reality_n member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n because_o this_o light_n in_o which_o we_o have_v believe_v do_v reveal_v unto_o we_o that_o those_o who_o be_v but_o in_o the_o gentile_a nature_n and_o have_v come_v no_o further_o than_o the_o outward_a court_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o gentile_n may_v have_v all_o the_o outward_a mark_n and_o sign_n of_o a_o member_n of_o their_o church_n and_o yet_o know_v very_o little_a of_o the_o wash_n by_o the_o water_n of_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n through_o the_o spirit_n which_o every_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n that_o be_v build_v on_o the_o rock_n christ_n come_v to_o be_v witness_n of_o and_o therefore_o when_o our_o opposer_n who_o profess_v not_o the_o truth_n will_v reflect_v upon_o we_o on_o this_o wise_a you_o be_v a_o confuse_a people_n you_o gather_v not_o into_o church-fellowship_n you_o have_v no_o certain_a way_n to_o know_v one_o another_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o we_o have_v and_o why_o do_v you_o not_o put_v forth_o your_o creed_n that_o so_o we_o may_v know_v what_o and_o how_o many_o the_o article_n of_o your_o faith_n be_v and_o what_o you_o stand_v for_o and_o what_o you_o stand_v against_o the_o best_a answer_n that_o ever_o as_o we_o can_v understand_v we_o be_v capable_a to_o give_v in_o truth_n unto_o such_o be_v this_o the_o true_a church_n be_v in_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o have_v believe_v in_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o his_o grace_n unto_o which_o if_o we_o be_v obedient_a according_a to_o the_o respective_a measure_n thereof_o give_v of_o god_n and_o receive_v by_o we_o we_o then_o have_v the_o witness_v of_o god_n in_o our_o conscience_n give_v evidence_n that_o we_o be_v of_o the_o true_a brotherhood_n and_o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v who_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n though_o we_o do_v not_o allege_v any_o outward_a mark_n and_o sign_n whereby_o our_o body_n be_v temple_n wherein_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v dwell_v ought_v to_o be_v account_v within_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o albeit_o no_o outward_a society_n of_o man_n among_o we_o call_v themselves_o the_o church_n have_v put_v forth_o any_o certain_a number_n of_o article_n of_o faith_n with_o this_o testimony_n that_o every_o one_o that_o profess_v himself_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n ought_v so_o to_o believe_v or_o else_o not_o be_v account_v of_o the_o true_a church_n yet_o many_o of_o our_o friend_n unto_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v divine_a understanding_n have_v write_v divers_a book_n according_a as_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v move_v upon_o their_o heart_n out_o of_o which_o the_o sound_a doctrine_n we_o hold_v and_o stand_v for_o may_v be_v collect_v though_o other_o so_o repute_v may_v through_o weakness_n have_v err_v to_o conclude_v as_o to_o this_o particular_a we_o further_o thus_o testify_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v babe_n young_a man_n and_o father_n there_o be_v the_o weak_a and_o the_o strong_a suppose_v a_o weak_a brother_n faith_n differ_v from_o his_o brethren_n must_v he_o be_v account_v a_o fool_n or_o a_o hypocrite_n nay_o nay_o charity_n measure_v not_o so_o we_o find_v this_o very_a case_n happen_v among_o the_o roman_n and_o what_o say_v paul_n in_o that_o case_n read_v rom._n 14.3_o 4_o 22_o 23._o and_o there_o paul_n thus_o advise_v let_v not_o he_o that_o eat_v despise_v he_o that_o eat_v not_o and_o let_v not_o he_o that_o eat_v not_o judge_v he_o which_o eat_v for_o god_n have_v receive_v he_o who_o be_v thou_o that_o condemne_v another_o man_n servant_n to_o his_o own_o master_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v have_v thou_o faith_n have_v it_o to_o thyself_o he_o that_o doubt_v be_v condemn_v if_o he_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n hence_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n differ_v in_o their_o faith_n he_o that_o do_v eat_v be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v because_o he_o be_v receive_v of_o god_n he_o that_o do_v not_o eat_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v judge_v that_o the_o apostle_n condemn_v the_o very_a eat_n while_o there_o be_v a_o doubt_n though_o the_o abstain_v from_o eat_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o weakness_n we_o now_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o every_o impartial_a reader_n in_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n to_o weigh_v and_o consider_v whether_o it_o can_v be_v service_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n at_o this_o day_n for_o any_o person_n under_o the_o name_n of_o quaker_n to_o give_v forth_o this_o doctrine_n it_o be_v folly_n and_o hypocrisy_n to_o profess_v ourselves_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o yet_o not_o believe_v thus_o as_o the_o true_a church_n believe_v though_o the_o giver_n forth_o thereof_o may_v to_o this_o purpose_n also_o declare_v as_o to_o give_v the_o publisher_n thereof_o his_o due_a he_o have_v that_o they_o never_o do_v preach_v up_o such_o a_o position_n as_o a_o great_a argument_n to_o enforce_v people_n into_o their_o faith_n sect_n v._o what_o we_o stand_v for_o viz._n truth_n and_o righteousness_n and_o that_o christ_n government_n may_v be_v exalt_v in_o every_o heart_n under_o which_o we_o be_v instruct_v not_o to_o depend_v on_o man_n but_o on_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n grace_n a_o testimony_n against_o tithe_n and_o for_o meet_v together_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n the_o neglect_n whereof_o may_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o weakness_n or_o disobedience_n the_o government_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o law_n thereof_o be_v inward_a some_o part_n of_o the_o fruit_n bring_v forth_o under_o the_o say_a government_n be_v describe_v a_o objection_n relate_v to_o the_o secure_v any_o part_n of_o a_o man_n estate_n on_o a_o foresight_n of_o a_o praemunire_n or_o fine_n for_o meet_v answer_v have_v thus_o far_o ease_v ourselves_o it_o be_v with_o we_o in_o short_a to_o inform_v the_o reader_n what_o we_o stand_v for_o and_o what_o we_o stand_v against_o that_o so_o the_o understanding_n impartial_a reader_n who_o can_v be_v principled_a to_o shut_v out_o all_o reason_n and_o all_o wisdom_n notwithstanding_o public_a exhortation_n to_o the_o contrary_a as_o if_o wisdom_n and_o reason_n of_o all_o kind_n be_v condemnable_a may_v perceive_v more_o clear_o what_o we_o be_v and_o what_o we_o be_v not_o that_o than_o which_o chief_o we_o stand_v for_o be_v truth_n and_o righteousness_n and_o that_o christ_n government_n may_v be_v exalt_v in_o every_o heart_n which_o may_v be_v branch_v forth_o into_o many_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n but_o forasmuch_o as_o that_o have_v large_o be_v treat_v on_o by_o many_o ancient_a &_o honourable_a friend_n to_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n who_o be_v instrument_n in_o god_n hand_n to_o gather_v we_o into_o the_o belief_n of_o his_o light_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o his_o grace_n though_o since_o fall_v asleep_o and_o that_o we_o intend_v more_o particular_o to_o treat_v thereon_o in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o treatise_n we_o shall_v not_o much_o enlarge_v thereon_o in_o this_o part_n yet_o think_v it_o necessary_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o here_o to_o signify_v that_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n for_o which_o we_o stand_v under_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n have_v instruct_v we_o not_o to_o depend_v on_o man_n for_o teach_v but_o on_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n grace_n nor_o yet_o to_o put_v into_o the_o mouth_n of_o false_a prophet_n or_o hireling_n shepherd_n and_o on_o this_o foot_n we_o have_v have_v a_o testimony_n against_o pay_v of_o tithe_n as_o be_v that_o antichristian-yoak_n which_o in_o the_o dark_a night_n of_o apostasy_n have_v be_v spread_v over_o nation_n and_o as_o we_o come_v to_o believe_v in_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o to_o depend_v upon_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o to_o know_v the_o benefit_n of_o our_o assemble_v ourselves_o together_o to_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n for_o the_o arise_v of_o his_o pure_a immortal_a life_n to_o the_o refresh_n and_o consolate_v our_o immortal_a soul_n we_o have_v be_v make_v willing_a praise_n be_v to_o our_o god_n to_o continue_v the_o assemble_v of_o ourselves_o together_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o day_n of_o persecution_n and_o hour_n of_o trial_n though_o suffering_n may_v therefore_o attend_v believe_v that_o whatsoever_o society_n of_o people_n have_v be_v in_o the_o life_n of_o christianity_n and_o yet_o shall_v for_o fear_n of_o man_n or_o the_o law_n of_o man_n forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o have_v be_v in_o day_n past_a when_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n
be_v they_o shall_v not_o forbear_v may_v thereby_o come_v to_o lose_v their_o strength_n in_o the_o lord_n for_o that_o we_o believe_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a to_o think_v nothing_o too_o dear_a to_o offer_v up_o for_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o command_v or_o call_v for_o it_o mark_n we_o do_v not_o say_v at_o every_o time_n that_o any_o informer_n that_o thirst_v after_o our_o ruin_n and_o estate_n through_o malice_n especial_o when_v not_o prompt_v thereto_o by_o such_o as_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o law_n call_v for_o it_o but_o we_o say_v when_o the_o lord_n command_v or_o call_v for_o it_o and_o if_o peradventure_o any_o shall_v be_v so_o overcome_v as_o through_o disobedience_n fear_v or_o weakness_n not_o to_o stand_v steadfast_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n even_o in_o that_o manner_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v it_o be_v then_o the_o duty_n of_o those_o that_o be_v strong_a to_o deal_v gentle_o with_o such_o and_o in_o that_o charity_n speak_v of_o by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 13._o that_o bear_v all_o thing_n that_o endure_v all_o thing_n endeavour_v to_o convince_v they_o of_o such_o their_o weakness_n that_o so_o their_o faith_n and_o strength_n in_o the_o truth_n may_v come_v to_o increase_v and_o not_o be_v so_o remote_a from_o bear_v the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o weak_a which_o be_v the_o apostle_n counsel_n to_o those_o who_o be_v strong_a as_o instead_o thereof_o to_o publish_v such_o their_o weakness_n by_o way_n of_o recrimination_n through_o the_o nation_n especial_o while_o such_o weakness_n may_v true_o be_v term_v want_v of_o sight_n or_o clear_a conviction_n we_o also_o do_v believe_v that_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o inward_a government_n that_o the_o law_n thereof_o be_v inward_a and_o that_o the_o only_a place_n wherein_o they_o be_v to_o be_v exalt_v be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n for_o that_o christ_n appearance_n be_v there_o to_o be_v wait_v for_o and_o that_o this_o government_n can_v be_v establish_v by_o man_n because_o it_o be_v already_o on_o christ_n shoulder_n and_o he_o that_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n of_o david_n be_v to_o establish_v it_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o some_o call_v quaker_n by_o write_v under_o their_o hand_n have_v declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o establisher_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o holy_a order_n of_o truth_n we_o also_o do_v believe_v that_o those_o who_o have_v live_v under_o this_o government_n of_o christ_n bring_v forth_o the_o peaceable_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n strive_v not_o for_o pre-eminence_n nor_o yet_o like_o the_o gentile_n exercise_n lordship_n over_o one_o another_o but_o be_v meek_a gentle_a humble_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v ready_a to_o pass_v by_o and_o forgive_v offence_n even_o as_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n have_v forgive_v we_o and_o so_o show_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o that_o love_n whereof_o christ_n our_o lord_n and_o master_n do_v declare_v when_o he_o say_v by_o this_o shall_v all_o man_n know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o love_v one_o another_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o can_v but_o testify_v that_o those_o who_o be_v so_o far_o from_o follow_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n which_o be_v the_o apostle_n counsel_n as_o to_o raise_v contention_n among_o their_o brethren_n endeavour_v to_o make_v they_o offender_n for_o those_o thing_n which_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o all-seeing_a god_n be_v no_o offence_n do_v not_o appear_v to_o be_v subject_a unto_o christ_n government_n though_o they_o may_v style_v themselves_o establisher_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o holy_a order_n of_o truth_n object_n but_o perhaps_o some_o may_v here_o object_n how_o come_v you_o and_o those_o your_o opposer_n who_o run_v against_o you_o as_o dark_a leaven_a superate_v spirit_n thus_o to_o disagree_v for_o certain_a we_o be_v that_o we_o have_v hear_v they_o testify_v to_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o teach_n of_o man_n magnify_v the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n as_o the_o guide_n to_o the_o father_n and_o bear_v witness_n against_o tyth-payer_n and_o fleer_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n answ_n yes_o very_o we_o believe_v so_o too_o but_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o of_o those_o who_o can_v hold_v a_o unity_n with_o such_o who_o sometime_o tell_v we_o we_o must_v walk_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o ourselves_o and_o that_o magnify_v the_o sufficiency_n thereof_o as_o the_o only_a unerring_a rule_n and_o yet_o be_v judge_v their_o brethren_n because_o they_o can_v have_v a_o eye_n to_o some_o outward_a rule_n and_o order_n give_v forth_o by_o such_o who_o have_v say_v look_v not_o unto_o we_o but_o unto_o the_o lord_n when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n such_o as_o may_v be_v so_o judge_v shall_v solemu_o affirm_v it_o reach_v not_o to_o their_o conscience_n unto_o which_o all_o paper_n outward_a rule_n and_o prescription_n be_v to_o be_v bring_v that_o so_o by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n therein_o they_o may_v be_v try_v and_o not_o our_o conscience_n bring_v unto_o paper_n or_o any_o thing_n outward_a to_o be_v a_o bond_n thereon_o before_o a_o inward_a conviction_n from_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n receive_v neither_o can_v we_o be_v at_o unity_n with_o the_o appearance_n of_o that_o spirit_n in_o any_o one_o that_o villify_v other_o for_o fleer_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n backbiting_a instead_o of_o endeavour_v to_o restore_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n such_o when_o such_o a_o one_o have_v appear_v a_o fleer_v at_o such_o like_a time_n himself_o neither_o can_v we_o be_v at_o unity_n with_o the_o appearance_n of_o that_o spirit_n be_v it_o in_o whosoever_o it_o will_v that_o can_v recriminate_a man_n as_o tyth-payer_n who_o have_v be_v faithful_a in_o their_o testimony_n relate_v to_o tithe_n and_o yet_o advise_v a_o friend_n to_o purchase_v tithe_n which_o be_v g._n f_n case_n with_o relation_n to_o his_o advice_n unto_o nathaniel_n crip_n and_o robert_n arch_n according_a as_o be_v treat_v on_o and_o prove_v by_o certificate_n under_o their_o hand_n record_v in_o the_o 21th_o section_n of_o the_o manuscript_n first_o mention_v in_o the_o preface_n ready_a to_o be_v see_v we_o be_v now_o sensible_a that_o some_o of_o our_o opposer_n may_v take_v occasion_n from_o a_o part_n of_o our_o fore_n go_v word_n thus_o to_o object_n obj._n this_o your_o language_n of_o offer_v up_o all_o seem_v not_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o some_o to_o square_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o secure_v any_o part_n of_o your_o estate_n when_o you_o foresee_v a_o probability_n of_o incur_v a_o praemunire_n or_o be_v fine_v for_o meet_v which_o as_o report_n say_v have_v be_v the_o case_n of_o some_o of_o you_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o that_o you_o have_v justify_v the_o same_o notwithstanding_o some_o who_o we_o account_v faithful_a have_v in_o public_a meeting_n for_o worship_n declare_v against_o it_o instance_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n when_o he_o say_v unto_o peter_n get_v thou_o behind_o i_o satan_n thou_o be_v a_o offence_n to_o i_o for_o thou_o savory_a not_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o god_n which_o be_v so_o speak_v by_o christ_n because_o peter_n say_v unto_o he_o be_v it_o far_o from_o thou_o lord_n this_o shall_v not_o be_v unto_o thou_o meaning_n as_o the_o context_n show_n that_o he_o will_v not_o have_v jesus_n go_v to_o jerusalem_n there_o to_o sufer_v though_o it_o be_v manifest_v to_o he_o that_o he_o must_v go_v thither_o and_o suffer_v etc._n etc._n read_v mat._n 16.21_o 22_o 23._o and_o so_o by_o consequence_n it_o appear_v that_o christ_n reprove_v that_o spirit_n which_o exhort_v to_o save_v self_n beside_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o on_o this_o occasion_n the_o rebellion_n and_o condemn_a action_n of_o saul_n in_o save_v agag_n and_o he_o best_a of_o the_o sheep_n and_o ox_n alive_a be_v a_o part_n of_o what_o by_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o take_v of_o the_o amalakite_n have_v frequent_o be_v bring_v as_o a_o instance_n against_o some_o of_o you_o to_o show_v that_o all_o aught_o to_o be_v offer_v up_o read_v 1_o sam._n 15._o answ_n forasmuch_o as_o this_o very_a objection_n have_v be_v make_v use_n of_o as_o a_o prevail_a argument_n to_o affect_v some_o ignorant_a people_n against_o the_o friend_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v needful_a it_o shall_v receive_v a_o particular_a answer_n and_o observation_n which_o now_o follow_v peter_n word_n have_v a_o tendency_n to_o divert_v christ_n from_o what_o he_o know_v to_o be_v his_o duty_n saul_n action_n be_v know_v and_o confess_v rebellion_n in_o save_v that_o which_o be_v no_o part_n of_o his_o own_o proper_a substance_n but_o
the_o positive_a sentence_n and_o dicision_n of_o the_o church_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n may_v bind_v believer_n it_o be_v so_o remote_a from_o it_o that_o it_o need_v no_o explanation_n to_o show_v it_o so_o nay_o i_o may_v reasonable_o query_n whether_o this_o scripture_n be_v to_o ordinary_a capacity_n plain_a to_o the_o purpose_n that_o paul_n himself_o intend_v for_o if_o we_o consult_v the_o light_n it_o do_v not_o tell_v we_o that_o a_o delivery_n to_o satan_n may_v be_v a_o expedient_a whereby_o to_o learn_v not_o to_o blaspheme_n if_o by_o the_o word_n satan_n be_v mean_v the_o devil_n as_o be_v usual_o understand_v the_o last_o scripture_n he_o quote_v for_o proof_n be_v joh._n 2.10_o if_o there_o come_v any_o unto_o you_o and_o bring_v not_o this_o doctrine_n receive_v he_o not_o into_o your_o house_n neither_o bid_v he_o rejoice_v for_o so_o say_v the_o aforesaid_a author_n the_o greek_a have_v it_o here_o also_o no_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o any_o positive_a sentence_n or_o decision_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o yet_o the_o import_n thereof_o by_o any_o natural_a consequence_n and_o therefore_o we_o will_v consider_v what_o the_o word_n doctrine_n be_v relative_a to_o the_o forego_v verse_n tell_v we_o thus_o whosoever_o transgress_v and_o abide_v not_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n have_v not_o god_n it_o be_v now_o necessary_a to_o consider_v what_o be_v christ_n doctrine_n it_o be_v well_o describe_v by_o his_o sermon_n in_o the_o mount_n mat._n 5.6_o chapter_n wherein_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o title_n to_o countenance_v this_o sentence_n that_o the_o positive_a sentence_n or_o decision_n of_o the_o church_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n may_v be_v obligatory_a on_o believer_n nay_o in_o that_o very_a case_n mat._n 18.15_o 16._o where_o it_o be_v say_v if_o thy_o brother_n trespass_n against_o thou_o go_v tell_v he_o his_o fault_n if_o he_o hear_v thou_o not_o take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o if_o he_o hear_v not_o they_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n if_o he_o refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man._n the_o scripture_n do_v not_o say_v that_o sentence_n ought_v to_o be_v obligatory_a on_o all_o other_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n who_o may_v be_v no_o way_n concern_v either_o in_o the_o admonition_n or_o sentence_n to_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n but_o it_o say_v let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man._n christ_n doctrine_n also_o be_v that_o when_o he_o shall_v depart_v hence_o the_o father_n will_v send_v the_o comforter_n the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o say_v he_o shall_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n he_o do_v not_o say_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v obligatory_a on_o all_o believer_n nor_o yet_o that_o the_o church_n shall_v teach_v they_o all_o thing_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o apostle_n writing_n that_o they_o themselves_o have_v need_v of_o teach_v these_o thing_n due_o weigh_v i_o do_v according_a to_o truth_n conclude_v that_o the_o three_o forego_v scripture_n which_o he_o have_v quote_v do_v no_o way_n import_v to_o prove_v the_o matter_n he_o intend_v beside_o i_o remember_v only_o one_o example_n of_o decisive_n judgement_n or_o sentence_n give_v in_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n who_o do_v it_o not_o as_o assume_v authority_n so_o to_o do_v say_v we_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o we_o have_v power_n to_o decide_v without_o your_o assent_n but_o what_o they_o do_v be_v by_o assent_n of_o the_o differ_v party_n which_o assent_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v note_v by_o such_o who_o say_v as_o r._n b._n have_v we_o bold_o aver_v we_o have_v power_n to_o decide_v and_o that_o speak_v nothing_o in_o favour_n of_o what_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n seem_v to_o drive_v at_o when_o he_o say_v and_o be_v not_o this_o obligatory_a on_o all_o the_o member_n but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o 15_o of_o the_o act_n where_o a_o dissension_n be_v signify_v between_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o certain_a of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n who_o believe_v and_o teach_v unless_o you_o be_v circumcise_a after_o the_o manner_n of_o moses_n you_o can_v be_v save_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n agree_v that_o circumcision_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v lay_v on_o the_o gentile_n which_o be_v believer_n who_o never_o be_v in_o the_o practice_n nor_o yet_o have_v any_o faith_n touch_v the_o same_o yet_o do_v not_o say_v that_o their_o sentence_n shall_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v obligatory_a on_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n nor_o yet_o that_o those_o jew_n who_o practise_v circumcision_n after_o they_o believe_v shall_v desist_v the_o same_o for_o than_o it_o may_v have_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o obligatory_a on_o such_o believe_a jew_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o that_o sentence_n do_v plain_o agree_v with_o the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n receive_v among_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n in_o the_o beginning_n viz._n to_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n receive_v for_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n well_o know_v that_o according_a as_o paul_n say_v to_o the_o roman_n chap._n 14.5_o 23._o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o every_o one_o to_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n and_o so_o can_v not_o suffer_v their_o sentence_n have_v they_o have_v power_n so_o to_o do_v to_o be_v a_o bond_n on_o those_o jew_n who_o make_v conscience_n of_o practise_v circumcision_n after_o they_o have_v believe_v to_o forbear_v the_o same_o and_o as_o to_o the_o gentile_n it_o do_v plain_o appear_v that_o the_o decisive_n judgement_n of_o the_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n with_o respect_n to_o that_o controversy_n touch_v circumcision_n be_v not_o a_o bond_n upon_o they_o contrary_a but_o according_a to_o their_o faith_n and_o therefore_o this_o example_n can_v be_v no_o precedent_n or_o warrant_v for_o any_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o sentence_n or_o decisive_n judgement_n of_o any_o whatsoever_o wherein_o there_o be_v no_o faith_n much_o less_o to_o conclude_v that_o the_o conscience_n ought_v to_o be_v bind_v for_o it_o be_v no_o more_o in_o the_o power_n of_o believer_n or_o any_o else_o to_o force_v a_o assent_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n to_o the_o sentence_n and_o decisive_n judgement_n of_o other_o though_o pretend_v themselves_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n without_o a_o invisible_a operation_n and_o conviction_n thereon_o through_o which_o alone_o its_o capable_a to_o be_v bind_v than_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n so_o to_o alter_v the_o outward_a shape_v of_o our_o face_n as_o to_o make_v they_o like_v unto_o other_o mens_fw-la from_o who_o they_o vary_v moreover_o when_o i_o consider_v how_o innumerable_a controversy_n have_v a_o rise_v touch_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o decree_n that_o have_v be_v bring_v forth_o touch_v matter_n of_o conscience_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o age_n past_a and_o that_o the_o like_a controversy_n in_o probability_n may_v arise_v at_o this_o day_n shall_v any_o number_n of_o person_n whatsoever_o assemble_v and_o not_o only_o say_v we_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o also_o thus_o we_o have_v power_n to_o bind_v and_o lose_v and_o upon_o that_o foot_n give_v forth_o positive_a sentence_n and_o decesive_a judgement_n in_o case_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n in_o order_n to_o be_v obligatory_a upon_o believer_n i_o can_v but_o query_n especial_o since_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n have_v not_o preach_v up_o this_o doctrine_n you_o must_v believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v but_o have_v commend_v their_o testimony_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o truth_n to_o every_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n that_o therein_o they_o may_v be_v manifest_v i_o say_v i_o can_v but_o query_n where_o lie_v the_o service_n to_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n for_o any_o to_o concern_v themselves_o to_o treat_v on_o such_o subject_n as_o may_v give_v occasion_n to_o receive_v the_o weak_a to_o doutbfnl_n disputation_n for_o though_o christ_n say_v what_o you_o bound_v in_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n that_o the_o apostle_n or_o any_o assembly_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n ever_o make_v use_n of_o that_o expression_n to_o show_v their_o authority_n as_o christ_n church_n but_o rather_o labour_v to_o beget_v people_n unto_o god_n that_o so_o they_o may_v become_v member_n of_o christ_n body_n which_o be_v the_o church_n and_o be_v in_o
have_v open_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o other_o way_n by_o which_o all_o thing_n relate_v unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n come_v to_o be_v reveal_v and_o this_o appear_v agrecable_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n john_n 14.26_o 2_o cor._n 4.2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o 2_o tim._n 3.15_o 16._o we_o be_v now_o sensible_a that_o some_o who_o may_v peruse_v the_o forego_n scripture_n may_v be_v ready_a thus_o to_o say_v you_o seem_v to_o propound_v two_o way_n by_o which_o the_o thing_n appertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n have_v be_v and_o be_v reveal_v viz._n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n or_o appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n as_o one_o way_n and_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n as_o another_o way_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v the_o way_n we_o propose_v be_v but_o one_o though_o the_o manifestation_n thereof_o may_v seem_v various_a to_o man_n viz._n sometime_o through_o instrument_n and_o sometime_o through_o himself_o for_o though_o paul_n write_v unto_o timothy_n unto_o who_o he_o be_v make_v a_o instrument_n and_o therefore_o call_v he_o his_o son_n tell_v he_o 16._o 2_o tim._n 3.15_o 16._o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v able_a to_o make_v he_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o that_o they_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n yet_o it_o be_v speak_v with_o respect_n to_o those_o scripture_n that_o be_v give_v forth_o by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o with_o this_o limitation_n viz._n through_o the_o say_v that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n whereon_o we_o observe_v that_o the_o scripture_n give_v forth_o by_o inspiration_n be_v but_o as_o a_o instrument_n make_v serviceable_a to_o the_o reader_n through_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o faith_n in_o christ_n come_v to_o be_v raise_v even_o as_o a_o man_n endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o instrument_n through_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o wholesome_a exhortation_n to_o open_v the_o inward_a eye_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o have_v be_v darken_v and_o to_o awaken_v the_o conscience_n which_o have_v be_v defile_v that_o so_o man_n may_v come_v to_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mind_n unto_o god_n through_o faith_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o conscience_n purify_v from_o dead_a work_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n and_o therefore_o we_o reasonable_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o way_n though_o various_a in_o operation_n and_o manifestation_n through_o which_o the_o thing_n appertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n come_v to_o be_v reveal_v which_o be_v by_o the_o powerful_a appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n and_o light_n convict_v the_o conscience_n convert_v and_o renew_v the_o mind_n unto_o god_n sometime_o through_o scripture_n give_v forth_o by_o inspiration_n sometime_o through_o man_n as_o a_o instrument_n and_o sometime_o by_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o light_n in_o man_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o such_o instrument_n but_o yet_o the_o end_n of_o all_o be_v that_o faith_n in_o christ_n may_v be_v raise_v wherein_o as_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v by_o the_o carnal_a eye_n the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v behold_v which_o be_v that_o treasure_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n speak_v that_o be_v hide_v in_o our_o earthen_a vessel_n that_o the_o excellency_n of_o that_o power_n may_v be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n these_o thing_n be_v due_o consider_v this_o testimony_n do_v natural_o arise_v that_o neither_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n nor_o any_o other_o writing_n whatsoever_o though_o give_v forth_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n itself_o can_v proper_o be_v term_v so_o profitable_a a_o rule_n unto_o we_o as_o the_o light_n and_o spirit_n from_o which_o they_o be_v give_v forth_o and_o therefore_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n ought_v chief_o to_o be_v unto_o the_o spiritual_a appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n and_o spirit_n in_o we_o as_o that_o unerring_a guide_n which_o never_o can_v be_v remove_v into_o a_o corner_n beside_o we_o find_v the_o scripture_n itself_o testify_v that_o no_o prophecy_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n 1.20_o 2_o pet._n 1.20_o that_o be_v it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v interpret_v but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n through_o who_o motion_n it_o be_v give_v forth_o for_o all_o other_o interpretation_n may_v true_o be_v term_v private_a from_o whence_o we_o observe_v that_o if_o the_o prophecy_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n shall_v be_v read_v unto_o we_o from_o morning_n to_o evening_n and_o from_o evening_n to_o morning_n again_o we_o may_v receive_v little_a benefit_n or_o profit_n thereby_o unless_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n come_v to_o be_v stay_v in_o the_o unchangeable_a light_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n whereby_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o they_o out_o of_o all_o private_a interpretation_n have_v be_v and_o be_v signify_v unto_o man._n chap._n ii_o touch_v the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o and_o exhortation_n to_o obedience_n thereof_o those_o faithful_a messenger_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o the_o lord_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n send_v forth_o for_o the_o gather_n of_o the_o nation_n unto_o the_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n that_o their_o soul_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n frequent_o sound_v in_o our_o ear_n on_o this_o wise_a turn_v in_o your_o mind_n unto_o the_o light_n within_o mean_v thereby_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o which_o show_v you_o that_o a_o tie_n be_v not_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o as_o through_o faith_n you_o come_v to_o be_v obedient_a unto_o the_o light_n within_o and_o that_o measure_n of_o grace_n give_v by_o god_n and_o receive_v by_o you_o so_o will_v you_o come_v to_o be_v make_v partalter_n of_o that_o great_a salvation_n this_o doctrine_n be_v acceptable_a to_o many_o who_o in_o the_o love_n of_o truth_n receive_v the_o joyful_a sound_n thereof_o but_o unto_o other_o mean_a and_o despise_a who_o notwithstanding_o that_o testimony_n account_v the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n a_o more_o sure_a rule_n and_o guide_n unto_o the_o father_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o at_o this_o time_n have_v be_v as_o a_o obligation_n to_o examine_v whether_o the_o aforesaid_a doctrine_n so_o acceptable_a to_o some_o and_o despise_v by_o other_o be_v consonant_n to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n which_o task_n be_v the_o more_o free_o undertake_v because_o the_o aforesaid_a doctrine_n have_v become_v so_o great_a a_o stumble_a block_n unto_o many_o as_o that_o they_o have_v think_v it_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n that_o the_o professor_n thereof_o have_v be_v out_o of_o the_o path_n of_o truth_n ready_o object_v on_o this_o wise_a objection_n do_v you_o not_o think_v that_o those_o jew_n who_o crucify_v christ_n act_v not_o from_o the_o light_n within_o since_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o very_o think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n therein_o have_v thus_o premise_v it_o be_v now_o needful_a to_o examine_v what_o may_v be_v speak_v from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n for_o the_o light_n within_o and_o to_o turn_v in_o the_o mind_n unto_o the_o same_o to_o obey_v it_o etc._n etc._n in_o order_n thereunto_o we_o find_v john_n the_o evangelist_n thus_o testify_v 1.4.9_o joh._n 1.4.9_o in_o he_o mean_v the_o word_n which_o be_v god_n be_v life_n and_o the_o life_n be_v the_o light_n of_o man_n that_o be_v the_o true_a light_n which_o light_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n i_o be_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n 8.12_o john_n 8.12_o he_o that_o follow_v i_o shall_v not_o walk_v in_o darkness_n but_o shall_v have_v the_o light_n of_o life_n 12.46_o joh._n 12.46_o i_o be_o come_v a_o light_n into_o the_o world_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o i_o shall_v not_o abide_v in_o darkness_n these_o scripture_n plain_o show_v that_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v in_o and_o follow_v christ_n who_o be_v that_o light_n that_o light_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n objection_n however_o some_o object_v may_v say_v what_o be_v this_o to_o a_o light_n within_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o john_n the_o evangelist_n mean_v nothing_o of_o a_o light_n within_o in_o your_o sense_n but_o of_o the_o personal_a appearance_n of_o christ_n without_o as_o that_o word_n which_o be_v make_v flesh_n and_o as_o evidence_n produce_v what_o the_o same_o evangelist_n say_v chap._n
away_o from_o the_o truth_n as_o the_o set_n up_o of_o a_o grave_a image_n through_o the_o want_n of_o knowledge_n be_v under_o the_o law_n and_o that_o at_o this_o day_n the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v again_o fulfil_v 4.6_o hos_fw-la 4.6_o my_o people_n be_v destroy_v for_o lack_n of_o knowledge_n because_o thou_o have_v reject_v knowledge_n i_o will_v also_o reject_v thou_o it_o be_v now_o needful_a to_o signify_v the_o occasion_n on_o which_o the_o apostle_n paul_n say_v that_o knowledge_n puff_v up_o 1_o cor._n 8.1_o now_o as_o touch_v thing_n offer_v unto_o idol_n we_o know_v that_o we_o have_v all_o knowledge_n knowledge_n puff_v up_o but_o charity_n edifi_v and_o further_o in_o the_o same_o chap._n ver_fw-la 10_o 11._o if_o any_o man_n see_v thou_o which_o have_v knowledge_n sit_v at_o meat_n in_o the_o idol_n temple_n shall_v not_o the_o conscience_n of_o he_o which_o be_v weak_a be_v embolden_v to_o eat_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v offer_v unto_o idol_n and_o through_o thy_o knowledge_n shall_v the_o weak_a brother_n perish_v in_o this_o chapter_n the_o apostle_n paul_n be_v a_o reproof_n to_o such_o as_o abound_v in_o knowledge_n and_o clear_o see_v that_o to_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o meat_n offer_v unto_o idol_n and_o that_o which_o be_v not_o be_v but_o the_o fruit_n of_o weakness_n have_v not_o a_o regard_n unto_o the_o weak_a conscience_n of_o their_o brethren_n and_o so_o he_o tell_v such_o knowledge_n puff_v up_o but_o charity_n edifi_v from_o whence_o we_o can_v conclude_v that_o paul_n mean_v strict_o according_a as_o his_o word_n may_v be_v construe_v no_o more_o than_o he_o intend_v by_o his_o say_n let_v your_o woman_n keep_v silence_n in_o the_o church_n that_o none_o of_o they_o though_o member_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v prophesy_v when_o move_v of_o god_n whenas_o in_o a_o few_o verse_n before_o he_o tell_v the_o church_n which_o consist_v of_o woman_n as_o well_o as_o man_n they_o may_v all_o prophesy_v one_o by_o one_o and_o the_o reason_n seem_v evident_a because_o the_o knowledge_n which_o the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o hint_n at_o be_v a_o knowledge_n spring_v from_o a_o growth_n in_o the_o truth_n that_o the_o weak_a have_v not_o attain_v unto_o which_o may_v be_v take_v to_o be_v signify_v in_o these_o word_n of_o the_o say_a chapter_n we_o know_v that_o we_o all_o have_v knowledge_n howbeit_o there_o be_v not_o in_o every_o man_n that_o knowledge_n for_o some_o with_o conscience_n of_o the_o idol_n unto_o this_o hour_n eat_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n offer_v unto_o a_o idol_n and_o their_o conscience_n be_v weak_a be_v defile_v all_o which_o be_v consider_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o apostle_n write_v those_o word_n viz._n knowledge_n puff_v up_o but_o charity_n edifi_v may_v be_v take_v to_o be_v this_o that_o though_o they_o have_v knowledge_n yet_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v their_o eye_n so_o much_o to_o that_o as_o to_o exercise_v their_o liberty_n to_o the_o offence_n of_o any_o that_o be_v weak_a lest_o the_o enemy_n to_o true_a knowledge_n shall_v interpose_v and_o puff_v they_o up_o so_o as_o not_o to_o condescend_v through_o charity_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o weak_a brother_n it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o man_n soul_n to_o puff_n up_o but_o the_o word_n of_o knowledge_n be_v one_o of_o the_o gift_n 8._o 1_o cor._n 12.7_o 8._o which_o through_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v unto_o every_o man_n to_o profit_v withal_o and_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v that_o the_o apostle_n write_v unto_o the_o philippian_n thus_o express_v himself_o 10._o phil._n 1.9_o 10._o i_o pray_v that_o your_o love_n may_v abound_v yet_o more_o and_o more_o in_o knowledge_n and_o in_o all_o judgement_n that_o you_o may_v approve_v thing_n that_o be_v excellent_a that_o you_o may_v be_v sincere_a and_o without_o offence_n from_o whence_o it_o may_v reasonable_o be_v conclude_v that_o the_o contrary_a fruit_n viz._n thing_n that_o be_v contemptible_a and_o vile_a insincere_a and_o offensive_a spring_n through_o the_o want_n of_o that_o love_n which_o abound_v in_o knowledge_n obj._n by_o this_o discourse_n you_o seem_v to_o exalt_v knowledge_n as_o a_o excellent_a thing_n christian-quaker_n thing_n see_v a_o epistle_n evidence_v the_o qualification_n of_o such_o who_o satan_n make_v use_v of_o to_o rend_v and_o divide_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n how_o come_v it_o then_o to_o pass_v that_o divers_a among_o you_o call_v quaker_n have_v preach_v reflect_o on_o such_o as_o be_v endue_v with_o knowledge_n above_o many_o of_o their_o brethren_n as_o if_o their_o religion_n be_v in_o their_o head_n and_o not_o in_o their_o heart_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n be_v not_o good_a for_o food_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o have_v appear_v in_o such_o a_o invective_n spirit_n against_o reason_n also_o without_o distinction_n that_o in_o your_o public_a meeting_n this_o imperative_fw-it expression_n have_v be_v utter_v away_o with_o all_o reason_v ans_fw-fr it_o be_v very_o true_a however_o that_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o all_o such_o expression_n be_v according_a to_o the_o truth_n peoples_n tongue_n be_v their_o own_o and_o we_o can_v use_v violence_n to_o prevent_v any_o from_o deliver_v that_o which_o they_o may_v pretend_v they_o have_v to_o say_v and_o therefore_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o aforesaid_a objection_n we_o further_o add_v pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a be_v to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o the_o widow_n and_o to_o keep_v unspotted_a of_o the_o world_n wherein_o if_o our_o head_n be_v not_o exercise_v our_o heart_n will_v not_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o as_o to_o to_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a though_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o positive_o declare_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a for_o food_n or_o no_o as_o in_o itself_o yet_o it_o do_v clear_o import_v that_o adam_n sin_n in_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n be_v the_o sin_n of_o rebellion_n for_o that_o he_o be_v command_v not_o to_o eat_v thereof_o a_o father_n may_v command_v his_o child_n not_o to_o eat_v a_o apple_n and_o yet_o give_v he_o leave_v to_o eat_v of_o other_o food_n fit_a at_o that_o season_n for_o he_o if_o the_o child_n shall_v therein_o disobey_v his_o father_n his_o rebellious_a eat_n will_v be_v no_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o apple_n in_o itself_o not_o good_a for_o food_n these_o thing_n be_v consider_v it_o may_v reasonable_o be_v conclude_v that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o assert_v that_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n be_v not_o good_a for_o food_n as_o in_o itself_o beside_o it_o have_v be_v much_o observe_v that_o when_o the_o aforesaid_a doctrine_n have_v be_v by_o some_o declare_v it_o have_v be_v by_o way_n of_o reflection_n on_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n which_o some_o of_o the_o publisher_n thereof_o account_v sensual_a and_o devilish_a though_o other_o have_v not_o thereby_o so_o intend_v but_o therein_o they_o have_v manifest_v their_o own_o weakness_n because_o that_o which_o be_v a_o discoverer_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v in_o itself_o good_a as_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n be_v can_v be_v a_o proper_a comparison_n or_o allusion_n to_o represent_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v devilish_a 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 17.3_o john_n 17.3_o and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v and_o yet_o many_o of_o those_o who_o cry_v up_o life_n be_v apt_a to_o cry_v down_o knowledge_n without_o distinction_n though_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o knowledge_n be_v the_o way_n to_o life_n these_o thing_n be_v due_o consider_v we_o know_v not_o on_o what_o foot_n of_o truth_n any_o one_o can_v assert_v that_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n be_v not_o good_a for_o food_n as_o in_o itself_o and_o that_o it_o can_v be_v a_o proper_a similitude_n to_o represent_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o opposition_n to_o that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v from_o above_o but_o yet_o i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v to_o reflect_v on_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 because_o i_o question_v not_o but_o many_o have_v so_o express_v themselves_o not_o thereby_o to_o represent_v that_o wisdom_n which_o be_v account_v sensual_a and_o devilish_a but_o rather_o to_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 even_o as_o
spring_v through_o a_o inward_a departure_n from_o the_o anoint_v in_o themselves_o obedience_n whereunto_o according_a to_o the_o respective_a measure_n of_o grace_n give_v of_o god_n and_o receive_v by_o each_o member_n be_v a_o manifestation_n of_o that_o wherein_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n stand_v and_o as_o the_o apostasy_n enter_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o tradition_n and_o rudiment_n of_o man_n come_v to_o be_v exalt_v against_o which_o the_o apostle_n paul_n caution_v the_o colossian_n say_v col._n 2.8_o beware_v lest_o there_o be_v any_o that_o spoil_v you_o through_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n according_a to_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o after_o christ_n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o i_o question_v whether_o any_o have_v be_v great_a pretender_n to_o unity_n than_o those_o who_o have_v be_v exalt_v the_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o shall_v leave_v it_o to_o the_o judicious_a reader_n to_o consider_v whether_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n hereof_o appear_v not_o in_o divers_a apostatise_v lord_n apostatise_v note_n *_o man_n of_o prejudice_v spirit_n may_v conclude_v that_o i_o herein_o strike_v at_o the_o true_a church_n god_n forbid_v i_o shall_v so_o do_v for_o the_o true_a church_n never_o exalt_v the_o tradition_n and_o rudiment_n of_o man_n for_o though_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o 2_o thes_n 2.15_o hold_v the_o tradition_n which_o you_o have_v be_v teach_v yet_o his_o very_a prayer_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v establish_v they_o in_o every_o good_a word_n and_o work_n show_v that_o his_o desire_n be_v not_o that_o any_o shall_v follow_v the_o tradition_n of_o any_o further_a than_o the_o lord_n may_v establish_v they_o therein_o and_o this_o be_v far_o from_o follow_v the_o rudiment_n and_o tradition_n of_o man_n of_o impose_v his_o tradition_n otherwise_o than_o according_a as_o they_o shall_v be_v establish_v therein_o by_o the_o lord_n church_n profess_v christianity_n wherein_o be_v establish_v by_o outward_a mean_n what_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v practise_v and_o yet_o doubtless_o as_o remote_a from_o the_o unity_n wherein_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n do_v consist_v as_o the_o east_n be_v from_o the_o west_n and_o so_o in_o their_o unity_n be_v but_o outward_a have_v find_v no_o more_o acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n than_o the_o unworthy_a eater_n do_v while_o they_o discern_v not_o the_o lord_n body_n many_o of_o god_n people_n yet_o in_o the_o body_n be_v witness_n that_o one_o part_n of_o that_o testimony_n which_o accompany_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o those_o latter_a day_n be_v against_o outward_a form_n tradition_n prescription_n decree_n ordinance_n of_o man_n with_o relation_n to_o matter_n spiritual_a and_o divine_a and_o wherein_o the_o conscience_n of_o god_n people_n may_v be_v concern_v as_o be_v those_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n out_o of_o which_o he_o have_v determine_v to_o gather_v his_o people_n for_o to_o the_o child_n of_o light_n they_o appear_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o tenor_n of_o the_o first-covenant_n than_o the_o second_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o to_o establish_v his_o church_n on_o the_o rock_n christ_n that_o so_o as_o they_o receive_v he_o they_o may_v walk_v in_o he_o according_a to_o their_o respective_a measure_n of_o grace_n give_v they_o of_o god_n to_o profit_v withal_o and_o which_o as_o the_o apostle_n declare_v be_v sufficient_a for_o they_o now_o inasmuch_o as_o the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n have_v be_v that_o what_o god_n lead_v out_o of_o he_o usual_o lead_v not_o into_o again_o i_o appeal_v to_o god_n witness_v in_o all_o conscience_n whether_o a_o indispensable_a establishment_n of_o outward_a order_n prescription_n and_o decree_n for_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o walk_v by_o and_o submit_v unto_o at_o this_o day_n and_o wherein_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n may_v be_v invade_v of_o which_o my_o meaning_n be_v no_o other_o liberty_n than_o what_o the_o gospel_n allow_v do_v not_o seem_v to_o exalt_v that_o sort_n of_o unity_n wherein_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n do_v not_o consist_v and_o so_o consequent_o may_v become_v the_o mean_n to_o draw_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n people_n outward_a and_o to_o cause_v they_o to_o look_v at_o outward_a thing_n under_o the_o notition_n of_o thing_n establish_v in_o the_o church_n more_o than_o to_o the_o anoint_v in_o themselves_o let_v god_n witness_v in_o every_o conscience_n judge_n objection_n but_o perhaps_o some_o may_v object_v and_o say_v may_v not_o a_o false_a liberty_n get_v strength_n by_o a_o plea_n for_o a_o gospel-liberty_n i_o answer_v nay_o for_o such_o a_o plea_n be_v righteous_a sin_n and_o iniquity_n which_o be_v a_o false_a liberty_n can_v get_v strength_n thereby_o and_o though_o i_o do_v confess_v the_o enemy_n of_o man_n soul_n may_v make_v use_n thereof_o as_o the_o devil_n do_v make_v use_n of_o scripture_n when_o he_o tempt_v christ_n to_o throw_v himself_o down_o from_o the_o pinnacle_n of_o the_o temple_n say_v the_o lord_n shall_v give_v his_o angel_n charge_v concern_v thou_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o conclude_v a_o just_a plea_n can_v strengthen_v any_o in_o a_o fleshly_a liberty_n but_o the_o tempter_n may_v if_o he_o prevail_v however_o i_o can_v see_v it_o yet_o to_o be_v my_o duty_n to_o cease_v to_o do_v good_a though_o another_o may_v pretend_v that_o thereby_o evil_a may_v abound_v and_o since_o r._n b._n speak_v page_z 28._o of_o a_o false_a pretence_n of_o liberty_n and_o that_o as_o i_o take_v his_o line_n to_o import_v with_o respect_n to_o disobedience_n to_o certain_a thing_n ordain_v relate_v to_o order_n in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v with_o i_o to_o describe_v what_o that_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v which_o be_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o consider_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v glad-tiding_n of_o salvation_n which_o be_v not_o attain_v but_o by_o witness_v the_o end_n for_o which_o christ_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n and_o that_o be_v to_o save_v people_n from_o their_o sin_n hence_o i_o conclude_v a_o pleafor_a a_o gospel_n liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v a_o plea_n for_o a_o freedom_n of_o the_o conscience_n from_o sin_n and_o so_o consequent_o a_o plea_n for_o a_o false_a liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v that_o which_o plead_v for_o sin_n objection_n i_o be_o yet_o sensible_a that_o some_o may_v yet_o further_o thus_o object_n the_o difference_n lie_v not_o here_o for_o we_o find_v many_o who_o contend_v for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n to_o plead_v against_o all_o sin_n and_o that_o many_o who_o will_v not_o have_v it_o extend_v so_o large_a as_o thou_o seem_v to_o plead_v for_o do_v also_o plead_v against_o all_o sin_n and_o therefore_o thy_o distinction_n do_v not_o yet_o satisfy_v to_o this_o then_o i_o thus_o say_v the_o true_a professor_n of_o religion_n say_v heaven_n be_v the_o mark_v they_o aim_v at_o and_o that_o this_o be_v not_o attainable_a without_o peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o that_o every_o man_n must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o himself_o to_o god_n hence_o the_o law_n of_o divine_a nature_n teach_v we_o that_o since_o we_o must_v give_v account_n for_o ourselves_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o but_o suffer_v to_o believe_v for_o ourselves_o and_o whosoever_o on_o that_o score_n and_o no_o evil_a end_n claim_v a_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v grant_v he_o and_o this_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o that_o liberty_n which_o the_o gospel_n allow_v if_o then_o any_o who_o deny_v all_o plea_n for_o sin_n rest_v dissatisfy_v in_o their_o conscience_n touch_v certain_a order_n ordain_v by_o some_o for_o the_o church_n to_o practice_v and_o refuse_v the_o practice_n thereof_o on_o this_o score_n that_o they_o have_v no_o faith_n touch_v 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reach_v the_o conscience_n of_o many_o i_o now_o come_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o r._n b_n word_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o w._n r_n in_o his_o paper_n shall_v labour_v so_o much_o against_o this_o affirm_v very_o positive_o that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v give_v forth_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o by_o way_n of_o recommendation_n and_o not_o of_o command_n on_o this_o i_o observe_v first_o the_o say_a sentence_n be_v make_v up_o of_o a_o part_n of_o one_o sentence_n of_o i_o and_o with_o the_o addition_n to_o that_o sentence_n of_o these_o r._n b_n own_o word_n and_o not_o of_o command_n and_o all_o this_o as_o by_o his_o discourse_n to_o i_o appear_v to_o insinuate_v a_o belief_n that_o i_o hold_v a_o principle_n so_o large_a as_o that_o the_o very_a murderer_n of_o christ_n those_o that_o persecute_a and_o burn_v the_o protestant_n martye_n and_o all_o idolotry_n wickedness_n and_o superstition_n be_v to_o be_v thereby_o justify_v which_o my_o 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to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o church_n be_v just_o to_o be_v blame_v and_o be_v judge_n dtherefore_o in_o respect_n that_o through_o disobedience_n and_o unwatchfullness_n they_o have_v blind_v themselves_o from_o the_o sight_n and_o knowledge_n of_o their_o duty_n for_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v no_o man_n be_v to_o be_v condemn_v for_o not_o do_v that_o which_o he_o yet_o see_v not_o to_o be_v his_o duty_n than_o no_o man_n be_v to_o be_v condemn_v who_o have_v by_o iniquity_n and_o unwatchfullness_n bring_v hardness_n and_o blindness_n upon_o himself_o for_o all_o the_o iniquity_n be_v commit_v afterward_o and_o how_o will_v this_o tend_v to_o establish_v rantism_n the_o substance_n of_o which_o be_v to_o bring_v their_o conscience_n to_o that_o pass_n as_o not_o to_o be_v sensible_a of_o any_o check_n then_o the_o
wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n and_o your_o company_n to_o call_v in_o all_o your_o paper_n which_o you_o have_v give_v forth_o in_o your_o separation_n which_o tend_v to_o nothing_o but_o disquiet_v friend_n mind_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o strife_n jangle_v and_o vain_a dispute_v and_o corrupt_v their_o mind_n and_o draw_v they_o from_o better_a thing_n and_o from_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o peaceable_a truth_n and_o you_o may_v see_v if_o you_o will_v not_o shut_v your_o eye_n what_o your_o spirit_n beget_v into_o viz._n strife_n and_o what_o spirit_n be_v it_o that_o have_v lead_v and_o guide_v you_o so_o if_o you_o do_v not_o give_v over_o your_o work_n and_o separation_n the_o lord_n god_n will_v blast_v your_o spirit_n and_o work_n and_o you_o will_v become_v harden_v and_o as_o bad_a as_o the_o old_a opposer_n james_n naylor_n and_o his_o company_n and_o john_n perrot_n and_o pennyman_n and_o cobet_n and_o muggleton_n mark_v your_o end_n for_o the_o seed_n of_o life_n 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though_o the_o apostle_n thus_o exhort_v little_a child_n keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n yet_o thy_o book_n touch_v womens-meeting_n etc._n etc._n very_a scandalous_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o worthy_a in_o several_a particular_n to_o be_v judge_v and_o condemn_v inform_v we_o as_o if_o micah_n mother_n speak_v of_o judge_n 17._o when_o she_o give_v money_n to_o make_v a_o grave_v image_n to_o be_v worship_v be_v a_o virtuous_a woman_n for_o touch_v she_o thou_o have_v thus_o write_v and_o be_v not_o micah_n mother_n a_o virtuous_a woman_n read_v judge_n 17._o and_o see_v what_o she_o say_v to_o she_o son_n and_o in_o a_o few_o line_n after_o thou_o thus_o testifyes_n these_o and_o such_o like_a woman_n be_v record_v to_o posterity_n for_o their_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n see_v thy_o book_n pag._n 43_o 44._o three_o though_o there_o be_v endeavour_n to_o send_v paper_n to_o and_o fro_o to_o bespatter_n john_n story_n for_o go_v out_o of_o a_o meeting_n when_o the_o persecutor_n come_v 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other_o matter_n that_o the_o agreement_n relate_v not_o to_o the_o rumour_n whereof_o as_o i_o suppose_v come_v to_o g._n f_n ear_n i_o be_v inform_v by_o several_a that_o he_o render_v the_o giver_n forth_o thereof_o or_o at_o least_o one_o of_o they_o covenant-breaker_n and_o it_o be_v credible_o report_v that_o g._n f._n be_v the_o person_n who_o industrious_o spread_v the_o same_o among_o friend_n of_o which_o more_o anon_o as_o a_o evidence_n that_o thomas_n gouldney_n william_n ford_n and_o william_n rogers_n be_v accuse_v on_o this_o score_n for_o covenant-breaker_n we_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o recite_v a_o letter_n write_v unto_o they_o on_o that_o behalf_n the_o copy_n whereof_o do_v follow_v the_o 9th_o of_o the_o 6_o mo._n 78._o thomas_n gouldney_n william_n ford_n and_o william_n rogers_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o john_n story_n be_v and_o john_n willkinson_n be_v party_n who_o be_v know_v or_o unknown_a i_o understand_v that_o you_o have_v a_o meeting_n with_o g._n 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eminent_o concern_v in_o the_o division_n threaten_v shall_v be_v the_o anvil_n to_o beat_v upon_o and_o intercede_v that_o we_o will_v forbear_v make_v mention_n of_o the_o name_n of_o person_n reflect_v on_o to_o this_o the_o answer_n be_v that_o it_o seem_v unlikely_a to_o bring_v forth_o a_o credible_a history_n touch_v religious_a difference_n without_o name_v the_o author_n of_o book_n paper_n and_o name_n of_o person_n reflect_v on_o evidence_v the_o reality_n of_o such_o principle_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n which_o occasion_v disunion_n and_o separation_n among_o some_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a people_n however_o truth_n oblige_v we_o to_o have_v a_o tender_a regard_n unto_o those_o who_o come_v unto_o we_o in_o brotherly_a love_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o our_o desire_n have_v be_v that_o the_o lord_n may_v permit_v we_o to_o bear_n forbear_v and_o suffer_v have_v a_o secret_a hope_n that_o the_o lord_n may_v make_v such_o instrument_n in_o his_o hand_n by_o a_o 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10_o month_n 1677._o the_o four_o of_o the_o 11_o month_n 1678._o the_o 11_o of_o the_o 11_o month_n 1678._o one_o other_o on_o the_o same_o day_n sign_v by_o thomas_n gouldeny_n william_n ford_n and_o myself_o one_o other_o the_o 22th_o of_o the_o 2d_o month_n 1679._o sign_v by_o myself_o and_o three_o other_o friend_n direct_v to_o he_o and_o two_o other_o and_o one_o other_o from_o myself_o only_o date_v the_o 6_o of_o the_o 12_o month_n 1679._o manifest_v the_o ground_n of_o my_o dissatisfaction_n with_o relation_n to_o many_o thing_n of_o a_o public_a concern_v among_o friend_n as_o well_o as_o personal_a injury_n which_o become_v he_o to_o clear_v or_o else_o give_v satisfaction_n and_o yet_o to_o this_o day_n be_v the_o 16_o day_n of_o the_o 6_o month_n 1680._o i_o can_v in_o truth_n say_v that_o any_o answer_n be_v come_v from_o he_o to_o i_o notwithstanding_o messenger_n be_v send_v unto_o he_o on_o purpose_n with_o several_a of_o they_o and_o advice_n give_v i_o of_o the_o delivery_n and_o though_o a_o paper_n come_v once_o to_o my_o hand_n in_o which_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o two_o of_o the_o say_a letter_n yet_o i_o can_v take_v it_o to_o be_v his_o answer_n but_o rather_o as_o by_o the_o language_n thereof_o appear_v the_o answer_n of_o another_o on_o his_o behalf_n and_o chief_o stuff_v with_o query_n so_o that_o my_o concern_v to_o expect_v satisfaction_n or_o detect_v he_o be_v increase_v at_o length_n when_o i_o perceive_v it_o be_v not_o probable_a to_o obtain_v what_o i_o expect_v from_o he_o by_o make_v manifest_a my_o burden_n and_o exercise_n either_o to_o he_o or_o one_o or_o two_o who_o i_o suppose_v he_o may_v esteem_v to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n nor_o yet_o from_o the_o general_n meet_v though_o as_o i_o suppose_v they_o be_v esteem_v by_o some_o though_o not_o by_o all_o the_o representative_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_a i_o then_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o many_o brethren_n travel_v in_o several_a part_n of_o the_o nation_n manifest_v that_o according_a to_o the_o understanding_n give_v i_o of_o god_n i_o have_v proceed_v towards_o that_o one_o person_n g._n f._n in_o a_o gospel-method_n and_o that_o if_o i_o than_o shall_v have_v proceed_v to_o print_v against_o he_o nothing_o can_v be_v just_o lay_v to_o my_o charge_n for_o want_v of_o orderly_o proceed_v to_o obtain_v satisfaction_n which_o hitherto_o be_v not_o give_v i_o but_o yet_o my_o condescension_n to_o my_o brethren_n be_v such_o as_o that_o though_o the_o manuscript_n relate_v to_o he_o be_v prepare_v i_o very_o public_o propose_v in_o write_v under_o my_o hand_n and_o spread_v the_o same_o abroad_o direct_v to_o friend_n in_o several_a county_n signify_v that_o if_o any_o one_o of_o they_o be_v free_a to_o write_v unto_o that_o one_o person_n or_o at_o least_o to_o give_v this_o testimony_n under_o their_o or_o any_o of_o their_o hand_n that_o since_o i_o charge_v he_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o thing_n reproachful_a to_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v but_o just_a and_o reasonable_a that_o he_o shall_v submit_v to_o a_o hear_v thereof_o before_o friend_n in_o truth_n to_o the_o end_n that_o if_o guilty_a he_o may_v condemn_v the_o same_o if_o not_o he_o may_v be_v justify_v and_o i_o condemn_v for_o accuse_v wrongful_o i_o shall_v then_o forbear_v print_v against_o he_o until_o such_o time_n i_o shall_v send_v such_o a_o letter_n or_o testimony_n unto_o the_o place_n of_o his_o habitation_n and_o if_o he_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o give_v answer_n thereto_o on_o request_n to_o he_o to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o messenger_n that_o shall_v go_v therewith_o than_o my_o purpose_n be_v as_o i_o then_o declare_v to_o communicate_v such_o answer_n to_o friend_n that_o so_o we_o may_v consider_v further_o what_o may_v be_v agreeable_a to_o truth_n to_o be_v do_v on_o this_o occasion_n one_o part_n of_o my_o end_n in_o thus_o do_v be_v to_o discover_v whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o erroneous_a principle_n in_o any_o so_o to_o stand_v by_o a_o man_n charge_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o thing_n reproachful_a to_o the_o truth_n as_o that_o he_o must_v be_v exempt_v though_o guilty_a from_o the_o stroke_n of_o that_o justice_n which_o in_o the_o like_a case_n of_o gild_n he_o have_v prescribe_v for_o other_o for_o though_o the_o apostle_n testify_v that_o charity_n suffer_v long_o bear_v and_o endure_v all_o thing_n yet_o his_o mean_v be_v not_o that_o any_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n of_o what_o degree_n soever_o shall_v not_o be_v treat_v withal_o when_o over-taken_a in_o a_o fault_n else_o the_o same_o apostle_n will_v not_o have_v give_v these_o testimony_n gal._n 6.5_o every_o man_n shall_v bear_v his_o own_o burden_n col._n 3.25_o he_o that_o do_v wrong_a shall_v receive_v for_o the_o wrong_n which_o he_o have_v do_v and_o there_o be_v no_o respect_n of_o person_n beside_o it_o be_v observable_a from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n rev._n 2.2_o that_o it_o be_v praiseworthy_a not_o to_o bear_v liar_n though_o they_o may_v say_v they_o be_v apostle_n i_o now_o come_v to_o inform_v the_o reader_n that_o the_o ensue_a treatise_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n collect_v out_o of_o the_o manuscript_n first_o make_v mention_n of_o but_o yet_o with_o the_o omission_n of_o some_o marginal_a memorial_n direct_v the_o reader_n to_o the_o several_a section_n of_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o say_a manuscript_n that_o so_o from_o matter_n of_o fact_n therein_o contain_v the_o truth_n of_o reflection_n make_v and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o objection_n raise_v and_o that_o from_o the_o book_n write_n or_o practice_n of_o some_o particular_a person_n or_o person_n repute_v of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n may_v be_v prove_v and_o therefore_o since_o it_o be_v not_o think_v fit_a
for_o the_o reason_n mention_v in_o this_o preface_n to_o publish_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o say_a manuscript_n we_o instead_o thereof_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o friend_n do_v declare_v that_o it_o be_v ready_a for_o the_o view_n of_o any_o friend_n in_o order_n to_o prove_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o reflection_n make_v or_o objection_n raise_v have_v thus_o premise_v i_o now_o come_v again_o to_o lay_v down_o the_o three_o beforementioned_a query_n and_o to_o give_v direct_a answer_n thereto_o quer._n 1._o why_o have_v thou_o omit_v to_o mention_v the_o name_n of_o some_o person_n and_o author_n of_o some_o book_n and_o paper_n reflect_v on_o in_o this_o treatise_n answ_n though_o i_o have_v be_v reflect_v upon_o at_o a_o ungodly_a rate_n by_o many_o because_o i_o have_v be_v concern_v to_o oppose_v a_o erroneous_a and_o persecute_v spirit_n which_o i_o have_v behold_v enter_v among_o the_o flock_n of_o god_n yet_o bless_a be_v the_o lord_n he_o have_v so_o preserve_v i_o by_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o power_n as_o that_o none_o of_o my_o opposer_n have_v so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v lay_v any_o thing_n unto_o my_o charge_n but_o for_o matter_n wherein_o i_o have_v act_v though_o misrepresent_v by_o they_o to_o keep_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o as_o it_o become_v my_o concern_v of_o conscience_n to_o prepare_v the_o manuscript_n first_o mention_v that_o so_o the_o truth_n of_o some_o material_a matter_n occasion_v or_o accompany_v division_n and_o separation_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n may_v lie_v on_o record_n at_o least_o until_o a_o union_n may_v again_o be_v witness_v so_o also_o it_o have_v be_v my_o frequent_a breathe_v unto_o the_o lord_n that_o i_o may_v not_o bring_v forth_o a_o untimely_o birth_n but_o may_v so_o be_v lead_v and_o guide_v in_o this_o affair_n as_o that_o i_o may_v answer_v the_o witness_n of_o god_n in_o all_o conscience_n and_o to_o my_o inward_a peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o lord_n i_o can_v say_v that_o i_o have_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o spirit_n notwithstanding_o what_o any_o man_n may_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a that_o he_o have_v own_v my_o proceed_v therein_o hitherto_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o answer_n thereto_o in_o many_o brethren_n and_o as_o i_o be_v serious_o wait_v on_o the_o lord_n i_o become_v satisfy_v in_o my_o conscience_n to_o forbear_v reflect_o to_o mention_v in_o this_o treatise_n the_o name_n of_o many_o repute_a quaker_n that_o as_o yet_o i_o doubt_v remain_v deviate_v in_o some_o thing_n from_o the_o line_n of_o truth_n and_o i_o hope_v such_o a_o spirit_n of_o mediation_n and_o justice_n will_v have_v appear_v among_o some_o of_o our_o friend_n who_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v to_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o difference_n between_o other_o as_o that_o they_o may_v have_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o cause_n g._n f._n to_o stoop_v so_o timely_a to_o justice_n as_o that_o there_o may_v have_v be_v not_o concern_v upon_o i_o and_o other_o to_o discover_v any_o part_n of_o his_o error_n so_o public_o as_o now_o they_o be_v the_o consideration_n occur_v in_o my_o breast_n when_o i_o become_v so_o satisfy_v as_o aforesaid_a be_v these_o first_o several_a of_o my_o brethren_n as_o before_o be_v premise_v intercede_v to_o forbear_v and_o if_o for_o my_o thus_o do_v any_o shall_v reflect_v upon_o i_o they_o may_v as_o well_o reflect_v upon_o the_o apostle_n counsel_n when_o he_o exhort_v the_o ephesian_n to_o submit_v themselves_o one_o unto_o another_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n for_o i_o be_v sensible_a that_o those_o who_o so_o concern_v themselves_o have_v a_o true_a sense_n that_o the_o cause_n wherein_o i_o be_v concern_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o truth_n on_o which_o foot_n their_o treatment_n of_o i_o be_v in_o much_o love_n and_o tenderness_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o i_o perceive_v they_o be_v not_o without_o hope_n that_o a_o little_o long_a forbearance_n may_v work_v for_o the_o better_a i_o become_v satisfy_v it_o be_v my_o place_n to_o submit_v and_o forbear_v a_o while_n second_o though_o hardness_n of_o heart_n have_v so_o overtake_v some_o as_o that_o they_o may_v still_o continue_v to_o oppose_v their_o brethren_n in_o the_o truth_n without_o the_o least_o just_a ground_n or_o pretence_n either_o from_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n or_o right_a reason_n yet_o i_o be_o not_o without_o hope_n that_o some_o other_o concern_v against_o their_o brethren_n in_o the_o present_a difference_n may_v in_o some_o time_n come_v to_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o fail_n and_o repent_v and_o then_o either_o the_o memory_n of_o their_o offence_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o or_o their_o repentance_n therewith_o if_o timely_o know_v record_v and_o that_o according_a as_o opportunity_n may_v permit_v and_o truth_n require_v three_o it_o be_v hope_v that_o this_o treatise_n may_v become_v a_o warn_v to_o many_o but_o more_o especial_o to_o such_o as_o have_v depart_v from_o the_o anoint_v in_o themselves_o that_o they_o may_v repent_v and_o turn_v to_o their_o first_o love_n viz._n the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n in_o they_o and_o not_o in_o neglect_n of_o god_n teach_n lie_v dote_v on_o outward_a order_n as_o if_o that_o which_o be_v promise_v to_o be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n be_v now_o to_o be_v seek_v after_o in_o piece_n and_o scrap_n of_o paper_n or_o that_o the_o write_a order_n of_o any_o at_o this_o day_n shall_v become_v a_o certain_a rule_n through_o which_o a_o heavenly_a possession_n may_v be_v obtain_v by_o such_o as_o can_v not_o own_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o though_o by_o the_o spirit_n give_v forth_o to_o be_v that_o certain_a rule_n but_o instead_o thereof_o the_o spirit_n itself_o to_o be_v it_o and_o if_o any_o think_v themselves_o hereby_o reflect_v on_o unjust_o because_o at_o some_o time_n they_o have_v appear_v of_o another_o language_n yet_o if_o such_o by_o their_o fruit_n have_v give_v the_o lie_n to_o the_o offer_n of_o their_o lip_n the_o deceit_n be_v the_o great_a and_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v discover_v four_o this_o treatise_n be_v chief_o intend_v for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n among_o who_o the_o religious_a difference_n be_v so_o public_o know_v as_o that_o i_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o matter_n treat_v on_o will_v be_v intelligible_a by_o they_o though_o the_o name_n of_o some_o person_n and_o author_n of_o some_o book_n and_o paper_n be_v not_o mention_v however_o if_o any_o among_o they_o for_o want_v of_o that_o public_a converse_n which_o other_o have_v have_v shall_v manifest_v the_o least_o jealousy_n that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n so_o to_o object_n or_o reflect_v as_o in_o the_o ensue_a treatise_n i_o shall_v then_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v unto_o such_o particular_a satisfaction_n from_o matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v to_o person_n or_o person_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o all_o paper_n and_o book_n which_o may_v evidence_n the_o reasonableness_n of_o all_o objection_n and_o reflection_n can_v lie_v at_o once_o in_o many_o hand_n and_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n with_o i_o therefore_o this_o treatise_n be_v sign_v thus_o by_o william_n rogers_n on_o behalf_n of_o himself_o and_o other_o friend_n in_o truth_n concern_v and_o so_o the_o name_n of_o those_o other_o my_o brethren_n concern_v with_o i_o in_o this_o work_n be_v omit_v partly_o because_o they_o may_v not_o be_v capable_a to_o give_v a_o ready_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n for_o want_v of_o the_o book_n or_o paper_n signify_v of_o as_o aforesaid_a quer._n 2._o why_o have_v thou_o treat_v on_o principle_n hold_v forth_o by_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n since_o many_o book_n have_v already_o be_v give_v forth_o by_o some_o among_o they_o treat_v on_o many_o if_o not_o all_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o thou_o have_v do_v answ_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o christian_n to_o clear_v their_o conscience_n as_o by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o conscience_n they_o be_v direct_v which_o doubtless_o be_v the_o real_a ground_n whereupon_o many_o ancient_a and_o honourable_a friend_n already_o fall_v asleep_o have_v give_v forth_o their_o testimony_n touch_v the_o same_o principle_n public_o hold_v forth_o both_o by_o word_n and_o printing_n by_o some_o other_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n before_o they_o and_o if_o no_o more_o be_v say_v to_o this_o query_n it_o ought_v to_o suffice_v but_o yet_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o the_o consideration_n attend_v i_o when_o i_o become_v conscientious_o concern_v so_o to_o do_v the_o deportment_n of_o some_o unruly_a woman_n and_o ignorant_a self-conceited_a
man_n on_o the_o part_n of_o our_o opposer_n in_o public_a meeting_n for_o worship_n of_o god_n have_v frequent_o be_v cause_n of_o stumble_v to_o some_o so_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v that_o jealousy_n have_v be_v ready_a to_o enter_v many_o that_o though_o the_o name_n of_o christianity_n be_v retain_v among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n yet_o that_o the_o nature_n life_n and_o doctrine_n thereof_o have_v suffer_v shipwreck_n among_o they_o if_o all_o under_o that_o name_n ought_v at_o this_o day_n to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o deportment_n and_o doctrine_n of_o some_o the_o particular_a instance_n of_o such_o deportment_n and_o doctrine_n whereof_o i_o have_v be_v eye_n and_o earwitness_a may_v fill_v a_o large_a volumn_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o be_v grant_v it_o can_v but_o by_o every_o considerate_a and_o impartial_a reader_n be_v think_v needful_a enough_o that_o a_o testimony_n unto_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n ancient_o hold_v forth_o among_o they_o may_v once_o more_o be_v revive_v and_o commit_v to_o posterity_n on_o behalf_n of_o that_o party_n among_o they_o who_o account_v themselves_o persecute_v revile_a and_o evil_o entreat_v when_o they_o know_v no_o other_o cause_o thereof_o than_o in_o their_o steadfast_a adhere_n to_o and_o persevere_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o have_v begin_v in_o the_o spirit_n can_v be_v in_o unity_n with_o such_o as_o to_o they_o seem_v to_o expect_v perfection_n through_o a_o zealous_a exalt_v of_o other_o man_n line_n make_v ready_a to_o their_o hand_n and_o thus_o the_o generation_n to_o come_v as_o well_o as_o at_o this_o day_n may_v know_v that_o though_o some_o lover_n of_o pre-eminence_n innovator_n and_o unskilful_a preacher_n that_o know_v not_o how_o to_o divide_v the_o word_n aright_o have_v be_v please_v to_o stigmatize_v other_o with_o these_o term_n viz._n dark_a leaven_a rend_v divide_v separate_a spirit_n yet_o it_o have_v be_v manifest_a that_o it_o be_v because_o such_o other_o can_v in_o a_o temporize_a spirit_n change_v their_o way_n and_o depart_v from_o their_o ancient_a path_n which_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n they_o have_v be_v lead_v into_o and_o wherein_o they_o have_v have_v fellowship_n with_o their_o ancient_a brethren_n who_o the_o lord_n anoint_v to_o publish_v his_o everlasting_a gospel_n and_o to_o gather_v other_o from_o the_o lo_n here_o be_v and_o the_o lo_n there_o be_v to_o take_v heed_n unto_o the_o holy_a unction_n in_o themselves_o as_o a_o sufficient_a guide_n unto_o the_o father_n of_o life_n quer._n 3_o whether_o thy_o publish_v this_o treatise_n in_o print_n may_v not_o in_o probability_n give_v unto_o other_o a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o difference_n among_o we_o and_o so_o obstruct_v the_o increase_n of_o our_o meeting_n and_o the_o gather_n of_o some_o yet_o walk_v in_o the_o broad_a way_n into_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o cause_n many_o already_o gather_v thereunto_o to_o stumble_v 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to_o womens-meeting_n distinct_a and_o separate_a from_o man_n because_o i_o find_v that_o a_o dislike_n to_o those_o meeting_n be_v the_o chief_a matter_n treat_v on_o which_o be_v due_o weigh_v seem_v to_o i_o very_o unchristianlike_a so_o to_o reflect_v as_o aforesaid_a especial_o when_o on_o such_o who_o person_n and_o purse_n have_v not_o be_v want_v to_o administer_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o sick_a the_o weak_a the_o widow_n and_o the_o fatherless_a which_o be_v the_o end_v declare_v in_o the_o aforesaid_a sheet_n wherefore_o womens-meeting_n be_v set_v up_o and_o advise_v to_o by_o george_n fox_n to_o conclude_v i_o now_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o impartial_a reader_n to_o consider_v whether_o the_o method_n that_o be_v to_o be_v learn_v out_o of_o the_o before_o cite_v sheet_n or_o that_o in_o this_o treatise_n be_v most_o justifiable_a the_o first_o be_v to_o praise_v themselves_o and_o defame_v other_o in_o a_o general_a way_n without_o evidence_a matter_n of_o fact_n 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on_o this_o wise_a choose_v from_o among_o you_o the_o faithful_a yet_o such_o a_o limitation_n we_o have_v cause_n to_o believe_v will_v not_o now_o be_v bear_v by_o some_o it_o be_v well_o if_o the_o ground_n thereof_o in_o our_o opposer_n be_v not_o to_o bring_v in_o the_o multitude_n if_o they_o can_v and_o that_o under_o a_o pretence_n that_o all_o friend_n in_o truth_n may_v have_v free_a access_n that_o so_o the_o generality_n may_v be_v on_o their_o side_n for_o of_o late_a man_n meeting_n be_v know_v to_o consist_v of_o many_o such_o who_o if_o any_o aught_o to_o be_v govern_v be_v much_o fit_a to_o be_v govern_v then_o appear_v as_o governor_n and_o who_o we_o be_v well_o satisfy_v in_o our_o conscience_n will_v of_o themselves_o be_v more_o modest_a than_o to_o appear_v in_o such_o meeting_n as_o governor_n be_v they_o not_o prompt_v to_o be_v there_o the_o secret_a end_n thereof_o as_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o doubt_v be_v for_o the_o carry_v on_o that_o which_o we_o 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meeting_n where_o usual_o hold_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o generality_n have_v be_v take_v for_o the_o sense_n of_o such_o meeting_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v if_o thereby_o be_v intend_v that_o the_o generality_n may_v claim_v power_n to_o declare_v that_o their_o sense_n be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o meeting_n it_o open_v a_o door_n whereby_o the_o reputation_n and_o honour_n of_o truth_n as_o profess_v own_a and_o practise_v among_o the_o friend_n thereof_o may_v fall_v in_o one_o day_n for_o when_o these_o meeting_n be_v assent_v unto_o we_o can_v say_v establish_v by_o any_o man_n we_o look_v upon_o ourselves_o all_o servant_n one_o unto_o another_o and_o not_o master_n and_o rulersover_n one_o another_o and_o so_o have_v then_o no_o occasion_n give_v we_o to_o discourse_v of_o authority_n but_o when_o there_o be_v we_o well_o remember_v that_o we_o ascribe_v all_o authority_n unto_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o invisible_a power_n of_o god_n and_o so_o no_o encouragement_n be_v give_v by_o we_o that_o any_o one_o man_n or_o man_n shall_v take_v upon_o he_o or_o they_o to_o rule_v and_o govern_v in_o such_o meeting_n but_o our_o expectation_n be_v that_o every_o member_n shall_v there_o appear_v in_o subjection_n to_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o high_a power_n unto_o which_o as_o member_n of_o his_o body_n we_o owe_v obedience_n in_o this_o sense_n we_o ready_o embrace_v the_o counsel_n to_o meet_v together_o to_o serve_v but_o not_o to_o bear_v rule_n over_o one_o another_o conscience_n and_o the_o matter_n intend_v by_o we_o to_o be_v transact_v in_o those_o meeting_n and_o by_o other_o also_o as_o far_o as_o we_o understand_v be_v chief_o to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o poor_a the_o fatherless_a and_o the_o widow_n and_o that_o if_o any_o profess_v the_o truth_n and_o dishonour_v the_o same_o by_o profane_a and_o evil_a conversation_n we_o may_v by_o such_o way_n and_o mean_n as_o the_o lord_n on_o every_o occasion_n may_v direct_v not_o then_o think_v that_o the_o day_n will_v ever_o come_v wherein_o a_o outward_a directory_n shall_v be_v place_v as_o a_o judge_n over_o our_o conscience_n endeavour_n to_o reclaim_v such_o from_o the_o evil_a of_o their_o way_n and_o for_o these_o service_n we_o be_v sensible_a that_o meeting_n be_v proper_a and_o therefore_o do_v continue_v in_o the_o service_n thereof_o yet_o never_o think_v that_o we_o shall_v have_v see_v the_o day_n wherein_o any_o profess_v the_o truth_n will_v have_v attempt_v to_o treat_v on_o such_o a_o subject_a as_o this_o viz._n how_o far_o do_v this_o government_n extend_v in_o matter_n spiritual_a and_o pure_o conscientious_a and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o be_v approve_v as_o the_o aforesaid_a book_n of_o government_n wherein_o the_o say_a sentence_n be_v write_v have_v be_v by_o a_o meeting_n that_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o take_v care_n as_o they_o pretend_v that_o nothing_o be_v print_v whereby_o the_o truth_n may_v be_v dishonour_v alas_o friend_n can_v such_o appear_v to_o we_o as_o man_n stay_v in_o the_o unchangeable_a truth_n who_o have_v suffer_v and_o high_o contend_v for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o that_o christ_n alone_o be_v lord_n over_o it_o and_o be_v its_o only_a lawgiver_n and_o yet_o now_o reckon_v that_o mens-meeting_n which_o we_o or_o at_o least_o several_a of_o we_o do_v know_v have_v be_v much_o conversant_a therein_o even_o from_o the_o begin_n to_o this_o day_n have_v most_o usual_o consist_v of_o man_n uncertain_a in_o number_n as_o well_o as_o to_o qualification_n and_o person_n may_v assume_v a_o power_n over_o conscience_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n true_o friend_n we_o can_v but_o testify_v that_o our_o soul_n have_v no_o unity_n with_o such_o thing_n and_o can_v but_o look_v upon_o the_o promoter_n thereof_o as_o lover_n of_o preeminency_n more_o than_o lover_n of_o god_n have_v let_v in_o a_o dark_a separate_a rend_a divide_v spirit_n from_o the_o truth_n and_o open_v a_o door_n whereby_o as_o great_a darkness_n may_v be_v bring_v over_o the_o people_n as_o ever_o be_v in_o any_o age_n under_o the_o profession_n of_o christian_a religion_n objection_n but_o perhaps_o some_o person_n may_v thus_o object_n we_o can_v but_o have_v more_o charity_n for_o some_o at_o least_o of_o those_o who_o be_v concern_v in_o these_o thing_n you_o strike_v at_o and_o can_v believe_v they_o intend_v a_o imposition_n on_o any_o of_o our_o conscience_n for_o when_o we_o have_v be_v in_o meeting_n with_o they_o we_o have_v be_v witness_n that_o the_o life_n have_v be_v raise_v and_o our_o soul_n have_v be_v refresh_v through_o their_o ministry_n and_o in_o their_o epistle_n they_o tell_v we_o how_o eminent_o the_o lord_n appear_v among_o they_o unto_o which_o we_o can_v but_o give_v credit_n because_o when_o they_o be_v with_o we_o the_o life_n in_o we_o answer_n to_o the_o life_n in_o they_o as_o face_n answer_v face_n in_o a_o glass_n but_o when_o those_o who_o they_o oppose_v do_v speak_v than_o deadness_n dryness_n and_o barrenness_n appear_v beside_o many_o of_o the_o minister_a friend_n have_v exhort_v we_o and_o as_o they_o say_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o shut_v out_o jealousy_n the_o reason_v and_o the_o wisdom_n tell_v we_o as_o before_o be_v hint_v that_o the_o apostasy_n shall_v never_o enter_v the_o generality_n more_o and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o brethren_n answ_n this_o objection_n may_v seem_v very_o weighty_a with_o some_o especial_o such_o who_o may_v conclude_v that_o if_o they_o be_v of_o the_o true_a brotherhood_n the_o lord_n will_v give_v they_o a_o inward_a sense_n when_o they_o wait_v upon_o he_o whereby_o a_o testimony_n according_a to_o the_o truth_n may_v arise_v from_o they_o in_o every_o case_n wherein_o they_o may_v concern_v their_o thought_n but_o alas_o it_o be_v either_o the_o fruit_n of_o weakness_n or_o presumption_n so_o to_o conclude_v with_o respect_n to_o every_o brother_n in_o what_o estate_n soever_o which_o have_v be_v sufficient_o evidence_v to_o we_o by_o the_o fruit_n of_o those_o who_o have_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o judge_v the_o merit_n of_o a_o cause_n without_o hear_v of_o both_o party_n of_o which_o more_o anon_o beside_o if_o we_o do_v but_o consider_v that_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n do_v testify_v there_o be_v diversity_n of_o gift_n diversity_n of_o administration_n and_o operation_n and_o yet_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prompt_v we_o to_o be_v so_o serious_a and_o weighty_a in_o this_o day_n of_o trial_n as_o to_o be_v find_v wait_v every_o one_o in_o his_o own_o gift_n that_o so_o all_o may_v be_v preserve_v and_o not_o meddle_v with_o thing_n that_o be_v too_o high_a for_o they_o he_o that_o be_v not_o
a_o prey_n obtain_v by_o commission_n from_o god_n and_o that_o with_o a_o severe_a command_n to_o destroy_v all_o and_o therefore_o we_o ready_o confess_v that_o if_o any_o among_o we_o have_v endeavour_v to_o divert_v another_o from_o what_o he_o know_v to_o be_v his_o duty_n or_o have_v in_o save_v any_o part_n of_o that_o substance_n which_o god_n command_v to_o be_v destroy_v act_v contrary_a to_o his_o know_a duty_n it_o be_v just_o to_o be_v condemn_v and_o the_o scripture_n before-cited_n may_v in_o that_o case_n be_v term_v a_o proper_a allusion_n thereto_o but_o alas_o this_o be_v far_o remote_a from_o the_o case_n reflect_v on_o because_o some_o person_n therein_o concern_v have_v receive_v no_o command_n from_o god_n to_o the_o contrary_a nor_o yet_o have_v save_v any_o thing_n which_o the_o lord_n command_v to_o destroy_v and_o therefore_o such_o may_v just_o thus_o say_v how_o dare_v thou_o to_o judge_v the_o friend_n of_o truth_n and_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o that_o wherein_o they_o be_v not_o judge_v of_o the_o lord_n beside_o it_o be_v worthy_a observation_n that_o if_o any_o shall_v go_v beyond_o their_o proper_a gift_n and_o line_n of_o right_a understanding_n and_o in_o that_o state_n offer_v up_o their_o all_z when_o the_o lord_n call_v not_o for_o it_o but_o instead_o thereof_o a_o company_n of_o informer_n and_o that_o also_o by_o illegal_a way_n to_o devour_v it_o on_o their_o lust_n this_o offer_v may_v have_v no_o more_o acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n under_o this_o dispensation_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n than_o the_o offer_n of_o the_o blind_a and_o the_o lame_a under_o the_o first_o covenant_n have_v and_o indeed_o it_o may_v not_o be_v unnecessary_a far_o to_o confide_v the_o end_n wherefore_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v we_o steward_n of_o worldly_a estate_n doubtless_o it_o be_v and_o be_v that_o therewith_o we_o may_v maintain_v our_o family_n and_o have_v a_o due_a regard_n to_o the_o poor_a the_o fatherless_a and_o the_o widow_n that_o be_v or_o may_v be_v object_n of_o charity_n and_o therefore_o it_o may_v well_o be_v deem_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n lawful_o to_o preserve_v the_o same_o for_o the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v give_v and_o to_o endeavour_v by_o all_o lawful_a way_n and_o mean_n to_o prevent_v the_o spoiler_n design_v of_o possess_v our_o estate_n to_o consume_v it_o on_o their_o lust_n and_o indeed_o charity_n oblige_v we_o to_o suppose_v that_o these_o very_a consideration_n occasion_v g._n f._n to_o advice_n mary_n penington_n to_o secure_v worldly_a estate_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o such_o who_o be_v suppose_v in_o a_o persecute_v spirit_n to_o thirst_n after_o it_o though_o of_o herself_o if_o what_o g._n f._n have_v write_v in_o relation_n to_o this_o matter_n be_v to_o be_v credit_v she_o have_v no_o inclination_n to_o remove_v her_o movable_a good_n in_o order_n to_o secure_v it_o and_o if_o any_o shall_v question_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o relate_v to_o g._n f._n and_o mary_n penington_n we_o thereto_o say_v that_o sufficient_a witness_n to_o prove_v marry_o peningtons_n confession_n thereof_o can_v be_v now_o produce_v beside_o g._n f._n be_v charge_v therewith_o do_v not_o in_o his_o answer_n write_v deny_v it_o this_o our_o answer_n may_v in_o probability_n occasion_n from_o some_o another_o objection_n on_o this_o wise_a obj._n this_o be_v but_o a_o subtle_a evasion_n of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o friend_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o faithful_a friend_n and_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n in_o answer_n to_o peter_n and_o of_o samuel_n to_o saul_n will_v stand_v over_o the_o head_n of_o such_o dark_a spirit_n as_o you_o be_v answ_n this_o objection_n contain_v such_o language_n wherewith_o we_o be_v well_o acquaint_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o our_o opposer_n may_v thus_o in_o truth_n be_v answer_v that_o it_o can_v no_o more_o stand_v over_o our_o head_n than_o the_o word_n of_o some_o priest_n urge_v abraham_n payment_n of_o tithe_n out_o of_o spoil_n he_o obtain_v in_o war_n gen._n 14.20_o can_v stand_v over_o the_o head_n of_o friend_n refuse_v to_o pay_v tithe_n of_o those_o land_n which_o be_v their_o inheritance_n or_o proper_a purchase_n and_o no_o part_n of_o spoil_n obtain_v in_o war._n those_o who_o will_v not_o receive_v this_o as_o a_o full_a answer_n to_o evidence_n the_o weakness_n of_o the_o last_o objection_n but_o tenacious_o persist_v in_o assert_v that_o the_o say_a objection_n be_v reasonable_a and_o that_o from_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o saul_n will_v undoubted_o give_v just_a occasion_n to_o confirm_v the_o sense_n of_o our_o common_a enemy_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n who_o make_v of_o the_o scripture_n a_o mere_a nose_n of_o wax_n for_o though_o the_o scripture_n mention_v not_o any_o command_n from_o god_n to_o abraham_n to_o pay_v unto_o melchisedeck_v the_o ten_o of_o his_o spoil_n yet_o doubtless_o he_o therein_o do_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n even_o as_o saul_n will_v have_v do_v have_v he_o destroy_v all_o according_a to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o if_o what_o be_v practise_v by_o abraham_n may_v be_v take_v to_o be_v a_o incumbent_a duty_n on_o christian_n at_o this_o day_n even_o as_o our_o opposer_n will_v have_v what_o saul_n ought_v to_o have_v practise_v according_a to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n to_o be_v exemplary_a at_o this_o day_n yet_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o both_o one_o and_o tother_o have_v a_o real_a relation_n to_o what_o be_v obtain_v in_o war_n and_o so_o no_o proper_a precedent_n either_o to_o pay_v a_o ten_o part_n or_o to_o offer_v up_o the_o nine_o part_n with_o the_o ten_o of_o that_o estate_n which_o be_v our_o inheritance_n or_o proper_a purchase_n this_o we_o be_v far_a sensible_a may_n also_o occasion_v another_o objection_n to_o this_o purpose_n viz._n obj._n your_o discourse_n seem_v to_o encourage_v the_o avoid_n all_o suffer_v and_o then_o how_o in_o this_o our_o day_n shall_v that_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v fullfil_v viz._n all_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n shall_v suffer_v persecution_n 2_o tim._n 3.12_o answ_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v our_o former_a discourse_n encourage_v the_o assemble_v ourselves_o together_o though_o not_o to_o put_v into_o the_o mouth_n of_o informer_n at_o their_o will_n and_o pleasure_n and_o doubtless_o few_o so_o weak_a but_o do_v know_v that_o suffering_n of_o divers_a kind_n may_v therefore_o attend_v so_o that_o unless_o we_o be_v discourager_n of_o assemble_v together_o to_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n we_o can_v reasonable_o be_v understand_v to_o encourage_v the_o avoid_n all_o suffering_n and_o though_o paul_n word_n seem_v so_o positive_a and_o general_a yet_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o paul_n may_v be_v more_o particular_a viz._n in_o relation_n to_o time_n season_n and_o person_n wherein_o the_o lord_n may_v suffer_v the_o adversary_n to_o exercise_v some_o of_o his_o people_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o not_o strict_o mean_v that_o if_o a_o man_n have_v not_o suffer_v persecution_n therefore_o he_o have_v not_o live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n for_o who_o dare_v to_o be_v so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o conclude_v that_o none_o who_o be_v fall_v asleep_o that_o taste_v not_o of_o persecution_n in_o their_o day_n nor_o have_v occasion_n offer_v for_o the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n dye_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n and_o of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n especial_o since_o we_o know_v it_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o some_o who_o have_v be_v apt_a to_o reflect_v as_o aforesaid_a to_o use_v divers_a way_n and_o mean_n according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o skill_n and_o understanding_n to_o prevent_v the_o stroke_n of_o persecution_n in_o their_o day_n moreover_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o paul_n word_n to_o felix_n etc._n etc._n act_n 26.29_o i_o will_v to_o god_n that_o not_o only_o thou_o but_o also_o all_o that_o hear_v i_o this_o day_n be_v both_o almost_o and_o altogether_o such_o as_o i_o be_o except_o these_o bond_n do_v clear_o show_v that_o persecution_n be_v not_o such_o a_o absolute_a companion_n to_o a_o true_a christian_a as_o that_o without_o it_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n because_o no_o doubt_n but_o paul_n be_v then_o in_o that_o state_n of_o godliness_n and_o so_o also_o will_v those_o on_o who_o behalf_n he_o so_o speak_v have_v be_v have_v paul_n desire_n be_v answer_v notwithstanding_o he_o except_v the_o bond_n he_o then_o be_v in_o by_o reason_n of_o persecution_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o we_o know_v some_o of_o our_o opposer_n
answer_v you_o be_v out_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n herein_o for_o wherever_o truth_n be_v concern_v the_o friend_n of_o truth_n may_v be_v concern_v by_o counsel_n advice_n or_o other_o aid_n or_o assistance_n and_o to_o talk_v of_o city_n place_n or_o country_n by_o way_n of_o limitation_n be_v narrow_a weak_a and_o unsound_a it_o be_v a_o plain_a restrain_v which_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o imposition_n it_o arise_v from_o the_o same_o ground_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o same_o centre_n and_o the_o end_n of_o this_o very_a spirit_n how_o small_a soever_o its_o appearance_n be_v think_v now_o to_o be_v be_v downright_a independencye_n parish_n and_o schism_n suffer_v but_o the_o universal_a cord_n to_o be_v cut_v and_o these_o thing_n must_v follow_v hereby_o one_o place_n will_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o action_n of_o another_o and_o each_o be_v as_o distinct_a government_n and_o by_o thing_n happen_v between_o person_n of_o differ_v meeting_n a_o foundation_n be_v lay_v for_o emulation_n strife_n and_o division_n but_o where_o truth_n only_o rule_v and_o reign_v and_o that_o all_o friend_n of_o truth_n have_v free_a access_n in_o it_o truth_n and_o not_o man_n nor_o man_n rule_n and_o reign_v for_o they_o that_o will_v have_v a_o meeting_n rule_n be_v as_o far_o from_o truth_n as_o they_o that_o will_v have_v a_o man_n rule_v for_o it_o be_v neither_o man_n nor_o man_n but_o truth_n in_o all_o that_o must_v and_o will_v preside_v among_o we_o and_o the_o faithful_a be_v of_o one_o mind_n because_o they_o have_v but_o one_o head_n here_o the_o reader_n may_v take_v notice_n that_o the_o replyer_n who_o be_v not_o a_o mean_a one_o use_v the_o word_n independencye_n and_o seem_v to_o speak_v against_o separate_a and_o independent_a privilege_n and_o distinct_a government_n and_o yet_o also_o import_v by_o his_o word_n that_o neither_o man_n man_n nor_o meeting_n ought_v to_o rule_v but_o that_o truth_n must_v and_o will_v preside_v among_o we_o and_o that_o the_o faithful_a be_v all_o of_o one_o mind_n because_o they_o have_v but_o one_o head_n hence_o some_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o inquire_v what_o may_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o these_o his_o word_n and_o the_o end_n of_o this_o very_a spirit_n be_v downright_a independencye_n parish_n and_o schism_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o we_o take_v he_o to_o mean_v that_o there_o be_v some_o who_o in_o his_o sense_n either_o be_v or_o in_o the_o end_n may_v become_v schismatic_n because_o they_o be_v not_o principled_a to_o depend_v on_o the_o assembly_n of_o man_n though_o under_o a_o form_n of_o government_n but_o on_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n grace_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v evident_a from_o this_o his_o expression_n suffer_v the_o universal_a cord_n by_o which_o we_o can_v take_v he_o to_o mean_v the_o power_n of_o god_n but_o some_o outward_a thing_n to_o be_v cut_v and_o these_o thing_n must_v follow_v viz._n hereby_o one_o place_n will_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o action_n of_o another_o and_o each_o will_v plead_v separate_a and_o independent_a privilege_n in_o fine_a they_o will_v be_v as_o distinct_a government_n and_o by_o thing_n happen_v between_o person_n of_o different_a meeting_n a_o foundation_n be_v lay_v for_o emulation_n strife_n and_o division_n but_o have_v he_o not_o so_o say_v we_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n satisfy_v we_o that_o what_o we_o take_v to_o be_v his_o mean_v may_v reasonable_o be_v take_v to_o be_v his_o very_a mean_v since_o it_o be_v not_o rational_a to_o take_v he_o to_o mean_v a_o independency_n on_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n grace_n because_o it_o be_v use_v by_o way_n of_o reflection_n on_o those_o who_o great_a concern_v at_o this_o day_n as_o we_o believe_v be_v to_o contend_v and_o plead_v for_o this_o undoubted_a christian-freedom_n and_o privilege_n that_o as_o under_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o man_n have_v by_o the_o true_a minister_n of_o christ_n be_v commit_v to_o god_n grace_n so_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v leave_v free_a to_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o his_o grace_n as_o that_o teacher_n of_o righteousness_n on_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o depend_v notwithstanding_o many_o false_a and_o hireling_n minister_n have_v usual_o thus_o say_v we_o commit_v you_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o yet_o be_v find_v persecutor_n of_o those_o who_o give_v heed_n to_o the_o word_n of_o grace_n can_v not_o adhere_v to_o their_o word_n he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v let_v he_o hear_v we_o appeal_v now_o to_o god_n witness_v in_o every_o impartial_a reader_n whether_o the_o replyer_n language_n in_o his_o aforecited_a reply_n favour_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n shall_v leave_v this_o our_o testimony_n on_o record_n that_o truth_n may_v appear_v among_o a_o few_o country_n friend_n in_o a_o small_a village_n and_o that_o they_o from_o the_o appearance_n thereof_o may_v act_v by_o way_n of_o counsel_n exhortation_n aid_n or_o assistance_n charge_v troublesome_a turbulent_a disquieter_n of_o god_n people_n not_o to_o meddle_v with_o they_o unless_o concern_v and_o yet_o may_v not_o just_o be_v reflect_v on_o as_o such_o as_o will_v cut_v the_o universal_a cord_n which_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o can_v be_v cut_v whereby_o we_o be_v gather_v nor_o yet_o that_o the_o end_n of_o their_o spirit_n be_v independency_n parish_n schism_n and_o that_o they_o be_v pleader_n for_o such_o separate_a independent_a privilege_n as_o have_v not_o a_o dependency_n on_o god_n lead_v grace_n oh_o friend_n away_o with_o all_o such_o discourse_n that_o tell_v you_o in_o one_o line_n that_o no_o man_n man_n nor_o meeting_n but_o truth_n must_v rule_v and_o preside_n and_o yet_o reflect_v on_o other_o as_o claim_v and_o plead_v for_o separate_a privilege_n and_o distinct_a government_n when_o in_o reality_n they_o plead_v for_o nothing_o but_o to_o be_v leave_v according_a as_o the_o ancient_a labourer_n who_o be_v instrument_n in_o god_n hand_n to_o gather_v we_o do_v leave_v we_o commit_v we_o and_o commend_v we_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o teach_n thereof_o as_o manifest_v in_o every_o one_o inward_a part_n make_v no_o mentition_n of_o have_v their_o dependency_n on_o general_n quarterly_o monthly_a or_o any_o other_o meeting_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o we_o can_v but_o give_v forth_o this_o as_o a_o warn_n to_o all_o to_o take_v heed_n that_o you_o be_v not_o deceive_v by_o the_o cunning_a sleight_n and_o device_n of_o man_n to_o leave_v your_o teacher_n that_o can_v be_v remove_v into_o a_o corner_n and_o instead_o thereof_o be_v find_v depend_v on_o the_o dicttate_n and_o prescription_n of_o fallible_a man._n he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v let_v he_o hear_v but_o to_o come_v yet_o more_o close_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n we_o can_v but_o further_o declare_v that_o though_o the_o reply_o thus_o have_v say_v to_o talk_v of_o city_n place_n or_o country_n by_o way_n of_o limitation_n be_v narrow_a weak_a and_o unsound_a it_o be_v a_o plain_a restraint_n it_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o imposition_n yet_o we_o must_v take_v liberty_n to_o tell_v he_o that_o we_o be_v not_o so_o void_a of_o sense_n but_o to_o perceive_v that_o the_o general_n meeting_n be_v that_o unto_o which_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o some_o all_o friend_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o eye_n above_o any_o other_o meet_v of_o friend_n whatsoever_o and_o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n frequent_o utter_v viz._n have_v any_o eye_n to_o the_o brethren_n be_v chief_o mean_v with_o respect_n to_o that_o meeting_n this_o we_o take_v to_o be_v both_o limitation_n and_o a_o design_n of_o imposition_n and_o whereas_o the_o replier_n have_v say_v hereby_o one_o place_n will_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o action_n of_o another_o as_o if_o that_o be_v matter_n of_o ill_a consequence_n we_o think_v meet_v to_o add_v that_o we_o do_v know_v those_o who_o have_v busy_v themselves_o first_o to_o bring_v the_o action_n at_o one_o place_n unto_o another_o have_v occasion_v emulation_n strife_n and_o division_n among_o friend_n at_o unity_n so_o that_o instead_o of_o approve_v themselves_o keeper_n of_o other_o man_n vineyard_n they_o have_v be_v destroyer_n both_a of_o other_o man_n and_o their_o own_o vineyard_n too_o as_o by_o sad_a example_n be_v too_o too_o evident_o manifest_v in_o the_o country_n and_o place_n where_o we_o live_v or_o have_v be_v conversant_a if_o report_n be_v true_a it_o have_v be_v jealouse_v by_o some_o who_o cry_v much_o against_o some_o other_o under_o the_o term_n of_o dark_a spirit_n though_o honest_a friend_n that_o this_o kind_n of_o argue_v to_o leave_v friend_n to_o the_o grace_n light_n
process_n of_o time_n some_o friend_n think_v it_o necessary_a that_o marriage_n may_v be_v propose_v to_o the_o woman_n meeting_n but_o yet_o several_a friend_n in_o divers_a country_n will_v not_o assent_v that_o the_o distinct_a meeting_n of_o woman_n shall_v be_v concern_v in_o marriage_n at_o length_n several_a of_o those_o who_o have_v appear_v for_o those_o distinct_a meeting_n to_o be_v concern_v say_v article_n say_v note_v it_o appear_v in_o a_o reply_n write_v against_o john_n story_n be_v and_o john_n wilkinson_n answer_n to_o the_o 44_o article_n this_o be_v that_o which_o g._n f._n exhort_v to_o in_o the_o beginning_n and_o bless_v be_v the_o lord_n the_o faithful_a see_v a_o necessity_n and_o cause_n to_o propose_v the_o marraige_n to_o the_o faithful_a man_n and_o woman_n meeting_n and_o whether_o their_o sight_n be_v not_o dark_a that_o see_v not_o the_o necessity_n of_o propose_v their_o marriage_n to_o the_o faithful_a man_n and_o woman_n in_o their_o distinct_a meeting_n this_o be_v utter_v by_o those_o of_o party_n which_o g._n f._n as_o we_o take_v they_o be_v think_v very_o strange_a for_o that_o as_o divers_a friend_n of_o bristol_n have_v testify_v g._n f._n propose_v not_o his_o marraige_n to_o the_o woman_n distinct_a meeting_n in_o bristol_n where_o his_o marriage_n be_v accomplish_v though_o such_o a_o meeting_n be_v hold_v there_o many_o year_n before_o beside_o in_o a_o paper_n of_o direction_n give_v forth_o by_o gorege_n fox_n he_o direct_v that_o the_o man_n meeting_n may_v be_v acquaint_v with_o marraiges_n and_o say_v nothing_o of_o propose_v they_o to_o the_o woman_n distinct_a meeting_n which_o clear_o show_v that_o those_o who_o write_v the_o aforesaid_a answer_n and_o g._n f._n seem_v not_o at_o unity_n therein_o but_o this_o as_o we_o suppose_v not_o be_v know_v to_o many_o some_o be_v very_o urgent_a to_o impose_v that_o practice_n on_o friend_n or_o else_o to_o render_v such_o as_o oppose_v dark_a spirit_n which_o occasion_v many_o friend_n to_o be_v jealous_a that_o a_o submission_n be_v not_o only_o intend_v to_o meeting_n of_o man_n but_o woman_n meeting_n also_o and_o therefore_o friend_n who_o in_o simplicity_n assent_v to_o the_o latter_a meeting_n as_o suppose_v woman_n insome_a case_n fit_a to_o pry_v into_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a than_o man_n consider_v also_o what_o weak_a people_n have_v frequent_v man_n meeting_n do_v at_o length_n begin_v to_o be_v jealous_a that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n 3.12_o be_v again_o fulfil_v in_o our_o age_n as_o for_o my_o people_n child_n be_v their_o oppressor_n and_o woman_n rule_v over_o they_o oh_o my_o poeple_n they_o which_o lead_v thou_o cause_v thou_o to_o err._n this_o jealousy_n increase_a many_o of_o those_o who_o be_v content_v that_o woman_n shall_v hold_v their_o meeting_n apart_o from_o the_o man_n to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o poor_a in_o some_o case_n become_v less_o affect_v to_o such_o meeting_n lest_o instead_o of_o be_v servant_n to_o the_o poor_a for_o the_o truth_n sake_n and_o take_v the_o weight_n and_o burden_n of_o that_o care_n from_o the_o man_n they_o shall_v become_v ruler_n over_o both_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o that_o which_o seem_v to_o confirm_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o say_a jealousy_n be_v this_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v that_o though_o woman_n meeting_n be_v assent_v to_o to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o poor_a in_o some_o case_n as_o the_o chief_a if_o not_o the_o only_a end_n thereof_o yet_o there_o be_v so_o little_o say_v concern_v that_o end_n in_o a_o book_n relate_v to_o woman_n meeting_n give_v forth_o by_o g._n f._n that_o it_o be_v now_o a_o question_n with_o many_o whether_o that_o be_v not_o one_o of_o the_o least_o service_n intend_v at_o this_o day_n thereby_o because_o we_o do_v not_o find_v but_o that_o all_o speak_v in_o relation_n thereto_o in_o the_o whole_a book_n consist_v of_o ninety_o six_o page_n in_o octavo_n may_v be_v comprehend_v in_o less_o than_o half_a a_o side_n of_o the_o say_a book_n and_o the_o drift_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o book_n seem_v to_o be_v chief_o for_o proof_n of_o woman_n offer_v sacrifice_n preach_v teach_v instruct_v exhort_v admonish_a prophesy_v govern_v judge_a sing_v dance_a play_v upon_o music_n and_o that_o micahs_n mother_n a_o idolatrous_a woman_n speak_v of_o judge_n 17._o be_v a_o virtuous_a one_o and_o that_o the_o assembly_n of_o woman_n do_v continue_v among_o the_o jew_n till_o they_o go_v into_o transgression_n but_o for_o proof_n quote_v only_o 2_o king_n 23._o where_o we_o find_v nothing_o speak_v of_o any_o assembly_n of_o woman_n save_v only_o of_o those_o woman_n who_o in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o sodomite_n which_o good_a king_n josiah_n break_v down_o weave_v hang_n for_o the_o grove_n which_o the_o same_o king_n cause_v to_o be_v burn_v to_o conclude_v as_o to_o this_o three_o particular_a we_o have_v this_o further_a to_o say_v so_o it_o be_v that_o many_o jar_n and_o jangle_n have_v arisen_a touch_v meeting_n of_o woman_n and_o the_o end_n and_o service_n thereof_o some_o think_v they_o useful_a in_o city_n where_o many_o poor_a be_v and_o the_o woman_n metre_n near_o together_o but_o yet_o divers_a of_o the_o same_o person_n think_v they_o useless_a in_o the_o country_n where_o few_o poor_a be_v and_o the_o woman_n live_v far_o asunder_o and_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v some_o observe_v the_o ill_a consequence_n that_o have_v attend_v they_o in_o divers_a place_n may_v think_v it_o have_v be_v better_a they_o have_v never_o be_v hold_v among_o we_o for_o our_o part_n on_o the_o whole_a matter_n we_o say_v it_o be_v a_o shame_n for_o a_o man_n to_o become_v a_o instrument_n that_o woman_n meeting_n shall_v be_v hold_v chief_o if_o not_o only_o under_o pretence_n of_o serve_v and_o relieve_v the_o poor_a in_o some_o case_n more_o effectual_a than_o before_o and_o yet_o publish_v a_o book_n under_o pretence_n of_o encourage_v the_o say_a meeting_n whence_o it_o be_v thereby_o apparent_a that_o some_o other_o end_n be_v now_o at_o least_o if_o not_o from_o the_o beginning_n aim_v at_o than_o be_v manifest_v plain_o in_o the_o beginning_n this_o in_o short_a seem_v not_o like_o plain_a deal_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o be_v manifest_a to_o be_v evil_a for_o many_o who_o have_v be_v as_o pillar_n in_o those_o meeting_n to_o this_o day_n have_v be_v reflect_v upon_o as_o discourager_n of_o the_o say_a meeting_n not_o because_o their_o person_n and_o purse_n be_v want_v therein_o but_o rather_o because_o they_o can_v be_v at_o unity_n with_o such_o airy_a imagination_n which_o some_o who_o as_o they_o may_v take_v it_o seem_v affector_n of_o government_n and_o lover_n of_o pre-eminence_n do_v bring_v forth_o conclude_v they_o be_v enter_v into_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n because_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v member_n of_o a_o woman_n meeting_n distinct_a from_o the_o man_n those_o who_o on_o that_o foot_n so_o conclude_v we_o can_v but_o take_v to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o they_o may_v quote_v g._n f._n for_o proof_n of_o such_o their_o reason_n who_o write_v to_o thomas_n goldney_n signify_v that_o he_o be_v move_v to_o set_v up_o woman_n meeting_n that_o all_o may_v be_v in_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o now_o which_o be_v upon_o our_o spirit_n to_o recommend_v unto_o all_o in_o the_o love_n of_o our_o god_n as_o the_o only_a expedient_a for_o the_o heal_n of_o these_o breach_n in_o a_o few_o word_n be_v this_o let_v every_o one_o lay_v down_o their_o crown_n at_o the_o foot_n of_o jesus_n our_o lord_n and_o those_o who_o have_v strive_v for_o outward_a rule_n government_n and_o pre-eminence_n over_o their_o brethren_n when_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o call_v they_o thereto_o say_v in_o their_o heart_n let_v the_o time_n pass_v be_v sufficient_a and_o for_o time_n to_o come_v let_v we_o study_v peace_n as_o servant_n to_o one_o lord_n and_o master_n jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a one_o who_o by_o his_o inshining_a light_n be_v become_v our_o lawgiver_n that_o so_o the_o ancient_a love_n towards_o all_o our_o brethren_n in_o the_o truth_n may_v be_v witness_v and_o renew_v each_o towards_o other_o to_o the_o consolation_n of_o one_o another_o soul_n in_o the_o lord_n have_v thus_o far_o proceed_v to_o manifest_v a_o part_n of_o those_o thing_n touch_v which_o the_o faithful_a be_v at_o unity_n and_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o that_o unity_n be_v break_v we_o think_v meet_v now_o to_o cite_v a_o epistle_n perfixt_v to_o the_o historical_a manuscript_n make_v mention_n of_o in_o the_o preface_n to_o this_o treatise_n be_v a_o proper_a testimony_n on_o this_o occasion_n for_o and_o
they_o be_v though_o under_o ever_o so_o specious_a pretence_n that_o have_v endeavour_v to_o establish_v outward_a indispensible_a rule_n and_o order_n in_o matter_n relate_v to_o conscience_n for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o gospel_n day_n to_o walk_v by_o neglect_v to_o commit_v and_o commend_v every_o one_o unto_o the_o word_n nigh_o in_o the_o heart_n that_o thereby_o they_o may_v be_v preserve_v from_o subjection_n to_o any_o thing_n outward_o ordain_v which_o they_o may_v either_o scruple_n in_o conscience_n or_o be_v not_o lead_v by_o the_o word_n nigh_o in_o the_o heart_n to_o practise_v be_v such_o as_o in_o the_o best_a and_o most_o fovourable_a construction_n act_n from_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n in_o which_o kind_n of_o zeal_n paul_n himself_o phil._n 3.6_o though_o as_o to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n blameless_a yet_o persecute_v the_o church_n this_o kind_n of_o zeal_n be_v accompany_v with_o that_o ignorance_n which_o the_o chief_a among_o apostatise_v church_n have_v account_v the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n by_o which_o thousand_o in_o age_n past_a in_o the_o dark_a night_n of_o apostasy_n have_v be_v lead_v into_o the_o observation_n of_o many_o unsavoury_a dictate_v erroneous_a decree_n unwarrantable_a tradition_n and_o superstitious_a example_n either_o of_o one_o man_n or_o assembly_n of_o man_n not_o know_v what_o they_o have_v either_o believe_v or_o practise_v to_o be_v a_o incumbent_a duty_n upon_o they_o through_o a_o inward_a evidence_n from_o god_n witness_v in_o their_o conscience_n or_o trial_n thereof_o by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n may_v not_o the_o same_o cloud_n of_o darkness_n overshadow_v any_o of_o the_o child_n of_o light_n in_o this_o our_o day_n say_v our_o soul_n moreover_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o if_o report_n be_v true_a this_o doctrine_n have_v of_o late_o be_v exalt_v no_o unity_n but_o in_o conformity_n which_o if_o apply_v to_o the_o outward_a prescription_n of_o one_o man_n or_o assembly_n of_o man_n assume_v to_o themselves_o authority_n to_o act_n and_o determine_v in_o matter_n appertain_v to_o the_o gospel_n and_o its_o order_n thereby_o to_o become_v a_o bond_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o those_o who_o have_v believe_v in_o the_o everlasting_a light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n as_o the_o great_a order_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o this_o gospel_n day_n may_v occasion_v the_o continuation_n of_o discord_n distraction_n and_o division_n contrary_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n which_o have_v be_v publish_v receive_v and_o believe_v among_o the_o child_n of_o light_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n who_o neither_o have_v nor_o can_v receive_v any_o doctrine_n contrary_a to_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 3.6_o the_o letter_n kill_v but_o the_o spirit_n give_v life_n we_o now_o appeal_v unto_o every_o understanding_n ingenious_a and_o impartial_a reader_n whether_o since_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o primitive_a day_n be_v to_o draw_v the_o outward_a jew_n off_o from_o the_o observation_n of_o these_o ordinance_n which_o be_v rea_o establish_v by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n himself_o have_v exalt_v instead_o thereof_o the_o word_n nigh_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o law_n write_v therein_o as_o a_o fulfil_n of_o that_o which_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o prophet_n be_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v under_o the_o new_a covenant_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v like_a unto_o the_o old_a can_v consist_v with_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n for_o any_o to_o attempt_v the_o establishment_n or_o give_v forth_o of_o outward_a order_n prescription_n sentence_n or_o decree_n to_o be_v on_o that_o foot_n a_o bond_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o those_o who_o have_v believe_v in_o the_o everlasting_a light_n especial_o if_o they_o be_v of_o the_o gentile_a stock_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n unto_o who_o the_o law_n appertain_v not_o for_o so_o the_o people_n of_o england_n be_v and_o if_o not_o whether_o those_o who_o be_v otherwise_o persuade_v and_o according_a to_o such_o a_o persuasion_n may_v be_v find_v act_v may_v not_o though_o under_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o truth_n itself_o just_o be_v number_v among_o those_o of_o who_o in_o the_o best_a sense_n it_o may_v be_v say_v they_o have_v zeal_n without_o knowledge_n and_o ignorance_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o their_o devotion_n and_o now_o as_o to_o those_o who_o have_v knowledge_n without_o zeal_n charity_n do_v not_o oblige_v we_o to_o conclude_v that_o such_o in_o that_o state_n chief_o design_n to_o live_v well_o that_o so_o they_o may_v die_v well_o for_o as_o christ_n say_v so_o may_v we_o luk._n 12.48_o unto_o whosoever_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o shall_v be_v much_o require_v the_o want_n of_o zeal_n in_o a_o know_a good_a cause_n be_v as_o we_o take_v it_o the_o neglect_n of_o a_o know_a incumbent_a duty_n wherein_o god_n have_v give_v power_n else_o how_o can_v it_o have_v be_v say_v to_o the_o lukewarm_a church_n of_o laodicea_n after_o a_o understanding_n be_v give_v unto_o she_o how_o she_o may_v come_v to_o see_v viz._n by_o anoint_v her_o eye_n with_o eye_n salve_n leu._n 3.19_o be_v zealous_n &_o amend_v for_o doubtless_o power_n be_v give_v of_o god_n into_o she_o to_o amend_v as_o well_o as_o direction_n how_o to_o see_v but_o of_o the_o want_n of_o knowledge_n it_o can_v be_v so_o say_v as_o of_o the_o want_n of_o zeal_n because_o it_o be_v not_o equal_o in_o our_o power_n to_o attain_v unto_o knowledge_n when_o we_o want_v it_o as_o it_o be_v zealous_o to_o practise_v what_o we_o know_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n we_o may_v therefore_o conclude_v that_o where_o knowledge_n be_v not_o accompany_v with_o zeal_n though_o requisite_a it_o be_v in_o the_o best_a sense_n a_o token_n of_o a_o lukewarm_a spirit_n and_o in_o some_o where_o it_o have_v predominate_v we_o have_v clear_o discern_v that_o first_o they_o have_v be_v overawe_v by_o the_o frown_n of_o man_n or_o man_n and_o then_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o bear_v all_o thing_n neglect_v to_o give_v their_o testimony_n for_o the_o truth_n without_o respect_n to_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o more_o than_o the_o truth_n may_v require_v and_o by_o this_o mean_v some_o have_v undoubted_o be_v the_o occasion_n whereby_o many_o have_v be_v catch_v in_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o evil_a one_o not_o know_v through_o a_o neglect_n of_o their_o inward_a teacher_n which_o way_n to_o turn_v and_o that_o load_v and_o burden_n have_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o other_o who_o while_o they_o have_v keep_v steadfast_a unto_o the_o ancient_a doctrine_n exalt_v the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n to_o be_v our_o law_n rule_n and_o guide_n have_v behold_v some_o of_o their_o brethren_n not_o only_o captivate_v with_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o slavish_a fear_n but_o also_o in_o their_o practice_n recee_v from_o what_o their_o first_o principle_n will_v have_v lead_v they_o to_o have_v use_v politic_a contrivance_n to_o retain_v the_o favour_n and_o affection_n of_o some_o who_o perhaps_o in_o their_o view_n have_v appear_v to_o be_v like_a unto_o the_o rise_a sun_n and_o so_o have_v give_v more_o way_n to_o a_o temporize_a spirit_n than_o to_o acquit_v themselves_o as_o good_a christian_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n by_o which_o the_o conscience_n come_v to_o be_v keep_v void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n and_o all_o this_o as_o with_o respect_n to_o some_o it_o be_v doubt_v for_o fear_v lest_o they_o shall_v be_v term_v sect-master_n by_o such_o as_o in_o this_o gospel-day_n have_v assume_v a_o pretend_a authority_n to_o establish_v outward_a order_n to_o be_v a_o rule_n for_o and_o bond_n upon_o the_o child_n of_o light_a to_o walk_v by_o without_o any_o exception_n thereby_o to_o avoid_v oppress_v a_o tender_a conscience_n but_o this_o be_v far_o wide_a of_o that_o zeal_n which_o accompany_v the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o his_o convert_v state_n who_o be_v term_v a_o ringleader_n of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nazerenes_n by_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n that_o will_v have_v judge_v he_o according_a to_o their_o law_n which_o undoubted_o will_v then_o have_v inflict_v severe_a punishment_n on_o he_o which_o be_v due_o consider_v we_o may_v well_o say_v it_o be_v far_o wide_a of_o paul_n zeal_n to_o fear_v under_o this_o gospel-day_n the_o title_n of_o a_o sect-master_n on_o the_o score_n of_o refuse_v outward_a conformity_n to_o outward_a rule_n and_o order_n relate_v to_o the_o conscience_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o gospel-order_n establish_v among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n not_o only_o because_o they_o have_v no_o law_n whereby_o corporal_o to_o punish_v but_o also_o because_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n either_o from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o
like_a woman_n be_v record_v for_o their_o wisdom_n and_o their_o virtue_n etc._n etc._n he_o answer_v william_n rogers_n thus_o i_o know_v what_o i_o do_v i_o see_v it_o will_v be_v a_o stumble_v block_n but_o there_o be_v something_o in_o it_o we_o can_v otherwise_o be_v persuade_v but_o that_o he_o will_v then_o see_v that_o he_o be_v fall_v from_o the_o truth_n &_o that_o the_o word_n report_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o j._n naylor_n when_o he_o say_v in_o relation_n to_o his_o own_o fall_v state_n i_o be_o but_o the_o figure_n of_o another_o be_v now_o fulfil_v in_o he_o oh_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v change_v his_o heart_n &_o bring_v he_o to_o a_o true_a sight_n of_o and_o sorrow_n for_o his_o sin_n as_o he_o do_v j._n n._n after_o his_o fall_n and_o then_o we_o hope_v as_o he_o have_v be_v a_o offence_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o god_n so_o the_o lord_n will_v lay_v a_o constraint_n upon_o he_o as_o he_o do_v upon_o james_n naylor_n to_o travel_v among_o friend_n who_o he_o have_v offend_v to_o clear_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o scandal_n and_o reproach_n which_o through_o he_o have_v be_v bring_v upon_o it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o abomination_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o at_o this_o day_n seasonable_o testify_v against_o by_o the_o child_n of_o light_n that_o g._n f._n shall_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o so_o much_o division_n strife_n and_o contention_n as_o have_v be_v make_v in_o the_o nation_n touch_v his_o paper_n under_o a_o pretence_n that_o he_o have_v be_v move_v of_o god_n to_o give_v they_o forth_o that_o friend_n may_v be_v supply_v with_o direction_n to_o keep_v all_o thing_n clean_a and_o sweet_a among_o friend_n meaning_n thereby_o among_o other_o thing_n and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o express_a word_n of_o his_o paper_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o backbiting_a tale-bearing_a judge_v one_o another_o and_o that_o evil_a report_n shall_v not_o be_v conceal_v but_o be_v follow_v until_o the_o author_n thereof_o be_v find_v etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o be_v the_o very_a person_n that_o be_v notorious_o guilty_a in_o all_o those_o thing_n himself_o which_o will_v have_v be_v prove_v against_o he_o have_v he_o submit_v to_o a_o hear_v as_o aforesaid_a but_o for_o as_o much_o as_o he_o have_v refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o such_o a_o hear_v though_o several_a letter_n from_o friend_n in_o truth_n have_v be_v write_v unto_o he_o to_o entreat_v he_o thereto_o and_o in_o particular_a have_v be_v treat_v withal_o by_o daniel_n smith_n of_o malborrough_n to_o who_o he_o give_v this_o answer_n he_o judge_v it_o will_v be_v a_o jangle_n as_o it_o be_v at_o bristol_n and_o so_o refuse_v as_o by_o a_o letter_n from_o the_o say_v daniel_n smith_n do_v appear_v therefore_o we_o do_v at_o present_a refer_v for_o proof_n of_o the_o matter_n whereof_o we_o assert_v in_o this_o paragraph_n that_o he_o be_v guilty_a to_o the_o last_o mention_v manuscript_n and_o in_o particular_a to_o the_o 21_o section_n thereof_o which_o be_v ready_a for_o the_o perusal_n of_o friend_n desire_v to_o view_v the_o same_o william_n rogers_n on_o behalf_n of_o himself_o and_o other_o friend_n in_o truth_n concern_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n distinguish_v from_o the_o apostate_n &_o innovator_n wherein_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n clear_v from_o objection_n be_v lay_v down_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n give_v forth_o by_o inspiration_n and_o according_a as_o they_o have_v be_v receive_v and_o own_a by_o the_o child_n of_o light_n or_o such_o among_o the_o people_n term_v in_o derision_n quaker_n who_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n divine_a understanding_n and_o keep_v their_o place_n and_o habitation_n in_o the_o unchangeable_a truth_n also_o a_o appendix_n detect_v charles_n marshal_n and_o sixty_o five_o more_o as_o unrighteous_a judge_n in_o a_o case_n pretend_v to_o relate_v to_o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n two_o ancient_a and_o honourable_a labourer_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n by_o william_n rogers_n on_o behalf_n of_o himself_o and_o other_o friend_n in_o truth_n concern_v 1_o cor._n 3.11_o for_o other_o foundation_n can_v no_o man_n lay_v than_o that_o which_o be_v already_o lay_v which_o be_v christ_n jesus_n 2_o tim._n 4.3_o for_o the_o time_n will_v come_v when_o they_o will_v not_o endure_v sound_a doctrine_n but_o after_o their_o own_o lust_n shall_v they_o heap_v to_o themselves_o teacher_n have_v itch_a ear_n london_n print_v in_o the_o year_n 1680._o the_o content_n the_o introduction_n wherein_o be_v manifest_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o way_n whereby_o the_o thing_n appertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n come_v to_o be_v reveal_v though_o the_o manifestation_n thereof_o may_v seem_v various_a page_n 1._o chap._n ii_o touch_v the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o and_o exhortation_n to_o obedience_n thereof_o page_n 5._o chap._n iii_o touch_v infallibility_n and_o perfection_n page_n 11._o chap._n iu._n touch_v wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n page_n 21._o chap._n v._n touch_v magistracy_n and_o obedience_n thereunto_o page_n 30._o chap._n vi_o touch_v respect_n of_o person_n plain_a language_n disuse_n of_o the_o word_n master_n unless_o by_o a_o servant_n to_o his_o master_n of_o custom_n and_o fashion_n of_o this_o world_n and_o of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n page_n 33._o chap._n vii_o touch_v swear_v page_n 37._o chap._n viii_o touch_v tithe_n page_n 40._o chap._n ix_o touch_v baptism_n page_n 45._o chap._n x._o touch_v the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o his_o disciple_n the_o night_n before_o he_o be_v betray_v page_n 51._o chap._n xi_o touch_v justification_n and_o salvation_n through_o faith_n in_o christ_n page_n 61._o a_o appendix_n contain_v a_o answer_n give_v forth_o by_o some_o friend_n of_o bristol_n to_o a_o paper_n date_v from_o eilis_n hook_n his_o chamber_n london_n the_o 12_o of_o the_o four_o month_n 1677._o against_o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n etc._n etc._n and_o subscribe_v by_o charles_n marshal_n of_o the_o county_n of_o wilts_n and_o sixty_o five_o more_o together_o with_o some_o few_o observation_n on_o part_n of_o a_o reply_n thereto_o by_o jasper_n bat_n of_o the_o county_n of_o somerset_n and_o three_o other_o page_n 72._o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n distinguish_v from_o the_o apostate_n and_o innovator_n etc._n etc._n chap_n i._o the_o introduction_n wherein_o be_v manifest_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o way_n whereby_o the_o thing_n appertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n come_v to_o be_v reveal_v though_o the_o manifestation_n thereof_o may_v seem_v various_a in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n distinguish_v from_o the_o apostate_n and_o innovator_n several_a subject_n be_v treat_v on_o relative_a to_o the_o matter_n intend_v viz._n to_o manifest_a a_o part_n of_o those_o thing_n touch_v which_o the_o faithful_a be_v at_o unity_n and_o by_o what_o way_n and_o mean_n that_o unity_n come_v to_o be_v break_v etc._n etc._n and_o now_o that_o every_o reader_n who_o be_v desirous_a to_o be_v inform_v in_o these_o divide_v time_n what_o those_o child_n of_o light_n unto_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v reveal_v of_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o kingdom_n own_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o other_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n whereon_o little_a or_o no_o occasion_n be_v take_v to_o treat_v in_o the_o first_o part_n it_o be_v at_o this_o time_n upon_o we_o to_o add_v a_o far_a testimony_n to_o the_o ancient_a truth_n according_a as_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o tender_a mercy_n have_v through_o the_o appearance_n of_o his_o son_n christ_n by_o his_o light_n or_o manifestation_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o testimony_n of_o his_o faithful_a servant_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n open_v wherein_o our_o intent_n be_v not_o to_o treat_v large_o on_o every_o subject_a because_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n be_v chief_o to_o manifest_v what_o a_o remnant_n stand_v for_o who_o be_v faithful_a unto_o their_o first_o principle_n can_v in_o a_o temporize_a spirit_n change_v their_o way_n the_o desire_n and_o breathe_n of_o our_o soul_n unto_o god_n be_v that_o every_o reader_n may_v be_v serious_a and_o unprejudiced_a in_o the_o perusal_n of_o this_o our_o testimony_n and_o then_o we_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o it_o will_v be_v reach_v unto_o the_o conscience_n of_o such_o as_o that_o which_o be_v not_o inconsi_v with_o the_o testimony_n give_v forth_o by_o inspiration_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n or_o appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n which_o be_v that_o by_o which_o the_o lord_n do_v see_v and_o be_v see_v in_o the_o conscience_n wherewith_o every_o man_n come_v into_o the_o world_n be_v light_v for_o that_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o spirit_n
as_o that_o without_o they_o it_o may_v be_v just_a cause_n to_o question_n whether_o they_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o if_o not_o then_o certain_o not_o attain_v unto_o the_o new_a creature_n state_n which_o be_v a_o state_n of_o salvation_n because_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v on_o this_o wise_a 2_o cor._n 5.17_o if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o that_o the_o very_a work_n of_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n be_v speak_v also_o with_o relation_n to_o those_o speak_v of_o ephes_n 8.9_o who_o by_o grace_n be_v save_v through_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o work_n for_o paul_n in_o the_o very_a next_o follow_v verse_n thus_o say_v for_o we_o be_v his_o workmanship_n create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n which_o god_n have_v before_o ordain_v that_o we_o shall_v walk_v in_o they_o beside_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o this_o our_o sense_n be_v true_a from_o paul_n very_a express_a word_n to_o the_o philipian_o chap._n 2._o ver_fw-la 12_o 13._o wherefore_o my_o belove_a as_o you_o have_v always_o obey_v not_o as_o in_o my_o presence_n only_o but_o now_o much_o more_o in_o my_o absence_n work_v out_o your_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a for_o it_o be_v god_n that_o work_v in_o you_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n this_o positive_o show_v that_o though_o there_o be_v a_o exclusion_n of_o one_o sort_n of_o work_n yet_o there_o be_v another_o sort_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n else_o he_o will_v not_o have_v say_v work_v out_o your_o salvation_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o be_v serious_o consider_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o paul_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o james_n for_o that_o paul_n word_n plain_o signify_v that_o god_n have_v ordain_v that_o those_o who_o be_v save_v by_o grace_n through_o faith_n shall_v walk_v in_o good_a work_n and_o that_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o work_v out_o salvation_n which_o doubtless_o relate_v to_o the_o same_o sort_n of_o work_n speak_v of_o by_o the_o apostle_n james_n when_o he_o say_v that_o faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a 26._o jam._n 2.20_o 26._o because_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o context_n that_o james_n speak_v of_o work_n in_o no_o other_o sense_n than_o to_o be_v as_o a_o evidence_n of_o true_a faith_n and_o that_o it_o be_v as_o impossble_v that_o true_a faith_n can_v be_v and_o yet_o not_o accompany_v with_o work_n as_o that_o a_o brother_n or_o sister_n naked_a and_o destitute_a of_o food_n will_v be_v relieve_v by_o a_o bare_a say_n be_v warm_a and_o fill_v and_o so_o we_o may_v reasonable_o conclude_v that_o though_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n touch_v salvation_n through_o faith_n and_o not_o of_o work_n be_v true_a not_o only_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o exclusion_n of_o work_n which_o be_v legal_a but_o other_o also_o act_v in_o the_o will_n of_o man_n yet_o from_o thence_o it_o can_v just_o be_v employ_v as_o in_o the_o objection_n that_o good_a work_n may_v be_v want_v to_o such_o as_o be_v save_v and_o sin_n commit_v instead_o thereof_o we_o now_o come_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o scripture_n mention_v in_o the_o objection_n viz._n 3.2_o jam._n 3.2_o that_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o offend_v all_o this_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o relation_n to_o a_o state_n which_o be_v not_o free_a from_o sin_n but_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v infer_v from_o thence_o that_o such_o a_o state_n be_v not_o attainable_a nay_o the_o apostle_n follow_v word_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n a_o evidence_n against_o such_o a_o construction_n for_o he_o thereby_o say_v if_o any_o man_n offend_v not_o in_o word_n the_o same_o be_v a_o perfect_a man_n which_o be_v needless_o speak_v by_o he_o if_o that_o inoffensive_a state_n be_v not_o attainable_a and_o if_o a_o cessation_n from_o sin_n in_o that_o case_n be_v attainable_a why_o not_o in_o all_o other_o also_o and_o as_o to_o these_o word_n cite_v 1_o john_n 1.8_o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v no_o sin_n we_o deceive_v ourselves_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o we_o we_o say_v as_o before_o to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n james_n that_o this_o also_o be_v speak_v in_o relation_n to_o a_o state_n which_o be_v not_o free_a from_o sin_n but_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v infer_v from_o thence_o that_o such_o a_o state_n of_o freedom_n be_v not_o attainable_a and_o this_o sense_n be_v provable_a to_o we_o from_o the_o very_a follow_a word_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n if_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n he_o be_v faithful_a and_o just_a to_o forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o unrighteousness_n but_o if_o this_o satisfy_v not_o and_o that_o any_o shall_v yet_o object_v that_o the_o apostle_n meaning_n touch_v the_o word_n cleanse_v be_v but_o a_o cleanse_n from_o the_o gild_n and_o not_o from_o the_o fact_n of_o unrighteousness_n to_o that_o this_o may_v in_o truth_n be_v answer_v that_o those_o who_o be_v cleanse_v from_o all_o unrighteousness_n be_v so_o cleanse_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o such_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n 3.9_o 1_o joh._n 3.9_o and_o of_o these_o the_o same_o apostle_n say_v whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v not_o commit_v sin_n for_o his_o seed_n remain_v in_o he_o and_o he_o can_v sin_v because_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n which_o positive_a expression_n in_o relation_n to_o such_o a_o state_n as_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n can_v admit_v of_o any_o other_o meaning_n though_o compare_v with_o other_o scripture_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o same_o state_n speak_v of_o under_o other_o term_n and_o therefore_o we_o conclude_v that_o these_o latter_a word_n cite_v out_o of_o john_n be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n to_o prove_v the_o interpretation_n signify_v in_o the_o objection_n on_o the_o apostle_n word_n unsound_a viz._n that_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n cleanse_v only_o from_o the_o gild_n and_o not_o from_o the_o act_n of_o sin_n so_o as_o to_o cease_v therefrom_o whilst_o on_o this_o side_n the_o grave_a especial_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o one_o of_o the_o qualification_n that_o the_o apostle_n peter_n express_o assign_v to_o such_o who_o he_o declare_v of_o to_o be_v curse_a child_n 2.14_o 2_o pet._n 2.14_o be_v this_o viz._n that_o can_v cease_v from_o sin_n and_o that_o also_o the_o condition_n speak_v of_o by_o john_n on_o which_o a_o cleanse_n from_o all_o sin_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n come_v to_o be_v witness_v be_v a_o walk_n in_o the_o light_n even_o as_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o light_n read_z 1_o john_n 1.7_o which_o can_v be_v witness_v but_o through_o a_o cessation_n from_o sin_n chap._n iu._n touch_v wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n the_o apostle_n james_n tell_v we_o 3.17_o jam._n 3.17_o there_o be_v a_o wisdom_n from_o above_o this_o wisdom_n may_v be_v take_v to_o be_v that_o wisdom_n 3.10_o ephes_n 3.10_o which_o paul_n describe_v to_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n 3.15_o jam._n 3.15_o and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o wisdom_n which_o be_v not_o from_o above_o 1.12_o 2_o cor._n 1.12_o which_o may_v be_v take_v to_o be_v the_o same_o wisdom_n which_o the_o apostle_n paul_n describe_v to_o be_v fleshly_a and_o of_o this_o world_n 3.19_o 1_o cor._n 3.19_o the_o apostle_n paul_n also_o say_v 1_o cor._n 8.1_o knowledge_n puff_v up_o and_o yet_o 1_o tim._n 2.4_o speak_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n as_o to_o the_o wisdom_n that_o be_v not_o from_o above_o 16._o jam._n 3.14_o 15_o 16._o james_z thus_o describe_v it_o if_o you_o have_v bitter_a envy_v and_o strife_n in_o your_o heart_n glory_n not_o and_o lie_v not_o against_o the_o truth_n this_o wisdom_n descend_v not_o from_o above_o but_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a devilish_a for_o where_o envy_v and_o strife_n be_v there_o be_v confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n but_o the_o wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o 3.17_o jam._n 3.17_o he_o thus_o describe_v viz._n it_o be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a fruit_n without_o partiality_n without_o hypocracy_n but_o notwithstanding_o the_o apostle_n have_v so_o plain_o describe_v the_o difference_n yet_o experience_n tell_v we_o that_o wisdom_n without_o distinction_n be_v so_o much_o preach_v against_o that_o many_o ignorant_a people_n be_v even_o set_v on_o float_n utter_v their_o folly_n and_o confusion_n in_o a_o boast_a self_n conceit_v spirit_n as_o if_o it_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n that_o they_o be_v good_a christian_n and_o in_o the_o feel_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o life_n of_o christianity_n because_o they_o have_v confidence_n enough_o to_o cry_v against_o wisdom_n
and_o have_v so_o much_o memory_n as_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o other_o to_o use_v the_o word_n of_o that_o wise_a apostle_n paul_n when_o he_o say_v 3.19_o 1_o cor._n 3.19_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v foolishness_n with_o god_n as_o if_o thereby_o they_o have_v bring_v some_o excellent_a proof_n to_o justify_v all_o those_o rude_a action_n and_o impertinent_a expression_n which_o as_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o ignorance_n and_o folly_n in_o a_o boisterous_a unruly_a spirit_n they_o have_v bring_v up_o be_v such_o but_o sober_a gird_v up_o the_o loin_n of_o their_o mind_n they_o will_v undoubted_o come_v to_o see_v that_o such_o their_o word_n and_o action_n be_v but_o the_o fruit_n of_o that_o ignorance_n that_o lu_v to_o envy_n which_o be_v to_o be_v silence_v and_o doubtless_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v these_o who_o the_o apostle_n peter_n hint_v at_o 14._o 1_o pet._n 13_o 14._o when_o he_o say_v wherefore_o gird_v up_o the_o loin_n of_o your_o mind_n be_v sober_a as_o obedient_a child_n not_o fashion_v yourselves_o according_a to_o your_o former_a lust_n in_o your_o ignorance_n but_o if_o such_o have_v less_o folly_n and_o confidence_n and_o be_v but_o as_o ready_a to_o ask_v wisdom_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o apostle_n james_n as_o they_o be_v to_o condemn_v that_o gift_n of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n which_o god_n have_v give_v unto_o other_o 1.5_o jam._n 1.5_o they_o will_v not_o be_v ready_a to_o run_v at_o the_o beck_n nod_n or_o call_v of_o such_o as_o in_o a_o boast_a imperious_a spirit_n glory_n exalt_v they_o as_o judge_n over_o god_n faithful_a servant_n and_o that_o have_v bring_v forth_o christian-quaker_n forth_o see_v the_o 5_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n lie_v in_o a_o bitter_a envious_a spirit_n which_o thing_n be_v earthly_a sensual_a and_o devilish_a be_v the_o very_a mark_n of_o that_o wisdom_n that_o descend_v not_o from_o above_o as_o a_o far_a illustration_n of_o what_o be_v aim_v at_o in_o this_o discourse_n we_o now_o come_v to_o signify_v that_o some_o have_v a_o far_o great_a portion_n of_o wisdom_n knowledge_n and_o understanding_n than_o other_o and_o that_o it_o be_v give_v they_o of_o god_n as_o they_o be_v creature_n distinct_a from_o what_o they_o be_v when_o act_v by_o a_o good_a spirit_n or_o a_o bad_a and_o in_o this_o respect_n be_v man_n as_o a_o creature_n the_o most_o excellent_a creature_n that_o god_n have_v make_v but_o yet_o such_o be_v the_o ignorance_n of_o this_o age_n as_o to_o account_v this_o portion_n of_o wisdom_n knowledge_n or_o understanding_n as_o we_o be_v creature_n to_o be_v that_o wisdom_n which_o the_o apostle_n term_v earthly_a sensual_a and_o devilish_a or_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n or_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o wise_a 1.19_o 1_o cor._n 1.19_o which_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n have_v say_v he_o will_v destroy_v but_o herein_o such_o do_v manifest_v themselves_o not_o know_v whereof_o they_o affirm_v for_o that_o wisdom_n knowledge_n or_o understanding_n which_o we_o have_v as_o creature_n be_v the_o proper_a gift_n of_o god_n and_o a_o part_n of_o his_o own_o creation_n and_o be_v honourable_a in_o its_o place_n and_o it_o be_v against_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o divine_a be_v to_o destroy_v this_o wisdom_n because_o it_o be_v his_o own_o gift_n even_o as_o it_o be_v against_o his_o nature_n to_o destroy_v the_o life_n of_o man_n which_o be_v his_o creation_n 7.5_o luke_n 7.5_o for_o the_o evangelist_n say_v the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v not_o to_o destroy_v man_n life_n obj._n what_o then_o do_v the_o apostle_n hint_n at_o when_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o world_n the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o word_n to_o this_o it_o may_v be_v say_v 22.3_o act._n 22.3_o that_o as_o paul_n be_v bring_v up_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o gamaliel_n and_o teach_v according_a to_o the_o perfect_a manner_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o father_n so_o doubtless_o many_o there_o be_v who_o through_o education_n attain_v unto_o that_o which_o paul_n in_o his_o convert_a state_n term_n to_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n etc._n etc._n from_o whence_o it_o may_v be_v conclude_v that_o he_o hint_v at_o those_o thing_n which_o in_o that_o day_n be_v give_v forth_o by_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o other_o disputer_n against_o that_o divine_a appearance_n whereby_o paul_n be_v make_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o everlasting_a gospel_n which_o thing_n so_o give_v forth_o we_o do_v not_o take_v to_o be_v the_o natural_a effect_n of_o that_o wisdom_n knowledge_n or_o understanding_n give_v unto_o they_o as_o creature_n but_o rather_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o degeneration_n as_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o education_n and_o acquire_v part_n wherewith_o be_v not_o subject_a unto_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n they_o then_o become_v opposer_n of_o the_o truth_n beside_o as_o the_o word_n flesh_n in_o scripture_n be_v sometime_o use_v not_o with_o relation_n to_o a_o carnal_a body_n but_o in_o a_o metaphorical_a and_o mystical_a sense_n by_o way_n of_o opposition_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n so_o be_v these_o word_n fleshly_a wisdom_n use_v not_o with_o respect_n to_o man_n as_o a_o creature_n but_o by_o way_n of_o opposition_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o be_v from_o above_o and_o therefore_o be_v another_o thing_n than_o that_o which_o man_n be_v endue_v withal_o as_o he_o be_v a_o part_n of_o god_n creation_n to_o conclude_v solomon_n in_o his_o day_n magnify_v wisdom_n at_o a_o high_a rate_n as_o the_o scripture_n testify_v too_o large_a here_o to_o be_v insert_v who_o in_o his_o day_n do_v undoubted_o account_v it_o the_o sign_n of_o a_o just_a man_n 10.30_o pro._n 10.30_o and_o therefore_o say_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o just_a bring_v forth_o wisdom_n the_o apostle_n in_o his_o day_n do_v magnify_v wisdom_n exhort_v the_o saint_n to_o walk_v in_o wisdom_n 4.5_o col._n 4.5_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n testify_v 11.19_o mat._n 11.19_o wisdom_n be_v justify_v of_o her_o child_n these_o thing_n consider_v our_o desire_n be_v that_o those_o who_o have_v true_a wisdom_n may_v prize_v it_o that_o those_o who_o lack_v it_o may_v embrace_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o apostle_n james_n 1.5_o jam._n 1.5_o and_o ask_v it_o of_o god_n who_o give_v liberal_o and_o that_o those_o fool_n who_o despise_v wisdom_n may_v come_v to_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o what_o solomon_n speak_v when_o he_o thus_o say_v how_o long_o you_o simple_a one_o will_v you_o love_v simplicity_n and_o fool_n hate_v knowledge_n turn_v you_o at_o my_o reproof_n sure_o we_o be_v the_o apostle_n write_n encourage_v none_o to_o cry_v down_o wisdom_n at_o the_o rate_n it_o be_v of_o late_a without_o distinction_n exclaim_v against_o by_o some_o but_o rather_o the_o contrary_n for_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n paul_n write_v to_o the_o colossian_n thus_o to_o say_v 28._o col._n 1.9_o 28._o we_o do_v not_o cease_v to_o pray_v for_o you_o and_o to_o desire_v that_o you_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n and_o again_o thus_o who_o we_o preach_v warn_v every_o man_n and_o teach_v every_o man_n in_o all_o wisdom_n that_o we_o may_v present_v every_o man_n perfect_a in_o christ_n jesus_n but_o this_o ignorance_n we_o doubt_v have_v happen_v unto_o many_o not_o only_o from_o a_o principle_n of_o have_v their_o eye_n out_o unto_o man_n 3.15_o 2_o tim._n 3.15_o but_o also_o from_o a_o neglect_n to_o read_v the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n give_v forth_o by_o inspiration_n which_o the_o apostle_n say_v be_v able_a to_o make_v thou_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n through_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n as_o to_o the_o word_n knowledge_n this_o may_v be_v add_v that_o in_o the_o want_n thereof_o in_o day_n past_a those_o who_o be_v escape_v of_o the_o nation_n set_v up_o their_o graven-image_n according_a as_o isaiah_n the_o prophet_n testify_v they_o have_v no_o knowledge_n 45.20_o isa_n 45.20_o that_o set_v up_o the_o wood_n of_o their_o graven_n image_n and_o pray_v unto_o a_o god_n that_o can_v save_v oh_o that_o at_o this_o day_n there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o take_v up_o a_o lamentation_n that_o the_o want_n of_o knowledge_n be_v the_o cause_n that_o many_o have_v appear_v ready_a to_o exalt_v man_n to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o man_n and_o in_o neglect_n of_o that_o heavenly_a gift_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o mankind_n to_o bow_v in_o their_o heart_n unto_o man_n as_o have_v a_o dependency_n on_o the_o dictate_v prescription_n order_n and_o outward_a rule_n of_o man_n this_o under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n we_o take_v to_o be_v as_o great_a a_o fall_n
adam_n do_v through_o his_o rebellion_n in_o eat_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n chap._n v._o touch_v magistracy_n and_o obedience_n thereto_o on_o this_o subject_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o treat_v as_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o magistracy_n and_o people_n of_o england_n whereof_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n be_v a_o part_n 1._o we_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o owe_v obedience_n either_o active_a or_o passive_a unto_o this_o magistracy_n and_o that_o such_o obedience_n be_v as_o well_o ground_v on_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o as_o warrantable_a from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o for_o when_o the_o magistrate_n do_v command_v obedience_n unto_o any_o law_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o indeed_o no_o law_n of_o england_n according_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o its_o government_n and_o those_o maxim_n which_o be_v declare_v for_o law_n aught_o to_o be_v contrary_a thereto_o than_o we_o ought_v to_o yield_v active_a obedience_n and_o whilst_o the_o magistrate_n be_v in_o execution_n of_o such_o law_n they_o be_v as_o occasion_n require_v punisher_n of_o those_o that_o do_v evil_a 14._o 1_o pet._n 2.13_o 14._o and_o a_o praise_n unto_o they_o that_o do_v well_o which_o be_v agreeable_a unto_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n touch_v magistracy_n unto_o who_o in_o such_o case_n active_a obedience_n be_v to_o be_v give_v for_o the_o lord_n sake_n obj._n you_o speak_v very_o well_o so_o far_o as_o you_o have_v limit_v your_o obedience_n to_o good_a law_n but_o what_o if_o those_o in_o power_n shall_v make_v such_o law_n which_o you_o account_v bad_a and_o not_o ground_v on_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o direct_o against_o those_o who_o you_o term_v god_n people_n dare_v you_o then_o say_v that_o it_o be_v agreeable_a unto_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o and_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o to_o yield_v obedience_n in_o such_o case_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o light_n within_o and_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o that_o a_o christian_a yield_v passive_a obedience_n since_o for_o conscience_n sake_n choose_v rather_o to_o obey_v god_n than_o man_n 29._o act._n 5.28_o 29._o which_o be_v the_o apostle_n case_n he_o can_v yield_v active_a obedience_n for_o we_o find_v the_o counsel_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v on_o this_o wise_a resist_v not_o evil_a 5.39_o mat._n 5.39_o but_o whosoever_o shall_v smite_v thou_o on_o thy_o right_a cheek_n turn_v to_o he_o the_o other_o which_o clear_o show_v it_o be_v against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o resist_v and_o so_o consequent_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v passive_a and_o therefore_o since_o we_o have_v not_o at_o any_o time_n plead_v for_o any_o other_o light_n within_o save_v the_o light_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v as_o well_o agreeable_a unto_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o as_o with_o the_o counsel_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o that_o 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unto_o the_o lord_n out_o of_o all_o outward_a warring_n and_o fight_n resign_v up_o unto_o he_o in_o who_o preservation_n be_v know_v this_o that_o the_o same_o occasion_n may_v be_v give_v in_o this_o our_o day_n to_o testify_v as_o paul_n do_v in_o his_o day_n 3.12_o 2_o tim._n 3.12_o viz._n all_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n shall_v suffer_v persecution_n and_o so_o on_o this_o score_n be_v lead_v by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n not_o to_o resist_v evil_a lest_o they_o shall_v be_v find_v opposer_n of_o that_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v think_v good_a to_o suffer_v to_o come_v upon_o his_o heritage_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o patience_n which_o be_v much_o more_o precious_a than_o gold_n that_o now_o also_o our_o persuasion_n touch_v government_n in_o general_n may_v be_v full_o know_v we_o refer_v to_o the_o 3d_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n be_v a_o treatise_n on_o that_o subject_a chap._n vi_o touch_v respect_n of_o person_n plain_a language_n disuse_n of_o the_o word_n master_n unless_o by_o a_o servant_n to_o his_o master_n of_o custom_n and_o fashion_n of_o this_o world_n and_o of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o unknown_a that_o the_o outward_a deportment_n of_o friend_n in_o truth_n have_v become_v as_o a_o stumbling-block_n to_o many_o conclude_v that_o our_o manner_n of_o habit_n gesture_n and_o language_n distinct_a from_o other_o be_v either_o the_o fruit_n of_o pride_n or_o ignorance_n or_o else_o of_o both_o and_o therefore_o on_o this_o occasion_n it_o be_v think_v needful_a to_o add_v something_o in_o relation_n to_o this_o subject_a wherein_o our_o intent_n be_v not_o to_o make_v a_o apology_n for_o any_o action_n that_o in_o itself_o be_v real_o rude_a whimsical_a or_o imaginary_a but_o rather_o to_o give_v in_o our_o testimony_n on_o behalf_n of_o ourselves_o and_o all_o those_o who_o through_o obedience_n unto_o the_o inshinings_a of_o christ_n light_n in_o their_o conscience_n be_v make_v or_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n by_o which_o those_o who_o conscience_n be_v purify_v from_o dead_a work_n come_v to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n in_o newness_n of_o life_n and_o therein_o to_o have_v their_o conversation_n order_v aright_o so_o as_o not_o to_o give_v any_o just_a occasion_n of_o offence_n either_o to_o jew_n or_o gentile_n or_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o that_o keep_v themselves_o unspotted_a of_o the_o world_n nor_o yet_o fashion_v themselves_o according_a to_o their_o former_a lust_n they_o may_v not_o have_v whereof_o to_o glory_v save_v in_o the_o cross_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o who_o the_o world_n be_v crucify_v to_o they_o and_o they_o unto_o the_o world_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o ourselves_o and_o all_o such_o our_o testimony_n now_o be_v that_o when_o the_o everlasting_a light_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n shine_v in_o every_o conscience_n be_v exalt_v 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and_o variety_n of_o charter_n by_o which_o a_o pretend_a claim_n have_v be_v make_v thereto_o will_v fill_v a_o large_a volumn_n and_o be_v not_o much_o to_o the_o purpose_n on_o this_o occasion_n that_o therefore_o be_v pass_v over_o and_o the_o inquisitive_a reader_n refer_v to_o selden_n history_n on_o that_o subject_a and_o the_o statute_n make_v on_o behalf_n of_o tithe_n in_o the_o reign_v of_o henry_n 8_o edward_z 6_o queen_n elizabeth_z etc._n etc._n and_o so_o proceed_v to_o manifest_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o just_a pretence_n from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n to_o claim_v tithe_n under_o a_o gospel-dispensation_n as_o a_o proper_a maintenance_n for_o a_o gospel-ministry_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o humane_a institution_n the_o most_o pertinent_a part_n of_o scripture_n that_o at_o present_a we_o remember_v to_o prove_v a_o maintenance_n for_o a_o gospel-ministry_n be_v what_o paul_n write_v 1._o cor._n 9_o from_o verse_n 3._o to_o verse_n 16._o on_o which_o this_o observation_n may_v be_v make_v that_o paul_n pretend_v not_o to_o have_v any_o power_n to_o claim_v carnal_a thing_n by_o any_o humane_a institution_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o one_o word_n intimate_v that_o he_o have_v either_o power_n or_o liberty_n to_o make_v use_n of_o carnal_a thing_n unless_o from_o those_o unto_o who_o he_o have_v sow_o spiritual_a moreover_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o paul_n be_v so_o far_o from_o use_v that_o gospel-power_n which_o he_o have_v that_o he_o account_v it_o a_o reward_n unto_o he_o that_o when_o he_o preach_v the_o gospel_n he_o may_v make_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n without_o charge_n obj._n but_o what_o if_o it_o please_v the_o supreme_a power_n to_o bestow_v on_o the_o national_a ministry_n tithe_n how_o prove_v you_o from_o the_o scripture_n that_o those_o who_o free_o pay_v it_o do_v ill_a or_o that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o they_o to_o receive_v it_o from_o such_o and_o sue_v for_o it_o by_o the_o law_n from_o other_o who_o be_v not_o free_a to_o pay_v it_o ans_fw-fr we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o condemn_v all_o those_o who_o free_o pay_v they_o and_o not_o as_o by_o constraint_n that_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o profess_v christianity_n to_o contribute_v towards_o the_o outward_a maintenance_n of_o such_o who_o they_o usual_o hear_v and_o account_v to_o be_v the_o true_a minister_n of_o christ_n though_o not_o oblige_v thereto_o by_o law_n in_o case_n they_o have_v need_n and_o if_o the_o charity_n of_o any_o shall_v be_v such_o as_o to_o bestow_v upon_o they_o one_o five_o part_n instead_o of_o a_o ten_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o condemn_v it_o but_o the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n be_v against_o all_o those_o who_o under_o pretence_n of_o be_v gospel-minister_n have_v receive_v carnal_a thing_n from_o any_o who_o give_v they_o not_o free_o but_o by_o virtue_n of_o humane_a institution_n and_o as_o to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o objection_n viz._n to_o prove_v it_o lawful_a to_o sue_v for_o tithe_n when_o give_v by_o law_n to_o a_o gospel-ministry_n it_o be_v time_n enough_o so_o to_o do_v when_o any_o one_o shall_v undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o make_v outward_a law_n to_o enforce_v a_o contribution_n in_o any_o form_n or_o method_n whatsoever_o for_o maintenance_n of_o a_o gospel-ministry_n hitherto_o we_o have_v not_o understand_v that_o any_o pen_n have_v undertake_v such_o a_o proof_n and_o therefore_o no_o necessity_n to_o enlarge_v for_o disproof_n of_o that_o which_o be_v neither_o prove_v or_o pretend_v to_o be_v provable_a as_o we_o know_v however_o lest_o any_o shall_v think_v this_o premise_v a_o kind_n of_o a_o shift_n we_o shall_v add_v thus_o much_o that_o as_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o spiritual_a work_n so_o a_o temporal_a constitution_n be_v unsuitable_a for_o the_o maintenance_n thereof_o 9.14_o 1_o cor._n 9.14_o paul_n testify_v the_o lord_n ordain_v that_o they_o which_o preach_v the_o gospel_n shall_v live_v of_o the_o gospel_n we_o now_o desire_v the_o impartial_a reader_n serious_o to_o weigh_v and_o consider_v whether_o since_o god_n have_v ordain_v that_o those_o who_o preach_v the_o gospel_n shall_v live_v of_o the_o gospel_n it_o can_v be_v justifiable_a in_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n instead_o of_o cleave_v to_o what_o god_n have_v ordain_v to_o cleave_v to_o a_o humane_a law_n thereby_o to_o sue_v for_o tithe_n from_o those_o who_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v partaker_n of_o that_o gospel_n pretend_v to_o be_v minister_v as_o that_o they_o disow_v the_o same_o to_o every_o enlighten_v eye_n it_o can_v but_o be_v plain_a that_o a_o maintenance_n so_o obtain_v be_v not_o a_o live_n of_o the_o gospel_n because_o as_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v free_o receive_v so_o it_o be_v free_o give_v and_o he_o that_o be_v exercise_v therein_o reap_v no_o man_n carual_a thing_n unless_o they_o be_v free_o offer_v caap._n ix_o touch_v baptism_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n 1.12_o mat._n 1.12_o that_o the_o baptism_n of_o water_n be_v the_o ministration_n of_o john_n who_o be_v send_v a_o messenger_n to_o prepare_v the_o way_n of_o christ_n before_o he_o and_o that_o though_o he_o be_v send_v to_o baptise_v with_o water_n unto_o repentance_n yet_o he_o thus_o testify_v in_o relation_n to_o christ_n 3.11_o mat._n 3.11_o he_o that_o come_v after_o i_o be_v mighty_a than_o i_o who_o shoe_n i_o be_o not_o worthy_a to_o bear_v he_o shall_v baptise_v you_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n now_o forasmuch_o as_o christ_n himself_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o after_o his_o resurrection_n exhort_v his_o disciple_n on_o this_o wise_a go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n 28.19_o mat._n 28.19_o baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n that_o i_o have_v command_v you_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v conclude_v by_o many_o that_o the_o baptism_n of_o water_n ought_v also_o to_o continue_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o a_o gospel_n ordinance_n to_o be_v administer_v by_o those_o who_o be_v call_v into_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n ans_fw-fr one_a it_o do_v not_o appear_v from_o the_o recite_v scripture_n that_o the_o disciple_n be_v hereby_o commissionated_a too_o baptise_v with_o water_n and_o though_o it_o may_v be_v urge_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o 10.47_o of_o act._n 8.38_o act._n 10.47_o philip_n to_o the_o eunuch_n and_o the_o word_n of_o peter_n show_v that_o christ_n intend_v the_o baptism_n of_o water_n and_o that_o that_o baptism_n be_v to_o be_v administer_v by_o gospel_n minister_n for_o ever_o yet_o that_o be_v not_o more_o a_o infallible_a proof_n thereof_o 1.17_o 1_o cor._n 1.17_o than_o paul_n say_v he_o be_v not_o send_v to_o baptise_v be_v a_o proof_n that_o he_o be_v either_o no_o aposide_o or_o that_o christ_n give_v no_o such_o commission_n go_v teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o etc._n etc._n because_o if_o every_o one_o that_o be_v send_v to_o teach_v be_v also_o send_v to_o baptise_v than_o paul_n can_v not_o in_o truth_n have_v say_v i_o be_v not_o send_v to_o baptise_v if_o in_o reality_n he_o be_v commission_v to_o teach_v and_o preach_v which_o none_o under_o christian-profession_n as_o we_o know_v of_o at_o this_o day_n question_n moreover_o we_o put_v this_o query_n to_o every_o enlighten_v impartial_a reader_n whether_o there_o be_v not_o cause_n to_o doubt_v that_o the_o very_a disciple_n themselves_o may_v not_o be_v as_o remote_a from_o have_v a_o true_a savour_n of_o the_o mean_v of_o christ_n in_o these_o word_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o some_o of_o christ_n disciple_n joh._n 6.53_o be_v in_o these_o his_o word_n except_o you_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n you_o have_v no_o life_n in_o you_o for_o christ_n meaning_n thereby_o be_v not_o that_o the_o flesh_n do_v profit_n 6.61_o joh._n 6.61_o as_o be_v plain_a by_o these_o his_o word_n it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o quicken_v the_o flesh_n profit_v nothing_o the_o word_n that_o i_o speak_v unto_o you_o they_o be_v spirit_n and_o they_o be_v life_n yet_o for_o want_v of_o true_a discern_v what_o christ_n mean_v by_o eat_v of_o his_o flesh_n until_o he_o explain_v himself_o many_o of_o his_o disciple_n say_v this_o be_v a_o hard_a say_n who_o can_v hear_v it_o read_v john_n 6._o from_o verse_n 47._o to_o
in_o isa_n 9.6_o it_o be_v thus_o say_v and_o the_o government_n shall_v be_v upon_o his_o shoulder_n and_o his_o name_n shall_v be_v call_v wonderful_a councillor_n etc._n etc._n second_o because_o it_o be_v whole_o repugnant_a to_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o conscience_n that_o the_o weight_n of_o a_o government_n that_o be_v spiritual_a and_o everlasting_a the_o law_n whereof_o be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o wherein_o nothing_o but_o true_a judgement_n and_o justice_n have_v be_v be_v and_o shall_v be_v execute_v for_o evermore_o shall_v rest_v upon_o any_o man_n or_o man_n as_o a_o governor_n or_o governor_n over_o other_o since_o there_o be_v no_o man_n nor_o man_n but_o be_v subject_n through_o temptation_n to_o err_v if_o they_o watch_v not_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v well_o say_v much_o less_o on_o any_o such_o one_o man_n though_o term_v by_o some_o the_o great_a apostle_n of_o christ_n who_o action_n towards_o his_o brethren_n have_v be_v find_v injurious_a to_o they_o undeserved_o and_o reproachful_a to_o the_o truth_n nor_o yet_o upon_o any_o such_o assembly_n as_o the_o usual_a general_n meet_v so_o term_v though_o improper_o of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n be_v because_o the_o metre_n have_v usual_o consist_v of_o uncertain_a number_n of_o uncertain_a qualify_v person_n that_o take_v upon_o they_o so_o to_o assemble_v while_o other_o behold_v the_o ill_a consequence_n of_o their_o meeting_n conscientious_o forbear_v to_o join_v with_o they_o three_o because_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n have_v their_o eye_n so_o much_o on_o his_o outward_a and_o bodily_a appearance_n as_o that_o christ_n their_o lord_n and_o master_n see_v it_o meet_v to_o tell_v they_o in_o these_o word_n joh._n 16.7_o it_o be_v expedient_a for_o you_o that_o i_o go_v away_o and_o when_o he_o so_o say_v he_o do_v not_o then_o tell_v they_o nor_o yet_o at_o any_o time_n before_o or_o after_o i_o will_v commissionate_v some_o man_n or_o assembly_n of_o man_n in_o my_o stead_n that_o so_o you_o may_v have_v your_o eye_n unto_o and_o expect_v write_a order_n from_o him_z or_o they_o to_o walk_v by_o and_o to_o lead_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n but_o john_n give_v they_o a_o reason_n for_o his_o so_o say_v in_o these_o word_n joh._n 16.7_o for_o if_o i_o go_v not_o away_o the_o comforter_n will_v not_o come_v but_o if_o i_o depart_v i_o will_v send_v he_o unto_o you_o mean_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o as_o he_o promise_v shall_v abide_v with_o they_o for_o ever_o and_o shall_v be_v in_o they_o which_o undoubted_o be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o exaltation_n of_o his_o government_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o that_o they_o may_v have_v their_o whole_a dependency_n on_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o as_o before_o be_v signify_v christ_n promise_v shall_v abide_v with_o they_o forever_o and_o so_o this_o may_v true_o be_v term_v that_o everlasting_a unerring_a unchangeable_a governor_n unto_o which_o the_o subject_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n owe_v obedience_n and_o why_o so_o but_o because_o under_o it_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v guide_v into_o all_o truth_n according_a as_o be_v plain_o signify_v from_o these_o follow_a word_n speak_v by_o christ_n himself_o joh._n 16.13_o i_o have_v yet_o many_o thing_n to_o say_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o can_v bear_v they_o now_o howbeit_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n for_o he_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o but_o whatsoever_o he_o shall_v hear_v that_o shall_v he_o speak_v here_o be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o contend_v about_o form_n of_o government_n or_o who_o shall_v be_v governor_n under_o christ_n government_n for_o if_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o we_o and_o that_o be_v to_o remain_v with_o we_o forever_o shall_v guide_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n than_o our_o dependency_n ought_v to_o be_v thereon_o that_o so_o thereby_o we_o may_v be_v lead_v into_o all_o truth_n or_o else_o we_o can_v manifest_v ourselves_o to_o be_v obedient_a subject_n unto_o christ_n under_o his_o government_n that_o he_o be_v exalt_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o men._n the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n lead_v we_o to_o give_v this_o testimony_n that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n either_o from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o we_o or_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o we_o to_o believe_v that_o any_o christian_a professor_n can_v in_o truth_n affirm_v that_o there_o be_v outward_a prescription_n and_o order_n give_v forth_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n through_o any_o one_o or_o more_o mortal_a man_n in_o this_o our_o day_n which_o other_o ought_v to_o obey_v and_o follow_v of_o which_o more_o anon_o in_o answer_n to_o r._n b_n book_n of_o government_n whether_o they_o see_v it_o their_o duty_n or_o no_o and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o may_v therefore_o come_v under_o the_o curse_n and_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n from_o god_n which_o happen_v to_o corah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n for_o their_o rebellion_n against_o moses_n and_o though_o the_o sin_n of_o corah_n etc._n etc._n have_v frequent_o in_o our_o public_a meeting_n for_o worship_n be_v speak_v of_o and_o intend_v as_o we_o have_v take_v it_o to_o be_v as_o a_o proper_a citation_n to_o describe_v the_o state_n of_o such_o as_o on_o a_o conscientious_a score_n can_v submit_v unto_o the_o outward_a order_n of_o one_o man_n yet_o we_o testify_v that_o such_o sort_n of_o insinuate_a and_o threaten_a language_n seem_v much_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o first_o covenant_n than_o the_o second_o under_o which_o we_o be_v and_o when_o countenance_v or_o speak_v by_o any_o expect_v such_o a_o submission_n it_o than_o seem_v to_o savour_v of_o a_o spirit_n that_o speak_v of_o himself_o and_o not_o what_o he_o have_v hear_v from_o the_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o consequent_o from_o another_o spirit_n than_o that_o which_o christ_n promise_v he_o will_v send_v for_o christ_n own_o word_n signify_v he_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o moreover_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o corah_n and_o his_o company_n rebel_v against_o moses_n who_o be_v king_n in_o jesuran_n and_o a_o leader_n of_o israel_n and_o through_o who_o the_o lord_n give_v forth_o his_o law_n to_o the_o people_n but_o we_o know_v that_o none_o can_v according_a to_o truth_n at_o this_o day_n pretend_v that_o any_o other_o governor_n be_v raise_v up_o among_o the_o child_n of_o light_n to_o be_v like_a unto_o moses_n who_o we_o ought_v to_o hear_v in_o all_o thing_n save_v christ_n jesus_n who_o by_o his_o spirit_n manifest_v in_o every_o subject_a of_o his_o kingdom_n be_v thereby_o become_v their_o lawgiver_n and_o while_o they_o be_v obedient_a thereunto_o they_o may_v in_o truth_n be_v reckon_v to_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n because_o they_o may_v then_o true_o be_v term_v such_o as_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o such_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n there_o be_v no_o condemnation_n objection_n this_o discourse_n touch_v government_n may_v occasion_v some_o to_o raise_v this_o objection_n we_o understand_v that_o many_o call_v quaker_n do_v hold_v monthly_a and_o quarterly-meeting_n of_o man_n and_o also_o of_o woman_n distinct_a from_o man_n about_o their_o church_n affair_n and_o that_o these_o meeting_n be_v repute_v to_o be_v establish_v on_o certain_a day_n that_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v alter_v by_o one_o man_n among_o they_o that_o have_v pretend_v he_o be_v move_v of_o god_n so_o to_o do_v and_o that_o the_o same_o person_n have_v by_o his_o paper_n spread_v abroad_o in_o divers_a part_n of_o the_o nation_n signify_v that_o none_o but_o loose_a spirit_n and_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o looseness_n pretend_v to_o set_v 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basis_n and_o foundation_n to_o which_o i_o thus_o say_v this_o kind_n of_o language_n with_o respect_n to_o divers_a practice_n in_o discipline_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n or_o any_o outward_a form_n and_o order_n which_o be_v or_o have_v be_v by_o any_o call_v the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o do_v not_o understand_v to_o be_v right_o applicable_a to_o those_o among_o the_o say_a people_n who_o have_v retain_v their_o first_o love_n to_o and_o savour_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o principle_n thereof_o not_o that_o i_o will_v hereby_o be_v understand_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o outward_a order_n with_o respect_n to_o that_o gospel-discipline_n which_o become_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o that_o which_o i_o understand_v not_o to_o be_v right_o applicable_a unto_o they_o be_v manifest_v in_o what_o follow_v though_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n have_v and_o may_v further_o lead_v into_o the_o practice_n of_o outward_a order_n in_o discipline_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n yet_o i_o affirm_v that_o part_n of_o that_o outward_a order_n in_o discipline_n wherein_o divers_a of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n have_v be_v act_v be_v such_o as_o that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o footstep_n thereof_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o exhort_v to_o or_o as_o practise_v by_o the_o apostle_n i_o can_v give_v many_o instance_n hereof_o but_o one_o shall_v suffice_v viz._n the_o form_n of_o proceed_n in_o marriage_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n be_v whole_o silent_a as_o to_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o though_o the_o papist_n pretend_v to_o tradition_n yet_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n do_v not_o beside_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n that_o the_o apostle_n be_v find_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o which_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n do_v not_o only_o out_o of_o conscience_n to_o god_n forbear_v but_o have_v have_v many_o contest_v with_o other_o touch_v the_o same_o as_o esteem_v it_o though_o permit_v for_o a_o season_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o people_n among_o the_o number_n of_o those_o outward_a ordinance_n out_o of_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v at_o this_o day_n gather_v his_o people_n witness_v water-baptism_n the_o word_n order_n with_o respect_n to_o outward_a government_n establish_v by_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n over_o itself_o i_o remember_v not_o in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n yet_o much_o of_o late_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o establish_v the_o same_o and_o that_o with_o respect_n to_o outward_a prescription_n and_o order_n practise_v or_o endeavour_v to_o be_v introduce_v among_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n and_o in_o particular_a r._n b._n page_n 40._o speak_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o faith_n we_o have_v be_v and_o be_v in_o the_o lord_n hand_n build_v up_o to_o which_o i_o say_v the_o consideration_n that_o christ_n be_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o great_a power_n of_o god_n and_o that_o a_o establish_n in_o the_o faith_n can_v proper_o be_v term_v a_o build_n up_o of_o faith_n give_v i_o occasion_n to_o treat_v a_o little_a touch_v the_o word_n establish_v and_o build_v up_o we_o know_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n in_o ourselves_o as_o well_o as_o from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o build_v up_o one_o another_o in_o the_o most_o holy_a faith_n in_o christ_n the_o truth_n the_o power_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v neither_o agreeable_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n in_o we_o nor_o yet_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o we_o for_o any_o to_o account_v themselves_o of_o ability_n to_o establish_v god_n power_n for_o its_o that_o by_o which_o the_o world_n be_v make_v now_o 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write_v my_o law_n in_o their_o heart_n &_o they_o shall_v not_o teach_v every_o man_n his_o neighbour_n and_o every_o man_n his_o brother_n say_v know_v the_o lord_n for_o all_o shall_v know_v i_o etc._n etc._n here_o be_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n of_o encouragement_n for_o any_o man_n under_o the_o new_a covenant_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v like_a unto_o the_o old_a to_o pretend_v that_o god_n spirit_n do_v or_o will_v lead_v any_o to_o establish_v outward_a order_n relate_v to_o matter_n of_o conscience_n as_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o if_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_v in_o we_o than_o though_o it_o may_v be_v needful_a to_o stir_v up_o according_a as_o the_o lord_n shall_v move_v in_o his_o servant_n the_o pure_a mind_n in_o we_o that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o what_o god_n require_v through_o the_o maifestation_n of_o himself_o in_o we_o there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o establish_v any_o thing_n without_o 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in_o he_o establish_v in_o the_o faith_n col._n 2.6_o 7._o and_o then_o the_o very_a next_o verse_n say_v beware_v lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v you_o through_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n according_a to_o the_o rudimnet_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o after_o christ_n if_o the_o follow_a outward_a decree_n precept_n sentence_n decisive_n judgement_n or_o tradition_n of_o any_o sort_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v in_o paul_n '_o eye_n a_o real_a and_o certain_a indication_n of_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o root_v in_o christ_n or_o that_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v establish_v outward_a indispensible_a order_n relate_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o believer_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judicious_a reader_n to_o savour_n whether_o paul_n will_v have_v so_o immediate_o and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o one_o breath_n caution_v they_o to_o beware_v of_o be_v spoil_v through_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n etc._n etc._n without_o a_o further_a caution_n to_o take_v heed_n lest_o they_o shall_v account_v the_o command_n sentence_n decree_n or_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n such_o these_o thing_n consider_v and_o compare_v with_o the_o measure_n of_o light_n in_o ourselves_o i_o be_o satisfy_v it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o truth_n for_o any_o man_n or_o assembly_n of_o man_n to_o attempt_v a_o outward_a indispensible_a establishment_n of_o outward_a order_n rule_n and_o decree_n relate_v to_o matter_n of_o conscience_n under_o the_o new_a covenant_n as_o the_o order_n rule_n and_o decree_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n moreover_o if_o christ_n do_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o assistance_n to_o establish_v his_o government_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o man_n who_o day_n be_v but_o as_o a_o span_n long_o shall_v be_v capable_a to_o establish_v that_o government_n of_o who_o increase_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o end_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o he_o do_v not_o stand_v in_o need_n thereof_o for_o the_o son_n that_o be_v give_v 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king_n i_o now_o appeal_v to_o god_n witness_v in_o all_o conscience_n whether_o the_o outward_a establishment_n of_o outward_a government_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o christ_n government_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o square_v more_o with_o the_o principle_n of_o such_o who_o look_v for_o his_o second_o come_v in_o some_o outward_a bodily_a appearance_n than_o with_o the_o principle_n of_o those_o who_o conclude_v his_o second_o come_v to_o be_v by_o his_o spiritual_a appearance_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o right_a reason_n and_o truth_n to_o conclude_v that_o christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n will_v establish_v his_o government_n otherwise_o than_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o in_o the_o heart_n where_o his_o appearance_n have_v be_v and_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v and_o wait_v for_o and_o since_o it_o be_v undoubted_o so_o that_o of_o the_o increase_n of_o christ_n government_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o end_n i_o can_v understand_v to_o what_o end_v any_o man_n shall_v concern_v himself_o to_o consider_v how_o far_o it_o may_v extend_v yet_o r.b._n have_v so_o do_v witness_v his_o 37_o page_n where_o he_o thus_o say_v it_o be_v next_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o what_o case_n and_o how_o far_o it_o may_v extend_v to_o which_o i_o can_v but_o thus_o reply_v those_o who_o be_v not_o puff_v up_o with_o spiritual_a pride_n or_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n may_v easy_o discern_v from_o such_o kind_n of_o language_n a_o spirit_n that_o will_v limit_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n by_o put_v bound_n unto_o that_o government_n of_o who_o increase_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o end_n and_o though_o i_o speak_v of_o man_n inability_n to_o establish_v christ_n government_n yet_o i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v as_o one_o accuse_v the_o aforesaid_a author_n or_o any_o else_o to_o assert_v man_n ability_n so_o to_o do_v for_o i_o know_v not_o any_o man_n that_o will_v pretend_v themselves_o in_o that_o case_n other_o than_o instrument_n in_o god_n hand_n but_o yet_o this_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o since_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n everwill_v make_v use_n of_o man_n under_o the_o new_a covenant_n to_o establish_v outward_a indespensible_a order_n rule_n or_o decree_n to_o be_v as_o a_o measuring-line_n whereby_o those_o who_o be_v under_o christ_n government_n shall_v be_v know_v therefore_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o conclude_v that_o the_o endeavour_n of_o such_o who_o may_v exercise_v themselves_o therein_o may_v proceed_v from_o no_o better_a power_n than_o that_o ability_n which_o be_v of_o man._n and_o notwithstanding_o he_o have_v consider_v how_o far_o it_o extend_v yet_o i_o find_v not_o that_o he_o have_v make_v any_o mention_n of_o the_o business_n or_o at_o least_o a_o part_n of_o the_o business_n of_o one_o considerable_a meeting_n which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o government_n or_o order_n which_o he_o pretend_v to_o describe_v and_o that_o be_v a_o meet_v hold_v every_o second_o day_n of_o the_o week_n wherein_o writing_n treat_v of_o divine_a matter_n and_o which_o be_v intend_v by_o the_o author_n for_o public_a view_n be_v first_o view_v in_o order_n to_o a_o approbation_n or_o the_o contrary_a more_o contrary_a witness_v the_o paper_n at_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o this_o three_o part_n sign_v by_o charles_n marshal_n and_o thirty_o six_o more_o at_o which_o meeting_n his_o treatise_n be_v past_a which_o give_v occasion_n to_o treat_v a_o little_a of_o that_o meeting_n since_o those_o of_o that_o meeting_n be_v as_o well_o concern_v in_o the_o say_a treatise_n as_o he_o that_o write_v it_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n as_o far_o as_o i_o remember_v be_v whole_o silent_a as_o to_o any_o such_o service_n act_v in_o any_o meeting_n among_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o therefore_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v that_o there_o can_v be_v any_o real_a ground_n or_o tolerable_a pretence_n that_o this_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o ancient_a apostolic_a order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n we_o find_v the_o apostle_n act_v 3._o direct_v to_o choose_v seven_o man_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o take_v care_n that_o the_o widow_n shall_v not_o be_v neglect_v in_o the_o daily_a ministration_n if_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n direct_v to_o choose_v a_o certain_a select_a well_o qualify_v number_n of_o man_n for_o such_o a_o service_n as_o doubtless_o it_o do_v it_o be_v against_o right_a reason_n to_o suppose_v that_o the_o apostle_n will_v in_o their_o day_n have_v leave_v the_o consideration_n of_o such_o weighty_a matter_n as_o treatise_n of_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n to_o the_o approbation_n of_o a_o uncertain_a unselected_a assembly_n for_o such_o i_o call_v that_o meeting_n wherein_o many_o of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n intend_v for_o public_a view_n be_v approve_v or_o disapprove_v 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of_o god_n spirit_n to_o publish_v unto_o the_o world_n for_o god_n be_v overrule_v by_o timothy_n a_o son_n when_o according_a to_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n he_o ought_v to_o be_v rule_v by_o paul_n the_o father_n nay_o perhaps_o by_o one_o that_o be_v of_o much_o lesser_a rank_n in_o the_o body_n if_o so_o be_v he_o have_v a_o word_n of_o exhortation_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o god_n truth_n &_o be_v usual_o exercise_v therein_o in_o public_a but_o suppose_v no_o such_o obstruction_n have_v or_o may_v appear_v yet_o i_o query_n whether_o it_o look_v like_o a_o part_n of_o christ_n government_n for_o timothy_n the_o son_n to_o be_v admit_v as_o a_o judge_n over_o the_o write_n of_o paul_n who_o as_o a_o father_n beget_v he_o unto_o the_o truth_n paul_n 1_o cor._n 12._o treat_v of_o the_o diversity_n of_o gift_n by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n mention_v several_a of_o they_o viz._n the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n the_o word_n of_o knowledge_n faith_n gift_n of_o healing_n work_v of_o miracle_n prophesy_v discern_v of_o spirit_n divers_a kind_n of_o tongue_n interpretation_n of_o tongue_n and_o then_o at_o length_n say_v god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n first_o apostles_n secondary_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n and_o after_o that_o miracle_n etc._n etc._n and_o then_o say_v be_v all_o prophet_n be_v all_o apostle_n be_v all_o teacher_n etc._n etc._n and_o again_o rom_n 14.6_o 7_o 8._o he_o thus_o say_v have_v then_o gift_n differ_v according_a to_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v give_v to_o we_o whether_o prophecy_n let_v we_o prophesy_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n or_o ministry_n let_v we_o wait_v on_o our_o ministry_n or_o he_o that_o teach_v on_o teach_v or_o he_o that_o exhort_v on_o exhortation_n from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o god_n have_v give_v diversity_n of_o gift_n and_o that_o those_o member_n who_o may_v be_v skilful_a through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o exercise_n one_o gift_n may_v be_v 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probable_a that_o a_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n may_v be_v as_o remote_a from_o have_v experience_n of_o his_o brother_n operation_n as_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n may_v be_v from_o discern_v what_o the_o natural_a eye_n do_v see_v and_o yet_o the_o ear_n according_a to_o that_o of_o paul_n 1_o cor._n 12.16_o may_v as_o true_o be_v account_v a_o member_n of_o the_o body_n as_o the_o eye_n it_o be_v a_o exhortation_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o day_n which_o in_o these_o latter_a year_n have_v dawn_v among_o we_o though_o thou_o grow_v but_o slow_a yet_o grow_v sure_a this_o sure_a grow_a be_v obedience_n after_o convincement_n or_o obedience_n to_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n receive_v all_o performance_n before_o with_o respect_n to_o worship_n or_o service_n for_o god_n be_v account_v but_o will-worship_n or_o will-service_n and_o therefore_o many_o who_o face_n be_v sion-ward_n do_v right_o testify_v on_o this_o wise_a i_o must_v stay_v until_o i_o 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truth_n in_o any_o further_o than_o through_o certain_a conviction_n it_o be_v know_v to_o be_v so_o even_o as_o jesus_n can_v in_o truth_n be_v call_v lord_n by_o we_o until_o by_o his_o spirit_n we_o be_v convince_v and_o experimental_o know_v that_o he_o be_v lord_n in_o we_o and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o say_v it_o be_v savoury_a language_n to_o say_v i_o mu_o stay_n until_o convince_v tho_o r._n b._n as_o his_o line_n to_o i_o import_n account_v such_o language_n to_o be_v a_o reason_v truth_n from_o one_o self_n through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o the_o serpent_n query_v how_o do_v they_o mean_v the_o primitive_a labourer_n among_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n knock_v down_o this_o manner_n of_o reason_v but_o doubtless_o herein_o he_o have_v abuse_v both_o himself_o and_o the_o truth_n not_o so_o much_o for_o that_o he_o know_v no_o other_o than_o by_o report_n whereof_o he_o treat_v as_o to_o this_o matter_n if_o his_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o 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first_o publish_v among_o we_o be_v become_v our_o only_a teacher_n and_o lawgiver_n by_o the_o in_o shine_v of_o his_o light_n in_o our_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o his_o reflection_n seem_v unsavoury_a but_o that_o which_o to_o i_o render_v it_o the_o more_o unsavoury_a be_v this_o when_o i_o consider_v the_o whole_a scope_n of_o his_o treatise_n it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v it_o be_v use_v so_o far_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o advancement_n of_o some_o outward_a government_n by_o man_n or_o man_n else_o what_o be_v the_o mean_v that_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n have_v make_v such_o a_o diligent_a search_n among_o the_o apostle_n write_n after_o the_o word_n order_n rule_n command_v govern_n government_n tradition_n and_o such_o like_a and_o whether_o he_o do_v not_o apply_v they_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o assembly_n which_o in_o any_o tolerable_a suposition_n may_v be_v term_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n let_v the_o impartial_a reader_n diligent_o 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do_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o command_v now_o we_o command_v you_o brethren_n etc._n etc._n and_o then_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n comment_v thereon_o what_o more_o positive_a than_o this_o and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o here_o a_o imposer_n and_o further_o if_o any_o obey_v not_o our_o word_n remember_v they_o which_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o these_o filthy_a dreamer_n despise_v dominion_n and_o then_o thus_o say_v there_o can_v nothing_o be_v more_o plain_a from_o these_o testimony_n than_o that_o some_o do_v appoint_v and_o ordain_v certain_a thing_n that_o there_o lie_v a_o obligation_n in_o point_n of_o duty_n on_o other_o to_o import_v to_o it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v his_o meaning_n be_v other_o ought_v to_o obey_v whether_o they_o see_v it_o their_o duty_n or_o no_o as_o his_o 68_o page_n seem_v to_o import_v obey_v that_o this_o be_v no_o encroachment_n nor_o imposition_n on_o their_o christian-liberty_n nor_o any_o way_n 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can_v account_v sound_a language_n if_o paul_n testimony_n phil._n 1.15_o 18._o be_v sound_a who_o say_v some_o preach_v christ_n of_o envy_n and_o strife_n what_o then_o notwithstanding_o every_o way_n whether_o in_o pretence_n or_o in_o truth_n christ_n be_v preach_v and_o i_o therein_o rejoice_v yea_o and_o will_v rejoice_v second_o that_o to_o pretend_v want_n of_o clearness_n in_o sight_n will_v not_o excuse_v any_o from_o disobedience_n to_o god_n who_o submit_v not_o to_o the_o sentence_n of_o a_o assembly_n or_o some_o or_o other_o of_o they_o which_o may_v in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n be_v term_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o be_v ready_a to_o judge_v their_o brethren_n as_o apostatise_v from_o the_o truth_n if_o they_o walk_v not_o according_a to_o the_o line_n and_o measure_n of_o other_o though_o they_o have_v no_o faith_n therein_o contrary_a to_o that_o of_o paul_n who_o to_o the_o corinthian_n say_v 1_o cor._n 10.15_o have_v hope_n when_o your_o faith_n be_v increase_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v enlarge_v by_o you_o according_a to_o our_o rule_n and_o whether_o these_o be_v not_o of_o that_o number_n who_o bring_v another_o gospel_n than_o what_o we_o have_v already_o receive_v and_o so_o subject_a themselves_o to_o the_o curse_n while_o they_o be_v endeavour_v to_o manifest_v other_o accurse_v let_v god_n witness_v in_o all_o judge_n there_o be_v at_o this_o day_n who_o seem_v to_o make_v no_o distinction_n between_o such_o as_o will_v have_v no_o iniquity_n reprove_v and_o those_o who_o conscientious_o scruple_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o dictate_v of_o other_o till_o their_o understanding_n be_v illuminate_v these_o be_v of_o that_o number_n who_o divide_v not_o aright_o and_o seem_v so_o void_a of_o charity_n as_o not_o to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o precious_a and_o the_o vile_a for_o though_o it_o be_v so_o that_o paul_n in_o thes_n 3.6_o a_o scripture_n quote_v by_o r._n b._n thus_o say_v now_o we_o command_v you_o brethren_n in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o you_o withdraw_v yourselves_o from_o every_o brother_n that_o walk_v disorderly_a and_o not_o after_o the_o tradition_n which_o he_o receive_v of_o we_o and_o then_o comment_n upon_o it_o what_o more_o positive_a than_o this_o and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o here_o a_o imposer_n to_o which_o i_o thus_o say_v that_o this_o scripture_n be_v no_o warrant_n for_o any_o to_o follow_v the_o command_n or_o tradition_n of_o other_o at_o this_o day_n until_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o real_a service_n of_o obedience_n to_o such_o command_n or_o tradition_n which_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o reason_n that_o paul_n in_o the_o follow_a verse_n give_v for_o the_o urge_v obedience_n to_o his_o precept_n viz._n for_o you_o yourselves_o know_v how_o that_o you_o ought_v to_o follow_v we_o so_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o duty_n be_v the_o bond_n rather_o than_o paul_n command_n verse_n 14._o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n be_v another_o scripture_n quote_v by_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n page_n 27._o paul_n say_v if_o any_o man_n obey_v not_o our_o word_n by_o this_o epistle_n note_v that_o man_n and_o have_v no_o company_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a this_o relate_v to_o such_o of_o who_o paul_n verse_n 11_o 12_o 13_o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n say_v we_o have_v hear_v that_o there_o be_v some_o among_o you_o that_o walk_v inordinate_o and_o work_v not_o at_o all_o but_o be_v busi-body_n therefore_o they_o that_o be_v such_o we_o command_v and_o exhort_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o they_o work_v with_o quietness_n and_o eat_v their_o own_o bread_n and_o you_o brother_n be_v not_o weary_a in_o well_o do_v and_o then_o he_o exhort_v verse_n 14._o if_o any_o man_n obey_v not_o our_o say_v etc._n etc._n which_o plain_o relate_v that_o to_o so_o undoubted_a &_o necessary_a a_o duty_n mention_v verse_n 11._o that_o such_o who_o be_v busi-body_n walk_v inordinate_o may_v not_o in_o their_o busy_a inordinate_a spirit_n eat_v the_o bread_n of_o other_o but_o work_n that_o they_o may_v eat_v their_o own_o bread_n but_o whosoever_o they_o be_v that_o shall_v bring_v such_o scripture_n as_o these_o to_o manifest_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o outward_a form_n prescription_n ceremonial_a dictate_v or_o decisive_a sentence_n of_o other_o when_o they_o be_v or_o may_v be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n and_o that_o there_o lie_v a_o obligation_n in_o point_n of_o duty_n to_o obey_v in_o every_o or_o any_o of_o such_o thing_n though_o we_o see_v it_o not_o show_v themselves_o a_o sort_n of_o busybody_n want_v work_n paul_n 1_o cor._n 14.37_o a_o scripture_n quote_v by_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n thus_o say_v if_o any_o man_n think_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o prophet_n or_o spiritual_n let_v he_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o thing_n that_o i_o write_v unto_o you_o be_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o verse_n 34._o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n paul_n say_v let_v your_o woman_n keep_v silence_n in_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n here_o be_v a_o positive_a proof_n that_o woman_n ought_v to_o be_v silent_a in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o by_o the_o command_n of_o paul_n and_o therefore_o i_o think_v it_o shall_v be_v a_o shame_n for_o such_o who_o plead_v for_o woman_n speak_v in_o the_o church_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o for_o their_o service_n with_o respect_n to_o exercise_n in_o discipline_n to_o pin_v so_o much_o as_o to_o i_o appear_v the_o aforesaid_a author_n do_v in_o his_o treatise_n on_o the_o word_n command_v use_v by_o paul_n when_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o truth_n which_o the_o child_n of_o light_n have_v receive_v they_o have_v and_o do_v testify_v and_o that_o according_a to_o truth_n notwithstanding_o what_o paul_n say_v and_o have_v command_v that_o together_o that_o note_v i_o will_v not_o hereby_o be_v understand_v to_o justify_v all_o woman_n that_o have_v speak_v in_o our_o meeting_n because_o many_o of_o they_o have_v of_o late_o be_v so_o rude_a in_o their_o opposition_n to_o john_n story_n as_o that_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v a_o mere_a scandal_n to_o religion_n and_o be_o persuade_v that_o by_o paul_n command_n the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o positive_o according_a as_o his_o own_o word_n seem_v to_o intiate_v not_o only_o because_o the_o prophet_n joel_n 2.28_o prophesy_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v pour_v out_o of_o his_o spirit_n upon_o son_n and_o daughter_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v prophesy_v but_o also_o for_o that_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n 1_o cor._n 14._o he_o exhort_v the_o church_n who_o doubless_a consist_v of_o woman_n as_o well_o as_o man_n to_o covet_v spiritual_a gift_n but_o rather_o that_o they_o may_v prophesy_v say_v you_o may_v all_o prophesy_v one_o by_o one_o all_o which_o consider_v it_o be_v rational_a to_o take_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o he_o that_o there_o be_v some_o unruly_a disorderly_a woman_n then_o in_o the_o church_n as_o in_o these_o our_o day_n be_v who_o then_o have_v need_n as_o some_o now_o have_v to_o be_v warn_v to_o keep_v silence_n though_o other_o that_o have_v receive_v a_o revelation_n from_o god_n may_v declare_v the_o same_o in_o the_o church_n when_o meet_v together_o woman_n as_o well_o as_o man_n and_o man_n as_o well_o as_o woman_n may_v speak_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n according_a to_o their_o respective_a measure_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n move_v and_o since_o as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n himself_o testify_v 1_o cor._n 10.8_o that_o his_o authority_n be_v give_v he_o for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n i_o can_v but_o be_v more_o charitable_a than_o to_o think_v paul_n ever_o use_v the_o word_n command_v ordain_v tradition_n and_o such_o like_a on_o any_o other_o account_n but_o that_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v follower_n of_o he_o according_a as_o in_o their_o own_o measure_n they_o have_v a_o sense_n or_o savour_n that_o he_o be_v a_o follower_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o otherwise_o which_o compare_v phil._n 3.17_o with_o 2_o cor._n 10.13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o do_v evident_o appear_v the_o forementioned_a scripture_n to_o the_o philipian_o thus_o say_v brethren_n be_v follower_n together_o of_o i_o and_o mark_v they_o that_o walk_v so_o as_o you_o have_v we_o for_o a_o ensample_n that_o to_o the_o corinth_n say_v but_o we_o will_v not_o boast_v of_o thing_n without_o our_o measure_n but_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o rule_n which_o god_n have_v distribute_v to_o we_o a_o measure_n to_o reach_v even_o unto_o you_o for_o we_o stretch_v not_o ourselves_o beyond_o our_o measure_n etc._n etc._n not_o boast_v of_o thing_n without_o our_o measure_n that_o be_v other_o man_n labour_n but_o have_v hope_n when_o
and_o whereas_o it_o may_v be_v say_v we_o assign_v not_o to_o man_n as_o judge_n but_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o man_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o whole_o mend_v the_o matter_n while_o the_o question_n remain_v unanswered_a who_o or_o where_o be_v the_o man_n through_o who_o the_o spirit_n appear_v to_o judge_n or_o at_o least_o so_o unanswered_a as_o not_o to_o remove_v the_o reasonable_a objection_n of_o such_o as_o may_v gainsay_v and_o so_o through_o these_o thing_n the_o mind_n of_o the_o weak_a may_v come_v to_o be_v entertain_v with_o doubtful_a disputation_n rather_o than_o those_o thing_n which_o tend_v to_o edification_n contrary_a to_o the_o drift_n and_o bent_n of_o the_o apostle_n spirit_n rom._n 14.1_o 1_o cor._n 14.26_o second_o i_o can_v yet_o cease_v from_o a_o further_a observation_n on_o the_o aforesaid_a position_n viz._n which_o positive_a sentence_n and_o decision_n may_v become_v obligatory_a on_o believer_n it_o be_v true_a the_o aforesaid_a author_n do_v not_o here_o say_v it_o ought_v to_o become_v obligatory_a upon_o believer_n yet_o to_o i_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o intend_v that_o such_o a_o sentence_n ought_v to_o become_v obligatory_a on_o believer_n see_v on_o one_o instance_n as_o proof_n to_o his_o affirmation_n he_o thus_o say_v and_o be_v not_o this_o obligatory_a on_o all_o the_o member_n &_o c_o further_n say_v with_o relation_n thereto_o i_o can_v tell_v that_o any_o man_n of_o reason_n can_v well_o deny_v this_o that_o which_o r._n b._n in_o these_o thing_n seem_v to_o drive_v at_o have_v as_o to_o i_o appear_v a_o plain_a tendency_n to_o draw_v from_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n in_o ourselves_o though_o i_o dare_v not_o be_v so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o conclude_v he_o so_o intend_v and_o if_o any_o line_n have_v drop_v from_o my_o pen_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o import_v so_o much_o i_o declare_v that_o not_o to_o be_v my_o mean_v or_o at_o least_o to_o encourage_v the_o lend_v a_o ear_n to_o the_o sense_n and_o judgement_n of_o other_o more_o than_o to_o that_o sense_n and_o savour_n which_o we_o have_v within_o ourselves_o for_o first_o by_o believer_n i_o take_v the_o aforesaid_a author_n plain_o to_o intend_v as_o well_o such_o believer_n as_o be_v no_o way_n concern_v in_o give_v forth_o such_o positive_a sentence_n or_o decision_n as_o those_o that_o be_v else_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o these_o his_o word_n and_o be_v not_o this_o obligatory_a on_o all_o the_o member_n and_o so_o such_o unconcerned_a may_v have_v no_o better_a ground_n to_o be_v at_o unity_n therewith_o than_o the_o say_n of_o other_o now_o i_o can_v tell_v how_o any_o man_n of_o reason_n can_v make_v out_o that_o this_o seem_v any_o better_a than_o this_o sort_n of_o language_n ye_o must_v believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v of_o which_o more_o anon_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v understand_v to_o reflect_v on_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v in_o any_o measure_n savour_n of_o truth_n three_o it_o do_v seem_v plain_o to_o contradict_v this_o wholesome_a testimony_n of_o and_o for_o the_o truth_n viz._n that_o the_o sentence_n and_o judgement_n of_o any_o man_n or_o man_n whatsoever_o relate_v to_o matter_n of_o conscience_n ought_v not_o at_o this_o day_n to_o be_v give_v forth_o but_o by_o way_n of_o recommendation_n to_o the_o conscience_n which_o to_o my_o knowledge_n have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n and_o when_o the_o conscience_n be_v sensible_a that_o god_n witness_v therein_o answer_v than_o the_o conscience_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v bind_v other_o bond_n may_v make_v hypocrite_n and_o busi-body_n but_o not_o good_a christian_n paul_n write_v to_o the_o corinthian_n tell_v they_o we_o recommend_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 4.2_o here_o paul_n become_v not_o a_o bond_n upon_o they_o further_o than_o they_o have_v a_o sense_n that_o god_n witness_v in_o the_o conscience_n answer_v the_o same_o paul_n tell_v the_o corinthian_n as_o before_o be_v quote_v thus_o have_v hope_n that_o when_o your_o faith_n be_v increase_v we_o shall_v be_v enlarge_v by_o you_o according_a to_o our_o rule_n abundant_o this_o do_v not_o manifest_a paul_n desire_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v walk_v according_a to_o his_o rule_n until_o their_o faith_n be_v increase_v let_v we_o now_o examine_v how_o r._n b._n by_o scripture_n prove_v that_o the_o positive_a sentence_n and_o decision_n of_o the_o church_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n may_v be_v obligatory_a upon_o believer_n for_o that_o he_o say_v i_o shall_v prove_v it_o from_o divers_a instance_n from_o scripture_n and_o in_o order_n thereto_o i_o find_v he_o to_o quote_v only_o three_o scripture_n the_o first_o be_v gal._n 1.8_o but_o though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n unto_o you_o than_o that_o which_o we_o have_v preach_v unto_o you_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v if_o this_o scripture_n be_v a_o proper_a proof_n of_o the_o matter_n then_o by_o the_o word_n we_o paul_n must_v be_v understand_v to_o mean_v the_o church_n and_o that_o in_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n sense_n now_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n sense_n as_o appear_v page_n 68_o be_v that_o such_o assembly_n be_v the_o church_n which_o in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n may_v be_v so_o term_v but_o doubtless_o paul_n be_v so_o exact_a as_o not_o to_o deliver_v any_o thing_n as_o doctrine_n but_o what_o he_o have_v see_v and_o handle_v according_a to_o this_o testimony_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n what_o we_o have_v see_v and_o handle_v of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n that_o declare_v we_o unto_o you_o which_o be_v certain_a and_o infallible_a token_n be_v more_o than_o tolerable_a supposition_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o conclude_v paul_n never_o intend_v that_o such_o who_o refuse_v to_o be_v bind_v in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n by_o the_o sentence_n of_o every_o such_o assembly_n which_o in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n may_v be_v term_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v pronounce_v accurse_a much_o less_o if_o they_o shall_v pretend_v they_o see_v it_o not_o and_o yet_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n say_v as_o hereafter_o be_v manifest_a to_o this_o purpose_n that_o that_o shall_v not_o excuse_v such_o from_o disobedience_n to_o god_n who_o submit_v not_o to_o the_o sentence_n give_v forth_o by_o such_o assembly_n or_o some_o or_o other_o of_o they_o and_o likewise_o it_o ought_v to_o appear_v that_o a_o part_n of_o that_o gospel_n which_o the_o church_n and_o not_o only_a paul_n who_o as_o he_o be_v move_v of_o the_o lord_n write_v to_o the_o church_n by_o way_n of_o exhortation_n and_o doctrine_n preach_v to_o the_o galatian_n be_v that_o the_o positive_a sentence_n or_o decision_n of_o the_o church_n either_o aught_o to_o be_v obligatory_a on_o all_o the_o member_n or_o at_o lest_o obligatory_a on_o believer_n or_o else_o that_o which_o by_o a_o natural_a consequence_n may_v import_v the_o same_o but_o no_o such_o doctrine_n nor_o the_o import_n thereof_o by_o any_o reasonable_a consequence_n appear_v from_o the_o church_n nor_o yet_o from_o paul_n to_o the_o galatian_n or_o any_o else_o and_o since_o paul_n be_v thus_o quote_v let_v we_o inquire_v how_o paul_n do_v after_o it_o please_v god_n to_o reveal_v his_o son_n in_o he_o for_o there_o be_v apostle_n and_o elder_n before_o he_o and_o yet_o he_o say_v gal._n 1.16_o 17._o i_o consult_v not_o with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n neither_o come_v i_o again_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n before_o i_o and_o though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o a_o case_n of_o controversy_n touch_v conscience_n yet_o it_o be_v in_o a_o case_n that_o to_o he_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n and_o when_o he_o perceive_v that_o peter_n and_o other_o of_o the_o jew_n will_v have_v constrain_v the_o gentile_n to_o do_v like_o the_o jew_n he_o withstand_v peter_n to_o the_o face_n gal._n 2.11_o 13._o now_o peter_n and_o those_o other_o jew_n may_v have_v reason_v with_o paul_n and_o say_v we_o be_v the_o brethren_n and_o the_o church_n and_o our_o practice_n ought_v to_o be_v a_o bond_n on_o thou_o and_o thou_o ought_v rather_o to_o submit_v to_o we_o than_o we_o to_o thou_o but_o have_v they_o so_o do_v doubtless_o paul_n will_v still_o have_v withstand_v they_o and_o have_v be_v justify_v therein_o the_o second_o scripture_n r._n b._n quote_v be_v 1_o tim._n 1.19_o 20._o which_o thus_o say_v hold_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o some_o have_v put_v away_o concern_v faith_n have_v make_v shipwreck_n of_o who_o be_v hymeneus_n and_o allexander_n who_o i_o have_v deliver_v to_o satan_n that_o they_o may_v learn_v not_o to_o blaspheme_n what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o purpose_n to_o prove_v that_o
aught_o to_o believe_v and_o though_o there_o have_v be_v so_o many_o diversity_n of_o creed_n in_o the_o world_n according_a to_o the_o various_a apprehension_n of_o divers_a assembly_n assume_v to_o themselves_o the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n yet_o to_o this_o day_n i_o find_v not_o among_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n that_o any_o certain_a number_n of_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v give_v forth_o from_o any_o general_a assembly_n or_o particular_a congregation_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o their_o creed_n and_o as_o a_o measuring-line_n by_o which_o those_o who_o be_v either_o in_o or_o depart_v from_o the_o faith_n may_v be_v know_v and_o the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v evident_a because_o it_o be_v against_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n viz._n the_o light_n to_o exalt_v any_o other_o measuring-line_n than_o that_o by_o which_o we_o be_v baptise_a into_o the_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n viz._n the_o spirit_n have_v thus_o promise_v as_o a_o more_o particular_a answer_n to_o the_o question_n i_o thus_o say_v i_o confess_v the_o true_a church_n be_v in_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o every_o member_n thereof_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n at_o least_o of_o the_o same_o faith_n that_o all_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n be_v of_o so_o that_o it_o may_v in_o truth_n be_v say_v every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n do_v in_o some_o measure_n believe_v as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n do_v i_o say_v in_o some_o measure_n because_o as_o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o gift_n and_o operation_n so_o also_o be_v there_o difference_n in_o measure_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o do_v the_o apostle_n wise_o say_v to_o this_o purpose_n let_v he_o that_o prophesi_v prophesy_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n rom._n 12.6_o but_o shall_v any_o arise_v to_o say_v it_o be_v folly_n and_o hypocrisy_n to_o professone_n self_n a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n &_o yet_o not_o believe_v thus_o as_o the_o true_a church_n believe_v without_o any_o further_a explanation_n of_o the_o word_n or_o of_o what_o be_v intend_v thereby_o such_o may_v subject_v themselves_o to_o censure_v for_o by_o the_o word_n true_a church_n in_o this_o sentence_n and_o yet_o not_o believe_v thus_o as_o the_o true_a church_n believe_v will_v be_v understand_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n from_o who_o one_o or_o more_o differ_v in_o faith_n now_o there_o may_v happen_v to_o be_v a_o weak_a brother_n who_o faith_n in_o some_o particular_a matter_n may_v be_v otherwise_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o brethren_n be_v this_o case_n happen_v among_o the_o roman_n to_o who_o paul_n thus_o write_v rom._n 14.3_o 4_o 22_o 23._o let_v not_o he_o that_o eat_v despise_v he_o that_o eat_v not_o and_o let_v not_o he_o that_o eat_v not_o judge_v he_o that_o eat_v for_o god_n have_v receive_v he_o who_o be_v thou_o that_o condemne_v another_o man_n servant_n to_o his_o own_o master_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v have_v thou_o faith_n have_v it_o to_o thyself_o he_o that_o doubt_v be_v condemn_v if_o he_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n here_o a_o diversity_n of_o faith_n be_v evident_a and_o that_o between_o brethren_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o neither_o appear_v to_o be_v fool_n or_o hypocrite_n he_o that_o do_v eat_v be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v because_o he_o be_v receive_v of_o god_n and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o eat_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v judge_v that_o the_o apostle_n condemn_v the_o very_a eat_v while_o there_o be_v a_o doubt_n though_o the_o abstinence_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o weakness_n these_o thing_n consider_v i_o appeal_v to_o god_n witness_v in_o all_o conscience_n whether_o truth_n can_v be_v serve_v at_o this_o day_n by_o assert_v under_o the_o name_n of_o one_o call_v a_o quaker_n such_o principle_n as_o give_v occasion_n of_o jealousy_n that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v promote_a among_o we_o we_o must_v believe_v thus_o as_o the_o church_n believe_v without_o remove_v those_o objection_n which_o for_o want_v of_o a_o explanation_n may_v necessary_o follow_v it_o be_v a_o true_a say_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n that_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o rock_n christ_n and_o that_o the_o elect_n can_v be_v deceive_v but_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v thus_o say_v yet_o we_o know_v that_o particular_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v err_v objection_n yet_o some_o may_v be_v ready_a to_o object_n and_o say_v write_v say_v note_n this_o objection_n be_v so_o lay_v to_o â—n_n in_o the_o same_o book_n wherein_o the_o last_o answer_v query_n be_v write_v though_o some_o particular_a member_n may_v be_v liable_a to_o err_v it_o be_v neither_o reasonable_a nor_o just_a to_o conclude_v the_o whole_a body_n or_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v liable_a to_o err_v to_o this_o i_o say_v god_n forbid_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n shall_v err_v yet_o i_o say_v neither_o the_o light_n within_o we_o nor_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o we_o do_v evidence_n that_o any_o member_n one_o more_o than_o another_o be_v by_o any_o peculiar_a election_n exempt_v from_o be_v liable_a to_o err_v no_o more_o than_o particular_a person_n be_v from_o all_o eternity_n elect_v and_o other_o reprobate_v and_o so_o it_o appear_v to_o i_o that_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o with_o respect_n that_o some_o shall_v continue_v still_o faithful_a and_o not_o liable_a to_o err_v though_o other_o be_v liable_a thereto_o shall_v err_v but_o with_o respect_n to_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n while_o establish_v on_o the_o rock_n christ_n so_o that_o not_o only_o a_o part_n of_o the_o church_n but_o every_o member_n thereof_o whilst_o build_v on_o the_o rock_n christ_n shall_v be_v so_o preserve_v as_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o any_o one_o of_o they_o and_o this_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o very_a connection_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o scripture_n mat._n 16.18_o and_o upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o that_o be_v against_o the_o church_n build_v and_o while_o remain_v on_o the_o rock_n christ_n but_o if_o any_o assembly_n through_o unwatchfulness_n and_o disobedience_n depart_v from_o the_o rock_n christ_n whereon_o they_o be_v build_v then_o in_o that_o state_n they_o can_v proper_o be_v call_v the_o church_n build_v and_o remain_v on_o the_o rock_n christ_n and_o so_o have_v be_v liable_a to_o be_v overcome_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n do_v prevail_v and_o therefore_o though_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o one_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n while_o abide_v in_o the_o seed_n in_o which_o the_o election_n stand_v and_o to_o which_o the_o promise_n be_v can_v be_v deceive_v yet_o notwithstanding_o i_o affirm_v that_o every_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o if_o every_o member_n than_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v liable_a to_o err_v if_o they_o wait_v not_o in_o and_o keep_v not_o unto_o that_o in_o which_o their_o preservation_n stand_v christ_n say_v watch_n and_o pray_v that_o you_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n this_o be_v speak_v not_o with_o respect_n to_o some_o particular_a member_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v liable_a to_o err_v and_o as_o if_o there_o be_v other_o that_o be_v not_o and_o therefore_o its_o reasonable_a to_o conclude_v that_o all_o may_v through_o temptation_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o err_v if_o they_o watch_v not_o but_o yet_o my_o faith_n be_v that_o a_o remnant_n will_v be_v preserve_v so_o watchful_a as_o that_o be_v build_v on_o the_o rock_n christ_n the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o prevail_v against_o they_o these_o thing_n be_v due_o weigh_v and_o consider_v what_o great_a abuse_n have_v be_v make_v of_o scripture_n that_o speak_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o what_o they_o bound_v or_o loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v or_o lose_v in_o heaven_n and_o that_o also_o to_o maintain_v a_o antichristian_a yoke_n of_o bondage_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o christ_n church_n say_v that_o it_o can_v err_v it_o appear_v not_o much_o more_o like_a one_o call_v a_o quaker_n if_o we_o consult_v the_o write_n of_o some_o of_o those_o ancient_a and_o honourable_a labourer_n who_o be_v instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o turn_v thousand_o unto_o the_o light_n within_o we_o as_o the_o unerring_a guide_n to_o treat_v on_o such_o scripture_n if_o apply_v to_o outward_a and_o settle_a assembly_n as_o such_o as_o be_v not_o
about_o a_o fleshly_a uniformity_n which_o ensnare_v and_o overbear_v the_o tender_a conscience_n this_o be_v not_o lovely_a nor_o spiritual_a nor_o christian_n and_o the_o apostle_n who_o exhort_v christian_n to_o one_o mind_n yet_o do_v not_o bid_v they_o force_v one_o another_o to_o one_o mind_n but_o walk_v together_o sweet_o so_o far_o as_o they_o have_v attain_v and_o wherein_o they_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v god_n in_o his_o due_a time_n will_v reveal_v more_o to_o they_o phil._n 3.15_o 16._o he_o that_o have_v to_o he_o shall_v be_v give_v and_o the_o intent_n and_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n with_o the_o several_a ministration_n of_o it_o be_v to_o bring_v into_o the_o unity_n ephes_n 4.13_o as_o person_n be_v able_a to_o follow_v and_o not_o to_o force_v all_o man_n into_o one_o practice_n or_o way_n that_o be_v the_o way_n to_o destroy_v the_o faith_n and_o the_o true_a unity_n and_o at_o best_a can_v introduce_v but_o a_o fleshly_a appearance_n of_o unity_n into_o such_o a_o form_n of_o worship_n and_o godliness_n as_o eat_v out_o the_o power_n and_o for_o be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o way_n blessed_n be_v the_o lord_n this_o be_v in_o measure_n know_v and_o witness_v the_o way_n be_v one_o christ_n the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o obedience_n to_o the_o light_n which_o shine_v from_o his_o spirit_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o every_o believer_n have_v a_o taste_n of_o the_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o the_o one_o way_n and_o know_v that_o no_o variety_n of_o practice_n which_o be_v of_o god_n can_v make_v a_o breach_n in_o the_o true_a unity_n this_o be_v the_o one_o way_n for_o every_o one_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n spirit_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o christ_n and_o every_o one_o keep_v here_o there_o be_v also_o one_o heart_n keep_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o the_o variety_n and_o diversity_n of_o practice_n it_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v observe_v that_o in_o the_o city_n of_o london_n a_o free_a meeting_n be_v hold_v between_o r._n barclay_n and_o i_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o g._n f._n and_o many_o other_o wherein_o we_o treat_v on_o many_o thing_n contain_v in_o r._n b_n book_n of_o government_n which_o i_o then_o do_v and_o ever_o since_o have_v account_v erroneous_a and_o on_o the_o whole_a matter_n one_o part_n of_o the_o meeting_n viz._n charles_n marshal_n with_o thirty_o six_o person_n more_o advise_v r._n b._n as_o anon_o by_o their_o paper_n cite_v will_v appear_v on_o this_o wise_a it_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o this_o meeting_n that_o the_o say_v r._n b._n as_o he_o feel_v in_o himself_o the_o open_n of_o life_n thereunto_o will_v in_o christian-condescension_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o weak_a write_v a_o explanatory_a postscript_n to_o the_o say_a book_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o all_o such_o as_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v misapprehend_v any_o expression_n therein_o now_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o say_v r._n b._n have_v by_o way_n of_o epistle_n to_o friend_n write_v a_o explanatory_a rostscript_n though_o not_o print_v the_o same_o i_o think_v meet_v to_o cite_v it_o together_o with_o my_o observation_n thereon_o as_o follow_v aberdene_n prison_n the_o 6_o of_o the_o one_a month_n 1679._o dear_a friend_n and_o brethren_n unto_o all_o my_o dear_a friend_n and_o brethren_n unto_o who_o hand_n this_o paper_n may_v come_v or_o who_o may_v be_v any_o way_n more_o particular_o concern_v in_o the_o content_n hereof_o be_v the_o salutation_n of_o my_o unfeigned_a love_n in_o that_o unchangeable_a truth_n whereunto_o it_o have_v please_v the_o lord_n to_o call_v i_o according_a to_o his_o great_a mercy_n so_o as_o to_o be_v a_o partaker_n in_o some_o measure_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o glory_n which_o in_o this_o day_n be_v reveal_v wherewith_o my_o heart_n have_v be_v often_o fill_v as_o i_o have_v wait_v in_o faithfulness_n according_a to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o light_n manifest_v in_o i_o and_o to_o i_o and_o since_o it_o please_v god_n to_o make_v i_o a_o live_a witness_n of_o the_o precious_a truth_n and_o to_o commit_v unto_o i_o my_o share_n of_o the_o ministry_n thereof_o my_o conscience_n bear_v i_o witness_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n that_o i_o have_v labour_v according_a to_o my_o knowledge_n to_o follow_v love_n and_o peace_n with_o all_o my_o brethren_n and_o to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o may_v tend_v to_o advance_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v unity_n and_o brotherly-love_n as_o also_o to_o avoid_v what_o have_v a_o tendency_n to_o beget_v strife_n jealousy_n or_o evil_a surmise_n like_a as_o i_o have_v study_v as_o well_o in_o my_o public_a testimony_n as_o in_o my_o write_n to_o beware_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o to_o my_o understanding_n may_v minister_v just_a occasion_n of_o stumble_v or_o offence_n to_o the_o least_o of_o my_o brethren_n or_o the_o young_a and_o weak_a babe_n in_o the_o truth_n as_o such_o as_o be_v conversant_a with_o i_o in_o my_o own_o country_n as_o well_o as_o those_o elsewhere_o where_o i_o have_v travel_v can_v bear_v witness_n nevertheless_o as_o i_o can_v shun_v any_o part_n of_o that_o labour_n and_o service_n which_o my_o lord_n and_o master_n jesus_n christ_n call_v i_o to_o so_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o requiring_n near_o five_o year_n ago_o i_o write_v some_o sheet_n concern_v the_o lawfulness_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o government_n and_o order_n of_o the_o truth_n have_v principal_o and_o only_o in_o my_o view_n therein_o to_o bear_v a_o faithful_a testimony_n against_o all_o false_a liberty_n and_o disorder_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o against_o imposition_n and_o dominion_n on_o the_o other_o intend_v no_o less_o to_o guard_v against_o the_o one_o than_o the_o other_o and_o this_o i_o do_v with_o particular_a respect_n to_o some_o of_o my_o near_a friend_n who_o i_o find_v liable_a to_o some_o mistake_v in_o that_o matter_n and_o i_o do_v sincere_o declare_v before_o god_n who_o know_v i_o speak_v the_o truth_n and_o lie_v not_o that_o in_o the_o write_n thereof_o i_o have_v not_o the_o least_o purpose_n nor_o intention_n to_o meddle_v with_o nor_o concern_v myself_o in_o any_o of_o those_o debate_n that_o have_v since_o fall_v out_o among_o friend_n in_o westmoreland_n or_o elsewhere_o relative_a thereto_o much_o of_o which_o as_o it_o have_v not_o then_o a_o be_v when_o i_o write_v that_o book_n so_o the_o substance_n of_o that_o matter_n be_v then_o unknown_a to_o i_o so_o i_o can_v safe_o say_v that_o i_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o remote_a thought_n or_o any_o remembrance_n of_o the_o lest_o beginning_n of_o that_o affair_n which_o i_o know_v during_o the_o time_n of_o my_o writing_n of_o it_o so_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v intend_v by_o i_o therein_o relative_a to_o that_o matter_n which_o as_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o vindicate_v my_o innocency_n and_o integrity_n to_o all_o as_o to_o my_o intention_n so_o i_o can_v forbear_v also_o to_o signify_v that_o as_o often_o as_o i_o have_v have_v occasion_n serious_o and_o in_o the_o holy_a fear_n and_o dread_a of_o god_n to_o reflect_v upon_o those_o paper_n which_o i_o have_v often_o do_v because_o of_o the_o opposition_n they_o have_v meet_v with_o from_o some_o observation_n w._n r_n first_o observation_n postscript_n observation_n observation_n this_o show_v that_o r._n b._n do_v not_o only_o justify_v what_o he_o have_v do_v but_o also_o signify_v that_o he_o labour_v with_o all_o the_o care_n and_o circumspection_n he_o can_v so_o to_o express_v himself_o as_o not_o to_o offend_v in_o a_o word_n and_o therefore_o since_o i_o know_v he_o be_v well_o skill_v to_o word_n his_o meaning_n i_o may_v reasonable_o have_v expect_v that_o he_o will_v have_v cite_v out_o of_o his_o book_n of_o government_n those_o passage_n therein_o contain_v which_o will_v evidence_n that_o all_o his_o explication_n by_o this_o his_o postscript_n may_v he_o find_v in_o his_o book_n which_o be_v needful_a to_o have_v be_v do_v if_o he_o so_o can_v but_o i_o certain_o know_v he_o can_v that_o his_o circumspection_n may_v appear_v especial_o since_o he_o have_v affirm_v that_o the_o very_a explication_n of_o his_o word_n give_v in_o a_o letter_n hereafter_o cite_v as_o his_o own_o explication_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o his_o book_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o say_a letter_n send_v abroad_o by_o himself_o and_o that_o as_o may_v reasonable_o be_v take_v intend_v by_o he_o to_o be_v in_o his_o favour_n but_o if_o the_o impartial_a understanding_n reader_n will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o compare_v r._n b_o be_v book_n of_o government_n with_o this_o his_o postscript_n and_o the_o explication_n give_v of_o his_o word_n in_o the_o aforesaid_a letter_n i_o may_v with_o
boldness_n affirm_v he_o can_v but_o then_o appear_v guilty_a of_o great_a confusion_n a_o taste_n whereof_o the_o reader_n may_v have_v by_o due_o weigh_v my_o 6_o and_o 9th_o observation_n annex_v to_o this_o his_o postscript_n i_o have_v never_o find_v occasion_n to_o repent_v or_o retract_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o matter_n or_o principle_n there_o assert_v by_o i_o but_o have_v the_o testimony_n and_o approbation_n of_o god_n light_n and_o spirit_n in_o my_o heart_n for_o my_o work_n and_o service_n in_o that_o matter_n moreover_o albeit_o i_o labour_v with_o all_o the_o care_n and_o circumspection_n i_o can_v so_o to_o express_v myself_o as_o not_o to_o offend_v in_o a_o word_n yet_o have_v i_o know_v or_o can_v have_v foresee_v that_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o word_v or_o express_v thereof_o will_v have_v stumble_v or_o hurt_v any_o i_o have_v that_o tenderness_n and_o hope_n always_o to_o have_v to_o the_o least_o of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n that_o i_o will_v have_v rather_o omit_v or_o change_v any_o such_o word_n or_o expression_n than_o minister_v they_o any_o occasion_n of_o dissatisfaction_n and_o therefore_o i_o be_v not_o a_o little_a surprise_v when_o i_o understand_v that_o several_a sheet_n of_o paper_n be_v spread_v abroad_o in_o opposition_n to_o that_o book_n of_o i_o at_o a_o time_n when_o i_o be_v whole_o a_o stranger_n to_o these_o proceed_n by_o reason_n of_o my_o imprisonment_n for_o the_o truth_n sake_n especial_o w._n r._n a_o person_n who_o not_o only_o to_o myself_o but_o afterward_o before_o many_o witness_n profess_v a_o singular_a respect_n and_o friendship_n to_o i_o print_n i_o i_o the_o reason_n of_o spread_v my_o answer_n to_o a_o part_n of_o his_o book_n of_o government_n before_o it_o be_v send_v to_o he_o be_v these_o first_o i_o be_v concern_v in_o conscience_n to_o detect_v the_o error_n as_o expeditious_o as_o i_o can_v second_o i_o do_v not_o know_v where_o to_o send_v unto_o he_o suppose_v that_o at_o that_o time_n he_o be_v beyond_o the_o sea_n and_o though_o it_o be_v say_v in_o a_o letter_n which_o be_v pretend_v to_o he_o i_o though_o never_o sign_v nor_o publish_v by_o i_o of_o which_o more_o anon_o that_o my_o publish_n thereof_o before_o i_o give_v r._n b._n notice_n of_o my_o objection_n and_o intention_n therein_o be_v not_o according_a to_o gospel_n order_n yet_o i_o disow_v that_o expression_n because_o it_o can_v be_v contrary_a to_o gospel_n order_n to_o detect_v by_o writing_n error_n relate_v to_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n that_o be_v in_o print_n and_o yet_o without_o once_o acquaint_v i_o observation_n w._n r_n second_o observation_n now_o what_o follow_v upon_o my_o meeting_n with_o that_o person_n at_o london_n near_o two_o year_n ago_o will_v appear_v by_o a_o copy_n of_o w._n r_n own_o letter_n annex_v hereto_o and_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o brethren_n who_o be_v witness_n to_o that_o transaction_n so_o that_o rest_v thereupon_o in_o my_o own_o innocency_n especial_o since_o those_o in_o such_o place_n where_o the_o great_a dissatisfaction_n be_v say_v to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n signify_v to_o i_o their_o satisfaction_n i_o forbear_v hitherto_o to_o meddle_v any_o more_o in_o that_o matter_n hope_v it_o may_v have_v dye_v of_o itself_o and_o be_v conscientious_o gather_v in_o that_o spirit_n wherein_o i_o desire_v rather_o to_o bear_v than_o by_o seek_v too_o earnest_o to_o vindicate_v myself_o any_o way_n advance_v or_o foment_n controversy_n among_o friend_n by_o multiply_a paper_n have_v some_o hope_n he_o may_v according_a to_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o brethren_n have_v call_v in_o his_o paper_n and_o as_o to_o what_o relate_v to_o i_o i_o i_o i_o if_o that_o pretend_a letter_n of_o i_o express_v my_o satisfaction_n as_o to_o the_o soundness_n of_o his_o principle_n and_o his_o sense_n of_o thing_n scruple_v yet_o there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n in_o the_o say_a letter_n signify_v that_o i_o mistake_v his_o book_n and_o if_o upon_o the_o debate_n of_o that_o matter_n r._n b._n in_o word_n declare_v himself_o otherwise_o principled_a than_o his_o book_n teach_v yet_o i_o can_v but_o now_o say_v he_o have_v give_v i_o just_a occasion_n to_o impeach_v he_o for_o a_o man_n of_o a_o stretch_a conscience_n in_o say_v as_o aforesaid_a thus_o i_o have_v never_o find_v occasion_n to_o repent_v or_o retract_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o matter_n or_o principle_n there_o assert_v by_o i_o his_o letter_n suffice_v observation_n w._n r_n three_o observation_n wherein_o he_o express_v my_o sense_n of_o the_o thing_n scruple_v by_o he_o to_o his_o own_o satisfaction_n and_o his_o belief_n of_o the_o soundness_n of_o my_o principle_n and_o true_o i_o have_v be_v so_o willing_a to_o starve_v that_o spirit_n that_o have_v any_o life_n in_o division_n or_o controversy_n of_o this_o kind_n either_o in_o myself_o or_o other_o that_o since_o i_o read_v those_o paper_n of_o w._n r._n at_o london_n now_o near_o two_o year_n ago_o i_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o once_o look_v out_o upon_o they_o until_o now_o and_o albeit_o i_o may_v have_v mention_v that_o transaction_n without_o any_o disadvantage_n to_o myself_o but_o otherwise_o as_o most_o if_o not_o all_o at_o present_a can_v testify_v yea_o w._n r'_v own_o letter_n do_v import_v thereon_o import_v import_v r._n b._n now_o seem_v to_o proclaim_v his_o own_o virtue_n in_o not_o mention_v unless_o on_o enquiry_n the_o matter_n between_o we_o insinuate_a that_o he_o may_v have_v mention_v it_o without_o any_o disadvantage_n to_o himself_o and_o that_o in_o my_o own_o letter_n i_o import_v so_o much_o this_o i_o affirm_v be_v but_o a_o further_a confirmation_n to_o i_o of_o his_o stretch_a conscience_n take_v liberty_n to_o vindicate_v himself_o from_o that_o which_o forever_o will_v lie_v upon_o he_o to_o his_o just_a defamation_n until_o he_o repent_v as_o can_v but_o appear_v to_o every_o impartial_a and_o understand_a reader_n who_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o peruse_v his_o book_n of_o government_n my_o answer_n and_o his_o explanatory_a postscript_n with_o the_o observation_n thereon_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v observation_n w._n r_n four_o observation_n that_o i_o do_v ever_o so_o much_o as_o once_o mention_v it_o to_o any_o unless_o their_o inquiry_n occasion_v it_o yea_o i_o have_v whole_o conceal_v it_o to_o this_o day_n from_o divers_a friend_n in_o who_o i_o be_o near_o concern_v and_o who_o i_o know_v will_v be_v very_o apt_a to_o justify_v and_o commend_v my_o whole_a proceedure_n in_o that_o matter_n so_o unwilling_a be_v i_o to_o fill_v the_o mind_n of_o any_o with_o such_o thing_n be_v otherways_o weighty_o concern_v as_o well_o with_o the_o inward_a work_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o my_o own_o soul_n as_o in_o those_o concern_v of_o truth_n prosperity_n both_o abroad_o where_o i_o have_v a_o service_n and_o at_o home_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o present_a continue_v suffer_v friend_n lie_v under_o here_o but_o since_o he_o have_v so_o far_o walk_v in_o another_o method_n as_o to_o labour_v to_o keep_v up_o the_o remembrance_n of_o those_o thing_n and_o busy_a the_o mind_n of_o friend_n with_o they_o have_v as_o i_o be_o inform_v make_v a_o further_a mention_n of_o these_o paper_n to_o my_o disadvantage_n i_o be_o constrain_v to_o say_v something_o in_o my_o own_o defence_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n assert_v by_o i_o wherein_z as_o the_o lord_n know_v the_o integrity_n of_o my_o intention_n and_o the_o tenderness_n of_o my_o heart_n so_o i_o hope_v my_o way_n herein_o will_v commend_v itself_o to_o that_o of_o god_n in_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o the_o tenderhearted_a observation_n tenderhearted_a tenderhearted_a here_o a_o letter_n pretend_v to_o be_v i_o be_v again_o bring_v as_o evidence_n though_o nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n as_o before_o in_o the_o three_o observation_n appear_v and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o seem_v to_o insinuate_v as_o if_o what_o be_v declare_v in_o that_o pretend_a letter_n to_o be_v his_o meaning_n he_o will_v now_o give_v under_o his_o own_o hand_n which_o be_v a_o mere_a fallacy_n in_o several_a respect_n as_o anon_o will_v be_v make_v appear_v for_o that_o his_o postscript_n do_v not_o manifest_v himself_o principled_a as_o that_o letter_n express_v witness_v the_o 6_o and_o 9th_o observation_n and_o albeit_o these_o thing_n observation_n w._n r_n five_o observation_n which_o be_v chief_o scruple_v at_o by_o any_o be_v suffient_o clear_v by_o w._n r_n own_o letter_n yet_o that_o all_o may_v be_v satisfy_v in_o have_v they_o from_o my_o own_o hand_n i_o be_o free_a to_o signify_v this_o as_o to_o they_o only_o i_o will_v permise_v this_o to_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o not_o a_o few_o who_o seem_v to_o be_v startle_v at_o that_o book_n who_o
child_n of_o israel_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o some_o do_v lead_v many_o into_o a_o temptation_n to_o run_v beyond_o their_o line_n by_o procure_v a_o multitude_n of_o hand_n to_o confirm_v what_o be_v give_v forth_o by_o one_o or_o at_o least_o by_o a_o very_a few_o with_o divers_a other_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n which_o take_v up_o no_o small_a part_n of_o his_o paper_n now_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o pertinent_o bring_v in_o against_o i_o nor_o will_v i_o judge_v myself_o less_o impertinent_a to_o enlarge_v in_o a_o contest_v concern_v these_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o immediate_o concern_v the_o thing_n under_o debate_n since_o the_o person_n or_o person_n aim_v at_o by_o he_o in_o these_o reflection_n may_v take_v occasion_n as_o they_o find_v it_o their_o place_n to_o answer_n and_o perhaps_o may_v have_v have_v opportnity_n to_o have_v discourse_v with_o he_o divers_a of_o these_o thing_n ere_o this_o time_n upon_o other_o occasion_n three_o since_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o w._n r_n paper_n be_v take_v up_o to_o evidence_n as_o he_o pretend_v impertinent_a application_n i_o make_v of_o the_o several_a passage_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o he_o think_v i_o have_v be_v too_o curious_a to_o collect_v that_o make_v mention_n of_o these_o word_n order_n rule_n command_v and_o government_n how_o he_o evince_v that_o i_o leave_v to_o the_o serious_a reader_n be_v the_o more_o willing_a to_o bear_v his_o reflection_n in_o that_o respect_n that_o he_o be_v so_o bold_a when_o he_o can_v compass_n his_o matter_n otherwise_o not_o only_o to_o censure_v i_o but_o the_o apostle_n paul_n say_v of_o 1_o tim._n 1.19_o 20._o mention_v by_o i_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o the_o purpose_n intend_v by_o i_o but_o that_o it_o be_v not_o plain_a to_o the_o purpose_n paul_n himself_o intend_v at_o least_o to_o ordinary_a capacity_n add_v that_o the_o method_n there_o propose_v by_o the_o apostle_n answer_v not_o that_o which_o the_o light_n within_o tell_v we_o since_o since_o then_o the_o light_n he_o follow_v be_v such_o as_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o apostle_n assertion_n i_o may_v the_o more_o patient_o bear_v his_o affirm_v i_o to_o be_v erroneous_a and_o whereas_o w._n r._n labour_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o scripture_n bring_v by_o i_o to_o prove_v a_o power_n of_o decision_n in_o the_o church_n do_v not_o affirm_v any_o such_o thing_n because_o in_o these_o scripture_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o the_o church_n division_n yet_o if_o he_o consider_v that_o those_o place_n do_v speak_v of_o the_o separate_n from_o and_o cut_v off_o of_o divers_a person_n forsake_v their_o fellowship_n to_o the_o saint_n who_o make_v up_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n it_o necessary_o presuppose_v a_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n or_o saint_n concern_v these_o person_n for_o which_o they_o be_v so_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v his_o church_n four_o observation_n w._n r_n twelsth_n observation_n a_o great_a part_n of_o w._n r_n work_n blame_v work_n work_n r._n p._n now_o seem_v very_o confident_a that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o my_o work_n be_v a_o building_n up_o and_o then_o a_o pull_v down_o but_o give_v no_o substantial_a reason_n to_o prove_v his_o assertion_n for_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o discover_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o other_o the_o weakness_n or_o error_n both_o in_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o one_o profess_v christianity_n it_o be_v another_o thing_n to_o make_v one_o self_n a_o judge_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o such_o so_o as_o to_o condemn_v they_o for_o not_o walk_v according_o to_o another_o persuasion_n though_o contrary_a to_o their_o own_o this_o first_o be_v commendable_a and_o the_o only_a thing_n aim_v at_o and_o perform_v by_o i_o in_o that_o part_n of_o my_o work_n which_o he_o pretend_v be_v a_o building_n up_o and_o then_o a_o pull_v down_o the_o other_o i_o affirm_v r._n b._n be_v not_o capable_a to_o render_v i_o guilty_a of_o if_o he_o be_v doubtless_o he_o will_v have_v do_v it_o and_o then_o i_o shall_v have_v ready_o acknowledge_v my_o error_n therein_o for_o examples-sake_n i_o shall_v cite_v one_o instance_n i_o positive_o affirm_v that_o this_o judgement_n touch_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o decision_n of_o difference_n tonch_v outward_a thing_n be_v erroneous_a and_o have_v write_v somewhat_o large_a to_o manifest_v it_o so_o this_o i_o do_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o truth_n and_o perhaps_o he_o may_v term_v it_o as_o a_o evidence_n that_o i_o therein_o build_v that_o which_o i_o destroy_v when_o i_o say_v we_o find_v the_o apostle_n exhort_v the_o church_n not_o to_o he_o judge_v one_o another_o with_o respect_n to_o thing_n relate_v to_o conscience_n but_o a_o inference_n will_v not_o hold_v unless_o i_o have_v also_o declare_v that_o if_o he_o or_o any_o believer_n like_o mind_a with_o he_o shall_v practise_v according_a to_o such_o a_o judgement_n they_o be_v then_o to_o be_v condemn_v but_o that_o i_o have_v not_o do_v for_o shall_v i_o so_o have_v do_v his_o construction_n of_o my_o building_n up_o and_o pull_v down_o may_v have_v hold_v but_o i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o be_v of_o such_o a_o censorious_a spirit_n as_o that_o i_o think_v it_o be_v rather_o his_o duty_n while_o so_o principled_a to_o refer_v any_o such_o difference_n arise_v between_o he_o and_o another_o friend_n unto_o the_o decision_n of_o the_o church_n this_o i_o hope_v will_v suffice_v to_o show_v the_o fallaciousness_n of_o his_o inference_n and_o the_o abuse_n and_o perversion_n not_o only_o of_o my_o intent_n but_o my_o word_n themselves_o and_o if_o his_o inference_n to_o my_o word_n be_v good_a than_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o paul_n may_v just_o be_v blame_v when_o he_o withstand_v peter_n gal._n 2.11_o to_o the_o face_n because_o peter_n be_v to_o be_v blame_v be_v but_o a_o build_n up_o and_o then_o a_o pull_v down_o wherein_o he_o apparent_o contradict_v himself_o yea_o the_o whole_a scope_n of_o his_o book_n imply_v a_o manifest_a contradiction_n for_o whereas_o he_o plain_o declare_v his_o writing_n to_o be_v a_o plea_n for_o christian_a liberty_n against_o judge_v and_o censure_v one_o another_o hold_v forth_o the_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n or_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n but_o especial_o in_o such_o matter_n as_o relate_v to_o discipline_n and_o government_n be_v not_o nor_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o unity_n which_o he_o understand_v may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o diversity_n of_o gift_n and_o administration_n mention_v in_o scripture_n which_o he_o exprese_n in_o these_o word_n upon_o paul_n in_o rom._n 14._o so_o then_o every_o one_o of_o we_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n of_o himself_o unto_o god_n let_v we_o not_o therefore_o judge_v one_o another_o any_o more_o and_o again_o he_o say_v upon_o chap._n 14.34_o which_o evident_o show_v that_o inasmuch_o as_o every_o one_o must_v answer_v for_o himself_o it_o be_v fit_a every_o one_o shall_v believe_v for_o himself_o and_o so_o practice_n without_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o other_o and_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o christian_n forbearance_n and_o again_o in_o another_o place_n he_o say_v these_o thing_n consider_v and_o that_o also_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n exhort_v the_o church_n not_o to_o be_v judge_v one_o another_o with_o respect_n to_o thing_n relate_v to_o conscience_n there_o be_v great_a need_n to_o watch_v against_o this_o censorious_a judge_a spirit_n lest_o while_o any_o be_v judge_v their_o brethren_n themselves_o become_v castaways_a he_o have_v many_o more_o expression_n of_o this_o kind_n now_o since_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a scope_n of_o w._n r_n paper_n and_o that_o he_o do_v yea_o have_v since_o he_o write_v those_o paper_n acknowledge_v i_o to_o be_v his_o christian_a brother_n and_o many_o more_o at_o least_o then_o he_o do_v repute_v such_o who_o he_o censure_v judge_n and_o condems_n through_o his_o whole_a treatise_n yea_o since_o his_o whole_a paper_n be_v a_o judge_a censure_v and_o condemn_v of_o i_o and_o my_o judgement_n in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o conscience_n and_o to_o my_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o government_n and_o outward_a discipline_n do_v not_o the_o work_n itself_o imply_v a_o manifest_a contradiction_n so_o his_o very_a write_n contradict_v the_o matter_n that_o he_o write_v of_o and_o plead_v for_o especial_o since_o he_o not_o only_o make_v some_o general_a censure_n of_o i_o and_o many_o other_o profess_v the_o same_o fundamental_a truth_n with_o he_o but_o be_v very_o partricular_a and_o peremptory_a yea_o insinuate_a accusation_n as_o if_o i_o in_o particular_a intend_v to_o make_v way_n for_o a_o authority_n to_o rule_v over_o at_o least_o some_o
to_o entertain_v a_o prejudice_n against_o his_o testimony_n on_o jealousy_n that_o may_v enter_v on_o the_o score_n of_o any_o apprhension_n or_o mistake_n of_o his_o book_n and_o that_o answer_v that_o i_o have_v give_v thereto_o but_o rather_o in_o a_o unprejudiced_a spirit_n to_o wait_v on_o the_o lord_n to_o feel_v and_o savour_n his_o testimony_n even_o as_o if_o the_o occasion_n take_v have_v never_o be_v this_o caution_n plain_o appear_v to_o be_v write_v on_o this_o charitable_a foot_n that_o will_v be_v unjust_a to_o measure_v his_o present_a testimony_n in_o public_a by_o his_o error_n in_o his_o book_n or_o from_o jealousy_n or_o mistake_n of_o any_o kind_n whatsoever_o and_o as_o to_o these_o word_n any_o apprehension_n or_o mistake_n of_o his_o book_n and_o that_o answer_v i_o have_v give_v thereto_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o i_o mistake_v or_o misapprehend_v his_o book_n for_o have_v i_o so_o do_v i_o will_v plain_o have_v confess_v the_o same_o the_o say_a paper_n as_o i_o be_o inform_v be_v term_v my_o paper_n of_o condemnation_n this_o i_o suppose_v be_v take_v from_o these_o word_n that_o i_o find_v write_v therein_o viz._n i_o do_v free_o confess_v that_o inasmuch_o as_o i_o publish_v my_o book_n before_o i_o give_v robert_n barclay_n notice_n of_o my_o objection_n and_o intention_n therein_o i_o act_v in_o that_o respect_n not_o according_a to_o gospel_n order_n but_o be_o just_o worthy_a of_o blame_v therein_o as_o to_o this_o i_o have_v this_o to_o say_v that_o though_o i_o confess_v myself_o blame_v worthy_a &_o not_o act_v so_o civil_a as_o become_v i_o to_o my_o acquaintance_n for_o that_o i_o write_v not_o to_o he_o that_o i_o intend_v to_o answer_v his_o book_n yet_o i_o in_o no_o respect_n take_v blame_v to_o myself_o more_o than_o so_o and_o to_o speak_v the_o naked_a truth_n i_o rather_o take_v more_o blame_v to_o myself_o than_o the_o case_n do_v require_v be_v no_o way_n incline_v to_o extinuate_a that_o which_o i_o think_v be_v not_o so_o civil_a as_o become_v i_o i_o dare_v not_o say_v evil_a for_o i_o real_o think_v that_o he_o be_v in_o holland_n and_o so_o know_v not_o where_o to_o write_v to_o he_o when_o i_o intend_v to_o answer_v some_o passage_n in_o his_o book_n but_o yet_o always_o do_v and_o still_o do_v justific_a the_o spread_n abroad_o of_o my_o answer_n and_o that_o i_o have_v no_o obligation_n to_o send_v he_o a_o copy_n thereof_o since_o all_o the_o copy_n i_o have_v leisure_n to_o write_v be_v little_a enough_o to_o clear_v my_o conscience_n by_o endeavour_v to_o undeceive_v those_o who_o either_o be_v or_o may_v be_v deceive_v by_o his_o book_n and_o if_o by_o that_o eminent_a preacher_n aforesaid_a earnest_n press_v to_o alteration_n at_o a_o time_n when_o i_o give_v not_o myself_o up_o to_o discourse_n with_o any_o there_o be_v any_o such_o word_n as_o not_o according_a to_o gospel_n order_n i_o must_v say_v that_o word_n be_v rather_o the_o word_n of_o that_o other_o person_n than_o any_o thing_n free_o come_v from_o i_o for_o i_o must_v say_v again_o i_o be_o not_o conscious_a of_o any_o blame_v unless_o my_o not_o write_v a_o few_o line_n to_o robert_n barclay_n to_o signify_v my_o intention_n may_v be_v term_v blame_n worthy_a for_o his_o endeavour_n if_o he_o shall_v have_v be_v so_o mind_v to_o call_v in_o his_o book_n will_v not_o have_v obstruct_v my_o writing_n that_o answer_v i_o do_v because_o his_o book_n be_v so_o spread_v that_o it_o be_v out_o of_o his_o power_n to_o call_v they_o in_o and_o inasmuch_o as_o this_o book_n can_v not_o be_v so_o proper_o call_v a_o particular_a trespass_n against_o i_o as_o a_o reproach_n to_o the_o truth_n in_o general_n and_o the_o profession_n thereof_o i_o can_v account_v my_o spread_v a_o answer_n to_o detect_v the_o error_n a_o breach_n of_o gospel_n order_n though_o not_o send_v to_o he_o first_o beside_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o aforesaid_a account_n give_v by_o charles_n martial_n and_o thirty_o six_o person_n more_o on_o this_o occasion_n signify_v nothing_o of_o my_o acknowledgement_n to_o have_v act_v contrary_a to_o gospel-order_n and_o as_o to_o the_o paper_n give_v forth_o by_o charles_n martial_n and_o thirty_o six_o other_o person_n i_o have_v this_o to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v hereby_o manifest_a that_o the_o second_o day_n meet_v in_o london_n approve_v robert_n barclay_n book_n of_o government_n and_o so_o consequent_o be_v approver_n of_o the_o error_n and_o false_a doctrine_n therein_o contain_v that_o his_o book_n be_v erroneous_a and_o do_v contain_v false_a doctrine_n i_o sufficient_o manifest_v and_o be_v more_o large_o treat_v on_o in_o my_o answer_n and_o if_o it_o appear_v not_o to_o the_o meeting_n as_o they_o say_v it_o do_v not_o i_o be_o sorry_a it_o shall_v be_v so_o but_o i_o know_v it_o do_v appear_v to_o several_a of_o the_o meeting_n and_o yet_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o wonder_v not_o at_o such_o a_o testimony_n since_o i_o certain_o know_v some_o of_o the_o subscriber_n of_o the_o say_a paper_n have_v be_v exercise_v so_o much_o to_o preach_v false_a doctrine_n for_o sound_n as_o that_o i_o account_v such_o improper_a judge_n of_o what_o be_v false_a doctrine_n and_o what_o sound_n and_o as_o to_o the_o rest_n not_o so_o accostomed_a i_o hope_v it_o be_v no_o worse_o than_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o dull_a hear_n or_o want_v of_o memory_n however_o my_o great_a satisfaction_n be_v that_o every_o unprejudiced_a person_n have_v opportunity_n to_o inform_v himself_o by_o a_o serious_a perusal_n of_o robert_n barclay_n book_n without_o either_o give_a credit_n to_o they_o or_o i_o bare_o because_o we_o so_o affirm_v and_o whereas_o they_o thus_o say_v and_o have_v disperse_v his_o manuscript_n in_o several_a part_n of_o this_o nation_n without_o so_o much_o as_o first_o give_v either_o to_o the_o say_v robert_n barclay_n or_o the_o second_o day_n meet_v any_o account_n of_o his_o scruple_n contrary_a to_o all_o rule_n of_o brotherly-love_n christian-fellowship_n gospel-order_n and_o the_o exemplary_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o defamation_n of_o the_o say_v robert_n barclay_n the_o great_a derogation_n from_o the_o christian_a authority_n of_o the_o say_a meeting_n and_o the_o general_n disservice_n of_o truth_n if_o by_o this_o they_o mean_v that_o my_o send_v abroad_o my_o manuscript_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o brotherly-love_n etc._n etc._n i_o utter_o disow_v that_o testimony_n as_o erroneous_a for_o i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v both_o by_o word_n and_o my_o manuscript_n that_o robert_n barclay_n book_n be_v erroneous_a contain_v false_a doctrine_n and_o inasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v public_o spread_v abroad_o to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o truth_n a_o concern_v for_o the_o truth_n come_v upon_o i_o to_o discover_v that_o error_n that_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o simple_a may_v not_o be_v deceive_v and_o inasmuch_o as_o i_o know_v that_o have_v he_o be_v willing_a to_o call_v in_o his_o book_n yet_o it_o can_v not_o take_v off_o the_o obligation_n on_o i_o for_o it_o be_v out_o of_o his_o power_n to_o call_v they_o all_o in_o be_v so_o public_o disperse_v i_o think_v it_o not_o my_o duty_n to_o give_v he_o or_o the_o second-daye_n meet_v copy_n thereof_o first_o yet_o as_o soon_o as_o my_o leisure_n permit_v i_o send_v copy_n to_o london_n direct_v to_o steven_n crisp_n and_o another_o public_a person_n that_o so_o when_o i_o come_v to_o london_n as_o afterward_o i_o do_v they_o may_v if_o i_o have_v comit_v any_o error_n therein_o have_v treat_v i_o according_a to_o the_o merit_n thereof_o but_o when_o i_o come_v to_o london_n not_o one_o accuse_v my_o answer_n as_o erroneous_a in_o any_o respect_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o neglect_n to_o peruse_v it_o it_o be_v their_o fault_n and_o not_o i_o since_o there_o be_v opportunity_n for_o the_o say_a subscriber_n to_o view_v it_o for_o i_o manifest_v that_o i_o have_v it_o with_o i_o at_o the_o meet_v hold_v as_o aforesaid_a and_o though_o i_o desire_v the_o privilege_n to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o before_o the_o meeting_n to_o help_v my_o memory_n even_o as_o robert_n barclay_n make_v use_v of_o he_o yet_o be_v then_o desire_v to_o forbear_v i_o make_v no_o use_n thereof_o at_o the_o meeting_n however_o if_o they_o have_v this_o to_o say_v it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o have_v peruse_v it_o before_o they_o have_v give_v a_o judgement_n that_o my_o disperse_v the_o say_a manuscript_n etc._n etc._n be_v to_o the_o defamation_n of_o the_o say_v robert_n barclay_n the_o great_a derogation_n of_o the_o christian_a authority_n of_o the_o say_a meeting_n and_o general_a disservice_n of_o truth_n etc._n etc._n but_o i_o certain_o know_v all_o that_o
it_o have_v evident_o appear_v the_o lord_n have_v not_o speak_v by_o they_o if_o so_o be_v the_o tree_n may_v at_o this_o day_n be_v know_v by_o its_o fruit_n as_o well_o as_o in_o day_n past_a but_o rather_o that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v fulfil_v if_o not_o fulfil_v in_o they_o when_o he_o say_v the_o prophet_n be_v a_o fool_n the_o spiritual_a man_n be_v mad_a for_o the_o multitude_n of_o thy_o iniquity_n and_o great_a hatred_n hos_fw-la 9.7_o for_o i_o be_o a_o live_a witness_n that_o imagination_n have_v so_o possess_v the_o head_n and_o heart_n of_o many_o that_o travel_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o minister_a friend_n as_o that_o instead_o of_o manifest_v a_o divine_a understanding_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n or_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n in_o season_n they_o have_v bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o unsound_a mind_n show_v forth_o no_o better_a resemblance_n or_o evidence_n of_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n that_o divide_v the_o word_n aright_o than_o the_o confuse_a chaos_n before_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n be_v of_o the_o beauty_n and_o order_n that_o now_o be_v in_o it_o and_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o be_o well_o satisfy_v and_o that_o on_o sufficient_a ground_n too_o large_a to_o insert_v that_o either_o the_o multitude_n of_o iniquity_n or_o great_a hatred_n through_o the_o influence_n of_o g._n f._n possess_v the_o heart_n of_o such_o be_v the_o occasion_n thereof_o but_o notwithstanding_o my_o design_n be_v not_o as_o i_o say_v before_o to_o treat_v at_o large_a on_o the_o present_a difference_n between_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o present_a separation_n in_o some_o part_n of_o this_o nation_n yet_o since_o i_o be_o also_o satisfy_v and_o that_o on_o sufficient_a ground_n that_o g._n f._n have_v be_v one_o of_o those_o very_a person_n occasion_v the_o difference_n to_o arise_v unto_o the_o height_n they_o now_o be_v or_o at_o least_o a_o countenancer_n thereof_o at_o a_o large_a rate_n i_o purpose_v to_o treat_v a_o little_a thereon_o and_o partly_o as_o relate_v to_o g._n f._n that_o so_o the_o impartial_a reader_n may_v consider_v whether_o if_o g._n f._n have_v content_v himself_o in_o reality_n and_o truth_n with_o the_o place_n of_o a_o servant_n of_o christ_n that_o seek_v not_o dominion_n over_o his_o brethren_n faith_n and_o conscience_n nor_o yet_o to_o expect_v submission_n to_o his_o outward_a precept_n prescription_n or_o order_n further_o than_o every_o friend_n to_o truth_n be_v or_o may_v be_v by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o conscience_n lead_v and_o guide_v therein_o the_o difference_n now_o among_o friend_n touch_v which_o some_o seem_v ready_a to_o bite_v and_o devour_v other_o may_v never_o have_v be_v for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o in_o no_o wise_a question_n but_o that_o g._n f._n be_v one_o chief_a instrument_n that_o a_o destroy_n and_o devour_a spirit_n have_v enter_v into_o some_o among_o the_o flock_n and_o that_o many_o a_o simple_a honest-hearted_n friend_n to_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n have_v receive_v and_o believe_v lie_n and_o slanderous_a false_a report_n against_o many_o brethren_n undeserved_o to_o the_o betray_n of_o their_o simplicity_n and_o love_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o fill_v their_o heart_n with_o hatred_n enmity_n and_o prejudice_n and_o of_o this_o be_o i_o as_o well_o satisfy_v as_o i_o be_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n in_o heaven_n before_o who_o both_o he_o and_o all_o the_o son_n of_o man_n must_v come_v to_o judgement_n and_o that_o the_o blood_n of_o many_o such_o if_o they_o perish_v before_o true_a repentance_n will_v be_v lay_v at_o g._n f_o '_o s._n door_n otherwise_o i_o shall_v not_o have_v appear_v to_o discover_v the_o say_v g._n f._n as_o in_o conscience_n i_o be_o now_o constrain_v to_o do_v and_o therefore_o a_o warn_v be_v now_o proclaim_v unto_o all_o such_o that_o they_o redeem_v their_o time_n because_o the_o day_n be_v evil_a and_o proceed_v no_o further_o to_o receive_v and_o believe_v lie_n and_o scandalous_a report_n against_o such_o who_o they_o have_v once_o account_v honourable_a on_o the_o credit_n of_o g._n f._n as_o a_o man_n that_o for_o several_a year_n past_a have_v not_o err_v for_o many_o be_v this_o day_n witness_n that_o his_o action_n have_v render_v he_o a_o erroneous_a man._n and_o for_o as_o much_o as_o he_o have_v refuse_v to_o give_v that_o satisfaction_n for_o his_o error_n as_o in_o the_o like_a case_n he_o have_v prescribe_v for_o other_o it_o have_v increase_v the_o concern_v of_o my_o conscience_n to_o discover_v the_o same_o and_o that_o also_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o simple_a and_o honest-hearted_n and_o that_o those_o innocent_a and_o tender_a child_n that_o be_v grow_v up_o from_o the_o loin_n of_o believe_a parent_n etc._n etc._n may_v in_o their_o tender_a year_n be_v awaken_v and_o warn_v that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v captivate_v in_o the_o like_o snare_n and_o so_o breed_v up_o in_o a_o mere_a form_n and_o affect_v with_o airy_a imagination_n which_o have_v no_o tendency_n to_o open_v their_o understanding_n thereby_o to_o give_v unto_o they_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o principle_n of_o truth_n which_o the_o faithful_a by_o the_o spirit_n have_v be_v lead_v to_o own_o and_o hold_v forth_o nor_o yet_o the_o way_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o so_o their_o footstep_n may_v be_v direct_v into_o the_o path_n of_o peace_n and_o they_o come_v to_o know_v a_o lively_a feel_n and_o sense_n of_o that_o immortal_a power_n and_o spirit_n by_o which_o the_o everlasting_a god_n who_o way_n be_v unchangeable_a reach_v unto_o many_o in_o the_o beginning_n when_o the_o very_a thought_n of_o be_v embondaged_a again_o with_o the_o beggarly_a element_n and_o rudiment_n of_o this_o world_n or_o of_o have_v our_o eye_n or_o dependency_n on_o any_o mortal_a man_n be_v loathsome_a i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o lay_v down_o a_o few_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n a_o evidence_n to_o i_o that_o my_o aforesaid_a sense_n touch_v g._n f._n be_v true_a refer_v the_o reader_n for_o further_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o first_o and_o five_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n distinguish_v from_o the_o apostate_n and_o innovator_n first_o i_o take_v notice_n of_o seven_o question_n which_o be_v send_v unto_o john_n wilkinson_n by_o robert_n barrow_n and_o other_o who_o say_v they_o be_v desire_v by_o g._n f._n so_o to_o do_v the_o query_n be_v as_o follow_v together_o with_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o answer_n thereunto_o query_n 1_o whether_o do_v thou_o say_v concern_v that_o paper_n send_v down_o to_o the_o quarterly-meeting_a at_o kendal_n that_o it_o come_v from_o the_o female_a answ_n i_o remember_v no_o such_o word_n yet_o be_v great_o trouble_v at_o a_o name_n a_o note_v this_o be_v that_o paper_n mention_v in_o the_o title-page_n that_o g._n p_n wife_n cause_v to_o be_v read_v in_o a_o quarterly-meeting_a 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be_v suck_v in_o by_o many_o and_o then_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v favour_v that_o if_o the_o publisher_n thereof_o do_v but_o once_o put_v the_o bare-skin_n on_o any_o friend_n back_o though_o never_o so_o much_o of_o the_o lamb_n nature_n and_o spirit_n there_o will_v not_o be_v want_v those_o sort_n of_o beast_n with_o who_o it_o be_v suppose_v paul_n fight_v at_o ephesus_n who_o undoubted_o be_v unreasonable_a man_n to_o bait_v that_o person_n on_o who_o to_o speak_v comparative_o the_o bear-skin_n be_v put_v this_o discourse_n may_v occasion_v this_o further_a inquiry_n by_o what_o mark_n may_v we_o best_o be_v inform_v to_o discover_v those_o minister_a person_n in_o your_o public_a meeting_n who_o be_v of_o party_n with_o g._n f._n as_o thou_o take_v it_o and_o that_o be_v the_o encourager_n of_o such_o doctrine_n and_o exhortation_n as_o beforementioned_a to_o exclude_v the_o reason_n the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o jealousy_n and_o to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o brethren_n &_o 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not_o name_v neither_o be_v it_o my_o design_n that_o it_o shall_v but_o rather_o that_o i_o may_v thereby_o become_v a_o remembrancer_n to_o those_o who_o may_v read_v the_o same_o that_o they_o may_v consider_v whether_o it_o have_v not_o be_v so_o though_o at_o such_o time_n they_o may_v have_v be_v so_o much_o swallow_v up_o with_o affection_n to_o a_o imaginary_a airy_a declaration_n sound_v forth_o with_o the_o outward_a appearance_n of_o great_a zeal_n as_o that_o they_o have_v take_v that_o to_o be_v pure_a good_a bread_n which_o in_o reality_n be_v nothing_o but_o empty_a husk_n and_o if_o any_o shall_v think_v my_o general_a reflection_n whole_o groundless_a let_v such_o give_v the_o notice_n thereof_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o i_o shall_v be_v capable_a to_o bring_v many_o sufficient_a witness_n to_o the_o truth_n hereof_o for_o at_o the_o moment_n i_o now_o write_v i_o be_o well_o satisfy_v there_o be_v hundred_o will_v testify_v the_o same_o who_o have_v be_v 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now_o query_n of_o g._n f._n whether_o these_o body_n which_o the_o apostle_n paul_n term_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n be_v not_o the_o same_o in_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n dwell_v and_o the_o life_n of_o jesus_n be_v manifest_v and_o if_o so_o then_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n mortal_a and_o convertible_a unto_o dust_n and_o whether_o or_o no_o a_o exclusion_n of_o all_o mortal_a bodse_n whatsoever_o from_o be_v concern_v as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v christ_n body_n be_v not_o the_o very_a ready_a way_n whereby_o all_o liberty_n and_o looseness_n that_o be_v please_v to_o the_o mortal_a body_n may_v be_v indulge_v and_o nourish_v and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o whether_o the_o man_n and_o woman_n meeting_n will_v not_o fall_v of_o course_n and_o so_o no_o such_o place_n where_o those_o who_o as_o george_n fox_n say_v be_v heir_n of_o the_o power_n may_v go_v to_o in_o order_n to_o the_o take_n of_o their_o possession_n as_o george_n foxe_n language_n in_o his_o aforesaid_a letter_n be_v it_o be_v further_a to_o be_v observe_v that_o g._n f._n have_v not_o yet_o do_v with_o these_o word_n turn_v to_o dust_n but_o proceed_v ask_v john_n wilkinson_n this_o question_n must_v that_o which_o sanctifi_v god_n be_v turn_v to_o dust_n i_o think_v john_n thou_o have_v own_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o sanctifier_n of_o all_o who_o be_v great_a than_o moses_n and_o the_o end_n of_o moses_n but_o john_n wherein_o have_v not_o i_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v if_o g._n f._n who_o be_v a_o mortal_a man_n be_v capable_a to_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n as_o in_o his_o own_o sense_n by_o his_o follow_a word_n he_o seem_v to_o be_v why_o do_v he_o so_o impertinent_o let_v his_o pen_n run_v by_o way_n of_o reflection_n on_o john_n wilkinson_n for_o use_v scripture-language_n so_o seasonable_a and_o so_o pertinent_a as_o he_o do_v doubtless_o the_o reason_n be_v a_o fretful_a peevish_a angry_a spirit_n then_o possess_v g._n f._n so_o that_o we_o may_v in_o his_o own_o language_n use_v in_o his_o letter_n to_o john_n wilkinson_n say_v to_o he_o it_o be_v a_o spirit_n that_o do_v not_o know_v what_o it_o will_v be_v at_o itself_o but_o if_o g._n f._n have_v not_o be_v capable_a to_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n he_o be_v manifest_v a_o scoffer_n to_o ask_v the_o aforesaid_a question_n viz._n but_o john_n wherein_o have_v not_o i_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n however_o let_v his_o mind_n sense_n mean_v or_o end_v in_o so_o query_v be_v what_o it_o will_v we_o shall_v undertake_v to_o give_v thereto_o this_o answer_n viz._n g._n f._n have_v not_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n in_o write_v his_o book_n of_o woman_n meeting_n which_o consist_v of_o ninety_o six_o page_n in_o octavo_n and_o in_o all_o the_o book_n throughout_o we_o do_v not_o find_v above_o half_a a_o side_n and_o that_o also_o scatter_a here_o and_o there_o that_o treat_v of_o that_o service_n for_o which_o the_o meeting_n of_o woman_n be_v chief_o 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testimony_n appear_v g._n f._n tell_v john_n wilkinson_n thus_o but_o that_o whereby_o you_o may_v come_v into_o unity_n it_o must_v be_v in_o the_o unlimited_a power_n and_o spirit_n and_o light_n that_o do_v first_o convince_v you_o and_o bring_v you_o into_o unity_n and_o meet_v without_o prescription_n of_o your_o elder_n or_o deacon_n or_o your_o member_n so_o your_o way_n to_o come_v into_o unity_n be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o light_n and_o spirit_n that_o do_v first_o convince_v you_o and_o judge_n and_o condemn_v this_o spirit_n that_o have_v lead_v you_o into_o separation_n with_o all_o its_o work_n since_o and_o then_o in_o that_o spirit_n there_o be_v no_o fear_n of_o imposition_n and_o in_o another_o place_n of_o the_o say_a letter_n g._n f._n say_v i_o tell_v you_o that_o if_o you_o do_v not_o come_v to_o that_o which_o do_v first_o convince_v you_o and_o bring_v all_o other_o who_o you_o have_v draw_v into_o a_o separation_n with_o you_o to_o condemn_v it_o the_o blood_n of_o all_o they_o will_v be_v require_v at_o your_o hand_n and_o that_o be_v and_o be_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n to_o you_o and_o will_v stand_v and_o be_v seal_v these_o sentence_n of_o g._n f._n do_v lead_v we_o unto_o these_o necessary_a observation_n first_o that_o the_o way_n to_o come_v into_o unity_n be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o unlimited_a spirit_n and_o light_n that_o do_v first_o convince_v they_o and_o bring_v they_o into_o unity_n have_v g._n f._n end_v his_o method_n for_o unity_n here_o he_o will_v have_v say_v that_o which_o will_v have_v answer_v god_n witness_v in_o our_o conscience_n but_o though_o he_o talk_v of_o come_v to_o the_o unlimited_a spirit_n yet_o his_o follow_a language_n seem_v a_o design_n so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v capable_a to_o limit_v the_o spirit_n by_o add_v these_o word_n viz._n and_o judge_n and_o condemn_v this_o spirit_n that_o have_v lead_v you_o into_o a_o separation_n with_o all_o its_o work_n since_o by_o which_o compare_v his_o say_a 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among_o any_o prejudice_v against_o i_o as_o thou_o do_v my_o last_o letter_n whereby_o i_o become_v judge_v before_o treat_v withal_o either_o by_o thou_o or_o any_o touch_v the_o same_o however_o this_o give_v i_o satisfaction_n that_o i_o have_v count_v the_o cost_n and_o if_o i_o must_v be_v reproach_v as_o once_o i_o have_v be_v already_o for_o clear_v my_o conscience_n to_o thou_o yet_o as_o i_o now_o have_v so_o my_o faith_n be_v i_o shall_v have_v peace_n of_o conscience_n when_o the_o neglect_v thereof_o will_v have_v become_v my_o burden_n and_o if_o any_o for_o this_o cause_n shall_v give_v forth_o such_o paper_n against_o i_o as_o be_v undeserved_o give_v forth_o against_o other_o friend_n in_o truth_n and_o that_o also_o by_o such_o who_o have_v not_o hear_v they_o speak_v for_o themselves_o it_o will_v redound_v to_o their_o shame_n as_o in_o the_o end_n will_v undoubted_o be_v more_o public_o manifest_v for_o several_a week_n past_a it_o have_v be_v under_o my_o serious_a consideration_n whether_o i_o may_v pass_v these_o thing_n over_o in_o silence_n but_o with_o peace_n of_o conscience_n i_o can_v so_o do_v and_o therefore_o do_v conclude_v they_o be_v more_o worthy_a thy_o notice_n than_o the_o word_n of_o flatter_a tongue_n i_o be_o thy_o plainhearted_a friend_n william_n rogers_n to_o the_o two_o aforesaid_a letter_n i_o never_o receive_v any_o answer_n in_o write_v nor_o yet_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n as_o ever_o i_o remember_v more_o than_o to_o this_o effect_n william_n if_o thou_o will_v take_v thy_o letter_n back_o again_o it_o be_v well_o enough_o or_o such_o like_a word_n but_o yet_o on_o g._n f_n propose_v to_o have_v a_o meeting_n with_o i_o concern_v they_o we_o agree_v on_o a_o meeting_n to_o consist_v of_o twelve_o friend_n on_o a_o side_n and_o after_o the_o read_n of_o the_o last_o letter_n i_o by_o write_v under_o my_o hand_n desire_v that_o if_o george_n fox_n have_v aught_o against_o it_o he_o will_v deliver_v i_o his_o 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forasmuch_o as_o i_o be_o well_o sensible_a that_o g._n f._n esteem_v himself_o one_a have_v the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n upon_o he_o and_o that_o john_n story_n positive_o affirm_v that_o when_o he_o be_v at_o worcester_n with_o george_n fox_n he_o viz._n g._n f._n do_v then_o tell_v he_o which_o he_o take_v as_o threaten_v friend_n will_v write_v against_o they_o and_o that_o the_o power_n of_o god_n will_v cast_v they_o out_o meaning_n john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n it_o may_v be_v needful_a for_o g._n f._n to_o give_v a_o account_n how_o he_o come_v to_o be_v so_o careless_a of_o the_o church_n as_o not_o so_o to_o sift_v into_o that_o matter_n as_o that_o the_o unrighteous_a proceed_v thereof_o may_v have_v be_v judge_v especial_o fince_n he_o be_v then_o in_o london_n the_o neglect_v whereof_o in_o he_o so_o circumstantiate_v as_o he_o account_v himself_o to_o be_v occasion_n this_o jealousy_n that_o he_o be_v a_o approver_n of_o the_o manner_n and_o method_n of_o their_o proceed_n and_o so_o may_v account_v it_o a_o fulfil_v of_o the_o word_n cite_v as_o speak_v to_o john_n story_n at_o worcester_n viz._n that_o friend_n will_v write_v against_o they_o and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n will_v cast_v they_o out_o the_o fire_n of_o contention_n thus_o increase_v and_o it_o be_v rumour_v that_o there_o be_v a_o separate_a meeting_n in_o the_o north_n john_n story_n write_v unto_o the_o two_o meeting_n in_o the_o north_n viz._n that_o call_v separate_a and_o that_o call_v quarterly_o therein_o propose_v expedient_n for_o a_o reunite_v which_o be_v recommend_v by_o thomas_n gouldeny_n and_o myself_o together_o with_o sixty_o friend_n beside_o and_o be_v accept_v by_o those_o call_v separate_a as_o by_o their_o testimony_n sign_v by_o william_n cartmell_n and_o fifty-seven_a person_n more_o appear_v but_o robert_n barrow_n and_o fifteen_o other_o of_o the_o quarterly-meeting_a so_o term_v condemn_a john_n story_n be_v proposition_n before_o hear_v as_o by_o their_o answer_n appear_v this_o also_o be_v thus_o hint_v because_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o it_o may_v come_v to_o the_o view_n of_o robert_n barrow_n who_o if_o he_o please_v may_v thereupon_o take_v occasion_n to_o signify_v to_o i_o that_o george_n fox_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o that_o council_n if_o in_o truth_n he_o can_v so_o signify_v this_o i_o propose_v because_o it_o be_v jealouse_v that_o matter_n of_o no_o less_o moment_n be_v not_o very_o common_o resolve_v upon_o by_o robert_n barrow_n and_o other_o of_o party_n with_o g._n f._n without_o advise_v with_o he_o when_o they_o have_v opportunity_n so_o to_o do_v which_o doubtless_o be_v frequent_a enough_o since_o their_o dwelling_n be_v but_o few_o mile_n distant_a each_o from_o other_o william_n rogers_n the_o five_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n distinguish_v from_o the_o apostate_n &_o innovator_n be_v a_o additional_a discovery_n to_o the_o first_o and_o four_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n etc._n etc._n that_o george_n fox_n have_v be_v act_v by_o a_o erroneous_a spirit_n and_o become_v a_o reproach_n and_o scandal_n to_o the_o truth_n which_o the_o child_n of_o light_n profess_v and_o walk_v in_o by_o william_n rogers_n malachi_n 2.8_o 9_o but_o you_o be_v depart_v out_o of_o the_o way_n you_o have_v cause_v many_o to_o stumble_v at_o the_o law_n you_o have_v corrupt_v the_o covenant_n of_o levi_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n therefore_o have_v i_o make_v you_o contemptible_a and_o base_a before_o all_o the_o people_n according_a as_o you_o have_v not_o keep_v my_o way_n but_o have_v be_v partial_a in_o the_o law_n london_n print_v in_o the_o year_n 1680._o the_o five_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a quaker_n distinguish_v from_o the_o apostate_n and_o innovator_n etc._n etc._n on_o the_o 11_o month_n 1677._o george_n fox_n come_v to_o the_o city_n of_o bristol_n and_o after_o he_o have_v be_v there_o some_o little_a time_n i_o be_v challenge_v by_o one_o profess_v the_o truth_n to_o bring_v forth_o what_o i_o have_v against_o g._n f._n this_o with_o some_o other_o passage_n between_o friend_n at_o that_o time_n occasion_v myself_o and_o other_o to_o be_v concern_v in_o draw_v up_o a_o few_o thing_n wherein_o we_o be_v dissatisfy_v not_o only_o relate_v to_o g._n f._n but_o other_o also_o a_o part_n whereof_o chief_o relate_v unto_o george_n fox_n do_v now_o follow_v the_o first_o dissatisfaction_n we_o be_v not_o satisfy_v that_o g._n f._n have_v of_o late_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n in_o all_o such_o matter_n relate_v to_o truth_n wherein_o of_o late_a he_o have_v concern_v himself_o neither_o be_v we_o satisfy_v that_o those_o who_o have_v of_o late_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o man_n worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n and_o own_v he_o in_o all_o such_o matter_n have_v have_v therein_o a_o spiritual_a discern_v neither_o be_v we_o satisfy_v that_o the_o bare_a esteem_v of_o he_o as_o one_o that_o have_v not_o of_o late_a in_o all_o thing_n keep_v his_o place_n and_o habitation_n in_o the_o truth_n can_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o a_o dark_a spirit_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o above_o dissatisfaction_n as_o to_o g._n f._n be_v in_o part_n as_o follow_v that_o divers_a passage_n in_o his_o book_n entitle_v this_o be_v a_o encouragement_n to_o all_o womens-meeting_n in_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n be_v either_o unsound_a or_o impertinent_o quote_v the_o first_o quotation_n page_n 43._o of_o the_o say_a book_n it_o be_v thus_o say_v and_o be_v not_o micah_n be_v mother_n a_o virtuous_a woman_n read_v judge_n the_o 17_o and_o see_v what_o she_o say_v to_o she_o son_n the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v these_o and_o there_o be_v a_o man_n of_o mount_n ephraim_n who_o name_n be_v micah_n and_o he_o say_v unto_o
therefore_o the_o less_o i_o do_v lake_n notice_n of_o they_o because_o i_o know_v they_o to_o be_v all_o false_a and_o malicious_a charge_n from_o the_o word_n all_o false_a and_o malicious_a charge_n i_o refer_v it_o to_o the_o reader_n to_o consider_v whether_o there_o be_v not_o about_o five_o or_o six_o lie_n more_o whereof_o he_o may_v from_o thence_o be_v detect_v and_o that_o from_o the_o view_n of_o his_o own_o reply_n only_o beside_o that_o which_o may_v be_v term_v forgery_n in_o add_v to_o my_o word_n viz._n beforementioned_a which_o word_n be_v none_o of_o i_o but_o he_o and_o as_o i_o take_v it_o to_o render_v i_o to_o speak_v what_o i_o neither_o think_v or_o intend_v my_o first_o query_n be_v about_o his_o stay_n almost_o a_o quarter_n of_o a_o year_n from_o meet_v or_o at_o least_o a_o very_a considerable_a time_n though_o hold_v in_o the_o very_a house_n of_o his_o residence_n this_o he_o deny_v not_o but_o pretend_v he_o be_v weak_a so_o that_o the_o breath_n of_o people_n sit_v near_o he_o do_v overcome_v he_o further_o add_v these_o his_o very_a own_o word_n viz._n so_o that_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o i_o to_o sit_v by_o any_o out_o of_o the_o meeting_n much_o more_o in_o it_o in_o my_o three_o query_n it_o be_v thus_o say_v and_o yet_o be_v not_o thou_o sensible_a that_o thou_o be_v the_o man_n that_o have_v advise_v the_o rich_a to_o secure_v worldly_a estate_n that_o so_o the_o persecutor_n may_v not_o become_v spoiler_n thereof_o to_o this_o g._n f._n answer_n thou_o have_v not_o particularise_v any_o though_o thou_o have_v general_o charge_v i_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v a_o groundless_a accusation_n and_o calumny_n on_o this_o query_n i_o take_v occasion_n to_o observe_v that_o he_o be_v detectable_a of_o several_a lie_n from_o the_o view_n of_o his_o own_o paper_n if_o isaac_n penington_n and_o mary_n his_o wife_n may_v be_v proper_o term_v the_o rich_a and_o if_o they_o may_v not_o i_o query_n of_o g.f._n whether_o any_o among_o we_o may_v the_o one_a lie_n whereof_o i_o take_v he_o on_o this_o occasion_n to_o be_v detectable_a be_v that_o he_o say_v thus_o thou_o have_v not_o particularise_v any_o when_o in_o my_o paper_n i_o have_v thus_o in_o particular_a query_v whether_o thou_o g._n f._n whilst_o isaac_n penington_n be_v in_o prison_n and_o in_o expectation_n of_o be_v premunire_v do_v not_o advise_v or_o at_o least_o encourage_v mary_n the_o wife_n of_o isaac_n penington_n to_o secure_v she_o or_o their_o estate_n if_o thou_o deny_v it_o i_o shall_v undertake_v to_o prove_v it_o or_o bring_v testimony_n under_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o credible_a friend_n in_o truth_n that_o mary_n penington_n do_v signify_v so_o much_o the_o second_o i_o take_v notice_n of_o be_v these_o his_o word_n though_o thou_o have_v general_o charge_v i_o to_o which_o i_o say_v i_o do_v not_o for_o i_o name_v not_o the_o rich_a in_o general_a and_o with_o this_o he_o charge_v i_o again_o in_o his_o reply_n in_o these_o word_n viz._n as_o thou_o go_v over_v and_o over_o thy_o paper_n of_o false_a charge_n that_o i_o shall_v advise_v the_o rich_a in_o a_o general_a way_n to_o secure_v their_o estate_n the_o 3d_o i_o take_v notice_n of_o on_o this_o occasion_n be_v from_o this_o word_n groundless_a when_o as_o he_o do_v not_o deny_v that_o he_o do_v so_o advise_v mary_n penington_n signify_v also_o that_o if_o mary_n penington_n in_o her_o weakness_n do_v secure_v her_o land_n for_o she_o and_o her_o child_n etc._n etc._n yet_o what_o be_v this_o to_o thy_o make_v away_o thy_o estate_n &_o c_o and_o so_o bid_v i_o make_v what_o i_o can_v of_o it_o say_v she_o be_v but_o a_o particular_a case_n which_o lead_v i_o to_o observe_v thus_o much_o that_o my_o query_n be_v not_o groundless_a and_o so_o this_o may_v as_o i_o take_v it_o just_o be_v term_v the_o three_o lie_n whereof_o he_o be_v detectable_a from_o these_o his_o before-cited_n word_n viz._n thou_o have_v not_o particularise_v any_o though_o thou_o have_v general_o charge_v i_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v a_o groundless_a accusation_n and_o calumny_n but_o that_o which_o aggravate_v his_o error_n the_o more_o be_v his_o thus_o say_v i_o never_o advise_v thou_o to_o make_v away_o thy_o estate_n nor_o none_o else_o as_o if_o mary_n penington_n be_v no_o body_n and_o as_o to_o these_o his_o word_n yet_o what_o be_v this_o to_o thy_o make_v away_o thy_o estate_n i_o answer_v and_o confess_v that_o g._n f._n among_o his_o many_o lie_n have_v write_v some_o truth_n for_o it_o be_v very_o true_a it_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o make_v away_o my_o estate_n doubtless_o it_o only_o secure_v their_o own_o and_o not_o i_o neither_o be_v g._n f._n ever_o so_o friendly_a to_o i_o as_o to_o take_v so_o much_o care_n of_o i_o and_o my_o family_n beside_o on_o another_o score_n i_o may_v say_v it_o be_v nothing_o to_o i_o because_o i_o never_o profess_v myself_o principled_a to_o walk_v by_o other_o people_n outward_a pattern_n without_o know_v a_o better_a ground_n so_o to_o do_v than_o a_o mere_a outward_a example_n neither_o do_v i_o so_o do_v from_o any_o dispensation_n give_v i_o from_o g._n f._n or_o any_o body_n else_o and_o if_o any_o shall_v seem_v displease_v at_o my_o use_v the_o word_n dispensation_n on_o this_o occasion_n to_o be_v plain_a i_o shall_v tell_v the_o reader_n in_o short_a that_o i_o find_v g.f._n in_o his_o reply_n thus_o to_o say_v on_o the_o very_a occasion_n relate_v to_o mary_n penington_n viz._n for_o sometime_o when_o people_n be_v weak_a and_o tender_a and_o in_o trouble_n they_o be_v to_o be_v leave_v in_o some_o case_n which_o they_o can_v bear_v as_o in_o another_o case_n the_o apostle_n say_v concern_v day_n etc._n etc._n but_o when_o they_o will_v make_v a_o sect_n of_o it_o and_o their_o principle_n as_o thou_o do_v than_o the_o apostle_n judge_v they_o on_o which_o word_n of_o george_n fox_n these_o necessary_a observation_n may_v be_v make_v if_o friend_n of_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v leave_v in_o some_o case_n than_o according_a as_o i_o take_v g._n f_n mean_v to_o be_v some_o body_n be_v to_o leave_v they_o this_o some_o body_n in_o this_o case_n i_o take_v to_o be_v g._n f._n suppose_v himself_o invest_v with_o power_n in_o some_o case_n over_o friend_n to_o leave_v they_o here_o i_o be_o sensible_a the_o reader_n may_v query_n what_o be_v they_o to_o be_v leave_v to_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v g._n f._n do_v not_o in_o so_o many_o word_n tell_v what_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v plain_a his_o mean_v be_v if_o it_o be_v just_a to_o measure_v his_o mean_v by_o his_o word_n not_o to_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o for_o then_o mary_n penington_n in_o probability_n will_v not_o have_v act_v according_a to_o his_o advice_n because_o g._n f._n in_o his_o answer_n say_v he_o hear_v mary_n say_v she_o dare_v not_o remove_v her_o movable_a good_n and_o therefore_o i_o reasonable_o suppose_v that_o his_o further_a mean_v be_v that_o he_o have_v power_n to_o dispense_v with_o friend_n do_v something_o contrary_a to_o what_o they_o according_a to_o their_o own_o measure_n receive_v have_v freedom_n in_o themselves_o to_o do_v which_o to_o i_o be_v further_o evidence_v from_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o his_o word_n which_o be_v these_o but_o when_o they_o will_v make_v a_o sect_n of_o it_o and_o their_o principle_n as_o thou_o do_v than_o the_o apostle_n judge_v they_o to_o which_o i_o say_v he_o have_v quote_v no_o scripture_n to_o prove_v his_o assertion_n and_o i_o affirm_v he_o be_v capable_a to_o quote_v none_o for_o proof_n thus_o to_o write_v as_o a_o just_a parallel_n in_o my_o case_n however_o his_o word_n serve_v effectual_o to_o manifest_v unto_o i_o his_o pride_n or_o ignorance_n for_o by_o these_o his_o word_n make_v a_o sect_n of_o it_o and_o their_o principle_n compare_v with_o what_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v on_o this_o occasion_n show_v to_o i_o that_o act_v according_a to_o one_o principle_n in_o some_o case_n at_o least_o without_o a_o allowance_n so_o to_o do_v from_o g._n f._n be_v worthy_a of_o condemnation_n which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o his_o pride_n or_o ignorance_n all_o which_o be_v consider_v occasion_n i_o to_o query_n of_o g._n f._n whether_o it_o be_v not_o deceit_n in_o he_o to_o insinuate_v as_o if_o mary_n peningtons_n secure_n her_o estate_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o her_o weakness_n when_o it_o seem_v clear_o to_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o do_v in_o persuance_n of_o his_o advice_n but_o also_o he_o himself_o confess_v in_o his_o answer_n that_o he_o hear_v mary_n penington_n say_v she_o dare_v not_o remove_v her_o movable_a good_n and_o
we_o never_o know_v that_o he_o have_v flinch_v but_o have_v endure_v patient_o as_o also_o the_o know_a care_n that_o have_v be_v upon_o he_o for_o the_o preserve_v and_o encourage_v of_o all_o by_o word_n and_o pattern_n to_o stand_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n and_o this_o we_o think_v fit_a to_o insert_v as_o person_n concern_v for_o the_o vindication_n of_o our_o dear_a friend_n george_n fox_n innocency_n in_o this_o case_n which_o we_o have_v do_v according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o remembrance_n who_o never_o see_v any_o just_a occasion_n for_o such_o a_o charge_n as_o william_n rogers_n have_v so_o wicked_o asperse_v he_o with_o john_n ware_n and_o twenty_o seven_o person_n more_o i_o now_o come_v to_o make_v some_o observation_n on_o the_o above_o certificate_n they_o render_v i_o false_a charge_v and_o seem_v concern_v to_o vindicate_v g._n f_n innocency_n in_o this_o case_n yet_o they_o have_v do_v it_o but_o at_o a_o very_a poor_a rate_n much_o like_o the_o perjure_a informer_n that_o on_o the_o late_a act_n have_v appear_v against_o friend_n for_o first_o they_o say_v it_o be_v a_o false_a charge_n which_o be_v a_o positive_a testimony_n against_o i_o wherein_o they_o undertake_v to_o prove_v such_o a_o negative_a which_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v prove_v by_o they_o unless_o they_o have_v be_v eye_n witness_n of_o what_o george_n fox_n do_v in_o every_o meeting_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n at_o the_o meetinghouse_n in_o broad-mead_n that_o i_o also_o be_v present_a at_o but_o that_o by_o their_o certificate_n it_o seem_v they_o dare_v not_o say_v for_o when_o they_o come_v to_o disprove_v i_o by_o particular_a evidence_n they_o then_o thus_o say_v we_o be_v general_o all_o of_o we_o at_o all_z or_o most_o of_o the_o meeting_n at_o which_o george_n fox_n be_v here_o and_o that_o we_o never_o know_v or_o can_v remember_v that_o ever_o any_o persecutor_n come_v up_o the_o stair_n while_o george_n fox_n be_v speak_v i_o appeal_v now_o to_o every_o impartial_a understanding_n reader_n whether_o my_o charge_v of_o he_o for_o step_v down_o on_o a_o sudden_a and_o hasten_v out_o of_o the_o meeting_n must_v be_v wrong_a because_o they_o never_o know_v another_o matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v to_o other_o or_o whether_o it_o do_v follow_v that_o the_o persecutor_n do_v not_o come_v up_o the_o stair_n at_o no_o such_o meeting_n because_o they_o do_v know_v or_o remember_v the_o matter_n when_o not_o assign_v to_o any_o meeting_n wherein_o they_o dare_v say_v that_o they_o be_v present_a they_o say_v that_o i_o have_v charge_v george_n fox_n to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a fleer_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n of_o any_o that_o i_o know_v profess_v the_o truth_n and_o account_v by_o other_o a_o faithful_a friend_n herein_o they_o as_o i_o take_v it_o and_o as_o i_o be_o persuade_v all_o impartial_a reader_n will_v false_o charge_v i_o my_o word_n be_v these_o and_o if_o report_n be_v true_a this_o be_v but_o very_o little_a of_o what_o may_v at_o large_a be_v manifest_v to_o prove_v he_o one_o of_o the_o great_a fleer_n etc._n etc._n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n that_o ever_o i_o know_v profess_v the_o truth_n and_o esteem_v by_o other_o a_o faithful_a friend_n three_o they_o say_v that_o i_o for_o confirmation_n thereof_o bring_v a_o instance_n of_o a_o meeting_n here_o at_o brastol_a which_o george_n fox_n be_v present_a at_o about_o 15_o year_n since_o etc._n etc._n this_o also_o can_v be_v take_v to_o be_v a_o true_a charge_n from_o my_o word_n not_o only_o be_v cause_n i_o do_v not_o positive_o charge_v he_o to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a fleer_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n etc._n etc._n but_o also_o because_o i_o do_v not_o signify_v the_o time_n at_o which_o the_o meeting_n be_v hold_v though_o they_o say_v it_o be_v about_o 15_o year_n since_o and_o so_o it_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v detect_v of_o several_a lie_n by_o compare_v their_o testimony_n with_o what_o i_o have_v write_v this_o occasion_n i_o to_o observe_v that_o they_o do_v not_o say_v they_o never_o know_v or_o can_v remember_v that_o he_o step_v down_o and_o hasten_v out_o of_o the_o meeting_n at_o a_o back-pair_n of_o stair_n which_o be_v the_o matter_n wherewith_o i_o charge_v he_o with_o the_o sight_n of_o my_o own_o eye_n and_o other_o also_o on_o this_o occasion_n and_o this_o also_o i_o know_v that_o his_o so_o departure_n be_v a_o very_a considerable_a time_n before_o the_o meeting_n break_v up_o and_o be_v it_o not_o so_o that_o these_o false_a witness-bearer_n be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o that_o about_o fifteen_o year_n since_o george_n fox_n so_o do_v as_o i_o say_v my_o eye_n be_v witness_v of_o what_o reason_n shall_v they_o have_v for_o limit_v my_o charge_n to_o that_o time_n i_o shall_v now_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o impartial_a reader_n to_o consider_v whether_o john_n ware_n and_o the_o other_o twenty_o seven_o person_n do_v not_o just_o deserve_v the_o title_n of_o false-witness-bearer_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o since_o george_n fox_n in_o his_o answer_n to_o i_o have_v signify_v on_o this_o occasion_n that_o he_o believe_v there_o be_v many_o in_o bristol_n that_o will_v witness_v against_o this_o false_a charge_n it_o be_v not_o rational_a to_o suppose_v that_o the_o aforesaid_a john_n ware_n and_o the_o other_o twenty_o seven_o subscriber_n have_v be_v by_o he_o betray_v to_o affirm_v whereof_o they_o know_v not_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o their_o testimony_n be_v lame_a and_o not_o sufficient_a to_o serve_v his_o turn_n not_o only_o for_o the_o reason_n aforesaid_a but_o also_o because_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o affirm_v that_o the_o meeting_n hold_v about_o fifteen_o year_n since_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n and_o that_o he_o stay_v therein_o until_o the_o meet_v end_v one_o thing_n more_o be_v observable_a g._n f._n inform_v i_o some_o say_v my_o paper_n be_v not_o worth_a answer_v to_o which_o i_o say_v doubtless_o these_o word_n come_v from_o some_o of_o george_n fox_n be_v party_n and_o since_o george_n fox_n have_v act_v contrary_a to_o their_o sense_n and_o write_v six_o sheet_n of_o paper_n in_o answer_n to_o one_o of_o i_o what_o be_v become_v of_o their_o unity_n now_o and_o whether_o this_o show_v not_o that_o they_o be_v in_o confusion_n among_o themselves_o especial_o since_o g._n f._n in_o his_o answer_n say_v the_o less_o i_o do_v take_v notice_n of_o they_o because_o i_o know_v they_o to_o be_v detect_v be_v by_o george_n fox_n rule_n those_o who_o matter_n not_o what_o they_o say_v etc._n etc._n be_v exercise_v by_o this_o spirit_n that_o make_v some_o like_a devil_n witness_v his_o before-cited_n word_n speak_v as_o he_o be_v walk_v in_o nathaniel_n crip_n his_o chamber_n which_o occasion_n i_o to_o query_n from_o his_o word_n all_o false_a and_o malicious_a charge_n whether_o by_o his_o own_o rule_n he_o have_v not_o manifest_v himself_o to_o be_v exercise_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n for_o have_v he_o be_v a_o man_n that_o have_v take_v care_n to_o have_v affirm_v nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n he_o will_v not_o have_v be_v the_o publisher_n as_o well_o as_o author_n of_o so_o many_o lie_v and_o falsehood_n whereof_o to_o his_o shame_n he_o be_v detect_v all_o false_a malicious_a charge_n whenas_o he_o have_v not_o only_o write_v six_o sheet_n of_o paper_n for_o the_o copy_n deliver_v i_o contain_v so_o many_o by_o way_n of_o answer_n which_o be_v a_o take_a notice_n thereof_o at_o a_o large_a rate_n but_o also_o it_o appear_v that_o many_o of_o they_o which_o by_o his_o general_a expression_n he_o account_v false_a charge_n be_v not_o in_o his_o particular_a answer_n deny_v to_o be_v true_a but_o rather_o a_o own_n thereof_o be_v plain_o imply_v from_o his_o word_n as_o be_v already_o manifest_v this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v one_o sign_n or_o token_n that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o servant_n john_n wilkinson_n be_v fulfil_v i_o now_o come_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o g._n f._n accuse_v i_o that_o i_o threaten_v the_o constable_n at_o their_o peril_n not_o to_o meddle_v with_o any_o thing_n of_o i_o within_o door_n etc._n etc._n this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o false_a charge_n my_o word_n on_o that_o occasion_n be_v to_o this_o purpose_n the_o door_n be_v open_a the_o good_n in_o the_o house_n be_v i_o they_o may_v go_v in_o and_o there_o be_v enough_o but_o then_o i_o also_o tell_v they_o that_o if_o they_o do_v meddle_v etc._n etc._n before_o i_o speak_v with_o the_o justice_n i_o shall_v lay_v that_o injustice_n at_o their_o door_n because_o of_o right_n i_o ought_v to_o be_v first_o hear_v before_o my_o good_n ought_v to_o be_v
distrain_v and_o though_o g._n f._n hereupon_o say_v as_o in_o his_o answer_n appear_v that_o i_o have_v make_v all_o fast_n yet_o he_o be_v therein_o in_o a_o twofold_a respect_n guilty_a of_o a_o false_a charge_n because_o all_o be_v not_o secure_v without_o and_o none_o secure_v within_o have_v thus_o far_o with_o respect_n to_o particular_a matter_n clear_v my_o conscience_n i_o have_v this_o further_a in_o short_a to_o say_v that_o shall_v i_o trace_v g._n f_n answer_n after_o the_o same_o method_n as_o he_o have_v do_v i_o i_o account_v that_o thirty_o sheet_n of_o paper_n will_v not_o contain_v such_o a_o answer_n and_o may_v tend_v to_o endless_a controversy_n and_o therefore_o i_o choose_v the_o rather_o to_o give_v the_o reader_n but_o a_o taste_n of_o that_o spirit_n from_o whence_o his_o bundle_n of_o confusion_n and_o falsehood_n do_v proceed_v and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n shall_v add_v this_o query_n whether_o or_o no_o since_o g._n f._n have_v write_v so_o many_o lie_v as_o aforesaid_a that_o be_v detectable_a from_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o answer_n and_o compare_v with_o my_o paper_n which_o be_v a_o answer_n to_o his_o query_n it_o may_v not_o be_v rational_a to_o conclude_v that_o he_o have_v take_v such_o a_o liberty_n to_o himself_o as_o at_o some_o time_n and_o season_n to_o say_v any_o thing_n right_o or_o wrong_n to_o clear_v himself_o and_o defame_v other_o that_o can_v be_v subject_a to_o his_o will_n i_o now_o come_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o a_o postscript_n write_v by_o g._n f._n in_o these_o word_n here_o follow_v the_o epistle_n that_o have_v so_o touch_v william_n rogers_n which_o he_o make_v all_o this_o work_n and_o write_v about_o who_o will_v make_v i_o inconsistent_a with_o myself_o and_o so_o he_o may_v have_v do_v the_o apostle_n who_o one_o while_n circumcise_a and_o then_o again_o forbid_v it_o and_o one_o while_o say_v they_o shall_v not_o judge_v one_o another_o about_o day_n and_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o afterward_o judge_v they_o for_o it_o who_o make_v it_o their_o principle_n but_o in_o william_n roger_n be_v charge_n he_o have_v not_o prove_v i_o inconsistent_a with_o myself_o but_o rather_o himself_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o what_o he_o be_v former_o to_o this_o i_o thus_o answer_v these_o few_o line_n do_v manifest_a to_o i_o that_o g._n f._n do_v not_o divide_v and_o distinguish_v as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v if_o he_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o what_o i_o have_v write_v and_o of_o what_o his_o name_n be_v too_o the_o consideration_n whereof_o lead_v i_o to_o observe_v that_o he_o have_v not_o quote_v any_o scripture_n whereby_o he_o pretend_v to_o prove_v his_o assertion_n and_o so_o no_o need_n to_o write_v very_o large_a for_o disproof_n of_o that_o which_o he_o pretend_v not_o to_o prove_v yet_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o on_o this_o occasion_n i_o shall_v thus_o add_v that_o the_o scripture_n no_o where_o testify_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v forbid_v circumcision_n in_o the_o same_o case_n where_o he_o practise_v circumcision_n and_o that_o when_o the_o apostle_n say_v any_o thing_n to_o this_o purpose_n by_o way_n of_o exhortation_n to_o any_o among_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o judge_v one_o another_o about_o day_n and_o meat_n and_o drink_n it_o be_v as_o i_o have_v always_o take_v it_o with_o a_o tender_a regard_n only_o to_o such_o who_o make_v conscience_n which_o can_v not_o be_v unless_o they_o be_v principled_a either_o to_o observe_v or_o not_o to_o observe_v a_o day_n meat_n or_o drink_n and_o such_o the_o apostle_n when_o they_o act_v from_o a_o principle_n so_o to_o do_v at_o no_o time_n judge_v as_o ever_o from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n i_o can_v understand_v though_o in_o the_o observation_n of_o some_o thing_n legal_a not_o have_v so_o far_o receive_v the_o spirit_n as_o to_o be_v lead_v therefrom_o and_o yet_o g._n f._n say_v and_o afterward_o judge_v they_o for_o it_o who_o make_v it_o their_o principle_n as_o if_o the_o day_n be_v wherein_o they_o may_v observe_v a_o day_n when_o they_o be_v not_o principled_a so_o to_o do_v but_o when_o they_o become_v principled_a to_o observe_v a_o day_n than_o it_o become_v sin_n and_o matter_n worthy_a of_o judgement_n and_o condemnation_n by_o the_o apostle_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o as_o if_o act_v according_a to_o one_o principle_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n be_v condemnable_a when_o practise_v thing_n not_o according_a to_o one_o principle_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n may_v be_v justify_v this_o i_o dare_v not_o conclude_v to_o have_v ever_o be_v the_o apostle_n mean_v but_o i_o be_o well_o satisfy_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o g._n f._n or_o some_o take_v to_o be_v of_o his_o adherent_n who_o have_v publish_v their_o paper_n and_o judgement_n against_o many_o and_o the_o real_a cause_n as_o to_o i_o be_v evident_a be_v because_o they_o be_v find_v practise_v according_a to_o their_o principle_n and_o can_v act_v for_o fear_n of_o threat_n and_o frown_n of_o man_n against_o it_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o g._n f._n have_v make_v use_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a instance_n relate_v to_o circumcision_n day_n meat_n and_o drink_n on_o such_o wife_n as_o if_o the_o practice_n or_o not_o practise_v of_o such_o thing_n be_v ground_v mere_o on_o the_o apostle_n permission_n and_o so_o by_o that_o example_n g._n f._n may_v do_v the_o like_a i_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o add_v that_o when_o contention_n arise_v about_o the_o practice_n of_o circumcision_n act_v 15._o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o the_o apostle_n assume_v to_o themselves_o a_o power_n to_o permit_v or_o not_o to_o permit_v nor_o yet_o to_o judge_v the_o case_n without_o the_o assent_n of_o party_n differ_v for_o it_o appear_v the_o differ_a party_n agree_v to_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n about_o that_o question_n and_o at_o that_o time_n the_o apostle_n do_v agree_v that_o circumcision_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v lay_v on_o the_o gentile_n which_o be_v believer_n who_o never_o be_v principled_a to_o practice_v the_o same_o neither_o do_v they_o endeavour_v to_o oblige_v those_o who_o practise_v circumcision_n after_o they_o believe_v to_o forbear_v the_o same_o before_o by_o the_o spirit_n they_o be_v lead_v from_o it_o and_o the_o reason_n hereof_o undoubted_o be_v because_o it_o be_v safe_a both_o for_o jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o act_v according_a to_o faith_n that_o so_o they_o may_v not_o sin_v for_o the_o apostle_n say_v whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n which_o assertion_n answer_v to_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o conscience_n at_o this_o day_n as_o well_o as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o now_o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n relate_v to_o circumcision_n day_n meat_n and_o drink_n may_v be_v a_o little_a further_o explain_v i_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o cite_v a_o passage_n out_o of_o my_o manuscript_n in_o answer_n to_o part_n of_o robert_n barclay_n book_n of_o government_n which_o may_v be_v pertinent_a on_o this_o occasion_n we_o find_v that_o many_o of_o the_o believe_a jew_n be_v not_o come_v from_o under_o circumcision_n and_o that_o those_o jew_n who_o see_v beyond_o it_o do_v not_o condemn_v such_o their_o brethren_n but_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o the_o apostle_n as_o person_n that_o have_v power_n to_o permit_v or_o not_o permit_v such_o a_o practice_n in_o the_o church_n do_v approve_v of_o it_o in_o any_o of_o the_o jew_n or_o condemn_v the_o same_o in_o such_o as_o practise_v it_o until_o by_o faith_n they_o see_v beyond_o it_o for_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o commission_n to_o preach_v up_o circumcision_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n to_o be_v a_o bond_n on_o any_o to_o forbear_v who_o through_o faith_n be_v not_o first_o lead_v therefrom_o for_o though_o the_o apostle_n say_v gal._n 5.2_o i_o paul_n say_v unto_o you_o if_o you_o be_v circumcise_a chrast_n shall_v profit_v you_o nothing_o and_o gal_n 4_o 9_o 10_o 11._o but_o now_o after_o you_o have_v know_v god_n or_o rather_o be_v know_v of_o god_n how_o turn_v you_o again_o to_o the_o weak_a and_o beggar_n by_o element_n you_o observe_v day_n and_o month_n etc._n etc._n i_o be_o afraid_a of_o you_o yet_o this_o do_v not_o at_o that_o time_n condemn_v that_o christian_a liberty_n and_o forbearance_n which_o the_o apostle_n before_o approve_v in_o and_o with_o respect_n unto_o such_o as_o make_v conscience_n of_o circumcision_n and_o the_o observe_v of_o day_n before_o they_o have_v so_o receive_v the_o spirit_n as_o to_o be_v lead_v out_o of_o it_o for_o it_o plain_o appear_v
he_o speak_v to_o a_o people_n who_o be_v redeem_v out_o of_o those_o begganly_a element_n and_o be_v come_v past_o those_o rudiment_n which_o be_v evident_a by_o those_o his_o word_n how_o turn_v you_o again_o and_o soâ—e_fw-la may_v well_o exhort_v such_o neither_o to_o circumcise_v nor_o yet_o be_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o day_n for_o that_o god_n have_v not_o usual_o lead_v into_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v lead_v out_o of_o and_o this_o may_v well_o consist_v with_o the_o truth_n even_o at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o season_n when_o other_o through_o a_o conscientious_a scruple_n may_v in_o a_o plea_n for_o both_o with_o respect_n to_o themselves_o respective_o according_a to_o their_o differ_a faith_n be_v uncondemned_a i_o shall_v now_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o unprejudised_a reader_n whether_o what_o g._n f._n have_v say_v touch_v circumcision_n and_o observation_n of_o day_n meat_n and_o drink_n be_v sufficient_a to_o justify_v his_o advise_v mary_n penington_n to_o secure_v her_o estate_n from_o the_o spoiler_n when_o she_o dare_v not_o remove_v her_o movable_a good_n nor_o make_v it_o as_o her_o principle_n and_o condemn_v other_o that_o be_v principled_a so_o to_o do_v query_v of_o such_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n that_o lu_v to_o envy_n with_o this_o testimony_n i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o my_o reply_n to_o g._n f._n that_o i_o certain_o know_v he_o to_o be_v a_o man_n guilty_a of_o many_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v condemn_v in_o other_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o he_o under_o the_o form_n of_o government_n have_v prescribe_v the_o give_v forth_o of_o paper_n of_o condemnation_n as_o a_o proper_a mean_n whereby_o such_o as_o in_o his_o sense_n be_v depart_v from_o the_o truth_n may_v be_v receive_v into_o fellowship_n with_o some_o other_o again_o so_o he_o must_v expect_v that_o some_o at_o least_o of_o his_o know_a error_n and_o fail_n must_v lie_v on_o record_n unless_o he_o 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groundless_a and_o that_o george_n fox_n account_v it_o a_o false_a charge_n and_o though_o john_n blaykling_n proceed_v to_o query_n do_v not_o the_o lord_n confound_v you_o in_o all_o your_o undertake_n yet_o there_o appear_v to_o i_o no_o ground_n for_o his_o so_o query_v but_o rather_o that_o his_o and_z g._n f_n confusion_n to_o their_o shame_n be_v abundant_o manifest_v from_o what_o may_v be_v visible_a to_o every_o impartial_a understanding_n reader_n that_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o compare_v all_o write_v by_o george_n fox_n john_n blaykle_v and_o myself_o on_o this_o occasion_n without_o other_o proof_n the_o second_o particular_a matter_n of_o fact_n lay_v by_o john_n blaykle_v to_o my_o charge_n be_v on_o this_o wise_a and_o whereas_o william_n rogers_n ask_v if_o george_n fox_n will_v not_o have_v account_v this_o in_o another_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o careless_a slothful_a libertine_n or_o dark_a spirit_n that_o be_v either_o depart_v or_o depart_v from_o the_o truth_n &_o c_o implicit_o thereby_o charge_v he_o with_o it_o to_o which_o john_n blaykle_v thus_o say_v may_v not_o william_n rogers_n have_v apply_v this_o at_o home_n who_o know_v in_o his_o conscience_n what_o a_o libertine_n loose_a and_o dark_a spirit_n depart_v from_o his_o subjection_n to_o the_o truth_n he_o have_v give_v way_n to_o and_o have_v take_v a_o liberty_n to_o himself_o to_o make_v away_o his_o visible_a estate_n or_o at_o least_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o it_o to_o avoid_v suffer_v thereby_o on_o this_o i_o observe_v that_o as_o to_o this_o particular_a with_o respect_n to_o secure_v a_o part_n of_o my_o estate_n jo._n blaykling_n can_v lay_v all_o his_o profane_a and_o wicked_a charge_n against_o i_o at_o my_o door_n on_o that_o account_n without_o contradiction_n to_o his_o large_a testimony_n for_o george_n fox_n as_o a_o man_n that_o be_v spotless_a and_o still_o keep_v his_o integrity_n because_o george_n fox_n deny_v not_o as_o before_o be_v manifest_v that_o he_o advise_v mary_n the_o wife_n of_o isaac_n penington_n to_o secure_v she_o or_o their_o estate_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o spoiler_n my_o last_o observation_n be_v on_o john_n blaykling_n beginning_n of_o his_o postscript_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v to_o i_o that_o one_o of_o his_o end_n be_v to_o appear_v thus_o public_a as_o a_o witness_n on_o behalf_n of_o george_n fox_n to_o clear_v all_o aspersion_n that_o myself_o and_o other_o have_v cast_v on_o he_o as_o afore_o mention_v and_o indeed_o he_o have_v do_v it_o excellent_o well_o if_o testify_v that_o g._n f._n be_v spotless_a without_o enter_v into_o the_o merit_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v a_o sufficient_a proof_n but_o if_o not_o his_o testimony_n and_o certificate_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o no_o credit_n however_o it_o occasion_n i_o to_o note_v what_o irreligious_a confidence_n attend_v he_o thus_o to_o appear_v as_o a_o witness_n to_o clear_v g._n f._n of_o many_o thing_n he_o know_v nothing_o of_o for_o john_n blaykle_v be_v not_o with_o george_n fox_n at_o bristol_n and_o with_o nathaniel_n crip_n when_o occasion_n of_o nathaniel_n crip_n his_o charge_n touch_v g._n f_o be_v advise_v he_o to_o buy_v his_o tithe_n be_v take_v and_o yet_o john_n blaykling_n certificate_n as_o by_o the_o scope_n thereof_o do_v plain_o appear_v to_o i_o be_v to_o clear_a g.f._n from_o all_o aspersion_n whatsoever_o or_o from_o whosoever_o to_o be_v plain_a such_o attempt_n be_v a_o shame_n and_o scandal_n to_o religion_n and_o be_v a_o abhorrency_n to_o man_n of_o common_a and_o moral_a honesty_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v that_o since_o that_o day_n wherein_o john_n blaykle_v robert_n barrow_n and_o two_o other_o give_v it_o under_o their_o hand_n in_o a_o letter_n to_o friend_n at_o bristol_n that_o they_o by_o
spirit_n that_o do_v so_o meaning_n make_v away_o estate_n etc._n etc._n for_o fear_n of_o the_o spoiler_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n be_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n that_o do_v lust_n to_o envy_n which_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a and_o devilish_a which_o doubtless_o will_v be_v take_v by_o some_o to_o be_v intend_v by_o he_o as_o a_o reflection_n on_o such_o as_o so_o do_v without_o a_o dispensation_n from_o he_o p._n 44_o 45_o 46._o observation_n on_o george_n fox_n not_o deny_v that_o he_o have_v twelve_o or_o thirteen_o hundred_o pound_n but_o yet_o deny_v that_o he_o have_v so_o much_o secure_v and_o also_o on_o his_o signify_v that_o something_o descend_v to_o he_o as_o his_o birthright_a wherein_o a_o token_n of_o pride_n be_v manifest_v and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o he_o be_v not_o now_o ashamed_a of_o the_o meanness_n of_o his_o earthly_a parentage_n which_o whilst_o he_o keep_v his_o place_n in_o humility_n have_v be_v account_v a_o sign_n of_o the_o fulfil_v of_o paul_n word_n when_o he_o say_v god_n have_v choose_v the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o wise_a etc._n etc._n p._n 47_o 48_o 49_o 50._o george_n fox_n make_v a_o false_a application_n of_o sound_a word_n which_o word_n be_v these_o viz._n and_o it_o be_v not_o right_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o offender_n for_o word_n if_o he_o acknowledge_v they_o and_o as_o may_v reasonable_o be_v take_v to_o cover_v the_o false_a prophet_n solomon_n eccles_n because_o his_o follow_a word_n be_v these_o as_o i_o perceive_v solomon_n eccles_n have_v do_v p._n 50_o 51_o 52._o george_n fox_n condemnable_a by_o his_o own_o rule_n in_o make_v mention_n of_o james_n naylor_n as_o a_o old_a opposer_n p._n 52._o observation_n on_o george_n fox_n not_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o advise_v nathaniel_n crip_n to_o buy_v his_o tithe_n together_o with_o nathaniel_n crip_n and_o robert_n arch_n their_o testimony_n that_o george_n fox_n do_v so_o advise_v p._n 53_o 54_o 55._o observation_n on_o george_n fox_n answer_n touch_v his_o departure_n out_o of_o a_o meeting_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n in_o bristol_n and_o also_o on_o his_o testimony_n give_v forth_o before_o on_o a_o report_n that_o william_n rogers_n shall_v charge_v he_o for_o fly_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n in_o bristol-meeting_a show_v that_o he_o have_v contradict_v himself_o by_o say_v in_o his_o answer_n to_o william_n rogers_n thus_o i_o be_v sit_v in_o a_o meeting_n at_o bristol_n when_o another_o be_v speak_v and_o some_o officer_n come_v up_o and_o take_v he_o away_o and_o in_o his_o testimony_n give_v forth_o on_o the_o same_o occasion_n he_o say_v there_o come_v no_o soldier_n nor_o officer_n while_o i_o be_v in_o the_o meeting_n neither_o before_o nor_o after_o p._n 55_o 56_o 57_o george_n fox_n own_o relation_n both_o of_o the_o meeting_n at_o bristol_n and_o ringwood_n show_v many_o particular_a matter_n act_v by_o he_o which_o if_o it_o have_v be_v act_v by_o john_n story_n or_o some_o other_o will_v in_o probability_n be_v term_v to_o come_v from_o that_o spirit_n that_o say_v master_n save_v thyself_o p._n 57_o to_o 62._o divers_a testimony_n that_o george_n fox_n depart_v out_o of_o the_o meeting_n at_o bristol_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n before_o the_o meeting_n be_v end_v p._n 62_o 63_o 64._o observation_n on_o george_n fox_n testimony_n touch_v his_o behaviour_n at_o ringwood-meeting_a do_v manifest_v his_o weakness_n and_o confusion_n and_o that_o it_o will_v have_v tend_v more_o to_o his_o credit_n plain_o to_o have_v confess_v that_o at_o time_n and_o season_n he_o have_v continue_v to_o save_o himself_o than_o after_o he_o have_v so_o do_v to_o cover_v the_o matter_n p._n 64_o 65_o 66_o 67._o a_o certificate_n from_o divers_a person_n of_o bristol_n in_o favour_n of_o george_n fox_n p._n 67_o 68_o 69._o by_o observation_n thereon_o it_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v a_o false_a one_o in_o several_a respect_n p._n 69_o 70_o 71._o george_n fox_n and_o his_o party_n unity_n call_v in_o question_n and_o their_o confusion_n manifest_v and_o he_o prove_v to_o be_v exercise_v by_o that_o spirit_n that_o make_v some_o like_a devil_n if_o his_o own_o word_n may_v be_v a_o proper_a measuring-line_n for_o he_o p._n 71._o george_n fox_n in_o a_o twofold_a respect_n render_v guilty_a of_o a_o false_a charge_n p._n 72._o george_n fox_n doctrine_n viz._n that_o the_o apostle_n one_o while_o circumcise_a and_o then_o again_o forbid_v it_o and_o one_o while_o say_v they_o shall_v not_o judge_v one_o another_o about_o day_n and_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o afterward_o judge_v they_o for_o it_o who_o make_v it_o their_o principle_n examine_v and_o find_v not_o a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o answer_v the_o end_n intend_v by_o he_o viz._n to_o vindicate_v his_o advise_v mary_n penington_n to_o secure_v her_o estate_n that_o dare_v not_o remove_v her_o movable_a good_n and_o make_v it_o not_o as_o george_n fox_n believe_v her_o principle_n nor_o yet_o to_o judge_v another_o for_o secure_v his_o estate_n when_o principled_a so_o to_o do_v together_o also_o with_o some_o animadversion_n touch_v circumcision_n observation_n of_o day_n meat_n and_o drink_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n wherein_o the_o truth_n be_v clear_a from_o some_o construction_n which_o from_o george_n fox_n word_n may_v be_v take_v to_o follow_v p._n 72_o 73_o 74_o 75_o 76._o observation_n on_o john_n blaykling_n certificate_n give_v forth_o in_o favour_n of_o george_n fox_n manifest_v that_o his_o testimony_n for_o he_o be_v more_o like_o a_o parasite_n to_o a_o earthly_a prince_n than_o a_o well-meaning_n christian_n and_o that_o his_o villify_a william_n rogers_n be_v more_o like_o a_o scold_n than_o a_o sober_a man_n for_o that_o he_o be_v not_o prove_v by_o particular_a matter_n of_o fact_n worthy_a of_o any_o evil_a reflection_n john_n blaykling_n certificate_n prove_v of_o no_o credit_n because_o he_o appear_v to_o clear_a george_n fox_n at_o a_o general_a rate_n from_o gild_n whenas_o george_n fox_n himself_o know_v though_o he_o send_v abroad_o john_n blaykling_n certificate_n with_o his_o reply_n that_o john_n blaikle_v be_v not_o present_a with_o he_o and_o so_o can_v not_o be_v a_o witness_n to_o clear_v he_o when_o occasion_n have_v be_v take_v to_o charge_n george_n fox_n guilty_a in_o several_a thing_n p._n 76_o to_o 83._o something_o write_v by_o george_n fox_n to_o john_n story_n deny_v that_o he_o cast_v all_o those_o scandal_n on_o john_n story_n which_o henry_n sweet_v of_o hartford_n have_v testify_v he_o do_v and_o since_o prove_v by_o several_a witness_n who_o testimony_n be_v insert_v p._n 83_o 84_o 85_o 86_o 87._o john_n story_n be_v testimony_n of_o his_o clearness_n of_o those_o scandal_n and_o reproach_n p._n 87_o 88_o george_n fox_n by_o the_o import_n of_o his_o word_n in_o a_o letter_n page_n 83._o write_v to_o john_n story_n if_o apply_v to_o his_o own_o action_n in_o relation_n to_o william_n rogers_n will_v be_v find_v detectable_a of_o a_o practice_n neither_o humane_a civil_a moral_a or_o honest_a p._n 88_o 89._o government_n two_o sort_n of_o government_n own_v by_o we_o viz._n the_o one_o be_v the_o outward_a government_n under_o which_o we_o live_v the_o other_o be_v the_o inward_a government_n of_o christ_n not_o represent_v by_o visible_a person_n certain_o know_v by_o outward_a nature_n nor_o yet_o establish_v by_o man._n together_o with_o some_o mark_n by_o which_o the_o opposer_n of_o christ_n government_n may_v be_v know_v 3_o d._n part_n p._n 3_o to_o 14._o 27_o 28_o 29._o a_o testimony_n on_o behalf_n of_o such_o as_o be_v in_o subjection_n to_o christ_n government_n wherein_o their_o sense_n be_v manifest_v touch_v the_o effect_n thereof_o and_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o operation_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 33_o 34._o gift_n diversity_n of_o gift_n be_v give_v inconvenience_n attend_v go_v beyond_o the_o gift_n give_v 3_o d._n part_n p._n 30_o 31_o 32._o every_o one_o ought_v to_o minister_v according_a as_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n p._n 46_o 47._o h_o hypocrisy_n in_o the_o print_a sense_n of_o a_o public_a preacher_n our_o opposer_n it_o be_v declare_v that_o it_o be_v hypocrisy_n to_o profess_v ourselves_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o yet_o not_o believe_v thus_o as_o the_o true_a church_n believe_v one_a part_n p._n 9_o see_v believer_n i_o iasper_n batt_n &_o his_o three_o companion_n a_o part_n of_o their_o error_n discover_v in_o reply_v to_o some_o part_n of_o a_o answer_n of_o bristol-friend_n cite_v 2_o d._n part_n p._n 72_o to_o 84._o to_o a_o paper_n date_v from_o ellis_n hook_n his_o chamber_n london_n the_o 12_o of_o the_o four_o month_n 1677._o subscribe_v by_o sixty-six_a person_n whereof_o jasper_n batt_n and_o his_o three_o companion_n be_v