design_v to_o be_v treat_v upon_o be_v the_o government_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v to_o be_v represent_v by_o visible_a person_n certain_o know_v by_o outward_a name_n distinguish_v by_o outward_a mark_n and_o token_n and_o invest_v with_o power_n from_o he_o to_o execute_v outward_a law_n in_o a_o outward_a form_n of_o government_n visible_a by_o our_o carnal_a eye_n as_o aforesaid_a that_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o inward_a government_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n jer._n 31.31_o 32_o 33._o i_o will_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n etc._n etc._n not_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n that_o i_o make_v with_o your_o father_n but_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o covenant_n that_o i_o will_v make_v etc._n etc._n after_o those_o day_n i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n and_o they_o shall_v teach_v no_o more_o every_o man_n his_o neighbour_n and_o every_o man_n his_o brother_n say_v know_v the_o lord_n for_o they_o shall_v all_o know_v i_o from_o the_o least_o of_o they_o to_o the_o great_a of_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n this_o we_o believe_v be_v speak_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o reign_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o man_n and_o clear_o show_v that_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n government_n under_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n and_o therefore_o a_o inward_a government_n objection_n but_o if_o any_o shall_v object_v that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n relate_v not_o to_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o gentile_a stock_n of_o which_o stock_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o we_o be_v we_o thereto_o say_v that_o the_o word_n of_o paul_n do_v effectual_o answer_v that_o objection_n rom._n 10.12_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o gentile_a for_o the_o same_o lord_n over_o all_o be_v rich_a unto_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o col._n 3.9_o 10_o 11._o lie_v not_o one_o to_o another_o see_v that_o you_o have_v put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n with_o his_o deed_n and_o have_v put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o be_v renew_v in_o knowledge_n after_o the_o image_n of_o he_o that_o create_v he_o where_o there_o be_v neither_o gentile_a nor_o jew_n circumcision_n nor_o uncircumcision_n barbarian_a scythian_a bond_n nor_o free_a but_o christ_n be_v all_o and_o in_o all_o many_o other_o scripture_n both_o out_o of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n write_n may_v be_v quote_v to_o evidence_n the_o matter_n intend_v we_o be_v yet_o sensible_a that_o this_o further_a objection_n may_v be_v raise_v viz._n objection_n that_o neither_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n nor_o of_o the_o apostle_n cite_v by_o we_o make_v mention_n of_o government_n over_o jew_n or_o gentile_n but_o do_v show_v as_o from_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o scripture_n appear_v that_o the_o apostle_n so_o write_v to_o convince_v the_o jew_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n and_o that_o of_o faith_n and_o to_o show_v unto_o believer_n whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n that_o though_o some_o may_v appear_v in_o a_o voluntary_a humility_n worship_n angel_n intrude_v into_o those_o thing_n they_o have_v not_o see_v and_o be_v vain_o puff_v up_o in_o their_o fleshly_a mind_n and_o not_o give_v all_o obedience_n unto_o the_o head_n christ_n through_o who_o alone_o there_o be_v a_o increase_n in_o the_o increase_v of_o god_n yet_o they_o be_v therein_o reprovable_a as_o not_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n and_o further_a also_o to_o show_v that_o those_o who_o be_v dead_a with_o christ_n from_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o nor_o yet_o to_o touch_v taste_n or_o handle_v such_o ordinance_n as_o be_v after_o the_o commandment_n and_o doctrine_n of_o men._n to_o this_o objection_n we_o answer_v that_o though_o the_o word_n government_n be_v not_o express_o mention_v yet_o there_o be_v word_n in_o what_o be_v cite_v out_o of_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n import_v the_o three_o material_a object_n of_o government_n viz._n a_o lawgiver_n the_o place_n where_o the_o law_n be_v to_o be_v find_v write_v and_o the_o people_n for_o who_o it_o be_v give_v beside_o from_o these_o word_n of_o paul_n viz._n the_o same_o lord_n over_o all_o a_o governor_n be_v imply_v viz._n christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n and_o so_o consequent_o a_o government_n over_o that_o all._n and_o from_o what_o hereafter_o follow_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o the_o end_n of_o this_o government_n be_v to_o lead_v into_o all_o truth_n moreover_o it_o lead_v we_o to_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v divers_a true_a mark_n whereby_o the_o opposer_n of_o christ_n government_n may_v be_v distinguish_v first_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v in_o a_o voluntary_a humility_n second_o such_o as_o worship_n angel_n which_o may_v reasonable_o be_v take_v to_o be_v a_o worship_v of_o some_o messenger_n who_o god_n have_v send_v because_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n angel_n be_v a_o messenger_n three_o such_o as_o intrude_v into_o those_o thing_n they_o have_v not_o see_v four_o such_o as_o be_v puff_v up_o in_o their_o fleshly_a mind_n five_o such_o as_o give_v not_o all_o obedience_n unto_o the_o head_n christ_n and_o last_o such_o as_o be_v subject_a to_o ordinance_n after_o the_o commandment_n and_o doctrine_n of_o men._n and_o to_o be_v very_o plain_a for_o the_o clear_n the_o truth_n we_o must_v give_v this_o our_o testimony_n that_o we_o be_v real_o persuade_v from_o what_o our_o eye_n &_o ear_n have_v be_v witness_n that_o many_o of_o those_o among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n who_o have_v zealous_o contend_v for_o the_o observation_n of_o outward_a rule_n and_o order_n give_v forth_o by_o one_o man_n bear_v all_o the_o aforesaid_a mark_n for_o whosoever_o they_o be_v that_o pretend_v zeal_n to_o promote_v submit_v unto_o and_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o other_o man_n line_n make_v ready_a to_o their_o hand_n and_o that_o on_o a_o pretend_a religious_a score_n when_o through_o the_o word_n of_o true_a faith_n they_o see_v it_o not_o their_o duty_n or_o if_o they_o shall_v pretend_v they_o do_v and_o thereupon_o strive_v to_o enforce_v other_o to_o submit_v thereto_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n or_o light_n of_o christ_n so_o to_o strive_v it_o natura_o follow_v that_o the_o aforesaid_a mark_n accompany_v such_o and_o this_o we_o confident_o aver_v that_o through_o the_o whole_a scripture_n of_o truth_n there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v rational_o expect_v and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o christ_n have_v or_o will_v commissionate_v any_o one_o man_n or_o man_n to_o prescribe_v outward_a rule_n and_o order_n relate_v to_o faith_n or_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n to_o be_v bind_v on_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n whether_o they_o shall_v see_v it_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n from_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n or_o no._n beside_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o government_n it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v such_o unto_o which_o outward_a write_a law_n visible_a by_o our_o carnal_a eye_n and_o to_o be_v execute_v by_o perish_a object_n according_a to_o a_o outward_a magistratical_a or_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n be_v whole_o unsuitable_a because_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n but_o be_v a_o everlasting_a kingdom_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v that_o of_o the_o increase_n of_o his_o government_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o end_n and_o though_o john_n in_o the_o revelation_n chap._n 11._o v._o 15._o give_v this_o testimony_n that_o there_o be_v great_a voice_n in_o heaven_n say_v the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n and_o he_o shall_v reign_v forever_o and_o ever_o isa_n 61.11_o yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o say_v to_o signify_v that_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o reign_n be_v or_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o then_o as_o before_o be_v describe_v moreover_o if_o any_o man_n or_o man_n have_v or_o may_v pretend_v he_o or_o themselves_o to_o be_v such_o on_o earth_n on_o who_o the_o weight_n of_o christ_n government_n which_o be_v spiritual_a be_v lay_v it_o be_v not_o like_a to_o have_v any_o evidence_n in_o our_o conscience_n first_o not_o only_o because_o we_o find_v no_o such_o prophecy_n or_o promise_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n but_o also_o for_o that_o we_o rather_o find_v the_o contrary_a for_o
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 we_o to_o show_v it_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v to_o lead_v into_o all_o truth_n those_o who_o will_v be_v lead_v we_o in_o another_o way_n will_v prove_v little_o better_o than_o thief_n and_o robber_n which_o climb_v up_o another_o way_n to_o enter_v in_o than_o by_o the_o door_n if_o the_o law_n be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o that_o no_o obedience_n find_v acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n but_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n from_o a_o inward_a impulse_n and_o draw_v of_o his_o spirit_n thereunto_o in_o ourselves_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o establish_v outward_a indispensible_a rule_n which_o may_v relate_v to_o the_o conscience_n to_o walk_v by_o for_o be_v it_o possible_a so_o to_o do_v and_o any_o shall_v yield_v obedience_n on_o no_o better_a ground_n then_o because'tis_o so_o establish_v by_o such_o a_o man_n or_o assembly_n of_o man_n this_o sort_n of_o obedience_n will_v find_v no_o more_o acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n than_o the_o offering_n of_o swine_n flesh_n or_o the_o halt_n and_o blind_a for_o a_o sacrifice_n under_o the_o first_o covenant_n do_v for_o though_o many_o may_v be_v so_o weak_a as_o not_o to_o know_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o two_o covenant_n in_o some_o respect_n yet_o there_o be_v few_o of_o the_o lord_n people_n call_v quaker_n but_o have_v this_o undoubted_a truth_n seal_v in_o their_o heart_n that_o none_o of_o their_o outward_a practice_n under_o the_o exercise_n of_o christ_n government_n find_n acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n but_o as_o they_o have_v a_o evidence_n in_o their_o conscience_n that_o therein_o they_o answer_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n in_o themselves_o paul_n write_v to_o the_o colossian_n thus_o say_v as_o you_o have_v receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n so_o walk_v in_o he_o root_v and_o build_v up_o
tolerable_a pretence_n to_o exercise_v a_o jurisdiction_n because_o it_o be_v in_o relation_n to_o one_o that_o have_v cut_v himself_o off_o from_o be_v a_o member_n by_o depart_v from_o the_o bond_n by_o which_o he_o be_v centre_v into_o the_o heavenly_a fellowship_n of_o christ_n body_n these_o two_o case_n due_o weigh_v and_o consider_v seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v comprehensive_a of_o all_o case_n of_o difference_n touch_v outward_a concern_v that_o may_v happen_v among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o first_o it_o plain_o appear_v there_o be_v no_o need_n for_o any_o to_o say_v we_o bold_o aver_v we_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o decide_v since_o in_o all_o such_o case_n there_o be_v no_o use_n of_o any_o such_o authority_n when_o the_o power_n of_o truth_n manifest_v in_o themselves_o have_v be_v a_o bond_n upon_o they_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v just_a and_o by_o the_o second_o it_o appear_v that_o if_o any_o shall_v assume_v such_o a_o jurisdiction_n yet_o all_o such_o case_n be_v without_o the_o cognisance_n thereof_o because_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o one_o that_o have_v cut_v himself_o off_o from_o be_v a_o member_n of_o which_o sort_n r._n b._n say_v page_z 33_o we_o be_v not_o so_o foolish_a as_o to_o concern_v ourselves_o with_o those_o who_o be_v not_o of_o we_o as_o fellow-member_n and_o therefore_o i_o affirm_v that_o as_o in_o other_o thing_n he_o have_v deviate_v from_o the_o line_n of_o truth_n so_o also_o in_o this_o if_o his_o mean_v be_v according_o to_o his_o word_n to_o i_o plain_o import_v viz._n that_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o decide_v and_o remove_v matter_n relate_v to_o outward_a thing_n among_o themselves_o though_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o party_n differ_v be_v not_o have_v as_o property_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o according_a to_o right_a reason_n can_v be_v dispose_v without_o the_o assent_n of_o such_o in_o who_o the_o property_n be_v vest_v according_a to_o that_o say_n of_o 5.4_o of_o act._n 5.4_o peter_n to_o ananias_n while_o it_o remain_v appertain_v it_o not_o unto_o thou_o and_o after_o it_o be_v sell_v be_v it_o not_o in_o thy_o own_o power_n so_o difference_n arise_v touch_v property_n and_o outward_a thing_n relate_v to_o meum_fw-la and_o tuum_fw-la be_v of_o right_n by_o such_o outward_a just_a law_n decideable_a as_o be_v according_a to_o such_o fundamental_a constitution_n which_o be_v original_o agree_v upon_o and_o assent_v to_o by_o the_o people_n or_o their_o representative_n and_o therefore_o such_o law_n have_v of_o right_a power_n to_o compel_v obedience_n or_o imprison_v especial_o when_o the_o law_n under_o such_o government_n become_v so_o far_o as_o any_o thing_n outward_a can_v be_v protection_n to_o the_o subject_n and_o their_o property_n but_o neither_o the_o scripture_n without_o we_o nor_o the_o light_n within_o we_o do_v evidence_n that_o under_o the_o spiritual_a government_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v any_o need_n to_o establish_v order_n or_o law_n touch_v worldly_a property_n or_o for_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n to_o assume_v jurisdiction_n therein_o without_o assent_n of_o the_o party_n differ_v for_o since_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n be_v it_o not_o against_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o government_n to_o exercise_v by_o constraint_n a_o jurisdiction_n in_o matter_n relate_v to_o this_o world_n beside_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o truth_n to_o affirm_v that_o nothing_o outward_a can_v constrain_v the_o subject_n under_o christ_n government_n to_o obey_v the_o law_n thereof_o since_o the_o only_a proper_a place_n where_o his_o government_n be_v to_o be_v exalt_v be_v in_o the_o heart_n the_o place_n where_o his_o second_o appearance_n to_o reign_v as_o lord_n and_o king_n be_v and_o shall_v be_v and_o that_o the_o mean_n whereby_o under_o his_o government_n acceptable_a obedience_n come_v to_o be_v yield_v be_v by_o his_o spirit_n if_o than_o nothing_o outward_a can_v be_v of_o force_n to_o constrain_v acceptable_a obedience_n how_o can_v it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o truth_n and_o right_a reason_n for_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n itself_o muchless_a any_o assembly_n term_v so_o and_o that_o on_o tolerable_a supposition_n only_o of_o which_o more_o anon_o to_o assume_v a_o jurisdiction_n in_o case_n relate_v to_o property_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o party_n concern_v when_o they_o have_v no_o suitable_a power_n to_o compel_v obedience_n nor_o yet_o to_o inflict_v any_o corporal_a punishment_n or_o restraint_n for_o the_o non-performance_n of_o their_o sentence_n and_o though_o the_o prophet_n say_v which_o r._n b._n quote_v i_o will_v restore_v thy_o judge_n as_o at_o the_o first_o and_o thy_o counsellor_n as_o at_o the_o beginning_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o proof_n that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n ought_v to_o assume_v jurisdiction_n in_o temporal_a worldly_a matter_n without_o consent_n of_o the_o party_n concern_v muchless_a any_o assembly_n so_o term_v and_o that_o only_a on_o tolerable_a supposition_n for_o shall_v the_o aforesaid_a author_n by_o the_o word_n judge_n as_o at_o the_o first_o and_o counsellor_n as_o at_o the_o beginning_n conclude_v the_o prophecy_n relate_v to_o such_o judge_n as_o be_v choose_v man_n over_o certain_a number_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n who_o judge_v the_o people_n at_o all_o season_n but_o bring_v the_o hard_a cause_n to_o moses_n exod._n 18.25_o 26._o yet_o this_o give_v not_o the_o least_o warrant_n for_o uncertain_a unselected_a assembly_n to_o assume_v such_o a_o jurisdiction_n but_o to_o exclude_v it_o whole_o we_o find_v christ_n himself_o give_v no_o countenance_n to_o such_o a_o sense_n with_o relation_n to_o outward_a matter_n luk._n 12.13_o 14._o where_n it_o be_v thus_o say_v and_o one_o of_o the_o company_n say_v master_n bid_v my_o brother_n divide_v the_o inheritance_n with_o i_o and_o what_o say_v christ_n in_o this_o case_n he_o thus_o say_v verse_n 14_o man_z who_o make_v i_o a_o judge_n or_o divider_n over_o you_o and_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o countenance_n for_o any_o assembly_n of_o man_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o assume_v such_o a_o authority_n r._n b._n also_o quote_v paul_n word_n 1_o cor._n 6._o dare_v any_o of_o you_o have_v a_o matter_n against_o another_o go_v to_o law_n before_o the_o unjust_a and_o not_o before_o the_o saint_n this_o prove_v not_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o assume_v such_o a_o jurisdiction_n as_o aforesaid_a it_o only_o show_v that_o it_o be_v christian_n like_a that_o difference_n arise_v between_o brother_n and_o brother_n shall_v be_v bring_v before_o the_o saint_n to_o judge_n but_o do_v not_o encourage_v any_o not_o choose_v as_o aforesaid_a to_o assume_v authority_n to_o judge_n there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o a_o assume_v a_o jurisdiction_n without_o a_o lawful_a authority_n as_o to_o outward_a thing_n relate_v to_o meum_fw-la and_o tuum_fw-la and_o a_o rightful_a consent_n and_o election_n to_o judge_n the_o first_o proceed_v altogether_o from_o a_o spirit_n of_o usurpation_n and_o imposition_n and_o be_v intolerable_a the_o second_o be_v tolerable_a and_o must_v proceed_v either_o from_o assent_n of_o the_o party_n differ_v or_o a_o power_n that_o have_v rightful_a disposition_n over_o the_o worldly_a property_n of_o those_o concern_v which_o be_v outward_a i_o question_v how_o any_o person_n who_o be_v neither_o invest_v with_o outward_a power_n nor_o choose_v for_o that_o service_n by_o the_o party_n concern_v can_v at_o this_o day_n reasonable_o claim_v jurisdiction_n therein_o and_o therefore_o i_o do_v conclude_v that_o r._n b._n according_a to_o that_o understanding_n i_o have_v of_o his_o line_n have_v open_v a_o wide_a gap_n shall_v his_o judgement_n take_v place_n for_o a_o intolerable_a inroad_n to_o be_v make_v on_o the_o property_n of_o people_n even_o as_o elsewhere_o in_o his_o treatise_n he_o have_v do_v upon_o their_o conscience_n as_o in_o this_o ensue_a discourse_n be_v plain_o manifest_v for_o when_o i_o serious_o consider_v how_o in_o his_o 68_o page_z he_o affirm_v that_o there_o neither_o can_v nor_o will_v be_v want_v in_o case_n of_o controversy_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o give_v judgement_n through_o some_o or_o other_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n so_o long_o as_o any_o assembly_n can_v proper_o or_o in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n be_v so_o term_v and_o that_o he_o will_v not_o be_v content_v with_o these_o word_n proper_o so_o term_v but_o must_v also_o add_v these_o word_n any_o tolerable_a supposition_n and_o that_o with_o disjunctive_a or_o i_o can_v but_o suppose_v since_o i_o know_v he_o well_o understand_v the_o propriety_n of_o sentence_n and_o signification_n of_o word_n that_o his_o word_n do_v
suppose_v to_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n where_o either_o the_o true_a doctrine_n and_o principle_n be_v want_v or_o the_o true_a life_n and_o power_n in_o some_o good_a measure_n be_v not_o feel_v and_o know_v be_v far_o from_o my_o thought_n yea_o how_o far_o i_o be_o contrary-minded_n may_v be_v see_v at_o large_a in_o my_o apology_n upon_o the_o 10_o proposition_n now_o publish_v in_o english_a page_z 194_o 195_o 196_o 200_o 201_o 202_o etc._n etc._n answer_n etc._n etc._n r._n b_n discourse_n now_o show_v that_o he_o hold_v forth_o two_o bond_n by_o which_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v center_a into_o one_o body_n but_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n be_v that_o by_o one_o spirit_n we_o be_v baptize_v into_o one_o body_n and_o so_o the_o bond_n but_o one_o and_o though_o r._n b._n term_n my_o comparison_n a_o scornful_a reflection_n yet_o i_o affirm_v it_o be_v christian-like_a enough_o so_o to_o say_v if_o the_o reason_n give_v in_o my_o answer_n be_v but_o due_o consider_v which_o be_v that_o the_o main_a scope_n of_o his_o treatise_n relate_v to_o that_o matter_n both_o from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n tend_v as_o it_o be_v chief_o if_o not_o whole_o to_o evidence_n that_o principle_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n necessary_o depend_v thereon_o be_v the_o bond_n by_o which_o we_o become_v centre_v into_o one_o body_n and_o fellowship_n though_o he_o name_v not_o what_o those_o principle_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n be_v for_o a_o further_a manifestation_n of_o his_o weakness_n on_o this_o subject_a i_o refer_v unto_o my_o answer_n three_o observation_n w._n r_n seven_o observation_n whereas_o it_o be_v think_v strange_a that_o i_o shall_v call_v doctrine_n and_o principle_n the_o bond_n and_o term_n of_o our_o be_v together_o i_o understand_v it_o only_o of_o a_o outward_a bond_n and_o that_o i_o lay_v the_o stress_n upon_o it_o no_o further_o appear_v in_o that_o i_o affirm_v these_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n to_o be_v the_o product_n of_o truth_n power_n and_o virtue_n upon_o the_o heart_n which_o appear_v by_o what_o be_v print_v upon_o the_o margin_n and_o w._n r._n say_v in_o his_o paper_n that_o this_o be_v but_o like_o the_o entertainment_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o manger_n show_v too_o little_a of_o christian-sobriety_n and_o too_o much_o of_o a_o scornful_a reflection_n for_o which_o i_o will_v rather_o choose_v to_o forgive_v he_o than_o therein_o to_o contend_v with_o he_o for_o how_o much_o i_o value_v that_o inward_a bond_n to_o wit_n the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n beyond_o the_o outward_a and_o that_o i_o esteem_v the_o outward_a not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v value_v but_o as_o it_o come_v from_o the_o inward_a may_v be_v see_v through_o out_o all_o i_o have_v write_v in_o my_o apology_n upon_o the_o 10_o proposition_n observation_n w._n r_n eight_o observation_n and_o elsewhere_o declare_v elsewhere_o elsewhere_o if_o this_o be_v his_o meaning_n yet_o his_o book_n do_v not_o so_o declare_v and_o my_o affirm_v that_o any_o deny_v of_o any_o of_o truth_n principle_n and_o doctrine_n be_v a_o ground_n of_o disow_v be_v only_o in_o respect_n that_o who_o do_v so_o do_v manifest_o thence_o make_v it_o appear_v they_o have_v break_v the_o inward_a bond_n first_o from_o which_o that_o outward_a do_v natural_o spring_v and_o arise_v observation_n w._n r_o be_v nine_o observation_n discover_v observation_n observation_n experience_n tell_v i_o that_o the_o great_a difference_n among_o friend_n in_o the_o nation_n be_v about_o outward_a order_n pretend_v to_o be_v establish_v by_o g._n f._n and_o by_o the_o aforesaid_a letter_n which_o r._n b._n account_v a_o clear_n of_o himself_o it_o be_v signify_v that_o r._n b._n declare_v his_o meaning_n to_o be_v not_o only_o with_o respect_n to_o all_o the_o outward_a order_n and_o form_n of_o discipline_n in_o government_n among_o we_o but_o also_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n which_o be_v compare_v with_o his_o now_o declare_v mean_v on_o the_o same_o subject_a show_v again_o that_o he_o do_v not_o by_o this_o confirm_v notwithstanding_o his_o pretence_n so_o to_o do_v what_o be_v signify_v in_o the_o aforesaid_a letter_n because_o here_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o any_o outward_a order_n establish_v and_o practise_v by_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n and_o that_o he_o pretend_v his_o mean_v to_o be_v a_o establishment_n on_o the_o spirit_n only_o and_o such_o as_o be_v lead_v by_o it_o which_o be_v a_o clear_a discovery_n of_o his_o fallaciousness_n and_o will_n so_o appear_v to_o such_o as_o may_v peruse_v his_o word_n whereon_o the_o five_o observation_n be_v make_v for_o therein_o he_o pretend_v to_o give_v the_o same_o satisfaction_n as_o be_v signify_v in_o the_o same_o letter_n beside_o it_o be_v worthy_a our_o observation_n that_o from_o r._n b_n word_n some_o person_n be_v intend_v establisher_n of_o the_o government_n upon_o the_o spirit_n only_o but_o yet_o with_o this_o addition_n notwithstanding_o his_o word_n only_o and_o such_o as_o be_v lead_v by_o it_o which_o to_o i_o seem_v a_o twofaced_a kind_n of_o expression_n for_o if_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n be_v the_o place_n wherein_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v writteu_o and_o his_o government_n be_v to_o be_v exalt_v and_o that_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o expect_v any_o other_o government_n or_o governor_n to_o be_v like_a unto_o moses_n save_v christ_n jesus_n by_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o we_o why_o can_v not_o he_o have_v be_v content_v to_o have_v stop_v his_o pen_n at_o the_o word_n spirit_n only_a but_o forasmuch_o as_o he_o make_v this_o addition_n and_o such_o as_o be_v lead_v by_o it_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o be_o in_o some_o measure_n at_o a_o stand_n touch_v his_o meaning_n thereby_o and_o have_v a_o godly_a jealousy_n that_o notwithstanding_o his_o pretence_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o nothing_o do_v by_o mere_a imitation_n will_v any_o thing_n avail_n yet_o when_o it_o may_v serve_v his_o turn_n he_o may_v from_o his_o own_o line_n bring_v forth_o another_o conclusion_n and_o infer_v a_o subjection_n to_o other_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o governor_n over_o the_o rest_n and_o that_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n in_o we_o must_v give_v way_n to_o the_o pretend_a dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n in_o other_o by_o which_o mean_v at_o length_n it_o may_v so_o happen_v that_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o very_a principle_n of_o truth_n as_o hold_v forth_o among_o we_o in_o the_o beginning_n may_v be_v irradicate_v for_o if_o once_o the_o day_n come_v wherein_o the_o faith_n of_o any_o be_v that_o certain_a person_n above_o or_o distinct_a from_o any_o other_o be_v the_o man_n who_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n be_v establish_v on_o they_o then_o in_o probability_n it_o will_v natural_o follow_v that_o instead_o of_o embrace_v this_o primitive_a exhortation_n turn_v in_o your_o mind_n unto_o the_o light_n that_o shine_v in_o your_o own_o conscience_n many_o will_n be_v turn_v their_o mind_n out_o unto_o unto_o the_o dictate_v of_o other_o and_o be_v it_o so_o that_o what_o r._n b._n aim_v at_o shall_v be_v grant_v viz._n the_o establishment_n of_o christ_n government_n on_o man_n lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n this_o than_o may_v be_v object_v that_o many_o may_v pretend_v thereto_o who_o be_v not_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o where_o the_o spirit_n of_o discern_v be_v want_v in_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v they_o may_v be_v in_o a_o ready_a and_o open_a way_n to_o destruction_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a let_v this_o undoubted_a truth_n be_v hold_v forth_o viz._n let_v every_o one_o be_v obedient_a to_o his_o measure_n of_o grace_n and_o light_n receive_v from_o god_n and_o that_o the_o light_n and_o grace_n be_v a_o reprover_n of_o all_o sin_n than_o there_o will_v be_v no_o stumble_v nor_o by-path_n walk_v in_o moreover_o his_o language_n in_o another_o respect_n seem_v to_o i_o inconsi_v with_o the_o truth_n because_o the_o government_n treat_v upon_o to_o be_v establish_v be_v pretend_v to_o be_v christ_n government_n that_o the_o establisher_n be_v certain_a person_n signify_v by_o these_o r._n b_n word_n we_o do_v establish_v it_o that_o the_o object_n whereon_o it_o be_v establish_v be_v the_o spirit_n all_o which_o consider_v i_o may_v true_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o work_n not_o fit_a for_o poor_a mortal_n to_o pretend_v to_o especial_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v already_o establish_v by_o god_n himself_o on_o christ_n shoulder_n but_o if_o instead_o of_o that_o which_o occasion_n this_o observation_n r._n b._n have_v signify_v that_o those_o who_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v subject_n under_o christ_n government_n i_o know_v that_o such_o language_n will_v have_v
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proposal_n and_o article_n with_o such_o as_o own_a john_n story_n though_o term_v a_o separate_a or_o separate_a spirit_n which_o by_o the_o scope_n of_o his_o write_n may_v reasonable_o be_v take_v by_o those_o who_o understand_v his_o mean_v by_o these_o his_o word_n viz._n this_o spirit_n to_o be_v a_o act_v contrary_a to_o his_o own_o counsel_n when_o i_o compare_v this_o with_o these_o kind_n of_o declaration_n frequent_o publish_v among_o the_o aforesaid_a people_n viz._n let_v we_o exclude_v the_o reason_v the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o jealousy_n and_o let_v we_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o brethren_n further_n insinuate_v as_o if_o god_n have_v ordain_v minister_n among_o they_o that_o be_v to_o see_v and_o hear_v for_o the_o body_n and_o common_a member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o print_a term_n be_v i_o can_v but_o be_v full_a of_o jealousy_n that_o these_o
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so_o preserve_v i_o by_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o power_n as_o that_o none_o of_o my_o opposer_n have_v so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v lay_v any_o thing_n unto_o my_o charge_n but_o for_o matter_n wherein_o i_o have_v act_v though_o misrepresent_v by_o they_o to_o keep_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o as_o it_o become_v my_o concern_v of_o conscience_n to_o prepare_v the_o manuscript_n first_o mention_v that_o so_o the_o truth_n of_o some_o material_a matter_n occasion_v or_o accompany_v division_n and_o separation_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n may_v lie_v on_o record_n at_o least_o until_o a_o union_n may_v again_o be_v witness_v so_o also_o it_o have_v be_v my_o frequent_a breathe_v unto_o the_o lord_n that_o i_o may_v not_o bring_v forth_o a_o untimely_o birth_n but_o may_v so_o be_v lead_v and_o guide_v in_o this_o affair_n as_o that_o i_o may_v answer_v the_o witness_n of_o god_n in_o all_o conscience_n and_o to_o my_o inward_a peace_n and_o 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and_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o all_o paper_n and_o book_n which_o may_v evidence_n the_o reasonableness_n of_o all_o objection_n and_o reflection_n can_v lie_v at_o once_o in_o many_o hand_n and_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n with_o i_o therefore_o this_o treatise_n be_v sign_v thus_o by_o william_n rogers_n on_o behalf_n of_o himself_o and_o other_o friend_n in_o truth_n concern_v and_o so_o the_o name_n of_o those_o other_o my_o brethren_n concern_v with_o i_o in_o this_o work_n be_v omit_v partly_o because_o they_o may_v not_o be_v capable_a to_o give_v a_o ready_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n for_o want_v of_o the_o book_n or_o paper_n signify_v of_o as_o aforesaid_a quer._n 2._o why_o have_v thou_o treat_v on_o principle_n hold_v forth_o by_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n since_o many_o book_n have_v already_o be_v give_v forth_o by_o some_o among_o they_o treat_v on_o many_o if_o not_o all_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o thou_o have_v do_v answ_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o christian_n to_o clear_v their_o conscience_n as_o by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o conscience_n they_o be_v direct_v which_o doubtless_o be_v the_o real_a ground_n whereupon_o many_o ancient_a and_o honourable_a friend_n already_o fall_v asleep_o have_v give_v forth_o their_o testimony_n touch_v the_o same_o principle_n public_o hold_v forth_o both_o by_o word_n and_o printing_n by_o some_o other_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n before_o they_o and_o if_o no_o more_o be_v say_v to_o this_o query_n it_o ought_v to_o suffice_v but_o yet_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o the_o consideration_n attend_v i_o when_o i_o become_v conscientious_o concern_v so_o to_o do_v the_o deportment_n of_o some_o unruly_a woman_n and_o ignorant_a self-conceited_a
of_o the_o eternal_a god_n who_o be_v with_o the_o father_n before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v lay_v be_v become_v the_o horn_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o have_v bring_v immortality_n to_o light_n in_o they_o and_o reveal_v that_o teacher_n that_o can_v never_o be_v move_v into_o a_o corner_n and_o therefore_o these_o can_v depend_v any_o long_o on_o the_o teach_n of_o man_n nor_o yet_o on_o outward_a canonical_a article_n creed_n directory_n or_o church-faith_n prescribe_v by_o man_n but_o on_o the_o teach_n of_o christ_n alone_o by_o his_o light_n and_o spiritual_a appearance_n in_o themselves_o to_o lead_v and_o guide_v unto_o the_o father_n of_o life_n the_o sound_n of_o this_o alarm_n as_o many_o can_v yet_o witness_v become_v a_o joyful_a sound_n to_o that_o soul_n which_o be_v hunger_a after_o the_o lord_n though_o pierce_v as_o a_o dart_n through_o the_o liver_n to_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n so_o that_o astonishment_n and_o amazement_n seem_v to_o take_v hold_n on_o many_o whereby_o they_o become_v a_o byword_n a_o mock_n and_o a_o taunt_v unto_o such_o who_o dependency_n be_v on_o their_o outward_a teacher_n etc._n etc._n as_o aforesaid_a i_o say_v again_o oh_o friend_n let_v the_o remembrance_n of_o this_o day_n come_v before_o you_o and_o consider_v further_o what_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o eternal_a power_n unto_o such_o who_o be_v strike_v with_o amazement_n after_o they_o believe_v the_o appearance_n of_o that_o power_n whereby_o they_o be_v so_o strike_v to_o be_v the_o appearance_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n i_o well_o remember_v the_o voice_n be_v on_o this_o wise_a to_o your_o own_o to_o your_o own_o to_o your_o own_o mean_v thereby_o that_o they_o shall_v turn_v in_o their_o mind_n to_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o conscience_n which_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v that_o teacher_n which_o can_v never_o be_v remove_v into_o a_o corner_n that_o so_o they_o may_v witness_v the_o fulfil_n of_o that_o loud_a 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persuade_v that_o the_o voice_n of_o truth_n through_o they_o be_v not_o only_o thus_o viz._n to_o your_o own_o which_o be_v observe_v lead_v into_o a_o independency_n upon_o other_o but_o also_o frequent_o on_o this_o wise_a we_o preach_v not_o ourselves_o look_v not_o unto_o we_o in_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n i_o can_v but_o cry_v aloud_o in_o the_o aforesaid_a word_n of_o the_o angel_n that_o have_v the_o everlasting_a gospel_n to_o preach_v fear_v god_n and_o give_v glory_n to_o he_o and_o then_o no_o doubt_n but_o every_o such_o one_o that_o have_v concern_v himself_o to_o condemn_v his_o brother_n on_o no_o better_a ground_n than_o from_o the_o example_n and_o prescription_n of_o another_o will_v come_v to_o see_v that_o therein_o he_o have_v not_o keep_v to_o his_o own_o and_o so_o have_v be_v lead_v into_o a_o by_o and_o err_v path._n oh_o friend_n let_v therefore_o this_o cry_n pass_v through_o every_o heart_n to_o our_o own_o to_o our_o own_o to_o our_o own_o that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o every_o one_o be_v own_o measure_n of_o christ_n light_n or_o grace_n of_o god_n received_n which_o the_o apostle_n say_v be_v sufficient_a with_o this_o secret_a breathe_n of_o spirit_n unto_o the_o god_n of_o our_o life_n that_o all_o may_v be_v thereto_o retire_v for_o if_o that_o counsel_n may_v but_o take_v place_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o there_o can_v then_o be_v no_o room_n for_o any_o to_o impose_v or_o press_v the_o observation_n of_o other_o man_n line_n upon_o any_o which_o no_o doubt_n be_v one_o great_a occasion_n of_o the_o religious_a difference_n treat_v on_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o it_o will_v mould_v all_o who_o retain_v the_o name_n of_o christianity_n into_o the_o very_a nature_n thereof_o and_o so_o consequent_o a_o reconciliation_n in_o the_o everlasting_a truth_n may_v quick_o ensue_v for_o if_o that_o door_n be_v but_o once_o shut_v through_o which_o variance_n and_o disunion_n enter_v there_o may_v then_o arise_v a_o 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not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o second_o covenant_n to_o expect_v that_o any_o one_o shall_v be_v ordain_v of_o god_n to_o be_v among_o the_o child_n of_o light_n like_v unto_o moses_n save_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n and_o master_n who_o by_o his_o spiritual_a appearance_n in_o we_o be_v become_v our_o leader_n and_o lawgiver_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o believe_v that_o any_o one_o mortal_a man_n aught_o to_o assume_v that_o place_n among_o the_o child_n of_o light_n at_o this_o day_n as_o moses_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n do_v among_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o his_o day_n especial_o if_o we_o do_v but_o consider_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o lord_n through_o his_o prophet_n jeremiah_n jer._n 31.33_o 34._o with_o relation_n to_o that_o time_n and_o dispensation_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n under_o which_o we_o be_v be_v on_o this_o wise_a i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o they_o shall_v teach_v no_o more_o every_o man_n his_o neighbour_n and_o every_o man_n his_o brother_n say_v know_v the_o lord_n for_o they_o shall_v all_o know_v i_o from_o the_o least_o of_o they_o unto_o the_o great_a of_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n sect_n iii_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o second_o position_n deducible_a from_o a_o objection_n raise_v towards_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o first_o section_n viz._n that_o monthly_o and_o quarterly_o meeting_n be_v call_v the_o church_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v submit_v to_o it_o be_v well_o remember_v that_o that_o one_o man_n g._n f._n go_v some_o year_n pass_v into_o many_o part_n of_o this_o nation_n advise_v friend_n to_o hold_v such_o meeting_n viz._n monthly_a and_o quarterly_o and_o in_o many_o place_n his_o counsel_n be_v ready_o embrace_v but_o for_o our_o part_n we_o understand_v not_o at_o that_o day_n that_o it_o be_v design_v by_o he_o or_o any_o else_o that_o those_o meeting_n shall_v not_o only_o be_v account_v the_o 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outward_a evidence_n though_o we_o dare_v not_o conclude_v that_o none_o in_o those_o meeting_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n consist_v proper_o of_o such_o as_o be_v by_o one_o spirit_n baptize_v into_o one_o body_n 12.13_o 1_o cor._n 12.13_o and_o so_o be_v in_o the_o possession_n as_o well_o as_o profession_n of_o truth_n but_o yet_o whoever_o they_o be_v that_o do_v but_o so_o much_o as_o profess_v the_o truth_n be_v admit_v to_o be_v member_n of_o such_o meeting_n while_o they_o appear_v in_o the_o outward_a form_n thereof_o and_o be_v not_o then_o of_o scandalous_a conversation_n all_o which_o may_v appear_v in_o such_o as_o be_v far_o remote_a from_o witness_v the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n which_o must_v be_v witness_v as_o the_o proper_a product_n of_o the_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n before_o a_o possession_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v know_v and_o whether_o man_n meeting_n have_v not_o often_o consist_v of_o such_o member_n and_o be_v like_o so_o to_o do_v while_o the_o door_n be_v open_a for_o any_o under_o the_o aforesaid_a qualification_n to_o sit_v there_o as_o it_o yet_o be_v we_o recommend_v to_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o impartial_a reader_n and_o if_o so_o we_o desire_v they_o further_a to_o weigh_v and_o consider_v first_o whether_o it_o can_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o truth_n to_o account_v every_o thing_n act_v and_o do_v by_o every_o such_o meeting_n to_o be_v the_o product_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o according_o to_o be_v submit_v to_o second_o whether_o the_o judge_n of_o some_o conscientious_o refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o be_v dark_a leaven_a rend_v divide_v or_o separate_a spirit_n because_o they_o refuse_v be_v not_o the_o fruit_n of_o that_o spirit_n that_o will_v remove_v we_o from_o that_o teacher_n that_o can_v be_v remove_v into_o a_o corner_n to_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o fallible_a 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so_o foolish_a as_o to_o concern_v ourselves_o with_o those_o who_o be_v not_o of_o we_o none_o of_o which_o be_v according_a to_o the_o import_n of_o the_o say_a book_n of_o government_n as_o we_o take_v it_o exclude_v from_o such_o meeting_n nor_o yet_o to_o give_v judgement_n therein_o witness_n page_n 79_o and_o 82._o of_o the_o say_a book_n and_o since_o we_o be_v now_o treat_v of_o those_o meeting_n we_o be_v not_o without_o a_o sense_n but_o that_o some_o may_v be_v ready_a thus_o to_o query_n viz._n what_o order_n be_v either_o prescribe_v or_o use_v whereby_o the_o sense_n of_o such_o meeting_n be_v collect_v to_o this_o we_o say_v a_o eminent_a person_n profess_v truth_n be_v at_o bristol_n do_v take_v occasion_n to_o signify_v at_o a_o mens-meeting_a hold_v in_o that_o city_n to_o this_o effect_n that_o in_o london_n and_o other_o part_n of_o this_o nation_n where_o such_o meeting_n be_v usual_o hold_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o generality_n have_v be_v take_v for_o the_o sense_n of_o such_o meeting_n compare_v this_o with_o this_o doctrine_n frequent_o of_o late_a publish_v among_o we_o that_o the_o apostasy_n shall_v never_o enter_v the_o generality_n more_o do_v give_v we_o just_a occasion_n to_o be_v jealous_a that_o our_o opposer_n for_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o their_o design_n against_o we_o have_v contrive_v this_o method_n of_o carry_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o generality_n or_o major_a number_n of_o voice_n which_o limitation_n we_o know_v have_v be_v heretofore_o and_o by_o the_o faithful_a to_o this_o day_n utter_o disow_v as_o contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o also_o by_o the_o approver_n of_o r._n b_n book_n of_o government_n as_o in_o page_n 81._o and_o though_o the_o counsel_n of_o that_o one_o man_n who_o first_o advise_v to_o the_o aforesaid_a meeting_n in_o some_o part_n be_v
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 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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
mouth_n of_o his_o prophet_n or_o from_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n in_o we_o or_o from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n give_v forth_o by_o inspiration_n since_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n to_o expect_v that_o any_o shall_v be_v invest_v with_o power_n from_o on_o high_a to_o establish_v such_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o conscience_n much_o less_o to_o expect_v that_o the_o child_n of_o light_n under_o the_o new_a covenant_n shall_v be_v lead_v by_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n and_o word_n nigh_o in_o the_o heart_n unto_o such_o a_o conformity_n moreover_o it_o be_v observable_a paul_n plain_a confession_n thus_o be_v after_o the_o way_n which_o they_o call_v heresy_n so_o worship_n i_o the_o god_n of_o my_o father_n believe_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n and_o herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o men._n if_o all_o those_o unto_o who_o god_n have_v give_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o truth_n in_o this_o gospel-day_n have_v have_v so_o much_o zeal_n as_o to_o have_v walk_v according_a to_o this_o example_n they_o may_v have_v all_o become_v honourable_a in_o their_o day_n &_o have_v keep_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n and_o then_o none_o of_o they_o will_v have_v be_v afraid_a of_o be_v stigmatise_v as_o sect-master_n by_o such_o who_o like_o the_o outward_a jew_n have_v glory_v in_o thing_n outward_o pretend_a to_o be_v establish_v in_o this_o gospel-day_n and_o have_v make_v such_o thing_n to_o be_v as_o a_o rule_n whereby_o they_o have_v endeavour_v to_o try_v their_o brethren_n who_o at_o this_o day_n have_v approve_v themselves_o jew_n in_o spirit_n zealous_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o the_o word_n nigh_o in_o the_o heart_n according_a to_o knowledge_n even_o as_o the_o outward_a jew_n will_v have_v do_v by_o paul_n for_o such_o a_o reflection_n will_v never_o have_v hurt_v they_o in_o the_o breast_n of_o those_o that_o have_v continue_v true_o faithful_a and_o this_o many_o be_v give_v to_o understand_v from_o that_o honourable_a esteem_n that_o some_o ancient_a and_o faithful_a brethren_n have_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o such_o as_o have_v not_o in_o a_o temporize_a spirit_n change_v their_o way_n notwithstanding_o they_o be_v stigmatise_v with_o the_o name_n of_o sect-master_n even_o by_o those_o who_o like_o the_o gentile_n appear_v to_o exercise_n lordship_n over_o their_o brethren_n in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o come_v to_o take_v a_o little_a notice_n of_o those_o who_o abound_v in_o confidence_n without_o either_o knowledge_n or_o zeal_n this_o sort_n may_v be_v well_o compare_v unto_o those_o beast_n with_o who_o it_o be_v repute_v paul_n fight_v at_o ephesus_n which_o if_o it_o be_v so_o be_v doubtless_o he_o contest_v have_v with_o unreasonable_a men._n the_o bait_n by_o which_o this_o sort_n be_v entice_v to_o appear_v somebody_n in_o probability_n be_v this_o the_o door_n be_v open_a for_o any_o under_o the_o profession_n of_o truth_n who_o life_n be_v not_o outward_o scandalous_a to_o appear_v among_o some_o of_o the_o society_n of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n as_o governor_n and_o though_o it_o be_v hard_a for_o we_o to_o suppose_v who_o among_o such_o be_v the_o person_n that_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v when_o liberty_n be_v take_v and_o admit_v as_o aforesaid_a whereby_o none_o of_o the_o society_n be_v exclude_v to_o appear_v as_o governor_n yet_o so_o it_o be_v and_o of_o this_o have_v our_o eye_n and_o ear_n be_v witness_n a_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o sort_n we_o have_v understand_v to_o be_v on_o this_o wise_a if_o you_o do_v not_o see_v yourselves_o you_o must_v follow_v we_o that_o do_v see_v alas_o it_o be_v easy_o to_o be_v savour_v where_o all_o may_v then_o run_v if_o such_o a_o exhortation_n from_o any_o one_o thus_o qualify_v and_o that_o with_o respect_n to_o follow_v the_o exhorte_a shall_v take_v place_n he_o than_o that_o lead_v and_o those_o who_o may_v be_v lead_v will_v quick_o fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n together_o and_o so_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n come_v to_o be_v advance_v instead_o of_o be_v destroy_v but_o bless_v be_v the_o name_n of_o the_o everlasting_a god_n that_o sun_n which_o have_v arisen_a among_o we_o that_o glorious_a appearance_n if_o the_o everlasting_a light_n which_o have_v shine_v in_o many_o heart_n be_v not_o yet_o set_v in_o obscurity_n and_o our_o faith_n be_v that_o it_o will_v not_o the_o lord_n have_v have_v a_o regard_n to_o his_o own_o name_n and_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o eternal_a power_n so_o that_o though_o many_o ancient_a and_o honourable_a brethren_n who_o the_o lord_n commissioned_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n to_o publish_v his_o everlasting_a gospel_n exhort_v all_o to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n in_o they_o be_v fall_v asleep_o yet_o there_o be_v many_o of_o the_o same_o stock_n yet_o remain_v upon_o who_o he_o have_v not_o only_o pour_v forth_o of_o his_o spirit_n and_o anoint_v they_o to_o publish_v his_o everlasting_a gospel_n but_o also_o have_v keep_v they_o in_o integrity_n and_o their_o garment_n undefiled_a from_o the_o spot_n and_o pollution_n of_o this_o world_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o have_v give_v unto_o they_o true_a zeal_n according_a to_o knowledge_n through_o which_o the_o way_n unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o demonstration_n of_o his_o spirit_n have_v be_v declare_v and_o have_v continue_v they_o in_o the_o service_n whereunto_o they_o have_v be_v call_v and_o these_o have_v not_o in_o a_o temporize_a spirit_n for_o fear_n of_o the_o threat_n and_o frown_n of_o man_n change_v their_o way_n nor_o yet_o follow_v any_o for_o the_o loaf_n and_o though_o some_o of_o these_o have_v of_o late_o be_v account_v dark_a spirit_n leaven_a spirit_n troubler_n of_o israel_n sect-master_n leader_n into_o a_o separation_n and_o into_o downright_a independency_n parish_n and_o schism_n yet_o this_o testimony_n live_v with_o we_o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n on_o which_o alone_o we_o be_v persuade_v their_o dependency_n have_v be_v and_o be_v have_v accompany_v such_o when_o thus_o judge_v despise_a and_o revile_v by_o that_o generation_n who_o unto_o we_o appear_v as_o if_o their_o dependency_n be_v upon_o man_n that_o labour_n and_o travel_v to_o gather_v unto_o themselves_o to_o conclude_v this_o further_a testimony_n live_v with_o we_o that_o the_o righteous_a god_n bear_v we_o this_o day_n record_n that_o the_o very_a reason_n wherefore_o this_o treatise_n be_v now_o prepare_v be_v because_o our_o very_a conscience_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o god_n truth_n and_o people_n be_v concern_v and_o therefore_o we_o can_v but_o encourage_v this_o so_o necessary_a a_o work_n have_v among_o many_o other_o our_o brethren_n long_o wait_v and_o bear_v in_o patience_n to_o see_v if_o peradventure_o the_o lord_n may_v change_v the_o heart_n of_o those_o who_o have_v occasion_v contention_n strife_n and_o division_n to_o arise_v among_o the_o family_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n for_o whatever_o measure_n other_o may_v take_v of_o we_o yet_o this_o evidence_n we_o have_v in_o ourselves_o that_o our_o soul_n desire_n be_v that_o the_o bright_a appearance_n of_o the_o everlasting_a day_n may_v not_o set_v in_o obscurity_n in_o any_o heart_n where_o it_o have_v be_v both_o manifest_v and_o receive_v nor_o yet_o that_o any_o of_o the_o lord_n people_n may_v be_v ensnare_v to_o build_v again_o the_o thing_n which_o in_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n our_o lord_n they_o have_v destroy_v william_n rogers_n william_n ford_n here_o now_o follow_v that_o paper_n make_v mention_n of_o in_o the_o title_n page_n touch_v the_o scatter_a of_o israel_n give_v forth_o in_o the_o year_n 1661._o by_o edward_n burrough_n minister_n of_o the_o everlasting_a gospel_n on_o the_o 22th_o of_o the_o 8_o month_n 1661._o i_o be_v grieve_v in_o my_o spirit_n for_o the_o scatter_v of_o israel_n and_o my_o thought_n trouble_v i_o very_o much_o for_o the_o afflict_a in_o jerusalem_n for_o i_o also_o be_v great_o afflict_v with_o they_o and_o i_o pray_v unto_o god_n that_o he_o will_v show_v i_o his_o purpose_n concern_v they_o and_o these_o word_n come_v unto_o i_o abide_v thou_o in_o i_o thou_o helpless_a lamb_n and_o i_o will_v show_v thou_o great_a thing_n only_o stir_v not_o from_o i_o for_o thou_o have_v no_o helper_n but_o i_o and_o if_o thou_o go_v never_o so_o little_a from_o i_o behold_v a_o wild_a beast_n seek_v to_o devour_v thou_o therefore_o i_o say_v abide_v and_o then_o i_o weep_v great_o because_o i_o see_v what_o great_a danger_n i_o be_v in_o for_o i_o
which_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n have_v spread_v before_o he_o since_o his_o first_o come_v forth_o to_o preach_v the_o light_n etc._n etc._n to_o concern_v himself_o so_o much_o as_o he_o have_v against_o some_o that_o can_v own_v a_o urge_n with_o severity_n his_o direction_n or_o prescription_n on_o god_n faithful_a people_n and_o in_o particular_a to_o appear_v a_o persecutor_n of_o such_o which_o can_v certain_o be_v prove_v against_o he_o if_o endeavour_v unjust_o to_o take_v away_o a_o man_n good_a name_n and_o reputation_n can_v be_v term_v such_o to_o this_o the_o answer_n be_v as_o the_o serpent_n beguile_v eve_n so_o eve_n beguile_v adam_n in_o prevail_v upon_o he_o to_o eat_v of_o the_o forbid_v fruit_n which_o she_o have_v eat_v and_o the_o argument_n use_v by_o the_o serpent_n to_o tempt_v eve_n be_v this_o you_o shall_v be_v as_o go_n even_o so_o be_v we_o persuade_v that_o there_o have_v not_o be_v want_v unto_o he_o to_o speak_v comparitive_o a_o tempt_a eve_n which_o have_v be_v too_o aspire_v after_o such_o a_o state_n which_o with_o respect_n to_o humble_v self-denying_a persecute_a member_n of_o christ_n church_n be_v neither_o fit_a nor_o president_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v that_o this_o aspire_a mind_n have_v have_v so_o much_o place_n with_o he_o as_o that_o he_o have_v take_v too_o much_o upon_o he_o which_o have_v occasion_v rent_n and_o division_n among_o the_o flock_n and_o sometime_o to_o pretend_v that_o he_o have_v see_v thing_n in_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o almighty_a which_o have_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o imagination_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o have_v give_v way_n thereto_o and_o find_v a_o fear_n upon_o friend_n through_o a_o tender_a respect_n unto_o he_o to_o judge_n or_o dislike_v what_o he_o may_v bring_v forth_o under_o pretence_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n it_o in_o probability_n increase_v his_o confidence_n especial_o when_o he_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v write_v unto_o he_o by_o some_o friend_n in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o infancy_n which_o be_v in_o such_o language_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o a_o aspire_a mind_n may_v tend_v to_o his_o hurt_n at_o length_n his_o fame_n grow_v so_o great_a as_o that_o among_o some_o weak_a friend_n it_o become_v even_o as_o a_o proverb_n that_o none_o will_v prosper_v who_o shall_v oppose_v he_o this_o by_o other_o have_v clear_o be_v see_v to_o be_v a_o subtle_a way_n to_o oblige_v all_o such_o as_o shall_v so_o believe_v to_o be_v servant_n to_o his_o will_n and_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v this_o persuasion_n have_v the_o more_o easy_o obtain_v he_o the_o repute_n with_o some_o of_o be_v set_v by_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o like_a place_n among_o the_o child_n of_o light_n at_o this_o dayas_n moses_n have_v among_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o his_o day_n and_o this_o we_o doubt_v be_v the_o occasion_n that_o the_o rebellion_n of_o corah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n be_v much_o treat_v on_o to_o affrighten_v simple_a people_n in_o our_o public_a meeting_n for_o worship_n of_o god_n since_o the_o division_n among_o friend_n especial_o in_o those_o place_n where_o g._n f_n paper_n relate_v to_o church-government_n have_v little_a place_n but_o alas_o those_o who_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n can_v be_v affright_v with_o such_o thing_n no_o more_o than_o they_o can_v be_v convince_v with_o the_o sight_n of_o such_o false_a certificate_n on_o certificate_n note_v the_o reader_n may_v peruse_v the_o five_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a quaker_n and_o therein_o the_o say_a certificate_n be_v more_o large_o treat_v on_o record_v in_o the_o 21_o section_n of_o the_o manuscript_n first_o mention_v in_o the_o preface_n and_o ready_a for_o perusal_n of_o any_o friend_n desire_v the_o sight_n thereof_o as_o of_o late_o have_v be_v spread_v abroad_o in_o his_o favour_n to_o render_v he_o a_o innocent_a man_n and_o to_o acquit_v he_o from_o the_o gild_n of_o some_o matter_n of_o fact_n lay_v to_o his_o charge_n when_o the_o certifier_n know_v nothing_o at_o all_o thereof_o and_o of_o this_o he_o himself_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a though_o the_o occasion_n of_o spread_v such_o certificate_n abroad_o if_o he_o know_v what_o be_v contain_v therein_o which_o will_v have_v be_v prove_v to_o his_o face_n have_v he_o be_v but_o so_o just_a to_o the_o cause_n of_o truth_n as_o to_o have_v submit_v to_o a_o hear_n according_a as_o be_v desire_v and_o in_o the_o preface_n signify_v before_o friend_n of_o thing_n reproachful_a to_o the_o truth_n whereof_o he_o be_v guilty_a but_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o we_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o his_o preach_v the_o light_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o travel_n abroad_o as_o well_o as_o the_o preach_a the_o light_n by_o other_o his_o fellow-servant_n in_o the_o beginning_n with_o he_o be_v not_o the_o ministration_n give_v they_o of_o god_n for_o at_o the_o sound_n thereof_o many_o face_n gather_v paleness_n horror_n and_o amazement_n seize_v many_o who_o then_o become_v sensible_a of_o their_o lose_a state_n and_o condition_n while_o they_o be_v admire_v their_o teacher_n and_o busy_v in_o outward_a ordinance_n more_o than_o in_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o day_n wherein_o many_o be_v not_o only_o so_o strike_v with_o amazement_n but_o through_o faith_n receive_v the_o testimony_n give_v touch_v the_o light_n of_o christ_n may_v true_o be_v term_v the_o day_n of_o their_o infancy_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o so_o the_o more_o likely_a to_o be_v prevail_v upon_o by_o the_o enemy_n who_o in_o that_o day_n as_o in_o age_n past_a seek_v how_o he_o may_v destroy_v that_o tenderness_n to_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v so_o beget_v for_o it_o be_v certain_o know_v that_o many_o who_o eye_n ought_v to_o have_v be_v unto_o the_o creator_n admire_v and_o give_v glory_n unto_o he_o for_o his_o gift_n of_o grace_n and_o ministration_n of_o light_n then_o reveal_v do_v on_o a_o sudden_a admire_v the_o creature_n in_o such_o a_o abundant_a manner_n as_o if_o not_o only_o the_o plant_n and_o water_v be_v by_o he_o but_o the_o increase_v also_o and_o in_o that_o day_n some_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v as_o watchman_n in_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n be_v concern_v thereat_o and_o jealous_a with_o a_o godly_a jealousy_n and_o though_o at_o present_a it_o be_v not_o with_o we_o to_o declare_v what_o that_o jealousy_n be_v yet_o if_o the_o tree_n may_v be_v know_v by_o its_o fruit_n we_o may_v with_o boldness_n affirm_v that_o the_o then_o admire_v the_o creature_n may_v be_v true_o parallel_v with_o that_o state_n out_o of_o which_o the_o lord_n through_o the_o ministration_n of_o light_n or_o spirit_n of_o life_n have_v lead_v many_o at_o that_o day_n who_o have_v so_o learned_a the_o truth_n as_o according_a to_o the_o testimony_n thereof_o to_o have_v their_o eye_n to_o the_o light_n within_o viz._n the_o light_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o instead_o thereof_o to_o any_o outward_a person_n through_o who_o among_o other_o brethren_n the_o ministration_n of_o light_n be_v reveal_v but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o some_o there_o be_v as_o before_o be_v signify_v that_o admire_v the_o creature_n which_o not_o only_o become_v unto_o they_o a_o snare_n but_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v doubt_v unto_o the_o creature_n also_o that_o be_v admire_v for_o the_o acceptation_n of_o more_o respect_n than_o be_v meet_v stand_v in_o the_o same_o ground_n with_o the_o offer_v thereof_o and_o it_o be_v too_o much_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o imprudent_a acceptation_n of_o what_o be_v undue_o offer_v have_v beget_v a_o spirit_n of_o pride_n and_o exaltation_n in_o g._n f._n which_o the_o lord_n be_v determine_v for_o his_o namesake_n to_o bring_v into_o the_o dust_n and_o if_o he_o do_v but_o serious_o mind_n his_o state_n and_o condition_n and_o be_v but_o more_o ready_a to_o appear_v little_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n than_o to_o be_v account_v great_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o other_o and_o not_o give_v way_n to_o such_o a_o false_a imagination_n that_o true_a judgement_n be_v commit_v to_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o can_v now_o be_v testify_v be_v speak_v by_o he_o and_o that_o at_o that_o time_n wherein_o his_o judgement_n be_v know_v to_o be_v false_a and_o that_o he_o may_v take_v a_o liberty_n know_o to_o put_v stumble_v block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n people_n and_o yet_o be_v justify_v therein_o it_o therein_o note_v when_o william_n rogers_n discourse_v with_o he_o touch_v this_o particular_a passage_n in_o his_o book_n of_o woman_n meeting_n and_o be_v not_o micahs_n mother_n a_o virtuous_a woman_n read_v judge_n 17_o and_o then_o a_o few_o line_n after_o though_o she_o be_v a_o idolatrous_a woman_n say_v these_o and_o such_o
9th_o and_o 5_o as_o long_o as_o i_o be_o in_o the_o world_n i_o be_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n and_o chap._n 12.35_o yet_o a_o little_a while_n be_v the_o light_n with_o you_o walk_v while_o you_o have_v the_o light_n and_o ver_fw-la the_o 36._o while_o you_o have_v the_o light_n believe_v in_o the_o light_n that_o you_o may_v be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o light_n to_o this_o may_v be_v answer_v that_o these_o last_o recite_v scripture_n do_v in_o the_o most_o favourable_a construction_n on_o the_o objector_n part_n intimate_v that_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n while_o he_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n but_o do_v not_o say_v that_o he_o be_v or_o will_v be_v no_o long_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n such_o a_o say_n or_o sense_n will_v limit_v the_o appearance_n of_o light_n to_o that_o body_n only_o and_o dispensation_n of_o time_n wherein_o the_o say_a body_n appear_v on_o earth_n which_o be_v contradictory_n to_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o evangelist_n before_o quote_v viz._n that_o be_v the_o true_a light_n that_o light_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n which_o scripture_n sentence_n relate_v to_o every_o man_n be_v so_o universal_a that_o it_o can_v but_o extend_v to_o those_o who_o never_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o jesus_n in_o his_o fleshly_a and_o bodily_a appearance_n nor_o yet_o come_v to_o be_v inform_v by_o any_o outward_a instrument_n of_o his_o doctrine_n though_o partaker_n of_o his_o light_n which_o therefore_o may_v proper_o be_v term_v by_o such_o his_o light_z within_z that_o be_v the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n shine_v in_o their_o heart_n agreeable_a whereunto_o in_o effect_n we_o take_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v viz._n that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n 1.19_o rom._n 1.19_o be_v manifest_a in_o they_o for_o god_n have_v show_v it_o unto_o they_o see_v you_o seek_v a_o proof_n of_o christ_n speak_v in_o i_o 13.3_o 2_o cor._n 13.3_o which_o riches_n be_v christ_n in_o you_o 1.27_o col._n 1.27_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n who_o shall_v descend_v into_o the_o deep_a that_o be_v 8._o rom._n 10.7_o 8._o to_o bring_v christ_n again_o from_o the_o dead_a but_o what_o say_v it_o the_o word_n be_v near_o thou_o even_o in_o thy_o mouth_n and_o in_o thy_o heart_n this_o be_v the_o word_n of_o faith_n which_o we_o preach_v and_o all_o this_o appear_v agreeable_a unto_o what_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n hint_v at_o who_o speak_v of_o what_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o last_o day_n signify_v 5._o isa_n 1.2_o 3_o 5._o that_o the_o god_n of_o jacob_n will_v teach_v we_o of_o his_o way_n and_o therefore_o say_v oh_o house_n of_o jacob_n come_v you_o let_v we_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v compare_v with_o what_o the_o same_o prophet_n say_v in_o relation_n to_o a_o people_n â—_o isa_n 5â—_n â—_o in_o who_o heart_n be_v the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o with_o what_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n say_v i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n 34._o jer._n 31.33_o 34._o and_o write_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o they_o shall_v teach_v no_o more_o every_o man_n his_o neighbour_n and_o every_o man_n his_o brother_n say_v know_v the_o lord_n for_o they_o shall_v all_o know_v i_o from_o the_o least_o of_o they_o to_o the_o great_a it_o be_v evident_a to_o we_o that_o this_o write_a law_n in_o the_o heart_n be_v that_o light_n within_o whereof_o the_o faithful_a messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o our_o day_n have_v bear_v witness_n unto_o and_o whereof_o the_o same_o prophet_n give_v testimony_n when_o he_o say_v as_o before_o o_o house_n of_o jacob_n come_v you_o let_v we_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lord_n beside_o such_o a_o limitation_n as_o aforesaid_a will_v have_v a_o tendency_n to_o make_v void_a the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v offer_v up_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o many_o and_o on_o this_o score_n do_v the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n testify_v 9.28_o heb._n 9.28_o that_o unto_o they_o that_o look_v for_o he_o shall_v he_o appear_v the_o second_o time_n without_o sin_n unto_o salvation_n which_o be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n unto_o we_o that_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o witness_v effectual_o in_o this_o our_o day_n but_o by_o those_o who_o have_v look_v for_o his_o second_o appearance_n have_v receive_v he_o in_o his_o appearance_n this_o appearance_n we_o take_v to_o be_v his_o appearance_n by_o his_o light_n and_o spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o who_o through_o faith_n in_o his_o blood_n have_v know_v their_o conscience_n purify_v from_o dead_a work_n and_o so_o come_v to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n in_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n it_o be_v now_o to_o be_v consider_v whether_o these_o word_n turn_v in_o your_o mind_n be_n agreeable_a to_o truth_n for_o that_o this_o kind_n of_o objection_n may_v be_v raise_v objection_n do_v not_o this_o put_v the_o creature_n upon_o action_n in_o his_o own_o selfwill_a when_o as_o the_o will_n of_o man_n can_v bring_v forth_o that_o birth_n unto_o which_o power_n be_v give_v to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o answer_v hereto_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o consider_v that_o the_o faithful_a labourer_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n commend_v their_o exhortation_n and_o testimony_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o hearer_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o the_o reason_n doubtless_o be_v because_o there_o be_v a_o capacity_n in_o man_n which_o through_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n render_v man_n capable_a to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o righteousness_n unto_o life_n and_o those_o who_o be_v so_o act_v can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v act_v in_o the_o selfwill_a of_o man._n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o same_o capacity_n let_v in_o tempration_n and_o join_v thereto_o render_v man_n a_o servant_n of_o sin_n unto_o death_n and_o be_v once_o so_o dead_a in_o sin_n no_o redemption_n come_v to_o be_v obtain_v but_o through_o christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n testify_v 2.1_o ephes_n 2.1_o you_o have_v he_o quicken_v that_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n these_o thing_n consider_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o through_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n those_o who_o have_v cast_v off_o the_o old_a man_n be_v become_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o their_o mind_n unto_o god_n and_o so_o have_v put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n and_o therefore_o since_o there_o be_v such_o a_o capacity_n in_o man_n as_o aforesaid_a it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o truth_n to_o exhort_v the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o turn_v in_o their_o mind_n unto_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n that_o through_o the_o assistance_n thereof_o the_o will_n of_o god_n may_v be_v do_v in_o their_o earthen_a vessel_n the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o weight_n in_o this_o objection_n do_v you_o not_o think_v that_o the_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 think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n therein_o to_o this_o may_v be_v answer_v that_o the_o friend_n of_o truth_n never_o preach_v up_o the_o light_n within_o but_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n as_o that_o light_a within_o intend_a by_o they_o and_o since_o christ_n can_v be_v divide_v to_o act_v against_o himself_o therefore_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o therein_o act_v from_o that_o light_n within_o unto_o which_o we_o have_v be_v direct_v from_o what_o then_o may_z the_o objector_n say_v do_v those_o of_o they_o act_n who_o very_o think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n therein_o ans_fw-fr 3.6_o phil._n 3.6_o from_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n not_o have_v their_o mind_n stay_v and_o order_v according_a to_o that_o universal_a principle_n of_o truth_n 11._o act_n 26.9_o 11._o which_o if_o hearken_v unto_o will_v teach_v all_o man_n to_o do_v as_o they_o will_v be_v do_v by_o in_o which_o zeal_n paul_n very_o think_v in_o himself_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o in_o that_o self-thought_a be_v exceed_o mad_a persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n consent_v to_o the_o death_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o compel_v they_o to_o blaspheme_n but_o when_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o appear_v unto_o he_o and_o to_o make_v he_o a_o minister_n of_o his_o everlasting_a gospel_n he_o be_v send_v unto_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 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
away_o from_o the_o truth_n as_o the_o set_n up_o of_o a_o grave_a image_n through_o the_o want_n of_o knowledge_n be_v under_o the_o law_n and_o that_o at_o this_o day_n the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v again_o fulfil_v 4.6_o hos_fw-la 4.6_o my_o people_n be_v destroy_v for_o lack_n of_o knowledge_n because_o thou_o have_v reject_v knowledge_n i_o will_v also_o reject_v thou_o it_o be_v now_o needful_a to_o signify_v the_o occasion_n on_o which_o the_o apostle_n paul_n say_v that_o knowledge_n puff_v up_o 1_o cor._n 8.1_o now_o as_o touch_v thing_n offer_v unto_o idol_n we_o know_v that_o we_o have_v all_o knowledge_n knowledge_n puff_v up_o but_o charity_n edifi_v and_o further_o in_o the_o same_o chap._n ver_fw-la 10_o 11._o if_o any_o man_n see_v thou_o which_o have_v knowledge_n sit_v at_o meat_n in_o the_o idol_n temple_n shall_v not_o the_o conscience_n of_o he_o which_o be_v weak_a be_v embolden_v to_o eat_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v offer_v unto_o idol_n and_o through_o thy_o knowledge_n shall_v the_o weak_a brother_n perish_v in_o this_o chapter_n the_o apostle_n paul_n be_v a_o reproof_n to_o such_o as_o abound_v in_o knowledge_n and_o clear_o see_v that_o to_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o meat_n offer_v unto_o idol_n and_o that_o which_o be_v not_o be_v but_o the_o fruit_n of_o weakness_n have_v not_o a_o regard_n unto_o the_o weak_a conscience_n of_o their_o brethren_n and_o so_o he_o tell_v such_o knowledge_n puff_v up_o but_o charity_n edifi_v from_o whence_o we_o can_v conclude_v that_o paul_n mean_v strict_o according_a as_o his_o word_n may_v be_v construe_v no_o more_o than_o he_o intend_v by_o his_o say_n let_v your_o woman_n keep_v silence_n in_o the_o church_n that_o none_o of_o they_o though_o member_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v prophesy_v when_o move_v of_o god_n whenas_o in_o a_o few_o verse_n before_o he_o tell_v the_o church_n which_o consist_v of_o woman_n as_o well_o as_o man_n they_o may_v all_o prophesy_v one_o by_o one_o and_o the_o reason_n seem_v evident_a because_o the_o knowledge_n which_o the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o hint_n at_o be_v a_o knowledge_n spring_v from_o a_o growth_n in_o the_o truth_n that_o the_o weak_a have_v not_o attain_v unto_o which_o may_v be_v take_v to_o be_v signify_v in_o these_o word_n of_o the_o say_a chapter_n we_o know_v that_o we_o all_o have_v knowledge_n howbeit_o there_o be_v not_o in_o every_o man_n that_o knowledge_n for_o some_o with_o conscience_n of_o the_o idol_n unto_o this_o hour_n eat_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n offer_v unto_o a_o idol_n and_o their_o conscience_n be_v weak_a be_v defile_v all_o which_o be_v consider_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o apostle_n write_v those_o word_n viz._n knowledge_n puff_v up_o but_o charity_n edifi_v may_v be_v take_v to_o be_v this_o that_o though_o they_o have_v knowledge_n yet_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v their_o eye_n so_o much_o to_o that_o as_o to_o exercise_v their_o liberty_n to_o the_o offence_n of_o any_o that_o be_v weak_a lest_o the_o enemy_n to_o true_a knowledge_n shall_v interpose_v and_o puff_v they_o up_o so_o as_o not_o to_o condescend_v through_o charity_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o weak_a brother_n it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o man_n soul_n to_o puff_n up_o but_o the_o word_n of_o knowledge_n be_v one_o of_o the_o gift_n 8._o 1_o cor._n 12.7_o 8._o which_o through_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v unto_o every_o man_n to_o profit_v withal_o and_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v that_o the_o apostle_n write_v unto_o the_o philippian_n thus_o express_v himself_o 10._o phil._n 1.9_o 10._o i_o pray_v that_o your_o love_n may_v abound_v yet_o more_o and_o more_o in_o knowledge_n and_o in_o all_o judgement_n that_o you_o may_v approve_v thing_n that_o be_v excellent_a that_o you_o may_v be_v sincere_a and_o without_o offence_n from_o whence_o it_o may_v reasonable_o be_v conclude_v that_o the_o contrary_a fruit_n viz._n thing_n that_o be_v contemptible_a and_o vile_a insincere_a and_o offensive_a spring_n through_o the_o want_n of_o that_o love_n which_o abound_v in_o knowledge_n obj._n by_o this_o discourse_n you_o seem_v to_o exalt_v knowledge_n as_o a_o excellent_a thing_n christian-quaker_n thing_n see_v a_o epistle_n evidence_v the_o qualification_n of_o such_o who_o satan_n make_v use_v of_o to_o rend_v and_o divide_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n how_o come_v it_o then_o to_o pass_v that_o divers_a among_o you_o call_v quaker_n have_v preach_v reflect_o on_o such_o as_o be_v endue_v with_o knowledge_n above_o many_o of_o their_o brethren_n as_o if_o their_o religion_n be_v in_o their_o head_n and_o not_o in_o their_o heart_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n be_v not_o good_a for_o food_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o have_v appear_v in_o such_o a_o invective_n spirit_n against_o reason_n also_o without_o distinction_n that_o in_o your_o public_a meeting_n this_o imperative_fw-it expression_n have_v be_v utter_v away_o with_o all_o reason_v ans_fw-fr it_o be_v very_o true_a however_o that_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o all_o such_o expression_n be_v according_a to_o the_o truth_n peoples_n tongue_n be_v their_o own_o and_o we_o can_v use_v violence_n to_o prevent_v any_o from_o deliver_v that_o which_o they_o may_v pretend_v they_o have_v to_o say_v and_o therefore_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o aforesaid_a objection_n we_o further_o add_v pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a be_v to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o the_o widow_n and_o to_o keep_v unspotted_a of_o the_o world_n wherein_o if_o our_o head_n be_v not_o exercise_v our_o heart_n will_v not_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o as_o to_o to_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a though_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o positive_o declare_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a for_o food_n or_o no_o as_o in_o itself_o yet_o it_o do_v clear_o import_v that_o adam_n sin_n in_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n be_v the_o sin_n of_o rebellion_n for_o that_o he_o be_v command_v not_o to_o eat_v thereof_o a_o father_n may_v command_v his_o child_n not_o to_o eat_v a_o apple_n and_o yet_o give_v he_o leave_v to_o eat_v of_o other_o food_n fit_a at_o that_o season_n for_o he_o if_o the_o child_n shall_v therein_o disobey_v his_o father_n his_o rebellious_a eat_n will_v be_v no_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o apple_n in_o itself_o not_o good_a for_o food_n these_o thing_n be_v consider_v it_o may_v reasonable_o be_v conclude_v that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o assert_v that_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n be_v not_o good_a for_o food_n as_o in_o itself_o beside_o it_o have_v be_v much_o observe_v that_o when_o the_o aforesaid_a doctrine_n have_v be_v by_o some_o declare_v it_o have_v be_v by_o way_n of_o reflection_n on_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n which_o some_o of_o the_o publisher_n thereof_o account_v sensual_a and_o devilish_a though_o other_o have_v not_o thereby_o so_o intend_v but_o therein_o they_o have_v manifest_v their_o own_o weakness_n because_o that_o which_o be_v a_o discoverer_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v in_o itself_o good_a as_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n be_v can_v be_v a_o proper_a comparison_n or_o allusion_n to_o represent_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v devilish_a john_n the_o evangelist_n testify_v this_o be_v life_n eternal_a that_o they_o may_v know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n 17.3_o john_n 17.3_o and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v and_o yet_o many_o of_o those_o who_o cry_v up_o life_n be_v apt_a to_o cry_v down_o knowledge_n without_o distinction_n though_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o knowledge_n be_v the_o way_n to_o life_n these_o thing_n be_v due_o consider_v we_o know_v not_o on_o what_o foot_n of_o truth_n any_o one_o can_v assert_v that_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n be_v not_o good_a for_o food_n as_o in_o itself_o and_o that_o it_o can_v be_v a_o proper_a similitude_n to_o represent_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o opposition_n to_o that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v from_o above_o but_o yet_o i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v to_o reflect_v on_o all_o that_o have_v use_v that_o expression_n viz._n the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n be_v not_o good_a for_o food_n because_o i_o question_v not_o but_o many_o have_v so_o express_v themselves_o not_o thereby_o to_o represent_v that_o wisdom_n which_o be_v account_v sensual_a and_o devilish_a but_o rather_o to_o show_v forth_o that_o if_o we_o shall_v feed_v upon_o or_o admire_v any_o excellent_a qualification_n or_o endowment_n whatsoever_o and_o not_o have_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n chief_o unto_o the_o giver_n we_o may_v then_o come_v to_o a_o loss_n even_o as_o
four_o month_n 1677._o which_o now_o follow_v we_o who_o name_n be_v here_o unto_o subscribe_v do_v testify_v that_o on_o the_o sixteenth_o day_n of_o the_o five_o month_n 1677._o we_o be_v present_a in_o a_o meeting_n usual_o hold_v in_o the_o city_n of_o bristol_n for_o the_o take_a care_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o promote_a of_o other_o christian_a duty_n when_o a_o paper_n subscribe_v by_o sixty_o six_o person_n and_o date_v from_o a_o metting_n hold_v at_o ellis_n hook_n his_o chamber_n in_o london_n the_o twelve_o of_o the_o four_o month_n 1677._o be_v there_o read_v and_o therein_o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n be_v reprove_v and_o judge_v in_o these_o word_n viz._n we_o do_v hereby_o reprove_v and_o judge_n that_o jealous_a rend_v and_o separate_a spirit_n and_o they_o meaning_n john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o their_o separate_a company_n as_o be_v in_o that_o spirit_n of_o separation_n and_o that_o by_o the_o power_n and_o spirit_n of_o our_o god_n and_o 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in_o isa_n 9.6_o it_o be_v thus_o say_v and_o the_o government_n shall_v be_v upon_o his_o shoulder_n and_o his_o name_n shall_v be_v call_v wonderful_a councillor_n etc._n etc._n second_o because_o it_o be_v whole_o repugnant_a to_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o conscience_n that_o the_o weight_n of_o a_o government_n that_o be_v spiritual_a and_o everlasting_a the_o law_n whereof_o be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o wherein_o nothing_o but_o true_a judgement_n and_o justice_n have_v be_v be_v and_o shall_v be_v execute_v for_o evermore_o shall_v rest_v upon_o any_o man_n or_o man_n as_o a_o governor_n or_o governor_n over_o other_o since_o there_o be_v no_o man_n nor_o man_n but_o be_v subject_n through_o temptation_n to_o err_v if_o they_o watch_v not_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v well_o say_v much_o less_o on_o any_o such_o one_o man_n though_o term_v by_o some_o the_o great_a apostle_n of_o christ_n who_o action_n towards_o his_o brethren_n have_v be_v find_v 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up_o a_o better_a way_n or_o to_o alter_v they_o to_o another_o day_n for_o fear_v of_o corruption_n in_o observe_v a_o day_n and_o that_o it_o be_v but_o from_o a_o corrupt_a spirit_n of_o darkness_n which_o god_n will_v blast_v and_o that_o some_o call_v these_o meeting_n the_o government_n of_o christ_n set_v up_o among_o they_o and_o establish_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o church_n affair_n and_o that_o true_a judgement_n and_o justice_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o christ_n government_n may_v be_v execute_v to_o this_o we_o answer_v we_o confess_v there_o have_v be_v and_o yet_o may_v be_v such_o meeting_n but_o if_o any_o think_v they_o have_v be_v or_o be_v establish_v by_o any_o one_o man_n or_o that_o therein_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n be_v set_v up_o any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o any_o
member_n or_o member_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v witness_n thereof_o in_o their_o own_o heart_n we_o be_v sorry_a for_o such_o weakness_n however_o it_o give_v we_o occasion_n to_o add_v this_o testimony_n that_o if_o we_o consult_v the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n and_o light_n of_o christ_n we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o believe_v that_o under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o second_o covenant_n god_n have_v or_o ever_o will_v move_v by_o his_o spirit_n in_o any_o mortal_a man_n or_o man_n to_o take_v upon_o he_o or_o they_o so_o to_o appoint_v certain_a day_n for_o other_o to_o meet_v upon_o to_o manage_v the_o outward_a affair_n of_o a_o christian_a society_n as_o that_o if_o any_o of_o that_o society_n assent_v not_o thereto_o or_o endeavour_v to_o alter_v they_o to_o another_o day_n than_o such_o may_v be_v just_o censure_v as_o man_n of_o loose_a spirit_n or_o lead_v by_o a_o corrupt_a spirit_n of_o darkness_n for_o every_o member_n of_o such_o a_o society_n ought_v first_o to_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n in_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o faith_n or_o discipline_n and_o not_o to_o be_v judge_v one_o another_o about_o any_o thing_n wherein_o they_o may_v differ_v when_o the_o matter_n itself_o spring_v from_o a_o conscientious_a scruple_n and_o not_o obstinacy_n contrary_a to_o knowledge_n for_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o learn_v that_o that_o which_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n and_o that_o there_o be_v the_o day_n of_o ignorance_n accompany_v some_o at_o which_o the_o lord_n wink_v and_o yet_o to_o our_o grief_n we_o may_v say_v that_o such_o a_o day_n of_o gloominess_n and_o thick_a darkness_n have_v overtake_v some_o among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n who_o appear_v zealous_a for_o some_o outward_a form_n of_o discipline_n which_o they_o as_o we_o take_v it_o foollish_o imagine_v be_v establish_v as_o by_o a_o decree_n from_o heaven_n that_o they_o seem_v to_o make_v void_a the_o law_n of_o charity_n and_o humane_a society_n and_o as_o if_o their_o religion_n be_v most_o effectual_o demonstrate_v by_o appear_v in_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o spirit_n that_o christ_n reprove_v in_o his_o disciple_n when_o they_o ask_v he_o on_o this_o wise_a will_v thou_o that_o we_o command_v fire_n to_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o consume_v they_o mean_v the_o samaritan_n that_o do_v not_o receive_v christ_n because_o his_o face_n be_v as_o though_o he_o will_v go_v to_o jerusalem_n to_o return_v again_o we_o far_o say_v that_o whoever_o have_v give_v occasion_n for_o such_o a_o objection_n to_o be_v raise_v as_o aforesaid_a it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v it_o spring_v from_o one_o that_o aspire_v to_o give_v rule_n to_o other_o while_o he_o will_v not_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o himself_o for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a we_o may_v have_v escape_v the_o severe_a judgement_n of_o be_v guilty_a of_o corahs_n sin_n and_o that_o only_o because_o we_o have_v endeavour_v to_o convince_v some_o that_o that_o f._n that_o namely_o g._n f._n one_o person_n intend_v in_o the_o objection_n christian-quaker_n see_v the_o four_o and_o five_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n have_v act_v contrary_a to_o the_o outward_a rule_n and_o order_n that_o he_o himself_o have_v prescribe_v for_o other_o to_o walk_v by_o as_o to_o the_o word_n establish_v we_o further_o add_v that_o the_o word_n as_o use_v in_o the_o objection_n be_v disow_v by_o we_o for_o though_o the_o child_n of_o god_n may_v be_v instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o establish_v one_o another_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n or_o of_o any_o one_o of_o they_o positive_o and_o without_o exception_n to_o establish_v what_o ought_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v whether_o it_o respect_v doctrine_n or_o discipline_n and_o if_o any_o one_o or_o more_o have_v atempt_v so_o to_o do_v it_o may_v just_o be_v say_v of_o such_o that_o he_o or_o they_o have_v endeavour_v to_o invade_v christ_n prerogative_n beside_o we_o observe_v that_o the_o objection_n be_v make_v with_o respect_n to_o one_o man_n which_o to_o we_o seem_v as_o if_o in_o the_o objector_n sense_n that_o one_o man_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n have_v power_n give_v he_o of_o god_n to_o establish_v a_o outward_a form_n wherein_o all_o god_n people_n ought_v to_o walk_v or_o else_o severe_o to_o be_v censure_v for_o rebellion_n whether_o they_o see_v it_o their_o christian_a duty_n or_o not_o but_o this_o we_o deny_v as_o that_o which_o may_v just_o be_v term_v a_o abomination_n either_o so_o to_o endeavour_v or_o so_o to_o submit_v second_o if_o we_o inquire_v what_o be_v establish_v we_o know_v if_o any_o answer_v be_v give_v to_o what_o by_o the_o question_n we_o intend_v it_o will_v be_v on_o this_o wise_a certain_a meeting_n to_o be_v hold_v by_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n or_o at_o least_o some_o of_o they_o on_o certain_a prefix_a day_n but_o if_o we_o ask_v who_o be_v the_o metre_n that_o be_v to_o make_v up_o the_o establish_v meeting_n none_o can_v give_v such_o a_o certain_a description_n as_o that_o the_o metre_n may_v be_v certain_o know_v and_o therefore_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n establish_v applicable_a to_o outward_a society_n of_o people_n so_o uncertain_a to_o be_v know_v or_o outward_o describable_a seem_v to_o we_o vain_a and_o ridiculous_a by_o this_o discourse_n the_o reader_n may_v gather_v that_o we_o be_v remote_a from_o own_v those_o meeting_n mention_v in_o the_o last_o objection_n to_o be_v establish_v as_o a_o part_n of_o christ_n government_n and_o as_o to_o their_o have_v any_o share_n as_o a_o church_n in_o church_n government_n it_o will_v be_v time_n enough_o for_o we_o to_o answer_v when_o any_o shall_v pretend_v that_o they_o have_v manifest_v that_o those_o uncertain_a qualify_v person_n usual_o assemble_v in_o such_o meeting_n be_v then_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o as_o member_n thereof_o they_o have_v right_a to_o style_v themselves_o church-governor_n however_o we_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o signify_v that_o the_o chief_a end_n as_o we_o understand_v wherefore_o the_o say_v meeting_n be_v assent_v to_o by_o many_o friend_n be_v to_o relieve_v the_o poor_a and_o to_o perform_v other_o necessary_a service_n relate_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o friend_n concern_v therein_o in_o which_o we_o think_v ourselves_o and_o doubtless_o all_o the_o faithful_a with_o we_o servant_n one_o unto_o another_o and_o not_o master_n governor_n or_o ruler_n over_o one_o another_o for_o that_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o enter_v into_o our_o heart_n but_o when_o we_o perceive_v that_o some_o upstart_n that_o to_o we_o seem_v to_o love_v pre-eminence_n as_o diotrephes_n do_v look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o somebody_o from_o their_o appear_a and_o be_v encourage_v to_o appear_v member_n in_o such_o meeting_n and_o to_o lay_v a_o stress_n on_o the_o prefix_a day_n for_o meet_v affirm_v that_o they_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n that_o friend_n who_o be_v heir_n of_o the_o power_n may_v come_v and_o take_v their_o possession_n therein_o a_o sort_n of_o language_n not_o well_o understand_v by_o such_o as_o be_v endue_v with_o wisdom_n from_o above_o than_o many_o friend_n begin_v to_o startle_v thereat_o fear_v that_o some_o through_o weakness_n and_o blind_a zeal_n will_v idolise_v the_o same_o and_o run_v into_o a_o indispensable_a form_n and_o endeavour_v to_o bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o about_o outward_a thing_n and_o so_o at_o length_n some_o friend_n in_o truth_n move_v to_o alter_v the_o day_n of_o meet_v in_o some_o place_n but_z other_o not_o assent_v thereto_o contention_n arise_v and_o a_o fire_n have_v be_v kindle_v about_o church-government_n at_o so_o high_a a_o rate_n as_o that_o public_a meet_v place_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n have_v sometime_o become_v mere_a stage_n of_o contention_n and_o other_o time_n the_o keep_n on_o of_o hat_n in_o prayer_n by_o some_o while_o other_o have_v be_v uncover_v have_v become_v as_o a_o ensign_n of_o division_n the_o knowledge_n whereof_o being_n no_o long_o to_o be_v hide_v have_v more_o vigorous_o occasion_v the_o bring_v forth_o of_o our_o treatise_n entitle_v the_o christian-quaker_n distinguish_v from_o the_o apostate_n and_o innovator_n in_o five_o part_n whereof_o this_o treatise_n touch_v government_n be_v one_o that_o so_o all_o may_v now_o know_v that_o darkness_n be_v not_o so_o overshadow_a but_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v preserve_v a_o remnant_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n that_o can_v bow_v their_o knee_n to_o any_o image_n or_o image-maker_n nor_o yet_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o salvation_n be_v attainable_a through_o faith_n in_o any_o other_o name_n than_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
and_o by_o his_o spirit_n we_o come_v to_o be_v baptize_v into_o one_o body_n and_o so_o be_v centre_v into_o the_o heavenly_a fellowship_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o as_o for_o thy_o say_n a_o belief_n in_o certain_a principle_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n necessary_o depend_v thereon_o be_v the_o term_n and_o very_a bond_n by_o which_o we_o become_v centre_v into_o one_o body_n and_o the_o cause_n that_o gather_v we_o this_o be_v not_o only_o wrong_v in_o itself_o though_o as_o be_v say_v before_o they_o may_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o bond_n but_o exact_o like_o the_o false_a church_n in_o the_o world_n papist_n and_o protestant_n of_o all_o sort_n in_o the_o apostasy_n have_v outward_a mark_n and_o token_n as_o be_v either_o of_o such_o a_o order_n or_o have_v such_o a_o commission_n or_o as_o believe_v in_o such_o principle_n and_o submit_v to_o such_o practice_n and_o the_o like_a by_o which_o the_o member_n of_o their_o church_n be_v describe_v and_o therefore_o be_v it_o that_o among_o those_o there_o be_v outward_a society_n of_o man_n certain_o know_v as_o aforesaid_a according_a to_o the_o various_a manner_n and_o way_n which_o their_o principle_n admit_v and_o allow_v of_o which_o be_v term_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o these_o have_v many_o outward_a order_n rule_n prescription_n ordinance_n decree_n or_o law_n for_o the_o establishment_n and_o preservation_n of_o their_o outward_a society_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o constitution_n may_v become_v fit_a mean_n for_o the_o conservation_n thereof_o but_o inasmuch_o as_o the_o belief_n of_o certain_a principle_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n necessary_o depend_v thereon_o be_v not_o the_o very_a term_n or_o bond_n to_o unite_v any_o in_o outward_a assembly_n whereby_o to_o assume_v unto_o themselves_o the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o that_o if_o hold_v in_o a_o pure_a mind_n which_o be_v in_o the_o best_a sense_n they_o be_v but_o the_o fruit_n of_o that_o bond_n and_o when_o hold_v in_o a_o impure_a mind_n be_v no_o indication_n that_o such_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n church_n i_o can_v but_o say_v it_o be_v against_o right_a reason_n for_o any_o to_o prescribe_v and_o establish_v outward_a indispensable_a rule_n and_o order_n relate_v to_o the_o conscience_n and_o in_o order_n to_o be_v a_o bond_n thereon_o for_o the_o conservation_n of_o christ_n body_n since_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o most_o certain_a and_o infallible_a mark_n of_o membership_n in_o the_o say_a body_n be_v invisible_a to_o the_o outward_a man_n though_o feel_v and_o know_v to_o the_o inward_a man_n of_o the_o heart_n for_o though_o action_n outward_o just_a be_v many_o time_n the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o be_v not_o always_o certain_a token_n that_o those_o through_o who_o they_o appear_v be_v member_n of_o christ_n body_n but_o those_o who_o be_v circumcise_a in_o heart_n and_o have_v the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n be_v the_o very_a member_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o therefore_o the_o most_o proper_a mean_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o such_o member_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o as_o member_n of_o one_o body_n be_v that_o whereby_o they_o come_v to_o be_v circumcise_a in_o heart_n and_o gather_v unto_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o spirit_n and_o arm_v of_o god_n power_n which_o surround_v all_o those_o that_o wait_v upon_o he_o and_o have_v a_o daily_a dependence_n upon_o the_o lord_n with_o the_o mind_n inward_o stay_v in_o the_o measure_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o the_o apostle_n say_v be_v sufficient_a for_o they_o and_o thus_o the_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n will_v be_v witness_v continual_o in_o which_o every_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n come_v to_o be_v center_a into_o a_o heavenly_a fellowship_n and_o communion_n each_o with_o other_o in_o the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n the_o next_o thing_n i_o shall_v examine_v be_v whether_o r._n b_n affirmative_a answer_n to_o this_o question_n viz._n whether_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v power_n in_o any_o case_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n to_o give_v postive_a sentence_n and_o decision_n which_o may_v be_v obligatory_a upon_o believer_n be_v agreeable_a to_o truth_n and_o sound_a doctrine_n my_o observation_n hereon_o be_v this_o that_o he_o have_v not_o here_o adjoin_v inward_a conviction_n whereby_o they_o may_v find_v clearness_n in_o themselves_o to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n as_o necessary_a to_o the_o obligation_n he_o intend_v and_o inasmuch_o as_o nothing_o without_o a_o inward_a clearness_n and_o conviction_n can_v become_v a_o real_a and_o acceptable_a bond_n upon_o a_o believer_n to_o be_v at_o unity_n with_o his_o brethren_n in_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o thing_n relate_v to_o conscience_n and_o that_o those_o who_o be_v find_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o other_o man_n line_n before_o they_o have_v faith_n therein_o may_v oft_o time_n run_v into_o the_o sin_n of_o hypocrisy_n even_o as_o other_o may_n into_o the_o sin_n of_o negligence_n who_o through_o unwatchfulness_n to_o their_o own_o measure_n want_v clearness_n of_o sight_n and_o understanding_n to_o practice_v and_o join_v with_o those_o thing_n which_o other_o waiting_z in_o their_o own_o measure_n may_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v lead_v into_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o say_v that_o the_o scope_n and_o bend_v of_o his_o spirit_n so_o far_o as_o from_o his_o word_n i_o can_v savour_n in_o relation_n to_o this_o matter_n be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o since_o it_o be_v so_o as_o r._n b._n observe_v page_n 35._o that_o god_n have_v not_o give_v we_o our_o reason_n to_o no_o purpose_n i_o shall_v according_a to_o the_o line_n of_o right_a reason_n a_o little_a further_o observe_v first_o i_o find_v r._n b._n treat_v in_o his_o seven_o section_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o decision_n thus_o to_o say_v page_z 66._o the_o only_a proper_a judge_n of_o controversy_n in_o the_o church_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o decide_v sole_o lie_v in_o it_o as_o have_v the_o only_a infallible_a judgement_n belong_v to_o it_o which_o infallibility_n be_v not_o necessary_o annex_v to_o any_o person_n person_n or_o place_n whatsoever_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o office_n place_n or_o station_n any_o one_o may_v have_v or_o have_v have_v in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o any_o have_v ground_n to_o reason_n thus_o because_o i_o be_o or_o have_v be_v such_o a_o eminent_a member_n therefore_o my_o judgement_n be_v infallible_a or_o because_o we_o be_v the_o great_a number_n or_o that_o we_o live_v in_o such_o a_o note_a or_o famous_a place_n or_o the_o like_a though_o some_o of_o these_o reason_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v their_o true_a weight_n in_o case_n of_o contradictory_n assertion_n thus_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n from_o all_o which_o two_o thing_n be_v observable_a first_o that_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n account_v the_o spirit_n the_o only_a judge_n second_o that_o though_o he_o affirm_v that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v power_n in_o case_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n to_o give_v positive_a sentence_n and_o decision_n which_o may_v be_v obligatory_a upon_o believer_n yet_o through_o his_o whole_a treatise_n i_o find_v not_o that_o he_o have_v describe_v who_o be_v the_o person_n that_o be_v the_o church_n and_o where_o those_o person_n do_v usual_o assemble_v as_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o though_o my_o very_a soul_n abhor_v light_o to_o esteem_v of_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n or_o to_o undervalue_v the_o power_n the_o church_n of_o god_n either_o stand_v in_o or_o be_v endue_v with_o yet_o since_o i_o do_v know_v how_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o any_o to_o burden_n the_o conscience_n of_o god_n people_n though_o under_o ever_o so_o specious_a pretence_n and_o that_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n we_o mean_v visible_a person_n distinguish_v as_o outward_a person_n by_o name_n that_o may_v be_v know_v to_o the_o outward_a man_n though_o as_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n distinguish_v not_o by_o such_o name_n but_o by_o that_o name_n which_o be_v write_v in_o heaven_n and_o know_v to_o the_o inward_a man_n i_o can_v but_o query_n to_o what_o end_n do_v the_o aforesaid_a author_n assign_v the_o decision_n of_o case_n of_o conscience_n which_o be_v matter_n certain_o to_o be_v know_v so_o as_o to_o be_v bind_v on_o believer_n to_o judge_n so_o describe_v as_o that_o a_o great_a controversy_n may_v immediate_o arise_v upon_o the_o ask_n of_o this_o question_n who_o or_o where_o those_o man_n be_v this_o instead_o of_o remove_v one_o difference_n or_o clear_v one_o doubt_n may_v beget_v more_o
so_o also_o in_o this_o be_v mistake_v if_o he_o mean_v that_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o christian_a forbearance_n which_o be_v manifest_a from_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v rom._n 14.3_o 4._o let_v not_o he_o that_o eat_v despise_v he_o that_o eat_v not_o and_o let_v not_o he_o that_o eat_v not_o jadge_v he_o that_o eat_v who_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n to_o his_o own_o master_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v which_o evident_o show_v that_o in_o as_o much_o as_o every_o one_o must_v answer_v for_o himself_o it_o be_v fit_a every_o one_o shall_v believe_v for_o himself_o and_o so_o practice_v without_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o other_o and_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o christian_a forbearance_n and_o not_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n and_o though_o page_n 65._o r._n b._n say_v that_o be_v account_v a_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n which_o in_o another_o respect_n be_v christian_a forbearance_n which_o i_o take_v he_o to_o assert_v from_o his_o observation_n on_o 1_o cor._n 8._o throughout_o and_o 1_o tim._n 4.1_o 2_o 3._o the_o latter_a scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o command_v to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n be_v a_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n that_o to_o the_o corinth_n say_v if_o meat_n make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v i_o will_v eat_v no_o flesh_n while_o the_o world_n stand_v this_o do_v not_o in_o any_o wise_a show_n that_o a_o command_n to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n be_v at_o any_o time_n or_o in_o any_o respect_n justifiable_a for_o if_o he_o will_v have_v this_o assertion_n pass_v for_o truth_n he_o ought_v to_o have_v prove_v not_o only_o that_o a_o command_n to_o abstain_v from_o flesh_n be_v a_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n which_o that_o to_o tymothy_n do_v but_o also_o that_o such_o a_o command_n be_v once_o christian_n forbearance_n but_o nothing_o of_o this_o latter_a appear_v nor_o yet_o can_v be_v prove_v from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n and_o as_o to_o the_o case_n of_o circumcision_n r._n b._n say_v it_o be_v permit_v to_o the_o jew_n for_o a_o time_n to_o this_o i_o say_v we_o find_v that_o many_o of_o the_o believe_a jew_n be_v not_o come_v from_o under_o it_o and_o that_o those_o jew_n who_o see_v beyond_o it_o do_v not_o condemn_v such_o their_o brethren_n but_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o the_o apostle_n as_o person_n that_o have_v power_n to_o permit_v or_o not_o permit_v such_o a_o practice_n in_o the_o church_n do_v approve_v of_o it_o in_o any_o of_o the_o jew_n or_o condemn_v the_o same_o in_o such_o as_o practise_v it_o until_o by_o faith_n they_o see_v beyond_o it_o for_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o commission_n to_o preach_v up_o circumcision_n so_o on_o the_o other_o it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n to_o be_v a_o bond_n on_o any_o to_o forbear_v who_o through_o faith_n be_v not_o first_o lead_v therefrom_o for_o though_o the_o apostle_n say_v gal._n 5.2_o i_o paul_n say_v unto_o you_o if_o you_o be_v circumcise_a christ_n shall_v profit_v you_o nothing_o and_o gal._n 4.9_o 10_o 11._o but_o now_o after_o you_o have_v know_v god_n or_o rather_o be_v know_v of_o god_n how_o turn_v you_o again_o to_o the_o weak_a and_o beggarly_a eliment_n you_o observe_v day_n and_o month_n etc._n etc._n i_o be_o afraid_a of_o you_o yet_o this_o do_v not_o at_o that_o time_n condemn_v that_o christian_a liberty_n and_o forbearance_n which_o the_o apostle_n before_o approve_v in_o and_o with_o respect_n unto_o such_o as_o make_v couscience_n of_o circumcision_n and_o the_o observe_v day_n for_o it_o plain_o appear_v he_o speak_v to_o a_o people_n who_o be_v redeem_v out_o of_o those_o beggarly_a eliment_n and_o be_v come_v past_o those_o rudiment_n which_o be_v evident_a by_o these_o his_o word_n how_o turn_v you_o again_o and_o so_o he_o may_v well_o exhort_v such_o neither_o to_o circumcise_v nor_o yet_o be_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o day_n for_o that_o god_n do_v not_o usual_o lead_v into_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v lead_v out_o of_o and_o this_o may_v well_o consist_v with_o the_o truth_n even_o at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o season_n when_o other_o through_o a_o conscientious_a scruple_n may_v in_o a_o plea_n for_o both_o with_o respect_n to_o themselves_o be_v uncondemned_a these_o thing_n consider_v and_o that_o also_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n exhort_v the_o church_n not_o to_o be_v judge_v one_o another_o with_o respect_n to_o thing_n relate_v to_o conscience_n there_o be_v great_a need_n for_o every_o one_o to_o watch_v against_o a_o censorious_a judge_a spirit_n lest_o while_o any_o be_v judge_v their_o brethren_n they_o themselves_o become_v castawaye_n have_v in_o some_o measure_n clear_v my_o conscience_n i_o have_v this_o further_a to_o add_v that_o it_o be_v a_o bless_a thing_n for_o brethren_n to_o dwell_v together_o in_o love_n and_o unity_n yet_o this_o love_n and_o unity_n ought_v to_o consist_v in_o the_o truth_n else_o the_o blessing_n be_v not_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o there_o be_v many_o who_o be_v ready_a to_o conclude_v that_o a_o universal_a unity_n ought_v to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o assistance_n of_o outward_a instrument_n that_o as_o we_o be_v member_n of_o one_o body_n so_o we_o may_v not_o only_o be_v one_o in_o faith_n one_o in_o doctrine_n but_o also_o one_o in_o practice_n with_o relation_n to_o discipline_n order_n and_o outward_a form_n of_o government_n my_o soul_n shall_v rejoice_v to_o see_v that_o day_n wherein_o we_o may_v all_o be_v so_o lead_v by_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n spirit_n in_o we_o under_o his_o government_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v exalt_v over_o all_o as_o that_o this_o oneness_n may_v thereby_o be_v witness_v among_o all_o the_o family_n of_o god_n people_n at_o this_o day_n but_o since_o it_o be_v so_o with_o the_o church_n of_o god_n at_o this_o day_n as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n in_o the_o primitive_a day_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v diversitye_n of_o administration_n and_o diversitye_n of_o gift_n &_o operation_n in_o the_o body_n and_o yet_o through_o the_o same_o spirit_n it_o behoove_v every_o one_o diligent_o to_o watch_v that_o we_o judge_v not_o one_o another_o by_o reason_n of_o these_o differ_a exercise_n as_o if_o these_o thing_n consist_v not_o with_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n and_o since_o also_o it_o be_v so_o that_o among_o the_o primitive_a believer_n there_o be_v such_o as_o practise_a circumcision_n some_o make_a conscience_n of_o keep_v a_o day_n and_o some_o that_o absteyn_v from_o eat_a flesh_n and_o other_o that_o do_v not_o and_o yet_o a_o christian-liberty_n and_o forbearance_n be_v so_o exercise_v as_o that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v one_o another_o about_o these_o thing_n and_o that_o we_o find_v not_o that_o these_o differ_a exercise_n in_o a_o christian-liberty_n do_v subject_a any_o of_o those_o believer_n exercise_v therein_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o be_v out_o of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n i_o therefore_o do_v reasonable_o conclude_v that_o the_o infallible_a mark_n whereby_o any_o member_n of_o the_o body_n be_v know_v to_o be_v in_o true_a unity_n with_o the_o body_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o profession_n and_o belief_n of_o certain_a principle_n and_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n depend_v thereon_o nor_o yet_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o measure_n of_o other_o but_o in_o the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o a_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n and_o that_o every_o member_n keep_v his_o own_o order_n office_n and_o place_n in_o the_o body_n through_o his_o obedience_n to_o the_o measure_n and_o gift_n of_o grace_n in_o himself_o which_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n to_o profit_n withal_o the_o most_o infallible_a mark_n and_o token_n then_o of_o a_o member_n in_o the_o true_a unity_n with_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o inward_a invisible_a mark_n that_o can_v be_v stamp_v on_o any_o but_o by_o the_o impression_n of_o god_n power_n on_o the_o heart_n and_o therefore_o be_v it_o that_o the_o outward_a endeavour_n of_o all_o such_o christian_a professor_n as_o have_v be_v and_o be_v in_o the_o apostasy_n instead_o of_o attain_v to_o a_o heavenly_a union_n in_o the_o spirit_n have_v at_o most_o but_o arrive_v to_o a_o outward_a unity_n consist_v in_o their_o outward_a conformity_n and_o uniformity_n according_a to_o the_o command_n tradition_n decree_n or_o example_n of_o men._n when_o in_o age_n and_o generation_n past_a the_o apostasy_n first_o enter_v as_o a_o flood_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o all_o who_o have_v know_v the_o truth_n and_o have_v have_v the_o consideration_n and_o true_a sense_n thereof_o upon_o their_o spirit_n do_v conclude_v that_o the_o cause_n thereof_o
birth_n from_o run_v into_o duty_n catch_v of_o open_n and_o lay_v hold_n of_o promise_n and_o to_o feel_v the_o heir_n bear_v of_o the_o immortal_a seed_n to_o who_o all_o belong_v and_o the_o other_o birth_n never_o afterward_o get_v up_o above_o he_o but_o be_v subdue_v and_o bring_v into_o subjection_n again_o say_v the_o apostle_n take_v heed_n of_o do_v any_o thing_n doubt_o be_v not_o forward_a be_v not_o hasty_a wait_v for_o the_o lead_n wait_v for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v sure_o thou_o receive_v what_o thou_o receive_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o practise_v what_o thou_o practise_v in_o the_o faith_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n be_v a_o error_n from_o the_o principle_n of_o life_n which_o be_v to_o guide_v and_o thereby_o thou_o lose_v ground_n and_o dishonour_v christ_n and_o come_v under_o condemnation_n and_o so_o the_o apostle_n warn_v believer_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o draw_v one_o another_o on_o too_o fast_o or_o of_o judge_v one_o another_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o some_o of_o they_o may_v have_v light_a in_o other_o not_z he_o that_o eat_v not_o to_o judge_v he_o that_o do_v not_o eat_v and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o eat_v not_o to_o judge_v he_o that_o do_v eat_v yea_o in_o matter_n of_o worship_n he_o that_o observe_v a_o day_n and_o keep_v a_o sabbath_n not_o to_o judge_v he_o that_o observe_v not_o a_o day_n or_o keep_v not_o a_o sabbath_n for_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v true_o convert_v yet_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v draw_v off_o from_o the_o observation_n of_o their_o sabbath_n and_o can_v hardly_o bear_v with_o the_o believe_a gentile_n who_o be_v never_o teach_v to_o keep_v their_o sabbath_n with_o they_o but_o be_v teach_v to_o esteem_v every_o day_n and_o sanctify_v it_o to_o the_o lord_n rom._n 14.5_o and_o those_o who_o esteem_v every_o day_n and_o dedicate_v it_o to_o the_o lord_n cease_v from_o sin_n and_o rest_v to_o he_o for_o under_o the_o gospel_n we_o be_v not_o to_o set_v up_o a_o new_a type_n but_o to_o enter_v by_o faith_n into_o the_o true_a rest_n which_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o the_o other_o signify_v can_v hardly_o bear_v with_o they_o who_o observe_v a_o day_n even_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n christian_n be_v too_o apt_a to_o strive_v after_o a_o wrong_a unity_n and_o uniformity_n in_o outward_a practice_n and_o observation_n and_o to_o judge_v one_o another_o unrighteous_o in_o those_o thing_n and_o mark_v it_o be_v not_o the_o different_a practice_n from_o one_o another_o that_o break_v the_o peace_n and_o the_o unity_n but_o the_o judge_n of_o one_o another_o because_o of_o different_a practice_n he_o that_o keep_v not_o a_o day_n may_v unite_v in_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o the_o same_o life_n in_o the_o same_o love_n with_o he_o that_o keep_v a_o day_n and_o he_o who_o keep_v a_o day_n may_v unite_v in_o heart_n and_o soul_n with_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o life_n in_o he_o who_o keep_v not_o a_o day_n but_o he_o that_o judge_v the_o other_o because_o of_o either_o of_o these_o err_v from_o the_o spirit_n from_o the_o love_n from_o the_o life_n and_o so_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o unity_n and_o he_o that_o draw_v another_o to_o any_o practice_n before_o the_o life_n in_o his_o own_o particular_a lead_v he_o do_v as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o destroy_v the_o soul_n of_o that_o person_n verse_n 15._o this_o be_v the_o apostle_n rule_n for_o every_o one_o to_o perform_v single_o to_o the_o lord_n what_o he_o do_v and_o not_o for_o one_o to_o meddle_v with_o the_o light_n or_o conscience_n of_o another_o undervalue_v his_o brother_n or_o judge_v he_o because_o his_o light_n and_o practice_n differ_v from_o he_o verse_n 10._o of_o that_o 14_o chap._n but_o every_o one_o to_o keep_v close_o to_o their_o own_o measure_n of_o light_n even_o to_o that_o proportion_n of_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n which_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n have_v bestow_v on_o they_o and_o here_o be_v the_o true_a unity_n in_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o inward_a life_n and_o not_o in_o a_o outward_a uniformity_n that_o be_v not_o necessary_a in_o the_o apostle_n day_n nor_o be_v it_o necessary_a now_o and_o that_o eye_n which_o so_o dote_v upon_o it_o overlook_v the_o one_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a man_n keep_v close_o to_o god_n the_o lord_n will_v lead_v they_o on_o fast_o enough_o and_o give_v they_o light_v fast_o enough_o for_o he_o take_v care_n of_o such_o and_o know_v what_o light_n and_o what_o practice_n be_v most_o proper_a for_o they_o but_o for_o man_n to_o walk_v on_o fast_a than_o the_o lord_n hold_v forth_o light_a to_o they_o this_o overturn_v they_o raise_v up_o a_o wrong_a thing_n in_o they_o and_o the_o true_a birth_n hereby_o come_v to_o suffer_v to_o shrink_v and_o be_v drive_v back_o and_o oh_o how_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a be_v it_o to_o the_o true_o spiritual_a eye_n to_o see_v several_a sort_n of_o believer_n several_a form_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n every_o one_o learning_n their_o own_o lesson_n perform_v their_o own_o peculiar_a service_n and_o know_v own_v and_o love_v one_o another_o in_o their_o several_a place_n and_o different_a performance_n to_o their_o master_n to_o who_o they_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n and_o not_o to_o quarrel_v with_o one_o another_o about_o their_o different_a practice_n rom._n 14.4_o for_o this_o be_v the_o true_a ground_n of_o love_n and_o unity_n not_o that_o such_o a_o man_n walk_v and_o do_v just_a as_o i_o do_v but_o because_o i_o feel_v the_o same_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o he_o and_o in_o that_o he_o walk_v in_o his_o rank_n in_o his_o own_o order_n in_o his_o proper_a way_n and_o place_n of_o subjection_n to_o that_o and_o this_o be_v far_o more_o please_a to_o i_o than_o if_o he_o walk_v just_a in_o that_o tract_n wherein_o i_o walk_v nay_o so_o far_o as_o i_o be_o spiritual_a i_o can_v so_o much_o as_o desire_v that_o he_o shall_v do_v so_o until_o he_o be_v particular_o lead_v thereto_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o lead_v i_o and_o he_o that_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o receive_v any_o truth_n from_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o be_v lead_v into_o practice_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o how_o prone_a the_o fleshly_a man_n be_v to_o make_v haste_n and_o how_o dangerous_a that_o haste_n be_v will_v not_o be_v forward_o to_o press_v his_o knowledge_n or_o practice_n upon_o other_o but_o rather_o wait_v patient_o till_o the_o lord_n fit_v they_o for_o the_o receive_n thereof_o and_o fear_v lest_o they_o shall_v receive_v and_o practice_v too_o soon_o even_o in_o that_o part_n which_o can_v serve_v the_o lord_n and_o this_o i_o can_v true_o say_v concern_v myself_o i_o never_o find_v my_o spirit_n forward_o to_o draw_v any_o either_o to_o any_o thing_n i_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a or_o to_o any_o practice_n or_o way_n of_o worship_n i_o observe_v or_o walk_v in_o but_o desire_v that_o the_o power_n and_o leading_n of_o life_n may_v go_v before_o they_o and_o be_v afraid_a lest_o man_n shall_v receive_v thing_n from_o my_o hand_n and_o not_o from_o the_o lord_n yea_o and_o this_o i_o very_o well_o remember_v that_o when_o i_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o independency_n as_o it_o have_v be_v common_o call_v i_o have_v more_o unity_n with_o more_o love_n towards_o such_o as_o be_v single-hearted_n in_o other_o way_n and_o practice_n of_o worship_n who_o spirit_n i_o have_v some_o feel_n of_o in_o the_o true_a simplicity_n and_o in_o the_o life_n than_o with_o divers_a of_o such_o who_o be_v very_o know_v and_o zealous_a in_o that_o way_n of_o independency_n in_o who_o a_o wrong_a thing_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n have_v get_v up_o which_o have_v cause_v they_o to_o swerve_v from_o the_o life_n and_o from_o the_o simplicity_n so_o that_o the_o true_a church_n government_n be_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o over_o the_o conscience_n as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n the_o great_a care_n must_v be_v to_o keep_v it_o within_o its_o bound_n that_o nothing_o else_o govern_v but_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o the_o government_n be_v extend_v only_o unto_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v first_o care_n must_v be_v have_v that_o nothing_o govern_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n that_o nothing_o else_o teach_v nothing_o else_o exhort_v nothing_o else_o admonish_v and_o reprove_v nothing_o else_o cut_v off_o and_o cast_v out_o every_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o watch_v over_o his_o own_o spirit_n that_o it_o intrude_v not_o into_o the_o work_n of_o god_n that_o it_o take_v not_o upon_o it_o to_o be_v the_o teacher_n the_o exhorte_a the_o reprover_n etc._n etc._n and_o
every_o memis_n to_o wait_v in_o that_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v to_o feel_v the_o go_n forth_o of_o the_o spirit_n in_o he_o that_o teach_v and_o govern_v and_o so_o to_o subject_v not_o to_o man_n but_o to_o the_o lord_n to_o receive_v from_o the_o lord_n to_o obey_v the_o lord_n not_o to_o know_v any_o minister_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n but_o to_o receive_v and_o submit_v to_o what_o come_v from_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o spirit_n not_o to_o know_v paul_n or_o apollo_n or_o cephas_n but_o the_o spirit_n minister_a in_o they_o paul_n may_v err_v apollo_n may_v err_v peter_n may_v err_v and_o do_v err_v when_o he_o compel_v the_o gentile_n to_o live_v as_o the_o jew_n gal._n 2.14_o for_o which_o paul_n withstand_v he_o to_o the_o face_n verse_n 11_o and_o barnabas_n also_o do_v err_v verse_n 13._o but_o the_o spirit_n can_v err_v and_o he_o that_o keep_v to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o himself_o can_v let_v in_o any_o of_o their_o error_n if_o they_o shall_v err_v but_o be_v preserve_v for_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v true_a and_o give_v true_a judgement_n but_o he_o that_o receive_v never_o so_o great_a a_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o if_o he_o keep_v not_o low_a therein_o but_o lift_v up_o himself_o because_o thereof_o above_o his_o brethren_n may_v easy_o err_v himself_o and_o draw_v aside_o other_o into_o his_o error_n second_o care_n must_v be_v have_v that_o the_o conscience_n be_v keep_v tender_a that_o nothing_o be_v receive_v but_o according_a to_o the_o light_n in_o the_o conscience_n the_o conscience_n be_v the_o seat_n of_o faith_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o light_n which_o god_n light_v there_o faith_n be_v soon_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o christianity_n be_v begin_v in_o the_o spirit_n which_o keep_v out_o the_o fleshly_a part_n with_o all_o its_o fleshly_a wisdom_n and_o reason_v about_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o as_o the_o begin_n be_v in_o the_o anoint_v so_o must_v the_o progress_n be_v as_o the_o spirit_n begin_v in_o the_o conscience_n by_o convince_a that_n by_o persuade_v that_o by_o set_v up_o his_o light_n there_o and_o lead_v the_o soul_n by_o that_o light_n so_o that_o light_n must_v still_o be_v eye_v and_o according_a to_o its_o growth_n and_o manifestation_n in_o the_o conscience_n so_o must_v the_o soul_n stand_v still_o or_o go_v on_o the_o great_a error_n of_o the_o age_n of_o the_o apostasy_n have_v be_v to_o set_v up_o a_o outward_a order_n and_o unformity_n and_o to_o make_v man_n conscience_n bend_v thereto_o either_o by_o argument_n of_o wisdom_n or_o by_o force_n but_o the_o property_n of_o the_o true_a church_n government_n be_v to_o leave_v the_o conscience_n to_o its_o full_a liberty_n in_o the_o lord_n to_o preserve_v it_o single_a and_o entire_a for_o the_o lord_n to_o exercise_v and_o to_o seek_v unity_n in_o the_o light_n and_o in_o the_o spirit_n walk_v sweet_o and_o harmonious_o together_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o different_a practice_n yea_o and_o he_o that_o have_v faith_n and_o can_v see_v beyond_o another_o yet_o can_v have_v it_o to_o him-self_n and_o not_o disturb_v his_o brother_n with_o it_o but_o can_v descend_v and_o walk_v with_o he_o according_a to_o his_o measure_n and_o if_o his_o brother_n have_v any_o heavy_a burden_n upon_o he_o he_o can_v lend_v he_o his_o shoulder_n and_o bear_v part_n of_o his_o burden_n with_o he_o oh_o how_o sweet_a and_o lovely_a be_v it_o to_o see_v brethren_n dwell_v together_o in_o unity_n to_o see_v the_o true_a image_n of_o god_n raise_v in_o person_n and_o they_o know_v and_o love_v one_o another_o in_o that_o image_n and_o bear_v with_o one_o another_o through_o love_n and_o help_v one_o another_o under_o their_o temptation_n and_o distress_n of_o spirit_n which_o every_o one_o must_v expect_v to_o meet_v with_o if_o thou_o be_v a_o christian_n in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n preserve_v thy_o conscience_n pure_a and_o tender_a towards_o god_n do_v not_o defile_v it_o with_o such_o religious_a practice_n duty_n ordinance_n etc._n etc._n as_o thou_o do_v not_o feel_v the_o spirit_n lead_v thou_o into_o for_o all_o such_o be_v idol_n and_o exceed_o pollute_v thou_o and_o be_v tender_a also_o of_o thy_o brother_n conscience_n and_o be_v not_o a_o instrument_n to_o draw_v he_o unto_o any_o thing_n which_o the_o lord_n lead_v he_o not_o into_o but_o rejoice_v if_o thou_o find_v he_o in_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n startle_v at_o any_o thing_n for_o if_o he_o abide_v here_o faithful_a his_o guide_n will_v in_o due_a season_n appear_v to_o he_o and_o clear_v up_o his_o way_n before_o he_o but_o if_o he_o be_v too_o hasty_a he_o may_v follow_v a_o wrong_a guide_n and_o that_o guide_n will_v never_o lead_v he_o aright_o towards_o the_o kingdom_n but_o entangle_v he_o further_o and_o further_o from_o it_o oh_o how_o many_o have_v run_v a_o whore_v from_o the_o lord_n how_o many_o have_v first_o lose_v the_o guidance_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o then_o drown_v their_o life_n in_o religion_n performance_n how_o many_o have_v drink_v of_o the_o cup_n of_o fornication_n from_o the_o life_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o fleshly_a wisdom_n how_o many_o have_v fill_v their_o spirit_n with_o new-testament_n idol_n and_o image_n how_o many_o have_v even_o harden_v their_o heart_n and_o conscience_n by_o follow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n their_o imaginary_a meaning_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o imagination_n and_o dream_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n be_v it_o not_o time_n for_o man_n at_o length_n to_o turn_v back_o towards_o the_o lord_n to_o wait_v for_o the_o visitation_n and_o light_n of_o his_o spirit_n from_o who_o they_o have_v go_v a_o whore_v and_o who_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n they_o have_v grieve_v and_o if_o ever_o any_o feel_v and_o enjoy_v the_o guidance_n of_o god_n spirit_n their_o conscience_n must_v be_v keep_v tender_a to_o it_o and_o ready_a to_o hear_v and_o follow_v his_o voice_n who_o speak_v in_o spirit_n to_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o he_o which_o infallible_o know_v his_o voice_n and_o be_v keep_v clear_a can_v doubt_v concern_v it_o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n say_v christ_n they_o know_v it_o and_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o strange_a spirit_n they_o know_v not_o so_o as_o to_o follow_v it_o but_o turn_v from_o it_o both_o in_o themselves_o and_o other_o but_o that_o which_o be_v not_o the_o sheep_n but_o have_v only_o get_v the_o sheep_n clothing_n cry_v out_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o may_v be_v deceive_v nay_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n that_o which_o be_v the_o elect_a of_o god_n can_v be_v deceive_v wait_v therefore_o for_o the_o birth_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o which_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v for_o a_o guide_n who_o infallible_o guide_v it_o out_o of_o deceit_n all_o deceiver_n be_v out_o of_o this_o birth_n out_o of_o this_o spirit_n perhaps_o in_o some_o birth_n or_o other_o frame_v from_o the_o letter_n and_o live_v in_o the_o imitation_n of_o some_o practice_n and_o ordinance_n from_o the_o letter_n under_o which_o cover_n they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v but_o stranger_n to_o the_o life_n and_o power_n and_o to_o that_o wisdom_n which_o beget_v and_o bear_v to_o god_n thus_o the_o jew_n err_v and_o deceive_v their_o proselyte_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n thus_o the_o christian_n in_o name_n have_v general_o err_v all_o along_o the_o apostasy_n and_o indeed_o for_o the_o generality_n have_v not_o be_v true_a christian_n but_o only_o a_o persecute_a remnant_n among_o they_o who_o life_n have_v be_v nourish_v and_o preserve_v not_o by_o doctrine_n and_o observation_n which_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v by_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n nor_o by_o the_o knowledge_n which_o they_o themselves_o have_v gather_v but_o by_o a_o little_a bread_n daily_o hand_v to_o they_o from_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n out_o of_o the_o wilderness_n that_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o nourish_v their_o soul_n up_o to_o god_n though_o many_o of_o they_o know_v not_o distinct_o what_o it_o be_v that_o nourish_v they_o nor_o how_o they_o come_v by_o it_o object_n but_o be_v not_o uniformity_n lovely_a and_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v christian_n to_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o sweet_a thing_n if_o we_o be_v all_o of_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o way_n answer_n yea_o uniformity_n be_v very_o lovely_a and_o to_o be_v desire_v and_o wait_v for_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v one_o lead_v and_o draw_v into_o one_o but_o for_o the_o fleshly_a part_n the_o wise_a reason_v part_n of_o man_n by_o fleshly_a way_n and_o mean_n to_o strive_v to_o bring_v
about_o a_o fleshly_a uniformity_n which_o ensnare_v and_o overbear_v the_o tender_a conscience_n this_o be_v not_o lovely_a nor_o spiritual_a nor_o christian_n and_o the_o apostle_n who_o exhort_v christian_n to_o one_o mind_n yet_o do_v not_o bid_v they_o force_v one_o another_o to_o one_o mind_n but_o walk_v together_o sweet_o so_o far_o as_o they_o have_v attain_v and_o wherein_o they_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v god_n in_o his_o due_a time_n will_v reveal_v more_o to_o they_o phil._n 3.15_o 16._o he_o that_o have_v to_o he_o shall_v be_v give_v and_o the_o intent_n and_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n with_o the_o several_a ministration_n of_o it_o be_v to_o bring_v into_o the_o unity_n ephes_n 4.13_o as_o person_n be_v able_a to_o follow_v and_o not_o to_o force_v all_o man_n into_o one_o practice_n or_o way_n that_o be_v the_o way_n to_o destroy_v the_o faith_n and_o the_o true_a unity_n and_o at_o best_a can_v introduce_v but_o a_o fleshly_a appearance_n of_o unity_n into_o such_o a_o form_n of_o worship_n and_o godliness_n as_o eat_v out_o the_o power_n and_o for_o be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o way_n blessed_n be_v the_o lord_n this_o be_v in_o measure_n know_v and_o witness_v the_o way_n be_v one_o christ_n the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o obedience_n to_o the_o light_n which_o shine_v from_o his_o spirit_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o every_o believer_n have_v a_o taste_n of_o the_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o the_o one_o way_n and_o know_v that_o no_o variety_n of_o practice_n which_o be_v of_o god_n can_v make_v a_o breach_n in_o the_o true_a unity_n this_o be_v the_o one_o way_n for_o every_o one_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n spirit_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o christ_n and_o every_o one_o keep_v here_o there_o be_v also_o one_o heart_n keep_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o the_o variety_n and_o diversity_n of_o practice_n it_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v observe_v that_o in_o the_o city_n of_o london_n a_o free_a meeting_n be_v hold_v between_o r._n barclay_n and_o i_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o g._n f._n and_o many_o other_o wherein_o we_o treat_v on_o many_o thing_n contain_v in_o r._n b_n book_n of_o government_n which_o i_o then_o do_v and_o ever_o since_o have_v account_v erroneous_a and_o on_o the_o whole_a matter_n one_o part_n of_o the_o meeting_n viz._n charles_n marshal_n with_o thirty_o six_o person_n more_o advise_v r._n b._n as_o anon_o by_o their_o paper_n cite_v will_v appear_v on_o this_o wise_a it_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o this_o meeting_n that_o the_o say_v r._n b._n as_o he_o feel_v in_o himself_o the_o open_n of_o life_n thereunto_o will_v in_o christian-condescension_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o weak_a write_v a_o explanatory_a postscript_n to_o the_o say_a book_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o all_o such_o as_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v misapprehend_v any_o expression_n therein_o now_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o say_v r._n b._n have_v by_o way_n of_o epistle_n to_o friend_n write_v a_o explanatory_a rostscript_n though_o not_o print_v the_o same_o i_o think_v meet_v to_o cite_v it_o together_o with_o my_o observation_n thereon_o as_o follow_v aberdene_n prison_n the_o 6_o of_o the_o one_a month_n 1679._o dear_a friend_n and_o brethren_n unto_o all_o my_o dear_a friend_n and_o brethren_n unto_o who_o hand_n this_o paper_n may_v come_v or_o who_o may_v be_v any_o way_n more_o particular_o concern_v in_o the_o content_n hereof_o be_v the_o salutation_n of_o my_o unfeigned_a love_n in_o that_o unchangeable_a truth_n whereunto_o it_o have_v please_v the_o lord_n to_o call_v i_o according_a to_o his_o great_a mercy_n so_o as_o to_o be_v a_o partaker_n in_o some_o measure_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o glory_n which_o in_o this_o day_n be_v reveal_v wherewith_o my_o heart_n have_v be_v often_o fill_v as_o i_o have_v wait_v in_o faithfulness_n according_a to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o light_n manifest_v in_o i_o and_o to_o i_o and_o since_o it_o please_v god_n to_o make_v i_o a_o live_a witness_n of_o the_o precious_a truth_n and_o to_o commit_v unto_o i_o my_o share_n of_o the_o ministry_n thereof_o my_o conscience_n bear_v i_o witness_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n that_o i_o have_v labour_v according_a to_o my_o knowledge_n to_o follow_v love_n and_o peace_n with_o all_o my_o brethren_n and_o to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o may_v tend_v to_o advance_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v unity_n and_o brotherly-love_n as_o also_o to_o avoid_v what_o have_v a_o tendency_n to_o beget_v strife_n jealousy_n or_o evil_a surmise_n like_a as_o i_o have_v study_v as_o well_o in_o my_o public_a testimony_n as_o in_o my_o write_n to_o beware_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o to_o my_o understanding_n may_v minister_v just_a occasion_n of_o stumble_v or_o offence_n to_o the_o least_o of_o my_o brethren_n or_o the_o young_a and_o weak_a babe_n in_o the_o truth_n as_o such_o as_o be_v conversant_a with_o i_o in_o my_o own_o country_n as_o well_o as_o those_o elsewhere_o where_o i_o have_v travel_v can_v bear_v witness_n nevertheless_o as_o i_o can_v shun_v any_o part_n of_o that_o labour_n and_o service_n which_o my_o lord_n and_o master_n jesus_n christ_n call_v i_o to_o so_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o requiring_n near_o five_o year_n ago_o i_o write_v some_o sheet_n concern_v the_o lawfulness_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o government_n and_o order_n of_o the_o truth_n have_v principal_o and_o only_o in_o my_o view_n therein_o to_o bear_v a_o faithful_a testimony_n against_o all_o false_a liberty_n and_o disorder_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o against_o imposition_n and_o dominion_n on_o the_o other_o intend_v no_o less_o to_o guard_v against_o the_o one_o than_o the_o other_o and_o this_o i_o do_v with_o particular_a respect_n to_o some_o of_o my_o near_a friend_n who_o i_o find_v liable_a to_o some_o mistake_v in_o that_o matter_n and_o i_o do_v sincere_o declare_v before_o god_n who_o know_v i_o speak_v the_o truth_n and_o lie_v not_o that_o in_o the_o write_n thereof_o i_o have_v not_o the_o least_o purpose_n nor_o intention_n to_o meddle_v with_o nor_o concern_v myself_o in_o any_o of_o those_o debate_n that_o have_v since_o fall_v out_o among_o friend_n in_o westmoreland_n or_o elsewhere_o relative_a thereto_o much_o of_o which_o as_o it_o have_v not_o then_o a_o be_v when_o i_o write_v that_o book_n so_o the_o substance_n of_o that_o matter_n be_v then_o unknown_a to_o i_o so_o i_o can_v safe_o say_v that_o i_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o remote_a thought_n or_o any_o remembrance_n of_o the_o lest_o beginning_n of_o that_o affair_n which_o i_o know_v during_o the_o time_n of_o my_o writing_n of_o it_o so_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v intend_v by_o i_o therein_o relative_a to_o that_o matter_n which_o as_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o vindicate_v my_o innocency_n and_o integrity_n to_o all_o as_o to_o my_o intention_n so_o i_o can_v forbear_v also_o to_o signify_v that_o as_o often_o as_o i_o have_v have_v occasion_n serious_o and_o in_o the_o holy_a fear_n and_o dread_a of_o god_n to_o reflect_v upon_o those_o paper_n which_o i_o have_v often_o do_v because_o of_o the_o opposition_n they_o have_v meet_v with_o from_o some_o observation_n w._n r_n first_o observation_n postscript_n observation_n observation_n this_o show_v that_o r._n b._n do_v not_o only_o justify_v what_o he_o have_v do_v but_o also_o signify_v that_o he_o labour_v with_o all_o the_o care_n and_o circumspection_n he_o can_v so_o to_o express_v himself_o as_o not_o to_o offend_v in_o a_o word_n and_o therefore_o since_o i_o know_v he_o be_v well_o skill_v to_o word_n his_o meaning_n i_o may_v reasonable_o have_v expect_v that_o he_o will_v have_v cite_v out_o of_o his_o book_n of_o government_n those_o passage_n therein_o contain_v which_o will_v evidence_n that_o all_o his_o explication_n by_o this_o his_o postscript_n may_v he_o find_v in_o his_o book_n which_o be_v needful_a to_o have_v be_v do_v if_o he_o so_o can_v but_o i_o certain_o know_v he_o can_v that_o his_o circumspection_n may_v appear_v especial_o since_o he_o have_v affirm_v that_o the_o very_a explication_n of_o his_o word_n give_v in_o a_o letter_n hereafter_o cite_v as_o his_o own_o explication_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o his_o book_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o say_a letter_n send_v abroad_o by_o himself_o and_o that_o as_o may_v reasonable_o be_v take_v intend_v by_o he_o to_o be_v in_o his_o favour_n but_o if_o the_o impartial_a understanding_n reader_n will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o compare_v r._n b_o be_v book_n of_o government_n with_o this_o his_o postscript_n and_o the_o explication_n give_v of_o his_o word_n in_o the_o aforesaid_a letter_n i_o may_v with_o
into_o the_o north_n much_o write_v be_v occasion_v in_o relation_n thereto_o which_o be_v not_o my_o present_a purpose_n to_o treat_v of_o i_o here_o omit_v that_o now_o the_o reader_n may_v have_v a_o understanding_n of_o that_o sense_n and_o judgement_n that_o be_v with_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n in_o relation_n to_o those_o five_o head_n from_o whence_o all_o the_o beforementioned_a forty-four_a article_n do_v spring_n i_o think_v meet_v to_o cite_v their_o testimony_n in_o relation_n thereto_o read_v at_o the_o meeting_n at_o drawel_n and_o then_o compare_v such_o their_o sense_n and_o judgement_n with_o those_o ancient_n and_o faithful_a testimony_n of_o many_o labour_a friend_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n who_o change_v not_o their_o way_n since_o they_o become_v publisher_n thereof_o to_o the_o day_n they_o fall_v asleep_o it_o may_v then_o easy_o be_v savour_v from_o what_o spirit_n all_o the_o mire_n and_o dirt_n that_o have_v be_v cast_v up_o against_o our_o ancient_n and_o yet_o honourable_a friend_n john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n have_v spring_v their_o say_a testimony_n now_o follow_v on_o the_o whole_a matter_n in_o the_o fear_n and_o presence_n of_o the_o amighty_a god_n we_o declare_v that_o as_o we_o do_v approve_v of_o monthly_a and_o quarter-meeting_n for_o the_o necessary_a service_n of_o the_o truth_n so_o we_o further_o say_v that_o as_o these_o or_o any_o other_o meeting_n of_o friend_n in_o ten_o shall_v be_v continue_v to_o answer_v these_o service_n we_o believe_v that_o as_o it_o now_o be_v it_o also_o will_v become_v our_o duty_n to_o be_v at_o unity_n with_o our_o brethren_n in_o the_o service_n thereof_o and_o though_o one_o of_o we_o viz._n john_n wilkinson_n do_v condescend_v to_o subscribe_v to_o a_o paper_n for_o the_o exect_v a_o womans-meeting_a in_o the_o country_n to_o answer_v the_o end_v in_o the_o paper_n propose_v which_o he_o testify_v he_o then_o do_v in_o singleness_n of_o heart_n for_o vnity_n sake_n yet_o according_a to_o that_o inward_a sense_n we_o now_o have_v there_o appear_v to_o we_o no_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o continue_v womens-meeting_n in_o this_o country_n distinct_a and_o separate_a from_o the_o man_n and_o therefore_o do_v conscientious_o forbear_v to_o assent_v or_o encourage_v to_o lay_v the_o intention_n of_o marriage_n before_o they_o yet_o that_o inward_a sense_n and_o heavenly_a understanding_n we_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n have_v and_o yet_o do_v confirm_v we_o in_o this_o judgement_n that_o it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a with_o the_o line_n of_o truth_n to_o oppose_v other_o in_o the_o exercise_n and_o appoint_a service_n of_o the_o say_a meeting_n as_o heretofore_o and_o yet_o settle_v and_o agree_v upon_o who_o be_v conscientious_a therein_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v than_o we_o be_v and_o if_o any_o of_o our_o word_n and_o action_n have_v have_v any_o tendency_n to_o oppose_v etc._n etc._n which_o we_o be_v not_o conscious_a of_o but_o if_o we_o be_v we_o will_v ready_o confess_v we_o say_v the_o truth_n in_o we_o will_v have_v condemn_v it_o even_o as_o it_o now_o do_v and_o if_o it_o shall_v please_v the_o lord_n to_o manifest_v unto_o we_o a_o service_n in_o those_o meeting_n in_o the_o country_n as_o well_o as_o city_n the_o same_o integrity_n towards_o god_n which_o have_v dwell_v with_o we_o these_o many_o year_n past_a we_o believe_v will_v become_v a_o bond_n on_o we_o to_o join_v hand_n and_o heart_n with_o other_o our_o brethren_n and_o sister_n therein_o but_o till_o then_o our_o desire_n be_v that_o this_o may_v not_o become_v a_o occasion_n of_o straitness_n of_o spirit_n each_o towards_o other_o but_o that_o embrace_v the_o wholesome_a counsel_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o another_o case_n if_o in_o any_o thing_n you_o be_v otherwise-minded_n wait_v till_o god_n reveal_v we_o may_v walk_v together_o in_o that_o pure_a undefiled_a love_n of_o our_o god_n which_o think_v no_o evil._n that_o though_o many_o of_o our_o brethren_n see_v a_o service_n in_o record_v condemnation_n and_o leave_v they_o upon_o record_n to_o posterity_n yet_o from_o that_o inward_a sense_n and_o heavenly_a understanding_n we_o have_v we_o see_v no_o necessity_n to_o leave_v they_o upon_o record_n to_o posterity_n or_o retain_v they_o when_o the_o sin_n be_v blot_v out_o and_o remit_v by_o the_o lord_n neither_o to_o be_v extend_v further_a than_o the_o offence_n be_v know_v nor_o yet_o to_o continue_v long_o than_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o offence_n abide_v but_o if_o any_o see_v meet_v from_o a_o inward_a sense_n of_o truth_n in_o themselves_o to_o leave_v such_o testimony_n relate_v to_o themselves_o to_o posterity_n we_o have_v therewith_o unity_n that_o this_o our_o sense_n may_v be_v no_o occasion_n of_o straitness_n of_o spirit_n each_o towards_o other_o be_v the_o earnest_a desire_n of_o our_o soul_n who_o desire_v the_o prosperity_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n among_o all_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o to_o tithe_n we_o can_v in_o truth_n say_v it_o be_v never_o so_o much_o as_o in_o our_o heart_n to_o speak_v any_o word_n whatsoever_o with_o the_o least_o intent_n to_o strengthen_v any_o in_o the_o payment_n thereof_o nor_o yet_o to_o weaken_v the_o faith_n of_o any_o have_v a_o testimony_n in_o our_o heart_n that_o tithe_n as_o at_o this_o day_n pay_v be_v anti-christian_n that_o as_o groan_n sigh_v sounding_n and_o sing_n may_v proceed_v from_o deceitful_a spirit_n so_o also_o we_o declare_v groan_n sigh_v sounding_n and_o sing_n may_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n among_o god_n people_n and_o that_o as_o the_o first_o be_v discourage_v the_o second_o ought_v to_o be_v encourage_v and_o the_o earnest_a desire_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v that_o as_o to_o these_o thing_n nothing_o but_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o sound_a judgement_n may_v appear_v either_o to_o reprove_v or_o to_o encourage_v and_o though_o we_o have_v be_v accuse_v as_o if_o we_o be_v opposer_n of_o such_o groan_n etc._n etc._n which_o the_o truth_n approve_v yet_o god_n be_v our_o witness_n we_o know_v it_o not_o that_o though_o we_o have_v be_v represent_v as_o person_n encourage_v flee_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n we_o say_v we_o be_v not_o conscious_a to_o ourselves_o of_o so_o do_v for_o we_o believe_v those_o who_o stand_v not_o to_o their_o testimony_n but_o flee_v therefrom_o in_o the_o day_n of_o persecution_n may_v true_o be_v account_v either_o weak_a in_o the_o faith_n or_o depart_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o thus_o have_v give_v our_o inward_a sense_n according_a to_o the_o uprightness_n and_o integrity_n of_o our_o heart_n concern_v these_o five_o general_a head_n from_o whence_o all_o the_o forty-four_a article_n do_v arise_v we_o shall_v with_o this_o conclude_v that_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n be_v our_o witness_n our_o desire_n be_v to_o approve_v ourselves_o man_n of_o peace_n in_o the_o abhorrency_n of_o all_o fleshly_a liberty_n and_o looseness_n and_o to_o follow_v after_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n that_o the_o regin_v of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n may_v be_v over_o all_o so_o will_v the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o christ_n as_o to_o the_o two_o question_n answer_v by_o the_o friend_n and_o brethren_n meet_v on_o this_o occasion_n we_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n say_v we_o in_o the_o propose_v thereof_o have_v not_o the_o least_o thought_n to_o obtain_v your_o yea_o and_o nay_o with_o intent_n thereby_o to_o strengthen_v such_o who_o may_v be_v account_v our_o party_n in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o truth_n nor_o to_o encourage_v looseness_n or_o bad_a spirit_n but_o conscientious_o to_o remove_v the_o scruple_n of_o some_o and_o further_o we_o say_v we_o be_v better_o satisfy_v with_o your_o explication_n therein_o than_o with_o your_o bare_a yea_o and_o nay_o for_o that_o we_o as_o well_o as_o you_o be_v sensible_a apostate_n and_o bad_a spirit_n seek_v a_o fleshly_a liberty_n have_v make_v use_n of_o argument_n deducible_a from_o such_o principle_n of_o truth_n to_o oppose_v the_o power_n of_o god_n itself_o and_o the_o practice_n of_o god_n people_n in_o the_o power_n john_n wilkinson_n john_n story_n it_o be_v now_o worthy_a the_o reader_n notice_n that_o g._n f._n take_v occasion_n to_o write_v unto_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n sometime_o after_o the_o meeting_n at_o drawel_n which_o be_v cite_v in_o the_o eight_o section_n of_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o beforementioned_a manuscript_n together_o with_o answer_n thereto_o pertinent_a on_o this_o occasion_n i_o think_v meet_v here_o to_o transcribe_v the_o same_o together_o with_o those_o observation_n that_o be_v make_v thereon_o in_o the_o say_a section_n this_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o you_o john_n
you_o go_v from_o before_o you_o separate_v outward_o and_o this_o spirit_n be_v afraid_a of_o be_v limit_v but_o it_o will_v limit_v the_o universal_a spirit_n both_o in_o males_n and_o female_n as_o your_o fruit_n have_v manifest_v concern_v the_o practice_n of_o womens-meeting_n and_o record_v condemnation_n and_o admonish_a payer_n of_o tithe_n and_o other_o evil_n as_o your_o book_n and_o paper_n and_o neighbour_n can_v testify_v but_o thou_o who_o have_v say_v they_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o themselves_o to_o condemn_v this_o year_n or_o the_o other_o etc._n etc._n this_o give_v liberty_n to_o the_o flesh_n for_o while_o it_o be_v to_o day_n they_o must_v hear_v his_o voice_n but_o john_n i_o savour_v thy_o spirit_n and_o know_v that_o thy_o word_n come_v from_o a_o angry_a disquiet_v fretful_a peevish_a spirit_n and_o poor_a man_n and_o people_n for_o my_o part_n i_o pity_v you_o as_o know_v and_o see_v that_o you_o be_v out_o of_o the_o life_n and_o be_v not_o in_o the_o spirit_n that_o do_v first_o convince_v you_o and_o so_o not_o in_o the_o first_o love_n and_o if_o ever_o thou_o come_v to_o the_o tender_a spirit_n and_o light_n of_o christ_n in_o thy_o heart_n thou_o will_v see_v all_o those_o your_o book_n and_o paper_n of_o strife_n and_o your_o separation_n be_v all_o for_o condemnation_n with_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n and_o they_o be_v the_o work_n of_o that_o spirit_n that_o lead_v thou_o into_o death_n and_o strife_n and_o now_o thou_o cry_v what_o and_o wherein_o and_o this_o and_o the_o other_o but_o come_v in_o and_o look_v into_o thyself_o and_o i_o say_v again_o it_o be_v the_o same_o spirit_n that_o lead_v james_n naylor_n and_o john_n perrot_n and_o other_o and_o john_n perrot_n cry_v against_o imposition_n as_o you_o do_v and_o against_o the_o mens-meeting_n as_o you_o do_v against_o the_o woman_n though_o i_o know_v james_n naylor_n do_v for_o himself_o condemn_v that_o spirit_n that_o lead_v into_o a_o separation_n which_o have_v be_v well_o if_o you_o have_v do_v so_o too_o and_o his_o resurrection_n be_v record_v as_o well_o as_o his_o condemnation_n but_o many_o of_o his_o people_n remain_v to_o this_o day_n out_o and_o have_v be_v and_o be_v as_o much_o against_o man_n and_o womens-meeting_n as_o you_o and_o so_o it_o be_v but_o the_o same_o spirit_n still_o and_o james_n naylor_n opposition_n do_v not_o consist_v only_o in_o not_o reprove_v his_o company_n for_o the_o title_n they_o give_v he_o but_o his_o opposition_n stand_v several_a year_n about_o other_o matter_n and_o his_o people_n cry_v against_o our_o meeting_n and_o seek_v with_o all_o their_o may_v to_o destroy_v they_o but_o the_o lord_n power_n blast_v they_o all_o that_o do_v not_o come_v in_o by_o repentance_n and_o judgement_n and_o thou_o further_o say_v let_v james_n naylor_n not_o reprove_v his_o company_n be_v a_o warn_v to_o i_o and_o bide_v i_o reprove_v my_o company_n when_o they_o give_v i_o title_n and_o honour_n due_a to_o the_o high_a etc._n etc._n poor_a man_n be_v here_o thy_o envy_n break_v out_o but_o what_o be_v the_o title_n and_o who_o be_v they_o that_o have_v give_v they_o and_o when_o and_o where_o and_o whereas_o thou_o say_v lest_o they_o that_o love_n pre-eminence_n and_o rule_n outlive_v my_o time_n and_o render_v my_o weakness_n to_o other_o john_n who_o be_v those_o that_o love_n pre-eminence_n and_o what_o be_v my_o weakness_n that_o they_o may_v render_v it_o why_o do_v thou_o not_o mention_v it_o in_o thy_o paper_n but_o this_o be_v from_o a_o prejudice_v malicious_a spirit_n and_o not_o from_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n to_o render_v my_o weakness_n etc._n etc._n when_o i_o be_o dead_a and_o in_o my_o grave_n turn_v to_o dust_n nay_o john_n that_o which_o thou_o strike_v at_o and_o thy_o company_n and_o all_o the_o evil_a spirit_n in_o the_o world_n have_v strike_v at_o and_o all_o the_o apostate_n before_o thou_o shall_v never_o turn_v it_o to_o dust_n neither_o shall_v you_o 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judas_n the_o betrayer_n that_o be_v go_v from_o truth_n and_o now_o will_v betray_v other_o from_o the_o heavenly_a body_n in_o the_o eternal_a fellowship_n in_o the_o eternal_a head_n for_o that_o which_o be_v earthly_a be_v earthly_a and_o that_o which_o be_v heavenly_a be_v heavenly_a and_o thou_o bid_v i_o be_v humble_a as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n under_o christ_n the_o head_n etc._n etc._n so_o thou_o tell_v i_o i_o be_o a_o member_n of_o christ_n the_o heavenly_a body_n yet_o thou_o say_v when_o i_o be_o turn_v to_o dust_n and_o dead_a be_v this_o thy_o doctrine_n be_v the_o member_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n turn_v to_o dust_n and_o dead_a this_o doctrine_n sure_o proceed_v from_o darkness_n and_o not_o from_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v it_o to_o this_o thou_o will_v have_v i_o bow_v and_o be_v humble_v to_o nay_o john_n i_o need_v none_o of_o thy_o ministry_n and_o it_o will_v do_v no_o good_a in_o the_o state_n thou_o stand_v in_o to_o any_o for_o it_o be_v a_o angry_a malicious_a froward_a spirit_n that_o have_v possess_v thou_o and_o further_o thou_o bide_v i_o remember_v the_o word_n to_o moses_n with_o the_o time_n and_o place_n of_o his_o death_n who_o sanctify_v not_o god_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o israel_n his_o people_n what_o do_v thou_o infer_v from_o thence_o john_n that_o i_o have_v not_o sanctify_v god_n before_o his_o people_n so_o thou_o have_v set_v i_o above_o a_o common_a member_n and_o put_v i_o into_o a_o office_n then_o but_o must_v that_o which_o sanctify_v god_n be_v turn_v to_o dust_n i_o think_v john_n thou_o have_v own_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o sanctifier_n of_o all_o who_o be_v great_a than_o moses_n and_o the_o end_n of_o moses_n but_o john_n wherein_o have_v not_o i_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n what_o liberty_n have_v i_o give_v to_o sin_n or_o any_o that_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v not_o follow_v you_o in_o your_o separation_n have_v you_o not_o take_v offence_n against_o some_o of_o they_o that_o come_v to_o admonish_v such_o as_o be_v not_o faithful_a among_o you_o and_o call_v it_o overdriving_a they_o yea_o such_o as_o have_v be_v move_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o be_v it_o not_o call_v popery_n when_o some_o go_v to_o admonish_v preston_n meeting_n when_o they_o do_v not_o stand_v steadfast_a to_o the_o lord_n and_o how_o be_v the_o lord_n sanctify_v among_o you_o then_o and_o how_o be_v the_o lord_n sanctify_v among_o you_o concern_v your_o pay_v of_o tithe_n or_o your_o connive_n at_o your_o wife_n or_o other_o pay_v for_o you_o much_o of_o which_o i_o can_v write_v concern_v such_o like_a thing_n but_o i_o shall_v forbear_v but_o when_o you_o be_v in_o strife_n i_o will_v have_v have_v you_o come_v over_o to_o i_o that_o you_o may_v have_v be_v bring_v into_o unity_n before_o your_o separation_n but_o you_o refuse_v nevertheless_o if_o thou_o and_o john_n story_n bring_v your_o eighty_o subscriber_n and_o come_v to_o i_o i_o will_v show_v you_o wherein_o you_o write_n and_o action_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o which_o you_o be_v covince_v in_o the_o beginning_n which_o have_v you_o love_v the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n you_o will_v have_v come_v to_o i_o before_o you_o have_v make_v such_o a_o jumble_v with_o your_o strife_n up_o and_o down_o the_o nation_n for_o i_o have_v hear_v by_o several_a faithful_a friend_n where_o you_o have_v send_v your_o paper_n to_o prejudice_v person_n against_o man_n and_o womens-meeting_n and_o record_v commendation_n and_o other_o friend_n practice_n which_o have_v beget_v a_o great_a dislike_n in_o friend_n concern_v you_o for_o what_o have_v this_o be_v
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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every_o one_o wrong_v that_o conscientious_o may_v ask_v he_o any_o question_n for_o their_o information_n or_o satisfaction_n touch_v he_o conclude_v that_o it_o do_v spring_n from_o a_o jealous_a spirit_n that_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v satisfy_v the_o last_o thing_n we_o think_v meet_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o his_o aforesaid_a letter_n be_v this_o he_o repeat_v john_n wilkinson_n word_n thus_o and_o whereas_o thou_o speak_v of_o a_o new_a way_n and_o a_o new_a form_n and_o carry_v on_o with_o church-authority_n etc._n etc._n and_o then_o in_o part_n of_o his_o answer_n thus_o say_v for_o i_o know_v no_o new_a way_n nor_o new_a form_n carry_v on_o with_o church-authority_n as_o thou_o reproachful_o say_v but_o hear_v thou_o have_v manifest_v thy_o separate_a spirit_n and_o mind_n this_o manifest_v unto_o we_o that_o g._n f._n to_o use_v his_o own_o language_n do_v so_o jumble_v that_o he_o know_v not_o what_o he_o will_v be_v at_o for_o man_n and_o woman_n meeting_n be_v and_o as_o we_o take_v it_o in_o his_o sense_n account_v the_o church_n and_o what_o they_o carry_v on_o be_v account_v to_o be_v carry_v on_o by_o the_o power_n whereof_z g._n f._n account_v they_o heir_n which_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n that_o now_o this_o church_n have_v introduce_v new_a form_n or_o else_o g._n f._n have_v introduce_v new_a form_n among_o they_o which_o they_o as_o a_o church_n and_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o authority_n do_v bring_v forth_o we_o be_v satisfy_v be_v as_o certain_o know_v to_o g._n f._n as_o g._n f._n be_v know_v to_o any_o one_o and_o therefore_o his_o denial_n that_o he_o know_v of_o no_o new_a form_n carry_v on_o with_o church-authority_n be_v take_v by_o we_o to_o be_v a_o absolute_a quibble_n shift_n or_o shuffle_v if_o not_o a_o plain_a downright_a falsehood_n and_o untruth_n have_v thus_o observe_v on_o g._n f_n letter_n as_o aforesaid_a we_o desire_v the_o reader_n serious_o to_o weigh_v in_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n the_o observation_n make_v thereon_o and_o then_o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o every_o such_o reaer_fw-mi will_v have_v this_o answer_n in_o his_o own_o breast_n that_o what_o g._n f._n have_v write_v by_o way_n of_o reply_n to_o john_n wilkinson_n can_v not_o be_v give_v forth_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o can_v lie_v but_o be_v rather_o the_o fruit_n either_o of_o ignorance_n pride_n scorn_n and_o disdain_n in_o the_o best_a sense_n it_o be_v a_o common_a and_o tude_z say_v prid_n oft_o time_n go_v before_o a_o fall_n that_o g._n f._n be_v fall_v be_v manifest_o prove_v in_o part._n in_o note_v it_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o manuscript_n first_o mention_v in_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o first_o part._n this_o treatise_n if_o be_v guilty_a of_o error_n and_o matter_n of_o eyil_a fact_n may_v be_v account_v sufficient_a proof_n and_o that_o he_o have_v be_v of_o so_o proud_a a_o spirit_n as_o to_o expect_v a_o sort_n of_o reverence_n and_o submission_n to_o he_o 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testimony_n thou_o give_v of_o his_o light_n in_o our_o heart_n which_o gather_v we_o into_o unity_n with_o he_o and_o one_o with_o another_o and_o make_v we_o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o first-born_a or_o of_o the_o first_o fruit_n unto_o god_n continue_v many_o year_n in_o love_n and_o goodwill_n one_o to_o another_o but_o of_o late_a day_n the_o concord_n we_o once_o have_v seem_v much_o to_o be_v break_v and_o many_o instrument_n who_o god_n have_v wrought_v by_o and_o in_o great_a love_n have_v labour_v together_o but_o of_o late_a time_n have_v great_o jar_v and_o the_o cause_n god_n have_v manifest_v to_o i_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o principle_n of_o truth_n nor_o in_o christ_n doctrine_n nor_o in_o any_o practice_n which_o truth_n in_o the_o member_n
they_o say_v thou_o be_v more_o than_o a_o thousand_o of_o we_o and_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o manifest_v his_o dislike_n of_o their_o so_o say_v and_o after_o this_o he_o bid_v some_o who_o be_v know_v to_o have_v be_v ancient_a grave_a friend_n to_o walk_v by_o because_o many_o people_n be_v walk_v there_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o take_v notice_n of_o be_v this_o that_o g._n f._n be_v for_o have_v a_o good_a meeting_n after_o the_o soldier_n be_v go_v say_v if_o the_o soldier_n shall_v come_v before_o that_o time_n we_o may_v happen_v to_o get_v a_o good_a meeting_n afterward_o and_o though_o the_o young_a man_n say_v in_o answer_n that_o the_o soldier_n be_v neighbour_n and_o civil_a people_n and_o will_v hardly_o meddle_v which_o be_v a_o encouragement_n to_o george_n fox_n to_o stand_v in_o his_o testimony_n yet_o he_o keep_v still_o walk_v in_o the_o field_n the_o four_o thing_n i_o observe_v be_v this_o that_o one_o of_o the_o young_a man_n go_v from_o he_o about_o two_o bow_n shot_n under_o the_o hedge_n wave_v his_o hat_n to_o g._n f._n this_o i_o may_v not_o term_v a_o boy_n on_o top_n of_o a_o hill_n wave_v his_o hat_n to_o friend_n speak_v of_o by_o g._n f._n by_o way_n of_o reflection_n on_o john_n story_n though_o deny_v by_o john_n story_n and_o by_o his_o answer_n intend_v only_o so_o far_o as_o i_o understand_v to_o show_v friend_n the_o way_n to_o the_o meeting_n but_o a_o boy_n under_o a_o hedge_n wave_v his_o hat_n to_o george_n fox_n and_o as_o may_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v to_o keep_v he_o from_o meet_v because_o g._n f._n say_v as_o i_o turn_v back_o to_o go_v round_o about_o the_o orchard_n there_o be_v a_o place_n i_o can_v see_v over_o the_o hedge_n the_o soldier_n be_v all_o over_o the_o orchard_n true_o i_o do_v not_o go_v in_o among_o they_o i_o shall_v now_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o impartial_a reader_n to_o consider_v whether_o if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o any_o friend_n when_o they_o meet_v without_o door_n do_v for_o conveniency_n set_v a_o boy_n on_o top_n of_o a_o hill_n to_o wave_v his_o hat_n to_o signify_v the_o way_n friend_n may_v pass_v unto_o a_o good_a meeting_n be_v not_o more_o justifiable_a than_o to_o have_v a_o boy_n under_o a_o hedge_n to_o wave_v his_o hat_n to_o keep_v g._n f._n from_o meeting_n the_o five_o thing_n i_o take_v notice_n of_o be_v this_o that_o be_v a_o horrid_a lie_n that_o i_o hide_v myself_o in_o a_o ditch_n for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o can_v imagine_v wherein_o from_o g._n f_n own_o word_n the_o horrid_a lie_n do_v consist_v more_o than_o in_o say_v a_o ditch_n when_v it_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v say_v a_o bank_n cast_v up_o which_o in_o probability_n be_v g._n f_n mistake_n for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o in_o many_o place_n where_o bank_n be_v cast_v up_o in_o the_o country_n there_o be_v also_o a_o ditch_n however_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o his_o word_n can_v reasonable_o be_v take_v to_o import_v a_o denial_n that_o he_o hide_v himself_o behind_o a_o bank_n the_o six_o thing_n i_o take_v notice_n of_o be_v this_o that_o the_o meeting_n break_v up_o about_o three_o of_o the_o clock_n and_o that_o he_o go_v not_o into_o the_o house_n where_o the_o meeting_n be_v but_o to_o another_o two_o bowshot_n off_o and_o stay_v to_o refresh_v himself_o and_o yet_o ride_v twenty_o mile_n that_o night_n which_o be_v not_o very_o common_a for_o g._n f._n to_o do_v as_o ever_o i_o can_v understand_v after_o a_o meet_v break_v up_o so_o late_o the_o seven_o thing_n i_o take_v notice_n of_o be_v this_o that_o though_o as_o to_o that_o meeting_n at_o ringwood_n if_o report_n be_v true_a there_o be_v many_o notorious_a circumstance_n to_o show_v he_o a_o fleer_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n yet_o i_o observe_v he_o make_v mention_v but_o of_o one_o particular_a thing_n that_o he_o say_v be_v a_o lie_n or_o false_a and_o that_o be_v before_o signify_v which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v no_o more_o than_o say_v in_o a_o ditch_n instead_o of_o behind_o a_o bank_n which_v to_o i_o be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o he_o can_v not_o in_o truth_n deny_v other_o thing_n report_v of_o he_o on_o this_o occasion_n which_o put_v i_o in_o mind_n thus_o far_o to_o say_v that_o if_o instead_o of_o tell_v that_o they_o sweep_v the_o barn_n etc._n etc._n he_o have_v name_v the_o hour_n when_o he_o come_v in_o the_o meeting_n as_o well_o as_o when_o the_o meeting_n break_v up_o and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o advise_v the_o friend_n to_o gather_v together_o and_o then_o be_v go_v from_o they_o until_o the_o soldier_n be_v go_v that_o so_o he_o may_v come_v and_o stay_v a_o little_a while_n among_o they_o and_o then_o be_v go_v twenty_o mile_n that_o night_n to_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v far_o enough_o out_o of_o their_o reach_n it_o may_v have_v make_v his_o testimony_n look_v with_o a_o better_a face_n especial_o if_o he_o have_v have_v so_o much_o patience_n as_o to_o have_v go_v into_o the_o house_n after_o meet_v to_o visit_v the_o distress_a family_n the_o woman_n as_o he_o say_v be_v dead_a to_o conclude_v my_o observation_n herein_o i_o thus_o say_v that_o i_o firm_o believe_v it_o will_v have_v tend_v more_o to_o g._n f_n credit_n plain_o to_o have_v confess_v that_o at_o time_n and_o season_n he_o have_v contrive_v to_o save_v himself_o and_o keep_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o persecutor_n than_o after_o he_o have_v so_o do_v to_o cover_v the_o matter_n by_o such_o sort_n of_o discourse_n as_o these_o now_o manifest_v be_v wherein_o his_o weakness_n and_o confusion_n do_v so_o appear_v as_o can_v but_o be_v obvious_a to_o every_o impartial_a and_o judicious_a reader_n and_o now_o forasmuch_o as_o john_n ward_n and_o twenty_o seven_o more_o have_v give_v forth_o a_o certificate_n intend_v thereby_o to_o clear_a g.f._n i_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o add_v that_o also_o that_o so_o nothing_o that_o may_v be_v pretend_v will_v have_v favour_v his_o cause_n may_v be_v omit_v by_o i_o the_o say_a certificate_n now_o follow_v a_o testimony_n of_o some_o friend_n of_o bristol_n in_o answer_n to_o william_n roger_n false_a charge_v of_o george_n fox_n for_o flee_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n and_o particular_o at_o the_o meetinghouse_n in_o broad_a mead_n in_o the_o same_o city_n whereas_o william_n rogers_n in_o his_o paper_n of_o query_n to_o george_n fox_n which_o some_o of_o we_o have_v already_o give_v our_o testimony_n against_o have_v charge_v the_o say_a george_n fox_n to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a fleer_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n of_o any_o that_o he_o know_v profess_v the_o truth_n and_o account_v by_o other_o a_o faithful_a friend_n and_o for_o confirmation_n thereof_o have_v bring_v a_o instance_n at_o a_o meeting_n here_o at_o bristol_n at_o which_o george_n fox_n be_v present_a about_o fifteen_o year_n since_o at_o which_o meeting_n he_o say_v the_o persecutor_n come_v up_o one_o pair_n of_o stair_n while_o george_n fox_n be_v speak_v the_o say_a george_n fox_n as_o some_o may_v term_v it_o in_o a_o distrustful_a spirit_n do_v step_v down_o and_o go_v out_o at_o a_o back_n pair_n of_o stair_n to_o which_o he_o say_v his_o eye_n with_o many_o more_o be_v witness_n as_o to_o which_o we_o have_v this_o to_o say_v who_o be_v general_o all_o of_o we_o at_o all_o or_o most_o part_n of_o the_o meeting_n which_o george_n fox_n be_v at_o here_o that_o we_o never_o know_v or_o can_v remember_v that_o ever_o any_o persecutor_n do_v come_v up_o the_o stair_n whilst_o george_n fox_n be_v speak_v so_o as_o to_o occasion_v the_o cease_v his_o testimony_n on_o that_o account_n as_o william_n rogers_n will_v infinuate_v but_o this_o may_v be_v put_v among_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o false_a calumny_n and_o charge_n and_o we_o further_o testify_v that_o whereas_o there_o be_v two_o pair_n of_o stair_n one_o of_o which_o william_n rogers_n call_v a_o back-pair_n that_o both_o pair_n of_o stair_n be_v common_a for_o friend_n to_o come_v up_o and_o down_o at_o and_o that_o george_n fox_n be_v know_v to_o come_v up_o the_o same_o stair_n to_o that_o meeting_n and_o this_o testimony_n we_o have_v in_o our_o heart_n for_o george_n fox_n as_o a_o man_n remote_a in_o spirit_n and_o example_n from_o any_o such_o practice_n as_o flee_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n though_o charge_v therewith_o by_o apostate_n and_o bad_a spirit_n and_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v hold_v up_o his_o testimony_n in_o faithfulness_n both_o in_o do_v and_o in_o suffer_v on_o truth_n account_n be_v confirm_v herein_o by_o his_o large_a travel_n suffering_n and_o imprisonment_n in_o many_o goal_n in_o which_o
as_o that_o without_o they_o it_o may_v be_v just_a cause_n to_o question_n whether_o they_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o if_o not_o then_o certain_o not_o attain_v unto_o the_o new_a creature_n state_n which_o be_v a_o state_n of_o salvation_n because_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v on_o this_o wise_a 2_o cor._n 5.17_o if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o that_o the_o very_a work_n of_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n be_v speak_v also_o with_o relation_n to_o those_o speak_v of_o ephes_n 8.9_o who_o by_o grace_n be_v save_v through_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o work_n for_o paul_n in_o the_o very_a next_o follow_v verse_n thus_o say_v for_o we_o be_v his_o workmanship_n create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n which_o god_n have_v before_o ordain_v that_o we_o shall_v walk_v in_o they_o beside_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o this_o our_o sense_n be_v true_a from_o paul_n very_a express_a word_n to_o the_o philipian_o chap._n 2._o ver_fw-la 12_o 13._o wherefore_o my_o belove_a as_o you_o have_v always_o obey_v not_o as_o in_o my_o presence_n only_o but_o now_o much_o more_o in_o my_o absence_n work_v out_o your_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a for_o it_o be_v god_n that_o work_v in_o you_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n this_o positive_o show_v that_o though_o there_o be_v a_o exclusion_n of_o one_o sort_n of_o work_n yet_o there_o be_v another_o sort_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n else_o he_o will_v not_o have_v say_v work_v out_o your_o salvation_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o be_v serious_o consider_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o paul_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o james_n for_o that_o paul_n word_n plain_o signify_v that_o god_n have_v ordain_v that_o those_o who_o be_v save_v by_o grace_n through_o faith_n shall_v walk_v in_o good_a work_n and_o that_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o work_v out_o salvation_n which_o doubtless_o relate_v to_o the_o same_o sort_n of_o work_n speak_v of_o by_o the_o apostle_n james_n when_o he_o say_v that_o faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a 26._o jam._n 2.20_o 26._o because_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o context_n that_o james_n speak_v of_o work_n in_o no_o other_o sense_n than_o to_o be_v as_o a_o evidence_n of_o true_a faith_n and_o that_o it_o be_v as_o impossble_v that_o true_a faith_n can_v be_v and_o yet_o not_o accompany_v with_o work_n as_o that_o a_o brother_n or_o sister_n naked_a and_o destitute_a of_o food_n will_v be_v relieve_v by_o a_o bare_a say_n be_v warm_a and_o fill_v and_o so_o we_o may_v reasonable_o conclude_v that_o though_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n touch_v salvation_n through_o faith_n and_o not_o of_o work_n be_v true_a not_o only_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o exclusion_n of_o work_n which_o be_v legal_a but_o other_o also_o act_v in_o the_o will_n of_o man_n yet_o from_o thence_o it_o can_v just_o be_v employ_v as_o in_o the_o objection_n that_o good_a work_n may_v be_v want_v to_o such_o as_o be_v save_v and_o sin_n commit_v instead_o thereof_o we_o now_o come_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o scripture_n mention_v in_o the_o objection_n viz._n 3.2_o jam._n 3.2_o that_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o offend_v all_o this_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o relation_n to_o a_o state_n which_o be_v not_o free_a from_o sin_n but_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v infer_v from_o thence_o that_o such_o a_o state_n be_v not_o attainable_a nay_o the_o apostle_n follow_v word_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n a_o evidence_n against_o such_o a_o construction_n for_o he_o thereby_o say_v if_o any_o man_n offend_v not_o in_o word_n the_o same_o be_v a_o perfect_a man_n which_o be_v needless_o speak_v by_o he_o if_o that_o inoffensive_a state_n be_v not_o attainable_a and_o if_o a_o cessation_n from_o sin_n in_o that_o case_n be_v attainable_a why_o not_o in_o all_o other_o also_o and_o as_o to_o these_o word_n cite_v 1_o john_n 1.8_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 we_o say_v as_o before_o to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n james_n that_o this_o also_o be_v speak_v in_o relation_n to_o a_o state_n which_o be_v not_o free_a from_o sin_n but_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v infer_v from_o thence_o that_o such_o a_o state_n of_o freedom_n be_v not_o attainable_a and_o this_o sense_n be_v provable_a to_o we_o from_o the_o very_a follow_a word_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n if_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n he_o be_v faithful_a and_o just_a to_o forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o unrighteousness_n but_o if_o this_o satisfy_v not_o and_o that_o any_o shall_v yet_o object_v that_o the_o apostle_n meaning_n touch_v the_o word_n cleanse_v be_v but_o a_o cleanse_n from_o the_o gild_n and_o not_o from_o the_o fact_n of_o unrighteousness_n to_o that_o this_o may_v in_o truth_n be_v answer_v that_o those_o who_o be_v cleanse_v from_o all_o unrighteousness_n be_v so_o cleanse_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o such_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n 3.9_o 1_o joh._n 3.9_o and_o of_o these_o the_o same_o apostle_n say_v whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v not_o commit_v sin_n for_o his_o seed_n remain_v in_o he_o and_o he_o can_v sin_v because_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n which_o positive_a expression_n in_o relation_n to_o such_o a_o state_n as_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n can_v admit_v of_o any_o other_o meaning_n though_o compare_v with_o other_o scripture_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o same_o state_n speak_v of_o under_o other_o term_n and_o therefore_o we_o conclude_v that_o these_o latter_a word_n cite_v out_o of_o john_n be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n to_o prove_v the_o interpretation_n signify_v in_o the_o objection_n on_o the_o apostle_n word_n unsound_a viz._n that_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n cleanse_v only_o from_o the_o gild_n and_o not_o from_o the_o act_n of_o sin_n so_o as_o to_o cease_v therefrom_o whilst_o on_o this_o side_n the_o grave_a especial_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o one_o of_o the_o qualification_n that_o the_o apostle_n peter_n express_o assign_v to_o such_o who_o he_o declare_v of_o to_o be_v curse_a child_n 2.14_o 2_o pet._n 2.14_o be_v this_o viz._n that_o can_v cease_v from_o sin_n and_o that_o also_o the_o condition_n speak_v of_o by_o john_n on_o which_o a_o cleanse_n from_o all_o sin_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n come_v to_o be_v witness_v be_v a_o walk_n in_o the_o light_n even_o as_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o light_n read_z 1_o john_n 1.7_o which_o can_v be_v witness_v but_o through_o a_o cessation_n from_o sin_n chap._n iu._n touch_v wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n the_o apostle_n james_n tell_v we_o 3.17_o jam._n 3.17_o there_o be_v a_o wisdom_n from_o above_o this_o wisdom_n may_v be_v take_v to_o be_v that_o wisdom_n 3.10_o ephes_n 3.10_o which_o paul_n describe_v to_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n 3.15_o jam._n 3.15_o and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o wisdom_n which_o be_v not_o from_o above_o 1.12_o 2_o cor._n 1.12_o which_o may_v be_v take_v to_o be_v the_o same_o wisdom_n which_o the_o apostle_n paul_n describe_v to_o be_v fleshly_a and_o of_o this_o world_n 3.19_o 1_o cor._n 3.19_o the_o apostle_n paul_n also_o say_v 1_o cor._n 8.1_o knowledge_n puff_v up_o and_o yet_o 1_o tim._n 2.4_o speak_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n as_o to_o the_o wisdom_n that_o be_v not_o from_o above_o 16._o jam._n 3.14_o 15_o 16._o james_z thus_o describe_v it_o if_o you_o have_v bitter_a envy_v and_o strife_n in_o your_o heart_n glory_n not_o and_o lie_v not_o against_o the_o truth_n this_o wisdom_n descend_v not_o from_o above_o but_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a devilish_a for_o where_o envy_v and_o strife_n be_v there_o be_v confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n but_o the_o wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o 3.17_o jam._n 3.17_o he_o thus_o describe_v viz._n it_o be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a fruit_n without_o partiality_n without_o hypocracy_n but_o notwithstanding_o the_o apostle_n have_v so_o plain_o describe_v the_o difference_n yet_o experience_n tell_v we_o that_o wisdom_n without_o distinction_n be_v so_o much_o preach_v against_o that_o many_o ignorant_a people_n be_v even_o set_v on_o float_n utter_v their_o folly_n and_o confusion_n in_o a_o boast_a self_n conceit_v spirit_n as_o if_o it_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n that_o they_o be_v good_a christian_n and_o in_o the_o feel_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o life_n of_o christianity_n because_o they_o have_v confidence_n enough_o to_o cry_v against_o wisdom_n
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 not_o to_o boast_v in_o another_o man_n line_n of_o thing_n make_v ready_a to_o our_o hand_n hence_o it_o be_v evident_a those_o who_o keep_v to_o their_o own_o measure_n follow_v paul_n as_o they_o have_v he_o for_o a_o ensample_n and_o that_o those_o who_o hope_v and_o desire_v their_o brethren_n conformity_n to_o their_o line_n before_o they_o have_v faith_n therein_o be_v of_o another_o hope_n than_o paul_n be_v who_o as_o be_v above_o recite_v thus_o say_v 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 your_o according_a to_o our_o rule_n abundant_o and_o so_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o paul_n do_v not_o desire_v the_o corinthian_n to_o walk_v by_o his_o line_n until_o their_o faith_n be_v increase_v otherwise_o they_o may_v become_v proud_a boaster_n of_o other_o man_n line_n make_v ready_a to_o their_o hand_n as_o many_o yea_o too_o to_o many_o at_o this_o day_n be_v i_o now_o come_v to_o consider_v of_o his_o 6_o section_n the_o title_n whereof_o page_n 47._o be_v this_o viz._n how_o far_a this_o government_n do_v extend_v in_o matter_n spiritual_a and_o pure_o conscientious_a in_o which_o the_o great_a question_n say_v the_o aforesaid_a author_n be_v how_o far_o in_o such_o case_n the_o church_n may_v give_v positive_a order_n or_o rule_n how_o far_o her_o authority_n reach_v or_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v bind_v and_o ought_v to_o be_v submit_v to_o for_o the_o better_a clear_n and_o examination_n of_o which_o he_o thus_o further_o say_v it_o will_v be_v fit_a to_o consider_v first_o whether_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v power_n in_o any_o case_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n to_o give_v a_o positive_a sentence_n or_o decision_n which_o may_v be_v obligatory_a upon_o believer_n second_o if_o so_o in_o what_o case_n and_o respect_n she_o may_v so_o do_v three_o wherein_o consist_v the_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n which_o may_v be_v exercise_v by_o the_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n diverse_o without_o judge_v one_o another_o and_o last_o in_o who_o the_o power_n decisive_n be_v in_o case_n of_o controversy_n and_o contention_n in_o such_o matter_n as_o to_o the_o first_o whether_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v power_n in_o any_o case_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n to_o give_v positive_a sentence_n or_o decision_n which_o may_v be_v obligatory_a upon_o believer_n i_o answer_v affirmative_o she_o have_v and_o shall_v prove_v it_o from_o divers_a instance_n both_o from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n thus_o far_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n the_o force_n of_o r_n b_n reason_n i_o apprehend_v to_o be_v chief_o comprehend_v in_o or_o draw_v from_o these_o his_o follow_a word_n as_o by_o his_o write_a page_n 48_o 49._o more_o at_o large_a appear_v viz._n that_o we_o be_v gather_v together_o into_o the_o belief_n of_o certain_a principle_n and_o doctrine_n through_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n on_o our_o understanding_n and_o practice_n necessary_o depend_v upon_o they_o these_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o term_n that_o have_v draw_v we_o together_o and_o bond_n by_o which_o we_o become_v centre_v into_o one_o body_n and_o fellowship_n yet_o say_v he_o by_o a_o marginal_a note_n not_o so_o the_o bond_n but_o that_o we_o have_v also_o a_o more_o inward_a viz._n the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n the_o scripture_n proof_n that_o he_o quote_v be_v these_o gal._n 1.8_o 1_o tim._n 1.19_o 20._o 2_o john_n 10._o thus_o further_a add_v these_o scripture_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o clear_a in_o themselves_o that_o they_o need_v no_o great_a exposition_n to_o the_o unbyased_a reader_n my_o place_n now_o be_v to_o detect_v the_o impertinency_n of_o r._n b_n reason_n and_o to_o show_v that_o he_o have_v quote_v scripture_n which_o be_v not_o to_o the_o purpose_n yet_o i_o can_v but_o first_o observe_v that_o since_o the_o main_a scop_n of_o his_o treatise_n relate_v to_o this_o matter_n both_o from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n tend_v as_o it_o be_v chief_o if_o not_o whole_o to_o evidence_n that_o such_o principle_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n necessary_o depend_v thereon_o be_v the_o bond_n by_o which_o we_o become_v center_a into_o one_o body_n and_o fellowship_n be_v it_o not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o these_o kind_n of_o term_n have_v the_o great_a room_n on_o his_o heart_n and_o the_o marginal_a description_n of_o a_o more_o inward_a bond_n viz_o the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n be_v but_o like_o the_o entertainment_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o manger_n but_o to_o proceed_v i_o do_v affirm_v the_o belief_n of_o certain_a principle_n and_o doctrine_n though_o believe_v through_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n on_o the_o understanding_n and_o practice_n necessary_o depend_v upon_o they_o be_v not_o the_o very_a term_n and_o bond_n by_o which_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o this_o day_n be_v become_v centre_v into_o one_o body_n though_o i_o do_v confess_v that_o certain_a principle_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n hold_v and_o practise_v in_o a_o pure_a mind_n be_v the_o fruit_n and_o offspring_n of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o bond_n but_o the_o very_a bond_n they_o be_v not_o if_o they_o be_v how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o to_o this_o day_n the_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n which_o be_v his_o church_n have_v not_o declare_v and_o agree_v what_o and_o how_o many_o be_v those_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n and_o what_o be_v those_o practice_n necessary_o depend_v thereon_o that_o aught_o to_o be_v believe_v receive_v and_o practise_v by_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o that_o by_o which_o they_o be_v centre_v into_o the_o heavenly_a fellowship_n of_o christ_n body_n with_o confidence_n i_o may_v say_v that_o i_o never_o hear_v or_o understand_v of_o any_o such_o thing_n yet_o extant_a among_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n neither_o do_v i_o believe_v there_o be_v and_o doubtless_o if_o there_o be_v the_o aforesaid_a author_n be_v a_o man_n to_o speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n that_o be_v well_o read_v and_o not_o of_o a_o mean_a capacity_n will_v have_v quote_v it_o to_o free_v himself_o from_o the_o censure_n of_o such_o who_o may_v just_o say_v he_o have_v leave_v we_o in_o the_o dark_a how_o to_o know_v these_o member_n who_o to_o use_v his_o own_o language_n page_n 49._o cut_v themselves_o off_o from_o be_v member_n by_o dissolve_v the_o very_a bond_n by_o which_o they_o be_v link_v to_o the_o body_n nay_o i_o may_v true_o say_v that_o in_o the_o primitive_a day_n there_o be_v many_o believer_n who_o be_v find_v in_o opposite_a faith_n and_o practice_n witness_v those_o who_o circumcise_a keep_v a_o day_n abstain_v from_o flesh_n and_o other_o there_o be_v who_o believe_v and_o practise_v quite_o otherwise_o and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o the_o bond_n which_o centre_v they_o into_o the_o heavenly_a fellowship_n of_o christ_n body_n be_v break_v for_o doubtless_o many_o of_o they_o under_o those_o differ_v faith_n and_o practice_n be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o such_o who_o be_v sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n or_o at_o least_o in_o some_o measure_n sanctify_v which_o be_v the_o description_n of_o a_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n according_a as_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n himself_o do_v in_o his_o treatise_n signify_v and_o this_o be_v answerable_a to_o the_o truth_n itself_o read_v rom._n 14._o 1_o cor._n 8._o for_o further_a discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o have_v assert_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o query_n what_o be_v the_o very_a term_n and_o bond_n by_o which_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v become_v center_a into_o one_o body_n the_o answer_n be_v plain_a it_o be_v the_o spirit_n according_a to_o paul_n testimony_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o for_o by_o one_o spirit_n be_v we_o all_o baptise_a into_o one_o body_n now_o the_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v witness_v by_o such_o who_o integrity_n may_v lead_v they_o to_o die_v for_o truth_n but_o shall_v they_o be_v question_v by_o any_o one_o what_o be_v those_o principle_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n you_o hold_v which_o be_v the_o very_a term_n by_o which_o you_o come_v to_o be_v centre_v into_o christ_n body_n and_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o gather_v you_o for_o so_o be_v his_o word_n page_n 47._o relate_v to_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n they_o will_v be_v ready_a thus_o to_o say_v what_o blind_a question_n do_v thou_o bring_v forth_o in_o thy_o carnal_a sensual_a reason_n it_o be_v god_n power_n and_o spirit_n gather_v we_o from_o among_o such_o as_o be_v out_o of_o the_o life_n glory_v in_o their_o owtward_a fellowship_n principle_n and_o doctrine_n and_o by_o his_o power_n circumcise_a our_o heart_n
though_o the_o apostle_n thus_o exhort_v little_a child_n keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n yet_o thy_o book_n touch_v womens-meeting_n etc._n etc._n very_a scandalous_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o worthy_a in_o several_a particular_n to_o be_v judge_v and_o condemn_v inform_v we_o as_o if_o micah_n mother_n speak_v of_o judge_n 17._o when_o she_o give_v money_n to_o make_v a_o grave_v image_n to_o be_v worship_v be_v a_o virtuous_a woman_n for_o touch_v she_o thou_o have_v thus_o write_v and_o be_v not_o micah_n mother_n a_o virtuous_a woman_n read_v judge_n 17._o and_o see_v what_o she_o say_v to_o she_o son_n and_o in_o a_o few_o line_n after_o thou_o thus_o testifyes_n these_o and_o such_o like_a woman_n be_v record_v to_o posterity_n for_o their_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n see_v thy_o book_n pag._n 43_o 44._o three_o though_o there_o be_v endeavour_n to_o send_v paper_n to_o and_o fro_o to_o bespatter_n john_n story_n for_o go_v out_o of_o a_o meeting_n when_o the_o persecutor_n come_v yet_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o thyself_o have_v be_v find_v in_o the_o like_a action_n and_o if_o report_n be_v true_a the_o frequent_a of_o any_o man_n that_o ever_o i_o hear_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o quaker_n and_o it_o be_v to_o i_o a_o broad_a sign_n that_o this_o will_v not_o have_v be_v omit_v as_o a_o grand_a article_n against_o he_o among_o other_o at_o drawel_n have_v not_o thou_o be_v guilty_a in_o the_o like_a case_n four_o that_o though_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n be_v persecute_v by_o such_o unto_o who_o thy_o paper_n seem_v a_o strength_n because_o they_o will_v not_o condemn_v themselves_o yet_o i_o never_o hear_v that_o thou_o as_o yet_o have_v ever_o give_v forth_o any_o paper_n of_o condemnation_n for_o the_o error_n thou_o have_v commit_v in_o write_v the_o book_n about_o woman_n meeeting_n etc._n etc._n or_o any_o thing_n else_o though_o i_o can_v believe_v but_o that_o thou_o be_v conscious_a to_o thyself_o that_o truth_n be_v scandalize_v 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month_n and_o year_n past_a but_o as_o spark_n of_o fire_n have_v bear_v in_o a_o spirit_n of_o patience_n yet_o now_o since_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o ignorance_n envy_n and_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n join_v hand_n together_o to_o make_v war_n against_o god_n servant_n and_o that_o thy_o paper_n seem_v a_o strength_n thereto_o therefore_o be_v the_o zeal_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n kindle_v to_o war_n in_o righteousness_n against_o that_o ungodly_a insinuate_a spirit_n that_o make_v it_o its_o business_n to_o bespatter_n john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n whereby_o the_o simplehearted_n may_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o the_o way_n it_o be_v unnatural_a among_o the_o heathen_a for_o the_o father_n to_o pierce_v and_o wound_v his_o child_n oh_o friend_n consider_v of_o that_o if_o thou_o be_v the_o head_n and_o chief_a promoter_n of_o this_o war_n against_o the_o ancient_a brethren_n appear_v like_o a_o man_n of_o war_n open-faced_a and_o if_o thou_o 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