upon_o some_o other_o to_o obey_v and_o submit_v and_o that_o such_o as_o be_v in_o the_o true_a feel_n and_o sense_n will_v find_v it_o their_o place_n to_o obey_v and_o be_v one_o with_o the_o church_n in_o such_o like_a case_n and_o that_o its_o such_o that_o have_v lose_v their_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o body_n that_o descent_n and_o be_v disobedient_a under_o the_o false_a pretence_n of_o liberty_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v first_o that_o general_n meeting_n do_v usual_o consist_v only_o of_o such_o person_n as_o pretend_v a_o freedom_n in_o their_o spirit_n to_o go_v thither_o or_o have_v outward_a business_n call_v they_o to_o the_o place_n where_o it_o be_v usual_o hold_v and_o though_o it_o have_v be_v account_v a_o meeting_n of_o minister_a friend_n yet_o of_o late_a year_n we_o be_v very_o certain_a it_o have_v consist_v and_o so_o for_o the_o future_a may_v of_o some_o other_o person_n profess_v the_o truth_n that_o will_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o assemble_v among_o they_o and_o to_o be_v very_o plain_a we_o can_v but_o appeal_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o such_o honourable_a friend_n who_o be_v both_o intelligent_a and_o impartial_a whether_o some_o who_o have_v usual_o there_o assemble_v or_o may_v pretend_v right_a to_o be_v member_n thereof_o have_v not_o be_v false_a accuser_n and_o man-pleasers_a and_o many_o of_o they_o a_o sort_n of_o person_n who_o be_v lover_n of_o pre-eminence_n and_o time-servers_a take_v that_o as_o a_o opportunity_n to_o appear_v unto_o other_o that_o which_o they_o be_v not_o in_o themselves_o on_o the_o whole_a matter_n it_o be_v evident_a to_o we_o that_o some_o person_n uncertain_a in_o number_n as_o well_o as_o to_o person_n and_o qualification_n do_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o call_v themselves_o a_o general_n meeting_n and_o though_o such_o when_o meet_v may_v on_o that_o foot_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o ordain_v and_o appoint_v certain_a thing_n condemn_v some_o friend_n as_o rend_v separate_a spirit_n and_o approve_v of_o other_o as_o faithful_a brother_n and_o that_o as_o they_o may_v say_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a to_o have_v any_o more_o place_n with_o we_o on_o that_o account_n than_o if_o they_o speak_v in_o their_o own_o name_n since_o it_o be_v never_o evidence_v to_o our_o conscience_n that_o they_o have_v any_o call_n from_o god_n to_o act_v and_o give_v forth_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v take_v upon_o they_o objection_n but_o suppose_v some_o person_n in_o their_o respective_a country_n shall_v undertake_v to_o meet_v together_o quarterly_o and_o at_o such_o quarterly_o meetin_n choose_v two_o person_n to_o go_v to_o the_o say_a general_n meeting_n as_o be_v endeavour_v the_o last_o year_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v we_o deny_v that_o it_o can_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o truth_n for_o such_o to_o assert_v that_o from_o thence_o they_o be_v invest_v with_o power_n to_o ordain_v and_o appoint_v certain_a thing_n unto_o which_o other_o as_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n ought_v therefore_o to_o yield_v obedience_n whilst_o not_o persuade_v by_o christ_n light_n in_o their_o conscience_n of_o their_o duty_n therein_o first_o because_o though_o such_o quarterly_o meeting_n as_o man_n may_v be_v capable_a to_o choose_v person_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a to_o invest_v they_o with_o a_o suitable_a power_n since_o it_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o all_o those_o meeting_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n which_o man_n be_v not_o capable_a to_o confer_v neither_o have_v those_o meeting_n affirm_v they_o be_v second_o because_o no_o outward_a order_n counsel_n or_o advice_n be_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o any_o man_n to_o practise_v this_o or_o other_o thing_n so_o as_o thereby_o to_o find_v acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n until_o the_o conscience_n of_o such_o a_o one_o by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n be_v convince_v thereof_o for_o every_o action_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n that_o spring_v not_o from_o a_o enlighten_v convince_v conscience_n be_v but_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o liseless_a form_n without_o the_o power_n and_o seem_v not_o to_o square_v with_o this_o doctrine_n draw_v water_n out_o of_o your_o own_o well_n let_v it_o be_v your_o own_o and_o not_o another_o nor_o yet_o with_o that_o doctrine_n which_o have_v often_o be_v sound_v in_o our_o ear_n to_o gather_v we_o from_o the_o lo_o heres_fw-la and_o the_o lo_n they_o but_o yet_o we_o be_v sensible_a that_o this_o further_a objection_n may_v be_v raise_v viz._n obj._n here_o obj._n note_v in_o the_o manuscriptfirst_n make_v mention_n of_o in_o the_o preface_n the_o ground_n of_o this_o objection_n from_o the_o word_n and_o write_n of_o divers_a person_n be_v cite_v out_o of_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o say_a manuscript_n but_o their_o name_n for_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o presace_n be_v omit_v here_o it_o be_v true_a friend_n in_o the_o beginning_n be_v turn_v to_o the_o light_n in_o their_o own_o conscience_n as_o their_o guide_n but_o when_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o gather_v so_o great_a a_o number_n into_o the_o knowledge_n and_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n as_o be_v in_o few_o year_n gather_v than_o the_o heavenly_a motion_n come_v upon_o g._n f._n as_o the_o lord_n anoint_v and_o choose_v have_v the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n as_o be_v the_o great_a apostle_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o as_o one_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v ordain_v to_o be_v in_o that_o place_n among_o the_o child_n of_o light_n in_o this_o our_o day_n as_o moses_n be_v among_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o his_o day_n to_o set_v forth_o method_n and_o form_n of_o church_n government_n and_o to_o establish_v monthly_o and_o quarterly_o meeting_n of_o man_n and_o of_o woman_n distinct_a from_o man_n and_o these_o meeting_n since_o be_v call_v the_o church_n who_o counsel_n advice_n and_o judgement_n as_o occasion_n shall_v offer_v be_v to_o be_v submit_v unto_o by_o every_o one_o who_o profess_v himself_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v else_o why_o shall_v a_o eminent_a friend_n in_o the_o sixteenth_o page_n of_o his_o bookthus_n say_v i_o affirm_v that_o the_o true_a church_n be_v in_o the_o true_a faith_n that_o be_v in_o god_n and_o we_o must_v either_o believe_v thus_o as_o the_o true_a church_n believe_v or_o else_o it_o be_v but_o both_o a_o folly_n and_o hypocrisy_n to_o profess_v ourselves_o member_n thereof_o and_n so_o in_o the_o same_o page_n proceed_v to_o manifest_v that_o he_o who_o seem_v to_o own_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o a_o member_n of_o she_o and_o yet_o tell_v the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o dangerous_a position_n that_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v be_v a_o treacherous_a enemy_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n from_o this_o objection_n these_o three_o position_n seem_v to_o be_v deducible_a first_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v ordain_v g._n f._n to_o be_v in_o that_o place_n among_o the_o child_n of_o light_n in_o this_o our_o day_n as_o moses_n be_v among_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o his_o day_n second_o that_o monthly_a and_o quarterly_a meeting_n be_v call_v the_o church_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v submit_v to_o three_o that_o it_o be_v folly_n and_o hypocrisy_n to_o profess_v ourselves_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o yet_o not_o believe_v thus_o as_o the_o true_a church_n believe_v sect_n ii_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o position_n deducible_a from_o a_o objection_n raise_v towards_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o first_o section_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v ordain_v g._n f._n to_o be_v in_o that_o place_n among_o the_o child_n of_o light_n in_o this_o our_o day_n as_o moses_n be_v among_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o his_o day_n the_o lord_n under_o the_o first_o covenant_n promise_v to_o raise_v up_o a_o prophet_n like_o unto_o moses_n who_o the_o people_n be_v to_o hear_v in_o all_o thing_n deut._n 18.15_o this_o prophet_n speak_v of_o be_v christ_n jesus_n who_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n appear_v upon_o the_o earth_n and_o than_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o man_n to_o hearken_v unto_o his_o voice_n since_o he_o ascend_v on_o high_a the_o father_n according_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o son_n christ_n have_v send_v unto_o we_o the_o comforter_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n who_o be_v to_o lead_v and_o guide_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n this_o spirit_n we_o witness_v to_o be_v in_o we_o according_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o shall_v be_v in_o you_o our_o testimony_n now_o be_v that_o it_o be_v
adam_n do_v through_o his_o rebellion_n in_o eat_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n chap._n v._o touch_v magistracy_n and_o obedience_n thereto_o on_o this_o subject_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o treat_v as_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o magistracy_n and_o people_n of_o england_n whereof_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n be_v a_o part_n 1._o we_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o owe_v obedience_n either_o active_a or_o passive_a unto_o this_o magistracy_n and_o that_o such_o obedience_n be_v as_o well_o ground_v on_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o as_o warrantable_a from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o for_o when_o the_o magistrate_n do_v command_v obedience_n unto_o any_o law_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o indeed_o no_o law_n of_o england_n according_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o its_o government_n and_o those_o maxim_n which_o be_v declare_v for_o law_n aught_o to_o be_v contrary_a thereto_o than_o we_o ought_v to_o yield_v active_a obedience_n and_o whilst_o the_o magistrate_n be_v in_o execution_n of_o such_o law_n they_o be_v as_o occasion_n require_v punisher_n of_o those_o that_o do_v evil_a 14._o 1_o pet._n 2.13_o 14._o and_o a_o praise_n unto_o they_o that_o do_v well_o which_o be_v agreeable_a unto_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n touch_v magistracy_n unto_o who_o in_o such_o case_n active_a obedience_n be_v to_o be_v give_v for_o the_o lord_n sake_n obj._n you_o speak_v very_o well_o so_o far_o as_o you_o have_v limit_v your_o obedience_n to_o good_a law_n but_o what_o if_o those_o in_o power_n shall_v make_v such_o law_n which_o you_o account_v bad_a and_o not_o ground_v on_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o direct_o against_o those_o who_o you_o term_v god_n people_n dare_v you_o then_o say_v that_o it_o be_v agreeable_a unto_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o and_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o to_o yield_v obedience_n in_o such_o case_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o light_n within_o and_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o that_o a_o christian_a yield_v passive_a obedience_n since_o for_o conscience_n sake_n choose_v rather_o to_o obey_v god_n than_o man_n 29._o act._n 5.28_o 29._o which_o be_v the_o apostle_n case_n he_o can_v yield_v active_a obedience_n for_o we_o find_v the_o counsel_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v on_o this_o wise_a resist_v not_o evil_a 5.39_o mat._n 5.39_o but_o whosoever_o shall_v smite_v thou_o on_o thy_o right_a cheek_n turn_v to_o he_o the_o other_o which_o clear_o show_v it_o be_v against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o resist_v and_o so_o consequent_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v passive_a and_o therefore_o since_o we_o have_v not_o at_o any_o time_n plead_v for_o any_o other_o light_n within_o save_v the_o light_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v as_o well_o agreeable_a unto_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o as_o with_o the_o counsel_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o that_o man_n under_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n put_v in_o practice_n that_o wholesome_a counsel_n which_o be_v give_v by_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o way_n be_v unchangeable_a viz._n resist_v not_o evil_a obj._n this_o show_v you_o principled_a against_o outward_a war_n and_o fight_n to_o work_v your_o own_o deliverance_n from_o under_o oppressive_a magistrate_n ans_fw-fr yes_o very_o for_o so_o we_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o child_n of_o light_n be_v desire_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lord_n according_a as_o the_o prophet_n say_v 2.5_o isa_n 2.5_o o_o house_n of_o jacob_n come_v you_o let_v we_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o last_o day_n touch_v which_o the_o same_o prophet_n thus_o prophesi_v 2.4_o isa_n 2.4_o he_o shall_v judge_v among_o the_o nation_n and_o shall_v rebuke_v many_o people_n and_o they_o shall_v beat_v their_o sword_n into_o ploughshare_n and_o their_o spear_n into_o pruning-hook_n nation_n shall_v not_o lift_v up_o sword_n against_o nation_n neither_o shall_v they_o learn_v war_n any_o more_o this_o be_v speak_v prophetical_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o reign_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n show_v that_o all_o outward_a force_n and_o war_n be_v to_o be_v deny_v by_o the_o member_n of_o his_o body_n which_o be_v his_o church_n to_o work_v their_o own_o deliverance_n a_o far_a proof_n whereof_o be_v manifest_v unto_o we_o by_o christ_n himself_o when_o he_o say_v unto_o peter_n put_v up_o thy_o sword_n into_o thy_o sheath_n and_o therefore_o in_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n unto_o we_o who_o as_o his_o peculiar_a people_n he_o have_v choose_v to_o follow_v his_o precept_n and_o example_n we_o can_v say_v bless_a be_v the_o lord_n many_o there_o be_v in_o this_o our_o day_n who_o by_o the_o peaceable_a spirit_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v lead_v like_o a_o lamb_n dumb_a before_o the_o shearer_n be_v retire_v in_o their_o spirit_n unto_o the_o lord_n out_o of_o all_o outward_a warring_n and_o fight_n resign_v up_o unto_o he_o in_o who_o preservation_n be_v know_v this_o that_o the_o same_o occasion_n may_v be_v give_v in_o this_o our_o day_n to_o testify_v as_o paul_n do_v in_o his_o day_n 3.12_o 2_o tim._n 3.12_o viz._n all_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n shall_v suffer_v persecution_n and_o so_o on_o this_o score_n be_v lead_v by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n not_o to_o resist_v evil_a lest_o they_o shall_v be_v find_v opposer_n of_o that_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v think_v good_a to_o suffer_v to_o come_v upon_o his_o heritage_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o patience_n which_o be_v much_o more_o precious_a than_o gold_n that_o now_o also_o our_o persuasion_n touch_v government_n in_o general_n may_v be_v full_o know_v we_o refer_v to_o the_o 3d_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n be_v a_o treatise_n on_o that_o subject_a chap._n vi_o touch_v respect_n of_o person_n plain_a language_n disuse_n of_o the_o word_n master_n unless_o by_o a_o servant_n to_o his_o master_n of_o custom_n and_o fashion_n of_o this_o world_n and_o of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o unknown_a that_o the_o outward_a deportment_n of_o friend_n in_o truth_n have_v become_v as_o a_o stumbling-block_n to_o many_o conclude_v that_o our_o manner_n of_o habit_n gesture_n and_o language_n distinct_a from_o other_o be_v either_o the_o fruit_n of_o pride_n or_o ignorance_n or_o else_o of_o both_o and_o therefore_o on_o this_o occasion_n it_o be_v think_v needful_a to_o add_v something_o in_o relation_n to_o this_o subject_a wherein_o our_o intent_n be_v not_o to_o make_v a_o apology_n for_o any_o action_n that_o in_o itself_o be_v real_o rude_a whimsical_a or_o imaginary_a but_o rather_o to_o give_v in_o our_o testimony_n on_o behalf_n of_o ourselves_o and_o all_o those_o who_o through_o obedience_n unto_o the_o inshinings_a of_o christ_n light_n in_o their_o conscience_n be_v make_v or_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n by_o which_o those_o who_o conscience_n be_v purify_v from_o dead_a work_n come_v to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n in_o newness_n of_o life_n and_o therein_o to_o have_v their_o conversation_n order_v aright_o so_o as_o not_o to_o give_v any_o just_a occasion_n of_o offence_n either_o to_o jew_n or_o gentile_n or_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o that_o keep_v themselves_o unspotted_a of_o the_o world_n nor_o yet_o fashion_v themselves_o according_a to_o their_o former_a lust_n they_o may_v not_o have_v whereof_o to_o glory_v save_v in_o the_o cross_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o who_o the_o world_n be_v crucify_v to_o they_o and_o they_o unto_o the_o world_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o ourselves_o and_o all_o such_o our_o testimony_n now_o be_v that_o when_o the_o everlasting_a light_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n shine_v in_o every_o conscience_n be_v exalt_v as_o that_o spiritual_a appearance_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o be_v to_o lead_v and_o guide_v into_o all_o truth_n we_o be_v witness_n that_o it_o become_v a_o discoverer_n that_o man_n in_o his_o fall_a estate_n be_v puff_v up_o in_o pride_n use_v many_o unnecessary_a attire_n and_o complimental_a expression_n to_o please_v and_o affect_v that_o mind_n which_o be_v alienate_v from_o god_n and_o estrange_v from_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n neither_o do_v this_o light_n only_o make_v such_o a_o discovery_n but_o also_o prompt_v to_o bear_v a_o testimony_n against_o the_o same_o by_o example_n and_o conversation_n and_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o dare_v to_o go_v after_o the_o vain_a fashion_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o world_n but_o rather_o have_v our_o eye_n unto_o that_o which_o be_v incorruptible_a viz._n the_o ornament_n of_o a_o meek_a and_o quiet_a
in_o isa_n 9.6_o it_o be_v thus_o say_v and_o the_o government_n shall_v be_v upon_o his_o shoulder_n and_o his_o name_n shall_v be_v call_v wonderful_a councillor_n etc._n etc._n second_o because_o it_o be_v whole_o repugnant_a to_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o conscience_n that_o the_o weight_n of_o a_o government_n that_o be_v spiritual_a and_o everlasting_a the_o law_n whereof_o be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o wherein_o nothing_o but_o true_a judgement_n and_o justice_n have_v be_v be_v and_o shall_v be_v execute_v for_o evermore_o shall_v rest_v upon_o any_o man_n or_o man_n as_o a_o governor_n or_o governor_n over_o other_o since_o there_o be_v no_o man_n nor_o man_n but_o be_v subject_n through_o temptation_n to_o err_v if_o they_o watch_v not_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v well_o say_v much_o less_o on_o any_o such_o one_o man_n though_o term_v by_o some_o the_o great_a apostle_n of_o christ_n who_o action_n towards_o his_o brethren_n have_v be_v find_v injurious_a to_o they_o undeserved_o and_o reproachful_a to_o the_o truth_n nor_o yet_o upon_o any_o such_o assembly_n as_o the_o usual_a general_n meet_v so_o term_v though_o improper_o of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n be_v because_o the_o metre_n have_v usual_o consist_v of_o uncertain_a number_n of_o uncertain_a qualify_v person_n that_o take_v upon_o they_o so_o to_o assemble_v while_o other_o behold_v the_o ill_a consequence_n of_o their_o meeting_n conscientious_o forbear_v to_o join_v with_o they_o three_o because_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n have_v their_o eye_n so_o much_o on_o his_o outward_a and_o bodily_a appearance_n as_o that_o christ_n their_o lord_n and_o master_n see_v it_o meet_v to_o tell_v they_o in_o these_o word_n joh._n 16.7_o it_o be_v expedient_a for_o you_o that_o i_o go_v away_o and_o when_o he_o so_o say_v he_o do_v not_o then_o tell_v they_o nor_o yet_o at_o any_o time_n before_o or_o after_o i_o will_v commissionate_v some_o man_n or_o assembly_n of_o man_n in_o my_o stead_n that_o so_o you_o may_v have_v your_o eye_n unto_o and_o expect_v write_a order_n from_o him_z or_o they_o to_o walk_v by_o and_o to_o lead_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n but_o john_n give_v they_o a_o reason_n for_o his_o so_o say_v in_o these_o word_n joh._n 16.7_o for_o if_o i_o go_v not_o away_o the_o comforter_n will_v not_o come_v but_o if_o i_o depart_v i_o will_v send_v he_o unto_o you_o mean_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o as_o he_o promise_v shall_v abide_v with_o they_o for_o ever_o and_o shall_v be_v in_o they_o which_o undoubted_o be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o exaltation_n of_o his_o government_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o that_o they_o may_v have_v their_o whole_a dependency_n on_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o as_o before_o be_v signify_v christ_n promise_v shall_v abide_v with_o they_o forever_o and_o so_o this_o may_v true_o be_v term_v that_o everlasting_a unerring_a unchangeable_a governor_n unto_o which_o the_o subject_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n owe_v obedience_n and_o why_o so_o but_o because_o under_o it_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v guide_v into_o all_o truth_n according_a as_o be_v plain_o signify_v from_o these_o follow_a word_n speak_v by_o christ_n himself_o joh._n 16.13_o i_o have_v yet_o many_o thing_n to_o say_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o can_v bear_v they_o now_o howbeit_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n for_o he_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o but_o whatsoever_o he_o shall_v hear_v that_o shall_v he_o speak_v here_o be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o contend_v about_o form_n of_o government_n or_o who_o shall_v be_v governor_n under_o christ_n government_n for_o if_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o we_o and_o that_o be_v to_o remain_v with_o we_o forever_o shall_v guide_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n than_o our_o dependency_n ought_v to_o be_v thereon_o that_o so_o thereby_o we_o may_v be_v lead_v into_o all_o truth_n or_o else_o we_o can_v manifest_v ourselves_o to_o be_v obedient_a subject_n unto_o christ_n under_o his_o government_n that_o he_o be_v exalt_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o men._n the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n lead_v we_o to_o give_v this_o testimony_n that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n either_o from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o we_o or_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o we_o to_o believe_v that_o any_o christian_a professor_n can_v in_o truth_n affirm_v that_o there_o be_v outward_a prescription_n and_o order_n give_v forth_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n through_o any_o one_o or_o more_o mortal_a man_n in_o this_o our_o day_n which_o other_o ought_v to_o obey_v and_o follow_v of_o which_o more_o anon_o in_o answer_n to_o r._n b_n book_n of_o government_n whether_o they_o see_v it_o their_o duty_n or_o no_o and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o may_v therefore_o come_v under_o the_o curse_n and_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n from_o god_n which_o happen_v to_o corah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n for_o their_o rebellion_n against_o moses_n and_o though_o the_o sin_n of_o corah_n etc._n etc._n have_v frequent_o in_o our_o public_a meeting_n for_o worship_n be_v speak_v of_o and_o intend_v as_o we_o have_v take_v it_o to_o be_v as_o a_o proper_a citation_n to_o describe_v the_o state_n of_o such_o as_o on_o a_o conscientious_a score_n can_v submit_v unto_o the_o outward_a order_n of_o one_o man_n yet_o we_o testify_v that_o such_o sort_n of_o insinuate_a and_o threaten_a language_n seem_v much_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o first_o covenant_n than_o the_o second_o under_o which_o we_o be_v and_o when_o countenance_v or_o speak_v by_o any_o expect_v such_o a_o submission_n it_o than_o seem_v to_o savour_v of_o a_o spirit_n that_o speak_v of_o himself_o and_o not_o what_o he_o have_v hear_v from_o the_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o consequent_o from_o another_o spirit_n than_o that_o which_o christ_n promise_v he_o will_v send_v for_o christ_n own_o word_n signify_v he_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o moreover_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o corah_n and_o his_o company_n rebel_v against_o moses_n who_o be_v king_n in_o jesuran_n and_o a_o leader_n of_o israel_n and_o through_o who_o the_o lord_n give_v forth_o his_o law_n to_o the_o people_n but_o we_o know_v that_o none_o can_v according_a to_o truth_n at_o this_o day_n pretend_v that_o any_o other_o governor_n be_v raise_v up_o among_o the_o child_n of_o light_n to_o be_v like_a unto_o moses_n who_o we_o ought_v to_o hear_v in_o all_o thing_n save_v christ_n jesus_n who_o by_o his_o spirit_n manifest_v in_o every_o subject_a of_o his_o kingdom_n be_v thereby_o become_v their_o lawgiver_n and_o while_o they_o be_v obedient_a thereunto_o they_o may_v in_o truth_n be_v reckon_v to_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n because_o they_o may_v then_o true_o be_v term_v such_o as_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o such_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n there_o be_v no_o condemnation_n objection_n this_o discourse_n touch_v government_n may_v occasion_v some_o to_o raise_v this_o objection_n we_o understand_v that_o many_o call_v quaker_n do_v hold_v monthly_a and_o quarterly-meeting_n of_o man_n and_o also_o of_o woman_n distinct_a from_o man_n about_o their_o church_n affair_n and_o that_o these_o meeting_n be_v repute_v to_o be_v establish_v on_o certain_a day_n that_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v alter_v by_o one_o man_n among_o they_o that_o have_v pretend_v he_o be_v move_v of_o god_n so_o to_o do_v and_o that_o the_o same_o person_n have_v by_o his_o paper_n spread_v abroad_o in_o divers_a part_n of_o the_o nation_n signify_v that_o none_o but_o loose_a spirit_n and_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o looseness_n pretend_v to_o set_v up_o a_o better_a way_n or_o to_o alter_v they_o to_o another_o day_n for_o fear_v of_o corruption_n in_o observe_v a_o day_n and_o that_o it_o be_v but_o from_o a_o corrupt_a spirit_n of_o darkness_n which_o god_n will_v blast_v and_o that_o some_o call_v these_o meeting_n the_o government_n of_o christ_n set_v up_o among_o they_o and_o establish_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o church_n affair_n and_o that_o true_a judgement_n and_o justice_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o christ_n government_n may_v be_v execute_v to_o this_o we_o answer_v we_o confess_v there_o have_v be_v and_o yet_o may_v be_v such_o meeting_n but_o if_o any_o think_v they_o have_v be_v or_o be_v establish_v by_o any_o one_o man_n or_o that_o therein_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n be_v set_v up_o any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o any_o
on_o this_o wise_a choose_v from_o among_o you_o the_o faithful_a yet_o such_o a_o limitation_n we_o have_v cause_n to_o believe_v will_v not_o now_o be_v bear_v by_o some_o it_o be_v well_o if_o the_o ground_n thereof_o in_o our_o opposer_n be_v not_o to_o bring_v in_o the_o multitude_n if_o they_o can_v and_o that_o under_o a_o pretence_n that_o all_o friend_n in_o truth_n may_v have_v free_a access_n that_o so_o the_o generality_n may_v be_v on_o their_o side_n for_o of_o late_a man_n meeting_n be_v know_v to_o consist_v of_o many_o such_o who_o if_o any_o aught_o to_o be_v govern_v be_v much_o fit_a to_o be_v govern_v then_o appear_v as_o governor_n and_o who_o we_o be_v well_o satisfy_v in_o our_o conscience_n will_v of_o themselves_o be_v more_o modest_a than_o to_o appear_v in_o such_o meeting_n as_o governor_n be_v they_o not_o prompt_v to_o be_v there_o the_o secret_a end_n thereof_o as_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o doubt_v be_v for_o the_o carry_v on_o that_o which_o we_o believe_v truth_n will_v never_o own_v and_o as_o to_o the_o apostasy_n never_o enter_v the_o generality_n more_o we_o say_v may_v the_o lord_n preserve_v we_o all_o so_o stay_v in_o his_o unchangeable_a truth_n as_o that_o we_o may_v never_o apostatise_v from_o it_o nor_o be_v draw_v away_o from_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o false_a prophet_n and_o seduce_a spirit_n for_o we_o do_v firm_o believe_v that_o as_o many_o of_o those_o who_o former_o be_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o do_v now_o account_v we_o dark_a spirit_n because_o we_o can_v be_v at_o unity_n with_o they_o in_o such_o action_n as_o we_o account_v persecution_n against_o ancient_a brother_n be_v already_o apostatise_v and_o doubtless_o they_o with_o their_o adherent_n account_v themselves_o the_o generality_n yet_o we_o hope_v better_a thing_n than_o so_o we_o now_o come_v to_o say_v something_o to_o these_o forego_v word_n viz._n that_o in_o london_n and_o other_o part_n of_o this_o nation_n where_o such_o meeting_n where_o usual_o hold_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o generality_n have_v be_v take_v for_o the_o sense_n of_o such_o meeting_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v if_o thereby_o be_v intend_v that_o the_o generality_n may_v claim_v power_n to_o declare_v that_o their_o sense_n be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o meeting_n it_o open_v a_o door_n whereby_o the_o reputation_n and_o honour_n of_o truth_n as_o profess_v own_a and_o practise_v among_o the_o friend_n thereof_o may_v fall_v in_o one_o day_n for_o when_o these_o meeting_n be_v assent_v unto_o we_o can_v say_v establish_v by_o any_o man_n we_o look_v upon_o ourselves_o all_o servant_n one_o unto_o another_o and_o not_o master_n and_o rulersover_n one_o another_o and_o so_o have_v then_o no_o occasion_n give_v we_o to_o discourse_v of_o authority_n but_o when_o there_o be_v we_o well_o remember_v that_o we_o ascribe_v all_o authority_n unto_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o invisible_a power_n of_o god_n and_o so_o no_o encouragement_n be_v give_v by_o we_o that_o any_o one_o man_n or_o man_n shall_v take_v upon_o he_o or_o they_o to_o rule_v and_o govern_v in_o such_o meeting_n but_o our_o expectation_n be_v that_o every_o member_n shall_v there_o appear_v in_o subjection_n to_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o high_a power_n unto_o which_o as_o member_n of_o his_o body_n we_o owe_v obedience_n in_o this_o sense_n we_o ready_o embrace_v the_o counsel_n to_o meet_v together_o to_o serve_v but_o not_o to_o bear_v rule_n over_o one_o another_o conscience_n and_o the_o matter_n intend_v by_o we_o to_o be_v transact_v in_o those_o meeting_n and_o by_o other_o also_o as_o far_o as_o we_o understand_v be_v chief_o to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o poor_a the_o fatherless_a and_o the_o widow_n and_o that_o if_o any_o profess_v the_o truth_n and_o dishonour_v the_o same_o by_o profane_a and_o evil_a conversation_n we_o may_v by_o such_o way_n and_o mean_n as_o the_o lord_n on_o every_o occasion_n may_v direct_v not_o then_o think_v that_o the_o day_n will_v ever_o come_v wherein_o a_o outward_a directory_n shall_v be_v place_v as_o a_o judge_n over_o our_o conscience_n endeavour_n to_o reclaim_v such_o from_o the_o evil_a of_o their_o way_n and_o for_o these_o service_n we_o be_v sensible_a that_o meeting_n be_v proper_a and_o therefore_o do_v continue_v in_o the_o service_n thereof_o yet_o never_o think_v that_o we_o shall_v have_v see_v the_o day_n wherein_o any_o profess_v the_o truth_n will_v have_v attempt_v to_o treat_v on_o such_o a_o subject_a as_o this_o viz._n how_o far_o do_v this_o government_n extend_v in_o matter_n spiritual_a and_o pure_o conscientious_a and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o be_v approve_v as_o the_o aforesaid_a book_n of_o government_n wherein_o the_o say_a sentence_n be_v write_v have_v be_v by_o a_o meeting_n that_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o take_v care_n as_o they_o pretend_v that_o nothing_o be_v print_v whereby_o the_o truth_n may_v be_v dishonour_v alas_o friend_n can_v such_o appear_v to_o we_o as_o man_n stay_v in_o the_o unchangeable_a truth_n who_o have_v suffer_v and_o high_o contend_v for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o that_o christ_n alone_o be_v lord_n over_o it_o and_o be_v its_o only_a lawgiver_n and_o yet_o now_o reckon_v that_o mens-meeting_n which_o we_o or_o at_o least_o several_a of_o we_o do_v know_v have_v be_v much_o conversant_a therein_o even_o from_o the_o begin_n to_o this_o day_n have_v most_o usual_o consist_v of_o man_n uncertain_a in_o number_n as_o well_o as_o to_o qualification_n and_o person_n may_v assume_v a_o power_n over_o conscience_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n true_o friend_n we_o can_v but_o testify_v that_o our_o soul_n have_v no_o unity_n with_o such_o thing_n and_o can_v but_o look_v upon_o the_o promoter_n thereof_o as_o lover_n of_o preeminency_n more_o than_o lover_n of_o god_n have_v let_v in_o a_o dark_a separate_a rend_a divide_v spirit_n from_o the_o truth_n and_o open_v a_o door_n whereby_o as_o great_a darkness_n may_v be_v bring_v over_o the_o people_n as_o ever_o be_v in_o any_o age_n under_o the_o profession_n of_o christian_a religion_n objection_n but_o perhaps_o some_o person_n may_v thus_o object_n we_o can_v but_o have_v more_o charity_n for_o some_o at_o least_o of_o those_o who_o be_v concern_v in_o these_o thing_n you_o strike_v at_o and_o can_v believe_v they_o intend_v a_o imposition_n on_o any_o of_o our_o conscience_n for_o when_o we_o have_v be_v in_o meeting_n with_o they_o we_o have_v be_v witness_n that_o the_o life_n have_v be_v raise_v and_o our_o soul_n have_v be_v refresh_v through_o their_o ministry_n and_o in_o their_o epistle_n they_o tell_v we_o how_o eminent_o the_o lord_n appear_v among_o they_o unto_o which_o we_o can_v but_o give_v credit_n because_o when_o they_o be_v with_o we_o the_o life_n in_o we_o answer_n to_o the_o life_n in_o they_o as_o face_n answer_v face_n in_o a_o glass_n but_o when_o those_o who_o they_o oppose_v do_v speak_v than_o deadness_n dryness_n and_o barrenness_n appear_v beside_o many_o of_o the_o minister_a friend_n have_v exhort_v we_o and_o as_o they_o say_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o shut_v out_o jealousy_n the_o reason_v and_o the_o wisdom_n tell_v we_o as_o before_o be_v hint_v that_o the_o apostasy_n shall_v never_o enter_v the_o generality_n more_o and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o brethren_n answ_n this_o objection_n may_v seem_v very_o weighty_a with_o some_o especial_o such_o who_o may_v conclude_v that_o if_o they_o be_v of_o the_o true_a brotherhood_n the_o lord_n will_v give_v they_o a_o inward_a sense_n when_o they_o wait_v upon_o he_o whereby_o a_o testimony_n according_a to_o the_o truth_n may_v arise_v from_o they_o in_o every_o case_n wherein_o they_o may_v concern_v their_o thought_n but_o alas_o it_o be_v either_o the_o fruit_n of_o weakness_n or_o presumption_n so_o to_o conclude_v with_o respect_n to_o every_o brother_n in_o what_o estate_n soever_o which_o have_v be_v sufficient_o evidence_v to_o we_o by_o the_o fruit_n of_o those_o who_o have_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o judge_v the_o merit_n of_o a_o cause_n without_o hear_v of_o both_o party_n of_o which_o more_o anon_o beside_o if_o we_o do_v but_o consider_v that_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n do_v testify_v there_o be_v diversity_n of_o gift_n diversity_n of_o administration_n and_o operation_n and_o yet_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prompt_v we_o to_o be_v so_o serious_a and_o weighty_a in_o this_o day_n of_o trial_n as_o to_o be_v find_v wait_v every_o one_o in_o his_o own_o gift_n that_o so_o all_o may_v be_v preserve_v and_o not_o meddle_v with_o thing_n that_o be_v too_o high_a for_o they_o he_o that_o be_v not_o
sensible_a of_o the_o danger_n in_o run_v beyond_o his_o gift_n and_o be_v so_o puff_v up_o with_o spiritual_a pride_n as_o to_o conclude_v himself_o more_o faithful_a more_o holy_a more_o circumspect_a more_o discern_v than_o his_o brother_n think_v of_o himself_o not_o only_o better_a than_o of_o his_o brother_n but_o in_o other_o thing_n above_o what_o be_v meet_v contrary_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o exhort_v not_o to_o think_v of_o ourselves_o more_o high_o than_o we_o ought_v may_v easy_o run_v himself_o on_o this_o rock_n of_o judge_v those_o who_o the_o lord_n judge_v not_o especial_o if_o such_o a_o one_o give_v himself_o liberty_n to_o judge_n from_o a_o apprehend_v inward_a sense_n ground_v on_o no_o outward_a knowledge_n or_o evidence_n that_o now_o which_o be_v with_o we_o far_o to_o signify_v in_o relation_n to_o this_o matter_n be_v this_o we_o have_v great_a cause_n to_o doubt_v that_o this_o kind_n of_o weakness_n or_o presumption_n have_v be_v and_o be_v yet_o like_a to_o be_v one_o mean_n by_o which_o the_o variance_n among_o such_o as_o have_v be_v former_o at_o unity_n may_v continue_v because_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o when_o testimony_n have_v arisen_a against_o some_o person_n in_o public_a as_o dark_a separate_a and_o divide_v spirit_n and_o that_o some_o such_o as_o have_v be_v dissatisfy_v have_v desire_v to_o know_v what_o be_v the_o matter_n and_o what_o be_v the_o fruit_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v evidence_v the_o answer_n common_o be_v let_v the_o testimony_n of_o friend_n arise_v this_o word_n when_o it_o spring_v from_o such_o who_o have_v be_v instrument_n to_o beget_v into_o this_o faith_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o shut_v out_o the_o reason_v the_o wisdom_n and_o jealousy_n and_o that_o without_o distinction_n and_o that_o the_o apostasy_n shall_v never_o enter_v the_o generality_n more_o and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o withal_o the_o we_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v that_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o faithful_a brethren_n in_o any_o thing_n but_o yet_o we_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n that_o it_o sound_v not_o very_o comely_a out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o those_o with_o respect_n to_o themselves_o who_o have_v in_o public_a frequent_o thus_o testify_v we_o preach_v not_o ourselves_o look_v not_o unto_o we_o but_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o yourselves_o that_o be_v give_v to_o you_o to_o profit_v withal_o brethren_n easy_o raise_v the_o like_a testimony_n that_o such_o a_o one_o be_v of_o a_o dark_a separate_a spirit_n and_o then_o this_o come_v to_o be_v spread_v abroad_o as_o a_o seal_n to_o that_o which_o can_v be_v evidence_v either_o by_o doctrine_n or_o conversation_n as_o if_o the_o tree_n be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v know_v by_o its_o fruit_n as_o in_o day_n past_a and_o so_o whilst_o they_o have_v be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o one_o part_n of_o the_o counsel_n viz._n exclude_v the_o reason_n and_o the_o wisdom_n by_o which_o mean_v some_o have_v be_v betray_v to_o act_v contrary_a to_o all_o reason_n and_o all_o wisdom_n they_o have_v act_v contrary_a to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o counsel_n which_o be_v to_o shut_v out_o the_o jealousy_n for_o have_v they_o not_o entertain_v unrighteous_a jealousy_n we_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o will_v not_o have_v testify_v against_o such_o as_o have_v approve_v themselves_o unto_o we_o no_o other_o then_o faithful_a minister_n of_o christ_n sound_v in_o doctrine_n and_o as_o blameless_a in_o conversation_n so_o far_o as_o ever_o we_o know_v as_o any_o friend_n and_o thus_o the_o variance_n we_o fear_v be_v but_o too_o likely_a to_o continue_v now_o we_o appeal_v to_o the_o witness_n of_o god_n whether_o this_o kind_n of_o proceed_v be_v not_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o dark_a rend_v spirit_n that_o separate_v from_o the_o truth_n but_o to_o come_v a_o little_a near_o to_o answer_v other_o part_n of_o the_o objection_n viz._n when_o we_o have_v be_v in_o meeting_n with_o they_o we_o have_v be_v witness_n that_o the_o life_n have_v be_v raise_v and_o our_o soul_n have_v be_v refresh_v and_o that_o when_o those_o who_o they_o oppose_v do_v speak_v nothing_o but_o dryness_n deadness_n and_o barrenness_n appear_v we_o desire_v every_o one_o who_o may_v thus_o affirm_v serious_o to_o weigh_v and_o consider_v first_o whether_o if_o contrary_a to_o thou_o own_o principle_n thou_o have_v let_v in_o jealousy_n this_o jealousy_n may_v not_o darken_v thou_o so_o as_o to_o take_v light_n for_o darkness_n and_o darkness_n for_o light_n and_o that_o to_o be_v true_a refreshment_n which_o be_v no_o other_o but_o a_o rejoice_v in_o those_o imaginary_a spark_n which_o thou_o by_o a_o false_a fire_n have_v kindle_v for_o when_o the_o eye_n be_v not_o single_a to_o god_n and_o fix_v upon_o that_o teacher_n that_o can_v be_v remove_v into_o a_o corner_n but_o instead_o thereof_o have_v a_o eye_n unto_o man_n and_o to_o thing_n that_o be_v without_o weigh_v not_o the_o matter_n wherein_o thy_o mind_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o equal_a balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n it_o may_v be_v just_o with_o the_o lord_n to_o suffer_v thou_o to_o be_v overshadow_a with_o a_o veil_n of_o darkness_n and_o to_o become_v ignorant_a of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o they_o who_o be_v without_o be_v lest_o thou_o see_v with_o thy_o eye_n and_o understand_v with_o thy_o heart_n and_o be_v convert_v and_o save_v even_o as_o it_o be_v say_v by_o christ_n himself_o concern_v they_o who_o be_v without_o mark_z 4.11_o 12._o for_o we_o know_v that_o when_o truth_n be_v preach_v among_o we_o in_o the_o beginning_n and_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n shine_v in_o our_o conscience_n magnify_v as_o our_o only_a guide_n the_o gift_n of_o the_o father_n and_o appearance_n of_o christ_n jesus_n the_o great_a ordinance_n and_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n our_o soul_n be_v wonderful_o reach_v and_o affect_v with_o the_o sound_n thereof_o believe_v that_o the_o day_n be_v then_o come_v unto_o we_o wherein_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o father_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n be_v fulfil_v unto_o we_o viz._n but_o the_o comforter_n which_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o the_o father_n will_v send_v in_o my_o name_n he_o shall_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n and_o guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o thus_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n come_v to_o be_v open_v that_o we_o see_v most_o of_o the_o professor_n than_o in_o be_v to_o be_v but_o in_o the_o gentile_a nature_n and_o come_v no_o further_o than_o the_o outward_a court_n which_o the_o angel_n as_o john_n testify_v be_v not_o to_o measure_v for_o be_v not_o their_o preacher_n outward_a their_o rule_n outward_a their_o order_n outward_a their_o ordinance_n outward_a and_o the_o token_n and_o mark_v of_o membership_n in_o their_o church_n outward_a and_o when_o those_o outward_a thing_n be_v magnify_v and_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n as_o the_o guide_n to_o the_o father_n degrade_v by_o our_o opposer_n we_o be_v even_o ready_a to_o fear_v on_o their_o behalf_n that_o they_o be_v of_o that_o number_n who_o see_v but_o do_v not_o perceive_v do_v hear_v but_o not_o understand_v our_o breathe_n now_o unto_o the_o lord_n be_v that_o none_o of_o those_o who_o have_v former_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n thereof_o may_v continue_v so_o harden_v as_o to_o see_v and_o not_o perceive_v to_o hear_v and_o not_o understand_v and_o so_o in_o a_o dark_a and_o veil_a estate_n conclude_v that_o as_o salvation_n as_o note_v this_o sentence_n viz._n as_o heir_n of_o the_o gospel_n life_n &_o salvation_n take_v your_o possession_n have_v be_v of_o late_a year_n srequent_o express_v by_o g._n f._n when_o speak_v to_o friend_n by_o way_n of_o encouragement_n to_o continue_v man_n and_o woman_n meeting_n distinct_a from_o the_o public_a meeting_n for_o worship_n by_o which_o means_n it_o be_v much_o doubt_v that_o some_o ignorant_a people_n have_v conclude_v that_o their_o frequent_v those_o meeting_n be_v a_o evidence_n that_o they_o be_v heir_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n heir_n of_o the_o gospel_n life_n and_o salvation_n they_o be_v enter_v into_o a_o heavenly_a possession_n whenas_o the_o possession_n they_o be_v enter_v into_o be_v but_o some_o outward_a observation_n which_o may_v more_o proper_o be_v account_v to_o relate_v to_o the_o outward_a court_n than_o to_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o rather_o that_o they_o may_v so_o perceive_v and_o understand_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n as_o to_o bow_v to_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n jesus_n in_o themselves_o as_o the_o only_a lawgiver_n
by_o the_o same_o rule_n he_o that_o savour_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n may_v easy_o perceive_v that_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o paul_n unto_o those_o philippian_n be_v that_o those_o who_o be_v come_v to_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n shall_v walk_v by_o that_o rule_n whereunto_o they_o have_v attain_v but_o those_o who_o have_v not_o attain_v so_o far_o and_o be_v otherwise-minded_n be_v to_o wait_v for_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o son_n and_o now_o to_o conclude_v as_o to_o this_o objection_n we_o have_v this_o further_a to_o add_v that_o we_o do_v know_v many_o of_o our_o opposer_n or_o at_o least_o such_o who_o be_v not_o at_o unity_n with_o we_o have_v very_o confident_o make_v use_n of_o such_o discourse_n as_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o last_o recite_v objection_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o follow_v outward_a prescription_n and_o order_n though_o not_o convince_v of_o its_o service_n which_o occasion_n we_o to_o be_v jealous_a that_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o enemy_n may_v so_o enter_v in_o at_o this_o door_n as_o that_o darkness_n may_v more_o general_o overshadow_v again_o than_o it_o yet_o do_v though_o our_o hope_n in_o god_n be_v that_o he_o will_v lay_v such_o a_o constraint_n on_o many_o of_o those_o who_o eye_n be_v open_a behold_v the_o approach_v apostasy_n as_o that_o they_o may_v be_v raise_v in_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n indignation_n and_o appear_v as_o lion_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o lion_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o juda_n to_o oppose_v every_o appearance_n of_o that_o spirit_n which_o will_v be_v exalt_v self_n or_o any_o form_n observation_n prescription_n or_o order_n to_o be_v as_o a_o bond_n on_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n when_o by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n their_o alone_a lawgiver_n they_o be_v not_o full_o persuade_v thereof_o in_o their_o own_o conscience_n which_o undoubted_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o paul_n when_o he_o write_v unto_o the_o roman_n chap._n 14._o verse_n 5_o 23._o let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n and_o to_o come_v a_o little_a close_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n it_o be_v too_o too_o evident_a that_o nonconformity_n to_o outward_a prescription_n be_v take_v as_o a_o mark_n of_o apostasy_n even_o among_o those_o who_o have_v be_v under_o the_o profession_n of_o truth_n of_o which_o many_o instance_n too_o too_o large_a here_o to_o insert_v may_v be_v produce_v which_o be_v now_o forbear_v because_o we_o suppose_v there_o be_v very_o few_o among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n for_o who_o sake_n this_o be_v chief_o write_v who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o truth_n hereof_o beside_o it_o have_v be_v a_o observation_n of_o late_a that_o these_o question_n or_o question_n to_o the_o like_a import_n have_v be_v frequent_o ask_v by_o such_o with_o who_o we_o can_v be_v at_o unity_n in_o all_o thing_n viz._n be_v you_o for_o woman_n meeting_n mean_v distinct_a woman_n meeting_n from_o man_n among_o who_o under_o pretence_n of_o take_v care_n of_o the_o poor_a another_o thing_n seem_v to_o be_v more_o chief_o aim_v at_o as_o anon_o will_v be_v make_v appear_v be_v you_o for_o record_v condemnation_n mean_v thereby_o whether_o the_o party_n who_o have_v condemn_v their_o fail_n and_o through_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v restore_v and_o their_o officence_n blot_v out_o and_o forgive_v by_o he_o assent_v thereto_o or_o no._n be_v you_o for_o settle_a monthly_a and_o quarterly_o meeting_n touch_v outward_a business_n since_o those_o who_o will_v have_v meeting_n as_o occasion_n offer_v be_v account_v designer_n to_o through_o down_o all_o meeting_n for_o outward_a business_n relate_v to_o the_o affair_n of_o truth_n and_o when_o these_o or_o such_o like_a question_n have_v be_v a_o skt_a of_o friend_n in_o truth_n that_o can_v not_o answer_v thereto_o yea_o we_o be_v sensible_a that_o it_o have_v be_v take_v by_o many_o as_o a_o sufficient_a token_n of_o a_o dark_a leaven_a rend_v divide_v spirit_n and_o mere_o as_o we_o take_v it_o form_n a_o apprehension_n that_o the_o form_n they_o stand_v for_o be_v thereby_o strike_v at_o though_o the_o service_n will_v be_v effectual_o perform_v in_o another_o method_n as_o experience_n in_o the_o county_n of_o westmoreland_n and_o wilts_n have_v of_o late_o testify_v for_o be_v it_o not_o so_o that_o great_a stress_n be_v lay_v upon_o the_o outward_a form_n of_o thing_n prescribe_v to_o be_v practise_v how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o j._n s._n be_v article_v against_o by_o robert_n barrow_n and_o twenty_o six_o person_n more_o in_o the_o north_n on_o this_o wise_a viz._n j._n s._n speak_v among_o many_o friend_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o form_n because_o of_o the_o consequence_n that_o may_v follow_v say_v that_o among_o the_o christian_n of_o old_a the_o difference_n that_o do_v arise_v be_v about_o form_n which_o can_v not_o be_v seasonable_a word_n when_o we_o be_v establish_v the_o church_n in_o the_o holy_a order_n of_o truth_n much_o more_o may_v be_v collect_v from_o the_o article_n be_v forty_o four_o in_o number_n exhibit_v by_o robert_n barrow_n and_o twenty_o six_o person_n as_o aforesaid_a to_o show_v how_o earnest_o and_o zealous_o the_o very_a outward_a form_n of_o thing_n be_v contend_v for_o which_o occasion_n we_o in_o all_o seriousness_n of_o spirit_n thus_o to_o say_v may_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n so_o preserve_v his_o people_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v ensnare_v by_o those_o who_o have_v raise_v so_o great_a contention_n about_o the_o outward_a form_n of_o thing_n prescribe_v to_o be_v practise_v among_o the_o professor_n of_o truth_n lest_o they_o with_o they_o prove_v to_o be_v boaster_n proud_a blasphemer_n false_a accuser_n despiser_n of_o those_o that_o be_v good_a which_o be_v the_o very_a mark_n and_o token_n of_o those_o who_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o from_o who_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v to_o turn_v away_o and_o how_o far_o these_o mark_v rest_n upon_o many_o of_o those_o who_o so_o earnest_o contend_v for_o their_o outward_a form_n we_o leave_v to_o the_o impartial_a reader_n with_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n to_o judge_n when_o he_o have_v thorough_o inform_v himself_o of_o their_o fruit_n oh_o friend_n the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n bow_v we_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o mercy_n to_o we_o we_o can_v no_o long_o keep_v silent_a but_o in_o his_o fear_n declare_v that_o our_o conscience_n be_v concern_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o since_o it_o be_v so_o that_o a_o ill_a use_n be_v make_v of_o that_o spirit_n of_o forbearance_n and_o condescension_n which_o we_o be_v sensible_a have_v be_v use_v by_o many_o of_o our_o brethren_n it_o be_v now_o become_v our_o portion_n to_o unburthen_v ourselves_o of_o that_o which_o have_v be_v our_o burden_n believe_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o only_o arisen_a but_o will_v yet_o more_o and_o more_o arise_v against_o that_o spirit_n that_o will_v exalt_v itself_o over_o the_o heritage_n of_o god_n endeavour_v to_o rule_v over_o their_o conscience_n whenas_o christ_n alone_o be_v lord_n thereof_o it_o may_v now_o be_v worthy_a our_o observation_n to_o consider_v whether_o any_o encouragement_n be_v give_v by_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n christ_n jesus_n while_o on_o earth_n unto_o his_o disciple_n to_o become_v ruler_n one_o over_o another_o we_o find_v that_o he_o exhort_v his_o disciple_n judge_v not_o that_o you_o be_v not_o judge_v be_v not_o you_o call_v rabbi_n for_o one_o be_v your_o master_n even_o christ_n and_o all_o you_o be_v brethren_n but_o he_o that_o be_v great_a among_o you_o shall_v be_v your_o servant_n and_o whosoever_o shall_v exalthimself_n shall_v be_v abase_v and_o he_o that_o shall_v humble_v himself_o shall_v be_v exalt_v here_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o believe_v that_o christ_n intend_v that_o when_o he_o be_v depart_v his_o disciple_n shall_v be_v exalt_v themselves_o one_o over_o another_o as_o governor_n and_o ruler_n and_o if_o we_o consult_v the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o though_o his_o disciple_n have_v a_o dependency_n upon_o he_o while_o in_o his_o bodily_a appearance_n to_o be_v their_o leader_n yet_o he_o tell_v they_o john_n 16.7.13_o it_o be_v expedient_a for_o you_o that_o i_o go_v away_o for_o if_o i_o go_v not_o away_o the_o comforter_n will_v not_o come_v unto_o you_o but_o if_o i_o depart_v i_o will_v send_v he_o unto_o you_o and_o he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n for_o he_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o have_v it_o be_v so_o that_o christ_n jesus_n intend_v the_o
like_a woman_n be_v record_v for_o their_o wisdom_n and_o their_o virtue_n etc._n etc._n he_o answer_v william_n rogers_n thus_o i_o know_v what_o i_o do_v i_o see_v it_o will_v be_v a_o stumble_v block_n but_o there_o be_v something_o in_o it_o we_o can_v otherwise_o be_v persuade_v but_o that_o he_o will_v then_o see_v that_o he_o be_v fall_v from_o the_o truth_n &_o that_o the_o word_n report_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o j._n naylor_n when_o he_o say_v in_o relation_n to_o his_o own_o fall_v state_n i_o be_o but_o the_o figure_n of_o another_o be_v now_o fulfil_v in_o he_o oh_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v change_v his_o heart_n &_o bring_v he_o to_o a_o true_a sight_n of_o and_o sorrow_n for_o his_o sin_n as_o he_o do_v j._n n._n after_o his_o fall_n and_o then_o we_o hope_v as_o he_o have_v be_v a_o offence_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o god_n so_o the_o lord_n will_v lay_v a_o constraint_n upon_o he_o as_o he_o do_v upon_o james_n naylor_n to_o travel_v among_o friend_n who_o he_o have_v offend_v to_o clear_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o scandal_n and_o reproach_n which_o through_o he_o have_v be_v bring_v upon_o it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o abomination_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o at_o this_o day_n seasonable_o testify_v against_o by_o the_o child_n of_o light_n that_o g._n f._n shall_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o so_o much_o division_n strife_n and_o contention_n as_o have_v be_v make_v in_o the_o nation_n touch_v his_o paper_n under_o a_o pretence_n that_o he_o have_v be_v move_v of_o god_n to_o give_v they_o forth_o that_o friend_n may_v be_v supply_v with_o direction_n to_o keep_v all_o thing_n clean_a and_o sweet_a among_o friend_n meaning_n thereby_o among_o other_o thing_n and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o express_a word_n of_o his_o paper_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o backbiting_a tale-bearing_a judge_v one_o another_o and_o that_o evil_a report_n shall_v not_o be_v conceal_v but_o be_v follow_v until_o the_o author_n thereof_o be_v find_v etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o be_v the_o very_a person_n that_o be_v notorious_o guilty_a in_o all_o those_o thing_n himself_o which_o will_v have_v be_v prove_v against_o he_o have_v he_o submit_v to_o a_o hear_v as_o aforesaid_a but_o for_o as_o much_o as_o he_o have_v refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o such_o a_o hear_v though_o several_a letter_n from_o friend_n in_o truth_n have_v be_v write_v unto_o he_o to_o entreat_v he_o thereto_o and_o in_o particular_a have_v be_v treat_v withal_o by_o daniel_n smith_n of_o malborrough_n to_o who_o he_o give_v this_o answer_n he_o judge_v it_o will_v be_v a_o jangle_n as_o it_o be_v at_o bristol_n and_o so_o refuse_v as_o by_o a_o letter_n from_o the_o say_v daniel_n smith_n do_v appear_v therefore_o we_o do_v at_o present_a refer_v for_o proof_n of_o the_o matter_n whereof_o we_o assert_v in_o this_o paragraph_n that_o he_o be_v guilty_a to_o the_o last_o mention_v manuscript_n and_o in_o particular_a to_o the_o 21_o section_n thereof_o which_o be_v ready_a for_o the_o perusal_n of_o friend_n desire_v to_o view_v the_o same_o william_n rogers_n on_o behalf_n of_o himself_o and_o other_o friend_n in_o truth_n concern_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n distinguish_v from_o the_o apostate_n &_o innovator_n wherein_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n clear_v from_o objection_n be_v lay_v down_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n give_v forth_o by_o inspiration_n and_o according_a as_o they_o have_v be_v receive_v and_o own_a by_o the_o child_n of_o light_n or_o such_o among_o the_o people_n term_v in_o derision_n quaker_n who_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n divine_a understanding_n and_o keep_v their_o place_n and_o habitation_n in_o the_o unchangeable_a truth_n also_o a_o appendix_n detect_v charles_n marshal_n and_o sixty_o five_o more_o as_o unrighteous_a judge_n in_o a_o case_n pretend_v to_o relate_v to_o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n two_o ancient_a and_o honourable_a labourer_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n by_o william_n rogers_n on_o behalf_n of_o himself_o and_o other_o friend_n in_o truth_n concern_v 1_o cor._n 3.11_o for_o other_o foundation_n can_v no_o man_n lay_v than_o that_o which_o be_v already_o lay_v which_o be_v christ_n jesus_n 2_o tim._n 4.3_o for_o the_o time_n will_v come_v when_o they_o will_v not_o endure_v sound_a doctrine_n but_o after_o their_o own_o lust_n shall_v they_o heap_v to_o themselves_o teacher_n have_v itch_a ear_n london_n print_v in_o the_o year_n 1680._o the_o content_n the_o introduction_n wherein_o be_v manifest_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o way_n whereby_o the_o thing_n appertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n come_v to_o be_v reveal_v though_o the_o manifestation_n thereof_o may_v seem_v various_a page_n 1._o chap._n ii_o touch_v the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o and_o exhortation_n to_o obedience_n thereof_o page_n 5._o chap._n iii_o touch_v infallibility_n and_o perfection_n page_n 11._o chap._n iu._n touch_v wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n page_n 21._o chap._n v._n touch_v magistracy_n and_o obedience_n thereunto_o page_n 30._o chap._n vi_o touch_v respect_n of_o person_n plain_a language_n disuse_n of_o the_o word_n master_n unless_o by_o a_o servant_n to_o his_o master_n of_o custom_n and_o fashion_n of_o this_o world_n and_o of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n page_n 33._o chap._n vii_o touch_v swear_v page_n 37._o chap._n viii_o touch_v tithe_n page_n 40._o chap._n ix_o touch_v baptism_n page_n 45._o chap._n x._o touch_v the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o his_o disciple_n the_o night_n before_o he_o be_v betray_v page_n 51._o chap._n xi_o touch_v justification_n and_o salvation_n through_o faith_n in_o christ_n page_n 61._o a_o appendix_n contain_v a_o answer_n give_v forth_o by_o some_o friend_n of_o bristol_n to_o a_o paper_n date_v from_o eilis_n hook_n his_o chamber_n london_n the_o 12_o of_o the_o four_o month_n 1677._o against_o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n etc._n etc._n and_o subscribe_v by_o charles_n marshal_n of_o the_o county_n of_o wilts_n and_o sixty_o five_o more_o together_o with_o some_o few_o observation_n on_o part_n of_o a_o reply_n thereto_o by_o jasper_n bat_n of_o the_o county_n of_o somerset_n and_o three_o other_o page_n 72._o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n distinguish_v from_o the_o apostate_n and_o innovator_n etc._n etc._n chap_n i._o the_o introduction_n wherein_o be_v manifest_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o way_n whereby_o the_o thing_n appertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n come_v to_o be_v reveal_v though_o the_o manifestation_n thereof_o may_v seem_v various_a in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n distinguish_v from_o the_o apostate_n and_o innovator_n several_a subject_n be_v treat_v on_o relative_a to_o the_o matter_n intend_v viz._n to_o manifest_a a_o part_n of_o those_o thing_n touch_v which_o the_o faithful_a be_v at_o unity_n and_o by_o what_o way_n and_o mean_n that_o unity_n come_v to_o be_v break_v etc._n etc._n and_o now_o that_o every_o reader_n who_o be_v desirous_a to_o be_v inform_v in_o these_o divide_v time_n what_o those_o child_n of_o light_n unto_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v reveal_v of_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o kingdom_n own_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o other_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n whereon_o little_a or_o no_o occasion_n be_v take_v to_o treat_v in_o the_o first_o part_n it_o be_v at_o this_o time_n upon_o we_o to_o add_v a_o far_a testimony_n to_o the_o ancient_a truth_n according_a as_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o tender_a mercy_n have_v through_o the_o appearance_n of_o his_o son_n christ_n by_o his_o light_n or_o manifestation_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o testimony_n of_o his_o faithful_a servant_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n open_v wherein_o our_o intent_n be_v not_o to_o treat_v large_o on_o every_o subject_a because_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n be_v chief_o to_o manifest_v what_o a_o remnant_n stand_v for_o who_o be_v faithful_a unto_o their_o first_o principle_n can_v in_o a_o temporize_a spirit_n change_v their_o way_n the_o desire_n and_o breathe_n of_o our_o soul_n unto_o god_n be_v that_o every_o reader_n may_v be_v serious_a and_o unprejudiced_a in_o the_o perusal_n of_o this_o our_o testimony_n and_o then_o we_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o it_o will_v be_v reach_v unto_o the_o conscience_n of_o such_o as_o that_o which_o be_v not_o inconsi_v with_o the_o testimony_n give_v forth_o by_o inspiration_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n or_o appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n which_o be_v that_o by_o which_o the_o lord_n do_v see_v and_o be_v see_v in_o the_o conscience_n wherewith_o every_o man_n come_v into_o the_o world_n be_v light_v for_o that_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o spirit_n
part_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o administration_n under_o which_o thousand_o in_o these_o nation_n be_v gather_v unto_o god_n do_v consist_v in_o this_o that_o after_o they_o have_v be_v wander_v from_o mountain_n to_o hill_n from_o under_o one_o form_n and_o outward_a church-fellowship_n into_o another_o they_o come_v to_o be_v turn_v to_o the_o sure_a guide_n in_o themselves_o christ_n light_n and_o warn_v not_o to_o look_v out_o neither_o to_o be_v in_o the_o lo_n here_o be_v and_o the_o lo_n there_o be_v but_o to_o be_v faithful_a to_o their_o own_o measure_n for_o that_o according_a to_o paul_n testimony_n god_n grace_n be_v give_v to_o every_o one_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n but_o to_o return_v let_v we_o examine_v how_o he_o prove_v his_o first_o assertion_n viz._n that_o there_o never_o will_v nor_o can_v be_v want_v in_o case_n of_o controversy_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o give_v judgement_n through_o some_o or_o other_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n so_o long_o as_o any_o assembly_n can_v proper_o or_o in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n be_v so_o term_v his_o proof_n be_v on_o this_o wise_a for_o the_o first_o say_v he_o to_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o scripture_n there_o will_v need_v no_o other_o probation_n than_o that_o of_o the_o 28_o of_o matthew_n and_o the_o 20_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o verse_n 18._o and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o how_o this_o prove_v the_o matter_n to_o i_o appear_v not_o for_o these_o scripture_n do_v neither_o express_o nor_o by_o any_o natural_a consequence_n say_v that_o any_o assembly_n be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o may_v in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n be_v so_o term_v nor_o yet_o speak_v any_o thing_n of_o controversy_n arise_v among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v he_o bring_v the_o first_o scripture_n to_o prove_v that_o christ_n will_v be_v with_o such_o who_o he_o at_o this_o day_n make_v use_v of_o to_o teach_v all_o nation_n as_o he_o do_v his_o disciple_n at_o that_o day_n whilst_o they_o shall_v teach_v to_o observe_v the_o thing_n that_o christ_n to_o who_o all_o power_n be_v give_v command_v not_o the_o command_v of_o assembly_n which_o may_v in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n be_v term_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o thing_n that_o christ_n command_v he_o have_v exact_o hit_v the_o mark_n but_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n the_o aforesaid_a author_n seem_v by_o his_o word_n to_o drive_v at_o it_o be_v far_o from_o be_v to_o the_o purpose_n and_o as_o to_o the_o second_o scripture_n have_v he_o bring_v it_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o that_o church_n which_o be_v build_v on_o the_o rock_n christ_n it_o will_v have_v answer_v the_o end_n but_o alas_o it_o be_v far_o remote_a from_o prove_v that_o god_n spirit_n will_v appear_v to_o decide_v controversy_n in_o every_o assembly_n that_o in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n can_v be_v term_v christ_n church_n and_o so_o i_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o these_o and_o several_a other_o scripture_n which_o he_o have_v quote_v as_o proof_n of_o his_o assertion_n seem_v rather_o strain_v to_o vindicate_v what_o he_o assert_n than_o that_o his_o assertion_n be_v according_a to_o it_o on_o which_o hand_n he_o say_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n that_o both_o papist_n and_o protestant_n have_v great_o go_v aside_o which_o may_v have_v be_v a_o caution_n to_o he_o not_o to_o have_v err_v in_o the_o same_o path_n as_o now_o he_o have_v do_v let_v we_o a_o little_a further_o examine_v his_o word_n tolerable_a supposition_n when_o we_o be_v not_o certain_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n and_o yet_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v it_o be_v or_o may_v be_v so_o we_o common_o say_v my_o supposition_n be_v that_o it_o be_v or_o may_v be_v so_o and_o though_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n adjoin_v to_o the_o word_n supposition_n tolerable_a yet_o that_o ascertain_v nothing_o it_o only_o import_v such_o a_o supposition_n may_v be_v sufferable_a that_o be_v may_v be_v suffer_v to_o be_v a_o supposition_n not_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v assembly_n obvious_a to_o every_o eye_n that_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o christianity_n which_o can_v on_o any_o term_n be_v suppose_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v other_o assembly_n which_o have_v several_a mark_n and_o token_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n so_o far_o as_o several_a thing_n outward_a profess_a and_o act_v may_v be_v such_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o not_o own_v by_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o present_a age_n as_o well_o as_o age_n past_a yield_v many_o precedent_n to_o prove_v the_o same_o for_o that_o it_o be_v obvious_a there_o have_v be_v many_o assembly_n under_o various_a form_n who_o profess_v faith_n in_o christ_n work_v of_o righteousness_n and_o divers_a truth_n own_a by_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n now_o whether_o such_o thing_n profess_v and_o own_a may_v not_o be_v ground_n for_o a_o tolerable_a supposition_n that_o such_o assembly_n be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n i_o leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o impartial_a and_o judicious_a reader_n have_v this_o further_a testimony_n to_o add_v that_o the_o world_n have_v too_o much_o be_v trouble_v with_o the_o sentence_n decree_n and_o decisive_n judgement_n of_o too_o many_o assembly_n suppose_v to_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o that_o on_o tolerable_a supposition_n have_v be_v so_o term_v who_o have_v rather_o increase_v than_o end_v controversy_n as_o history_n do_v at_o large_a manifest_a and_o since_o r._n b._n undertake_v by_o reason_n to_o evidence_n the_o same_o i_o shall_v according_a to_o the_o line_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o truth_n take_v upon_o i_o further_o to_o discover_v the_o fallacy_n of_o his_o so_o confident_a assertion_n the_o qualification_n of_o a_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n be_v sanctification_n through_o the_o spirit_n wheresoever_o any_o number_n of_o person_n so_o qualify_v be_v assemble_v in_o christ_n name_n there_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n though_o they_o be_v of_o that_o number_n who_o be_v of_o the_o low_a degree_n or_o rank_n in_o the_o body_n now_o a_o assembly_n of_o such_o member_n may_v be_v as_o insensible_a and_o void_a of_o understanding_n in_o many_o divine_a matter_n and_o mystery_n relate_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n may_v be_v insensible_a of_o what_o the_o eye_n do_v see_v and_o so_o may_v have_v case_n of_o controversy_n bring_v before_o they_o whereof_o they_o be_v no_o more_o competent_a judge_n not_o be_v gift_v thereunto_o by_o the_o spirit_n than_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n be_v capable_a to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o diversity_n of_o voice_n and_o sound_v or_o the_o ear_n of_o diversity_n of_o colour_n and_o yet_o may_v be_v all_o faithful_a in_o their_o place_n walk_v according_a to_o their_o respective_a measure_n of_o grace_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o so_o that_o none_o can_v in_o truth_n say_v such_o a_o assembly_n may_v not_o proper_o be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v build_v upon_o he_o their_o rock_n and_o have_v perfect_a fellowship_n each_o with_o other_o in_o the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n obj._n and_o whereas_o some_o may_v be_v ready_a to_o object_n and_o say_v why_o do_v thou_o seem_v to_o reflect_v on_o this_o sort_n of_o language_n we_o must_v believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v part._n believe_v note_n this_o question_n be_v state_v in_o a_o print_a book_n and_o publish_v by_o one_o call_v a_o quaker_n who_o name_n be_v omit_v for_o the_o reason_n mention_v in_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o first_o part._n be_v not_o the_o true_a church_n in_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o must_v we_o not_o either_o believe_v thus_o as_o the_o true_a church_n believe_v or_o else_o do_v we_o not_o manifest_v both_o folly_n and_o hypocrisy_n to_o profess_v ourselves_o member_n thereof_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n have_v in_o my_o forego_v line_n use_v such_o a_o expression_n i_o thus_o say_v the_o general_a assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v be_v write_v in_o heaven_n heb._n 12.23_o but_o i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o this_o general_a assembly_n set_v forth_o their_o creed_n record_v on_o earth_n by_o that_o i_o thus_o mean_a i_o do_v not_o find_v any_o certain_a number_n of_o article_n of_o faith_n write_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n which_o every_o member_n of_o this_o general_a assembly_n do_v believe_v and_o which_o every_o one_o who_o shall_v come_v to_o be_v gather_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o christ_n body_n
instrumental_a to_o gather_v though_o in_o r._n b_n sense_n as_o be_v before_o manifest_v such_o be_v the_o fit_a to_o rule_v over_o those_o who_o they_o have_v beget_v to_o the_o truth_n but_o also_o over_o the_o labour_n of_o other_o and_o then_o style_v themselves_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n though_o not_o guide_v by_o the_o unerring_a spirit_n so_o to_o do_v and_o then_o also_o pretend_v that_o they_o have_v power_n in_o case_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n to_o give_v positive_a sentence_n obliege_v believer_n to_o obey_v receive_v and_o own_o the_o same_o and_o that_o it_o be_v disobedience_n to_o god_n not_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o positive_a sentence_n and_o decisive_n judgement_n of_o any_o assembly_n or_o some_o or_o other_o of_o they_o which_o in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n may_v be_v term_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n though_o we_o see_v it_o not_o and_o so_o by_o degree_n may_v endeavour_v to_o divest_v christ_n of_o his_o government_n and_o prerogative_n who_o alone_o be_v lord_n over_o the_o conscience_n and_o by_o his_o spirit_n in_o we_o be_v become_v our_o only_a lawgiver_n and_o who_o alone_o by_o the_o influence_a virtue_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n be_v able_a to_o bring_v unto_o that_o love_n and_o unity_n which_o through_o the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n find_v exceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n william_n rogers_n have_v now_o do_v with_o the_o citation_n of_o what_o be_v write_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o aforesaid_a book_n of_o government_n and_o consider_v that_o in_o the_o first_o section_n thereof_o the_o author_n as_o be_v already_o cite_v and_o observe_v write_v of_o a_o sort_n of_o person_n that_o will_v needs_o be_v innovator_n and_o give_v to_o change_n and_o introduce_v new_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n not_o only_o differ_v but_o contrary_a to_o what_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o beginning_n and_o in_o page_n thirteen_o seem_v reflect_o to_o treat_v on_o such_o kind_n of_o language_n as_o this_o i_o must_v stay_v till_o i_o be_v convince_v as_o if_o such_o language_n be_v knock_v down_o in_o the_o beginning_n and_o as_o may_v reasonable_o be_v take_v from_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o say_a book_n to_o reflect_v on_o such_o among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n who_o be_v not_o so_o zealous_o affect_v with_o the_o outward_a form_n of_o government_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o church-government_n pretend_v to_o be_v establish_v among_o they_o as_o the_o author_n or_o approver_n of_o his_o book_n be_v we_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o cite_v a_o testimony_n publish_v in_o print_n by_o isaac_n penington_n the_o young_a in_o the_o year_n one_o thousand_o six_o hundred_o and_o sixty_o be_v a_o part_n of_o a_o discourse_n entitle_v the_o authority_n and_o government_n which_o christ_n exclude_v out_o of_o his_o church_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o it_o lie_v all_o together_o word_n for_o word_n and_o not_o take_v by_o part_n and_o piece_n here_o and_o there_o our_o end_n in_o cite_v this_o testimony_n be_v that_o the_o impartial_a reader_n may_v consider_v whether_o the_o say_a testimony_n have_v any_o coherence_n with_o that_o part_n of_o the_o say_a book_n of_o government_n which_o be_v object_v against_o by_o we_o or_o do_v contradict_v any_o subject_a matter_n that_o we_o have_v treat_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o say_v isaac_n penington_n the_o young_a now_o follow_v the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n come_v from_o christ_n with_o a_o message_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n with_o a_o testimony_n concern_v the_o good_a will_n of_o god_n and_o his_o love_n to_o mankind_n point_v out_o the_o way_n from_o death_n to_o life_n from_o bondage_n to_o liberty_n from_o wrath_n and_o destruction_n to_o peace_n and_o salvation_n what_o they_o have_v see_v what_o they_o have_v feel_v what_o they_o have_v taste_v what_o they_o have_v handle_v what_o they_o have_v find_v redeem_v and_o deliver_v they_o that_o they_o declare_v abroad_o to_o other_o as_o they_o be_v move_v as_o they_o be_v send_v as_o they_o be_v guide_v and_o assist_v now_o that_o which_o they_o preach_v to_o be_v man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n they_o open_v the_o truth_n which_o they_o know_v they_o give_v their_o testimony_n in_o the_o move_a lead_v and_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o they_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o same_o spirit_n to_o demonstrate_v it_o to_o man_n conscience_n as_o it_o please_v they_o be_v nothing_o they_o can_v do_v nothing_o they_o can_v convert_v any_o man_n to_o god_n but_o the_o power_n that_o speak_v by_o they_o the_o same_o power_n work_v in_o other_o man_n conscience_n at_o its_o pleasure_n and_o here_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o heart_n when_o his_o truth_n carry_v conviction_n with_o it_o to_o the_o conscience_n and_o the_o conscience_n be_v draw_v to_o yield_v itself_o up_o to_o he_o than_o he_o lay_v his_o yoke_n upon_o it_o and_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o guide_n of_o it_o he_o cherish_v it_o he_o cleanse_v it_o he_o comfort_v it_o he_o order_v it_o at_o his_o pleasure_n and_o he_o alone_o preserve_v it_o pure_a chaste_a gentle_a meek_a and_o pliable_a to_o the_o impression_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o as_o the_o conscience_n be_v keep_v single_a and_o tender_a to_o christ_n so_o his_o government_n increase_v therein_o but_o as_o it_o become_v hard_a or_o subject_n to_o man_n will_n so_o another_o spirit_n get_v dominion_n over_o it_o therefore_o the_o great_a work_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o keep_v the_o conscience_n open_a to_o christ_n and_o to_o preserve_v man_n from_o receive_v any_o truth_n of_o christ_n as_o from_o they_o further_o than_o the_o spirit_n open_v or_o to_o imitate_v any_o of_o their_o practice_n further_o than_o the_o spirit_n lead_v guide_n and_o persuade_v they_o for_o person_n be_v exceed_o prone_a to_o receive_v thing_n as_o truth_n from_o those_o who_o they_o have_v a_o high_a opinion_n of_o and_o to_o imitate_v their_o practice_n and_o so_o hurt_v their_o own_o growth_n and_o endanger_v their_o soul_n for_o if_o i_o receive_v a_o truth_n before_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o spirit_n make_v it_o manifest_a to_o i_o i_o lose_v my_o guide_n and_o follow_v but_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o be_v exceed_o greedy_a of_o receive_v truth_n and_o run_v into_o religious_a practice_n without_o the_o spirit_n therefore_o the_o main_a thing_n in_o religion_n be_v to_o keep_v the_o conscience_n pure_a to_o the_o lord_n to_o know_v the_o guide_n to_o follow_v the_o guide_n to_o receive_v from_o he_o that_o light_v whereby_o i_o be_o to_o walk_v and_o not_o to_o take_v thing_n for_o truth_n because_o other_o see_v they_o to_o be_v truth_n but_o wait_v till_o the_o spirit_n make_v they_o manifest_v to_o i_o nor_o to_o run_v into_o worship_n duty_n performance_n or_o practice_n because_o other_o be_v lead_v thither_o but_o to_o wait_v till_o the_o spirit_n lead_v i_o thither_o he_o that_o make_v haste_n to_o be_v rich_a even_o in_o religion_n run_v into_o knowledge_n and_o into_o worship_n and_o performance_n before_o he_o feel_v a_o true_a and_o clear_a guidance_n shall_v not_o be_v innocent_a nor_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o hold_v he_o guiltless_a when_o he_o come_v to_o visit_v for_o spiritual_a adultery_n and_o idolatry_n the_o apostle_n be_v exceed_o tender_a in_o this_o point_n for_o though_o they_o certain_o and_o infallible_o know_v what_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v yet_o they_o be_v not_o lord_n over_o man_n faith_n but_o wait_v till_o he_o who_o be_v lord_n of_o the_o faith_n will_v open_v the_o way_n into_o man_n conscience_n they_o do_v not_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v able_a to_o turn_v the_o key_n to_o let_v in_o truth_n and_o conviction_n into_o man_n spirit_n as_o man_n in_o these_o day_n have_v be_v too_o apt_a to_o undertake_v but_o direct_v they_o to_o he_o who_o have_v the_o key_n there_o to_o wait_v for_o the_o conviction_n and_o illumination_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o so_o to_o receive_v in_o as_o they_o find_v he_o give_v forth_o to_o they_o let_v every_o man_n say_v the_o apostle_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n take_v heed_n of_o receive_v thing_n too_o soon_o take_v heed_n of_o run_v into_o practice_n too_o soon_o &_o do_v what_o you_o see_v other_o do_v but_o wait_v for_o your_o own_o particular_a guidance_n and_o a_o full_a persuasion_n from_o god_n what_o be_v his_o will_n concern_v you_o though_o i_o know_v this_o to_o be_v a_o truth_n yet_o do_v not_o you_o receive_v it_o till_o god_n make_v it_o manifest_a to_o you_o receive_v truth_n from_o his_o hand_n stay_v till_o he_o give_v it_o you._n indeed_o the_o main_a matter_n in_o religion_n be_v to_o keep_v out_o the_o wrong_a part_n the_o forward_z part_n the_o bastardly_a
give_v that_o judgement_n have_v not_o then_o peruse_v it_o and_o as_o to_o their_o say_n it_o be_v to_o the_o great_a derogation_n of_o the_o christian_a authority_n of_o the_o say_a meeting_n mean_v the_o second_o day_n meet_v i_o have_v this_o to_o say_v that_o i_o never_o understand_v that_o friend_n own_v any_o authority_n in_o any_o of_o our_o meeting_n as_o a_o christian_a authority_n but_o the_o power_n of_o god_n which_o be_v invisible_a and_o can_v be_v diminish_v and_o therefore_o i_o may_v well_o query_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o great_a weakness_n in_o any_o to_o conclude_v that_o i_o be_o capable_a to_o do_v any_o action_n which_o can_v either_o lessen_v diminish_v or_o take_v from_o that_o authority_n and_o i_o hope_v none_o of_o the_o say_a subscriber_n be_v so_o remote_a from_o truth_n and_o a_o good_a understanding_n as_o to_o conclude_v that_o the_o second_o day_n meeting_n have_v any_o authority_n give_v they_o by_o man_n but_o if_o any_o shall_v be_v so_o weak_a i_o must_v tell_v such_o that_o as_o i_o never_o give_v it_o any_o so_o be_o whole_o uncapable_a by_o write_v to_o lessen_v it_o if_o they_o have_v any_o and_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o objection_n of_o the_o say_v william_n rogers_n lay_v not_o so_o much_o against_o the_o matter_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o say_v robert_n barcly_n book_n as_o against_o the_o way_n of_o express_v some_o passage_n therein_o this_o i_o say_v be_v untrue_a my_o objection_n be_v against_o the_o very_a matter_n and_o substance_n of_o some_o thing_n contain_v in_o his_o book_n on_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o have_v this_o to_o say_v i_o can_v not_o obtain_v a_o meeting_n of_o friend_n to_o be_v choose_v by_o robert_n barclay_n and_o myself_o though_o the_o person_n immediate_o concern_v which_o agree_v not_o with_o the_o example_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n read_v act_n 15.1_o 2._o and_o that_o the_o aforesaid_a eminent_a preacher_n as_o the_o mouth_n of_o other_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n obstruct_v and_o though_o in_o the_o meeting_n hold_v friend_n deportment_n be_v grave_a orderly_a and_o inoffensive_a as_o to_o i_o ward_n whilst_o the_o debate_n on_o my_o objection_n hold_v yet_o i_o be_o great_o satisfy_v that_o by_o the_o publication_n of_o the_o say_v two_o paper_n every_o impartial_a reader_n that_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n serious_o to_o weigh_v the_o say_v paper_n this_o answer_n and_o robert_n barcaly_n book_n and_o postscript_n may_v easy_o discern_v the_o error_n of_o robert_n barclay_n and_o charles_n marshal_n with_o the_o thirty_o six_o subscriber_n but_o those_o who_o will_v have_v a_o eye_n to_o paper_n and_o book_n for_o the_o writer_n sake_n more_o than_o for_o the_o matter_n contain_v therein_o may_v in_o time_n come_v to_o have_v their_o understanding_n so_o veil_v as_o to_o be_v bring_v to_o worship_v image_n and_o to_o esteem_v virtue_n esteem_v see_v george_n fox_n his_o book_n of_o woman_n meeeting_n wherein_o he_o query_n and_o be_v not_o micah_n mother_n a_o virtuous_a woman_n read_v judge_n 17_o and_o then_o a_o few_o line_n of_o these_o and_o such_o like_a woman_n be_v record_v for_o their_o wisdom_n and_o their_o virtue_n michah_n mother_n a_o virtuous_a woman_n in_o israel_n though_o she_o cause_v a_o molten_n image_n and_o a_o grave_v image_n to_o be_v make_v and_o put_v in_o the_o house_n of_o her_o son_n judges_z 17._o if_o any_o shall_v be_v offend_v at_o these_o line_n let_v such_o exhort_v charles_n martial_n and_o the_o other_o thirty_o six_o subscriber_n concern_v to_o make_v better_a use_v for_o time_n to_o come_v of_o so_o much_o condescension_n as_o appear_v in_o i_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o robert_n barclay_n who_o i_o once_o account_v my_o brother_n when_o i_o perceive_v from_o the_o word_n of_o robert_n barclay_n mouth_n that_o he_o appear_v a_o better_a principled_a man_n than_o his_o line_n import_v william_n rogers_n the_o four_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n distinguish_v from_o the_o apostate_n &_o innovator_n wherein_o a_o relation_n be_v give_v of_o several_a proceed_n since_o george_n fox_n wife_n cause_v a_o paper_n date_v the_o 21_o the_o of_o the_o 11_o the_o m_o on_o 1672._o to_o be_v read_v against_o john_n story_n in_o a_o quarterly-meeting_a in_o westmoreland_n therein_o signify_v that_o he_o judge_v the_o power_n of_o god_n as_o it_o break_v forth_o in_o hymn_n or_o spiritual_a song_n and_o be_v chief_o to_o discover_v that_o george_n for_o have_v erroneous_o concern_v himself_o in_o the_o division_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n which_o therefore_o may_v serve_v for_o a_o warn_v to_o the_o child_n of_o light_n that_o their_o dependency_n may_v not_o be_v on_o g._n f._n a_o mislead_v fallible_a man_n nor_o yet_o on_o any_o mortal_a man_n man_n or_o name_v whatsoever_o save_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n who_o be_v give_v of_o the_o father_n to_o be_v salvation_n unto_o the_o end_v of_o the_o earth_n by_o william_n rogers_n hosea_n 9.7_o the_o day_n of_o visitation_n be_v come_v the_o day_n of_o recompense_n be_v come_v israel_n shall_v know_v it_o the_o prophet_n be_v a_o fool_n the_o spiritual_a man_n be_v mad_a for_o the_o abundance_n of_o thy_o iniquity_n and_o great_a hatred_n print_a in_o the_o year_n 1680._o the_o four_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n distinguish_v from_o the_o apostate_n and_o innovator_n etc._n etc._n this_o small_a treatise_n be_v chief_o design_v to_o be_v communicate_v unto_o those_o who_o profess_v the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n by_o his_o light_n in_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o man_n to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a guide_n unto_o the_o father_n of_o life_n the_o faith_n of_o such_o be_v that_o those_o who_o receive_v this_o appearance_n or_o gift_n of_o god_n so_o as_o to_o live_v and_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o divine_a motion_n and_o dictate_v thereof_o shall_v come_v to_o know_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n through_o christ_n jesus_n their_o lawgiver_n lord_n and_o saviour_n it_o be_v public_o know_v that_o this_o principle_n of_o truth_n have_v be_v hold_v forth_o and_o own_a by_o those_o who_o in_o derision_n have_v be_v call_v quaker_n of_o who_o it_o may_v be_v now_o say_v to_o the_o great_a grief_n and_o exercise_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o faithful_a follower_n of_o christ_n among_o they_o that_o though_o the_o principle_n in_o which_o such_o of_o they_o who_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n a_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a knowledge_n have_v believe_v be_v unchangeable_a yet_o the_o enemy_n have_v so_o prevail_v as_o that_o the_o seed_n of_o dissension_n and_o discord_n sow_o among_o they_o have_v take_v so_o deep_a root_n as_o that_o their_o public_a meeting_n for_o worship_n in_o several_a part_n of_o this_o nation_n have_v become_v the_o stage_n of_o contention_n to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n his_o truth_n and_o people_n and_o in_o divers_a part_n of_o this_o nation_n it_o be_v repute_v that_o george_n fox_n be_v at_o least_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a abettor_n of_o one_o party_n and_o john_n story_n of_o another_o but_o how_o far_o that_o report_n may_v with_o respect_n to_o g._n f._n have_v credit_n with_o other_o beside_o myself_o i_o shall_v leave_v to_o the_o sense_n and_o savour_n of_o the_o understanding_n impartial_a reader_n when_o he_o have_v thorough_o peruse_v this_o treatise_n and_o though_o from_o their_o name_n mention_v in_o the_o title-page_n some_o may_v be_v in_o expectation_n that_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o present_a separation_n in_o some_o part_n of_o this_o nation_n may_v be_v treat_v on_o at_o large_a yet_o that_o be_v not_o my_o present_a design_n or_o purpose_v though_o i_o must_v confess_v that_o matter_n be_v at_o large_a collect_v and_o impartial_o state_v and_o lie_v ready_a by_o i_o for_o the_o press_n and_o in_o probability_n may_v come_v forth_o or_o at_o least_o a_o part_n thereof_o more_o than_o what_o be_v in_o this_o four_o part_n contain_v in_o its_o proper_a time_n and_o season_n unless_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o change_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o persecute_v opposer_n of_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n and_o other_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n unto_o who_o the_o truth_n be_v as_o dear_a as_o ever_o and_o that_o the_o door_n may_v be_v open_v again_o in_o our_o public_a assembly_n for_o worship_n of_o god_n whereby_o those_o who_o have_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o publish_v in_o the_o demonstration_n of_o his_o power_n and_o spirit_n may_v not_o be_v so_o frequent_o obstruct_v by_o the_o airy_a imaginary_a and_o empty_a discourse_n of_o such_o as_o have_v pretend_v to_o have_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o declare_v when_o
the_o truth_n those_o who_o refuse_v so_o to_o assent_v may_v be_v subject_a to_o a_o excommunication_n by_o g._n e._n and_o his_o adherent_n from_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o men._n beside_o it_o have_v be_v a_o observation_n of_o late_a that_o these_o question_n or_o question_n to_o the_o like_a import_n have_v be_v frequent_o ask_v by_o such_o with_o who_o we_o can_v be_v at_o unity_n in_o all_o thing_n viz._n be_v you_o for_o womens-meeting_n mean_v distinct_a womens-meeting_n from_o man_n among_o who_o under_o pretence_n of_o take_v care_n of_o the_o poor_a another_o thing_n seem_v to_o be_v more_o chief_o aim_v at_o as_o anon_o will_v be_v make_v appear_v be_v you_o for_o record_v condemnation_n mean_v thereby_o whether_o the_o party_n who_o have_v condemn_v their_o fail_n and_o through_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v restore_v and_o their_o offence_n blot_v out_o and_o forgive_v by_o he_o assent_v thereto_o or_o no_o be_v you_o for_o settle_a mouthly_a and_o quarterly-meeting_n touch_v outward_a business_n since_o those_o who_o will_v have_v meeting_n as_o occasion_n offer_v be_v account_v designer_n to_o throw_v down_o all_o meeting_n for_o outward_a business_n relate_v to_o the_o affair_n of_o truth_n and_o when_o these_o or_o such_o like_a question_n have_v be_v ask_v of_o friend_n in_o truth_n that_o can_v not_o answer_v thereto_o yea_o we_o be_v sensible_a that_o it_o have_v be_v take_v by_o many_o adherent_n to_o g._n f._n as_o a_o sufficient_a token_n of_o a_o dark_a leaven_a rend_v divide_v spirit_n and_o mere_o as_o we_o take_v it_o from_o a_o apprehension_n that_o the_o form_n they_o stand_v for_o be_v thereby_o strike_v at_o though_o the_o service_n will_v be_v effectual_o perform_v in_o another_o method_n as_o experience_n in_o the_o county_n of_o westmoreland_n and_o wilts_n have_v of_o late_o testify_v for_o be_v it_o not_o so_o that_o great_a stress_n be_v lay_v upon_o the_o outward_a form_n of_o thing_n prescribe_v to_o be_v practise_v how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o john_n story_n be_v article_v against_o by_o robert_n barrow_n of_o kendal_n and_o twenty-six_a other_o person_n as_o in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o manuscript_n this_o mean_v the_o aforesaid_a historical_a manuscript_n treatise_n section_n the_o four_o appear_v on_o this_o wise_a in_o the_o five_o article_n viz._n john_n story_n speak_v among_o many_o friend_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o form_n because_o of_o the_o consequence_n that_o may_v follow_v say_v that_o among_o the_o christian_n of_o old_a the_o difference_n that_o do_v arise_v be_v about_o form_n which_o can_v not_o be_v seasonable_a word_n when_o we_o be_v establish_v the_o church_n in_o the_o holy_a order_n of_o truth_n much_o more_o may_v be_v collect_v from_o the_o article_n be_v forty-four_a in_o number_n exhibit_v by_o the_o aforesaid_a robert_n barrow_n etc._n etc._n to_o show_v how_o earnest_o and_o zealous_o the_o very_a outward_a form_n of_o thing_n be_v contend_v for_o which_o occasion_n we_o in_o all_o seriousness_n of_o spirit_n thus_o to_o say_v may_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n so_o preserve_v his_o people_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v ensnare_v by_o those_o who_o have_v raise_v so_o great_a contention_n about_o the_o outward_a form_n of_o thing_n prescribe_v to_o be_v practise_v among_o the_o professor_n of_o truth_n lest_o they_o with_o they_o prove_v to_o be_v boaster_n proud_a blasphemous_a false_a accuser_n despiser_n of_o those_o that_o be_v good_a which_o be_v the_o very_a mark_n and_o token_n of_o those_o who_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o from_o who_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v to_o turn_v away_o and_o how_o far_o these_o mark_v rest_n upon_o many_o of_o those_o who_o so_o earnest_o contend_v for_o their_o outward_a form_n we_o leave_v to_o the_o impartial_a reader_n with_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n to_o judge_n when_o he_o have_v thorough_o peruse_v this_o manuscript_n this_o mean_v the_o aforesaid_a historical_a manuscript_n treatise_n especial_o the_o second_o part._n oh_o friend_n the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n bow_v we_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o mercy_n to_o we_o we_o can_v no_o long_o keep_v silence_n but_o in_o his_o fear_n declare_v unto_o all_o that_o our_o conscience_n be_v concern_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o since_o it_o be_v so_o that_o a_o ill_a use_n be_v make_v of_o that_o spirit_n of_o forbearance_n and_o condescension_n which_o we_o be_v sensible_a have_v be_v use_v by_o many_o of_o our_o brethren_n it_o be_v now_o become_v our_o portion_n to_o unburthen_v ourselves_o of_o that_o which_o have_v be_v our_o burden_n believe_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o only_a arisen_n but_o will_v yet_o more_o and_o more_o arise_v against_o that_o spirit_n that_o will_v exalt_v itself_o over_o the_o heritage_n of_o god_n endeavour_v to_o rule_v over_o their_o conscience_n whenas_o christ_n alone_o be_v lord_n thereof_o it_o may_v be_v now_o worthy_a our_o observation_n to_o consider_v whether_o any_o encouragement_n be_v give_v by_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n christ_n jesus_n whilst_o on_o earth_n unto_o his_o disciple_n to_o become_v ruler_n one_o over_o another_o we_o find_v that_o he_o exhort_v his_o disciple_n judge_v not_o that_o you_o be_v not_o judge_v be_v not_o you_o call_v rabbi_n 23.8_o matth._n 7.1_o &_o 23.8_o for_o one_o be_v your_o master_n even_o christ_n and_o all_o you_o be_v brethren_n but_o he_o that_o be_v great_a among_o you_o shall_v be_v your_o servant_n and_o whosoever_o shall_v exalt_v himself_o shall_v be_v abase_v and_o he_o that_o shall_v humble_v himself_o shall_v be_v exalt_v here_o be_v no_o good_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o christ_n intend_v that_o when_o he_o be_v depart_v his_o disciple_n shall_v be_v exalt_v themselves_o one_o over_o another_o as_o governor_n and_o ruler_n and_o if_o we_o consult_v the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o though_o his_o disciple_n have_v a_o dependency_n upon_o he_o whilst_o in_o his_o bodily_a appearance_n to_o be_v their_o leader_n yet_o he_o tell_v they_o 13._o john_n 16.7_o 13._o it_o be_v expedient_a for_o you_o that_o i_o go_v away_o for_o if_o i_o go_v not_o away_o the_o comforter_n will_v not_o come_v unto_o you_o but_o if_o i_o depart_v i_o will_v send_v he_o unto_o you_o and_o he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n for_o he_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o have_v it_o be_v so_o that_o christ_n jesus_n intend_v the_o exaltation_n of_o one_o of_o his_o disciple_n as_o a_o head_n or_o supreme_a unto_o who_o the_o rest_n ought_v to_o have_v have_v a_o eye_n in_o a_o more_o particular_a manner_n than_o ordinary_a he_o will_v have_v undoubted_o signify_v so_o much_o but_o doubtless_o he_o see_v that_o their_o eye_n and_o dependency_n be_v too_o much_o on_o his_o outward_a and_o bodily_a appearance_n and_o therefore_o signify_v it_o be_v expedient_a i_o go_v hence_o that_o the_o comforter_n come_v agreeable_a to_o which_o be_v the_o apostle_n word_n though_o we_o have_v know_v christ_n after_o the_o flesh_n yet_o henceforth_o know_v we_o he_o no_o more_o that_o be_v to_o say_v after_o the_o flesh_n no_o more_o all_o which_o do_v clear_o demonstrate_v unto_o we_o it_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o under_o this_o administration_n we_o shall_v have_v our_o eye_n out_o unto_o man_n but_o that_o our_o great_a dependency_n shall_v be_v on_o that_o comforter_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o christ_n testify_v the_o father_n will_v send_v in_o his_o name_n to_o teach_v we_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o this_o comforter_n shall_v be_v in_o we_o and_o therefore_o on_o this_o occasion_n it_o be_v with_o we_o to_o give_v this_o further_a testimony_n that_o every_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v through_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n make_v dead_a unto_o any_o other_o law_n save_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n manifest_v through_o the_o arise_v of_o christ_n by_o his_o appearance_n in_o every_o such_o member_n and_o so_o as_o particular_a member_n be_v become_v marry_v unto_o he_o and_o have_v all_o fellowship_n each_o with_o other_o in_o the_o spirit_n those_o who_o be_v such_o aught_o to_o demean_v themselves_o each_o towards_o other_o full_a of_o love_n charity_n bowel_n of_o compassion_n long-suffering_a forbearance_n meekness_n humility_n patience_n gentleness_n and_o of_o all_o other_o virtue_n that_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o as_o to_o obedience_n every_o member_n owe_v that_o unto_o christ_n his_o head_n unto_o who_o 10.5_o 2_o cor._n 10.5_o every_o thought_n according_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n ought_v to_o be_v bring_v into_o obedience_n thus_o
among_o any_o prejudice_v against_o i_o as_o thou_o do_v my_o last_o letter_n whereby_o i_o become_v judge_v before_o treat_v withal_o either_o by_o thou_o or_o any_o touch_v the_o same_o however_o this_o give_v i_o satisfaction_n that_o i_o have_v count_v the_o cost_n and_o if_o i_o must_v be_v reproach_v as_o once_o i_o have_v be_v already_o for_o clear_v my_o conscience_n to_o thou_o yet_o as_o i_o now_o have_v so_o my_o faith_n be_v i_o shall_v have_v peace_n of_o conscience_n when_o the_o neglect_v thereof_o will_v have_v become_v my_o burden_n and_o if_o any_o for_o this_o cause_n shall_v give_v forth_o such_o paper_n against_o i_o as_o be_v undeserved_o give_v forth_o against_o other_o friend_n in_o truth_n and_o that_o also_o by_o such_o who_o have_v not_o hear_v they_o speak_v for_o themselves_o it_o will_v redound_v to_o their_o shame_n as_o in_o the_o end_n will_v undoubted_o be_v more_o public_o manifest_v for_o several_a week_n past_a it_o have_v be_v under_o my_o serious_a consideration_n whether_o i_o may_v pass_v these_o thing_n over_o in_o silence_n but_o with_o peace_n of_o conscience_n i_o can_v so_o do_v and_o therefore_o do_v conclude_v they_o be_v more_o worthy_a thy_o notice_n than_o the_o word_n of_o flatter_a tongue_n i_o be_o thy_o plainhearted_a friend_n william_n rogers_n to_o the_o two_o aforesaid_a letter_n i_o never_o receive_v any_o answer_n in_o write_v nor_o yet_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n as_o ever_o i_o remember_v more_o than_o to_o this_o effect_n william_n if_o thou_o will_v take_v thy_o letter_n back_o again_o it_o be_v well_o enough_o or_o such_o like_a word_n but_o yet_o on_o g._n f_n propose_v to_o have_v a_o meeting_n with_o i_o concern_v they_o we_o agree_v on_o a_o meeting_n to_o consist_v of_o twelve_o friend_n on_o a_o side_n and_o after_o the_o read_n of_o the_o last_o letter_n i_o by_o write_v under_o my_o hand_n desire_v that_o if_o george_n fox_n have_v aught_o against_o it_o he_o will_v deliver_v i_o his_o charge_n therein_o in_o write_v and_o then_o i_o will_v make_v answer_n thereto_o but_o my_o proposition_n therein_o g._n f._n refuse_v to_o answer_n and_o so_o the_o meet_v part_v i_o now_o come_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o there_o be_v a_o paper_n give_v forth_o from_o ellis_n hook_n his_o chamber_n by_o charles_n martial_n and_o sixty-five_a person_n more_o as_o a_o testimony_n against_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n to_o which_o two_o answer_n be_v write_v and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o a_o testimony_n from_o john_n jonnings_n and_o about_o seventy_o friend_n more_o in_o the_o county_n of_o wilts_n and_o thomas_n gouldeny_n william_n ford_n and_o myself_o together_o with_o sixteen_o friend_n beside_o in_o bristol_n against_o it_o this_o i_o make_v mention_n of_o because_o that_o paper_n from_o ellis_n hook_n his_o chamber_n sign_v by_o charles_n marshal_n etc._n etc._n have_v prove_v but_o fuel_n add_v to_o the_o fire_n of_o contention_n that_o be_v burn_v before_o now_o forasmuch_o as_o i_o be_o well_o sensible_a that_o g._n f._n esteem_v himself_o one_a have_v the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n upon_o he_o and_o that_o john_n story_n positive_o affirm_v that_o when_o he_o be_v at_o worcester_n with_o george_n fox_n he_o viz._n g._n f._n do_v then_o tell_v he_o which_o he_o take_v as_o threaten_v friend_n will_v write_v against_o they_o and_o that_o the_o power_n of_o god_n will_v cast_v they_o out_o meaning_n john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n it_o may_v be_v needful_a for_o g._n f._n to_o give_v a_o account_n how_o he_o come_v to_o be_v so_o careless_a of_o the_o church_n as_o not_o so_o to_o sift_v into_o that_o matter_n as_o that_o the_o unrighteous_a proceed_v thereof_o may_v have_v be_v judge_v especial_o fince_n he_o be_v then_o in_o london_n the_o neglect_v whereof_o in_o he_o so_o circumstantiate_v as_o he_o account_v himself_o to_o be_v occasion_n this_o jealousy_n that_o he_o be_v a_o approver_n of_o the_o manner_n and_o method_n of_o their_o proceed_n and_o so_o may_v account_v it_o a_o fulfil_v of_o the_o word_n cite_v as_o speak_v to_o john_n story_n at_o worcester_n viz._n that_o friend_n will_v write_v against_o they_o and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n will_v cast_v they_o out_o the_o fire_n of_o contention_n thus_o increase_v and_o it_o be_v rumour_v that_o there_o be_v a_o separate_a meeting_n in_o the_o north_n john_n story_n write_v unto_o the_o two_o meeting_n in_o the_o north_n viz._n that_o call_v separate_a and_o that_o call_v quarterly_o therein_o propose_v expedient_n for_o a_o reunite_v which_o be_v recommend_v by_o thomas_n gouldeny_n and_o myself_o together_o with_o sixty_o friend_n beside_o and_o be_v accept_v by_o those_o call_v separate_a as_o by_o their_o testimony_n sign_v by_o william_n cartmell_n and_o fifty-seven_a person_n more_o appear_v but_o robert_n barrow_n and_o fifteen_o other_o of_o the_o quarterly-meeting_a so_o term_v condemn_a john_n story_n be_v proposition_n before_o hear_v as_o by_o their_o answer_n appear_v this_o also_o be_v thus_o hint_v because_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o it_o may_v come_v to_o the_o view_n of_o robert_n barrow_n who_o if_o he_o please_v may_v thereupon_o take_v occasion_n to_o signify_v to_o i_o that_o george_n fox_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o that_o council_n if_o in_o truth_n he_o can_v so_o signify_v this_o i_o propose_v because_o it_o be_v jealouse_v that_o matter_n of_o no_o less_o moment_n be_v not_o very_o common_o resolve_v upon_o by_o robert_n barrow_n and_o other_o of_o party_n with_o g._n f._n without_o advise_v with_o he_o when_o they_o have_v opportunity_n so_o to_o do_v which_o doubtless_o be_v frequent_a enough_o since_o their_o dwelling_n be_v but_o few_o mile_n distant_a each_o from_o other_o william_n rogers_n the_o five_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n distinguish_v from_o the_o apostate_n &_o innovator_n be_v a_o additional_a discovery_n to_o the_o first_o and_o four_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n etc._n etc._n that_o george_n fox_n have_v be_v act_v by_o a_o erroneous_a spirit_n and_o become_v a_o reproach_n and_o scandal_n to_o the_o truth_n which_o the_o child_n of_o light_n profess_v and_o walk_v in_o by_o william_n rogers_n malachi_n 2.8_o 9_o but_o you_o be_v depart_v out_o of_o the_o way_n you_o have_v cause_v many_o to_o stumble_v at_o the_o law_n you_o have_v corrupt_v the_o covenant_n of_o levi_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n therefore_o have_v i_o make_v you_o contemptible_a and_o base_a before_o all_o the_o people_n according_a as_o you_o have_v not_o keep_v my_o way_n but_o have_v be_v partial_a in_o the_o law_n london_n print_v in_o the_o year_n 1680._o the_o five_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a quaker_n distinguish_v from_o the_o apostate_n and_o innovator_n etc._n etc._n on_o the_o 11_o month_n 1677._o george_n fox_n come_v to_o the_o city_n of_o bristol_n and_o after_o he_o have_v be_v there_o some_o little_a time_n i_o be_v challenge_v by_o one_o profess_v the_o truth_n to_o bring_v forth_o what_o i_o have_v against_o g._n f._n this_o with_o some_o other_o passage_n between_o friend_n at_o that_o time_n occasion_v myself_o and_o other_o to_o be_v concern_v in_o draw_v up_o a_o few_o thing_n wherein_o we_o be_v dissatisfy_v not_o only_o relate_v to_o g._n f._n but_o other_o also_o a_o part_n whereof_o chief_o relate_v unto_o george_n fox_n do_v now_o follow_v the_o first_o dissatisfaction_n we_o be_v not_o satisfy_v that_o g._n f._n have_v of_o late_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n in_o all_o such_o matter_n relate_v to_o truth_n wherein_o of_o late_a he_o have_v concern_v himself_o neither_o be_v we_o satisfy_v that_o those_o who_o have_v of_o late_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o man_n worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n and_o own_v he_o in_o all_o such_o matter_n have_v have_v therein_o a_o spiritual_a discern_v neither_o be_v we_o satisfy_v that_o the_o bare_a esteem_v of_o he_o as_o one_o that_o have_v not_o of_o late_a in_o all_o thing_n keep_v his_o place_n and_o habitation_n in_o the_o truth_n can_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o a_o dark_a spirit_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o above_o dissatisfaction_n as_o to_o g._n f._n be_v in_o part_n as_o follow_v that_o divers_a passage_n in_o his_o book_n entitle_v this_o be_v a_o encouragement_n to_o all_o womens-meeting_n in_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n be_v either_o unsound_a or_o impertinent_o quote_v the_o first_o quotation_n page_n 43._o of_o the_o say_a book_n it_o be_v thus_o say_v and_o be_v not_o micah_n be_v mother_n a_o virtuous_a woman_n read_v judge_n the_o 17_o and_o see_v what_o she_o say_v to_o she_o son_n the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v these_o and_o there_o be_v a_o man_n of_o mount_n ephraim_n who_o name_n be_v micah_n and_o he_o say_v unto_o
a_o part_n 2d_o part_n p._n 85_o to_o 92._o jew_n a_o objection_n raise_v whether_o they_o act_v not_o from_o the_o light_n within_o in_o crucify_a christ_n a_o answer_n to_o the_o say_a objection_n 2_o d._n part_n p._n 9_o 10._o ignorant_n the_o way_n how_o the_o ignorant_a have_v be_v ensnare_v 4_o the_o part_n p._n 32_o 33._o imposer_n see_v church-government_n independency_n the_o write_a word_n of_o a_o public_a preacher_n insinuate_v as_o if_o the_o tendency_n of_o some_o of_o our_o spirit_n be_v downright_a independency_n be_v treat_v on_o show_v that_o we_o be_v principled_a to_o depend_v on_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o not_o on_o man_n etc._n etc._n 1_o st_o part_n p._n 38_o to_o 42._o infallibility_n as_o relate_v to_o internal_a thing_n annex_v only_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 2_o d._n part_n p._n 11_o 12._o how_o man_n endue_v with_o the_o infallible_a spirit_n be_v deceive_v &_o fallible_a 2_o d._n part_n p._n 12_o 13._o a_o animadversion_n on_o this_o sentence_n that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v infallible_a and_o can_v err_v 3_o d._n part_n p._n 13._o iniquity_n not_o distinguish_v by_o our_o opposer_n from_o conscientious_a scruple_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 50_o 51._o innovation_n see_v apostasy_n innovator_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 49._o a_o part_n of_o their_o doctrine_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 50._o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n some_o concern_v in_o draw_v up_o forty-four_a article_n against_o they_o confess_v under_o their_o hand_n that_o it_o be_v not_o any_o personal_a trespass_n against_o any_o of_o they_o that_o they_o charge_v john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n with_o nor_o any_o particular_a concern_v of_o their_o own_o as_o man_n that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o but_o the_o cause_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o the_o wrong_n they_o have_v do_v to_o he_o but_o yet_o some_o of_o we_o know_v and_o that_o from_o their_o own_o write_n that_o their_o pretend_a wrong_n to_o god_n be_v a_o slight_v some_o of_o george_n fox_n rule_n etc._n etc._n which_o in_o some_o of_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n be_v opposer_n sense_n be_v to_o be_v urge_v with_o severity_n which_o be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o enforce_v on_o god_n faithful_a people_n 1_o st_o part_n p._n 86_o 87_o 88_o 89._o john_n wilkinson_n write_v to_o some_o who_o of_o late_o be_v his_o opposer_n that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v to_o he_o the_o 20_o the_o day_n of_o the_o 6_o the_o month_n 1675._o the_o import_n whereof_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v break_v his_o opposer_n and_o turn_v they_o one_o against_o another_o about_o their_o order_n if_o they_o repent_v not_o 4_o the_o part_n p._n 28._o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n their_o accuser_n choose_v judge_n to_o judge_v the_o matter_n whereof_o they_o accuse_v they_o 4_o the_o part_n p._n 29_o 30._o the_o testimony_n of_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n in_o relation_n to_o five_o head_n from_o whence_o the_o forty-four_a article_n of_o accusation_n be_v draw_v up_o against_o they_o relate_v to_o church-government_n wherein_o they_o particular_o bear_v their_o testimony_n against_o payment_n of_o tithe_n 4_o the_o part_n p._n 37_o 38_o 39_o 40._o isaac_n penington_n his_o testimony_n touch_v that_o authority_n which_o christ_n exclude_v out_o of_o his_o church_n and_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o run_v into_o religious_a practice_n before_o lead_v thereinto_o by_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o receive_v thing_n for_o truth_n because_o other_o see_v they_o to_o be_v truth_n and_o that_o the_o great_a error_n of_o the_o age_n of_o the_o apostasy_n have_v be_v to_o set_v up_o a_o outward_a order_n and_o uniformity_n and_o to_o make_v man_n conscience_n bow_v thereto_o 3_o d._n part_n p._n 89_o to_o 98._o justification_n and_o salvation_n through_o faith_n in_o christ_n own_a and_o clear_v from_o the_o objection_n of_o such_o as_o have_v seem_v to_o extend_v the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n obedience_n unto_o person_n while_o sin_n be_v reign_v in_o their_o mortal_a body_n show_v that_o though_o such_o as_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v redeem_a from_o under_o the_o law_n which_o consist_v in_o carnal_a ordinance_n yet_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v accompany_v with_o work_n of_o righteousness_n wrought_v in_o man_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 2_o d._n part_n p._n 61_o to_o 71._o k_o kingdom_n of_o god_n thing_n relate_v thereto_o be_v reveal_v to_o the_o creature_n but_o by_o one_o way_n viz._n the_o spirit_n though_o the_o manifestation_n may_v be_v various_a viz._n sometime_o through_o man_n or_o the_o scripture_n as_o instrument_n and_o sometime_o through_o himself_o 2_o d._n part_n p._n 2_o 3_o 4._o knowledge_n without_o zeal_n some_o part_n of_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o discover_v 1_o st_o part_n p._n 73_o 74_o 75_o 76._o the_o want_n of_o knowledge_n the_o cause_n of_o a_o perish_a estate_n and_o bow_v to_o man_n 2_o d._n part_n p._n 25._o the_o mean_v of_o these_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n knowledge_n puff_v up_o 2_o d._n part_n p._n 26_o 27._o l_o liberty_n and_o forbearance_n in_o robert_n barclay_n sense_n refute_v 3_o d._n part_n p_o 80_o 81_o 82._o liberty_n of_o conscience_n a_o description_n wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v 3_o d._n part_n p._n 17_o 18._o what_o that_o liberty_n of_o the_o conscience_n be_v that_o be_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n in_o particular_a it_o admit_v of_o no_o liberty_n to_o sin_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 86_o 87._o light_n of_o christ_n what_o the_o measure_n of_o it_o be_v and_o the_o effect_n of_o obedience_n to_o it_o 1_o st_o part_n p._n 3_o 4._o see_v the_o 2_o d._n part_n p._n 2_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o those_o who_o this_o day_n say_v we_o be_v teach_v to_o follow_v the_o light_n in_o our_o conscience_n and_o not_o the_o order_n of_o man_n and_o that_o we_o will_v not_o have_v man_n to_o rule_v over_o we_o thereby_o mean_v such_o man_n as_o be_v in_o a_o separation_n from_o the_o establish_v religion_n by_o law_n will_v yet_o be_v account_v church-governor_n over_o we_o utter_v language_n become_v christian_n and_o though_o robert_n barclay_n have_v reflect_v on_o such_o kind_n of_o language_n yet_o it_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v sound_z 3_o d._n part_n p._n 43_o 44._o m_o magistracy_n obedience_n active_a or_o passive_a due_n to_o it_o 2_o d._n part_n p._n 30_o 31_o 32._o master_n on_o what_o ground_n and_o to_o who_o the_o word_n master_n be_v dis-used_n by_o we_o 2_o d._n part_n p._n 34._o meeting_n some_o part_n at_o least_o of_o nine_o meeting_n for_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o westmoreland_n submit_v their_o affair_n without_o restriction_n either_o to_o temporal_a or_o spiritual_a affair_n to_o establish_v monthly_o and_o quarterly-meeting_n and_o discharge_v the_o separate_v so_o term_v who_o be_v repute_v to_o be_v of_o party_n with_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n to_o concern_v themselves_o in_o their_o affair_n mean_v as_o by_o the_o scope_n of_o their_o word_n appear_v the_o church_n affair_n 1_o st_o part_n p._n 89_o 90._o such_o submission_n may_v be_v by_o we_o reasonable_o take_v to_o be_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o such_o submitter_n a_o mark_n to_o know_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n at_o least_o in_o those_o part_n p._n 90._o and_o such_o their_o discharge_n seem_v a_o token_n of_o some_o imaginary_a authority_n and_o design_n of_o the_o exaltation_n of_o one_o man_n namely_o george_n fox_n for_o which_o several_a reason_n be_v give_v in_o the_o defamation_n of_o other_o and_o that_o the_o name_n of_o monthly_a and_o quarterly-meeting_n be_v but_o as_o a_o conduit_n to_o convey_v it_o to_o he_o p._n 90_o 91_o 92._o see_v also_o what_o be_v write_v touch_v monthly_o and_o quarterly-meeting_n in_o 1_o st_o part_n p._n 11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o and_o then_o consider_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o whole_o irrational_a that_o such_o shall_v assume_v unto_o themselves_o the_o title_n of_o church_n and_o on_o that_o foot_n expect_v submission_n p._n 14._o the_o order_n in_o collect_v the_o sense_n of_o such_o meeting_n speak_v of_o 1_o st_o part_n p._n 14_o 15._o and_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o counsel_n in_o hold_v such_o meeting_n be_v embrace_v and_o the_o end_v thereof_o 1_o st_o part_n p._n 15_o 16._o monthly_o &_o quarterly-meeting_n of_o man_n and_o also_o of_o woman_n distinct_a from_o man_n not_o own_v by_o we_o to_o be_v establish_v as_o a_o part_n of_o christ_n government_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 8_o to_o 14._o womens-meeting_n distinct_a from_o man_n how_o they_o come_v to_o be_v hold_v and_o for_o what_o end_n 1_o st_o part_n p._n 63_o to_o 67._o the_o general-meeting_a have_v usual_o consist_v of_o uncertain_a number_n of_o uncertain_a qualify_v person_n 1_o st_o
spirit_n neither_o do_v we_o dare_v to_o give_v any_o other_o than_o plain_a language_n to_o any_o single_a person_n not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o propriety_n of_o speech_n but_o because_o we_o be_v sensible_a that_o there_o be_v a_o will_n in_o man_n which_o be_v ready_a to_o hold_v the_o faith_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n with_o respect_n of_o person_n and_o that_o this_o will_n be_v to_o be_v cross_v that_o so_o a_o spirit_n of_o pride_n and_o partiality_n may_v not_o be_v nourish_v in_o any_o and_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n that_o we_o have_v be_v lead_v into_o the_o use_n of_o plain_a language_n and_o plain_a habit_n have_v we_o also_o be_v lead_v not_o to_o use_v the_o word_n master_n unless_o unto_o such_o as_o be_v real_o master_n and_o unto_o who_o as_o master_n obedience_n be_v or_o be_v due_a from_o such_o as_o have_v or_o may_v use_v that_o title_n though_o some_o may_v have_v ignorant_o think_v that_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n unto_o his_o disciple_n viz._n neither_o be_v you_o call_v master_n be_v our_o only_a ground_n obj._n do_v you_o place_n religion_n in_o thou_o and_o thou_o and_o not_o put_v off_o your_o hat_n and_o call_v man_n by_o their_o proper_a name_n without_o adjoin_v the_o word_n master_n and_o go_v plain_o in_o your_o apparel_n than_o some_o other_o may_n ans_fw-fr to_o this_o we_o answer_v we_o place_v religion_n in_o keep_v our_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o if_o thy_o conscience_n be_v convince_v by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o word_n thou_o or_o thou_o to_o a_o single_a person_n be_v not_o only_o more_o proper_a than_o you_o but_o that_o which_o on_o the_o aforesaid_a consideration_n thou_o ought_v to_o use_v and_o that_o thou_o ought_v not_o to_o use_v the_o word_n master_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o world_n unto_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v not_o thy_o master_n than_o it_o become_v thou_o to_o bridle_v thy_o tongue_n and_o express_v thyself_o according_a to_o such_o a_o conviction_n else_o thou_o may_v only_o seem_v to_o be_v religious_a when_o thy_o religion_n be_v vain_a and_o so_o likewise_o may_v we_o say_v that_o if_o thou_o have_v the_o like_a conviction_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o put_v off_o thy_o nat_n and_o go_v in_o plain_a apparel_n thou_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v lest_o the_o contrary_n become_v sin_n unto_o thou_o since_o thou_o can_v not_o pretend_v after_o such_o a_o conviction_n that_o freedom_n therein_o which_o may_v stand_v with_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n obj._n we_o have_v observe_v that_o your_o friend_n have_v in_o many_o particular_a respect_n behave_v themselves_o so_o cross_a unto_o the_o custom_n and_o fashion_n of_o all_o other_o as_o that_o they_o have_v appear_v not_o only_o rude_a but_o as_o if_o their_o ignorance_n be_v so_o great_a as_o to_o conclude_v that_o the_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n do_v consist_v in_o act_v a_o cross_n unto_o all_o other_o society_n of_o people_n whatsoever_o to_o this_o we_o answer_v if_o any_o have_v give_v just_a occasion_n for_o this_o objection_n it_o be_v to_o be_v lament_v because_o the_o great_a sign_n of_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n be_v to_o deny_v self_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o 16.24_o mat_n 16.24_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o beside_o we_o do_v testify_v the_o principle_n of_o truth_n lead_v none_o to_o be_v rude_a either_o in_o word_n or_o action_n nor_o yet_o to_o cross_v the_o custom_n and_o fashion_n of_o other_o society_n which_o in_o themselves_o be_v comely_a decent_a and_o of_o good_a report_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o cross_n be_v to_o they_o that_o perish_v 1.18_o 1_o cor._n 1.18_o foolishness_n but_o unto_o we_o which_o be_v save_v it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n a_o earthly-spirited_n man_n may_v become_v singular_a and_o cross_v unto_o all_o other_o and_o yet_o not_o deny_v himself_o through_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n may_v therein_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n another_o man_n may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n and_o yet_o not_o lead_v by_o his_o spirit_n to_o act_v cross_a unto_o all_o other_o though_o through_o the_o denial_n of_o self_n he_o may_v be_v true_o exercise_v in_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n and_o therein_o act_v many_o thing_n which_o some_o through_o envy_n or_o want_v of_o right_a understanding_n may_v term_v the_o fruit_n of_o rudeness_n and_o ignorance_n when_o not_o so_o in_o itself_o to_o conclude_v therefore_o we_o say_v it_o be_v good_a for_o every_o one_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o mind_n the_o inward_a divine_a and_o spiritual_a teacher_n that_o so_o none_o may_v run_v before_o that_o guide_n and_o then_o doubtless_o such_o will_v be_v lead_v to_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n in_o denial_n of_o self_n and_o not_o be_v active_a in_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v just_o be_v term_v rude_a or_o ignorant_a but_o in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v comely_a decent_a and_o of_o good_a report_n chp._n vii_o touch_v swear_v those_o unto_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v a_o divine_a understanding_n have_v declare_v that_o under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o truth_n to_o swear_v in_o any_o case_n whatsoever_o this_o position_n be_v justifiable_a according_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n and_o be_v not_o disagreeable_a to_o the_o light_n within_o matth._n 5.33_o 34_o 35_o 36_o 37._o it_o be_v thus_o say_v by_o christ_n again_o you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o have_v be_v say_v by_o they_o of_o old_a time_n thou_o shall_v not_o forswear_v thyself_o but_o shall_v perform_v unto_o the_o lord_n thy_o oath_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o swear_v not_o at_o all_o neither_o by_o heaven_n for_o it_o be_v god_n throne_n nor_o by_o the_o earth_n for_o it_o be_v his_o footstool_n neither_o by_o jerusalem_n for_o it_o be_v the_o city_n of_o the_o great_a king_n neither_o shall_v thou_o swear_v by_o thy_o head_n because_o thou_o cause_v not_o make_v one_o hair_n white_a or_o black_a but_o let_v your_o communication_n be_v yea_o yea_o nay_o nay_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v more_o than_o these_o come_v of_o evil_a these_o word_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o themselves_o a_o positive_a prohibition_n not_o only_o of_o vain_a oath_n but_o of_o all_o other_o whatsoever_o which_o be_v account_v lawful_a and_o though_o some_o have_v object_v that_o vain_a oath_n be_v only_o forbid_v by_o christ_n 6.16_o heb._n 6.16_o because_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n thus_o write_v for_o man_n very_o swear_v by_o the_o great_a and_o a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n be_v to_o they_o a_o end_v of_o all_o strife_n thence_o infer_v that_o under_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n oath_n by_o way_n of_o testimony_n for_o end_v of_o controversy_n be_v lawful_a yet_o these_o word_n will_v not_o bear_v any_o such_o inserence_n for_o the_o word_n in_o themselves_o do_v only_o signify_v what_o be_v practise_v by_o man_n but_o nothing_o be_v say_v in_o justification_n of_o that_o practice_n and_o if_o we_o peruse_v the_o 13_o and_o 17_o verse_n of_o the_o same_o chapter_n it_o will_v thence_o appear_v that_o the_o occasion_n whereon_o these_o word_n be_v write_v be_v by_o way_n of_o illustration_n or_o comparison_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o promise_n which_o god_n make_v unto_o abraham_n and_o confirm_v by_o a_o oath_n moreover_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o christ_n intend_v the_o prohibition_n of_o something_o which_o be_v lawful_a which_o can_v not_o be_v if_o nothing_o be_v prohibit_v save_o vain_a oath_n because_o such_o the_o law_n allow_v not_o obj._n on_o this_o subject_a some_o may_v ready_o thus_o object_n do_v you_o believe_v that_o the_o light_n within_o will_v have_v direct_v you_o to_o have_v deny_v the_o take_n of_o a_o oath_n before_o a_o magistrate_n on_o any_o occasion_n whatsoever_o have_v the_o scripture_n be_v silent_a in_o this_o case_n ans_fw-fr the_o matter_n of_o swear_v especial_o the_o form_n thereof_o as_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o people_n of_o england_n be_v but_o a_o humane_a political_a institution_n not_o justifiable_a by_o any_o testimony_n give_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n either_o under_o the_o first_o or_o second_o covenant_n and_o introduce_v on_o this_o score_n as_o suppose_v a_o great_a dread_n may_v lie_v on_o the_o conscience_n of_o mankind_n to_o speak_v the_o truth_n and_o perform_v a_o covenant_n when_o swear_v so_o to_o do_v than_z when_o not_o but_o those_o who_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n do_v know_v
that_o by_o this_o light_n which_o speak_v condemnation_n and_o judgement_n unto_o all_o false_a witness_n and_o covenant-breaker_n when_o in_o truth_n they_o have_v covenant_v their_o conscience_n be_v bind_v to_o speak_v the_o truth_n and_o to_o keep_v their_o covenant_n beyond_o what_o be_v possible_a by_o thousand_o of_o oath_n and_o therefore_o from_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o they_o have_v a_o testimony_n against_o such_o formal_a proceed_n whereby_o the_o credit_n of_o their_o yea_o and_o nay_o seem_v to_o be_v call_v in_o question_n have_v this_o sense_n that_o oath_n be_v original_o introduce_v not_o to_o be_v a_o bond_n on_o the_o child_n of_o light_n who_o be_v restore_v out_o of_o the_o fall_n do_v keep_v their_o place_n and_o habitation_n in_o the_o unchangeable_a truth_n and_o light_n of_o righteousness_n but_o rather_o for_o those_o who_o be_v defile_v have_v or_o may_v make_v shipwreck_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o seem_v clear_o agree_v with_o the_o testimony_n of_o chrisostome_n juramentum_fw-la intravit_fw-la cum_fw-la malum_fw-la accresceret_fw-la cum_fw-la homines_fw-la fraud_n svas_fw-la exercerent_fw-la cum_fw-la omne_fw-la fundamenta_fw-la aversa_fw-la essent_fw-la juramentum_fw-la originem_fw-la svam_fw-la accepit_fw-la ex_fw-la defectu_fw-la veritatis_fw-la a_o oath_n enter_v when_o evil_a increase_v when_o man_n utter_v their_o deceit_n when_o all_o foundation_n be_v overturn_v a_o oath_n take_v its_o beginning_n from_o the_o fail_v of_o truth_n and_o though_o it_o be_v clear_o manifest_v that_o a_o denial_n to_o swear_v in_o any_o case_n be_v agreeable_a unto_o the_o manifestation_n of_o christ_n light_n within_o as_o other_o truth_n hold_v forth_o be_v yet_o i_o can_v but_o testify_v that_o those_o who_o understanding_n have_v be_v so_o enlighten_v have_v always_o have_v a_o regard_n unto_o every_o instrument_n through_o which_o the_o conscience_n have_v be_v awaken_v to_o close_o with_o that_o appearance_n in_o themselves_o and_o doubtless_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n have_v be_v in_o this_o case_n so_o instrumental_a unto_o many_o as_o that_o a_o diligent_a enquiry_n at_o god_n witness_n or_o light_n within_o have_v through_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n be_v make_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o so_o the_o answer_n from_o christ_n light_n in_o the_o conscience_n have_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o express_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v so_o strict_o lay_v down_o as_o that_o no_o room_n be_v leave_v for_o the_o least_o objection_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o these_o very_a word_n swear_v not_o at_o all_o which_o doctrine_n by_o the_o apostle_n james_n be_v thus_o testify_v unto_o but_o above_o all_o thing_n my_o brethren_n swear_v not_o neither_o by_o heaven_n neither_o by_o the_o earth_n neither_o by_o any_o other_o oath_n 5.12_o jam._n 5.12_o but_o let_v your_o yea_o be_v yea_o and_o your_o nay_o nay_o lest_o you_o fall_v into_o condemnation_n chap._n viii_o touch_v tithe_n the_o payment_n of_o tithe_n as_o a_o maintenance_n to_o that_o priesthood_n which_o we_o be_v lead_v to_o testify_v against_o at_o our_o first_o convincement_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v general_o deny_v as_o that_o which_o in_o truth_n can_v not_o be_v own_v though_o the_o claimer_n thereof_o have_v pretend_v thereto_o sometime_o by_o divine_a right_n and_o sometime_o by_o humane_a institution_n and_o sometime_o by_o both_o as_o to_o a_o claim_n by_o divine_a right_n though_o they_o be_v so_o due_a under_o the_o first_o covenant_n yet_o that_o can_v be_v convince_o urge_v from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n under_o a_o gospel-dispensation_n for_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n thus_o inform_v we_o they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o son_n of_o levi_n who_o receive_v the_o office_n of_o the_o priesthood_n have_v a_o commandment_n to_o take_v tithe_n of_o the_o people_n according_a to_o the_o law_n heb._n 7.5_o but_o verse_n 12._o he_o thus_o say_v the_o priesthood_n be_v change_v there_o be_v make_v of_o necessity_n a_o change_n also_o of_o the_o law_n and_o verse_n the_o 18_o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n he_o thus_o say_v there_o be_v very_o a_o disannul_n of_o the_o commandment_n go_v before_o which_o clear_o evidence_n that_o since_o the_o law_n be_v change_v and_o the_o commandment_n disannul_v by_o which_o tithe_n be_v pay_v the_o payment_n thereof_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o law_n cease_v and_o so_o all_o claim_n thereto_o by_o divine_a right_n since_o no_o gospel-institution_n can_v be_v quote_v cease_v also_o moreover_o we_o find_v that_o tertullian_n who_o live_v about_o two_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n do_v thus_o write_v 1_o apologetic_n cap._n 39_o neque_fw-la pretio_fw-la ulla_fw-la res_fw-la dei_fw-la constat_fw-la etiam_fw-la siquod_fw-la arcae_fw-la genus_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-fr de_fw-fr oneraria_fw-it summâ_fw-la quasi_fw-la redemptae_fw-la religionis_fw-la congregatur_fw-la modicum_fw-la unusquisque_fw-la stipem_fw-la menstruâ_fw-la die_fw-la vel_fw-la cum_fw-la velit_fw-la &_o si_fw-la modo_fw-la velit_fw-la &_o si_fw-la modo_fw-la possit_fw-la opponit_fw-la nam_fw-la nemo_fw-la compellitur_fw-la sed_fw-la sponte_fw-la confert_fw-la haec_fw-la quasi_fw-la deposita_fw-la pietatis_fw-la sunt_fw-la that_o be_v neither_o be_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n purchase_v with_o a_o price_n also_o if_o there_o be_v any_o kind_n of_o treasury_n it_o be_v not_o gather_v by_o a_o collection_n that_o be_v chargeable_a or_o that_o may_v be_v impose_v as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o price_n of_o a_o ransom_v religion_n every_o one_o lay_v by_o a_o moderate_a stipend_n monthly_o or_o when_o he_o will_v and_o if_o so_o be_v it_o please_v he_o and_o if_o so_o be_v he_o can_v for_o no_o body_n be_v compel_v but_o bestow_v of_o his_o own_o accord_n these_o be_v as_o it_o be_v thing_n commit_v in_o trust_n for_o pious_a use_v selden_n that_o great_a antiquary_n of_o his_o time_n also_o inform_v we_o in_o these_o word_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n further_o to_o justify_v what_o i_o affirm_v take_v this_o of_o epiphanius_n bishop_n of_o constance_n in_o cyprus_n that_o about_o the_o year_n ccclxxx_o write_v against_o the_o heresy_n of_o the_o primitive_a time_n when_o he_o tell_v we_o of_o the_o tessaresdecatitae_fw-la or_o those_o which_o think_v the_o holy_a easter_n must_v be_v keep_v on_o the_o fourteen_o moon_n according_a to_o the_o law_n give_v to_o the_o jew_n for_o their_o passcover_v and_o that_o because_o they_o apprehend_v that_o the_o keep_v it_o otherwise_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n he_o say_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v they_o do_v all_o thing_n or_o agree_v general_o with_o the_o church_n save_v that_o they_o be_v too_o much_o herein_o addict_v to_o the_o jewish_a custom_n and_o in_o his_o argument_n against_o they_o he_o show_v that_o the_o curse_n have_v not_o reference_n only_o to_o the_o passeover_n but_o also_o to_o circumcision_n to_o tithe_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o offering_n wherefore_o as_o he_o go_v on_o if_o they_o escape_v one_o curse_n by_o keep_v their_o easter_n according_a to_o their_o law_n of_o the_o passeover_n they_o thrust_v they_o into_o many_o other_o for_o say_v he_o they_o shall_v find_v they_o also_o curse_v that_o be_v not_o circumcise_a and_o they_o curse_a that_o pay_n not_o tithe_n and_o they_o curse_a that_o offer_n not_o at_o jerusalem_n let_v any_o man_n now_o consider_v if_o this_o bishop_n that_o be_v least_o unacquainted_a with_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n understand_v not_o clear_o that_o no_o necessity_n or_o know_a use_n of_o payment_n be_v among_o christian_n in_o that_o time_n of_o tithe_n no_o more_o than_o of_o circumcision_n or_o offer_v at_o jerusalem_n do_v he_o not_o plain_o reckon_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n not_o only_o not_o in_o christian_a use_n but_o even_o equal_v it_o with_o what_o be_v certain_o abrogate_a be_v not_o his_o objection_n short_o thus_o why_o do_v you_o not_o observe_v circumcision_n and_o tything_n and_o offering_n also_o at_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v all_o subject_n to_o the_o like_a curse_n and_o because_o some_o kind_n of_o offering_n indeed_o be_v in_o use_n among_o christian_n therefore_o in_o the_o objection_n he_o provident_o tie_v they_o to_o jerusalem_n but_o of_o tything_n he_o speak_v as_o general_a as_o of_o circumcision_n observe_v his_o own_o context_n which_o i_o here_o give_v that_o the_o able_a reader_n be_v judgement_n may_v be_v free_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v so_o that_o if_o they_o avoid_v one_o curse_n they_o shall_v fall_v under_o many_o other_o for_o such_o shall_v be_v also_o find_v accurse_a as_o be_v uncircumcised_a such_o accurse_a as_o tithe_n not_o and_o they_o be_v also_o accurse_v in_o the_o old_a law_n that_o offer_v not_o at_o jerusalem_n i_o now_o come_v to_o examine_v whether_o a_o claim_n by_o humane_a institution_n be_v warrantable_a as_o a_o reward_n to_o a_o gospel-minister_n to_o run_v through_o the_o many_o institution_n