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with_o the_o faithful_a friend_n thereof_o moreover_o to_o i_o it_o seem_v impossible_a that_o the_o seasonable_a assert_v the_o truth_n and_o plead_v for_o it_o can_v occasion_v any_o to_o stumble_v and_o fall_v from_o it_o but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a however_o i_o must_v confess_v it_o be_v probable_a enough_o that_o it_o may_v occasion_v many_o to_o disregard_n such_o kind_n of_o preacher_n or_o rather_o prater_n who_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n have_v not_o only_o cause_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v evil_o speak_v of_o but_o who_o necessity_n have_v seem_v to_o be_v a_o bait_n unto_o they_o to_o follow_v for_o the_o loaf_n and_o no_o marvel_n if_o these_o instead_o of_o gather_v to_o god_n gather_v to_o themselves_o and_o as_o a_o proper_a expedient_a to_o obtain_v such_o a_o gather_v publish_v in_o the_o open_a meeting_n for_o worship_n of_o god_n such_o like_a doctrine_n as_o these_o according_a as_o i_o have_v already_o hint_v and_o which_o i_o be_o a_o witness_n from_o the_o hear_n of_o my_o ear_n have_v in_o public_a meeting_n for_o worship_n be_v publish_v viz._n have_v your_o eye_n to_o the_o brethren_n mean_v thereby_o public_a preacher_n if_o you_o do_v not_o see_v yourselves_o follow_v we_o that_o do_v see_v and_o frequent_o exhort_v to_o shut_v out_o the_o reason_n the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o jealousy_n without_o distinction_n which_o be_v compare_v with_o these_o primitive_a and_o wholesome_a exhortation_n and_o doctrine_n wisdom_n be_v justify_v of_o her_o child_n look_v not_o unto_o we_o but_o unto_o the_o lord_n take_v heed_n unto_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n in_o your_o own_o conscience_n draw_v water_n out_o of_o your_o own_o well_n let_v it_o be_v your_o own_o and_o not_o another_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o more_o like_o the_o language_n of_o those_o shepherd_n who_o as_o the_o prophet_n say_v seek_v for_o their_o gain_n from_o their_o quarter_n than_o the_o language_n of_o such_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v anoint_v to_o 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on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o that_o therein_o be_v plain_o demonstrate_v the_o qualification_n of_o such_o as_o satan_n have_v make_v use_n of_o to_o rend_v and_o divide_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n sect_n ix_o a_o epistle_n evidence_v the_o qualication_n of_o such_o who_o satan_n make_v use_v of_o to_o rend_n and_o divide_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n a_o paper_n give_v forth_o by_o edward_n burrough_n anno_fw-la 1661._o touch_v the_o scatter_a in_o israel_n wherein_o by_o a_o parable_n be_v lively_o describe_v a_o part_n of_o what_o have_v happen_v among_o the_o flock_n of_o god_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n the_o conclusion_n manifest_v several_a passage_n very_o material_a and_o worthy_a observation_n as_o a_o further_a discovery_n of_o the_o fruit_n and_o cause_n of_o division_n a_o epistle_n prefix_v to_o the_o historical_a manuscript_n mention_v in_o the_o preface_n to_o this_o treatise_n evidence_v the_o qualification_n of_o such_o who_o satan_n have_v make_v 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know_v that_o the_o unsavoury_a testimony_n and_o unchristianlike_a discourse_n of_o many_o such_o in_o our_o meeting_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n have_v be_v so_o frequent_o as_o well_o as_o public_o manifest_v as_o that_o it_o be_v thereby_o know_v both_o to_o professor_n and_o profane_a that_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n be_v now_o divide_v by_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v that_o some_o may_v real_o conclude_v that_o though_o their_o name_n be_v not_o extinguish_v yet_o that_o the_o nature_n doctrine_n and_o life_n which_o accompany_v they_o at_o their_o first_o come_v forth_o have_v of_o late_o suffer_v shipwreck_n this_o have_v be_v serious_o ponder_v by_o we_o have_v increase_v the_o concern_n of_o our_o conscience_n thus_o to_o appear_v that_o so_o as_o the_o door_n have_v thereby_o be_v so_o far_o shut_v in_o some_o part_n of_o this_o nation_n as_o that_o there_o have_v be_v of_o late_a but_o few_o gather_v into_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o everlasting_a light_n so_o it_o may_v again_o in_o the_o lord_n time_n be_v more_o open_v by_o a_o clear_a discovery_n that_o there_o be_v yet_o remain_v a_o remnant_n of_o that_o ancient_a stock_n who_o have_v be_v and_o our_o faith_n in_o god_n be_v that_o they_o will_v be_v preserve_v in_o his_o fear_n to_o persevere_v in_o his_o unchangeable_a way_n light_n and_o life_n of_o truth_n unto_o the_o end_n that_o now_o the_o reader_n may_v have_v some_o short_a account_n of_o what_o the_o lord_n have_v manifest_v unto_o we_o on_o this_o occasion_n we_o further_o thus_o declare_v the_o original_a cause_n of_o division_n and_o separation_n between_o the_o member_n of_o any_o society_n once_o at_o unity_n in_o the_o truth_n touch_v religious_a matter_n have_v spring_v from_o satan_n the_o person_n in_o who_o he_o have_v chief_o appear_v to_o accomplish_v the_o same_o have_v be_v such_o as_o usual_o appear_v more_o public_a than_o other_o their_o brethren_n and_o that_o under_o various_a qualification_n some_o have_v have_v zeal_n without_o knowledge_n and_o some_o have_v have_v knowledge_n without_o zeal_n and_o other_o have_v abound_v in_o confidence_n without_o either_o knowledge_n or_o zeal_n and_o none_o of_o these_o whilst_o exercise_v under_o these_o qualification_n have_v find_v acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n and_o as_o satan_n have_v make_v use_n of_o person_n thus_o various_o qualify_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o his_o kingdom_n so_o christ_n jesus_n who_o appearance_n have_v be_v and_o be_v to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n have_v and_o do_v make_v use_n of_o such_o instrument_n in_o his_o hand_n who_o he_o have_v furnish_v with_o true_a zeal_n and_o that_o according_a to_o knowledge_n for_o though_o all_o have_v not_o the_o like_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n yet_o that_o zeal_n which_o be_v exercise_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n give_v by_o god_n and_o receive_v by_o man_n find_v acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n now_o forasmuch_o as_o in_o this_o treatise_n variety_n of_o matter_n be_v discourse_v wherein_o divers_a person_n have_v be_v concern_v many_o of_o who_o be_v once_o at_o unity_n which_o we_o be_v persuade_v consist_v in_o the_o everlasting_a truth_n and_o that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o may_v reasonable_o have_v be_v take_v to_o be_v under_o one_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a qualification_n it_o be_v with_o we_o at_o this_o time_n consider_v that_o the_o tree_n be_v to_o be_v know_v by_o its_o fruit_n to_o note_v a_o few_o thing_n attend_v such_o respective_a qualification_n and_o that_o chief_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o as_o have_v zeal_n without_o knowledge_n and_o so_o if_o the_o lord_n make_v we_o instrument_n in_o his_o hand_n to_o open_v the_o understanding_n of_o any_o whereby_o they_o may_v come_v to_o have_v a_o true_a savour_n of_o and_o unity_n with_o those_o who_o have_v so_o receive_v the_o spirit_n as_o to_o be_v exercise_v themselves_o in_o true_a zeal_n and_o that_o according_a to_o knowledge_n we_o then_o shall_v have_v our_o end_n we_o now_o begin_v to_o speak_v of_o those_o who_o have_v zeal_n without_o knowledge_n charity_n obliege_v we_o not_o to_o conclude_v that_o they_o design_v any_o thing_n more_o than_o to_o live_v well_o that_o so_o they_o may_v die_v well_o or_o any_o thing_n less_o than_o to_o appear_v what_o they_o know_v they_o be_v not_o but_o yet_o this_o we_o certain_o know_v that_o albeit_o these_o have_v profess_v christ_n jesus_n to_o be_v their_o foundation_n yet_o many_o of_o they_o for_o want_n of_o knowledge_n have_v be_v build_v thereon_o the_o wood_n the_o hay_n and_o the_o stubble_n of_o other_o man_n invention_n whereby_o they_o have_v suffer_v loss_n have_v exalt_v their_o own_o righteousness_n through_o a_o zealous_a submission_n to_o other_o man_n line_n make_v ready_a to_o their_o hand_n as_o if_o therein_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n consist_v or_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a contrary_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o glory_n in_o man_n the_o apostle_n paul_n rom_n 10.2_o thus_o say_v i_o bear_v they_o record_v they_o have_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n but_o not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n and_o from_o the_o next_o verse_n we_o learn_v that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n righteousness_n and_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n have_v not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n this_o be_v speak_v of_o israel_n for_o their_o information_n that_o they_o may_v not_o have_v a_o dependency_n on_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n as_o if_o through_o the_o strict_a performance_n and_o observation_n of_o outward_a thing_n establish_v under_o the_o law_n they_o shall_v come_v to_o know_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n through_o christ_n but_o rather_o that_o their_o dependency_n shall_v be_v upon_o the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o faith_n which_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n verse_n the_o 8_o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n inform_v we_o thus_o the_o word_n be_v nigh_o thou_o even_o in_o thy_o mouth_n and_o in_o thy_o heart_n that_o be_v the_o word_n of_o faith_n which_o we_o preach_v so_o that_o by_o this_o doctrine_n and_o what_o elsewhere_o be_v write_v in_o other_o of_o his_o epistle_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o apostle_n care_v for_o israel_n be_v that_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v off_o those_o outward_a and_o carnal_a ordinance_n which_o be_v establish_v for_o a_o season_n until_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n unto_o the_o word_n nigh_o in_o the_o heart_n which_o undoubted_o be_v and_o be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o law_n which_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n jer._n 31.33_o be_v to_o be_v put_v in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v in_o their_o heart_n all_o which_o lead_v we_o to_o make_v this_o observation_n that_o whosoever_o
they_o be_v though_o under_o ever_o so_o specious_a pretence_n that_o have_v endeavour_v to_o establish_v outward_a indispensible_a rule_n and_o order_n in_o matter_n relate_v to_o conscience_n for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o gospel_n day_n to_o walk_v by_o neglect_v to_o commit_v and_o commend_v every_o one_o unto_o the_o word_n nigh_o in_o the_o heart_n that_o thereby_o they_o may_v be_v preserve_v from_o subjection_n to_o any_o thing_n outward_o ordain_v which_o they_o may_v either_o scruple_n in_o conscience_n or_o be_v not_o lead_v by_o the_o word_n nigh_o in_o the_o heart_n to_o practise_v be_v such_o as_o in_o the_o best_a and_o most_o fovourable_a construction_n act_n from_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n in_o which_o kind_n of_o zeal_n paul_n himself_o phil._n 3.6_o though_o as_o to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n blameless_a yet_o persecute_v the_o church_n this_o kind_n of_o zeal_n be_v accompany_v with_o that_o ignorance_n which_o the_o chief_a among_o apostatise_v church_n have_v account_v the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n by_o which_o thousand_o in_o age_n past_a in_o the_o dark_a night_n of_o apostasy_n have_v be_v lead_v into_o the_o observation_n of_o many_o unsavoury_a dictate_v erroneous_a decree_n unwarrantable_a tradition_n and_o superstitious_a example_n either_o of_o one_o man_n or_o assembly_n of_o man_n not_o know_v what_o they_o have_v either_o believe_v or_o practise_v to_o be_v a_o incumbent_a duty_n upon_o they_o through_o a_o inward_a evidence_n from_o god_n witness_v in_o their_o conscience_n or_o trial_n thereof_o by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n may_v not_o the_o same_o cloud_n of_o darkness_n overshadow_v any_o of_o the_o child_n of_o light_n in_o this_o our_o day_n say_v our_o soul_n moreover_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o if_o report_n be_v true_a this_o doctrine_n have_v of_o late_o be_v exalt_v no_o unity_n but_o in_o conformity_n which_o if_o apply_v to_o the_o outward_a prescription_n of_o one_o man_n or_o assembly_n of_o man_n assume_v to_o themselves_o authority_n to_o act_n and_o determine_v in_o matter_n appertain_v to_o the_o gospel_n and_o its_o order_n thereby_o to_o become_v a_o bond_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o those_o who_o have_v believe_v in_o the_o everlasting_a light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n as_o the_o great_a order_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o this_o gospel_n day_n may_v occasion_v the_o continuation_n of_o discord_n distraction_n and_o division_n contrary_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n which_o have_v be_v publish_v receive_v and_o believe_v among_o the_o child_n of_o light_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n who_o neither_o have_v nor_o can_v receive_v any_o doctrine_n contrary_a to_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 3.6_o the_o letter_n kill_v but_o the_o spirit_n give_v life_n we_o now_o appeal_v unto_o every_o understanding_n ingenious_a and_o impartial_a reader_n whether_o since_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o primitive_a day_n be_v to_o draw_v the_o outward_a jew_n off_o from_o the_o observation_n of_o these_o ordinance_n which_o be_v rea_o establish_v by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n himself_o have_v exalt_v instead_o thereof_o the_o word_n nigh_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o law_n write_v therein_o as_o a_o fulfil_n of_o that_o which_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o prophet_n be_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v under_o the_o new_a covenant_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v like_a unto_o the_o old_a can_v consist_v with_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n for_o any_o to_o attempt_v the_o establishment_n or_o give_v forth_o of_o outward_a order_n prescription_n sentence_n or_o decree_n to_o be_v on_o that_o foot_n a_o bond_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o those_o who_o have_v believe_v in_o the_o everlasting_a light_n especial_o if_o they_o be_v of_o the_o gentile_a stock_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n unto_o who_o the_o law_n appertain_v not_o for_o so_o the_o people_n of_o england_n be_v and_o if_o not_o whether_o those_o who_o be_v otherwise_o persuade_v and_o according_a to_o such_o a_o persuasion_n may_v be_v find_v act_v may_v not_o though_o under_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o truth_n itself_o just_o be_v number_v among_o those_o of_o who_o in_o the_o best_a sense_n it_o may_v be_v say_v they_o have_v zeal_n without_o knowledge_n and_o ignorance_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o their_o devotion_n and_o now_o as_o to_o those_o who_o have_v knowledge_n without_o zeal_n charity_n do_v not_o oblige_v we_o to_o conclude_v that_o such_o in_o that_o state_n chief_o design_n to_o live_v well_o that_o so_o they_o may_v die_v well_o for_o as_o christ_n say_v so_o may_v we_o luk._n 12.48_o unto_o whosoever_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o shall_v be_v much_o require_v the_o want_n of_o zeal_n in_o a_o know_a good_a cause_n be_v as_o we_o take_v it_o the_o neglect_n of_o a_o know_a incumbent_a duty_n wherein_o god_n have_v give_v power_n else_o how_o can_v it_o have_v be_v say_v to_o the_o lukewarm_a church_n of_o laodicea_n after_o a_o understanding_n be_v give_v unto_o she_o how_o she_o may_v come_v to_o see_v viz._n by_o anoint_v her_o eye_n with_o eye_n salve_n leu._n 3.19_o be_v zealous_n &_o amend_v for_o doubtless_o power_n be_v give_v of_o god_n into_o she_o to_o amend_v as_o well_o as_o direction_n how_o to_o see_v but_o of_o the_o want_n of_o knowledge_n it_o can_v be_v so_o say_v as_o of_o the_o want_n of_o zeal_n because_o it_o be_v not_o equal_o in_o our_o power_n to_o attain_v unto_o knowledge_n when_o we_o want_v it_o as_o it_o be_v zealous_o to_o practise_v what_o we_o know_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n we_o may_v therefore_o conclude_v that_o where_o knowledge_n be_v not_o accompany_v with_o zeal_n though_o requisite_a it_o be_v in_o the_o best_a sense_n a_o token_n of_o a_o lukewarm_a spirit_n and_o in_o some_o where_o it_o have_v predominate_v we_o have_v clear_o discern_v that_o first_o they_o have_v be_v overawe_v by_o the_o frown_n of_o man_n or_o man_n and_o then_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o bear_v all_o thing_n neglect_v to_o give_v their_o testimony_n for_o the_o truth_n without_o respect_n to_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o more_o than_o the_o truth_n may_v require_v and_o by_o this_o mean_v some_o have_v undoubted_o be_v the_o occasion_n whereby_o many_o have_v be_v catch_v in_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o evil_a one_o not_o know_v through_o a_o neglect_n of_o their_o inward_a teacher_n which_o way_n to_o turn_v and_o that_o load_v and_o burden_n have_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o other_o who_o while_o they_o have_v keep_v steadfast_a unto_o the_o ancient_a doctrine_n exalt_v the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n to_o be_v our_o law_n rule_n and_o guide_n have_v behold_v some_o of_o their_o brethren_n not_o only_o captivate_v with_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o slavish_a fear_n but_o also_o in_o their_o practice_n recee_v from_o what_o their_o first_o principle_n will_v have_v lead_v they_o to_o have_v use_v politic_a contrivance_n to_o retain_v the_o favour_n and_o affection_n of_o some_o who_o perhaps_o in_o their_o view_n have_v appear_v to_o be_v like_a unto_o the_o rise_a sun_n and_o so_o have_v give_v more_o way_n to_o a_o temporize_a spirit_n than_o to_o acquit_v themselves_o as_o good_a christian_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n by_o which_o the_o conscience_n come_v to_o be_v keep_v void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n and_o all_o this_o as_o with_o respect_n to_o some_o it_o be_v doubt_v for_o fear_v lest_o they_o shall_v be_v term_v sect-master_n by_o such_o as_o in_o this_o gospel-day_n have_v assume_v a_o pretend_a authority_n to_o establish_v outward_a order_n to_o be_v a_o rule_n for_o and_o bond_n upon_o the_o child_n of_o light_a to_o walk_v by_o without_o any_o exception_n thereby_o to_o avoid_v oppress_v a_o tender_a conscience_n but_o this_o be_v far_o wide_a of_o that_o zeal_n which_o accompany_v the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o his_o convert_v state_n who_o be_v term_v a_o ringleader_n of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nazerenes_n by_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n that_o will_v have_v judge_v he_o according_a to_o their_o law_n which_o undoubted_o will_v then_o have_v inflict_v severe_a punishment_n on_o he_o which_o be_v due_o consider_v we_o may_v well_o say_v it_o be_v far_o wide_a of_o paul_n zeal_n to_o fear_v under_o this_o gospel-day_n the_o title_n of_o a_o sect-master_n on_o the_o score_n of_o refuse_v outward_a conformity_n to_o outward_a rule_n and_o order_n relate_v to_o the_o conscience_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o gospel-order_n establish_v among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n not_o only_o because_o they_o have_v no_o law_n whereby_o corporal_o to_o punish_v but_o also_o because_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n either_o from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o
birth_n from_o run_v into_o duty_n catch_v of_o open_n and_o lay_v hold_n of_o promise_n and_o to_o feel_v the_o heir_n bear_v of_o the_o immortal_a seed_n to_o who_o all_o belong_v and_o the_o other_o birth_n never_o afterward_o get_v up_o above_o he_o but_o be_v subdue_v and_o bring_v into_o subjection_n again_o say_v the_o apostle_n take_v heed_n of_o do_v any_o thing_n doubt_o be_v not_o forward_a be_v not_o hasty_a wait_v for_o the_o lead_n wait_v for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v sure_o thou_o receive_v what_o thou_o receive_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o practise_v what_o thou_o practise_v in_o the_o faith_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n be_v a_o error_n from_o the_o principle_n of_o life_n which_o be_v to_o guide_v and_o thereby_o thou_o lose_v ground_n and_o dishonour_v christ_n and_o come_v under_o condemnation_n and_o so_o the_o apostle_n warn_v believer_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o draw_v one_o another_o on_o too_o fast_o or_o of_o judge_v one_o another_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o some_o of_o they_o may_v have_v light_a in_o other_o not_z he_o that_o eat_v not_o to_o judge_v he_o that_o do_v not_o eat_v and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o eat_v not_o to_o judge_v he_o that_o do_v eat_v yea_o in_o matter_n of_o worship_n he_o that_o observe_v a_o day_n and_o keep_v a_o sabbath_n not_o to_o judge_v he_o that_o observe_v not_o a_o day_n or_o keep_v not_o a_o sabbath_n for_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v true_o convert_v yet_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v draw_v off_o from_o the_o observation_n of_o their_o sabbath_n and_o can_v hardly_o bear_v with_o the_o believe_a gentile_n who_o be_v never_o teach_v to_o keep_v their_o sabbath_n with_o they_o but_o be_v teach_v to_o esteem_v every_o day_n and_o sanctify_v it_o to_o the_o lord_n rom._n 14.5_o and_o those_o who_o esteem_v every_o day_n and_o dedicate_v it_o to_o the_o lord_n cease_v from_o sin_n and_o rest_v to_o he_o for_o under_o the_o gospel_n we_o be_v not_o to_o set_v up_o a_o new_a type_n but_o to_o enter_v by_o faith_n into_o the_o true_a rest_n which_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o the_o other_o signify_v can_v hardly_o bear_v with_o they_o who_o observe_v a_o day_n even_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n christian_n be_v too_o apt_a to_o strive_v after_o a_o wrong_a unity_n and_o uniformity_n in_o outward_a practice_n and_o observation_n and_o to_o judge_v one_o another_o unrighteous_o in_o those_o thing_n and_o mark_v it_o be_v not_o the_o different_a practice_n from_o one_o another_o that_o break_v the_o peace_n and_o the_o unity_n but_o the_o judge_n of_o one_o another_o because_o of_o different_a practice_n he_o that_o keep_v not_o a_o day_n may_v unite_v in_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o the_o same_o life_n in_o the_o same_o love_n with_o he_o that_o keep_v a_o day_n and_o he_o who_o keep_v a_o day_n may_v unite_v in_o heart_n and_o soul_n with_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o life_n in_o he_o who_o keep_v not_o a_o day_n but_o he_o that_o judge_v the_o other_o because_o of_o either_o of_o these_o err_v from_o the_o spirit_n from_o the_o love_n from_o the_o life_n and_o so_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o unity_n and_o he_o that_o draw_v another_o to_o any_o practice_n before_o the_o life_n in_o his_o own_o particular_a lead_v he_o do_v as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o destroy_v the_o soul_n of_o that_o person_n verse_n 15._o this_o be_v the_o apostle_n rule_n for_o every_o one_o to_o perform_v single_o to_o the_o lord_n what_o he_o do_v and_o not_o for_o one_o to_o meddle_v with_o the_o light_n or_o conscience_n of_o another_o undervalue_v his_o brother_n or_o judge_v he_o because_o his_o light_n and_o practice_n differ_v from_o he_o verse_n 10._o of_o that_o 14_o chap._n but_o every_o one_o to_o keep_v close_o to_o their_o own_o measure_n of_o light_n even_o to_o that_o proportion_n of_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n which_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n have_v bestow_v on_o they_o and_o here_o be_v the_o true_a unity_n in_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o inward_a life_n and_o not_o in_o a_o outward_a uniformity_n that_o be_v not_o necessary_a in_o the_o apostle_n day_n nor_o be_v it_o necessary_a now_o and_o that_o eye_n which_o so_o dote_v upon_o it_o overlook_v the_o one_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a man_n keep_v close_o to_o god_n the_o lord_n will_v lead_v they_o on_o fast_o enough_o and_o give_v they_o light_v fast_o enough_o for_o he_o take_v care_n of_o such_o and_o know_v what_o light_n and_o what_o practice_n be_v most_o proper_a for_o they_o but_o for_o man_n to_o walk_v on_o fast_a than_o the_o lord_n hold_v forth_o light_a to_o they_o this_o overturn_v they_o raise_v up_o a_o wrong_a thing_n in_o they_o and_o the_o true_a birth_n hereby_o come_v to_o suffer_v to_o shrink_v and_o be_v drive_v back_o and_o oh_o how_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a be_v it_o to_o the_o true_o spiritual_a eye_n to_o see_v several_a sort_n of_o believer_n several_a form_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n every_o one_o learning_n their_o own_o lesson_n perform_v their_o own_o peculiar_a service_n and_o know_v own_v and_o love_v one_o another_o in_o their_o several_a place_n and_o different_a performance_n to_o their_o master_n to_o who_o they_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n and_o not_o to_o quarrel_v with_o one_o another_o about_o their_o different_a practice_n rom._n 14.4_o for_o this_o be_v the_o true_a ground_n of_o love_n and_o unity_n not_o that_o such_o a_o man_n walk_v and_o do_v just_a as_o i_o do_v but_o because_o i_o feel_v the_o same_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o he_o and_o in_o that_o he_o walk_v in_o his_o rank_n in_o his_o own_o order_n in_o his_o proper_a way_n and_o place_n of_o subjection_n to_o that_o and_o this_o be_v far_o more_o please_a to_o i_o than_o if_o he_o walk_v just_a in_o that_o tract_n wherein_o i_o walk_v nay_o so_o far_o as_o i_o be_o spiritual_a i_o can_v so_o much_o as_o desire_v that_o he_o shall_v do_v so_o until_o he_o be_v particular_o lead_v thereto_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o lead_v i_o and_o he_o that_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o receive_v any_o truth_n from_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o be_v lead_v into_o practice_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o how_o prone_a the_o fleshly_a man_n be_v to_o make_v haste_n and_o how_o dangerous_a that_o haste_n be_v will_v not_o be_v forward_o to_o press_v his_o knowledge_n or_o practice_n upon_o other_o but_o rather_o wait_v patient_o till_o the_o lord_n fit_v they_o for_o the_o receive_n thereof_o and_o fear_v lest_o they_o shall_v receive_v and_o practice_v too_o soon_o even_o in_o that_o part_n which_o can_v serve_v the_o lord_n and_o this_o i_o can_v true_o say_v concern_v myself_o i_o never_o find_v my_o spirit_n forward_o to_o draw_v any_o either_o to_o any_o thing_n i_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a or_o to_o any_o practice_n or_o way_n of_o worship_n i_o observe_v or_o walk_v in_o but_o desire_v that_o the_o power_n and_o leading_n of_o life_n may_v go_v before_o they_o and_o be_v afraid_a lest_o man_n shall_v receive_v thing_n from_o my_o hand_n and_o not_o from_o the_o lord_n yea_o and_o this_o i_o very_o well_o remember_v that_o when_o i_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o independency_n as_o it_o have_v be_v common_o call_v i_o have_v more_o unity_n with_o more_o love_n towards_o such_o as_o be_v single-hearted_n in_o other_o way_n and_o practice_n of_o worship_n who_o spirit_n i_o have_v some_o feel_n of_o in_o the_o true_a simplicity_n and_o in_o the_o life_n than_o with_o divers_a of_o such_o who_o be_v very_o know_v and_o zealous_a in_o that_o way_n of_o independency_n in_o who_o a_o wrong_a thing_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n have_v get_v up_o which_o have_v cause_v they_o to_o swerve_v from_o the_o life_n and_o from_o the_o simplicity_n so_o that_o the_o true_a church_n government_n be_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o over_o the_o conscience_n as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n the_o great_a care_n must_v be_v to_o keep_v it_o within_o its_o bound_n that_o nothing_o else_o govern_v but_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o the_o government_n be_v extend_v only_o unto_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v first_o care_n must_v be_v have_v that_o nothing_o govern_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n that_o nothing_o else_o teach_v nothing_o else_o exhort_v nothing_o else_o admonish_v and_o reprove_v nothing_o else_o cut_v off_o and_o cast_v out_o every_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o watch_v over_o his_o own_o spirit_n that_o it_o intrude_v not_o into_o the_o work_n of_o god_n that_o it_o take_v not_o upon_o it_o to_o be_v the_o teacher_n the_o exhorte_a the_o reprover_n etc._n etc._n and_o
part_n p._n 7_o 8._o see_v also_o the_o 3_o d._n part_n p._n 7_o 8._o the_o general-assemble_o of_o the_o cburch_n of_o the_o first-born_a 3_o d._n part_n p._n 74_o 78._o member_n of_o christ_n body_n not_o certain_o describable_a by_o outward_a mark_n and_o token_n outward_a order_n insufficient_a for_o their_o conservation_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 57_o 58._o no_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n one_o more_o than_o another_o be_v exempt_v from_o be_v liable_a to_o err_v pag._n 75_o 76_o 77_o 78._o n_n  _fw-fr o_fw-fr obedience_n what_o kind_n of_o obedience_n find_v acceptance_n &_o what_o not_o 3_o d._n part_n p._n 26_o 33._o see_v church-government_n though_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n make_v many_o righteous_a yet_o it_o be_v no_o proof_n that_o any_o be_v or_o can_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o that_o righteousness_n while_o sin_n reign_v in_o the_o mortal_a body_n 2_o d._n part_n p._n 67_o 68_o opposer_n from_o a_o objection_n raise_v occasion_n be_v take_v to_o show_v the_o difference_n between_o we_o and_o our_o opposer_n though_o our_o language_n relate_v to_o principle_n and_o practice_n in_o some_o thing_n agree_v 1_o st_o part_n p._n 30_o 31._o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o can_v be_v establish_v by_o man_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 25._o outward_a order_n the_o establisher_n thereof_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o christ_n government_n invader_n of_o christ_n prerogative_n 1_o st_o part_n p._n 4._o reason_n give_v why_o they_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o be_v account_v a_o part_n of_o christ_n government_n 3_o d._n prt_n p._n 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 11_o 23_o 24._o see_v 1_o st_o part_n p_o 6_o 7_o 8._o see_v church-government_n p_o perfection_n every_o gift_n of_o god_n be_v perfect_a no_o such_o perfect_a state_n attainable_a wherein_o it_o be_v not_o needful_a for_o man_n to_o watch_n 2_o d._n part_n p._n 14._o a_o cessation_n from_o sin_n attainable_a 2_o d._n part_n p._n 14_o 15_o 16_o 19_o 20._o persecution_n a_o objection_n touch_v secure_v outward_a estate_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n christ_n word_n to_o peter_n and_o saul_n action_n of_o save_v agag_n be_v instance_a be_v answer_v 1_o st_o part_n p._n 30_o to_o 36._o plain-language_n on_o what_o ground_n use_v 2_o d._n part_n p._n 34._o power_n of_o decision_n of_o difference_n by_o robert_n barclay_n word_n import_v a_o jurisdiction_n in_o such_o as_o he_o account_v the_o church_n over_o property_n 3._o part_n p._n 35._o observation_n on_o the_o say_a sense_n show_v the_o inconsistency_n thereof_o with_o truth_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 35_o to_o 41._o power_n to_o bound_v and_o loose_v be_v not_o from_o christ_n word_n so_o far_o as_o from_o the_o scripture_n we_o learn_v plead_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o any_o assembly_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o christ_n church_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 66_o 67._o principle_n repute_a by_o robert_n barclay_n the_o bond_n by_o which_o we_o become_v centre_v into_o one_o body_n meaning_n christ_n body_n the_o church_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 54._o his_o assertion_n and_o argument_n refute_v p._n 54_o to_o 59_o the_o like_a he_o say_v touch_v practice_n and_o doctrine_n p._n 54._o professor_n of_o christianity_n how_o they_o come_v to_o disagree_v touch_v some_o religious_a matter_n whenas_o while_o they_o keep_v to_o scripture-language_n they_o agree_v in_o principle_n term_v fundamental_a that_o be_v relative_a to_o the_o matter_n wherein_o they_o differ_v 2_o d._n part_n p._n 69_o 70._o prophet_n raise_v like_o unto_o moses_n be_v christ_n jesus_n and_o no_o other_o be_v own_v by_o we_o like_v unto_o moses_n under_o the_o second_o covenant_n but_o christ_n jesus_n 1_o st_o part_n p._n 10_o 11._o qui_fw-fr  _fw-fr r_o reign_n of_o christ_n be_v by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 4._o robert_n barclay_n a_o answer_n to_o his_o book_n of_o government_n manifest_v erroneous_a doctrine_n hold_v forth_o by_o he_o 3_o d._n part_n p._n 15_o to_o 88_o the_o chief_a matter_n discourse_v of_o in_o the_o say_a answer_n p._n 19_o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o robert_n barclay_n postscript_n to_o the_o say_a book_n by_o way_n of_o epistle_n to_o friend_n wherein_o he_o affirm_v that_o he_o never_o find_v occasion_n to_o repent_v or_o retract_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o matter_n and_o principles_n there_o assert_v by_o he_o and_o further_o also_o that_o though_o the_o thing_n chief_o scruple_v at_o be_v as_o he_o say_v clear_v by_o will_n m._o rogers_n his_o own_o letter_n yet_o that_o all_o may_v be_v satisfy_v by_o have_v they_o from_o his_o own_o hand_n he_o be_v free_a to_o write_v his_o postscript_n william_n rogers_n his_o observation_n adjoin_v to_o the_o say_a postscript_n show_v first_o that_o robert_n barclay_n justify_v his_o book_n second_o that_o the_o pretend_a letter_n of_o william_n rogers_n be_v by_o robert_n barclay_n acknowledge_v to_o contain_v robert_z barclay_n sense_n and_o explication_n of_o the_o matter_n scruple_v in_o his_o book_n three_o that_o his_o postscript_n be_v write_v that_o all_o may_v have_v his_o sense_n of_o the_o matter_n chief_o scruple_v under_o his_o own_o hand_n according_a to_o the_o explication_n give_v in_o william_n rogers_n his_o pretend_a letter_n four_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o the_o explication_n in_o the_o say_a letter_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o his_o book_n nor_o yet_o all_o of_o they_o in_o his_o postscript_n neither_o do_v his_o postscript_n and_o book_n agree_v nor_o yet_o either_o of_o they_o with_o truth_n in_o many_o thing_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 99_o to_o 124._o rule_v see_v church-government_n s_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n see_v kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o justification_n satan_n the_o qualification_n of_o such_o who_o satan_n have_v make_v use_n of_o to_o rend_v and_o divide_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n viz._n such_o as_o have_v zeal_n without_o knowledge_n such_o as_o have_v knowledge_n without_o zeal_n and_o other_o that_o have_v abound_v in_o confidence_n without_o either_o knowledge_n or_o zeal_n 1_o st_o part_n p._n 69_o to_o 78._o schism_n the_o ground_n thereof_o and_o some_o mark_n by_o which_o it_o be_v know_v 3_o d._n part_n p._n 41_o 42._o scripture_n may_v be_v a_o instrument_n through_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o faith_n in_o christ_n may_v be_v attain_v unto_o 2_o d._n part_n p._n 3_o 4._o and_o albeit_o they_o have_v be_v own_v by_o we_o and_o our_o ancient_a friend_n to_o be_v a_o rule_n yet_o we_o have_v not_o own_v they_o to_o be_v the_o infallible_a rule_n but_o instead_o thereof_o the_o spirit_n and_o yet_o they_o have_v be_v of_o late_o strain_v by_o robert_n barclay_n to_o make_v they_o the_o rule_n to_o rule_v over_o our_o brethren_n p._n 48_o 49_o 50_o 51._o see_v church-government_n sentence_n or_o degree_n of_o any_o assembly_n though_o pretend_v themselves_o the_o church_n in_o matter_n relate_v to_o conscience_n no_o bond_n upon_o believer_n without_o inward_a conviction_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 58_o 61_o 62._o see_v believer_n sin_n see_v perfection_n spirit_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o this_o kind_n of_o our_o opposer_n language_n viz._n dark_a leaven_a rend_v divide_v separate_a spirit_n 1_o st_o part_n p._n 6._o spiritual_a matter_n cognizable_a by_o the_o government_n hold_v forth_o by_o robert_n barclay_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 53._o swear_v under_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n not_o lawful_a in_o any_o case_n 2_o d._n part_n 37_o 38_o 39_o submission_n to_o any_o assembly_n that_o in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n may_v be_v term_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o plead_v for_o by_o robert_n barclay_n as_o that_o want_n of_o sight_n shall_v not_o excuse_v be_v guilty_a of_o disobey_v god_n 3_o d._n pare_v p._n 69._o that_o sense_n refute_v his_o perversion_n of_o the_o scripture_n cite_v discover_v 3_o d._n part_n p._n 69_o to_o 80._o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o night_n before_o he_o be_v betray_v p._n 51._o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n at_o that_o supper_n own_v p._n 51_o 52._o scripture_n repute_v to_o relate_v to_o that_o practice_n explain_v p._n 52_o to_o 61._o t_o testimony_n in_o what_o case_n these_o word_n let_v th'testimony_n of_o friend_n arise_v have_v be_v notorious_o abuse_v 1_o st_o part_n p._n 18_o 19_o tradition_n see_v church-government_n tree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a can_v proper_o be_v a_o comparison_n to_o represent_v knowledge_n that_o be_v devilish_a or_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v evil_a 2_o d._n part_n p._n 28_o 29._o tithe_n no_o gospel-maintenance_n to_o a_o gospel-ministry_n 2_o d._n part_n p._n 40_o to_o 44._o u_o unity_n divers_a thing_n lay_v down_o wherein_o the_o faithful_a be_v at_o unity_n 1_o st_o part_n p._n 2_o 3_o 4._o in_o what_o sense_n the_o apostle_n exhort_v thereto_o 1_o st_o part_n p._n 36_o 37._o inconvenience_n attend_v this_o doctrine_n no_o unity_n but_o in_o conformity_n 1_o st_o part_n p._n 72_o 73._o a_o universal_a establish_v unity_n with_o respect_n to_o faith_n and_o discipline_n relate_v to_o believer_n in_o christ_n by_o outward_a instrument_n be_v inconsi_v with_o gospel-liberty_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 82_o to_o 86._o see_v believer_n the_o mark_n of_o a_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n in_o unity_n with_o the_o body_n be_v a_o inward_a invisible_a mark_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 83_o 84._o w_n war_n not_o lawful_a to_o be_v enter_v into_o by_o we_o to_o work_v our_o own_o deliverance_n from_o under_o oppressive_a law_n and_o magistrate_n 2_o d._n part_n p._n 30_o 31_o 32._o weak_a believer_n may_v be_v receive_v to_o doubtful_a disputation_n by_o assign_v the_o decision_n of_o controversy_n to_o the_o church_n since_o contention_n may_v arise_v who_o or_o where_n they_o be_v 3_o d._n part_n p._n 59_o 60._o wisdom_n from_o above_o and_o that_o which_o be_v not_o from_o above_o be_v describe_v wisdom_n which_o we_o have_v as_o creature_n be_v not_o that_o wisdom_n which_o by_o the_o apostle_n be_v term_v sensual_a and_o devilish_a but_o be_v give_v we_o of_o god_n 2_o d._n part_n p._n 21_o to_o 25._o woman_n have_v receive_v a_o revelation_n to_o utter_v in_o the_o church_n may_v speak_v unruly_a disorderly_a woman_n may_v be_v warn_v to_o be_v silent_a even_o as_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n so_o to_o be_v in_o the_o church_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 52._o work_n what_o sort_n be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o what_o not_o work_v speak_v of_o by_o the_o apostle_n james_n be_v the_o same_o sort_n of_o work_n speak_v of_o by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n 2_o d._n part_n p._n 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o write_n for_o public_a view_n by_o who_o approve_v or_o else_o not_o to_o be_v print_v 3_o d._n part_n p._n 29_o 30_o reason_n against_o the_o method_n of_o such_o approbation_n and_o limitation_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 29_o 30_o 31_o 32._o x_o  _fw-fr y_fw-fr  _fw-fr z_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n some_o part_n of_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o describe_v 1_o st_o part_n pag._n 70_o 71_o 72_o 73._o zeal_n according_a to_o knowledge_n accept_v by_o god_n 1_o st_o part_n p._n 70._o a_o part_n of_o the_o qualification_n of_o such_o as_o be_v endue_v with_o it_o 1_o st_o part_n p._n 77._o the_o postscript_n follow_v the_o preface_n be_v add_v to_o clear_v the_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o myself_o from_o this_o pretend_a argument_n against_o my_o print_n viz._n that_o i_o come_v up_o to_o london_n to_o read_v a_o charge_n behind_o george_n fox_n be_v back_o and_o that_o though_o i_o pretend_v a_o readiness_n to_o meet_v he_o i_o have_v no_o desire_n thereto_o which_o give_v i_o occasion_n to_o lay_v down_o several_a observation_n and_o reason_n invalidate_v the_o pretend_a argument_n together_o with_o a_o letter_n write_v by_o i_o to_o james_n claypoole_n and_o three_o other_o friend_n in_o london_n to_o cover_v a_o remonstrance_n to_o the_o friend_n of_o london_n all_o on_o purpose_n that_o they_o may_v use_v their_o interest_n to_o cause_n george_n fox_n to_o submit_v to_o a_o hear_v that_o so_o if_o possible_a some_o expedient_a may_v have_v be_v find_v to_o satisfy_v my_o conscience_n otherwise_o than_o by_o print_v which_o i_o acquaint_v they_o of_o as_o well_o as_o george_n fox_n and_o that_o i_o intend_v to_o proceed_v therein_o unless_o so_o much_o notice_n shall_v be_v take_v of_o my_o call_n for_o justice_n against_o the_o reproachful_a action_n and_o trespass_n of_o george_n fox_n as_o that_o he_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o hear_v before_o friend_n to_o the_o end_n that_o if_o guilty_a he_o may_v give_v satisfaction_n if_o not_o he_o may_v be_v quit_v there_o be_v also_o signify_v in_o the_o say_a postscript_n several_a thing_n which_o be_v clear_a evidence_n that_o george_n fox_n will_v not_o assent_v to_o any_o meeting_n for_o the_o aforesaid_a end_n which_o come_v to_o my_o knowledge_n i_o be_v then_o free_a of_o all_o concern_v to_o solicit_v he_o more_o either_o by_o word_n or_o write_n for_o a_o meeting_n and_o have_v no_o further_a bond_n upon_o i_o to_o forbear_v proceed_v to_o print_v as_o expeditious_a as_o i_o can_v william_n rogers_n
the_o christian-quaker_n distinguish_v from_o the_o apostate_n &_o innovator_n in_o five_o part_n wherein_o religious_a differnce_n among_o the_o people_n term_v in_o derision_n quaker_n be_v treat_v on_o george_z fox_n one_o at_o least_o if_o not_o the_o chief_a repute_v author_n thereof_o be_v detect_v doctrine_n of_o truth_n own_v by_o the_o child_n of_o light_n and_o clear_v from_o objection_n be_v lay_v down_o according_a to_o holy_a scripture_n and_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o william_n rogers_n on_o behalf_n of_o himself_o and_o other_o friend_n in_o truth_n concern_v eccles_n 2.9_o there_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n under_o the_o sun_n gal._n 2.11_o but_o when_o peter_n be_v come_v to_o antioch_n i_o withstand_v he_o to_o the_o face_n because_o he_o be_v to_o be_v blame_v london_n print_v in_o the_o year_n 1680._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n it_o be_v the_o say_v of_o christ_n as_o i_o hear_v i_o judge_v i_o hope_v that_o christ_n example_n in_o that_o case_n will_v be_v such_o a_o bond_n on_o every_o one_o that_o may_v concern_v themselves_o touch_v this_o treatise_n as_o that_o i_o may_v have_v no_o just_a occasion_n to_o reflect_v on_o any_o christian-professor_n even_o as_o nicodemus_n a_o pharisee_n once_o do_v on_o those_o of_o his_o own_o sect_n joh._n 7.51_o do_v our_o law_n judge_v any_o man_n before_o it_o hear_v he_o in_o confidence_n that_o this_o treatise_n may_v meet_v with_o so_o much_o justice_n at_o least_o from_o true_a if_o not_o from_o all_o pretend_a friend_n it_o be_v now_o bring_v to_o light_n and_o though_o some_o among_o the_o people_n term_v in_o derision_n quaker_n appear_v to_o stand_v as_o neuter_n in_o the_o present_a controversy_n among_o they_o not_o know_v the_o christian_n and_o orderly_o proceed_v of_o other_o may_v conclude_v that_o it_o be_v a_o untimely_a birth_n yet_o let_v such_o know_v that_o the_o moderation_n of_o those_o who_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o publication_n hereof_o have_v for_o many_o 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bring_v a_o death_n upon_o the_o good_a name_n and_o reputation_n of_o the_o true_a christian-quaker_n without_o give_v opportunity_n to_o know_v whether_o they_o pretend_v to_o accuse_v of_o matter_n of_o evil_a fact_n or_o no._n these_o thing_n consider_v put_v i_o in_o mind_n to_o note_v that_o one_o great_a part_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o controversy_n be_v touch_v john_n story_n who_o in_o public_a meeting_n for_o worship_n have_v in_o my_o hear_n be_v accuse_v for_o a_o false_a prophet_n and_o when_o the_o accuser_n have_v be_v desire_v to_o prove_v he_o so_o the_o answer_n have_v be_v he_o be_v of_o a_o divide_v spirit_n and_o therefore_o a_o false_a prophet_n but_o when_o in_o answer_n it_o have_v be_v say_v as_o of_o late_o it_o have_v bring_v forth_o and_o prove_v matter_n of_o evil_a fact_n or_o false_a doctrine_n against_o he_o and_o we_o will_v disow_v he_o then_o nothing_o of_o that_o nature_n have_v be_v bring_v forth_o much_o less_o prove_v against_o he_o which_o 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for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o no_o way_n doubt_v but_o that_o this_o sort_n of_o argumentation_n have_v become_v a_o defence_n and_o cover_v for_o false_a certificate_n lie_n and_o slanderous_a accusation_n whereby_o some_o have_v be_v proselyte_v to_o oppose_v the_o truth_n itself_o oh_o great_a abomination_n if_o live_v well_o and_o hold_v forth_o nothing_o but_o sound_a doctrine_n shall_v not_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o measure_v line_n of_o christ_n what_o defence_n can_v there_o be_v against_o a_o slanderous_a tongue_n and_o if_o evil_a practice_n and_o unsound_a doctrine_n pretend_v to_o be_v publish_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n shall_v admit_v of_o this_o cover_n he_o be_v notwithstanding_o of_o a_o good_a spirit_n a_o little_a religion_n and_o common_a sense_n will_v give_v a_o understanding_n of_o what_o absurdity_n and_o gross_a darkness_n may_v be_v introduce_v under_o those_o notion_n it_o be_v then_o easy_o to_o be_v discern_v that_o if_o the_o envy_n of_o a_o proud_a man_n 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of_o the_o eternal_a god_n who_o be_v with_o the_o father_n before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v lay_v be_v become_v the_o horn_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o have_v bring_v immortality_n to_o light_n in_o they_o and_o reveal_v that_o teacher_n that_o can_v never_o be_v move_v into_o a_o corner_n and_o therefore_o these_o can_v depend_v any_o long_o on_o the_o teach_n of_o man_n nor_o yet_o on_o outward_a canonical_a article_n creed_n directory_n or_o church-faith_n prescribe_v by_o man_n but_o on_o the_o teach_n of_o christ_n alone_o by_o his_o light_n and_o spiritual_a appearance_n in_o themselves_o to_o lead_v and_o guide_v unto_o the_o father_n of_o life_n the_o sound_n of_o this_o alarm_n as_o many_o can_v yet_o witness_v become_v a_o joyful_a sound_n to_o that_o soul_n which_o be_v hunger_a after_o the_o lord_n though_o pierce_v as_o a_o dart_n through_o the_o liver_n to_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n so_o that_o astonishment_n and_o amazement_n seem_v to_o take_v 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own_o that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o every_o one_o be_v own_o measure_n of_o christ_n light_n or_o grace_n of_o god_n received_n which_o the_o apostle_n say_v be_v sufficient_a with_o this_o secret_a breathe_n of_o spirit_n unto_o the_o god_n of_o our_o life_n that_o all_o may_v be_v thereto_o retire_v for_o if_o that_o counsel_n may_v but_o take_v place_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o there_o can_v then_o be_v no_o room_n for_o any_o to_o impose_v or_o press_v the_o observation_n of_o other_o man_n line_n upon_o any_o which_o no_o doubt_n be_v one_o great_a occasion_n of_o the_o religious_a difference_n treat_v on_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o it_o will_v mould_v all_o who_o retain_v the_o name_n of_o christianity_n into_o the_o very_a nature_n thereof_o and_o so_o consequent_o a_o reconciliation_n in_o the_o everlasting_a truth_n may_v quick_o ensue_v for_o if_o that_o door_n be_v but_o once_o shut_v through_o which_o variance_n and_o disunion_n enter_v there_o may_v then_o arise_v a_o hope_n of_o cessation_n to_o such_o contention_n and_o strife_n as_o be_v out_o of_o the_o truth_n but_o if_o not_o i_o may_v then_o say_v how_o can_v the_o effect_n cease_v whilst_o the_o cause_n remain_v i_o well_o remember_v and_o many_o with_o i_o that_o while_o friend_n keep_v to_o their_o own_o and_o concern_v not_o themselves_o to_o promote_v a_o zealous_a observation_n of_o other_o man_n line_n make_v ready_a to_o their_o hand_n we_o then_o hear_v not_o of_o so_o much_o contention_n strife_n and_o debate_n both_o public_a and_o private_a as_o of_o late_a year_n have_v be_v but_o since_o the_o promotion_n thereof_o confusion_n disorder_n emulation_n malice_n and_o envy_n have_v be_v its_o offspring_n which_o have_v be_v manifest_v by_o public_a unjust_a revile_n against_o some_o when_o zealous_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n and_o though_o these_o be_v of_o that_o number_n that_o prefer_v obedience_n to_o their_o own_o measure_n of_o grace_n receive_v before_o 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many_o year_n decease_v be_v honourable_o speak_v of_o by_o some_o if_o not_o by_o all_o of_o both_o party_n of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n at_o variance_n one_o that_o have_v the_o trumpet_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o sound_v and_o have_v therewith_o sound_v as_o a_o son_n of_o thunder_n as_o well_o as_o of_o consolation_n many_o alarm_n unto_o the_o nation_n i_o shall_v conclude_v with_o the_o citation_n of_o a_o part_n of_o a_o epistle_n write_v by_o he_o in_o the_o year_n 1658._o to_o the_o friend_n of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n and_o so_o leave_v the_o consideration_n thereof_o to_o the_o impartial_a reader_n to_o savour_v whether_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o counsel_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o know_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o ourselves_o to_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o our_o action_n and_o if_o so_o then_o to_o practice_v from_o other_o man_n line_n without_o a_o inward_a conviction_n by_o the_o spirit_n in_o ourselves_o can_v be_v no_o more_o accept_v as_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o than_o the_o offering_n of_o the_o halt_n and_o the_o blind_a for_o a_o sacrifice_n under_o the_o first_o covenant_n be_v here_o follow_v the_o citation_n out_o of_o edward_n burrough_n aforesaid_a epistle_n yea_o it_o be_v peace_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o gladness_n to_o the_o heart_n and_o refreshment_n to_o the_o life_n to_o feel_v and_o witness_v the_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o father_n lead_v into_o all_o truth_n and_o preserve_v out_o of_o all_o transgression_n wherefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o all_o let_v this_o be_v your_o whole_a desire_n and_o the_o full_a practice_n in_o your_o life_n and_o then_o shall_v the_o countenance_n of_o the_o lord_n shine_v upon_o you_o and_o his_o face_n shall_v make_v you_o glad_a if_o in_o all_o thing_n you_o look_v unto_o
person_n dictator_n thereof_o we_o write_v unto_o thou_o desire_v thou_o to_o acquaint_v we_o if_o thou_o can_v who_o it_o be_v that_o write_v such_o a_o letter_n or_o a_o letter_n to_o the_o like_a import_n and_o whether_o thou_o do_v know_v of_o any_o thing_n act_v by_o we_o or_o either_o of_o we_o according_a as_o in_o the_o say_a copy_n be_v mention_v tell_v thou_o also_o that_o truth_n seek_v no_o corner_n but_o notwithstanding_o the_o aforementiove_v four_o letter_n on_o the_o aforesaid_a occasion_n yet_o nothing_o be_v come_v to_o this_o day_n to_o either_o of_o our_o hand_n as_o answer_v from_o thou_o so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v which_o consider_v how_o forward_o thou_o have_v be_v in_o other_o case_n to_o answer_v in_o thy_o vindication_n it_o be_v to_o i_o a_o demonstration_n that_o thy_o gild_n be_v such_o as_o that_o no_o answer_n in_o truth_n can_v render_v thou_o a_o innocent_a man._n this_o be_v not_o all_o the_o abuse_n which_o thou_o have_v offer_v to_o i_o as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n itself_o but_o thou_o have_v far_o and_o that_o at_o a_o large_a rate_n too_o persist_v by_o thy_o lie_n slander_n etc._n etc._n to_o gainsay_v the_o truth_n as_o i_o have_v sufficient_o manifest_v in_o my_o rejoinder_n which_o thou_o have_v not_o yet_o answer_v so_o far_o as_o ever_o i_o understand_v to_o thy_o reply_n and_o john_n blacking_n postscript_n which_o be_v write_v in_o answer_n to_o what_o i_o write_v unto_o thou_o date_v the_o 20_o of_o the_o seven_o month_n ground_v on_o thy_o send_v query_n to_o be_v read_v in_o our_o man_n meeting_n in_o bristol_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o thy_o agent_n have_v be_v very_o busy_a to_o publish_v thy_o foresay_a reply_n into_o divers_a part_n of_o the_o nation_n to_o the_o corrupt_a the_o mind_n of_o many_o who_o give_v credit_n thereto_o all_o which_o be_v in_o much_o seriousness_n of_o spirit_n weigh_v by_o i_o increase_v the_o concern_v of_o conscience_n on_o i_o to_o wipe_v away_o thy_o refuge_n of_o lie_n by_o detect_v thou_o in_o print_n if_o by_o any_o reasonable_a mean_n the_o door_n may_v be_v open_a so_o to_o do_v for_o thy_o manifold_a abuse_n of_o i_o unless_o some_o other_o expedient_a agreeable_a to_o the_o truth_n may_v be_v find_v to_o satisfy_v my_o conscience_n touch_v which_o i_o hope_v i_o shall_v forever_o have_v a_o ear_n open_a to_o any_o one_o that_o may_v speak_v unto_o i_o in_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o thus_o i_o be_o concern_v the_o more_o for_o that_o i_o have_v be_v by_o several_a friend_n from_o divers_a country_n and_o place_n call_v upon_o to_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o myself_o against_o thy_o reproach_n however_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o i_o may_v yet_o forbear_v to_o print_v against_o thou_o if_o per_fw-la the_o next_o post_n after_o thy_o receipt_n hereof_o thou_o give_v i_o that_o satisfaction_n as_o be_v propose_v in_o i_o above_o cite_v of_o the_o 11_o of_o the_o 11_o mounth_n 1678._o and_o acknowledge_v the_o error_n lie_n slander_n and_o forgery_n etc._n etc._n whereof_o i_o have_v detect_v thou_o in_o my_o aforesaid_a rejoynder_n send_v unto_o thou_o several_a month_n past_a with_o direction_n that_o it_o may_v be_v read_v among_o friend_n as_o public_o as_o thy_o false_a scandal_n have_v extend_v or_o otherwise_o if_o thou_o shall_v pretend_v that_o thou_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o be_v guilty_a of_o lie_z etc._n etc._n if_o thou_o furnish_v i_o before_o the_o general_n meet_v with_o such_o a_o number_n of_o fair_a copy_n in_o manuscript_n of_o my_o rejoynder_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o inform_v all_o such_o of_o the_o truth_n as_o have_v be_v misinform_v by_o thy_o fallacious_a reply_n and_o give_v thy_o direction_n that_o it_o may_v be_v read_v in_o the_o general_n and_o other_o man_n meeting_n it_o may_v be_v for_o aught_o i_o yet_o know_v a_o consideration_n to_o i_o to_o forbear_v for_o my_o desire_n be_v not_o to_o discover_v thy_o error_n and_o evil_a practice_n further_o than_o among_o those_o who_o profess_v the_o truth_n if_o by_o any_o mean_v possible_a i_o can_v and_o yet_o so_o clear_a my_o conscience_n as_o that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o proper_a looking-glass_n to_o behold_v thou_o in_o as_o thou_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v see_v if_o thou_o condescende_v to_o what_o be_v last_o propose_v it_o may_v also_o be_v ground_n of_o hope_n that_o thou_o will_v condescend_v to_o give_v satisfaction_n for_o other_o thy_o miscarriage_n and_o of_o this_o i_o desire_v to_o hear_v from_o thou_o by_o a_o letter_n to_o be_v direct_v to_o james_n claypoole_n under_o thy_o cover_n desire_v he_o to_o send_v it_o unto_o i_o if_o thou_o answer_v not_o my_o request_n i_o then_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o inform_v thou_o that_o myself_o and_o other_o may_v then_o have_v no_o ground_n of_o hope_n that_o thou_o will_v give_v we_o satisfaction_n for_o other_o thy_o offence_n commit_v against_o thy_o brethren_n to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n which_o the_o friend_n thereof_o profess_v and_o so_o my_o concern_v will_v then_o be_v not_o only_o to_o detect_v thou_o for_o such_o thy_o error_n and_o evil_a practice_n which_o thou_o have_v occasional_o commit_v with_o respect_n to_o i_o but_o forasmuch_o as_o i_o be_o full_o satisfy_v in_o my_o conscience_n on_o such_o ground_n as_o i_o think_v not_o myself_o oblige_v to_o reiterate_v that_o thou_o have_v be_v one_o chief_a instrument_n or_o at_o least_o a_o abetter_n of_o such_o as_o have_v whereby_o note_v this_o letter_n be_v intend_v to_o be_v spread_v abroad_o among_o friend_n and_o the_o reason_n wherefore_o i_o insert_v these_o general_a reflection_n without_o particular_a evidence_n be_v chief_o to_o become_v a_o remembrance_n unto_o friend_n that_o they_o may_v consider_v whether_o they_o have_v not_o be_v witness_n that_o my_o sense_n be_v true_a for_o i_o know_v there_o be_v many_o among_o we_o who_o if_o occasion_n require_v be_v ready_a to_o give_v the_o like_a testimony_n i_o certain_o know_v the_o particular_a evidence_n hereof_o producible_a be_v so_o many_o as_o may_v fill_v a_o large_a volume_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n also_o improper_a on_o this_o occasion_n a_o bite_a and_o devour_a spirit_n be_v enter_v some_o among_o the_o flock_n and_o that_o heap_n of_o unsound_a and_o airy_a teacher_n that_o appear_v among_o we_o as_o if_o they_o be_v send_v to_o call_v for_o fire_n from_o heaven_n receive_v life_n from_o thou_o and_o thereby_o be_v embolden_v to_o entertain_v the_o congregation_n with_o empty_a and_o idle_a vain_a discourse_n to_o the_o obstruct_n of_o such_o as_o i_o firm_o believe_v have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o deliver_v in_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o power_n and_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o my_o concern_v have_v be_v to_o treat_v on_o several_a particular_n which_o have_v be_v as_o so_o many_o several_a step_n by_o which_o division_n have_v ascend_v to_o the_o height_n they_o now_o be_v at_o to_o send_v the_o copy_n thereof_o be_v unreasonable_a because_o thou_o may_v when_o i_o have_v so_o do_v take_v no_o more_o notice_n thereof_o than_o thou_o have_v of_o the_o four_o forementioned_a letter_n however_o lest_o thou_o shall_v now_o imagine_v that_o i_o will_v act_v against_o thou_o in_o a_o secret_a underly_a way_n and_o to_o prevent_v thou_o from_o run_v into_o further_a error_n by_o such_o evil_a suggestion_n from_o thy_o imagination_n as_o heretofore_o with_o relation_n to_o i_o thou_o have_v do_v i_o think_v meet_v to_o signify_v unto_o thou_o the_o matter_n whereon_o i_o have_v treat_v in_o that_o manuscript_n prepare_v by_o i_o for_o the_o press_n unless_o my_o conscience_n can_v be_v otherwise_o satisfy_v in_o relation_n to_o thou_o wherein_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o to_o every_o impartial_a reader_n there_o will_v appear_v matter_n whereby_o thou_o will_v be_v manifest_v guilty_a of_o many_o evil_a practice_n and_o error_n for_o which_o thou_o ought_v to_o give_v satisfaction_n both_o to_o particular_a person_n who_o thou_o have_v wrong_v as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o general_n in_o the_o say_a manuscript_n i_o treat_v on_o the_o seven_o query_n send_v unto_o john_n wilkinson_n the_o sixteen_o query_n send_v unto_o john_n story_n make_v observation_n on_o proceed_n thereon_o and_o which_o have_v relation_n thereto_o i_o also_o take_v notice_n of_o two_o of_o thy_o letter_n to_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n and_o of_o several_a of_o i_o to_o thou_o and_o of_o john_n story_n be_v letter_n to_o the_o two_o meeting_n in_o the_o north_n the_o dissatisfaction_n relate_v to_o thou_o at_o bristol_n thy_o query_n read_v at_o bristol_n and_o other_o thing_n relate_v thereto_o i_o now_o come_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o john_n blaickle_v in_o his_o postscript_n to_o
and_o that_o william_n mead_n desire_v nicholas_n lucas_n that_o it_o may_v be_v intimate_v to_o i_o that_o now_o george_n fox_n will_v give_v i_o a_o meeting_n which_o i_o do_v understand_v or_o at_o least_o suppose_v be_v urge_v as_o a_o argument_n that_o i_o ought_v thereupon_o to_o forbear_v print_v which_o occasion_v i_o immediate_o on_o receipt_n thereof_o to_o take_v care_n that_o my_o mind_n may_v be_v communicate_v unto_o nicholas_n lucas_n of_o hartford_n who_o thereupon_o as_o i_o be_o advise_v acquaint_v william_n mead_n that_o their_o desire_n meaning_n that_o i_o will_v give_v george_n fox_n a_o meeting_n be_v accept_v by_o i_o provide_v that_o george_n fox_n will_v give_v it_o under_o his_o hand_n mean_v thereby_o to_o meet_v i_o to_o which_o william_n mead_n say_v he_o will_v speak_v to_o george_n fox_n about_o it_o and_o afterward_o the_o say_a william_n mead_n tell_v nicholas_n lucas_n he_o have_v speak_v with_o g._n f._n and_o his_o answer_n be_v he_o will_v not_o give_v it_o under_o his_o hand_n nor_o write_v to_o i_o by_o which_o all_o impartial_a reader_n may_v further_o judge_n whether_o g._n f._n have_v any_o inclination_n at_o all_o to_o give_v i_o a_o meeting_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o matter_n lay_v to_o his_o charge_n nicholas_n lucas_n i_o do_v hereby_o testify_v that_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o additional_a postscript_n so_o far_o as_o relate_v to_o i_o and_o william_n mead_n be_v truth_n bristol_n the_o 10_o of_o november_n 1680._o forasmuch_o as_o it_o have_v of_o late_o be_v frequent_o discourse_v among_o some_o of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n that_o i_o intend_v to_o print_v against_o friend_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o such_o my_o repute_a intention_n have_v be_v make_v use_n of_o as_o a_o argument_n to_o render_v i_o wicked_a and_o thereby_o to_o disaffect_v simplehearted_n well_o mean_v friend_n towards_o myself_o and_o other_o friend_n in_o truth_n it_o be_v now_o become_v my_o further_a concern_v to_o add_v 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sensible_a of_o the_o danger_n in_o run_v beyond_o his_o gift_n and_o be_v so_o puff_v up_o with_o spiritual_a pride_n as_o to_o conclude_v himself_o more_o faithful_a more_o holy_a more_o circumspect_a more_o discern_v than_o his_o brother_n think_v of_o himself_o not_o only_o better_a than_o of_o his_o brother_n but_o in_o other_o thing_n above_o what_o be_v meet_v contrary_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o exhort_v not_o to_o think_v of_o ourselves_o more_o high_o than_o we_o ought_v may_v easy_o run_v himself_o on_o this_o rock_n of_o judge_v those_o who_o the_o lord_n judge_v not_o especial_o if_o such_o a_o one_o give_v himself_o liberty_n to_o judge_n from_o a_o apprehend_v inward_a sense_n ground_v on_o no_o outward_a knowledge_n or_o evidence_n that_o now_o which_o be_v with_o we_o far_o to_o signify_v in_o relation_n to_o this_o matter_n be_v this_o we_o have_v great_a cause_n to_o doubt_v that_o this_o kind_n of_o weakness_n or_o presumption_n have_v be_v 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reason_n and_o the_o wisdom_n by_o which_o mean_v some_o have_v be_v betray_v to_o act_v contrary_a to_o all_o reason_n and_o all_o wisdom_n they_o have_v act_v contrary_a to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o counsel_n which_o be_v to_o shut_v out_o the_o jealousy_n for_o have_v they_o not_o entertain_v unrighteous_a jealousy_n we_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o will_v not_o have_v testify_v against_o such_o as_o have_v approve_v themselves_o unto_o we_o no_o other_o then_o faithful_a minister_n of_o christ_n sound_v in_o doctrine_n and_o as_o blameless_a in_o conversation_n so_o far_o as_o ever_o we_o know_v as_o any_o friend_n and_o thus_o the_o variance_n we_o fear_v be_v but_o too_o likely_a to_o continue_v now_o we_o appeal_v to_o the_o witness_n of_o god_n whether_o this_o kind_n of_o proceed_v be_v not_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o dark_a rend_v spirit_n that_o separate_v from_o the_o truth_n but_o to_o come_v a_o little_a near_o to_o answer_v other_o part_n of_o the_o objection_n 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spiritual_a guide_n and_o teacher_n which_o be_v infailible_n and_o can_v be_v remove_v into_o a_o corner_n with_o confidence_n than_o may_v we_o conclude_v that_o none_o such_o will_n ever_o more_o boast_n of_o the_o possession_n which_o they_o have_v take_v as_o heir_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o respect_n to_o thing_n that_o be_v without_o second_o as_o to_o this_o part_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a objection_n viz._n that_o nothing_o but_o dryness_n deadness_n and_o barrenness_n appear_v in_o those_o who_o be_v oppose_v by_o such_o with_o who_o thou_o be_v at_o unity_n we_o say_v this_o seem_v not_o strange_a unto_o we_o for_o the_o apostle_n thus_o testify_v we_o be_v unto_o god_n a_o sweet_a savour_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o that_o be_v save_v and_o in_o they_o that_o perish_v to_o the_o one_o we_o be_v the_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n and_o to_o the_o other_o the_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o life_n this_o give_v we_o occasion_n to_o put_v every_o one_o that_o have_v or_o 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of_o understanding_n above_o many_o of_o their_o brethren_n and_o have_v and_o yet_o do_v as_o far_o as_o ever_o we_o know_v appear_v sound_n in_o doctrine_n and_o as_o blameless_a in_o life_n and_o conversation_n as_o any_o friend_n we_o have_v ever_o know_v and_o so_o can_v run_v with_o the_o current_n of_o the_o time_n we_o desire_v therefore_o that_o every_o one_o of_o the_o opposer_n of_o or_o judge_n over_o such_o will_v yet_o more_o thorough_o search_v their_o own_o conscience_n and_o in_o a_o godly_a jealousy_n over_o themselves_o put_v these_o query_n unto_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o try_v thing_n in_o the_o equal_a balance_n have_v not_o i_o many_o time_n hear_v unsound_a doctrine_n and_o behold_v disorder_n and_o confusion_n bring_v forth_o even_o in_o public_a meeting_n for_o worship_n by_o those_o who_o cry_v against_o dark_a separate_a spirit_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v a_o reproof_n thereto_o conclude_v notwithstanding_o that_o there_o do_v a_o freshness_n and_o life_n appear_v have_v not_o i_o be_v often_o affect_v with_o a_o outward_a tone_n and_o strength_n of_o lung_n when_o there_o have_v be_v little_a to_o the_o information_n and_o building_n up_o one_o another_o in_o the_o most_o holy_a faith_n have_v not_o i_o be_v better_o content_v to_o hear_v a_o thunder_a kind_n of_o voice_n cry_v out_o against_o a_o separate_a spirit_n though_o without_o distinction_n when_o not_o a_o word_n be_v speak_v to_o show_v the_o way_n to_o the_o kingdom_n than_o to_o hear_v the_o way_n of_o eternal_a life_n plain_o demonstrate_v by_o a_o soft_a and_o moderate_a voice_n we_o know_v there_o be_v great_a cause_n for_o many_o to_o put_v these_o question_n to_o their_o conscience_n and_o to_o be_v cool_a in_o spirit_n that_o so_o they_o may_v have_v a_o answer_n from_o the_o lord_n who_o appearance_n be_v not_o in_o the_o strong_a wind_n but_o in_o the_o still_a voice_n sect_n iv_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o three_o position_n deducible_a from_o a_o objection_n raise_v towards_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o first_o section_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v folly_n and_o hypocrisy_n to_o profess_v ourselves_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o yet_o not_o believe_v thus_o as_o the_o true_a church_n believe_v to_o this_o we_o say_v we_o be_v altogether_o dissatisfy_v especial_o when_o we_o consider_v what_o a_o body_n of_o darkness_n have_v enter_v under_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o position_n we_o must_v believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v among_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n in_o age_n past_a as_o well_o as_o at_o this_o present_a day_n that_o such_o language_n can_v become_v the_o mouth_n or_o pen_n of_o any_o one_o that_o profess_v not_o only_a faith_n in_o christ_n but_o also_o that_o such_o his_o faith_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o inward_a manifestation_n and_o revelation_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o himself_o mark_v we_o say_v in_o himself_o those_o who_o be_v account_v apostate_n christian_n have_v from_o such_o assembly_n which_o they_o call_v their_o church_n set_v forth_o their_o creed_n by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v know_v what_o the_o member_n of_o their_o church_n do_v and_o aught_o to_o believe_v and_o since_o it_o be_v so_o that_o no_o person_n be_v able_a to_o make_v out_o that_o ever_o any_o assembly_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o true_a church_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n have_v publish_v their_o creed_n by_o which_o we_o mean_v a_o certain_a number_n of_o article_n of_o faith_n recommend_v they_o as_o those_o thing_n which_o every_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n ought_v to_o believe_v or_o else_o not_o be_v account_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n we_o can_v account_v it_o unreasonable_a if_o any_o one_o that_o like_v not_o the_o language_n touch_v believe_v as_o the_o true_a church_n believe_v shall_v ask_v the_o publisher_n thereof_o this_o question_n have_v thou_o not_o speak_v this_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n as_o those_o who_o thou_o accounte_v the_o true_a church_n and_o if_o so_o be_v it_o not_o folly_n to_o talk_v of_o believe_v as_o this_o church_n believe_v when_o no_o assembly_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o this_o church_n have_v to_o this_o day_n declare_v and_o publish_v their_o creed_n for_o the_o end_n aforesaid_a nay_o may_v it_o not_o further_o be_v say_v we_o know_v how_o papist_n and_o protestant_n describe_v their_o church_n but_o at_o the_o day_n wherein_o that_o which_o occasion_n this_o present_a discourse_n be_v give_v forth_o it_o be_v not_o discover_v by_o any_o repute_a quaker_n public_o in_o print_n that_o we_o know_v of_o who_o or_o be_v the_o true_a church_n be_v with_o respect_n to_o visible_a person_n more_o than_o what_o be_v to_o this_o effect_n give_v forth_o by_o the_o author_n occasion_v this_o present_a discourse_n viz._n that_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n be_v the_o church_n wherein_o we_o do_v not_o take_v his_o meaning_n to_o be_v that_o all_o call_v quaker_n be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o the_o elect_a among_o they_o for_o he_o also_o say_v the_o church_n signify_v the_o elect_n and_o so_o the_o reader_n be_v leave_v without_o any_o certain_a description_n who_o or_o where_o this_o church_n be_v with_o respect_n to_o visible_a person_n since_o the_o elect_a among_o they_o be_v not_o outward_o describe_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o open_n of_o the_o understanding_n of_o such_o as_o may_v be_v muddle_v about_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v with_o we_o thus_o to_o testify_v it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o reach_v unto_o many_o of_o our_o conscience_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o latter_a day_n that_o have_v dawn_v among_o we_o whereby_o we_o come_v to_o believe_v in_o the_o everlasting_a light_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o as_o other_o hold_v forth_o the_o visible_a order_n and_o write_a faith_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n to_o be_v as_o a_o lantern_n to_o their_o path_n and_o as_o a_o ground_n of_o their_o faith_n so_o this_o light_n of_o christ_n be_v preach_v up_o as_o a_o lantern_n to_o our_o path_n and_o as_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o then_o as_o our_o understanding_n come_v to_o be_v more_o and_o more_o open_v we_o clear_o see_v that_o as_o other_o church_n have_v outward_a mark_n and_o token_n whereby_o a_o man_n may_v manifest_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o their_o church_n when_o receive_v into_o society_n with_o their_o church_n so_o we_o who_o have_v believe_v in_o the_o light_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o have_v the_o evidence_n in_o ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v of_o the_o true_a brotherhood_n and_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n be_v at_o a_o loss_n infallible_o to_o manifest_v unto_o other_o by_o any_o outward_a mark_n or_o token_n that_o we_o be_v in_o
reality_n member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n because_o this_o light_n in_o which_o we_o have_v believe_v do_v reveal_v unto_o we_o that_o those_o who_o be_v but_o in_o the_o gentile_a nature_n and_o have_v come_v no_o further_o than_o the_o outward_a court_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o gentile_n may_v have_v all_o the_o outward_a mark_n and_o sign_n of_o a_o member_n of_o their_o church_n and_o yet_o know_v very_o little_a of_o the_o wash_n by_o the_o water_n of_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n through_o the_o spirit_n which_o every_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n that_o be_v build_v on_o the_o rock_n christ_n come_v to_o be_v witness_n of_o and_o therefore_o when_o our_o opposer_n who_o profess_v not_o the_o truth_n will_v reflect_v upon_o we_o on_o this_o wise_a you_o be_v a_o confuse_a people_n you_o gather_v not_o into_o church-fellowship_n you_o have_v no_o certain_a way_n to_o know_v one_o another_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o we_o have_v and_o why_o do_v you_o not_o put_v forth_o your_o creed_n that_o so_o we_o may_v know_v what_o and_o how_o many_o the_o article_n of_o your_o faith_n be_v and_o what_o you_o stand_v for_o and_o what_o you_o stand_v against_o the_o best_a answer_n that_o ever_o as_o we_o can_v understand_v we_o be_v capable_a to_o give_v in_o truth_n unto_o such_o be_v this_o the_o true_a church_n be_v in_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o have_v believe_v in_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o his_o grace_n unto_o which_o if_o we_o be_v obedient_a according_a to_o the_o respective_a measure_n thereof_o give_v of_o god_n and_o receive_v by_o we_o we_o then_o have_v the_o witness_v of_o god_n in_o our_o conscience_n give_v evidence_n that_o we_o be_v of_o the_o true_a brotherhood_n and_o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v who_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n though_o we_o do_v not_o allege_v any_o outward_a mark_n and_o sign_n whereby_o our_o body_n be_v temple_n wherein_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v dwell_v ought_v to_o be_v account_v within_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o albeit_o no_o outward_a society_n of_o man_n among_o we_o call_v themselves_o the_o church_n have_v put_v forth_o any_o certain_a number_n of_o article_n of_o faith_n with_o this_o testimony_n that_o every_o one_o that_o profess_v himself_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n ought_v so_o to_o believe_v or_o else_o not_o be_v account_v of_o the_o true_a church_n yet_o many_o of_o our_o friend_n unto_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v divine_a understanding_n have_v write_v divers_a book_n according_a as_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v move_v upon_o their_o heart_n out_o of_o which_o the_o sound_a doctrine_n we_o hold_v and_o stand_v for_o may_v be_v collect_v though_o other_o so_o repute_v may_v through_o weakness_n have_v err_v to_o conclude_v as_o to_o this_o particular_a we_o further_o thus_o testify_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v babe_n young_a man_n and_o father_n there_o be_v the_o weak_a and_o the_o strong_a suppose_v a_o weak_a brother_n faith_n differ_v from_o his_o brethren_n must_v he_o be_v account_v a_o fool_n or_o a_o hypocrite_n nay_o nay_o charity_n measure_v not_o so_o we_o find_v this_o very_a case_n happen_v among_o the_o roman_n and_o what_o say_v paul_n in_o that_o case_n read_v rom._n 14.3_o 4_o 22_o 23._o and_o there_o paul_n thus_o advise_v let_v not_o he_o that_o eat_v despise_v he_o that_o eat_v not_o and_o let_v not_o he_o that_o eat_v not_o judge_v he_o which_o eat_v for_o god_n have_v receive_v he_o who_o be_v thou_o that_o condemne_v another_o man_n servant_n to_o his_o own_o master_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v have_v thou_o faith_n have_v it_o to_o thyself_o he_o that_o doubt_v be_v condemn_v if_o he_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n hence_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n differ_v in_o their_o faith_n he_o that_o do_v eat_v be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v because_o he_o be_v receive_v of_o god_n he_o that_o do_v not_o eat_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v judge_v that_o the_o apostle_n condemn_v the_o very_a eat_n while_o there_o be_v a_o doubt_n though_o the_o abstain_v from_o eat_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o weakness_n we_o now_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o every_o impartial_a reader_n in_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n to_o weigh_v and_o consider_v whether_o it_o can_v be_v service_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n at_o this_o day_n for_o any_o person_n under_o the_o name_n of_o quaker_n to_o give_v forth_o this_o doctrine_n it_o be_v folly_n and_o hypocrisy_n to_o profess_v ourselves_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o yet_o not_o believe_v thus_o as_o the_o true_a church_n believe_v though_o the_o giver_n forth_o thereof_o may_v to_o this_o purpose_n also_o declare_v as_o to_o give_v the_o publisher_n thereof_o his_o due_a he_o have_v that_o they_o never_o do_v preach_v up_o such_o a_o position_n as_o a_o great_a argument_n to_o enforce_v people_n into_o their_o faith_n sect_n v._o what_o we_o stand_v for_o viz._n truth_n and_o righteousness_n and_o that_o christ_n government_n may_v be_v exalt_v in_o every_o heart_n under_o which_o we_o be_v instruct_v not_o to_o depend_v on_o man_n but_o on_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n grace_n a_o testimony_n against_o tithe_n and_o for_o meet_v together_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n the_o neglect_n whereof_o may_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o weakness_n or_o disobedience_n the_o government_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o law_n thereof_o be_v inward_a some_o part_n of_o the_o fruit_n bring_v forth_o under_o the_o say_a government_n be_v describe_v a_o objection_n relate_v to_o the_o secure_v any_o part_n of_o a_o man_n estate_n on_o a_o foresight_n of_o a_o praemunire_n or_o fine_n for_o meet_v answer_v have_v thus_o far_o ease_v ourselves_o it_o be_v with_o we_o in_o short_a to_o inform_v the_o reader_n what_o we_o stand_v for_o and_o what_o we_o stand_v against_o that_o so_o the_o understanding_n impartial_a reader_n who_o can_v be_v principled_a to_o shut_v out_o all_o reason_n and_o all_o wisdom_n notwithstanding_o public_a exhortation_n to_o the_o contrary_a as_o if_o wisdom_n and_o reason_n of_o all_o kind_n be_v condemnable_a may_v perceive_v more_o clear_o what_o we_o be_v and_o what_o we_o be_v not_o that_o than_o which_o chief_o we_o stand_v for_o be_v truth_n and_o righteousness_n and_o that_o christ_n government_n may_v be_v exalt_v in_o every_o heart_n which_o may_v be_v branch_v forth_o into_o many_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n but_o forasmuch_o as_o that_o have_v large_o be_v treat_v on_o by_o many_o ancient_a &_o honourable_a friend_n to_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n who_o be_v instrument_n in_o god_n hand_n to_o gather_v we_o into_o the_o belief_n of_o his_o light_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o his_o grace_n though_o since_o fall_v asleep_o and_o that_o we_o intend_v more_o particular_o to_o treat_v thereon_o in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o treatise_n we_o shall_v not_o much_o enlarge_v thereon_o in_o this_o part_n yet_o think_v it_o necessary_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o here_o to_o signify_v that_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n for_o which_o we_o stand_v under_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n have_v instruct_v we_o not_o to_o depend_v on_o man_n for_o teach_v but_o on_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n grace_n nor_o yet_o to_o put_v into_o the_o mouth_n of_o false_a prophet_n or_o hireling_n shepherd_n and_o on_o this_o foot_n we_o have_v have_v a_o testimony_n against_o pay_v of_o tithe_n as_o be_v that_o antichristian-yoak_n which_o in_o the_o dark_a night_n of_o apostasy_n have_v be_v spread_v over_o nation_n and_o as_o we_o come_v to_o believe_v in_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o to_o depend_v upon_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o to_o know_v the_o benefit_n of_o our_o assemble_v ourselves_o together_o to_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n for_o the_o arise_v of_o his_o pure_a immortal_a life_n to_o the_o refresh_n and_o consolate_v our_o immortal_a soul_n we_o have_v be_v make_v willing_a praise_n be_v to_o our_o god_n to_o continue_v the_o assemble_v of_o ourselves_o together_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o day_n of_o persecution_n and_o hour_n of_o trial_n though_o suffering_n may_v therefore_o attend_v believe_v that_o whatsoever_o society_n of_o people_n have_v be_v in_o the_o life_n of_o christianity_n and_o yet_o shall_v for_o fear_n of_o man_n or_o the_o law_n of_o man_n forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o have_v be_v in_o day_n past_a when_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n
a_o prey_n obtain_v by_o commission_n from_o god_n and_o that_o with_o a_o severe_a command_n to_o destroy_v all_o and_o therefore_o we_o ready_o confess_v that_o if_o any_o among_o we_o have_v endeavour_v to_o divert_v another_o from_o what_o he_o know_v to_o be_v his_o duty_n or_o have_v in_o save_v any_o part_n of_o that_o substance_n which_o god_n command_v to_o be_v destroy_v act_v contrary_a to_o his_o know_a duty_n it_o be_v just_o to_o be_v condemn_v and_o the_o scripture_n before-cited_n may_v in_o that_o case_n be_v term_v a_o proper_a allusion_n thereto_o but_o alas_o this_o be_v far_o remote_a from_o the_o case_n reflect_v on_o because_o some_o person_n therein_o concern_v have_v receive_v no_o command_n from_o god_n to_o the_o contrary_a nor_o yet_o have_v save_v any_o thing_n which_o the_o lord_n command_v to_o destroy_v and_o therefore_o such_o may_v just_o thus_o say_v how_o dare_v thou_o to_o judge_v the_o friend_n of_o truth_n and_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o that_o wherein_o they_o be_v not_o judge_v of_o the_o lord_n beside_o it_o be_v worthy_a observation_n that_o if_o any_o shall_v go_v beyond_o their_o proper_a gift_n and_o line_n of_o right_a understanding_n and_o in_o that_o state_n offer_v up_o their_o all_z when_o the_o lord_n call_v not_o for_o it_o but_o instead_o thereof_o a_o company_n of_o informer_n and_o that_o also_o by_o illegal_a way_n to_o devour_v it_o on_o their_o lust_n this_o offer_v may_v have_v no_o more_o acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n under_o this_o dispensation_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n than_o the_o offer_n of_o the_o blind_a and_o the_o lame_a under_o the_o first_o covenant_n have_v and_o indeed_o it_o may_v not_o be_v unnecessary_a far_o to_o confide_v the_o end_n wherefore_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v we_o steward_n of_o worldly_a estate_n doubtless_o it_o be_v and_o be_v that_o therewith_o we_o may_v maintain_v our_o family_n and_o have_v a_o due_a regard_n to_o the_o poor_a the_o fatherless_a and_o the_o widow_n that_o be_v or_o may_v be_v object_n of_o charity_n and_o therefore_o it_o may_v well_o be_v deem_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n lawful_o to_o preserve_v the_o same_o for_o the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v give_v and_o to_o endeavour_v by_o all_o lawful_a way_n and_o mean_n to_o prevent_v the_o spoiler_n design_v of_o possess_v our_o estate_n to_o consume_v it_o on_o their_o lust_n and_o indeed_o charity_n oblige_v we_o to_o suppose_v that_o these_o very_a consideration_n occasion_v g._n f._n to_o advice_n mary_n penington_n to_o secure_v worldly_a estate_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o such_o who_o be_v suppose_v in_o a_o persecute_v spirit_n to_o thirst_n after_o it_o though_o of_o herself_o if_o what_o g._n f._n have_v write_v in_o relation_n to_o this_o matter_n be_v to_o be_v credit_v she_o have_v no_o inclination_n to_o remove_v her_o movable_a good_n in_o order_n to_o secure_v it_o and_o if_o any_o shall_v question_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o relate_v to_o g._n f._n and_o mary_n penington_n we_o thereto_o say_v that_o sufficient_a witness_n to_o prove_v marry_o peningtons_n confession_n thereof_o can_v be_v now_o produce_v beside_o g._n f._n be_v charge_v therewith_o do_v not_o in_o his_o answer_n write_v deny_v it_o this_o our_o answer_n may_v in_o probability_n occasion_n from_o some_o another_o objection_n on_o this_o wise_a obj._n this_o be_v but_o a_o subtle_a evasion_n of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o friend_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o faithful_a friend_n and_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n in_o answer_n to_o peter_n and_o of_o samuel_n to_o saul_n will_v stand_v over_o the_o head_n of_o such_o dark_a spirit_n as_o you_o be_v answ_n this_o objection_n contain_v such_o language_n wherewith_o we_o be_v well_o acquaint_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o our_o opposer_n may_v thus_o in_o truth_n be_v answer_v that_o it_o can_v no_o more_o stand_v over_o our_o head_n than_o the_o word_n of_o some_o priest_n urge_v abraham_n payment_n of_o tithe_n out_o of_o spoil_n he_o obtain_v in_o war_n gen._n 14.20_o can_v stand_v over_o the_o head_n of_o friend_n refuse_v to_o pay_v tithe_n of_o those_o land_n which_o be_v their_o inheritance_n or_o proper_a purchase_n and_o no_o part_n of_o spoil_n obtain_v in_o war._n those_o who_o will_v not_o receive_v this_o as_o a_o full_a answer_n to_o evidence_n the_o weakness_n of_o the_o last_o objection_n but_o tenacious_o persist_v in_o assert_v that_o the_o say_a objection_n be_v reasonable_a and_o that_o from_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o saul_n will_v undoubted_o give_v just_a occasion_n to_o confirm_v the_o sense_n of_o our_o common_a enemy_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n who_o make_v of_o the_o scripture_n a_o mere_a nose_n of_o wax_n for_o though_o the_o scripture_n mention_v not_o any_o command_n from_o god_n to_o abraham_n to_o pay_v unto_o melchisedeck_v the_o ten_o of_o his_o spoil_n yet_o doubtless_o he_o therein_o do_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n even_o as_o saul_n will_v have_v do_v have_v he_o destroy_v all_o according_a to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o if_o what_o be_v practise_v by_o abraham_n may_v be_v take_v to_o be_v a_o incumbent_a duty_n on_o christian_n at_o this_o day_n even_o as_o our_o opposer_n will_v have_v what_o saul_n ought_v to_o have_v practise_v according_a to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n to_o be_v exemplary_a at_o this_o day_n yet_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o both_o one_o and_o tother_o have_v a_o real_a relation_n to_o what_o be_v obtain_v in_o war_n and_o so_o no_o proper_a precedent_n either_o to_o pay_v a_o ten_o part_n or_o to_o offer_v up_o the_o nine_o part_n with_o the_o ten_o of_o that_o estate_n which_o be_v our_o inheritance_n or_o proper_a purchase_n this_o we_o be_v far_a sensible_a may_n also_o occasion_v another_o objection_n to_o this_o purpose_n viz._n obj._n your_o discourse_n seem_v to_o encourage_v the_o avoid_n all_o suffer_v and_o then_o how_o in_o this_o our_o day_n shall_v that_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v fullfil_v viz._n all_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n shall_v suffer_v persecution_n 2_o tim._n 3.12_o answ_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v our_o former_a discourse_n encourage_v the_o assemble_v ourselves_o together_o though_o not_o to_o put_v into_o the_o mouth_n of_o informer_n at_o their_o will_n and_o pleasure_n and_o doubtless_o few_o so_o weak_a but_o do_v know_v that_o suffering_n of_o divers_a kind_n may_v therefore_o attend_v so_o that_o unless_o we_o be_v discourager_n of_o assemble_v together_o to_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n we_o can_v reasonable_o be_v understand_v to_o encourage_v the_o avoid_n all_o suffering_n and_o though_o paul_n word_n seem_v so_o positive_a and_o general_a yet_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o paul_n may_v be_v more_o particular_a viz._n in_o relation_n to_o time_n season_n and_o person_n wherein_o the_o lord_n may_v suffer_v the_o adversary_n to_o exercise_v some_o of_o his_o people_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o not_o strict_o mean_v that_o if_o a_o man_n have_v not_o suffer_v persecution_n therefore_o he_o have_v not_o live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n for_o who_o dare_v to_o be_v so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o conclude_v that_o none_o who_o be_v fall_v asleep_o that_o taste_v not_o of_o persecution_n in_o their_o day_n nor_o have_v occasion_n offer_v for_o the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n dye_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n and_o of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n especial_o since_o we_o know_v it_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o some_o who_o have_v be_v apt_a to_o reflect_v as_o aforesaid_a to_o use_v divers_a way_n and_o mean_n according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o skill_n and_o understanding_n to_o prevent_v the_o stroke_n of_o persecution_n in_o their_o day_n moreover_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o paul_n word_n to_o felix_n etc._n etc._n act_n 26.29_o i_o will_v to_o god_n that_o not_o only_o thou_o but_o also_o all_o that_o hear_v i_o this_o day_n be_v both_o almost_o and_o altogether_o such_o as_o i_o be_o except_o these_o bond_n do_v clear_o show_v that_o persecution_n be_v not_o such_o a_o absolute_a companion_n to_o a_o true_a christian_a as_o that_o without_o it_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n because_o no_o doubt_n but_o paul_n be_v then_o in_o that_o state_n of_o godliness_n and_o so_o also_o will_v those_o on_o who_o behalf_n he_o so_o speak_v have_v be_v have_v paul_n desire_n be_v answer_v notwithstanding_o he_o except_v the_o bond_n he_o then_o be_v in_o by_o reason_n of_o persecution_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o we_o know_v some_o of_o our_o opposer_n
and_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v lead_v into_o rantism_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o care_n of_o faithful_a brethren_n to_o appear_v as_o watchman_n over_o the_o flock_n that_o so_o none_o under_o pretence_n of_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o light_n may_v run_v into_o looseness_n lightness_n and_o vanity_n say_v the_o light_n in_o my_o conscience_n condemn_v i_o not_o to_o this_o we_o say_v the_o lord_n rebuke_v that_o spirit_n that_o do_v so_o much_o as_o jealous_a that_o leave_v people_n to_o the_o light_n may_v lead_v into_o rantism_n such_o a_o sugestion_n be_v notorious_o wicked_a since_o the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n have_v be_v unto_o which_o we_o this_o day_n bear_v record_n that_o the_o light_n be_v a_o reprover_n of_o all_o sin_n and_o as_o to_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o objection_n we_o say_v that_o those_o who_o be_v true_a watchman_n will_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v use_v their_o endeavour_n to_o bring_v the_o flock_n to_o the_o light_n to_o prove_v their_o deed_n whether_o they_o be_v wrought_v in_o god_n and_o not_o to_o paper_n rather_o than_o to_o the_o light_n as_o know_v this_o that_o every_o work_n and_o word_n bring_v forth_o by_o man_n be_v but_o the_o effect_n of_o what_o be_v first_o wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n which_o nothing_o outward_a can_v be_v a_o bond_n upon_o to_o alter_v and_o change_v and_o if_o we_o do_v but_o consider_v how_o fruitless_a in_o day_n and_o year_n that_o be_v past_a as_o well_o as_o in_o this_o present_a age_n all_o man_n outward_a endeavour_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o church-government_n have_v be_v to_o preserve_v in_o a_o real_a true_a heavenly_a society_n it_o appear_v to_o we_o as_o a_o mere_a badge_n of_o apostasy_n for_o any_o to_o have_v a_o dependency_n on_o any_o such_o mean_n of_o preservation_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v jealouse_v some_o may_v run_v into_o looseness_n and_o say_v the_o light_n in_o my_o conscience_n condemn_v i_o not_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o care_n of_o faithful_a brethren_n to_o appear_v as_o watchman_n over_o the_o flock_n we_o say_v so_o too_o and_o those_o who_o approve_v themselves_o watchman_n will_v endeavour_v to_o convince_v such_o who_o in_o very_a deed_n run_v into_o looseness_n etc._n etc._n that_o though_o they_o may_v pretend_v the_o light_n condemn_v they_o not_o yet_o that_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a and_o that_o the_o light_n do_v condemn_v that_o same_o though_o they_o may_v be_v harden_v and_o see_v it_o not_o and_o so_o endeavour_v to_o awaken_v the_o conscience_n that_o god_n witness_n may_v be_v hear_v for_o that_o nothing_o that_o be_v outward_a can_v be_v a_o bond_n on_o such_o a_o one_o to_o forsake_v his_o sin_n and_o embrace_v the_o truth_n sect_n vii_o touch_v church-government_n and_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n church-government_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o opposer_n as_o we_o on_o sufficient_a ground_n take_v it_o lay_v down_o our_o denial_n of_o that_o meaning_n several_a scripture_n from_o whence_o a_o proof_n for_o church-government_n have_v be_v pretend_v be_v treat_v on_o show_v that_o from_o thence_o no_o pretence_n can_v be_v to_o claim_v a_o power_n over_o conscience_n or_o outward_a property_n the_o doctrine_n touch_v power_n over_o conscience_n and_o outward_a thing_n relate_v to_o meum_fw-la and_o tuum_fw-la as_o the_o author_n term_n be_v which_o we_o therefore_o call_v outward_a property_n examine_v and_o testify_v against_o as_o contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o liberty_n we_o have_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o sense_n what_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o decision_n of_o controversy_n with_o relation_n to_o property_n between_o brother_n and_o brother_n a_o objection_n raise_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o what_o be_v give_v forth_o by_o the_o spirit_n through_o the_o brethren_n aught_o to_o be_v obey_v and_o not_o account_v the_o dictate_v of_o fallible_a man_n and_o that_o if_o thou_o see_v it_o not_o thy_o duty_n to_o obey_v the_o reason_n be_v thy_o want_n of_o diligence_n and_o not_o wait_v in_o thy_o measure_n and_o so_o no_o plea_n for_o thy_o disobedience_n be_v good_n the_o say_a objection_n answer_v a_o examination_n from_o the_o scripture_n whether_o christ_n give_v any_o encouragement_n to_o his_o disciple_n to_o become_v ruler_n over_o one_o another_o this_o kind_n of_o discourse_n we_o be_v ready_a to_o suppose_v may_v at_o length_n occasion_n from_o some_o such_o a_o objection_n as_o this_o object_n what_o be_v you_o not_o for_o church-government_n answ_n to_o this_o we_o say_v we_o be_v for_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n know_v it_o be_v his_o right_n to_o govern_v his_o church_n obj._n this_n may_n some_o say_v be_v a_o evasive_a answer_n to_o the_o question_n and_o therefore_o may_v again_o reply_v be_v plain_a and_o tell_v we_o be_v you_o for_o church-government_n answ_n for_o answer_v than_o we_o say_v we_o ought_v to_o ask_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o word_n church-government_n since_o we_o find_v not_o the_o word_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n and_o it_o be_v a_o word_n most_o use_v under_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n by_o such_o who_o have_v become_v persecutor_n we_o be_v the_o more_o jealous_a that_o corruption_n usurpation_n and_o injustice_n may_v creep_v in_o by_o such_o who_o contend_v so_o much_o for_o church-government_n with_o respect_n to_o outward_o form_n of_o government_n since_o the_o form_n some_o take_v to_o govern_v be_v in_o some_o respect_n worse_o than_o the_o form_n of_o divers_a apostate_n christian_n take_v this_o for_o one_o instance_n among_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v give_v viz._n judge_v the_o merit_n of_o a_o cause_n without_o hear_v both_o party_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_o evidence_v by_o the_o give_v forth_o that_o paper_n from_o ellis_n hook_n his_o chamber_n london_n the_o twelve_o of_o the_o four_o month_n 1677._o and_o subscribe_v by_o charles_n marshal_n and_o sixty_o five_o person_n more_o against_o two_o ancient_a and_o honourable_a brethren_n viz._n john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n though_o not_o then_o present_a to_o speak_v for_o themselves_o nor_o yet_o ever_o speak_v to_o by_o many_o of_o the_o say_v sixty_o six_o touch_v any_o evil_n lay_v to_o their_o charge_n beside_o we_o do_v know_v that_o many_o of_o our_o opposer_n who_o appear_v to_o we_o high_o affect_v with_o church-government_n as_o in_o their_o account_n be_v establish_v among_o we_o and_o that_o with_o respect_n to_o outward_a form_n do_v in_o a_o high_a decree_n manifest_v a_o spirit_n of_o persecution_n by_o endeavour_v to_o take_v away_o the_o good_a name_n of_o honest_a man_n by_o lie_n slander_n and_o false_a accusation_n wherein_o our_o opposer_n have_v be_v to_o our_o certain_a knowledge_n so_o industrious_a as_o that_o we_o have_v scarcy_o know_v their_o peer_n in_o that_o evil_a work_n which_o in_o many_o section_n of_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o first_o manuscript_n make_v mention_n of_o in_o the_o preface_n particular_o the_o 13_o 18_o 12_o 22th_o be_v lareg_o evidence_v and_o ready_a for_o the_o view_n of_o any_o friend_n that_o may_v desire_v the_o perusal_n thereof_o though_o for_o the_o reason_n mention_v in_o the_o preface_n not_o herewith_o publish_v and_o now_o as_o to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n church-government_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o opposer_n we_o take_v it_o to_o be_v thus_o viz._n that_o some_o who_o account_v themselves_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n claim_v a_o power_n to_o rule_v over_o other_o some_o if_o not_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o to_o give_v forth_o sentence_n direction_n or_o order_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o own_o receive_v or_o obey_v though_o they_o may_v pretend_v they_o see_v it_o not_o their_o duty_n if_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n church-government_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o opposer_n as_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o believe_v it_o be_v not_o only_o from_o r._n b_n book_n of_o government_n but_o also_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v or_o propagate_v by_o other_o which_o we_o be_v persuade_v will_v appear_v to_o all_o impartial_a reader_n who_o shall_v diligent_o and_o in_o a_o unprejudiced_a spirit_n weigh_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o say_v first_o manuscript_n mention_v in_o the_o preface_n which_o as_o we_o say_v before_o be_v ready_a for_o the_o perusal_n of_o any_o friend_n desire_v so_o to_o do_v though_o for_o the_o reason_n mention_v in_o the_o preface_n not_o herewith_o publish_v we_o then_o direct_o answer_v we_o be_v not_o for_o such_o a_o church-government_n this_o subject_a whereof_o we_o be_v now_o treat_v be_v as_o some_o may_n comparative_o say_v the_o very_a hinge_v on_o which_o the_o present_a controversy_n seem_v to_o depend_v we_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o quote_v those_o scripture_n from_o whence_o so_o far_o as_o ever_o we_o
to_o add._n if_o paul_n look_v on_o himself_o as_o one_o have_v power_n to_o command_v to_o rule_v and_o govern_v over_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o obey_v he_o whether_o they_o see_v it_o so_o or_o no_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n that_o the_o same_o paul_n testify_v for_o himself_o and_o other_o his_o brethren_n 2_o cor._n 4.2_o that_o they_o have_v not_o handle_v the_o word_n of_o god_n deceitful_o but_o by_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n commend_v themselves_o to_o every_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n compare_v this_o with_o what_o paul_n write_v in_o the_o same_o epistle_n 2_o cor._n 10.15_o have_v hope_n when_o your_o faith_n be_v increase_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v enlarge_v by_o you_o according_a to_o our_o rule_n abundant_o it_o appear_v evident_o to_o we_o that_o preach_v up_o obedience_n to_o that_o wherein_o the_o conscience_n through_o faith_n be_v not_o satisfy_v be_v a_o handle_v the_o word_n of_o god_n deceitful_o and_o therefore_o though_o we_o have_v be_v inform_v that_o we_o be_v dark_a and_o blind_a even_o by_o such_o who_o tell_v we_o they_o do_v see_v public_o preach_v on_o this_o wise_a if_o you_o do_v not_o see_v yourselves_o you_o must_v then_o follow_v we_o that_o do_v see_v yet_o we_o can_v on_o that_o foot_n embrace_v such_o doctrine_n lest_o like_o blind_a man_n we_o fall_v all_o together_o into_o the_o ditch_n and_o embrace_v that_o for_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o dark_a body_n of_o the_o moon_n we_o be_v now_o sensible_a another_o objection_n may_v thus_o arise_v object_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v but_o one_o in_o all_o have_v move_v in_o our_o brethren_n to_o give_v forth_o certain_a order_n command_n and_o prescription_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v according_o to_o obey_v and_o this_o can_v be_v call_v the_o dictate_v of_o fallible_a man_n but_o of_o the_o spirit_n give_v forth_o through_o man_n and_o be_v thou_o that_o pretend_v thou_o see_v it_o not_o thy_o duty_n to_o obey_v but_o obedient_a to_o thy_o own_o measure_n thou_o will_v then_o see_v it_o so_o and_o be_v one_o with_o the_o brethren_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v but_o tell_v thou_o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n to_o obey_v since_o the_o reason_n thou_o see_v it_o not_o thy_o duty_n be_v thy_o want_n of_o diligence_n and_o not_o wait_v on_o thy_o own_o measure_n beside_o we_o find_v that_o that_o very_a person_n who_o have_v travel_v much_o for_o the_o settle_n of_o man_n meeting_n have_v late_o give_v forth_o a_o paper_n the_o import_n whereof_o be_v to_o justify_v prescription_n answ_n to_o this_o we_o say_v that_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n move_v in_o any_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n to_o give_v forth_o certain_a order_n and_o prescription_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n as_o that_o which_o though_o relate_v to_o their_o conscience_n they_o ought_v to_o perform_v and_o practice_v whether_o they_o see_v it_o their_o duty_n or_o no_o or_o whether_o they_o be_v free_a so_o to_o do_v or_o no_o then_o not_o doubt_n but_o they_o ought_v so_o to_o act_v and_o do_v because_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n have_v so_o move_v but_o this_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o which_o under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o second_o covenant_n we_o have_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n or_o light_n of_o christ_n to_o suppose_v for_o if_o the_o blind_a be_v not_o to_o be_v accept_v of_o for_o a_o sacrifice_n under_o the_o first_o covenant_n much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v acceptable_a under_o the_o second_o and_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o expect_v that_o any_o such_o motion_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v appear_v through_o any_o one_o or_o more_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n with_o respect_n to_o other_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o our_o faith_n be_v that_o all_o those_o who_o be_v heir_n of_o that_o kingdom_n which_o be_v everlasting_a be_v entitle_v to_o a_o like_a freedom_n not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o each_o by_o other_o contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a sense_n and_o heavenly_a understanding_n which_o as_o coheir_n and_o co-worker_n together_o they_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o and_o this_o in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n will_v evince_o be_v manifest_v from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n however_o we_o must_v confess_v he_o that_o be_v not_o diligent_a to_o wait_v upon_o god_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o own_o measure_n of_o grace_n receive_v be_v by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n condemnable_a not_o for_o refuse_v to_o perform_v that_o which_o he_o see_v not_o to_o be_v his_o duty_n with_o respect_n to_o other_o man_n line_n make_v ready_a to_o his_o hand_n wherein_o he_o be_v not_o satisfy_v but_o for_o his_o neglect_v to_o wait_v upon_o god_n because_o it_o be_v manifest_a in_o every_o one_o that_o have_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o wait_v upon_o god_n and_o this_o our_o sense_n and_o reason_n answer_v to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n where_o it_o be_v say_v rom._n 1.18_o 19_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodlyness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n who_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n because_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o they_o for_o god_n have_v show_v it_o unto_o they_o so_o it_o be_v clear_a to_o we_o from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o we_o as_o well_o as_o from_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o we_o that_o the_o wrath_n and_o condemnation_n of_o god_n go_v forth_o against_o such_o as_o live_v not_o answerable_a to_o what_o god_n have_v manifest_v in_o they_o but_o it_o be_v neither_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n or_o light_v within_o for_o any_o to_o pour_v forth_o judgement_n against_o any_o for_o not_o follow_v or_o give_v heed_n unto_o this_o or_o tother_o prescription_n or_o outward_a observation_n wherein_o the_o conscience_n be_v concern_v when_o such_o be_v not_o convince_v thereof_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n from_o the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o they_o the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v this_o that_o in_o all_o the_o last_o mention_v objection_n there_o be_v no_o plea_n for_o obedience_n unto_o or_o follow_v any_o thing_n but_o the_o spirit_n in_o its_o appearance_n whether_o through_o the_o brethren_n or_o thyself_o from_o whence_o we_o observe_v first_o that_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a description_n who_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o word_n brethren_n second_o that_o it_o be_v the_o appearance_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o follow_v now_o shall_v this_o question_n be_v ask_v of_o such_o who_o may_v so_o object_n as_o aforesaid_a will_v you_o have_v we_o follow_v we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o believe_v that_o they_o will_v say_v nay_o if_o they_o answer_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o question_n and_o if_o so_o than_o the_o force_n of_o the_o objection_n fall_v for_o that_o we_o account_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o follow_v the_o appearance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n through_o the_o mean_a member_n when_o our_o conscience_n be_v convince_v that_o it_o be_v the_o appearance_n of_o that_o spirit_n but_o before_o we_o can_v say_v in_o truth_n though_o we_o shall_v do_v as_o such_o a_o one_o will_v have_v we_o that_o we_o be_v follower_n of_o and_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n no_o more_o than_o jesus_n can_v in_o truth_n be_v call_v lord_n 12.13_o lord_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o and_o not_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n beside_o we_o can_v on_o this_o occasion_n but_o testify_v that_o as_o that_o obedience_n which_o be_v of_o faith_n in_o christ_n find_v acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n 14.23_o lord_n rom._n 14.23_o so_o that_o obedience_n which_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n be_v but_o a_o dead_a performance_n and_o not_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o live_a member_n who_o through_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n unto_o righteousness_n be_v make_v alive_a unto_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v the_o duty_n of_o any_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n to_o run_v before_o his_o inward_a guide_n but_o to_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n that_o all_o his_o action_n may_v be_v regulate_v according_a to_o the_o manifestation_n and_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o himself_o which_o seem_v clear_o agreeable_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n where_o he_o thus_o say_v phil._n 3.15_o 16._o if_o in_o any_o thing_n you_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v god_n shall_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o you_o nevertheless_o whereunto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v
process_n of_o time_n some_o friend_n think_v it_o necessary_a that_o marriage_n may_v be_v propose_v to_o the_o woman_n meeting_n but_o yet_o several_a friend_n in_o divers_a country_n will_v not_o assent_v that_o the_o distinct_a meeting_n of_o woman_n shall_v be_v concern_v in_o marriage_n at_o length_n several_a of_o those_o who_o have_v appear_v for_o those_o distinct_a meeting_n to_o be_v concern_v say_v article_n say_v note_v it_o appear_v in_o a_o reply_n write_v against_o john_n story_n be_v and_o john_n wilkinson_n answer_n to_o the_o 44_o article_n this_o be_v that_o which_o g._n f._n exhort_v to_o in_o the_o beginning_n and_o bless_v be_v the_o lord_n the_o faithful_a see_v a_o necessity_n and_o cause_n to_o propose_v the_o marraige_n to_o the_o faithful_a man_n and_o woman_n meeting_n and_o whether_o their_o sight_n be_v not_o dark_a that_o see_v not_o the_o necessity_n of_o propose_v their_o marriage_n to_o the_o faithful_a man_n and_o woman_n in_o their_o distinct_a meeting_n this_o be_v utter_v by_o those_o of_o party_n which_o g._n f._n as_o we_o take_v they_o be_v think_v very_o strange_a for_o that_o as_o divers_a friend_n of_o bristol_n have_v testify_v g._n f._n propose_v not_o his_o marraige_n to_o the_o woman_n distinct_a meeting_n in_o bristol_n where_o his_o marriage_n be_v accomplish_v though_o such_o a_o meeting_n be_v hold_v there_o many_o year_n before_o beside_o in_o a_o paper_n of_o direction_n give_v forth_o by_o gorege_n fox_n he_o direct_v that_o the_o man_n meeting_n may_v be_v acquaint_v with_o marraiges_n and_o say_v nothing_o of_o propose_v they_o to_o the_o woman_n distinct_a meeting_n which_o clear_o show_v that_o those_o who_o write_v the_o aforesaid_a answer_n and_o g._n f._n seem_v not_o at_o unity_n therein_o but_o this_o as_o we_o suppose_v not_o be_v know_v to_o many_o some_o be_v very_o urgent_a to_o impose_v that_o practice_n on_o friend_n or_o else_o to_o render_v such_o as_o oppose_v dark_a spirit_n which_o occasion_v many_o friend_n to_o be_v jealous_a that_o a_o submission_n be_v not_o only_o intend_v to_o meeting_n of_o man_n but_o woman_n meeting_n also_o and_o therefore_o friend_n who_o in_o simplicity_n assent_v to_o the_o latter_a meeting_n as_o suppose_v woman_n insome_a case_n fit_a to_o pry_v into_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a than_o man_n consider_v also_o what_o weak_a people_n have_v frequent_v man_n meeting_n do_v at_o length_n begin_v to_o be_v jealous_a that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n 3.12_o be_v again_o fulfil_v in_o our_o age_n as_o for_o my_o people_n child_n be_v their_o oppressor_n and_o woman_n rule_v over_o they_o oh_o my_o poeple_n they_o which_o lead_v thou_o cause_v thou_o to_o err._n this_o jealousy_n increase_a many_o of_o those_o who_o be_v content_v that_o woman_n shall_v hold_v their_o meeting_n apart_o from_o the_o man_n to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o poor_a in_o some_o case_n become_v less_o affect_v to_o such_o meeting_n lest_o instead_o of_o be_v servant_n to_o the_o poor_a for_o the_o truth_n sake_n and_o take_v the_o weight_n and_o burden_n of_o that_o care_n from_o the_o man_n they_o shall_v become_v ruler_n over_o both_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o that_o which_o seem_v to_o confirm_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o say_a jealousy_n be_v this_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v that_o though_o woman_n meeting_n be_v assent_v to_o to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o poor_a in_o some_o case_n as_o the_o chief_a if_o not_o the_o only_a end_n thereof_o yet_o there_o be_v so_o little_o say_v concern_v that_o end_n in_o a_o book_n relate_v to_o woman_n meeting_n give_v forth_o by_o g._n f._n that_o it_o be_v now_o a_o question_n with_o many_o whether_o that_o be_v not_o one_o of_o the_o least_o service_n intend_v at_o this_o day_n thereby_o because_o we_o do_v not_o find_v but_o that_o all_o speak_v in_o relation_n thereto_o in_o the_o whole_a book_n consist_v of_o ninety_o six_o page_n in_o octavo_n may_v be_v comprehend_v in_o less_o than_o half_a a_o side_n of_o the_o say_a book_n and_o the_o drift_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o book_n seem_v to_o be_v chief_o for_o proof_n of_o woman_n offer_v sacrifice_n preach_v teach_v instruct_v exhort_v admonish_a prophesy_v govern_v judge_a sing_v dance_a play_v upon_o music_n and_o that_o micahs_n mother_n a_o idolatrous_a woman_n speak_v of_o judge_n 17._o be_v a_o virtuous_a one_o and_o that_o the_o assembly_n of_o woman_n do_v continue_v among_o the_o jew_n till_o they_o go_v into_o transgression_n but_o for_o proof_n quote_v only_o 2_o king_n 23._o where_o we_o find_v nothing_o speak_v of_o any_o assembly_n of_o woman_n save_v only_o of_o those_o woman_n who_o in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o sodomite_n which_o good_a king_n josiah_n break_v down_o weave_v hang_n for_o the_o grove_n which_o the_o same_o king_n cause_v to_o be_v burn_v to_o conclude_v as_o to_o this_o three_o particular_a we_o have_v this_o further_a to_o say_v so_o it_o be_v that_o many_o jar_n and_o jangle_n have_v arisen_a touch_v meeting_n of_o woman_n and_o the_o end_n and_o service_n thereof_o some_o think_v they_o useful_a in_o city_n where_o many_o poor_a be_v and_o the_o woman_n metre_n near_o together_o but_o yet_o divers_a of_o the_o same_o person_n think_v they_o useless_a in_o the_o country_n where_o few_o poor_a be_v and_o the_o woman_n live_v far_o asunder_o and_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v some_o observe_v the_o ill_a consequence_n that_o have_v attend_v they_o in_o divers_a place_n may_v think_v it_o have_v be_v better_a they_o have_v never_o be_v hold_v among_o we_o for_o our_o part_n on_o the_o whole_a matter_n we_o say_v it_o be_v a_o shame_n for_o a_o man_n to_o become_v a_o instrument_n that_o woman_n meeting_n shall_v be_v hold_v chief_o if_o not_o only_o under_o pretence_n of_o serve_v and_o relieve_v the_o poor_a in_o some_o case_n more_o effectual_a than_o before_o and_o yet_o publish_v a_o book_n under_o pretence_n of_o encourage_v the_o say_a meeting_n whence_o it_o be_v thereby_o apparent_a that_o some_o other_o end_n be_v now_o at_o least_o if_o not_o from_o the_o beginning_n aim_v at_o than_o be_v manifest_v plain_o in_o the_o beginning_n this_o in_o short_a seem_v not_o like_o plain_a deal_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o be_v manifest_a to_o be_v evil_a for_o many_o who_o have_v be_v as_o pillar_n in_o those_o meeting_n to_o this_o day_n have_v be_v reflect_v upon_o as_o discourager_n of_o the_o say_a meeting_n not_o because_o their_o person_n and_o purse_n be_v want_v therein_o but_o rather_o because_o they_o can_v be_v at_o unity_n with_o such_o airy_a imagination_n which_o some_o who_o as_o they_o may_v take_v it_o seem_v affector_n of_o government_n and_o lover_n of_o pre-eminence_n do_v bring_v forth_o conclude_v they_o be_v enter_v into_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n because_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v member_n of_o a_o woman_n meeting_n distinct_a from_o the_o man_n those_o 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study_v peace_n as_o servant_n to_o one_o lord_n and_o master_n jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a one_o who_o by_o his_o inshining_a light_n be_v become_v our_o lawgiver_n that_o so_o the_o ancient_a love_n towards_o all_o our_o brethren_n in_o the_o truth_n may_v be_v witness_v and_o renew_v each_o towards_o other_o to_o the_o consolation_n of_o one_o another_o soul_n in_o the_o lord_n have_v thus_o far_o proceed_v to_o manifest_v a_o part_n of_o those_o thing_n touch_v which_o the_o faithful_a be_v at_o unity_n and_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o that_o unity_n be_v break_v we_o think_v meet_v now_o to_o cite_v a_o epistle_n perfixt_v to_o the_o historical_a manuscript_n make_v mention_n of_o in_o the_o preface_n to_o this_o treatise_n be_v a_o proper_a testimony_n on_o this_o occasion_n for_o and_o
all_o man_n be_v to_o praise_v he_o or_o to_o speak_v of_o his_o wonder_n for_o they_o be_v altogether_o past_o find_v out_o than_o i_o weep_v great_o and_o desire_v only_o that_o he_o will_v permit_v i_o to_o sit_v at_o his_o foot_n and_o he_o swear_v unto_o i_o by_o himself_o that_o he_o will_v deliver_v i_o from_o all_o my_o trouble_n within_o &_o without_o and_o true_o it_o be_v his_o own_o free_a promise_n for_o i_o dare_v not_o ask_v it_o of_o he_o but_o be_v content_v to_o have_v wait_v still_o in_o my_o sorrowful_a condition_n all_o the_o day_n of_o my_o life_n that_o i_o have_v to_o spend_v among_o men._n but_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v i_o be_o content_v with_o his_o will_n and_o rest_n at_o his_o foot_n friend_n i_o be_o constrain_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o endless_a love_n to_o warn_v you_o all_o that_o you_o may_v forbear_v judge_v of_o any_o man_n any_o more_o upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o but_o commit_v all_o judgement_n to_o the_o son_n for_o he_o cry_v in_o i_o that_o he_o will_v short_o appear_v with_o righteous_a judgement_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o woe_n be_v upon_o he_o that_o have_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o sit_v upon_o my_o seat_n of_o judgement_n and_o have_v not_o judge_v righteous_o for_o the_o same_o measure_n that_o he_o meet_v shall_v be_v meet_v to_o he_o again_o for_o whosoever_o i_o find_v upon_o my_o seat_n of_o judgement_n when_o i_o come_v if_o he_o be_v not_o as_o i_o be_o holy_a just_a and_o merciful_a without_o any_o mixture_n he_o will_v i_o destroy_v with_o the_o breath_n of_o my_o mouth_n for_o he_o be_v as_o unclean_a smoke_n before_o i_o therefore_o dear_a friend_n let_v all_o unrighteousness_n be_v far_o from_o you_o for_o thus_o say_v the_o voice_n in_o i_o whosoever_o i_o find_v in_o envy_n the_o same_o envy_n shall_v be_v his_o torment_n and_o whosoever_o in_o covetousness_n or_o in_o pride_n or_o any_o unclean_a mind_n that_o same_o shall_v be_v their_o clothing_n and_o they_o shall_v stand_v behind_o i_o and_o 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drive_v you_o to_o look_v out_o at_o other_o and_o in_o that_o time_n it_o will_v gather_v strength_n and_o kindle_v a_o great_a fire_n in_o you_o which_o be_v not_o easy_o put_v out_o which_o many_o at_o this_o day_n may_v know_v edward_n burrough_n though_o many_o thing_n be_v very_o worthy_a notice_n from_o the_o abovecited_a line_n give_v forth_o through_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n edward_n burrough_n and_o obvious_a enough_o to_o many_o yet_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o it_o be_v think_v meet_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o two_o particular_a matter_n which_o seem_v very_o pertinent_a on_o this_o occasion_n first_o that_o some_o of_o the_o young_a unlearned_a dog_n not_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o master_n manner_n in_o gather_v the_o sheep_n do_v run_v from_o the_o flock_n with_o fierceness_n after_o the_o sheep_n that_o stay_v behind_o and_o do_v affrighten_v they_o and_o bite_v some_o of_o they_o neither_o will_v they_o be_v lead_v nor_o yet_o stay_v at_o home_n 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acquaint_v with_o christ_n jesus_n their_o lord_n and_o master_n manner_n of_o gather_v the_o sheep_n do_v not_o over-drive_a the_o flock_n nor_o yet_o weary_a themselves_o for_o mere_a vanity_n and_o there_o be_v also_o the_o unlearned_a who_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o the_o great_a master_n manner_n in_o gather_v the_o sheep_n and_o these_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n have_v occasion_v the_o increase_n and_o continuation_n of_o division_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n by_o their_o fierce_a contend_v for_o a_o outward_a unity_n and_o conformity_n with_o respect_n to_o form_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n so_o that_o they_o seem_v not_o only_o ready_a to_o bite_v but_o also_o to_o devour_v other_o that_o see_v not_o clearness_n in_o themselves_o to_o practice_v according_a as_o they_o in_o their_o hunt_a spirit_n will_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v constrain_v and_o enforce_v nay_o there_o be_v some_o not_o only_o unacquainted_a with_o christ_n jesus_n manner_n of_o gather_v the_o flock_n like_o a_o shepherd_n that_o gather_v his_o lamb_n in_o his_o arm_n and_o gentle_o lead_v they_o that_o be_v with_o young_a but_o also_o have_v lay_v blame_n on_o such_o as_o have_v exact_o walk_v in_o his_o footstep_n and_o indeed_o so_o foolish_a and_o confident_a have_v some_o be_v that_o the_o master_n manner_n of_o gather_v the_o flock_n have_v become_v as_o a_o byword_n or_o a_o mock_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o matter_n of_o evil_a fact_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o some_o witness_v the_o forty_o four_o article_n relate_v to_o church-government_n draw_v up_o against_o j._n s._n and_o j._n w._n two_o ancient_a and_o honourable_a friend_n in_o the_o truth_n a_o part_n whereof_o be_v for_o that_o they_o shall_v say_v they_o will_v not_o have_v friend_n over-driven_a to_o conclude_v we_o also_o know_v that_o some_o of_o these_o have_v be_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n reprove_v as_o not_o fit_a to_o say_v they_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o speak_v by_o they_o nor_o yet_o to_o appear_v as_o if_o they_o be_v send_v of_o god_n to_o gather_v the_o flock_n or_o to_o proclaim_v themselves_o keeper_n of_o other_o folk_n vineyard_n when_o they_o have_v not_o keep_v their_o own_o vineyard_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n touch_v such_o have_v be_v that_o they_o shall_v harken_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o reproof_n and_o be_v lead_v by_o his_o spirit_n which_o if_o they_o have_v they_o will_v have_v stay_v at_o home_n until_o they_o have_v be_v instruct_v and_o learned_a in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o some_o have_v contrary_a hereunto_o go_v abroad_o and_o their_o great_a work_n have_v be_v to_o cry_v out_o against_o honest_a friend_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o dark_a spirit_n levened_a spirit_n troubler_n of_o israel_n corah_n judas_n etc._n etc._n just_a like_a unto_o those_o young_a unlearned_a dog_n signify_v in_o the_o parable_n that_o will_v not_o be_v lead_v but_o will_v be_v go_v abroad_o and_o bark_v at_o the_o lamb_n to_o affrighten_v they_o be_v ready_a to_o devour_v they_o for_o as_o in_o the_o parable_n it_o be_v say_v there_o have_v be_v something_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o wolf_n in_o they_o but_o bless_v be_v the_o lord_n many_o be_v witness_n that_o of_o late_a some_o of_o they_o have_v be_v as_o in_o chain_n and_o fetter_n of_o iron_n so_o that_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o prey_n upon_o those_o who_o be_v upon_o the_o rock_n christ_n who_o doubtless_o in_o his_o own_o time_n will_v fulfil_v his_o purpose_n on_o they_o oh_o that_o all_o concern_v herein_o at_o this_o day_n will_v serious_o consider_v &_o proceed_v no_o far_o in_o
which_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n have_v spread_v before_o he_o since_o his_o first_o come_v forth_o to_o preach_v the_o light_n etc._n etc._n to_o concern_v himself_o so_o much_o as_o he_o have_v against_o some_o that_o can_v own_v a_o urge_n with_o severity_n his_o direction_n or_o prescription_n on_o god_n faithful_a people_n and_o in_o particular_a to_o appear_v a_o persecutor_n of_o such_o which_o can_v certain_o be_v prove_v against_o he_o if_o endeavour_v unjust_o to_o take_v away_o a_o man_n good_a name_n and_o reputation_n can_v be_v term_v such_o to_o this_o the_o answer_n be_v as_o the_o serpent_n beguile_v eve_n so_o eve_n beguile_v adam_n in_o prevail_v upon_o he_o to_o eat_v of_o the_o forbid_v fruit_n which_o she_o have_v eat_v and_o the_o argument_n use_v by_o the_o serpent_n to_o tempt_v eve_n be_v this_o you_o shall_v be_v as_o go_n even_o so_o be_v we_o persuade_v that_o there_o have_v not_o be_v want_v unto_o he_o to_o speak_v comparitive_o a_o tempt_a eve_n which_o have_v be_v too_o aspire_v after_o such_o a_o state_n which_o with_o respect_n to_o humble_v self-denying_a persecute_a member_n of_o christ_n church_n be_v neither_o fit_a nor_o president_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v that_o this_o aspire_a mind_n have_v have_v so_o much_o place_n with_o he_o as_o that_o he_o have_v take_v too_o much_o upon_o he_o which_o have_v occasion_v rent_n and_o division_n among_o the_o flock_n and_o sometime_o to_o pretend_v that_o he_o have_v see_v thing_n in_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o almighty_a which_o have_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o imagination_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o have_v give_v way_n thereto_o and_o find_v a_o fear_n upon_o friend_n through_o a_o tender_a respect_n unto_o he_o to_o judge_n or_o dislike_v what_o he_o may_v bring_v forth_o under_o pretence_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n it_o in_o probability_n increase_v his_o confidence_n especial_o when_o he_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v write_v unto_o he_o by_o some_o friend_n in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o infancy_n which_o be_v in_o such_o language_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o a_o aspire_a mind_n may_v tend_v to_o his_o hurt_n at_o length_n his_o fame_n grow_v so_o great_a as_o that_o among_o some_o weak_a friend_n it_o become_v even_o as_o a_o proverb_n that_o none_o will_v prosper_v who_o shall_v oppose_v he_o this_o by_o other_o have_v clear_o be_v see_v to_o be_v a_o subtle_a way_n to_o oblige_v all_o such_o as_o shall_v so_o believe_v to_o be_v servant_n to_o his_o will_n and_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v this_o persuasion_n have_v the_o more_o easy_o obtain_v he_o the_o repute_n with_o some_o of_o be_v set_v by_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o like_a place_n among_o the_o child_n of_o light_n at_o this_o dayas_n moses_n have_v among_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o his_o day_n and_o this_o we_o doubt_v be_v the_o occasion_n that_o the_o rebellion_n of_o corah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n be_v much_o treat_v on_o to_o affrighten_v simple_a people_n in_o our_o public_a meeting_n for_o worship_n of_o god_n since_o the_o division_n among_o friend_n especial_o in_o those_o place_n where_o g._n f_n paper_n relate_v to_o church-government_n have_v little_a place_n but_o alas_o those_o who_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n can_v be_v affright_v with_o such_o thing_n no_o more_o than_o they_o can_v be_v convince_v with_o the_o sight_n of_o such_o false_a certificate_n on_o certificate_n note_v the_o reader_n may_v peruse_v the_o five_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a quaker_n and_o therein_o the_o say_a certificate_n be_v more_o large_o treat_v on_o record_v in_o the_o 21_o section_n of_o the_o manuscript_n first_o mention_v in_o the_o preface_n and_o ready_a for_o perusal_n of_o any_o friend_n desire_v the_o sight_n thereof_o as_o of_o late_o have_v be_v spread_v abroad_o in_o his_o favour_n to_o render_v he_o a_o innocent_a man_n and_o to_o acquit_v he_o from_o the_o gild_n of_o some_o matter_n of_o fact_n lay_v to_o his_o charge_n when_o the_o certifier_n know_v nothing_o at_o all_o thereof_o and_o of_o this_o he_o himself_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a though_o the_o occasion_n of_o spread_v such_o certificate_n abroad_o if_o he_o know_v what_o be_v contain_v therein_o which_o will_v have_v be_v prove_v to_o his_o face_n have_v he_o be_v but_o so_o just_a to_o the_o cause_n of_o truth_n as_o to_o have_v submit_v to_o a_o hear_n according_a as_o be_v desire_v and_o in_o the_o preface_n signify_v before_o friend_n of_o thing_n reproachful_a to_o the_o truth_n whereof_o he_o be_v guilty_a but_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o we_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o his_o preach_v the_o light_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o travel_n abroad_o as_o well_o as_o the_o preach_a the_o light_n by_o other_o his_o fellow-servant_n in_o the_o beginning_n with_o he_o be_v not_o the_o ministration_n give_v they_o of_o god_n for_o at_o the_o sound_n thereof_o many_o face_n gather_v paleness_n horror_n and_o amazement_n seize_v many_o who_o then_o become_v sensible_a of_o their_o lose_a state_n and_o condition_n while_o they_o be_v admire_v their_o teacher_n and_o busy_v in_o outward_a ordinance_n more_o than_o in_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o day_n wherein_o many_o be_v not_o only_o so_o strike_v with_o amazement_n but_o through_o faith_n receive_v the_o testimony_n give_v touch_v the_o light_n of_o christ_n may_v true_o be_v term_v the_o day_n of_o their_o infancy_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o so_o the_o more_o likely_a to_o be_v prevail_v upon_o by_o the_o enemy_n who_o in_o that_o day_n as_o in_o age_n past_a seek_v how_o he_o may_v destroy_v that_o tenderness_n to_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v so_o beget_v for_o it_o be_v certain_o know_v that_o many_o who_o eye_n ought_v to_o have_v be_v unto_o the_o creator_n admire_v and_o give_v glory_n unto_o he_o for_o his_o gift_n of_o grace_n and_o ministration_n of_o light_n then_o reveal_v do_v on_o a_o sudden_a admire_v the_o creature_n in_o such_o a_o abundant_a manner_n as_o if_o not_o only_o the_o plant_n and_o water_v be_v by_o he_o but_o the_o increase_v also_o and_o in_o that_o day_n some_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v as_o watchman_n in_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n be_v concern_v thereat_o and_o jealous_a with_o a_o godly_a jealousy_n and_o though_o at_o present_a it_o be_v not_o with_o we_o to_o declare_v what_o that_o jealousy_n be_v yet_o if_o the_o tree_n may_v be_v know_v by_o its_o fruit_n we_o may_v with_o boldness_n affirm_v that_o the_o then_o admire_v the_o creature_n may_v be_v true_o parallel_v with_o that_o state_n out_o of_o which_o the_o lord_n through_o the_o ministration_n of_o light_n or_o spirit_n of_o life_n have_v lead_v many_o at_o that_o day_n who_o have_v so_o learned_a the_o truth_n as_o according_a to_o the_o testimony_n thereof_o to_o have_v their_o eye_n to_o the_o light_n within_o viz._n the_o light_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o instead_o thereof_o to_o any_o outward_a person_n through_o who_o among_o other_o brethren_n the_o ministration_n of_o light_n be_v reveal_v but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o some_o there_o be_v as_o before_o be_v signify_v that_o admire_v the_o creature_n which_o not_o only_o become_v unto_o they_o a_o snare_n but_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v doubt_v unto_o the_o creature_n also_o that_o be_v admire_v for_o the_o acceptation_n of_o more_o respect_n than_o be_v meet_v stand_v in_o the_o same_o ground_n with_o the_o offer_v thereof_o and_o it_o be_v too_o much_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o imprudent_a acceptation_n of_o what_o be_v undue_o offer_v have_v beget_v a_o spirit_n of_o pride_n and_o exaltation_n in_o g._n f._n which_o the_o lord_n be_v determine_v for_o his_o namesake_n to_o bring_v into_o the_o dust_n and_o if_o he_o do_v but_o serious_o mind_n his_o state_n and_o condition_n and_o be_v but_o more_o ready_a to_o appear_v little_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n than_o to_o be_v account_v great_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o other_o and_o not_o give_v way_n to_o such_o a_o false_a imagination_n that_o true_a judgement_n be_v commit_v to_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o can_v now_o be_v testify_v be_v speak_v by_o he_o and_o that_o at_o that_o time_n wherein_o his_o judgement_n be_v know_v to_o be_v false_a and_o that_o he_o may_v take_v a_o liberty_n know_o to_o put_v stumble_v block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n people_n and_o yet_o be_v justify_v therein_o it_o therein_o note_v when_o william_n rogers_n discourse_v with_o he_o touch_v this_o particular_a passage_n in_o his_o book_n of_o woman_n meeting_n and_o be_v not_o micahs_n mother_n a_o virtuous_a woman_n read_v judge_n 17_o and_o then_o a_o few_o line_n after_o though_o she_o be_v a_o idolatrous_a woman_n say_v these_o and_o such_o
all_o man_n that_o i_o may_v by_o all_o mean_n save_o some_o and_o this_o i_o do_v for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n but_o to_o return_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o john_n testify_v concern_v christ_n and_o himself_o on_o this_o wise_a 3.30_o joh._n 3.30_o he_o must_v increase_v but_o i_o must_v decrease_v which_o if_o the_o whole_a scope_n of_o the_o scripture_n relate_v to_o baptism_n be_v consider_v seem_v clear_o to_o hint_n that_o therein_o john_n speak_v not_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o person_n but_o that_o administration_n of_o water-baptism_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o minister_n moreover_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n paul_n testify_v 17._o 1_o cor._n 1.14_o 15_o 17._o i_o thank_v god_n i_o baptize_v none_o of_o you_o but_o crispus_n and_o gaius_n lest_o any_o shall_v say_v i_o have_v baptize_v in_o my_o own_o name_n and_o i_o baptize_v also_o the_o house_n of_o stephanus_n beside_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o i_o baptise_a any_o other_o for_o christ_n send_v i_o not_o to_o baptise_v but_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n which_o be_v compare_v with_o what_o he_o write_v unto_o the_o ephesian_n 6._o eph._n 4.4_o 5_o 6._o there_o be_v one_o body_n one_o spirit_n even_o as_o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o hope_n of_o your_o call_v one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o and_o with_o what_o he_o write_v to_o the_o colossian_n where_o circumcision_n be_v equallise_v with_o baptism_n 12._o col._n 2.11_o 12._o its_o clear_a to_o every_o enlighten_v eye_n that_o paul_n be_v by_o the_o spirit_n lead_v to_o exalt_v one_o only_a baptism_n which_o doubtless_o be_v the_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o which_o he_o give_v testimony_n when_o he_o write_v to_o the_o corinthian_n on_o this_o wise_a 12.13_o 1_o cor._n 12.13_o for_o by_o one_o spirit_n be_v we_o all_o baptise_a into_o one_o body_n whether_o we_o be_v jew_n or_o gentile_n whether_o we_o be_v bond_n or_o free_a and_o have_v be_v all_o make_v to_o drink_v into_o one_o spirit_n more_o may_v be_v write_v on_o this_o subject_a from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n to_o evidence_n the_o matter_n intend_v but_o at_o present_a we_o shall_v forbear_v further_a to_o enlarge_v thereon_o chap._n x._o touch_v the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o his_o disciple_n the_o night_n before_o he_o be_v betray_v forasmuch_o as_o the_o child_n of_o light_n among_o those_o call_v quaker_n have_v be_v repute_v apostutise_v from_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o disowners_n of_o gospel_n ordinance_n not_o only_o because_o since_o they_o have_v believe_v in_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n grace_n give_v by_o god_n and_o inward_o receive_v by_o they_o they_o have_v not_o be_v find_v in_o the_o outward_a practice_n of_o water_n baptism_n of_o which_o in_o the_o last_o chapter_n we_o have_v already_o treat_v but_o also_o for_o that_o they_o as_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o principled_a to_o meet_v together_o at_o some_o certain_a appoint_a time_n and_o season_n to_o break_v bread_n and_o drink_n wine_n as_o that_o which_o according_a to_o the_o repute_a institution_n of_o christ_n they_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o a_o more_o solemn_a manner_n than_o at_o other_o time_n and_o then_o term_v such_o their_o eat_n and_o drink_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o communion_n and_o participation_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v therefore_o think_v meet_v at_o this_o time_n to_o treat_v somewhat_o on_o this_o subject_a evidence_a that_o the_o doctrine_n publish_v by_o christ_n at_o his_o last_o supper_n be_v own_v by_o we_o and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o it_o be_v thus_o observe_v when_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n the_o night_n before_o he_o be_v betray_v be_v eat_v the_o passover_n with_o he_o the_o evangelist_n thus_o declare_v 20._o luk._n 22.19_o 20._o and_o he_o take_v bread_n and_o give_v thanks_o and_o break_v it_o and_o give_v unto_o they_o say_v this_o be_v my_o body_n which_o be_v give_v for_o you_o this_o do_v in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o likewise_o also_o the_o cup_n after_o supper_n say_v this_o cup_n be_v the_o new_a testament_n in_o my_o blood_n which_o be_v shed_v for_o you_o the_o aforesaid_a word_n this_o do_v in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o be_v the_o only_a sentence_n speak_v by_o christ_n whereof_o the_o scripture_n make_v mention_v whereby_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n so_o call_v may_v be_v pretend_v to_o be_v prove_v from_o which_o word_n it_o natural_o follow_v that_o christ_n disciple_n be_v to_o do_v something_o which_o he_o then_o do_v which_o undoubted_o be_v to_o give_v thanks_o and_o break_v bread_n in_o remembrance_n of_o he_o and_o according_a to_o this_o command_n we_o believe_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a both_o in_o eat_v and_o drink_v to_o receive_v the_o same_o with_o thankful_a heart_n and_o to_o be_v not_o only_o at_o such_o time_n and_o season_n but_o at_o other_o time_n also_o in_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o benefit_n whereof_o the_o faithful_a be_v partaker_n through_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o those_o who_o thus_o believe_v and_o thus_o practice_v which_o the_o faithful_a people_n of_o god_n among_o those_o call_v quaker_n do_v own_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n at_o his_o last_o supper_n and_o if_o we_o say_v no_o more_o we_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o evidence_n what_o we_o have_v undertake_v to_o do_v viz._n that_o the_o doctrine_n publish_v by_o christ_n at_o his_o last_o supper_n be_v own_v by_o we_o but_o since_o it_o be_v so_o that_o divers_a place_n of_o scripture_n have_v be_v take_v by_o many_o profess_v christianity_n to_o signify_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v find_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o administer_a and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o supper_n so_o call_v it_o be_v further_o signify_v what_o may_v be_v pretend_v to_o be_v say_v in_o favour_n thereof_o after_o christ_n ascend_v act_n 2._o it_o appear_v that_o after_o the_o pour_v forth_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n peter_n stand_v up_o and_o preach_v unto_o the_o jew_n at_o which_o sermon_n there_o be_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n about_o three_o thousand_o touch_v who_o verse_n the_o 42._o it_o be_v thus_o say_v and_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n no_o doubt_n but_o this_o be_v take_v for_o a_o manifest_a proof_n of_o the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o supper_n so_o call_v as_o practise_v by_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n at_o this_o day_n but_o whether_o on_o sufficient_a ground_n be_v now_o the_o question_n for_o our_o part_n we_o testify_v it_o appear_v groundless_a to_o we_o for_o verse_n the_o 44th_o it_o be_v say_v all_o that_o believe_v be_v together_o and_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a and_o verse_n the_o 46th_o thus_o and_o they_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n do_v eat_v their_o own_o meat_n with_o gladness_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n praise_v god_n these_o scripture_n be_v due_o weigh_v clear_o manifest_a that_o as_o often_o as_o they_o do_v cat_n they_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a and_o praise_v god_n and_o that_o here_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o daily_o break_v of_o bread_n there_o speak_v of_o have_v a_o relation_n to_o daily_o solemn_a appoint_a meeting_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n do_v take_v bread_n bless_v break_v it_o and_o distribute_v it_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o sign_n unto_o they_o that_o they_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v nourish_v but_o rather_o that_o at_o those_o opportunity_n their_o outward_a body_n and_o hunger_n be_v refresh_v and_o satisfy_v which_o in_o the_o apostle_n paul_n sense_n be_v not_o eat_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o be_v manifest_a 1_o cor._n 11.20_o 21_o 22_o 33_o 34._o moreover_o if_o we_o do_v but_o compare_v the_o aforesaid_a scripture_n act_v 2.42_o 46._o with_o what_o be_v write_v act_n 6._o from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o seven_o verse_n it_o be_v rational_a to_o conclude_v that_o in_o their_o daily_a break_a bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n no_o other_o institution_n ordinance_n or_o sacrament_n be_v hint_v at_o than_o what_o be_v neglect_v towards_o the_o grecian_a widow_n mention_v act_n 6.1_o which_o neglect_v occasion_v a_o choice_n of_o seven_o deacon_n because_o it_o be_v not_o judge_v reasonable_a that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v leave_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o serve_v table_n which_o service_n there_o hint_v at_o be_v doubtless_o a_o ministration_n of_o outward_a food_n for_o the_o nourishment_n of_o the_o outward_a man_n and_o not_o the_o nourishment_n of_o the_o soul_n act_n 20.7_o
it_o be_v thus_o say_v and_o upon_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n when_o the_o disciple_n come_v together_o to_o break_v bread_n paul_n preach_v unto_o they_o ready_a to_o depart_v on_o the_o morrow_n and_o continue_v his_o speech_n until_o midnight_n and_o in_o the_o follow_a verse_n it_o be_v signify_v that_o when_o paul_n come_v up_o again_o from_o take_v up_o a_o young_a man_n who_o as_o paul_n be_v long_o preach_v sink_v down_o with_o sleep_n and_o fall_v down_o from_o the_o three_o loft_n and_o be_v take_v up_o dead_a and_o have_v break_v bread_n and_o eat_v and_o talk_v a_o long_a time_n even_o until_o break_v of_o day_n he_o depart_v on_o this_o scripture_n it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o no_o mention_n be_v make_v that_o the_o aforesaid_a break_v of_o bread_n be_v do_v in_o pursuance_n of_o any_o institution_n make_v by_o christ_n at_o his_o last_o supper_n nor_o yet_o that_o the_o end_n thereof_o be_v that_o they_o may_v be_v on_o that_o occasion_n in_o a_o more_o solemn_a commemoration_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n than_o at_o other_o time_n wherein_o they_o may_v refresh_v their_o outward_a man_n with_o carnal_a food_n and_o therefore_o though_o i_o can_v but_o have_v so_o much_o charity_n for_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n as_o to_o believe_v that_o when_o they_o do_v so_o eat_v as_o aforesaid_a they_o be_v in_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o benefit_n through_o christ_n death_n as_o every_o true_a christian_n ought_v to_o be_v and_o more_o especial_o whilst_o participate_v of_o his_o mercy_n yet_o the_o scripture_n already_o name_v seem_v no_o rational_a proof_n of_o any_o such_o solemn_a institution_n make_v by_o christ_n which_o many_o under_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n pretend_v to_o have_v practise_v 1_o cor._n 10.16_o the_o cup_n of_o blessing_n which_o we_o bless_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o bread_n which_o we_o break_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n consider_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o very_a same_o epistle_n we_o appeal_v unto_o such_o who_o be_v know_v in_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n kingdom_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o unreasonable_a to_o take_v the_o mean_v of_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v that_o this_o have_v a_o tendency_n to_o encourage_v outward_a meeting_n wherein_o outward_a bread_n ought_v to_o be_v break_v and_o communicate_v as_o a_o sign_n of_o be_v partaker_n of_o christ_n body_n or_o to_o prove_v any_o solemn_a institution_n make_v by_o christ_n more_o than_o what_o may_v as_o well_o be_v allege_v from_o the_o word_n of_o john_n to_o be_v then_o institute_v by_o christ_n when_o he_o say_v john_n 6.51_o 56._o i_o be_o the_o live_a bread_n which_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n if_o any_o man_n eat_v of_o this_o bread_n he_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o he_o that_o eat_v my_o flesh_n and_o drink_v my_o blood_n dwell_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o he_o for_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o the_o very_a next_o verse_n thus_o signify_v for_o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o bread_n and_o one_o body_n for_o we_o be_v partaker_n of_o that_o one_o bread_n this_o one_o bread_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n speak_v be_v not_o outward_a bread_n but_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n dwell_v each_o in_o other_o according_a to_o the_o aforesaid_a testimony_n of_o christ_n he_o that_o eat_v my_o flesh_n and_o drink_v my_o blood_n dwell_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o he_o 1_o cor._n 11.23_o 24_o 25_o 26._o paul_n thus_o say_v for_o i_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o which_o also_o i_o deliver_v unto_o you_o that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o same_o night_n in_o which_o he_o be_v betray_v take_v bread_n and_o when_o he_o have_v give_v thanks_o he_o break_v it_o and_o say_v take_v eat_v this_o be_v my_o body_n which_o be_v break_v for_o you_o this_o do_v in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n also_o he_o take_v the_o cup_n when_o he_o have_v sup_v say_v this_o cup_n be_v the_o new_a testament_n in_o my_o blood_n this_o do_v you_o as_o often_o as_o you_o drink_v it_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o for_o as_o often_o as_o you_o eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n you_o do_v show_v the_o lord_n death_n till_o he_o come_v this_o scripture_n be_v take_v as_o a_o pertinent_a proof_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o supper_n so_o call_v as_o a_o gospel_n ordinance_n the_o first_o thing_n needful_a to_o be_v consider_v in_o order_n to_o the_o have_v a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o paul_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v the_o occasion_n whereon_o it_o be_v write_v which_o be_v signify_v from_o ver_fw-la 17._o to_o 23._o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o corinthian_n come_v not_o together_o for_o the_o better_a but_o for_o the_o worse_o for_o that_o when_o they_o come_v together_o paul_n hear_v there_o be_v division_n among_o they_o and_o that_o in_o eat_v every_o one_o take_v before_o the_o other_o his_o own_o supper_n and_o that_o one_o be_v hungry_a and_o another_o drunken_a and_o that_o this_o be_v not_o to_o eat_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o then_o proceed_v to_o relate_v what_o he_o have_v deliver_v unto_o they_o as_o a_o evidence_n that_o their_o practice_n be_v not_o to_o be_v justify_v or_o own_v from_o any_o thing_n deliver_v unto_o they_o by_o he_o it_o be_v now_o necessary_a to_o consider_v what_o may_v and_o what_o may_v not_o be_v infer_v as_o pertinent_a to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n from_o what_o paul_n deliver_v to_o the_o corinth_n it_o can_v be_v infer_v that_o those_o who_o worthy_o do_v eat_v of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_v of_o that_o cup_n mention_v verse_n 24_o 25._o which_o we_o will_v not_o deny_v to_o be_v outward_a be_v after_o the_o receive_n thereof_o make_v partaker_n of_o christ_n body_n for_o though_o ver_fw-la 27._o the_o apostle_n thus_o say_v whosoever_o shall_v eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n of_o the_o lord_n unworthy_o shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o the_o lord_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o on_o this_o occasion_n say_v that_o the_o worthy_a receiver_n be_v partaker_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o why_o but_o because_o that_o be_v not_o the_o declare_a end_n what_o then_o be_v the_o declare_a end_n the_o end_n from_o paul_n word_n seem_v to_o be_v to_o show_v the_o lord_n death_n till_o he_o come_v for_o verse_n 26._o he_o thus_o say_v for_o as_o often_o as_o you_o eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n you_o do_v show_v the_o lord_n death_n till_o he_o come_v in_o remembrance_n whereof_o man_n may_v be_v and_o yet_o no_o partaker_n of_o his_o body_n and_o as_o to_o these_o word_n till_o he_o come_v they_o may_v reasonable_o be_v take_v to_o relate_v to_o his_o come_n to_o man_n in_o spirit_n and_o if_o so_o there_o be_v no_o pretence_n from_o paul_n word_n that_o such_o aught_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o aforesaid_a practice_n for_o the_o remembrance_n of_o christ_n death_n who_o be_v witness_n of_o his_o come_n in_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o as_o live_v member_n of_o his_o spiritual_a body_n they_o be_v attain_v unto_o the_o end_n wherefore_o a_o remembrance_n of_o his_o death_n be_v account_v needful_a and_o as_o to_o these_o word_n whosoever_o shall_v eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n of_o the_o lord_n unworthy_o shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o no_o command_n be_v herein_o contain_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o supper_n so_o call_v ought_v to_o be_v or_o to_o have_v be_v practise_v but_o yet_o we_o confess_v that_o from_o these_o word_n it_o be_v rational_a to_o conclude_v that_o paul_n have_v a_o sense_n that_o some_o may_v take_v occasion_n to_o meet_v together_o to_o break_v bread_n and_o to_o drink_v and_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o use_n thereof_o be_v abuse_v it_o may_v be_v a_o necessary_a caution_n in_o paul_n to_o signify_v that_o the_o unworthy_a eater_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n because_o if_o they_o make_v conscience_n thereof_o as_o doubtless_o those_o who_o so_o practise_v will_v profess_v they_o do_v even_o as_o some_o other_o make_v conscience_n of_o observe_v a_o day_n the_o abuse_n thereof_o can_v not_o but_o become_v sin_n unto_o they_o by_o which_o the_o just_a be_v crucify_a and_o therefore_o such_o might_n as_o just_o be_v account_v guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n as_o those_o who_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n be_v by_o their_o fall_v away_o
brethren_n their_o sin_n will_v cry_v aloud_o in_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n date_v this_o 20_o of_o the_o 3d._a month_n 1677._o thomas_n gouldney_n william_n ford_n william_n rogers_n postscript_n we_o who_o name_n be_v hereunto_o subscribe_v do_v thus_o testify_v that_o though_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o so_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o knowledge_n or_o remembrance_n as_o to_o subscribe_v all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o above-written_a paper_n yet_o be_v also_o present_a in_o our_o mens-meeting_a where_o the_o first_o above_o recite_v paper_n against_o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n be_v read_v it_o be_v with_o we_o to_o give_v this_o testimony_n that_o we_o do_v not_o own_o the_o judgement_n against_o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n contain_v in_o the_o say_v recite_v paper_n neither_o be_v we_o in_o our_o conscience_n convince_v that_o the_o say_v john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n have_v so_o behave_v themselves_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n or_o elsewhere_o as_o in_o the_o aforesaid_a recite_v paper_n as_o consideration_n for_o the_o judgement_n against_o they_o be_v rehearse_v to_o friend_n assemble_v at_o ellis_n hook_n his_o chamber_n the_o 12_o of_o the_o four_o month_n 1677._o london_n cornelius_n sergeant_n william_n dawson_n thomas_n watkins_n and_o diverse_a other_o friend_n according_a to_o the_o aforesaid_a direction_n the_o answer_n of_o the_o friend_n of_o bristol_n be_v send_v to_o london_n to_o be_v communicate_v to_o the_o sixty_o six_o subscriber_n that_o meet_v at_o ellis_n hook_n his_o chamber_n whereof_o charles_n marshal_n be_v one_o and_o though_o several_a general_n meeting_n have_v since_o be_v yet_o no_o general_a reply_n thereto_o be_v come_v to_o any_o of_o their_o hand_n concern_v in_o the_o aforesaid_a answer_n nor_o yet_o any_o excommunication_n for_o their_o so_o do_v but_o yet_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o the_o four_o subscriber_n thereof_o live_v in_o bristol_n take_v upon_o they_o 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meeting_n but_o be_v it_o so_o that_o in_o reality_n it_o come_v from_o they_o no_o doubt_n but_o the_o say_v jasper_n batt_n and_o his_o three_o companion_n will_v have_v obtain_v from_o the_o next_o general_n meet_v a_o testimony_n to_o that_o purpose_n but_o no_o such_o testimony_n or_o approbation_n of_o the_o say_a paper_n from_o ellis_n hook_n his_o chamber_n subscribe_v by_o charles_n marshal_n and_o sixty_o five_o more_o have_v to_o this_o day_n be_v give_v forth_o as_o ever_o we_o can_v understand_v we_o also_o confess_v that_o one_o other_o subscriber_n of_o the_o say_a paper_n write_v something_o in_o vindication_n thereof_o by_o way_n of_o reply_n to_o divers_a friend_n in_o wiltshire_n who_o have_v give_v their_o testimony_n against_o it_o likewise_o but_o further_a testimony_n in_o write_v in_o vindication_n thereof_o against_o such_o as_o have_v oppose_v it_o we_o understand_v not_o but_o yet_o you_o must_v further_o confess_v that_o charles_n marshal_n by_o his_o late_a 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church_n of_o christ_n as_o that_o none_o on_o the_o score_n of_o apostleship_n or_o eldership_n may_v have_v a_o great_a pretence_n of_o power_n to_o call_v john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n before_o they_o yet_o we_o affirm_v that_o neither_o the_o say_v sixty_o six_o nor_o any_o other_o assembly_n on_o earth_n have_v power_n to_o give_v judgement_n in_o such_o a_o case_n other_o than_o for_o contempt_n of_o authority_n and_o not_o a_o judgement_n on_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n though_o it_o be_v on_o the_o hear_n of_o one_o party_n answer_v by_o jasper_n batt_n and_o his_o three_o companion_n viz._n do_v you_o not_o show_v yourselves_o ignorant_a of_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o the_o power_n &_o judgement_n give_v to_o the_o saint_n of_o the_o most_o high_a and_o of_o the_o anoint_v by_o which_o the_o saint_n do_v know_v and_o be_v to_o try_v the_o spirit_n and_o be_v this_o trial_n to_o be_v without_o judgement_n or_o be_v not_o the_o saint_n to_o judge_n or_o be_v that_o judgement_n which_o they_o be_v to_o give_v only_o in_o contempt_n or_o whether_o do_v not_o they_o judge_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n as_o well_o as_o contempt_n of_o authority_n though_o we_o grant_v they_o do_v judge_n contempt_n of_o authority_n which_o also_o be_v for_o judgement_n as_o you_o may_v read_v both_o in_o peter_n and_o judas_n for_o we_o see_v there_o be_v such_o in_o those_o day_n as_o be_v now_o who_o do_v despise_v government_n presumptuous_a self-willed_a they_o be_v not_o afraid_a to_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n which_o have_v forsake_v the_o right_a way_n and_o go_v astray_o and_o so_o well_n without_o water_n and_o cloud_n that_o be_v carry_v with_o a_o tempest_n etc._n etc._n judas_n say_v these_o be_v they_o who_o separate_v themselves_o read_v peter_n and_o judas_n through_o and_o let_v those_o scripture_n be_v right_o apply_v and_o see_v to_o who_o they_o belong_v and_o further_o do_v not_o paul_n judge_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n when_o he_o write_v to_o they_o at_o galatia_n and_o tell_v they_o of_o be_v remove_v to_o another_o gospel_n and_o to_o be_v bewitch_v for_o not_o obey_v the_o truth_n do_v not_o he_o judge_v they_o for_o a_o persuasion_n that_o do_v not_o come_v from_o he_o that_o call_v they_o and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o judgement_n on_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n do_v not_o he_o say_v he_o that_o trouble_v you_o shall_v bear_v his_o judgement_n whosoever_o he_o be_v do_v not_o he_o judge_v dissimulation_n and_o some_o for_o not_o walk_v according_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n gal._n 2.13_o 14._o do_v not_o paul_n judge_v hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n for_o put_v away_o faith_n and_o good_a conscience_n and_o deliver_v they_o unto_o satan_n be_v not_o here_o a_o judgement_n on_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o we_o further_o query_n have_v not_o they_o put_v away_o faith_n and_o good_a conscience_n who_o flee_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n pay_v tithe_n and_o countenance_v they_o that_o do_v which_o through_o faith_n and_o for_o a_o good_a conscience_n friend_n in_o the_o beginning_n be_v lead_v to_o bear_v testimony_n against_o our_o observation_n on_o the_o aforesaid_a position_n write_v by_o the_o friend_n of_o bristol_n and_o the_o reply_v thereto_o be_v this_o first_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o query_n can_v be_v a_o positive_a answer_n to_o a_o positive_a position_n second_o that_o whosoever_o peruse_v the_o answer_n of_o bristol-friend_n shall_v find_v that_o the_o word_n judgement_n in_o such_o a_o case_n relate_v to_o a_o judgement_n give_v without_o a_o hear_v for_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n can_v be_v hear_v in_o their_o case_n by_o those_o before_o who_o they_o appear_v not_o to_o state_n their_o case_n and_o therefore_o if_o query_n may_v be_v a_o proper_a answer_n yet_o those_o propose_v as_o answer_n be_v
design_v to_o be_v treat_v upon_o be_v the_o government_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v to_o be_v represent_v by_o visible_a person_n certain_o know_v by_o outward_a name_n distinguish_v by_o outward_a mark_n and_o token_n and_o invest_v with_o power_n from_o he_o to_o execute_v outward_a law_n in_o a_o outward_a form_n of_o government_n visible_a by_o our_o carnal_a eye_n as_o aforesaid_a that_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o inward_a government_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n jer._n 31.31_o 32_o 33._o i_o will_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n etc._n etc._n not_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n that_o i_o make_v with_o your_o father_n but_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o covenant_n that_o i_o will_v make_v etc._n etc._n after_o those_o day_n i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n and_o they_o shall_v teach_v no_o more_o every_o man_n his_o neighbour_n and_o every_o man_n his_o brother_n say_v know_v the_o lord_n for_o they_o shall_v all_o know_v i_o from_o the_o least_o of_o they_o to_o the_o great_a of_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n this_o we_o believe_v be_v speak_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o reign_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o man_n and_o clear_o show_v that_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n government_n under_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n and_o therefore_o a_o inward_a government_n objection_n but_o if_o any_o shall_v object_v that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n relate_v not_o to_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o gentile_a stock_n of_o which_o stock_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o we_o be_v we_o thereto_o say_v that_o the_o word_n of_o paul_n do_v effectual_o answer_v that_o objection_n rom._n 10.12_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o gentile_a for_o the_o same_o lord_n over_o all_o be_v rich_a unto_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o col._n 3.9_o 10_o 11._o lie_v not_o one_o to_o another_o see_v that_o you_o have_v put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n with_o his_o deed_n and_o have_v put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o be_v renew_v in_o knowledge_n after_o the_o image_n of_o he_o that_o create_v he_o where_o there_o be_v neither_o gentile_a nor_o jew_n circumcision_n nor_o uncircumcision_n barbarian_a scythian_a bond_n nor_o free_a but_o christ_n be_v all_o and_o in_o all_o many_o other_o scripture_n both_o out_o of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n write_n may_v be_v quote_v to_o evidence_n the_o matter_n intend_v we_o be_v yet_o sensible_a that_o this_o further_a objection_n may_v be_v raise_v viz._n objection_n that_o neither_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n nor_o of_o the_o apostle_n cite_v by_o we_o make_v mention_n of_o government_n over_o jew_n or_o gentile_n but_o do_v show_v as_o from_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o scripture_n appear_v that_o the_o apostle_n so_o write_v to_o convince_v the_o jew_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n and_o that_o of_o faith_n and_o to_o show_v unto_o believer_n whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n that_o though_o some_o may_v appear_v in_o a_o voluntary_a humility_n worship_n angel_n intrude_v into_o those_o thing_n they_o have_v not_o see_v and_o be_v vain_o puff_v up_o in_o their_o fleshly_a mind_n and_o not_o give_v all_o obedience_n unto_o the_o head_n christ_n through_o who_o alone_o there_o be_v a_o increase_n in_o the_o increase_v of_o god_n yet_o they_o be_v therein_o reprovable_a as_o not_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n and_o further_a also_o to_o show_v that_o those_o who_o be_v dead_a with_o christ_n from_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o nor_o yet_o to_o touch_v taste_n or_o handle_v such_o ordinance_n as_o be_v after_o the_o commandment_n and_o doctrine_n of_o men._n to_o this_o objection_n we_o answer_v that_o though_o the_o word_n government_n be_v not_o express_o mention_v yet_o there_o be_v word_n in_o what_o be_v cite_v out_o of_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n import_v the_o three_o material_a object_n of_o government_n viz._n a_o lawgiver_n the_o place_n where_o the_o law_n be_v to_o be_v find_v write_v and_o the_o people_n for_o who_o it_o be_v give_v beside_o from_o these_o word_n of_o paul_n viz._n the_o same_o lord_n over_o all_o a_o governor_n be_v imply_v viz._n christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n and_o so_o consequent_o a_o government_n over_o that_o all._n and_o from_o what_o hereafter_o follow_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o the_o end_n of_o this_o government_n be_v to_o lead_v into_o all_o truth_n moreover_o it_o lead_v we_o to_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v divers_a true_a mark_n whereby_o the_o opposer_n of_o christ_n government_n may_v be_v distinguish_v first_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v in_o a_o voluntary_a humility_n second_o such_o as_o worship_n angel_n which_o may_v reasonable_o be_v take_v to_o be_v a_o worship_v of_o some_o messenger_n who_o god_n have_v send_v because_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n angel_n be_v a_o messenger_n three_o such_o as_o intrude_v into_o those_o thing_n they_o have_v not_o see_v four_o such_o as_o be_v puff_v up_o in_o their_o fleshly_a mind_n five_o such_o as_o give_v not_o all_o obedience_n unto_o the_o head_n christ_n and_o last_o such_o as_o be_v subject_a to_o ordinance_n after_o the_o commandment_n and_o doctrine_n of_o men._n and_o to_o be_v very_o plain_a for_o the_o clear_n the_o truth_n we_o must_v give_v this_o our_o testimony_n that_o we_o be_v real_o persuade_v from_o what_o our_o eye_n &_o ear_n have_v be_v witness_n that_o many_o of_o those_o among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n who_o have_v zealous_o contend_v for_o the_o observation_n of_o outward_a rule_n and_o order_n give_v forth_o by_o one_o man_n bear_v all_o the_o aforesaid_a mark_n for_o whosoever_o they_o be_v that_o pretend_v zeal_n to_o promote_v submit_v unto_o and_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o other_o man_n line_n make_v ready_a to_o their_o hand_n and_o that_o on_o a_o pretend_a religious_a score_n when_o through_o the_o word_n of_o true_a faith_n they_o see_v it_o not_o their_o duty_n or_o if_o they_o shall_v pretend_v they_o do_v and_o thereupon_o strive_v to_o enforce_v other_o to_o submit_v thereto_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n or_o light_n of_o christ_n so_o to_o strive_v it_o natura_o follow_v that_o the_o aforesaid_a mark_n accompany_v such_o and_o this_o we_o confident_o aver_v that_o through_o the_o whole_a scripture_n of_o truth_n there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v rational_o expect_v and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o christ_n have_v or_o will_v commissionate_v any_o one_o man_n or_o man_n to_o prescribe_v outward_a rule_n and_o order_n relate_v to_o faith_n or_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n to_o be_v bind_v on_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n whether_o they_o shall_v see_v it_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n from_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n or_o no._n beside_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o government_n it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v such_o unto_o which_o outward_a write_a law_n visible_a by_o our_o carnal_a eye_n and_o to_o be_v execute_v by_o perish_a object_n according_a to_o a_o outward_a magistratical_a or_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n be_v whole_o unsuitable_a because_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n but_o be_v a_o everlasting_a kingdom_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v that_o of_o the_o increase_n of_o his_o government_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o end_n and_o though_o john_n in_o the_o revelation_n chap._n 11._o v._o 15._o give_v this_o testimony_n that_o there_o be_v great_a voice_n in_o heaven_n say_v the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n and_o he_o shall_v reign_v forever_o and_o ever_o isa_n 61.11_o yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o say_v to_o signify_v that_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o reign_n be_v or_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o then_o as_o before_o be_v describe_v moreover_o if_o any_o man_n or_o man_n have_v or_o may_v pretend_v he_o or_o themselves_o to_o be_v such_o on_o earth_n on_o who_o the_o weight_n of_o christ_n government_n which_o be_v spiritual_a be_v lay_v it_o be_v not_o like_a to_o have_v any_o evidence_n in_o our_o conscience_n first_o not_o only_o because_o we_o find_v no_o such_o prophecy_n or_o promise_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n but_o also_o for_o that_o we_o rather_o find_v the_o contrary_a for_o
in_o isa_n 9.6_o it_o be_v thus_o say_v and_o the_o government_n shall_v be_v upon_o his_o shoulder_n and_o his_o name_n shall_v be_v call_v wonderful_a councillor_n etc._n etc._n second_o because_o it_o be_v whole_o repugnant_a to_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o conscience_n that_o the_o weight_n of_o a_o government_n that_o be_v spiritual_a and_o everlasting_a the_o law_n whereof_o be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o wherein_o nothing_o but_o true_a judgement_n and_o justice_n have_v be_v be_v and_o shall_v be_v execute_v for_o evermore_o shall_v rest_v upon_o any_o man_n or_o man_n as_o a_o governor_n or_o governor_n over_o other_o since_o there_o be_v no_o man_n nor_o man_n but_o be_v subject_n through_o temptation_n to_o err_v if_o they_o watch_v not_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v well_o say_v much_o less_o on_o any_o such_o one_o man_n though_o term_v by_o some_o the_o great_a apostle_n of_o christ_n who_o action_n towards_o his_o brethren_n have_v be_v find_v injurious_a to_o they_o undeserved_o and_o reproachful_a to_o the_o truth_n nor_o yet_o upon_o any_o such_o assembly_n as_o the_o usual_a general_n meet_v so_o term_v though_o improper_o of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n be_v because_o the_o metre_n have_v usual_o consist_v of_o uncertain_a number_n of_o uncertain_a qualify_v person_n that_o take_v upon_o they_o so_o to_o assemble_v while_o other_o behold_v the_o ill_a consequence_n of_o their_o meeting_n conscientious_o forbear_v to_o join_v with_o they_o three_o because_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n have_v their_o eye_n so_o much_o on_o his_o outward_a and_o bodily_a appearance_n as_o that_o christ_n their_o lord_n and_o master_n see_v it_o meet_v to_o tell_v they_o in_o these_o word_n joh._n 16.7_o it_o be_v expedient_a for_o you_o that_o i_o go_v away_o and_o when_o he_o so_o say_v he_o do_v not_o then_o tell_v they_o nor_o yet_o at_o any_o time_n before_o or_o after_o i_o will_v commissionate_v some_o man_n or_o assembly_n of_o man_n in_o my_o stead_n that_o so_o you_o may_v have_v your_o eye_n unto_o and_o expect_v write_a order_n from_o him_z or_o they_o to_o walk_v by_o and_o to_o lead_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n but_o john_n give_v they_o a_o reason_n for_o his_o so_o say_v in_o these_o word_n joh._n 16.7_o for_o if_o i_o go_v not_o away_o the_o comforter_n will_v not_o come_v but_o if_o i_o depart_v i_o will_v send_v he_o unto_o you_o mean_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o as_o he_o promise_v shall_v abide_v with_o they_o for_o ever_o and_o shall_v be_v in_o they_o which_o undoubted_o be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o exaltation_n of_o his_o government_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o that_o they_o may_v have_v their_o whole_a dependency_n on_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o as_o before_o be_v signify_v christ_n promise_v shall_v abide_v with_o they_o forever_o and_o so_o this_o may_v true_o be_v term_v that_o everlasting_a unerring_a unchangeable_a governor_n unto_o which_o the_o subject_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n owe_v obedience_n and_o why_o so_o but_o because_o under_o it_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v guide_v into_o all_o truth_n according_a as_o be_v plain_o signify_v from_o these_o follow_a word_n speak_v by_o christ_n himself_o joh._n 16.13_o i_o have_v yet_o many_o thing_n to_o say_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o can_v bear_v they_o now_o howbeit_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n for_o he_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o but_o whatsoever_o he_o shall_v hear_v that_o shall_v he_o speak_v here_o be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o contend_v about_o form_n of_o government_n or_o who_o shall_v be_v governor_n under_o christ_n government_n for_o if_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o we_o and_o that_o be_v to_o remain_v with_o we_o forever_o shall_v guide_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n than_o our_o dependency_n ought_v to_o be_v thereon_o that_o so_o thereby_o we_o may_v be_v lead_v into_o all_o truth_n or_o else_o we_o can_v manifest_v ourselves_o to_o be_v obedient_a subject_n unto_o christ_n under_o his_o government_n that_o he_o be_v exalt_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o men._n the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n lead_v we_o to_o give_v this_o testimony_n that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n either_o from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o we_o or_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o we_o to_o believe_v that_o any_o christian_a professor_n can_v in_o truth_n affirm_v that_o there_o be_v outward_a prescription_n and_o order_n give_v forth_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n through_o any_o one_o or_o more_o mortal_a man_n in_o this_o our_o day_n which_o other_o ought_v to_o obey_v and_o follow_v of_o which_o more_o anon_o in_o answer_n to_o r._n b_n book_n of_o government_n whether_o they_o see_v it_o their_o duty_n or_o no_o and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o may_v therefore_o come_v under_o the_o curse_n and_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n from_o god_n which_o happen_v to_o corah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n for_o their_o rebellion_n against_o moses_n and_o though_o the_o sin_n of_o corah_n etc._n etc._n have_v frequent_o in_o our_o public_a meeting_n for_o worship_n be_v speak_v of_o and_o intend_v as_o we_o have_v take_v it_o to_o be_v as_o a_o proper_a citation_n to_o describe_v the_o state_n of_o such_o as_o on_o a_o conscientious_a score_n can_v submit_v unto_o the_o outward_a order_n of_o one_o man_n yet_o we_o testify_v that_o such_o sort_n of_o insinuate_a and_o threaten_a language_n seem_v much_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o first_o covenant_n than_o the_o second_o under_o which_o we_o be_v and_o when_o countenance_v or_o speak_v by_o any_o expect_v such_o a_o submission_n it_o than_o seem_v to_o savour_v of_o a_o spirit_n that_o speak_v of_o himself_o and_o not_o what_o he_o have_v hear_v from_o the_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o consequent_o from_o another_o spirit_n than_o that_o which_o christ_n promise_v he_o will_v send_v for_o christ_n own_o word_n signify_v he_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o moreover_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o corah_n and_o his_o company_n rebel_v against_o moses_n who_o be_v king_n in_o jesuran_n and_o a_o leader_n of_o israel_n and_o through_o who_o the_o lord_n give_v forth_o his_o law_n to_o the_o people_n but_o we_o know_v that_o none_o can_v according_a to_o truth_n at_o this_o day_n pretend_v that_o any_o other_o governor_n be_v raise_v up_o among_o the_o child_n of_o light_n to_o be_v like_a unto_o moses_n who_o we_o ought_v to_o hear_v in_o all_o thing_n save_v christ_n jesus_n who_o by_o his_o spirit_n manifest_v in_o every_o subject_a of_o his_o kingdom_n be_v thereby_o become_v their_o lawgiver_n and_o while_o they_o be_v obedient_a thereunto_o they_o may_v in_o truth_n be_v reckon_v to_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n because_o they_o may_v then_o true_o be_v term_v such_o as_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o such_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n there_o be_v no_o condemnation_n objection_n this_o discourse_n touch_v government_n may_v occasion_v some_o to_o raise_v this_o objection_n we_o understand_v that_o many_o call_v quaker_n do_v hold_v monthly_a and_o quarterly-meeting_n of_o man_n and_o also_o of_o woman_n distinct_a from_o man_n about_o their_o church_n affair_n and_o that_o these_o meeting_n be_v repute_v to_o be_v establish_v on_o certain_a day_n that_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v alter_v by_o one_o man_n among_o they_o that_o have_v pretend_v he_o be_v move_v of_o god_n so_o to_o do_v and_o that_o the_o same_o person_n have_v by_o his_o paper_n spread_v abroad_o in_o divers_a part_n of_o the_o nation_n signify_v that_o none_o but_o loose_a spirit_n and_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o looseness_n pretend_v to_o set_v up_o a_o better_a way_n or_o to_o alter_v they_o to_o another_o day_n for_o fear_v of_o corruption_n in_o observe_v a_o day_n and_o that_o it_o be_v but_o from_o a_o corrupt_a spirit_n of_o darkness_n which_o god_n will_v blast_v and_o that_o some_o call_v these_o meeting_n the_o government_n of_o christ_n set_v up_o among_o they_o and_o establish_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o church_n affair_n and_o that_o true_a judgement_n and_o justice_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o christ_n government_n may_v be_v execute_v to_o this_o we_o answer_v we_o confess_v there_o have_v be_v and_o yet_o may_v be_v such_o meeting_n but_o if_o any_o think_v they_o have_v be_v or_o be_v establish_v by_o any_o one_o man_n or_o that_o therein_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n be_v set_v up_o any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o any_o
basis_n and_o foundation_n to_o which_o i_o thus_o say_v this_o kind_n of_o language_n with_o respect_n to_o divers_a practice_n in_o discipline_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n or_o any_o outward_a form_n and_o order_n which_o be_v or_o have_v be_v by_o any_o call_v the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o do_v not_o understand_v to_o be_v right_o applicable_a to_o those_o among_o the_o say_a people_n who_o have_v retain_v their_o first_o love_n to_o and_o savour_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o principle_n thereof_o not_o that_o i_o will_v hereby_o be_v understand_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o outward_a order_n with_o respect_n to_o that_o gospel-discipline_n which_o become_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o that_o which_o i_o understand_v not_o to_o be_v right_o applicable_a unto_o they_o be_v manifest_v in_o what_o follow_v though_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n have_v and_o may_v further_o lead_v into_o the_o practice_n of_o outward_a order_n in_o discipline_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n yet_o i_o affirm_v that_o part_n of_o that_o outward_a order_n in_o discipline_n wherein_o divers_a of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n have_v be_v act_v be_v such_o as_o that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o footstep_n thereof_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o exhort_v to_o or_o as_o practise_v by_o the_o apostle_n i_o can_v give_v many_o instance_n hereof_o but_o one_o shall_v suffice_v viz._n the_o form_n of_o proceed_n in_o marriage_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n be_v whole_o silent_a as_o to_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o though_o the_o papist_n pretend_v to_o tradition_n yet_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n do_v not_o beside_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n that_o the_o apostle_n be_v find_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o which_o the_o people_n call_v 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be_v and_o be_v in_o the_o lord_n hand_n build_v up_o to_o which_o i_o say_v the_o consideration_n that_o christ_n be_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o great_a power_n of_o god_n and_o that_o a_o establish_n in_o the_o faith_n can_v proper_o be_v term_v a_o build_n up_o of_o faith_n give_v i_o occasion_n to_o treat_v a_o little_a touch_v the_o word_n establish_v and_o build_v up_o we_o know_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n in_o ourselves_o as_o well_o as_o from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o build_v up_o one_o another_o in_o the_o most_o holy_a faith_n in_o christ_n the_o truth_n the_o power_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v neither_o agreeable_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n in_o we_o nor_o yet_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o we_o for_o any_o to_o account_v themselves_o of_o ability_n to_o establish_v god_n power_n for_o its_o that_o by_o which_o the_o world_n be_v make_v now_o 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truth_n hereof_o under_o the_o first_o covenant_n which_o be_v outward_a the_o mind_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v to_o the_o people_n from_o the_o priest_n lip_n which_o be_v to_o preserve_v knowledge_n and_o this_o covenant_n do_v consist_v in_o divers_a outward_a ordinance_n etc._n etc._n establish_v and_o impose_v upon_o the_o people_n until_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n under_o the_o second_o covenant_n be_v the_o new_a covenant_n or_o gospel_n dispensation_n the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v in_o his_o people_n through_o the_o revelation_n of_o his_o spirit_n according_a to_o that_o of_o paul_n rom._n 1.19_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_v in_o they_o christ_n also_o say_v john_n 14.26_o the_o comforter_n which_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o the_o father_n will_v send_v in_o my_o name_n he_o shall_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n the_o law_n under_o this_o covenant_n be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n heb._n 8.10_o 11._o i_o will_v write_v my_o law_n in_o their_o heart_n &_o they_o shall_v not_o teach_v every_o man_n his_o neighbour_n and_o every_o man_n his_o brother_n say_v know_v the_o lord_n for_o all_o shall_v know_v i_o etc._n etc._n here_o be_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n of_o encouragement_n for_o any_o man_n under_o the_o new_a covenant_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v like_a unto_o the_o old_a to_o pretend_v that_o god_n spirit_n do_v or_o will_v lead_v any_o to_o establish_v outward_a order_n relate_v to_o matter_n of_o conscience_n as_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o if_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_v in_o we_o than_o though_o it_o may_v be_v needful_a to_o stir_v up_o according_a as_o the_o lord_n shall_v move_v in_o his_o servant_n the_o pure_a mind_n in_o we_o that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o what_o god_n require_v through_o the_o maifestation_n of_o himself_o in_o we_o there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o establish_v any_o thing_n without_o we_o to_o show_v it_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v to_o lead_v into_o all_o truth_n those_o who_o will_v be_v lead_v we_o in_o another_o way_n will_v prove_v little_o better_o than_o thief_n and_o robber_n which_o climb_v up_o another_o way_n to_o enter_v in_o than_o by_o the_o door_n if_o the_o law_n be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o that_o no_o obedience_n find_v acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n but_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n from_o a_o inward_a impulse_n and_o draw_v of_o his_o spirit_n thereunto_o in_o ourselves_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o establish_v outward_a indispensible_a rule_n which_o may_v relate_v to_o the_o conscience_n to_o walk_v by_o for_o be_v it_o possible_a so_o to_o do_v and_o any_o shall_v yield_v obedience_n on_o no_o better_a ground_n then_o because'tis_o so_o establish_v by_o such_o a_o man_n or_o assembly_n of_o man_n this_o sort_n of_o obedience_n will_v find_v no_o more_o acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n than_o the_o offering_n of_o swine_n flesh_n or_o the_o halt_n and_o blind_a for_o a_o sacrifice_n under_o the_o first_o covenant_n do_v for_o though_o many_o may_v be_v so_o weak_a as_o not_o to_o know_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o two_o covenant_n in_o some_o respect_n yet_o there_o be_v few_o of_o the_o lord_n people_n call_v quaker_n but_o have_v this_o undoubted_a truth_n seal_v in_o their_o heart_n that_o none_o of_o their_o outward_a practice_n under_o the_o exercise_n of_o christ_n government_n find_n acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n but_o as_o they_o have_v a_o evidence_n in_o their_o conscience_n that_o therein_o they_o answer_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n in_o themselves_o paul_n write_v to_o the_o colossian_n thus_o say_v as_o you_o have_v receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n so_o walk_v in_o he_o root_v and_o build_v up_o
in_o he_o establish_v in_o the_o faith_n col._n 2.6_o 7._o and_o then_o the_o very_a next_o verse_n say_v beware_v lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v you_o through_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n according_a to_o the_o rudimnet_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o after_o christ_n if_o the_o follow_a outward_a decree_n precept_n sentence_n decisive_n judgement_n or_o tradition_n of_o any_o sort_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v in_o paul_n '_o eye_n a_o real_a and_o certain_a indication_n of_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o root_v in_o christ_n or_o that_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v establish_v outward_a indispensible_a order_n relate_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o believer_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judicious_a reader_n to_o savour_n whether_o paul_n will_v have_v so_o immediate_o and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o one_o breath_n caution_v they_o to_o beware_v of_o be_v spoil_v through_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n etc._n etc._n without_o a_o further_a caution_n to_o take_v heed_n lest_o they_o shall_v account_v the_o command_n sentence_n decree_n or_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n such_o these_o thing_n consider_v and_o compare_v with_o the_o measure_n of_o light_n in_o ourselves_o i_o be_o satisfy_v it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o truth_n for_o any_o man_n or_o assembly_n of_o man_n to_o attempt_v a_o outward_a indispensible_a establishment_n of_o outward_a order_n rule_n and_o decree_n relate_v to_o matter_n of_o conscience_n under_o the_o new_a covenant_n as_o the_o order_n rule_n and_o decree_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n moreover_o if_o christ_n do_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o assistance_n to_o establish_v his_o government_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o man_n who_o day_n be_v but_o as_o a_o span_n long_o shall_v be_v capable_a to_o establish_v that_o government_n of_o who_o increase_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o end_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o he_o do_v not_o stand_v in_o need_n thereof_o for_o the_o son_n that_o be_v give_v shall_v order_n his_o government_n and_o establish_v it_o with_o judgement_n and_o with_o justice_n even_o from_o henceforth_o and_o forever_o read_v isa_n 9.6_o 7._o beside_o if_o we_o do_v but_o consider_v where_o and_o after_o what_o manner_n the_o second_o appearance_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v and_o yet_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v and_o wait_v for_o those_o who_o know_v the_o truth_n as_o preach_v receive_v and_o believe_v among_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n in_o the_o beginning_n do_v know_v that_o his_o second_o appearance_n have_v be_v and_o yet_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v and_o wait_v for_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o man_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o appearance_n have_v be_v and_o be_v by_o his_o spirit_n in_o we_o this_o have_v often_o be_v testify_v and_o that_o in_o opposition_n to_o those_o who_o have_v be_v look_v for_o his_o second_o come_v in_o some_o outward_a bodily_a appearance_n to_o reign_v as_o lord_n and_o king_n i_o now_o appeal_v to_o god_n witness_v in_o all_o conscience_n whether_o the_o outward_a establishment_n of_o outward_a government_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o christ_n government_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o square_v more_o with_o the_o principle_n of_o such_o who_o look_v for_o his_o second_o come_v in_o some_o outward_a bodily_a appearance_n than_o with_o the_o principle_n of_o those_o who_o conclude_v his_o second_o come_v to_o be_v by_o his_o spiritual_a appearance_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o right_a reason_n and_o truth_n to_o conclude_v that_o christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n will_v establish_v his_o government_n otherwise_o than_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o in_o the_o heart_n where_o his_o appearance_n have_v be_v and_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v and_o wait_v for_o and_o since_o it_o be_v undoubted_o so_o that_o of_o the_o increase_n of_o christ_n government_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o end_n i_o can_v understand_v to_o what_o end_v any_o man_n shall_v concern_v himself_o to_o consider_v how_o far_o it_o may_v extend_v yet_o r.b._n have_v so_o do_v witness_v his_o 37_o page_n where_o he_o thus_o say_v it_o be_v next_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o what_o case_n and_o how_o far_o it_o may_v extend_v to_o which_o i_o can_v but_o thus_o reply_v those_o who_o be_v not_o puff_v up_o with_o spiritual_a pride_n or_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n may_v easy_o discern_v from_o such_o kind_n of_o language_n a_o spirit_n that_o will_v limit_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n by_o put_v bound_n unto_o that_o government_n of_o who_o increase_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o end_n and_o though_o i_o speak_v of_o man_n inability_n to_o establish_v christ_n government_n yet_o i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v as_o one_o accuse_v the_o aforesaid_a author_n or_o any_o else_o to_o assert_v man_n ability_n so_o to_o do_v for_o i_o know_v not_o any_o man_n that_o will_v pretend_v themselves_o in_o that_o case_n other_o than_o instrument_n in_o god_n hand_n but_o yet_o this_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o since_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n everwill_v make_v use_n of_o man_n under_o the_o new_a covenant_n to_o establish_v outward_a indespensible_a order_n rule_n or_o decree_n to_o be_v as_o a_o measuring-line_n whereby_o those_o who_o be_v under_o christ_n government_n shall_v be_v know_v therefore_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o conclude_v that_o the_o endeavour_n of_o such_o who_o may_v exercise_v themselves_o therein_o may_v proceed_v from_o no_o better_a power_n than_o that_o ability_n which_o be_v of_o man._n and_o notwithstanding_o he_o have_v consider_v how_o far_o it_o extend_v yet_o i_o find_v not_o that_o he_o have_v make_v any_o mention_n of_o the_o business_n or_o at_o least_o a_o part_n of_o the_o business_n of_o one_o considerable_a meeting_n which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o government_n or_o order_n which_o he_o pretend_v to_o describe_v and_o that_o be_v a_o meet_v hold_v every_o second_o day_n of_o the_o week_n wherein_o writing_n treat_v of_o divine_a matter_n and_o which_o be_v intend_v by_o the_o author_n for_o public_a view_n be_v first_o view_v in_o order_n to_o a_o approbation_n or_o the_o contrary_a more_o contrary_a witness_v the_o paper_n at_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o this_o three_o part_n sign_v by_o charles_n marshal_n and_o thirty_o six_o more_o at_o which_o meeting_n his_o treatise_n be_v past_a which_o give_v occasion_n to_o treat_v a_o little_a of_o that_o meeting_n since_o those_o of_o that_o meeting_n be_v as_o well_o concern_v in_o the_o say_a treatise_n as_o he_o that_o write_v it_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n as_o far_o as_o i_o remember_v be_v whole_o silent_a as_o to_o any_o such_o service_n act_v in_o any_o meeting_n among_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o therefore_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v that_o there_o can_v be_v any_o real_a ground_n or_o tolerable_a pretence_n that_o this_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o ancient_a apostolic_a order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n we_o find_v the_o apostle_n act_v 3._o direct_v to_o choose_v seven_o man_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o take_v care_n that_o the_o widow_n shall_v not_o be_v neglect_v in_o the_o daily_a ministration_n if_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n direct_v to_o choose_v a_o certain_a select_a well_o qualify_v number_n of_o man_n for_o such_o a_o service_n as_o doubtless_o it_o do_v it_o be_v against_o right_a reason_n to_o suppose_v that_o the_o apostle_n will_v in_o their_o day_n have_v leave_v the_o consideration_n of_o such_o weighty_a matter_n as_o treatise_n of_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n to_o the_o approbation_n of_o a_o uncertain_a unselected_a assembly_n for_o such_o i_o call_v that_o meeting_n wherein_o many_o of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n intend_v for_o public_a view_n be_v approve_v or_o disapprove_v 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declare_v the_o intent_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o be_v not_o the_o slip_n of_o his_o tongue_n or_o pen_n but_o how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v that_o matter_n of_o worldly_a property_n and_o thing_n relate_v to_o conscience_n shall_v be_v decide_v by_o such_o assembly_n without_o a_o election_n for_o that_o service_n by_o the_o party_n differ_v i_o shall_v leave_v it_o to_o the_o judicious_a impartial_a reader_n to_o savour_n have_v elsewhere_o in_o this_o follow_a treatise_n plain_o evidence_v that_o there_o may_v be_v such_o assembly_n and_o yet_o not_o own_v by_o the_o lord_n for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o may_v be_v remote_a from_o give_v righteous_a judgement_n tho_o r._n b._n say_v god_n spirit_n will_v never_o bewant_v in_o such_o assembly_n and_o whereas_o some_o may_v be_v so_o charitable_a as_o to_o conclude_v r._n b._n intend_v not_o by_o his_o word_n that_o any_o shall_v assume_v authority_n to_o decide_v difference_n relate_v to_o outward_a thing_n without_o 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language_n leave_v the_o reader_n still_o ignorant_a of_o what_o sort_n of_o person_n they_o be_v he_o hint_n at_o for_o that_o he_o tell_v not_o his_o reader_n what_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o beginning_n and_o what_o be_v introduce_v contrary_a thereunto_o neither_o do_v i_o know_v how_o he_o well_o can_v unless_o by_o report_n from_o other_o since_o his_o age_n will_v not_o admit_v he_o as_o a_o sufficient_a and_o sensible_a witness_n thereof_o i_o shall_v therefore_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o do_v it_o for_o he_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o the_o beginning_n be_v chief_o these_o and_o such_o like_a viz._n that_o a_o measure_n of_o christ_n light_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v give_v to_o every_o man_n to_o profit_v withal_o that_o this_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a that_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_v in_o we_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n but_o the_o spirit_n that_o that_o which_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n that_o we_o shall_v draw_v water_n out_o of_o our_o own_o well_n let_v it_o be_v your_o own_o and_o not_o another_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o boast_v in_o other_o man_n line_n of_o thing_n make_v ready_a to_o our_o hand_n but_o that_o since_o every_o one_o must_v give_v account_n for_o himself_o we_o shall_v see_v for_o ourselves_o believe_v for_o ourselves_o and_o savour_n for_o ourselves_o and_o not_o pin_v our_o faith_n on_o the_o sleeve_n of_o any_o lest_o we_o shall_v become_v will-worshipper_n but_o now_o there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o innovator_n give_v to_o change_n who_o introduce_v such_o say_n and_o doctrine_n as_o these_o be_v first_o that_o this_o light_n will_v undo_v all_o or_o at_o least_o a_o pretence_n to_o the_o light_n which_o i_o
and_o by_o his_o spirit_n we_o come_v to_o be_v baptize_v into_o one_o body_n and_o so_o be_v centre_v into_o the_o heavenly_a fellowship_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o as_o for_o thy_o say_n a_o belief_n in_o certain_a principle_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n necessary_o depend_v thereon_o be_v the_o term_n and_o very_a bond_n by_o which_o we_o become_v centre_v into_o one_o body_n and_o the_o cause_n that_o gather_v we_o this_o be_v not_o only_o wrong_v in_o itself_o though_o as_o be_v say_v before_o they_o may_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o bond_n but_o exact_o like_o the_o false_a church_n in_o the_o world_n papist_n and_o protestant_n of_o all_o sort_n in_o the_o apostasy_n have_v outward_a mark_n and_o token_n as_o be_v either_o of_o such_o a_o order_n or_o have_v such_o a_o commission_n or_o as_o believe_v in_o such_o principle_n and_o submit_v to_o such_o practice_n and_o the_o like_a by_o which_o the_o member_n of_o their_o church_n be_v describe_v and_o therefore_o be_v it_o that_o among_o those_o there_o be_v outward_a society_n of_o man_n certain_o know_v as_o aforesaid_a according_a to_o the_o various_a manner_n and_o way_n which_o their_o principle_n admit_v and_o allow_v of_o which_o be_v term_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o these_o have_v many_o outward_a order_n rule_n prescription_n ordinance_n decree_n or_o law_n for_o the_o establishment_n and_o preservation_n of_o their_o outward_a society_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o constitution_n may_v become_v fit_a mean_n for_o the_o conservation_n thereof_o but_o inasmuch_o as_o the_o belief_n of_o certain_a principle_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n necessary_o depend_v thereon_o be_v not_o the_o very_a term_n or_o bond_n to_o unite_v any_o in_o outward_a assembly_n whereby_o to_o assume_v unto_o themselves_o the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o that_o if_o hold_v in_o a_o pure_a mind_n which_o be_v in_o the_o best_a sense_n they_o be_v but_o the_o fruit_n of_o that_o bond_n and_o when_o hold_v in_o a_o impure_a mind_n be_v no_o indication_n that_o such_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n church_n i_o can_v but_o say_v it_o be_v against_o right_a reason_n for_o any_o to_o prescribe_v and_o establish_v outward_a indispensable_a rule_n and_o order_n relate_v to_o the_o conscience_n and_o in_o order_n to_o be_v a_o bond_n thereon_o for_o the_o conservation_n of_o christ_n body_n since_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o most_o certain_a and_o infallible_a mark_n of_o membership_n in_o the_o say_a body_n be_v invisible_a to_o the_o outward_a man_n though_o feel_v and_o know_v to_o the_o inward_a man_n of_o the_o heart_n for_o though_o action_n outward_o just_a be_v many_o time_n the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o be_v not_o always_o certain_a token_n that_o those_o through_o who_o they_o appear_v be_v member_n of_o christ_n body_n but_o those_o who_o be_v circumcise_a in_o heart_n and_o have_v the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n be_v the_o very_a member_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o therefore_o the_o most_o proper_a mean_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o such_o member_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o as_o member_n of_o one_o body_n be_v that_o whereby_o they_o come_v to_o be_v circumcise_a in_o heart_n and_o gather_v unto_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o spirit_n and_o arm_v of_o god_n power_n which_o surround_v all_o those_o that_o wait_v upon_o he_o and_o have_v a_o daily_a dependence_n upon_o the_o lord_n with_o the_o mind_n inward_o stay_v in_o the_o measure_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o the_o apostle_n say_v be_v sufficient_a for_o they_o and_o thus_o the_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n will_v be_v witness_v continual_o in_o which_o every_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n come_v to_o be_v center_a into_o a_o heavenly_a fellowship_n and_o communion_n each_o with_o other_o in_o the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n the_o next_o thing_n i_o shall_v examine_v be_v whether_o r._n b_n affirmative_a answer_n to_o this_o question_n viz._n whether_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v power_n in_o any_o case_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n to_o give_v postive_a sentence_n and_o decision_n which_o may_v be_v obligatory_a upon_o believer_n be_v agreeable_a to_o truth_n and_o sound_a doctrine_n my_o observation_n hereon_o be_v this_o that_o he_o have_v not_o here_o adjoin_v inward_a conviction_n whereby_o they_o may_v find_v clearness_n in_o themselves_o to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n as_o necessary_a to_o the_o obligation_n he_o intend_v and_o inasmuch_o as_o nothing_o without_o a_o inward_a clearness_n and_o conviction_n can_v become_v a_o real_a and_o acceptable_a bond_n upon_o a_o believer_n to_o be_v at_o unity_n with_o his_o brethren_n in_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o thing_n relate_v to_o conscience_n and_o that_o those_o who_o be_v find_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o other_o man_n line_n before_o they_o have_v faith_n therein_o may_v oft_o time_n run_v into_o the_o sin_n of_o hypocrisy_n even_o as_o other_o may_n into_o the_o sin_n of_o negligence_n who_o through_o unwatchfulness_n to_o their_o own_o measure_n want_v clearness_n of_o sight_n and_o understanding_n to_o practice_v and_o join_v with_o those_o thing_n which_o other_o waiting_z in_o their_o own_o measure_n may_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v lead_v into_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o say_v that_o the_o scope_n and_o bend_v of_o his_o spirit_n so_o far_o as_o from_o his_o word_n i_o can_v savour_n in_o relation_n to_o this_o matter_n be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o since_o it_o be_v so_o as_o r._n b._n observe_v page_n 35._o that_o god_n have_v not_o give_v we_o our_o reason_n to_o no_o purpose_n i_o shall_v according_a to_o the_o line_n of_o right_a reason_n a_o little_a further_o observe_v first_o i_o find_v r._n b._n treat_v in_o his_o seven_o section_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o decision_n thus_o to_o say_v page_z 66._o the_o only_a proper_a judge_n of_o controversy_n in_o the_o church_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o decide_v sole_o lie_v in_o it_o as_o have_v the_o only_a infallible_a judgement_n belong_v to_o it_o which_o infallibility_n be_v not_o necessary_o annex_v to_o any_o person_n person_n or_o place_n whatsoever_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o office_n place_n or_o station_n any_o one_o may_v have_v or_o have_v have_v in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o any_o have_v ground_n to_o reason_n thus_o because_o i_o be_o or_o have_v be_v such_o a_o eminent_a member_n therefore_o my_o judgement_n be_v infallible_a or_o because_o we_o be_v the_o great_a number_n or_o that_o we_o live_v in_o such_o a_o note_a or_o famous_a place_n or_o the_o like_a though_o some_o of_o these_o reason_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v their_o true_a weight_n in_o case_n of_o contradictory_n assertion_n thus_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n from_o all_o which_o two_o thing_n be_v observable_a first_o that_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n account_v the_o spirit_n the_o only_a judge_n second_o that_o though_o he_o affirm_v that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v power_n in_o case_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n to_o give_v positive_a sentence_n and_o decision_n which_o may_v be_v obligatory_a upon_o believer_n yet_o through_o his_o whole_a treatise_n i_o find_v not_o that_o he_o have_v describe_v who_o be_v the_o person_n that_o be_v the_o church_n and_o where_o those_o person_n do_v usual_o assemble_v as_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o though_o my_o very_a soul_n abhor_v light_o to_o esteem_v of_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n or_o to_o undervalue_v the_o power_n the_o church_n of_o god_n either_o stand_v in_o or_o be_v endue_v with_o yet_o since_o i_o do_v know_v how_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o any_o to_o burden_n the_o conscience_n of_o god_n people_n though_o under_o ever_o so_o specious_a pretence_n and_o that_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n we_o mean_v visible_a person_n distinguish_v as_o outward_a person_n by_o name_n that_o may_v be_v know_v to_o the_o outward_a man_n though_o as_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n distinguish_v not_o by_o such_o name_n but_o by_o that_o name_n which_o be_v write_v in_o heaven_n and_o know_v to_o the_o inward_a man_n i_o can_v but_o query_n to_o what_o end_n do_v the_o aforesaid_a author_n assign_v the_o decision_n of_o case_n of_o conscience_n which_o be_v matter_n certain_o to_o be_v know_v so_o as_o to_o be_v bind_v on_o believer_n to_o judge_n so_o describe_v as_o that_o a_o great_a controversy_n may_v immediate_o arise_v upon_o the_o ask_n of_o this_o question_n who_o or_o where_o those_o man_n be_v this_o instead_o of_o remove_v one_o difference_n or_o clear_v one_o doubt_n may_v beget_v more_o
aught_o to_o believe_v and_o though_o there_o have_v be_v so_o many_o diversity_n of_o creed_n in_o the_o world_n according_a to_o the_o various_a apprehension_n of_o divers_a assembly_n assume_v to_o themselves_o the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n yet_o to_o this_o day_n i_o find_v not_o among_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n that_o any_o certain_a number_n of_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v give_v forth_o from_o any_o general_a assembly_n or_o particular_a congregation_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o their_o creed_n and_o as_o a_o measuring-line_n by_o which_o those_o who_o be_v either_o in_o or_o depart_v from_o the_o faith_n may_v be_v know_v and_o the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v evident_a because_o it_o be_v against_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n viz._n the_o light_n to_o exalt_v any_o other_o measuring-line_n than_o that_o by_o which_o we_o be_v baptise_a into_o the_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n viz._n the_o spirit_n have_v thus_o promise_v as_o a_o more_o particular_a answer_n to_o the_o question_n i_o thus_o say_v i_o confess_v the_o true_a church_n be_v in_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o every_o member_n thereof_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n at_o least_o of_o the_o same_o faith_n that_o all_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n be_v of_o so_o that_o it_o may_v in_o truth_n be_v say_v every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n do_v in_o some_o measure_n believe_v as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n do_v i_o say_v in_o some_o measure_n because_o as_o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o gift_n and_o operation_n so_o also_o be_v there_o difference_n in_o measure_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o do_v the_o apostle_n wise_o say_v to_o this_o purpose_n let_v he_o that_o prophesi_v prophesy_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n rom._n 12.6_o but_o shall_v any_o arise_v to_o say_v it_o be_v folly_n and_o hypocrisy_n to_o professone_n self_n a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n &_o yet_o not_o believe_v thus_o as_o the_o true_a church_n believe_v without_o any_o further_a explanation_n of_o the_o word_n or_o of_o what_o be_v intend_v thereby_o such_o may_v subject_v themselves_o to_o censure_v for_o by_o the_o word_n true_a church_n in_o this_o sentence_n and_o yet_o not_o believe_v thus_o as_o the_o true_a church_n believe_v will_v be_v understand_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n from_o who_o one_o or_o more_o differ_v in_o faith_n now_o there_o may_v happen_v to_o be_v a_o weak_a brother_n who_o faith_n in_o some_o particular_a matter_n may_v be_v otherwise_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o brethren_n be_v this_o case_n happen_v among_o the_o roman_n to_o who_o paul_n thus_o write_v rom._n 14.3_o 4_o 22_o 23._o let_v not_o he_o that_o eat_v despise_v he_o that_o eat_v not_o and_o let_v not_o he_o that_o eat_v not_o judge_v he_o that_o eat_v for_o god_n have_v receive_v he_o who_o be_v thou_o that_o condemne_v another_o man_n servant_n to_o his_o own_o master_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v have_v thou_o faith_n have_v it_o to_o thyself_o he_o that_o doubt_v be_v condemn_v if_o he_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n here_o a_o diversity_n of_o faith_n be_v evident_a and_o that_o between_o brethren_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o neither_o appear_v to_o be_v fool_n or_o hypocrite_n he_o that_o do_v eat_v be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v because_o he_o be_v receive_v of_o god_n and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o eat_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v judge_v that_o the_o apostle_n condemn_v the_o very_a eat_v while_o there_o be_v a_o doubt_n though_o the_o abstinence_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o weakness_n these_o thing_n consider_v i_o appeal_v to_o god_n witness_v in_o all_o conscience_n whether_o truth_n can_v be_v serve_v at_o this_o day_n by_o assert_v under_o the_o name_n of_o one_o call_v a_o quaker_n such_o principle_n as_o give_v occasion_n of_o jealousy_n that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v promote_a among_o we_o we_o must_v believe_v thus_o as_o the_o church_n believe_v without_o remove_v those_o objection_n which_o for_o want_v of_o a_o explanation_n may_v necessary_o follow_v it_o be_v a_o true_a say_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n that_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o rock_n christ_n and_o that_o the_o elect_n can_v be_v deceive_v but_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v thus_o say_v yet_o we_o know_v that_o particular_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v err_v objection_n yet_o some_o may_v be_v ready_a to_o object_n and_o say_v write_v say_v note_n this_o objection_n be_v so_o lay_v to_o â—n_n in_o the_o same_o book_n wherein_o the_o last_o answer_v query_n be_v write_v though_o some_o particular_a member_n may_v be_v liable_a to_o err_v it_o be_v neither_o reasonable_a nor_o just_a to_o conclude_v the_o whole_a body_n or_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v liable_a to_o err_v to_o this_o i_o say_v god_n forbid_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n shall_v err_v yet_o i_o say_v neither_o the_o light_n within_o we_o nor_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o we_o do_v evidence_n that_o any_o member_n one_o more_o than_o another_o be_v by_o any_o peculiar_a election_n exempt_v from_o be_v liable_a to_o err_v no_o more_o than_o particular_a person_n be_v from_o all_o eternity_n elect_v and_o other_o reprobate_v and_o so_o it_o appear_v to_o i_o that_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o with_o respect_n that_o some_o shall_v continue_v still_o faithful_a and_o not_o liable_a to_o err_v though_o other_o be_v liable_a thereto_o shall_v err_v but_o with_o respect_n to_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n while_o establish_v on_o the_o rock_n christ_n so_o that_o not_o only_o a_o part_n of_o the_o church_n but_o every_o member_n thereof_o whilst_o build_v on_o the_o rock_n christ_n shall_v be_v so_o preserve_v as_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o any_o one_o of_o they_o and_o this_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o very_a connection_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o scripture_n mat._n 16.18_o and_o upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o that_o be_v against_o the_o church_n build_v and_o while_o remain_v on_o the_o rock_n christ_n but_o if_o any_o assembly_n through_o unwatchfulness_n and_o disobedience_n depart_v from_o the_o rock_n christ_n whereon_o they_o be_v build_v then_o in_o that_o state_n they_o can_v proper_o be_v call_v the_o church_n build_v and_o remain_v on_o the_o rock_n christ_n and_o so_o have_v be_v liable_a to_o be_v overcome_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n do_v prevail_v and_o therefore_o though_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o one_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n while_o abide_v in_o the_o seed_n in_o which_o the_o election_n stand_v and_o to_o which_o the_o promise_n be_v can_v be_v deceive_v yet_o notwithstanding_o i_o affirm_v that_o every_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o if_o every_o member_n than_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v liable_a to_o err_v if_o they_o wait_v not_o in_o and_o keep_v not_o unto_o that_o in_o which_o their_o preservation_n stand_v christ_n say_v watch_n and_o pray_v that_o you_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n this_o be_v speak_v not_o with_o respect_n to_o some_o particular_a member_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v liable_a to_o err_v and_o as_o if_o there_o be_v other_o that_o be_v not_o and_o therefore_o its_o reasonable_a to_o conclude_v that_o all_o may_v through_o temptation_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o err_v if_o they_o watch_v not_o but_o yet_o my_o faith_n be_v that_o a_o remnant_n will_v be_v preserve_v so_o watchful_a as_o that_o be_v build_v on_o the_o rock_n christ_n the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o prevail_v against_o they_o these_o thing_n be_v due_o weigh_v and_o consider_v what_o great_a abuse_n have_v be_v make_v of_o scripture_n that_o speak_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o what_o they_o bound_v or_o loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v or_o lose_v in_o heaven_n and_o that_o also_o to_o maintain_v a_o antichristian_a yoke_n of_o bondage_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o christ_n church_n say_v that_o it_o can_v err_v it_o appear_v not_o much_o more_o like_a one_o call_v a_o quaker_n if_o we_o consult_v the_o write_n of_o some_o of_o those_o ancient_a and_o honourable_a labourer_n who_o be_v instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o turn_v thousand_o unto_o the_o light_n within_o we_o as_o the_o unerring_a guide_n to_o treat_v on_o such_o scripture_n if_o apply_v to_o outward_a and_o settle_a assembly_n as_o such_o as_o be_v not_o
so_o also_o in_o this_o be_v mistake_v if_o he_o mean_v that_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o christian_a forbearance_n which_o be_v manifest_a from_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v rom._n 14.3_o 4._o let_v not_o he_o that_o eat_v despise_v he_o that_o eat_v not_o and_o let_v not_o he_o that_o eat_v not_o jadge_v he_o that_o eat_v who_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n to_o his_o own_o master_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v which_o evident_o show_v that_o in_o as_o much_o as_o every_o one_o must_v answer_v for_o himself_o it_o be_v fit_a every_o one_o shall_v believe_v for_o himself_o and_o so_o practice_v without_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o other_o and_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o christian_a forbearance_n and_o not_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n and_o though_o page_n 65._o r._n b._n say_v that_o be_v account_v a_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n which_o in_o another_o respect_n be_v christian_a forbearance_n which_o i_o take_v he_o to_o assert_v from_o his_o observation_n on_o 1_o cor._n 8._o throughout_o and_o 1_o tim._n 4.1_o 2_o 3._o the_o latter_a scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o command_v to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n be_v a_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n that_o to_o the_o corinth_n say_v if_o meat_n make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v i_o will_v eat_v no_o flesh_n while_o the_o world_n stand_v this_o do_v not_o in_o any_o wise_a show_n that_o a_o command_n to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n be_v at_o any_o time_n or_o in_o any_o respect_n justifiable_a for_o if_o he_o will_v have_v this_o assertion_n pass_v for_o truth_n he_o ought_v to_o have_v prove_v not_o only_o that_o a_o command_n to_o abstain_v from_o flesh_n be_v a_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n which_o that_o to_o tymothy_n do_v but_o also_o that_o such_o a_o command_n be_v once_o christian_n forbearance_n but_o nothing_o of_o this_o latter_a appear_v nor_o yet_o can_v be_v prove_v from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n and_o as_o to_o the_o case_n of_o circumcision_n r._n b._n say_v it_o be_v permit_v to_o the_o jew_n for_o a_o time_n to_o this_o i_o say_v we_o find_v that_o many_o of_o the_o believe_a jew_n be_v not_o come_v from_o under_o it_o and_o that_o those_o jew_n who_o see_v beyond_o it_o do_v not_o condemn_v such_o their_o brethren_n but_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o the_o apostle_n as_o person_n that_o have_v power_n to_o permit_v or_o not_o permit_v such_o a_o practice_n in_o the_o church_n do_v approve_v of_o it_o in_o any_o of_o the_o jew_n or_o condemn_v the_o same_o in_o such_o as_o practise_v it_o until_o by_o faith_n they_o see_v beyond_o it_o for_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o commission_n to_o preach_v up_o circumcision_n so_o on_o the_o other_o it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n to_o be_v a_o bond_n on_o any_o to_o forbear_v who_o through_o faith_n be_v not_o first_o lead_v therefrom_o for_o though_o the_o apostle_n say_v gal._n 5.2_o i_o paul_n say_v unto_o you_o if_o you_o be_v circumcise_a christ_n shall_v profit_v you_o nothing_o and_o gal._n 4.9_o 10_o 11._o but_o now_o after_o you_o have_v know_v god_n or_o rather_o be_v know_v of_o god_n how_o turn_v you_o again_o to_o the_o weak_a and_o beggarly_a eliment_n you_o observe_v day_n and_o month_n etc._n etc._n i_o be_o afraid_a of_o you_o yet_o this_o do_v not_o at_o that_o time_n condemn_v that_o christian_a liberty_n and_o forbearance_n which_o the_o apostle_n before_o approve_v in_o and_o with_o respect_n unto_o such_o as_o make_v couscience_n of_o circumcision_n and_o the_o observe_v day_n for_o it_o plain_o appear_v he_o speak_v to_o a_o people_n who_o be_v redeem_v out_o of_o those_o beggarly_a eliment_n and_o be_v come_v past_o those_o rudiment_n which_o be_v evident_a by_o these_o his_o word_n how_o turn_v you_o again_o and_o so_o he_o may_v well_o exhort_v such_o neither_o to_o circumcise_v nor_o yet_o be_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o day_n for_o that_o god_n do_v not_o usual_o lead_v into_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v lead_v out_o of_o and_o this_o may_v well_o consist_v with_o the_o truth_n even_o at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o season_n when_o other_o through_o a_o conscientious_a scruple_n may_v in_o a_o plea_n for_o both_o with_o respect_n to_o themselves_o be_v uncondemned_a these_o thing_n consider_v and_o that_o also_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n exhort_v the_o church_n not_o to_o be_v judge_v one_o another_o with_o respect_n to_o thing_n relate_v to_o conscience_n there_o be_v great_a need_n for_o every_o one_o to_o watch_v against_o a_o censorious_a judge_a spirit_n lest_o while_o any_o be_v judge_v their_o brethren_n they_o themselves_o become_v castawaye_n have_v in_o some_o measure_n clear_v my_o conscience_n i_o have_v this_o further_a to_o add_v that_o it_o be_v a_o bless_a thing_n for_o brethren_n to_o dwell_v together_o in_o love_n and_o unity_n yet_o this_o love_n and_o unity_n ought_v to_o consist_v in_o the_o truth_n else_o the_o blessing_n be_v not_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o there_o be_v many_o who_o be_v ready_a to_o conclude_v that_o a_o universal_a unity_n ought_v to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o assistance_n of_o outward_a instrument_n that_o as_o we_o be_v member_n of_o one_o body_n so_o we_o may_v not_o only_o be_v one_o in_o faith_n one_o in_o doctrine_n but_o also_o one_o in_o practice_n with_o relation_n to_o discipline_n order_n and_o outward_a form_n of_o government_n my_o soul_n shall_v rejoice_v to_o see_v that_o day_n wherein_o we_o may_v all_o be_v so_o lead_v by_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n spirit_n in_o we_o under_o his_o government_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v exalt_v over_o all_o as_o that_o this_o oneness_n may_v thereby_o be_v witness_v among_o all_o the_o family_n of_o god_n people_n at_o this_o day_n but_o since_o it_o be_v so_o with_o the_o church_n of_o god_n at_o this_o day_n as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n in_o the_o primitive_a day_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v diversitye_n of_o administration_n and_o diversitye_n of_o gift_n &_o operation_n in_o the_o body_n and_o yet_o through_o the_o same_o spirit_n it_o behoove_v every_o one_o diligent_o to_o watch_v that_o we_o judge_v not_o one_o another_o by_o reason_n of_o these_o differ_a exercise_n as_o if_o these_o thing_n consist_v not_o with_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n and_o since_o also_o it_o be_v so_o that_o among_o the_o primitive_a believer_n there_o be_v such_o as_o practise_a circumcision_n some_o make_a conscience_n of_o keep_v a_o day_n and_o some_o that_o absteyn_v from_o eat_a flesh_n and_o other_o that_o do_v not_o and_o yet_o a_o christian-liberty_n and_o forbearance_n be_v so_o exercise_v as_o that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v one_o another_o about_o these_o thing_n and_o that_o we_o find_v not_o that_o these_o differ_a exercise_n in_o a_o christian-liberty_n do_v subject_a any_o of_o those_o believer_n exercise_v therein_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o be_v out_o of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n i_o therefore_o do_v reasonable_o conclude_v that_o the_o infallible_a mark_n whereby_o any_o member_n of_o the_o body_n be_v know_v to_o be_v in_o true_a unity_n with_o the_o body_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o profession_n and_o belief_n of_o certain_a principle_n and_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n depend_v thereon_o nor_o yet_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o measure_n of_o other_o but_o in_o the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o a_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n and_o that_o every_o member_n keep_v his_o own_o order_n office_n and_o place_n in_o the_o body_n through_o his_o obedience_n to_o the_o measure_n and_o gift_n of_o grace_n in_o himself_o which_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n to_o profit_n withal_o the_o most_o infallible_a mark_n and_o token_n then_o of_o a_o member_n in_o the_o true_a unity_n with_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o inward_a invisible_a mark_n that_o can_v be_v stamp_v on_o any_o but_o by_o the_o impression_n of_o god_n power_n on_o the_o heart_n and_o therefore_o be_v it_o that_o the_o outward_a endeavour_n of_o all_o such_o christian_a professor_n as_o have_v be_v and_o be_v in_o the_o apostasy_n instead_o of_o attain_v to_o a_o heavenly_a union_n in_o the_o spirit_n have_v at_o most_o but_o arrive_v to_o a_o outward_a unity_n consist_v in_o their_o outward_a conformity_n and_o uniformity_n according_a to_o the_o command_n tradition_n decree_n or_o example_n of_o men._n when_o in_o age_n and_o generation_n past_a the_o apostasy_n first_o enter_v as_o a_o flood_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o all_o who_o have_v know_v the_o truth_n and_o have_v have_v the_o consideration_n and_o true_a sense_n thereof_o upon_o their_o spirit_n do_v conclude_v that_o the_o cause_n thereof_o
instrumental_a to_o gather_v though_o in_o r._n b_n sense_n as_o be_v before_o manifest_v such_o be_v the_o fit_a to_o rule_v over_o those_o who_o they_o have_v beget_v to_o the_o truth_n but_o also_o over_o the_o labour_n of_o other_o and_o then_o style_v themselves_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n though_o not_o guide_v by_o the_o unerring_a spirit_n so_o to_o do_v and_o then_o also_o pretend_v that_o they_o have_v power_n in_o case_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n to_o give_v positive_a sentence_n obliege_v believer_n to_o obey_v receive_v and_o own_o the_o same_o and_o that_o it_o be_v disobedience_n to_o god_n not_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o positive_a sentence_n and_o decisive_n judgement_n of_o any_o assembly_n or_o some_o or_o other_o of_o they_o which_o in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n may_v be_v term_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n though_o we_o see_v it_o not_o and_o so_o by_o degree_n may_v endeavour_v to_o divest_v christ_n of_o his_o government_n and_o prerogative_n who_o alone_o be_v lord_n over_o the_o conscience_n and_o by_o his_o spirit_n in_o we_o be_v become_v our_o only_a lawgiver_n and_o who_o alone_o by_o the_o influence_a virtue_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n be_v able_a to_o bring_v unto_o that_o love_n and_o unity_n which_o through_o the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n find_v exceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n william_n rogers_n have_v now_o do_v with_o the_o citation_n of_o what_o be_v write_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o aforesaid_a book_n of_o government_n and_o consider_v that_o in_o the_o first_o section_n thereof_o the_o author_n as_o be_v already_o cite_v and_o observe_v write_v of_o a_o sort_n of_o person_n that_o will_v needs_o be_v innovator_n and_o give_v to_o change_n and_o introduce_v new_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n not_o only_o differ_v but_o contrary_a to_o what_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o beginning_n and_o in_o page_n thirteen_o seem_v reflect_o to_o treat_v on_o such_o kind_n of_o language_n as_o this_o i_o must_v stay_v till_o i_o be_v convince_v as_o if_o such_o language_n be_v knock_v down_o in_o the_o beginning_n and_o as_o may_v reasonable_o be_v take_v from_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o say_a book_n to_o reflect_v on_o such_o among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n who_o be_v not_o so_o zealous_o affect_v with_o the_o outward_a form_n of_o government_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o church-government_n pretend_v to_o be_v establish_v among_o they_o as_o the_o author_n or_o approver_n of_o his_o book_n be_v we_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o cite_v a_o testimony_n publish_v in_o print_n by_o isaac_n penington_n the_o young_a in_o the_o year_n one_o thousand_o six_o hundred_o and_o sixty_o be_v a_o part_n of_o a_o discourse_n entitle_v the_o authority_n and_o government_n which_o christ_n exclude_v out_o of_o his_o church_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o it_o lie_v all_o together_o word_n for_o word_n and_o not_o take_v by_o part_n and_o piece_n here_o and_o there_o our_o end_n in_o cite_v this_o testimony_n be_v that_o the_o impartial_a reader_n may_v consider_v whether_o the_o say_a testimony_n have_v any_o coherence_n with_o that_o part_n of_o the_o say_a book_n of_o government_n which_o be_v object_v against_o by_o we_o or_o do_v contradict_v any_o subject_a matter_n that_o we_o have_v treat_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o say_v isaac_n penington_n the_o young_a now_o follow_v the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n come_v from_o christ_n with_o a_o message_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n with_o a_o testimony_n concern_v the_o good_a will_n of_o god_n and_o his_o love_n to_o mankind_n point_v out_o the_o way_n from_o death_n to_o life_n from_o bondage_n to_o liberty_n from_o wrath_n and_o destruction_n to_o peace_n and_o salvation_n what_o they_o have_v see_v what_o they_o have_v feel_v what_o they_o have_v taste_v what_o they_o have_v handle_v what_o they_o have_v find_v redeem_v and_o deliver_v they_o that_o they_o declare_v abroad_o to_o other_o as_o they_o be_v move_v as_o they_o be_v send_v as_o they_o be_v guide_v and_o assist_v now_o that_o which_o they_o preach_v to_o be_v man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n they_o open_v the_o truth_n which_o they_o know_v they_o give_v their_o testimony_n in_o the_o move_a lead_v and_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o they_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o same_o spirit_n to_o demonstrate_v it_o to_o man_n conscience_n as_o it_o please_v they_o be_v nothing_o they_o can_v do_v nothing_o they_o can_v convert_v any_o man_n to_o god_n but_o the_o power_n that_o speak_v by_o they_o the_o same_o power_n work_v in_o other_o man_n conscience_n at_o its_o pleasure_n and_o here_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o heart_n when_o his_o truth_n carry_v conviction_n with_o it_o to_o the_o conscience_n and_o the_o conscience_n be_v draw_v to_o yield_v itself_o up_o to_o he_o than_o he_o lay_v his_o yoke_n upon_o it_o and_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o guide_n of_o it_o he_o cherish_v it_o he_o cleanse_v it_o he_o comfort_v it_o he_o order_v it_o at_o his_o pleasure_n and_o he_o alone_o preserve_v it_o pure_a chaste_a gentle_a meek_a and_o pliable_a to_o the_o impression_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o as_o the_o conscience_n be_v keep_v single_a and_o tender_a to_o christ_n so_o his_o government_n increase_v therein_o but_o as_o it_o become_v hard_a or_o subject_n to_o man_n will_n so_o another_o spirit_n get_v dominion_n over_o it_o therefore_o the_o great_a work_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o keep_v the_o conscience_n open_a to_o christ_n and_o to_o preserve_v man_n from_o receive_v any_o truth_n of_o christ_n as_o from_o they_o further_o than_o the_o spirit_n open_v or_o to_o imitate_v any_o of_o their_o practice_n further_o than_o the_o spirit_n lead_v guide_n and_o persuade_v they_o for_o person_n be_v exceed_o prone_a to_o receive_v thing_n as_o truth_n from_o those_o who_o they_o have_v a_o high_a opinion_n of_o and_o to_o imitate_v their_o practice_n and_o so_o hurt_v their_o own_o growth_n and_o endanger_v their_o soul_n for_o if_o i_o receive_v a_o truth_n before_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o spirit_n make_v it_o manifest_a to_o i_o i_o lose_v my_o guide_n and_o follow_v but_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o be_v exceed_o greedy_a of_o receive_v truth_n and_o run_v into_o religious_a practice_n without_o the_o spirit_n therefore_o the_o main_a thing_n in_o religion_n be_v to_o keep_v the_o conscience_n pure_a to_o the_o lord_n to_o know_v the_o guide_n to_o follow_v the_o guide_n to_o receive_v from_o he_o that_o light_v whereby_o i_o be_o to_o walk_v and_o not_o to_o take_v thing_n for_o truth_n because_o other_o see_v they_o to_o be_v truth_n but_o wait_v till_o the_o spirit_n make_v they_o manifest_v to_o i_o nor_o to_o run_v into_o worship_n duty_n performance_n or_o practice_n because_o other_o be_v lead_v thither_o but_o to_o wait_v till_o the_o spirit_n lead_v i_o thither_o he_o that_o make_v haste_n to_o be_v rich_a even_o in_o religion_n run_v into_o knowledge_n and_o into_o worship_n and_o performance_n before_o he_o feel_v a_o true_a and_o clear_a guidance_n shall_v not_o be_v innocent_a nor_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o hold_v he_o guiltless_a when_o he_o come_v to_o visit_v for_o spiritual_a adultery_n and_o idolatry_n the_o apostle_n be_v exceed_o tender_a in_o this_o point_n for_o though_o they_o certain_o and_o infallible_o know_v what_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v yet_o they_o be_v not_o lord_n over_o man_n faith_n but_o wait_v till_o he_o who_o be_v lord_n of_o the_o faith_n will_v open_v the_o way_n into_o man_n conscience_n they_o do_v not_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v able_a to_o turn_v the_o key_n to_o let_v in_o truth_n and_o conviction_n into_o man_n spirit_n as_o man_n in_o these_o day_n have_v be_v too_o apt_a to_o undertake_v but_o direct_v they_o to_o he_o who_o have_v the_o key_n there_o to_o wait_v for_o the_o conviction_n and_o illumination_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o so_o to_o receive_v in_o as_o they_o find_v he_o give_v forth_o to_o they_o let_v every_o man_n say_v the_o apostle_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n take_v heed_n of_o receive_v thing_n too_o soon_o take_v heed_n of_o run_v into_o practice_n too_o soon_o &_o do_v what_o you_o see_v other_o do_v but_o wait_v for_o your_o own_o particular_a guidance_n and_o a_o full_a persuasion_n from_o god_n what_o be_v his_o will_n concern_v you_o though_o i_o know_v this_o to_o be_v a_o truth_n yet_o do_v not_o you_o receive_v it_o till_o god_n make_v it_o manifest_a to_o you_o receive_v truth_n from_o his_o hand_n stay_v till_o he_o give_v it_o you._n indeed_o the_o main_a matter_n in_o religion_n be_v to_o keep_v out_o the_o wrong_a part_n the_o forward_z part_n the_o bastardly_a
every_o memis_n to_o wait_v in_o that_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v to_o feel_v the_o go_n forth_o of_o the_o spirit_n in_o he_o that_o teach_v and_o govern_v and_o so_o to_o subject_v not_o to_o man_n but_o to_o the_o lord_n to_o receive_v from_o the_o lord_n to_o obey_v the_o lord_n not_o to_o know_v any_o minister_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n but_o to_o receive_v and_o submit_v to_o what_o come_v from_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o spirit_n not_o to_o know_v paul_n or_o apollo_n or_o cephas_n but_o the_o spirit_n minister_a in_o they_o paul_n may_v err_v apollo_n may_v err_v peter_n may_v err_v and_o do_v err_v when_o he_o compel_v the_o gentile_n to_o live_v as_o the_o jew_n gal._n 2.14_o for_o which_o paul_n withstand_v he_o to_o the_o face_n verse_n 11_o and_o barnabas_n also_o do_v err_v verse_n 13._o but_o the_o spirit_n can_v err_v and_o he_o that_o keep_v to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o himself_o can_v let_v in_o any_o of_o their_o error_n if_o they_o shall_v err_v but_o be_v preserve_v for_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v true_a and_o give_v true_a judgement_n but_o he_o that_o receive_v never_o so_o great_a a_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o if_o he_o keep_v not_o low_a therein_o but_o lift_v up_o himself_o because_o thereof_o above_o his_o brethren_n may_v easy_o err_v himself_o and_o draw_v aside_o other_o into_o his_o error_n second_o care_n must_v be_v have_v that_o the_o conscience_n be_v keep_v tender_a that_o nothing_o be_v receive_v but_o according_a to_o the_o light_n in_o the_o conscience_n the_o conscience_n be_v the_o seat_n of_o faith_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o light_n which_o god_n light_v there_o faith_n be_v soon_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o christianity_n be_v begin_v in_o the_o spirit_n which_o keep_v out_o the_o fleshly_a part_n with_o all_o its_o fleshly_a wisdom_n and_o reason_v about_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o as_o the_o begin_n be_v in_o the_o anoint_v so_o must_v the_o progress_n be_v as_o the_o spirit_n begin_v in_o the_o conscience_n by_o convince_a that_n by_o persuade_v that_o by_o set_v up_o his_o light_n there_o and_o lead_v the_o soul_n by_o that_o light_n so_o that_o light_n must_v still_o be_v eye_v and_o according_a to_o its_o growth_n and_o manifestation_n in_o the_o conscience_n so_o must_v the_o soul_n stand_v still_o or_o go_v on_o the_o great_a error_n of_o the_o age_n of_o the_o apostasy_n have_v be_v to_o set_v up_o a_o outward_a order_n and_o unformity_n and_o to_o make_v man_n conscience_n bend_v thereto_o either_o by_o argument_n of_o wisdom_n or_o by_o force_n but_o the_o property_n of_o the_o true_a church_n government_n be_v to_o leave_v the_o conscience_n to_o its_o full_a liberty_n in_o the_o lord_n to_o preserve_v it_o single_a and_o entire_a for_o the_o lord_n to_o exercise_v and_o to_o seek_v unity_n in_o the_o light_n and_o in_o the_o spirit_n walk_v sweet_o and_o harmonious_o together_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o different_a practice_n yea_o and_o he_o that_o have_v faith_n and_o can_v see_v beyond_o another_o yet_o can_v have_v it_o to_o him-self_n and_o not_o disturb_v his_o brother_n with_o it_o but_o can_v descend_v and_o walk_v with_o he_o according_a to_o his_o measure_n and_o if_o his_o brother_n have_v any_o heavy_a burden_n upon_o he_o he_o can_v lend_v he_o his_o shoulder_n and_o bear_v part_n of_o his_o burden_n with_o he_o oh_o how_o sweet_a and_o lovely_a be_v it_o to_o see_v brethren_n dwell_v together_o in_o unity_n to_o see_v the_o true_a image_n of_o god_n raise_v in_o person_n and_o they_o know_v and_o love_v one_o another_o in_o that_o image_n and_o bear_v with_o one_o another_o through_o love_n and_o help_v one_o another_o under_o their_o temptation_n and_o distress_n of_o spirit_n which_o every_o one_o must_v expect_v to_o meet_v with_o if_o thou_o be_v a_o christian_n in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n preserve_v thy_o conscience_n pure_a and_o tender_a towards_o god_n do_v not_o defile_v it_o with_o such_o religious_a practice_n duty_n ordinance_n etc._n etc._n as_o thou_o do_v not_o feel_v the_o spirit_n lead_v thou_o into_o for_o all_o such_o be_v idol_n and_o exceed_o pollute_v thou_o and_o be_v tender_a also_o of_o thy_o brother_n conscience_n and_o be_v not_o a_o instrument_n to_o draw_v he_o unto_o any_o thing_n which_o the_o lord_n lead_v he_o not_o into_o but_o rejoice_v if_o thou_o find_v he_o in_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n startle_v at_o any_o thing_n for_o if_o he_o abide_v here_o faithful_a his_o guide_n will_v in_o due_a season_n appear_v to_o he_o and_o clear_v up_o his_o way_n before_o he_o but_o if_o he_o be_v too_o hasty_a he_o may_v follow_v a_o wrong_a guide_n and_o that_o guide_n will_v never_o lead_v he_o aright_o towards_o the_o kingdom_n but_o entangle_v he_o further_o and_o further_o from_o it_o oh_o how_o many_o have_v run_v a_o whore_v from_o the_o lord_n how_o many_o have_v first_o lose_v the_o guidance_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o then_o drown_v their_o life_n in_o religion_n performance_n how_o many_o have_v drink_v of_o the_o cup_n of_o fornication_n from_o the_o life_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o fleshly_a wisdom_n how_o many_o have_v fill_v their_o spirit_n with_o new-testament_n idol_n and_o image_n how_o many_o have_v even_o harden_v their_o heart_n and_o conscience_n by_o follow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n their_o imaginary_a meaning_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o imagination_n and_o dream_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n be_v it_o not_o time_n for_o man_n at_o length_n to_o turn_v back_o towards_o the_o lord_n to_o wait_v for_o the_o visitation_n and_o light_n of_o his_o spirit_n from_o who_o they_o have_v go_v a_o whore_v and_o who_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n they_o have_v grieve_v and_o if_o ever_o any_o feel_v and_o enjoy_v the_o guidance_n of_o god_n spirit_n their_o conscience_n must_v be_v keep_v tender_a to_o it_o and_o ready_a to_o hear_v and_o follow_v his_o voice_n who_o speak_v in_o spirit_n to_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o he_o which_o infallible_o know_v his_o voice_n and_o be_v keep_v clear_a can_v doubt_v concern_v it_o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n say_v christ_n they_o know_v it_o and_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o strange_a spirit_n they_o know_v not_o so_o as_o to_o follow_v it_o but_o turn_v from_o it_o both_o in_o themselves_o and_o other_o but_o that_o which_o be_v not_o the_o sheep_n but_o have_v only_o get_v the_o sheep_n clothing_n cry_v out_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o may_v be_v deceive_v nay_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n that_o which_o be_v the_o elect_a of_o god_n can_v be_v deceive_v wait_v therefore_o for_o the_o birth_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o which_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v for_o a_o guide_n who_o infallible_o guide_v it_o out_o of_o deceit_n all_o deceiver_n be_v out_o of_o this_o birth_n out_o of_o this_o spirit_n perhaps_o in_o some_o birth_n or_o other_o frame_v from_o the_o letter_n and_o live_v in_o the_o imitation_n of_o some_o practice_n and_o ordinance_n from_o the_o letter_n under_o which_o cover_n they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v but_o stranger_n to_o the_o life_n and_o power_n and_o to_o that_o wisdom_n which_o beget_v and_o bear_v to_o god_n thus_o the_o jew_n err_v and_o deceive_v their_o proselyte_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n thus_o the_o christian_n in_o name_n have_v general_o err_v all_o along_o the_o apostasy_n and_o indeed_o for_o the_o generality_n have_v not_o be_v true_a christian_n but_o only_o a_o persecute_a remnant_n among_o they_o who_o life_n have_v be_v nourish_v and_o preserve_v not_o by_o doctrine_n and_o observation_n which_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v by_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n nor_o by_o the_o knowledge_n which_o they_o themselves_o have_v gather_v but_o by_o a_o little_a bread_n daily_o hand_v to_o they_o from_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n out_o of_o the_o wilderness_n that_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o nourish_v their_o soul_n up_o to_o god_n though_o many_o of_o they_o know_v not_o distinct_o what_o it_o be_v that_o nourish_v they_o nor_o how_o they_o come_v by_o it_o object_n but_o be_v not_o uniformity_n lovely_a and_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v christian_n to_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o sweet_a thing_n if_o we_o be_v all_o of_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o way_n answer_n yea_o uniformity_n be_v very_o lovely_a and_o to_o be_v desire_v and_o wait_v for_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v one_o lead_v and_o draw_v into_o one_o but_o for_o the_o fleshly_a part_n the_o wise_a reason_v part_n of_o man_n by_o fleshly_a way_n and_o mean_n to_o strive_v to_o bring_v
about_o a_o fleshly_a uniformity_n which_o ensnare_v and_o overbear_v the_o tender_a conscience_n this_o be_v not_o lovely_a nor_o spiritual_a nor_o christian_n and_o the_o apostle_n who_o exhort_v christian_n to_o one_o mind_n yet_o do_v not_o bid_v they_o force_v one_o another_o to_o one_o mind_n but_o walk_v together_o sweet_o so_o far_o as_o they_o have_v attain_v and_o wherein_o they_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v god_n in_o his_o due_a time_n will_v reveal_v more_o to_o they_o phil._n 3.15_o 16._o he_o that_o have_v to_o he_o shall_v be_v give_v and_o the_o intent_n and_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n with_o the_o several_a ministration_n of_o it_o be_v to_o bring_v into_o the_o unity_n ephes_n 4.13_o as_o person_n be_v able_a to_o follow_v and_o not_o to_o force_v all_o man_n into_o one_o practice_n or_o way_n that_o be_v the_o way_n to_o destroy_v the_o faith_n and_o the_o true_a unity_n and_o at_o best_a can_v introduce_v but_o a_o fleshly_a appearance_n of_o unity_n into_o such_o a_o form_n of_o worship_n and_o godliness_n as_o eat_v out_o the_o power_n and_o for_o be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o way_n blessed_n be_v the_o lord_n this_o be_v in_o measure_n know_v and_o witness_v the_o way_n be_v one_o christ_n the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o obedience_n to_o the_o light_n which_o shine_v from_o his_o spirit_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o every_o believer_n have_v a_o taste_n of_o the_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o the_o one_o way_n and_o know_v that_o no_o variety_n of_o practice_n which_o be_v of_o god_n can_v make_v a_o breach_n in_o the_o true_a unity_n this_o be_v the_o one_o way_n for_o every_o one_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n spirit_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o christ_n and_o every_o one_o keep_v here_o there_o be_v also_o one_o heart_n keep_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o the_o variety_n and_o diversity_n of_o practice_n it_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v observe_v that_o in_o the_o city_n of_o london_n a_o free_a meeting_n be_v hold_v between_o r._n barclay_n and_o i_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o g._n f._n and_o many_o other_o wherein_o we_o treat_v on_o many_o thing_n contain_v in_o r._n b_n book_n of_o government_n which_o i_o then_o do_v and_o ever_o since_o have_v account_v erroneous_a and_o on_o the_o whole_a matter_n one_o part_n of_o the_o meeting_n viz._n charles_n marshal_n with_o thirty_o six_o person_n more_o advise_v r._n b._n as_o anon_o by_o their_o paper_n cite_v will_v appear_v on_o this_o wise_a it_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o this_o meeting_n that_o the_o say_v r._n b._n as_o he_o feel_v in_o himself_o the_o open_n of_o life_n thereunto_o will_v in_o christian-condescension_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o weak_a write_v a_o explanatory_a postscript_n to_o the_o say_a book_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o all_o such_o as_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v misapprehend_v any_o expression_n therein_o now_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o say_v r._n b._n have_v by_o way_n of_o epistle_n to_o friend_n write_v a_o explanatory_a rostscript_n though_o not_o print_v the_o same_o i_o think_v meet_v to_o cite_v it_o together_o with_o my_o observation_n thereon_o as_o follow_v aberdene_n prison_n the_o 6_o of_o the_o one_a month_n 1679._o dear_a friend_n and_o brethren_n unto_o all_o my_o dear_a friend_n and_o brethren_n unto_o who_o hand_n this_o paper_n may_v come_v or_o who_o may_v be_v any_o way_n more_o particular_o concern_v in_o the_o content_n hereof_o be_v the_o salutation_n of_o my_o unfeigned_a love_n in_o that_o unchangeable_a truth_n whereunto_o it_o have_v please_v the_o lord_n to_o call_v i_o according_a to_o his_o great_a mercy_n so_o as_o to_o be_v a_o partaker_n in_o some_o measure_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o glory_n which_o in_o this_o day_n be_v reveal_v wherewith_o my_o heart_n have_v be_v often_o fill_v as_o i_o have_v wait_v in_o faithfulness_n according_a to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o light_n manifest_v in_o i_o and_o to_o i_o and_o since_o it_o please_v god_n to_o make_v i_o a_o live_a witness_n of_o the_o precious_a truth_n and_o to_o commit_v unto_o i_o my_o share_n of_o the_o ministry_n thereof_o my_o conscience_n bear_v i_o witness_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n that_o i_o have_v labour_v according_a to_o my_o knowledge_n to_o follow_v love_n and_o peace_n with_o all_o my_o brethren_n and_o to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o may_v tend_v to_o advance_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v unity_n and_o brotherly-love_n as_o also_o to_o avoid_v what_o have_v a_o tendency_n to_o beget_v strife_n jealousy_n or_o evil_a surmise_n like_a as_o i_o have_v study_v as_o well_o in_o my_o public_a testimony_n as_o in_o my_o write_n to_o beware_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o to_o my_o understanding_n may_v minister_v just_a occasion_n of_o stumble_v or_o offence_n to_o the_o least_o of_o my_o brethren_n or_o the_o young_a and_o weak_a babe_n in_o the_o truth_n as_o such_o as_o be_v conversant_a with_o i_o in_o my_o own_o country_n as_o well_o as_o those_o elsewhere_o where_o i_o have_v travel_v can_v bear_v witness_n nevertheless_o as_o i_o can_v shun_v any_o part_n of_o that_o labour_n and_o service_n which_o my_o lord_n and_o master_n jesus_n christ_n call_v i_o to_o so_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o requiring_n near_o five_o year_n ago_o i_o write_v some_o sheet_n concern_v the_o lawfulness_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o government_n and_o order_n of_o the_o truth_n have_v principal_o and_o only_o in_o my_o view_n therein_o to_o bear_v a_o faithful_a testimony_n against_o all_o false_a liberty_n and_o disorder_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o against_o imposition_n and_o dominion_n on_o the_o other_o intend_v no_o less_o to_o guard_v against_o the_o one_o than_o the_o other_o and_o this_o i_o do_v with_o particular_a respect_n to_o some_o of_o my_o near_a friend_n who_o i_o find_v liable_a to_o some_o mistake_v in_o that_o matter_n and_o i_o do_v sincere_o declare_v before_o god_n who_o know_v 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signify_v that_o as_o often_o as_o i_o have_v have_v occasion_n serious_o and_o in_o the_o holy_a fear_n and_o dread_a of_o god_n to_o reflect_v upon_o those_o paper_n which_o i_o have_v often_o do_v because_o of_o the_o opposition_n they_o have_v meet_v with_o from_o some_o observation_n w._n r_n first_o observation_n postscript_n observation_n observation_n this_o show_v that_o r._n b._n do_v not_o only_o justify_v what_o he_o have_v do_v but_o also_o signify_v that_o he_o labour_v with_o all_o the_o care_n and_o circumspection_n he_o can_v so_o to_o express_v himself_o as_o not_o to_o offend_v in_o a_o word_n and_o therefore_o since_o i_o know_v he_o be_v well_o skill_v to_o word_n his_o meaning_n i_o may_v reasonable_o have_v expect_v that_o he_o will_v have_v cite_v out_o of_o his_o book_n of_o government_n those_o passage_n therein_o contain_v which_o will_v evidence_n that_o all_o his_o explication_n by_o this_o his_o postscript_n may_v he_o find_v in_o his_o book_n which_o be_v needful_a to_o have_v be_v do_v if_o he_o so_o can_v but_o i_o certain_o know_v he_o can_v that_o his_o circumspection_n may_v appear_v especial_o since_o he_o have_v affirm_v that_o the_o very_a explication_n of_o his_o word_n give_v in_o a_o letter_n hereafter_o cite_v as_o his_o own_o explication_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o his_o book_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o say_a letter_n send_v abroad_o by_o himself_o and_o that_o as_o may_v reasonable_o be_v take_v intend_v by_o he_o to_o be_v in_o his_o favour_n but_o if_o the_o impartial_a understanding_n reader_n will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o compare_v r._n b_o be_v book_n of_o government_n with_o this_o his_o postscript_n and_o the_o explication_n give_v of_o his_o word_n in_o the_o aforesaid_a letter_n i_o may_v with_o
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the_o same_o spirit_n in_o they_o even_o when_o it_o have_v appear_v in_o thing_n for_o which_o they_o may_v have_v somewhat_o more_o to_o say_v sure_o with_o man_n of_o inward_a tenderness_n this_o can_v but_o have_v great_a weight_n and_o albeit_o that_o my_o intention_n be_v so_o clear_a in_o this_o matter_n yet_o i_o will_v not_o say_v but_o the_o lord_n who_o way_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o past_o find_v out_o may_v have_v purpose_v by_o those_o paper_n seasonable_o to_o reprove_v and_o smite_v at_o a_o wrong_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o all_o concern_v have_v need_n in_o true_a tenderness_n and_o godly_a fear_n to_o beware_v how_o they_o shut_v out_o and_o turn_v by_o the_o warning_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o lord_n seek_v to_o carp_v at_o and_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o innocent_a instrument_n lest_o they_o be_v find_v foolish_o like_o those_o dog_n that_o run_v after_o and_o seek_v to_o bite_v the_o stone_n because_o they_o can_v reach_v the_o hand_n that_o throw_v it_o i_o have_v know_v this_o by_o manifold_a experience_n to_o have_v be_v a_o snare_n to_o many_o and_o therefore_o without_o the_o least_o prejudice_n or_o reflection_n upon_o any_o god_n know_v out_o of_o true_a tenderness_n and_o love_n do_v desire_n it_o may_v be_v serious_o weigh_v in_o the_o true_a light_n by_o all_o that_o may_v feel_v themselves_o concern_v in_o this_o matter_n fallacious_o matter_n matter_n since_o r._n b._n as_o before_o be_v signify_v in_o his_o line_n touch_v which_o i_o make_v my_o first_o observation_n on_o his_o explanatory_a postscript_n affirm_v that_o he_o have_v never_o find_v occasion_n to_o repent_v or_o retract_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o matter_n or_o principle_n assert_v by_o he_o and_o that_o he_o labour_v with_o all_o the_o care_n and_o circumspection_n he_o can_v so_o to_o express_v himself_o as_o not_o to_o offend_v in_o a_o word_n i_o may_v now_o with_o confidence_n affirm_v that_o his_o word_n therein_o since_o he_o well_o understand_v the_o propriety_n of_o word_n and_o sentence_n may_v be_v just_o take_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o his_o mind_n that_o now_o his_o fallatiousness_n may_v appear_v i_o shall_v in_o order_n thereto_o cite_v his_o very_a word_n relate_v to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n touch_v jurisdiction_n over_o man_n property_n r._n b._n in_o his_o six_o section_n treat_v how_o far_o this_o government_n extend_v pag._n 39_o thus_o say_v this_o order_n reach_v and_o take_v up_o the_o compose_v of_o difference_n as_o to_o outward_a thing_n and_o further_o say_v we_o do_v bold_o aver_v as_o a_o people_n gather_v together_o by_o the_o lord_n unto_o the_o same_o faith_n etc._n etc._n that_o we_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o decide_v and_o remove_v these_o thing_n among_o ourselves_o from_o which_o positive_a sentence_n it_o natural_o follow_v that_o the_o church_n touch_v who_o authority_n in_o government_n he_o treat_v have_v power_n to_o decide_v and_o remove_v in_o case_n of_o difference_n touch_v outward_a thing_n and_o since_o in_o the_o same_o section_n he_o use_v the_o word_n meum_fw-la and_o tuum_fw-la with_o respect_n to_o outward_a thing_n touch_v which_o difference_n may_v arise_v it_o natural_o follow_v that_o the_o power_n claim_v be_v in_o that_o case_n a_o power_n over_o property_n i_o now_o desire_v that_o the_o reader_n may_v observe_v that_o in_o this_o his_o explanatory_a postscript_n he_o say_v not_o one_o word_n of_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o party_n differ_v which_o clear_o show_v that_o though_o as_o in_o the_o five_o observation_n be_v signify_v he_o intend_v to_o give_v under_o his_o own_o hand_n that_o he_o be_v principled_a as_o the_o aforesaid_a pretend_a letter_n say_v he_o be_v yet_o he_o therein_o deal_v fallacious_o but_o now_o as_o to_o the_o thing_n scruple_v at_o observation_n w._n r_n six_o observation_n whereas_o some_o do_v suppose_v that_o i_o do_v ascribe_v to_o friend_n a_o absolute_a jurisdiction_n over_o man_n property_n in_o outward_a thing_n therein_o i_o have_v be_v great_o mistake_v for_o i_o never_o intend_v any_o such_o thing_n but_o simple_o to_o hold_v forth_o that_o which_o by_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 6._o be_v urge_v that_o whereas_o there_o will_v a_o manifest_a scandal_n arise_v from_o friend_n go_v to_o law_n together_o that_o therefore_o such_o as_o will_v rather_o go_v to_o law_n than_o seek_v to_o come_v to_o agreement_n by_o the_o interpose_v of_o friend_n aught_o with_o a_o respect_n to_o their_o bring_v such_o a_o scandal_n be_v censure_v since_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o any_o such_o difference_n as_o to_o outward_a thing_n can_v fall_v out_o among_o friend_n but_o some_o or_o other_o may_v be_v find_v who_o either_o by_o their_o own_o knowledge_n or_o by_o advice_n &_o information_n of_o such_o as_o may_v be_v know_v in_o the_o matter_n controvert_v may_v bring_v it_o to_o a_o end_n second_o that_o whereas_o i_o say_v there_o will_v not_o be_v want_v in_o case_n of_o controversy_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o give_v judgement_n through_o one_o or_o other_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n so_o long_o as_o any_o assembly_n can_v proper_o or_o in_o any_o tolerable_a sense_n be_v so_o call_v some_o have_v suppose_v that_o by_o these_o last_o word_n i_o do_v insinuate_v as_o if_o any_o assembly_n assume_v to_o themselves_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v some_o show_n of_o it_o may_v of_o right_a claim_n the_o power_n of_o such_o decision_n and_o ought_v according_o to_o be_v submit_v unto_o such_o a_o thing_n never_o enter_v i_o but_o be_v far_o from_o my_o intention_n for_o albeit_o that_o i_o judge_v that_o a_o assembly_n may_v sometime_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o not_o to_o have_v lose_v that_o claim_n albeit_o not_o altogether_o so_o fresh_a and_o lively_a at_o least_o in_o the_o generality_n of_o its_o member_n and_o so_o under_o some_o languish_a and_o hazard_v to_o decay_v if_o life_n do_v not_o again_o come_v up_o more_o abundant_o as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n who_o notwithstanding_o of_o the_o several_a weakness_n divers_a of_o they_o be_v under_o yet_o the_o apostle_n or_o rather_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o apostle_n dignify_v with_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n neither_o do_v i_o intend_v to_o make_v this_o judgement_n necessary_o to_o attend_v every_o particular_a church_n or_o assembly_n but_o by_o the_o church_n there_o i_o understand_v it_o in_o a_o more_o universal_a sense_n that_o be_v some_o or_o other_o among_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o complex_fw-la may_v be_v right_o term_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o same_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n for_o albeit_o we_o may_v suppose_v there_o may_v have_v be_v want_v in_o each_o of_o they_o some_o to_o give_v forth_o this_o true_a judgement_n concern_v they_o yet_o in_o respect_n they_o be_v such_o as_o in_o some_o tolerable_a supposition_n may_v be_v term_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n 3.16_o christ_n christ_n rev_n 2.4_o 5_o 14_o 15_o 20._o chap._n 3.16_o albeit_o some_o of_o they_o have_v lose_v their_o first_o love_n and_o be_v near_o to_o have_v their_o candlestick_n remove_v and_o some_o have_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n and_o of_o the_o nicholaitan_n and_o some_o suffer_v the_o woman_n jezabel_n and_o some_o be_v lukewarm_a and_o ready_a to_o be_v spew_v out_o we_o see_v god_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v without_o a_o certain_a judgement_n but_o give_v forth_o one_o through_o the_o apostle_n john_n who_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o to_o esteem_v that_o any_o assembly_n may_v be_v tolerable_o
nation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o all_o their_o idolatry_n wickedness_n and_o superstition_n for_o that_o they_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o the_o evil_a of_o it_o whereas_o truth_n teach_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o have_v they_o be_v faithful_a to_o the_o small_a measure_n of_o light_n in_o thing_n more_o obvious_a it_o will_v have_v further_o open_v and_o manifest_v other_o thing_n then_o shall_v not_o the_o jew_n have_v be_v condemn_v for_o crucify_a christ_n since_o peter_n say_v they_o do_v it_o ignorant_o and_o paul_n testify_v that_o if_o they_o have_v know_v they_o will_v not_o have_v crucify_v the_o lord_n of_o glory_n yea_o than_o all_o those_o that_o persecute_a and_o burn_v the_o protestant-martyr_n be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v for_o it_o because_o they_o suppose_v they_o do_v well_o in_o it_o even_o according_a to_o christ_n testimony_n who_o say_v that_o in_o kill_v you_o they_o shall_v think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n shall_v man_n than_o never_o be_v condemn_v for_o do_v evil_a or_o omit_v their_o duty_n because_o they_o see_v it_o not_o what_o absurdity_n will_v folthereupon_o may_v easy_o appear_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o w._n r._n in_o his_o paper_n shall_v labour_v so_o much_o against_o this_o affirm_v very_o positive_o that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v give_v forth_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o by_o way_n of_o recommendation_n &_o not_o of_o command_n wherein_o he_o do_v either_o great_o mistake_v the_o matter_n as_o affirm_v by_o i_o or_o otherways_o run_v into_o a_o far_o great_a inconveniency_n than_o he_o be_v aware_a for_o if_o he_o mean_v that_o no_o man_n of_o or_o from_o himself_o only_o or_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o office_n or_o place_n he_o either_o have_v or_o have_v bear_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n aught_o to_o command_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o church_n i_o free_o agree_v to_o it_o and_o have_v assert_v the_o same_o in_o very_o full_a and_o ample_a term_n but_o if_o he_o will_v say_v that_o no_o man_n albeit_o real_o move_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n aught_o to_o go_v further_o than_o a_o mere_a reomendation_n it_o be_v a_o most_o insolent_a limit_v of_o god_n under_o a_o false_a pretence_n of_o liberty_n &_o will_v necessary_o conclude_v that_o god_n have_v not_o power_n to_o command_v any_o thing_n unless_o man_n be_v content_a to_o agree_v to_o it_o for_o the_o controversy_n be_v here_o draw_v to_o a_o narrow_a compass_n for_o he_o that_o will_v allow_v that_o god_n have_v power_n to_o command_v thing_n to_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o those_o command_n must_v be_v convey_v by_o immediate_a revelation_n through_o some_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o it_o may_v fall_v out_o that_o some_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n may_v through_o weakness_n or_o unwatchfulness_n not_o be_v sensible_a they_o must_v either_o acknowledge_v that_o such_o be_v to_o be_v condemn_v or_o say_v that_o god_n have_v not_o power_n to_o command_v or_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o revelation_n now_o a_o day_n as_o do_v the_o priest_n and_o truth_n enemy_n or_o that_o man_n be_v not_o condemnable_a for_o disobey_v god_n if_o he_o believe_v it_o not_o to_o be_v his_o duty_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v that_o unbelief_n be_v no_o sin_n now_o let_v these_o thing_n be_v serious_o consider_v how_o this_o be_v or_o can_v be_v avoid_v without_o grant_v the_o thing_n affirm_v by_o i_o for_o what_o way_n the_o truth_n can_v be_v assert_v the_o honour_n and_o just_a authority_n of_o god_n acknowledge_v the_o necessity_n and_o continuance_n of_o immediate_a revelation_n affirm_v and_o the_o iniquity_n of_o unbelief_n not_o justify_v and_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o rebellious_a and_o disobedient_a vindicate_v without_o affirm_v what_o i_o have_v do_v and_o if_o any_o can_v do_v this_o in_o word_n more_o wary_a than_o i_o have_v do_v i_o shall_v very_o ready_o agree_v to_o it_o for_o that_o thing_n may_v be_v propose_v to_o the_o church_n by_o way_n of_o command_n and_o further_o than_o a_o mere_a recommendation_n the_o whole_a current_n of_o the_o scripture_n show_v not_o only_o to_o the_o church_n among_o the_o jew_n where_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n do_v propose_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o be_v perform_v very_o positive_o and_o peremtory_o but_o even_o under_o the_o new-covenant_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o 15_o of_o the_o act_n and_o in_o many_o place_n of_o paul_n epistle_n particular_o that_o on_o 2_o thes_n 3.14_o if_o any_o man_n obey_v not_o our_o word_n by_o this_o epistle_n note_v that_o man_n and_o have_v no_o company_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a this_o then_o be_v manifest_v with_o respect_n to_o those_o time_n i_o will_v know_v of_o w._n r._n whether_o christ_n have_v now_o lose_v any_o of_o his_o authority_n or_o have_v leave_v off_o to_o rule_v his_o church_n immediate_o by_o his_o spirit_n 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distinguish_v from_o the_o apostate_n &_o innovator_n wherein_o a_o relation_n be_v give_v of_o several_a proceed_n since_o george_n fox_n wife_n cause_v a_o paper_n date_v the_o 21_o the_o of_o the_o 11_o the_o m_o on_o 1672._o to_o be_v read_v against_o john_n story_n in_o a_o quarterly-meeting_a in_o westmoreland_n therein_o signify_v that_o he_o judge_v the_o power_n of_o god_n as_o it_o break_v forth_o in_o hymn_n or_o spiritual_a song_n and_o be_v chief_o to_o discover_v that_o george_n for_o have_v erroneous_o concern_v himself_o in_o the_o division_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n which_o therefore_o may_v serve_v for_o a_o warn_v to_o the_o child_n of_o light_n that_o their_o dependency_n may_v not_o be_v on_o g._n f._n a_o mislead_v fallible_a man_n nor_o yet_o on_o any_o mortal_a man_n man_n or_o name_v whatsoever_o save_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n who_o be_v give_v of_o the_o father_n to_o be_v salvation_n unto_o the_o end_v of_o the_o earth_n by_o william_n rogers_n hosea_n 9.7_o the_o day_n of_o visitation_n be_v come_v the_o day_n of_o recompense_n be_v come_v israel_n shall_v know_v it_o the_o prophet_n be_v a_o fool_n the_o spiritual_a man_n be_v mad_a for_o the_o abundance_n of_o thy_o iniquity_n and_o great_a hatred_n print_a in_o the_o year_n 1680._o the_o four_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n distinguish_v from_o the_o apostate_n and_o innovator_n etc._n etc._n this_o small_a treatise_n be_v chief_o design_v to_o be_v communicate_v unto_o those_o who_o profess_v the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n by_o his_o light_n in_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o man_n to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a guide_n unto_o the_o father_n of_o life_n the_o faith_n of_o such_o be_v that_o those_o who_o receive_v this_o appearance_n or_o gift_n of_o god_n so_o as_o to_o live_v and_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o divine_a motion_n and_o dictate_v thereof_o shall_v come_v to_o know_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n through_o christ_n jesus_n their_o lawgiver_n lord_n and_o saviour_n it_o be_v public_o know_v that_o this_o principle_n of_o truth_n have_v be_v hold_v forth_o and_o own_a by_o those_o who_o in_o derision_n have_v be_v call_v quaker_n of_o who_o it_o may_v be_v now_o say_v to_o the_o great_a grief_n and_o exercise_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o faithful_a follower_n of_o christ_n among_o they_o that_o though_o the_o principle_n in_o which_o such_o of_o they_o who_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n a_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a knowledge_n have_v believe_v be_v unchangeable_a yet_o the_o enemy_n have_v so_o prevail_v as_o that_o the_o seed_n of_o dissension_n and_o discord_n sow_o among_o they_o have_v take_v so_o deep_a root_n as_o that_o their_o public_a meeting_n for_o worship_n in_o several_a part_n of_o this_o nation_n have_v become_v the_o stage_n of_o contention_n to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n his_o truth_n and_o people_n and_o in_o divers_a part_n of_o this_o nation_n it_o be_v repute_v that_o george_n fox_n be_v at_o least_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a abettor_n of_o one_o party_n and_o john_n story_n of_o another_o but_o how_o far_o that_o report_n may_v with_o respect_n to_o g._n f._n have_v credit_n with_o other_o beside_o myself_o i_o shall_v leave_v to_o the_o sense_n and_o savour_n of_o the_o understanding_n impartial_a reader_n when_o he_o have_v thorough_o peruse_v this_o treatise_n and_o though_o from_o their_o name_n mention_v in_o the_o title-page_n some_o may_v be_v in_o expectation_n that_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o present_a separation_n in_o some_o part_n of_o this_o nation_n may_v be_v treat_v on_o at_o large_a yet_o that_o be_v not_o my_o present_a design_n or_o purpose_v though_o i_o must_v confess_v that_o matter_n be_v at_o large_a collect_v and_o impartial_o state_v and_o lie_v ready_a by_o i_o for_o the_o press_n and_o in_o probability_n may_v come_v forth_o or_o at_o least_o a_o part_n thereof_o more_o than_o what_o be_v in_o this_o four_o part_n contain_v in_o its_o proper_a time_n and_o season_n unless_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o change_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o persecute_v opposer_n of_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n and_o other_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n unto_o who_o the_o truth_n be_v as_o dear_a as_o ever_o and_o that_o the_o door_n may_v be_v open_v again_o in_o our_o public_a assembly_n for_o worship_n of_o god_n whereby_o those_o who_o have_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o publish_v in_o the_o demonstration_n of_o his_o power_n and_o spirit_n may_v not_o be_v so_o frequent_o obstruct_v by_o the_o airy_a imaginary_a and_o empty_a discourse_n of_o such_o as_o have_v pretend_v to_o have_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o declare_v when_o
it_o have_v evident_o appear_v the_o lord_n have_v not_o speak_v by_o they_o if_o so_o be_v the_o tree_n may_v at_o this_o day_n be_v know_v by_o its_o fruit_n as_o well_o as_o in_o day_n past_a but_o rather_o that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v fulfil_v if_o not_o fulfil_v in_o they_o when_o he_o say_v the_o prophet_n be_v a_o fool_n the_o spiritual_a man_n be_v mad_a for_o the_o multitude_n of_o thy_o iniquity_n and_o great_a hatred_n hos_fw-la 9.7_o for_o i_o be_o a_o live_a witness_n that_o imagination_n have_v so_o possess_v the_o head_n and_o heart_n of_o many_o that_o travel_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o minister_a friend_n as_o that_o instead_o of_o manifest_v a_o divine_a understanding_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n or_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n in_o season_n they_o have_v bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o unsound_a mind_n show_v forth_o no_o better_a resemblance_n or_o evidence_n of_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n that_o divide_v the_o word_n aright_o than_o the_o confuse_a chaos_n before_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n be_v of_o the_o beauty_n and_o order_n that_o now_o be_v in_o it_o and_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o be_o well_o satisfy_v and_o that_o on_o sufficient_a ground_n too_o large_a to_o insert_v that_o either_o the_o multitude_n of_o iniquity_n or_o great_a hatred_n through_o the_o influence_n of_o g._n f._n possess_v the_o heart_n of_o such_o be_v the_o occasion_n thereof_o but_o notwithstanding_o my_o design_n be_v not_o as_o i_o say_v before_o to_o treat_v at_o large_a on_o the_o present_a difference_n between_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o present_a separation_n in_o some_o part_n of_o this_o nation_n yet_o since_o i_o be_o also_o satisfy_v and_o that_o on_o sufficient_a ground_n that_o g._n f._n have_v be_v one_o of_o those_o very_a person_n occasion_v the_o difference_n to_o arise_v unto_o the_o height_n they_o now_o be_v or_o at_o least_o a_o countenancer_n thereof_o at_o a_o large_a rate_n i_o purpose_v to_o treat_v a_o little_a thereon_o and_o partly_o as_o relate_v to_o g._n f._n that_o so_o the_o impartial_a reader_n may_v consider_v whether_o if_o g._n f._n have_v content_v himself_o in_o reality_n and_o truth_n with_o the_o place_n of_o a_o servant_n of_o christ_n that_o seek_v not_o dominion_n over_o his_o brethren_n faith_n and_o conscience_n nor_o yet_o to_o expect_v submission_n to_o his_o outward_a precept_n prescription_n or_o order_n further_o than_o every_o friend_n to_o truth_n be_v or_o may_v be_v by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o conscience_n lead_v and_o guide_v therein_o the_o difference_n now_o among_o friend_n touch_v which_o some_o seem_v ready_a to_o bite_v and_o devour_v other_o may_v never_o have_v be_v for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o in_o no_o wise_a question_n but_o that_o g._n f._n be_v one_o chief_a instrument_n that_o a_o destroy_n and_o devour_a spirit_n have_v enter_v into_o some_o among_o the_o flock_n and_o that_o many_o a_o simple_a honest-hearted_n friend_n to_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n have_v receive_v and_o believe_v lie_n and_o slanderous_a false_a report_n against_o many_o brethren_n undeserved_o to_o the_o betray_n of_o their_o simplicity_n and_o love_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o fill_v their_o heart_n with_o hatred_n enmity_n and_o prejudice_n and_o of_o this_o be_o i_o as_o well_o satisfy_v as_o i_o be_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n in_o heaven_n before_o who_o both_o he_o and_o all_o the_o son_n of_o man_n must_v come_v to_o judgement_n and_o that_o the_o blood_n of_o many_o such_o if_o they_o perish_v before_o true_a repentance_n will_v be_v lay_v at_o g._n f_o '_o s._n door_n otherwise_o i_o shall_v not_o have_v appear_v to_o discover_v the_o say_v g._n f._n as_o in_o conscience_n i_o be_o now_o constrain_v to_o do_v and_o therefore_o a_o warn_v be_v now_o proclaim_v unto_o all_o such_o that_o they_o redeem_v their_o time_n because_o the_o day_n be_v evil_a and_o proceed_v no_o further_o to_o receive_v and_o believe_v lie_n and_o scandalous_a report_n against_o such_o who_o they_o have_v once_o account_v honourable_a on_o the_o credit_n of_o g._n f._n as_o a_o man_n that_o for_o several_a year_n past_a have_v not_o err_v for_o many_o be_v this_o day_n witness_n that_o his_o action_n have_v render_v he_o a_o erroneous_a man._n and_o for_o as_o much_o as_o he_o have_v refuse_v to_o give_v that_o satisfaction_n for_o his_o error_n as_o in_o the_o like_a case_n he_o have_v prescribe_v for_o other_o it_o have_v increase_v the_o concern_v of_o my_o conscience_n to_o discover_v the_o same_o and_o that_o also_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o simple_a and_o honest-hearted_n and_o that_o those_o innocent_a and_o tender_a child_n that_o be_v grow_v up_o from_o the_o loin_n of_o believe_a parent_n etc._n etc._n may_v in_o their_o tender_a year_n be_v awaken_v and_o warn_v that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v captivate_v in_o the_o like_o snare_n and_o so_o breed_v up_o in_o a_o mere_a form_n and_o affect_v with_o airy_a imagination_n which_o have_v no_o tendency_n to_o open_v their_o understanding_n thereby_o to_o give_v unto_o they_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o principle_n of_o truth_n which_o the_o faithful_a by_o the_o spirit_n have_v be_v lead_v to_o own_o and_o hold_v forth_o nor_o yet_o the_o way_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o so_o their_o footstep_n may_v be_v direct_v into_o the_o path_n of_o peace_n and_o they_o come_v to_o know_v a_o lively_a feel_n and_o sense_n of_o that_o immortal_a power_n and_o spirit_n by_o which_o the_o everlasting_a god_n who_o way_n be_v unchangeable_a reach_v unto_o many_o in_o the_o beginning_n when_o the_o very_a thought_n of_o be_v embondaged_a again_o with_o the_o beggarly_a element_n and_o rudiment_n of_o this_o world_n or_o of_o have_v our_o eye_n or_o dependency_n on_o any_o mortal_a man_n be_v loathsome_a i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o lay_v down_o a_o few_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n a_o evidence_n to_o i_o that_o my_o aforesaid_a sense_n touch_v g._n f._n be_v true_a refer_v the_o reader_n for_o further_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o first_o and_o five_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n distinguish_v from_o the_o apostate_n and_o innovator_n first_o i_o take_v notice_n of_o seven_o question_n which_o be_v send_v unto_o john_n wilkinson_n by_o robert_n barrow_n and_o other_o who_o say_v they_o be_v desire_v by_o g._n f._n so_o to_o do_v the_o query_n be_v as_o follow_v together_o with_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o answer_n thereunto_o query_n 1_o whether_o do_v thou_o say_v concern_v that_o paper_n send_v down_o to_o the_o quarterly-meeting_a at_o kendal_n that_o it_o come_v from_o the_o female_a answ_n i_o remember_v no_o such_o word_n yet_o be_v great_o trouble_v at_o a_o name_n a_o note_v this_o be_v that_o paper_n mention_v in_o the_o title-page_n that_o g._n p_n wife_n cause_v to_o be_v read_v in_o a_o quarterly-meeting_a and_o be_v give_v forth_o in_o her_o name_n paper_n from_o the_o female_a read_v with_o grievous_a accusation_n against_o our_o faithful_a brother_n john_n story_n which_o as_o i_o say_v great_o trouble_v i_o and_o many_o beside_o i_o know_v his_o clearness_n from_o such_o thing_n and_o know_v his_o vessel_n fill_v with_o the_o power_n of_o god_n in_o abide_v in_o his_o house_n qu._n 2._o whether_o do_v thou_o say_v at_o the_o quarterly-meeting_a at_o kendal_n to_o margaret_n fox_n what_o ground_n or_o foundation_n have_v friend_n to_o practice_v thing_n which_o be_v impose_v by_o man_n or_o in_o the_o will_n of_o man_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v no_o authority_n or_o warrant_v for_o or_o word_n to_o that_o effect_n answ_n the_o word_n as_o state_v in_o this_o question_n i_o do_v not_o speak_v to_o m._n f._n yet_o the_o substance_n i_o own_o for_o the_o truth_n in_o it_o qu._n 3._o whether_o do_v thou_o read_v or_o consent_n to_o be_v read_v in_o the_o latter-end_a of_o a_o quarterly-meeting_a at_o kendal_n a_o paper_n of_o anthony_n pearson_n or_o other_o that_o direct_v or_o advise_v that_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n shall_v be_v as_o the_o way_n of_o a_o ship_n in_o the_o sea_n or_o such_o like_a answ_n nay_o but_o if_o they_o mean_v no_o impression_n of_o form_n leave_v behind_o i_o like_v it_o well_o qu._n 4._o whether_o do_v thou_o advise_v that_o paper_n of_o condemnation_n shall_v not_o be_v record_v answ_n nay_o i_o have_v no_o occasion_n to_o advise_v but_o my_o advice_n be_v and_o be_v that_o condemnation_n shall_v not_o stand_v on_o our_o deacon_n book_n to_o posterity_n according_a as_o the_o meet_v agree_v unto_o because_o fail_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v prove_v weapon_n for_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n to_o fight_v with_o against_o perfection_n
not_o believe_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o expect_v that_o any_o such_o motion_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v appear_v through_o any_o one_o or_o more_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n with_o respect_n to_o other_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o our_o faith_n be_v that_o all_o those_o who_o be_v heir_n of_o that_o kingdom_n which_o be_v everlasting_a be_v entitle_v to_o a_o like_a freedom_n not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o each_o by_o other_o contrary_a to_o that_o divine_a sense_n and_o heavenly_a understanding_n which_o as_o coheir_n and_o co-worker_n together_o they_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o and_o this_o in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n will_n evince_o be_v manifest_v from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n however_o we_o must_v confess_v he_o that_o be_v not_o diligent_a to_o wait_v upon_o god_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o own_o measure_n of_o grace_n receive_v be_v by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n condemnable_a not_o for_o refuse_v to_o perform_v that_o which_o he_o see_v not_o to_o be_v his_o duty_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o other_o man_n line_n make_v ready_a to_o his_o hand_n wherein_o he_o be_v not_o satisfy_v but_o for_o his_o neglect_v to_o wait_v upon_o god_n because_o it_o be_v manifest_a in_o every_o one_o that_o have_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o wait_v upon_o god_n and_o this_o our_o sense_n and_o reason_n answer_v to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n where_o it_o be_v say_v rom._n 1.18_o 19_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n who_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n because_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o they_o for_o god_n have_v show_v it_o unto_o they_o so_o it_o be_v clear_a to_o we_o from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o we_o as_o well_o as_o from_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o we_o that_o the_o wrath_n and_o condemnation_n of_o god_n go_v forth_o against_o such_o as_o live_v not_o answerable_a to_o what_o god_n have_v manifest_v in_o they_o but_o it_o be_v neither_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n or_o light_v within_o for_o any_o to_o pour_v forth_o their_o judgement_n against_o any_o for_o not_o follow_v or_o give_v heed_n unto_o this_o or_o other_o outward_a prescription_n or_o observation_n wherein_o the_o conscience_n be_v concern_v when_o such_o be_v not_o convince_v thereof_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n from_o the_o mainfestation_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o they_o the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v this_o that_o in_o all_o the_o last_o mention_v objection_n there_o be_v no_o plea_n for_o obedience_n unto_o or_o follow_v any_o thing_n but_o the_o spirit_n in_o its_o appearance_n whether_o through_o the_o brethren_n or_o thyself_o from_o whence_o we_o observe_v first_o that_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a description_n who_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o word_n brethren_n second_o that_o it_o be_v the_o appearance_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o follow_v now_o shall_v this_o question_n be_v ask_v of_o such_o who_o may_v so_o object_v as_o aforesaid_a wouldyou_o have_v we_o follow_v we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o believe_v that_o they_o will_v say_v nay_o if_o they_o answer_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o question_n and_o if_o so_o than_o the_o force_n of_o the_o objection_n fall_v for_o that_o we_o account_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o follow_v the_o appearance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n through_o the_o mean_a member_n when_o our_o conscience_n be_v convince_v that_o it_o be_v the_o appearance_n of_o that_o spirit_n but_o before_o we_o can_v say_v in_o truth_n though_o we_o shall_v do_v as_o such_o a_o one_o will_v have_v we_o that_o we_o be_v follower_n of_o and_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 12.13_o 1_o cor._n 12.13_o no_o more_o than_o jesus_n can_v in_o truth_n be_v call_v lord_n and_o not_o by_o the_o holy-ghost_n beside_o we_o can_v on_o this_o occasion_n but_o testify_v that_o as_o that_o obedience_n which_o be_v of_o faith_n in_o christ_n find_v acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o obedience_n which_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n be_v but_o a_o dead_a performance_n 14.23_o rom._n 14.23_o &_o not_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o live_a member_n who_o through_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n unto_o righteousness_n be_v make_v alive_a unto_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v the_o duty_n of_o any_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n to_o run_v before_o his_o inward_a guide_n but_o to_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n that_o all_o his_o action_n may_v be_v regulate_v according_a to_o the_o manifestation_n and_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o himself_o which_o seem_v clear_o agreeable_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n where_o he_o say_v 16._o phil._n 3.15_o 16._o if_o in_o any_o thing_n you_o be_v otherwise-minded_n god_n shall_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o you_o nevertheless_o whereunto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n he_o that_o savour_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n may_v easy_o perceive_v that_o the_o mean_v of_o the_o spirit_n through_o paul_n unto_o those_o philippian_n be_v that_o those_o who_o be_v come_v to_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n shall_v walk_v by_o that_o rule_n whereunto_o they_o have_v attain_v but_o those_o who_o have_v not_o attain_v so_o far_o and_o be_v otherwise-minded_n be_v to_o wait_v for_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o son_n and_o now_o to_o conclude_v as_o to_o this_o objection_n we_o have_v this_o further_a to_o add_v that_o we_o do_v know_v many_o of_o our_o opposer_n or_o at_o least_o such_o who_o be_v not_o at_o unity_n with_o we_o have_v very_o confident_o make_v use_n of_o such_o discourse_n as_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o last_o recite_v objection_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o follow_v outward_a prescription_n and_o order_n though_o not_o convince_v of_o its_o service_n which_o occasion_n we_o to_o be_v jealous_a that_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o enemy_n may_v so_o enter_v in_o at_o this_o door_n as_o that_o darkness_n may_v more_o general_o overshadow_v again_o than_o it_o yet_o do_v though_o our_o hope_n in_o god_n be_v that_o he_o will_v lay_v such_o a_o constraint_n on_o many_o of_o those_o who_o eye_n be_v open_a behold_v the_o approach_v apostasy_n as_o that_o they_o may_v be_v raise_v in_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n indignation_n and_o appear_v as_o lion_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o lion_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n to_o oppose_v every_o appearance_n of_o that_o spirit_n which_o will_v be_v exalt_v self_n or_o any_o outward_a form_n observation_n prescription_n or_o order_n to_o be_v as_o a_o bond_n on_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n when_o by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n their_o alone_a lawgiver_n they_o be_v not_o full_o persuade_v thereof_o in_o their_o own_o conscience_n which_o undoubted_o be_v the_o mean_v of_o the_o spirit_n through_o paul_n when_o he_o write_v unto_o the_o roman_n chap._n 14._o ver._n 5_o 23._o let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n and_o to_o come_v a_o little_a close_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n it_o be_v too_o too_o evident_a that_o nonconformity_n to_o outward_a prescription_n be_v take_v as_o a_o mark_n of_o apostasy_n even_o among_o those_o who_o have_v be_v under_o the_o profession_n of_o truth_n of_o which_o many_o instance_n too_o too_o large_a here_o to_o insert_v may_v be_v produce_v out_o of_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o christian-quaker_n this_o mean_v a_o historical_a manuscript_n make_v mention_n of_o in_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n treatise_n unto_o which_o we_o refer_v the_o reader_n however_o that_o the_o impartial_a reader_n may_v here_o have_v one_o instance_n that_o this_o our_o sense_n be_v not_o whole_o groundless_a we_o say_v john_n wilkinson_n and_o william_n rogers_n testify_v that_o a_o friend_n at_o the_o meeting_n at_o drawell_n which_o meeting_n be_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o manuscript_n this_o mean_v the_o aforesaid_a historical_a manuscript_n treatise_n signify_v that_o g._n f._n shall_v say_v to_o this_o effect_n he_o that_o be_v not_o for_o woman_n meeting_n mean_v as_o be_v understand_v woman_n distinct_a meeting_n as_o exercise_v among_o friend_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o fit_v in_o man_n meeting_n by_o which_o sentence_n it_o be_v evident_a if_o the_o end_v wherefore_o womens-meeting_n be_v by_o many_o first_o assent_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o if_o the_o form_n of_o relieve_v the_o poor_a prescribe_v by_o g._n f._n shall_v not_o be_v assent_v to_o by_o any_o elder_n in_o
be_v suck_v in_o by_o many_o and_o then_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v favour_v that_o if_o the_o publisher_n thereof_o do_v but_o once_o put_v the_o bare-skin_n on_o any_o friend_n back_o though_o never_o so_o much_o of_o the_o lamb_n nature_n and_o spirit_n there_o will_v not_o be_v want_v those_o sort_n of_o beast_n with_o who_o it_o be_v suppose_v paul_n fight_v at_o ephesus_n who_o undoubted_o be_v unreasonable_a man_n to_o bait_v that_o person_n on_o who_o to_o speak_v comparative_o the_o bear-skin_n be_v put_v this_o discourse_n may_v occasion_v this_o further_a inquiry_n by_o what_o mark_n may_v we_o best_o be_v inform_v to_o discover_v those_o minister_a person_n in_o your_o public_a meeting_n who_o be_v of_o party_n with_o g._n f._n as_o thou_o take_v it_o and_o that_o be_v the_o encourager_n of_o such_o doctrine_n and_o exhortation_n as_o beforementioned_a to_o exclude_v the_o reason_n the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o jealousy_n and_o to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o brethren_n &_o c_o by_o which_o word_n brethren_n i_o know_v be_v mean_v one_o party_n of_o those_o call_a minister_a friend_n this_o i_o query_n of_o thou_o the_o rather_o because_o thou_o accounte_v it_o a_o good_a rule_n to_o judge_n of_o the_o tree_n by_o thy_o own_o taste_n and_o savour_n of_o the_o fruit._n to_o this_o i_o answer_v what_o garb_n they_o may_v appear_v in_o i_o know_v not_o but_o the_o garb_n they_o have_v appear_v in_o and_o the_o fruit_n they_o have_v bring_v forth_o i_o well_o know_v by_o the_o hear_n of_o my_o ear_n which_o be_v these_o they_o have_v be_v much_o exercise_v in_o cry_v out_o against_o dark_a spirit_n leaven_a spirit_n troubler_n of_o israel_n thereby_o intend_v such_o as_o have_v and_o yet_o do_v approve_v themselves_o faithful_a friend_n gainsaying_n the_o testimony_n of_o such_o as_o have_v declare_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o our_o public_a meeting_n in_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o power_n and_o spirit_n though_o they_o have_v not_o be_v capable_a to_o detect_v the_o publisher_n with_o any_o evil_a consersation_n or_o unsoundness_n of_o doctrine_n and_o ofttimes_o spend_v their_o breath_n at_o a_o eager_a rate_n a_o long_a time_n together_o when_o some_o part_n at_o least_o of_o what_o they_o bring_v forth_o be_v but_o due_o weigh_v be_v a_o mere_a scandal_n to_o religion_n the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o ancient_a friend_n in_o the_o beginning_n not_o have_v a_o word_n in_o many_o such_o tedious_a discourse_n i_o he_o at_o to_o inform_v the_o congregation_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n which_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n have_v profess_v nor_o yet_o to_o direct_v the_o hearer_n in_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n everlasting_a obj._n this_n may_n some_o say_v be_v treat_v of_o thing_n in_o a_o general_a way_n without_o particular_a matter_n to_o evidence_n this_o general_a reflection_n answ_n i_o confess_v it_o be_v so_o and_o that_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v evidence_n against_o any_o one_o 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opposer_n of_o such_o groan_n etc._n etc._n which_o the_o truth_n approve_v yet_o god_n be_v our_o witness_n we_o know_v it_o not_o that_o though_o we_o have_v be_v represent_v as_o person_n encourage_v flee_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n we_o say_v we_o be_v not_o conscious_a to_o ourselves_o of_o so_o do_v for_o we_o believe_v those_o who_o stand_v not_o to_o their_o testimony_n but_o flee_v therefrom_o in_o the_o day_n of_o persecution_n may_v true_o be_v account_v either_o weak_a in_o the_o faith_n or_o depart_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o thus_o have_v give_v our_o inward_a sense_n according_a to_o the_o uprightness_n and_o integrity_n of_o our_o heart_n concern_v these_o five_o general_a head_n from_o whence_o all_o the_o forty-four_a article_n do_v arise_v we_o shall_v with_o this_o conclude_v that_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n be_v our_o witness_n our_o desire_n be_v to_o approve_v ourselves_o man_n of_o peace_n in_o the_o abhorrency_n of_o all_o fleshly_a liberty_n and_o looseness_n and_o to_o follow_v after_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n that_o the_o regin_v of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n may_v be_v over_o all_o so_o will_v the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o christ_n as_o to_o the_o two_o question_n answer_v by_o the_o friend_n and_o brethren_n meet_v on_o this_o occasion_n we_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n say_v we_o in_o the_o propose_v thereof_o have_v not_o the_o least_o thought_n to_o obtain_v your_o yea_o and_o nay_o with_o intent_n thereby_o to_o strengthen_v such_o who_o may_v be_v account_v our_o party_n in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o truth_n nor_o to_o encourage_v looseness_n or_o bad_a spirit_n but_o conscientious_o to_o remove_v the_o scruple_n of_o some_o and_o further_o we_o say_v we_o be_v better_o satisfy_v with_o your_o explication_n therein_o than_o with_o your_o bare_a yea_o and_o nay_o for_o that_o we_o as_o well_o as_o you_o be_v 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jesus_n the_o observation_n make_v thereon_o and_o then_o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o every_o such_o reaer_fw-mi will_v have_v this_o answer_n in_o his_o own_o breast_n that_o what_o g._n f._n have_v write_v by_o way_n of_o reply_n to_o john_n wilkinson_n can_v not_o be_v give_v forth_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o can_v lie_v but_o be_v rather_o the_o fruit_n either_o of_o ignorance_n pride_n scorn_n and_o disdain_n in_o the_o best_a sense_n it_o be_v a_o common_a and_o tude_z say_v prid_n oft_o time_n go_v before_o a_o fall_n that_o g._n f._n be_v fall_v be_v manifest_o prove_v in_o part._n in_o note_v it_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o manuscript_n first_o mention_v in_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o first_o part._n this_o treatise_n if_o be_v guilty_a of_o error_n and_o matter_n of_o eyil_a fact_n may_v be_v account_v sufficient_a proof_n and_o that_o he_o have_v be_v of_o so_o proud_a a_o spirit_n as_o to_o expect_v a_o sort_n of_o reverence_n and_o submission_n to_o he_o 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sake_n unchangeable_a in_o their_o affection_n to_o the_o two_o persecute_a brethren_n john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n and_o many_o be_v more_o and_o more_o confirm_v through_o a_o certain_a knowledge_n which_o be_v a_o better_a ground_n than_o report_n that_o person_n profess_v truth_n and_o such_o as_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v have_v in_o great_a estimation_n by_o those_o who_o appear_v against_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n do_v foment_n lie_v and_o slander_n to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n increase_v of_o division_n and_o hurt_v of_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o simple_a where_o the_o lie_v and_o false_a report_n of_o slanderous_a tongue_n have_v place_n this_o may_v be_v term_v matter_n of_o great_a reflection_n but_o in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v real_o true_a it_o be_v proper_a enough_o to_o be_v speak_v to_o thou_o because_o i_o firm_o believe_v that_o thou_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o be_v a_o stop_n to_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o by_o thy_o public_a 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month_n and_o year_n past_a but_o as_o spark_n of_o fire_n have_v bear_v in_o a_o spirit_n of_o patience_n yet_o now_o since_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o ignorance_n envy_n and_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n join_v hand_n together_o to_o make_v war_n against_o god_n servant_n and_o that_o thy_o paper_n seem_v a_o strength_n thereto_o therefore_o be_v the_o zeal_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n kindle_v to_o war_n in_o righteousness_n against_o that_o ungodly_a insinuate_a spirit_n that_o make_v it_o its_o business_n to_o bespatter_n john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n whereby_o the_o simplehearted_n may_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o the_o way_n it_o be_v unnatural_a among_o the_o heathen_a for_o the_o father_n to_o pierce_v and_o wound_v his_o child_n oh_o friend_n consider_v of_o that_o if_o thou_o be_v the_o head_n and_o chief_a promoter_n of_o this_o war_n against_o the_o ancient_a brethren_n appear_v like_o a_o man_n of_o war_n open-faced_a and_o if_o thou_o 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this_o number_n and_o sort_v viz._n such_o who_o ignorance_n be_v so_o great_a as_o to_o conclude_v it_o the_o fruit_n of_o virtue_n to_o avoid_v all_o reason_v and_o all_o wisdom_n or_o who_o understanding_n be_v so_o veil_v as_o to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o night-vision_n or_o dream_n of_o man_n more_o than_o to_o the_o truth_n in_o themselves_o and_o on_o that_o foot_n eye_v the_o scribbler_n of_o paper_n more_o than_o the_o matter_n therein_o contain_v as_o be_v convince_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o shut_v out_o all_o wisdom_n and_o all_o reason_v a_o most_o dextrous_a expedient_a where_o it_o take_v place_n for_o anti-christ_n so_o to_o exalt_v his_o kingdom_n as_o that_o all_o manner_n of_o iniquity_n and_o deceit_n may_v quick_o enter_v the_o flock_n if_o once_o the_o leader_n or_o leader_n of_o the_o people_n bring_v forth_o their_o own_o imagination_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o night-vision_n and_o publish_v they_o for_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o no_o marvel_n if_o such_o conclude_v that_o every_o friend_n be_v just_o condemn_v if_o they_o be_v not_o at_o unity_n with_o the_o paper_n give_v forth_o by_o the_o sixty-six_a subscriber_n at_o ellis_n hooks_n chamber_n as_o if_o now_o it_o be_v good_a doctrine_n or_o exhortation_n to_o direct_v to_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n that_o appear_v in_o the_o sixty-six_a subscriber_n when_o they_o bring_v forth_o their_o unchristian_a like_a papen_n instead_o of_o direct_v to_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n in_o themselves_o one_o thing_n more_o lie_v upon_o i_o to_o say_v unto_o thou_o that_o though_o among_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o world_n there_o be_v such_o politic_a contrivance_n to_o carry_v on_o their_o design_n as_o to_o engage_v such_o other_o therein_o who_o for_o self-advancement_n become_v of_o a_o temporize_a spirit_n or_o for_o want_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v ready_a to_o follow_v for_o the_o loaf_n for_o be_v of_o a_o mean_a spirit_n be_v hurry_a or_o overawe_v with_o fear_n and_o so_o if_o their_o design_n succeed_v ill_a then_o it_o be_v the_o fruit_n either_o of_o evil_a counsel_n or_o ill_a management_n but_o if_o well_o than_o they_o carry_v away_o the_o glory_n thereof_o yet_o it_o become_v not_o any_o one_o or_o many_o profess_v themselves_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n thus_o to_o do_v and_o now_o to_o conclude_v i_o have_v this_o further_a to_o query_n whether_o thou_o conclude_v thyself_o no_o way_n oblige_v to_o bring_v thy_o write_n to_o the_o second_o day_n meet_v in_o london_n to_o be_v approve_v of_o there_o before_o they_o be_v print_v if_o thou_o do_v not_o thou_o have_v be_v wrong_o represent_v if_o thou_o do_v and_o yet_o think_v all_o other_o friend_n be_v as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v thou_o do_v for_o i_o have_v never_o hear_v that_o thy_o book_n about_o woman_n meeting_n be_v there_o approve_v or_o that_o all_o the_o thing_n therein_o contain_v will_v be_v stand_v by_o or_o own_v by_o any_o one_o friend_n in_o truth_n then_o it_o be_v a_o evident_a token_n thou_o will_v exalt_v thyself_o for_o what_o be_v that_o less_o than_o to_o conclude_v that_o the_o infallible_a spirit_n be_v limit_v to_o appear_v through_o thy_o earthen_a vessel_n only_o for_o if_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n the_o spirit_n be_v the_o judge_n and_o that_o its_o pour_v forth_o in_o our_o day_n be_v upon_o many_o son_n and_o many_o daughter_n why_o then_o shall_v not_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o any_o vessel_n have_v its_o free_a passage_n as_o well_o as_o through_o thou_o or_o why_o must_v some_o write_n give_v forth_o by_o the_o spirit_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o second_o day_n meeting_n to_o be_v approve_v and_o other_o not_o but_o to_o return_v i_o have_v this_o further_a to_o say_v that_o if_o thou_o or_o any_o be_v so_o imaginary_a as_o to_o conclude_v that_o all_o thy_o write_n and_o book_n be_v give_v forth_o by_o the_o infallible_a spirit_n and_o that_o as_o such_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o a_o part_n of_o which_o i_o be_o satisfy_v have_v so_o be_v thereby_o to_o obtain_v proselyte_n against_o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n it_o appear_v to_o i_o as_o if_o thy_o notorious_a err_v from_o the_o infallible_a spirit_n in_o write_v some_o thing_n contain_v in_o thy_o book_n of_o womens-meeting_n have_v be_v permit_v to_o be_v as_o a_o evidence_n record_v against_o all_o such_o who_o ignorant_o look_v upon_o thou_o so_o to_o be_v as_o aforesaid_a and_o therefore_o it_o become_v thou_o to_o be_v humble_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v thy_o error_n therein_o i_o be_o not_o without_o a_o sense_n what_o entertainment_n my_o plain_a deal_v will_v have_v among_o many_o if_o thou_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v read_v or_o spread_v
f._n against_o william_n rogers_n and_o vilify_v he_o to_o one_o not_o relate_v to_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n take_v no_o care_n first_o to_o speak_v with_o he_o to_o know_v what_o he_o can_v say_v for_o himself_o neither_o have_v g._n f._n clear_v himself_o from_o be_v the_o author_n of_o that_o scandalous_a paper_n before_o cite_v subscribe_v s._n h._n though_o by_o a_o letter_n write_v to_o he_o the_o 11_o of_o the_o 11_o mo._n 1678_o by_o thomas_n gouldney_n william_n ford_n and_o william_n rogers_n they_o manifest_v their_o jealousy_n that_o he_o be_v not_o unacquainted_a with_o the_o person_n that_o write_v it_o and_o so_o desire_v he_o to_o advise_v who_o it_o be_v if_o he_o know_v say_v truth_n seek_v no_o corner_n thus_o far_o the_o citation_n out_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a manuscript_n it_o be_v now_o worthy_a the_o reader_n be_v notice_n that_o g._n f._n have_v write_v nothing_o thereto_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o day_n but_o have_v give_v a_o further_a occasion_n of_o jealousy_n that_o he_o be_v the_o very_a dictator_n thereof_o because_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o write_v unto_o john_n story_n with_o relation_n to_o i_o very_o much_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o in_o the_o same_o language_n mention_v in_o part_n of_o the_o before_o cite_v letter_n subscribe_v s._n h._n that_o the_o reader_n be_v judgement_n may_v be_v free_a i_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o insert_v the_o very_a word_n write_v to_o john_n story_n touch_v i_o which_o be_v as_o follow_v and_o also_o i_o do_v hear_v that_o a_o book_n or_o narrative_n be_v make_v of_o our_o meeting_n which_o we_o have_v at_o bristol_n when_o i_o be_v there_o last_o and_o spread_v up_o and_o down_o westmoreland_n cumberland_n yorkshire_n and_o the_o south_n among_o prejudice_v people_n which_o be_v utter_o contrary_a to_o the_o agreement_n then_o that_o no_o paper_n shall_v go_v forth_o without_o the_o knowledge_n or_o consent_n of_o both_o party_n which_o agreement_n be_v take_v down_o in_o writing_n as_o there_o at_o bristol_n may_v be_v see_v and_o therefore_o this_o practice_n to_o the_o contrary_n be_v below_o common_a moral_a man_n and_o not_o for_o the_o society_n of_o civil_a people_n short_a of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n this_o their_o work_n bespeak_v their_o spirit_n a_o truce-breaking_a spirit_n a_o covenant-breaking_a spirit_n and_o not_o to_o be_v credit_v etc._n etc._n short_a of_o christianity_n and_o below_o some_o priest_n to_o spread_v such_o thing_n behind_o our_o back_n in_o a_o secret_a underly_a way_n which_o do_v clear_o manifest_v it_o be_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n nor_o honesty_n among_o man_n thus_o far_o g._n f._n to_o john_n story_n at_o the_o pen_n of_o this_o unrighteous_a reproach_n i_o can_v but_o call_v to_o remembrance_n that_o there_o have_v be_v of_o g._n f_n party_n who_o have_v propesy_v wither_v in_o basquet_n and_o store_n upon_o i_o and_o all_o that_o join_v unto_o that_o spirit_n as_o the_o term_n be_v it_o be_v well_o if_o g._n f._n have_v not_o spread_v his_o ungodly_a reproach_n against_o i_o undeserved_o that_o so_o thereby_o my_o name_n and_o reputation_n may_v be_v defame_v as_o a_o proper_a expedient_a to_o bring_v a_o wither_a on_o my_o outward_a estate_n i_o confess_v it_o be_v a_o very_a likely_a expedient_a if_o my_o commerce_n be_v only_o among_o such_o as_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v credit_n to_o g._n f_n scandalous_a reproach_n before_o cite_v write_v unto_o joan_n hy_o concern_v i_o in_o one_o letter_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v on_o the_o same_o foot_n as_o his_o writing_n unto_o john_n story_n as_o aforesaid_a be_v be_v his_o character_n concern_v i_o and_o those_o who_o he_o account_v concern_v in_o spread_v the_o narrative_a make_v mention_n of_o just_o apply_v to_o i_o i_o shall_v then_o blame_v no_o man_n refuse_v on_o that_o foot_n to_o commerce_n or_o trade_n with_o i_o and_o if_o so_o be_v his_o unjust_a reproach_n shall_v have_v such_o a_o influence_n as_o that_o all_o shall_v refuse_v commerce_n with_o i_o what_o may_v become_v of_o i_o my_o wife_n and_o child_n who_o it_o be_v well_o know_v i_o have_v hitherto_o comfortable_o maintain_v by_o my_o industry_n as_o a_o merchant_n and_o be_v able_a to_o be_v assist_v unto_o other_o in_o my_o generation_n may_v the_o god_n of_o heaven_n abate_v the_o pride_n of_o g._n f_n lofty_a spirit_n that_o he_o may_v cease_v to_o make_v lie_n and_o scandalous_a reproach_n as_o well_o as_o a_o false_a certificate_n of_o which_o more_o anon_o his_o refuge_n and_o defence_n for_o i_o affirm_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o almighty_a god_n they_o be_v sin_n whereof_o he_o be_v guilty_a and_o in_o this_o treatise_n effectual_o demonstrate_v if_o the_o paper_n spread_v abroad_o in_o his_o name_n and_o annex_v thereto_o be_v to_o be_v credit_v as_o come_v with_o approbation_n from_o he_o which_o to_o i_o be_v past_a question_n be_v hand_v by_o those_o that_o be_v great_a espouser_n of_o his_o action_n and_o opposer_n of_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n and_o now_o forasmuch_o as_o i_o have_v occasion_n to_o know_v from_o the_o word_n of_o g._n f_n mouth_n that_o he_o account_v i_o blame-worthy_a or_o reprovable_a for_o secure_v a_o part_n of_o my_o estate_n though_o for_o my_o wife_n and_o child_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o spoiler_n which_o at_o length_n give_v i_o occasion_n to_o prove_v g._n f._n guilty_a in_o a_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n which_o he_o condemn_v as_o hereafter_o will_v appear_v i_o therefore_o think_v needful_a in_o order_n thereto_o to_o cite_v a_o part_n of_o the_o 15_o section_n of_o the_o 2d_o part_n of_o the_o before-cited_n manuscript_n which_o now_o follow_v the_o reader_n may_v now_o take_v notice_n that_o since_o the_o time_n william_n rogers_n have_v be_v so_o much_o concern_v in_o the_o matter_n relate_v to_o this_o controversy_n persecution_n arise_v at_o the_o meeting_n whereto_o he_o belong_v in_o gloucestershire_n viz._n olvestone_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o informer_n who_o raise_v the_o persecution_n for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o enrich_v themselves_o as_o be_v notorious_o manifest_v from_o make_v a_o prey_n upon_o all_o his_o movable_a good_n in_o that_o place_n he_o secure_v a_o part_n thereof_o which_o lie_v without_o door_n have_v unsecure_v within_o and_o without_o to_o the_o value_n of_o about_o three_o hundred_o pound_n which_o lie_v subject_a to_o the_o spoiler_n at_o the_o place_n of_o his_o residence_n that_o so_o none_o shall_v suffer_v either_o for_o he_o or_o his_o family_n on_o this_o occasion_n report_v sudden_o spread_v abroad_o that_o william_n rogers_n have_v now_o manifest_v himself_o of_o what_o spirit_n he_o be_v of_o and_o be_v so_o improve_v by_o his_o enemy_n under_o the_o name_n of_o friend_n that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v a_o groat_n and_o that_o other_o be_v fine_v for_o he_o if_o not_o pay_v fine_n for_o he_o which_o be_v very_o false_a for_o that_o he_o affirm_v the_o fine_n lay_v on_o he_o exceed_v ninety_o if_o not_o a_o hundred_o pound_n and_o that_o a_o part_n thereof_o be_v levy_v on_o his_o good_n without_o door_n and_o never_o return_v but_o sell_v away_o to_o a_o enemy_n to_o friend_n this_o we_o think_v necessary_a to_o insert_v because_o we_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o cause_n of_o truth_n have_v suffer_v through_o the_o belief_n of_o lie_v report_n relate_v to_o he_o for_o when_o a_o mare_n of_o twelve_o pound_n value_n be_v distrain_v from_o he_o it_o be_v sudden_o report_a that_o he_o cause_v his_o man_n to_o buy_v she_o again_o which_o be_v utter_o false_a for_o that_o the_o mare_n be_v sell_v by_o the_o distrainer_n to_o a_o enemy_n to_o friend_n and_o truth_n that_o keep_v the_o mare_n for_o his_o own_o use_n on_o this_o occasion_n we_o think_v meet_v to_o recite_v a_o paper_n give_v forth_o by_o g._n f._n touch_v secure_n of_o worldly_a estate_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n together_o with_o a_o answer_n thereto_o by_o william_n rogers_n london_n four_o mon._n 1678._o friend_n all_z you_o that_o do_v make_v away_o or_o over_o your_o estate_n to_o the_o world_n or_o your_o servant_n for_o fear_n of_o the_o spoiler_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n first_o do_v not_o you_o distrust_v and_o despair_n of_o god_n almighty_n his_o protect_v and_o deliver_v you_o with_o his_o almighty_a power_n second_o be_v you_o sensible_a that_o the_o earth_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o fullness_n thereof_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o that_o he_o give_v the_o increase_n and_o that_o how_o that_o he_o may_v try_v you_o whether_o your_o mind_n be_v in_o the_o creature_n or_o with_o he_o the_o creator_n and_o whether_o be_v it_o not_o
guilty_a of_o so_o much_o evil_n as_o g._n f._n have_v unjust_o charge_v i_o with_o render_v i_o intend_v that_o which_o never_o be_v my_o mean_v nor_o yet_o the_o import_n of_o my_o word_n as_o plain_o appear_v by_o his_o conclude_v that_o all_o my_o query_n be_v charge_n though_o as_o before_o be_v hint_v i_o will_v not_o have_v any_o think_v i_o ask_v one_o question_n groundless_a and_o that_o i_o account_v his_o paper_n of_o query_n which_o he_o term_v a_o epistle_n to_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o good_a exhortation_n and_o since_o he_o write_v that_o he_o give_v away_o something_o that_o descend_v to_o he_o by_o birthright_a i_o think_v it_o needful_a on_o this_o occasion_n to_o tell_v he_o that_o it_o have_v be_v credible_o report_a that_o john_n story_n have_v be_v judge_v by_o he_o or_o at_o least_o by_o some_o of_o the_o party_n with_o he_o for_o give_v unto_o his_o mother_n the_o rent_n of_o a_o small_a estate_n that_o his_o kinsman_n give_v he_o say_v john_n story_n shall_v have_v keep_v the_o estate_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n or_o at_o least_o get_v a_o tenant_n that_o will_v not_o have_v pay_v tithe_n that_o so_o a_o testimony_n may_v have_v be_v keep_v up_o against_o tithe_n which_o occasion_n i_o to_o query_n of_o g.f._n if_o he_o be_v concern_v in_o this_o matter_n whether_o he_o may_v not_o by_o that_o rule_n be_v worthy_a censure_n for_o give_v away_o something_o that_o descend_v to_o he_o by_o birthright_a and_o whether_o it_o may_v not_o as_o well_o have_v be_v his_o duty_n to_o have_v keep_v the_o same_o to_o have_v bear_v a_o testimony_n in_o the_o case_n of_o tithe_n as_o well_o as_o john_n story_n be_v duty_n so_o to_o have_v do_v in_o part_n of_o my_o twelve_o query_n it_o be_v thus_o write_v whether_o or_o no_o a_o suffering_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o such_o a_o false_a prophet_n as_o solomon_n eccles_n have_v prove_v himself_o to_o be_v as_o be_v manifest_a by_o his_o prophesy_v john_n story_n be_v death_n within_o a_o year_n and_o since_o expire_v can_v be_v call_v a_o suffering_n for_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o twelve_o query_n a_o part_n of_o g._n f_n answer_n be_v on_o this_o wise_a here_o be_v another_o of_o thy_o deceitful_a query_n but_o where_o the_o deceit_n lie_v he_o do_v not_o inform_v i_o neither_o do_v i_o understand_v wherein_o he_o place_v the_o deceit_n especial_o since_o g._n f._n in_o his_o particular_a answer_n thereto_o do_v not_o say_v he_o be_v a_o true_a prophet_n but_o yet_o signify_v thus_o much_o in_o his_o favour_n that_o he_o will_v not_o have_v he_o make_v a_o offender_n for_o word_n since_o he_o acknowledge_v they_o and_o this_o appear_v from_o g._n f_n own_o word_n on_o this_o occasion_n viz._n and_o it_o be_v not_o right_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o offender_n for_o word_n if_o he_o acknowledge_v they_o as_o i_o perceive_v solomon_n eccles_n have_v do_v i_o now_o recommend_v the_o aforesaid_a query_n and_o answer_n to_o the_o consiration_n of_o every_o impartial_a reader_n doubt_v not_o but_o all_o such_o will_v find_v george_n fox_n detectable_a of_o another_o plain_a downright_a lie_n since_o he_o have_v with_o respect_n to_o all_o my_o query_n thus_o say_v as_o before_o be_v cite_v i_o know_v they_o to_o be_v all_o false_a and_o mavicious_a charge_n for_o a_o further_a manifestation_n of_o that_o spirit_n which_o lead_v g._n f._n in_o his_o reply_n to_o i_o i_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o take_v further_a notice_n of_o those_o his_o word_n viz._n and_o it_o be_v not_o right_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o offender_n for_o word_n if_o he_o acknowledge_v they_o doubtless_o g._n f._n intend_v this_o as_o a_o reproof_n to_o i_o in_o term_v solomon_n eccles_n a_o false_a prophet_n what_o in_o and_o out_o babble_a be_v this_o when_o he_o dare_v not_o in_o plain_a downright_a term_n say_v he_o be_v no_o false_a prophet_n nor_o yet_o say_v that_o he_o be_v on_o this_o occasion_n make_v a_o offender_n for_o a_o word_n by_o i_o for_o if_o we_o say_v it_o be_v not_o right_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o offender_n for_o word_n if_o he_o acknowledge_v they_o the_o mean_v thereof_o in_o common_a sense_n and_o according_a to_o a_o christian_a spirit_n be_v this_o that_o if_o a_o man_n word_n express_v not_o his_o mean_v and_o he_o so_o declare_v when_o he_o be_v charge_v therewith_o then_o if_o he_o say_v that_o be_v not_o my_o mean_v it_o be_v not_o right_a to_o insist_v on_o a_o man_n word_n in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o make_v he_o a_o offender_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o solomon_n eccles_n who_o after_o he_o have_v write_v and_o give_v forth_o his_o prophecy_n to_o continue_v as_o that_o which_o he_o will_v stand_v by_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o he_o have_v not_o express_v himself_o according_a to_o his_o mean_v and_o therefore_o the_o word_n of_o g._n f._n as_o aforesaid_a seem_v but_o a_o deceitful_a contrivance_n to_o cover_v a_o false_a prophet_n moreover_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o g._n f._n do_v not_o say_v that_o solomon_n eccles_n have_v acknowledge_v that_o his_o word_n be_v wrong_v it_o be_v also_o to_o be_v note_v that_o the_o word_n so_o speak_v by_o g.f._n in_o relation_n to_o this_o false_a prophet_n solomon_n eccles_n seem_v to_o be_v ground_v on_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n 29.21_o that_o make_v a_o man_n a_o offender_n for_o a_o word_n which_o by_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o say_a chapter_n seem_v to_o relate_v unto_o the_o true_a prophet_n and_o have_v be_v so_o expound_v and_o be_v not_o intend_v as_o a_o defence_n for_o such_o false_a prophet_n as_o solomon_n eccles_n have_v prove_v himself_o to_o be_v who_o thereby_o have_v offend_v many_o brethren_n especial_o in_o the_o city_n of_o bristol_n where_o he_o publish_v his_o false_a prophecy_n who_o therefore_o on_o that_o occasion_n have_v have_v something_o against_o he_o which_o occasion_n i_o to_o query_n of_o g._n f._n whether_o he_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o this_o false_a prophet_n go_v beyond_o the_o sea_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o if_o so_o whether_o he_o have_v do_v well_o to_o encourage_v such_o a_o false_a prophet_n in_o such_o a_o service_n until_o such_o time_n that_o he_o have_v know_v that_o he_o have_v be_v reconcile_v unto_o his_o brethren_n who_o he_o have_v offend_v but_o if_o g._n f._n shall_v deny_v that_o he_o do_v encourage_v he_o i_o then_o say_v for_o it_o be_v best_a to_o be_v plain_a that_o such_o a_o denial_n be_v like_a to_o have_v little_a place_n with_o i_o whilst_o g._n f._n appear_v as_o of_o late_o he_o have_v not_o only_o because_o g._n f._n seem_v to_o publish_v lie_n as_o it_o be_v by_o heap_n but_o also_o because_o it_o be_v very_o improbable_a that_o he_o who_o have_v so_o great_a a_o esteem_n for_o g._n f._n as_o to_o many_o be_v know_v he_o have_v shall_v go_v in_o such_o a_o service_n without_o his_o approbation_n however_o such_o a_o denial_n may_v reasonable_o occasion_v a_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n whether_o g._n f._n have_v be_v as_o industrious_a to_o bar_v the_o door_n against_o solomon_n eccles._n in_o offer_v his_o gift_n as_o he_o and_o other_o have_v be_v against_o john_n story_n and_o john_n vvilkinson_n offering_n their_o gift_n though_o never_o prove_v to_o be_v false_a prophet_n as_o ever_o we_o can_v understand_v one_o thing_n more_o be_v remarkable_a on_o this_o occasion_n from_o g._n f._n his_o word_n before_o cite_v viz._n it_o be_v not_o right_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o offender_n for_o word_n when_o he_o acknowledge_v they_o hence_o i_o take_v occasion_n to_o query_n whether_o since_o james_n naylor_n come_v to_o a_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o his_o fall_n and_o through_o true_a repentance_n and_o open_a confession_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o people_n in_o many_o part_n of_o the_o nation_n find_v acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o people_n i_o say_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o a_o wrong_a spirit_n that_o lead_v george_n fox_n to_o acquaint_v john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n in_o a_o letter_n write_v anno_fw-la 1676._o that_o they_o will_v become_v as_o harden_v and_o as_o bad_a as_o the_o old_a opposer_n among_o who_o he_o reckon_v up_o james_n naylor_n not_o have_v so_o much_o charity_n as_o therewith_o also_o to_o acknowledge_v his_o be_v through_o true_a repentance_n and_o contrition_n of_o heart_n restore_v it_o be_v well_o if_o the_o reason_n thereof_o be_v not_o because_o james_n naylor_n can_v never_o be_v bring_v by_o george_n fox_n as_o report_n say_v to_o condemn_v these_o word_n or_o word_n to_o this_o effect_n speak_v by_o he_o i_o be_o but_o a_o figure_n of_o another_z i_o now_o come_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o what_o g.f
say_v to_o this_o my_o query_n whether_o thou_o g._n f._n do_v not_o advise_v nathaniel_n crip_n to_o buy_v his_o tithe_n etc._n etc._n if_o thou_o deny_v it_o i_o will_v undertake_v to_o prove_v it_o or_o bring_v it_o under_o the_o hand_n of_o nathaniel_n crip_n that_o thou_o so_o do_v to_o this_o a_o part_n of_o g._n f_n answer_n be_v on_o this_o wise_a but_o for_o he_o to_o turn_v this_o and_o say_v i_o advise_v he_o to_o buy_v his_o tithe_n he_o do_v i_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o wrong_n and_o so_o he_o may_v have_v spare_v to_o impeach_v i_o wrongful_o and_o in_o another_o part_n of_o his_o answer_n thus_o in_o the_o morning_n i_o be_v walk_v in_o his_o chamber_n i_o see_v this_o spirit_n make_v some_o like_a devil_n that_o they_o matter_v not_o what_o they_o say_v to_o blemish_v the_o reputation_n of_o they_o that_o wish_v they_o well_o both_o temporal_o and_o spiritual_o from_o the_o word_n temporal_o it_o be_v rational_a to_o suppose_v that_o g._n f._n for_o the_o temporal_a good_a of_o nathaniel_n crip_n advise_v he_o to_o buy_v his_o tithe_n even_o as_o he_o deny_v not_o that_o he_o advise_v mary_n penington_n for_o the_o good_a of_o she_o and_o her_o child_n whereof_o i_o have_v already_o treat_v to_o secure_v her_o estate_n from_o the_o spoiler_n but_o here_o methinks_v the_o reader_n may_v be_v apt_a to_o query_n what_o shall_v be_v the_o reason_n that_o g._n f._n shall_v seem_v to_o deny_v this_o and_o not_o his_o advise_v mary_n penington_n to_o secure_v her_o estate_n since_o here_o also_o he_o may_v have_v as_o well_o creep_v out_o under_o the_o notion_n that_o friend_n in_o some_o case_n when_o they_o be_v weak_a be_v to_o be_v leave_v as_o he_o do_v in_o the_o case_n of_o mary_n penington_n to_o this_o i_o say_v g._n f._n can_v best_o answer_v however_o the_o reader_n shall_v have_v my_o thought_n which_o be_v these_o i_o think_v that_o isaac_n and_o mary_n penington_n have_v not_o of_o late_a so_o honourable_a and_o good_a a_o esteem_n for_o john_n story_n as_o former_o though_o they_o may_v for_o g._n f._n even_o as_o nathaniel_n crip_n have_v of_o late_o be_v disaffect_v with_o g._n f_n action_n in_o some_o thing_n though_o not_o with_o john_n story_n be_v so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v now_o if_o g._n f._n shall_v have_v deny_v the_o matter_n relate_v to_o mary_n penington_n it_o may_v have_v occasion_v the_o loss_n of_o his_o interest_n in_o she_o and_o her_o husband_n and_o with_o they_o in_o many_o more_o because_o they_o know_v it_o to_o be_v truth_n and_o if_o he_o can_v have_v get_v twenty_o eight_o person_n to_o have_v sign_v a_o false_a certificate_n that_o he_o do_v not_o so_o advise_v it_o will_v have_v have_v no_o more_o credit_n with_o they_o than_o the_o sign_v of_o the_o false_a certificate_n hereafter_o follow_v by_o twenty_o eight_o hand_n who_o end_n therein_o i_o take_v to_o be_v to_o evidence_n in_o his_o favour_n that_o what_o i_o and_o many_o more_o see_v with_o our_o eye_n be_v untrue_a have_v place_n with_o i_o and_o such_o many_o other_o which_o be_v none_o at_o all_o but_o g._n f._n have_v already_o in_o great_a measure_n as_o i_o suppose_v if_o not_o altogether_o lose_v his_o interest_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o nathaniel_n crip_n he_o peradventure_o in_o that_o case_n scruple_n not_o to_o deny_v the_o truth_n and_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v it_o be_v on_o this_o confidence_n that_o he_o can_v obtain_v a_o false_a certificate_n under_o the_o hand_n of_o twenty_o eight_o person_n that_o he_o do_v not_o so_o which_o though_o it_o may_v the_o more_o confirm_v nathaniel_z crip_n that_o g._n f._n be_v wrong_a yet_o many_o other_o may_v be_v the_o more_o confident_a that_o his_o opposer_n be_v wrong_a and_o since_o the_o import_n of_o his_o answer_n imply_v a_o denial_n that_o he_o advise_v nathaniel_n crip_n to_o buy_v his_o tithe_n i_o think_v it_o needful_a here_o to_o cite_v not_o only_a nathaniel_n crip_n his_o certificate_n and_o testimony_n in_o that_o case_n but_o also_o the_o testimony_n of_o robert_n arch_n in_o relation_n to_o g._n f_n advice_n to_o he_o also_o touch_v the_o buy_v of_o his_o tithe_n this_o be_v to_o certify_v all_o who_o it_o may_v concern_v that_o g._n f._n be_v several_a year_n pass_v at_o my_o house_n and_o as_o he_o and_o i_o be_v speak_v together_o concern_v payment_n of_o tithe_n i_o tell_v he_o that_o in_o the_o parish_n where_o i_o dwell_v there_o be_v both_o priest_n and_o impropriator_n and_o that_o both_o of_o they_o claim_v tithe_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n and_o among_o our_o discourse_n that_o we_o have_v thereabouts_o g._n f._n then_o advise_v i_o to_o purchase_v the_o tithe_n of_o they_o this_o he_o speak_v in_o love_n to_o i_o and_o i_o take_v it_o not_o otherwise_o but_o if_o he_o will_v prosecute_v other_o for_o such_o thing_n whereof_o he_o be_v more_o guilty_a himself_o he_o will_v much_o lose_v his_o honour_n and_o hardly_o ever_o recover_v it_o again_o this_o i_o think_v fit_a and_o indeed_o bind_v to_o certify_v whereunto_o i_o subscribe_v my_o name_n the_o 23d_o of_o the_o 11_o mo._n 1677._o nathaniel_z crip_n george_n fox_n be_v at_o my_o house_n as_o i_o remember_v it_o be_v that_o time_n that_o he_o come_v into_o our_o country_n to_o set_v up_o the_o manthly_a and_o quarterly_a meeting_n and_o there_o be_v several_a write_n or_o epistle_n read_v of_o george_n be_v which_o be_v as_o instruction_n to_o friend_n to_o be_v read_v at_o the_o quarterly_a meeting_n in_o which_o there_o be_v write_v as_o i_o remember_v that_o such_o friend_n that_o do_v pay_v tithe_n shall_v be_v exhort_v or_o admonish_v which_o i_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o when_o i_o have_v a_o convenient_a opportunity_n as_o george_n be_v in_o my_o garden_n i_o tell_v he_o there_o be_v two_o or_o three_o priest_n and_o two_o impropriator_n do_v claim_v tithe_n of_o i_o or_o of_o my_o land_n but_o unto_o the_o priest_n i_o have_v never_o pay_v any_o and_o as_o for_o the_o impropriator_n i_o do_v not_o much_o contend_v with_o they_o but_o do_v suffer_v they_o to_o take_v the_o tithe_n say_v g._n f._n to_o i_o can_v not_o thou_o buy_v it_o buy_v it_o say_v he_o i_o answer_v he_o that_o i_o do_v look_v upon_o it_o to_o be_v no_o odds_o or_o difference_n between_o pay_v of_o it_o and_o buy_v of_o it_o so_o that_o what_o george_n do_v then_o say_v to_o i_o i_o take_v it_o that_o it_o be_v in_o tenderness_n to_o i_o and_o so_o i_o believe_v to_o this_o day_n burton-hill_n the_o 18_o of_o the_o 11_o mo._n 1677._o robert_n arch._n it_o now_o remain_v that_o i_o say_v something_o of_o g._n f_n departure_n out_o of_o the_o meeting_n at_o broad_a mead_n within_o the_o city_n of_o bristol_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n since_o a_o part_n of_o his_o word_n in_o answer_n thereto_o be_v on_o this_o wise_a oh_o william_n i_o be_o sorry_a thou_o shall_v affirm_v this_o untruth_n and_o father_n it_o upon_o the_o sight_n of_o thy_o own_o eye_n which_o i_o say_v be_v utter_o false_a but_o i_o do_v remember_v many_o year_n ago_o i_o be_v sit_v in_o a_o meeting_n at_o bristol_n when_o another_o be_v speak_v and_o some_o officer_n come_v up_o and_o take_v he_o away_o and_o when_o he_o be_v go_v i_o keep_v the_o meeting_n and_o none_o meddle_v with_o i_o nor_o as_o much_o as_o ask_v for_o my_o name_n then_o that_o i_o hear_v or_o can_v understand_v by_o any_o other_o and_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v many_o in_o bristol_n that_o have_v not_o let_v in_o prejudice_n and_o enmity_n against_o i_o that_o will_v witness_v against_o this_o false_a charge_n and_o for_o thou_o to_o term_v this_o a_o distrustful_a and_o despair_a spirit_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v not_o well_o this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o g._n f._n say_v in_o his_o answer_n to_o i_o as_o a_o vindication_n of_o himself_o but_o forasmuch_o as_o before_o i_o receive_v his_o answer_n he_o be_v offend_v at_o my_o discourse_n touch_v this_o matter_n among_o friend_n which_o by_o the_o way_n be_v occasion_v through_o his_o reflection_n on_o john_n story_n as_o a_o fleer_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n which_o never_o yet_o be_v convince_o prove_v unto_o i_o and_o therefore_o for_o the_o clear_n himself_o the_o best_a he_o can_v give_v forth_o a_o paper_n i_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o add_v that_o also_o that_o so_o the_o reader_n may_v know_v the_o most_o that_o g._n f._n can_v say_v for_o himself_o but_o first_o the_o reader_n may_v observe_v that_o though_o g._n f._n say_v for_o thou_o to_o term_v this_o a_o distrustful_a and_o despair_a spirit_n yet_o his_o so_o say_v be_v groundless_a my_o own_o word_n be_v these_o which_o some_o may_v term_v
they_o say_v thou_o be_v more_o than_o a_o thousand_o of_o we_o and_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o manifest_v his_o dislike_n of_o their_o so_o say_v and_o after_o this_o he_o bid_v some_o who_o be_v know_v to_o have_v be_v ancient_a grave_a friend_n to_o walk_v by_o because_o many_o people_n be_v walk_v there_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o take_v notice_n of_o be_v this_o that_o g._n f._n be_v for_o have_v a_o good_a meeting_n after_o the_o soldier_n be_v go_v say_v if_o the_o soldier_n shall_v come_v before_o that_o time_n we_o may_v happen_v to_o get_v a_o good_a meeting_n afterward_o and_o though_o the_o young_a man_n say_v in_o answer_n that_o the_o soldier_n be_v neighbour_n and_o civil_a people_n and_o will_v hardly_o meddle_v which_o be_v a_o encouragement_n to_o george_n fox_n to_o stand_v in_o his_o testimony_n yet_o he_o keep_v still_o walk_v in_o the_o field_n the_o four_o thing_n i_o observe_v be_v this_o that_o one_o of_o the_o young_a man_n go_v from_o he_o about_o two_o bow_n shot_n under_o the_o hedge_n wave_v his_o hat_n to_o g._n f._n this_o i_o may_v not_o term_v a_o boy_n on_o top_n of_o a_o hill_n wave_v his_o hat_n to_o friend_n speak_v of_o by_o g._n f._n by_o way_n of_o reflection_n on_o john_n story_n though_o deny_v by_o john_n story_n and_o by_o his_o answer_n intend_v only_o so_o far_o as_o i_o understand_v to_o show_v friend_n the_o way_n to_o the_o meeting_n but_o a_o boy_n under_o a_o hedge_n wave_v his_o hat_n to_o george_n fox_n and_o as_o may_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v to_o keep_v he_o from_o meet_v because_o g._n f._n say_v as_o i_o turn_v back_o to_o go_v round_o about_o the_o orchard_n there_o be_v a_o place_n i_o can_v see_v over_o the_o hedge_n the_o soldier_n be_v all_o over_o the_o orchard_n true_o i_o do_v not_o go_v in_o among_o they_o i_o shall_v now_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o impartial_a reader_n to_o consider_v whether_o if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o any_o friend_n when_o they_o meet_v without_o door_n do_v for_o conveniency_n set_v a_o boy_n on_o top_n of_o a_o hill_n to_o wave_v his_o hat_n to_o signify_v the_o way_n friend_n may_v pass_v unto_o a_o good_a meeting_n be_v not_o more_o justifiable_a than_o to_o have_v a_o boy_n under_o a_o hedge_n to_o wave_v his_o hat_n to_o keep_v g._n f._n from_o meeting_n the_o five_o thing_n i_o take_v notice_n of_o be_v this_o that_o be_v a_o horrid_a lie_n that_o i_o hide_v myself_o in_o a_o ditch_n for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o can_v imagine_v wherein_o from_o g._n f_n own_o word_n the_o horrid_a lie_n do_v consist_v more_o than_o in_o say_v a_o ditch_n when_v it_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v say_v a_o bank_n cast_v up_o which_o in_o probability_n be_v g._n f_n mistake_n for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o in_o many_o place_n where_o bank_n be_v cast_v up_o in_o the_o country_n there_o be_v also_o a_o ditch_n however_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o his_o word_n can_v reasonable_o be_v take_v to_o import_v a_o denial_n that_o he_o hide_v himself_o behind_o a_o bank_n the_o six_o thing_n i_o take_v notice_n of_o be_v this_o that_o the_o meeting_n break_v up_o about_o three_o of_o the_o clock_n and_o that_o he_o go_v not_o into_o the_o house_n where_o the_o meeting_n be_v but_o to_o another_o two_o bowshot_n off_o and_o stay_v to_o refresh_v himself_o and_o yet_o ride_v twenty_o mile_n that_o night_n which_o be_v not_o very_o common_a for_o g._n f._n to_o do_v as_o ever_o i_o can_v understand_v after_o a_o meet_v break_v up_o so_o late_o the_o seven_o thing_n i_o take_v notice_n of_o be_v this_o that_o though_o as_o to_o that_o meeting_n at_o ringwood_n if_o report_n be_v true_a there_o be_v many_o notorious_a circumstance_n to_o show_v he_o a_o fleer_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n yet_o i_o observe_v he_o make_v mention_v but_o of_o one_o particular_a thing_n that_o he_o say_v be_v a_o lie_n or_o false_a and_o that_o be_v before_o signify_v which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v no_o more_o than_o say_v in_o a_o ditch_n instead_o of_o behind_o a_o bank_n which_v to_o i_o be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o he_o can_v not_o in_o truth_n deny_v other_o thing_n report_v of_o he_o on_o this_o occasion_n which_o put_v i_o in_o mind_n thus_o far_o to_o say_v that_o if_o instead_o of_o tell_v that_o they_o sweep_v the_o barn_n etc._n etc._n he_o have_v name_v the_o hour_n when_o he_o come_v in_o the_o meeting_n as_o well_o as_o when_o the_o meeting_n break_v up_o and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o advise_v the_o friend_n to_o gather_v together_o and_o then_o be_v go_v from_o they_o until_o the_o soldier_n be_v go_v that_o so_o he_o may_v come_v and_o stay_v a_o little_a while_n among_o they_o and_o then_o be_v go_v twenty_o mile_n that_o night_n to_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v far_o enough_o out_o of_o their_o reach_n it_o may_v have_v make_v his_o testimony_n look_v with_o a_o better_a face_n especial_o if_o he_o have_v have_v so_o much_o patience_n as_o to_o have_v go_v into_o the_o house_n after_o meet_v to_o visit_v the_o distress_a family_n the_o woman_n as_o he_o say_v be_v dead_a to_o conclude_v my_o observation_n herein_o i_o thus_o say_v that_o i_o firm_o believe_v it_o will_v have_v tend_v more_o to_o g._n f_n credit_n plain_o to_o have_v confess_v that_o at_o time_n and_o season_n he_o have_v contrive_v to_o save_v himself_o and_o keep_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o persecutor_n than_o after_o he_o have_v so_o do_v to_o cover_v the_o matter_n by_o such_o sort_n of_o discourse_n as_o these_o now_o manifest_v be_v wherein_o his_o weakness_n and_o confusion_n do_v so_o appear_v as_o can_v but_o be_v obvious_a to_o every_o impartial_a and_o judicious_a reader_n and_o now_o forasmuch_o as_o john_n ward_n and_o twenty_o seven_o more_o have_v give_v forth_o a_o certificate_n intend_v thereby_o to_o clear_a g.f._n i_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o add_v that_o also_o that_o so_o nothing_o that_o may_v be_v pretend_v will_v have_v favour_v his_o cause_n may_v be_v omit_v by_o i_o the_o say_a certificate_n now_o follow_v a_o testimony_n of_o some_o friend_n of_o bristol_n in_o answer_n to_o william_n roger_n false_a charge_v of_o george_n fox_n for_o flee_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n and_o particular_o at_o the_o meetinghouse_n in_o broad_a mead_n in_o the_o same_o city_n whereas_o william_n rogers_n in_o his_o paper_n of_o query_n to_o george_n fox_n which_o some_o of_o we_o have_v already_o give_v our_o testimony_n against_o have_v charge_v the_o say_a george_n fox_n to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a fleer_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n of_o any_o that_o he_o know_v profess_v the_o truth_n and_o account_v by_o other_o a_o faithful_a friend_n and_o for_o confirmation_n thereof_o have_v bring_v a_o instance_n at_o a_o meeting_n here_o at_o bristol_n at_o which_o george_n fox_n be_v present_a about_o fifteen_o year_n since_o at_o which_o meeting_n he_o say_v the_o persecutor_n come_v up_o one_o pair_n of_o stair_n while_o george_n fox_n be_v speak_v the_o say_a george_n fox_n as_o some_o may_v term_v it_o in_o a_o distrustful_a spirit_n do_v step_v down_o and_o go_v out_o at_o a_o back_n pair_n of_o stair_n to_o which_o he_o say_v his_o eye_n with_o many_o more_o be_v witness_n as_o to_o which_o we_o have_v this_o to_o say_v who_o be_v general_o all_o of_o we_o at_o all_o or_o most_o part_n of_o the_o meeting_n which_o george_n fox_n be_v at_o here_o that_o we_o never_o know_v or_o can_v remember_v that_o ever_o any_o persecutor_n do_v come_v up_o the_o stair_n whilst_o george_n fox_n be_v speak_v so_o as_o to_o occasion_v the_o cease_v his_o testimony_n on_o that_o account_n as_o william_n rogers_n will_v infinuate_v but_o this_o may_v be_v put_v among_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o false_a calumny_n and_o charge_n and_o we_o further_o testify_v that_o whereas_o there_o be_v two_o pair_n of_o stair_n one_o of_o which_o william_n rogers_n call_v a_o back-pair_n that_o both_o pair_n of_o stair_n be_v common_a for_o friend_n to_o come_v up_o and_o down_o at_o and_o that_o george_n fox_n be_v know_v to_o come_v up_o the_o same_o stair_n to_o that_o meeting_n and_o this_o testimony_n we_o have_v in_o our_o heart_n for_o george_n fox_n as_o a_o man_n remote_a in_o spirit_n and_o example_n from_o any_o such_o practice_n as_o flee_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n though_o charge_v therewith_o by_o apostate_n and_o bad_a spirit_n and_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v hold_v up_o his_o testimony_n in_o faithfulness_n both_o in_o do_v and_o in_o suffer_v on_o truth_n account_n be_v confirm_v herein_o by_o his_o large_a travel_n suffering_n and_o imprisonment_n in_o many_o goal_n in_o which_o
we_o never_o know_v that_o he_o have_v flinch_v but_o have_v endure_v patient_o as_o also_o the_o know_a care_n that_o have_v be_v upon_o he_o for_o the_o preserve_v and_o encourage_v of_o all_o by_o word_n and_o pattern_n to_o stand_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n and_o this_o we_o think_v fit_a to_o insert_v as_o person_n concern_v for_o the_o vindication_n of_o our_o dear_a friend_n george_n fox_n innocency_n in_o this_o case_n which_o we_o have_v do_v according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o remembrance_n who_o never_o see_v any_o just_a occasion_n for_o such_o a_o charge_n as_o william_n rogers_n have_v so_o wicked_o asperse_v he_o with_o john_n ware_n and_o twenty_o seven_o person_n more_o i_o now_o come_v to_o make_v some_o observation_n on_o the_o above_o certificate_n they_o render_v i_o false_a charge_v and_o seem_v concern_v to_o vindicate_v g._n f_n innocency_n in_o this_o case_n yet_o they_o have_v do_v it_o but_o at_o a_o very_a poor_a rate_n much_o like_o the_o perjure_a informer_n that_o on_o the_o late_a act_n have_v appear_v against_o friend_n for_o first_o they_o say_v it_o be_v a_o false_a charge_n which_o be_v a_o positive_a testimony_n against_o i_o wherein_o they_o undertake_v to_o prove_v such_o a_o negative_a which_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v prove_v by_o they_o unless_o they_o have_v be_v eye_n witness_n of_o what_o george_n fox_n do_v in_o every_o meeting_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n at_o the_o meetinghouse_n in_o broad-mead_n that_o i_o also_o be_v present_a at_o but_o that_o by_o their_o certificate_n it_o seem_v they_o dare_v not_o say_v for_o when_o they_o come_v to_o disprove_v i_o by_o particular_a evidence_n they_o then_o thus_o say_v we_o be_v general_o all_o of_o we_o at_o all_z or_o most_o of_o the_o meeting_n at_o which_o george_n fox_n be_v here_o and_o that_o we_o never_o know_v or_o can_v remember_v that_o ever_o any_o persecutor_n come_v up_o the_o stair_n while_o george_n fox_n be_v speak_v i_o appeal_v now_o to_o every_o impartial_a understanding_n reader_n whether_o my_o charge_v of_o he_o for_o step_v down_o on_o a_o sudden_a and_o hasten_v out_o of_o the_o meeting_n must_v be_v wrong_a because_o they_o never_o know_v another_o matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v to_o other_o or_o whether_o it_o do_v follow_v that_o the_o persecutor_n do_v not_o come_v up_o the_o stair_n at_o no_o such_o meeting_n because_o they_o do_v know_v or_o remember_v the_o matter_n when_o not_o assign_v to_o any_o meeting_n wherein_o they_o dare_v say_v that_o they_o be_v present_a they_o say_v that_o i_o have_v charge_v george_n fox_n to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a fleer_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n of_o any_o that_o i_o know_v profess_v the_o truth_n and_o account_v by_o other_o a_o faithful_a friend_n herein_o they_o as_o i_o take_v it_o and_o as_o i_o be_o persuade_v all_o impartial_a reader_n will_v false_o charge_v i_o my_o word_n be_v these_o and_o if_o report_n be_v true_a this_o be_v 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i_o have_v write_v this_o occasion_n i_o to_o observe_v that_o they_o do_v not_o say_v they_o never_o know_v or_o can_v remember_v that_o he_o step_v down_o and_o hasten_v out_o of_o the_o meeting_n at_o a_o back-pair_n of_o stair_n which_o be_v the_o matter_n wherewith_o i_o charge_v he_o with_o the_o sight_n of_o my_o own_o eye_n and_o other_o also_o on_o this_o occasion_n and_o this_o also_o i_o know_v that_o his_o so_o departure_n be_v a_o very_a considerable_a time_n before_o the_o meeting_n break_v up_o and_o be_v it_o not_o so_o that_o these_o false_a witness-bearer_n be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o that_o about_o fifteen_o year_n since_o george_n fox_n so_o do_v as_o i_o say_v my_o eye_n be_v witness_v of_o what_o reason_n shall_v they_o have_v for_o limit_v my_o charge_n to_o that_o time_n i_o shall_v now_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o impartial_a reader_n to_o consider_v whether_o john_n ware_n and_o the_o other_o twenty_o seven_o person_n do_v not_o just_o deserve_v the_o title_n of_o false-witness-bearer_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o since_o george_n fox_n in_o his_o answer_n to_o i_o have_v signify_v on_o this_o occasion_n that_o he_o believe_v there_o be_v many_o in_o bristol_n that_o will_v witness_v against_o this_o false_a charge_n it_o be_v not_o rational_a to_o suppose_v that_o the_o aforesaid_a john_n ware_n and_o the_o other_o twenty_o seven_o subscriber_n have_v be_v by_o he_o betray_v to_o affirm_v whereof_o they_o know_v not_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o their_o testimony_n be_v lame_a and_o not_o sufficient_a to_o serve_v his_o turn_n not_o only_o for_o the_o reason_n aforesaid_a but_o also_o because_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o affirm_v that_o the_o meeting_n hold_v about_o fifteen_o year_n since_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n and_o that_o he_o stay_v therein_o until_o the_o meet_v end_v one_o thing_n more_o be_v observable_a g._n f._n inform_v i_o some_o say_v my_o paper_n be_v not_o worth_a answer_v to_o which_o i_o say_v doubtless_o these_o word_n come_v from_o some_o of_o george_n fox_n be_v party_n and_o since_o george_n fox_n have_v act_v contrary_a to_o their_o sense_n and_o write_v six_o sheet_n of_o paper_n in_o answer_n to_o one_o of_o i_o what_o be_v become_v of_o their_o unity_n now_o and_o whether_o this_o show_v not_o that_o they_o be_v in_o confusion_n among_o themselves_o especial_o since_o g._n f._n in_o his_o answer_n say_v the_o less_o i_o do_v take_v notice_n of_o they_o because_o i_o know_v they_o to_o be_v detect_v be_v by_o george_n fox_n rule_n those_o who_o matter_n not_o what_o they_o say_v etc._n etc._n be_v exercise_v by_o this_o spirit_n that_o make_v some_o like_a devil_n witness_v his_o before-cited_n word_n speak_v as_o he_o be_v walk_v in_o nathaniel_n crip_n his_o chamber_n which_o occasion_n i_o to_o query_n from_o his_o word_n all_o false_a and_o malicious_a charge_n whether_o by_o his_o own_o rule_n he_o have_v not_o manifest_v 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myself_o at_o bristol_n anno_fw-la 1677._o and_o in_o divers_a other_o paper_n in_o the_o give_v forth_o whereof_o i_o have_v be_v concern_v since_o that_o day_n wherein_o it_o have_v evident_o appear_v that_o such_o as_o can_v be_v subject_a to_o some_o outward_a order_n or_o prescription_n give_v forth_o by_o george_n fox_n or_o some_o other_o assume_v authority_n so_o to_o do_v be_v judge_v and_o condemn_v for_o refuse_v submission_n without_o true_a regard_n to_o a_o conscientious_a scruple_n as_o if_o the_o exaltation_n of_o christ_n government_n in_o the_o heart_n consist_v in_o conformity_n to_o other_o man_n line_n make_v ready_a to_o our_o hand_n a_o lively_a instance_n hereof_o may_v be_v easy_o discern_v by_o those_o who_o shall_v peruse_v the_o forty_o four_o article_n of_o accusation_n draw_v up_o against_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n and_o proceed_n in_o relation_n thereunto_o both_o before_o and_o after_o the_o four_o day_n meet_v at_o drawel_n especial_o 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what_o be_v the_o particular_a matter_n of_o fact_n that_o he_o charge_v i_o with_o since_o it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o that_o shall_v have_v be_v by_o he_o lay_v down_o as_o evidence_n that_o i_o be_o worthy_a of_o his_o general_n and_o gross_a reflection_n in_o order_n hereunto_o i_o say_v i_o have_v diligent_o peruse_v his_o postscript_n several_a time_n over_o on_o purpose_n to_o notify_v every_o particular_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o in_o his_o or_o any_o one_o sense_n i_o do_v suppose_v may_v be_v account_v evil_a and_o do_v not_o find_v more_o than_o these_o two_o particular_n follow_v here_o cite_v word_n for_o word_n out_o of_o john_n blaykling_n postscript_n the_o first_o be_v on_o this_o wise_a and_o as_o to_o that_o particular_a reflection_n cast_v upon_o he_o which_o william_n rogers_n if_o his_o interrogation_n be_v a_o affirmation_n of_o the_o matter_n will_v ground_v a_o accusation_n upon_o viz._n be_v not_o thou_o the_o man_n that_o have_v take_v liberty_n to_o 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groundless_a and_o that_o george_n fox_n account_v it_o a_o false_a charge_n and_o though_o john_n blaykling_n proceed_v to_o query_n do_v not_o the_o lord_n confound_v you_o in_o all_o your_o undertake_n yet_o there_o appear_v to_o i_o no_o ground_n for_o his_o so_o query_v but_o rather_o that_o his_o and_z g._n f_n confusion_n to_o their_o shame_n be_v abundant_o manifest_v from_o what_o may_v be_v visible_a to_o every_o impartial_a understanding_n reader_n that_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o compare_v all_o write_v by_o george_n fox_n john_n blaykle_v and_o myself_o on_o this_o occasion_n without_o other_o proof_n the_o second_o particular_a matter_n of_o fact_n lay_v by_o john_n blaykle_v to_o my_o charge_n be_v on_o this_o wise_a and_o whereas_o william_n rogers_n ask_v if_o george_n fox_n will_v not_o have_v account_v this_o in_o another_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o careless_a slothful_a libertine_n or_o dark_a spirit_n that_o be_v either_o depart_v or_o depart_v from_o the_o truth_n &_o c_o implicit_o thereby_o charge_v he_o with_o it_o to_o which_o john_n blaykle_v thus_o say_v may_v not_o william_n rogers_n have_v apply_v this_o at_o home_n who_o know_v in_o his_o conscience_n what_o a_o libertine_n loose_a and_o dark_a spirit_n depart_v from_o his_o subjection_n to_o the_o truth_n he_o have_v give_v way_n to_o and_o have_v take_v a_o liberty_n to_o himself_o to_o make_v away_o his_o visible_a estate_n or_o at_o least_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o it_o to_o avoid_v suffer_v thereby_o on_o this_o i_o observe_v that_o as_o to_o this_o particular_a with_o respect_n to_o secure_v a_o part_n of_o my_o estate_n jo._n blaykling_n can_v lay_v all_o his_o profane_a and_o wicked_a charge_n against_o i_o at_o my_o door_n on_o that_o account_n without_o contradiction_n to_o his_o large_a testimony_n for_o george_n fox_n as_o a_o man_n that_o be_v spotless_a and_o still_o keep_v his_o integrity_n because_o george_n fox_n deny_v not_o as_o before_o be_v manifest_v that_o he_o advise_v mary_n the_o wife_n of_o isaac_n penington_n to_o secure_v she_o or_o their_o estate_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o spoiler_n my_o last_o observation_n be_v on_o john_n blaykling_n beginning_n of_o his_o postscript_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v to_o i_o that_o one_o of_o his_o end_n be_v to_o appear_v thus_o public_a as_o a_o witness_n on_o behalf_n of_o george_n fox_n to_o clear_v all_o aspersion_n that_o myself_o and_o other_o have_v cast_v on_o he_o as_o afore_o mention_v and_o indeed_o he_o have_v do_v it_o excellent_o well_o if_o testify_v that_o g._n f._n be_v spotless_a without_o enter_v into_o the_o merit_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v a_o sufficient_a proof_n but_o if_o not_o his_o testimony_n and_o certificate_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o no_o credit_n however_o it_o occasion_n i_o to_o note_v what_o irreligious_a confidence_n attend_v he_o thus_o to_o appear_v as_o a_o witness_n to_o clear_v g._n f._n of_o many_o thing_n he_o know_v nothing_o of_o for_o john_n blaykle_v be_v not_o with_o george_n fox_n at_o bristol_n and_o with_o nathaniel_n crip_n when_o occasion_n of_o nathaniel_n crip_n his_o charge_n touch_v g._n f_o be_v advise_v he_o to_o buy_v his_o tithe_n be_v take_v and_o yet_o john_n blaykling_n certificate_n as_o by_o the_o scope_n thereof_o do_v plain_o appear_v to_o i_o be_v to_o clear_a g.f._n from_o all_o aspersion_n whatsoever_o or_o from_o whosoever_o to_o be_v plain_a such_o attempt_n be_v a_o shame_n and_o scandal_n to_o religion_n and_o be_v a_o abhorrency_n to_o man_n of_o common_a and_o moral_a honesty_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v that_o since_o that_o day_n wherein_o john_n blaykle_v robert_n barrow_n and_o two_o other_o give_v it_o under_o their_o hand_n in_o a_o letter_n to_o friend_n at_o bristol_n that_o they_o by_o
the_o authority_n of_o god_n power_n have_v a_o understanding_n give_v they_o of_o god_n to_o act_n and_o determine_v in_o affair_n appertain_v to_o the_o gospel_n and_o its_o order_n john_n blaykle_v have_v be_v so_o puff_v up_o with_o spiritual_a pride_n as_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v suffer_v his_o wisdom_n to_o be_v turn_v into_o folly_n and_o his_o zeal_n into_o envy_n whereby_o he_o now_o be_v as_o well_o as_o heretofore_o have_v be_v in_o another_o case_n relate_v to_o john_n story_n so_o dexterous_a in_o give_v forth_o a_o false_a certificate_n and_o now_o to_o conclude_v i_o recommend_v the_o whole_a to_o the_o righteous_a witness_n of_o god_n in_o all_o conscience_n nothing_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v yet_o more_o and_o more_o arise_v to_o oppose_v that_o profane_a ungodly_a spirit_n which_o thus_o strive_v against_o his_o heritage_n make_v lie_n false_a certificate_n unjust_a slander_n and_o reproach_n as_o the_o chief_a instrument_n to_o take_v away_o the_o good_a name_n and_o reputation_n of_o such_o as_o can_v bow_v to_o the_o will_n of_o man_n nor_o leave_v the_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n wherein_o they_o have_v begin_v in_o expectation_n to_o be_v make_v perfect_a through_o conformity_n to_o outward_a ordinance_n know_v this_o that_o those_o who_o have_v begin_v in_o the_o spirit_n can_v be_v make_v perfect_a by_o the_o flesh_n william_n rogers_n we_o shall_v now_o conclude_v with_o a_o particular_a matter_n relate_v to_o g._n f._n and_o j._n story_n george_n fox_n write_v unto_o john_n story_n on_o this_o wise_a john_n story_n i_o have_v see_v a_o paper_n that_o be_v scatter_v up_o and_o down_o in_o yorkshire_n and_o westmoreland_n as_o i_o have_v hear_v and_o also_o that_o thou_o shall_v show_v it_o to_o a_o friend_n at_o kendal_n now_o if_o thou_o have_v have_v so_o much_o humanity_n before_o thou_o spread_v this_o paper_n abroad_o thou_o may_v have_v send_v to_o i_o to_o have_v know_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o or_o they_o that_o spread_v it_o also_o this_o practice_n be_v not_o common_a morality_n nor_o civil_a honesty_n among_o man_n which_o i_o do_v declare_v that_o thou_o either_o haste_v forge_v or_o have_v some_o to_o forge_v for_o thou_o those_o horrid_a lie_n for_o i_o never_o think_v nor_o hear_v of_o those_o horrid_a lie_n before_o except_o that_o of_o drunkard_n and_o swearer_n and_o it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o darkness_n from_o a_o malicious_a spirit_n the_o matter_n thus_o deny_v by_o george_n fox_n be_v what_o be_v contain_v in_o a_o certificate_n give_v under_o the_o hand_n of_o henry_n sweet_v of_o hartford_n which_o hereafter_o follow_v and_o forasmuch_o as_o george_n fox_n have_v charge_v john_n story_n that_o he_o either_o have_v forge_v or_o have_v some_o to_o forge_v they_o for_o he_o mean_v many_o thing_n contain_v in_o henry_n sweeting_n certificate_n and_o thereupon_o express_o write_v unto_o john_n story_n in_o these_o word_n thou_o must_v bring_v forth_o the_o author_n and_o the_o informer_n with_o his_o town_n and_o county_n else_o they_o will_v lie_v on_o thy_o own_o head_n we_o think_v it_o just_a and_o reasonable_a that_o what_o be_v do_v in_o persuance_n thereof_o may_v be_v here_o cite_v that_o so_o every_o reader_n be_v judgement_n may_v be_v free_a and_o the_o reader_n leave_v to_o savour_v in_o this_o matter_n for_o himself_o and_o so_o we_o shall_v leave_v all_o after_o purusal_n of_o the_o follow_a testimony_n to_o consider_v whether_o it_o be_v so_o rational_a to_o conclude_v john_n story_n a_o forger_n in_o this_o case_n as_o george_n fox_n for_o he_o that_o will_v adventure_v to_o add_v to_o another_o man_n word_n and_o render_v they_o as_o another_o man_n word_n material_o alter_v the_o sense_n which_o be_v account_v plain_a forgery_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o write_v many_o lie_v when_o he_o may_v be_v detect_v both_o of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o from_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o own_o line_n and_o compare_v with_o what_o he_o pretend_v to_o answer_v even_o as_o before_o be_v manifest_v to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o g._n f._n it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o he_o may_v soon_o adventure_v to_o do_v as_o he_o be_v charge_v by_o henry_n sweeting_n etc._n etc._n when_o the_o matter_n charge_v be_v not_o to_o be_v prove_v under_o his_o hand_n for_o than_o he_o have_v not_o only_o the_o advantage_n to_o deny_v the_o same_o if_o he_o please_v but_o also_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o john_n blaykle_v and_o other_o for_o a_o false_a certificate_n as_o in_o another_o case_n already_o treat_v on_o in_o this_o section_n be_v manifest_v here_o now_o follow_v not_o only_o the_o testimony_n of_o henry_n sweeting_n but_o of_o several_a other_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n george_n fox_n do_v say_v that_o to_o the_o separate_a meeting_n of_o john_n story_n there_o be_v whore_n and_o rogue_n drunkard_n and_o swearer_n there_o come_v a_o couple_n to_o be_v marry_v and_o one_o stand_v up_o and_o say_v mr._n story_n i_o take_v such_o a_o one_o to_o be_v my_o wife_n and_o the_o other_o stand_v up_o and_o say_v mr._n story_n i_o take_v such_o a_o one_o to_o be_v my_o husband_n and_o they_o go_v afterward_o to_o drink_v and_o eat_v some_o cake_n and_o cheese_n and_o say_v sir_n i_o will_v drink_v to_o thou_o and_o doff_v his_o hat_n the_o other_o say_v thank_v you_o sir_n and_o doff_v his_o hat_n and_o where_o this_o be_v do_v g._n fox_n he_o send_v for_o the_o woman_n of_o the_o house_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o he_o ask_v whether_o it_o be_v true_a and_o the_o woman_n say_v it_o be_v true_a it_o grieve_v her_o heart_n to_o see_v it_o also_o he_o say_v that_o there_o be_v fall_v from_o john_n story_n thirty_o at_o one_o time_n of_o the_o honest_a of_o they_o these_o word_n be_v speak_v by_o george_n fox_n in_o my_o house_n in_o hartford_n and_o if_o g._n f._n will_v come_v to_o trial_n i_o shall_v then_o prove_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o be_v above_o write_v by_o other_o testimony_n that_o he_o speak_v it_o in_o this_o town_n in_o other_o place_n witness_v henry_n sweeting_n ann_n sweeting_n hartford_n 29_o of_o the_o 12_o month_n 1678._o the_o cause_n of_o this_o my_o writing_n be_v chief_o because_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o a_o paper_n wherein_o my_o name_n with_o other_o be_v that_o come_v from_o g._n f._n which_o be_v a_o very_a abusive_a paper_n although_o he_o speak_v so_o much_o of_o john_n story_n be_v send_v and_o spread_v a_o paper_n and_o not_o send_v to_o he_o first_o g._n f._n have_v do_v it_o and_o must_v not_o be_v correct_v for_o this_o his_o great_a fail_v i_o shall_v leave_v it_o to_o the_o lord_n who_o correct_v and_o judge_v in_o righteousness_n who_o be_v god_n that_o see_v and_o know_v all_o thus_o much_o follow_v in_o vindication_n of_o truth_n i_o come_v to_o henry_n sweeting_n be_v house_n in_o hartford_n there_o be_v george_n fox_n and_o the_o time_n i_o be_v there_o i_o hear_v he_o speak_v the_o great_a part_n of_o what_o be_v in_o a_o little_a paper_n write_v by_o henry_n sweeting_n with_o his_o name_n to_o the_o same_o where_o i_o speak_v to_o g.f._n then_o &_o ask_v he_o wherefore_o he_o relate_v all_o those_o miscarriage_n to_o which_o he_o will_v not_o answer_v i_o and_o also_o i_o ask_v he_o about_o the_o woman_n high_a sheriff_n that_o he_o speak_v so_o much_o of_o in_o our_o public_a meeting_n and_o this_o he_o refer_v i_o to_o thomas_n robertson_n this_o i_o here_o set_v down_o that_o these_o thing_n may_v bring_v he_o to_o remember_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o speak_v then_o so_o if_o he_o do_v speak_v a_o rabble_n of_o lie_n of_o people_n behind_o their_o back_n be_v it_o upon_o his_o own_o head_n and_o he_o must_v be_v careful_a in_o his_o travel_n the_o time_n to_o come_v to_o speak_v nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n for_o indeed_o i_o must_v say_v i_o never_o hear_v so_o much_o speak_v by_o no_o man_n that_o do_v profess_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o if_o he_o have_v surround_v the_o country_n to_o get_v up_o all_o the_o miscarriage_n and_o fail_n do_v and_o commit_v in_o time_n past_a which_o indeed_o i_o tell_v he_o then_o at_z henry_n sweeting_n that_o it_o grieve_v my_o heart_n to_o hear_v he_o relate_v such_o thing_n and_o so_o i_o leave_v he_o at_o henry_n sweeting_n where_o i_o find_v he_o in_o his_o carriage_n go_v on_o hush_v any_o one_o that_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o speak_v beside_o himself_o this_o in_o love_n from_o he_o that_o be_v his_o friend_n edward_n perkin_n friend_n g._n fox_n thou_o have_v send_v a_o paper_n to_o judge_v i_o concern_v what_o i_o hear_v thou_o speak_v about_o john_n story_n thou_o deny_v it_o
conformity_n to_o other_o man_n line_n without_o faith_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 53._o see_v church-government_n conscience_n matter_n pure_o conscientious_a be_v cognizable_a according_a to_o the_o form_n of_o church_n government_n hold_v forth_o by_o robert_n barclay_n by_o the_o church_n and_o their_o sentence_n obligatory_a on_o believer_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 53_o 54._o his_o reason_n produce_v be_v refute_v 3_o d._n part_n p._n 54_o to_o 69._o content_n or_o matter_n discourse_v of_o in_o a_o answer_n to_o robert_n barclay_n book_n of_o government_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 19_o to_o 23._o convince_v i_o must_v stay_v until_o convince_v prove_v to_o be_v sound_a language_n though_o reflect_v on_o by_o robert_n barclay_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 42_o 43._o corah_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 9_o 11_o 47._o cross_n of_o christ_n consist_v in_o deny_v self_n and_o not_o in_o act_v across_o to_o all_o society_n etc._n etc._n 2_o d._n part_n p._n 35_o 36._o custom_n of_o the_o world_n in_o what_o sense_n deny_v 2_o d._n part_n p._n 34._o d._n difference_n touch_v outward_a property_n how_o in_o our_o sense_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v decide_v between_o brother_n and_o brother_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 41._o dis-union_n among_o friend_n how_o it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v so_o 1_o st_o part_n p._n 4_o 5._o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o the_o beginning_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 49_o 50._o doctrine_n repute_v by_o robert_n barclay_n the_o bond_n by_o which_o we_o become_v centre_v in_o one_o body_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 54._o his_o assertion_n and_o reason_n for_o it_o refute_v 3_o d._n part_n p._n 54_o to_o 59_o e_o edward_n burrough_n a_o suitable_a testimony_n of_o he_o at_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o preface_n show_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o know_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o our_o action_n in_o ourselves_o a_o parable_n give_v forth_o by_o edward_n burrough_n touch_v the_o scatter_a in_o israel_n anno_fw-la 1661._o show_v that_o there_o be_v unlearned_a dog_n not_o acquaint_v with_o the_o shepherd_n manner_n of_o gather_v the_o sheep_n but_o have_v something_o of_o the_o wolf_n nature_n will_v not_o be_v govern_v by_o their_o master_n and_o that_o there_o be_v other_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o master_n manner_n of_o gather_v the_o sheep_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o both_o which_o may_v be_v term_v a_o proper_a distinction_n through_o a_o parable_n of_o the_o fierce_a and_o ignorant_a in_o the_o best_a sense_n zealot_v of_o our_o time_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o gentle_a and_o prudent_a 1_o st_o part_n p._n 78_o to_o 83._o observation_n thereon_o p._n 83_o 84_o 85._o f_o faith_n different_a faith_n and_o persuasion_n in_o some_o thing_n no_o indication_n of_o dis-union_n in_o the_o spirit_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 74_o 75._o see_v believer_n faith_n take_v in_o a_o twofold_a sense_n the_o one_o be_v unto_o salvation_n the_o other_o not_o without_o a_o further_a growth_n 2_o d._n part_n p._n 63_o to_o 67._o g_o george_n fox_n here_o now_o follow_v divers_a thing_n relate_v to_o george_n fox_n contain_v in_o the_o first_o part._n george_n fox_n repute_v a_o setter-forth_a of_o form_n of_o church-government_n to_o be_v like_a unto_o moses_n a_o establisher_n of_o man_n and_o womens-meeting_n in_o a_o separation_n each_o from_o other_o the_o say_v meeting_n be_v call_v the_o church_n p._n 9_o a_o different_a sense_n either_o touch_v george_n fox_n the_o general-meeting_a or_o womens-meeting_n be_v take_v to_o be_v the_o original_a manifestation_n of_o variance_n among_o friend_n p._n 61_o to_o 67._o a_o enquiry_n make_v what_o be_v the_o bait_n spread_v before_o george_n fox_n to_o concern_v himself_o against_o such_o as_o can_v own_v that_o his_o direction_n shall_v be_v urge_v with_o severity_n which_o be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o enforce_v p._n 92._o a_o answer_n to_o that_o enquiry_n wherein_o some_o part_n of_o the_o occasion_n and_o mischief_n among_o friend_n be_v discover_v 1_o part_n p._n 92_o to_o 96._o here_o now_o follow_v divers_a thing_n relate_v to_o george_n fox_n contain_v in_o the_o four_o part._n the_o introduction_n to_o the_o four_o part_n show_v the_o occasion_n of_o write_v that_o part_n chief_o relate_v to_o george_n fox_n p._n 3_o to_o 7._o seven_o question_n propose_v to_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o sixteen_o to_o john_n story_n by_o order_n as_o be_v affirm_v of_o g._n f._n together_o with_o the_o substance_n of_o their_o answer_n thereto_o p._n 7._o to_o p._n 14._o observation_n on_o the_o say_a query_n and_o answer_n show_v that_o the_o informer_n to_o george_n fox_n against_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n will_v have_v have_v his_o end_n by_o their_o answer_n yea_o which_o doubtless_o be_v to_o render_v they_o guilty_a of_o evil_a principle_n and_o practice_n and_o yet_o such_o a_o answer_n to_o several_a of_o the_o question_n may_v be_v justify_v and_o in_o particular_a the_o answer_n to_o the_o second_o to_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o the_o nine_o to_o john_n story_n unless_o we_o ought_v to_o practice_v on_o a_o religious_a score_n thing_n impose_v in_o the_o will_n of_o man_n and_o that_o it_o be_v reprovable_a to_o exhort_v to_o keep_v good_a order_n etc._n etc._n p._n 14_o 15_o 16._o a_o objection_n cite_v in_o favour_n of_o george_n fox_n and_o such_o brethren_n to_o who_o obedience_n by_o some_o be_v repute_v to_o be_v due_a etc._n etc._n together_o with_o answer_n thereto_o manifest_v that_o obedience_n to_o the_o spirit_n be_v due_a but_o not_o to_o other_o man_n line_n while_o not_o by_o the_o spirit_n convince_v thereof_o no_o ground_n to_o believe_v that_o christ_n intend_v one_o of_o his_o disciple_n as_o a_o head_n over_o the_o rest_n after_o his_o departure_n p._n 16_o to_o p._n 25._o a_o slight_v george_n fox_n order_n with_o respect_n to_o church-government_n account_v by_o some_o a_o slight_v of_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n p._n 26._o see_v p._n 7_o to_o p._n 16_o and_o p._n 25_o to_o p._n 36._o and_o then_o consider_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o rational_a to_o suppose_v that_o the_o draw_v up_o of_o forty-four_a article_n against_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n and_o proceed_n relate_v to_o they_o be_v not_o by_o george_n fox_n approbation_n and_o permission_n and_o that_o whatever_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n be_v failing_n yet_o that_o nothing_o will_v give_v satisfaction_n but_o submission_n to_o george_n fox_n mark_v to_o know_v some_o minister_a person_n who_o have_v be_v of_o party_n with_o george_n fox_n p._n 33_o 34._o a_o letter_n write_v by_o george_n fox_n to_o john_n wilkinson_n signify_v that_o john_n wilkinson_n will_v be_v as_o bad_a as_o muggleton_n etc._n etc._n if_o he_o give_v not_o over_o his_o work_n and_o separation_n p._n 41_o 42._o j._n wilkinson_n answer_n thereto_o desire_v george_n fox_n to_o clear_v himself_o that_o he_o approve_v of_o no_o force_n about_o religion_n but_o the_o force_n and_o effect_v of_o the_o word_n deliver_v p._n 42_o 43_o 44._o a_o letter_n return_v in_o answer_n by_o george_n fox_n to_o john_n wilkinson_n signify_v that_o john_n wilkinson_n be_v separate_v from_o that_o power_n that_o first_o convince_v he_o and_o that_o if_o not_o he_o will_v have_v be_v at_o unity_n with_o he_o as_o at_o first_o p._n 45_o 46._o and_o that_o if_o john_n wilkinson_n have_v love_v the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n he_o will_v have_v come_v to_o he_o p._n 51._o but_o yet_o he_o tell_v he_o that_o if_o he_o love_v his_o sin_n he_o may_v keep_v it_o p._n 52_o and_o that_o he_o think_v to_o have_v write_v to_o he_o say_v his_o letter_n be_v not_o worth_a answer_v and_o yet_o have_v write_v answer_n p._n 59_o observation_n on_o george_n fox_n say_a letter_n to_o john_n wilkinson_n beginning_n p._n 61._o george_n fox_n accuse_v john_n wilkinson_n as_o a_o tythe-payer_n either_o by_o himself_o direct_o or_o connive_v at_o other_o pay_v for_o he_o but_o prove_v it_o not_o a_o testimony_n under_o john_n wilkinson_n hand_n against_o tithe_n be_v cite_v four_o part_n p._n 9_o george_n fox_n accuse_v john_n wilkinson_n to_o be_v a_o angry_a disquiet_v froward_a peevish_a fretful_a malicious_a high_a lofty_a spirit_n and_o of_o his_o make_v a_o jumble_v but_o bring_v forth_o nothing_o convince_o to_o manifest_v the_o same_o p._n 63_o 64_o 65_o 66._o on_o this_o occasion_n a_o character_n of_o george_n fox_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n be_v note_v from_o whence_o there_o be_v a_o reason_n to_o suppose_v that_o george_n fox_n will_v have_v all_o cause_n of_o difference_n among_o friend_n even_o from_o north_n to_o south_n come_v before_o he_o to_o be_v judge_v when_o it_o please_v he_o or_o else_o the_o refuser_n may_v incur_v his_o censure_n of_o
seem_v to_o glory_n in_o suffer_v their_o good_n to_o be_v take_v away_o and_o to_o speak_v in_o their_o language_n account_v it_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o dark_a spirit_n to_o endeavour_v to_o save_v any_o though_o but_o from_o the_o thirst_n of_o informer_n occasion_v persecution_n mere_o to_o enrich_v themselves_o we_o can_v but_o query_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o more_o christian_a like_o so_o to_o act_v according_a to_o one_o plain_a persuasion_n than_o to_o contend_v so_o much_o for_o offer_v upall_a &_o yet_o after_o take_v away_o to_o use_v divers_a mean_n to_o get_v it_o again_o sometime_o by_o law_n open-faced_a as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o appeal_n and_o sometime_o by_o private_a and_o secret_a solicitation_n wherein_o not_o only_a time_n and_o breath_n be_v spend_v but_o as_o be_v credible_o report_v the_o purse_n open_v too_o as_o some_o of_o our_o opposer_n have_v do_v we_o shall_v now_o return_v and_o consider_v what_o in_o probability_n may_v be_v object_v touch_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n grace_n etc._n etc._n as_o in_o the_o next_o follow_v section_n sect_n vi_o on_o the_o occasion_n of_o a_o objection_n raise_v touch_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n grace_n unity_n be_v treat_v on_o from_o the_o word_n of_o paul_n to_o the_o corinth_n that_o they_o shall_v all_o speak_v one_o thing_n touch_v the_o word_n independency_n occasion_v by_o a_o public_a preacher_n that_o leave_v friend_n to_o the_o grace_n light_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o lead_v into_o rantism_n objection_n it_o be_v true_a may_n some_o say_v this_o doctrine_n of_o exalt_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n grace_n square_n with_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n as_o preach_v among_o we_o in_o the_o beginning_n and_o it_o have_v then_o and_o still_o have_v a_o answer_n in_o our_o conscience_n but_o now_o several_a of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v instrument_n to_o gather_v we_o increase_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o they_o now_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o doubt_v if_o there_o be_v no_o care_n take_v to_o preserve_v a_o unity_n among_o the_o professor_n of_o truth_n friend_n may_v be_v scatter_v and_o break_v and_o run_v into_o a_o separation_n etc._n etc._n for_o do_v not_o paul_n exhort_v the_o corinthian_n that_o they_o shall_v all_o speak_v one_o thing_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 10._o answ_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o when_o paul_n come_v to_o understand_v that_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n be_v some_o for_o paul_n and_o some_o for_o apollo_n and_o some_o for_o cephas_n and_o some_o for_o christ_n there_o be_v great_a need_n for_o he_o on_o that_o occasion_n to_o exhort_v they_o to_o speak_v one_o thing_n lest_o their_o faith_n and_o hope_n in_o the_o gospel_n may_v come_v utter_o to_o be_v destroy_v do_v those_o who_o cry_v against_o such_o who_o we_o account_v faithful_a friend_n as_o dark_a spirit_n and_o plead_v so_o much_o for_o unity_n and_o to_o speak_v one_o thing_n exhort_v those_o who_o be_v apt_a to_o pin_v their_o faith_n on_o a_o apollo_n a_o paul_n or_o a_o cephas_n to_o be_v for_o christ_n we_o shall_v think_v it_o good_a exhortation_n therein_o to_o speak_v one_o thing_n and_o that_o which_o will_v cast_v a_o great_a line_n of_o reflection_n on_o those_o ignorant_a zealot_n who_o of_o late_a day_n have_v much_o exhort_v we_o to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o brethren_n in_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o we_o their_o meaning_n be_v to_o some_o particular_a brethren_n while_o other_o ancient_a and_o honourable_a be_v despise_v by_o they_o beside_o we_o can_v on_o this_o occasion_n but_o observe_v that_o the_o same_o paul_n do_v sufficient_o evidence_n his_o dislike_n of_o any_o plea_n for_o unity_n save_v that_o of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o though_o he_o exhort_v to_o unity_n ephes_n 4.3_o yet_o verse_n 7._o he_o say_v but_o unto_o every_o one_o of_o we_o be_v give_v grace_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n which_o clear_o evidence_n to_o our_o conscience_n that_o paul_n never_o intend_v to_o magnify_v any_o 15.10_o any_o 1_o cor._n 12.7_o 1_o cor._n 15.10_o unity_n among_o brethren_n but_o that_o which_o may_v be_v the_o natural_a product_n of_o this_o gift_n of_o grace_n or_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o give_v to_o every_o one_o according_a to_o measure_n to_o profit_v withal_o and_o whereby_o they_o may_v in_o the_o language_n and_o according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n say_v each_o unto_o other_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n i_o be_o what_o i_o be_o we_o be_v yet_o sensible_a that_o another_o objection_n may_v still_o arise_v obj._n what_o then_o be_v you_o for_o a_o independency_n yes_o very_o we_o be_v for_o a_o independency_n that_o be_v to_o say_v independency_n say_v some_o may_v wonder_v why_o we_o raise_v this_o objection_n but_o doubtless_o it_o will_v come_v to_o the_o view_n of_o one_o and_o not_o a_o mean_a one_o too_o who_o manifest_v his_o doubt_n that_o some_o of_o we_o intend_v a_o independency_n not_o to_o depend_v on_o the_o counsel_n of_o one_o man_n nor_o yet_o to_o depend_v on_o the_o counsel_n of_o general_n quarterly_o or_o monthly_a meeting_n but_o as_o there_o be_v sufficiency_n in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o to_o profit_v withal_o so_o to_o have_v a_o dependency_n on_o that_o grace_n to_o teach_v didirect_a and_o instruct_v in_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o in_o ward_n man_n of_o the_o heart_n know_v that_o it_o be_v against_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o principle_n in_o which_o we_o have_v believe_v to_o have_v a_o dependency_n on_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v outward_a lest_o it_o prove_v unto_o we_o like_o the_o reed_n of_o egypt_n and_o arm_v of_o flesh_n that_o can_v save_v but_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o against_o appoint_a meeting_n for_o the_o outward_a service_n of_o truth_n for_o that_o have_v be_v and_o be_v our_o practice_n know_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o service_n therein_o as_o occasion_n offer_v provide_v all_o in_o such_o meeting_n may_v be_v keep_v in_o humility_n as_o servant_n each_o to_o other_o and_o the_o truth_n not_o exercise_v lordship_n over_o the_o conscience_n which_o be_v god_n prerogative_n nor_o yet_o exalt_v themselves_o as_o if_o thereby_o they_o be_v enter_v into_o that_o possession_n which_o can_v never_o be_v take_v from_o they_o object_n we_o be_v now_o sensible_a that_o some_o may_v be_v ready_a thus_o to_o say_v we_o can_v scarce_o believe_v that_o any_o man_n of_o weight_n and_o under_o the_o name_n of_o one_o that_o may_v be_v account_v by_o any_o a_o faithful_a quaker_n will_v give_v occasion_n for_o such_o a_o discourse_n as_o this_o occasion_v on_o the_o word_n independency_n for_o that_o many_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o say_v it_o be_v the_o language_n of_o a_o hypocrite_n that_o have_v outward_a power_n to_o uphold_v it_o because_o some_o who_o be_v account_v separate_a from_o it_o be_v call_v independent_o 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