the_o accuser_n of_o our_o brethren_n cast_v down_o in_o righteous_a judgement_n against_o that_o spirit_n of_o hellish_a jealousy_n vent_v in_o a_o great_a confuse_a book_n false_o entitle_v the_o christian-quaker_n distinguish_v from_o the_o apostate_n and_o innovator_n in_o five_o part_n the_o fallacy_n and_o force_n whereof_o be_v herein_o clear_o detect_v &_o just_o repel_v jer._n 2._o 19_o thou_o own_o wickedness_n shall_v correct_v thou_o and_o thy_o backslide_n shall_v reprove_v thou_o know_v therefore_o and_o see_v that_o it_o be_v a_o evil_a thing_n and_o bitter_a that_o thou_o have_v forsake_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o that_o my_o fear_n be_v not_o in_o thou_o say_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o host_n john_n 13._o 27._o that_o thou_o do_v do_v quick_o london_n print_v for_o john_n bringhurst_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o book_n in_o grace-church-street_n near_o cornhill_n 1681._o a_o short_a advertisement_n to_o faithful_a friend_n call_v quaker_n to_o who_o this_o may_v come_v christian-friend_n in_o this_o treatise_n we_o the_o peaceable_a christian_a people_n call_v quaker_n be_v conscientious_o vindicate_v and_o clear_v in_o our_o christian_n society_n church-order_n and_o discipline_n from_o the_o unjust_a charge_n of_o apostasy_n and_o innovation_n and_o from_o the_o great_a envy_n horrid_a abuse_n and_o fallacy_n of_o william_n rogers_n in_o his_o book_n false_o entitle_v the_o christian-quak_a distinguish_v from_o the_o apostate_n and_o innovator_n but_o his_o own_o apostasy_n and_o innovation_n be_v herein_o clear_o detect_v and_o this_o be_v recommend_v to_o your_o care_n and_o prudence_n to_o be_v reserve_v in_o your_o hand_n and_o disperse_v only_o where_o you_o in_o your_o respective_a place_n and_o county_n shall_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n see_v a_o necessity_n to_o remove_v and_o prevent_v the_o great_a scandal_n infamy_n and_o reproach_n of_o the_o say_a book_n a_o brief_a introduction_n to_o all_o faithful_a friend_n call_v quaker_n tender_a and_o belove_a friend_n in_o truth_n a_o holy_a concern_v of_o soul_n and_o conscience_n on_o behalf_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n his_o kingdom_n church_n and_o people_n that_o only_o be_v the_o real_a motive_n to_o this_o ensue_a treatise_n the_o matter_n whereof_o be_v not_o to_o trace_v the_o late_a difference_n and_o present_a controversy_n historical_o nor_o to_o traverse_v the_o way_n of_o the_o crooked_a serpent_n in_o all_o he_o wind_a there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o that_o the_o eye_n of_o many_o be_v open_a to_o see_v his_o perverse_a way_n but_o clear_o to_o detect_v and_o set_v judgement_n upon_o his_o work_n of_o enmity_n in_o william_n rogers_n say_a book_n in_o the_o most_o material_a part_n that_o be_v wicked_a and_o scandalous_a to_o truth_n and_o christ_n innocent_a follower_n and_o subject_n and_o to_o evince_v the_o most_o subtle_a and_o fallacious_a pretence_n thereof_o and_o his_o most_o manifest_a inconsistence_n and_o self-confutations_a as_o well_o as_o his_o froward_a opposition_n and_o contradiction_n to_o we_o as_o we_o be_v a_o church_n and_o people_n gather_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o settle_v in_o good_a order_n and_o society_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n the_o ground_n and_o cause_n of_o the_o present_a division_n and_o opposition_n furious_o manage_v by_o w._n r._n and_o his_o abettor_n against_o we_o have_v be_v and_o be_v original_o place_v upon_o a_o wrong_a spirit_n in_o they_o a_o murmur_a complain_v divide_v spirit_n a_o rend_v tear_v spirit_n a_o dark_a jealous_a spirit_n a_o loose_a gainsay_v opposite_a spirit_n a_o proud_a exalt_v spirit_n a_o contemn_v scornful_a spirit_n a_o self-conceited_a spirit_n a_o turbulent_a froward_a wilful_a spirit_n against_o this_o spirit_n have_v the_o complaint_n be_v by_o several_a tenderhearted_a friend_n among_o we_o if_o we_o be_v ask_v how_o we_o prove_v that_o to_o be_v the_o spirit_n against_o which_o we_o be_v now_o engage_v in_o this_o treatise_n we_o may_v just_o answer_v w._n r_n malicious_a book_n be_v apparent_a proof_n be_v a_o birth_n of_o that_o same_o spirit_n it_o bear_v the_o exact_a image_n and_o shape_n of_o all_o the_o part_n and_o property_n of_o it_o it_o be_v proof_n against_o he_o and_o all_o that_o own_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o test_n of_o truth_n in_o all_o conscience_n for_o it_o show_v all_o that_o which_o be_v charge_v upon_o that_o jealous_a rend_v divide_v proud_a exalt_v scornful_a spirit_n etc._n etc._n from_o whence_o the_o book_n proceed_v it_o be_v style_n and_o matter_n on_o his_o jealousy_n and_o if_o report_v be_v true_a etc._n etc._n bespeak_v all_o these_o to_z his_o and_o its_o great_a shame_n and_o disgrace_n he_o places_z the_o apostasy_n and_o innovation_n against_o we_o not_o only_o in_o outward_a order_n discipline_n and_o form_n of_o church-government_n but_o even_o in_o the_o very_a doctrine_n and_o life_n of_o christianity_n as_o if_o they_o be_v great_o extinguish_v from_o among_o we_o and_o therefore_o have_v divulge_v his_o book_n and_o that_o from_o a_o great_a pretend_v concern_v of_o conscience_n on_o many_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v 3._o 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 but_o that_o both_o yet_o remain_v in_o some_o of_o they_o i._n e._n in_o w._n r._n and_o his_o party_n but_o his_o term_v honourable_a friend_n john_n wilkinson_n give_v a_o quite_o contrary_a 77._o account_n concern_v the_o breach_n of_o concord_n and_o jar_n the_o cause_n say_v he_o god_n have_v show_v i_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o principle_n of_o truth_n nor_o in_o christ_n doctrine_n nor_o in_o any_o practice_n which_o truth_n in_o the_o member_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n lead_v into_o but_o about_o prescription_n through_o the_o blind_a zeal_n of_o the_o weak_a etc._n etc._n and_o w._n r._n also_o grant_v it_o be_v but_o about_o the_o shell_n and_o not_o the_o kernel_n soon_o after_o he_o have_v place_v the_o apostasy_n in_o doctrine_n and_o life_n as_o if_o both_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o life_n be_v extinct_a among_o the_o great_a part_n of_o we_o as_o a_o people_n but_o how_o can_v that_o be_v true_a if_o no_o breach_n of_o concord_n nor_o jar_v in_o principle_n of_o truth_n nor_o in_o christ_n doctrine_n nor_o in_o any_o practice_n which_o truth_n lead_v into_o and_o that_o this_o be_v show_v of_o god_n too_o yea_o w._n r._n also_o confess_v that_o those_o small_a difference_n which_o at_o first_o seem_v but_o like_a unto_o little_a spark_n pref._n p._n 2._o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o great_a endeavour_n in_o much_o christian_a tenderness_n have_v be_v use_v for_o a_o composure_n and_o matter_n be_v bring_v near_o it_o at_o drawell_n but_o satan_n have_v prevail_v to_o make_v this_o fiery_a agent_n a_o incendiary_n to_o make_v the_o breach_n wide_o have_v be_v secret_o animate_v his_o abusive_a book_n be_v proof_n whereby_o he_o have_v abuse_v divers_a of_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n by_o name_n and_o many_o not_o name_v in_o his_o book_n render_v they_o apostate_n innovator_n etc._n etc._n he_o have_v abuse_v and_o scandalize_v our_o meeting_n and_o our_o order_n and_o discipline_n as_o be_v but_o a_o form_n and_o government_n set_v up_o by_o man_n and_o man_n tradition_n g._n fox_n form_n of_o church-government_n g._n f_n order_n etc._n etc._n these_o expression_n we_o own_v not_o they_o be_v not_o proper_a for_o though_o we_o grant_v that_o he_o have_v be_v instrumental_a in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n for_o stir_v up_o other_o to_o unity_n and_o good_a order_n yet_o we_o be_v satisfy_v that_o the_o great_a builder_n former_a and_o ordere_a of_o the_o spiritual_a house_n be_v christ_n jesus_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o author_n and_o foundation_n of_o that_o christian_a religion_n care_n oversight_n and_o good_a government_n among_o we_o as_o a_o church_n and_o people_n the_o substance_n intent_n and_o end_n of_o all_o which_o be_v that_o pure_a religion_n which_o be_v not_o only_o to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o the_o widow_n but_o to_o keep_v unspotted_a of_o the_o world_n which_o we_o have_v scripture-testimony_n and_o instance_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n doctrine_n for_o w._n r._n have_v not_o spare_v to_o seek_v out_o occasion_n against_o person_n to_o gather_v up_o and_o divulge_v weakness_n to_o pervert_v truth_n and_o make_v false_a construction_n of_o man_n word_n his_o heart_n be_v fill_v with_o pride_n and_o envy_n his_o head_n be_v load_v and_o confuse_a with_o cloudy_a conceit_n and_o perverse_a imagination_n against_o the_o innocent_a after_o all_o his_o great_a clamour_n and_o heavy_a charge_n of_o apostate_n and_o innovator_n etc._n etc._n about_o order_n prescription_n imposition_n innovation_n form_n of_o church-government_n etc._n etc._n set_v aside_o his_o prejudice_n and_o enmity_n his_o wrong_n and_o evil_a jealousy_n perversion_n false_a inference_n
and_o have_v a_o tendence_n towards_o the_o great_a end_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o christian_a society_n as_o have_v a_o godly_a care_n among_o we_o over_o one_o another_o the_o strong_a to_o help_v the_o weak_a and_o that_o all_o may_v be_v preserve_v out_o of_o the_o world_n be_v evil_a way_n and_o pollution_n in_o that_o pure_a religion_n that_o be_v to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n and_o keep_v unspotted_a of_o the_o world_n so_o as_o we_o may_v provoke_v one_o another_o to_o love_n and_o good_a work_n and_o to_o serve_v one_o another_o in_o love_n as_o the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v know_v that_o all_o our_o care_n and_o the_o very_a intent_n of_o our_o proceed_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v for_o these_o end_n and_o all_o centre_n in_o that_o love_n which_o be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n and_o have_v these_o thing_n in_o our_o eye_n we_o can_v the_o more_o easy_o concur_v and_o accord_v as_o to_o circumstance_n and_o outward_a method_n and_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n so_o condescend_v one_o to_o another_o and_o accommodate_v matter_n as_o not_o to_o divide_v about_o they_o and_o therefore_o we_o do_v profess_v serious_o we_o see_v no_o real_a cause_n or_o valid_a reason_n our_o opposer_n show_v for_o the_o great_a noise_n and_o rumble_v he_o make_v about_o outward_a law_n prescription_n order_n edict_n or_o decree_n outward_a form_n of_o government_n apostasy_n innovation_n imposition_n lording_n over_o faith_n over_o conscience_n etc._n etc._n whilst_o he_o show_v we_o no_o unjust_a no_o unlawful_a nor_o uncomely_a order_n or_o proceed_n among_o we_o as_o a_o people_n nor_o yet_o give_v we_o any_o instance_n or_o catalogue_n of_o those_o imposition_n innovation_n new_a doctrine_n or_o practice_n bring_v in_o and_o receive_v among_o we_o which_o be_v either_o inconsistent_a with_o our_o first_o testimony_n to_o the_o light_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n within_o and_o the_o teach_n thereof_o or_o thereby_o condemn_v as_o evil_a or_o whole_o unnecessary_a in_o themselves_o he_o shall_v have_v give_v we_o a_o catalogue_n of_o those_o innovation_n he_o complain_v of_o and_o what_o order_n and_o method_n he_o will_v prescribe_v to_o the_o contrary_a whether_o any_o or_o none_o and_o not_o go_v to_o fill_v the_o people_n ear_n with_o a_o general_a clamour_n of_o apostasy_n innovation_n and_o imposition_n scandalous_o to_o render_v we_o as_o bad_a as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n he_o often_o charge_v we_o with_o uncertain_a qualify_a person_n 12._o that_o usual_o assemble_v in_o our_o meeting_n which_o concern_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n among_o we_o which_o be_v a_o very_a impertinent_a objection_n for_o grant_v some_o person_n uncertain_o or_o not_o right_o qualify_v may_v come_v into_o such_o meeting_n such_o sway_n not_o the_o meeting_n in_o truth_n be_v affair_n but_o there_o be_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o universal_a power_n of_o god_n to_o sway_v and_o rule_v in_o our_o proceed_n and_o concern_v of_o truth_n and_o what_o reason_n and_o evidence_n be_v in_o truth_n give_v in_o matter_n before_o we_o these_o have_v place_n in_o our_o meeting_n and_o it_o be_v very_o needful_a that_o some_o that_o be_v not_o grow_v into_o the_o exercise_n of_o help_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n who_o be_v honest-minded_n shall_v be_v present_a at_o such_o meeting_n that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o advantage_n thereof_o in_o order_n to_o their_o furtherance_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o service_n as_o the_o lord_n shall_v make_v they_o capable_a for_o the_o least_o sound_a member_n have_v its_o service_n in_o the_o body_n but_o w._n r._n appear_v not_o of_o the_o apostle_n mind_n who_o say_v those_o member_n of_o the_o body_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v more_o feeble_a be_v necessary_a and_o those_o member_n of_o the_o body_n which_o we_o think_v to_o be_v less_o honourable_a upon_o these_o we_o bestow_v more_o abundant_a honour_n etc._n etc._n see_v 1_o cor._n 12._o 22_o 23_o 24._o and_o chap._n 9_o 22._o we_o do_v not_o disgrace_v they_o in_o print_n as_o w._n r._n have_v do_v and_o therefore_o those_o our_o meeting_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o a_o select_a number_n for_o our_o opposer_n grant_v that_o the_o child_n of_o god_n may_v be_v instrumental_a in_o his_o hand_n to_o establish_v one_o another_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n 3d_o part_n pag._n 12._o as_o also_o pag._n 19_o he_o have_v these_o word_n viz._n i_o be_o abundant_o satisfy_v that_o set_v and_o appoint_v meeting_n on_o certain_a prefix_a day_n be_v with_o the_o joint_a concurrence_n of_o those_o member_n assemble_v and_o from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o be_v assemble_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o discharge_v other_o charitable_a duty_n to_o inspect_v marriage_n that_o none_o come_v together_o disorderly_o and_o to_o take_v care_n that_o truth_n may_v not_o be_v scandalize_v through_o the_o backslide_n of_o such_o who_o have_v be_v in_o fellowship_n with_o the_o child_n of_o light_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o that_o form_n that_o the_o power_n of_o god_n may_v lead_v into_o for_o i_o be_o a_o witness_n for_o many_o year_n past_a even_o to_o this_o day_n that_o such_o meeting_n have_v be_v serviceable_a to_o answer_v those_o righteous_a end_n observe_v he_o have_v here_o grant_v the_o point_n for_o church-government_n to_o his_o own_o confutation_n and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o such_o our_o assembly_n what_o be_v then_o his_o complaint_n of_o rule_n outward_a order_n form_n of_o government_n &_o c_o and_o who_o among_o the_o child_n of_o light_n do_v not_o see_v these_o to_o be_v needful_a as_o well_o as_o serviceable_a and_o what_o form_n prescription_n rule_n or_o law_n be_v execute_v or_o put_v in_o practice_n among_o we_o which_o tend_v not_o to_o answer_v those_o righteous_a end_n to_o wit_n the_o take_a care_n of_o the_o poor_a discharge_v of_o other_o charitable_a duty_n inspect_v marriage_n to_o prevent_v disorder_n therein_o and_o to_o take_v care_n that_o truth_n be_v not_o scandalize_v through_o the_o backslide_n of_o such_o who_o have_v be_v in_o fellowship_n among_o we_o these_o be_v the_o very_a righteous_a end_n and_o service_n intend_v and_o aim_v at_o in_o those_o our_o meeting_n which_o be_v grant_v in_o the_o general_n we_o will_v ask_v this_o person_n or_o any_o one_o adhere_v to_o he_o one_a what_o be_v those_o innovation_n he_o complain_v of_o among_o we_o in_o respect_n to_o a_o outward_a order_n discipline_n and_o form_n of_o government_n two_o what_o imposition_n order_n prescription_n law_n or_o rule_n can_v he_o just_o charge_v the_o people_n call_v quaker_n who_o be_v not_o of_o his_o party_n withal_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n have_v not_o unity_n with_o and_o which_o therefore_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o child_n of_o light_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o obey_v or_o practice_v as_o not_o see_v it_o their_o duty_n disaffect_v xliii_o and_o see_v he_o affirm_v that_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n be_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o many_o thing_n with_o respect_n to_o church-discipline_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n treat_v of_o those_o thing_n give_v forth_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v silent_a three_o part_n pag._n 20._o compare_v with_o what_o he_o affirm_v pag._n 24._o that_o part_n of_o that_o outward_a order_n in_o discipline_n wherein_o divers_a of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n have_v be_v act_v be_v such_o as_o that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o footstep_n thereof_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o exhort_v to_o or_o as_o practise_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o what_o suppose_v this_o be_v true_a which_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o grant_v he_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o they_o wait_v on_o he_o he_o be_v their_o shepherd_n and_o guide_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o principle_n of_o truth_n within_o which_o lead_v not_o contrary_a to_o any_o wholesome_a and_o evangelical_n precept_n or_o christian_a conversation_n and_o practice_n record_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o w._n r._n so_o far_o answer_v himself_o in_o this_o matter_n as_o that_o he_o grant_v the_o principle_n of_o truth_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n have_v and_o may_v lead_v into_o the_o practice_n of_o outward_a order_n in_o discipline_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n whereby_o he_o assent_v to_o a_o high_a rule_n than_o the_o scripture_n namely_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o then_o the_o question_n be_v one_a what_o those_o many_o thing_n be_v with_o respect_n to_o church_n discipline_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n be_v silent_a we_o find_v he_o only_o in_o reference_n to_o this_o point_n tell_v we_o thus_o 3d_o part_n pag._n 24._o viz._n i_o can_v give_v many_o instance_n hereof_o but_o one_o
they_o over_o who_o they_o have_v the_o rule_n thus_o far_o w._n r._n whereby_o he_o have_v fair_o give_v away_o his_o cause_n for_o here_o he_o have_v grant_v authority_n of_o rule_n or_o government_n give_v to_o such_o member_n of_o christ_n as_o have_v speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n unto_o they_o over_o who_o they_o have_v the_o rule_n whence_o it_o follow_v that_o all_o such_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n whether_o elder_n or_o overseer_n etc._n etc._n as_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o speak_v or_o a_o testimony_n from_o he_o commit_v to_o they_o to_o bear_v to_o other_o may_v have_v a_o share_n and_o right_n in_o rule_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n with_o respect_n to_o they_o unto_o who_o they_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o this_o may_v extend_v to_o as_o many_o faithful_a member_n as_o grow_v up_o in_o truth_n and_o unto_o a_o testimony_n so_o as_o to_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o speak_v but_o then_o we_o ask_v if_o such_o be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n see_v he_o seem_v not_o to_o own_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n to_o be_v the_o church_n what!_o be_v only_o the_o hearer_n and_o not_o the_o preacher_n the_o church_n however_o w._n r._n have_v grant_v rule_n to_o the_o preacher_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v tie_v up_o to_o the_o first_o preacher_n but_o also_o to_o extend_v to_o other_o who_o god_n shall_v raise_v up_o and_o fit_a for_o his_o service_n though_o he_o have_v oppose_v and_o gainsay_v many_o faithful_a one_o in_o his_o book_n yet_o he_o grant_v such_o preacher_n to_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n body_n however_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o inferior_a member_n or_o weak_a part_n of_o the_o church_n owe_v a_o submission_n to_o those_o superior_a in_o the_o church_n obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o etc._n etc._n yet_o all_o in_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o light_n and_o clear_a sight_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o humbleness_n of_o mind_n submit_v themselves_o one_o to_o another_o as_o the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v also_o the_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v not_o come_v to_o the_o same_o growth_n to_o the_o same_o dignity_n to_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o judgement_n to_o the_o same_o measure_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n nor_o to_o the_o same_o stature_n in_o he_o some_o be_v more_o eminent_o dignify_v for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n than_o other_o be_v and_o according_o be_v require_v to_o be_v helpful_a to_o other_o and_o a_o suitable_a submission_n one_o to_o another_o according_a to_o the_o heavenly_a order_n of_o the_o gospel_n church_n and_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o diversity_n of_o gift_n operation_n and_o degree_n of_o growth_n through_o the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n do_v not_o oppose_v nor_o contradict_v nor_o clash_v one_o against_o another_o and_o even_o they_o that_o be_v appoint_v elder_n and_o overseer_n in_o his_o church_n be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o faithful_a word_n as_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a by_o sound_a doctrine_n both_o to_o exhort_v and_o convince_v the_o gainsayer_n moreover_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o every_o faithful_a member_n thereof_o have_v power_n to_o give_v testimony_n absolute_a judgement_n and_o sentence_n against_o all_o loose_a disorderly_a and_o scandalous_a way_n and_o conversation_n when_o due_o manifest_a among_o any_o professor_n of_o truth_n which_o dishonour_n our_o holy_a profession_n and_o let_v up_o a_o spirit_n of_o ranterism_n and_o false_a liberty_n and_o these_o aught_o to_o be_v testify_v against_o judge_v and_o condemn_v and_o it_o be_v not_o just_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o offender_n in_o those_o case_n to_o make_v their_o own_o choice_n of_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o to_o evade_v or_o make_v void_a any_o such_o judgement_n or_o sentence_n nor_o ought_v the_o offender_n to_o be_v at_o his_o own_o choice_n in_o such_o criminal_a case_n of_o looseness_n and_o disorderly_o walk_v but_o the_o universal_a judgement_n of_o truth_n to_o be_v set_v over_o the_o transgressor_n head_n in_o a_o gospel_n way_n and_o order_n on_o a_o judicial_a hear_n and_o discovery_n of_o the_o offence_n for_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v commend_v in_o not_o bear_v they_o that_o be_v evil_a and_o hate_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n rev._n 2._o 2_o 6._o but_o the_o church_n in_o pergamos_n be_v blame_v for_o have_v they_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n which_o tend_v to_o ranterism_n fornication_n or_o community_n of_o woman_n which_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v out_o with_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n forever_o see_v euseb._n hist._n l._n 3._o c._n 26._o w._n r._n be_v impertinent_a also_o in_o his_o gainsay_n where_o in_o pag._n 53._o one_a part_n he_o have_v these_o word_n viz._n disaffect_v xxix_o it_o appear_v evident_o to_o we_o that_o preach_v up_o obedience_n to_o that_o wherein_o the_o conscience_n through_o faith_n be_v not_o satisfy_v be_v a_o handle_v the_o word_n of_o god_n deceitful_o this_o as_o it_o be_v general_o state_v and_o as_o it_o be_v design_v be_v not_o only_o unfound_a but_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o implicit_a smite_v at_o those_o who_o he_o write_v against_o &_o tend_v to_o make_v void_a that_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n to_o people_n unconvince_v and_o unsatisfy_a in_o their_o conscience_n concern_v the_o most_o essential_a truth_n relate_v to_o salvation_n as_o that_o of_o the_o light_n the_o cross_n of_o christ_n the_o narrow_a way_n be_v crucify_a to_o the_o world_n and_o the_o vain_a fashion_n thereof_o etc._n etc._n which_o be_v preach_v to_o many_o before_o they_o be_v satisfy_v or_o convince_v in_o their_o conscience_n to_o come_v into_o obedience_n in_o these_o thing_n yet_o these_o thing_n must_v be_v preach_v that_o they_o may_v be_v convince_v and_o convert_v too_o and_o we_o have_v a_o ministry_n from_o christ_n for_o that_o end_n and_o as_o we_o have_v receive_v mercy_n we_o faint_v not_o but_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o much_o boldness_n and_o assurance_n in_o christ_n of_o the_o good_a effect_n thereof_o and_o be_v one_o with_o the_o apostle_n testimony_n as_o have_v renounce_v the_o hide_a thing_n of_o dishonesty_n not_o walk_v in_o craftyness_n not_o handle_v the_o word_n of_o god_n deceitful_o but_o by_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n commend_v ourselves_o to_o every_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 2._o our_o preach_n be_v to_o convince_v the_o conscience_n and_o not_o to_o leave_v it_o dark_a or_o unsatisfied_a in_o that_o wherein_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n stand_v a_o blind_a conscience_n be_v convincible_a by_o spiritual_a and_o effectual_a preach_v which_o have_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o it_o make_v its_o way_n into_o the_o conscience_n if_o not_o whole_o harden_v and_o sear_v through_o rebellion_n and_o stubbornness_n even_o gainsayer_n be_v to_o be_v exhort_v and_o convince_v by_o sound_a doctrine_n titus_n 1._o 9_o disaffect_v xxx_o w._n r._n one_a part_n pag._n 53_o 54._o proceed_v thus_o viz._n we_o have_v be_v inform_v that_o we_o be_v dark_a and_o blind_a even_o by_o such_o who_o tell_v we_o they_o do_v see_v public_o preach_v on_o this_o wise_a if_o you_o do_v not_o see_v yourselves_o you_o must_v then_o follow_v we_o that_o do_v see_v yet_o we_o can_v on_o that_o foot_n embrace_v such_o doctrine_n lest_o like_o blind_a man_n we_o fall_v all_o together_o into_o the_o ditch_n observe_v this_o be_v such_o a_o reflection_n upon_o some_o public_a preacher_n and_o preach_a as_o tend_v to_o scandalize_v our_o friend_n and_o meeting_n as_o if_o still_o our_o design_n be_v to_o preach_v up_o a_o blind_a obedience_n and_o a_o implicit_a faith_n and_o to_o impose_v on_o other_o to_o follow_v we_o therein_o and_o this_o he_o often_o and_o much_o harp_n upon_o but_o tell_v we_o not_o who_o they_o be_v that_o thus_o preach_v for_o we_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o such_o preach_n for_o any_o to_o follow_v we_o in_o their_o blindness_n and_o though_o it_o be_v probable_a some_o may_v have_v public_o commend_v the_o example_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o be_v follow_v by_o other_o yet_o not_o exclusive_a of_o all_o sight_n and_o sense_n in_o the_o hearer_n and_o follower_n of_o their_o example_n for_o our_o travel_n and_o desire_n have_v always_o be_v and_o be_v that_o the_o eye_n of_o people_n understanding_n may_v be_v open_v and_o enlighten_v first_o to_o see_v their_o way_n and_o how_o to_o follow_v the_o footstep_n of_o christ_n flock_n in_o his_o divine_a light_n and_o faith_n disaffect_v xxxi_o w._n r._n sect._n 8._o pag._n 61._o first_o part_n g._n f._n have_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o give_v forth_o direction_n and_o instruction_n to_o other_o and_o
show_v forth_o that_o if_o we_o shall_v feed_v upon_o or_o admire_v any_o excellent_a qualification_n or_o endowment_n whatsoever_o and_o not_o have_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n chief_o unto_o the_o giver_n we_o may_v then_o come_v to_o a_o loss_n from_o all_o whîch_n observe_v that_o our_o adversary_n have_v here_o find_v out_o a_o salve_n or_o better_a construction_n for_o the_o say_a doctrine_n than_o his_o oppose_a and_o contradict_v of_o it_o before_o as_o not_o be_v according_o to_o truth_n at_o this_o rate_n he_o may_v make_v large_a book_n against_o we_o but_o to_o what_o purpose_n thus_o to_o say_v and_o unsay_v as_o if_o he_o shall_v tell_v we_o it_o be_v unsound_a doctrine_n to_o say_v the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n be_v not_o good_a for_o food_n but_o to_o turn_v about_o again_o it_o may_v be_v use_v in_o a_o good_a and_o sound_a sense_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v to_o reflect_v upon_o all_o that_o have_v use_v that_o expression_n viz._n the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n be_v not_o good_a for_o food_n what_o kind_n of_o preacher_n will_v he_o make_v if_o he_o shall_v tell_v people_n the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n be_v good_a for_o food_n the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n be_v not_o good_a for_o food_n and_o what_o if_o some_o as_o he_o say_v have_v reflect_v on_o the_o wisdom_n that_o be_v sensual_a when_o they_o have_v declare_v the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n not_o good_a for_o food_n what_o unsoundness_n can_v he_o prove_v therein_o as_o to_o the_o allusion_n the_o question_n be_v whether_o man_n by_o transgress_v god_n command_n in_o eat_v of_o that_o tree_n do_v not_o fall_v into_o that_o wisdom_n that_o be_v earthly_a and_o sensual_a or_o devilish_a whether_o that_o sensual_a wisdom_n be_v not_o produce_v in_o man_n by_o that_o transgression_n and_o therefore_o w._n r'_v tell_v we_o that_o which_o be_v a_o discoverer_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v in_o it_o 2d_o self_n good_a as_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n be_v can_v be_v a_o proper_a allusion_n etc._n etc._n we_o be_v sure_a his_o allusion_n and_o comparison_n here_o be_v not_o proper_a nor_o according_a to_o scripture_n he_o here_o confound_v the_o discoverer_n which_o be_v christ_n the_o tree_n of_o life_n with_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n as_o if_o man_n in_o innocency_n be_v forbid_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n for_o our_o opposer_n in_o his_o very_a next_o instance_n p._n 28._o have_v these_o word_n john_n the_o evangelist_n testify_v this_o be_v life_n eternal_a that_o they_o may_v know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v a_o very_a good_a scripture_n but_o no_o proof_n that_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n be_v good_a for_o food_n or_o that_o god_n do_v forbid_v the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o and_o of_o his_o son_n to_o man_n in_o innocency_n when_o he_o give_v he_o this_o command_n but_o of_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a thou_o shall_v not_o eat_v of_o it_o for_o in_o the_o day_n thou_o eat_v thereof_o thou_o shall_v sure_o die_v gen._n 2._o 17._o this_o tree_n be_v except_v from_o every_o tree_n yield_v seed_n and_o good_a for_o food_n which_o be_v allow_v unto_o man_n gen._n 1._o 29._o and_o 2._o 9_o do_v god_n forbid_v man_n in_o innocency_n the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o maker_n or_o command_v he_o not_o to_o eat_v of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a for_o his_o soul_n food_n no_o sure_a who_o then_o present_v the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n as_o good_a for_o food_n to_o be_v eat_v to_o make_v one_o wise_a &_o c_o it_o be_v the_o serpent_n therefore_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o silent_a in_o it_o the_o serpent_n say_v unto_o the_o woman_n you_o shall_v not_o sure_o die_v for_o god_n do_v know_v that_o in_o the_o day_n you_o eat_v thereof_o your_o eye_n shall_v be_v open_v and_o you_o shall_v be_v as_o god_n know_v good_a and_o evil_a and_o when_o the_o woman_n see_v that_o the_o tree_n be_v good_a for_o food_n and_o a_o tree_n to_o be_v desire_v to_o make_v one_o wise_a she_o take_v of_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o and_o do_v eat_v etc._n etc._n gen._n 3._o 4_o 5_o 6._o do_v the_o serpent_n say_v true_a in_o say_v you_o shall_v not_o sure_o die_v no_o sure_a for_o god_n have_v say_v the_o contrary_a in_o the_o day_n thou_o eat_v thereof_o die_v thou_o shall_v die_v therefore_o when_o the_o woman_n see_v that_o the_o tree_n be_v good_a for_o food_n she_o see_v not_o aright_o she_o have_v let_v in_o the_o serpent_n persuasion_n to_o eat_v thereof_o contrary_a to_o god_n command_n there_o be_v a_o eye_n open_a giving_z way_n to_o the_o temptation_n which_o god_n do_v not_o open_a a_o mistake_a sight_n it_o be_v the_o same_o by_o which_o she_o see_v it_o be_v a_o tree_n to_o be_v desire_v to_o make_v one_o wise._n whence_o come_v that_o desire_n but_o from_o the_o serpent_n allurement_n that_o beget_v a_o false_a sight_n a_o misapprehension_n not_o consistent_a with_o the_o law_n of_o innocence_n or_o uncorruptness_n of_o mind_n that_o stand_v in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o truth_n all_o which_o consider_v our_o opposer_n be_v so_o far_o from_o prove_v any_o of_o we_o apostate_n and_o innovator_n in_o say_v that_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n be_v not_o good_a for_o food_n that_o he_o have_v discover_v his_o own_o apostasy_n and_o innovation_n in_o introduce_v the_o serpent_n doctrine_n contrary_a to_o god_n command_n and_o the_o doctrine_n ancient_o preach_v among_o we_o and_o therein_o we_o can_v believe_v that_o god_n or_o christ_n be_v his_o 3._o teacher_n but_o the_o serpent_n who_o beguile_v eve_n through_o his_o subtlety_n so_o he_o have_v corrupt_v the_o mind_n of_o some_o from_o the_o simplicity_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n to_o feed_v upon_o that_o which_o bring_v death_n over_o they_o and_o to_o fall_v into_o that_o knowledge_n which_o puff_v up_o the_o fleshly_a mind_n and_o that_o eye_n that_o the_o serpent_n open_v be_v not_o a_o single_a but_o a_o evil_a eye_n which_o christ_n come_v to_o blind_a and_o to_o bring_v that_o knowledge_n to_o nought_o that_o puff_v up_o before_o man_n can_v clear_o see_v with_o that_o innocent_a single_a eye_n that_o christ_n open_v or_o partake_v of_o that_o true_a divine_a knowledge_n which_o be_v life_n eternal_a the_o matter_n we_o principal_o aim_v at_o and_o stand_v for_o both_o in_o the_o forego_n and_o follow_v controversy_n on_o our_o part_n be_v include_v in_o these_o general_a proposition_n viz._n i._o that_o since_o the_o term_n church-government_n be_v of_o late_a so_o much_o cast_v upon_o we_o we_o do_v thereby_o intend_v christ_n government_n in_o his_o church_n exercise_v by_o he_o both_o immediate_o and_o instrumental_o ii_o that_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n and_o master_n govern_v rule_n and_o order_n in_o his_o church_n and_o people_n immediate_o and_o principal_o by_o himself_o and_o instrumental_o in_o some_o measure_n by_o his_o minister_n and_o servant_n as_o well_o as_o he_o teach_v and_o instruct_v both_o immediate_o and_o instrumental_o iii_o that_o christ_n govern_v and_o rule_v instrumental_o by_o his_o minister_n and_o servant_n relate_v to_o the_o godly_a care_n good_a instruction_n admonition_n and_o true_a judgement_n give_v to_o and_o minister_v by_o such_o his_o faithful_a servant_n minister_n and_o elder_n in_o truth_n who_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v overseer_n 12_o and_o appoint_v for_o help_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o sake_n especial_o of_o the_o young_a and_o weak_a member_n child_n and_o such_o as_o be_v under_o age_n as_o to_o truth_n and_o experience_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v about_o this_o last_o proposition_n that_o the_o controversy_n do_v most_o depend_v for_o christ_n immediate_a rule_n and_o government_n in_o the_o conscience_n be_v in_o word_n own_v by_o our_o opposer_n iu._n no_o other_o kind_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o substance_n nature_n and_o end_n do_v we_o at_o this_o day_n plead_v for_o than_o what_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o primitive_a christian_a church_n before_o the_o apostasy_n in_o a_o spiritual_a persuasive_a convince_v way_n and_o manner_n suitable_a to_o christ_n spiritual_a kingdom_n which_o prosper_v by_o his_o truth_n and_o meekness_n righteousness_n and_o true_a judgement_n wherein_o we_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v our_o king_n lord_n and_o lawgiver_n all_o carnal_a force_n and_o rigour_n be_v exclude_v his_o kingdom_n v._o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n we_o utter_o deny_v and_o detest_v exercise_v lordship_n over_o god_n heritage_n or_o seek_v dominion_n over_o the_o faith_n and_o conscience_n of_o his_o people_n and_o assume_v to_o ourselves_o any_o power_n dominion_n or_o arbitrary_a jurisdiction_n over_o their_o
shall_v suffice_v viz._n the_o form_n of_o proceed_n in_o marriage_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n be_v whole_o silent_a as_o to_o the_o primitive_a christian_n by_o which_o you_o may_v see_v what_o a_o narrow_a compass_n his_o great_a noise_n of_o innovation_n outward_a order_n in_o discipline_n be_v bring_v to_o he_o shall_v have_v make_v his_o book_n whole_o on_o this_o subject_n about_o the_o form_n of_o proceed_n in_o marriage_n among_o we_o and_o not_o have_v make_v such_o a_o great_a impertinent_a blunder_n upon_o general_a scandalous_a charge_n to_o no_o purpose_n and_o than_o it_o will_v have_v appear_v whether_o he_o can_v have_v disapprove_v our_o proceed_n therein_o or_o not_o or_o prove_v they_o inconsistent_a with_o those_o righteous_a end_n that_o he_o himself_o have_v grant_v two_o in_o his_o preface_n he_o only_o mention_n outward_a form_n relate_v to_o marriage_n relief_n of_o the_o poor_a etc._n etc._n about_o which_o he_o say_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o contention_n seem_v to_o be_v and_o yet_o he_o be_v the_o hot_a maintainer_n of_o the_o contention_n three_o and_o though_o in_o some_o circumstance_n every_o thing_n be_v not_o specify_v in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o part_n of_o church-discipline_n practise_v among_o we_o that_o do_v not_o tend_v to_o answer_v the_o apostolic_a doctrine_n in_o respect_n to_o good_a order_n a_o holy_a conversation_n a_o heavenly_a society_n and_o thing_n that_o be_v honest_a just_a reasonable_a and_o of_o good_a report_n what_o form_n or_o discipline_n do_v we_o practice_v that_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o these_o righteous_a end_n we_o affirm_v that_o his_o cry_v out_o imposition_n innovation_n form_n of_o church-government_n order_n prescription_n etc._n etc._n in_o general_n be_v no_o answer_n nor_o any_o proof_n of_o his_o charge_n of_o apostate_n and_o innovator_n against_o we_o let_v he_o either_o specify_v the_o particular_n thereof_o that_o he_o condemn_v we_o for_o as_o apostate_n and_o that_o we_o practise_v as_o church-discipline_n or_o else_o forever_o be_v ashamed_a of_o such_o impertinency_n and_o scandalous_a charge_v the_o meeting_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n call_v quaker_n which_o be_v concern_v in_o and_o about_o those_o outward_a affair_n and_o christian_a service_n for_o which_o they_o be_v intend_v as_o charitable_a duty_n inspect_v marriage_n take_v care_n that_o truth_n be_v not_o scandalize_v etc._n etc._n which_o he_o have_v confess_v and_o the_o service_n of_o such_o our_o meeting_n be_v to_o answer_v those_o righteous_a and_o good_a ends._n as_o also_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n in_o reference_n to_o friend_n care_v about_o print_n in_o these_o word_n viz._n three_o part_n pag._n 31._o i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v that_o it_o be_v unnecessary_a for_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o take_v care_n that_o nothing_o scandalous_a to_o the_o truth_n come_v forth_o in_o public_a under_o the_o name_n of_o any_o who_o make_v profession_n thereof_o and_o be_v it_o so_o that_o i_o have_v aught_o upon_o i_o on_o truth_n behalf_n to_o bring_v to_o public_a view_n i_o shall_v be_v glad_a of_o the_o opportunity_n to_o lay_v it_o before_o such_o brethren_n with_o who_o the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n knowledge_n and_o discern_v of_o spirit_n dwell_v hence_o it_o appear_v that_o this_o man_n will_v seem_v to_o be_v for_o order_n and_o society_n with_o such_o brethren_n as_o he_o have_v a_o good_a esteem_n of_o and_o to_o be_v so_o conformable_a and_o submissive_a as_o to_o have_v their_o counsel_n and_o approbation_n of_o what_o he_o bring_v to_o public_a view_n grant_v it_o necessary_a for_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o take_v care_n that_o nothing_o scandalous_a to_o truth_n come_v forth_o in_o public_a which_o be_v one_o main_a end_n of_o our_o meeting_n in_o london_n so_o much_o strike_v at_o and_o vilify_v by_o he_o but_o who_o those_o brethren_n be_v with_o who_o he_o account_v the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n dwell_v and_o before_o who_o he_o will_v lay_v what_o he_o will_v bring_v to_o public_a view_n for_o their_o care_n and_o approbation_n he_o tell_v we_o not_o but_o we_o may_v easy_o guess_v by_o his_o high_a character_n of_o ancient_n and_o honourable_a friend_n labourer_n in_o the_o gospel_n etc._n etc._n and_o whether_o they_o do_v see_v and_o approve_v of_o this_o confuse_a scandalous_a book_n of_o he_o or_o not_o be_v best_a know_v to_o themselves_o either_o they_o do_v or_o they_o do_v not_o if_o they_o do_v then_o by_o his_o own_o inference_n they_o be_v entitle_v to_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o it_o if_o neither_o of_o they_o do_v see_v and_o approve_v of_o it_o than_o that_o omission_n contradict_v his_o own_o pretence_n it_o not_o be_v probable_a that_o he_o can_v just_o plead_v he_o want_v opportunity_n to_o lay_v it_o before_o any_o of_o his_o honourable_a brethren_n in_o two_o or_o three_o year_n time_n three_o part_n pag._n 82._o there_o be_v great_a need_n for_o every_o one_o to_o watch_v against_o a_o censorious_a judge_a spirit_n lest_o whilst_o they_o be_v judge_v their_o brethren_n they_o themselves_o become_v castaway_n p._n 83._o it_o behoove_v every_o one_o diligent_o to_o watch_v that_o we_o judge_v not_o one_o another_o by_o reason_n of_o these_o differ_a exercise_n etc._n etc._n observe_v how_o well_o this_o man_n can_v counsel_n other_o but_o how_o contrary_a thereto_o he_o act_v himself_o in_o give_v forth_o such_o a_o censorious_a judge_a book_n as_o he_o have_v do_v tend_v to_o render_v many_o innocent_a person_n and_o people_n apostate_n and_o innovator_n wherein_o he_o be_v far_o more_o loud_a in_o his_o charge_n and_o exclamation_n than_o in_o his_o proof_n or_o instance_n of_o that_o apostasy_n or_o those_o innovation_n but_o if_o he_o can_v prove_v such_o innovation_n or_o new_a matter_n in_o discipline_n or_o differ_v exercise_n therein_o as_o he_o will_v insinuate_v which_o yet_o be_v not_o grant_v he_o then_o by_o his_o own_o rule_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v bring_v forth_o his_o censorious_a book_n but_o rather_o have_v watch_v and_o study_v to_o be_v quiet_a pag._n 80._o i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v to_o judge_v apostle_n or_o elder_n when_o they_o shall_v find_v freedom_n from_o the_o lord_n be_v meet_v together_o for_o give_v forth_o any_o thing_n by_o way_n of_o recommendation_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o brethren_n answ._n we_o know_v nothing_o give_v forth_o as_o duty_n to_o god_n or_o man_n to_o be_v practise_v among_o we_o by_o apostle_n or_o elder_n but_o what_o be_v in_o truth_n intend_v at_o least_o to_o be_v recommend_v to_o the_o conscience_n and_o have_v a_o answer_n and_o reception_n in_o the_o conscience_n of_o friend_n in_o truth_n what_o we_o write_v or_o preach_v on_o behalf_n of_o truth_n and_o true_a religion_n be_v recommend_v by_o divine_a authority_n and_o evidence_n in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n by_o the_o manifestation_n of_o truth_n commend_v ourselves_o to_o every_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o this_o may_v be_v either_o by_o good_a exhortation_n counsel_n admonition_n reproof_n judgement_n testimony_n warn_v charge_n command_v etc._n etc._n all_o which_o the_o holy_a apostle_n use_v but_o it_o appear_v our_o opposer_n have_v another_o sense_n of_o recommendation_n as_o leave_v matter_n more_o indifferent_a and_o loose_a by_o way_n of_o doubtful_a proposition_n as_o on_o these_o or_o the_o like_a term_n viz._n you_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o submit_v whether_o you_o see_v it_o your_o duty_n or_o not_o and_o whereas_o this_o person_n be_v frequent_o judge_v our_o friend_n for_o imposition_n innovation_n etc._n etc._n we_o will_v be_v understand_v that_o those_o thing_n commend_v among_o we_o as_o necessary_a for_o good_a order_n and_o holiness_n of_o conversation_n be_v not_o recommend_v doubtful_o or_o upon_o mere_a supposition_n nor_o as_o matter_n of_o indifferency_n to_o be_v practise_v or_o reject_v but_o in_o faith_n and_o full_a assurance_n as_o answer_v god_n witness_n and_o truth_n in_o the_o conscience_n and_o that_o such_o will_v meet_v with_o a_o tender_a reception_n and_o not_o opposition_n in_o all_o tender_a and_o upright_a heart_n disaffect_v xliv_o three_o part_n pag._n 83._o among_o the_o primitive_a believer_n there_o be_v such_o as_o practise_v circumcision_n some_o make_a conscience_n of_o keep_v a_o day_n and_o some_o that_o abstain_v from_o eat_a flesh_n and_o other_o that_o do_v not_o and_o yet_o a_o christian-liberty_n and_o forbearance_n be_v so_o exercise_v as_o that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v one_o another_o about_o these_o thing_n and_o that_o we_o find_v not_o that_o these_o differ_v exercise_n in_o a_o christian_a liberty_n do_v subject_a any_o of_o those_o believer_n exercise_v therein_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o be_v out_o of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n
to_o execute_v or_o put_v in_o practice_n outward_a prescribe_v instruction_n and_o order_n etc._n etc._n nor_o against_o such_o outward_a prescription_n and_o order_n be_v give_v forth_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n through_o one_o or_o more_o man_n or_o person_n in_o this_o our_o day_n for_o there_o be_v many_o wholesome_a and_o bind_a rule_n precept_n and_o command_n outward_o record_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n that_o proceed_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n which_o be_v now_o renew_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o his_o servant_n but_o his_o objection_n be_v against_o their_o be_v give_v forth_o with_o intent_n to_o be_v obey_v by_o other_o whether_o they_o see_v it_o their_o duty_n or_o not_o wherein_o the_o objection_n do_v not_o only_o vary_v from_o that_o in_o his_o title_n page_n but_o be_v very_o frivolous_a and_o loose_a and_o will_v serve_v only_o for_o a_o pretence_n to_o loose_a spirit_n who_o to_o evade_v just_a precept_n and_o instruction_n proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o servant_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o pretend_v they_o see_v it_o not_o their_o duty_n which_o yet_o be_v no_o proof_n that_o any_o thing_n just_a and_o lawful_a in_o itself_o be_v not_o their_o duty_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n see_v whatever_o precept_n direction_n or_o command_n be_v give_v forth_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o concern_v our_o duty_n either_o towards_o god_n or_o man_n and_o the_o keep_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o both_o be_v not_o give_v forth_o to_o be_v leave_v indifferent_a as_o to_o be_v accept_v or_o reject_v but_o to_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n in_o that_o case_n leave_v the_o conscience_n without_o evidence_n or_o the_o creature_n to_o who_o it_o direct_v in_o such_o blindness_n as_o not_o to_o see_v that_o a_o duty_n which_o in_o itself_o be_v just_a and_o righteous_a have_v a_o necessary_a tendence_n to_o that_o godly_a righteous_a and_o sober_a life_n which_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n universal_o appear_v to_o teach_v and_o lead_v man_n into_o and_o therefore_o for_o any_o profess_v truth_n and_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o light_n thereof_o to_o pretend_v that_o spirit_n may_v through_o instrument_n direct_v such_o order_n and_o rule_n unto_o they_o as_o they_o see_v not_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n this_o will_v not_o excuse_v they_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o if_o they_o sin_n against_o sight_n and_o knowledge_n give_v of_o god_n that_o be_v their_o rebellion_n and_o stubbornness_n if_o they_o be_v become_v blind_a and_o ignorant_a of_o what_o be_v their_o duty_n towards_o god_n or_o man_n through_o their_o own_o careless_a neglect_n of_o his_o grace_n give_v they_o they_o be_v just_o condemnable_a therein_o their_o want_n of_o sight_n proceed_v from_o their_o idle_a sloth_n and_o want_v of_o diligence_n if_o he_o grant_v that_o every_o one_o have_v a_o measure_n of_o the_o true_a light_n and_o spirit_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n whatever_o be_v real_o any_o one_o duty_n in_o relation_n to_o a_o good_a conscience_n it_o can_v be_v live_o and_o acceptable_o perform_v as_o in_o god_n sight_n without_o keep_v in_o a_o true_a sight_n and_o sense_n of_o that_o divine_a light_n and_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v near_o to_o show_v man_n his_o duty_n both_o in_o shun_v evil_a and_o do_v good_a as_o also_o to_o lead_v he_o into_o all_o truth_n as_o he_o give_v up_o to_o it_o and_o attend_v upon_o its_o guidance_n but_o further_a the_o member_n of_o christ_n the_o true_a and_o spiritual_a believer_n have_v so_o much_o inward_a sense_n and_o feel_n of_o those_o outward_a instruction_n and_o precept_n that_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n in_o their_o brethren_n that_o they_o have_v unity_n therewith_o and_o have_v some_o discern_v of_o the_o nature_n good_a tendence_n and_o end_n thereof_o and_o even_o such_o as_o be_v but_o weak_a in_o the_o faith_n be_v tender_a and_o honest-hearted_a as_o the_o lord_n lay_v no_o more_o upon_o they_o than_o what_o they_o can_v bear_v so_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o oppose_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n counsel_n through_o his_o servant_n which_o they_o have_v not_o a_o present_a sight_n of_o that_o they_o apply_v their_o heart_n to_o the_o lord_n with_o diligent_a attention_n that_o he_o may_v reveal_v that_o unto_o they_o for_o in_o assurance_n of_o god_n reveal_v what_o shall_v be_v needful_a to_o the_o true_a believer_n in_o the_o primitive_a christian_n day_n as_o they_o walk_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o mind_v the_o same_o thing_n the_o apostle_n to_o the_o philipian_o say_v if_o in_o any_o thing_n you_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v god_n shall_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o you_o phil._n 3._o 15._o and_o to_o the_o thessalonian_n we_o have_v confidence_n in_o the_o lord_n touch_v you_o that_o you_o both_o do_v and_o will_v do_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o command_v you_o 2_o thess._n 3._o 4._o the_o true_a minister_n and_o servant_n of_o christ_n write_v and_o speak_v in_o a_o holy_a confidence_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o preach_v in_o much_o assurance_n that_o their_o testimony_n will_v meet_v with_o reception_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o they_o who_o receive_v the_o love_n of_o truth_n they_o do_v not_o leave_v the_o concern_v of_o truth_n and_o of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n relate_v to_o unity_n or_o good_a order_n upon_o loose_a and_o indifferent_a term_n as_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n require_v they_o to_o teach_v exhort_v or_o command_v any_o thing_n needful_a to_o be_v practise_v in_o church_n of_o christ_n with_o respect_n to_o good_a order_n society_n unity_n and_o holiness_n of_o conversation_n they_o faithful_o signify_v it_o and_o do_v not_o leave_v the_o matter_n loose_a and_o indifferent_a in_o this_o wise_a viz._n these_o thing_n we_o be_v require_v of_o the_o lord_n to_o signify_v to_o you_o as_o very_o needful_a in_o such_o and_o such_o case_n but_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v upon_o you_o you_o need_v not_o practise_v they_o unless_o you_o see_v they_o to_o be_v your_o duty_n or_o if_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o let_v you_o see_v they_o to_o be_v your_o duty_n you_o may_v let_v they_o alone_o you_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o practise_v any_o thing_n we_o preach_v direct_v or_o counsel_v you_o to_o do_v if_o you_o do_v not_o see_v it_o to_o be_v your_o duty_n this_o will_v be_v a_o very_a feeble_a kind_n of_o preach_v and_o bespeak_v such_o inconsistency_n and_o distrust_n in_o their_o testimony_n as_o if_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o open_v their_o eye_n to_o see_v that_o which_o his_o spirit_n direct_v to_o and_o lead_v his_o servant_n to_o testify_v and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o such_o kind_n of_o loose_a indifferent_a preach_v will_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o leave_v they_o blind_a and_o dim-sighted_n who_o be_v so_o instead_o of_o open_v their_o eye_n by_o the_o plain_a evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o god_n whereas_o the_o true_a minister_n and_o servant_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o manifestation_n of_o truth_n do_v commend_v themselves_o to_o every_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n as_o have_v faith_n confidence_n and_o assurance_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o evidence_n and_o answer_n in_o the_o conscience_n be_v unto_o god_n a_o sweet_a savour_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o that_o be_v save_v and_o in_o they_o that_o perish_v to_o the_o one_o the_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n and_o to_o the_o other_o the_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o life_n 2_o cor._n 2._o 15_o 16._o they_o preach_v both_o in_o assurance_n and_o divine_a authority_n these_o thing_n command_v and_o teach_v preach_v the_o word_n be_v instant_a in_o season_n out_o of_o season_n reprove_v rebuke_v exhort_v with_o all_o long-suffering_a and_o doctrine_n i_o charge_v thou_o etc._n etc._n charge_v they_o that_o be_v rich_a etc._n etc._n in_o such_o term_n paul_n write_v to_o timothy_n and_o concern_v a_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n and_o elder_a in_o the_o church_n he_o give_v the_o description_n to_o titus_n how_o he_o must_v be_v qualify_v titus_n 1._o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o hold_v fast_o the_o faithful_a word_n as_o he_o have_v be_v teach_v that_o he_o may_v be_v able_a by_o sound_a doctrine_n both_o to_o exhort_v and_o convince_v the_o gainsayer_n and_o bless_v be_v the_o lord_n we_o know_v nothing_o we_o practice_v among_o we_o as_o a_o people_n gather_v by_o he_o in_o our_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n either_o in_o respect_n to_o unity_n church-government_n order_n or_o discipline_n but_o such_o thing_n as_o we_o have_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o
be_v fear_v many_o do_v eye_n more_o the_o order_n from_o thou_o than_o they_o eye_v the_o lord_n in_o they_o accuse_v and_o judge_v all_o out_o of_o truth_n that_o practise_v not_o with_o all_o speed_n from_o they_o use_v all_o force_n they_o can_v devise_v according_a to_o the_o power_n they_o have_v to_o compel_v all_o to_o they_o censure_v all_o friend_n out_o of_o the_o unity_n that_o come_v not_o to_o practise_v with_o they_o which_o be_v the_o great_a penalty_n and_o persecution_n they_o can_v inflict_v for_o want_v of_o outward_a power_n compare_v with_o the_o follow_a passage_n pag._n 78_o 79._o viz._n for_o the_o enemy_n of_o truth_n have_v take_v occasion_n from_o thy_o order_n to_o beget_v a_o false_a birth_n in_o many_o and_o angry_a proceed_n about_o they_o of_o late_o declare_v which_o be_v not_o before_o in_o our_o age_n neither_o do_v head_n nor_o horn_n of_o the_o dragon_n appear_v to_o cast_v down_o the_o holy_a people_n by_o lie_v against_o they_o say_v that_o they_o oppose_v the_o holy_a order_n and_o by_o approve_v of_o such_o proceed_n be_v satan_n let_v loose_a in_o our_o time_n to_o deceive_v and_o all_o that_o see_v his_o transforming_n he_o cast_v flood_n out_o of_o his_o mouth_n against_o they_o to_o carry_v they_o away_o and_o cast_v such_o to_o the_o earth_n want_v nothing_o to_o effect_v his_o design_n but_o the_o outward_a power_n to_o carry_v they_o on_o to_o kill_v for_o his_o wrath_n be_v against_o they_o that_o keep_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o such_o he_o accuse_v of_o fleshly_a liberty_n and_o loose_a walk_v observe_v we_o look_v upon_o these_o unkind_a and_o bitter_a passage_n and_o insinuation_n to_o be_v very_o pernicious_a and_o as_o proceed_n from_o a_o wrong_a conception_n and_o birth_n of_o cruel_a jealousy_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o fear_n concern_v many_o and_o not_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o construction_n make_v of_o some_n censure_v some_o out_o of_o the_o unity_n for_o their_o opposition_n to_o such_o order_n or_o orderly_a proceed_n as_o they_o account_v good_a and_o wholesome_a as_o the_o great_a penalty_n and_o persecution_n they_o can_v inflict_v and_o that_o they_o will_v inflict_v great_a if_o they_o have_v but_o outward_a power_n this_o appear_v very_o uncharitable_a even_o the_o same_o that_o our_o open_a profess_a adversary_n have_v often_o insinuate_v against_o we_o and_o great_o tend_v to_o stir_v up_o persecution_n against_o we_o as_o do_v also_o the_o follow_a word_n viz._n want_v nothing_o to_o effect_v his_o design_n but_o the_o outward_a power_n to_o carry_v they_o on_o to_o kill_v here_o john_n thou_o have_v severe_o prejudge_v many_o which_o we_o be_v assure_v thou_o have_v no_o proof_n for_o but_o thy_o own_o jealousy_n remember_v how_o thy_o friend_n and_o advocate_n w._n r._n have_v severe_o censure_v such_o kind_n of_o prejudicate_v proceed_n as_o the_o censure_a and_o judge_v person_n without_o a_o hear_v or_o proof_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n but_o have_v thou_o hear_v any_o friend_n ever_o grant_v they_o want_v only_o the_o outward_a power_n to_o carry_v they_o on_o more_o severe_o to_o persecute_v and_o kill_v you_o oh_o john_n we_o be_v persuade_v thou_o must_v meet_v with_o a_o hour_n of_o tribulation_n for_o this_o prejudicial_a and_o uncharitable_a deal_v be_v ever_o worse_a thing_n expose_v in_o print_n against_o we_o before_o and_o will_v thou_o be_v thus_o deal_v by_o we_o pray_v god_n to_o give_v thou_o a_o sight_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o tender_v thy_o heart_n unto_o repentance_n and_o a_o return_n to_o thy_o first_o love_n for_o thou_o have_v know_v better_a thing_n than_o these_o thy_o print_a letter_n bespeak_v which_o if_o thou_o give_v way_n to_o the_o print_v they_o thou_o be_v not_o aware_a how_o they_o will_v and_o assure_o do_v make_v against_o thy_o interest_n and_o your_o cause_n which_o w._n r._n plead_v and_o advocate_n for_o and_o we_o will_v serious_o ask_v whether_o such_o bitter_a invective_n and_o infamy_n cast_v upon_o g._n f._n and_o other_o in_o thy_o letter_n do_v not_o rather_o show_v forth_o the_o head_n and_o horn_n of_o the_o dragon_n than_o the_o zeal_n of_o any_o friend_n do_v in_o testify_v for_o good_a order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o against_o fleshly_a liberty_n and_o loose_a walk_v which_o if_o any_o such_o have_v exceed_v in_o their_o zeal_n or_o their_o zeal_n at_o any_o time_n have_v not_o be_v so_o prudent_o and_o wary_o manage_v in_o thy_o or_o your_o account_n as_o shall_v have_v be_v yet_o to_o judge_v they_o as_o so_o far_o possess_v with_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o dragon_n as_o that_o by_o they_o he_o accuse_v such_o as_o keep_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n with_o fleshly_a live_n and_o loose_a walk_v this_o we_o think_v be_v very_o hard_a and_o uncharitable_a and_o we_o pray_v thou_o consider_v these_o thing_n and_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v also_o that_o in_o w._n r_n letter_n to_o g._n f._n part_n 4._o pag._n 97._o be_v this_o passage_n viz._n therefore_o be_v the_o zeal_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n kindle_v against_o that_o ungodly_a insinuate_a spirit_n that_o make_v it_o its_o business_n to_o bespatter_v j._n s._n and_o j._n w._n whereby_o the_o simplehearted_n may_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o the_o way_n upon_o which_o we_o must_v needs_o note_v how_o zealous_a he_o be_v for_o these_o two_o person_n and_o what_o a_o great_a stress_n he_o lay_v upon_o they_o &_o their_o reputation_n as_o if_o to_o write_v or_o speak_v what_o reflect_v upon_o they_o may_v endanger_v the_o turn_n the_o simplehearted_n out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o why_o so_o we_o may_v suppose_v it_o be_v because_o he_o think_v that_o many_o simplehearted_n have_v a_o good_a opinion_n of_o they_o though_o we_o will_v tell_v he_o not_o so_o many_o since_o vv._n r._n become_v such_o a_o furious_a advocate_n for_o they_o as_o before_o a_o great_a many_o be_v offend_v at_o his_o book_n and_o at_o he_o for_o suffer_v it_o to_o come_v forth_o and_o he_o to_o go_v on_o in_o their_o defence_n without_o show_v public_a and_o absolute_a dislike_n thereof_o the_o truth_n on_o it_o be_v whatever_o j._n s._n and_o j._n w._n may_v think_v of_o w._n r._n he_o have_v be_v instrumental_a extreme_o to_o lessen_v their_o esteem_n though_o we_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o any_o make_n it_o their_o business_n to_o bespatter_v they_o neither_o do_v we_o know_v of_o any_o friend_n that_o so_o do_v however_o w._n r._n have_v make_v it_o a_o great_a part_n of_o his_o business_n to_o bespatter_n and_o revile_v many_o of_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n who_o many_o simplehearted_n one_o be_v a_o good_a belief_n and_o esteem_n of_o he_o have_v take_v but_o little_a care_n to_o prevent_v their_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o the_o way_n by_o his_o bespatter_v such_o and_o that_o by_o name_n in_o print_n wherein_o his_o great_a partiality_n and_o injustice_n be_v the_o more_o evident_a disaffect_v lii_o w._n r._n three_o part_n pag._n 28._o i_o now_o appeal_v to_o god_n witness_n in_o all_o conscience_n whether_o the_o outward_a establishment_n of_o outward_a government_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o christ_n government_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o square_v more_o with_o the_o principle_n of_o such_o who_o look_v for_o his_o second_o come_v in_o some_o outward_a bodily_a appearance_n than_o with_o the_o principle_n of_o those_o who_o conclude_v his_o second_o come_v to_o be_v by_o his_o spiritual_a appearance_n in_o the_o heart_n observe_v under_o pretence_n of_o this_o solemn_a appeal_n here_o be_v a_o perverse_a insinuation_n and_o false_a comparison_n to_o represent_v we_o as_o square_n with_o as_o we_o take_v it_o he_o mean_v the_o principle_n of_o christ_n personal_a reign_n i._n e._n by_o himself_o alone_o in_o outward_a power_n and_o dominion_n this_o compare_v with_o j._n w_n word_n before-cited_n about_o want_v the_o outward_a power_n etc._n etc._n tend_v to_o make_v we_o offensive_a still_o and_o to_o expose_v we_o to_o suffer_v why_o will_v he_o admit_v of_o no_o outward_a government_n in_o the_o church_n call_v christ_n government_n be_v not_o this_o to_o account_v all_o outward_a government_n antichrist_n and_o do_v not_o this_o square_a with_o such_o who_o he_o compare_v we_o to_o sure_o william_n rogers_n have_v know_v otherwise_o and_o better_a thing_n of_o we_o that_o be_v of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n who_o own_o christ_n second_o come_v to_o be_v by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n principal_o and_o immediate_o to_o set_v up_o his_o government_n there_o and_o to_o bring_v forth_o true_a judgement_n righteousness_n and_o good_a order_n in_o his_o church_n and_o people_n which_o extend_v and_o appear_v even_o outward_o christ_n rule_v both_o inward_o