lord_n love_n and_o goodness_n at_o that_o time_n when_o i_o write_v that_o book_n which_o be_v a_o time_n of_o great_a suffer_v unto_o i_o be_v strait_o confine_v in_o prison_n where_o i_o meet_v with_o divers_a hardship_n and_o severity_n from_o man_n all_o which_o the_o lord_n turn_v to_o my_o spiritual_a advantage_n and_o the_o spiritual_a comfort_n and_o refreshment_n where_o withal_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o visit_v my_o soul_n be_v exceed_o precious_a unto_o i_o as_o they_o be_v at_o this_o day_n feel_v at_o this_o present_a time_n these_o of_o the_o same_o kind_a and_o nature_n by_o the_o good_a spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n continue_a and_o renew_v unto_o i_o notwithstanding_o of_o the_o unjust_a and_o uncharitable_a judgement_n of_o my_o late_a adversary_n against_o i_o as_o if_o i_o be_v become_v a_o dry_a tree_n yet_o my_o soul_n be_v alive_a to_o praise_n god_n who_o have_v preserve_v i_o to_o this_o instant_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o many_o great_a and_o deep_a exercise_n and_o trial_n both_o inward_a and_o outward_a one_o of_o the_o great_a of_o which_o have_v be_v and_o be_v the_o envy_n and_o rage_n of_o such_o who_o have_v rise_v up_o in_o great_a enmity_n against_o i_o for_o my_o tell_v they_o the_o truth_n and_o my_o faithful_a oppose_v the_o error_n and_o evil_n that_o i_o have_v find_v among_o they_o and_o my_o trust_n and_o faith_n be_v in_o god_n through_o christ_n jesus_n that_o he_o will_v preserve_v i_o to_o the_o end_n and_o disappoint_v and_o frustrate_v all_o their_o false_a prophecy_n bitter_a curse_n and_o lie_v divination_n they_o have_v pour_v out_o against_o i_o and_o continue_v to_o utter_v both_o in_o print_n and_o private_a letter_n they_o send_v to_o i_o for_o which_o i_o desire_v and_o pray_v sincere_o unto_o god_n that_o he_o may_v give_v they_o repentance_n and_o forgiveness_n and_o be_v sensible_a and_o true_o convince_v that_o i_o have_v too_o far_o exceed_v in_o the_o thought_n of_o my_o spiritual_a attainment_n not_o only_o then_o but_o since_o therefore_o whatever_o passage_n be_v to_o be_v find_v either_o in_o this_o first_o book_n or_o any_o other_o of_o my_o late_a book_n that_o be_v justy_a offensive_a on_o the_o account_n of_o my_o go_v beyond_o the_o due_a bound_n of_o my_o real_a growth_n and_o spiritual_a and_o inward_a state_n in_o the_o truth_n or_o of_o think_v of_o my_o inward_a attainment_n and_o call_n service_n labour_n and_o testimony_n beyond_o what_o i_o ought_v to_o have_v think_v or_o wherein_o either_o in_o this_o or_o any_o other_o of_o my_o book_n i_o have_v seem_v to_o myself_o or_o profess_v to_o other_o to_o have_v be_v act_v by_o a_o pure_o divine_a impulse_n and_o motion_n to_o speak_v and_o write_v i_o do_v free_o and_o most_o willing_o retract_v and_o revoke_v it_o so_o far_o as_o any_o thing_n of_o the_o least_o mixture_n of_o mistake_n or_o untruth_n be_v to_o be_v find_v therein_o as_o i_o confess_v i_o have_v find_v some_o mixture_n in_o this_o book_n and_o in_o other_o my_o book_n and_o as_o in_o other_o thing_n i_o acknowledge_v my_o mistake_v as_o to_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n in_o general_a so_o in_o this_o that_o be_v the_o general_a mistake_n among_o we_o that_o their_o chief_a leader_n lead_v we_o general_o into_o that_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n be_v the_o church_n come_v out_o of_o the_o wilderness_n but_o for_o divers_a year_n past_a i_o have_v see_v my_o mistake_v as_o to_o this_o and_o the_o great_a defect_n disorder_n confusion_n and_o imperfection_n i_o have_v find_v among_o they_o and_o especial_o the_o ignorance_n and_o great_a want_n of_o dne_fw-mi qualification_n in_o the_o generality_n of_o their_o ministry_n have_v give_v just_a ground_n to_o judge_v far_o otherwise_o concern_v they_o but_o yet_o i_o do_v affirm_v that_o i_o have_v find_v divers_a that_o go_v under_o that_o name_n that_o have_v to_o my_o understanding_n and_o apprehension_n make_v a_o good_a progress_n in_o spiritual_a experience_n and_o other_o spiritual_a attainment_n of_o knowledge_n and_o virtue_n and_o i_o do_v still_o continue_v in_o my_o real_a persuasion_n and_o belief_n that_o there_o be_v a_o good_a work_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o many_o of_o that_o people_n and_o his_o mighty_a power_n do_v stir_v and_o operate_v in_o they_o as_o i_o hope_v it_o do_v in_o some_o continue_v to_o do_v unto_o this_o day_n but_o great_o have_v the_o power_n of_o darkness_n and_o error_n prevail_v with_o many_o especial_o their_o leader_n in_o great_a part_n to_o mislead_v they_o and_o presumption_n and_o pride_n earthly_a lust_n and_o uncharitableness_n in_o so_o high_o condemn_v other_o be_v sin_n that_o do_v and_o do_v great_o prevail_v among_o they_o and_o have_v bring_v a_o great_a cloud_n of_o darkness_n over_o many_o of_o they_o which_o i_o pray_v god_n to_o remove_v and_o cause_v his_o bless_a light_n to_o shine_v forth_o more_o among_o they_o and_o all_o other_o and_o that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o knit_v and_o unite_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o that_o sincere_o love_v the_o lord_n to_o love_v one_o another_o and_o make_v they_o of_o one_o heart_n and_o soul_n that_o they_o may_v worship_v the_o lord_n together_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n that_o as_o the_o lord_n be_v one_o all_o his_o people_n may_v be_v one_o which_o can_v otherwise_o be_v effect_v but_o by_o the_o more_o powerful_a come_v and_o appearance_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n into_o their_o heart_n and_o inward_a part_n to_o prepare_v they_o for_o his_o last_o come_n in_o glory_n without_o they_o to_o receive_v they_o to_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n even_o so_o come_v lord_n jesus_n come_v quick_o amen_o but_o notwithstanding_o of_o the_o particular_a passage_n in_o that_o book_n which_o i_o have_v retract_v i_o adhere_v to_o my_o testimony_n i_o have_v give_v in_o the_o same_o as_o in_o all_o my_o other_o book_n as_o to_o matter_n and_o substance_n of_o many_o weighty_a thing_n there_o deliver_v and_o the_o good_a advice_n i_o give_v to_o my_o countryman_n in_o that_o book_n i_o wish_v hearty_o they_o will_v due_o regard_v pag._n 63._o and_o this_o prophet_n jesus_n christ_n be_v nigh_o unto_o we_o yea_o more_o nigh_o than_o all_o the_o man_n or_o book_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o a_o little_a after_o and_o the_o bride_n rejoice_v great_o because_o of_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n himself_o and_o now_o we_o need_v not-say_a who_o will_v go_v down_o into_o the_o grave_a and_o bring_v up_o christ_n to_o we_o or_o who_o will_v ascend_v to_o heaven_n to_o bring_v he_o down_o to_o we_o or_o who_o will_v go_v over_o the_o sea_n and_o bring_v we_o tiding_n of_o he_o from_o jerusalem_n when_o he_o suffer_v in_o the_o flesh_n he_o who_o name_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o of_o a_o truth_n witness_v near_o we_o even_o in_o our_o heart_n so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o either_o ascend_v or_o descend_v or_o go_v fouth_z etc._n etc._n here_o note_v that_o this_o abovementioned_a passage_n be_v bring_v by_o t._n ellwood_n in_o one_o of_o his_o late_a print_a book_n against_o i_o to_o parallel_v that_o antichristian_a doctrine_n of_o g._n whitehead_n who_o say_v in_o his_o truth_n defend_v answer_v to_o w._n burnet_n the_o quaker_n see_v no_o need_n of_o direct_v to_o pag._n 110_o 111._o the_o type_n for_o the_o antitype_n viz._n neither_o to_o the_o outward_a temple_n nor_o yet_o to_o jerusalem_n either_o to_o jesus_n christ_n or_o his_o blood_n know_v that_o neither_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n nor_o the_o word_n of_o it_o do_v so_o direct_a rom._n 10._o and_o a_o little_a after_o he_o say_v and_o where_o do_v the_o scripture_n say_v the_o blood_n be_v there_o shed_v for_o justification_n and_o that_o man_n must_v be_v direct_v to_o jerusalem_n to_o it_o light_a and_o life_n pag._n 59_o 60._o but_o who_o see_v not_o that_o my_o word_n have_v no_o such_o tendency_n as_o he_o but_o be_v of_o quite_o another_o importance_n as_o intimate_v that_o after_o we_o be_v bring_v to_o know_v god_n and_o christ_n by_o the_o inward_a teach_v of_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o our_o heart_n that_o persuade_v we_o that_o christ_n suffer_v in_o the_o flesh_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o move_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o outward_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n concern_v christ_n death_n and_o suffering_n we_o need_v not_o say_v who_o will_v go_v over_o the_o sea_n and_o bring_v we_o tiding_n of_o he_o from_o jerusalem_n where_o he_o suffer_v in_o the_o flesh_n for_o all_o sincere_a christian_n be_v well_o satisfy_v with_o the_o faith_n they_o have_v already_o of_o christ_n by_o the_o inward_a testimony_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o their_o heart_n that_o the_o scripture-record_n of_o he_o be_v ture_n so_o
of_o the_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a refreshment_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o saint_n as_o when_o they_o be_v call_v bread_n wine_n milk_n honey_n marrow_n and_o fatness_n and_o a_o feast_n of_o fat_a thing_n but_o this_o allegorical_a and_o figurative_a sense_n of_o christ_n flesh_n and_o blood_n ought_v not_o to_o divert_v our_o mind_n not_o take_v off_o our_o faith_n from_o christ_n flesh_n without_o we_o that_o he_o give_v to_o be_v break_v for_o we_o nor_o from_o his_o blood_n that_o he_o give_v to_o be_v shed_v for_o we_o without_o we_o for_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n nor_o be_v it_o ever_o so_o intend_v by_o i_o now_o that_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n as_o he_o give_v his_o body_n of_o flesh_n outward_o to_o be_v break_v for_o we_o and_o his_o blood_n outward_o to_o be_v shed_v for_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n be_v the_o eat_v of_o his_o flesh_n and_o drink_v of_o his_o blood_n as_o well_o as_o the_o inward_a enjoyment_n of_o his_o life_n in_o we_o be_v clear_a from_o john_n 6._o 29_o 35_o 40_o 47_o 48._o according_a to_o which_o augustin_n say_v concern_v eat_v christ_n flesh_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n quid_fw-la paras_fw-la dentem_fw-la &_o ventrem_fw-la crede_fw-la &_o manducasti_fw-la i._n e._n why_o prepare_v thou_o tooth_n and_o belly_n believe_v and_o thou_o have_v eat_v christ_n flesh_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n v._o pag._n 36._o for_o we_o do_v free_o acknowledge_v that_o such_o be_v our_o state_n and_o condition_n as_o we_o be_v capable_a to_o run_v out_o and_o both_o think_v speak_v write_v and_o do_v thing_n that_o be_v not_o only_o not_o infallible_a but_o may_v be_v wrong_a and_o false_a and_o pag._n 37._o so_o that_o this_o infallibility_n as_o it_o relate_v unto_o the_o seed_n birth_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v absolute_a but_o as_o it_o relate_v to_o we_o be_v limit_v and_o conditional_a and_o be_v rather_o a_o possibility_n of_o not_o be_v deceive_v than_o a_o impossibility_n of_o be_v deceive_v here_o note_v see_v i_o have_v plain_o acknowledge_v that_o not_o only_o i_o but_o we_o to_o wit_n any_o of_o we_o all_o may_v err_v why_o shall_v i_o or_o any_o of_o we_o be_v ashamed_a or_o unwilling_a to_o own_o and_o correct_v any_o unsound_a or_o unjustifiable_a word_n that_o may_v have_v drop_v from_o our_o mouth_n or_o pen_n by_o humane_a weakness_n or_o inadvertency_n or_o why_o shall_v any_o be_v upbraid_v and_o revile_v as_o apostate_n and_o changeling_n for_o so_o do_v also_o note_v that_o the_o calumny_n of_o such_o be_v sufficient_o repel_v who_o have_v false_o charge_v i_o as_o hold_v myself_o or_o other_o of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n to_o be_v infallible_a which_o i_o never_o do_v though_o i_o praise_v god_n i_o be_o no_o sceptic_a in_o religion_n but_o do_v believe_v that_o both_o all_o sincere_a christian_n and_o i_o have_v a_o infallible_a faith_n and_o persuasion_n touch_v the_o fundamental_a and_o essential_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n yet_o in_o other_o thing_n of_o a_o inferior_a nature_n i_o grant_v i_o not_o only_o may_v have_v err_v but_o that_o i_o have_v err_v and_o i_o desire_v to_o bless_v god_n that_o have_v give_v i_o a_o heart_n willing_a both_o to_o see_v and_o acknowledge_v my_o error_n and_o to_o retract_v and_o amend_v they_o vi_o pag._n 54._o and_o though_o i_o cite_v scripture_n and_o make_v use_n of_o they_o in_o argue_v this_o point_n yet_o i_o can_v true_o say_v i_o have_v not_o my_o knowledge_n from_o they_o here_o note_v i_o say_v from_o they_o as_o be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n but_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v that_o i_o have_v my_o knowledge_n by_o they_o instrumental_o to_o wit_v the_o doctrinal_a knowledge_n and_o faith_n i_o have_v of_o the_o gospel_n truth_n and_o principle_n of_o christianity_n for_o that_o be_v abundant_o acknowledge_v in_o many_o place_n of_o my_o book_n of_o immediate_a revelation_n as_o i_o have_v above_o mention_v therefore_o what_o i_o then_o hold_v i_o still_o hold_v that_o i_o do_v own_o and_o acknowledge_v the_o doctrinal_a knowledge_n and_o faith_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n principal_o to_o the_o spirit_n inward_a teach_n and_o to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o other_o outward_a mean_n of_o instruction_n instrumental_o vii_o pag._n 57_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o who_o speak_v to_o they_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n face_n to_o face_n do_v his_o word_n reveal_v he_o or_o his_o father_n unto_o they_o etc._n etc._n here_o note_v i_o show_v how_o there_o be_v need_n of_o internal_a revelation_n to_o give_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o come_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o therefore_o it_o appear_v i_o do_v then_o believe_v as_o well_o as_o now_o i_o do_v believe_v that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o come_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v needful_a to_o salvation_n even_o to_o all_o man_n salvation_n who_o ever_o shall_v be_v save_v either_o express_a or_o implicit_a else_o why_o shall_v i_o plead_v that_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v reveal_v by_o the_o spirit_n viii_o pag._n 60._o see_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n after_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o sufficient_a not_o to_o be_v rest_v in_o but_o they_o be_v to_o look_v for_o a_o better_a etc._n etc._n here_o note_v that_o as_o it_o will_v appear_v from_o the_o forego_n and_o follow_v word_n in_o that_o book_n by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n after_o the_o flesh_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o as_o he_o come_v in_o the_o flesh_n but_o that_o knowledge_n that_o the_o disciple_n and_o apostle_n have_v of_o he_o by_o their_o outward_a sight_n and_o hear_n of_o he_o or_o by_o what_o they_o can_v know_v of_o he_o by_o the_o mere_a act_n of_o the_o mind_n without_o internal_a divine_a illumination_n but_o the_o true_a save_a knowledge_n of_o he_o be_v a_o spiritual_a knowledge_n of_o he_o as_o he_o come_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o die_v for_o we_o so_o as_o by_o the_o inward_a revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o mystery_n of_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n be_v open_v to_o we_o and_o the_o end_n and_o intent_n thereof_o with_o the_o great_a blessing_n and_o benefit_n we_o receive_v by_o he_o ix_o pag._n 63._o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o word_n the_o best_a of_o scripture_n word_n here_o note_v that_o whereas_o i_o say_v the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o word_n even_o the_o best_a of_o scripture_n word_n it_o appear_v sufficient_o from_o what_o i_o have_v at_o large_a discourse_v on_o that_o head_n in_o that_o book_n of_o immediate_a revelation_n from_o pag._n 55._o to_o 71._o my_o sense_n be_v that_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o principal_o and_o chief_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o the_o principal_a thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o i_o express_o mention_v pag._n 69._o and_o i_o call_v the_o light_n of_o christ_n shine_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a the_o principal_a thing_n that_o give_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n which_o if_o man_n mind_n be_v come_v to_o and_o beget_v into_o it_o their_o read_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o other_o exercise_n in_o the_o leading_n of_o this_o will_v be_v useful_a and_o serviceable_a in_o their_o place_n but_o as_o the_o scripture_n word_n without_o the_o inward_a life_n spirit_n light_n and_o grace_n be_v not_o the_o gospel_n so_o nor_o be_v the_o spirit_n and_o light_n bare_o and_o abstract_o consider_v without_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n the_o gospel_n in_o the_o full_a and_o adequate_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n gospel_n which_o signify_v glad_a tiding_n and_o can_v be_v conceive_v without_o some_o form_n of_o word_n and_o proposition_n that_o consist_v of_o word_n inward_o conceive_v and_o can_v be_v outward_o preach_v without_o some_o form_n of_o word_n outward_o express_v and_o certain_o when_o paul_n say_v rom._n 1._o 16._o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v he_o do_v not_o think_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o form_n of_o word_n without_o the_o power_n of_o god_n inward_o reveal_v for_o he_o say_v to_o the_o thessalonian_n 1_o thes_n 1._o 5._o for_o our_o gospel_n come_v not_o only_o unto_o you_o in_o word_n only_o but_o in_o power_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o in_o much_o assurance_n and_o 1_o cor._n 4._o 20._o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o word_n but_o in_o power_n and_o that_o by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v sometime_o understand_v in_o scripture_n the_o gospel_n be_v clear_a from_o math._n 13._o mark_v 4._o luk._n 8._o treat_v of_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a and_o be_v general_o acknowledge_v by_o christian_a writer_n but_o when_o man_n common_o call_v the_o word_n of_o
call_v mary_n real_o and_o true_o according_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o his_o birth_n thus_o after_o the_o flesh_n as_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o virgin_n at_o bethlem_n in_o judea_n i_o do_v always_o believe_v as_o i_o do_v at_o present_a so_o believe_v be_v real_o intend_v and_o foretell_v in_o these_o word_n gen._n 3._o 15._o and_o as_o mary_n be_v the_o immediate_a mother_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n so_o evah_n who_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o all_o man_n be_v his_o mother_n remote_o but_o the_o allegorical_a sense_n of_o christ_n birth_n or_o formation_n in_o the_o saint_n be_v warrant_v both_o by_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n by_o scripture_n as_o mat_n 12._o 50._o rev._n 12._o 2._o 5._o and_o by_o antiquity_n for_o augustin_n first_o and_o long_o after_o he_o erasmus_n say_v if_o mary_n have_v not_o bear_v christ_n in_o her_o heart_n or_o soul_n he_o can_v not_o have_v be_v her_o saviour_n though_o she_o have_v bear_v he_o in_o her_o flesh_n but_o this_o allegorical_a allusion_n of_o christ_n birth_n in_o the_o saint_n i_o do_v not_o ground_n on_o gen._n 3._o 15._o but_o on_o mat._n 12._o 50._o and_o rev._n 12._o 1_o 5._o and_o how_o and_o in_o what_o sense_n i_o understand_v the_o birth_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o saint_n i_o refer_v to_o the_o four_o paragraph_n of_o this_o section_n xx._n page_n 254._o and_o this_o be_v as_o proper_a a_o death_n as_o when_o a_o man_n die_v for_o when_o a_o man_n die_v his_o soul_n die_v not_o in_o itself_o but_o it_o die_v unto_o that_o fellowship_n it_o have_v with_o the_o body_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o vital_a union_n betwixt_o it_o and_o the_o body_n be_v break_v here_o note_v i_o acknowledge_v this_o passage_n be_v not_o safe_o word_v therefore_o i_o retract_v it_o for_o though_o i_o have_v very_o safe_o assert_v that_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n viz._n the_o principle_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n in_o man_n never_o die_v in_o itself_o but_o only_o as_o to_o man_n when_o they_o commit_v great_a and_o heinous_a sin_n whereby_o they_o be_v say_v to_o quench_v the_o spirit_n and_o crucify_v the_o son_n of_o god_n afresh_o to_o themselves_o after_o they_o have_v know_v a_o divine_a quicken_n yet_o the_o union_n betwixt_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o a_o man_n be_v break_v be_v more_o proper_o a_o death_n the_o other_o i_o take_v to_o be_v understand_v rather_o figurative_o than_o proper_a for_o when_o the_o vital_a union_n betwixt_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v break_v the_o soul_n do_v whole_o cease_v to_o act_v in_o that_o body_n while_o it_o be_v dead_a but_o christ_n cease_v not_o oft_o time_n to_o act_v in_o a_o dead_a soul_n but_o do_v oft_o act_v in_o it_o by_o sharp_a reproof_n and_o conviction_n for_o its_o sin_n and_o also_o by_o new_a and_o fresh_a visitation_n of_o his_o life_n and_o love_n in_o order_n to_o quicken_v and_o renew_v it_o again_o moreover_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o a_o man_n be_v so_o unite_v that_o they_o make_v up_o one_o person_n but_o so_o be_v not_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n unite_v as_o to_o be_v one_o person_n for_o that_o will_v make_v every_o saint_n to_o be_v christ_n the_o union_n betwixt_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o a_o man_n be_v a_o personal_a union_n whereby_o every_o action_n of_o the_o body_n be_v chargeable_a upon_o the_o person_n according_a to_o that_o true_a maxim_n actiones_fw-la sunt_fw-la suppositorum_fw-la i._n e._n action_n be_v of_o person_n as_o what_o the_o hand_n do_v the_o man_n who_o hand_n it_o be_v be_v just_o say_v to_o do_v it_o whether_o good_a or_o evil._n but_o the_o action_n of_o man_n soul_n in_o who_o christ_n be_v be_v not_o chargeable_a upon_o christ_n for_o as_o christ_n be_v no_o wise_a chargeable_a with_o the_o least_o sin_n that_o the_o soul_n act_v so_o when_o the_o soul_n repent_v and_o believe_v &_o c._n that_o be_v not_o christ_n that_o repent_v and_o believe_v in_o that_o soul_n christ_n indeed_o be_v the_o author_n and_o chief_a efficient_a cause_n of_o true_a repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o believer_n but_o he_o be_v not_o the_o subject_n of_o reception_n this_o excellent_a union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o true_a believer_n be_v compare_v in_o scripture_n to_o that_o union_n betwixt_o the_o head_n and_o the_o body_n the_o vine_n and_o the_o branch_n the_o foundation_n and_o the_o building_n but_o it_o be_v better_a feel_v by_o the_o faithful_a than_o it_o can_v be_v define_v by_o the_o best_a of_o word_n for_o it_o be_v unspeakable_a and_o yet_o be_v incomparable_o short_a of_o that_o union_n that_o be_v betwixt_o the_o godhead_n and_o manhood_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v a_o personal_a union_n so_o that_o the_o man_n christ_n be_v god_n yet_o so_o that_o the_o manhood_n be_v not_o the_o godhead_n and_o the_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o believer_n be_v by_o their_o faith_n in_o he_o and_o love_n to_o he_o by_o which_o faith_n and_o love_n as_o they_o be_v unite_v to_o his_o spirit_n and_o measure_v of_o his_o life_n and_o grace_n in_o they_o so_o thereby_o they_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o man_n christ_n in_o heaven_n and_o to_o that_o fullness_n of_o grace_n that_o dwell_v in_o he_o as_o every_o member_n of_o the_o body_n as_o it_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o life_n in_o that_o member_n so_o it_o be_v to_o the_o head_n and_o to_o the_o life_n that_o be_v in_o the_o head_n and_o as_o all_o the_o member_n in_o the_o natural_a body_n be_v unite_v both_o to_o the_o head_n and_o to_o each_o other_o so_o all_o the_o faithful_a be_v unite_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o one_o another_o the_o reader_n that_o be_v willing_a to_o know_v my_o sense_n further_o as_o to_o these_o weighty_a matter_n abovementioned_a relate_v to_o christ_n birth_n or_o formation_n in_o the_o saint_n and_o their_o union_n with_o he_o may_v read_v if_o they_o please_v my_o appendix_n to_o the_o general_n history_n of_o the_o quaker_n by_o g._n croese_n print_v at_o london_n this_o present_a year_n 1696._o sect_n ii_o containg_n diverse_a explanation_n and_o emendation_n of_o passage_n in_o my_o book_n call_v the_o universal_a free_a grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n assert_v print_v 1671._o title_n pag._n prove_v by_o many_o infallible_a argument_n in_o the_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n here_o note_v that_o i_o have_v the_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n on_o my_o side_n in_o diverse_a of_o the_o argument_n i_o have_v use_v in_o that_o book_n i_o still_o believe_v but_o whereas_o on_o a_o further_a consideration_n and_o more_o mature_a judgement_n i_o find_v diverse_a passage_n in_o that_o book_n that_o need_v correction_n therefore_o i_o acknowledge_v my_o weakness_n and_o rashness_n in_o ascribe_v all_o the_o argument_n in_o that_o book_n and_o my_o whole_a way_n of_o argue_v on_o that_o subject_n to_o the_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o i_o free_o and_o most_o willing_o retract_v that_o clause_n both_o here_o or_o any_o where_o else_o in_o any_o of_o my_o book_n where_o i_o have_v use_v it_o so_o far_o 〈…〉_z have_v ascribe_v any_o say_n or_o passage_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o 〈…〉_z that_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a 〈…〉_z the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n lead_v into_o all_o truth_n and_o into_o 〈◊〉_d but_o truth_n therefore_o whoever_o ascribe_v whether_o i_o or_o any_o man_n else_o any_o untruth_n or_o inpertinency_n or_o undue_a application_n of_o scripture_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n however_o unwitting_o they_o so_o do_v as_o what_o i_o do_v be_v unwitting_o they_o do_v great_o err_v and_o sin_n in_o so_o do_v and_o my_o sin_n and_o error_n herein_o i_o free_o confess_v trust_v in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o that_o and_o all_o my_o other_o sin_n i._o pag._n 4._o that_o god_n by_o a_o eternal_a decree_n have_v whole_o pass_v by_o the_o most_o part_n of_o man_n and_o leave_v they_o in_o darkness_n without_o any_o light_n to_o shine_v in_o their_o darkness_n that_o can_v possible_o at_o any_o time_n lead_v they_o out_o of_o it_o do_v not_o this_o discourage_v people_n here_o note_v that_o it_o be_v this_o which_o i_o main_o oppose_v in_o my_o book_n viz._n the_o decree_n of_o absolute_a reprobation_n make_v salvation_n impossible_a to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n i_o earnest_o plead_v for_o the_o universality_n of_o the_o light_n word_n grace_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n towards_o and_o upon_o all_o in_o a_o day_n of_o visitation_n for_o make_v salvation_n possible_a unto_o they_o compare_v with_o p._n 110._o and_o in_o this_o testimony_n i_o remain_v against_o that_o absurd_a doctrine_n of_o absolute_a
take_v it_o if_o not_o for_o a_o genuine_a and_o proper_a explication_n if_o so_o be_v it_o be_v in_o the_o least_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v my_o plain_a and_o free_a retractation_n for_o what_o i_o can_v fair_o defend_v by_o explication_n i_o be_o free_o willing_a to_o correct_v and_o amend_v by_o retractation_n as_o concern_v the_o late_a abusive_a book_n publish_v in_o print_n against_o i_o as_o well_o as_o the_o former_a by_o t._n e._n and_o j._n p._n and_o other_o contain_v vile_a error_n in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n gross_a perversion_n base_a slander_n trifle_v defence_n in_o their_o own_o and_o other_o vindication_n i_o defer_v my_o large_a answer_n to_o they_o to_o another_o occasion_n which_o i_o hope_v may_v be_v ever_o very_o long_o if_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o afford_v it_o unto_o i_o have_v thus_o far_o proceed_v to_o explain_v amend_v and_o retract_v those_o particular_a passage_n in_o my_o book_n abovementioned_a which_o i_o judge_v my_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v from_o true_a conviction_n and_o out_o of_o real_a love_n to_o truth_n i_o conclude_v with_o my_o make_v a_o general_a retractation_n which_o i_o do_v free_o and_o humble_o of_o all_o passage_n either_o in_o my_o book_n abovementioned_a or_o in_o any_o other_o of_o my_o book_n not_o mention_v in_o this_o treatise_n in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v not_o perfect_o consistent_a with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o divine_a doctrine_n and_o testimony_n deliver_v in_o they_o and_o likewise_o i_o submit_v all_o that_o i_o have_v at_o any_o time_n give_v forth_o in_o word_n write_v or_o print_n by_o way_n of_o doctrine_n in_o religious_a matter_n to_o the_o test_n touchstone_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o great_a the_o best_a and_o most_o authentic_a rule_n and_o standard_n of_o truth_n compare_v with_o all_o testimony_n write_n and_o book_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o renounce_v revoke_v retract_a disow_a and_o deny_v whatever_o be_v contain_v in_o any_o of_o my_o former_a or_o latter_a book_n that_o do_v not_o perfect_o agree_v with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o general_a retractation_n i_o make_v for_o this_o reason_n because_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o divers_a other_o particular_n in_o my_o book_n which_o i_o have_v not_o observe_v may_v need_v correction_n therefore_o until_o i_o see_v other_o particular_n to_o need_v correction_n which_o how_o soon_o i_o see_v i_o be_o ready_a to_o correct_v i_o hope_v this_o general_a retractation_n will_v suffice_v and_o if_o any_o shall_v inform_v i_o or_o show_v i_o either_o by_o word_n or_o writ_n any_o particular_a passage_n in_o any_o of_o my_o book_n that_o may_v need_v further_a correction_n and_o amendment_n they_o be_v enable_v so_o to_o do_v by_o a_o divine_a illumination_n i_o shall_v receive_v so_o most_o kind_o and_o as_o amost_a friendly_a office_n and_o judge_v myself_o great_o oblige_v to_o be_v thankful_a unto_o they_o but_o if_o any_o presume_v or_o proffer_v to_o make_v any_o seem_v correction_n in_o my_o book_n or_o pass_v censure_n on_o passage_n in_o they_o without_o a_o right_a understanding_n or_o from_o a_o spirit_n of_o prejudice_n or_o a_o scoss_n taunt_a airy_a unchristian_a spirit_n as_o my_o late_a adversary_n have_v do_v whereby_o they_o have_v show_v and_o continue_v daily_a to_o show_v their_o great_a ignorance_n and_o perverseness_n of_o spirit_n they_o have_v their_o reward_n and_o they_o will_v but_o still_o more_o and_o more_o expose_v their_o folly_n and_o enmity_n for_o indeed_o so_o blind_a with_o ignorance_n and_o prejudice_n my-late_a adversary_n have_v be_v particular_o tho._n ellwood_n and_o john_n pennington_n and_o caleb_n pusey_n that_o the_o sound_a passage_n for_o most_o part_n in_o my_o book_n in_o relation_n to_o doctrine_n they_o have_v blame_v and_o censure_v though_o geâ—â—â—â—y_v such_o as_o most_o need_v correction_n they_o have_v pass_v without_o the_o least_o censure_n however_o as_o my_o great_a comfort_n be_v that_o both_o they_o and_o i_o shall_v stand_v ever_o long_o before_o the_o supreme_a judge_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n to_o who_o i_o have_v commit_v my_o righteous_a cause_n and_o i_o do_v still_o commit_v it_o and_o make_v my_o humble_a appeal_n to_o he_o acknowledge_v my_o many_o sinful_a defect_n and_o imperfection_n for_o which_o i_o humble_o beg_v pardon_n of_o god_n for_o jesus_n christ_n sake_n and_o for_o all_o my_o other_o sin_n and_o hope_v for_o it_o and_o have_v in_o measure_n the_o sense_n and_o faith_n of_o it_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o my_o conscience_n both_o by_o the_o divine_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n without_o i_o and_o the_o divine_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n within_o i_o and_o also_o by_o the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o all_o true_a christian_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n god_n have_v raise_v i_o up_o to_o contend_v for_o which_o three_o be_v as_o a_o threefold_a cord_n that_o can_v be_v break_v that_o whatever_o my_o imperfection_n be_v in_o manage_v this_o great_a controversy_n my_o cause_n be_v just_a and_o my_o heart_n be_v sincere_a before_o he_o so_o it_o be_v a_o great_a comfort_n to_o i_o that_o many_o throughout_o these_o nation_n far_o and_o near_o have_v a_o good_a understanding_n of_o the_o present_a case_n and_o though_o my_o adversary_n seek_v to_o overwhelm_v i_o with_o a_o thick_a cloud_n of_o infamy_n ground_v on_o falsehood_n and_o calumny_n yet_o the_o truth_n and_o integrity_n of_o my_o testimony_n will_v overcome_v it_o all_o and_o will_v shine_v forth_o and_o be_v manifest_a and_o the_o generation_n to_o come_v of_o the_o posterity_n of_o many_o of_o that_o people_n who_o now_o account_v i_o their_o enemy_n and_o pour_v out_o curse_n and_o lie_a prophecy_n against_o i_o will_v regard_v my_o testimony_n and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o good_a savour_n unto_o they_o this_o trust_n and_o hope_v i_o have_v in_o my_o gracious_a god_n who_o i_o be_o and_o who_o i_o serve_v and_o it_o be_v a_o considerable_a advantage_n unto_o i_o that_o some_o of_o my_o great_a adversary_n have_v acknowledge_v they_o have_v nothing_o against_o my_o moral_n nor_o doctrine_n and_o it_o be_v come_v under_o the_o observation_n of_o many_o that_o hear_v they_o in_o their_o meeting_n how_o admirable_o they_o be_v change_v of_o late_a to_o preach_v the_o very_a same_o doctrine_n which_o former_o they_o have_v so_o fierce_o oppose_v in_o all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o way_n and_o for_o which_o they_o have_v excommunicate_v i_o but_o they_o can_v be_v judge_v sincere_a until_o they_o plain_o retract_v their_o former_a error_n and_o final_o with_o a_o free_a and_o willing_a mind_n i_o make_v a_o general_a retractation_n of_o all_o the_o hard_a name_n and_o uncharitable_a censure_n i_o have_v at_o any_o time_n either_o by_o word_n or_o writ_n pass_v on_o any_o differ_v from_o i_o in_o point_n of_o judgement_n that_o have_v not_o deserve_v they_o humble_o desire_v their_o forgiveness_n wherein_o i_o have_v in_o that_o case_n just_o offend_v they_o and_o though_o i_o do_v with_o deep_a regrat_n acknowledge_v and_o blame_v my_o too_o great_a rashness_n in_o give_v hard_a name_n and_o pass_v uncharitable_a censure_n on_o divers_a with_o who_o i_o have_v differ_v in_o point_n of_o judgement_n be_v engage_v in_o the_o heat_n of_o controversy_n and_o divers_a time_n provoke_v by_o the_o hard_a name_n and_o uncharitable_a censure_n that_o some_o of_o my_o opponent_n have_v give_v i_o which_o provocation_n i_o shall_v not_o have_v give_v way_n to_o but_o rather_o according_a to_o what_o the_o scripture_n require_v to_o have_v seek_v in_o meekness_n to_o instruct_v they_o that_o oppose_v themselves_o if_o god_n peradventure_o will_v give_v they_o repentance_n yet_o i_o be_v never_o so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o think_v or_o judge_v that_o few_o or_o none_o be_v true_o pious_a or_o of_o a_o true_a christian_a spirit_n or_o that_o do_v belong_v to_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o same_o outward_a profession_n with_o i_o for_o the_o contrary_a i_o have_v several_a time_n signify_v in_o print_n and_o as_o i_o have_v be_v charitable_a in_o my_o judgement_n with_o respect_n to_o other_o with_o who_o i_o have_v dister_v in_o controversal_a point_n when_o i_o do_v think_v they_o hold_v the_o head_n and_o build_v on_o christ_n the_o true_a foundation_n though_o some_o part_n of_o what_o they_o build_v be_v but_o hay_n wood_n and_o stubble_n so_o it_o be_v my_o resolution_n by_o divine_a assistance_n to_o be_v yet_o more_o charitable_a in_o judgement_n concern_v other_o that_o differ_v from_o i_o in_o the_o lesser_a matter_n when_o they_o agree_v with_o i_o in_o the_o great_a and_o who_o manner_n of_o life_n and_o conversation_n be_v suitable_a to_o their_o christian_a profession_n but_o as_o for_o such_o who_o deny_v the_o lord_n that_o buy_v they_o and_o hold_v such_o antichristian_a principle_n as_o oppugn_v the_o great_a fundamental_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v my_o late_a adversary_n to_o have_v do_v the_o great_a and_o best_a charity_n that_o i_o can_v extend_v unto_o they_o be_v to_o deal_v roundly_o and_o plain_o with_o they_o and_o give_v they_o and_o their_o vile_a error_n such_o sit_v and_o proper_a name_n as_o they_o deserve_v and_o as_o the_o scripture_n give_v to_o such_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o vile_a error_n in_o former_a time_n but_o the_o nasty_a and_o unclean_a term_n and_o word_n worse_o than_o billingsgate_n that_o some_o call_v teacher_n among_o the_o quaker_n and_o some_o of_o which_o be_v my_o present_a adversary_n have_v give_v to_o their_o opponent_n i_o account_v it_o my_o mercy_n that_o i_o never_o have_v the_o faculty_n of_o they_o and_o yet_o so_o impudent_a have_v these_o my_o late_a adversary_n be_v to_o accuse_v i_o for_o give_v hard_a word_n to_o such_o unto_o who_o they_o have_v give_v a_o hundredfold_a much_o hard_a and_o i_o have_v this_o with_o other_o great_a advantage_n over_o they_o that_o i_o have_v free_o and_o willing_o retract_v they_o as_o well_o as_o other_o thing_n that_o i_o see_v cause_n and_o occasion_n for_o which_o i_o find_v not_o that_o any_o of_o they_o in_o the_o least_o have_v do_v and_o be_v not_o like_a to_o do_v until_o their_o crown_n of_o pride_n come_v down_o and_o they_o see_v themselves_o to_o be_v fallible_a man_n have_v infirmity_n and_o defect_n like_o other_o man_n which_o i_o pray_v god_n they_o may_v see_v and_o find_v mercy_n to_o repent_v of_o all_o their_o error_n and_o evil_n before_o it_o be_v too_o late_a and_o may_v have_v a._n heart_n give_v they_o of_o god_n if_o not_o to_o follow_v i_o as_o a_o example_n yet_o to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o other_o great_a penitent_n and_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o god_n that_o require_v every_o man_n both_o to_o confess_v and_o forsake_v his_o sin_n for_o he_o that_o hide_v his_o sin_n will_v not_o prosper_v but_o if_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n he_o be_v just_a and_o faithful_a to_o forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o unrighteousness_n g._n k._n the_o end_n pref._n imm._n rev._n pres_n imm._n rev._n pag._n 12._o lin_v 2._o 2d_o edit_n pag._n 22._o