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not_o do_v your_o business_n and_o if_o these_o be_v your_o weapon_n to_o set_v up_o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n with_o these_o be_v very_o shallow_a one_o and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o cry_v against_o form_n that_o run_v quite_o out_o of_o form_n and_o truth_n that_o can_v break_v all_o covenant_n and_o engagement_n so_o easy_o but_o this_o be_v like_o john_n story_n be_v creep_a spirit_n be_v work_n which_o have_v lead_v you_o to_o act_v both_o contrary_n to_o truth_n and_o below_o natural_a civil_a man_n and_o to_o be_v covenant-breaker_n and_o fierce_a despiser_n of_o they_o that_o be_v good_a and_o so_o these_o paper_n and_o do_n of_o you_o have_v give_v much_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o country_n to_o see_v your_o treacherous_a spirit_n and_o of_o john_n story_n be_v that_o you_o promote_v your_o sect-master_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o separate_a meeting_n and_o this_o spirit_n do_v manifest_v itself_o to_o be_v contrary_a both_o to_o truth_n and_o 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to_o and_o fro_o have_v little_o other_o business_n or_o matter_n than_o to_o cry_v against_o some_o friend_n under_o the_o term_n of_o dark_a separate_a spirit_n though_o such_o as_o be_v faithful_a we_o shall_v not_o have_v so_o many_o false_a accuser_n as_o we_o have_v trouble_v the_o country_n raise_v public_a contention_n in_o meeting_n for_o worship_n among_o we_o to_o the_o open_a scandal_n of_o truth_n and_o observation_n of_o our_o common_a enemy_n whereby_o they_o rejoice_v and_o cry_v ha_o several_a instance_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v record_v in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o say_v first_o manuscript_n mention_v in_o the_o preface_n ready_a for_o the_o view_n of_o friend_n as_o aforesaid_a and_o though_o they_o give_v the_o first_o onset_n by_o public_a testimony_n against_o particular_a person_n ancient_a and_o honourable_a in_o the_o truth_n yet_o a_o sober_a request_n from_o any_o of_o we_o desire_v to_o know_v the_o matter_n that_o be_v evil_a whereof_o such_o be_v 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he_o never_o advise_v to_o the_o erect_v the_o same_o the_o sixty_o six_o subscriber_n in_o their_o paper_n be_v find_v accuse_v john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n to_o this_o effect_n viz._n that_o they_o have_v evil_a design_n and_o persevere_v in_o they_o by_o word_n write_v and_o practice_n that_o they_o despise_v heavenly_a dignity_n that_o they_o set_v up_o continue_v and_o promote_v false_a and_o pernicious_a jealousy_n murmur_n and_o secret_a smiting_n and_o that_o thereby_o they_o be_v darken_v in_o their_o vnderfranding_n that_o through_o the_o power_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o king_n of_o righteousness_n his_o peace_n they_o set_v up_o a_o kind_n of_o standard_n of_o separation_n from_o that_o bless_a fellowship_n and_o communion_n that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n sweet_o possess_v together_o to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n his_o truth_n and_o people_n that_o they_o go_v on_o in_o opposition_n &_o evil_a smite_v against_o the_o faithful_a brethren_n and_o 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in_o order_n to_o the_o silence_v of_o one_o declare_v yet_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v with_o respect_n to_o one_o in_o unity_n with_o the_o church_n but_o as_o we_o say_v he_o own_v not_o john_n story_n so_o to_o be_v and_o so_o it_o may_v reasonable_o be_v conclude_v that_o his_o hypocrisy_n be_v not_o only_o thereby_o make_v manifest_a but_o also_o his_o discourse_n be_v consider_v that_o he_o have_v no_o revelation_n to_o declare_v from_o god_n on_o that_o occasion_n to_o the_o people_n but_o yet_o john_n story_n observe_v how_o he_o introduce_v his_o discourse_n not_o as_o a_o open_a opposer_n of_o his_o word_n do_v for_o the_o people_n sake_n and_o that_o he_o may_v administer_v no_o occasion_n of_o discord_n give_v way_n and_o in_o a_o few_o word_n after_o draw_v to_o a_o conclusion_n but_o francis_n lea_n discourse_n be_v such_o both_o morning_n and_o afternoon_n as_o give_v occasion_n both_o to_o professor_n and_o profane_a public_o to_o manifest_a that_o we_o be_v now_o divide_v now_o whether_o this_o be_v a_o stand_n up_o in_o the_o power_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o a_o peace-offering_a let_v those_o who_o be_v wise_a in_o heart_n judge_n but_o that_o which_o further_o manifest_v francis_n lea_n rudeness_n be_v this_o after_o francis_n lea_n in_o the_o morning-meeting_a have_v end_v his_o declaration_n wherein_o he_o lay_v down_o seem_a contradictory_n assertion_n viz._n that_o two_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o prince_n and_o renown_a man_n in_o israel_n be_v revel_n and_o wicked_a man_n and_o yet_o also_o say_v to_o this_o effect_n as_o if_o they_o be_v blameless_a and_o harmless_a william_n rogers_n stand_v up_o and_o take_v up_o his_o word_n and_o speak_v thereon_o in_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o sound_v doctrine_n that_o so_o the_o people_n may_v not_o go_v away_o with_o a_o misunderstand_a and_o not_o as_o a_o opposer_n of_o any_o truth_n that_o day_n deliver_v nor_o yet_o as_o a_o opposer_n of_o francis_n lea_n further_a than_o francis_n lea_n own_o word_n oppose_v himself_o and_o yet_o after_o william_n rogers_n have_v end_v francis_n lea_n in_o a_o rude_a manner_n pour_v out_o judgement_n against_o william_n rogers_n call_v he_o rebel_n and_o use_v that_o very_a language_n as_o be_v use_v to_o elimas_n the_o sorcerer_n and_o this_o be_v become_v a_o common_a talk_n among_o professor_n and_o profane_a in_o country_n as_o well_o as_o city_n which_o we_o and_o many_o friend_n more_o do_v account_v the_o fruit_n of_o great_a malice_n and_o un-christian-like_a deal_v for_o we_o know_v not_o any_o thing_n wherein_o william_n rogers_n have_v forfeit_v his_o reputation_n as_o a_o man_n or_o a_o christian_n these_o thing_n consider_v and_o that_o also_o it_o be_v not_o make_v appear_v to_o our_o conscience_n that_o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n be_v guilty_a of_o such_o crime_n and_o offence_n as_o be_v lay_v to_o their_o charge_n which_o if_o they_o be_v we_o also_o shall_v disow_v they_o we_o dare_v not_o as_o we_o say_v before_o own_o the_o say_a judgement_n to_o be_v righteous_a nor_o yet_o deny_v the_o say_a john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_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 and_o now_o our_o counsel_n to_o the_o sixty_o six_o subscriber_n be_v that_o they_o mind_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o call_v in_o their_o paper_n for_o we_o be_v well_o satisfy_v that_o their_o paper_n be_v not_o give_v forth_o from_o the_o motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o if_o any_o of_o the_o sixty_o six_o subscriber_n as_o man_n lean_v upon_o other_o have_v assert_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o speak_v by_o they_o and_o that_o to_o defame_v the_o
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
member_n or_o member_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v witness_n thereof_o in_o their_o own_o heart_n we_o be_v sorry_a for_o such_o weakness_n however_o it_o give_v we_o occasion_n to_o add_v this_o testimony_n that_o if_o we_o consult_v the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n and_o light_n of_o christ_n we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o believe_v that_o under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o second_o covenant_n god_n have_v or_o ever_o will_v move_v by_o his_o spirit_n in_o any_o mortal_a man_n or_o man_n to_o take_v upon_o he_o or_o they_o so_o to_o appoint_v certain_a day_n for_o other_o to_o meet_v upon_o to_o manage_v the_o outward_a affair_n of_o a_o christian_a society_n as_o that_o if_o any_o of_o that_o society_n assent_v not_o thereto_o or_o endeavour_v to_o alter_v they_o to_o another_o day_n than_o such_o may_v be_v just_o censure_v as_o man_n of_o loose_a spirit_n or_o lead_v by_o a_o corrupt_a spirit_n of_o darkness_n for_o every_o member_n of_o such_o a_o society_n ought_v first_o to_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n in_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o faith_n or_o discipline_n and_o not_o to_o be_v judge_v one_o another_o about_o any_o thing_n wherein_o they_o may_v differ_v when_o the_o matter_n itself_o spring_v from_o a_o conscientious_a scruple_n and_o not_o obstinacy_n contrary_a to_o knowledge_n for_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o learn_v that_o that_o which_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n and_o that_o there_o be_v the_o day_n of_o ignorance_n accompany_v some_o at_o which_o the_o lord_n wink_v and_o yet_o to_o our_o grief_n we_o may_v say_v that_o such_o a_o day_n of_o gloominess_n and_o thick_a darkness_n have_v overtake_v some_o among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n who_o appear_v zealous_a for_o some_o outward_a form_n of_o discipline_n which_o they_o as_o we_o take_v it_o foollish_o imagine_v be_v establish_v as_o by_o a_o decree_n from_o heaven_n that_o they_o seem_v to_o make_v void_a the_o law_n of_o charity_n and_o humane_a society_n and_o as_o if_o their_o religion_n be_v most_o effectual_o demonstrate_v by_o appear_v in_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o spirit_n that_o christ_n reprove_v in_o his_o disciple_n when_o they_o ask_v he_o on_o this_o wise_a will_v thou_o that_o we_o command_v fire_n to_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o consume_v they_o mean_v the_o samaritan_n that_o do_v not_o receive_v christ_n because_o his_o face_n be_v as_o though_o he_o will_v go_v to_o jerusalem_n to_o return_v again_o we_o far_o say_v that_o whoever_o have_v give_v occasion_n for_o such_o a_o objection_n to_o be_v raise_v as_o aforesaid_a it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v it_o spring_v from_o one_o that_o aspire_v to_o give_v rule_n to_o other_o while_o he_o will_v not_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o himself_o for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a we_o may_v have_v escape_v the_o severe_a judgement_n of_o be_v guilty_a of_o corahs_n sin_n and_o that_o only_o because_o we_o have_v endeavour_v to_o convince_v some_o that_o that_o f._n that_o namely_o g._n f._n one_o person_n intend_v in_o the_o objection_n christian-quaker_n see_v the_o four_o and_o five_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n have_v act_v contrary_a to_o the_o outward_a rule_n and_o order_n that_o he_o himself_o have_v prescribe_v for_o other_o to_o walk_v by_o as_o to_o the_o word_n establish_v we_o further_o add_v that_o the_o word_n as_o use_v in_o the_o objection_n be_v disow_v by_o we_o for_o though_o the_o child_n of_o god_n may_v be_v instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o establish_v one_o another_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n or_o of_o any_o one_o of_o they_o positive_o and_o without_o exception_n to_o establish_v what_o ought_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v whether_o it_o respect_v doctrine_n or_o discipline_n and_o if_o any_o one_o or_o more_o have_v atempt_v so_o to_o do_v it_o may_v just_o be_v say_v of_o such_o that_o he_o or_o they_o have_v endeavour_v to_o invade_v christ_n prerogative_n beside_o we_o observe_v that_o the_o objection_n be_v make_v with_o respect_n to_o one_o man_n which_o to_o we_o seem_v as_o if_o in_o the_o objector_n sense_n that_o one_o man_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n have_v power_n give_v he_o of_o god_n to_o establish_v a_o outward_a form_n wherein_o all_o god_n people_n ought_v to_o walk_v or_o else_o severe_o to_o be_v censure_v for_o rebellion_n whether_o they_o see_v it_o their_o christian_a duty_n or_o not_o but_o this_o we_o deny_v as_o that_o which_o may_v just_o be_v term_v a_o abomination_n either_o so_o to_o endeavour_v or_o so_o to_o submit_v second_o if_o we_o inquire_v what_o be_v establish_v we_o know_v if_o any_o answer_v be_v give_v to_o what_o by_o the_o question_n we_o intend_v it_o will_v be_v on_o this_o wise_a certain_a meeting_n to_o be_v hold_v by_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n or_o at_o least_o some_o of_o they_o on_o certain_a prefix_a day_n but_o if_o we_o ask_v who_o be_v the_o metre_n that_o be_v to_o make_v up_o the_o establish_v meeting_n none_o can_v give_v such_o a_o certain_a description_n as_o that_o the_o metre_n may_v be_v certain_o know_v and_o therefore_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n establish_v applicable_a to_o outward_a society_n of_o people_n so_o uncertain_a to_o be_v know_v or_o outward_o describable_a seem_v to_o we_o vain_a and_o ridiculous_a by_o this_o discourse_n the_o reader_n may_v gather_v that_o we_o be_v remote_a from_o own_v those_o meeting_n mention_v in_o the_o last_o objection_n to_o be_v establish_v as_o a_o part_n of_o christ_n government_n and_o as_o to_o their_o have_v any_o share_n as_o a_o church_n in_o church_n government_n it_o will_v be_v time_n enough_o for_o we_o to_o answer_v when_o any_o shall_v pretend_v that_o they_o have_v manifest_v that_o those_o uncertain_a qualify_v person_n usual_o assemble_v in_o such_o meeting_n be_v then_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o 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the_o name_n of_o jesus_n who_o be_v give_v of_o the_o father_n to_o be_v salvation_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n i_o now_o come_v to_o give_v the_o reader_n a_o particular_a account_n of_o some_o assertion_n and_o scripture_n quotation_n relate_v to_o government_n among_o one_o part_n of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n publish_v in_o print_n by_o robert_n barclay_n together_o with_o answer_n thereto_o contain_v in_o a_o manuscript_n give_v forth_o by_o myself_o who_o be_v concern_v in_o my_o conscience_n so_o to_o do_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o as_o be_v weak_a be_v apt_a to_o be_v precipitate_v into_o a_o zealous_a observation_n of_o other_o man_n line_n make_v ready_a to_o their_o hand_n when_o not_o lead_v thereinto_o by_o a_o measure_n of_o god_n gift_n and_o grace_n in_o themselves_o and_o so_o may_v just_o be_v term_v like_o unto_o those_o who_o render_v for_o doctrine_n the_o tradition_n of_o men._n the_o aforesaid_a assertion_n quotation_n and_o particular_a 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and_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o only_a fundamental_a principle_n thereof_o viz._n the_o light_n wherein_o they_o be_v vindicate_v from_o the_o aspersion_n of_o those_o who_o may_v accuse_v they_o of_o despise_v of_o christ_n government_n and_o indulge_v that_o liberty_n which_o truth_n condemn_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o from_o such_o who_o may_v calumniate_v they_o for_o endeavour_v to_o establish_v the_o outward_a order_n and_o prescription_n of_o man_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o become_v a_o bond_n on_o other_o to_o obey_v though_o they_o see_v it_o not_o their_o duty_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n show_v that_o the_o place_n where_o christ_n government_n have_v be_v be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v exalt_v be_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n and_o so_o can_v be_v the_o duty_n of_o man_n to_o establish_v that_o government_n which_o be_v already_o on_o christ_n shoulder_n give_v forth_o in_o the_o year_n 1676._o by_o william_n rogers_n 1_o cor._n 3.11.21_o for_o other_o foundation_n can_v no_o man_n lay_v than_o that_o which_o be_v already_o lay_v let_v no_o man_n rejoice_v in_o men._n to_o the_o reader_n the_o aforementioned_a treatise_n of_o r._n b._n be_v the_o first_o that_o to_o my_o remembrance_n or_o knowledge_n be_v under_o the_o name_n of_o one_o call_v a_o quaker_n extant_a in_o print_n whereby_o the_o adversary_n to_o that_o ancient_a truth_n whereof_o they_o have_v be_v witness_n may_v have_v cause_n to_o be_v jealous_a first_o that_o that_o people_n who_o have_v be_v so_o great_a contender_n against_o that_o spirit_n which_o will_v have_v enforce_v outward_a form_n and_o order_n of_o man_n relate_v to_o conscience_n though_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o assembly_n call_v themselves_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n shall_v now_o be_v more_o exercise_v to_o encourage_v their_o brethren_n to_o follow_v the_o order_n tradition_n example_n or_o commandment_n of_o any_o relate_n to_o matter_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n though_o under_o the_o most_o plausible_a pretence_n whatsoever_o than_o that_o never-erring_a and_o infallible_a guide_n which_o have_v be_v so_o often_o exalt_v among_o they_o viz._n christ_n light_n in_o the_o conscience_n second_o that_o though_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n have_v plead_v much_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o for_o the_o liberty_n thereof_o which_o one_o eminent_a among_o they_o have_v describe_v to_o be_v a_o mere_a liberty_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o believe_v or_o dis-believing_a etc._n etc._n yet_o there_o be_v among_o they_o who_o have_v endeavour_v to_o insinuate_v a_o belief_n that_o the_o church_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n may_v not_o only_o give_v positive_a sentence_n which_o may_v be_v obligatory_a upon_o believer_n but_o also_o that_o the_o pretence_n of_o any_o refuse_v to_o submit_v on_o account_n they_o see_v it_o not_o will_v not_o excuse_v they_o from_o be_v real_o guilty_a of_o disobey_v god_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o manifest_a by_o any_o outward_a description_n where_o or_o what_o assembly_n be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n now_o though_o i_o can_v vindicate_v the_o author_n of_o the_o say_a treatise_n from_o give_v occasion_n of_o these_o and_o such_o like_a jealousy_n yet_o i_o know_v there_o be_v many_o of_o those_o people_n yet_o in_o be_v who_o integrity_n to_o god_n be_v so_o great_a who_o steadfastness_n in_o the_o unchangeable_a truth_n be_v so_o sure_a and_o who_o understandding_n in_o the_o pure_a principle_n thereof_o be_v so_o clear_a that_o they_o give_v not_o occasion_n for_o such_o jealousy_n but_o have_v a_o testimony_n in_o their_o heart_n against_o all_o such_o that_o do_v know_v this_o that_o whosoever_o build_v on_o any_o other_o foundation_n than_o that_o which_o have_v be_v already_o lay_v viz._n christ_n the_o lord_n to_o who_o all_o power_n be_v give_v to_o rule_n and_o reign_v and_o who_o alone_o be_v lord_n over_o the_o conscience_n and_o the_o only_a lawgiver_n shall_v be_v confound_v and_o bring_v to_o nought_o w._n r._n the_o matter_n occasional_o discourse_v in_o this_o ensue_a treatise_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n describe_v in_o what_o follow_v first_o i_o affirm_v that_o though_o there_o have_v be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n unto_o which_o every_o member_n of_o the_o say_a church_n ought_v to_o be_v subject_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o the_o outward_a form_n thereof_o and_o all_o matter_n cognizable_a thereby_o be_v so_o exact_o describe_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o else_o where_o as_o that_o the_o member_n thereof_o by_o any_o such_o outward_a description_n as_o a_o sufficient_a mean_n may_v so_o exact_o be_v exercise_v therein_o as_o to_o find_v acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n that_o at_o this_o day_n nothing_o can_v be_v true_o call_v the_o exact_a and_o perfect_a order_n of_o this_o government_n but_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o so_o have_v it_o often_o be_v testify_v by_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n which_o power_n be_v of_o ability_n to_o establish_v man_n but_o man_n not_o of_o ability_n to_o establish_v it_o and_o that_o the_o power_n bring_v forth_o its_o own_o form_n in_o every_o member_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o god_n grace_n inward_o give_v receive_v and_o obey_v and_o yet_o i_o be_o abundant_o satisfy_v that_o set_v and_o appoint_v meeting_n on_o certain_a prefix_v day_n be_v with_o the_o joint_a concurrence_n of_o those_o member_n assemble_v and_o from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o be_v assemble_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o discharge_v other_o charitable_a duty_n to_o inspect_v marriage_n that_o none_o come_v together_o disorderly_a and_o to_o take_v care_n that_o truth_n may_v not_o be_v scandlize_v through_o the_o backslide_n of_o such_o who_o have_v be_v in_o
part_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o administration_n under_o which_o thousand_o in_o these_o nation_n be_v gather_v unto_o god_n do_v consist_v in_o this_o that_o after_o they_o have_v be_v wander_v from_o mountain_n to_o hill_n from_o under_o one_o form_n and_o outward_a church-fellowship_n into_o another_o they_o come_v to_o be_v turn_v to_o the_o sure_a guide_n in_o themselves_o christ_n light_n and_o warn_v not_o to_o look_v out_o neither_o to_o be_v in_o the_o lo_n here_o be_v and_o the_o lo_n there_o be_v but_o to_o be_v faithful_a to_o their_o own_o measure_n for_o that_o according_a to_o paul_n testimony_n god_n grace_n be_v give_v to_o every_o one_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n but_o to_o return_v let_v we_o examine_v how_o he_o prove_v his_o first_o assertion_n viz._n that_o there_o never_o will_v nor_o can_v be_v want_v in_o case_n of_o controversy_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o give_v judgement_n through_o some_o or_o other_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n so_o long_o as_o any_o assembly_n can_v proper_o or_o in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n be_v so_o term_v his_o proof_n be_v on_o this_o wise_a for_o the_o first_o say_v he_o to_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o scripture_n there_o will_v need_v no_o other_o probation_n than_o that_o of_o the_o 28_o of_o matthew_n and_o the_o 20_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o verse_n 18._o and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o how_o this_o prove_v the_o matter_n to_o i_o appear_v not_o for_o these_o scripture_n do_v neither_o express_o nor_o by_o any_o natural_a consequence_n say_v that_o any_o assembly_n be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o may_v in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n be_v so_o term_v nor_o yet_o speak_v any_o thing_n of_o controversy_n arise_v among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v he_o bring_v the_o first_o scripture_n to_o prove_v that_o 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decide_v controversy_n in_o every_o assembly_n that_o in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n can_v be_v term_v christ_n church_n and_o so_o i_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o these_o and_o several_a other_o scripture_n which_o he_o have_v quote_v as_o proof_n of_o his_o assertion_n seem_v rather_o strain_v to_o vindicate_v what_o he_o assert_n than_o that_o his_o assertion_n be_v according_a to_o it_o on_o which_o hand_n he_o say_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n that_o both_o papist_n and_o protestant_n have_v great_o go_v aside_o which_o may_v have_v be_v a_o caution_n to_o he_o not_o to_o have_v err_v in_o the_o same_o path_n as_o now_o he_o have_v do_v let_v we_o a_o little_a further_o examine_v his_o word_n tolerable_a supposition_n when_o we_o be_v not_o certain_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n and_o yet_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v it_o be_v or_o may_v be_v so_o we_o common_o say_v my_o supposition_n be_v that_o it_o be_v or_o may_v be_v so_o and_o though_o the_o 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confident_a assertion_n the_o qualification_n of_o a_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n be_v sanctification_n through_o the_o spirit_n wheresoever_o any_o number_n of_o person_n so_o qualify_v be_v assemble_v in_o christ_n name_n there_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n though_o they_o be_v of_o that_o number_n who_o be_v of_o the_o low_a degree_n or_o rank_n in_o the_o body_n now_o a_o assembly_n of_o such_o member_n may_v be_v as_o insensible_a and_o void_a of_o understanding_n in_o many_o divine_a matter_n and_o mystery_n relate_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n may_v be_v insensible_a of_o what_o the_o eye_n do_v see_v and_o so_o may_v have_v case_n of_o controversy_n bring_v before_o they_o whereof_o they_o be_v no_o more_o competent_a judge_n not_o be_v gift_v thereunto_o by_o the_o spirit_n than_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n be_v capable_a to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o diversity_n of_o voice_n and_o sound_v or_o the_o 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thus_o as_o the_o true_a church_n believe_v or_o else_o do_v we_o not_o manifest_v both_o folly_n and_o hypocrisy_n to_o profess_v ourselves_o member_n thereof_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n have_v in_o my_o forego_v line_n use_v such_o a_o expression_n i_o thus_o say_v the_o general_a assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v be_v write_v in_o heaven_n heb._n 12.23_o but_o i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o this_o general_a assembly_n set_v forth_o their_o creed_n record_v on_o earth_n by_o that_o i_o thus_o mean_a i_o do_v not_o find_v any_o certain_a number_n of_o article_n of_o faith_n write_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n which_o every_o member_n of_o this_o general_a assembly_n do_v believe_v and_o which_o every_o one_o who_o shall_v come_v to_o be_v gather_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o christ_n body_n
distrustful_a and_o despair_a so_o the_o reader_n may_v consider_v whether_o this_o add_v to_o the_o account_n of_o his_o lie_n or_o no._n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o cite_v g._n f_n paper_n whereas_o william_n rogers_n have_v false_o charge_v i_o that_o i_o shall_v flee_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n and_o it_o be_v spread_v up_o and_o down_o city_n and_o country_n and_o bring_v to_o balance_n john_n story_n and_o his_o company_n be_v flee_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n who_o have_v a_o boy_n set_v on_o a_o hill_n to_o wave_v his_o hat_n to_o friend_n when_o they_o meet_v in_o holes_n and_o gills_n in_o westmoreland_n which_o bring_v a_o dishonour_n to_o god_n truth_n and_o people_n over_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o several_a go_v to_o admonish_v he_o and_o the_o other_o of_o it_o but_o never_o do_v any_o of_o these_o these_o fourteen_o year_n come_v to_o i_o and_o admonish_v i_o concern_v ringwood_n meet_v or_o bristol_n meet_v where_o i_o be_o report_v to_o flee_v as_o they_o say_v in_o persecution_n which_o be_v all_o horrid_a lie_n as_o for_o ringwood_n meet_v there_o be_v a_o certificate_n to_o the_o contrary_a that_o clear_v the_o thing_n as_o for_o the_o meeting_n at_o bristol_n there_o come_v no_o soldier_n nor_o officer_n while_o i_o be_v in_o the_o meeting_n neither_o before_o nor_o after_o now_o at_o that_o time_n i_o lay_v at_o edward_n pyott_n and_o several_a friend_n come_v from_o bristol_n to_o i_o and_o desire_v i_o not_o to_o come_v to_o the_o meeting_n and_o say_v what_o be_v they_o and_o thou_o be_v more_o than_o a_o thousand_o of_o we_o if_o they_o be_v take_v they_o say_v it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n but_o they_o will_v not_o have_v i_o to_o come_v unless_o i_o be_v eternal_o move_v i_o reserve_v my_o mind_n to_o myself_o and_o bid_v they_o go_v their_o way_n and_o do_v not_o say_v i_o will_v or_o i_o will_v not_o and_o afterward_o i_o say_v to_o edward_n pyott_n i_o shall_v go_v to_o the_o meeting_n and_o one_o may_v stay_v to_o guide_v i_o through_o the_o field_n and_o edward_n pyott_n say_v his_o son_n edward_n may_v go_v with_o i_o so_o walk_v through_o the_o field_n i_o meet_v dennis_n hollister_n and_o thomas_n gouldney_n and_o dennis_n hollister_n say_v what!_o will_v i_o go_v in_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o thomas_n gouldney_n smile_v at_o i_o and_o i_o bid_v they_o walk_v by_o because_o many_o people_n be_v walk_v there_o and_o i_o meet_v george_n bishop_n after_o and_o he_o say_v what_o will_v i_o go_v into_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o dragon_n and_o i_o bid_v he_o walk_v by_o now_o they_o do_v all_o that_o ever_o they_o can_v to_o stop_v i_o so_o i_o pass_v up_o into_o the_o meeting_n and_o margaret_n thomas_n be_v speak_v but_o have_v quick_o do_v and_o the_o fear_n be_v upon_o the_o people_n concern_v i_o but_o after_o the_o power_n of_o god_n strike_v the_o fear_n out_o of_o they_o and_o life_n spring_v and_o a_o precious_a glorious_a meeting_n we_o have_v and_o when_o i_o be_v clear_v i_o be_v move_v to_o pray_v and_o when_o i_o have_v step_v down_o about_o three_o or_o four_o step_n i_o be_v move_v to_o turn_v back_o again_o and_o stand_v up_o and_o tell_v they_o now_o they_o may_v see_v there_o be_v a_o god_n in_o israel_n that_o can_v deliver_v and_o so_o i_o step_v down_o and_o go_v away_o and_o friend_n begin_v to_o bustle_n out_o and_o i_o say_v why_o do_v they_o bustle_n and_o make_v such_o a_o throng_n and_o george_n bishop_n say_v it_o be_v time_n to_o break_v up_o the_o meeting_n so_o i_o come_v down_o the_o stair_n and_o there_o be_v neither_o officer_n nor_o soldier_n nor_o nothing_o like_o any_o such_o thing_n and_o many_o friend_n and_o people_n be_v in_o the_o street_n now_o if_o i_o have_v be_v persuade_v and_o have_v hearken_v to_o they_o that_o will_v not_o have_v have_v i_o come_v to_o the_o meeting_n what_o work_n will_v these_o evil_a spirit_n have_v make_v above_o fourteen_o year_n afterward_o and_o for_o any_o to_o say_v i_o go_v up_o the_o back-stair_n i_o do_v not_o know_v which_o be_v fore-stair_n and_o which_o be_v back-stair_n but_o go_v as_o i_o be_v guide_v and_o friend_n say_v since_o the_o one_o be_v as_o common_a as_o the_o other_o this_o be_v a_o malicious_a charge_n above_o fourteen_o year_n afterward_o and_o never_o come_v to_o my_o face_n till_o now_o to_o justify_v john_n story_n they_o accuse_v i_o now_o something_o i_o shall_v say_v concern_v ringwood_n meet_v or_o about_o a_o mile_n and_o a_o half_n thence_o i_o come_v there_o overnight_o and_o in_o the_o morning_n about_o the_o six_o hour_n there_o come_v about_o ten_o or_o twelve_o woman_n from_o pool_n and_o i_o be_v sit_v within_o in_o the_o house_n till_o towards_o the_o eight_o hour_n and_o it_o be_v summer_n time_n and_o hor_o i_o walk_v out_o with_o a_o young_a man_n into_o the_o orchard_n and_o after_o i_o have_v walk_v a_o while_n with_o he_o and_o ask_v he_o of_o the_o affair_n of_o truth_n for_o they_o have_v be_v many_o of_o they_o convince_v by_o i_o before_o i_o be_v prisoner_n in_o cornwall_n and_o there_o come_v another_o young_a man_n to_o we_o and_o tell_v we_o the_o train_a band_n be_v rise_v and_o he_o hear_v they_o will_v come_v and_o break_v up_o the_o meeting_n so_o one_o desire_v i_o to_o walk_v over_o the_o style_n it_o be_v as_o i_o judge_v about_o the_o eight_o hour_n so_o i_o walk_v over_o into_o the_o corn_n field_n on_o the_o out_o side_n of_o the_o hedge_n and_o one_o of_o the_o young_a man_n go_v from_o i_o and_o of_o the_o woman_n some_o walk_v in_o the_o orchard_n and_o some_o go_v to_o refresh_v themselves_o and_o i_o ask_v the_o young_a man_n what_o time_n of_o the_o day_n it_o be_v and_o he_o say_v betwixt_o eight_o and_o nine_o and_o i_o ask_v he_o what_o time_n the_o meeting_n will_v come_v in_o and_o he_o say_v about_o eleven_o or_o twelve_o of_o the_o clock_n and_o i_o say_v if_o the_o soldier_n shall_v come_v before_o that_o time_n we_o may_v happen_v to_o get_v a_o good_a meeting_n afterward_o and_o the_o man_n say_v they_o be_v neighbour_n and_o civil_a people_n if_o they_o shall_v come_v they_o will_v hardly_o meddle_v but_o after_o the_o young_a man_n go_v from_o i_o a_o matter_n of_o two_o bow_v shot_n he_o stand_v under_o the_o hedge_n wave_v his_o hat_n to_o i_o so_o i_o bid_v the_o other_o young_a man_n see_v what_o ail_v he_o so_o i_o keep_v my_o walk_n and_o they_o do_v not_o come_v at_o i_o again_o and_o as_o i_o turn_v back_o to_o go_v round_o about_o the_o orchard_n there_o be_v a_o place_n i_o can_v see_v over_o the_o hedge_n the_o soldier_n be_v all_o over_o the_o orchard_n i_o hear_v say_v some_o of_o the_o soldier_n do_v see_v i_o but_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o meddle_v so_o i_o be_v out_o in_o the_o open_a field_n where_o they_o may_v easy_o see_v i_o true_o i_o do_v not_o go_v in_o among_o they_o for_o it_o be_v between_o nine_o or_o ten_o a_o clock_n and_o they_o sweep_v the_o barn_n and_o get_v in_o stool_n and_o block_n and_o we_o have_v a_o very_a large_a and_o bless_a meeting_n till_o about_o three_o of_o the_o clock_n and_o break_v up_o our_o meeting_n in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o in_o peace_n and_o afterward_o the_o woman_n of_o the_o house_n be_v dead_a some_o desire_v i_o to_o walk_v up_o to_o a_o friend_n house_n about_o two_o bowshot_n off_o in_o our_o way_n and_o friend_n go_v along_o with_o we_o and_o i_o bid_v they_o bring_v up_o my_o horse_n thither_o for_o i_o be_v to_o ride_v twenty_o mile_n to_o one_o fries_n house_n that_o night_n and_o so_o i_o go_v up_o to_o that_o house_n and_o friend_n go_v general_o with_o i_o and_o after_o we_o have_v refresh_v ourselves_o we_o pass_v away_o in_o peace_n and_o quietness_n and_o no_o soldier_n at_o all_o come_v and_o how_o can_v this_o be_v call_v a_o flee_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n and_o that_o be_v a_o horrid_a lie_n that_o i_o hide_v myself_o in_o a_o ditch_n there_o be_v as_o i_o see_v but_o a_o bank_n cast_v up_o from_o a_o lane_n and_o i_o think_v it_o be_v a_o market_n highway_n and_o at_o this_o fries_n house_n i_o have_v a_o meeting_n and_o there_o the_o constable_n come_v to_o the_o meeting_n but_o news_n be_v bring_v that_o their_o house_n be_v break_v up_o so_o they_o let_v we_o alone_o and_o also_o i_o hear_v that_o the_o soldier_n come_v after_o from_o ringwood_n to_o the_o house_n when_o our_o meeting_n be_v break_v up_o but_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o they_o be_v go_v before_o and_o they_o never_o speak_v to_o i_o
the_o authority_n of_o god_n power_n have_v a_o understanding_n give_v they_o of_o god_n to_o act_n and_o determine_v in_o affair_n appertain_v to_o the_o gospel_n and_o its_o order_n john_n blaykle_v have_v be_v so_o puff_v up_o with_o spiritual_a pride_n as_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v suffer_v his_o wisdom_n to_o be_v turn_v into_o folly_n and_o his_o zeal_n into_o envy_n whereby_o he_o now_o be_v as_o well_o as_o heretofore_o have_v be_v in_o another_o case_n relate_v to_o john_n story_n so_o dexterous_a in_o give_v forth_o a_o false_a certificate_n and_o now_o to_o conclude_v i_o recommend_v the_o whole_a to_o the_o righteous_a witness_n of_o god_n in_o all_o conscience_n nothing_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v yet_o more_o and_o more_o arise_v to_o oppose_v that_o profane_a ungodly_a spirit_n which_o thus_o strive_v against_o his_o heritage_n make_v lie_n false_a certificate_n unjust_a slander_n and_o reproach_n as_o the_o chief_a instrument_n to_o take_v away_o the_o good_a name_n and_o reputation_n of_o such_o as_o can_v bow_v to_o the_o will_n of_o man_n nor_o leave_v the_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n wherein_o they_o have_v begin_v in_o expectation_n to_o be_v make_v perfect_a through_o conformity_n to_o outward_a ordinance_n know_v this_o that_o those_o who_o have_v begin_v in_o the_o spirit_n can_v be_v make_v perfect_a by_o the_o flesh_n william_n rogers_n we_o shall_v now_o conclude_v with_o a_o particular_a matter_n relate_v to_o g._n f._n and_o j._n story_n george_n fox_n write_v unto_o john_n story_n on_o this_o wise_a john_n story_n i_o have_v see_v a_o paper_n that_o be_v scatter_v up_o and_o down_o in_o yorkshire_n and_o westmoreland_n as_o i_o have_v hear_v and_o also_o that_o thou_o shall_v show_v it_o to_o a_o friend_n at_o kendal_n now_o if_o thou_o have_v have_v so_o much_o humanity_n before_o thou_o spread_v this_o paper_n abroad_o thou_o may_v have_v send_v to_o i_o to_o have_v know_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o or_o they_o that_o spread_v it_o also_o this_o practice_n be_v not_o common_a morality_n nor_o civil_a honesty_n among_o man_n which_o i_o do_v declare_v that_o thou_o either_o haste_v forge_v or_o have_v some_o to_o forge_v for_o thou_o those_o horrid_a lie_n for_o i_o never_o think_v nor_o hear_v of_o those_o horrid_a lie_n before_o except_o that_o of_o drunkard_n and_o swearer_n and_o it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o darkness_n from_o a_o malicious_a spirit_n the_o matter_n thus_o deny_v by_o george_n fox_n be_v what_o be_v contain_v in_o a_o certificate_n give_v under_o the_o hand_n of_o henry_n sweet_v of_o hartford_n which_o hereafter_o follow_v and_o forasmuch_o as_o george_n fox_n have_v charge_v john_n story_n that_o he_o either_o have_v forge_v or_o have_v some_o to_o forge_v they_o for_o he_o mean_v many_o thing_n contain_v in_o henry_n sweeting_n certificate_n and_o thereupon_o express_o write_v unto_o john_n story_n in_o these_o word_n thou_o must_v bring_v forth_o the_o author_n and_o the_o informer_n with_o his_o town_n and_o county_n else_o they_o will_v lie_v on_o thy_o own_o head_n we_o think_v it_o just_a and_o reasonable_a that_o what_o be_v do_v in_o persuance_n thereof_o may_v be_v here_o cite_v that_o so_o every_o reader_n be_v judgement_n may_v be_v free_a and_o the_o reader_n leave_v to_o savour_v in_o this_o matter_n for_o himself_o and_o so_o we_o shall_v leave_v all_o after_o purusal_n of_o the_o follow_a testimony_n to_o consider_v whether_o it_o be_v so_o rational_a to_o conclude_v john_n story_n a_o forger_n in_o this_o case_n as_o george_n fox_n for_o he_o that_o will_v adventure_v to_o add_v to_o another_o man_n word_n and_o render_v they_o as_o another_o man_n word_n material_o alter_v the_o sense_n which_o be_v account_v plain_a forgery_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o write_v many_o lie_v when_o he_o may_v be_v detect_v both_o of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o from_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o own_o line_n and_o compare_v with_o what_o he_o pretend_v to_o answer_v even_o as_o before_o be_v manifest_v to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o g._n f._n it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o he_o may_v soon_o adventure_v to_o do_v as_o he_o be_v charge_v by_o henry_n sweeting_n etc._n etc._n when_o the_o matter_n charge_v be_v not_o to_o be_v prove_v under_o his_o hand_n for_o than_o he_o have_v not_o only_o the_o advantage_n to_o deny_v the_o same_o if_o he_o please_v but_o also_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o john_n blaykle_v and_o other_o for_o a_o false_a certificate_n as_o in_o another_o case_n already_o treat_v on_o in_o this_o section_n be_v manifest_v here_o now_o follow_v not_o only_o the_o testimony_n of_o henry_n sweeting_n but_o of_o several_a other_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n george_n fox_n do_v say_v that_o to_o the_o separate_a meeting_n of_o john_n story_n there_o be_v whore_n and_o rogue_n drunkard_n and_o swearer_n there_o come_v a_o couple_n to_o be_v marry_v and_o one_o stand_v up_o and_o say_v mr._n story_n i_o take_v such_o a_o one_o to_o be_v my_o wife_n and_o the_o other_o stand_v up_o and_o say_v mr._n story_n i_o take_v such_o a_o one_o to_o be_v my_o husband_n and_o they_o go_v afterward_o to_o drink_v and_o eat_v some_o cake_n and_o cheese_n and_o say_v sir_n i_o will_v drink_v to_o thou_o and_o doff_v his_o hat_n the_o other_o say_v thank_v you_o sir_n and_o doff_v his_o hat_n and_o where_o this_o be_v do_v g._n fox_n he_o send_v for_o the_o woman_n of_o the_o house_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o he_o ask_v whether_o it_o be_v true_a and_o the_o woman_n say_v it_o be_v true_a it_o grieve_v her_o heart_n to_o see_v it_o also_o he_o say_v that_o there_o be_v fall_v from_o john_n story_n thirty_o at_o one_o time_n of_o the_o honest_a of_o they_o these_o word_n be_v speak_v by_o george_n fox_n in_o my_o house_n in_o hartford_n and_o if_o g._n f._n will_v come_v to_o trial_n i_o shall_v then_o prove_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o be_v above_o write_v by_o other_o testimony_n that_o he_o speak_v it_o in_o this_o town_n in_o other_o place_n witness_v henry_n sweeting_n ann_n sweeting_n hartford_n 29_o of_o the_o 12_o month_n 1678._o the_o cause_n of_o this_o my_o writing_n be_v chief_o because_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o a_o paper_n wherein_o my_o name_n with_o other_o be_v that_o come_v from_o g._n f._n which_o be_v a_o very_a abusive_a paper_n although_o he_o speak_v so_o much_o of_o john_n story_n be_v send_v and_o spread_v a_o paper_n and_o not_o send_v to_o he_o first_o g._n f._n have_v do_v it_o and_o must_v not_o be_v correct_v for_o this_o his_o great_a fail_v i_o shall_v leave_v it_o to_o the_o lord_n who_o correct_v and_o judge_v in_o righteousness_n who_o be_v god_n that_o see_v and_o know_v all_o thus_o much_o follow_v in_o vindication_n of_o truth_n i_o come_v to_o henry_n sweeting_n be_v house_n in_o hartford_n there_o be_v george_n fox_n and_o the_o time_n i_o be_v there_o i_o hear_v he_o speak_v the_o great_a part_n of_o what_o be_v in_o a_o 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surround_v the_o country_n to_o get_v up_o all_o the_o miscarriage_n and_o fail_n do_v and_o commit_v in_o time_n past_a which_o indeed_o i_o tell_v he_o then_o at_z henry_n sweeting_n that_o it_o grieve_v my_o heart_n to_o hear_v he_o relate_v such_o thing_n and_o so_o i_o leave_v he_o at_o henry_n sweeting_n where_o i_o find_v he_o in_o his_o carriage_n go_v on_o hush_v any_o one_o that_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o speak_v beside_o himself_o this_o in_o love_n from_o he_o that_o be_v his_o friend_n edward_n perkin_n friend_n g._n fox_n thou_o have_v send_v a_o paper_n to_o judge_v i_o concern_v what_o i_o hear_v thou_o speak_v about_o john_n story_n thou_o deny_v it_o
in_o isa_n 9.6_o it_o be_v thus_o say_v and_o the_o government_n shall_v be_v upon_o his_o shoulder_n and_o his_o name_n shall_v be_v call_v wonderful_a councillor_n etc._n etc._n second_o because_o it_o be_v whole_o repugnant_a to_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o conscience_n that_o the_o weight_n of_o a_o government_n that_o be_v spiritual_a and_o everlasting_a the_o law_n whereof_o be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o wherein_o nothing_o but_o true_a judgement_n and_o justice_n have_v be_v be_v and_o shall_v be_v execute_v for_o evermore_o shall_v rest_v upon_o any_o man_n or_o man_n as_o a_o governor_n or_o governor_n over_o other_o since_o there_o be_v no_o man_n nor_o man_n but_o be_v subject_n through_o temptation_n to_o err_v if_o they_o watch_v not_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v well_o say_v much_o less_o on_o any_o such_o one_o man_n though_o term_v by_o some_o the_o great_a apostle_n of_o christ_n who_o action_n towards_o his_o brethren_n have_v be_v find_v injurious_a to_o they_o undeserved_o and_o reproachful_a to_o the_o truth_n nor_o yet_o upon_o any_o such_o assembly_n as_o the_o usual_a general_n meet_v so_o term_v though_o improper_o of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n be_v because_o the_o metre_n have_v usual_o consist_v of_o uncertain_a number_n of_o uncertain_a qualify_v person_n that_o take_v upon_o they_o so_o to_o assemble_v while_o other_o behold_v the_o ill_a consequence_n of_o their_o meeting_n conscientious_o forbear_v to_o join_v with_o they_o three_o because_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n have_v their_o eye_n so_o much_o on_o his_o outward_a and_o bodily_a appearance_n as_o that_o christ_n their_o lord_n and_o master_n see_v it_o meet_v to_o tell_v they_o in_o these_o word_n joh._n 16.7_o it_o be_v expedient_a for_o you_o that_o i_o go_v away_o and_o when_o he_o so_o say_v he_o do_v not_o then_o tell_v they_o nor_o yet_o at_o any_o time_n before_o or_o after_o i_o will_v commissionate_v some_o man_n or_o assembly_n of_o man_n in_o my_o stead_n that_o so_o you_o may_v have_v your_o eye_n unto_o and_o expect_v write_a order_n from_o him_z or_o they_o to_o walk_v by_o and_o to_o lead_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n but_o john_n give_v they_o a_o reason_n for_o his_o so_o say_v in_o these_o word_n joh._n 16.7_o for_o if_o i_o go_v not_o away_o the_o comforter_n will_v not_o come_v but_o if_o i_o depart_v i_o will_v send_v he_o unto_o you_o mean_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o as_o he_o promise_v shall_v abide_v with_o they_o for_o ever_o and_o shall_v be_v in_o they_o which_o undoubted_o be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o exaltation_n of_o his_o government_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o that_o they_o may_v have_v their_o whole_a dependency_n on_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o as_o before_o be_v signify_v christ_n promise_v shall_v abide_v with_o they_o forever_o and_o so_o this_o may_v true_o be_v term_v that_o everlasting_a unerring_a unchangeable_a governor_n unto_o which_o the_o subject_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n owe_v obedience_n and_o why_o so_o but_o because_o under_o it_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v guide_v into_o all_o truth_n according_a as_o be_v plain_o signify_v from_o these_o follow_a word_n speak_v by_o christ_n himself_o joh._n 16.13_o i_o have_v yet_o many_o thing_n to_o say_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o can_v bear_v they_o now_o howbeit_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n for_o he_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o but_o whatsoever_o he_o shall_v hear_v that_o shall_v he_o speak_v here_o be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o contend_v about_o form_n of_o government_n or_o who_o shall_v be_v governor_n under_o christ_n government_n for_o if_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o we_o and_o that_o be_v to_o remain_v with_o we_o forever_o shall_v guide_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n than_o our_o dependency_n ought_v to_o be_v thereon_o that_o so_o thereby_o we_o may_v be_v lead_v into_o all_o truth_n or_o else_o we_o can_v manifest_v ourselves_o to_o be_v obedient_a subject_n unto_o christ_n under_o his_o government_n that_o he_o be_v exalt_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o men._n the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n lead_v we_o to_o give_v this_o testimony_n that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n either_o from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o we_o or_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o we_o to_o believe_v that_o any_o christian_a professor_n can_v in_o truth_n affirm_v that_o there_o be_v outward_a prescription_n and_o order_n give_v forth_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n through_o any_o one_o or_o more_o mortal_a man_n in_o this_o our_o day_n which_o other_o ought_v to_o obey_v and_o follow_v of_o which_o more_o anon_o in_o answer_n to_o r._n b_n book_n of_o government_n whether_o they_o see_v it_o their_o duty_n or_o no_o and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o may_v therefore_o come_v under_o the_o curse_n and_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n from_o god_n which_o happen_v to_o corah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n for_o their_o rebellion_n against_o moses_n and_o though_o the_o sin_n of_o corah_n etc._n etc._n have_v frequent_o in_o our_o public_a meeting_n for_o worship_n be_v speak_v of_o and_o intend_v as_o we_o have_v take_v it_o to_o be_v as_o a_o proper_a citation_n to_o describe_v the_o state_n of_o such_o as_o on_o a_o conscientious_a score_n can_v submit_v unto_o the_o outward_a order_n of_o one_o man_n yet_o we_o testify_v that_o such_o sort_n of_o insinuate_a and_o threaten_a language_n seem_v much_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o first_o covenant_n than_o the_o second_o under_o which_o we_o be_v and_o when_o countenance_v or_o speak_v by_o any_o expect_v such_o a_o submission_n it_o than_o seem_v to_o savour_v of_o a_o spirit_n that_o speak_v of_o himself_o and_o not_o what_o he_o have_v hear_v from_o the_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o consequent_o from_o another_o spirit_n than_o that_o which_o christ_n promise_v he_o will_v send_v for_o christ_n own_o word_n signify_v he_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o moreover_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o corah_n and_o his_o company_n rebel_v against_o moses_n who_o be_v king_n in_o jesuran_n and_o a_o leader_n of_o israel_n and_o through_o who_o the_o lord_n give_v forth_o his_o law_n to_o the_o people_n but_o we_o know_v that_o none_o can_v according_a to_o truth_n at_o this_o day_n pretend_v that_o any_o other_o governor_n be_v raise_v up_o among_o the_o child_n of_o light_n to_o be_v like_a unto_o moses_n who_o we_o ought_v to_o hear_v in_o all_o thing_n save_v christ_n jesus_n who_o by_o his_o spirit_n manifest_v in_o every_o subject_a of_o his_o kingdom_n be_v thereby_o become_v their_o lawgiver_n and_o while_o they_o be_v obedient_a thereunto_o they_o may_v in_o truth_n be_v reckon_v to_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n because_o they_o may_v then_o true_o be_v term_v such_o as_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o such_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n there_o be_v no_o condemnation_n objection_n this_o discourse_n touch_v government_n may_v occasion_v some_o to_o raise_v this_o objection_n we_o understand_v that_o many_o call_v quaker_n do_v hold_v monthly_a and_o quarterly-meeting_n of_o man_n and_o also_o of_o woman_n distinct_a from_o man_n about_o their_o church_n affair_n and_o that_o these_o meeting_n be_v repute_v to_o be_v establish_v on_o certain_a day_n that_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v alter_v by_o one_o man_n among_o they_o that_o have_v pretend_v he_o be_v move_v of_o god_n so_o to_o do_v and_o that_o the_o same_o person_n have_v by_o his_o paper_n spread_v abroad_o in_o divers_a part_n of_o the_o nation_n signify_v that_o none_o but_o loose_a spirit_n and_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o looseness_n pretend_v to_o set_v 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