enemy_n be_v at_o work_n to_o scatter_v the_o mind_n of_o friend_n by_o that_o loose_a plea_n what-hast_a thou_o to_o do_v with_o i_o leave_v i_o to_o my_o freedom_n and_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o myself_o and_o the_o like_a but_o this_o proposition_n and_o expression_n as_o now_o understand_v and_o allege_v be_v a_o deviation_n from_o and_o a_o perversion_n of_o the_o ancient_a principle_n of_o truth_n for_o this_o be_v the_o plain_a consequence_n of_o this_o plea_n if_o any_o one_o especial_o if_o they_o be_v but_o late_o convince_v shall_v say_v i_o see_v no_o evil_a in_o pay_v tithe_n to_o hireling_n priest_n in_o that_o they_o be_v not_o claim_v by_o divine_a right_n but_o by_o the_o civil_a law_n of_o the_o land_n i_o see_v no_o evil_a in_o marry_v by_o the_o priest_n for_o he_o be_v but_o a_o witness_n furthermore_o i_o see_v no_o evil_a in_o decline_v a_o public_a testimony_n in_o suffer_v time_n or_o hide_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n for_o i_o have_v christ_n '_o s_o and_o paul_n '_o s_z example_n i_o see_v no_o evil_a in_o worship_v and_o respect_v the_o person_n of_o man_n for_o whatever_o other_o do_v i_o intend_v a_o sincere_a notice_n that_o i_o take_v of_o those_o i_o know_v and_o have_v a_o good_a esteem_n for_o last_o i_o see_v no_o evil_a in_o keep_v my_o shop_n shut_v upon_o the_o world_n holiday_n and_o mass-day_n as_o they_o call_v they_o though_o they_o be_v rather_o lewd_o and_o superstitious_o than_o religious_o keep_v for_o i_o will_v not_o willing_o give_v any_o offence_n to_o my_o neighbour_n and_o since_o your_o testimony_n be_v against_o imposition_n and_o for_o leave_v every_o one_o to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o grace_n which_o god_n have_v give_v he_o not_o only_o no_o man_n have_v power_n to_o reprove_v or_o judge_v i_o but_o i_o may_v be_v as_o good_a a_o friend_n as_o any_o of_o you_o according_a to_o my_o measure_n and_o now_o here_o be_v measure_n set_v up_o against_o measure_n which_o be_v confusion_n itself_o babel_n indeed_o this_o be_v that_o very_a rock_n both_o professor_n and_o profane_a will_v long_o since_o have_v run_v we_o upon_o namely_o that_o a_o way_n be_v hereby_o open_v to_o all_o the_o world_n libertine_n to_o plead_v the_o light_n within_o for_o their_o excess_n which_o indeed_o grieve_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n &_o be_v severe_o judge_v by_o our_o friend_n in_o the_o beginning_n and_o be_v still_o reprove_v by_o they_o that_o keep_v their_o habitation_n though_o some_o be_v become_v as_o wander_a star_n through_o their_o own_o pride_n and_o the_o prevalency_n of_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n that_o have_v overtake_v they_o whereas_o have_v they_o keep_v in_o the_o channel_n of_o love_n and_o life_n in_o the_o orb_n and_o order_n of_o the_o celestial_a power_n they_o have_v shine_v as_o fix_v star_n in_o the_o firmament_n of_o god_n forever_o and_o from_o the_o deep_a sense_n that_o i_o have_v of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o zions_n peace_n to_o rend_v and_o divide_v the_o heritage_n of_o god_n who_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o cry_v down_o man_n form_n and_o prescription_n be_v cry_v down_o the_o heavenly_a man_n christ_n jesus_n his_o bless_a order_n and_o government_n which_o he_o have_v bring_v forth_o by_o his_o own_o revelation_n and_o power_n through_o his_o faithful_a witness_n this_o i_o further_o testify_v first_o that_o the_o enemy_n by_o these_o fair_a pretence_n strike_v at_o the_o godly_a care_n and_o travail_n that_o dwell_v upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o many_o faithful_a brethren_n that_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v preserve_v sweet_a comely_a virtuous_a and_o of_o good_a report_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n second_o that_o there_o never_o be_v great_a necessity_n of_o this_o godly_a care_n than_o at_o this_o day_n since_o we_o be_v a_o people_n wherein_o the_o cross_n by_o too_o many_o be_v not_o so_o close_o keep_v to_o as_o in_o day_n past_a and_o in_o which_o there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o great_a convincement_n but_o a_o young_a generation_n descend_v of_o friend_n who_o though_o they_o retain_v the_o form_n their_o education_n have_v lead_v they_o into_o yet_o many_o of_o they_o adorn_v not_o the_o gospel_n with_o that_o sensible_a weighty_a and_o heavenly_a conversation_n as_o become_v the_o child_n of_o the_o undefiled_a religion_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o that_o precious_a faith_n which_o work_v by_o the_o love_n that_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n that_o have_v send_v his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n a_o light_n into_o our_o heart_n and_o conscience_n to_o who_o search_n and_o judgement_n all_o aught_o to_o and_o must_v bring_v their_o deed_n &_o render_v up_o their_o account_n bear_v holy_a record_n that_o for_o this_o end_n have_v he_o move_v upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o for_o this_o good_a end_n only_o have_v his_o servant_n give_v forth_o recommend_v and_o put_v in_o practice_n those_o thing_n that_o be_v now_o in_o godly_a use_n among_o his_o people_n whether_o in_o this_o or_o other_o nation_n relate_v to_o man_n and_o woman_n meeting_n and_o their_o divers_a and_o weighty_a service_n and_o further_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o almighty_a god_n i_o shall_v add_v that_o heavenly_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n dwell_v with_o those_o who_o be_v find_v in_o a_o holy_a and_o zealous_a practice_n of_o they_o wherefore_o i_o warn_v all_o that_o they_o take_v heed_n of_o a_o slight_a and_o obstinate_a mind_n and_o that_o they_o have_v a_o care_n how_o they_o give_v way_n to_o the_o outcry_n of_o some_o faisly_a entitle_v liberty_n of_o conscience_n against_o imposition_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o end_n thereof_o be_v to_o lead_v back_o again_o and_o give_v ease_n to_o the_o carnal_a mind_n which_o at_o last_o will_v bring_v death_n again_o upon_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n and_o the_o live_a society_n of_o his_o child_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o great_a shame_n that_o any_o who_o have_v ever_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n and_o the_o sweet_a society_n of_o brethren_n especial_o those_o who_o be_v early_o in_o the_o work_n of_o this_o bless_a day_n and_o heavenly_a dispensation_n shall_v so_o far_o depart_v from_o the_o fear_n and_o awe_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o to_o use_v such_o unsavoury_a as_o well_o as_o untrue_a expression_n this_o be_v very_o far_o from_o that_o meek_a spirit_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o first_o love_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o have_v so_o singular_o keep_v in_o which_o bear_v all_o thing_n suffer_v all_o thing_n and_o endure_v all_o thing_n and_o teach_v to_o keep_v the_o word_n of_o patience_n in_o the_o hour_n of_o tribulation_n nay_o but_o this_o be_v judge_v of_o spiritual_a thing_n with_o a_o carnal_a and_o prejudice_v mind_n stumble_v at_o the_o matter_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o person_n through_o who_o it_o come_v not_o eye_v nor_o weigh_v the_o spirit_n the_o thing_n arise_v from_o but_o the_o person_n by_o who_o it_o be_v speak_v which_o darken_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o blind_v by_o prejudice_n the_o mind_n that_o shall_v discern_v taste_n and_o judge_v from_o whence_o many_o mischief_n have_v spring_v to_o the_o courch_n of_o christ_n in_o divers_a age_n nor_o be_v it_o the_o least_o evil_a this_o spirit_n of_o strife_n be_v guilty_a of_o even_o at_o this_o day_n that_o it_o use_v the_o word_n liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o imposition_n against_o the_o brethren_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o our_o suffer_a friend_n have_v be_v always_o accustom_v to_o intend_v they_o against_o the_o persecute_v priest_n and_o power_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o admonish_v and_o reprove_v conceit_a highminded_a loose_a or_o contentious_a person_n in_o the_o church_n as_o to_o compel_v conformity_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n by_o worldly_a violence_n upon_o the_o person_n and_o estate_n of_o conscientious_a dissenter_n o_o such_o iniquity_n god_n will_v not_o leave_v unreproved_a this_o dear_a friend_n i_o send_v among_o you_o as_o a_o token_n of_o my_o true_a love_n in_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o free_a spirit_n of_o our_o god_n and_o father_n who_o have_v ever_o be_v a_o friend_n to_o true_a liberty_n as_o in_o the_o state_n according_a to_o law_n so_o in_o the_o church_n according_a to_o scripture_n and_o as_o it_o stand_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o jesus_n that_o make_v they_o who_o love_v it_o free_v indeed_o let_v we_o all_o keep_v low_a and_o remember_v the_o rock_n from_o whence_o we_o be_v hew_v and_o dwell_v in_o a_o tender_a and_o reverend_a sense_n of_o the_o daily_a mercy_n and_o providence_n of_o the_o lord_n look_v well_o to_o our_o own_o growth_n and_o prosperity_n in_o his_o heavenly_a way_n and_o work_n then_o shall_v the_o desire_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v more_o and_o more_o after_o he_o and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o his_o name_n and_o with_o our_o love_n to_o god_n will_v our_o love_n increase_v one_o towards_o another_o help_v and_o aid_v one_o another_o and_o i_o no_o way_n doubt_v but_o god_n that_o have_v bring_v we_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o out_o of_o the_o house_n of_o bondage_n and_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lion_n and_o the_o paw_n of_o the_o bare_a will_v preserve_v his_o people_n from_o this_o uncircumcised_a spirit_n that_o be_v not_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n nor_o under_o the_o yoke_n of_o his_o holy_a royal_a law_n of_o true_a spiritual_a liberty_n for_o they_o that_o keep_v and_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o jesus_n be_v fence_v from_o the_o power_n of_o this_o crooked_a serpent_n that_o seek_v who_o he_o may_v betray_v nor_o be_v any_o sting_v by_o he_o but_o the_o unwatchful_a the_o lissener_n and_o hearkener_n after_o his_o jealous_a whisper_v and_o detract_n insinnation_n they_o be_v such_o as_o make_v their_o dwelling_n in_o the_o earth_n where_o his_o region_n be_v and_o where_o he_o creep_v and_o twist_n who_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a and_o devilish_a and_o so_o be_v all_o the_o wisdom_n that_o come_v from_o he_o my_o dear_a friend_n keep_v i_o pray_v you_o in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o cross_n of_o jesus_n and_o wait_v for_o your_o daily_a bread_n and_o to_o be_v daily_o renew_v from_o the_o lord_n look_v to_o your_o increase_n about_o eternal_a riches_n and_o be_v sure_a to_o lay_v up_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n that_o fade_v not_o away_o that_o your_o faith_n and_o hope_n may_v have_v eternal_a foundation_n which_o the_o cross_a occurrence_n of_o time_n and_o fear_n of_o mortality_n can_v move_v and_o beware_v of_o that_o loose_a and_o irreverent_a spirit_n which_o have_v not_o those_o in_o high_a esteem_n among_o you_o that_o be_v faithful_a in_o the_o lord_n work_v and_o that_o labour_n in_o his_o bless_a word_n and_o doctrine_n i_o plain_o see_v a_o coldness_n and_o a_o shortness_n on_o this_o hand_n and_o be_v the_o pretence_n as_o it_o will_v it_o be_v not_o please_v to_o the_o lord_n they_o that_o love_v christ_n his_o servant_n be_v dear_a to_o they_o and_o they_o bear_v a_o tender_a regard_n to_o their_o trial_n travail_n spend_n and_o suffering_n who_o seek_v not_o you_o but_o you_o that_o you_o may_v all_o be_v present_v blameless_a at_o the_o come_v of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n that_o so_o the_o gospel_n ministry_n and_o testimony_n may_v be_v hold_v up_o with_o holy_a fervent_a love_n and_o godly_a esteem_n to_o the_o keep_n under_o every_o raw_a and_o exalt_a mind_n and_o whatever_o may_v slight_v and_o turn_v against_o it_o lest_o god_n that_o have_v rich_o visit_v we_o with_o his_o fatherly_a visitation_n and_o day_n spring_v from_o on_o high_a shall_v remove_v his_o blessing_n from_o among_o we_o and_o place_v his_o candlestick_n amid_o another_o people_n be_v wise_a therefore_o o_o friend_n for_o behold_v he_o be_v at_o the_o door_n that_o must_v have_v a_o account_n of_o your_o stewardship_n be_v watchful_a keep_v to_o your_o first_o love_n and_o work_n that_o so_o you_o may_v endure_v to_o the_o end_n and_o be_v save_v and_o have_v overcome_v you_o may_v have_v right_a to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n which_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n the_o god_n of_o peace_n who_o have_v bring_v our_o dear_a lord_n jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o we_o with_o he_o more_o abundant_o enrich_v you_o all_o with_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n in_o the_o revelation_n of_o himself_o through_o faith_n in_o his_o son_n by_o who_o in_o these_o last_o day_n he_o have_v speak_v to_o we_o who_o be_v the_o bless_a and_o only_a potentate_n king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n who_o only_o have_v immortality_n to_o who_o be_v honour_n and_o power_n everlasting_a amen_n your_o friend_n and_o brother_n in_o the_o tribulation_n and_o salvation_n of_o the_o endure_a kingdom_n of_o our_o god_n william_n penn._n warninghurst_n in_o sussex_n the_o 20_o of_o the_o 9th_o month_n 1681._o
a_o brief_a examination_n and_o state_n of_o liberty_n spiritual_n both_o with_o respect_n to_o person_n in_o their_o private_a capacity_n and_o in_o their_o church_n society_n and_o communion_n write_a for_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o faithful_a information_n of_o the_o simple-hearted_n and_o reproof_n of_o the_o arrogant_a and_o high_a mind_a by_o a_o lover_n of_o true_a liberty_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n william_n penn._n to_o go_v among_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n if_o the_o truth_n make_v you_o free_a then_o be_v you_o free_v indeed_o if_o we_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n as_o he_o be_v in_o the_o light_n then_o have_v we_o fellowship_n one_o with_o another_o and_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n his_o son_n cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o sin_n 1_o john_n 8._o london_n print_v by_o andrew_n sowle_n and_o sell_v at_o his_o shop_n in_o devonshire_n building_n without_o bishopsgate_n 1681._o to_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n dear_a friend_n and_o brethren_n it_o have_v of_o long_a time_n rest_v with_o some_o pressure_n upon_o my_o spirit_n for_o zion_n sake_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o write_v something_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o true_a spiritual_a liberty_n liberty_n one_o of_o the_o most_o glorious_a word_n and_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n but_o little_o understand_v and_o frequent_o abuse_v by_o many_o i_o beseech_v almighty_a god_n to_o preserve_v you_o his_o people_n in_o the_o right_a knowledge_n &_o use_v of_o that_o liberty_n which_o jesus_n christ_n the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n have_v purchase_v for_o we_o and_o be_v redeem_v we_o into_o who_o have_v lead_v captivity_n captive_a and_o be_v give_v gift_n to_o they_o that_o true_o believe_v in_o his_o name_n christ_n liberty_n be_v obtain_v through_o christ_n cross_n they_o that_o will_v be_v his_o freeman_n must_v be_v his_o bonds-man_n and_o wear_v his_o bless_a yoke_n his_o liberty_n be_v from_o sin_n not_o to_o sin_n to_o do_v his_o will_n and_o not_o our_o own_o no_o not_o to_o speak_v a_o idle_a word_n it_o be_v not_o i_o that_o live_v say_v the_o apostle_n but_o christ_n that_o live_v in_o i_o who_o have_v set_v he_o free_a from_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n and_o bring_v immortality_n to_o light_n in_o he_o whence_o he_o learn_v thus_o to_o triumph_v o_o death_n where_o be_v thy_o sting_n o_o grave_a where_o be_v thy_o victory_n this_o be_v the_o personal_a freedom_n that_o come_v by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o in_o the_o way_n and_o for_o the_o end_n for_o which_o god_n have_v give_v he_o to_o wit_n to_o be_v a_o saviour_n and_o a_o leader_n to_o save_v we_o from_o our_o corruption_n and_o guide_v we_o in_o the_o narrow_a way_n of_o his_o holy_a cross_n and_o through_o the_o strait_a gate_n of_o self-denial_n which_o lead_v to_o eternal_a life_n and_o as_o many_o as_o have_v enter_v at_o this_o door_n be_v come_v to_o have_v unity_n with_o god_n and_o one_o with_o another_o to_o love_v he_o above_o all_o and_o their_o neighbour_n as_o themselves_o yea_o to_o prefer_v each_o other_o before_o themselves_o such_o will_v not_o violate_v the_o great_a law_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n love_v one_o another_o the_o new_a and_o yet_o the_o old_a commandment_n these_o dwell_v in_o love_n and_o so_o they_o dwell_v in_o god_n for_o god_n be_v love_n it_o be_v the_o belove_a disciple_n testimony_n and_o it_o come_v up_o to_o what_o another_o man_n of_o god_n have_v say_v namely_o the_o church_n that_o dwell_v in_o god_n if_o she_o dwell_v in_o god_n then_o in_o love_n consequent_o her_o member_n be_v in_o union_n of_o one_o mind_n in_o church_n matter_n since_o she_o have_v but_o one_o head_n to_o rule_v she_o peruse_v this_o brief_a discourse_n in_o this_o love_n and_o it_o may_v be_v to_o edification_n my_o aim_n be_v to_o assert_v the_o truth_n detect_v error_n and_o point_n in_o true_a brotherly_a kindness_n at_o those_o shoal_n and_o sands_n some_o by_o mistake_n or_o over-boldness_n have_v and_o may_v run_v upon_o o_o friend_n i_o great_o desire_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n wisdom_n and_o a_o sound_a understanding_n of_o meekness_n judgement_n and_o mercy_n may_v ever_o rest_v upon_o you_o that_o blameless_o you_o may_v be_v keep_v a_o holy_a family_n at_o unity_n with_o itself_o to_o the_o lord_n god_n your_o redeemer_n that_o he_o over_o all_o may_v in_o you_o through_o you_o and_o by_o you_o be_v exalt_v honour_a and_o praise_v who_o be_v worthy_a and_o bless_a forever_o a_o brief_a examination_n and_o state_n of_o liberty_n spiritual_n etc._n etc._n question_n what_o be_v spiritual_a liberty_n answer_v it_o be_v twofold_a there_o be_v a_o true_a and_o a_o false_a liberty_n as_o a_o true_a and_o false_a spirit_n the_o right_a discern_v of_o which_o concern_v every_o one_o eternal_a well-being_a qu._n what_o be_v true_a spiritual_a liberty_n answ_n deliverance_n from_o sin_n by_o the_o perfect_a law_n in_o the_o heart_n the_o perfect_a law_n of_o liberty_n james_n 2._o otherwise_o call_v the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n that_o make_v free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n elsewhere_o style_v the_o law_n of_o truth_n write_v in_o the_o heart_n which_o make_v free_a indeed_o as_o say_v christ_n if_o the_o truth_n make_v you_o free_a then_o be_v you_o free_v indeed_o so_o that_o the_o liberty_n of_o god_n people_n stand_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o their_o communion_n in_o it_o and_o in_o the_o perfect_a spiritual_a law_n of_o christ_n jesus_n which_o deliver_v and_o preserve_v they_o from_o every_o evil_a thing_n that_o do_v or_o will_v embondage_n in_o this_o bless_a liberty_n it_o be_v not_o the_o will_v nor_o wisdom_n of_o man_n neither_o the_o vain_a affection_n and_o lust_v that_o rule_n or_o give_v law_n to_o the_o soul_n for_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o such_o as_o be_v make_v free_a by_o the_o truth_n be_v by_o the_o truth_n conduct_v in_o do_v and_o 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be_v indispensible_a there_o be_v also_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v do_v or_o leave_v undo_v which_o may_v be_v call_v indifferent_a as_o what_o sort_n of_o meat_n i_o will_v eat_v to_o day_n whether_o i_o will_v eat_v flesh_n fish_n or_o herb_n or_o what_o hour_n i_o will_v eat_v my_o meal_n at_o with_o many_o such_o outward_a thing_n of_o life_n and_o converse_n yet_o even_o in_o these_o case_n i_o ought_v to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o temperance_n and_o wisdom_n of_o it_o qu._n but_o do_v not_o freedom_n extend_v far_o than_o this_o for_o since_o god_n have_v give_v i_o a_o manifestation_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o profit_v withal_o and_o that_o i_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n in_o myself_o shall_v i_o not_o
be_v leave_v to_o act_v according_a as_o i_o be_o free_a and_o persuade_v in_o my_o own_o mind_n in_o the_o thing_n that_o relate_v to_o god_n lest_o look_v upon_o myself_o as_o oblige_v by_o what_o be_v reveal_v unto_o another_o though_o it_o be_v not_o reveal_v unto_o i_o i_o shall_v be_v lead_v out_o of_o my_o own_o measure_n and_o act_n upon_o another_o motion_n and_o so_o offer_v a_o blind_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n answ_n this_o be_v true_a in_o a_o sense_n that_o be_v if_o thou_o be_v such_o a_o one_o that_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n then_o may_v thou_o safe_o be_v leave_v to_o thy_o freedom_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o thy_o freedom_n stand_v in_o the_o perfect_a law_n of_o liberty_n in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o in_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v christ_n jesus_n which_o make_v thou_o free_a indeed_o that_o be_v perfect_o free_a from_o all_o 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that_o be_v to_o say_v be_v it_o thy_o weakness_n or_o thy_o carelessness_n if_o thy_o weakness_n it_o be_v to_o be_v bear_v with_o and_o to_o be_v inform_v if_o thy_o carelessness_n thou_o ought_v to_o be_v admonish_v for_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a principle_n and_o pernicious_a to_o true_a religion_n and_o which_o be_v worse_o it_o be_v the_o root_n of_o ranterism_n to_o assert_v that_o nothing_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n upon_o thou_o but_o what_o thou_o be_v persuade_v be_v thy_o duty_n for_o the_o sear_v conscience_n plead_v his_o liberty_n against_o all_o duty_n the_o dark_a conscience_n be_v here_o unconcerned_a the_o dead_a conscience_n be_v here_o uncondemned_a unless_o this_o distinction_n be_v allow_v of_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o ignorance_n or_o a_o insensibility_n from_o inability_n or_o incapacity_n or_o a_o dark_a education_n and_o a_o ignorance_n and_o insensibility_n from_o carelessness_n disobedience_n prejudice_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o though_o thou_o be_v not_o to_o conform_v to_o a_o thing_n ignorant_o yet_o thou_o be_v serious_o to_o consider_v why_o thou_o be_v ignorant_a and_o what_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o ignorance_n may_v be_v certain_o it_o can_v be_v in_o god_n nor_o in_o his_o gift_n to_o thou_o it_o must_v then_o needs_o be_v in_o thyself_o who_o have_v not_o yet_o receive_v a_o sense_n for_o or_o against_o the_o matter_n about_o which_o thou_o be_v in_o doubt_n to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o question_n ought_v i_o not_o to_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o my_o own_o heart_n ans_fw-fr that_o be_v of_o all_o thing_n most_o desirable_a since_o they_o be_v well_o leave_v that_o be_v there_o leave_v for_o there_o be_v no_o fear_n of_o want_n of_o unity_n where_o all_o be_v leave_v with_o the_o one_o spirit_n of_o truth_n they_o must_v be_v of_o one_o mind_n they_o can_v be_v otherwise_o so_o that_o to_o plead_v this_o against_o unity_n be_v to_o abuse_v the_o very_a plea_n and_o to_o commit_v the_o 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one_o heart_n and_o of_o one_o mind_n and_o great_a shall_v be_v their_o peace_n therefore_o i_o must_v say_v to_o thou_o friend_n what_o if_o thou_o will_v not_o be_v leave_v with_o the_o grace_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o thyself_o nor_o wait_v for_o its_o mind_n nor_o be_v watchful_a to_o its_o revelation_n nor_o humble_a and_o quiet_a till_o thou_o have_v receive_v such_o necessary_a manifestation_n but_o plead_v against_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o other_o faithful_a person_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o be_v leave_v to_o his_o spirit_n in_o thyself_o by_o which_o mean_n thou_o oppose_v the_o spirit_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o plead_v for_o dis-unity_n under_o the_o name_n of_o liberty_n i_o ask_v thou_o may_v not_o i_o exhort_v thou_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o i_o be_o move_v to_o press_v thou_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o if_o not_o thou_o be_v the_o imposer_n by_o restrain_v i_o from_o my_o christian_a liberty_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o away_o go_v preach_v and_o with_o it_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v both_o appoint_v of_o god_n for_o exhortation_n reproof_n and_o instruction_n qu._n but_o be_v there_o not_o various_a measure_n diversity_n of_o gift_n and_o several_a office_n in_o the_o body_n answ_n true_a but_o therefore_o be_v not_o the_o member_n of_o one_o mind_n one_o will_v and_o one_o judgement_n in_o common_a and_o universal_a matter_n especial_o relate_v to_o the_o family_n and_o church_n of_o god_n and_o indeed_o there_o can_v be_v a_o false_a reason_v than_o to_o conclude_v discord_n from_o diversity_n contrariety_n from_o variety_n be_v there_o contrariety_n of_o blood_n life_n feeling_n seeing_n hear_n tasting_n smelling_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o body_n at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n no_o such_o matter_n experience_n be_v a_o demonstration_n against_o all_o such_o insinuation_n so_o that_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o gift_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o disagreement_n in_o sense_n and_o though_o variety_n of_o office_n yet_o no_o contrariety_n in_o judgement_n concern_v those_o office_n well_o say_v the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o truth_n there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n the_o lord_n our_o god_n be_v but_o one_o lord_n there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a and_o there_o be_v but_o one_o lord_n one_o faith_n and_o one_o baptism_n and_o his_o light_n life_n and_o spirit_n be_v at_o unity_n with_o itself_o in_o all_o what_o come_v from_o the_o light_n life_n or_o spirit_n in_o one_o it_o be_v the_o same_o in_o truth_n and_o unity_n to_o the_o rest_n as_o if_o it_o rise_v in_o themselves_o this_o be_v see_v in_o our_o assembly_n every_o day_n and_o will_v be_v throughout_o all_o generation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n among_o those_o that_o live_v in_o the_o lowly_a truth_n in_o which_o the_o pure_a sense_n and_o sound_a judgement_n stand_v god_n be_v not_o the_o god_n of_o confusion_n but_o order_n every_o one_o in_o his_o order_n be_v satisfy_v have_v unity_n and_o true_a fellowship_n with_o whatever_o come_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n in_o another_o for_o this_o precious_a life_n reach_v throughout_o the_o heritage_n of_o god_n and_o be_v the_o common_a life_n that_o give_v the_o common_a feel_n and_o sense_n to_o the_o heritage_n of_o god_n degree_n or_o measure_n in_o the_o same_o life_n can_v never_o contradict_v or_o obstruct_v that_o which_o be_v from_o the_o same_o life_n for_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o the_o family_n of_o god_n the_o lord_n be_v the_o unmeasurable_a and_o incomprehensible_a glorious_a be_v of_o life_n yet_o have_v we_o unity_n with_o he_o in_o all_o his_o work_n who_o be_v come_v to_o his_o
great_a orderer_n of_o his_o church_n and_o if_o i_o will_v not_o comply_v with_o he_o that_o god_n have_v make_v a_o eye_n because_o i_o be_o not_o that_o eye_n or_o a_o hand_n because_o i_o be_o not_o that_o member_n myself_o nor_o a_o party_n to_o the_o action_n or_o performance_n of_o that_o member_n i_o resist_v the_o lord_n though_o under_o pretence_n of_o resist_a man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n and_o true_o this_o be_v the_o rock_n that_o some_o of_o our_o own_o time_n as_o well_o as_o person_n of_o former_a age_n have_v split_v upon_o they_o have_v not_o be_v content_v with_o their_o own_o station_n in_o the_o body_n they_o have_v not_o keep_v to_o their_o own_o gift_n nor_o be_v take_v up_o with_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o own_o place_n in_o the_o church_n if_o he_o that_o be_v a_o foot_n will_v be_v a_o hand_n and_o the_o hand_n covet_v to_o be_v a_o eye_n envy_v other_o there_o allot_v station_n through_o height_n of_o mind_n and_o walk_v loose_a from_o the_o holy_a cross_n 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through_o another_o be_v spirit_n and_o life_n as_o well_o as_o in_o thy_o own_o particular_a this_o be_v discern_v by_o the_o spiritual_a man_n that_o judge_v all_o thing_n although_o the_o carnal_a man_n plead_v be_v leave_v to_o his_o freedom_n and_o it_o may_v be_v talk_v of_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o spirit_n in_o himself_o too_o the_o better_a to_o escape_v the_o sense_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o spiritual_a man._n it_o be_v my_o earnest_a desire_n that_o all_o that_o have_v any_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v a_o tender_a care_n how_o they_o use_v that_o plea_n against_o their_o faithful_a brethren_n that_o god_n put_v into_o their_o mouth_n against_o the_o persecute_v priest_n and_o hireling_n of_o the_o world_n namely_o i_o must_v mind_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o myself_o for_o though_o it_o be_v a_o great_a truth_n that_o all_o be_v to_o be_v thereunto_o leave_v yet_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o he_o who_o soul_n be_v leave_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n in_o himself_o differ_v not_o from_o his_o brethren_n that_o be_v in_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o as_o true_a it_o be_v that_o those_o who_o err_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n may_v plead_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o spirit_n in_o themselves_o against_o the_o motion_n and_o command_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o another_o when_o it_o please_v not_o he_o or_o her_o high_a mind_n and_o perverse_a will_n for_o a_o say_v may_v be_v true_a or_o false_a according_a to_o the_o subject_a matter_n it_o be_v speak_v upon_o or_o apply_v to_o we_o own_o the_o assertion_n we_o deny_v the_o application_n there_o lie_v the_o snare_n it_o be_v true_a the_o people_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o guiding_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o themselves_o but_o for_o this_o to_o be_v so_o apply_v as_o to_o disregard_n the_o preach_n or_o write_n of_o christ_n enlighten_v servant_n because_o by_o they_o apply_v proper_o to_o the_o preach_a or_o write_v of_o false_a prophet_n and_o seducer_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n follow_v i_o say_v the_o doctrine_n be_v true_a but_o not_o exclusive_o of_o all_o external_a counsel_n or_o direction_n therefore_o false_a in_o application_n where_o man_n be_v allow_v to_o have_v have_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o the_o mind_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o be_v not_o prove_v to_o have_v act_v in_o their_o own_o will_n and_o wisdom_n or_o without_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n about_o the_o thing_n of_o his_o church_n and_o kingdom_n qu._n but_o though_o this_o be_v true_a which_o have_v be_v allege_v for_o heavenly_a concord_n yet_o what_o if_o i_o do_v not_o present_o see_v that_o service_n in_o a_o thing_n that_o the_o rest_n of_o my_o brethren_n agree_v in_o in_o this_o case_n what_o be_v my_o duty_n and_o they_o answ_n it_o be_v thy_o duty_n to_o wait_v upon_o god_n in_o silence_n and_o patience_n out_o of_o all_o fleshly_a consultation_n and_o as_o thou_o abide_v in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o truth_n thou_o will_v receive_v a_o understanding_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o thy_o brethren_n about_o the_o thing_n doubt_v and_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n whilst_o thou_o behave_v thyself_o in_o meekness_n and_o humility_n to_o bear_v with_o thou_o and_o carry_v themselves_o tender_o and_o love_o towards_o thou_o but_o if_o on_o the_o contrary_a thou_o disturbe_v their_o godly_a care_n and_o practice_n and_o grow_v contentious_a and_o exalt_v thy_o judgement_n against_o they_o they_o have_v power_n from_o god_n to_o exhort_v admonish_v and_o reprove_v thou_o and_o if_o thou_o persevere_a therein_o in_o his_o name_n to_o refuse_v any_o further_a fellowship_n with_o thou_o till_o thou_o repente_v of_o thy_o evil._n qu._n but_o lest_o i_o shall_v mistake_v when_o thou_o speak_v of_o true_a liberty_n that_o it_o stand_v in_o be_v make_v free_a by_o the_o truth_n from_o all_o vnrighteousness_n do_v thou_o mean_v that_o no_o other_o person_n ought_v to_o have_v the_o liberty_n of_o exercise_v their_o dissent_v conscience_n but_o that_o force_n may_v be_v lawful_a to_o reduce_v such_o as_o be_v repute_v erroneous_o conscientious_a answ_n by_o no_o mean_n it_o be_v a_o great_a wickedness_n against_o god_n who_o be_v lord_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o spirit_n of_o man_n and_o aught_o to_o preside_v in_o all_o conscience_n who_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v be_v the_o only_a potentate_n and_o have_v immortalety_n for_o though_o i_o give_v the_o true_a liberty_n of_o soul_n and_o conscience_n to_o those_o only_a that_o be_v set_v free_a by_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o bondage_n of_o sin_n and_o captivity_n of_o death_n yet_o do_v i_o not_o intend_v that_o any_o person_n or_o person_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o least_o harm_v for_o the_o external_a exercise_n of_o their_o dissent_v conscience_n in_o worship_n to_o god_n though_o erroneous_a for_o though_o their_o conscience_n be_v blind_a yet_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v force_v such_o compulsion_n give_v no_o sight_n neither_o do_v corporal_a punishment_n produce_v conviction_n this_o we_o above_o all_o people_n in_o our_o day_n have_v withstand_v in_o speak_v write_v and_o suffer_v and_o bless_v be_v god_n continue_v so_o to_o do_v with_o faithlness_n for_o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o force_v sacrifice_n be_v not_o please_v to_o the_o lord_n qu._n but_o according_a to_o thy_o argument_n it_o may_v be_v my_o fault_n that_o i_o have_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o faith_n and_o upon_o this_o presumption_n it_o may_v be_v thou_o will_v inflict_v some_o temporal_a penalty_n upon_o i_o answ_n no_o such_o matter_n for_o such_o kind_n of_o fault_n be_v not_o to_o be_v punish_v with_o temporal_a or_o worldly_a penalty_n for_o whether_o the_o error_n be_v through_o weakness_n or_o wilfulness_n not_o relate_v to_o moral_a practice_n all_o external_n coercion_n and_o corporal_a punishment_n be_v exclude_v for_o the_o weapon_n of_o our_o warfair_n be_v not_o carnal_a but_o spiritual_a qu._n but_o what_o then_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o case_n of_o schism_n or_o heresy_n answ_n the_o power_n that_o christ_n give_v to_o his_o church_n be_v this_o that_o offender_n after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o admonition_n not_o repent_v shall_v be_v reject_v not_o imprison_v plunder_v banish_v or_o put_v to_o death_n this_o belong_v to_o the_o whore_n and_o false_a prophet_n oh_o all_o these_o thing_n have_v come_v to_o pass_v for_o want_v of_o humility_n for_o want_v of_o the_o ancient_a fear_n and_o keep_v in_o the_o quiet_a habitation_n of_o the_o just_a the_o truth_n in_o you_o all_o shall_v answer_v i_o and_o this_o i_o affirm_v from_o the_o understanding_n i_o have_v receive_v of_o god_n not_o only_o that_o the_o