goodwill_n of_o god_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o preach_v peace_n to_o the_o brokenhearted_a testify_v the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n in_o send_v his_o son_n to_o they_o to_o open_v their_o blind_a eye_n and_o recover_v they_o out_o of_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n exhort_v man_n to_o believe_v in_o the_o light_n lest_o eternal_a darkness_n come_v upon_o they_o and_o all_o that_o be_v do_v in_o his_o ministry_n be_v not_o from_o any_o outward_a encouragement_n or_o reward_n but_o move_v only_o hereunto_o from_o the_o tenderness_n of_o his_o pity_n and_o compassion_n to_o poor_a sinner_n so_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n all_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v true_a minister_n of_o the_o same_o gospel_n and_o publish_v it_o free_o in_o the_o constraining_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o lay_v a_o necessity_n upon_o they_o to_o minister_v free_o without_o expectation_n of_o gift_n and_o reward_n but_o do_v they_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o gospel-minister_n who_o preach_v another_o doctrine_n then_o what_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n ever_o do_v confident_o affirm_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o light_n within_o or_o to_o say_v the_o light_n in_o every_o man_n conscience_n be_v the_o light_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v blasphemy_n but_o tell_v man_n that_o light_n which_o do_v convince_v they_o of_o sin_n be_v not_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n but_o natural_a conscience_n and_o therefore_o not_o able_a to_o sanctify_v and_o save_v such_o as_o believe_v in_o it_o and_o obey_v it_o and_o yet_o they_o say_v there_o be_v some_o who_o they_o call_v saint_n and_o believer_n in_o who_o there_o be_v true_a save_v light_n but_o as_o for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n they_o be_v altogether_o destitute_a hereof_o and_o yet_o though_o they_o make_v a_o seem_a distinction_n between_o saint_n and_o sinner_n yet_o they_o themselves_o confess_v they_o be_v sinner_n yea_o and_o believe_v that_o they_o must_v be_v so_o while_o they_o breath_n upon_o earth_n and_o thus_o be_v people_n hold_v in_o ignorance_n unbelief_n and_o confusion_n their_o blind_a guide_n have_v cause_v they_o to_o err_v from_o the_o truth_n for_o very_o this_o have_v be_v and_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o these_o eminent_a men._n qualif_n 5._o that_o gospel_n which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v preach_v and_o witness_v to_o in_o his_o holy_a life_n he_o confirm_v and_o seal_v by_o his_o death_n in_o his_o blood_n now_o this_o last_o be_v that_o which_o crown_v and_o complete_v his_o ministry_n and_o the_o same_o spirit_n be_v in_o all_o the_o faithful_a at_o this_o day_n whereby_o christ_n minister_n be_v enable_v to_o declare_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o the_o eternal_a word_n without_o the_o help_n and_o assistance_n of_o acquire_v part_n art_n and_o study_n for_o to_o such_o say_v christ_n it_o be_v not_o you_o that_o speak_v but_o the_o spirit_n which_o speak_v in_o you_o and_o thus_o declare_v what_o they_o have_v see_v taste_v and_o handle_v of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n they_o be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o their_o work_n nor_o afraid_a of_o man_n neither_o will_v they_o conceal_v their_o meeting_n in_o time_n of_o great_a danger_n nor_o slip_v out_o at_o back-door_n to_o avoid_v suffering_n but_o be_v in_o a_o continual_a readiness_n and_o preparedness_n to_o forsake_v all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o rather_o than_o to_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o the_o work_n of_o god_n or_o in_o the_o least_o to_o prove_v unfaithful_a by_o deny_v or_o betray_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n wherefore_o now_o consider_v these_o thing_n all_o you_o admirer_n of_o man_n and_o give_v place_n to_o the_o witness_n of_o god_n in_o your_o own_o conscience_n and_o see_v if_o one_o of_o your_o gift_a brethren_n pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v thus_o qualify_v object_n 4._o but_o the_o scripture_n be_v very_o plain_a that_o unbeliever_n and_o reprobate_n be_v without_o christ_n as_o in_o ephes_n 2.12_o and_o 2_o cor._n 13_o 5._o wherefore_o though_o we_o do_v believe_v that_o christ_n be_v in_o every_o believer_n yet_o we_o can_v understand_v that_o the_o light_n in_o every_o man_n be_v the_o light_n of_o christ._n answ_n 1._o indeed_o one_o of_o these_o scripture_n at_o first_o appearance_n seem_v to_o contradict_v all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v before_o it_o will_v be_v therefore_o necessary_a to_o speak_v to_o they_o several_o that_o in_o ephes_n 2.12_o plain_o affirm_v that_o before_o conversion_n they_o be_v without_o god_n and_o without_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n and_o true_o i_o can_v witness_v this_o scripture_n fulfil_v in_o my_o own_o particular_a for_o i_o know_v the_o time_n when_o i_o be_v without_o christ_n and_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n when_o i_o live_v in_o sinful_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n fulfil_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n with_o greediness_n i_o live_v then_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n in_o the_o world_n yea_o without_o any_o awful_a respect_n to_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o yet_o i_o can_v as_o true_o affirm_v that_o at_o that_o time_n the_o light_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o i_o testify_v against_o my_o iniquity_n and_o this_o may_v seem_v a_o mystery_n that_o a_o measure_n of_o his_o light_n shall_v be_v within_o a_o man_n when_o that_o man_n be_v without_o christ_n yet_o i_o have_v experience_v the_o truth_n hereof_o and_o therefore_o testify_v that_o its_o one_o thing_n for_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v in_o a_o man_n and_o another_o thing_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v in_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v the_o light_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v in_o a_o man_n and_o yet_o that_o man_n out_o of_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n whereupon_o i_o affirm_v and_o declare_v that_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o every_o man_n but_o no_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n till_o he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n and_o as_o to_o that_o other_o scripture_n 2_o cor._n 13.5_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 this_o place_n do_v not_o at_o all_o oppose_v what_o before_o have_v be_v write_v if_o it_o be_v serious_o consider_v but_o do_v great_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n if_o therefore_o by_o reprobate_n be_v intend_v such_o as_o have_v sin_v out_o the_o day_n of_o grace_n and_o do_v despite_n to_o the_o strive_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o the_o old_a world_n do_v yea_o and_o as_o those_o eminent_a professor_n who_o stephen_n reprove_v say_v you_o stiff-necked_a and_o uncircumcised_a in_o heart_n and_o ear_n you_o do_v always_o resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o your_o father_n do_v so_o do_v you_o act_v 7.51_o and_o as_o jerusalem_n which_o remain_v impenitent_a in_o the_o day_n of_o visitation_n till_o the_o thing_n of_o her_o peace_n be_v hide_v from_o her_o eye_n luke_n 19.42_o and_o as_o those_o guest_n which_o have_v be_v often_o invite_v and_o yet_o refuse_v to_o come_v make_v light_n of_o those_o many_o renew_v and_o reiterated_a tender_v of_o grace_n entreat_v the_o messenger_n spiteful_o and_o slay_v they_o wherefore_o the_o king_n be_v wroth_a and_o protest_v against_o they_o that_o none_o of_o those_o murderer_n shall_v taste_v of_o his_o supper_n mat._n 22._o or_o like_o that_o figtree_n which_o the_o master_n of_o the_o vineyard_n when_o he_o have_v come_v three_o year_n expect_v fruit_n and_o find_v none_o require_v the_o dresser_n to_o cut_v it_o down_o and_o cast_v it_o into_o the_o fire_n luke_n 13.7_o and_o like_o those_o who_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o of_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v but_o after_o to_o fall_v away_o and_o crucify_v to_o themselves_o the_o son_n of_o god_n afresh_o &_o put_v he_o to_o open_a shame_n these_o bring_v forth_o thorn_n &_o briar_n be_v reject_v and_o be_v nigh_o unto_o curse_v who_o end_n be_v to_o be_v burn_v heb._n 6.7_o 8._o and_o such_o as_o the_o lord_n complain_v of_o by_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n say_v they_o be_v all_o grievous_a revolter_n walk_v with_o slander_n they_o be_v brass_n and_o iron_n they_o be_v all_o corrupter_n the_o bellows_o be_v burn_v the_o lead_n be_v consume_v of_o the_o fire_n the_o founder_n melt_v in_o vain_a for_o the_o wicked_a be_v not_o pluck_v away_o reprobate_a silver_n shall_v man_n call_v they_o because_o the_o lord_n have_v reject_v they_o jer._n 6.29_o and_o the_o spirit_n speak_v express_o that_o some_o shall_v depart_v from_o the_o faith_n give_v heed_n to_o seduce_a spirit_n and_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n speak_v lie_n in_o hypocrisy_n have_v their_o conscience_n sear_v with_o a_o hot_a iron_n and_o so_o be_v past_o feel_v 1_o tim_n 4.2_o now_o
of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a cornerstone_n in_o who_o all_o the_o building_n fit_o frame_v together_o grow_v into_o a_o holy_a temple_n in_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o these_o receive_v immediate_a light_n life_n power_n teach_v guidance_n rule_n refresh_n revelation_n peace_n and_o satisfaction_n from_o that_o word_n which_o be_v before_o the_o world_n be_v make_v even_o that_o life_n power_n foundation_n root_n spring_n and_o fountain_n in_o and_o by_o which_o the_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v quicken_v enlighten_v anoint_v inspire_a and_o give_v forth_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v christ_n jesus_n the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o power_n of_o god_n the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o light_n within_o the_o only_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n two_o their_o faith_n be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o a_o dead_a historical_a faith_n but_o the_o spirit_n and_o life_n of_o faith_n and_o no_o less_o than_o the_o resurrection_n and_o life_n of_o the_o immortal_a seed_n enlighten_v quicken_a reform_v and_o renew_v the_o whole_a man_n and_o this_o be_v that_o faith_n by_o which_o sin_n be_v subdue_v slay_v and_o mortify_v perfect_o the_o heart_n purify_v the_o world_n conquer_v the_o soul_n sanctify_v justify_v and_o save_v perfect_o but_o the_o faith_n of_o all_o other_o be_v a_o unholy_a dead_a imperfect_a faith_n it_o sanctify_v but_o in_o part_n as_o they_o say_v and_o so_o will_v never_o save_v to_o the_o uttermost_a three_o their_o knowledge_n be_v spiritual_a and_o experimental_a from_o the_o immediate_a unction_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n what_o be_v know_v proceed_v not_o from_o hear-say_n but_o divine_a revelation_n all_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v teach_v of_o god_n and_o need_v not_o that_o any_o say_v know_v the_o lord_n for_o they_o all_o know_v he_o from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o least_o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v god_n who_o be_v light_n yea_o the_o father_n of_o light_n and_o that_o the_o light_n within_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o he_o have_v send_v so_o to_o know_v as_o to_o live_v and_o abide_v in_o his_o light_n be_v life_n eternal_a and_o this_o be_v that_o mystery_n which_o be_v hide_v from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a and_o be_v reveal_v unto_o babe_n for_o the_o world_n by_o all_o its_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n neither_o do_v the_o carnal_a man_n though_o never_o so_o great_a a_o scholar_n discern_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v and_o as_o christ_n be_v bodily_a in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n know_v he_o not_o no_o not_o the_o great_a doctor_n and_o leader_n of_o those_o several_a sect_n and_o religion_n in_o that_o day_n as_o the_o samaritan_n herodian_o scribe_n pharisee_n and_o sadducee_n they_o know_v he_o not_o and_o therefore_o the_o man_n that_o be_v bear_v blind_a wonder_v this_o be_v a_o marvellous_a thing_n say_v he_o that_o you_o know_v not_o from_o whence_o he_o be_v and_o yet_o he_o have_v open_v my_o eye_n it_o be_v never_o know_v that_o any_o man_n open_v the_o eye_n of_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a even_o so_o it_o be_v now_o christ_n be_v spiritual_o in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n know_v he_o not_o no_o not_o the_o pope_n prelate_n presbyter_n priest_n and_o pastor_n of_o all_o the_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n they_o know_v he_o not_o but_o say_v it_o be_v the_o devil_n or_o at_o best_o but_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o so_o they_o know_v not_o from_o whence_o he_o be_v yet_o have_v he_o enlighten_v thousand_o and_o it_o be_v never_o know_v that_o the_o devil_n or_o nature_n convert_v any_o to_o the_o lord_n that_o have_v be_v naturalize_v to_o sin_n four_o their_o humility_n which_o be_v the_o empty_n of_o themselves_o of_o all_o their_o own_o righteousness_n will_n wisdom_n and_o self-exaltation_n and_o be_v a_o real_a inward_a spiritual_a abasement_n and_o subjection_n to_o the_o life_n power_n &_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n jesus_n manifest_v in_o spirit_n rule_v and_o dwell_v in_o their_o mortal_a body_n and_o so_o this_o true_a humble_a meek_n and_o low_a frame_n of_o spirit_n proceed_v from_o their_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n live_a presence_n in_o they_o whereas_o they_o that_o know_v god_n and_o christ_n only_o by_o read_v and_o hear-say_n with_o a_o literal_a and_o historical_a knowledge_n they_o be_v blow_v swell_v and_o puff_v up_o with_o airy_a notion_n vain_a boasting_n and_o self-conceitedness_a 5th_o their_o unity_n which_o consist_v not_o only_o in_o the_o oneness_n of_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n but_o proceed_v from_o unity_n of_o spirit_n and_o their_o love_n one_o to_o another_o be_v not_o from_o a_o natural_a but_o a_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a principle_n it_o be_v not_o the_o love_n of_o one_o man_n to_o another_o but_o it_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n shed_v abroad_o in_o their_o heart_n which_o make_v they_o all_o of_o one_o mind_n and_o all_o speak_v write_v and_o witness_v the_o same_o thing_n for_o as_o the_o vital_a spirit_n in_o the_o natural_a frame_n have_v its_o operation_n through_o every_o member_n it_o make_v the_o eye_n ear_n tongue_n hand_n and_o foot_n to_o see_v hear_v speak_v work_n and_o walk_v and_o yet_o but_o one_o soul_n that_o move_v and_o quicken_v all_o through_o its_o speedy_a intercourse_n into_o every_o member_n and_o part_n of_o the_o body_n so_o be_v it_o here_o the_o love_n peace_n concord_n and_o unity_n among_o these_o be_v remarkable_a it_o flow_v from_o the_o fountain_n of_o love_n and_o influence_v the_o whole_a body_n which_o make_v they_o in_o all_o their_o way_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n but_o as_o one_o man_n and_o though_o but_o a_o poor_a weak_a harmless_a innocent_a and_o inoffensive_a people_n be_v render_v through_o their_o unity_n and_o love_n as_o terrible_a as_o a_o army_n with_o banner_n six_o their_o patience_n be_v invincible_a to_o they_o be_v this_o grace_n give_v not_o only_o to_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n but_o also_o to_o suffer_v for_o his_o sake_n and_o as_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v they_o bless_v and_o glorious_a instrument_n in_o his_o hand_n to_o do_v his_o will_n so_o have_v he_o make_v they_o content_v to_o be_v perfect_v through_o suffering_n for_o though_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v especial_o present_a with_o they_o yet_o the_o world_n have_v be_v especial_o against_o they_o not_o for_o their_o own_o sake_n for_o they_o be_v the_o only_a innocent_a and_o harmless_a people_n upon_o earth_n but_o for_o christ_n sake_n in_o they_o yea_o because_o there_o be_v more_o of_o god_n among_o these_o man_n than_o other_o therefore_o be_v they_o hate_v of_o all_o man_n and_o every_o where_n among_o all_o religion_n evil_a speak_v of_o for_o the_o world_n most_o hate_v where_o there_o be_v most_o of_o god_n therefore_o the_o single-hearted_n may_v guess_v where_o there_o be_v most_o of_o god_n by_o observe_v where_o the_o great_a hatred_n of_o the_o world_n lie_v seven_o their_o faithfulness_n to_o the_o truth_n way_n and_o interest_n of_o christ_n how_o have_v they_o go_v up_o and_o down_o in_o weariness_n and_o labour_n in_o hunger_n and_o nakedness_n in_o danger_n and_o death_n to_o bear_v a_o faithful_a testimony_n against_o the_o sin_n vanity_n false_a worship_n and_o abomination_n of_o the_o time_n when_o do_v they_o shrink_v in_o the_o least_o or_o turn_v back_o from_o their_o duty_n when_o loss_n of_o estate_n liberty_n yea_o danger_n of_o banishment_n attend_v it_o when_o do_v they_o deny_v their_o master_n or_o his_o command_n or_o betray_v his_o interest_n before_o king_n or_o counsel_n table_n judge_n justice_n or_o bishop_n by_o subscribe_v engage_v swear_v bow_v or_o comply_v to_o the_o will_n and_o humour_n of_o man_n nay_o they_o have_v witness_v a_o good_a confession_n and_o speak_v of_o his_o testimony_n before_o all_o these_o and_o be_v not_o ashamed_a when_o do_v they_o meet_v at_o night_n for_o fear_n of_o be_v see_v or_o creep_v in_o at_o back-door_n into_o cellar_n holes_n and_o secret_a place_n to_o hide_v themselves_o from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o adversary_n but_o the_o time_n will_v fail_v i_o to_o speak_v of_o their_o self-denial_n temperance_n sobriety_n innocency_n doctrine_n order_n worship_n their_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o watchfulness_n holiness_n righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o king_n daughter_n be_v all_o glorious_a within_o and_o her_o raiment_n be_v of_o pure_a gold_n therefore_o in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n to_o they_o i_o will_v say_v who_o be_v like_a unto_o thou_o o_o people_n save_v by_o the_o lord_n the_o shield_n of_o thy_o help_n &_o the_o sword_n of_o thy_o excellency_n
i_o have_v no_o benefit_n of_o any_o outward_a help_n teach_v or_o counsel_n but_o he_o who_o before_o have_v be_v my_o reprover_n be_v then_o my_o only_a teacher_n who_o seal_v instruction_n upon_o my_o soul_n who_o voice_n i_o hear_v which_o do_v shake_v and_o shake_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n also_o and_o cause_v i_o to_o cry_v out_o lord_n what_o will_v thou_o have_v i_o to_o do_v and_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o foot_n of_o god_n can_v true_o say_v speak_v now_o lord_n for_o thy_o servant_n hear_v and_o abide_v in_o this_o break_a and_o shatter_a state_n i_o clear_o feel_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n powerful_o at_o work_n in_o my_o soul_n as_o a_o axe_n at_o the_o root_n of_o the_o tree_n and_o as_o a_o refiner_n fire_n till_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o sin_n be_v slay_v subdue_v and_o mortify_v perfect_o in_o my_o will_n and_o affection_n then_o be_v the_o lord_n jesus_n reveal_v in_o i_o who_o i_o have_v pierce_v the_o new_a birth_n discern_v which_o be_v create_v after_o god_n in_o true_a holiness_n and_o the_o immortal_a pure_a precious_a seed_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n which_o ever_o before_o have_v be_v press_v down_o tread_v under_o and_o hold_v in_o bondage_n arise_v yea_o the_o tender_a plant_n of_o his_o own_o right_a hand_n spring_v up_o in_o i_o pant_v and_o vehement_o breathe_v after_o and_o never_o since_o can_v be_v satisfy_v but_o with_o his_o live_a presence_n behold_v these_o thing_n work_v the_o lord_n oftentimes_o with_o man_n look_v upon_o man_n and_o if_o any_o say_v i_o have_v sin_v and_o pervert_v that_o which_o be_v right_o and_o it_o profit_v i_o not_o he_o will_v deliver_v his_o soul_n from_o go_v into_o the_o pit_n and_o his_o life_n shall_v see_v the_o light_n and_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o confession_n which_o i_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o witness_v in_o your_o public_a assembly_n both_o at_o nottingham_n and_o other_o place_n in_o the_o year_n 1668._o objection_n but_o it_o be_v probable_a some_o of_o you_o will_v object_v say_v after_o this_o change_n be_v wrought_v thou_o do_v join_v to_o our_o assembly_n own_v we_o pray_v with_o we_o preach_v among_o we_o and_o seem_v to_o enjoy_v refresh_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o our_o assembly_n wherefore_o then_o be_v thou_o now_o depart_v from_o we_o and_o go_v to_o the_o quaker_n answer_v 1_o notwithstanding_o that_o great_a and_o notable_a work_n begin_v in_o my_o soul_n and_o in_o some_o measure_n effect_v by_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o the_o lord_n yet_o be_v there_o after_o some_o time_n a_o certain_a deadness_n coldness_n and_o darkness_n draw_v over_o i_o again_o occasion_v through_o weakness_n unwatchfulness_n and_o formality_n whereby_o that_o good_a condition_n be_v lose_v nevertheless_o i_o find_v and_o feel_v tender_a breathe_n move_v in_o i_o thirst_v and_o seek_v for_o renew_a testimony_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n then_o in_o the_o simplicity_n and_o uprightness_n of_o my_o heart_n not_o know_v a_o more_o likely_a way_n to_o obtain_v satisfaction_n i_o join_v to_o your_o society_n and_o can_v true_o affirm_v though_o i_o now_o see_v it_o be_v no_o better_a than_o seek_v the_o live_n among_o the_o dead_a that_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v in_o the_o condescension_n of_o his_o love_n many_o time_n to_o stoop_v down_o and_o reach_v forth_o from_o the_o open_n of_o his_o bosom_n refresh_n and_o nourishment_n to_o that_o tender_a babe_n of_o his_o own_o beget_n yea_o while_o i_o frequent_v your_o assembly_n answ_n 2._o and_o as_o i_o continue_v faithful_a and_o obedient_a to_o that_o measure_n of_o light_n and_o knowledge_n which_o be_v reveal_v in_o i_o it_o be_v well_o know_v to_o all_o or_o the_o most_o of_o you_o what_o censure_n opposition_n and_o contradiction_n both_o i_o and_o the_o plain_a scripture-truths_n which_o i_o declare_v in_o your_o assembly_n suffer_v from_o many_o of_o your_o brethren_n charge_v i_o that_o i_o be_v lead_v into_o quakerism_n long_o before_o i_o understand_v either_o by_o word_n or_o write_v what_o the_o quaker_n hold_v answ_n 3._o but_o however_o these_o censure_n occasion_v a_o free_a and_o impartial_a search_n into_o the_o quaker_n principle_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n for_o very_o before_o i_o be_v as_o much_o afraid_a of_o the_o quaker_n as_o you_o can_v be_v but_o stand_v single_a in_o the_o will_n and_o counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n desirous_a to_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a abandon_v all_o consultation_n with_o flesh_n be_v resolve_v to_o cease_v from_o man_n and_o to_o cleave_v unto_o the_o truth_n as_o the_o lord_n shall_v reveal_v and_o discover_v the_o same_o to_o i_o wait_v in_o this_o unbiased_a unprejudiced_a and_o dis-engaged_n frame_n examine_v careful_o the_o principle_n foundation_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o despise_a holy_a people_n great_a clearness_n and_o satisfaction_n arise_v in_o my_o soul_n for_o as_o face_n answer_v face_n in_o a_o glass_n so_o be_v the_o truth_n deliver_v by_o they_o own_a and_o embrace_v by_o the_o witness_n of_o god_n in_o my_o own_o conscience_n and_o the_o same_o spirit_n light_n life_n and_o power_n which_o be_v manifest_a in_o they_o i_o come_v to_o feel_v in_o a_o measure_n in_o my_o own_o particular_a and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o before_o i_o come_v to_o any_o visible_a closure_n with_o they_o i_o sit_v down_o and_o count_v the_o cost_n and_o be_o make_v willing_a free_o to_o endure_v the_o cross_n and_o undergo_v the_o world_n reproach_n and_o shame_n know_v that_o whoever_o will_v be_v christ_n disciple_n must_v deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n daily_o and_o follow_v he_o and_o true_o friend_n the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n power_n be_v come_v and_o feel_v whereby_o i_o be_o make_v willing_a to_o forsake_v father_n and_o mother_n brethren_n and_o sister_n parsonage_n and_o all_o kind_n of_o ecclesiastical_a promotion_n friend_n honour_n pleasure_n profit_n house_n land_n good_n yea_o and_o life_n be_v self_n to_o follow_v the_o lamb_n and_o fall_v in_o with_o his_o interest_n as_o it_o be_v only_o witness_v and_o embrace_v by_o and_o among_o the_o child_n of_o light_n by_o the_o world_n call_v quaker_n answ_n 4._o but_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a i_o desire_v to_o make_v clear_a to_o your_o satisfaction_n that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o i_o and_o so_o there_o be_v for_o you_o who_o have_v any_o tenderness_n and_o breathe_n in_o your_o soul_n after_o the_o lord_n to_o separate_v yourselves_o from_o the_o tent_n of_o those_o ungodly_a man_n your_o teacher_n who_o be_v no_o better_a than_o filthy_a dreamer_n blind_a guide_n and_o belly_n god_n who_o belch_v out_o nothing_o but_o blasphemy_n lie_n slander_n false_a accusation_n and_o evil_a speech_n against_o god_n and_o christ_n his_o way_n truth_n and_o people_n and_o this_o i_o see_v and_o declare_v against_o they_o in_o the_o light_n for_o very_o there_o be_v and_o i_o witness_v it_o a_o honest_a gracious_a tender_a principle_n in_o many_o of_o you_o call_v independent_o which_o kindle_v in_o you_o perfect_a hatred_n against_o sin_n and_o unsatisfied_a real_a breathe_n and_o pant_n after_o the_o sensible_a live_a presence_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o your_o leader_n cause_v you_o to_o err_v and_o you_o be_v scatter_v upon_o the_o dark_a and_o barren_a mountain_n and_o this_o i_o testify_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o live_a god_n that_o it_o will_v be_v so_o with_o you_o while_o you_o follow_v these_o wander_v star_n cloud_n without_o rain_n seduce_v spirit_n your_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n who_o be_v raven_a wolf_n and_o minister_n of_o antichrist_n who_o you_o ought_v not_o to_o receive_v into_o your_o house_n nor_o bid_v they_o god_n speed_n for_o 1._o they_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o all_o the_o knowledge_n that_o these_o man_n pretend_v to_o have_v of_o the_o deity_n be_v attain_v by_o read_v and_o hear-say_n for_o they_o will_v confident_o affirm_v that_o vision_n and_o immediate_a revelation_n be_v cease_v judge_v you_o therefore_o what_o knowledge_n these_o man_n have_v of_o god_n when_o the_o scripture_n say_v no_o man_n know_v the_o father_n but_o they_o to_o who_o the_o son_n reveal_v he_o 2._o they_o reproach_v and_o despise_v jesus_n christ_n the_o only_a son_n of_o god_n of_o who_o the_o scripture_n witness_v and_o testify_v to_o be_v the_o true_a light_n which_o enlighten_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n but_o they_o be_v not_o afraid_a to_o say_v the_o light_n in_o every_o man_n be_v but_o a_o natural_a light_n and_o at_o the_o best_a not_o able_a to_o save_v those_o who_o believe_v in_o it_o and_o obey_v it_o and_o to_o discover_v themselves_o more_o plain_o to_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o antichrist_n they_o be_v
understand_v full_o what_o we_o hold_v before_o thou_o contend_v against_o we_o lest_o if_o thou_o want_v this_o patience_n and_o wisdom_n thou_o oppose_v not_o so_o much_o our_o judgement_n as_o thy_o own_o conceit_n better_a it_o be_v to_o hear_v a_o man_n mind_n with_o meekness_n then_o hasty_o to_o guess_v at_o it_o answ_n 6._o be_v not_o wed_v to_o thy_o own_o opinion_n nor_o wise_a in_o thy_o own_o conceit_n so_o as_o to_o build_v upon_o thy_o own_o or_o other_o man_n judgement_n and_o rest_v satisfy_v therein_o because_o it_o be_v strengthen_v by_o multitude_n custom_n and_o antiquity_n for_o undoubted_o many_o have_v err_v gross_o in_o those_o thing_n they_o have_v think_v themselves_o infallible_a better_a it_o be_v to_o cleave_v to_o the_o clear_a and_o naked_a truth_n of_o god_n alone_o then_o to_o follow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o eminent_a professor_n in_o the_o world_n when_o they_o hold_v not_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n answ_n 7._o reproach_v not_o this_o doctrine_n say_v it_o be_v new_a and_o strange_a or_o that_o thou_o never_o hear_v it_o so_o before_o for_o this_o discover_v thy_o ignorance_n rather_o than_o my_o error_n and_o that_o which_o at_o present_a seem_v to_o thou_o to_o be_v a_o new_a error_n be_v right_o examine_v by_o the_o scripture_n will_v prove_v a_o old_a truth_n if_o therefore_o thou_o will_v needs_o reject_v whatsoever_o favour_n of_o novelty_n how_o shall_v the_o truth_n we_o yet_o know_v not_o be_v bring_v in_o and_o the_o ignorance_n which_o yet_o remain_v be_v purge_v out_o answ_n 8._o this_o be_v the_o same_o doctrine_n which_o be_v preach_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o holy_a prophet_n &_o apostle_n since_o the_o world_n begin_v and_o which_o be_v believe_v and_o obey_v by_o all_o the_o faithful_a saint_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n since_o the_o creation_n the_o same_o which_o the_o lord_n give_v in_o charge_n to_o the_o israelite_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o moses_n say_v behold_v i_o send_v my_o angel_n before_o thou_o to_o keep_v thou_o in_o the_o way_n 23.20_o exod._n 23.20_o and_o to_o bring_v thou_o into_o the_o place_n which_o i_o have_v prepare_v beware_v of_o he_o and_o obey_v his_o voice_n provoak_v he_o not_o for_o he_o will_v not_o pardon_v your_o transgression_n for_o my_o name_n be_v in_o he_o but_o if_o thou_o shall_v indeed_o obey_v his_o voice_n and_o do_v all_o that_o i_o speak_v then_o will_v i_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o thy_o enemy_n and_o a_o adversary_n to_o thy_o adversary_n 15.30_o numb_a 15.30_o but_o the_o soul_n that_o do_v aught_o presumtuous_o reproach_v the_o lord_n and_o shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o his_o people_n because_o he_o despise_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n now_o what_o be_v this_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v not_o the_o scripture_n for_o there_o be_v no_o bible_n many_o year_n after_o that_o time_n 119.9.105_o deut._n 30.11_o to_o 14._o psal_n 119.9.105_o but_o the_o ligt_n within_o it_o be_v not_o hide_v from_o thou_o neither_o be_v it_o far_o off_o but_o the_o word_n be_v very_o nigh_o unto_o thou_o even_o in_o thy_o heart_n &_o in_o thy_o mouth_n that_o thou_o shall_v hear_v it_o and_o do_v it_o wherefore_o david_n affifirm_v that_o if_o a_o young_a man_n take_v heed_n to_o this_o word_n he_o shall_v cleanse_v his_o way_n thereby_o and_o call_v it_o a_o lamp_n to_o his_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n to_o his_o path_n this_o be_v also_o testify_v by_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n thou_o shall_v hear_v a_o word_n behind_o thou_o 30.21_o isa_n 30.21_o say_v this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v in_o it_o in_o which_o path_n the_o wayfaring_a man_n though_o fool_n can_v err_v and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v confirm_v this_o doctrine_n 26._o mat._n 6.35_o lu._n 17.21_o act_n 3.22_o we_o 23_o 26._o say_v seek_v first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n which_o kingdom_n he_o tell_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v within_o they_o thus_o peter_n preach_v christ_n the_o light_n for_o moses_n true_o say_v unto_o the_o father_n a_o prophet_n shall_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n raise_v up_o unto_o you_o he_o shall_v you_o hear_v in_o all_o thing_n and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o every_o soul_n that_o hear_v not_o that_o prophet_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o etc._n etc._n wherefore_o unto_o you_o first_o god_n have_v raise_v up_o his_o son_n jesus_n send_v he_o to_o bless_v you_o in_o turn_v every_o one_o of_o you_o from_o his_o iniquity_n 26.18_o act_n 26.18_o and_o thus_o pauâ—_n be_v send_v to_o turn_v man_n from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n now_o be_v not_o this_o darkness_n within_o and_o the_o light_n within_o and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o inward_a turning_n 17.27_o act_n 17.27_o to_o seek_v the_o lord_n if_o happy_o they_o may_v fâ—el_v after_o he_o and_o find_v he_o though_o he_o be_v not_o far_o from_o every_o one_o of_o we_o and_o do_v not_o james_n turn_v man_n to_o the_o light_n within_o write_v to_o sinner_n 1.21_o jam._n 1.21_o such_o as_o be_v in_o filthiness_n and_o superfluity_n of_o naughtiness_n do_v not_o he_o bid_v they_o receive_v with_o meekness_n the_o engraft_a word_n which_o be_v able_a to_o save_v their_o soul_n which_o peter_n call_v the_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n 1.19_o 2_o pet._n 1.19_o unto_o which_o you_o do_v well_o to_o give_v heed_n as_o unto_o a_o light_n that_o shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n but_o most_o take_v the_o word_n for_o the_o scripture_n but_o we_o know_v no_o word_n but_o christ_n jesus_n the_o light_n and_o his_o name_n only_o be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o god_n therefore_o say_v not_o in_o thy_o heart_n who_o shall_v bring_v and_o reveal_v christ_n unto_o we_o for_o the_o word_n be_v nigh_o thou_o even_o in_o thy_o heart_n and_o in_o thy_o mouth_n now_o this_o word_n be_v christ_n the_o true_a light_n in_o every_o man_n 12.36_o joh._n 12.36_o wherefore_o say_v our_o lord_n jesus_n while_o you_o have_v the_o light_n believe_v in_o the_o light_n that_o you_o may_v be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o light_n as_o abel_n be_v guide_v by_o this_o light_n through_o faith_n be_v enable_v to_o offer_v up_o a_o more_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n than_o cain_n in_o obedience_n to_o this_o enoch_n walk_v with_o and_o please_v god_n by_o this_o noah_n be_v warn_v move_v with_o fear_n prepare_v a_o ark_n for_o the_o save_n of_o his_o house_n by_o this_o be_v abraham_n call_v to_o leave_v his_o own_o country_n and_o his_o father_n house_n and_o in_o obedience_n to_o this_o he_o depart_v not_o know_v whether_o he_o go_v joseph_n be_v guide_v by_o this_o withstand_v the_o temptation_n of_o his_o mrs_n though_o enforce_v with_o importunity_n pleasure_n profit_n &_o secrecy_n hereby_o moses_n choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v affliction_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n then_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n esteem_v the_o reproach_n of_o christ_n great_a riches_n than_o the_o treasure_n of_o egypt_n and_o endure_v as_o see_v he_o that_o be_v invisible_a and_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v more_o for_o the_o time_n will_v fail_v to_o tell_v of_o gideon_n barak_n samson_n jepthah_n david_n samuel_n and_o of_o the_o prophet_n who_o by_o faith_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o light_n subdue_a kingdom_n wrought_v righteousness_n obtain_v promise_n stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o lion_n quench_v the_o violence_n of_o fire_n some_o be_v torture_v not_o accept_v deliverance_n other_o have_v trial_n of_o cruel_a mock_n scourge_n bond_n and_o imprisonment_n and_o death_n and_o be_v still_o the_o same_o at_o this_o day_n for_o the_o light_n within_o be_v the_o true_a shepherd_n voice_n which_o all_o the_o lamb_n of_o christ_n hear_v obey_v and_o follow_v to_o the_o hazard_n of_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o object_n 2._o but_o thou_o deny_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n to_o judge_v of_o doctrine_n and_o a_o sure_a weapon_n to_o resist_v satan_n and_o confute_v his_o minister_n for_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o christ_n make_v use_v of_o no_o other_o mean_n to_o overcome_v the_o tempter_n but_o only_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n answ_n 1_o plain_o i_o deny_v the_o scripture_n be_v either_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n i_o own_o and_o witness_n that_o it_o be_v sharp_a than_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n like_o a_o hammer_n and_o a_o fire_n the_o axe_n at_o the_o root_n of_o every_o corrupt_a tree_n and_o so_o be_v not_o the_o scripture_n yea_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n