which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o persecution_n inflict_v on_o friend_n by_o the_o world_n and_o at_o length_n also_o set_v up_o separate_a meeting_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o meeting_n of_o god_n people_n although_o i_o say_v these_o fruit_n be_v sufficient_a of_o themselves_o to_o discover_v and_o manifest_v to_o a_o unclouded_a mind_n what_o spirit_n that_o be_v and_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o have_v bring_v they_o forth_o yet_o inasmuch_o as_o some_o partly_o through_o weakness_n of_o judgement_n and_o partly_o through_o personal_a affection_n to_o some_o of_o those_o lead_a separatist_n be_v yet_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v betray_v by_o their_o fair_a word_n and_o feign_a speech_n wherewith_o they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v i_o feel_v a_o concern_v remain_v upon_o my_o spirit_n in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o warn_v all_o such_o that_o they_o join_v not_o with_o nor_o give_v countenance_n unto_o that_o spirit_n that_o have_v thus_o wrought_v against_o the_o lord_n and_o against_o his_o people_n for_o friend_n in_o the_o holy_a fear_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o in_o the_o open_n of_o the_o spring_n of_o his_o pure_a life_n in_o my_o soul_n at_o this_o time_n and_o from_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n and_o clear_a demonstration_n which_o i_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o therein_o i_o testify_v and_o declare_v unto_o you_o that_o this_o spirit_n which_o in_o this_o day_n have_v run_v out_o and_o have_v draw_v out_o some_o into_o opposition_n against_o the_o way_n and_o work_v of_o the_o lord_n into_o division_n and_o separation_n from_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o from_o the_o holy_a assembly_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v gather_v and_o by_o his_o powerful_a presence_n have_v own_v and_o daily_o do_v own_o this_o spirit_n i_o say_v be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o which_o have_v former_o wrought_v in_o other_o appearance_n against_o the_o truth_n in_o our_o time_n and_o be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o spirit_n that_o wrought_v against_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n this_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n then_o wrought_v and_o cause_v many_o to_o turn_v aside_o and_o to_o leave_v the_o right_a way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o forsake_v the_o assembly_n of_o god_n people_n heb._n 10.25_o yea_o and_o to_o run_v into_o separation_n too_o judas_n 19_o upon_o who_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v set_v this_o brand_n that_o they_o be_v sensual_a have_v not_o the_o spirit_n and_o many_o close_a and_o sharp_a testimony_n do_v the_o lord_n give_v forth_o through_o his_o servant_n in_o that_o day_n against_o this_o spirit_n and_o against_o those_o that_o be_v join_v to_o it_o and_o act_v by_o it_o as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n yea_o friend_n this_o spirit_n that_o have_v lead_v some_o now_o to_o set_v up_o their_o separate_a meeting_n be_v the_o same_o that_o lead_v jeroboam_fw-la the_o son_n of_o nebat_fw-la to_o set_v up_o his_o separate_a altar_n at_o beâ—hel_n of_o which_o you_o may_v read_v 1_o king_n 12_o &_o 13_o chapter_n he_o be_v afraid_a that_o if_o the_o people_n shall_v continue_v to_o go_v up_o to_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v sacrifice_n there_o as_o they_o have_v be_v accustom_v to_o do_v and_o as_o the_o lord_n have_v require_v they_o will_v then_o forsake_v he_o and_o return_v to_o the_o lord_n again_o and_o this_o spirit_n now_o be_v afraid_a that_o if_o they_o who_o he_o have_v seduce_v and_o draw_v aside_o shall_v still_o frequent_v the_o assembly_n of_o god_n people_n and_o continue_v to_o meet_v with_o friend_n as_o before_o that_o heavenly_a power_n which_o be_v eminent_o manifest_a in_o the_o meeting_n of_o god_n people_n may_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o reach_n unto_o they_o touch_v their_o heart_n open_v the_o right_a eye_n in_o they_o and_o give_v they_o to_o see_v the_o mischief_n and_o misery_n he_o be_v lead_v they_o into_o and_o therefore_o to_o prevent_v this_o and_o to_o keep_v his_o captive_n close_v unto_o he_o he_o have_v contrive_v to_o set_v up_o separate_a meeeting_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o meeting_n of_o god_n appointment_n as_o jeroboam_fw-la set_v up_o his_o separate_a altar_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o altar_n which_o god_n have_v command_v to_o be_v set_v up_o and_o to_o keep_v the_o people_n from_o go_v thereto_o and_o so_o subt_o do_v this_o spirit_n work_v then_o as_o well_o as_o now_o that_o jeroboam_fw-la contrive_v to_o have_v his_o false_a worship_n bear_v some_o resemblance_n to_o the_o true_a that_o he_o may_v he_o more_o easy_o beguile_v the_o people_n for_o he_o ordain_v a_o feast_n like_v unto_o the_o feast_n that_o be_v in_o judah_n 1_o king_n 12.32_o but_o it_o be_v in_o the_o month_n which_o he_o have_v devise_v of_o his_o own_o heart_n vers_fw-la 33._o mark_v that_o there_o be_v a_o blot_n upon_o it_o how_o fair_a or_o specious_a soever_o the_o worship_n he_o set_v up_o appear_v or_o seem_v to_o be_v yet_o it_o be_v but_o the_o device_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n it_o be_v neither_o appoint_v by_o god_n nor_o accept_v of_o god_n for_o you_o may_v read_v in_o the_o 13_o chapter_n that_o the_o lord_n send_v a_o prophet_n a_o man_n of_o god_n out_o of_o judah_n to_o bethel_n and_o he_o cry_v against_o the_o altar_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o prophesy_v the_o destruction_n thereof_o by_o josiah_n which_o be_v afterward_o outward_o fulfil_v as_o you_o may_v read_v 2_o king_n 23_o 15_o etc._n etc._n now_o josiah_n signify_v the_o fire_n or_o burn_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a dread_n of_o the_o live_a eternal_a god_n i_o declare_v the_o fire_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v kindle_v and_o kindle_v against_o this_o accurse_a separate_n spirit_n and_o against_o its_o work_n and_o against_o all_o that_o join_v with_o it_o therein_o therefore_o all_o fear_n before_o the_o mighty_a god_n and_o stand_v still_o and_o consider_v your_o way_n and_o let_v none_o resist_v or_o reject_v the_o warning_n of_o the_o lord_n lest_o such_o be_v harden_v to_o destruction_n for_o jeroboam_fw-la you_o may_v read_v stand_v by_o his_o separate_a altar_n vers_fw-la 1._o and_o when_o he_o hear_v the_o say_n of_o the_o man_n of_o god_n which_o he_o cry_v against_o the_o altar_n in_o bethel_n he_o put_v forth_o his_o hand_n say_v lay_v hold_v on_o he_o but_o his_o hand_n which_o he_o put_v forth_o against_o he_o dry_v up_o so_o that_o he_o can_v not_o pull_v it_o in_o again_o to_o he_o ver_fw-la 4._o o_o friend_n consider_v how_o have_v dryness_n and_o wither_v come_v upon_o many_o a_o great_a and_o stout_a one_o in_o this_o day_n who_o have_v lift_v up_o themselves_o against_o the_o lord_n and_o have_v seek_v by_o the_o device_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n to_o establish_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o way_n against_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o the_o hand_n they_o have_v put_v forth_o in_o that_o work_n they_o can_v not_o pull_v in_o again_o now_o mind_n i_o pray_v you_o friend_n and_o observe_v the_o way_n of_o the_o work_n of_o this_o spirit_n in_o that_o day_n here_o be_v the_o enmity_n the_o rough_a nature_n of_o cain_n and_o esau_n the_o spirit_n of_o persecution_n get_v up_o first_o in_o jeroboam_fw-la to_o dismay_v the_o man_n of_o god_n lay_v hold_v of_o he_o say_v he_o but_o when_o he_o see_v that_o will_v not_o do_v then_o the_o subtle_a serpent_n the_o crafty_a fox_n the_o fair_a speech_n the_o smooth_a word_n the_o seem_v friendship_n and_o show_n of_o kindness_n to_o betray_v he_o come_v home_o with_o i_o say_v he_o to_o the_o man_n of_o god_n and_o refresh_v thyself_o and_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o a_o reward_n ver_fw-la 7._o o_o friend_n stand_v in_o the_o fear_n and_o counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o dominion_n of_o his_o power_n over_o this_o wicked_a spirit_n in_o all_o its_o twist_n and_o twine_n let_v neither_o the_o frown_n nor_o the_o fawn_n the_o threat_n nor_o the_o flattery_n the_o hard_a speech_n nor_o the_o oily_a word_n the_o pharisaical_a friendship_n the_o dissemble_a love_n the_o seem_a kindness_n the_o familiar_a carriage_n the_o free_a entertainment_n the_o fine_a bit_n the_o offer_n of_o advantage_n etc._n etc._n have_v any_o influence_n upon_o you_o to_o draw_v you_o in_o the_o least_o measure_n to_o join_v or_o touch_v with_o god_n enemy_n with_o he_o that_o set_v up_o a_o separate_a altar_n a_o separate_a meeting_n in_o opposition_n to_o and_o to_o draw_v or_o keep_v from_o the_o right_a way_n of_o the_o lord_n mind_n well_o the_o answer_n which_o the_o man_n of_o god_n give_v to_o ierobam_n tempt_a invitation_n if_o say_v he_o thou_o will_v give_v i_o half_a thy_o house_n i_o will_v not_o go_v in_o with_o thou_o neither_o will_v i_o eat_v
bread_n nor_o drink_n water_n in_o this_o place_n ver_fw-la 8._o this_o be_v where_o the_o separate_a altar_n be_v set_v up_o and_o he_o give_v a_o forcible_a reason_n for_o it_o for_o so_o be_v it_o charge_v i_o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n ver_fw-la 9_o here_o now_o you_o see_v both_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o good_a resolution_n of_o the_o man_n of_o god_n i_o will_v not_o go_v in_o with_o thou_o who_o have_v revolt_v from_o god_n neither_o will_v i_o eat_v or_o drink_v in_o this_o place_n where_o a_o ensign_n of_o separation_n and_o opposition_n to_o the_o way_n of_o god_n be_v set_v up_o consider_v this_o well_o i_o warn_v you_o all_o in_o who_o there_o be_v yet_o any_o true_a breathe_n after_o the_o live_a god_n who_o retain_v any_o tenderness_n and_o in_o who_o there_o be_v any_o simplicity_n leave_v consider_v this_o well_o i_o say_v when_o thy_o pretend_a friend_n or_o friend_n in_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o seem_v love_n and_o kindness_n shall_v invite_v thou_o to_o partake_v with_o they_o at_o their_o separate_a altar_n to_o sit_v down_o with_o they_o in_o their_o separate_a meeting_n thou_o can_v not_o be_v a_o man_n of_o god_n and_o go_v in_o with_o they_o or_o eat_v or_o drink_v in_o that_o place_n thou_o can_v not_o sit_v down_o there_o to_o wait_v for_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n or_o the_o water_n of_o life_n to_o be_v give_v thou_o there_o no_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o thou_o give_v heed_n unto_o it_o will_v charge_v thou_o otherwise_o therefore_o to_o that_o pure_a live_a word_n let_v every_o mind_n be_v turn_v and_o thereto_o keep_v in_o a_o diligent_a wait_a to_o receive_v wisdom_n strength_n and_o power_n from_o the_o lord_n therein_o that_o none_o may_v be_v betray_v by_o the_o subtlety_n of_o the_o enemy_n with_o whatsoever_o fair_a pretence_n he_o may_v come_v for_o remember_v how_o the_o man_n of_o god_n that_o be_v entice_v by_o another_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v outward_o at_o bethel_n the_o place_n where_o the_o separate_a altar_n be_v set_v up_o lose_v his_o outward_a life_n therefore_o vers_fw-la 18._o and_o 24._o and_o if_o thou_o shall_v presume_v to_o go_v in_o to_o eat_v or_o to_o drink_v spiritual_o that_o be_v to_o join_v in_o worship_n with_o the_o son_n of_o nebat_fw-la at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o separate_a meeting_n that_o any_o of_o they_o have_v set_v up_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o assembly_n of_o god_n people_n and_o to_o the_o bless_a way_n and_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n how_o know_v thou_o but_o thou_o may_v for_o ever_o lose_v thy_o spiritual_a life_n and_o never_o know_v a_o day_n of_o quicken_a more_o therefore_o all_o friend_n watch_v against_o every_o temptation_n thereunto_o as_o you_o love_v your_o life_n as_o you_o regard_v the_o good_a and_o eternal_a welfare_n of_o your_o soul_n and_o let_v not_o the_o name_n nor_o person_n of_o any_o man_n have_v power_n over_o you_o to_o draw_v you_o aside_o neither_o let_v number_n sway_v with_o you_o in_o which_o i_o know_v these_o adersary_n of_o truth_n do_v not_o a_o little_a boast_n though_o bless_a be_v god_n with_o little_a reason_n but_o remember_v that_o jeroboam_fw-la of_o old_a have_v ten_o tribe_n out_o of_o twelve_o to_o cry_v up_o his_o separate_a altar_n notwithstanding_o which_o he_o be_v brand_v to_o posterity_n in_o the_o holy_a record_n with_o this_o brand_n jeroboam_n the_o son_n of_o nebat_fw-la who_o make_v israel_n to_o sin_n 2_o kin._n 14.24_o therefore_o let_v not_o any_o follow_v a_o multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a exod._n 23.2_o but_o all_o follow_v that_o which_o be_v good_a both_o among_o yourselves_o and_o to_o all_o man_n 1_o thes._n 5.15_o for_o friend_n you_o know_v whither_o the_o broad_a way_n lead_v and_o what_o it_o be_v the_o wide_a gate_n open_v into_o which_o the_o many_o go_v in_o at_o but_o keep_v you_o to_o the_o strait_a gate_n and_o walk_v you_o on_o in_o the_o narrow_a way_n sor_n in_o it_o be_v safety_n and_o at_o the_o end_n of_o it_o everlasting_a happiness_n but_o friend_n because_o of_o the_o straitness_n of_o this_o gate_n and_o the_o narrowness_n of_o this_o way_n some_o that_o have_v attemp_v to_o walk_v in_o it_o be_v grow_v weary_a of_o it_o and_o have_v seek_v out_o another_o way_n a_o way_n which_o jeroboam_fw-la like_o they_o have_v devise_v of_o their_o own_o heart_n wherein_o they_o may_v have_v more_o room_n more_o scope_n more_o company_n ease_n in_o the_o flesh_n liberty_n to_o the_o flesh_n and_o all_o without_o control_n and_o this_o i_o be_o satisfy_v have_v not_o be_v the_o least_o motive_n to_o the_o separation_n in_o this_o day_n as_o it_o be_v the_o great_a in_o day_n past_a though_o some_o that_o have_v be_v draw_v into_o it_o may_v not_o perhaps_o see_v the_o ground_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v undertake_v but_o the_o lord_n have_v open_v a_o eye_n in_o many_o which_o see_v the_o rise_n and_o ground_n entrance_n and_o end_n of_o this_o libertine_n spirit_n and_o its_o work_n and_o this_o eye_n will_v the_o lord_n daily_o open_v more_o and_o more_o in_o all_o that_o diligent_o and_o in_o sincerity_n wait_v upon_o he_o therefore_o all_o friend_n every_o where_o who_o have_v not_o yet_o a_o clear_a sight_n and_o a_o thorough_a understanding_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o work_n design_n and_o drift_n of_o this_o divide_v spirit_n wait_v i_o beseech_v you_o in_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n and_o lowliness_n of_o mind_n upon_o the_o lord_n and_o keep_v to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o grace_n you_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o and_o suffer_v not_o your_o mind_n to_o be_v sway_v or_o byassâ—d_v by_o any_o personal_a kindness_n natural_a affection_n relation_n kindred_n or_o acquaintance_n but_o stand_v single_a and_o open_a to_o the_o lord_n not_o join_v to_o or_o any_o way_n countenance_v that_o which_o the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o arising_n of_o the_o heavenly_a life_n and_o break_n forth_o of_o the_o divine_a power_n through_o any_o go_v forth_o against_o so_o will_v your_o present_a stand_n be_v safe_a and_o you_o be_v preserve_v out_o of_o the_o snare_n of_o this_o insinuate_a and_o treacherous_a spirit_n and_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o appoint_a time_n as_o you_o abide_v with_o he_o will_v open_v your_o understanding_n further_o and_o give_v you_o a_o clear_a sight_n of_o that_o which_o at_o present_a you_o do_v not_o full_o see_v and_o thereby_o bring_v you_o to_o that_o certainty_n and_o assurance_n which_o bless_v be_v his_o name_n he_o have_v bring_v many_o unto_o and_o you_o my_o dear_a friend_n who_o spirit_n the_o lord_n have_v stir_v up_o and_o who_o heart_n he_o have_v engage_v in_o a_o holy_a zeal_n to_o stand_v up_o for_o his_o bless_a name_n and_o truth_n and_o to_o bear_v a_o faithful_a testimony_n against_o this_o wicked_a render_v spirit_n go_v on_o in_o the_o strength_n and_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o might_n of_o the_o god_n of_o jacob_n for_o you_o be_v assure_o on_o the_o lord_n side_n and_o the_o lord_n jehovah_n the_o strength_n of_o israel_n be_v on_o your_o side_n therefore_o friend_n be_v encourage_v in_o the_o lord_n to_o stand_v steadfast_a in_o your_o testimony_n not_o give_v way_n to_o the_o enemy_n no_o not_o for_o a_o moment_n and_o take_v heed_n i_o beseech_v you_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n how_o you_o enter_v into_o any_o treaty_n of_o peace_n or_o term_n of_o agreement_n with_o this_o ungodly_a treacherous_a spirit_n which_o be_v out_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o draw_v out_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o fight_v against_o the_o truth_n for_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n unto_o it_o say_v my_o god_n and_o they_o who_o have_v join_v themselves_o unto_o it_o and_o have_v wicked_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o be_v act_v by_o it_o and_o to_o act_v for_o it_o must_v pass_v through_o the_o river_n of_o judgement_n if_o ever_o they_o be_v redeem_a from_o under_o its_o power_n friend_n condemnation_n must_v first_o be_v feel_v and_o own_a before_o reconciliation_n can_v be_v know_v and_o the_o fire_n of_o the_o lord_n must_v pass_v upon_o the_o transgressor_n to_o consume_v the_o work_n of_o darkness_n the_o ungodly_a deed_n the_o envious_a revile_v speech_n the_o wicked_a malicious_a slanderous_a book_n and_o pamphlet_n etc._n etc._n and_o to_o burn_v up_o the_o ground_n from_o whence_o they_o spring_v for_o a_o flame_v sword_n have_v the_o lord_n god_n set_v in_o his_o eden_n which_o turn_v every_o way_n and_o none_o that_o be_v go_v out_o can_v ever_o come_v in_o again_o but_o they_o must_v pass_v under_o the_o flame_a edge_n thereof_o therefore_o my_o dear_a friend_n stand_v your_o ground_n in_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o heavenly_a life_n and_o tamper_v not_o with_o god_n enemy_n remember_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o return_v unto_o thou_o but_o return_v not_o thou_o unto_o they_o jer._n 15.19_o and_o than_o what_o follow_v i_o will_v make_v thou_o unto_o this_o people_n a_o fence_a brazen_a wall_n and_o they_o shall_v fight_v against_o thou_o but_o they_o shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o thou_o for_o i_o be_o with_o thou_o to_o save_v thou_o and_o to_o deliver_v thou_o say_v the_o lord_n ver_fw-la 20._o so_o the_o god_n of_o life_n fill_v your_o heart_n daily_o more_o and_o more_o with_o a_o phineas_n zeal_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o name_n and_o furnish_v you_o abundant_o with_o wisdom_n and_o counsel_n with_o boldness_n and_o courage_n with_o strength_n and_o power_n to_o encounter_v and_o overcome_v the_o enemy_n and_o make_v every_o one_o more_o watchful_a against_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n to_o withstand_v it_o in_o all_o its_o allurement_n to_o vanity_n of_o whatsoever_o kind_n that_o whatsoever_o will_v defile_v the_o camp_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v purge_v out_o and_o keep_v out_o that_o the_o lord_n may_v more_o and_o more_o delight_n in_o his_o people_n and_o shower_v down_o his_o blessing_n upon_o they_o which_o be_v the_o fervent_a desire_n of_o your_o faithful_a friend_n in_o the_o love_n and_o service_n of_o the_o unchangeable_a truth_n thomas_n ellwood_n the_o 24_o of_o the_o 2_o d._n month._n 1686._o
a_o epistle_n to_o friedn_n by_o thomas_n ellwood_n dear_o friend_n unto_o who_o the_o gather_a arm_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v reach_v and_o who_o have_v know_v in_o your_o several_a measure_n a_o be_v gather_v thereby_o into_o the_o heavenly_a life_n and_o be_v witness_n of_o the_o preserve_a power_n by_o which_o you_o have_v be_v keep_v faithful_a to_o the_o lord_n and_o regardful_a of_o his_o honour_n unto_o you_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n be_v the_o salutation_n of_o my_o true_a and_o tender_a love_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o for_o you_o as_o for_o myself_o be_v the_o breathe_n and_o fervent_a desire_n of_o my_o soul_n offer_v up_o in_o the_o one_o spirit_n unto_o he_o who_o be_v your_o god_n and_o i_o that_o both_o you_o and_o i_o may_v forever_o be_v keep_v in_o the_o fresh_a sense_n of_o his_o tender_a mercy_n and_o great_a love_a kindness_n unto_o we_o that_o therein_o our_o soul_n may_v cleave_v firm_o unto_o he_o and_o never_o depart_v from_o he_o for_o friend_n it_o be_v a_o try_v day_n a_o day_n of_o great_a difficulty_n and_o danger_n wherein_o the_o enemy_n be_v at_o work_n and_o very_o busy_a set_v his_o snare_n on_o every_o side_n and_o spread_a temptation_n on_o every_o hand_n and_o some_o alas_o have_v enter_v there_o into_o and_o be_v catch_v and_o hold_v therein_o for_o who_o my_o soul_n in_o secret_n mourn_v and_o true_o friend_n a_o great_a weight_n have_v be_v upon_o my_o spirit_n for_o many_o day_n and_o my_o mind_n have_v be_v deep_o exercise_v in_o the_o sense_n i_o have_v of_o the_o enemy_n prevail_v by_o one_o bait_n or_o other_o to_o unsettle_v the_o mind_n of_o some_o who_o the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v reach_v unto_o and_o in_o some_o measure_n gather_v to_o a_o rest_a place_n but_o not_o abide_v in_o that_o pure_a light_n by_o which_o they_o be_v at_o first_o visit_v and_o to_o which_o they_o be_v at_o first_o turn_v the_o understanding_n have_v be_v veil_v again_o the_o eye_n which_o be_v once_o in_o some_o measure_n open_v 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well_o and_o have_v seem_v in_o good_a earnest_n to_o have_v set_v their_o hand_n be_v to_o god_n blow_n have_v look_v back_o and_o be_v weary_a of_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v either_o lust_v after_o the_o fleshpot_n of_o egypt_n again_o or_o turn_v aside_o into_o some_o by_o path_n or_o crooked_a way_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o thereby_o have_v fall_v short_a of_o the_o promise_v good_a land_n but_o you_o my_o dear_a friend_n in_o who_o the_o word_n of_o life_n abide_v and_o who_o abide_v in_o the_o virtue_n and_o favour_n thereof_o you_o know_v the_o wiles_n of_o the_o enemy_n and_o the_o power_n which_o subdue_v he_o and_o the_o rock_n in_o which_o the_o preservation_n and_o safety_n be_v so_o that_o i_o write_v not_o these_o thing_n unto_o you_o because_o you_o know_v they_o not_o but_o the_o end_n of_o my_o thus_o write_v be_v to_o stir_v up_o the_o pure_a mind_n in_o all_o upon_o who_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v call_v that_o we_o all_o may_v be_v provoke_v to_o watchfulness_n against_o the_o work_n of_o the_o wicked_a one_o therefore_o dear_a friend_n beaâ—_n i_o beseech_v you_o the_o word_n of_o exhortation_n though_o from_o one_o that_o be_v little_a and_o low_a and_o through_o mercy_n sensible_a of_o it_o and_o who_o have_v not_o be_v accustom_v to_o appear_v after_o this_o manner_n for_o the_o wind_n you_o know_v blow_v where_o it_o list_v friend_n call_v to_o mind_v the_o former_a time_n and_o remember_v the_o day_n that_o be_v past_a and_o go_v when_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n first_o dawn_v unto_o you_o and_o his_o power_n seize_v upon_o you_o you_o know_v how_o weighty_a and_o retire_v the_o spirit_n of_o friend_n than_o be_v how_o grave_a and_o solid_a their_o deportment_n and_o carriage_n how_o few_o and_o savoury_a their_o word_n tend_v to_o edify_v the_o hearer_n now_o great_a a_o fear_n and_o backwardness_n be_v in_o they_o to_o enter_v into_o familiarity_n with_o the_o world_n people_n o_o friend_n that_o be_v a_o good_a day_n and_o that_o be_v a_o safe_a state_n for_o fear_n beget_v watchfulness_n &_o watchfulness_n be_v a_o mean_n to_o prevent_v danger_n therefore_o all_o friend_n keep_v in_o the_o holy_a fear_n &_o therein_o watch_v against_o the_o enemy_n that_o he_o entangle_v you_o not_o and_o hurt_v your_o spirit_n by_o a_o too_o near_a familiarity_n and_o intimate_v converse_v with_o the_o people_n of_o the_o world_n for_o therein_o i_o assure_v you_o lie_v a_o snare_n for_o though_o it_o be_v both_o lawful_a and_o necessary_a and_o in_o some_o case_n also_o useful_a and_o serviceable_a to_o the_o truth_n to_o converse_v with_o they_o that_o be_v without_o yet_o if_o any_o friend_n shall_v adventure_v in_o a_o frank_a and_o free_a mind_n beyond_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o pure_a fear_n to_o entertain_v familiarity_n with_o the_o world_n people_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n in_o they_o will_v seek_v a_o entrance_n and_o if_o not_o diligent_o watch_v against_o will_v also_o get_v a_o entrance_n and_o bring_v a_o hurt_n and_o a_o loss_n upon_o he_o or_o they_o into_o who_o it_o so_o get_v for_o be_v once_o enter_v it_o will_v insensible_o work_v and_o dispose_v the_o mind_n into_o which_o it_o be_v get_v to_o a_o condescension_n to_o and_o compliance_n with_o the_o people_n of_o the_o world_n it_o converâ—es_v with_o first_o in_o one_o thing_n then_o in_o another_o in_o word_n in_o behaviour_n etc._n etc._n little_a thing_n in_o appearance_n but_o great_a in_o consequence_n till_o at_o length_n a_o indifferency_n get_v up_o in_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n by_o degree_n be_v let_v fall_n but_o while_o the_o pure_a fear_n be_v keep_v to_o and_o dwell_v in_o the_o watch_n be_v always_o set_v the_o spirit_n be_v retire_v and_o weighty_a and_o a_o holy_a awfulness_n rest_v upon_o the_o mind_n which_o render_v such_o converse_n both_o safe_a to_o the_o friend_n and_o more_o serviceable_a to_o they_o they_o converse_v withal_o and_o friend_n not_o only_o in_o your_o converse_v with_o the_o world_n people_n but_o in_o all_o your_o conversation_n and_o course_n of_o life_n watch_v against_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n for_o it_o lie_v near_o to_o tempt_v and_o to_o draw_v out_o the_o mind_n and_o to_o lead_v back_o into_o the_o world_n again_o you_o know_v friend_n that_o at_o the_o first_o when_o the_o visit_a arm_n of_o the_o love_n reach_v to_o we_o he_o lead_v we_o out_o of_o the_o world_n way_n manner_n custom_n and_o fashion_n and_o a_o close_a testimony_n both_o in_o word_n and_o practice_n be_v bear_v against_o they_o but_o how_o have_v this_o testimony_n be_v keep_v up_o and_o keep_v to_o by_o all_o that_o have_v since_o make_v profession_n of_o the_o truth_n ah_o how_o have_v the_o enemy_n for_o want_v of_o watchfulness_n steal_v in_o upon_o too_o too_o many_o and_o lead_v out_o their_o mind_n from_o that_o which_o do_v at_o first_o convince_v they_o into_o a_o liberty_n beyond_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o in_o that_o liberty_n they_o have_v run_v into_o the_o world_n fashion_n which_o the_o worldly_a spirit_n continual_o invent_v to_o feed_v the_o vain_a and_o airy_a mind_n withal_o that_o they_o may_v not_o come_v to_o gravity_n and_o solidity_n thence_o it_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v scarce_o a_o new_a fashion_n come_v up_o or_o a_o fantastic_a cut_v invent_v but_o some_o or_o other_o that_o profess_v truth_n be_v ready_a with_o the_o foremost_a to_o run_v into_o it_o ah_o friend_n the_o world_n see_v this_o and_o smile_n and_o point_v the_o finger_n at_o it_o and_o this_o be_v both_o a_o hurt_n to_o the_o particular_a and_o a_o reproach_n to_o the_o general_a therefore_o
o_o let_v the_o lot_n be_v cast_v let_v search_n be_v make_v by_o every_o one_o and_o let_v every_o one_o examine_v himself_o that_o this_o achan_n with_o his_o babylonish_n garment_n may_v be_v find_v out_o and_o cast_v out_o for_o indeed_o he_o be_v a_o troubler_n of_o israel_n and_o all_o friend_n who_o upon_o true_a search_n shall_v find_v yourselves_o concern_v in_o this_o particular_a i_o warn_v and_o exhort_v you_o all_o return_v to_o that_o which_o at_o first_o convince_v you_o to_o that_o keep_v close_a in_o that_o abide_v that_o therein_o you_o may_v know_v as_o at_o the_o first_o not_o only_o a_o bridle_n to_o the_o tongue_n but_o a_o curb_n to_o the_o rove_a mind_n a_o restraint_n to_o the_o wander_a desire_n for_o assure_o friend_n if_o truth_n be_v keep_v to_o none_o will_v need_v to_o learn_v of_o the_o world_n what_o to_o wear_v what_o to_o put_v on_o or_o how_o to_o shape_v and_o fashion_v their_o garment_n but_o truth_n will_v teach_v all_o how_o best_o to_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o clothe_v both_o for_o useful_a service_n and_o modest_a decency_n and_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n will_v be_v a_o yoke_n to_o the_o unruly_a will_n and_o a_o restraint_n upon_o the_o wanton_a mind_n and_o will_v crucify_v that_o nature_n that_o delight_v in_o finery_n and_o in_o bravery_n of_o apparel_n in_o which_o the_o true_a adorn_v do_v not_o stand_v but_o in_o the_o hide_a man_n of_o the_o heart_n in_o that_o which_o be_v not_o corruptible_a even_o a_o meek_a and_o quiet_a spirit_n 1_o pet._n 3_o 4._o and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o have_v appear_v to_o all_o and_o which_o have_v bring_v salvation_n to_o many_o will_v not_o only_o teach_v to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n titus_n 2.11_o 12._o but_o will_v also_o lead_v they_o that_o obey_v it_o out_o of_o all_o excess_n and_o out_o of_o all_o superfluity_n and_o worldly_a vanity_n and_o will_v teach_v they_o to_o order_v their_o conversation_n aright_o therefore_o to_o this_o heavenly_a grace_n be_v every_o mind_n turn_v and_o therein_o stay_v that_o thereby_o all_o who_o profess_v the_o truth_n may_v be_v keep_v within_o the_o holy_a limit_n of_o it_o that_o in_o the_o whole_a conversation_n and_o course_n of_o life_n in_o eat_v in_o drink_v in_o put_v on_o apparel_n and_o in_o whatsoever_o else_o we_o do_v or_o take_v in_o hand_n all_o may_v be_v do_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 10.31_o that_o our_o moderation_n in_o all_o thing_n may_v appear_v unto_o all_o man_n and_o let_v not_o any_o deceive_v and_o hurt_v themselves_o with_o a_o false_a plea_n say_v i_o will_v be_v leave_v to_o my_o liberty_n i_o have_v freedom_n to_o do_v go_v or_o wear_v so_o and_o so_o and_o religion_n stand_v not_o in_o clothes_n etc._n etc._n for_o that_o liberty_n which_o the_o worldly_a spirit_n lead_v into_o be_v not_o indeed_o true_a liberty_n but_o be_v a_o false_a and_o feign_a liberty_n which_o lead_v into_o true_a and_o real_a bondage_n and_o though_o religion_n stand_v not_o simple_o in_o clothes_n yet_o true_a religion_n stand_v in_o that_o which_o set_v a_o bind_v and_o limit_v to_o the_o mind_n with_o respect_n to_o clothes_n as_o well_o as_o to_o other_o thing_n so_o that_o where_o there_o be_v a_o run_v out_o into_o excess_n and_o vanity_n in_o apparel_n that_o be_v a_o certain_a indication_n and_o token_n that_o the_o mind_n be_v get_v loose_a and_o have_v cast_v off_o the_o yoke_n and_o be_v break_v away_o from_o its_o due_a subjection_n to_o that_o divine_a power_n in_o which_o the_o true_a religion_n stand_v great_a have_v be_v the_o hurt_n which_o the_o enemy_n have_v do_v in_o this_o day_n by_o lead_v into_o a_o false_a freedom_n and_o cry_v up_o a_o wrong_a liberty_n for_o under_o this_o pretence_n have_v creep_v in_o great_a disorder_n some_o run_v out_o one_o way_n and_o some_o another_o some_o mix_n in_o marriage_n with_o the_o world_n people_n and_o some_o go_n to_o the_o priest_n to_o be_v marry_v and_o many_o loose_a and_o unclean_a spirit_n have_v shroud_v themselves_o under_o this_o plausible_a pretence_n of_o be_v leave_v to_o their_o liberty_n unto_o who_o truth_n be_v order_n be_v irksome_a and_o uneasy_a and_o they_o kick_v against_o it_o and_o call_v it_o imposition_n because_o it_o check_v their_o licentious_a liberty_n therefore_o all_o who_o join_v with_o their_o plea_n examine_v and_o try_v what_o liberty_n it_o be_v you_o claim_v and_o stand_v for_o for_o the_o true_a liberty_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n nor_o repugnant_a to_o his_o yoke_n but_o agree_v with_o it_o and_o be_v obtain_v through_o it_o and_o maintain_v by_o it_o and_o none_o who_o the_o son_n have_v make_v free_a indeed_o will_n or_o can_v plead_v or_o make_v use_n of_o that_o liberty_n in_o opposition_n to_o any_o mean_n which_o the_o god_n of_o order_n have_v appoint_v or_o set_v up_o in_o his_o church_n for_o the_o keep_n out_o confusion_n disorder_n and_o looseness_n and_o hereby_o all_o may_v take_v a_o right_a measure_n and_o may_v certain_o know_v what_o kind_n of_o liberty_n that_o be_v which_o some_o have_v so_o hot_o contend_v for_o in_o opposition_n to_o that_o necessary_a and_o commendable_a order_n which_o god_n have_v lead_v his_o people_n into_o and_o which_o the_o enemy_n in_o his_o agent_n labour_n so_o hard_a to_o lead_v or_o drive_v they_o out_o of_o for_o the_o enemy_n well_o know_v that_o the_o tendency_n and_o service_n thereof_o be_v to_o detect_v and_o discover_v his_o secret_a work_n and_o to_o bring_v his_o deed_n to_o light_n and_o judgement_n and_o therefore_o he_o strive_v with_o might_n and_o main_a to_o overturn_v it_o cry_v out_o through_o his_o instrument_n away_o with_o your_o order_n let_v every_o one_o be_v leave_v to_o his_o liberty_n by_o which_o seem_o fair_a and_o specious_a plea_n not_o only_o the_o loose_a disorderly_a factious_a spirit_n have_v be_v let_v up_o and_o encourage_v to_o great_a boldness_n and_o licentiousness_n but_o some_o simple_a and_o well_o mean_v friend_n also_o not_o see_v the_o design_n of_o satan_n herein_o have_v be_v mislead_v thereby_o and_o make_v use_v of_o by_o the_o enemy_n and_o the_o more_o subtle_a of_o his_o instrument_n to_o oppose_v the_o good_a order_n of_o truth_n thus_o have_v the_o enemy_n wrought_v and_o seek_v to_o lay_v waste_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o the_o lord_n magnify_v be_v his_o holy_a name_n have_v not_o be_v want_v to_o his_o people_n that_o in_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n have_v diligent_o wait_v on_o he_o and_o trust_v in_o he_o for_o he_o have_v all_o along_o raise_v up_o some_o who_o eye_n he_o have_v open_v to_o see_v the_o design_n and_o work_n of_o the_o evil_a one_o and_o who_o spirit_n he_o have_v engage_v to_o stand_v up_o in_o a_o faithful_a testimony_n against_o he_o contend_v for_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n which_o when_o they_o in_o who_o the_o enemy_n wrought_v 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