of_o the_o eternal_a god_n who_o be_v with_o the_o father_n before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v lay_v be_v become_v the_o horn_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o have_v bring_v immortality_n to_o light_n in_o they_o and_o reveal_v that_o teacher_n that_o can_v never_o be_v move_v into_o a_o corner_n and_o therefore_o these_o can_v depend_v any_o long_o on_o the_o teach_n of_o man_n nor_o yet_o on_o outward_a canonical_a article_n creed_n directory_n or_o church-faith_n prescribe_v by_o man_n but_o on_o the_o teach_n of_o christ_n alone_o by_o his_o light_n and_o spiritual_a appearance_n in_o themselves_o to_o lead_v and_o guide_v unto_o the_o father_n of_o life_n the_o sound_n of_o this_o alarm_n as_o many_o can_v yet_o witness_v become_v a_o joyful_a sound_n to_o that_o soul_n which_o be_v hunger_a after_o the_o lord_n though_o pierce_v as_o a_o dart_n through_o the_o liver_n to_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n so_o that_o astonishment_n and_o amazement_n seem_v to_o take_v hold_n on_o many_o whereby_o they_o become_v a_o byword_n a_o mock_n and_o a_o taunt_v unto_o such_o who_o dependency_n be_v on_o their_o outward_a teacher_n etc._n etc._n as_o aforesaid_a i_o say_v again_o oh_o friend_n let_v the_o remembrance_n of_o this_o day_n come_v before_o you_o and_o consider_v further_o what_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o eternal_a power_n unto_o such_o who_o be_v strike_v with_o amazement_n after_o they_o believe_v the_o appearance_n of_o that_o power_n whereby_o they_o be_v so_o strike_v to_o be_v the_o appearance_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n i_o well_o remember_v the_o voice_n be_v on_o this_o wise_a to_o your_o own_o to_o your_o own_o to_o your_o own_o mean_v thereby_o that_o they_o shall_v turn_v in_o their_o mind_n to_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o conscience_n which_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v that_o teacher_n which_o can_v never_o be_v remove_v into_o a_o corner_n that_o so_o they_o may_v witness_v the_o fulfil_n of_o that_o loud_a voice_n utter_v by_o the_o angel_n fly_v through_o the_o midst_n of_o heaven_n have_v the_o everlasting_a gospel_n to_o preach_v unto_o they_o that_o dwell_v on_o the_o earth_n etc._n etc._n fear_v god_n and_o give_v glory_n to_o he_o for_o the_o hour_n of_o his_o judgement_n be_v come_v and_o worship_v he_o that_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n etc._n etc._n for_o no_o doubt_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n reveal_v unto_o those_o first_o labourer_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o there_o be_v a_o proneness_n in_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o man_n to_o admire_v to_o depend_v upon_o and_o sometime_o through_o a_o affectionate_a part_n or_o blind_a zeal_n to_o worship_v such_o be_v be_v instrument_n to_o give_v forth_o outward_a directory_n or_o church-faith_n for_o we_o find_v that_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o of_o worship_v angel_n which_o be_v messenger_n who_o god_n have_v send_v by_o he_o that_o intrude_v into_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v not_o see_v therefore_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o the_o voice_n of_o truth_n through_o they_o be_v not_o only_o thus_o viz._n to_o your_o own_o which_o be_v observe_v lead_v into_o a_o independency_n upon_o other_o but_o also_o frequent_o on_o this_o wise_a we_o preach_v not_o ourselves_o look_v not_o unto_o we_o in_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n i_o can_v but_o cry_v aloud_o in_o the_o aforesaid_a word_n of_o the_o angel_n that_o have_v the_o everlasting_a gospel_n to_o preach_v fear_v god_n and_o give_v glory_n to_o he_o and_o then_o no_o doubt_n but_o every_o such_o one_o that_o have_v concern_v himself_o to_o condemn_v his_o brother_n on_o no_o better_a ground_n than_o from_o the_o example_n and_o prescription_n of_o another_o will_v come_v to_o see_v that_o therein_o he_o have_v not_o keep_v to_o his_o own_o and_o so_o have_v be_v lead_v into_o a_o by_o and_o err_v path._n oh_o friend_n let_v therefore_o this_o cry_n pass_v through_o every_o heart_n to_o our_o own_o to_o our_o own_o to_o our_o own_o that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o every_o one_o be_v own_o measure_n of_o christ_n light_n or_o grace_n of_o god_n received_n which_o the_o apostle_n say_v be_v sufficient_a with_o this_o secret_a breathe_n of_o spirit_n unto_o the_o god_n of_o our_o life_n that_o all_o may_v be_v thereto_o retire_v for_o if_o that_o counsel_n may_v but_o take_v place_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o there_o can_v then_o be_v no_o room_n for_o any_o to_o impose_v or_o press_v the_o observation_n of_o other_o man_n line_n upon_o any_o which_o no_o doubt_n be_v one_o great_a occasion_n of_o the_o religious_a difference_n treat_v on_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o it_o will_v mould_v all_o who_o retain_v the_o name_n of_o christianity_n into_o the_o very_a nature_n thereof_o and_o so_o consequent_o a_o reconciliation_n in_o the_o everlasting_a truth_n may_v quick_o ensue_v for_o if_o that_o door_n be_v but_o once_o shut_v through_o which_o variance_n and_o disunion_n enter_v there_o may_v then_o arise_v a_o hope_n of_o cessation_n to_o such_o contention_n and_o strife_n as_o be_v out_o of_o the_o truth_n but_o if_o not_o i_o may_v then_o say_v how_o can_v the_o effect_n cease_v whilst_o the_o cause_n remain_v i_o well_o remember_v and_o many_o with_o i_o that_o while_o friend_n keep_v to_o their_o own_o and_o concern_v not_o themselves_o to_o promote_v a_o zealous_a observation_n of_o other_o man_n line_n make_v ready_a to_o their_o hand_n we_o then_o hear_v not_o of_o so_o much_o contention_n strife_n and_o debate_n both_o public_a and_o private_a as_o of_o late_a year_n have_v be_v but_o since_o the_o promotion_n thereof_o confusion_n disorder_n emulation_n malice_n and_o envy_n have_v be_v its_o offspring_n which_o have_v be_v manifest_v by_o public_a unjust_a revile_n against_o some_o when_o zealous_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n and_o though_o these_o be_v of_o that_o number_n that_o prefer_v obedience_n to_o their_o own_o measure_n of_o grace_n receive_v before_o obedience_n to_o the_o measure_n of_o other_o yet_o other_o some_o there_o be_v who_o have_v endeavour_v to_o bring_v friend_n into_o conformity_n to_o the_o pretend_a dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n through_o other_o or_o at_o best_o through_o that_o one_o man_n g._n f._n before_o speak_v of_o and_o that_o under_o the_o penalty_n of_o be_v account_v guilty_a of_o corah_n sin_n for_o scruple_v to_o conform_v and_o thus_o the_o variance_n be_v like_a to_o continue_v unless_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n for_o his_o name_n sake_n by_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o own_o power_n shall_v put_v a_o stop_n thereto_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o i_o can_v not_o but_o say_v in_o all_o seriousness_n of_o spirit_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o my_o conscience_n let_v the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o day_n that_o be_v pass_v come_v before_o you_o wherein_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o live_a god_n sound_v by_o his_o trumpet_n a_o alarm_n to_o the_o nation_n and_o that_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n edward_n burrough_n many_o year_n decease_v be_v honourable_o speak_v of_o by_o some_o if_o not_o by_o all_o of_o both_o party_n of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n at_o variance_n one_o that_o have_v the_o trumpet_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o sound_v and_o have_v therewith_o sound_v as_o a_o son_n of_o thunder_n as_o well_o as_o of_o consolation_n many_o alarm_n unto_o the_o nation_n i_o shall_v conclude_v with_o the_o citation_n of_o a_o part_n of_o a_o epistle_n write_v by_o he_o in_o the_o year_n 1658._o to_o the_o friend_n of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n and_o so_o leave_v the_o consideration_n thereof_o to_o the_o impartial_a reader_n to_o savour_v whether_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o counsel_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o know_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o ourselves_o to_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o our_o action_n and_o if_o so_o then_o to_o practice_v from_o other_o man_n line_n without_o a_o inward_a conviction_n by_o the_o spirit_n in_o ourselves_o can_v be_v no_o more_o accept_v as_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o than_o the_o offering_n of_o the_o halt_n and_o the_o blind_a for_o a_o sacrifice_n under_o the_o first_o covenant_n be_v here_o follow_v the_o citation_n out_o of_o edward_n burrough_n aforesaid_a epistle_n yea_o it_o be_v peace_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o gladness_n to_o the_o heart_n and_o refreshment_n to_o the_o life_n to_o feel_v and_o witness_v the_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o father_n lead_v into_o all_o truth_n and_o preserve_v out_o of_o all_o transgression_n wherefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o all_o let_v this_o be_v your_o whole_a desire_n and_o the_o full_a practice_n in_o your_o life_n and_o then_o shall_v the_o countenance_n of_o the_o lord_n shine_v upon_o you_o and_o his_o face_n shall_v make_v you_o glad_a if_o in_o all_o thing_n you_o look_v unto_o
spiritual_a guide_n and_o teacher_n which_o be_v infailible_n and_o can_v be_v remove_v into_o a_o corner_n with_o confidence_n than_o may_v we_o conclude_v that_o none_o such_o will_n ever_o more_o boast_n of_o the_o possession_n which_o they_o have_v take_v as_o heir_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o respect_n to_o thing_n that_o be_v without_o second_o as_o to_o this_o part_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a objection_n viz._n that_o nothing_o but_o dryness_n deadness_n and_o barrenness_n appear_v in_o those_o who_o be_v oppose_v by_o such_o with_o who_o thou_o be_v at_o unity_n we_o say_v this_o seem_v not_o strange_a unto_o we_o for_o the_o apostle_n thus_o testify_v we_o be_v unto_o god_n a_o sweet_a savour_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o that_o be_v save_v and_o in_o they_o that_o perish_v to_o the_o one_o we_o be_v the_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n and_o to_o the_o other_o the_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o life_n this_o give_v we_o occasion_n to_o put_v every_o one_o that_o have_v or_o may_v judge_v the_o sound_a form_n of_o word_n to_o be_v deadness_n dryness_n &_o barrenness_n especial_o when_v spring_a from_o such_o who_o thou_o have_v know_v to_o be_v in_o the_o life_n upon_o this_o search_n be_v not_o the_o reason_n thereof_o because_o i_o be_o watch_v for_o evil_n and_o have_v let_v in_o a_o spirit_n of_o prejudice_n believe_v a_o evil_a report_n when_o perhaps_o it_o may_v not_o be_v truth_n if_o this_o be_v thy_o state_n we_o must_v plain_o tell_v thou_o they_o be_v the_o very_a token_n of_o a_o perish_a condition_n and_o then_o though_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o life_n that_o be_v preach_v yet_o it_o can_v be_v no_o other_o according_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o the_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o thou_o beside_o we_o have_v this_o further_a observation_n to_o make_v that_o some_o at_o least_o of_o those_o thus_o testify_v against_o as_o dead_a dry_a and_o barren_a be_v chief_o such_o unto_o who_o god_n have_v give_v a_o portion_n of_o understanding_n above_o many_o of_o their_o brethren_n and_o have_v and_o yet_o do_v as_o far_o as_o ever_o we_o know_v appear_v sound_n in_o doctrine_n and_o as_o blameless_a in_o life_n and_o conversation_n as_o any_o friend_n we_o have_v ever_o know_v and_o so_o can_v run_v with_o the_o current_n of_o the_o time_n we_o desire_v therefore_o that_o every_o one_o of_o the_o opposer_n of_o or_o judge_n over_o such_o will_v yet_o more_o thorough_o search_v their_o own_o conscience_n and_o in_o a_o godly_a jealousy_n over_o themselves_o put_v these_o query_n unto_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o try_v thing_n in_o the_o equal_a balance_n have_v not_o i_o many_o time_n hear_v unsound_a doctrine_n and_o behold_v disorder_n and_o confusion_n bring_v forth_o even_o in_o public_a meeting_n for_o worship_n by_o those_o who_o cry_v against_o dark_a separate_a spirit_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v a_o reproof_n thereto_o conclude_v notwithstanding_o that_o there_o do_v a_o freshness_n and_o life_n appear_v have_v not_o i_o be_v often_o affect_v with_o a_o outward_a tone_n and_o strength_n of_o lung_n when_o there_o have_v be_v little_a to_o the_o information_n and_o building_n up_o one_o another_o in_o the_o most_o holy_a faith_n have_v not_o i_o be_v better_o content_v to_o hear_v a_o thunder_a kind_n of_o voice_n cry_v out_o against_o a_o separate_a spirit_n though_o without_o distinction_n when_o not_o a_o word_n be_v speak_v to_o show_v the_o way_n to_o the_o kingdom_n than_o to_o hear_v the_o way_n of_o eternal_a life_n plain_o demonstrate_v by_o a_o soft_a and_o moderate_a voice_n we_o know_v there_o be_v great_a cause_n for_o many_o to_o put_v these_o question_n to_o their_o conscience_n and_o to_o be_v cool_a in_o spirit_n that_o so_o they_o may_v have_v a_o answer_n from_o the_o lord_n who_o appearance_n be_v not_o in_o the_o strong_a wind_n but_o in_o the_o still_a voice_n sect_n iv_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o three_o position_n deducible_a from_o a_o objection_n raise_v towards_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o first_o section_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v folly_n and_o hypocrisy_n to_o profess_v ourselves_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o yet_o not_o believe_v thus_o as_o the_o true_a church_n believe_v to_o this_o we_o say_v we_o be_v altogether_o dissatisfy_v especial_o when_o we_o consider_v what_o a_o body_n of_o darkness_n have_v enter_v under_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o position_n we_o must_v believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v among_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n in_o age_n past_a as_o well_o as_o at_o this_o present_a day_n that_o such_o language_n can_v become_v the_o mouth_n or_o pen_n of_o any_o one_o that_o profess_v not_o only_a faith_n in_o christ_n but_o also_o that_o such_o his_o faith_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o inward_a manifestation_n and_o revelation_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o himself_o mark_v we_o say_v in_o himself_o those_o who_o be_v account_v apostate_n christian_n have_v from_o such_o assembly_n which_o they_o call_v their_o church_n set_v forth_o their_o creed_n by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v know_v what_o the_o member_n of_o their_o church_n do_v and_o aught_o to_o believe_v and_o since_o it_o be_v so_o that_o no_o person_n be_v able_a to_o make_v out_o that_o ever_o any_o assembly_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o true_a church_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n have_v publish_v their_o creed_n by_o which_o we_o mean_v a_o certain_a number_n of_o article_n of_o faith_n recommend_v they_o as_o those_o thing_n which_o every_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n ought_v to_o believe_v or_o else_o not_o be_v account_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n we_o can_v account_v it_o unreasonable_a if_o any_o one_o that_o like_v not_o the_o language_n touch_v believe_v as_o the_o true_a church_n believe_v shall_v ask_v the_o publisher_n thereof_o this_o question_n have_v thou_o not_o speak_v this_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n as_o those_o who_o thou_o accounte_v the_o true_a church_n and_o if_o so_o be_v it_o not_o folly_n to_o talk_v of_o believe_v as_o this_o church_n believe_v when_o no_o assembly_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o this_o church_n have_v to_o this_o day_n declare_v and_o publish_v their_o creed_n for_o the_o end_n aforesaid_a nay_o may_v it_o not_o further_o be_v say_v we_o know_v how_o papist_n and_o protestant_n describe_v their_o church_n but_o at_o the_o day_n wherein_o that_o which_o occasion_n this_o present_a discourse_n be_v give_v forth_o it_o be_v not_o discover_v by_o any_o repute_a quaker_n public_o in_o print_n that_o we_o know_v of_o who_o or_o be_v the_o true_a church_n be_v with_o respect_n to_o visible_a person_n more_o than_o what_o be_v to_o this_o effect_n give_v forth_o by_o the_o author_n occasion_v this_o present_a discourse_n viz._n that_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n be_v the_o church_n wherein_o we_o do_v not_o take_v his_o meaning_n to_o be_v that_o all_o call_v quaker_n be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o the_o elect_a among_o they_o for_o he_o also_o say_v the_o church_n signify_v the_o elect_n and_o so_o the_o reader_n be_v leave_v without_o any_o certain_a description_n who_o or_o where_o this_o church_n be_v with_o respect_n to_o visible_a person_n since_o the_o elect_a among_o they_o be_v not_o outward_o describe_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o open_n of_o the_o understanding_n of_o such_o as_o may_v be_v muddle_v about_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v with_o we_o thus_o to_o testify_v it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o reach_v unto_o many_o of_o our_o conscience_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o latter_a day_n that_o have_v dawn_v among_o we_o whereby_o we_o come_v to_o believe_v in_o the_o everlasting_a light_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o as_o other_o hold_v forth_o the_o visible_a order_n and_o write_a faith_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n to_o be_v as_o a_o lantern_n to_o their_o path_n and_o as_o a_o ground_n of_o their_o faith_n so_o this_o light_n of_o christ_n be_v preach_v up_o as_o a_o lantern_n to_o our_o path_n and_o as_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o then_o as_o our_o understanding_n come_v to_o be_v more_o and_o more_o open_v we_o clear_o see_v that_o as_o other_o church_n have_v outward_a mark_n and_o token_n whereby_o a_o man_n may_v manifest_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o their_o church_n when_o receive_v into_o society_n with_o their_o church_n so_o we_o who_o have_v believe_v in_o the_o light_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o have_v the_o evidence_n in_o ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v of_o the_o true_a brotherhood_n and_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n be_v at_o a_o loss_n infallible_o to_o manifest_v unto_o other_o by_o any_o outward_a mark_n or_o token_n that_o we_o be_v in_o
which_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n have_v spread_v before_o he_o since_o his_o first_o come_v forth_o to_o preach_v the_o light_n etc._n etc._n to_o concern_v himself_o so_o much_o as_o he_o have_v against_o some_o that_o can_v own_v a_o urge_n with_o severity_n his_o direction_n or_o prescription_n on_o god_n faithful_a people_n and_o in_o particular_a to_o appear_v a_o persecutor_n of_o such_o which_o can_v certain_o be_v prove_v against_o he_o if_o endeavour_v unjust_o to_o take_v away_o a_o man_n good_a name_n and_o reputation_n can_v be_v term_v such_o to_o this_o the_o answer_n be_v as_o the_o serpent_n beguile_v eve_n so_o eve_n beguile_v adam_n in_o prevail_v upon_o he_o to_o eat_v of_o the_o forbid_v fruit_n which_o she_o have_v eat_v and_o the_o argument_n use_v by_o the_o serpent_n to_o tempt_v eve_n be_v this_o you_o shall_v be_v as_o go_n even_o so_o be_v we_o persuade_v that_o there_o have_v not_o be_v want_v unto_o he_o to_o speak_v comparitive_o a_o tempt_a eve_n which_o have_v be_v too_o aspire_v after_o such_o a_o state_n which_o with_o respect_n to_o humble_v self-denying_a persecute_a member_n of_o christ_n church_n be_v neither_o fit_a nor_o president_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v that_o this_o aspire_a mind_n have_v have_v so_o much_o place_n with_o he_o as_o that_o he_o have_v take_v too_o much_o upon_o he_o which_o have_v occasion_v rent_n and_o division_n among_o the_o flock_n and_o sometime_o to_o pretend_v that_o he_o have_v see_v thing_n in_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o almighty_a which_o have_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o imagination_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o have_v give_v way_n thereto_o and_o find_v a_o fear_n upon_o friend_n through_o a_o tender_a respect_n unto_o he_o to_o judge_n or_o dislike_v what_o he_o may_v bring_v forth_o under_o pretence_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n it_o in_o probability_n increase_v his_o confidence_n especial_o when_o he_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v write_v unto_o he_o by_o some_o friend_n in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o infancy_n which_o be_v in_o such_o language_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o a_o aspire_a mind_n may_v tend_v to_o his_o hurt_n at_o length_n his_o fame_n grow_v so_o great_a as_o that_o among_o some_o weak_a friend_n it_o become_v even_o as_o a_o proverb_n that_o none_o will_v prosper_v who_o shall_v oppose_v he_o this_o by_o other_o have_v clear_o be_v see_v to_o be_v a_o subtle_a way_n to_o oblige_v all_o such_o as_o shall_v so_o believe_v to_o be_v servant_n to_o his_o will_n and_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v this_o persuasion_n have_v the_o more_o easy_o obtain_v he_o the_o repute_n with_o some_o of_o be_v set_v by_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o like_a place_n among_o the_o child_n of_o light_n at_o this_o dayas_n moses_n have_v among_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o his_o day_n and_o this_o we_o doubt_v be_v the_o occasion_n that_o the_o rebellion_n of_o corah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n be_v much_o treat_v on_o to_o affrighten_v simple_a people_n in_o our_o public_a meeting_n for_o worship_n of_o god_n since_o the_o division_n among_o friend_n especial_o in_o those_o place_n where_o g._n f_n paper_n relate_v to_o church-government_n have_v little_a place_n but_o alas_o those_o who_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n can_v be_v affright_v with_o such_o thing_n no_o more_o than_o they_o can_v be_v convince_v with_o the_o sight_n of_o such_o false_a certificate_n on_o certificate_n note_v the_o reader_n may_v peruse_v the_o five_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a quaker_n and_o therein_o the_o say_a certificate_n be_v more_o large_o treat_v on_o record_v in_o the_o 21_o section_n of_o the_o manuscript_n first_o mention_v in_o the_o preface_n and_o ready_a for_o perusal_n of_o any_o friend_n desire_v the_o sight_n thereof_o as_o of_o late_o have_v be_v spread_v abroad_o in_o his_o favour_n to_o render_v he_o a_o innocent_a man_n and_o to_o acquit_v he_o from_o the_o gild_n of_o some_o matter_n of_o fact_n lay_v to_o his_o charge_n when_o the_o certifier_n know_v nothing_o at_o all_o thereof_o and_o of_o this_o he_o himself_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a though_o the_o occasion_n of_o spread_v such_o certificate_n abroad_o if_o he_o know_v what_o be_v contain_v therein_o which_o will_v have_v be_v prove_v to_o his_o face_n have_v he_o be_v but_o so_o just_a to_o the_o cause_n of_o truth_n as_o to_o have_v submit_v to_o a_o hear_n according_a as_o be_v desire_v and_o in_o the_o preface_n signify_v before_o friend_n of_o thing_n reproachful_a to_o the_o truth_n whereof_o he_o be_v guilty_a but_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o we_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o his_o preach_v the_o light_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o travel_n abroad_o as_o well_o as_o the_o preach_a the_o light_n by_o other_o his_o fellow-servant_n in_o the_o beginning_n with_o he_o be_v not_o the_o ministration_n give_v they_o of_o god_n for_o at_o the_o sound_n thereof_o many_o face_n gather_v paleness_n horror_n and_o amazement_n seize_v many_o who_o then_o become_v sensible_a of_o their_o lose_a state_n and_o condition_n while_o they_o be_v admire_v their_o teacher_n and_o busy_v in_o outward_a ordinance_n more_o than_o in_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o day_n wherein_o many_o be_v not_o only_o so_o strike_v with_o amazement_n but_o through_o faith_n receive_v the_o testimony_n give_v touch_v the_o light_n of_o christ_n may_v true_o be_v term_v the_o day_n of_o their_o infancy_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o so_o the_o more_o likely_a to_o be_v prevail_v upon_o by_o the_o enemy_n who_o in_o that_o day_n as_o in_o age_n past_a seek_v how_o he_o may_v destroy_v that_o tenderness_n to_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v so_o beget_v for_o it_o be_v certain_o know_v that_o many_o who_o eye_n ought_v to_o have_v be_v unto_o the_o creator_n admire_v and_o give_v glory_n unto_o he_o for_o his_o gift_n of_o grace_n and_o ministration_n of_o light_n then_o reveal_v do_v on_o a_o sudden_a admire_v the_o creature_n in_o such_o a_o abundant_a manner_n as_o if_o not_o only_o the_o plant_n and_o water_v be_v by_o he_o but_o the_o increase_v also_o and_o in_o that_o day_n some_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v as_o watchman_n in_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n be_v concern_v thereat_o and_o jealous_a with_o a_o godly_a jealousy_n and_o though_o at_o present_a it_o be_v not_o with_o we_o to_o declare_v what_o that_o jealousy_n be_v yet_o if_o the_o tree_n may_v be_v know_v by_o its_o fruit_n we_o may_v with_o boldness_n affirm_v that_o the_o then_o admire_v the_o creature_n may_v be_v true_o parallel_v with_o that_o state_n out_o of_o which_o the_o lord_n through_o the_o ministration_n of_o light_n or_o spirit_n of_o life_n have_v lead_v many_o at_o that_o day_n who_o have_v so_o learned_a the_o truth_n as_o according_a to_o the_o testimony_n thereof_o to_o have_v their_o eye_n to_o the_o light_n within_o viz._n the_o light_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o instead_o thereof_o to_o any_o outward_a person_n through_o who_o among_o other_o brethren_n the_o ministration_n of_o light_n be_v reveal_v but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o some_o there_o be_v as_o before_o be_v signify_v that_o admire_v the_o creature_n which_o not_o only_o become_v unto_o they_o a_o snare_n but_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v doubt_v unto_o the_o creature_n also_o that_o be_v admire_v for_o the_o acceptation_n of_o more_o respect_n than_o be_v meet_v stand_v in_o the_o same_o ground_n with_o the_o offer_v thereof_o and_o it_o be_v too_o much_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o imprudent_a acceptation_n of_o what_o be_v undue_o offer_v have_v beget_v a_o spirit_n of_o pride_n and_o exaltation_n in_o g._n f._n which_o the_o lord_n be_v determine_v for_o his_o namesake_n to_o bring_v into_o the_o dust_n and_o if_o he_o do_v but_o serious_o mind_n his_o state_n and_o condition_n and_o be_v but_o more_o ready_a to_o appear_v little_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n than_o to_o be_v account_v great_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o other_o and_o not_o give_v way_n to_o such_o a_o false_a imagination_n that_o true_a judgement_n be_v commit_v to_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o can_v now_o be_v testify_v be_v speak_v by_o he_o and_o that_o at_o that_o time_n wherein_o his_o judgement_n be_v know_v to_o be_v false_a and_o that_o he_o may_v take_v a_o liberty_n know_o to_o put_v stumble_v block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n people_n and_o yet_o be_v justify_v therein_o it_o therein_o note_v when_o william_n rogers_n discourse_v with_o he_o touch_v this_o particular_a passage_n in_o his_o book_n of_o woman_n meeting_n and_o be_v not_o micahs_n mother_n a_o virtuous_a woman_n read_v judge_n 17_o and_o then_o a_o few_o line_n after_o though_o she_o be_v a_o idolatrous_a woman_n say_v these_o and_o such_o
birth_n from_o run_v into_o duty_n catch_v of_o open_n and_o lay_v hold_n of_o promise_n and_o to_o feel_v the_o heir_n bear_v of_o the_o immortal_a seed_n to_o who_o all_o belong_v and_o the_o other_o birth_n never_o afterward_o get_v up_o above_o he_o but_o be_v subdue_v and_o bring_v into_o subjection_n again_o say_v the_o apostle_n take_v heed_n of_o do_v any_o thing_n doubt_o be_v not_o forward_a be_v not_o hasty_a wait_v for_o the_o lead_n wait_v for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v sure_o thou_o receive_v what_o thou_o receive_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o practise_v what_o thou_o practise_v in_o the_o faith_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n be_v a_o error_n from_o the_o principle_n of_o life_n which_o be_v to_o guide_v and_o thereby_o thou_o lose_v ground_n and_o dishonour_v christ_n and_o come_v under_o condemnation_n and_o so_o the_o apostle_n warn_v believer_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o draw_v one_o another_o on_o too_o fast_o or_o of_o judge_v one_o another_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o some_o of_o they_o may_v have_v light_a in_o other_o not_z he_o that_o eat_v not_o to_o judge_v he_o that_o do_v not_o eat_v and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o eat_v not_o to_o judge_v he_o that_o do_v eat_v yea_o in_o matter_n of_o worship_n he_o that_o observe_v a_o day_n and_o keep_v a_o sabbath_n not_o to_o judge_v he_o that_o observe_v not_o a_o day_n or_o keep_v not_o a_o sabbath_n for_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v true_o convert_v yet_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v draw_v off_o from_o the_o observation_n of_o their_o sabbath_n and_o can_v hardly_o bear_v with_o the_o believe_a gentile_n who_o be_v never_o teach_v to_o keep_v their_o sabbath_n with_o they_o but_o be_v teach_v to_o esteem_v every_o day_n and_o sanctify_v it_o to_o the_o lord_n rom._n 14.5_o and_o those_o who_o esteem_v every_o day_n and_o dedicate_v it_o to_o the_o lord_n cease_v from_o sin_n and_o rest_v to_o he_o for_o under_o the_o gospel_n we_o be_v not_o to_o set_v up_o a_o new_a type_n but_o to_o enter_v by_o faith_n into_o the_o true_a rest_n which_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o the_o other_o signify_v can_v hardly_o bear_v with_o they_o who_o observe_v a_o day_n even_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n christian_n be_v too_o apt_a to_o strive_v after_o a_o wrong_a unity_n and_o uniformity_n in_o outward_a practice_n and_o observation_n and_o to_o judge_v one_o another_o unrighteous_o in_o those_o thing_n and_o mark_v it_o be_v not_o the_o different_a practice_n from_o one_o another_o that_o break_v the_o peace_n and_o the_o unity_n but_o the_o judge_n of_o one_o another_o because_o of_o different_a practice_n he_o that_o keep_v not_o a_o day_n may_v unite_v in_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o the_o same_o life_n in_o the_o same_o love_n with_o he_o that_o keep_v a_o day_n and_o he_o who_o keep_v a_o day_n may_v unite_v in_o heart_n and_o soul_n with_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o life_n in_o he_o who_o keep_v not_o a_o day_n but_o he_o that_o judge_v the_o other_o because_o of_o either_o of_o these_o err_v from_o the_o spirit_n from_o the_o love_n from_o the_o life_n and_o so_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o unity_n and_o he_o that_o draw_v another_o to_o any_o practice_n before_o the_o life_n in_o his_o own_o particular_a lead_v he_o do_v as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o destroy_v the_o soul_n of_o that_o person_n verse_n 15._o this_o be_v the_o apostle_n rule_n for_o every_o one_o to_o perform_v single_o to_o the_o lord_n what_o he_o do_v and_o not_o for_o one_o to_o meddle_v with_o the_o light_n or_o conscience_n of_o another_o undervalue_v his_o brother_n or_o judge_v he_o because_o his_o light_n and_o practice_n differ_v from_o he_o verse_n 10._o of_o that_o 14_o chap._n but_o every_o one_o to_o keep_v close_o to_o their_o own_o measure_n of_o light_n even_o to_o that_o proportion_n of_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n which_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n have_v bestow_v on_o they_o and_o here_o be_v the_o true_a unity_n in_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o inward_a life_n and_o not_o in_o a_o outward_a uniformity_n that_o be_v not_o necessary_a in_o the_o apostle_n day_n nor_o be_v it_o necessary_a now_o and_o that_o eye_n which_o so_o dote_v upon_o it_o overlook_v the_o one_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a man_n keep_v close_o to_o god_n the_o lord_n will_v lead_v they_o on_o fast_o enough_o and_o give_v they_o light_v fast_o enough_o for_o he_o take_v care_n of_o such_o and_o know_v what_o light_n and_o what_o practice_n be_v most_o proper_a for_o they_o but_o for_o man_n to_o walk_v on_o fast_a than_o the_o lord_n hold_v forth_o light_a to_o they_o this_o overturn_v they_o raise_v up_o a_o wrong_a thing_n in_o they_o and_o the_o true_a birth_n hereby_o come_v to_o suffer_v to_o shrink_v and_o be_v drive_v back_o and_o oh_o how_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a be_v it_o to_o the_o true_o spiritual_a eye_n to_o see_v several_a sort_n of_o believer_n several_a form_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n every_o one_o learning_n their_o own_o lesson_n perform_v their_o own_o peculiar_a service_n and_o know_v own_v and_o love_v one_o another_o in_o their_o several_a place_n and_o different_a performance_n to_o their_o master_n to_o who_o they_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n and_o not_o to_o quarrel_v with_o one_o another_o about_o their_o different_a practice_n rom._n 14.4_o for_o this_o be_v the_o true_a ground_n of_o love_n and_o unity_n not_o that_o such_o a_o man_n walk_v and_o do_v just_a as_o i_o do_v but_o because_o i_o feel_v the_o same_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o he_o and_o in_o that_o he_o walk_v in_o his_o rank_n in_o his_o own_o order_n in_o his_o proper_a way_n and_o place_n of_o subjection_n to_o that_o and_o this_o be_v far_o more_o please_a to_o i_o than_o if_o he_o walk_v just_a in_o that_o tract_n wherein_o i_o walk_v nay_o so_o far_o as_o i_o be_o spiritual_a i_o can_v so_o much_o as_o desire_v that_o he_o shall_v do_v so_o until_o he_o be_v particular_o lead_v thereto_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o lead_v i_o and_o he_o that_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o receive_v any_o truth_n from_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o be_v lead_v into_o practice_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o how_o prone_a the_o fleshly_a man_n be_v to_o make_v haste_n and_o how_o dangerous_a that_o haste_n be_v will_v not_o be_v forward_o to_o press_v his_o knowledge_n or_o practice_n upon_o other_o but_o rather_o wait_v patient_o till_o the_o lord_n fit_v they_o for_o the_o receive_n thereof_o and_o fear_v lest_o they_o shall_v receive_v and_o practice_v too_o soon_o even_o in_o that_o part_n which_o can_v serve_v the_o lord_n and_o this_o i_o can_v true_o say_v concern_v myself_o i_o never_o find_v my_o spirit_n forward_o to_o draw_v any_o either_o to_o any_o thing_n i_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a or_o to_o any_o practice_n or_o way_n of_o worship_n i_o observe_v or_o walk_v in_o but_o desire_v that_o the_o power_n and_o leading_n of_o life_n may_v go_v before_o they_o and_o be_v afraid_a lest_o man_n shall_v receive_v thing_n from_o my_o hand_n and_o not_o from_o the_o lord_n yea_o and_o this_o i_o very_o well_o remember_v that_o when_o i_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o independency_n as_o it_o have_v be_v common_o call_v i_o have_v more_o unity_n with_o more_o love_n towards_o such_o as_o be_v single-hearted_n in_o other_o way_n and_o practice_n of_o worship_n who_o spirit_n i_o have_v some_o feel_n of_o in_o the_o true_a simplicity_n and_o in_o the_o life_n than_o with_o divers_a of_o such_o who_o be_v very_o know_v and_o zealous_a in_o that_o way_n of_o independency_n in_o who_o a_o wrong_a thing_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n have_v get_v up_o which_o have_v cause_v they_o to_o swerve_v from_o the_o life_n and_o from_o the_o simplicity_n so_o that_o the_o true_a church_n government_n be_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o over_o the_o conscience_n as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n the_o great_a care_n must_v be_v to_o keep_v it_o within_o its_o bound_n that_o nothing_o else_o govern_v but_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o the_o government_n be_v extend_v only_o unto_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v first_o care_n must_v be_v have_v that_o nothing_o govern_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n that_o nothing_o else_o teach_v nothing_o else_o exhort_v nothing_o else_o admonish_v and_o reprove_v nothing_o else_o cut_v off_o and_o cast_v out_o every_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o watch_v over_o his_o own_o spirit_n that_o it_o intrude_v not_o into_o the_o work_n of_o god_n that_o it_o take_v not_o upon_o it_o to_o be_v the_o teacher_n the_o exhorte_a the_o reprover_n etc._n etc._n and_o
you_o go_v from_o before_o you_o separate_v outward_o and_o this_o spirit_n be_v afraid_a of_o be_v limit_v but_o it_o will_v limit_v the_o universal_a spirit_n both_o in_o males_n and_o female_n as_o your_o fruit_n have_v manifest_v concern_v the_o practice_n of_o womens-meeting_n and_o record_v condemnation_n and_o admonish_a payer_n of_o tithe_n and_o other_o evil_n as_o your_o book_n and_o paper_n and_o neighbour_n can_v testify_v but_o thou_o who_o have_v say_v they_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o themselves_o to_o condemn_v this_o year_n or_o the_o other_o etc._n etc._n this_o give_v liberty_n to_o the_o flesh_n for_o while_o it_o be_v to_o day_n they_o must_v hear_v his_o voice_n but_o john_n i_o savour_v thy_o spirit_n and_o know_v that_o thy_o word_n come_v from_o a_o angry_a disquiet_v fretful_a peevish_a spirit_n and_o poor_a man_n and_o people_n for_o my_o part_n i_o pity_v you_o as_o know_v and_o see_v that_o you_o be_v out_o of_o the_o life_n and_o be_v not_o in_o the_o spirit_n that_o do_v first_o convince_v you_o and_o so_o not_o in_o the_o first_o love_n and_o if_o ever_o thou_o come_v to_o the_o tender_a spirit_n and_o light_n of_o christ_n in_o thy_o heart_n thou_o will_v see_v all_o those_o your_o book_n and_o paper_n of_o strife_n and_o your_o separation_n be_v all_o for_o condemnation_n with_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n and_o they_o be_v the_o work_n of_o that_o spirit_n that_o lead_v thou_o into_o death_n and_o strife_n and_o now_o thou_o cry_v what_o and_o wherein_o and_o this_o and_o the_o other_o but_o come_v in_o and_o look_v into_o thyself_o and_o i_o say_v again_o it_o be_v the_o same_o spirit_n that_o lead_v james_n naylor_n and_o john_n perrot_n and_o other_o and_o john_n perrot_n cry_v against_o imposition_n as_o you_o do_v and_o against_o the_o mens-meeting_n as_o you_o do_v against_o the_o woman_n though_o i_o know_v james_n naylor_n do_v for_o himself_o condemn_v that_o spirit_n that_o lead_v into_o a_o separation_n which_o have_v be_v well_o if_o you_o have_v do_v so_o too_o and_o his_o resurrection_n be_v record_v as_o well_o as_o his_o condemnation_n but_o many_o of_o his_o people_n remain_v to_o this_o day_n out_o and_o have_v be_v and_o be_v as_o much_o against_o man_n and_o womens-meeting_n as_o you_o and_o so_o it_o be_v but_o the_o same_o spirit_n still_o and_o james_n naylor_n opposition_n do_v not_o consist_v only_o in_o not_o reprove_v his_o company_n for_o the_o title_n they_o give_v he_o but_o his_o opposition_n stand_v several_a year_n about_o other_o matter_n and_o his_o people_n cry_v against_o our_o meeting_n and_o seek_v with_o all_o their_o may_v to_o destroy_v they_o but_o the_o lord_n power_n blast_v they_o all_o that_o do_v not_o come_v in_o by_o repentance_n and_o judgement_n and_o thou_o further_o say_v let_v james_n naylor_n not_o reprove_v his_o company_n be_v a_o warn_v to_o i_o and_o bide_v i_o reprove_v my_o company_n when_o they_o give_v i_o title_n and_o honour_n due_a to_o the_o high_a etc._n etc._n poor_a man_n be_v here_o thy_o envy_n break_v out_o but_o what_o be_v the_o title_n and_o who_o be_v they_o that_o have_v give_v they_o and_o when_o and_o where_o and_o whereas_o thou_o say_v lest_o they_o that_o love_n pre-eminence_n and_o rule_n outlive_v my_o time_n and_o render_v my_o weakness_n to_o other_o john_n who_o be_v those_o that_o love_n pre-eminence_n and_o what_o be_v my_o weakness_n that_o they_o may_v render_v it_o why_o do_v thou_o not_o mention_v it_o in_o thy_o paper_n but_o this_o be_v from_o a_o prejudice_v malicious_a spirit_n and_o not_o from_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n to_o render_v my_o weakness_n etc._n etc._n when_o i_o be_o dead_a and_o in_o my_o grave_n turn_v to_o dust_n nay_o john_n that_o which_o thou_o strike_v at_o and_o thy_o company_n and_o all_o the_o evil_a spirit_n in_o the_o world_n have_v strike_v at_o and_o all_o the_o apostate_n before_o thou_o shall_v never_o turn_v it_o to_o dust_n neither_o shall_v you_o ever_o get_v it_o into_o the_o dust_n glory_n to_o the_o everlasting_a god_n for_o ever_o for_o he_o that_o over-comes_a shall_v go_v no_o more_o forth_o and_o shall_v never_o perish_v and_o he_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v everlasting_a life_n but_o if_o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o thy_o preach_v that_o the_o member_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n turn_v to_o dust_n i_o fear_v thou_o have_v beget_v none_o to_o god_n but_o into_o a_o profession_n that_o will_v turn_v to_o dust_n like_o thyself_o and_o dust_n be_v the_o meat_n of_o this_o spirit_n that_o i_o know_v for_o i_o be_o in_o a_o life_n that_o be_v over_o that_o spirit_n which_o neither_o thou_o nor_o the_o world_n can_v touch_v and_o if_o thou_o come_v to_o be_v as_o judas_n and_o betray_v the_o truth_n to_o the_o priest_n i_o know_v what_o thou_o and_o they_o can_v kill_v if_o god_n will_v suffer_v you_o but_o i_o do_v not_o fear_v it_o and_o i_o must_v tell_v thou_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o judas_n the_o betrayer_n that_o be_v go_v from_o truth_n and_o now_o will_v betray_v other_o from_o the_o heavenly_a body_n in_o the_o eternal_a fellowship_n in_o the_o eternal_a head_n for_o that_o which_o be_v earthly_a be_v earthly_a and_o that_o which_o be_v heavenly_a be_v heavenly_a and_o thou_o bid_v i_o be_v humble_a as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n under_o christ_n the_o head_n etc._n etc._n so_o thou_o tell_v i_o i_o be_o a_o member_n of_o christ_n the_o heavenly_a body_n yet_o thou_o say_v when_o i_o be_o turn_v to_o dust_n and_o dead_a be_v this_o thy_o doctrine_n be_v the_o member_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n turn_v to_o dust_n and_o dead_a this_o doctrine_n sure_o proceed_v from_o darkness_n and_o not_o from_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v it_o to_o this_o thou_o will_v have_v i_o bow_v and_o be_v humble_v to_o nay_o john_n i_o need_v none_o of_o thy_o ministry_n and_o it_o will_v do_v no_o good_a in_o the_o state_n thou_o stand_v in_o to_o any_o for_o it_o be_v a_o angry_a malicious_a froward_a spirit_n that_o have_v possess_v thou_o and_o further_o thou_o bide_v i_o remember_v the_o word_n to_o moses_n with_o the_o time_n and_o place_n of_o his_o death_n who_o sanctify_v not_o god_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o israel_n his_o people_n what_o do_v thou_o infer_v from_o thence_o john_n that_o i_o have_v not_o sanctify_v god_n before_o his_o people_n so_o thou_o have_v set_v i_o above_o a_o common_a member_n and_o put_v i_o into_o a_o office_n then_o but_o must_v that_o which_o sanctify_v god_n be_v turn_v to_o dust_n i_o think_v john_n thou_o have_v own_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o sanctifier_n of_o all_o who_o be_v great_a than_o moses_n and_o the_o end_n of_o moses_n but_o john_n wherein_o have_v not_o i_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n what_o liberty_n have_v i_o give_v to_o sin_n or_o any_o that_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v not_o follow_v you_o in_o your_o separation_n have_v you_o not_o take_v offence_n against_o some_o of_o they_o that_o come_v to_o admonish_v such_o as_o be_v not_o faithful_a among_o you_o and_o call_v it_o overdriving_a they_o yea_o such_o as_o have_v be_v move_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o be_v it_o not_o call_v popery_n when_o some_o go_v to_o admonish_v preston_n meeting_n when_o they_o do_v not_o stand_v steadfast_a to_o the_o lord_n and_o how_o be_v the_o lord_n sanctify_v among_o you_o then_o and_o how_o be_v the_o lord_n sanctify_v among_o you_o concern_v your_o pay_v of_o tithe_n or_o your_o connive_n at_o your_o wife_n or_o other_o pay_v for_o you_o much_o of_o which_o i_o can_v write_v concern_v such_o like_a thing_n but_o i_o shall_v forbear_v but_o when_o you_o be_v in_o strife_n i_o will_v have_v have_v you_o come_v over_o to_o i_o that_o you_o may_v have_v be_v bring_v into_o unity_n before_o your_o separation_n but_o you_o refuse_v nevertheless_o if_o thou_o and_o john_n story_n bring_v your_o eighty_o subscriber_n and_o come_v to_o i_o i_o will_v show_v you_o wherein_o you_o write_n and_o action_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o which_o you_o be_v covince_v in_o the_o beginning_n which_o have_v you_o love_v the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n you_o will_v have_v come_v to_o i_o before_o you_o have_v make_v such_o a_o jumble_v with_o your_o strife_n up_o and_o down_o the_o nation_n for_o i_o have_v hear_v by_o several_a faithful_a friend_n where_o you_o have_v send_v your_o paper_n to_o prejudice_v person_n against_o man_n and_o womens-meeting_n and_o record_v commendation_n and_o other_o friend_n practice_n which_o have_v beget_v a_o great_a dislike_n in_o friend_n concern_v you_o for_o what_o have_v this_o be_v
who_o indeed_o must_v be_v very_o simple_a foolish_a and_o blockish_a if_o what_o g._n f._n have_v write_v be_v take_v by_o they_o either_o for_o a_o pertinent_a friendly_a or_o christian_a answer_n to_o so_o seasonable_a tender_a and_o christian_n a_o letter_n because_o the_o most_o pertinent_a matter_n offer_v by_o he_o as_o answer_v thereto_o be_v this_o as_o to_o thy_o fear_n of_o make_v force_n in_o religion_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v pure_a can_v come_v into_o it_o alack_o for_o thou_o if_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o universal_a spirit_n etc._n etc._n thou_o will_v not_o make_v such_o a_o noise_n about_o imposition_n for_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o very_a spirit_n of_o imposition_n in_o thou_o and_o you_o that_o do_v not_o know_v what_o it_o will_v be_v at_o itself_o nor_o to_o what_o to_o bring_v other_o and_o much_o i_o can_v say_v as_o to_o that_o we_o now_o appeal_v to_o god_n witness_n in_o all_o whether_o man_n endue_v with_o that_o wisdom_n which_o be_v from_o above_o can_v be_v at_o unity_n with_o such_o a_o scoss_v shaffle_a impertinent_a answer_n wherein_o doubtless_o there_o be_v not_o less_o than_o three_o or_o four_o falsehood_n and_o untruth_n in_o two_o or_o three_o line_n the_o first_o we_o take_v to_o be_v contain_v in_o these_o word_n for_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o very_a spirit_n of_o imposition_n in_o thou_o the_o second_o in_o these_o word_n that_o do_v not_o know_v what_o it_o will_v be_v at_o itself_o the_o three_o in_o these_o word_n nor_o to_o what_o to_o bring_v other_o and_o if_o what_o he_o have_v write_v by_o way_n of_o reflection_n in_o his_o letter_n be_v write_v as_o ground_v on_o john_n wilkinson_n letter_n to_o he_o as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v be_v answer_n thereto_o then_o there_o seem_v a_o four_o untruth_n contain_v in_o these_o word_n thou_o will_v not_o make_v such_o a_o noise_n about_o imposition_n when_o as_o there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n about_o imposition_n in_o all_o john_n wilkinson_n letter_n now_o as_o to_o john_n wilkinson_n with_o respect_n to_o these_o slander_n we_o have_v this_o to_o say_v our_o experience_n tell_v we_o he_o be_v not_o of_o a_o impose_v spirit_n unless_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o commend_v it_o to_o the_o conscience_n may_v be_v term_v such_o which_o can_v be_v and_o have_v approve_v himself_o wise_a in_o that_o wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o and_o so_o know_v what_o he_o will_v be_v at_o and_o unto_o what_o to_o bring_v other_o as_o his_o doctrine_n and_o conversation_n have_v large_o manifest_v among_o we_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o john_n wilkinson_n in_o his_o aforesaid_a letter_n on_o the_o occasion_n of_o g._n f_n reflect_v upon_o he_o john_n story_n and_o other_o that_o they_o will_v become_v as_o bad_a as_o james_n naylor_n and_o muggleton_n etc._n etc._n if_o they_o give_v not_o over_o their_o separation_n thus_o write_v to_o g._n f._n if_o james_n naylor_n opposition_n consist_v in_o not_o reprove_v his_o company_n when_o they_o bow_v to_o he_o and_o cry_v hosanna_n let_v it_o be_v a_o warn_v to_o thou_o and_o reprove_v thy_o company_n when_o they_o give_v thou_o the_o title_n and_o honour_n due_a to_o the_o high_a lest_o they_o that_o love_v pre-eminence_n and_o rule_n outlive_v thy_o time_n and_o render_v thy_o weakness_n to_o other_o as_o thou_o have_v do_v his_o when_o thou_o be_v dead_a and_o in_o thy_o grave_n and_o turn_v to_o dust_n therefore_o be_v humble_a as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n under_o christ_n the_o head_n on_o this_o occasion_n g._n f._n write_v these_o follow_a sentence_n but_o this_o be_v from_o a_o prejudice_v malicious_a spirit_n and_o not_o from_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n to_o render_v my_o weakness_n when_o i_o be_o in_o my_o grave_n turn_v to_o dust_n etc._n etc._n nay_o john_n that_o which_o thou_o strike_v at_o and_o thy_o company_n and_o all_o the_o evil_a spirit_n in_o the_o world_n have_v strike_v at_o and_o all_o the_o apostate_n before_o thou_o shall_v never_o turn_v it_o to_o dust_n but_o if_o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o thy_o preach_v that_o the_o member_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n turn_v to_o dust_n i_o fear_v thou_o have_v beget_v none_o to_o god_n so_o thou_o tell_v i_o i_o be_o a_o member_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n yet_o thou_o say_v when_o i_o be_o turn_v to_o dust_n and_o dead_a sure_o this_o doctrine_n proceed_v from_o darkness_n and_o not_o from_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v it_o to_o this_o thou_o will_v have_v i_o to_o bow_v and_o be_v humble_v nay_o john_n i_o need_v none_o of_o thy_o ministry_n it_o be_v a_o angry_a malicious_a froward_a spirit_n that_o have_v possess_v thou_o on_o these_o sentence_n we_o thus_o observe_v that_o they_o show_v malice_n envy_n perversion_n and_o ignorance_n or_o darkness_n by_o his_o own_o rule_n his_o prejudice_n and_o malice_n appear_v in_o render_v james_n naylor_n weakness_n and_o not_o only_o therein_o but_o in_o join_v john_n wilkinson_n with_o all_o the_o evil_a spirit_n in_o the_o world_n who_o doctrine_n life_n and_o conversation_n so_o far_o as_o ever_o we_o know_v in_o all_o manner_n of_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n have_v since_o his_o convincement_n of_o truth_n render_v he_o worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n among_o many_o of_o his_o brethren_n and_o his_o name_n g._n f_n envy_n can_v never_o as_o we_o be_v persuade_v blot_v out_o but_o rather_o give_v a_o occasion_n to_o add_v to_o the_o number_n of_o g._n f_n transgression_n and_o error_n which_o be_v so_o numerous_a on_o record_n in_o monuscript_n in_o mean_v the_o afore_o say_v monuscript_n this_o treatise_n as_o that_o can_v it_o be_v make_v appear_v that_o john_n wilkinson_n be_v but_o guilty_a of_o the_o one_o half_a thereof_o we_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a to_o own_v he_o until_o he_o have_v repent_v before_o the_o lord_n but_o much_o more_o shall_v we_o disow_v he_o if_o instead_o of_o repent_v in_o such_o a_o case_n he_o shall_v run_v at_o those_o as_o evil_a spirit_n that_o shall_v for_o the_o clear_v of_o their_o conscience_n spread_v his_o error_n before_o he_o which_o have_v be_v g._n f.'s_n common_a practice_n and_o be_v now_o worthy_o record_v as_o a_o testimony_n against_o his_o error_n and_o transgression_n that_o the_o simplehearted_n may_v no_o long_o be_v betray_v either_o by_o his_o fair_a speech_n threat_n or_o frown_n as_o to_o his_o treat_v on_o the_o word_n dust_n by_o way_n of_o reffection_n on_o john_n wilkinson_n ministry_n and_o that_o from_o john_n wilkinson_n sound_a word_n the_o impartial_a reader_n may_v easy_o discern_v his_o perversion_n in_o conclude_v that_o john_n wilkinson_n tell_v he_o he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n which_o do_v not_o follow_v from_o john_n wilkinson_n word_n be_v humble_a as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n no_o more_o than_o it_o follow_v that_o a_o disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v christ_n because_o luke_n tell_v we_o whosoever_o will_v be_v a_o perfect_a disciple_n shall_v be_v as_o his_o master_n as_o to_o his_o ignorance_n or_o darkness_n it_o be_v thus_o manifest_v g._n f_n aforesaid_a sentence_n can_v be_v a_o sound_a answer_n to_o any_o thing_n write_v by_o john_n wilkinson_n which_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v unless_o g._n f._n conclude_v that_o that_o visible_a body_n call_v george_n fox_n shall_v not_o turn_v to_o dust_n because_o john_n willinson_n write_v not_o his_o letter_n to_o g._n f._n with_o a_o intent_n that_o that_o outward_a body_n call_v george_n fox_n which_o must_v turn_v to_o dust_n be_v not_o to_o be_v concern_v therewith_o moreover_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v what_o ever_o g._n f_n judgement_n in_o that_o case_n be_v when_o he_o write_v to_o john_n wilkinson_n he_o be_v willing_a to_o keep_v it_o to_o himself_o because_o he_o do_v not_o plain_o acknowledge_v that_o his_o body_n shall_v ever_o turn_v to_o dust_n but_o positive_o say_v that_o which_o john_n wilkinson_n strike_v at_o shall_v never_o turn_v it_o to_o dust_n his_o meaning_n he_o best_a know_v but_o yet_o this_o we_o know_v it_o be_v needful_a enough_o to_o have_v explain_v his_o meaning_n because_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n 6.13_o 15_o 19_o the_o body_n be_v not_o for_o fornication_n know_v you_o not_o that_o your_o body_n be_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n shall_v i_o then_o take_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n and_o make_v they_o the_o member_n of_o a_o harlot_n god_n forbid_v know_v you_o not_o that_o your_o body_n be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v in_o you_o who_o you_o have_v of_o god_n and_o you_o be_v not_o your_o own_o and_o 2_o cor._n 4.11_o that_o the_o life_n of_o jesus_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a in_o your_o mortal_a body_n we_o
though_o the_o apostle_n thus_o exhort_v little_a child_n keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n yet_o thy_o book_n touch_v womens-meeting_n etc._n etc._n very_a scandalous_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o worthy_a in_o several_a particular_n to_o be_v judge_v and_o condemn_v inform_v we_o as_o if_o micah_n mother_n speak_v of_o judge_n 17._o when_o she_o give_v money_n to_o make_v a_o grave_v image_n to_o be_v worship_v be_v a_o virtuous_a woman_n for_o touch_v she_o thou_o have_v thus_o write_v and_o be_v not_o micah_n mother_n a_o virtuous_a woman_n read_v judge_n 17._o and_o see_v what_o she_o say_v to_o she_o son_n and_o in_o a_o few_o line_n after_o thou_o thus_o testifyes_n these_o and_o such_o like_a woman_n be_v record_v to_o posterity_n for_o their_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n see_v thy_o book_n pag._n 43_o 44._o three_o though_o there_o be_v endeavour_n to_o send_v paper_n to_o and_o fro_o to_o bespatter_n john_n story_n for_o go_v out_o of_o a_o meeting_n when_o the_o persecutor_n come_v yet_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o thyself_o have_v be_v find_v in_o the_o like_a action_n and_o if_o report_n be_v true_a the_o frequent_a of_o any_o man_n that_o ever_o i_o hear_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o quaker_n and_o it_o be_v to_o i_o a_o broad_a sign_n that_o this_o will_v not_o have_v be_v omit_v as_o a_o grand_a article_n against_o he_o among_o other_o at_o drawel_n have_v not_o thou_o be_v guilty_a in_o the_o like_a case_n four_o that_o though_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n be_v persecute_v by_o such_o unto_o who_o thy_o paper_n seem_v a_o strength_n because_o they_o will_v not_o condemn_v themselves_o yet_o i_o never_o hear_v that_o thou_o as_o yet_o have_v ever_o give_v forth_o any_o paper_n of_o condemnation_n for_o the_o error_n thou_o have_v commit_v in_o write_v the_o book_n about_o woman_n meeeting_n etc._n etc._n or_o any_o thing_n else_o though_o i_o can_v believe_v but_o that_o thou_o be_v conscious_a to_o thyself_o that_o truth_n be_v scandalize_v thereby_o unless_o so_o great_a imagination_n have_v enter_v thou_o as_o to_o conclude_v that_o all_o thy_o word_n write_n and_o action_n be_v right_o because_o they_o be_v bring_v forth_o through_o thy_o earthly_a vessel_n and_o to_o speak_v plain_a i_o must_v tell_v thou_o thou_o be_v not_o free_a from_o give_v occasion_n to_o be_v jealous_a that_o thou_o do_v so_o conclude_v else_o when_o i_o treat_v thou_o about_o the_o business_n of_o micha_n mother_n why_o do_v thou_o tell_v i_o as_o thou_o than_o do_v viz._n that_o thou_o know_v what_o thou_o do_v and_o that_o thou_o see_v it_o will_v be_v a_o stumbling-block_n but_o rather_o on_o the_o sight_n of_o thy_o mistake_n have_v ingenious_o confess_v the_o same_o for_o it_o be_v a_o abominable_a thing_n in_o thou_o or_o any_o man_n know_o too_o put_v stumbling-block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n people_n and_o know_v this_o from_o i_o thou_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o wipe_v away_o the_o reproach_n that_o lie_v upon_o thou_o for_o write_v that_o book_n until_o thou_o condemn_v and_o judge_v thyself_o for_o many_o thing_n therein_o contain_v and_o to_o be_v yet_o more_o plain_a when_o i_o do_v consider_v that_o the_o reputation_n and_o respect_n that_o have_v be_v give_v unto_o thou_o by_o many_o if_o not_o most_o of_o those_o who_o in_o the_o part_n here-a-way_n be_v first_o convince_v of_o truth_n do_v first_o spring_n from_o the_o testimony_n we_o have_v concern_v thou_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o those_o who_o we_o believe_v the_o lord_n and_o not_o thou_o send_v forth_o to_o gather_v we_o it_o seem_v a_o very_a strange_a thing_n and_o the_o badge_n of_o a_o grand_a apostasy_n that_o any_o of_o the_o survive_a remnant_n of_o those_o ancient_a labourer_n be_v as_o sound_v in_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n and_o as_o blameless_a in_o their_o outward_a life_n and_o conversation_n as_o in_o the_o beginning_n and_o thereby_o manifest_v themselves_o stay_v in_o the_o unchangeable_a truth_n shall_v be_v persecute_v and_o render_v offender_n for_o that_o which_o truth_n declare_v to_o be_v no_o offence_n and_o yet_o thou_o so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o reproof_n thereto_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o i_o from_o my_o discourse_n have_v with_o thou_o at_o swarthmore_n and_o other_o thing_n that_o thou_o be_v become_v a_o strength_n to_o they_o have_v thou_o forget_v that_o truth_n be_v preach_v in_o the_o beginning_n under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o unchangeable_a truth_n and_o be_v the_o day_n now_o come_v that_o a_o remnant_n of_o the_o ancient_a stock_n who_o bear_v the_o brunt_n and_o heat_v of_o the_o day_n must_v now_o be_v persecute_v whenas_o i_o be_o satisfy_v if_o they_o can_v but_o now_o run_v with_o other_o to_o change_v their_o way_n they_o may_v yet_o be_v esteem_v good_a friend_n have_v thou_o forget_v how_o often_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o ancient_a brethren_n be_v on_o this_o wise_a we_o preach_v not_o ourselves_o look_v not_o unto_o we_o but_o unto_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n in_o yourselves_o and_o yet_o one_o cause_n assign_v by_o thou_o that_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n be_v wrong_a be_v their_o not_o come_v to_o thou_o and_o by_o the_o sixty_o six_o subscriber_n at_o ellis_n hook_n chamber_n in_o london_n their_o not_o come_v to_o they_o true_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v their_o ministry_n from_o god_n be_v not_o to_o run_v hither_o and_o thither_o at_o thy_o call_n or_o any_o man_n call_n whatsoever_o though_o i_o do_v know_v thou_o have_v in_o a_o letter_n write_v to_o i_o assign_v their_o not_o come_v to_o thou_o when_o thou_o send_v for_o they_o to_o be_v as_o a_o proof_n that_o they_o be_v not_o right_o nor_o in_o the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o god_n but_o by_o what_o authority_n or_o according_a to_o what_o principle_n of_o truth_n man_n call_v of_o god_n into_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n must_v be_v declare_v to_o be_v not_o right_a nor_o in_o the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o god_n because_o they_o come_v not_o to_o thou_o when_o thou_o send_v for_o they_o i_o understand_v not_o for_o thou_o in_o thy_o best_a estate_n be_v but_o a_o member_n of_o the_o christ_n of_o god_n unto_o who_o we_o be_v all_o to_o come_v when_o he_o call_v and_o if_o any_o shall_v affirm_v that_o thou_o have_v and_o do_v retain_v thy_o place_n yet_o in_o that_o case_n thou_o can_v be_v but_o a_o fellow-servant_n accountable_a unto_o the_o christ_n of_o god_n as_o every_o member_n of_o the_o body_n whereof_o christ_n be_v head_n be_v have_v thou_o forget_v how_o thou_o have_v testify_v against_o james_n naylor_n spirit_n who_o great_a fall_n be_v his_o own_n or_o at_o least_o not_o reprove_v the_o woman_n when_o they_o cry_v with_o a_o carnal_a tongue_n hosanna_n to_o he_o and_o have_v thou_o no_o sense_n that_o its_o gross_a ignorance_n and_o thick_a darkness_n for_o any_o to_o look_v upon_o thou_o as_o that_o prophet_n who_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o servant_n moses_n prophesy_v he_o will_v raise_v up_o like_v unto_o he_o who_o the_o people_n be_v to_o hear_v in_o all_o thing_n i_o can_v believe_v thou_o be_v ignorant_a that_o such_o there_o be_v who_o so_o look_v on_o thou_o and_o i_o never_o understand_v thou_o become_v a_o reproof_n to_o this_o spirit_n have_v thou_o no_o sense_n that_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o ignorance_n have_v and_o can_v look_v upon_o that_o abominable_a quotation_n touch_v micahs_n mother_n as_o well_o enough_o which_o wherever_o it_o be_v do_v undoubted_o spring_n from_o this_o that_o it_o be_v george_n give_v forth_o and_o so_o there_o must_v be_v something_o in_o it_o and_o have_v thou_o not_o be_v desire_v to_o clear_a thing_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o to_o be_v a_o reproof_n to_o such_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n which_o tend_v to_o lead_v we_o into_o egypt_n again_o i_o be_o the_o man_n who_o have_v cause_n to_o be_v jealous_a that_o there_o be_v some_o who_o look_v upon_o other_o either_o apostatise_v from_o the_o truth_n or_o stand_v in_o slippery_a place_n when_o they_o find_v not_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a respect_n for_o thou_o i_o will_v not_o say_v a_o hosanna_n in_o their_o breast_n as_o the_o woman_n have_v in_o their_o mouth_n for_o james_n naylor_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o say_v it_o may_v well_o become_v thou_o by_o a_o plain_a testimony_n to_o clear_a thing_n of_o this_o nature_n many_o for_o truth_n be_v sake_n and_o out_o of_o a_o endear_a respect_n for_o thou_o in_o particular_a and_o a_o hope_n that_o these_o little_a difference_n among_o friend_n may_v pass_v over_o and_o that_o thou_o will_v use_v the_o interest_n thou_o have_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o truth_n to_o quell_v those_o many_o little_a commotion_n which_o seem_v some_o
his_o mother_n the_o 1100_o shekel_n of_o silver_n that_o be_v take_v from_o thou_o about_o which_o thou_o cursedst_v and_o speak_v also_o in_o my_o ear_n behold_v the_o silver_n be_v with_o i_o i_o take_v it_o and_o his_o mother_n say_v bless_a be_v thou_o of_o the_o lord_n my_o son_n and_o when_o he_o have_v restore_v the_o 1100_o shekel_n of_o silver_n to_o his_o mother_n his_o mother_n say_v i_o have_v whole_o dedicate_v the_o silver_n unto_o the_o lord_n from_o my_o hand_n for_o my_o son_n to_o make_v a_o graven-image_n and_o a_o molten-image_n now_o therefore_o i_o will_v restore_v it_o thou_o yet_o he_o restore_v the_o money_n to_o his_o mother_n and_o his_o mother_n take_v 200_o shekel_n of_o silver_n and_o give_v they_o to_o the_o founder_n who_o make_v thereof_o a_o graven-image_n and_o a_o molten_n image_n and_o they_o be_v in_o the_o house_n of_o micah_n and_o the_o man_n micah_n have_v a_o house_n of_o god_n the_o quotation_n be_v enough_o to_o show_v that_o she_o be_v a_o idolatrous_a woman_n and_o though_o it_o may_v be_v say_v it_o be_v but_o a_o question_n ask_v yet_o in_o answer_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o if_o g._n f_n real_a judgement_n be_v so_o that_o she_o be_v not_o a_o virtuous_a woman_n he_o have_v manifest_v thereby_o a_o scoff_a spirit_n but_o to_o manifest_v that_o such_o a_o answer_n appear_v but_o a_o mere_a shift_n the_o reader_n may_v observe_v that_o about_o thirteen_o line_n follow_v he_o thus_o say_v so_o these_o and_o such_o woman_n be_v record_v to_o posterity_n for_o their_o wisdom_n and_o their_o virtue_n the_o second_o quotation_n page_n 43._o and_o the_o woman_n of_o tekoah_n see_v what_o a_o sermon_n she_o preach_v to_o king_n david_n 2_o sam._n 13.14_o the_o scripture_n quote_v inform_v we_o that_o the_o woman_n be_v a_o subtle_a woman_n who_o joab_n cause_v to_o feign_v herself_o as_o a_o mourner_n and_o go_v to_o king_n david_n with_o a_o lie_a story_n in_o her_o mouth_n which_o according_o she_o do_v for_o when_o king_n david_n ask_v she_o be_v not_o the_o hand_n of_o joab_n with_o thou_o in_o all_o this_o she_o answer_v joab_n put_v all_o these_o word_n in_o her_o mouth_n so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v real_o so_o that_o she_o have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o pacify_v king_n david_n wrath_n yet_o it_o may_v more_o true_o be_v say_v that_o she_o deceive_v king_n david_n by_o her_o lie_n than_o convince_v he_o beside_o though_o the_o story_n be_v frame_v by_o joab_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o absalon_n who_o slay_v his_o brother_n amnon_n and_o therefore_o flee_v yet_o it_o appear_v that_o king_n david_n be_v appease_v as_o to_o his_o son_n absalon_n as_o in_o 2_o sam._n 13.39_o before_o the_o woman_n come_v to_o he_o with_o lie_n in_o her_o mouth_n we_o now_o commend_v it_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o to_o consider_v how_o this_o lie_a story_n can_v be_v call_v a_o good_a and_o convince_v sermon_n and_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o a_o virtuous_a woman_n for_o in_o a_o very_a few_o line_n after_o it_o be_v say_v as_o before_o these_o and_o such_o woman_n be_v record_v to_o posterity_n for_o their_o wisdom_n and_o their_o virtue_n the_o three_o quotation_n page_n 23._o and_o the_o woman_n have_v their_o assembly_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o judge_n and_o the_o king_n now_o old_a ely_n be_v not_o against_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o woman_n who_o assemble_v by_o troop_n as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o one_a sam._n 2.21_o 22._o though_o some_o man_n now_o adays_o may_v be_v against_o woman_n meeting_n or_o assembly_n in_o the_o gospel_n time_n and_o against_o woman_n speak_v and_o prophesy_v etc._n etc._n the_o scripture_n quote_v tell_v we_o thus_o so_o ely_n be_v old_a and_o hear_v all_o that_o his_o son_n do_v unto_o israel_n and_o how_o they_o lie_v with_o the_o woman_n who_o assemble_v at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o congregation_n which_o only_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o assembly_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o congregation_n who_o commit_v evil_a together_o at_o the_o first_o view_n this_o seem_v so_o abominable_a a_o quotation_n to_o prove_v the_o assembly_n of_o purify_a woman_n under_o the_o gospel_n distinct_a form_n purify_v man_n to_o be_v necessary_a which_o be_v the_o end_n wherefore_o it_o be_v as_o we_o take_v it_o quote_v that_o we_o be_v concern_v to_o inform_v ourselves_o from_o the_o scripture_n to_o what_o end_n woman_n assemble_v before_o the_o door_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o we_o find_v by_o a_o marginal_a note_n in_o the_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v as_o the_o hebrew_n write_v after_o their_o travel_n when_o they_o come_v to_o be_v purify_v as_o in_o leviticus_n the_o 12_o and_o 6_o where_o it_o be_v thus_o say_v now_o when_o the_o day_n of_o her_o purify_n be_v fulfil_v she_o shall_v bring_v to_o the_o priest_n a_o lamb_n of_o one_o year_n old_a for_o a_o burnt-offering_a and_o a_o young_a pigeon_n or_o turtle_n dove_n for_o a_o sin-offering_a unto_o the_o door_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o congregation_n which_o give_v we_o occasion_n thus_o to_o query_n how_o can_v woman_n come_v in_o order_n to_o their_o purification_n with_o a_o sin-offering_a etc._n etc._n to_o the_o door_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o congregation_n when_o defile_v by_o the_o man_n that_o there_o accompany_v they_o be_v a_o proof_n for_o purify_a woman_n under_o the_o gospel_n to_o assemble_v together_o distinct_a from_o purify_a man_n the_o four_o quotation_n page_n 32._o and_o likewise_o you_o may_v see_v rachel_n and_o leah_n their_o counsel_n to_o jacob_n who_o answer_v jacob_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o be_v there_o yet_o any_o portion_n or_o inheritance_n for_o we_o in_o our_o father_n house_n be_v we_o not_o count_v of_o he_o as_o stranger_n for_o he_o have_v sell_v we_o and_o he_o have_v quite_o devour_v also_o our_o money_n for_o all_o the_o riches_n that_o god_n have_v take_v from_o our_o father_n that_o be_v we_o and_o our_o child_n and_o now_o therefore_o whatsoever_o god_n have_v say_v unto_o thou_o do_v this_o be_v rachel_n and_o leahs_n counsel_n unto_o jacob_n and_o be_v not_o these_o three_o a_o church_n then_o and_o do_v he_o forbid_v they_o from_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n see_v genses_n 31.14_o 15_o 16._o this_o we_o take_v to_o be_v a_o quotation_n to_o evidence_n woman_n speak_v in_o the_o church_n to_o be_v according_a to_o truth_n but_o yet_o we_o can_v own_v it_o to_o be_v much_o if_o any_o thing_n at_o all_o better_a argument_n for_o woman_n speak_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n when_o the_o church_n be_v meet_v to_o worship_v the_o lord_n in_o his_o spirit_n than_o woman_n discourse_n with_o their_o husband_n about_o their_o outward_a estate_n do_v almost_o every_o day_n produce_v among_o we_o and_o be_v it_o so_o that_o no_o better_a argument_n can_v be_v produce_v for_o the_o justification_n of_o woman_n speak_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o sense_n we_o have_v understand_v speak_v in_o the_o church_n we_o may_v be_v ashamed_a of_o our_o principle_n and_o their_o practice_n the_o five_o quotation_n page_n 42._o and_o the_o daughter_n of_o israel_n go_v yearly_a to_o lament_v the_o daughter_n of_o jeptha_n judge_n 11_o so_o here_o they_o have_v a_o yearly_o meet_v on_o this_o occasion_n our_o observation_n now_o be_v jeptha_n make_v a_o vow_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o thus_o say_v if_o thou_o shall_v deliver_v the_o child_n of_o ammon_n into_o my_o hand_n than_o that_o thing_n that_o come_v out_o of_o the_o door_n of_o my_o house_n to_o meet_v i_o when_o i_o come_v home_o in_o peace_n from_o the_o child_n of_o ammon_n shall_v be_v the_o lord_n and_o i_o will_v offer_v it_o for_o a_o burnt-offering_a and_o so_o it_o happen_v that_o his_o only_a child_n be_v a_o daughter_n come_v out_o to_o meet_v he_o with_o timbrel_n and_o dance_n and_o when_o he_o see_v she_o he_o rend_v his_o clothes_n and_o say_v alas_o my_o daughter_n but_o yet_o at_o the_o end_n of_o two_o month_n do_v unto_o she_o according_a to_o his_o vow_n have_v give_v she_o two_o month_n time_n to_o go_v to_o the_o mountain_n with_o other_o virgin_n to_o bewail_v her_o virginity_n which_o afterward_o become_v a_o custom_n in_o israel_n to_o go_v yearly_o to_o the_o mountain_n to_o bewail_v the_o daughter_n of_o jeptha_n this_o occasion_n we_o to_o query_n whether_o such_o a_o meeting_n occasion_v on_o the_o untimely_a death_n of_o a_o virgin_n for_o jeptha_n vow_n be_v a_o rash_a vow_n can_v be_v any_o evidence_n of_o the_o matter_n which_o be_v take_v by_o we_o to_o be_v intend_v viz._n either_o for_o woman_n speak_v in_o the_o church_n or_o woman_n
on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o that_o therein_o be_v plain_o demonstrate_v the_o qualification_n of_o such_o as_o satan_n have_v make_v use_n of_o to_o rend_v and_o divide_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n sect_n ix_o a_o epistle_n evidence_v the_o qualication_n of_o such_o who_o satan_n make_v use_v of_o to_o rend_n and_o divide_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n a_o paper_n give_v forth_o by_o edward_n burrough_n anno_fw-la 1661._o touch_v the_o scatter_a in_o israel_n wherein_o by_o a_o parable_n be_v lively_o describe_v a_o part_n of_o what_o have_v happen_v among_o the_o flock_n of_o god_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n the_o conclusion_n manifest_v several_a passage_n very_o material_a and_o worthy_a observation_n as_o a_o further_a discovery_n of_o the_o fruit_n and_o cause_n of_o division_n a_o epistle_n prefix_v to_o the_o historical_a manuscript_n mention_v in_o the_o preface_n to_o this_o treatise_n evidence_v the_o qualification_n of_o such_o who_o satan_n have_v make_v use_n of_o to_o rend_v and_o divide_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o great_a evidence_n of_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a religion_n be_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n but_o the_o contrary_n be_v attend_v with_o anxiety_n and_o trouble_n he_o that_o in_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n incline_v to_o preserve_v such_o a_o conscience_n must_v not_o so_o value_v his_o repute_n and_o name_n among_o man_n as_o thereby_o to_o loose_v his_o peace_n with_o the_o lord_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o have_v abundant_o satisfy_v we_o to_o encourage_v the_o prepare_n of_o this_o treatise_n know_v that_o the_o long-suffering_a patience_n and_o warning_n of_o many_o faithful_a friend_n have_v have_v little_a place_n with_o many_o such_o persecute_v opposer_n of_o the_o friend_n of_o truth_n as_o be_v under_o the_o profession_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v just_o with_o the_o lord_n to_o suffer_v their_o long-suffering_a to_o have_v a_o end_n we_o also_o know_v that_o the_o unsavoury_a testimony_n and_o unchristianlike_a discourse_n of_o many_o such_o in_o our_o meeting_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n have_v be_v so_o frequent_o as_o well_o as_o public_o manifest_v as_o that_o it_o be_v thereby_o know_v both_o to_o professor_n and_o profane_a that_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n be_v now_o divide_v by_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v that_o some_o may_v real_o conclude_v that_o though_o their_o name_n be_v not_o extinguish_v yet_o that_o the_o nature_n doctrine_n and_o life_n which_o accompany_v they_o at_o their_o first_o come_v forth_o have_v of_o late_o suffer_v shipwreck_n this_o have_v be_v serious_o ponder_v by_o we_o have_v increase_v the_o concern_n of_o our_o conscience_n thus_o to_o appear_v that_o so_o as_o the_o door_n have_v thereby_o be_v so_o far_o shut_v in_o some_o part_n of_o this_o nation_n as_o that_o there_o have_v be_v of_o late_a but_o few_o gather_v into_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o everlasting_a light_n so_o it_o may_v again_o in_o the_o lord_n time_n be_v more_o open_v by_o a_o clear_a discovery_n that_o there_o be_v yet_o remain_v a_o remnant_n of_o that_o ancient_a stock_n who_o have_v be_v and_o our_o faith_n in_o god_n be_v that_o they_o will_v be_v preserve_v in_o his_o fear_n to_o persevere_v in_o his_o unchangeable_a way_n light_n and_o life_n of_o truth_n unto_o the_o end_n that_o now_o the_o reader_n may_v have_v some_o short_a account_n of_o what_o the_o lord_n have_v manifest_v unto_o we_o on_o this_o occasion_n we_o further_o thus_o declare_v the_o original_a cause_n of_o division_n and_o separation_n between_o the_o member_n of_o any_o society_n once_o at_o unity_n in_o the_o truth_n touch_v religious_a matter_n have_v spring_v from_o satan_n the_o person_n in_o who_o he_o have_v chief_o appear_v to_o accomplish_v the_o same_o have_v be_v such_o as_o usual_o appear_v more_o public_a than_o other_o their_o brethren_n and_o that_o under_o various_a qualification_n some_o have_v have_v zeal_n without_o knowledge_n and_o some_o have_v have_v knowledge_n without_o zeal_n and_o other_o have_v abound_v in_o confidence_n without_o either_o knowledge_n or_o zeal_n and_o none_o of_o these_o whilst_o exercise_v under_o these_o qualification_n have_v find_v acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n and_o as_o satan_n have_v make_v use_n of_o person_n thus_o various_o qualify_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o his_o kingdom_n so_o christ_n jesus_n who_o appearance_n have_v be_v and_o be_v to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n have_v and_o do_v make_v use_n of_o such_o instrument_n in_o his_o hand_n who_o he_o have_v furnish_v with_o true_a zeal_n and_o that_o according_a to_o knowledge_n for_o though_o all_o have_v not_o the_o like_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n yet_o that_o zeal_n which_o be_v exercise_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n give_v by_o god_n and_o receive_v by_o man_n find_v acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n now_o forasmuch_o as_o in_o this_o treatise_n variety_n of_o matter_n be_v discourse_v wherein_o divers_a person_n have_v be_v concern_v many_o of_o who_o be_v once_o at_o unity_n which_o we_o be_v persuade_v consist_v in_o the_o everlasting_a truth_n and_o that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o may_v reasonable_o have_v be_v take_v to_o be_v under_o one_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a qualification_n it_o be_v with_o we_o at_o this_o time_n consider_v that_o the_o tree_n be_v to_o be_v know_v by_o its_o fruit_n to_o note_v a_o few_o thing_n attend_v such_o respective_a qualification_n and_o that_o chief_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o as_o have_v zeal_n without_o knowledge_n and_o so_o if_o the_o lord_n make_v we_o instrument_n in_o his_o hand_n to_o open_v the_o understanding_n of_o any_o whereby_o they_o may_v come_v to_o have_v a_o true_a savour_n of_o and_o unity_n with_o those_o who_o have_v so_o receive_v the_o spirit_n as_o to_o be_v exercise_v themselves_o in_o true_a zeal_n and_o that_o according_a to_o knowledge_n we_o then_o shall_v have_v our_o end_n we_o now_o begin_v to_o speak_v of_o those_o who_o have_v zeal_n without_o knowledge_n charity_n obliege_v we_o not_o to_o conclude_v that_o they_o design_v any_o thing_n more_o than_o to_o live_v well_o that_o so_o they_o may_v die_v well_o or_o any_o thing_n less_o than_o to_o appear_v what_o they_o know_v they_o be_v not_o but_o yet_o this_o we_o certain_o know_v that_o albeit_o these_o have_v profess_v christ_n jesus_n to_o be_v their_o foundation_n yet_o many_o of_o they_o for_o want_n of_o knowledge_n have_v be_v build_v thereon_o the_o wood_n the_o hay_n and_o the_o stubble_n of_o other_o man_n invention_n whereby_o they_o have_v suffer_v loss_n have_v exalt_v their_o own_o righteousness_n through_o a_o zealous_a submission_n to_o other_o man_n line_n make_v ready_a to_o their_o hand_n as_o if_o therein_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n consist_v or_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a contrary_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o glory_n in_o man_n the_o apostle_n paul_n rom_n 10.2_o thus_o say_v i_o bear_v they_o record_v they_o have_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n but_o not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n and_o from_o the_o next_o verse_n we_o learn_v that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n righteousness_n and_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n have_v not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n this_o be_v speak_v of_o israel_n for_o their_o information_n that_o they_o may_v not_o have_v a_o dependency_n on_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n as_o if_o through_o the_o strict_a performance_n and_o observation_n of_o outward_a thing_n establish_v under_o the_o law_n they_o shall_v come_v to_o know_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n through_o christ_n but_o rather_o that_o their_o dependency_n shall_v be_v upon_o the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o faith_n which_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n verse_n the_o 8_o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n inform_v we_o thus_o the_o word_n be_v nigh_o thou_o even_o in_o thy_o mouth_n and_o in_o thy_o heart_n that_o be_v the_o word_n of_o faith_n which_o we_o preach_v so_o that_o by_o this_o doctrine_n and_o what_o elsewhere_o be_v write_v in_o other_o of_o his_o epistle_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o apostle_n care_v for_o israel_n be_v that_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v off_o those_o outward_a and_o carnal_a ordinance_n which_o be_v establish_v for_o a_o season_n until_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n unto_o the_o word_n nigh_o in_o the_o heart_n which_o undoubted_o be_v and_o be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o law_n which_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n jer._n 31.33_o be_v to_o be_v put_v in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v in_o their_o heart_n all_o which_o lead_v we_o to_o make_v this_o observation_n that_o whosoever_o
have_v open_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o other_o way_n by_o which_o all_o thing_n relate_v unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n come_v to_o be_v reveal_v and_o this_o appear_v agrecable_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n john_n 14.26_o 2_o cor._n 4.2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o 2_o tim._n 3.15_o 16._o we_o be_v now_o sensible_a that_o some_o who_o may_v peruse_v the_o forego_n scripture_n may_v be_v ready_a thus_o to_o say_v you_o seem_v to_o propound_v two_o way_n by_o which_o the_o thing_n appertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n have_v be_v and_o be_v reveal_v viz._n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n or_o appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n as_o one_o way_n and_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n as_o another_o way_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v the_o way_n we_o propose_v be_v but_o one_o though_o the_o manifestation_n thereof_o may_v seem_v various_a to_o man_n viz._n sometime_o through_o instrument_n and_o sometime_o through_o himself_o for_o though_o paul_n write_v unto_o timothy_n unto_o who_o he_o be_v make_v a_o instrument_n and_o therefore_o call_v he_o his_o son_n tell_v he_o 16._o 2_o tim._n 3.15_o 16._o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v able_a to_o make_v he_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o that_o they_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n yet_o it_o be_v speak_v with_o respect_n to_o those_o scripture_n that_o be_v give_v forth_o by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o with_o this_o limitation_n viz._n through_o the_o say_v that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n whereon_o we_o observe_v that_o the_o scripture_n give_v forth_o by_o inspiration_n be_v but_o as_o a_o instrument_n make_v serviceable_a to_o the_o reader_n through_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o faith_n in_o christ_n come_v to_o be_v raise_v even_o as_o a_o man_n endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o instrument_n through_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o wholesome_a exhortation_n to_o open_v the_o inward_a eye_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o have_v be_v darken_v and_o to_o awaken_v the_o conscience_n which_o have_v be_v defile_v that_o so_o man_n may_v come_v to_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mind_n unto_o god_n through_o faith_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o conscience_n purify_v from_o dead_a work_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n and_o therefore_o we_o reasonable_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o way_n though_o various_a in_o operation_n and_o manifestation_n through_o which_o the_o thing_n appertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n come_v to_o be_v reveal_v which_o be_v by_o the_o powerful_a appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n and_o light_n convict_v the_o conscience_n convert_v and_o renew_v the_o mind_n unto_o god_n sometime_o through_o scripture_n give_v forth_o by_o inspiration_n sometime_o through_o man_n as_o a_o instrument_n and_o sometime_o by_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o light_n in_o man_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o such_o instrument_n but_o yet_o the_o end_n of_o all_o be_v that_o faith_n in_o christ_n may_v be_v raise_v wherein_o as_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v by_o the_o carnal_a eye_n the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v behold_v which_o be_v that_o treasure_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n speak_v that_o be_v hide_v in_o our_o earthen_a vessel_n that_o the_o excellency_n of_o that_o power_n may_v be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n these_o thing_n be_v due_o consider_v this_o testimony_n do_v natural_o arise_v that_o neither_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n nor_o any_o other_o writing_n whatsoever_o though_o give_v forth_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n itself_o can_v proper_o be_v term_v so_o profitable_a a_o rule_n unto_o we_o as_o the_o light_n and_o spirit_n from_o which_o they_o be_v give_v forth_o and_o therefore_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n ought_v chief_o to_o be_v unto_o the_o spiritual_a appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n and_o spirit_n in_o we_o as_o that_o unerring_a guide_n which_o never_o can_v be_v remove_v into_o a_o corner_n beside_o we_o find_v the_o scripture_n itself_o testify_v that_o no_o prophecy_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n 1.20_o 2_o pet._n 1.20_o that_o be_v it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v interpret_v but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n through_o who_o motion_n it_o be_v give_v forth_o for_o all_o other_o interpretation_n may_v true_o be_v term_v private_a from_o whence_o we_o observe_v that_o if_o the_o prophecy_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n shall_v be_v read_v unto_o we_o from_o morning_n to_o evening_n and_o from_o evening_n to_o morning_n again_o we_o may_v receive_v little_a benefit_n or_o profit_n thereby_o unless_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n come_v to_o be_v stay_v in_o the_o unchangeable_a light_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n whereby_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o they_o out_o of_o all_o private_a interpretation_n have_v be_v and_o be_v signify_v unto_o man._n chap._n ii_o touch_v the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o and_o exhortation_n to_o obedience_n thereof_o those_o faithful_a messenger_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o the_o lord_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n send_v forth_o for_o the_o gather_n of_o the_o nation_n unto_o the_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n that_o their_o soul_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n frequent_o sound_v in_o our_o ear_n on_o this_o wise_a turn_v in_o your_o mind_n unto_o the_o light_n within_o mean_v thereby_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o which_o show_v you_o that_o a_o tie_n be_v not_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o as_o through_o faith_n you_o come_v to_o be_v obedient_a unto_o the_o light_n within_o and_o that_o measure_n of_o grace_n give_v by_o god_n and_o receive_v by_o you_o so_o will_v you_o come_v to_o be_v make_v partalter_n of_o that_o great_a salvation_n this_o doctrine_n be_v acceptable_a to_o many_o who_o in_o the_o love_n of_o truth_n receive_v the_o joyful_a sound_n thereof_o but_o unto_o other_o mean_a and_o despise_a who_o notwithstanding_o that_o testimony_n account_v the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n a_o more_o sure_a rule_n and_o guide_n unto_o the_o father_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o at_o this_o time_n have_v be_v as_o a_o obligation_n to_o examine_v whether_o the_o aforesaid_a doctrine_n so_o acceptable_a to_o some_o and_o despise_v by_o other_o be_v consonant_n to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n which_o task_n be_v the_o more_o free_o undertake_v because_o the_o aforesaid_a doctrine_n have_v become_v so_o great_a a_o stumble_a block_n unto_o many_o as_o that_o they_o have_v think_v it_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n that_o the_o professor_n thereof_o have_v be_v out_o of_o the_o path_n of_o truth_n ready_o object_v on_o this_o wise_a objection_n do_v you_o not_o think_v that_o those_o jew_n who_o crucify_v christ_n act_v not_o from_o the_o light_n within_o since_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o very_o think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n therein_o have_v thus_o premise_v it_o be_v now_o needful_a to_o examine_v what_o may_v be_v speak_v from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n for_o the_o light_n within_o and_o to_o turn_v in_o the_o mind_n unto_o the_o same_o to_o obey_v it_o etc._n etc._n in_o order_n thereunto_o we_o find_v john_n the_o evangelist_n thus_o testify_v 1.4.9_o joh._n 1.4.9_o in_o he_o mean_v the_o word_n which_o be_v god_n be_v life_n and_o the_o life_n be_v the_o light_n of_o man_n that_o be_v the_o true_a light_n which_o light_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n i_o be_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n 8.12_o john_n 8.12_o he_o that_o follow_v i_o shall_v not_o walk_v in_o darkness_n but_o shall_v have_v the_o light_n of_o life_n 12.46_o joh._n 12.46_o i_o be_o come_v a_o light_n into_o the_o world_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o i_o shall_v not_o abide_v in_o darkness_n these_o scripture_n plain_o show_v that_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v in_o and_o follow_v christ_n who_o be_v that_o light_n that_o light_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n objection_n however_o some_o object_v may_v say_v what_o be_v this_o to_o a_o light_n within_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o john_n the_o evangelist_n mean_v nothing_o of_o a_o light_n within_o in_o your_o sense_n but_o of_o the_o personal_a appearance_n of_o christ_n without_o as_o that_o word_n which_o be_v make_v flesh_n and_o as_o evidence_n produce_v what_o the_o same_o evangelist_n say_v chap._n
away_o from_o the_o truth_n as_o the_o set_n up_o of_o a_o grave_a image_n through_o the_o want_n of_o knowledge_n be_v under_o the_o law_n and_o that_o at_o this_o day_n the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v again_o fulfil_v 4.6_o hos_fw-la 4.6_o my_o people_n be_v destroy_v for_o lack_n of_o knowledge_n because_o thou_o have_v reject_v knowledge_n i_o will_v also_o reject_v thou_o it_o be_v now_o needful_a to_o signify_v the_o occasion_n on_o which_o the_o apostle_n paul_n say_v that_o knowledge_n puff_v up_o 1_o cor._n 8.1_o now_o as_o touch_v thing_n offer_v unto_o idol_n we_o know_v that_o we_o have_v all_o knowledge_n knowledge_n puff_v up_o but_o charity_n edifi_v and_o further_o in_o the_o same_o chap._n ver_fw-la 10_o 11._o if_o any_o man_n see_v thou_o which_o have_v knowledge_n sit_v at_o meat_n in_o the_o idol_n temple_n shall_v not_o the_o conscience_n of_o he_o which_o be_v weak_a be_v embolden_v to_o eat_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v offer_v unto_o idol_n and_o through_o thy_o knowledge_n shall_v the_o weak_a brother_n perish_v in_o this_o chapter_n the_o apostle_n paul_n be_v a_o reproof_n to_o such_o as_o abound_v in_o knowledge_n and_o clear_o see_v that_o to_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o meat_n offer_v unto_o idol_n and_o that_o which_o be_v not_o be_v but_o the_o fruit_n of_o weakness_n have_v not_o a_o regard_n unto_o the_o weak_a conscience_n of_o their_o brethren_n and_o so_o he_o tell_v such_o knowledge_n puff_v up_o but_o charity_n edifi_v from_o whence_o we_o can_v conclude_v that_o paul_n mean_v strict_o according_a as_o his_o word_n may_v be_v construe_v no_o more_o than_o he_o intend_v by_o his_o say_n let_v your_o woman_n keep_v silence_n in_o the_o church_n that_o none_o of_o they_o though_o member_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v prophesy_v when_o move_v of_o god_n whenas_o in_o a_o few_o verse_n before_o he_o tell_v the_o church_n which_o consist_v of_o woman_n as_o well_o as_o man_n they_o may_v all_o prophesy_v one_o by_o one_o and_o the_o reason_n seem_v evident_a because_o the_o knowledge_n which_o the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o hint_n at_o be_v a_o knowledge_n spring_v from_o a_o growth_n in_o the_o truth_n that_o the_o weak_a have_v not_o attain_v unto_o which_o may_v be_v take_v to_o be_v signify_v in_o these_o word_n of_o the_o say_a chapter_n we_o know_v that_o we_o all_o have_v knowledge_n howbeit_o there_o be_v not_o in_o every_o man_n that_o knowledge_n for_o some_o with_o conscience_n of_o the_o idol_n unto_o this_o hour_n eat_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n offer_v unto_o a_o idol_n and_o their_o conscience_n be_v weak_a be_v defile_v all_o which_o be_v consider_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o apostle_n write_v those_o word_n viz._n knowledge_n puff_v up_o but_o charity_n edifi_v may_v be_v take_v to_o be_v this_o that_o though_o they_o have_v knowledge_n yet_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v their_o eye_n so_o much_o to_o that_o as_o to_o exercise_v their_o liberty_n to_o the_o offence_n of_o any_o that_o be_v weak_a lest_o the_o enemy_n to_o true_a knowledge_n shall_v interpose_v and_o puff_v they_o up_o so_o as_o not_o to_o condescend_v through_o charity_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o weak_a brother_n it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o man_n soul_n to_o puff_n up_o but_o the_o word_n of_o knowledge_n be_v one_o of_o the_o gift_n 8._o 1_o cor._n 12.7_o 8._o which_o through_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v unto_o every_o man_n to_o profit_v withal_o and_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v that_o the_o apostle_n write_v unto_o the_o philippian_n thus_o express_v himself_o 10._o phil._n 1.9_o 10._o i_o pray_v that_o your_o love_n may_v abound_v yet_o more_o and_o more_o in_o knowledge_n and_o in_o all_o judgement_n that_o you_o may_v approve_v thing_n that_o be_v excellent_a that_o you_o may_v be_v sincere_a and_o without_o offence_n from_o whence_o it_o may_v reasonable_o be_v conclude_v that_o the_o contrary_a fruit_n viz._n thing_n that_o be_v contemptible_a and_o vile_a insincere_a and_o offensive_a spring_n through_o the_o want_n of_o that_o love_n which_o abound_v in_o knowledge_n obj._n by_o this_o discourse_n you_o seem_v to_o exalt_v knowledge_n as_o a_o excellent_a thing_n christian-quaker_n thing_n see_v a_o epistle_n evidence_v the_o qualification_n of_o such_o who_o satan_n make_v use_v of_o to_o rend_v and_o divide_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n how_o come_v it_o then_o to_o pass_v that_o divers_a among_o you_o call_v quaker_n have_v preach_v reflect_o on_o such_o as_o be_v endue_v with_o knowledge_n above_o many_o of_o their_o brethren_n as_o if_o their_o religion_n be_v in_o their_o head_n and_o not_o in_o their_o heart_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n be_v not_o good_a for_o food_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o have_v appear_v in_o such_o a_o invective_n spirit_n against_o reason_n also_o without_o distinction_n that_o in_o your_o public_a meeting_n this_o imperative_fw-it expression_n have_v be_v utter_v away_o with_o all_o reason_v ans_fw-fr it_o be_v very_o true_a however_o that_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o all_o such_o expression_n be_v according_a to_o the_o truth_n peoples_n tongue_n be_v their_o own_o and_o we_o can_v use_v violence_n to_o prevent_v any_o from_o deliver_v that_o which_o they_o may_v pretend_v they_o have_v to_o say_v and_o therefore_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o aforesaid_a objection_n we_o further_o add_v pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a be_v to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o the_o widow_n and_o to_o keep_v unspotted_a of_o the_o world_n wherein_o if_o our_o head_n be_v not_o exercise_v our_o heart_n will_v not_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o as_o to_o to_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a though_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o positive_o declare_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a for_o food_n or_o no_o as_o in_o itself_o yet_o it_o do_v clear_o import_v that_o adam_n sin_n in_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n be_v the_o sin_n of_o rebellion_n for_o that_o he_o be_v command_v not_o to_o eat_v thereof_o a_o father_n may_v command_v his_o child_n not_o to_o eat_v a_o apple_n and_o yet_o give_v he_o leave_v to_o eat_v of_o other_o food_n fit_a at_o that_o season_n for_o he_o if_o the_o child_n shall_v therein_o disobey_v his_o father_n his_o rebellious_a eat_n will_v be_v no_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o apple_n in_o itself_o not_o good_a for_o food_n these_o thing_n be_v consider_v it_o may_v reasonable_o be_v conclude_v that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o assert_v that_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n be_v not_o good_a for_o food_n as_o in_o itself_o beside_o it_o have_v be_v much_o observe_v that_o when_o the_o aforesaid_a doctrine_n have_v be_v by_o some_o declare_v it_o have_v be_v by_o way_n of_o reflection_n on_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n which_o some_o of_o the_o publisher_n thereof_o account_v sensual_a and_o devilish_a though_o other_o have_v not_o thereby_o so_o intend_v but_o therein_o they_o have_v manifest_v their_o own_o weakness_n because_o that_o which_o be_v a_o discoverer_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v in_o itself_o good_a as_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n be_v can_v be_v a_o proper_a comparison_n or_o allusion_n to_o represent_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v devilish_a john_n the_o evangelist_n testify_v this_o be_v life_n eternal_a that_o they_o may_v know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n 17.3_o john_n 17.3_o and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v and_o yet_o many_o of_o those_o who_o cry_v up_o life_n be_v apt_a to_o cry_v down_o knowledge_n without_o distinction_n though_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o knowledge_n be_v the_o way_n to_o life_n these_o thing_n be_v due_o consider_v we_o know_v not_o on_o what_o foot_n of_o truth_n any_o one_o can_v assert_v that_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n be_v not_o good_a for_o food_n as_o in_o itself_o and_o that_o it_o can_v be_v a_o proper_a similitude_n to_o represent_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o opposition_n to_o that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v from_o above_o but_o yet_o i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v to_o reflect_v on_o all_o that_o have_v use_v that_o expression_n viz._n the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n be_v not_o good_a for_o food_n because_o i_o question_v not_o but_o many_o have_v so_o express_v themselves_o not_o thereby_o to_o represent_v that_o wisdom_n which_o be_v account_v sensual_a and_o devilish_a but_o rather_o to_o show_v forth_o that_o if_o we_o shall_v feed_v upon_o or_o admire_v any_o excellent_a qualification_n or_o endowment_n whatsoever_o and_o not_o have_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n chief_o unto_o the_o giver_n we_o may_v then_o come_v to_o a_o loss_n even_o as_o
four_o month_n 1677._o which_o now_o follow_v we_o who_o name_n be_v here_o unto_o subscribe_v do_v testify_v that_o on_o the_o sixteenth_o day_n of_o the_o five_o month_n 1677._o we_o be_v present_a in_o a_o meeting_n usual_o hold_v in_o the_o city_n of_o bristol_n for_o the_o take_a care_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o promote_a of_o other_o christian_a duty_n when_o a_o paper_n subscribe_v by_o sixty_o six_o person_n and_o date_v from_o a_o metting_n hold_v at_o ellis_n hook_n his_o chamber_n in_o london_n the_o twelve_o of_o the_o four_o month_n 1677._o be_v there_o read_v and_o therein_o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n be_v reprove_v and_o judge_v in_o these_o word_n viz._n we_o do_v hereby_o reprove_v and_o judge_n that_o jealous_a rend_v and_o separate_a spirit_n and_o they_o meaning_n john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o their_o separate_a company_n as_o be_v in_o that_o spirit_n of_o separation_n and_o that_o by_o the_o power_n and_o spirit_n of_o our_o god_n and_o we_o warn_v all_o to_o who_o this_o come_v to_o beware_v of_o the_o say_v john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n who_o way_n at_o present_a be_v not_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n etc._n etc._n the_o aforesaid_a judgement_n we_o do_v now_o declare_v that_o we_o do_v not_o own_o to_o be_v righteous_a nor_o yet_o dare_v we_o deny_v the_o say_a john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n lest_o we_o sin_n against_o god_n and_o despise_v those_o unto_o who_o a_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v commit_v especial_o since_o that_o the_o aforementioned_a paper_n do_v sufficient_o manifest_a to_o our_o conscience_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o move_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o sixty_o six_o subscriber_n to_o give_v forth_o the_o same_o though_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n his_o power_n and_o spirit_n be_v frequent_o make_v mention_n of_o in_o the_o say_a paper_n and_o that_o this_o be_v so_o we_o thus_o manifest_a first_o the_o great_a crime_n against_o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n be_v for_o that_o as_o report_n say_v they_o have_v be_v instrument_n to_o set_v up_o or_o at_o least_o encourage_v a_o separate_a mens-meeting_a in_o the_o north_n wherein_o the_o outward_a affair_n of_o the_o church_n be_v manage_v and_o so_o consequent_o be_v esteem_v beside_o that_o form_n of_o government_n which_o be_v contend_v for_o now_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v to_o we_o from_o the_o say_a paper_n that_o the_o meeting_n from_o which_o the_o aforesaid_a paper_n be_v give_v forth_o be_v a_o meeting_n hold_v according_a to_o the_o form_n of_o government_n contend_v for_o and_o so_o we_o be_v dissatisfy_v that_o the_o action_n of_o that_o meeting_n be_v justifiable_a by_o the_o rule_n of_o those_o who_o oppose_v john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n on_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o separate-meeting_a so_o call_v for_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o the_o aforementioned_a meeting_n be_v the_o general_n meeting_n by_o any_o thing_n therein_o contain_v not_o be_v so_o much_o as_o date_v from_o thence_o nor_o yet_o within_o the_o time_n wherein_o it_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v hold_v beside_o if_o the_o paper_n do_v not_o prove_v that_o yet_o by_o a_o postscript_n thereto_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v several_a brethren_n that_o have_v leave_v the_o city_n before_o the_o say_a meeting_n wherein_o the_o say_a paper_n be_v subscribe_v and_o so_o have_v it_o be_v within_o the_o appoint_a time_n of_o the_o general-meeting_a it_o can_v in_o the_o best_a sense_n be_v but_o from_o a_o part_n of_o the_o say_a meeting_n the_o aforementioned_a meeting_n by_o the_o say_a paper_n appear_v not_o to_o be_v the_o second_o day_n weekly_a meeting_n for_o its_o date_n be_v on_o the_o three_o day_n and_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v give_v forth_o from_o that_o meeting_n it_o be_v usual_o date_v from_o the_o say_a meeting_n beside_o we_o find_v that_o the_o hand_n of_o many_o ancient_a labourer_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o great_a part_n by_o many_o of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o elder_n and_o minister_a friend_n dwell_v in_o and_o about_o the_o city_n of_o london_n be_v not_o thereto_o subscribe_v and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o we_o be_v credible_o inform_v that_o though_o it_o be_v discourse_v in_o the_o second_o day_n weekly_a meeting_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o unanimous_o assent_v to_o therein_o and_o if_o so_o it_o follow_v by_o natural_a consequence_n that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v the_o action_n of_o the_o say_a meeting_n have_v it_o be_v date_v on_o that_o day_n and_o that_o this_o expression_n in_o the_o aforesaid_a paper_n viz._n and_o bless_a and_o sweet_a and_o very_a precious_a to_o our_o soul_n be_v the_o heavenly_a unity_n of_o life_n among_o we_o wherein_o at_o this_o meeting_n the_o lord_n our_o god_n have_v crown_v we_o with_o glory_n dominion_n and_o peace_n can_v in_o truth_n be_v speak_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o aforesaid_a second_o day_n weekly_a meeting_n unity_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o aforesaid_a paper_n the_o aforementioned_a meeting_n can_v be_v reasonable_o suppose_v to_o be_v from_o the_o mens-meeting_a of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n for_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o member_n thereof_o have_v not_o their_o hand_n thereto_o neither_o be_v it_o say_v sign_v on_o behalf_n of_o that_o meeting_n or_o any_o other_o settle_a meeting_n in_o england_n nor_o yet_o from_o it_o or_o any_o other_o such_o meeting_n all_o which_o consideration_n confirm_v we_o in_o this_o persuasion_n that_o the_o aforesaid_a paper_n be_v give_v forth_o from_o a_o meeting_n hold_v out_o of_o the_o form_n of_o government_n contend_v for_o and_o so_o by_o their_o own_o rule_n aught_o to_o be_v disow_v by_o the_o meeting_n to_o who_o it_o be_v direct_v second_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o sixty_o six_o subscriber_n in_o their_o paper_n have_v give_v forth_o these_o sentence_n viz._n at_o this_o meeting_n the_o lord_n our_o god_n have_v crown_v we_o with_o glory_n dominion_n and_o peace_n at_o this_o time_n as_o on_o the_o like_a occasion_n have_v be_v frequent_a with_o we_o the_o care_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n come_v upon_o we_o and_o be_v your_o servant_n for_o he_o mean_v christ_n sake_n by_o that_o salt_n that_o we_o have_v in_o ourselves_o from_o the_o lord_n be_v we_o enable_v to_o savour_n between_o the_o transformation_n of_o the_o enemy_n and_o the_o scruple_n of_o the_o innocent_a and_o as_o to_o be_v tender_a of_o one_o so_o to_o give_v judgement_n against_o the_o other_o and_o true_o that_o which_o have_v encourage_v we_o in_o this_o epistle_n be_v that_o good_a success_n god_n have_v blessed_v our_o like_a endeavour_n in_o his_o power_n with_o we_o be_v unanimous_o your_o dear_a and_o faithful_a brethren_n in_o the_o labour_n travel_n tribulation_n patience_n hope_v and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n our_o lord_n on_o these_o last_o six_o sentence_n we_o thus_o observe_v that_o where_o they_o have_v credit_n it_o be_v but_o too_o probable_a that_o it_o may_v gain_v a_o persuasion_n or_o belief_n that_o the_o sixty_o six_o subscriber_n be_v apostle_n and_o so_o may_v become_v a_o mean_n to_o obtain_v the_o better_a credit_n to_o their_o paper_n shall_v any_o thus_o be_v persuade_v they_o therein_o will_v be_v mistake_v for_o three_o or_o four_o from_o the_o city_n of_o bristol_n who_o be_v well_o know_v to_o we_o be_v not_o exercise_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n beside_o other_o from_o other_o country_n and_o place_n three_o we_o find_v in_o the_o say_a paper_n these_o two_o follow_a sentence_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o appear_v to_o we_o that_o they_o will_v not_o come_v to_o we_o nor_o near_o we_o in_o the_o peaceable_a truth_n which_o we_o have_v frequent_o true_o desire_v for_o their_o good_a but_o that_o they_o will_v go_v on_o in_o their_o opposition_n refuse_v to_o dissolve_v their_o separate-company_n in_o the_o north_n etc._n etc._n and_o because_o we_o be_v sensible_a that_o they_o have_v make_v a_o ill_a use_n of_o our_o forbearance_n even_o to_o strengthen_v themselves_o in_o their_o separation_n etc._n etc._n on_o which_o we_o thus_o observe_v that_o these_o two_o sentence_n be_v assign_v as_o a_o part_n of_o those_o consideration_n wherefore_o the_o sixty_o six_o subscriber_n be_v as_o they_o say_v constrain_v after_o continue_a wait_v and_o exhortation_n slight_v by_o they_o meaning_n john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n more_o public_o to_o reprove_v and_o judge_v they_o in_o these_o thing_n as_o by_o their_o paper_n do_v plain_o appear_v which_o be_v due_o consider_v it_o natural_o follow_v that_o if_o every_o one_o of_o the_o sixty_o six_o subscriber_n have_v not_o frequent_o desire_v john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n to_o come_v to_o they_o they_o be_v
design_v to_o be_v treat_v upon_o be_v the_o government_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v to_o be_v represent_v by_o visible_a person_n certain_o know_v by_o outward_a name_n distinguish_v by_o outward_a mark_n and_o token_n and_o invest_v with_o power_n from_o he_o to_o execute_v outward_a law_n in_o a_o outward_a form_n of_o government_n visible_a by_o our_o carnal_a eye_n as_o aforesaid_a that_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o inward_a government_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n jer._n 31.31_o 32_o 33._o i_o will_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n etc._n etc._n not_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n that_o i_o make_v with_o your_o father_n but_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o covenant_n that_o i_o will_v make_v etc._n etc._n after_o those_o day_n i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n and_o they_o shall_v teach_v no_o more_o every_o man_n his_o neighbour_n and_o every_o man_n his_o brother_n say_v know_v the_o lord_n for_o they_o shall_v all_o know_v i_o from_o the_o least_o of_o they_o to_o the_o great_a of_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n this_o we_o believe_v be_v speak_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o reign_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o man_n and_o clear_o show_v that_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n government_n under_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n and_o therefore_o a_o inward_a government_n objection_n but_o if_o any_o shall_v object_v that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n relate_v not_o to_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o gentile_a stock_n of_o which_o stock_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o we_o be_v we_o thereto_o say_v that_o the_o word_n of_o paul_n do_v effectual_o answer_v that_o objection_n rom._n 10.12_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o gentile_a for_o the_o same_o lord_n over_o all_o be_v rich_a unto_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o col._n 3.9_o 10_o 11._o lie_v not_o one_o to_o another_o see_v that_o you_o have_v put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n with_o his_o deed_n and_o have_v put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o be_v renew_v in_o knowledge_n after_o the_o image_n of_o he_o that_o create_v he_o where_o there_o be_v neither_o gentile_a nor_o jew_n circumcision_n nor_o uncircumcision_n barbarian_a scythian_a bond_n nor_o free_a but_o christ_n be_v all_o and_o in_o all_o many_o other_o scripture_n both_o out_o of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n write_n may_v be_v quote_v to_o evidence_n the_o matter_n intend_v we_o be_v yet_o sensible_a that_o this_o further_a objection_n may_v be_v raise_v viz._n objection_n that_o neither_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n nor_o of_o the_o apostle_n cite_v by_o we_o make_v mention_n of_o government_n over_o jew_n or_o gentile_n but_o do_v show_v as_o from_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o scripture_n appear_v that_o the_o apostle_n so_o write_v to_o convince_v the_o jew_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n and_o that_o of_o faith_n and_o to_o show_v unto_o believer_n whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n that_o though_o some_o may_v appear_v in_o a_o voluntary_a humility_n worship_n angel_n intrude_v into_o those_o thing_n they_o have_v not_o see_v and_o be_v vain_o puff_v up_o in_o their_o fleshly_a mind_n and_o not_o give_v all_o obedience_n unto_o the_o head_n christ_n through_o who_o alone_o there_o be_v a_o increase_n in_o the_o increase_v of_o god_n yet_o they_o be_v therein_o reprovable_a as_o not_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n and_o further_a also_o to_o show_v that_o those_o who_o be_v dead_a with_o christ_n from_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o nor_o yet_o to_o touch_v taste_n or_o handle_v such_o ordinance_n as_o be_v after_o the_o commandment_n and_o doctrine_n of_o men._n to_o this_o objection_n we_o answer_v that_o though_o the_o word_n government_n be_v not_o express_o mention_v yet_o there_o be_v word_n in_o what_o be_v cite_v out_o of_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n import_v the_o three_o material_a object_n of_o government_n viz._n a_o lawgiver_n the_o place_n where_o the_o law_n be_v to_o be_v find_v write_v and_o the_o people_n for_o who_o it_o be_v give_v beside_o from_o these_o word_n of_o paul_n viz._n the_o same_o lord_n over_o all_o a_o governor_n be_v imply_v viz._n christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n and_o so_o consequent_o a_o government_n over_o that_o all._n and_o from_o what_o hereafter_o follow_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o the_o end_n of_o this_o government_n be_v to_o lead_v into_o all_o truth_n moreover_o it_o lead_v we_o to_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v divers_a true_a mark_n whereby_o the_o opposer_n of_o christ_n government_n may_v be_v distinguish_v first_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v in_o a_o voluntary_a humility_n second_o such_o as_o worship_n angel_n which_o may_v reasonable_o be_v take_v to_o be_v a_o worship_v of_o some_o messenger_n who_o god_n have_v send_v because_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n angel_n be_v a_o messenger_n three_o such_o as_o intrude_v into_o those_o thing_n they_o have_v not_o see_v four_o such_o as_o be_v puff_v up_o in_o their_o fleshly_a mind_n five_o such_o as_o give_v not_o all_o obedience_n unto_o the_o head_n christ_n and_o last_o such_o as_o be_v subject_a to_o ordinance_n after_o the_o commandment_n and_o doctrine_n of_o men._n and_o to_o be_v very_o plain_a for_o the_o clear_n the_o truth_n we_o must_v give_v this_o our_o testimony_n that_o we_o be_v real_o persuade_v from_o what_o our_o eye_n &_o ear_n have_v be_v witness_n that_o many_o of_o those_o among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n who_o have_v zealous_o contend_v for_o the_o observation_n of_o outward_a rule_n and_o order_n give_v forth_o by_o one_o man_n bear_v all_o the_o aforesaid_a mark_n for_o whosoever_o they_o be_v that_o pretend_v zeal_n to_o promote_v submit_v unto_o and_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o other_o man_n line_n make_v ready_a to_o their_o hand_n and_o that_o on_o a_o pretend_a religious_a score_n when_o through_o the_o word_n of_o true_a faith_n they_o see_v it_o not_o their_o duty_n or_o if_o they_o shall_v pretend_v they_o do_v and_o thereupon_o strive_v to_o enforce_v other_o to_o submit_v thereto_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n or_o light_n of_o christ_n so_o to_o strive_v it_o natura_o follow_v that_o the_o aforesaid_a mark_n accompany_v such_o and_o this_o we_o confident_o aver_v that_o through_o the_o whole_a scripture_n of_o truth_n there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v rational_o expect_v and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o christ_n have_v or_o will_v commissionate_v any_o one_o man_n or_o man_n to_o prescribe_v outward_a rule_n and_o order_n relate_v to_o faith_n or_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n to_o be_v bind_v on_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n whether_o they_o shall_v see_v it_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n from_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n or_o no._n beside_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o government_n it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v such_o unto_o which_o outward_a write_a law_n visible_a by_o our_o carnal_a eye_n and_o to_o be_v execute_v by_o perish_a object_n according_a to_o a_o outward_a magistratical_a or_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n be_v whole_o unsuitable_a because_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n but_o be_v a_o everlasting_a kingdom_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v that_o of_o the_o increase_n of_o his_o government_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o end_n and_o though_o john_n in_o the_o revelation_n chap._n 11._o v._o 15._o give_v this_o testimony_n that_o there_o be_v great_a voice_n in_o heaven_n say_v the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n and_o he_o shall_v reign_v forever_o and_o ever_o isa_n 61.11_o yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o say_v to_o signify_v that_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o reign_n be_v or_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o then_o as_o before_o be_v describe_v moreover_o if_o any_o man_n or_o man_n have_v or_o may_v pretend_v he_o or_o themselves_o to_o be_v such_o on_o earth_n on_o who_o the_o weight_n of_o christ_n government_n which_o be_v spiritual_a be_v lay_v it_o be_v not_o like_a to_o have_v any_o evidence_n in_o our_o conscience_n first_o not_o only_o because_o we_o find_v no_o such_o prophecy_n or_o promise_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n but_o also_o for_o that_o we_o rather_o find_v the_o contrary_a for_o
declare_v the_o intent_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o be_v not_o the_o slip_n of_o his_o tongue_n or_o pen_n but_o how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v that_o matter_n of_o worldly_a property_n and_o thing_n relate_v to_o conscience_n shall_v be_v decide_v by_o such_o assembly_n without_o a_o election_n for_o that_o service_n by_o the_o party_n differ_v i_o shall_v leave_v it_o to_o the_o judicious_a impartial_a reader_n to_o savour_n have_v elsewhere_o in_o this_o follow_a treatise_n plain_o evidence_v that_o there_o may_v be_v such_o assembly_n and_o yet_o not_o own_v by_o the_o lord_n for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o may_v be_v remote_a from_o give_v righteous_a judgement_n tho_o r._n b._n say_v god_n spirit_n will_v never_o bewant_v in_o such_o assembly_n and_o whereas_o some_o may_v be_v so_o charitable_a as_o to_o conclude_v r._n b._n intend_v not_o by_o his_o word_n that_o any_o shall_v assume_v authority_n to_o decide_v difference_n relate_v to_o outward_a thing_n without_o consent_n of_o the_o party_n concern_v to_o such_o i_o say_v he_o have_v leave_v no_o room_n for_o a_o reasonable_a man_n so_o to_o think_v because_o he_o have_v write_v several_a page_n to_o prove_v his_o assertion_n which_o in_o that_o case_n be_v all_o unnecessary_a for_o who_o can_v be_v so_o ignorant_a as_o not_o to_o know_v that_o person_n choose_v by_o the_o differ_a party_n have_v of_o right_a power_n to_o decide_v but_o if_o any_o shall_v i_o know_v that_o r._n b._n be_v none_o of_o they_o my_o acquaintance_n with_o he_o tell_v i_o not_o only_o so_o but_o also_o that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o better_a reason_n than_o to_o have_v write_v so_o many_o line_n on_o this_o subject_a without_o tell_v the_o reader_n so_o if_o that_o have_v be_v his_o meaning_n beside_o if_o the_o assent_n of_o party_n be_v intend_v and_o that_o the_o order_n of_o this_o government_n reach_v not_o to_o this_o case_n without_o such_o assent_n it_o natural_o follow_v that_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n pretend_v to_o in_o this_o case_n be_v none_o at_o all_o and_o now_o that_o the_o reader_n may_v not_o have_v a_o misunderstanding_n of_o my_o sense_n in_o relation_n to_o difference_n touch_v outward_a thing_n i_o have_v this_o testimony_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o truth_n to_o give_v on_o this_o occasion_n viz._n that_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n i_o do_v conclude_v it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n for_o any_o number_n of_o man_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o assume_v a_o jurisdiction_n over_o their_o brethren_n property_n and_o worldly_a concern_v when_o not_o choose_v by_o consent_n of_o such_o over_o who_o outward_a concern_v they_o assume_v power_n to_o judge_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o difference_n arise_v between_o brother_n and_o brother_n i_o do_v conclude_v that_o go_v to_o law_n before_o unbeliever_n be_v a_o indication_n that_o one_o or_o both_o be_v depart_v from_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o such_o who_o be_v at_o variance_n to_o request_v such_o brethren_n as_o be_v skill_v in_o the_o matter_n touch_v which_o they_o differ_v to_o hear_v and_o determine_v the_o cause_n and_o then_o of_o a_o willing_a and_o ready_a mind_n and_o not_o as_o by_o constraint_n to_o submit_v unto_o such_o determination_n and_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o a_o incombent_a duty_n on_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n to_o be_v watch_v over_o one_o another_o so_o as_o that_o by_o wholesome_a counsel_n admonition_n and_o sound_v doctrine_n all_o variance_n strife_n emulation_n rent_n and_o division_n both_o in_o relation_n to_o temporal_a as_o well_o as_o spiritual_a matter_n may_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v be_v keep_v out_o from_o among_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n r._n b._n assert_n page_n the_o 11._o that_o the_o ground_n of_o schism_n division_n or_o rent_n in_o the_o body_n be_v when_o any_o member_n assume_v another_o place_n than_o be_v allot_v it_o or_o be_v go_v from_o the_o life_n let_v we_o in_o the_o eye_n that_o watch_v for_o evil._n this_o position_n be_v truth_n and_o right_o state_v but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o i_o can_v but_o testify_v that_o if_o any_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n do_v recommend_v that_o administration_n or_o operation_n wherein_o by_o god_n spirit_n he_o be_v exercise_v unto_o his_o brethren_n and_o shall_v judge_v all_o such_o dark_a spirit_n and_o out_o of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n who_o on_o such_o a_o recommendation_n become_v not_o exercise_v as_o he_o be_v or_o do_v not_o immediate_o close_a with_o his_o experience_n and_o operation_n though_o otherwise_o faithful_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n receive_v such_o a_o one_o so_o judge_v may_v just_o be_v judge_v of_o the_o lord_n as_o a_o person_n not_o only_o assume_v another_o place_n in_o the_o body_n than_o be_v allot_v he_o but_o also_o as_o endeavour_v to_o draw_v other_o into_o the_o like_a snare_n for_o that_o it_o be_v as_o probable_a that_o a_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n may_v be_v as_o remote_a from_o have_v experience_n of_o his_o brother_n operation_n as_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n may_v be_v from_o discern_v what_o the_o natural_a eye_n do_v see_v and_o yet_o the_o ear_n according_a to_o that_o of_o paul_n 1_o cor._n 12.16_o may_v as_o true_o be_v account_v a_o member_n of_o the_o body_n as_o the_o eye_n it_o be_v a_o exhortation_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o day_n which_o in_o these_o latter_a year_n have_v dawn_v among_o we_o though_o thou_o grow_v but_o slow_a yet_o grow_v sure_a this_o sure_a grow_a be_v obedience_n after_o convincement_n or_o obedience_n to_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n receive_v all_o performance_n before_o with_o respect_n to_o worship_n or_o service_n for_o god_n be_v account_v but_o will-worship_n or_o will-service_n and_o therefore_o many_o who_o face_n be_v sion-ward_n do_v right_o testify_v on_o this_o wise_a i_o must_v stay_v until_o i_o be_v convince_v and_o since_o i_o see_v not_o this_o to_o be_v wrong_n i_o dare_v not_o be_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o another_o thing_n contrary_a thereto_o lest_o i_o become_v a_o will-worshipper_n and_o yet_o this_o kind_n of_o language_n be_v according_a to_o my_o understanding_n too_o reflect_o speak_v of_o by_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n witness_v his_o 13_o page_n this_o put_v i_o in_o mind_n to_o signify_v what_o the_o apostle_n paul_n say_v 1_o cor._n 12.3_o no_o man_n can_v say_v jesus_n be_v lord_n but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o be_v the_o fame_n of_o truth_n that_o jesus_n as_o in_o himself_o be_v lord_n and_o so_o we_o know_v a_o wicked_a man_n not_o act_v by_o the_o spirit_n may_v say_v these_o word_n jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n yet_o none_o can_v in_o truth_n say_v jesus_n be_v lord_n in_o they_o but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o whence_o i_o observe_v that_o no_o testimony_n though_o ever_o so_o true_a in_o itself_o can_v become_v the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n in_o any_o further_o than_o through_o certain_a conviction_n it_o be_v know_v to_o be_v so_o even_o as_o jesus_n can_v in_o truth_n be_v call_v lord_n by_o we_o until_o by_o his_o spirit_n we_o be_v convince_v and_o experimental_o know_v that_o he_o be_v lord_n in_o we_o and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o say_v it_o be_v savoury_a language_n to_o say_v i_o mu_o stay_n until_o convince_v tho_o r._n b._n as_o his_o line_n to_o i_o import_n account_v such_o language_n to_o be_v a_o reason_v truth_n from_o one_o self_n through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o the_o serpent_n query_v how_o do_v they_o mean_v the_o primitive_a labourer_n among_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n knock_v down_o this_o manner_n of_o reason_v but_o doubtless_o herein_o he_o have_v abuse_v both_o himself_o and_o the_o truth_n not_o so_o much_o for_o that_o he_o know_v no_o other_o than_o by_o report_n whereof_o he_o treat_v as_o to_o this_o matter_n if_o his_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o primitive_a labourer_n in_o the_o gospel_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o that_o day_n which_o in_o these_o latter_a age_n have_v daw_v among_o we_o do_v condemn_v such_o kind_n of_o language_n but_o for_o that_o many_o of_o those_o who_o yet_o remain_v witness_n of_o the_o first_o gather_v remember_v no_o such_o thing_n those_o who_o at_o this_o day_n say_v we_o be_v teach_v to_o follow_v the_o light_n in_o our_o conscience_n and_o not_o the_o order_n of_o man_n and_o that_o we_o will_v not_o have_v man_n to_o rule_v over_o we_o utter_a language_n become_v christian_n notwithstanding_o r._n b_n reflection_n on_o such_o kind_n of_o language_n as_o this_o also_o in_o his_o seventeen_o page_n for_o christ_n in_o this_o day_n as_o well_o as_o in_o that_o day_n wherein_o truth_n be_v
your_o faith_n be_v increase_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v enlarge_v by_o you_o according_a to_o our_o rule_n abundant_o not_o to_o boast_v in_o another_o man_n line_n of_o thing_n make_v ready_a to_o our_o hand_n hence_o it_o be_v evident_a those_o who_o keep_v to_o their_o own_o measure_n follow_v paul_n as_o they_o have_v he_o for_o a_o ensample_n and_o that_o those_o who_o hope_v and_o desire_v their_o brethren_n conformity_n to_o their_o line_n before_o they_o have_v faith_n therein_o be_v of_o another_o hope_n than_o paul_n be_v who_o as_o be_v above_o recite_v thus_o say_v have_v hope_n when_o your_o faith_n be_v increase_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v enlarge_v by_o your_o according_a to_o our_o rule_n abundant_o and_o so_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o paul_n do_v not_o desire_v the_o corinthian_n to_o walk_v by_o his_o line_n until_o their_o faith_n be_v increase_v otherwise_o they_o may_v become_v proud_a boaster_n of_o other_o man_n line_n make_v ready_a to_o their_o hand_n as_o many_o yea_o too_o to_o many_o at_o this_o day_n be_v i_o now_o come_v to_o consider_v of_o his_o 6_o section_n the_o title_n whereof_o page_n 47._o be_v this_o viz._n how_o far_a this_o government_n do_v extend_v in_o matter_n spiritual_a and_o pure_o conscientious_a in_o which_o the_o great_a question_n say_v the_o aforesaid_a author_n be_v how_o far_o in_o such_o case_n the_o church_n may_v give_v positive_a order_n or_o rule_n how_o far_o her_o authority_n reach_v or_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v bind_v and_o ought_v to_o be_v submit_v to_o for_o the_o better_a clear_n and_o examination_n of_o which_o he_o thus_o further_o say_v it_o will_v be_v fit_a to_o consider_v first_o whether_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v power_n in_o any_o case_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n to_o give_v a_o positive_a sentence_n or_o decision_n which_o may_v be_v obligatory_a upon_o believer_n second_o if_o so_o in_o what_o case_n and_o respect_n she_o may_v so_o do_v three_o wherein_o consist_v the_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n which_o may_v be_v exercise_v by_o the_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n diverse_o without_o judge_v one_o another_o and_o last_o in_o who_o the_o power_n decisive_n be_v in_o case_n of_o controversy_n and_o contention_n in_o such_o matter_n as_o to_o the_o first_o whether_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v power_n in_o any_o case_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n to_o give_v positive_a sentence_n or_o decision_n which_o may_v be_v obligatory_a upon_o believer_n i_o answer_v affirmative_o she_o have_v and_o shall_v prove_v it_o from_o divers_a instance_n both_o from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n thus_o far_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n the_o force_n of_o r_n b_n reason_n i_o apprehend_v to_o be_v chief_o comprehend_v in_o or_o draw_v from_o these_o his_o follow_a word_n as_o by_o his_o write_a page_n 48_o 49._o more_o at_o large_a appear_v viz._n that_o we_o be_v gather_v together_o into_o the_o belief_n of_o certain_a principle_n and_o doctrine_n through_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n on_o our_o understanding_n and_o practice_n necessary_o depend_v upon_o they_o these_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o term_n that_o have_v draw_v we_o together_o and_o bond_n by_o which_o we_o become_v centre_v into_o one_o body_n and_o fellowship_n yet_o say_v he_o by_o a_o marginal_a note_n not_o so_o the_o bond_n but_o that_o we_o have_v also_o a_o more_o inward_a viz._n the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n the_o scripture_n proof_n that_o he_o quote_v be_v these_o gal._n 1.8_o 1_o tim._n 1.19_o 20._o 2_o john_n 10._o thus_o further_a add_v these_o scripture_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o clear_a in_o themselves_o that_o they_o need_v no_o great_a exposition_n to_o the_o unbyased_a reader_n my_o place_n now_o be_v to_o detect_v the_o impertinency_n of_o r._n b_n reason_n and_o to_o show_v that_o he_o have_v quote_v scripture_n which_o be_v not_o to_o the_o purpose_n yet_o i_o can_v but_o first_o observe_v that_o since_o the_o main_a scop_n of_o his_o treatise_n relate_v to_o this_o matter_n both_o from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n tend_v as_o it_o be_v chief_o if_o not_o whole_o to_o evidence_n that_o such_o principle_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n necessary_o depend_v thereon_o be_v the_o bond_n by_o which_o we_o become_v center_a into_o one_o body_n and_o fellowship_n be_v it_o not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o these_o kind_n of_o term_n have_v the_o great_a room_n on_o his_o heart_n and_o the_o marginal_a description_n of_o a_o more_o inward_a bond_n viz_o the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n be_v but_o like_o the_o entertainment_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o manger_n but_o to_o proceed_v i_o do_v affirm_v the_o belief_n of_o certain_a principle_n and_o doctrine_n though_o believe_v through_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n on_o the_o understanding_n and_o practice_n necessary_o depend_v upon_o they_o be_v not_o the_o very_a term_n and_o bond_n by_o which_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o this_o day_n be_v become_v centre_v into_o one_o body_n though_o i_o do_v confess_v that_o certain_a principle_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n hold_v and_o practise_v in_o a_o pure_a mind_n be_v the_o fruit_n and_o offspring_n of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o bond_n but_o the_o very_a bond_n they_o be_v not_o if_o they_o be_v how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o to_o this_o day_n the_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n which_o be_v his_o church_n have_v not_o declare_v and_o agree_v what_o and_o how_o many_o be_v those_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n and_o what_o be_v those_o practice_n necessary_o depend_v thereon_o that_o aught_o to_o be_v believe_v receive_v and_o practise_v by_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o that_o by_o which_o they_o be_v centre_v into_o the_o heavenly_a fellowship_n of_o christ_n body_n with_o confidence_n i_o may_v say_v that_o i_o never_o hear_v or_o understand_v of_o any_o such_o thing_n yet_o extant_a among_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n neither_o do_v i_o believe_v there_o be_v and_o doubtless_o if_o there_o be_v the_o aforesaid_a author_n be_v a_o man_n to_o speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n that_o be_v well_o read_v and_o not_o of_o a_o mean_a capacity_n will_v have_v quote_v it_o to_o free_v himself_o from_o the_o censure_n of_o such_o who_o may_v just_o say_v he_o have_v leave_v we_o in_o the_o dark_a how_o to_o know_v these_o member_n who_o to_o use_v his_o own_o language_n page_n 49._o cut_v themselves_o off_o from_o be_v member_n by_o dissolve_v the_o very_a bond_n by_o which_o they_o be_v link_v to_o the_o body_n nay_o i_o may_v true_o say_v that_o in_o the_o primitive_a day_n there_o be_v many_o believer_n who_o be_v find_v in_o opposite_a faith_n and_o practice_n witness_v those_o who_o circumcise_a keep_v a_o day_n abstain_v from_o flesh_n and_o other_o there_o be_v who_o believe_v and_o practise_v quite_o otherwise_o and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o the_o bond_n which_o centre_v they_o into_o the_o heavenly_a fellowship_n of_o christ_n body_n be_v break_v for_o doubtless_o many_o of_o they_o under_o those_o differ_v faith_n and_o practice_n be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o such_o who_o be_v sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n or_o at_o least_o in_o some_o measure_n sanctify_v which_o be_v the_o description_n of_o a_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n according_a as_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n himself_o do_v in_o his_o treatise_n signify_v and_o this_o be_v answerable_a to_o the_o truth_n itself_o read_v rom._n 14._o 1_o cor._n 8._o for_o further_a discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o have_v assert_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o query_n what_o be_v the_o very_a term_n and_o bond_n by_o which_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v become_v center_a into_o one_o body_n the_o answer_n be_v plain_a it_o be_v the_o spirit_n according_a to_o paul_n testimony_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o for_o by_o one_o spirit_n be_v we_o all_o baptise_a into_o one_o body_n now_o the_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v witness_v by_o such_o who_o integrity_n may_v lead_v they_o to_o die_v for_o truth_n but_o shall_v they_o be_v question_v by_o any_o one_o what_o be_v those_o principle_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n you_o hold_v which_o be_v the_o very_a term_n by_o which_o you_o come_v to_o be_v centre_v into_o christ_n body_n and_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o gather_v you_o for_o so_o be_v his_o word_n page_n 47._o relate_v to_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n they_o will_v be_v ready_a thus_o to_o say_v what_o blind_a question_n do_v thou_o bring_v forth_o in_o thy_o carnal_a sensual_a reason_n it_o be_v god_n power_n and_o spirit_n gather_v we_o from_o among_o such_o as_o be_v out_o of_o the_o life_n glory_v in_o their_o owtward_a fellowship_n principle_n and_o doctrine_n and_o by_o his_o power_n circumcise_a our_o heart_n
and_o by_o his_o spirit_n we_o come_v to_o be_v baptize_v into_o one_o body_n and_o so_o be_v centre_v into_o the_o heavenly_a fellowship_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o as_o for_o thy_o say_n a_o belief_n in_o certain_a principle_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n necessary_o depend_v thereon_o be_v the_o term_n and_o very_a bond_n by_o which_o we_o become_v centre_v into_o one_o body_n and_o the_o cause_n that_o gather_v we_o this_o be_v not_o only_o wrong_v in_o itself_o though_o as_o be_v say_v before_o they_o may_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o bond_n but_o exact_o like_o the_o false_a church_n in_o the_o world_n papist_n and_o protestant_n of_o all_o sort_n in_o the_o apostasy_n have_v outward_a mark_n and_o token_n as_o be_v either_o of_o such_o a_o order_n or_o have_v such_o a_o commission_n or_o as_o believe_v in_o such_o principle_n and_o submit_v to_o such_o practice_n and_o the_o like_a by_o which_o the_o member_n of_o their_o church_n be_v describe_v and_o therefore_o be_v it_o that_o among_o those_o there_o be_v outward_a society_n of_o man_n certain_o know_v as_o aforesaid_a according_a to_o the_o various_a manner_n and_o way_n which_o their_o principle_n admit_v and_o allow_v of_o which_o be_v term_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o these_o have_v many_o outward_a order_n rule_n prescription_n ordinance_n decree_n or_o law_n for_o the_o establishment_n and_o preservation_n of_o their_o outward_a society_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o constitution_n may_v become_v fit_a mean_n for_o the_o conservation_n thereof_o but_o inasmuch_o as_o the_o belief_n of_o certain_a principle_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n necessary_o depend_v thereon_o be_v not_o the_o very_a term_n or_o bond_n to_o unite_v any_o in_o outward_a assembly_n whereby_o to_o assume_v unto_o themselves_o the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o that_o if_o hold_v in_o a_o pure_a mind_n which_o be_v in_o the_o best_a sense_n they_o be_v but_o the_o fruit_n of_o that_o bond_n and_o when_o hold_v in_o a_o impure_a mind_n be_v no_o indication_n that_o such_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n church_n i_o can_v but_o say_v it_o be_v against_o right_a reason_n for_o any_o to_o prescribe_v and_o establish_v outward_a indispensable_a rule_n and_o order_n relate_v to_o the_o conscience_n and_o in_o order_n to_o be_v a_o bond_n thereon_o for_o the_o conservation_n of_o christ_n body_n since_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o most_o certain_a and_o infallible_a mark_n of_o membership_n in_o the_o say_a body_n be_v invisible_a to_o the_o outward_a man_n though_o feel_v and_o know_v to_o the_o inward_a man_n of_o the_o heart_n for_o though_o action_n outward_o just_a be_v many_o time_n the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o be_v not_o always_o certain_a token_n that_o those_o through_o who_o they_o appear_v be_v member_n of_o christ_n body_n but_o those_o who_o be_v circumcise_a in_o heart_n and_o have_v the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n be_v the_o very_a member_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o therefore_o the_o most_o proper_a mean_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o such_o member_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o as_o member_n of_o one_o body_n be_v that_o whereby_o they_o come_v to_o be_v circumcise_a in_o heart_n and_o gather_v unto_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o spirit_n and_o arm_v of_o god_n power_n which_o surround_v all_o those_o that_o wait_v upon_o he_o and_o have_v a_o daily_a dependence_n upon_o the_o lord_n with_o the_o mind_n inward_o stay_v in_o the_o measure_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o the_o apostle_n say_v be_v sufficient_a for_o they_o and_o thus_o the_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n will_v be_v witness_v continual_o in_o which_o every_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n come_v to_o be_v center_a into_o a_o heavenly_a fellowship_n and_o communion_n each_o with_o other_o in_o the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n the_o next_o thing_n i_o shall_v examine_v be_v whether_o r._n b_n affirmative_a answer_n to_o this_o question_n viz._n whether_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v power_n in_o any_o case_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n to_o give_v postive_a sentence_n and_o decision_n which_o may_v be_v obligatory_a upon_o believer_n be_v agreeable_a to_o truth_n and_o sound_a doctrine_n my_o observation_n hereon_o be_v this_o that_o he_o have_v not_o here_o adjoin_v inward_a conviction_n whereby_o they_o may_v find_v clearness_n in_o themselves_o to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n as_o necessary_a to_o the_o obligation_n he_o intend_v and_o inasmuch_o as_o nothing_o without_o a_o inward_a clearness_n and_o conviction_n can_v become_v a_o real_a and_o acceptable_a bond_n upon_o a_o believer_n to_o be_v at_o unity_n with_o his_o brethren_n in_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o thing_n relate_v to_o conscience_n and_o that_o those_o who_o be_v find_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o other_o man_n line_n before_o they_o have_v faith_n therein_o may_v oft_o time_n run_v into_o the_o sin_n of_o hypocrisy_n even_o as_o other_o may_n into_o the_o sin_n of_o negligence_n who_o through_o unwatchfulness_n to_o their_o own_o measure_n want_v clearness_n of_o sight_n and_o understanding_n to_o practice_v and_o join_v with_o those_o thing_n which_o other_o waiting_z in_o their_o own_o measure_n may_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v lead_v into_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o say_v that_o the_o scope_n and_o bend_v of_o his_o spirit_n so_o far_o as_o from_o his_o word_n i_o can_v savour_n in_o relation_n to_o this_o matter_n be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o since_o it_o be_v so_o as_o r._n b._n observe_v page_n 35._o that_o god_n have_v not_o give_v we_o our_o reason_n to_o no_o purpose_n i_o shall_v according_a to_o the_o line_n of_o right_a reason_n a_o little_a further_o observe_v first_o i_o find_v r._n b._n treat_v in_o his_o seven_o section_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o decision_n thus_o to_o say_v page_z 66._o the_o only_a proper_a judge_n of_o controversy_n in_o the_o church_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o decide_v sole_o lie_v in_o it_o as_o have_v the_o only_a infallible_a judgement_n belong_v to_o it_o which_o infallibility_n be_v not_o necessary_o annex_v to_o any_o person_n person_n or_o place_n whatsoever_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o office_n place_n or_o station_n any_o one_o may_v have_v or_o have_v have_v in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o any_o have_v ground_n to_o reason_n thus_o because_o i_o be_o or_o have_v be_v such_o a_o eminent_a member_n therefore_o my_o judgement_n be_v infallible_a or_o because_o we_o be_v the_o great_a number_n or_o that_o we_o live_v in_o such_o a_o note_a or_o famous_a place_n or_o the_o like_a though_o some_o of_o these_o reason_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v their_o true_a weight_n in_o case_n of_o contradictory_n assertion_n thus_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n from_o all_o which_o two_o thing_n be_v observable_a first_o that_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n account_v the_o spirit_n the_o only_a judge_n second_o that_o though_o he_o affirm_v that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v power_n in_o case_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n to_o give_v positive_a sentence_n and_o decision_n which_o may_v be_v obligatory_a upon_o believer_n yet_o through_o his_o whole_a treatise_n i_o find_v not_o that_o he_o have_v describe_v who_o be_v the_o person_n that_o be_v the_o church_n and_o where_o those_o person_n do_v usual_o assemble_v as_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o though_o my_o very_a soul_n abhor_v light_o to_o esteem_v of_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n or_o to_o undervalue_v the_o power_n the_o church_n of_o god_n either_o stand_v in_o or_o be_v endue_v with_o yet_o since_o i_o do_v know_v how_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o any_o to_o burden_n the_o conscience_n of_o god_n people_n though_o under_o ever_o so_o specious_a pretence_n and_o that_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n we_o mean_v visible_a person_n distinguish_v as_o outward_a person_n by_o name_n that_o may_v be_v know_v to_o the_o outward_a man_n though_o as_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n distinguish_v not_o by_o such_o name_n but_o by_o that_o name_n which_o be_v write_v in_o heaven_n and_o know_v to_o the_o inward_a man_n i_o can_v but_o query_n to_o what_o end_n do_v the_o aforesaid_a author_n assign_v the_o decision_n of_o case_n of_o conscience_n which_o be_v matter_n certain_o to_o be_v know_v so_o as_o to_o be_v bind_v on_o believer_n to_o judge_n so_o describe_v as_o that_o a_o great_a controversy_n may_v immediate_o arise_v upon_o the_o ask_n of_o this_o question_n who_o or_o where_o those_o man_n be_v this_o instead_o of_o remove_v one_o difference_n or_o clear_v one_o doubt_n may_v beget_v more_o
copy_n of_o a_o letter_n pretend_v to_o be_v give_v forth_o by_o w._n r._n friend_n it_o be_v upon_o i_o for_o several_a week_n past_a if_o any_o occasion_n will_v in_o any_o wise_a permit_v to_o come_v up_o to_o the_o city_n of_o london_n to_o be_v present_a among_o friend_n from_o divers_a part_n of_o the_o nation_n at_o this_o time_n that_o so_o i_o may_v have_v opportunity_n to_o confer_v with_o friend_n who_o be_v dissatisfy_v with_o i_o touch_v what_o i_o have_v write_v in_o answer_n to_o robert_n barclay_v book_n of_o government_n and_o a_o few_o day_n before_o my_o come_n up_o robert_n barclay_n be_v in_o london_n write_v unto_o i_o to_o come_v up_o that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o conference_n at_o large_a touch_v the_o same_o this_o his_o request_n have_v the_o great_a obligation_n upon_o i_o to_o be_v present_a in_o london_n at_o this_o time_n on_o conference_n have_v with_o he_o we_o agree_v that_o a_o free-meeting_a may_v be_v have_v with_o friend_n in_o who_o presence_n robert_n barclay_n and_o myself_o may_v in_o all_o coolness_n and_o moderation_n confer_v together_o that_o so_o all_o misunderstanding_n may_v be_v remove_v and_o the_o truth_n be_v evidence_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o brethren_n then_o present_a the_o meeting_n for_o this_o end_n be_v this_o day_n have_v and_o a_o very_a christian_a and_o fair_a debate_n be_v have_v to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o both_o of_o we_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v understand_v and_o the_o matter_n chief_o object_v by_o i_o be_v fair_o and_o brother-like_a and_o in_o much_o love_n discourse_v and_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o be_o satisfy_v that_o robert_n barclay_n be_v not_o principled_a so_o as_o i_o and_o other_o have_v take_v his_o book_n to_o import_v in_o particular_a he_o do_v declare_v that_o his_o book_n teach_v not_o that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v jurisdiction_n over_o the_o outward_a concern_v of_o friend_n in_o case_n of_o difference_n without_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o differ_v party_n and_o that_o it_o be_v far_o from_o his_o intention_n for_o his_o intention_n as_o he_o declare_v be_v only_o to_o manifest_v that_o friend_n ought_v to_o submit_v their_o case_n of_o difference_n to_o the_o decision_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o case_n of_o refractoriness_n that_o such_o person_n ought_v to_o be_v disow_v that_o though_o robert_n barclay_n in_o one_o place_n affirm_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o there_o never_o will_v or_o can_v be_v want_v in_o case_n of_o controversy_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o give_v judgement_n through_o some_o or_o other_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n so_o long_o as_o any_o assembly_n can_v proper_o or_o in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n be_v so_o term_v he_o declare_v that_o the_o word_n be_v sound_a and_o further_o say_v that_o thereby_o he_o intend_v no_o other_o but_o such_o assembly_n as_o in_o reality_n and_o truth_n may_v be_v term_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o whereas_o he_o say_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o it_o be_v disobedience_n to_o god_n not_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o sentence_n of_o such_o assembly_n though_o the_o person_n refuse_v to_o submit_v pretend_v they_o see_v it_o not_o yet_o he_o declare_v that_o his_o meaning_n thereby_o be_v not_o that_o if_o they_o submit_v before_o conviction_n of_o conscience_n they_o therein_o find_v acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n but_o rather_o to_o show_v that_o their_o want_n of_o sight_n be_v through_o disobedience_n or_o unwatchfulness_n to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o themselves_o which_o if_o they_o do_v take_v heed_n thereunto_o will_v show_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o obey_v we_o also_o have_v discourse_n touch_v his_o assertion_n that_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n etc._n etc._n believe_v through_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n on_o the_o understanding_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o term_n and_o in_o another_o place_n the_o book_n produce_v it_o appear_v that_o he_o assert_v there_o be_v a_o more_o inward_a bond_n viz._n the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n and_o that_o the_o book_n declare_v that_o we_o be_v gather_v into_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n by_o the_o truth_n and_o its_o power_n and_o influence_n upon_o our_o heart_n and_o the_o very_a bond_n by_o which_o we_o become_v centre_v into_o one_o body_n and_o fellowship_n etc._n etc._n and_o on_o a_o debate_n thereof_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o his_o meaning_n be_v not_o they_o be_v the_o original_a bond_n but_o rather_o as_o fruit_n and_o branch_n of_o that_o bond_n and_o so_o in_o that_o respect_n may_v be_v as_o a_o outward_a bond_n whereby_o we_o be_v unite_v in_o a_o heavenly_a society_n we_o have_v also_o some_o discourse_n touch_v his_o title_n page_n wherein_o he_o assert_n that_o the_o ancient_a apostolic_a order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v reestablished_a on_o its_o right_a basis_n and_o foundation_n touch_v which_o he_o declare_v that_o his_o meaning_n be_v not_o only_o with_o respect_n to_o all_o the_o outward_a order_n and_o form_n of_o discipline_n in_o government_n among_o we_o but_o also_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n which_o in_o the_o primitive_a day_n be_v and_o now_o be_v the_o great_a order_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o though_o robert_n barclay_n have_v give_v these_o explication_n of_o his_o meaning_n yet_o the_o very_a explication_n as_o he_o say_v be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o his_o book_n if_o due_o weigh_v have_v give_v you_o a_o account_n in_o short_a of_o what_o be_v discourse_v this_o day_n among_o friend_n this_o further_a lie_n upon_o i_o to_o signify_v unto_o you_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o r._n barclay_n i_o be_o satisfy_v that_o he_o be_v not_o principled_a as_o i_o and_o many_o by_o some_o passage_n in_o his_o book_n take_v he_o to_o be_v and_o since_o it_o be_v so_o that_o many_o have_v take_v a_o offence_n against_o he_o for_o that_o cause_n as_o may_v be_v doubt_v even_o so_o far_o as_o to_o reject_v his_o testimony_n and_o service_n for_o the_o truth_n it_o lie_v upon_o i_o as_o my_o duty_n even_o for_o he_o and_o the_o truth_n sake_n to_o warn_v all_o that_o they_o take_v heed_n not_o to_o entertain_v prejudice_n against_o his_o testimony_n or_o jealousy_n that_o may_v enter_v on_o the_o score_n of_o any_o apprehension_n or_o mistake_v of_o his_o book_n and_o that_o answer_n that_o i_o have_v give_v thereto_o but_o rather_o in_o a_o unprejudiced_a spirit_n to_o wait_v on_o the_o lord_n to_o feel_v and_o savour_n his_o testimony_n even_o as_o if_o the_o occasion_n take_v have_v never_o be_v and_o i_o do_v free_o confess_v that_o inasmuch_o as_o i_o publish_v my_o book_n before_o i_o give_v robert_n barclay_n notice_n of_o my_o objection_n and_o intention_n therein_o i_o act_v in_o that_o respect_n not_o according_a to_o gospel_n order_n but_o be_o just_o worthy_a of_o blame_n therein_o it_o be_v with_o i_o also_o to_o signify_v to_o you_o that_o i_o be_o abundant_o satisfy_v that_o robert_n barclay_v book_n of_o government_n be_v write_v at_o or_o before_o the_o time_n of_o its_o date_n for_o that_o he_o solemn_o affirm_v it_o be_v so_o william_n rogers_n the_o copy_n of_o a_o paper_n give_v forth_o by_o charles_n marshal_n and_o thirty_o six_o person_n more_o forasmuch_o as_o william_n rogers_n of_o bristol_n have_v late_o write_v a_o manuscript_n against_o a_o book_n of_o robert_n barclay_v entitle_v the_o anarchy_n of_o the_o ranter_n and_o approve_v at_o the_o second_o day_n meet_v at_o london_n and_o have_v disperse_v his_o manuscript_n in_o several_a part_n of_o this_o nation_n without_o so_o much_o as_o first_o give_v either_o to_o the_o say_v robert_n barclay_n in_o particular_a or_o the_o second_o day_n meet_v in_o general_n any_o account_n of_o his_o scruple_n or_o dissatisfaction_n concern_v the_o say_a book_n of_o robert_n barclay_n contrary_a to_o all_o rule_n of_o brotherly_a love_n christian-fellowship_n gospel-order_n and_o the_o exemplary_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o defamation_n of_o the_o say_v robert_n barclay_n the_o great_a derogation_n from_o the_o christian_a authority_n of_o the_o say_a meeting_n and_o the_o general_a dis-service_n to_o truth_n especial_o be_v send_v unto_o person_n who_o at_o present_a be_v disaffect_v to_o the_o present_a unity_n of_o the_o body_n of_o friend_n and_o whereas_o on_o the_o seven_o day_n of_o the_o four_o month_n 77._o we_o who_o name_n be_v under_o written_n be_v meet_v together_o in_o the_o city_n of_o london_n in_o the_o pure_a fear_n and_o holy_a dread_a of_o the_o lord_n god_n almihty_a to_o hear_v what_o the_o say_v william_n rogers_n have_v object_v against_o the_o say_a book_n of_o robert_n barclay_n it_o appear_v to_o we_o upon_o a_o deliberate_a serious_a and_o impartial_a hear_v of_o the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n that_o the_o
a_o great_a thing_n to_o give_v up_o the_o life_n and_o soul_n and_o to_o die_v for_o the_o lord_n jesus_n than_o to_o give_v up_o the_o good_n and_o estate_n and_o suffer_v the_o spoil_n of_o the_o good_n for_o christ_n sake_n and_o worship_v of_o god_n and_o whether_o or_o no_o they_o that_o can_v suffer_v the_o spoil_v of_o their_o good_n for_o god_n and_o christ_n sake_n worship_n sake_n can_v give_v up_o their_o life_n and_o suffer_v for_o christ_n who_o have_v dye_v and_o suffer_v for_o you_o and_o whether_o or_o no_o they_o that_o make_v away_o their_o estate_n to_o the_o world_n lest_o they_o shall_v lose_v they_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n do_v not_o they_o distrust_v god_n of_o keep_v they_o who_o they_o be_v indeed_o and_o have_v more_o belief_n and_o trust_n in_o the_o world_n than_o they_o have_v in_o god_n and_o whether_o this_o spirit_n that_o do_v so_o be_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n that_o do_v lust_n to_o envy_n and_o not_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o his_o wisdom_n but_o that_o which_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a and_o devilish_a that_o will_v have_v its_o liberty_n and_o not_o the_o wisdom_n that_o be_v above_o that_o be_v pure_a peaceable_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v and_o whether_o he_o that_o will_v save_v his_o life_n and_o not_o lose_v it_o for_o christ_n sake_n do_v not_o he_o think_v to_o be_v his_o own_o saviour_n and_o not_o christ_n and_o whether_o he_o that_o will_v save_v his_o estate_n and_o not_o lose_v it_o for_o christ_n sake_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n by_o make_v it_o away_o to_o the_o world_n in_o time_n of_o suffering_n shall_v not_o lose_v it_o and_o so_o whether_o it_o be_v safe_a in_o this_o case_n to_o make_v away_o your_o estate_n to_o the_o world_n that_o can_v save_v its_o own_o or_o to_o make_v or_o commend_v it_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n creator_n of_o all_o and_o jesus_n christ_n by_o who_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v who_o uphold_v all_o thing_n by_o his_o word_n and_o power_n and_o the_o great_a lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o all_o thing_n therein_o and_o which_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n a_o sparrow_n shall_v not_o fall_v without_o the_o will_n of_o he_o that_o make_v they_o george_n fox_n read_v this_o among_o friend_n and_o send_v a_o copy_n of_o it_o to_o naylsworth_n the_o aforesaid_a paper_n be_v read_v in_o the_o mens-meeting_a of_o friend_n in_o the_o city_n of_o bristol_n william_n rogers_n bear_v testimony_n against_o it_o in_o the_o meeting_n at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o that_o which_o reach_v not_o his_o conscience_n come_v from_o g._n f._n and_o have_v therefore_o a_o concern_v upon_o he_o to_o write_v a_o answer_n thereto_o which_o follow_v george_n fox_n have_v by_o his_o paper_n date_a london_n the_o four_o month_n 1678._o propose_v many_o query_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o be_v read_v in_o our_o mens-meeting_a of_o friend_n in_o the_o city_n of_o bristol_n it_o be_v now_o with_o i_o be_v present_a in_o the_o say_v meet_v at_o the_o read_n thereof_o to_o write_v something_o in_o answer_n thereto_o to_o be_v read_v in_o the_o say_v mens-meeting_a and_o as_o he_o be_v order_v to_o be_v send_v to_o naylsworth_n i_o desir_fw-fr that_o this_o also_o may_v be_v send_v thither_o to_o be_v read_v among_o friend_n and_o also_o send_v to_o g._n f._n that_o so_o he_o may_v answer_v the_o query_n i_o now_o propose_v the_o above-recited_n paper_n i_o take_v to_o be_v whole_o make_v up_o of_o query_n to_o all_o those_o who_o do_v make_v away_o their_o estate_n for_o fear_v of_o the_o spoiler_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n except_v this_o one_o sentence_n of_o exhortation_n viz._n do_v not_o distrust_n and_o despair_v of_o god_n almighty_n his_o protect_a and_o deliver_v you_o with_o his_o almighty_a power_n the_o query_n be_v contract_v amount_n to_o thus_o much_o be_v you_o sensible_a the_o earth_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o that_o he_o give_v the_o increase_n and_o that_o how_o he_o may_v try_v you_o whether_o your_o mind_n be_v in_o the_o creature_n or_o with_o the_o creator_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o a_o great_a thing_n to_o give_v up_o the_o life_n and_o to_o die_v for_o the_o lord_n jesus_n than_o to_o give_v up_o good_n and_o estate_n whether_o those_o that_o can_v suffer_v spoil_v of_o good_n for_o christ_n sake_n can_v give_v up_o their_o life_n whether_o those_o that_o make_v away_o their_o estate_n lest_o they_o shall_v lose_v they_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n do_v not_o distrust_n god_n of_o keep_v they_o and_o have_v moâ—â—_n belief_n and_o trust_n in_o the_o world_n than_o god_n and_o whether_o this_o spirit_n that_o do_v so_o be_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n that_o do_v lust_n to_o envy_n and_o not_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o his_o wisdom_n but_o that_o which_o be_v below_o which_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a and_o devilish_a that_o will_v have_v its_o liberty_n ans_fw-fr to_o the_o exhortation_n i_o say_v it_o be_v in_o itself_o good_a but_o will_v have_v much_o better_o become_v the_o mouth_n of_o g._n f._n if_o when_o the_o persecutor_n come_v up_o one_o pair_n of_o stair_n in_o our_o meeting-room_n in_o broadmead_n whilst_o he_o be_v speak_v he_o have_v not_o be_v of_o such_o a_o spirit_n which_o some_o may_v term_v distrustful_a and_o despair_v as_o on_o a_o sudden_a to_o step_v down_o and_o hasten_v out_o of_o the_o meeting_n at_o a_o back_n pair_n of_o stair_n which_o he_o once_o do_v and_o of_o which_o my_o eye_n with_o many_o more_o be_v witness_n beside_o i_o query_n of_o g._n f._n whether_o he_o do_v not_o remember_v that_o when_o the_o soldier_n or_o some_o other_o persecutor_n come_v to_o a_o meeting_n in_o or_o near_a london_n at_o a_o certain_a time_n when_o he_o be_v there_o he_o do_v not_o go_v out_o of_o the_o meeting_n and_o betake_v himself_o to_o a_o upper_a room_n or_o cock-loft_n for_o so_o have_v i_o be_v inform_v he_o do_v and_o that_o by_o a_o person_n of_o know_a credit_n and_o repute_v then_o present_a at_o the_o meeting_n who_o as_o he_o say_v have_v discourse_v with_o he_o at_o that_o time_n and_o place_n near_o half_a a_o hour_n and_o if_o report_v be_v true_a this_o be_v but_o very_o little_a of_o what_o may_v at_o large_a be_v manifest_v to_o prove_v he_o one_o of_o the_o great_a fleer_n and_o shifter_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n that_o ever_o i_o know_v profess_v the_o truth_n and_o esteem_v by_o other_o a_o faithful_a friend_n as_o to_o the_o query_n i_o have_v this_o to_o say_v that_o the_o earth_n be_v the_o lord_n that_o he_o give_v the_o increase_n that_o it_o be_v a_o near_a thing_n to_o part_v with_o life_n than_o estate_n that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_n to_o offer_v up_o both_o life_n and_o estate_n rather_o than_o to_o depart_v from_o his_o testimony_n for_o the_o truth_n when_o the_o lord_n call_v for_o it_o i_o be_o also_o sensible_a there_o be_v a_o spirit_n that_o lu_v to_o envy_n dwell_v in_o such_o that_o will_v lay_v heavy_a burden_n on_o other_o but_o not_o touch_v they_o with_o their_o little_a finger_n themselves_o and_o that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n nor_o his_o wisdom_n but_o that_o which_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a and_o that_o will_v have_v its_o liberty_n i_o be_o also_o sensible_a that_o this_o very_a spirit_n have_v late_o and_o yet_o do_v dwell_v in_o g._n f._n if_o god_n have_v not_o give_v he_o repentance_n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o of_o you_o unto_o who_o these_o line_n may_v come_v may_v think_v that_o this_o my_o sense_n of_o g._n f._n be_v not_o true_a i_o desire_v such_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n to_o use_v their_o endeavour_n that_o g._n f._n may_v answer_v these_o follow_a query_n viz._n query_n to_o george_n fox_n i._o art_n not_o thou_o the_o man_n that_o have_v take_v liberty_n to_o stay_v almost_o a_o quarter_n of_o a_o year_n from_o meeting_n or_o at_o least_o a_o considerable_a time_n though_o hold_v in_o the_o very_a house_n of_o thy_o stesidence_n or_o if_o thou_o do_v at_o any_o time_n come_v within_o the_o aforesaid_a space_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o so_o seldom_o that_o it_o become_v matter_n of_o exercise_n to_o other_o friend_n for_o thy_o sake_n and_o do_v not_o john_n blaykle_v by_o name_n manifest_v his_o burden_n and_o exercise_n of_o spirit_n on_o thou_o and_o the_o truth_n behalf_n for_o thy_o so_o do_v and_o do_v thou_o not_o after_o he_o have_v so_o do_v a_o little_a amend_v in_o that_o case_n ii_o will_v thou_o not_o have_v account_v this_o in_o another_o to_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o a_o careless_a slothful_a negligent_a libertine_n or_o dark_a spirit_n that_o be_v either_o depart_v
or_o depart_v from_o the_o truth_n iii_o have_v thou_o not_o a_o sense_n that_o thy_o aforesaid_a paper_n of_o query_n may_v cast_v a_o line_n of_o reflection_n on_o every_o one_o that_o may_v secure_v from_o the_o devourer_n any_o part_n of_o that_o outward_a substance_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o to_o maintain_v their_o family_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o thou_o sensible_a that_o thou_o be_v the_o man_n that_o have_v advise_v the_o rich_a to_o secure_v worldly_a estate_n that_o so_o the_o persecutor_n may_v not_o become_v spoiler_n thereof_o and_o if_o so_o iu._n will_v it_o not_o evident_o appear_v that_o these_o thy_o reflect_v query_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o that_o spirit_n that_o lu_v to_o envy_n and_o appear_v with_o two_o face_n v._n do_v thou_o not_o remember_v that_o at_o a_o quarterly-meeting_a in_o gloucestershire_n sudden_o after_o thy_o last_o departure_n from_o bristol_n there_o be_v a_o person_n that_o judge_v i_o not_o sit_v to_o judge_v in_o that_o meeting_n because_o i_o have_v secure_v part_n of_o my_o good_n without_o door_n though_o i_o have_v leave_v *_o already_o note_v my_o fine_n have_v be_v above_o ninety_o pound_n sterling_a and_o i_o have_v more_o than_o double_a that_o value_n unsecure_v and_o subject_a to_o the_o spoiler_n at_o the_o place_n of_o my_o residence_n beside_o what_o have_v be_v distrain_v from_o i_o already_o enough_o subject_a to_o the_o spoiler_n beside_o and_o do_v thou_o not_o remember_v that_o none_o of_o the_o say_a meeting_n declare_v any_o approbation_n of_o his_o so_o do_v and_o that_o thou_o thyself_o then_o present_a manifest_v a_o dislike_n thereof_o as_o well_o as_o several_a other_o after_o thy_o usual_a manner_n thus_o wish_v wish_v do_v thou_o not_o also_o remember_v that_o i_o then_o signify_v to_o this_o effect_n if_o what_o i_o have_v do_v be_v a_o crime_n those_o who_o be_v account_v as_o the_o chief_a among_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o crime_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n do_v thou_o not_o remember_v that_o nothing_o be_v then_o say_v in_o answer_n thereto_o either_o by_o thou_o or_o any_o other_o and_o if_o it_o be_v then_o a_o crime_n why_o do_v thou_o not_o then_o inform_v the_o meeting_n and_o to_o speak_v thy_o own_o language_n become_v a_o reproof_n to_o that_o spirit_n and_o to_o i_o in_o particular_a if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o crime_n why_o have_v thou_o send_v forth_o thy_o paper_n of_o query_n which_o plain_o carry_v a_o line_n of_o reflection_n on_o such_o as_o have_v or_o may_v secure_v from_o the_o spoiler_n when_o i_o can_v but_o believe_v that_o thou_o do_v know_v those_o who_o have_v not_o account_v their_o life_n too_o dear_a to_o offer_v up_o for_o the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n it_o witness_v many_o faithful_a friend_n in_o read_v or_o near_o it_o and_o will_v not_o have_v depart_v a_o foot_n from_o the_o meeting_n where_o their_o testimony_n for_o truth_n have_v be_v concern_v though_o thou_o have_v prove_v a_o shrinker_n have_v notwithstanding_o secure_v their_o estate_n for_o their_o family_n and_o never_o have_v be_v exhort_v to_o the_o contrary_a or_o reprove_v by_o thou_o so_o far_o as_o ever_o i_o can_v hear_v vi_o whether_o thou_o have_v not_o contrary_a to_o thy_o own_o conscience_n and_o thy_o former_a counsel_n write_v thy_o paper_n of_o query_n to_o gratify_v that_o envious_a spirit_n which_o exclaim_v against_o i_o for_o secure_v part_n of_o my_o estate_n and_o whether_o thou_o therein_o have_v hot_a act_v that_o behind_o my_o back_n by_o direct_v it_o to_o be_v read_v at_o the_o meeting_n which_o i_o have_v and_o usual_o do_v frequent_a that_o thou_o be_v either_o afraid_a or_o ashamed_a to_o have_v speak_v to_o my_o face_n in_o the_o hear_n of_o other_o lest_o open_o in_o the_o view_n of_o the_o country_n thou_o shall_v have_v be_v detect_v for_o appear_v with_o two_o face_n for_o so_o do_v i_o now_o believe_v thou_o have_v manifest_v thyself_o and_o that_o one_o of_o these_o appearance_n be_v but_o the_o fruit_n of_o that_o spirit_n in_o thou_o which_o lu_v to_o envy_n because_o i_o remember_v not_o that_o ever_o i_o hear_v before_o the_o time_n of_o my_o late_a secure_v something_o from_o the_o persecutor_n that_o any_o friend_n judge_v one_o another_o in_o that_o respect_n or_o that_o any_o from_o a_o principle_n of_o conscience_n refuse_v to_o do_v the_o thing_n that_o i_o then_o do_v which_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o i_o often_o have_v do_v when_o there_o be_v occasion_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o my_o outward_a estate_n in_o that_o day_n wherein_o thy_o respect_n be_v most_o unto_o i_o though_o now_o this_o must_v be_v make_v use_n of_o as_o the_o only_a matter_n of_o fact_n to_o stain_v my_o reputation_n and_o to_o render_v i_o one_o that_o be_v out_o of_o truth_n vii_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o better_o to_o secure_v a_o man_n outward_a substance_n to_o pay_v his_o debt_n and_o maintain_v his_o family_n when_o he_o be_v capable_a so_o to_o do_v and_o keep_v steadfast_a in_o his_o testimony_n at_o meeting_n than_o when_o persecutor_n come_v to_o shift_v out_o of_o meet_v whereby_o both_o body_n and_o estate_n too_o may_v be_v save_v as_o thou_o have_v do_v viii_o whether_o it_o be_v better_a so_o to_o do_v as_o aforesaid_a than_o to_o let_v all_o lie_v open_a to_o the_o persecutor_n and_o depend_v upon_o thou_o and_o to_o solicit_v at_o council_n board_n thy_o language_n to_o thomas_n pierce_v of_o this_o city_n occasion_n this_o last_o query_n which_o as_o he_o have_v say_v be_v on_o this_o wise_a or_o to_o this_o effect_n what_o will_v you_o do_v be_v it_o not_o for_o me_n and_o a_o few_o more_o to_o appear_v for_o you_o at_o council-table_n or_o before_o king_n and_o counsel_n ix_o whether_o thy_o writing_n so_o much_o of_o trust_v god_n be_v compare_v with_o thy_o aforesaid_a boast_v language_n to_o thomas_n pierce_n which_o have_v prove_v but_o like_o a_o reed_n of_o egypt_n show_v not_o confusion_n x._o whether_o it_o be_v fit_a for_o one_o that_o feed_v of_o the_o fat_a of_o the_o land_n and_o life_n in_o fullness_n of_o plenty_n attend_v in_o many_o respect_n like_o a_o earthly_a prince_n and_o that_o have_v twelve_o or_o thirteen_o hundred-pound_n with_o the_o increase_n thereof_o for_o many_o year_n if_o any_o be_v well_o secure_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o spoiler_n and_o persecutor_n to_o admonish_v a_o company_n of_o poor_a innocent_a harmless_a friend_n that_o may_v have_v three_o or_o four_o cow_n a_o piece_n to_o feed_v themselves_o and_o child_n not_o to_o secure_v they_o from_o the_o spoiler_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o such_o a_o one_o so_o to_o admonish_v i_o then_o query_n whether_o thou_o be_v not_o the_o man_n that_o be_v so_o qualify_v and_o who_o in_o effect_n have_v so_o admonish_v xi_o whether_o a_o man_n under_o the_o aforesaid_a qualification_n and_o circumstance_n can_v by_o such_o a_o admonition_n as_o aforesaid_a answer_n god_n witness_n in_o the_o conscience_n of_o such_o to_o who_o he_o be_v so_o know_v especial_o when_o no_o better_a care_n be_v take_v by_o the_o admonisher_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o such_o when_o their_o all_o be_v go_v than_o this_o viz._n never_o heed_n the_o fleece_n will_v grow_v again_o dont_fw-fr despair_n trust_v the_o lord_n spread_v your_o suffering_n before_o the_o judge_n be_v careful_a to_o send_v your_o suffering_n to_o the_o quarterly_a meeting_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v up_o once_o a_o year_n to_o london_n to_o be_v record_v xii_o whether_o or_o no_o a_o suffering_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o such_o false_a prophet_n as_o solomon_n eccles_n have_v prove_v himself_o to_o be_v as_o be_v manifest_a by_o his_o prophesy_a john_n story_n be_v death_n within_o one_o year_n and_o since_o expire_v can_v be_v call_v a_o suffering_n for_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o not_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o better_a to_o secure_v one_o outward_a substance_n from_o the_o spoiler_n than_o to_o let_v it_o lie_v open_a to_o be_v take_v away_o for_o fine_n impose_v for_o the_o preach_n of_o such_o false_a prophet_n and_o since_o it_o be_v say_v solomon_n eccles_n manifest_v the_o same_o first_o to_o thou_o i_o query_n whether_o thou_o be_v not_o a_o encourager_n of_o the_o say_v false_a prophet_n because_o it_o be_v say_v he_o cry_v thou_o up_o as_o one_o that_o be_v great_a than_o moses_n or_o whether_o thou_o do_v become_v a_o reproof_n to_o he_o xiii_o whether_o or_o no_o it_o be_v not_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o englighmed_a understanding_n in_o those_o who_o be_v call_v dark_a spirit_n to_o secure_v what_o they_o have_v from_o be_v take_v away_o for_o fine_n impose_v for_o the_o babble_n of_o such_o who_o great_a business_n at_o meeting_n be_v to_o rail_v against_o
he_o speak_v to_o a_o people_n who_o be_v redeem_v out_o of_o those_o begganly_a element_n and_o be_v come_v past_o those_o rudiment_n which_o be_v evident_a by_o those_o his_o word_n how_o turn_v you_o again_o and_o soâ—e_fw-la may_v well_o exhort_v such_o neither_o to_o circumcise_v nor_o yet_o be_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o day_n for_o that_o god_n have_v not_o usual_o lead_v into_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v lead_v out_o of_o and_o this_o may_v well_o consist_v with_o the_o truth_n even_o at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o season_n when_o other_o through_o a_o conscientious_a scruple_n may_v in_o a_o plea_n for_o both_o with_o respect_n to_o themselves_o respective_o according_a to_o their_o differ_a faith_n be_v uncondemned_a i_o shall_v now_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o unprejudised_a reader_n whether_o what_o g._n f._n have_v say_v touch_v circumcision_n and_o observation_n of_o day_n meat_n and_o drink_n be_v sufficient_a to_o justify_v his_o advise_v mary_n penington_n to_o secure_v her_o estate_n from_o the_o spoiler_n when_o she_o dare_v not_o remove_v her_o movable_a good_n nor_o make_v it_o as_o her_o principle_n and_o condemn_v other_o that_o be_v principled_a so_o to_o do_v query_v of_o such_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n that_o lu_v to_o envy_n with_o this_o testimony_n i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o my_o reply_n to_o g._n f._n that_o i_o certain_o know_v he_o to_o be_v a_o man_n guilty_a of_o many_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v condemn_v in_o other_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o he_o under_o the_o form_n of_o government_n have_v prescribe_v the_o give_v forth_o of_o paper_n of_o condemnation_n as_o a_o proper_a mean_n whereby_o such_o as_o in_o his_o sense_n be_v depart_v from_o the_o truth_n may_v be_v receive_v into_o fellowship_n with_o some_o other_o again_o so_o he_o must_v expect_v that_o some_o at_o least_o of_o his_o know_a error_n and_o fail_n must_v lie_v on_o record_n unless_o he_o repent_v and_o manifest_v such_o his_o repentance_n by_o a_o acknowledgement_n so_o public_o spread_v as_o his_o error_n and_o fail_n have_v be_v not_o but_o that_o a_o acknowledgement_n unto_o and_o repentance_n before_o the_o lord_n in_o some_o case_n may_v be_v sufficient_a but_o because_o as_o he_o have_v be_v a_o instrument_n to_o lay_v stumbling-block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o many_o so_o he_o may_v even_o as_o james_n naylor_n do_v before_o he_o by_o a_o candid_a acknowledgement_n unto_o the_o lord_n people_n be_v a_o instrument_n as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o remove_v such_o stumbling-block_n and_o so_o come_v into_o unity_n again_o with_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o people_n in_o the_o truth_n from_o which_o he_o have_v depart_v william_n rogers_n i_o now_o come_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o a_o postscript_n to_o g._n f_n answer_n write_v by_o john_n blaykle_v who_o live_v at_o sedbergh_n in_o yorkshire_n which_o by_o the_o way_n put_v i_o in_o remembrance_n thus_o to_o premise_v that_o though_o g._n f._n in_o his_o answer_n to_o some_o part_n of_o my_o paper_n which_o he_o account_v a_o false_a charge_n have_v thus_o say_v and_o i_o do_v believe_v that_o be_v there_o many_o in_o bristol_n that_o have_v not_o let_v in_o prejudice_n and_o enmity_n against_o i_o that_o will_v witness_v against_o this_o false_a chrrge_n yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o he_o may_v on_o as_o goodground_n have_v say_v the_o same_o with_o respect_n to_o john_n blaykle_v and_o many_o in_o other_o place_n though_o they_o may_v know_v nothing_o of_o the_o matter_n whereof_o they_o may_v pretend_v to_o vindicate_v he_o because_o i_o have_v late_o have_v over_z and_z beside_o what_o john_n blaykle_v add_v in_o his_o postscript_n no_o less_o than_o six_o letter_n in_o vindication_n of_o george_n fox_n and_o condemnation_n of_o i_o right_a or_o wrong_n some_o whereof_z be_v subscribe_v with_o two_o letter_n who_o name_n thereby_o i_o can_v understand_v and_o date_v from_o no_o place_n other_o some_o with_o a_o name_n not_o know_v to_o i_o nor_o yet_o date_v from_o any_o place_n this_o i_o may_v just_o term_v a_o sort_n of_o mean_a and_o under_o work_v that_o be_v so_o far_o from_o add_v credit_n to_o g._n f_n cause_n as_o that_o it_o be_v to_o i_o plain_a enough_o that_o he_o can_v get_v a_o john_n blaykling_n a_o t._n b._n or_o a_o s._n h._n to_o write_v or_o sign_n any_o thing_n when_o write_v right_a or_o wrong_n that_o may_v in_o his_o sense_n tend_v to_o his_o vindication_n and_o my_o condemnation_n and_o now_o to_o proceed_v as_o to_o john_n blaykling_n postscript_n i_o find_v it_o contain_v about_o a_o sheet_n of_o paper_n which_o thus_o begin_v here_o follow_v the_o testimony_n and_o certificate_n from_o john_n blaykle_v to_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o aspersion_n that_o william_n rogers_n and_o other_o will_v cast_v upon_o george_n fox_n as_o aforementioned_a therein_o he_o give_v a_o large_a testimony_n for_o george_n fox_n as_o a_o man_n that_o render_v not_o evil_a for_o evil_n that_o be_v bless_v with_o honour_n above_o many_o brethren_n and_o that_o thousand_o will_v stand_v by_o he_o in_o a_o heavenly_a record_n unto_o the_o integrity_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o truth_n that_o still_o live_v with_o he_o that_o his_o life_n reign_v and_o be_v spotless_a innocent_a and_o still_o retain_v his_o integrity_n who_o eternal_a honour_n and_o bless_a renown_n shall_v remain_v yea_o his_o presence_n and_o the_o droop_v of_o his_o tender_a word_n in_o the_o lord_n love_n be_v my_o soul_n nourishment_n on_o which_o i_o observe_v that_o if_o those_o thousand_o be_v such_o as_o john_n blaykle_v john_n ware_n and_o the_o twenty_o seven_o other_o person_n that_o sign_v the_o aforementioned_a false_a certificate_n they_o will_v never_o add_v by_o that_o spirit_n that_o lead_v they_o so_o to_o testify_v as_o aforesaid_a unto_o his_o nor_o their_o own_o credit_n and_o though_o in_o a_o dark_a spirit_n they_o may_v term_v it_o a_o heavenly_a record_n yet_o i_o testify_v such_o a_o record_n can_v never_o bear_v date_n from_o heaven_n because_o nothing_o that_o make_v a_o lie_n can_v therein_o enter_v moreover_o as_o john_n blaykling_n have_v give_v so_o large_a a_o testimony_n to_o george_n fox_n life_n as_o spotless_a and_o as_o one_o still_o keep_v his_o integrity_n to_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n though_o he_o be_v hereby_o detect_v of_o many_o lie_n which_o method_n of_o general_a applause_n at_o so_o high_a a_o rate_n use_v by_o john_n blaykling_n when_o undeserved_a be_v more_o like_o a_o parasite_n to_o a_o earthly_a prince_n than_o a_o serious_a well_o meaning_n conscientious_a christian_a to_o a_o servant_n of_o christ_n that_o seek_v not_o the_o praise_n of_o man_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n have_v he_o vilify_v i_o at_o so_o large_a a_o rate_n as_o better_a become_v the_o tongue_n of_o a_o scold_n than_o a_o sober_a man_n for_o therein_o among_o many_o other_o profane_a and_o scandalous_a unjust_a reproach_n in_o general_a term_n without_o assign_v particular_a matter_n of_o fact_n to_o prove_v his_o general_a accusation_n he_o have_v render_v i_o one_o that_o have_v cast_v lie_v slander_n upon_o george_n fox_n though_o no_o lie_n be_v prove_v either_o by_o he_o or_o george_n fox_n to_o lie_v at_o my_o door_n and_o that_o also_o from_o a_o spirit_n that_o through_o its_o envy_n and_o rage_n against_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v cease_v not_o with_o all_o its_o device_n with_o lie_v aspersion_n to_o defame_v the_o instrument_n in_o god_n own_o hand_n call_v my_o paper_n a_o lie_a paper_n to_o defame_v the_o brethren_n care_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n whenas_o there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n in_o all_o my_o paper_n that_o can_v bear_v any_o such_o construction_n neither_o do_v he_o quote_v any_o of_o my_o word_n that_o in_o truth_n do_v manifest_a what_o he_o so_o assert_n and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o i_o have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v in_o envy_n and_o rage_n against_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v as_o that_o it_o have_v be_v a_o great_a concern_v of_o conscience_n to_o i_o for_o several_a year_n past_a both_o by_o word_n and_o write_v to_o contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o exaltation_n of_o christ_n government_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n which_o be_v clear_o manifest_v by_o the_o import_n of_o what_o i_o have_v write_v in_o answer_n to_o a_o part_n of_o robert_n barclay_n book_n of_o government_n my_o postscript_n to_o my_o narrative_n of_o passage_n at_o drawel_n my_o answer_n to_o the_o brethren_n so_o term_v narrative_a after_o the_o meeting_n at_o drawel_n several_a of_o my_o letter_n to_o george_n fox_n the_o dissatisfaction_n subscribe_v by_o several_a as_o well_o as_o
he_o for_o counsel_n and_o wait_v upon_o the_o teach_n of_o his_o spirit_n which_o dwell_v in_o you_o which_o the_o father_n have_v give_v unto_o you_o because_o you_o be_v his_o child_n and_o this_o he_o require_v from_o you_o that_o his_o own_o spirit_n in_o you_o which_o have_v beget_v you_o may_v be_v the_o root_n and_o move_a cause_n of_o all_o your_o work_n and_o word_n and_o herein_o will_v you_o receive_v acceptance_n with_o he_o and_o peace_n from_o he_o and_o righteousness_n in_o he_o and_o everlasting_a joy_n by_o he_o continual_o and_o this_o be_v the_o inheritance_n unto_o which_o you_o be_v beget_v heir_n to_o possess_v for_o ever_o bristol_n the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o eight_o month._n 1680._o william_n rogers_n it_o be_v think_v meet_a to_o inform_v the_o reader_n that_o though_o the_o five_o part_n of_o this_o treatise_n be_v now_o bind_v up_o together_o yet_o it_o be_v once_o design_v that_o they_o shall_v also_o be_v publish_v in_o single_a part_n which_o have_v occasion_v the_o insert_v of_o some_o thing_n often_o than_o will_v have_v be_v and_o the_o word_v of_o other_o thing_n not_o so_o proper_a and_o concise_a as_o it_o may_v have_v it_o at_o first_o be_v so_o conclude_v postscript_n understanding_n that_o some_o among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n within_o the_o city_n of_o london_n either_o from_o knowledge_n or_o jealousy_n that_o of_o late_o i_o have_v be_v concern_v to_o publish_v in_o print_n something_o against_o george_n for_o have_v already_o concern_v themselves_o to_o dislike_n and_o give_v pretend_a reason_n against_o my_o so_o do_v which_o if_o pass_v over_o in_o silence_n and_o the_o truth_n not_o clear_v may_v have_v a_o tendency_n to_o defile_v the_o mind_n of_o some_o of_o the_o friend_n of_o truth_n and_o to_o establish_v the_o opposer_n thereof_o in_o their_o present_a evil_n and_o wrong_a sentiment_n of_o those_o who_o encourage_v the_o bring_v forth_o of_o this_o treatise_n i_o be_o now_o in_o conscience_n concern_v to_o add_v this_o postscript_n for_o this_o end_n first_o that_o all_o friend_n may_v have_v a_o further_a caution_n to_o hear_v see_v and_o savour_n for_o themselves_o and_o not_o too_o hasty_o censure_v any_o unheard_a in_o their_o own_o defence_n second_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v ensnare_v by_o the_o evil_a insinuation_n false_a suggestion_n or_o unreasonable_a construction_n whether_o of_o the_o blind_a zealot_n principled_a to_o eye_n the_o brethren_n in_o stead_n of_o the_o light_n in_o himself_o or_o the_o lukewarm_a partial_a appear_a note_v i_o will_v not_o be_v hereby_o understand_v that_o all_o who_o appear_v newter_n be_v either_o lukewarm_a or_o partial_a because_o i_o be_o satisfy_v many_o honest-hearted_a friend_n that_o know_v the_o truth_n have_v not_o a_o knowledge_n of_o all_o the_o difference_n and_o so_o may_v be_v account_v with_o respect_n to_o some_o part_n of_o the_o controversy_n as_o newter_n and_o other_o not_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o controversy_n may_v be_v term_v newter_n and_o set_v such_o as_o walk_v in_o the_o ancient_a path_n of_o truth_n in_o all_o sincerity_n neuter_n that_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o great_a fall_v away_o and_o yet_o either_o for_o ease_n and_o interest_n sake_n or_o a_o slavish_a fear_n stifle_v his_o own_o knowledge_n for_o the_o time_n be_v come_v wherein_o a_o discovery_n must_v be_v make_v of_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o one_o the_o hypocrisy_n of_o the_o other_o and_o the_o irreligious_a unchristianlike_a deportment_n and_o construction_n of_o both_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n on_o this_o occasion_n i_o now_o proceed_v first_o the_o vatter_n as_o i_o understand_v dislike_v be_v my_o proceed_n to_o print_v against_o george_n fox_n second_o the_o reason_n pretend_v to_o be_v give_v behind_o my_o back_n without_o so_o much_o as_o first_o signify_v any_o thing_n by_o word_n or_o write_v to_o i_o so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v against_o my_o so_o do_v be_v these_o first_o that_o though_o i_o pretend_v i_o have_v often_o send_v to_o george_n fox_n about_o give_v i_o a_o meeting_n and_o that_o i_o also_o come_v up_o to_o london_n to_o read_v a_o charge_n against_o he_o behind_o his_o back_n at_o which_o time_n as_o it_o be_v say_v i_o be_v then_o tell_v by_o some_o that_o they_o understand_v grorge_n fox_n will_v be_v at_o the_o general_n meet_v yet_o when_o he_o do_v come_v to_o it_o although_o i_o have_v advice_n from_o james_n claypoole_n of_o his_o be_v come_v i_o neither_o take_v any_o notice_n thereof_o nor_o yet_o send_v to_o he_o and_o yet_o further_o also_o as_o i_o now_o be_o inform_v some_o do_v raise_v as_o a_o great_a argument_n in_o their_o esteem_n against_o i_o this_o also_o viz._n that_o when_o i_o be_v last_o in_o the_o city_n of_o london_n since_o the_o general_n meeting_n i_o be_v also_o inform_v by_o the_o say_v james_n claypoole_n that_o george_n fox_n be_v but_o a_o few_o mile_n off_o and_o yet_o do_v neither_o go_v to_o he_o nor_o stay_v until_o he_o come_v to_o the_o city_n but_o instead_o thereof_o haste_v out_o of_o town_n with_o great_a diligence_n which_o as_o some_o say_v show_v that_o whatever_o i_o have_v pretend_v to_o meet_v george_n fox_n yet_o i_o have_v no_o desire_n thereto_o my_o concern_v now_o be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o simple_a one_o who_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o take_v shadow_n for_o substance_n and_o impertinent_a irrational_a as_o well_o as_o irreligious_a and_o unchristianlike_a discourse_n for_o oracle_n when_o drop_v either_o from_o the_o mouth_n or_o pen_n of_o one_o unto_o who_o according_a to_o their_o principle_n they_o may_v think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o discover_v the_o impertinency_n and_o fallaciousness_n of_o the_o reason_n urge_v against_o my_o proceed_n to_o print_v against_o george_n fox_n in_o order_n thereto_o i_o first_o observe_v that_o from_o the_o aforesaid_a pretend_a reason_n this_o pretend_a argument_n may_v be_v urge_v james_n claypoole_n be_v at_o london_n inform_v william_n rogers_n then_o at_o lristol_n that_o george_n fox_n be_v come_v to_o the_o city_n and_o afterward_o inform_v william_n rogers_n when_o at_o london_n that_o george_n fox_n be_v but_o a_o few_o mile_n from_o the_o city_n but_o william_n rogers_n take_v no_o notice_n thereof_o nor_o yet_o send_v to_o he_o nor_o wait_v for_o george_n fox_n come_v to_o the_o city_n therefore_o william_n rogers_n have_v no_o desire_n to_o meet_v g._n f._n when_o he_o former_o so_o pretend_v be_v this_o to_o come_v only_o to_o the_o view_n of_o man_n of_o understanding_n and_o impartial_a i_o may_v well_o stop_v my_o pen_n from_o any_o further_a attempt_n to_o discover_v the_o weakness_n and_o fallacy_n of_o such_o idle_a sort_n of_o discourse_n because_o such_o will_v first_o be_v apt_a to_o inquire_v for_o what_o end_v i_o desire_v a_o meeting_n with_o g._n f_o and_o when_o they_o shall_v be_v inform_v that_o it_o be_v to_o prove_v he_o guilty_a of_o thing_n reproachful_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o he_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n assent_v to_o such_o a_o meeting_n they_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v his_o best_a defence_n to_o cover_v his_o gild_n from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o who_o faith_n may_v be_v in_o he_o and_o so_o conclude_v that_o no_o obligation_n in_o truth_n may_v be_v upon_o i_o to_o take_v any_o further_a notice_n of_o he_o as_o to_o a_o meeting_n have_v it_o so_o happen_v as_o that_o i_o have_v accident_o meet_v he_o in_o the_o very_a street_n much_o less_o ride_v 94_o mile_n upon_o bare_a report_n from_o the_o say_v j._n c._n that_o he_o be_v in_o london_n as_o if_o my_o business_n be_v the_o business_n of_o such_o a_o poor_a pensioner_n that_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o attend_v g._n f_n motion_n but_o rather_o to_o endeavour_v to_o clear_v my_o conscience_n otherwise_o as_o now_o i_o be_o about_o to_o do_v however_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o other_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o clear_v the_o matter_n object_v somewhat_o more_o first_o then_o i_o must_v tell_v those_o evil_a insinuator_n who_o say_v that_o i_o have_v no_o desire_n to_o meet_v g._n f._n when_o i_o write_v to_o he_o of_o my_o readiness_n so_o to_o do_v that_o therein_o they_o belie_v i_o second_o the_o argument_n pretend_v to_o be_v deducible_a from_o the_o aforesaid_a reason_n can_v be_v good_a unless_o this_o follow_a assertion_n ought_v to_o be_v own_v by_o every_o one_o that_o have_v desire_v to_o meet_v with_o george_n fox_n on_o the_o like_a occasion_n as_o i_o have_v viz._n first_o that_o on_o the_o say_v j._n c_n notice_n that_o george_n fox_n be_v or_o will_v be_v at_o london_n then_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o any_o friend_n that_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o meet_v g._n f._n to_o come_v