Selected quad for the lemma: spirit_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
spirit_n know_v lord_n soul_n 7,158 5 4.8741 4 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A44110 An answer to a small treatise call'd Just measurs in an epistle of peace and love : by way of address, to such as esteem themselves elders amongst the people call'd Quakers ... Hogg, John, fl. 1675-1698. 1693 (1693) Wing H2367; ESTC R3382 64,276 94

There are 11 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

act_n above_o can_v be_v do_v right_o without_o faith_n what_o hinder_v the_o pharise_n acceptance_n for_o who_o do_v they_o better_o than_o they_o in_o the_o outward_a appearance_n but_o as_o our_o righteousness_n be_v to_o exceed_v they_o so_o if_o those_o outward_a act_n be_v do_v better_a by_o we_o than_o they_o they_o must_v be_v do_v in_o the_o faith_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n presence_n and_o power_n that_o work_v both_o the_o will_n and_o deed_n that_o be_v do_v to_o his_o praise_n and_o this_o all_o formalist_n as_o well_o as_o the_o pharise_n want_v to_o do_v they_o in_o and_o they_o must_v needs_o want_v that_o faith_n that_o give_v acceptance_n with_o god_n who_o conclude_v those_o thing_n be_v not_o act_n of_o religion_n and_o conscience_n but_o to_o distinguish_v thing_n into_o civil_a and_o religious_a for_o this_o purpose_n that_o we_o may_v perform_v what_o you_o be_v please_v to_o call_v civil_a without_o take_v notice_n of_o conscience_n which_o be_v direct_o to_o please_v and_o humour_n you_o in_o your_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n what_o be_v clear_a then_o that_o the_o form_n you_o be_v set_v up_o and_o strive_v for_o to_o the_o loss_n of_o charity_n and_o good_a will_n be_v real_o to_o be_v and_o be_v a_o form_n without_o power_n see_v according_o to_o your_o distinction_n it_o may_v very_o easy_o be_v perform_v without_o faith_n and_o conscience_n on_o this_o account_n pray_v consider_v if_o you_o may_v not_o as_o just_o be_v withstand_v or_o turn_v from_o as_o those_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o we_o entreat_v you_o to_o be_v serious_a in_o this_o matter_n while_o balm_n in_o gilead_n may_v be_v have_v to_o heal_v our_o wound_n and_o bruise_n that_o be_v to_o cure_v our_o division_n and_o remove_v our_o dissatisfaction_n but_o further_a you_o say_v do_v those_o thing_n of_o difference_n require_v faith_n or_o do_v they_o appertain_v to_o worship_n as_o if_o you_o be_v oblige_v to_o worship_n god_n only_o in_o some_o place_n time_n gesture_n raiment_n with_o such_o word_n or_o form_n of_o speech_n etc._n etc._n your_o plea_n and_o objection_n be_v good_a page_n 4_o answer_v true_a worship_n can_v be_v impose_v for_o it_o be_v a_o serve_a god_n according_a to_o his_o mind_n in_o which_o man_n prescription_n have_v no_o place_n because_o such_o the_o father_n only_o seek_v out_o to_o serve_v he_o and_o it_o appear_v that_o gospel_n worship_n ought_v to_o be_v constant_a for_o such_o as_o be_v join_v unto_o the_o lord_n be_v one_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o deny_v a_o constant_a serve_v and_o worship_v of_o god_n it_o be_v because_o they_o do_v not_o know_v this_o union_n of_o be_v join_v unto_o the_o lord_n in_o one_o spirit_n how_o ever_o the_o worship_n you_o mean_v and_o intend_v be_v constant_a or_o it_o be_v not_o for_o we_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n mistake_v you_o if_o not_o constant_a it_o relate_v to_o our_o public_a assembly_n only_o and_o so_o to_o preach_v and_o pray_v and_o such_o other_o public_a act_n as_o be_v do_v and_o perform_v at_o those_o certain_a time_n and_o place_n and_o because_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o present_a occasion_n of_o difference_n in_o a_o strict_a sense_n do_v not_o relate_v to_o those_o public_a act_n for_o worship_n in_o our_o assembly_n therefore_o in_o your_o sense_n there_o can_v be_v no_o imposition_n upon_o conscience_n by_o impose_v those_o thing_n but_o then_o pray_v observe_v what_o follow_v and_o that_o be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o serve_v of_o god_n but_o in_o our_o public_a assembly_n nor_o if_o you_o please_v use_v of_o conscience_n but_o when_o so_o meet_v together_o on_o this_o account_n pray_v why_o do_v you_o refuse_v to_o put_v off_o your_o hat_n to_o use_v the_o word_n you_o to_o a_o single_a person_n to_o pay_v tithe_n and_o several_a sort_n of_o tax_n for_o according_a to_o this_o notion_n of_o worship_n and_o service_n those_o thing_n be_v civil_a and_o not_o religious_a we_o do_v not_o mention_v those_o thing_n as_o indifferent_a but_o to_o show_v how_o by_o endeavour_v to_o avoid_v one_o error_n you_o run_v into_o another_o but_o if_o we_o be_v to_o worship_n and_o serve_v god_n constant_o as_o we_o say_v we_o be_v we_o ought_v to_o wait_v to_o know_v and_o be_v sensible_a of_o he_o every_o where_o and_o upon_o all_o occasion_n but_o we_o say_v this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o faith_n for_o without_o faith_n we_o can_v be_v sensible_a of_o his_o presence_n as_o the_o governor_n of_o our_o action_n nor_o can_v our_o deed_n be_v do_v or_o wrought_v in_o he_o without_o it_o well_o than_o if_o we_o be_v thus_o to_o serve_v god_n and_o this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o faith_n than_o we_o say_v if_o the_o thing_n you_o contend_v for_o be_v real_o good_a we_o must_v if_o we_o serve_v god_n first_o know_v they_o to_o be_v good_a thus_o on_o this_o foot_n in_o your_o own_o sense_n our_o plea_n and_o objection_n be_v good_a because_o the_o thing_n in_o difference_n relate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n you_o explede_v in_o other_o society_n the_o imposs_a time_n gesture_n and_o raiment_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o pray_v consider_v if_o you_o be_v not_o do_v something_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n for_o you_o must_v grant_v that_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v constant_a or_o it_o ought_v not_o if_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v constant_a you_o thy_fw-mi it_o to_o some_o certain_a time_n and_o place_n and_o herein_o agree_v with_o those_o you_o reprehend_v but_o if_o you_o allow_v it_o constant_a the_o impossition_n of_o new_a thing_n under_o this_o notion_n of_o civil_a be_v out_o of_o door_n but_o further_o this_o form_n that_o you_o be_v impose_v with_o all_o the_o reason_n and_o force_v you_o have_v be_v that_o to_o a_o society_n that_o a_o garment_n be_v to_o particular_a person_n it_o be_v true_a and_o as_o true_o grant_v without_o any_o reserve_n that_o what_o be_v simple_a be_v needful_a in_o both_o case_n for_o we_o can_v not_o be_v well_o without_o a_o garment_n while_o clothe_v with_o those_o house_n of_o clay_n neither_o as_o we_o be_v particular_a person_n nor_o as_o a_o religious_a society_n but_o superfluity_n be_v dangerous_a on_o both_o hand_n for_o if_o ever_o the_o mind_n get_v out_o to_o think_v and_o conclude_v that_o it_o deserve_v honour_n and_o respect_n for_o the_o garment_n for_o the_o form_n sake_n in_o come_v those_o addition_n of_o superfluity_n from_o hence_o on_o a_o religious_a score_n come_v in_o opinion_n and_o ceremony_n and_o this_o to_o make_v it_o more_o glorious_a and_o beautiful_a that_o it_o may_v have_v more_o respect_n and_o acceptance_n both_o with_o god_n and_o man_n and_o thus_o both_o on_o a_o religious_a score_n as_o well_o as_o on_o a_o civil_a man_n grow_v proud_a of_o that_o which_o show_v their_o poverty_n and_o rich_a in_o conceit_n by_o trust_v in_o that_o which_o at_o the_o same_o time_n demonstrate_v their_o want_n do_v they_o understand_v or_o right_o consider_v of_o thing_n for_o as_o clothe_v to_o our_o body_n show_v our_o want_n and_o not_o our_o perfection_n even_o so_o do_v form_n in_o religion_n show_v our_o fall_n and_o want_v and_o therefore_o the_o more_o we_o seem_v to_o need_v and_o be_v burden_a with_o ceremony_n the_o more_o our_o want_n and_o misery_n appear_v if_o we_o can_v but_o see_v it_o for_o this_o cause_n where_o this_o be_v true_o see_v and_o consider_v such_o content_n themselves_o with_o what_o be_v simple_o needful_a know_v by_o how_o much_o as_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o little_a by_o so_o much_o they_o come_v near_o their_o first_o be_v and_o then_o such_o in_o stead_n of_o add_v of_o opinion_n and_o ceremony_n to_o perfect_v they_o do_v wait_v to_o have_v such_o thing_n fulfil_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n on_o this_o account_n we_o way_n safe_o say_v the_o less_o ceremony_n the_o more_o truth_n and_o the_o less_o noise_n about_o the_o formality_n of_o form_n the_o more_o hope_v such_o wait_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n which_o be_v life_n eternal_a but_o to_o apply_v the_o matter_n the_o difference_n you_o make_v with_o we_o be_v not_o about_o what_o be_v simple_o needful_a to_o society_n for_o you_o grant_v we_o be_v one_o in_o judgement_n with_o you_o in_o the_o worship_n and_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n and_o own_v both_o the_o end_n and_o mean_n of_o good_a order_n page_z 11_o then_o pray_v consider_v if_o it_o be_v not_o hard_a for_o you_o to_o differ_v with_o we_o about_o that_o which_o neither_o relate_v to_o the_o worship_n nor_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n in_o short_a general_o speak_v you_o have_v allow_v we_o former_o as_o true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n without_o this_o
this_o age_n and_o who_o certain_o be_v those_o eminent_a instrument_n and_o what_o this_o dispensation_n be_v that_o you_o intend_v that_o so_o when_o this_o age_n be_v over_o and_o those_o instrument_n be_v all_o dead_a than_o people_n may_v prepare_v to_o watch_v for_o the_o master_n come_v to_o change_v this_o dispensation_n all_o this_o and_o more_o be_v the_o genuine_a consequence_n of_o those_o position_n and_o assertion_n which_o we_o must_v say_v be_v as_o carnal_a as_o they_o be_v presumptuous_a and_o be_v a_o plain_a defer_v of_o the_o master_n come_v and_o what_o follow_v but_o what_o ever_o do_v a_o beat_n of_o your_o fellow_n servant_n that_o this_o be_v true_o the_o condition_n and_o danger_n of_o all_o those_o that_o assert_v as_o above_o own_o or_o stand_v by_o it_o be_v to_o we_o a_o undoubted_a truth_n and_o therefore_o in_o order_n to_o awaken_v some_o and_o forwarn_v other_o we_o can_v do_v no_o less_o then_o assert_v that_o he_o that_o be_v come_v be_v yet_o to_o come_v that_o so_o by_o a_o true_a watch_v and_o wait_v for_o his_o come_v some_o may_v avoid_v that_o great_a danger_n those_o be_v in_o that_o defer_v it_o and_o indeed_o this_o presumption_n that_o the_o dispensation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v change_v in_o this_o age_n be_v both_o your_o danger_n and_o mistake_n for_o this_o make_v the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n to_o lie_v chief_o in_o outward_a modes_n of_o worship_n in_o outward_a form_n of_o discipline_n and_o in_o the_o government_n of_o man_n and_o this_o in_o stead_n of_o lead_v the_o mind_n to_o god_n lead_v from_o he_o because_o in_o stead_n of_o wait_v for_o the_o kingdom_n and_o government_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o it_o which_o be_v spiritual_a this_o set_v up_o what_o be_v outward_a and_o carnal_a which_o may_v be_v alter_v and_o change_v from_o one_o thing_n to_o another_o and_o yet_o the_o mind_n unregenerate_v and_o therefore_o those_o dispensation_n of_o god_n that_o convert_v the_o soul_n to_o god_n be_v spiritual_a and_o be_v the_o same_o now_o they_o have_v be_v through_o all_o age_n of_o which_o that_o unto_o israel_n and_o the_o complete_n of_o that_o dispensation_n by_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o true_a and_o perfect_a figure_n to_o we_o and_o all_o man_n but_o see_v you_o say_v there_o be_v to_o be_v no_o change_n of_o dispensation_n in_o this_o age_n pray_v when_o be_v it_o that_o you_o intend_v to_o present_v those_o that_o depend_v on_o you_o as_o chaste_a virgin_n to_o christ_n that_o they_o may_v be_v marry_v unto_o he_o for_o as_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o certain_o you_o will_v allow_v in_o that_o state_n such_o may_v simple_o depend_v on_o he_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v you_o intend_v it_o as_o long_o as_o you_o live_v because_o you_o say_v there_o be_v to_o be_v no_o variation_n or_o change_v of_o dispensation_n in_o this_o age_n and_o when_o may_v it_o be_v expect_v then_o for_o those_o that_o succeed_v you_o in_o the_o government_n may_v as_o just_o deny_v a_o change_n of_o dispensation_n in_o their_o age_n as_o you_o do_v in_o this_o and_o to_o be_v sure_a they_o will_v be_v as_o unwilling_a to_o allow_v of_o it_o as_o you_o for_o why_o they_o must_v bear_v the_o image_n that_o you_o beget_v and_o as_o they_o will_v make_v you_o their_o authority_n they_o will_v build_v on_o you_o as_o it_o have_v be_v through_o all_o the_o reformation_n and_o then_o as_o they_o be_v not_o like_a to_o know_v so_o much_o as_o some_o have_v do_v in_o this_o age_n they_o will_v be_v but_o bigoted_a the_o more_o for_o indeed_o where_o there_o be_v not_o a_o constant_a wait_v for_o the_o lord_n come_v to_o do_v what_o he_o please_v with_o we_o a_o false_a rest_n be_v set_v up_o and_o such_o become_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v the_o limiter_n of_o god_n and_o good_a man_n and_o the_o preventer_n of_o the_o further_a discovery_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n but_o if_o we_o come_v to_o be_v a_o figure_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n of_o which_o christ_n our_o lord_n be_v true_o head_n we_o must_v know_v a_o change_n and_o alteration_n of_o the_o dispensation_n by_o which_o this_o strive_n for_o mastership_n and_o ceremony_n may_v cease_v and_o that_o in_o our_o age_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n appearance_n be_v twofold_a to_o man_n in_o the_o work_n of_o restore_a man_n unto_o himself_o and_o if_o we_o be_v of_o spiritual_n israel_n we_o must_v know_v a_o come_n through_o the_o work_n of_o a_o first_o covenant_n before_o we_o can_v know_v the_o second_o whereupon_o it_o follow_v as_o there_o must_v be_v a_o preparation_n before_o there_o can_v be_v a_o choice_n there_o be_v a_o legal_a dispensation_n to_o be_v know_v or_o pass_v through_o before_o that_o of_o the_o gospel_n can_v be_v full_o understand_v it_o be_v true_a if_o we_o can_v consider_v right_o that_o the_o end_n of_o all_o god_n deal_v with_o man_n be_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o himself_o and_o secure_v they_o for_o the_o future_a against_o the_o attempt_n of_o the_o enemy_n we_o may_v call_v or_o esteem_v all_o gospel_n according_a to_o address_v to_o protestant_n page_n 82_o where_o it_o be_v say_v the_o law_n be_v the_o gospel_n begin_v the_o gospel_n the_o law_n fulfil_v or_o finish_v they_o can_v be_v part_v by_o the_o word_n part_v we_o conceive_v he_o mean_v the_o gospel_n can_v come_v or_o be_v witness_v except_o it_o begin_v in_o the_o law_n for_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o all_o man_n in_o their_o first_o state_n be_v conclude_v under_o sin_n and_o that_o in_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n there_o be_v trouble_v before_o peace_n and_o condemnation_n before_o justification_n and_o that_o no_o suffering_n for_o the_o present_a seem_v joyom_n then_o may_v we_o say_v those_o dispensation_n of_o law_n and_o gospel_n first_o and_o second_o covenant_n be_v now_o in_o be_v and_o as_o distinguishable_a to_o the_o spiritual_a traveller_n as_o ever_o it_o be_v true_a christ_n our_o lord_n be_v heir_n of_o all_o thing_n but_o our_o first_o knowledge_n of_o he_o be_v in_o his_o descend_v where_o he_o deve_v himself_o of_o his_o glory_n in_o this_o he_o condescend_v to_o lay_v hold_n of_o we_o or_o otherwise_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o apprehend_v or_o lie_v hold_v of_o he_o you_o know_v it_o be_v write_v the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v not_o yet_o give_v because_o that_o jesus_n be_v not_o yet_o glorify_v and_o yet_o he_o both_o have_v disciple_n and_o they_o be_v teach_v of_o he_o nay_o when_o raise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o they_o be_v still_o teach_v of_o he_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o receive_v the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o he_o be_v not_o yet_o ascend_v but_o when_o the_o power_n from_o on_o high_a come_v upon_o they_o the_o true_a witness_n that_o jesus_n be_v glorify_v than_o they_o receive_v the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o be_v to_o abide_v with_o they_o but_o to_o apply_v it_o if_o our_o first_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o his_o descend_v then_o must_v we_o know_v he_o ascend_v where_o he_o be_v before_o or_o the_o work_n can_v be_v complete_v but_o this_o can_v be_v without_o a_o change_n of_o dispensation_n thus_o instead_o of_o denyit_n we_o ought_v to_o wait_v for_o it_o again_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o since_o transgression_n at_o least_o man_n be_v make_v under_o a_o law_n write_v or_o to_o be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n or_o mind_n of_o all_o man_n of_o which_o that_o write_v in_o stone_n to_o israel_n be_v but_o as_o a_o figure_n and_o that_o by_o this_o law_n come_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d this_o ministration_n can_v pass_v away_o unfulfil_v therefore_o do_v our_o lord_n descend_v to_o assist_v we_o to_o fulfil_v this_o dispensation_n as_o a_o servant_n and_o differ_v not_o from_o a_o servant_n though_o he_o be_v lord_n of_o all_o you_o know_v he_o be_v make_v under_o the_o law_n to_o israel_n that_o he_o may_v redeem_v they_o true_o prepare_v by_o it_o from_o under_o the_o law_n and_o he_o be_v now_o as_o well_o as_o then_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o then_o must_v we_o not_o know_v he_o first_o under_o a_o legal_a dispensation_n as_o well_o as_o then_o for_o that_o dispensation_n give_v to_o israel_n that_o he_o then_o fulfil_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v never_o give_v to_o we_o and_o as_o that_o be_v not_o to_o continue_v it_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o that_o which_o remain_v that_o we_o be_v to_o inquire_v out_o god_n appear_v by_o his_o servant_n and_o by_o his_o son_n to_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n after_o the_o flesh_n the_o first_o be_v to_o prepare_v the_o latter_a to_o perfect_v and_o those_o that_o be_v not_o faithful_a in_o the_o first_o part_n now_o can_v not_o
to_o outward_a society_n be_v a_o comprehensive_a church_n and_o can_v shut_v out_o for_o opinion_n which_o deserve_v your_o most_o serious_a consideration_n in_o relation_n to_o your_o brethren_n at_o least_o but_o to_o apply_v what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o our_o case_n as_o it_o be_v sure_a that_o every_o man_n that_o come_v true_o to_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n must_v know_v the_o dispensation_n change_v in_o his_o age_n so_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o one_o man_n aught_o to_o be_v do_v in_o all_o man_n and_o must_v be_v do_v in_o all_o that_o come_v true_o to_o know_v the_o new_a and_o heavenly_a man_n put_v on_o but_o see_v this_o can_v be_v do_v in_o all_o at_o one_o time_n as_o we_o be_v a_o society_n it_o must_v at_o least_o be_v do_v in_o our_o elder_n or_o leader_n or_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v as_o a_o society_n a_o true_a figure_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n of_o god_n for_o as_o be_v the_o elder_n or_o leader_n so_o be_v the_o people_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n that_o depend_v on_o they_o and_o therefore_o if_o our_o leader_n have_v narrow_a spirit_n and_o wrong_a notion_n of_o thing_n the_o people_n must_v be_v so_o too_o whereupon_o in_o follow_v if_o our_o leader_n deny_v a_o change_n of_o dispensation_n and_o cease_v to_o travel_v the_o people_n must_v needs_o do_v so_o too_o and_o therefore_o while_o our_o elder_n and_o leader_n know_v not_o a_o change_n of_o dispensation_n in_o this_o age_n which_o be_v a_o come_n through_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o a_o die_a with_o christ_n to_o the_o flesh_n by_o which_o the_o beauty_n of_o external_n thing_n pass_v away_o in_o the_o true_a ministration_n of_o life_n as_o such_o can_v be_v dead_a with_o christ_n to_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n they_o will_v be_v burden_a with_o their_o opinion_n and_o ordinance_n and_o therein_o burden_n other_o we_o entreat_v you_o to_o consider_v of_o this_o for_o it_o be_v and_o be_v on_o this_o very_a foot_n that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o all_o religious_a society_n have_v fail_v wherein_o their_o leader_n and_o elder_n be_v always_o most_o in_o fault_n for_o they_o can_v allow_v of_o no_o variation_n or_o change_n of_o dispensation_n but_o what_o they_o make_v themselves_o and_o be_v not_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o therefore_o always_o miss_v of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n both_o as_o he_o appear_v by_o his_o son_n and_o by_o his_o servant_n it_o have_v be_v thus_o through_o all_o the_o reformation_n and_o be_v thus_o in_o that_o great_a example_n of_o israel_n for_o tho'_o they_o receive_v the_o law_n to_o prepare_v as_o a_o schoolmaster_n to_o bring_v unto_o christ_n and_o do_v pretend_v to_o look_v for_o he_o yet_o can_v not_o allow_v of_o the_o change_n of_o dispensation_n that_o he_o bring_v so_o stick_v in_o their_o own_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n of_o thing_n in_o stead_n of_o receive_v he_o that_o shall_v have_v perfect_v the_o work_n they_o have_v know_v begin_v they_o reject_v he_o for_o they_o say_v have_v any_o of_o the_o ruler_n that_o be_v elder_n and_o leader_n believe_v but_o the_o people_n that_o know_v not_o the_o law_n be_v accurse_v and_o those_o be_v such_o as_o seem_v to_o have_v a_o great_a esteem_n for_o the_o law_n the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o work_n yet_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n by_o which_o the_o people_n be_v also_o mislead_v that_o depend_v on_o they_o and_o while_o you_o deny_v a_o change_n of_o dispensation_n in_o this_o age_n it_o be_v clear_a you_o stick_v in_o your_o own_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n and_o be_v as_o true_o in_o danger_n to_o miss_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o mislead_v other_o as_o any_o that_o have_v be_v before_o you_o but_o observe_v for_o you_o know_v or_o at_o least_o may_v that_o while_o our_o lord_n be_v in_o the_o flesh_n he_o be_v tie_v unto_o the_o jew_n or_o however_o do_v appear_v so_o and_o here_o he_o seem_v straighten_a or_o limit_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n but_o when_o he_o have_v fulfil_v the_o work_n give_v he_o to_o do_v as_o he_o die_v to_o the_o flesh_n of_o the_o jew_n he_o become_v universal_a give_v gentile_n as_o well_o as_o jew_n a_o entrance_n unto_o the_o father_n by_o one_o spirit_n and_o of_o twain_o make_v one_o new_a man_n and_o cast_v off_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n after_o the_o flesh_n and_o choose_v his_o seed_n after_o the_o spirit_n from_o hence_o he_o take_v off_o all_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n for_o if_o the_o jew_n have_v not_o herein_o to_o trust_v sure_o not_o society_n now_o can_v have_v wherein_o to_o trust_v on_o that_o account_n but_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o if_o the_o cast_n off_o the_o jew_n be_v the_o riches_n of_o the_o world_n what_o shall_v be_v their_o receive_n but_o as_o life_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o which_o way_n can_v this_o great_a benefit_n come_v unto_o mankind_n in_o their_o receive_n 〈…〉_o more_o then_o in_o this_o that_o as_o then_o they_o shall_v have_v know_v true_a reconciliation_n unto_o god_n they_o will_v have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o various_a state_n that_o be_v to_o be_v pass_v through_o before_o that_o can_v be_v know_v and_o then_o as_o they_o will_v have_v be_v true_o fit_v to_o have_v inform_v mankind_n of_o the_o different_a effect_n of_o each_o so_o their_o credit_n with_o all_o that_o have_v receive_v christ_n will_v have_v give_v they_o that_o advantage_n to_o have_v be_v believe_v then_o shall_v we_o have_v be_v true_o inform_v that_o general_o speak_v the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o restore_v man_n unto_o himself_o be_v real_o twofold_a and_o that_o the_o first_o part_n though_o a_o glorious_a work_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o to_o prepare_v and_o not_o to_o perfect_v and_o as_o it_o be_v but_o to_o prepare_v there_o be_v a_o necessity_n to_o wait_v to_o know_v the_o dispensation_n change_v for_o have_v the_o jew_n as_o a_o society_n receive_v the_o messiah_n they_o will_v then_o have_v know_v he_o to_o enlarge_v they_o in_o the_o spirit_n by_o take_v away_o the_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n then_o with_o one_o voice_n they_o will_v have_v inform_v we_o that_o while_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o work_n tho'_o it_o be_v glorious_a yet_o their_o spirit_n be_v narrow_a and_o shut_v up_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o their_o thought_n be_v childish_a and_o partial_a towards_o god_n for_o they_o do_v conclude_v that_o because_o god_n have_v do_v so_o much_o for_o they_o he_o have_v either_o forget_v or_o reject_v all_o other_o but_o receive_v the_o messiah_n as_o they_o will_v have_v know_v the_o dispensation_n change_v so_o they_o will_v have_v be_v enlarge_v in_o spirit_n then_o will_v they_o have_v inform_v we_o that_o god_n be_v god_n of_o the_o gentile_a as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o as_o he_o be_v lord_n over_o all_o so_o he_o be_v rich_a unto_o all_o that_o in_o truth_n call_v upon_o his_o name_n this_o will_v have_v mortify_v and_o slay_v all_o our_o strife_n about_o form_n carnal_a ordinance_n opinion_n and_o ceremony_n but_o alas_o in_o stead_n of_o come_v as_o a_o body_n or_o society_n from_o the_o form_n to_o the_o power_n come_v out_o of_o or_o through_o the_o first_o covenant_n work_v and_o from_o under_o a_o legal_a dispensation_n wherein_o the_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n stand_v as_o well_o as_o the_o war_n and_o strife_n into_o the_o second_o covenant_n in_o to_o the_o ministration_n of_o life_n where_o the_o good_a will_n and_o peace_n be_v that_o so_o they_o may_v have_v be_v a_o perfect_a figure_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n with_o man_n and_o therein_o be_v the_o great_a example_n to_o the_o world_n as_o well_o of_o god_n love_n and_o good_a will_n as_o of_o that_o righteousness_n and_o justice_n which_o he_o require_v they_o stick_v in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o work_n and_o so_o that_o elect_a and_o precious_a stone_n that_o lay_v in_o zion_n become_v to_o they_o a_o stumble_a stone_n and_o rock_n of_o offence_n for_o though_o they_o seem_v to_o own_o and_o magnify_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n dispensation_n which_o god_n own_a and_o appoint_v yet_o not_o own_v the_o change_n of_o dispensation_n in_o the_o messiah_n they_o become_v as_o a_o sect_n too_o narrow_a in_o their_o mind_n and_o spirit_n to_o make_v know_v the_o good_a unto_o mankind_n intend_v in_o their_o choose_n for_o the_o cast_v they_o off_o single_o be_v not_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o world_n but_o because_o they_o stick_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o can_v not_o follow_v the_o lord_n full_o as_o their_o father_n abram_n do_v to_o manifest_v
arise_v nothing_o can_v justify_v the_o proceed_n on_o your_o part_n but_o a_o necessity_n for_o the_o thing_n for_o if_o this_o of_o necessity_n be_v not_o consider_v in_o our_o case_n as_o abounder_v a_o door_n be_v open_v to_o fill_v we_o with_o opinion_n and_o ceremony_n see_v there_o want_v nothing_o to_o introduce_v they_o but_o a_o specious_a pretence_n which_o never_o fail_v to_o wait_v on_o such_o as_o affect_v government_n or_o reflect_v on_o their_o own_o ability_n for_o it_o now_o as_o there_o can_v be_v no_o necessity_n for_o woman_n constant_a meeting_n for_o government_n for_o you_o to_o claim_v power_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o elder_n to_o bring_v in_o to_o the_o society_n against_o the_o mind_n of_o your_o brethren_n such_o thing_n as_o in_o truth_n there_o be_v no_o necessity_n for_o this_o we_o say_v be_v a_o violence_n do_v to_o our_o constitution_n as_o we_o embody_a a_o free_a and_o voluntary_a society_n and_o be_v also_o against_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o principle_n and_o opinion_n first_o that_o it_o be_v a_o violence_n to_o our_o constitution_n be_v clear_a for_o you_o know_v in_o our_o come_n forth_o we_o do_v not_o choose_v any_o elder_n to_o depend_v on_o nor_o indeed_o can_v we_o according_a to_o our_o profession_n for_o as_o we_o assert_v that_o christ_n our_o lord_n be_v come_v in_o spirit_n to_o teach_v and_o govern_v we_o a_o teacher_n that_o as_o he_o can_v not_o be_v remove_v into_o a_o corner_n so_o he_o be_v only_o sufficient_a and_o therefore_o the_o pre-eminence_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n thus_o it_o will_v have_v be_v a_o against_o his_o honour_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o profess_v to_o have_v choose_v any_o man_n to_o have_v depend_v upon_o when_o christ_n be_v come_v in_o spirit_n to_o teach_v and_o govern_v to_o depend_v on_o man_n to_o do_v it_o be_v to_o neglect_v the_o fountain_n and_o choose_v the_o cistern_n therefore_o as_o we_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o principle_n choose_v any_o man_n to_o depend_v on_o under_o any_o name_n or_o notion_n whatsoever_o for_o any_o to_o choose_v or_o impose_v themselves_o upon_o we_o be_v wrong_a to_o we_o and_o a_o violence_n offer_v to_o our_o constitution_n for_o in_o short_a observe_v it_o be_v real_o ignorance_n of_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o christ_n to_o choose_v any_o man_n so_o much_o as_o mental_o to_o depend_v on_o but_o it_o be_v slavery_n to_o have_v other_o to_o choose_v for_o or_o impose_v themselves_o or_o their_o choice_n upon_o us._n you_o know_v as_o christ_n our_o lord_n be_v own_a to_o be_v come_v in_o spirit_n to_o teach_v and_o govern_v we_o we_o be_v to_o bring_v all_o our_o thought_n word_n and_o deed_n to_o he_o that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o truth_n in_o what_o we_o think_v say_v or_o do_v for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v our_o own_o but_o he_o and_o as_o we_o be_v to_o bring_v our_o own_o word_n and_o deed_n to_o he_o certain_o we_o be_v to_o bring_v the_o word_n and_o deed_n of_o all_o other_o to_o he_o in_o which_o we_o be_v to_o be_v concern_v for_o as_o we_o can_v not_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o do_v ourselves_o but_o by_o the_o testimony_n or_o approbation_n of_o his_o spirit_n so_o it_o be_v beyond_o contradiction_n we_o can_v not_o know_v the_o word_n and_o deed_n of_o other_o to_o be_v from_o the_o truth_n any_o other_o way_n thus_o conviction_n or_o persuasion_n bring_v we_o together_o and_o that_o must_v be_v preserve_v still_o inviolable_o or_o we_o can_v not_o continue_v a_o free_a people_n examination_n of_o what_o we_o be_v to_o receive_v from_o other_o be_v true_o assert_v as_o our_o undoubted_a right_n in_o our_o come_n forth_o and_o as_o the_o truth_n be_v but_o one_o the_o reason_n be_v the_o same_o now_o as_o well_o as_o then_o therefore_o to_o impose_v a_o eldership_n upon_o we_o under_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o as_o it_o destroy_v or_o take_v away_o the_o liberty_n of_o examination_n it_o be_v a_o violence_n do_v to_o our_o constitution_n indeed_o what_o be_v bring_v in_o by_o violence_n must_v needs_o be_v uphold_v by_o force_n or_o otherwise_o it_o will_v die_v and_o come_v to_o nothing_o of_o itself_o thus_o the_o force_n and_o strife_n you_o have_v use_v to_o uphold_v what_o you_o have_v bring_v in_o by_o violence_n demonstrate_v you_o more_o wrong_a than_o any_o argument_n we_o can_v use_v when_o it_o be_v but_o serious_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v not_o truth_n but_o error_n that_o lose_v by_o trial_n nay_o the_o truth_n only_o gain_v the_o most_o when_o free_o examine_v and_o try_v and_o error_n lose_v most_o that_o way_n what_o can_v discover_v your_o wrongness_n more_o than_o the_o deny_v a_o free_a examination_n for_o where_o that_o be_v take_v away_o the_o prevail_a of_o those_o thing_n can_v be_v owe_v to_o the_o truth_n but_o the_o force_n and_o conquest_n of_o man_n which_o as_o it_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o a_o free_a examination_n and_o choice_n so_o it_o be_v beyond_o contradiction_n a_o violence_n do_v to_o our_o constitution_n as_o we_o be_v a_o free_a and_o voluntary_a society_n confess_v but_o one_o lord_n and_o head_n and_o as_o the_o bring_n into_o our_o society_n thing_n for_o which_o there_o appear_v no_o necessity_n and_o require_v compliance_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o eldership_n be_v a_o violence_n do_v to_o our_o constitution_n so_o it_o be_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o principle_n &_o profession_n for_o you_o know_v the_o lord_n from_o heaven_n the_o second_o adam_n the_o quicken_a spirit_n the_o true_a light_n that_o light_v all_o man_n come_v into_o the_o world_n be_v profess_v to_o be_v our_o foundation_n and_o assert_v by_o we_o to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o lead_v into_o all_o truth_n all_o that_o true_o adhere_v to_o he_o now_o it_o must_v follow_v while_o we_o thus_o confess_v he_o that_o we_o true_o adhere_v to_o he_o or_o we_o do_v not_o if_o we_o true_o adhere_v to_o he_o we_o must_v according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o profess_v know_v his_o sufficiency_n and_o where_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o christ_n our_o lord_n be_v true_o know_v such_o can_v not_o depend_v on_o man_n no_o it_o be_v impossible_a as_o in_o the_o natural_a figure_n the_o moon_n and_o star_n do_v show_v we_o light_n but_o it_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a it_o be_v in_o the_o night_n therefore_o when_o the_o sun_n come_v tho'_o it_o do_v not_o take_v away_o that_o light_n which_o the_o moon_n and_o stare_v have_v as_o to_o themselves_o yet_o to_o we_o it_o take_v it_o away_o so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a tho'_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o depend_v on_o that_o light_n or_o have_v any_o benefit_n from_o it_o and_o we_o be_v sure_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n as_o he_o arise_v in_o the_o soul_n do_v as_o much_o fulfil_v the_o service_n and_o transcend_v the_o light_n of_o the_o instrument_n therefore_o on_o this_o foot_n we_o be_v to_o call_v no_o man_n doctor_n master_n father_n or_o elder_n on_o earth_n by_o way_n of_o pre-eminence_n for_o our_o dependence_n because_o one_o be_v our_o doctor_n master_n father_n and_o elder_a in_o heaven_n and_o all_o such_o as_o be_v thus_o teach_v of_o he_o be_v brethren_n christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n be_v a_o true_a figure_n of_o this_o for_o he_o choose_v his_o disciple_n they_o do_v not_o choose_v he_o and_o as_o he_o choose_v they_o out_o of_o the_o world_n they_o be_v simple_o to_o depend_v upon_o he_o not_o one_o upon_o another_o therefore_o when_o they_o think_v of_o depend_v one_o upon_o another_o by_o consult_v who_o shall_v be_v the_o great_a among_o they_o our_o lord_n correct_v their_o mistake_n and_o in_o they_o you_o if_o you_o lay_v claim_v to_o the_o like_a choice_n by_o tell_v they_o the_o elder_n shall_v be_v as_o the_o young_a and_o he_o that_o rule_v as_o he_o that_o serve_v nay_o he_o that_o will_v be_v the_o great_a among_o they_o must_v be_v servant_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n than_o not_o lord_n or_o master_n to_o impose_v upon_o the_o rest_n and_o as_o he_o tell_v they_o they_o shall_v call_v no_o man_n master_n doctor_n or_o father_n so_o he_o forbid_v they_o to_o be_v call_v so_o and_o we_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v the_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o the_o name_n that_o be_v intend_v whereupon_o it_o follow_v that_o to_o seek_v this_o pre-eminence_n by_o desire_v this_o dependence_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o eldership_n as_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o principle_n and_o profession_n so_o it_o be_v against_o the_o very_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o command_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n for_o this_o be_v
can_v have_v no_o high_o original_a than_o that_o of_o man_n reason_n which_o as_o it_o be_v subject_a to_o be_v short_a vary_v and_o miscarry_v such_o thing_n as_o those_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v be_v bring_v in_o as_o the_o law_n of_o the_o mede_n and_o persian_n but_o cautious_o and_o by_o way_n of_o probation_n therefore_o have_v now_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o evil_a consequence_n of_o be_v positive_a where_o at_o most_o you_o ought_v but_o to_o have_v recommend_v you_o will_v do_v well_o to_o repeal_n or_o at_o least_o suspend_v next_o meet_v what_o have_v be_v find_v so_o fatal_a to_o the_o unity_n desire_v otherwise_o you_o may_v show_v more_o power_n to_o rule_n than_o prudence_n to_o govern._n what_o you_o have_v say_v to_o other_o in_o address_n to_o protestant_n page_n 62_o to_o 92_o both_o what_o shall_v be_v make_v term_n of_o communion_n and_o what_o shall_v not_o deserve_v your_o most_o serious_a consideration_n for_o certain_o we_o want_v nothing_o of_o what_o you_o say_v there_o be_v sufficient_a for_o communion_n and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o shut_v we_o out_o for_o want_v of_o that_o which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v make_v such_o and_o that_o in_o your_o own_o sense_n pray_v be_v consistent_a for_o that_o passage_n in_o page_n 93_o deserve_v not_o only_o your_o consideration_n but_o application_n and_o that_o be_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o matter_n well_o i_o fear_v say_v our_o author_n it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o the_o occasion_n of_o disturbance_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v in_o most_o age_n be_v find_v to_o lie_v on_o the_o side_n of_o those_o that_o have_v the_o great_a sway_n in_o it_o which_o in_o our_o age_n be_v but_o too_o true_a we_o observe_v this_o epistle_n differ_v much_o from_o other_o book_n write_v on_o this_o subject_a and_o allow_v by_o the_o same_o authority_n if_o we_o shall_v confront_v this_o with_o they_o they_o will_v be_v like_o babel_n indeed_o while_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v pretend_v it_o be_v true_a we_o be_v willing_a to_o search_v to_o the_o quick_a but_o as_o we_o will_v not_o make_v the_o breach_n wide_o than_o needs_o must_v we_o shall_v not_o at_o this_o time_n compare_v they_o together_o hope_v how_o ever_o that_o the_o softness_n of_o the_o style_n of_o this_o bespeak_v a_o dislike_n at_o least_o of_o former_a severity_n what_o be_v right_a we_o be_v willing_a to_o acknowledge_v and_o shall_v as_o ready_o note_v what_o be_v wrong_a conclude_v it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o endeavour_v to_o heal_v our_o hurt_n slight_o and_o how_o ever_o our_o endeavour_n may_v succeed_v or_o be_v resent_v we_o can_v in_o our_o defence_n say_v that_o not_o only_o our_o arm_n but_o our_o heart_n be_v open_a and_o free_a to_o receive_v you_o and_o what_o you_o say_v as_o we_o meet_v it_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o you_o in_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o can_v add_v sincere_o that_o our_o desire_n to_o seek_v and_o find_v that_o seemless_a garment_n of_o our_o lord_n you_o speak_v of_o and_o not_o only_o find_v it_o but_o that_o we_o may_v have_v it_o put_v on_o as_o in_o our_o beginning_n while_o traveller_n together_o in_o spirit_n for_o the_o true_a rest_n which_o so_o many_o have_v set_v out_o to_o find_v but_o miscarry_v but_o as_o this_o seamless_a garment_n stand_v not_o in_o identity_n of_o a_o opinion_n nor_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o those_o formallity_n of_o form_n which_o respect_v more_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v of_o a_o thing_n then_o the_o thing_n itself_o therefore_o all_o the_o builder_n that_o have_v seek_v it_o here_o have_v err_v and_o will_v still_o err_v as_o they_o thus_o seek_v it_o for_o as_o truth_n be_v contrary_a to_o error_n so_o be_v god_n way_n to_o man_n in_o this_o matter_n as_o our_o own_o appollogy_n for_o liberty_n do_v abundant_o show_v now_o if_o the_o unity_n to_o be_v seek_v for_o stand_v not_o in_o opinion_n nor_o in_o those_o formallity_n of_o form_n as_o above_o it_o can_v only_o be_v find_v in_o the_o spirit_n where_o there_o be_v a_o sincerity_n to_o god_n this_o our_o lord_n own_v when_o ever_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o light_n afford_v and_o that_o be_v it_o which_o shall_v be_v serious_o inquire_v after_o and_o this_o you_o can_v hardly_o deny_v we_o upon_o your_o own_o concession_n in_o this_o epistle_n if_o you_o be_v real_a other_o if_o you_o deceive_v us._n you_o confess_v page_n the_o 2_o that_o we_o be_v one_o with_o you_o in_o judgement_n in_o the_o worship_n and_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n etc._n etc._n now_o if_o by_o worship_n you_o mean_v a_o true_a serve_v of_o god_n and_o if_o by_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n you_o intend_v as_o you_o ought_v what_o concern_v godliness_n it_o can_v hardly_o be_v but_o you_o must_v allow_v we_o find_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o conscientious_a in_o what_o we_o do_v for_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v be_v faithful_a in_o the_o great_a thing_n and_o false_a in_o the_o less_o on_o this_o account_v you_o ought_v to_o allow_v our_o reason_n or_o indulge_v we_o and_o therefore_o consider_v this_o and_o several_a other_o confession_n in_o this_o book_n may_v we_o not_o hope_v for_o the_o future_a that_o dissenter_n and_o such_o as_o be_v dissatisfy_v may_v meet_v with_o a_o more_o favourable_a aspect_n from_o you_o and_o not_o only_o their_o separate_a meeting_n visited_n in_o love_n by_o you_o but_o your_o meeting_n free_a and_o open_a in_o your_o mind_n and_o behaviour_n to_o such_o as_o come_v in_o love_n and_o good_a will_n to_o visit_v you_o though_o in_o some_o thing_n dissatisfy_v with_o your_o proceed_n for_o what_o can_v keep_v up_o the_o difference_n more_o than_o your_o strangeness_n and_o how_o can_v it_o tend_v to_o accommodation_n the_o thing_n you_o pretend_v to_o desire_v and_o seek_v or_o how_o can_v it_o be_v truth_n or_o like_v it_o to_o keep_v up_o this_o difference_n and_o distance_n to_o severity_n if_o not_o some_o time_n to_o rudeness_n and_o that_o with_o such_o as_o agree_v with_o you_o in_o your_o own_o sense_n in_o all_o the_o essential_o of_o religion_n and_o true_o serve_v god_n for_o any_o thing_n you_o know_v or_o can_v prove_v to_o the_o contrary_a pray_v consider_v of_o it_o but_o to_o proceed_v you_o speak_v of_o the_o government_n to_o remain_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o eldership_n but_o if_o our_o lord_n make_v this_o eldership_n do_v he_o not_o also_o make_v the_o submission_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o will_v say_v we_o be_v for_o good_a order_n and_o if_o the_o elder_n set_v we_o a_o good_a example_n of_o humility_n and_o selfe-denyal_n by_o which_o we_o find_v it_o be_v not_o themselves_o they_o preach_v but_o christ_n and_o his_o government_n they_o desire_v shall_v be_v set_v up_o and_o not_o their_o own_o we_o can_v ready_o give_v they_o double_a honour_n by_o follow_v they_o as_o they_o follow_v christ_n and_o we_o be_v sure_a none_o of_o you_o ought_v to_o desire_v more_o now_o if_o we_o be_v only_o to_o follow_v you_o as_o you_o be_v the_o follower_n of_o christ_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o and_o that_o must_v be_v either_o by_o a_o outward_a rule_n or_o by_o a_o inward_a if_o the_o first_o set_v it_o forth_o if_o the_o latter_a stay_v till_o we_o be_v convince_v or_o persuade_v this_o be_v fair_a here_o blind_a obedience_n be_v exclude_v and_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v on_o this_o foot_n we_o inquire_v how_o we_o must_v know_v this_o eldership_n on_o who_o conduct_n we_o may_v safe_o rely_v for_o where_o there_o must_v be_v a_o dependence_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o certainty_n pray_v mind_n that_o to_o we_o then_o as_o a_o free_a and_o voluntary_a society_n there_o seem_v but_o two_o way_n to_o know_v eldership_n that_o be_v chief_o after_o the_o spirit_n or_o after_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v after_o a_o inward_a or_o a_o outward_a way_n now_o if_o we_o must_v know_v our_o eldership_n after_o the_o spirit_n than_o indeed_o no_o matter_n of_o your_o set_v they_o forth_o for_o as_o we_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n a_o liberty_n of_o examination_n be_v reserve_v and_o where_o that_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o choice_n must_v be_v allow_v on_o this_o foot_n it_o follow_v beyond_o contradiction_n we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o new_a thing_n but_o as_o convince_a or_o persuade_v and_o as_o this_o be_v according_a to_o god_n deal_v with_o we_o in_o our_o spiritual_a travel_n so_o it_o agree_v with_o our_o imbodying_n as_o a_o free_a and_o voluntary_a society_n and_o grant_v but_o this_o great_a truth_n and_o ancient_a testimony_n and_o as_o it_o may_v prevent_v further_a disatisfaction_n which_o to_o we_o seem_v great_a than_o you_o
or_o raise_v any_o above_o it_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o other_o but_o only_o that_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n wherein_o so_o many_o have_v stick_v and_o miscarry_v may_v be_v waste_v and_o consume_v that_o so_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n may_v be_v exalt_v over_o all_o for_o he_o that_o be_v come_v be_v yet_o to_o come_v and_o as_o his_o go_n forth_o have_v be_v from_o everlasting_a they_o still_o continue_v a_o riddle_n to_o the_o ruler_n and_o a_o mystery_n to_o all_o that_o be_v but_o bear_v after_o the_o flesh_n and_o what_o be_v flesh_n in_o a_o religious_a sense_n but_o form_n the_o external_a part_n of_o religion_n for_o all_o that_o stick_v here_o as_o they_o be_v great_a in_o the_o formality_n of_o it_o so_o such_o never_o fail_v to_o persecute_v they_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o spirit_n because_o such_o be_v dead_a with_o christ_n to_o the_o world_n and_o the_o rudiment_n of_o it_o have_v not_o nor_o never_o have_v that_o value_n for_o outward_a thing_n which_o those_o bear_v after_o the_o flesh_n have_v yet_o always_o bring_v forth_o the_o righteousness_n of_o those_o thing_n it_o be_v thus_o betwixt_o israel_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o betwixt_o the_o jewish_a rabbi_n and_o our_o lord_n and_o have_v be_v much_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n in_o the_o reformation_n and_o be_v after_o the_o like_a sort_n now_o if_o you_o can_v but_o consider_v it_o but_o for_o all_o this_o we_o can_v allow_v of_o elder_n and_o that_o in_o a_o good_a sense_n for_o some_o have_v be_v before_o other_o in_o testify_v to_o god_n appearance_n in_o our_o day_n and_o have_v be_v make_v instrumental_a to_o turn_v some_o to_o righteousness_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o what_o then_o do_v such_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n by_o their_o skill_n or_o cunning_n or_o the_o lord_n fight_v they_o out_o do_v such_o send_v themselves_o or_o the_o lord_n send_v such_o into_o his_o vineyard_n if_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o all_o owe_v to_o he_o and_o can_v you_o be_v content_a with_o what_o honour_n he_o give_v without_o seek_v honour_n by_o bear_v witness_n of_o yourselves_o for_o the_o noise_n you_o make_v bear_v witness_v you_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o that_o honour_n he_o give_v he_o that_o have_v the_o bride_n be_v the_o bridegroom_n and_o in_o the_o best_a sense_n you_o can_v be_v but_o preparer_n for_o he_o and_o as_o you_o have_v direct_v all_o to_o he_o you_o ought_v to_o be_v willing_a to_o present_v all_o to_o he_o for_o his_o increase_n must_v be_v the_o decrease_a of_o the_o instrument_n for_o every_o true_a preparer_n for_o christ_n do_v certain_o know_v as_o he_o come_v to_o take_v the_o government_n they_o must_v decrease_v therefore_o do_v they_o constant_o throw_v down_o their_o crown_n by_o affirm_v that_o their_o service_n must_v be_v fulfil_v to_o every_o one_o that_o come_v to_o know_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o our_o lord_n government_n and_o can_v you_o be_v glad_a and_o rejoice_v in_o this_o if_o not_o all_o be_v not_o right_a yet_o for_o all_o the_o true_a preparer_n for_o he_o as_o they_o know_v this_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o they_o both_o seek_v and_o desire_n it_o but_o such_o as_o be_v so_o much_o in_o the_o formallity_n of_o form_n they_o can_v because_o they_o gather_v to_o themselves_o that_o be_v to_o their_o own_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n grant_v that_o you_o have_v preach_v to_o we_o spiritual_a thing_n what_o then_o do_v you_o desire_v we_o shall_v know_v you_o after_o the_o flesh_n for_o that_o if_o so_o all_o be_v not_o yet_o right_a if_o god_n have_v make_v some_o of_o you_o instrumental_a to_o turn_v some_o to_o righteousness_n and_o in_o that_o sense_n may_v be_v term_v as_o father_n do_v you_o expect_v our_o obedience_n as_o child_n but_o if_o so_o consider_v you_o be_v under_o as_o great_a or_o great_a oligation_n to_o we_o as_o child_n you_o shall_v neither_o provoke_v not_o require_v of_o we_o what_o we_o can_v not_o give_v for_o conscience_n sake_n for_o it_o will_v be_v cruel_a to_o seek_v to_o destroy_v what_o you_o may_v be_v instrumental_a to_o beget_v it_o be_v not_o a_o tell_n of_o we_o the_o cause_n of_o difference_n be_v not_o matter_n of_o conscience_n while_o we_o know_v and_o do_v most_o sure_o believe_v otherwise_o beware_v what_o you_o do_v for_o if_o by_o your_o distinctious_a of_o what_o be_v civil_a and_o religious_a you_o destroy_v the_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n or_o reject_v such_o as_o be_v conscientious_a your_o work_n must_v suffer_v loss_n by_o the_o fire_n which_o must_v try_v your_o work_n as_o well_o as_o other_o and_o indeed_o it_o seem_v already_o kindle_v the_o occasion_n of_o all_o this_o noise_n be_v for_o the_o save_n of_o what_o be_v combustible_a whereas_o have_v you_o build_v nothing_o but_o gold_n and_o silver_n have_v you_o infisted_a upon_o nothing_o but_o what_o have_v be_v essential_a to_o society_n and_o good_a order_n there_o will_v have_v be_v no_o occasion_n of_o this_o noise_n because_o then_o there_o have_v be_v no_o fear_n or_o hazard_v of_o loss_n nay_o such_o thing_n will_v have_v stand_v the_o trial_n and_o come_v through_o rather_o purify_v then_o hurt_v but_o to_o proceed_v be_v it_o not_o sufficient_a for_o you_o that_o we_o can_v acknowledge_v your_o seniority_n as_o above_o express_v and_o can_v testify_v that_o it_o be_v truth_n you_o direct_v to_o in_o the_o beginning_n but_o we_o must_v always_o be_v under_o your_o tutorage_n be_v it_o not_o honour_n enough_o for_o you_o that_o we_o can_v say_v that_o have_v come_v to_o he_o with_o our_o hard_a question_n who_o fame_n you_o spread_v that_o we_o have_v find_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o sujficiency_n even_o beyond_o your_o report_n and_o now_o be_v come_v to_o he_o and_o hear_v he_o ourselves_o will_v you_o have_v we_o back_o again_o to_o depend_v on_o you_o nay_o very_o rather_o give_v we_o leave_v frank_o to_o say_v we_o believe_v not_o now_o because_o of_o your_o word_n but_o because_o we_o have_v hear_v he_o ourselves_o who_o word_n be_v spirit_n and_o life_n and_o by_o what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o we_o we_o be_v sure_a he_o only_o can_v complete_a what_o remain_v and_o if_o your_o distinction_n of_o great_a or_o lesser_a thing_n be_v necessary_a page_n 15_o and_o 16_o we_o find_v he_o do_v not_o only_o teach_v the_o great_a thing_n which_o you_o seem_v to_o grant_v as_o our_o duty_n towards_o god_n but_o the_o lesser_a thing_n also_o as_o our_o duty_n towards_o man_n which_o you_o seem_v to_o reserve_v and_o what_o be_v this_o for_o but_o that_o we_o may_v always_o remain_v pupil_n that_o thereby_o we_o may_v be_v at_o your_o devotion_n but_o to_o be_v plain_a if_o that_o distinction_n be_v needful_a we_o find_v he_o teach_v the_o lesser_a thing_n first_o and_o great_a and_o great_a as_o we_o be_v fit_v to_o receive_v they_o for_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v know_v the_o great_a and_o not_o the_o less_o or_o be_v faithful_a in_o the_o great_a and_o false_a in_o the_o less_o for_o he_o that_o perform_v his_o duty_n to_o god_n can_v fail_v of_o pay_v what_o he_o owe_v to_o his_o neighbour_n and_o indeed_o to_o know_v this_o spiritual_a birth_n by_o which_o god_n can_v in_o a_o peculiar_a sense_n be_v true_o call_v father_n be_v needful_a for_o every_o individual_a soul_n otherwise_o our_o title_n and_o interest_n be_v sure_a to_o this_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o than_o it_o be_v to_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v when_o that_o and_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v more_o excellent_a so_o it_o can_v only_o be_v more_o sure_a this_o be_v but_o the_o figure_n and_o that_o the_o substance_n give_v we_o leave_v to_o say_v then_o where_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v know_v such_o can_v depend_v on_o you_o nor_o any_o man_n and_o they_o that_o know_v not_o your_o service_n fulfil_v by_o he_o know_v not_o yet_o his_o sufficiency_n nor_o be_v christ_n yet_o true_o form_v in_o they_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o know_v he_o and_o true_o every_o one_o that_o confess_v that_o christ_n be_v come_v in_o spirit_n and_o do_v not_o wait_v and_o hope_v to_o have_v your_o service_n fulfil_v as_o instrument_n they_o have_v either_o take_v up_o a_o false_a rest_n or_o yet_o never_o come_v into_o the_o true_a travel_n and_o whilst_o you_o seem_v to_o grant_v he_o the_o great_a thing_n and_o not_o the_o less_o it_o be_v because_o you_o do_v not_o know_v the_o great_a or_o at_o least_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n as_o you_o ought_v to_o be_v bear_v with_o we_o for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o sufficiency_n and_o the_o necessity_n for_o every_o one_o ●…w_v it_o that_o profess_v his_o
teach_n that_o confess_v to_o his_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a appearance_n with_o love_n to_o he_o and_o those_o that_o so_o profess_v make_v we_o thus_o to_o speak_v and_o constrain_v we_o thus_o to_o judge_n that_o if_o one_o die_v for_o all_o then_o all_o be_v dead_a and_o he_o that_o you_o have_v direct_v to_o in_o the_o beginning_n be_v that_o one_o thas_o die_v for_o all_o for_o this_o very_a end_n that_o such_o as_o be_v quicky_v and_o live_v by_o he_o shall_v not_o live_v to_o themselves_o nor_o to_o you_o nor_o any_o other_o by_o way_n of_o dependence_n but_o only_o to_o he_o that_o die_v for_o they_o and_o rise_v again_o to_o govern_v they_o so_o that_o though_o there_o may_v have_v be_v a_o time_n that_o we_o may_v depend_v on_o man_n as_o hope_v to_o receive_v from_o they_o but_o this_o be_v in_o our_o pupillage_n and_o childish_a state_n and_o as_o that_o must_v be_v pass_v through_o or_o spiritual_a manhood_n can_v be_v know_v so_o where_o spiritual_a manhood_n be_v true_o know_v such_o can_v know_v you_o nor_o any_o man_n any_o more_o so_o or_o after_o that_o manner_n christ_n have_v be_v know_v after_o the_o flesh_n but_o now_o as_o we_o be_v chief_o to_o know_v he_o after_o the_o spirit_n on_o this_o account_n therefore_o we_o be_v to_o know_v man_n not_o otherwise_o thus_o much_o by_o way_n of_o preface_n and_o now_o we_o will_v come_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o diffetence_n as_o you_o have_v state_v it_o page_z 2_o and_o 3_o that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n you_o say_v be_v but_o too_o plain_a for_o it_o be_v come_v you_o say_v to_o a_o separation_n as_o well_o to_o place_n of_o worship_n as_o in_o matter_n of_o dis●pline_n etc._n etc._n answer_v this_o be_v well_o do_v to_o grant_v that_o those_o that_o have_v separate_v have_v place_n for_o worship_n etc._n etc._n for_o this_o fair_o demonstrate_v those_o do_v not_o separate_a to_o be_v at_o liberty_n in_o the_o flesh_n as_o have_v be_v too_o common_o report_v and_o object_v no_o no_o that_o be_v not_o the_o matter_n place_n for_o worship_n show_v such_o intend_v to_o serve_v god_n still_o and_o discipline_n denote_v such_o intend_v still_o to_o take_v care_n of_o what_o business_n belong_v to_o the_o society_n this_o we_o think_v may_v bring_v you_o near_o they_o than_o you_o be_v if_o well_o consider_v what_o you_o confess_v 〈◊〉_d that_o they_o be_v one_o in_o judgement_n with_o you_o in_o the_o worship_n and_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o if_o you_o be_v true_a we_o can_v see_v how_o they_o shall_v be_v wrong_a consider_v of_o it_o but_o to_o proceed_v the_o ground_n say_v you_o of_o this_o great_a dissatisfaction_n upon_o which_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n have_v be_v raise_v you_o say_v mean_v those_o that_o be_v dissatisfy_v be_v require_v your_o compliance_n with_o some_o practice_n relate_v to_o discipline_n particular_o woman_n meeting_n and_o come_v twice_o before_o man_n and_o woman_n meeting_n about_o marriage_n before_o admit_v to_o be_v solemnize_v among_o we_o some_o of_o you_o that_o be_v dissatisfy_v think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o service_n for_o woman_n meeting_n at_o all_o other_o no_o service_n in_o their_o be_v distinct_a from_o man_n meeting_n at_o lest_o no_o necessity_n for_o either_o and_o therefore_o no_o necessary_a compliance_n to_o be_v require_v and_o insist_v upon_o by_o we_o but_o every_o one_o left_a in_o this_o matter_n shall_v have_v be_v add_v to_o their_o liberty_n in_o christ_n lest_o imposition_n and_o formality_n shall_v prevail_v among_o we_o as_o they_o have_v do_v in_o other_o religious_a society_n in_o this_o say_v the_o author_n i_o think_v i_o have_v true_o and_o fair_o state_v the_o case_n on_o your_o side_n that_o be_v dissatisfy_v and_o give_v your_o objection_n to_o our_o practice_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o you_o dissent_v from_o it_o etc._n etc._n answer_v other_o thing_n beside_o this_o have_v give_v occasion_n of_o dissatisfaction_n for_o instance_n that_o positive_a limit_v of_o a_o year_n time_n in_o the_o case_n of_o marriage_n which_o certain_o be_v of_o evil_a consequence_n and_o against_o both_o truth_n and_o reason_n as_o may_v be_v demonstrate_v but_o this_o above_o be_v as_o the_o original_a or_o first_o beginning_n of_o the_o present_a dissatisfaction_n that_o and_o the_o rest_n may_v be_v include_v in_o the_o success_n of_o this_o we_o may_v grant_v the_o objection_n be_v better_a make_v then_o answer_v a_o great_a deal_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v neither_o fair_o nor_o true_o state_v at_o least_o in_o the_o first_o part_n for_o you_o ma●…_n the_o objection_n 〈◊〉_d alike_o against_o man_n and_o woman_n meeting_n and_o against_o come_v twice_o to_o the_o man_n be_v as_o well_o as_o against_o come_v twice_o to_o the_o woman_n whereas_o you_o do_v very_o well_o know_v that_o the_o objection_n do_v lie_v chief_o against_o that_o of_o the_o woman_n and_o your_o impose_v of_o it_o and_o not_o against_o that_o of_o the_o man_n nor_o against_o come_v twice_o before_o they_o if_o occasion_n be_v for_o satisfaction_n for_o you_o know_v speak_v general_o they_o do_v not_o refuse_v to_o come_v to_o the_o man_n meeting_n in_o the_o case_n of_o marriage_n till_o you_o peremptory_o make_v that_o of_o the_o woman_n as_n essential_a or_o as_o necessary_a as_o the_o other_o and_o will_v not_o allow_v of_o the_o former_a without_o the_o latter_a though_o our_o ancient_a practice_n and_o order_n mutual_o agree_v on_o and_o establish_v among_o we_o from_o hence_o come_v dissatisfaction_n by_o impose_v those_o thing_n and_o thereby_o invade_v our_o liberty_n as_o a_o free_a and_o voluntary_a society_n and_o therefore_o if_o hence_o forward_o some_o refuse_v to_o come_v to_o the_o man_n meeting_n in_o the_o case_n of_o marriage_n it_o be_v because_o you_o have_v enjoin_v the_o other_o with_o it_o and_o this_o be_v wrong_n in_o their_o judgement_n at_o least_o as_o impose_v it_o make_v the_o whole_a wrong_n for_o to_o enjoin_v what_o be_v wrong_a with_o what_o be_v right_a so_o that_o the_o one_o can_v be_v do_v without_o the_o other_o make_v the_o whole_a act_n wrong_v now_o for_o you_o to_o argue_v as_o in_o the_o 7_o page_n that_o such_o refuse_v to_o come_v to_o the_o man_n meeting_n because_o they_o will_v not_o satisfy_v parent_n nor_o clear_v former_a engagement_n be_v disingenuous_a and_o unfair_a for_o you_o have_v both_o lose_v the_o objection_n to_o wit_n woman_n meeting_n and_o also_o make_v it_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o deny_v imposition_n as_o it_o be_v to_o go_v from_o a_o ancient_a practice_n allow_v of_o by_o we_o wherein_o you_o misrepresent_v the_o honest_a dissenter_n as_o well_o as_o abuse_v the_o unthinking_a reader_n etc._n etc._n as_o to_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o objection_n it_o be_v more_o fair_a we_o may_v take_v it_o beginning_n at_o those_o word_n at_o lest_o no_o necessity_n for_o either_o that_o be_v there_o be_v no_o necessity_n for_o woman_n constant_a meet_v either_o by_o themselves_o or_o with_o the_o man_n for_o government_n in_o our_o church_n or_o society_n now_o the_o term_n necessity_n on_o which_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o objection_n lie_v or_o depend_v you_o have_v not_o speak_v to_o it_o nor_o so_o much_o as_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o in_o your_o answer_n therefore_o we_o may_v safe_o say_v the_o objection_n though_o of_o your_o own_o state_v be_v abundant_o better_a make_v then_o answer_v but_o as_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o matter_n lie_v in_o this_o part_n you_o ought_v to_o have_v take_v it_o in_o for_o you_o must_v grant_v there_o be_v a_o necessity_n for_o woman_n meeting_n as_o above_o or_o there_o be_v not_o if_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n for_o woman_n meeting_n to_o be_v universal_o impose_v upon_o the_o society_n than_o you_o ought_v fair_o to_o have_v set_v that_o out_o for_o do_v that_o and_o true_o demonstrate_v or_o prove_v it_o and_o then_o compliance_n will_v follow_v of_o course_n this_o have_v be_v a_o short_a and_o clear_a way_n to_o have_v do_v your_o business_n but_o if_o no_o necessity_n for_o woman_n meeting_n as_o above_o than_o you_o ought_v to_o have_v grant_v that_o because_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o know_v on_o what_o foot_n you_o proceed_v with_o we_o for_o if_o no_o necessity_n for_o they_o and_o yet_o you_o insist_v to_o require_v our_o compliance_n than_o the_o issue_n and_o decision_n of_o this_o great_a controversy_n must_v stand_v in_o the_o valliditie_n of_o your_o authority_n to_o require_v thing_n to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o for_o which_o in_o truth_n there_o be_v no_o necessity_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v do_v observe_v either_o of_o these_o point_n true_o prove_v determin_n the_o controversy_n but_o both_o can_v be_v insist_v on_o and_o as_o both_o can_v be_v plead_v if_o you_o can_v prove_v
this_o page_z 6_o you_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v the_o end_n that_o always_o constitute_v the_o mean_n and_o here_o you_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o increase_n make_v the_o business_n and_o as_o business_n be_v that_o end_n therefore_o on_o those_o term_n where_o there_o be_v no_o increase_n there_o be_v no_o business_n and_o where_o no_o business_n no_o end_n and_o where_o no_o end_n there_o need_v no_o mean_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a in_o many_o place_n there_o be_v no_o increase_n since_o the_o thing_n come_v in_o question_n therefore_o as_o it_o be_v against_o the_o truth_n so_o it_o be_v against_o your_o very_a good_a reason_n to_o impose_v they_o universal_o upon_o our_o society_n thus_o to_o impose_v they_o be_v a_o wrong_n that_o you_o ought_v to_o avoid_v both_o according_a to_o reason_n and_o truth_n but_o further_a according_a to_o this_o reason_n that_o the_o increase_n make_v the_o service_n a_o decrease_n take_v it_o away_o therefore_o where_o there_o be_v a_o decrease_n in_o stead_n of_o a_o increase_n as_o the_o service_n be_v at_o a_o end_n we_o hope_v you_o will_v give_v leave_n to_o lay_v they_o by_o and_o we_o think_v you_o can_v hardly_o deny_v this_o for_o as_o in_o your_o sense_n there_o be_v not_o matter_n of_o conscience_n conscience_n you_o know_v can_v be_v plead_v to_o uphold_v they_o and_o if_o the_o pretence_n of_o service_n be_v a_o want_v to_o what_o purpose_n be_v they_o endeavour_v to_o be_v keep_v up_o except_o for_o mere_a formality_n the_o endeavour_v of_o unity_n there_o be_v the_o rock_n on_o which_o all_o other_o have_v split_v but_o in_o short_a either_o your_o elder_n that_o have_v exhort_v to_o this_o of_o woman_n meeting_n and_o have_v use_v your_o authority_n with_o the_o people_n for_o the_o keep_v they_o up_o till_o you_o have_v make_v these_o rent_n division_n and_o dissatisfaction_n do_v believe_v and_o judge_v that_o friend_n be_v faithful_a to_o god_n without_o woman_n meeting_n that_o be_v before_o they_o have_v they_o or_o that_o they_o be_v not_o if_o they_o be_v not_o faithful_a to_o god_n do_v you_o think_v the_o set_n up_o woman_n meeting_n for_o government_n in_o the_o society_n will_v do_v the_o business_n what_o do_v you_o say_v do_v you_o think_v they_o will_v keep_v out_o the_o devil_n or_o baffle_v the_o serpent_n indeed_o if_o that_o be_v true_a thing_n be_v much_o alter_v since_o the_o beginning_n but_o if_o you_o do_v believe_v that_o friend_n be_v faithful_a how_o can_v you_o imagine_v they_o will_v not_o receive_v what_o be_v needful_a without_o force_n pray_v consider_v be_v not_o our_o principle_n universal_a and_o be_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n sufficient_a to_o lead_v into_o all_o truth_n then_o must_v not_o every_o man_n at_o least_o every_o meeting_n know_v best_a what_o be_v serviceable_a for_o they_o or_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v if_o so_o what_o need_v we_o pray_v of_o more_o than_o recommendation_n except_o you_o be_v afraid_a the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n will_v not_o lead_v into_o this_o practice_n and_o why_o except_o you_o know_v it_o be_v not_o a_o truth_n and_o if_o not_o a_o truth_n will_v you_o differ_v with_o we_o for_o thing_n that_o ought_v not_o be_v observe_v as_o a_o truth_n pray_v consider_v of_o it_o page_z the_o 8._o and_o 9_o you_o be_v please_v to_o tell_v we_o of_o the_o great_a benefit_n of_o woman_n distinct_a meet_v for_o government_n for_o say_v you_o to_o confirm_v it_o two_o business_n be_v do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n which_o say_v you_o in_o country_n place_n and_o winter_n season_n where_o friend_n come_v 10_o or_o 15_o mile_n to_o a_o meeting_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o convenient_a and_o comfortable_a etc._n etc._n answer_v indeed_o you_o be_v hard_o beset_v to_o keep_v up_o the_o credit_n of_o your_o opinion_n while_o such_o lame_a notion_n be_v give_v for_o reason_n for_o this_o make_v woman_n meeting_n serviceable_a where_o either_o they_o can_v be_v practise_v or_o to_o be_v sure_a be_v least_o use_v for_o here_o you_o give_v short_a day_n and_o winter_n season_n to_o make_v they_o the_o more_o serviceable_a so_o that_o long_a day_n and_o summer_n season_n have_v the_o less_o occasion_n for_o they_o and_o yet_o every_o body_n know_v they_o be_v then_o most_o frequent_a and_o again_o as_o you_o make_v their_o great_a service_n to_o be_v in_o country_n place_n where_o friend_n come_v ten_o or_o 15_o mile_n to_o a_o meeting_n they_o seem_v clear_o to_o be_v of_o least_o use_n in_o the_o city_n if_o at_o all_o serviceable_a there_o because_o friend_n live_v near_o together_o so_o may_v take_v time_n to_o do_v that_o business_n they_o can_v in_o the_o country_n when_o true_o have_v not_o the_o good_a woman_n in_o the_o city_n find_v either_o more_o service_n for_o their_o meeting_n or_o less_o business_n of_o their_o own_o we_o believe_v we_o shall_v never_o have_v be_v press_v with_o woman_n meeting_n in_o the_o country_n to_o our_o dissatisfaction_n but_o by_o how_o much_o friend_n live_v far_o off_o one_o another_o by_o this_o rule_n woman_n meeting_n still_o be_v the_o more_o serviceable_a for_o the_o far_o off_o one_o another_o the_o less_o time_n to_o meet_v together_o and_o so_o stand_v the_o more_o need_n of_o quick_a dispatch_n but_o all_o this_o prove_v woman_n meeting_n a_o very_a ordinary_a business_n for_o where_o friend_n live_v near_o together_o they_o may_v very_o well_o excuse_v the_o woman_n because_o they_o may_v take_v time_n to_o dispatch_v their_o business_n themselves_o and_o then_o where_o they_o live_v remote_a they_o may_v as_o well_o excuse_v they_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o get_v to_o go_v so_o that_o you_o see_v all_o this_o noise_n according_a to_o this_o reason_n be_v about_o little_a or_o nothing_o but_o pray_v be_v not_o this_o reason_n at_o a_o little_a odds_n with_o your_o very_o good_a reason_n before_o for_o there_o you_o make_v the_o increase_n of_o friend_n to_o great_a number_n to_o make_v the_o service_n and_o here_o the_o fewness_n for_o the_o remoteness_n do_v demonstrate_v there_o be_v but_o few_o but_o pray_v before_o you_o go_v further_o than_o 15_o mile_n for_o a_o woman_n meeting_n be_v the_o thing_n practicable_a you_o have_v already_o set_v on_o foot_n what!_o 15_o mile_n to_o a_o meeting_n for_o woman_n and_o home_n again_o in_o winter_n season_n and_o short_a day_n to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v bad_a way_n long_a miles_n and_o bad_a wether_n for_o you_o have_v make_v no_o provision_n nor_o exception_n that_o we_o know_v of_o what_o think_v you_o of_o it_o on_o second_o thought_n you_o know_v you_o have_v tell_v the_o good_a woman_n the_o matter_n do_v not_o relate_v to_o god_n nor_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n so_o we_o hope_v you_o will_v allow_v they_o the_o use_n of_o their_o reason_n for_o if_o they_o find_v all_o the_o business_n they_o can_v do_v and_o go_v 15_o mile_n to_o a_o meeting_n in_o short_a day_n as_o above_o be_v not_o worth_a while_n or_o that_o they_o can_v do_v all_o that_o business_n if_o any_o better_a in_o their_o respective_a meeting_n and_o perhaps_o with_o less_o charge_n than_o this_o 15_o mile_n journey_n will_v put_v they_o to_o and_o beside_o save_v themselves_o at_o home_n where_o they_o may_v be_v sure_o they_o have_v a_o incumbent_a duty_n will_v not_o you_o be_v content_a what_o do_v you_o say_v if_o not_o pray_v may_v not_o we_o just_o and_o honest_o inquire_v if_o such_o as_o enjoin_v this_o 15_o mile_n journey_n do_v themselves_o put_v it_o in_o practice_n if_o answer_v that_o perhaps_o such_o as_o enjoin_v it_o do_v not_o live_v so_o remote_a and_o therefore_o have_v not_o occasion_n to_o make_v the_o trial_n then_o may_v we_o not_o still_o inquire_v who_o be_v best_a judge_n of_o fact_n those_o that_o do_v not_o put_v in_o practice_n or_o they_o that_o have_v but_o what_o think_v you_o of_o it_o be_v not_o this_o order_n make_v in_o some_o warm_a climate_n or_o at_o least_o for_o some_o that_o dwell_v where_o day_n be_v more_o equal_a way_n better_a and_o mile_n not_o so_o long_o as_o in_o many_o part_n of_o england_n but_o indeed_o too_o much_o of_o this_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v to_o show_v the_o frivolousness_n of_o your_o reason_n and_o therein_o the_o meanness_n of_o the_o cause_n that_o you_o have_v cause_v contention_n about_o page_z the_o 9_o you_o tell_v we_o those_o be_v your_o reason_n and_o motive_n to_o the_o present_a practice_n of_o woman_n meeting_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n without_o compel_a conscience_n or_o infringe_v christian_a liberty_n etc._n etc._n answer_v we_o have_v consider_v the_o weighty_a of_o your_o reason_n that_o we_o can_v find_v as_o above_o and_o do_v not_o see_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v offer_v that_o can_v
a_o figure_n of_o god_n deal_v with_o man_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n for_o first_o here_o be_v israel_n in_o canaan_n which_o may_v stand_v as_o a_o figure_n of_o man_n state_n in_o paradise_n israel_n go_v down_o into_o egypt_n by_o reason_n of_o famine_n a_o figure_n of_o man_n drive_v out_o of_o paradise_n israel_n relief_n comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o egypt_n a_o figure_n of_o man_n fall_n while_o alive_a in_o the_o world_n be_v dead_a to_o god_n the_o law_n or_o power_n of_o death_n have_v dominion_n over_o he_o and_o isreal_n in_o bondage_n in_o egypt_n a_o figure_n of_o man_n fall_n and_o misery_n when_o sensible_a of_o it_o be_v true_o quicken_v and_o thereby_o make_v to_o know_v the_o power_n or_o law_n of_o sin_n in_o his_o member_n but_o observe_v this_o bondage_n in_o egypt_n precede_v their_o deliverance_n and_o make_v way_n or_o prepare_v they_o for_o their_o go_v out_o into_o the_o wilderness_n now_o as_o the_o wilnerness_n be_v a_o different_a state_n to_o that_o of_o egypt_n so_o the_o travel_n there_o fit_v they_o for_o the_o possessios_fw-gr canaan_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o that_o generation_n who_o have_v see_v god_n wonder_n in_o egypt_n and_o have_v experience_n of_o his_o various_a deal_n or_o dispensation_n that_o they_o do_v walk_v sweet_o with_o the_o lord_n but_o when_o another_o generation_n arise_v that_o do_v not_o know_v those_o thing_n but_o by_o hearsay_n though_o they_o be_v in_o the_o same_o land_n they_o soon_o forsake_v the_o lord_n and_o serve_v idol_n from_o hence_o there_o appear_v a_o necessity_n for_o every_o individual_a soul_n to_o have_v experience_n of_o those_o various_a deal_n of_o god_n in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n in_o order_n to_o their_o walk_v humble_o with_o he_o observe_v there_o be_v perfect_a different_a state_n and_o dispensation_n in_o the_o same_o age_n that_o be_v to_o the_o same_o people_n contrary_a to_o what_o you_o assert_v here_o be_v canaan_n liberty_n and_o freedom_n oppose_v to_o egypt_n bondage_n and_o oppression_n and_o at_o last_o canaan_n rest_n to_o the_o wilderness_n travel_n and_o as_o there_o be_v those_o real_a different_a state_n and_o perfect_a change_n of_o dispensation_n in_o the_o same_o age_n to_o the_o same_o people_n so_o be_v their_o leader_n observe_v that_o as_o true_o change_v for_o moses_n how_o eminent_a soever_o in_o the_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n and_o through_o the_o sea_n yet_o can_v he_o not_o bring_v they_o through_o jordan_n into_o canaan_n a_o type_n of_o the_o true_a rest_n no_o that_o be_v joshua_n work_n moses_n minister_n the_o figure_n of_o the_o true_a jesus_n which_o deserve_v your_o serious_a consideration_n for_o in_o this_o change_n of_o dispensation_n lie_v your_o great_a mistake_n we_o may_v say_v more_o but_o shall_v add_v only_o this_o that_o what_o be_v then_o in_o the_o figure_n be_v now_o to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o substance_n what_o be_v then_o do_v in_o the_o letter_n be_v now_o to_o be_v do_v in_o spirit_n for_o god_n israel_n now_o be_v after_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o after_o the_o flesh_n and_o be_v to_o be_v gather_v from_o man_n to_o god_n so_o that_o if_o you_o do_v not_o throw_v down_o your_o crown_n there_o by_o make_v way_n for_o his_o government_n by_o free_o deliver_v up_o all_o unto_o he_o but_o in_o stead_n thereof_o by_o reflect_v upon_o your_o ability_n to_o rule_n shall_v seek_v to_o perpetuate_v your_o government_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o eldership_n neither_o you_o that_o seek_v this_o dependence_n nor_o those_o that_o depend_v upon_o you_o can_v enter_v the_o good_a land_n of_o which_o canaan_n be_v a_o figure_n and_o what_o then_o if_o you_o go_v not_o forth_o again_o into_o egypt_n you_o must_v die_v in_o the_o wilderness_n but_o we_o have_v more_o to_o this_o purpose_n in_o this_o page_n it_o follow_v nor_o be_v it_o ever_o hear_v of_o say_v our_o author_n in_o the_o deal_n of_o god_n with_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o he_o vary_a or_o change_v his_o dispensation_n in_o the_o life_n time_n of_o the_o instrument_n observe_v of_o any_o of_o they_o as_o some_o have_v be_v ready_a to_o imagine_v nor_o yet_o in_o that_o age_n in_o which_o he_o have_v bring_v they_o forth_o etc._n etc._n answer_v what_o ado_n here_o be_v to_o get_v your_o government_n establish_v if_o it_o be_v christ_n our_o lord_n there_o will_v be_v none_o of_o this_o noise_n but_o as_o sure_a as_o you_o seem_v you_o be_v mistake_v that_o god_n have_v vary_a his_o dispensation_n in_o the_o same_o age_n be_v clear_a above_o for_o those_o very_a people_n of_o who_o it_o be_v testify_v that_o they_o do_v walk_v sweet_o with_o the_o lord_n be_v of_o such_o as_o have_v see_v god_n wonder_n in_o egypt_n in_o the_o sea_n and_o at_o mount_n sinai_n have_v know_v a_o travel_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o their_o leader_n change_v and_o that_o before_o they_o enter_v canaan_n do_v know_v the_o divide_n of_o the_o land_n and_o a_o sit_v under_o their_o own_o vine_n none_o be_v leave_v to_o make_v they_o afraid_a and_o this_o under_o joshua_n and_o not_o moses_n according_a to_o the_o figure_n be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v the_o wrongness_n of_o your_o assertion_n but_o again_o that_o god_n never_o vary_v or_o change_v his_o dispensation_n in_o the_o life_n time_n of_o the_o instrument_n of_o they_o nor_o in_o that_o age_n this_o be_v still_o as_o wrong_v as_o the_o former_a nay_o false_a in_o fact_n for_o instance_n john_n the_o baptist_n for_o that_o dispensation_n wherein_o he_o be_v so_o eminent_a be_v true_o vary_a if_o not_o change_v in_o his_o life_n time_n that_o it_o be_v vary_a and_o to_o be_v change_v be_v clear_a from_o the_o baptist_n own_o testimony_n and_o that_o it_o be_v change_v in_o the_o same_o age_n be_v past_a scruple_n or_o contradiction_n and_o not_o to_o john_n baptist_n only_o but_o to_o christ_n also_o first_o in_o flesh_n and_o then_o in_o spirit_n now_o as_o those_o assertion_n be_v wrong_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n so_o be_v they_o of_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o perpetuate_a man_n government_n in_o stead_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v something_o like_o that_o say_n where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n for_o since_o the_o father_n die_v all_o thing_n continue_v alike_o for_o like_a to_o that_o be_v this_o that_o god_n never_o vary_v or_o change_v his_o dispensation_n in_o the_o same_o age_n nor_o in_o the_o life_n time_n of_o the_o instrument_n of_o any_o of_o they_o in_o this_o all_o thing_n continue_v alike_o as_o they_o ever_o do_v and_o then_o on_o this_o foot_n must_v not_o you_o under_o this_o profession_n all_o degenerate_a as_o other_o have_v do_v before_o in_o your_o sense_n but_o pray_v how_o contrary_a be_v this_o to_o our_o saviour_n advice_n to_o his_o disciple_n and_o to_o all_o man._n for_o say_v he_o what_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o i_o say_v unto_o all_o watch_z and_o why_o must_v we_o watch_v why_o because_o you_o know_v not_o at_o what_o hour_n your_o master_n will_v come_v and_o pray_v who_o be_v this_o master_n but_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n that_o change_n and_o vary_v his_o dispensation_n when_o it_o please_v he_o but_o rare_o or_o never_o perceive_v by_o the_o carnal_a mind_n nor_o by_o the_o great_a formalist_n in_o religion_n no_o no_o they_o be_v the_o great_a enemy_n of_o it_o it_o be_v true_a you_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o the_o dispensation_n may_v be_v change_v but_o though_o you_o can_v not_o tell_v certain_o when_o it_o shall_v be_v yet_o you_o presume_v to_o tell_v and_o that_o certain_o when_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v and_o that_o be_v not_o in_o this_o age_n so_o that_o while_o this_o age_n last_v we_o need_v not_o watch_n in_o your_o sense_n it_o be_v true_a your_o word_n imply_v god_n may_v alter_v this_o dispensation_n when_o this_o age_n be_v over_o and_o when_o all_o those_o eminent_a instrument_n be_v dead_a but_o not_o till_o then_o however_o and_o thus_o by_o preach_v we_o into_o a_o sleepy_a ignorance_n you_o hope_v to_o secure_v your_o government_n as_o long_o as_o you_o and_o we_o live_v and_o indeed_o that_o be_v long_o enough_o but_o if_o you_o can_v watch_v for_o we_o that_o we_o need_v not_o but_o may_v rest_v secure_a as_o long_o as_o this_o age_n last_v or_o you_o live_v yet_o see_v the_o dispensation_n in_o your_o sense_n may_v be_v change_v when_o this_o age_n be_v over_o and_o when_o all_o those_o eminent_a instrument_n be_v dead_a and_o then_o see_v there_o may_v be_v occasion_n to_o watch_n for_o the_o master_n come_v it_o will_v be_v needful_a at_o least_o for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o if_o not_o for_o we_o to_o set_v forth_o fair_o what_o you_o mean_v by_o
the_o good_a they_o must_v be_v casten_z off_o or_o else_o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v know_v thus_o it_o be_v clear_a they_o be_v reject_v and_o casten_z off_o because_o they_o deny_v the_o change_n of_o dispensation_n which_o shall_v have_v enlarge_v they_o in_o spirit_n to_o have_v be_v the_o blessing_n of_o nation_n pray_v consider_v if_o something_o of_o this_o have_v not_o attend_v all_o the_o reformation_n according_a to_o their_o respective_a interest_n they_o can_v never_o as_o a_o body_n receive_v those_o further_a appearance_n of_o god_n testify_v unto_o by_o such_o as_o the_o lord_n send_v and_o and_o make_v use_n of_o and_o therefore_o stick_v in_o a_o fleshly_a knowledge_n of_o what_o they_o first_o know_v or_o receive_v like_o the_o jew_n which_o though_o good_a in_o itself_o so_o far_o as_o it_o reach_v but_o not_o consider_v that_o as_o god_n have_v do_v great_a thing_n for_o they_o he_o can_v still_o do_v great_a they_o dare_v never_o trust_v he_o in_o the_o deliver_n up_o of_o the_o talent_n therefore_o in_o stead_n of_o become_v more_o spiritual_a they_o stick_v in_o the_o flesh_n so_o that_o we_o may_v see_v in_o some_o sort_n what_o be_v of_o man_n come_v to_o be_v manifest_v in_o a_o society_n which_o be_v one_o body_n on_o a_o religious_a score_n and_o that_o be_v flesh_n and_o spirit_n which_o can_v never_o be_v reconcile_v and_o therefore_o the_o one_o must_v prevail_v and_o according_o as_o they_o prevail_v that_o body_n may_v be_v denominate_v but_o in_o particular_a person_n we_o have_v see_v the_o flesh_n overcome_v and_o that_o universallity_n of_o spirit_n bring_v forth_o testify_v too_o in_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n yet_o true_o there_o want_v the_o example_n in_o a_o body_n or_o society_n of_o man_n so_o needful_a so_o necessary_a for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o mankind_n and_o from_o hence_o have_v come_v those_o separation_n and_o division_n that_o have_v be_v and_o must_v continue_v till_o shilo_n come_v and_o now_o you_o be_v upon_o the_o stage_n and_o more_o may_v be_v expect_v from_o you_o then_o other_o by_o how_o much_o you_o conclude_v god_n to_o have_v do_v more_o for_o you_o then_o other_o and_o as_o you_o pretend_v more_o unto_o the_o spirit_n than_o other_o if_o then_o you_o do_v resemble_v spiritual_a israel_n more_o than_o other_o you_o must_v wait_v to_o place_v your_o unity_n not_o upon_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o he_o may_v be_v but_o as_o the_o fleshly_a child_n of_o abraham_n but_o upon_o the_o possessor_n and_o upon_o all_o travel_n for_o zion_n though_o so_o ignorant_a of_o the_o way_n that_o they_o weep_v because_o they_o know_v it_o no_o better_o for_o it_o be_v those_o and_o not_o the_o former_a that_o follow_v the_o lord_n where_o ever_o he_o lead_v and_o those_o he_o will_v own_v for_o ever_o whether_o they_o be_v know_v unto_o the_o world_n or_o worldly_a professor_n or_o not_o he_o know_v they_o and_o be_v gather_v they_o together_o in_o one_o by_o destroy_v the_o enmity_n as_o it_o stand_v in_o carnal_a ordinance_n and_o do_v declare_v now_o as_o he_o do_v by_o his_o apostle_n that_o of_o every_o nation_n those_o that_o fear_n god_n and_o work_n righteousness_n be_v accept_v of_o he_o and_o what_o be_v accept_v of_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v accept_v of_o man_n and_o therefore_o if_o you_o conceive_v you_o be_v leader_n not_o of_o israel_n in_o the_o flesh_n but_o of_o israel_n in_o the_o spirit_n you_o must_v know_v your_o spirit_n enlarge_v that_o you_o may_v own_o what_o god_n own_v for_o as_o our_o principal_n be_v universal_a our_o good_a will_n ought_v to_o be_v as_o large_a to_o the_o child_n of_o man_n for_o consider_v a_o universal_a principle_n and_o a_o narrow_a limit_a spirit_n be_v inconsistent_a but_o this_o can_v never_o be_v without_o a_o change_n of_o the_o dispensation_n come_v you_o know_v israel_n after_o the_o flesh_n be_v to_o allow_v the_o gentile_a to_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o outward_a court_n pray_v mind_v then_o if_o their_o outward_a court_n be_v not_o large_a than_o we_o it_o be_v true_a they_o have_v a_o inward_a court_n that_o such_o can_v not_o come_v to_o till_o circumcise_a be_v there_o then_o a_o outward_a court_n and_o a_o inward_a and_o have_v not_o we_o what_o answer_v to_o they_o now_o what_o be_v sit_v for_o the_o society_n of_o good_a man_n may_v not_o that_o very_o well_o be_v allow_v to_o come_v into_o our_o society_n or_o outward_a court_n for_o they_o who_o do_v not_o come_v thus_o far_o can_v come_v into_o the_o inward_a court_n yet_o see_v they_o must_v come_v to_o the_o outward_a before_o the_o inward_a shall_v not_o we_o allow_v they_o here_o testify_v at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o the_o inward_a court_n which_o none_o can_v come_v to_o but_o by_o the_o true_a circumcision_n in_o spirit_n thus_o it_o be_v clear_a if_o our_o outward_a court_n be_v but_o a_o little_a more_o large_a our_o inward_a court_n will_v certain_o be_v the_o more_o prize_v value_v and_o seek_v after_o again_o you_o know_v the_o leader_n in_o israel_n in_o their_o travel_n from_o egypt_n to_o canaan_n be_v to_o travel_v according_a to_o the_o least_o of_o israel_n and_o do_v always_o own_o such_o as_o be_v circumcise_a though_o at_o eight_o day_n old_a to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o figure_n and_o pray_v will_v not_o this_o hold_n as_o true_a to_o spiritual_a israel_n what_o be_v circumcision_n in_o the_o flesh_n now_o but_o a_o holy_a conversation_n perform_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n for_o as_o this_o be_v so_o far_o accept_v of_o god_n it_o real_o fit_v for_o the_o society_n of_o good_a man_n and_o therefore_o its_o impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v reject_v of_o that_o people_n or_o society_n or_o church_n that_o be_v a_o true_a figure_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n now_o lest_o you_o shall_v run_v this_o into_o a_o extreme_a we_o will_v at_o present_v bind_v it_o with_o respect_n to_o your_o brethren_n who_o have_v come_v out_o and_o suffer_v with_o you_o for_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o do_v yet_o in_o your_o own_o sense_n agree_v with_o you_o in_o the_o worship_n and_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o be_v shut_v out_o and_o exclude_v by_o you_o for_o not_o comply_v with_o you_o in_o your_o opinion_n yea_o mere_a opinion_n for_o that_o they_o be_v such_o be_v put_v out_o of_o doubt_n when_o you_o tell_v we_o those_o thing_n of_o difference_n do_v not_o relate_v to_o faith_n conscience_n or_o religion_n we_o beseech_v you_o to_o be_v serious_a for_o this_o evident_o make_v manifest_v the_o narrowness_n of_o your_o spirit_n and_o that_o narrowness_n of_o spirit_n demonstrate_v a_o necessity_n for_o you_o to_o know_v a_o change_n of_o the_o dispensation_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a while_o you_o thus_o remain_v that_o you_o shall_v be_v that_o figure_n of_o the_o true_a church_n to_o which_o the_o gather_a can_v be_v by_o bring_v forth_o that_o peace_n on_o earth_n that_o good_a will_n to_o man_n and_o glory_n to_o god_n on_o high_a where_o only_o the_o sword_n be_v beat_v into_o plowshare_n and_o spear_n into_o prune_v hook_n it_o be_v this_o and_z the_o glory_n of_o this_o to_o which_o the_o gather_n of_o the_o people_n must_v be_v we_o see_v something_o of_o this_o in_o our_o come_n forth_o as_o our_o testimony_n against_o all_o force_n wrath_n and_o sight_v with_o carnal_a weapon_n do_v testify_v but_o alas_o not_o true_o travel_v in_o spirit_n to_o know_v the_o work_n complete_v we_o have_v not_o yet_o come_v to_o know_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o be_v see_v in_o the_o vision_n without_o which_o the_o other_o will_v prove_v but_o as_o a_o dead_a and_o formal_a business_n nor_o can_v you_o know_v this_o without_o a_o change_n of_o the_o dispensation_n and_o therefore_o while_o you_o conclude_v against_o it_o in_o your_o mind_n it_o be_v clear_a to_o we_o you_o stick_v in_o the_o work_n of_o a_o first_o covenant_n and_o abide_v but_o under_o a_o legal_a dispensation_n and_o though_o you_o appear_v to_o be_v against_o the_o enemy_n as_o as_o a_o evil_a doer_n that_o be_v no_o more_o than_o other_o have_v do_v before_o you_o but_o not_o know_v the_o dispensation_n change_v though_o the_o enemy_n do_v not_o attach_v you_o with_o what_o be_v evil_a and_o immoral_a yet_o he_o deceive_v you_o as_o a_o serpent_n as_o be_v apparent_a in_o this_o noise_n you_o make_v about_o your_o opinion_n and_o further_o clear_v in_o this_o narrowness_n of_o spirit_n that_o appear_v among_o you_o as_o be_v among_o the_o various_a professor_n of_o religion_n that_o except_o you_o wait_v to_o know_v the_o dispensation_n change_v the_o serpent_n will_v beguile_v you_o as_o he_o
to_o come_v in_o your_o own_o name_n and_o not_o in_o he_o but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n whilst_o we_o confess_v the_o lord_n be_v come_v to_o teach_v and_o govern_v if_o we_o do_v not_o true_o adhere_v to_o he_o as_o such_o can_v not_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o do_v profess_v so_o it_o be_v certain_a such_o do_v not_o true_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o if_o such_o think_v that_o want_n shall_v be_v supply_v by_o depend_v upon_o you_o or_o that_o this_o be_v christ_n government_n to_o be_v subject_a unto_o you_o they_o be_v miserable_o mistake_v and_o true_o whilst_o you_o seek_v this_o dependence_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o eldership_n you_o contribute_v to_o their_o mistake_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o ignorance_n and_o error_n such_o be_v in_o for_o as_o in_o the_o figure_n above_o the_o disciple_n be_v not_o to_o gather_v unto_o themselves_o but_o unto_o their_o lord_n know_v none_o can_v be_v true_o teach_v except_o they_o come_v to_o he_o so_o they_o know_v that_o if_o they_o do_v come_v to_o he_o he_o be_v sufficient_a and_o therefore_o have_v bring_v they_o to_o he_o they_o do_v not_o interpose_v we_o have_v find_v the_o messiah_n say_v one_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n can_v any_o good_a come_v out_o of_o nazareth_n come_v and_o see_v try_v thyself_o and_o then_o thou_o will_v have_v the_o same_o ground_n to_o trust_v that_o we_o have_v or_o to_o this_o effect_n and_o it_o be_v true_a according_a to_o our_o profession_n that_o christ_n our_o lord_n be_v now_o as_o able_a to_o teach_v and_o may_v be_v now_o as_o easy_o come_v to_o as_o then_o who_o be_v it_o then_o that_o dare_v strive_v for_o their_o opinion_n while_o such_o acknowledge_v the_o lord_n be_v present_a thus_o if_o you_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o christ_n you_o must_v gather_v to_o he_o and_o not_o to_o yourselves_o for_o we_o can_v not_o be_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o hear_v he_o ourselves_o nor_o follower_n of_o he_o till_o we_o know_v he_o go_v before_o we_o and_o this_o we_o can_v not_o true_o know_v while_o we_o depend_v on_o you_o or_o any_o man._n true_a religion_n be_v found_v on_o those_o two_o command_n to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o here_o be_v both_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n include_v and_o christ_n our_o lord_n teach_v the_o latter_a as_o well_o as_o the_o former_a and_o those_o that_o know_v not_o something_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o mind_n under_o our_o profession_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v in_o to_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n pray_v therefore_o let_v the_o people_n know_v that_o as_o christ_n be_v head_n to_o the_o true_a church_n in_o all_o thing_n he_o must_v be_v head_n to_o every_o man_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v a_o member_n of_o this_o church_n so_o that_o to_o be_v of_o this_o church_n be_v quite_o another_o thing_n then_o to_o be_v of_o any_o 〈◊〉_d society_n whatever_o address_v to_o protestant_n page_n 177_o this_o building_n be_v rear_v without_o noise_n strife_n and_o contention_n it_o be_v like_o its_o figure_n the_o temple_n build_v at_o jerusalem_n in_o solomon_n peaceful_a reign_n no_o axe_n or_o hammer_n hear_v there_o all_o that_o at_o best_o be_v but_o in_o the_o preparation_n which_o so_o many_o have_v mistake_v for_o the_o choice_n and_o so_o in_o stead_n of_o travel_v for_o the_o true_a rest_n have_v set_v up_o a_o false_a one_o grow_v great_a in_o stead_n of_o be_v humble_a despise_v other_o in_o overvallue_v themselves_o for_o all_o this_o noise_n and_o strife_n in_o the_o best_a sense_n be_v among_o the_o servant_n and_o workman_n among_o the_o drawer_n of_o water_n and_o hewer_n of_o wood_n and_o not_o among_o the_o child_n and_o son_n of_o god_n now_o your_o service_n if_o you_o have_v any_o be_v to_o bring_v to_o christ_n the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o he_o end_v the_o strife_n and_o the_o noise_n for_o those_o that_o sit_v at_o his_o foot_n true_o to_o hear_v he_o be_v quiet_a and_o as_o they_o have_v choose_v the_o better_a part_n so_o be_v they_o not_o cumber_v about_o many_o thing_n and_o as_o your_o service_n be_v to_o bring_v to_o he_o you_o ought_v to_o endeavour_v honest_o to_o take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n whatever_o hinder_v come_v to_o he_o and_o indeed_o in_o this_o case_n that_o be_v your_o own_o self_n hood_n your_o affect_a and_o desire_a eldership_n for_o this_o be_v to_o bear_v witness_n to_o yourselves_o by_o seek_v a_o reliance_n and_o dependence_n upon_o you_o and_o this_o beget_v into_o sect_n and_o division_n for_o it_o be_v sure_a while_o the_o people_n depend_v on_o you_o ot_fw-mi any_o man_n they_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v know_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o christ_n our_o lord_n pray_v therefore_o consider_v that_o to_o seek_v this_o dependence_n upon_o you_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o eldership_n be_v real_o against_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o principle_n and_o profession_n for_o if_o you_o prevail_v it_o will_v fix_v the_o people_n in_o that_o which_o can_v never_o perfect_a for_o all_o that_o depend_v on_o you_o as_o they_o must_v always_o be_v learning_n of_o you_o such_o can_v never_o be_v able_a to_o know_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n as_o it_o always_o fall_v out_o where_o person_n on_o a_o religious_a score_n seek_v to_o bear_v rule_n by_o their_o own_o mean_n and_o the_o people_n love_v to_o have_v it_o so_o and_o as_o on_o this_o foot_n you_o will_v still_o grow_v more_o narrow_a in_o your_o mind_n and_o spirit_n as_o true_a and_o just_a a_o separation_n may_v be_v from_o you_o as_o any_o other_o people_n heretofore_o we_o entreat_v you_o to_o weigh_v the_o matter_n that_o so_o you_o may_v throw_v down_o your_o crown_n at_o the_o foot_n of_o jesus_n who_o alone_o be_v worthy_a to_o reign_v according_a to_o our_o testimony_n in_o our_o beginning_n objection_n but_o perhaps_o you_o will_v say_v it_o be_v true_a christ_n our_o lord_n be_v sufficient_a for_o all_o that_o true_o adhere_v to_o he_o but_o all_o that_o profess_v he_o do_v not_o adhere_v to_o he_o and_o it_o be_v for_o their_o soul_n that_o a_o eldership_n be_v necessary_a and_o that_o we_o be_v thus_o concern_v that_o a_o check_n may_v be_v upon_o all_o practice_n as_o a_o expediency_n against_o irregularity_n in_o conversation_n whether_o towards_o they_o that_o be_v without_o or_o they_o that_o be_v within_o the_o same_o communion_n to_o which_o the_o strong_a will_v submit_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o weak_a etc._n etc._n page_n the_o 9_o answer_v it_o seem_v your_o care_n be_v about_o those_o that_o do_v not_o true_o adhere_v to_o christ_n and_o for_o the_o secure_n of_o they_o you_o ought_v to_o be_v cautious_a that_o you_o do_v not_o burden_n the_o conscience_n of_o those_o that_o be_v faithful_a for_o if_o what_o be_v good_a and_o evil_n can_v not_o be_v know_v and_o judge_v of_o without_o woman_n meeting_n for_o government_n it_o be_v something_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o since_o it_o be_v clear_v it_o may_v this_o seem_v but_o a_o artifice_n to_o seek_v to_o enslave_v such_o as_o be_v conscientious_a and_o sincere_a to_o god_n under_o pretence_n of_o take_v care_n for_o those_o that_o be_v not_o and_o be_v but_o a_o subtle_a argument_n to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o set_n up_o man_n government_n in_o stead_n of_o christ_n for_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o say_v we_o be_v not_o to_o examine_v what_o you_o bring_v in_o while_o yond_o pretend_v to_o apply_v it_o to_o some_o good_a end_n but_o if_o we_o do_v examine_v thing_n and_o true_o find_v they_o tend_v to_o formality_n and_o lead_v into_o ignorance_n and_o slavery_n yet_o we_o must_v dissemble_v our_o conviction_n and_o dishonour_n our_o head_n to_o please_v you_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o endeavour_v to_o make_v we_o owe_v more_o to_o you_o for_o government_n than_o we_o do_v to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n it_o be_v true_a we_o be_v to_o obey_v every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n but_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o this_o blindfold_a for_o as_o we_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o christ_n and_o own_v he_o for_o our_o lord_n and_o head_n we_o must_v examine_v what_o man_n enjoin_v and_o if_o in_o our_o understanding_n it_o agree_v with_o the_o truth_n we_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o obey_v but_o if_o it_o do_v not_o than_o conscience_n rather_o oblige_v to_o suffer_v then_o dishonour_n our_o head_n and_o will_v you_o not_o allow_v we_o that_o berty_n without_o make_v we_o suffer_v which_o you_o take_v and_o insist_v upon_o as_o a_o right_n you_o know_v christ_n our_o lord_n be_v one_o in_o all_o and_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o head_n