verse_n 64._o but_o notwithstanding_o we_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v positive_o to_o affirm_v that_o christ_n intend_v not_o a_o baptism_n of_o water_n 4.2_o joh._n 4.2_o as_o needful_a to_o be_v administer_v by_o some_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o people_n for_o a_o season_n because_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o not_o only_a christ_n disciple_n before_o he_o be_v crucify_a when_o it_o appear_v not_o that_o they_o have_v any_o power_n to_o baptise_v with_o the_o spirit_n do_v baptise_v but_o also_o that_o some_o after_o that_o time_n of_o his_o be_v crucify_a 37._o act._n 8.16_o 29_o 36_o 37._o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o yet_o they_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v compare_v with_o what_o be_v write_v touch_v the_o eunuch_n and_o philip_n 38.39_o act._n 38.39_o who_o by_o the_o spirit_n be_v bid_v to_o go_v near_o and_o join_v himself_o to_o the_o eunuch_n chariot_n do_v clear_o import_v that_o water_n baptism_n be_v use_v as_o well_o after_o the_o crucify_a of_o christ_n as_o before_o but_o whether_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o command_n from_o christ_n so_o to_o do_v be_v yet_o the_o question_n and_o uncertain_a from_o any_o positive_a scripture_n however_o suppose_v that_o the_o baptism_n of_o water_n be_v the_o baptism_n intend_v by_o christ_n in_o the_o word_n go_v teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o etc._n etc._n it_o then_o seem_v natural_o to_o follow_v that_o this_o be_v but_o a_o confirmation_n of_o john_n ministry_n and_o that_o be_v a_o legal_a administration_n but_o for_o a_o season_n and_o not_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v not_o that_o baptism_n wherewith_o john_n testify_v 2.4_o luk._n 25.49_o act._n 1.4_o act._n 2.4_o christ_n shall_v baptise_v which_o be_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n especial_o if_o we_o do_v but_o consider_v that_o christ_n be_v not_o yet_o ascend_v after_o which_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o father_n be_v to_o be_v fulfil_v viz._n the_o pover_v forth_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o undoubted_o be_v the_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o every_o baptism_n in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o that_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o be_v clear_o signify_v act._n 8.15_o 16._o who_o when_o they_o be_v come_v down_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o as_o yet_o he_o be_v fall_v on_o one_o of_o they_o only_o they_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n all_o which_o be_v due_o weigh_v it_o be_v rational_a to_o conclude_v that_o the_o baptism_n of_o water_n ought_v to_o end_v in_o time_n and_o that_o these_o word_n and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o baptism_n of_o water_n be_v thereby_o intend_v to_o continue_v as_o a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o dissolution_n of_o all_o thing_n but_o can_v nor_o so_o much_o be_v say_v as_o already_o be_v to_o evidence_n that_o the_o continuance_n thereof_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o the_o meaning_n of_o christ_n unto_o his_o disciple_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v affirm_v that_o the_o word_n themselves_o in_o the_o greek_a tongue_n if_o we_o compare_v scripture_n with_o scripture_n will_v not_o hold_v forth_o such_o a_o interpretation_n for_o the_o sentence_n and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v in_o greek_a thus_o express_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o may_v proper_o be_v render_v thus_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o every_o day_n unto_o the_o consummation_n of_o the_o age._n this_o interpretation_n be_v compare_v with_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n unto_o john_n when_o he_o be_v forbid_v by_o john_n to_o be_v baptize_v by_o he_o say_v suffer_v it_o to_o be_v so_o now_o for_o thus_o it_o become_v we_o to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n clear_o show_v that_o christ_n do_v not_o by_o that_o commission_n intend_v a_o continuation_n of_o that_o administration_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o rather_o that_o as_o other_o shadow_n type_n figure_n and_o pattern_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n under_o the_o law_n be_v to_o have_v a_o end_n in_o time_n so_o the_o baptism_n of_o water_n be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o baptism_n by_o his_o spirit_n be_v also_o to_o have_v a_o end_n in_o time_n and_o this_o interpretation_n be_v clear_o evidence_v from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o to_o be_v according_a to_o truth_n for_o we_o find_v the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n thus_o testify_v heb._n 9.24_o 25_o 26._o christ_n be_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a place_n make_v with_o hand_n which_o be_v the_o figure_n of_o the_o true_a but_o into_o heaven_n itself_o now_o to_o appear_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o we_o nor_o yet_o that_o he_o shall_v offer_v himself_o often_o as_o the_o high_a priest_n enter_v into_o the_o holy_a place_n 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other_o sentence_n be_v viz._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o may_v be_v true_o render_v a_o age_n or_o the_o time_n of_o a_o man_n life_n but_o by_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o proper_o signify_v the_o world_n viz._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d can_v no_o more_o be_v say_v to_o render_v christ_n word_n in_o matthew_n not_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o practice_v water-baptism_n at_o this_o day_n as_o a_o gospel-ordinance_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o every_o impartial_a reader_n unto_o who_o god_n have_v give_v divine_a understanding_n in_o relation_n to_o this_o matter_n but_o since_o we_o find_v that_o after_o christ_n ascension_n it_o be_v use_v for_o a_o season_n we_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o add_v that_o our_o faith_n be_v that_o the_o practice_n thereof_o be_v chief_o by_o way_n of_o condescension_n to_o those_o who_o be_v weak_a and_o not_o easy_o bring_v off_o from_o the_o observation_n of_o outward_a ordinance_n to_o have_v their_o eye_n unto_o christ_n jesus_n the_o great_a ordinance_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n and_o this_o spirit_n of_o condescension_n seem_v to_o be_v in_o paul_n when_o he_o say_v 22._o 1_o cor._n 9.20_o 21_o 22._o unto_o the_o jew_n i_o become_v as_o a_o jew_n that_o i_o may_v gain_v the_o jew_n to_o they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n as_o under_o the_o law_n that_o i_o may_v gain_v they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n to_o they_o that_o be_v without_o law_n as_o without_o law_n be_v not_o without_o law_n to_o god_n but_o under_o the_o law_n to_o christ_n that_o i_o may_v gain_v they_o that_o be_v without_o law_n to_o the_o weak_a i_o become_v as_o weak_a that_o i_o may_v gain_v the_o weak_a i_o be_o make_v all_o thing_n to_o
but_o to_o stir_v up_o strife_n and_o to_o sow_v discord_n but_o be_v not_o david_n and_o manasses_n and_o peter_n and_z many_z other_o their_o sin_n record_v and_o their_o repentance_n and_o change_a record_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o what_o need_v john_n wilkinson_n be_v afraid_a and_o trouble_v himself_o about_o the_o record_v the_o condemnation_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a but_o who_o have_v curse_v david_n or_o peter_n or_o any_o other_o who_o condemnation_n of_o sin_n and_o repentance_n and_o turn_v from_o it_o be_v record_v or_o call_v they_o apostate_n and_o what_o spirit_n be_v this_o in_o john_n wilkinson_n that_o will_v not_o have_v such_o thing_n record_v now_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n record_v in_o former_a age_n sure_o it_o be_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n nor_o light_n of_o christ_n for_o if_o they_o be_v sin_n private_a that_o only_o the_o church_n know_v they_o than_o they_o go_v no_o further_o than_o the_o church_n 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to_o add._n if_o paul_n look_v on_o himself_o as_o one_o have_v power_n to_o command_v to_o rule_v and_o govern_v over_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o obey_v he_o whether_o they_o see_v it_o so_o or_o no_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n that_o the_o same_o paul_n testify_v for_o himself_o and_o other_o his_o brethren_n 2_o cor._n 4.2_o that_o they_o have_v not_o handle_v the_o word_n of_o god_n deceitful_o but_o by_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n commend_v themselves_o to_o every_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n compare_v this_o with_o what_o paul_n write_v in_o the_o same_o epistle_n 2_o cor._n 10.15_o have_v hope_n when_o your_o faith_n be_v increase_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v enlarge_v by_o you_o according_a to_o our_o rule_n abundant_o it_o appear_v evident_o to_o we_o that_o preach_v up_o obedience_n to_o that_o wherein_o the_o conscience_n through_o faith_n be_v not_o satisfy_v be_v a_o handle_v the_o word_n of_o god_n deceitful_o and_o therefore_o though_o we_o have_v be_v inform_v that_o we_o be_v dark_a and_o blind_a even_o by_o such_o who_o tell_v we_o they_o do_v see_v public_o preach_v on_o this_o wise_a if_o you_o do_v not_o see_v yourselves_o you_o must_v then_o follow_v we_o that_o do_v see_v yet_o we_o can_v on_o that_o foot_n embrace_v such_o doctrine_n lest_o like_o blind_a man_n we_o fall_v all_o together_o into_o the_o ditch_n and_o embrace_v that_o for_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o dark_a body_n of_o the_o moon_n we_o be_v now_o sensible_a another_o objection_n may_v thus_o arise_v object_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v but_o one_o in_o all_o have_v move_v in_o our_o brethren_n to_o give_v forth_o certain_a order_n command_n and_o prescription_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v according_o to_o obey_v and_o this_o can_v be_v call_v the_o dictate_v of_o fallible_a man_n but_o of_o the_o spirit_n give_v forth_o through_o man_n and_o be_v thou_o that_o pretend_v thou_o see_v it_o not_o thy_o duty_n to_o obey_v but_o obedient_a to_o thy_o own_o measure_n thou_o will_v then_o see_v it_o so_o and_o be_v one_o with_o the_o brethren_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v but_o tell_v thou_o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n to_o obey_v since_o the_o reason_n thou_o see_v it_o not_o thy_o duty_n be_v thy_o want_n of_o diligence_n and_o not_o wait_v on_o thy_o own_o measure_n beside_o we_o find_v that_o that_o very_a person_n who_o have_v travel_v much_o for_o the_o settle_n of_o man_n meeting_n have_v late_o give_v forth_o a_o paper_n the_o import_n whereof_o be_v to_o justify_v prescription_n answ_n to_o this_o we_o say_v that_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n move_v in_o any_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n to_o give_v forth_o certain_a order_n and_o prescription_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n as_o that_o which_o though_o relate_v to_o their_o conscience_n they_o ought_v to_o perform_v and_o practice_v whether_o they_o see_v it_o their_o duty_n or_o no_o or_o whether_o they_o be_v free_a so_o to_o do_v or_o no_o then_o not_o doubt_n but_o they_o ought_v so_o to_o act_v and_o do_v because_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n have_v so_o move_v but_o this_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o which_o under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o second_o covenant_n we_o have_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n or_o light_n of_o christ_n to_o suppose_v for_o if_o the_o blind_a be_v not_o to_o be_v accept_v of_o for_o a_o sacrifice_n under_o the_o first_o covenant_n much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v acceptable_a under_o the_o second_o and_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o expect_v that_o any_o such_o motion_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v appear_v through_o any_o one_o or_o more_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n with_o respect_n to_o other_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o our_o faith_n be_v that_o all_o those_o who_o be_v heir_n of_o that_o kingdom_n which_o be_v everlasting_a be_v entitle_v to_o a_o like_a freedom_n not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o each_o by_o other_o contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a sense_n and_o heavenly_a understanding_n which_o as_o coheir_n and_o co-worker_n together_o they_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o and_o this_o in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n will_v evince_o be_v manifest_v from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n however_o we_o must_v confess_v he_o that_o be_v not_o diligent_a to_o wait_v upon_o god_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o own_o measure_n of_o grace_n receive_v be_v by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n condemnable_a not_o for_o refuse_v to_o perform_v that_o which_o he_o see_v not_o to_o be_v his_o duty_n with_o respect_n to_o other_o man_n line_n make_v ready_a to_o his_o hand_n wherein_o he_o be_v not_o satisfy_v but_o for_o his_o neglect_v to_o wait_v upon_o god_n because_o it_o be_v manifest_a in_o every_o one_o that_o have_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o wait_v upon_o god_n and_o this_o our_o sense_n and_o reason_n answer_v to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n where_o it_o be_v say_v rom._n 1.18_o 19_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodlyness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n who_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n because_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o they_o for_o god_n have_v show_v it_o unto_o they_o so_o it_o be_v clear_a to_o we_o from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o we_o as_o well_o as_o from_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o we_o that_o the_o wrath_n and_o condemnation_n of_o god_n go_v forth_o against_o such_o as_o live_v not_o answerable_a to_o what_o god_n have_v manifest_v in_o they_o but_o it_o be_v neither_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n or_o light_v within_o for_o any_o to_o pour_v forth_o judgement_n against_o any_o for_o not_o follow_v or_o give_v heed_n unto_o this_o or_o tother_o prescription_n or_o outward_a observation_n wherein_o the_o conscience_n be_v concern_v when_o such_o be_v not_o convince_v thereof_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n from_o the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o they_o the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v this_o that_o in_o all_o the_o last_o mention_v objection_n there_o be_v no_o plea_n for_o obedience_n unto_o or_o follow_v any_o thing_n but_o the_o spirit_n in_o its_o appearance_n whether_o through_o the_o brethren_n or_o thyself_o from_o whence_o we_o observe_v first_o that_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a description_n who_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o word_n brethren_n second_o that_o it_o be_v the_o appearance_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o follow_v now_o shall_v this_o question_n be_v ask_v of_o such_o who_o may_v so_o object_n as_o aforesaid_a will_v you_o have_v we_o follow_v we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o believe_v that_o they_o will_v say_v nay_o if_o they_o answer_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o question_n and_o if_o so_o than_o the_o force_n of_o the_o objection_n fall_v for_o that_o we_o account_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o follow_v the_o appearance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n through_o the_o mean_a member_n when_o our_o conscience_n be_v convince_v that_o it_o be_v the_o appearance_n of_o that_o spirit_n but_o before_o we_o can_v say_v in_o truth_n though_o we_o shall_v do_v as_o such_o a_o one_o will_v have_v we_o that_o we_o be_v follower_n of_o and_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n no_o more_o than_o jesus_n can_v in_o truth_n be_v call_v lord_n 12.13_o lord_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o and_o not_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n beside_o we_o can_v on_o this_o occasion_n but_o testify_v that_o as_o that_o obedience_n which_o be_v of_o faith_n in_o christ_n find_v acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n 14.23_o lord_n rom._n 14.23_o so_o that_o obedience_n which_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n be_v but_o a_o dead_a performance_n and_o not_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o live_a member_n who_o through_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n unto_o righteousness_n be_v make_v alive_a unto_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v the_o duty_n of_o any_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n to_o run_v before_o his_o inward_a guide_n but_o to_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n that_o all_o his_o action_n may_v be_v regulate_v according_a to_o the_o manifestation_n and_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o himself_o which_o seem_v clear_o agreeable_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n where_o he_o thus_o say_v phil._n 3.15_o 16._o if_o in_o any_o thing_n you_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v god_n shall_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o you_o nevertheless_o whereunto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v
have_v open_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o other_o way_n by_o which_o all_o thing_n relate_v unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n come_v to_o be_v reveal_v and_o this_o appear_v agrecable_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n john_n 14.26_o 2_o cor._n 4.2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o 2_o tim._n 3.15_o 16._o we_o be_v now_o sensible_a that_o some_o who_o may_v peruse_v the_o forego_n scripture_n may_v be_v ready_a thus_o to_o say_v you_o seem_v to_o propound_v two_o way_n by_o which_o the_o thing_n appertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n have_v be_v and_o be_v reveal_v viz._n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n or_o appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n as_o one_o way_n and_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n as_o another_o way_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v the_o way_n we_o propose_v be_v but_o one_o though_o the_o manifestation_n thereof_o may_v seem_v various_a to_o man_n viz._n sometime_o through_o instrument_n and_o sometime_o through_o himself_o for_o though_o paul_n write_v unto_o timothy_n unto_o who_o he_o be_v make_v a_o instrument_n and_o therefore_o call_v he_o his_o son_n tell_v he_o 16._o 2_o tim._n 3.15_o 16._o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v able_a to_o make_v he_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o that_o they_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n yet_o it_o be_v speak_v with_o respect_n to_o those_o scripture_n that_o be_v give_v forth_o by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o with_o this_o limitation_n viz._n through_o the_o say_v that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n whereon_o we_o observe_v that_o the_o scripture_n give_v forth_o by_o inspiration_n be_v but_o as_o a_o instrument_n make_v serviceable_a to_o the_o reader_n through_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o faith_n in_o christ_n come_v to_o be_v raise_v even_o as_o a_o man_n endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o instrument_n through_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o wholesome_a exhortation_n to_o open_v the_o inward_a eye_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o have_v be_v darken_v and_o to_o awaken_v the_o conscience_n which_o have_v be_v defile_v that_o so_o man_n may_v come_v to_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mind_n unto_o god_n through_o faith_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o conscience_n purify_v from_o dead_a work_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n and_o therefore_o we_o reasonable_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o way_n though_o various_a in_o operation_n and_o manifestation_n through_o which_o the_o thing_n appertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n come_v to_o be_v reveal_v which_o be_v by_o the_o powerful_a appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n and_o light_n convict_v the_o conscience_n convert_v and_o renew_v the_o mind_n unto_o god_n sometime_o through_o scripture_n give_v forth_o by_o inspiration_n sometime_o through_o man_n as_o a_o instrument_n and_o sometime_o by_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o light_n in_o man_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o such_o instrument_n but_o yet_o the_o end_n of_o all_o be_v that_o faith_n in_o christ_n may_v be_v raise_v wherein_o as_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v by_o the_o carnal_a eye_n the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v behold_v which_o be_v that_o treasure_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n speak_v that_o be_v hide_v in_o our_o earthen_a vessel_n that_o the_o excellency_n of_o that_o power_n may_v be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n these_o thing_n be_v due_o consider_v this_o testimony_n do_v natural_o arise_v that_o neither_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n nor_o any_o other_o writing_n whatsoever_o though_o give_v forth_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n itself_o can_v proper_o be_v term_v so_o profitable_a a_o rule_n unto_o we_o as_o the_o light_n and_o spirit_n from_o which_o they_o be_v give_v forth_o and_o therefore_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n ought_v chief_o to_o be_v unto_o the_o spiritual_a appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n and_o spirit_n in_o we_o as_o that_o unerring_a guide_n which_o never_o can_v be_v remove_v into_o a_o corner_n beside_o we_o find_v the_o scripture_n itself_o testify_v that_o no_o prophecy_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n 1.20_o 2_o pet._n 1.20_o that_o be_v it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v interpret_v but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n through_o who_o motion_n it_o be_v give_v forth_o for_o all_o other_o interpretation_n may_v true_o be_v term_v private_a from_o whence_o we_o observe_v that_o if_o the_o prophecy_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n shall_v be_v read_v unto_o we_o from_o morning_n to_o evening_n and_o from_o evening_n to_o morning_n again_o we_o may_v receive_v little_a benefit_n or_o profit_n thereby_o unless_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n come_v to_o be_v stay_v in_o the_o unchangeable_a light_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n whereby_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o they_o out_o of_o all_o private_a interpretation_n have_v be_v and_o be_v signify_v unto_o man._n chap._n ii_o touch_v the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o and_o exhortation_n to_o obedience_n thereof_o those_o faithful_a messenger_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o the_o lord_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n send_v forth_o for_o the_o gather_n of_o the_o nation_n unto_o the_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n that_o their_o soul_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n frequent_o sound_v in_o our_o ear_n on_o this_o wise_a turn_v in_o your_o mind_n unto_o the_o light_n within_o mean_v thereby_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o which_o show_v you_o that_o a_o tie_n be_v not_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o as_o through_o faith_n you_o come_v to_o be_v obedient_a unto_o the_o light_n within_o and_o that_o measure_n of_o grace_n give_v by_o god_n and_o receive_v by_o you_o so_o will_v you_o come_v to_o be_v make_v partalter_n of_o that_o great_a salvation_n this_o doctrine_n be_v acceptable_a to_o many_o who_o in_o the_o love_n of_o truth_n receive_v the_o joyful_a sound_n thereof_o but_o unto_o other_o mean_a and_o despise_a who_o notwithstanding_o that_o testimony_n account_v the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n a_o more_o sure_a rule_n and_o guide_n unto_o the_o father_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o at_o this_o time_n have_v be_v as_o a_o obligation_n to_o examine_v whether_o the_o aforesaid_a doctrine_n so_o acceptable_a to_o some_o and_o despise_v by_o other_o be_v consonant_n to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n which_o task_n be_v the_o more_o free_o undertake_v because_o the_o aforesaid_a doctrine_n have_v become_v so_o great_a a_o stumble_a block_n unto_o many_o as_o that_o they_o have_v think_v it_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n that_o the_o professor_n thereof_o have_v be_v out_o of_o the_o path_n of_o truth_n ready_o object_v on_o this_o wise_a objection_n do_v you_o not_o think_v that_o those_o jew_n who_o crucify_v christ_n act_v not_o from_o the_o light_n within_o since_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o very_o think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n therein_o have_v thus_o premise_v it_o be_v now_o needful_a to_o examine_v what_o may_v be_v speak_v from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n for_o the_o light_n within_o and_o to_o turn_v in_o the_o mind_n unto_o the_o same_o to_o obey_v it_o etc._n etc._n in_o order_n thereunto_o we_o find_v john_n the_o evangelist_n thus_o testify_v 1.4.9_o joh._n 1.4.9_o in_o he_o mean_v the_o word_n which_o be_v god_n be_v life_n and_o the_o life_n be_v the_o light_n of_o man_n that_o be_v the_o true_a light_n which_o light_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n i_o be_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n 8.12_o john_n 8.12_o he_o that_o follow_v i_o shall_v not_o walk_v in_o darkness_n but_o shall_v have_v the_o light_n of_o life_n 12.46_o joh._n 12.46_o i_o be_o come_v a_o light_n into_o the_o world_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o i_o shall_v not_o abide_v in_o darkness_n these_o scripture_n plain_o show_v that_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v in_o and_o follow_v christ_n who_o be_v that_o light_n that_o light_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n objection_n however_o some_o object_v may_v say_v what_o be_v this_o to_o a_o light_n within_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o john_n the_o evangelist_n mean_v nothing_o of_o a_o light_n within_o in_o your_o sense_n but_o of_o the_o personal_a appearance_n of_o christ_n without_o as_o that_o word_n which_o be_v make_v flesh_n and_o as_o evidence_n produce_v what_o the_o same_o evangelist_n say_v chap._n
6.53_o john_n 6.53_o when_o he_o say_v except_o you_o eat_v of_o the_o flesh_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n you_o have_v no_o life_n in_o you_o for_o though_o christ_n so_o say_v yet_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v that_o there_o can_v be_v a_o profit_v as_o to_o the_o growth_n of_o the_o inward_a man_n by_o eat_v outward_a flesh_n no_o more_o than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n do_v at_o this_o day_n believe_v that_o the_o eat_v of_o the_o outward_a bread_n can_v nourish_v the_o immortal_a soul_n 6.63_o joh._n 6.63_o and_o therefore_o christ_n say_v it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o quicken_v the_o flesh_n profit_v nothing_o chap._n xi_o touch_v justification_n and_o salvation_n through_o faith_n in_o christ_n what_o the_o scripture_n say_v touch_v justification_n and_o salvation_n we_o own_v viz._n 8.30_o rom._n 8.30_o that_o the_o call_v of_o god_n be_v justify_v and_o that_o this_o justification_n be_v free_o by_o his_o grace_n through_o the_o redemption_n 25._o rom._n 3.24_o 25._o that_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n by_o faith_n in_o his_o blood_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v past_a and_o that_o 2.11_o tit._n 2.11_o salvation_n be_v bring_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o have_v appear_v unto_o all_o men._n object_n this_o sense_n of_o you_o can_v be_v deny_v because_o your_o language_n agree_v with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o your_o mean_v thereby_o be_v that_o you_o own_o a_o justification_n of_o person_n or_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n attainable_a through_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o without_o a_o infusion_n of_o righteousness_n but_o also_o by_o a_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o accept_v of_o person_n as_o perfect_o righteous_a at_o the_o tribunal_n of_o god_n not_o for_o any_o work_v wrought_v in_o they_o or_o do_v by_o they_o but_o for_o christ_n sake_n not_o by_o impute_v the_o act_n of_o faith_n or_o any_o pretend_a light_n or_o principle_n within_o they_o or_o any_o of_o their_o evangelical_n obedience_n to_o he_o as_o their_o righteousness_n before_o god_n but_o by_o accept_n and_o impute_v the_o obedience_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n for_o they_o and_o to_o they_o and_o whether_o or_o no_o you_o do_v not_o account_v that_o justification_n and_o sanctification_n be_v all_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n because_o sanctification_n be_v inseparable_o join_v with_o justification_n 1_o cor._n 6.11_o which_o if_o you_o shall_v we_o can_v but_o take_v you_o therein_o to_o err_v because_o in_o justification_n god_n impute_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n to_o we_o rom._n 4.6_o 8._o but_o in_o sanctification_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n infuse_v grace_n into_o we_o and_o enable_v to_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o ezek._n 36.27_o answ_n the_o objection_n seem_v to_o be_v raise_v by_o such_o as_o have_v put_v their_o meaning_n on_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n when_o in_o truth_n they_o can_v say_v that_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n they_o have_v be_v lead_v thereto_o and_o therefore_o such_o meaning_n may_v well_o be_v take_v to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o mere_a private_a interpretation_n and_o not_o that_o which_o be_v signify_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n however_o that_o our_o sense_n relate_v to_o the_o material_a part_n of_o the_o objection_n may_v be_v know_v we_o thus_o say_v first_o that_o justification_n unto_o life_n eternal_a or_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n be_v not_o attainable_a but_o through_o faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o leading_n of_o god_n grace_n that_o have_v appear_v unto_o all_o man_n and_o that_o nothing_o which_o we_o of_o ourselves_o be_v capable_a to_o perform_v can_v in_o any_o wise_a be_v so_o meritorious_a as_o thereby_o to_o render_v we_o worthy_a of_o that_o justification_n which_o all_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n be_v attain_v unto_o as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v make_v a_o partaker_n of_o the_o great_a salvation_n of_o god_n by_o these_o our_o word_n nothing_o which_o we_o of_o ourselves_o be_v capable_a to_o perform_v our_o mean_v be_v not_o only_o a_o exclusion_n of_o all_o legal_a performance_n which_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o epistle_n plentiful_o hint_v at_o but_o also_o of_o all_o other_o outward_a duty_n and_o performance_n of_o what_o nature_n and_o kind_a soever_o that_o our_o outward_a man_n be_v of_o ability_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o act_v and_o bring_v forth_o and_o if_o any_o from_o these_o word_n in_o the_o objection_n viz._n wrought_v in_o they_o act_n of_o faith_n evangelical_n obedience_n etc._n etc._n shall_v conclude_v that_o the_o very_a work_n and_o action_n which_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n we_o be_v enable_v to_o bring_v forth_o be_v of_o no_o advantage_n towards_o eternal_a salvation_n but_o that_o it_o be_v through_o faith_n alone_o attainable_a we_o then_o thus_o answer_v that_o the_o word_n faith_n in_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v take_v in_o a_o twofold_a sense_n the_o one_o be_v a_o faith_n that_o be_v not_o without_o a_o further_a growth_n accompany_v with_o the_o salvation_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v the_o faith_n intend_v in_o the_o objection_n the_o other_o be_v faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o this_o faith_n be_v unto_o salvation_n and_o so_o must_v be_v that_o intend_a in_o the_o objection_n but_o then_o this_o inconsistency_n with_o truth_n plain_o appear_v in_o the_o objection_n viz._n a_o reliance_n on_o faith_n exclude_v work_v wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n the_o inconsistency_n lie_v here_o wheresoever_o a_o lively_a faith_n unto_o salvation_n be_v manifest_v it_o be_v accompany_v with_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o evangelical_n obedience_n which_o be_v as_o inseparable_a each_o from_o other_o as_o sanctification_n and_o justification_n in_o the_o objection_n be_v confess_v to_o be_v we_o shall_v now_o prove_v to_o evince_v against_o all_o opposer_n the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o have_v assert_v first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o faith_n which_o without_o a_o further_a growth_n be_v not_o accompany_v with_o the_o salvation_n of_o god_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o word_n of_o paul_n rom._n 13.11_o for_o now_o be_v our_o salvation_n near_o than_o when_o we_o believe_v which_o clear_o show_v that_o the_o scripture_n inform_v we_o of_o a_o belief_n or_o faith_n attain_v by_o such_o as_o be_v not_o arrive_v unto_o nor_o yet_o witness_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o god_n they_o be_v only_o come_v near_a unto_o it_o than_o when_o they_o first_o believe_v but_o not_o come_v at_o it_o and_o no_o doubt_n but_o this_o belief_n or_o faith_n speak_v of_o by_o the_o apostle_n be_v a_o faith_n on_o christ_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n for_o so_o to_o believe_v be_v the_o work_n encourage_v in_o the_o beginning_n according_a as_o appear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o multitude_n john_n 6.29_o this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n that_o you_o believe_v on_o he_o who_o he_o have_v send_v and_o this_o be_v say_v by_o christ_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n propose_v to_o he_o by_o the_o multitude_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v that_o we_o may_v work_v the_o work_n of_o god_n 18._o phil._n 1.15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o beside_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n rejoice_v that_o christ_n be_v preach_v though_o by_o some_o it_o be_v of_o envy_n and_o strife_n and_o in_o pretence_n and_o no_o doubt_n his_o end_n be_v that_o the_o son_n of_o man_n may_v come_v to_o believe_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o messiah_n that_o be_v wait_v for_o be_v come_v of_o who_o there_o be_v a_o expectation_n 4.25_o john_n 4.25_o that_o he_o shall_v tell_v we_o all_o thing_n and_o so_o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n be_v come_v so_o far_o as_o to_o believe_v that_o christ_n be_v that_o messiah_n that_o be_v to_o come_v there_o be_v ground_n of_o hope_n that_o they_o may_v in_o due_a time_n come_v to_o witness_v the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n unto_o righteousness_n the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n tell_v we_o 12.2_o heb._n 12.2_o that_o jesus_n be_v the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n no_o doubt_v this_o be_v not_o a_o work_n do_v in_o a_o moment_n or_o twinkle_v of_o a_o eye_n for_o though_o he_o be_v the_o author_n and_o object_n of_o every_o true_a christian_n faith_n yet_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o such_o as_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o many_o 24._o many_o rom._n 13.13_o 14._o heb._n 10.23_o 24._o exhortation_n reproof_n and_o instruction_n and_o that_o god_n make_v use_v of_o instrument_n to_o build_v they_o up_o in_o the_o most_o holy_a
basis_n and_o foundation_n to_o which_o i_o thus_o say_v this_o kind_n of_o language_n with_o respect_n to_o divers_a practice_n in_o discipline_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n or_o any_o outward_a form_n and_o order_n which_o be_v or_o have_v be_v by_o any_o call_v the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o do_v not_o understand_v to_o be_v right_o applicable_a to_o those_o among_o the_o say_a people_n who_o have_v retain_v their_o first_o love_n to_o and_o savour_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o principle_n thereof_o not_o that_o i_o will_v hereby_o be_v understand_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o outward_a order_n with_o respect_n to_o that_o gospel-discipline_n which_o become_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o that_o which_o i_o understand_v not_o to_o be_v right_o applicable_a unto_o they_o be_v manifest_v in_o what_o follow_v though_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n have_v and_o may_v further_o lead_v into_o the_o practice_n of_o outward_a order_n in_o discipline_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n yet_o i_o affirm_v that_o part_n of_o that_o outward_a order_n in_o discipline_n wherein_o divers_a of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n have_v be_v act_v be_v such_o as_o that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o footstep_n thereof_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o exhort_v to_o or_o as_o practise_v by_o the_o apostle_n i_o can_v give_v many_o instance_n hereof_o but_o one_o shall_v suffice_v viz._n the_o form_n of_o proceed_n in_o marriage_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n be_v whole_o silent_a as_o to_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o though_o the_o papist_n pretend_v to_o tradition_n yet_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n do_v not_o beside_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n that_o the_o apostle_n be_v find_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o which_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n do_v not_o only_o out_o of_o conscience_n to_o god_n forbear_v but_o have_v have_v many_o contest_v with_o other_o touch_v the_o same_o as_o esteem_v it_o though_o permit_v for_o a_o season_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o people_n among_o the_o number_n of_o those_o outward_a ordinance_n out_o of_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v at_o this_o day_n gather_v his_o people_n witness_v water-baptism_n the_o word_n order_n with_o respect_n to_o outward_a government_n establish_v by_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n over_o itself_o i_o remember_v not_o in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n yet_o much_o of_o late_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o establish_v the_o same_o and_o that_o with_o respect_n to_o outward_a prescription_n and_o order_n practise_v or_o endeavour_v to_o be_v introduce_v among_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n and_o in_o particular_a r._n b._n page_n 40._o speak_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o faith_n we_o have_v be_v and_o be_v in_o the_o lord_n hand_n build_v up_o to_o which_o i_o say_v the_o consideration_n that_o christ_n be_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o great_a power_n of_o god_n and_o that_o a_o establish_n in_o the_o faith_n can_v proper_o be_v term_v a_o build_n up_o of_o faith_n give_v i_o occasion_n to_o treat_v a_o little_a touch_v the_o word_n establish_v and_o build_v up_o we_o know_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n in_o ourselves_o as_o well_o as_o from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o build_v up_o one_o another_o in_o the_o most_o holy_a faith_n in_o christ_n the_o truth_n the_o power_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v neither_o agreeable_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n in_o we_o nor_o yet_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o we_o for_o any_o to_o account_v themselves_o of_o ability_n to_o establish_v god_n power_n for_o its_o that_o by_o which_o the_o world_n be_v make_v now_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o nothing_o else_o according_a to_o the_o declare_a sense_n of_o our_o ancient_a friend_n can_v proper_o be_v call_v the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o the_o power_n of_o god_n for_o though_o some_o outward_a form_n or_o appearance_n may_v be_v according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o it_o can_v no_o more_o proper_o be_v call_v the_o very_a order_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o tree_n can_v be_v call_v the_o tree_n itself_o and_o therefore_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o establish_v the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v as_o well_o pretend_v to_o establish_v the_o power_n of_o god_n itself_o it_o be_v true_a this_o power_n be_v of_o ability_n to_o establish_v man_n in_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n but_o man_n be_v not_o of_o ability_n to_o establish_v it_o those_o who_o understand_v the_o nature_n and_o tenour_n of_o the_o two_o covenant_n may_v easy_o discern_v the_o truth_n hereof_o under_o the_o first_o covenant_n which_o be_v outward_a the_o mind_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v to_o the_o people_n from_o the_o priest_n lip_n which_o be_v to_o preserve_v knowledge_n and_o this_o covenant_n do_v consist_v in_o divers_a outward_a ordinance_n etc._n etc._n establish_v and_o impose_v upon_o the_o people_n until_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n under_o the_o second_o covenant_n be_v the_o new_a covenant_n or_o gospel_n dispensation_n the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v in_o his_o people_n through_o the_o revelation_n of_o his_o spirit_n according_a to_o that_o of_o paul_n rom._n 1.19_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_v in_o they_o christ_n also_o say_v john_n 14.26_o the_o comforter_n which_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o the_o father_n will_v send_v in_o my_o name_n he_o shall_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n the_o law_n under_o this_o covenant_n be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n heb._n 8.10_o 11._o i_o will_v write_v my_o law_n in_o their_o heart_n &_o they_o shall_v not_o teach_v every_o man_n his_o neighbour_n and_o every_o man_n his_o brother_n say_v know_v the_o lord_n for_o all_o shall_v know_v i_o etc._n etc._n here_o be_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n of_o encouragement_n for_o any_o man_n under_o the_o new_a covenant_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v like_a unto_o the_o old_a to_o pretend_v that_o god_n spirit_n do_v or_o will_v lead_v any_o to_o establish_v outward_a order_n relate_v to_o matter_n of_o conscience_n as_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o if_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_v in_o we_o than_o though_o it_o may_v be_v needful_a to_o stir_v up_o according_a as_o the_o lord_n shall_v move_v in_o his_o servant_n the_o pure_a mind_n in_o we_o that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o what_o god_n require_v through_o the_o maifestation_n of_o himself_o in_o we_o there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o establish_v any_o thing_n without_o 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declare_v the_o intent_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o be_v not_o the_o slip_n of_o his_o tongue_n or_o pen_n but_o how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v that_o matter_n of_o worldly_a property_n and_o thing_n relate_v to_o conscience_n shall_v be_v decide_v by_o such_o assembly_n without_o a_o election_n for_o that_o service_n by_o the_o party_n differ_v i_o shall_v leave_v it_o to_o the_o judicious_a impartial_a reader_n to_o savour_n have_v elsewhere_o in_o this_o follow_a treatise_n plain_o evidence_v that_o there_o may_v be_v such_o assembly_n and_o yet_o not_o own_v by_o the_o lord_n for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o may_v be_v remote_a from_o give_v righteous_a judgement_n tho_o r._n b._n say_v god_n spirit_n will_v never_o bewant_v in_o such_o assembly_n and_o whereas_o some_o may_v be_v so_o charitable_a as_o to_o conclude_v r._n b._n intend_v not_o by_o his_o word_n that_o any_o shall_v assume_v authority_n to_o decide_v difference_n relate_v to_o outward_a thing_n without_o 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duty_n of_o such_o who_o be_v at_o variance_n to_o request_v such_o brethren_n as_o be_v skill_v in_o the_o matter_n touch_v which_o they_o differ_v to_o hear_v and_o determine_v the_o cause_n and_o then_o of_o a_o willing_a and_o ready_a mind_n and_o not_o as_o by_o constraint_n to_o submit_v unto_o such_o determination_n and_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o a_o incombent_a duty_n on_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n to_o be_v watch_v over_o one_o another_o so_o as_o that_o by_o wholesome_a counsel_n admonition_n and_o sound_v doctrine_n all_o variance_n strife_n emulation_n rent_n and_o division_n both_o in_o relation_n to_o temporal_a as_o well_o as_o spiritual_a matter_n may_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v be_v keep_v out_o from_o among_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n r._n b._n assert_n page_n the_o 11._o that_o the_o ground_n of_o schism_n division_n or_o rent_n in_o the_o body_n be_v when_o any_o member_n assume_v another_o place_n than_o be_v allot_v it_o or_o be_v go_v from_o the_o life_n let_v we_o in_o the_o eye_n that_o watch_v for_o evil._n this_o position_n be_v truth_n and_o right_o state_v but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o i_o can_v but_o testify_v that_o if_o any_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n do_v recommend_v that_o administration_n or_o operation_n wherein_o by_o god_n spirit_n he_o be_v exercise_v unto_o his_o brethren_n and_o shall_v judge_v all_o such_o dark_a spirit_n and_o out_o of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n who_o on_o such_o a_o recommendation_n become_v not_o exercise_v as_o he_o be_v or_o do_v not_o immediate_o close_a with_o his_o experience_n and_o operation_n though_o otherwise_o faithful_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n receive_v such_o a_o one_o so_o judge_v may_v just_o be_v judge_v of_o the_o lord_n as_o a_o person_n not_o only_o assume_v another_o place_n in_o the_o body_n than_o be_v allot_v he_o but_o also_o as_o endeavour_v to_o draw_v other_o into_o the_o like_a snare_n for_o that_o it_o be_v as_o probable_a that_o a_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n may_v be_v as_o remote_a from_o have_v experience_n of_o his_o brother_n operation_n as_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n may_v be_v from_o discern_v what_o the_o natural_a eye_n do_v see_v and_o yet_o the_o ear_n according_a to_o that_o of_o paul_n 1_o cor._n 12.16_o may_v as_o true_o be_v account_v a_o member_n of_o the_o body_n as_o the_o eye_n it_o be_v a_o exhortation_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o day_n which_o in_o these_o latter_a year_n have_v dawn_v among_o we_o though_o thou_o grow_v but_o slow_a yet_o grow_v sure_a this_o sure_a grow_a be_v obedience_n after_o convincement_n or_o obedience_n to_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n receive_v all_o performance_n before_o with_o respect_n to_o worship_n or_o service_n for_o god_n be_v account_v but_o will-worship_n or_o will-service_n and_o therefore_o many_o who_o face_n be_v sion-ward_n do_v right_o testify_v on_o this_o wise_a i_o must_v stay_v until_o i_o be_v convince_v and_o since_o i_o see_v not_o this_o to_o be_v wrong_n i_o dare_v not_o be_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o another_o thing_n contrary_a thereto_o lest_o i_o become_v a_o will-worshipper_n and_o yet_o this_o kind_n of_o language_n be_v according_a to_o my_o understanding_n too_o reflect_o speak_v of_o by_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n witness_v his_o 13_o page_n this_o put_v i_o in_o mind_n to_o signify_v what_o the_o apostle_n paul_n say_v 1_o cor._n 12.3_o no_o man_n can_v say_v jesus_n be_v lord_n but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o be_v the_o fame_n of_o truth_n that_o jesus_n as_o in_o himself_o be_v lord_n and_o so_o we_o know_v a_o wicked_a man_n not_o act_v by_o the_o spirit_n may_v say_v these_o word_n jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n yet_o none_o can_v in_o truth_n say_v jesus_n be_v lord_n in_o they_o but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o whence_o i_o observe_v that_o no_o testimony_n though_o ever_o so_o true_a in_o itself_o can_v become_v the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n in_o any_o further_o than_o through_o certain_a conviction_n it_o be_v know_v to_o be_v so_o even_o as_o jesus_n can_v in_o truth_n be_v call_v lord_n by_o we_o until_o by_o his_o spirit_n we_o be_v convince_v and_o experimental_o know_v that_o he_o be_v lord_n in_o we_o and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o say_v it_o be_v savoury_a language_n to_o say_v i_o mu_o stay_n until_o convince_v tho_o r._n b._n as_o his_o line_n to_o i_o import_n account_v such_o language_n to_o be_v a_o reason_v truth_n from_o one_o self_n through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o the_o serpent_n query_v how_o do_v they_o mean_v the_o primitive_a labourer_n among_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n knock_v down_o this_o manner_n of_o reason_v but_o doubtless_o herein_o he_o have_v abuse_v both_o himself_o and_o the_o truth_n not_o so_o much_o for_o that_o he_o know_v no_o other_o than_o by_o report_n whereof_o he_o treat_v as_o to_o this_o matter_n if_o his_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o 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man_n on_o the_o part_n of_o our_o opposer_n in_o public_a meeting_n for_o worship_n of_o god_n have_v frequent_o be_v cause_n of_o stumble_v to_o some_o so_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v that_o jealousy_n have_v be_v ready_a to_o enter_v many_o that_o though_o the_o name_n of_o christianity_n be_v retain_v among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n yet_o that_o the_o nature_n life_n and_o doctrine_n thereof_o have_v suffer_v shipwreck_n among_o they_o if_o all_o under_o that_o name_n ought_v at_o this_o day_n to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o deportment_n and_o doctrine_n of_o some_o the_o particular_a instance_n of_o such_o deportment_n and_o doctrine_n whereof_o i_o have_v be_v eye_n and_o earwitness_a may_v fill_v a_o large_a volumn_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o be_v grant_v it_o can_v but_o by_o every_o considerate_a and_o impartial_a reader_n be_v think_v needful_a enough_o that_o a_o testimony_n unto_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n ancient_o hold_v forth_o among_o they_o may_v once_o more_o be_v revive_v and_o commit_v to_o posterity_n on_o behalf_n of_o that_o party_n among_o they_o who_o account_v themselves_o persecute_v revile_a and_o evil_o entreat_v when_o they_o know_v no_o other_o cause_o thereof_o than_o in_o their_o steadfast_a adhere_n to_o and_o persevere_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o have_v begin_v in_o the_o spirit_n can_v be_v in_o unity_n with_o such_o as_o to_o they_o seem_v to_o expect_v perfection_n through_o a_o zealous_a exalt_v of_o other_o man_n line_n make_v ready_a to_o their_o hand_n and_o thus_o the_o generation_n to_o come_v as_o well_o as_o at_o this_o day_n may_v know_v that_o though_o some_o lover_n of_o pre-eminence_n innovator_n and_o unskilful_a preacher_n that_o know_v not_o how_o to_o divide_v the_o word_n aright_o have_v be_v please_v to_o stigmatize_v other_o with_o these_o term_n viz._n dark_a leaven_a rend_v divide_v separate_a spirit_n yet_o it_o have_v be_v manifest_a that_o it_o be_v because_o such_o other_o can_v in_o a_o temporize_a spirit_n change_v their_o way_n and_o depart_v from_o their_o ancient_a path_n which_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n they_o have_v be_v lead_v into_o and_o wherein_o they_o have_v have_v fellowship_n with_o their_o ancient_a brethren_n who_o the_o lord_n anoint_v to_o publish_v his_o everlasting_a gospel_n and_o to_o gather_v other_o from_o the_o lo_n here_o be_v and_o the_o lo_n there_o be_v to_o take_v heed_n unto_o the_o holy_a unction_n in_o themselves_o as_o a_o sufficient_a guide_n unto_o the_o father_n of_o life_n quer._n 3_o whether_o thy_o publish_v this_o treatise_n in_o print_n may_v not_o in_o probability_n give_v unto_o other_o a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o difference_n among_o we_o and_o so_o obstruct_v the_o increase_n of_o our_o meeting_n and_o the_o gather_n of_o some_o yet_o walk_v in_o the_o broad_a way_n into_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o cause_n many_o already_o gather_v thereunto_o to_o stumble_v and_o fall_v answ_n nay_o the_o consideration_n induce_v i_o so_o to_o answer_n be_v these_o though_o this_o treatise_n declare_v that_o there_o be_v division_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n yet_o that_o be_v not_o more_o than_o what_o to_o my_o knowledge_n be_v public_o know_v both_o to_o professor_n and_o profane_a and_o that_o from_o observation_n of_o such_o in_o the_o public_a meeting_n for_o worship_n for_o many_o month_n if_o not_o year_n pass_v as_o be_v not_o repute_v to_o be_v of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n the_o occasion_n of_o such_o observation_n in_o some_o meeting_n have_v be_v so_o frequent_o give_v as_o that_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v as_o impossible_a to_o cover_v the_o knowledge_n thereof_o as_o that_o which_o have_v be_v proclaim_v by_o a_o common_a bell-man_n and_o the_o instrument_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v be_v the_o proclaimer_n hereof_o have_v be_v such_o as_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o preacher_n in_o god_n name_n though_o in_o a_o reality_n but_o idle_a ignorant_a prater_n in_o the_o will_n of_o man_n by_o their_o declaration_n run_v against_o the_o friend_n of_o truth_n sometime_o by_o name_n and_o other_o time_n not_o so_o particular_a though_o intelligible_a enough_o and_o yet_o incapable_a to_o detect_v such_o as_o be_v evil_a either_o in_o conversation_n or_o doctrine_n which_o be_v consider_v and_o compare_v with_o many_o imaginary_a discourse_n in_o public_a meeting_n for_o worship_n of_o god_n whereby_o the_o publisher_n thereof_o appear_v unlearned_a in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v irrational_a to_o expect_v that_o any_o person_n conscientious_o seek_v after_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n shall_v be_v gather_v to_o such_o as_o be_v at_o variance_n each_o with_o other_o and_o who_o public_a assembly_n have_v be_v at_o some_o time_n the_o very_a stage_n of_o contention_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v it_o be_v most_o certain_a they_o will_v not_o therein_o be_v gather_v unto_o such_o as_o be_v in_o a_o heavenly_a fellowship_n each_o with_o other_o but_o if_o on_o the_o contrary_a such_o as_o be_v seek_v after_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n have_v be_v disaffect_v with_o they_o in_o general_a from_o a_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o their_o division_n and_o the_o unsound_a doctrine_n hold_v forth_o by_o some_o and_o yet_o shall_v but_o serious_o ponder_v this_o treatise_n it_o may_v become_v a_o mean_n unto_o such_o to_o eschew_v the_o evil_a and_o embrace_v the_o good_a by_o incline_v their_o heart_n unto_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n herein_o hold_v forth_o and_o not_o suffer_v the_o offence_n give_v by_o such_o among_o they_o as_o have_v retain_v the_o name_n but_o not_o the_o nature_n nor_o yet_o in_o some_o respect_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n so_o to_o enter_v as_o to_o hinder_v their_o perseverance_n and_o growth_n in_o the_o true_a faith_n until_o at_o length_n they_o may_v come_v into_o union_n and_o fellowship_n with_o the_o faithful_a friend_n thereof_o moreover_o to_o i_o it_o seem_v impossible_a that_o the_o seasonable_a assert_v the_o truth_n and_o plead_v for_o it_o can_v occasion_v any_o to_o stumble_v and_o fall_v from_o it_o but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a however_o i_o must_v confess_v it_o be_v probable_a enough_o that_o it_o may_v occasion_v many_o to_o disregard_n such_o kind_n of_o preacher_n or_o rather_o prater_n who_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n have_v not_o only_o cause_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v evil_o speak_v of_o but_o who_o necessity_n have_v seem_v to_o be_v a_o bait_n unto_o they_o to_o follow_v for_o the_o loaf_n and_o no_o marvel_n if_o these_o instead_o of_o gather_v to_o god_n gather_v to_o themselves_o and_o as_o a_o proper_a expedient_a to_o obtain_v such_o a_o gather_v publish_v in_o the_o open_a meeting_n for_o worship_n of_o god_n such_o like_a doctrine_n as_o these_o according_a as_o i_o have_v already_o hint_v and_o which_o i_o be_o a_o witness_n from_o the_o hear_n of_o my_o ear_n have_v in_o public_a meeting_n for_o worship_n be_v publish_v viz._n have_v your_o eye_n to_o the_o brethren_n mean_v thereby_o public_a preacher_n if_o you_o do_v not_o see_v yourselves_o follow_v we_o that_o do_v see_v and_o frequent_o exhort_v to_o shut_v out_o the_o reason_n the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o jealousy_n without_o distinction_n which_o be_v compare_v with_o these_o primitive_a and_o wholesome_a exhortation_n and_o doctrine_n wisdom_n be_v justify_v of_o her_o child_n look_v not_o unto_o we_o but_o unto_o the_o lord_n take_v heed_n unto_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n in_o your_o own_o conscience_n draw_v water_n out_o of_o your_o own_o well_n let_v it_o be_v your_o own_o and_o not_o another_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o more_o like_o the_o language_n of_o those_o shepherd_n who_o as_o the_o prophet_n say_v seek_v for_o their_o gain_n from_o their_o quarter_n than_o the_o language_n of_o such_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v anoint_v to_o cherish_v and_o feed_v his_o sheep_n to_o conclude_v this_o preface_n it_o be_v with_o i_o to_o say_v unto_o every_o one_o through_o the_o nation_n call_v by_o the_o name_n quaker_n on_o this_o wise_a let_v the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o day_n that_o be_v pass_v come_v before_o you_o wherein_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o live_a god_n labourer_n in_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o latter_a day_n of_o the_o ministration_n of_o light_n sound_v by_o his_o trumpet_n a_o alarm_n to_o the_o nation_n and_o what_o say_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o eternal_a power_n through_o they_o it_o speak_v to_o this_o effect_n unto_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n awake_v awake_v from_o the_o sleep_n of_o death_n that_o the_o lord_n may_v give_v unto_o you_o life_n he_o that_o be_v and_o be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v be_v arisen_a in_o a_o remnant_n and_o christ_n the_o son_n
person_n dictator_n thereof_o we_o write_v unto_o thou_o desire_v thou_o to_o acquaint_v we_o if_o thou_o can_v who_o it_o be_v that_o write_v such_o a_o letter_n or_o a_o letter_n to_o the_o like_a import_n and_o whether_o thou_o do_v know_v of_o any_o thing_n act_v by_o we_o or_o either_o of_o we_o according_a as_o in_o the_o say_a copy_n be_v mention_v tell_v thou_o also_o that_o truth_n seek_v no_o corner_n but_o notwithstanding_o the_o aforementiove_v four_o letter_n on_o the_o aforesaid_a occasion_n yet_o nothing_o be_v come_v to_o this_o day_n to_o either_o of_o our_o hand_n as_o answer_v from_o thou_o so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v which_o consider_v how_o forward_o thou_o have_v be_v in_o other_o case_n to_o answer_v in_o thy_o vindication_n it_o be_v to_o i_o a_o demonstration_n that_o thy_o gild_n be_v such_o as_o that_o no_o answer_n in_o truth_n can_v render_v thou_o a_o innocent_a man._n this_o be_v not_o all_o the_o abuse_n which_o thou_o have_v offer_v to_o i_o as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n itself_o but_o thou_o have_v far_o and_o that_o at_o a_o large_a rate_n too_o persist_v by_o thy_o lie_n slander_n etc._n etc._n to_o gainsay_v the_o truth_n as_o i_o have_v sufficient_o manifest_v in_o my_o rejoinder_n which_o thou_o have_v not_o yet_o answer_v so_o far_o as_o ever_o i_o understand_v to_o thy_o reply_n and_o john_n blacking_n postscript_n which_o be_v write_v in_o answer_n to_o what_o i_o write_v unto_o thou_o date_v the_o 20_o of_o the_o seven_o month_n ground_v on_o thy_o send_v query_n to_o be_v read_v in_o our_o man_n meeting_n in_o bristol_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o thy_o agent_n have_v be_v very_o busy_a to_o publish_v thy_o foresay_a reply_n into_o divers_a part_n of_o the_o nation_n to_o the_o corrupt_a the_o mind_n of_o many_o who_o give_v credit_n thereto_o all_o which_o be_v in_o much_o seriousness_n of_o spirit_n weigh_v by_o i_o increase_v the_o concern_v of_o conscience_n on_o i_o to_o wipe_v away_o thy_o refuge_n of_o lie_n by_o detect_v thou_o in_o print_n if_o by_o any_o reasonable_a mean_n the_o door_n may_v be_v open_a so_o to_o do_v for_o thy_o manifold_a abuse_n of_o i_o unless_o some_o other_o expedient_a agreeable_a to_o the_o truth_n may_v be_v find_v to_o satisfy_v my_o conscience_n touch_v which_o i_o hope_v i_o shall_v forever_o have_v a_o ear_n open_a to_o any_o one_o that_o may_v speak_v unto_o i_o in_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o thus_o i_o be_o concern_v the_o more_o for_o that_o i_o have_v be_v by_o several_a friend_n from_o divers_a country_n and_o place_n call_v upon_o to_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o myself_o against_o thy_o reproach_n however_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o i_o may_v yet_o forbear_v to_o print_v against_o thou_o if_o per_fw-la the_o next_o post_n after_o thy_o receipt_n hereof_o thou_o give_v i_o that_o satisfaction_n as_o be_v propose_v in_o i_o above_o cite_v of_o the_o 11_o of_o the_o 11_o mounth_n 1678._o and_o acknowledge_v the_o error_n lie_n slander_n and_o forgery_n etc._n etc._n whereof_o i_o have_v detect_v thou_o in_o my_o aforesaid_a rejoynder_n send_v unto_o thou_o several_a month_n past_a with_o direction_n that_o it_o may_v be_v read_v among_o friend_n as_o public_o as_o thy_o false_a scandal_n have_v extend_v or_o otherwise_o if_o thou_o shall_v pretend_v that_o thou_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o be_v guilty_a of_o lie_z etc._n etc._n if_o thou_o furnish_v i_o before_o the_o general_n meet_v with_o such_o a_o number_n of_o fair_a copy_n in_o manuscript_n of_o my_o rejoynder_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o inform_v all_o such_o of_o the_o truth_n as_o have_v be_v misinform_v by_o thy_o fallacious_a reply_n and_o give_v thy_o direction_n that_o it_o may_v be_v read_v in_o the_o general_n and_o other_o man_n meeting_n it_o may_v be_v for_o aught_o i_o yet_o know_v a_o consideration_n to_o i_o to_o forbear_v for_o my_o desire_n be_v not_o to_o discover_v thy_o error_n and_o evil_a practice_n further_o than_o among_o those_o who_o profess_v the_o truth_n if_o by_o any_o mean_v possible_a i_o can_v and_o yet_o so_o clear_a my_o conscience_n as_o that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o proper_a looking-glass_n to_o behold_v thou_o in_o as_o thou_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v see_v if_o thou_o condescende_v to_o what_o be_v last_o propose_v it_o may_v also_o be_v ground_n of_o hope_n that_o thou_o will_v condescend_v to_o give_v satisfaction_n for_o other_o thy_o miscarriage_n and_o of_o this_o i_o desire_v to_o hear_v from_o thou_o by_o a_o letter_n to_o be_v direct_v to_o james_n claypoole_n under_o thy_o cover_n desire_v he_o to_o send_v it_o unto_o i_o if_o thou_o answer_v not_o my_o request_n i_o then_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o inform_v thou_o that_o myself_o and_o other_o may_v then_o have_v no_o ground_n of_o hope_n that_o thou_o will_v give_v we_o satisfaction_n for_o other_o thy_o offence_n commit_v against_o thy_o brethren_n to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n which_o the_o friend_n thereof_o profess_v and_o so_o my_o concern_v will_v then_o be_v not_o only_o to_o detect_v thou_o for_o such_o thy_o error_n and_o evil_a practice_n which_o thou_o have_v occasional_o commit_v with_o respect_n to_o i_o but_o forasmuch_o as_o i_o be_o full_o satisfy_v in_o my_o conscience_n on_o such_o ground_n as_o i_o think_v not_o myself_o oblige_v to_o reiterate_v that_o thou_o have_v be_v one_o chief_a instrument_n or_o at_o least_o a_o abetter_n of_o such_o as_o have_v whereby_o note_v this_o letter_n be_v intend_v to_o be_v spread_v abroad_o among_o friend_n and_o the_o reason_n wherefore_o i_o insert_v these_o general_a reflection_n without_o particular_a evidence_n be_v chief_o to_o become_v a_o remembrance_n unto_o friend_n that_o they_o may_v consider_v whether_o they_o have_v not_o be_v witness_n that_o my_o sense_n be_v true_a for_o i_o know_v there_o be_v many_o among_o we_o who_o if_o occasion_n require_v be_v ready_a to_o give_v the_o like_a testimony_n i_o certain_o know_v the_o particular_a evidence_n hereof_o producible_a be_v so_o many_o as_o may_v fill_v a_o large_a volume_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n also_o improper_a on_o this_o occasion_n a_o bite_a and_o devour_a spirit_n be_v enter_v some_o among_o the_o flock_n and_o that_o heap_n of_o unsound_a and_o airy_a teacher_n that_o appear_v among_o we_o as_o if_o they_o be_v send_v to_o call_v for_o fire_n from_o heaven_n receive_v life_n from_o thou_o and_o thereby_o be_v embolden_v to_o entertain_v the_o congregation_n with_o empty_a and_o idle_a vain_a discourse_n to_o the_o obstruct_n of_o such_o as_o i_o firm_o believe_v have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o deliver_v in_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o power_n and_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o my_o concern_v have_v be_v to_o treat_v on_o several_a particular_n which_o have_v be_v as_o so_o many_o several_a step_n by_o which_o division_n have_v ascend_v to_o the_o height_n they_o now_o be_v at_o to_o send_v the_o copy_n thereof_o be_v unreasonable_a because_o thou_o may_v when_o i_o have_v so_o do_v take_v no_o more_o notice_n thereof_o than_o thou_o have_v of_o the_o four_o forementioned_a letter_n however_o lest_o thou_o shall_v now_o imagine_v that_o i_o will_v act_v against_o thou_o in_o a_o secret_a underly_a way_n and_o to_o prevent_v thou_o from_o run_v into_o further_a error_n by_o such_o evil_a suggestion_n from_o thy_o imagination_n as_o heretofore_o with_o relation_n to_o i_o thou_o have_v do_v i_o think_v meet_v to_o signify_v unto_o thou_o the_o matter_n whereon_o i_o have_v treat_v in_o that_o manuscript_n prepare_v by_o i_o for_o the_o press_n unless_o my_o conscience_n can_v be_v otherwise_o satisfy_v in_o relation_n to_o thou_o wherein_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o to_o every_o impartial_a reader_n there_o will_v appear_v matter_n whereby_o thou_o will_v be_v manifest_v guilty_a of_o many_o evil_a practice_n and_o error_n for_o which_o thou_o ought_v to_o give_v satisfaction_n both_o to_o particular_a person_n who_o thou_o have_v wrong_v as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o general_n in_o the_o say_a manuscript_n i_o treat_v on_o the_o seven_o query_n send_v unto_o john_n wilkinson_n the_o sixteen_o query_n send_v unto_o john_n story_n make_v observation_n on_o proceed_n thereon_o and_o which_o have_v relation_n thereto_o i_o also_o take_v notice_n of_o two_o of_o thy_o letter_n to_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n and_o of_o several_a of_o i_o to_o thou_o and_o of_o john_n story_n be_v letter_n to_o the_o two_o meeting_n in_o the_o north_n the_o dissatisfaction_n relate_v to_o thou_o at_o bristol_n thy_o query_n read_v at_o bristol_n and_o other_o thing_n relate_v thereto_o i_o now_o come_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o john_n blaickle_v in_o his_o postscript_n to_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
darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n 18._o act_n 26.16_o 17_o 18._o this_o eye_n that_o be_v to_o be_v open_v be_v not_o the_o carnal_a eye_n that_o so_o thereby_o they_o may_v be_v turn_v from_o outward_a darkness_n to_o outward_a light_n for_o though_o paul_n behold_v the_o light_n that_o shine_v from_o heaven_n which_o we_o take_v to_o be_v a_o light_n visible_a to_o his_o carnal_a eye_n yet_o he_o after_o continue_v three_o day_n blind_a through_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o light_n and_o then_o afterward_o the_o lord_n appoint_v he_o to_o be_v his_o witness_n and_o send_v he_o to_o the_o gentile_n to_o open_v their_o eye_n that_o they_o may_v turn_v from_o darkness_n unto_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n this_o eye_n that_o he_o be_v send_v to_o open_v be_v the_o inward_a eye_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o darkness_n speak_v of_o be_v that_o wherewith_o their_o heart_n and_o not_o their_o outward_a eye_n be_v overshadow_a so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o behold_v the_o light_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n shine_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o give_v unto_o they_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n chap._n iii_o touch_v infallibility_n and_o perfection_n the_o doctrine_n of_o infallibility_n hold_v by_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n have_v be_v account_v ridiculous_a because_o either_o occasion_n have_v be_v give_v through_o weakness_n among_o they_o or_o else_o take_v by_o their_o opponent_n whether_o give_v or_o no_o to_o assert_v that_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n be_v infallible_a be_v it_o as_o it_o be_v such_o a_o bare_a assertion_n without_o distinction_n or_o explication_n must_v be_v either_o the_o fruit_n of_o weakness_n if_o proceed_v from_o any_o real_o of_o that_o people_n call_v quaker_n or_o else_o slander_v and_o envy_n if_o proceed_v from_o their_o opposer_n without_o occasion_n give_v they_o so_o to_o say_v that_o therefore_o the_o inquire_a reader_n may_v be_v true_o inform_v what_o doctrine_n in_o relation_n to_o infallibility_n be_v hold_v forth_o own_a and_o receive_v by_o such_o among_o they_o unto_o who_o god_n have_v reveal_v of_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o kingdom_n it_o be_v not_o remote_a from_o the_o present_a purpose_n on_o this_o occasion_n to_o give_v this_o ensue_a testimony_n there_o be_v a_o outward_a man_n and_o a_o inward_a man_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n testimony_n 4.16_o 2_o cor._n 4.16_o and_o therefore_o the_o word_n infallible_a or_o infallibility_n may_v have_v relation_n to_o external_n and_o internal_a thing_n touch_v external_n thing_n the_o outward_a man_n with_o his_o outward_a sense_n be_v excreise_v but_o as_o to_o thing_n internal_a the_o inward_a man_n with_o his_o inward_a sense_n act_n 1.3_o it_o be_v thus_o say_v to_o who_o also_o he_o present_v himself_o alive_a after_o that_o he_o have_v suffer_v by_o many_o infallible_a token_n be_v see_v of_o they_o by_o the_o space_n of_o forty_o day_n and_o speak_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o appertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n obj._n this_o show_v there_o be_v a_o infallibility_n but_o than_o it_o may_v be_v say_v this_o seem_v to_o respect_v the_o outward_a sense_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o see_v christ_n their_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o in_o hear_v the_o thing_n he_o speak_v which_o appertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o this_o infallibility_n be_v ready_o confess_v unto_o but_o how_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o infallibility_n accompany_v the_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o inward_a man_n see_v many_o have_v pretend_v to_o give_v true_a infallible_a judgement_n from_o their_o inward_a sense_n which_o have_v prove_v notorious_o wrong_v and_o detectable_a by_o our_o outward_a sense_n answer_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v if_o any_o shall_v so_o object_v it_o be_v very_o true_a but_o yet_o it_o may_v in_o truth_n be_v assert_v that_o there_o be_v a_o infallibility_n viz._n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n accompany_v the_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o inward_a man_n whereof_o the_o faithful_a have_v a_o assurance_n from_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o if_o any_o pretend_v to_o any_o other_o infallibility_n accompany_v they_o we_o understand_v it_o not_o obj._n how_o then_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o man_n endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v deceive_v and_o fallible_a ans_fw-fr we_o ought_v to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o man_n and_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o he_o come_v to_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mind_n unto_o god_n that_o by_o which_o man_n come_v to_o be_v renew_v and_o circumcise_v in_o heart_n which_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v infallible_a but_o that_o which_o be_v so_o renew_v may_v be_v deceive_v if_o not_o exercise_v in_o and_o by_o that_o spirit_n in_o which_o preservation_n be_v for_o there_o be_v no_o estate_n on_o this_o side_n the_o grave_a wherein_o it_o be_v not_o needful_a to_o watch_v and_o therefore_o do_v christ_n our_o lord_n thus_o say_v what_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o i_o say_v unto_o all_o watch_n it_o have_v be_v a_o common_a assertion_n that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v infallible_a and_o can_v err_v and_o therefore_o have_v many_o assembly_n of_o man_n assume_v the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n declare_v their_o sentence_n judgement_n and_o decree_n infallible_a to_o this_o may_v be_v say_v that_o since_o the_o apostasieentred_a it_o be_v not_o unknown_a what_o visible_a and_o outward_o glorious_a church_n have_v publish_v this_o doctrine_n with_o application_n to_o herself_o by_o which_o door_n a_o body_n of_o darkness_n usurpation_n and_o persecution_n have_v enter_v and_o on_o this_o score_n thousand_o have_v be_v deceive_v and_o lead_v from_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n in_o themselves_o to_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o fallible_a man_n but_o yet_o as_o it_o have_v be_v so_o it_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o many_o that_o the_o lord_n never_o will_v raise_v any_o people_n who_o by_o his_o spirit_n he_o will_v lead_v to_o publish_v such_o a_o doctrine_n with_o respect_n to_o outward_a and_o visible_a society_n of_o man_n on_o earth_n that_o may_v be_v outward_o describable_a as_o needful_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o the_o build_n up_o one_o another_o in_o the_o most_o holy_a faith_n this_o faith_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n be_v ground_v on_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o for_o that_o the_o contrary_n will_v have_v a_o plain_a tendency_n to_o draw_v the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o man_n from_o the_o anoint_v in_o themselves_o to_o the_o lo_n here_o be_v and_o the_o lo_n there_o be_v again_o for_o what_o religious_a assembly_n in_o unity_n and_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n will_v scruple_n to_o say_v we_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o albeit_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o that_o church_n which_o be_v build_v on_o the_o rock_n christ_n can_v whilst_o abide_v on_o the_o rock_n be_v prevail_v against_o yet_o no_o argument_n from_o hence_o may_v rational_o be_v bring_v to_o prove_v any_o one_o member_n of_o this_o church_n whilst_o on_o this_o side_n the_o grave_n not_o liable_a through_o temptation_n to_o err_v and_o depart_v from_o the_o rock_n whilst_o there_o be_v a_o enemy_n ready_a to_o enter_v all_o if_o they_o watch_v not_o and_o now_o as_o to_o perfection_n we_o have_v this_o to_o say_v though_o we_o do_v believe_v that_o all_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o work_v of_o righteousness_n bring_v forth_o through_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n be_v perfect_a and_o that_o in_o that_o sense_n it_o may_v be_v say_v we_o be_v partaker_n of_o a_o measure_n of_o that_o which_o be_v perfect_a even_o as_o the_o apostle_n testify_v 1.17_o jam._n 1.17_o every_o perfect_a gift_n be_v from_o above_o if_o any_o man_n offend_v not_o in_o word_n 3.2_o jam._n 3.2_o the_o same_o be_v a_o perfect_a man_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o perfect_a estate_n attainable_a on_o this_o side_n the_o grave_a wherein_o it_o be_v not_o needful_a for_o man_n to_o watch_v and_o wait_v in_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n that_o so_o he_o may_v not_o only_o be_v preserve_v in_o that_o perfect_a state_n whereunto_o in_o measure_n he_o have_v already_o attain_v but_o also_o come_v to_o know_v a_o growth_n and_o increase_n in_o the_o increase_v of_o god_n for_o though_o paul_n have_v attain_v unto_o such_o a_o state_n as_o appear_v by_o these_o his_o word_n let_v we_o therefore_o 3.15_o phil._n 3.15_o as_o many_o as_o be_v perfect_a be_v thus_o mind_v 3.14_o phil._n 3.14_o yet_o we_o find_v that_o that_o very_a exhortation_n have_v relation_n unto_o a_o press_n towards_o the_o
mark_n for_o the_o price_n of_o the_o high_a call_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n which_o denote_v that_o there_o be_v a_o state_n attainable_a beyond_o that_o state_n of_o perfection_n whereunto_o he_o have_v then_o attain_v moreover_o that_o the_o scripture_n in_o other_o part_n thereof_o denote_v a_o state_n of_o perfection_n be_v plain_a from_o these_o follow_a testimony_n among_o many_o other_o record_v therein_o 6.40_o luk._n 6.40_o but_o every_o one_o that_o be_v perfect_a shall_v be_v as_o his_o master_n 5.48_o mat._n 5.48_o be_v you_o therefore_o perfect_a as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a obj._n this_o perfect_a state_n which_o you_o speak_v of_o we_o ready_o confess_v unto_o so_o far_o as_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v signify_v unto_o we_o therein_o because_o it_o be_v the_o very_a language_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o yet_o we_o be_v dissatisfy_v that_o the_o mean_v of_o the_o spirit_n by_o this_o perfect_a estate_n be_v such_o a_o state_n as_o therein_o to_o cease_v from_o sin_n answer_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o such_o a_o construction_n can_v hold_v in_o truth_n unless_o truth_n shall_v lead_v to_o impeach_v our_o heavenly_a father_n as_o guilty_a of_o sin_n which_o can_v be_v for_o the_o very_a word_n be_v be_v you_o perfect_a as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a beside_o it_o be_v a_o undoubted_a truth_n that_o a_o cessation_n from_o action_n manifest_v to_o be_v sinful_a be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o profess_v christianity_n and_o we_o can_v but_o have_v so_o much_o charity_n for_o all_o so_o profess_v as_o that_o none_o such_o will_v deny_v this_o but_o if_o any_o shall_v they_o will_v therein_o deny_v the_o end_n for_o which_o christ_n be_v manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n which_o be_v to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n which_o be_v sin_n 3.8_o 1_o joh._n 3.8_o according_a to_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n he_o that_o commit_v sin_n be_v of_o the_o devil_n for_o the_o devil_n sin_v from_o the_o beginning_n for_o this_o purpose_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v that_o he_o may_v destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n obj._n this_o also_o we_o can_v deny_v be_v the_o express_a testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o yet_o since_o scripture_n ought_v to_o be_v compare_v with_o scripture_n when_o there_o be_v a_o seem_a contradiction_n as_o on_o this_o occasion_n we_o suppose_v there_o be_v we_o therefore_o say_v that_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v according_a to_o what_o the_o express_a word_n seem_v to_o hold_v forth_o in_o this_o case_n 1._o because_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v from_o the_o scripture_n but_o that_o the_o saint_n be_v subject_a to_o fail_v and_o that_o many_o of_o they_o do_v fail_v 2._o 1.7_o 1_o john_n 1.7_o though_o the_o apostle_n testify_v that_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n cleanse_v from_o all_o sin_n yet_o this_o have_v be_v interpret_v to_o be_v only_o from_o the_o gild_n and_o not_o from_o the_o act_n of_o all_o sin_n so_o as_o to_o cease_v therefrom_o whilst_o on_o this_o side_n the_o grave_n which_o doubtless_o be_v the_o reason_n wherefore_o we_o find_v these_o testimony_n record_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 9_o ephes_n 2.8_o 9_o by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v through_o faith_n and_o that_o not_o of_o yourselves_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n not_o of_o work_n lest_o any_o man_n shall_v boast_v thereby_o imply_v as_o if_o salvation_n through_o faith_n may_v be_v obtain_v though_o good_a work_n be_v want_v and_o so_o consequent_o sin_n commit_v instead_o thereof_o since_o it_o be_v irrational_a to_o conclude_v that_o whilst_o man_n be_v in_o the_o body_n he_o can_v cease_v from_o work_v both_o good_a and_o evil._n in_o many_o thing_n we_o offend_v all_o 3.2_o jam._n 3.2_o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v no_o sin_n we_o deceive_v ourselves_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o we_o 1.8_o 1_o joh._n 1.8_o ans_fw-fr as_o to_o the_o first_o reason_n contain_v in_o the_o objection_n that_o the_o saint_n be_v subject_a to_o fail_v and_o that_o many_o of_o they_o do_v fail_v we_o say_v that_o this_o do_v not_o contradict_v any_o thing_n assert_v by_o we_o for_o we_o have_v declare_v that_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o perfect_a state_n attainable_a on_o this_o side_n the_o grave_a wherein_o it_o be_v not_o needful_a for_o man_n to_o watch_v etc._n etc._n that_o he_o may_v be_v preserve_v etc._n etc._n but_o if_o through_o unwatchfulness_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a neglect_n of_o what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o true_a christian_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n what_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o i_o say_v unto_o all_o watch_n any_o one_o come_v either_o to_o fall_v away_o from_o that_o good_a state_n whereunto_o he_o have_v attain_v or_o else_o not_o to_o attain_v unto_o that_o state_n which_o be_v attainable_a this_o can_v be_v a_o sound_a argument_n to_o prove_v the_o matter_n against_o we_o intend_v by_o the_o objection_n viz._n that_o man_n can_v cease_v from_o sin_n no_o more_o than_o the_o not_o go_v of_o some_o traveller_n to_o a_o certain_a land_n when_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o go_v or_o the_o return_v of_o other_o from_o the_o same_o land_n after_o according_a to_o their_o duty_n through_o travel_v arrive_v there_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o it_o be_v impossble_a to_o go_v thither_o and_o there_o remain_v to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o day_n to_o the_o second_o reason_n contain_v in_o the_o aforesaid_a objection_n we_o say_v it_o be_v needful_a to_o distinguish_v what_o sort_n of_o work_n be_v exclude_v as_o unnecessary_a to_o accompany_v that_o faith_n through_o which_o salvation_n be_v and_o what_o sort_n of_o work_n be_v necessary_a for_o though_o the_o language_n of_o paul_n exclude_v work_n yet_o james_n tell_v we_o 26._o jam._n 2.20_o 26._o that_o faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a and_o no_o doubt_n but_o the_o testimony_n of_o these_o two_o apostle_n have_v be_v understand_v to_o be_v repugnant_a and_o contradictory_n each_o to_o other_o and_o on_o this_o foot_n different_a mean_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n have_v be_v hold_v forth_o whenas_o if_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o they_o both_o be_v but_o right_o understand_v there_o will_v then_o be_v no_o seem_a occasion_n to_o declare_v their_o testimony_n contradictory_n each_o to_o other_o for_o the_o clear_n therefore_o of_o this_o matter_n we_o shall_v distinguish_v touch_v work_n treat_v on_o by_o paul_n and_o james_n there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o work_n treat_v on_o by_o paul_n the_o one_o be_v work_n of_o the_o law_n that_o by_o the_o one_o offer_v of_o christ_n as_o a_o eternal_a sacrifice_n unto_o god_n whereby_o the_o law_n of_o commandment_n be_v abolish_v be_v exclude_v as_o unnecessary_a to_o accompany_v that_o faith_n which_o be_v unto_o salvation_n for_o otherwise_o though_o the_o salvation_n of_o god_n through_o christ_n be_v extend_v as_o well_o to_o the_o believe_v gentile_a as_o the_o believe_a jew_n yet_o the_o jew_n may_v have_v whereof_o to_o glory_v contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n testimony_n gal._n 6.14_o 15._o god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v glory_v save_v in_o the_o cross_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o who_o the_o world_n be_v crucify_v unto_o i_o and_o i_o unto_o the_o world_n for_o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n nor_o uncircumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n and_o therefore_o do_v the_o apostle_n paul_n testify_v that_o by_o the_o work_v of_o the_o law_n no_o flesh_n shall_v be_v justify_v and_o so_o no_o doubt_n but_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n be_v that_o sort_n of_o work_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n through_o that_o wise_a apostle_n paul_n signify_v when_o he_o say_v and_o that_o in_o relation_n to_o such_o as_o be_v once_o dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n but_o then_o quicken_v and_o become_v new_a creature_n by_o grace_n be_v you_o save_v through_o faith_n 9_o ephes_n 2.8_o 9_o and_o that_o not_o of_o yourselves_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n not_o of_o work_n lest_o any_o man_n shall_v boast_v the_o other_o sort_n of_o work_n be_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o may_v proper_o be_v term_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n which_o indeed_o be_v the_o very_a end_n wherefore_o paul_n testify_v that_o he_o have_v receive_v his_o apostleship_n and_o that_o the_o mystery_n keep_v secret_a since_o the_o world_n begin_v be_v reveal_v read_v rom._n chap._n 1.5_o and_o chap._n 16.25_o 26._o and_o no_o doubt_n but_o that_o those_o very_a work_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o work_v intend_v by_o the_o spirit_n through_o paul_n so_o
in_o he_o establish_v in_o the_o faith_n col._n 2.6_o 7._o and_o then_o the_o very_a next_o verse_n say_v beware_v lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v you_o through_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n according_a to_o the_o rudimnet_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o after_o christ_n if_o the_o follow_a outward_a decree_n precept_n sentence_n decisive_n judgement_n or_o tradition_n of_o any_o sort_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v in_o paul_n '_o eye_n a_o real_a and_o certain_a indication_n of_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o root_v in_o christ_n or_o that_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v establish_v outward_a indispensible_a order_n relate_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o believer_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judicious_a reader_n to_o savour_n whether_o paul_n will_v have_v so_o immediate_o and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o one_o breath_n caution_v they_o to_o beware_v of_o be_v spoil_v through_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n etc._n etc._n without_o a_o further_a caution_n to_o take_v heed_n lest_o they_o shall_v account_v the_o command_n sentence_n decree_n or_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n such_o these_o thing_n consider_v and_o compare_v with_o the_o measure_n of_o light_n in_o ourselves_o i_o be_o satisfy_v it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o truth_n for_o any_o man_n or_o assembly_n of_o man_n to_o attempt_v a_o outward_a indispensible_a establishment_n of_o outward_a order_n rule_n and_o decree_n relate_v to_o matter_n of_o conscience_n under_o the_o new_a covenant_n as_o the_o order_n rule_n and_o decree_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n moreover_o if_o christ_n do_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o assistance_n to_o establish_v his_o government_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o man_n who_o day_n be_v but_o as_o a_o span_n long_o shall_v be_v capable_a to_o establish_v that_o government_n of_o who_o increase_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o end_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o he_o do_v not_o stand_v in_o need_n thereof_o for_o the_o son_n that_o be_v give_v shall_v order_n his_o government_n and_o establish_v it_o with_o judgement_n and_o with_o justice_n even_o from_o henceforth_o and_o forever_o read_v isa_n 9.6_o 7._o beside_o if_o we_o do_v but_o consider_v where_o and_o after_o what_o manner_n the_o second_o appearance_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v and_o yet_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v and_o wait_v for_o those_o who_o know_v the_o truth_n as_o preach_v receive_v and_o believe_v among_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n in_o the_o beginning_n do_v know_v that_o his_o second_o appearance_n have_v be_v and_o yet_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v and_o wait_v for_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o man_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o appearance_n have_v be_v and_o be_v by_o his_o spirit_n in_o we_o this_o have_v often_o be_v testify_v and_o that_o in_o opposition_n to_o those_o who_o have_v be_v look_v for_o his_o second_o come_v in_o some_o outward_a bodily_a appearance_n to_o reign_v as_o lord_n and_o king_n i_o now_o appeal_v to_o god_n witness_v in_o all_o conscience_n whether_o the_o outward_a establishment_n of_o outward_a government_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o christ_n government_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o square_v more_o with_o the_o principle_n of_o such_o who_o look_v for_o his_o second_o come_v in_o some_o outward_a bodily_a appearance_n than_o with_o the_o principle_n of_o those_o who_o conclude_v his_o second_o come_v to_o be_v by_o his_o spiritual_a appearance_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o right_a reason_n and_o truth_n to_o conclude_v that_o christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n will_v establish_v his_o government_n otherwise_o than_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o in_o the_o heart_n where_o his_o appearance_n have_v be_v and_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v and_o wait_v for_o and_o since_o it_o be_v undoubted_o so_o that_o of_o the_o increase_n of_o christ_n government_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o end_n i_o can_v understand_v to_o what_o end_v any_o man_n shall_v concern_v himself_o to_o consider_v how_o far_o it_o may_v extend_v yet_o r.b._n have_v so_o do_v witness_v his_o 37_o page_n where_o he_o thus_o say_v it_o be_v next_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o what_o case_n and_o how_o far_o it_o may_v extend_v to_o which_o i_o can_v but_o thus_o reply_v those_o who_o be_v not_o puff_v up_o with_o spiritual_a pride_n or_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n may_v easy_o discern_v from_o such_o kind_n of_o language_n a_o spirit_n that_o will_v limit_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n by_o put_v bound_n unto_o that_o government_n of_o who_o increase_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o end_n and_o though_o i_o speak_v of_o man_n inability_n to_o establish_v christ_n government_n yet_o i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v as_o one_o accuse_v the_o aforesaid_a author_n or_o any_o else_o to_o assert_v man_n ability_n so_o to_o do_v for_o i_o know_v not_o any_o man_n that_o will_v pretend_v themselves_o in_o that_o case_n other_o than_o instrument_n in_o god_n hand_n but_o yet_o this_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o since_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n everwill_v make_v use_n of_o man_n under_o the_o new_a covenant_n to_o establish_v outward_a indespensible_a order_n rule_n or_o decree_n to_o be_v as_o a_o measuring-line_n whereby_o those_o who_o be_v under_o christ_n government_n shall_v be_v know_v therefore_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o conclude_v that_o the_o endeavour_n of_o such_o who_o may_v exercise_v themselves_o therein_o may_v proceed_v from_o no_o better_a power_n than_o that_o ability_n which_o be_v of_o man._n and_o notwithstanding_o he_o have_v consider_v how_o far_o it_o extend_v yet_o i_o find_v not_o that_o he_o have_v make_v any_o mention_n of_o the_o business_n or_o at_o least_o a_o part_n of_o the_o business_n of_o one_o considerable_a meeting_n which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o government_n or_o order_n which_o he_o pretend_v to_o describe_v and_o that_o be_v a_o meet_v hold_v every_o second_o day_n of_o the_o week_n wherein_o writing_n treat_v of_o divine_a matter_n and_o which_o be_v intend_v by_o the_o author_n for_o public_a view_n be_v first_o view_v in_o order_n to_o a_o approbation_n or_o the_o contrary_a more_o contrary_a witness_v the_o paper_n at_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o this_o three_o part_n sign_v by_o charles_n marshal_n and_o thirty_o six_o more_o at_o which_o meeting_n his_o treatise_n be_v past_a which_o give_v occasion_n to_o treat_v a_o little_a of_o that_o meeting_n since_o those_o of_o that_o meeting_n be_v as_o well_o concern_v in_o the_o say_a treatise_n as_o he_o that_o write_v it_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n as_o far_o as_o i_o remember_v be_v whole_o silent_a as_o to_o any_o such_o service_n act_v in_o any_o meeting_n among_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o therefore_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v that_o there_o can_v be_v any_o real_a ground_n or_o tolerable_a pretence_n that_o this_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o ancient_a apostolic_a order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n we_o find_v the_o apostle_n act_v 3._o direct_v to_o choose_v seven_o man_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o take_v care_n that_o the_o widow_n shall_v not_o be_v neglect_v in_o the_o daily_a ministration_n if_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n direct_v to_o choose_v a_o certain_a select_a well_o qualify_v number_n of_o man_n for_o such_o a_o service_n as_o doubtless_o it_o do_v it_o be_v against_o right_a reason_n to_o suppose_v that_o the_o apostle_n will_v in_o their_o day_n have_v leave_v the_o consideration_n of_o such_o weighty_a matter_n as_o treatise_n of_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n to_o the_o approbation_n of_o a_o uncertain_a unselected_a assembly_n for_o such_o i_o call_v that_o meeting_n wherein_o many_o of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n intend_v for_o public_a view_n be_v approve_v or_o disapprove_v for_o that_o no_o certain_a select_a number_n of_o person_n be_v choose_v for_o that_o service_n but_o any_o person_n who_o have_v public_a testimony_n for_o the_o truth_n though_o but_o by_o way_n of_o exhortation_n and_o be_v own_v as_o friend_n of_o truth_n and_o come_v where_o that_o meeting_n be_v appoint_v be_v the_o person_n by_o who_o such_o write_n whither_o give_v forth_o by_o a_o paul_n a_o father_n or_o a_o timothy_n a_o son_n as_o be_v for_o public_a service_n be_v approve_v or_o disapprove_v i_o now_o appeal_v to_o the_o impartial_a understand_a reader_n whether_o according_a to_o this_o form_n of_o government_n one_o that_o be_v in_o the_o place_n of_o paul_n a_o father_n who_o according_a to_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n have_v right_a to_o rule_v over_o and_o command_v may_v not_o have_v the_o testimony_n which_o he_o have_v through_o the_o motion_n
of_o god_n spirit_n to_o publish_v unto_o the_o world_n for_o god_n be_v overrule_v by_o timothy_n a_o son_n when_o according_a to_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n he_o ought_v to_o be_v rule_v by_o paul_n the_o father_n nay_o perhaps_o by_o one_o that_o be_v of_o much_o lesser_a rank_n in_o the_o body_n if_o so_o be_v he_o have_v a_o word_n of_o exhortation_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o god_n truth_n &_o be_v usual_o exercise_v therein_o in_o public_a but_o suppose_v no_o such_o obstruction_n have_v or_o may_v appear_v yet_o i_o query_n whether_o it_o look_v like_o a_o part_n of_o christ_n government_n for_o timothy_n the_o son_n to_o be_v admit_v as_o a_o judge_n over_o the_o write_n of_o paul_n who_o as_o a_o father_n beget_v he_o unto_o the_o truth_n paul_n 1_o cor._n 12._o treat_v of_o the_o diversity_n of_o gift_n by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n mention_v several_a of_o they_o viz._n the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n the_o word_n of_o knowledge_n faith_n gift_n of_o healing_n work_v 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