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his_o life_n conversation_n or_o doctrine_n to_o lay_v to_o his_o charge_n and_o it_o have_v be_v say_v unto_o such_o that_o if_o they_o can_v make_v any_o thing_n of_o evil_n appear_v in_o he_o either_o in_o life_n conversation_n or_o doctrine_n that_o then_o we_o will_v disow_v he_o but_o instead_o of_o prove_v any_o thing_n of_o evil_n against_o he_o it_o have_v be_v oftentimes_o answer_v after_o this_o manner_n that_o as_o to_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n it_o be_v honest_a or_o they_o have_v nothing_o against_o he_o for_o that_o and_o as_o to_o his_o doctrine_n it_o be_v good_a word_n but_o that_o they_o do_v not_o come_v from_o a_o right_a spirit_n or_o to_o that_o effect_n and_o therefore_o since_o his_o opposer_n do_v not_o prove_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n against_o he_o while_o he_o be_v live_v we_o shall_v think_v ourselves_o or_o any_o other_o not_o much_o oblige_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n of_o evil_a report_n that_o other_o may_v say_v of_o or_o concern_v he_o now_o he_o be_v remove_v from_o among_o man_n and_o if_o any_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o defame_v he_o in_o his_o christian_a reputation_n now_o he_o be_v go_v doubtless_o it_o will_v rather_o seem_v to_o we_o or_o any_o sober_a and_o moderate_a people_n to_o savour_v of_o a_o spirit_n of_o malice_n and_o prejudice_n than_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n or_o common_a civility_n but_o if_o any_o of_o his_o opposer_n shall_v think_v that_o out_o of_o fear_n we_o do_v as_o it_o be_v bespeak_v their_o silence_n we_o do_v say_v to_o such_o let_v they_o do_v as_o they_o please_v for_o we_o fear_v they_o not_o we_o further_o say_v we_o have_v observe_v that_o not_o one_o man_n we_o know_v of_o who_o have_v a_o public_a testimony_n and_o do_v not_o conform_v unto_o order_n and_o ceremony_n as_o aforesaid_a that_o be_v now_o own_a or_o account_v of_o as_o former_o by_o those_o who_o have_v appear_v against_o he_o or_o be_v hot_a and_o zealous_a for_o the_o order_n etc._n etc._n and_o although_o such_o nonconformist_n be_v as_o blameless_a in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n and_o as_o sound_v in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o testimony_n as_o former_o yet_o we_o find_v that_o they_o be_v either_o public_o disow_v or_o else_o private_o calumniate_v and_o dislike_v withal_o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o have_v likewise_o observe_v that_o if_o other_o who_o be_v conformable_a and_o preach_v up_o the_o order_n etc._n etc._n be_v guilty_a of_o such_o thing_n as_o in_o truth_n can_v be_v justifiable_a yet_o such_o person_n be_v either_o own_v or_o at_o leastwise_o not_o public_o reprove_v that_o we_o know_v of_o and_o therefore_o we_o do_v say_v unto_o such_o as_o do_v thus_o turn_v justice_n and_o true_a judgement_n backward_o and_o endeavour_v to_o smother_v over_o the_o error_n either_o in_o doctrine_n or_o life_n and_o conversation_n of_o the_o guilty_a and_o to_o condemn_v the_o innocent_a because_o of_o their_o nonconformity_n beware_v lest_o you_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o wrath_n and_o he_o do_v break_v forth_o among_o you_o in_o his_o sore_a displeasure_n and_o if_o any_o friendly_a reader_n shall_v suppose_v that_o the_o publication_n of_o this_o preface_n and_o follow_a testimony_n may_v give_v occasion_n for_o a_o further_a contention_n because_o some_o thing_n therein_o may_v seem_v to_o reflect_v somewhat_o hard_o in_o general_n on_o such_o as_o be_v opposer_n or_o disliker_n of_o he_o and_o so_o for_o that_o reason_n the_o reader_n who_o love_v to_o be_v quiet_a and_o desire_n that_o all_o contention_n among_o friend_n be_v at_o a_o end_n do_v dislike_v the_o publication_n hereof_o to_o which_o it_o may_v be_v answer_v that_o after_o the_o decease_n of_o j._n s._n it_o rest_v on_o the_o spirit_n of_o several_a friend_n in_o several_a place_n and_o country_n where_o he_o have_v minister_v and_o be_v serviceable_a to_o write_v something_o concern_v he_o and_o what_o service_n he_o have_v do_v for_o the_o lord_n among_o they_o in_o his_o day_n and_o time_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n it_o come_v upon_o some_o of_o we_o in_o wiltshire_n to_o publish_v a_o testimony_n after_o this_o manner_n by_o way_n of_o lamentation_n for_o the_o loss_n of_o so_o able_a a_o preacher_n of_o god_n truth_n as_o he_o be_v in_o his_o day_n and_o time_n and_o also_o to_o give_v some_o account_n of_o what_o he_o be_v among_o we_o and_o what_o he_o do_v stand_v for_o and_o against_o that_o so_o those_o who_o have_v hear_v of_o he_o and_o not_o know_v he_o by_o face_n may_v be_v true_o inform_v of_o his_o doctrine_n life_n and_o conversation_n among_o we_o who_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o he_o for_o many_o year_n and_o so_o have_v have_v the_o more_o experience_n thereof_o but_o forasmuch_o as_o several_a friend_n who_o be_v conscientious_o concern_v to_o write_v do_v live_v some_o of_o they_o far_o distant_a one_o from_o the_o other_o it_o have_v be_v the_o more_o trouble_n to_o collect_v their_o several_a testimony_n and_o so_o that_o have_v cause_v some_o obstruction_n in_o the_o publication_n hereof_o for_o some_o be_v write_v long_o since_o and_o still_o do_v rest_n on_o the_o spirit_n of_o many_o to_o write_v which_o at_o first_o be_v not_o expect_v by_o we_o and_o now_o at_o length_n be_v make_v public_a not_o to_o reflect_v on_o other_o for_o what_o be_v pass_v if_o possible_o it_o can_v be_v avoid_v but_o to_o clear_v our_o conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o true_a information_n of_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n who_o do_v love_v the_o truth_n more_o than_o a_o bare_a notion_n of_o it_o and_o can_v at_o all_o time_n either_o sail_n with_o the_o wind_n nor_o swim_v with_o the_o tide_n but_o keep_v in_o mind_n that_o good_a advice_n viz._n to_o try_v all_o thing_n with_o the_o truth_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_n but_o for_o a_o further_a answer_n to_o the_o objection_n aforesaid_a we_o judge_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o any_o to_o expect_v that_o the_o most_o moderate_a testimony_n that_o can_v be_v give_v on_o behalf_n of_o he_o shall_v escape_v without_o the_o severe_a censure_n or_o calumniation_n of_o some_o of_o his_o opposer_n because_o we_o have_v often_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o some_o of_o his_o opposer_n have_v at_o some_o time_n be_v so_o fill_v with_o prejudice_n against_o he_o that_o they_o can_v hardly_o with_o patience_n endure_v to_o hear_v he_o well_o speak_v of_o and_o account_v the_o party_n so_o speak_v in_o his_o commendation_n to_o be_v either_o a_o leaven_a or_o bad_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v in_o our_o present_a apprehension_n expect_v but_o that_o his_o opposer_n will_v endeavour_v to_o invalidate_v our_o testimony_n which_o if_o they_o do_v in_o public_a it_o may_v bring_v a_o concern_v upon_o some_o of_o we_o to_o be_v more_o particular_a and_o plain_a if_o occasion_n be_v give_v for_o it_o as_o to_o name_v of_o some_o particular_a person_n than_o now_o we_o be_v free_a to_o do_v on_o this_o occasion_n although_o as_o we_o say_v before_o for_o any_o to_o think_v that_o a_o testimony_n for_o he_o can_v be_v give_v and_o not_o in_o some_o sort_n to_o reflect_v on_o some_o of_o his_o opposer_n action_n or_o doctrine_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o any_o so_o to_o suppose_v but_o this_o we_o may_v assure_v the_o tender_a reader_n that_o we_o have_v be_v as_o spare_v as_o with_o clearness_n of_o conscience_n we_o can_v and_o if_o any_o be_v offend_v at_o we_o for_o this_o plain_a and_o honest_a testimony_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o concern_v our_o decease_a friend_n let_v all_o such_o know_v that_o we_o do_v account_v it_o more_o true_a wisdom_n and_o better_a for_o we_o to_o endeavour_v to_o please_v the_o almighty_a and_o unchangeable_a
for_o our_o decease_a friend_n j._n s._n that_o he_o be_v one_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v endue_v with_o many_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o precious_a christian_a virtue_n which_o be_v as_o so_o many_o ornament_n unto_o he_o and_o if_o any_o shall_v ask_v what_o those_o gift_n and_o virtue_n be_v and_o how_o and_o which_o way_n they_o do_v appear_v and_o may_v be_v demonstrate_v to_o be_v in_o he_o to_o this_o we_o may_v answer_v first_o his_o moderation_n and_o temperance_n do_v much_o appear_v in_o the_o many_o debate_n and_o discourse_n have_v with_o he_o about_o religious_a matter_n wherein_o he_o do_v usual_o carry_v himself_o very_o moderate_a when_o reason_v about_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o as_o to_o his_o temperance_n it_o do_v much_o appear_v in_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n second_o he_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o gift_n and_o virtue_n of_o patlence_n which_o do_v much_o appear_v in_o he_o by_o his_o patient_a bear_n of_o those_o severe_a and_o bitter_a reflection_n and_o opposition_n that_o of_o late_a year_n he_o meet_v withal_o as_o also_o with_o many_o false_a and_o untrue_a report_n of_o he_o three_o also_o he_o do_v very_o patient_o bear_v that_o great_a and_o long_a weakness_n and_o infirmity_n of_o body_n that_o he_o be_v very_o much_o attend_v withal_o and_o afflict_v with_o very_o sore_a and_o grievous_a pain_n as_o well_o as_o weakness_n in_o body_n which_o he_o undergo_v with_o much_o patience_n and_o content_a four_o he_o have_v a_o excellent_a gift_n of_o christian_a fortitude_n and_o constancy_n in_o his_o testimony_n so_o that_o notwithstanding_o he_o meet_v with_o very_a much_o opposition_n and_o sometime_o with_o flatter_a persuasion_n yet_o he_o persevere_v in_o the_o way_n work_n and_o testimony_n that_o god_n have_v call_v he_o unto_o and_o in_o this_o respect_n it_o may_v in_o some_o measure_n be_v say_v of_o he_o as_o jacob_n say_v of_o joseph_n gen._n 49._o 23_o 24._o the_o archer_n have_v sore_o grieve_v he_o and_o shoot_v at_o he_o and_o hate_v he_o but_o his_o bow_n abode_n in_o strength_n and_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o hand_n be_v make_v strong_a by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o almighty_a god_n of_o jacob_n from_o thence_o be_v the_o shepherd_n the_o stone_n of_o israel_n five_o he_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o large_a portion_n of_o christian_a charity_n which_o the_o apostle_n reckon_v as_o one_o of_o the_o most_o excellent_a gift_n and_o if_o any_o shall_v ask_v how_o that_o do_v appear_v or_o be_v manifest_a in_o he_o we_o say_v it_o do_v not_o only_o appear_v in_o he_o in_o that_o he_o be_v not_o of_o a_o rash_a and_o rigid_a spirit_n towards_o other_o that_o may_v differ_v from_o he_o in_o thing_n indifferent_a but_o be_v also_o very_o charitable_a towards_o such_o in_o who_o he_o find_v any_o true_a tenderness_n towards_o god_n and_o be_v not_o apt_a to_o judge_n so_o harsh_o and_o censorious_o of_o such_o as_o some_o have_v be_v too_o apt_a to_o do_v but_o be_v willing_a to_o inform_v the_o understanding_n when_o under_o mistake_n and_o also_o to_o persuade_v they_o that_o oppose_v themselves_o to_o embrace_v the_o truth_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o fruit_n of_o true_a charity_n speak_v of_o by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 13._o we_o may_v indeed_o say_v that_o charity_n do_v large_o manifest_v itself_o in_o he_o because_o it_o bring_v forth_o or_o do_v manifest_v the_o same_o fruit_n and_o effect_n in_o and_o through_o he_o as_o be_v there_o speak_v of_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o as_o these_o and_o other_o christian_a virtue_n do_v appear_v and_o be_v manifest_v in_o he_o while_o he_o be_v among_o we_o so_o we_o be_v credible_o inform_v by_o some_o friend_n of_o westmoreland_n that_o be_v with_o he_o in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o last_o sickness_n that_o he_o give_v very_o good_a counsel_n and_o advice_n to_o friend_n that_o be_v with_o he_o and_o that_o he_o be_v very_o weak_a in_o body_n but_o not_o in_o much_o pain_n as_o be_v suppose_v by_o those_o who_o be_v about_o he_o he_o very_o gentle_o breathe_v his_o last_o and_o lay_v down_o his_o head_n in_o much_o peace_n and_o quietness_n of_o mind_n and_o spirit_n give_v forth_o at_o sutton_n on_o the_o one_a day_n of_o the_o 11_o month_n 1682._o and_o subscribe_v by_o we_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o ourselves_o and_o many_o more_o friend_n of_o wiltshire_n that_o be_v concern_v and_o consent_v unto_o the_o publish_v hereof_o john_n jennings_n john_n fry_n thomas_n crabb_n sen._n john_n sealy_n william_n colman_n john_n rogers_n benjamin_n lawrance_n the_o testimony_n of_o john_n metrevers_n a_o short_a testimony_n concern_v john_n story_n that_o worthy_a servant_n of_o the_o live_a god_n though_o dead_a yet_o the_o seal_n of_o his_o ministry_n and_o service_n for_o god_n in_o his_o day_n and_o age_n live_v in_o the_o remembrance_n and_o have_v a_o impression_n on_o the_o heart_n of_o many_o in_o these_o part_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o unchangeable_a truth_n remain_v the_o same_o as_o ever_o we_o can_v forget_v those_o worthy_a messenger_n who_o in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o young_a and_o tender_a year_n come_v among_o we_o in_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o almighty_n god_n not_o only_o to_o proclaim_v a_o day_n of_o vengeance_n from_o god_n upon_o that_o part_n or_o nature_n in_o man_n that_o have_v transgress_v his_o law_n but_o also_o with_o a_o message_n of_o peace_n and_o glad-tiding_n unto_o our_o soul_n and_o now_o as_o for_o my_o dear_a friend_n john_n story_n in_o particular_a concern_v who_o i_o have_v a_o few_o word_n which_o at_o this_o time_n rest_n upon_o my_o spirit_n to_o treat_v about_o i_o have_v this_o to_o say_v and_o that_o not_o by_o here-say_a or_o to_o boast_v in_o another_o man_n word_n but_o according_a to_o that_o true_a and_o experimental_a knowledge_n which_o i_o have_v have_v of_o he_o for_o these_o seven_o or_o eight_o and_o twenty_o year_n past_a it_o be_v about_o the_o year_n 1654._o or_o 1655_o as_o near_o as_o i_o can_v remember_v that_o this_o worthy_a servant_n of_o the_o almighty_a god_n come_v among_o we_o into_o wiltshire_n at_o which_o time_n for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o be_v about_o fourteen_o year_n of_o age_n notwithstanding_o which_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v it_o be_v even_o with_o i_o at_o this_o time_n to_o signify_v that_o have_v i_o the_o tongue_n of_o a_o orator_n or_o the_o pen_n of_o a_o ready_a writer_n i_o can_v not_o demonstrate_v the_o sense_n that_o now_o life_n and_o remain_v upon_o my_o spirit_n of_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n that_o appear_v in_o and_o through_o that_o man_n both_o in_o life_n and_o doctrine_n whereby_o i_o be_v at_o that_o time_n though_o but_o young_a in_o year_n often_o sweet_o refresh_v and_o comfort_v in_o his_o company_n by_o that_o eternal_a power_n that_o dwell_v with_o and_o run_v through_o he_o oh_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v my_o heart_n at_o this_o time_n be_v even_o melt_v in_o the_o consideration_n thereof_o his_o message_n then_o be_v to_o direct_v all_o to_o turn_v inward_a from_o the_o lo_o here_o and_z the_o lo_o there_o to_o the_o grace_n light_n or_o spirit_n within_o which_o according_a to_o measure_n be_v give_v to_o all_o assure_v all_o unto_o who_o he_o give_v the_o word_n of_o exhortation_n that_o it_o be_v obey_v and_o follow_v in_o all_o its_o requiring_n be_v that_o only_a mean_n and_o that_o in_o which_o the_o sufficiency_n for_o salvation_n of_o the_o soul_n consist_v this_o doctrine_n be_v receive_v by_o many_o by_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n which_o accompany_v and_o manifest_v itself_o through_o that_o man_n many_o bring_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o so_o as_o the_o lord_n make_v way_n he_o travel_v from_o place_n to_o place_n appoint_v meeting_n up_o and_o down_o among_o friend_n direct_v all_o as_o above_o mention_v and_o unfolding_a the_o scripture_n by_o way_n of_o parable_n and_o open_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o hearer_n many_o hard_a say_n both_o to_o the_o convince_v of_o those_o that_o receive_v it_o and_o admiration_n of_o many_o that_o receive_v it_o not_o insomuch_o that_o my_o ear_n have_v hear_v it_o acknowledge_v and_o confess_v unto_o that_o the_o doctrine_n so_o preach_v through_o the_o power_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o than_o it_o be_v will_v never_o fail_v while_o the_o water_n keep_v its_o course_n his_o work_n be_v also_o very_o much_o among_o the_o priest_n and_o professor_n of_o that_o age_n who_o then_o like_o gog_n and_o magog_n join_v together_o against_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o anoint_v but_o the_o lord_n power_n and_o presence_n be_v with_o he_o and_o always_o give_v of_o he_o both_o mouth_n and_o wisdom_n he_o be_v thereby_o furnish_v to_o speak_v a_o word_n in_o due_a season_n both_o
thing_n and_o lay_v it_o to_o heart_n for_o this_o be_v not_o do_v as_o you_o will_v have_v other_o do_v unto_o you_o and_o do_v not_o think_v that_o the_o saint_n unity_n stand_v in_o those_o thing_n but_o in_o the_o spirit_n and_o truth_n therefore_o friend_n i_o do_v exhort_v and_o admonish_v you_o all_o to_o repent_v of_o the_o evil_a you_o have_v do_v against_o the_o abovesaid_a servant_n of_o the_o lord_n j._n s._n or_o against_o any_o other_o of_o his_o faithful_a friend_n and_o brethren_n and_o beware_v in_o time_n to_o come_v and_o watch_v in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n against_o that_o spirit_n in_o you_o that_o lust_v to_o envy_n or_o to_o hate_n oppose_v or_o persecute_v your_o brethren_n and_o remember_v what_o the_o apostle_n john_n say_v he_o that_o say_v he_o be_v in_o the_o light_n and_o hate_v his_o brother_n be_v in_o darkness_n and_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o know_v not_o whether_o he_o go_v because_o the_o darkness_n have_v blind_v his_o eye_n so_o let_v this_o be_v a_o warn_v unto_o you_o all_o that_o you_o may_v not_o in_o time_n to_o come_v stop_n or_o hinder_v any_o of_o the_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n that_o so_o you_o may_v avoid_v that_o sentence_n of_o go_v you_o curse_v and_o which_o will_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o all_o those_o that_o be_v find_v smite_v their_o fellow_n servant_n r._n a._n leonard_n coal_n testimony_n dear_o john_n story_n who_o the_o lord_n make_v a_o instrument_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o fill_v with_o heavenly_a treasure_n and_o give_v he_o his_o word_n to_o declare_v which_o he_o often_o do_v in_o the_o counsel_n and_o wisdom_n receive_v of_o god_n dispense_n it_o aright_o to_o the_o capacity_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o hearer_n for_o the_o open_n thereof_o and_o do_v reach_v to_o god_n witness_v in_o many_o he_o be_v well_o know_v to_o i_o and_o i_o have_v through_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o lord_n opportunity_n to_o accompany_v he_o of_o late_a in_o some_o of_o his_o travel_n in_o which_o time_n and_o ever_o since_o i_o know_v he_o which_o be_v about_o twenty_o year_n he_o always_o behave_v himself_o as_o a_o pattern_n of_o righteousness_n which_o answer_v the_o good_a in_o all_o he_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o give_v advice_n to_o the_o weak_a and_o instruction_n to_o those_o who_o be_v inquire_v the_o way_n to_o god_n kingdom_n and_o through_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n spirit_n can_v direct_v they_o to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o enemy_n deceitful_a work_n and_o imagination_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o the_o true_a moâ—ions_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o motion_n i_o be_o full_o persuade_v he_o know_v right_o well_o he_o much_o desire_v and_o pray_v for_o quietness_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o one_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o that_o all_o friend_n may_v know_v it_o and_o follow_v the_o leading_n and_o guidance_n of_o it_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o relate_v to_o god_n worship_n and_o service_n and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o act_v by_o imitation_n on_o that_o account_n and_o that_o people_n may_v come_v to_o know_v the_o way_n to_o god_n kingdom_n and_o walk_v in_o it_o he_o often_o desire_v god_n to_o forgive_v those_o that_o speak_v evil_a of_o he_o and_o that_o they_o may_v repent_v of_o their_o slanderous_a and_o lie_a report_n and_o false_a prophecy_n of_o he_o and_o now_o the_o lord_n have_v take_v he_o to_o himself_o out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o they_o all_o he_o be_v go_v to_o his_o rest_n where_o no_o sorrow_n nor_o tear_n be_v i_o be_o full_o persuade_v and_o it_o be_v my_o earnest_a desire_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v please_v to_o raise_v up_o more_o such_o instrument_n for_o his_o own_o work_n and_o service_n as_o it_o please_v he_o l._n c._n benjamin_n coal_n testimony_n since_o i_o hear_v of_o the_o decease_n of_o dear_a john_n story_n there_o have_v be_v a_o testimony_n in_o my_o heart_n to_o give_v forth_o concern_v he_o who_o i_o dear_o love_v for_o the_o truth_n sake_n in_o which_o i_o have_v be_v often_o comfort_v and_o true_o refresh_v through_o he_o it_o be_v now_o towards_o twenty_o year_n since_o i_o come_v acquaint_v with_o he_o and_o our_o long_a imprisonment_n in_o the_o heat_n of_o persecution_n of_o friend_n in_o read_v he_o come_v several_a time_n to_o visit_v we_o in_o prison_n and_o many_o precious_a opportunity_n we_o have_v with_o he_o in_o prison_n and_o be_v thereby_o wuch_o comfort_v and_o strengthen_v in_o our_o suffer_a condition_n and_o many_o heart_n be_v tender_v and_o sweet_o consolate_v at_o that_o time_n in_o a_o real_a sense_n of_o the_o live_a presence_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n which_o be_v with_o we_o and_o some_o that_o come_v into_o the_o prison_n be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n since_o which_o he_o have_v often_o visited_n we_o in_o our_o meeting_n also_o i_o have_v from_o time_n to_o time_n be_v in_o his_o company_n both_o in_o public_a and_o private_a and_o take_v many_o serious_a observation_n of_o his_o deportment_n which_o have_v be_v grave_a and_o as_o a_o servant_n of_o christ_n yea_o it_o be_v such_o that_o from_o the_o first_o to_o to_o the_o last_o time_n i_o see_v he_o which_o be_v not_o many_o month_n since_o i_o never_o have_v acquaintance_n with_o any_o that_o exceed_v he_o in_o a_o good_a life_n and_o conversation_n and_o the_o lord_n endue_v he_o with_o a_o gift_n beyond_o many_o in_o declare_v the_o truth_n and_o many_o be_v convince_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n by_o he_o he_o have_v a_o divine_a understanding_n give_v he_o to_o divide_v the_o word_n aright_o he_o be_v able_a and_o ready_a to_o inform_v people_n understanding_n to_o give_v counsel_n and_o good_a advice_n to_o sion_n traveler_n who_o be_v at_o any_o time_n in_o a_o bewilder_v condition_n whereby_o many_o be_v often_o relieve_v and_o comfort_v that_o have_v be_v in_o trouble_n under_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o man_n peace_n he_o be_v of_o a_o love_a kind_n temper_v to_o all_o and_o his_o company_n be_v very_o comfortable_a to_o i_o when_o trial_n and_o suffering_n have_v attend_v friend_n upon_o any_o account_n for_o a_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n he_o have_v be_v a_o encourager_n and_o strengthener_n to_o many_o therein_o and_o i_o never_o know_v he_o to_o speak_v slight_o or_o account_v it_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n to_o be_v faithful_a to_o god_n in_o that_o respect_n or_o in_o any_o other_o good_a work_n and_o service_n wherein_o we_o may_v serve_v the_o lord_n and_o one_o another_o but_o frequent_o exhort_v and_o counsel_v friend_n to_o be_v zealous_a and_o diligent_a in_o wair_v upon_o the_o lord_n to_o know_v and_o answer_v his_o requiring_n both_o by_o do_v suffer_v and_o bear_v testimony_n for_o his_o name_n and_o truth_n upon_o earth_n that_o so_o they_o may_v honour_v the_o lord_n and_o come_v to_o rest_v in_o peace_n for_o ever_o and_o notwithstanding_o he_o meet_v with_o many_o exercise_n and_o trouble_n among_o man_n yet_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o give_v he_o much_o patience_n and_o when_o he_o have_v be_v grieve_v and_o abuse_v by_o any_o he_o manifest_v much_o of_o a_o spirit_n of_o forgiveness_n and_o long-suffering_n towards_o his_o opposer_n not_o render_v even_o for_o evil._n i_o have_v often_o hear_v he_o speak_v much_o in_o commendation_n of_o many_o ancient_a brethren_n which_o be_v decease_a who_o the_o lord_n raise_v up_o to_o preach_v and_o publish_v the_o everlasting_a gospel_n in_o the_o beginning_n and_o how_o precious_a and_o acceptable_a the_o visitation_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v to_o many_o that_o be_v in_o distress_n and_o mourn_v in_o solitary_a place_n for_o want_v of_o the_o save_v knowledge_n of_o god_n which_o be_v life_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o in_o a_o godly_a care_n for_o the_o honour_n and_o propagation_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n i_o know_v he_o be_v often_o very_o deep_o concern_v and_o bow_v in_o spirit_n and_o be_v a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n often_o with_o much_o fervent_a zeal_n pray_v for_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o lord_n work_v and_o that_o all_o that_o which_o be_v of_o a_o hurtful_a nature_n may_v be_v utter_o destroy_v from_o among_o the_o lord_n people_n and_o that_o love_v unfeigned_a with_o the_o increase_n of_o righteousness_n which_o bring_v everlasting_a peace_n may_v abound_v among_o we_o for_o this_o be_v his_o soul_n often_o in_o supplication_n and_o prayer_n unto_o the_o lord_n god_n both_o in_o public_a and_o private_a among_o friend_n oh_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v for_o my_o heart_n be_v fill_v at_o this_o time_n and_o often_o tender_v in_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o lord_n love_n and_o those_o sweet_a and_o seasonable_a opportunity_n which_o
our_o heart_n and_o make_v thou_o as_o a_o sharp_a instrument_n in_o his_o hand_n to_o dash_v all_o our_o formal_a profession_n to_o piece_n that_o the_o brokenhearted_a may_v be_v bind_v up_o and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v create_v anew_o unto_o his_o glory_n and_o when_o we_o come_v true_o to_o know_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o help_v to_o fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o suffering_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v behind_o for_o we_o to_o fill_v up_o and_o be_v prisoner_n for_o conscience_n fake_v what_o care_n be_v upon_o thou_o in_o that_o day_n that_o we_o may_v be_v visited_n and_o oh_o the_o precious_a opportunity_n and_o often_o visitation_n that_o then_o thou_o give_v we_o fear_n do_v not_o surprise_v thou_o nor_o the_o prison_n daunt_v thou_o from_o administer_a to_o we_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o we_o be_v the_o prisoner_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n be_v turn_v upon_o we_o but_o thou_o comforted'_a our_o heart_n with_o this_o testimony_n agreeable_a to_o our_o one_o faith_n that_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n will_v turn_v to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o the_o rest_n god_n will_v restrain_v thy_o many_o visitation_n be_v not_o forget_v although_o thy_o silver_n cord_n be_v loose_v and_o thy_o golden_a bowl_n be_v break_v neither_o art_n thou_o out_o of_o our_o remembrance_n although_o thou_o be_v depart_v from_o we_o and_o though_o many_o have_v a_o great_a loss_n yet_o my_o loss_n be_v far_o great_a because_o of_o my_o often_o journey_v with_o thou_o be_v in_o such_o my_o travel_n a_o partaker_n with_o thou_o of_o the_o breast_n of_o consolation_n and_o of_o the_o milk_n of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n thou_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o eat_v thy_o morsel_n alone_o but_o that_o other_o may_v partake_v of_o the_o same_o table_n and_o come_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o feast_n of_o fat_a thing_n and_o though_o sometime_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o hard_a speech_n and_o be_v render_v as_o a_o dark_a spirit_n and_o go_v under_o many_o reproach_n and_o my_o way_n endeavour_v to_o be_v hedge_v up_o as_o in_o ireland_n and_o some_o other_o part_n and_o call_v to_o a_o account_n about_o thy_o deportment_n because_o of_o matter_n lay_v to_o thy_o charge_n yet_o prove_v they_o false_a the_o reporter_n have_v confess_v and_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o thou_o be_v not_o the_o man_n but_o thou_o be_v ascend_v above_o the_o strife_n of_o tongue_n and_o we_o may_v come_v to_o thou_o but_o thou_o shall_v never_o return_v to_o we_o yet_o day_n shall_v speak_v of_o the_o loss_n of_o such_o a_o prophet_n because_o precious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o death_n of_o his_o saint_n and_o now_o in_o thy_o latter_a day_n when_o thou_o have_v spend_v thy_o strength_n in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o lord_n notwithstanding_o great_a weakness_n of_o body_n be_v upon_o thou_o yet_o thou_o plant_v a_o vineyard_n and_o then_o eat_v of_o the_o fruit_n thou_o feed_v the_o flock_n and_o eat_v of_o the_o milk_n thereof_o at_o which_o some_o be_v angry_a and_o either_o know_v not_o or_o willing_o forget_v thy_o former_a travel_n for_o the_o gospel-sake_n when_o thou_o spare_v not_o thy_o flesh_n and_o sometime_o thy_o blood_n to_o show_v they_o that_o be_v distress_v the_o way_n to_o the_o kingdom_n yet_o how_o evil_o have_v some_o speak_v of_o thou_o as_o if_o thou_o be_v negligent_a in_o the_o lord_n service_n when_o to_o the_o utmost_a thou_o do_v what_o thou_o be_v able_a and_o when_o thy_o leg_n will_v not_o perform_v the_o service_n of_o thy_o mind_n thou_o then_o ride_v up_o and_o down_o according_a to_o thy_o ability_n that_o then_o be_v give_v thou_o and_o we_o often_o look_v for_o thy_o change_n many_o year_n before_o thy_o departure_n but_o what_o hard_a hap_n have_v the_o prophet_n to_o be_v a_o fool_n and_o the_o spiritual_a man_n to_o be_v mad_a to_o prophesy_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o thou_o john_n story_n shall_v that_o year_n die_v when_o neither_o do_v the_o lord_n send_v he_o now_o his_o prophecy_n come_v to_o pass_v but_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n make_v manifest_v his_o kindness_n to_o thou_o keep_v thou_o alive_a beyond_o many_o of_o our_o expectation_n and_o make_v the_o foolish_a prophet_n to_o confess_v as_o i_o have_v be_v inform_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o it_o be_v a_o imagination_n of_o his_o own_o brain_n &_o not_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o thus_o his_o word_n become_v his_o burden_n in_o his_o life_n time_n and_o see_v he_o be_v also_o go_v to_o the_o earth_n we_o must_v leave_v he_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o this_o i_o mention_v the_o rather_o because_o i_o be_v a_o eye_n and_o ear_n witness_v of_o the_o declaration_n of_o that_o false_a prophecy_n but_o oh_o the_o weakness_n of_o body_n that_o then_o appear_v in_o thou_o thou_o do_v not_o much_o controvert_v with_o he_o but_o say_v time_n will_v soon_o manifest_v it_o thy_o year_n be_v almost_o at_o a_o end_n and_o so_o commit_v the_o cause_n to_o god_n the_o judge_n of_o all_o for_o thou_o be_v noâ—striver_n neither_o do_v contention_n dwell_v with_o thou_o in_o that_o matter_n but_o in_o much_o patience_n thou_o hear_v his_o word_n and_o as_o thy_o beginning_n be_v so_o be_v thy_o end_n in_o the_o lamb_n war_n with_o the_o lamb_n nature_n thou_o wente_v from_o the_o south_n to_o the_o west_n take_v thy_o leave_n of_o thy_o friend_n and_o then_o return_v into_o the_o north_n where_o in_o the_o weakness_n of_o body_n thou_o visit_v the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o have_v complete_v thy_o master_n business_n thou_o encounter_v with_o death_n and_o overcome_v it_o and_o quiet_o yield_v up_o thyself_o into_o the_o arm_n of_o the_o almighty_a leave_v the_o world_n and_o be_v go_v unto_o god_n where_o out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o thy_o adversary_n thou_o be_v in_o that_o mansion_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v prepare_v for_o his_o people_n where_o no_o destroyer_n shall_v ever_o come_v t._n c._n a_o elegy_n of_o john_n story_n by_o john_n raunce_n in_o peace_n with_o god_n he_o now_o be_v go_v to_o rest_n out_o of_o this_o world_n in_o which_o he_o be_v oppress_v have_v ill_a usage_n meet_v from_o his_o brethren_n nothing_o will_v do_v with_o some_o like_o wilful_a man_n so_o set_v themselves_o that_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v that_o he_o speak_v truth_n this_o do_v he_o sore_o grieve_v oppress_v sorrow_n do_v his_o body_n pine_v rend_v his_o soul_n with_o grief_n from_o time_n to_o time_n yet_o in_o all_o this_o the_o lord_n he_o always_o find_v yea_o help_v from_o god_n do_v still_o to_o he_o abound_v yea_o and_o amen_o his_o grace_n to_o he_o be_v free_a yea_o to_o the_o end_v his_o grace_n have_v save_v thou_o yea_o now_o he_o do_v possess_v jerusalem_n yea_o now_o christ_n be_v his_o only_a requiem_n more_o in_o remembrance_n of_o john_n story_n thy_o lot_n be_v like_o good_a prophet_n go_v before_o with_o lamb_n like_o nature_n thou_o as_o they_o do_v 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possess_v which_o thou_o do_v use_v as_o he_o for_o it_o do_v call_n much_o can_v i_o say_v if_o i_o to_o write_v be_v free_a of_o many_o thing_n which_o do_v attend_v thy_o life_n but_o silence_n shall_v apologise_v for_o i_o as_o one_o that_o love_v and_o life_n above_o all_o strife_n john_n raunce_n the_o 20_o day_n of_o the_o last_o month_n in_o the_o year_n 1682._o something_o add_v by_o another_o friend_n of_o that_o ancient_n in_o israel_n j._n s._n decease_a in_o christ_n that_o be_v the_o alpha_n all_o in_o all_o o_o mega_fw-la the_o last_o from_o death_n to_o life_n do_v call_v how_o holy_a harmless_a sweet_a then_o be_v that_o