seditious_a multitude_n of_o the_o lutheran_n citizen_n be_v stir_v up_o by_o the_o daily_a clamour_n of_o their_o preacher_n do_v not_o only_o violent_o take_v up_o the_o house_n of_o the_o reform_a teacher_n overturn_v their_o library_n and_o spoil_v their_o furniture_n but_o also_o with_o reproachful_a word_n yea_o and_o with_o stone_n assault_v the_o marquis_n of_o brandenburg_n the_o elector_n brother_n while_o he_o seek_v by_o smooth_a word_n to_o quiet_a the_o fury_n of_o the_o multitude_n they_o kill_v ten_o of_o his_o guard_n scarce_o spare_v himself_o who_o at_o last_o by_o flight_n escape_v out_o of_o their_o hand_n all_o which_o sufficient_o declare_v that_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o magistrate_n do_v not_o alter_v their_o principle_n but_o only_o their_o method_n of_o procedure_n so_o that_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o see_v no_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o act_n of_o those_o of_o munster_n and_o these_o other_o whereof_z the_o one_o pretend_v to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n the_o other_o by_o tradition_n scripture_n and_o reason_n save_o this_o that_o the_o former_a be_v rash_a heady_a and_o foolish_a in_o their_o proceed_n and_o therefore_o be_v the_o soon_o bring_v to_o nothing_o and_o so_o into_o contempt_n and_o derision_n but_o the_o other_o be_v more_o politic_a and_o wise_a in_o their_o generation_n hold_v it_o out_o long_o and_o so_o have_v authorize_v their_o wickedness_n more_o with_o seem_a authority_n of_o law_n and_o reason_n but_o both_o their_o act_n be_v equal_o evil_a the_o difference_n appear_v to_o i_o to_o be_v only_o like_o that_o which_o be_v betwixt_o a_o simple_a silly_a thief_n that_o be_v easy_o catch_v and_o hang_v without_o any_o more_o ado_n and_o a_o company_n of_o resolute_a bold_a robber_n who_o be_v better_a guard_v though_o their_o offence_n be_v nothing_o less_o yet_o by_o violence_n do_v to_o evite_v the_o danger_n force_v their_o master_n to_o give_v they_o good_a term_n from_o all_o which_o then_o it_o evident_o follow_v that_o they_o argue_v very_o ill_a that_o despise_v and_o reject_v any_o principle_n because_o man_n pretend_v to_o be_v lead_v by_o it_o do_v evil_a in_o case_n it_o be_v not_o the_o natural_a and_o consequential_a tendency_n of_o that_o principle_n to_o lead_v unto_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v evil_a again_o it_o do_v follow_v from_o what_o be_v above_o assert_v that_o if_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o be_v reject_v upon_o this_o account_n all_o those_o other_o principle_n ought_v on_o the_o same_o account_n to_o be_v reject_v and_o for_o my_o part_n as_o i_o have_v never_o a_o whit_n the_o low_a esteem_n of_o the_o bless_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n nor_o do_v the_o less_o respect_n any_o solid_a tradition_n that_o be_v answerable_a and_o according_a to_o truth_n neither_o at_o all_o despise_v reason_n that_o noble_a and_o excellent_a faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n it_o let_v none_o reject_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o uner_a spirit_n because_o of_o false_a pretender_n to_o it_o because_o wicked_a man_n have_v abuse_v the_o name_n of_o they_o to_o cover_v their_o wickedness_n and_o deceive_v the_o simple_a so_o will_v i_o not_o have_v any_o reject_v or_o diffide_v the_o certainty_n of_o that_o uner_a spirit_n which_o god_n have_v give_v his_o child_n as_o that_o which_o can_v alone_o guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n because_o some_o have_v false_o pretend_v to_o it_o §_o xv._o and_o because_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o truth_n and_o sound_a reason_n therefore_o we_o have_v well_o say_v that_o it_o can_v contradict_v neither_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n nor_o right_a reason_n yet_o as_o the_o proposition_n itself_o conclude_v to_o who_o last_o part_n i_o now_o come_v it_o will_v not_o from_o thence_o follow_v that_o these_o divine_a revelation_n be_v to_o be_v subject_v to_o the_o examination_n either_o of_o the_o outward_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n or_o of_o the_o humane_a or_o natural_a reason_n of_o man_n as_o to_o a_o more_o noble_a and_o certain_a rule_n and_o touchstone_n for_o the_o divine_a revelation_n and_o inward_a illumination_n be_v that_o which_o be_v evident_a by_o itself_o force_v the_o well-disposed_a understanding_n and_o irresistible_o move_v it_o to_o assent_v by_o its_o own_o evidence_n and_o clearness_n even_o as_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o natural_a truth_n do_v bow_v the_o mind_n to_o a_o natural_a assent_n he_o that_o deny_v this_o part_n of_o the_o proposition_n must_v needs_o affirm_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n neither_o can_v nor_o ever_o have_v manifest_v itself_o to_o man_n without_o the_o scripture_n or_o a_o distinct_a discussion_n of_o reason_n or_o that_o the_o efficacy_n of_o this_o supernatural_a principle_n work_v upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v less_o evident_a than_o natural_a principle_n in_o their_o common_a operation_n both_o which_o be_v false_a for_o first_o through_o all_o the_o scripture_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o manifestation_n and_o revelation_n of_o god_n by_o his_o spirit_n to_o the_o patriarch_n prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v immediate_a and_o objective_a as_o be_v above_o prove_v which_o they_o do_v not_o examine_v by_o any_o other_o principle_n but_o their_o own_o evidence_n and_o clearness_n second_o to_o say_v spirit_n the_o self_n evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v less_o evidence_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n than_o natural_a principle_n have_v be_v to_o have_v too_o mean_a and_o low_a thought_n of_o it_o how_o come_v david_n to_o invite_v we_o to_o taste_v and_o see_v that_o god_n be_v good_a if_o this_o can_v be_v feel_v and_o taste_v this_o be_v enough_o to_o overturn_v the_o faith_n and_o assurance_n of_o all_o the_o saint_n both_o now_o and_o of_o old_a how_o come_v paul_n to_o be_v persuade_v that_o nothing_o can_v separate_v he_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n but_o by_o that_o evidence_n and_o clearness_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n give_v he_o the_o apostle_n john_n who_o know_v well_o wherein_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n consist_v judge_v it_o no_o way_n absurd_a without_o further_a argument_n to_o ascribe_v his_o knowledge_n and_o assurance_n and_o that_o of_o all_o the_o saint_n hereunto_o in_o these_o word_n hereby_o know_v we_o that_o we_o dwell_v in_o he_o and_o he_o in_o we_o because_o he_o have_v give_v we_o of_o his_o spirit_n 1_o joh._n 4.13_o and_o again_o john_n 5.6_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o bear_v witness_v because_o the_o spirit_n be_v truth_n observe_v the_o reason_n bring_v by_o he_o because_o the_o spirit_n be_v truth_n of_o who_o certainty_n and_o infallibility_n i_o have_v heretofore_o speak_v we_o then_o trust_v to_o and_o confide_v in_o this_o spirit_n because_o we_o know_v and_o certain_o believe_v that_o it_o can_v only_o lead_v we_o a-right_a and_o never_o mislead_v we_o and_o from_o this_o certain_a confidence_n it_o be_v that_o we_o affirm_v reason_n the_o spirit_n contradict_v not_o scripture_n nor_o right_a reason_n that_o no_o revelation_n come_v from_o it_o can_v ever_o contradict_v the_o scriptures-testimony_n nor_o right_a reason_n not_o as_o make_v this_o a_o more_o certain_a rule_n to_o ourselves_o but_o as_o condescend_v to_o such_o who_o not_o discern_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o they_o proceed_v pure_o from_o god_n will_v try_v they_o by_o these_o medium_n yet_o those_o that_o have_v the_o spiritual_a sense_n and_o can_v savour_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o it_o be_v in_o primâ_fw-la instantiâ_fw-la i._n e._n at_o the_o first_o blush_n can_v discern_v they_o without_o geometry_n natural_a demonstration_n from_o astronomy_n and_o geometry_n or_o before_o they_o apply_v they_o either_o to_o scripture_n or_o reason_n just_o as_o a_o good_a astronomer_n can_v calculate_v a_o eclipse_n infallible_o by_o which_o he_o can_v conclude_v if_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n continue_v and_o some_o strange_a and_o unnatural_a revolution_n intervene_v not_o there_o will_v be_v a_o eclipse_n of_o the_o sun_n or_o moon_n such_o a_o day_n and_o such_o a_o hour_n yet_o can_v he_o not_o persuade_v a_o ignorant_a rustic_a of_o this_o until_o he_o visible_o see_v it_o so_o also_o a_o mathematician_n can_v infallible_o know_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o art_n that_o the_o three_o angle_n of_o a_o right-angled_n triangle_n be_v equal_a to_o two_o right-angle_n yea_o can_v know_v they_o more_o certain_o than_o any_o man_n by_o measure_n and_o some_o geometrical_a demonstration_n be_v by_o all_o acknowledge_a to_o be_v infallible_a which_o can_v be_v scarce_o discern_v or_o prove_v by_o the_o sense_n yet_o if_o a_o geometer_n be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o certify_v some_o ignorant_a man_n concern_v the_o certainty_n of_o this_o art_n by_o condescend_v to_o measure_v it_o and_o make_v it_o obvious_a to_o his_o sense_n it_o will_v not_o thence_o
moreover_o the_o scripture_n itself_o wherein_o we_o be_v so_o earnest_o press_v to_o seek_v after_o this_o assurance_n do_v not_o at_o all_o affirm_v itself_o a_o rule_n sufficient_a to_o give_v it_o but_o whole_o ascribe_v it_o to_o the_o spirit_n as_o rom._n 8.16_o the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n 1_o joh._n 4.13_o hereby_o do_v we_o know_v that_o we_o dwell_v in_o he_o and_o he_o in_o we_o because_o he_o have_v give_v we_o of_o his_o spirit_n and_o ch._n 5.6_o and_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o bear_v witness_n because_o the_o spirit_n be_v truth_n §_o iv_o last_o that_o can_v be_v the_o only_a principle_n nor_o chief_a rule_n which_o do_v not_o universal_o reach_v every_o individual_a that_o need_v it_o to_o produce_v the_o necessary_a effect_n and_o from_o the_o use_n of_o which_o either_o by_o some_o innocent_a and_o sinless_a defect_n or_o natural_a yet_o harmless_a and_o blameless_a imperfection_n many_o who_o be_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n rule_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o chief_a rule_n and_o may_v without_o absurdity_n yea_o with_o great_a probability_n be_v account_v of_o the_o elect_a be_v necessary_o exclude_v and_o that_o either_o whole_o or_o at_o least_o from_o the_o immediate_a use_v thereof_o but_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o frequent_o concern_v the_o scripture_n in_o the_o case_n of_o deaf_a people_n instance_a 1._o deaf_a people_n child_n and_o idiot_n instance_a child_n and_o idiot_n who_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n have_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o scripture_n shall_v we_o then_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v without_o any_o rule_n to_o god-ward_o or_o that_o they_o be_v all_o damn_a as_o such_o a_o opinion_n be_v in_o itself_o very_o absurd_a and_o inconsistent_a both_o with_o the_o justice_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n so_o i_o know_v no_o sound_a reason_n can_v be_v allege_v for_o it_o now_o if_o we_o may_v suppose_v any_o such_o to_o be_v under_o the_o new_a covenant-dispensation_n as_o i_o know_v none_o will_v deny_v but_o that_o we_o may_v suppose_v it_o without_o any_o absurdity_n we_o can_v suppose_v they_o without_o some_o rule_n and_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n see_v it_o be_v express_o affirm_v they_o shall_v all_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n joh._n 6.45_o and_o they_o shall_v all_o know_v i_o from_o the_o least_o to_o the_o great_a hebr._n 8.11_o but_o second_o though_o we_o be_v rid_v of_o this_o difficulty_n how_o many_o illiterate_a and_o yet_o good_a man_n be_v there_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n who_o can_v read_v a_o letter_n in_o their_o own_o mother_n tongue_n which_o imperfection_n though_o it_o be_v inconvenient_a i_o can_v tell_v whether_o we_o may_v safe_o affirm_v it_o to_o be_v sinful_a these_o can_v have_v no_o immediate_a knowledge_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n so_o their_o faith_n must_v needs_o depend_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o other_o man_n read_n or_o relate_v it_o unto_o they_o where_o either_o the_o alter_n add_v or_o omit_v of_o a_o little_a word_n may_v be_v a_o foundation_n in_o the_o poor_a hearer_n of_o a_o very_a dangerous_a mistake_n whereby_o he_o may_v either_o continue_v in_o a_o iniquity_n ignorant_o or_o believe_v a_o lie_n confident_o as_o for_o example_n people_n 2._o papist_n conceal_v the_o second_o commandment_n from_o the_o people_n the_o papist_n in_o all_o their_o catechism_n and_o public_a exercise_n of_o examination_n towards_o the_o people_n have_v bold_o cut_v away_o the_o second_o command_n because_o it_o seem_v so_o express_o to_o hit_v against_o their_o adoration_n and_o use_v of_o image_n whereas_o many_o of_o these_o people_n in_o who_o by_o this_o omission_n this_o false_a opinion_n be_v foster_v be_v under_o a_o simple_a impossibility_n or_o at_o least_o a_o very_a great_a difficulty_n to_o be_v outward_o inform_v of_o this_o abuse_n but_o further_a suppose_v all_o can_v read_v the_o scripture_n in_o their_o own_o language_n where_o be_v there_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o that_o have_v that_o through-knowledge_n of_o the_o original_a language_n in_o which_o they_o be_v write_v so_o as_o in_o that_o respect_n immediate_o to_o receive_v the_o benefit_n of_o they_o must_v not_o all_o these_o here_o depend_v upon_o the_o honesty_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o interpreter_n it_o 3._o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o interpreter_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o their_o adulterate_v it_o which_o how_o uncertain_a it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o build_v his_o faith_n upon_o the_o many_o correction_n amendment_n and_o various_a essay_n which_o even_o among_o protestant_n have_v be_v use_v whereof_o the_o latter_a have_v constant_o blame_v and_o correct_v the_o former_a as_o guilty_a of_o defect_n and_o error_n do_v sufficient_o declare_v and_o that_o even_o the_o last_o translation_n in_o the_o vulgar_a language_n need_v to_o be_v correct_v as_o i_o can_v prove_v at_o large_a be_v it_o proper_a in_o this_o place_n learned_a man_n do_v confess_v but_o last_o of_o all_o there_o be_v no_o less_o difficulty_n even_o occur_v to_o these_o skill_v in_o the_o original_a language_n who_o can_v so_o immediate_o receive_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o author_n in_o these_o write_n as_o that_o their_o faith_n do_v not_o at_o least_o oblique_o depend_v upon_o the_o honesty_n and_o credit_n of_o the_o transcriber_n since_o the_o original_a copy_n be_v grant_v by_o all_o not_o to_o be_v now_o extant_a 247._o hieron_n epist._n 28._o ad_fw-la lucin._n pag._n 247._o of_o which_o transcriber_n jerom_n in_o his_o time_n complain_v say_v that_o they_o write_v not_o what_o they_o find_v but_o what_o they_o understand_v and_o epiphanius_n say_v that_o in_o the_o good_a and_o correct_a copy_n of_o luke_n it_o be_v write_v that_o christ_n weep_v and_o that_o irenaeus_n do_v cite_v it_o but_o that_o the_o catholics_n blot_v it_o out_o fear_v lest_o heretic_n shall_v have_v abuse_v it_o other_o father_n also_o declare_v that_o whole_a verse_n be_v take_v out_o of_o mark_n because_o of_o the_o manichee_n but_o further_a oper._n epiph._n in_o anachor_n tom._n 3._o oper._n the_o various_a lection_n of_o the_o hebrew_n character_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n which_o some_o plead_v for_o as_o cooevous_a with_o the_o first_o write_n which_o other_o with_o no_o less_o probability_n allege_v to_o be_v a_o latter_a invention_n etc._n the_o various_a lection_n of_o the_o hebrew_n character_n etc._n etc._n the_o disagreement_n of_o divers_a citation_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n with_o those_o passage_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o appeal_n to_o the_o great_a controversy_n among_o the_o father_n whereof_o some_o most_o high_o approve_v the_o greek_a septuagint_n decry_v and_o render_v very_o doubtful_a the_o hebrew_n copy_n as_o in_o many_o place_n vitiate_v and_o alter_v by_o the_o jew_n other_o some_o and_o particular_o jerom_n exalt_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o hebrew_n and_o reject_v yea_o even_o deride_v the_o history_n of_o the_o septuagint_n which_o the_o primitive_a church_n chief_o make_v use_n of_o and_o some_o father_n that_o live_v century_n before_o he_o affirm_v to_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a thing_n and_o the_o many_o various_a lection_n in_o divers_a copy_n of_o the_o greek_a and_o the_o great_a alteration_n among_o the_o father_n of_o the_o first_o three_o century_n who_o have_v great_a opportunity_n to_o be_v better_o inform_v than_o we_o can_v now_o lay_v claim_n to_o concern_v the_o book_n to_o be_v admit_v or_o reject_v as_o above_o be_v observe_v i_o say_v all_o these_o and_o much_o more_o which_o may_v be_v allege_v put_v the_o mind_n even_o of_o the_o learned_a into_o infinite_a doubt_n scruple_n and_o inextricable_a difficulty_n whence_o we_o may_v very_o safe_o conclude_v that_o jesus_n christ_n who_o promise_v to_o be_v always_o with_o his_o child_n to_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n to_o guard_v they_o against_o the_o device_n of_o the_o enemy_n and_o to_o establish_v their_o faith_n upon_o a_o unmoveable_a rock_n leave_v they_o not_o to_o be_v principal_o rule_v by_o that_o which_o be_v subject_a in_o itself_o to_o many_o uncertainty_n and_o therefore_o he_o give_v they_o his_o spirit_n as_o their_o principal_a guide_n which_o neither_o moth_n nor_o time_n can_v wear_v out_o nor_o transcriber_n nor_o translator_n corrupt_a which_o none_o be_v so_o young_a none_o so_o illiterate_a none_o in_o so_o remote_a a_o place_n but_o they_o may_v come_v to_o be_v reach_v and_o right_o inform_v by_o it_o through_o and_o by_o the_o clearness_n which_o that_o spirit_n give_v we_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v only_o best_o rid_v of_o those_o difficulty_n that_o occur_v to_o we_o concern_v the_o scripture_n the_o real_a and_o undoubted_a experience_n whereof_o i_o myself_o have_v be_v a_o witness_n of_o with_o great_a admiration_n of_o the_o love_n
testimony_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n even_o than_o john_n who_o be_v the_o great_a but_o when_o we_o produce_v the_o testimony_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n as_o a_o evidence_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o affirm_v i_o say_v it_o shall_v be_v receive_v by_o our_o adversary_n who_o own_o the_o scripture_n as_o their_o chief_a and_o only_a rule_n for_o either_o they_o shall_v receive_v it_o or_o not_o receive_v it_o if_o they_o shall_v receive_v it_o than_o they_o be_v faulty_a who_o in_o the_o late_a dispute_n at_o aberdeen_n do_v refuse_v to_o receive_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o from_o we_o only_o because_o we_o say_v we_o have_v a_o great_a to_o wit_n that_o of_o the_o spirit_n within_o we_o although_o we_o own_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o great_a visible_a and_o outward_a evidence_n that_o we_o can_v give_v to_o our_o adversary_n if_o they_o shall_v not_o receive_v the_o scripture-evidence_n and_o testimony_n as_o from_o 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wrought_v upon_o many_o who_o be_v no_o prophet_n if_o miracle_n be_v necessary_a to_o evince_v a_o man_n send_v of_o god_n he_o must_v come_v with_o these_o miracle_n before_o the_o people_n which_o john_n do_v not_o nor_o do_v ionas_n come_v with_o any_o miracle_n to_o convince_v the_o ninivites_n but_o simple_o declare_v his_o message_n and_o john_n calvin_n assert_v inst._n calv._n l._n 4._o c._n 3._o inst._n that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o miracle_n and_o yet_o he_o maintain_v that_o in_o his_o day_n god_n raise_v up_o apostle_n or_o evangelist_n say_v that_o it_o be_v needful_a such_o shall_v be_v to_o bring_v back_o the_o poor_a people_n that_o have_v go_v astray_o after_o antichrist_n neither_o do_v any_o protestant_n pretend_v to_o any_o miracle_n they_o plead_v against_o the_o papist_n that_o there_o be_v no_o absolute_a need_n of_o any_o in_o respect_n they_o preach_v not_o a_o new_a gospel_n but_o that_o which_o be_v already_o confirm_v with_o miracle_n by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o so_o thy_o plea_n against_o we_o here_o be_v the_o same_o that_o be_v urge_v by_o the_o papist_n against_o the_o primitive_a protestant_n a_o evil_a and_o adulterous_a generation_n say_v christ_n seek_v after_o miracle_n and_o though_o miracle_n shall_v be_v give_v they_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o their_o conscience_n bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n will_v not_o also_o believe_v because_o of_o miracle_n as_o we_o see_v plain_o in_o the_o jew_n and_o whereas_o thou_o say_v john_n immediate_a call_n be_v evident_a by_o the_o special_a prediction_n both_o of_o malachy_n and_o isaias_n concern_v he_o so_o be_v there_o many_o special_a prediction_n concern_v the_o lord_n his_o pour_v forth_o of_o his_o spirit_n upon_o many_o in_o these_o latter_a day_n to_o prophecy_n or_o minister_n as_o the_o spirit_n shall_v put_v word_n into_o their_o mouth_n and_o as_o for_o these_o scripture_n tit._n 1.5_o act_n 14.23_o which_o thou_o bring_v in_o the_o five_o place_n they_o prove_v not_o that_o those_o elder_n have_v not_o the_o authority_n and_o call_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o themselves_o and_o whereas_o in_o the_o six_o place_n thou_o say_v though_o minister_n be_v set_v apart_o and_o ordain_v by_o man_n yet_o their_o ministry_n be_v not_o from_o man_n but_o from_o god_n i_o answer_v where_o the_o inward_a call_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v not_o witness_v it_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v of_o god_n and_o though_o moses_n be_v say_v to_o consesecrate_v aaron_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o aaron_n have_v no_o immediate_a call_n from_o god_n seven_o thou_o say_v the_o ministry_n be_v so_o necessary_a that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o it_o shall_v continue_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n eph._n 5.12_o 13._o saint_n ministry_n perfect_v the_o saint_n but_o thy_o proof_n from_o that_o scripture_n be_v altogether_o impertinent_a as_o to_o you_o who_o believe_v not_o that_o the_o saint_n can_v be_v perfect_v in_o this_o life_n see_v the_o ministry_n be_v give_v for_o the_o perfect_a of_o they_o and_o that_o this_o perfection_n be_v on_o earth_n be_v clear_a from_o the_o follow_a verse_n that_o henceforth_o we_o be_v no_o more_o as_o child_n toss_v to_o and_o fro_o for_o in_o the_o other_o life_n there_o be_v no_o hazard_n of_o be_v so_o toss_v and_o if_o the_o ministry_n perfect_v not_o man_n in_o this_o life_n it_o nowhere_o perfect_v they_o for_o in_o the_o other_o life_n it_o have_v no_o operation_n upon_o they_o the_o law_n and_o priesthood_n thereof_o be_v abolish_v because_o it_o make_v nothing_o perfect_a and_o if_o the_o gospel-ministry_n shall_v not_o make_v perfect_a it_o shall_v also_o be_v abolish_v and_o see_v your_o ministry_n perfect_v not_o it_o be_v not_o the_o true_a ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o for_o it_o stand_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n nor_o be_v it_o exercise_v in_o the_o will_n and_o motion_n of_o god_n your_o ministry_n be_v such_o that_o the_o whole_a esse_fw-la or_o be_v of_o it_o may_v be_v without_o save_v grace_n or_o true_a holiness_n you_o express_o affirm_v that_o holiness_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o minister_n but_o that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o ought_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o hear_v though_o he_o have_v not_o the_o least_o grain_n of_o holiness_n eight_o thou_o say_v they_o who_o cast_v off_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n wrong_v their_o own_o soul_n etc._n etc._n answ._n if_o it_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v grant_v but_o of_o you_o it_o be_v deny_v in_o the_o five_o place_n page_z 44._o thou_o will_v prove_v that_o the_o lord_n people_n be_v under_o a_o tie_n and_o engagement_n to_o keep_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n for_o a_o sabbath_n for_o a_o first_o reason_n thou_o say_v the_o four_o commandment_n require_v the_o keep_n holy_a of_o one_o day_n of_o seven_o but_o as_o it_o require_v the_o observation_n of_o one_o day_n of_o seven_o so_o it_o express_o instance_v that_o day_n to_o be_v the_o seven_o which_o day_n â—â—e_v keep_v not_o wherefore_o as_o to_o the_o second_o reason_n if_o the_o command_n be_v moral_a and_o perpetual_a as_o thou_o call_v it_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v keep_v in_o every_o point_n of_o it_o which_o you_o not_o do_v therein_o condemn_v yourselves_o perpetual_a the_o outward_a sabbath_n not_o perpetual_a but_o the_o outward_a sabbath_n or_o the_o keep_n one_o day_n of_o the_o week_n for_o a_o sabbath_n be_v not_o perpetual_a but_o abolish_v together_o with_o the_o new-moon_n and_o other_o feast_n of_o the_o jew_n see_v coloss._n 2.16_o 17._o let_v
assertion_n bold_o w._n r._n censure_v the_o apostle_n bold_o 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 decision_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 evince_v judgement_n evince_v and_o 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 those_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 reason_n iv_o four_o a_o great_a part_n of_o w._n r_n work_n be_v but_o a_o build_n up_o and_o then_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 write_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 that_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n and_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 aught_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 express_v 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 verse_n 34._o viz._n 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 liberty_n a_o wrong_a spirit_n of_o liberty_n and_o so_o practice_v 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_a 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_v 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 these_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 they_o he_o do_v repute_v such_o who_o he_o censure_v judge_n and_o condemn_v 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 imply_v a_o manifest_a contradiction_n so_o his_o very_a write_n contradict_v the_o matter_n he_o write_v of_o and_o plead_v for_o especial_o since_o not_o only_o he_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 particular_a and_o peremptory_a accuser_n w._n r._n a_o false_a accuser_n 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 of_o my_o brethren_n as_o his_o very_a conclusion_n intimate_v and_o in_o divers_a other_o place_n may_v be_v observe_v and_o it_o will_v aggravate_v this_o injury_n do_v by_o he_o the_o more_o that_o the_o reader_n may_v observe_v as_o well_o in_o his_o own_o letter_n as_o in_o what_o be_v above_o mention_v that_o this_o his_o censure_n be_v build_v upon_o his_o own_o mistake_v so_o that_o i_o hope_v who_o consider_v these_o thing_n will_v acknowledge_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n be_v hereby_o return_v and_o albeit_o i_o myself_o be_v full_o satisfy_v yet_o i_o shall_v not_o have_v churl_v the_o pain_n of_o a_o particular_a disquisition_n of_o every_o thing_n in_o order_n as_o assert_v by_o he_o albeit_o he_o have_v not_o do_v that_o to_o i_o if_o i_o have_v not_o a_o aversion_n from_o multiply_a controversy_n of_o this_o kind_n for_o the_o desire_n i_o have_v to_o avoid_v that_o sort_n of_o work_n and_o not_o for_o any_o strength_n of_o argumentation_n i_o observe_v in_o w._n r_n paper_n have_v stop_v i_o from_o so_o do_v but_o if_o any_o do_v apprehend_v that_o strength_n of_o reason_n in_o his_o paper_n as_o to_o judge_n i_o be_v unable_a to_o answer_v or_o that_o this_o be_v not_o satisfactory_a it_o will_v but_o evidence_n the_o weakness_n of_o their_o own_o understanding_n to_o the_o more_o judicious_a and_o i_o shall_v not_o think_v much_o to_o bear_v their_o censure_n for_o i_o value_v more_o my_o own_o inward_a peace_n and_o that_o of_o my_o brethren_n than_o to_o obtain_v a_o applause_n of_o my_o natural_a capacity_n wherein_o if_o any_o judge_n that_o w._n r._n do_v surpass_v i_o i_o shall_v not_o therewith_o be_v trouble_v truth_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o simplicity_n of_o truth_n for_o i_o more_o and_o more_o see_v the_o excellency_n of_o that_o simplicity_n that_o be_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o of_o that_o unity_n that_o it_o lead_v to_o and_o thence_o do_v more_o earnest_o than_o ever_o desire_v to_o witness_v all_o that_o be_v of_o and_o from_o self_n crucify_a in_o i_o and_o bring_v into_o true_a subjection_n to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n and_o there_o alone_o may_v be_v my_o rejoice_v wherein_o i_o be_o at_o unity_n with_o all_o those_o who_o make_v self_n of_o no_o reputation_n for_o the_o seed_n sake_n that_o the_o prosperity_n of_o truth_n may_v be_v advance_v and_o the_o peace_n of_o israel_n preserved_n r._n barclay_n william_n rogers_n letter_n of_o his_o and_z r._n barclay_n discourse_n about_o the_o book_n beforementioned_a in_o the_o presence_n of_o many_o brethren_n and_o also_o a_o paper_n signify_v the_o brethren_n sense_n touch_v the_o discourse_n then_o present_a friend_n it_o be_v upon_o i_o for_o several_a week_n past_a etc._n w._n r_n letter_n clear_v r._n b_n anarchy_n etc._n etc._n if_o my_o occasion_n will_v any_o wise_a permit_v to_o come_v up_o to_o the_o city_n of_o london_n to_o be_v present_a among_o friend_n from_o divers_a part_n of_o the_o nation_n at_o this_o time_n that_o so_o i_o may_v have_v opportunity_n to_o confer_v with_o friend_n who_o be_v dissatisfy_v with_o i_o touch_v what_o i_o have_v write_v in_o answer_n to_o r._n barclay_n be_v book_n of_o government_n and_o a_o few_o day_n before_o my_o come_v up_o r._n barclay_n be_v in_o london_n write_v unto_o i_o to_o come_v up_o that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o conference_n at_o large_a touch_v the_o same_o this_o his_o request_n lay_v the_o great_a obligation_n upon_o i_o to_o be_v present_a in_o london_n at_o this_o time_n on_o conference_n have_v with_o he_o we_o agree_v that_o a_o free_a meeting_n may_v be_v have_v with_o friend_n in_o who_o presence_n r._n b._n and_o myself_o may_v in_o all_o coolness_n and_o moderation_n confer_v together_o that_o so_o all_o misunderstanding_n may_v be_v remove_v and_o the_o truth_n be_v evidence_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o brethren_n then_o present_a the_o meeting_n for_o that_o end_n be_v this_o day_n have_v and_o a_o very_a christian_a and_o fair_a debate_n be_v have_v to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o both_o of_o we_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v understand_v and_o the_o matter_n chief_o object_v by_o i_o be_v fair_o and_o brother-like_a and_o in_o much_o love_n discourse_v and_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o be_o satisfy_v that_o r._n b._n be_v not_o principled_a so_o as_o i_o and_o other_o have_v take_v his_o book_n to_o import_n in_o particular_a he_o do_v declare_v that_o his_o book_n teach_v not_o that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v jurisdiction_n over_o the_o outward_a concern_v of_o friend_n in_o case_n of_o difference_n jurisdiction_n jurisdiction_n without_o assent_n of_o the_o differ_v party_n and_o that_o it_o be_v far_o from_o his_o intention_n for_o his_o intention_n as_o he_o declare_v be_v only_o to_o manifest_v that_o friend_n ought_v to_o submit_v their_o case_n of_o difference_n to_o
we_o make_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o build_n up_o of_o true_a faith_n neither_o do_v nor_o can_v ever_o contradict_v the_o outward_a testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o right_a and_o sound_a reason_n yet_o from_o hence_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o the_o divine_a revelation_n be_v to_o be_v subject_v to_o the_o test_n either_o of_o the_o outward_a testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o of_o the_o natural_a reason_n of_o man_n as_o to_o a_o more-noble_a or_o certain_a rule_n and_o touchstone_n for_o this_o divine_a revelation_n and_o inward_a illumination_n be_v that_o which_o be_v evident_a and_o clear_a of_o itself_o force_v by_o its_o own_o evidence_n and_o clearness_n the_o well-disposed_a understanding_n to_o assent_v irresistible_o move_v the_o same_o thereunto_o even_o as_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o natural_a truth_n do_v move_v and_o incline_v the_o mind_n to_o a_o natural_a assent_n as_o that_o the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o its_o part_n that_o two_o contradictory_n can_v neither_o be_v both_o true_a nor_o both_o false_a §_o i._o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o many_o carnal_a and_o natural_a christian_n will_v oppose_v this_o proposition_n who_o be_v whole_o unacquainted_a with_o the_o moving_n and_o act_n of_o god_n spirit_n upon_o their_o heart_n reject_v revelation_n by_o apostate_n christian_n reject_v judge_v the_o same_o nothing_o necessary_a and_o some_o be_v apt_a to_o flout_v at_o it_o as_o ridiculous_a yea_o to_o that_o height_n be_v the_o generality_n of_o all_o christian_n apostatise_v and_o degenerate_v that_o though_o there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n more_o plain_o assert_v more_o serious_o recommend_v nor_o more_o certain_o attest_v to_o in_o all_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n yet_o nothing_o be_v less_o mind_v and_o more_o reject_v by_o all_o sort_n of_o christian_n than_o immediate_a and_o divine_a revelation_n in_o so_o much_o that_o once_o to_o lay_v claim_n to_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o reproach_n whereas_o of_o old_a none_o be_v ever_o judge_v christian_n but_o such_o as_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n rom._n 8.9_o but_o now_o many_o do_v bold_o call_v themselves_o christian_n who_o make_v no_o difficulty_n of_o confess_v they_o be_v without_o it_o and_o laugh_v at_o such_o as_o say_v they_o have_v it_o of_o old_a they_o be_v account_v the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n ibid._n vers_fw-la 14._o but_o now_o many_o aver_v themselves_o son_n of_o god_n who_o know_v nothing_o of_o this_o leader_n and_o he_o that_o affirm_v himself_o so_o lead_v be_v by_o the_o pretend_a orthodox_n of_o this_o age_n present_o proclaim_v a_o heretic_n the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v very_o manifest_a viz._n because_o many_o in_o these_o day_n under_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n do_v experimental_o find_v that_o they_o be_v not_o act_v nor_o lead_v by_o god_n spirit_n yea_o many_o great_a doctor_n divine_n teacher_n and_o bishop_n of_o christianity_n common_o so_o call_v have_v whole_o shut_v their_o ear_n from_o hear_v and_o their_o eye_n from_o see_v this_o inward_a guide_n and_o so_o be_v become_v stranger_n unto_o it_o whence_o they_o be_v by_o their_o own_o experience_n bring_v to_o this_o straight_a either_o to_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v as_o yet_o ignorant_a of_o god_n and_o have_v only_o the_o shadow_n of_o knowledge_n and_o not_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o he_o or_o that_o this_o knowledge_n be_v acquire_v without_o immediate_a revelation_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n then_o of_o this_o proposition_n we_o do_v distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o god_n distinguish_v knowledge_n spiritual_a and_o literal_a distinguish_v and_o the_o uncertain_a betwixt_o the_o spiritual_a knowledge_n and_o the_o literal_a the_o save_v heart-knowledge_n and_o soar_v airy_a head-knowledge_n the_o last_o we_o confess_v may_v be_v divers_a way_n obtain_v but_o the_o first_o by_o no_o other_o way_n than_o the_o inward_a immediate_a manifestation_n and_o revelation_n of_o god_n spirit_n shine_v in_o and_o upon_o the_o heart_n enlighten_v and_o open_v the_o understanding_n §_o ii_o have_v then_o propose_v to_o myself_o in_o these_o proposition_n to_o affirm_v those_o thing_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o true_a and_o effectual_a knowledge_n which_o bring_v life_n eternal_a with_o it_o therefore_o i_o have_v affirm_v and_o that_o true_o that_o this_o knowledge_n be_v no_o otherways_o attain_v and_o that_o none_o have_v any_o true_a ground_n to_o believe_v they_o have_v attain_v it_o who_o have_v it_o not_o by_o this_o revelation_n of_o god_n spirit_n the_o certainty_n of_o which_o truth_n be_v such_o that_o it_o have_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o some_o of_o the_o most_o refine_a and_o famous_a of_o all_o sort_n of_o professor_n of_o christianity_n in_o all_o age_n who_o be_v true_o vpright-hearted_n and_o earnest_a seeker_n of_o the_o lord_n however_o state_v under_o the_o disadvantage_n and_o epidemical_a error_n of_o their_o several_a sect_n or_o age_n the_o true_a seed_n in_o they_o have_v be_v answer_v by_o god_n love_n who_o have_v have_v regard_n to_o the_o good_a and_o have_v have_v of_o his_o elect_a one_o among_o all_o who_o find_v a_o distaste_n and_o disgust_n in_o all_o other_o outward_a mean_n even_o in_o the_o very_a principle_n and_o precept_n more_o particular_o relative_a to_o their_o own_o form_n and_o society_n have_v at_o last_o conclude_v with_o one_o voice_n that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n but_o that_o which_o be_v reveal_v inward_o by_o his_o own_o spirit_n whereof_o take_v these_o follow_a testimony_n of_o the_o ancient_n 1._o it_o be_v the_o inward_a master_n say_v augustin_n that_o teach_v it_o be_v christ_n that_o teach_v 3._o aug._n ex_fw-la tract_n epist._n joh._n 3._o it_o be_v inspiration_n that_o teach_v where_o this_o inspiration_n and_o unction_n be_v want_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a that_o word_n from_o without_o be_v beat_v in_o and_o thereafter_o for_o he_o that_o create_v we_o and_o redeem_v we_o and_o call_v we_o by_o faith_n and_o dwell_v in_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n unless_o he_o speak_v unto_o you_o inward_o it_o be_v needless_a for_o we_o to_o cry_v out_o 2._o there_o be_v a_o difference_n say_v clemens_n alexandrinus_n betwixt_o that_o which_o any_o one_o say_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o which_o the_o truth_n itself_o interpret_n itself_o say_v a_o conjecture_n of_o truth_n differ_v from_o the_o truth_n itself_o a_o similitude_n of_o a_o thing_n differ_v from_o the_o thing_n itself_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n strom._n clem._n alex._n lib._n 1._o strom._n that_o be_v acquire_v by_o exercise_n and_o discipline_n and_o another_o thing_n which_o by_o power_n and_o faith_n last_o the_o same_o clemens_n say_v truth_n be_v neither_o hard_a to_o be_v arrive_v at_o nor_o be_v it_o impossible_a to_o apprehend_v it_o paedag._n paedag._n for_o it_o be_v most_o nigh_o unto_o we_o even_o in_o our_o house_n as_o the_o most_o wise_a moses_n have_v insinuate_v 3._o how_o be_v it_o 1._o tertullianus_n lib._n de_fw-la veland_n virginibus_fw-la cap._n 1._o say_v tertullian_n that_o since_o the_o devil_n always_o work_v and_o stir_v up_o the_o mind_n to_o iniquity_n that_o the_o work_n of_o god_n shall_v either_o cease_v or_o desist_v to_o act_v since_o for_o this_o end_n the_o lord_n do_v send_v the_o comforter_n that_o because_o human_a weakness_n can_v not_o at_o once_o bear_v all_o thing_n knowledge_n may_v be_v by_o little_a and_o little_o direct_v form_v and_o bring_v to_o perfection_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o vicar_n of_o the_o lord_n i_o have_v many_o thing_n yet_o say_v he_o to_o speak_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o can_v as_o yet_o bear_v they_o but_o when_o that_o spirit_n of_o truth_n shall_v come_v he_o shall_v lead_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o shall_v teach_v you_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o come_v but_o of_o his_o work_n we_o have_v speak_v above_o what_o be_v then_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o comforter_n but_o that_o discipline_n be_v derive_v and_o the_o scripture_n reveal_v etc._n etc._n 4._o the_o law_n say_v hierom_n be_v spiritual_a 103._o hieron_n epist_n paulin._n 103._o and_o there_o be_v need_n of_o a_o revelation_n to_o understand_v it_o and_o in_o his_o epistle_n 150._o to_o hedibia_n quest._n 11._o he_o say_v the_o whole_a epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n needs_o a_o interpretation_n it_o be_v involve_v in_o so_o great_a obscurity_n that_o for_o the_o understanding_n thereof_o we_o need_v the_o help_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o through_o the_o apostle_n dictate_v it_o 5._o so_o great_a thing_n say_v athanasius_n do_v our_o saviour_n daily_o dei_fw-la athanasius_n de_fw-fr incarnatione_fw-la verbi_fw-la dei_fw-la he_o draw_v unto_o piety_n persuade_v unto_o virtue_n teach_v immortality_n excite_v to_o the_o desire_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n reveal_v knowledge_n from_o the_o father_n
same_o reason_n be_v the_o spirit_n more_o original_o and_o principal_o the_o rule_n according_a to_o that_o receive_a maxim_n in_o the_o school_n propter_fw-la quod_fw-la unumquodque_fw-la est_fw-la tale_n illud_fw-la ipsum_fw-la magis_fw-la est_fw-la tale_n that_o for_o which_o a_o thing_n be_v such_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v more_o such_o §_o i._o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o proposition_n though_o it_o need_v no_o apology_n for_o it_o world_n the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o most_o excellent_a write_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o be_v a_o good_a apology_n for_o we_o and_o will_v help_v to_o sweep_v away_o that_o among_o many_o other_o calumny_n wherewith_o we_o be_v often_o load_v as_o if_o we_o be_v vilifier_n and_o denier_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o in_o that_o which_o we_o affirm_v of_o they_o it_o do_v appear_v at_o what_o high_a rate_n we_o value_v they_o account_v they_o without_o all_o deceit_n or_o equivocation_n the_o most_o excellent_a write_n in_o the_o world_n to_o which_o not_o only_o not_o other_o write_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v but_o even_o in_o divers_a respect_n not_o comparable_a thereunto_o for_o as_o we_o free_o acknowledge_v that_o their_o authority_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o approbation_n or_o canon_n of_o any_o church_n or_o assembly_n so_o neither_o can_v we_o subject_v they_o to_o the_o fall_a corrupt_a and_o defile_a reason_n of_o man_n and_o therein_o as_o we_o do_v free_o agree_v with_o the_o protestant_n against_o the_o error_n of_o the_o romanist_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o can_v go_v the_o length_n of_o such_o protestant_n as_o make_v their_o authority_n to_o depend_v upon_o any_o virtue_n or_o power_n that_o be_v in_o the_o write_n themselves_o but_o we_o desire_v to_o ascribe_v all_o to_o that_o spirit_n from_o which_o they_o proceed_v we_o confess_v indeed_o there_o want_v not_o a_o majesty_n in_o the_o style_n a_o coherence_n in_o the_o part_n a_o good_a scope_n in_o the_o whole_a but_o see_v these_o 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take_v high_a than_o humane_a reason_n judgement_n or_o conjecture_n to_o wit_n from_o the_o secret_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o again_o to_o those_o that_o ask_v that_o we_o prove_v unto_o they_o by_o reason_n that_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v inspire_v of_o god_n to_o speak_v i_o answer_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v more_o excellent_a than_o all_o reason_n and_o again_o let_v this_o remain_v a_o firm_a truth_n that_o he_o only_o who_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v persuade_v can_v repose_v himself_o on_o the_o scripture_n with_o a_o true_a certainty_n and_o last_o this_o than_o be_v a_o judgement_n which_o can_v be_v beget_v but_o by_o a_o heavenly_a revelation_n etc._n etc._n the_o same_o be_v also_o affirm_v in_o the_o first_o public_a confession_n of_o the_o french_a church_n publish_v in_o the_o year_n 1559._o art_n 4._o we_o know_v these_o book_n to_o be_v canonic_a and_o the_o most_o â—ertain_a rule_n of_o our_o faith_n church_n the_o confession_n of_o the_o french_a church_n not_o so_o much_o by_o the_o common_a accord_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n as_o by_o the_o testimony_n and_o inward_a persuasion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n thus_o also_o in_o the_o five_o article_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n of_o holland_n confirm_v by_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n same_o church_n of_o holland_n assert_v the_o same_o we_o receive_v these_o book_n only_o for_o holy_a and_o canonic_a not_o so_o much_o because_o the_o church_n receive_v and_o approve_v they_o as_o because_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n render_v witness_n in_o our_o heart_n that_o they_o be_v of_o god_n and_o last_o the_o divine_n so_o call_v at_o westminster_n same_o westminster_n confession_n the_o same_o who_o begin_v to_o be_v afraid_a of_o and_o guard_n against_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n because_o they_o perceive_v a_o dispensation_n beyond_o that_o which_o they_o be_v under_o beginning_z to_z dawn_n and_o to_o eclipse_v they_o yet_o can_v they_o not_o get_v by_o this_o though_o they_o have_v lay_v it_o down_o neither_o so_o clear_o distinct_o nor_o honest_o as_o they_o that_o go_v before_o it_o be_v in_o these_o word_n chap._n 1._o sect._n 5._o nevertheless_o our_o full_a persuasion_n and_o assurance_n of_o the_o infallible_a truth_n thereof_o be_v from_o the_o inward_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n bearing_z witness_v by_o and_o with_o the_o word_n in_o our_o heart_n by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o seek_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o scripture_n from_o the_o spirit_n and_o no_o where_o else_o the_o infinite_a jangle_n and_o endless_a contest_v of_o those_o that_o seek_v their_o authority_n elsewhere_o do_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n hereof_o for_o the_o ancient_n themselves_o apocrypha_fw-la apocrypha_fw-la even_o of_o the_o first_o century_n be_v not_o at_o one_o among_o themselves_o concern_v they_o while_o some_o of_o they_o reject_v book_n which_o we_o approve_v and_o other_o of_o they_o approve_v those_o received_n council_n laod._n can._n 59_o in_o cod_n ecc._n 163._o council_n laod._n hold_v in_o the_o year_n 364._o exclude_v from_o the_o canon_n eccl_n the_o wisdom_n of_o solomon_n judith_n tobias_n the_o maccabee_n which_o the_o council_n of_o carthage_n hold_v in_o the_o year_n 399._o received_n which_o some_o of_o we_o reject_v it_o be_v not_o unknown_a to_o such_o as_o be_v in_o the_o least_o acquaint_v with_o antiquity_n what_o great_a contest_v be_v concern_v the_o second_o epistle_n of_o peter_n that_o of_o james_n the_o second_o and_o three_o of_o john_n and_o the_o revelation_n which_o many_o even_o very_a ancient_n deny_v to_o have_v be_v write_v by_o the_o belove_a disciple_n and_o brother_n of_o james_n but_o by_o another_o of_o that_o name_n what_o shall_v then_o become_v of_o christian_n if_o they_o have_v not_o receive_v that_o spirit_n and_o those_o spiritual_a sense_n by_o which_o they_o know_v how_o to_o discern_v the_o true_a from_o the_o false_a it_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o christ_n sheep_n indeed_o that_o they_o hear_v his_o voice_n and_o refuse_v that_o of_o a_o stranger_n which_o privilege_n be_v take_v away_o we_o be_v leave_v a_o prey_n to_o all_o manner_n of_o wolf_n §_o ii_o though_o then_o we_o do_v acknowledge_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o very_a heavenly_a and_o divine_a write_n the_o use_n of_o they_o to_o be_v very_o comfortable_a and_o necessary_a to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o we_o also_o admire_v and_o give_v praise_n to_o the_o lord_n for_o his_o wonderful_a providence_n in_o preserve_v these_o write_n so_o pure_a and_o uncorrupted_a as_o we_o have_v they_o through_o so_o long_a a_o night_n of_o apostasy_n to_o be_v a_o testimony_n for_o his_o truth_n against_o the_o wickedness_n and_o abomination_n even_o of_o those_o who_o he_o make_v instrumental_a in_o preserve_v they_o so_o that_o they_o have_v keep_v they_o to_o 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some_o measure_n to_o be_v in_o every_o true_a christian_a so_o that_o that_o give_v a_o man_n no_o certainty_n every_o capacity_n to_o a_o office_n give_v i_o not_o a_o sufficient_a call_v to_o it_o next_o again_o by_o what_o rule_n shall_v i_o judge_v if_o i_o be_v so_o qualify_v how_o do_v i_o know_v that_o i_o be_o sober_a meek_a holy_a harmless_a be_v not_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o my_o conscience_n that_o which_o must_v assure_v i_o hereof_o and_o suppose_v that_o i_o be_v qualify_v and_o call_v yet_o what_o scripture-rule_n shall_v inform_v i_o whether_o it_o be_v my_o duty_n to_o preach_v in_o this_o or_o that_o place_n in_o france_n or_o england_n holland_n or_o germany_n whether_o i_o shall_v take_v up_o my_o time_n in_o confirm_v the_o faithful_a reclaim_v heretic_n or_o convert_v infidel_n as_o also_o in_o write_v epistle_n to_o this_o or_o that_o church_n the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n viz._n to_o be_v diligent_a in_o my_o duty_n to_o do_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n can_v give_v i_o no_o light_n in_o this_o thing_n see_v two_o different_a thing_n may_v both_o have_v a_o respect_n to_o that_o way_n yet_o may_v i_o commit_v a_o great_a error_n and_o offence_n in_o do_v the_o one_o when_o i_o be_o call_v to_o the_o other_o if_o paul_n when_o his_o face_n be_v turn_v by_o the_o lord_n towards_o jerusalem_n have_v go_v back_o to_o achaia_n or_o macedonia_n he_o may_v have_v suppose_v he_o can_v have_v do_v god_n more_o acceptable_a service_n in_o preach_v and_o confirm_v the_o church_n than_o in_o be_v shut_v up_o in_o prison_n in_o judea_n but_o will_v god_n have_v be_v please_v herewith_o nay_o certain_o obedience_n be_v better_a than_o sacrifice_n and_o it_o be_v not_o our_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a simple_o that_o please_v god_n but_o that_o good_a which_o he_o will_v we_o to_o do_v every_o member_n have_v its_o particular_a place_n in_o the_o body_n as_o the_o apostle_n show_v 1_o cor._n 12._o if_o then_o i_o be_v the_o foot_n shall_v offer_v to_o exercise_v the_o office_n of_o the_o hand_n or_o be_v the_o hand_n that_o of_o the_o tongue_n my_o service_n will_v be_v troublesome_a and_o not_o acceptable_a and_o instead_o of_o help_v the_o body_n i_o shall_v make_v a_o schism_n in_o it_o so_o that_o that_o which_o be_v good_a for_o another_o to_o do_v another_o that_o which_o be_v good_a for_o one_o to_o do_v may_v be_v sinful_a to_o another_o may_v be_v sinful_a to_o i_o for_o as_o master_n will_v have_v their_o servant_n to_o obey_v they_o according_a to_o their_o good_a pleasure_n not_o only_o in_o blind_o do_v that_o which_o may_v seem_v to_o they_o to_o tend_v to_o their_o master_n profit_n whereby_o it_o may_v chance_v the_o master_n have_v business_n both_o in_o the_o field_n and_o in_o the_o house_n that_o the_o servant_n that_o know_v not_o his_o master_n will_n may_v go_v to_o the_o field_n when_o it_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o master_n he_o shall_v stay_v and_o do_v the_o business_n of_o the_o house_n will_v not_o this_o servant_n then_o deserve_v a_o reproof_n for_o not_o answer_v his_o master_n mind_n and_o what_o master_n be_v so_o sottish_a and_o careless_a as_o have_v many_o servant_n leave_v they_o in_o such_o disorder_n as_o not_o to_o assign_v each_o his_o particular_a station_n and_o not_o only_o the_o general_a term_n of_o do_v that_o which_o be_v profitable_a which_o will_v leave_v they_o in_o various_a doubt_n and_o no_o doubt_n land_n in_o confusion_n shall_v we_o then_o dare_v to_o ascribe_v unto_o christ_n in_o the_o order_v of_o his_o church_n and_o servant_n that_o which_o in_o man_n may_v just_o be_v account_v disorder_n and_o confusion_n the_o apostle_n show_v this_o distinction_n well_o rom._n 12.6_o 8._o gift_n diversity_n of_o gift_n have_v then_o gift_n differ_v according_a to_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v give_v 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 ministring_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 now_o what_o scripture-rule_n show_v i_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o exhort_v rather_o than_o prophesy_v or_o minister_n rather_o than_o teach_v sure_o none_o at_o all_o many_o more_o difficulty_n of_o this_o kind_n occur_v in_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian._n thou_o of_o faith_n and_o salvation_n can_v the_o scripture_n assure_v thou_o moreover_o that_o which_o of_o all_o thing_n be_v most_o needful_a for_o he_o to_o know_v to_o wit_n whether_o he_o real_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o a_o heir_n of_o salvation_n or_o no_o the_o scripture_n can_v give_v he_o no_o certainty_n in_o neither_o can_v it_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o he_o that_o this_o knowledge_n be_v exceed_o desirable_a and_o comfortable_a all_o do_v unanimous_o acknowledge_v beside_o that_o it_o be_v special_o command_v 2_o cor._n 13.5_o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v yourselves_o know_v you_o not_o your_o own_o self_n how_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o you_o except_o you_o be_v reprobate_n and_o 2_o pet._n 1.10_o wherefore_o the_o rather_o brethren_n give_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v your_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a now_o i_o say_v what_o scripture-rule_n can_v assure_v i_o that_o i_o have_v true_a faith_n that_o my_o call_v and_o election_n be_v sure_a if_o it_o be_v say_v by_o compare_v the_o scripture-mark_n of_o true_a faith_n with_o i_o i_o demand_v wherewith_o shall_v i_o make_v this_o observation_n what_o shall_v ascertain_v i_o that_o i_o be_o not_o mistake_v it_o can_v be_v the_o scripture_n that_o be_v the_o matter_n under_o debate_n if_o it_o be_v say_v my_o own_o heart_n how_o unfit_a a_o judge_n be_v it_o in_o its_o own_o case_n and_o how_o like_o to_o be_v partial_a especial_o if_o it_o be_v yet_o vnrenew_v do_v not_o the_o scripture_n say_v deceitful_a the_o heart_n of_o 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give_v i_o no_o certainty_n in_o the_o matter_n again_o if_o i_o shall_v pursue_v the_o argument_n further_o and_o seek_v a_o new_a medium_fw-la out_o of_o the_o scripture_n the_o same_o difficulty_n will_v occur_v thus_o he_o that_o have_v the_o true_a and_o certain_a mark_n of_o true_a faith_n have_v true_a faith_n but_o i_o have_v those_o mark_n therefore_o i_o have_v true_a faith_n for_o the_o assumption_n be_v still_o here_o of_o my_o own_o make_n and_o be_v not_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o by_o consequence_n the_o conclusion_n can_v be_v no_o better_o since_o it_o still_o follow_v the_o weak_a proposition_n this_o be_v indeed_o so_o pungent_a that_o the_o best_a of_o protestant_n who_o plead_v for_o this_o assurance_n promise_v the_o inward_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o seal_n of_o scripture_n promise_v ascribe_v it_o to_o the_o inward_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o calvin_n in_o that_o large_a citation_n cite_v in_o the_o former_a proposition_n so_o that_o not_o to_o seek_v further_o into_o the_o write_n of_o the_o primitive_a protestant_n which_o be_v full_a of_o such_o expression_n even_o the_o westminster_n confession_n of_o faith_n affirm_v chap._n 18._o §_o 12._o this_o certainty_n be_v not_o a_o bare_a conjecture_n and_o probable_a persuasion_n ground_v upon_o fallible_a hope_n but_o a_o infallible_a assurance_n of_o faith_n found_v upon_o the_o divine_a truth_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n the_o inward_a evidence_n of_o these_o grace_n unto_o which_o these_o promise_n be_v make_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n witness_v to_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n which_o spirit_n be_v the_o earnest_a of_o our_o inheritance_n whereby_o we_o be_v seal_v to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n
precede_v the_o reformation_n tongue_n before_o the_o reformation_n the_o prayer_n of_o the_o people_n be_v perform_v in_o the_o latin_a tongue_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o tongue_n be_v about_o that_o time_n until_o it_o be_v even_o then_o restore_v by_o erasmus_n and_o some_o other_o almost_o lose_v and_o extinct_a and_o this_o barbarity_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o abominable_a that_o the_o whole_a worship_n and_o prayer_n of_o the_o people_n be_v in_o the_o latin_a tongue_n and_o among_o that_o vast_a number_n of_o priest_n monk_n and_o friar_n scarce_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o understand_v his_o breviary_n or_o that_o mass_n that_o he_o daily_o read_v and_o repeat_v the_o scripture_n be_v not_o only_o to_o the_o people_n but_o to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o clergy_n even_o as_o to_o the_o literal_a knowledge_n of_o it_o as_o a_o seal_a book_n i_o shall_v not_o at_o all_o discommend_v the_o zeal_n that_o the_o first_o reformer_n have_v against_o this_o babylonish_n darkness_n commend_v the_o zeal_n and_o endeavour_n of_o the_o first_o reformer_n commend_v nor_o their_o pious_a endeavour_n to_o translate_v the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o i_o do_v true_o believe_v according_a to_o their_o knowledge_n that_o they_o do_v it_o candid_o and_o therefore_o to_o answer_v the_o just_a desire_n of_o those_o that_o desire_v to_o read_v they_o and_o for_o other_o very_a good_a reason_n as_o maintain_v a_o commerce_n and_o understanding_n among_o divers_a nation_n by_o these_o common_a language_n and_o other_o of_o that_o kind_n necessary_a the_o knowledge_n of_o language_n commendable_a and_o school_n necessary_a we_o judge_v it_o necessary_a and_o commendable_a there_o be_v public_a school_n for_o the_o teach_v and_o instruct_v youth_n as_o be_v inclinable_a thereunto_o in_o the_o language_n all_o although_o that_o papal_a ignorance_n deserve_v just_o to_o be_v abhor_v and_o abominate_v we_o see_v nevertheless_o that_o the_o true_a reformation_n consist_v not_o in_o that_o knowledge_n because_o although_o since_o that_o time_n the_o papist_n stir_v up_o through_o emulation_n of_o the_o protestant_n have_v more_o apply_v themselves_o unto_o literature_n and_o it_o now_o more_o flourish_v in_o their_o university_n and_o cloister_n than_o before_o especial_o in_o the_o ignatian_a or_o jesuitick_a sect_n they_o be_v as_o far_o now_o as_o ever_o from_o a_o true_a reformation_n and_o more_o obdure_v in_o their_o pernicious_a doctrine_n jesuit_n the_o papist_n literature_n and_o knowledge_n especial_o the_o jesuit_n but_o all_o this_o will_v not_o make_v this_o a_o necessary_a qualification_n to_o a_o minister_n far_o less_o a_o more_o necessary_a qualification_n than_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o his_o spirit_n because_o the_o spirit_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n can_v make_v up_o this_o want_n in_o the_o most-rustick_a and_o ignorant_a but_o this_o knowledge_n can_v no_o way_n make_v up_o the_o want_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o 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same_o spirit_n and_o this_o we_o have_v plentiful_a experience_n of_o in_o many_o of_o those_o illiterate_a man_n who_o god_n have_v raise_v up_o to_o be_v minister_n in_o his_o church_n in_o this_o day_n so_o that_o some_o such_o by_o his_o spirit_n have_v correct_v some_o of_o the_o error_n of_o the_o translator_n as_o in_o the_o three_o proposition_n concern_v the_o scripture_n i_o before_o observe_v yea_o i_o know_v myself_o a_o poor_a shoemaker_n that_o can_v read_v a_o word_n scripture_n a_o poor_a shoemaker_n that_o can_v not_o read_v refute_v a_o professor_n of_o divinity_n be_v false_a assertion_n from_o scripture_n who_o be_v assault_v with_o a_o false_a citation_n of_o scripture_n from_o a_o public_a professor_n of_o divinity_n before_o the_o magistrate_n of_o a_o city_n when_o he_o have_v be_v take_v preach_v to_o some_o few_o that_o come_v to_o hear_v he_o i_o say_v i_o know_v such_o a_o one_o and_o he_o yet_o live_v who_o though_o the_o professor_n who_o also_o be_v esteem_v a_o learned_a man_n constant_o assert_v his_o say_n to_o be_v a_o scripture-sentence_n yet_o affirm_v not_o through_o any_o certain_a letter-knowledge_n he_o have_v of_o it_o but_o from_o the_o most_o certain_a evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o himself_o that_o the_o professor_n lie_v and_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n never_o say_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o other_o affirm_v and_o the_o bible_n be_v bring_v it_o be_v find_v as_o the_o poor_a shoemaker_n have_v say_v §_o xx._n the_o second_o part_n of_o their_o literature_n be_v logic_n and_o philosophy_n preacher_n 2._o the_o logic_n and_o philosophy_n not_o needful_a to_o a_o preacher_n a_o art_n so_o little_a needful_a to_o a_o true_a minister_n that_o if_o one_o that_o come_v to_o be_v a_o true_a minister_n have_v have_v it_o it_o be_v safe_a for_o he_o to_o forget_v and_o lose_v it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o root_n and_o ground_n of_o all_o contention_n and_o debate_n and_o the_o way_n to_o make_v a_o thing_n a_o great_a deal_n darker_n than_o clear_a for_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o regulate_v man_n reason_n into_o a_o certain_a order_n and_o rule_n that_o he_o may_v find_v out_o as_o they_o pretend_v the_o truth_n it_o lead_v into_o such_o a_o labyrinth_n of_o contention_n as_o be_v far_o more_o fit_a to_o make_v a_o sceptic_a than_o a_o christian_n far_o less_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n yea_o it_o often_o hinder_v man_n from_o a_o clear_a understanding_n of_o thing_n that_o his_o own_o reason_n will_v give_v he_o and_o therefore_o through_o its_o manifold_a rule_n and_o divers_a invention_n it_o often_o give_v occasion_n for_o a_o man_n that_o have_v little_a reason_n foolish_o to_o speak_v much_o to_o no_o purpose_n see_v a_o man_n that_o be_v not_o very_o wise_a may_v notwithstanding_o be_v a_o perfect_a logician_n and_o then_o if_o you_o will_v make_v a_o man_n a_o fool_n to_o purpose_n that_o be_v not_o very_o wise_a do_v but_o teach_v he_o logic_n and_o philosophy_n and_o whereas_o before_o he_o may_v have_v be_v fit_a for_o something_o he_o shall_v then_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o speak_v nonsense_n for_o these_o notion_n will_v so_o swim_v in_o his_o head_n that_o they_o will_v make_v he_o extreme_o busy_a about_o nothing_o the_o use_n emptiness_n the_o use_n of_o logic_n be_v to_o see_v its_o emptiness_n that_o wise_a man_n and_o solid_a make_v of_o it_o be_v to_o see_v the_o emptiness_n thereof_o therefore_o say_v one_o it_o be_v a_o art_n of_o contention_n and_o darkness_n by_o which_o all_o other_o science_n be_v render_v more_o obscure_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v understand_v inst._n understand_v inst._n if_o it_o be_v urge_v that_o thereby_o the_o truth_n may_v be_v maintain_v and_o confirm_v and_o heretic_n confute_v i_o answer_v the_o truth_n in_o man_n true_o rational_a need_v not_o the_o help_n thereof_o and_o such_o as_o be_v obstinate_a this_o will_v not_o convince_v for_o by_o this_o they_o may_v learn_v twenty_o trick_n and_o distinction_n how_o to_o shut_v out_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o truth_n proceed_v from_o a_o honest_a heart_n answ._n and_o speak_v forth_o from_o the_o virtue_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n will_v have_v more_o influence_n and_o take_v soon_o and_o more_o effectual_o than_o by_o a_o thousand_o demonstration_n of_o logic_n as_o that_o 4._o that_o lucae_n osiandri_n epit._n hâ—st_n eccles._n lib._n 2._o cap._n 5._o cent._n 4._o heathen_a philosopher_n acknowledge_v who_o dispute_v with_o the_o christian_a not_o christian_a a_o heathen-philosopher_n dispute_v with_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a be_v convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n by_o a_o ignorant_a old_a man_n who_o they_o can_v not_o bishop_n in_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a be_v so_o subtle_a that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v overcome_v by_o they_o but_o yet_o by_o a_o few_o word_n speak_v by_o a_o simple_a old_a rustic_a be_v present_o convince_v by_o he_o
themselves_o with_o the_o arm_n of_o flesh_n but_o we_o at_o the_o same_o time_n exercise_v worship_n towards_o god_n and_o also_o patient_o bear_v the_o reproach_n and_o ignominy_n which_o christ_n prophesy_v shall_v be_v so_o incident_a and_o frequent_a to_o christian_n for_o how_o can_v the_o papist_n say_v their_o mass_n if_o there_o be_v any_o there_o to_o disturb_v and_o interrupt_v they_o do_v but_o take_v away_o the_o mass-book_n interrupt_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o papist_n soon_o interrupt_v the_o calais_n the_o host_n or_o the_o priest_n garment_n yea_o do_v but_o spill_v the_o water_n or_o the_o wine_n or_o blow_v out_o the_o candle_n a_o thing_n quick_o do_v and_o the_o whole_a business_n be_v mar_v and_o no_o sacrifice_n can_v be_v offer_v anabaptist_n the_o protestant_n the_o like_a and_o anabaptist_n take_v from_o the_o lutheran_n or_o episcopalian_o their_o liturgy_n or_o common_a prayer-book_n and_o no_o service_n can_v be_v say_v remove_v from_o the_o calvinist_n arminian_n socinian_o independent_o or_o anabaptist_n the_o pulpit_n the_o bible_n and_o the_o hourglass_n or_o make_v but_o such_o a_o noise_n as_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o preacher_n can_v be_v hear_v or_o disturb_v he_o but_o so_o before_o he_o come_v or_o strip_v he_o of_o his_o bible_n and_o his_o book_n and_o he_o must_v be_v dumb_a for_o they_o all_o think_v it_o a_o heresy_n to_o wait_v to_o speak_v as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n give_v utterance_n and_o thus_o easy_o their_o whole_a worship_n may_v be_v mar_v but_o when_o people_n meet_v together_o and_o their_o worship_n consist_v not_o in_o such_o outward_a act_n and_o they_o depend_v not_o upon_o any_o one_o speak_v but_o mere_o sit_v down_o to_o wait_v upon_o god_n and_o to_o be_v gather_v out_o of_o all_o visibles_n and_o to_o feel_v the_o lord_n in_o spirit_n none_o of_o these_o thing_n can_v hinder_v they_o of_o which_o we_o may_v say_v of_o a_o truth_n we_o be_v sensible_a witness_n for_o when_o the_o magistrate_n stir_v up_o by_o the_o malice_n and_o envy_n of_o our_o opposer_n have_v use_v all_o mean_n possible_a and_o yet_o in_o vain_a to_o deter_v we_o from_o meet_v together_o and_o that_o open_o and_o public_o in_o our_o own_o hire_a house_n for_o that_o purpose_n both_o death_n banishment_n imprisonment_n fining_n beat_n whip_n meeting_n the_o suffering_n of_o the_o quaker_n for_o their_o religious_a meeting_n and_o other_o such_o devilish_a invention_n have_v prove_v ineffectual_a to_o terrify_v we_o from_o our_o holy_a assembly_n i_o say_v and_o we_o have_v thus_o oftentimes_o purchase_v our_o liberty_n to_o meet_v by_o deep_a suffering_n our_o opposer_n have_v then_o take_v another_o way_n by_o turn_v in_o upon_o we_o the_o worst_a and_o wicked_a people_n yea_o the_o very_a off-scowrings_a of_o man_n who_o by_o all_o manner_n of_o inhuman_a beastly_a and_o brutish_a behaviour_n have_v seek_v to_o provoke_v we_o weary_a we_o and_o molest_v we_o but_o in_o vain_a it_o will_v be_v almost_o incredible_a to_o declare_v and_o indeed_o a_o shame_n that_o among_o man_n pretend_v to_o be_v christian_n it_o shall_v be_v mention_v what_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_a man_n eye_n have_v see_v and_o i_o myself_o with_o other_o have_v share_v of_o in_o suffering_n there_o they_o have_v often_o beat_v we_o and_o cast_v water_n and_o dirt_n upon_o we_o there_o they_o have_v dance_v leap_v sing_v and_o speak_v all_o manner_n of_o profane_a and_o ungodly_a word_n offer_v violence_n and_o shameful_a behaviour_n to_o grave_a woman_n and_o virgin_n jeer_v mock_v and_o scoff_v ask_v we_o if_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v and_o much_o more_o which_o be_v tedious_a here_o to_o relate_v and_o all_o this_o while_o we_o have_v be_v serious_o and_o silent_o sit_v together_o and_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o by_o these_o thing_n our_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o one_o with_o another_o in_o the_o pure_a life_n of_o righteousness_n have_v not_o be_v hinder_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o lord_n know_v our_o suffering_n and_o reproach_n for_o his_o testimony_n be_v sake_n have_v cause_v his_o power_n and_o glory_n more_o to_o abound_v among_o we_o and_o have_v mighty_o refresh_v we_o by_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o love_n which_o have_v fill_v our_o soul_n and_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o as_o we_o find_v ourselves_o gather_v into_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v the_o strong_a tower_n of_o the_o righteous_a 18.10_o prov._n 18.10_o whereby_o we_o feel_v ourselves_o shelter_v from_o receive_v any_o inward_a hurt_a through_o their_o malice_n and_o also_o that_o he_o have_v deliver_v we_o from_o that_o vain_a name_n and_o profession_n of_o christianity_n under_o which_o our_o opposer_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o bring_v forth_o these_o bitter_a and_o curse_a fruit_n yea_o sometime_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o this_o tumult_n and_o opposition_n god_n will_v powerful_o move_v some_o or_o other_o of_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n both_o to_o testify_v of_o that_o joy_n which_o notwithstanding_o their_o malice_n we_o enjoy_v and_o powerful_o to_o declare_v in_o the_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n against_o their_o folly_n and_o wickedness_n so_o as_o the_o power_n of_o truth_n have_v bring_v they_o to_o some_o measure_n of_o quietness_n and_o stillness_n and_o stop_v the_o impetuous_a stream_n of_o their_o fury_n and_o madness_n way_n the_o rod_n of_o moses_n do_v divide_v the_o sea_n through_o rage_a wave_n the_o spirit_n make_v way_n that_o as_o ever_o of_o old_a moses_n by_o his_o rod_n divide_v the_o wave_n of_o the_o red_a sea_n that_o the_o israelite_n may_v pass_v so_o god_n have_v thus_o by_o his_o spirit_n make_v a_o way_n for_o we_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o this_o rage_a wickedness_n peaceable_o to_o enjoy_v and_o possess_v he_o and_o accomplish_v our_o worship_n to_o he_o so_o that_o sometime_o upon_o such_o occasion_n several_a of_o our_o opposer_n and_o interrupter_n have_v hereby_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o gather_v from_o be_v persecutor_n to_o be_v sufferer_n with_o we_o and_o let_v it_o not_o be_v forget_v but_o let_v it_o be_v inscribe_v and_o abide_v for_o a_o constant_a remembrance_n of_o the_o thing_n clergy_n what_o brutish_a prank_n do_v not_o commit_v that_o young_a fry_n of_o the_o clergy_n that_o in_o these_o beastly_a and_o brutish_a prank_n use_v to_o molest_v we_o in_o our_o spiritual_a meeting_n none_o have_v be_v more_o busy_a than_o the_o young_a student_n of_o the_o university_n who_o be_v learning_n philosophy_n and_o divinity_n so_o call_v and_o many_o of_o they_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o the_o ministry_n shall_v we_o commit_v to_o write_v all_o the_o abomination_n commit_v in_o this_o respect_n by_o the_o young_a fry_n of_o the_o clergy_n it_o will_v make_v no_o small_a volume_n as_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n gather_v into_o his_o pure_a worship_n in_o oxford_n and_o cambridge_n in_o england_n and_o edinburgh_n and_o aberdeen_n in_o scotland_n where_o the_o university_n be_v can_v well_o bear_v witness_n new_a how_o the_o old_a covenant-worship_n do_v differ_v from_o the_o new_a §_o fourteen_o moreover_o in_o this_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n dispensation_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n indeed_o share_v with_o he_o of_o that_o spiritual_a worship_n which_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n because_o as_o he_o be_v so_o be_v we_o in_o this_o world_n for_o the_o old_a covenant-worship_n have_v a_o outward_a glory_n temple_n and_o ceremony_n and_o be_v full_a of_o outward_a splendour_n and_o majesty_n have_v a_o outward_a tabernacle_n and_o altar_n beautify_v with_o gold_n silver_n and_o precious_a stone_n and_o their_o sacrifice_n be_v tie_v to_o a_o outward_a particular_a place_n even_o the_o outward_a mount_n zion_n and_o those_o that_o pray_v behove_v to_o pray_v with_o their_o face_n towards_o that_o outward_a temple_n and_o therefore_o all_o this_o be_v hove_v to_o be_v protect_v by_o a_o outward_a arm._n nor_o can_v the_o jew_n peaceable_o have_v enjoy_v it_o but_o when_o they_o be_v secure_v from_o the_o violence_n of_o their_o outward_a enemy_n and_o therefore_o when_o at_o any_o time_n their_o enemy_n prevail_v over_o they_o their_o glory_n be_v darken_v and_o their_o sacrifice_n stop_v and_o the_o face_n of_o their_o worship_n mar_v hence_o they_o complain_v lament_v and_o bewail_v the_o destroy_n of_o the_o temple_n as_o a_o loss_n irreparable_a but_o jesus_n christ_n the_o author_n and_o institutor_n of_o the_o new_a covenant-worship_n testify_v 18.36_o the_o new_a covenant-worship_n be_v inward_a john_n 18.36_o that_o god_n be_v neither_o to_o be_v worship_v in_o this_o nor_o that_o place_n but_o in_o the_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n
that_o that_o word_n according_a to_o which_o they_o be_v to_o speak_v be_v not_o the_o inward_a word_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o to_o prove_v this_o thou_o bring_v john_n 7.49_o where_o the_o pharisee_n say_v have_v any_o of_o the_o ruler_n or_o pharisee_n believe_v in_o he_o but_o this_o people_n that_o know_v not_o the_o law_n be_v accurse_v this_o place_n suit_n the_o matter_n very_o well_o but_o make_v much_o against_o thou_o for_o the_o pharisee_n here_o be_v cry_v up_o the_o outward_a law_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o aver_v that_o the_o ignorance_n of_o it_o cause_v the_o mean_a people_n to_o believe_v in_o christ._n so_o do_v you_o now_o you_o pretend_v to_o cry_v up_o the_o law_n and_o say_v the_o ignorance_n of_o it_o occasion_n so_o many_o to_o leave_v you_o and_o as_o they_o then_o be_v set_v the_o law_n above_o christ_n and_o cover_v themselves_o with_o a_o zeal_n for_o it_o persecute_v he_o and_o revile_v his_o follower_n as_o ignorant_n so_o you_o now_o whilst_o you_o be_v boast_v of_o your_o great_a knowledge_n in_o the_o law_n and_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o your_o high_a esteem_n of_o they_o you_o be_v despise_v crucify_a the_o same_o christ_n in_o his_o spiritual_a appearance_n and_o upbraid_v his_o follower_n now_o as_o they_o do_v then_o as_o ignorant_n and_o contemner_n of_o the_o law_n and_o as_o to_o luke_n 10.26_o how_o read_v thou_o this_o be_v speak_v to_o one_o that_o be_v a_o lawyer_n or_o interpreter_n of_o the_o law_n and_o rely_v upon_o it_o so_o christ_n speak_v this_o to_o check_v he_o and_o beside_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n which_o this_o lawyer_n be_v under_o be_v different_a from_o that_o of_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o matter_n as_o may_v appear_v hebr._n 8.10_o again_o as_o for_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n use_v the_o scripture_n for_o convince_a of_o their_o opposer_n so_o do_v we_o and_o yet_o this_o prove_v not_o that_o either_o he_o or_o we_o judge_v they_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n whereby_o to_o try_v all_o thing_n and_o spirit_n yea_o even_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n himself_o page_n 15._o thou_o seem_v to_o lay_v much_o stress_n upon_o this_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o prove_v to_o a_o jew_n or_o a_o turk_n that_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n be_v in_o very_a deed_n the_o christ_n without_o the_o scripture_n but_o i_o answer_v thou_o to_o that_o easy_o by_o what_o way_n will_v thou_o persuade_v a_o turk_n to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n or_o their_o testimony_n but_o by_o the_o inward_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n calvin_n inst._n calvin_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 7._o sect._n 4._o of_o his_o inst._n after_o he_o have_v say_v all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o outward_a way_n at_o last_o conclude_v the_o only_a certain_a way_n to_o know_v it_o indeed_o be_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o as_o to_o the_o course_n that_o paul_n take_v with_o the_o obstinate_a jew_n it_o be_v very_o commendable_a because_o they_o say_v they_o believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o seem_v to_o esteem_v they_o much_o though_o they_o oppose_v the_o truth_n witness_v to_o in_o the_o scripture_n so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o some_o great_a pretender_n to_o the_o scripture_n can_v make_v a_o cloak_n of_o they_o to_o deny_v christ_n himself_o as_o you_o do_v at_o this_o day_n and_o though_o paul_n take_v that_o course_n with_o the_o jew_n yet_o we_o see_v he_o take_v no_o such_o course_n with_o the_o athenian_n to_o who_o he_o cite_v no_o scripture_n nor_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v they_o by_o it_o but_o tell_v they_o they_o be_v the_o offspring_n of_o god_n and_o wish_v they_o to_o feel_v after_o he_o who_o be_v not_o afar_o off_o from_o every_o one_o of_o they_o three_o say_v thou_o the_o saint_n have_v recourse_n to_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o examination_n of_o doctrine_n so_o have_v we_o too_o as_o before_o have_v be_v declare_v but_o that_o will_v not_o prove_v the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n page_n 16._o four_o thou_o say_v we_o be_v command_v to_o search_v the_o scripture_n john_n 5.39_o answ._n the_o word_n may_v be_v translate_v you_o search_v the_o scripture_n as_o pasor_n translate_v they_o but_o we_o do_v acknowledge_v the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v search_v but_o be_v not_o to_o be_v rest_v in_o which_o be_v the_o jew_n fault_n who_o will_v not_o come_v to_o christ_n to_o get_v life_n think_v to_o have_v eternal_a life_n in_o the_o scripture_n which_o christ_n check_v they_o for_o and_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n who_o scripture_n profitable_a to_o who_o correction_n instruction_n we_o own_o and_o be_v commend_v for_o their_o dignity_n and_o authority_n but_o they_o be_v thus_o profitable_a only_o to_o such_o as_o come_v to_o the_o spirit_n to_o guide_v and_o direct_v they_o how_o to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o else_o they_o may_v prove_v a_o occasion_n of_o stumble_v as_o they_o do_v to_o the_o pharisee_n hence_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a mark_v the_o man_n of_o god_n not_o every_o man_n now_o no_o man_n can_v be_v true_o call_v the_o man_n of_o god_n but_o he_o that_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n next_o thou_o will_v undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n that_o the_o spirit_n within_o man_n shall_v be_v the_o rule_n in_o which_o thou_o fall_v very_o short_a as_o appear_v by_o say_v that_o christ_n make_v use_v of_o the_o scripture_n to_o prove_v himself_o etc._n etc._n and_o not_o the_o light_n within_o and_o do_v these_o jew_n receive_v he_o who_o have_v the_o scripture_n do_v they_o not_o reject_v he_o and_o why_o because_o they_o hearken_v not_o unto_o the_o inward_a voice_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o father_n concern_v he_o and_o this_o be_v the_o testimony_n which_o he_o say_v be_v great_a than_o that_o of_o john_n though_o john_n be_v the_o great_a of_o the_o prophet_n and_o those_o who_o believe_v have_v the_o witness_n in_o themselves_o 1_o john_n 5.10_o but_o to_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n he_o say_v you_o have_v neither_o hear_v his_o voice_n nor_o see_v his_o shape_n second_o thou_o say_v there_o be_v a_o express_a command_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n 1_o john_n 4.1_o answ._n but_o be_v there_o any_o word_n there_o of_o try_v they_o by_o the_o scripture_n god_n try_v spirit_n be_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v the_o spirit_n be_v try_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n or_o be_v there_o any_o better_a way_n to_o try_v they_o how_o try_v peter_n the_o spirit_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphirah_n and_o be_v not_o the_o trial_n and_o discern_v of_o spirit_n the_o privilege_n of_o the_o saint_n now_o and_o how_o be_v it_o a_o peculiar_a privilege_n to_o saint_n unless_o it_o be_v do_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o the_o scripture_n any_o can_v make_v use_n of_o the_o apostle_n john_n write_v to_o the_o saint_n concern_v seducer_n point_v they_o to_o the_o anoint_v which_o remain_v in_o they_o and_o do_v teach_v they_o all_o thing_n and_o by_o this_o they_o do_v know_v all_o thing_n and_o consequent_o spirit_n 1_o john_n 2.20_o 26._o three_o thou_o say_v undoubted_o there_o be_v strong_a delusion_n etc._n etc._n answ._n there_o be_v so_o indeed_o but_o be_v there_o any_o more_o strong_o delude_v than_o the_o pharisee_n yet_o how_o much_o do_v they_o lie_v claim_v to_o the_o scripture_n how_o come_v they_o then_o to_o be_v delude_v who_o be_v so_o skilled_a in_o the_o scripture_n according_a to_o the_o letter_n of_o they_o and_o the_o poor_a people_n who_o be_v not_o so_o skilled_a so_o right_o to_o hit_v the_o matter_n and_o as_o to_o thy_o question_n what_o way_n shall_v the_o delusion_n be_v try_v if_o you_o neglect_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o look_v only_o within_o answ._n as_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o yet_o the_o scriptures-testimony_n we_o neglect_v not_o but_o what_o way_n think_v thou_o shall_v the_o delusion_n be_v try_v if_o you_o neglect_v the_o spirit_n within_o and_o look_v only_o upon_o the_o letter_n and_o word_n without_o you_o if_o the_o delusion_n be_v strong_a in_o the_o heart_n will_v it_o not_o twine_v and_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n without_o to_o cause_v the_o scripture_n to_o seem_v for_o it_o and_o suppose_v a_o man_n be_v delude_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n what_o can_v help_v he_o but_o god_n who_o spirit_n search_v all_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o satan_n and_o can_v and_o do_v discover_v they_o to_o those_o who_o love_n to_o be_v undeceive_v and_o be_v faithful_a to_o god_n in_o what_o they_o certain_o know_v and_o though_o the_o same_o delude_a spirit_n who_o deceive_v
even_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n and_o so_o as_o to_o those_o example_n thou_o give_v which_o be_v witness_v thou_o say_v some_o twenty_o year_n ago_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o the_o lord_n do_v appear_v and_o be_v near_o the_o simple-hearted_n in_o that_o day_n and_o some_o who_o be_v now_o among_o the_o quaker_n remember_v that_o day_n enjoyment_n former_a feeling_n and_o enjoyment_n and_o have_v a_o share_n in_o those_o feeling_n and_o enjoyment_n which_o be_v now_o and_o in_o the_o experience_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o can_v bear_v a_o true_a testimony_n that_o the_o feeling_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o day_n unto_o those_o who_o follow_v the_o lord_n in_o his_o leading_n do_v far_o exceed_v what_o be_v in_o that_o day_n and_o now_o the_o sun_n be_v set_v upon_o that_o day_n for_o the_o lord_n be_v call_v his_o people_n further_o and_o those_o among_o we_o who_o have_v those_o former_a feeling_n can_v witness_v that_o while_o they_o will_v have_v be_v taste_v of_o that_o sweetness_n and_o remain_v still_o with_o you_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o but_o suffer_v dryness_n and_o barrenness_n to_o come_v over_o they_o and_o that_o which_o some_o time_n have_v be_v as_o a_o fruitful_a field_n to_o become_v a_o barren_a wilderness_n till_o they_o see_v that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o limit_v he_o to_o invent_v form_n but_o be_v to_o forsake_v those_o thing_n in_o his_o will_n in_o which_o through_o his_o indulgence_n and_o compassion_n he_o have_v sometime_o appear_v unto_o they_o and_o to_o be_v find_v follow_v the_o footstep_n of_o the_o flock_n who_o he_o be_v lead_v on_o to_o a_o further_a state_n in_o which_o they_o find_v the_o lord_n appear_v more_o glorious_o than_o ever_o to_o their_o refreshment_n glory_n to_o he_o for_o evermore_o but_o with_o you_o it_o be_v otherwise_o for_o who_o among_o you_o witness_v these_o thing_n at_o this_o day_n yea_o some_o of_o you_o be_v so_o ingenuous_a as_o to_o confess_v that_o you_o find_v not_o these_o thing_n now_o and_o that_o this_o be_v a_o cloudy_a and_o gloomy_a day_n and_o it_o shall_v certain_o so_o continue_v unto_o you_o until_o you_o come_v and_o walk_v with_o we_o in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o because_o you_o will_v not_o but_o will_v confine_v the_o lord_n in_o these_o form_n whereunto_o you_o have_v devote_v yourselves_o therefore_o be_v darkness_n over_o you_o and_o your_o prayer_n be_v become_v dry_a and_o barren_a and_o full_a of_o complaint_n of_o a_o absent_a god_n and_o what_o inward_a joy_n from_o god_n any_o have_v feel_v among_o you_o we_o can_v impute_v it_o to_o your_o way_n more_o than_o what_o some_o have_v feel_v of_o refreshment_n in_o some_o other_o profession_n and_o form_n can_v be_v impute_v to_o their_o way_n page_n 30._o thou_o say_v it_o be_v know_v that_o we_o be_v enemy_n to_o sing_v of_o psalm_n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o because_o we_o say_v supper_n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n that_o we_o be_v not_o against_o these_o thing_n therefore_o thou_o call_v we_o disingenuous_a or_o such_o as_o seek_v to_o delude_v people_n which_o challenge_n be_v false_a and_o a_o calumny_n for_o we_o do_v indeed_o own_o these_o thing_n in_o the_o true_a acceptation_n and_o meaning_n of_o they_o and_o in_o the_o substance_n and_o reality_n and_o if_o we_o do_v so_o be_v we_o disingenuous_a and_o deceitful_a because_o we_o deny_v they_o in_o your_o acceptation_n which_o only_o comprehend_v the_o shadow_n that_o pass_v away_o professor_n the_o shadow_n for_o the_o substance_n comprehend_v by_o professor_n if_o baptism_n which_o be_v real_o and_o true_o the_o baptism_n of_o christ_n we_o own_o and_o participation_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v real_o so_o i_o say_v if_o these_o thing_n be_v real_o own_v by_o we_o as_o they_o be_v indeed_o can_v we_o be_v say_v to_o deny_v they_o because_o we_o use_v not_o the_o shadow_n as_o you_o do_v while_o you_o be_v ignorant_a of_o and_o stranger_n to_o the_o substance_n nay_o it_o may_v be_v retort_v much_o more_o proper_o and_o without_o deceit_n upon_o yourselves_o that_o you_o do_v but_o pretendly_a in_o word_n own_o these_o thing_n while_o indeed_o you_o deny_v they_o so_o that_o herein_o you_o be_v find_v to_o be_v the_o equivocator_n who_o be_v contend_v for_o the_o husk_n and_o will_v needs_o have_v it_o account_v the_o kernel_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o error_n more_o dangerous_a than_o to_o place_v the_o shadow_n for_o the_o substance_n for_o such_o as_o so_o do_v be_v those_o that_o trample_v upon_o the_o precious_a ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o which_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n be_v begin_v and_o increase_v page_n 32._o to_o prove_v thy_o assertion_n particular_o allow_v sing_v of_o psalm_n as_o use_v by_o the_o saint_n allow_v thou_o begin_v say_v that_o sing_v of_o psalm_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n whereby_o if_o thou_o understand_v that_o sing_v of_o psalm_n be_v use_v by_o the_o saint_n that_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n when_o perform_v in_o his_o will_n and_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o that_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v and_o be_v warrantable_o perform_v among_o the_o saint_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n deny_v by_o no_o quaker_n so_o call_v and_o it_o be_v not_o unusual_a among_o they_o whereof_o i_o have_v myself_o be_v a_o witness_n and_o have_v feel_v of_o the_o sweetness_n and_o quicken_a virtue_n of_o the_o spirit_n therein_o and_o at_o such_o occasion_n minister_v and_o that_o at_o time_n david_n word_n may_v also_o be_v use_v as_o the_o spirit_n lead_v thereunto_o and_o as_o they_o suit_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o party_n be_v acknowledge_v without_o dispute_n but_o that_o without_o the_o spirit_n in_o self-will_a not_o regard_v how_o the_o thing_n suit_n their_o condition_n for_o a_o mix_a multitude_n to_o use_v and_o sing_v the_o expression_n of_o bless_a david_n we_o deny_v for_o that_o be_v not_o the_o method_n the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o 1_o cor._n 14.15_o when_o he_o say_v i_o will_v sing_v with_o the_o spirit_n and_o i_o will_v sing_v with_o the_o understanding_n also_o therefore_o though_o sing_v of_o psalm_n in_o the_o true_a use_n of_o they_o be_v allowable_a yet_o as_o use_v by_o you_o it_o be_v abominable_a and_o be_v a_o mock-worship_n because_o you_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o person_n use_v it_o be_v a_o mix_a multitude_n know_v to_o be_v drunkard_n swearer_n whoremonger_n etc._n etc._n now_o such_o can_v praise_v god_n god_n the_o dead_a can_v praise_v god_n for_o they_o be_v dead_a in_o their_o sin_n and_o it_o be_v the_o live_n that_o praise_v he_o and_o not_o the_o dead_a next_o all_o lie_v be_v abomination_n but_o many_o time_n it_o fall_v out_o that_o by_o sing_v of_o psalm_n the_o people_n come_v to_o lie_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n instead_o of_o worship_v he_o by_o say_v i_o be_o not_o puff_v up_o in_o mind_n i_o have_v no_o deceitful_a heart_n i_o water_v my_o couch_n with_o tear_n and_o much_o more_o of_o this_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o particular_a experience_n of_o david_n and_o may_v be_v safe_o say_v by_o those_o that_o witness_v the_o same_o thing_n but_o as_o to_o you_o that_o use_v they_o be_v false_a and_o untrue_a i_o say_v as_o thou_o do_v that_o though_o every_o psalm_n do_v not_o suit_v our_o condition_n yet_o in_o every_o psalm_n there_o may_v be_v meditation_n for_o edification_n but_o this_o no_o way_n meet_v the_o case_n for_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o meditate_v upon_o a_o psalm_n and_o sing_v one_o whereby_o we_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o word_n of_o david_n which_o unless_o they_o suit_v our_o condition_n can_v be_v do_v without_o a_o lie_n page_n 33_o and_o 34._o thou_o come_v to_o prove_v that_o baptism_n with_o water_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o which_o thou_o give_v as_o a_o reason_n first_o because_o john_n baptize_v with_o water_n and_o be_v real_o send_v of_o god_n which_o thing_n be_v not_o deny_v because_o john_n baptism_n be_v a_o baptism_n with_o water_n but_o that_o that_o be_v the_o baptism_n which_o be_v to_o continue_v be_v the_o matter_n in_o question_n to_o prove_v which_o thou_o bring_v in_o thy_o second_o reason_n that_o the_o baptism_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n differ_v only_o in_o circumstance_n and_o not_o in_o substance_n because_o they_o agree_v in_o the_o author_n in_o the_o matter_n and_o in_o the_o end_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o though_o they_o agree_v in_o the_o author_n that_o will_v not_o conclude_v they_o to_o be_v one_o because_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o the_o old_a
you_o put_v upon_o they_o and_o whereas_o some_o object_n it_o be_v not_o say_v of_o they_o but_o of_o such_o i_o answer_v but_o that_o such_o include_v they_o and_o all_o other_o who_o be_v like_o they_o in_o harmlessness_n otherwise_o if_o they_o have_v be_v exclude_v he_o will_v not_o have_v give_v it_o as_o a_o reason_n why_o he_o bid_v suffer_v they_o to_o come_v unto_o he_o but_o beside_o the_o 18_o the_o chapt._n verse_n 20._o of_o ezekiel_n be_v a_o plain_a proof_n the_o soul_n that_o sin_v shall_v die_v the_o son_n shall_v not_o bear_v the_o father_n iniquity_n unless_o that_o the_o son_n be_v find_v act_v the_o same_o iniquity_n and_o continue_v in_o it_o for_o than_o he_o visit_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o the_o child_n now_o thou_o have_v produce_v no_o scripture_n to_o prove_v that_o any_o infant_n do_v perish_v and_o indeed_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o scripture_n for_o it_o but_o against_o it_o second_o thou_o say_v it_o will_v follow_v that_o infant_n die_v in_o their_o infancy_n stand_v not_o in_o need_n of_o christ_n as_o a_o saviour_n for_o he_o be_v a_o saviour_n to_o save_v his_o people_n from_o their_o sin_n sin_n infant_n save_v from_o sin_n answ._n he_o be_v a_o saviour_n not_o only_o to_o save_v from_o sin_n but_o also_o from_o the_o consequence_n of_o sin_n and_o not_o only_o from_o the_o fruit_n and_o branch_n of_o it_o but_o from_o the_o seed_n and_o they_o be_v save_v from_o sin_n who_o be_v not_o suffer_v to_o fall_v into_o it_o and_o so_o these_o infant_n who_o the_o lord_n take_v away_o in_o their_o infancy_n that_o they_o may_v not_o sin_v be_v save_v from_o it_o it_o be_v salvation_n to_o be_v keep_v from_o fall_v into_o a_o pit_n as_o true_o as_o to_o be_v take_v out_o of_o it_o after_o the_o fall_n in_o and_o as_o for_o that_o scripture_n it_o make_v against_o you_o matth._n 1.12_o for_o it_o speak_v of_o a_o salvation_n from_o sin_n whereas_o you_o dream_v of_o a_o salvation_n in_o your_o sin_n nor_o do_v rom._n 7.24_o speak_v of_o infant_n so_o thy_o cite_n it_o here_o be_v impertinent_a and_o though_o there_o be_v a_o time_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o cry_v out_o for_o deliverance_n from_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n yet_o there_o be_v also_o a_o time_n of_o deliverance_n from_o it_o even_o before_o the_o lay_n down_o of_o the_o outward_a body_n as_o be_v plain_a from_o rom._n 6.6_o 7._o know_v this_o that_o the_o old_a man_n be_v crucify_v and_o he_o that_o be_v dead_a be_v free_v from_o sin_n yet_o we_o acknowledge_v there_o be_v great_a occasion_n to_o be_v low_a and_o to_o be_v in_o great_a fear_n and_o care_n lest_o sin_n which_o be_v once_o crucify_a revive_v again_o page_n 48._o thou_o charge_v we_o as_o hold_v a_o fall_n away_o from_o regeneration_n and_o as_o agree_v therein_o with_o arminian_o but_o if_o the_o arminian_o hold_v a_o fall_n away_o from_o regeneration_n we_o hold_v no_o such_o matter_n for_o those_o who_o fall_v away_o never_o attain_v unto_o the_o regeneration_n and_o so_o be_v never_o the_o child_n of_o god_n but_o only_o be_v in_o the_o way_n to_o it_o by_o have_v attain_v to_o some_o beginning_n of_o faith_n themselves_o the_o fall_v away_o from_o faith_n be_v of_o themselves_o from_o which_o some_o may_v and_o have_v fall_v away_o for_o that_o it_o be_v express_o say_v by_o christ_n some_o believe_v and_o afterward_o fall_v away_o and_o some_o depart_n from_o the_o faith_n and_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o it_o and_o some_o who_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v fall_v away_o these_o and_o many_o such_o instance_n be_v in_o scripture_n nor_o do_v the_o scripture_n cite_v by_o thou_o prove_v the_o contrary_a as_o philip._n 1.6_o which_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v no_o otherwise_o then_o as_o the_o condition_n be_v perform_v upon_o their_o part_n as_o hebr._n 3.14_o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o christ_n if_o we_o hold_v fast_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o establishment_n or_o whereby_o we_o be_v establish_v firm_a unto_o the_o end_n and_o so_o these_o who_o hold_v fast_o this_o principle_n witness_v the_o work_n which_o god_n have_v begin_v in_o they_o to_o be_v carry_v on_o until_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n even_o till_o he_o be_v complete_o form_v in_o they_o and_o they_o in_o he_o it_o may_v be_v suppose_v that_o paul_n be_v as_o confident_a that_o god_n will_v perfect_v the_o work_n begin_v in_o himself_o and_o yet_o he_o suppose_v it_o may_v be_v otherwise_o where_o he_o say_v lest_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o other_o i_o myself_o become_v a_o castaway_n and_o though_o some_o fall_n away_o the_o dishonour_n of_o the_o foolish_a builder_n can_v be_v cast_v upon_o god_n but_o upon_o they_o who_o fall_v away_o for_o it_o stand_v very_o well_o with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n to_o suffer_v they_o to_o fall_v away_o who_o know_o and_o wilful_o depart_v from_o the_o lord_n and_o will_v not_o concur_v with_o he_o in_o the_o work_n as_o subordinate_a instrument_n but_o resist_v he_o though_o he_o invite_v and_o call_v yea_o draw_v they_o the_o next_o thou_o cite_v be_v 1_o pet._n 15._o answ._n such_o as_o be_v so_o keep_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n it_o be_v through_o faith_n but_o as_o they_o abide_v not_o in_o that_o power_n through_o faith_n but_o wander_v from_o it_o they_o fall_v and_o can_v but_o fall_v away_o and_o as_o for_o jerem._n 32.40_o cite_v by_o thou_o it_o shall_v be_v translate_v thus_o i_o will_v put_v my_o fear_n into_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o may_v not_o depart_v from_o i_o so_o junius_n and_o tremellius_n version_n or_o not_o to_o depart_v from_o i_o as_o the_o septuagint_n have_v it_o now_o to_o say_v that_o they_o may_v not_o depart_v be_v one_o thing_n and_o to_o say_v they_o can_v depart_v be_v another_o yet_o where_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n come_v so_o to_o be_v raise_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o heart_n over_o all_o we_o believe_v such_o can_v depart_v but_o every_o one_o be_v not_o attain_v to_o that_o state_n where_o yet_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n may_v have_v some_o place_n and_o as_o touch_v these_o other_o scripture_n john_n 10.27_o 28_o 29._o and_o john_n 13.1_o and_o 1_o john_n 2.19_o they_o speak_v of_o those_o who_o be_v come_v to_o a_o thorough-regeneration_n who_o we_o do_v believe_v can_v never_o fall_v away_o as_o be_v beget_v in_o the_o perfect_a nature_n of_o the_o elect_a sheep_n and_o child_n nor_o do_v it_o follow_v from_o this_o that_o one_o may_v be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n to_o day_n and_o a_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o morrow_n for_o these_o who_o be_v once_o proper_o the_o child_n of_o god_n through_o a_o true_a and_o thorough-regeneration_n can_v never_o become_v the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n nor_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o god_n special_a love_n that_o he_o bear_v to_o his_o own_o child_n for_o to_o end_v this_o matter_n thou_o say_v it_o be_v safe_a to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o those_o that_o fall_v away_o than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o perseverance_n of_o the_o saint_n but_o do_v thou_o look_v upon_o the_o quaker_n as_o have_v fall_v away_o if_o thou_o do_v how_o come_v it_o that_o thou_o bespeake_v they_o in_o thy_o epistle_n as_o those_o who_o have_v have_v real_a grace_n say_v to_o they_o do_v you_o attain_v to_o that_o knowledge_n of_o and_o acquaintance_n with_o god_n which_o you_o have_v in_o the_o use_n of_o ordinance_n and_o again_o you_o do_v run_v well_o who_o do_v hinder_v you_o and_o again_o why_o shall_v they_o asperse_v these_o ordinance_n which_o have_v be_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o conversion_n or_o be_v these_o word_n only_o a_o joab_n kiss_n by_o which_o thou_o will_v kiss_v the_o quaker_n while_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n thou_o have_v a_o sword_n hide_v under_o thy_o cloak_n to_o strike_v they_o through_o under_o the_o five_o rib_n but_o the_o quaker_n be_v aware_a of_o thou_o and_o have_v on_o the_o armour_n of_o god_n be_v out_o of_o thy_o reach_n in_o the_o last_o place_n page_z 50._o thou_o undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o our_o error_n as_o thou_o call_v they_o tend_v to_o irreligiousness_n and_o atheism_n because_o they_o tend_v to_o take_v away_o the_o worship_n due_a to_o god_n but_o it_o have_v be_v heretofore_o prove_v that_o we_o deny_v not_o true_a worship_n but_o only_o your_o idolatrous_a superstitious_a worship_n which_o can_v true_o be_v call_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n our_o way_n thou_o say_v tend_v to_o irreligiousness_n because_o frequent_o we_o go_v to_o meat_n meat_n prayer_n before_o meat_n and_o come_v from_o it_o without_o seek_v a_o blessing_n or_o return_v thanks_o
find_v none_o save_o the_o dispensation_n of_o truth_n now_o again_o reveal_v but_o such_o as_o in_o most_o of_o their_o substantial_a principle_n differ_v great_o and_o in_o many_o contradict_v gross_o the_o plain_a text_n and_o tenor_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o confess_v there_o be_v certain_a man_n in_o this_o age_n who_o with_o some_o plausible_a appearance_n of_o reality_n undertake_v this_o task_n these_o be_v they_o that_o join_v with_o and_o own_o not_o whole_o any_o embody_v people_n but_o while_o they_o pretend_v a_o general_a love_n to_o all_o yet_o find_v fault_n with_o some_o part_n of_o every_o sort_n while_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o scarce_o can_v give_v any_o account_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n and_o most_o of_o they_o prove_v at_o bottom_n to_o have_v none_o at_o all_o these_o man_n i_o say_v may_v perhaps_o acknowledge_v some_o general_a truth_n and_o also_o hold_v to_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o some_o other_o thing_n so_o as_o thereby_o to_o take_v occasion_n large_o to_o judge_v other_o while_o themselves_o offer_v not_o to_o bring_v these_o good_a thing_n to_o practice_n they_o blame_v other_o for_o the_o want_n or_o neglect_v of_o but_o such_o a_o enterprise_n from_o these_o man_n will_v not_o when_o weigh_v prove_v a_o fulfil_n of_o this_o matter_n see_v it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o acknowledge_v many_o truth_n but_o also_o to_o deny_v and_o witness_v against_o all_o error_n and_o likewise_o not_o to_o fall_v short_a of_o any_o truth_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v whereas_o these_o sort_n of_o man_n for_o the_o most_o part_n can_v give_v account_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o many_o thing_n needful_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o whatever_o thing_n they_o may_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v true_a they_o err_v most_o grievous_o and_o contradict_v a_o truth_n most_o needful_a to_o be_v mind_v and_o answer_v as_o be_v prove_v hereto_o in_o that_o they_o stand_v not_o forth_o to_o appear_v for_o any_o of_o these_o discovery_n they_o pretend_v they_o have_v but_o make_v a_o shift_n to_o hide_v their_o head_n in_o time_n of_o trial_n trial._n pretender_n hide_v their_o head_n in_o time_n of_o trial._n so_o as_o not_o to_o suffer_v for_o nor_o with_o any_o and_o through_o these_o fine_a pretence_n abovementioned_a through_o their_o scruple_n of_o join_v with_o any_o they_o can_v cunning_o shun_v the_o difficulty_n of_o persecution_n that_o attend_v the_o particular_a sect_n of_o christian_n yet_o by_o their_o general_a charity_n and_o love_n to_o all_o claim_v a_o share_n in_o any_o benefit_n or_o advantage_n that_o accrue_v to_o one_o and_o all_o such_o than_o can_v honest_o lay_v claim_n to_o justify_v their_o principle_n and_o practice_n from_o the_o scripture_n but_o i_o leave_v these_o straggler_n in_o religion_n and_o come_v again_o to_o the_o divers_a sect_n to_o begin_v with_o these_o that_o be_v most_o numerous_a i_o think_v i_o need_v not_o say_v much_o to_o the_o papist_n in_o this_o case_n for_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o pretend_v to_o prove_v all_o their_o dogma_n by_o the_o scripture_n since_o it_o be_v one_o of_o their_o chief_a doctrine_n that_o tradition_n may_v authorize_v doctrine_n without_o any_o authority_n of_o scripture_n council_n papistical_a dogma_n tradition_n and_o council_n yea_o the_o council_n of_o constance_n have_v make_v bold_a to_o command_v thing_n to_o be_v believe_v non_fw-la obstante_fw-la scripturâ_fw-la i._n e._n though_o the_o scripture_n say_v the_o contrary_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v their_o great_a folly_n to_o pretend_v to_o prove_v their_o doctrine_n by_o scripture_n see_v the_o adoration_n of_o saint_n and_o image_n purgatory_n and_o prayer_n for_o the_o dead_a the_o precedency_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n the_o matter_n of_o indulgency_n with_o much_o more_o stuff_n of_o that_o kind_n have_v not_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o scripture_n for_o it_o scripture_n socinian_n pretence_n contrary_a to_o scripture_n 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the_o depravity_n of_o man_n will_n by_o nature_n and_o his_o incapacity_n to_o do_v any_o good_a but_o as_o assist_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n so_o to_o do_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n its_o strange_a to_o observe_v how_o many_o protestant_n the_o first_o article_n of_o who_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o assert_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n shall_v deny_v the_o universal_a extent_n of_o christ_n death_n contrary_a to_o the_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n which_o say_v he_o taste_v death_n for_o every_o man_n or_o the_o universality_n of_o grace_n and_o a_o sufficient_a principle_n which_o the_o scripture_n assert_v in_o as_o many_o positive_a word_n as_o except_o we_o may_v suppose_v the_o penman_n intend_v another_o thing_n than_o they_o speak_v it_o be_v possible_a to_o do_v viz_o a_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o every_o man_n to_o profit_v withal_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v unto_o 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matter_n the_o faith_n of_o the_o french_a church_n and_o of_o most_o other_o both_o in_o the_o netherland_n and_o elsewhere_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v what_o wild_a consequence_n these_o man_n have_v seek_v both_o contrary_a to_o the_o naked_a import_n of_o the_o word_n and_o to_o all_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n to_o cover_v some_o of_o their_o erroneous_a principle_n chap._n xviii_o a_o short_a examination_n of_o some_o of_o the_o scripture-proof_n allege_v by_o the_o divine_n at_o westminster_n to_o prove_v divers_a article_n in_o their_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o catechism_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o my_o design_n in_o this_o chapter_n to_o offer_v so_o large_a and_o examination_n of_o any_o of_o their_o article_n as_o may_v be_v do_v nor_o yet_o of_o so_o many_o as_o be_v very_o obvious_a but_o only_o of_o two_o or_o three_o to_o give_v the_o reader_n a_o taste_n of_o they_o
foolish_a fashion_n of_o this_o world_n but_o we_o feel_v as_o we_o be_v obedient_a all_o these_o thing_n to_o be_v for_o condemnation_n and_o that_o as_o we_o obey_v the_o pure_a manifestation_n of_o the_o light_n of_o jesus_n in_o our_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o hesitation_n we_o may_v and_o shall_v have_v part_v with_o all_o those_o thing_n at_o the_o first_o and_o what_o occasion_v such_o scruple_n be_v but_o that_o which_o draw_v back_o through_o be_v unwilling_a to_o give_v pure_a obedience_n to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n for_o as_o many_o as_o give_v obedience_n and_o believe_v in_o the_o light_n find_v no_o occasion_n of_o stumble_v but_o such_o as_o believe_v not_o be_v condemn_v already_o because_o they_o believe_v not_o in_o he_o that_o appear_v now_o the_o boldness_n and_o courage_n and_o efficacy_n of_o these_o messenger_n testimony_n wrought_v such_o astonishment_n messenger_n the_o courage_n of_o the_o messenger_n fear_v and_o amazement_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o such_o as_o be_v ingenuous_a that_o many_o begin_v to_o be_v inward_o prick_v as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o old_a and_o the_o foundation_n of_o many_o begin_v to_o be_v shake_v and_o some_o that_o be_v asleep_a be_v awaken_v and_o many_o that_o be_v dead_a and_o bury_v in_o the_o grave_n of_o sin_n and_o formality_n and_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n of_o all_o sort_n be_v alarm_v and_o many_o be_v bring_v in_o from_o the_o hedge_n and_o the_o highway_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v receive_v by_o thousand_o with_o great_a cheerfulness_n and_o a_o readiness_n of_o mind_n and_o the_o foot_n of_o those_o be_v behold_v to_o be_v beautiful_a upon_o the_o mountain_n that_o bring_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o these_o good_a thing_n and_o great_a lowliness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n be_v upon_o such_o that_o be_v new_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o deep_a humiliation_n of_o spirit_n and_o subjection_n to_o the_o power_n both_o in_o themselves_o and_o in_o those_o who_o be_v over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o have_v gather_v they_o into_o the_o truth_n but_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o gather_n of_o old_a so_o it_o also_o fall_v out_o in_o this_o day_n all_o keep_v not_o their_o first_o love_n as_o among_o those_o thousand_o which_o moses_n lead_v out_o of_o egypt_n and_o carry_v through_o the_o red_a sea_n who_o have_v sing_v praise_n to_o god_n upon_o the_o bank_n of_o salvation_n many_o carcase_n fall_v in_o the_o wilderness_n some_o who_o murmur_v and_o long_v to_o return_v again_o to_o the_o fleshpot_n of_o egypt_n and_o opposition_n and_o and_o some_o for_o oppose_v and_o contradict_v the_o servant_n and_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v use_v of_o to_o lead_v they_o out_o of_o bondage_n in_o say_v you_o take_v too_o much_o upon_o you_o have_v the_o lord_n indeed_o only_o speak_v by_o moses_n have_v he_o not_o speak_v also_o by_o we_o and_o as_o among_o these_o multitude_n which_o be_v gather_v by_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v many_o who_o continue_v not_o faithful_a to_o the_o end_n some_o return_v back_o again_o with_o the_o sow_n to_o the_o puddle_n after_o they_o be_v wash_v some_o embrace_v the_o present_a world_n some_o again_o separate_v themselves_o enter_v separation_n enter_v be_v sensual_a and_o without_o the_o spirit_n despise_v dominion_n and_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n their_o mouth_n speak_v great_a swell_a word_n be_v puff_v up_o and_o not_o abide_v in_o these_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v teach_v of_o the_o apostle_n so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v lament_v that_o among_o these_o many_o thousand_o who_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n who_o god_n raise_v up_o in_o this_o day_n for_o the_o gather_n of_o his_o seed_n and_o people_n out_o of_o spiritual_a egypt_n and_o babylon_n into_o his_o pure_a light_n and_o life_n do_v bring_v forth_o and_o gather_v there_o be_v that_o have_v fall_v upon_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o left_a some_o be_v turn_v back_o again_o into_o egypt_n run_v into_o the_o same_o excess_n of_o lust_n and_o riot_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v once_o purify_v and_o redeem_a some_o can_v not_o bear_v the_o reproach_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v by_o and_o anon_o offend_v in_o he_o some_o can_v not_o bear_v the_o tribulation_n suffering_n and_o persecution_n which_o come_v for_o the_o truth_n be_v sake_n and_o the_o seed_n in_o they_o be_v soon_o scorch_v with_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o day_n and_o some_o not_o abide_v in_o subjection_n to_o the_o truth_n in_o themselves_o be_v not_o content_v with_o that_o place_n and_o station_n in_o the_o body_n which_o god_n have_v place_v they_o in_o but_o become_v vain_o puff_v up_o in_o their_o fleshly_a mind_n intrude_a into_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v not_o see_v and_o will_v needs_o be_v innovator_n give_v to_o change_n division_n innovator_n cause_v division_n and_o introduce_v new_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n not_o only_o differ_v but_o contrary_a to_o what_o be_v already_o deliver_v in_o the_o beginning_n make_v party_n cause_v division_n and_o rent_n stumble_v the_o weak_a and_o deny_v despise_v and_o revile_v the_o apostle_n and_o messenger_n of_o christ_n the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n who_o love_v not_o their_o life_n unto_o death_n but_o through_o much_o care_n and_o travel_v and_o watch_n and_o whip_n and_o bond_n and_o beat_n in_o daily_a jeopardy_n gather_v we_o by_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n in_o the_o most_o precious_a truth_n yet_o in_o all_o this_o there_o have_v nothing_o befall_v we_o but_o that_o which_o have_v be_v the_o ancient_a lot_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n now_o he_o that_o be_v careful_a for_o his_o church_n and_o people_n in_o old_a time_n have_v not_o be_v want_v to_o we_o in_o our_o day_n people_n the_o good_a shepherd_n of_o israel_n his_o care_n over_o his_o church_n and_o people_n but_o as_o he_o have_v again_o restore_v the_o truth_n unto_o its_o primitive_a integrity_n and_o simplicity_n and_o as_o he_o have_v deliver_v our_o understanding_n from_o these_o false_a doctrine_n and_o principle_n which_o prevail_v in_o the_o apostasy_n so_o he_o have_v not_o gather_v we_o to_o be_v as_o sheep_n scatter_v without_o a_o shepherd_n that_o every_o one_o may_v run_v his_o own_o way_n and_o every_o one_o follow_v his_o own_o will_n and_o so_o to_o be_v as_o a_o confuse_a mass_n or_o chaos_n without_o any_o order_n but_o he_o even_o the_o lord_n have_v also_o gather_v and_o be_v gather_v we_o into_o the_o good_a order_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o his_o own_o son_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n therefore_o he_o have_v lay_v care_n upon_o some_o beyond_o other_o who_o watch_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o their_o brethren_n as_o they_o that_o must_v give_v account_n 17._o the_o several_a station_n in_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 4.15_o 16_o 17._o there_o be_v then_o father_n that_o have_v beget_v we_o unto_o christ_n jesus_n through_o the_o gospel_n of_o who_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v follower_n and_o to_o remember_v their_o way_n which_o be_v in_o christ._n there_o be_v then_o father_n and_o child_n instructor_n and_o instruct_v elder_n and_o young_a man_n yea_o and_o babe_n there_o be_v that_o can_v cease_v but_o must_v exhort_v instruct_v reprove_v condemn_v judge_n or_o else_o for_o what_o end_n give_v christ_n the_o gift_n mention_v ephes._n 4.11_o 12_o and_o how_o be_v the_o saint_n perfect_v and_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n edify_v of_o those_o who_o come_v under_o the_o cognizance_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o test_n of_o this_o order_n and_o government_n i_o may_v chief_o sum_v they_o up_o in_o three_o sort_n though_o there_o be_v divers_a other_o little_a subdivide_v species_n of_o they_o apostate_n 1._o profane_a backslide_a apostate_n the_o first_o be_v those_o that_o turn_v open_o back_o to_o the_o world_n again_o through_o find_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n too_o narrow_a these_o have_v not_o be_v capable_a to_o do_v we_o any_o considerable_a hurt_a for_o be_v as_o salt_n that_o have_v lose_v its_o savour_n they_o most_o prove_v a_o stink_n among_o those_o to_o who_o they_o go_v and_o i_o never_o know_v any_o of_o they_o that_o prove_v any_o way_n steadable_a to_o those_o to_o who_o they_o go_v i_o find_v other_o professor_n make_v but_o small_a boast_n of_o any_o proselyte_n they_o get_v out_o from_o among_o we_o i_o hear_v little_a of_o their_o prove_a champion_n for_o the_o principle_n of_o other_o against_o we_o and_o indeed_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o lose_v all_o religion_n with_o the_o truth_n for_o i_o have_v hear_v some_o of_o they_o say_v that_o if_o ever_o they_o take_v on_o they_o to_o be_v religious_a they_o will_v come_v back_o again_o to_o the_o quaker_n etc._n etc._n sinner_n 2._o unwary_a repent_v sinner_n
a_o double_a prejudice_n if_o they_o gain_v it_o be_v a_o too_o dear_a rate_n even_o with_o the_o hurt_a of_o truth_n be_v reputation_n which_o their_o outward_a advantage_n can_v make_v up_o if_o then_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v of_o it_o even_o a_o spiritual_a good_a far_o less_o be_v it_o lawful_a to_o do_v a_o positive_a evil_n of_o so_o deep_a a_o dye_n as_o to_o bring_v a_o evil_a report_n upon_o the_o good_a land_n and_o give_v the_o uncircumcised_a a_o occasion_n to_o rejoice_v out_o of_o the_o uncertain_a hope_n of_o a_o outward_a gain_n it_o be_v far_o better_a to_o suffer_v loss_n as_o the_o apostle_n very_o well_o argue_v in_o the_o place_n abovementioned_a indeed_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o have_v be_v or_o appear_v to_o be_v of_o we_o as_o suppose_v there_o be_v not_o a_o wise_a man_n among_o we_o all_o nor_o a_o honest_a man_n that_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v betwixt_o his_o brethren_n we_o shall_v not_o covet_v to_o meddle_v in_o their_o matter_n be_v persuade_v that_o either_o they_o or_o their_o cause_n be_v naught_o though_o praise_n to_o god_n among_o all_o those_o that_o have_v go_v from_o we_o either_o upon_o one_o account_n or_o other_o i_o never_o hear_v that_o any_o be_v so_o mind_v towards_o we_o we_o apostate_n testimony_n concern_v we_o but_o the_o most_o part_n of_o they_o have_v let_v in_o the_o offence_n of_o some_o thing_n or_o person_n have_v have_v this_o vnanimous_a testimony_n concern_v we_o that_o general_o we_o be_v a_o honest_a and_o upright-hearted_n people_n but_o whatever_o sense_n our_o enemy_n or_o apostate_n have_v of_o we_o who_o look_v asquint_o of_o the_o face_n of_o truth_n and_o can_v see_v nothing_o aright_o in_o those_o they_o love_v not_o or_o be_v prejudicate_v against_o this_o we_o can_v say_v in_o the_o last_o place_n beside_o the_o reason_n and_o scripture_n above_o declare_v that_o the_o good_a fruit_n and_o effect_n which_o daily_o abound_v to_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o government_n the_o lord_n be_v establish_v among_o we_o do_v more_o and_o more_o commend_v it_o unto_o we_o and_o confirm_v our_o heart_n in_o the_o certain_a belief_n of_o that_o which_o we_o can_v confident_o testify_v in_o good_a conscience_n that_o god_n have_v lead_v we_o hereunto_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o we_o see_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n herein_o which_o in_o due_a time_n will_v yet_o more_o appear_v blow_n priest_n force_v maintenance_n and_o tithe_n have_v receive_v a_o deadly_a blow_n that_o as_o through_o our_o faithful_a testimony_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o antichristian_a and_o apostatise_v generation_n the_o national_a ministry_n have_v receive_v a_o deadly_a blow_n by_o our_o discover_v and_o witness_v against_o their_o force_a maintenance_n and_o tithe_n against_o which_o we_o have_v testify_v by_o many_o cruel_a suffering_n of_o all_o kind_n as_o our_o chronicle_n 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many_o trick_n and_o endless_a intricacy_n have_v render_v justice_n in_o their_o method_n burdensome_a to_o honest_a man_n controversy_n lawyer_n by_o trick_n and_o intricacy_n foment_n controversy_n and_o seek_v not_o so_o much_o to_o put_v a_o end_n as_o to_o foment_n controversy_n and_o contention_n that_o they_o themselves_o may_v be_v still_o feed_v and_o uphold_v and_o their_o trade_n keep_v up_o whereas_o by_o truth_n be_v propagation_n as_o many_o of_o these_o controversy_n will_v die_v by_o man_n come_v to_o be_v less_o contentious_a so_o when_o any_o difference_n arise_v the_o saint_n give_v judgement_n without_o gift_n or_o reward_n or_o run_v into_o the_o trick_n and_o endless_a labyrinth_n of_o the_o lawyer_n will_v soon_o compose_v they_o and_o this_o be_v that_o we_o be_v persuade_v the_o lord_n be_v bring_v about_o in_o our_o day_n though_o many_o do_v not_o and_o many_o will_v not_o see_v it_o because_o it_o be_v indeed_o in_o a_o way_n different_a and_o contrary_a to_o man_n wisdom_n who_o be_v now_o despise_v christ_n in_o his_o inward_a appearance_n because_o of_o the_o meanness_n of_o it_o as_o the_o jew_n of_o old_a do_v he_o in_o his_o outward_a yet_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v some_o then_o that_o do_v witness_v and_o can_v not_o be_v silent_a but_o must_v testify_v that_o he_o be_v come_v even_o so_o now_o be_v there_o thousand_o that_o can_v set_v to_o their_o seal_n that_o he_o have_v now_o again_o the_o second_o time_n appear_v and_o be_v appear_v in_o ten_o thousand_o of_o his_o saint_n in_o and_o among_o who_o as_o a_o first_o fruit_n of_o many_o more_o that_o shall_v be_v gather_v he_o be_v restore_v the_o golden_a age_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o holy_a order_n and_o government_n of_o his_o own_o son_n age._n christ_n restore_v the_o golden_a age._n who_o be_v rule_v and_o to_o rule_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o set_v forth_o the_o counsellor_n as_o at_o the_o beginning_n and_o judge_n as_o at_o first_o and_o establish_v truth_n mercy_n righteousness_n and_o judgement_n again_o in_o the_o earth_n amen_o haleluia_o marriage_n 3._o to_o take_v care_n in_o the_o case_n of_o marriage_n three_o these_o meeting_n take_v care_n in_o the_o case_n of_o marriage_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v clear_a and_o that_o there_o may_v nothing_o be_v do_v in_o that_o procedure_n which_o afterward_o may_v prove_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o truth_n or_o of_o the_o party_n concern_v which_o be_v a_o outward_a thing_n that_o be_v acknowledge_v in_o itself_o to_o be_v lawful_a of_o the_o great_a importance_n a_o man_n or_o a_o woman_n can_v perform_v in_o this_o world_n and_o from_o the_o sudden_a unwary_a or_o disorderly_o procedure_v whereof_o very_a great_a snare_n and_o reproach_n may_v be_v cast_v both_o upon_o the_o party_n and_o the_o profession_n own_v by_o they_o therefore_o it_o do_v very_o fit_o among_o other_o thing_n when_o it_o occur_v come_v to_o be_v consider_v of_o by_o the_o people_n of_o god_n when_o meet_v to_o take_v care_n to_o preserve_v all_o thing_n right_a and_o savoury_a in_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n we_o do_v believe_v our_o adversary_n that_o watch_n for_o evil_a against_o we_o will_v be_v glad_a how_o promiscuous_o or_o disorderly_o we_o proceed_v in_o this_o weighty_a matter_n that_o so_o they_o may_v the_o more_o bold_o accuse_v we_o as_o overturner_n of_o all_o humane_a and_o christian_a order_n but_o god_n have_v not_o leave_v we_o without_o his_o counsel_n and_o wisdom_n in_o this_o thing_n nor_o will_v he_o that_o any_o shall_v receive_v just_a occasion_n against_o we_o his_o people_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o weighty_a concern_v we_o who_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n but_o all_o for_o and_o with_o a_o regard_n to_o the_o truth_n have_v divers_a testimony_n for_o the_o lord_n and_o vnbeliever_n 1._o our_o testimoniy_n against_o marry_v with_o the_o vnbeliever_n first_o that_o we_o can_v marry_v with_o those_o that_o walk_v not_o in_o and_o obey_v not_o the_o truth_n as_o be_v of_o another_o judgement_n or_o fellowship_n or_o pretend_v to_o it_o walk_v not_o suitable_o and_o answerable_o thereto_o second_o nor_o can_v we_o go_v to_o the_o hireling-priest_n to_o uphold_v their_o false_a and_o usurp_a authority_n priest_n 2._o by_o the_o priest_n who_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o marry_v people_n without_o any_o command_n or_o precedent_n for_o it_o from_o the_o law_n of_o god_n last_o nor_o can_v we_o suffer_v any_o such_o kind_a of_o marriage_n to_o pass_v among_o we_o degree_n 3._o in_o forbid_a degree_n which_o either_o as_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o consanguinity_n or_o otherwise_o in_o itself_o be_v unlawful_a or_o from_o which_o there_o may_v be_v any_o just_a reflection_n cast_v upon_o our_o way_n unbeliever_n test._n 1._o against_o unbeliever_n as_o to_o the_o first_o two_o they_o
be_v matter_n of_o principle_n receive_v and_o believe_v it_o be_v not_o my_o work_n here_o to_o debate_v they_o only_o since_o they_o be_v receive_v and_o own_v as_o such_o for_o which_o we_o can_v and_o have_v give_v our_o sufficient_a reason_n elsewhere_o as_o for_o our_o other_o principle_n we_o ought_v to_o care_n how_o any_o by_o walk_v otherwise_o bring_v reproach_n upon_o we_o yet_o not_o to_o pass_v they_o whole_o by_o as_o to_o the_o first_o beside_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o our_o heart_n which_o be_v the_o original_a ground_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o all_o thing_n we_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n 2_o cor._n 6.14_o be_v you_o not_o unequal_o yoke_v together_o etc._n etc._n now_o if_o any_o shall_v think_v it_o be_v much_o from_o this_o scripture_n to_o plead_v it_o absolute_o unlawful_a in_o any_o case_n to_o join_v in_o marriage_n with_o any_o however_o otherwise_o sober_a because_o of_o their_o not_o be_v one_o with_o we_o in_o all_o thing_n i_o shall_v speak_v my_o judgement_n to_o i_o it_o appear_v so_o and_o to_o many_o more_o who_o have_v obtain_v mercy_n and_o we_o think_v we_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o not_o i_o can_v say_v positive_o it_o be_v not_o expedient_a neither_o do_v it_o edify_v and_o as_o that_o which_o be_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n do_v give_v just_o offence_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o no_o true_a tender_a heart_n will_v prefer_v his_o private_a love_n to_o the_o good_a and_o interest_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n as_o for_o the_o second_o usurpation_n test._n 2._o against_o the_o priest_n usurpation_n in_o that_o we_o deny_v the_o priest_n their_o assume_v authority_n and_o power_n to_o marry_v it_o be_v that_o which_o in_o no_o wise_a we_o can_v refile_v from_o nor_o can_v we_o own_o any_o in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o our_o testimony_n against_o the_o usurpation_n of_o that_o generation_n who_o never_o yet_o that_o i_o ever_o hear_v of_o can_v produce_v any_o scripture-proof_n or_o example_n for_o it_o and_o see_v none_o can_v pretend_v conscience_n in_o the_o matter_n for_o they_o themselves_o confess_v that_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o essence_n of_o marriage_n if_o any_o pretend_v to_o be_v among_o we_o shall_v through_o fear_n interest_n or_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n come_v under_o and_o bow_v to_o that_o image_n have_v we_o not_o reason_n to_o deny_v such_o slavish_a and_o ignoble_a spirit_n as_o mind_v not_o truth_n and_o its_o testimony_n last_o see_v if_o any_o walk_n with_o we_o etc._n test._n 3._o against_o forbid_a degree_n of_o consanguinity_n and_o pre-engagement_n etc._n etc._n or_o go_v under_o the_o same_o name_n shall_v hasty_o or_o disorderly_o go_v together_o either_o be_v within_o the_o degree_n of_o consanguinity_n which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n forbid_v or_o that_o either_o party_n shall_v have_v be_v former_o under_o any_o tie_n or_o obligation_n to_o other_o or_o any_o other_o vast_a disproportion_n which_o may_v bring_v a_o just_a reflection_n upon_o we_o from_o our_o opposer_n can_v any_o blame_v we_o for_o take_v care_n to_o prevent_v these_o evil_n by_o appoint_v that_o such_o as_o so_o design_n make_v know_v their_o intention_n to_o these_o church_n or_o assembly_n where_o they_o be_v most_o know_v that_o if_o any_o know_v just_a cause_n of_o hindrance_n it_o may_v be_v mention_v and_o a_o timous_a let_v put_v to_o the_o hurt_a either_o by_o stop_v it_o if_o they_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o condescend_v or_o by_o refuse_v to_o be_v witness_n and_o concurrer_n with_o they_o in_o it_o if_o they_o will_v not_o for_o we_o take_v not_o upon_o we_o to_o hinder_v any_o to_o marry_v otherwise_o than_o by_o advice_n or_o disconcern_v ourselves_o neither_o do_v we_o judge_v that_o such_o as_o do_v marry_o contrary_a to_o our_o mind_n that_o therefore_o their_o marriage_n be_v null_a and_o void_a in_o itself_o or_o may_v be_v dissolve_v afterward_o nay_o all_o our_o meddle_v be_v in_o a_o holy_a care_n for_o the_o truth_n for_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v right_o all_o that_o we_o do_v be_v to_o be_v witness_n and_o if_o otherwise_o that_o we_o may_v say_v for_o our_o vindication_n to_o such_o as_o may_v upbraid_v we_o therewith_o that_o we_o advise_v otherwise_o and_o do_v no_o way_n concur_v in_o the_o matter_n that_o so_o they_o may_v bear_v their_o own_o burden_n and_o the_o truth_n and_o people_n of_o god_n be_v clear_v now_o i_o be_o confident_a truth_n what_o kind_n of_o person_n can_v bear_v the_o good_a order_n of_o truth_n that_o our_o way_n herein_o be_v so_o answerable_a to_o reason_n and_o christianity_n that_o none_o will_v blame_v we_o therefore_o except_o either_o such_o who_o irregular_a and_o impatient_a lust_n can_v suffer_v a_o serious_a and_o christian_a examination_n and_o a_o advise_v and_o moderate_a procedure_n or_o such_o who_o watch_v for_o evil_a against_o we_o be_v sorry_a we_o shall_v proceed_v so_o orderly_o and_o will_v rather_o we_o shall_v suffer_v all_o manner_n of_o irregularity_n and_o abomination_n that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o more_o to_o say_v against_o we_o but_o the_o solid_a and_o real_a reason_n we_o have_v for_o our_o way_n herein_o will_v sufficient_o plead_v for_o we_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o sober_a man_n and_o moreover_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n do_v abundant_o confirm_v we_o both_o against_o the_o folly_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o envy_n of_o the_o other_o four_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o needful_a than_o to_o preserve_v man_n and_o woman_n in_o righteousness_n after_o they_o be_v bring_v into_o it_o and_o also_o nothing_o more_o certain_a offender_n 4._o our_o care_n for_o restore_a or_o separate_a offender_n than_o that_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o man_n soul_n seek_v daily_a how_o he_o may_v draw_v back_o again_o and_o catch_v those_o who_o have_v in_o some_o measure_n escape_v his_o snare_n and_o know_v deliverance_n from_o they_o therefore_o do_v we_o also_o meet_v together_o that_o we_o may_v receive_v a_o opportunity_n to_o understand_v if_o any_o have_v fall_v under_o his_o temptation_n that_o we_o may_v restore_v they_o again_o if_o possible_a or_o otherwise_o separate_a they_o from_o we_o sure_o if_o we_o do_v not_o so_o we_o may_v be_v just_o blame_v as_o such_o among_o who_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o commit_v any_o evil_a unreproved_a indeed_o this_o be_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o that_o libertinism_n which_o some_o have_v false_o accuse_v we_o of_o and_o which_o have_v be_v our_o care_n all_o along_o as_o become_v the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o avoid_v therefore_o we_o have_v seek_v always_o to_o keep_v the_o house_n clean_o by_o faithful_o reprove_v and_o remove_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n and_o the_o scandal_n follow_v thereupon_o private_a thing_n private_o and_o public_a thing_n public_o we_o desire_v not_o to_o propagate_v hurt_v and_o defile_v people_n mind_n with_o tell_v they_o such_o thing_n as_o tend_v not_o to_o edify_v yet_o do_v we_o not_o so_o cover_v over_o or_o smooth_a over_o any_o wickedness_n as_o not_o to_o deal_v roundly_o with_o the_o person_n guilty_a and_o cause_v they_o to_o take_v away_o the_o scandal_n in_o their_o acknowledgement_n before_o all_o to_o who_o knowledge_n it_o have_v come_v yet_o judge_v we_o not_o ourselves_o oblige_v to_o tell_v that_o in_o gath_n or_o publish_v that_o in_o the_o street_n of_o askelon_n which_o make_v the_o daughter_n of_o the_o uncircumcised_a rejoice_v or_o strengthen_v atheist_n and_o ranter_n in_o their_o obduredness_n who_o feed_v more_o upon_o the_o fail_n of_o the_o saint_n than_o to_o imitate_v their_o true_a repentance_n and_o therefore_o where_o we_o find_v a_o vnfeigning_a return_v to_o the_o lord_n we_o desire_v not_o to_o remember_v that_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v forget_v nor_o yet_o to_o throw_v offence_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o weak_a that_o they_o may_v stumble_v upon_o they_o and_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v that_o our_o care_n as_o to_o these_o thing_n also_o be_v most_o needful_a and_o a_o part_n of_o that_o order_n and_o government_n which_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n never_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v without_o as_o do_v abundant_o appear_v by_o divers_a scripture_n heretofore_o mention_v section_n vi._n how_o far_o this_o government_n do_v extend_v in_o matter_n spiritual_a and_o pure_o conscientious_a thus_o far_o i_o have_v consider_v the_o order_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o respect_v outward_a thing_n and_o its_o authority_n in_o condemn_v or_o remove_v such_o thing_n which_o in_o themselves_o be_v evil_a as_o be_v those_o which_o none_o will_v ready_o justify_v the_o necessity_n of_o which_o thing_n be_v such_o that_o
be_v so_o much_o the_o better_a that_o the_o elder_n and_o great_a number_n do_v agree_v to_o it_o and_o if_o wrong_v their_o affirm_v of_o it_o will_v not_o make_v it_o right_o and_o true_o a_o gather_v where_o the_o elder_n and_o great_a number_n be_v always_o or_o most_o frequent_o wrong_a and_o the_o young_a and_o lesser_a number_n right_o be_v such_o as_o we_o can_v suppose_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v and_o if_o any_o will_v plead_v that_o there_o be_v now_o no_o infallible_a judgement_n to_o be_v expect_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n it_o no_o doubt_n will_v leave_v the_o dissenter_n as_o much_o in_o the_o mist_n and_o at_o as_o great_a a_o loss_n as_o those_o they_o dissent_n from_o both_o be_v no_o better_o than_o blind_a man_n hit_v at_o random_n which_o will_v turn_v christianity_n into_o scepticism_n and_o though_o we_o may_v acknowledge_v that_o this_o uncertainty_n prevail_v in_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o call_v church_n yet_o we_o do_v firm_o believe_v for_o the_o reason_n above_o declare_v and_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v give_v that_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v a_o more_o solid_a stable_a foundation_n and_o be_v never_o separate_v from_o christ_n her_o head_n walk_v in_o a_o more_o certain_a steady_a and_o unerring_a path._n the_o conclusion_n the_o substance_n then_o of_o what_o be_v assert_v and_o prove_v in_o this_o treatise_n resolve_v in_o these_o follow_a particular_n whole_a a_o summary_n recollection_n of_o the_o whole_a first_n that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n when_o it_o consist_v of_o a_o visible_a people_n for_o i_o speak_v not_o here_o of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o dark_a night_n of_o apostasy_n that_o consist_v not_o of_o any_o society_n visible_o unite_v gather_v into_o the_o belief_n of_o certain_a principle_n and_o unite_v in_o the_o joint_n performance_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o meet_v together_o pray_v preach_v etc._n etc._n there_o be_v and_o still_o must_v be_v a_o certain_a order_n and_o government_n second_o that_o this_o government_n as_o to_o the_o outward_a form_n of_o it_o consist_v of_o certain_a meeting_n appoint_v principal_o for_o that_o end_n yet_o not_o so_o as_o to_o exclude_v act_n of_o worship_n if_o the_o spirit_n move_v thereunto_o three_o the_o object_n of_o this_o government_n be_v twofold_a outward_o and_o inward_o the_o outward_o relate_v main_o to_o the_o care_n of_o the_o poor_a of_o widow_n and_o fatherless_a where_o may_v be_v also_o include_v marriage_n and_o the_o remove_n of_o all_o scandal_n in_o thing_n undeniable_o wrong_a the_o inward_o respect_v a_o apostasy_n either_o in_o principle_n or_o practice_n that_o have_v a_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n and_o that_o either_o in_o deny_v some_o truth_n already_o receive_v and_o believe_v or_o assert_v new_a doctrine_n that_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v which_o again_o to_o subdivide_v may_v either_o be_v in_o thing_n fundamental_a 1674_o 1674_o and_o of_o great_a moment_n or_o in_o thing_n of_o less_o weight_n in_o themselves_o yet_o proceed_v from_o a_o wrong_a spirit_n and_o which_o in_o the_o natural_a and_o certain_a consequence_n of_o they_o tend_v to_o make_v schism_n division_n animosity_n and_o in_o sum_n to_o break_v that_o bond_n of_o love_n and_o unity_n that_o be_v so_o needful_a to_o be_v uphold_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n and_o here_o come_v also_o under_o this_o consideration_n all_o emulation_n strife_n backbiting_n and_o evil_a surmising_n four_o that_o in_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o definition_n above_o give_v of_o it_o there_o will_v in_o such_o case_n of_o difference_n and_o controversy_n still_o be_v a_o infallible_a judgement_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n either_o in_o one_o or_o other_o few_o or_o more_o five_o that_o this_o infallible_a judgement_n be_v only_o and_o unalterable_o annex_v and_o seat_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o god_n not_o to_o any_o particular_a person_n or_o person_n meet_v or_o assembly_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o settle_a ordination_n office_n place_n or_o station_n that_o such_o may_v have_v or_o have_v have_v in_o the_o church_n no_o man_n man_n nor_o meet_v stand_v or_o be_v invest_v in_o any_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n upon_o other_o term_n than_o so_o long_o as_o he_o or_o they_o abide_v in_o the_o live_a sense_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o life_n in_o their_o own_o particular_n which_o whosoever_o one_o or_o more_o inward_o depart_v from_o ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la lose_v all_o authority_n office_n or_o certain_a discern_v he_o or_o they_o former_o have_v have_v though_o retain_v the_o true_a principle_n and_o sound_a form_n and_o may_v be_v not_o fall_v into_o any_o gross_a practice_n as_o may_v declare_v they_o general_o to_o be_v thus_o wither_v and_o decay_a six_o that_o jesus_n christ_n under_o the_o gospel_n have_v ordinary_o reveal_v his_o will_n in_o such_o case_n through_o the_o elder_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n or_o a_o general_n meet_v who_o testimony_n be_v neither_o to_o be_v despise_v or_o reject_v without_o good_a cause_n neither_o be_v their_o take_n upon_o they_o real_o to_o decide_v any_o just_a ground_n to_o charge_v they_o with_o imposition_n or_o to_o quarrel_v their_o judgement_n unless_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o be_v decay_v and_o have_v lose_v their_o discern_v as_o above_o seven_o that_o to_o submit_v and_o obey_v in_o such_o case_n be_v no_o detract_n from_o the_o common_a privilege_n of_o christian_n to_o be_v inward_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n see_v the_o spirit_n have_v lead_v some_o heretofore_o so_o to_o do_v and_o yet_o may_v and_o that_o every_o pretence_n of_o vnclearness_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a excuse_n for_o disobedience_n see_v that_o may_v proceed_v from_o obstinacy_n or_o a_o mind_n prepossess_v with_o prejudice_n yet_o say_v i_o not_o any_o aught_o to_o do_v it_o before_o they_o be_v clear_a and_o who_o be_v every_o right_n will_v not_o want_v clearness_n in_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o last_o that_o these_o principle_n be_v no_o way_n taint_v with_o imposition_n or_o contrary_a to_o true_a liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o that_o they_o fundamental_o differ_v from_o the_o usurpation_n both_o of_o popery_n prelacy_n and_o presbytery_n or_o any_o other_o of_o that_o nature_n robert_n barclay_n robert_n barclay_n his_o vindication_n year_n 1679_o wherein_o the_o scruple_n and_o mistake_v some_o have_v have_v touch_v his_o book_n call_v the_o anarchy_n of_o the_o ranter_n be_v clear_v and_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o w._n r'_v paper_n against_o it_o be_v build_v remove_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o paper_n be_v brief_o answer_v by_o way_n of_o epistle_n to_o friend_n who_o therein_o have_v or_o may_v be_v concern_v which_o may_v serve_v as_o a_o explanatory_a p0st-script_n to_o robert_n barclay_n book_n of_o government_n aberdeen-prison_n the_o six_o of_o the_o first_o 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 the_o salutation_n of_o my_o unfeigned_a love_n in_o that_o vnchangable_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 have_v 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 any_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 ministry_n r._n b_n ministry_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_a 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 likewise_o i_o have_v study_v as_o well_o in_o my_o public_a testimony_n write_n his_o write_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 offcence_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 iâ—_n my_o own_o country_n as_o well_o as_o those_o elsewhere_o where_o i_o have_v
the_o holy_a scripture_n signify_v a_o assembly_n or_o gather_v of_o many_o into_o one_o place_n it_o the_o etymology_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o church_n and_o signification_n of_o it_o for_o the_o substantive_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d come_v from_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o call_v out_o of_o and_o original_o from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o call_v and_o indeed_o as_o this_o be_v the_o grammatical_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n so_o also_o it_o be_v the_o real_a and_o proper_a signification_n of_o the_o thing_n the_o church_n be_v no_o other_o thing_n but_o the_o society_n gather_v or_o company_n of_o such_o as_o god_n have_v call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o worldly_a spirit_n to_o walk_v in_o his_o light_n and_o life_n the_o church_n then_o so_o define_v be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o it_o comprehend_v all_o that_o be_v thus_o call_v and_o gather_v true_o by_o god_n both_o such_o as_o be_v yet_o in_o this_o inferior_a world_n and_o such_o as_o have_v already_o lay_v down_o the_o earthly_a tabernacle_n be_v pass_v into_o their_o heavenly_a mansion_n which_o together_o do_v make_v up_o the_o one_o catholic_n church_n concern_v which_o there_o be_v so_o much_o controversy_n out_o of_o which_o church_n we_o free_o acknowledge_v church_n no_o salvation_n without_o the_o church_n there_o can_v be_v no_o salvation_n because_o under_o this_o church_n and_o its_o denomination_n be_v comprehend_v all_o and_o as_o many_o of_o whatsoever_o nation_n kindred_n tongue_n or_o people_n they_o be_v though_o outward_o stranger_n and_o remote_a from_o those_o who_o profess_v christ_n and_o christianity_n in_o word_n and_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o become_v obedient_a to_o the_o holy_a light_n and_o testimony_n of_o god_n in_o their_o heart_n so_o as_o to_o become_v sanctify_v by_o it_o be_v what_o the_o church_n be_v and_o cleanse_v from_o the_o evil_n of_o their_o way_n for_o this_o be_v the_o universal_a or_o catholic_n spirit_n by_o which_o many_o be_v call_v from_o all_o the_o four_o corner_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o shall_v sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n by_o this_o the_o secret_a life_n and_o virtue_n of_o jesus_n be_v convey_v into_o many_o that_o be_v afar_o off_o even_o as_o by_o the_o blood_n that_o run_v into_o the_o vein_n and_o artery_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n the_o life_n be_v convey_v from_o the_o head_n and_o heart_n unto_o the_o extreme_a part_n there_o may_v be_v member_n therefore_o of_o this_o catholic_n church_n both_o among_o heathen_n church_n turk_n and_o jew_n may_v become_v member_n of_o this_o church_n turk_n jew_n and_o all_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o christian_n man_n and_o woman_n of_o integrity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n who_o though_o blind_v in_o something_o in_o their_o understanding_n and_o perhaps_o burden_a with_o the_o superstition_n and_o formality_n of_o the_o several_a sect_n in_o which_o they_o be_v ingross_v yet_o be_v upright_o in_o their_o heart_n before_o the_o lord_n chief_o aim_v and_o labour_v to_o be_v deliver_v from_o iniquity_n and_o love_v to_o follow_v righteousness_n be_v by_o the_o secret_a touch_v of_o this_o holy_a light_n in_o their_o soul_n inlve_v and_o quicken_v thereby_o secret_o unite_v to_o god_n and_o therethrough_a become_v true_a member_n of_o this_o catholic_n church_n now_o the_o church_n in_o this_o respect_n have_v be_v in_o be_v in_o all_o generation_n for_o god_n never_o want_v some_o such_o witness_n for_o he_o though_o many_o time_n slight_v and_o not_o much_o observe_v by_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o this_o church_n though_o still_o in_o be_v have_v be_v oftentimes_o as_o it_o be_v invisible_a in_o that_o it_o have_v not_o come_v under_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n be_v as_o say_v the_o scripture_n jer._n 3.14_o one_o of_o a_o city_n and_o two_o of_o a_o family_n and_o yet_o though_o the_o church_n thus_o consider_v may_v be_v as_o it_o be_v hide_v from_o wicked_a man_n as_o not_o then_o gather_v into_o a_o visible_a fellowship_n yea_o and_o not_o observe_v even_o by_o some_o that_o be_v member_n of_o it_o yet_o may_v there_o notwithstanding_o many_o belong_v to_o it_o as_o when_o elias_n complain_v he_o be_v leave_v alone_o 1_o king_n 19.18_o god_n answer_v unto_o he_o i_o have_v reserve_v to_o myself_o seven_o thousand_o man_n who_o have_v not_o bow_v their_o knee_n to_o the_o image_n of_o baal_n whence_o the_o apostle_n argue_v rom._n 11._o the_o be_v of_o a_o remnant_n in_o his_o day_n §_o iii_o second_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o it_o signify_v a_o certain_a number_n of_o person_n gather_v by_o god_n spirit_n and_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o some_o of_o his_o servant_n raise_v up_o for_o that_o end_n unto_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o true_a principle_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n who_o through_o their_o heart_n be_v unite_v by_o the_o same_o love_n and_o their_o understanding_n inform_v in_o the_o same_o truth_n gather_v fellowship_n the_o definition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o gather_v into_o a_o visible_a fellowship_n meet_v and_o assemble_v together_o to_o wait_v upon_o god_n to_o worship_v he_o and_o to_o bear_v a_o joint-testimony_n for_o the_o truth_n against_o error_n suffer_v for_o the_o same_o and_o so_o become_v through_o this_o fellowship_n as_o one_o family_n and_o household_n in_o certain_a respect_n do_v each_o of_o they_o watch_v over_o teach_v instruct_v and_o care_v for_o one_o another_o according_a to_o their_o several_a measure_n and_o attainment_n such_o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o primitive_a time_n gather_v by_o the_o apostle_n whereof_o we_o have_v divers_a mention_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o as_o to_o the_o visibility_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o respect_n there_o have_v be_v a_o great_a interruption_n since_o the_o apostle_n day_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o apostasy_n as_o shall_v hereafter_o appear_v §_o iv_o to_o be_v a_o member_n then_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n church_n how_o to_o become_v a_o member_n of_o that_o church_n there_o be_v need_n of_o the_o inward_a call_v of_o god_n by_o his_o light_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o a_o be_v leaven_v into_o the_o nature_n and_o spirit_n of_o it_o so_o as_o to_o forsake_v vnrighteousness_n and_o be_v turn_v to_o righteousness_n and_o in_o the_o inwardness_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o be_v cut_v out_o of_o the_o wild_a olive-tree_n of_o our_o own_o first_o fall_v nature_n and_o ingraft_v into_o christ_n by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o this_o may_v be_v do_v in_o those_o who_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o history_n god_n not_o have_v please_v to_o make_v they_o partaker_n thereof_o as_o in_o the_o five_o and_o six_o proposition_n have_v already_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n church_n the_o outward_a profession_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n as_o this_o inward_a work_n be_v indispensible_o necessary_a so_o be_v also_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o and_o belief_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o those_o holy_a truth_n deliver_v by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o scripture_n see_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n do_v answer_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n even_o as_o face_n answer_v face_n in_o a_o glass_n hence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o inward_a work_n of_o holiness_n and_o forsake_v iniquity_n be_v necessary_a in_o every_o respect_n to_o the_o be_v a_o member_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o the_o outward_a profession_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a gather_a church_n but_o not_o to_o the_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n yet_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a where_o god_n afford_v the_o opportunity_n of_o know_v it_o and_o the_o outward_a testimony_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v where_o it_o be_v present_v and_o reveal_v the_o sum_n whereof_o have_v upon_o other_o occasion_n be_v already_o prove_v §_o v._o but_o contrary_a hereunto_o the_o devil_n profession_n the_o member_n of_o the_o antichristian_a church_n in_o the_o apostasy_n their_o empty_a profession_n that_o work_v and_o have_v wrought_v in_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n have_v teach_v his_o follower_n to_o affirm_v that_o no_o man_n however_o holy_a be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n without_o the_o outward_a profession_n and_o that_o he_o be_v initiate_v thereunto_o by_o some_o outward_a ceremony_n and_o again_o that_o man_n who_o have_v this_o outward_a profession_n though_o inward_o unholy_a may_v be_v member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n yea_o and_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o esteem_v this_o be_v plain_o to_o put_v light_n for_o
smite_v without_o word_n and_o that_o one_o will_v be_v as_o a_o midwife_n through_o the_o secret_a travel_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o bring_v forth_o the_o life_n in_o they_o just_a as_o a_o little_a water_n throw_v into_o a_o pump_n bring_v up_o the_o rest_n whereby_o life_n will_v come_v to_o be_v raise_v in_o all_o and_o the_o vain_a imagination_n bring_v down_o and_o such_o a_o one_o be_v feel_v by_o the_o rest_n to_o minister_v life_n unto_o they_o without_o word_n yea_o sometime_o when_o there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n in_o the_o meeting_n but_o all_o be_v silent_o wait_v if_o one_o come_v in_o that_o be_v rude_a and_o wicked_a and_o in_o who_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n prevail_v much_o perhaps_o with_o a_o intention_n to_o mock_v or_o do_v mischief_n if_o the_o whole_a meeting_n be_v gather_v into_o the_o life_n and_o it_o be_v raise_v in_o a_o good_a measure_n speak_v the_o mocker_n strike_v with_o terror_n when_o no_o word_n be_v speak_v it_o will_v strike_v terror_n into_o such_o a_o one_o and_o he_o will_v feel_v himself_o unable_a to_o resist_v but_o by_o the_o secret_a strength_n and_o virtue_n thereof_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n in_o he_o will_v be_v chain_v down_o and_o if_o the_o day_n of_o his_o visitation_n be_v not_o expire_v it_o will_v reach_v to_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n in_o he_o and_o raise_v it_o up_o to_o the_o redeem_v of_o his_o soul_n and_o this_o we_o often_o bear_v witness_n of_o so_o as_o we_o have_v hereby_o frequent_a occasion_n in_o this_o respect_n since_o god_n have_v gather_v we_o to_o be_v a_o people_n to_o renew_v this_o old_a say_n of_o many_o be_v saul_n also_o among_o the_o prophet_n 10.12_o 1_o sam._n 10.12_o for_o not_o a_o few_o have_v come_v to_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n after_o this_o manner_n of_o which_o i_o myself_o in_o a_o part_n be_o a_o true_a witness_n who_o not_o by_o strength_n of_o argument_n or_o by_o a_o particular_a disquisition_n of_o each_o doctrine_n convincement_n the_o true_a convincement_n and_o convincement_n of_o my_o understanding_n thereby_o come_v to_o receive_v and_o bear_v witness_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o by_o be_v secret_o reach_v by_o this_o life_n for_o when_o i_o come_v into_o the_o silent_a assembly_n of_o god_n people_n i_o feel_v a_o secret_a power_n among_o they_o which_o touch_v my_o heart_n and_o as_o i_o give_v way_n unto_o it_o i_o find_v the_o evil_a weaken_n in_o i_o and_o the_o good_a raise_v up_o and_o so_o i_o become_v thus_o knit_v and_o unite_v unto_o they_o hunger_a more_o and_o more_o after_o the_o increase_n of_o this_o power_n and_o life_n whereby_o i_o may_v feel_v myself_o perfect_o redeem_v and_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o sure_a way_n to_o become_v a_o christian_a to_o who_o afterward_o the_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n of_o principle_n will_v not_o be_v want_v but_o will_v grow_v up_o so_o much_o as_o be_v needful_a as_o the_o natural_a fruit_n of_o this_o good_a root_n and_o such_o a_o knowledge_n will_v not_o be_v barren_a nor_o unfruitful_a after_o this_o manner_n therefore_o we_o desire_v all_o that_o come_v among_o we_o to_o be_v proselyte_v know_v that_o though_o thousand_o shall_v be_v convince_v in_o their_o understanding_n of_o all_o the_o truth_n we_o maintain_v yet_o if_o they_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o this_o inward_a life_n and_o their_o soul_n not_o change_v from_o vnrighteousness_n to_o righteousness_n they_o can_v add_v nothing_o to_o we_o for_o this_o be_v that_o cement_n whereby_o we_o be_v join_v as_o to_o the_o lord_n so_o to_o one_o another_o and_o without_o this_o none_o can_v worship_n with_o we_o yea_o 17._o 1_o cor._n 6._o ver_fw-la 17._o if_o such_o shall_v come_v among_o we_o lord_n the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n do_v join_v we_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o from_o that_o understanding_n and_o convincement_n they_o have_v of_o the_o truth_n speak_v ever_o so_o true_a thing_n and_o utter_v they_o forth_o with_o ever_o so_o much_o excellency_n of_o speech_n if_o this_o life_n be_v want_v it_o will_v not_o edify_v we_o at_o all_o but_o be_v as_o sound_a brass_n or_o a_o tinkle_a cymbal_n 1_o cor._n 13.1_o §_o viii_o our_o work_n then_o and_o worship_n be_v when_o we_o meet_v together_o meeting_n our_o work_n and_o worship_n in_o our_o meeting_n for_o every_o one_o to_o watch_n and_o wait_v upon_o god_n in_o themselves_o and_o to_o be_v gather_v from_o all_o visibles_n thereinto_o and_o as_o every_o one_o be_v thus_o state_v they_o come_v to_o find_v the_o good_a arise_v over_o the_o evil_a and_o the_o pure_a over_o the_o impure_a in_o which_o god_n reveal_v himself_o and_o draw_v near_o to_o every_o individual_a and_o so_o he_o in_o the_o midst_n in_o the_o general_a whereby_o each_o not_o only_o partake_v of_o the_o particular_a refreshment_n and_o strength_n which_o come_v from_o the_o good_a in_o himself_o but_o be_v a_o sharer_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n as_o be_v a_o live_a member_n of_o the_o body_n have_v a_o joint_n fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o all_o and_o as_o this_o worship_n be_v steadfast_o preach_v and_o keep_v to_o it_o become_v easy_a though_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a at_o first_o to_o the_o natural_a man_n who_o rove_a imagination_n and_o run_v worldly_a desire_n be_v not_o so_o easy_o bring_v to_o silence_n and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n oftentime_o when_o any_o turn_n towards_o he_o and_o have_v true_a desire_n thus_o to_o wait_v upon_o he_o and_o find_v great_a difficulty_n through_o the_o unstayedness_n of_o their_o mind_n do_v in_o condescension_n and_o compassion_n cause_v his_o power_n to_o break_v forth_o in_o a_o more_o strong_a and_o powerful_a manner_n and_o when_o the_o mind_n sink_v down_o and_o wait_v for_o the_o appearance_n of_o life_n and_o that_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n in_o the_o soul_n wrestle_v and_o work_v against_o it_o than_o the_o good_a seed_n as_o it_o arise_v will_v be_v find_v to_o work_v as_o physic_n in_o the_o soul_n especial_o if_o such_o a_o weak_a one_o be_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o divers_a other_o in_o who_o the_o life_n be_v arisen_a in_o great_a dominion_n and_o through_o the_o contrary_a working_n of_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n there_o will_v be_v find_v a_o inward_a strive_v in_o the_o soul_n as_o real_o in_o the_o mystery_n as_o ever_o esau_n and_o jacob_n strive_v in_o rebekkah_n womb._n and_o from_o this_o inward_a travel_n while_o the_o darkness_n seek_v to_o obscure_v the_o light_n womb._n esau_n and_o jacob_n strive_v in_o rebeccah_n womb._n and_o the_o light_n break_v through_o the_o darkness_n which_o always_o it_o will_v do_v if_o the_o soul_n give_v not_o its_o strength_n to_o the_o darkness_n there_o will_v be_v such_o a_o painful_a travel_n find_v in_o the_o soul_n that_o will_v even_o work_v upon_o the_o outward_a man_n so_o that_o oftentime_o through_o the_o work_n thereof_o the_o body_n will_v be_v great_o shake_v and_o many_o groan_n and_o sigh_n and_o tear_n even_o as_o the_o pang_n of_o a_o woman_n in_o travail_n will_v lay_v hold_n upon_o it_o yea_o and_o this_o not_o only_o as_o to_o one_o but_o when_o the_o enemy_n who_o when_o the_o child_n of_o god_n assemble_v together_o be_v not_o want_v to_o be_v present_a to_o see_v if_o he_o can_v let_v their_o comfort_n have_v prevail_v in_o any_o measure_n in_o a_o whole_a meeting_n and_o strong_o work_v against_o it_o by_o spread_v and_o propagate_a his_o dark_a power_n and_o by_o draw_v out_o the_o mind_n of_o such_o as_o be_v meet_v from_o the_o life_n in_o they_o as_o they_o come_v to_o be_v sensible_a of_o this_o power_n of_o he_o that_o work_v against_o they_o and_o to_o wrestle_v with_o it_o by_o the_o armour_n of_o light_n sometime_o the_o power_n of_o god_n will_v break_v forth_o into_o a_o whole_a meeting_n song_n the_o travel_n crown_v with_o a_o victorious_a song_n and_o there_o will_v be_v such_o a_o inward_a travel_n while_o each_o be_v seek_v to_o overcome_v the_o evil_a in_o themselves_o that_o by_o the_o strong_a contrary_a working_n of_o these_o opposite_a power_n like_o the_o go_n of_o two_o contrary_a tide_n every_o individual_a will_v be_v strong_o exercise_v as_o in_o a_o day_n of_o battle_n and_o thereby_o tremble_v and_o a_o motion_n of_o body_n will_v be_v upon_o most_o if_o not_o upon_o all_o which_o as_o the_o power_n of_o truth_n prevail_v will_v from_o pang_n and_o groan_n end_v with_o a_o sweet_a sound_n of_o thanksgiving_n and_o praise_n spring_v the_o name_n of_o quaker_n whence_o it_o spring_v and_o from_o this_o the_o name_n of_o quaker_n i._n e._n trembler_n be_v first_o reproachful_o cast_v upon_o we_o which_o though_o it_o be_v none_o of_o our_o choose_v yet_o in_o this_o respect_n we_o be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o it_o but_o have_v rather_o reason_v
as_o if_o we_o have_v no_o respect_n or_o reverence_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o as_o if_o we_o judge_v none_o can_v pray_v or_o be_v hear_v of_o god_n but_o ourselves_o unto_o all_o which_o and_o many_o more_o reproach_n of_o this_o kind_n we_o answer_v brief_o and_o modest_o that_o it_o suffice_v we_o that_o we_o be_v find_v so_o do_v neither_o through_o pride_n nor_o madness_n nor_o profanity_n but_o mere_o lest_o we_o shall_v hurt_v our_o conscience_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a for_o since_o our_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o prayer_n of_o those_o who_o themselves_o confess_v they_o be_v not_o act_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v abomination_n how_o can_v we_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n join_v with_o they_o if_o they_o urge_v that_o this_o be_v the_o height_n of_o vncharitableness_n and_o arrogancy_n object_n two_o as_o if_o we_o judge_v ourselves_o always_o to_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v motion_n but_o they_o never_o as_o if_o we_o be_v never_o deceive_v by_o pray_v without_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o they_o be_v never_o act_v by_o it_o see_v albeit_o they_o judge_v not_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n always_o necessary_a they_o confess_v nevertheless_o that_o it_o be_v very_o profitable_a and_o comfortable_a and_o they_o feel_v it_o often_o influence_v they_o which_o that_o it_o sometime_o fall_v out_o we_o can_v deny_v to_o all_o which_o i_o answer_v distinct_o if_o it_o be_v their_o know_a and_o avow_a doctrine_n not_o to_o pray_v without_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o serious_o hold_v thereunto_o they_o do_v not_o bind_v themselves_o to_o pray_v at_o certain_a prescribe_a time_n precise_o at_o which_o time_n they_o determine_v to_o pray_v though_o without_o the_o spirit_n answ._n then_o indeed_o we_o may_v be_v accuse_v of_o vncharitableness_n and_o pride_n pray_v shall_v we_o confirm_v the_o hypocrite_n when_o pray_v if_o we_o never_o join_v with_o they_o and_o if_o they_o so_o teach_v and_o practise_v i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a for_o we_o so_o to_o do_v unless_o there_o shall_v appear_v some_o manifest_a and_o evident_a hypocrisy_n or_o delusion_n but_o see_v they_o profess_v that_o they_o pray_v without_o the_o spirit_n and_o see_v god_n have_v persuade_v we_o that_o such_o prayer_n be_v abominable_a how_o can_v we_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n join_v with_o a_o abomination_n that_o god_n sometime_o condescend_v to_o they_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v albeit_o now_o when_o the_o spiritual_a worship_n be_v open_o proclaim_v and_o all_o be_v invite_v unto_o it_o the_o case_n be_v otherwise_o than_o in_o those_o old_a time_n of_o apostasy_n and_o darkness_n and_o therefore_o albeit_o any_o shall_v begin_v to_o pray_v in_o our_o presence_n not_o expect_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o if_o it_o manifest_o appear_v that_o god_n in_o condescension_n do_v concur_v with_o such_o a_o one_o then_o according_a to_o god_n will_n we_o shall_v not_o refuse_v to_o join_v also_o but_o this_o be_v rare_a lest_o thence_o they_o shall_v be_v confirm_v in_o their_o false_a principle_n and_o albeit_o this_o seem_v hard_a in_o our_o profession_n nevertheless_o it_o be_v so_o confirm_v by_o the_o authority_n both_o of_o scripture_n and_o right_a reason_n that_o many_o convince_v thereof_o have_v embrace_v this_o part_n before_o other_o truth_n which_o be_v easy_a and_o as_o they_o seem_v to_o some_o clear_a among_o who_o be_v memorable_a of_o late_a year_n alexander_n skein_n a_o magistrate_n of_o the_o city_n of_o aberdeen_n a_o man_n very_o modest_a and_o very_o averse_a from_o give_v offence_n to_o other_o who_o nevertheless_o be_v overcome_v by_o the_o power_n of_o truth_n in_o this_o matter_n behove_v for_o this_o cause_n to_o separate_v himself_o from_o the_o public_a assembly_n and_o prayer_n and_o join_v himself_o unto_o we_o who_o also_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o change_n and_o likewise_o succinct_o but_o yet_o substantial_o comprehend_v this_o controversy_n concern_v worship_n in_o some_o short_a question_n which_o he_o offer_v to_o the_o public_a preacher_n of_o the_o city_n which_o i_o think_v meet_v to_o insert_v in_o this_o place_n query_n 1._o whether_o or_o not_o shall_v any_o act_n of_o god_n worship_n be_v go_v about_o without_o the_o motion_n aberdâ—en_n some_o question_n of_o a._n skein_n propose_v to_o the_o preacher_n that_o be_v in_o aberdâ—en_n leading_n and_o act_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n 2._o if_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v necessary_a to_o every_o particular_a duty_n whether_o shall_v he_o be_v wait_v upon_o that_o all_o our_o act_n and_o word_n may_v be_v according_a as_o he_o give_v utterance_n and_o assistance_n 3._o whether_o every_o one_o that_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a or_o profess_v to_o be_v a_o protestant_n have_v such_o a_o uninterrupted_a measure_n thereof_o that_o he_o may_v without_o wait_v go_v immediate_o about_o the_o duty_n 4._o if_o there_o be_v a_o indisposition_n and_o unfitness_n at_o some_o time_n for_o such_o exercise_n at_o least_o as_o to_o the_o spiritual_a and_o lively_a performance_n thereof_o whether_o ought_v they_o to_o be_v perform_v in_o that_o case_n and_o at_o that_o time_n 5._o if_o any_o duty_n be_v go_v about_o under_o pretence_n that_o it_o be_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o external_n command_v without_o the_o spiritual_a life_n and_o motion_n necessary_a whether_o such_o a_o duty_n thus_o perform_v can_v in_o faith_n be_v expect_v to_o be_v accept_v of_o god_n and_o not_o rather_o reckon_v as_o a_o bring_n of_o strange_a fire_n before_o the_o lord_n 16.1_o levit._fw-la 16.1_o see_v it_o be_v perform_v at_o best_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o natural_a and_o acquire_v part_n and_o not_o by_o the_o strength_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v typify_v by_o the_o fire_n that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n which_o alone_o behove_v to_o consume_v the_o sacrifice_n and_o no_o other_o 6._o whether_o duty_n go_v about_o in_o the_o mere_a strength_n of_o natural_a and_o acquire_v part_n whether_o in_o public_a or_o in_o private_a be_v not_o as_o real_o upon_o the_o matter_n a_o image_n of_o man_n invention_n as_o the_o popish_a worship_n though_o not_o so_o gross_a in_o the_o outward_a appearance_n and_o therefore_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o as_o real_a superstition_n to_o countenance_v any_o worship_n of_o that_o nature_n as_o it_o be_v to_o countenance_v popish_a worship_n though_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o the_o degree_n 7._o whether_o it_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o offence_n or_o just_a scandal_n to_o countenance_v the_o worship_n of_o those_o who_o profess_a principle_n it_o be_v neither_o to_o speak_v for_o edification_n nor_o to_o pray_v but_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o assist_v they_o in_o some_o measure_n less_o or_o more_o without_o which_o they_o rather_o choose_v to_o be_v silent_a than_o to_o speak_v without_o this_o influence_n unto_o these_o they_o answer_v but_o very_o cold_o and_o faint_o who_o answer_v likewise_o long_o ago_o he_o refute_v see_v then_o god_n have_v call_v we_o to_o his_o spiritual_a worship_n and_o to_o testify_v against_o the_o humane_a and_o voluntary_a worship_n of_o the_o apostasy_n if_o we_o do_v not_o this_o way_n stand_v immovable_a to_o the_o truth_n reveal_v but_o shall_v join_v with_o they_o both_o our_o testimony_n for_o god_n will_v be_v weaken_v and_o lose_v god_n we_o must_v not_o loose_v our_o witness_v for_o god_n and_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a steady_o to_o propagate_v this_o worship_n in_o the_o world_n who_o progress_n we_o dare_v neither_o retard_v nor_o hinder_v by_o any_o act_n of_o we_o though_o therefore_o we_o shall_v lose_v not_o only_o worldly_a honour_n but_o even_o our_o life_n and_o true_o many_o protestant_n through_o their_o vnsteadiness_n in_o this_o thing_n for_o politic_a end_n comply_v with_o the_o popish_a abomination_n have_v great_o scandalize_v their_o profession_n and_o hurt_v the_o reformation_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o elector_n of_o saxony_n who_o protestant_n elector_n of_o saxony_n his_o scandal_n give_v to_o protestant_n in_o the_o convention_n at_o augsburg_n in_o the_o year_n 1530_o be_v command_v by_o the_o emperor_n charles_n the_o five_o to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o mass_n that_o he_o may_v carry_v the_o sword_n before_o he_o according_a to_o his_o place_n which_o when_o he_o just_o scruple_v to_o perform_v his_o preacher_n take_v more_o care_n for_o their_o prince_n honour_n than_o for_o his_o conscience_n persuade_v he_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o do_v it_o against_o his_o conscience_n answer_v second_o objection_n against_o spiritual_a prayer_n answer_v which_o be_v both_o a_o very_a bad_a example_n and_o great_a scandal_n to_o the_o
as_o by_o circumcision_n the_o purification_n and_o other_o thing_n the_o holiness_n of_o god_n be_v typify_v and_o that_o the_o isralite_n ought_v to_o be_v holy_a as_o their_o god_n be_v holy_a in_o the_o like_a manner_n oath_n under_o the_o shadow_n and_o ceremony_n signify_v the_o verity_n of_o god_n his_o faithfulness_n and_o certainty_n and_o therefore_o that_o we_o ought_v in_o all_o thing_n to_o speak_v and_o witness_v the_o truth_n oath_n truth_n be_v before_o all_o oath_n but_o the_o witness_n of_o truth_n be_v before_o all_o oath_n and_o remain_v when_o all_o oath_n be_v abolish_v and_o this_o be_v the_o morality_n of_o all_o oath_n and_o so_o long_o as_o man_n abide_v therein_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o nor_o place_n for_o oath_n as_o polybius_n witness_v who_o say_v the_o use_n of_o oath_n in_o judgement_n be_v rare_a among_o the_o ancient_n but_o by_o the_o grow_a of_o perfidiousness_n so_o grow_v also_o the_o use_n of_o oath_n to_o which_o agree_v grotius_n say_v a_o oath_n be_v only_o to_o be_v use_v as_o a_o medicine_n in_o case_n of_o necessity_n a_o solemn_a oath_n be_v not_o use_v inconstancy_n oath_n supply_v presuppose_v defect_n of_o man_n inconstancy_n but_o to_o supply_v defect_n the_o lightness_n of_o man_n and_o their_o inconstancy_n beget_v diffidence_n for_o which_o swear_v be_v seek_v out_o as_o a_o remedy_n basil_n the_o great_a say_v that_o swear_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o sin_n and_o ambrose_n that_o oath_n be_v only_o a_o condescendency_n for_o defect_n chrysostom_n say_v that_o a_o oath_n enter_v when_o evil_a grow_v when_o man_n exercise_v their_o fraud_n when_o all_o foundation_n be_v overturn_v that_o oath_n take_v their_o beginning_n from_o the_o want_n of_o truth_n these_o and_o the_o like_a be_v witness_v by_o many_o other_o with_o the_o forementioned_a author_n but_o what_o need_v of_o testimony_n where_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n speak_v itself_o for_o who_o will_v force_v another_o to_o swear_v of_o who_o he_o be_v certain_o persuade_v that_o he_o abhor_v to_o lie_v in_o his_o word_n and_o again_o as_o chrysostom_n and_o other_o say_v for_o what_o end_n will_v thou_o force_v he_o to_o swear_v who_o thou_o believe_v not_o that_o he_o will_v speak_v the_o truth_n §_o xii_o that_o then_o which_o be_v not_o from_o the_o beginning_n which_o be_v of_o no_o use_n in_o the_o beginning_n which_o have_v not_o its_o beginning_n first_o from_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o from_o the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n occasion_v from_o evil_a to_o wit_n from_o unfaithfulness_n lie_v deceit_n and_o which_o be_v at_o first_o only_o evindent_a by_o man_n as_o a_o mutual_a remedy_n of_o this_o evil_a in_o which_o they_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o their_o idol_n yea_o that_o which_o as_o hierom_n chrysostom_n and_o other_o testify_v be_v give_v to_o the_o israelite_n by_o god_n as_o unto_o child_n that_o they_o may_v abstain_v from_o the_o idolatrous_a oath_n of_o the_o heathen_n jer._n 12.16_o whatsoever_o be_v so_o be_v far_o from_o be_v a_o moral_a and_o eternal_a precept_n and_o last_o whatsoever_o by_o its_o profanation_n and_o abuse_n be_v pollute_v with_o sin_n such_o as_o be_v abundant_o the_o oath_n of_o these_o time_n by_o so_o often_o swear_v and_o forswear_v far_o differ_v from_o any_o necessary_a and_o perpetual_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a but_o oath_n be_v so_o therefore_o etc._n etc._n six_o they_o object_n that_o god_n swear_v therefore_o to_o swear_v be_v good_a i_o answer_v with_o domin_n with_o athan._n in_o pass_n &_o cruc_fw-la domin_n athanasius_n see_v it_o be_v certain_a it_o be_v proper_a in_o swear_v to_o swear_v by_o another_o thence_o it_o appear_v that_o god_n object_n object_n to_o speak_v proper_o do_v never_o swear_v but_o only_o improper_o answ._n whence_o speak_v to_o man_n he_o be_v say_v to_o swear_v because_o these_o thing_n which_o he_o speak_v because_o of_o the_o certainty_n and_o immutability_n of_o his_o will_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v for_o oath_n compare_v psal._n 110.4_o where_o it_o be_v say_v the_o lord_n do_v swear_v and_o it_o do_v not_o repent_v he_o etc._n etc._n and_o i_o swear_v say_v he_o by_o myself_o and_o this_o be_v not_o a_o oath_n for_o he_o do_v not_o swear_v by_o another_o which_o be_v the_o property_n of_o a_o oath_n but_o by_o himself_o therefore_o god_n swear_v not_o according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n himself_o god_n swear_v not_o by_o another_o but_o by_o himself_o neither_o can_v we_o be_v induce_v from_o thence_o to_o swear_v but_o let_v we_o so_o do_v and_o say_v and_o show_v ourselves_o such_o by_o speak_v and_o act_v that_o we_o need_v not_o with_o our_o hearer_n a_o oath_n and_o let_v our_o word_n of_o themselves_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n for_o so_o we_o shall_v plain_o imitate_v god_n seven_o they_o object_n â—_o christ_n do_v swear_v object_n object_n and_o we_o ought_v to_o imitate_v he_o i_o answer_v that_o christ_n do_v not_o swear_v and_o albeit_o he_o have_v swear_v answ._n be_v yet_o under_o the_o law_n this_o will_v not_o way_n oblige_v we_o under_o the_o gospel_n as_o neither_o circumcision_n or_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o paschal_n lamb._n concern_v which_o hierom_n say_v 2._o hier._n lib._n ep._n part_n 3._o tract_n 1._o ep._n 2._o all_o thing_n agree_v not_o to_o we_o who_o be_v servant_n that_o agree_v to_o our_o lord_n etc._n etc._n the_o lord_n swear_v as_o lord_n who_o no_o man_n do_v forbid_v to_o swear_v but_o unto_o we_o that_o be_v servant_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o swear_v because_o we_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o our_o lord_n yet_o lest_o we_o shall_v not_o suffer_v scandal_n by_o his_o example_n he_o have_v not_o swear_v since_o he_o command_v we_o not_o to_o swear_v eight_o they_o object_n that_o paul_n swear_v and_o that_o often_o object_n object_n rom._n 1.9_o phil._n 1.8_o say_n for_o god_n be_v my_o witness_n 2_o cor._n 11.10_o as_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n in_o i_o 2_o cor._n 1.23_o i_o call_v god_n for_o a_o record_n upon_o my_o soul_n i_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o christ_n i_o lie_v not_o rom._n 9.1_o behold_v before_o god_n i_o lie_v not_o gal._n 1.20_o and_o so_o require_v oath_n of_o other_o i_o obtest_v you_o say_v he_o before_o god_n and_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n 1_o thess._n 5.27_o i_o charge_v you_o by_o the_o lord_n that_o this_o epistle_n be_v read_v to_o all_o the_o brethren_n but_o paul_n will_v not_o have_v do_v so_o if_o all_o manner_n of_o oath_n have_v be_v forbid_v by_o christ_n who_o apostle_n he_o be_v to_o all_o which_o i_o answer_v first_o answ._n that_o the_o use_n of_o such_o form_n of_o speak_v be_v neither_o oath_n nor_o so_o esteem_v by_o our_o adversary_n for_o when_o upon_o occasion_n in_o matter_n of_o great_a moment_n we_o have_v say_v we_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o before_o he_o who_o be_v our_o witness_n and_o the_o searcher_n of_o our_o heart_n oath_n the_o ceremony_n of_o a_o oath_n add_v such_o kind_n of_o serious_a attestation_n which_o we_o never_o refuse_v in_o matter_n of_o consequence_n nevertheless_o a_o oath_n have_v moreover_o be_v require_v of_o we_o with_o the_o ceremony_n of_o put_v our_o hand_n upon_o the_o book_n the_o kiss_n of_o it_o the_o lifting_z up_o of_o the_o hand_n or_o finger_n together_o with_o this_o common_a form_n of_o imprecation_n so_o help_v i_o god_n or_o so_o true_o let_v the_o lord_n god_n almighty_n help_v i_o second_o this_o contradict_v the_o opinion_n of_o our_o adversary_n because_o that_o paul_n be_v neither_o before_o a_o magistrate_n that_o be_v require_v a_o oath_n of_o he_o nor_o do_v he_o himself_o administer_v the_o office_n of_o a_o magistrate_n as_o offer_v a_o oath_n to_o any_o other_o three_o the_o question_n be_v not_o what_o paul_n or_o peter_n do_v but_o what_o their_o and_o our_o master_n teach_v to_o be_v do_v and_o if_o paul_n do_v swear_v which_o we_o believe_v not_o he_o have_v sin_v against_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n even_o according_a to_o their_o opinion_n because_o he_o swear_v not_o before_o a_o magistrate_n but_o in_o a_o epistle_n to_o his_o brethren_n object_n object_n nine_o they_o object_n isa._n 65.16_o where_o speak_v of_o the_o evangelical_n time_n he_o say_v that_o he_o who_o bless_v himself_o in_o the_o earth_n shall_v bless_v himself_o in_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o he_o that_o swear_v in_o the_o earth_n shall_v swear_v by_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n because_o the_o former_a trouble_n be_v forget_v and_o because_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o my_o eye_n for_o behold_v i_o create_v new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n therefore_o in_o these_o time_n we_o ought_v to_o swear_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n answ._n i_o
believe_v afterward_o he_o disarm_v every_o soldier_n in_o disarm_v of_o peter_n idem_fw-la de_fw-fr coron_n mil._n ask_v shall_v it_o be_v lawful_a to_o use_v the_o sword_n the_o lord_n say_v that_o he_o that_o use_v the_o sword_n shall_v perish_v by_o the_o sword_n nine_o because_o the_o apostle_n admonish_v christian_n that_o they_o defend_v not_o themselves_o 12.19_o rom._n 12.19_o neither_o revenge_n by_o render_v evil_a for_o evil_n but_o give_v place_n unto_o wrath_n because_o vengeance_n be_v the_o lord_n be_v not_o overcome_v of_o evil_a but_o overcome_v evil_a with_o good_a if_o thy_o enemy_n hunger_n feed_v he_o if_o he_o thirst_v give_v he_o drink_v but_o war_n throughout_o teach_v and_o injoin_v the_o quite_o contrary_a ten_o because_o christ_n call_v his_o child_n to_o bear_v his_o cross_n not_o to_o crucify_v or_o kill_v other_o 8.34_o mark_v 8.34_o to_o patience_n not_o to_o revenge_n to_o truth_n and_o simplicity_n not_o to_o fraudulent_a stratagem_n of_o war_n or_o to_o play_v the_o sycophant_n which_o john_n himself_o forbid_v to_o flee_v the_o glory_n of_o this_o world_n not_o to_o acquire_v it_o by_o warlike_a endeavour_n therefore_o war_n be_v altogether_o contrary_a unto_o the_o law_n and_o spirit_n of_o christ._n object_n object_n §_o xv._o but_o they_o object_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o war_n because_o abraham_n do_v war_n before_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o israelite_n after_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n answ._n i_o answer_v as_o before_o 1._o that_o abraham_n offer_v sacrifice_n at_o that_o time_n and_o circumcise_a the_o males_n which_o nevertheless_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o we_o under_o the_o gospel_n 2._o that_o neither_o defensive_a nor_o offensive_a war_n be_v lawful_a to_o the_o israelite_n god_n israelites_n go_v to_o war_n inquire_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n of_o their_o own_o will_n or_o by_o their_o own_o counsel_n or_o conduct_v but_o they_o be_v oblige_v at_o all_o time_n if_o they_o will_v be_v successful_a first_o to_o inquire_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n 3._o that_o their_o war_n against_o the_o wicked_a nation_n be_v a_o figure_n of_o the_o inward_a war_n of_o the_o true_a christian_n against_o their_o spiritual_a enemy_n in_o which_o we_o overcome_v the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh._n 4._o something_o be_v express_o forbid_v by_o christ_n matth._n 5.26_o which_o be_v grant_v to_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o time_n because_o of_o their_o hardness_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_n we_o be_v command_v that_o singular_a patience_n and_o exercise_n of_o love_n which_o moses_n command_v not_o to_o his_o disciple_n from_o whence_o tertullian_n say_v well_o against_o marc._n heart_n some_o thing_n permit_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n because_o of_o hardness_n of_o heart_n christ_n true_o teach_v a_o new_a patience_n even_o forbid_v the_o revenge_a of_o a_o injury_n which_o be_v permit_v by_o the_o creator_n and_o lib._n the_o patien_n the_o law_n find_v more_o than_o it_o lose_v by_o christ_n say_v love_v your_o enemy_n and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o clem._n alex._n christian_n be_v so_o far_o from_o war_n that_o he_o testify_v that_o they_o have_v no_o mark_n or_o sign_n of_o violence_n among_o they_o say_v neither_o be_v the_o face_n of_o idol_n to_o be_v paint_v to_o which_o so_o much_o as_o to_o regard_n be_v forbid_v neither_o sword_n nor_o bow_n to_o they_o that_o follow_v peace_n nor_o cup_n to_o they_o who_o be_v moderate_a and_o temperate_a as_o silvius_n disc._n the_o rev._n belg._n second_o they_o object_n that_o defence_n be_v of_o natural_a right_n object_n object_n and_o that_o religion_n destroy_v not_o nature_n i_o answer_v be_v it_o so_o but_o to_o obey_v god_n answ._n and_o commend_v ourselves_o to_o he_o in_o faith_n and_o patience_n be_v not_o to_o destroy_v nature_n but_o to_o exalt_v and_o perfect_v it_o to_o wit_n to_o elevate_v it_o from_o the_o natural_a to_o the_o supernatural_a life_n by_o christ_n live_v therein_o and_o comfort_v it_o that_o it_o may_v do_v all_o thing_n and_o be_v render_v more_o than_o conqueror_n three_o they_o object_n object_n object_n that_o john_n do_v not_o abrogate_v or_o condemn_v war_n when_o soldier_n come_v unto_o he_o i_o answer_v what_o then_o answ._n the_o question_n be_v not_o concern_v john_n doctrine_n but_o christ_n who_o disciple_n we_o be_v not_o john_n for_o christ_n and_o not_o john_n be_v that_o prophet_n who_o we_o ought_v all_o to_o hear_v and_o albeit_o that_o christ_n say_v 7.28_o luke_n 7.28_o that_o a_o great_a than_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v not_o among_o man_n bear_v of_o woman_n yet_o he_o add_v that_o the_o least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v great_a than_o he_o but_o what_o be_v john_n answer_n that_o we_o may_v see_v if_o it_o can_v justify_v the_o soldier_n of_o this_o time_n for_o if_o it_o be_v narrow_o mind_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o what_o he_o propose_v to_o soldier_n do_v manifest_o forbid_v they_o that_o employment_n for_o he_o command_v they_o not_o to_o do_v violence_n to_o any_o man_n not_o to_o defraud_v any_o man_n but_o that_o they_o be_v content_a with_o their_o wage_n 14._o luke_n 3_o 14._o consider_v then_o what_o he_o discharge_v to_o soldier_n viz._n not_o to_o use_v violence_n or_o deceit_n against_o any_o which_o be_v remove_v let_v any_o tell_v how_o soldier_n can_v war_n for_o be_v not_o craft_n violence_n and_o injustice_n three_o property_n of_o war_n and_o the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o battle_n four_o they_o object_n that_o cornelius_n and_o that_o centurion_n object_n object_n of_o who_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v matth._n 8.5_o be_v soldier_n and_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n that_o they_o lay_v down_o their_o military_a employment_n i_o answer_v neither_o read_v we_o that_o they_o continue_v in_o they_o answ._n but_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a that_o if_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o we_o read_v not_o any_o where_n of_o their_o fall_n from_o the_o faith_n that_o they_o do_v not_o continue_v in_o they_o especial_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o two_o or_o three_o age_n afterward_o christian_n altogether_o reject_v war_n or_o at_o least_o a_o long_a while_n after_o their_o time_n if_o the_o emperor_n marc._n aurel._n anton._n be_v to_o be_v credit_v who_o write_v thus_o i_o pray_v to_o my-country_n god_n but_o when_o i_o be_v neglect_v by_o they_o and_o observe_v myself_o press_v by_o the_o enemy_n consider_v the_o fewness_n of_o my_o force_n i_o call_v to_o one_o and_o entreat_v those_o who_o with_o we_o be_v call_v christian_n and_o i_o find_v a_o great_a number_n of_o they_o and_o i_o force_v they_o with_o threat_n war._n christian_n instance_a that_o do_v not_o war._n which_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v be_v because_o afterward_o i_o know_v their_o strength_n and_o force_n therefore_o they_o betake_v themselves_o neither_o to_o the_o use_n of_o dart_n nor_o trumpet_n for_o they_o use_v not_o to_o do_v so_o for_o the_o cause_n and_o name_n of_o their_o god_n which_o they_o bear_v in_o their_o conscience_n and_o this_o be_v do_v about_o a_o hundred_o and_o sixty_o year_n after_o christ._n to_o this_o add_v those_o word_n which_o in_o justin_n martyr_n the_o christian_n answer_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v we_o fight_v not_o with_o our_o enemy_n and_o moreover_o the_o answer_n of_o martin_n to_o julian_n the_o apostate_n relate_v by_o sulpitius_n severus_n i_o be_o a_o soldier_n of_o christ_n therefore_o i_o can_v fight_v which_o be_v three_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ._n it_o be_v not_o therefore_o probable_a that_o they_o continue_v in_o warlike_a employment_n how_o then_o be_v vincentius_n lyrinensis_n and_o the_o papist_n consistent_a with_o their_o maxim_n that_o which_o always_o everywhere_o and_o by_o all_o be_v receive_v etc._n etc._n and_o what_o become_v of_o the_o priest_n with_o their_o oath_n that_o they_o neither_o aught_o nor_o will_v interpret_v the_o scripture_n but_o 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evidence_n nor_o the_o great_a that_o we_o have_v unto_o ourselves_o or_o unto_o one_o another_o who_o be_v gather_v into_o the_o same_o faith_n spirit_n and_o power_n for_o that_o be_v the_o immediate_a evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n which_o witness_v both_o to_o ourselves_o and_o to_o one_o another_o that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v i_o mean_v the_o scripture_n the_o great_a outward_a and_o visible_a evidence_n that_o can_v be_v give_v unto_o our_o adversary_n who_o in_o word_n own_o the_o scripture_n as_o their_o only_a rule_n and_o chief_a evidence_n and_o in_o do_v so_o i_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n who_o while_o he_o reason_v against_o the_o jew_n who_o profess_v to_o own_o the_o scripture_n but_o deny_v he_o he_o bring_v a_o testimony_n for_o himself_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n which_o they_o in_o word_n own_v as_o their_o rule_n search_v say_v he_o or_o you_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o these_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o now_o though_o christ_n his_o own_o immediate_a testimony_n shall_v have_v be_v receive_v as_o great_a than_o any_o of_o his_o servant_n such_o as_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v yet_o he_o use_v this_o as_o a_o argument_n against_o they_o as_o bring_v they_o to_o their_o own_o rule_n and_o say_v he_o have_v you_o believe_v moses_n you_o will_v have_v believe_v i_o for_o moses_n write_v of_o i_o and_o he_o say_v again_o i_o have_v a_o great_a testimony_n than_o that_o of_o john_n and_o yet_o john_n be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o the_o prophet_n so_o in_o like_a manner_n we_o say_v we_o have_v a_o great_a testimony_n to_o christ_n jesus_n by_o his_o spirit_n and_o power_n reveal_v in_o we_o than_o the_o
thou_o this_o will_v at_o what_o time_n thou_o shall_v appoint_v receive_v from_o thou_o and_o transmit_v to_o i_o thy_o letter_n that_o at_o last_o the_o truth_n may_v appear_v where_o it_o be_v and_o that_o the_o whole_a matter_n may_v the_o more_o clear_o be_v understand_v it_o will_v be_v fit_a in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o propose_v thy_o argument_n whereby_o thou_o oppose_v the_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o god_n in_o the_o saint_n thence_o conclude_v thou_o have_v full_o overturn_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n which_o argument_n of_o thou_o be_v argument_n h._n p_n objection_n against_o immediate_a revelation_n state_v by_o way_n of_o argument_n that_o since_o as_o thou_o judge_v the_o be_v and_o substance_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o and_o faith_n concern_v the_o birth_n life_n death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o christ_n jesus_n thou_o consider_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o christian_a 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matter_n of_o fact_n whether_o of_o a_o thing_n do_v or_o to_o be_v do_v unless_o there_o be_v add_v some_o miracle_n obvious_a to_o the_o outward_a sense_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v ascertain_v that_o that_o revelation_n come_v from_o g0d_n and_o this_o thou_o endeavoure_v also_o to_o prove_v from_o the_o scripture_n argument_n the_o proof_n of_o the_o argument_n rom._n 10._o where_o the_o apostle_n say_v faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o because_o the_o apostle_n speak_v afterward_o of_o those_o who_o be_v send_v in_o the_o plural_a number_n thence_o thou_o conclude_v that_o to_o be_v speak_v of_o outward_a preach_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n and_o since_o the_o apostle_n use_v a_o question_n say_v how_o shall_v they_o believe_v unless_o they_o hear_v thou_o gather_v from_o the_o induction_n and_o connexion_n of_o the_o text_n that_o the_o apostle_n treat_v only_o of_o outward_a hear_n thence_o conclude_v that_o without_o outward_a hear_v faith_n can_v be_v produce_v and_o therefore_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o immediate_a revelation_n by_o the_o simple_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o mind_n unless_o there_o be_v somewhat_o propose_v to_o the_o outward_a sense_n before_o i_o proceed_v to_o a_o direct_a answer_n to_o this_o argument_n some_o thing_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v premise_v first_o then_o that_o be_v false_o suppose_v christ._n the_o christian_a religion_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o historical_a knowledge_n of_o christ._n that_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n consist_v in_o the_o historical_a faith_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o birth_n death_n life_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o christ._n that_o faith_n and_o historical_a knowledge_n be_v indeed_o a_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o not_o such_o a_o essential_a part_n as_o that_o without_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v consist_v but_o a_o integral_a part_n which_o go_v to_o the_o complete_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o the_o hand_n or_o foot_n of_o a_o man_n be_v integral_a part_n of_o a_o man_n without_o which_o nevertheless_o a_o man_n may_v exist_v but_o not_o a_o entire_a and_o complete_a man._n second_o scripture_n the_o historical_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o common_o manifest_v to_o we_o but_o by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n if_o by_o immediate_a revelation_n be_v understand_v such_o a_o revelation_n of_o god_n as_o beget_v in_o our_o soul_n a_o historical_a faith_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n without_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o do_v not_o contend_v for_o such_o a_o revelation_n as_o common_o give_v or_o to_o be_v expect_v by_o we_o or_o any_o other_o christian_n for_o albeit_o many_o other_o evangelical_n truth_n be_v manifest_v to_o we_o by_o the_o immediate_a manifestation_n of_o god_n not_o use_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o mean_n yet_o the_o historical_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o common_o manifest_v to_o we_o nor_o to_o any_o other_o but_o by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o mean_n and_o that_o by_o way_n of_o a_o material_a object_n even_o as_o when_o we_o see_v the_o person_n of_o peter_n or_o paul_n to_o our_o visive_a faculty_n immediate_o yet_o not_o without_o the_o medium_fw-la of_o that_o person_n concur_v as_o a_o material_a object_n to_o produce_v that_o sight_n while_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n concur_v as_o the_o formal_a object_n of_o that_o vision_n or_o sight_n so_o that_o when_o we_o live_o and_o spiritual_o know_v the_o history_n of_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n the_o inward_a revelation_n or_o illumination_n of_o god_n which_o be_v like_o the_o sun_n be_v light_a proceed_v from_o the_o divine_a sun_n do_v shine_v into_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o by_o its_o influence_n move_v the_o mind_n to_o assent_v unto_o the_o historical_a truth_n of_o christ_n birth_n life_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o read_n or_o hear_v the_o scripture_n or_o meditate_v therein_o three_o scripture_n three_o god_n can_v manifest_v the_o historical_a truth_n of_o christ_n to_o our_o mind_n without_o the_o scripture_n nevertheless_o we_o do_v firm_o assert_v that_o god_n can_v most_o easy_o clear_o and_o certain_o manifest_v to_o our_o mind_n the_o historical_a truth_n of_o christ_n birth_n etc._n etc._n when_o it_o so_o please_v he_o even_o without_o the_o scripture_n or_o any_o other_o outward_a mean_n and_o because_o this_o argument_n seem_v to_o be_v form_v against_o the_o possibility_n of_o such_o a_o revelation_n therefore_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o discuss_v it_o but_o first_o thou_o may_v mind_v that_o the_o prophet_n who_o foretell_v christ_n come_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o be_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n and_o afterward_o to_o suffer_v death_n do_v know_v these_o truth_n of_o fact_n by_o the_o inward_a inspiration_n of_o god_n without_o outward_a mean_n for_o which_o see_v 1_o pet._n 1.10_o 11._o now_o that_o which_o have_v be_v may_v be_v four_o this_o argument_n do_v at_o most_o conclude_v that_o we_o can_v know_v natural_o any_o truth_n of_o fact_n knowledge_n a_o contingent_a truth_n may_v be_v know_v by_o a_o supernatural_a knowledge_n but_o by_o the_o relation_n of_o another_o without_o we_o or_o by_o the_o perception_n of_o the_o outward_a sense_n because_o there_o be_v natural_o in_o our_o mind_n no_o idea_n concern_v contingent_a truth_n and_o every_o truth_n of_o fact_n be_v a_o contingent_a truth_n as_o there_o be_v of_o necessary_a truth_n this_o then_o prove_v that_o we_o can_v natural_o know_v any_o contingent_a truth_n but_o by_o the_o relation_n of_o another_o or_o perception_n of_o the_o outward_a sense_n but_o that_o hinder_v not_o but_o we_o may_v know_v a_o contingent_a truth_n by_o a_o supernatural_a knowledge_n god_n supply_v the_o place_n of_o a_o outward_a relator_n who_o be_v so_o true_a that_o he_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v believe_v since_o god_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o truth_n man._n the_o form_n of_o revelation_n be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n inward_o speak_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o man._n five_o when_o god_n do_v make_v know_v unto_o man_n any_o matter_n of_o fact_n by_o divine_a immediate_a revelation_n or_o inspiration_n god_n speak_v as_o to_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o inward_a man_n or_o as_o by_o his_o finger_n write_v it_o therein_o two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o such_o a_o immediate_a revelation_n 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d materiale_n the_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o thing_n reveal_v which_o be_v contingent_a 2_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d formale_a the_o form_n or_o mode_n how_o the_o revelation_n be_v make_v which_o form_n be_v a_o inward_a divine_a and_o supernatural_a revelation_n which_o be_v the_o voice_n or_o speech_n of_o god_n inward_o speak_v to_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o inward_a man_n or_o mind_n of_o man_n
travel_v can_v bear_v we_o witness_v nevertheless_o as_o i_o can_v shun_v my_o part_n of_o that_o labour_n and_o service_n which_o my_o lord_n and_o master_n christ_n jesus_n call_v i_o to_o etc._n his_o anarchy_n etc._n etc._n 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 concering_n 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 hand_n 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 or_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 westmoreland_n debate_n in_o westmoreland_n or_o elsewhere_o relative_n thereunto_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 and_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 least_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 write_n of_o it_o so_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v intend_v by_o i_o therein_o relative_n 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 matter_n his_o innocency_n in_o that_o matter_n 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 these_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 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 book_n the_o soundness_n of_o the_o book_n 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 fore-seen_a that_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o wording_n or_o express_v thereof_o will_v have_v stumble_v or_o hurt_v any_o at_o expression_n stumble_v at_o i_o have_v that_o tenderness_n and_o hope_v 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 those_o proceed_n by_o reason_n of_o my_o imprisonment_n for_o the_o truth_n be_v sake_n especial_o by_o william_n rogers_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 and_o yet_o without_o once_o acquaint_v i_o imprisonment_n his_o imprisonment_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 william_n rogers_n own_o letter_n annex_v hereto_o and_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o brethren_n satisfaction_n w._n r_n satisfaction_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 die_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 controversy_n r._n b_n averseness_n to_o foment_n controversy_n 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 call_v in_o his_o paper_n and_o as_o what_o relate_v to_o i_o his_o letter_n suffice_v 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 present_a can_v testify_v yea_o w._n r_n own_o letter_n do_v import_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v 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 procedure_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 be_v 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_a suffering_n 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 vindication_n the_o occasion_n of_o this_o vindication_n as_o to_o labour_v to_o keep_v up_o the_o remembrance_n of_o these_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 further_o mention_v 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_o 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 tender-hearted_n and_o albeit_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v chief_o scruple_v at_o by_o any_o be_v sufficient_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 premise_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 retain_v that_o tenderness_n to_o god_n and_o regard_v to_o the_o hurt_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n as_o to_o make_v conscience_n unjust_o to_o accuse_v the_o innocent_a that_o since_o it_o be_v assert_v by_o some_o and_o entertain_v as_o a_o truth_n by_o divers_a that_o that_o book_n be_v write_v upon_o design_n and_o with_o a_o particular_a respect_n of_o prejudice_n to_o some_o person_n who_o i_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o once_o think_v on_o in_o write_v of_o it_o with_o somewhat_o worse_o suggest_v r.b._n have_v no_o design_n in_o write_v the_o book_n as_o suggest_v which_o i_o be_o not_o willing_a to_o remember_v far_o less_o to_o mention_v whether_o those_o that_o progagate_v and_o entertain_v so_o false_a and_o groundless_a a_o jealousy_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o innocent_a have_v not_o reason_n narrow_o to_o examine_v what_o spirit_n they_o be_v influence_v by_o in_o so_o do_v which_o certain_o can_v not_o be_v of_o god_n and_o whether_o they_o ought_v