say_v no_o doubt_n we_o have_v mar_v his_o influence_n and_o have_v not_o second_v nor_o smile_v upon_o his_o act_n upon_o we_o but_o let_v none_o mistake_v i_o as_o if_o i_o judge_v that_o none_o of_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o the_o lord_n do_v or_o can_v feel_v at_o time_n withdrawing_n of_o sensible_a refreshment_n or_o can_v not_o be_v under_o great_a heavyness_n at_o time_n yea_o and_o sense_n of_o deadness_n for_o that_o i_o most_o ready_o acknowledge_v but_o then_o such_o time_n be_v not_o of_o long_a continuance_n where_o faithfulness_n be_v keep_v unto_o but_o the_o lord_n quick_o return_v unto_o they_o and_o visit_v they_o again_o with_o rich_a and_o plenteous_a visitation_n of_o his_o love_n and_o life_n so_o that_o they_o can_v give_v frequent_a testimony_n of_o his_o live_n and_o powerful_a appearance_n in_o their_o soul_n raise_v they_o up_o frequent_o over_o all_o heavyness_n and_o though_o they_o have_v sometime_o more_o and_o some_o time_n less_o of_o life_n yet_o they_o have_v always_o some_o be_v always_o in_o some_o sense_n of_o life_n unless_o unfaithfulnes_n cause_n the_o removal_n of_o it_o from_o they_o whereas_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o general_a â—raine_n of_o s._n r._n his_o epistle_n in_o his_o late_a year_n hold_v forth_o â—uch_o a_o general_n and_o constant_a complain_v and_o anguish_v as_o do_v without_o all_o controversy_n â—emonstrate_v a_o exceed_a great_a change_n in_o his_o inward_a condition_n from_o better_a to_o worse_o and_o that_o not_o only_o for_o a_o hour_n or_o a_o day_n or_o some_o day_n but_o throughout_o all_o which_o do_v plain_o speak_v forth_o to_o i_o that_o this_o sad_a and_o lamentable_a withdraw_n of_o the_o lord_n presence_n from_o he_o and_o this_o so_o dark_a a_o cloud_n that_o he_o be_v bring_v under_o happen_v unto_o he_o as_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o unfaithfulness_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o as_o a_o real_a judgement_n or_o chastisement_n upon_o he_o because_o of_o his_o not_o follow_v on_o to_o know_v the_o lord_n more_o full_o but_o sit_v down_o by_o the_o way_n and_o oppose_v further_o discovery_n and_o break_n forth_o of_o light_n in_o other_o yea_o turn_a back_n again_o and_o decline_v from_o what_o he_o once_o witness_v of_o this_o i_o shall_v give_v â—ome_o manifest_a instance_n 3._o first_o notwithstanding_o so_o many_o clear_a and_o evident_a testimony_n to_o be_v find_v in_o his_o former_a epistle_n to_o god_n his_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o teachingâ—_n in_o himself_o yet_o after_o all_o this_o he_o join_v with_o the_o assembly_n of_o they_o call_v divine_n though_o they_o may_v rather_o be_v call_v dry-vine_n and_o blind_a diviner_n â—_o westminster_n to_o oppose_v all_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o to_o cry_v down_o the_o former_a way_n of_o god_n reveal_v himself_o to_o his_o people_n as_o whole_o cease_v since_o the_o apostle_n day_n affirm_v that_o the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o goâ—_n be_v commit_v to_o writing_n whereas_o in_o his_o formeâ—_n epistle_n he_o plain_o declare_v that_o he_o have_v the_o counsel_n and_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o some_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v find_v 〈◊〉_d scripture_n as_o i_o may_v show_v afterward_o second_o although_o in_o his_o former_a year_n as_o his_o epistle_n declare_v he_o be_v exceed_v zealous_a for_o private_a meeting_n see_v ep._n 2._o part_n 2._o yet_o afterward_o he_o comply_v with_o the_o member_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n at_o aberdeen_n 1640_o to_o make_v a_o act_n against_o all_o private_a meeting_n which_o do_v exceed_o gratify_v the_o profane_a and_o sadn_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o sober_a and_o as_o i_o hear_v s._n r._n himself_o be_v displease_v with_o the_o act_n yet_o do_v cowardly_o comply_v to_o gratify_v the_o humour_n of_o his_o brethren_n without_o give_v any_o public_a protest_v to_o the_o contrary_a to_o which_o i_o may_v add_v three_o his_o so_o fervent_a and_o hot_a oppose_v of_o further_a discovery_n of_o god_n in_o both_o they_o call_v independent_o and_o other_o who_o they_o invidious_o brand_v with_o the_o name_n of_o sectarye_n as_o also_o upon_o the_o other_o hand_n four_o although_o he_o complain_v sad_o of_o the_o prelate_n their_o persecute_v he_o for_o his_o conscience_n yet_o after_o when_o presbytery_n get_v up_o he_o join_v very_o keen_o with_o those_o who_o persecute_v the_o prelate_n and_o banish_v they_o out_o of_o the_o nation_n whereas_o he_o be_v only_o confine_v for_o some_o time_n at_o aberdeen_n where_o he_o be_v very_o kind_o receive_v by_o divers_a and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a persecution_n he_o do_v undergo_v by_o the_o prelate_n of_o who_o he_o complain_v sad_o and_o in_o his_o ep._n 24_o part_n 2_o he_o regrete_v his_o persecution_n thus_o our_o learned_a prelate_n say_v he_o because_o we_o can_v not_o see_v with_o his_o eye_n so_o far_o in_o a_o millstone_n as_o his_o light_n do_v will_v not_o follow_v his_o master_n meek_a jesus_n who_o wait_v upon_o the_o weary_a and_o shortbreathed_n in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o where_o all_o see_v not_o alike_o and_o some_o be_v weak_a he_o carry_v the_o lamb_n in_o his_o bosom_n and_o lead_v gentle_o those_o that_o be_v with_o young_a but_o we_o must_v either_o see_v all_o the_o evil_a of_o ceremony_n to_o be_v but_o as_o indifferent_a straw_n or_o suffer_v no_o less_o then_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o lord_n inheritance_n who_o see_v not_o that_o what_o strength_n be_v in_o this_o reason_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v strong_a be_v as_o fit_v against_o the_o prelate_n be_v persecute_v by_o s._n r._n as_o it_o be_v against_o his_o be_v persecute_v by_o they_o if_o the_o prelate_n can_v not_o see_v with_o the_o presbyterian_o eye_n so_o far_o in_o a_o millstone_n as_o their_o light_n do_v to_o apply_v s._n r._n his_o word_n against_o himself_o shall_v he_o therefore_o persecut_v they_o or_o 〈◊〉_d up_o persecution_n against_o they_o as_o he_o do_v and_o write_v most_o bitter_o against_o toleration_n for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o last_o addunto_fw-la all_fw-mi this_o that_o notwithstanding_o in_o the_o time_n when_o presbyterian_o be_v low_a and_o under_o suffering_n he_o write_v thus_o to_o a_o great_a man_n ep._n 17_o part_n 1._o i_o be_o not_o of_o that_o mind_n that_o tumult_n or_o arm_n be_v the_o way_n to_o put_v christ_n on_o his_o throne_n yet_o afterward_o how_o much_o both_o he_o and_o his_o brethren_n come_v to_o be_v of_o that_o mind_n and_o to_o preach_v up_o fight_v and_o arm_n as_o the_o way_n to_o reform_v many_o thousand_o yet_o live_v do_v well_o know_v yea_o that_o they_o carry_v on_o their_o league_n and_o covenant_n by_o force_n of_o arm_n rather_o than_o by_o that_o meek_a way_n lâ—â—d_v down_o by_o christ._n again_o it_o follow_v in_o that_o epistle_n or_o that_o christ_n will_v be_v serve_v and_o truth_n vindicate_v only_o with_o the_o arm_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n nay_o christ_n do_v his_o turn_n with_o less_o din_n then_o with_o garment_n roll_v in_o blood_n but_o how_o the_o word_n only_a come_v into_o the_o former_a sentence_n i_o do_v not_o understand_v for_o it_o mar_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o discourse_n altogether_o i_o never_o hear_v of_o any_o profess_v christ_n that_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v vindicate_v only_o with_o the_o arm_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n nay_o the_o grosseâ—t_a sort_n of_o papist_n will_v not_o say_v so_o for_o they_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o preach_v and_o write_v be_v way_n also_o whereby_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v vindicate_v if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o error_n in_o the_o print_n it_o seem_v to_o be_v fraudulent_o put_v in_o by_o the_o publisher_n to_o excuse_v the_o presbyterian_o so_o much_o use_v the_o arm_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n to_o carry_v on_o that_o which_o they_o judge_v a_o reformation_n and_o how_o much_o garment_n be_v roll_v in_o blood_n by_o the_o instigation_n of_o presbyterian_a teacher_n the_o whole_a nation_n be_v a_o witness_n so_o that_o many_o thousand_o be_v make_v widow_n and_o fatherless_a by_o that_o war_n they_o stir_v up_o the_o people_n unto_o express_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n these_o instance_n show_v that_o s._n r._n his_o testimony_n especial_o against_o any_o further_a discovery_n of_o truth_n have_v no_o weight_n he_o be_v so_o dark_a himself_o and_o have_v so_o palpable_o contradict_v himself_o in_o divers_a thing_n of_o great_a weight_n nor_o shall_v any_o think_v it_o strange_a that_o s._n r._n shall_v misjudge_v they_o at_o aberdeen_n to_o who_o he_o write_v that_o epistle_n he_o never_o look_v on_o himself_o as_o infallible_a nor_o do_v i_o think_v that_o his_o brethren_n judge_v all_o his_o say_n infallible_a truth_n or_o divine_a oracle_n otherwise_o they_o may_v be_v bind_v up_o with_o paul_n epistle_n but_o let_v we_o hear_v himself_o ep._n 52._o 2_o part_n the_o
the_o judgement_n and_o pass_v natural_a understanding_n whence_o we_o feel_v we_o taste_v we_o enjoy_v yea_o his_o voice_n be_v hear_v in_o the_o soul_n which_o we_o sure_o know_v to_o be_v he_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a testimony_n to_o inmedtat_v revelation_n which_o be_v our_o main_a principle_n and_o be_v so_o great_o oppose_v in_o this_o day_n by_o presbyterian_o as_o much_o as_o other_o again_o pag._n 229._o he_o speak_v of_o a_o immediate_a teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o a_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n that_o can_v witness_v in_o many_o young_a one_o ere_o they_o can_v well_o speak_v or_o exercise_v reason_n the_o power_n of_o religion_n again_o pag._n 120._o speak_v of_o prayer_n he_o say_v it_o may_v seem_v strange_a how_o easy_o we_o can_v step_v out_o from_o the_o world_n and_o the_o noise_n thereof_o in_o before_o the_o lord_n without_o the_o least_o pause_n or_o time_n interveening_a 26._o and_o again_o he_o say_v alas_o it_o be_v sad_a this_o seem_v rather_o a_o piece_n of_o invention_n many_o time_n than_o a_o matter_n of_o earnest_n with_o the_o lord_n â—_o to_o what_o a_o class_n can_v such_o a_o piece_n of_o atheism_n be_v reduce_v as_o appear_v say_v he_o in_o our_o near_a approach_n unto_o god_n 27._o and_o last_o as_o concern_v preach_v he_o commend_v it_o in_o the_o say_v robert_n bruce_n that_o at_o a_o certain_a time_n wrestle_v earnest_o with_o the_o lord_n by_o prayer_n before_o he_o come_v into_o the_o assembly_n he_o be_v hear_v say_v in_o his_o prayer_n unto_o the_o lord_n i_o protest_v i_o will_v not_o go_v except_o thou_o go_v with_o i_o how_o far_o be_v the_o presbyterian_a teacher_n now_o go_v from_o this_o that_o say_v grace_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o plead_v both_o for_o preach_v and_o pray_v without_o the_o spirit_n and_o after_o that_o be_v go_v forth_o and_o preach_v in_o such_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o by_o the_o shine_a of_o his_o face_n &_o that_o shower_n of_o divine_a influence_n that_o the_o word_n speak_v be_v accompany_v with_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o the_o hearer_n to_o perceive_v that_o he_o have_v be_v in_o the_o mount_n with_o god_n and_o that_o he_o have_v indeed_o bring_v that_o god_n who_o he_o have_v meet_v with_o in_o private_a into_o his_o mother_n house_n and_o into_o the_o chamber_n of_o she_o that_o conceive_v he_o pag._n 444._o 28._o these_o and_o many_o other_o passage_n in_o that_o book_n can_v not_o but_o force_v a_o acknowledgement_n from_o any_o that_o read_v it_o &_o be_v ingenuous_a that_o it_o do_v great_o commend_v and_o justify_v that_o which_o presbyterian_o know_v great_o condemn_v under_o the_o termeof_o qvakerism_n finis_fw-la a_o postscript_n to_o my_o belove_a relation_n friend_n and_o acquaintance_n in_o the_o shire_n and_o city_n of_o aberdeen_n alexander_n skein_n wish_v all_o happiness_n and_o the_o sound_n and_o save_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n it_o be_v no_o small_a matter_n of_o regrete_a that_o so_o many_o person_n of_o all_o rank_n and_o condition_n be_v so_o little_o concern_v with_o the_o public_a work_n of_o god_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o kingdom_n at_o this_o time_n if_o their_o own_o affair_n go_v well_o they_o matter_n little_a how_o it_o go_v with_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o great_a ground_n of_o the_o prophet_n complaint_n jer._n 5._o 1._o that_o there_o be_v none_o that_o seek_v the_o truth_n or_o be_v valiant_a for_o the_o truth_n on_o earth_n jer._n 9_o 3._o this_o be_v not_o only_o the_o guilt_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o nation_n but_o also_o the_o sin_n of_o these_o that_o pretend_v to_o a_o piece_n of_o more_o seriousness_n but_o they_o shall_v know_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o the_o truth_n jer._n 5._o 3._o and_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o â—ath_v occasion_v great_a wrath_n upon_o a_o people_n and_o a_o hand_n from_o the_o lord_n ver_fw-la 3._o whereupon_o the_o prophet_n say_v ver_fw-la 4._o sure_o these_o be_v poor_a they_o be_v foolish_a for_o they_o know_v not_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n nor_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o god_n this_o very_a thing_n have_v with_o weight_n come_v near_o my_o heart_n when_o i_o have_v observe_v such_o a_o indifferency_n among_o many_o that_o they_o have_v be_v at_o little_a or_o no_o pain_n to_o search_v for_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n amid_o all_o the_o dispute_v and_o debat_n anent_o his_o truth_n in_o their_o day_n and_o be_v thus_o exercise_v the_o lord_n have_v in_o a_o measure_n manifest_v this_o to_o i_o that_o there_o be_v some_o special_a obstruction_n that_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n why_o people_n have_v not_o a_o desire_n to_o search_v after_o the_o truth_n 1._o one_o be_v that_o truth_n be_v most_o the_o object_n of_o reproach_n and_o scorn_n to_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o world_n &_o the_o owner_n of_o it_o be_v hate_v despise_a and_o persecute_v and_o upon_o this_o account_n many_o be_v content_a to_o be_v without_o the_o conviction_n of_o it_o yea_o to_o hearken_v rather_o to_o anything_o that_o may_v strengthen_v they_o to_o stand_v out_o against_o it_o then_o that_o which_o will_v incline_v they_o to_o come_v under_o subjection_n to_o the_o yoke_n thereof_o wherefore_o it_o be_v upon_o good_a ground_n that_o christ_n say_v if_o any_o man_n will_v be_v my_o disciple_n he_o must_v deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n daily_o and_o follow_v i_o this_o be_v a_o necessary_a condition_n and_o qualification_n of_o a_o disciple_n they_o may_v as_o well_o renounce_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n as_o refuse_v to_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n which_o be_v entail_v on_o all_o that_o will_v be_v follower_n of_o christ_n for_o if_o any_o love_n father_n or_o mother_n husband_n or_o wife_n house_n or_o land_n etc._n etc._n better_o than_o christ_n he_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o say_v christ_n there_o must_v be_v a_o complete_a resignation_n of_o all_o that_o be_v near_a and_o dear_a to_o we_o in_o the_o world_n if_o we_o mind_v to_o be_v real_a christian_n and_o to_o encourage_v all_o to_o make_v this_o choice_n there_o want_v not_o many_o sweet_a and_o precious_a promise_n of_o reward_n both_o in_o time_n and_o eternity_n though_o few_o believe_v they_o a_o 2._o obstruction_n be_v that_o people_n have_v a_o persuasion_n they_o may_v be_v eternal_o save_v whether_o they_o embrace_v the_o truth_n or_o not_o see_v it_o be_v acknowledge_v upon_o all_o hand_n that_o many_o have_v be_v save_v that_o have_v live_v and_o die_v in_o the_o same_o profession_n they_o stand_v in_o and_o upon_o this_o ground_n they_o suppose_v they_o need_v not_o embrace_v any_o thing_n that_o will_v disquiet_v their_o rest_n or_o interrupt_v their_o ease_n and_o render_v they_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o cross_n but_o if_o this_o have_v any_o weight_n in_o it_o it_o may_v have_v as_o well_o excuse_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n &_o unbelieving_a jew_n for_o refuse_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o teach_v they_o to_o forbear_v circumcision_n and_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n because_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o all_o the_o godly_a for_o many_o generation_n walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o profesion_n yea_o this_o may_v have_v excuse_v the_o papist_n at_o the_o reformation_n to_o have_v reject_v the_o light_a the_o lord_n hold_v forth_o to_o they_o because_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o sincere_a and_o single_a heart_a among_o they_o in_o precede_a generation_n be_v save_v but_o who_o among_o the_o protestant_n will_v say_v that_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o remain_v still_o in_o popery_n for_o have_v any_o of_o they_o that_o walk_v up_o right_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o mosaïcall_a ceremony_n be_v live_v when_o these_o thing_n become_v deadly_a and_o have_v oppose_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o repeal_v they_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v safe_a neither_o any_o profess_v popery_n that_o have_v occasion_n to_o embrace_v the_o light_n of_o reformation_n and_o yet_o in_o opposition_n to_o that_o light_n will_v needs_o continue_v to_o defend_v that_o idolatry_n &_o superstition_n &_o refuse_v to_o receive_v that_o light_n after_o these_o water_n be_v turn_v into_o blood_n rev._n 16._o 3._o so_o it_o be_v now_o though_o they_o believe_v that_o many_o good_a man_n that_o be_v faithful_a â—o_o what_o they_o know_v &_o walk_v upright_o according_a to_o their_o measure_n in_o former_a time_n yet_o if_o they_o shall_v upon_o that_o pretence_n presume_v to_o resist_v reject_v or_o refuse_v the_o light_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v further_o manifest_v at_o this_o day_n such_o can_v have_v any_o ground_n to_o expect_v salvation_n see_v joâ—_a
postscript_n for_o which_o he_o may_v blame_v himself_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n will_v not_o want_v witness_n yet_o i_o hope_v these_o that_o be_v not_o bias_v with_o prejudice_n and_o malice_n against_o we_o will_v find_v he_o have_v say_v nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n and_o vindicate_v our_o principle_n by_o solid_a argument_n from_o scripture_n and_o from_o the_o unjust_a aspersion_n tâ—at_v the_o author_n of_o the_o postscript_n will_v fix_v upon_o we_o as_o for_o those_o that_o be_v prepossess_v with_o prejudice_n what_o their_o tohught_n will_v be_v i_o shall_v leave_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n for_o as_o one_o say_v periit_fw-la judicium_fw-la ubires_fw-la transiit_fw-la in_o affectum_fw-la where_o the_o affection_n be_v forestall_v the_o judgement_n will_v never_o be_v just_a but_o i_o wish_v all_o may_v be_v so_o charitable_a to_o their_o own_o soul_n as_o to_o make_v a_o impartial_a and_o diligent_a search_n after_o truth_n and_o not_o rely_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n especial_o of_o that_o kind_n of_o man_n that_o any_o have_v in_o most_o of_o their_o controversy_n against_o we_o be_v find_v such_o gross_a and_o palpable_a slanderer_n and_o calumniator_n that_o it_o may_v seem_v strange_a that_o ever_o such_o impostor_n shall_v be_v any_o more_o hearken_v unto_o when_o they_o have_v be_v so_o often_o discover_v in_o their_o bold_a and_o impudent_a lie_n even_o to_o the_o conviction_n of_o many_o that_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v all_o that_o come_v from_o they_o as_o truth_n but_o the_o cause_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o in_o his_o good_a time_n he_o will_v vindicat_fw-la his_o people_n and_o his_o own_o truth_n no_o less_o now_o then_o in_o former_a age_n bless_a be_v they_o that_o be_v not_o offendded_a in_o christ_n who_o have_v be_v a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v and_o rock_n of_o offence_n to_o the_o wise_a profess_v jew_n and_o foolishness_n to_o the_o ignorant_a &_o vain_a gentile_n however_o this_o may_v be_v construct_v it_o be_v my_o real_a desire_n to_o the_o lord_n that_o all_o testimony_n that_o come_v from_o any_o of_o we_o whether_o by_o word_n or_o write_v may_v tend_v to_o nothing_o but_o the_o true_a conviction_n and_o conversion_n of_o the_o opposer_n and_o edification_n of_o all_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n that_o love_v the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n on_o earth_n this_o be_v the_o sincere_a desire_n of_o he_o who_o be_v a_o real_a friend_n and_o wellwisher_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o all_o man_n alexander_z skein_n from_o the_o tolbooth_n of_o aberdeen_n where_o i_o be_o prisoner_n for_o the_o true_a liberty_n of_o all_o christian_n the_o 20_o of_o the_o 12_o month_n call_v february_n 1676_o 77._o section_n 1._o 1._o separation_n from_o the_o national_n presbyterian_a church_n no_o provoke_a sin_n why_o god_n shall_v give_v they_o up_o who_o do_v so_o separat_fw-la to_o the_o delusion_n of_o satan_n 2._o but_o a_o further_a step_n of_o reformation_n 3._o the_o inconsistency_n of_o this_o presbyterian_o high_a commendation_n of_o s._n r._n and_o of_o his_o epistle_n with_o the_o presbyterian_o doctrine_n that_o immediate_a revelation_n be_v cease_v since_o the_o apostle_n day_n 4._o other_o bookâ—_n more_o worthy_a of_o commendation_n 5._o that_o immediate_a revelation_n be_v not_o cease_v 6._o a_o deceitful_a distinction_n of_o some_o presbyterian_a teacher_n refute_v in_o my_o answer_n to_o this_o postscript_n i_o shall_v not_o repeat_v all_o his_o word_n for_o that_o be_v needless_a the_o book_n be_v current_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o professor_n but_o only_o mark_v the_o most_o remarkable_a and_o he_o that_o will_v may_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o read_v the_o passage_n at_o more_o length_n in_o the_o book_n itself_o pag._n 1._o lin_v 7._o thou_o be_v desire_v to_o take_v notice_n tâ—_n what_o dreadful_a and_o strong_a delusion_n such_o who_o be_v ringleader_n in_o this_o separation_n etc._n etc._n answer_v he_o mean_v some_o person_n at_o aberdeen_n who_o some_o year_n ago_o do_v separat_fw-la from_o the_o national_n church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o presbyterial_a government_n so_o call_v only_o as_o to_o the_o use_n of_o these_o external_a sign_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n be_v so_o burden_v in_o their_o conscience_n even_o in_o that_o die_n to_o partak_v with_o such_o and_o eat_v with_o they_o at_o that_o they_o judge_v to_o be_v the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n many_o of_o who_o be_v open_o know_v to_o be_v scandalous_a and_o these_o pass_v under_o the_o name_n of_o independent_o or_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n now_o this_o so_o small_a a_o separation_n this_o nameless_a author_n do_v â—o_o aggravat_fw-la as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o main_a and_o great_a provocation_n why_o the_o lord_n as_o he_o judge_v do_v give_v they_o up_o to_o the_o strong_a delusion_n of_o quakerism_n but_o why_o may_v we_o nor_o much_o rather_o conclude_v that_o the_o lord_n regard_v their_o sincerity_n and_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n in_o make_v that_o separation_n such_o as_o it_o be_v do_v reward_v they_o with_o a_o further_a discovery_n and_o sight_n of_o some_o precious_a truth_n former_o hide_v from_o they_o which_o though_o this_o author_n call_v strong_a delusion_n we_o know_v be_v no_o delusion_n at_o all_o but_o most_o useful_a &_o comfortable_a truth_n but_o if_o fall_v into_o quakerism_n be_v such_o a_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a punishment_n for_o they_o who_o separate_v from_o presbytery_n so_o call_v how_o be_v it_o that_o so_o few_o of_o that_o separation_n i_o mean_v of_o they_o call_v independent_o have_v join_v with_o the_o way_n of_o quakerism_n in_o england_n but_o have_v be_v so_o great_a persecuter_n of_o it_o that_o in_o new_a england_n the_o independent_o be_v go_v from_o their_o first_o tenderness_n and_o sincerity_n do_v put_v four_o person_n call_v quaker_n to_o death_n for_o no_o other_o cause_n but_o that_o they_o be_v of_o that_o profession_n and_o return_v to_o that_o place_n after_o they_o have_v banish_v they_o for_o worship_v god_n as_o theâ—_n be_v persuade_v in_o their_o conscience_n a_o crime_n more_o barbarous_a and_o cruel_a than_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o commit_v by_o any_o call_v protestant's_n upward_o of_o some_o score_n of_o year_n also_o how_o come_v it_o that_o so_o many_o in_o this_o nation_n be_v become_v quaker_n so_o call_v who_o be_v presbyteriant_n and_o immediate_o out_o of_o the_o presbyterian_a way_n come_v to_o be_v quaker_n and_o some_o who_o be_v once_o of_o the_o episcopal_a way_n leave_v it_o and_o become_v presbyterian_o and_o afterward_o quaker_n and_o some_o from_o the_o episcopal_a way_n have_v immediate_o become_v quaker_n but_o be_v this_o a_o just_a ground_n for_o they_o of_o the_o episcopal_a way_n to_o conclude_v that_o their_o â—eparation_n from_o episcopacy_n to_o presbytery_n be_v such_o a_o heinous_a sin_n that_o it_o provoke_v the_o lord_n at_o last_o to_o give_v they_o up_o to_o the_o strong_a delusion_n of_o the_o quaker_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o episcopal_a man_n have_v as_o good_a reason_n to_o make_v such_o a_o conclusion_n against_o the_o presbyterian_o on_o this_o bare_a account_n of_o separation_n yea_o and_o the_o papist_n against_o protestant_n for_o some_o who_o be_v now_o quaker_n be_v once_o papist_n and_o afterward_o become_v presbyterian_n before_o they_o become_v quaker_n have_v the_o papist_n therefore_o just_a ground_n to_o conclude_v that_o the_o separation_n of_o those_o person_n from_o popery_n to_o presbytery_n be_v the_o sin_n that_o provoke_v god_n to_o give_v they_o up_o to_o the_o strong_a delusion_n of_o quakerism_n i_o know_v theâ—_n will_v be_v as_o ready_a to_o make_v such_o a_o conclusion_n as_o the_o presbyterian_o can_v be_v but_o indeed_o who_o will_v view_v the_o matter_n with_o a_o spiritual_a eye_n will_v see_v the_o wonderful_a goodness_n of_o god_n in_o his_o lead_n on_o the_o soul_n of_o they_o who_o most_o love_v he_o out_o of_o babylon_n by_o those_o various_a step_n of_o separation_n one_o degree_n after_o another_o till_o he_o have_v bring_v they_o to_o zion_n 2._o these_o be_v they_o who_o follow_v the_o lamb_n whithersoever_o he_o go_v and_o some_o of_o these_o who_o he_o call_v the_o ringleader_n of_o this_o separation_n after_o they_o have_v walk_v faithful_o and_o religious_o in_o that_o way_n call_v in_o derision_n quakerism_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o pure_a christianity_n restore_v again_o unto_o the_o world_n by_o the_o mighty_a operation_n of_o the_o power_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n after_o so_o long_a and_o so_o dark_a a_o night_n of_o apostasy_n have_v finish_v their_o course_n in_o that_o way_n and_o be_v now_o at_o rest_n with_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o heavenly_a mansion_n who_o both_o at_o their_o death_n and_o many_o time_n before_o give_v powerful_a and_o live_a testimony_n of_o god_n accept_v they_o and_o give_v they_o more_o manifest_a
whereof_o be_v by_o i_o but_o of_o all_o this_o man_n commendation_n this_o be_v the_o most_o high_a and_o admirable_a that_o follow_v in_o his_o epistle_n aforesaid_a where_o he_o say_v so_o that_o in_o respect_n of_o we_o this_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n speak_v as_o one_o stand_v already_o in_o the_o choir_n of_o angel_n or_o as_o a_o angel_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n among_o man_n to_o give_v we_o some_o account_n of_o what_o they_o be_v do_v above_o these_o word_n import_v not_o only_o immediate_a new_a revelation_n i_o do_v not_o say_v of_o new_a evangelicall_n truth_n not_o declare_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o i_o acknowledge_v none_o such_o but_o also_o great_a abundance_n of_o they_o and_o yet_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v the_o presbyterian_a confession_n of_o faith_n publish_v by_o the_o assembly_n at_o westminster_n where_o s._n r._n himself_o be_v a_o member_n those_o former_a way_n of_o god_n reveal_v his_o will_n unto_o his_o people_n be_v now_o cease_v see_v chap._n 1._o sect_n 1._o and_o sect_n 6._o they_o exclude_v all_o new_a revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o they_o tell_v we_o the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n concern_v all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o his_o own_o glory_n man_n salvation_n faith_n and_o life_n be_v set_v down_o in_o scripture_n 5._o and_o among_o other_o scripture_n testimony_n they_o abuse_v to_o favour_v this_o corrupt_a doctrine_n they_o cite_v heb._n 1._o 1_o 2._o god_n who_o at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n speak_v in_o time_n pass_v unto_o the_o father_n by_o the_o prophet_n have_v in_o these_o last_o day_n speak_v to_o we_o by_o his_o son_n etc._n etc._n and_o their_o scope_n in_o this_o place_n be_v to_o prove_v from_o these_o word_n that_o there_o be_v no_o prophet_n that_o be_v to_o say_v no_o man_n divine_o inspire_v or_o immediate_o teach_v of_o god_n in_o our_o day_n but_o i_o have_v show_v in_o my_o book_n of_o immediate_a revelation_n that_o this_o scripture_n do_v not_o prove_v that_o prophecy_n or_o prophet_n that_o be_v to_o say_v man_n divine_o inspire_v who_o preach_v and_o teach_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o as_o they_o be_v move_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v cease_v in_o our_o day_n more_o than_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o if_o it_o can_v prove_v such_o a_o dispensation_n to_o be_v cease_v now_o it_o will_v prove_v it_o to_o be_v cease_v then_o even_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v not_o divine_o inspire_v which_o be_v absurd_a yea_o this_o scripture_n rather_o prove_v mor_n clear_a revelation_n then_o former_o under_o the_o law_n god_n now_o speak_v to_o 〈◊〉_d by_o his_o son_n or_o in_o his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n who_o be_v in_o his_o people_n and_o live_v and_o walk_v in_o they_o and_o also_o speak_v in_o they_o but_o now_o if_o the_o presbyterian_o think_v that_o this_o place_n do_v prove_v that_o prophet_n be_v cease_v how_o come_v it_o that_o they_o think_v s._n r._n not_o only_o a_o prophet_n but_o a_o great_a prophet_n for_o he_o that_o be_v a_o great_a seeâ—_n be_v a_o great_a prophet_n for_o the_o prophet_n be_v call_v seer_n in_o scripture_n and_o for_o a_o further_a proof_n that_o the_o presbyterian_o think_v that_o man_n do_v not_o speak_v in_o our_o day_n by_o divine_a inspiration_n see_v james_n durâ—am_n in_o his_o exposition_n on_o the_o revelation_n pag._n 1._o where_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v the_o last_o word_n which_o god_n have_v speak_v unto_o his_o church_n sad_n tiding_n that_o for_o above_o this_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n god_n have_v speak_v no_o word_n to_o his_o church_n or_o have_v have_v no_o prophet_n since_o john_n who_o write_v the_o revelation_n but_o john_n himself_o be_v not_o of_o that_o mind_n nor_o belief_n for_o he_o prophesy_v of_o two_o witness_n that_o shall_v prophesy_v a_o thousand_o two_o hundred_o and_o sixty_o day_n even_o all_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostasy_n also_o john_n hear_v many_o voice_n come_v out_o of_o heaven_n long_o after_o he_o and_o he_o tell_v we_o not_o only_o of_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o golden_a candlestick_n but_o also_o of_o his_o voice_n which_o be_v the_o sound_n of_o many_o water_n also_o he_o see_v the_o new_a jerusalem_n come_v down_o from_o god_n out_o of_o heaven_n and_o that_o theâ—_n of_o this_o city_n shall_v see_v his_o face_n and_o not_o need_n tâ—e_v light_a of_o a_o candle_n nor_o of_o the_o sun_n because_o the_o lord_n god_n shall_v enlighten_v they_o which_o divers_a protestant_n understand_v of_o a_o church_n upon_o earth_n particular_o thomas_z brightman_n who_o do_v express_o affirm_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v forth_o in_o â—_o great_a manner_n then_o can_v be_v ascribe_v to_o any_o mean_n so_o that_o man_n shall_v appear_v divine_o inspire_v but_o if_o god_n have_v speak_v no_o word_n to_o his_o church_n since_o john_n day_n his_o word_n be_v the_o last_o how_o come_v it_o that_o this_o presbyterian_a threaten_v we_o with_o s._n r._n his_o prediction_n or_o of_o what_o he_o do_v foresee_v will_v fall_v upon_o the_o head_n of_o the_o forsaker_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a church_n for_o if_o this_o prediction_n of_o he_o be_v not_o from_o the_o lord_n we_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o fear_v yea_o we_o know_v by_o bless_a experience_n it_o be_v not_o from_o the_o lord_n for_o since_o we_o leave_v that_o corrupt_a way_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a worship_n and_o their_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n we_o have_v find_v the_o more_o abundant_a blessing_n of_o god_n from_o heaven_n to_o fall_v upon_o we_o and_o we_o have_v enjoy_v more_o of_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n since_o our_o separation_n from_o such_o a_o corrupt_a church_n than_o ever_o former_o we_o know_v yea_o many_o of_o we_o that_o know_v nothing_o before_o our_o separation_n what_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o christ_n presence_n be_v be_v now_o come_v to_o know_v it_o since_o we_o be_v separat_fw-la from_o they_o as_o a_o national_a church_n although_o we_o be_v not_o nor_o ever_o be_v in_o spririt_n separate_v from_o these_o few_o scatter_a one_o among_o they_o that_o fear_n or_o love_v the_o lord_n in_o the_o least_o measure_n these_o be_v our_o little_a sister_n that_o we_o pray_v unto_o god_n for_o often_o and_o we_o have_v unity_n with_o they_o in_o every_o good_a thing_n that_o be_v in_o they_o and_o be_v only_o separate_v from_o the_o evil_a where_o ever_o it_o be_v in_o ourselves_o and_o in_o all_o person_n every_o where_o and_o the_o lord_n have_v let_v we_o see_v in_o his_o divine_a light_n that_o the_o national_a presbyterian_a church_n at_o her_o best_a be_v never_o a_o pure_o constitut_v church_n nor_o ever_o have_v the_o pure_a form_n of_o the_o gospel_n church_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n in_o the_o mount_n nor_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n pure_o teach_v among_o they_o only_o some_o thing_n they_o teach_v but_o they_o do_v not_o know_v the_o truth_n in_o some_o of_o the_o most_o weighty_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o when_o the_o lord_n raise_v up_o a_o sincee_a ministry_n direct_v to_o a_o more_o pure_a way_n of_o worship_n and_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n more_o pure_o than_o any_o of_o the_o presbyterian_a preacher_n do_v i_o mean_v some_o of_o our_o brethren_n who_o the_o lord_n send_v among_o they_o faithful_a labourer_n indeed_o divers_a of_o who_o since_o have_v put_v of_o the_o earthly_a tabernacle_n and_o their_o soul_n be_v at_o rest_n with_o the_o lord_n i_o say_v when_o these_o come_v among_o they_o they_o oppose_v they_o and_o stir_v up_o the_o people_n against_o they_o and_o such_o of_o the_o people_n who_o receive_v they_o and_o their_o testimony_n they_o excommunicate_v in_o the_o west_n of_o scotland_n and_o none_o be_v more_o active_a and_o industrious_a in_o stir_v up_o both_o people_n and_o ruler_n in_o that_o day_n to_o banish_v imprison_v and_o persecute_v the_o true_a servant_n and_o prophet_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n then_o the_o presbyterian_a ministry_n so_o sad_o be_v they_o desert_v of_o god_n both_o in_o england_n and_o scotland_n and_o the_o common_a objection_n that_o both_o teacher_n and_o people_n make_v against_o our_o friend_n in_o those_o day_n be_v this_o who_o give_v yoâ—_n a_o call_n to_o come_v and_o preach_v among_o we_o and_o when_o they_o see_v that_o many_o of_o they_o be_v unlettered_a man_n as_o to_o the_o language_n and_o heathenish_a philosophy_n they_o cry_v out_o against_o they_o as_o not_o be_v fit_a to_o teach_v and_o when_o our_o friend_n answer_v they_o mere_a teach_v of_o god_n immediate_o by_o the_o divine_a inspiration_n of_o
but_o only_o a_o favourer_n of_o bishop_n be_v then_o a_o advocate_n because_o he_o will_v not_o bow_v to_o their_o will_n be_v constrain_v to_o flee_v the_o nation_n not_o to_o mention_v the_o fineing_n and_o other_o oppression_n that_o many_o endure_v on_o that_o account_n and_o the_o papist_n also_o some_o of_o who_o have_v almost_o their_o all_o sweep_v away_o and_o many_o flee_v beside_o some_o few_o scatter_a one_o who_o they_o call_v sectarys_n they_o grievous_o persecute_v and_o threaten_v as_o namely_o john_n garden_n of_o tillifroskie_n a_o baptist_n who_o they_o imprison_v in_o edinburgh_n for_o a_o long_a time_n and_o reduce_v to_o so_o great_a outward_a necessity_n that_o no_o body_n dare_v well_o minister_v to_o he_o what_o he_o want_v but_o be_v the_o presbyterian_a national_a church_n any_o more_o favourable_a to_o their_o lawful_a prince_n do_v they_o not_o also_o extend_v their_o power_n to_o the_o utmost_a against_o he_o to_o compel_v he_o and_o what_o the_o sad_a effect_n be_v which_o this_o produce_v i_o be_o loath_a to_o mention_v so_o that_o none_o be_v spare_v but_o all_o great_a and_o small_a must_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_v this_o beast_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a time_n of_o popery_n otherwise_o they_o know_v what_o they_o be_v to_o expect_v and_o it_o will_v saden_v a_o man_n heart_n to_o think_v to_o what_o perplexity_n many_o simple-hearted_n man_n be_v bring_v while_o thing_n be_v carry_v thus_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n the_o kirk_n issue_v forth_o her_o act_n that_o people_n shall_v do_v so_o and_o so_o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o lawful_a magistrate_n issue_v forth_o act_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o so_o the_o body_n of_o the_o nation_n be_v divide_v some_o follow_v the_o one_o some_o the_o other_o until_o they_o cease_v not_o to_o make_v the_o three_o nation_n a_o field_n of_o blood_n and_o all_o this_o happen_v by_o that_o persecute_v and_o compel_v spirit_n in_o the_o presbyterian_a church_n that_o be_v the_o very_a life_n of_o such_o a_o church_n without_o which_o it_o can_v not_o subsist_v as_o such_o next_o as_o to_o her_o hypocrisy_n we_o need_v go_v no_o further_o than_o the_o various_a change_n of_o the_o far_o great_a number_n of_o her_o church-member_n and_o especiay_o her_o teacher_n one_o while_o episcopal_n again_o presbyterian_a and_o to_o wheel_v round_o again_o episcopal_n and_o these_o change_v all_o fall_n within_o a_o short_a time_n even_o upon_o the_o self_n same_o person_n they_o who_o be_v zealous_a for_o episcopacy_n and_o cry_v it_o up_o yesterday_o the_o next_o day_n zealous_a against_o it_o cry_v it_o as_o much_o down_o and_o then_o up_o again_o one_o while_o preach_v against_o festival_n day_n and_o set_v form_n of_o worship_n then_o for_o they_o then_o against_o they_o than_o last_o for_o they_o again_o all_o this_o betray_v horrible_a and_o detestable_a hypoorisy_n especial_o in_o the_o teacher_n who_o pretend_v to_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o christ._n whereas_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v one_o forever_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o same_o always_o and_o be_v not_o yea_o and_o nay_o and_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n as_o manifest_v as_o the_o light_n of_o the_o day_n that_o the_o teacher_n even_o of_o the_o presbyterian_a church_n have_v be_v general_o and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n self-seeking_a worldly_a mind_a and_o covetous_a man_n who_o love_v pleasure_n and_o riches_n more_o than_o god_n and_o this_o the_o magistrate_n do_v well_o know_v and_o see_v the_o best_a way_n to_o prevail_v with_o they_o be_v to_o bribe_v they_o with_o augmentation_n and_o benefice_n as_o they_o do_v in_o the_o year_n 1649_o and_o at_o divers_a other_o time_n as_o they_o see_v occasion_n and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o great_a burden_n upon_o the_o land_n of_o cesses_fw-la and_o taxation_n that_o many_o honest_a family_n be_v redact_v to_o great_a strait_n by_o reason_n of_o these_o public_a burden_n yet_o the_o presbyterian_a preacher_n table_n be_v as_o full_a as_o ever_o his_o cup_n do_v overflow_v with_o outward_a abundance_n he_o must_v bear_v no_o part_n of_o the_o public_a burden_n but_o the_o burden_n of_o the_o people_n must_v be_v augment_v to_o give_v he_o augmentation_n but_o alas_o this_o presbyterian_a kingdom_n be_v now_o fall_v and_o great_a be_v the_o fall_n of_o it_o especial_o it_o fall_v heavy_a upon_o such_o as_o the_o author_n of_o the_o postscript_n who_o want_v those_o golden_a day_n of_o gather_v up_o their_o stipend_n and_o augmentation_n but_o be_v fain_o to_o be_v at_o their_o purchase_n or_o conform_v which_o some_o have_v so_o much_o sense_n of_o shame_n still_o remain_v in_o they_o as_o suffer_v they_o not_o to_o do_v yet_o they_o fume_v and_o rage_n and_o the_o honest_a harmless_a people_n call_v quaker_n must_v be_v the_o main_a butt_n and_o object_n of_o their_o wrath_n but_o such_o paper_n bullet_n and_o dart_n that_o contain_v nothing_o solid_a as_o this_o postscript_n be_v full_a of_o horrid_a lie_n and_o false_a accusation_n will_v make_v little_a execution_n against_o we_o but_o certain_o return_v upon_o their_o head_n with_o shame_n and_o loss_n 10._o all_o this_o show_v that_o the_o presbyterian_a church_n be_v not_o so_o glorious_a a_o church_n as_o she_o do_v take_v herself_o to_o be_v and_o many_o in_o the_o island_n and_o elsewhere_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n do_v judge_v the_o congregational_a church_n far_o beyond_o she_o and_o those_o call_v baptist_n i_o mean_v the_o more_o sober_a kind_n of_o they_o beyond_o both_o yea_o the_o lutheran_n church_n and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n at_o lest_o as_o to_o divers_a particular_n in_o doctrine_n be_v real_o beyond_o she_o but_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v concern_v the_o waldenses_n who_o have_v all_o what_o the_o presbyterian_a church_n have_v that_o be_v commendable_a and_o divers_a other_o thingsâ—_n that_o they_o want_v and_o wherein_o they_o do_v not_o imitat_fw-la they_o although_o they_o boast_v to_o be_v their_o successor_n for_o the_o preacher_n of_o the_o waldenses_n be_v layman_n most_o of_o they_o and_o wrought_v with_o their_o hand_n as_o the_o teacher_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n do_v and_o have_v no_o sâ—t_a stipend_n or_o salary_n but_o preach_v free_o yea_o peter_n walâ—â—_n the_o first_o a_o most_o famous_a preacher_n of_o that_o people_n be_v a_o mere_a layman_n and_o have_v not_o philosophy_n but_o be_v a_o merchant_n in_o the_o town_n of_o lion_n in_o france_n who_o labour_n the_o lord_n do_v wonderful_o bless_v and_o the_o labour_n of_o such_o honest_a plain_a simple_a man_n as_o he_o be_v section_n iu._n 1._o that_o some_o good_a man_n have_v be_v in_o the_o presbyterian_a church_n prove_v not_o that_o she_o be_v a_o true_a church_n 2._o in_o the_o dark_a time_n of_o popery_n god_n raise_v up_o some_o good_a man_n and_o prophet_n in_o the_o popish_a church_n yet_o the_o popish_a church_n no_o true_a church_n of_o christ._n 3._o few_o sect_n but_o have_v have_v some_o good_a man_n among_o they_o 4._o the_o presbyterian_o in_o our_o day_n shameful_o be_v decline_v from_o the_o footstep_n and_o spirit_n of_o thâ—se_a ancient_a good_a man_n that_o be_v among_o they_o 5._o the_o presbyterian_a church_n guilty_a of_o treacherous_a practice_n 6._o christian_n shall_v not_o make_v war_n against_o the_o magistrate_n 7._o presbyterian_o suffering_n not_o pure_a and_o cleanly_a 8._o the_o episcopal_a church_n have_v its_o sufferer_n and_o martyr_n also_o 9_o the_o presbyterian_a church_n especial_o their_o teacher_n have_v much_o bloodguiltiness_n upon_o they_o 10._o if_o the_o house_n of_o god_n under_o the_o law_n be_v not_o to_o be_v build_v by_o man_n of_o blood_n far_o less_o under_o the_o gospel_n 11._o god_n will_v not_o honour_v the_o presbyterian_a party_n to_o build_v his_o zion_n or_o gospell-church_n in_o this_o land_n 12._o yet_o he_o will_v make_v use_n of_o many_o among_o they_o after_o he_o have_v â—â—ashed_v they_o from_o such_o bloody_a anti-christian_n and_o unsound_a principle_n and_o practice_n 13._o of_o this_o they_o be_v warn_v eleven_o year_n ago_o in_o my_o book_n call_v help_v in_o time_n of_o need_n print_v in_o the_o year_n 1665._o 14._o the_o presbyterian_a church_n of_o scotland_n guilty_a of_o apostasy_n and_o spiritual_a adultery_n prove_v full_o out_o of_o s._n r._n his_o epistle_n 15._o s._n r._n his_o faith_n uncertain_a and_o he_o doubtful_a in_o his_o late_a day_n concern_v the_o covenant_n its_o be_v make_v a_o instrument_n of_o reformation_n 16._o some_o other_o testimony_n of_o great_a presbyterian_a teacher_n that_o god_n have_v forsake_v the_o presbyterian_a church_n of_o scotland_n 1._o but_o if_o the_o author_n of_o the_o postscript_n think_v to_o get_v a_o fame_n to_o the_o presbyterian_a church_n because_o of_o some_o note_a man_n for_o piety_n that_o have_v
concern_v christ._n 6._o the_o second_o accusation_n a_o mere_a quibble_n about_o the_o invent_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o mystery_n be_v own_v by_o the_o quaker_n 7._o father_n word_n or_o soon_o and_o hoâ—y_a ghost_n be_v three_o otherways_o then_o in_o mere_a union_n operation_n or_o manifestion_n towards_o we_o only_o but_o not_o three_o substance_n 8._o divers_a judge_v pious_a and_o learned_a man_n of_o the_o ancient_n deny_v and_o dispute_v against_o 3._o hypostasis_n and_o 3._o person_n as_o jerom_n and_o augustin_n 9_o the_o three_o accusation_n a_o quibble_n and_o false_a upon_o the_o matter_n 10._o christ_n be_v a_o singular_a man_n 11._o whatever_o excellency_n other_o man_n have_v the_o heavenly_a man_n christ_n jesus_n have_v the_o same_o and_o more_o also_o 12._o the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n have_v a_o substantial_a dignity_n and_o excellency_n above_o all_o man_n in_o his_o manhood_n nature_n 13._o the_o christian_a quaker_n esteem_v more_o high_o of_o the_o manhood_n of_o christ_n jesâ—â—_n than_o either_o presbyterian_o or_o papist_n pag._n 9_o to_o ward_n the_o beginning_n and_o yet_o every_o article_n of_o this_o that_o they_o may_v for_o ever_o destroy_v the_o foundation_n of_o salvation_n be_v by_o they_o oppugn_v and_o subvert_v they_o put_v a_o false_a christ_n in_o stead_n of_o the_o true_a jesus_n the_o son_n of_o david_n our_o only_a saviour_n deny_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o second_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n deny_v christ_n to_o be_v a_o singular_a person_n deny_v jesus_n the_o soon_o of_o mary_n to_o be_v the_o alone_a true_a christ_n but_o affirm_v christ_n to_o be_v a_o common_a sort_n of_o thing_n to_o be_v find_v in_o every_o man_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o son_n of_o mary_n even_o the_o common_a light_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o every_o man_n in_o the_o world_n affirm_v jesus_n the_o true_a christ_n the_o soon_o of_o mary_n to_o be_v only_o a_o ordinary_a vessel_n which_o contain_v this_o light_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o every_o other_o 〈◊〉_d man_n do_v and_o so_o not_o only_o pull_v down_o our_o exalt_a prince_n from_o his_o throne_n of_o glory_n but_o put_v their_o false_a prophet_n in_o his_o place_n clthe_v they_o with_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o proper_a titeles_o as_o be_v christ_n as_o well_o as_o he_o because_o contain_v the_o some_o light_n with_o his_o 1._o answer_n because_o the_o author_n of_o the_o postscript_n lay_v the_o whole_a streâ—s_n of_o all_o his_o accusation_n upon_o what_o he_o do_v here_o lay_v down_o as_o the_o principl_n of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n and_o for_o which_o as_o suppose_v all_o these_o to_o be_v true_o allege_v which_o yeâ—_n be_v extreme_o false_a he_o go_v on_o at_o a_o high_a rate_n in_o divers_a whole_a page_n both_o before_o and_o after_o these_o word_n of_o his_o already_o mention_v allege_v that_o we_o deny_v all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a â—aith_n strike_v at_o name_n &_o thing_n of_o christian_a religion_n thus_o robe_v we_o of_o the_o whole_a gospel_n and_o turn_v we_o over_o into_o pure_a heathenism_n shut_v we_o out_o eternal_o from_o all_o access_n unto_o god_n and_o make_v our_o salvation_n for_o ever_o simple_o impossible_a therefore_o i_o have_v find_v it_o sit_v to_o set_v down_o word_n by_o word_n these_o his_o particular_a charge_n which_o be_v the_o alone_a foundation_n of_o his_o whole_a discourse_n and_o although_o it_o may_v suffice_v to_o any_o sober_a man_n simple_o to_o deny_v these_o charge_n as_o applicable_a to_o we_o who_o be_v call_v quaker_n and_o to_o inform_v the_o ignorant_a that_o they_o be_v a_o mere_a bundle_n of_o lie_n and_o falsehood_n upon_o the_o matter_n and_o that_o this_o be_v enough_o 〈◊〉_d overturn_v the_o foundation_n of_o his_o discourse_n and_o consequent_o the_o discourse_n itself_o that_o be_v build_v on_o it_o see_v he_o do_v not_o bring_v the_o least_o proof_n for_o what_o he_o allege_v against_o we_o from_o the_o word_n or_o write_n of_o any_o of_o that_o people_n but_o mere_a blind_a supposition_n and_o false_a consequence_n which_o do_v no_o way_n follow_v from_o our_o principle_n yet_o for_o the_o further_a satisfaction_n of_o the_o sober_a inquirer_fw-fr â—_o intend_v god_n willing_a and_o assist_v i_o by_o his_o grace_n to_o go_v through_o every_o one_o of_o these_o particular_n and_o in_o the_o simplicity_n and_o nakedness_n of_o truth_n to_o giveâ—â—â—ithfull_a account_n and_o declaration_n of_o our_o faith_n touch_v every_o particular_a which_o be_v eight_o in_o number_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v that_o we_o put_v a_o false_a christ_n in_o steâ—â—_n of_o the_o true_a jesus_n the_o soon_o of_o david_n one_o only_a 〈◊〉_d 2._o this_o be_v a_o false_a accusation_n for_o we_o acknowledâ—_n no_o other_o christ_n but_o the_o one_o only_a and_o true_a chriâ—â—_n jesus_n the_o soon_o of_o david_n our_o only_a saviour_n 3._o and_o that_o the_o soundness_n and_o truth_n of_o our_o faitâ—_n may_v appear_v in_o this_o particular_a let_v the_o reader_n knoâ—_n that_o we_o do_v most_o faithful_o believe_v and_o acknowledâ—_n jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n and_o true_a and_o perfect_a man_n 4._o and_o that_o the_o nature_n and_o substance_n of_o his_o godhead_a be_v not_o the_o nature_n and_o substance_n of_o his_o manhood_n his_o manhood_n be_v not_o his_o godhead_n 〈◊〉_d his_o godhead_n his_o manhood_n yet_o the_o man_n 〈◊〉_d god_n by_o reason_n oâ—_n that_o most_o wonderful_a union_n 〈◊〉_d the_o two_o nature_n so_o that_o as_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o a_o man_n be_v but_o one_o man_n by_o reason_n of_o 〈◊〉_d union_n that_o be_v betwixt_o they_o although_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o the_o body_n nor_o the_o body_n the_o â—oule_n in_o like_a manner_n but_o in_o a_o more_o wonderful_a sort_n the_o godhead_n and_o manhood_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o one_o christ_n without_o any_o confusion_n or_o transmutation_n of_o the_o godhead_n into_o the_o manhood_n or_o of_o the_o manhood_n into_o the_o godhead_n and_o the_o godhead_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o any_o inferior_a divinity_n or_o deity_n but_o the_o very_a same_o godhead_n of_o the_o father_n so_o that_o christ_n as_o god_n be_v equal_a with_o the_o father_n and_o one_o and_o the_o same_o god_n with_o he_o of_o one_o nature_n and_o substance_n again_o the_o manhood_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o true_a and_o perfect_a manhood_n so_o that_o christ_n as_o man_n have_v a_o true_a and_o real_a soul_n distinct_a from_o the_o godhead_n yet_o forever_o unite_v with_o the_o same_o in_o a_o most_o immediate_a and_o wonderful_a manner_n of_o which_o union_n no_o other_o soul_n or_o spirit_n of_o man_n or_o angel_n ever_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v partaker_n as_o also_o he_o have_v a_o true_a and_o real_a body_n so_o that_o whatever_o perâ—fection_n the_o manhood_n of_o any_o other_o man_n have_v the_o man_n christ_n have_v the_o same_o and_o that_o much_o great_a and_o more_o excellent_a as_o may_v be_v afterward_o show_v 5._o and_o thus_o the_o soundness_n and_o truth_n of_o our_o faith_n may_v appear_v concern_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n our_o â—lone_a faviour_n where_o we_o agree_v with_o all_o that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d and_o in_o the_o faith_n against_o the_o socinian_o who_o deny_v 〈◊〉_d true_a godhead_n of_o christ_n and_o who_o also_o deny_v that_o christ_n be_v before_o mary_n whereas_o we_o believe_v that_o christ_n be_v and_o be_v before_o all_o the_o first_o and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d as_o also_o against_o they_o who_o deny_v the_o true_a and_o real_a manhood_n of_o christ_n some_o deny_v he_o to_o have_v a_o true_a and_o real_a body_n of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n but_o only_o fantastical_a as_o be_v say_v of_o the_o manichee_n otâ—ers_n deny_v he_o to_o have_v a_o true_a &_o real_a soul_n affirm_v that_o the_o naked_a godhead_n take_v flesh_n and_o suffer_v in_o that_o flesh_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o heresy_n of_o apollinarius_n as_o also_o against_o they_o who_o affirm_v upon_o the_o matter_n thaâ—_n there_o be_v two_o christ_n and_o two_o son_n of_o god_n as_o if_o the_o eternal_a word_n or_o logos_fw-la be_v the_o one_o christ_n and_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o man_n jesus_n bear_v of_o the_o virgiâ—_n mary_n the_o other_o christ_n and_o son_n of_o god_n which_o iâ—_n say_v to_o be_v the_o heresy_n of_o nestorius_n whereas_o the_o eternal_a word_n and_o man_n jesus_n be_v not_o two_o christ_n noâ—_n two_o son_n of_o god_n but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o subsist_v in_o two_o nature_n as_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v one_o man_n according_a to_o what_o be_v already_o say_v which_o example_n 〈◊〉_d soul_n and_o body_n the_o ancient_n have_v much_o use_v to_o explain_v this_o great_a mystery_n as_o also_o they_o have_v use_v another_o to_o wit_n of_o a_o red_a hot_a
iron_n the_o fire_n in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d answer_v to_o the_o godhead_n or_o eternal_a word_n anâ—_n the_o iron_n itself_o burn_v and_o shine_v by_o the_o virtue_n anâ—_n power_n of_o the_o fire_n in_o it_o answer_v to_o the_o manhood_n 〈◊〉_d christ_n both_o which_o example_n i_o judge_v to_o be_v useful_a and_o pertinent_a yet_o fall_v exceed_o short_a of_o thâ—_n mystery_n itself_o which_o be_v so_o great_a that_o be_v passethâ—_n 〈◊〉_d understanding_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n the_o second_o particular_a be_v that_o we_o deny_v christ_n 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o second_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n 6._o this_o be_v a_o mere_a quibble_n about_o the_o invent_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n which_o we_o deny_v albeit_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o faithful_o believe_v to_o wit_n that_o christ_n as_o god_n be_v the_o second_o of_o the_o three_o that_o bear_v record_n in_o heaven_n which_o three_o be_v the_o father_n the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n and_o these_o three_o be_v one_o as_o john_n declare_v and_o we_o believe_v that_o these_o three_o that_o bear_v record_n in_o heaven_n be_v not_o three_o distinct_a nature_n and_o substance_n but_o the_o one_o in_o nature_n and_o substance_n not_o three_o god_n but_o one_o only_a god_n not_o have_v three_o understading_n three_o will_n or_o three_o power_n but_o one_o only_a understanding_n one_o only_a will_n and_o one_o only_a power_n 7._o yet_o they_o be_v three_o otherwise_o then_o in_o mere_a name_n operation_n or_o manifestation_n towards_o we_o only_o be_v distinct_a in_o their_o relative_a mode_n or_o property_n so_o that_o the_o father_n be_v not_o the_o word_n nor_o be_v the_o word_n or_o son_n the_o father_n although_o he_o be_v our_o father_n nor_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o proceed_v from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n either_o the_o father_n or_o the_o son_n the_o father_n be_v uncreated_a and_o unbegotten_a the_o son_n or_o word_n from_o everlasting_a be_v uncreated_a and_o yet_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n the_o spirit_n be_v neither_o create_v nor_o beget_v but_o proceed_v from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n from_o everlasting_a the_o father_n do_v not_o become_v flesh_n nor_o be_v bear_v and_o crucify_a and_o rise_v but_o the_o son_n or_o word_n &_o yet_o the_o father_n be_v in_o the_o son_n &_o the_o son_n in_o the_o father_n &_o the_o spirit_n that_o proceed_v from_o they_o be_v &_o be_v in_o they_o and_o with_o they_o from_o everlasting_a and_o be_v unto_o everlasting_a and_o whatever_o the_o father_n do_v the_o word_n and_o spirit_n do_v the_o same_o be_v one_o as_o in_o nature_n so_o in_o operation_n this_o father_n do_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o word_n and_o the_o father_n and_o the_o word_n do_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o yet_o as_o they_o be_v distinct_a in_o the_o manner_n or_o mode_n of_o being_n so_o also_o in_o the_o manner_n or_o mode_n of_o operation_n as_o the_o father_n be_v first_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o be_v so_o be_v he_o first_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o operation_n as_o the_o son_n be_v second_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o be_v so_o be_v he_o second_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o operation_n and_o as_o the_o spirit_n be_v three_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o be_v so_o be_v he_o three_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o operation_n yet_o this_o priority_n be_v not_o a_o priority_n of_o time_n but_o of_o order_n for_o they_o be_v three_o before_o time_n even_o from_o everlasting_a and_o they_o all_o cooperat_fw-la and_o work_v together_o and_o thus_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o we_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n as_o touch_v this_o great_a mystery_n and_o that_o we_o differr_v not_o in_o the_o matter_n or_o thing_n itself_o but_o only_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o expression_n which_o they_o themselves_o grant_v be_v not_o by_o word_n divine_o inspire_v as_o namely_o a_o trinity_n of_o person_n or_o three_o distinct_a person_n christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n who_o declare_v of_o this_o mystery_n express_v it_o not_o in_o these_o term_n of_o three_o distinct_a person_n nor_o be_v these_o word_n record_v in_o scripture_n therefore_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o express_v our_o faith_n in_o these_o unscripturall_a term_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v not_o teach_v nor_o indeed_o be_v there_o any_o need_n of_o those_o term_n three_o distinct_a person_n but_o rather_o they_o darken_v then_o explain_v the_o mystery_n which_o have_v occasion_v not_o only_o some_o of_o the_o vulgar_a but_o even_o some_o of_o they_o call_v the_o learned_a to_o err_v gross_o in_o their_o conception_n about_o the_o mystery_n itself_o as_o if_o the_o father_n the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v real_o three_o distinct_a substance_n each_o have_v a_o distinct_a understanding_n will_n and_o power_n and_o as_o if_o the_o word_n or_o son_n be_v inferior_a in_o nature_n to_o the_o father_n and_o the_o father_n great_a than_o the_o son_n as_o origen_n be_v think_v by_o some_o to_o have_v teach_v and_o as_o some_o do_v now_o teach_v and_o such_o although_o they_o affirm_v that_o the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v distinct_a substance_n from_o the_o father_n and_o that_o the_o father_n be_v great_a than_o they_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n be_v create_v or_o that_o they_o have_v their_o be_v from_o the_o father_n by_o way_n of_o creation_n but_o only_o by_o way_n of_o emanation_n and_o they_o affirm_v that_o the_o father_n be_v only_o the_o most_o high_a god_n and_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n inferior_a unto_o he_o as_o be_v god_n only_o by_o participation_n from_o and_o union_n with_o the_o father_n and_o thus_o they_o think_v to_o defend_v themselves_o as_o not_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o arian_n heresy_n whereas_o it_o be_v a_o branch_n of_o the_o arian_n heresy_n to_o say_v that_o the_o son_n or_o word_n be_v not_o equal_a unto_o the_o father_n but_o whither_o or_o not_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o arian_n heresy_n sure_o i_o be_o they_o be_v in_o a_o error_n occasion_v in_o great_a part_n by_o these_o unsound_a and_o unscriptural_a term_n of_o three_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n for_o person_n signify_v substance_n and_o not_o the_o mode_n or_o property_n of_o one_o substance_n 8._o and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o these_o word_n of_o three_o person_n and_o 3_o hypostasis_n have_v make_v great_a contention_n in_o former_a time_n and_o divers_a judge_v to_o be_v pious_a and_o learned_a man_n have_v deny_v they_o and_o dispute_v against_o they_o as_o namely_o jerome_n against_o three_o hypostasis_n and_o augustin_n dispute_v solide_o lib._n 5._o &_o 7._o de_fw-fr trinitate_fw-la that_o the_o word_n three_o person_n be_v not_o proper_o applicable_a to_o the_o mystery_n itself_o although_o he_o do_v not_o know_v what_o other_o name_n to_o give_v they_o and_o sure_o it_o be_v too_o great_a presumption_n and_o curiosity_n in_o any_o man_n to_o dive_v further_o into_o this_o mystery_n than_o what_o god_n have_v please_v to_o reveal_v or_o to_o give_v name_n unto_o it_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o give_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v more_o presumption_n and_o smell_v rank_o of_o a_o persecute_v spirit_n to_o impose_v upon_o other_o these_o word_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v not_o teach_v nor_o leave_v upon_o record_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o yet_o because_o we_o do_v not_o own_o these_o word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n and_o spirit_n to_o cry_v out_o against_o we_o as_o blasphemer_n and_o as_o deny_v the_o true_a christ_n whereas_o we_o believe_v in_o and_o do_v own_o the_o true_a christ_n according_a both_o to_o his_o godhead_n and_o manhood_n more_o according_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n than_o our_o accuser_n do_v as_o i_o hope_v in_o its_o due_a place_n to_o show_v the_o three_o particular_a whereof_o he_o accuse_v we_o be_v that_o we_o deny_v christ_n to_o be_v a_o singular_a person_n 9_o but_o this_o be_v another_o quibble_n like_v unto_o the_o former_a for_o i_o ask_v he_o what_o do_v he_o mean_v by_o the_o word_n person_n whither_o the_o godhead_n or_o both_o unite_a if_o he_o place_v the_o personality_n upon_o the_o godhead_n it_o resolve_v into_o the_o second_o particular_a already_o clear_v but_o the_o word_n or_o godhead_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o proper_o a_o person_n but_o a_o invisible_a power_n and_o life_n if_o he_o place_v it_o upon_o the_o manhood_n as_o unite_v with_o the_o godhead_n this_o be_v contrary_n to_o their_o own_o doctrine_n who_o teach_v that_o the_o word_n do_v assume_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n but_o not_o the_o person_n otherwise_o he_o will_v be_v two_o person_n and_o thus_o they_o distinguish_v the_o personality_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n but_o this_o be_v a_o most_o
come_v down_o from_o heaven_n whereof_o man_n must_v eat_v and_o drink_v to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v live_v by_o christ_n john_n 6_o 51._o i_o be_o that_o live_a bread_n which_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n if_o any_o man_n eat_v of_o this_o bread_n he_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o and_o the_o bread_n that_o i_o will_v give_v be_v my_o flesh_n now_o many_o understand_v not_o that_o say_n in_o that_o day_n as_o many_o at_o this_o day_n do_v not_o understand_v it_o for_o they_o think_v he_o have_v speak_v of_o earthly_a flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v offend_v and_o say_v how_o can_v this_o man_n give_v 〈◊〉_d his_o flesh_n and_o blood_n to_o eat_v whereas_o jesus_n understand_v it_o of_o his_o heavenly_a flesh_n and_o blood_n therefore_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o do_v this_o offend_v you_o what_o if_o you_o shall_v see_v the_o son_n of_o man_n ascend_v up_o where_o he_o be_v before_o so_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o man_n before_o he_o descend_v that_o be_v to_o say_v true_a man_n for_o son_n of_o man_n be_v a_o syriack_n phrase_n signify_v man_n compare_v with_o this_o john_n 3_o 13._o no_o man_n ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n the_o son_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n see_v also_o eph_n 4_o 9_o 10._o now_o in_o that_o he_o ascend_v what_o be_v it_o but_o that_o he_o also_o descend_v into_o the_o low_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n he_o that_o descend_v be_v the_o same_o that_o ascend_v far_o above_o all_o heaven_n that_o he_o may_v fill_v all_o thing_n and_o this_o will_v yet_o further_o appear_v if_o we_o shall_v consider_v what_o paul_n write_v of_o this_o mystery_n 1_o cor._n 10_o 3_o 4._o that_o the_o father_n to_o wit_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n long_o before_o christ_n come_v outward_o in_o the_o flesh_n do_v all_o eat_v the_o same_o spiritual_a meat_n and_o do_v all_o drink_n the_o same_o spiritual_a drink_n for_o they_o drink_v of_o the_o spiritual_a rock_n that_o follow_v they_o and_o that_o rock_n be_v christ._n nor_o can_v it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o must_v be_v understand_v figurative_o to_o wit_n the_o rock_n signify_v christ_n for_o we_o read_v no_o where_o in_o the_o scripture_n of_o any_o rock_n that_o follow_v the_o people_n in_o the_o wilderness_n as_o outward_o that_o be_v a_o figure_n or_o type_n of_o christ_n but_o christ_n himself_o be_v that_o rock_n that_o follow_v they_o and_o certain_o if_o the_o saint_n before_o christ_n come_v outward_o in_o the_o flesh_n have_v â—ot_n eat_v of_o the_o flesh_n of_o christ_n and_o drink_v of_o his_o blood_n they_o can_v not_o have_v have_v life_n by_o he_o but_o they_o have_v life_n by_o he_o and_o therefore_o they_o do_v eat_v his_o flesh_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n and_o therefore_o christ_n have_v flesh_n and_o blood_n to_o wit_n heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a even_o from_o the_o beginning_n on_o which_o the_o saint_n in_o all_o age_n do_v feed_v even_o from_o the_o beginning_n such_o as_o adam_n and_o evah_n abel_n henoch_n noah_n abraham_n etc._n etc._n and_o see_v christ_n have_v flesh_n &_o blood_n from_o the_o beginning_n he_o be_v man_n from_o the_o beginning_n for_o as_o god_n simple_o he_o can_v not_o have_v flesh_n and_o blood_n for_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n therefore_o it_o be_v the_o flesh_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v man_n or_o the_o son_n of_o man_n as_o christ_n say_v unless_o you_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n etc._n etc._n 4._o all_o which_o prove_v effectual_o that_o the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n be_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o if_o the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n have_v not_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o church_n all_o along_o from_o the_o beginning_n have_v want_v a_o mediator_n and_o head_n for_o it_o be_v the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n unite_v with_o the_o godhead_n of_o the_o logos_fw-la that_o be_v the_o mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n as_o paul_n declare_v 1_o tim._n 2_o 5._o and_o the_o head_n of_o every_o man_n be_v christ_n and_o the_o head_n of_o christ_n be_v god_n by_o christ_n paul_n in_o this_o place_n 1_o cor._n 11_o 3._o understand_v the_o man_n christ_n which_o he_o place_v as_o a_o middle_n between_o god_n and_o man_n so_o that_o god_n be_v the_o head_n of_o every_o man_n but_o it_o be_v most_o absurd_a to_o suppose_v that_o the_o church_n and_o saint_n all_o along_o until_o christ_n come_v outward_o in_o flesh_n want_v a_o mediator_n and_o intercessor_n or_o that_o they_o want_v a_o head_n for_o even_o as_o the_o natural_a body_n can_v not_o live_v without_o its_o head_n so_o nor_o can_v the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n live_v without_o its_o head_n which_o be_v the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n 5._o but_o let_v we_o descend_v more_o particular_o into_o particular_a place_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o we_o shall_v see_v the_o same_o truth_n confirm_v abundant_o prov._n 8_o 23._o i_o be_v anoint_a from_o the_o age_n from_o the_o beginning_n so_o the_o word_n shall_v be_v translate_v the_o hebrew_n word_n nissakti_fw-la signify_v anoint_a and_o be_v so_o render_v by_o buxtorf_n in_o his_o lexicon_n and_o also_o by_o the_o english_a bible_n psal._n 2_o 6._o in_o the_o margin_n i_o have_v anoint_a my_o king_n upon_o my_o holy_a hill_n of_o zion_n the_o hebrew_a root_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o place_n and_o both_o place_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o christ_n as_o be_v general_o confess_v 6._o now_o christ_n signify_v anoint_v and_o it_o be_v the_o man_n christ_n that_o be_v anoint_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o not_o the_o word_n or_o logos_fw-la which_o be_v god_n himself_o for_o the_o godhead_n anoint_v not_o the_o godhead_n but_o it_o be_v the_o godhead_n that_o do_v anoint_v the_o manhood_n of_o christ_n which_o manhood_n have_v be_v anoint_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o therefore_o the_o man_n christ_n have_v be_v from_o the_o beginning_n who_o be_v god_n anoint_v king_n and_o the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n in_o all_o age_n the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o even_o the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n who_o say_v to_o the_o jew_n before_o abraham_n be_v i_o be_o and_o it_o be_v the_o man_n christ_n that_o say_v this_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o of_o he_o john_n the_o baptist_n thus_o declare_v john_n 1_o 30._o there_o come_v after_o i_o a_o man_n that_o be_v prefer_v unto_o i_o for_o he_o be_v before_o i_o and_o this_o be_v the_o man_n christ_n of_o who_o he_o speak_v again_o let_v we_o consider_v psal._n 110_o 1_o 3_o 4._o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o my_o lord_n sit_v thou_o at_o my_o right_a hand_n until_o i_o make_v thy_o enemy_n thy_o footstool_n and_o ver_fw-la 3._o from_o the_o womb_n before_o the_o morningstar_n i_o have_v beget_v thou_o so_o the_o septuagint_n and_o vulgar_a latin_a which_o do_v little_o differ_v from_o the_o hebrew_n itself_o in_o this_o place_n and_o vers_fw-la 4._o thou_o be_v a_o priest_n forever_o after_o the_o order_n of_o melchizedek_n now_o that_o christ_n as_o man_n be_v here_o understand_v and_o not_o simple_o the_o logos_fw-la or_o word_n i_o prove_v first_o because_o here_o be_v two_o lord_n the_o lord_n say_v unto_o my_o lord_n the_o father_n speak_v unto_o the_o man_n christ_n for_o indeed_o the_o man_n christ_n be_v a_o distinct_a lord_n from_o the_o father_n as_o he_o be_v a_o distinct_a be_v and_o substance_n as_o man_n and_o as_o man_n he_o be_v a_o lord_n and_o king_n who_o say_v all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v give_v i_o of_o my_o father_n but_o the_o word_n simple_o considereâ—_n be_v not_o a_o distinct_a lord_n from_o the_o father_n because_o not_o a_o distinct_a be_v or_o substance_n second_o it_o be_v the_o man_n christ_n that_o be_v god_n high_a priest_n and_o not_o the_o word_n bare_o consider_v for_o a_o priest_n be_v one_o that_o pray_v unto_o god_n for_o the_o people_n and_o mediat_n oâ—_n intercee_v betwixt_o god_n and_o they_o but_o the_o word_n bare_o consider_v can_v not_o do_v this_o because_o he_o be_v noâ—_n a_o distinct_a substance_n or_o be_v from_o the_o father_n whereas_o the_o man_n christ_n be_v a_o distinct_a be_v although_o not_o divide_v or_o separate_v from_o he_o and_o if_o he_o be_v â—_o priest_n forever_o then_o from_o the_o beginning_n and_o consequent_o man_n from_o the_o beginning_n according_a to_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v jesus_n christ_n the_o same_o yesterday_o to_o day_n and_o forever_o yesterday_o that_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n to_o day_n that_o be_v at_o present_a and_o for_o ever_o that_o be_v in_o all_o time_n and_o age_n to_o come_v this_o be_v the_o promise_a seed_n which_o god_n
because_o it_o be_v not_o deck_v with_o the_o trim_n and_o ornament_n of_o the_o whore_n i_o need_v not_o enlarge_v on_o this_o the_o application_n be_v so_o plain_a four_o education_n and_o breed_n in_o wrong_a gloss_n and_o mistake_n of_o scripture_n proof_n have_v be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o hindrance_n of_o the_o progress_n of_o truth_n or_o of_o its_o reception_n and_o for_o this_o let_v the_o many_o divers_a reason_n of_o the_o jew_n against_o christ_n in_o his_o descent_n doctrine_n and_o miracle_n be_v consider_v and_o man_n may_v then_o as_o in_o a_o glass_n see_v the_o image_n of_o that_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o opposition_n to_o truth_n in_o this_o day_n and_o for_o this_o i_o refer_v the_o sober_a inquirer_n after_o truth_n to_o isaac_n pennington_n his_o book_n call_v the_o outward_a jew_n a_o look_a glass_n for_o professor_n this_o be_v such_o a_o person_n that_o none_o acquaint_v with_o his_o write_n but_o will_v allow_v he_o a_o good_a character_n if_o he_o be_v not_o a_o prejudicate_v opposer_n 5._o another_o great_a obstruction_n which_o keep_v people_n from_o the_o search_n after_o truth_n be_v a_o light_n and_o 〈◊〉_d mind_n which_o predominat_n in_o the_o most_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n in_o the_o world_n this_o hinder_v truth_n in_o the_o very_a power_n and_o life_n of_o it_o and_o permit_v none_o to_o be_v serious_a in_o the_o search_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o the_o conviction_n of_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o truth_n that_o the_o lord_n call_v for_o only_a or_o that_o his_o faithful_a servant_n endeavour_v as_o if_o it_o be_v satisfaction_n to_o they_o to_o see_v many_o own_n it_o or_o profess_v the_o form_n thereof_o these_o be_v but_o at_o best_a like_o the_o stony_a or_o thorny_a ground_n that_o receive_v the_o seed_n with_o joy_n and_o yet_o in_o a_o day_n of_o the_o heat_n of_o persecution_n turn_v from_o it_o and_o so_o may_v become_v a_o discredit_n to_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v only_o these_o that_o labour_v not_o only_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o espouse_v it_o in_o their_o understanding_n but_o also_o endeavour_v to_o feel_v the_o power_n and_o life_n of_o it_o reach_v their_o heart_n and_o this_o not_o only_o for_o a_o touch_n at_o a_o time_n but_o to_o live_v and_o feed_v upon_o that_o life_n &_o power_n which_o flow_v forth_o from_o the_o fountain_n &_o spring_n of_o it_o i_o say_v these_o only_a it_o be_v that_o will_v be_v true_a witness_n of_o the_o truth_n hence_o christ_n speak_v many_o parable_n to_o this_o purpose_n as_o that_o of_o the_o wise_a merchant_n that_o sell_v all_o &_o buy_v the_o pearl_n &_o the_o treasure_n that_o be_v hide_v in_o the_o ground_n etc._n etc._n let_v all_o person_n that_o be_v of_o this_o light_n and_o airy_a spirit_n consider_v their_o danger_n how_o uncapable_a they_o be_v not_o only_o to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o their_o day_n and_o generation_n but_o also_o utter_o unfit_a for_o be_v heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n when_o time_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o if_o they_o do_v mind_n the_o care_n of_o their_o precioussoule_n and_o consider_v their_o mortality_n how_o uncertain_a their_o time_n be_v and_o of_o what_o concernment_n it_o be_v to_o they_o to_o be_v true_o serious_a they_o will_v not_o make_v too_o light_a of_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n which_o concern_v their_o everlasting_a salvation_n but_o will_v find_v they_o of_o far_o great_a moment_n than_o these_o temporal_a pleasure_n profit_n and_o recreation_n wherewith_o they_o be_v so_o intentive_o take_v up_o wherefore_o my_o desire_n to_o all_o be_v that_o they_o will_v serious_o consider_v these_o few_o obstruction_n mention_v and_o apply_v their_o mind_n to_o search_v after_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o beware_v to_o take_v matter_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n upon_o trust_n from_o any_o man_n or_o company_n of_o man_n but_o impartial_o weigh_v and_o ponder_v by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o their_o own_o heart_n what_o be_v truth_n and_o what_o be_v error_n by_o what_o doctrine_n the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n will_v be_v most_o esteem_v and_o the_o pride_n of_o man_n most_o abase_v beware_v of_o a_o implicit_a faith_n for_o tâ—e_v just_a shall_v live_v by_o his_o faith_n hab._n 2._o 4._o and_o not_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o another_o they_o be_v most_o to_o be_v suspect_v as_o deceiver_n that_o do_v most_o hinder_v inquiry_n and_o trial_n as_o many_o preacher_n at_o this_o time_n be_v do_v it_o be_v a_o know_v popish_a imposition_n to_o forbid_v search_v and_o be_v now_o renounce_v and_o abominate_v by_o all_o sound_a protestant_n therefore_o they_o be_v yet_o drink_v with_o the_o whore_n cup_n that_o will_v obtrude_v their_o doctrine_n to_o be_v believe_v without_o trial_n or_o to_o hinder_v from_o try_v the_o spirit_n and_o from_o try_v all_o thing_n that_o what_o be_v best_a may_v be_v keep_v to_o if_o any_o object_n that_o word_n prov._n 19_o 27._o coase_o to_o hear_v the_o instruction_n that_o cause_v to_o err_v from_o the_o word_n of_o knowledge_n i_o answer_v this_o presuppose_v a_o clear_a and_o well_o ground_a faith_n of_o the_o truth_n from_o a_o inward_a principle_n which_o few_o ordinary_a professor_n can_v lay_v claim_n to_o otherways_o this_o may_v have_v excuse_v the_o jew_n in_o not_o harken_v to_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o say_v we_o know_v god_n â—pake_v to_o moses_n but_o for_o this_o fellow_n we_o know_v not_o whence_o 〈◊〉_d be_v joh._n 9_o v._n 26._o yea_o we_o and_o our_o predecessor_n shall_v have_v remain_v in_o popery_n without_o trial_n wherefore_o friend_n if_o you_o will_v true_o join_v and_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o power_n and_o life_n which_o the_o lord_n be_v ready_a to_o reveal_v in_o your_o heart_n it_o will_v not_o only_o help_v you_o to_o discern_v truth_n from_o error_n but_o to_o overcome_v your_o lust_n and_o get_v victory_n over_o your_o idol_n that_o stand_v up_o to_o make_v distance_n &_o separation_n betwixt_o god_n peace_n and_o favour_n and_o your_o soul_n that_o place_n be_v considerable_a rom._n 12._o verse_n 2._o be_v not_o conform_v to_o this_o world_n but_o be_v you_o transform_v by_o the_o renew_n of_o your_o mind_n that_o you_o may_v prove_v what_o be_v that_o good_a and_o acceptable_a and_o perfect_a will_n of_o god_n and_o thereby_o you_o shall_v come_v to_o get_v your_o heart_n establish_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o get_v all_o these_o strayingâ—_n and_o wander_n in_o your_o heart_n reform_v by_o wâ—â—ch_a your_o best_a duty_n be_v corrupt_v and_o defile_v â—hich_v be_v the_o earnest_a desire_n and_o travel_v of_o my_o soul_n that_o all_o my_o belove_a 〈◊〉_d and_o acquaintance_n every_o where_o may_v true_o and_o sensible_o come_v unto_o a_o real_a lover_n of_o your_o eternal_a welfare_n and_o peace_n alexander_z skein_n from_o the_o tolbooth_n of_o aberdeen_n the_o 1_o of_o the_o 5_o month_n 1676._o where_o i_o be_o a_o prisoner_n for_o my_o testimony_n print_a in_o the_o year_n 1677._o