himself_o be_v of_o late_o fall_v so_o that_o he_o must_v bear_v his_o own_o judgement_n and_o condemnation_n thou_o be_v inexcusable_a o_o man_n whosoever_o thou_o be_v that_o judge_v for_o wherein_o thou_o judge_v another_o thou_o condemne_v thyself_o for_o thou_o that_o judge_v do_v the_o same_o thing_n but_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v according_a to_o truth_n against_o they_o which_o commit_v such_o thing_n rom._n 2.1.28_o the_o epistle_n with_o the_o follow_v marginal_a observation_n be_v here_o commend_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o impartial_a reader_n london_n the_o 26_o 3d_o month_n 1673._o dear_a friend_n and_o brethren_n the_o lord_n our_o god_n have_v by_o his_o eternal_a power_n raise_v up_o and_o preserve_v many_o faithful_a and_o live_a witness_n of_o his_o bless_a truth_n until_o this_o day_n both_o for_o the_o conversion_n of_o many_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o for_o the_o build_n up_o establishment_n and_o comfort_n therein_o by_o his_o own_o live_v word_n of_o life_n and_o reconciliation_n and_o have_v also_o signal_o bless_v practice_n bless_v bless_v this_o be_v at_o the_o yearly_a or_o general_a meeting_n which_o meet_v be_v then_o approve_v by_o w._n r._n but_o now_o smite_v at_o by_o w._n r._n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o as_o consist_v of_o a_o uncertain_a number_n of_o uncertain_a qualify_a person_n p._n 1._o p._n 7._o and_o yet_o in_o the_o same_o page_n undertake_v to_o assign_v some_o of_o the_o follow_a qualification_n viz._n false_a accuser_n men-pleasers_a and_o many_o of_o they_o lover_n of_o pre-eminence_n and_o time_n server_n that_o take_v that_o as_o a_o opportunity_n to_o appear_v unto_o other_o that_o which_o they_o be_v not_o in_o themselves_o and_o do_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o call_v themselves_o a_o general_a meeting_n see_v his_o confusion_n and_o self-contradiction_n both_o in_o word_n and_o practice_n this_o precious_a opportunity_n of_o our_o assemble_v together_o with_o his_o glorious_a presence_n power_n and_o majesty_n manifest_a among_o we_o which_o many_o be_v and_o be_v eye_n witness_n of_o and_o in_o the_o unspeakable_a sense_n thereof_o many_o have_v be_v as_o melt_v and_o their_o heart_n exceed_o break_v and_o their_o soul_n overcome_v and_o deep_o affect_v with_o god_n unspeakable_a goodness_n and_o power_n love_n and_o life_n so_o plentiful_o shed_v abroad_o among_o we_o and_o in_o our_o heart_n in_o the_o sense_n whereof_o our_o heart_n be_v open_a and_o affect_v towards_o you_o all_o even_o in_o the_o same_o dear_a and_o tender_a love_n and_o life_n that_o be_v abundant_o shed_v forth_o unto_o we_o and_o from_o which_o our_o salutation_n be_v to_o all_o our_o dear_a friend_n brethren_n and_o sister_n in_o this_o and_o other_o nation_n have_v the_o general_n state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n open_v unto_o we_o with_o a_o tender_a care_n upon_o our_o heart_n and_o breathe_v of_o our_o soul_n that_o they_o all_o may_v grow_v prosper_v and_o be_v preserve_v in_o unity_n peace_n and_o good_a order_n that_o divine_a life_n and_o virtue_n may_v reign_v and_o abundant_o flow_v over_o and_o through_o all_o to_o the_o replenishment_n and_o unspeakable_a comfort_n that_o you_o may_v keep_v out_o the_o enemy_n in_o all_o his_o appearance_n that_o will_v make_v division_n and_o disturbance_n in_o the_o church_n for_o at_o this_o time_n the_o enemy_n be_v busy_a and_o secret_o at_o work_n for_o that_o end_n to_o make_v world_n make_v make_v note_v the_o end_n and_o occasion_n of_o this_o epistle_n against_o the_o rent_n and_o division_n then_o on_o foot_n and_o now_o espouse_v by_o william_n rogers_n to_o the_o gratify_v the_o enemy_n and_o bring_v the_o open_a opposer_n and_o adversary_n of_o truth_n over_o we_o former_o judge_v but_o now_o practise_v by_o willam_n rogers_n witness_v his_o whole_a book_n make_v public_a to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n rent_n endeavour_v thereby_o to_o bring_v the_o open_a opposer_n and_o adversary_n of_o truth_n over_o it_o be_v that_o strife_n &_o division_n may_v be_v stir_v among_o ourselves_o that_o they_o desire_v and_o watch_v for_o and_o therefore_o where_o any_o be_v instrument_n thereof_o they_o serve_v not_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o the_o enemy_n mire_n enemy_n enemy_n mark_v the_o very_a character_n of_o william_n rogers_n his_o work_n and_o spirit_n and_o his_o judgement_n against_o all_o such_o as_o be_v guilty_a of_o these_o thing_n which_o now_o include_v himself_o in_o chief_a witness_v not_o only_o his_o offence_n against_o such_o like_a exhortation_n as_o exclude_v of_o jealousy_n and_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o brethren_n preface_n p._n 6._o but_o also_o his_o own_o evil_a surmize_n and_o hard_a speech_n in_o this_o book_n against_o many_o of_o these_o very_a brethren_n with_o who_o he_o join_v in_o the_o epistle_n and_o many_o other_o faithful_a labourer_n in_o the_o lord_n work_n though_o most_o of_o they_o be_v not_o particular_o nominate_v who_o he_o term_n up_o start_n innovater_n adherent_n to_o g._n f._n pag._n 3._o of_o his_o preface_n insinuate_v most_o grievous_a and_o faise_v charge_n against_o they_o as_o the_o main_a design_n of_o his_o book_n render_v they_o apostate_n false_a accuser_n imposer_n persecutor_n exercise_v gentilian_n lordship_n blind_a obedience_n set_v up_o a_o outward_a directory_n order_n innovation_n prescription_n decree_n and_o what_o not_o seek_v thereby_o to_o undermine_n and_o to_o beget_v a_o disesteem_a and_o slight_a of_o their_o testimony_n see_v how_o this_o man_n be_v now_o find_v in_o the_o very_a practice_n of_o those_o thing_n he_o once_o condemn_v whereby_o out_o of_o his_o own_o mouth_n he_o be_v judge_v be_v like_o the_o dog_n return_v to_o the_o vomit_n and_o the_o sow_n that_o be_v wash_v to_o her_o wallow_v in_o the_o mire_n they_o that_o make_v division_n and_o cause_n offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o seek_v to_o sow_v discord_n among_o brethren_n be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v mark_v but_o the_o lord_n will_v make_v they_o manifest_v and_o his_o power_n will_v bring_v they_o under_o and_o debase_v they_o as_o it_o have_v do_v and_o will_v do_v that_o spirit_n that_o be_v guilty_a of_o jealousy_n evil-surmisings_a whisper_n and_o hard_a speech_n against_o the_o brethren_n and_o faithful_a labourer_n in_o the_o lord_n work_v it_o be_v the_o accuser_n of_o the_o brethren_n that_o strike_v at_o their_o testimony_n and_o seek_v to_o undermine_v to_o beget_v a_o disesteem_a and_o slight_a of_o they_o in_o it_o which_o adversary_n must_v be_v watch_v against_o and_o forever_o cast_v down_o and_o out_o and_o we_o be_v assure_v from_o the_o lord_n that_o all_o sower_n of_o discord_n accuser_n of_o the_o faithful_a brethren_n slighter_n and_o undervaluer_n of_o their_o testimony_n and_o gift_n self-seekers_a whisperer_n backbiter_n and_o all_o self-willed_a and_o self-exalted_n spirit_n god_n will_v abase_v they_o his_o eternal_a power_n will_v work_v they_o under_o and_o all_o that_o which_o offend_v shall_v be_v remove_v god_n pure_a power_n be_v at_o work_n refine_n thorough_o purge_v his_o floor_n and_o sanctify_v his_o church_n and_o people_n that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o rent_n nor_o schism_n but_o that_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v one_o and_o his_o name_n one_o among_o we_o and_o bless_v be_v you_o that_o keep_v to_o your_o first_o love_n and_o retain_v your_o integrity_n to_o the_o end_n first_o end_n end_n have_v william_n rogers_n be_v of_o this_o spirit_n and_o continue_v we_o have_v never_o see_v his_o contrary_a work_n of_o darkness_n and_o confusion_n but_o this_o he_o be_v far_o from_o now_o have_v approve_v himself_o a_o utter_a enemy_n villifier_n and_o opposer_n of_o christ_n rule_n and_o government_n in_o his_o member_n insomuch_o that_o the_o very_a term_n itself_o viz._n church-government_n be_v become_v a_o offence_n unto_o he_o as_o may_v appear_v in_o divers_a part_n of_o his_o book_n particular_o pag._n 45._o of_o part_n the_o first_o oh_o dear_a friend_n and_o brethren_n watch_v in_o the_o light_n against_o all_o the_o enemy_n wile_n and_o pray_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o she_o may_v be_v see_v in_o her_o beauty_n and_o splendour_n or_o as_o a_o city_n without_o breach_n that_o peace_n may_v remain_v within_o her_o wall_n and_o prosperity_n within_o her_o palace_n oh_o let_v it_o be_v the_o general_a care_n of_o all_o our_o brethren_n to_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v commit_v a_o oversight_n in_o the_o church_n to_o keep_v thing_n quiet_a and_o in_o good_a order_n by_o the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n who_o be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o peace_n and_o that_o the_o public_a affair_n of_o truth_n be_v manage_v and_o carry_v on_o in_o the_o same_o power_n and_o wisdom_n which_o be_v pure_a and_o peaceable_a that_o all_o in_o humility_n may_v
how_o he_o be_v become_v degenerate_v and_o find_v by_o his_o write_n and_o opposition_n pull_v down_o and_o destroy_v what_o he_o once_o build_v up_o what_o be_v the_o matter_n that_o he_o have_v so_o much_o unity_n with_o george_n fox_n and_o adhere_v to_o he_o in_o these_o thing_n former_o and_o now_o so_o bitter_o smite_v and_o inveigh_v against_o he_o be_v he_o viz._n george_n fox_n a_o change_v man_n no_o thousand_o can_v witness_v to_o the_o contrary_n who_o conscience_n he_o have_v answer_v and_o do_v answer_n in_o the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o be_v a_o sweet_a savour_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o that_o be_v save_v and_o in_o they_o that_o perish_v for_o the_o apostle_n say_v unto_o one_o we_o be_v the_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n and_o unto_o the_o other_o the_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o life_n 2_o cor._n 2.15_o 16._o or_o be_v the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o william_n rogers_n allege_v against_o he_o say_v to_o be_v of_o late_a year_n since_o he_o so_o nighly_a own_v he_o no_o no_o but_o many_o of_o they_o long_o before_o from_o which_o as_o also_o what_o he_o charge_v he_o with_o of_o late_a time_n he_o have_v already_o answer_v what_o seem_v worth_a take_v notice_n of_o and_o vindicated_n his_o innocency_n and_o manifest_v william_n rogers_n his_o malicious_a abuse_n of_o he_o that_o have_v be_v give_v forth_o and_o receive_v in_o the_o universal_a spirit_n of_o life_n and_o unity_n have_v their_o service_n for_o god_n in_o subjection_n to_o his_o light_n and_o subservency_n to_o and_o in_o order_n to_o answer_v the_o great_a rule_n and_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n as_o proceed_v from_o it_o and_o they_o that_o be_v spiritual_a will_v acknowledge_v those_o thing_n speak_v or_o write_v from_o this_o spirit_n and_o for_o this_o end_n to_o be_v the_o requiring_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o many_o in_o divers_a place_n have_v receive_v help_v and_o encouragement_n from_o he_o through_o those_o help_n and_o government_n that_o he_o have_v afford_v in_o the_o church_n the_o true_a and_o live_a body_n which_o we_o be_v member_n of_o in_o which_o as_o all_o keep_v their_o habitation_n there_o be_v a_o sweetness_n &_o harmony_n of_o life_n unity_n and_o subjection_n one_o to_o a-anoth_a and_o a_o preserve_a one_o of_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n yet_o every_o man_n in_o his_o own_o proper_a order_n for_o every_o member_n of_o the_o body_n be_v not_o government_n not_o not_o note_v it_o be_v not_o intend_v or_o understand_v hereby_o that_o some_o of_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n shall_v be_v without_o his_o divine_a light_n in_o their_o own_o inward_a part_n for_o christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o body_n be_v one_o in_o the_o male_a and_o in_o the_o female_a as_o the_o apostle_n say_v who_o give_v light_n unto_o they_o all_o which_o as_o they_o abide_v in_o it_o give_v they_o to_o see_v and_o have_v unity_n one_o with_o another_o and_o with_o the_o doctrine_n counsel_n and_o instruction_n which_o he_o immediate_o open_v &_o give_v forth_o in_o &_o by_o his_o faithful_a servant_n in_o who_o he_o more_o full_o open_v his_o divine_a counsel_n unto_o who_o he_o have_v commit_v a_o dispensation_n of_o the_o everlasting_a gospel_n of_o peace_n who_o faithful_o labour_v in_o the_o life_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n and_o therein_o be_v good_a instrumental_a help_n in_o government_n a_o eye_n and_o yet_o each_o member_n have_v its_o proper_a place_n and_o service_n and_o all_o in_o subjection_n to_o the_o one_o life_n power_n and_o head_n which_o be_v christ_n &_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v by_o we_o that_o that_o spirit_n which_o despise_v government_n and_o dominion_n and_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n be_v either_o a_o singular_a or_o a_o self-righteous_a self-separating_a spirit_n that_o will_v it_o self_n bear_v rule_n and_o be_v judge_n over_o all_o which_o also_o work_v to_o stumble_v and_o darken_v the_o simple_a or_o a_o loose_a disobedient_a careless_a spirit_n that_o will_v not_o be_v reform_v but_o altogether_o live_v at_o ease_n in_o the_o flesh_n and_o fleshly_a liberty_n which_o the_o power_n of_o god_n will_v rebuke_n import_n rebuke_n rebuke_n it_o have_v be_v well_o for_o w._n r._n if_o he_o ever_o have_v this_o dominion_n that_o he_o have_v keep_v it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o same_o and_o no_o other_o that_o the_o brethren_n seek_v and_o be_v exercise_v in_o for_o no_o other_o end_n or_o interest_n as_o they_o have_v declare_v god_n be_v their_o witness_n who_o know_v the_o secret_n of_o all_o heart_n and_o will_v plead_v with_o w._n r._n in_o his_o righteous_a judgement_n for_o be_v find_v in_o the_o wrong_a spirit_n that_o do_v surmise_v or_o insinuate_v jealousy_n to_o the_o contrary_a as_o these_o line_n import_n but_o though_o he_o have_v give_v we_o dominion_n over_o that_o spirit_n and_o its_o perverse_a way_n which_o oppose_v the_o power_n and_o will_v work_v division_n and_o lead_v into_o corrupt_a liberty_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o dominion_n over_o your_o faith_n that_o we_o seek_v but_o that_o we_o may_v be_v helper_n of_o your_o joy_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o you_o as_o diligent_a co-worker_n together_o in_o the_o faith_n and_o love_n of_o god_n wherein_o we_o may_v be_v all_o a_o mutual_a comfort_n joy_n and_o crown_n of_o rejoice_v one_o to_o another_o as_o have_v one_o master_n and_o we_o all_o brethren_n in_o he_o who_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o the_o household_n and_o god_n of_o glory_n who_o glorious_a presence_n be_v with_o we_o and_o it_o be_v a_o wrong_a spirit_n that_o will_v surmise_v or_o insinuate_v jealousy_n or_o beget_v prejudice_n against_o the_o faithful_a labourer_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o helper_n in_o government_n to_o misrepresent_v such_o as_o aim_v at_o any_o other_o end_v and_o interest_n than_o christ_n interest_n and_o government_n over_o all_o which_o god_n be_v record_n we_o be_v clear_a from_o seek_v or_o claim_v at_o any_o other_o and_o in_o his_o particular_a his_o his_o how_o come_v w._n r._n by_o this_o authority_n and_o power_n to_o give_v judgement_n against_o such_o work_n and_o worker_n and_o deny_v and_o quarrel_n with_o it_o now_o be_v it_o not_o manifest_a to_o be_v because_o he_o himself_o be_v fall_v into_o the_o same_o snare_n not_o only_o of_o be_v secret_a but_o now_o as_o a_o open_a enemy_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o heavenly_a society_n therein_o and_o we_o be_v persuade_v if_o he_o repent_v not_o the_o time_n will_v come_v when_o he_o will_v find_v his_o own_o judgement_n as_o it_o be_v already_o see_v by_o the_o faithful_a to_o be_v verify_v in_o his_o own_o particular_a authority_n and_o power_n we_o stand_v witness_n against_o that_o spirit_n forever_o both_o in_o our_o open_a and_o secret_a enemy_n which_o either_o smite_v at_o our_o heavenly_a society_n or_o will_v break_v our_o unity_n with_o the_o prince_n of_o peace_n who_o be_v our_o head_n and_o lawgiver_n unto_o who_o throne_n dominion_n principality_n and_o power_n be_v jubject_a be_v glory_n for_o ever_o unto_o who_o power_n and_o government_n we_o commit_v you_o all_o and_o in_o true_a and_o endear_a love_n rest_v your_o dear_a brethren_n william_n rogers_n authur_n eastmead_n william_n penn_n james_n hall_n george_n coal_n charles_n marshal_n william_n gibson_n john_n moon_n john_n langstaff_n samuel_n thornton_n edward_n brown_n james_n claypoole_n robert_n barclay_n john_n cox_n james_n merrick_n thomas_n briggs_n morgan_n watkins_n john_n rauce_n charles_n lloyd_n richard_n almond_n robert_n cary_n thomas_n green_n john_n anderdon_n alexander_n parker_n john_n whitehead_n william_n brend_n john_n bauldren_n will._n fallowfield_n samuel_n cater_n james_n adamson_n stephen_n crisp_n john_n grave_a george_n whitehead_n jasper_n batt_n thomas_n salthouse_n samuel_n wattson_n luke_n howard_n we_o desire_v the_o true_a copy_n hereof_o may_v be_v communicate_v to_o and_o read_v in_o the_o several_a quarterly_o monthly_o and_o other_o meeting_n of_o friend_n and_o brethren_n throughout_o england_n and_o elsewhere_o now_o if_o it_o be_v query_v how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o william_n rogers_n be_v so_o metamorphose_a or_o change_v in_o a_o few_o year_n as_o to_o appear_v thus_o in_o perfect_a contradiction_n to_o himself_o in_o judgement_n about_o the_o same_o thing_n either_o he_o must_v be_v in_o the_o right_a then_o and_o wrong_v now_o or_o contrariwise_o in_o the_o right_a now_o and_o wrong_v then_o the_o answer_n according_a to_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o experience_n we_o have_v have_v of_o he_o by_o his_o late_a fruit_n that_o evil_a viz._n pride_n and_o envy_n have_v alter_v his_o understanding_n and_o deceit_n beguile_v his_o soul_n and_o prejudice_n against_o the_o lord_n work_v and_o many_o of_o his_o faithful_a labourer_n have_v eat_v as_o a_o canker_n
of_o those_o thing_n that_o they_o testify_v be_v commendable_a in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n we_o be_v sorry_a that_o any_o weakness_n shall_v appear_v in_o we_o to_o give_v occasion_n for_o such_o offence_n and_o as_o hypocrisy_n as_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v now_o nothing_o in_o all_o this_o and_o that_o it_o be_v no_o better_a than_o a_o rattle_n to_o please_v child_n be_v not_o this_o manifest_a deceit_n and_o hypocrisy_n satisfaction_n to_o our_o brethren_n and_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o general_n we_o do_v from_o the_o very_a bottom_n of_o our_o heart_n condemn_v that_o spirit_n whether_o it_o have_v appear_v in_o we_o or_o any_o that_o have_v give_v offence_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o general_n or_o that_o oppose_v the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o any_o faithful_a brethren_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o thing_n they_o believe_v be_v their_o duty_n this_o paper_n be_v send_v to_o some_o friend_n in_o divers_a part_n of_o the_o nation_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o such_o to_o whom-the_a knowledge_n of_o the_o difference_n have_v come_v the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v give_v forth_o j._n s._n and_o j._n vv._n be_v offend_v at_o it_o set_v themselves_o to_o extenuate_v or_o take_v off_o the_o weight_n of_o it_o not_o own_v it_o according_a to_o the_o common_a acceptation_n of_o a_o condemnation_n of_o themselves_o therein_o confess_v they_o own_v the_o paper_n but_o in_o another_o sense_n than_o against_o themselves_o notwithstanding_o what_o it_o plain_o import_v and_o they_o know_v the_o brethren_n take_v it_o for_o and_o william_n rogers_n who_o confess_v he_o draw_v it_o for_o j._n s._n and_o j._n w._n report_a there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o and_o that_o the_o most_o innocent_a man_n among_o we_o may_v own_v it_o and_o never_o hurt_v himself_o and_o that_o it_o be_v no_o better_a than_o a_o rattle_n to_o please_v child_n imply_v those_o friend_n and_o brethren_n assemble_v at_o drawel_n he_o have_v as_o before_o recite_v out_o of_o his_o own_o narative_n give_v such_o a_o character_n of_o and_o these_o thing_n we_o have_v prove_v already_o by_o sufficient_a witness_n out_o of_o his_o own_o mouth_n instead_o of_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n of_o peace_n and_o humiliation_n the_o say_v j._n s._n and_o j._n w._n have_v deal_v thus_o un-sincere_o with_o the_o brethren_n begin_v a_o new_a quarrel_n with_o they_o that_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o hear_n and_o declare_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n at_o drawel_n concern_v the_o difference_n etc._n etc._n call_v their_o account_n a_o lie_a narrative_n and_o charge_v they_o with_o do_v wicked_o by_o they_o both_o by_o word_n and_o writing_n w._n r._n also_o join_v with_o they_o who_o by_o this_o time_n begin_v to_o be_v desperate_a and_o warm_o to_o engage_v in_o their_o quarrel_n and_o in_o defence_n of_o their_o pretend_a innocency_n they_o set_v themselves_o to_o oppose_v and_o exclaim_v against_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o brethren_n at_o drawel-meeting_a with_o many_o opprobrious_a term_n in_o perfect_a contrary_n to_o the_o character_n w._n r._n have_v before_o give_v thereof_o all_o which_o thing_n have_v be_v make_v appear_v at_o large_a and_o instead_o of_o break_v up_o their_o separate-meeting_a or_o clear_v themselves_o of_o they_o which_o be_v a_o public_a ensign_n of_o division_n and_o reproach_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o instead_o of_o make_v void_a their_o subscription_n tend_v to_o a_o separation_n both_o be_v continue_v with_o j._n s._n and_o j._n w_n name_n thereto_o whereby_o some_o have_v be_v encourage_v in_o the_o division_n and_o so_o far_o have_v they_o make_v void_a as_o to_o themselves_o the_o benefit_n of_o all_o the_o transaction_n of_o that_o meeting_n at_o drawel_n and_o now_o because_o the_o friend_n of_o truth_n can_v be_v at_o peace_n and_o unity_n with_o they_o in_o their_o work_n of_o separation_n and_o division_n but_o keep_v the_o spirit_n of_o sound_a judgement_n upon_o that_o divide_v spirit_n and_o be_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o they_o until_o they_o repent_v and_o be_v reconcile_v therefore_o be_v they_o disquiet_v and_o as_o for_o william_n rogers_n their_o furious_a warrior_n and_o who_o they_o have_v permit_v to_o fight_v their_o battle_n for_o they_o against_o the_o lamb_n follower_n we_o have_v look_v upon_o he_o of_o late_a as_o a_o man_n torment_v in_o spirit_n under_o the_o disappointment_n he_o have_v meet_v with_o in_o his_o way_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n we_o note_v his_o article_n have_v not_o only_o demonstrate_v this_o to_o be_v his_o design_n but_o his_o word_n also_o very_o frequent_o to_o be_v what_o he_o will_v have_v accomplish_v among_o we_o in_o not_o be_v able_a to_o effect_v that_o mischief_n of_o division_n and_o separation_n which_o both_o public_o and_o private_o he_o have_v labour_v to_o bring_v to_o pass_v in_o this_o city_n about_o those_o man_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n find_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o party_n who_o under_o pretence_n of_o cry_v down_o man_n he_o have_v industrious_o labour_v to_o exalt_v man_n or_o man_n above_o as_o well_o as_o against_o their_o brethren_n notwithstanding_o all_o his_o endeavour_n manifest_o to_o decline_v not_o only_o in_o the_o general_n but_o in_o the_o conscience_n of_o some_o from_o among_o themselves_o as_o by_o divers_a testimony_n under_o many_o of_o their_o hand_n show_v how_o they_o be_v betray_v and_o lead_v aside_o from_o the_o ancient_a unity_n to_o join_v in_o a_o subscription_n of_o party_n with_o j._n story_n and_o j._n wilkinson_n may_v be_v make_v appear_v and_o now_o as_o to_o the_o utmost_a mischief_n w._n r._n be_v able_a to_o do_v he_o have_v in_o the_o bitterness_n and_o envy_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o darkness_n with_o which_o of_o late_o he_o have_v be_v act_v print_v his_o most_o scandalous_a and_o abusive_a book_n which_o he_o have_v long_o threaten_v to_o bring_v forth_o and_o which_o be_v now_o come_v abroad_o and_o so_o wicked_a that_o we_o must_v needs_o say_v though_o we_o know_v the_o man_n lofty_a spirit_n and_o expect_v no_o other_o than_o bad_a from_o he_o yet_o we_o be_v sorry_a for_o his_o sake_n at_o what_o he_o have_v bring_v forth_o it_o be_v so_o monstrous_a and_o confuse_a and_o abundant_o supply_v with_o most_o grievous_a falsehood_n wicked_a perversion_n and_o misrepresentation_n of_o many_o faithful_a and_o innocent_a man_n who_o true_o fear_v god_n though_o he_o have_v for_o the_o most_o part_n omit_v their_o name_n which_o we_o take_v not_o to_o be_v out_o of_o any_o favour_n or_o kindness_n in_o he_o towards_o such_o but_o rather_o under_o apprehension_n that_o the_o eminency_n of_o divers_a of_o they_o together_o with_o the_o credit_n of_o their_o integrity_n in_o the_o conscience_n of_o person_n of_o all_o quality_n and_o degree_n will_v have_v but_o worsted_n and_o dissert_v his_o cause_n and_o for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o we_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n in_o this_o nation_n some_o few_o here_o and_o there_o in_o some_o country_n except_v be_v at_o unity_n with_o those_o brethren_n in_o their_o testimony_n against_o this_o spirit_n and_o work_n of_o division_n william_n rogers_n be_v now_o principal_o concern_v in_o and_o for_o which_o those_o brethren_n be_v so_o vilify_v and_o abuse_v in_o william_n rogers_n his_o book_n we_o can_v but_o look_v upon_o such_o his_o injury_n and_o reproach_n to_o extend_v through_o they_o to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n in_o this_o nation_n and_o their_o holy_a profession_n thereby_o prostrate_v to_o the_o public_a ignominy_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o open_a and_o secret_a enemy_n of_o the_o truth_n who_o may_v be_v too_o apt_a to_o believe_v what_o he_o write_v which_o be_v due_o consider_v let_v all_o that_o have_v the_o fear_v of_o god_n before_o their_o eye_n judge_v whether_o the_o man_n that_o be_v guilty_a of_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v right_o esteem_v a_o true_a christian_a quaker_n we_o have_v thus_o give_v a_o short_a but_o true_a account_n of_o the_o occasion_n subject_a proceed_n and_o continuance_n of_o the_o present_a difference_n shall_v proceed_v to_o say_v something_o of_o william_n rogers_n his_o late_a behaviour_n among_o we_o in_o this_o city_n his_o qualification_n with_o respect_n to_o his_o profession_n of_o be_v a_o true_a christian_a quaker_n be_v that_o we_o be_v concern_v about_o and_o to_o lay_v he_o open_a as_o they_o have_v be_v plentiful_o manifest_v to_o we_o by_o his_o behaviour_n of_o late_a year_n among_o we_o in_o this_o city_n to_o our_o great_a grief_n and_o exercise_n know_v then_o that_o whatever_o william_n rogers_n have_v former_o be_v or_o whatever_o he_o be_v yet_o account_v to_o be_v by_o any_o that_o take_v part_n with_o
submit_v to_o christ_n rule_n and_o government_n in_o a_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n &_o condescension_n keep_v out_o all_o roughness_n harshness_n one_o towards_o another_o and_o all_o self_n rule_v and_o dominion_n that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o life_n but_o in_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o let_v all_o this_o be_v keep_v down_o for_o ever_o and_o no_o strange_a fire_n be_v kindle_v among_o you_o nor_o in_o your_o meeting_n and_o elder_n and_o overseer_n must_v not_o be_v large_a be_v be_v this_o be_v the_o very_a temper_n and_o spirit_n he_o be_v fall_v under_o as_o be_v already_o observe_v at_o large_a self_n will_v nor_o soon_o angry_a nor_o give_v to_o haste_n or_o passion_n nor_o any_o shortness_n or_o britleness_n for_o such_o keep_v not_o in_o a_o sound_a mind_n nor_o in_o discern_v either_o of_o true_a judgement_n or_o mercy_n which_o be_v both_o to_o be_v exercise_v among_o you_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n open_v to_o you_o the_o condition_n and_o state_n to_o which_o they_o proper_o belong_v for_o as_o all_o looseness_n disorderly_o walk_v and_o scandalous_a conversation_n and_o practice_n must_v be_v severe_o reprove_v and_o judge_v out_o especial_o among_o they_o that_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o precious_a truth_n and_o the_o guilty_a to_o bear_v their_o own_o judgement_n and_o burden_n so_o likewise_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n must_v be_v extend_v to_o such_o as_o have_v be_v over-taken_a with_o a_o fault_n come_v to_o feel_v a_o true_a tenderness_n in_o their_o heart_n through_o judgement_n and_o to_o receive_v counsel_n that_o they_o may_v be_v preserve_v in_o fear_n and_o watchfulness_n and_o let_v not_o judgement_n and_o testimony_n against_o miscarriage_n and_o offence_n be_v make_v himself_o make_v make_v if_o the_o matter_n allege_v in_o w._n r._n his_o book_n against_o g._n f._n and_o other_o by_o name_n be_v true_a how_o do_v it_o agree_v with_o this_o exhortation_n in_o make_v of_o they_o so_o public_a as_o he_o have_v do_v see_v how_o he_o condemn_v that_o in_o other_o which_o he_o allow_v in_o himself_o more_o public_a than_o the_o miscarriage_n be_v to_o harden_v those_o that_o miscarry_v and_o give_v the_o adversary_n of_o truth_n advantage_n to_o throw_v dirt_n upon_o friend_n but_o be_v careful_a and_o tender_a for_o the_o truth_n and_o friend_n in_o that_o matter_n and_o endeavour_v to_o save_v the_o soul_n even_o of_o those_o that_o be_v tempt_v and_o draw_v aside_o as_o also_o that_o private_a difference_n that_o may_v happen_v among_o any_o friend_n or_o brethren_n be_v end_v by_o some_o few_o in_o the_o wisdom_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n with_o as_o much_o privacy_n as_o may_v be_v without_o trouble_v or_o disturb_v the_o public_a meeting_n or_o church_n with_o they_o and_o without_o public_a reflection_n upon_o person_n where_o the_o difference_n or_o offence_n on_o either_o hand_n be_v not_o notorious_a or_o public_o manifest_a but_o best_o to_o be_v end_v private_o both_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o they_o who_o be_v concern_v therein_o and_o the_o prevent_n of_o such_o occasion_n as_o may_v either_o stumble_v the_o weak_a cause_n confusion_n or_o give_v the_o world_n occasion_n to_o innovator_n to_o to_o it_o be_v a_o very_a little_a matter_n what_o become_v of_o the_o honour_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o holy_a profession_n thereof_o with_o w._n r._n now_o who_o have_v set_v himself_o in_o defiance_n of_o the_o friend_n thereof_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o apostate_n and_o innovator_n reproach_n friend_n and_o truth_n and_o friend_n we_o do_v desire_v that_o all_o difference_n may_v be_v end_v in_o the_o several_a county_n where_o they_o do_v arise_v and_o that_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v mind_v both_o by_o those_o who_o cause_n it_o to_o be_v defame_v and_o those_o who_o be_v to_o determine_v and_o that_o none_o join_v with_o such_o a_o singular_a spirit_n as_o will_v lead_v he_o to_o be_v former_o be_v be_v this_o w._n r._n be_v not_o a_o little_a guilty_a of_o in_o frequent_o refuse_v to_o refer_v his_o matter_n and_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o free_a meeting_n of_o friend_n and_o when_o he_o have_v upon_o occasion_n agree_v to_o such_o a_o meeting_n he_o have_v make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o quarrel_v with_o the_o judgement_n and_o determination_n thereof_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o robert_n barclay_n more_o particular_o observe_v hereafter_o see_v his_o backslide_n and_o condemn_v himself_o now_o in_o that_o which_o he_o allow_v not_o former_o sole_a judge_n in_o his_o own_o cause_n but_o in_o the_o restore_n and_o heal_a spirit_n of_o christ_n both_o the_o offend_v and_o the_o offender_n may_v for_o the_o truth_n sake_n submit_v to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n in_o his_o people_n in_o those_o city_n place_n or_o country_n with_o such_o friend_n as_o the_o party_n concern_v shall_v call_v to_o their_o assistance_n and_o friend_n let_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n power_n heavenly_a and_o peaceable_a wisdom_n be_v eye_v in_o all_o your_o assembly_n that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n may_v be_v exalt_v over_o all_o that_o true_a judgement_n and_o mercy_n may_v have_v the_o place_n and_o although_o a_o general_a care_n be_v not_o lay_v upon_o page_n upon_o upon_o this_o testimony_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o good_a order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o g._n f._n as_o one_o more_o particular_o instrumental_a therein_o as_o that_o which_o answer_v god_n witness_n in_o all_o compare_v with_o the_o character_n of_o he_o and_o it_o in_o w._n r._n his_o book_n will_v require_v large_a observation_n to_o which_o we_o give_v general_a reference_n but_o may_v instance_n a_o few_o passage_n in_o pag._n 45._o of_o the_o first_o part_n he_o say_v we_o be_v jealous_a but_o who_o that_o we_o be_v he_o do_v not_o say_v the_o corruption_n usurpation_n and_o injustice_n may_v creep_v in_o by_o such_o who_o contend_v so_o much_o for_o church-government_n with_o respect_n to_o outward_a form_n of_o government_n since_o the_o form_n some_o take_v to_o govern_v be_v in_o some_o respect_n worse_o than_o the_o form_n of_o divers_a apostate_n christian_n this_o be_v a_o wicked_a abuse_n of_o many_o faithful_a friend_n concern_v in_o his_o charge_n in_o the_o say_a page_n every_o member_n touch_v the_o good_a order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n affair_n nor_o have_v many_o travess_v therein_o yet_o the_o lord_n have_v say_v it_o more_o upon_o some_o in_o who_o he_o have_v open_v counsel_n for_o that_o end_n and_o particular_o in_o our_o dear_a brother_n god_n faithful_a labourer_n g._n f._n for_o the_o help_n of_o many_o and_o god_n have_v in_o his_o wisdom_n afford_v those_o help_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v despise_v be_v in_o subjection_n to_o christ_n the_o one_o head_n and_o lawgiver_n answer_v his_o witness_n in_o all_o and_o so_o all_o necessary_a counsel_n admonition_n or_o testimony_n he_o testimony_n testimony_n how_o do_v this_o agree_v with_o his_o advice_n in_o the_o epistle_n and_o what_o be_v the_o matter_n now_o be_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o government_n own_v among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n and_o the_o help_v afford_v thereby_o which_o he_o so_o much_o commend_v former_o as_o have_v a_o service_n in_o a_o subtendency_n to_o the_o light_n and_o as_o proceed_n from_o it_o now_o become_v alter_v or_o cease_v and_o worse_o than_o the_o apostate_n christian_n god_n forbid_v and_o rebuke_v his_o lie_a spirit_n what_o be_v those_o dignity_n and_o government_n that_o w._n r._n with_o other_o give_v such_o a_o judgement_n upon_o the_o despiser_n of_o but_o the_o same_o he_o now_o pour_v out_o so_o much_o contempt_n upon_o and_o be_v the_o encourage_v of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o be_v diligent_a and_o faithful_a therein_o and_o to_o judge_v all_o contrary_a exalt_v and_o oppose_a spirit_n now_o become_v dote_v on_o outward_a order_n and_o a_o neglect_n of_o god_n teach_v as_o he_o insinuate_v in_o his_o preface_n pag._n 30._o or_o just_o be_v term_v imposition_n persecution_n or_o set_v up_o another_o thing_n than_o christ_n jesus_n to_o be_v king_n and_o lawgiver_n no_o such_o matter_n it_o appear_v by_o this_o epistle_n he_o think_v it_o not_o so_o former_o or_o be_v the_o say_a help_n and_o government_n christ_n have_v so_o afford_v in_o his_o church_n as_o he_o confess_v become_v the_o promote_a a_o zealous_a observation_n of_o other_o man_n line_n make_v ready_a to_o their_o hand_n or_o the_o pretend_a dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n through_o other_o or_o at_o best_o through_o that_o one_o man_n george_n fox_n as_o be_v contain_v in_o pag._n 40._o of_o his_o preface_n no_o sure_a the_o change_n be_v in_o himself_o see_v his_o prevarication_n and_o
until_o the_o love_n that_o be_v once_o raise_v in_o he_o come_v to_o be_v destroy_v and_o now_o his_o soul_n be_v fill_v with_o bitterness_n in_o which_o the_o enmity_n lodge_v and_o though_o his_o pretence_n be_v high_a as_o all_o his_o predecessor_n in_o this_o work_n be_v in_o who_o satan_n be_v transform_v and_o wrought_v in_o a_o mystery_n yet_o with_o the_o light_n he_o be_v see_v &_o judge_v to_o be_v as_o they_o also_o be_v in_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n and_o what_o though_o in_o his_o fall_a wisdom_n which_o be_v accurse_v he_o lift_v up_o himself_o on_o high_a and_o will_v have_v the_o world_n believe_v as_o though_o god_n have_v raise_v he_o up_o as_o the_o great_a reformer_n of_o our_o age_n yet_o do_v we_o know_v and_o be_v assure_v with_o many_o hundred_o more_o of_o the_o flock_n and_o family_n of_o god_n in_o this_o city_n and_o in_o the_o county_n adjacent_a to_o who_o he_o be_v personal_o know_v that_o he_o be_v not_o of_o god_n for_o we_o have_v not_o only_o try_v his_o spirit_n but_o his_o work_n also_o have_v make_v he_o manifest_a and_o albeit_o he_o begin_v and_o make_v use_v of_o these_o word_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o abusive_a book_n as_o i_o hear_v i_o judge_v we_o know_v he_o be_v a_o man_n uncircumcised_a in_o heart_n and_o ear_n and_o therefore_o his_o judgement_n be_v unjust_a &_o he_o have_v no_o right_a to_o take_v up_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n &_o apply_v they_o to_o himself_o for_o he_o have_v judge_v many_o he_o have_v never_o hear_v christ_n say_v judge_v not_o according_a to_o outward_a appearance_n but_o judge_v righteous_a judgement_n but_o how_o void_a william_n rogers_n be_v either_o of_o the_o true_a hear_n or_o judgement_n have_v be_v by_o his_o un-christian_a behaviour_n among_o we_o and_o by_o his_o manifold_a abuse_n in_o his_o book_n ground_v upon_o report_n and_o conjecture_n of_o many_o innocent_a man_n and_o by_o his_o self_n contradiction_n as_o by_o the_o forego_n epistle_n be_v abundant_o manifest_a and_o true_o we_o be_v sorry_a for_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v so_o backslide_v as_o he_o have_v do_v and_o fall_v from_o the_o right_a way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o footstep_n of_o his_o flock_n and_o family_n which_o he_o once_o rejoice_v in_o and_o it_o be_v very_o remarkable_a to_o see_v how_o direct_o william_n roger_n have_v tread_v in_o the_o same_o footstep_n with_o the_o several_a apostate_n that_o have_v arisen_a up_o from_o among_o ourselves_o in_o that_o like_o saul_n against_o david_n he_o have_v so_o malicious_o level_v his_o arrow_n and_o cast_v his_o jaulin_n against_o that_o one_o man_n g._n f._n above_o all_o other_o load_v he_o as_o hitherto_o have_v be_v do_v with_o manifold_a calumny_n and_o reproach_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v and_o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o still_o will_v blast_v and_o make_v his_o innocency_n to_o appear_v over_o all_o his_o wicked_a design_n to_o the_o confusion_n of_o he_o and_o truth_n adversary_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v or_o may_v pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_n and_o the_o cause_n thereof_o we_o conclude_v to_o be_v from_o the_o enmity_n of_o the_o wicked_a one_o the_o son_n of_o perdition_n that_o have_v enter_v the_o heart_n of_o this_o man_n william_n rogers_n as_o he_o have_v other_o instrument_n former_o where_o he_o sit_v and_o be_v exalt_v in_o a_o high_a profession_n to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o may_v the_o better_o deceive_v and_o draw_v from_o the_o bless_a unity_n &_o fellowship_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o heavenly_a guidance_n of_o the_o light_n itself_o into_o a_o selfish_n disorderly_a looss_n libertine_n spirit_n from_o god_n and_o unsubmission_n &_o unsubjection_n one_o unto_o another_o according_a to_o the_o gospel-order_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o god_n have_v make_v use_n of_o our_o dear_a friend_n g._n f._n and_o honour_v he_o with_o the_o first_o message_n of_o the_o light_n and_o truth_n as_o reveal_v in_o our_o day_n and_o age_n whereby_o the_o heart_n of_o many_o thousand_o have_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o evil_a of_o their_o way_n and_o convert_v unto_o god_n and_o remain_v live_a witness_n of_o the_o appearance_n blessing_n and_o presence_n of_o god_n with_o he_o and_o bear_v the_o seal_n of_o his_o ministry_n and_o continue_a faithfulness_n unto_o god_n therein_o who_o have_v also_o endue_v he_o with_o understanding_n and_o wisdom_n in_o the_o open_n of_o his_o council_n wherein_o he_o have_v be_v and_o be_v instrumental_a in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o the_o settlement_n of_o good_a order_n and_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o help_n and_o government_n for_o its_o establishment_n and_o comfort_n in_o he_o who_o be_v its_o sure_a foundation_n and_o rock_n forever_o by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o abundant_o have_v the_o enemy_n wrought_v by_o his_o instrument_n against_o that_o faithful_a servant_n of_o the_o lord_n viz._n g._n f._n to_o hinder_v the_o lord_n work_v and_o to_o obscure_a his_o bless_a appearance_n in_o he_o and_o through_o he_o and_o among_o his_o choose_a people_n to_o their_o joy_n and_o comfort_n in_o their_o heavenly_a society_n they_o be_v gather_v into_o but_o the_o lord_n have_v hitherto_o blast_v their_o design_n and_o make_v their_o folly_n manifest_a as_o he_o do_v and_o be_v do_v at_o this_o day_n bless_a be_v his_o name_n for_o ever_o we_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o take_v some_o notice_n of_o a_o few_o more_o passage_n in_o his_o book_n and_o first_o that_o in_o the_o 2d_o and_o 3d._a page_n of_o his_o preface_n wherein_o he_o say_v that_o so_o great_a a_o concern_v of_o conscience_n lie_v on_o many_o to_o encourage_v the_o publication_n of_o his_o book_n as_o we_o can_v no_o long_o forbear_v lest_o it_o shall_v be_v repute_v that_o the_o doctrine_n and_o life_n of_o christianity_n be_v whole_o extinct_a among_o the_o aforesaid_a people_n here_o as_o in_o divers_a other_o place_n of_o his_o book_n we_o can_v but_o observe_v that_o he_o claim_v many_o to_o be_v concern_v in_o conscience_n with_o he_o in_o the_o publish_n thereof_o thereby_o magnify_v his_o number_n but_o who_o or_o where_o those_o many_o be_v we_o know_v not_o william_n rogers_n may_v if_o he_o have_v please_v or_o may_v yet_o tell_v we_o by_o what_o name_n they_o be_v call_v and_o we_o will_v have_v he_o know_v we_o expect_v it_o that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o satisfly_v ourselves_o upon_o a_o due_a consideration_n of_o their_o example_n in_o life_n and_o doctrine_n whether_o they_o be_v man_n more_o fit_o qualify_v than_o himself_o for_o such_o a_o undertake_n especial_o if_o any_o of_o they_o live_v in_o this_o city_n because_o upon_o enquiry_n hitherto_o we_o have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o find_v they_o out_o it_o seem_v to_o we_o if_o w._n r._n have_v so_o many_o bright_a and_o shine_a light_n in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o life_n of_o christianity_n above_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o neighbour_n viz._n the_o people_n call_v quaker_n to_o who_o it_o be_v become_v such_o a_o concern_v of_o conscience_n as_o he_o write_v they_o shall_v be_v as_o a_o city_n set_v on_o a_o hill_n and_o come_v forth_o and_o own_o it_o public_o in_o the_o face_n of_o all_o people_n but_o this_o we_o be_v doubtful_a be_v too_o plain_a and_o open_a for_o he_o to_o talk_v of_o many_o in_o the_o dark_a to_o father_n a_o work_n of_o darkness_n seem_v to_o carry_v more_o credit_n with_o it_o than_o to_o particularize_v a_o few_o as_o rash_a self-willed_a and_o injurious_a as_o himself_o that_o do_v own_o it_o alas_o alas_o to_o what_o a_o height_n of_o folly_n and_o pinnacle_n of_o conceitedness_n be_v this_o man_n arrive_v the_o prodigy_n of_o our_o age_n as_o it_o shall_v seem_v by_o his_o book_n and_o bullwork_n against_o apostasy_n now_o show_v himself_o as_o a_o ensign_n to_o the_o nation_n lest_o it_o shall_v be_v repute_v that_o the_o doctrine_n and_o life_n of_o christianity_n be_v whole_o extinct_a among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n as_o to_o the_o life_n of_o christianity_n we_o have_v already_o manifest_v how_o much_o he_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o it_o through_o his_o perverse_a practice_n among_o we_o and_o corrupt_a nature_n rule_v in_o he_o and_o consequent_o a_o very_a unfit_a man_n to_o be_v set_v up_o as_o so_o great_a a_o reformer_n or_o to_o concern_v himself_o so_o much_o about_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o other_o as_o he_o account_v they_o mat._n 7.5_o thou_o hypocrite_n first_o cast_v out_o the_o beam_n out_o of_o thy_o own_o eye_n &_o then_o shall_v thou_o see_v clear_o to_o cast_v out_o the_o mote_n out_o of_o thy_o brother_n eye_n and_o as_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n not_o to_o insist_v upon_o his_o say_n and_o unsay_n again_o viz._n in_o that_o he_o have_v
division_n and_o causion_n to_o friend_n to_o beware_v thereof_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o give_v forth_o that_o testimony_n which_o however_o they_o william_n rogers_n and_o some_o other_o be_v disquiet_v at_o be_v just_a and_o righteous_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o stand_v good_a upon_o their_o head_n and_o will_v do_v until_o they_o repent_v and_o be_v humble_v under_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o great_a offence_n friend_n have_v this_o sense_n as_o abundant_o appear_v in_o their_o epistle_n that_o they_o still_o persist_v in_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o opposition_n and_o separation_n as_o before_o what_o merit_v of_o the_o cause_n be_v here_o to_o judge_v of_o more_o than_o be_v already_o determine_v unless_o it_o be_v their_o persist_v in_o the_o same_o work_n of_o sow_v and_o spread_v their_o division_n and_o offer_v their_o gift_n whilst_o disreconcile_v to_o the_o brethren_n which_o be_v evident_a to_o the_o friend_n of_o that_o meeting_n in_o their_o reject_v the_o advice_n and_o counsel_n before_o give_v they_o by_o epistle_n from_o the_o yearly-meeting_a to_o the_o contrary_n we_o have_v thus_o open_v the_o ground_n of_o this_o matter_n do_v commend_v it_o with_o the_o follow_a query_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o impartial_a reader_n to_o judge_n whether_o such_o a_o charge_n as_o william_n rogers_n have_v give_v against_o no_o less_o than_o above_o sixty_o friend_n and_o brethren_n at_o once_o as_o no_o small_a mark_n of_o their_o apostasy_n viz._n of_o be_v guilty_a of_o judge_v the_o merit_n of_o a_o cause_n without_o hear_v the_o same_o or_o of_o disow_v j._n s._n &_o j._n w._n though_o they_o can_v not_o just_o charge_v they_o of_o evil_a be_v right_o imputable_a to_o those_o brethren_n upon_o sign_v their_o epistle_n to_o who_o the_o knowledge_n of_o matter_n transact_v at_o drawell_n be_v so_o transmit_v as_o be_v before_o relate_v first_o whether_o since_o it_o be_v not_o feazible_a that_o the_o church_n or_o every_o friend_n concern_v for_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n relate_v to_o j._n s._n and_o j._n w._n can_v go_v down_o into_o the_o north_n to_o hear_v the_o probation_n thereof_o the_o testimony_n give_v in_o a_o narrative_a from_o so_o many_o faithful_a approve_a man_n upon_o inward_a sense_n and_o plain_a external_a evidence_n of_o witness_n be_v not_o sufficient_a proof_n against_o the_o say_a man_n second_o and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o what_o can_v be_v matter_n consider_v with_o those_o circumstance_n abovesaid_a among_o the_o society_n and_o transaction_n of_o man_n either_o in_o thing_n temporal_a or_o spiritual_a wherein_o man_n many_o time_n transact_v matter_n upon_o the_o unquestioned_a credit_n one_o of_o another_o whilst_o under_o necessity_n of_o great_a remoteness_n one_o from_o another_o three_o whether_o to_o give_v credit_n to_o one_o or_o two_o man_n in_o his_o or_o their_o own_o cause_n against_o more_o than_o twenty_o eye_n and_o ear_n witness_n who_o be_v conscientious_o concern_v to_o hear_v and_o search_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o matter_n be_v consistent_a with_o reason_n christianity_n and_o true_a wisdom_n four_o whether_o not_o only_o the_o refusal_n of_o such_o testimony_n evidence_n and_o judgement_n as_o be_v give_v from_o the_o meeting_n at_o drawell_n upon_o examination_n and_o proof_n of_o matter_n john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n be_v present_a but_o the_o invalidate_v thereof_o and_o reflect_v on_o those_o meeting_n and_o friend_n as_o false_a accuser_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o merit_n of_o a_o cause_n before_o they_o hear_v it_o who_o do_v receive_v it_o and_o join_v with_o it_o and_o unto_o who_o the_o truth_n have_v be_v so_o evident_o transmit_v carry_v not_o with_o it_o a_o unavoidable_a tendency_n to_o overthrow_v the_o authority_n credit_n service_n and_o frequent_a practice_n of_o friend_n of_o truth_n in_o their_o meeting_n throughout_o the_o nation_n in_o any_o case_n and_o thereby_o to_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o transgressor_n and_o their_o abettor_n in_o their_o insolency_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o friend_n thereof_o in_o general_n let_v all_o person_n of_o sobriety_n judge_n whether_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o which_o have_v be_v and_o be_v william_n rogers_n practice_n be_v not_o to_o open_v a_o wide_a door_n for_o apostasy_n and_o licentiousness_n by_o which_o mean_n a_o man_n may_v be_v prove_v the_o worst_a of_o man_n in_o one_o country_n and_o come_v into_o another_o and_o stand_v upon_o his_o justification_n and_o be_v abet_v therein_o notwithstanding_o the_o testimony_n of_o such_o as_o hear_v matter_n prove_v against_o he_o and_o whether_o this_o do_v not_o manifest_o destroy_v the_o faith_n and_o credit_n one_o of_o another_o the_o ground_n both_o of_o christian_a and_o civil_a society_n they_o society_n have_v not_o that_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o have_v it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n as_o it_o manifest_o have_v be_v of_o w._n r._n and_o his_o party_n give_v the_o world_n just_a cause_n to_o judge_n as_o w._n r._n by_o many_o supposition_n and_o false_a premise_n do_v insinuate_v that_o the_o doctrine_n and_o life_n of_o christianity_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v whole_o exstinct_a among_o they_o and_o now_o as_o to_o william_n rogers_n his_o several_a charge_n against_o the_o four_o friend_n of_o bristol_n of_o be_v false_a accuser_n and_o refuse_v to_o admit_v a_o meeting_n to_o prove_v the_o matter_n in_o charge_n in_o the_o aforementioned_a epistle_n against_o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n before_o a_o equal_a number_n of_o friend_n choose_v on_o each_o part_n part_v 2._o pag._n 10._o to_o this_o we_o answer_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n william_n rogers_n have_v term_v those_o friend_n false_a accuser_n see_v he_o have_v not_o stick_v to_o say_v the_o like_a or_o worse_o concern_v many_o other_o faithful_a brethren_n how_o unrighteous_a this_o charge_n be_v against_o the_o four_o friend_n of_o bristol_n or_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n that_o sign_v the_o epistle_n may_v appear_v by_o what_o be_v already_o write_a neither_o do_v they_o nor_o we_o remember_v that_o ever_o we_o refuse_v a_o meeting_n upon_o those_o term_n provide_v they_o shall_v agree_v what_o shall_v be_v take_v for_o evidence_n although_o if_o they_o have_v refuse_v such_o a_o meeting_n we_o can_v see_v how_o that_o can_v deserve_v any_o just_a reflection_n see_v experience_n teach_v we_o that_o when_o the_o guilty_a or_o any_o of_o party_n for_o they_o have_v equal_a liberty_n to_o choose_v without_o who_o concurrence_n no_o dicisive_a judgement_n must_v be_v give_v the_o consequence_n thereof_o be_v like_a to_o effect_v nothing_o but_o controversy_n and_o a_o shelter_n to_o the_o offender_n as_o be_v before_o hint_v which_o lead_v we_o to_o make_v this_o query_n that_o whether_o the_o admit_v of_o no_o meeting_n to_o be_v equal_a for_o the_o decision_n of_o spiritual_a matter_n in_o controversy_n but_o what_o be_v make_v up_o of_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o choose_a man_n of_o each_o side_n to_o judge_v the_o offender_n have_v a_o equal_a choice_n be_v not_o wrong_a and_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o friend_n of_o truth_n and_o have_v not_o a_o tendency_n to_o make_v void_a the_o authority_n of_o our_o meeting_n in_o which_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o its_o free_a exercise_n be_v to_o be_v guide_n and_o judge_n but_o whatever_o william_n rogers_n pretend_v the_o obstruction_n to_o a_o meeting_n by_o consent_n principal_o lay_v in_o the_o disagreement_n as_o to_o the_o reflection_n of_o this_o question_n viz._n what_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a evidence_n for_o proof_n of_o those_o several_a charge_n contain_v in_o the_o epistle_n which_o lead_v the_o four_o friend_n and_o other_o in_o their_o behalf_n to_o insist_v upon_o the_o narrative_a of_o friend_n from_o drawell_n with_o the_o examination_n and_o proof_n of_o matter_n there_o which_o they_o have_v in_o custody_n together_o with_o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilknsons_n write_n to_o which_o their_o hand_n be_v but_o this_o will_v not_o be_v accept_v of_o by_o w._n r._n and_o as_o to_o the_o other_o abusive_a passage_n in_o the_o same_o page_n of_o his_o book_n viz._n whether_o will_v they_o mean_v the_o four_o friend_n of_o bristol_n as_o yet_o admit_v a_o hear_n before_o any_o meeting_n wherein_o the_o witness_n to_o the_o accusation_n shall_v be_v exclude_v from_o be_v judge_n both_o they_o and_o we_o say_v it_o be_v utter_o false_a most_o of_o we_o then_o be_v present_a at_o the_o meeting_n which_o be_v on_o the_o 16_o day_n of_o the_o 5_o month_n 1677._o where_o these_o thing_n be_v discourse_v do_v declare_v that_o we_o never_o hear_v they_o so_o express_v themselves_o but_o do_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o one_o of_o william_n rogers_n ungodly_a charge_n and_o grievous_a perversion_n of_o