunity_n with_o thou_o be_v a_o infallible_a demonstration_n of_o be_v out_o of_o unity_n with_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o people_n i_o be_o thy_o friend_n william_n rogers_n in_o the_o abovesaid_a letter_n to_o g._n f._n together_o with_o what_o i_o have_v write_v precede_v the_o same_o be_v contain_v as_o much_o as_o at_o present_a i_o be_o free_a to_o comunicate_v unto_o you_o until_o such_o time_n i_o may_v understand_v whether_o my_o line_n may_v be_v by_o you_o deem_v worthy_a your_o notice_n which_o if_o it_o be_v my_o desire_n be_v that_o i_o may_v hear_v from_o you_o in_o write_v touch_v the_o matter_n present_v to_o your_o view_n and_o as_o i_o say_v before_o if_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v with_o you_o to_o propose_v unto_o i_o and_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o which_o may_v be_v approve_v by_o the_o witness_n of_o god_n in_o my_o conscience_n i_o have_v this_o faith_n that_o then_o a_o constraint_n will_v be_v upon_o my_o spirit_n to_o submit_v thereto_o for_o conscience_n sake_n i_o be_o your_o friend_n william_n rogers_n there_o be_v a_o postscript_n add_v which_o i_o omit_v to_o take_v copy_n of_o but_o sudden_o after_o remember_v it_o i_o note_v that_o to_o the_o best_a of_o my_o remembrance_n it_o be_v to_o this_o purpose_n have_v you_o obtain_v a_o meeting_n of_o the_o friend_n of_o the_o city_n as_o be_v desire_v i_o shall_v if_o it_o have_v be_v propose_v ready_o assent_v to_o the_o read_n among_o they_o of_o the_o manuscript_n prepare_v to_o the_o aforesaid_a remonstrance_n i_o never_o receive_v any_o answer_n neither_o have_v i_o understand_v that_o it_o be_v at_o any_o time_n communicate_v by_o those_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v send_v unto_o any_o other_o friend_n within_o the_o city_n of_o london_n one_o thing_n more_o yet_o worthy_a observation_n viz._n that_o george_n fox_n have_v no_o inclination_n to_o meet_v i_o for_o which_o many_o evidence_n may_v have_v be_v produce_v have_v there_o be_v occasion_n but_o lest_o any_o one_o shall_v think_v it_o a_o unjust_a reflection_n i_o desire_v that_o what_o follow_v may_v be_v due_o weigh_v william_n rogers_n to_o daniel_n smith_n of_o marlborough_n bristol_n the_o 13_o of_o the_o four_o month_n 1680._o daniel_n smith_n understanding_n that_o thou_o have_v some_o word_n with_o g._n f._n concern_v i_o and_o that_o in_o relation_n to_o my_o proposition_n of_o give_v he_o a_o meeting_n before_o friend_n to_o the_o end_n that_o if_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o any_o thing_n reproachful_a to_o the_o truth_n he_o may_v condemn_v it_o if_o not_o he_o may_v be_v clear_v i_o think_v meet_v to_o request_v thou_o to_o send_v i_o a_o few_o line_n signify_v what_o his_o answer_n be_v to_o that_o proposition_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o thou_o appear_v a_o plain_a man_n and_o account_v to_o the_o best_a of_o my_o remembrance_n that_o my_o proposition_n be_v rational_a i_o hope_v thou_o will_v answer_v this_o my_o request_n etc._n etc._n thy_o love_a friend_n william_n rogers_n now_o follow_v so_o much_o of_o daniel_n smith_n answer_n as_o relate_v to_o the_o above_o request_n malborough_n the_o 6_o of_o 5_o mo._n 1680._o william_n rogers_n friend_n thou_o i_o receive_v and_o this_o account_n i_o can_v give_v thou_o thy_o charge_n concern_v george_n fox_n write_v by_o thou_o at_o calf_n i_o give_v to_o he_o and_o show_v thy_o mind_n concern_v a_o hear_n and_o he_o judge_v it_o will_v prove_v but_o a_o jangle_n as_o it_o be_v at_o bristol_n etc._n etc._n daniel_n smith_n the_o above_o say_v few_o line_n from_o daniel_n smith_n the_o elder_a in_o answer_n to_o i_o compare_v with_o g._n f_n silence_n to_o what_o i_o have_v write_v to_o he_o desire_v a_o meeting_n and_o his_o neglect_n to_o give_v answer_n unto_o two_o letter_n send_v unto_o he_o by_o john_n rance_n and_o write_v on_o purpose_n to_o entreat_v he_o to_o give_v a_o meeting_n clear_o show_v that_o george_n fox_n have_v no_o mind_n to_o concern_v himself_o to_o meet_v i_o and_o therefore_o i_o have_v no_o reason_n at_o my_o last_o be_v in_o london_n to_o attend_v and_o wait_v for_o george_n fox_n come_v to_o the_o city_n to_o conclude_v much_o more_o might_n in_o truth_n be_v write_v to_o evidence_n the_o matter_n intend_v by_o this_o postscript_n which_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v omit_v have_v this_o faith_n and_o confidence_n that_o as_o in_o conscience_n i_o have_v be_v concern_v to_o prepare_v and_o publish_v this_o treatise_n and_o at_o this_o moment_n and_o conclusion_n have_v the_o answer_n of_o peace_n in_o my_o bosom_n so_o there_o will_v be_v a_o service_n for_o the_o lord_n his_o truth_n and_o people_n therein_o and_o though_o some_o may_v make_v lie_v their_o refuge_n evil_a insinuation_n and_o false_a construction_n their_o defence_n to_o abuse_v both_o it_o and_o i_o and_o other_o friend_n in_o truth_n concern_v as_o well_o as_o to_o cover_v the_o head_n of_o deceit_n and_o to_o uphold_v that_o which_o the_o lord_n as_o i_o firm_o believe_v have_v determine_v to_o bring_v down_o into_o the_o dust_n yet_o my_o faith_n be_v that_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o due_a time_n will_v discover_v the_o skirt_n of_o such_o and_o take_v away_o the_o unjust_a reproach_n from_o off_o his_o peculiar_a people_n and_o cause_n ãâã_d vengeance_n and_o indignation_n to_o take_v hold_n on_o the_o adversary_n and_o give_v unto_o those_o who_o be_v obedient_a unto_o that_o spirit_n in_o which_o the_o election_n stand_v a_o increase_n of_o the_o ancient_a love_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o everlasting_a light_n so_o that_o be_v enable_v to_o sit_v down_o together_o under_o their_o own_o vine_n and_o figtree_n where_o none_o shall_v make_v they_o afraid_a they_o will_v be_v make_v partaker_n notwithstanding_o all_o false_a prophecy_n and_o imaginary_a vision_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o god_n salvation_n to_o the_o consolation_n of_o one_o another_o soul_n in_o the_o lord_n amen_o amen_n say_v my_o soul_n william_n rogers_n dated_n bristol_n the_o 3d._n of_o the_o 9th_o mo._n 1680._o bristol_n the_o 8_o of_o novemb_n 1680._o notwithstanding_o that_o all_o this_o treatise_n except_v the_o postscript_n index_n and_o errata_fw-la be_v already_o print_v yet_o as_o a_o further_a evidence_n of_o my_o readiness_n to_o meet_v george_n fox_n and_o his_o decline_v thereof_o i_o think_v meet_v to_o insert_v this_o additional_a postscript_n a_o friend_n from_o london_n advise_v i_o that_o my_o proceed_v to_o print_v be_v much_o discourse_v of_o in_o the_o city_n of_o london_n
the_o contrary_a of_o what_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o press_n i_o reasonable_o conclude_v that_o whatever_o be_v write_v in_o the_o above_o cite_v sheet_n be_v there_o approve_v i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o cite_v a_o few_o sentence_n out_o of_o it_o which_o amount_v to_o a_o publication_n of_o division_n page_n 4._o the_o lord_n have_v suffer_v blindness_n in_o part_n to_o happen_v to_o some_o through_o decline_v their_o first_o love_n who_o come_v out_o among_o we_o and_o have_v a_o part_n in_o the_o belief_n and_o discovery_n of_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n but_o now_o some_o only_o have_v the_o sheeps-clothing_n and_o other_o have_v lose_v that_o too_o who_o through_o a_o prejudice_v mind_n be_v alienate_v from_o that_o unity_n of_o spirit_n and_o bond_n of_o peace_n in_o which_o we_o keep_v our_o wholesome_a practice_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o unity_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n and_o truth_n of_o christ_n jesus_n in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o bowel_n of_o mercy_n be_v likeminded_a and_o of_o one_o accord_n in_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a just_a honest_a and_o of_o good_a report_n not_o that_o we_o shall_v think_v of_o they_o only_o but_o be_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o as_o we_o be_v in_o the_o same_o page_n it_o be_v further_a thus_o write_v but_o to_o our_o burden_n and_o grief_n we_o find_v among_o some_o a_o contrary_a spirit_n that_o will_v not_o subject_a to_o unity_n in_o wholesome_a practice_n among_o we_o and_o that_o will_v needs_o interpose_v to_o destroy_v unity_n in_o some_o place_n and_o obtrude_v itself_o to_o confound_v our_o wholesome_a order_n and_o practice_n receive_v among_o we_o as_o a_o church_n and_o people_n and_o through_o this_o contrary_a spirit_n and_o prejudice_v mind_n the_o accuser_n of_o the_o brethren_n be_v break_v out_o under_o a_o specious_a pretence_n cry_v liberty_n of_o conscience_n liberty_n of_o conscience_n in_o opposition_n to_o those_o needful_a convenient_a and_o wholesome_a practice_n exercise_v among_o we_o in_o outward_a thing_n also_o page_n 5_o thus_o this_o note_v a_o accuse_a spirit_n be_v now_o account_v a_o confounder_n of_o order_n by_o this_o rule_n may_v not_o the_o accuser_n of_o i._o w._n and_o i._n s._n be_v account_v confounder_n of_o order_n accuse_v oppose_v divide_v spirit_n that_o be_v at_o work_n in_o this_o our_o day_n to_o confound_v order_n against_o the_o peaceable_a government_n of_o christ_n among_o his_o people_n this_o divide_v accuse_v prejudicial_a worker_n will_v introduce_v a_o belief_n that_o a_o apostasy_n be_v enter_v and_o we_o be_v go_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o first_o principle_n and_o the_o power_n lose_v and_o now_o form_n be_v set_v up_o and_o imposition_n on_o conscience_n and_o the_o like_a and_o among_o who_o be_v all_o this_o say_v they_o but_o among_o we_o who_o be_v in_o unity_n of_o spirit_n both_o in_o faith_n and_o practice_n and_o it_o be_v among_o such_o that_o they_o imagine_v this_o fearful_a imposture_n and_o arbitrary_a rule_n impose_v prescription_n and_o law_n on_o the_o tender_a conscience_n of_o the_o weak_a be_v now_o get_v up_o to_o exercise_n and_o so_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o tender_a conscience_n be_v lose_v and_o you_o say_v they_o be_v entangle_v with_o the_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n to_o this_o day_n and_o page_n 10_o thus_o inasmuch_o as_o the_o envious_a worker_n be_v suffer_v to_o proceed_v that_o will_v even_o raze_v out_o the_o foundation_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o government_n under_o which_o his_o subject_n do_v only_o own_v their_o christian-freedom_n and_o true_a liberty_n of_o conscience_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o 12_o page_z it_o be_v thus_o write_v and_o he_o meaning_n g._n f._n as_o by_o his_o name_n before_o cite_v in_o the_o same_o page_n appear_v be_v move_v of_o the_o lord_n to_o advise_v to_o a_o woman_n meeting_n etc._n etc._n and_o when_o dear_a g._n f._n declare_v unto_o we_o what_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v know_v unto_o he_o by_o his_o power_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o woman_n meeting_n that_o so_o all_o the_o sick_a the_o weak_a the_o widow_n and_o the_o fatherless_a shall_v be_v note_v here_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o bring_v marriage_n before_o they_o mind_v and_o look_v after_o in_o their_o distress_n and_o page_n the_o 13_o thus_o i_o have_v a_o word_n in_o my_o heart_n to_o say_v unto_o you_o all_o backsliders_a obstructors_n opposer_n and_o such_o as_o countenance_v they_o secret_o of_o this_o our_o heavenly_a order_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n meeting_n which_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o power_n have_v set_v up_o and_o further_o thus_o you_o that_o have_v despise_v dignity_n to_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n such_o that_o faithful_o have_v labour_v among_o we_o from_o the_o beginning_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v find_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n for_o i_o do_v know_v and_o the_o lord_n have_v seal_v it_o in_o my_o heart_n that_o that_o spirit_n which_o have_v oppose_v the_o bless_a unity_n and_o order_n of_o truth_n in_o those_o our_o man_n and_o woman_n meeting_n shall_v never_o prosper_v nor_o they_o who_o be_v in_o it_o inward_o to_o god_n without_o repentance_n and_o in_o the_o 15_o page_z it_o be_v thus_o write_v and_o a_o true_a sense_n have_v be_v upon_o i_o of_o our_o dear_a friend_n up_o and_o down_o the_o nation_n of_o their_o great_a trial_n and_o exercise_n that_o have_v be_v upon_o they_o because_o of_o this_o wicked_a divide_v spirit_n and_o especial_o in_o my_o native_a country_n viz._n willshire_n thus_o much_o out_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a sheet_n to_o manifest_v that_o this_o treatise_n contain_v not_o the_o first_o print_v and_o publish_v paper_n evidence_v division_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n i_o be_o now_o sensible_a some_o may_v be_v apt_a thus_o to_o object_n if_o the_o meet_v hold_v on_o every_o second_o day_n whereof_o thou_o make_v mention_v may_v be_v justify_v in_o approve_v the_o aforesaid_a sheel_n to_o be_v print_v yet_o it_o can_v be_v plea_n to_o justify_v thy_o print_n because_o thou_o have_v descend_v more_o particular_o to_o describe_v wherein_o the_o difference_n do_v consist_v and_o have_v mention_v some_o name_n of_o both_o party_n concern_v in_o the_o difference_n but_o in_o the_o aforecited_a sheet_n we_o find_v but_o some_o name_n of_o one_o party_n only_o viz._n g_o f._n and_o the_o two_o subscriber_n of_o the_o say_v two_o sheet_n answ_n i_o confess_v the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o objection_n to_o be_v true_a but_o yet_o not_o sufficient_a for_o any_o to_o condemn_v my_o print_n who_o may_v justify_v the_o print_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a sheet_n for_o if_o the_o mention_v of_o one_o particular_a matter_n wherein_o the_o difference_n be_v repute_v to_o consist_v even_o as_o in_o the_o say_a sheet_n it_o be_v be_v according_a to_o truth_n in_o one_o party_n i_o know_v not_o why_o the_o mention_v of_o more_o may_v not_o be_v justifiable_a in_o the_o other_o party_n and_o if_o it_o be_v justifyable_a to_o mention_v a_o part_n of_o the_o name_n of_o one_o party_n concern_v in_o the_o difference_n why_o not_o also_o of_o the_o other_o and_o though_o in_o the_o aforesaid_a sheet_n there_o be_v not_o so_o particular_a a_o description_n wherein_o the_o difference_n do_v consist_v as_o in_o this_o treatise_n be_v mention_v yet_o the_o understand_a reader_n may_v collect_v many_o thing_n of_o importance_n from_o it_o and_o in_o particular_a that_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o subscriber_n thereof_o and_o such_o as_o be_v at_o unity_n with_o they_o who_o may_v reasonable_o be_v take_v to_o be_v of_o one_o party_n they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v for_o true_a love_n unity_n order_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n bowel_n of_o mercy_n and_o thing_n that_o be_v true_a honest_a just_a and_o a_o good_a report_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o the_o other_o party_n who_o they_o oppose_v be_v such_o as_o be_v for_o disorder_n confusion_n unto_o who_o blindness_n have_v happen_v and_o that_o they_o be_v decline_v from_o their_o first_o love_n have_v only_o the_o sheeps-clothing_n of_o prejudice_v mind_n oppose_v divide_v confound_a order_n against_o the_o peaceable_a government_n of_o christ_n envious_a worker_n that_o will_v raze_v at_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o christ_n government_n despiser_n of_o dignity_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o lead_v i_o to_o this_o observation_n that_o since_o no_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v signify_v to_o evidence_n any_o under_o the_o profession_n of_o truth_n worthy_a of_o those_o general_a reflection_n nor_o yet_o any_o thing_n refer_v to_o for_o evidence_n i_o may_v reasonable_o conclude_v that_o the_o intend_a opposition_n to_o christ_n government_n be_v in_o their_o sense_n no_o other_o than_o a_o suppose_a dislike_n
not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o second_o covenant_n to_o expect_v that_o any_o one_o shall_v be_v ordain_v of_o god_n to_o be_v among_o the_o child_n of_o light_n like_v unto_o moses_n save_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n and_o master_n who_o by_o his_o spiritual_a appearance_n in_o we_o be_v become_v our_o leader_n and_o lawgiver_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o believe_v that_o any_o one_o mortal_a man_n aught_o to_o assume_v that_o place_n among_o the_o child_n of_o light_n at_o this_o day_n as_o moses_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n do_v among_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o his_o day_n especial_o if_o we_o do_v but_o consider_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o lord_n through_o his_o prophet_n jeremiah_n jer._n 31.33_o 34._o with_o relation_n to_o that_o time_n and_o dispensation_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n under_o which_o we_o be_v be_v on_o this_o wise_a i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o they_o shall_v teach_v no_o more_o every_o man_n his_o neighbour_n and_o every_o man_n his_o brother_n say_v know_v the_o lord_n for_o they_o shall_v all_o know_v i_o from_o the_o least_o of_o they_o unto_o the_o great_a of_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n sect_n iii_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o second_o position_n deducible_a from_o a_o objection_n raise_v towards_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o first_o section_n viz._n that_o monthly_o and_o quarterly_o meeting_n be_v call_v the_o church_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v submit_v to_o it_o be_v well_o remember_v that_o that_o one_o man_n g._n f._n go_v some_o year_n pass_v into_o many_o part_n of_o this_o nation_n advise_v friend_n to_o hold_v such_o meeting_n viz._n monthly_a and_o quarterly_o and_o in_o many_o place_n his_o counsel_n be_v ready_o embrace_v but_o for_o our_o part_n we_o understand_v not_o at_o that_o day_n that_o it_o be_v design_v by_o he_o or_o any_o else_o that_o those_o meeting_n shall_v not_o only_o be_v account_v the_o church_n but_o also_o such_o as_o profess_v the_o truth_n aught_o to_o believe_v as_o this_o church_n believe_v have_v he_o so_o express_v himself_o testimony_n will_v have_v arisen_a as_o a_o flood_n against_o such_o darkness_n for_o this_o will_v have_v plain_o appear_v to_o we_o to_o have_v open_v a_o door_n whereby_o that_o babylonish_n rubbish_n which_o we_o have_v be_v long_o testify_v against_o may_v have_v be_v exalt_v in_o one_o day_n and_o to_o be_v very_o plain_a we_o can_v but_o now_o declare_v that_o we_o be_v full_o satisfy_v in_o our_o conscience_n that_o by_o this_o very_a door_n a_o body_n of_o strife_n contention_n emulation_n malice_n and_o envy_n together_o with_o a_o rend_v divide_v separate_a spirit_n from_o the_o truth_n be_v enter_v among_o many_o hundred_o who_o before_o walk_v together_o with_o we_o in_o a_o heavenly_a union_n and_o fellowship_n in_o the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n which_o doubtless_o may_v if_o it_o have_v not_o already_o occasion_n many_o honest_a simplehearted_n friend_n thus_o in_o their_o heart_n to_o say_v where_o be_v the_o people_n who_o we_o shall_v now_o follow_v but_o if_o such_o retire_n into_o the_o sanctuary_n of_o the_o lord_n there_o in_o stillness_n to_o wait_v what_o god_n will_v say_v they_o will_v undoubted_o have_v this_o answer_n you_o have_v a_o teacher_n within_o you_o which_o can_v be_v remove_v into_o a_o corner_n follow_v that_o teacher_n lest_o peradventer_v your_o foot_n do_v slip_v by_o go_v from_o your_o inward_a guide_n and_o follow_v the_o footstep_n and_o dictate_v of_o man._n but_o to_o return_v it_o be_v now_o our_o concern_v as_o to_o the_o second_o position_n thus_o further_o to_o declare_v that_o whosoever_o have_v or_o shall_v testify_v that_o all_o those_o meeting_n as_o usual_o hold_v be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v and_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v such_o as_o know_v not_o whereof_o they_o affirm_v for_o such_o a_o testimony_n carry_v with_o it_o neither_o inward_a nor_o outward_a evidence_n though_o we_o dare_v not_o conclude_v that_o none_o in_o those_o meeting_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n consist_v proper_o of_o such_o as_o be_v by_o one_o spirit_n baptize_v into_o one_o body_n 12.13_o 1_o cor._n 12.13_o and_o so_o be_v in_o the_o possession_n as_o well_o as_o profession_n of_o truth_n but_o yet_o whoever_o they_o be_v that_o do_v but_o so_o much_o as_o profess_v the_o truth_n be_v admit_v to_o be_v member_n of_o such_o meeting_n while_o they_o appear_v in_o the_o outward_a form_n thereof_o and_o be_v not_o then_o of_o scandalous_a conversation_n all_o which_o may_v appear_v in_o such_o as_o be_v far_o remote_a from_o witness_v the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n which_o must_v be_v witness_v as_o the_o proper_a product_n of_o the_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n before_o a_o possession_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v know_v and_o whether_o man_n meeting_n have_v not_o often_o consist_v of_o such_o member_n and_o be_v like_o so_o to_o do_v while_o the_o door_n be_v open_a for_o any_o under_o the_o aforesaid_a qualification_n to_o sit_v there_o as_o it_o yet_o be_v we_o recommend_v to_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o impartial_a reader_n and_o if_o so_o we_o desire_v they_o further_a to_o weigh_v and_o consider_v first_o whether_o it_o can_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o truth_n to_o account_v every_o thing_n act_v and_o do_v by_o every_o such_o meeting_n to_o be_v the_o product_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o according_o to_o be_v submit_v to_o second_o whether_o the_o judge_n of_o some_o conscientious_o refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o be_v dark_a leaven_a rend_v divide_v or_o separate_a spirit_n because_o they_o refuse_v be_v not_o the_o fruit_n of_o that_o spirit_n that_o will_v remove_v we_o from_o that_o teacher_n that_o can_v be_v remove_v into_o a_o corner_n to_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o fallible_a men._n three_o whether_o a_o plea_n for_o obedience_n to_o the_o order_n of_o such_o meeting_n from_o person_n conscientious_o refuse_v to_o obey_v have_v not_o a_o tendency_n to_o justify_v usurpation_n since_o they_o have_v never_o evidence_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o those_o from_o who_o they_o have_v seem_v to_o expect_v obedience_n any_o other_o call_v to_o that_o service_n than_o their_o own_o four_o whether_o a_o plea_n for_o such_o meeting_n to_o govern_v in_o matter_n relate_v to_o conscience_n have_v not_o a_o tendency_n to_o justify_v confusion_n since_o according_a to_o the_o repute_a order_n of_o such_o meeting_n none_o that_o be_v to_o be_v rule_v be_v exclude_v from_o be_v ruler_n let_v those_o who_o can_v believe_v this_o our_o last_o assertion_n peruse_v robert_n barclay_n book_n of_o government_n approve_v by_o such_o as_o have_v be_v account_v minister_a friend_n at_o the_o second_o day_n meet_v in_o london_n wherein_o it_o be_v say_v page_n 33._o we_o be_v not_o so_o foolish_a as_o to_o concern_v ourselves_o with_o those_o who_o be_v not_o of_o we_o none_o of_o which_o be_v according_a to_o the_o import_n of_o the_o say_a book_n of_o government_n as_o we_o take_v it_o exclude_v from_o such_o meeting_n nor_o yet_o to_o give_v judgement_n therein_o witness_n page_n 79_o and_o 82._o of_o the_o say_a book_n and_o since_o we_o be_v now_o treat_v of_o those_o meeting_n we_o be_v not_o without_o a_o sense_n but_o that_o some_o may_v be_v ready_a thus_o to_o query_n viz._n what_o order_n be_v either_o prescribe_v or_o use_v whereby_o the_o sense_n of_o such_o meeting_n be_v collect_v to_o this_o we_o say_v a_o eminent_a person_n profess_v truth_n be_v at_o bristol_n do_v take_v occasion_n to_o signify_v at_o a_o mens-meeting_a hold_v in_o that_o city_n to_o this_o effect_n that_o in_o london_n and_o other_o part_n of_o this_o nation_n where_o such_o meeting_n be_v usual_o hold_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o generality_n have_v be_v take_v for_o the_o sense_n of_o such_o meeting_n compare_v this_o with_o this_o doctrine_n frequent_o of_o late_a publish_v among_o we_o that_o the_o apostasy_n shall_v never_o enter_v the_o generality_n more_o do_v give_v we_o just_a occasion_n to_o be_v jealous_a that_o our_o opposer_n for_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o their_o design_n against_o we_o have_v contrive_v this_o method_n of_o carry_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o generality_n or_o major_a number_n of_o voice_n which_o limitation_n we_o know_v have_v be_v heretofore_o and_o by_o the_o faithful_a to_o this_o day_n utter_o disow_v as_o contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o also_o by_o the_o approver_n of_o r._n b_n book_n of_o government_n as_o in_o page_n 81._o and_o though_o the_o counsel_n of_o that_o one_o man_n who_o first_o advise_v to_o the_o aforesaid_a meeting_n in_o some_o part_n be_v
reality_n member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n because_o this_o light_n in_o which_o we_o have_v believe_v do_v reveal_v unto_o we_o that_o those_o who_o be_v but_o in_o the_o gentile_a nature_n and_o have_v come_v no_o further_o than_o the_o outward_a court_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o gentile_n may_v have_v all_o the_o outward_a mark_n and_o sign_n of_o a_o member_n of_o their_o church_n and_o yet_o know_v very_o little_a of_o the_o wash_n by_o the_o water_n of_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n through_o the_o spirit_n which_o every_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n that_o be_v build_v on_o the_o rock_n christ_n come_v to_o be_v witness_n of_o and_o therefore_o when_o our_o opposer_n who_o profess_v not_o the_o truth_n will_v reflect_v upon_o we_o on_o this_o wise_a you_o be_v a_o confuse_a people_n you_o gather_v not_o into_o church-fellowship_n you_o have_v no_o certain_a way_n to_o know_v one_o another_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o we_o have_v and_o why_o do_v you_o not_o put_v forth_o your_o creed_n that_o so_o we_o may_v know_v what_o and_o how_o many_o the_o article_n of_o your_o faith_n be_v and_o what_o you_o stand_v for_o and_o what_o you_o stand_v against_o the_o best_a answer_n that_o ever_o as_o we_o can_v understand_v we_o be_v capable_a to_o give_v in_o truth_n unto_o such_o be_v this_o the_o true_a church_n be_v in_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o have_v believe_v in_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o his_o grace_n unto_o which_o if_o we_o be_v obedient_a according_a to_o the_o respective_a measure_n thereof_o give_v of_o god_n and_o receive_v by_o we_o we_o then_o have_v the_o witness_v of_o god_n in_o our_o conscience_n give_v evidence_n that_o we_o be_v of_o the_o true_a brotherhood_n and_o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v who_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n though_o we_o do_v not_o allege_v any_o outward_a mark_n and_o sign_n whereby_o our_o body_n be_v temple_n wherein_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v dwell_v ought_v to_o be_v account_v within_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o albeit_o no_o outward_a society_n of_o man_n among_o we_o call_v themselves_o the_o church_n have_v put_v forth_o any_o certain_a number_n of_o article_n of_o faith_n with_o this_o testimony_n that_o every_o one_o that_o profess_v himself_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n ought_v so_o to_o believe_v or_o else_o not_o be_v account_v of_o the_o true_a church_n yet_o many_o of_o our_o friend_n unto_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v divine_a understanding_n have_v write_v divers_a book_n according_a as_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v move_v upon_o their_o heart_n out_o of_o which_o the_o sound_a doctrine_n we_o hold_v and_o stand_v for_o may_v be_v collect_v though_o other_o so_o repute_v may_v through_o weakness_n have_v err_v to_o conclude_v as_o to_o this_o particular_a we_o further_o thus_o testify_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v babe_n young_a man_n and_o father_n there_o be_v the_o weak_a and_o the_o strong_a suppose_v a_o weak_a brother_n faith_n differ_v from_o his_o brethren_n must_v he_o be_v account_v a_o fool_n or_o a_o hypocrite_n nay_o nay_o charity_n measure_v not_o so_o we_o find_v this_o very_a case_n happen_v among_o the_o roman_n and_o what_o say_v paul_n in_o that_o case_n read_v rom._n 14.3_o 4_o 22_o 23._o and_o there_o paul_n thus_o advise_v 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 which_o eat_v for_o god_n have_v receive_v he_o who_o be_v thou_o that_o condemne_v another_o man_n servant_n to_o his_o own_o master_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v have_v thou_o faith_n have_v it_o to_o thyself_o he_o that_o doubt_v be_v condemn_v if_o he_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n hence_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n differ_v in_o their_o faith_n he_o that_o do_v eat_v be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v because_o he_o be_v receive_v of_o god_n he_o that_o do_v not_o eat_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v judge_v that_o the_o apostle_n condemn_v the_o very_a eat_n while_o there_o be_v a_o doubt_n though_o the_o abstain_v from_o eat_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o weakness_n we_o now_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o every_o impartial_a reader_n in_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n to_o weigh_v and_o consider_v whether_o it_o can_v be_v service_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n at_o this_o day_n for_o any_o person_n under_o the_o name_n of_o quaker_n to_o give_v forth_o this_o doctrine_n 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 though_o the_o giver_n forth_o thereof_o may_v to_o this_o purpose_n also_o declare_v as_o to_o give_v the_o publisher_n thereof_o his_o due_a he_o have_v that_o they_o never_o do_v preach_v up_o such_o a_o position_n as_o a_o great_a argument_n to_o enforce_v people_n into_o their_o faith_n sect_n v._o what_o we_o stand_v for_o viz._n truth_n and_o righteousness_n and_o that_o christ_n government_n may_v be_v exalt_v in_o every_o heart_n under_o which_o we_o be_v instruct_v not_o to_o depend_v on_o man_n but_o on_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n grace_n a_o testimony_n against_o tithe_n and_o for_o meet_v together_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n the_o neglect_n whereof_o may_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o weakness_n or_o disobedience_n the_o government_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o law_n thereof_o be_v inward_a some_o part_n of_o the_o fruit_n bring_v forth_o under_o the_o say_a government_n be_v describe_v a_o objection_n relate_v to_o the_o secure_v any_o part_n of_o a_o man_n estate_n on_o a_o foresight_n of_o a_o praemunire_n or_o fine_n for_o meet_v answer_v have_v thus_o far_o ease_v ourselves_o it_o be_v with_o we_o in_o short_a to_o inform_v the_o reader_n what_o we_o stand_v for_o and_o what_o we_o stand_v against_o that_o so_o the_o understanding_n impartial_a reader_n who_o can_v be_v principled_a to_o shut_v out_o all_o reason_n and_o all_o wisdom_n notwithstanding_o public_a exhortation_n to_o the_o contrary_a as_o if_o wisdom_n and_o reason_n of_o all_o kind_n be_v condemnable_a may_v perceive_v more_o clear_o what_o we_o be_v and_o what_o we_o be_v not_o that_o than_o which_o chief_o we_o stand_v for_o be_v truth_n and_o righteousness_n and_o that_o christ_n government_n may_v be_v exalt_v in_o every_o heart_n which_o may_v be_v branch_v forth_o into_o many_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n but_o forasmuch_o as_o that_o have_v large_o be_v treat_v on_o by_o many_o ancient_a &_o honourable_a friend_n to_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n who_o be_v instrument_n in_o god_n hand_n to_o gather_v we_o into_o the_o belief_n of_o his_o light_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o his_o grace_n though_o since_o fall_v asleep_o and_o that_o we_o intend_v more_o particular_o to_o treat_v thereon_o in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o treatise_n we_o shall_v not_o much_o enlarge_v thereon_o in_o this_o part_n yet_o think_v it_o necessary_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o here_o to_o signify_v that_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n for_o which_o we_o stand_v under_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n have_v instruct_v we_o not_o to_o depend_v on_o man_n for_o teach_v but_o on_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n grace_n nor_o yet_o to_o put_v into_o the_o mouth_n of_o false_a prophet_n or_o hireling_n shepherd_n and_o on_o this_o foot_n we_o have_v have_v a_o testimony_n against_o pay_v of_o tithe_n as_o be_v that_o antichristian-yoak_n which_o in_o the_o dark_a night_n of_o apostasy_n have_v be_v spread_v over_o nation_n and_o as_o we_o come_v to_o believe_v in_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o to_o depend_v upon_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o to_o know_v the_o benefit_n of_o our_o assemble_v ourselves_o together_o to_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n for_o the_o arise_v of_o his_o pure_a immortal_a life_n to_o the_o refresh_n and_o consolate_v our_o immortal_a soul_n we_o have_v be_v make_v willing_a praise_n be_v to_o our_o god_n to_o continue_v the_o assemble_v of_o ourselves_o together_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o day_n of_o persecution_n and_o hour_n of_o trial_n though_o suffering_n may_v therefore_o attend_v believe_v that_o whatsoever_o society_n of_o people_n have_v be_v in_o the_o life_n of_o christianity_n and_o yet_o shall_v for_o fear_n of_o man_n or_o the_o law_n of_o man_n forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o have_v be_v in_o day_n past_a when_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n
be_v they_o shall_v not_o forbear_v may_v thereby_o come_v to_o lose_v their_o strength_n in_o the_o lord_n for_o that_o we_o believe_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a to_o think_v nothing_o too_o dear_a to_o offer_v up_o for_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o command_v or_o call_v for_o it_o mark_n we_o do_v not_o say_v at_o every_o time_n that_o any_o informer_n that_o thirst_v after_o our_o ruin_n and_o estate_n through_o malice_n especial_o when_v not_o prompt_v thereto_o by_o such_o as_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o law_n call_v for_o it_o but_o we_o say_v when_o the_o lord_n command_v or_o call_v for_o it_o and_o if_o peradventure_o any_o shall_v be_v so_o overcome_v as_o through_o disobedience_n fear_v or_o weakness_n not_o to_o stand_v steadfast_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n even_o in_o that_o manner_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v it_o be_v then_o the_o duty_n of_o those_o that_o be_v strong_a to_o deal_v gentle_o with_o such_o and_o in_o that_o charity_n speak_v of_o by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 13._o that_o bear_v all_o thing_n that_o endure_v all_o thing_n endeavour_v to_o convince_v they_o of_o such_o their_o weakness_n that_o so_o their_o faith_n and_o strength_n in_o the_o truth_n may_v come_v to_o increase_v and_o not_o be_v so_o remote_a from_o bear_v the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o weak_a which_o be_v the_o apostle_n counsel_n to_o those_o who_o be_v strong_a as_o instead_o thereof_o to_o publish_v such_o their_o weakness_n by_o way_n of_o recrimination_n through_o the_o nation_n especial_o while_o such_o weakness_n may_v true_o be_v term_v want_v of_o sight_n or_o clear_a conviction_n we_o also_o do_v believe_v that_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o inward_a government_n that_o the_o law_n thereof_o be_v inward_a and_o that_o the_o only_a place_n wherein_o they_o be_v to_o be_v exalt_v be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n for_o that_o christ_n appearance_n be_v there_o to_o be_v wait_v for_o and_o that_o this_o government_n can_v be_v establish_v by_o man_n because_o it_o be_v already_o on_o christ_n shoulder_n and_o he_o that_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n of_o david_n be_v to_o establish_v it_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o some_o call_v quaker_n by_o write_v under_o their_o hand_n have_v declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o establisher_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o holy_a order_n of_o truth_n we_o also_o do_v believe_v that_o those_o who_o have_v live_v under_o this_o government_n of_o christ_n bring_v forth_o the_o peaceable_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n strive_v not_o for_o pre-eminence_n nor_o yet_o like_o the_o gentile_n exercise_n lordship_n over_o one_o another_o but_o be_v meek_a gentle_a humble_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v ready_a to_o pass_v by_o and_o forgive_v offence_n even_o as_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n have_v forgive_v we_o and_o so_o show_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o that_o love_n whereof_o christ_n our_o lord_n and_o master_n do_v declare_v when_o he_o say_v by_o this_o shall_v all_o man_n know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o love_v one_o another_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o can_v but_o testify_v that_o those_o who_o be_v so_o far_o from_o follow_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n which_o be_v the_o apostle_n counsel_n as_o to_o raise_v contention_n among_o their_o brethren_n endeavour_v to_o make_v they_o offender_n for_o those_o thing_n which_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o all-seeing_a god_n be_v no_o offence_n do_v not_o appear_v to_o be_v subject_a unto_o christ_n government_n though_o they_o may_v style_v themselves_o establisher_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o holy_a order_n of_o truth_n object_n but_o perhaps_o some_o may_v here_o object_n how_o come_v you_o and_o those_o your_o opposer_n who_o run_v against_o you_o as_o dark_a leaven_a superate_v spirit_n thus_o to_o disagree_v for_o certain_a we_o be_v that_o we_o have_v hear_v they_o testify_v to_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o teach_n of_o man_n magnify_v the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n as_o the_o guide_n to_o the_o father_n and_o bear_v witness_n against_o tyth-payer_n and_o fleer_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n answ_n yes_o very_o we_o believe_v so_o too_o but_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o of_o those_o who_o can_v hold_v a_o unity_n with_o such_o who_o sometime_o tell_v we_o we_o must_v walk_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o ourselves_o and_o that_o magnify_v the_o sufficiency_n thereof_o as_o the_o only_a unerring_a rule_n and_o yet_o be_v judge_v their_o brethren_n because_o they_o can_v have_v a_o eye_n to_o some_o outward_a rule_n and_o order_n give_v forth_o by_o such_o who_o have_v say_v look_v not_o unto_o we_o but_o unto_o the_o lord_n when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n such_o as_o may_v be_v so_o judge_v shall_v solemu_o affirm_v it_o reach_v not_o to_o their_o conscience_n unto_o which_o all_o paper_n outward_a rule_n and_o prescription_n be_v to_o be_v bring_v that_o so_o by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n therein_o they_o may_v be_v try_v and_o not_o our_o conscience_n bring_v unto_o paper_n or_o any_o thing_n outward_a to_o be_v a_o bond_n thereon_o before_o a_o inward_a conviction_n from_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n receive_v neither_o can_v we_o be_v at_o unity_n with_o the_o appearance_n of_o that_o spirit_n in_o any_o one_o that_o villify_v other_o for_o fleer_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n backbiting_a instead_o of_o endeavour_v to_o restore_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n such_o when_o such_o a_o one_o have_v appear_v a_o fleer_v at_o such_o like_a time_n himself_o neither_o can_v we_o be_v at_o unity_n with_o the_o appearance_n of_o that_o spirit_n be_v it_o in_o whosoever_o it_o will_v that_o can_v recriminate_a man_n as_o tyth-payer_n who_o have_v be_v faithful_a in_o their_o testimony_n relate_v to_o tithe_n and_o yet_o advise_v a_o friend_n to_o purchase_v tithe_n which_o be_v g._n f_n case_n with_o relation_n to_o his_o advice_n unto_o nathaniel_n crip_n and_o robert_n arch_n according_a as_o be_v treat_v on_o and_o prove_v by_o certificate_n under_o their_o hand_n record_v in_o the_o 21th_o section_n of_o the_o manuscript_n first_o mention_v in_o the_o preface_n ready_a to_o be_v see_v we_o be_v now_o sensible_a that_o some_o of_o our_o opposer_n may_v take_v occasion_n from_o a_o part_n of_o our_o fore_n go_v word_n thus_o to_o object_n obj._n this_o your_o language_n of_o offer_v up_o all_o seem_v not_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o some_o to_o square_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o secure_v any_o part_n of_o your_o estate_n when_o you_o foresee_v a_o probability_n of_o incur_v a_o praemunire_n or_o be_v fine_v for_o meet_v which_o as_o report_n say_v have_v be_v the_o case_n of_o some_o of_o you_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o that_o you_o have_v justify_v the_o same_o notwithstanding_o some_o who_o we_o account_v faithful_a have_v in_o public_a meeting_n for_o worship_n declare_v against_o it_o instance_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n when_o he_o say_v unto_o peter_n get_v thou_o behind_o i_o satan_n thou_o be_v a_o offence_n to_o i_o for_o thou_o savory_a not_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o god_n which_o be_v so_o speak_v by_o christ_n because_o peter_n say_v unto_o he_o be_v it_o far_o from_o thou_o lord_n this_o shall_v not_o be_v unto_o thou_o meaning_n as_o the_o context_n show_n that_o he_o will_v not_o have_v jesus_n go_v to_o jerusalem_n there_o to_o sufer_v though_o it_o be_v manifest_v to_o he_o that_o he_o must_v go_v thither_o and_o suffer_v etc._n etc._n read_v mat._n 16.21_o 22_o 23._o and_o so_o by_o consequence_n it_o appear_v that_o christ_n reprove_v that_o spirit_n which_o exhort_v to_o save_v self_n beside_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o on_o this_o occasion_n the_o rebellion_n and_o condemn_a action_n of_o saul_n in_o save_v agag_n and_o he_o best_a of_o the_o sheep_n and_o ox_n alive_a be_v a_o part_n of_o what_o by_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o take_v of_o the_o amalakite_n have_v frequent_o be_v bring_v as_o a_o instance_n against_o some_o of_o you_o to_o show_v that_o all_o aught_o to_o be_v offer_v up_o read_v 1_o sam._n 15._o answ_n forasmuch_o as_o this_o very_a objection_n have_v be_v make_v use_n of_o as_o a_o prevail_a argument_n to_o affect_v some_o ignorant_a people_n against_o the_o friend_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v needful_a it_o shall_v receive_v a_o particular_a answer_n and_o observation_n which_o now_o follow_v peter_n word_n have_v a_o tendency_n to_o divert_v christ_n from_o what_o he_o know_v to_o be_v his_o duty_n saul_n action_n be_v know_v and_o confess_v rebellion_n in_o save_v that_o which_o be_v no_o part_n of_o his_o own_o proper_a substance_n but_o
and_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v lead_v into_o rantism_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o care_n of_o faithful_a brethren_n to_o appear_v as_o watchman_n over_o the_o flock_n that_o so_o none_o under_o pretence_n of_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o light_n may_v run_v into_o looseness_n lightness_n and_o vanity_n say_v the_o light_n in_o my_o conscience_n condemn_v i_o not_o to_o this_o we_o say_v the_o lord_n rebuke_v that_o spirit_n that_o do_v so_o much_o as_o jealous_a that_o leave_v people_n to_o the_o light_n may_v lead_v into_o rantism_n such_o a_o sugestion_n be_v notorious_o wicked_a since_o the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n have_v be_v unto_o which_o we_o this_o day_n bear_v record_n that_o the_o light_n be_v a_o reprover_n of_o all_o sin_n and_o as_o to_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o objection_n we_o say_v that_o those_o who_o be_v true_a watchman_n will_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v use_v their_o endeavour_n to_o bring_v the_o flock_n to_o the_o light_n to_o prove_v their_o deed_n whether_o they_o be_v wrought_v in_o god_n and_o not_o to_o paper_n rather_o than_o to_o the_o light_n as_o know_v this_o that_o every_o work_n and_o word_n bring_v forth_o by_o man_n be_v but_o the_o effect_n of_o what_o be_v first_o wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n which_o nothing_o outward_a can_v be_v a_o bond_n upon_o to_o alter_v and_o change_v and_o if_o we_o do_v but_o consider_v how_o fruitless_a in_o day_n and_o year_n that_o be_v past_a as_o well_o as_o in_o this_o present_a age_n all_o man_n outward_a endeavour_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o church-government_n have_v be_v to_o preserve_v in_o a_o real_a true_a heavenly_a society_n it_o appear_v to_o we_o as_o a_o mere_a badge_n of_o apostasy_n for_o any_o to_o have_v a_o dependency_n on_o any_o such_o mean_n of_o preservation_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v jealouse_v some_o may_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 watchman_n over_o 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 pretend_v the_o light_n condemn_v they_o not_o yet_o that_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a and_o that_o the_o light_n do_v condemn_v that_o same_o though_o they_o may_v be_v harden_v and_o see_v it_o not_o and_o so_o endeavour_v to_o awaken_v the_o conscience_n that_o god_n witness_n may_v be_v hear_v for_o that_o nothing_o that_o be_v outward_a can_v be_v a_o bond_n on_o such_o a_o one_o to_o forsake_v his_o sin_n and_o embrace_v the_o truth_n sect_n vii_o touch_v church-government_n and_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n church-government_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o opposer_n as_o we_o on_o sufficient_a ground_n take_v it_o lay_v down_o our_o denial_n of_o that_o meaning_n several_a scripture_n from_o whence_o a_o proof_n for_o church-government_n have_v be_v pretend_v be_v treat_v on_o show_v that_o from_o thence_o no_o pretence_n can_v be_v to_o claim_v a_o power_n over_o conscience_n or_o outward_a property_n the_o doctrine_n touch_v power_n over_o conscience_n and_o outward_a thing_n relate_v to_o meum_fw-la and_o tuum_fw-la as_o the_o author_n term_n be_v which_o we_o therefore_o call_v outward_a property_n examine_v and_o testify_v against_o as_o 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 our_o sense_n what_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o decision_n of_o controversy_n with_o relation_n to_o property_n between_o brother_n and_o brother_n a_o objection_n raise_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o what_o be_v give_v forth_o by_o the_o spirit_n through_o the_o brethren_n aught_o to_o be_v obey_v and_o not_o account_v the_o dictate_v of_o fallible_a man_n and_o that_o if_o thou_o see_v it_o not_o thy_o duty_n to_o obey_v the_o reason_n be_v thy_o want_n of_o diligence_n and_o not_o wait_v in_o thy_o measure_n and_o so_o no_o plea_n for_o thy_o disobedience_n be_v good_n the_o say_a objection_n answer_v a_o examination_n from_o the_o scripture_n whether_o christ_n give_v any_o encouragement_n to_o his_o disciple_n to_o become_v ruler_n over_o one_o another_o this_o kind_n of_o discourse_n we_o be_v ready_a to_o suppose_v may_v at_o length_n occasion_n from_o some_o such_o a_o objection_n as_o this_o object_n what_o be_v you_o not_o for_o church-government_n answ_n to_o this_o we_o say_v we_o be_v for_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n know_v it_o be_v his_o right_n to_o govern_v his_o church_n obj._n this_n may_n some_o say_v be_v a_o evasive_a answer_n to_o the_o question_n and_o therefore_o may_v again_o reply_v be_v plain_a and_o tell_v we_o be_v you_o for_o church-government_n answ_n for_o answer_v than_o we_o say_v we_o ought_v to_o ask_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o word_n church-government_n since_o we_o find_v not_o the_o word_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n and_o it_o be_v a_o word_n most_o use_v under_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n by_o such_o who_o have_v become_v persecutor_n we_o be_v the_o more_o jealous_a that_o corruption_n usurpation_n and_o injustice_n may_v creep_v in_o by_o such_o who_o contend_v so_o much_o for_o church-government_n with_o respect_n to_o outward_o form_n of_o government_n since_o the_o form_n some_o take_v to_o govern_v be_v in_o some_o respect_n worse_o than_o the_o form_n of_o divers_a apostate_n christian_n take_v this_o for_o one_o instance_n among_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v give_v viz._n judge_v the_o merit_n of_o a_o cause_n without_o hear_v both_o party_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_o evidence_v by_o the_o give_v forth_o that_o paper_n from_o ellis_n hook_n his_o chamber_n london_n the_o twelve_o of_o the_o four_o month_n 1677._o and_o subscribe_v by_o charles_n marshal_n and_o sixty_o five_o person_n more_o against_o two_o ancient_a and_o honourable_a brethren_n viz._n john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n though_o not_o then_o present_a to_o speak_v for_o themselves_o nor_o yet_o ever_o speak_v to_o by_o many_o of_o the_o say_v sixty_o six_o touch_v any_o evil_n lay_v to_o their_o charge_n beside_o we_o do_v know_v that_o many_o of_o our_o opposer_n who_o appear_v to_o we_o high_o affect_v with_o church-government_n as_o in_o their_o account_n be_v establish_v among_o we_o and_o that_o with_o respect_n to_o outward_a form_n do_v in_o a_o high_a decree_n manifest_v a_o spirit_n of_o persecution_n by_o endeavour_v to_o take_v away_o the_o good_a name_n of_o honest_a man_n by_o lie_n slander_n and_o false_a accusation_n wherein_o our_o opposer_n have_v be_v to_o our_o certain_a knowledge_n so_o industrious_a as_o that_o we_o have_v scarcy_o know_v their_o peer_n in_o that_o evil_a work_n which_o in_o many_o section_n of_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o first_o manuscript_n make_v mention_n of_o in_o the_o preface_n particular_o the_o 13_o 18_o 12_o 22th_o be_v lareg_o evidence_v and_o ready_a for_o the_o view_n of_o any_o friend_n that_o may_v desire_v the_o perusal_n thereof_o though_o for_o the_o reason_n mention_v in_o the_o preface_n not_o herewith_o publish_v and_o now_o as_o to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n church-government_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o opposer_n we_o take_v it_o to_o be_v thus_o viz._n that_o some_o who_o account_v themselves_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n claim_v a_o power_n to_o rule_v over_o other_o some_o if_o not_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o to_o give_v forth_o sentence_n direction_n or_o order_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o own_o receive_v or_o obey_v though_o they_o may_v pretend_v they_o see_v it_o not_o their_o duty_n if_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n church-government_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o opposer_n as_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o believe_v it_o be_v not_o only_o from_o r._n b_n book_n of_o government_n but_o also_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v or_o propagate_v by_o other_o which_o we_o be_v persuade_v will_v appear_v to_o all_o impartial_a reader_n who_o shall_v diligent_o and_o in_o a_o unprejudiced_a spirit_n weigh_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o say_v first_o manuscript_n mention_v in_o the_o preface_n which_o as_o we_o say_v before_o be_v ready_a for_o the_o perusal_n of_o any_o friend_n desire_v so_o to_o do_v though_o for_o the_o reason_n mention_v in_o the_o preface_n not_o herewith_o publish_v we_o then_o direct_o answer_v we_o be_v not_o for_o such_o a_o church-government_n this_o subject_a whereof_o we_o be_v now_o treat_v be_v as_o some_o may_n comparative_o say_v the_o very_a hinge_v on_o which_o the_o present_a controversy_n seem_v to_o depend_v we_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o quote_v those_o scripture_n from_o whence_o so_o far_o as_o ever_o we_o
to_o and_o fro_o have_v little_o other_o business_n or_o matter_n than_o to_o cry_v against_o some_o friend_n under_o the_o term_n of_o dark_a separate_a spirit_n though_o such_o as_o be_v faithful_a we_o shall_v not_o have_v so_o many_o false_a accuser_n as_o we_o have_v trouble_v the_o country_n raise_v public_a contention_n in_o meeting_n for_o worship_n among_o we_o to_o the_o open_a scandal_n of_o truth_n and_o observation_n of_o our_o common_a enemy_n whereby_o they_o rejoice_v and_o cry_v ha_o several_a instance_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v record_v in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o say_v first_o manuscript_n mention_v in_o the_o preface_n ready_a for_o the_o view_n of_o friend_n as_o aforesaid_a and_o though_o they_o give_v the_o first_o onset_n by_o public_a testimony_n against_o particular_a person_n ancient_a and_o honourable_a in_o the_o truth_n yet_o a_o sober_a request_n from_o any_o of_o we_o desire_v to_o know_v the_o matter_n that_o be_v evil_a whereof_o such_o be_v guilty_a be_v with_o they_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o lay_v the_o contention_n at_o our_o door_n say_v why_o can_v you_o bear_v all_o thing_n will_v have_v be_v well_o if_o you_o can_v have_v bear_v but_o alas_o we_o be_v not_o of_o those_o who_o can_v so_o suffer_v truth_n to_o fall_v in_o our_o street_n and_o so_o they_o go_v on_o where_o they_o have_v credit_n proseliting_a simple_a people_n against_o honest_a friend_n by_o their_o lie_n and_o slander_n but_o to_o return_v let_v we_o consider_v whether_o the_o last_o recite_v quotation_n speak_v any_o thing_n to_o encourage_v one_o brother_n to_o claim_n authorty_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o another_o or_o that_o some_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n may_v meet_v together_o and_o give_v forth_o sentence_n and_o decree_n in_o matter_n relate_v to_o conscience_n against_o other_o obliege_v all_o to_o submit_v thereto_o nay_o very_o that_o construction_n can_v stand_v in_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n though_o it_o shall_v come_v from_o a_o assembly_n call_v a_o general_n assembly_n for_o albeit_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n tell_v they_o they_o be_v come_v to_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first-born_a which_o be_v write_v in_o heaven_n yet_o he_o speak_v nothing_o of_o their_o authority_n as_o judge_n much_o less_o that_o their_o sentence_n or_o judgement_n shall_v oblige_v the_o conscience_n of_o other_o without_o relation_n to_o a_o conviction_n from_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n or_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o themselves_o but_o tell_v they_o that_o god_n be_v the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o next_o thing_n we_o be_v to_o manifest_v be_v that_o some_o there_o be_v among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n who_o may_v be_v account_v chieftain_n too_o that_o approve_v of_o a_o plea_n for_o government_n among_o themselves_o which_o in_o its_o natural_a consequence_n have_v as_o we_o take_v it_o no_o less_o tendency_n than_o to_o claim_v a_o power_n over_o our_o property_n as_o well_o as_o conscience_n for_o proof_n whereof_o we_o say_v the_o second_o day_n meet_v of_o minister_a friend_n in_o london_n take_v upon_o they_o the_o approbation_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a book_n relate_v to_o government_n whereby_o they_o be_v entitle_v to_o the_o matter_n therein_o contain_v the_o reader_n may_v peruse_v the_o five_o section_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a book_n of_o government_n beginning_n page_n 37._o the_o title_n of_o which_o section_n be_v in_o what_o case_n and_o how_o far_o this_o government_n extend_v and_o first_o as_o to_o outward_o and_o temporal_n the_o author_n treat_v thereon_o page_n 39_o say_v thus_o in_o the_o second_o place_n this_o order_n reach_v the_o taking-up_a and_o compose_v of_o difference_n as_o to_o outward_a thing_n be_v so_o proceed_v on_o that_o subject_a the_o author_n come_v thus_o to_o affirm_v we_o do_v bold_o averre_n that_o as_o a_o people_n gather_v together_o by_o the_o lord_n unto_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o by_o our_o joint_a testimony_n and_o suffering_n that_o we_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o decide_v and_o remove_v these_o thing_n this_o we_o testify_v be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n within_o we_o and_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o we_o for_o as_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n so_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o his_o member_n shall_v by_o his_o authority_n claim_v a_o jurisdiction_n in_o the_o matter_n relate_v to_o this_o world_n and_o if_o christ_n himself_o when_o he_o be_v desire_v by_o a_o certain_a man_n 14._o man_n luke_n 12.13_o 14._o to_o bid_v his_o brother_n divide_v the_o inheritance_n with_o he_o refuse_v to_o be_v a_o judge_n in_o that_o matter_n relate_v to_o property_n when_o desire_v by_o one_o party_n say_v who_o make_v i_o a_o judge_n over_o you_o how_o much_o more_o unreasonable_a be_v it_o for_o his_o member_n to_o assume_v a_o jurisdiction_n when_o desire_v by_o neither_o party_n we_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o impartial_a and_o understand_a reader_n to_o weigh_v and_o consider_v and_o in_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n to_o judge_n say_v in_o our_o heart_n bless_a be_v the_o lord_n that_o neither_o the_o second_o day_n meeting_n nor_o those_o who_o be_v at_o unity_n with_o they_o as_o approver_n of_o the_o say_a book_n have_v any_o jurisdiction_n over_o our_o property_n for_o if_o they_o have_v and_o shall_v appear_v so_o unjust_a in_o their_o sentence_n towards_o we_o as_o some_o have_v be_v scandalous_a in_o their_o tongue_n the_o prophecy_n of_o our_o outward_o wither_v in_o basket_n and_o store_n may_v quick_o come_v to_o pass_v but_o bless_v be_v god_n the_o lord_n have_v hitherto_o be_v a_o blessing_n to_o we_o so_o that_o at_o this_o time_n in_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o of_o that_o charity_n which_o obliege_v we_o to_o love_v our_o enemy_n we_o do_v hearty_o desire_v that_o the_o false_a prophecy_n and_o plague_n against_o other_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v and_o do_v bless_v may_v not_o be_v fulfil_v on_o the_o head_n of_o such_o prophesier_n object_n but_o perhaps_o some_o may_v query_n of_o we_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v in_o case_n of_o difference_n between_o brother_n and_o brother_n answ_n to_o this_o we_o say_v the_o party_n differ_v aught_o to_o choose_v honest_a man_n skill_v in_o the_o matter_n wherein_o they_o differ_v to_o end_v the_o same_o and_o not_o go_v to_o law_n and_o if_o any_o shall_v refuse_v so_o to_o do_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v only_a power_n to_o admonish_v they_o to_o their_o duty_n and_o if_o they_o refuse_v to_o take_v their_o wholesome_a counsel_n may_v then_o declare_v such_o unworthy_a of_o their_o society_n but_o for_o any_o member_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n to_o say_v we_o have_v power_n to_o decide_v and_o remove_v these_o thing_n without_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o party_n differ_v be_v a_o usurpation_n and_o that_o the_o assent_n of_o party_n be_v not_o intend_v by_o the_o approver_n of_o the_o say_a book_n of_o government_n it_o be_v evident_a to_o we_o for_o that_o there_o be_v not_o in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o say_a book_n one_o tittle_n to_o that_o purpose_n neither_o can_v such_o assent_n be_v so_o express_v and_o yet_o the_o case_n whereunto_o unto_o it_o relate_v be_v pertinent_a to_o the_o matter_n of_o power_n treat_v on_o in_o that_o section_n which_o be_v in_o what_o case_n and_o how_o far_o this_o government_n extend_v whenas_o any_o heathen_a man_n may_v claim_v the_o like_a power_n when_o give_v by_o assent_n of_o party_n and_o to_o we_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o purport_n of_o paul_n counsel_n to_o the_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 6._o at_o variance_n be_v that_o they_o who_o be_v at_o variance_n shall_v choose_v some_o of_o the_o least_o in_o the_o church_n and_o not_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n choose_v or_o set_v apart_o any_o for_o they_o to_o decide_v their_o difference_n for_o that_o when_o he_o say_v i_o speak_v to_o your_o shame_n be_v it_o so_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o wise_a man_n among_o you_o he_o can_v not_o in_o truth_n intend_v shame_n to_o those_o in_o the_o church_n who_o be_v not_o at_o variance_n but_o in_o peace_n love_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o truth_n each_o towards_o other_o for_o no_o question_n but_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o choose_v wise_a man_n to_o judge_v the_o matter_n if_o they_o have_v have_v power_n or_o the_o differ_a party_n will_v have_v assent_v but_o doubtless_o the_o shame_n intend_v by_o the_o apostle_n relate_v to_o the_o party_n differ_v who_o have_v power_n to_o choose_v person_n to_o decide_v their_o difference_n and_o yet_o will_v not_o but_o go_v to_o law_n on_o the_o whole_a matter_n we_o have_v this_o further_a
to_o add._n if_o paul_n look_v on_o himself_o as_o one_o have_v power_n to_o command_v to_o rule_v and_o govern_v over_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o obey_v he_o whether_o they_o see_v it_o so_o or_o no_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n that_o the_o same_o paul_n testify_v for_o himself_o and_o other_o his_o brethren_n 2_o cor._n 4.2_o that_o they_o have_v not_o handle_v the_o word_n of_o god_n deceitful_o but_o by_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n commend_v themselves_o to_o every_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n compare_v this_o with_o what_o paul_n write_v in_o the_o same_o epistle_n 2_o cor._n 10.15_o have_v hope_n when_o your_o faith_n be_v increase_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v enlarge_v by_o you_o according_a to_o our_o rule_n abundant_o it_o appear_v evident_o to_o we_o that_o preach_v up_o obedience_n to_o that_o wherein_o the_o conscience_n through_o faith_n be_v not_o satisfy_v be_v a_o handle_v the_o word_n of_o god_n deceitful_o and_o therefore_o though_o we_o have_v be_v inform_v that_o we_o be_v dark_a and_o blind_a even_o by_o such_o who_o tell_v we_o they_o do_v see_v public_o preach_v on_o this_o wise_a if_o you_o do_v not_o see_v yourselves_o you_o must_v then_o follow_v we_o that_o do_v see_v yet_o we_o can_v on_o that_o foot_n embrace_v such_o doctrine_n lest_o like_o blind_a man_n we_o fall_v all_o together_o into_o the_o ditch_n and_o embrace_v that_o for_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o dark_a body_n of_o the_o moon_n we_o be_v now_o sensible_a another_o objection_n may_v thus_o arise_v object_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v but_o one_o in_o all_o have_v move_v in_o our_o brethren_n to_o give_v forth_o certain_a order_n command_n and_o prescription_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v according_o to_o obey_v and_o this_o can_v be_v call_v the_o dictate_v of_o fallible_a man_n but_o of_o the_o spirit_n give_v forth_o through_o man_n and_o be_v thou_o that_o pretend_v thou_o see_v it_o not_o thy_o duty_n to_o obey_v but_o obedient_a to_o thy_o own_o measure_n thou_o will_v then_o see_v it_o so_o and_o be_v one_o with_o the_o brethren_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v but_o tell_v thou_o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n to_o obey_v since_o the_o reason_n thou_o see_v it_o not_o thy_o duty_n be_v thy_o want_n of_o diligence_n and_o not_o wait_v on_o thy_o own_o measure_n beside_o we_o find_v that_o that_o very_a person_n who_o have_v travel_v much_o for_o the_o settle_n of_o man_n meeting_n have_v late_o give_v forth_o a_o paper_n the_o import_n whereof_o be_v to_o justify_v prescription_n answ_n to_o this_o we_o say_v that_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n move_v in_o any_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n to_o give_v forth_o certain_a order_n and_o prescription_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n as_o that_o which_o though_o relate_v to_o their_o conscience_n they_o ought_v to_o perform_v and_o practice_v whether_o they_o see_v it_o their_o duty_n or_o no_o or_o whether_o they_o be_v free_a so_o to_o do_v or_o no_o then_o not_o doubt_n but_o they_o ought_v so_o to_o act_v and_o do_v because_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n have_v so_o move_v but_o this_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o which_o under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o second_o covenant_n we_o have_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n or_o light_n of_o christ_n to_o suppose_v for_o if_o the_o blind_a be_v not_o to_o be_v accept_v of_o for_o a_o sacrifice_n under_o the_o first_o covenant_n much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v acceptable_a under_o the_o second_o and_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o expect_v that_o any_o such_o motion_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v appear_v through_o any_o one_o or_o more_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n with_o respect_n to_o other_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o our_o faith_n be_v that_o all_o those_o who_o be_v heir_n of_o that_o kingdom_n which_o be_v everlasting_a be_v entitle_v to_o a_o like_a freedom_n not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o each_o by_o other_o contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a sense_n and_o heavenly_a understanding_n which_o as_o coheir_n and_o co-worker_n together_o they_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o and_o this_o in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n will_v evince_o be_v manifest_v from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n however_o we_o must_v confess_v he_o that_o be_v not_o diligent_a to_o wait_v upon_o god_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o own_o measure_n of_o grace_n receive_v be_v by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n condemnable_a not_o for_o refuse_v to_o perform_v that_o which_o he_o see_v not_o to_o be_v his_o duty_n with_o respect_n to_o other_o man_n line_n make_v ready_a to_o his_o hand_n wherein_o he_o be_v not_o satisfy_v but_o for_o his_o neglect_v to_o wait_v upon_o god_n because_o it_o be_v manifest_a in_o every_o one_o that_o have_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o wait_v upon_o god_n and_o this_o our_o sense_n and_o reason_n answer_v to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n where_o it_o be_v say_v rom._n 1.18_o 19_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodlyness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n who_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n because_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o they_o for_o god_n have_v show_v it_o unto_o they_o so_o it_o be_v clear_a to_o we_o from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o we_o as_o well_o as_o from_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o we_o that_o the_o wrath_n and_o condemnation_n of_o god_n go_v forth_o against_o such_o as_o live_v not_o answerable_a to_o what_o god_n have_v manifest_v in_o they_o but_o it_o be_v neither_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n or_o light_v within_o for_o any_o to_o pour_v forth_o judgement_n against_o any_o for_o not_o follow_v or_o give_v heed_n unto_o this_o or_o tother_o prescription_n or_o outward_a observation_n wherein_o the_o conscience_n be_v concern_v when_o such_o be_v not_o convince_v thereof_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n from_o the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o they_o the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v this_o that_o in_o all_o the_o last_o mention_v objection_n there_o be_v no_o plea_n for_o obedience_n unto_o or_o follow_v any_o thing_n but_o the_o spirit_n in_o its_o appearance_n whether_o through_o the_o brethren_n or_o thyself_o from_o whence_o we_o observe_v first_o that_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a description_n who_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o word_n brethren_n second_o that_o it_o be_v the_o appearance_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o follow_v now_o shall_v this_o question_n be_v ask_v of_o such_o who_o may_v so_o object_n as_o aforesaid_a will_v you_o have_v we_o follow_v we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o believe_v that_o they_o will_v say_v nay_o if_o they_o answer_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o question_n and_o if_o so_o than_o the_o force_n of_o the_o objection_n fall_v for_o that_o we_o account_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o follow_v the_o appearance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n through_o the_o mean_a member_n when_o our_o conscience_n be_v convince_v that_o it_o be_v the_o appearance_n of_o that_o spirit_n but_o before_o we_o can_v say_v in_o truth_n though_o we_o shall_v do_v as_o such_o a_o one_o will_v have_v we_o that_o we_o be_v follower_n of_o and_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n no_o more_o than_o jesus_n can_v in_o truth_n be_v call_v lord_n 12.13_o lord_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o and_o not_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n beside_o we_o can_v on_o this_o occasion_n but_o testify_v that_o as_o that_o obedience_n which_o be_v of_o faith_n in_o christ_n find_v acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n 14.23_o lord_n rom._n 14.23_o so_o that_o obedience_n which_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n be_v but_o a_o dead_a performance_n and_o not_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o live_a member_n who_o through_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n unto_o righteousness_n be_v make_v alive_a unto_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v the_o duty_n of_o any_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n to_o run_v before_o his_o inward_a guide_n but_o to_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n that_o all_o his_o action_n may_v be_v regulate_v according_a to_o the_o manifestation_n and_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o himself_o which_o seem_v clear_o agreeable_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n where_o he_o thus_o say_v phil._n 3.15_o 16._o if_o in_o any_o thing_n you_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v god_n shall_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o you_o nevertheless_o whereunto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v
exaltation_n of_o one_o of_o his_o disciple_n as_o a_o head_n or_o supreme_a unto_o who_o the_o rest_n ought_v to_o have_v have_v a_o eye_n in_o a_o more_o peculiar_a manner_n than_o ordinary_a he_o will_v have_v undoubted_o signify_v so_o much_o but_o doubtless_o he_o see_v that_o their_o eye_n and_o dependency_n be_v too_o much_o on_o his_o outward_a and_o bodily_a appearance_n and_o therefore_o signify_v it_o be_v expedient_a i_o go_v hence_o that_o the_o comforter_n come_v agreeable_a to_o which_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n word_n though_o we_o have_v know_v christ_n after_o the_o flesh_n yet_o henceforth_o know_v we_o he_o no_o more_o that_o be_v to_o say_v after_o the_o flesh_n no_o more_o all_o which_o do_v clear_o demonstrate_v unto_o we_o it_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o under_o this_o administration_n we_o shall_v have_v our_o eye_n out_o unto_o man_n but_o that_o our_o great_a dependency_n shall_v be_v on_o that_o comforter_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o christ_n testify_v the_o father_n will_v send_v in_o his_o name_n to_o teach_v we_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o this_o comforter_n shall_v be_v in_o we_o and_o therefore_o on_o this_o occasion_n it_o be_v with_o we_o to_o give_v this_o further_a testimony_n that_o every_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v through_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n make_v dead_a unto_o any_o other_o law_n save_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n manifest_v through_o the_o arise_v of_o christ_n by_o his_o appearance_n in_o every_o such_o member_n and_o so_o as_o particular_a member_n be_v become_v marry_v unto_o he_o and_o have_v all_o fellowship_n each_o with_o other_o in_o the_o spirit_n those_o who_o be_v such_o aught_o to_o demean_v themselves_o each_o towards_o other_o full_a of_o love_n charity_n bowel_n of_o compassion_n long-suffer_v forbearance_n meekness_n humility_n patience_n gentleness_n and_o of_o all_o other_o virtue_n that_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o as_o to_o obedience_n every_o member_n owe_v that_o unto_o christ_n his_o head_n unto_o who_o every_o thought_n according_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n ought_v to_o be_v bring_v into_o obedience_n sect_n viii_o a_o manifestation_n that_o the_o variance_n have_v original_o rise_v from_o a_o different_a sense_n touch_v g._n f._n the_o general_n meeting_n or_o womens-meeting_n etc._n etc._n the_o end_n for_o which_o womens-meeting_n be_v assent_v to_o on_o the_o whole_a matter_n the_o great_a variance_n among_o some_o once_o at_o unity_n we_o have_v cause_n to_o know_v have_v rise_v from_o a_o different_a sense_n touch_v one_o some_o or_o all_o of_o these_o three_o particular_n follow_v the_o first_o relate_v to_o george_n fox_n that_o 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 his_o proceed_n the_o second_o to_o the_o general_n meet_v and_o their_o proceed_n the_o three_o to_o woman_n meeting_n and_o their_o proceed_n as_o to_o the_o first_o we_o say_v many_o there_o be_v among_o we_o who_o affirm_v that_o they_o have_v more_o than_o ordinary_a cause_n to_o believe_v that_o many_o profess_v the_o truth_n do_v look_v upon_o g._n f._n as_o one_o who_o the_o lord_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n have_v raise_v up_o and_o set_v in_o the_o like_a place_n among_o the_o child_n of_o light_n as_o moses_n be_v among_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o that_o whosoever_o shall_v oppose_v he_o shall_v never_o prosper_v which_o we_o be_v persuade_v have_v so_o overawe_v many_o that_o they_o become_v sacrificer_n of_o their_o own_o sense_n and_o understanding_n to_o the_o will_n of_o man_n and_o doubtless_o on_o this_o foot_n many_o may_v think_v those_o who_o tell_v he_o his_o book_n about_o womens-meeting_n be_v notorious_o erroneous_a will_v never_o prosper_v though_o they_o have_v evidence_v it_o to_o be_v so_o to_o his_o face_n and_o that_o in_o the_o view_n of_o several_a hundred_o of_o friend_n at_o a_o meeting_n assent_v to_o by_o himself_o and_o those_o of_o party_n with_o he_o when_o at_o bristol_n in_o the_o 12_o month_n 1677._o as_o one_o instance_n of_o the_o error_n of_o the_o say_a book_n take_v this_o pag._n 43._o he_o thus_o say_v and_o be_v not_o micah_n mother_n a_o virtuous_a woman_n read_v judge_n 17._o and_o see_v what_o she_o say_v to_o her_o son_n and_o a_o few_o line_n after_o he_o say_v so_o these_o and_o such_o woman_n be_v record_v for_o their_o wisdom_n and_o their_o virtue_n and_o their_o faith_n for_o our_o part_n we_o can_v understand_v that_o any_o thing_n of_o wisdom_n virtue_n or_o faith_n be_v record_v touch_v michah_n mother_n unless_o blessing_n or_o curse_v out_o of_o one_o mouth_n from_o a_o idolatrous_a woman_n may_v be_v account_v the_o fruit_n thereof_o many_o other_o thing_n may_v be_v quote_v out_o of_o his_o say_a book_n notorious_o erroneous_a and_o therefore_o will_v certain_o remain_v on_o record_n to_o his_o shame_n until_o he_o repent_v and_o it_o be_v not_o his_o proselit_v party_n say_v none_o shall_v prosper_v that_o oppose_v he_o nor_o yet_o his_o say_n that_o he_o know_v what_o he_o do_v and_o see_v it_o will_v be_v a_o stumbling-block_n for_o so_o william_n rogers_n positive_o affirm_v he_o do_v say_v to_o he_o will_v excuse_v he_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o we_o firm_o believe_v that_o unless_o he_o repent_v he_o will_v become_v despise_v and_o vile_a before_o the_o people_n even_o as_o the_o lord_n make_v those_o priest_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n who_o as_o the_o prophet_n say_v mal._n 2.8_o 9_o cause_v many_o to_o stumble_v to_o be_v therefore_o despise_v and_o vile_a before_o all_o the_o people_n we_o know_v he_o have_v be_v a_o instrument_n to_o cause_n many_o to_o condemn_v their_o fail_n we_o desire_v that_o he_o may_v be_v so_o ingenious_a as_o once_o to_o confess_v his_o own_o second_o we_o be_v persuade_v some_o other_o have_v look_v upon_o the_o general_n meet_v as_o that_o unto_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o eye_n be_v principled_a to_o receive_v own_o and_o stand_v by_o whatsoever_o come_v from_o thence_o as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n without_o bring_v the_o matter_n they_o appear_v at_o unity_n with_o to_o the_o test_n of_o christ_n light_n in_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o no_o marvel_n if_o such_o as_o be_v principled_a to_o shut_v out_o reason_n wisdom_n and_o jealousy_n without_o distinction_n thus_o do_v and_o when_o any_o paper_n be_v give_v forth_o by_o that_o meeting_n or_o g._n f._n such_o as_o be_v at_o unity_n with_o they_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o man_n meeting_n for_o outward_a business_n which_o oft_o time_n occasion_n strife_n and_o contention_n the_o one_o party_n account_v themselves_o oblige_v as_o we_o take_v it_o to_o receive_v and_o stand_v by_o what_o come_v from_o they_o the_o other_o party_n do_v the_o same_o also_o when_o it_o reach_v to_o the_o witness_n of_o god_n in_o their_o conscience_n as_o matter_n proper_a to_o be_v bring_v to_o such_o meeting_n but_o if_o not_o they_o can_v receive_v it_o though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n bring_v it_o then_o the_o other_o party_n account_v this_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o jealous_a dark_a leaven_a spirit_n and_o thus_o contention_n and_o debate_n have_v arisen_a even_o among_o those_o who_o former_o before_o the_o outward_a form_n of_o government_n be_v so_o much_o plead_v for_o walk_v together_o in_o peace_n and_o concord_n three_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 man_n which_o though_o not_o hitherto_o treat_v on_o yet_o it_o may_v not_o be_v improper_a to_o be_v speak_v to_o on_o this_o occasion_n but_o first_o we_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o answer_v this_o question_n which_o natural_o seem_v to_o arise_v for_o the_o information_n of_o the_o reader_n viz._n how_o come_v those_o meeting_n first_o to_o be_v hold_v and_o for_o what_o end_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o g._n f._n so_o far_o as_o we_o understand_v exhort_v thereto_o and_o the_o end_v thereof_o in_o sum_n be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o poor_a in_o some_o case_n the_o metre_n themselves_o according_a to_o their_o freedom_n bear_v freedom_n note_v this_o method_n of_o raise_v money_n for_o that_o service_n be_v though_o very_o unreasonable_a because_o it_o reach_v not_o all_o by_o who_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o outward_o poor_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n aught_o to_o be_v bear_v raise_v money_n which_o cause_v the_o charge_n to_o light_n much_o on_o some_o who_o be_v most_o constant_a in_o meet_v while_o other_o for_o want_v of_o another_o method_n to_o collect_v money_n be_v very_o little_o concern_v in_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o poor_a but_o in_o
mouth_n of_o his_o prophet_n or_o from_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n in_o we_o or_o from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n give_v forth_o by_o inspiration_n since_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n to_o expect_v that_o any_o shall_v be_v invest_v with_o power_n from_o on_o high_a to_o establish_v such_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o conscience_n much_o less_o to_o expect_v that_o the_o child_n of_o light_n under_o the_o new_a covenant_n shall_v be_v lead_v by_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n and_o word_n nigh_o in_o the_o heart_n unto_o such_o a_o conformity_n moreover_o it_o be_v observable_a paul_n plain_a confession_n thus_o be_v after_o the_o way_n which_o they_o call_v heresy_n so_o worship_n i_o the_o god_n of_o my_o father_n believe_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n and_o herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o men._n if_o all_o those_o unto_o who_o god_n have_v give_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o truth_n in_o this_o gospel-day_n have_v have_v so_o much_o zeal_n as_o to_o have_v walk_v according_a to_o this_o example_n they_o may_v have_v all_o become_v honourable_a in_o their_o day_n &_o have_v keep_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n and_o then_o none_o of_o they_o will_v have_v be_v afraid_a of_o be_v stigmatise_v as_o sect-master_n by_o such_o who_o like_o the_o outward_a jew_n have_v glory_v in_o thing_n outward_o pretend_a to_o be_v establish_v in_o this_o gospel-day_n and_o have_v make_v such_o thing_n to_o be_v as_o a_o rule_n whereby_o they_o have_v endeavour_v to_o try_v their_o brethren_n who_o at_o this_o day_n have_v approve_v themselves_o jew_n in_o spirit_n zealous_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o the_o word_n nigh_o in_o the_o heart_n according_a to_o knowledge_n even_o as_o the_o outward_a jew_n will_v have_v do_v by_o paul_n for_o such_o a_o reflection_n will_v never_o have_v hurt_v they_o in_o the_o breast_n of_o those_o that_o have_v continue_v true_o faithful_a and_o this_o many_o be_v give_v to_o understand_v from_o that_o honourable_a esteem_n that_o some_o ancient_a and_o faithful_a brethren_n have_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o such_o as_o have_v not_o in_o a_o temporize_a spirit_n change_v their_o way_n notwithstanding_o they_o be_v stigmatise_v with_o the_o name_n of_o sect-master_n even_o by_o those_o who_o like_o the_o gentile_n appear_v to_o exercise_n lordship_n over_o their_o brethren_n in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o come_v to_o take_v a_o little_a notice_n of_o those_o who_o abound_v in_o confidence_n without_o either_o knowledge_n or_o zeal_n this_o sort_n may_v be_v well_o compare_v unto_o those_o beast_n with_o who_o it_o be_v repute_v paul_n fight_v at_o ephesus_n which_o if_o it_o be_v so_o be_v doubtless_o he_o contest_v have_v with_o unreasonable_a men._n the_o bait_n by_o which_o this_o sort_n be_v entice_v to_o appear_v somebody_n in_o probability_n be_v this_o the_o door_n be_v open_a for_o any_o under_o the_o profession_n of_o truth_n who_o life_n be_v not_o outward_o scandalous_a to_o appear_v among_o some_o of_o the_o society_n of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n as_o governor_n and_o though_o it_o be_v hard_a for_o we_o to_o suppose_v who_o among_o such_o be_v the_o person_n that_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v when_o liberty_n be_v take_v and_o admit_v as_o aforesaid_a whereby_o none_o of_o the_o society_n be_v exclude_v to_o appear_v as_o governor_n yet_o so_o it_o be_v and_o of_o this_o have_v our_o eye_n and_o ear_n be_v witness_n a_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o sort_n we_o have_v understand_v to_o be_v on_o this_o wise_a if_o you_o do_v not_o see_v yourselves_o you_o must_v follow_v we_o that_o do_v see_v alas_o it_o be_v easy_o to_o be_v savour_v where_o all_o may_v then_o run_v if_o such_o a_o exhortation_n from_o any_o one_o thus_o qualify_v and_o that_o with_o respect_n to_o follow_v the_o exhorte_a shall_v take_v place_n he_o than_o that_o lead_v and_o those_o who_o may_v be_v lead_v will_v quick_o fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n together_o and_o so_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n come_v to_o be_v advance_v instead_o of_o be_v destroy_v but_o bless_v be_v the_o name_n of_o the_o everlasting_a god_n that_o sun_n which_o have_v arisen_a among_o we_o that_o glorious_a appearance_n if_o the_o everlasting_a light_n which_o have_v shine_v in_o many_o heart_n be_v not_o yet_o set_v in_o obscurity_n and_o our_o faith_n be_v that_o it_o will_v not_o the_o lord_n have_v have_v a_o regard_n to_o his_o own_o name_n and_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o eternal_a power_n so_o that_o though_o many_o ancient_a and_o honourable_a brethren_n who_o the_o lord_n commissioned_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n to_o publish_v his_o everlasting_a gospel_n exhort_v all_o to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n in_o they_o be_v fall_v asleep_o yet_o there_o be_v many_o of_o the_o same_o stock_n yet_o remain_v upon_o who_o he_o have_v not_o only_o pour_v forth_o of_o his_o spirit_n and_o anoint_v they_o to_o publish_v his_o everlasting_a gospel_n but_o also_o have_v keep_v they_o in_o integrity_n and_o their_o garment_n undefiled_a from_o the_o spot_n and_o pollution_n of_o this_o world_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o have_v give_v unto_o they_o true_a zeal_n according_a to_o knowledge_n through_o which_o the_o way_n unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o demonstration_n of_o his_o spirit_n have_v be_v declare_v and_o have_v continue_v they_o in_o the_o service_n whereunto_o they_o have_v be_v call_v and_o these_o have_v not_o in_o a_o temporize_a spirit_n for_o fear_n of_o the_o threat_n and_o frown_n of_o man_n change_v their_o way_n nor_o yet_o follow_v any_o for_o the_o loaf_n and_o though_o some_o of_o these_o have_v of_o late_o be_v account_v dark_a spirit_n leaven_a spirit_n troubler_n of_o israel_n sect-master_n leader_n into_o a_o separation_n and_o into_o downright_a independency_n parish_n and_o schism_n yet_o this_o testimony_n live_v with_o we_o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n on_o which_o alone_o we_o be_v persuade_v their_o dependency_n have_v be_v and_o be_v have_v accompany_v such_o when_o thus_o judge_v despise_a and_o revile_v by_o that_o generation_n who_o unto_o we_o appear_v as_o if_o their_o dependency_n be_v upon_o man_n that_o labour_n and_o travel_v to_o gather_v unto_o themselves_o to_o conclude_v this_o further_a testimony_n live_v with_o we_o that_o the_o righteous_a god_n bear_v we_o this_o day_n record_n that_o the_o very_a reason_n wherefore_o this_o treatise_n be_v now_o prepare_v be_v because_o our_o very_a conscience_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o god_n truth_n and_o people_n be_v concern_v and_o therefore_o we_o can_v but_o encourage_v this_o so_o necessary_a a_o work_n have_v among_o many_o other_o our_o brethren_n long_o wait_v and_o bear_v in_o patience_n to_o see_v if_o peradventure_o the_o lord_n may_v change_v the_o heart_n of_o those_o who_o have_v occasion_v contention_n strife_n and_o division_n to_o arise_v among_o the_o family_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n for_o whatever_o measure_n other_o may_v take_v of_o we_o yet_o this_o evidence_n we_o have_v in_o ourselves_o that_o our_o soul_n desire_n be_v that_o the_o bright_a appearance_n of_o the_o everlasting_a day_n may_v not_o set_v in_o obscurity_n in_o any_o heart_n where_o it_o have_v be_v both_o manifest_v and_o receive_v nor_o yet_o that_o any_o of_o the_o lord_n people_n may_v be_v ensnare_v to_o build_v again_o the_o thing_n which_o in_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n our_o lord_n they_o have_v destroy_v william_n rogers_n william_n ford_n here_o now_o follow_v that_o paper_n make_v mention_n of_o in_o the_o title_n page_n touch_v the_o scatter_a of_o israel_n give_v forth_o in_o the_o year_n 1661._o by_o edward_n burrough_n minister_n of_o the_o everlasting_a gospel_n on_o the_o 22th_o of_o the_o 8_o month_n 1661._o i_o be_v grieve_v in_o my_o spirit_n for_o the_o scatter_v of_o israel_n and_o my_o thought_n trouble_v i_o very_o much_o for_o the_o afflict_a in_o jerusalem_n for_o i_o also_o be_v great_o afflict_v with_o they_o and_o i_o pray_v unto_o god_n that_o he_o will_v show_v i_o his_o purpose_n concern_v they_o and_o these_o word_n come_v unto_o i_o abide_v thou_o in_o i_o thou_o helpless_a lamb_n and_o i_o will_v show_v thou_o great_a thing_n only_o stir_v not_o from_o i_o for_o thou_o have_v no_o helper_n but_o i_o and_o if_o thou_o go_v never_o so_o little_a from_o i_o behold_v a_o wild_a beast_n seek_v to_o devour_v thou_o therefore_o i_o say_v abide_v and_o then_o i_o weep_v great_o because_o i_o see_v what_o great_a danger_n i_o be_v in_o for_o i_o
all_o man_n be_v to_o praise_v he_o or_o to_o speak_v of_o his_o wonder_n for_o they_o be_v altogether_o past_o find_v out_o than_o i_o weep_v great_o and_o desire_v only_o that_o he_o will_v permit_v i_o to_o sit_v at_o his_o foot_n and_o he_o swear_v unto_o i_o by_o himself_o that_o he_o will_v deliver_v i_o from_o all_o my_o trouble_n within_o &_o without_o and_o true_o it_o be_v his_o own_o free_a promise_n for_o i_o dare_v not_o ask_v it_o of_o he_o but_o be_v content_v to_o have_v wait_v still_o in_o my_o sorrowful_a condition_n all_o the_o day_n of_o my_o life_n that_o i_o have_v to_o spend_v among_o men._n but_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v i_o be_o content_v with_o his_o will_n and_o rest_n at_o his_o foot_n friend_n i_o be_o constrain_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o endless_a love_n to_o warn_v you_o all_o that_o you_o may_v forbear_v judge_v of_o any_o man_n any_o more_o upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o but_o commit_v all_o judgement_n to_o the_o son_n for_o he_o cry_v in_o i_o that_o he_o will_v short_o appear_v with_o righteous_a judgement_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o woe_n be_v upon_o he_o that_o have_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o sit_v upon_o my_o seat_n of_o judgement_n and_o have_v not_o judge_v righteous_o for_o the_o same_o measure_n that_o he_o meet_v shall_v be_v meet_v to_o he_o again_o for_o whosoever_o i_o find_v upon_o my_o seat_n of_o judgement_n when_o i_o come_v if_o he_o be_v not_o as_o i_o be_o holy_a just_a and_o merciful_a without_o any_o mixture_n he_o will_v i_o destroy_v with_o the_o breath_n of_o my_o mouth_n for_o he_o be_v as_o unclean_a smoke_n before_o i_o therefore_o dear_a friend_n let_v all_o unrighteousness_n be_v far_o from_o you_o for_o thus_o say_v the_o voice_n in_o i_o whosoever_o i_o find_v in_o envy_n the_o same_o envy_n shall_v be_v his_o torment_n and_o whosoever_o in_o covetousness_n or_o in_o pride_n or_o any_o unclean_a mind_n that_o same_o shall_v be_v their_o clothing_n and_o they_o shall_v stand_v behind_o i_o and_o all_o that_o be_v with_o i_o have_v no_o other_o garment_n but_o their_o own_o filthiness_n for_o the_o envious_n shall_v have_v their_o envy_n for_o their_o reward_n and_o the_o covetous_a shall_v have_v his_o covetousness_n and_o whatsoever_o his_o work_n shall_v be_v here_o that_o shall_v be_v his_o cover_n when_o i_o appear_v therefore_o all_o people_n mind_n your_o own_o soul_n and_o let_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v like_o the_o same_o holiness_n righteousness_n mercy_n and_o love_n without_o respect_n of_o person_n in_o any-wise_a appear_v and_o let_v covetousness_n be_v far_o from_o you_o and_o be_v you_o as_o he_o be_v in_o this_o world_n that_o you_o may_v be_v like_o he_o in_o his_o glory_n for_o very_o you_o can_v be_v like_o he_o in_o his_o glory_n further_o than_o you_o be_v in_o his_o nature_n of_o holiness_n therefore_o all_o friend_n look_v into_o your_o heart_n and_o let_v no_o spark_n abide_v there_o of_o the_o old_a nature_n for_o if_o there_o be_v it_o will_v drive_v you_o to_o look_v out_o at_o other_o and_o in_o that_o time_n it_o will_v gather_v strength_n and_o kindle_v a_o great_a fire_n in_o you_o which_o be_v not_o easy_o put_v out_o which_o many_o at_o this_o day_n may_v know_v edward_n burrough_n though_o many_o thing_n be_v very_o worthy_a notice_n from_o the_o abovecited_a line_n give_v forth_o through_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n edward_n burrough_n and_o obvious_a enough_o to_o many_o yet_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o it_o be_v think_v meet_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o two_o particular_a matter_n which_o seem_v very_o pertinent_a on_o this_o occasion_n first_o that_o some_o of_o the_o young_a unlearned_a dog_n not_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o master_n manner_n in_o gather_v the_o sheep_n do_v run_v from_o the_o flock_n with_o fierceness_n after_o the_o sheep_n that_o stay_v behind_o and_o do_v affrighten_v they_o and_o bite_v some_o of_o they_o neither_o will_v they_o be_v lead_v nor_o yet_o stay_v at_o home_n but_o will_v always_o be_v go_v abroad_o and_o bark_v at_o the_o lamb_n to_o affrighten_v they_o be_v ready_a to_o devour_v they_o for_o there_o be_v something_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o wolf_n in_o they_o and_o they_o the_o shepherd_n bind_v up_o in_o chain_n to_o fulfil_v his_o purpose_n on_o they_o second_o that_o some_o of_o the_o dog_n well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o master_n manner_n do_v wise_o go_v behind_o the_o sheep_n and_o such_o do_v drive_v they_o gentle_o along_o without_o hunt_v of_o they_o or_o weary_v themselves_o from_o these_o two_o citation_n out_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a paper_n we_o may_v learn_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n through_o his_o servant_n have_v in_o a_o parable_n very_o lively_o describe_v a_o part_n of_o what_o have_v happen_v among_o the_o flock_n of_o god_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n for_o of_o certain_a knowledge_n we_o can_v say_v that_o there_o be_v such_o as_o be_v learn_v in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o christ_n jesus_n their_o lord_n and_o master_n manner_n of_o gather_v the_o sheep_n do_v not_o over-drive_a the_o flock_n nor_o yet_o weary_a themselves_o for_o mere_a vanity_n and_o there_o be_v also_o the_o unlearned_a who_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o the_o great_a master_n manner_n in_o gather_v the_o sheep_n and_o these_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n have_v occasion_v the_o increase_n and_o continuation_n of_o division_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n by_o their_o fierce_a contend_v for_o a_o outward_a unity_n and_o conformity_n with_o respect_n to_o form_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n so_o that_o they_o seem_v not_o only_o ready_a to_o bite_v but_o also_o to_o devour_v other_o that_o see_v not_o clearness_n in_o themselves_o to_o practice_v according_a as_o they_o in_o their_o hunt_a spirit_n will_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v constrain_v and_o enforce_v nay_o there_o be_v some_o not_o only_o unacquainted_a with_o christ_n jesus_n manner_n of_o gather_v the_o flock_n like_o a_o shepherd_n that_o gather_v his_o lamb_n in_o his_o arm_n and_o gentle_o lead_v they_o that_o be_v with_o young_a but_o also_o have_v lay_v blame_n on_o such_o as_o have_v exact_o walk_v in_o his_o footstep_n and_o indeed_o so_o foolish_a and_o confident_a have_v some_o be_v that_o the_o master_n manner_n of_o gather_v the_o flock_n have_v become_v as_o a_o byword_n or_o a_o mock_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o matter_n of_o evil_a fact_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o some_o witness_v the_o forty_o four_o article_n relate_v to_o church-government_n draw_v up_o against_o j._n s._n and_o j._n w._n two_o ancient_a and_o honourable_a friend_n in_o the_o truth_n a_o part_n whereof_o be_v for_o that_o they_o shall_v say_v they_o will_v not_o have_v friend_n over-driven_a to_o conclude_v we_o also_o know_v that_o some_o of_o these_o have_v be_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n reprove_v as_o not_o fit_a to_o say_v they_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o speak_v by_o they_o nor_o yet_o to_o appear_v as_o if_o they_o be_v send_v of_o god_n to_o gather_v the_o flock_n or_o to_o proclaim_v themselves_o keeper_n of_o other_o folk_n vineyard_n when_o they_o have_v not_o keep_v their_o own_o vineyard_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n touch_v such_o have_v be_v that_o they_o shall_v harken_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o reproof_n and_o be_v lead_v by_o his_o spirit_n which_o if_o they_o have_v they_o will_v have_v stay_v at_o home_n until_o they_o have_v be_v instruct_v and_o learned_a in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o some_o have_v contrary_a hereunto_o go_v abroad_o and_o their_o great_a work_n have_v be_v to_o cry_v out_o against_o honest_a friend_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o dark_a spirit_n levened_a spirit_n troubler_n of_o israel_n corah_n judas_n etc._n etc._n just_a like_a unto_o those_o young_a unlearned_a dog_n signify_v in_o the_o parable_n that_o will_v not_o be_v lead_v but_o will_v be_v go_v abroad_o and_o bark_v at_o the_o lamb_n to_o affrighten_v they_o be_v ready_a to_o devour_v they_o for_o as_o in_o the_o parable_n it_o be_v say_v there_o have_v be_v something_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o wolf_n in_o they_o but_o bless_v be_v the_o lord_n many_o be_v witness_n that_o of_o late_a some_o of_o they_o have_v be_v as_o in_o chain_n and_o fetter_n of_o iron_n so_o that_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o prey_n upon_o those_o who_o be_v upon_o the_o rock_n christ_n who_o doubtless_o in_o his_o own_o time_n will_v fulfil_v his_o purpose_n on_o they_o oh_o that_o all_o concern_v herein_o at_o this_o day_n will_v serious_o consider_v &_o proceed_v no_o far_o in_o
their_o hunt_n bite_a devour_a spirit_n nor_o yet_o weary_a themselves_o for_o mere_a vanity_n lest_o the_o eternal_a decree_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v seal_v against_o they_o to_o their_o destruction_n for_o ever_o more_o to_o conclude_v this_o first_o part_n we_o have_v yet_o to_o add_v that_o since_o it_o be_v signify_v that_o the_o forty_o four_o article_n before_o cite_v relate_v to_o church-government_n and_o that_o we_o say_v they_o be_v draw_v up_o against_o two_o ancient_a and_o honourable_a friend_n in_o the_o truth_n viz._n john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n we_o think_v it_o proper_a to_o cite_v one_o passage_n as_o a_o evidence_n thereof_o out_o of_o the_o four_o section_n of_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o historical_a manuscript_n mention_v in_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n with_o the_o omission_n only_o of_o the_o name_n of_o person_n for_o the_o reason_n already_o give_v in_o the_o say_a preface_n the_o passage_n be_v as_o follow_v before_o we_o shall_v make_v any_o observation_n on_o the_o aforesaid_a article_n or_o preamble_n thereto_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o inform_v the_o reader_n that_o nine_o person_n concern_v in_o exhibit_v the_o say_v forty_o four_o article_n against_o the_o two_o friend_n speak_v of_o before_o thus_o declare_v concern_v they_o in_o a_o letter_n to_o nine_o other_o choose_v by_o the_o accuser_n to_o be_v judge_n over_o they_o viz._n and_o friend_n it_o be_v not_o any_o personal_a trespass_n against_o any_o of_o we_o that_o we_o charge_v they_o with_o nor_o any_o particular_a concern_v of_o our_o own_o as_o man_n that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o defence_n but_o the_o cause_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o wrong_n they_o have_v do_v to_o he_o but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o in_o the_o same_o letter_n they_o say_v that_o they_o have_v bear_v a_o dear_a love_n and_o honourable_a respect_n unto_o they_o in_o the_o holy_a truth_n compare_v he_o with_o what_o be_v write_v in_o the_o three_o article_n of_o the_o 44_o article_n before_o cite_v viz._n slight_v the_o heavenly_a motion_n on_o george_n fox_n his_o spirit_n in_o that_o case_n in_o the_o unity_n precious_o feel_v and_o close_v with_o mean_v the_o rule_n or_o form_n of_o church-government_n set_v forth_o by_o george_n fox_n pretend_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o by_o the_o say_a article_n appear_v it_o be_v evident_a to_o we_o that_o in_o their_o sense_n a_o slight_n of_o george_n fox_n rule_n method_n and_o order_n with_o respect_n to_o church-government_n be_v a_o slight_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o though_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o unity_n precious_o feel_v and_o close_v with_o yet_o that_o be_v notorious_o erroneous_a if_o thereby_o be_v mean_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o all_o friend_n for_o that_o some_o of_o his_o paper_n and_o prescription_n in_o many_o part_n of_o the_o nation_n among_o friend_n have_v be_v little_o take_v notice_n of_o as_o be_v well_o know_v to_o we_o and_o credible_o report_v by_o many_o moreover_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o we_o that_o some_o have_v have_v so_o great_a esteem_n for_o the_o prescription_n or_o paper_n give_v forth_o by_o he_o as_o that_o they_o have_v conclude_v it_o to_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o fruit_n of_o confusion_n and_o darkness_n to_o believe_v that_o what_o he_o have_v give_v forth_o be_v not_o intend_v by_o he_o to_o be_v urge_v with_o severity_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o enforce_a and_o this_o do_v thus_o appear_v john_n story_n one_o of_o those_o two_o brethren_n article_v against_o as_o aforesaid_a in_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o say_v forty_o four_o article_n take_v occasion_n to_o give_v his_o sense_n touch_v such_o thing_n which_o george_n fox_n have_v give_v forth_o on_o this_o wise_a viz._n that_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o george_n fox_n intend_v any_o such_o thing_n that_o they_o mean_v his_o paper_n direct_v to_o the_o church_n shall_v with_o severity_n be_v urge_v upon_o any_o of_o god_n faithful_a people_n but_o as_o instruction_n or_o direction_n commend_v they_o to_o the_o church_n leave_v the_o effect_n thereof_o to_o god_n and_o his_o lead_a grace_n in_o his_o people_n to_o make_v use_n thereof_o as_o he_o shall_v manifest_v a_o need_n of_o such_o direction_n counsel_n or_o advice_n to_o this_o sense_n robert_n barrow_n and_o eight_o person_n part_n of_o those_o who_o be_v concern_v in_o exhibit_v the_o say_v forty_o four_o article_n reply_v a_o part_n whereof_o be_v on_o this_o wise_a true_o thy_o darkness_n and_o blindness_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v feel_v and_o they_o must_v be_v very_o dim_a of_o sight_n that_o see_v thou_o not_o oh_o the_o confusion_n thy_o dark_a spirit_n be_v in_o to_o this_o we_o say_v this_o answer_n seem_v so_o very_o dark_a as_o if_o blindness_n be_v the_o lot_n of_o their_o inheritance_n who_o so_o write_v forwe_v well_o remember_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o ancient_a brethren_n who_o be_v skill_v in_o gather_v and_o careful_a not_o to_o scatter_v the_o flock_n do_v not_o encourage_v any_o to_o follow_v any_o outward_a direction_n whatsoever_o without_o a_o inward_a conviction_n from_o the_o leading_n of_o god_n all-sufficient_a grace_n free_o give_v to_o profit_n withal_o of_o the_o needfulness_n of_o the_o direction_n counsel_n or_o advice_n contain_v therein_o and_o why_o but_o because_o a_o observance_n not_o ground_v on_o their_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n lead_v grace_n in_o ourselves_o of_o outward_a instruction_n or_o direction_n in_o this_o gospel_n day_n may_v find_v no_o more_o acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n who_o be_v now_o to_o be_v worship_v obey_v and_o reverence_v not_o otherwise_o than_o in_o and_o by_o the_o spirit_n and_o light_n through_o which_o he_o do_v appear_v in_o man_n than_o a_o offering_n of_o the_o halt_n and_o the_o blind_a which_o be_v forbid_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n for_o a_o sacrifice_n might_n and_o this_o our_o sense_n may_v well_o be_v vindicate_v from_o such_o like_a testimony_n as_o these_o frequent_o utter_v by_o our_o ancient_a brethren_n we_o preach_v not_o ourselves_o let_v not_o your_o dependency_n be_v on_o we_o we_o be_v not_o neither_o desire_n to_o be_v lord_n over_o your_o conscience_n you_o ought_v to_o be_v lief_o for_o yourselves_o and_o see_v for_o yourselves_o and_o therefore_o we_o counsel_v you_o to_o draw_v water_n out_o of_o your_o own_o well_n let_v it_o be_v your_o own_o and_o not_o another_o we_o now_o appeal_v to_o god_n witness_v in_o all_o conscience_n how_o this_o kind_a of_o language_n and_o discourse_n can_v agree_v with_o such_o as_o render_v it_o the_o fruit_n of_o confusion_n and_o darkness_n not_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o outward_a instruction_n or_o direction_n of_o g._n f._n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n be_v intend_v to_o be_v urge_v with_o severity_n upon_o god_n faithful_a people_n beside_o that_o which_o seem_v to_o aggravate_v the_o darkness_n be_v this_o that_o the_o faithful_a must_v have_v outward_a precept_n direction_n or_o instruction_n impose_v upon_o they_o have_v the_o sense_n of_o those_o who_o sense_n we_o can_v own_v be_v only_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o unfaithful_a it_o may_v have_v seem_v a_o little_a better_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v great_a cause_n of_o lamentation_n and_o mourning_n especial_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o believe_v either_o from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n give_v forth_o by_o inspiration_n or_o from_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o conscience_n that_o any_o man_n according_a to_o the_o motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o this_o gospel-day_n ought_v to_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o give_v forth_o any_o outward_a rule_n or_o prescription_n relate_v to_o faith_n or_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n with_o a_o intent_n that_o they_o shall_v become_v a_o bond_n upon_o other_o to_o submit_v thereto_o further_o than_o from_o a_o recommendation_n unto_o the_o conscience_n a_o service_n may_v be_v see_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o light_n give_v from_o he_o who_o be_v the_o fullness_n but_o whether_o this_o our_o sense_n be_v not_o by_o many_o other_o beside_o the_o aforesaid_a nine_o person_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n slight_o esteem_v and_o a_o combine_a sort_n of_o submission_n contrive_v as_o we_o suppose_v by_o a_o few_o tho_o enter_v into_o by_o many_o at_o this_o day_n we_o shall_v leave_v it_o to_o the_o unprejudiced_a understand_a reader_n to_o judge_n on_o mature_a consideration_n of_o what_o yet_o follow_v some_o few_o year_n past_o many_o friend_n in_o the_o county_n of_o westmoreland_n have_v be_v a_o long_a time_n burden_a in_o monthly_a and_o quarterly_a meeting_n by_o such_o as_o endeavour_v to_o introduce_v the_o practice_n of_o some_o thing_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o church
which_o they_o can_v not_o as_o they_o have_v declare_v in_o conscience_n consent_n unto_o do_v at_o length_n forbear_v to_o join_v with_o such_o on_o the_o day_n of_o monthly_a and_o quarterly_a meeting_n which_o be_v understand_v by_o we_o to_o be_v first_o assent_v to_o we_o can_v say_v unalterable_o establish_v to_o relieve_v the_o poor_a and_o take_v care_n of_o any_o other_o outward_a concern_v relate_v to_o the_o affair_n of_o friend_n as_o a_o society_n gather_v into_o the_o everlasting_a truth_n abhor_v lordship_n over_o one_o another_o faith_n or_o conscience_n but_o yet_o the_o person_n so_o refuse_v to_o join_v with_o other_o as_o aforefaid_n do_v as_o we_o have_v be_v credible_o inform_v on_o convenient_a time_n and_o day_n appoint_v by_o themselves_o to_o meet_v together_o to_o take_v care_n in_o that_o method_n wherein_o they_o find_v freedom_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o same_o service_n for_o which_o monthly_a and_o quarterly_o meeting_n be_v first_o understand_v to_o be_v appoint_v this_o by_o the_o other_o party_n be_v call_v a_o separate_a meeting_n and_o the_o metre_n account_v dark_a leaven_a rend_v divide_v separate_a spirit_n so_o that_o at_o length_n a_o paper_n be_v give_v forth_o and_o subscribe_v by_o robert_n barrow_n and_o sixteen_o person_n more_o belong_v to_o nine_o meeting_n for_o worship_n of_o god_n wherein_o they_o thus_o declare_v and_o we_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o great_a trouble_n and_o dissatisfaction_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n throughout_o this_o nation_n concern_v this_o say_a separation_n we_o do_v therefore_o with_o one_o consent_n and_o at_o our_o several_a meeting_n respective_o signify_v our_o absolute_a dislike_n thereof_o and_o we_o do_v hereby_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n discharge_v all_o those_o concern_v in_o the_o say_v separate_a meeting_n in_o our_o affair_n as_o they_o stand_v in_o the_o separation_n and_o we_o do_v declare_v that_o as_o such_o a_o meeting_n they_o have_v no_o right_a to_o act_v in_o the_o church_n affaires_n in_o the_o capacity_n they_o be_v in_o but_o we_o do_v hereby_o signify_v our_o absolute_a refusal_n to_o submit_v any_o of_o our_o affair_n either_o relate_n to_o the_o poor_a or_o otherwise_o to_o the_o order_v of_o the_o say_v separate_a meeting_n but_o do_v submit_v they_o to_o our_o establish_v monthly_a and_o quarterly_o meeting_n aforesaid_a for_o westmore-land_n so_o far_o as_o our_o affair_n be_v concern_v therein_o to_o be_v order_v as_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o unity_n of_o his_o spirit_n they_o shall_v see_v meet_a from_o these_o foregoing_a line_n we_o observe_v that_o though_o the_o giverforth_a thereof_o do_v not_o positive_o say_v that_o the_o submission_n of_o one_o affair_n without_o restriction_n to_o temporal_a or_o spiritual_a affair_n to_o the_o establish_v monthly_o or_o quarterly_o meeting_n shall_v for_o the_o future_a be_v a_o outward_a mark_n to_o know_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o or_o at_o least_o to_o distinguish_v such_o as_o be_v not_o member_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o who_o can_v but_o reasonable_o suppose_v that_o such_o a_o mean_v be_v their_o mean_v or_o at_o least_o the_o mean_v of_o he_o or_o they_o chief_o concern_v in_o draw_v up_o the_o say_a paper_n and_o promote_a subscription_n thereto_o since_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o very_a word_n cite_v that_o other_o concern_v in_o the_o separate_a meeting_n who_o have_v declare_v that_o for_o conscience_n sake_n they_o can_v submit_v to_o they_o have_v no_o right_a to_o act_v in_o the_o church_n affair_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o that_o they_o take_v themselves_o to_o be_v invest_v with_o authority_n as_o to_o we_o appear_v by_o use_v the_o word_n discharge_v for_o no_o one_o can_v discharge_v another_o in_o any_o case_n without_o power_n so_o to_o do_v and_o if_o we_o do_v but_o consider_v that_o the_o take_a care_n of_o the_o poor_a be_v one_o part_n of_o the_o church_n affair_n from_o which_o those_o of_o the_o separate_a meeting_n be_v discharge_v or_o declare_v to_o have_v no_o right_a to_o act_v in_o it_o seem_v to_o we_o extreme_o unchristianlike_a for_o if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o they_o have_v be_v overtake_v in_o a_o fault_n that_o can_v be_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o declare_v that_o they_o have_v no_o right_a to_o administer_v their_o charity_n to_o the_o poor_a member_n of_o the_o church_n because_o the_o take_a care_n of_o such_o be_v commendable_a in_o any_o society_n of_o people_n whatsoever_o many_o other_o thing_n may_v be_v observe_v from_o the_o say_a paper_n subscribe_v by_o one_o hundred_o sixty_o six_o person_n which_o at_o present_a we_o here_o omit_v be_v large_o treat_v on_o in_o the_o 19_o section_n of_o the_o manuscript_n first_o make_v mention_n of_o in_o the_o preface_n which_o be_v ready_a for_o the_o view_n of_o any_o friend_n that_o may_v be_v desirous_a to_o peruse_v the_o same_o however_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o paper_n subscribe_v by_o charles_n martial_n and_o sixty_o five_o more_o at_o ellis_n hook_n his_o chamber_n already_o cite_v together_o with_o this_o last_o mention_v subscribe_v by_o robert_n barrow_n and_o one_o hundred_o sixty_o five_o more_o occasion_n this_o far_a addition_n that_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o some_o design_n to_o exalt_v one_o man_n above_o measure_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o unjust_o to_o defame_v other_o as_o by_o answer_n thereto_o have_v at_o large_a be_v manifest_v according_a as_o in_o several_a section_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a manuscript_n appear_v and_o we_o may_v true_o say_v that_o what_o be_v already_o cite_v do_v manifest_v but_o little_o less_o than_o such_o a_o design_n for_o if_o a_o conscientious_a slight_n of_o george_n fox_n pretend_a motion_n with_o respect_n to_o form_n of_o church-government_n impose_v contrary_a to_o faith_n and_o a_o charitable_a belief_n that_o he_o intend_v not_o to_o urge_v his_o paper_n relate_v thereto_o on_o any_o of_o god_n faithful_a people_n with_o severity_n which_o be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o inforce_v but_o as_o instruction_n or_o direction_n commend_v they_o to_o the_o church_n leave_v the_o effect_n thereof_o to_o god_n and_o his_o lead_a grace_n in_o his_o people_n to_o make_v use_n thereof_o as_o he_o shall_v manifest_v a_o need_n of_o such_o direction_n counsel_n or_o advice_n as_o before_o be_v cite_v be_v by_o a_o part_n of_o the_o say_a subscriber_n repute_v such_o matter_n of_o evil_a fact_n as_o that_o the_o person_n concern_v must_v be_v severe_o testify_v against_o under_o the_o term_n of_o a_o dark_a spirit_n in_o confusion_n it_o clear_o show_v a_o design_n of_o unjust_a defamation_n unless_o a_o blina-offering_a under_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v accept_v though_o condemnable_a under_o the_o law_n and_o as_o to_o the_o seem_a design_n of_o exalt_v one_o man_n it_o be_v to_o we_o very_o evident_a and_o past_o all_o manner_n of_o question_n as_o one_o evidence_n among_o many_o other_o that_o may_v be_v give_v we_o shall_v from_o what_o be_v already_o cite_v thus_o observe_v that_o a_o submission_n be_v signify_v to_o some_o certain_a monthly_a and_o quarterly_o meeting_n pretend_v to_o be_v establish_v but_o if_o the_o reader_n inquire_v of_o who_o they_o consist_v the_o answer_n in_o truth_n be_v of_o those_o and_o of_o such_o likeminded_a with_o they_o as_o draw_v up_o the_o forty_o four_o article_n against_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n who_o declare_v judgement_n be_v from_o the_o import_n of_o that_o article_n already_o cite_v against_o john_n story_n that_o what_o gorge_n fox_n have_v give_v forth_o as_o a_o rule_n or_o form_n of_o church-government_n be_v so_o give_v forth_o by_o he_o from_o a_o heavenly_a motion_n that_o such_o his_o motion_n be_v precious_o feel_v and_o close_v with_o in_o the_o unity_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v slight_v and_o for_o asmuch_o as_o matter_n in_o those_o meeeting_n be_v manage_v according_a to_o those_o rule_n and_o form_n of_o church-government_n say_v church-government_n witness_v expression_n frequent_o urge_v to_o this_o purpose_n when_o friend_n be_v meet_v about_o outward_a concern_v of_o truth_n have_v not_o agree_v see_v what_o george_n fox_n paper_n say_v it_o do_v thence_o follow_v that_o the_o submission_n speak_v of_o clear_o center_v in_o a_o submission_n to_o g._n f._n and_o the_o name_n of_o monthly_a and_o quarterly_o meeting_n we_o therefore_o reasonable_o take_v to_o be_v but_o as_o a_o conduit_n to_o convey_v it_o to_o he_o and_o well_o will_v it_o be_v for_o he_o if_o he_o be_v clear_a of_o a_o persecute_v spirit_n against_o some_o that_o can_v submit_v unto_o he_o in_o the_o form_n and_o method_n which_o other_o have_v the_o sense_n of_o these_o thing_n have_v occasion_v in_o much_o seriousness_n of_o spirit_n before_o the_o lord_n this_o enquiry_n what_o be_v that_o bait_n
which_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n have_v spread_v before_o he_o since_o his_o first_o come_v forth_o to_o preach_v the_o light_n etc._n etc._n to_o concern_v himself_o so_o much_o as_o he_o have_v against_o some_o that_o can_v own_v a_o urge_n with_o severity_n his_o direction_n or_o prescription_n on_o god_n faithful_a people_n and_o in_o particular_a to_o appear_v a_o persecutor_n of_o such_o which_o can_v certain_o be_v prove_v against_o he_o if_o endeavour_v unjust_o to_o take_v away_o a_o man_n good_a name_n and_o reputation_n can_v be_v term_v such_o to_o this_o the_o answer_n be_v as_o the_o serpent_n beguile_v eve_n so_o eve_n beguile_v adam_n in_o prevail_v upon_o he_o to_o eat_v of_o the_o forbid_v fruit_n which_o she_o have_v eat_v and_o the_o argument_n use_v by_o the_o serpent_n to_o tempt_v eve_n be_v this_o you_o shall_v be_v as_o go_n even_o so_o be_v we_o persuade_v that_o there_o have_v not_o be_v want_v unto_o he_o to_o speak_v comparitive_o a_o tempt_a eve_n which_o have_v be_v too_o aspire_v after_o such_o a_o state_n which_o with_o respect_n to_o humble_v self-denying_a persecute_a member_n of_o christ_n church_n be_v neither_o fit_a nor_o president_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v that_o this_o aspire_a mind_n have_v have_v so_o much_o place_n with_o he_o as_o that_o he_o have_v take_v too_o much_o upon_o he_o which_o have_v occasion_v rent_n and_o division_n among_o the_o flock_n and_o sometime_o to_o pretend_v that_o he_o have_v see_v thing_n in_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o almighty_a which_o have_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o imagination_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o have_v give_v way_n thereto_o and_o find_v a_o fear_n upon_o friend_n through_o a_o tender_a respect_n unto_o he_o to_o judge_n or_o dislike_v what_o he_o may_v bring_v forth_o under_o pretence_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n it_o in_o probability_n increase_v his_o confidence_n especial_o when_o he_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v write_v unto_o he_o by_o some_o friend_n in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o infancy_n which_o be_v in_o such_o language_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o a_o aspire_a mind_n may_v tend_v to_o his_o hurt_n at_o length_n his_o fame_n grow_v so_o great_a as_o that_o among_o some_o weak_a friend_n it_o become_v even_o as_o a_o proverb_n that_o none_o will_v prosper_v who_o shall_v oppose_v he_o this_o by_o other_o have_v clear_o be_v see_v to_o be_v a_o subtle_a way_n to_o oblige_v all_o such_o as_o shall_v so_o believe_v to_o be_v servant_n to_o his_o will_n and_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v this_o persuasion_n have_v the_o more_o easy_o obtain_v he_o the_o repute_n with_o some_o of_o be_v set_v by_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o like_a place_n among_o the_o child_n of_o light_n at_o this_o dayas_n moses_n have_v among_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o his_o day_n and_o this_o we_o doubt_v be_v the_o occasion_n that_o the_o rebellion_n of_o corah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n be_v much_o treat_v on_o to_o affrighten_v simple_a people_n in_o our_o public_a meeting_n for_o worship_n of_o god_n since_o the_o division_n among_o friend_n especial_o in_o those_o place_n where_o g._n f_n paper_n relate_v to_o church-government_n have_v little_a place_n but_o alas_o those_o who_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n can_v be_v affright_v with_o such_o thing_n no_o more_o than_o they_o can_v be_v convince_v with_o the_o sight_n of_o such_o false_a certificate_n on_o certificate_n note_v the_o reader_n may_v peruse_v the_o five_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a quaker_n and_o therein_o the_o say_a certificate_n be_v more_o large_o treat_v on_o record_v in_o the_o 21_o section_n of_o the_o manuscript_n first_o mention_v in_o the_o preface_n and_o ready_a for_o perusal_n of_o any_o friend_n desire_v the_o sight_n thereof_o as_o of_o late_o have_v be_v spread_v abroad_o in_o his_o favour_n to_o render_v he_o a_o innocent_a man_n and_o to_o acquit_v he_o from_o the_o gild_n of_o some_o matter_n of_o fact_n lay_v to_o his_o charge_n when_o the_o certifier_n know_v nothing_o at_o all_o thereof_o and_o of_o this_o he_o himself_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a though_o the_o occasion_n of_o spread_v such_o certificate_n abroad_o if_o he_o know_v what_o be_v contain_v therein_o which_o will_v have_v be_v prove_v to_o his_o face_n have_v he_o be_v but_o so_o just_a to_o the_o cause_n of_o truth_n as_o to_o have_v submit_v to_o a_o hear_n according_a as_o be_v desire_v and_o in_o the_o preface_n signify_v before_o friend_n of_o thing_n reproachful_a to_o the_o truth_n whereof_o he_o be_v guilty_a but_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o we_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o his_o preach_v the_o light_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o travel_n abroad_o as_o well_o as_o the_o preach_a the_o light_n by_o other_o his_o fellow-servant_n in_o the_o beginning_n with_o he_o be_v not_o the_o ministration_n give_v they_o of_o god_n for_o at_o the_o sound_n thereof_o many_o face_n gather_v paleness_n horror_n and_o amazement_n seize_v many_o who_o then_o become_v sensible_a of_o their_o lose_a state_n and_o condition_n while_o they_o be_v admire_v their_o teacher_n and_o busy_v in_o outward_a ordinance_n more_o than_o in_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o day_n wherein_o many_o be_v not_o only_o so_o strike_v with_o amazement_n but_o through_o faith_n receive_v the_o testimony_n give_v touch_v the_o light_n of_o christ_n may_v true_o be_v term_v the_o day_n of_o their_o infancy_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o so_o the_o more_o likely_a to_o be_v prevail_v upon_o by_o the_o enemy_n who_o in_o that_o day_n as_o in_o age_n past_a seek_v how_o he_o may_v destroy_v that_o tenderness_n to_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v so_o beget_v for_o it_o be_v certain_o know_v that_o many_o who_o eye_n ought_v to_o have_v be_v unto_o the_o creator_n admire_v and_o give_v glory_n unto_o he_o for_o his_o gift_n of_o grace_n and_o ministration_n of_o light_n then_o reveal_v do_v on_o a_o sudden_a admire_v the_o creature_n in_o such_o a_o abundant_a manner_n as_o if_o not_o only_o the_o plant_n and_o water_v be_v by_o he_o but_o the_o increase_v also_o and_o in_o that_o day_n some_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v as_o watchman_n in_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n be_v concern_v thereat_o and_o jealous_a with_o a_o godly_a jealousy_n and_o though_o at_o present_a it_o be_v not_o with_o we_o to_o declare_v what_o that_o jealousy_n be_v yet_o if_o the_o tree_n may_v be_v know_v by_o its_o fruit_n we_o may_v with_o boldness_n affirm_v that_o the_o then_o admire_v the_o creature_n may_v be_v true_o parallel_v with_o that_o state_n out_o of_o which_o the_o lord_n through_o the_o ministration_n of_o light_n or_o spirit_n of_o life_n have_v lead_v many_o at_o that_o day_n who_o have_v so_o learned_a the_o truth_n as_o according_a to_o the_o testimony_n thereof_o to_o have_v their_o eye_n to_o the_o light_n within_o viz._n the_o light_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o instead_o thereof_o to_o any_o outward_a person_n through_o who_o among_o other_o brethren_n the_o ministration_n of_o light_n be_v reveal_v but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o some_o there_o be_v as_o before_o be_v signify_v that_o admire_v the_o creature_n which_o not_o only_o become_v unto_o they_o a_o snare_n but_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v doubt_v unto_o the_o creature_n also_o that_o be_v admire_v for_o the_o acceptation_n of_o more_o respect_n than_o be_v meet_v stand_v in_o the_o same_o ground_n with_o the_o offer_v thereof_o and_o it_o be_v too_o much_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o imprudent_a acceptation_n of_o what_o be_v undue_o offer_v have_v beget_v a_o spirit_n of_o pride_n and_o exaltation_n in_o g._n f._n which_o the_o lord_n be_v determine_v for_o his_o namesake_n to_o bring_v into_o the_o dust_n and_o if_o he_o do_v but_o serious_o mind_n his_o state_n and_o condition_n and_o be_v but_o more_o ready_a to_o appear_v little_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n than_o to_o be_v account_v great_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o other_o and_o not_o give_v way_n to_o such_o a_o false_a imagination_n that_o true_a judgement_n be_v commit_v to_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o can_v now_o be_v testify_v be_v speak_v by_o he_o and_o that_o at_o that_o time_n wherein_o his_o judgement_n be_v know_v to_o be_v false_a and_o that_o he_o may_v take_v a_o liberty_n know_o to_o put_v stumble_v block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n people_n and_o yet_o be_v justify_v therein_o it_o therein_o note_v when_o william_n rogers_n discourse_v with_o he_o touch_v this_o particular_a passage_n in_o his_o book_n of_o woman_n meeting_n and_o be_v not_o micahs_n mother_n a_o virtuous_a woman_n read_v judge_n 17_o and_o then_o a_o few_o line_n after_o though_o she_o be_v a_o idolatrous_a woman_n say_v these_o and_o such_o
like_a woman_n be_v record_v for_o their_o wisdom_n and_o their_o virtue_n etc._n etc._n he_o answer_v william_n rogers_n thus_o i_o know_v what_o i_o do_v i_o see_v it_o will_v be_v a_o stumble_v block_n but_o there_o be_v something_o in_o it_o we_o can_v otherwise_o be_v persuade_v but_o that_o he_o will_v then_o see_v that_o he_o be_v fall_v from_o the_o truth_n &_o that_o the_o word_n report_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o j._n naylor_n when_o he_o say_v in_o relation_n to_o his_o own_o fall_v state_n i_o be_o but_o the_o figure_n of_o another_o be_v now_o fulfil_v in_o he_o oh_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v change_v his_o heart_n &_o bring_v he_o to_o a_o true_a sight_n of_o and_o sorrow_n for_o his_o sin_n as_o he_o do_v j._n n._n after_o his_o fall_n and_o then_o we_o hope_v as_o he_o have_v be_v a_o offence_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o god_n so_o the_o lord_n will_v lay_v a_o constraint_n upon_o he_o as_o he_o do_v upon_o james_n naylor_n to_o travel_v among_o friend_n who_o he_o have_v offend_v to_o clear_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o scandal_n and_o reproach_n which_o through_o he_o have_v be_v bring_v upon_o it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o abomination_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o at_o this_o day_n seasonable_o testify_v against_o by_o the_o child_n of_o light_n that_o g._n f._n shall_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o so_o much_o division_n strife_n and_o contention_n as_o have_v be_v make_v in_o the_o nation_n touch_v his_o paper_n under_o a_o pretence_n that_o he_o have_v be_v move_v of_o god_n to_o give_v they_o forth_o that_o friend_n may_v be_v supply_v with_o direction_n to_o keep_v all_o thing_n clean_a and_o sweet_a among_o friend_n meaning_n thereby_o among_o other_o thing_n and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o express_a word_n of_o his_o paper_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o backbiting_a tale-bearing_a judge_v one_o another_o and_o that_o evil_a report_n shall_v not_o be_v conceal_v but_o be_v follow_v until_o the_o author_n thereof_o be_v find_v etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o be_v the_o very_a person_n that_o be_v notorious_o guilty_a in_o all_o those_o thing_n himself_o which_o will_v have_v be_v prove_v against_o he_o have_v he_o submit_v to_o a_o hear_v as_o aforesaid_a but_o for_o as_o much_o as_o he_o have_v refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o such_o a_o hear_v though_o several_a letter_n from_o friend_n in_o truth_n have_v be_v write_v unto_o he_o to_o entreat_v he_o thereto_o and_o in_o particular_a have_v be_v treat_v withal_o by_o daniel_n smith_n of_o malborrough_n to_o who_o he_o give_v this_o answer_n he_o judge_v it_o will_v be_v a_o jangle_n as_o it_o be_v at_o bristol_n and_o so_o refuse_v as_o by_o a_o letter_n from_o the_o say_v daniel_n smith_n do_v appear_v therefore_o we_o do_v at_o present_a refer_v for_o proof_n of_o the_o matter_n whereof_o we_o assert_v in_o this_o paragraph_n that_o he_o be_v guilty_a to_o the_o last_o mention_v manuscript_n and_o in_o particular_a to_o the_o 21_o section_n thereof_o which_o be_v ready_a for_o the_o perusal_n of_o friend_n desire_v to_o view_v the_o same_o william_n rogers_n on_o behalf_n of_o himself_o and_o other_o friend_n in_o truth_n concern_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n distinguish_v from_o the_o apostate_n &_o innovator_n wherein_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n clear_v from_o objection_n be_v lay_v down_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n give_v forth_o by_o inspiration_n and_o according_a as_o they_o have_v be_v receive_v and_o own_a by_o the_o child_n of_o light_n or_o such_o among_o the_o people_n term_v in_o derision_n quaker_n who_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n divine_a understanding_n and_o keep_v their_o place_n and_o habitation_n in_o the_o unchangeable_a truth_n also_o a_o appendix_n detect_v charles_n marshal_n and_o sixty_o five_o more_o as_o unrighteous_a judge_n in_o a_o case_n pretend_v to_o relate_v to_o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n two_o ancient_a and_o honourable_a labourer_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n by_o william_n rogers_n on_o behalf_n of_o himself_o and_o other_o friend_n in_o truth_n concern_v 1_o cor._n 3.11_o for_o other_o foundation_n can_v no_o man_n lay_v than_o that_o which_o be_v already_o lay_v which_o be_v christ_n jesus_n 2_o tim._n 4.3_o for_o the_o time_n will_v come_v when_o they_o will_v not_o endure_v sound_a doctrine_n but_o after_o their_o own_o lust_n shall_v they_o heap_v to_o themselves_o teacher_n have_v itch_a ear_n london_n print_v in_o the_o year_n 1680._o the_o content_n the_o introduction_n wherein_o be_v manifest_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o way_n whereby_o the_o thing_n appertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n come_v to_o be_v reveal_v though_o the_o manifestation_n thereof_o may_v seem_v various_a page_n 1._o chap._n ii_o touch_v the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o and_o exhortation_n to_o obedience_n thereof_o page_n 5._o chap._n iii_o touch_v infallibility_n and_o perfection_n page_n 11._o chap._n iu._n touch_v wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n page_n 21._o chap._n v._n touch_v magistracy_n and_o obedience_n thereunto_o page_n 30._o chap._n vi_o touch_v respect_n of_o person_n plain_a language_n disuse_n of_o the_o word_n master_n unless_o by_o a_o servant_n to_o his_o master_n of_o custom_n and_o fashion_n of_o this_o world_n and_o of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n page_n 33._o chap._n vii_o touch_v swear_v page_n 37._o chap._n viii_o touch_v tithe_n page_n 40._o chap._n ix_o touch_v baptism_n page_n 45._o chap._n x._o touch_v the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o his_o disciple_n the_o night_n before_o he_o be_v betray_v page_n 51._o chap._n xi_o touch_v justification_n and_o salvation_n through_o faith_n in_o christ_n page_n 61._o a_o appendix_n contain_v a_o answer_n give_v forth_o by_o some_o friend_n of_o bristol_n to_o a_o paper_n date_v from_o eilis_n hook_n his_o chamber_n london_n the_o 12_o of_o the_o four_o month_n 1677._o against_o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n etc._n etc._n and_o subscribe_v by_o charles_n marshal_n of_o the_o county_n of_o wilts_n and_o sixty_o five_o more_o together_o with_o some_o few_o observation_n on_o part_n of_o a_o reply_n thereto_o by_o jasper_n bat_n of_o the_o county_n of_o somerset_n and_o three_o other_o page_n 72._o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n distinguish_v from_o the_o apostate_n and_o innovator_n etc._n etc._n chap_n i._o the_o introduction_n wherein_o be_v manifest_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o way_n whereby_o the_o thing_n appertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n come_v to_o be_v reveal_v though_o the_o manifestation_n thereof_o may_v seem_v various_a in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n distinguish_v from_o the_o apostate_n and_o innovator_n several_a subject_n be_v treat_v on_o relative_a to_o the_o matter_n intend_v viz._n to_o manifest_a a_o part_n of_o those_o thing_n touch_v which_o the_o faithful_a be_v at_o unity_n and_o by_o what_o way_n and_o mean_n that_o unity_n come_v to_o be_v break_v etc._n etc._n and_o now_o that_o every_o reader_n who_o be_v desirous_a to_o be_v inform_v in_o these_o divide_v time_n what_o those_o child_n of_o light_n unto_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v reveal_v of_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o kingdom_n own_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o other_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n whereon_o little_a or_o no_o occasion_n be_v take_v to_o treat_v in_o the_o first_o part_n it_o be_v at_o this_o time_n upon_o we_o to_o add_v a_o far_a testimony_n to_o the_o ancient_a truth_n according_a as_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o tender_a mercy_n have_v through_o the_o appearance_n of_o his_o son_n christ_n by_o his_o light_n or_o manifestation_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o testimony_n of_o his_o faithful_a servant_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n open_v wherein_o our_o intent_n be_v not_o to_o treat_v large_o on_o every_o subject_a because_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n be_v chief_o to_o manifest_v what_o a_o remnant_n stand_v for_o who_o be_v faithful_a unto_o their_o first_o principle_n can_v in_o a_o temporize_a spirit_n change_v their_o way_n the_o desire_n and_o breathe_n of_o our_o soul_n unto_o god_n be_v that_o every_o reader_n may_v be_v serious_a and_o unprejudiced_a in_o the_o perusal_n of_o this_o our_o testimony_n and_o then_o we_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o it_o will_v be_v reach_v unto_o the_o conscience_n of_o such_o as_o that_o which_o be_v not_o inconsi_v with_o the_o testimony_n give_v forth_o by_o inspiration_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n or_o appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n which_o be_v that_o by_o which_o the_o lord_n do_v see_v and_o be_v see_v in_o the_o conscience_n wherewith_o every_o man_n come_v into_o the_o world_n be_v light_v for_o that_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o spirit_n
have_v open_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o other_o way_n by_o which_o all_o thing_n relate_v unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n come_v to_o be_v reveal_v and_o this_o appear_v agrecable_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n john_n 14.26_o 2_o cor._n 4.2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o 2_o tim._n 3.15_o 16._o we_o be_v now_o sensible_a that_o some_o who_o may_v peruse_v the_o forego_n scripture_n may_v be_v ready_a thus_o to_o say_v you_o seem_v to_o propound_v two_o way_n by_o which_o the_o thing_n appertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n have_v be_v and_o be_v reveal_v viz._n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n or_o appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n as_o one_o way_n and_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n as_o another_o way_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v the_o way_n we_o propose_v be_v but_o one_o though_o the_o manifestation_n thereof_o may_v seem_v various_a to_o man_n viz._n sometime_o through_o instrument_n and_o sometime_o through_o himself_o for_o though_o paul_n write_v unto_o timothy_n unto_o who_o he_o be_v make_v a_o instrument_n and_o therefore_o call_v he_o his_o son_n tell_v he_o 16._o 2_o tim._n 3.15_o 16._o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v able_a to_o make_v he_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o that_o they_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n yet_o it_o be_v speak_v with_o respect_n to_o those_o scripture_n that_o be_v give_v forth_o by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o with_o this_o limitation_n viz._n through_o the_o say_v that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n whereon_o we_o observe_v that_o the_o scripture_n give_v forth_o by_o inspiration_n be_v but_o as_o a_o instrument_n make_v serviceable_a to_o the_o reader_n through_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o faith_n in_o christ_n come_v to_o be_v raise_v even_o as_o a_o man_n endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o instrument_n through_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o wholesome_a exhortation_n to_o open_v the_o inward_a eye_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o have_v be_v darken_v and_o to_o awaken_v the_o conscience_n which_o have_v be_v defile_v that_o so_o man_n may_v come_v to_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mind_n unto_o god_n through_o faith_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o conscience_n purify_v from_o dead_a work_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n and_o therefore_o we_o reasonable_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o way_n though_o various_a in_o operation_n and_o manifestation_n through_o which_o the_o thing_n appertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n come_v to_o be_v reveal_v which_o be_v by_o the_o powerful_a appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n and_o light_n convict_v the_o conscience_n convert_v and_o renew_v the_o mind_n unto_o god_n sometime_o through_o scripture_n give_v forth_o by_o inspiration_n sometime_o through_o man_n as_o a_o instrument_n and_o sometime_o by_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o light_n in_o man_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o such_o instrument_n but_o yet_o the_o end_n of_o all_o be_v that_o faith_n in_o christ_n may_v be_v raise_v wherein_o as_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v by_o the_o carnal_a eye_n the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v behold_v which_o be_v that_o treasure_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n speak_v that_o be_v hide_v in_o our_o earthen_a vessel_n that_o the_o excellency_n of_o that_o power_n may_v be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n these_o thing_n be_v due_o consider_v this_o testimony_n do_v natural_o arise_v that_o neither_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n nor_o any_o other_o writing_n whatsoever_o though_o give_v forth_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n itself_o can_v proper_o be_v term_v so_o profitable_a a_o rule_n unto_o we_o as_o the_o light_n and_o spirit_n from_o which_o they_o be_v give_v forth_o and_o therefore_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n ought_v chief_o to_o be_v unto_o the_o spiritual_a appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n and_o spirit_n in_o we_o as_o that_o unerring_a guide_n which_o never_o can_v be_v remove_v into_o a_o corner_n beside_o we_o find_v the_o scripture_n itself_o testify_v that_o no_o prophecy_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n 1.20_o 2_o pet._n 1.20_o that_o be_v it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v interpret_v but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n through_o who_o motion_n it_o be_v give_v forth_o for_o all_o other_o interpretation_n may_v true_o be_v term_v private_a from_o whence_o we_o observe_v that_o if_o the_o prophecy_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n shall_v be_v read_v unto_o we_o from_o morning_n to_o evening_n and_o from_o evening_n to_o morning_n again_o we_o may_v receive_v little_a benefit_n or_o profit_n thereby_o unless_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n come_v to_o be_v stay_v in_o the_o unchangeable_a light_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n whereby_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o they_o out_o of_o all_o private_a interpretation_n have_v be_v and_o be_v signify_v unto_o man._n chap._n ii_o touch_v the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o and_o exhortation_n to_o obedience_n thereof_o those_o faithful_a messenger_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o the_o lord_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n send_v forth_o for_o the_o gather_n of_o the_o nation_n unto_o the_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n that_o their_o soul_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n frequent_o sound_v in_o our_o ear_n on_o this_o wise_a turn_v in_o your_o mind_n unto_o the_o light_n within_o mean_v thereby_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o which_o show_v you_o that_o a_o tie_n be_v not_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o as_o through_o faith_n you_o come_v to_o be_v obedient_a unto_o the_o light_n within_o and_o that_o measure_n of_o grace_n give_v by_o god_n and_o receive_v by_o you_o so_o will_v you_o come_v to_o be_v make_v partalter_n of_o that_o great_a salvation_n this_o doctrine_n be_v acceptable_a to_o many_o who_o in_o the_o love_n of_o truth_n receive_v the_o joyful_a sound_n thereof_o but_o unto_o other_o mean_a and_o despise_a who_o notwithstanding_o that_o testimony_n account_v the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n a_o more_o sure_a rule_n and_o guide_n unto_o the_o father_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o at_o this_o time_n have_v be_v as_o a_o obligation_n to_o examine_v whether_o the_o aforesaid_a doctrine_n so_o acceptable_a to_o some_o and_o despise_v by_o other_o be_v consonant_n to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n which_o task_n be_v the_o more_o free_o undertake_v because_o the_o aforesaid_a doctrine_n have_v become_v so_o great_a a_o stumble_a block_n unto_o many_o as_o that_o they_o have_v think_v it_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n that_o the_o professor_n thereof_o have_v be_v out_o of_o the_o path_n of_o truth_n ready_o object_v on_o this_o wise_a objection_n do_v you_o not_o think_v that_o those_o jew_n who_o crucify_v christ_n act_v not_o from_o the_o light_n within_o since_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o very_o think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n therein_o have_v thus_o premise_v it_o be_v now_o needful_a to_o examine_v what_o may_v be_v speak_v from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n for_o the_o light_n within_o and_o to_o turn_v in_o the_o mind_n unto_o the_o same_o to_o obey_v it_o etc._n etc._n in_o order_n thereunto_o we_o find_v john_n the_o evangelist_n thus_o testify_v 1.4.9_o joh._n 1.4.9_o in_o he_o mean_v the_o word_n which_o be_v god_n be_v life_n and_o the_o life_n be_v the_o light_n of_o man_n that_o be_v the_o true_a light_n which_o light_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n i_o be_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n 8.12_o john_n 8.12_o he_o that_o follow_v i_o shall_v not_o walk_v in_o darkness_n but_o shall_v have_v the_o light_n of_o life_n 12.46_o joh._n 12.46_o i_o be_o come_v a_o light_n into_o the_o world_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o i_o shall_v not_o abide_v in_o darkness_n these_o scripture_n plain_o show_v that_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v in_o and_o follow_v christ_n who_o be_v that_o light_n that_o light_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n objection_n however_o some_o object_v may_v say_v what_o be_v this_o to_o a_o light_n within_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o john_n the_o evangelist_n mean_v nothing_o of_o a_o light_n within_o in_o your_o sense_n but_o of_o the_o personal_a appearance_n of_o christ_n without_o as_o that_o word_n which_o be_v make_v flesh_n and_o as_o evidence_n produce_v what_o the_o same_o evangelist_n say_v chap._n
and_o have_v so_o much_o memory_n as_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o other_o to_o use_v the_o word_n of_o that_o wise_a apostle_n paul_n when_o he_o say_v 3.19_o 1_o cor._n 3.19_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v foolishness_n with_o god_n as_o if_o thereby_o they_o have_v bring_v some_o excellent_a proof_n to_o justify_v all_o those_o rude_a action_n and_o impertinent_a expression_n which_o as_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o ignorance_n and_o folly_n in_o a_o boisterous_a unruly_a spirit_n they_o have_v bring_v up_o be_v such_o but_o sober_a gird_v up_o the_o loin_n of_o their_o mind_n they_o will_v undoubted_o come_v to_o see_v that_o such_o their_o word_n and_o action_n be_v but_o the_o fruit_n of_o that_o ignorance_n that_o lu_v to_o envy_n which_o be_v to_o be_v silence_v and_o doubtless_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v these_o who_o the_o apostle_n peter_n hint_v at_o 14._o 1_o pet._n 13_o 14._o when_o he_o say_v wherefore_o gird_v up_o the_o loin_n of_o your_o mind_n be_v sober_a as_o obedient_a child_n not_o fashion_v yourselves_o according_a to_o your_o former_a lust_n in_o your_o ignorance_n but_o if_o such_o have_v less_o folly_n and_o confidence_n and_o be_v but_o as_o ready_a to_o ask_v wisdom_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o apostle_n james_n as_o they_o be_v to_o condemn_v that_o gift_n of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n which_o god_n have_v give_v unto_o other_o 1.5_o jam._n 1.5_o they_o will_v not_o be_v ready_a to_o run_v at_o the_o beck_n nod_n or_o call_v of_o such_o as_o in_o a_o boast_a imperious_a spirit_n glory_n exalt_v they_o as_o judge_n over_o god_n faithful_a servant_n and_o that_o have_v bring_v forth_o christian-quaker_n forth_o see_v the_o 5_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n lie_v in_o a_o bitter_a envious_a spirit_n which_o thing_n be_v earthly_a sensual_a and_o devilish_a be_v the_o very_a mark_n of_o that_o wisdom_n that_o descend_v not_o from_o above_o as_o a_o far_a illustration_n of_o what_o be_v aim_v at_o in_o this_o discourse_n we_o now_o come_v to_o signify_v that_o some_o have_v a_o far_o great_a portion_n of_o wisdom_n knowledge_n and_o understanding_n than_o other_o and_o that_o it_o be_v give_v they_o of_o god_n as_o they_o be_v creature_n distinct_a from_o what_o they_o be_v when_o act_v by_o a_o good_a spirit_n or_o a_o bad_a and_o in_o this_o respect_n be_v man_n as_o a_o creature_n the_o most_o excellent_a creature_n that_o god_n have_v make_v but_o yet_o such_o be_v the_o ignorance_n of_o this_o age_n as_o to_o account_v this_o portion_n of_o wisdom_n knowledge_n or_o understanding_n as_o we_o be_v creature_n to_o be_v that_o wisdom_n which_o the_o apostle_n term_v earthly_a sensual_a and_o devilish_a or_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n or_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o wise_a 1.19_o 1_o cor._n 1.19_o which_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n have_v say_v he_o will_v destroy_v but_o herein_o such_o do_v manifest_v themselves_o not_o know_v whereof_o they_o affirm_v for_o that_o wisdom_n knowledge_n or_o understanding_n which_o we_o have_v as_o creature_n be_v the_o proper_a gift_n of_o god_n and_o a_o part_n of_o his_o own_o creation_n and_o be_v honourable_a in_o its_o place_n and_o it_o be_v against_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o divine_a be_v to_o destroy_v this_o wisdom_n because_o it_o be_v his_o own_o gift_n even_o as_o it_o be_v against_o his_o nature_n to_o destroy_v the_o life_n of_o man_n which_o be_v his_o creation_n 7.5_o luke_n 7.5_o for_o the_o evangelist_n say_v the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v not_o to_o destroy_v man_n life_n obj._n what_o then_o do_v the_o apostle_n hint_n at_o when_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o world_n the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o word_n to_o this_o it_o may_v be_v say_v 22.3_o act._n 22.3_o that_o as_o paul_n be_v bring_v up_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o gamaliel_n and_o teach_v according_a to_o the_o perfect_a manner_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o father_n so_o doubtless_o many_o there_o be_v who_o through_o education_n attain_v unto_o that_o which_o paul_n in_o his_o convert_a state_n term_n to_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n etc._n etc._n from_o whence_o it_o may_v be_v conclude_v that_o he_o hint_v at_o those_o thing_n which_o in_o that_o day_n be_v give_v forth_o by_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o other_o disputer_n against_o that_o divine_a appearance_n whereby_o paul_n be_v make_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o everlasting_a gospel_n which_o thing_n so_o give_v forth_o we_o do_v not_o take_v to_o be_v the_o natural_a effect_n of_o that_o wisdom_n knowledge_n or_o understanding_n give_v unto_o they_o as_o creature_n but_o rather_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o degeneration_n as_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o education_n and_o acquire_v part_n wherewith_o be_v not_o subject_a unto_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n they_o then_o become_v opposer_n of_o the_o truth_n beside_o as_o the_o word_n flesh_n in_o scripture_n be_v sometime_o use_v not_o with_o relation_n to_o a_o carnal_a body_n but_o in_o a_o metaphorical_a and_o mystical_a sense_n by_o way_n of_o opposition_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n so_o be_v these_o word_n fleshly_a wisdom_n use_v not_o with_o respect_n to_o man_n as_o a_o creature_n but_o by_o way_n of_o opposition_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o be_v from_o above_o and_o therefore_o be_v another_o thing_n than_o that_o which_o man_n be_v endue_v withal_o as_o he_o be_v a_o part_n of_o god_n creation_n to_o conclude_v solomon_n in_o his_o day_n magnify_v wisdom_n at_o a_o high_a rate_n as_o the_o scripture_n testify_v too_o large_a here_o to_o be_v insert_v who_o in_o his_o day_n do_v undoubted_o account_v it_o the_o sign_n of_o a_o just_a man_n 10.30_o pro._n 10.30_o and_o therefore_o say_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o just_a bring_v forth_o wisdom_n the_o apostle_n in_o his_o day_n do_v magnify_v wisdom_n exhort_v the_o saint_n to_o walk_v in_o wisdom_n 4.5_o col._n 4.5_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n testify_v 11.19_o mat._n 11.19_o wisdom_n be_v justify_v of_o her_o child_n these_o thing_n consider_v our_o desire_n be_v that_o those_o who_o have_v true_a wisdom_n may_v prize_v it_o that_o those_o who_o lack_v it_o may_v embrace_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o apostle_n james_n 1.5_o jam._n 1.5_o and_o ask_v it_o of_o god_n who_o give_v liberal_o and_o that_o those_o fool_n who_o despise_v wisdom_n may_v come_v to_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o what_o solomon_n speak_v when_o he_o thus_o say_v how_o long_o you_o simple_a one_o will_v you_o love_v simplicity_n and_o fool_n hate_v knowledge_n turn_v you_o at_o my_o reproof_n sure_o we_o be_v the_o apostle_n write_n encourage_v none_o to_o cry_v down_o wisdom_n at_o the_o rate_n it_o be_v of_o late_a without_o distinction_n exclaim_v against_o by_o some_o but_o rather_o the_o contrary_n for_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n paul_n write_v to_o the_o colossian_n thus_o to_o say_v 28._o col._n 1.9_o 28._o we_o do_v not_o cease_v to_o pray_v for_o you_o and_o to_o desire_v that_o you_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n and_o again_o thus_o who_o we_o preach_v warn_v every_o man_n and_o teach_v every_o man_n in_o all_o wisdom_n that_o we_o may_v present_v every_o man_n perfect_a in_o christ_n jesus_n but_o this_o ignorance_n we_o doubt_v have_v happen_v unto_o many_o not_o only_o from_o a_o principle_n of_o have_v their_o eye_n out_o unto_o man_n 3.15_o 2_o tim._n 3.15_o but_o also_o from_o a_o neglect_n to_o read_v the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n give_v forth_o by_o inspiration_n which_o the_o apostle_n say_v be_v able_a to_o make_v thou_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n through_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n as_o to_o the_o word_n knowledge_n this_o may_v be_v add_v that_o in_o the_o want_n thereof_o in_o day_n past_a those_o who_o be_v escape_v of_o the_o nation_n set_v up_o their_o graven-image_n according_a as_o isaiah_n the_o prophet_n testify_v they_o have_v no_o knowledge_n 45.20_o isa_n 45.20_o that_o set_v up_o the_o wood_n of_o their_o graven_n image_n and_o pray_v unto_o a_o god_n that_o can_v save_v oh_o that_o at_o this_o day_n there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o take_v up_o a_o lamentation_n that_o the_o want_n of_o knowledge_n be_v the_o cause_n that_o many_o have_v appear_v ready_a to_o exalt_v man_n to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o man_n and_o in_o neglect_n of_o that_o heavenly_a gift_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o mankind_n to_o bow_v in_o their_o heart_n unto_o man_n as_o have_v a_o dependency_n on_o the_o dictate_v prescription_n order_n and_o outward_a rule_n of_o man_n this_o under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n we_o take_v to_o be_v as_o great_a a_o fall_n
account_v crucifyer_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n afresh_o and_o putter_n of_o he_o to_o open_a shame_n read_v heb._n 6.5_o 6._o and_o though_o we_o have_v repeat_v the_o 23_o 24_o 25._o verse_n yet_o they_o be_v chief_o a_o repetition_n of_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n already_o speak_v to_o in_o this_o chapter_n we_o shall_v say_v the_o less_o thereto_o and_o at_o present_a take_v notice_n only_o of_o these_o word_n therein_o contain_v viz._n this_o do_v in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o have_v these_o word_n be_v omit_v by_o luke_n as_o they_o be_v by_o matthew_n and_o mark_n on_o the_o same_o occasion_n there_o will_v be_v no_o pretence_n from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n to_o call_v christ_n break_v of_o bread_n at_o his_o last_o supper_n a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n to_o continue_v foreve_a moreover_o it_o be_v worthy_a our_o observation_n that_o john_n the_o evangelist_n whole_o omit_v that_o narration_n give_v by_o matthew_n mark_n and_o luke_n 13._o john_n 13._o from_o whence_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o supper_n so_o call_v be_v contend_v for_o more_o than_o to_o say_v he_o riseth_z from_o supper_n and_o yet_o do_v express_o unto_o his_o disciple_n after_o supper_n be_v end_v thus_o say_v 15._o 4.13_o 14_o 15._o you_o call_v i_o master_n and_o lord_n and_o you_o do_v well_o for_o so_o i_o be_o if_o i_o then_o your_o lord_n and_o master_n have_v wash_v your_o foot_n you_o ought_v also_o to_o wash_v one_o another_o foot_n for_o i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o example_n that_o you_o shall_v do_v as_o i_o have_v do_v to_o you_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n aught_o to_o be_v weigh_v 5._o john_n 5._o and_o ponder_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o those_o who_o so_o do_v will_v clear_o discern_v that_o christ_n by_o that_o outward_a action_n of_o wash_v the_o disciple_n foot_n do_v not_o only_o show_v unto_o his_o disciple_n a_o pattern_n of_o humility_n and_o a_o example_n of_o readiness_n to_o serve_v one_o another_o in_o love_n but_o also_o to_o figure_v forth_o unto_o they_o the_o necessity_n of_o be_v wash_v cleanse_v and_o purify_v in_o the_o inward_a man_n and_o that_o otherwise_o there_o be_v no_o have_v a_o part_n in_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v clear_o signify_v in_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n unto_o peter_n then_o come_v he_o to_o simon_n peter_n 7._o john_n 13.6_o 7._o and_o peter_n say_v unto_o he_o lord_n do_v thou_o wash_v my_o foot_n jesus_n answer_v and_o say_v what_o i_o do_v thou_o know_v not_o now_o but_o thou_o shall_v know_v hereafter_o which_o clear_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a signification_n hint_v at_o by_o christ_n outward_a wash_v for_o that_o peter_n do_v know_v his_o outward_a wash_v and_o therefore_o say_v 8._o verse_n 8._o thou_o shall_v never_o wash_v my_o foot_n whereupon_o jesus_n answer_v he_o thus_o if_o i_o wash_v thou_o not_o thou_o have_v no_o part_n in_o i_o all_o which_o be_v due_o weigh_v it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v as_o much_o ground_n at_o this_o day_n from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n to_o practice_v the_o wash_v of_o one_o another_o foot_n and_o call_v such_o a_o practice_n a_o sacrament_n to_o figure_v forth_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n in_o which_o the_o sin_n of_o those_o who_o be_v quicken_v unto_o god_n be_v wash_v away_o as_o the_o eat_v of_o bread_n and_o drink_v of_o wine_n in_o imitation_n of_o what_o be_v practise_v or_o command_v by_o christ_n the_o night_n before_o he_o be_v betray_v may_v and_o now_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o ourselves_o and_o all_o the_o child_n of_o light_n among_o those_o call_v quaker_n may_v it_o at_o this_o day_n be_v say_v that_o though_o we_o be_v not_o find_v in_o that_o outward_a practice_n of_o wash_v one_o another_o foot_n as_o a_o religious_a exercise_n after_o that_o outward_a example_n which_o be_v give_v by_o christ_n unto_o his_o disciple_n the_o night_n before_o he_o be_v betray_v and_o enjoin_v as_o their_o duty_n nor_o yet_o be_v find_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o appoint_v certain_a time_n and_o season_n on_o purpose_n to_o eat_v bread_n and_o drink_v wine_n as_o that_o which_o we_o ought_v religious_o to_o do_v in_o a_o more_o solemn_a manner_n than_o at_o other_o time_n yet_o we_o can_v bold_o say_v christ_n our_o lord_n and_o master_n speak_v no_o more_o condemnation_n unto_o we_o as_o person_n in_o that_o respect_n neglect_v any_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v institute_v for_o we_o to_o practice_v than_o he_o do_v to_o many_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n at_o this_o day_n who_o visit_v the_o sick_a neglect_v to_o anoint_v with_o oil_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o other_o who_o be_v of_o the_o gentile-stock_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n do_v not_o abstain_v from_o eat_v blood_n and_o yet_o in_o neither_o of_o these_o respect_n condemn_v though_o express_o exhort_v to_o by_o the_o apostle_n read_v act_n 15.20_o james_n 5.14_o moreover_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o though_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n so_o call_v be_v by_o some_o repute_v to_o be_v institute_v by_o christ_n 12.13_o exod._n 12.13_o in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o passover_n and_o to_o continue_v as_o a_o ordinance_n forever_o 14._o heb._n 9.10_o 14._o even_o as_o water-baptism_n be_v take_v to_o be_v institute_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n yet_o both_o be_v groundless_a for_o though_o the_o scripture_n testify_v that_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o passover_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v by_o a_o ordinance_n forever_o yet_o when_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n come_v it_o end_v even_o as_o all_o those_o outward_a service_n and_o ordinance_n which_o stand_v only_o in_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o divers_a wash_n and_o carnal_a ordinance_n impose_v until_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n do_v now_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n be_v the_o time_n wherein_o christ_n through_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n offer_v himself_o without_o spot_n unto_o god_n we_o query_n whether_o after_o this_o time_n of_o reformation_n it_o can_v be_v consist_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n for_o any_o one_o to_o impose_v upon_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o for_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n though_o not_o impose_v upon_o to_o practice_v such_o ordinance_n as_o consist_v in_o outward_a meat_n drink_n and_o wash_n as_o the_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n and_o sacrament_n of_o the_o supper_n so_o call_v do_v as_o needful_a in_o order_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n since_o not_o only_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n testify_v that_o the_o like_a ordinance_n under_o the_o first_o covenant_n have_v a_o end_n when_o the_o law_n be_v change_v but_o that_o paul_n likewise_o exhort_v against_o the_o use_n of_o ordinance_n after_o the_o commandment_n and_o doctrine_n of_o man_n as_o be_v large_o declare_v to_o the_o colossian_n chapt._n 2.8_o 14_o 16._o to_o the_o end_n and_o whether_o the_o introduce_v thereof_o at_o this_o day_n be_v not_o a_o building_n again_o the_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n reject_v to_o conclude_v this_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n that_o be_v with_o we_o to_o give_v on_o this_o occasion_n that_o we_o be_v not_o at_o this_o day_n convince_v in_o our_o conscience_n that_o there_o be_v any_o better_a ground_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o water-baptism_n and_o break_v of_o outward_a bread_n as_o ordinance_n under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o our_o day_n than_o the_o commandment_n and_o doctrine_n of_o man_n but_o yet_o be_v witness_n that_o christ_n be_v come_v in_o spirit_n unto_o the_o child_n of_o light_n and_o that_o at_o the_o hear_n of_o his_o voice_n they_o have_v open_v the_o door_n of_o their_o heart_n 3.1_o col._n 3.1_o whereby_o they_o have_v supp_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o they_o according_a to_o this_o testimony_n revel_v 3.20_o if_o any_o man_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o open_v the_o door_n i_o will_v come_v in_o to_o he_o and_o will_v sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o and_o so_o these_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n seek_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o 14.17_o rom._n 14.17_o know_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n consist_v not_o in_o meat_n and_o in_o drink_n but_o in_o righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o therefore_o have_v receive_v a_o earnest_a of_o that_o life_n which_o be_v eternal_a through_o faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v offer_v up_o a_o sacrifice_n unto_o god_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n do_v inward_o feel_v the_o benefit_n of_o that_o offer_n and_o so_o be_v sensible_a chapter_n heb._n 9_o 10._o chapter_n that_o the_o flesh_n profit_v nothing_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o that_o quicken_a spirit_n which_o be_v signify_v by_o christ_n
he_o never_o advise_v to_o the_o erect_v the_o same_o the_o sixty_o six_o subscriber_n in_o their_o paper_n be_v find_v accuse_v john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n to_o this_o effect_n viz._n that_o they_o have_v evil_a design_n and_o persevere_v in_o they_o by_o word_n write_v and_o practice_n that_o they_o despise_v heavenly_a dignity_n that_o they_o set_v up_o continue_v and_o promote_v false_a and_o pernicious_a jealousy_n murmur_n and_o secret_a smiting_n and_o that_o thereby_o they_o be_v darken_v in_o their_o vnderfranding_n that_o through_o the_o power_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o king_n of_o righteousness_n his_o peace_n they_o set_v up_o a_o kind_n of_o standard_n of_o separation_n from_o that_o bless_a fellowship_n and_o communion_n that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n sweet_o possess_v together_o to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n his_o truth_n and_o people_n that_o they_o go_v on_o in_o opposition_n &_o evil_a smite_v against_o the_o faithful_a brethren_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o offering_n of_o their_o gift_n be_v not_o a_o peace_n but_o a_o division-offering_a that_o they_o be_v obstinate_a and_o obdurate_a and_o go_v into_o self-will_n that_o they_o cast_v tender_a love_n behind_o their_o back_n among_o the_o say_v sixty_o six_o subscriber_n we_o read_v the_o name_n of_o four_o person_n inhabit_v the_o city_n of_o bristol_n by_o which_o they_o become_v accuser_n since_o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n be_v not_o before_o they_o at_o any_o time_n as_o judge_n in_o their_o cause_n and_o so_o have_v be_v person_n who_o at_o some_o time_n have_v assemble_v with_o we_o in_o the_o aforesaid_a meeting_n hold_v for_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a etc._n etc._n within_o the_o say_a city_n of_o bristol_n where_o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n have_v often_o publish_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n for_o above_o twenty_o year_n to_o our_o knowledge_n they_o have_v be_v desire_v to_o appoint_v a_o meeting_n to_o make_v forth_o their_o accusation_n to_o john_n story_n be_v face_n that_o so_o if_o the_o accuse_v be_v guilty_a it_o may_v be_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v manifest_a to_o we_o who_o in_o that_o case_n shall_v then_o account_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o disow_v the_o accuse_v also_o but_o if_o they_o can_v prove_v matter_n of_o fact_n to_o render_v they_o so_o guilty_a we_o may_v then_o just_o expect_v the_o say_v person_n to_o own_o the_o wrong_n they_o have_v do_v they_o by_o their_o false_a accusation_n and_o give_v satisfaction_n for_o the_o same_o but_o they_o will_v not_o as_o yet_o admit_v a_o meeting_n for_o that_o end_n before_o such_o friend_n of_o truth_n whereof_o one_o half_a may_v be_v choose_v by_o we_o and_o other_o dissatisfy_v though_o they_o have_v liberty_n to_o choose_v the_o other_o half_a themselves_o neither_o will_v they_o as_o yet_o admit_v a_o hear_v before_o any_o meeting_n wherein_o the_o witness_n to_o these_o accusation_n shall_v be_v exclude_v from_o be_v judge_n with_o other_o friend_n and_o so_o what_o issue_n this_o matter_n may_v admit_v among_o we_o be_v at_o present_a uncertain_a and_o whether_o this_o be_v christian-like_a we_o appeal_v to_o god_n witness_v in_o all_o conscience_n we_o observe_v that_o in_o the_o say_a paper_n the_o subscriber_n exhort_v friend_n to_o be_v zealous_a for_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o stand_v up_o in_o his_o spirit_n and_o power_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o his_o church_n which_o exhortation_n in_o itself_o be_v sound_a and_o wholesome_a but_o we_o be_v very_o jealous_a that_o the_o say_a paper_n have_v notwithstanding_o give_v life_n to_o a_o contentious_a spirit_n for_o on_o the_o fifteen_o instant_a be_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n john_n story_n come_v to_o our_o meeting_n and_o almost_o immediate_o after_o he_o have_v sit_v down_o there_o be_v one_o stand_v up_o who_o as_o we_o can_v prove_v declare_v unity_n with_o the_o say_a paper_n give_v forth_o against_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n and_o testify_v to_o this_o effect_n the_o trumpet_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v sound_v to_o battle_n and_o the_o war_n be_v begin_v and_o so_o exhort_v on_o this_o wise_a come_v up_o to_o battle_n and_o help_v the_o lord_n against_o the_o mighty_a use_v also_o these_o scripture_n word_n curse_v you_o meroz_n and_o in_o the_o afternoon_n of_o the_o same_o day_n in_o our_o public_a assembly_n francis_n lea_n whilst_o john_n story_n be_v declare_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n stand_v up_o and_o thus_o begin_v if_o any_o thing_n he_o reveal_v to_o another_o that_o sit_v by_o let_v the_o first_o hold_v his_o peace_n which_o be_v a_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o his_o hypocrisy_n for_o that_o it_o be_v public_o know_v he_o judges_z john_n story_n out_o of_o unity_n with_o the_o church_n and_o so_o it_o be_v altogether_o wrong_a in_o fr._n lea_n to_o introduce_v his_o discourse_n by_o a_o scripture_n which_o if_o proper_a to_o be_v speak_v in_o order_n to_o the_o silence_v of_o one_o declare_v yet_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v with_o respect_n to_o one_o in_o unity_n with_o the_o church_n but_o as_o we_o say_v he_o own_v not_o john_n story_n so_o to_o be_v and_o so_o it_o may_v reasonable_o be_v conclude_v that_o his_o hypocrisy_n be_v not_o only_o thereby_o make_v manifest_a but_o also_o his_o discourse_n be_v consider_v that_o he_o have_v no_o revelation_n to_o declare_v from_o god_n on_o that_o occasion_n to_o the_o people_n but_o yet_o john_n story_n observe_v how_o he_o introduce_v his_o discourse_n not_o as_o a_o open_a opposer_n of_o his_o word_n do_v for_o the_o people_n sake_n and_o that_o he_o may_v administer_v no_o occasion_n of_o discord_n give_v way_n and_o in_o a_o few_o word_n after_o draw_v to_o a_o conclusion_n but_o francis_n lea_n discourse_n be_v such_o both_o morning_n and_o afternoon_n as_o give_v occasion_n both_o to_o professor_n and_o profane_a public_o to_o manifest_a that_o we_o be_v now_o divide_v now_o whether_o this_o be_v a_o stand_n up_o in_o the_o power_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o a_o peace-offering_a let_v those_o who_o be_v wise_a in_o heart_n judge_n but_o that_o which_o further_o manifest_v francis_n lea_n rudeness_n be_v this_o after_o francis_n lea_n in_o the_o morning-meeting_a have_v end_v his_o declaration_n wherein_o he_o lay_v down_o seem_a contradictory_n assertion_n viz._n that_o two_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o prince_n and_o renown_a man_n in_o israel_n be_v revel_n and_o wicked_a man_n and_o yet_o also_o say_v to_o this_o effect_n as_o if_o they_o be_v blameless_a and_o harmless_a william_n rogers_n stand_v up_o and_o take_v up_o his_o word_n and_o speak_v thereon_o in_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o sound_v doctrine_n that_o so_o the_o people_n may_v not_o go_v away_o with_o a_o misunderstand_a and_o not_o as_o a_o opposer_n of_o any_o truth_n that_o day_n deliver_v nor_o yet_o as_o a_o opposer_n of_o francis_n lea_n further_a than_o francis_n lea_n own_o word_n oppose_v himself_o and_o yet_o after_o william_n rogers_n have_v end_v francis_n lea_n in_o a_o rude_a manner_n pour_v out_o judgement_n against_o william_n rogers_n call_v he_o rebel_n and_o use_v that_o very_a language_n as_o be_v use_v to_o elimas_n the_o sorcerer_n and_o this_o be_v become_v a_o common_a talk_n among_o professor_n and_o profane_a in_o country_n as_o well_o as_o city_n which_o we_o and_o many_o friend_n more_o do_v account_v the_o fruit_n of_o great_a malice_n and_o un-christian-like_a deal_v for_o we_o know_v not_o any_o thing_n wherein_o william_n rogers_n have_v forfeit_v his_o reputation_n as_o a_o man_n or_o a_o christian_n these_o thing_n consider_v and_o that_o also_o it_o be_v not_o make_v appear_v to_o our_o conscience_n that_o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n be_v guilty_a of_o such_o crime_n and_o offence_n as_o be_v lay_v to_o their_o charge_n which_o if_o they_o be_v we_o also_o shall_v disow_v they_o we_o dare_v not_o as_o we_o say_v before_o own_o the_o say_a judgement_n to_o be_v righteous_a nor_o yet_o deny_v the_o say_a john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n lest_o we_o sin_n against_o god_n and_o despise_v those_o unto_o who_o a_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v commit_v and_o now_o our_o counsel_n to_o the_o sixty_o six_o subscriber_n be_v that_o they_o mind_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o call_v in_o their_o paper_n for_o we_o be_v well_o satisfy_v that_o their_o paper_n be_v not_o give_v forth_o from_o the_o motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o if_o any_o of_o the_o sixty_o six_o subscriber_n as_o man_n lean_v upon_o other_o have_v assert_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o speak_v by_o they_o and_o that_o to_o defame_v the_o
in_o isa_n 9.6_o it_o be_v thus_o say_v and_o the_o government_n shall_v be_v upon_o his_o shoulder_n and_o his_o name_n shall_v be_v call_v wonderful_a councillor_n etc._n etc._n second_o because_o it_o be_v whole_o repugnant_a to_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o conscience_n that_o the_o weight_n of_o a_o government_n that_o be_v spiritual_a and_o everlasting_a the_o law_n whereof_o be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o wherein_o nothing_o but_o true_a judgement_n and_o justice_n have_v be_v be_v and_o shall_v be_v execute_v for_o evermore_o shall_v rest_v upon_o any_o man_n or_o man_n as_o a_o governor_n or_o governor_n over_o other_o since_o there_o be_v no_o man_n nor_o man_n but_o be_v subject_n through_o temptation_n to_o err_v if_o they_o watch_v not_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v well_o say_v much_o less_o on_o any_o such_o one_o man_n though_o term_v by_o some_o the_o great_a apostle_n of_o christ_n who_o action_n towards_o his_o brethren_n have_v be_v find_v injurious_a to_o they_o undeserved_o and_o reproachful_a to_o the_o truth_n nor_o yet_o upon_o any_o such_o assembly_n as_o the_o usual_a general_n meet_v so_o term_v though_o improper_o of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n be_v because_o the_o metre_n have_v usual_o consist_v of_o uncertain_a number_n of_o uncertain_a qualify_v person_n that_o take_v upon_o they_o so_o to_o assemble_v while_o other_o behold_v the_o ill_a consequence_n of_o their_o meeting_n conscientious_o forbear_v to_o join_v with_o they_o three_o because_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n have_v their_o eye_n so_o much_o on_o his_o outward_a and_o bodily_a appearance_n as_o that_o christ_n their_o lord_n and_o master_n see_v it_o meet_v to_o tell_v they_o in_o these_o word_n joh._n 16.7_o it_o be_v expedient_a for_o you_o that_o i_o go_v away_o and_o when_o he_o so_o say_v he_o do_v not_o then_o tell_v they_o nor_o yet_o at_o any_o time_n before_o or_o after_o i_o will_v commissionate_v some_o man_n or_o assembly_n of_o man_n in_o my_o stead_n that_o so_o you_o may_v have_v your_o eye_n unto_o and_o expect_v write_a order_n from_o him_z or_o they_o to_o walk_v by_o and_o to_o lead_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n but_o john_n give_v they_o a_o reason_n for_o his_o so_o say_v in_o these_o word_n joh._n 16.7_o for_o if_o i_o go_v not_o away_o the_o comforter_n will_v not_o come_v but_o if_o i_o depart_v i_o will_v send_v he_o unto_o you_o mean_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o as_o he_o promise_v shall_v abide_v with_o they_o for_o ever_o and_o shall_v be_v in_o they_o which_o undoubted_o be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o exaltation_n of_o his_o government_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o that_o they_o may_v have_v their_o whole_a dependency_n on_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o as_o before_o be_v signify_v christ_n promise_v shall_v abide_v with_o they_o forever_o and_o so_o this_o may_v true_o be_v term_v that_o everlasting_a unerring_a unchangeable_a governor_n unto_o which_o the_o subject_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n owe_v obedience_n and_o why_o so_o but_o because_o under_o it_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v guide_v into_o all_o truth_n according_a as_o be_v plain_o signify_v from_o these_o follow_a word_n speak_v by_o christ_n himself_o joh._n 16.13_o i_o have_v yet_o many_o thing_n to_o say_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o can_v bear_v they_o now_o howbeit_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n for_o he_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o but_o whatsoever_o he_o shall_v hear_v that_o shall_v he_o speak_v here_o be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o contend_v about_o form_n of_o government_n or_o who_o shall_v be_v governor_n under_o christ_n government_n for_o if_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o we_o and_o that_o be_v to_o remain_v with_o we_o forever_o shall_v guide_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n than_o our_o dependency_n ought_v to_o be_v thereon_o that_o so_o thereby_o we_o may_v be_v lead_v into_o all_o truth_n or_o else_o we_o can_v manifest_v ourselves_o to_o be_v obedient_a subject_n unto_o christ_n under_o his_o government_n that_o he_o be_v exalt_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o men._n the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n lead_v we_o to_o give_v this_o testimony_n that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n either_o from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o we_o or_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o we_o to_o believe_v that_o any_o christian_a professor_n can_v in_o truth_n affirm_v that_o there_o be_v outward_a prescription_n and_o order_n give_v forth_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n through_o any_o one_o or_o more_o mortal_a man_n in_o this_o our_o day_n which_o other_o ought_v to_o obey_v and_o follow_v of_o which_o more_o anon_o in_o answer_n to_o r._n b_n book_n of_o government_n whether_o they_o see_v it_o their_o duty_n or_o no_o and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o may_v therefore_o come_v under_o the_o curse_n and_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n from_o god_n which_o happen_v to_o corah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n for_o their_o rebellion_n against_o moses_n and_o though_o the_o sin_n of_o corah_n etc._n etc._n have_v frequent_o in_o our_o public_a meeting_n for_o worship_n be_v speak_v of_o and_o intend_v as_o we_o have_v take_v it_o to_o be_v as_o a_o proper_a citation_n to_o describe_v the_o state_n of_o such_o as_o on_o a_o conscientious_a score_n can_v submit_v unto_o the_o outward_a order_n of_o one_o man_n yet_o we_o testify_v that_o such_o sort_n of_o insinuate_a and_o threaten_a language_n seem_v much_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o first_o covenant_n than_o the_o second_o under_o which_o we_o be_v and_o when_o countenance_v or_o speak_v by_o any_o expect_v such_o a_o submission_n it_o than_o seem_v to_o savour_v of_o a_o spirit_n that_o speak_v of_o himself_o and_o not_o what_o he_o have_v hear_v from_o the_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o consequent_o from_o another_o spirit_n than_o that_o which_o christ_n promise_v he_o will_v send_v for_o christ_n own_o word_n signify_v he_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o moreover_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o corah_n and_o his_o company_n rebel_v against_o moses_n who_o be_v king_n in_o jesuran_n and_o a_o leader_n of_o israel_n and_o through_o who_o the_o lord_n give_v forth_o his_o law_n to_o the_o people_n but_o we_o know_v that_o none_o can_v according_a to_o truth_n at_o this_o day_n pretend_v that_o any_o other_o governor_n be_v raise_v up_o among_o the_o child_n of_o light_n to_o be_v like_a unto_o moses_n who_o we_o ought_v to_o hear_v in_o all_o thing_n save_v christ_n jesus_n who_o by_o his_o spirit_n manifest_v in_o every_o subject_a of_o his_o kingdom_n be_v thereby_o become_v their_o lawgiver_n and_o while_o they_o be_v obedient_a thereunto_o they_o may_v in_o truth_n be_v reckon_v to_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n because_o they_o may_v then_o true_o be_v term_v such_o as_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o such_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n there_o be_v no_o condemnation_n objection_n this_o discourse_n touch_v government_n may_v occasion_v some_o to_o raise_v this_o objection_n we_o understand_v that_o many_o call_v quaker_n do_v hold_v monthly_a and_o quarterly-meeting_n of_o man_n and_o also_o of_o woman_n distinct_a from_o man_n about_o their_o church_n affair_n and_o that_o these_o meeting_n be_v repute_v to_o be_v establish_v on_o certain_a day_n that_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v alter_v by_o one_o man_n among_o they_o that_o have_v pretend_v he_o be_v move_v of_o god_n so_o to_o do_v and_o that_o the_o same_o person_n have_v by_o his_o paper_n spread_v abroad_o in_o divers_a part_n of_o the_o nation_n signify_v that_o none_o but_o loose_a spirit_n and_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o looseness_n pretend_v to_o set_v up_o a_o better_a way_n or_o to_o alter_v they_o to_o another_o day_n for_o fear_v of_o corruption_n in_o observe_v a_o day_n and_o that_o it_o be_v but_o from_o a_o corrupt_a spirit_n of_o darkness_n which_o god_n will_v blast_v and_o that_o some_o call_v these_o meeting_n the_o government_n of_o christ_n set_v up_o among_o they_o and_o establish_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o church_n affair_n and_o that_o true_a judgement_n and_o justice_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o christ_n government_n may_v be_v execute_v to_o this_o we_o answer_v we_o confess_v there_o have_v be_v and_o yet_o may_v be_v such_o meeting_n but_o if_o any_o think_v they_o have_v be_v or_o be_v establish_v by_o any_o one_o man_n or_o that_o therein_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n be_v set_v up_o any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o any_o
fellowship_n with_o the_o child_n of_o light_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o that_o form_n that_o the_o power_n of_o god_n may_v lead_v into_o for_o i_o be_o a_o witness_n for_o many_o year_n past_a even_o to_o this_o day_n that_o such_o meeting_n have_v be_v serviceable_a to_o answer_v those_o righteous_a ends._n but_o if_o the_o member_n of_o any_o such_o meeting_n shall_v by_o their_o practice_n therein_o not_o only_o assume_v as_o some_o there_o be_v who_o to_o my_o knowledge_n have_v too_o manifest_o so_o do_v but_o continue_v to_o assume_v another_o place_n in_o the_o body_n than_o that_o wherein_o god_n have_v place_v they_o or_o shall_v endeavour_v so_o to_o establish_v outward_a indispensible_a rule_n and_o order_n therein_o relate_v to_o conscience_n as_o that_o such_o of_o the_o brethren_n who_o submit_v not_o thereunto_o shall_v be_v account_v not_o of_o the_o body_n though_o they_o see_v it_o not_o their_o duty_n it_o may_v be_v just_o with_o the_o lord_n as_o a_o token_n of_o his_o indignation_n and_o displeasure_n to_o withdraw_v his_o refresh_a presence_n from_o such_o assembly_n and_o then_o their_o meeting_n may_v become_v as_o useless_a as_o a_o body_n without_o a_o spirit_n be_v but_o yet_o robert_n barclay_n undertake_v to_o describe_v the_o order_n of_o the_o government_n and_o how_o far_o it_o extend_v and_o also_o testify_v the_o ancient_a apostolic_a order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v re-establisht_a among_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n notwithstanding_o which_o his_o say_n i_o affirm_v they_o be_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o many_o thing_n with_o respect_n to_o church-discipline_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n treat_v of_o those_o thing_n give_v forth_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v silent_a and_o be_v not_o find_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o some_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v either_o practise_v exhort_v to_o or_o command_v by_o the_o apostle_n second_o i_o affirm_v that_o as_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n so_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n have_v not_o power_n in_o case_n of_o difference_n arise_v among_o themselves_o touch_v outward_a thing_n to_o assume_v jurisdiction_n over_o the_o property_n and_o worldly_a concern_v each_o of_o other_o when_o not_o choose_v for_o that_o service_n by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o member_n differ_v and_o yet_o i_o do_v say_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o fellow-member_n that_o be_v at_o variance_n to_o refer_v by_o mutual_a choice_n their_o cause_n unto_o other_o brethren_n but_o yet_o r._n b._n say_v as_o a_o people_n gather_v together_o by_o the_o lord_n unto_o the_o same_o faith_n etc._n etc._n that_o we_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o decide_v and_o remove_v these_o thing_n three_o i_o affirm_v that_o nothing_o can_v become_v a_o right_n and_o christian_a bond_n upon_o believer_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o any_o practical_a duty_n relate_v to_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o matter_n of_o conscience_n until_o convince_v by_o the_o witness_n of_o god_n in_o their_o conscience_n of_o the_o service_n thereof_o four_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o certain_a principle_n and_o doctines_n though_o believe_v through_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n on_o the_o understanding_n and_o practice_n depend_v thereon_o be_v not_o the_o very_a bond_n by_o which_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n be_v become_v center_a into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o christ_n body_n nor_o yet_o the_o cause_n that_o gather_v they_o but_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o bond_n and_o in_o the_o best_a sense_n such_o principle_n etc._n etc._n be_v but_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o bond_n and_o the_o cause_n that_o gather_v they_o be_v god_n love_n that_o the_o sentence_n and_o judgement_n of_o any_o man_n or_o man_n whatsoever_o relate_v to_o matter_n of_o conscience_n ought_v not_o at_o this_o day_n to_o be_v give_v forth_o but_o by_o way_n of_o recomendation_n to_o every_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o that_o when_o the_o conscience_n be_v sensible_a that_o god_n witness_v therein_o do_v answer_n thereto_o than_o the_o conscience_n be_v bind_v and_o not_o before_o but_o yet_o r._n b._n tell_v we_o that_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n believe_v through_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n on_o the_o understanding_n and_o practice_n necessary_o depend_v thereon_o be_v the_o term_n that_o have_v draw_v we_o together_o and_o the_o very_a bond_n by_o which_o we_o become_v center_a into_o one_o body_n and_o fellowship_n or_o be_v link_v to_o the_o body_n and_o the_o cause_n that_o gather_v we_o as_o in_o his_o treatise_n page_n 48_o 49_o may_v appear_v and_o whether_o in_o r._n b_n sense_n the_o centure_z of_o a_o part_n of_o christ_n body_n ought_v not_o to_o become_v a_o bond_n on_o all_o the_o member_n and_o that_o in_o case_n of_o conscience_n too_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o peruse_v his_o six_o section_n five_o i_o affirm_v that_o the_o qualification_n of_o a_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n be_v sanctification_n through_o the_o spirit_n that_o where_o any_o number_n of_o such_o be_v assemble_v together_o in_o christ_n name_n though_o but_o of_o the_o lesser_a rank_n in_o the_o body_n there_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o before_o such_o a_o assembly_n case_n of_o difference_n may_v be_v bring_v which_o may_v be_v beside_o the_o gift_n or_o capacity_n of_o such_o to_o determine_v and_o judge_n and_o therefore_o infallible_a judgement_n which_o be_v unalterable_o seat_v in_o the_o spirit_n in_o some_o case_n may_v be_v want_v to_o appear_v through_o any_o one_o member_n in_o such_o assembly_n as_o proper_o may_v be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o yet_o r._n b._n say_v in_o his_o treatise_n page_n 68_o that_o there_o never_o will_v nor_o can_v be_v want_v in_o case_n of_o controversy_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o give_v judgement_n through_o some_o or_o other_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n so_o long_o as_o any_o assembly_n can_v proper_o or_o in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n be_v so_o term_v sixthly_a since_o it_o be_v common_o repute_v that_o none_o but_o papist_n pretend_v tradition_n to_o justify_v their_o action_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n be_v silent_a and_o that_o we_o have_v no_o precedent_n in_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n do_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o determine_v controversy_n arise_v among_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n touch_v case_n of_o conscience_n without_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o differ_v party_n who_o especial_o if_o equal_v and_o once_o at_o unity_n and_o their_o case_n matter_n of_o conscience_n arise_v from_o occasional_a differ_a sense_n and_o judgement_n have_v by_o the_o law_n of_o divine_a nature_n equal_a right_o to_o nominate_v a_o part_n of_o those_o who_o shall_v have_v the_o hear_n of_o such_o case_n therefore_o i_o affirm_v if_o any_o shall_v without_o the_o assent_n of_o such_o party_n differ_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v a_o bond_n that_o the_o differ_a party_n must_v subject_v such_o their_o case_n to_o their_o dicisive_a sentence_n and_o according_o submit_v and_o be_v subject_a though_o they_o be_v not_o clear_a in_o conscience_n so_o to_o do_v such_o do_v just_o subject_v themselves_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o be_v imposer_n and_o usurper_n seven_o that_o submission_n to_o the_o positive_a sentence_n of_o other_o touch_a matter_n of_o conscience_n though_o suppose_v themselves_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n before_o the_o conscience_n be_v convince_v by_o god_n witness_n therein_o be_v a_o abuse_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o truth_n a_o ancient_a mark_n of_o apostasy_n and_o a_o infallible_a token_n that_o such_o who_o so_o submit_v have_v no_o inward_a sense_n that_o they_o be_v lead_v thereunto_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o notwithstanding_o these_o two_o last_o particular_n be_v evident_o true_a yet_o whosoever_o read_v what_o r._n b._n have_v assert_v in_o page_n 68_o may_v find_v that_o according_a to_o his_o line_n and_o assertion_n this_o short_a ensue_a sentence_n may_v be_v collect_v without_o the_o least_o abuse_n of_o his_o word_n viz._n that_o any_o one_o not_o submit_v to_o the_o positive_a judgement_n touch_v controversy_n give_v by_o any_o assembly_n or_o at_o least_o by_o some_o or_o other_o of_o they_o which_o may_v in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n be_v term_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v disobedience_n to_o god_n though_o the_o person_n refuse_v pretend_v they_o refuse_v on_o the_o account_n they_o see_v it_o not_o the_o innovation_n and_o scripture-misapplications_a of_o r._n b._n detect_v i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o title_n page_n wherein_o r._n b._n thus_o say_v so_o be_v also_o the_o ancient_a apostolic_a order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n re-establish_v and_o settle_v on_o its_o right_a
tolerable_a pretence_n to_o exercise_v a_o jurisdiction_n because_o it_o be_v in_o relation_n to_o one_o that_o have_v cut_v himself_o off_o from_o be_v a_o member_n by_o depart_v from_o the_o bond_n by_o which_o he_o be_v centre_v into_o the_o heavenly_a fellowship_n of_o christ_n body_n these_o two_o case_n due_o weigh_v and_o consider_v seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v comprehensive_a of_o all_o case_n of_o difference_n touch_v outward_a concern_v that_o may_v happen_v among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o first_o it_o plain_o appear_v there_o be_v no_o need_n for_o any_o to_o say_v we_o bold_o aver_v we_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o decide_v since_o in_o all_o such_o case_n there_o be_v no_o use_n of_o any_o such_o authority_n when_o the_o power_n of_o truth_n manifest_v in_o themselves_o have_v be_v a_o bond_n upon_o they_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v just_a and_o by_o the_o second_o it_o appear_v that_o if_o any_o shall_v assume_v such_o a_o jurisdiction_n yet_o all_o such_o case_n be_v without_o the_o cognisance_n thereof_o because_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o one_o that_o have_v cut_v himself_o off_o from_o be_v a_o member_n of_o which_o sort_n r._n b._n say_v page_z 33_o we_o be_v not_o so_o foolish_a as_o to_o concern_v ourselves_o with_o those_o who_o be_v not_o of_o we_o as_o fellow-member_n and_o therefore_o i_o affirm_v that_o as_o in_o other_o thing_n he_o have_v deviate_v from_o the_o line_n of_o truth_n so_o also_o in_o this_o if_o his_o mean_v be_v according_o to_o his_o word_n to_o i_o plain_o import_v viz._n that_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o decide_v and_o remove_v matter_n relate_v to_o outward_a thing_n among_o themselves_o though_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o party_n differ_v be_v not_o have_v as_o property_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o according_a to_o right_a reason_n can_v be_v dispose_v without_o the_o assent_n of_o such_o in_o who_o the_o property_n be_v vest_v according_a to_o that_o say_n of_o 5.4_o of_o act._n 5.4_o peter_n to_o ananias_n while_o it_o remain_v appertain_v it_o not_o unto_o thou_o and_o after_o it_o be_v sell_v be_v it_o not_o in_o thy_o own_o power_n so_o difference_n arise_v touch_v property_n and_o outward_a thing_n relate_v to_o meum_fw-la and_o tuum_fw-la be_v of_o right_n by_o such_o outward_a just_a law_n decideable_a as_o be_v according_a to_o such_o fundamental_a constitution_n which_o be_v original_o agree_v upon_o and_o assent_v to_o by_o the_o people_n or_o their_o representative_n and_o therefore_o such_o law_n have_v of_o right_a power_n to_o compel_v obedience_n or_o imprison_v especial_o when_o the_o law_n under_o such_o government_n become_v so_o far_o as_o any_o thing_n outward_a can_v be_v protection_n to_o the_o subject_n and_o their_o property_n but_o neither_o the_o scripture_n without_o we_o nor_o the_o light_n within_o we_o do_v evidence_n that_o under_o the_o spiritual_a government_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v any_o need_n to_o establish_v order_n or_o law_n touch_v worldly_a property_n or_o for_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n to_o assume_v jurisdiction_n therein_o without_o assent_n of_o the_o party_n differ_v for_o since_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n be_v it_o not_o against_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o government_n to_o exercise_v by_o constraint_n a_o jurisdiction_n in_o matter_n relate_v to_o this_o world_n beside_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o truth_n to_o affirm_v that_o nothing_o outward_a can_v constrain_v the_o subject_n under_o christ_n government_n to_o obey_v the_o law_n thereof_o since_o the_o only_a proper_a place_n where_o his_o government_n be_v to_o be_v exalt_v be_v in_o the_o heart_n the_o place_n where_o his_o second_o appearance_n to_o reign_v as_o lord_n and_o king_n be_v and_o shall_v be_v and_o that_o the_o mean_n whereby_o under_o his_o government_n acceptable_a obedience_n come_v to_o be_v yield_v be_v by_o his_o spirit_n if_o than_o nothing_o outward_a can_v be_v of_o force_n to_o constrain_v acceptable_a obedience_n how_o can_v it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o truth_n and_o right_a reason_n for_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n itself_o muchless_a any_o assembly_n term_v so_o and_o that_o on_o tolerable_a supposition_n only_o of_o which_o more_o anon_o to_o assume_v a_o jurisdiction_n in_o case_n relate_v to_o property_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o party_n concern_v when_o they_o have_v no_o suitable_a power_n to_o compel_v obedience_n nor_o yet_o to_o inflict_v any_o corporal_a punishment_n or_o restraint_n for_o the_o non-performance_n of_o their_o sentence_n and_o though_o the_o prophet_n say_v which_o r._n b._n quote_v i_o will_v restore_v thy_o judge_n as_o at_o the_o first_o and_o thy_o counsellor_n as_o at_o the_o beginning_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o proof_n that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n ought_v to_o assume_v jurisdiction_n in_o temporal_a worldly_a matter_n without_o consent_n of_o the_o party_n concern_v muchless_a any_o assembly_n so_o term_v and_o that_o only_a on_o tolerable_a supposition_n for_o shall_v the_o aforesaid_a author_n by_o the_o word_n judge_n as_o at_o the_o first_o and_o counsellor_n as_o at_o the_o beginning_n conclude_v the_o prophecy_n relate_v to_o such_o judge_n as_o be_v choose_v man_n over_o certain_a number_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n who_o judge_v the_o people_n at_o all_o season_n but_o bring_v the_o hard_a cause_n to_o moses_n exod._n 18.25_o 26._o yet_o this_o give_v not_o the_o least_o warrant_n for_o uncertain_a unselected_a assembly_n to_o assume_v such_o a_o jurisdiction_n but_o to_o exclude_v it_o whole_o we_o find_v christ_n himself_o give_v no_o countenance_n to_o such_o a_o sense_n with_o relation_n to_o outward_a matter_n luk._n 12.13_o 14._o where_n it_o be_v thus_o say_v and_o one_o of_o the_o company_n say_v master_n bid_v my_o brother_n divide_v the_o inheritance_n with_o i_o and_o what_o say_v christ_n in_o this_o case_n he_o thus_o say_v verse_n 14_o man_z who_o make_v i_o a_o judge_n or_o divider_n over_o you_o and_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o countenance_n for_o any_o assembly_n of_o man_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o assume_v such_o a_o authority_n r._n b._n also_o quote_v paul_n word_n 1_o cor._n 6._o dare_v any_o of_o you_o have_v a_o matter_n against_o another_o go_v to_o law_n before_o the_o unjust_a and_o not_o before_o the_o saint_n this_o prove_v not_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o assume_v such_o a_o jurisdiction_n as_o aforesaid_a it_o only_o show_v that_o it_o be_v christian_n like_a that_o difference_n arise_v between_o brother_n and_o brother_n shall_v be_v bring_v before_o the_o saint_n to_o judge_n but_o do_v not_o encourage_v any_o not_o choose_v as_o aforesaid_a to_o assume_v authority_n to_o judge_n there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o a_o assume_v a_o jurisdiction_n without_o a_o lawful_a authority_n as_o to_o outward_a thing_n relate_v to_o meum_fw-la and_o tuum_fw-la and_o a_o rightful_a consent_n and_o election_n to_o judge_n the_o first_o proceed_v altogether_o from_o a_o spirit_n of_o usurpation_n and_o imposition_n and_o be_v intolerable_a the_o second_o be_v tolerable_a and_o must_v proceed_v either_o from_o assent_n of_o the_o party_n differ_v or_o a_o power_n that_o have_v rightful_a disposition_n over_o the_o worldly_a property_n of_o those_o concern_v which_o be_v outward_a i_o question_v how_o any_o person_n who_o be_v neither_o invest_v with_o outward_a power_n nor_o choose_v for_o that_o service_n by_o the_o party_n concern_v can_v at_o this_o day_n reasonable_o claim_v jurisdiction_n therein_o and_o therefore_o i_o do_v conclude_v that_o r._n b._n according_a to_o that_o understanding_n i_o have_v of_o his_o line_n have_v open_v a_o wide_a gap_n shall_v his_o judgement_n take_v place_n for_o a_o intolerable_a inroad_n to_o be_v make_v on_o the_o property_n of_o people_n even_o as_o elsewhere_o in_o his_o treatise_n he_o have_v do_v upon_o their_o conscience_n as_o in_o this_o ensue_a discourse_n be_v plain_o manifest_v for_o when_o i_o serious_o consider_v how_o in_o his_o 68_o page_z he_o affirm_v that_o there_o neither_o can_v nor_o will_v be_v want_v in_o case_n of_o controversy_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o give_v judgement_n through_o some_o or_o other_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n so_o long_o as_o any_o assembly_n can_v proper_o or_o in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n be_v so_o term_v and_o that_o he_o will_v not_o be_v content_v with_o these_o word_n proper_o so_o term_v but_o must_v also_o add_v these_o word_n any_o tolerable_a supposition_n and_o that_o with_o disjunctive_a or_o i_o can_v but_o suppose_v since_o i_o know_v he_o well_o understand_v the_o propriety_n of_o sentence_n and_o signification_n of_o word_n that_o his_o word_n do_v
first_o publish_v among_o we_o be_v become_v our_o only_a teacher_n and_o lawgiver_n by_o the_o in_o shine_v of_o his_o light_n in_o our_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o his_o reflection_n seem_v unsavoury_a but_o that_o which_o to_o i_o render_v it_o the_o more_o unsavoury_a be_v this_o when_o i_o consider_v the_o whole_a scope_n of_o his_o treatise_n it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v it_o be_v use_v so_o far_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o advancement_n of_o some_o outward_a government_n by_o man_n or_o man_n else_o what_o be_v the_o mean_v that_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n have_v make_v such_o a_o diligent_a search_n among_o the_o apostle_n write_n after_o the_o word_n order_n rule_n command_v govern_n government_n tradition_n and_o such_o like_a and_o whether_o he_o do_v not_o apply_v they_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o assembly_n which_o in_o any_o tolerable_a suposition_n may_v be_v term_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n let_v the_o impartial_a reader_n diligent_o peruse_v his_o treatise_n and_o then_o judge_n for_o so_o it_o be_v plain_o to_o be_v discover_v as_o to_o i_o appear_v by_o every_o impartial_a eye_n that_o shall_v serious_o observe_v the_o scope_n of_o his_o treatise_n and_o therefore_o i_o do_v conclude_v that_o his_o reflection_n on_o such_o sound_n and_o savoury_a language_n denote_v a_o wrong_a spirit_n and_o not_o the_o spirit_n which_o appear_v among_o those_o ancient_a labourer_n who_o be_v instrument_n in_o god_n hand_n to_o gather_v many_o and_o who_o in_o the_o approbation_n of_o such_o language_n be_v account_v honourable_a this_o put_v i_o in_o mind_n to_o inform_v the_o reader_n that_o r._n b._n in_o his_o three_o section_n quote_v divers_a testimony_n in_o the_o scripture_n where_o these_o sentence_n be_v viz_o know_v they_o that_o be_v over_o you_o hold_v the_o tradition_n you_o have_v be_v teach_v though_o i_o shall_v boast_v somewhat_o more_o of_o our_o authority_n and_o we_o have_v confidence_n that_o you_o will_v do_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o command_v now_o we_o command_v you_o brethren_n etc._n etc._n and_o then_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n comment_v thereon_o what_o more_o positive_a than_o this_o and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o here_o a_o imposer_n and_o further_o if_o any_o obey_v not_o our_o word_n remember_v they_o which_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o these_o filthy_a dreamer_n despise_v dominion_n and_o then_o thus_o say_v there_o can_v nothing_o be_v more_o plain_a from_o these_o testimony_n than_o that_o some_o do_v appoint_v and_o ordain_v certain_a thing_n that_o there_o lie_v a_o obligation_n in_o point_n of_o duty_n on_o other_o to_o import_v to_o it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v his_o meaning_n be_v other_o ought_v to_o obey_v whether_o they_o see_v it_o their_o duty_n or_o no_o as_o his_o 68_o page_n seem_v to_o import_v obey_v that_o this_o be_v no_o encroachment_n nor_o imposition_n on_o their_o christian-liberty_n nor_o any_o way_n contradictory_n to_o their_o be_v inward_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o last_o that_o such_o as_o be_v in_o the_o true_a feel_n and_o sense_n will_v find_v it_o their_o place_n to_o obey_v and_o be_v one_o with_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o such_o like_a case_n and_o that_o it_o be_v such_o as_o have_v lose_v their_o sense_n and_o feel_v of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o body_n that_o dissent_n and_o be_v disobedient_a under_o the_o false_a pretence_n of_o liberty_n three_o i_o judge_v there_o will_v need_v no_o great_a argument_n to_o prove_v the_o people_n of_o god_n may_v and_o do_v well_o to_o exercise_n the_o like_a government_n upon_o the_o very_a like_o occasion_n thus_o much_o may_v be_v collect_v out_o of_o r._n b_n 26_o 27_o and_o 28._o page_n moreover_o in_o page_n 23._o 24._o 25._o he_o quote_v these_o scripture_n say_n viz_o in_o christ_n jesus_n i_o have_v beget_v you_o through_o the_o gospel_n wherefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o be_v follower_n of_o i_o as_o absent_a in_o body_n but_o present_a in_o spirit_n have_v judge_v already_o etc._n etc._n from_o all_o which_o i_o shall_v observe_v say_v the_o aforesaid_a author_n that_o it_o seem_v it_o be_v judge_v no_o inconsistency_n nor_o contradiction_n to_o be_v follower_n of_o the_o grace_n in_o ourselves_o and_o also_o to_o be_v follower_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n and_o his_o way_n because_o his_o way_n and_o example_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o themselves_o will_v have_v lead_v they_o to_o if_o they_o have_v be_v obedient_a and_o therefore_o he_o find_v it_o needful_a to_o charge_v they_o positive_o to_o follow_v he_o without_o add_v this_o reason_n next_o the_o great_a argument_n the_o apostle_n use_v to_o persuade_v they_o hereunto_o upon_o which_o he_o main_o insist_o because_o he_o have_v beget_v they_o into_o the_o truth_n you_o have_v not_o many_o father_n for_o in_o christ_n jesus_n i_o have_v beget_v you_o through_o the_o gospel_n wherefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o be_v you_o follower_n of_o i_o so_o he_o make_v that_o as_o the_o cause_n etc._n etc._n we_o see_v then_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v and_o do_v give_v such_o who_o he_o have_v send_v forth_o to_o gather_v a_o people_n unto_o himself_o a_o certain_a authority_n in_o the_o power_n over_o they_o and_o to_o bring_v they_o back_o to_o their_o duty_n when_o they_o stray_v at_o any_o time_n and_o to_o appoint_v yea_o and_o command_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v needful_a for_o peace_n order_n and_o unity_n sake_n and_o that_o there_o lie_v a_o obligation_n on_o such_o as_o be_v so_o gather_v to_o reverence_n honour_n yea_o and_o obey_v such_o as_o be_v set_v over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n thus_o far_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n from_o all_o which_o i_o observe_v first_o that_o here_o be_v nothing_o speak_v in_o these_o scripture_n of_o the_o command_v of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o if_o god_n have_v at_o any_o time_n move_v a_o apostle_n on_o some_o occasion_n to_o write_v unto_o a_o peculiar_a church_n and_o that_o perhaps_o with_o relation_n to_o particular_a member_n only_o by_o way_n of_o command_n yet_o this_o according_a to_o right_a reason_n be_v no_o ground_n for_o any_o assembly_n of_o person_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o give_v forth_o positive_a command_n in_o expectation_n that_o all_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n must_v obey_v the_o same_o whether_o they_o have_v a_o sense_n thereof_o from_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n in_o themselves_o or_o no._n second_o r._n b._n quote_v this_o scripture_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n viz._n in_o christ_n jesus_n i_o have_v beget_v you_o through_o the_o gospel_n conclude_v that_o paul_n do_v main_o insist_v upon_o his_o beget_v they_o unto_o the_o truth_n as_o a_o argument_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o obey_v his_o positive_a charge_n to_o follow_v he_o by_o this_o then_o those_o who_o have_v beget_v any_o to_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o fit_a to_o rule_v over_o such_o who_o they_o have_v beget_v if_o this_o be_v worthy_a observation_n at_o this_o day_n i_o then_o may_v well_o query_n whether_o those_o who_o will_v rule_v over_o such_o who_o they_o have_v not_o gather_v be_v not_o intruder_n and_o busy-body_n meddle_v with_o that_o which_o concern_v other_o more_o than_o themselves_o moreover_o i_o query_n whether_o any_o of_o these_o foregoing_a scripture_n give_v the_o least_o countenance_n for_o whole_a assembly_n to_o minister_n by_o their_o write_n that_o which_o may_v be_v matter_n of_o faith_n and_o relative_a to_o the_o conscience_n and_o to_o be_v a_o bond_n thereon_o before_o their_o understanding_n be_v illuminate_v especial_o when_o what_o they_o do_v minister_n first_o spring_v from_o the_o gift_n either_o but_o of_o one_o or_o at_o most_o but_o a_o very_a few_o of_o they_o for_o since_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o minister_v according_a as_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n and_o that_o if_o any_o speak_v they_o ought_v to_o speak_v as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o that_o if_o any_o minister_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v of_o the_o ability_n which_o god_n give_v according_a to_o that_o of_o peter_n 1_o pet._n 4.10_o 11._o i_o can_v but_o again_o query_n whether_o the_o endeavour_v to_o obtain_v a_o multitude_n of_o hand_n to_o confirm_v and_o approve_v that_o which_o be_v give_v forth_o by_o one_o or_o at_o least_o a_o very_a few_o may_v not_o become_v a_o temptation_n to_o many_o to_o run_v beyond_o their_o own_o line_n and_o when_o they_o have_v so_o do_v instead_o of_o wait_v on_o their_o own_o gift_n make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o stand_v by_o what_o they_o have_v do_v though_o it_o may_v prove_v no_o better_o in_o the_o best_a sense_n than_o a_o stand_n by_o the_o gift_n of_o other_o out_z of_o and_o in_o the_o
and_o by_o his_o spirit_n we_o come_v to_o be_v baptize_v into_o one_o body_n and_o so_o be_v centre_v into_o the_o heavenly_a fellowship_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o as_o for_o thy_o say_n a_o belief_n in_o certain_a principle_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n necessary_o depend_v thereon_o be_v the_o term_n and_o very_a bond_n by_o which_o we_o become_v centre_v into_o one_o body_n and_o the_o cause_n that_o gather_v we_o this_o be_v not_o only_o wrong_v in_o itself_o though_o as_o be_v say_v before_o they_o may_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o bond_n but_o exact_o like_o the_o false_a church_n in_o the_o world_n papist_n and_o protestant_n of_o all_o sort_n in_o the_o apostasy_n have_v outward_a mark_n and_o token_n as_o be_v either_o of_o such_o a_o order_n or_o have_v such_o a_o commission_n or_o as_o believe_v in_o such_o principle_n and_o submit_v to_o such_o practice_n and_o the_o like_a by_o which_o the_o member_n of_o their_o church_n be_v describe_v and_o therefore_o be_v it_o that_o among_o those_o there_o be_v outward_a society_n of_o man_n certain_o know_v as_o aforesaid_a according_a to_o the_o various_a manner_n and_o way_n which_o their_o principle_n admit_v and_o allow_v of_o which_o be_v term_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o these_o have_v many_o outward_a order_n rule_n prescription_n ordinance_n decree_n or_o law_n for_o the_o establishment_n and_o preservation_n of_o their_o outward_a society_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o constitution_n may_v become_v fit_a mean_n for_o the_o conservation_n thereof_o but_o inasmuch_o as_o the_o belief_n of_o certain_a principle_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n necessary_o depend_v thereon_o be_v not_o the_o very_a term_n or_o bond_n to_o unite_v any_o in_o outward_a assembly_n whereby_o to_o assume_v unto_o themselves_o the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o that_o if_o hold_v in_o a_o pure_a mind_n which_o be_v in_o the_o best_a sense_n they_o be_v but_o the_o fruit_n of_o that_o bond_n and_o when_o hold_v in_o a_o impure_a mind_n be_v no_o indication_n that_o such_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n church_n i_o can_v but_o say_v it_o be_v against_o right_a reason_n for_o any_o to_o prescribe_v and_o establish_v outward_a indispensable_a rule_n and_o order_n relate_v to_o the_o conscience_n and_o in_o order_n to_o be_v a_o bond_n thereon_o for_o the_o conservation_n of_o christ_n body_n since_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o most_o certain_a and_o infallible_a mark_n of_o membership_n in_o the_o say_a body_n be_v invisible_a to_o the_o outward_a man_n though_o feel_v and_o know_v to_o the_o inward_a man_n of_o the_o heart_n for_o though_o action_n outward_o just_a be_v many_o time_n the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o be_v not_o always_o certain_a token_n that_o those_o through_o who_o they_o appear_v be_v member_n of_o christ_n body_n but_o those_o who_o be_v circumcise_a in_o heart_n and_o have_v the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n be_v the_o very_a member_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o therefore_o the_o most_o proper_a mean_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o such_o member_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o as_o member_n of_o one_o body_n be_v that_o whereby_o they_o come_v to_o be_v circumcise_a in_o heart_n and_o gather_v unto_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o spirit_n and_o arm_v of_o god_n power_n which_o surround_v all_o those_o that_o wait_v upon_o he_o and_o have_v a_o daily_a dependence_n upon_o the_o lord_n with_o the_o mind_n inward_o stay_v in_o the_o measure_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o the_o apostle_n say_v be_v sufficient_a for_o they_o and_o thus_o the_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n will_v be_v witness_v continual_o in_o which_o every_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n come_v to_o be_v center_a into_o a_o heavenly_a fellowship_n and_o communion_n each_o with_o other_o in_o the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n the_o next_o thing_n i_o shall_v examine_v be_v whether_o r._n b_n affirmative_a answer_n to_o this_o question_n viz._n whether_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v power_n in_o any_o case_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n to_o give_v postive_a sentence_n and_o decision_n which_o may_v be_v obligatory_a upon_o believer_n be_v agreeable_a to_o truth_n and_o sound_a doctrine_n my_o observation_n hereon_o be_v this_o that_o he_o have_v not_o here_o adjoin_v inward_a conviction_n whereby_o they_o may_v find_v clearness_n in_o themselves_o to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n as_o necessary_a to_o the_o obligation_n he_o intend_v and_o inasmuch_o as_o nothing_o without_o a_o inward_a clearness_n and_o conviction_n can_v become_v a_o real_a and_o acceptable_a bond_n upon_o a_o believer_n to_o be_v at_o unity_n with_o his_o brethren_n in_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o thing_n relate_v to_o conscience_n and_o that_o those_o who_o be_v find_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o other_o man_n line_n before_o they_o have_v faith_n therein_o may_v oft_o time_n run_v into_o the_o sin_n of_o hypocrisy_n even_o as_o other_o may_n into_o the_o sin_n of_o negligence_n who_o through_o unwatchfulness_n to_o their_o own_o measure_n want_v clearness_n of_o sight_n and_o understanding_n to_o practice_v and_o join_v with_o those_o thing_n which_o other_o waiting_z in_o their_o own_o measure_n may_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v lead_v into_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o say_v that_o the_o scope_n and_o bend_v of_o his_o spirit_n so_o far_o as_o from_o his_o word_n i_o can_v savour_n in_o relation_n to_o this_o matter_n be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o since_o it_o be_v so_o as_o r._n b._n observe_v page_n 35._o that_o god_n have_v not_o give_v we_o our_o reason_n to_o no_o purpose_n i_o shall_v according_a to_o the_o line_n of_o right_a reason_n a_o little_a further_o observe_v first_o i_o find_v r._n b._n treat_v in_o his_o seven_o section_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o decision_n thus_o to_o say_v page_z 66._o the_o only_a proper_a judge_n of_o controversy_n in_o the_o church_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o decide_v sole_o lie_v in_o it_o as_o have_v the_o only_a infallible_a judgement_n belong_v to_o it_o which_o infallibility_n be_v not_o necessary_o annex_v to_o any_o person_n person_n or_o place_n whatsoever_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o office_n place_n or_o station_n any_o one_o may_v have_v or_o have_v have_v in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o any_o have_v ground_n to_o reason_n thus_o because_o i_o be_o or_o have_v be_v such_o a_o eminent_a member_n therefore_o my_o judgement_n be_v infallible_a or_o because_o we_o be_v the_o great_a number_n or_o that_o we_o live_v in_o such_o a_o note_a or_o famous_a place_n or_o the_o like_a though_o some_o of_o these_o reason_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v their_o true_a weight_n in_o case_n of_o contradictory_n assertion_n thus_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n from_o all_o which_o two_o thing_n be_v observable_a first_o that_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n account_v the_o spirit_n the_o only_a judge_n second_o that_o though_o he_o affirm_v that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v power_n in_o case_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n to_o give_v positive_a sentence_n and_o decision_n which_o may_v be_v obligatory_a upon_o believer_n yet_o through_o his_o whole_a treatise_n i_o find_v not_o that_o he_o have_v describe_v who_o be_v the_o person_n that_o be_v the_o church_n and_o where_o those_o person_n do_v usual_o assemble_v as_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o though_o my_o very_a soul_n abhor_v light_o to_o esteem_v of_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n or_o to_o undervalue_v the_o power_n the_o church_n of_o god_n either_o stand_v in_o or_o be_v endue_v with_o yet_o since_o i_o do_v know_v how_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o any_o to_o burden_n the_o conscience_n of_o god_n people_n though_o under_o ever_o so_o specious_a pretence_n and_o that_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n we_o mean_v visible_a person_n distinguish_v as_o outward_a person_n by_o name_n that_o may_v be_v know_v to_o the_o outward_a man_n though_o as_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n distinguish_v not_o by_o such_o name_n but_o by_o that_o name_n which_o be_v write_v in_o heaven_n and_o know_v to_o the_o inward_a man_n i_o can_v but_o query_n to_o what_o end_n do_v the_o aforesaid_a author_n assign_v the_o decision_n of_o case_n of_o conscience_n which_o be_v matter_n certain_o to_o be_v know_v so_o as_o to_o be_v bind_v on_o believer_n to_o judge_n so_o describe_v as_o that_o a_o great_a controversy_n may_v immediate_o arise_v upon_o the_o ask_n of_o this_o question_n who_o or_o where_o those_o man_n be_v this_o instead_o of_o remove_v one_o difference_n or_o clear_v one_o doubt_n may_v beget_v more_o
subjection_n to_o christ_n the_o head_n to_o who_o all_o power_n be_v give_v in_o and_o over_o his_o church_n who_o be_v fellow-member_n and_o fellow-servant_n of_o and_o in_o his_o body_n who_o power_n and_o prevalency_n with_o the_o lord_n be_v better_a demonstrate_v by_o covet_v to_o wash_v each_o other_o foot_n according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n their_o lord_n and_o master_n than_o to_o be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o outward_a jurisdiction_n as_o lord_n and_o master_n over_o each_o other_o for_o that_o agree_v not_o with_o the_o testimony_n of_o paul_n rom._n 14.10_o who_o thus_o say_v why_o do_v thou_o judge_v thy_o brother_n why_o do_v thou_o despise_v thy_o brother_n for_o we_o shall_v all_o appear_v before_o the_o judgment-seat_n of_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v write_v say_v the_o lord_n every_o knee_n shall_v bow_v to_o i_o and_o all_o tongue_n shall_v confess_v unto_o god_n so_o than_o every_o one_o of_o we_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n of_o himself_o to_o god_n let_v we_o not_o therefore_o judge_v one_o another_o any_o more_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n put_v i_o in_o mind_n that_o there_o be_v some_o who_o in_o their_o buisy_n mind_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v consider_v what_o sort_n of_o joy_n heaven_n yield_v to_o the_o faithful_a after_o this_o life_n whenas_o their_o time_n will_v undoubted_o be_v much_o better_o spend_v in_o contemplate_v how_o to_o come_v thither_o or_o if_o they_o have_v assurance_n thereof_o to_o be_v demonstrate_v the_o way_n to_o other_o if_o call_v thereto_o to_o this_o sort_n may_v such_o be_v liken_v who_o will_v needs_o give_v themselves_o the_o trouble_n to_o treat_v how_o far_o christ_n government_n extend_v though_o of_o its_o increase_n there_o be_v no_o end_n and_o in_o what_o case_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o give_v forth_o positive_a sentence_n that_o may_v oblige_v believer_n though_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o acceptable_a bond_n upon_o the_o conscience_n until_o by_o the_o light_n convince_v and_o that_o in_o such_o case_n great_a controversy_n may_v arise_v whether_o such_o as_o give_v forth_o such_o sentence_n be_v the_o church_n or_o no_o than_o be_v before_o concern_v the_o matter_n whereof_o they_o assume_v jurisdiction_n and_o therefore_o of_o such_o it_o may_v be_v true_o say_v that_o their_o time_n may_v be_v much_o better_o spend_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o mind_n unto_o god_n that_o if_o they_o be_v not_o subject_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o under_o his_o government_n they_o may_v attain_v thereto_o and_o be_v subject_a to_o his_o power_n to_o who_o all_o power_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v give_v and_o that_o be_v thereunto_o attain_v may_v be_v preserve_v therein_o unto_o the_o end_n and_o be_v demonstrate_v unto_o other_o how_o to_o attain_v the_o same_o if_o call_v thereunto_o concern_v the_o power_n of_o decision_n r._n b._n page_n 66._o say_v as_o on_o another_o occasion_n be_v already_o quote_v the_o only_a proper_a judge_n of_o controversy_n in_o the_o church_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o be_v not_o necessary_o annex_v to_o any_o person_n or_o person_n or_o place_v whatsoever_o etc._n etc._n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o any_o have_v ground_n to_o reason_n thus_o because_o i_o be_o or_o have_v be_v such_o on_o eminent_a member_n therefore_o my_o judgement_n be_v infallible_a or_o because_o we_o be_v the_o great_a number_n or_o that_o we_o live_v in_o such_o a_o note_a or_o famous_a place_n though_o some_o of_o these_o reason_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v their_o true_a weight_n in_o case_n of_o contradictory_n assertion_n here_o i_o can_v but_o query_n that_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a proper_a judge_n of_o controversy_n in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n say_v it_o be_v how_o then_o can_v there_o be_v any_o weight_n in_o any_o other_o thing_n else_o beside_o the_o spirit_n and_o whether_o these_o his_o word_n viz._n some_o of_o these_o reason_n ought_v to_o have_v their_o true_a weight_n in_o case_n of_o contradictory_n assertion_n when_o relative_a to_o that_o which_o he_o himself_o conclude_v be_v unalterable_o seat_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n seem_v not_o a_o contradiction_n in_o common_a sense_n and_o whether_o under_o this_o very_a notion_n those_o who_o be_v but_o weak_a in_o the_o faith_n or_o of_o a_o temporize_a spirit_n may_v not_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o some_o eminent_a member_n or_o the_o great_a number_n or_o the_o brethren_n in_o some_o note_a or_o famous_a place_n more_o than_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o measure_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o themseule_n i_o leave_v to_o the_o judicious_a reader_n to_o consider_v beside_o why_o be_v not_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o flock_n the_o lesser_a number_n and_o some_o inconsiderable_a ignoble_a place_n mention_v and_o that_o some_o of_o these_o also_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v their_o true_a weight_n since_o the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n have_v be_v that_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o foolish_a weak_a and_o vile_a despise_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o wise_a and_o mighty_a r._n b._n further_n say_v page_n 68_o first_o that_o there_o never_o will_v nor_o can_v be_v want_v in_o case_n of_o controversy_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o give_v judgement_n through_o some_o or_o other_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n so_o long_o as_o any_o assembly_n can_v proper_o or_o in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n be_v so_o term_v second_o that_o god_n ordinary_o have_v employ_v such_o who_o he_o have_v make_v use_n of_o in_o gather_v his_o church_n though_o not_o exclude_v other_o three_o that_o their_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la give_v a_o positive_a judgement_n in_o such_o case_n will_v not_o import_v tyranny_n and_o usurpation_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 but_o of_o these_o three_o assertion_n may_v be_v collect_v without_o the_o least_o abuse_n of_o the_o author_n word_n this_o short_a ensue_a sentence_n that_o a_o person_n be_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o positive_a judgement_n touch_v controversy_n give_v by_o any_o assembly_n or_o at_o least_o by_o some_o or_o other_o of_o they_o which_o may_v in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n be_v term_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v disobedience_n to_o god_n though_o the_o person_n refuse_v pretend_v they_o refuse_v to_o submit_v on_o the_o account_n they_o see_v it_o not_o by_o this_o sort_n of_o language_n every_o one_o must_v not_o only_o now_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v of_o which_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v misunderstand_v i_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o what_o shall_v be_v write_v thereon_o in_o what_o hereafter_o follow_v but_o also_o must_v believe_v as_o any_o assembly_n or_o some_o or_o other_o of_o they_o do_v which_o in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n may_v be_v term_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o at_o least_o submit_v to_o such_o though_o the_o person_n refuse_v shall_v pretend_v they_o see_v it_o not_o he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v a_o body_n of_o darkness_n and_o confusion_n herein_o what_o a_o long_a step_n at_o once_o be_v here_o from_z under_z christ_n government_n that_o now_o submission_n must_v be_v to_o any_o assembly_n or_o some_o or_o other_o of_o they_o that_o in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n may_v be_v term_v christ_n church_n nay_o if_o the_o want_n of_o sight_n be_v lay_v for_o a_o excuse_n shall_v not_o excuse_v submission_n may_v i_o not_o far_o say_v what_o a_o long_a step_n at_o once_o be_v this_o to_o magnify_v that_o devotion_n whereof_o ignorance_n be_v the_o mother_n and_o that_o zeal_n which_o be_v without_o knowledge_n be_v here_o any_o room_n leave_v to_o see_v and_o savour_v for_o ourselves_o and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o apparent_a mark_n of_o a_o impose_v usurp_a spirit_n and_o a_o evident_a abuse_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o ancient_a labourer_n therein_o who_o testimony_n be_v we_o preach_v not_o ourselves_o nor_o yet_o that_o you_o shall_v be_v follower_n of_o we_o otherwise_o than_o as_o you_o have_v a_o inward_a sense_n in_o yourselves_o that_o we_o be_v follower_n of_o christ_n let_v god_n witness_n in_o all_o judge_n to_o the_o same_o witness_n i_o can_v but_o yet_o appeal_v whether_o the_o submission_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v aim_v at_o be_v not_o one_o of_o the_o great_a step_n to_o a_o apostasy_n that_o have_v appear_v in_o our_o age_n or_o since_o the_o truth_n have_v in_o these_o latter_a year_n be_v publish_v among_o we_o for_o i_o do_v know_v have_v be_v a_o witness_n of_o the_o primitive_a gather_n and_o testimony_n among_o we_o in_o these_o latter_a age_n that_o one_o
so_o also_o in_o this_o be_v mistake_v if_o he_o mean_v that_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o christian_a forbearance_n which_o be_v manifest_a from_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v rom._n 14.3_o 4._o 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 jadge_v he_o that_o eat_v who_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n to_o his_o own_o master_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v which_o evident_o show_v that_o in_o as_o much_o as_o every_o one_o must_v answer_v for_o himself_o it_o be_v fit_a every_o one_o shall_v believe_v for_o himself_o and_o so_o practice_v without_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o other_o and_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o christian_a forbearance_n and_o not_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n and_o though_o page_n 65._o r._n b._n say_v that_o be_v account_v a_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n which_o in_o another_o respect_n be_v christian_a forbearance_n which_o i_o take_v he_o to_o assert_v from_o his_o observation_n on_o 1_o cor._n 8._o throughout_o and_o 1_o tim._n 4.1_o 2_o 3._o the_o latter_a scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o command_v to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n be_v a_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n that_o to_o the_o corinth_n say_v if_o meat_n make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v i_o will_v eat_v no_o flesh_n while_o the_o world_n stand_v this_o do_v not_o in_o any_o wise_a show_n that_o a_o command_n to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n be_v at_o any_o time_n or_o in_o any_o respect_n justifiable_a for_o if_o he_o will_v have_v this_o assertion_n pass_v for_o truth_n he_o ought_v to_o have_v prove_v not_o only_o that_o a_o command_n to_o abstain_v from_o flesh_n be_v a_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n which_o that_o to_o tymothy_n do_v but_o also_o that_o such_o a_o command_n be_v once_o christian_n forbearance_n but_o nothing_o of_o this_o latter_a appear_v nor_o yet_o can_v be_v prove_v from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n and_o as_o to_o the_o case_n of_o circumcision_n r._n b._n say_v it_o be_v permit_v to_o the_o jew_n for_o a_o time_n to_o this_o i_o say_v we_o find_v that_o many_o of_o the_o believe_a jew_n be_v not_o come_v from_o under_o it_o and_o that_o those_o jew_n who_o see_v beyond_o it_o do_v not_o condemn_v such_o their_o brethren_n but_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o the_o apostle_n as_o person_n that_o have_v power_n to_o permit_v or_o not_o permit_v such_o a_o practice_n in_o the_o church_n do_v approve_v of_o it_o in_o any_o of_o the_o jew_n or_o condemn_v the_o same_o in_o such_o as_o practise_v it_o until_o by_o faith_n they_o see_v beyond_o it_o for_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o commission_n to_o preach_v up_o circumcision_n so_o on_o the_o other_o it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n to_o be_v a_o bond_n on_o any_o to_o forbear_v who_o through_o faith_n be_v not_o first_o lead_v therefrom_o for_o though_o the_o apostle_n say_v gal._n 5.2_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 and_o gal._n 4.9_o 10_o 11._o but_o now_o after_o you_o have_v know_v god_n or_o rather_o be_v know_v of_o god_n how_o turn_v you_o again_o to_o the_o weak_a and_o beggarly_a eliment_n you_o observe_v day_n and_o month_n etc._n etc._n i_o be_o afraid_a of_o you_o yet_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 couscience_n of_o circumcision_n and_o the_o observe_v day_n for_o it_o plain_o appear_v he_o speak_v to_o a_o people_n who_o be_v redeem_v out_o of_o those_o beggarly_a eliment_n and_o be_v come_v past_o those_o rudiment_n which_o be_v evident_a by_o these_o his_o word_n how_o turn_v you_o again_o and_o so_o he_o may_v well_o exhort_v such_o neither_o to_o circumcise_v nor_o yet_o be_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o day_n for_o that_o god_n do_v not_o usual_o lead_v into_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v lead_v out_o of_o and_o this_o may_v well_o consist_v with_o the_o truth_n even_o at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o season_n when_o other_o through_o a_o conscientious_a scruple_n may_v in_o a_o plea_n for_o both_o with_o respect_n to_o themselves_o be_v uncondemned_a these_o thing_n consider_v and_o that_o also_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n exhort_v the_o church_n not_o to_o be_v judge_v one_o another_o with_o respect_n to_o thing_n relate_v to_o conscience_n 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 while_o any_o be_v judge_v their_o brethren_n they_o themselves_o become_v castawaye_n have_v in_o some_o measure_n clear_v my_o conscience_n i_o have_v this_o further_a to_o add_v that_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 yet_o this_o love_n and_o unity_n ought_v to_o consist_v in_o the_o truth_n else_o the_o blessing_n be_v not_o 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 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 but_o since_o it_o be_v so_o with_o the_o church_n of_o god_n at_o this_o day_n as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n in_o the_o primitive_a day_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v diversitye_n of_o administration_n and_o diversitye_n of_o gift_n &_o operation_n in_o the_o body_n and_o yet_o through_o the_o same_o spirit_n 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 as_o if_o these_o thing_n consist_v not_o with_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n and_o since_o also_o it_o be_v so_o that_o among_o the_o primitive_a believer_n there_o be_v such_o as_o practise_a circumcision_n some_o make_a conscience_n of_o keep_v a_o day_n and_o some_o that_o absteyn_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_a exercise_n in_o a_o christian-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 i_o therefore_o do_v reasonable_o conclude_v that_o the_o infallible_a mark_n whereby_o any_o member_n of_o the_o body_n be_v know_v to_o be_v in_o true_a unity_n with_o the_o body_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o profession_n and_o belief_n of_o certain_a principle_n and_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n depend_v thereon_o nor_o yet_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o measure_n of_o other_o but_o in_o the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o a_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n and_o that_o every_o member_n keep_v his_o own_o order_n office_n and_o place_n in_o the_o body_n through_o his_o obedience_n to_o the_o measure_n and_o gift_n of_o grace_n in_o himself_o which_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n to_o profit_n withal_o the_o most_o infallible_a mark_n and_o token_n then_o of_o a_o member_n in_o the_o true_a unity_n with_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o inward_a invisible_a mark_n that_o can_v be_v stamp_v on_o any_o but_o by_o the_o impression_n of_o god_n power_n on_o the_o heart_n and_o therefore_o be_v it_o that_o the_o outward_a endeavour_n of_o all_o such_o christian_a professor_n as_o have_v be_v and_o be_v in_o the_o apostasy_n instead_o of_o attain_v to_o a_o heavenly_a union_n in_o the_o spirit_n have_v at_o most_o but_o arrive_v to_o a_o outward_a unity_n consist_v in_o their_o outward_a conformity_n and_o uniformity_n according_a to_o the_o command_n tradition_n decree_n or_o example_n of_o men._n when_o in_o age_n and_o generation_n past_a the_o apostasy_n first_o enter_v as_o a_o flood_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o all_o who_o have_v know_v the_o truth_n and_o have_v have_v the_o consideration_n and_o true_a sense_n thereof_o upon_o their_o spirit_n do_v conclude_v that_o the_o cause_n thereof_o
spring_v through_o a_o inward_a departure_n from_o the_o anoint_v in_o themselves_o obedience_n whereunto_o according_a to_o the_o respective_a measure_n of_o grace_n give_v of_o god_n and_o receive_v by_o each_o member_n be_v a_o manifestation_n of_o that_o wherein_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n stand_v and_o as_o the_o apostasy_n enter_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o tradition_n and_o rudiment_n of_o man_n come_v to_o be_v exalt_v against_o which_o the_o apostle_n paul_n caution_v the_o colossian_n say_v col._n 2.8_o beware_v lest_o there_o be_v any_o that_o spoil_v you_o through_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n according_a to_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o after_o christ_n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o i_o question_v whether_o any_o have_v be_v great_a pretender_n to_o unity_n than_o those_o who_o have_v be_v exalt_v the_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o shall_v leave_v it_o to_o the_o judicious_a reader_n to_o consider_v whether_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n hereof_o appear_v not_o in_o divers_a apostatise_v lord_n apostatise_v note_n *_o man_n of_o prejudice_v spirit_n may_v conclude_v that_o i_o herein_o strike_v at_o the_o true_a church_n god_n forbid_v i_o shall_v so_o do_v for_o the_o true_a church_n never_o exalt_v the_o tradition_n and_o rudiment_n of_o man_n for_o though_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o 2_o thes_n 2.15_o hold_v the_o tradition_n which_o you_o have_v be_v teach_v yet_o his_o very_a prayer_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v establish_v they_o in_o every_o good_a word_n and_o work_n show_v that_o his_o desire_n be_v not_o that_o any_o shall_v follow_v the_o tradition_n of_o any_o further_a than_o the_o lord_n may_v establish_v they_o therein_o and_o this_o be_v far_o from_o follow_v the_o rudiment_n and_o tradition_n of_o man_n of_o impose_v his_o tradition_n otherwise_o than_o according_a as_o they_o shall_v be_v establish_v therein_o by_o the_o lord_n church_n profess_v christianity_n wherein_o be_v establish_v by_o outward_a mean_n what_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v practise_v and_o yet_o doubtless_o as_o remote_a from_o the_o unity_n wherein_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n do_v consist_v as_o the_o east_n be_v from_o the_o west_n and_o so_o in_o their_o unity_n be_v but_o outward_a have_v find_v no_o more_o acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n than_o the_o unworthy_a eater_n do_v while_o they_o discern_v not_o the_o lord_n body_n many_o of_o god_n people_n yet_o in_o the_o body_n be_v witness_n that_o one_o part_n of_o that_o testimony_n which_o accompany_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o those_o latter_a day_n be_v against_o outward_a form_n tradition_n prescription_n decree_n ordinance_n of_o man_n with_o relation_n to_o matter_n spiritual_a and_o divine_a and_o wherein_o the_o conscience_n of_o god_n people_n may_v be_v concern_v as_o be_v those_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n out_o of_o which_o he_o have_v determine_v to_o gather_v his_o people_n for_o to_o the_o child_n of_o light_n they_o appear_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o tenor_n of_o the_o first-covenant_n than_o the_o second_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o to_o establish_v his_o church_n on_o the_o rock_n christ_n that_o so_o as_o they_o receive_v he_o they_o may_v walk_v in_o he_o according_a to_o their_o respective_a measure_n of_o grace_n give_v they_o of_o god_n to_o profit_v withal_o and_o which_o as_o the_o apostle_n declare_v be_v sufficient_a for_o they_o now_o inasmuch_o as_o the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n have_v be_v that_o what_o god_n lead_v out_o of_o he_o usual_o lead_v not_o into_o again_o i_o appeal_v to_o god_n witness_v in_o all_o conscience_n whether_o a_o indispensable_a establishment_n of_o outward_a order_n prescription_n and_o decree_n for_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o walk_v by_o and_o submit_v unto_o at_o this_o day_n and_o wherein_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n may_v be_v invade_v of_o which_o my_o meaning_n be_v no_o other_o liberty_n than_o what_o the_o gospel_n allow_v do_v not_o seem_v to_o exalt_v that_o sort_n of_o unity_n wherein_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n do_v not_o consist_v and_o so_o consequent_o may_v become_v the_o mean_n to_o draw_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n people_n outward_a and_o to_o cause_v they_o to_o look_v at_o outward_a thing_n under_o the_o notition_n of_o thing_n establish_v in_o the_o church_n more_o than_o to_o the_o anoint_v in_o themselves_o let_v god_n witness_v in_o every_o conscience_n judge_n objection_n but_o perhaps_o some_o may_v object_v and_o say_v may_v not_o a_o false_a liberty_n get_v strength_n by_o a_o plea_n for_o a_o gospel-liberty_n i_o answer_v nay_o for_o such_o a_o plea_n be_v righteous_a sin_n and_o iniquity_n which_o be_v a_o false_a liberty_n can_v get_v strength_n thereby_o and_o though_o i_o do_v confess_v the_o enemy_n of_o man_n soul_n may_v make_v use_n thereof_o as_o the_o devil_n do_v make_v use_n of_o scripture_n when_o he_o tempt_v christ_n to_o throw_v himself_o down_o from_o the_o pinnacle_n of_o the_o temple_n say_v the_o lord_n shall_v give_v his_o angel_n charge_v concern_v thou_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o conclude_v a_o just_a plea_n can_v strengthen_v any_o in_o a_o fleshly_a liberty_n but_o the_o tempter_n may_v if_o he_o prevail_v however_o i_o can_v see_v it_o yet_o to_o be_v my_o duty_n to_o cease_v to_o do_v good_a though_o another_o may_v pretend_v that_o thereby_o evil_a may_v abound_v and_o since_o r._n b._n speak_v page_z 28._o of_o a_o false_a pretence_n of_o liberty_n and_o that_o as_o i_o take_v his_o line_n to_o import_v with_o respect_n to_o disobedience_n to_o certain_a thing_n ordain_v relate_v to_o order_n in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v with_o i_o to_o describe_v what_o that_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v which_o be_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o consider_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v glad-tiding_n of_o salvation_n which_o be_v not_o attain_v but_o by_o witness_v the_o end_n for_o which_o christ_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n and_o that_o be_v to_o save_v people_n from_o their_o sin_n hence_o i_o conclude_v a_o pleafor_a a_o gospel_n liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v a_o plea_n for_o a_o freedom_n of_o the_o conscience_n from_o sin_n and_o so_o consequent_o a_o plea_n for_o a_o false_a liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v that_o which_o plead_v for_o sin_n objection_n i_o be_o yet_o sensible_a that_o some_o may_v yet_o further_o thus_o object_n the_o difference_n lie_v not_o here_o for_o we_o find_v many_o who_o contend_v for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n to_o plead_v against_o all_o sin_n and_o that_o many_o who_o will_v not_o have_v it_o extend_v so_o large_a as_o thou_o seem_v to_o plead_v for_o do_v also_o plead_v against_o all_o sin_n and_o therefore_o thy_o distinction_n do_v not_o yet_o satisfy_v to_o this_o then_o i_o thus_o say_v the_o true_a professor_n of_o religion_n say_v heaven_n be_v the_o mark_v they_o aim_v at_o and_o that_o this_o be_v not_o attainable_a without_o peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o that_o every_o man_n must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o himself_o to_o god_n hence_o the_o law_n of_o divine_a nature_n teach_v we_o that_o since_o we_o must_v give_v account_n for_o ourselves_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o but_o suffer_v to_o believe_v for_o ourselves_o and_o whosoever_o on_o that_o score_n and_o no_o evil_a end_n claim_v a_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v grant_v he_o and_o this_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o that_o liberty_n which_o the_o gospel_n allow_v if_o then_o any_o who_o deny_v all_o plea_n for_o sin_n rest_v dissatisfy_v in_o their_o conscience_n touch_v certain_a order_n ordain_v by_o some_o for_o the_o church_n to_o practice_v and_o refuse_v the_o practice_n thereof_o on_o this_o score_n that_o they_o have_v no_o faith_n touch_v their_o service_n in_o the_o church_n this_o can_v proper_o be_v call_v a_o plea_n under_o a_o false_a pretence_n of_o liberty_n but_o rather_o a_o just_a and_o righteous_a plea_n according_a to_o that_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n which_o the_o gospel_n allow_v to_o conclude_v let_v we_o all_o watch_n against_o that_o spirit_n that_o will_v insinuate_v a_o belief_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o follow_v the_o command_n tradition_n and_o example_n of_o man_n when_o god_n witness_v in_o our_o conscience_n answer_v not_o otherwise_o such_o insinuation_n though_o none_o of_o the_o ancient_a labourer_n in_o the_o primitive_a gather_n may_v either_o stand_v by_o or_o own_o the_o same_o may_v make_v way_n for_o man_n principled_a as_o r._n b._n by_o his_o small_a treatise_n seem_v to_o be_v to_o assume_v authority_n to_o command_n and_o rule_n not_o only_o over_o such_o their_o brethren_n who_o they_o have_v be_v
retain_v that_o tenderness_n to_o god_n and_o regard_n to_o the_o hurt_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n as_o to_o make_v conscience_n unjust_o to_o accuse_v the_o innocent_a that_o since_o it_o be_v assert_v by_o some_o and_o entertain_v as_o a_o truth_n by_o divers_a that_o that_o book_n be_v write_v upon_o design_n and_o with_o a_o particular_a respect_n of_o prejudice_n to_o some_o person_n who_o i_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o once_o think_v on_o in_o write_v of_o it_o with_o somewhat_o worse_o which_o i_o be_o not_o willing_a to_o remember_v far_o less_o to_o mention_v whether_o those_o that_o propagate_v and_o entertain_v so_o false_a and_o groundless_a a_o jealousy_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o innocent_a have_v not_o reason_n narrow_o to_o examine_v what_o spirit_n they_o be_v influence_v by_o in_o so_o do_v which_o certain_o can_v not_o be_v of_o god_n and_o whether_o they_o ought_v not_o thence_o to_o take_v occasion_n just_o to_o suspect_v the_o effect_n and_o fruit_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o they_o even_o when_o it_o have_v appear_v in_o thing_n for_o which_o they_o may_v have_v somewhat_o more_o to_o say_v sure_o with_o man_n of_o inward_a tenderness_n this_o can_v but_o have_v great_a weight_n and_o albeit_o that_o my_o intention_n be_v so_o clear_a in_o this_o matter_n yet_o i_o will_v not_o say_v but_o the_o lord_n who_o way_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o past_o find_v out_o may_v have_v purpose_v by_o those_o paper_n seasonable_o to_o reprove_v and_o smite_v at_o a_o wrong_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o all_o concern_v have_v need_n in_o true_a tenderness_n and_o godly_a fear_n to_o beware_v how_o they_o shut_v out_o and_o turn_v by_o the_o warning_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o lord_n seek_v to_o carp_v at_o and_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o innocent_a instrument_n lest_o they_o be_v find_v foolish_o like_o those_o dog_n that_o run_v after_o and_o seek_v to_o bite_v the_o stone_n because_o they_o can_v reach_v the_o hand_n that_o throw_v it_o i_o have_v know_v this_o by_o manifold_a experience_n to_o have_v be_v a_o snare_n to_o many_o and_o therefore_o without_o the_o least_o prejudice_n or_o reflection_n upon_o any_o god_n know_v out_o of_o true_a tenderness_n and_o love_n do_v desire_n it_o may_v be_v serious_o weigh_v in_o the_o true_a light_n by_o all_o that_o may_v feel_v themselves_o concern_v in_o this_o matter_n fallacious_o matter_n matter_n since_o r._n b._n as_o before_o be_v signify_v in_o his_o line_n touch_v which_o i_o make_v my_o first_o observation_n on_o his_o explanatory_a postscript_n affirm_v that_o he_o have_v never_o find_v occasion_n to_o repent_v or_o retract_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o matter_n or_o principle_n assert_v by_o he_o and_o that_o he_o labour_v with_o all_o the_o care_n and_o circumspection_n he_o can_v so_o to_o express_v himself_o as_o not_o to_o offend_v in_o a_o word_n i_o may_v now_o with_o confidence_n affirm_v that_o his_o word_n therein_o since_o he_o well_o understand_v the_o propriety_n of_o word_n and_o sentence_n may_v be_v just_o take_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o his_o mind_n that_o now_o his_o fallatiousness_n may_v appear_v i_o shall_v in_o order_n thereto_o cite_v his_o very_a word_n relate_v to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n touch_v jurisdiction_n over_o man_n property_n r._n b._n in_o his_o six_o section_n treat_v how_o far_o this_o government_n extend_v pag._n 39_o thus_o say_v this_o order_n reach_v and_o take_v up_o the_o compose_v of_o difference_n as_o to_o outward_a thing_n and_o further_o say_v we_o do_v bold_o aver_v as_o a_o people_n gather_v together_o by_o the_o lord_n unto_o the_o same_o faith_n etc._n etc._n that_o we_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o decide_v and_o remove_v these_o thing_n among_o ourselves_o from_o which_o positive_a sentence_n it_o natural_o follow_v that_o the_o church_n touch_v who_o authority_n in_o government_n he_o treat_v have_v power_n to_o decide_v and_o remove_v in_o case_n of_o difference_n touch_v outward_a thing_n and_o since_o in_o the_o same_o section_n he_o use_v the_o word_n meum_fw-la and_o tuum_fw-la with_o respect_n to_o outward_a thing_n touch_v which_o difference_n may_v arise_v it_o natural_o follow_v that_o the_o power_n claim_v be_v in_o that_o case_n a_o power_n over_o property_n i_o now_o desire_v that_o the_o reader_n may_v observe_v that_o in_o this_o his_o explanatory_a postscript_n he_o say_v not_o one_o word_n of_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o party_n differ_v which_o clear_o show_v that_o though_o as_o in_o the_o five_o observation_n be_v signify_v he_o intend_v to_o give_v under_o his_o own_o hand_n that_o he_o be_v principled_a as_o the_o aforesaid_a pretend_a letter_n say_v he_o be_v yet_o he_o therein_o deal_v fallacious_o but_o now_o as_o to_o the_o thing_n scruple_v at_o observation_n w._n r_n six_o observation_n whereas_o some_o do_v suppose_v that_o i_o do_v ascribe_v to_o friend_n a_o absolute_a jurisdiction_n over_o man_n property_n in_o outward_a thing_n therein_o i_o have_v be_v great_o mistake_v for_o i_o never_o intend_v any_o such_o thing_n but_o simple_o to_o hold_v forth_o that_o which_o by_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 6._o be_v urge_v that_o whereas_o there_o will_v a_o manifest_a scandal_n arise_v from_o friend_n go_v to_o law_n together_o that_o therefore_o such_o as_o will_v rather_o go_v to_o law_n than_o seek_v to_o come_v to_o agreement_n by_o the_o interpose_v of_o friend_n aught_o with_o a_o respect_n to_o their_o bring_v such_o a_o scandal_n be_v censure_v since_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o any_o such_o difference_n as_o to_o outward_a thing_n can_v fall_v out_o among_o friend_n but_o some_o or_o other_o may_v be_v find_v who_o either_o by_o their_o own_o knowledge_n or_o by_o advice_n &_o information_n of_o such_o as_o may_v be_v know_v in_o the_o matter_n controvert_v may_v bring_v it_o to_o a_o end_n second_o that_o whereas_o i_o say_v there_o will_v not_o be_v want_v in_o case_n of_o controversy_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o give_v judgement_n through_o one_o or_o other_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n so_o long_o as_o any_o assembly_n can_v proper_o or_o in_o any_o tolerable_a sense_n be_v so_o call_v some_o have_v suppose_v that_o by_o these_o last_o word_n i_o do_v insinuate_v as_o if_o any_o assembly_n assume_v to_o themselves_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v some_o show_n of_o it_o may_v of_o right_a claim_n the_o power_n of_o such_o decision_n and_o ought_v according_o to_o be_v submit_v unto_o such_o a_o thing_n never_o enter_v i_o but_o be_v far_o from_o my_o intention_n for_o albeit_o that_o i_o judge_v that_o a_o assembly_n may_v sometime_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o not_o to_o have_v lose_v that_o claim_n albeit_o not_o altogether_o so_o fresh_a and_o lively_a at_o least_o in_o the_o generality_n of_o its_o member_n and_o so_o under_o some_o languish_a and_o hazard_v to_o decay_v if_o life_n do_v not_o again_o come_v up_o more_o abundant_o as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n who_o notwithstanding_o of_o the_o several_a weakness_n divers_a of_o they_o be_v under_o yet_o the_o apostle_n or_o rather_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o apostle_n dignify_v with_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n neither_o do_v i_o intend_v to_o make_v this_o judgement_n necessary_o to_o attend_v every_o particular_a church_n or_o assembly_n but_o by_o the_o church_n there_o i_o understand_v it_o in_o a_o more_o universal_a sense_n that_o be_v some_o or_o other_o among_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o complex_fw-la may_v be_v right_o term_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o same_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n for_o albeit_o we_o may_v suppose_v there_o may_v have_v be_v want_v in_o each_o of_o they_o some_o to_o give_v forth_o this_o true_a judgement_n concern_v they_o yet_o in_o respect_n they_o be_v such_o as_o in_o some_o tolerable_a supposition_n may_v be_v term_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n 3.16_o christ_n christ_n rev_n 2.4_o 5_o 14_o 15_o 20._o chap._n 3.16_o albeit_o some_o of_o they_o have_v lose_v their_o first_o love_n and_o be_v near_o to_o have_v their_o candlestick_n remove_v and_o some_o have_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n and_o of_o the_o nicholaitan_n and_o some_o suffer_v the_o woman_n jezabel_n and_o some_o be_v lukewarm_a and_o ready_a to_o be_v spew_v out_o we_o see_v god_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v without_o a_o certain_a judgement_n but_o give_v forth_o one_o through_o the_o apostle_n john_n who_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o to_o esteem_v that_o any_o assembly_n may_v be_v tolerable_o
suppose_v to_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n where_o either_o the_o true_a doctrine_n and_o principle_n be_v want_v or_o the_o true_a life_n and_o power_n in_o some_o good_a measure_n be_v not_o feel_v and_o know_v be_v far_o from_o my_o thought_n yea_o how_o far_o i_o be_o contrary-minded_n may_v be_v see_v at_o large_a in_o my_o apology_n upon_o the_o 10_o proposition_n now_o publish_v in_o english_a page_z 194_o 195_o 196_o 200_o 201_o 202_o etc._n etc._n answer_n etc._n etc._n r._n b_n discourse_n now_o show_v that_o he_o hold_v forth_o two_o bond_n by_o which_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v center_a into_o one_o body_n but_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n be_v that_o by_o one_o spirit_n we_o be_v baptize_v into_o one_o body_n and_o so_o the_o bond_n but_o one_o and_o though_o r._n b._n term_n my_o comparison_n a_o scornful_a reflection_n yet_o i_o affirm_v it_o be_v christian-like_a enough_o so_o to_o say_v if_o the_o reason_n give_v in_o my_o answer_n be_v but_o due_o consider_v which_o be_v that_o the_o main_a scope_n of_o his_o treatise_n relate_v to_o that_o matter_n both_o from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n tend_v as_o it_o be_v chief_o if_o not_o whole_o to_o evidence_n that_o principle_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n necessary_o depend_v thereon_o be_v the_o bond_n by_o which_o we_o become_v centre_v into_o one_o body_n and_o fellowship_n though_o he_o name_v not_o what_o those_o principle_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n be_v for_o a_o further_a manifestation_n of_o his_o weakness_n on_o this_o subject_a i_o refer_v unto_o my_o answer_n three_o observation_n w._n r_n seven_o observation_n whereas_o it_o be_v think_v strange_a that_o i_o shall_v call_v doctrine_n and_o principle_n the_o bond_n and_o term_n of_o our_o be_v together_o i_o understand_v it_o only_o of_o a_o outward_a bond_n and_o that_o i_o lay_v the_o stress_n upon_o it_o no_o further_o appear_v in_o that_o i_o affirm_v these_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n to_o be_v the_o product_n of_o truth_n power_n and_o virtue_n upon_o the_o heart_n which_o appear_v by_o what_o be_v print_v upon_o the_o margin_n and_o w._n r._n say_v in_o his_o paper_n that_o this_o be_v but_o like_o the_o entertainment_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o manger_n show_v too_o little_a of_o christian-sobriety_n and_o too_o much_o of_o a_o scornful_a reflection_n for_o which_o i_o will_v rather_o choose_v to_o forgive_v he_o than_o therein_o to_o contend_v with_o he_o for_o how_o much_o i_o value_v that_o inward_a bond_n to_o wit_n the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n beyond_o the_o outward_a and_o that_o i_o esteem_v the_o outward_a not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v value_v but_o as_o it_o come_v from_o the_o inward_a may_v be_v see_v through_o out_o all_o i_o have_v write_v in_o my_o apology_n upon_o the_o 10_o proposition_n observation_n w._n r_n eight_o observation_n and_o elsewhere_o declare_v elsewhere_o elsewhere_o if_o this_o be_v his_o meaning_n yet_o his_o book_n do_v not_o so_o declare_v and_o my_o affirm_v that_o any_o deny_v of_o any_o of_o truth_n principle_n and_o doctrine_n be_v a_o ground_n of_o disow_v be_v only_o in_o respect_n that_o who_o do_v so_o do_v manifest_o thence_o make_v it_o appear_v they_o have_v break_v the_o inward_a bond_n first_o from_o which_o that_o outward_a do_v natural_o spring_v and_o arise_v observation_n w._n r_o be_v nine_o observation_n discover_v observation_n observation_n experience_n tell_v i_o that_o the_o great_a difference_n among_o friend_n in_o the_o nation_n be_v about_o outward_a order_n pretend_v to_o be_v establish_v by_o g._n f._n and_o by_o the_o aforesaid_a letter_n which_o r._n b._n account_v a_o clear_n of_o himself_o it_o be_v signify_v that_o r._n b._n declare_v his_o meaning_n to_o be_v not_o only_o with_o respect_n to_o all_o the_o outward_a order_n and_o form_n of_o discipline_n in_o government_n among_o we_o but_o also_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n which_o be_v compare_v with_o his_o now_o declare_v mean_v on_o the_o same_o subject_a show_v again_o that_o he_o do_v not_o by_o this_o confirm_v notwithstanding_o his_o pretence_n so_o to_o do_v what_o be_v signify_v in_o the_o aforesaid_a letter_n because_o here_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o any_o outward_a order_n establish_v and_o practise_v by_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n and_o that_o he_o pretend_v his_o mean_v to_o be_v a_o establishment_n on_o the_o spirit_n only_o and_o such_o as_o be_v lead_v by_o it_o which_o be_v a_o clear_a discovery_n of_o his_o fallaciousness_n and_o will_n so_o appear_v to_o such_o as_o may_v peruse_v his_o word_n whereon_o the_o five_o observation_n be_v make_v for_o therein_o he_o pretend_v to_o give_v the_o same_o satisfaction_n as_o be_v signify_v in_o the_o same_o letter_n beside_o it_o be_v worthy_a our_o observation_n that_o from_o r._n b_n word_n some_o person_n be_v intend_v establisher_n of_o the_o government_n upon_o the_o spirit_n only_o but_o yet_o with_o this_o addition_n notwithstanding_o his_o word_n only_o and_o such_o as_o be_v lead_v by_o it_o which_o to_o i_o seem_v a_o twofaced_a kind_n of_o expression_n for_o if_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n be_v the_o place_n wherein_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v writteu_o and_o his_o government_n be_v to_o be_v exalt_v and_o that_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o expect_v any_o other_o government_n or_o governor_n to_o be_v like_a unto_o moses_n save_v christ_n jesus_n by_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o we_o why_o can_v not_o he_o have_v be_v content_v to_o have_v stop_v his_o pen_n at_o the_o word_n spirit_n only_a but_o forasmuch_o as_o he_o make_v this_o addition_n and_o such_o as_o be_v lead_v by_o it_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o be_o in_o some_o measure_n at_o a_o stand_n touch_v his_o meaning_n thereby_o and_o have_v a_o godly_a jealousy_n that_o notwithstanding_o his_o pretence_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o nothing_o do_v by_o mere_a imitation_n will_v any_o thing_n avail_n yet_o when_o it_o may_v serve_v his_o turn_n he_o may_v from_o his_o own_o line_n bring_v forth_o another_o conclusion_n and_o infer_v a_o subjection_n to_o other_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o governor_n over_o the_o rest_n and_o that_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n in_o we_o must_v give_v way_n to_o the_o pretend_a dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n in_o other_o by_o which_o mean_v at_o length_n it_o may_v so_o happen_v that_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o very_a principle_n of_o truth_n as_o hold_v forth_o among_o we_o in_o the_o beginning_n may_v be_v irradicate_v for_o if_o once_o the_o day_n come_v wherein_o the_o faith_n of_o any_o be_v that_o certain_a person_n above_o or_o distinct_a from_o any_o other_o be_v the_o man_n who_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n be_v establish_v on_o they_o then_o in_o probability_n it_o will_v natural_o follow_v that_o instead_o of_o embrace_v this_o primitive_a exhortation_n turn_v in_o your_o mind_n unto_o the_o light_n that_o shine_v in_o your_o own_o conscience_n many_o will_n be_v turn_v their_o mind_n out_o unto_o unto_o the_o dictate_v of_o other_o and_o be_v it_o so_o that_o what_o r._n b._n aim_v at_o shall_v be_v grant_v viz._n the_o establishment_n of_o christ_n government_n on_o man_n lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n this_o than_o may_v be_v object_v that_o many_o may_v pretend_v thereto_o who_o be_v not_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o where_o the_o spirit_n of_o discern_v be_v want_v in_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v they_o may_v be_v in_o a_o ready_a and_o open_a way_n to_o destruction_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a let_v this_o undoubted_a truth_n be_v hold_v forth_o viz._n let_v every_o one_o be_v obedient_a to_o his_o measure_n of_o grace_n and_o light_n receive_v from_o god_n and_o that_o the_o light_n and_o grace_n be_v a_o reprover_n of_o all_o sin_n than_o there_o will_v be_v no_o stumble_v nor_o by-path_n walk_v in_o moreover_o his_o language_n in_o another_o respect_n seem_v to_o i_o inconsi_v with_o the_o truth_n because_o the_o government_n treat_v upon_o to_o be_v establish_v be_v pretend_v to_o be_v christ_n government_n that_o the_o establisher_n be_v certain_a person_n signify_v by_o these_o r._n b_n word_n we_o do_v establish_v it_o that_o the_o object_n whereon_o it_o be_v establish_v be_v the_o spirit_n all_o which_o consider_v i_o may_v true_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o work_n not_o fit_a for_o poor_a mortal_n to_o pretend_v to_o especial_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v already_o establish_v by_o god_n himself_o on_o christ_n shoulder_n but_o if_o instead_o of_o that_o which_o occasion_n this_o observation_n r._n b._n have_v signify_v that_o those_o who_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v subject_n under_o christ_n government_n i_o know_v that_o such_o language_n will_v have_v
nation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o all_o their_o idolatry_n wickedness_n and_o superstition_n for_o that_o they_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o the_o evil_a of_o it_o whereas_o truth_n teach_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o have_v they_o be_v faithful_a to_o the_o small_a measure_n of_o light_n in_o thing_n more_o obvious_a it_o will_v have_v further_o open_v and_o manifest_v other_o thing_n then_o shall_v not_o the_o jew_n have_v be_v condemn_v for_o crucify_a christ_n since_o peter_n say_v they_o do_v it_o ignorant_o and_o paul_n testify_v that_o if_o they_o have_v know_v they_o will_v not_o have_v crucify_v the_o lord_n of_o glory_n yea_o than_o all_o those_o that_o persecute_a and_o burn_v the_o protestant-martyr_n be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v for_o it_o because_o they_o suppose_v they_o do_v well_o in_o it_o even_o according_a to_o christ_n testimony_n who_o say_v that_o in_o kill_v you_o they_o shall_v think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n shall_v man_n than_o never_o be_v condemn_v for_o do_v evil_a or_o omit_v their_o duty_n because_o they_o see_v it_o not_o what_o absurdity_n will_v folthereupon_o may_v easy_o appear_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o w._n r._n in_o his_o paper_n shall_v labour_v so_o much_o against_o this_o affirm_v very_o positive_o that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v give_v forth_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o by_o way_n of_o recommendation_n &_o not_o of_o command_n wherein_o he_o do_v either_o great_o mistake_v the_o matter_n as_o affirm_v by_o i_o or_o otherways_o run_v into_o a_o far_o great_a inconveniency_n than_o he_o be_v aware_a for_o if_o he_o mean_v that_o no_o man_n of_o or_o from_o himself_o only_o or_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o office_n or_o place_n he_o either_o have_v or_o have_v bear_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n aught_o to_o command_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o church_n i_o free_o agree_v to_o it_o and_o have_v assert_v the_o same_o in_o very_o full_a and_o ample_a term_n but_o if_o he_o will_v say_v that_o no_o man_n albeit_o real_o move_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n aught_o to_o go_v further_o than_o a_o mere_a reomendation_n it_o be_v a_o most_o insolent_a limit_v of_o god_n under_o a_o false_a pretence_n of_o liberty_n &_o will_v necessary_o conclude_v that_o god_n have_v not_o power_n to_o command_v any_o thing_n unless_o man_n be_v content_a to_o agree_v to_o it_o for_o the_o controversy_n be_v here_o draw_v to_o a_o narrow_a compass_n for_o he_o that_o will_v allow_v that_o god_n have_v power_n to_o command_v thing_n to_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o those_o command_n must_v be_v convey_v by_o immediate_a revelation_n through_o some_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o it_o may_v fall_v out_o that_o some_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n may_v through_o weakness_n or_o unwatchfulness_n not_o be_v sensible_a they_o must_v either_o acknowledge_v that_o such_o be_v to_o be_v condemn_v or_o say_v that_o god_n have_v not_o power_n to_o command_v or_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o revelation_n now_o a_o day_n as_o do_v the_o priest_n and_o truth_n enemy_n or_o that_o man_n be_v not_o condemnable_a for_o disobey_v god_n if_o he_o believe_v it_o not_o to_o be_v his_o duty_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v that_o unbelief_n be_v no_o sin_n now_o let_v these_o thing_n be_v serious_o consider_v how_o this_o be_v or_o can_v be_v avoid_v without_o grant_v the_o thing_n affirm_v by_o i_o for_o what_o way_n the_o truth_n can_v be_v assert_v the_o honour_n and_o just_a authority_n of_o god_n acknowledge_v the_o necessity_n and_o continuance_n of_o immediate_a revelation_n affirm_v and_o the_o iniquity_n of_o unbelief_n not_o justify_v and_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o rebellious_a and_o disobedient_a vindicate_v without_o affirm_v what_o i_o have_v do_v and_o if_o any_o can_v do_v this_o in_o word_n more_o wary_a than_o i_o have_v do_v i_o shall_v very_o ready_o agree_v to_o it_o for_o that_o thing_n may_v be_v propose_v to_o the_o church_n by_o way_n of_o command_n and_o further_o than_o a_o mere_a recommendation_n the_o whole_a current_n of_o the_o scripture_n show_v not_o only_o to_o the_o church_n among_o the_o jew_n where_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n do_v propose_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o be_v perform_v very_o positive_o and_o peremtory_o but_o even_o under_o the_o new-covenant_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o 15_o of_o the_o act_n and_o in_o many_o place_n of_o paul_n epistle_n particular_o that_o on_o 2_o thes_n 3.14_o if_o any_o man_n obey_v not_o our_o word_n by_o this_o epistle_n note_v that_o man_n and_o have_v no_o company_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a this_o then_o be_v manifest_v with_o respect_n to_o those_o time_n i_o will_v know_v of_o w._n r._n whether_o christ_n have_v now_o lose_v any_o of_o his_o authority_n or_o have_v leave_v off_o to_o rule_v his_o church_n immediate_o by_o his_o spirit_n whether_o so_o to_o affirm_v be_v not_o gross_o to_o contradict_v the_o ancient_n and_o primitive_a doctrine_n of_o friend_n observation_n w._n r_o be_v ten_o observation_n thereto_o observation_n observation_n this_o be_v not_o my_o concern_v have_v give_v no_o occasion_n in_o my_o answer_n for_o this_o his_o defence_n and_o therefore_o do_v make_v no_o reply_n thereto_o five_o whereas_o some_o do_v suppose_v that_o i_o do_v make_v the_o difference_n in_o the_o end_n but_o very_o small_a betwixt_o decissive_a judgement_n among_o friend_n and_o among_o papist_n and_o other_o person_n because_o i_o say_v they_o place_v the_o decisive_n judgement_n in_o the_o plurality_n of_o a_o assembly_n make_v up_o of_o their_o chief_a teacher_n and_o minister_n and_o albeit_o i_o limit_v it_o not_o to_o that_o yet_o i_o seem_v to_o affirm_v that_o it_o most_o usual_o be_v so_o convey_v and_o so_o the_o difference_n only_o be_v that_o they_o make_v it_o always_o so_o and_o i_o most_o usual_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o if_o in_o charity_n i_o may_v suppose_v this_o insinuation_n come_v not_o from_o malice_n at_o least_o it_o proceed_v from_o great_a ignorance_n of_o the_o popish_a principle_n and_o it_o be_v better_o for_o such_o to_o be_v silent_a than_o to_o judge_n of_o thing_n they_o do_v not_o understand_v for_o the_o difference_n here_o be_v very_o great_a and_o fundamental_a in_o respect_n both_o papist_n and_o other_o do_v affirm_v that_o man_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o outward_a succession_n or_o vocation_n may_v have_v true_a right_o to_o sit_v and_o give_v judgement_n in_o such_o assembly_n albeit_o they_o be_v void_a of_o true_a holiness_n and_o have_v not_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o they_o say_v be_v no_o necessary_a qualification_n to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o minister_n so_o that_o they_o place_v the_o power_n of_o judgement_n not_o only_o in_o the_o plurality_n of_o vote_n absolute_o in_o which_o we_o differ_v from_o they_o but_o also_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o such_o as_o may_v without_o any_o absurdity_n by_o their_o own_o principle_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v all_o and_o each_o of_o they_o void_a of_o the_o true_a grace_n of_o god_n and_o who_o even_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v gracious_a they_o affirm_v not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o immediate_a spirit_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o say_v be_v now_o cease_v now_o can_v there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n than_o be_v betwixt_o these_o two_o to_o wit_n to_o affirm_v that_o the_o power_n of_o decision_n be_v in_o a_o assembly_n of_o man_n to_o be_v member_n of_o which_o assembly_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v no_o necessary_a qualification_n and_o who_o deny_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o to_o be_v immediate_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n as_o a_o thing_n not_o attainable_a in_o these_o day_n and_o yet_o that_o all_o christian_n must_v be_v subject_a to_o what_o the_o plurality_n of_o such_o a_o assembly_n so_o constitute_v do_v determine_v and_o to_o affirm_v that_o the_o power_n of_o decision_n be_v only_o and_o alone_o in_o the_o spirit_n not_o necessary_o tie_v to_o a_o general_a assembly_n but_o if_o it_o please_v god_n to_o make_v use_n of_o such_o a_o assembly_n yet_o neither_o to_o the_o plurality_n of_o they_o but_o in_o and_o through_o such_o of_o his_o servant_n as_o he_o see_v meet_v and_o that_o none_o be_v capable_a or_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v member_n of_o such_o a_o assembly_n or_o esteem_v such_o from_o who_o such_o a_o judgement_n can_v be_v expect_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v receive_v unless_o they_o be_v man_n in_o who_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n not_o only_o be_v but_o have_v true_o wrought_v to_o mortify_v and_o regenerate_v they_o in_o a_o good_a measure_n in_o who_o the_o judgement_n of_o truth_n real_o
child_n of_o israel_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o some_o do_v lead_v many_o into_o a_o temptation_n to_o run_v beyond_o their_o line_n by_o procure_v a_o multitude_n of_o hand_n to_o confirm_v what_o be_v give_v forth_o by_o one_o or_o at_o least_o by_o a_o very_a few_o with_o divers_a other_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n which_o take_v up_o no_o small_a part_n of_o his_o paper_n now_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o pertinent_o bring_v in_o against_o i_o nor_o will_v i_o judge_v myself_o less_o impertinent_a to_o enlarge_v in_o a_o contest_v concern_v these_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o immediate_o concern_v the_o thing_n under_o debate_n since_o the_o person_n or_o person_n aim_v at_o by_o he_o in_o these_o reflection_n may_v take_v occasion_n as_o they_o find_v it_o their_o place_n to_o answer_n and_o perhaps_o may_v have_v have_v opportnity_n to_o have_v discourse_v with_o he_o divers_a of_o these_o thing_n ere_o this_o time_n upon_o other_o occasion_n three_o since_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o w._n r_n paper_n be_v take_v up_o to_o evidence_n as_o he_o pretend_v impertinent_a application_n i_o make_v of_o the_o several_a passage_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o he_o think_v i_o have_v be_v too_o curious_a to_o collect_v that_o make_v mention_n of_o these_o word_n order_n rule_n command_v and_o government_n how_o he_o evince_v that_o i_o leave_v to_o the_o serious_a reader_n be_v the_o more_o willing_a to_o bear_v his_o reflection_n in_o that_o respect_n that_o he_o be_v so_o bold_a when_o he_o can_v compass_n his_o matter_n otherwise_o not_o only_o to_o censure_v i_o but_o the_o apostle_n paul_n say_v of_o 1_o tim._n 1.19_o 20._o mention_v by_o i_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o the_o purpose_n intend_v by_o i_o but_o that_o it_o be_v not_o plain_a to_o the_o purpose_n paul_n himself_o intend_v at_o least_o to_o ordinary_a capacity_n add_v that_o the_o method_n there_o propose_v by_o the_o apostle_n answer_v not_o that_o which_o the_o light_n within_o tell_v we_o since_o since_o then_o the_o light_n he_o follow_v be_v such_o as_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o apostle_n assertion_n i_o may_v the_o more_o patient_o bear_v his_o affirm_v i_o to_o be_v erroneous_a and_o whereas_o w._n r._n labour_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o scripture_n bring_v by_o i_o to_o prove_v a_o power_n of_o decision_n in_o the_o church_n do_v not_o affirm_v any_o such_o thing_n because_o in_o these_o scripture_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o the_o church_n division_n yet_o if_o he_o consider_v that_o those_o place_n do_v speak_v of_o the_o separate_n from_o and_o cut_v off_o of_o divers_a person_n forsake_v their_o fellowship_n to_o the_o saint_n who_o make_v up_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n it_o necessary_o presuppose_v a_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n or_o saint_n concern_v these_o person_n for_o which_o they_o be_v so_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v his_o church_n four_o observation_n w._n r_n twelsth_n observation_n a_o great_a part_n of_o w._n r_n work_n blame_v work_n work_n r._n p._n now_o seem_v very_o confident_a that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o my_o work_n be_v a_o building_n up_o and_o then_o a_o pull_v down_o but_o give_v no_o substantial_a reason_n to_o prove_v his_o assertion_n for_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o discover_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o other_o the_o weakness_n or_o error_n both_o in_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o one_o profess_v christianity_n it_o be_v another_o thing_n to_o make_v one_o self_n a_o judge_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o such_o so_o as_o to_o condemn_v they_o for_o not_o walk_v according_o to_o another_o persuasion_n though_o contrary_a to_o their_o own_o this_o first_o be_v commendable_a and_o the_o only_a thing_n aim_v at_o and_o perform_v by_o i_o in_o that_o part_n of_o my_o work_n which_o he_o pretend_v be_v a_o building_n up_o and_o then_o a_o pull_v down_o the_o other_o i_o affirm_v r._n b._n be_v not_o capable_a to_o render_v i_o guilty_a of_o if_o he_o be_v doubtless_o he_o will_v have_v do_v it_o and_o then_o i_o shall_v have_v ready_o acknowledge_v my_o error_n therein_o for_o examples-sake_n i_o shall_v cite_v one_o instance_n i_o positive_o affirm_v that_o this_o judgement_n touch_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o decision_n of_o difference_n tonch_v outward_a thing_n be_v erroneous_a and_o have_v write_v somewhat_o large_a to_o manifest_v it_o so_o this_o i_o do_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o truth_n and_o perhaps_o he_o may_v term_v it_o as_o a_o evidence_n that_o i_o therein_o build_v that_o which_o i_o destroy_v when_o i_o say_v we_o find_v the_o apostle_n exhort_v the_o church_n not_o to_o he_o judge_v one_o another_o with_o respect_n to_o thing_n relate_v to_o conscience_n but_o a_o inference_n will_v not_o hold_v unless_o i_o have_v also_o declare_v that_o if_o he_o or_o any_o believer_n like_o mind_a with_o he_o shall_v practise_v according_a to_o such_o a_o judgement_n they_o be_v then_o to_o be_v condemn_v but_o that_o i_o have_v not_o do_v for_o shall_v i_o so_o have_v do_v his_o construction_n of_o my_o building_n up_o and_o pull_v down_o may_v have_v hold_v but_o i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o be_v of_o such_o a_o censorious_a spirit_n as_o that_o i_o think_v it_o be_v rather_o his_o duty_n while_o so_o principled_a to_o refer_v any_o such_o difference_n arise_v between_o he_o and_o another_o friend_n unto_o the_o decision_n of_o the_o church_n this_o i_o hope_v will_v suffice_v to_o show_v the_o fallaciousness_n of_o his_o inference_n and_o the_o abuse_n and_o perversion_n not_o only_o of_o my_o intent_n but_o my_o word_n themselves_o and_o if_o his_o inference_n to_o my_o word_n be_v good_a than_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o paul_n may_v just_o be_v blame_v when_o he_o withstand_v peter_n gal._n 2.11_o to_o the_o face_n because_o peter_n be_v to_o be_v blame_v be_v but_o a_o build_n up_o and_o then_o a_o pull_v down_o wherein_o he_o apparent_o contradict_v himself_o yea_o the_o whole_a scope_n of_o his_o book_n imply_v a_o manifest_a contradiction_n for_o whereas_o he_o plain_o declare_v his_o writing_n to_o be_v a_o plea_n for_o christian_a liberty_n against_o judge_v and_o censure_v one_o another_o hold_v forth_o the_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n or_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n but_o especial_o in_o such_o matter_n as_o relate_v to_o discipline_n and_o government_n be_v not_o nor_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o unity_n which_o he_o understand_v may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o diversity_n of_o gift_n and_o administration_n mention_v in_o scripture_n which_o he_o exprese_n in_o these_o word_n upon_o paul_n in_o rom._n 14._o so_o then_o every_o one_o of_o we_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n of_o himself_o unto_o god_n let_v we_o not_o therefore_o judge_v one_o another_o any_o more_o and_o again_o he_o say_v upon_o chap._n 14.34_o which_o evident_o show_v that_o inasmuch_o as_o every_o one_o must_v answer_v for_o himself_o it_o be_v fit_a every_o one_o shall_v believe_v for_o himself_o and_o so_o practice_n without_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o other_o and_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o christian_n forbearance_n and_o again_o in_o another_o place_n he_o say_v these_o thing_n consider_v and_o that_o also_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n exhort_v the_o church_n not_o to_o be_v judge_v one_o another_o with_o respect_n to_o thing_n relate_v to_o conscience_n there_o be_v great_a need_n to_o watch_v against_o this_o censorious_a judge_a spirit_n lest_o while_o any_o be_v judge_v their_o brethren_n themselves_o become_v castaways_a he_o have_v many_o more_o expression_n of_o this_o kind_n now_o since_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a scope_n of_o w._n r_n paper_n and_o that_o he_o do_v yea_o have_v since_o he_o write_v those_o paper_n acknowledge_v i_o to_o be_v his_o christian_a brother_n and_o many_o more_o at_o least_o then_o he_o do_v repute_v such_o who_o he_o censure_v judge_n and_o condems_n through_o his_o whole_a treatise_n yea_o since_o his_o whole_a paper_n be_v a_o judge_a censure_v and_o condemn_v of_o i_o and_o my_o judgement_n in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o conscience_n and_o to_o my_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o government_n and_o outward_a discipline_n do_v not_o the_o work_n itself_o imply_v a_o manifest_a contradiction_n so_o his_o very_a write_n contradict_v the_o matter_n that_o he_o write_v of_o and_o plead_v for_o especial_o since_o he_o not_o only_o make_v some_o general_a censure_n of_o i_o and_o many_o other_o profess_v the_o same_o fundamental_a truth_n with_o he_o but_o be_v very_o partricular_a and_o peremptory_a yea_o insinuate_a accusation_n as_o if_o i_o in_o particular_a intend_v to_o make_v way_n for_o a_o authority_n to_o rule_v over_o at_o least_o some_o
desire_v i_o to_o give_v he_o that_o so_o race_v and_o interline_v paper_n but_o not_o manifest_v his_o intent_n to_o publish_v the_o same_o to_o who_o i_o answer_v i_o will_v not_o unless_o he_o will_v promise_v i_o to_o send_v it_o i_o without_o the_o least_o alteration_n or_o addition_n of_o a_o title_n which_o he_o then_o solemn_o promise_v but_o be_v not_o yet_o perform_v and_o so_o the_o spread_a of_o that_o paper_n or_o any_o paper_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o copy_n thereof_o in_o my_o name_n without_o my_o privity_n or_o assent_n be_v very_o abusive_a and_o i_o can_v account_v it_o little_o better_a than_o forgery_n for_o my_o memory_n be_v so_o good_a as_o to_o know_v that_o my_o hand_n be_v never_o to_o any_o paper_n whereof_o this_o give_v forth_o in_o my_o name_n be_v copy_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o say_v pretend_a letter_n declare_v nothing_o of_o error_n contain_v in_o my_o answer_n therefore_o the_o force_n of_o the_o say_a answer_n be_v nothing_o abate_v thereby_o and_o now_o if_o that_o very_a paper_n which_o be_v send_v abroad_o under_o my_o name_n without_o my_o assent_n be_v send_v by_o i_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o who_o may_v misconstrue_v the_o same_o i_o thus_o observe_v it_o be_v therein_o thus_o say_v i_o be_o satisfy_v that_o robert_n barclay_n be_v not_o principled_a so_o as_o i_o and_o other_o have_v take_v his_o book_n to_o import_n and_o in_o another_o place_n as_o i_o and_o many_o by_o some_o passage_n in_o his_o book_n take_v he_o to_o be_v the_o word_n speak_v by_o robert_n barclay_n himself_o unto_o i_o before_o friend_n manifest_v that_o he_o be_v not_o principled_a as_o his_o book_n teach_v and_o therefore_o i_o hope_v none_o will_v abuse_v my_o charity_n in_o believe_v the_o word_n of_o robert_n barclay_v mouth_n rather_o than_o what_o his_o former_a write_n say_v my_o so_o do_v do_v not_o import_v that_o i_o mistake_v his_o book_n for_o i_o affirm_v that_o his_o book_n be_v erroneous_a and_o show_v he_o otherwise_o principled_a than_o the_o word_n of_o his_o mouth_n import_v again_o in_o the_o say_a paper_n it_o be_v thus_o say_v in_o particular_a he_o do_v declare_v that_o his_o book_n teach_v not_o that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v jurisdiction_n over_o the_o outward_a concern_v of_o friend_n in_o case_n of_o difference_n without_o assent_n of_o the_o differ_v party_n and_o that_o it_o be_v far_o from_o his_o intention_n as_o to_o this_o i_o thus_o say_v i_o hope_v none_o will_v read_v so_o careless_o as_o to_o conclude_v that_o because_o i_o say_v he_o do_v declare_v etc._n etc._n therefore_o they_o will_v conclude_v that_o i_o do_v so_o declare_v if_o i_o shall_v have_v so_o say_v i_o shall_v have_v egregious_o wrong_v my_o conscience_n because_o i_o know_v not_o where_o to_o find_v such_o a_o explication_n of_o his_o word_n this_o sentence_n be_v insert_v to_o tell_v friend_n what_o he_o say_v and_o not_o what_o i_o say_v and_o so_o every_o one_o have_v liberty_n to_o search_v his_o book_n that_o they_o may_v see_v whether_o he_o speak_v truth_n or_o no_o for_o i_o now_o positive_o affirm_v have_v since_o search_v his_o book_n again_o that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o word_n or_o sentence_n to_o be_v find_v through_o all_o his_o book_n that_o do_v in_o the_o least_o measure_n import_v that_o his_o book_n do_v so_o teach_v as_o he_o say_v it_o do_v and_o yet_o since_o my_o departure_n from_o london_n he_o have_v the_o confidence_n or_o rather_o i_o may_v say_v the_o impudence_n to_o affirm_v that_o forty_o brethren_n have_v give_v it_o as_o their_o sense_n that_o it_o do_v so_o teach_v whenas_o it_o appear_v that_o many_o of_o the_o meeting_n who_o also_o have_v put_v their_o hand_n to_o the_o account_n give_v of_o the_o meeting_n as_o aforesaid_a be_v not_o principled_a that_o it_o ought_v so_o to_o teach_v as_o r._n b._n say_v it_o do_v and_o be_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o many_o desire_v to_o show_v the_o sentence_n that_o so_o import_v he_o refuse_v so_o to_o do_v and_o doubtless_o the_o real_a reason_n of_o his_o so_o do_v be_v guilt_n upon_o his_o conscience_n for_o that_o he_o can_v not_o tell_v where_o to_o find_v it_o i_o also_o find_v in_o the_o say_a paper_n that_o robert_n barclay_n in_o one_o place_n affirm_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o there_o never_o will_v nor_o can_v be_v want_v in_o case_n of_o controversy_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o give_v judgement_n through_o some_o or_o other_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n so_o long_o as_o any_o assembly_n can_v proper_o or_o in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n be_v so_o term_v and_o that_o he_o declare_v the_o word_n be_v sound_a and_o so_o he_o have_v conclude_v as_o the_o say_a paper_n import_v that_o it_o be_v disobedience_n to_o god_n not_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o sentence_n of_o such_o assembly_n though_o the_o person_n refuse_v to_o submit_v pretend_v they_o see_v it_o not_o here_o also_o i_o can_v but_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a for_o any_o to_o conclude_v that_o i_o judge_v the_o sentence_n sound_n for_o i_o testify_v it_o be_v erroneous_a and_o never_o assent_v or_o think_v it_o otherwise_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o consistency_n in_o truth_n between_o that_o which_o he_o declare_v to_o be_v his_o further_a meaning_n thereon_o and_o the_o word_n in_o his_o book_n which_o can_v but_o appear_v by_o compare_v his_o further_a meaning_n in_o the_o say_a letter_n and_o his_o book_n together_o the_o say_a paper_n do_v further_o manifest_a that_o robert_n barclay_n thus_o in_o his_o book_n assert_v viz._n that_o the_o ancient_a apostolic_a order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v re-stablisht_a on_o its_o right_a basis_n and_o foundation_n and_o that_o his_o meaning_n therein_o be_v not_o only_o with_o respect_n to_o all_o the_o outward_a order_n and_o form_n of_o discipline_n in_o government_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n but_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o great_a order_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o though_o robert_n barclay_n have_v give_v these_o explication_n of_o his_o meaning_n yet_o the_o very_a explication_n as_o he_o say_v be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o his_o book_n let_v the_o judicious_a reader_n consider_v whether_o this_o can_v any_o way_n credit_n robert_n barclay_n or_o the_o second_o day_n meeting_n that_o approve_v his_o book_n as_o evidence_n that_o it_o can_v i_o say_v that_o all_o the_o outward_a order_n and_o form_n of_o discipline_n in_o government_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n do_v not_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o ancient_a apostolic_a order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o i_o have_v sufficient_o evidence_v in_o my_o answer_n and_o if_o so_o how_o can_v his_o mean_v be_v according_o to_o truth_n second_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v the_o great_a order_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v of_o ability_n to_o establish_v we_o but_o we_o not_o of_o ability_n to_o establish_v it_o and_o therefore_o whatever_o robert_n barclay_n may_v say_v it_o be_v not_o rational_a to_o conclude_v that_o according_a to_o his_o mean_v when_o he_o write_v that_o sentence_n it_o have_v relation_n to_o any_o thing_n but_o outward_a order_n and_o form_n of_o discipline_n in_o government_n and_o as_o to_o his_o say_n that_o the_o very_a explication_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o his_o book_n i_o affirm_v on_o a_o further_a diligent_a search_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o explication_n to_o be_v find_v therein_o and_o i_o hope_v those_o who_o have_v a_o concern_v on_o their_o spirit_n for_o truth_n will_v do_v i_o so_o much_o right_o as_o to_o examine_v his_o book_n since_o the_o case_n by_o the_o spread_a of_o the_o say_a paper_n under_o my_o name_n be_v bring_v to_o a_o narrow_a issue_n for_o now_o it_o be_v easy_o to_o be_v manifest_v whether_o herein_o i_o have_v wrong_v robert_n barclay_n or_o whether_o robert_n barclay_n be_v not_o wrong_v and_o the_o second_o day_n meet_v too_o while_o they_o justify_v and_o own_v his_o book_n in_o the_o say_a paper_n it_o be_v thus_o further_o say_v viz._n this_o further_a lie_v upon_o i_o to_o signify_v unto_o you_o on_o behalf_n of_o robert_n barclay_n i_o be_o satisfy_v that_o he_o be_v not_o principled_a as_o i_o and_o many_o by_o some_o passage_n in_o his_o book_n take_v he_o to_o be_v and_o since_o it_o be_v so_o that_o many_o have_v take_v a_o offence_n against_o he_o for_o that_o cause_n and_o as_o may_v be_v doubt_v even_o so_o far_o as_o to_o reject_v his_o testimony_n and_o service_n for_o the_o truth_n it_o lie_v upon_o i_o as_o my_o duty_n even_o for_o he_o and_o the_o truth_n sake_n to_o warn_v all_o that_o they_o take_v heed_n not_o
it_o have_v evident_o appear_v the_o lord_n have_v not_o speak_v by_o they_o if_o so_o be_v the_o tree_n may_v at_o this_o day_n be_v know_v by_o its_o fruit_n as_o well_o as_o in_o day_n past_a but_o rather_o that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v fulfil_v if_o not_o fulfil_v in_o they_o when_o he_o say_v the_o prophet_n be_v a_o fool_n the_o spiritual_a man_n be_v mad_a for_o the_o multitude_n of_o thy_o iniquity_n and_o great_a hatred_n hos_fw-la 9.7_o for_o i_o be_o a_o live_a witness_n that_o imagination_n have_v so_o possess_v the_o head_n and_o heart_n of_o many_o that_o travel_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o minister_a friend_n as_o that_o instead_o of_o manifest_v a_o divine_a understanding_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n or_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n in_o season_n they_o have_v bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o unsound_a mind_n show_v forth_o no_o better_a resemblance_n or_o evidence_n of_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n that_o divide_v the_o word_n aright_o than_o the_o confuse_a chaos_n before_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n be_v of_o the_o beauty_n and_o order_n that_o now_o be_v in_o it_o and_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o be_o well_o satisfy_v and_o that_o on_o sufficient_a ground_n too_o large_a to_o insert_v that_o either_o the_o multitude_n of_o iniquity_n or_o great_a hatred_n through_o the_o influence_n of_o g._n f._n possess_v the_o heart_n of_o such_o be_v the_o occasion_n thereof_o but_o notwithstanding_o my_o design_n be_v not_o as_o i_o say_v before_o to_o treat_v at_o large_a on_o the_o present_a difference_n between_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o present_a separation_n in_o some_o part_n of_o this_o nation_n yet_o since_o i_o be_o also_o satisfy_v and_o that_o on_o sufficient_a ground_n that_o g._n f._n have_v be_v one_o of_o those_o very_a person_n occasion_v the_o difference_n to_o arise_v unto_o the_o height_n they_o now_o be_v or_o at_o least_o a_o countenancer_n thereof_o at_o a_o large_a rate_n i_o purpose_v to_o treat_v a_o little_a thereon_o and_o partly_o as_o relate_v to_o g._n f._n that_o so_o the_o impartial_a reader_n may_v consider_v whether_o if_o g._n f._n have_v content_v himself_o in_o reality_n and_o truth_n with_o the_o place_n of_o a_o servant_n of_o christ_n that_o seek_v not_o dominion_n over_o his_o brethren_n faith_n and_o conscience_n nor_o yet_o to_o expect_v submission_n to_o his_o outward_a precept_n prescription_n or_o order_n further_o than_o every_o friend_n to_o truth_n be_v or_o may_v be_v by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o conscience_n lead_v and_o guide_v therein_o the_o difference_n now_o among_o friend_n touch_v which_o some_o seem_v ready_a to_o bite_v and_o devour_v other_o may_v never_o have_v be_v for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o in_o no_o wise_a question_n but_o that_o g._n f._n be_v one_o chief_a instrument_n that_o a_o destroy_n and_o devour_a spirit_n have_v enter_v into_o some_o among_o the_o flock_n and_o that_o many_o a_o simple_a honest-hearted_n friend_n to_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n have_v receive_v and_o believe_v lie_n and_o slanderous_a false_a report_n against_o many_o brethren_n undeserved_o to_o the_o betray_n of_o their_o simplicity_n and_o love_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o fill_v their_o heart_n with_o hatred_n enmity_n and_o prejudice_n and_o of_o this_o be_o i_o as_o well_o satisfy_v as_o i_o be_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n in_o heaven_n before_o who_o both_o he_o and_o all_o the_o son_n of_o man_n must_v come_v to_o judgement_n and_o that_o the_o blood_n of_o many_o such_o if_o they_o perish_v before_o true_a repentance_n will_v be_v lay_v at_o g._n f_o '_o s._n door_n otherwise_o i_o shall_v not_o have_v appear_v to_o discover_v the_o say_v g._n f._n as_o in_o conscience_n i_o be_o now_o constrain_v to_o do_v and_o therefore_o a_o warn_v be_v now_o proclaim_v unto_o all_o such_o that_o they_o redeem_v their_o time_n because_o the_o day_n be_v evil_a and_o proceed_v no_o further_o to_o receive_v and_o believe_v lie_n and_o scandalous_a report_n against_o such_o who_o they_o have_v once_o account_v honourable_a on_o the_o credit_n of_o g._n f._n as_o a_o man_n that_o for_o several_a year_n past_a have_v not_o err_v for_o many_o be_v this_o day_n witness_n that_o his_o action_n have_v render_v he_o a_o erroneous_a man._n and_o for_o as_o much_o as_o he_o have_v refuse_v to_o give_v that_o satisfaction_n for_o his_o error_n as_o in_o the_o like_a case_n he_o have_v prescribe_v for_o other_o it_o have_v increase_v the_o concern_v of_o my_o conscience_n to_o discover_v the_o same_o and_o that_o also_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o simple_a and_o honest-hearted_n and_o that_o those_o innocent_a and_o tender_a child_n that_o be_v grow_v up_o from_o the_o loin_n of_o believe_a parent_n etc._n etc._n may_v in_o their_o tender_a year_n be_v awaken_v and_o warn_v that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v captivate_v in_o the_o like_o snare_n and_o so_o breed_v up_o in_o a_o mere_a form_n and_o affect_v with_o airy_a imagination_n which_o have_v no_o tendency_n to_o open_v their_o understanding_n thereby_o to_o give_v unto_o they_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o principle_n of_o truth_n which_o the_o faithful_a by_o the_o spirit_n have_v be_v lead_v to_o own_o and_o hold_v forth_o nor_o yet_o the_o way_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o so_o their_o footstep_n may_v be_v direct_v into_o the_o path_n of_o peace_n and_o they_o come_v to_o know_v a_o lively_a feel_n and_o sense_n of_o that_o immortal_a power_n and_o spirit_n by_o which_o the_o everlasting_a god_n who_o way_n be_v unchangeable_a reach_v unto_o many_o in_o the_o beginning_n when_o the_o very_a thought_n of_o be_v embondaged_a again_o with_o the_o beggarly_a element_n and_o rudiment_n of_o this_o world_n or_o of_o have_v our_o eye_n or_o dependency_n on_o any_o mortal_a man_n be_v loathsome_a i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o lay_v down_o a_o few_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n a_o evidence_n to_o i_o that_o my_o aforesaid_a sense_n touch_v g._n f._n be_v true_a refer_v the_o reader_n for_o further_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o first_o and_o five_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n distinguish_v from_o the_o apostate_n and_o innovator_n first_o i_o take_v notice_n of_o seven_o question_n which_o be_v send_v unto_o john_n wilkinson_n by_o robert_n barrow_n and_o other_o who_o say_v they_o be_v desire_v by_o g._n f._n so_o to_o do_v the_o query_n be_v as_o follow_v together_o with_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o answer_n thereunto_o query_n 1_o whether_o do_v thou_o say_v concern_v that_o paper_n send_v down_o to_o the_o quarterly-meeting_a at_o kendal_n that_o it_o come_v from_o the_o female_a answ_n i_o remember_v no_o such_o word_n yet_o be_v great_o trouble_v at_o a_o name_n a_o note_v this_o be_v that_o paper_n mention_v in_o the_o title-page_n that_o g._n p_n wife_n cause_v to_o be_v read_v in_o a_o quarterly-meeting_a and_o be_v give_v forth_o in_o her_o name_n paper_n from_o the_o female_a read_v with_o grievous_a accusation_n against_o our_o faithful_a brother_n john_n story_n which_o as_o i_o say_v great_o trouble_v i_o and_o many_o beside_o i_o know_v his_o clearness_n from_o such_o thing_n and_o know_v his_o vessel_n fill_v with_o the_o power_n of_o god_n in_o abide_v in_o his_o house_n qu._n 2._o whether_o do_v thou_o say_v at_o the_o quarterly-meeting_a at_o kendal_n to_o margaret_n fox_n what_o ground_n or_o foundation_n have_v friend_n to_o practice_v thing_n which_o be_v impose_v by_o man_n or_o in_o the_o will_n of_o man_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v no_o authority_n or_o warrant_v for_o or_o word_n to_o that_o effect_n answ_n the_o word_n as_o state_v in_o this_o question_n i_o do_v not_o speak_v to_o m._n f._n yet_o the_o substance_n i_o own_o for_o the_o truth_n in_o it_o qu._n 3._o whether_o do_v thou_o read_v or_o consent_n to_o be_v read_v in_o the_o latter-end_a of_o a_o quarterly-meeting_a at_o kendal_n a_o paper_n of_o anthony_n pearson_n or_o other_o that_o direct_v or_o advise_v that_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n shall_v be_v as_o the_o way_n of_o a_o ship_n in_o the_o sea_n or_o such_o like_a answ_n nay_o but_o if_o they_o mean_v no_o impression_n of_o form_n leave_v behind_o i_o like_v it_o well_o qu._n 4._o whether_o do_v thou_o advise_v that_o paper_n of_o condemnation_n shall_v not_o be_v record_v answ_n nay_o i_o have_v no_o occasion_n to_o advise_v but_o my_o advice_n be_v and_o be_v that_o condemnation_n shall_v not_o stand_v on_o our_o deacon_n book_n to_o posterity_n according_a as_o the_o meet_v agree_v unto_o because_o fail_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v prove_v weapon_n for_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n to_o fight_v with_o against_o perfection_n
in_o the_o latter-end_a of_o the_o quarterly-meeting_a a_o paper_n of_o anthony_n pearson_n that_o direct_v that_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n shall_v be_v as_o the_o way_n of_o a_o ship_n in_o the_o sea_n and_o such_o like_a answ_n i_o consent_v to_o a_o paper_n that_o have_v some_o such_o word_n but_o know_v not_o it_o be_v althony_n pearson_n qu._n 14._o whether_o do_v thou_o advise_v that_o paper_n of_o condemnation_n shall_v not_o be_v record_v or_o gainsayed_n it_o and_o the_o bring_n in_o friend_n testimony_n concern_v friend_n faithfulness_n or_o unfaithfulness_n in_o the_o case_n of_o tithe_n answ_n to_o this_o fourteen_o query_n john_n story_n answer_v much_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n as_o john_n wilkinson_n do_v to_o the_o same_o question_n signify_v in_o the_o four_o and_o five_o query_n to_o john_n wilkinson_n already_o cite_v qu._n 15._o whether_o do_v thou_o consent_v to_o approve_v of_o or_o be_v it_o present_a at_o the_o race_v or_o tear_v out_o of_o the_o book_n h._n g's_o paper_n of_o condemnation_n for_o his_o be_v marry_v by_o a_o priest_n answ_n no._n qu._n 16._o and_o whether_o do_v thou_o say_v thou_o will_v have_v all_o friend_n leave_v to_o their_o freedom_n to_o pay_v tithe_n or_o not_o to_o pay_v tithe_n answ_n to_o this_o sixteenth_o query_n john_n story_n answer_v much_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n as_o john_n wilkinson_n do_v to_o the_o same_o question_n which_o be_v the_o seven_o propose_v to_o john_n wilkinson_n though_o before_o the_o give_v forth_o of_o these_o query_n there_o may_v be_v some_o small_a difference_n among_o friend_n in_o the_o north_n which_o be_v aggravate_v by_o g._n f_n wife_n partly_o by_o her_o cause_v to_o be_v read_v in_o the_o quarterly-meeting_a in_o westmoreland_n a_o paper_n date_v the_o 21_o st_o of_o the_o 11_o m_o on_o 1672._o give_v forth_o by_o she_o against_o john_n story_n and_o therein_o signify_v that_o he_o judge_v the_o god_n the_o note_v john_n story_n deny_v that_o he_o ever_o judge_v the_o power_n of_o god_n power_n of_o god_n as_o it_o break_v forth_o in_o hymn_n or_o spiritual_a song_n yet_o many_o be_v not_o so_o well_o satisfy_v that_o g._n f._n be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a person_n that_o occasion_v or_o at_o least_o encourage_v the_o keep_n alive_a of_o those_o difference_n until_o these_o query_n be_v send_v to_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n but_o than_o jealousy_n enter_v many_o that_o occasion_n be_v seek_v against_o they_o and_o mere_o because_o they_o can_v not_o gratify_v that_o spirit_n in_o g._n f._n which_o as_o be_v also_o jealouse_v have_v accept_v of_o such_o submission_n from_o some_o as_o many_o faithful_a friend_n have_v abhor_v i_o now_o come_v to_o make_v some_o observation_n on_o the_o aforesaid_a query_n wherein_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o matter_n of_o they_o and_o the_o manner_n of_o negotiate_v that_o matter_n it_o be_v plain_a to_o i_o that_o if_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n have_v answer_v to_o each_o query_n propose_v to_o they_o respective_o yea_o then_o since_o g._n f._n receive_v the_o information_n and_o prosecute_v the_o same_o the_o informer_n against_o they_o to_o g._n f._n will_v have_v have_v his_o end_n which_o doubtless_o be_v to_o render_v they_o guilty_a of_o evil_a principle_n or_o practice_n and_o have_v g._n f_n imaginary_a authority_n to_o prosecute_v they_o for_o the_o same_o the_o consideration_n whereof_o lead_v i_o thus_o further_o to_o observe_v that_o if_o any_o one_o of_o the_o matter_n therein_o contain_v can_v not_o render_v the_o person_n therein_o concern_v by_o his_o answer_n yea_o guilty_a of_o unsoundness_n in_o principle_n or_o of_o any_o evil_a practice_n then_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o g._n f._n as_o well_o as_o the_o informer_n endeavour_v to_o make_v the_o person_n so_o concern_v a_o offender_n in_o that_o particular_a which_o be_v no_o offence_n the_o reader_n may_v now_o weigh_v the_o matter_n in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n which_o if_o he_o do_v he_o will_v doubtless_o perceive_v that_o the_o answer_n yea_o to_o several_a of_o the_o query_n will_v not_o render_v either_o of_o they_o either_o unsound_a in_o principle_n or_o blame-worthy_a as_o to_o matter_n of_o fact_n from_o the_o nine_o query_n to_o j._n s._n and_o his_o answer_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o if_o j._n s._n have_v say_v keep_v order_n by_o way_n of_o reproof_n to_o the_o noise_n of_o deceit_n by_o one_o person_n though_o pretend_v to_o sing_v for_o joy_n while_o another_o be_v pray_v it_o be_v not_o matter_n of_o evil_a fact_n but_o a_o shame_n to_o any_o one_o so_o to_o esteem_v it_o since_o god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o order_n and_o not_o of_o confusion_n in_o the_o church_n and_o indeed_o to_o i_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n above_o many_o other_o that_o seem_v worthy_a of_o observation_n and_o that_o be_v the_o second_o query_n to_o john_n wilkinson_n when_o a_o answer_n yea_o can_v not_o render_v he_o a_o offender_n unless_o it_o be_v sound_a doctrine_n that_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n aught_o to_o practice_v thing_n that_o be_v impose_v by_o man_n or_o in_o the_o will_n of_o man_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v no_o authority_n or_o warrant_n for_o if_o g._n f._n will_v be_v so_o plain_a as_o positive_o to_o assert_v that_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v employ_v in_o that_o query_n if_o from_o a_o query_n any_o thing_n may_v proper_o be_v employ_v then_o it_o will_v put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o controversy_n with_o many_o for_o than_o it_o must_v be_v assert_v that_o there_o be_v either_o one_o or_o more_o that_o have_v power_n to_o impose_v in_o the_o will_n of_o man_n that_o which_o the_o scripture_n give_v no_o authority_n or_o warrant_v for_o but_o notwithstanding_o i_o will_v suppose_v in_o favour_n to_o g._n f._n that_o as_o answer_v to_o this_o he_o may_v thus_o say_v i_o do_v not_o put_v that_o question_n with_o a_o intent_n to_o justify_v imposition_n in_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o rather_o to_o find_v out_o whether_o what_o robert_n barrow_n and_o other_o have_v endeavour_v to_o impose_v have_v a_o persuasion_n that_o my_o paper_n have_v be_v give_v forth_o in_o the_o motion_n of_o god_n be_v account_v thing_n impose_v in_o the_o will_n of_o man_n and_o that_o if_o it_o shall_v so_o appear_v john_n wilkinson_n unto_o who_o the_o question_n be_v propose_v may_v condemn_v the_o same_o since_o i_o affirm_v that_o i_o have_v give_v forth_o nothing_o to_o be_v impose_v but_o what_o i_o have_v be_v move_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o give_v forth_o and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v submit_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o suposition_n put_v i_o in_o remembrance_n of_o a_o objection_n raise_v in_o the_o seven_o section_n of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o manuscript_n wherein_o the_o difference_n among_o friend_n be_v collect_v as_o before_o be_v hint_v which_o with_o the_o answer_n thereto_o may_v be_v proper_a to_o cite_v on_o this_o occasion_n the_o objection_n and_o answer_n follow_v object_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v but_o one_o in_o all_o have_v move_v in_o our_o brethren_n to_o give_v forth_o certain_a order_n command_n and_o prescription_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v according_o to_o obey_v and_o this_o can_v be_v call_v the_o dictate_v of_o fallible_a man_n but_o of_o the_o spirit_n give_v forth_o through_o man_n and_o be_v thou_o that_o pretend_v thou_o see_v it_o not_o thy_o duty_n to_o obey_v but_o obedient_a to_o thy_o owe_v measure_n thou_o will_v then_o see_v it_o so_o and_o be_v one_o with_o the_o brethren_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v but_o tell_v thou_o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n to_o obey_v since_o the_o reason_n thou_o see_v it_o not_o thy_o duty_n be_v thy_o want_n of_o diligence_n and_o not_o wait_v in_o thy_o own_o measure_n beside_o we_o find_v that_o g._n f._n have_v late_o give_v forth_o a_o paper_n the_o import_n whereof_o be_v to_o justify_v prescription_n to_o this_o we_o say_v that_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n move_v in_o any_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n to_o give_v forth_o certain_a order_n and_o prescription_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n as_o that_o which_o though_o relate_v to_o their_o conscience_n they_o ought_v to_o perform_v and_o practice_v whether_o they_o see_v it_o their_o duty_n or_o no_o or_o whether_o they_o be_v free_a so_o to_o do_v or_o no_o then_o no_o doubt_n but_o they_o ought_v so_o to_o act_n and_o do_v because_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n have_v so_o move_v but_o this_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o which_o under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o second-covenant_n we_o have_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n or_o light_n of_o christ_n to_o suppose_v and_o so_o we_o do_v
not_o believe_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o expect_v that_o any_o such_o motion_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v appear_v through_o any_o one_o or_o more_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n with_o respect_n to_o other_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o our_o faith_n be_v that_o all_o those_o who_o be_v heir_n of_o that_o kingdom_n which_o be_v everlasting_a be_v entitle_v to_o a_o like_a freedom_n not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o each_o by_o other_o contrary_a to_o that_o divine_a sense_n and_o heavenly_a understanding_n which_o as_o coheir_n and_o co-worker_n together_o they_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o and_o this_o in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n will_n evince_o be_v manifest_v from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n however_o we_o must_v confess_v he_o that_o be_v not_o diligent_a to_o wait_v upon_o god_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o own_o measure_n of_o grace_n receive_v be_v by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n condemnable_a not_o for_o refuse_v to_o perform_v that_o which_o he_o see_v not_o to_o be_v his_o duty_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o other_o man_n line_n make_v ready_a to_o his_o hand_n wherein_o he_o be_v not_o satisfy_v but_o for_o his_o neglect_v to_o wait_v upon_o god_n because_o it_o be_v manifest_a in_o every_o one_o that_o have_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o wait_v upon_o god_n and_o this_o our_o sense_n and_o reason_n answer_v to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n where_o it_o be_v say_v rom._n 1.18_o 19_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n who_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n because_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o they_o for_o god_n have_v show_v it_o unto_o they_o so_o it_o be_v clear_a to_o we_o from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o we_o as_o well_o as_o from_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o we_o that_o the_o wrath_n and_o condemnation_n of_o god_n go_v forth_o against_o such_o as_o live_v not_o answerable_a to_o what_o god_n have_v manifest_v in_o they_o but_o it_o be_v neither_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n or_o light_v within_o for_o any_o to_o pour_v forth_o their_o judgement_n against_o any_o for_o not_o follow_v or_o give_v heed_n unto_o this_o or_o other_o outward_a prescription_n or_o observation_n wherein_o the_o conscience_n be_v concern_v when_o such_o be_v not_o convince_v thereof_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n from_o the_o mainfestation_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o they_o the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v this_o that_o in_o all_o the_o last_o mention_v objection_n there_o be_v no_o plea_n for_o obedience_n unto_o or_o follow_v any_o thing_n but_o the_o spirit_n in_o its_o appearance_n whether_o through_o the_o brethren_n or_o thyself_o from_o whence_o we_o observe_v first_o that_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a description_n who_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o word_n brethren_n second_o that_o it_o be_v the_o appearance_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o follow_v now_o shall_v this_o question_n be_v ask_v of_o such_o who_o may_v so_o object_v as_o aforesaid_a wouldyou_o have_v we_o follow_v we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o believe_v that_o they_o will_v say_v nay_o if_o they_o answer_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o question_n and_o if_o so_o than_o the_o force_n of_o the_o objection_n fall_v for_o that_o we_o account_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o follow_v the_o appearance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n through_o the_o mean_a member_n when_o our_o conscience_n be_v convince_v that_o it_o be_v the_o appearance_n of_o that_o spirit_n but_o before_o we_o can_v say_v in_o truth_n though_o we_o shall_v do_v as_o such_o a_o one_o will_v have_v we_o that_o we_o be_v follower_n of_o and_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 12.13_o 1_o cor._n 12.13_o no_o more_o than_o jesus_n can_v in_o truth_n be_v call_v lord_n and_o not_o by_o the_o holy-ghost_n beside_o we_o can_v on_o this_o occasion_n but_o testify_v that_o as_o that_o obedience_n which_o be_v of_o faith_n in_o christ_n find_v acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o obedience_n which_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n be_v but_o a_o dead_a performance_n 14.23_o rom._n 14.23_o &_o not_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o live_a member_n who_o through_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n unto_o righteousness_n be_v make_v alive_a unto_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v the_o duty_n of_o any_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n to_o run_v before_o his_o inward_a guide_n but_o to_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n that_o all_o his_o action_n may_v be_v regulate_v according_a to_o the_o manifestation_n and_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o himself_o which_o seem_v clear_o agreeable_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n where_o he_o say_v 16._o phil._n 3.15_o 16._o if_o in_o any_o thing_n you_o be_v otherwise-minded_n god_n shall_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o you_o nevertheless_o whereunto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n he_o that_o savour_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n may_v easy_o perceive_v that_o the_o mean_v of_o the_o spirit_n through_o paul_n unto_o those_o philippian_n be_v that_o those_o who_o be_v come_v to_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n shall_v walk_v by_o that_o rule_n whereunto_o they_o have_v attain_v but_o those_o who_o have_v not_o attain_v so_o far_o and_o be_v otherwise-minded_n be_v to_o wait_v for_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o son_n and_o now_o to_o conclude_v as_o to_o this_o objection_n we_o have_v this_o further_a to_o add_v that_o we_o do_v know_v many_o of_o our_o opposer_n or_o at_o least_o such_o who_o be_v not_o at_o unity_n with_o we_o have_v very_o confident_o make_v use_n of_o such_o discourse_n as_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o last_o recite_v objection_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o follow_v outward_a prescription_n and_o order_n though_o not_o convince_v of_o its_o service_n which_o occasion_n we_o to_o be_v jealous_a that_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o enemy_n may_v so_o enter_v in_o at_o this_o door_n as_o that_o darkness_n may_v more_o general_o overshadow_v again_o than_o it_o yet_o do_v though_o our_o hope_n in_o god_n be_v that_o he_o will_v lay_v such_o a_o constraint_n on_o many_o of_o those_o who_o eye_n be_v open_a behold_v the_o approach_v apostasy_n as_o that_o they_o may_v be_v raise_v in_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n indignation_n and_o appear_v as_o lion_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o lion_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n to_o oppose_v every_o appearance_n of_o that_o spirit_n which_o will_v be_v exalt_v self_n or_o any_o outward_a form_n observation_n prescription_n or_o order_n to_o be_v as_o a_o bond_n on_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n when_o by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n their_o alone_a lawgiver_n they_o be_v not_o full_o persuade_v thereof_o in_o their_o own_o conscience_n which_o undoubted_o be_v the_o mean_v of_o the_o spirit_n through_o paul_n when_o he_o write_v unto_o the_o roman_n chap._n 14._o ver._n 5_o 23._o let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n and_o to_o come_v a_o little_a close_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n it_o be_v too_o too_o evident_a that_o nonconformity_n to_o outward_a prescription_n be_v take_v as_o a_o mark_n of_o apostasy_n even_o among_o those_o who_o have_v be_v under_o the_o profession_n of_o truth_n of_o which_o many_o instance_n too_o too_o large_a here_o to_o insert_v may_v be_v produce_v out_o of_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o christian-quaker_n this_o mean_v a_o historical_a manuscript_n make_v mention_n of_o in_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n treatise_n unto_o which_o we_o refer_v the_o reader_n however_o that_o the_o impartial_a reader_n may_v here_o have_v one_o instance_n that_o this_o our_o sense_n be_v not_o whole_o groundless_a we_o say_v john_n wilkinson_n and_o william_n rogers_n testify_v that_o a_o friend_n at_o the_o meeting_n at_o drawell_n which_o meeting_n be_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o manuscript_n this_o mean_v the_o aforesaid_a historical_a manuscript_n treatise_n signify_v that_o g._n f._n shall_v say_v to_o this_o effect_n he_o that_o be_v not_o for_o woman_n meeting_n mean_v as_o be_v understand_v woman_n distinct_a meeting_n as_o exercise_v among_o friend_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o fit_v in_o man_n meeting_n by_o which_o sentence_n it_o be_v evident_a if_o the_o end_v wherefore_o womens-meeting_n be_v by_o many_o first_o assent_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o if_o the_o form_n of_o relieve_v the_o poor_a prescribe_v by_o g._n f._n shall_v not_o be_v assent_v to_o by_o any_o elder_n in_o
now_o query_n of_o g._n f._n whether_o these_o body_n which_o the_o apostle_n paul_n term_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n be_v not_o the_o same_o in_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n dwell_v and_o the_o life_n of_o jesus_n be_v manifest_v and_o if_o so_o then_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n mortal_a and_o convertible_a unto_o dust_n and_o whether_o or_o no_o a_o exclusion_n of_o all_o mortal_a bodse_n whatsoever_o from_o be_v concern_v as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v christ_n body_n be_v not_o the_o very_a ready_a way_n whereby_o all_o liberty_n and_o looseness_n that_o be_v please_v to_o the_o mortal_a body_n may_v be_v indulge_v and_o nourish_v and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o whether_o the_o man_n and_o woman_n meeting_n will_v not_o fall_v of_o course_n and_o so_o no_o such_o place_n where_o those_o who_o as_o george_n fox_n say_v be_v heir_n of_o the_o power_n may_v go_v to_o in_o order_n to_o the_o take_n of_o their_o possession_n as_o george_n foxe_n language_n in_o his_o aforesaid_a letter_n be_v it_o be_v further_a to_o be_v observe_v that_o g._n f._n have_v not_o yet_o do_v with_o these_o word_n turn_v to_o dust_n but_o proceed_v ask_v john_n wilkinson_n this_o question_n must_v that_o which_o sanctifi_v god_n be_v turn_v to_o dust_n i_o think_v john_n thou_o have_v own_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o sanctifier_n of_o all_o who_o be_v great_a than_o moses_n and_o the_o end_n of_o moses_n but_o john_n wherein_o have_v not_o i_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v if_o g._n f._n who_o be_v a_o mortal_a man_n be_v capable_a to_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n as_o in_o his_o own_o sense_n by_o his_o follow_a word_n he_o seem_v to_o be_v why_o do_v he_o so_o impertinent_o let_v his_o pen_n run_v by_o way_n of_o reflection_n on_o john_n wilkinson_n for_o use_v scripture-language_n so_o seasonable_a and_o so_o pertinent_a as_o he_o do_v doubtless_o the_o reason_n be_v a_o fretful_a peevish_a angry_a spirit_n then_o possess_v g._n f._n so_o that_o we_o may_v in_o his_o own_o language_n use_v in_o his_o letter_n to_o john_n wilkinson_n say_v to_o he_o it_o be_v a_o spirit_n that_o do_v not_o know_v what_o it_o will_v be_v at_o itself_o but_o if_o g._n f._n have_v not_o be_v capable_a to_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n he_o be_v manifest_v a_o scoffer_n to_o ask_v the_o aforesaid_a question_n viz._n but_o john_n wherein_o have_v not_o i_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n however_o let_v his_o mind_n sense_n mean_v or_o end_v in_o so_o query_v be_v what_o it_o will_v we_o shall_v undertake_v to_o give_v thereto_o this_o answer_n viz._n g._n f._n have_v not_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n in_o write_v his_o book_n of_o woman_n meeting_n which_o consist_v of_o ninety_o six_o page_n in_o octavo_n and_o in_o all_o the_o book_n throughout_o we_o do_v not_o find_v above_o half_a a_o side_n and_o that_o also_o scatter_a here_o and_o there_o that_o treat_v of_o that_o service_n for_o which_o the_o meeting_n of_o woman_n be_v chief_o understand_v to_o be_v hold_v and_o that_o the_o drift_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o book_n seem_v to_o be_v chief_o for_o proof_n of_o woman_n offer_v sacrifice_n preach_v teach_v exhort_v admonish_a prophesy_v govern_v judge_a sing_v dance_a play_v upon_o music_n and_o that_o micah_n mother_n a_o idolatrous_a woman_n speak_v of_o judge_n 17_o be_v a_o virtuous_a one_o and_o that_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o woman_n do_v continue_v among_o the_o jew_n till_o they_o go_v into_o transgression_n but_o yet_o quote_v for_o proof_n of_o the_o last_o assertion_n only_o 2_o king_n 23._o which_o mention_n nothing_o to_o his_o purpose_n of_o woman_n meeting_n more_o than_o that_o good_a king_n josiah_n break_v down_o the_o house_n of_o the_o sodomite_n that_o be_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n where_o the_o woman_n weave_v hang_n for_o the_o grove_n which_o good_a king_n josiah_n burn_v neither_o do_v we_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v sanctify_v the_o lord_n in_o accuse_v john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n for_o tyth-payer_n or_o connive_v at_o other_o pay_v for_o they_o as_o in_o his_o aforesaid_a letter_n he_o as_o we_o take_v it_o do_v though_o they_o be_v therein_o esteem_v to_o be_v great_o abuse_v and_o misrepresent_v and_o we_o never_o understand_v it_o can_v be_v prove_v against_o they_o but_o that_o which_o aggravate_v g._n f_n sin_n be_v that_o he_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o advise_v two_o person_n to_o buy_v their_o tithe_n which_o be_v equal_a to_o a_o continual_a payment_n viz._n nathaniel_n crip_n of_o the_o county_n of_o gloucester_n for_o one_o and_o robert_n arch_n live_v but_o a_o few_o mile_n from_o the_o say_a crip_n for_o another_o as_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o testify_v unto_o any_o inquire_v reader_n and_o as_o in_o the_o twenty-first_a section_n of_o part._n of_o note_v it_o be_v the_o second_o part_v of_o the_o manuscript_n first_o mention_v in_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o first_o part._n this_o second_o part_n by_o their_o testimony_n appear_v g._n f._n tell_v john_n wilkinson_n thus_o but_o that_o whereby_o you_o may_v come_v into_o unity_n it_o must_v be_v in_o the_o unlimited_a power_n and_o spirit_n and_o light_n that_o do_v first_o convince_v you_o and_o bring_v you_o into_o unity_n and_o meet_v without_o prescription_n of_o your_o elder_n or_o deacon_n or_o your_o member_n so_o your_o way_n to_o come_v into_o unity_n be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o light_n and_o spirit_n that_o do_v first_o convince_v you_o and_o judge_n and_o condemn_v this_o spirit_n that_o have_v lead_v you_o into_o separation_n with_o all_o its_o work_n since_o and_o then_o in_o that_o spirit_n there_o be_v no_o fear_n of_o imposition_n and_o in_o another_o place_n of_o the_o say_a letter_n g._n f._n say_v i_o tell_v you_o that_o if_o you_o do_v not_o come_v to_o that_o which_o do_v first_o convince_v you_o and_o bring_v all_o other_o who_o you_o have_v draw_v into_o a_o separation_n with_o you_o to_o condemn_v it_o the_o blood_n of_o all_o they_o will_v be_v require_v at_o your_o hand_n and_o that_o be_v and_o be_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n to_o you_o and_o will_v stand_v and_o be_v seal_v these_o sentence_n of_o g._n f._n do_v lead_v we_o unto_o these_o necessary_a observation_n first_o that_o the_o way_n to_o come_v into_o unity_n be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o unlimited_a spirit_n and_o light_n that_o do_v first_o convince_v they_o and_o bring_v they_o into_o unity_n have_v g._n f._n end_v his_o method_n for_o unity_n here_o he_o will_v have_v say_v that_o which_o will_v have_v answer_v god_n witness_v in_o our_o conscience_n but_o though_o he_o talk_v of_o come_v to_o the_o unlimited_a spirit_n yet_o his_o follow_a language_n seem_v a_o design_n so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v capable_a to_o limit_v the_o spirit_n by_o add_v these_o word_n viz._n and_o judge_n and_o condemn_v this_o spirit_n that_o have_v lead_v you_o into_o a_o separation_n with_o all_o its_o work_n since_o by_o which_o compare_v his_o say_a word_n with_o his_o aforesaid_a letter_n to_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n date_v the_o 23_o d._n of_o the_o 8_o the_o month_n 76._o we_o take_v he_o to_o mean_v all_o those_o daper_n give_v forth_o since_o the_o outward_a separation_n which_o be_v without_o any_o exception_n and_o compare_v with_o the_o matter_n occasion_v the_o say_v outward_a separation_n seem_v to_o import_n that_o in_o g._n f_n sense_n the_o ancient_a friend_n of_o truth_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v depart_v from_o the_o light_n and_o spirit_n if_o they_o can_v conform_v to_o some_o outward_a method_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o management_n of_o some_o outward_a affair_n that_o some_o of_o his_o troublesome_a party_n will_v impose_v on_o the_o choose_a friend_n for_o the_o outward_a service_n of_o truth_n oh_o gross_a darkness_n but_o that_o which_o seem_v to_o manifest_v his_o darkness_n yet_o more_o gross_a be_v this_o his_o letter_n to_o john_n wilkinson_n inform_v we_o that_o such_o mean_v as_o his_o word_n to_o we_o import_n such_o with_o who_o he_o be_v at_o unity_n need_v no_o outward_a prescription_n that_o be_v write_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o one_o another_o heart_n to_o gather_v they_o withal_o on_o this_o we_o observe_v that_o unless_o another_o thing_n preserve_v those_o who_o be_v gather_v than_o that_o which_o gather_v they_o there_o be_v then_o no_o need_n of_o outward_a prescription_n for_o those_o that_o be_v gather_v unto_o who_o only_o the_o government_n contend_v for_o reach_v and_o if_o so_o which_o in_o truth_n can_v be_v deny_v why_o must_v these_o ancient_a friend_n who_o have_v be_v convince_v by_o the_o light_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v reckon_v have_v and_o such_o who_o god_n will_v blast_v
of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n lead_v into_o but_o about_o prescription_n from_o thou_o through_o the_o blind_a zeal_n of_o the_o weak_a to_o promote_v thy_o order_n it_o may_v be_v fear_v many_o do_v eye_n more_o the_o order_n from_o thou_o than_o they_o eye_v the_o lord_n in_o they_o accuse_v and_o judge_v all_o out_o of_o truth_n that_o practise_v not_o with_o all_o free_v from_o they_o use_v all_o force_n they_o can_v devise_v according_a to_o the_o power_n they_o have_v to_o compel_v all_o unto_o they_o censure_v all_o friend_n out_o of_o unity_n that_o come_v not_o to_o practise_v with_o they_o which_o be_v the_o great_a penalty_n and_o persecution_n they_o can_v inflict_v for_o want_v of_o ourward_n power_n and_o many_o friend_n think_v it_o godliness_n to_o accuse_v and_o condemn_v their_o brethren_n about_o outward_a thing_n before_o the_o accuse_v with_o truth_n be_v lead_v into_o they_o george_n for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o for_o his_o people_n sake_n open_v thy_o mind_n plain_o what_o thou_o intend_v by_o they_o and_o make_v it_o know_v unto_o friend_n if_o thou_o intend_v counsel_n unto_o the_o church_n only_o and_o no_o compel_v into_o the_o particular_a thing_n to_o practise_v but_o commend_v to_o god_n be_v witness_n in_o all_o conscience_n to_o be_v lead_v into_o the_o exercise_n and_o practice_n thereof_o as_o every_o one_o be_v inward_o persuade_v of_o god_n in_o each_o particular_a and_o not_o before_o if_o thou_o so_o do_v it_o will_v much_o clear_v thou_o and_o thy_o order_n from_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o division_n for_o iniquity_n work_v in_o a_o mystery_n in_o many_o that_o think_v it_o godliness_n to_o accuse_v and_o condemn_v their_o brethren_n about_o outward_a thing_n as_o i_o say_v before_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o great_a strife_n in_o former_a age_n but_o if_o thou_o open_v not_o thy_o mind_n to_o friend_n and_o deal_v plain_o and_o testify_v thou_o never_o intend_v that_o any_o who_o be_v faithful_a inward_o to_o god_n shall_v either_o be_v accuse_v or_o condemn_v about_o thy_o order_n and_o so_o let_v thy_o prudent_a care_n appear_v about_o these_o thing_n the_o breach_n among_o friend_n and_o brethren_n be_v in_o great_a danger_n to_o grow_v wide_a and_o then_o i_o fear_v the_o cause_n of_o division_n will_v lie_v at_o thy_o door_n which_o god_n almighty_a in_o his_o mercy_n prevent_v and_o raise_v thou_o up_o to_o put_v a_o stop_n unto_o for_o the_o enemy_n of_o truth_n have_v take_v occasion_n from_o thy_o order_n to_o work_v and_o beget_v a_o false_a birth_n in_o many_o even_a night-vision_n and_o false_a prophecy_n as_o the_o number_n of_o accusation_n and_o angry_a proceed_n about_o they_o of_o late_o declare_v which_o be_v not_o before_o in_o our_o age_n neither_o do_v head_n nor_o horus_n of_o the_o dragon_n appear_v to_o cast_v down_o the_o holy_a people_n by_o lie_v against_o they_o say_v that_o they_o oppose_v the_o holy_a order_n and_o by_o approve_v of_o such_o proceed_n be_v satan_n let_v lose_v in_o our_o time_n to_o deceive_v and_o all_o that_o see_v his_o transforming_n he_o cast_v flood_n out_o of_o his_o mouth_n against_o they_o to_o carry_v they_o away_o and_o cast_v such_o to_o the_o earth_n want_v nothing_o to_o effect_v his_o design_n but_o the_o outward_a power_n to_o carry_v they_o on_o to_o kill_v for_o his_o wrath_n be_v against_o they_o that_o keep_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o such_o he_o accuse_v of_o fleshly_a liberty_n and_o loose_v walk_v and_o of_o be_v separatist_n and_o heretic_n george_n i_o desire_v thou_o once_o again_o to_o warn_v all_o friend_n that_o they_o neither_o accuse_v nor_o condemn_v one_o another_o any_o more_o about_o the_o aforesaid_a thing_n for_o if_o that_o do_v continue_v among_o friend_n it_o will_v cause_v a_o great_a fall_v away_o and_o god_n will_v visit_v with_o great_a judgement_n that_o the_o profession_n of_o great_a power_n and_o church-authority_n will_v not_o save_v from_o while_o the_o accuser_n of_o the_o brethren_n in_o such_o that_o be_v deep_o in_o it_o be_v not_o cast_v down_o it_o be_v not_o the_o transform_v of_o satan_n into_o a_o shape_n of_o austerity_n and_o form_v power_n to_o fright_v the_o simple_a into_o this_o or_o that_o outward_a observation_n we_o have_v wait_v for_o nor_o labour_v after_o nor_o a_o feign_a profession_n of_o overcome_a love_n in_o word_n that_o can_v deceive_v we_o bless_a be_v god_n for_o his_o gift_n of_o light_n for_o ever_o more_o when_o such_o be_v bitter_o smite_v their_o fellow-servant_n and_o fill_v man_n mind_n with_o false_a accusation_n that_o even_o our_o holy_a profession_n be_v defile_v what_o i_o desire_v of_o thou_o be_v not_o for_o fear_v of_o more_o acousation_n nor_o false_a prophecy_n they_o do_v not_o move_v i_o from_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o i_o desire_v it_o for_o thy_o good_a and_o the_o church_n prosperity_n and_o peace_n for_o a_o image_n of_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n consist_v in_o outward_a prescription_n attend_v with_o force_n over_o the_o inward_a man_n we_o never_o expect_v in_o this_o gospel-day_n to_o bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o about_o but_o the_o inward_a and_o peaceable_a government_n of_o christ_n to_o govern_v the_o member_n of_o his_o own_o body_n the_o true_a church_n into_o all_o practice_n according_a to_o godliness_n and_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o follow_v he_o our_o redeemer_n who_o knit_v together_o in_o the_o autient_a unity_n and_o break_v not_o the_o holy_a fellowship_n among_o brethren_n i_o have_v clear_v my_o conscience_n which_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o remembrance_n of_o thou_o desire_v thou_o may_v quit_v thyself_o with_o truth_n in_o all_o thing_n in_o thy_o latter_a day_n that_o thy_o end_n may_v be_v crown_v with_o true_a honour_n thy_o friend_n in_o truth_n john_n wilkinson_n postscript_n what_o spirit_n or_o motion_n thy_o prescription_n be_v from_o be_v not_o my_o concern_v but_o i_o need_v not_o ask_v whether_o the_o holy-ghost_n or_o the_o spirit_n of_o guile_n force_n and_o compel_v have_v attend_v they_o if_o tree_n in_o our_o age_n may_v be_v true_o know_v by_o their_o fruit_n the_o 9th_o month_n 76._o to_o this_o letter_n john_n wilkinson_n say_v he_o never_o receive_v answer_n which_o consider_v the_o content_n thereof_o and_o compare_v it_o with_o what_o g._n f._n have_v write_v in_o answer_n to_o his_o former_a letter_n be_v just_a occasion_n of_o jealousy_n that_o g._n f._n intend_a compulsion_n so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v capable_a as_o well_o as_o counsel_n and_o that_o the_o weight_n and_o burden_n of_o all_o the_o ill_a consequence_n attend_v the_o late_a division_n among_o friend_n will_v lie_v at_o g._n f_n door_n since_o he_o have_v be_v so_o carnest_o press_v to_o give_v his_o sense_n touch_v these_o thing_n which_o have_v occasion_v the_o division_n and_o yet_o have_v either_o impertinent_o do_v it_o as_o his_o answer_n to_o john_n wilkinson_n first_o letter_n beforementioned_a do_v manifest_a or_o else_o have_v not_o give_v answer_v to_o the_o party_n concern_v which_o be_v evident_a not_o only_o from_o his_o not_o cause_v a_o answer_n to_o be_v deliver_v unto_o john_n wilkinson_n last_o recite_v letter_n but_o also_o from_o the_o like_a neglect_n unto_o william_n rogers_n who_o write_v he_o two_o large_a letter_n for_o the_o clear_v of_o his_o conscience_n etc._n etc._n the_o two_o letter_n write_v by_o i_o unto_o g._n f._n do_v now_o follow_v bristol_n the_o 27_o of_o the_o one_a month_n 1677._o george_n fox_n in_o a_o bow_a down_o spirit_n to_o god_n that_o my_o pen_n may_v not_o commit_v a_o tittle_n of_o error_n to_o this_o paper_n either_o by_o want_n of_o plainness_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n or_o take_v too_o much_o upon_o i_o on_o the_o other_o do_v i_o now_o write_v unto_o thou_o in_o expectation_n that_o thou_o will_v have_v a_o right_a savour_n of_o my_o integrity_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o so_o much_o charity_n if_o thou_o apprehend_v i_o herein_o err_v as_o to_o inform_v i_o wherein_o for_o my_o hope_n be_v that_o i_o shall_v for_o ever_o have_v a_o ready_a ear_n to_o hear_v and_o a_o ready_a mind_n to_o weigh_v any_o instruction_n though_o but_o from_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o flock_n much_o more_o from_o a_o elder_a brother_n thou_o of_o the_o 14_o the_o of_o the_o 11_o the_o month_n i_o receive_v but_o have_v nothing_o upon_o i_o to_o write_v as_o answer_v thereto_o not_o be_v willing_a to_o strive_v yet_o through_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o present_a and_o increase_a distraction_n among_o friend_n i_o have_v somewhat_o on_o my_o spirit_n to_o clear_v my_o conscience_n as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n have_v a_o certain_a sight_n sense_n and_o knowledge_n that_o many_o honest-hearted_a friend_n as_o well_o as_o myself_o remain_v for_o the_o truth_n
sake_n unchangeable_a in_o their_o affection_n to_o the_o two_o persecute_a brethren_n john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n and_o many_o be_v more_o and_o more_o confirm_v through_o a_o certain_a knowledge_n which_o be_v a_o better_a ground_n than_o report_n that_o person_n profess_v truth_n and_o such_o as_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v have_v in_o great_a estimation_n by_o those_o who_o appear_v against_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n do_v foment_n lie_v and_o slander_n to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n increase_v of_o division_n and_o hurt_v of_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o simple_a where_o the_o lie_v and_o false_a report_n of_o slanderous_a tongue_n have_v place_n this_o may_v be_v term_v matter_n of_o great_a reflection_n but_o in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v real_o true_a it_o be_v proper_a enough_o to_o be_v speak_v to_o thou_o because_o i_o firm_o believe_v that_o thou_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o be_v a_o stop_n to_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o by_o thy_o public_a exhortation_n to_o all_o such_o as_o be_v concern_v in_o this_o matter_n i_o remember_v thy_o public_a exhortation_n have_v be_v in_o a_o paper_n read_v among_o friend_n and_o not_o long_o since_o to_o cease_v strive_v or_o to_o that_o effect_n my_o soul_n will_v rejoice_v to_o hear_v more_o paper_n of_o that_o tenor_n read_v among_o friend_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o also_o that_o such_o public_a person_n as_o seem_v in_o a_o more_o peculiar_a manner_n to_o esteem_v of_o thou_o than_o some_o other_o may_v will_v show_v themselves_o true_a friend_n to_o the_o truth_n by_o follow_v that_o counsel_n such_o as_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v exhort_v learn_v more_o by_o example_n than_o precept_n or_o exhortation_n and_o if_o any_o exhort_v to_o cease_v strive_v and_o shall_v yet_o be_v find_v mover_n of_o strife_n or_o encourager_n of_o those_o that_o be_v such_o therein_o reach_v not_o to_o the_o better_a part_n neither_o answer_n god_n witness_n in_o the_o conscience_n though_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o elder_a brother_n dear_a george_n for_o so_o i_o call_v thou_o not_o in_o flattery_n my_o soul_n abominate_v that_o spirit_n but_o because_o thou_o be_v once_o so_o to_o i_o and_o that_o through_o a_o sense_n of_o that_o immortal_a life_n which_o appear_v in_o there_o and_o as_o yet_o i_o dare_v not_o from_o report_n of_o any_o positive_o judge_v of_o thou_o otherwise_o but_o yet_o can_v but_o tell_v thou_o if_o i_o shall_v appear_v so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o make_v report_n which_o come_v with_o the_o face_n of_o no_o less_o if_o not_o much_o more_o credit_v against_o thou_o than_o report_v against_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n do_v the_o measure_n of_o my_o faith_n concern_v thou_o i_o must_v conclude_v that_o thou_o also_o be_v guilty_a of_o accuse_v wrongful_o and_o i_o know_v it_o be_v much_o doubt_v that_o thy_o example_n of_o give_v heed_n to_o report_n have_v encourage_v other_o to_o do_v the_o like_a and_o for_o want_v of_o discern_v what_o be_v true_a and_o what_o be_v false_a do_v sometime_o run_v into_o such_o action_n and_o proceed_n as_o be_v grand_a mark_n of_o a_o apostatise_v spirit_n neither_o dare_v i_o positive_o judge_v of_o thou_o from_o jealousy_n that_o have_v enter_v which_o i_o confess_v abundant_o have_v letter_n have_v have_v note_v the_o reader_n may_v here_o take_v notice_n that_o g._n f._n in_o his_o aforecited_a letter_n of_o the_o 14_o of_o the_o 11_o month_n 1676._o be_v a_o answer_n to_o one_o send_v unto_o he_o by_o i_o hint_n at_o something_o write_v by_o i_o to_o he_o and_o so_o seem_v to_o make_v answer_n which_o as_o lay_v down_o in_o g._n f.'s_n letter_n run_v thus_o and_o thou_o mean_v myself_o say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o spirit_n rise_v at_o this_o day_n that_o give_v many_o occasion_n to_o be_v jealous_a that_o thou_o meaning_n g._n f._n art_n look_v upon_o by_o some_o as_o that_o prophet_n which_o moses_n testify_v of_o that_o god_n will_v raise_v up_o etc._n etc._n but_o who_o those_o be_v thou_o have_v not_o mention_v and_o thou_o say_v christ_n be_v that_o prophet_n we_o know_v that_o be_v to_o be_v hear_v etc._n etc._n and_o he_o be_v the_o only_a lawgiver_n and_o no_o outward_a man_n etc._n etc._n to_o this_o g._n f._n thus_o answer_n then_o be_v not_o this_o prophet_n to_o be_v in_o man_n to_o give_v forth_o his_o law_n which_o come_v after_o moses_n but_o i_o can_v deny_v that_o prophet_n which_o moses_n speak_v of_o to_o be_v raise_v up_o for_o i_o know_v that_o it_o be_v he_o that_o be_v oppose_v and_o his_o law_n too_o by_o many_o talker_n of_o he_o and_o the_o light_n of_o his_o glorious_a gospel_n and_o the_o order_n of_o it_o etc._n etc._n and_o what_o i_o be_o i_o be_o by_o the_o grace_n and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o will_v not_o deny_v the_o prophet_n which_o come_v after_o moses_n nor_o the_o election_n before_o the_o world_n begin_v though_o all_o turn_n into_o the_o jealousy_n in_o which_o they_o be_v before_o they_o be_v convince_v for_o i_o believe_v few_o of_o they_o that_o do_v oppose_v know_v this_o prophet_n that_o come_v after_o moses_n though_o they_o may_v speak_v of_o he_o in_o word_n of_o which_o prophet_n i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a of_o thus_o far_o g._n f._n in_o the_o say_v cite_v letter_n which_o be_v compare_v with_o what_o he_o say_v in_o the_o great_a meetinghouse_n in_o bristol_n before_o several_a hundred_o in_o the_o 12_o month_n 1677._o viz._n i_o be_o elect_a before_o the_o world_n begin_v i_o take_v to_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o such_o a_o jealousy_n mention_v in_o this_o letter_n from_o thy_o aforesaid_a write_v unto_o i_o more_o than_o all_o that_o ever_o i_o hear_v i_o ever_o be_v of_o this_o mind_n to_o give_v little_a credit_n to_o report_n that_o tend_v to_o the_o scandal_n of_o a_o brother_n among_o other_o thing_n this_o jealousy_n enter_v i_o viz._n that_o thou_o look_v upon_o thyself_o that_o man_n at_o least_o in_o who_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v appear_v to_o give_v forth_o his_o law_n and_o to_o be_v record_v as_o his_o law_n under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n even_o as_o moses_n be_v the_o giverforth_o of_o the_o law_n in_o that_o day_n if_o this_o be_v so_o and_o plain_o manifest_v and_o confess_v to_o by_o thou_o and_o espouse_v by_o other_o friend_n a_o separation_n will_v then_o plain_o and_o above_o board_n appear_v and_o many_o though_o not_o concern_v in_o the_o late_a difference_n yet_o be_v man_n of_o unchangeable_a spirit_n and_o so_o can_v in_o that_o respect_n esteem_v of_o thou_o otherwise_o than_o in_o the_o beginning_n will_v be_v concern_v in_o this_o but_o if_o this_o be_v not_o so_o and_o be_v but_o so_o declare_v by_o thou_o the_o sense_n of_o many_o friend_n be_v that_o then_o the_o many_o difference_n late_o arisen_a and_o soment_v among_o friend_n may_v quick_o cease_v and_o the_o primitive_a love_n be_v restore_v wherein_o we_o think_v ourselves_o as_o far_o as_o ever_o i_o can_v perceive_v all_o servant_n one_o to_o another_o and_o to_o the_o truth_n but_o not_o master_n but_o until_o one_o of_o these_o do_v appear_v in_o plainness_n no_o doubt_n but_o jealousy_n and_o difference_n will_v more_o and_o more_o appear_v and_o increase_v especial_o if_o the_o weakness_n of_o any_o though_o ever_o so_o few_o be_v such_o as_o to_o give_v occasion_n of_o jealousy_n to_o other_o that_o their_o faith_n stand_v in_o thou_o when_o our_o faith_n ought_v to_o stand_v in_o none_o but_o the_o power_n of_o god_n thy_o counsel_n have_v often_o be_v to_o this_o purpose_n follow_v a_o evil_a report_n till_o the_o original_a reporter_n be_v find_v in_o order_n to_o the_o clear_n of_o truth_n that_o so_o the_o guilty_a person_n whether_o reporter_n or_o he_o on_o who_o the_o report_n be_v may_v condemn_v the_o same_o now_o whosoever_o have_v be_v the_o reporter_n of_o a_o wrong_a thing_n against_o his_o brother_n or_o sister_n or_o have_v refuse_v to_o bring_v forth_o the_o author_n of_o a_o report_n that_o be_v reprovable_a be_v according_a to_o thy_o own_o counsel_n condemnable_a and_o as_o it_o be_v say_v by_o nathan_n in_o another_o case_n to_o david_n who_o to_o nathan_n confess_v he_o have_v sin_v thou_o be_v the_o man_n so_o if_o report_n as_o credible_a as_o any_o that_o ever_o i_o know_v be_v true_a may_v it_o be_v say_v of_o thou_o thou_o be_v the_o man_n thomas_n lower_n have_v late_o show_v i_o a_o certificate_n as_o evidence_n that_o john_n story_n upon_o the_o come_n of_o persecutor_n to_o disturb_v a_o meeting_n depart_v out_o of_o it_o and_o i_o perceive_v this_o be_v intend_v to_o render_v he_o a_o wrong_a man_n whereupon_o jacquainted_a thomas_n lower_v to_o this_o effect_n that_o if_o report_v of_o thou_o
be_v true_a thou_o be_v in_o no_o measure_n less_o gailty_n of_o such_o a_o crime_n than_o john_n story_n he_o then_o propose_v to_o i_o to_o have_v it_o under_o my_o hand_n i_o tell_v he_o i_o will_v very_o free_o so_o do_v provide_v he_o will_v give_v it_o under_o his_o hand_n that_o if_o it_o be_v prove_v against_o thou_o thou_o ought_v to_o judge_n and_o condemn_v the_o same_o this_o he_o will_v not_o do_v which_o to_o i_o denote_v either_o a_o spirit_n of_o partiality_n or_o a_o sort_n of_o fear_n like_o unto_o that_o that_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n and_o so_o i_o refuse_v to_o answer_v his_o desire_n yet_o i_o now_o give_v it_o under_o my_o hand_n to_o thou_o and_o my_o plain_a end_n in_o short_a be_v this_o viz._n in_o expectation_n to_o receive_v a_o plain_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n from_o thou_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a some_o sort_n of_o jealousy_n may_v be_v remove_v out_o of_o my_o mind_n or_o else_o the_o reasonableness_n thereof_o more_o confirm_v for_o it_o be_v a_o day_n wherein_o i_o account_v it_o my_o duty_n to_o be_v plain_a without_o respect_n of_o person_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o none_o to_o reprove_v other_o for_o shufler_n and_o become_v shufter_n themselves_o those_o scripture_n which_o mention_v the_o word_n tradition_n and_o example_n be_v in_o this_o day_n or_o age_n strain_v to_o prove_v it_o friend_n duty_n to_o follow_v the_o tradition_n and_o example_n of_o some_o of_o the_o brethren_n etc._n etc._n how_o then_o can_v it_o consist_v with_o the_o honour_n of_o truth_n or_o good_a conscience_n for_o such_o who_o esteem_v of_o thou_o above_o their_o brethren_n and_o who_o seem_v to_o esteem_v of_o themselves_o as_o countenance_v by_o thou_o to_o condemn_v any_o brother_n for_o do_v any_o thing_n if_o so_o be_v it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o example_n thou_o have_v give_v since_o therefore_o as_o i_o say_v before_o example_n be_v a_o better_a teacher_n than_o precept_n how_o can_v it_o be_v other_o than_o thy_o duty_n to_o endeavour_v the_o remove_n these_o stumble_a block_n out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n people_n by_o give_v thy_o testimony_n that_o thou_o be_v not_o guilty_a in_o either_o of_o these_o particular_a thing_n if_o in_o truth_n thou_o can_v do_v so_o and_o by_o far_a manifest_v if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v against_o thou_o and_o make_v appear_v unto_o thou_o that_o thou_o be_v so_o guilty_a that_o then_o thou_o will_v judge_v and_o condemn_v the_o same_o as_o that_o whereby_o thou_o have_v offend_v the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o if_o clear_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n thou_o may_v also_o be_v clear_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o people_n and_o those_o who_o have_v report_v such_o thing_n concern_v thou_o may_v judge_n and_o condemn_v the_o same_o i_o hope_v this_o proposition_n will_v not_o be_v look_v upon_o by_o thou_o and_o those_o who_o contend_v for_o the_o establishment_n of_o a_o outward_a form_n of_o government_n among_o god_n people_n at_o this_o day_n unbecoming_a the_o pen_n of_o the_o mean_a member_n in_o the_o body_n but_o if_o it_o shall_v i_o may_v just_o appeal_v to_o god_n witness_n in_o all_o whether_o that_o outward_a form_n of_o government_n contend_v for_o both_o by_o word_n and_o printing_n be_v such_o under_o which_o equal_a justice_n may_v be_v administer_v to_o every_o one_o and_o the_o infirmity_n of_o every_o member_n of_o the_o body_n be_v equal_o bring_v to_o judgement_n if_o thou_o shall_v look_v on_o my_o line_n as_o the_o fruit_n of_o too_o great_a presumption_n i_o have_v this_o to_o say_v that_o what_o i_o now_o write_v be_v bare_o to_o clear_v my_o conscience_n as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o i_o be_o constrain_v in_o spirit_n thus_o to_o do_v know_v that_o not_o any_o such_o form_n of_o government_n wherein_o the_o infirmity_n of_o every_o member_n may_v not_o be_v equal_o reprove_v and_o bring_v to_o judgement_n can_v be_v the_o form_n of_o christ_n government_n nor_o yet_o that_o the_o seasonable_a mention_v of_o a_o infirmity_n in_o a_o elder_a brother_n can_v be_v account_v a_o depart_n from_o the_o truth_n and_o a_o indication_n that_o such_o shall_v never_o prosper_v whatever_o the_o calumny_n and_o false_a report_n raise_v on_o several_a brethren_n may_v be_v whereby_o both_o they_o and_o the_o cause_n of_o truth_n may_v be_v render_v ignominious_a it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v that_o the_o secret_a cause_n of_o all_o these_o late_a commotion_n which_o distract_v the_o mind_n of_o many_o spring_v from_o this_o that_o some_o be_v esteem_v to_o exalt_v thou_o above_o what_o be_v meet_v that_o other_o be_v ecteem_v to_o look_v on_o thou_o as_o less_o than_o they_o ought_v and_o that_o jealousy_n enter_v many_o that_o thou_o esteem_v of_o thyself_o beyond_o what_o thou_o be_v and_o if_o these_o or_o at_o least_o some_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v that_o secret_a cause_n and_o that_o thou_o have_v no_o less_o esteem_n than_o the_o repute_n of_o a_o elder_a brother_n by_o all_o friend_n which_o as_o far_o as_o i_o know_v thou_o have_v not_o how_o can_v it_o be_v less_o than_o thy_o duty_n to_o interpose_v that_o such_o difference_n as_o of_o late_o have_v arisen_a may_v no_o long_o live_v to_o the_o increase_n of_o division_n among_o god_n heritage_n that_o so_o record_v to_o age_n and_o generation_n to_o come_v may_v not_o tell_v our_o child_n child_n that_o that_o people_n who_o be_v clear_o gather_v out_o of_o all_o outward_a form_n outward_n head_n and_o outward_a law_n relate_v to_o the_o inward-man_n to_o the_o lawgiver_n in_o themselves_o shall_v in_o so_o few_o year_n fall_v out_o concern_v outward_a order_n and_o the_o head-ship_n of_o one_o man_n for_o so_o will_v it_o be_v repute_a unless_o thou_o by_o plain_a testimony_n do_v clear_a the_o same_o by_o manifest_v that_o thou_o never_o intend_v that_o what_o thou_o have_v give_v forth_o as_o instruction_n or_o direction_n to_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v urge_v with_o severity_n which_o be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o inforce_v upon_o any_o of_o god_n faithful_a people_n but_o rather_o commend_v they_o to_o the_o church_n leave_v the_o same_o to_o god_n and_o his_o lead_a grace_n in_o his_o people_n to_o make_v use_n thereof_o as_o he_o shall_v manifest_a a_o need_n of_o such_o direction_n counsel_n or_o advice_n many_o ancient_a brethren_n beside_o myself_o account_v this_o but_o a_o reasonable_a proposition_n and_o that_o which_o we_o firm_o believe_v be_v according_a to_o thy_o sense_n when_o thou_o travel_v among_o we_o and_o give_v forth_o several_a thing_n and_o yet_o thou_o may_v remember_v that_o when_o i_o be_v at_o swarthmore_n i_o acquaint_v thou_o that_o because_o john_n story_n have_v that_o very_a sense_n it_o be_v say_v of_o he_o true_o john_n story_n thy_o darkness_n and_o blindness_n be_v easy_o to_o be_v feel_v and_o see_v and_o they_o must_v be_v very_o dim_a of_o sight_n that_o see_v thou_o not_o oh_o the_o confusion_n thy_o dark_a spirit_n be_v in_o whereupon_o the_o book_n wherein_o it_o be_v so_o say_v be_v in_o thy_o house_n bring_v forth_o among_o other_o thy_o wife_n son_n in_o law_n be_v a_o subscriber_n thereof_o and_o when_o john_n story_n his_o say_a sense_n concern_v thy_o give_v forth_o some_o thing_n be_v read_v and_o their_o answer_n thereto_o wherein_o the_o above_o sentence_n concern_v john_n story_n be_v read_v unto_o thou_o yet_o i_o never_o hear_v from_o thou_o thy_o wife_n or_o her_o son_n in_o law_n so_o much_o as_o one_o word_n disapprove_v that_o answer_n but_o rather_o a_o vindication_n thereof_o now_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o just_a cause_n of_o jealousy_n and_o so_o thy_o duty_n in_o all_o plainess_n to_o answer_v this_o matter_n that_o so_o jealousy_n which_o friend_n be_v exhort_v to_o shut_v out_o and_o for_o which_o they_o be_v account_v little_o less_o than_o offender_n may_v be_v remove_v let_v god_n witness_v in_o every_o conscience_n judge_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o that_o day_n wherein_o we_o be_v young_a and_o first_o convince_v and_o turn_v to_o the_o light_n we_o experimental_o come_v to_o know_v that_o if_o we_o do_v walk_v according_a to_o what_o it_o do_v certain_o manifest_a unto_o we_o we_o can_v not_o err._n but_o now_o i_o do_v know_v it_o be_v the_o labour_n of_o some_o disaffect_v to_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n by_o false_a report_n to_o turn_v the_o mind_n of_o brethren_n one_o against_o another_o and_o this_o be_v not_o a_o turn_v the_o mind_n to_o the_o light_n nor_o yet_o a_o exhortation_n to_o keep_v within_o the_o limit_n of_o its_o leading_n beside_o which_o be_v no_o safety_n and_o so_o many_o young_a people_n grow_v up_o and_o who_o be_v fit_a object_n for_o the_o seed_n to_o take_v root_n
in_o have_v their_o mind_n much_o exercise_v to_o consider_v whether_o this_o report_n of_o such_o a_o one_o be_v true_a or_o that_o report_n concern_v another_o false_a though_o neither_o of_o they_o true_a and_o so_o through_o their_o affection_n or_o weakness_n of_o understanding_n be_v too_o credulous_a of_o other_o man_n word_n and_o too_o much_o affect_v with_o other_o man_n line_n make_v ready_a to_o their_o hand_n join_v to_o one_o party_n and_o despise_v another_o and_o all_o this_o while_n believe_v a_o false_a report_n be_v lead_v by_o another_o leader_n than_o that_o whereby_o god_n people_n in_o the_o beginning_n be_v lead_v viz._n christ_n light_n in_o the_o conscience_n such_o be_v in_o a_o ready_a way_n eternal_o to_o perish_v and_o the_o blood_n of_o such_o if_o by_o reason_n thereof_o they_o perish_v will_v be_v require_v at_o some_o hand_n may_v the_o righteous_a god_n in_o his_o mercy_n turn_v the_o heart_n of_o such_o watchman_n as_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n say_v my_o soul_n that_o so_o they_o may_v therein_o sin_v no_o more_o for_o such_o thing_n be_v stumble_a block_n in_o the_o way_n if_o that_o body_n which_o be_v call_v george_n for_o which_o must_v return_v to_o earth_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v remain_v but_o a_o few_o year_n upon_o the_o earth_n i_o have_v this_o firm_a persuasion_n that_o experience_n will_v inform_v thou_o that_o my_o plain_a line_n be_v not_o only_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o plain_a heart_a friend_n but_o also_o a_o seasonable_a caution_n more_o worthy_a thy_o notice_n than_o the_o word_n of_o a_o flatter_a tongue_n with_o my_o love_n to_o thou_o etc._n etc._n i_o remain_v a_o friend_n to_o thou_o and_o the_o unchangeable_a truth_n william_n rogers_n it_o be_v now_o to_o be_v observe_v that_o sudden_o after_o i_o have_v send_v the_o abovesaid_a letter_n to_o g._n f._n which_o i_o solemn_o affirm_v i_o do_v for_o the_o clear_v of_o my_o conscience_n and_o can_v not_o with_o peace_n of_o conscience_n pass_v by_o the_o same_o i_o have_v some_o occasion_n call_v i_o to_o the_o city_n of_o london_n where_o be_v come_v the_o aforesaid_a private_a letter_n be_v very_o public_o speak_v of_o among_o friend_n for_o which_o i_o be_v compare_v to_o pennyman_n and_o muggleton_n whereupon_o be_v startle_v that_o such_o a_o report_n shall_v go_v forth_o against_o i_o on_o the_o write_n of_o a_o private_a letter_n before_o i_o have_v be_v write_v to_o or_o treat_v withal_o about_o it_o i_o do_v desire_v to_o have_v a_o hour_n private_a discourse_n with_o g._n f._n which_o he_o grant_v though_o some_o person_n interrupt_v we_o that_o we_o stay_v not_o so_o long_o together_o at_o that_o time_n and_o at_o some_o other_o time_n after_o g._n f._n urge_v i_o to_o take_v my_o letter_n back_o and_o tear_v it_o and_o he_o will_v pass_v it_o by_o but_o never_o speak_v a_o word_n nor_o yet_o ever_o write_v any_o answer_n thereto_o whereby_o i_o may_v be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o matter_n whereof_o it_o treat_v and_o therefore_o since_o i_o have_v be_v compare_v to_o muggleton_n and_o pennyman_n for_o write_v that_o private_a letter_n it_o be_v think_v meet_v it_o may_v be_v now_o publish_v and_o recommend_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o every_o reader_n here_o now_o follow_v the_o other_o of_o the_o two_o letter_n whereof_o i_o make_v mention_n as_o before_o write_v unto_o g._n f._n by_o i_o for_o the_o further_o clear_v of_o my_o conscience_n bristol_n the_o 3_o d._n of_o the_o 10_o the_o month_n 1677._o george_n fox_n i_o have_v once_o more_o a_o constraint_n on_o my_o spirit_n to_o write_v unto_o thou_o and_o in_o singleness_n of_o heart_n thus_o to_o say_v on_o the_o the_o 25_o the_o of_o the_o last_o month_n a_o separate_a meeting_n be_v hold_v in_o our_o city_n unto_o which_o myself_o and_o divers_a other_o friend_n go_v on_o these_o two_o consideration_n first_o to_o bear_v a_o testimony_n against_o the_o appointment_n of_o that_o meeting_n because_o it_o be_v hold_v in_o our_o public_a meetinghouse_n though_o divers_a friend_n of_o the_o monthly_a man_n and_o womens-meeting_a do_v oppose_v the_o same_o when_o break_v when_o when_o note_v the_o say_a proposition_n be_v make_v after_o several_a friend_n be_v depart_v and_o the_o meet_v break_v propose_v and_o second_o to_o prevent_v such_o design_n which_o be_v believe_v may_v have_v a_o tendency_n to_o deceive_v the_o simple_a by_o bring_v forth_o scandalous_a paper_n against_o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n towards_o who_o many_o friend_n dare_v not_o demean_v themselves_o as_o if_o they_o be_v apostatise_v from_o the_o ancient_a truth_n be_v thither_o come_v a_o testimony_n be_v bear_v against_o the_o appointment_n and_o hold_v the_o say_a meeting_n and_o some_o i_o believe_v be_v make_v instrumental_a to_o preserve_v other_o out_o of_o the_o snare_n which_o be_v lay_v to_o betray_v the_o simple_a but_o that_o which_o great_o grieve_v my_o heart_n and_o which_o at_o this_o time_n be_v a_o concern_v upon_o i_o to_o signify_v to_o thou_o be_v the_o read_n a_o letter_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v from_o thou_o if_o that_o letter_n be_v real_o give_v forth_o by_o thou_o and_o make_v use_v of_o in_o the_o meeting_n according_a to_o thy_o intent_n and_o end_n and_o so_o will_v stand_v by_o the_o person_n or_o person_n introduce_v the_o same_o to_o be_v read_v as_o to_o their_o end_n and_o intent_n therein_o then_o it_o be_v plain_o evident_a that_o thou_o be_v at_o least_o the_o espouser_n if_o not_o the_o head_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o man_n that_o have_v appear_v partial_a unrighteous_a in_o judgement_n and_o persecutor_n in_o a_o high_a degree_n and_o bless_a be_v the_o lord_n for_o in_o zeal_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o truth_n i_o speak_v it_o that_o he_o have_v not_o only_o give_v i_o a_o sight_n hereof_o but_o also_o boldness_n in_o which_o i_o have_v peace_n to_o testify_v against_o that_o partial_a unjust_a persecute_v spirit_n in_o whosoever_o it_o appear_v that_o under_o a_o pharasaical_a pretence_n of_o love_n and_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n or_o such_o like_a will_v destroy_v and_o murder_v the_o name_n and_o reputation_n of_o the_o lord_n servant_n whenas_o i_o be_o full_o fatisfy_v if_o they_o will_v but_o bow_v to_o man_n they_o may_v avoid_v the_o stroke_n of_o their_o passion_n alas_o friend_n little_a do_v i_o in_o day_n past_a think_v that_o thou_o will_v appear_v either_o as_o a_o head_n or_o espouser_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o nor_o yet_o of_o any_o who_o shall_v cast_v stumbling-block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n people_n but_o now_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o thou_o be_v the_o man_n under_o who_o name_n paper_n be_v spread_v which_o seem_v as_o a_o strenghen_n to_o such_o as_o well_o as_o one_o that_o put_v stumbling-block_n before_o the_o lord_n people_n thyself_o and_o therefore_o if_o thou_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o the_o flock_n of_o god_n it_o become_v thou_o to_o cease_v send_v abroad_o such_o paper_n or_o put_v stumbling-block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o simple_a perhaps_o thou_o may_v think_v the_o language_n unbecoming_a i_o yet_o i_o must_v tell_v thou_o that_o though_o darkness_n have_v over-shadowed_n the_o heart_n of_o many_o so_o that_o they_o seem_v like_o man_n void_a of_o all_o wisdom_n and_o all_o reason_n whereby_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o as_o if_o they_o be_v proselyte_n of_o such_o among_o the_o sixty-six_a subscriber_n at_o ellis_n hook_n chamber_n who_o come_v with_o another_o gospel_n than_o that_o which_o stand_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v preach_v against_o all_o wisdom_n and_o all_o reason_v yet_o the_o eye_n of_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_a flock_n of_o god_n continue_v yet_o open_a and_o have_v behold_v the_o whimsy_n and_o imagination_n that_o have_v enter_v some_o whereby_o the_o name_n of_o god_n have_v be_v but_o too_o frequent_o blaspheme_v and_o the_o word_n and_o power_n of_o god_n abominable_o abuse_v by_o such_o who_o the_o paper_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o strength_n to_o which_o have_v long_o since_o create_v jealousy_n that_o the_o dread_n of_o that_o ancient_a power_n which_o many_o brethren_n testify_v be_v with_o thou_o in_o the_o beginning_n be_v depart_v the_o consideration_n whereof_o put_v i_o in_o remembrance_n first_o that_o though_o thou_o and_o many_o have_v judge_v john_n perrot_n as_o a_o apostatise_v person_n from_o the_o truth_n for_o introduce_v a_o new_a practice_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o those_o who_o as_o far_o as_o i_o know_v stand_v in_o and_o for_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o practice_n they_o be_v in_o from_o the_o beginning_n be_v now_o judge_v apostatise_v because_o they_o can_v embrace_v for_o conscience_n sake_n some_o new_a prescription_n which_o thou_o be_v account_v either_o the_o author_n or_o countenancer_n of_o second_o that_o
though_o the_o apostle_n thus_o exhort_v little_a child_n keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n yet_o thy_o book_n touch_v womens-meeting_n etc._n etc._n very_a scandalous_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o worthy_a in_o several_a particular_n to_o be_v judge_v and_o condemn_v inform_v we_o as_o if_o micah_n mother_n speak_v of_o judge_n 17._o when_o she_o give_v money_n to_o make_v a_o grave_v image_n to_o be_v worship_v be_v a_o virtuous_a woman_n for_o touch_v she_o thou_o have_v thus_o write_v and_o be_v not_o micah_n mother_n a_o virtuous_a woman_n read_v judge_n 17._o and_o see_v what_o she_o say_v to_o she_o son_n and_o in_o a_o few_o line_n after_o thou_o thus_o testifyes_n these_o and_o such_o like_a woman_n be_v record_v to_o posterity_n for_o their_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n see_v thy_o book_n pag._n 43_o 44._o three_o though_o there_o be_v endeavour_n to_o send_v paper_n to_o and_o fro_o to_o bespatter_n john_n story_n for_o go_v out_o of_o a_o meeting_n when_o the_o persecutor_n come_v yet_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o thyself_o have_v be_v find_v in_o the_o like_a action_n and_o if_o report_n be_v true_a the_o frequent_a of_o any_o man_n that_o ever_o i_o hear_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o quaker_n and_o it_o be_v to_o i_o a_o broad_a sign_n that_o this_o will_v not_o have_v be_v omit_v as_o a_o grand_a article_n against_o he_o among_o other_o at_o drawel_n have_v not_o thou_o be_v guilty_a in_o the_o like_a case_n four_o that_o though_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n be_v persecute_v by_o such_o unto_o who_o thy_o paper_n seem_v a_o strength_n because_o they_o will_v not_o condemn_v themselves_o yet_o i_o never_o hear_v that_o thou_o as_o yet_o have_v ever_o give_v forth_o any_o paper_n of_o condemnation_n for_o the_o error_n thou_o have_v commit_v in_o write_v the_o book_n about_o woman_n meeeting_n etc._n etc._n or_o any_o thing_n else_o though_o i_o can_v believe_v but_o that_o thou_o be_v conscious_a to_o thyself_o that_o truth_n be_v scandalize_v thereby_o unless_o so_o great_a imagination_n have_v enter_v thou_o as_o to_o conclude_v that_o all_o thy_o word_n write_n and_o action_n be_v right_o because_o they_o be_v bring_v forth_o through_o thy_o earthly_a vessel_n and_o to_o speak_v plain_a i_o must_v tell_v thou_o thou_o be_v not_o free_a from_o give_v occasion_n to_o be_v jealous_a that_o thou_o do_v so_o conclude_v else_o when_o i_o treat_v thou_o about_o the_o business_n of_o micha_n mother_n why_o do_v thou_o tell_v i_o as_o thou_o than_o do_v viz._n that_o thou_o know_v what_o thou_o do_v and_o that_o thou_o see_v it_o will_v be_v a_o stumbling-block_n but_o rather_o on_o the_o sight_n of_o thy_o mistake_n have_v ingenious_o confess_v the_o same_o for_o it_o be_v a_o abominable_a thing_n in_o thou_o or_o any_o man_n know_o too_o put_v stumbling-block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n people_n and_o know_v this_o from_o i_o thou_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o wipe_v away_o the_o reproach_n that_o lie_v upon_o thou_o for_o write_v that_o book_n until_o thou_o condemn_v and_o judge_v thyself_o for_o many_o thing_n therein_o contain_v and_o to_o be_v yet_o more_o plain_a when_o i_o do_v consider_v that_o the_o reputation_n and_o respect_n that_o have_v be_v give_v unto_o thou_o by_o many_o if_o not_o most_o of_o those_o who_o in_o the_o part_n here-a-way_n be_v first_o convince_v of_o truth_n do_v first_o spring_n from_o the_o testimony_n we_o have_v concern_v thou_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o those_o who_o we_o believe_v the_o lord_n and_o not_o thou_o send_v forth_o to_o gather_v we_o it_o seem_v a_o very_a strange_a thing_n and_o the_o badge_n of_o a_o grand_a apostasy_n that_o any_o of_o the_o survive_a remnant_n of_o those_o ancient_a labourer_n be_v as_o sound_v in_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n and_o as_o blameless_a in_o their_o outward_a life_n and_o conversation_n as_o in_o the_o beginning_n and_o thereby_o manifest_v themselves_o stay_v in_o the_o unchangeable_a truth_n shall_v be_v persecute_v and_o render_v offender_n for_o that_o which_o truth_n declare_v to_o be_v no_o offence_n and_o yet_o thou_o so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o reproof_n thereto_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o i_o from_o my_o discourse_n have_v with_o thou_o at_o swarthmore_n and_o other_o thing_n that_o thou_o be_v become_v a_o strength_n to_o they_o have_v thou_o forget_v that_o truth_n be_v preach_v in_o the_o beginning_n under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o unchangeable_a truth_n and_o be_v the_o day_n now_o come_v that_o a_o remnant_n of_o the_o ancient_a stock_n who_o bear_v the_o brunt_n and_o heat_v of_o the_o day_n must_v now_o be_v persecute_v whenas_o i_o be_o satisfy_v if_o they_o can_v but_o now_o run_v with_o other_o to_o change_v their_o way_n they_o may_v yet_o be_v esteem_v good_a friend_n have_v thou_o forget_v how_o often_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o ancient_a brethren_n be_v on_o this_o wise_a we_o preach_v not_o ourselves_o look_v not_o unto_o we_o but_o unto_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n in_o yourselves_o and_o yet_o one_o cause_n assign_v by_o thou_o that_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n be_v wrong_a be_v their_o not_o come_v to_o thou_o and_o by_o the_o sixty_o six_o subscriber_n at_o ellis_n hook_n chamber_n in_o london_n their_o not_o come_v to_o they_o true_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v their_o ministry_n from_o god_n be_v not_o to_o run_v hither_o and_o thither_o at_o thy_o call_n or_o any_o man_n call_n whatsoever_o though_o i_o do_v know_v thou_o have_v in_o a_o letter_n write_v to_o i_o assign_v their_o not_o come_v to_o thou_o when_o thou_o send_v for_o they_o to_o be_v as_o a_o proof_n that_o they_o be_v not_o right_o nor_o in_o the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o god_n but_o by_o what_o authority_n or_o according_a to_o what_o principle_n of_o truth_n man_n call_v of_o god_n into_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n must_v be_v declare_v to_o be_v not_o right_a nor_o in_o the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o god_n because_o they_o come_v not_o to_o thou_o when_o thou_o send_v for_o they_o i_o understand_v not_o for_o thou_o in_o thy_o best_a estate_n be_v but_o a_o member_n of_o the_o christ_n of_o god_n unto_o who_o we_o be_v all_o to_o come_v when_o he_o call_v and_o if_o any_o shall_v affirm_v that_o thou_o have_v and_o do_v retain_v thy_o place_n yet_o in_o that_o case_n thou_o can_v be_v but_o a_o fellow-servant_n accountable_a unto_o the_o christ_n of_o god_n as_o every_o member_n of_o the_o body_n whereof_o christ_n be_v head_n be_v have_v thou_o forget_v how_o thou_o have_v testify_v against_o james_n naylor_n spirit_n who_o great_a fall_n be_v his_o own_n or_o at_o least_o not_o reprove_v the_o woman_n when_o they_o cry_v with_o a_o carnal_a tongue_n hosanna_n to_o he_o and_o have_v thou_o no_o sense_n that_o its_o gross_a ignorance_n and_o thick_a darkness_n for_o any_o to_o look_v upon_o thou_o as_o that_o prophet_n who_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o servant_n moses_n prophesy_v he_o will_v raise_v up_o like_v unto_o he_o who_o the_o people_n be_v to_o hear_v in_o all_o thing_n i_o can_v believe_v thou_o be_v ignorant_a that_o such_o there_o be_v who_o so_o look_v on_o thou_o and_o i_o never_o understand_v thou_o become_v a_o reproof_n to_o this_o spirit_n have_v thou_o no_o sense_n that_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o ignorance_n have_v and_o can_v look_v upon_o that_o abominable_a quotation_n touch_v micahs_n mother_n as_o well_o enough_o which_o wherever_o it_o be_v do_v undoubted_o spring_n from_o this_o that_o it_o be_v george_n give_v forth_o and_o so_o there_o must_v be_v something_o in_o it_o and_o have_v thou_o not_o be_v desire_v to_o clear_a thing_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o to_o be_v a_o reproof_n to_o such_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n which_o tend_v to_o lead_v we_o into_o egypt_n again_o i_o be_o the_o man_n who_o have_v cause_n to_o be_v jealous_a that_o there_o be_v some_o who_o look_v upon_o other_o either_o apostatise_v from_o the_o truth_n or_o stand_v in_o slippery_a place_n when_o they_o find_v not_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a respect_n for_o thou_o i_o will_v not_o say_v a_o hosanna_n in_o their_o breast_n as_o the_o woman_n have_v in_o their_o mouth_n for_o james_n naylor_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o say_v it_o may_v well_o become_v thou_o by_o a_o plain_a testimony_n to_o clear_a thing_n of_o this_o nature_n many_o for_o truth_n be_v sake_n and_o out_o of_o a_o endear_a respect_n for_o thou_o in_o particular_a and_o a_o hope_n that_o these_o little_a difference_n among_o friend_n may_v pass_v over_o and_o that_o thou_o will_v use_v the_o interest_n thou_o have_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o truth_n to_o quell_v those_o many_o little_a commotion_n which_o seem_v some_o
month_n and_o year_n past_a but_o as_o spark_n of_o fire_n have_v bear_v in_o a_o spirit_n of_o patience_n yet_o now_o since_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o ignorance_n envy_n and_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n join_v hand_n together_o to_o make_v war_n against_o god_n servant_n and_o that_o thy_o paper_n seem_v a_o strength_n thereto_o therefore_o be_v the_o zeal_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n kindle_v to_o war_n in_o righteousness_n against_o that_o ungodly_a insinuate_a spirit_n that_o make_v it_o its_o business_n to_o bespatter_n john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n whereby_o the_o simplehearted_n may_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o the_o way_n it_o be_v unnatural_a among_o the_o heathen_a for_o the_o father_n to_o pierce_v and_o wound_v his_o child_n oh_o friend_n consider_v of_o that_o if_o thou_o be_v the_o head_n and_o chief_a promoter_n of_o this_o war_n against_o the_o ancient_a brethren_n appear_v like_o a_o man_n of_o war_n open-faced_a and_o if_o thou_o be_v not_o remove_v the_o jealousy_n that_o have_v enter_v the_o breast_n of_o many_o concern_v thou_o which_o i_o know_v not_o how_o may_v be_v better_o do_v than_o by_o a_o plain_a and_o candid_a answer_n to_o this_o and_o the_o last_o letter_n i_o write_v thou_o which_o i_o be_v constrain_v to_o write_v to_o clear_a my_o conscience_n but_o thy_o not_o answer_v my_o last_o letter_n show_v plain_o to_o i_o that_o thou_o can_v not_o in_o truth_n so_o answer_n as_o to_o keep_v thyself_o from_o come_v under_o the_o just_a censure_n of_o truth_n for_o several_a thing_n which_o i_o therein_o say_v be_v report_v concern_v thou_o i_o know_v be_v true_a and_o if_o such_o thing_n be_v crime_n in_o other_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o like_a be_v not_o crime_n when_o commit_v by_o thou_o and_o therefore_o since_o such_o thing_n have_v be_v account_v by_o those_o who_o thy_o paper_n seem_v a_o strength_n to_o as_o crime_n i_o can_v tell_v how_o thou_o can_v show_v thyself_o at_o unity_n with_o they_o or_o they_o with_o thou_o till_o by_o thou_o or_o their_o repentance_n and_o condemnation_n you_o become_v reconcile_v for_o otherwise_o either_o they_o will_v show_v themselves_o wrong_a or_o thou_o will_v appear_v as_o if_o in_o thy_o own_o sense_n thou_o be_v exempt_v from_o the_o stroke_n of_o that_o justice_n which_o in_o the_o same_o case_n be_v prescribe_v for_o other_o and_o true_o friend_n it_o be_v much_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o all_o reason_v and_o all_o wisdom_n be_v preach_v against_o of_o late_a who_o will_v but_o think_v that_o such_o man_n esteem_v all_o sort_n of_o ignorance_n and_o unreasonableness_n to_o be_v virtue_n for_o my_o part_n i_o measure_v not_o so_o yet_o this_o measure_n i_o take_v that_o when_o i_o find_v such_o a_o one_o to_o use_v wisdom_n and_o reason_n to_o evidence_n a_o good_a cause_n i_o can_v but_o conclude_v such_o a_o one_o cause_n be_v stark_o nought_o when_o his_o best_a argument_n to_o evidence_n it_o to_o be_v good_a be_v to_o cry_v out_o against_o all_o wisdom_n and_o all_o reason_v such_o a_o argument_n i_o have_v not_o know_v to_o convince_v man_n of_o conscience_n and_o wisdom_n though_o some_o such_o have_v or_o may_v be_v of_o who_o solomon_n thus_o speak_v how_o long_o you_o simple_a one_o will_v you_o love_v simplicity_n and_o fool_n hate_v knowledge_n turn_v you_o at_o my_o reproof_n one_o other_o shift_n i_o have_v of_o late_a also_o observe_v as_o a_o practice_n to_o manifest_v a_o bad_a cause_n to_o be_v good_a viz._n to_o get_v a_o multitude_n of_o hand_n to_o vilify_v ancient_a brethren_n when_o not_o hear_v to_o speak_v for_o themselves_o as_o that_o paper_n sign_v by_o sixty-six_a person_n at_o ellis_n hook_n chamber_n against_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o jonn_n story_n do_v evidence_n for_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o conclude_v it_o be_v give_v forth_o with_o respect_n to_o any_o offence_n but_o such_o as_o have_v be_v commit_v since_o the_o meeting_n at_o drawel_n because_o they_o have_v be_v once_o condemn_v already_o for_o the_o thing_n there_o treat_v on_o and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o say_v here_o the_o arm_n of_o flesh_n and_o egyptian_a darkness_n meet_v together_o and_o the_o lord_n have_v a_o controversy_n with_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a hereof_o and_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o deceive_v thereby_o may_v be_v require_v at_o their_o hand_n oh_o this_o sin_n cry_v aloud_o in_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n thus_o to_o endeavour_v the_o defamation_n of_o god_n servant_n under_o fair_a plausible_a pretence_n of_o love_n and_o brokenness_n or_o such_o like_a when_o so_o much_o gall_n and_o bitterness_n of_o spirit_n appear_v in_o the_o bottom_n that_o man_n of_o understanding_n and_o conscience_n can_v join_v thereto_o to_o be_v short_a thing_n be_v bring_v to_o that_o pass_n among_o we_o that_o those_o who_o contend_v for_o the_o ancient_a principle_n of_o truth_n and_o to_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n receive_v be_v now_o account_v bad_a spirit_n by_o such_o who_o thy_o paper_n seem_v a_o strength_n to_o though_o the_o cause_n thereof_o be_v nothing_o but_o matter_n relate_v to_o their_o conscience_n and_o not_o any_o thing_n of_o evil_a conversation_n by_o which_o it_o be_v easy_o to_o be_v discern_v that_o darkness_n be_v over-shadowing_a again_o and_o the_o glorious_a light_n vail_v and_o though_o it_o be_v say_v by_o some_o that_o the_o simple-honest-hearted_n join_v in_o and_o so_o make_v as_o if_o the_o rest_n be_v but_o chaff_n that_o be_v in_o the_o jealousy_n and_o the_o reason_n and_o the_o wisdom_n i_o have_v this_o faith_n that_o there_o be_v hundred_o of_o god_n ancient_a flock_n who_o have_v retain_v their_o first_o love_n be_v those_o they_o call_v the_o chaff_n and_o many_o of_o those_o who_o be_v account_v the_o wheat_n be_v such_o chaff-spirited_n people_n who_o have_v they_o not_o outward_a prop_n to_o lean_v upon_o and_o outward_a person_n to_o have_v a_o eye_n unto_o and_o outward_a paper_n wherein_o they_o think_v their_o cause_n be_v plead_v will_v quick_o lose_v their_o confidence_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n that_o be_v sandy_a and_o not_o on_o the_o christ_n of_o god_n for_o be_v their_o faith_n in_o he_o their_o faith_n will_v not_o stand_v in_o man_n or_o man_n and_o this_o with_o many_o with_o who_o right_a reason_n take_v place_n and_o the_o wisdom_n from_o above_o be_v know_v be_v plain_o discern_v outward_a form_n and_o precedent_n eye_v other_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o brethren_n be_v so_o much_o discourse_v on_o of_o late_a by_o some_o ignorant_a person_n that_o it_o be_v but_o too_o evident_a that_o the_o great_a difference_n among_o friend_n be_v about_o outward_a thing_n and_o ceremony_n wherein_o some_o appear_v like_a people_n contend_v about_o the_o shell_n and_o lose_v the_o kernel_n which_o occasion_n i_o to_o tell_v thou_o that_o when_o i_o have_v hear_v thou_o preach_v against_o austin_n the_o monk_n bring_v into_o england_n a_o snap-sack_n of_o ceremony_n which_o i_o have_v at_o many_o meeting_n hear_v from_o thou_o i_o then_o little_a thought_n i_o shall_v ever_o see_v the_o day_n wherein_o thou_o shall_v appear_v a_o countenancer_n of_o such_o who_o fall_v out_o with_o ancient_a friend_n about_o outward_a order_n and_o prescription_n but_o rather_o will_v have_v appear_v a_o strength_n to_o such_o who_o contend_v that_o their_o order_n for_o gospel-discipline_n ought_v to_o spring_v from_o truth_n within_o themselves_o for_o that_o be_v the_o undoubted_a sense_n of_o those_o honourable_a brethren_n who_o know_v a_o travel_n of_o spirit_n for_o the_o gather_v of_o those_o who_o in_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o latter_a day_n be_v gather_v as_o a_o sort_n of_o first_o fruit_n unto_o god_n though_o some_o other_o come_v in_o at_o the_o eleven_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n and_o seem_v as_o countenance_v by_o thou_o appear_v of_o another_o language_n i_o have_v this_o further_a to_o add_v that_o if_o thou_o will_v be_v acquit_v in_o the_o breast_n of_o all_o friend_n as_o a_o man_n that_o be_v not_o a_o countenancer_n of_o such_o contentious-spirited_n men_n '_o it_o appear_v as_o the_o beginner_n and_o carrier_n on_o of_o this_o war_n it_o be_v needful_a for_o thou_o to_o satisfy_v friend_n whether_o thou_o do_v own_o all_o the_o forty-four_a article_n draw_v up_o against_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n thy_o example_n of_o send_v thy_o question_n abroad_o to_o be_v ask_v of_o other_o friend_n manifest_v that_o it_o be_v reasonable_a in_o another_o friend_n to_o expect_v a_o answer_n from_o thou_o but_o yet_o i_o have_v sufficient_a cause_n to_o doubt_v thou_o will_v not_o be_v so_o plain_a as_o to_o answer_v the_o question_n because_o i_o can_v believe_v but_o that_o thy_o understanding_n
be_v now_o so_o open_v as_o to_o see_v that_o if_o thou_o own_v they_o thou_o will_v bring_v thyself_o under_o the_o just_a censure_n of_o truth_n for_o endeavour_v to_o make_v any_o brother_n a_o offender_n for_o that_o which_o be_v no_o offence_n and_o if_o thou_o own_v they_o not_o than_o thou_o will_v show_v thyself_o out_o of_o unity_n with_o the_o great_a opposer_n of_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n however_o if_o thou_o refuse_v to_o answer_n it_o will_v be_v evidence_n enough_o that_o thou_o walk_v not_o by_o that_o golden_a rule_n to_o do_v as_o thou_o will_v be_v do_v by_o moreov_a since_o thy_o paper_n give_v testimony_n against_o a_o spirit_n why_o do_v thou_o not_o tell_v we_o in_o plain_a word_n who_o they_o be_v in_o who_o according_a to_o thy_o sense_n it_o work_v for_o i_o much_o doubt_n that_o if_o thou_o be_v not_o the_o secret_a mover_n to_o all_o this_o strife_n yet_o the_o want_n of_o the_o right_a application_n of_o some_o expression_n in_o thy_o paper_n testify_v against_o bad_a spirit_n etc._n etc._n be_v one_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o increase_n of_o bad_a spirit_n and_o of_o their_o scribble_n and_o therefore_o be_v plainhearted_a for_o i_o do_v know_v that_o a_o dark_a imaginary_a spirit_n be_v enter_v and_o under_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o truth_n and_o that_o also_o such_o a_o spirit_n appear_v among_o those_o who_o espouse_v the_o cause_n against_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n and_o the_o fruit_n that_o be_v bring_v forth_o by_o they_o which_o evidence_n that_o they_o be_v of_o such_o a_o spirit_n be_v as_o follow_v viz._n judge_v the_o lord_n servant_n out_o of_o the_o truth_n for_o particular_a matter_n lay_v to_o their_o charge_n without_o hear_v they_o speak_v for_o themselves_o or_o first_o send_v their_o judgement_n or_o condemnation_n to_o they_o before_o the_o spread_a thereof_o contrary_a to_o the_o know_a practice_n of_o friend_n in_o truth_n gather_v friend_n together_o on_o purpose_n to_o entertain_v their_o ear_n with_o report_n against_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n and_o refuse_v to_o bring_v forth_o the_o same_o to_z john_n story_n be_v face_n before_o friend_n equal_o to_o be_v choose_v though_o desire_v so_o to_o do_v both_o by_o john_n story_n and_o other_o magnify_v unity_n among_o brethren_n and_o yet_o appear_v those_o who_o break_v the_o unity_n reprove_v the_o spirit_n of_o strife_n and_o yet_o not_o only_o the_o mover_n but_o carrier_n on_z of_o strife_n both_o by_o word_n and_o write_v or_o to_o speak_v in_o thy_o language_n stribling_n to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o truth_n and_o though_o such_o who_o espouse_v the_o cause_n against_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n may_v suppose_v themselves_o capable_a to_o quote_v thou_o for_o a_o example_n or_o at_o least_o as_o a_o approver_n of_o such_o action_n for_o none_o of_o they_o as_o i_o know_v of_o do_v so_o much_o as_o suppose_v that_o thy_o word_n or_o scribble_n tend_v to_o reprove_v they_o yet_o know_v this_o from_o i_o that_o there_o be_v many_o of_o god_n ancient_a flock_n who_o retain_v their_o first_o love_n for_o truth_n and_o every_o honourable_a labourer_n in_o the_o vineyard_n dare_v not_o approve_v of_o this_o late_a and_o new-found_a doctrine_n publish_v against_o all_o reason_v and_o all_o wisdom_n nor_o yet_o can_v suffer_v their_o faith_n to_o stand_v in_o thou_o or_o any_o man_n and_o therefore_o if_o thou_o or_o any_o man_n bring_v forth_o a_o dream_n or_o pretend_v a_o night-vision_n to_o run_v against_o faithful_a friend_n and_o on_o that_o foot_n scrible_n against_o they_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o bad_a spirit_n it_o have_v no_o place_n with_o they_o because_o the_o day_n have_v discover_v such_o folly_n to_o man_n of_o conscience_n and_o endue_v with_o the_o wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o but_o yet_o i_o can_v say_v but_o that_o as_o it_o have_v it_o may_v have_v place_n with_o some_o who_o be_v of_o this_o number_n and_o sort_v viz._n such_o who_o ignorance_n be_v so_o great_a as_o to_o conclude_v it_o the_o fruit_n of_o virtue_n to_o avoid_v all_o reason_v and_o all_o wisdom_n or_o who_o understanding_n be_v so_o veil_v as_o to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o night-vision_n or_o dream_n of_o man_n more_o than_o to_o the_o truth_n in_o themselves_o and_o on_o that_o foot_n eye_v the_o scribbler_n of_o paper_n more_o than_o the_o matter_n therein_o contain_v as_o be_v convince_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o shut_v out_o all_o wisdom_n and_o all_o reason_v a_o most_o dextrous_a expedient_a where_o it_o take_v place_n for_o anti-christ_n so_o to_o exalt_v his_o kingdom_n as_o that_o all_o manner_n of_o iniquity_n and_o deceit_n may_v quick_o enter_v the_o flock_n if_o once_o the_o leader_n or_o leader_n of_o the_o people_n bring_v forth_o their_o own_o imagination_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o night-vision_n and_o publish_v they_o for_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o no_o marvel_n if_o such_o conclude_v that_o every_o friend_n be_v just_o condemn_v if_o they_o be_v not_o at_o unity_n with_o the_o paper_n give_v forth_o by_o the_o sixty-six_a subscriber_n at_o ellis_n hooks_n chamber_n as_o if_o now_o it_o be_v good_a doctrine_n or_o exhortation_n to_o direct_v to_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n that_o appear_v in_o the_o sixty-six_a subscriber_n when_o they_o bring_v forth_o their_o unchristian_a like_a papen_n instead_o of_o direct_v to_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n in_o themselves_o one_o thing_n more_o lie_v upon_o i_o to_o say_v unto_o thou_o that_o though_o among_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o world_n there_o be_v such_o politic_a contrivance_n to_o carry_v on_o their_o design_n as_o to_o engage_v such_o other_o therein_o who_o for_o self-advancement_n become_v of_o a_o temporize_a spirit_n or_o for_o want_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v ready_a to_o follow_v for_o the_o loaf_n for_o be_v of_o a_o mean_a spirit_n be_v hurry_a or_o overawe_v with_o fear_n and_o so_o if_o their_o design_n succeed_v ill_a then_o it_o be_v the_o fruit_n either_o of_o evil_a counsel_n or_o ill_a management_n but_o if_o well_o than_o they_o carry_v away_o the_o glory_n thereof_o yet_o it_o become_v not_o any_o one_o or_o many_o profess_v themselves_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n thus_o to_o do_v and_o now_o to_o conclude_v i_o have_v this_o further_a to_o query_n whether_o thou_o conclude_v thyself_o no_o way_n oblige_v to_o bring_v thy_o write_n to_o the_o second_o day_n meet_v in_o london_n to_o be_v approve_v of_o there_o before_o they_o be_v print_v if_o thou_o do_v not_o thou_o have_v be_v wrong_o represent_v if_o thou_o do_v and_o yet_o think_v all_o other_o friend_n be_v as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v thou_o do_v for_o i_o have_v never_o hear_v that_o thy_o book_n about_o woman_n meeting_n be_v there_o approve_v or_o that_o all_o the_o thing_n therein_o contain_v will_v be_v stand_v by_o or_o own_v by_o any_o one_o friend_n in_o truth_n then_o it_o be_v a_o evident_a token_n thou_o will_v exalt_v thyself_o for_o what_o be_v that_o less_o than_o to_o conclude_v that_o the_o infallible_a spirit_n be_v limit_v to_o appear_v through_o thy_o earthen_a vessel_n only_o for_o if_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n the_o spirit_n be_v the_o judge_n and_o that_o its_o pour_v forth_o in_o our_o day_n be_v upon_o many_o son_n and_o many_o daughter_n why_o then_o shall_v not_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o any_o vessel_n have_v its_o free_a passage_n as_o well_o as_o through_o thou_o or_o why_o must_v some_o write_n give_v forth_o by_o the_o spirit_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o second_o day_n meeting_n to_o be_v approve_v and_o other_o not_o but_o to_o return_v i_o have_v this_o further_a to_o say_v that_o if_o thou_o or_o any_o be_v so_o imaginary_a as_o to_o conclude_v that_o all_o thy_o write_n and_o book_n be_v give_v forth_o by_o the_o infallible_a spirit_n and_o that_o as_o such_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o a_o part_n of_o which_o i_o be_o satisfy_v have_v so_o be_v thereby_o to_o obtain_v proselyte_n against_o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n it_o appear_v to_o i_o as_o if_o thy_o notorious_a err_v from_o the_o infallible_a spirit_n in_o write_v some_o thing_n contain_v in_o thy_o book_n of_o womens-meeting_n have_v be_v permit_v to_o be_v as_o a_o evidence_n record_v against_o all_o such_o who_o ignorant_o look_v upon_o thou_o so_o to_o be_v as_o aforesaid_a and_o therefore_o it_o become_v thou_o to_o be_v humble_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v thy_o error_n therein_o i_o be_o not_o without_o a_o sense_n what_o entertainment_n my_o plain_a deal_v will_v have_v among_o many_o if_o thou_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v read_v or_o spread_v
commit_v to_o prove_v woman_n meeting_n as_o g._n f._n have_v do_v that_o will_v be_v account_v watchman_n watch_v for_o good_a healer_n of_o breach_n remover_n of_o stumbling-block_n and_o yet_o appear_v watcher_n for_o evil_a and_o not_o for_o good_a increaser_n of_o difference_n by_o add_v fuel_n to_o the_o fire_n and_o cast_v stumbling-block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o simple_a that_o appear_v reprover_n of_o such_o to_o tythe-payer_n who_o ever_o bear_v a_o faithful_a testimony_n against_o it_o and_o yet_o advise_v other_o to_o buy_v their_o tithe_n that_o say_v god_n have_v give_v they_o infallible_a judgement_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o yet_o appear_v notorious_o fallible_a how_o far_o thou_o g.f._n be_v concern_v in_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o every_o man_n word_n and_o work_n must_v be_v bring_v to_o judgement_n for_o i_o sirm_o believe_v thou_o be_v the_o man_n that_o have_v be_v guilty_a in_o all_o these_o thing_n from_o these_o last_o word_n george_n fox_n page_n the_o second_o thus_o say_v and_o thou_o have_v many_o query_n upon_o my_o epistle_n and_o on_o thy_o conclusion_n say_v thou_o believe_v that_o i_o be_o the_o man_n that_o be_v guilty_a of_o they_o all_o so_o by_o this_o it_o appear_v they_o be_v charge_n against_o i_o this_o construction_n of_o g._n f._n be_v utter_o wrong_a for_o my_o word_n from_o whence_o he_o draw_v that_o conclusion_n can_v in_o common_a sense_n and_o according_a to_o the_o connexion_n of_o word_n so_o import_n they_o be_v only_o relative_a to_o the_o precede_a matter_n contain_v in_o a_o distinct_a paragraph_n after_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o query_n but_o yet_o i_o will_v not_o have_v any_o to_o think_v that_o i_o ask_v one_o question_n as_o have_v no_o ground_n so_o to_o query_n moreover_o it_o be_v observable_a my_o aforesaid_a word_n will_v not_o amount_v unto_o a_o charge_n because_o to_o believe_v and_o to_o charge_n be_v two_o distinct_a thing_n for_o a_o man_n may_v believe_v a_o charge_n and_o yet_o have_v no_o hand_n in_o give_v the_o charge_n but_o a_o man_n can_v honest_o charge_v another_o and_o yet_o pretend_v he_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o charge_n g._n f_n manifest_a weakness_n do_v not_o end_v here_o for_o suppose_v his_o construction_n have_v be_v my_o mean_v he_o may_v then_o have_v just_o accuse_v i_o of_o folly_n but_o not_o just_o have_v render_v i_o one_o charge_v he_o with_o false_a accusation_n as_o on_o this_o occasion_n he_o have_v do_v since_o the_o query_n be_v not_o answer_v by_o i_o without_o which_o no_o certain_a accusation_n can_v be_v real_o manifest_v because_o question_n may_v be_v answer_v in_o truth_n sometime_o by_o yea_o and_o sometime_o by_o nay_o on_o this_o false_a assertion_n g._n f._n be_v become_v guilty_a of_o as_o many_o lie_n as_o my_o query_n before_o propose_v be_v in_o number_n viz._n thirteen_o beside_o if_o g._n f_n judgement_n manifest_a in_o his_o reply_n touch_v i_o viz._n that_o i_o have_v manifest_v madness_n and_o folly_n be_v true_a yet_o my_o folly_n have_v not_o be_v so_o great_a as_o to_o write_v one_o lie_v eight_o time_n over_o and_o thirteen_o particular_a lie_n and_o all_o on_o the_o foot_n of_o two_o false_a assertion_n beside_o many_o more_o as_o hereafter_o in_o this_o my_o reply_n will_v appear_v and_o that_o also_o dotectable_a from_o the_o view_n of_o my_o paper_n and_o g._n f_n answer_n thereto_o as_o he_o have_v do_v i_o will_v not_o adventure_v to_o say_v this_o in_o he_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o madness_n and_o folly_n though_o it_o be_v evident_a he_o do_v not_o heed_n what_o he_o write_v and_o in_o the_o most_o charitable_a construction_n that_o i_o can_v put_v thereon_o the_o reason_n he_o so_o do_v as_o i_o take_v it_o spring_v from_o a_o imagination_n possess_v his_o heart_n that_o he_o conclude_v whatever_n first_o arise_v in_o his_o mind_n on_o the_o sight_n or_o hear_n of_o any_o thing_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v bring_v forth_o and_o stand_v by_o and_o true_o it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v the_o like_a imagination_n have_v possess_v many_o among_o who_o i_o take_v john_n blaykle_v to_o be_v one_o by_o give_v forth_o a_o false_a certificate_n to_o cover_v g._n f._n in_o his_o defence_n of_o a_o lie_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o more_o anon_o i_o now_o come_v to_o signify_v that_o g._n f_n send_v those_o query_n be_v more_o like_o the_o action_n of_o a_o friend_n to_o a_o company_n of_o hireling_n priest_n than_o the_o action_n of_o one_o friend_n to_o a_o meeting_n of_o friend_n account_v by_o some_o the_o church_n and_o that_o what_o i_o write_v by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o he_o by_o name_n be_v more_o plain_a than_o his_o smite_v in_o general_a term_n so_o far_o as_o query_n may_v be_v call_v smite_v neither_o be_v my_o read_v my_o answer_n in_o the_o man_n meet_v against_o my_o former_a declare_a sense_n and_o judgement_n though_o g._n f._n do_v so_o insinuate_v instance_v the_o case_n of_o thomas_n cam_n which_o be_v remote_a from_o his_o purpose_n 1._o because_o thomas_n cam_n be_v never_o oppose_v by_o i_o or_o any_o that_o i_o know_v of_o to_o read_v any_o paper_n in_o the_o mens_fw-la meeting_n and_o 2._o when_o a_o agreement_n be_v appoint_v between_o thomas_n cam_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n in_o order_n to_o prove_v john_n wilkinson_n a_o encourager_n of_o wickedness_n friend_n be_v not_o willing_a to_o hear_v thomas_n cam_n read_v paper_n to_o prove_v other_o man_n wicked_a not_o present_a because_o the_o business_n of_o the_o meeting_n be_v to_o prove_v john_n wilkinson_n wicked_a and_o though_o it_o be_v not_o proper_a for_o one_o friend_n to_o bring_v forth_o accusation_n against_o another_o friend_n in_o order_n to_o obtain_v a_o judgement_n against_o the_o accuse_v behind_o his_o back_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o john_n blaykling_n and_o twenty_o five_o more_o accuser_n and_o informer_n against_o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n in_o order_n to_o have_v nine_o person_n choose_v by_o those_o informer_n to_o sit_v in_o judgement_n on_o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n when_o they_o refuse_v to_o own_o their_o authority_n over_o they_o yet_o if_o one_o that_o have_v profess_v the_o truth_n have_v send_v abroad_o his_o paper_n have_v a_o tendency_n to_o put_v one_o friend_n against_o another_o about_o secure_v outward_a estate_n when_o he_o have_v advise_v the_o like_a and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o have_v make_v lie_v his_o refuge_n thereby_o abuse_v honest_a man_n that_o can_v submit_v to_o his_o will_n it_o be_v proper_a enough_o for_o i_o or_o any_o that_o may_v have_v a_o concern_v of_o conscience_n as_o i_o have_v to_o discover_v the_o fruit_n of_o such_o a_o deceive_v betray_v spirit_n though_o behind_o the_o back_n of_o he_o in_o who_o it_o appear_v but_o shall_v i_o choose_v nine_o person_n and_o summon_v g._n f._n before_o they_o as_o judges_z over_o he_o without_o his_o assent_n and_o if_o he_o will_v not_o own_v their_o authority_n proceed_v to_o accuse_v and_o obtain_v such_o judge_n to_o judge_v the_o matter_n and_o spread_v that_o judgement_n over_o a_o nation_n to_o his_o defamation_n right_a or_o wrong_n it_o will_v not_o add_v to_o my_o credit_n though_o i_o may_v quote_v nine_a who_o have_v be_v take_v to_o be_v of_o the_o party_n with_o g._n f._n for_o a_o precedent_n in_o the_o very_a like_o case_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o may_v also_o quote_v several_a other_o judge_v i_o with_o respect_n to_o my_o answer_n to_o g._n f._n without_o either_o hear_n what_o i_o can_v say_v to_o manifest_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o my_o so_o write_v or_o g._n f._n to_o plead_v his_o innocency_n to_o all_o the_o matter_n write_v by_o way_n of_o reflection_n on_o he_o and_o whereas_o g._n f._n say_v that_o i_o say_v to_o bray_n daily_o that_o i_o send_v it_o mean_v my_o answer_n to_o g._n f._n three_o week_n before_o it_o be_v read_v in_o the_o meeting_n i_o say_v that_o be_v utter_o false_a it_o be_v probable_a i_o may_v acquaint_v he_o it_o be_v write_v so_o long_o before_o or_o leave_v some_o time_n before_o with_o charles_n jones_n senior_a of_o bristol_n to_o be_v send_v to_o g._n f._n for_o so_o i_o do_v but_o he_o desire_v more_o time_n to_o consider_v whether_o he_o will_v send_v it_o or_o no_o than_o i_o be_v willing_a to_o grant_v page_n 32th_o of_o george_n fox_n manuscript_n he_o thus_o say_v here_o it_o be_v evident_a thou_o have_v fulfil_v my_o former_a word_n that_o these_o thy_o pretend_a query_n be_v all_o of_o they_o real_a charge_n see_v here_o thou_o say_v thou_o firm_o believe_v that_o i_o be_o the_o man_n that_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o all_o these_o thing_n beforementioned_a and_o
whether_o it_o be_v not_o the_o fruit_n of_o great_a partiality_n and_o respect_n of_o person_n in_o g.f._n to_o have_v so_o great_a a_o regard_n to_o the_o secure_n of_o her_o estate_n for_o she_o and_o her_o child_n and_o yet_o take_v occasion_n to_o query_n whether_o the_o spirit_n that_o do_v so_o meaning_n make_v away_o estate_n etc._n etc._n for_o fear_n of_o the_o spoiler_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n that_o do_v lust_n to_o envy_n which_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a and_o devilish_a which_o doubtless_o will_v be_v take_v by_o some_o to_o be_v intend_v by_o he_o as_o a_o reflection_n on_o such_o as_o shall_v so_o do_v without_o a_o dispensation_n from_o he_o to_o be_v plain_a if_o g._n f._n have_v so_o great_a a_o care_n for_o other_o not_o outward_o relate_v to_o he_o i_o know_v no_o reason_n why_o i_o may_v not_o take_v the_o same_o care_n for_o my_o wife_n and_o child_n which_o be_v many_o though_o i_o have_v no_o dispensation_n from_o he_o so_o to_o do_v and_o why_o he_o shall_v condemn_v i_o for_o so_o do_v i_o understand_v not_o unless_o he_o think_v my_o care_n therein_o may_v prevent_v a_o outward_a blast_v which_o some_o of_o his_o temporize_a party_n have_v prophesy_v will_v come_v upon_o i_o and_o all_o that_o join_v to_o that_o spirit_n as_o they_o be_v please_v to_o phrase_n it_o in_o my_o 5_o query_n it_o be_v thus_o say_v and_o do_v thou_o not_o remember_v that_o at_o a_o quarterly-meeting_a in_o gloucestershire_n sudden_o after_o thy_o last_o departure_n from_o bristol_n there_o be_v a_o person_n that_o judge_v i_o not_o fit_a to_o judge_v in_o that_o meeting_n because_o i_o have_v secure_v a_o part_n of_o my_o good_n without_o door_n though_o i_o have_v leave_v above_o two_o hundred_o pound_n value_n of_o movable_a good_n subject_a to_o the_o spoiler_n beside_o and_o do_v thou_o not_o remember_v that_o none_o of_o the_o say_a meeting_n declare_v any_o approbation_n of_o his_o so_o do_v and_o that_o thou_o thyself_o then_o present_a manifest_v a_o dislike_n thereof_o as_o well_o as_o leveral_a other_o after_o thy_o usual_a manner_n thus_o wish_v wish_v do_v thou_o not_o also_o remember_v that_o i_o then_o signify_v to_o this_o effect_n if_o what_o i_o have_v do_v be_v a_o crime_n those_o who_o be_v account_v of_o the_o chief_a among_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o crime_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n this_o g._n f._n in_o answer_n thereto_o deny_v not_o but_o in_o effect_n confess_v it_o by_o these_o his_o word_n but_o i_o do_v not_o say_v nothing_o else_o but_o wish_v whisht_o i_o now_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o compare_v this_o with_o his_o before-cited_n word_n viz._n i_o know_v they_o to_o be_v all_o mean_v all_o my_o thirteen_o query_n before_o speak_v of_o false_a and_o malicious_a charge_n and_o then_o consider_v whether_o he_o have_v not_o herein_o belie_v his_o conscience_n at_o a_o large_a rate_n i_o now_o come_v to_o reckon_v with_o george_n fox_n for_o his_o answer_n to_o my_o 10_o query_n a_o part_n whereof_o be_v whether_o it_o be_v fit_a for_o one_o that_o feed_v of_o the_o fat_a of_o the_o land_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o have_v twelve_o or_o thirteen_o hundred_o pound_n well_o secure_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o spoiler_n etc._n etc._n to_o admonish_v a_o company_n of_o poor_a innocent_a harmless_a friend_n that_o have_v three_o or_o four_o cow_n a_o piece_n to_o feed_v themselves_o and_o child_n not_o to_o secure_v they_o from_o the_o spoiler_n &_o c_o if_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o such_o a_o one_o so_o to_o admonish_v i_o then_o query_n whether_o thou_o be_v not_o the_o man_n that_o be_v so_o qualify_v and_o who_o in_o effect_n have_v so_o admonish_v to_o this_o a_o part_n of_o g._n f_n answer_n be_v on_o this_o wise_a the_o lord_n know_v i_o have_v neither_o twelve_o or_o thirteen_o hundred_o pound_n in_o my_o life_n secure_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o spoiler_n it_o be_v true_a i_o may_v have_v have_v something_o in_o the_o other_o power_n day_n that_o descend_v to_o i_o as_o my_o birthright_a but_o i_o give_v it_o away_o to_o my_o relation_n not_o for_o fear_v of_o persecution_n or_o to_o make_v it_o away_o from_o the_o spoiler_n on_o this_o i_o observe_v that_o he_o do_v not_o deny_v that_o he_o have_v twelve_o or_o thirteen_o hundred_o pound_n but_o he_o deny_v that_o he_o have_v so_o much_o secure_v and_o as_o to_o his_o speak_n of_o something_o that_o descend_v to_o he_o as_o his_o birthright_a it_o be_v probable_a enough_o that_o some_o in_o age_n to_o come_v compare_v that_o with_o his_o not_o deny_v to_o have_v have_v twelve_o or_o thirteen_o hundred_o pound_n and_o that_o he_o give_v not_o away_o what_o descend_v to_o he_o by_o birthright_a for_o fear_v of_o persecution_n may_v conclude_v that_o he_o have_v some_o estate_n by_o birthright_a which_o may_v be_v account_v worth_n twelve_o or_o thirteen_o hundred_o pound_n or_o at_o least_o very_a considerable_a but_o i_o can_v take_v that_o to_o bespeak_v so_o much_o credit_n and_o repute_v to_o he_o as_o a_o plain_a state_v that_o matter_n will_v be_v because_o i_o can_v true_o say_v and_o so_o i_o believe_v many_o more_o can_v that_o in_o his_o person_n i_o account_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n fulfil_v who_o say_v god_n have_v choose_v the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o wise_a and_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o weak_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o mighty_a and_o base_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n and_o thing_n which_o be_v despise_v have_v god_n choose_v yea_o and_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o to_o bring_v to_o nought_o thing_n that_o be_v that_o no_o flesh_n shall_v glory_v in_o his_o presence_n and_o partly_o on_o this_o score_n can_v i_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n say_v and_o that_o just_o too_o that_o he_o be_v to_o i_o whilst_o he_o keep_v his_o place_n and_o habitation_n in_o the_o truth_n true_o honourable_a and_o therefore_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o he_o will_v have_v add_v more_o to_o his_o repute_n and_o name_n to_o have_v acquaint_v the_o reader_n if_o he_o will_v needs_o discourse_v of_o his_o birthright_a that_o he_o descend_v of_o poor_a parentage_n and_o that_o before_o he_o go_v abroad_o to_o preach_v the_o light_n he_o be_v a_o journyman_n shoemaker_n and_o as_o such_o a_o one_o wrought_v journey_n work_v with_o george_n gee_n of_o manchester_n if_o he_o so_o do_v as_o report_n say_v he_o do_v and_o so_o have_v give_v glory_n to_o god_n that_o in_o year_n past_a he_o make_v choice_n of_o so_o poor_a mean_a and_o despise_v a_o person_n through_o who_o to_o preach_v the_o everlasting_a light_n christ_n jesus_n the_o guide_n to_o the_o father_n and_o if_o g._n f._n have_v ever_o since_o he_o go_v abroad_o to_o preach_v labour_v whilst_o able_a and_o at_o leisure_n with_o his_o hand_n as_o the_o primitive_a apostle_n do_v or_o otherwise_o be_v industrious_a in_o a_o outward_a call_v that_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n may_v not_o be_v chargeable_a and_o so_o have_v get_v twelve_o or_o thirteen_o hundred_o pound_n that_o also_o may_v have_v tend_v to_o his_o repute_n especial_o if_o instead_o of_o discourse_v of_o that_o which_o descend_v unto_o he_o by_o birthright_a he_o have_v signify_v that_o out_o of_o the_o twelve_o or_o thirteen_o hundred_o pound_n he_o will_v take_v care_n of_o his_o poor_a relation_n that_o so_o their_o outward_a man_n may_v be_v somewhat_o more_o refresh_v and_o comfort_v with_o necessary_a food_n raiment_n and_o live_v than_o of_o late_a year_n they_o have_v be_v and_o that_o whilst_o he_o be_v repute_v to_o be_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o all_o thing_n needful_a as_o to_o outward_a enjoyment_n the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n bring_v to_o my_o remembrance_n g._n f_n language_n in_o another_o case_n and_o occasion_n i_o to_o use_v the_o like_a poor_a george_n i_o be_o forry_a for_o thou_o and_o pity_v thou_o and_o one_o reason_n among_o many_o more_o that_o i_o can_v now_o give_v why_o on_o this_o occasion_n i_o so_o say_v be_v this_o i_o well_o remember_v the_o day_n be_v and_o yet_o be_v wherein_o i_o neither_o do_v or_o do_v measure_v he_o according_a to_o the_o nonsense_n of_o his_o word_n but_o the_o intent_n and_o mean_v of_o his_o mind_n and_o yet_o his_o disingenuity_n towards_o i_o be_v so_o great_a as_o that_o it_o appear_v that_o one_o of_o his_o chief_a defence_n for_o himself_o next_o to_o a_o lie_a tongue_n and_o suffer_v false_a certificate_n to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o his_o favour_n of_o which_o more_o anon_o have_v be_v to_o pervert_v sound_a and_o undetectable_a word_n to_o render_v his_o friend_n
distrain_v and_o though_o g._n f._n hereupon_o say_v as_o in_o his_o answer_n appear_v that_o i_o have_v make_v all_o fast_n yet_o he_o be_v therein_o in_o a_o twofold_a respect_n guilty_a of_o a_o false_a charge_n because_o all_o be_v not_o secure_v without_o and_o none_o secure_v within_o have_v thus_o far_o with_o respect_n to_o particular_a matter_n clear_v my_o conscience_n i_o have_v this_o further_a in_o short_a to_o say_v that_o shall_v i_o trace_v g._n f_n answer_n after_o the_o same_o method_n as_o he_o have_v do_v i_o i_o account_v that_o thirty_o sheet_n of_o paper_n will_v not_o contain_v such_o a_o answer_n and_o may_v tend_v to_o endless_a controversy_n and_o therefore_o i_o choose_v the_o rather_o to_o give_v the_o reader_n but_o a_o taste_n of_o that_o spirit_n from_o whence_o his_o bundle_n of_o confusion_n and_o falsehood_n do_v proceed_v and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n shall_v add_v this_o query_n whether_o or_o no_o since_o g._n f._n have_v write_v so_o many_o lie_v as_o aforesaid_a that_o be_v detectable_a from_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o answer_n and_o compare_v with_o my_o paper_n which_o be_v a_o answer_n to_o his_o query_n it_o may_v not_o be_v rational_a to_o conclude_v that_o he_o have_v take_v such_o a_o liberty_n to_o himself_o as_o at_o some_o time_n and_o season_n to_o say_v any_o thing_n right_o or_o wrong_n to_o clear_v himself_o and_o defame_v other_o that_o can_v be_v subject_a to_o his_o will_n i_o now_o come_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o a_o postscript_n write_v by_o g._n f._n in_o these_o word_n here_o follow_v the_o epistle_n that_o have_v so_o touch_v william_n rogers_n which_o he_o make_v all_o this_o work_n and_o write_v about_o who_o will_v make_v i_o inconsistent_a with_o myself_o and_o so_o he_o may_v have_v do_v the_o apostle_n who_o one_o while_n circumcise_a and_o then_o again_o forbid_v it_o and_o one_o while_o say_v they_o shall_v not_o judge_v one_o another_o about_o day_n and_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o afterward_o judge_v they_o for_o it_o who_o make_v it_o their_o principle_n but_o in_o william_n roger_n be_v charge_n he_o have_v not_o prove_v i_o inconsistent_a with_o myself_o but_o rather_o himself_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o what_o he_o be_v former_o to_o this_o i_o thus_o answer_v these_o few_o line_n do_v manifest_a to_o i_o that_o g._n f._n do_v not_o divide_v and_o distinguish_v as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v if_o he_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o what_o i_o have_v write_v and_o of_o what_o his_o name_n be_v too_o the_o consideration_n whereof_o lead_v i_o to_o observe_v that_o he_o have_v not_o quote_v any_o scripture_n whereby_o he_o pretend_v to_o prove_v his_o assertion_n and_o so_o no_o need_n to_o write_v very_o large_a for_o disproof_n of_o that_o which_o he_o pretend_v not_o to_o prove_v yet_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o on_o this_o occasion_n i_o shall_v thus_o add_v that_o the_o scripture_n no_o where_o testify_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v forbid_v circumcision_n in_o the_o same_o case_n where_o he_o practise_v circumcision_n and_o that_o when_o the_o apostle_n say_v any_o thing_n to_o this_o purpose_n by_o way_n of_o exhortation_n to_o any_o among_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o judge_v one_o another_o about_o day_n and_o meat_n and_o drink_n it_o be_v as_o i_o have_v always_o take_v it_o with_o a_o tender_a regard_n only_o to_o such_o who_o make_v conscience_n which_o can_v not_o be_v unless_o they_o be_v principled_a either_o to_o observe_v or_o not_o to_o observe_v a_o day_n meat_n or_o drink_n and_o such_o the_o apostle_n when_o they_o act_v from_o a_o principle_n so_o to_o do_v at_o no_o time_n judge_v as_o ever_o from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n i_o can_v understand_v though_o in_o the_o observation_n of_o some_o thing_n legal_a not_o have_v so_o far_o receive_v the_o spirit_n as_o to_o be_v lead_v therefrom_o and_o yet_o g._n f._n say_v and_o afterward_o judge_v they_o for_o it_o who_o make_v it_o their_o principle_n as_o if_o the_o day_n be_v wherein_o they_o may_v observe_v a_o day_n when_o they_o be_v not_o principled_a so_o to_o do_v but_o when_o they_o become_v principled_a to_o observe_v a_o day_n than_o it_o become_v sin_n and_o matter_n worthy_a of_o judgement_n and_o condemnation_n by_o the_o apostle_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o as_o if_o act_v according_a to_o one_o principle_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n be_v condemnable_a when_o practise_v thing_n not_o according_a to_o one_o principle_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n may_v be_v justify_v this_o i_o dare_v not_o conclude_v to_o have_v ever_o be_v the_o apostle_n mean_v but_o i_o be_o well_o satisfy_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o g._n f._n or_o some_o take_v to_o be_v of_o his_o adherent_n who_o have_v publish_v their_o paper_n and_o judgement_n against_o many_o and_o the_o real_a cause_n as_o to_o i_o be_v evident_a be_v because_o they_o be_v find_v practise_v according_a to_o their_o principle_n and_o can_v act_v for_o fear_n of_o threat_n and_o frown_n of_o man_n against_o it_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o g._n f._n have_v make_v use_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a instance_n relate_v to_o circumcision_n day_n meat_n and_o drink_n on_o such_o wife_n as_o if_o the_o practice_n or_o not_o practise_v of_o such_o thing_n be_v ground_v mere_o on_o the_o apostle_n permission_n and_o so_o by_o that_o example_n g._n f._n may_v do_v the_o like_a i_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o add_v that_o when_o contention_n arise_v about_o the_o practice_n of_o circumcision_n act_v 15._o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o the_o apostle_n assume_v to_o themselves_o a_o power_n to_o permit_v or_o not_o to_o permit_v nor_o yet_o to_o judge_v the_o case_n without_o the_o assent_n of_o party_n differ_v for_o it_o appear_v the_o differ_a party_n agree_v to_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n about_o that_o question_n and_o at_o that_o time_n the_o apostle_n do_v agree_v that_o circumcision_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v lay_v on_o the_o gentile_n which_o be_v believer_n who_o never_o be_v principled_a to_o practice_v the_o same_o neither_o do_v they_o 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 and_o the_o reason_n hereof_o undoubted_o be_v because_o it_o be_v safe_a both_o for_o jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o act_v according_a to_o faith_n that_o so_o they_o may_v not_o sin_v for_o the_o apostle_n say_v whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n which_o assertion_n answer_v to_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o conscience_n at_o this_o day_n as_o well_o as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o now_o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n relate_v to_o circumcision_n day_n meat_n and_o drink_n may_v be_v a_o little_a further_o explain_v i_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o cite_v a_o passage_n out_o of_o my_o manuscript_n in_o answer_n to_o part_n of_o robert_n barclay_n book_n of_o government_n which_o may_v be_v pertinent_a on_o this_o occasion_n we_o find_v that_o many_o of_o the_o believe_a jew_n be_v not_o come_v from_o under_o circumcision_n and_o that_o those_o jew_n who_o see_v beyond_o it_o do_v not_o condemn_v such_o their_o brethren_n but_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o the_o apostle_n as_o person_n that_o have_v power_n to_o permit_v or_o not_o permit_v such_o a_o practice_n in_o the_o church_n do_v approve_v of_o it_o in_o any_o of_o the_o jew_n or_o condemn_v the_o same_o in_o such_o as_o practise_v it_o until_o by_o faith_n they_o see_v beyond_o it_o for_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o commission_n to_o preach_v up_o circumcision_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n to_o be_v a_o bond_n on_o any_o to_o forbear_v who_o through_o faith_n be_v not_o first_o lead_v therefrom_o for_o though_o the_o apostle_n say_v gal._n 5.2_o i_o paul_n say_v unto_o you_o if_o you_o be_v circumcise_a chrast_n shall_v profit_v you_o nothing_o and_o gal_n 4_o 9_o 10_o 11._o but_o now_o after_o you_o have_v know_v god_n or_o rather_o be_v know_v of_o god_n how_o turn_v you_o again_o to_o the_o weak_a and_o beggar_n by_o element_n you_o observe_v day_n and_o month_n etc._n etc._n i_o be_o afraid_a of_o you_o yet_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 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 for_o it_o plain_o appear_v
myself_o at_o bristol_n anno_fw-la 1677._o and_o in_o divers_a other_o paper_n in_o the_o give_v forth_o whereof_o i_o have_v be_v concern_v since_o that_o day_n wherein_o it_o have_v evident_o appear_v that_o such_o as_o can_v be_v subject_a to_o some_o outward_a order_n or_o prescription_n give_v forth_o by_o george_n fox_n or_o some_o other_o assume_v authority_n so_o to_o do_v be_v judge_v and_o condemn_v for_o refuse_v submission_n without_o true_a regard_n to_o a_o conscientious_a scruple_n as_o if_o the_o exaltation_n of_o christ_n government_n in_o the_o heart_n consist_v in_o conformity_n to_o other_o man_n line_n make_v ready_a to_o our_o hand_n a_o lively_a instance_n hereof_o may_v be_v easy_o discern_v by_o those_o who_o shall_v peruse_v the_o forty_o four_o article_n of_o accusation_n draw_v up_o against_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n and_o proceed_n in_o relation_n thereunto_o both_o before_o and_o after_o the_o four_o day_n meet_v at_o drawel_n especial_o if_o compare_v with_o the_o paper_n give_v forth_o from_o ellis_n hook_n chamber_n date_v the_o 12_o of_o the_o four_o month_n 1677_o subscribe_v by_o charles_n marshal_n and_o 65_o person_n more_o and_o the_o answer_n thereunto_o all_o which_o be_v record_v in_o the_o manuscript_n first_o make_v mention_n of_o in_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o one_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a quaker_n ready_a for_o perusal_n of_o any_o friend_n desire_v to_o view_v the_o same_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o these_o thing_n can_v i_o true_o say_v that_o my_o heart_n be_v even_o melt_v before_o the_o lord_n that_o iniquity_n shall_v grow_v to_o so_o high_a a_o pitch_n in_o any_o that_o be_v professor_n of_o truth_n as_o to_o write_v at_o so_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a a_o rate_n as_o john_n blaykling_n have_v do_v and_o yet_o bring_v forth_o nothing_o that_o do_v in_o truth_n prove_v i_o worthy_a of_o the_o least_o of_o his_o evil_a reflection_n which_o now_o lead_v i_o to_o manifest_v unto_o the_o reader_n what_o be_v the_o particular_a matter_n of_o fact_n that_o he_o charge_v i_o with_o since_o it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o that_o shall_v have_v be_v by_o he_o lay_v down_o as_o evidence_n that_o i_o be_o worthy_a of_o his_o general_n and_o gross_a reflection_n in_o order_n hereunto_o i_o say_v i_o have_v diligent_o peruse_v his_o postscript_n several_a time_n over_o on_o purpose_n to_o notify_v every_o particular_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o in_o his_o or_o any_o one_o sense_n i_o do_v suppose_v may_v be_v account_v evil_a and_o do_v not_o find_v more_o than_o these_o two_o particular_n follow_v here_o cite_v word_n for_o word_n out_o of_o john_n blaykling_n postscript_n the_o first_o be_v on_o this_o wise_a and_o as_o to_o that_o particular_a reflection_n cast_v upon_o he_o which_o william_n rogers_n if_o his_o interrogation_n be_v a_o affirmation_n of_o the_o matter_n will_v ground_v a_o accusation_n upon_o viz._n be_v not_o thou_o the_o man_n that_o have_v take_v liberty_n to_o stay_v almost_o a_o quarter_n of_o a_o year_n from_o meeting_n and_o do_v not_o john_n blaykle_v by_o name_n manifest_v his_o burden_n and_o exercise_n of_o spirit_n on_o thou_o and_o the_o truth_n behalf_n for_o thy_o so_o do_v and_o have_v thus_o repeat_v my_o word_n he_o proceed_v and_o say_v i_o answer_v if_o william_n rogers_n affirm_v that_o i_o have_v a_o burden_n on_o my_o spirit_n with_o respect_n to_o george_n fox_n as_o out_o of_o god_n counsel_n in_o that_o matter_n or_o as_o depart_v from_o the_o truth_n i_o do_v testify_v that_o he_o affirm_v a_o untruth_n and_o that_o it_o do_v arise_v in_o he_o from_o a_o spirit_n of_o envy_n watch_v for_o evil_a against_o the_o innocent_a who_o god_n justify_v on_o this_o i_o observe_v that_o john_n blaykling_n can_v lay_v all_o his_o general_n and_o gross_a reflection_n at_o my_o door_n on_o that_o account_n because_o he_o himself_o do_v not_o take_v it_o to_o be_v a_o charge_n unless_o my_o interogation_n be_v a_o affirmation_n which_o he_o do_v not_o there_o affirm_v it_o to_o be_v neither_o do_v i_o ever_o intend_v it_o so_o yet_o it_o be_v rational_a to_o conclude_v from_o the_o aforesaid_a word_n of_o john_n blaykling_n that_o i_o have_v ground_n so_o to_o query_n and_o therefore_o i_o now_o appeal_v unto_o god_n witness_n in_o all_o conscience_n whether_o john_n blaykling_n be_v not_o find_v contradict_v himself_o since_o in_o his_o postscript_n he_o thus_o say_v be_v this_o the_o shift_n you_o be_v put_v to_o that_o he_o meaning_n john_n wilkinson_n shall_v not_o be_v find_v a_o false_a prophet_n to_o charge_v a_o lie_n upon_o i_o to_o defame_v the_o innocent_a withal_o mean_v as_o may_v reasonable_o be_v take_v with_o respect_n to_o what_o i_o query_n as_o aforesaid_a with_o relation_n to_o he_o and_o george_n fox_n which_o to_o i_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o john_n wilkinson_n be_v fulfil_v since_o it_o appear_v as_o aforesaid_a that_o my_o query_n be_v not_o groundless_a and_o that_o george_n fox_n account_v it_o a_o false_a charge_n and_o though_o john_n blaykling_n proceed_v to_o query_n do_v not_o the_o lord_n confound_v you_o in_o all_o your_o undertake_n yet_o there_o appear_v to_o i_o no_o ground_n for_o his_o so_o query_v but_o rather_o that_o his_o and_z g._n f_n confusion_n to_o their_o shame_n be_v abundant_o manifest_v from_o what_o may_v be_v visible_a to_o every_o impartial_a understanding_n reader_n that_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o compare_v all_o write_v by_o george_n fox_n john_n blaykle_v and_o myself_o on_o this_o occasion_n without_o other_o proof_n the_o second_o particular_a matter_n of_o fact_n lay_v by_o john_n blaykle_v to_o my_o charge_n be_v on_o this_o wise_a and_o whereas_o william_n rogers_n ask_v if_o george_n fox_n will_v not_o have_v account_v this_o in_o another_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o careless_a slothful_a libertine_n or_o dark_a spirit_n that_o be_v either_o depart_v or_o depart_v from_o the_o truth_n &_o c_o implicit_o thereby_o charge_v he_o with_o it_o to_o which_o john_n blaykle_v thus_o say_v may_v not_o william_n rogers_n have_v apply_v this_o at_o home_n who_o know_v in_o his_o conscience_n what_o a_o libertine_n loose_a and_o dark_a spirit_n depart_v from_o his_o subjection_n to_o the_o truth_n he_o have_v give_v way_n to_o and_o have_v take_v a_o liberty_n to_o himself_o to_o make_v away_o his_o visible_a estate_n or_o at_o least_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o it_o to_o avoid_v suffer_v thereby_o on_o this_o i_o observe_v that_o as_o to_o this_o particular_a with_o respect_n to_o secure_v a_o part_n of_o my_o estate_n jo._n blaykling_n can_v lay_v all_o his_o profane_a and_o wicked_a charge_n against_o i_o at_o my_o door_n on_o that_o account_n without_o contradiction_n to_o his_o large_a testimony_n for_o george_n fox_n as_o a_o man_n that_o be_v spotless_a and_o still_o keep_v his_o integrity_n because_o george_n fox_n deny_v not_o as_o before_o be_v manifest_v that_o he_o advise_v mary_n the_o wife_n of_o isaac_n penington_n to_o secure_v she_o or_o their_o estate_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o spoiler_n my_o last_o observation_n be_v on_o john_n blaykling_n beginning_n of_o his_o postscript_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v to_o i_o that_o one_o of_o his_o end_n be_v to_o appear_v thus_o public_a as_o a_o witness_n on_o behalf_n of_o george_n fox_n to_o clear_v all_o aspersion_n that_o myself_o and_o other_o have_v cast_v on_o he_o as_o afore_o mention_v and_o indeed_o he_o have_v do_v it_o excellent_o well_o if_o testify_v that_o g._n f._n be_v spotless_a without_o enter_v into_o the_o merit_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v a_o sufficient_a proof_n but_o if_o not_o his_o testimony_n and_o certificate_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o no_o credit_n however_o it_o occasion_n i_o to_o note_v what_o irreligious_a confidence_n attend_v he_o thus_o to_o appear_v as_o a_o witness_n to_o clear_v g._n f._n of_o many_o thing_n he_o know_v nothing_o of_o for_o john_n blaykle_v be_v not_o with_o george_n fox_n at_o bristol_n and_o with_o nathaniel_n crip_n when_o occasion_n of_o nathaniel_n crip_n his_o charge_n touch_v g._n f_o be_v advise_v he_o to_o buy_v his_o tithe_n be_v take_v and_o yet_o john_n blaykling_n certificate_n as_o by_o the_o scope_n thereof_o do_v plain_o appear_v to_o i_o be_v to_o clear_a g.f._n from_o all_o aspersion_n whatsoever_o or_o from_o whosoever_o to_o be_v plain_a such_o attempt_n be_v a_o shame_n and_o scandal_n to_o religion_n and_o be_v a_o abhorrency_n to_o man_n of_o common_a and_o moral_a honesty_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v that_o since_o that_o day_n wherein_o john_n blaykle_v robert_n barrow_n and_o two_o other_o give_v it_o under_o their_o hand_n in_o a_o letter_n to_o friend_n at_o bristol_n that_o they_o by_o
the_o authority_n of_o god_n power_n have_v a_o understanding_n give_v they_o of_o god_n to_o act_n and_o determine_v in_o affair_n appertain_v to_o the_o gospel_n and_o its_o order_n john_n blaykle_v have_v be_v so_o puff_v up_o with_o spiritual_a pride_n as_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v suffer_v his_o wisdom_n to_o be_v turn_v into_o folly_n and_o his_o zeal_n into_o envy_n whereby_o he_o now_o be_v as_o well_o as_o heretofore_o have_v be_v in_o another_o case_n relate_v to_o john_n story_n so_o dexterous_a in_o give_v forth_o a_o false_a certificate_n and_o now_o to_o conclude_v i_o recommend_v the_o whole_a to_o the_o righteous_a witness_n of_o god_n in_o all_o conscience_n nothing_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v yet_o more_o and_o more_o arise_v to_o oppose_v that_o profane_a ungodly_a spirit_n which_o thus_o strive_v against_o his_o heritage_n make_v lie_n false_a certificate_n unjust_a slander_n and_o reproach_n as_o the_o chief_a instrument_n to_o take_v away_o the_o good_a name_n and_o reputation_n of_o such_o as_o can_v bow_v to_o the_o will_n of_o man_n nor_o leave_v the_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n wherein_o they_o have_v begin_v in_o expectation_n to_o be_v make_v perfect_a through_o conformity_n to_o outward_a ordinance_n know_v this_o that_o those_o who_o have_v begin_v in_o the_o spirit_n can_v be_v make_v perfect_a by_o the_o flesh_n william_n rogers_n we_o shall_v now_o conclude_v with_o a_o particular_a matter_n relate_v to_o g._n f._n and_o j._n story_n george_n fox_n write_v unto_o john_n story_n on_o this_o wise_a john_n story_n i_o have_v see_v a_o paper_n that_o be_v scatter_v up_o and_o down_o in_o yorkshire_n and_o westmoreland_n as_o i_o have_v hear_v and_o also_o that_o thou_o shall_v show_v it_o to_o a_o friend_n at_o kendal_n now_o if_o thou_o have_v have_v so_o much_o humanity_n before_o thou_o spread_v this_o paper_n abroad_o thou_o may_v have_v send_v to_o i_o to_o have_v know_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o or_o they_o that_o spread_v it_o also_o this_o practice_n be_v not_o common_a morality_n nor_o civil_a honesty_n among_o man_n which_o i_o do_v declare_v that_o thou_o either_o haste_v forge_v or_o have_v some_o to_o forge_v for_o thou_o those_o horrid_a lie_n for_o i_o never_o think_v nor_o hear_v of_o those_o horrid_a lie_n before_o except_o that_o of_o drunkard_n and_o swearer_n and_o it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o darkness_n from_o a_o malicious_a spirit_n the_o matter_n thus_o deny_v by_o george_n fox_n be_v what_o be_v contain_v in_o a_o certificate_n give_v under_o the_o hand_n of_o henry_n sweet_v of_o hartford_n which_o hereafter_o follow_v and_o forasmuch_o as_o george_n fox_n have_v charge_v john_n story_n that_o he_o either_o have_v forge_v or_o have_v some_o to_o forge_v they_o for_o he_o mean_v many_o thing_n contain_v in_o henry_n sweeting_n certificate_n and_o thereupon_o express_o write_v unto_o john_n story_n in_o these_o word_n thou_o must_v bring_v forth_o the_o author_n and_o the_o informer_n with_o his_o town_n and_o county_n else_o they_o will_v lie_v on_o thy_o own_o head_n we_o think_v it_o just_a and_o reasonable_a that_o what_o be_v do_v in_o persuance_n thereof_o may_v be_v here_o cite_v that_o so_o every_o reader_n be_v judgement_n may_v be_v free_a and_o the_o reader_n leave_v to_o savour_v in_o this_o matter_n for_o himself_o and_o so_o we_o shall_v leave_v all_o after_o purusal_n of_o the_o follow_a testimony_n to_o consider_v whether_o it_o be_v so_o rational_a to_o conclude_v john_n story_n a_o forger_n in_o this_o case_n as_o george_n fox_n for_o he_o that_o will_v adventure_v to_o add_v to_o another_o man_n word_n and_o render_v they_o as_o another_o man_n word_n material_o alter_v the_o sense_n which_o be_v account_v plain_a forgery_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o write_v many_o lie_v when_o he_o may_v be_v detect_v both_o of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o from_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o own_o line_n and_o compare_v with_o what_o he_o pretend_v to_o answer_v even_o as_o before_o be_v manifest_v to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o g._n f._n it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o he_o may_v soon_o adventure_v to_o do_v as_o he_o be_v charge_v by_o henry_n sweeting_n etc._n etc._n when_o the_o matter_n charge_v be_v not_o to_o be_v prove_v under_o his_o hand_n for_o than_o he_o have_v not_o only_o the_o advantage_n to_o deny_v the_o same_o if_o he_o please_v but_o also_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o john_n blaykle_v and_o other_o for_o a_o false_a certificate_n as_o in_o another_o case_n already_o treat_v on_o in_o this_o section_n be_v manifest_v here_o now_o follow_v not_o only_o the_o testimony_n of_o henry_n sweeting_n but_o of_o several_a other_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n george_n fox_n do_v say_v that_o to_o the_o separate_a meeting_n of_o john_n story_n there_o be_v whore_n and_o rogue_n drunkard_n and_o swearer_n there_o come_v a_o couple_n to_o be_v marry_v and_o one_o stand_v up_o and_o say_v mr._n story_n i_o take_v such_o a_o one_o to_o be_v my_o wife_n and_o the_o other_o stand_v up_o and_o say_v mr._n story_n i_o take_v such_o a_o one_o to_o be_v my_o husband_n and_o they_o go_v afterward_o to_o drink_v and_o eat_v some_o cake_n and_o cheese_n and_o say_v sir_n i_o will_v drink_v to_o thou_o and_o doff_v his_o hat_n the_o other_o say_v thank_v you_o sir_n and_o doff_v his_o hat_n and_o where_o this_o be_v do_v g._n fox_n he_o send_v for_o the_o woman_n of_o the_o house_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o he_o ask_v whether_o it_o be_v true_a and_o the_o woman_n say_v it_o be_v true_a it_o grieve_v her_o heart_n to_o see_v it_o also_o he_o say_v that_o there_o be_v fall_v from_o john_n story_n thirty_o at_o one_o time_n of_o the_o honest_a of_o they_o these_o word_n be_v speak_v by_o george_n fox_n in_o my_o house_n in_o hartford_n and_o if_o g._n f._n will_v come_v to_o trial_n i_o shall_v then_o prove_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o be_v above_o write_v by_o other_o testimony_n that_o he_o speak_v it_o in_o this_o town_n in_o other_o place_n witness_v henry_n sweeting_n ann_n sweeting_n hartford_n 29_o of_o the_o 12_o month_n 1678._o the_o cause_n of_o this_o my_o writing_n be_v chief_o because_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o a_o paper_n wherein_o my_o name_n with_o other_o be_v that_o come_v from_o g._n f._n which_o be_v a_o very_a abusive_a paper_n although_o he_o speak_v so_o much_o of_o john_n story_n be_v send_v and_o spread_v a_o paper_n and_o not_o send_v to_o he_o first_o g._n f._n have_v do_v it_o and_o must_v not_o be_v correct_v for_o this_o his_o great_a fail_v i_o shall_v leave_v it_o to_o the_o lord_n who_o correct_v and_o judge_v in_o righteousness_n who_o be_v god_n that_o see_v and_o know_v all_o thus_o much_o follow_v in_o vindication_n of_o truth_n i_o come_v to_o henry_n sweeting_n be_v house_n in_o hartford_n there_o be_v george_n fox_n and_o the_o time_n i_o be_v there_o i_o hear_v he_o speak_v the_o great_a part_n of_o what_o be_v in_o a_o little_a paper_n write_v by_o henry_n sweeting_n with_o his_o name_n to_o the_o same_o where_o i_o speak_v to_o g.f._n then_o &_o ask_v he_o wherefore_o he_o relate_v all_o those_o miscarriage_n to_o which_o he_o will_v not_o answer_v i_o and_o also_o i_o ask_v he_o about_o the_o woman_n high_a sheriff_n that_o he_o speak_v so_o much_o of_o in_o our_o public_a meeting_n and_o this_o he_o refer_v i_o to_o thomas_n robertson_n this_o i_o here_o set_v down_o that_o these_o thing_n may_v bring_v he_o to_o remember_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o speak_v then_o so_o if_o he_o do_v speak_v a_o rabble_n of_o lie_n of_o people_n behind_o their_o back_n be_v it_o upon_o his_o own_o head_n and_o he_o must_v be_v careful_a in_o his_o travel_n the_o time_n to_o come_v to_o speak_v nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n for_o indeed_o i_o must_v say_v i_o never_o hear_v so_o much_o speak_v by_o no_o man_n that_o do_v profess_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o if_o he_o have_v surround_v the_o country_n to_o get_v up_o all_o the_o miscarriage_n and_o fail_n do_v and_o commit_v in_o time_n past_a which_o indeed_o i_o tell_v he_o then_o at_z henry_n sweeting_n that_o it_o grieve_v my_o heart_n to_o hear_v he_o relate_v such_o thing_n and_o so_o i_o leave_v he_o at_o henry_n sweeting_n where_o i_o find_v he_o in_o his_o carriage_n go_v on_o hush_v any_o one_o that_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o speak_v beside_o himself_o this_o in_o love_n from_o he_o that_o be_v his_o friend_n edward_n perkin_n friend_n g._n fox_n thou_o have_v send_v a_o paper_n to_o judge_v i_o concern_v what_o i_o hear_v thou_o speak_v about_o john_n story_n thou_o deny_v it_o
a_o part_n 2d_o part_n p._n 85_o to_o 92._o jew_n a_o objection_n raise_v whether_o they_o act_v not_o from_o the_o light_n within_o in_o crucify_a christ_n a_o answer_n to_o the_o say_a objection_n 2_o d._n part_n p._n 9_o 10._o ignorant_n the_o way_n how_o the_o ignorant_a have_v be_v ensnare_v 4_o the_o part_n p._n 32_o 33._o imposer_n see_v church-government_n independency_n the_o write_a word_n of_o a_o public_a preacher_n insinuate_v as_o if_o the_o tendency_n of_o some_o of_o our_o spirit_n be_v downright_a independency_n be_v treat_v on_o show_v that_o we_o be_v principled_a to_o depend_v on_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o not_o on_o man_n etc._n etc._n 1_o st_o part_n p._n 38_o to_o 42._o infallibility_n as_o relate_v to_o internal_a thing_n annex_v only_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 2_o d._n part_n p._n 11_o 12._o how_o man_n endue_v with_o the_o infallible_a spirit_n be_v deceive_v &_o fallible_a 2_o d._n part_n p._n 12_o 13._o a_o animadversion_n on_o this_o sentence_n that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v infallible_a and_o can_v err_v 3_o d._n part_n p._n 13._o iniquity_n not_o distinguish_v by_o our_o opposer_n from_o conscientious_a scruple_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 50_o 51._o innovation_n see_v apostasy_n innovator_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 49._o a_o part_n of_o their_o doctrine_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 50._o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n some_o concern_v in_o draw_v up_o forty-four_a article_n against_o they_o confess_v under_o their_o hand_n that_o it_o be_v not_o any_o personal_a trespass_n against_o any_o of_o they_o that_o they_o charge_v john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n with_o nor_o any_o particular_a concern_v of_o their_o own_o as_o man_n that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o but_o the_o cause_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o the_o wrong_n they_o have_v do_v to_o he_o but_o yet_o some_o of_o we_o know_v and_o that_o from_o their_o own_o write_n that_o their_o pretend_a wrong_n to_o god_n be_v a_o slight_v some_o of_o george_n fox_n rule_n etc._n etc._n which_o in_o some_o of_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n be_v opposer_n sense_n be_v to_o be_v urge_v with_o severity_n which_o be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o enforce_v on_o god_n faithful_a people_n 1_o st_o part_n p._n 86_o 87_o 88_o 89._o john_n wilkinson_n write_v to_o some_o who_o of_o late_o be_v his_o opposer_n that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v to_o he_o the_o 20_o the_o day_n of_o the_o 6_o the_o month_n 1675._o the_o import_n whereof_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v break_v his_o opposer_n and_o turn_v they_o one_o against_o another_o about_o their_o order_n if_o they_o repent_v not_o 4_o the_o part_n p._n 28._o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n their_o accuser_n choose_v judge_n to_o judge_v the_o matter_n whereof_o they_o accuse_v they_o 4_o the_o part_n p._n 29_o 30._o the_o testimony_n of_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n in_o relation_n to_o five_o head_n from_o whence_o the_o forty-four_a article_n of_o accusation_n be_v draw_v up_o against_o they_o relate_v to_o church-government_n wherein_o they_o particular_o bear_v their_o testimony_n against_o payment_n of_o tithe_n 4_o the_o part_n p._n 37_o 38_o 39_o 40._o isaac_n penington_n his_o testimony_n touch_v that_o authority_n which_o christ_n exclude_v out_o of_o his_o church_n and_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o run_v into_o religious_a practice_n before_o lead_v thereinto_o by_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o receive_v thing_n for_o truth_n because_o other_o see_v they_o to_o be_v truth_n and_o that_o the_o great_a error_n of_o the_o age_n of_o the_o apostasy_n have_v be_v to_o set_v up_o a_o outward_a order_n and_o uniformity_n and_o to_o make_v man_n conscience_n bow_v thereto_o 3_o d._n part_n p._n 89_o to_o 98._o justification_n and_o salvation_n through_o faith_n in_o christ_n own_a and_o clear_v from_o the_o objection_n of_o such_o as_o have_v seem_v to_o extend_v the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n obedience_n unto_o person_n while_o sin_n be_v reign_v in_o their_o mortal_a body_n show_v that_o though_o such_o as_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v redeem_a from_o under_o the_o law_n which_o consist_v in_o carnal_a ordinance_n yet_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v accompany_v with_o work_n of_o righteousness_n wrought_v in_o man_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 2_o d._n part_n p._n 61_o to_o 71._o k_o kingdom_n of_o god_n thing_n relate_v thereto_o be_v reveal_v to_o the_o creature_n but_o by_o one_o way_n viz._n the_o spirit_n though_o the_o manifestation_n may_v be_v various_a viz._n sometime_o through_o man_n or_o the_o scripture_n as_o instrument_n and_o sometime_o through_o himself_o 2_o d._n part_n p._n 2_o 3_o 4._o knowledge_n without_o zeal_n some_o part_n of_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o discover_v 1_o st_o part_n p._n 73_o 74_o 75_o 76._o the_o want_n of_o knowledge_n the_o cause_n of_o a_o perish_a estate_n and_o bow_v to_o man_n 2_o d._n part_n p._n 25._o the_o mean_v of_o these_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n knowledge_n puff_v up_o 2_o d._n part_n p._n 26_o 27._o l_o liberty_n and_o forbearance_n in_o robert_n barclay_n sense_n refute_v 3_o d._n part_n p_o 80_o 81_o 82._o liberty_n of_o conscience_n a_o description_n wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v 3_o d._n part_n p._n 17_o 18._o what_o that_o liberty_n of_o the_o conscience_n be_v that_o be_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n in_o particular_a it_o admit_v of_o no_o liberty_n to_o sin_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 86_o 87._o light_n of_o christ_n what_o the_o measure_n of_o it_o be_v and_o the_o effect_n of_o obedience_n to_o it_o 1_o st_o part_n p._n 3_o 4._o see_v the_o 2_o d._n part_n p._n 2_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o those_o who_o this_o day_n say_v we_o be_v teach_v to_o follow_v the_o light_n in_o our_o conscience_n and_o not_o the_o order_n of_o man_n and_o that_o we_o will_v not_o have_v man_n to_o rule_v over_o we_o thereby_o mean_v such_o man_n as_o be_v in_o a_o separation_n from_o the_o establish_v religion_n by_o law_n will_v yet_o be_v account_v church-governor_n over_o we_o utter_v language_n become_v christian_n and_o though_o robert_n barclay_n have_v reflect_v on_o such_o kind_n of_o language_n yet_o it_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v sound_z 3_o d._n part_n p._n 43_o 44._o m_o magistracy_n obedience_n active_a or_o passive_a due_n to_o it_o 2_o d._n part_n p._n 30_o 31_o 32._o master_n on_o what_o ground_n and_o to_o who_o the_o word_n master_n be_v dis-used_n by_o we_o 2_o d._n part_n p._n 34._o meeting_n some_o part_n at_o least_o of_o nine_o meeting_n for_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o westmoreland_n submit_v their_o affair_n without_o restriction_n either_o to_o temporal_a or_o spiritual_a affair_n to_o establish_v monthly_o and_o quarterly-meeting_n and_o discharge_v the_o separate_v so_o term_v who_o be_v repute_v to_o be_v of_o party_n with_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n to_o concern_v themselves_o in_o their_o affair_n mean_v as_o by_o the_o scope_n of_o their_o word_n appear_v the_o church_n affair_n 1_o st_o part_n p._n 89_o 90._o such_o submission_n may_v be_v by_o we_o reasonable_o take_v to_o be_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o such_o submitter_n a_o mark_n to_o know_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n at_o least_o in_o those_o part_n p._n 90._o and_o such_o their_o discharge_n seem_v a_o token_n of_o some_o imaginary_a authority_n and_o design_n of_o the_o exaltation_n of_o one_o man_n namely_o george_n fox_n for_o which_o several_a reason_n be_v give_v in_o the_o defamation_n of_o other_o and_o that_o the_o name_n of_o monthly_a and_o quarterly-meeting_n be_v but_o as_o a_o conduit_n to_o convey_v it_o to_o he_o p._n 90_o 91_o 92._o see_v also_o what_o be_v write_v touch_v monthly_o and_o quarterly-meeting_n in_o 1_o st_o part_n p._n 11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o and_o then_o consider_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o whole_o irrational_a that_o such_o shall_v assume_v unto_o themselves_o the_o title_n of_o church_n and_o on_o that_o foot_n expect_v submission_n p._n 14._o the_o order_n in_o collect_v the_o sense_n of_o such_o meeting_n speak_v of_o 1_o st_o part_n p._n 14_o 15._o and_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o counsel_n in_o hold_v such_o meeting_n be_v embrace_v and_o the_o end_v thereof_o 1_o st_o part_n p._n 15_o 16._o monthly_o &_o quarterly-meeting_n of_o man_n and_o also_o of_o woman_n distinct_a from_o man_n not_o own_v by_o we_o to_o be_v establish_v as_o a_o part_n of_o christ_n government_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 8_o to_o 14._o womens-meeting_n distinct_a from_o man_n how_o they_o come_v to_o be_v hold_v and_o for_o what_o end_n 1_o st_o part_n p._n 63_o to_o 67._o the_o general-meeting_a have_v usual_o consist_v of_o uncertain_a number_n of_o uncertain_a qualify_v person_n 1_o st_o
part_n p._n 7_o 8._o see_v also_o the_o 3_o d._n part_n p._n 7_o 8._o the_o general-assemble_o of_o the_o cburch_n of_o the_o first-born_a 3_o d._n part_n p._n 74_o 78._o member_n of_o christ_n body_n not_o certain_o describable_a by_o outward_a mark_n and_o token_n outward_a order_n insufficient_a for_o their_o conservation_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 57_o 58._o no_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n one_o more_o than_o another_o be_v exempt_v from_o be_v liable_a to_o err_v pag._n 75_o 76_o 77_o 78._o n_n  _fw-fr o_fw-fr obedience_n what_o kind_n of_o obedience_n find_v acceptance_n &_o what_o not_o 3_o d._n part_n p._n 26_o 33._o see_v church-government_n though_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n make_v many_o righteous_a yet_o it_o be_v no_o proof_n that_o any_o be_v or_o can_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o that_o righteousness_n while_o sin_n reign_v in_o the_o mortal_a body_n 2_o d._n part_n p._n 67_o 68_o opposer_n from_o a_o objection_n raise_v occasion_n be_v take_v to_o show_v the_o difference_n between_o we_o and_o our_o opposer_n though_o our_o language_n relate_v to_o principle_n and_o practice_n in_o some_o thing_n agree_v 1_o st_o part_n p._n 30_o 31._o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o can_v be_v establish_v by_o man_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 25._o outward_a order_n the_o establisher_n thereof_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o christ_n government_n invader_n of_o christ_n prerogative_n 1_o st_o part_n p._n 4._o reason_n give_v why_o they_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o be_v account_v a_o part_n of_o christ_n government_n 3_o d._n prt_n p._n 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 11_o 23_o 24._o see_v 1_o st_o part_n p_o 6_o 7_o 8._o see_v church-government_n p_o perfection_n every_o gift_n of_o god_n be_v perfect_a no_o such_o perfect_a state_n attainable_a wherein_o it_o be_v not_o needful_a for_o man_n to_o watch_n 2_o d._n part_n p._n 14._o a_o cessation_n from_o sin_n attainable_a 2_o d._n part_n p._n 14_o 15_o 16_o 19_o 20._o persecution_n a_o objection_n touch_v secure_v outward_a estate_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n christ_n word_n to_o peter_n and_o saul_n action_n of_o save_v agag_n be_v instance_a be_v answer_v 1_o st_o part_n p._n 30_o to_o 36._o plain-language_n on_o what_o ground_n use_v 2_o d._n part_n p._n 34._o power_n of_o decision_n of_o difference_n by_o robert_n barclay_n word_n import_v a_o jurisdiction_n in_o such_o as_o he_o account_v the_o church_n over_o property_n 3._o part_n p._n 35._o observation_n on_o the_o say_a sense_n show_v the_o inconsistency_n thereof_o with_o truth_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 35_o to_o 41._o power_n to_o bound_v and_o loose_v be_v not_o from_o christ_n word_n so_o far_o as_o from_o the_o scripture_n we_o learn_v plead_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o any_o assembly_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o christ_n church_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 66_o 67._o principle_n repute_a by_o robert_n barclay_n the_o bond_n by_o which_o we_o become_v centre_v into_o one_o body_n meaning_n christ_n body_n the_o church_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 54._o his_o assertion_n and_o argument_n refute_v p._n 54_o to_o 59_o the_o like_a he_o say_v touch_v practice_n and_o doctrine_n p._n 54._o professor_n of_o christianity_n how_o they_o come_v to_o disagree_v touch_v some_o religious_a matter_n whenas_o while_o they_o keep_v to_o scripture-language_n they_o agree_v in_o principle_n term_v fundamental_a that_o be_v relative_a to_o the_o matter_n wherein_o they_o differ_v 2_o d._n part_n p._n 69_o 70._o prophet_n raise_v like_o unto_o moses_n be_v christ_n jesus_n and_o no_o other_o be_v own_v by_o we_o like_v unto_o moses_n under_o the_o second_o covenant_n but_o christ_n jesus_n 1_o st_o part_n p._n 10_o 11._o qui_fw-fr  _fw-fr r_o reign_n of_o christ_n be_v by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 4._o robert_n barclay_n a_o answer_n to_o his_o book_n of_o government_n manifest_v erroneous_a doctrine_n hold_v forth_o by_o he_o 3_o d._n part_n p._n 15_o to_o 88_o the_o chief_a matter_n discourse_v of_o in_o the_o say_a answer_n p._n 19_o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o robert_n barclay_n postscript_n to_o the_o say_a book_n by_o way_n of_o epistle_n to_o friend_n wherein_o he_o affirm_v that_o he_o never_o find_v occasion_n to_o repent_v or_o retract_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o matter_n and_o principles_n there_o assert_v by_o he_o and_o further_o also_o that_o though_o the_o thing_n chief_o scruple_v at_o be_v as_o he_o say_v clear_v by_o will_n m._o rogers_n his_o own_o letter_n yet_o that_o all_o may_v be_v satisfy_v by_o have_v they_o from_o his_o own_o hand_n he_o be_v free_a to_o write_v his_o postscript_n william_n rogers_n his_o observation_n adjoin_v to_o the_o say_a postscript_n show_v first_o that_o robert_n barclay_n justify_v his_o book_n second_o that_o the_o pretend_a letter_n of_o william_n rogers_n be_v by_o robert_n barclay_n acknowledge_v to_o contain_v robert_z barclay_n sense_n and_o explication_n of_o the_o matter_n scruple_v in_o his_o book_n three_o that_o his_o postscript_n be_v write_v that_o all_o may_v have_v his_o sense_n of_o the_o matter_n chief_o scruple_v under_o his_o own_o hand_n according_a to_o the_o explication_n give_v in_o william_n rogers_n his_o pretend_a letter_n four_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o the_o explication_n in_o the_o say_a letter_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o his_o book_n nor_o yet_o all_o of_o they_o in_o his_o postscript_n neither_o do_v his_o postscript_n and_o book_n agree_v nor_o yet_o either_o of_o they_o with_o truth_n in_o many_o thing_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 99_o to_o 124._o rule_v see_v church-government_n s_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n see_v kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o justification_n satan_n the_o qualification_n of_o such_o who_o satan_n have_v make_v use_n of_o to_o rend_v and_o divide_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n viz._n such_o as_o have_v zeal_n without_o knowledge_n such_o as_o have_v knowledge_n without_o zeal_n and_o other_o that_o have_v abound_v in_o confidence_n without_o either_o knowledge_n or_o zeal_n 1_o st_o part_n p._n 69_o to_o 78._o schism_n the_o ground_n thereof_o and_o some_o mark_n by_o which_o it_o be_v know_v 3_o d._n part_n p._n 41_o 42._o scripture_n may_v be_v a_o instrument_n through_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o faith_n in_o christ_n may_v be_v attain_v unto_o 2_o d._n part_n p._n 3_o 4._o and_o albeit_o they_o have_v be_v own_v by_o we_o and_o our_o ancient_a friend_n to_o be_v a_o rule_n yet_o we_o have_v not_o own_v they_o to_o be_v the_o infallible_a rule_n but_o instead_o thereof_o the_o spirit_n and_o yet_o they_o have_v be_v of_o late_o strain_v by_o robert_n barclay_n to_o make_v they_o the_o rule_n to_o rule_v over_o our_o brethren_n p._n 48_o 49_o 50_o 51._o see_v church-government_n sentence_n or_o degree_n of_o any_o assembly_n though_o pretend_v themselves_o the_o church_n in_o matter_n relate_v to_o conscience_n no_o bond_n upon_o believer_n without_o inward_a conviction_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 58_o 61_o 62._o see_v believer_n sin_n see_v perfection_n spirit_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o this_o kind_n of_o our_o opposer_n language_n viz._n dark_a leaven_a rend_v divide_v separate_a spirit_n 1_o st_o part_n p._n 6._o spiritual_a matter_n cognizable_a by_o the_o government_n hold_v forth_o by_o robert_n barclay_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 53._o swear_v under_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n not_o lawful_a in_o any_o case_n 2_o d._n part_n 37_o 38_o 39_o submission_n to_o any_o assembly_n that_o in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n may_v be_v term_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o plead_v for_o by_o robert_n barclay_n as_o that_o want_n of_o sight_n shall_v not_o excuse_v be_v guilty_a of_o disobey_v god_n 3_o d._n pare_v p._n 69._o that_o sense_n refute_v his_o perversion_n of_o the_o scripture_n cite_v discover_v 3_o d._n part_n p._n 69_o to_o 80._o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o night_n before_o he_o be_v betray_v p._n 51._o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n at_o that_o supper_n own_v p._n 51_o 52._o scripture_n repute_v to_o relate_v to_o that_o practice_n explain_v p._n 52_o to_o 61._o t_o testimony_n in_o what_o case_n these_o word_n let_v th'testimony_n of_o friend_n arise_v have_v be_v notorious_o abuse_v 1_o st_o part_n p._n 18_o 19_o tradition_n see_v church-government_n tree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a can_v proper_o be_v a_o comparison_n to_o represent_v knowledge_n that_o be_v devilish_a or_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v evil_a 2_o d._n part_n p._n 28_o 29._o tithe_n no_o gospel-maintenance_n to_o a_o gospel-ministry_n 2_o d._n part_n p._n 40_o to_o 44._o u_o unity_n divers_a thing_n lay_v down_o wherein_o the_o faithful_a be_v at_o unity_n 1_o st_o part_n p._n 2_o 3_o 4._o in_o what_o sense_n the_o apostle_n exhort_v thereto_o 1_o st_o part_n p._n 36_o 37._o inconvenience_n attend_v this_o doctrine_n no_o unity_n but_o in_o conformity_n 1_o st_o part_n p._n 72_o 73._o a_o universal_a establish_v unity_n with_o respect_n to_o faith_n and_o discipline_n relate_v to_o believer_n in_o christ_n by_o outward_a instrument_n be_v inconsi_v with_o gospel-liberty_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 82_o to_o 86._o see_v believer_n the_o mark_n of_o a_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n in_o unity_n with_o the_o body_n be_v a_o inward_a invisible_a mark_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 83_o 84._o w_n war_n not_o lawful_a to_o be_v enter_v into_o by_o we_o to_o work_v our_o own_o deliverance_n from_o under_o oppressive_a law_n and_o magistrate_n 2_o d._n part_n p._n 30_o 31_o 32._o weak_a believer_n may_v be_v receive_v to_o doubtful_a disputation_n by_o assign_v the_o decision_n of_o controversy_n to_o the_o church_n since_o contention_n may_v arise_v who_o or_o where_n they_o be_v 3_o d._n part_n p._n 59_o 60._o wisdom_n from_o above_o and_o that_o which_o be_v not_o from_o above_o be_v describe_v wisdom_n which_o we_o have_v as_o creature_n be_v not_o that_o wisdom_n which_o by_o the_o apostle_n be_v term_v sensual_a and_o devilish_a but_o be_v give_v we_o of_o god_n 2_o d._n part_n p._n 21_o to_o 25._o woman_n have_v receive_v a_o revelation_n to_o utter_v in_o the_o church_n may_v speak_v unruly_a disorderly_a woman_n may_v be_v warn_v to_o be_v silent_a even_o as_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n so_o to_o be_v in_o the_o church_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 52._o work_n what_o sort_n be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o what_o not_o work_v speak_v of_o by_o the_o apostle_n james_n be_v the_o same_o sort_n of_o work_n speak_v of_o by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n 2_o d._n part_n p._n 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o write_n for_o public_a view_n by_o who_o approve_v or_o else_o not_o to_o be_v print_v 3_o d._n part_n p._n 29_o 30_o reason_n against_o the_o method_n of_o such_o approbation_n and_o limitation_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 29_o 30_o 31_o 32._o x_o  _fw-fr y_fw-fr  _fw-fr z_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n some_o part_n of_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o describe_v 1_o st_o part_n pag._n 70_o 71_o 72_o 73._o zeal_n according_a to_o knowledge_n accept_v by_o god_n 1_o st_o part_n p._n 70._o a_o part_n of_o the_o qualification_n of_o such_o as_o be_v endue_v with_o it_o 1_o st_o part_n p._n 77._o the_o postscript_n follow_v the_o preface_n be_v add_v to_o clear_v the_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o myself_o from_o this_o pretend_a argument_n against_o my_o print_n viz._n that_o i_o come_v up_o to_o london_n to_o read_v a_o charge_n behind_o george_n fox_n be_v back_o and_o that_o though_o i_o pretend_v a_o readiness_n to_o meet_v he_o i_o have_v no_o desire_n thereto_o which_o give_v i_o occasion_n to_o lay_v down_o several_a observation_n and_o reason_n invalidate_v the_o pretend_a argument_n together_o with_o a_o letter_n write_v by_o i_o to_o james_n claypoole_n and_o three_o other_o friend_n in_o london_n to_o cover_v a_o remonstrance_n to_o the_o friend_n of_o london_n all_o on_o purpose_n that_o they_o may_v use_v their_o interest_n to_o cause_n george_n fox_n to_o submit_v to_o a_o hear_v that_o so_o if_o possible_a some_o expedient_a may_v have_v be_v find_v to_o satisfy_v my_o conscience_n otherwise_o than_o by_o print_v which_o i_o acquaint_v they_o of_o as_o well_o as_o george_n fox_n and_o that_o i_o intend_v to_o proceed_v therein_o unless_o so_o much_o notice_n shall_v be_v take_v of_o my_o call_n for_o justice_n against_o the_o reproachful_a action_n and_o trespass_n of_o george_n fox_n as_o that_o he_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o hear_v before_o friend_n to_o the_o end_n that_o if_o guilty_a he_o may_v give_v satisfaction_n if_o not_o he_o may_v be_v quit_v there_o be_v also_o signify_v in_o the_o say_a postscript_n several_a thing_n which_o be_v clear_a evidence_n that_o george_n fox_n will_v not_o assent_v to_o any_o meeting_n for_o the_o aforesaid_a end_n which_o come_v to_o my_o knowledge_n i_o be_v then_o free_a of_o all_o concern_v to_o solicit_v he_o more_o either_o by_o word_n or_o write_n for_o a_o meeting_n and_o have_v no_o further_a bond_n upon_o i_o to_o forbear_v proceed_v to_o print_v as_o expeditious_a as_o i_o can_v william_n rogers_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 pag._n 36._o sect._n v._n what_o we_o stand_v for_o viz._n truth_n and_o righteousness_n and_o that_o christ_n government_n may_v be_v exalt_v in_o every_o heart_n under_o which_o we_o be_v instruct_v not_o to_o depend_v on_o man_n but_o on_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n grace_n page_n 27._o a_o testimony_n against_o tithe_n and_o for_o meet_v together_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n the_o neglect_n whereof_o may_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o weakness_n or_o disobedience_n page_n 28._o the_o government_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o law_n thereof_o be_v inward_a some_o part_n of_o the_o fruit_n bring_v forth_o under_o the_o say_a government_n be_v describe_v page_n 29._o a_o objection_n relate_v to_o the_o secure_v any_o part_n of_o a_o man_n estate_n on_o a_o foresight_n of_o a_o praemunire_n or_o fine_n for_o meet_v answer_v page_n 31._o sect._n vi._n on_o the_o occasion_n of_o a_o objection_n raise_v touch_v the_o sufficiciency_n of_o god_n grace_n unity_n be_v treat_v on_o from_o the_o word_n of_o paul_n to_o the_o corinthian_n that_o they_o shall_v all_o speak_v one_o thing_n page_n 36._o touch_v the_o word_n independency_n occasion_v by_o a_o public_a preacher_n page_n 38._o that_o leave_v friend_n to_o the_o grace_n light_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o lead_v into_o rantism_n page_n 42_o 43._o sect._n vii_o touch_v church_n government_n and_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n church_n government_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o opposer_n as_o we_o on_o sufficient_a ground_n take_v it_o lay_v down_o page_n 44._o our_o denial_n of_o that_o meaning_n page_n 46._o several_a scripture_n from_o whence_o a_o proof_n for_o church_n government_n have_v be_v pretend_v be_v treat_v on_o show_v that_o from_o thence_o no_o pretence_n can_v be_v to_o claim_v a_o power_n over_o conscience_n or_o outward_a property_n page_n 46_o 47._o the_o doctrine_n touch_v power_n over_o conscience_n and_o outward_a thing_n relate_v to_o meum_fw-la and_o tuum_fw-la as_o r._n b_n term_n be_v which_o we_o therefore_o call_v outward_a property_n examine_v and_o testify_v against_o as_o 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 page_n 47._o our_o sense_n what_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o decision_n of_o controversy_n with_o relation_n to_o property_n between_o brother_n and_o brother_n page_n 48._o a_o objection_n raise_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o what_o be_v give_v forth_o by_o the_o spirit_n through_o the_o brethren_n aught_o to_o be_v obey_v and_o not_o account_v the_o dictate_v of_o fallible_a man_n and_o that_o if_o thou_o see_v it_o not_o thy_o duty_n to_o obey_v the_o reason_n be_v thy_o want_n of_o diligence_n and_o not_o wait_v in_o thy_o measure_n and_o so_o no_o plea_n for_o thy_o disobedience_n be_v good_a page_n 54._o the_o say_a objection_n answer_v page_n 54._o a_o examination_n from_o the_o scripture_n whether_o christ_n give_v any_o encouragement_n to_o his_o disciple_n to_o become_v ruler_n over_o one_o another_o page_n 59_o sect._n viii_o a_o manifestation_n that_o the_o variance_n have_v original_o reason_n from_o a_o different_a sense_n touch_v george_n fox_n the_o general_n meeting_n or_o woman_n meeting_n page_n 61._o sect._n ix_o a_o epistle_n evidence_v the_o qualification_n of_o such_o who_o satan_n make_v use_v of_o to_o rend_v and_o divide_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n page_n 68_o a_o paper_n give_v forth_o by_o edward_n burrough_n anno_fw-la 1661._o touch_v the_o scatter_a in_o israel_n wherein_o by_o a_o parable_n be_v lively_o describe_v a_o part_n of_o what_o have_v happen_v among_o the_o flock_n of_o god_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n pag._n 78._o the_o conclusion_n manifest_v several_a passage_n very_o material_a and_o worthy_a observation_n as_o a_o further_a discovery_n of_o the_o fruit_n and_o cause_n of_o division_n and_o in_o particular_a what_o have_v be_v the_o bait_n whereby_o george_n fox_n have_v be_v tempt_v and_o ensnare_v pag._n 85._o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n distinguish_v from_o the_o apostate_n and_o innovator_n etc._n etc._n section_n i._n the_o introduction_n wherein_o the_o case_n be_v state_v manifest_v that_o there_o be_v a_o union_n and_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o it_o come_v to_o be_v break_v to_o all_o the_o faithful_a people_n of_o god_n call_v quaker_n throughout_o this_o nation_n of_o england_n or_o else_o where_o we_o your_o brethren_n do_v send_v greeting_n in_o the_o lord_n breathe_v unto_o the_o god_n of_o our_o life_n that_o the_o same_o everlasting_a arm_n and_o power_n whereby_o we_o have_v be_v gather_v unto_o god_n and_o into_o a_o heavenly_a fellowship_n and_o union_n one_o with_o another_o in_o the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n may_v preserve_v we_o all_o to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o day_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o perfect_a love_n each_o towards_o other_o establish_v upon_o that_o sure_a rock_n of_o age_n christ_n jesus_n against_o which_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n never_o do_v can_v or_o shall_v prevail_v and_o in_o this_o love_n our_o desire_n be_v that_o the_o faithful_a unto_o who_o this_o treatise_n be_v direct_v may_v communicate_v the_o same_o unto_o other_o as_o in_o the_o wisdom_n and_o love_n of_o god_n they_o may_v see_v a_o service_n thereof_o dear_a friend_n and_o brother_n we_o be_v true_o sensible_a that_o all_o those_o who_o keep_v their_o place_n and_o habitation_n in_o the_o unchangeable_a truth_n have_v with_o we_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o many_o snare_n and_o temptation_n whereby_o satan_n have_v endeavour_v to_o betray_v the_o innocent_a who_o face_n have_v be_v zion-ward_n and_o that_o his_o most_o subtle_a invention_n have_v be_v to_o appear_v as_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n thereby_o to_o turn_v those_o who_o heart_n have_v be_v incline_v to_o follow_v the_o lord_n out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o now_o friend_n that_o which_o in_o the_o grief_n of_o our_o heart_n we_o have_v to_o signify_v to_o you_o be_v this_o we_o be_v sensible_a that_o the_o evil_a seedsman_n be_v creep_v in_o among_o many_o of_o those_o call_v quaker_n who_o as_o we_o believe_v have_v in_o day_n past_o walk_v together_o in_o true_a fellowship_n each_o with_o other_o and_o that_o in_o the_o sensible_a feel_n of_o that_o immortal_a life_n whereby_o we_o with_o they_o be_v knit_v and_o unite_v together_o as_o bone_n of_o one_o another_o bone_n and_o flesh_n of_o one_o another_o flesh_n have_v the_o evidence_n of_o such_o our_o heavenly_a union_n spring_v from_o that_o which_o neither_o the_o carnal_a eye_n nor_o the_o carnal_a ear_n can_v be_v witness_n of_o in_o order_n hereunto_o we_o have_v this_o follow_a observation_n to_o make_v that_o the_o day_n be_v wherein_o those_o very_a person_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n who_o now_o be_v at_o great_a variance_n and_o out_o of_o unity_n each_o with_o other_o be_v once_o in_o unity_n and_o therefore_o we_o think_v necessary_a to_o lay_v down_o viz._n first_o some_o part_n of_o those_o thing_n touch_v which_o the_o faithful_a be_v at_o unity_n second_o by_o what_o way_n and_o mean_n that_o unity_n come_v to_o be_v break_v and_o so_o leave_v the_o consideration_n thereof_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o who_o profess_v the_o truth_n that_o so_o in_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n they_o may_v weigh_v and_o consider_v whether_o their_o unity_n stand_v in_o the_o unchangeable_a truth_n and_o which_o of_o these_o party_n now_o at_o variance_n deviate_v therefrom_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o observation_n do_v lead_v we_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o first_o particular_a thus_o to_o testify_v viz._n that_o about_o twenty_o six_o year_n past_a it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o send_v forth_o many_o faithful_a labourer_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n jesus_n who_o in_o his_o name_n dread_a and_o power_n testify_v that_o their_o call_v be_v not_o of_o man_z but_o of_o god_n and_o that_o their_o message_n be_v both_o to_o the_o professor_n and_o to_o the_o profane_a to_o the_o profane_a cry_v on_o this_o wise_a turn_v from_o the_o evil_a of_o your_o way_n and_o do_n and_o meet_v the_o lord_n by_o sudden_a repentance_n of_o your_o open_a transgression_n to_o the_o professor_n who_o be_v not_o in_o the_o common_a pollution_n of_o the_o world_n on_o this_o wise_a your_o outward_a form_n your_o outward_a ordinance_n and_o outward_a church_n fellowship_n they_o be_v even_o but_o as_o rudiment_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o lord_n have_v no_o regard_n thereto_o and_n to_o both_o of_o they_o turn_v in_o your_o mind_n to_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n that_o shine_v in_o your_o conscience_n exalt_v the_o measure_n
thereof_o as_o give_v to_o every_o man_n to_o profit_v withal_o to_o be_v that_o law_n that_o order_n that_o rule_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o which_o every_o one_o respective_o aught_o to_o be_v subject_n and_o yield_v obedience_n not_o by_o constraint_n but_o of_o a_o willing_a mind_n and_o that_o for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o as_o we_o be_v so_o subject_a we_o become_v member_n of_o that_o body_n against_o which_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n never_o do_v or_o can_v prevail_v nor_o yet_o against_o any_o one_o member_n thereof_o while_o abide_v on_o the_o rock_n christ_n which_o be_v that_o body_n the_o unworthy_a eater_n discern_v not_o and_o thus_o for_o many_o year_n it_o continue_v among_o the_o friend_n of_o truth_n or_o child_n of_o light_n for_o so_o be_v we_o call_v in_o the_o beginning_n magnify_v by_o their_o testimony_n obedience_n unto_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n which_o as_o the_o scripture_n testify_v light_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n as_o the_o only_a rule_n and_o governor_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n unto_o which_o whosoever_o take_v heed_n and_o be_v obedient_a be_v esteem_v to_o live_v under_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n know_v and_o believe_v that_o as_o christ_n come_n be_v to_o be_v wait_v for_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o man_n so_o there_o his_o government_n to_o be_v exalt_v and_o that_o whosoever_o shall_v endeavour_v by_o outward_a way_n and_o mean_n to_o establish_v a_o outward_a government_n and_o outward_a rule_n order_n law_n or_o prescription_n over_o the_o heritage_n of_o god_n under_o the_o notion_n or_o pretence_n of_o christ_n government_n will_v be_v find_v invader_n of_o christ_n prerogative_n and_o build_v the_o thing_n which_o in_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n have_v be_v often_o testify_v against_o as_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o first_o covenant_n than_o the_o second_o under_o which_o we_o be_v and_o touch_v which_o it_o be_v thus_o say_v by_o the_o prophet_n i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o they_o shall_v teach_v no_o more_o every_o man_n his_o neighbour_n and_o every_o man_n his_o brother_n say_v know_v the_o lord_n for_o they_o shall_v all_o know_v i_o from_o the_o least_o of_o they_o to_o the_o great_a of_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n jer._n 31.33.34_o in_o these_o thing_n we_o with_o many_o other_o be_v at_o unity_n we_o now_o recommend_v the_o same_o to_o every_o conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n whether_o this_o our_o unity_n be_v not_o and_o yet_o be_v consist_v with_o and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o unchangeable_a truth_n the_o next_o thing_n we_o be_v to_o treat_v upon_o be_v by_o what_o way_n and_o mean_v this_o unity_n come_v to_o be_v break_v in_o order_n to_o the_o discovery_n thereof_o we_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o answer_v one_o question_v which_o probable_o may_v be_v ask_v by_o some_o person_n who_o may_v not_o be_v sensible_a of_o such_o a_o variance_n hint_v at_o viz._n how_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o great_a difference_n and_o dis-union_n to_o this_o we_o say_v the_o public_a testimoneis_n of_o many_o person_n in_o those_o public_a meeting_n for_o worship_n where_o we_o have_v be_v conversant_a and_o that_o when_o many_o other_o not_o under_o the_o same_o profession_n with_o we_o have_v be_v present_a against_o dark_a bad_a leaven_a rend_a divide_v or_o separate_a spirit_n with_o application_n to_o such_o who_o be_v under_o the_o profession_n of_o truth_n and_o as_o we_o believe_v have_v bear_v the_o brunt_n and_o heat_n of_o the_o day_n and_o do_v yet_o continue_v unchanged_a as_o to_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o as_o blameless_a in_o life_n and_o conversation_n as_o ever_o they_o be_v in_o day_n past_a when_o their_o opposer_n be_v at_o unity_n with_o they_o so_o far_o as_o we_o know_v do_v evident_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o breach_n be_v not_o only_o very_o wide_a but_o so_o public_a as_o it_o can_v but_o concern_v some_o of_o the_o wrongful_o scandalized_a party_n whereof_o we_o be_v a_o part_n as_o man_n and_z as_o christian_n for_o our_o reputation_n or_o at_o least_o the_o reputation_n of_o some_o of_o we_o in_o both_o respect_n have_v be_v strike_v at_o to_o appear_v thus_o public_a in_o the_o vindication_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o have_v long_o bear_v the_o reproach_n and_o scandal_n of_o scandalous_a tongue_n hope_v that_o those_o who_o have_v so_o persecute_v we_o and_o other_o our_o brethren_n for_o who_o sake_n we_o also_o be_v the_o more_o concern_v will_v have_v come_v to_o see_v their_o error_n and_o repent_v do_v now_o think_v ourselves_o oblige_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o truth_n and_o information_n of_o all_o the_o friend_n thereof_o as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v betray_v and_o lead_v from_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n to_o proceed_v to_o manifest_v for_o what_o cause_n both_o we_o and_o many_o other_o our_o brethren_n in_o the_o vnchangable_a truth_n be_v account_v such_o dark_a leaven_a rend_a divide_v and_o separate_a spirit_n which_o be_v true_o state_v the_o impartial_a reader_n will_v easy_o discover_v by_o what_o way_n and_o mean_v the_o aforesaid_a unity_n come_v to_o be_v break_v and_o at_o who_o door_n that_o will_v lie_v and_o which_o of_o those_o divide_a party_n do_v yet_o stand_v in_o and_o for_o the_o unchangeable_a truth_n that_o the_o aforesaid_a cause_n wherefore_o we_o and_o other_o be_v account_v dark_a leaven_a rend_a divide_v or_o separate_a spirit_n may_v be_v the_o more_o clear_o manifest_v it_o be_v needful_a to_o consider_v that_o some_o inquire_a reader_n may_v be_v ready_a to_o ask_v this_o question_n what_o do_v you_o believe_v be_v mean_v by_o the_o word_n dark_a leaven_a rend_a divide_v or_o separate_a spirit_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o many_o signal_n and_o outward_a demonstration_n both_o by_o word_n and_o write_n too_o large_a here_o to_o insert_v have_v be_v give_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o publisher_n of_o such_o reflect_v expression_n on_o many_o ancient_a and_o honourable_a brethren_n who_o we_o believe_v have_v approve_v themselves_o to_o this_o day_n faithful_a labourer_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n do_v intend_v that_o if_o any_o one_o who_o have_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n as_o preach_v among_o we_o in_o the_o beginning_n do_v scruple_n though_o conscientious_o to_o put_v in_o practice_v the_o outward_a order_n and_o prescription_n of_o some_o person_n or_o person_n take_v upon_o he_o or_o they_o to_o give_v forth_o the_o same_o such_o a_o one_o may_v just_o be_v account_v of_o a_o dark_a leaven_a rend_a divide_v or_o separate_v spirit_n and_o though_o of_o our_o certain_a knowledge_n we_o can_v declare_v that_o the_o understanding_n of_o many_o be_v so_o enlighten_v by_o the_o truth_n as_o clear_o to_o discern_v a_o deceivable_a spirit_n enter_v in_o by_o this_o door_n yet_o we_o be_v sensible_a that_o there_o be_v many_o honest-hearted_n friend_n who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o many_o thing_n that_o be_v come_v to_o our_o knowledge_n may_v have_v a_o dread_a upon_o they_o lest_o they_o err_v in_o take_v part_n either_o with_o one_o or_o other_o party_n until_o they_o have_v further_o inquire_v and_o satisfy_v themselves_o and_o these_o peradventure_o may_v be_v ready_a thus_o to_o object_n and_o tell_v we_o objection_n that_o they_o be_v inform_v that_o some_o of_o those_o who_o we_o term_v some_o person_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o give_v forth_o outward_a order_n and_o priscription_n be_v such_o as_o usual_o frequent_v the_o general_n meeting_n and_o have_v be_v ancient_a labourer_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v be_v instrument_n to_o gather_v we_o from_o the_o lo_o hen_n and_o the_o lo_n they_o to_o follow_v that_o teacher_n that_o can_v be_v remove_v into_o a_o corner_n and_o that_o the_o general_n meeting_n be_v a_o establish_v meet_v and_o that_o they_o have_v power_n to_o command_v govern_n and_o rule_n over_o other_o and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o other_o to_o obey_v for_o we_o find_v as_o they_o may_v say_v robert_n barclay_n in_o his_o book_n of_o government_n which_o friend_n ought_v not_o to_o judge_n because_o it_o be_v approve_v by_o the_o second_o day_n meet_v in_o london_n which_o be_v a_o meeting_n of_o minister_a friend_n to_o inform_v we_o page_n 27_o 28._o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n practise_a order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n that_o some_o do_v appoint_v and_o ordain_v certain_a thing_n condemn_v and_o approve_v certain_a practice_n as_o well_o as_o doctrine_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o there_o lie_v a_o obligation_n in_o point_n of_o duty_n