from_o they_o trust_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o grace_n mention_v 2_o cor._n 6.17_o 18._o in_o these_o word_n wherefore_o come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o be_v you_o separate_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o touch_v not_o the_o unclean_a thing_n and_o i_o will_v receive_v you_o and_o be_v a_o father_n unto_o you_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v my_o son_n and_o daughter_n say_v the_o lord_n almighty_n we_o desire_v also_o for_o their_o and_o our_o encouragement_n to_o leave_v with_o they_o that_o scripture_n psal_n 9.4_o hos_fw-la 11.12_o to_o be_v they_o and_o our_o portion_n also_o but_o till_o then_o we_o do_v also_o hereby_o humble_o testify_v and_o declare_v that_o as_o they_o now_o stand_v we_o can_v have_v communion_n with_o they_o as_o otherwise_o in_o the_o uprightness_n of_o our_o heart_n we_o desire_v to_o have_v and_o shall_v much_o rejoice_v in_o be_v they_o clear_v from_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o day_n and_o withdraw_v from_o among_o those_o disorderly_a person_n till_o then_o we_o have_v just_a ground_n to_o believe_v they_o be_v in_o their_o degree_n partaker_n of_o their_o evil_n according_a to_o that_o scripture_n 1_o tim._n 5.22_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o other_o man_n sin_n keep_v thyself_o pure_a now_o to_o conclude_v and_o end_v this_o our_o testimony_n we_o do_v in_o the_o general_n and_o to_o each_o one_o say_v and_o humble_o declare_v that_o we_o can_v discern_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n rest_v in_o you_o as_o under_o those_o sin_n you_o be_v now_o guilty_a of_o and_o fall_v in_o with_o each_o one_o in_o their_o degree_n but_o ⋆_o only_a moses_n aaron_n caleb_n and_o joshua_n etc._n etc._n who_o follow_v the_o lord_n and_o have_v truth_n on_o their_o side_n and_o separate_v from_o corah_n the_o prince_n and_o famous_a man_n of_o the_o congregation_n be_v own_v by_o he_o and_o have_v the_o power_n with_o they_o as_o also_o to_o prevail_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o congregation_n may_v not_o whole_o be_v destroy_v num._n 14.19_o 20._o compare_n châ—_n 16_o 41._o to_o 50_o ca._n 262_o which_o notable_o agree_v with_o matt._n 18.18_o 19_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n again_o if_o two_o of_o you_o viz._n have_v the_o truth_n shall_v agree_v on_o earth_n as_o touch_v any_o thing_n they_o shall_v ask_v it_o shall_v be_v do_v unto_o they_o etc._n etc._n and_o upon_o this_o account_n chief_o it_o be_v that_o they_o have_v the_o power_n and_o this_o presence_n with_o they_o and_o not_o so_o much_o because_o the_o one_o be_v the_o leader_n and_o the_o other_o as_o it_o be_v the_o pastor_n of_o the_o congregation_n for_o if_o with_o the_o other_o they_o will_v have_v make_v a_o captain_n to_o return_v to_o egpt_n as_o also_o have_v stone_v caleb_n and_o joshua_n in_o all_o likelihood_n they_o have_v perish_v with_o they_o yea_o we_o find_v that_o because_o the_o do_v contrary_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n at_o the_o water_n of_o meribah_n they_o must_v die_v by_o the_o way_n and_o not_o go_v into_o the_o good_a land_n and_o the_o power_n they_o have_v deliver_v unto_o other_o and_o only_a joshua_n and_o calch_n etc._n etc._n who_o follow_v the_o lord_n full_o have_v the_o power_n and_o his_o presence_n with_o they_o numb_a 20.12_o 24_o 26._o deut._n 3.27_o compare_n chap._n 34.4_o by_o which_o it_o plain_o appear_v the_o lord_n will_v have_v the_o power_n to_o reside_v with_o those_o who_o follow_v he_o and_o have_v truth_n on_o their_o side_n though_o the_o lesser_a number_n and_o not_o with_o the_o great_a though_o the_o pastor_n be_v with_o they_o that_o be_v decline_v and_o so_o have_v not_o the_o truth_n with_o they_o we_o also_o find_v revel_v 2.7_o 9_o 10._o revel_v 3.4_o to_o 10._o that_o only_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n and_o philadelphia_n and_o the_o few_o name_n in_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n who_o follow_v the_o lord_n full_o and_o keep_v close_o to_o truth_n and_o have_v not_o desile_v their_o garment_n and_o such_o as_o overcome_v and_o keep_v close_o to_o truth_n to_o the_o end_n be_v own_a by_o jusus_n christ_n and_o shall_v inherit_v the_o promise_n but_o he_o threaten_v to_o remove_v the_o candlestick_n from_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o to_o come_v upon_o all_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n thyatira_n sardis_n though_o the_o great_a number_n as_o a_o thief_n and_o to_o fight_v against_o they_o and_o kill_v they_o with_o death_n unless_o they_o repent_v and_o return_v from_o the_o evil_n among_o they_o and_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n the_o worst_a of_o they_o all_o be_v for_o their_o lukewarmness_n threaten_v to_o be_v whole_o spew_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n revel_v 2.5_o 16_o 23._o revel_v 3._o 3_o which_o thing_n be_v not_o write_v as_o only_o belong_v to_o that_o time_n but_o be_v also_o a_o prohesie_n of_o what_o shall_v be_v among_o the_o church_n a_o little_a before_o or_o about_o the_o time_n the_o promise_n and_o prophecy_n relate_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o zion_n shall_v be_v fusil_v see_v revel_v 2.26_o 27._o revel_v 3.10_o 12_o 21._o in_o your_o poor_a unworthy_a brethren_n and_o sister_n in_o who_o name_n this_o come_v though_o the_o lesser_a number_n which_o we_o desire_v to_o mention_v with_o all_o humillty_n and_o not_o in_o vainglory_n know_v that_o we_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o be_v high_o mind_v but_o fear_v that_o such_o poor_a shrub_n as_o we_o shall_v stand_v when_o so_o many_o tall_a cedar_n fall_v it_o be_v no_o where_o record_v in_o scripture_n that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n rest_v in_o the_o great_a number_n as_o under_o that_o denomination_n but_o in_o those_o who_o according_a to_o the_o command_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n do_v withdraw_v from_o every_o brother_n that_o walk_v disorderly_a be_v they_o the_o less_o or_o the_o great_a number_n for_o where_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v the_o true-church_n power_n according_a to_o that_o in_o matt._n 16.18_o 19_o in_o these_o word_n thou_o be_v poter_fw-it and_o upon_z this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n and_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n whence_o we_o desire_v to_o observe_v that_o although_o our_o lord_n jesus_n speak_v to_o peter_n as_o a_o single_a person_n yet_o lay_v the_o weight_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o he_o not_o as_o peter_n but_o upon_o the_o truth_n whereof_o he_o make_v so_o upright_a a_o confession_n whereby_o it_o seem_v plain_a unto_o we_o that_o where_o truth_n be_v not_o only_o in_o the_o judgement_n but_o practice_n there_o be_v the_o church_n with_o the_o key_n to_o wit_v its_o power_n and_o this_o our_o brother_n sympson_n have_v former_o declare_v say_v that_o he_o shall_v judge_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o join_v with_o a_o little_a number_n be_v they_o but_o 30_o or_o 40._o in_o number_n against_o 500_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o key_n of_o the_o church_n be_v true_o there_o where_o the_o truth_n appear_v not_o only_o in_o the_o doctrine_n but_o practice_n and_o yet_o we_o will_v say_v that_o where_o the_o great_a number_n oppose_v the_o truth_n more_o caution_n be_v to_o be_v use_v more_o humility_n and_o brokenness_n of_o spirit_n manifest_v and_o much_o look_v up_o unto_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v guide_v aright_o by_o the_o seffer_n number_n wherein_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v we_o have_v be_v too_o remiss_a &_o desire_v to_o be_v humble_v before_o the_o lord_n for_o the_o same_o in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n thus_o desire_v that_o this_o out_o last_o testimony_n may_v be_v receive_v in_o love_n and_o be_v of_o that_o use_n and_o weight_n as_o to_o provoke_v you_o to_o a_o godly_a jealousy_n as_o paul_n epistle_n do_v the_o corinthian_n about_o the_o incestuous_a person_n that_o we_o may_v have_v cause_n to_o rejoice_v upon_o the_o same_o account_n as_o he_o have_v which_o can_v we_o once_o see_v we_o shall_v willing_o lie_v at_o your_o foot_n for_o truth_n sake_n and_o be_v more_o glad_a thereof_o then_o of_o our_o daily_a food_n till_o then_o we_o desire_v to_o mourn_v and_o pray_v for_o your_o return_n sign_v in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o whole_a john_n proud_a tho._n cary._n caleb_n ingold_n james_n chadwick_n humphrey_n hathorn_n john_n portman_n date_v the_o 1._o of_o the_o 7._o month_n 1657._o this_o paper_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o custody_n of_o six_o brethren_n choose_v from_o among_o we_o to_o present_v and_o deliver_v it_o according_a to_o direction_n and_o if_o it_o may_v be_v obtain_v that_o some_o one_o of_o the_o six_o may_v have_v liberty_n to_o read_v it_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o they_o all_o but_o when_o they_o come_v they_o be_v deny_v the_o
as_o they_o begin_v to_o lay_v their_o sin_n to_o their_o charge_n they_o withdraw_v themselves_o and_o come_v no_o more_o to_o they_o as_o we_o be_v since_o inform_v otherwise_o they_o have_v proceed_v further_o against_o they_o cast_v out_o of_o two_o church_n in_o wales_n upon_o the_o same_o occasion_n to_o wit_n mr._n jenkin_n jones_n &_o mr._n powell_n church_n and_o likewise_o as_o we_o hear_v another_o in_o england_n who_o name_n at_o present_a we_o have_v forget_v 13_o 13._o whether_o that_o principle_n of_o the_o congregation_n namely_o communion_n with_o saint_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o union_n with_o the_o head_n be_v not_o undue_o charge_v as_o break_v by_o we_o when_o it_o be_v not_o intend_v by_o so_o good_a and_o righteous_a a_o principle_n that_o a_o brother_n or_o sister_n shall_v take_v a_o liberty_n thereby_o as_o a_o occasion_n to_o the_o 5.13_o flesh_n to_o walk_v scandalous_o among_o saint_n and_o sinner_n for_o that_o be_v the_o corruption_n and_o not_o the_o true_a end_n of_o it_o the_o consideration_n whereof_o we_o think_v do_v lie_v with_o such_o sorrow_n upon_o our_o soul_n as_o we_o may_v true_o say_v have_v wring_v tear_n out_o of_o some_o of_o our_o hard_a heart_n we_o shall_v not_o add_v more_o at_o present_a fear_v it_o may_v be_v think_v we_o have_v be_v too_o large_a in_o this_o already_o only_o this_o that_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v nothing_o will_v content_v we_o but_o the_o sudden_a cast_v out_o of_o our_o brethren_n without_o a_o orderly_a process_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n to_o which_o end_n we_o have_v resolve_v our_o present_a withdraw_a before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o church_n we_o do_v therefore_o desire_v to_o leave_v this_o with_o you_o as_o before_o the_o lord_n that_o it_o be_v the_o least_o in_o our_o thought_n so_o to_o do_v for_o we_o hope_v that_o truth_n will_v have_v take_v so_o much_o place_n as_o that_o our_o brethren_n will_v have_v be_v admonish_v of_o their_o sin_n by_o the_o church_n and_o so_o to_o have_v withdraw_v from_o they_o if_o happy_o through_o a_o more_o narrow_a search_n into_o their_o heart_n hereby_o the_o lord_n may_v please_v out_o of_o his_o grace_n to_o discover_v this_o their_o sin_n which_o have_v and_o do_v bring_v so_o great_a dishonour_n to_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n though_o at_o present_a as_o they_o say_v unseen_a to_o they_o and_o in_o this_o work_v not_o to_o have_v count_v they_o as_o enemy_n but_o admonish_v they_o as_o brethren_n but_o so_o sudden_a a_o vote_n for_o communion_n with_o they_o lie_v under_o so_o great_a sin_n as_o we_o judge_v by_o what_o be_v offer_v that_o day_n do_v so_o amaze_v we_o that_o when_o we_o come_v out_o of_o london-house_n we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o do_v only_o some_o of_o we_o do_v then_o conclude_v to_o meet_v together_o to_o inquire_v what_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o thing_n in_o which_o way_n of_o seek_v to_o he_o we_o have_v continue_v to_o this_o day_n now_o we_o hope_v you_o will_v bear_v with_o we_o and_o put_v a_o brotherly_a interpretation_n upon_o any_o thing_n therein_o that_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o carry_v with_o it_o that_o love_n affection_n and_o gentleness_n which_o we_o desire_v from_o our_o heart_n shall_v be_v it_o not_o be_v our_o intention_n to_o justify_v ourselves_o in_o any_o evil_n but_o rather_o to_o lie_v at_o the_o lord_n and_o your_o foot_n therein_o yet_o will_v glad_o be_v find_v faithful_a to_o the_o lord_n in_o such_o a_o day_n as_o this_o when_o they_o that_o tempt_v god_n be_v deliver_v and_o they_o that_o work_v wickedness_n be_v set_v up_o yea_o he_o that_o depart_v from_o evil_n make_v himself_o a_o prey_n and_o a_o snare_n be_v lay_v for_o he_o that_o reprove_v in_o the_o gate_n thus_o we_o humble_o leave_v these_o our_o thought_n to_o your_o serious_a consideration_n hope_v that_o whatever_o our_o fail_n may_v be_v yet_o we_o shall_v not_o want_v the_o guidance_n and_o direction_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o every_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o we_o also_o trust_v that_o as_o you_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n press_v after_o that_o excellent_a grace_n of_o love_n so_o you_o may_v abound_v therein_o more_o and_o more_o in_o knowledge_n and_o in_o all_o judgement_n that_o you_o may_v approve_v thing_n that_o be_v excellent_a in_o such_o a_o day_n as_o this_o be_v sincere_a and_o without_o offence_n until_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n be_v fill_v with_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o than_o it_o will_v be_v our_o joy_n and_o rejoice_v to_o return_v unto_o you_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o judge_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o be_v wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n and_o you_o till_o his_o mind_n and_o will_v be_v further_o reveal_v concern_v we_o in_o who_o protection_n we_o leave_v you_o and_o remain_z date_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o four_o month_n 1656._o your_o poor_a destitute_a and_o mourn_a brethren_n and_o sister_n in_o some_o measure_n till_o the_o lord_n restore_v you_o to_o your_o primitive_a spirit_n of_o faith_n light_n love_n and_o zeal_n for_o his_o glory_n wherein_o you_o have_v be_v as_o a_o beacon_n upon_o the_o top_n of_o a_o mountain_n after_o some_o solemn_a wait_a upon_o the_o lord_n this_o paper_n be_v sign_v by_o threescore_o in_o number_n or_o thereabouts_o and_o be_v intend_v so_o to_o have_v be_v give_v in_o but_o be_v otherwise_o determine_v upon_o for_o these_o two_o reason_n first_o because_o in_o such_o a_o evil_a day_n as_o this_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o trust_v in_o a_o friend_n no_o not_o in_o a_o guide_n but_o to_o keep_v the_o door_n of_o our_o mouth_n from_o those_o that_o lie_v in_o our_o bosom_n if_o so_o than_o not_o to_o trust_v our_o hand_n with_o those_o who_o have_v so_o unworthy_o betray_v the_o cause_n of_o christ_n second_o it_o be_v judge_v most_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o go_v in_o person_n all_o of_o we_o be_v about_o twelve_o more_o than_o sign_v it_o and_o own_o the_o say_a paper_n which_o will_v be_v more_o authentic_a and_o less_o advantage_n give_v against_o any_o particular_a person_n and_o therefore_o a_o exact_a copy_n be_v draw_v out_o and_o carry_v unsign_v all_o of_o we_o accompany_v the_o brethren_n to_o who_o it_o be_v chief_o commit_v unto_o london-house_n the_o next_o first_o day_n after_o the_o date_n thereof_o when_o be_v come_v a_o brother_n of_o we_o stand_v up_o and_o speak_v a_o few_o word_n to_o this_o effect_n that_o we_o be_v here_o come_v to_o present_v unto_o they_o in_o brotherly_a love_n after_o solemn_a wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n a_o paper_n contain_v the_o evil_a of_o those_o person_n among_o they_o against_o who_o we_o have_v be_v so_o long_o contend_v together_o with_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o withdraw_n to_o this_o day_n which_o we_o have_v the_o more_o hasten_a to_o give_v in_o in_o regard_n we_o be_v several_a time_n urge_v thereunto_o by_o several_a brethren_n send_v by_o their_o appointment_n unto_o we_o and_o further_o desire_v that_o liberty_n may_v be_v grant_v unto_o one_o of_o the_o brethren_n by_o we_o entrust_v for_o the_o read_n of_o it_o which_o be_v not_o only_o deny_v we_o but_o much_o scruple_n raise_v by_o some_o what_o scripture-warrant_a we_o have_v to_o give_v in_o our_o dissatisfaction_n in_o write_v to_o which_o answer_n be_v make_v that_o we_o judge_v it_o our_o gospel-liberty_n to_o give_v it_o in_o by_o writing_n or_o otherwise_o as_o may_v be_v most_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n for_o by_o this_o writing_n we_o do_v give_v in_o our_o joint_a testimony_n against_o the_o present_a evil_n with_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o withdraw_n which_o we_o apprehend_v can_v not_o be_v so_o well_o do_v by_o a_o private_a brother_n or_o brethren_n in_o speak_v but_o that_o we_o may_v have_v have_v just_a ground_n of_o exception_n against_o some_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v speak_v against_o such_o brethren_n hereupon_o our_o brother_n marsh_n who_o walk_v with_o they_o say_v that_o he_o think_v it_o be_v not_o only_o our_o gospel-liberty_n but_o the_o scripture_n will_v warrant_v our_o practice_n else_o paul_n writing_n to_o the_o corinthian_n about_o the_o incestuous_a person_n be_v not_o warrantable_a but_o if_o it_o be_v than_o our_o practice_n have_v ground_n in_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o conceive_v there_o need_n be_v no_o further_o discourse_v about_o that_o and_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v that_o scruple_n in_o some_o measure_n remove_v and_o some_o way_n make_v for_o the_o read_n of_o our_o paper_n but_o not_o by_o any_o one_o of_o we_o which_o although_o we_o judge_v it_o a_o little_a unreasonable_a yet_o for_o peace_n sake_n we_o condescend_v thereunto_o
comply_v with_o our_o brethren_n lie_v under_o these_o sin_n 13.6_o be_v not_o a_o breach_n of_o the_o bond_n of_o love_n according_a to_o that_o in_o the_o corinth_n love_n rejoice_v not_o in_o iniquity_n but_o rejoice_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v the_o union_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o hold_v the_o bond_n of_o peace_n without_o purity_n according_a to_o that_o in_o james_n 3.17_o the_o wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a etc._n etc._n so_o that_o our_o present_a practice_n seem_v unto_o we_o to_o be_v a_o press_v after_o that_o grace_n of_o love_n in_o its_o true_a end_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n yea_o it_o be_v count_v by_o the_o lord_n a_o hate_v of_o our_o brother_n to_o see_v sin_n upon_o he_o and_o not_o to_o admonish_v he_o leu._n 19.17_o 17._o and_o to_o withdraw_v from_o he_o in_o cafe_z that_o admonition_n bring_v he_o not_o to_o such_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o sin_n as_o to_o forsake_v it_o 9_o 9_o whether_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o excuse_v we_o at_o the_o great_a day_n of_o the_o lord_n d_o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o query_n do_v arise_v from_o the_o great_a outcry_n make_v against_o we_o by_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o charge_v we_o with_o schism_n and_o make_v division_n in_o the_o church_n when_o our_o lord_n say_v that_o offenee_n will_v come_v but_o woe_n be_v to_o those_o by_o who_o they_o do_v come_v and_o whether_o the_o cry_a evil_a of_o the_o soldier_n have_v not_o just_o give_v offence_n and_o mr._n simpson_n and_o some_o other_o chief_o abet_v of_o they_o have_v not_o also_o add_v thereunto_o we_o leave_v unto_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n to_o judge_v and_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o a_o popish_a principle_n and_o also_o they_o do_v not_o hereby_o condemn_v their_o own_o practice_n in_o separate_n from_o the_o national_a church_n so_o call_v of_o england_n in_o say_v there_o be_v no_o withdraw_n from_o a_o brother_n walk_v disorderly_a because_o the_o mayor_n part_n of_o a_o congregation_n fall_v in_o with_o they_o and_o be_v it_o not_o the_o argument_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n at_o this_o day_n who_o say_v we_o do_v withdraw_v from_o the_o mother-church_n because_o the_o grand_a apostasy_n first_o spring_v from_o a_o true_a church_n in_o home_n who_o in_o number_n have_v all_o along_o be_v the_o mayor_n part_n that_o we_o do_v cry_v out_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v we_o when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o we_o have_v those_o among_o we_o who_o do_v defile_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n be_v holy_a and_o that_o you_o shall_v rejoice_v in_o such_o defilement_n sure_o all_o such_o rejoice_v be_v not_o good_a and_o whether_o our_o lord_n jesus_n by_o the_o evangelist_n john_n do_v not_o charge_v five_o of_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o the_o revelation_n for_o comply_v with_o sin_n yea_o one_o of_o they_o for_o their_o lukewarmness_n be_v threaten_v to_o be_v spew_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n as_o be_v a_o church_n only_o in_o name_n and_o not_o in_o deed_n and_o one_o of_o the_o other_o two_o to_o wit_n smyrna_n have_v no_o sin_n lay_v to_o their_o charge_n but_o be_v exhort_v to_o be_v faithful_a unto_o death_n and_o they_o shall_v receive_v a_o crown_n of_o life_n for_o the_o devil_n will_v cast_v some_o of_o they_o into_o prison_n now_o we_o suppose_v that_o the_o devil_n there_o it_o take_v for_o some_o of_o his_o instrument_n which_o make_v out_o that_o their_o testimony_n be_v of_o such_o a_o public_a nature_n that_o the_o power_n in_o be_v will_v take_v hold_n of_o they_o and_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v but_o that_o they_o have_v their_o sin_n of_o weakness_n though_o nothing_o be_v lay_v to_o their_o charge_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o faithfulness_n to_o some_o present_a truth_n 10_o 10._o whether_o sin_n in_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n we_o mean_v sin_n of_o scandal_n be_v not_o more_o dishonourable_a e_z if_o the_o incestuous_a person_n sin_n or_o two_o or_o three_o brethren_n commit_v the_o same_o or_o other_o sin_n be_v dishonourable_a to_o god_n then_o sure_o if_o the_o church_n who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o reprove_v &_o cast_v out_o such_o from_o among_o they_o matth._n 18_o 17._o come_v with_o 1_o cor._n 5.13_o shall_v either_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o or_o own_v they_o that_o be_v so_o their_o sin_n will_v be_v so_o much_o more_o but_o to_o come_v more_o home_n to_o our_o present_a case_n see_v numb_a chap._n 14._o chap._n 16._o where_o the_o lesser_a part_n of_o the_o congregation_n to_o wit_n moses_n aaron_n caleb_n and_o joshua_n who_o be_v press_v on_o from_o egypt_n to_o canaan_n the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o that_o generation_n be_v count_v faithful_a &_o own_v by_o he_o for_o that_o very_a cause_n but_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o conregation_n who_o say_v let_v we_o make_v a_o captain_n and_o return_v into_o egypt_n and_o will_v have_v stone_v moses_n and_o aaron_n etc._n etc._n their_o sin_n be_v so_o dishonourable_a to_o god_n and_o do_v so_o provoke_v the_o eye_n of_o his_o glory_n that_o their_o carcase_n must_v fall_v and_o not_o see_v the_o good_a land_n they_o be_v go_v into_o yea_o and_o their_o child_n after_o they_o wander_v in_o the_o wilderness_n forty_o year_n and_o in_o numb_a 16._o the_o sin_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o congregation_n in_o join_v with_o korah_n and_o the_o renown_a man_n among_o they_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o moses_n etc._n etc._n upon_o the_o forementioned_a account_n see_v verse_n 13_o 14_o be_v like_o wise_a so_o abominable_a in_o his_o fight_n that_o he_o bid_v moses_n and_o aaron_n ver_fw-la 21_o 24_o 26._o separ_fw-la te_fw-la from_o they_o and_o also_o speak_v to_o the_o congregation_n to_o depart_v from_o the_o tent_n of_o those_o wicked_a man_n and_o touch_v nothing_o of_o thew_n lest_o they_o be_v consume_v in_o all_o their_o sin_n then_o sure_o the_o wickedness_n of_o they_o in_o power_n who_o have_v indeed_o make_v a_o captain_n and_o be_v go_v back_o to_o egypt_n and_o those_o that_o uphold_v they_o while_o they_o oppose_v and_o persecute_v the_o lord_n spirit_n in_o his_o little_a remnant_n who_o be_v press_v from_o monarchy_n and_o tyranny_n towards_o the_o promise_a zion_n and_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o this_o generation_n do_v equal_a if_o not_o exceed_v the_o sin_n of_o that_o congregation_n &_o of_o korah_n &_o his_o company_n &_o it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o evil_a to_o touch_v with_o they_o or_o receive_v any_o of_o their_o thing_n upon_o that_o account_n &_o as_o dishonourable_a to_o god_n to_o stand_v by_o &_o uphold_v they_o therein_o or_o for_o church_n or_o other_o to_o own_v they_o that_o do_v so_o as_o it_o be_v to_o have_v countenance_v uphold_v or_o touch_v with_o korah_n and_o his_o company_n in_o that_o day_n to_o god_n than_o the_o like_a in_o a_o private_a brother_n or_o two_o or_o three_o brethren_n and_o how_o can_v we_o be_v say_v to_o withdraw_v from_o every_o brother_n that_o walk_v disorderly_a when_o we_o quiet_o sit_v down_o with_o the_o church_n that_o own_v they_o in_o their_o sin_n as_o we_o conceive_v and_o do_v break_v bread_n with_o and_o prophesy_v among_o they_o for_o we_o can_v see_v how_o this_o will_v hold_v before_o the_o lord_n when_o we_o be_v to_o avoid_v every_o appearance_n of_o evil_n 11_o 11._o whether_o to_o acquiess_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o church_n concern_v sin_n though_o a_o restimony_n have_v be_v bear_v against_o it_o be_v not_o something_o of_o the_o relic_n of_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n and_o in_o process_n of_o time_n may_v not_o bring_v we_o under_o this_o maxim_n to_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v though_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o tender_a and_o careful_a how_o we_o proceed_v in_o such_o a_o business_n that_o we_o be_v upright_o in_o heart_n before_o the_o lord_n earnest_o seek_v to_o he_o for_o direction_n and_o counsel_n 12_o 12._o whether_o our_o brethren_n that_o wear_v the_o sword_n be_v not_o to_o be_v charge_v with_o schism_n &_o make_v a_o rent_n in_o the_o church_n have_v through_o their_o just_a offence_n give_v to_o many_o brethren_n and_o sister_n in_o the_o congregation_n and_o many_o other_o choice_a saint_n in_o the_o nation_n make_v division_n among_o we_o and_o as_o we_o hear_v several_a other_o stand_v in_o the_o like_a quality_n with_o they_o have_v be_v f_o there_o be_v a_o mistake_n about_o the_o soldier_n mentionend_v in_o this_o query_n as_o cast_v our_o of_o two_o congregation_n in_o wales_n for_o so_o soon_o
upon_o our_o heart_n to_o have_v deliver_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n shall_v be_v do_v in_o writing_n as_o well_o for_o your_o sake_n as_o in_o discharge_n of_o our_o own_o duty_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o we_o entreat_v that_o you_o will_v suffer_v we_o hereby_o to_o plead_v a_o little_a with_o you_o for_o truth_n sake_n and_o we_o hope_v it_o be_v unfeigned_o upon_o our_o heart_n to_o lay_v your_o great_a sin_n before_o you_o from_o some_o sense_n of_o the_o great_a dishonour_n bring_v unto_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o you_o and_o let_v these_o line_n be_v patient_o read_v through_o before_o you_o judge_v you_o poor_a unworthy_a brethren_n and_o sister_n for_o we_o can_v true_o say_v that_o we_o disire_v to_o mourn_v and_o groan_v in_o secret_a for_o you_o as_o well_o as_o for_o our_o own_o weakness_n and_o this_o be_v some_o part_n of_o our_o joy_n that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n many_o of_o we_o have_v be_v by_o the_o space_n of_o two_o year_n and_o upward_o endeavour_v to_o get_v your_o foot_n as_o well_o as_o our_o own_o out_o of_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o apostasy_n of_o this_o day_n have_v compassion_n of_o you_o as_o of_o our_o own_o soul_n for_o we_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n persuade_v that_o some_o eminent_a hand_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v manifest_v in_o due_a time_n to_o distinguish_v between_o those_o that_o serve_v he_o faithful_o and_o those_o that_o serve_v he_o not_o in_o the_o first_o place_n therefore_o we_o pray_v you_o to_o consider_v the_o six_o great_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n lay_v to_o the_o charâ—g_n of_o the_o brethren_n among_o you_o wear_v the_o sword_n which_o for_o brevity_n sake_n we_o shall_v here_o only_o mention_v refer_v you_o to_o our_o paper_n already_o give_v in_o for_o a_o more_o particular_a knowledge_n thereof_o wherein_o we_o desire_v the_o scripture_n in_o the_o margin_n may_v be_v diligent_o peruse_v and_o some_o remembrance_n have_v of_o what_o the_o lord_n do_v enable_v we_o to_o speak_v from_o they_o when_o our_o paper_n be_v debate_v in_o the_o church_n although_o it_o be_v very_o well_o know_v so_o much_o liberty_n be_v hardly_o obtain_v first_o treason_n against_o christ_n as_o king_n and_o prophet_n of_o his_o people_n and_o king_n of_o nation_n also_o for_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o late_a war_n do_v run_v in_o that_o channel_n likewise_o against_o the_o faithful_a and_o well-affected_n in_o this_o nation_n who_o liberty_n and_o they_o be_v make_v bondslave_n to_o their_o brethren_n though_o some_o blood_n be_v spill_v and_o treasure_n spend_v to_o obtain_v it_o our_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o late_a tyrant_n second_o convenant-breaking_a and_o false_a swear_n have_v engage_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o people_n to_o perform_v the_o good_a promise_v on_o the_o behalf_n of_o christ_n his_o people_n and_o the_o nation_n which_o be_v now_o break_v in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o sun_n three_o oppression_n by_o 1654._o tithe_n tax_n etc._n etc._n upon_o the_o body_n and_o conscience_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n and_o the_o well-affected_a the_o nation_n at_o this_o day_n four_o persecution_n of_o saint_n many_o of_o the_o lord_n people_n have_v be_v and_o some_o be_v still_o imprison_v for_o their_o testimony_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o lord_n his_o cause_n and_o the_o nation_n liberty_n and_o therein_o the_o soldier_n be_v altogether_o active_a there_o be_v no_o rule_n not_o so_o much_o as_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n to_o justify_v their_o practice_n by_o civil_a officer_n five_o maintain_v antichristian_a law_n statute_n and_o custom_n contrary_a to_o former_a engagement_n and_o declaration_n by_o which_o the_o saint_n of_o old_a have_v suffer_v and_o some_o do_v now_o suffer_v at_o this_o very_a day_n six_o hereby_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o righteous_a be_v great_o grieve_v for_o that_o brethren_n at_o least_o profess_v themselves_o so_o to_o be_v shall_v be_v active_a in_o abet_v and_o support_v so_o great_a wikedness_n that_o these_o sin_n be_v plain_o prove_v against_o our_o brethren_n wear_v the_o sword_n now_o among_o you_o be_v very_o manifest_a not_o only_o in_o general_n but_o also_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n particular_o and_o therefore_o shall_v leave_v it_o unto_o the_o lord_n who_o judge_v righteous_o yet_o we_o do_v hereby_o humble_o admonish_v they_o of_o their_o evil_n as_o be_v very_o great_a and_o scandalous_a after_o this_o there_o be_v lay_v down_o several_a query_n how_o we_o be_v in_o duty_n bind_v to_o withdraw_v from_o they_o and_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n to_o admonish_v and_o withdraw_v from_o yourselves_o as_o be_v partaker_n with_o they_o have_v make_v yourselves_o m_o guilty_a for_o they_o be_v hereby_o encourage_v to_o keep_v their_o place_n whereby_o the_o man_n in_o power_n be_v encourage_v to_o go_v on_o in_o his_o apostasy_n and_o to_o judge_v himself_o in_o pretence_n at_o least_o to_o be_v in_o a_o good_a condition_n for_o when_o he_o have_v be_v tell_v that_o he_o have_v not_o the_o love_n of_o good_a people_n as_o former_o and_o that_o many_o be_v grieve_v at_o his_o present_a action_n he_o reply_v they_o be_v but_o a_o few_o inconsiderable_a people_n who_o be_v dissatisfy_v for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o honest_a man_n in_o the_o army_n and_o church_n be_v for_o he_o and_o approve_v of_o what_o he_o have_v do_v which_o approhension_n be_v beget_v by_o member_n of_o church_n and_o other_o professor_n hold_v place_n under_o he_o for_o while_o they_o do_v so_o their_o tongue_n be_v tie_v that_o they_o dare_v not_o open_o speak_v their_o mind_n though_o they_o real_o apprehend_v yea_o and_o will_v to_o some_o confess_v that_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n be_v out_o of_o course_n and_o be_v not_o so_o honest_a as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o strait_n they_o declare_v they_o shall_v be_v wherefore_o do_v be_v not_o concern_v the_o church_n to_o take_v heed_n how_o they_o encourage_v those_o by_o continue_v they_o among_o they_o who_o abet_v and_o uphold_v the_o present_a apostasy_n lest_o they_o become_v guilty_a thereof_o themselves_o and_o incur_v the_o lord_n displeasure_n for_o so_o do_v guilty_a of_o their_o iniquity_n by_o your_o vote_n of_o communion_n with_o they_o and_o this_o we_o do_v in_o obedience_n to_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o have_v command_v we_o to_o withdraw_v from_o every_o brother_n that_o walk_v disorderly_a though_o herein_o we_o will_v distinguish_v between_o such_o of_o our_o brethren_n &_o sister_n as_o do_v plead_v for_o encourage_v and_o support_v they_o in_o their_o evil_n and_o other_o who_o for_o want_v of_o a_o true_a knowledge_n &_o understanding_n thereof_o together_o with_o the_o overaw_n of_o some_o among_o you_o as_o we_o fear_v be_v notwithstanding_o in_o their_o degree_n also_o become_v partaker_n with_o they_o in_o their_o evil_n and_o here_o desire_v so_o far_o to_o digress_v as_o to_o answer_v one_o objection_n namely_o that_o our_o brethren_n the_o soldier_n desire_v leave_v to_o go_v off_o from_o we_o before_o we_o procee_v so_o far_o as_o now_o we_o have_v but_o we_o will_v not_o to_o which_o we_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v their_o sin_n be_v very_o scandalous_a and_o if_o so_o such_o a_o practice_n will_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n direct_v in_o such_o case_n that_o if_o a_o brother_n or_o brethren_n offend_v to_o admonish_v they_o particular_o then_o more_o public_o as_o he_o or_o they_o be_v find_v to_o persevere_v in_o their_o sin_n that_o if_o the_o lord_n will_v they_o may_v see_v their_o evil_n and_o repent_v and_o not_o suffer_v they_o to_o go_v off_o without_o knowledge_n of_o their_o evil_n for_o if_o they_o shall_v it_o may_v prove_v to_o the_o harden_v of_o their_o heart_n and_o consequent_o to_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o soul_n indeed_o to_o have_v let_v they_o go_v off_o will_v have_v be_v much_o more_o easy_a to_o we_o and_o please_v to_o the_o flesh_n for_o we_o do_v in_o some_o measure_n foresee_v how_o hard_o it_o will_v be_v in_o this_o rough_a path_n to_o follow_v the_o lord_n full_o yet_o we_o take_v comfort_n in_o this_o that_o our_o cause_n be_v of_o god_n and_o our_o heart_n we_o trust_v in_o the_o main_a upright_a therein_o now_o we_o shall_v proceed_v to_o give_v you_o a_o short_a account_n how_o the_o lord_n have_v lead_v we_o since_o our_o say_a withdraw_v wherein_o it_o will_v be_v manifest_a if_o the_o lord_n give_v you_o a_o spirit_n of_o discern_a that_o we_o have_v to_o this_o day_n be_v patient_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n and_o you_o to_o the_o end_n that_o if_o it_o have_v please_v our_o heavenly_a father_n it_o may_v have_v put_v you_o upon_o inquiry_n how_o far_o you_o be_v become_v
faithful_o and_o plain_o with_o he_o in_o set_v his_o sin_n before_o he_o the_o lord_n be_v still_o very_o gracious_a and_o favourable_a unto_o i_o oh_o bless_v the_o lord_n with_o i_o for_o his_o unspeakable_a grace_n to_o i_o in_o account_v i_o worthy_a to_o suffer_v any_o thing_n for_o christ_n in_o bear_v witness_n against_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n which_o fight_v against_o his_o glory_n and_o interest_n when_o i_o consider_v what_o a_o base_a vild_a filthy_a creature_n the_o lord_n have_v honour_v in_o call_v he_o to_o suffer_v any_o thing_n for_o he_o my_o soul_n be_v melt_v and_o humble_v within_o i_o i_o do_v plain_o perceive_v a_o plot_n of_o divine_a love_n in_o bring_v i_o unto_o this_o place_n jehovah_n be_v here_o fit_v i_o for_o some_o other_o service_n i_o have_v not_o have_v such_o a_o constant_a uninterrupted_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o glorious_a light_n love_n and_o joy_n all_o the_o day_n of_o my_o life_n as_o i_o can_v remember_v as_o i_o have_v have_v since_o i_o come_v hither_o oh_o how_o sweet_a be_v communion_n with_o christ_n in_o a_o prison_n i_o shall_v be_v vile_a than_o the_o vild_a upon_o earth_n if_o i_o do_v not_o prefer_v these_o spiritual_a enjoyment_n before_o all_o the_o pleasure_n riches_n and_o honour_n of_o a_o thousand_o world_n i_o be_o now_o wrestle_v with_o god_n night_n and_o day_n for_o his_o spirit_n for_o myself_o and_o all_o saint_n o_o help_v i_o in_o your_o prayer_n that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v ashamed_a for_o wait_v upon_o he_o for_o his_o spirit_n of_o a_o truth_n the_o spirit_n be_v at_o the_o 62._o door_n i_o shall_v receive_v he_o more_o glorious_o than_o yet_o i_o have_v receive_v he_o for_o the_o present_a the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v precious_a there_o be_v no_o open_a vission_n 1_o sam._n 3.4_o god_n call_v to_o we_o as_o he_o do_v unto_o samuel_n but_o we_o know_v not_o infallible_o and_o in_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n who_o it_o be_v that_o speak_v unless_o it_o be_v concern_v our_o salvation_n but_o he_o will_v speak_v and_o we_o shall_v know_v that_o it_o be_v he_o that_o speak_v in_o we_o isa_n 52.6_o he_o have_v speak_v unto_o we_o in_o as_o it_o be_v parable_n but_o he_o be_v show_v we_o plain_o of_o the_o father_n john_n 16.25_o the_o spirit_n will_v show_v we_o thing_n to_o come_v john_n 16.13_o i_o be_o persuade_v particular_o concern_v myself_o that_o i_o shall_v receive_v some_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o i_o have_v not_o yet_o receive_v if_o you_o shall_v desire_v to_o know_v the_o ground_n of_o this_o persuasion_n i_o shall_v lay_v they_o down_o i_o be_o not_o afraid_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v try_v first_o i_o have_v a_o spirit_n in_o this_o thing_n to_o teach_v me self_o denial_n i_o do_v plain_o see_v that_o no_o strength_n or_o endeavour_n of_o my_o own_o will_v do_v any_o thing_n i_o must_v be_v dead_a unto_o they_o a_o faith_n of_o my_o own_o work_n will_v not_o remove_v a_o molehill_n power_n must_v be_v give_v in_o by_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o glorify_v of_o his_o name_n mark_v 6.7_o second_o i_o do_v expect_v spiritual_a gift_n by_o the_o gospel_n and_o not_o by_o the_o law_n gal._n 3.2_o though_o i_o have_v be_v a_o vile_a creature_n yet_o the_o lord_n jesus_n ascend_v that_o he_o may_v give_v gift_n to_o the_o rebellious_a three_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n will_v shine_v more_o glorious_o in_o give_v gift_n unto_o i_o by_o so_o much_o as_o i_o have_v be_v vild_a than_o other_o saint_n before_o and_o since_o my_o conversion_n rom._n 5.20_o four_o i_o have_v faith_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v come_v unto_o note_n some_o saint_n to_o inform_v they_o concern_v the_o work_n of_o their_o generation_n as_o it_o do_v unto_o isaiah_n jeremiah_n agabus_n and_o other_o because_o god_n will_v do_v nothing_o but_o he_o will_v reveal_v it_o unto_o his_o servant_n the_o prophet_n amos_n 3.6_o five_o many_o saint_n do_v pray_v that_o god_n will_v fill_v i_o with_o his_o spirit_n and_o do_v believe_v that_o god_n will_v hear_v their_o prayer_n for_o i_o and_o i_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o it_o shall_v be_v unto_o i_o according_a to_o my_o faith_n sixthly_a i_o be_o command_v to_o covet_v earnest_o the_o best_a gift_n which_o by_o grace_n i_o do_v and_o shall_v do_v by_o the_o help_n of_o your_o prayer_n 1_o cor._n 12.31_o seven_o i_o be_o humble_v for_o anything_o of_o flesh_n which_o may_v move_v i_o to_o desire_v the_o spirit_n and_o i_o desire_v gift_n in_o the_o spirit_n upon_o this_o account_n 1_o cor._n 10.31_o that_o the_o father_n may_v be_v glorify_v in_o the_o son_n eight_o i_o look_v upon_o christ_n as_o powerful_a so_o that_o he_o be_v able_a as_o gracious_a so_o that_o he_o be_v willing_a as_o true_a so_o that_o he_o will_v be_v faithful_a in_o make_v good_a that_o promise_n john_n 14.13_o 14._o which_o i_o have_v by_o grace_n apply_v in_o this_o particular_a case_n whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v in_o my_o name_n that_o will_v i_o do_v that_o the_o father_n may_v be_v glorify_v in_o the_o son_n if_o you_o shall_v ask_v any_o thing_n in_o my_o name_n i_o will_v do_v it_o christ_n can_v be_v unfaithful_a john_n 14.15.16_o nine_o christ_n say_v if_o you_o love_v i_o keep_v my_o commandment_n and_o i_o will_v pray_v the_o father_n and_o he_o shall_v give_v you_o another_o comforter_n that_o he_o may_v abide_v with_o you_o for_o ever_o i_o believe_v therefore_o have_v i_o speak_v say_v the_o psalmist_n psal_n 116.10_o so_o say_v i_o i_o do_v believe_v therefore_o have_v i_o write_v these_o thing_n unto_o you_o and_o the_o god_n of_o bowel_n will_v never_o cover_v i_o with_o shame_n for_o make_v this_o profession_n of_o my_o faith_n in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o saint_n i_o have_v be_v sensible_o present_a with_o you_o in_o the_o spirit_n though_o i_o be_o in_o body_n absent_a from_o you_o and_o i_o hope_v that_o when_o god_n shall_v bring_v i_o again_o unto_o you_o that_o i_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o mean_a while_o i_o shall_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n make_v my_o supplication_n for_o you_o at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o you_o may_v flourish_v in_o faith_n grow_v in_o love_n abound_v in_o lively_a hope_n and_o that_o the_o peace_n which_o christ_n have_v bequeath_v his_o disciple_n may_v be_v with_o you_o and_o shall_v beg_v your_o prayer_n for_o i_o night_n and_o day_n that_o the_o father_n of_o light_n from_o who_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n come_v may_v give_v the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o i_o expect_v who_o by_o grace_n may_v subscribe_v myself_o your_o servant_n in_o christ_n and_o a_o waiter_n in_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o spirit_n john_n sympson_n from_o windsor_n the_o place_n of_o my_o great_a liberty_n and_o imprisonment_n the_o 9_o day_n of_o the_o 12_o month_n 1653._o this_o be_v a_o true_a copy_n of_o the_o original_a examine_v by_o we_o tho._n cary._n john_n clements_n dear_a brethren_n when_o i_o resolve_v to_o write_v unto_o you_o i_o be_v think_v with_o myself_o unto_o what_o church_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n i_o may_v compare_v you_o if_o i_o have_v compare_v you_o to_o smyrna_n and_o philadelphia_n which_o be_v not_o reprove_v but_o commend_v by_o jesus_n christ_n you_o may_v have_v conclude_v that_o i_o do_v flatter_v you_o if_o i_o have_v compare_v you_o to_o laodicea_n some_o may_v have_v think_v that_o i_o have_v wrong_v they_o and_o therefore_o i_o think_v that_o i_o can_v more_o true_o speak_v of_o you_o as_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n then_o by_o acknowledge_v that_o some_o of_o the_o good_a thing_n for_o which_o some_o of_o those_o church_n be_v commend_v may_v be_v find_v among_o you_o and_o that_o some_o of_o the_o bad_a thing_n for_o which_o some_o of_o those_o church_n be_v blame_v may_v be_v find_v among_o some_o of_o you_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o christ_n have_v somewhat_o against_o some_o of_o you_o rev._n 2.4_o because_o you_o have_v leave_v and_o in_o part_n lose_v your_o first_o love_n which_o you_o have_v to_o christ_n his_o gospel_n and_o people_n the_o lord_n awaken_v you_o and_o help_v you_o to_o recover_v that_o unfeigned_a repentance_n lively_a faith_n flame_a affection_n and_o soul-ravishing_a hope_n which_o once_o you_o have_v what_o have_v you_o find_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o world_n which_o can_v countervail_v the_o loss_n of_o those_o sweet_a and_o heavenly_a enjoyment_n which_o once_o you_o have_v in_o god_n return_v unto_o your_o first_o husband_n for_o than_o be_v it_o better_a with_o you_o then_o now_o hosea_n 2.7_o
the_o accomplishment_n of_o what_o be_v behind_o it_o be_v sweet_a to_o i_o now_o in_o this_o confinement_n to_o consider_v that_o i_o have_v a_o hint_n of_o these_o thing_n by_o intellectual_a vision_n or_o dream_n before_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o a_o slumber_n about_o worcester_n business_n i_o see_v great_a o_o lie_v upon_o the_o ground_n with_o most_o of_o his_o great_a officer_n and_o their_o mouth_n stop_v with_o clay_n by_o which_o i_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o act_v any_o more_o for_o christ_n or_o fetch_v breath_n in_o his_o cause_n which_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v before_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o long_o sit_v parliament_n in_o a_o dream_n i_o behold_v some_o lusty_a fellow_n bind_v a_o old_a man_n who_o when_o he_o be_v bind_v his_o cord_n do_v break_v but_o he_o be_v so_o feeble_a that_o he_o can_v not_o rise_v again_o and_o present_o after_o they_o have_v leave_v he_o they_o catch_v hold_v of_o i_o and_o apprehend_v i_o it_o be_v give_v in_o that_o the_o parliament_n be_v the_o old_a man_n and_o that_o after_o they_o have_v dissolve_v the_o parliament_n they_o shall_v persecute_v i_o which_o i_o charge_v upon_o the_o memory_n of_o some_o friend_n to_o remember_v i_o scarce_o know_v how_o to_o speak_v of_o these_o thing_n because_o some_o may_v think_v that_o i_o speak_v in_o wrath_n when_o i_o speak_v upon_o a_o more_o noble_a account_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n but_o let_v truth_n be_v speak_v though_o i_o suffer_v in_o the_o opinion_n of_o some_o saint_n i_o shall_v conclude_v with_o desire_v your_o prayer_n for_o these_o thing_n first_o that_o i_o may_v oppose_v the_o enemy_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o not_o i_o hate_v their_o way_n yet_o love_v their_o person_n as_o my_o own_o second_o that_o i_o may_v pray_v in_o faith_n with_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 119.134_o deliver_v i_o from_o the_o oppression_n of_o man_n so_o will_v i_o keep_v thy_o precept_n three_o that_o god_n may_v strike_v my_o strong_a corruption_n under_o the_o five_o rib_n by_o this_o imprisonment_n four_o that_o god_n will_v anoint_v i_o with_o fresh_a oil_n to_o preach_v and_o baptise_v five_o that_o god_n will_v teach_v i_o to_o see_v how_o far_o my_o suffering_n may_v be_v account_v a_o martyrdom_n in_o relation_n to_o christ_n good_a cause_n and_o a_o judgement_n in_o relation_n to_o my_o unprofitable_a walk_n before_o god_n and_o his_o people_n for_o the_o same_o suffering_n may_v be_v a_o martyrdom_n for_o christ_n and_o a_o judgement_n to_o our_o flesh_n 1._o pet._n 4.16_o 17._o the_o lord_n enable_v you_o to_o ask_v these_o thing_n in_o faith_n and_o thorough_o enable_v you_o to_o every_o good_a work_n through_o christ_n to_o who_o be_v glory_n everlasting_o amen_n j.s._n from_o the_o old_a steeple_n 4_o month_n 3d._o day_n 1654._o this_o a_o true_a copy_n of_o the_o original_a examine_v by_o we_o tho._n cary._n john_n clements_n several_a objection_n against_o the_o print_n and_o publish_v of_o the_o aforementioned_a transaction_n relate_v to_o our_o withdraw_a and_o separation_n from_o the_o soldier_n and_o mr._n simpson_n etc._n etc._n as_o also_o mr._n simpson_n letter_n weigh_v scan_v and_o answer_v we_o find_v a_o certain_a rule_n in_o scripture_n that_o where_o a_o brother_n or_o brethren_n walk_v disorderly_a they_o be_v to_o be_v adminish_v and_o withdraw_v from_o 2_o thes_n 3.6_o and_o in_o case_n of_o perseverance_n in_o their_o evil_n after_o admonition_n to_o he_o saparate_v from_o and_o all_o church_n relation_n disow_v with_o they_o according_a to_o mat._n 18.15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o cor._n 5_o 5.2_o cor._n 6.17.2_o tim._n 3.5_o and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v they_o be_v to_o be_v unto_o we_o as_o those_o that_o be_v without_o but_o we_o see_v no_o scripture_n warrant_v lead_v we_o to_o publish_v the_o sin_n and_o evil_a practice_n of_o such_o person_n but_o rather_o to_o leave_v they_o unto_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v convert_v or_o otherwise_o as_o he_o in_o his_o secret_a will_n have_v determine_v yea_o it_o seem_v to_o we_o rather_o to_o savour_v of_o malice_n and_o revenge_n then_o of_o a_o gospel_n frame_v of_o spirit_n answ_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v for_o the_o make_v a_o right_a answer_n to_o this_o objection_n which_o we_o desire_v may_v be_v weigh_v first_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sin_n such_o person_n be_v guilty_a of_o that_o be_v to_o say_v whether_o it_o be_v of_o u._fw-mi private_a or_o public_a concernment_n for_o according_o the_o lord_n be_v either_o more_o or_o less_o dishonour_v and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n speak_v concern_v some_o in_o this_o kind_n i_o tim._n 5.20_o in_o these_o word_n they_o that_o sin_n rebuke_v before_o all_o that_o other_o may_v fear_v pain_o intimate_v that_o if_o person_n who_o be_v call_v brethren_n have_v such_o forehead_n of_o brass_n as_o to_o commit_v sin_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o sun_n whereby_o god_n be_v not_o only_o dishonour_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o sin_n itself_o but_o other_o undo_v thereby_o as_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o soldier_n be_v by_o treason_n false-swearing_a oppression_n &c_n &c_n and_o that_o not_o to_o the_o ruin_n of_o a_o few_o but_o the_o whole_a nation_n yea_o to_o the_o crucify_a and_o destroy_v of_o the_o cause_n and_o interest_n christ_n contend_v for_o in_o the_o late_a war_n with_o the_o loss_n of_o so_o much_o precious_a blood_n we_o do_v then_o conceive_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v rebuke_v before_o all_o that_o the_o nation_n against_o who_o they_o have_v sin_v may_v know_v that_o we_o disow_v such_o wicked_a practice_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n much_o more_o of_o grace_n which_o be_v also_o the_o more_o to_o be_v weigh_v in_o regard_n that_o public_a sin_n bring_v public_a judgement_n so_o do_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o 1.4_o ruler_n in_o israel_n upon_o the_o whole_a mation_n and_o therefore_o pilate_n himself_o be_v forewarn_v by_o his_o wife_n not_o to_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o the_o death_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n be_v a_o innocent_a person_n without_o doubt_n do_v foresee_v how_o sad_a it_o will_v be_v with_o the_o nation_n upon_o that_o account_n and_o therefore_o 24_o take_v water_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o whole_a court_n and_o publish_v before_o they_o all_o that_o he_o will_v have_v no_o hand_n in_o his_o death_n and_o what_o a_o judgement_n have_v there_o be_v upon_o the_o jew_n ever_o since_o for_o that_o public_a sin_n and_o how_o do_v the_o apostle_n afterward_o testify_v against_o the_o ruler_n public_o for_o their_o sin_n in_o so_o do_v and_o if_o lawful_a to_o speak_v in_o that_o manner_n against_o they_o then_o certain_o it_o can_v but_o be_v as_o lawful_a to_o write_v in_o the_o next_o place_n as_o the_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v so_o the_o estate_n quality_n and_o officer_n of_o such_o person_n who_o commit_v it_o and_o herein_o also_o sin_n be_v the_o more_o aggravate_v for_o when_o soldier_n or_o magistrate_n have_v profess_v before_o god_n angel_n and_o man_n what_o they_o will_v appear_v do_v for_o christ_n his_o glory_n and_o poor_a afflict_a people_n in_o administer_a of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n relieve_v the_o oppress_a and_o break_a yoke_n as_o also_o to_o improve_v all_o their_o military_a &_o civil_a power_n for_o the_o same_o whereunto_o they_o be_v call_v and_o entrust_v both_o by_o god_n and_o man_n shall_v instead_o thereof_o take_v the_o crown_n from_o off_o christ_n head_n and_o put_v it_o upon_o their_o own_o and_o make_v use_n of_o their_o power_n and_o force_v to_o oppress_v a_o nation_n and_o do_v violence_n to_o all_o that_o will_v not_o bow_v down_o to_o their_o lust_n also_o maintain_v antichristian_a law_n to_o force_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n and_o all_o this_o contrary_a to_o their_o profess_a and_o declare_v light_n which_o be_v the_o more_o considerable_a in_o regard_n they_o have_v be_v instrument_n in_o the_o lord_n hand_n to_o pull_v down_o the_o late_a king_n with_o his_o son_n &_o other_o abettor_n for_o the_o like_a abomination_n now_o commit_v by_o themselves_o we_o then_o do_v humble_o apprehend_v that_o not_o only_o a_o personal_a but_o national_a reproof_n be_v to_o be_v give_v they_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o offence_n and_o the_o capacity_n wherein_o they_o stand_v so_o that_o it_o seem_v to_o we_o not_o only_o to_o be_v our_o gospel_n liberty_n but_o our_o gospel_n duty_n to_o publish_v by_o whrit_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o soldier_n with_o their_o abettor_n objection_n the_o aforesaid_a scripture_n although_o it_o speak_v full_a as_o to_o their_o be_v rebuke_v before_o all_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o offence_n with_o the_o capacity_n wherein_o they_o stand_v which_o we_o must_v
confess_v do_v weigh_v in_o the_o ballane_n of_o truth_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o publish_v their_o sin_n by_o writing_n and_o therefore_o we_o will_v glad_o hear_v what_o scripture_n you_o have_v for_o the_o same_o answer_v in_o case_n it_o appear_v that_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o the_o capacity_n they_o stand_v in_o they_o can_v be_v rebuke_v before_o all_o but_o by_o publish_v they_o by_o writing_n than_o we_o think_v it_o can_v be_v suppose_v but_o that_o it_o be_v our_o gospel_n liberty_n so_o to_o do_v or_o otherwise_o as_o may_v most_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o their_o folly_n be_v manifest_a to_o all_o they_o may_v proceed_v no_o further_o else_o how_o come_v paul_n epistle_n about_o the_o incestuous_a person_n to_o be_v publish_v sure_o none_o will_v judge_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v write_v out_o of_o malice_n or_o revenge_n but_o further_o we_o desire_v more_o particular_o that_o that_o scripture_n in_o isa_n 30.1_o 2._o and_o 8._o verse_n 49._o together_o with_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o margin_n may_v be_v compare_v and_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o the_o sin_n of_o israel_n in_o that_o day_n run_v parallel_v as_o face_n answer_v to_o face_n in_o a_o glass_n with_o the_o sin_n of_o our_o day_n as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o very_a time_n he_o prophesy_v of_o in_o the_o first_o and_o second_o verse_n after_o he_o have_v lay_v down_o their_o sin_n with_o the_o aggravation_n of_o it_o he_o be_v command_v in_o the_o eigh_a verse_n to_o write_v it_o in_o a_o table_n and_o note_v it_o in_o a_o book_n that_o it_o may_v be_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o and_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o soldier_n in_o this_o day_n seem_v to_o run_v in_o a_o line_n with_o the_o sin_n of_o israel_n in_o that_o day_n and_o without_o doubt_v the_o prophet_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v direct_v to_o foresee_v our_o very_a day_n that_o what_o he_o then_o write_v may_v be_v a_o word_n of_o instruction_n for_o after_o age_n for_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v write_v aforetime_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n etc._n etc._n rom._n 5.4_o object_n the_o end_n of_o paul_n writing_n about_o the_o incestuous_a person_n be_v not_o so_o much_o about_o publish_v by_o write_v the_o sin_n of_o such_o a_o person_n or_o person_n in_o the_o like_a manner_n guilty_a but_o rather_o for_o direction_n unto_o the_o church_n how_o they_o ought_v to_o proceed_v against_o person_n guilty_a of_o such_o gross_a sin_n because_o a_o little_a leaven_n leaven_v the_o whole_a lump_n and_o for_o that_o scripture_n in_o isa_n though_o it_o be_v full_a unto_o the_o purpose_n for_o which_o it_o be_v urge_v yet_o we_o conceive_v he_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a command_n for_o it_o also_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v national_a it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o publish_v their_o sin_n in_o the_o church_n answ_n we_o do_v grant_v as_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o objection_n that_o one_o end_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o give_v direction_n how_o brethren_n in_o church_n relation_n guilty_a of_o gross_a sin_n aught_o to_o be_v proceed_v against_o yet_o this_o do_v no_o way_n weaken_v the_o other_o end_n the_o apostle_n may_v have_v in_o leave_v this_o epistle_n upon_o record_n that_o if_o god_n may_v be_v glorify_v by_o it_o to_o publish_v by_o write_v the_o sin_n of_o such_o person_n for_o generation_n to_o come_v which_o be_v compare_v with_o that_o in_o the_o 30._o of_o isa_n aforemention_v seem_v unto_o we_o strong_o to_o warrant_v such_o a_o practice_n and_o although_o it_o be_v urge_v in_o the_o objection_n that_o what_o isaiah_n write_v be_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a spirit_n and_o unto_o the_o jew_n as_o a_o national_a church_n so_o be_v all_o the_o scripture_n write_v with_o a_o extraordinary_a spirit_n wherein_o be_v some_o thing_n for_o our_o positive_a rule_n and_o the_o rest_n as_o word_n of_o instruction_n for_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o after_o age_n that_o they_o may_v with_o that_o ordinary_a portion_n of_o the_o spirit_n give_v forth_o unto_o they_o with_o the_o help_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v thorough_o furnish_v to_o every_o good_a work_n and_o for_o what_o be_v further_o urge_v that_o it_o be_v a_o church_n act_n they_o be_v a_o national_a church_n that_o we_o conceive_v be_v a_o mistake_n or_o at_o least_o much_o shorten_n the_o scope_n of_o the_o spirit_n thereby_o intend_v for_o in_o the_o 9_o verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n the_o prophet_n be_v direct_v to_o write_v down_o their_o transgression_n not_o only_o as_o a_o church_n but_o as_o a_o 17._o nation_n in_o these_o word_n this_o be_v a_o rebellious_a people_n there_o be_v their_o national_a state_n and_o in_o the_o next_o word_n lie_v child_n there_o be_v their_o church_n state_n so_o that_o we_o conceive_v this_o scripture_n stand_v firm_a and_o unanswerable_a object_n be_v not_o ham_n noah_n son_n reprove_v for_o uncover_v his_o father_n nakedness_n though_o guilty_a of_o the_o sin_n of_o drunkenness_n gen._n 9.22_o and_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v publish_v this_o scripture_n will_v reprove_v we_o for_o have_v not_o mr._n sympson_n be_v as_o a_o father_n unto_o we_o answ_n noah_n sin_n be_v private_a commit_v in_o his_o cent_n noah_n sin_n be_v not_o wilful_a but_o ignorant_o for_o he_o be_v the_o first_o that_o plant_v a_o vine_n as_o we_o read_v of_o be_v 22._o drink_v with_o the_o wine_n not_o know_v the_o strength_n thereof_o also_o ham_n uncovered_v his_o father_n nakedness_n before_o fore_o he_o have_v humble_o lay_v his_o evil_n before_o his_o father_n for_o else_o we_o conceive_v that_o if_o noah_n have_v persevere_v to_o justify_v himself_o after_o admonition_n once_o and_o again_o as_o the_o soldier_n and_o mr._n sympson_n do_v and_o continue_v in_o their_o evil_n ham_n will_v not_o then_o have_v be_v charge_v with_o uncover_v his_o father_n nakedness_n now_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o soldier_n be_v a_o national_a sin_n in_o turn_v aside_o to_o the_o old_a abomination_n after_o many_o out-going_n of_o god_n to_o the_o pull_v they_o down_o and_o solemn_a declaration_n engagement_n and_o promise_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o for_o master_n sympson_n we_o conceive_v that_o in_o publish_v his_o letter_n we_o rather_o cover_v then_o uncover_v he_o by_o hold_v forth_o to_o the_o view_n of_o all_o what_o and_o excellent_a spirit_n be_v former_o in_o he_o for_o christ_n and_o his_o glory_n but_o further_o we_o meddle_v not_o neither_o in_o the_o narrative_a precede_a otherwise_o then_o in_o our_o proceed_n against_o the_o sonldier_n he_o come_v in_o as_o their_o abettor_n object_n be_v not_o the_o sin_n of_o judas_n in_o betray_v christ_n a_o public_a sin_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o read_v that_o the_o disciple_n ever_o make_v mention_n of_o he_o except_o it_o be_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o another_o apostle_n to_o take_v his_o place_n and_o therefore_o we_o do_v conceive_v that_o although_o their_o sin_n be_v public_a and_o they_o in_o a_o public_a capacity_n yet_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v publish_v answ_n this_o objection_n seem_v unto_o we_o to_o have_v no_o weight_n in_o it_o in_o case_n it_o be_v so_o as_o you_o assert_v for_o judas_n go_v and_o confess_v his_o sin_n to_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o ruler_n and_o then_o destroy_v himself_o as_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o he_o for_o his_o great_a iniquity_n in_o betray_v our_o lord_n jesus_n and_o therefore_o not_o so_o needful_a to_o testify_v against_o a_o person_n who_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o world_n by_o so_o eminent_a a_o judgement_n but_o yet_o we_o find_v that_o as_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o spirit_n in_o his_o faithful_a one_o have_v record_v and_o publish_v the_o sin_n of_o asa_n jehu_n hazael_n and_o other_o ruler_n as_o also_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o own_o people_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n so_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n have_v the_o disciple_n 14._o record_v the_o sin_n of_o judas_n in_o the_o new_a and_o to_o his_o perpetual_a infamy_n publish_v he_o to_o the_o world_n as_o a_o covetous_a and_o treacherous_a person_n in_o betray_v our_o lord_n jesus_n as_o also_o the_o sin_n of_o 52._o demas_n and_o alexander_n likewise_o have_v the_o apostle_n persevere_v in_o their_o ⋆_o public_a testimony_n against_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n etc._n etc._n for_o continue_v in_o and_o justify_v of_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o forefather_n in_o shed_v of_o innocent_a blood_n and_o do_v not_o the_o soldier_n by_o their_o sin_n in_o uphold_v the_o oppression_n tyranny_n and_o persecution_n of_o this_o day_n also_o justify_v the_o former_a oppressor_n tyrant_n and_o persecutor_n in_o their_o sin_n add_v thereunto_o more_o and_o more_o to_o the_o