the_o benefit_n advantage_n and_o glory_n of_o silent_a meeting_n both_o as_o it_o be_v find_v at_o the_o beginning_n or_o first_o break_v forth_o of_o this_o clear_a manifestation_n of_o truth_n and_o continue_v so_o to_o be_v find_v by_o all_o the_o faithful_a and_o upright_a in_o heart_n at_o this_o day_n write_v for_o the_o stir_v up_o and_o encourage_v of_o those_o more_o especial_o who_o be_v late_o convince_v unto_o the_o love_n of_o they_o and_o diligent_a improve_n they_o unto_o those_o end_n and_o use_n for_o which_o they_o serve_v by_o george_n keith_n london_n print_v by_o andrew_n sowle_n in_o the_o year_n 1687._o the_o benefit_n advantage_n and_o glory_n of_o silent_a meeting_n before_o the_o break_n forth_o of_o this_o clear_a manifestation_n of_o truth_n that_o now_o shine_v in_o great_a brightness_n and_o glory_n which_o begin_v in_o the_o nation_n of_o england_n some_o twenty_o six_o year_n ago_o or_o so_o there_o be_v many_o people_n both_o in_o that_o nation_n and_o elsewhere_o in_o who_o there_o be_v some_o true_a desire_n and_o breathe_n raise_v and_o beget_v after_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o secret_a work_n of_o his_o eternal_a power_n insomuch_o that_o many_o in_o that_o day_n begin_v to_o seek_v the_o lord_n in_o great_a earnestness_n and_o zeal_n upon_o who_o he_o have_v cause_v his_o light_n so_o far_o to_o shine_v forth_o that_o thereby_o they_o come_v to_o see_v their_o poverty_n nakedness_n and_o emptiness_n notwithstanding_o of_o the_o large_a and_o much_o profession_n which_o they_o have_v make_v in_o divers_a sect_n and_o also_o by_o the_o same_o they_o come_v to_o see_v their_o want_n of_o the_o live_a god_n though_o they_o have_v learn_v a_o notional_a and_o literal_a knowledge_n of_o he_o from_o they_o who_o speak_v weak_o upon_o the_o scripture_n what_o they_o have_v gather_v from_o the_o letter_n by_o their_o hammering_n and_o toolings_n upon_o they_o and_o so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o many_o who_o be_v diligent_a and_o zealous_a follower_n of_o these_o minister_n of_o the_o letter_n through_o these_o dawning_n of_o the_o light_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n which_o begin_v to_o appear_v in_o they_o become_v to_o weary_a and_o tire_v of_o that_o ministration_n they_o be_v under_o which_o be_v at_o best_a but_o that_o of_o the_o letter_n and_o for_o most_o part_n also_o have_v much_o of_o falsehood_n and_o untruth_n mix_v in_o with_o it_o from_o the_o world_n spirit_n and_o wisdom_n so_o that_o their_o doctrine_n have_v neither_o the_o sound_a word_n of_o truth_n nor_o the_o virtue_n and_o life_n of_o truth_n to_o make_v it_o savoury_a and_o nourish_v into_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o people_n so_o that_o many_o come_v to_o loath_a and_o refuse_v it_o for_o it_o appear_v unto_o they_o no_o better_o then_o as_o dead_a &_o corrupt_a water_n yea_o as_o the_o water_n of_o egypt_n that_o become_v blood_n which_o they_o loathe_v to_o drink_v off_o and_o the_o same_o people_n who_o begin_v to_o loathe_v the_o doctrine_n and_o ministry_n of_o the_o national_a priesthood_n and_o also_o of_o other_o who_o pretend_v more_o find_v it_o both_o dead_a and_o corrupt_a they_o find_v great_a perpexity_n and_o heaviness_n of_o mind_n as_o not_o know_v what_o to_o do_v whether_o to_o go_v they_o be_v press_v in_o spirit_n to_o leave_v and_o forsake_v the_o dead_a and_o corrupt_a ministry_n they_o be_v former_o under_o as_o find_v it_o hurtful_a yea_o kill_n for_o the_o letter_n kill_v but_o they_o know_v not_o where_o to_o find_v the_o live_n and_o true_a ministry_n which_o may_v administer_v unto_o they_o that_o which_o can_v answer_v unto_o the_o live_a desire_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o can_v satisfy_v and_o nourish_v they_o &_o at_o the_o same_o time_n there_o be_v divers_a in_o divers_a part_n who_o have_v some_o inward_a true_a and_o live_a open_n and_o manifestation_n of_o truth_n but_o they_o be_v not_o come_v to_o a_o clear_a and_o sound_a state_n and_o condition_n in_o their_o own_o particular_n nor_o to_o a_o clear_a discern_a of_o the_o manifestation_n and_o work_n of_o truth_n from_o their_o own_o imagination_n and_o from_o the_o enemy_n transforming_n and_o likeness_n &_o yet_o in_o this_o uncleanness_n &_o unsoundness_n they_o go_v forth_o and_o speak_v and_o declare_v and_o preach_v and_o write_v many_o thing_n which_o because_o they_o do_v in_o part_n issue_n or_o proceed_v from_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n be_v much_o take_n into_o their_o hunger_a &_o seek_v soul_n who_o have_v leave_v the_o dead_a and_o tasteless_a ministry_n they_o be_v former_o under_o and_o so_o because_o there_o be_v somewhat_o in_o the_o word_n or_o declaration_n of_o these_o man_n which_o do_v partly_o answer_v unto_o the_o witness_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o their_o heart_n they_o begin_v much_o to_o look_v after_o they_o follow_v and_o hear_v they_o and_o drink_v in_o their_o doctrine_n even_o as_o the_o parch_a and_o dry_a land_n drink_v in_o the_o raiâ—_n of_o a_o summer_n shower_n yet_o this_o come_v to_o prove_v much_o unto_o the_o great_a hurt_n and_o loss_n both_o of_o these_o teacher_n and_o also_o of_o they_o who_o give_v up_o to_o be_v teach_v by_o they_o for_o their_o ministry_n not_o stand_v in_o that_o cleanness_n and_o soundness_n either_o of_o doctrine_n or_o spirit_n as_o be_v needful_a it_o can_v not_o but_o prove_v as_o unwholesome_a and_o hurtful_a food_n especial_o see_v there_o be_v not_o that_o discern_v beget_v in_o people_n whereby_o they_o can_v make_v a_o clear_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o pure_a and_o the_o impure_a that_o which_o be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o which_o be_v but_o of_o man_n and_o of_o the_o enemy_n betwixt_o the_o pure_a and_o clean_a grain_n and_o the_o tare_n for_o indeed_o in_o their_o ministry_n they_o do_v not_o sow_v altogether_o clean_a grain_n but_o many_o noisome_a tare_n with_o it_o and_o that_o in_o much_o more_o abundance_n than_o the_o true_a wheat_n and_o the_o tare_n spring_v up_o and_o choke_v the_o good_a seed_n and_o hinder_v it_o so_o the_o good_a seed_n wither_v in_o many_o and_o in_o many_o other_o be_v in_o a_o decay_a and_o wither_v condition_n but_o the_o tare_n wax_v great_a and_o flourish_v and_o as_o for_o those_o teacher_n who_o go_v forth_o as_o to_o sow_v for_o most_o part_n it_o prove_v most_o to_o their_o own_o loss_n and_o prejudice_n for_o not_o be_v bring_v into_o a_o cleanness_n and_o soundness_n in_o their_o own_o particular_a condition_n neither_o as_o to_o doctrine_n nor_o spirit_n the_o serpent_n who_o beguile_v the_o woman_n betray_v the_o simplicity_n in_o they_o and_o so_o through_o his_o subtlety_n draw_v they_o forth_o still_o further_o and_o further_o from_o the_o true_a open_n of_o truth_n which_o at_o sometime_o be_v open_v in_o they_o true_o from_o the_o lord_n out_o into_o their_o own_o vain_a imagination_n and_o apprehension_n and_o also_o into_o the_o enemy_n transforming_n and_o likeness_n whereby_o the_o tender_a dawning_n and_o break_n forth_o of_o truth_n become_v to_o be_v veil_v and_o cloud_v in_o they_o and_o the_o darkness_n prevail_v to_o blind_v the_o eye_n which_o have_v receive_v some_o half_a open_n and_o so_o their_o latter_a condition_n be_v worse_a than_o the_o first_o yea_o many_o of_o they_o become_v worse_a than_o other_o as_o unsavoury_a salt_n have_v run_v out_o from_o the_o sense_n and_o savour_n of_o that_o which_o savour_v they_o in_o some_o measure_n and_o thereby_o give_v occasion_n of_o offence_n unto_o many_o people_n for_o some_o of_o these_o aforesaid_a have_v run_v out_o from_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n in_o their_o own_o particular_n vent_v and_o publish_v both_o in_o word_n and_o write_v gross_a unsound_a and_o pernicious_a doctrine_n and_o other_o of_o they_o become_v loose_a and_o desolate_a in_o their_o life_n all_o which_o the_o enemy_n of_o truth_n charge_v upon_o truth_n itself_o and_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o way_n of_o it_o unto_o many_o simple_a people_n who_o too_o much_o believe_v they_o and_o so_o be_v scare_v and_o offend_v even_o at_o the_o appearance_n of_o truth_n itself_o and_o about_o the_o same_o time_n the_o people_n even_o those_o of_o they_o for_o most_o part_n who_o be_v most_o tender_a ingenious_a and_o zealous_a through_o a_o weakness_n of_o understanding_n and_o because_o of_o the_o customary_a way_n they_o have_v be_v use_v to_o have_v too_o much_o a_o eye_n to_o word_n and_o too_o much_o a_o life_n in_o they_o for_o they_o can_v not_o meet_v together_o but_o some_o behove_v to_o speak_v in_o doctrine_n exhortation_n or_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n otherwise_o they_o will_v have_v think_v the_o time_n mis-spend_v so_o much_o as_o pass_v away_o of_o it_o without_o word_n for_o their_o mind_n be_v much_o draw_v forth_o seek_v satisfaction_n and_o refreshment_n in_o outward_a word_n practice_n and_o
esteem_v as_o their_o glory_n become_v now_o their_o shame_n as_o namely_o their_o large_a profession_n and_o righteousness_n and_o way_n of_o worship_n which_o stand_v in_o dead_a and_o empty_a performance_n in_o the_o oldness_n of_o the_o letter_n in_o which_o they_o have_v a_o life_n and_o which_o have_v a_o life_n in_o they_o also_o but_o it_o be_v the_o life_n of_o death_n which_o reign_v in_o they_o and_o do_v reign_v in_o all_o from_o adam_z unto_o moses_n yea_o and_o who_o reign_n be_v not_o put_v down_o until_o christ_n the_o bless_a seed_n and_o life_n be_v witness_v raise_v and_o reveal_v in_o the_o particular_a and_o so_o this_o day_n of_o god_n bring_v death_n and_o darkness_n over_o all_o that_o false_a life_n and_o light_n which_o have_v place_n in_o they_o former_o and_o stain_v all_o their_o false_a beauty_n and_o glory_n even_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o flesh_n or_o of_o the_o first-birth_n in_o all_o the_o wisdom_n counsel_n and_o knowledge_n thereof_o and_o in_o all_o its_o thought_n and_o apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o in_o all_o its_o word_n and_o work_n and_o practice_n and_o righteousness_n whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o these_o who_o seem_v to_o have_v and_o have_v much_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n but_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o flesh_n or_o first_o birth_n begin_v now_o to_o see_v and_o be_v convict_v that_o they_o be_v very_o ignorant_a so_o as_o even_o to_o say_v sure_o i_o be_o more_o brutish_a than_o any_o man_n and_o i_o have_v not_o the_o understanding_n of_o a_o man_n in_o i_o and_o thus_o many_o who_o be_v teacher_n of_o other_o for_o many_o year_n come_v to_o be_v convince_v that_o they_o have_v need_v to_o learn_v the_o very_a first_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o these_o who_o have_v stand_v in_o a_o long_a and_o large_a profession_n of_o word_n and_o attain_v to_o great_a ability_n that_o way_n in_o doctrine_n exhortation_n and_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n whether_o through_o education_n or_o frequent_a practice_n be_v come_v to_o a_o true_a and_o live_a sense_n and_o convincement_n that_o it_o be_v all_o but_o carnal_a and_o fleshly_a or_o at_o best_a stand_v in_o a_o great_a mixture_n have_v more_o of_o flesh_n than_o spirit_n in_o it_o and_o more_o of_o death_n and_o darkness_n then_o of_o life_n and_o light_n which_o be_v hurtful_a as_o aforesaid_a come_v to_o be_v gather_v out_o of_o all_o that_o bulk_n and_o heap_n of_o word_n into_o the_o wait_a place_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o light_n which_o have_v convince_v they_o and_o give_v they_o some_o sense_n of_o their_o condition_n so_o to_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o light_n in_o all_o possible_a stillness_n and_o quietness_n and_o silence_n of_o mind_n not_o only_o out_o of_o all_o outward_a performance_n and_o word_n but_o even_o out_o of_o all_o thought_n and_o apprehension_n of_o god_n or_o christ_n and_o all_o inward_a motion_n and_o work_n which_o have_v not_o the_o light_n or_o word_n or_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o their_o heart_n for_o the_o rise_v and_o spring_n and_o this_o they_o be_v bring_v unto_o through_o the_o ministration_n aforesaid_a which_o point_v or_o direct_v they_o unto_o this_o place_n even_o silence_n both_o as_o to_o word_n and_o thought_n and_o that_o both_o apart_o and_o together_o by_o which_o ministration_n also_o they_o be_v call_v to_o assemble_v or_o gather_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n who_o name_n be_v the_o light_n the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o second_o adam_n the_o quicken_a spirit_n to_o wait_v together_o in_o this_o silence_n so_o in_o this_o name_n they_o be_v call_v and_o direct_v to_o assemble_v or_o gather_v together_o to_o wit_n in_o the_o light_n wisdom_n power_n and_o quicken_a spirit_n of_o god_n so_o they_o be_v not_o to_o come_v in_o their_o own_o wisdom_n and_o spirit_n or_o in_o the_o wisdom_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n as_o to_o meditate_v teach_v or_o pray_v or_o give_v thanks_o in_o the_o word_n which_o that_o wisdom_n and_o spirit_n do_v teach_v they_o for_o that_o have_v be_v to_o meet_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n and_o not_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o second_o who_o name_n be_v the_o light_n and_o the_o life_n and_o the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n as_o aforesaid_a and_o so_o this_o wisdom_n and_o power_n and_o name_n be_v to_o furnish_v they_o in_o all_o they_o do_v or_o speak_v in_o their_o meeting_n or_o assembly_n and_o to_o this_o the_o apostle_n direct_v the_o believer_n in_o his_o day_n that_o whatsoever_o they_o do_v in_o word_n or_o deed_n they_o shall_v do_v it_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n if_o they_o teach_v it_o shall_v be_v in_o his_o name_n to_o wit_n in_o his_o light_n life_n and_o power_n and_o if_o they_o pray_v it_o shall_v be_v in_o this_o and_o if_o they_o give_v thanks_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o this_o and_o then_o the_o word_n utter_v or_o express_v by_o they_o shall_v be_v spirit_n and_o life_n that_o will_v both_o reach_n unto_o god_n for_o a_o sweet_a savour_n and_o odour_n before_o he_o and_o also_o unto_o his_o witness_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o they_o who_o hear_v for_o what_o they_o speak_v shall_v not_o be_v the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n christ_n the_o word_n the_o light_n and_o the_o life_n speak_v in_o they_o and_o through_o they_o as_o christ_n say_v unto_o the_o disciple_n it_o be_v not_o you_o that_o speak_v but_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o father_n that_o speak_v in_o you_o and_o according_a to_o this_o paul_n say_v that_o no_o man_n can_v call_v jesus_n the_o lord_n but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o live_a name_n and_o so_o can_v be_v name_v but_o by_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o his_o own_o life_n indeed_o a_o man_n in_o his_o own_o natural_a spirit_n may_v pronounce_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o name_n but_o the_o letter_n be_v not_o the_o name_n for_o the_o name_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o the_o letter_n be_v not_o the_o word_n and_o so_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o pronounce_v the_o letter_n or_o letter_n but_o for_o another_o to_o name_n or_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n yea_o or_o inward_o only_a to_o conceive_v in_o it_o the_o mind_n or_o heart_n which_o none_o can_v do_v but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n now_o about_o this_o time_n that_o divers_a be_v convince_v as_o aforesaid_a and_o gather_v together_o in_o divers_a place_n through_o very_a necessity_n their_o meeting_n come_v to_o be_v silent_a for_o some_o time_n though_o the_o first_o rice_n and_o ground_n of_o their_o meeting_n in_o silence_n be_v that_o they_o be_v teach_v it_o of_o the_o lord_n forasmuch_o as_o there_o be_v but_o few_o who_o be_v then_o attain_v unto_o that_o soundness_n and_o clearness_n of_o condition_n in_o their_o own_o particular_n so_o as_o thereby_o to_o be_v fit_v and_o qualify_v in_o the_o word_n life_n power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o minister_v unto_o other_o in_o divers_a place_n friend_n be_v but_o very_o young_a at_o that_o first_o break_v forth_o of_o truth_n and_o so_o their_o work_n be_v most_o if_o not_o only_o to_o join_v together_o in_o a_o joint_a concurrence_n to_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n for_o the_o induâ—ngs_n of_o his_o power_n from_o on_o high_a and_o to_o see_v the_o work_n and_o operation_n of_o his_o word_n light_n and_o life_n in_o they_o every_o one_o be_v turn_v unto_o the_o manifestation_n thereof_o in_o their_o own_o particular_n for_o indeed_o in_o beginner_n or_o those_o who_o be_v but_o late_o turn_v unto_o the_o light_n and_o life_n of_o truth_n it_o have_v much_o to_o work_v through_o in_o they_o and_o they_o have_v many_o step_n of_o inward_a trial_n and_o exercise_n to_o pass_v through_o in_o the_o light_n and_o life_n of_o truth_n before_o they_o attain_v unto_o that_o soundness_n and_o clearness_n in_o their_o own_o condition_n whereby_o they_o can_v safe_o and_o pure_o administer_v the_o word_n and_o word_n of_o life_n unto_o other_o without_o mixture_n for_o first_o a_o man_n must_v be_v in_o a_o good_a measure_n gather_v into_o the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o truth_n so_o as_o to_o be_v well_o root_v and_o fasten_v in_o it_o in_o his_o own_o particular_a before_o he_o be_v in_o such_o a_o fit_a condition_n as_o to_o minister_v unto_o other_o with_o safety_n and_o advantage_n and_o the_o word_n of_o life_n must_v first_o have_v some_o free_a passage_n in_o a_o man_n heart_n mind_n and_o spirit_n before_o it_o can_v have_v a_o free_a passage_n in_o the_o mouth_n and_o it_o must_v have_v get_v some_o good_a measure_n of_o command_n
and_o dominion_n over_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o thought_n and_o affection_n thereof_o otherwise_o it_o can_v so_o convenient_o and_o ready_o have_v the_o command_n of_o the_o mouth_n so_o as_o to_o order_n and_o direct_v it_o that_o the_o mouth_n steady_o and_o sound_o only_o as_o the_o instrument_n of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v only_o express_v or_o declare_v the_o live_a word_n of_o god_n otherwise_o as_o where_o the_o heart_n be_v not_o under_o the_o command_n of_o the_o life_n as_o aforesaid_a the_o mouth_n will_v reel_v and_o stagger_v in_o its_o expression_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o spirit_n of_o man_n then_o of_o god_n now_o as_o the_o word_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o mouth_n spirit_n and_o life_n so_o the_o word_n of_o or_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n though_o even_o gather_v from_o the_o scripture_n be_v instead_o of_o spirit_n but_o letter_n and_o instead_o of_o life_n but_o death_n the_o one_o be_v spirit_n and_o life_n the_o other_o but_o letter_n and_o death_n which_o profit_v not_o but_o hurt_n yea_o even_o the_o mixture_n as_o where_o it_o be_v partly_o letter_n and_o partly_o spirit_n as_o much_o as_o possible_a be_v to_o be_v shun_v and_o forbear_v especial_o in_o this_o so_o clear_a and_o glorious_a manifestation_n of_o truth_n which_o call_v out_o of_o all_o mixture_n both_o in_o word_n and_o work_n unto_o purity_n soundness_n and_o simplicity_n in_o all_o and_o now_o do_v more_o press_o require_v it_o then_o in_o the_o time_n of_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n that_o be_v past_a thus_o i_o say_v that_o even_o very_a necessity_n at_o first_o occasion_v their_o silent_a meeting_n of_o friend_n in_o divers_a place_n every_o one_o be_v afraid_a to_o open_v the_o mouth_n nor_o dare_v to_o open_v it_o till_o the_o lord_n open_v it_o by_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o own_o spirit_n and_o life_n and_o though_o none_o dare_v speak_v or_o open_v 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truth_n and_o oft_o time_n it_o so_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o one_o only_o particular_a person_n be_v make_v a_o occasion_n of_o great_a refreshment_n quicken_a and_o comfort_n unto_o many_o yea_o unto_o a_o whole_a meeting_n so_o that_o in_o good_a and_o certain_a experience_n where_o divers_a have_v come_v together_o but_o life_n have_v but_o a_o weak_a or_o small_a manifestation_n in_o and_o among_o they_o as_o be_v but_o young_a in_o the_o truth_n and_o much_o death_n and_o darkness_n as_o yet_o have_v place_n which_o burden_v and_o cloud_v the_o tender_a life_n so_o that_o as_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o death_n and_o darkness_n can_v be_v feel_v to_o work_v strong_o in_o the_o meeting_n by_o reason_n of_o which_o those_o who_o meet_v have_v much_o ado_n to_o wrestle_v against_o the_o say_a dark_a power_n yet_o the_o come_n of_o one_o among_o they_o and_o sit_v down_o with_o they_o in_o the_o meeting_n to_o wait_v together_o upon_o the_o lord_n in_o pure_a silence_n have_v occasion_v life_n in_o great_a glory_n and_o dominion_n to_o shine_v foâ—th_n &_o flow_v like_o a_o mighty_a river_n through_o the_o whole_a meeting_n and_o every_o particular_a member_n thereof_o by_o which_o every_o particular_a can_v sensible_o feel_v the_o power_n of_o darkness_n and_o death_n which_o do_v burden_n and_o weaken_v the_o meeting_n and_o quench_v or_o stop_v the_o spring_a up_o of_o life_n to_o be_v remove_v by_o the_o force_n and_o strength_n of_o life_n which_o brâ—ke_v forth_o against_o it_o and_o dispel_v it_o as_o the_o sun_n in_o his_o strength_n dispel_v and_o break_v a_o cloud_n into_o piece_n the_o occasion_n of_o which_o have_v be_v that_o the_o one_o aforesaid_a have_v have_v the_o life_n of_o god_n in_o his_o own_o particular_a raise_v into_o a_o large_a stature_n and_o measure_n of_o power_n and_o
dominion_n whereby_o his_o life_n have_v have_v its_o course_n through_o all_o that_o darkness_n that_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n to_o the_o reach_a the_o weak_a and_o small_a measure_n of_o life_n in_o the_o other_o and_o so_o by_o its_o influence_n quicken_a and_o strengthen_v life_n in_o every_o particular_a till_o it_o be_v raiseâ—_n over_o all_o that_o stand_v in_o its_o way_n and_o all_o be_v abundant_o refresh_v comfort_v and_o quicken_v and_o such_o through_o the_o goodness_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v send_v unto_o other_o or_o raise_v up_o among_o they_o to_o be_v unto_o they_o as_o nurse_n father_n and_o steward_n and_o shepherd_n unto_o who_o as_o it_o be_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v give_v that_o may_v open_v it_o unto_o other_o not_o but_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v open_v even_o without_o all_o instrument_n from_o without_o yea_o the_o service_n and_o benefit_n of_o instrument_n fit_v and_o prepare_v of_o god_n have_v be_v and_o be_v find_v to_o be_v great_a unto_o the_o more_o abundant_a open_n of_o it_o and_o help_v the_o weak_a and_o feeble_a unto_o the_o more_o ready_a and_o easy_a entrance_n into_o it_o wherefore_o such_o can_v but_o be_v dear_o love_v and_o honour_a in_o the_o truth_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n and_o because_o of_o that_o excellent_a measure_n of_o life_n in_o they_o which_o have_v such_o universal_a influence_n and_o service_n unto_o all_o and_o though_o the_o unity_n and_o fellowship_n of_o the_o child_n of_o light_n and_o truth_n do_v not_o simple_o consist_v in_o their_o outward_a nearness_n company_n or_o presence_n for_o that_o though_o at_o never_o so_o great_a a_o outward_a distance_n their_o unity_n remain_v in_o that_o spirit_n which_o reach_v over_o and_o through_o all_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o even_o their_o be_v together_o in_o the_o outward_a when_o they_o be_v gather_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n as_o aforesaid_a as_o in_o the_o particular_a measure_n of_o his_o life_n and_o light_n make_v manifest_a in_o they_o do_v great_o conduce_v and_o contribute_v to_o increase_v and_o strengthen_v their_o unity_n and_o to_o make_v their_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n of_o life_n the_o more_o sensible_a as_o be_v know_v and_o witness_v by_o certain_a experience_n for_o that_o when_o they_o be_v outward_o present_a life_n have_v and_o opportunity_n to_o convey_v itself_o unto_o one_o another_o by_o a_o through_o the_o natural_a spirit_n and_o the_o very_a face_n of_o one_o sharpen_v another_o as_o iron_n do_v iron_n for_o where_o life_n be_v raze_v in_o the_o heart_n it_o have_v its_o image_n on_o the_o very_a face_n or_o countenance_n which_o by_o a_o secret_a virtue_n reach_v unto_o other_o yea_o not_o only_o do_v life_n convey_v itself_o and_o its_o pure_a influence_n through_o the_o voice_n and_o sight_n but_o even_o through_o the_o take_v one_o another_o by_o the_o hand_n where_o it_o be_v do_v in_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a love_n and_o by_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n also_o as_o be_v witness_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n so_o that_o those_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o large_a measure_n of_o the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n whilthey_v lay_v hand_n on_o they_o who_o believe_v virtue_n go_v forth_o from_o that_o force_n and_o strength_n of_o life_n in_o they_o anâ—_n reach_v unto_o these_o on_o who_o hand_n be_v lay_v whereby_o they_o come_v to_o feel_v the_o life_n to_o be_v raise_v in_o their_o own_o particular_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o fall_v or_o break_v forth_o upon_o they_o as_o even_o so_o it_o be_v witness_v at_o this_o day_n in_o and_o among_o the_o child_n of_o truth_n through_o the_o forme_a formality_n of_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n that_o be_v in_o the_o false_a church_n which_o have_v only_o the_o empty_a and_o bare_a imitation_n be_v not_o regard_v and_o thus_o now_o it_o be_v show_v how_o great_a a_o advantage_n and_o benefit_n the_o child_n of_o light_n and_o truth_n have_v in_o their_o meet_v together_o through_o the_o communication_n of_o life_n yea_o from_o all_o to_o every_o one_o and_o from_o one_o to_o all_o and_o that_o without_o all_o word_n as_o well_o as_o with_o they_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o their_o meeting_n together_o even_o in_o silence_n can_v but_o be_v manifest_a and_o this_o serve_v to_o answer_v that_o common_a objection_n use_v by_o many_o who_o say_v we_o may_v sit_v silent_a at_o home_n and_o wait_v in_o silence_n in_o our_o own_o house_n and_o so_o be_v as_o much_o edify_v aâ—_n to_o come_v to_o a_o silent_a meeting_n where_o nothing_o be_v speak_v for_o our_o instruction_n or_o learning_n to_o which_o i_o say_v nay_o if_o your_o outward_a liberty_n and_o health_n can_v permit_v you_o to_o come_v and_o yet_o you_o come_v not_o but_o stay_v at_o home_n you_o can_v profit_v nor_o be_v edify_v so_o much_o at_o home_n though_o you_o shall_v give_v yourselves_o to_o wait_v in_o silence_n as_o by_o come_v to_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n and_o wait_v together_o with_o they_o in_o silence_n first_o because_o to_o meet_v together_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n which_o he_o do_v bless_v yea_o he_o have_v promise_v that_o where_o two_o or_o three_o do_v meet_v together_o in_o his_o name_n he_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o this_o promise_n be_v to_o meet_v simple_o in_o his_o name_n though_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o speak_v among_o they_o but_o second_o because_o as_o be_v say_v through_o that_o universal_a influence_n of_o life_n which_o the_o whole_a meeting_n have_v upon_o every_o particular_a life_n to_o raise_v and_o refresh_v and_o strengthen_v life_n in_o every_o particular_a therefore_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o it_o be_v more_o profitable_a and_o edify_a to_o wait_v with_o other_o where_o opportunity_n can_v be_v have_v then_o alone_o for_o while_o we_o wait_v with_o other_o we_o become_v a_o strength_n and_o help_n unto_o one_o another_o in_o wait_v which_o 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and_o to_o leven_o he_o into_o a_o new_a lump_n so_o as_o to_o mould_n and_o transform_v he_o unto_o its_o own_o pure_a similitude_n and_o image_n and_o so_o these_o who_o come_v together_o to_o meet_v after_o this_o manner_n in_o silence_n so_o that_o they_o will_v sit_v together_o many_o hour_n in_o a_o deep_a silence_n and_o quietness_n come_v to_o sin_v great_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n in_o they_o yea_o and_o a_o great_a glory_n though_o such_o meeting_n become_v the_o world_n wonder_n and_o natural_a and_o dark_a spirit_a man_n do_v scorn_n and_o deride_v they_o as_o they_o do_v unto_o this_o day_n yet_o the_o child_n of_o truth_n find_v they_o and_o do_v find_v they_o the_o most_o profitable_a and_o edify_v meeting_n that_o ever_o they_o be_v at_o where_o all_o flesh_n be_v make_v silent_a and_o the_o lamb_n alone_o be_v wait_v for_o to_o appear_v in_o his_o temple_n and_o speak_v forth_o his_o holy_a mind_n will_n and_o counsel_n in_o such_o vessel_n as_o be_v fit_v and_o prepare_v of_o he_o and_o those_o who_o meet_v together_o in_o this_o silence_n where_o at_o that_o time_n perhaps_o not_o one_o in_o the_o meeting_n have_v a_o mouth_n open_v or_o utterance_n give_v they_o in_o the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n come_v in_o due_a time_n to_o receive_v the_o open_n of_o the_o mouth_n in_o a_o very_a large_a and_o powerful_a and_o glorious_a manner_n as_o continue_v unto_o this_o day_n with_o they_o who_o yet_o remain_v alive_a in_o the_o body_n and_o now_o many_o have_v receive_v a_o open_n of_o the_o mouth_n and_o come_v to_o witness_v the_o word_n of_o life_n spring_v up_o in_o great_a power_n and_o glory_n to_o the_o put_v word_n into_o their_o mouth_n which_o be_v spirit_n and_o life_n that_o minister_n grace_n large_o
unto_o the_o hearer_n and_o be_v a_o sweet_a and_o precious_a savour_n and_o odour_n unto_o god_n even_o a_o sacrifice_n of_o a_o sweet_a smell_n and_o so_o they_o witness_v the_o promise_n fulfil_v unto_o they_o upon_o the_o matter_n though_o the_o many_o tongue_n and_o language_n with_o other_o circumstantial_a thing_n be_v not_o as_o the_o disciple_n do_v who_o be_v command_v to_o tarry_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o wait_v for_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o father_n which_o be_v the_o pour_v forth_o and_o effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o holy_a spirit_n and_o life_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o and_o they_o wait_v so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o on_o the_o day_n of_o penticost_n be_v assemble_v together_o with_o one_o accord_n they_o be_v fill_v therewith_o and_o begin_v to_o speak_v forth_o the_o wondrous_a thing_n of_o god_n as_o they_o feel_v they_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o as_o the_o spirit_n give_v they_o utterance_n and_o see_v they_o be_v not_o command_v to_o speak_v preach_v nor_o pray_v nor_o sing_v but_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v in_o his_o life_n spirit_n and_o power_n as_o it_o move_v they_o it_o be_v manifest_a at_o time_n the_o disciple_n or_o christian_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n have_v silence_n among_o they_o as_o we_o now_o have_v see_v they_o be_v not_o to_o speak_v but_o when_o the_o life_n move_v and_o sure_o there_o be_v among_o they_o who_o do_v not_o always_o feel_v the_o motion_n of_o life_n to_o speak_v nor_o be_v always_o in_o a_o capacity_n or_o condition_n for_o speak_v and_o though_o now_o since_o the_o glorious_a increase_n and_o growth_n of_o truth_n few_o meetting_n have_v some_o or_o other_o to_o who_o a_o ministry_n in_o word_n be_v give_v more_o or_o less_o so_o that_o seldom_o or_o rare_o meeting_n be_v under_o a_o necessity_n to_o be_v whole_o silent_a from_o first_o to_o last_o yet_o because_o of_o the_o great_a advantage_n and_o benefit_n and_o glory_n that_o be_v find_v in_o they_o friend_n be_v many_o time_n willing_a and_o desirous_a to_o sit_v down_o and_o feed_v together_o in_o silence_n upon_o the_o heavenly_a and_o invisible_a life_n so_o as_o to_o reach_v unto_o one_o another_o in_o the_o communication_n of_o life_n and_o feel_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o one_o another_o therein_o in_o silence_n and_o enjoy_v that_o secret_a and_o hide_a fellowship_n together_o which_o the_o world_n know_v not_o so_o as_o even_o to_o be_v silent_a though_o both_o a_o liberty_n and_o ability_n in_o the_o life_n may_v be_v present_a with_o divers_a where_o no_o pressure_n no_o press_a occasion_n be_v find_v to_o utter_v word_n which_o indeed_o have_v a_o great_a glory_n in_o it_o that_o people_n shall_v converse_v together_o in_o spirit_n and_o deep_a silence_n and_o without_o all_o word_n now_o among_o divers_a great_a a_o 〈…〉_z d_o advantage_n and_o benefit_n which_o they_o who_o come_v to_o be_v convince_v do_v find_v in_o the_o sit_v down_o together_o to_o wait_v in_o silence_n there_o be_v some_o that_o in_o the_o silence_n their_o mind_n be_v turn_v towards_o the_o light_n and_o life_n of_o god_n which_o have_v appear_v to_o they_o they_o come_v to_o find_v their_o mind_n stay_v therein_o and_o thereby_o for_o a_o great_a and_o mighty_a power_n break_v forth_o in_o the_o light_n unto_o which_o their_o mind_n be_v turn_v and_o do_v gather_v their_o mind_n into_o it_o more_o and_o more_o whereby_o they_o come_v to_o know_v a_o be_v plant_v and_o ground_v and_o root_v and_o settle_a and_o establish_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o in_o the_o light_n and_o life_n and_o spirit_n and_o power_n thereof_o and_o so_o they_o come_v to_o be_v gather_v out_o of_o all_o the_o toss_n and_o waver_n of_o mind_n and_o out_o of_o all_o the_o encumbrance_n and_o wander_n into_o stability_n and_o steaddiness_n in_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v even_o as_o to_o be_v deliver_v from_o a_o stormy_a and_o tempestuous_a sea_n and_o bring_v to_o dry_a land_n and_o thus_o also_o they_o come_v to_o be_v gather_v out_o of_o all_o their_o own_o thought_n and_o imagination_n and_o uncertain_a conjecture_n and_o guessing_n concern_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n into_o the_o clear_a and_o certain_a manifestation_n of_o truth_n by_o which_o also_o they_o come_v to_o receive_v a_o inward_a discern_a so_o as_o to_o distinguish_v &_o make_v a_o difference_n infallible_o betwixt_o thing_n and_o thing_n in_o they_o as_o to_o see_v and_o know_v and_o feel_v what_o be_v of_o god_n and_o what_o be_v not_o of_o he_o but_o of_o man_n or_o of_o satan_n and_o so_o as_o they_o wait_v in_o this_o silence_n their_o mind_n be_v turn_v towards_o the_o lord_n they_o can_v discern_v the_o right_n and_o wrong_a spirit_n and_o the_o work_n and_o motion_n of_o each_o and_o come_v to_o see_v what_o be_v to_o be_v keep_v and_o spare_v and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v deny_v what_o be_v to_o be_v preserve_v alive_a and_o cherish_v and_o nourish_v and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v slay_v and_o famish_v and_o starve_v and_o so_o in_o the_o silence_n they_o come_v to_o find_v the_o pure_a judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o pass_v over_o and_o through_o all_o in_o they_o as_o the_o refiner_n fire_n which_o purify_v the_o glod_n and_o silver_n but_o consume_v the_o dross_n and_o make_v a_o clear_a separation_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n be_v find_v and_o feel_v to_o work_v mighty_o in_o they_o for_o the_o break_n down_o and_o kill_v and_o consume_v and_o destroy_v every_o evil_a thing_n and_o work_n which_o have_v place_n in_o they_o and_o remove_v and_o take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n whatever_o cloud_a or_o veil_v or_o burden_v the_o pure_a life_n to_o arise_v and_o shine_v forth_o and_o so_o the_o mountain_n which_o be_v raise_v over_o the_o seed_n and_o burden_a it_o come_v to_o be_v shake_v yea_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o heaven_n by_o which_o these_o bodily_a quaking_n and_o tremble_n do_v also_o seize_v upon_o divers_a and_o from_o this_o the_o name_n quaker_n be_v in_o scorn_n cast_v upon_o friend_n that_o the_o mountain_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v raise_v up_o a_o top_n of_o they_o all_o and_o so_o through_o the_o mighty_a work_n of_o god_n power_n which_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o light_n to_o which_o their_o mind_n be_v turn_v in_o silence_n they_o come_v to_o be_v bring_v out_o of_o the_o mixture_n wherein_o they_o stand_v former_o into_o a_o clearness_n and_o soundness_n of_o condition_n in_o the_o truth_n both_o as_o to_o spirit_n and_o judgement_n in_o their_o own_o particular_n and_o so_o they_o come_v to_o a_o clear_a and_o sound_a understanding_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n &_o of_o truth_n &_o religion_n and_o the_o way_n of_o worship_n and_o to_o have_v clear_a and_o sound_a thought_n and_o apprehension_n of_o they_o which_o do_v pure_o and_o clear_o arise_v in_o the_o light_n in_o which_o their_o mind_n become_v stay_v and_o so_o in_o due_a time_n a_o pure_a and_o clear_a ministration_n in_o word_n be_v give_v unto_o many_o of_o they_o so_o that_o they_o preach_v pure_a sound_a &_o clear_a doctrine_n in_o a_o pure_a and_o clear_a manifestation_n of_o life_n unto_o which_o pure_a ministration_n many_o come_v to_o be_v bring_v who_o have_v a_o ministration_n former_o among_o people_n of_o divers_a sect_n and_o opinion_n which_o stand_v in_o the_o mixture_n aforesaid_a that_o be_v not_o clear_a grain_n and_o food_n and_o therefore_o hurt_v both_o themselves_o and_o other_o but_o be_v gather_v together_o unto_o thiâ—_n pure_a ministration_n which_o they_o receive_v by_o sit_v down_o to_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n to_o learn_v together_o in_o silence_n with_o all_o subjection_n the_o pure_a and_o clear_a and_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n they_o come_v both_o to_o be_v save_v themselves_o and_o to_o be_v make_v instrumental_a to_o save_v many_o other_o and_o so_o in_o silence_n they_o come_v to_o receive_v these_o many_o precious_a open_n and_o discovery_n of_o truth_n and_o religion_n and_o the_o scripture_n be_v large_o and_o pure_o open_v unto_o they_o concern_v these_o many_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o difference_n between_o the_o friend_n and_o child_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o priest_n and_o professor_n and_o these_o together_o with_o many_o precious_a and_o excellent_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o also_o much_o inward_a peace_n joy_n refreshment_n and_o consolation_n in_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o much_o increase_n of_o life_n and_o grace_n and_o righteousness_n and_o much_o beauty_n and_o glory_n and_o dominion_n in_o the_o life_n be_v among_o the_o bless_a and_o glorious_a advantage_n they_o receive_v in_o meet_v together_o and_o wait_v together_o upon_o the_o lord_n in_o pure_a silence_n and_o stillness_n and_o which_o be_v all_o
know_v and_o witness_v and_o find_v at_o this_o day_n even_o as_o at_o the_o beginning_n by_o they_o who_o faithful_o and_o diligent_o do_v observe_v they_o and_o improve_v they_o and_o by_o this_o mean_n also_o the_o truth_n come_v great_o to_o spread_v and_o gain_v ground_n and_o so_o do_v at_o this_o day_n even_o in_o that_o these_o who_o be_v convince_v in_o all_o the_o part_n and_o corner_n of_o the_o land_n where_o the_o sound_n of_o truth_n come_v do_v meet_v together_o though_o there_o be_v but_o two_o or_o three_o in_o a_o place_n and_o sit_v down_o together_o to_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n in_o pure_a silence_n out_o of_o all_o their_o own_o thought_n and_o word_n and_o work_n which_o be_v a_o great_a and_o loud_a testimony_n and_o do_v preach_v all_o abroad_o far_o and_o near_o which_o give_v occasion_n unto_o many_o who_o have_v some_o measure_n of_o simplicity_n and_o tenderness_n to_o consider_v the_o thing_n and_o the_o signification_n of_o it_o that_o in_o a_o time_n wherein_o professor_n have_v so_o much_o a_o life_n in_o word_n as_o if_o all_o religion_n have_v be_v turn_v into_o word_n and_o in_o speak_v and_o hear_v as_o indeed_o it_o be_v so_o with_o most_o part_n that_o they_o know_v no_o more_o of_o it_o but_o to_o hear_v and_o talk_v word_n and_o so_o their_o religion_n be_v a_o monster_n as_o if_o all_o the_o body_n be_v become_v the_o tongue_n and_o the_o ear_n that_o a_o people_n shall_v be_v raise_v up_o to_o meet_v together_o in_o silence_n and_o in_o silence_n to_o be_v edify_v and_o teach_v and_o instruct_v more_o than_o in_o all_o the_o word_n they_o have_v former_o hear_v or_o speak_v and_o in_o silence_n to_o worship_n god_n and_o pray_v and_o give_v thanks_o and_o be_v help_v and_o strengthen_v one_o by_o another_o this_o give_v occasion_n and_o do_v and_o will_v give_v occasion_n still_o more_o and_o more_o unto_o many_o that_o have_v any_o measure_n of_o tenderness_n and_o simplicity_n to_o look_v beyond_o word_n into_o the_o inward_o and_o substance_n of_o religion_n and_o indeed_o hereby_o many_o come_v to_o be_v convince_v more_o than_o by_o all_o the_o preach_n in_o word_n that_o ever_o they_o hear_v the_o very_a silence_n and_o silent_a meeting_n of_o friend_n preach_v unto_o they_o so_o convince_o and_o reach_v they_o that_o they_o come_v both_o to_o confess_v and_o own_v the_o truth_n and_o to_o sit_v down_o in_o silence_n with_o they_o who_o be_v former_o gather_v turn_v in_o their_o mind_n to_o the_o light_n whereby_o they_o come_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o benefit_n of_o silence_n as_o aforesaid_a with_o they_o and_o so_o they_o come_v to_o see_v the_o proportion_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n which_o be_v as_o a_o well_o proportion_a body_n and_o be_v not_o all_o tongue_n or_o ear_n but_o have_v many_o other_o part_n and_o member_n and_o these_o far_o great_a for_o the_o tongue_n as_o say_v james_n be_v but_o a_o little_a member_n and_o so_o indeed_o the_o word_n which_o the_o tongue_n can_v utter_v and_o answer_v thereunto_o be_v but_o a_o very_a little_a part_n in_o respect_n of_o these_o many_o other_o thing_n which_o pertain_v unto_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o even_o as_o in_o the_o natural_a body_n many_o other_o member_n receive_v power_n to_o execute_v and_o do_v their_o proper_a and_o respective_a office_n before_o the_o tongue_n as_o we_o see_v in_o infant_n who_o can_v use_v divers_a member_n of_o their_o body_n but_o can_v speak_v with_o the_o tongue_n so_o be_v it_o even_o as_o to_o the_o true_a religion_n which_o first_o give_v power_n as_o to_o the_o use_n of_o divers_a other_o thing_n relate_v thereunto_o before_o it_o give_v power_n as_o to_o speak_v of_o they_o so_o that_o obedience_n unto_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o conversation_n do_v most_o natural_o proceed_v the_o speak_n of_o or_o concern_v the_o truth_n and_o this_o be_v the_o order_n of_o christ_n who_o say_v he_o that_o keep_v my_o commandment_n and_o teach_v man_n so_o to_o do_v so_o herâ—_n be_v first_o keep_v the_o commandment_n before_o teach_v unto_o other_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v great_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o so_o friend_n be_v turn_v towards_o god_n to_o wait_v upon_o he_o for_o his_o teach_n in_o their_o silent_a meeting_n have_v not_o their_o meeting_n to_o depend_v upon_o any_o speaker_n or_o speaker_n without_o whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o they_o can_v and_o do_v meet_v together_o with_o advantage_n when_o they_o know_v not_o of_o any_o speaker_n and_o thus_o their_o meeting_n be_v constant_o keep_v up_o for_o a_o testimony_n to_o truth_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o themselves_o as_o also_o for_o the_o reach_a unto_o other_o whereas_o among_o all_o other_o profession_n and_o professor_n it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o for_o if_o they_o have_v no_o speaker_n they_o have_v no_o meeting_n and_o so_o their_o meeting_n depend_v upon_o the_o word_n and_o lip_n of_o man_n as_o if_o they_o can_v receive_v no_o good_a in_o meeting_n but_o what_o drop_v from_o the_o lip_n of_o man_n whereas_o the_o good_a that_o friend_n look_v at_o and_o wait_v for_o in_o meeting_n and_o do_v receive_v be_v far_o beyond_o all_o word_n whatsoever_o even_o the_o very_a word_n of_o life_n which_o word_n be_v precious_a unto_o they_o notwithstanding_o and_o desirable_a in_o their_o place_n and_o that_o good_a be_v the_o life_n itself_o which_o be_v before_o word_n and_o will_v be_v when_o word_n be_v not_o and_o in_o which_o all_o word_n be_v to_o cease_v but_o the_o life_n endure_v for_o ever_o in_o which_o friend_n have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o one_o with_o another_o and_o as_o touch_v silent_a meeting_n or_o meet_v together_o in_o silence_n it_o be_v not_o only_o traceable_a among_o the_o disciple_n and_o apostle_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n as_o aforesaid_a but_o even_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n so_o call_v although_o it_o be_v think_v such_o a_o strange_a thing_n among_o priest_n and_o professor_n general_o for_o do_v not_o job_n and_o his_o friend_n meet_v together_o in_o silence_n 7_o day_n job_n 3.13_o and_o do_v not_o ezekiel_n sit_v among_o the_o captive_n 7_o day_n and_o do_v not_o open_v his_o mouth_n to_o any_o till_o at_o the_o end_n of_o they_o when_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v to_o he_o ezek._n 3.15_o 16._o yea_o and_o the_o land_n be_v bid_v be_v silent_a before_o he_o isa._n 41.1_o and_o say_v zechariah_n let_v all_o flesh_n be_v silent_a before_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o be_v raise_v up_o out_o of_o his_o holy_a place_n zech._n 2.13_o george_n keith_n postscript_n the_o copy_n of_o a_o letter_n write_v from_o germany_n by_o stephen_n crisp_n to_o friend_n which_o do_v suit_n with_o the_o precede_a paper_n all_o friend_n every_o where_o who_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n keep_v in_o the_o savour_n thereof_o and_o let_v not_o your_o mind_n be_v steal_v away_o from_o that_o which_o be_v live_v for_o that_o which_o be_v live_v come_v from_o above_o and_o make_v you_o lively_a but_o that_o which_o be_v corruptible_a come_v from_o the_o earth_n and_o bring_v death_n with_o lt_n over_o your_o soul_n and_o therefore_o watch_v in_o diligence_n to_o retain_v the_o savour_n of_o the_o life_n of_o truth_n that_o you_o may_v live_v from_o a_o sense_n that_o christ_n live_v in_o you_o who_o be_v the_o seed_n the_o truth_n the_o noble_a plant_n and_o grow_v and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o you_o and_o all_o friend_n every_o where_o who_o thus_o keep_v and_o retain_v the_o savour_n of_o life_n in_o they_o they_o will_v come_v to_o feel_v daily_o quickning_n thereby_o and_o will_v have_v power_n over_o the_o nature_n that_o be_v dead_a in_o adam_n to_o all_o good_a work_n and_o especial_o to_o wait_v upon_o god_n with_o a_o steadfast_a and_o stay_a mind_n nothing_o so_o hard_a as_o this_o to_o that_o old_a and_o corrupt_a nature_n which_o be_v soon_o weary_a this_o be_v that_o nature_n which_o can_v watch_v with_o christ_n one_o hour_n but_o let_v his_o trial_n and_o suffering_n be_v never_o so_o great_a this_o lead_v from_o watch_v to_o sleep_v this_o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o the_o seed_n of_o god_n in_o its_o suffering_n and_o shall_v have_v none_o in_o its_o dominion_n and_o where_o this_o drowsy_a nature_n stand_v uncrucify_v it_o keep_v you_o in_o the_o weakness_n out_o of_o the_o power_n and_o this_o bring_v out_o of_o the_o savour_n and_o feel_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o so_o make_v meeting_n unprofitable_a and_o as_o it_o come_v through_o custom_n to_o be_v allow_v and_o subject_v to_o it_o lead_v into_o hypocrisy_n that_o be_v to_o say_v into_o a_o profess_v to_o wait_v upon_o god_n and_o a_o present_v the_o body_n in_o the_o meeting_n and_o then_o let_v the_o heart_n which_o god_n require_v depart_v far_o from_o he_o even_o into_o the_o ease_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o flesh_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o that_o live_v can_v not_o please_v god._n therefore_o dear_a friend_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n i_o exhort_v you_o consider_v what_o you_o do_v when_o you_o assemble_v together_o and_o let_v it_o be_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n that_o be_v in_o his_o power_n not_o in_o the_o weakness_n nor_o in_o the_o flesh_n like_o a_o fleshly_a meeting_n but_o in_o his_o name_n and_o power_n make_v war_n with_o the_o flesh_n and_o with_o the_o drowsy_a spirit_n that_o lodge_v there_o and_o in_o the_o faith_n overcome_v it_o and_o be_v not_o overcome_v by_o it_o for_o that_o be_v bondage_n and_o hold_v your_o meeting_n in_o the_o spirit_n where_o every_o one_o be_v make_v alive_a and_o flourish_v and_o grow_v in_o life_n and_o in_o dominion_n and_o shine_v forth_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o comfort_v and_o refresh_v one_o of_o another_o for_o now_o as_o any_o one_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v overtake_v with_o sleep_n in_o a_o meeting_n he_o lose_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n he_o become_v a_o grief_n to_o the_o diligent_a and_o a_o evil_a example_n to_o the_o negligent_a and_o bring_v himself_o under_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n power_n in_o his_o own_o conscience_n which_o when_o he_o awake_v rise_v up_o against_o he_o and_o also_o he_o be_v under_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o power_n in_o the_o whole_a meeting_n which_o when_o he_o come_v to_o a_o true_a sense_n of_o will_v be_v no_o light_a thing_n and_o further_o if_o any_o that_o be_v unbelieving_a come_v in_o among_o you_o and_o see_v such_o thing_n among_o you_o that_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o a_o inward_a power_n and_o a_o inward_a quicken_a spirit_n and_o a_o worship_n that_o be_v inward_a in_o the_o spirit_n and_o truth_n herein_o cause_v such_o the_o name_n of_o god_n to_o be_v dishonour_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n to_o be_v hold_v in_o little_a esteem_n by_o such_o who_o know_v it_o not_o in_o themselves_o and_o a_o stumbling-block_n be_v hereby_o lay_v in_o their_o way_n to_o hinder_v they_o from_o any_o far_o seek_v after_o the_o truth_n oh_o friend_n consider_v these_o thing_n and_o be_v all_o diligent_a in_o this_o matter_n and_o let_v not_o that_o earthly_a part_n have_v liberty_n but_o let_v it_o be_v keep_v in_o the_o cross_n till_o it_o die_v or_o else_o it_o will_v keep_v and_o hold_v you_o dead_a and_o unsensible_a of_o god_n or_o one_o another_o and_o this_o be_v that_o have_v hinder_v the_o growth_n of_o many_o namely_o their_o carelessness_n in_o come_v to_o meeting_n and_o their_o slothfulness_n when_o they_o be_v there_o therefore_o for_o time_n to_o come_v let_v every_o one_o that_o bear_v the_o profession_n of_o truth_n be_v diligent_a in_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o be_v good_a example_n to_o each_o other_o and_o observe_v your_o time_n and_o hour_n of_o come_v to_o meet_v and_o set_v not_o one_o hour_n and_o then_o come_v at_o another_o and_o neglect_v not_o your_o middle_a week_n meeting_n by_o reason_n of_o your_o outward_a occasion_n for_o that_o will_v not_o bring_v a_o blessing_n upon_o your_o affair_n but_o let_v all_o thing_n give_v way_n to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o then_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a unto_o you_o and_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o lack_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a for_o you_o so_o dear_a friend_n in_o the_o true_a love_n of_o god_n have_v i_o write_v this_o unto_o you_o as_o it_o lay_v upon_o i_o from_o the_o lord_n as_o a_o word_n of_o exhortation_n to_o stir_v up_o the_o pure_a mind_n in_o you_o all_o and_o the_o god_n of_o power_n and_o strength_n give_v you_o of_o he_o may_v and_o of_o his_o power_n to_o help_v you_o in_o all_o your_o necessity_n and_o in_o all_o your_o combat_n and_o strengthen_v your_o faith_n in_o which_o and_o by_o which_o the_o victory_n be_v obtain_v which_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o my_o soul_n for_o you_o all_o who_o be_o your_o friend_n in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n stephen_n scrisp_n the_o end_n