adam_n do_v through_o his_o rebellion_n in_o eat_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n chap._n v._o touch_v magistracy_n and_o obedience_n thereto_o on_o this_o subject_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o treat_v as_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o magistracy_n and_o people_n of_o england_n whereof_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n be_v a_o part_n 1._o we_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o owe_v obedience_n either_o active_a or_o passive_a unto_o this_o magistracy_n and_o that_o such_o obedience_n be_v as_o well_o ground_v on_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o as_o warrantable_a from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o for_o when_o the_o magistrate_n do_v command_v obedience_n unto_o any_o law_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o indeed_o no_o law_n of_o england_n according_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o its_o government_n and_o those_o maxim_n which_o be_v declare_v for_o law_n aught_o to_o be_v contrary_a thereto_o than_o we_o ought_v to_o yield_v active_a obedience_n and_o whilst_o the_o magistrate_n be_v in_o execution_n of_o such_o law_n they_o be_v as_o occasion_n require_v punisher_n of_o those_o that_o do_v evil_a 14._o 1_o pet._n 2.13_o 14._o and_o a_o praise_n unto_o they_o that_o do_v well_o which_o be_v agreeable_a unto_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n touch_v magistracy_n unto_o who_o in_o such_o case_n active_a obedience_n be_v to_o be_v give_v for_o the_o lord_n sake_n obj._n you_o speak_v very_o well_o so_o far_o as_o you_o have_v limit_v your_o obedience_n to_o good_a law_n but_o what_o if_o those_o in_o power_n shall_v make_v such_o law_n which_o you_o account_v bad_a and_o not_o ground_v on_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o direct_o against_o those_o who_o you_o term_v god_n people_n dare_v you_o then_o say_v that_o it_o be_v agreeable_a unto_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o and_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o to_o yield_v obedience_n in_o such_o case_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o light_n within_o and_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o that_o a_o christian_a yield_v passive_a obedience_n since_o for_o conscience_n sake_n choose_v rather_o to_o obey_v god_n than_o man_n 29._o act._n 5.28_o 29._o which_o be_v the_o apostle_n case_n he_o can_v yield_v active_a obedience_n for_o we_o find_v the_o counsel_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v on_o this_o wise_a resist_v not_o evil_a 5.39_o mat._n 5.39_o but_o whosoever_o shall_v smite_v thou_o on_o thy_o right_a cheek_n turn_v to_o he_o the_o other_o which_o clear_o show_v it_o be_v against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o resist_v and_o so_o consequent_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v passive_a and_o therefore_o since_o we_o have_v not_o at_o any_o time_n plead_v for_o any_o other_o light_n within_o save_v the_o light_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v as_o well_o agreeable_a unto_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o as_o with_o the_o counsel_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o that_o man_n under_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n put_v in_o practice_n that_o wholesome_a counsel_n which_o be_v give_v by_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o way_n be_v unchangeable_a viz._n resist_v not_o evil_a obj._n this_o show_v you_o principled_a against_o outward_a war_n and_o fight_n to_o work_v your_o own_o deliverance_n from_o under_o oppressive_a magistrate_n ans_fw-fr yes_o very_o for_o so_o we_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o child_n of_o light_n be_v desire_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lord_n according_a as_o the_o prophet_n say_v 2.5_o isa_n 2.5_o o_o house_n of_o jacob_n come_v you_o let_v we_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o last_o day_n touch_v which_o the_o same_o prophet_n thus_o prophesi_v 2.4_o isa_n 2.4_o he_o shall_v judge_v among_o the_o nation_n and_o shall_v rebuke_v many_o people_n and_o they_o shall_v beat_v their_o sword_n into_o ploughshare_n and_o their_o spear_n into_o pruning-hook_n nation_n shall_v not_o lift_v up_o sword_n against_o nation_n neither_o shall_v they_o learn_v war_n any_o more_o this_o be_v speak_v prophetical_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o reign_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n show_v that_o all_o outward_a force_n and_o war_n be_v to_o be_v deny_v by_o the_o member_n of_o his_o body_n which_o be_v his_o church_n to_o work_v their_o own_o deliverance_n a_o far_a proof_n whereof_o be_v manifest_v unto_o we_o by_o christ_n himself_o when_o he_o say_v unto_o peter_n put_v up_o thy_o sword_n into_o thy_o sheath_n and_o therefore_o in_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n unto_o we_o who_o as_o his_o peculiar_a people_n he_o have_v choose_v to_o follow_v his_o precept_n and_o example_n we_o can_v say_v bless_a be_v the_o lord_n many_o there_o be_v in_o this_o our_o day_n who_o by_o the_o peaceable_a spirit_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v lead_v like_o a_o lamb_n dumb_a before_o the_o shearer_n be_v retire_v in_o their_o spirit_n unto_o the_o lord_n out_o of_o all_o outward_a warring_n and_o fight_n resign_v up_o unto_o he_o in_o who_o preservation_n be_v know_v this_o that_o the_o same_o occasion_n may_v be_v give_v in_o this_o our_o day_n to_o testify_v as_o paul_n do_v in_o his_o day_n 3.12_o 2_o tim._n 3.12_o viz._n all_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n shall_v suffer_v persecution_n and_o so_o on_o this_o score_n be_v lead_v by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n not_o to_o resist_v evil_a lest_o they_o shall_v be_v find_v opposer_n of_o that_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v think_v good_a to_o suffer_v to_o come_v upon_o his_o heritage_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o patience_n which_o be_v much_o more_o precious_a than_o gold_n that_o now_o also_o our_o persuasion_n touch_v government_n in_o general_n may_v be_v full_o know_v we_o refer_v to_o the_o 3d_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n be_v a_o treatise_n on_o that_o subject_a chap._n vi_o touch_v respect_n of_o person_n plain_a language_n disuse_n of_o the_o word_n master_n unless_o by_o a_o servant_n to_o his_o master_n of_o custom_n and_o fashion_n of_o this_o world_n and_o of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o unknown_a that_o the_o outward_a deportment_n of_o friend_n in_o truth_n have_v become_v as_o a_o stumbling-block_n to_o many_o conclude_v that_o our_o manner_n of_o habit_n gesture_n and_o language_n distinct_a from_o other_o be_v either_o the_o fruit_n of_o pride_n or_o ignorance_n or_o else_o of_o both_o and_o therefore_o on_o this_o occasion_n it_o be_v think_v needful_a to_o add_v something_o in_o relation_n to_o this_o subject_a wherein_o our_o intent_n be_v not_o to_o make_v a_o apology_n for_o any_o action_n that_o in_o itself_o be_v real_o rude_a whimsical_a or_o imaginary_a but_o rather_o to_o give_v in_o our_o testimony_n on_o behalf_n of_o ourselves_o and_o all_o those_o who_o through_o obedience_n unto_o the_o inshinings_a of_o christ_n light_n in_o their_o conscience_n be_v make_v or_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n by_o which_o those_o who_o conscience_n be_v purify_v from_o dead_a work_n come_v to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n in_o newness_n of_o life_n and_o therein_o to_o have_v their_o conversation_n order_v aright_o so_o as_o not_o to_o give_v any_o just_a occasion_n of_o offence_n either_o to_o jew_n or_o gentile_n or_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o that_o keep_v themselves_o unspotted_a of_o the_o world_n nor_o yet_o fashion_v themselves_o according_a to_o their_o former_a lust_n they_o may_v not_o have_v whereof_o to_o glory_v save_v in_o the_o cross_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o who_o the_o world_n be_v crucify_v to_o they_o and_o they_o unto_o the_o world_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o ourselves_o and_o all_o such_o our_o testimony_n now_o be_v that_o when_o the_o everlasting_a light_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n shine_v in_o every_o conscience_n be_v exalt_v as_o that_o spiritual_a appearance_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o be_v to_o lead_v and_o guide_v into_o all_o truth_n we_o be_v witness_n that_o it_o become_v a_o discoverer_n that_o man_n in_o his_o fall_a estate_n be_v puff_v up_o in_o pride_n use_v many_o unnecessary_a attire_n and_o complimental_a expression_n to_o please_v and_o affect_v that_o mind_n which_o be_v alienate_v from_o god_n and_o estrange_v from_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n neither_o do_v this_o light_n only_o make_v such_o a_o discovery_n but_o also_o prompt_v to_o bear_v a_o testimony_n against_o the_o same_o by_o example_n and_o conversation_n and_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o dare_v to_o go_v after_o the_o vain_a fashion_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o world_n but_o rather_o have_v our_o eye_n unto_o that_o which_o be_v incorruptible_a viz._n the_o ornament_n of_o a_o meek_a and_o quiet_a
verse_n 64._o but_o notwithstanding_o we_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v positive_o to_o affirm_v that_o christ_n intend_v not_o a_o baptism_n of_o water_n 4.2_o joh._n 4.2_o as_o needful_a to_o be_v administer_v by_o some_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o people_n for_o a_o season_n because_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o not_o only_a christ_n disciple_n before_o he_o be_v crucify_a when_o it_o appear_v not_o that_o they_o have_v any_o power_n to_o baptise_v with_o the_o spirit_n do_v baptise_v but_o also_o that_o some_o after_o that_o time_n of_o his_o be_v crucify_a 37._o act._n 8.16_o 29_o 36_o 37._o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o yet_o they_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v compare_v with_o what_o be_v write_v touch_v the_o eunuch_n and_o philip_n 38.39_o act._n 38.39_o who_o by_o the_o spirit_n be_v bid_v to_o go_v near_o and_o join_v himself_o to_o the_o eunuch_n chariot_n do_v clear_o import_v that_o water_n baptism_n be_v use_v as_o well_o after_o the_o crucify_a of_o christ_n as_o before_o but_o whether_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o command_n from_o christ_n so_o to_o do_v be_v yet_o the_o question_n and_o uncertain_a from_o any_o positive_a scripture_n however_o suppose_v that_o the_o baptism_n of_o water_n be_v the_o baptism_n intend_v by_o christ_n in_o the_o word_n go_v teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o etc._n etc._n it_o then_o seem_v natural_o to_o follow_v that_o this_o be_v but_o a_o confirmation_n of_o john_n ministry_n and_o that_o be_v a_o legal_a administration_n but_o for_o a_o season_n and_o not_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v not_o that_o baptism_n wherewith_o john_n testify_v 2.4_o luk._n 25.49_o act._n 1.4_o act._n 2.4_o christ_n shall_v baptise_v which_o be_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n especial_o if_o we_o do_v but_o consider_v that_o christ_n be_v not_o yet_o ascend_v after_o which_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o father_n be_v to_o be_v fulfil_v viz._n the_o pover_v forth_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o undoubted_o be_v the_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o every_o baptism_n in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o that_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o be_v clear_o signify_v act._n 8.15_o 16._o who_o when_o they_o be_v come_v down_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o as_o yet_o he_o be_v fall_v on_o one_o of_o they_o only_o they_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n all_o which_o be_v due_o weigh_v it_o be_v rational_a to_o conclude_v that_o the_o baptism_n of_o water_n ought_v to_o end_v in_o time_n and_o that_o these_o word_n and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o baptism_n of_o water_n be_v thereby_o intend_v to_o continue_v as_o a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o dissolution_n of_o all_o thing_n but_o can_v nor_o so_o much_o be_v say_v as_o already_o be_v to_o evidence_n that_o the_o continuance_n thereof_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o the_o meaning_n of_o christ_n unto_o his_o disciple_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v affirm_v that_o the_o word_n themselves_o in_o the_o greek_a tongue_n if_o we_o compare_v scripture_n with_o scripture_n will_v not_o hold_v forth_o such_o a_o interpretation_n for_o the_o sentence_n 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 be_v in_o greek_a thus_o express_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o may_v proper_o be_v render_v thus_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o every_o day_n unto_o the_o consummation_n of_o the_o age._n this_o interpretation_n be_v compare_v with_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n unto_o john_n when_o he_o be_v forbid_v by_o john_n to_o be_v baptize_v by_o he_o say_v suffer_v it_o to_o be_v so_o now_o for_o thus_o it_o become_v we_o to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n clear_o show_v that_o christ_n do_v not_o by_o that_o commission_n intend_v a_o continuation_n of_o that_o administration_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o rather_o that_o as_o other_o shadow_n type_n figure_n and_o pattern_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n under_o the_o law_n be_v to_o have_v a_o end_n in_o time_n so_o the_o baptism_n of_o water_n be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o baptism_n by_o his_o spirit_n be_v also_o to_o have_v a_o end_n in_o time_n and_o this_o interpretation_n be_v clear_o evidence_v from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o to_o be_v according_a to_o truth_n for_o we_o find_v the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n thus_o testify_v heb._n 9.24_o 25_o 26._o christ_n be_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a place_n make_v with_o hand_n which_o be_v the_o figure_n of_o the_o true_a but_o into_o heaven_n itself_o now_o to_o appear_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o we_o nor_o yet_o that_o he_o shall_v offer_v himself_o often_o as_o the_o high_a priest_n enter_v into_o the_o holy_a place_n every_o year_n with_o blood_n of_o other_o for_o than_o must_v he_o often_o have_v suffer_v since_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n but_o now_o once_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n have_v he_o appear_v to_o put_v away_o sin_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o on_o this_o scripture_n it_o be_v thus_o observe_v that_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n appear_v to_o put_v away_o sin_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o be_v term_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o translate_v from_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o may_v proper_o be_v translate_v in_o the_o consummation_n of_o age_n experience_n tell_v we_o as_o well_o as_o the_o signification_n of_o word_n that_o these_o word_n be_v not_o so_o intelligible_o translate_v as_o they_o may_v since_o it_o now_o relate_v to_o time_n above_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n past_a now_o forasmuch_o as_o we_o find_v that_o in_o this_o sentence_n 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 the_o same_o greek_n word_n be_v render_v to_o signify_v the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o be_v in_o the_o aforesaid_a quotation_n to_o the_o hebrew_n which_o relate_v to_o a_o time_n above_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n past_a save_v only_o that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o matthew_n be_v the_o singular_a number_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o hebrew_n the_o plural_a there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o christ_n commission_n to_o baptise_v be_v intend_v to_o continue_v as_o a_o ordinance_n under_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n until_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o as_o a_o further_a evidence_n that_o this_o interpretation_n be_v the_o very_a truth_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o word_n world_n in_o this_o sentence_n before_o cite_v viz._n since_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v render_v in_o greek_n not_o by_o the_o same_o word_n as_o the_o word_n world_n in_o the_o two_o other_o sentence_n be_v viz._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o may_v be_v true_o render_v a_o age_n or_o the_o time_n of_o a_o man_n life_n but_o by_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o proper_o signify_v the_o world_n viz._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d can_v no_o more_o be_v say_v to_o render_v christ_n word_n in_o matthew_n not_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o practice_v water-baptism_n at_o this_o day_n as_o a_o gospel-ordinance_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o every_o impartial_a reader_n unto_o who_o god_n have_v give_v divine_a understanding_n in_o relation_n to_o this_o matter_n but_o since_o we_o find_v that_o after_o christ_n ascension_n it_o be_v use_v for_o a_o season_n we_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o add_v that_o our_o faith_n be_v that_o the_o practice_n thereof_o be_v chief_o by_o way_n of_o condescension_n to_o those_o who_o be_v weak_a and_o not_o easy_o bring_v off_o from_o the_o observation_n of_o outward_a ordinance_n to_o have_v their_o eye_n unto_o christ_n jesus_n the_o great_a ordinance_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n and_o this_o spirit_n of_o condescension_n seem_v to_o be_v in_o paul_n when_o he_o say_v 22._o 1_o cor._n 9.20_o 21_o 22._o unto_o the_o jew_n i_o become_v as_o a_o jew_n that_o i_o may_v gain_v the_o jew_n to_o they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n as_o under_o the_o law_n that_o i_o may_v gain_v they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n to_o they_o that_o be_v without_o law_n as_o without_o law_n be_v not_o without_o law_n to_o god_n but_o under_o the_o law_n to_o christ_n that_o i_o may_v gain_v they_o that_o be_v without_o law_n to_o the_o weak_a i_o become_v as_o weak_a that_o i_o may_v gain_v the_o weak_a i_o be_o make_v all_o thing_n to_o
of_o god_n spirit_n to_o publish_v unto_o the_o world_n for_o god_n be_v overrule_v by_o timothy_n a_o son_n when_o according_a to_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n he_o ought_v to_o be_v rule_v by_o paul_n the_o father_n nay_o perhaps_o by_o one_o that_o be_v of_o much_o lesser_a rank_n in_o the_o body_n if_o so_o be_v he_o have_v a_o word_n of_o exhortation_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o god_n truth_n &_o be_v usual_o exercise_v therein_o in_o public_a but_o suppose_v no_o such_o obstruction_n have_v or_o may_v appear_v yet_o i_o query_n whether_o it_o look_v like_o a_o part_n of_o christ_n government_n for_o timothy_n the_o son_n to_o be_v admit_v as_o a_o judge_n over_o the_o write_n of_o paul_n who_o as_o a_o father_n beget_v he_o unto_o the_o truth_n paul_n 1_o cor._n 12._o treat_v of_o the_o diversity_n of_o gift_n by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n mention_v several_a of_o they_o viz._n the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n the_o word_n of_o knowledge_n faith_n gift_n of_o healing_n work_v of_o miracle_n prophesy_v discern_v of_o spirit_n divers_a kind_n of_o tongue_n interpretation_n of_o tongue_n and_o then_o at_o length_n say_v god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n first_o apostles_n secondary_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n and_o after_o that_o miracle_n etc._n etc._n and_o then_o say_v be_v all_o prophet_n be_v all_o apostle_n be_v all_o teacher_n etc._n etc._n and_o again_o rom_n 14.6_o 7_o 8._o he_o thus_o say_v have_v then_o gift_n differ_v according_a to_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v give_v to_o we_o whether_o prophecy_n let_v we_o prophesy_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n or_o ministry_n let_v we_o wait_v on_o our_o ministry_n or_o he_o that_o teach_v on_o teach_v or_o he_o that_o exhort_v on_o exhortation_n from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o god_n have_v give_v diversity_n of_o gift_n and_o that_o those_o member_n who_o may_v be_v skilful_a through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o exercise_n one_o gift_n may_v be_v unskillful_a to_o exercise_v another_o and_o so_o every_o own_o aught_o to_o wait_v on_o their_o own_o gift_n that_o therein_o they_o may_v be_v exercise_v and_o that_o also_o not_o beyond_o but_o according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n for_o doubtless_o the_o apostle_n be_v sensible_a there_o be_v a_o proneness_n in_o some_o to_o run_v beyond_o their_o gift_n and_o therefore_o he_o say_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n now_o shall_v any_o number_n of_o person_n among_o who_o there_o shall_v be_v only_o such_o who_o gift_n be_v either_o to_o prophesy_v teach_v or_o exhort_v but_o not_o to_o discern_v spirit_n sit_v together_o and_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o consider_v whether_o that_o which_o be_v give_v forth_o for_o public_a service_n by_o any_o brother_n serious_o declare_v that_o god_n move_v thereunto_o aught_o to_o come_v to_o public_a view_n and_o be_v find_v hinder_v the_o come_n forth_o of_o the_o same_o when_o nothing_o unsound_a appear_v they_o will_v therein_o make_v a_o breach_n on_o that_o christian-liberty_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v preserve_v inviolable_a in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n nay_o if_o peradventure_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o among_o they_o who_o gift_n be_v to_o discern_v spirit_n and_o so_o according_o give_v their_o approabation_n or_o disapprobation_n it_o become_v not_o other_o not_o gift_v therein_o to_o concern_v themselves_o because_o their_o duty_n be_v if_o paul_n counsel_n be_v good_a to_o wait_v on_o their_o own_o gift_n and_o though_o such_o may_v declare_v they_o have_v unity_n therewith_o in_o the_o life_n yet_o that_o may_v be_v only_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o lip_n or_o of_o a_o hasty_a spirit_n that_o may_v have_v zeal_n without_o knowledge_n when_o the_o matter_n wherewith_o they_o declare_v themselves_o at_o unity_n be_v without_o the_o compass_n of_o their_o gift_n knowledge_n or_o capacity_n to_o judge_n of_o but_o yet_o i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v that_o it_o be_v unnecessary_a for_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o take_v care_n that_o nothing_o scandalous_a to_o the_o truth_n come_v forth_o in_o public_a under_o the_o name_n of_o any_o who_o make_v profession_n thereof_o and_o be_v it_o so_o that_o i_o have_v aught_o upon_o i_o on_o truth_n behalf_n to_o bring_v to_o public_a view_n i_o shall_v be_v glad_a of_o the_o opportunity_n to_o lay_v it_o before_o such_o brethren_n with_o who_o the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n knowledge_n and_o discern_v of_o spirit_n dwell_v yet_o be_o persuade_v the_o lord_n will_v preserve_v i_o from_o suffer_v the_o counsel_n of_o any_o to_o lead_v i_o contrary_a to_o what_o i_o believe_v the_o lord_n move_v unless_o through_o the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n they_o can_v convince_v i_o of_o error_n and_o so_o come_v to_o see_v it_o my_o place_n to_o forbear_v and_o this_o i_o account_v agreeable_a to_o the_o truth_n which_o prefer_v obedience_n to_o our_o own_o measure_n of_o grace_n before_o obedience_n to_o the_o measure_n of_o other_o and_o to_o wait_v on_o our_o own_o gift_n and_o not_o the_o gift_n of_o other_o even_o as_o i_o account_v it_o contrary_n to_o truth_n and_o as_o a_o branch_n spring_v from_o that_o spirit_n which_o will_v limit_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n to_o subject_v the_o approbation_n of_o come_v or_o not_o come_v of_o all_o write_n whatsoever_o give_v forth_o on_o a_o religious_a account_n to_o public_a view_n unto_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o unless_o such_o as_o be_v perfect_o skilful_a in_o all_o spiritual_a gift_n mystery_n and_o knowledge_n relate_v to_o the_o matter_n appertain_v to_o god_n kingdom_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n have_v this_o uncertain_a unselected_a assembly_n speak_v of_o be_v such_o at_o the_o time_n when_o r._n b_n small_a treatise_n be_v approve_v doubtless_o it_o will_v never_o have_v pass_v as_o that_o whereby_o truth_n will_v be_v promote_v through_o a_o belief_n of_o all_o the_o matter_n which_o therein_o he_o assert_n for_o truth_n moreover_o when_o i_o consider_v that_o all_o miscarriage_n in_o write_n approve_v at_o that_o assembly_n do_v not_o only_o become_v the_o error_n of_o a_o particular_a person_n but_o of_o that_o assembly_n also_o &_o not_o only_o so_o but_o peradventure_o may_v be_v reflect_v though_o unworthy_o on_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n on_o a_o common_a presumption_n that_o have_v past_o the_o test_n of_o that_o meeting_n the_o whole_a church_n approve_v thereof_o i_o be_o even_o ready_a to_o query_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o better_a to_o let_v every_o man_n stand_v or_o fall_v to_o his_o own_o master_n in_o this_o respect_n unless_o some_o better_a expedient_a may_v be_v find_v than_o such_o a_o one_o as_o have_v admit_v of_o such_o erroneous_a assertion_n as_o to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o truth_n be_v contain_v in_o r._n b_n treatise_n and_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v object_v and_o say_v what_o will_v not_o thou_o submit_v to_o the_o sentence_n of_o such_o apostle_n with_o who_o the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n dwell_v yes_o very_o i_o shall_v and_o aught_o so_o to_o do_v if_o my_o faith_n be_v such_o as_o certain_o to_o believe_v they_o be_v such_o apostle_n to_o i_o but_o not_o before_o read_v 2_o cor._n 10.13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o from_o all_o which_o i_o do_v according_a to_o truth_n thus_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v groundless_o assert_v by_o r._n b._n in_o the_o sense_n i_o take_v his_o line_n to_o import_v viz._n with_o respect_n to_o outward_a order_n that_o the_o ancient_a apostolic_a order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v re-establish_v among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n call_v quaker_n yet_o i_o do_v testify_v that_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n ought_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o and_o over_o his_o church_n and_o that_o though_o the_o order_n of_o this_o government_n be_v not_o so_o describe_v as_o that_o by_o any_o outward_a rule_n or_o write_a prescription_n as_o a_o sufficient_a mean_n man_n may_v exact_o walk_v therein_o yet_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o there_o be_v many_o of_o god_n people_n among_o those_o who_o in_o derision_n be_v call_v quaker_n that_o have_v be_v so_o obedient_a unto_o that_o grace_n which_o have_v be_v give_v they_o according_a to_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n as_o that_o it_o may_v be_v true_o say_v of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n and_o that_o they_o be_v in_o subjection_n according_a to_o their_o measure_n to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n which_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o own_o power_n and_o spirit_n he_o have_v establish_v in_o their_o inward_a part_n so_o that_o through_o that_o obedience_n which_o be_v of_o faith_n other_o obedience_n avail_v not_o they_o be_v exercise_v themselves_o according_a to_o the_o leading_n of_o
the_o christian-quaker_n distinguish_v from_o the_o apostate_n &_o innovator_n in_o five_o part_n wherein_o religious_a differnce_n among_o the_o people_n term_v in_o derision_n quaker_n be_v treat_v on_o george_z fox_n one_o at_o least_o if_o not_o the_o chief_a repute_v author_n thereof_o be_v detect_v doctrine_n of_o truth_n own_v by_o the_o child_n of_o light_n and_o clear_v from_o objection_n be_v lay_v down_o according_a to_o holy_a scripture_n and_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o william_n rogers_n on_o behalf_n of_o himself_o and_o other_o friend_n in_o truth_n concern_v eccles_n 2.9_o there_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n under_o the_o sun_n gal._n 2.11_o but_o when_o peter_n be_v come_v to_o antioch_n i_o withstand_v he_o to_o the_o face_n because_o he_o be_v to_o be_v blame_v london_n print_v in_o the_o year_n 1680._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n it_o be_v the_o say_v of_o christ_n as_o i_o hear_v i_o judge_v i_o hope_v that_o christ_n example_n in_o that_o case_n will_v be_v such_o a_o bond_n on_o every_o one_o that_o may_v concern_v themselves_o touch_v this_o treatise_n as_o that_o i_o may_v have_v no_o just_a occasion_n to_o reflect_v on_o any_o christian-professor_n even_o as_o nicodemus_n a_o pharisee_n once_o do_v on_o those_o of_o his_o own_o sect_n joh._n 7.51_o do_v our_o law_n judge_v any_o man_n before_o it_o hear_v he_o in_o confidence_n that_o this_o treatise_n may_v meet_v with_o so_o much_o justice_n at_o least_o from_o true_a if_o not_o from_o all_o pretend_a friend_n it_o be_v now_o bring_v to_o light_n and_o though_o some_o among_o the_o people_n term_v in_o derision_n quaker_n appear_v to_o stand_v as_o neuter_n in_o the_o present_a controversy_n among_o they_o not_o know_v the_o christian_n and_o orderly_o proceed_v of_o other_o may_v conclude_v that_o it_o be_v a_o untimely_a birth_n yet_o let_v such_o know_v that_o the_o moderation_n of_o those_o who_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o publication_n hereof_o have_v for_o many_o year_n pass_v be_v manifest_v note_v the_o division_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n have_v be_v at_o least_o eight_o year_n increase_n to_o the_o height_n they_o now_o be_v at_o by_o endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o do_v lie_v as_o hereafter_o will_n more_o large_o appear_v that_o those_o small_a difference_n which_o at_o first_o seem_v but_o like_a unto_o little_a spark_n may_v not_o arise_v unto_o so_o great_a a_o flame_n as_o they_o now_o be_v and_o be_v it_o not_o so_o that_o many_o meeting_n of_o the_o say_a people_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o divers_a part_n of_o the_o nation_n have_v be_v entertain_v with_o frequent_a contention_n and_o opposition_n and_o in_o particular_a that_o both_o priest_n professor_n and_o profane_v have_v become_v eye_n and_o ear-witness_n of_o such_o rude_a and_o unchristianlike_a deportment_n as_o of_o late_o have_v be_v mafe_v by_o many_o speak_n at_o once_o in_o their_o publick-meeting_a within_o the_o city_n of_o bristol_n before_o many_o hundred_o by_o which_o the_o metre_n have_v be_v repute_v as_o in_o a_o uproar_v and_o their_o meetinghouse_n account_v rather_o a_o stage_n of_o scold_v than_o a_o place_n for_o worship_n of_o god_n it_o may_v not_o as_o yet_o have_v be_v bring_v to_o light_n without_o some_o further_a endeavour_n to_o have_v seek_v a_o reconciliation_n if_o so_o be_v the_o least_o hope_n shall_v have_v be_v give_v of_o its_o acceptance_n but_o be_v void_a of_o all_o such_o hope_n now_o so_o it_o be_v that_o so_o great_a a_o concern_v of_o conscience_n lie_v on_o many_o to_o encourage_v the_o publication_n hereof_o as_o that_o we_o can_v no_o long_o forbear_v lest_o it_o shall_v be_v repute_v that_o the_o doctrine_n and_o life_n of_o christianity_n be_v whole_o extinct_a among_o the_o aforesaid_a people_n my_o desire_n now_o be_v that_o the_o reader_n may_v serious_o weigh_v the_o four_o follow_a notation_n and_o the_o observation_n thereon_o and_o than_o it_o will_v easy_o be_v savour_v at_o what_o door_n the_o public_a disorder_n have_v enter_v and_o whether_o or_o no_o they_o be_v not_o the_o very_a birth_n of_o some_o politic_a unchristianlike_a contrivance_n first_o many_o in_o that_o city_n retain_v their_o ancient_a respect_n for_o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n two_o ancient_n and_o honourable_a labourer_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o conversation_n and_o doctrine_n i_o have_v not_o know_v or_o understand_v to_o be_v exceed_v in_o godliness_n by_o any_o mortal_a man_n whatsoever_o and_o on_o that_o foot_n be_v account_v such_o as_o join_v to_o separate_v or_o a_o separate_a spirit_n as_o the_o term_n or_o nickname_n sometime_o be_v because_o some_o upstart_n and_o innovator_n adherent_n to_o george_n fox_n have_v be_v please_v to_o disow_v the_o say_v john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n though_o they_o can_v not_o just_o charge_v they_o with_o evil._n second_o in_o a_o paper_n give_v forth_o by_o a_o eminent_a preacher_n and_o opposer_n of_o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n who_o name_n i_o omit_v for_o the_o reason_n herein_o after_o mention_v thus_o direct_v viz._n to_o god_n friend_n every_o where_o concern_v the_o present_a separate_v and_o their_o spirit_n it_o be_v thus_o say_v let_v not_o this_o spirit_n be_v reason_v with_o enter_v not_o into_o proposal_n and_o article_n with_o it_o but_o feed_v it_o with_o judgement_n that_o be_v god_n decree_n so_o may_v the_o soul_n that_o be_v deceive_v come_v by_o the_o right_a door_n into_o the_o heavenly_a unity_n three_o the_o same_o person_n that_o write_v as_o aforesaid_a be_v also_o concern_v in_o a_o paper_n subscribe_v by_o charles_n martial_n and_o sixty-five_a more_o give_v forth_o at_o ellis_n hook_n his_o chamber_n the_o 12_o the_o day_n of_o the_o 4_o the_o month_n 1677._o wherein_n it_o be_v thus_o write_v with_o relation_n to_o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n therefore_o brethren_n every_o where_o stand_v up_o in_o the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n against_o that_o wrong_n jealous_a murmur_a and_o divide_v spirit_n and_o where_o they_o come_v warn_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o go_v home_o and_o not_o go_v thus_o up_o and_o down_o to_o offer_v their_o gift_n four_o the_o very_a same_o person_n that_o write_v as_o aforesaid_a thus_o that_o be_v god_n decree_n do_v also_o some_o year_n pass_v threaten_v that_o bristol_n shall_v be_v as_o a_o anvil_n to_o beat_v upon_o mean_v with_o respect_n to_o religious_a difference_n my_o observation_n now_o be_v that_o in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o meeting_n at_o bristol_n have_v become_v as_o a_o anvil_n whereon_o many_o apostate_n or_o innovator_n opposer_n of_o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n have_v in_o a_o disorderly_a manner_n frequent_o beat_v it_o may_v not_o rational_o be_v take_v to_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o a_o politic_a unchristianlike_a contrivance_n in_o the_o best_a sense_n and_o that_o albeit_o they_o have_v be_v apt_a to_o stamp_v their_o rude_a discourse_n and_o severe_a judgement_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n resuse_v to_o reason_n with_o such_o against_o who_o they_o strike_v or_o in_o a_o christian_a spirit_n to_o treat_v of_o the_o difference_n yet_o therein_o i_o be_o full_o persuade_v that_o they_o act_n rather_o from_o the_o line_n of_o another_o than_o their_o own_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o from_o the_o line_n such_o a_o one_o as_o have_v take_v liberty_n to_o violate_v that_o which_o he_o will_v impose_v as_o by_o a_o decree_n from_o god_n on_o other_o for_o though_o he_o imperative_o thus_o say_v as_o aforesaid_a let_v not_o this_o spirit_n be_v reason_v with_o enter_v not_o into_o proposal_n and_o article_n with_o it_o but_o feed_v it_o with_o judgement_n that_o be_v god_n decree_n yet_o he_o himself_o do_v a_o few_o month_n after_o accompany_v george_n fox_n to_o the_o city_n of_o bristol_n and_o there_o enter_v into_o reason_v proposal_n and_o article_n with_o such_o as_o own_a john_n story_n though_o term_v a_o separate_a or_o separate_a spirit_n which_o by_o the_o scope_n of_o his_o write_n may_v reasonable_o be_v take_v by_o those_o who_o understand_v his_o mean_v by_o these_o his_o word_n viz._n this_o spirit_n to_o be_v a_o act_v contrary_a to_o his_o own_o counsel_n when_o i_o compare_v this_o with_o these_o kind_n of_o declaration_n frequent_o publish_v among_o the_o aforesaid_a people_n viz._n let_v we_o exclude_v the_o reason_v the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o jealousy_n and_o let_v we_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o brethren_n further_n insinuate_v as_o if_o god_n have_v ordain_v minister_n among_o they_o that_o be_v to_o see_v and_o hear_v for_o the_o body_n and_o common_a member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o print_a term_n be_v i_o can_v but_o be_v full_a of_o jealousy_n that_o these_o
thing_n have_v a_o tendency_n to_o insinuate_v submission_n without_o conviction_n to_o nurture_n up_o ignorance_n instead_o of_o wisdom_n and_o to_o introduce_v bondage_n instead_o of_o freedom_n in_o christ_n as_o much_o as_o ever_o be_v under_o the_o cover_n of_o a_o black-coat_n in_o the_o dark_a night_n of_o apostasy_n where_o this_o maxim_n viz._n ignorance_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n be_v know_v to_o be_v true_a with_o respect_n to_o a_o zealous_a observation_n of_o what_o the_o clergy_n have_v impose_v and_o teach_v what_o be_v already_o signify_v may_v give_v some_o little_a taste_n of_o apostasy_n or_o innovation_n unto_o such_o as_o have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o primitive_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o true_a christian-quaker_n or_o child_n of_o light_n for_o so_o we_o be_v call_v in_o the_o beginning_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v with_o i_o a_o little_a to_o treat_v of_o one_o other_o grand_a mark_n of_o apostasy_n or_o innovation_n viz._n judge_v the_o merit_n of_o a_o cause_n without_o hear_v the_o same_o as_o before_o be_v signify_v it_o be_v the_o say_v of_o christ_n as_o i_o hear_v i_o judge_v but_o yet_o i_o be_o a_o witness_n that_o ignorance_n or_o envy_n or_o that_o which_o be_v worse_o have_v so_o abound_v as_o that_o the_o true_a christian-quaker_n have_v be_v judge_v and_o censure_v by_o such_o as_o retain_v that_o name_n but_o not_o his_o nature_n when_o see_v the_o appendix_n to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n unheard_a in_o the_o defence_n of_o himself_o and_o the_o cause_n of_o truth_n which_o he_o have_v stand_v for_o when_o i_o consider_v the_o aforesaid_a word_n of_o christ_n as_o i_o hear_v i_o judge_v john_n 5.26_o 27._o and_o that_o it_o spring_v from_o he_o who_o be_v partaker_n of_o his_o father_n life_n and_o power_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n john_n 16.30_o it_o be_v to_o i_o a_o real_a confirmation_n that_o a_o pretence_n to_o life_n power_n and_o discern_v of_o spirit_n can_v be_v sufficient_a plea_n to_o justify_v a_o practice_n contrary_a to_o that_o example_n and_o therefore_o since_o i_o know_v that_o such_o a_o pretence_n have_v be_v the_o only_a plea_n for_o that_o practice_n i_o conclude_v it_o no_o better_o than_o the_o fruit_n of_o ignorance_n or_o envy_n or_o that_o which_o be_v worse_o ignorance_n in_o those_o who_o have_v believe_v that_o outward_a minister_n be_v ordain_v of_o god_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n to_o see_v for_o the_o body_n and_o hear_v for_o the_o body_n and_o on_o that_o foot_n sign_n and_o glory_n in_o other_o man_n line_n make_v ready_a to_o their_o hand_n whether_o they_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o or_o no._n envy_n or_o that_o which_o be_v worse_o in_o such_o a_o one_o as_o have_v use_v both_o acquire_v and_o natural_a part_n from_o the_o strength_n of_o reason_n testimony_n of_o scripture_n argument_n from_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n citation_n out_o of_o ancient_n and_o modern_a writer_n as_o well_o as_o example_n of_o ancient_a father_n to_o convince_v some_o professor_n of_o christianity_n of_o their_o error_n and_o yet_o imperative_o signify_v to_o god_n friend_n every_o where_o as_o before_o be_v cite_v on_o this_o wise_a let_v not_o this_o spirit_n be_v reason_v with_o enter_v not_o into_o proposal_n and_o article_n with_o it_o but_o feed_v it_o with_o judgement_n that_o be_v god_n decree_n and_o indeed_o the_o endeavour_n of_o some_o have_v take_v such_o a_o effect_n as_o that_o the_o abuse_a party_n readiness_n to_o abide_v a_o hear_v before_o a_o competent_a number_n of_o person_n equal_o to_o be_v choose_v if_o any_o one_o have_v matter_n of_o evil_a fact_n or_o false_a doctrine_n to_o lay_v to_o their_o charge_n will_v not_o be_v accept_v but_o instead_o thereof_o a_o persevere_v to_o term_v they_o dark_a and_o rend_a spirit_n without_o evidence_a wherein_n which_o be_v far_o short_a of_o that_o justice_n which_o appear_v in_o festus_n when_o he_o direct_v the_o jewish_a informer_n against_o paul_n to_o accuse_v he_o of_o wickedness_n if_o there_o be_v any_o in_o he_o these_o thing_n consider_v what_o ingenious_a reader_n can_v conclude_v that_o person_n so_o qualify_v be_v of_o any_o better_a spirit_n than_o those_o persecute_v jew_n be_v of_o unto_o who_o the_o aforesaid_a festus_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o persecute_a paul_n say_v act_n 25.16_o it_o be_v not_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o roman_n to_o deliver_v any_o man_n to_o die_v before_o that_o he_o which_o be_v accuse_v have_v the_o accuser_n face_n to_o face_n and_o have_v licence_n to_o answer_v for_o himself_o concern_v the_o crime_n lay_v against_o he_o and_o though_o the_o testimony_n of_o festus_n run_v not_o parallel_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o take_v away_o of_o the_o natural_a life_n yet_o several_a instance_n may_v be_v produce_v to_o manifest_v that_o there_o be_v among_o the_o people_n term_v quaker_n such_o as_o practice_v so_o far_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v the_o bring_v a_o death_n upon_o the_o good_a name_n and_o reputation_n of_o the_o true_a christian-quaker_n without_o give_v opportunity_n to_o know_v whether_o they_o pretend_v to_o accuse_v of_o matter_n of_o evil_a fact_n or_o no._n these_o thing_n consider_v put_v i_o in_o mind_n to_o note_v that_o one_o great_a part_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o controversy_n be_v touch_v john_n story_n who_o in_o public_a meeting_n for_o worship_n have_v in_o my_o hear_n be_v accuse_v for_o a_o false_a prophet_n and_o when_o the_o accuser_n have_v be_v desire_v to_o prove_v he_o so_o the_o answer_n have_v be_v he_o be_v of_o a_o divide_v spirit_n and_o therefore_o a_o false_a prophet_n but_o when_o in_o answer_n it_o have_v be_v say_v as_o of_o late_o it_o have_v bring_v forth_o and_o prove_v matter_n of_o evil_a fact_n or_o false_a doctrine_n against_o he_o and_o we_o will_v disow_v he_o then_o nothing_o of_o that_o nature_n have_v be_v bring_v forth_o much_o less_o prove_v against_o he_o which_o consider_v i_o rational_o infer_v that_o such_o opposer_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n who_o in_o this_o preface_n i_o intend_v be_v guilty_a of_o one_o other_o mark_n of_o apostasy_n or_o innovation_n in_o not_o admit_v to_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n the_o rule_n of_o christ_n when_o he_o say_v you_o shall_v know_v they_o by_o their_o fruit_n matth._n 7.16_o meaning_n as_o the_o scripture_n declare_v such_o as_o be_v false_a prophet_n and_o that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o evade_v the_o rule_n prescribe_v as_o by_o christ_n sometime_o affirm_v that_o a_o good_a cause_n may_v be_v ill_o manage_v and_o a_o bad_a cause_n well_o manage_v thereby_o insinuate_v into_o ignorant_a people_n that_o though_o john_n story_n and_o his_o friend_n have_v manage_v their_o cause_n well_o while_o their_o opposer_n have_v manage_v their_o cause_n but_o ill_o yet_o that_o john_n story_n and_o his_o friend_n be_v person_n of_o bad_a spirit_n and_o their_o opposer_n person_n of_o right_a spirit_n and_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o no_o way_n doubt_v but_o that_o this_o sort_n of_o argumentation_n have_v become_v a_o defence_n and_o cover_v for_o false_a certificate_n lie_n and_o slanderous_a accusation_n whereby_o some_o have_v be_v proselyte_v to_o oppose_v the_o truth_n itself_o oh_o great_a abomination_n if_o live_v well_o and_o hold_v forth_o nothing_o but_o sound_a doctrine_n shall_v not_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o measure_v line_n of_o christ_n what_o defence_n can_v there_o be_v against_o a_o slanderous_a tongue_n and_o if_o evil_a practice_n and_o unsound_a doctrine_n pretend_v to_o be_v publish_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n shall_v admit_v of_o this_o cover_n he_o be_v notwithstanding_o of_o a_o good_a spirit_n a_o little_a religion_n and_o common_a sense_n will_v give_v a_o understanding_n of_o what_o absurdity_n and_o gross_a darkness_n may_v be_v introduce_v under_o those_o notion_n it_o be_v then_o easy_o to_o be_v discern_v that_o if_o the_o envy_n of_o a_o proud_a man_n that_o seek_v lordship_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o other_o do_v but_o once_o put_v to_o speak_v comparative_o the_o bare-skin_n upon_o the_o back_n of_o a_o friend_n in_o truth_n there_o will_v not_o be_v want_v a_o company_n of_o ignorant_a or_o envious_a person_n ready_a to_o bite_v and_o devour_v he_o and_o to_o spread_v abroad_o certificate_n of_o defamation_n right_o or_o wrong_n among_o enemy_n as_o well_o as_o friend_n according_a to_o the_o example_n give_v by_o g._n f._n when_o write_v to_o h._n s._n r._n t._n and_o another_o person_n of_o harford_n he_o thus_o say_v here_o be_v a_o certificate_n enclose_v from_o two_o of_o john_n story_n be_v neighbour_n who_o very_o well_o know_v he_o have_v be_v a_o encourager_n of_o the_o separate-meeting_a in_o westmoreland_n which_o you_o may_v show_v both_o to_o enemy_n and_o friend_n with_o the_o other_o
eminent_a among_o the_o say_a people_n and_o therein_o lay_v down_o many_o particular_n relate_v to_o doctrine_n discipline_n and_o practice_n print_v write_a publish_a and_o act_v which_o we_o be_v persuade_v be_v erroneous_a and_o aught_o to_o have_v be_v testify_v against_o and_o therefore_o do_v propose_v unto_o they_o to_o join_v with_o we_o to_o give_v testimony_n against_o such_o thing_n if_o in_o their_o conscience_n they_o be_v satisfy_v so_o to_o do_v as_o one_o proper_a expedient_a for_o the_o remove_n stumbling-block_n out_o of_o the_o way_n as_o by_o the_o say_a letter_n dated_n bristol_n the_o 22th_o of_o the_o 2d_o month_n 1679._o may_n more_o large_o appear_v unto_o any_o of_o the_o say_a people_n who_o may_v desire_v of_o i_o to_o peruse_v the_o same_o in_o the_o aforesaid_a letter_n we_o do_v advise_v that_o the_o manuscript_n make_v mention_v of_o be_v prepare_v and_o that_o the_o content_n thereof_o be_v as_o be_v already_o cite_v but_o forasmuch_o as_o no_o answer_n come_v from_o the_o party_n write_v unto_o before_o the_o general-meeting_a and_o that_o the_o matter_n treat_v on_o be_v not_o with_o a_o intent_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v keep_v private_a in_o the_o breast_n of_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v write_v but_o be_v communicate_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n therefore_o we_o send_v the_o aforesaid_a letter_n unto_o the_o general-meeting_a next_o follow_v for_o the_o same_o end_n as_o we_o do_v unto_o those_o three_o person_n to_o who_o we_o first_o write_v give_v a_o cover_v thereto_o in_o these_o follow_a word_n only_o it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o a_o blank_a thus_o be_v leave_v instead_o of_o the_o name_n of_o a_o person_n for_o the_o reason_n hereafter_o mention_v bristol_n the_o 4_o the_o of_o the_o 4_o the_o month_n 1679._o friend_n the_o enclose_v be_v two_o sheet_n and_o a_o part_n of_o a_o sheet_n be_v a_o copy_n of_o what_o be_v send_v unto_o the_o 11_o of_o the_o last_o month_n to_o be_v communicate_v unto_o the_o rest_n unto_o who_o it_o be_v direct_v and_o be_v now_o send_v unto_o you_o with_o request_n that_o it_o may_v be_v read_v among_o you_o for_o this_o end_n that_o when_o it_o be_v so_o read_v you_o may_v if_o free_a in_o spirit_n declare_v your_o approbation_n that_o it_o may_v be_v read_v in_o all_o mens_fw-la and_o womens-meeting_n of_o friend_n whatever_o your_o thought_n may_v be_v touch_v the_o enclose_v yet_o know_v this_o that_o it_o be_v neither_o give_v forth_o nor_o yet_o be_v now_o recommend_v to_o you_o but_o upon_o very_o serious_a consideration_n and_o concern_v of_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v now_o request_v that_o you_o will_v serious_o and_o conscientious_o weigh_v the_o matter_n that_o so_o neither_o your_o tongue_n nor_o pen_n may_v be_v so_o exercise_v on_o this_o occasion_n as_o that_o you_o may_v for_o the_o future_a see_v cause_n to_o repent_v the_o same_o one_o of_o we_o viz._n william_n rogers_n intend_v to_o have_v come_v up_o to_o the_o general-meeting_a not_o only_o to_o recommend_v the_o enclose_v to_o be_v read_v among_o you_o but_o also_o to_o have_v offer_v unto_o you_o that_o the_o manuscript_n whereof_o it_o make_v mention_v may_v be_v read_v in_o the_o general-meeting_a if_o you_o will_v assent_v thereto_o but_o some_o emergent_a occasion_n which_o he_o have_v communicate_v to_o his_o correspondent_n james_n claypoole_n under_o who_o cover_n this_o go_v have_v obstruct_v that_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v now_o propose_v unto_o you_o that_o before_o it_o be_v make_v public_a among_o all_o friend_n you_o may_v appoint_v a_o meeting_n as_o general_a as_o you_o please_v to_o have_v it_o first_o read_v and_o if_o you_o think_v so_o to_o do_v this_o now_o inform_v you_o that_o it_o will_v be_v assent_v unto_o provide_v you_o appoint_v the_o place_n of_o read_v the_o same_o to_o be_v either_o in_o the_o county_n of_o wilts_n or_o city_n of_o bristol_n before_o the_o last_o day_n of_o this_o instant_a month_n but_o if_o that_o time_n and_o place_n please_v you_o not_o and_o yet_o be_v willing_a to_o have_v the_o hear_v thereof_o it_o be_v now_o desire_v that_o you_o will_v be_v please_v to_o signify_v so_o much_o and_o make_v your_o desire_n know_v to_o ourselves_o direct_v to_o william_n rogers_n in_o bristol_n and_o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o you_o shall_v have_v such_o a_o answer_n as_o may_v answer_v the_o truth_n in_o all_o the_o end_n wherefore_o this_o be_v now_o propose_v be_v because_o you_o and_o other_o friend_n as_o well_o as_o they_o unto_o who_o we_o first_o write_v if_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v at_o unity_n with_o we_o may_v have_v opportunity_n to_o clear_v yourselves_o unto_o and_o concern_v we_o before_o the_o say_a manuscript_n become_v public_a among_o all_o friend_n and_o if_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n shall_v be_v in_o your_o mouth_n we_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o will_v have_v place_n with_o all_o concern_v in_o prepare_v the_o say_a manuscript_n but_o if_o in_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n you_o and_o other_o shall_v have_v nought_o to_o say_v against_o the_o matter_n contain_v therein_o then_o let_v all_o such_o for_o the_o future_a be_v wary_a of_o rash_a and_o unjust_a censure_n lest_o they_o shall_v be_v find_v fighter_n against_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v desire_v that_o a_o answer_n may_v be_v give_v hereto_o and_o leave_v with_o james_n claypoole_n by_o the_o 16_o instant_a at_o far_a to_o be_v send_v unto_o we_o direct_v to_o william_n rogers_n merchant_n in_o bristol_n we_o be_v your_o friend_n william_n rogers_n william_n ford_n this_o letter_n wherein_o the_o former_a be_v enclose_v be_v deliver_v seal_v in_o the_o general_n meeting_n by_o james_n claypoole_n who_o according_a to_o my_o request_n there_o declare_v that_o it_o come_v to_o he_o under_o cover_n from_o i_o with_o direction_n to_o be_v deliver_v seal_v in_o the_o aforesaid_a meeting_n james_n claypoole_n have_v thus_o faithful_o discharge_v the_o trust_v repose_v in_o he_o it_o be_v then_o commit_v to_o six_o person_n to_o unseal_v and_o peruse_v and_o report_v the_o content_n to_o the_o meeting_n who_o thereupon_o make_v this_o ensue_a report_n only_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o instead_o of_o the_o name_n of_o three_o person_n where_o of_o george_n fox_n be_v one_o in_o one_o place_n and_o of_o one_o person_n in_o another_o a_o blank_a be_v leave_v the_o letter_n deliver_v seal_v to_o the_o general-meeting_a and_o so_o deliver_v to_o we_o to_o peruse_v contain_v a_o copy_n of_o one_o late_o direct_v to_o and_o sign_v by_o he_o william_n rogers_n etc._n etc._n bear_v date_n the_o 22th_o of_o the_o 2d_o month_n and_o send_v the_o 11_o of_o the_o 3d._a month_n to_o and_o our_o judgement_n be_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v leave_v to_o they_o to_o answer_n as_o they_o find_v freedom_n in_o truth_n and_o that_o the_o general-meeting_a ought_v not_o to_o be_v concern_v with_o it_o see_v they_o have_v not_o refuse_v to_o answer_n nor_o have_v convenient_a time_n or_o opportunity_n thereto_o neither_o joint_o nor_o several_o the_o aforesaid_a report_n occasion_n i_o to_o make_v these_o ensue_a observation_n first_o that_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o general_a metre_n who_o be_v keep_v ignorant_a of_o any_o letter_n direct_v to_o they_o be_v therein_o deceive_v second_o that_o wrong_n be_v do_v to_o the_o person_n concern_v in_o write_v to_o the_o general_n meeting_n because_o their_o mind_n be_v not_o communicate_v unto_o those_o unto_o who_o they_o write_v three_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o friend_n in_o the_o nation_n may_v deem_v it_o injurious_a to_o they_o because_o the_o say_a letter_n be_v of_o a_o general_n tendency_n with_o respect_n to_o friend_n and_o affair_n relate_v to_o they_o this_o proceed_v increase_v the_o jealousy_n of_o many_o friend_n that_o a_o spirit_n of_o partiality_n seek_v to_o exercise_v a_o gentilian_n sort_n of_o lordship_n be_v enter_v some_o under_o the_o profession_n of_o truth_n and_o that_o the_o door_n be_v so_o shut_v against_o some_o other_o beside_o myself_o as_o that_o those_o thing_n which_o become_v our_o burden_n must_v not_o be_v represent_v to_o those_o who_o we_o be_v concern_v to_o advise_v thereof_o or_o to_o treat_v withal_o in_o a_o christian-spirit_n that_o so_o some_o expedient_a agreeable_a to_o the_o truth_n may_v be_v find_v to_o remove_v our_o burden_n and_o so_o if_o possible_a prevent_v the_o publication_n in_o print_n of_o the_o manuscript_n prepare_v in_o which_o the_o name_n of_o several_a hundred_o on_o each_o part_n concern_v in_o the_o division_n be_v mention_v but_o yet_o the_o noise_n of_o print_v have_v this_o service_n seveveral_a friend_n from_o divers_a part_n of_o the_o nation_n come_v to_o the_o city_n of_o bristol_n be_v the_o place_n as_o before_o be_v note_v that_o one_o
ninety_o four_o mile_n to_o london_n out_o of_o all_o the_o throng_n of_o his_o other_o occasion_n or_o if_o in_o london_n to_o wait_v for_o george_n fox_n come_n thither_o when_o near_o it_o to_o ask_v he_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n that_o which_o have_v be_v before_o ask_v by_o write_v and_o no_o answer_n give_v signify_v the_o least_o assent_n to_o meet_v as_o hereafter_o will_v appear_v this_o indeed_o will_v be_v a_o very_a ready_a way_n to_o bring_v outward_a blast_v according_a to_o the_o prophecy_n of_o some_o of_o my_o opposer_n if_o they_o can_v but_o create_v a_o belief_n in_o i_o that_o on_o i._o c_n notice_n that_o g._n f._n will_v be_v in_o london_n i_o must_v then_o run_v after_o he_o and_o attend_v upon_o he_o on_o no_o other_o foot_n but_o to_o know_v whether_o he_o will_v meet_v i_o without_o any_o assurance_n that_o he_o will_v be_v willing_a notwithstanding_o i_o have_v labour_v and_o endeavour_v so_o long_o before_o to_o obtain_v it_o and_o all_o in_o vain_a on_o this_o occasion_n two_o thing_n be_v worthy_a of_o some_o enquiry_n first_o whether_o george_n fox_n be_v real_o so_o dignify_v as_o that_o it_o be_v a_o additional_a error_n in_o one_o who_o he_o account_v a_o lose_a sheep_n not_o to_o run_v after_o and_o wait_v on_o he_o if_o he_o be_v in_o reality_n the_o great_a apostle_n of_o christ_n as_o esteem_v by_o some_o methinks_v he_o shall_v have_v in_o his_o remembrance_n the_o parable_n speak_v of_o by_o christ_n touch_v leave_v the_o ninety_o nine_o sheep_n to_o seek_v the_o one_o that_o be_v lose_v and_o so_o account_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o seek_v after_o much_o more_o be_v ready_a to_o meet_v one_o account_v a_o lose_a sheep_n that_o have_v be_v so_o desirous_a to_o meet_v he_o as_o i_o have_v be_v second_o whether_o james_n claypoole_n be_v in_o reality_n so_o dignify_v as_o that_o on_o his_o notice_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o friend_n have_v a_o concern_n upon_o he_o relate_v to_o george_n fox_n to_o ride_v ninety_o four_o mile_n or_o wait_v out_o of_o all_o his_o urge_v occasion_n many_o day_n to_o attend_v on_o g._n f._n when_o not_o willing_a to_o answer_v the_o end_n to_o be_v wait_v for_o or_o else_o must_v incar_n such_o like_a censure_n as_o be_v pat_o upon_o i_o for_o such_o a_o omission_n i_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o so_o dignifyed_a either_o of_o they_o and_o that_o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o enquiry_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o pride_n or_o a_o gentilian_n sort_n of_o lordship_n which_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n be_v determine_v to_o abase_v as_o to_o the_o report_n that_o i_o come_v up_o to_o the_o city_n of_o london_n to_o read_v a_o charge_n behind_o george_n fox_n back_o i_o thus_o answer_v as_o it_o be_v above_o represent_v the_o action_n seem_v vile_a and_o unchristianlike_a because_o from_o that_o representation_n it_o may_v be_v understand_v as_o if_o i_o will_v in_o a_o secret_a way_n endeavour_n to_o backbite_v and_o reproach_n george_n fox_n and_o avoid_v all_o occasion_n of_o meet_v he_o face_n to_o face_n which_o i_o abhor_v and_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n i_o so_o do_v so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n i_o account_v it_o vile_a and_o unchristianlike_a to_o spread_v such_o a_o representation_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o not_o declare_v the_o whole_a truth_n and_o end_v for_o which_o my_o come_n then_o be_v which_o if_o it_o have_v i_o may_v not_o then_o have_v have_v occasion_n to_o have_v add_v this_o postscript_n but_o since_o it_o be_v so_o i_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o inform_v the_o reader_n of_o the_o very_a naked_a truth_n from_o whence_o i_o take_v that_o evil_a insinuation_n or_o partial_a report_n to_o arise_v after_o i_o have_v by_o several_a letter_n signify_v to_o g._n f._n divers_a thing_n touch_v which_o i_o expect_v satisfaction_n from_o he_o and_o have_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v not_o give_v it_o and_o have_v a_o jealousy_n that_o many_o under_o the_o name_n of_o quaker_n look_v upon_o he_o as_o infallible_a i_o be_v constrain_v in_o my_o spirit_n to_o prepare_v a_o manuscript_n to_o discover_v his_o error_n out_o still_o with_o this_o reserve_n that_o if_o friend_n will_v so_o assist_v as_o that_o i_o may_v have_v justice_n among_o they_o in_o relation_n to_o he_o i_o may_v forbear_v among_o other_o place_n i_o come_v to_o london_n and_o spread_v the_o matter_n before_o james_n claypoole_n and_o three_o other_o ancient_a friend_n repute_v of_o the_o chief_a from_o who_o i_o can_v have_v no_o hope_n that_o a_o meeting_n will_v be_v assent_v to_o on_o the_o occasion_n desire_v to_o clear_v myself_o and_o therefore_o a_o concern_n of_o conscience_n be_v upon_o i_o to_o write_v the_o ensue_a letter_n to_o james_n claypoole_n and_o those_o other_o three_o friend_n to_o give_v cover_n unto_o the_o ensue_a remonstrance_n to_o the_o friend_n of_o london_n from_o both_o which_o the_o purpose_n of_o my_o mind_n may_v be_v collect_v and_o whether_o or_o no_o i_o do_v not_o therein_o act_n christian-like_a and_o do_v as_o much_o as_o in_o i_o do_v lie_v with_o a_o clear_a conscience_n that_o g._n f_n nakedness_n may_v not_o be_v so_o public_o discover_v as_o now_o it_o be_v william_n rogers_n his_o letter_n to_o james_n claypoole_n and_o three_o other_o ancient_a friend_n of_o london_n london_n 25_o of_o 12_o month_n 1679._o james_n claypoole_n etc._n etc._n friend_n you_o may_v remember_v that_o when_o i_o part_v with_o you_o yesterday_o you_o be_v desirous_a to_o know_v where_o i_o will_v be_v in_o the_o evening_n i_o tell_v you_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o know_v not_o certain_o but_o yet_o also_o acquaint_v you_o to_o this_o purpose_n that_o if_o you_o will_v appoint_v i_o to_o meet_v you_o i_o shall_v ready_o assent_v thereto_o and_o though_o you_o do_v not_o appoint_v i_o yet_o i_o be_v in_o expectation_n that_o you_o or_o at_o lest_o some_o of_o you_o may_v have_v have_v a_o desire_n to_o speak_v with_o i_o again_o but_o understanding_n nothing_o thereof_o i_o be_o clear_a in_o my_o spirit_n to_o depart_v the_o city_n and_o to_o let_v you_o have_v the_o enclose_v with_o a_o earnest_n breathe_v unto_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o may_v direct_v you_o to_o make_v that_o use_n thereof_o as_o may_v tend_v to_o his_o honour_n and_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v want_v to_o open_v unto_o you_o that_o counsel_n which_o i_o believe_v be_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o case_n i_o thus_o say_v that_o my_o persuasion_n be_v it_o will_v tend_v most_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n not_o to_o keep_v the_o enclose_v from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o friend_n of_o the_o city_n and_o if_o you_o be_v not_o free_a to_o appoint_v a_o meeting_n for_o the_o read_n thereof_o then_o to_o consider_v of_o some_o other_o way_n to_o communicate_v the_o same_o unto_o the_o flock_n of_o god_n in_o this_o city_n for_o you_o know_v not_o but_o that_o a_o word_n from_o the_o lord_n may_v arise_v out_o of_o the_o breast_n of_o a_o babe_n or_o suckling_n that_o may_v in_o this_o case_n be_v pierce_v as_o a_o dart_n to_o cause_v the_o high_a and_o lofty_a to_o bow_v to_o justice_n and_o no_o long_o give_v occasion_n of_o jealousy_n that_o any_o one_o among_o those_o who_o profess_v the_o truth_n shall_v stand_v as_o a_o infallible_a and_o justify_v person_n when_o such_o a_o one_o be_v charge_v with_o thing_n reproachful_a to_o the_o truth_n endeavour_v to_o evade_v the_o stroke_n of_o that_o justice_n which_o in_o like_a case_n he_o have_v prescribe_v for_o other_o oh_o friend_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n i_o affirm_v the_o sin_n of_o g._n fox_n to_o have_v be_v notorious_a god_n in_o his_o mercy_n have_v manifest_v he_o to_o be_v a_o fallible_a man_n and_o according_a to_o a_o gospel_n method_n his_o error_n have_v be_v lay_v before_o he_o and_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v and_o now_o my_o concern_v of_o conscience_n be_v to_o cry_v aloud_o for_o justice_n and_o to_o signify_v that_o i_o be_o constrain_v to_o detect_v he_o for_o his_o evil_n and_o error_n by_o a_o print_a record_n unless_o some_o expedient_a may_v be_v find_v agreeable_a to_o truth_n to_o satisfy_v my_o conscience_n otherwise_o and_o if_o you_o and_o other_o appear_v not_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o call_v and_o cry_v so_o as_o in_o truth_n you_o and_o they_o ought_v than_o since_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n from_o my_o pen_n let_v both_o you_o and_o all_o such_o unto_o who_o this_o cry_n and_o call_v may_v or_o shall_v come_v stop_v your_o mouth_n from_o gainsay_v my_o proceed_n to_o clear_v my_o conscience_n in_o the_o method_n that_o may_v seem_v to_o i_o most_o expedient_a
person_n dictator_n thereof_o we_o write_v unto_o thou_o desire_v thou_o to_o acquaint_v we_o if_o thou_o can_v who_o it_o be_v that_o write_v such_o a_o letter_n or_o a_o letter_n to_o the_o like_a import_n and_o whether_o thou_o do_v know_v of_o any_o thing_n act_v by_o we_o or_o either_o of_o we_o according_a as_o in_o the_o say_a copy_n be_v mention_v tell_v thou_o also_o that_o truth_n seek_v no_o corner_n but_o notwithstanding_o the_o aforementiove_v four_o letter_n on_o the_o aforesaid_a occasion_n yet_o nothing_o be_v come_v to_o this_o day_n to_o either_o of_o our_o hand_n as_o answer_v from_o thou_o so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v which_o consider_v how_o forward_o thou_o have_v be_v in_o other_o case_n to_o answer_v in_o thy_o vindication_n it_o be_v to_o i_o a_o demonstration_n that_o thy_o gild_n be_v such_o as_o that_o no_o answer_n in_o truth_n can_v render_v thou_o a_o innocent_a man._n this_o be_v not_o all_o the_o abuse_n which_o thou_o have_v offer_v to_o i_o as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n itself_o but_o thou_o have_v far_o and_o that_o at_o a_o large_a rate_n too_o persist_v by_o thy_o lie_n slander_n etc._n etc._n to_o gainsay_v the_o truth_n as_o i_o have_v sufficient_o manifest_v in_o my_o rejoinder_n which_o thou_o have_v not_o yet_o answer_v so_o far_o as_o ever_o i_o understand_v to_o thy_o reply_n and_o john_n blacking_n postscript_n which_o be_v write_v in_o answer_n to_o what_o i_o write_v unto_o thou_o date_v the_o 20_o of_o the_o seven_o month_n ground_v on_o thy_o send_v query_n to_o be_v read_v in_o our_o man_n meeting_n in_o bristol_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o thy_o agent_n have_v be_v very_o busy_a to_o publish_v thy_o foresay_a reply_n into_o divers_a part_n of_o the_o nation_n to_o the_o corrupt_a the_o mind_n of_o many_o who_o give_v credit_n thereto_o all_o which_o be_v in_o much_o seriousness_n of_o spirit_n weigh_v by_o i_o increase_v the_o concern_v of_o conscience_n on_o i_o to_o wipe_v away_o thy_o refuge_n of_o lie_n by_o detect_v thou_o in_o print_n if_o by_o any_o reasonable_a mean_n the_o door_n may_v be_v open_a so_o to_o do_v for_o thy_o manifold_a abuse_n of_o i_o unless_o some_o other_o expedient_a agreeable_a to_o the_o truth_n may_v be_v find_v to_o satisfy_v my_o conscience_n touch_v which_o i_o hope_v i_o shall_v forever_o have_v a_o ear_n open_a to_o any_o one_o that_o may_v speak_v unto_o i_o in_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o thus_o i_o be_o concern_v the_o more_o for_o that_o i_o have_v be_v by_o several_a friend_n from_o divers_a country_n and_o place_n call_v upon_o to_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o myself_o against_o thy_o reproach_n however_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o i_o may_v yet_o forbear_v to_o print_v against_o thou_o if_o per_fw-la the_o next_o post_n after_o thy_o receipt_n hereof_o thou_o give_v i_o that_o satisfaction_n as_o be_v propose_v in_o i_o above_o cite_v of_o the_o 11_o of_o the_o 11_o mounth_n 1678._o and_o acknowledge_v the_o error_n lie_n slander_n and_o forgery_n etc._n etc._n whereof_o i_o have_v detect_v thou_o in_o my_o aforesaid_a rejoynder_n send_v unto_o thou_o several_a month_n past_a with_o direction_n that_o it_o may_v be_v read_v among_o friend_n as_o public_o as_o thy_o false_a scandal_n have_v extend_v or_o otherwise_o if_o thou_o shall_v pretend_v that_o thou_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o be_v guilty_a of_o lie_z etc._n etc._n if_o thou_o furnish_v i_o before_o the_o general_n meet_v with_o such_o a_o number_n of_o fair_a copy_n in_o manuscript_n of_o my_o rejoynder_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o inform_v all_o such_o of_o the_o truth_n as_o have_v be_v misinform_v by_o thy_o fallacious_a reply_n and_o give_v thy_o direction_n that_o it_o may_v be_v read_v in_o the_o general_n and_o other_o man_n meeting_n it_o may_v be_v for_o aught_o i_o yet_o know_v a_o consideration_n to_o i_o to_o forbear_v for_o my_o desire_n be_v not_o to_o discover_v thy_o error_n and_o evil_a practice_n further_o than_o among_o those_o who_o profess_v the_o truth_n if_o by_o any_o mean_v possible_a i_o can_v and_o yet_o so_o clear_a my_o conscience_n as_o that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o proper_a looking-glass_n to_o behold_v thou_o in_o as_o thou_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v see_v if_o thou_o condescende_v to_o what_o be_v last_o propose_v it_o may_v also_o be_v ground_n of_o hope_n that_o thou_o will_v condescend_v to_o give_v satisfaction_n for_o other_o thy_o miscarriage_n and_o of_o this_o i_o desire_v to_o hear_v from_o thou_o by_o a_o letter_n to_o be_v direct_v to_o james_n claypoole_n under_o thy_o cover_n desire_v he_o to_o send_v it_o unto_o i_o if_o thou_o answer_v not_o my_o request_n i_o then_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o inform_v thou_o that_o myself_o and_o other_o may_v then_o have_v no_o ground_n of_o hope_n that_o thou_o will_v give_v we_o satisfaction_n for_o other_o thy_o offence_n commit_v against_o thy_o brethren_n to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n which_o the_o friend_n thereof_o profess_v and_o so_o my_o concern_v will_v then_o be_v not_o only_o to_o detect_v thou_o for_o such_o thy_o error_n and_o evil_a practice_n which_o thou_o have_v occasional_o commit_v with_o respect_n to_o i_o but_o forasmuch_o as_o i_o be_o full_o satisfy_v in_o my_o conscience_n on_o such_o ground_n as_o i_o think_v not_o myself_o oblige_v to_o reiterate_v that_o thou_o have_v be_v one_o chief_a instrument_n or_o at_o least_o a_o abetter_n of_o such_o as_o have_v whereby_o note_v this_o letter_n be_v intend_v to_o be_v spread_v abroad_o among_o friend_n and_o the_o reason_n wherefore_o i_o insert_v these_o general_a reflection_n without_o particular_a evidence_n be_v chief_o to_o become_v a_o remembrance_n unto_o friend_n that_o they_o may_v consider_v whether_o they_o have_v not_o be_v witness_n that_o my_o sense_n be_v true_a for_o i_o know_v there_o be_v many_o among_o we_o who_o if_o occasion_n require_v be_v ready_a to_o give_v the_o like_a testimony_n i_o certain_o know_v the_o particular_a evidence_n hereof_o producible_a be_v so_o many_o as_o may_v fill_v a_o large_a volume_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n also_o improper_a on_o this_o occasion_n a_o bite_a and_o devour_a spirit_n be_v enter_v some_o among_o the_o flock_n and_o that_o heap_n of_o unsound_a and_o airy_a teacher_n that_o appear_v among_o we_o as_o if_o they_o be_v send_v to_o call_v for_o fire_n from_o heaven_n receive_v life_n from_o thou_o and_o thereby_o be_v embolden_v to_o entertain_v the_o congregation_n with_o empty_a and_o idle_a vain_a discourse_n to_o the_o obstruct_n of_o such_o as_o i_o firm_o believe_v have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o deliver_v in_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o power_n and_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o my_o concern_v have_v be_v to_o treat_v on_o several_a particular_n which_o have_v be_v as_o so_o many_o several_a step_n by_o which_o division_n have_v ascend_v to_o the_o height_n they_o now_o be_v at_o to_o send_v the_o copy_n thereof_o be_v unreasonable_a because_o thou_o may_v when_o i_o have_v so_o do_v take_v no_o more_o notice_n thereof_o than_o thou_o have_v of_o the_o four_o forementioned_a letter_n however_o lest_o thou_o shall_v now_o imagine_v that_o i_o will_v act_v against_o thou_o in_o a_o secret_a underly_a way_n and_o to_o prevent_v thou_o from_o run_v into_o further_a error_n by_o such_o evil_a suggestion_n from_o thy_o imagination_n as_o heretofore_o with_o relation_n to_o i_o thou_o have_v do_v i_o think_v meet_v to_o signify_v unto_o thou_o the_o matter_n whereon_o i_o have_v treat_v in_o that_o manuscript_n prepare_v by_o i_o for_o the_o press_n unless_o my_o conscience_n can_v be_v otherwise_o satisfy_v in_o relation_n to_o thou_o wherein_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o to_o every_o impartial_a reader_n there_o will_v appear_v matter_n whereby_o thou_o will_v be_v manifest_v guilty_a of_o many_o evil_a practice_n and_o error_n for_o which_o thou_o ought_v to_o give_v satisfaction_n both_o to_o particular_a person_n who_o thou_o have_v wrong_v as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o general_n in_o the_o say_a manuscript_n i_o treat_v on_o the_o seven_o query_n send_v unto_o john_n wilkinson_n the_o sixteen_o query_n send_v unto_o john_n story_n make_v observation_n on_o proceed_n thereon_o and_o which_o have_v relation_n thereto_o i_o also_o take_v notice_n of_o two_o of_o thy_o letter_n to_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n and_o of_o several_a of_o i_o to_o thou_o and_o of_o john_n story_n be_v letter_n to_o the_o two_o meeting_n in_o the_o north_n the_o dissatisfaction_n relate_v to_o thou_o at_o bristol_n thy_o query_n read_v at_o bristol_n and_o other_o thing_n relate_v thereto_o i_o now_o come_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o john_n blaickle_v in_o his_o postscript_n to_o
thy_o reply_n to_o i_o thus_o say_v but_o let_v i_o ask_v william_n rogers_n and_o they_o that_o take_v his_o part_n have_v george_n fox_n show_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o careless_a loose_a libertine_n or_o dark_a spirit_n let_v that_o man_n come_v forth_o in_o the_o whole_a nation_n that_o can_v just_o charge_v he_o with_o such_o a_o spirit_n from_o his_o childhood_n this_o seem_v a_o challenge_n make_v by_o john_n blaickle_v on_o thy_o behalf_n and_o approve_v by_o thou_o since_o it_o be_v send_v by_o thou_o to_o i_o annex_v to_o thy_o reply_n unto_o i_o and_o therefore_o i_o be_o concern_v thus_o to_o answer_n that_o if_o thou_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o publication_n of_o lie_n the_o make_v use_n of_o a_o certificate_n in_o thy_o favour_n give_v forth_o by_o a_o man_n that_o thou_o thyself_o know_v know_v nothing_o of_o some_o of_o the_o matter_n whereof_o by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o testimony_n he_o undertake_v to_o clear_v thou_o give_v instruction_n to_o other_o to_o perform_v duty_n and_o yet_o take_v liberty_n direct_o to_o violate_v the_o same_o thyself_o as_o if_o thou_o will_v have_v friend_n follow_v thy_o word_n but_o not_o thy_o example_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o a_o careless_a loose_a libertine_n or_o dark_a spirit_n than_o i_o be_o the_o man_n in_o this_o nation_n who_o be_o ready_a to_o come_v forth_o to_o charge_v thou_o with_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o careless_a loose_a libertine_n dark_a spirit_n and_o to_o justify_v the_o charge_n against_o thou_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o shall_v at_o that_o time_n very_o free_o give_v thou_o liberty_n to_o take_v copy_n of_o what_o be_v prepare_v against_o thou_o as_o aforesaid_a after_o the_o read_n thereof_o in_o such_o a_o assembly_n as_o we_o may_v agree_v upon_o and_o to_o be_v plain_a i_o can_v but_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o my_o conscience_n tell_v thou_o that_o if_o thourefuse_v to_o come_v forth_o on_o this_o challenge_n occasion_v as_o aforesaid_a i_o hope_v all_o friend_n who_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n hereof_o will_v be_v on_o their_o watch_n that_o they_o may_v escape_v the_o snare_n in_o which_o many_o have_v be_v catch_v through_o the_o belief_n of_o lie_v publish_v by_o thou_o and_o that_o none_o for_o the_o future_a will_v account_v that_o all_o friend_n disunity_n with_o thou_o be_v a_o infallible_a demonstration_n of_o be_v out_o of_o unity_n with_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o people_n i_o be_o thy_o friend_n william_n rogers_n in_o the_o abovesaid_a letter_n to_o g._n f._n together_o with_o what_o i_o have_v write_v precede_v the_o same_o be_v contain_v as_o much_o as_o at_o present_a i_o be_o free_a to_o comunicate_v unto_o you_o until_o such_o time_n i_o may_v understand_v whether_o my_o line_n may_v be_v by_o you_o deem_v worthy_a your_o notice_n which_o if_o it_o be_v my_o desire_n be_v that_o i_o may_v hear_v from_o you_o in_o write_v touch_v the_o matter_n present_v to_o your_o view_n and_o as_o i_o say_v before_o if_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v with_o you_o to_o propose_v unto_o i_o and_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o which_o may_v be_v approve_v by_o the_o witness_n of_o god_n in_o my_o conscience_n i_o have_v this_o faith_n that_o then_o a_o constraint_n will_v be_v upon_o my_o spirit_n to_o submit_v thereto_o for_o conscience_n sake_n i_o be_o your_o friend_n william_n rogers_n there_o be_v a_o postscript_n add_v which_o i_o omit_v to_o take_v copy_n of_o but_o sudden_o after_o remember_v it_o i_o note_v that_o to_o the_o best_a of_o my_o remembrance_n it_o be_v to_o this_o purpose_n have_v you_o obtain_v a_o meeting_n of_o the_o friend_n of_o the_o city_n as_o be_v desire_v i_o shall_v if_o it_o have_v be_v propose_v ready_o assent_v to_o the_o read_n among_o they_o of_o the_o manuscript_n prepare_v to_o the_o aforesaid_a remonstrance_n i_o never_o receive_v any_o answer_n neither_o have_v i_o understand_v that_o it_o be_v at_o any_o time_n communicate_v by_o those_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v send_v unto_o any_o other_o friend_n within_o the_o city_n of_o london_n one_o thing_n more_o yet_o worthy_a observation_n viz._n that_o george_n fox_n have_v no_o inclination_n to_o meet_v i_o for_o which_o many_o evidence_n may_v have_v be_v produce_v have_v there_o be_v occasion_n but_o lest_o any_o one_o shall_v think_v it_o a_o unjust_a reflection_n i_o desire_v that_o what_o follow_v may_v be_v due_o weigh_v william_n rogers_n to_o daniel_n smith_n of_o marlborough_n bristol_n the_o 13_o of_o the_o four_o month_n 1680._o daniel_n smith_n understanding_n that_o thou_o have_v some_o word_n with_o g._n f._n concern_v i_o and_o that_o in_o relation_n to_o my_o proposition_n of_o give_v he_o a_o meeting_n before_o friend_n to_o the_o end_n that_o if_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o any_o thing_n reproachful_a to_o the_o truth_n he_o may_v condemn_v it_o if_o not_o he_o may_v be_v clear_v i_o think_v meet_v to_o request_v thou_o to_o send_v i_o a_o few_o line_n signify_v what_o his_o answer_n be_v to_o that_o proposition_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o thou_o appear_v a_o plain_a man_n and_o account_v to_o the_o best_a of_o my_o remembrance_n that_o my_o proposition_n be_v rational_a i_o hope_v thou_o will_v answer_v this_o my_o request_n etc._n etc._n thy_o love_a friend_n william_n rogers_n now_o follow_v so_o much_o of_o daniel_n smith_n answer_n as_o relate_v to_o the_o above_o request_n malborough_n the_o 6_o of_o 5_o mo._n 1680._o william_n rogers_n friend_n thou_o i_o receive_v and_o this_o account_n i_o can_v give_v thou_o thy_o charge_n concern_v george_n fox_n write_v by_o thou_o at_o calf_n i_o give_v to_o he_o and_o show_v thy_o mind_n concern_v a_o hear_n and_o he_o judge_v it_o will_v prove_v but_o a_o jangle_n as_o it_o be_v at_o bristol_n etc._n etc._n daniel_n smith_n the_o above_o say_v few_o line_n from_o daniel_n smith_n the_o elder_a in_o answer_n to_o i_o compare_v with_o g._n f_n silence_n to_o what_o i_o have_v write_v to_o he_o desire_v a_o meeting_n and_o his_o neglect_n to_o give_v answer_n unto_o two_o letter_n send_v unto_o he_o by_o john_n rance_n and_o write_v on_o purpose_n to_o entreat_v he_o to_o give_v a_o meeting_n clear_o show_v that_o george_n fox_n have_v no_o mind_n to_o concern_v himself_o to_o meet_v i_o and_o therefore_o i_o have_v no_o reason_n at_o my_o last_o be_v in_o london_n to_o attend_v and_o wait_v for_o george_n fox_n come_v to_o the_o city_n to_o conclude_v much_o more_o might_n in_o truth_n be_v write_v to_o evidence_n the_o matter_n intend_v by_o this_o postscript_n which_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v omit_v have_v this_o faith_n and_o confidence_n that_o as_o in_o conscience_n i_o have_v be_v concern_v to_o prepare_v and_o publish_v this_o treatise_n and_o at_o this_o moment_n and_o conclusion_n have_v the_o answer_n of_o peace_n in_o my_o bosom_n so_o there_o will_v be_v a_o service_n for_o the_o lord_n his_o truth_n and_o people_n therein_o and_o though_o some_o may_v make_v lie_v their_o refuge_n evil_a insinuation_n and_o false_a construction_n their_o defence_n to_o abuse_v both_o it_o and_o i_o and_o other_o friend_n in_o truth_n concern_v as_o well_o as_o to_o cover_v the_o head_n of_o deceit_n and_o to_o uphold_v that_o which_o the_o lord_n as_o i_o firm_o believe_v have_v determine_v to_o bring_v down_o into_o the_o dust_n yet_o my_o faith_n be_v that_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o due_a time_n will_v discover_v the_o skirt_n of_o such_o and_o take_v away_o the_o unjust_a reproach_n from_o off_o his_o peculiar_a people_n and_o cause_n 〈◊〉_d vengeance_n and_o indignation_n to_o take_v hold_n on_o the_o adversary_n and_o give_v unto_o those_o who_o be_v obedient_a unto_o that_o spirit_n in_o which_o the_o election_n stand_v a_o increase_n of_o the_o ancient_a love_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o everlasting_a light_n so_o that_o be_v enable_v to_o sit_v down_o together_o under_o their_o own_o vine_n and_o figtree_n where_o none_o shall_v make_v they_o afraid_a they_o will_v be_v make_v partaker_n notwithstanding_o all_o false_a prophecy_n and_o imaginary_a vision_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o god_n salvation_n to_o the_o consolation_n of_o one_o another_o soul_n in_o the_o lord_n amen_o amen_n say_v my_o soul_n william_n rogers_n dated_n bristol_n the_o 3d._n of_o the_o 9th_o mo._n 1680._o bristol_n the_o 8_o of_o novemb_n 1680._o notwithstanding_o that_o all_o this_o treatise_n except_v the_o postscript_n index_n and_o errata_fw-la be_v already_o print_v yet_o as_o a_o further_a evidence_n of_o my_o readiness_n to_o meet_v george_n fox_n and_o his_o decline_v thereof_o i_o think_v meet_v to_o insert_v this_o additional_a postscript_n a_o friend_n from_o london_n advise_v i_o that_o my_o proceed_v to_o print_v be_v much_o discourse_v of_o in_o the_o city_n of_o london_n
sensible_a of_o the_o danger_n in_o run_v beyond_o his_o gift_n and_o be_v so_o puff_v up_o with_o spiritual_a pride_n as_o to_o conclude_v himself_o more_o faithful_a more_o holy_a more_o circumspect_a more_o discern_v than_o his_o brother_n think_v of_o himself_o not_o only_o better_a than_o of_o his_o brother_n but_o in_o other_o thing_n above_o what_o be_v meet_v contrary_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o exhort_v not_o to_o think_v of_o ourselves_o more_o high_o than_o we_o ought_v may_v easy_o run_v himself_o on_o this_o rock_n of_o judge_v those_o who_o the_o lord_n judge_v not_o especial_o if_o such_o a_o one_o give_v himself_o liberty_n to_o judge_n from_o a_o apprehend_v inward_a sense_n ground_v on_o no_o outward_a knowledge_n or_o evidence_n that_o now_o which_o be_v with_o we_o far_o to_o signify_v in_o relation_n to_o this_o matter_n be_v this_o we_o have_v great_a cause_n to_o doubt_v that_o this_o kind_n of_o weakness_n or_o presumption_n have_v be_v and_o be_v yet_o like_a to_o be_v one_o mean_n by_o which_o the_o variance_n among_o such_o as_o have_v be_v former_o at_o unity_n may_v continue_v because_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o when_o testimony_n have_v arisen_a against_o some_o person_n in_o public_a as_o dark_a separate_a and_o divide_v spirit_n and_o that_o some_o such_o as_o have_v be_v dissatisfy_v have_v desire_v to_o know_v what_o be_v the_o matter_n and_o what_o be_v the_o fruit_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v evidence_v the_o answer_n common_o be_v let_v the_o testimony_n of_o friend_n arise_v this_o word_n when_o it_o spring_v from_o such_o who_o have_v be_v instrument_n to_o beget_v into_o this_o faith_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o shut_v out_o the_o reason_v the_o wisdom_n and_o jealousy_n and_o that_o without_o distinction_n and_o that_o the_o apostasy_n shall_v never_o enter_v the_o generality_n more_o and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o withal_o the_o we_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v that_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o faithful_a brethren_n in_o any_o thing_n but_o yet_o we_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n that_o it_o sound_v not_o very_o comely_a out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o those_o with_o respect_n to_o themselves_o who_o have_v in_o public_a frequent_o thus_o testify_v we_o preach_v not_o ourselves_o look_v not_o unto_o we_o but_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o yourselves_o that_o be_v give_v to_o you_o to_o profit_v withal_o brethren_n easy_o raise_v the_o like_a testimony_n that_o such_o a_o one_o be_v of_o a_o dark_a separate_a spirit_n and_o then_o this_o come_v to_o be_v spread_v abroad_o as_o a_o seal_n to_o that_o which_o can_v be_v evidence_v either_o by_o doctrine_n or_o conversation_n as_o if_o the_o tree_n be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v know_v by_o its_o fruit_n as_o in_o day_n past_a and_o so_o whilst_o they_o have_v be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o one_o part_n of_o the_o counsel_n viz._n exclude_v the_o reason_n and_o the_o wisdom_n by_o which_o mean_v some_o have_v be_v betray_v to_o act_v contrary_a to_o all_o reason_n and_o all_o wisdom_n they_o have_v act_v contrary_a to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o counsel_n which_o be_v to_o shut_v out_o the_o jealousy_n for_o have_v they_o not_o entertain_v unrighteous_a jealousy_n we_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o will_v not_o have_v testify_v against_o such_o as_o have_v approve_v themselves_o unto_o we_o no_o other_o then_o faithful_a minister_n of_o christ_n sound_v in_o doctrine_n and_o as_o blameless_a in_o conversation_n so_o far_o as_o ever_o we_o know_v as_o any_o friend_n and_o thus_o the_o variance_n we_o fear_v be_v but_o too_o likely_a to_o continue_v now_o we_o appeal_v to_o the_o witness_n of_o god_n whether_o this_o kind_n of_o proceed_v be_v not_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o dark_a rend_v spirit_n that_o separate_v from_o the_o truth_n but_o to_o come_v a_o little_a near_o to_o answer_v other_o part_n of_o the_o objection_n viz._n when_o we_o have_v be_v in_o meeting_n with_o they_o we_o have_v be_v witness_n that_o the_o life_n have_v be_v raise_v and_o our_o soul_n have_v be_v refresh_v and_o that_o when_o those_o who_o they_o oppose_v do_v speak_v nothing_o but_o dryness_n deadness_n and_o barrenness_n appear_v we_o desire_v every_o one_o who_o may_v thus_o affirm_v serious_o to_o weigh_v and_o consider_v first_o whether_o if_o contrary_a to_o thou_o own_o principle_n thou_o have_v let_v in_o jealousy_n this_o jealousy_n may_v not_o darken_v thou_o so_o as_o to_o take_v light_n for_o darkness_n and_o darkness_n for_o light_n and_o that_o to_o be_v true_a refreshment_n which_o be_v no_o other_o but_o a_o rejoice_v in_o those_o imaginary_a spark_n which_o thou_o by_o a_o false_a fire_n have_v kindle_v for_o when_o the_o eye_n be_v not_o single_a to_o god_n and_o fix_v upon_o that_o teacher_n that_o can_v be_v remove_v into_o a_o corner_n but_o instead_o thereof_o have_v a_o eye_n unto_o man_n and_o to_o thing_n that_o be_v without_o weigh_v not_o the_o matter_n wherein_o thy_o mind_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o equal_a balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n it_o may_v be_v just_o with_o the_o lord_n to_o suffer_v thou_o to_o be_v overshadow_a with_o a_o veil_n of_o darkness_n and_o to_o become_v ignorant_a of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o they_o who_o be_v without_o be_v lest_o thou_o see_v with_o thy_o eye_n and_o understand_v with_o thy_o heart_n and_o be_v convert_v and_o save_v even_o as_o it_o be_v say_v by_o christ_n himself_o concern_v they_o who_o be_v without_o mark_z 4.11_o 12._o for_o we_o know_v that_o when_o truth_n be_v preach_v among_o we_o in_o the_o beginning_n and_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n shine_v in_o our_o conscience_n magnify_v as_o our_o only_a guide_n the_o gift_n of_o the_o father_n and_o appearance_n of_o christ_n jesus_n the_o great_a ordinance_n and_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n our_o soul_n be_v wonderful_o reach_v and_o affect_v with_o the_o sound_n thereof_o believe_v that_o the_o day_n be_v then_o come_v unto_o we_o wherein_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o father_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n be_v fulfil_v unto_o we_o viz._n but_o the_o comforter_n which_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o the_o father_n will_v send_v in_o my_o name_n he_o shall_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n and_o guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o thus_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n come_v to_o be_v open_v that_o we_o see_v most_o of_o the_o professor_n than_o in_o be_v to_o be_v but_o in_o the_o gentile_a nature_n and_o come_v no_o further_o than_o the_o outward_a court_n which_o the_o angel_n as_o john_n testify_v be_v not_o to_o measure_v for_o be_v not_o their_o preacher_n outward_a their_o rule_n outward_a their_o order_n outward_a their_o ordinance_n outward_a and_o the_o token_n and_o mark_v of_o membership_n in_o their_o church_n outward_a and_o when_o those_o outward_a thing_n be_v magnify_v and_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n as_o the_o guide_n to_o the_o father_n degrade_v by_o our_o opposer_n we_o be_v even_o ready_a to_o fear_v on_o their_o behalf_n that_o they_o be_v of_o that_o number_n who_o see_v but_o do_v not_o perceive_v do_v hear_v but_o not_o understand_v our_o breathe_n now_o unto_o the_o lord_n be_v that_o none_o of_o those_o who_o have_v former_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n thereof_o may_v continue_v so_o harden_v as_o to_o see_v and_o not_o perceive_v to_o hear_v and_o not_o understand_v and_o so_o in_o a_o dark_a and_o veil_a estate_n conclude_v that_o as_o salvation_n as_o note_v this_o sentence_n viz._n as_o heir_n of_o the_o gospel_n life_n &_o salvation_n take_v your_o possession_n have_v be_v of_o late_a year_n srequent_o express_v by_o g._n f._n when_o speak_v to_o friend_n by_o way_n of_o encouragement_n to_o continue_v man_n and_o woman_n meeting_n distinct_a from_o the_o public_a meeting_n for_o worship_n by_o which_o means_n it_o be_v much_o doubt_v that_o some_o ignorant_a people_n have_v conclude_v that_o their_o frequent_v those_o meeting_n be_v a_o evidence_n that_o they_o be_v heir_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n heir_n of_o the_o gospel_n life_n and_o salvation_n they_o be_v enter_v into_o a_o heavenly_a possession_n whenas_o the_o possession_n they_o be_v enter_v into_o be_v but_o some_o outward_a observation_n which_o may_v more_o proper_o be_v account_v to_o relate_v to_o the_o outward_a court_n than_o to_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o rather_o that_o they_o may_v so_o perceive_v and_o understand_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n as_o to_o bow_v to_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n jesus_n in_o themselves_o as_o the_o only_a lawgiver_n
a_o prey_n obtain_v by_o commission_n from_o god_n and_o that_o with_o a_o severe_a command_n to_o destroy_v all_o and_o therefore_o we_o ready_o confess_v that_o if_o any_o among_o we_o have_v endeavour_v to_o divert_v another_o from_o what_o he_o know_v to_o be_v his_o duty_n or_o have_v in_o save_v any_o part_n of_o that_o substance_n which_o god_n command_v to_o be_v destroy_v act_v contrary_a to_o his_o know_a duty_n it_o be_v just_o to_o be_v condemn_v and_o the_o scripture_n before-cited_n may_v in_o that_o case_n be_v term_v a_o proper_a allusion_n thereto_o but_o alas_o this_o be_v far_o remote_a from_o the_o case_n reflect_v on_o because_o some_o person_n therein_o concern_v have_v receive_v no_o command_n from_o god_n to_o the_o contrary_a nor_o yet_o have_v save_v any_o thing_n which_o the_o lord_n command_v to_o destroy_v and_o therefore_o such_o may_v just_o thus_o say_v how_o dare_v thou_o to_o judge_v the_o friend_n of_o truth_n and_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o that_o wherein_o they_o be_v not_o judge_v of_o the_o lord_n beside_o it_o be_v worthy_a observation_n that_o if_o any_o shall_v go_v beyond_o their_o proper_a gift_n and_o line_n of_o right_a understanding_n and_o in_o that_o state_n offer_v up_o their_o all_z when_o the_o lord_n call_v not_o for_o it_o but_o instead_o thereof_o a_o company_n of_o informer_n and_o that_o also_o by_o illegal_a way_n to_o devour_v it_o on_o their_o lust_n this_o offer_v may_v have_v no_o more_o acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n under_o this_o dispensation_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n than_o the_o offer_n of_o the_o blind_a and_o the_o lame_a under_o the_o first_o covenant_n have_v and_o indeed_o it_o may_v not_o be_v unnecessary_a far_o to_o confide_v the_o end_n wherefore_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v we_o steward_n of_o worldly_a estate_n doubtless_o it_o be_v and_o be_v that_o therewith_o we_o may_v maintain_v our_o family_n and_o have_v a_o due_a regard_n to_o the_o poor_a the_o fatherless_a and_o the_o widow_n that_o be_v or_o may_v be_v object_n of_o charity_n and_o therefore_o it_o may_v well_o be_v deem_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n lawful_o to_o preserve_v the_o same_o for_o the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v give_v and_o to_o endeavour_v by_o all_o lawful_a way_n and_o mean_n to_o prevent_v the_o spoiler_n design_v of_o possess_v our_o estate_n to_o consume_v it_o on_o their_o lust_n and_o indeed_o charity_n oblige_v we_o to_o suppose_v that_o these_o very_a consideration_n occasion_v g._n f._n to_o advice_n mary_n penington_n to_o secure_v worldly_a estate_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o such_o who_o be_v suppose_v in_o a_o persecute_v spirit_n to_o thirst_n after_o it_o though_o of_o herself_o if_o what_o g._n f._n have_v write_v in_o relation_n to_o this_o matter_n be_v to_o be_v credit_v she_o have_v no_o inclination_n to_o remove_v her_o movable_a good_n in_o order_n to_o secure_v it_o and_o if_o any_o shall_v question_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o relate_v to_o g._n f._n and_o mary_n penington_n we_o thereto_o say_v that_o sufficient_a witness_n to_o prove_v marry_o peningtons_n confession_n thereof_o can_v be_v now_o produce_v beside_o g._n f._n be_v charge_v therewith_o do_v not_o in_o his_o answer_n write_v deny_v it_o this_o our_o answer_n may_v in_o probability_n occasion_n from_o some_o another_o objection_n on_o this_o wise_a obj._n this_o be_v but_o a_o subtle_a evasion_n of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o friend_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o faithful_a friend_n and_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n in_o answer_n to_o peter_n and_o of_o samuel_n to_o saul_n will_v stand_v over_o the_o head_n of_o such_o dark_a spirit_n as_o you_o be_v answ_n this_o objection_n contain_v such_o language_n wherewith_o we_o be_v well_o acquaint_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o our_o opposer_n may_v thus_o in_o truth_n be_v answer_v that_o it_o can_v no_o more_o stand_v over_o our_o head_n than_o the_o word_n of_o some_o priest_n urge_v abraham_n payment_n of_o tithe_n out_o of_o spoil_n he_o obtain_v in_o war_n gen._n 14.20_o can_v stand_v over_o the_o head_n of_o friend_n refuse_v to_o pay_v tithe_n of_o those_o land_n which_o be_v their_o inheritance_n or_o proper_a purchase_n and_o no_o part_n of_o spoil_n obtain_v in_o war._n those_o who_o will_v not_o receive_v this_o as_o a_o full_a answer_n to_o evidence_n the_o weakness_n of_o the_o last_o objection_n but_o tenacious_o persist_v in_o assert_v that_o the_o say_a objection_n be_v reasonable_a and_o that_o from_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o saul_n will_v undoubted_o give_v just_a occasion_n to_o confirm_v the_o sense_n of_o our_o common_a enemy_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n who_o make_v of_o the_o scripture_n a_o mere_a nose_n of_o wax_n for_o though_o the_o scripture_n mention_v not_o any_o command_n from_o god_n to_o abraham_n to_o pay_v unto_o melchisedeck_v the_o ten_o of_o his_o spoil_n yet_o doubtless_o he_o therein_o do_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n even_o as_o saul_n will_v have_v do_v have_v he_o destroy_v all_o according_a to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o if_o what_o be_v practise_v by_o abraham_n may_v be_v take_v to_o be_v a_o incumbent_a duty_n on_o christian_n at_o this_o day_n even_o as_o our_o opposer_n will_v have_v what_o saul_n ought_v to_o have_v practise_v according_a to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n to_o be_v exemplary_a at_o this_o day_n yet_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o both_o one_o and_o tother_o have_v a_o real_a relation_n to_o what_o be_v obtain_v in_o war_n and_o so_o no_o proper_a precedent_n either_o to_o pay_v a_o ten_o part_n or_o to_o offer_v up_o the_o nine_o part_n with_o the_o ten_o of_o that_o estate_n which_o be_v our_o inheritance_n or_o proper_a purchase_n this_o we_o be_v far_a sensible_a may_n also_o occasion_v another_o objection_n to_o this_o purpose_n viz._n obj._n your_o discourse_n seem_v to_o encourage_v the_o avoid_n all_o suffer_v and_o then_o how_o in_o this_o our_o day_n shall_v that_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v fullfil_v viz._n all_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n shall_v suffer_v persecution_n 2_o tim._n 3.12_o answ_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v our_o former_a discourse_n encourage_v the_o assemble_v ourselves_o together_o though_o not_o to_o put_v into_o the_o mouth_n of_o informer_n at_o their_o will_n and_o pleasure_n and_o doubtless_o few_o so_o weak_a but_o do_v know_v that_o suffering_n of_o divers_a kind_n may_v therefore_o attend_v so_o that_o unless_o we_o be_v discourager_n of_o assemble_v together_o to_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n we_o can_v reasonable_o be_v understand_v to_o encourage_v the_o avoid_n all_o suffering_n and_o though_o paul_n word_n seem_v so_o positive_a and_o general_a yet_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o paul_n may_v be_v more_o particular_a viz._n in_o relation_n to_o time_n season_n and_o person_n wherein_o the_o lord_n may_v suffer_v the_o adversary_n to_o exercise_v some_o of_o his_o people_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o not_o strict_o mean_v that_o if_o a_o man_n have_v not_o suffer_v persecution_n therefore_o he_o have_v not_o live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n for_o who_o dare_v to_o be_v so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o conclude_v that_o none_o who_o be_v fall_v asleep_o that_o taste_v not_o of_o persecution_n in_o their_o day_n nor_o have_v occasion_n offer_v for_o the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n dye_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n and_o of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n especial_o since_o we_o know_v it_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o some_o who_o have_v be_v apt_a to_o reflect_v as_o aforesaid_a to_o use_v divers_a way_n and_o mean_n according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o skill_n and_o understanding_n to_o prevent_v the_o stroke_n of_o persecution_n in_o their_o day_n moreover_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o paul_n word_n to_o felix_n etc._n etc._n act_n 26.29_o i_o will_v to_o god_n that_o not_o only_o thou_o but_o also_o all_o that_o hear_v i_o this_o day_n be_v both_o almost_o and_o altogether_o such_o as_o i_o be_o except_o these_o bond_n do_v clear_o show_v that_o persecution_n be_v not_o such_o a_o absolute_a companion_n to_o a_o true_a christian_a as_o that_o without_o it_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n because_o no_o doubt_n but_o paul_n be_v then_o in_o that_o state_n of_o godliness_n and_o so_o also_o will_v those_o on_o who_o behalf_n he_o so_o speak_v have_v be_v have_v paul_n desire_n be_v answer_v notwithstanding_o he_o except_v the_o bond_n he_o then_o be_v in_o by_o reason_n of_o persecution_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o we_o know_v some_o of_o our_o opposer_n
seem_v to_o glory_n in_o suffer_v their_o good_n to_o be_v take_v away_o and_o to_o speak_v in_o their_o language_n account_v it_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o dark_a spirit_n to_o endeavour_v to_o save_v any_o though_o but_o from_o the_o thirst_n of_o informer_n occasion_v persecution_n mere_o to_o enrich_v themselves_o we_o can_v but_o query_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o more_o christian_a like_o so_o to_o act_v according_a to_o one_o plain_a persuasion_n than_o to_o contend_v so_o much_o for_o offer_v upall_a &_o yet_o after_o take_v away_o to_o use_v divers_a mean_n to_o get_v it_o again_o sometime_o by_o law_n open-faced_a as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o appeal_n and_o sometime_o by_o private_a and_o secret_a solicitation_n wherein_o not_o only_a time_n and_o breath_n be_v spend_v but_o as_o be_v credible_o report_v the_o purse_n open_v too_o as_o some_o of_o our_o opposer_n have_v do_v we_o shall_v now_o return_v and_o consider_v what_o in_o probability_n may_v be_v object_v touch_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n grace_n etc._n etc._n as_o in_o the_o next_o follow_v section_n sect_n vi_o on_o the_o occasion_n of_o a_o objection_n raise_v touch_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n grace_n unity_n be_v treat_v on_o from_o the_o word_n of_o paul_n to_o the_o corinth_n that_o they_o shall_v all_o speak_v one_o thing_n touch_v the_o word_n independency_n occasion_v by_o a_o public_a preacher_n that_o leave_v friend_n to_o the_o grace_n light_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o lead_v into_o rantism_n objection_n it_o be_v true_a may_n some_o say_v this_o doctrine_n of_o exalt_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n grace_n square_n with_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n as_o preach_v among_o we_o in_o the_o beginning_n and_o it_o have_v then_o and_o still_o have_v a_o answer_n in_o our_o conscience_n but_o now_o several_a of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v instrument_n to_o gather_v we_o increase_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o they_o now_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o doubt_v if_o there_o be_v no_o care_n take_v to_o preserve_v a_o unity_n among_o the_o professor_n of_o truth_n friend_n may_v be_v scatter_v and_o break_v and_o run_v into_o a_o separation_n etc._n etc._n for_o do_v not_o paul_n exhort_v the_o corinthian_n that_o they_o shall_v all_o speak_v one_o thing_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 10._o answ_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o when_o paul_n come_v to_o understand_v that_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n be_v some_o for_o paul_n and_o some_o for_o apollo_n and_o some_o for_o cephas_n and_o some_o for_o christ_n there_o be_v great_a need_n for_o he_o on_o that_o occasion_n to_o exhort_v they_o to_o speak_v one_o thing_n lest_o their_o faith_n and_o hope_n in_o the_o gospel_n may_v come_v utter_o to_o be_v destroy_v do_v those_o who_o cry_v against_o such_o who_o we_o account_v faithful_a friend_n as_o dark_a spirit_n and_o plead_v so_o much_o for_o unity_n and_o to_o speak_v one_o thing_n exhort_v those_o who_o be_v apt_a to_o pin_v their_o faith_n on_o a_o apollo_n a_o paul_n or_o a_o cephas_n to_o be_v for_o christ_n we_o shall_v think_v it_o good_a exhortation_n therein_o to_o speak_v one_o thing_n and_o that_o which_o will_v cast_v a_o great_a line_n of_o reflection_n on_o those_o ignorant_a zealot_n who_o of_o late_a day_n have_v much_o exhort_v we_o to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o brethren_n in_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o we_o their_o meaning_n be_v to_o some_o particular_a brethren_n while_o other_o ancient_a and_o honourable_a be_v despise_v by_o they_o beside_o we_o can_v on_o this_o occasion_n but_o observe_v that_o the_o same_o paul_n do_v sufficient_o evidence_n his_o dislike_n of_o any_o plea_n for_o unity_n save_v that_o of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o though_o he_o exhort_v to_o unity_n ephes_n 4.3_o yet_o verse_n 7._o he_o say_v but_o unto_o every_o one_o of_o we_o be_v give_v grace_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n which_o clear_o evidence_n to_o our_o conscience_n that_o paul_n never_o intend_v to_o magnify_v any_o 15.10_o any_o 1_o cor._n 12.7_o 1_o cor._n 15.10_o unity_n among_o brethren_n but_o that_o which_o may_v be_v the_o natural_a product_n of_o this_o gift_n of_o grace_n or_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o give_v to_o every_o one_o according_a to_o measure_n to_o profit_v withal_o and_o whereby_o they_o may_v in_o the_o language_n and_o according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n say_v each_o unto_o other_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n i_o be_o what_o i_o be_o we_o be_v yet_o sensible_a that_o another_o objection_n may_v still_o arise_v obj._n what_o then_o be_v you_o for_o a_o independency_n yes_o very_o we_o be_v for_o a_o independency_n that_o be_v to_o say_v independency_n say_v some_o may_v wonder_v why_o we_o raise_v this_o objection_n but_o doubtless_o it_o will_v come_v to_o the_o view_n of_o one_o and_o not_o a_o mean_a one_o too_o who_o manifest_v his_o doubt_n that_o some_o of_o we_o intend_v a_o independency_n not_o to_o depend_v on_o the_o counsel_n of_o one_o man_n nor_o yet_o to_o depend_v on_o the_o counsel_n of_o general_n quarterly_o or_o monthly_a meeting_n but_o as_o there_o be_v sufficiency_n in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o to_o profit_v withal_o so_o to_o have_v a_o dependency_n on_o that_o grace_n to_o teach_v didirect_a and_o instruct_v in_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o in_o ward_n man_n of_o the_o heart_n know_v that_o it_o be_v against_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o principle_n in_o which_o we_o have_v believe_v to_o have_v a_o dependency_n on_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v outward_a lest_o it_o prove_v unto_o we_o like_o the_o reed_n of_o egypt_n and_o arm_v of_o flesh_n that_o can_v save_v but_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o against_o appoint_a meeting_n for_o the_o outward_a service_n of_o truth_n for_o that_o have_v be_v and_o be_v our_o practice_n know_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o service_n therein_o as_o occasion_n offer_v provide_v all_o in_o such_o meeting_n may_v be_v keep_v in_o humility_n as_o servant_n each_o to_o other_o and_o the_o truth_n not_o exercise_v lordship_n over_o the_o conscience_n which_o be_v god_n prerogative_n nor_o yet_o exalt_v themselves_o as_o if_o thereby_o they_o be_v enter_v into_o that_o possession_n which_o can_v never_o be_v take_v from_o they_o object_n we_o be_v now_o sensible_a that_o some_o may_v be_v ready_a thus_o to_o say_v we_o can_v scarce_o believe_v that_o any_o man_n of_o weight_n and_o under_o the_o name_n of_o one_o that_o may_v be_v account_v by_o any_o a_o faithful_a quaker_n will_v give_v occasion_n for_o such_o a_o discourse_n as_o this_o occasion_v on_o the_o word_n independency_n for_o that_o many_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o say_v it_o be_v the_o language_n of_o a_o hypocrite_n that_o have_v outward_a power_n to_o uphold_v it_o because_o some_o who_o be_v account_v separate_a from_o it_o be_v call_v independent_o ans_fw-fr this_o occasion_n we_o to_o signify_v that_o preface_n that_o note_v his_o name_n be_v omit_v for_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o preface_n a_o eminent_a person_n write_v to_o friend_n in_o wiltshire_n by_o way_n of_o reply_n to_o a_o answer_n they_o give_v to_o the_o paper_n from_o ellis_n hook_n his_o chamber_n sign_v by_o charles_n martial_n and_o sixty_o five_o more_o against_o two_o ancient_a and_o honourable_a friend_n in_o truth_n viz._n john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n etc._n etc._n thus_o repeat_v part_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o friend_n of_o wiltshire_n and_o what_o if_o we_o in_o this_o county_n or_o any_o friend_n elsewhere_o shall_v say_v to_o any_o of_o you_o of_o london_n or_o other_o city_n or_o country_n as_o to_o our_o public_a concern_v in_o the_o managment_n of_o our_o affair_n repeat_v affair_n note_v though_o it_o be_v recite_v meddle_v not_o with_o we_o yet_o the_o very_a follow_a word_n be_v thus_o unless_o concern_v but_o if_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v real_o with_o any_o of_o you_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o hear_v it_o which_o be_v leave_v out_o by_o the_o reply_o we_o appeal_v to_o the_o righteous_a judge_n whether_o he_o have_v not_o therein_o act_v notorious_o unjust_a since_o there_o can_v not_o have_v be_v the_o least_o pretence_n for_o he_o to_o have_v write_v as_o he_o have_v on_o that_o subject_n have_v the_o whole_a sentence_n be_v repeat_v meddle_v not_o with_o we_o if_o we_o shall_v so_o say_v unto_o you_o we_o can_v think_v that_o this_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o imposition_n have_v no_o penalty_n annex_v thereunto_o neither_o do_v we_o understand_v they_o to_o be_v any_o otherwise_o these_o word_n be_v thus_o repeat_v the_o replyer_n proceed_v and_o give_v this_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o
answer_v you_o be_v out_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n herein_o for_o wherever_o truth_n be_v concern_v the_o friend_n of_o truth_n may_v be_v concern_v by_o counsel_n advice_n or_o other_o aid_n or_o assistance_n and_o to_o talk_v of_o city_n place_n or_o country_n by_o way_n of_o limitation_n be_v narrow_a weak_a and_o unsound_a it_o be_v a_o plain_a restrain_v which_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o imposition_n it_o arise_v from_o the_o same_o ground_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o same_o centre_n and_o the_o end_n of_o this_o very_a spirit_n how_o small_a soever_o its_o appearance_n be_v think_v now_o to_o be_v be_v downright_a independencye_n parish_n and_o schism_n suffer_v but_o the_o universal_a cord_n to_o be_v cut_v and_o these_o thing_n must_v follow_v hereby_o one_o place_n will_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o action_n of_o another_o and_o each_o be_v as_o distinct_a government_n and_o by_o thing_n happen_v between_o person_n of_o differ_v meeting_n a_o foundation_n be_v lay_v for_o emulation_n strife_n and_o division_n but_o where_o truth_n only_o rule_v and_o reign_v and_o that_o all_o friend_n of_o truth_n have_v free_a access_n in_o it_o truth_n and_o not_o man_n nor_o man_n rule_n and_o reign_v for_o they_o that_o will_v have_v a_o meeting_n rule_n be_v as_o far_o from_o truth_n as_o they_o that_o will_v have_v a_o man_n rule_v for_o it_o be_v neither_o man_n nor_o man_n but_o truth_n in_o all_o that_o must_v and_o will_v preside_v among_o we_o and_o the_o faithful_a be_v of_o one_o mind_n because_o they_o have_v but_o one_o head_n here_o the_o reader_n may_v take_v notice_n that_o the_o replyer_n who_o be_v not_o a_o mean_a one_o use_v the_o word_n independencye_n and_o seem_v to_o speak_v against_o separate_a and_o independent_a privilege_n and_o distinct_a government_n and_o yet_o also_o import_v by_o his_o word_n that_o neither_o man_n man_n nor_o meeting_n ought_v to_o rule_v but_o that_o truth_n must_v and_o will_v preside_v among_o we_o and_o that_o the_o faithful_a be_v all_o of_o one_o mind_n because_o they_o have_v but_o one_o head_n hence_o some_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o inquire_v what_o may_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o these_o his_o word_n and_o the_o end_n of_o this_o very_a spirit_n be_v downright_a independencye_n parish_n and_o schism_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o we_o take_v he_o to_o mean_v that_o there_o be_v some_o who_o in_o his_o sense_n either_o be_v or_o in_o the_o end_n may_v become_v schismatic_n because_o they_o be_v not_o principled_a to_o depend_v on_o the_o assembly_n of_o man_n though_o under_o a_o form_n of_o government_n but_o on_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n grace_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v evident_a from_o this_o his_o expression_n suffer_v the_o universal_a cord_n by_o which_o we_o can_v take_v he_o to_o mean_v the_o power_n of_o god_n but_o some_o outward_a thing_n to_o be_v cut_v and_o these_o thing_n must_v follow_v viz._n hereby_o one_o place_n will_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o action_n of_o another_o and_o each_o will_v plead_v separate_a and_o independent_a privilege_n in_o fine_a they_o will_v be_v as_o distinct_a government_n and_o by_o thing_n happen_v between_o person_n of_o different_a meeting_n a_o foundation_n be_v lay_v for_o emulation_n strife_n and_o division_n but_o have_v he_o not_o so_o say_v we_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n satisfy_v we_o that_o what_o we_o take_v to_o be_v his_o mean_v may_v reasonable_o be_v take_v to_o be_v his_o very_a mean_v since_o it_o be_v not_o rational_a to_o take_v he_o to_o mean_v a_o independency_n on_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n grace_n because_o it_o be_v use_v by_o way_n of_o reflection_n on_o those_o who_o great_a concern_v at_o this_o day_n as_o we_o believe_v be_v to_o contend_v and_o plead_v for_o this_o undoubted_a christian-freedom_n and_o privilege_n that_o as_o under_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o man_n have_v by_o the_o true_a minister_n of_o christ_n be_v commit_v to_o god_n grace_n so_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v leave_v free_a to_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o his_o grace_n as_o that_o teacher_n of_o righteousness_n on_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o depend_v notwithstanding_o many_o false_a and_o hireling_n minister_n have_v usual_o thus_o say_v we_o commit_v you_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o yet_o be_v find_v persecutor_n of_o those_o who_o give_v heed_n to_o the_o word_n of_o grace_n can_v not_o adhere_v to_o their_o word_n he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v let_v he_o hear_v we_o appeal_v now_o to_o god_n witness_v in_o every_o impartial_a reader_n whether_o the_o replyer_n language_n in_o his_o aforecited_a reply_n favour_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n shall_v leave_v this_o our_o testimony_n on_o record_n that_o truth_n may_v appear_v among_o a_o few_o country_n friend_n in_o a_o small_a village_n and_o that_o they_o from_o the_o appearance_n thereof_o may_v act_v by_o way_n of_o counsel_n exhortation_n aid_n or_o assistance_n charge_v troublesome_a turbulent_a disquieter_n of_o god_n people_n not_o to_o meddle_v with_o they_o unless_o concern_v and_o yet_o may_v not_o just_o be_v reflect_v on_o as_o such_o as_o will_v cut_v the_o universal_a cord_n which_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o can_v be_v cut_v whereby_o we_o be_v gather_v nor_o yet_o that_o the_o end_n of_o their_o spirit_n be_v independency_n parish_n schism_n and_o that_o they_o be_v pleader_n for_o such_o separate_a independent_a privilege_n as_o have_v not_o a_o dependency_n on_o god_n lead_v grace_n oh_o friend_n away_o with_o all_o such_o discourse_n that_o tell_v you_o in_o one_o line_n that_o no_o man_n man_n nor_o meeting_n but_o truth_n must_v rule_v and_o preside_n and_o yet_o reflect_v on_o other_o as_o claim_v and_o plead_v for_o separate_a privilege_n and_o distinct_a government_n when_o in_o reality_n they_o plead_v for_o nothing_o but_o to_o be_v leave_v according_a as_o the_o ancient_a labourer_n who_o be_v instrument_n in_o god_n hand_n to_o gather_v we_o do_v leave_v we_o commit_v we_o and_o commend_v we_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o teach_n thereof_o as_o manifest_v in_o every_o one_o inward_a part_n make_v no_o mentition_n of_o have_v their_o dependency_n on_o general_n quarterly_o monthly_a or_o any_o other_o meeting_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o we_o can_v but_o give_v forth_o this_o as_o a_o warn_n to_o all_o to_o take_v heed_n that_o you_o be_v not_o deceive_v by_o the_o cunning_a sleight_n and_o device_n of_o man_n to_o leave_v your_o teacher_n that_o can_v be_v remove_v into_o a_o corner_n and_o instead_o thereof_o be_v find_v depend_v on_o the_o dicttate_n and_o prescription_n of_o fallible_a man._n he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v let_v he_o hear_v but_o to_o come_v yet_o more_o close_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n we_o can_v but_o further_o declare_v that_o though_o the_o reply_o thus_o have_v say_v to_o talk_v of_o city_n place_n or_o country_n by_o way_n of_o limitation_n be_v narrow_a weak_a and_o unsound_a it_o be_v a_o plain_a restraint_n it_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o imposition_n yet_o we_o must_v take_v liberty_n to_o tell_v he_o that_o we_o be_v not_o so_o void_a of_o sense_n but_o to_o perceive_v that_o the_o general_n meeting_n be_v that_o unto_o which_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o some_o all_o friend_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o eye_n above_o any_o other_o meet_v of_o friend_n whatsoever_o and_o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n frequent_o utter_v viz._n have_v any_o eye_n to_o the_o brethren_n be_v chief_o mean_v with_o respect_n to_o that_o meeting_n this_o we_o take_v to_o be_v both_o limitation_n and_o a_o design_n of_o imposition_n and_o whereas_o the_o replier_n have_v say_v hereby_o one_o place_n will_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o action_n of_o another_o as_o if_o that_o be_v matter_n of_o ill_a consequence_n we_o think_v meet_v to_o add_v that_o we_o do_v know_v those_o who_o have_v busy_v themselves_o first_o to_o bring_v the_o action_n at_o one_o place_n unto_o another_o have_v occasion_v emulation_n strife_n and_o division_n among_o friend_n at_o unity_n so_o that_o instead_o of_o approve_v themselves_o keeper_n of_o other_o man_n vineyard_n they_o have_v be_v destroyer_n both_a of_o other_o man_n and_o their_o own_o vineyard_n too_o as_o by_o sad_a example_n be_v too_o too_o evident_o manifest_v in_o the_o country_n and_o place_n where_o we_o live_v or_o have_v be_v conversant_a if_o report_n be_v true_a it_o have_v be_v jealouse_v by_o some_o who_o cry_v much_o against_o some_o other_o under_o the_o term_n of_o dark_a spirit_n though_o honest_a friend_n that_o this_o kind_n of_o argue_v to_o leave_v friend_n to_o the_o grace_n light_n
and_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v lead_v into_o rantism_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o care_n of_o faithful_a brethren_n to_o appear_v as_o watchman_n over_o the_o flock_n that_o so_o none_o under_o pretence_n of_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o light_n may_v run_v into_o looseness_n lightness_n and_o vanity_n say_v the_o light_n in_o my_o conscience_n condemn_v i_o not_o to_o this_o we_o say_v the_o lord_n rebuke_v that_o spirit_n that_o do_v so_o much_o as_o jealous_a that_o leave_v people_n to_o the_o light_n may_v lead_v into_o rantism_n such_o a_o sugestion_n be_v notorious_o wicked_a since_o the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n have_v be_v unto_o which_o we_o this_o day_n bear_v record_n that_o the_o light_n be_v a_o reprover_n of_o all_o sin_n and_o as_o to_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o objection_n we_o say_v that_o those_o who_o be_v true_a watchman_n will_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v use_v their_o endeavour_n to_o bring_v the_o flock_n to_o the_o light_n to_o prove_v their_o deed_n whether_o they_o be_v wrought_v in_o god_n and_o not_o to_o paper_n rather_o than_o to_o the_o light_n as_o know_v this_o that_o every_o work_n and_o word_n bring_v forth_o by_o man_n be_v but_o the_o effect_n of_o what_o be_v first_o wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n which_o nothing_o outward_a can_v be_v a_o bond_n upon_o to_o alter_v and_o change_v and_o if_o we_o do_v but_o consider_v how_o fruitless_a in_o day_n and_o year_n that_o be_v past_a as_o well_o as_o in_o this_o present_a age_n all_o man_n outward_a endeavour_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o church-government_n have_v be_v to_o preserve_v in_o a_o real_a true_a heavenly_a society_n it_o appear_v to_o we_o as_o a_o mere_a badge_n of_o apostasy_n for_o any_o to_o have_v a_o dependency_n on_o any_o such_o mean_n of_o preservation_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v jealouse_v some_o may_v run_v into_o looseness_n and_o say_v the_o light_n in_o my_o conscience_n condemn_v i_o not_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o care_n of_o faithful_a brethren_n to_o appear_v as_o watchman_n over_o the_o flock_n we_o say_v so_o too_o and_o those_o who_o approve_v themselves_o watchman_n will_v endeavour_v to_o convince_v such_o who_o in_o very_a deed_n run_v into_o looseness_n etc._n etc._n that_o though_o they_o may_v pretend_v the_o light_n condemn_v they_o not_o yet_o that_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a and_o that_o the_o light_n do_v condemn_v that_o same_o though_o they_o may_v be_v harden_v and_o see_v it_o not_o and_o so_o endeavour_v to_o awaken_v the_o conscience_n that_o god_n witness_n may_v be_v hear_v for_o that_o nothing_o that_o be_v outward_a can_v be_v a_o bond_n on_o such_o a_o one_o to_o forsake_v his_o sin_n and_o embrace_v the_o truth_n sect_n vii_o touch_v church-government_n and_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n church-government_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o opposer_n as_o we_o on_o sufficient_a ground_n take_v it_o lay_v down_o our_o denial_n of_o that_o meaning_n several_a scripture_n from_o whence_o a_o proof_n for_o church-government_n have_v be_v pretend_v be_v treat_v on_o show_v that_o from_o thence_o no_o pretence_n can_v be_v to_o claim_v a_o power_n over_o conscience_n or_o outward_a property_n the_o doctrine_n touch_v power_n over_o conscience_n and_o outward_a thing_n relate_v to_o meum_fw-la and_o tuum_fw-la as_o the_o author_n term_n be_v which_o we_o therefore_o call_v outward_a property_n examine_v and_o testify_v against_o as_o contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o liberty_n we_o have_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o sense_n what_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o decision_n of_o controversy_n with_o relation_n to_o property_n between_o brother_n and_o brother_n a_o objection_n raise_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o what_o be_v give_v forth_o by_o the_o spirit_n through_o the_o brethren_n aught_o to_o be_v obey_v and_o not_o account_v the_o dictate_v of_o fallible_a man_n and_o that_o if_o thou_o see_v it_o not_o thy_o duty_n to_o obey_v the_o reason_n be_v thy_o want_n of_o diligence_n and_o not_o wait_v in_o thy_o measure_n and_o so_o no_o plea_n for_o thy_o disobedience_n be_v good_n the_o say_a objection_n answer_v a_o examination_n from_o the_o scripture_n whether_o christ_n give_v any_o encouragement_n to_o his_o disciple_n to_o become_v ruler_n over_o one_o another_o this_o kind_n of_o discourse_n we_o be_v ready_a to_o suppose_v may_v at_o length_n occasion_n from_o some_o such_o a_o objection_n as_o this_o object_n what_o be_v you_o not_o for_o church-government_n answ_n to_o this_o we_o say_v we_o be_v for_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n know_v it_o be_v his_o right_n to_o govern_v his_o church_n obj._n this_n may_n some_o say_v be_v a_o evasive_a answer_n to_o the_o question_n and_o therefore_o may_v again_o reply_v be_v plain_a and_o tell_v we_o be_v you_o for_o church-government_n answ_n for_o answer_v than_o we_o say_v we_o ought_v to_o ask_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o word_n church-government_n since_o we_o find_v not_o the_o word_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n and_o it_o be_v a_o word_n most_o use_v under_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n by_o such_o who_o have_v become_v persecutor_n we_o be_v the_o more_o jealous_a that_o corruption_n usurpation_n and_o injustice_n may_v creep_v in_o by_o such_o who_o contend_v so_o much_o for_o church-government_n with_o respect_n to_o outward_o form_n of_o government_n since_o the_o form_n some_o take_v to_o govern_v be_v in_o some_o respect_n worse_o than_o the_o form_n of_o divers_a apostate_n christian_n take_v this_o for_o one_o instance_n among_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v give_v viz._n judge_v the_o merit_n of_o a_o cause_n without_o hear_v both_o party_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_o evidence_v by_o the_o give_v forth_o that_o paper_n from_o ellis_n hook_n his_o chamber_n london_n the_o twelve_o of_o the_o four_o month_n 1677._o and_o subscribe_v by_o charles_n marshal_n and_o sixty_o five_o person_n more_o against_o two_o ancient_a and_o honourable_a brethren_n viz._n john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n though_o not_o then_o present_a to_o speak_v for_o themselves_o nor_o yet_o ever_o speak_v to_o by_o many_o of_o the_o say_v sixty_o six_o touch_v any_o evil_n lay_v to_o their_o charge_n beside_o we_o do_v know_v that_o many_o of_o our_o opposer_n who_o appear_v to_o we_o high_o affect_v with_o church-government_n as_o in_o their_o account_n be_v establish_v among_o we_o and_o that_o with_o respect_n to_o outward_a form_n do_v in_o a_o high_a decree_n manifest_v a_o spirit_n of_o persecution_n by_o endeavour_v to_o take_v away_o the_o good_a name_n of_o honest_a man_n by_o lie_n slander_n and_o false_a accusation_n wherein_o our_o opposer_n have_v be_v to_o our_o certain_a knowledge_n so_o industrious_a as_o that_o we_o have_v scarcy_o know_v their_o peer_n in_o that_o evil_a work_n which_o in_o many_o section_n of_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o first_o manuscript_n make_v mention_n of_o in_o the_o preface_n particular_o the_o 13_o 18_o 12_o 22th_o be_v lareg_o evidence_v and_o ready_a for_o the_o view_n of_o any_o friend_n that_o may_v desire_v the_o perusal_n thereof_o though_o for_o the_o reason_n mention_v in_o the_o preface_n not_o herewith_o publish_v and_o now_o as_o to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n church-government_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o opposer_n we_o take_v it_o to_o be_v thus_o viz._n that_o some_o who_o account_v themselves_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n claim_v a_o power_n to_o rule_v over_o other_o some_o if_o not_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o to_o give_v forth_o sentence_n direction_n or_o order_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o own_o receive_v or_o obey_v though_o they_o may_v pretend_v they_o see_v it_o not_o their_o duty_n if_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n church-government_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o opposer_n as_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o believe_v it_o be_v not_o only_o from_o r._n b_n book_n of_o government_n but_o also_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v or_o propagate_v by_o other_o which_o we_o be_v persuade_v will_v appear_v to_o all_o impartial_a reader_n who_o shall_v diligent_o and_o in_o a_o unprejudiced_a spirit_n weigh_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o say_v first_o manuscript_n mention_v in_o the_o preface_n which_o as_o we_o say_v before_o be_v ready_a for_o the_o perusal_n of_o any_o friend_n desire_v so_o to_o do_v though_o for_o the_o reason_n mention_v in_o the_o preface_n not_o herewith_o publish_v we_o then_o direct_o answer_v we_o be_v not_o for_o such_o a_o church-government_n this_o subject_a whereof_o we_o be_v now_o treat_v be_v as_o some_o may_n comparative_o say_v the_o very_a hinge_v on_o which_o the_o present_a controversy_n seem_v to_o depend_v we_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o quote_v those_o scripture_n from_o whence_o so_o far_o as_o ever_o we_o
understand_v the_o most_o pertinent_a argument_n may_v be_v produce_v to_o prove_v church-government_n or_o a_o government_n in_o some_o member_n or_o member_n over_o the_o rest_n mat._n 18.15_o 16_o 17._o we_o find_v christ_n thus_o say_v moreover_o if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o go_v tell_v he_o his_o fault_n if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v in_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n compare_v this_o scripture_n touch_v the_o trespass_n of_o one_o brother_n against_o another_o with_o what_o paul_n write_v 1_o cor._n 2.4_o dare_v any_o of_o you_o have_v a_o matter_n against_o another_o go_v to_o law_n before_o the_o unjust_a do_v you_o not_o know_v that_o the_o saint_n shall_v judge_v the_o world_n if_o than_o you_o have_v judgement_n of_o thing_n pertain_v to_o this_o life_n set_v they_o to_o judge_v who_o be_v least_o esteem_v in_o the_o church_n we_o reasonable_o conclude_v that_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n only_o hint_v at_o either_o personal_a offence_n or_o difference_n touch_v worldly_a matter_n and_o that_o therein_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n be_v only_o to_o exhort_v to_o submit_v to_o their_o counsel_n which_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o may_v just_o be_v esteem_v as_o heathen_a man_n but_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n of_o those_o who_o have_v approve_v a_o plea_n for_o such_o a_o church-government_n as_o claim_v a_o power_n of_o decide_v matter_n relate_v to_o conscience_n and_o outward_a thing_n also_o on_o the_o occasion_n of_o difference_n raise_v touch_v worldly_a estate_n and_o that_o other_o ought_v to_o obey_v such_o decision_n which_o in_o its_o natural_a consequence_n have_v as_o we_o take_v it_o no_o less_o tendency_n than_o to_o claim_v power_n over_o our_o property_n as_o well_o as_o conscience_n we_o be_v now_o sensible_a that_o many_o friend_n who_o have_v not_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o secret_a cause_n of_o all_o the_o difference_n among_o friend_n will_v be_v even_o startle_v at_o this_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o query_n be_v there_o any_o such_o among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n we_o answer_v yes_o very_o and_o that_o those_o who_o may_v be_v account_v christian_n too_o viz._n those_o who_o approve_v in_o the_o second_o day_n meet_v at_o london_n the_o before-cited_n book_n of_o r._n b._n relate_v to_o government_n in_o the_o church_n we_o shall_v begin_v first_o with_o the_o matter_n of_o conscience_n the_o title_n of_o the_o six_o section_n thereof_o run_v thus_o how_o far_a this_o government_n do_v extend_v in_o matter_n spiritual_a and_o pure_o conscientious_a and_o then_o treat_v thereon_o the_o author_n thus_o say_v in_o which_o the_o great_a question_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 and_o so_o proceed_v to_o ask_v 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 a_o positive_a sentence_n or_o decision_n which_o may_v be_v obligatory_a upon_o believer_n be_v then_o go_v on_o thus_o answer_v viz._n i_o answer_v affirmative_o she_o have_v which_o be_v compare_v with_o what_o he_o write_v page_n 68_o of_o his_o say_a book_n on_o this_o wise_a viz._n that_o their_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la give_v a_o positive_a sentence_n in_o such_o case_n will_v not_o import_v tyranny_n and_o usurpation_n neither_o will_v the_o pretence_n of_o any_o contradict_v they_o or_o refuse_v to_o submit_v on_o the_o account_n they_o see_v it_o not_o excuse_v they_o of_o be_v guilty_a of_o disobey_v god_n clear_o show_v to_o we_o his_o meaning_n to_o be_v that_o in_o some_o case_n the_o conscience_n of_o believer_n ought_v to_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o positive_a sentence_n of_o other_o without_o leave_v any_o liberty_n for_o a_o believer_n to_o refuse_v to_o submit_v on_o account_n of_o not_o see_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o submit_v this_o mean_v and_o government_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o believer_n we_o take_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o liberty_n we_o have_v in_o christ_n jesus_n for_o that_o no_o outward_a sentence_n or_o matter_n whatsoever_o can_v oblige_v the_o conscience_n to_o be_v approve_v this_o or_o that_o exercise_n or_o practice_n or_o to_o be_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o or_o that_o judgement_n sentence_n or_o decree_n until_o such_o time_n that_o the_o conscience_n through_o the_o inshining_a of_o christ_n light_n therein_o come_v to_o be_v satisfy_v and_o thereby_o to_o be_v bind_v and_o obleige_v and_o though_o we_o find_v the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n chap._n 13._o verse_n 7._o say_v on_o this_o wise_a remember_v they_o which_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o say_v such_o who_o have_v the_o rule_n be_v the_o church_n but_o discribe_v they_o in_o the_o next_o follow_v word_n to_o be_v such_o who_o have_v speak_v unto_o they_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o that_o if_o any_o authority_n be_v give_v to_o any_o to_o rule_v as_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n it_o appear_v from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n to_o be_v unto_o such_o who_o have_v speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n unto_o they_o over_o who_o they_o have_v the_o rule_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v no_o precedent_n or_o proof_n that_o mix_v and_o uncertain_a assembly_n as_o to_o number_n and_o qualification_n may_v call_v themselves_o the_o church_n and_o under_o that_o notion_n give_v forth_o order_n rule_n and_o sentence_n tell_v the_o rest_n of_o those_o who_o they_o may_v account_v their_o fellow-member_n it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o obey_v though_o you_o pretend_v you_o see_v it_o not._n beside_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o those_o who_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v give_v forth_o any_o sentence_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o authority_n that_o may_v become_v a_o bond_n on_o the_o conscience_n before_o conviction_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o why_o because_o it_o be_v by_o that_o grace_n that_o the_o heart_n come_v to_o be_v establish_v according_a as_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n write_v verse_n 9_o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n for_o it_o be_v a_o good_a thing_n that_o the_o heart_n be_v establish_v with_o grace_n but_o perhaps_o some_o may_v quote_v paul_n 2_o thes_n 3.6_o who_o thus_o say_v now_o we_o command_v you_o brethren_n in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o you_o withdraw_v yourselves_o from_o every_o brother_n that_o walk_v disorderly_a and_o not_o after_o the_o tradition_n which_o he_o receive_v of_o we_o to_o this_o we_o say_v paul_n in_o the_o follow_a verse_n give_v the_o reaon_n for_o the_o urge_v obedience_n to_o his_o precept_n viz._n for_o you_o yourselves_o know_v how_o you_o ought_v to_o follow_v we_o hence_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o their_o heart_n be_v so_o establish_v in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o duty_n become_v a_o great_a obligation_n upon_o they_o than_o paul_n command_n verse_n the_o 14_o of_o the_o same_o chap._n paul_n say_v if_o any_o man_n obey_v not_o our_o word_n by_o this_o epistle_n note_v that_o man_n and_o have_v no_o company_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a this_o may_n some_o say_v seem_v very_o positive_a to_o imply_v that_o god_n have_v give_v authority_n to_o some_o to_o rule_v in_o the_o church_n our_o answer_n to_o this_o be_v paul_n word_n relate_v to_o such_o of_o who_o verse_n 11_o 12_o 13._o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n he_o say_v we_o hear_v that_o there_o be_v some_o among_o you_o that_o walk_v inordinate_o and_o work_v not_o at_o all_o but_o be_v busy-bodye_n therefore_o they_o that_o be_v such_o we_o command_v and_o exhort_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o they_o work_v with_o quietness_n and_o eat_v their_o own_o bread_n and_o you_o brethren_n be_v not_o weary_a in_o well-doing_n and_o then_o he_o exhort_v verse_n 14_o if_o any_o man_n obey_v not_o our_o word_n by_o this_o epistle_n note_v that_o man_n and_o have_v no_o company_n with_o he_o this_o clear_o show_v what_o the_o apostle_n have_v relation_n unto_o viz._n to_o that_o necessary_a and_o commandable_a duty_n mention_v in_o verse_n the_o 11_o that_o such_o who_o be_v busybody_n walk_v inordinate_o may_v not_o in_o their_o busy_a inordinate_a spirit_n eat_v the_o bread_n of_o other_o but_o work_n that_o they_o may_v eat_v their_o own_o bread_n be_v this_o command_n of_o the_o apostle_n obey_v by_o many_o of_o those_o who_o run_v
to_o add._n if_o paul_n look_v on_o himself_o as_o one_o have_v power_n to_o command_v to_o rule_v and_o govern_v over_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o obey_v he_o whether_o they_o see_v it_o so_o or_o no_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n that_o the_o same_o paul_n testify_v for_o himself_o and_o other_o his_o brethren_n 2_o cor._n 4.2_o that_o they_o have_v not_o handle_v the_o word_n of_o god_n deceitful_o but_o by_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n commend_v themselves_o to_o every_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n compare_v this_o with_o what_o paul_n write_v in_o the_o same_o epistle_n 2_o cor._n 10.15_o 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 you_o according_a to_o our_o rule_n abundant_o it_o appear_v evident_o to_o we_o that_o preach_v up_o obedience_n to_o that_o wherein_o the_o conscience_n through_o faith_n be_v not_o satisfy_v be_v a_o handle_v the_o word_n of_o god_n deceitful_o and_o therefore_o though_o we_o have_v be_v inform_v that_o we_o be_v dark_a and_o blind_a even_o by_o such_o who_o tell_v we_o they_o do_v see_v public_o preach_v on_o this_o wise_a if_o you_o do_v not_o see_v yourselves_o you_o must_v then_o follow_v we_o that_o do_v see_v yet_o we_o can_v on_o that_o foot_n embrace_v such_o doctrine_n lest_o like_o blind_a man_n we_o fall_v all_o together_o into_o the_o ditch_n and_o embrace_v that_o for_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o dark_a body_n of_o the_o moon_n we_o be_v now_o sensible_a another_o objection_n may_v thus_o arise_v object_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v but_o one_o in_o all_o have_v move_v in_o our_o brethren_n to_o give_v forth_o certain_a order_n command_n and_o prescription_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v according_o to_o obey_v and_o this_o can_v be_v call_v the_o dictate_v of_o fallible_a man_n but_o of_o the_o spirit_n give_v forth_o through_o man_n and_o be_v thou_o that_o pretend_v thou_o see_v it_o not_o thy_o duty_n to_o obey_v but_o obedient_a to_o thy_o own_o measure_n thou_o will_v then_o see_v it_o so_o and_o be_v one_o with_o the_o brethren_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v but_o tell_v thou_o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n to_o obey_v since_o the_o reason_n thou_o see_v it_o not_o thy_o duty_n be_v thy_o want_n of_o diligence_n and_o not_o wait_v on_o thy_o own_o measure_n beside_o we_o find_v that_o that_o very_a person_n who_o have_v travel_v much_o for_o the_o settle_n of_o man_n meeting_n have_v late_o give_v forth_o a_o paper_n the_o import_n whereof_o be_v to_o justify_v prescription_n answ_n to_o this_o we_o say_v that_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n move_v in_o any_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n to_o give_v forth_o certain_a order_n and_o prescription_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n as_o that_o which_o though_o relate_v to_o their_o conscience_n they_o ought_v to_o perform_v and_o practice_v whether_o they_o see_v it_o their_o duty_n or_o no_o or_o whether_o they_o be_v free_a so_o to_o do_v or_o no_o then_o not_o doubt_n but_o they_o ought_v so_o to_o act_v and_o do_v because_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n have_v so_o move_v but_o this_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o which_o under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o second_o covenant_n we_o have_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n or_o light_n of_o christ_n to_o suppose_v for_o if_o the_o blind_a be_v not_o to_o be_v accept_v of_o for_o a_o sacrifice_n under_o the_o first_o covenant_n much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v acceptable_a under_o the_o second_o and_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o expect_v that_o any_o such_o motion_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v appear_v through_o any_o one_o or_o more_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n with_o respect_n to_o other_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o our_o faith_n be_v that_o all_o those_o who_o be_v heir_n of_o that_o kingdom_n which_o be_v everlasting_a be_v entitle_v to_o a_o like_a freedom_n not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o each_o by_o other_o contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a sense_n and_o heavenly_a understanding_n which_o as_o coheir_n and_o co-worker_n together_o they_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o and_o this_o in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n will_v evince_o be_v manifest_v from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n however_o we_o must_v confess_v he_o that_o be_v not_o diligent_a to_o wait_v upon_o god_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o own_o measure_n of_o grace_n receive_v be_v by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n condemnable_a not_o for_o refuse_v to_o perform_v that_o which_o he_o see_v not_o to_o be_v his_o duty_n with_o respect_n to_o other_o man_n line_n make_v ready_a to_o his_o hand_n wherein_o he_o be_v not_o satisfy_v but_o for_o his_o neglect_v to_o wait_v upon_o god_n because_o it_o be_v manifest_a in_o every_o one_o that_o have_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o wait_v upon_o god_n and_o this_o our_o sense_n and_o reason_n answer_v to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n where_o it_o be_v say_v rom._n 1.18_o 19_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodlyness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n who_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n because_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o they_o for_o god_n have_v show_v it_o unto_o they_o so_o it_o be_v clear_a to_o we_o from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o we_o as_o well_o as_o from_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o we_o that_o the_o wrath_n and_o condemnation_n of_o god_n go_v forth_o against_o such_o as_o live_v not_o answerable_a to_o what_o god_n have_v manifest_v in_o they_o but_o it_o be_v neither_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n or_o light_v within_o for_o any_o to_o pour_v forth_o judgement_n against_o any_o for_o not_o follow_v or_o give_v heed_n unto_o this_o or_o tother_o prescription_n or_o outward_a observation_n wherein_o the_o conscience_n be_v concern_v when_o such_o be_v not_o convince_v thereof_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n from_o the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o they_o the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v this_o that_o in_o all_o the_o last_o mention_v objection_n there_o be_v no_o plea_n for_o obedience_n unto_o or_o follow_v any_o thing_n but_o the_o spirit_n in_o its_o appearance_n whether_o through_o the_o brethren_n or_o thyself_o from_o whence_o we_o observe_v first_o that_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a description_n who_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o word_n brethren_n second_o that_o it_o be_v the_o appearance_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o follow_v now_o shall_v this_o question_n be_v ask_v of_o such_o who_o may_v so_o object_n as_o aforesaid_a will_v you_o have_v we_o follow_v we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o believe_v that_o they_o will_v say_v nay_o if_o they_o answer_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o question_n and_o if_o so_o than_o the_o force_n of_o the_o objection_n fall_v for_o that_o we_o account_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o follow_v the_o appearance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n through_o the_o mean_a member_n when_o our_o conscience_n be_v convince_v that_o it_o be_v the_o appearance_n of_o that_o spirit_n but_o before_o we_o can_v say_v in_o truth_n though_o we_o shall_v do_v as_o such_o a_o one_o will_v have_v we_o that_o we_o be_v follower_n of_o and_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n no_o more_o than_o jesus_n can_v in_o truth_n be_v call_v lord_n 12.13_o lord_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o and_o not_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n beside_o we_o can_v on_o this_o occasion_n but_o testify_v that_o as_o that_o obedience_n which_o be_v of_o faith_n in_o christ_n find_v acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n 14.23_o lord_n rom._n 14.23_o so_o that_o obedience_n which_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n be_v but_o a_o dead_a performance_n and_o not_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o live_a member_n who_o through_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n unto_o righteousness_n be_v make_v alive_a unto_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v the_o duty_n of_o any_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n to_o run_v before_o his_o inward_a guide_n but_o to_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n that_o all_o his_o action_n may_v be_v regulate_v according_a to_o the_o manifestation_n and_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o himself_o which_o seem_v clear_o agreeable_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n where_o he_o thus_o say_v phil._n 3.15_o 16._o if_o in_o any_o thing_n you_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v god_n shall_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o you_o nevertheless_o whereunto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v
by_o the_o same_o rule_n he_o that_o savour_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n may_v easy_o perceive_v that_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o paul_n unto_o those_o philippian_n be_v that_o those_o who_o be_v come_v to_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n shall_v walk_v by_o that_o rule_n whereunto_o they_o have_v attain_v but_o those_o who_o have_v not_o attain_v so_o far_o and_o be_v otherwise-minded_n be_v to_o wait_v for_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o son_n and_o now_o to_o conclude_v as_o to_o this_o objection_n we_o have_v this_o further_a to_o add_v that_o we_o do_v know_v many_o of_o our_o opposer_n or_o at_o least_o such_o who_o be_v not_o at_o unity_n with_o we_o have_v very_o confident_o make_v use_n of_o such_o discourse_n as_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o last_o recite_v objection_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o follow_v outward_a prescription_n and_o order_n though_o not_o convince_v of_o its_o service_n which_o occasion_n we_o to_o be_v jealous_a that_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o enemy_n may_v so_o enter_v in_o at_o this_o door_n as_o that_o darkness_n may_v more_o general_o overshadow_v again_o than_o it_o yet_o do_v though_o our_o hope_n in_o god_n be_v that_o he_o will_v lay_v such_o a_o constraint_n on_o many_o of_o those_o who_o eye_n be_v open_a behold_v the_o approach_v apostasy_n as_o that_o they_o may_v be_v raise_v in_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n indignation_n and_o appear_v as_o lion_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o lion_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o juda_n to_o oppose_v every_o appearance_n of_o that_o spirit_n which_o will_v be_v exalt_v self_n or_o any_o form_n observation_n prescription_n or_o order_n to_o be_v as_o a_o bond_n on_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n when_o by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n their_o alone_a lawgiver_n they_o be_v not_o full_o persuade_v thereof_o in_o their_o own_o conscience_n which_o undoubted_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o paul_n when_o he_o write_v unto_o the_o roman_n chap._n 14._o verse_n 5_o 23._o let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n and_o to_o come_v a_o little_a close_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n it_o be_v too_o too_o evident_a that_o nonconformity_n to_o outward_a prescription_n be_v take_v as_o a_o mark_n of_o apostasy_n even_o among_o those_o who_o have_v be_v under_o the_o profession_n of_o truth_n of_o which_o many_o instance_n too_o too_o large_a here_o to_o insert_v may_v be_v produce_v which_o be_v now_o forbear_v because_o we_o suppose_v there_o be_v very_o few_o among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n for_o who_o sake_n this_o be_v chief_o write_v who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o truth_n hereof_o beside_o it_o have_v be_v a_o observation_n of_o late_a that_o these_o question_n or_o question_n to_o the_o like_a import_n have_v be_v frequent_o ask_v by_o such_o with_o who_o we_o can_v be_v at_o unity_n in_o all_o thing_n viz._n be_v you_o for_o woman_n meeting_n mean_v distinct_a woman_n meeting_n from_o man_n among_o who_o under_o pretence_n of_o take_v care_n of_o the_o poor_a another_o thing_n seem_v to_o be_v more_o chief_o aim_v at_o as_o anon_o will_v be_v make_v appear_v be_v you_o for_o record_v condemnation_n mean_v thereby_o whether_o the_o party_n who_o have_v condemn_v their_o fail_n and_o through_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v restore_v and_o their_o officence_n blot_v out_o and_o forgive_v by_o he_o assent_v thereto_o or_o no._n be_v you_o for_o settle_a monthly_a and_o quarterly_o meeting_n touch_v outward_a business_n since_o those_o who_o will_v have_v meeting_n as_o occasion_n offer_v be_v account_v designer_n to_o through_o down_o all_o meeting_n for_o outward_a business_n relate_v to_o the_o affair_n of_o truth_n and_o when_o these_o or_o such_o like_a question_n have_v be_v a_o skt_a of_o friend_n in_o truth_n that_o can_v not_o answer_v thereto_o yea_o we_o be_v sensible_a that_o it_o have_v be_v take_v by_o many_o as_o a_o sufficient_a token_n of_o a_o dark_a leaven_a rend_v divide_v spirit_n and_o mere_o as_o we_o take_v it_o form_n a_o apprehension_n that_o the_o form_n they_o stand_v for_o be_v thereby_o strike_v at_o though_o the_o service_n will_v be_v effectual_o perform_v in_o another_o method_n as_o experience_n in_o the_o county_n of_o westmoreland_n and_o wilts_n have_v of_o late_o testify_v for_o be_v it_o not_o so_o that_o great_a stress_n be_v lay_v upon_o the_o outward_a form_n of_o thing_n prescribe_v to_o be_v practise_v how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o j._n s._n be_v article_v against_o by_o robert_n barrow_n and_o twenty_o six_o person_n more_o in_o the_o north_n on_o this_o wise_a viz._n j._n s._n speak_v among_o many_o friend_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o form_n because_o of_o the_o consequence_n that_o may_v follow_v say_v that_o among_o the_o christian_n of_o old_a the_o difference_n that_o do_v arise_v be_v about_o form_n which_o can_v not_o be_v seasonable_a word_n when_o we_o be_v establish_v the_o church_n in_o the_o holy_a order_n of_o truth_n much_o more_o may_v be_v collect_v from_o the_o article_n be_v forty_o four_o in_o number_n exhibit_v by_o robert_n barrow_n and_o twenty_o six_o person_n as_o aforesaid_a to_o show_v how_o earnest_o and_o zealous_o the_o very_a outward_a form_n of_o thing_n be_v contend_v for_o which_o occasion_n we_o in_o all_o seriousness_n of_o spirit_n thus_o to_o say_v may_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n so_o preserve_v his_o people_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v ensnare_v by_o those_o who_o have_v raise_v so_o great_a contention_n about_o the_o outward_a form_n of_o thing_n prescribe_v to_o be_v practise_v among_o the_o professor_n of_o truth_n lest_o they_o with_o they_o prove_v to_o be_v boaster_n proud_a blasphemer_n false_a accuser_n despiser_n of_o those_o that_o be_v good_a which_o be_v the_o very_a mark_n and_o token_n of_o those_o who_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o from_o who_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v to_o turn_v away_o and_o how_o far_o these_o mark_v rest_n upon_o many_o of_o those_o who_o so_o earnest_o contend_v for_o their_o outward_a form_n we_o leave_v to_o the_o impartial_a reader_n with_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n to_o judge_n when_o he_o have_v thorough_o inform_v himself_o of_o their_o fruit_n oh_o friend_n the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n bow_v we_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o mercy_n to_o we_o we_o can_v no_o long_o keep_v silent_a but_o in_o his_o fear_n declare_v that_o our_o conscience_n be_v concern_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o since_o it_o be_v so_o that_o a_o ill_a use_n be_v make_v of_o that_o spirit_n of_o forbearance_n and_o condescension_n which_o we_o be_v sensible_a have_v be_v use_v by_o many_o of_o our_o brethren_n it_o be_v now_o become_v our_o portion_n to_o unburthen_v ourselves_o of_o that_o which_o have_v be_v our_o burden_n believe_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o only_o arisen_a but_o will_v yet_o more_o and_o more_o arise_v against_o that_o spirit_n that_o will_v exalt_v itself_o over_o the_o heritage_n of_o god_n endeavour_v to_o rule_v over_o their_o conscience_n whenas_o christ_n alone_o be_v lord_n thereof_o it_o may_v now_o be_v worthy_a our_o observation_n to_o consider_v whether_o any_o encouragement_n be_v give_v by_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n christ_n jesus_n while_o on_o earth_n unto_o his_o disciple_n to_o become_v ruler_n one_o over_o another_o we_o find_v that_o he_o exhort_v his_o disciple_n judge_v not_o that_o you_o be_v not_o judge_v be_v not_o you_o call_v rabbi_n for_o one_o be_v your_o master_n even_o christ_n and_o all_o you_o be_v brethren_n but_o he_o that_o be_v great_a among_o you_o shall_v be_v your_o servant_n and_o whosoever_o shall_v exalthimself_n shall_v be_v abase_v and_o he_o that_o shall_v humble_v himself_o shall_v be_v exalt_v here_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o believe_v that_o christ_n intend_v that_o when_o he_o be_v depart_v his_o disciple_n shall_v be_v exalt_v themselves_o one_o over_o another_o as_o governor_n and_o ruler_n and_o if_o we_o consult_v the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o though_o his_o disciple_n have_v a_o dependency_n upon_o he_o while_o in_o his_o bodily_a appearance_n to_o be_v their_o leader_n yet_o he_o tell_v they_o john_n 16.7.13_o it_o be_v expedient_a for_o you_o that_o i_o go_v away_o for_o if_o i_o go_v not_o away_o the_o comforter_n will_v not_o come_v unto_o you_o but_o if_o i_o depart_v i_o will_v send_v he_o unto_o you_o and_o he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n for_o he_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o have_v it_o be_v so_o that_o christ_n jesus_n intend_v the_o
9th_o and_o 5_o as_o long_o as_o i_o be_o in_o the_o world_n i_o be_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n and_o chap._n 12.35_o yet_o a_o little_a while_n be_v the_o light_n with_o you_o walk_v while_o you_o have_v the_o light_n and_o ver_fw-la the_o 36._o while_o you_o have_v the_o light_n believe_v in_o the_o light_n that_o you_o may_v be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o light_n to_o this_o may_v be_v answer_v that_o these_o last_o recite_v scripture_n do_v in_o the_o most_o favourable_a construction_n on_o the_o objector_n part_n intimate_v that_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n while_o he_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n but_o do_v not_o say_v that_o he_o be_v or_o will_v be_v no_o long_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n such_o a_o say_n or_o sense_n will_v limit_v the_o appearance_n of_o light_n to_o that_o body_n only_o and_o dispensation_n of_o time_n wherein_o the_o say_a body_n appear_v on_o earth_n which_o be_v contradictory_n to_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o evangelist_n before_o quote_v viz._n that_o be_v the_o true_a light_n that_o light_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n which_o scripture_n sentence_n relate_v to_o every_o man_n be_v so_o universal_a that_o it_o can_v but_o extend_v to_o those_o who_o never_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o jesus_n in_o his_o fleshly_a and_o bodily_a appearance_n nor_o yet_o come_v to_o be_v inform_v by_o any_o outward_a instrument_n of_o his_o doctrine_n though_o partaker_n of_o his_o light_n which_o therefore_o may_v proper_o be_v term_v by_o such_o his_o light_z within_z that_o be_v the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n shine_v in_o their_o heart_n agreeable_a whereunto_o in_o effect_n we_o take_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v viz._n that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n 1.19_o rom._n 1.19_o be_v manifest_a in_o they_o for_o god_n have_v show_v it_o unto_o they_o see_v you_o seek_v a_o proof_n of_o christ_n speak_v in_o i_o 13.3_o 2_o cor._n 13.3_o which_o riches_n be_v christ_n in_o you_o 1.27_o col._n 1.27_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n who_o shall_v descend_v into_o the_o deep_a that_o be_v 8._o rom._n 10.7_o 8._o to_o bring_v christ_n again_o from_o the_o dead_a but_o what_o say_v it_o the_o word_n be_v near_o thou_o even_o in_o thy_o mouth_n and_o in_o thy_o heart_n this_o be_v the_o word_n of_o faith_n which_o we_o preach_v and_o all_o this_o appear_v agreeable_a unto_o what_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n hint_v at_o who_o speak_v of_o what_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o last_o day_n signify_v 5._o isa_n 1.2_o 3_o 5._o that_o the_o god_n of_o jacob_n will_v teach_v we_o of_o his_o way_n and_o therefore_o say_v oh_o house_n of_o jacob_n come_v you_o let_v we_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v compare_v with_o what_o the_o same_o prophet_n say_v in_o relation_n to_o a_o people_n â—_o isa_n 5â—_n â—_o in_o who_o heart_n be_v the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o with_o what_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n say_v i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n 34._o jer._n 31.33_o 34._o and_o write_v it_o in_o their_o heart_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 it_o be_v evident_a to_o we_o that_o this_o write_a law_n in_o the_o heart_n be_v that_o light_n within_o whereof_o the_o faithful_a messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o our_o day_n have_v bear_v witness_n unto_o and_o whereof_o the_o same_o prophet_n give_v testimony_n when_o he_o say_v as_o before_o o_o house_n of_o jacob_n come_v you_o let_v we_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lord_n beside_o such_o a_o limitation_n as_o aforesaid_a will_v have_v a_o tendency_n to_o make_v void_a the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v offer_v up_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o many_o and_o on_o this_o score_n do_v the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n testify_v 9.28_o heb._n 9.28_o that_o unto_o they_o that_o look_v for_o he_o shall_v he_o appear_v the_o second_o time_n without_o sin_n unto_o salvation_n which_o be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n unto_o we_o that_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o witness_v effectual_o in_o this_o our_o day_n but_o by_o those_o who_o have_v look_v for_o his_o second_o appearance_n have_v receive_v he_o in_o his_o appearance_n this_o appearance_n we_o take_v to_o be_v his_o appearance_n by_o his_o light_n and_o spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o who_o through_o faith_n in_o his_o blood_n have_v know_v their_o conscience_n purify_v from_o dead_a work_n and_o so_o come_v to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n in_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n it_o be_v now_o to_o be_v consider_v whether_o these_o word_n turn_v in_o your_o mind_n be_n agreeable_a to_o truth_n for_o that_o this_o kind_n of_o objection_n may_v be_v raise_v objection_n do_v not_o this_o put_v the_o creature_n upon_o action_n in_o his_o own_o selfwill_a when_o as_o the_o will_n of_o man_n can_v bring_v forth_o that_o birth_n unto_o which_o power_n be_v give_v to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o answer_v hereto_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o consider_v that_o the_o faithful_a labourer_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n commend_v their_o exhortation_n and_o testimony_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o hearer_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o the_o reason_n doubtless_o be_v because_o there_o be_v a_o capacity_n in_o man_n which_o through_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n render_v man_n capable_a to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o righteousness_n unto_o life_n and_o those_o who_o be_v so_o act_v can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v act_v in_o the_o selfwill_a of_o man._n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o same_o capacity_n let_v in_o tempration_n and_o join_v thereto_o render_v man_n a_o servant_n of_o sin_n unto_o death_n and_o be_v once_o so_o dead_a in_o sin_n no_o redemption_n come_v to_o be_v obtain_v but_o through_o christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n testify_v 2.1_o ephes_n 2.1_o you_o have_v he_o quicken_v that_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n these_o thing_n consider_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o through_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n those_o who_o have_v cast_v off_o the_o old_a man_n be_v become_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o their_o mind_n unto_o god_n and_o so_o have_v put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n and_o therefore_o since_o there_o be_v such_o a_o capacity_n in_o man_n as_o aforesaid_a it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o truth_n to_o exhort_v the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o turn_v in_o their_o mind_n unto_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n that_o through_o the_o assistance_n thereof_o the_o will_n of_o god_n may_v be_v do_v in_o their_o earthen_a vessel_n the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o weight_n in_o this_o objection_n do_v you_o not_o think_v that_o the_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 think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n therein_o to_o this_o may_v be_v answer_v that_o the_o friend_n of_o truth_n never_o preach_v up_o the_o light_n within_o but_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n as_o that_o light_a within_o intend_a by_o they_o and_o since_o christ_n can_v be_v divide_v to_o act_v against_o himself_o therefore_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o therein_o act_v from_o that_o light_n within_o unto_o which_o we_o have_v be_v direct_v from_o what_o then_o may_z the_o objector_n say_v do_v those_o of_o they_o act_n who_o very_o think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n therein_o ans_fw-fr 3.6_o phil._n 3.6_o from_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n not_o have_v their_o mind_n stay_v and_o order_v according_a to_o that_o universal_a principle_n of_o truth_n 11._o act_n 26.9_o 11._o which_o if_o hearken_v unto_o will_v teach_v all_o man_n to_o do_v as_o they_o will_v be_v do_v by_o in_o which_o zeal_n paul_n very_o think_v in_o himself_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o in_o that_o self-thought_a be_v exceed_o mad_a persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n consent_v to_o the_o death_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o compel_v they_o to_o blaspheme_n but_o when_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o appear_v unto_o he_o and_o to_o make_v he_o a_o minister_n of_o his_o everlasting_a gospel_n he_o be_v send_v unto_o the_o gentile_n to_o open_v their_o eye_n that_o they_o may_v turn_v from_o
mark_n for_o the_o price_n of_o the_o high_a call_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n which_o denote_v that_o there_o be_v a_o state_n attainable_a beyond_o that_o state_n of_o perfection_n whereunto_o he_o have_v then_o attain_v moreover_o that_o the_o scripture_n in_o other_o part_n thereof_o denote_v a_o state_n of_o perfection_n be_v plain_a from_o these_o follow_a testimony_n among_o many_o other_o record_v therein_o 6.40_o luk._n 6.40_o but_o every_o one_o that_o be_v perfect_a shall_v be_v as_o his_o master_n 5.48_o mat._n 5.48_o be_v you_o therefore_o perfect_a as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a obj._n this_o perfect_a state_n which_o you_o speak_v of_o we_o ready_o confess_v unto_o so_o far_o as_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v signify_v unto_o we_o therein_o because_o it_o be_v the_o very_a language_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o yet_o we_o be_v dissatisfy_v that_o the_o mean_v of_o the_o spirit_n by_o this_o perfect_a estate_n be_v such_o a_o state_n as_o therein_o to_o cease_v from_o sin_n answer_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o such_o a_o construction_n can_v hold_v in_o truth_n unless_o truth_n shall_v lead_v to_o impeach_v our_o heavenly_a father_n as_o guilty_a of_o sin_n which_o can_v be_v for_o the_o very_a word_n be_v be_v you_o perfect_a as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a beside_o it_o be_v a_o undoubted_a truth_n that_o a_o cessation_n from_o action_n manifest_v to_o be_v sinful_a be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o profess_v christianity_n and_o we_o can_v but_o have_v so_o much_o charity_n for_o all_o so_o profess_v as_o that_o none_o such_o will_v deny_v this_o but_o if_o any_o shall_v they_o will_v therein_o deny_v the_o end_n for_o which_o christ_n be_v manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n which_o be_v to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n which_o be_v sin_n 3.8_o 1_o joh._n 3.8_o according_a to_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n he_o that_o commit_v sin_n be_v of_o the_o devil_n for_o the_o devil_n sin_v from_o the_o beginning_n for_o this_o purpose_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v that_o he_o may_v destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n obj._n this_o also_o we_o can_v deny_v be_v the_o express_a testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o yet_o since_o scripture_n ought_v to_o be_v compare_v with_o scripture_n when_o there_o be_v a_o seem_a contradiction_n as_o on_o this_o occasion_n we_o suppose_v there_o be_v we_o therefore_o say_v that_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v according_a to_o what_o the_o express_a word_n seem_v to_o hold_v forth_o in_o this_o case_n 1._o because_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v from_o the_o scripture_n but_o that_o the_o saint_n be_v subject_a to_o fail_v and_o that_o many_o of_o they_o do_v fail_v 2._o 1.7_o 1_o john_n 1.7_o though_o the_o apostle_n testify_v that_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n cleanse_v from_o all_o sin_n yet_o this_o have_v be_v interpret_v to_o be_v only_o from_o the_o gild_n and_o not_o from_o the_o act_n of_o all_o sin_n so_o as_o to_o cease_v therefrom_o whilst_o on_o this_o side_n the_o grave_n which_o doubtless_o be_v the_o reason_n wherefore_o we_o find_v these_o testimony_n record_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 9_o ephes_n 2.8_o 9_o by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v through_o faith_n and_o that_o not_o of_o yourselves_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n not_o of_o work_n lest_o any_o man_n shall_v boast_v thereby_o imply_v as_o if_o salvation_n through_o faith_n may_v be_v obtain_v though_o good_a work_n be_v want_v and_o so_o consequent_o sin_n commit_v instead_o thereof_o since_o it_o be_v irrational_a to_o conclude_v that_o whilst_o man_n be_v in_o the_o body_n he_o can_v cease_v from_o work_v both_o good_a and_o evil._n in_o many_o thing_n we_o offend_v all_o 3.2_o jam._n 3.2_o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v no_o sin_n we_o deceive_v ourselves_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o we_o 1.8_o 1_o joh._n 1.8_o ans_fw-fr as_o to_o the_o first_o reason_n contain_v in_o the_o objection_n that_o the_o saint_n be_v subject_a to_o fail_v and_o that_o many_o of_o they_o do_v fail_v we_o say_v that_o this_o do_v not_o contradict_v any_o thing_n assert_v by_o we_o for_o we_o have_v declare_v that_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o perfect_a state_n attainable_a on_o this_o side_n the_o grave_a wherein_o it_o be_v not_o needful_a for_o man_n to_o watch_v etc._n etc._n that_o he_o may_v be_v preserve_v etc._n etc._n but_o if_o through_o unwatchfulness_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a neglect_n of_o what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o true_a christian_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n what_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o i_o say_v unto_o all_o watch_n any_o one_o come_v either_o to_o fall_v away_o from_o that_o good_a state_n whereunto_o he_o have_v attain_v or_o else_o not_o to_o attain_v unto_o that_o state_n which_o be_v attainable_a this_o can_v be_v a_o sound_a argument_n to_o prove_v the_o matter_n against_o we_o intend_v by_o the_o objection_n viz._n that_o man_n can_v cease_v from_o sin_n no_o more_o than_o the_o not_o go_v of_o some_o traveller_n to_o a_o certain_a land_n when_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o go_v or_o the_o return_v of_o other_o from_o the_o same_o land_n after_o according_a to_o their_o duty_n through_o travel_v arrive_v there_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o it_o be_v impossble_a to_o go_v thither_o and_o there_o remain_v to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o day_n to_o the_o second_o reason_n contain_v in_o the_o aforesaid_a objection_n we_o say_v it_o be_v needful_a to_o distinguish_v what_o sort_n of_o work_n be_v exclude_v as_o unnecessary_a to_o accompany_v that_o faith_n through_o which_o salvation_n be_v and_o what_o sort_n of_o work_n be_v necessary_a for_o though_o the_o language_n of_o paul_n exclude_v work_n yet_o james_n tell_v we_o 26._o jam._n 2.20_o 26._o that_o faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a and_o no_o doubt_n but_o the_o testimony_n of_o these_o two_o apostle_n have_v be_v understand_v to_o be_v repugnant_a and_o contradictory_n each_o to_o other_o and_o on_o this_o foot_n different_a mean_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n have_v be_v hold_v forth_o whenas_o if_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o they_o both_o be_v but_o right_o understand_v there_o will_v then_o be_v no_o seem_a occasion_n to_o declare_v their_o testimony_n contradictory_n each_o to_o other_o for_o the_o clear_n therefore_o of_o this_o matter_n we_o shall_v distinguish_v touch_v work_n treat_v on_o by_o paul_n and_o james_n there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o work_n treat_v on_o by_o paul_n the_o one_o be_v work_n of_o the_o law_n that_o by_o the_o one_o offer_v of_o christ_n as_o a_o eternal_a sacrifice_n unto_o god_n whereby_o the_o law_n of_o commandment_n be_v abolish_v be_v exclude_v as_o unnecessary_a to_o accompany_v that_o faith_n which_o be_v unto_o salvation_n for_o otherwise_o though_o the_o salvation_n of_o god_n through_o christ_n be_v extend_v as_o well_o to_o the_o believe_v gentile_a as_o the_o believe_a jew_n yet_o the_o jew_n may_v have_v whereof_o to_o glory_v contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n testimony_n gal._n 6.14_o 15._o god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v glory_v save_v in_o the_o cross_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o who_o the_o world_n be_v crucify_v unto_o i_o and_o i_o unto_o the_o world_n for_o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n nor_o uncircumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n and_o therefore_o do_v the_o apostle_n paul_n testify_v that_o by_o the_o work_v of_o the_o law_n no_o flesh_n shall_v be_v justify_v and_o so_o no_o doubt_n but_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n be_v that_o sort_n of_o work_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n through_o that_o wise_a apostle_n paul_n signify_v when_o he_o say_v and_o that_o in_o relation_n to_o such_o as_o be_v once_o dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n but_o then_o quicken_v and_o become_v new_a creature_n by_o grace_n be_v you_o save_v through_o faith_n 9_o ephes_n 2.8_o 9_o and_o that_o not_o of_o yourselves_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n not_o of_o work_n lest_o any_o man_n shall_v boast_v the_o other_o sort_n of_o work_n be_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o may_v proper_o be_v term_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n which_o indeed_o be_v the_o very_a end_n wherefore_o paul_n testify_v that_o he_o have_v receive_v his_o apostleship_n and_o that_o the_o mystery_n keep_v secret_a since_o the_o world_n begin_v be_v reveal_v read_v rom._n chap._n 1.5_o and_o chap._n 16.25_o 26._o and_o no_o doubt_n but_o that_o those_o very_a work_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o work_v intend_v by_o the_o spirit_n through_o paul_n so_o
as_o that_o without_o they_o it_o may_v be_v just_a cause_n to_o question_n whether_o they_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o if_o not_o then_o certain_o not_o attain_v unto_o the_o new_a creature_n state_n which_o be_v a_o state_n of_o salvation_n because_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v on_o this_o wise_a 2_o cor._n 5.17_o if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o that_o the_o very_a work_n of_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n be_v speak_v also_o with_o relation_n to_o those_o speak_v of_o ephes_n 8.9_o who_o by_o grace_n be_v save_v through_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o work_n for_o paul_n in_o the_o very_a next_o follow_v verse_n thus_o say_v for_o we_o be_v his_o workmanship_n create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n which_o god_n have_v before_o ordain_v that_o we_o shall_v walk_v in_o they_o beside_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o this_o our_o sense_n be_v true_a from_o paul_n very_a express_a word_n to_o the_o philipian_o chap._n 2._o ver_fw-la 12_o 13._o wherefore_o my_o belove_a as_o you_o have_v always_o obey_v not_o as_o in_o my_o presence_n only_o but_o now_o much_o more_o in_o my_o absence_n work_v out_o your_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a for_o it_o be_v god_n that_o work_v in_o you_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n this_o positive_o show_v that_o though_o there_o be_v a_o exclusion_n of_o one_o sort_n of_o work_n yet_o there_o be_v another_o sort_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n else_o he_o will_v not_o have_v say_v work_v out_o your_o salvation_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o be_v serious_o consider_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o paul_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o james_n for_o that_o paul_n word_n plain_o signify_v that_o god_n have_v ordain_v that_o those_o who_o be_v save_v by_o grace_n through_o faith_n shall_v walk_v in_o good_a work_n and_o that_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o work_v out_o salvation_n which_o doubtless_o relate_v to_o the_o same_o sort_n of_o work_n speak_v of_o by_o the_o apostle_n james_n when_o he_o say_v that_o faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a 26._o jam._n 2.20_o 26._o because_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o context_n that_o james_n speak_v of_o work_n in_o no_o other_o sense_n than_o to_o be_v as_o a_o evidence_n of_o true_a faith_n and_o that_o it_o be_v as_o impossble_v that_o true_a faith_n can_v be_v and_o yet_o not_o accompany_v with_o work_n as_o that_o a_o brother_n or_o sister_n naked_a and_o destitute_a of_o food_n will_v be_v relieve_v by_o a_o bare_a say_n be_v warm_a and_o fill_v and_o so_o we_o may_v reasonable_o conclude_v that_o though_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n touch_v salvation_n through_o faith_n and_o not_o of_o work_n be_v true_a not_o only_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o exclusion_n of_o work_n which_o be_v legal_a but_o other_o also_o act_v in_o the_o will_n of_o man_n yet_o from_o thence_o it_o can_v just_o be_v employ_v as_o in_o the_o objection_n that_o good_a work_n may_v be_v want_v to_o such_o as_o be_v save_v and_o sin_n commit_v instead_o thereof_o we_o now_o come_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o scripture_n mention_v in_o the_o objection_n viz._n 3.2_o jam._n 3.2_o that_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o offend_v all_o this_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o relation_n to_o a_o state_n which_o be_v not_o free_a from_o sin_n but_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v infer_v from_o thence_o that_o such_o a_o state_n be_v not_o attainable_a nay_o the_o apostle_n follow_v word_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n a_o evidence_n against_o such_o a_o construction_n for_o he_o thereby_o say_v if_o any_o man_n offend_v not_o in_o word_n the_o same_o be_v a_o perfect_a man_n which_o be_v needless_o speak_v by_o he_o if_o that_o inoffensive_a state_n be_v not_o attainable_a and_o if_o a_o cessation_n from_o sin_n in_o that_o case_n be_v attainable_a why_o not_o in_o all_o other_o also_o and_o as_o to_o these_o word_n cite_v 1_o john_n 1.8_o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v no_o sin_n we_o deceive_v ourselves_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o we_o we_o say_v as_o before_o to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n james_n that_o this_o also_o be_v speak_v in_o relation_n to_o a_o state_n which_o be_v not_o free_a from_o sin_n but_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v infer_v from_o thence_o that_o such_o a_o state_n of_o freedom_n be_v not_o attainable_a and_o this_o sense_n be_v provable_a to_o we_o from_o the_o very_a follow_a word_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n if_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n he_o be_v faithful_a and_o just_a to_o forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o unrighteousness_n but_o if_o this_o satisfy_v not_o and_o that_o any_o shall_v yet_o object_v that_o the_o apostle_n meaning_n touch_v the_o word_n cleanse_v be_v but_o a_o cleanse_n from_o the_o gild_n and_o not_o from_o the_o fact_n of_o unrighteousness_n to_o that_o this_o may_v in_o truth_n be_v answer_v that_o those_o who_o be_v cleanse_v from_o all_o unrighteousness_n be_v so_o cleanse_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o such_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n 3.9_o 1_o joh._n 3.9_o and_o of_o these_o the_o same_o apostle_n say_v whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v not_o commit_v sin_n for_o his_o seed_n remain_v in_o he_o and_o he_o can_v sin_v because_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n which_o positive_a expression_n in_o relation_n to_o such_o a_o state_n as_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n can_v admit_v of_o any_o other_o meaning_n though_o compare_v with_o other_o scripture_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o same_o state_n speak_v of_o under_o other_o term_n and_o therefore_o we_o conclude_v that_o these_o latter_a word_n cite_v out_o of_o john_n be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n to_o prove_v the_o interpretation_n signify_v in_o the_o objection_n on_o the_o apostle_n word_n unsound_a viz._n that_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n cleanse_v only_o from_o the_o gild_n and_o not_o from_o the_o act_n of_o sin_n so_o as_o to_o cease_v therefrom_o whilst_o on_o this_o side_n the_o grave_a especial_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o one_o of_o the_o qualification_n that_o the_o apostle_n peter_n express_o assign_v to_o such_o who_o he_o declare_v of_o to_o be_v curse_a child_n 2.14_o 2_o pet._n 2.14_o be_v this_o viz._n that_o can_v cease_v from_o sin_n and_o that_o also_o the_o condition_n speak_v of_o by_o john_n on_o which_o a_o cleanse_n from_o all_o sin_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n come_v to_o be_v witness_v be_v a_o walk_n in_o the_o light_n even_o as_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o light_n read_z 1_o john_n 1.7_o which_o can_v be_v witness_v but_o through_o a_o cessation_n from_o sin_n chap._n iu._n touch_v wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n the_o apostle_n james_n tell_v we_o 3.17_o jam._n 3.17_o there_o be_v a_o wisdom_n from_o above_o this_o wisdom_n may_v be_v take_v to_o be_v that_o wisdom_n 3.10_o ephes_n 3.10_o which_o paul_n describe_v to_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n 3.15_o jam._n 3.15_o and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o wisdom_n which_o be_v not_o from_o above_o 1.12_o 2_o cor._n 1.12_o which_o may_v be_v take_v to_o be_v the_o same_o wisdom_n which_o the_o apostle_n paul_n describe_v to_o be_v fleshly_a and_o of_o this_o world_n 3.19_o 1_o cor._n 3.19_o the_o apostle_n paul_n also_o say_v 1_o cor._n 8.1_o knowledge_n puff_v up_o and_o yet_o 1_o tim._n 2.4_o speak_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n as_o to_o the_o wisdom_n that_o be_v not_o from_o above_o 16._o jam._n 3.14_o 15_o 16._o james_z thus_o describe_v it_o if_o you_o have_v bitter_a envy_v and_o strife_n in_o your_o heart_n glory_n not_o and_o lie_v not_o against_o the_o truth_n this_o wisdom_n descend_v not_o from_o above_o but_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a devilish_a for_o where_o envy_v and_o strife_n be_v there_o be_v confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n but_o the_o wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o 3.17_o jam._n 3.17_o he_o thus_o describe_v viz._n it_o be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a fruit_n without_o partiality_n without_o hypocracy_n but_o notwithstanding_o the_o apostle_n have_v so_o plain_o describe_v the_o difference_n yet_o experience_n tell_v we_o that_o wisdom_n without_o distinction_n be_v so_o much_o preach_v against_o that_o many_o ignorant_a people_n be_v even_o set_v on_o float_n utter_v their_o folly_n and_o confusion_n in_o a_o boast_a self_n conceit_v spirit_n as_o if_o it_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n that_o they_o be_v good_a christian_n and_o in_o the_o feel_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o life_n of_o christianity_n because_o they_o have_v confidence_n enough_o to_o cry_v against_o wisdom_n
spirit_n neither_o do_v we_o dare_v to_o give_v any_o other_o than_o plain_a language_n to_o any_o single_a person_n not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o propriety_n of_o speech_n but_o because_o we_o be_v sensible_a that_o there_o be_v a_o will_n in_o man_n which_o be_v ready_a to_o hold_v the_o faith_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n with_o respect_n of_o person_n and_o that_o this_o will_n be_v to_o be_v cross_v that_o so_o a_o spirit_n of_o pride_n and_o partiality_n may_v not_o be_v nourish_v in_o any_o and_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n that_o we_o have_v be_v lead_v into_o the_o use_n of_o plain_a language_n and_o plain_a habit_n have_v we_o also_o be_v lead_v not_o to_o use_v the_o word_n master_n unless_o unto_o such_o as_o be_v real_o master_n and_o unto_o who_o as_o master_n obedience_n be_v or_o be_v due_a from_o such_o as_o have_v or_o may_v use_v that_o title_n though_o some_o may_v have_v ignorant_o think_v that_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n unto_o his_o disciple_n viz._n neither_o be_v you_o call_v master_n be_v our_o only_a ground_n obj._n do_v you_o place_n religion_n in_o thou_o and_o thou_o and_o not_o put_v off_o your_o hat_n and_o call_v man_n by_o their_o proper_a name_n without_o adjoin_v the_o word_n master_n and_o go_v plain_o in_o your_o apparel_n than_o some_o other_o may_n ans_fw-fr to_o this_o we_o answer_v we_o place_v religion_n in_o keep_v our_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o if_o thy_o conscience_n be_v convince_v by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o word_n thou_o or_o thou_o to_o a_o single_a person_n be_v not_o only_o more_o proper_a than_o you_o but_o that_o which_o on_o the_o aforesaid_a consideration_n thou_o ought_v to_o use_v and_o that_o thou_o ought_v not_o to_o use_v the_o word_n master_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o world_n unto_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v not_o thy_o master_n than_o it_o become_v thou_o to_o bridle_v thy_o tongue_n and_o express_v thyself_o according_a to_o such_o a_o conviction_n else_o thou_o may_v only_o seem_v to_o be_v religious_a when_o thy_o religion_n be_v vain_a and_o so_o likewise_o may_v we_o say_v that_o if_o thou_o have_v the_o like_a conviction_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o put_v off_o thy_o nat_n and_o go_v in_o plain_a apparel_n thou_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v lest_o the_o contrary_n become_v sin_n unto_o thou_o since_o thou_o can_v not_o pretend_v after_o such_o a_o conviction_n that_o freedom_n therein_o which_o may_v stand_v with_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n obj._n we_o have_v observe_v that_o your_o friend_n have_v in_o many_o particular_a respect_n behave_v themselves_o so_o cross_a unto_o the_o custom_n and_o fashion_n of_o all_o other_o as_o that_o they_o have_v appear_v not_o only_o rude_a but_o as_o if_o their_o ignorance_n be_v so_o great_a as_o to_o conclude_v that_o the_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n do_v consist_v in_o act_v a_o cross_n unto_o all_o other_o society_n of_o people_n whatsoever_o to_o this_o we_o answer_v if_o any_o have_v give_v just_a occasion_n for_o this_o objection_n it_o be_v to_o be_v lament_v because_o the_o great_a sign_n of_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n be_v to_o deny_v self_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o 16.24_o mat_n 16.24_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o beside_o we_o do_v testify_v the_o principle_n of_o truth_n lead_v none_o to_o be_v rude_a either_o in_o word_n or_o action_n nor_o yet_o to_o cross_v the_o custom_n and_o fashion_n of_o other_o society_n which_o in_o themselves_o be_v comely_a decent_a and_o of_o good_a report_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o cross_n be_v to_o they_o that_o perish_v 1.18_o 1_o cor._n 1.18_o foolishness_n but_o unto_o we_o which_o be_v save_v it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n a_o earthly-spirited_n man_n may_v become_v singular_a and_o cross_v unto_o all_o other_o and_o yet_o not_o deny_v himself_o through_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n may_v therein_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n another_o man_n may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n and_o yet_o not_o lead_v by_o his_o spirit_n to_o act_v cross_a unto_o all_o other_o though_o through_o the_o denial_n of_o self_n he_o may_v be_v true_o exercise_v in_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n and_o therein_o act_v many_o thing_n which_o some_o through_o envy_n or_o want_v of_o right_a understanding_n may_v term_v the_o fruit_n of_o rudeness_n and_o ignorance_n when_o not_o so_o in_o itself_o to_o conclude_v therefore_o we_o say_v it_o be_v good_a for_o every_o one_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o mind_n the_o inward_a divine_a and_o spiritual_a teacher_n that_o so_o none_o may_v run_v before_o that_o guide_n and_o then_o doubtless_o such_o will_v be_v lead_v to_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n in_o denial_n of_o self_n and_o not_o be_v active_a in_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v just_o be_v term_v rude_a or_o ignorant_a but_o in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v comely_a decent_a and_o of_o good_a report_n chp._n vii_o touch_v swear_v those_o unto_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v a_o divine_a understanding_n have_v declare_v that_o under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o truth_n to_o swear_v in_o any_o case_n whatsoever_o this_o position_n be_v justifiable_a according_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n and_o be_v not_o disagreeable_a to_o the_o light_n within_o matth._n 5.33_o 34_o 35_o 36_o 37._o it_o be_v thus_o say_v by_o christ_n again_o you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o have_v be_v say_v by_o they_o of_o old_a time_n thou_o shall_v not_o forswear_v thyself_o but_o shall_v perform_v unto_o the_o lord_n thy_o oath_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o swear_v not_o at_o all_o neither_o by_o heaven_n for_o it_o be_v god_n throne_n nor_o by_o the_o earth_n for_o it_o be_v his_o footstool_n neither_o by_o jerusalem_n for_o it_o be_v the_o city_n of_o the_o great_a king_n neither_o shall_v thou_o swear_v by_o thy_o head_n because_o thou_o cause_v not_o make_v one_o hair_n white_a or_o black_a but_o let_v your_o communication_n be_v yea_o yea_o nay_o nay_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v more_o than_o these_o come_v of_o evil_a these_o word_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o themselves_o a_o positive_a prohibition_n not_o only_o of_o vain_a oath_n but_o of_o all_o other_o whatsoever_o which_o be_v account_v lawful_a and_o though_o some_o have_v object_v that_o vain_a oath_n be_v only_o forbid_v by_o christ_n 6.16_o heb._n 6.16_o because_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n thus_o write_v for_o man_n very_o swear_v by_o the_o great_a and_o a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n be_v to_o they_o a_o end_v of_o all_o strife_n thence_o infer_v that_o under_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n oath_n by_o way_n of_o testimony_n for_o end_v of_o controversy_n be_v lawful_a yet_o these_o word_n will_v not_o bear_v any_o such_o inserence_n for_o the_o word_n in_o themselves_o do_v only_o signify_v what_o be_v practise_v by_o man_n but_o nothing_o be_v say_v in_o justification_n of_o that_o practice_n and_o if_o we_o peruse_v the_o 13_o and_o 17_o verse_n of_o the_o same_o chapter_n it_o will_v thence_o appear_v that_o the_o occasion_n whereon_o these_o word_n be_v write_v be_v by_o way_n of_o illustration_n or_o comparison_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o promise_n which_o god_n make_v unto_o abraham_n and_o confirm_v by_o a_o oath_n moreover_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o christ_n intend_v the_o prohibition_n of_o something_o which_o be_v lawful_a which_o can_v not_o be_v if_o nothing_o be_v prohibit_v save_o vain_a oath_n because_o such_o the_o law_n allow_v not_o obj._n on_o this_o subject_a some_o may_v ready_o thus_o object_n do_v you_o believe_v that_o the_o light_n within_o will_v have_v direct_v you_o to_o have_v deny_v the_o take_n of_o a_o oath_n before_o a_o magistrate_n on_o any_o occasion_n whatsoever_o have_v the_o scripture_n be_v silent_a in_o this_o case_n ans_fw-fr the_o matter_n of_o swear_v especial_o the_o form_n thereof_o as_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o people_n of_o england_n be_v but_o a_o humane_a political_a institution_n not_o justifiable_a by_o any_o testimony_n give_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n either_o under_o the_o first_o or_o second_o covenant_n and_o introduce_v on_o this_o score_n as_o suppose_v a_o great_a dread_n may_v lie_v on_o the_o conscience_n of_o mankind_n to_o speak_v the_o truth_n and_o perform_v a_o covenant_n when_o swear_v so_o to_o do_v than_z when_o not_o but_o those_o who_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n do_v know_v
account_v crucifyer_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n afresh_o and_o putter_n of_o he_o to_o open_a shame_n read_v heb._n 6.5_o 6._o and_o though_o we_o have_v repeat_v the_o 23_o 24_o 25._o verse_n yet_o they_o be_v chief_o a_o repetition_n of_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n already_o speak_v to_o in_o this_o chapter_n we_o shall_v say_v the_o less_o thereto_o and_o at_o present_a take_v notice_n only_o of_o these_o word_n therein_o contain_v viz._n this_o do_v in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o have_v these_o word_n be_v omit_v by_o luke_n as_o they_o be_v by_o matthew_n and_o mark_n on_o the_o same_o occasion_n there_o will_v be_v no_o pretence_n from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n to_o call_v christ_n break_v of_o bread_n at_o his_o last_o supper_n a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n to_o continue_v foreve_a moreover_o it_o be_v worthy_a our_o observation_n that_o john_n the_o evangelist_n whole_o omit_v that_o narration_n give_v by_o matthew_n mark_n and_o luke_n 13._o john_n 13._o from_o whence_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o supper_n so_o call_v be_v contend_v for_o more_o than_o to_o say_v he_o riseth_z from_o supper_n and_o yet_o do_v express_o unto_o his_o disciple_n after_o supper_n be_v end_v thus_o say_v 15._o 4.13_o 14_o 15._o you_o call_v i_o master_n and_o lord_n and_o you_o do_v well_o for_o so_o i_o be_o if_o i_o then_o your_o lord_n and_o master_n have_v wash_v your_o foot_n you_o ought_v also_o to_o wash_v one_o another_o foot_n for_o i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o example_n that_o you_o shall_v do_v as_o i_o have_v do_v to_o you_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n aught_o to_o be_v weigh_v 5._o john_n 5._o and_o ponder_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o those_o who_o so_o do_v will_v clear_o discern_v that_o christ_n by_o that_o outward_a action_n of_o wash_v the_o disciple_n foot_n do_v not_o only_o show_v unto_o his_o disciple_n a_o pattern_n of_o humility_n and_o a_o example_n of_o readiness_n to_o serve_v one_o another_o in_o love_n but_o also_o to_o figure_v forth_o unto_o they_o the_o necessity_n of_o be_v wash_v cleanse_v and_o purify_v in_o the_o inward_a man_n and_o that_o otherwise_o there_o be_v no_o have_v a_o part_n in_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v clear_o signify_v in_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n unto_o peter_n then_o come_v he_o to_o simon_n peter_n 7._o john_n 13.6_o 7._o and_o peter_n say_v unto_o he_o lord_n do_v thou_o wash_v my_o foot_n jesus_n answer_v and_o say_v what_o i_o do_v thou_o know_v not_o now_o but_o thou_o shall_v know_v hereafter_o which_o clear_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a signification_n hint_v at_o by_o christ_n outward_a wash_v for_o that_o peter_n do_v know_v his_o outward_a wash_v and_o therefore_o say_v 8._o verse_n 8._o thou_o shall_v never_o wash_v my_o foot_n whereupon_o jesus_n answer_v he_o thus_o if_o i_o wash_v thou_o not_o thou_o have_v no_o part_n in_o i_o all_o which_o be_v due_o weigh_v it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v as_o much_o ground_n at_o this_o day_n from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n to_o practice_v the_o wash_v of_o one_o another_o foot_n and_o call_v such_o a_o practice_n a_o sacrament_n to_o figure_v forth_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n in_o which_o the_o sin_n of_o those_o who_o be_v quicken_v unto_o god_n be_v wash_v away_o as_o the_o eat_v of_o bread_n and_o drink_v of_o wine_n in_o imitation_n of_o what_o be_v practise_v or_o command_v by_o christ_n the_o night_n before_o he_o be_v betray_v may_v and_o now_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o ourselves_o and_o all_o the_o child_n of_o light_n among_o those_o call_v quaker_n may_v it_o at_o this_o day_n be_v say_v that_o though_o we_o be_v not_o find_v in_o that_o outward_a practice_n of_o wash_v one_o another_o foot_n as_o a_o religious_a exercise_n after_o that_o outward_a example_n which_o be_v give_v by_o christ_n unto_o his_o disciple_n the_o night_n before_o he_o be_v betray_v and_o enjoin_v as_o their_o duty_n nor_o yet_o be_v find_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o appoint_v certain_a time_n and_o season_n on_o purpose_n to_o eat_v bread_n and_o drink_v wine_n as_o that_o which_o we_o ought_v religious_o to_o do_v in_o a_o more_o solemn_a manner_n than_o at_o other_o time_n yet_o we_o can_v bold_o say_v christ_n our_o lord_n and_o master_n speak_v no_o more_o condemnation_n unto_o we_o as_o person_n in_o that_o respect_n neglect_v any_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v institute_v for_o we_o to_o practice_v than_o he_o do_v to_o many_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n at_o this_o day_n who_o visit_v the_o sick_a neglect_v to_o anoint_v with_o oil_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o other_o who_o be_v of_o the_o gentile-stock_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n do_v not_o abstain_v from_o eat_v blood_n and_o yet_o in_o neither_o of_o these_o respect_n condemn_v though_o express_o exhort_v to_o by_o the_o apostle_n read_v act_n 15.20_o james_n 5.14_o moreover_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o though_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n so_o call_v be_v by_o some_o repute_v to_o be_v institute_v by_o christ_n 12.13_o exod._n 12.13_o in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o passover_n and_o to_o continue_v as_o a_o ordinance_n forever_o 14._o heb._n 9.10_o 14._o even_o as_o water-baptism_n be_v take_v to_o be_v institute_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n yet_o both_o be_v groundless_a for_o though_o the_o scripture_n testify_v that_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o passover_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v by_o a_o ordinance_n forever_o yet_o when_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n come_v it_o end_v even_o as_o all_o those_o outward_a service_n and_o ordinance_n which_o stand_v only_o in_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o divers_a wash_n and_o carnal_a ordinance_n impose_v until_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n do_v now_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n be_v the_o time_n wherein_o christ_n through_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n offer_v himself_o without_o spot_n unto_o god_n we_o query_n whether_o after_o this_o time_n of_o reformation_n it_o can_v be_v consist_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n for_o any_o one_o to_o impose_v upon_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o for_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n though_o not_o impose_v upon_o to_o practice_v such_o ordinance_n as_o consist_v in_o outward_a meat_n drink_n and_o wash_n as_o the_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n and_o sacrament_n of_o the_o supper_n so_o call_v do_v as_o needful_a in_o order_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n since_o not_o only_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n testify_v that_o the_o like_a ordinance_n under_o the_o first_o covenant_n have_v a_o end_n when_o the_o law_n be_v change_v but_o that_o paul_n likewise_o exhort_v against_o the_o use_n of_o ordinance_n after_o the_o commandment_n and_o doctrine_n of_o man_n as_o be_v large_o declare_v to_o the_o colossian_n chapt._n 2.8_o 14_o 16._o to_o the_o end_n and_o whether_o the_o introduce_v thereof_o at_o this_o day_n be_v not_o a_o building_n again_o the_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n reject_v to_o conclude_v this_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n that_o be_v with_o we_o to_o give_v on_o this_o occasion_n that_o we_o be_v not_o at_o this_o day_n convince_v in_o our_o conscience_n that_o there_o be_v any_o better_a ground_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o water-baptism_n and_o break_v of_o outward_a bread_n as_o ordinance_n under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o our_o day_n than_o the_o commandment_n and_o doctrine_n of_o man_n but_o yet_o be_v witness_n that_o christ_n be_v come_v in_o spirit_n unto_o the_o child_n of_o light_n and_o that_o at_o the_o hear_n of_o his_o voice_n they_o have_v open_v the_o door_n of_o their_o heart_n 3.1_o col._n 3.1_o whereby_o they_o have_v supp_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o they_o according_a to_o this_o testimony_n revel_v 3.20_o if_o any_o man_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o open_v the_o door_n i_o will_v come_v in_o to_o he_o and_o will_v sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o and_o so_o these_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n seek_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o 14.17_o rom._n 14.17_o know_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n consist_v not_o in_o meat_n and_o in_o drink_n but_o in_o righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o therefore_o have_v receive_v a_o earnest_a of_o that_o life_n which_o be_v eternal_a through_o faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v offer_v up_o a_o sacrifice_n unto_o god_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n do_v inward_o feel_v the_o benefit_n of_o that_o offer_n and_o so_o be_v sensible_a chapter_n heb._n 9_o 10._o chapter_n that_o the_o flesh_n profit_v nothing_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o that_o quicken_a spirit_n which_o be_v signify_v by_o christ_n
faith_n and_o all_o this_o may_v be_v attribute_v unto_o christ_n the_o author_n thereof_o and_o to_o what_o end_n but_o that_o as_o they_o have_v believe_v on_o he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o they_o may_v come_v to_o grow_v from_o strength_n to_o strength_n from_o grace_n to_o grace_n until_o they_o may_v be_v live_v witness_n not_o only_o that_o he_o be_v the_o author_n and_o object_n of_o their_o faith_n but_o also_o the_o finisher_n thereof_o unto_o eternal_a salvation_n second_o as_o before_o be_v signify_v there_o be_v a_o faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o this_o faith_n be_v unto_o salvation_n and_o wheresoever_o it_o be_v manifest_v it_o be_v accompany_v with_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o evangelical_n obedience_n which_o be_v as_o inseparable_a each_o from_o other_o as_o sanctification_n and_o justification_n in_o the_o objection_n be_v confess_v to_o be_v the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n tell_v we_o that_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n 5.9_o heb._n 5.9_o unto_o all_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o this_o show_v that_o obedience_n unto_o christ_n which_o undoubted_o be_v no_o other_o but_o obedience_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o qualification_n accompany_v such_o as_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o god_n who_o then_o dare_v say_v such_o obedience_n be_v of_o no_o advantage_n unto_o those_o who_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v lead_v thereunto_o beside_o we_o find_v that_o the_o same_o author_n write_v on_o this_o wise_a but_o belove_v 10._o heb._n 6.9_o 10._o we_o be_v persuade_v better_a thing_n of_o you_o and_o thing_n that_o accompany_v salvation_n though_o we_o thus_o speak_v for_o god_n be_v not_o unrighteous_a to_o forget_v your_o work_n and_o labour_n of_o love_n which_o you_o have_v show_v towards_o his_o name_n in_o that_o you_o have_v minister_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o do_v minister_n this_o do_v not_o only_o show_v that_o good_a work_n accompany_v salvation_n but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o recompense_n for_o the_o same_o employ_v in_o these_o word_n for_o god_n be_v not_o unrighteous_a to_o forget_v your_o work_n and_o labour_n who_o then_o dare_v say_v that_o it_o be_v no_o advantage_n unto_o salvation_n to_o those_o who_o be_v find_v exercise_v themselves_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o thing_n accompany_v salvation_n especial_o since_o we_o sin_v the_o apostle_n paul_n not_o only_o to_o exhort_v we_o to_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v but_o express_o signify_v that_o godly_a sorrow_n work_v repentance_n to_o 7.10_o to_o 2_o cor._n 7.10_o salvation_n not_o to_o be_v repent_v of_o moreover_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o though_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n tell_v we_o that_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n 11.6_o heb._n 11.6_o for_o say_v he_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v yet_o he_o do_v not_o rest_v here_o as_o if_o that_o faith_n be_v sufficient_a but_o proceed_v in_o the_o very_a same_o verse_n say_v that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v something_o as_o a_o act_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v bring_v forth_o through_o man_n beside_o rest_v in_o a_o bare_a faith_n that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o for_o such_o act_n there_o be_v a_o reward_n which_o if_o due_o weigh_v together_o with_o these_o scripture-citation_n mat._n 5.12_o 6.1.10.41_o 42.16.27_o luke_n 23.4_o 1_o cor._n 3.14.9.17_o col._n 2.18_o heb._n 10.35_o john_n 2.8_o nothing_o can_v then_o be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o those_o through_o who_o work_v which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n or_o act_n spring_v through_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n be_v bring_v forth_o shall_v receive_v a_o reward_n for_o such_o work_n and_o as_o to_o these_o word_n in_o the_o objection_n not_o by_o infusion_n of_o righteousness_n but_o by_o impute_v the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n 5.19_o rom._n 5.19_o which_o we_o take_v to_o be_v ground_v on_o the_o apostle_n word_n viz._n as_o by_o one_o man_n disobedience_n many_o be_v make_v sinner_n so_o by_o the_o obedience_n of_o one_o shall_v many_o be_v make_v righteous_a 19.21_o 2_o cor._n 19.21_o and_o god_n be_v in_o christ_n reconcile_n the_o world_n unto_o himself_o not_o impute_v their_o trespass_n unto_o they_o for_o he_o have_v make_v he_o to_o be_v sin_n for_o we_o who_o know_v no_o sin_n that_o we_o may_v be_v make_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o he_o we_o thus_o answer_v that_o these_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n viz._n by_o the_o obedience_n of_o one_o shall_v many_o be_v make_v righteous_a do_v not_o show_v that_o any_o one_o of_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n whilst_o sin_n be_v reign_v in_o their_o mortal_a body_n the_o word_n will_v bear_v no_o such_o consequence_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o such_o who_o be_v ready_a to_o object_n as_o aforesaid_a have_v high_o commend_v the_o practice_n of_o compare_v scripture_n with_o scripture_n that_o so_o the_o truth_n may_v the_o more_o clear_o shine_v forth_o in_o its_o beauty_n we_o shall_v manifest_v thereby_o that_o no_o such_o mean_v be_v the_o mean_v of_o the_o spirit_n for_o in_o the_o 21th_o verse_n of_o the_o same_o chapter_n it_o be_v thus_o say_v that_o as_o sin_n have_v reign_v unto_o death_n even_o so_o may_v grace_n reign_v through_o righteousness_n unto_o eternal_a life_n by_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n this_o reign_n of_o sin_n be_v in_o the_o mortal_a body_n of_o those_o that_o through_o a_o breach_n of_o the_o righteous_a law_n of_o god_n become_v subject_a to_o condemnation_n but_o when_o grace_n come_v to_o reign_v through_o righteousness_n unto_o eternal_a life_n than_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v witness_v and_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n reveal_v 3.9_o 1_o tim._n 3.9_o that_o be_v hold_v in_o a_o pure_a conscience_n which_o doubtless_o be_v not_o then_o a_o defile_v conscience_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v proper_o term_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n in_o which_o by_o faith_n salvation_n be_v know_v the_o mystery_n through_o which_o man_n arrive_v unto_o godliness_n notwithstanding_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n have_v wrought_v in_o some_o to_o pretend_v salvation_n thereby_o whilst_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o degeneration_n their_o conscience_n be_v pollute_v and_o sin_n reign_v in_o their_o mortal_a body_n then_o we_o may_v also_o say_v that_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n be_v dethrone_v then_o the_o old_a man_n with_o his_o deed_n be_v put_v off_o and_o the_o new_a man_n which_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 4.24_o eph._n 4.24_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n be_v put_v on_o again_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o word_n not_o impute_v their_o trespass_n unto_o they_o do_v only_o argue_v that_o their_o trespass_n be_v forgive_v as_o necessary_a to_o a_o state_n of_o reconciliation_n with_o their_o maker_n but_o do_v not_o at_o all_o hold_n forth_o that_o they_o can_v be_v in_o such_o a_o state_n whilst_o either_o their_o former_a sin_n be_v not_o forgive_v or_o whilst_o they_o be_v actual_o commit_v sin_n and_o trespass_n anew_o after_o that_o they_o have_v be_v through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n make_v partaker_n of_o such_o forgiveness_n and_o as_o to_o these_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o we_o may_v be_v make_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o he_o we_o also_o say_v it_o will_v not_o from_o thence_o follow_v that_o man_n can_v become_v a_o partaker_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n whilst_o sin_n be_v in_o dominion_n in_o he_o for_o the_o state_n speak_v of_o be_v a_o state_n in_o christ._n now_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o very_a same_o chapter_n verse_n the_o 17_o be_v on_o this_o wise_a if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n old_a thing_n be_v pass_v away_o all_o thing_n be_v become_v new_a and_o though_o this_o new_a state_n be_v a_o state_n wherein_o man_n be_v free_o justify_v by_o grace_n and_o bring_v into_o the_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o be_v redeem_a from_o under_o the_o law_n which_o consist_v in_o carnal_a ordinance_n that_o make_v not_o the_o comer_n thereunto_o perfect_a 7.19_o heb._n 7.19_o as_o pertain_v unto_o the_o conscience_n though_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o a_o better_a hope_n do_v yet_o notwithstanding_o we_o do_v not_o find_v any_o ground_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n man_n be_v thereby_o bring_v into_o be_v such_o a_o state_n wherein_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o a_o law_n 3.26_o rom._n
3.26_o for_o the_o free_a justification_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o extend_v unto_o these_o who_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o in_o that_o state_n the_o work_v of_o the_o law_n be_v exclude_v so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o any_o to_o boast_v therein_o but_o then_o the_o manner_n of_o that_o exclusion_n so_o that_o no_o man_n shall_v boast_v be_v by_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n 3.27_o rom._n 3.27_o now_o where_o a_o law_n be_v it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o obedience_n be_v due_a and_o whenso_fw-la ever_o that_o debt_n cease_v the_o law_n than_o become_v void_a but_o who_o so_o impious_a to_o declare_v a_o principle_n so_o unrighteous_a as_o have_v a_o tendency_n to_o make_v this_o law_n of_o faith_n void_a charity_n oblige_v we_o to_o suppose_v that_o no_o christian-professor_n will_v witting_o thus_o do_v but_o yet_o we_o can_v but_o say_v that_o so_o great_a darkness_n have_v seem_v to_o overshadow_v some_o as_o that_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n impute_v to_o sinner_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o many_o have_v indulge_v such_o a_o liberty_n as_o little_a to_o regard_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o postle_n when_o he_o say_v work_v out_o your_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v as_o if_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v obtain_v by_o a_o historical_a faith_n exclude_v all_o sort_n of_o work_n as_o unnecessary_a thereto_o and_o that_o a_o little_a religion_n in_o the_o head_n may_v stead_v a_o man_n more_o than_o a_o great_a deal_n in_o the_o heart_n for_o where_o a_o application_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n be_v make_v by_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o in_o order_n to_o the_o heal_n of_o that_o wound_n which_o through_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o grand_a enemy_n of_o the_o soul_n man_n have_v receive_v if_o there_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n 7.10_o 2_o cor._n 7.10_o a_o sorrow_n unto_o repentance_n never_o to_o be_v repent_v of_o there_o it_o be_v undoubted_o false_o apply_v the_o aforesaid_a sorrow_n can_v right_o attend_v the_o creature_n in_o his_o lose_a estate_n and_o condition_n but_o first_o through_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o prevalency_n of_o satan_n by_o his_o temptation_n second_o through_o bear_v the_o righteous_a condemnation_n of_o the_o lord_n upon_o the_o transgress_a nature_n that_o so_o through_o judgement_n the_o mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v witness_v and_o then_o when_o the_o creature_n come_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n through_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o failing_n a_o real_a sorrow_n for_o the_o same_o and_o bear_v in_o patience_n the_o righteous_a condemnation_n of_o god_n than_o the_o burden_n of_o sin_n may_v be_v remove_v and_o the_o creature_n witness_v a_o state_n of_o restoration_n these_o thing_n lead_v we_o to_o consider_v how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o people_n profess_v christianity_n and_o own_v the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n and_o agree_v in_o principle_n term_v fundamental_a whilst_o they_o keep_v to_o the_o language_n thereof_o shall_v thus_o disagree_v to_o this_o we_o say_v that_o to_o the_o enlighten_v eye_n it_o be_v plain_a especial_o in_o the_o matter_n whereof_o we_o be_v now_o treat_v and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o to_o other_o we_o desire_v that_o the_o follow_a notation_n may_v be_v consider_v first_o the_o apostle_n peter_n tell_v we_o that_o no_o prophecy_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n 21._o 2_o pet._n 1.20_o 21._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 and_o yet_o so_o great_a be_v the_o curiosity_n of_o man_n that_o they_o will_v be_v concern_v themselves_o to_o put_v meaning_n on_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n though_o the_o word_n themselves_o will_v not_o warrant_v the_o same_o nor_o the_o interpreter_n in_o truth_n affirm_v that_o such_o their_o meaning_n be_v through_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n second_o there_o be_v a_o proneness_n in_o man_n to_o avoid_v the_o cross_n of_o christ_n and_o instead_o of_o enter_v in_o at_o a_o narrow_a gate_n to_o make_v their_o passage_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n as_o broad_a as_o their_o sensual_a wisdom_n will_v admit_v three_o though_o the_o language_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n and_o the_o apostle_n james_n be_v in_o substance_n one_o yet_o the_o manner_n of_o express_v themselves_o seem_v contradictory_n to_o such_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o endue_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o such_o a_o spirit_n of_o discern_v as_o to_o see_v the_o occasion_n on_o which_o they_o write_v the_o occasion_n of_o these_o differ_a apprehension_n be_v thus_o discover_v it_o be_v now_o needful_a to_o sum_v up_o the_o whole_a matter_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o take_v occasion_n to_o remove_v so_o far_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v the_o misunderstand_a of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a apostle_n and_o in_o order_n thereto_o we_o thus_o say_v this_o discourse_n touch_v justification_n and_o salvation_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o this_o first_o that_o some_o profess_v christianity_n be_v at_o least_o doubtful_a that_o other_o under_o the_o like_a profession_n pretend_v to_o a_o state_n of_o justification_n and_o salvation_n through_o the_o imputation_n of_o chri'_v righteousness_n while_o they_o be_v continue_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o that_o no_o work_n wrought_v in_o we_o though_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n itself_o be_v of_o any_o advantage_n to_o the_o arrive_v unto_o the_o state_n of_o justification_n and_o salvation_n second_o that_o other_o under_o the_o same_o profession_n of_o christianity_n be_v jealous_a that_o the_o principle_n which_o some_o hold_v forth_o have_v a_o tendency_n to_o introduce_v a_o righteousness_n of_o our_o own_o as_o meritorious_a to_o eternal_a salvation_n which_o occasion_n we_o to_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o a_o part_n of_o a_o objection_n raise_v in_o the_o three_o chapter_n of_o this_o treatise_n page_n 15._o and_o 16._o and_o to_o the_o answer_n thereto_o page_n 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o for_o that_o we_o account_v it_o a_o very_a proper_a conclusion_n to_o this_o chapter_n in_o order_n to_o the_o further_o clear_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o divide_v the_o word_n aright_o though_o write_v on_o another_o occasion_n that_o part_n of_o the_o objection_n aforesaid_a signify_v of_o to_o be_v proper_a on_o this_o occasion_n be_v as_o follow_v though_o the_o apostle_n testify_v that_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n cleanse_v from_o all_o sin_n yet_o this_o have_v be_v interpret_v to_o be_v only_o from_o the_o gild_n and_o not_o from_o the_o act_n of_o all_o sin_n so_o as_o to_o cease_v therefrom_o whilst_o on_o this_o side_n the_o grave_a which_o doubtless_o be_v the_o reason_n wherefore_o we_o sin_v these_o testimony_n record_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 9_o eph._n 2.8_o 9_o by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v through_o faith_n and_o that_o not_o of_o yourselves_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n not_o of_o work_n lest_o any_o man_n shall_v boast_v thereby_o imply_v as_o if_o salvation_n through_o faith_n may_v be_v obtain_v though_o good_a work_n be_v want_v and_o so_o consequent_o sin_n commit_v instead_o thereof_o since_o it_o be_v irrational_a to_o conclude_v that_o while_o man_n be_v in_o the_o body_n he_o can_v cease_v from_o work_v both_o good_a and_o evil_a in_o many_o thing_n we_o offend_v all_o if_o we_o say_v 1.8_o james_n 3.2_o john_n 1.8_o we_o have_v no_o sin_n we_o deceive_v ourselves_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o we_o to_o conclude_v this_o chapter_n as_o we_o have_v already_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o view_v over_o the_o answer_n contain_v in_o page_n 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o to_o the_o above_o cite_v part_n of_o a_o objection_n so_o we_o now_o entreat_v he_o so_o to_o do_v and_o if_o it_o may_v be_v instrumental_a to_o open_v the_o understanding_n of_o any_o so_o as_o right_o to_o distinguish_v truth_n from_o error_n we_o then_o shall_v therein_o have_v our_o end_n a_o appendix_n manifest_v some_o fruit_n of_o apostasy_n or_o innovation_n forasmuch_o as_o the_o title_n page_n of_o this_o second_o part_n may_v beget_v in_o the_o reader_n a_o expectation_n of_o some_o further_a discovery_n of_o apostasy_n and_o innovation_n since_o in_o this_o part_n hitherto_o little_a thereof_o have_v be_v manifest_v we_o therefore_o think_v meet_v to_o add_v the_o substance_n of_o a_o answer_n give_v by_o some_o friend_n of_o bristol_n to_o the_o paper_n mention_v in_o other_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a quaker_n to_o be_v give_v forth_o by_o sixty_o six_o person_n that_o be_v to_o say_v by_z charles_n marshal_z and_o sixty_o five_o more_o from_o ellis_n hookes_n chamber_n in_o london_n the_o twelve_o of_o the_o
then_o find_v in_o a_o manifest_a untruth_n but_o we_o be_v satisfy_v in_o our_o conscience_n on_o good_a ground_n that_o several_a person_n who_o have_v subscribe_v the_o say_a paper_n have_v not_o so_o do_v but_o be_v it_o so_o that_o the_o sixty_o six_o subscriber_n have_v desire_v they_o to_o come_v to_o they_o and_o that_o those_o sixty_o six_o be_v such_o qualify_a member_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o that_o none_o on_o the_o score_n of_o apostleship_n or_o eldership_n may_v have_v a_o great_a pretence_n of_o power_n to_o call_v john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n before_o they_o yet_o we_o affirm_v that_o neither_o the_o sixty_o six_o subscriber_n nor_o any_o other_o assembly_n on_o earth_n have_v power_n to_o give_v judgement_n in_o such_o a_o case_n other_z then_o for_o contempt_n of_o authority_n if_o they_o have_v any_o over_o they_o and_o not_o a_o judgement_n on_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n though_o it_o be_v on_o the_o hear_n of_o one_o part_n and_o so_o much_o justice_n do_v the_o common_a practice_n both_o of_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a court_n so_o call_v in_o england_n show_v forth_o but_o that_o which_o to_o we_o seem_v to_o aggravate_v the_o offence_n of_o the_o sixty_o six_o subscriber_n be_v this_o john_n story_n be_v now_o with_o we_o do_v positive_o affirm_v that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o subscriber_n never_o speak_v or_o send_v to_o he_o about_o the_o matter_n for_o which_o he_o be_v now_o judge_v nor_o yet_o to_o john_n wilkinson_n as_o john_n story_n say_v so_o far_o as_o he_o know_v and_o so_o when_o we_o consider_v all_o circumstance_n we_o have_v great_a cause_n to_o doubt_v that_o not_o a_o few_o but_o many_o of_o the_o subscriber_n if_o not_o all_o have_v give_v judgement_n without_o a_o hear_n of_o either_o party_n for_o that_o their_o paper_n do_v not_o import_n that_o the_o judgement_n give_v be_v on_o the_o hear_v either_o of_o one_o or_o both_o party_n convene_v before_o they_o and_o as_o to_o the_o meeting_n at_o drawell_n the_o fame_n whereof_o have_v come_v to_o our_o ear_n several_a account_n have_v be_v give_v of_o that_o already_o and_o a_o judgement_n already_o past_a by_o some_o of_o the_o sixty_o six_o subscriber_n with_o a_o caution_n in_o the_o say_a judgement_n in_o these_o word_n and_o now_o friend_n in_o god_n love_n we_o desire_v you_o to_o suppress_v all_o paper_n of_o controversy_n relate_v to_o this_o difference_n that_o the_o mind_n of_o friend_n be_v not_o further_o trouble_v and_o defile_v nor_o this_o controversy_n keep_v any_o long_a alive_a and_o we_o do_v warn_v all_o to_o have_v a_o care_n that_o they_o be_v not_o lift_v up_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o hurt_n that_o be_v come_v upon_o these_o man_n nor_o yet_o insult_v over_o they_o for_o that_o spirit_n be_v not_o of_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v reasonable_o suppose_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o present_a judgement_n spring_v from_o any_o thing_n act_v by_o they_o before_o the_o say_a meeting_n but_o rather_o from_o something_o since_o and_o whereas_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n give_v forth_o a_o paper_n at_o drawell_n which_o since_o they_o disow_v this_o as_o john_n story_n say_v be_v wrong_a and_o as_o evidence_n thereto_o say_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o he_o own_v the_o paper_n as_o give_v forth_o yet_o that_o where_o any_o sentence_n may_v admit_v of_o more_o construction_n than_o one_o the_o giver_n forth_o thereof_o ought_v to_o interpret_v for_o himself_o and_o so_o say_v that_o he_o still_o own_v the_o same_o with_o that_o interpretation_n he_o and_o john_n wilkinson_n give_v and_o if_o the_o paper_n will_v not_o bear_v that_o interpretation_n give_v by_o they_o then_o let_v they_o be_v judge_v second_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o two_o or_o more_o friend_n in_o england_n to_o dissolve_v a_o meeting_n of_o other_o friend_n and_o therefore_o great_a weakness_n to_o assign_v john_n story_n be_v and_o john_n wilkinson_n refuse_v to_o dissolve_v a_o meeting_n as_o a_o consideration_n for_o so_o severe_a a_o reproof_n and_o judgement_n three_o as_o to_o the_o word_n forbearance_n it_o seem_v unbecoming_a such_o young_a man_n in_o truth_n if_o peradventure_o they_o be_v now_o in_o the_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o in_o year_n as_o some_o of_o the_o sixty_o six_o subscriber_n be_v know_v to_o be_v to_o write_v at_o the_o rate_n they_o have_v do_v touch_v such_o ancient_a brethren_n labourer_n in_o the_o gospel_n especial_o when_o we_o consider_v how_o credible_o it_o have_v be_v report_v to_o we_o that_o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n as_o to_o their_o doctrine_n and_o conversation_n have_v be_v even_o by_o some_o of_o their_o opposer_n account_v both_o sound_n and_o blameless_a we_o find_v that_o the_o say_a paper_n be_v direct_v to_o man_n meeting_n who_o the_o subscriber_n exhort_v that_o if_o notwithstanding_o their_o christian_a deal_v such_o person_n persevere_v and_o go_v on_o in_o their_o separate_a spirit_n let_v god_n truth_n be_v clear_a of_o they_o and_o truth_n set_v over_o their_o head_n according_a to_o that_o bless_a order_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n settle_v among_o you_o to_o this_o we_o say_v that_o we_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v inform_v by_o any_o that_o either_o john_n story_n or_o john_n wilkinson_n have_v be_v or_o be_v find_v in_o opposition_n to_o any_o order_n that_o be_v settle_v among_o we_o in_o our_o man_n meeting_n we_o have_v discourse_v john_n story_n in_o our_o last_o mens-meeting_a about_o the_o separate-meeting_a so_o call_v in_o the_o north_n and_o have_v have_v the_o view_n of_o that_o paper_n which_o be_v account_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o say_a meeting_n the_o word_n as_o to_o we_o appear_v that_o their_o opposer_n may_v most_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o say_a paper_n to_o justify_v their_o sense_n of_o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n therein_o be_v these_o viz._n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o amend_v for_o time_n to_o come_v we_o do_v resolve_v that_o neither_o they_o so_o choose_v by_o we_o nor_o we_o do_v trouble_v ourselves_o no_o further_o with_o such_o that_o strive_v and_o contend_v in_o take_v upon_o they_o our_o work_n who_o we_o do_v not_o employ_v about_o our_o affair_n and_o concern_v and_o if_o this_o must_v continue_v we_o hope_v to_o do_v our_o own_o business_n in_o our_o several_a respective_a meeting_n in_o quietness_n and_o in_o the_o order_n of_o truth_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n of_o lise_n on_o this_o we_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o resolve_v not_o to_o meet_v with_o they_o that_o strive_v and_o contend_v and_o be_v not_o employ_v etc._n etc._n and_o in_o other_o part_n of_o the_o paper_n there_o be_v proposal_n for_o a_o reunite_a which_o be_v not_o as_o we_o be_v inform_v accept_v but_o this_o do_v not_o amount_v to_o set_v up_o a_o separate_a meeting_n we_o also_o observe_v that_o their_o hope_n be_v to_o do_v their_o own_o business_n in_o their_o several_a and_o respective_a meeting_n this_o be_v not_o a_o resolve_v so_o to_o do_v or_o a_o set_n up_o another_o meeting_n but_o a_o hope_n etc._n etc._n yet_o so_o it_o be_v that_o to_o this_o day_n there_o be_v no_o such_o meeting_n as_o be_v then_o in_o their_o eye_n or_o hope_n that_o we_o be_v inform_v of_o for_o as_o we_o understand_v they_o meet_v not_o in_o their_o several_a respective_a meeting_n to_o do_v business_n but_o friend_n from_o their_o several_a and_o respective_a meeting_n do_v meet_v as_o we_o have_v be_v inform_v at_o their_o ancient_a monthly_a meetingplace_n in_o kendal_n and_o so_o the_o aforesaid_a paper_n can_v in_o our_o apprehension_n be_v construe_v according_a to_o reason_n to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o meeting_n call_v a_o separate_a meeting_n and_o so_o consequent_o john_n story_n be_v ask_v in_o our_o last_o mens-meeting_a whether_o he_o will_v disow_v it_o answer_v to_o this_o effect_n that_o it_o will_v be_v unjust_a for_o he_o to_o disow_v it_o until_o he_o hear_v both_o party_n for_o that_o will_v be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o give_a judgement_n on_o the_o hear_n of_o one_o part_n only_o which_o be_v unrighteous_a and_o further_o say_v that_o he_o never_o intend_v by_o the_o subscription_n of_o his_o name_n to_o the_o say_a paper_n to_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o a_o separate_a meeting_n but_o rather_o look_v upon_o the_o paper_n as_o a_o fit_a mean_n to_o reunite_a they_o and_o that_o if_o any_o can_v offer_v more_o christian_a proposal_n for_o their_o reunite_v he_o doubt_v not_o but_o he_o shall_v close_v therewith_o and_o further_o say_v that_o he_o remember_v not_o that_o he_o ever_o be_v at_o any_o or_o either_o of_o those_o meeting_n account_v a_o separate_a meeting_n but_o positive_o say_v
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 practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o offering_n of_o their_o gift_n be_v not_o a_o peace_n but_o a_o division-offering_a that_o they_o be_v obstinate_a and_o obdurate_a and_o go_v into_o self-will_n that_o they_o cast_v tender_a love_n behind_o their_o back_n among_o the_o say_v sixty_o six_o subscriber_n we_o read_v the_o name_n of_o four_o person_n inhabit_v the_o city_n of_o bristol_n by_o which_o they_o become_v accuser_n since_o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n be_v not_o before_o they_o at_o any_o time_n as_o judge_n in_o their_o cause_n and_o so_o have_v be_v person_n who_o at_o some_o time_n have_v assemble_v with_o we_o in_o the_o aforesaid_a meeting_n hold_v for_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a etc._n etc._n within_o the_o say_a city_n of_o bristol_n where_o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n have_v often_o publish_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n for_o above_o twenty_o year_n to_o our_o knowledge_n they_o have_v be_v desire_v to_o appoint_v a_o meeting_n to_o make_v forth_o their_o accusation_n to_o john_n story_n be_v face_n that_o so_o if_o the_o accuse_v be_v guilty_a it_o may_v be_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v manifest_a to_o we_o who_o in_o that_o case_n shall_v then_o account_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o disow_v the_o accuse_v also_o but_o if_o they_o can_v prove_v matter_n of_o fact_n to_o render_v they_o so_o guilty_a we_o may_v then_o just_o expect_v the_o say_v person_n to_o own_o the_o wrong_n they_o have_v do_v they_o by_o their_o false_a accusation_n and_o give_v satisfaction_n for_o the_o same_o but_o they_o will_v not_o as_o yet_o admit_v a_o meeting_n for_o that_o end_n before_o such_o friend_n of_o truth_n whereof_o one_o half_a may_v be_v choose_v by_o we_o and_o other_o dissatisfy_v though_o they_o have_v liberty_n to_o choose_v the_o other_o half_a themselves_o neither_o will_v they_o as_o yet_o admit_v a_o hear_v before_o any_o meeting_n wherein_o the_o witness_n to_o these_o accusation_n shall_v be_v exclude_v from_o be_v judge_n with_o other_o friend_n and_o so_o what_o issue_n this_o matter_n may_v admit_v among_o we_o be_v at_o present_a uncertain_a and_o whether_o this_o be_v christian-like_a we_o appeal_v to_o god_n witness_v in_o all_o conscience_n we_o observe_v that_o in_o the_o say_a paper_n the_o subscriber_n exhort_v friend_n to_o be_v zealous_a for_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o stand_v up_o in_o his_o spirit_n and_o power_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o his_o church_n which_o exhortation_n in_o itself_o be_v sound_a and_o wholesome_a but_o we_o be_v very_o jealous_a that_o the_o say_a paper_n have_v notwithstanding_o give_v life_n to_o a_o contentious_a spirit_n for_o on_o the_o fifteen_o instant_a be_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n john_n story_n come_v to_o our_o meeting_n and_o almost_o immediate_o after_o he_o have_v sit_v down_o there_o be_v one_o stand_v up_o who_o as_o we_o can_v prove_v declare_v unity_n with_o the_o say_a paper_n give_v forth_o against_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n and_o testify_v to_o this_o effect_n the_o trumpet_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v sound_v to_o battle_n and_o the_o war_n be_v begin_v and_o so_o exhort_v on_o this_o wise_a come_v up_o to_o battle_n and_o help_v the_o lord_n against_o the_o mighty_a use_v also_o these_o scripture_n word_n curse_v you_o meroz_n and_o in_o the_o afternoon_n of_o the_o same_o day_n in_o our_o public_a assembly_n francis_n lea_n whilst_o john_n story_n be_v declare_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n stand_v up_o and_o thus_o begin_v if_o any_o thing_n he_o reveal_v to_o another_o that_o sit_v by_o let_v the_o first_o hold_v his_o peace_n which_o be_v a_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o his_o hypocrisy_n for_o that_o it_o be_v public_o know_v he_o judges_z john_n story_n out_o of_o unity_n with_o the_o church_n and_o so_o it_o be_v altogether_o wrong_a in_o fr._n lea_n to_o introduce_v his_o discourse_n by_o a_o scripture_n which_o if_o proper_a to_o be_v speak_v 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
so_o the_o light_n be_v judge_n beside_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o in_o the_o say_a paper_n be_v but_o half_o a_o sheet_n he_o often_o speak_v against_o backbiting_a and_o about_o thirty_o time_n make_v mention_v of_o the_o light_n though_o in_o a_o paper_n late_o give_v forth_o in_o vindication_n of_o prescription_n be_v about_o a_o sheet_n he_o speak_v almost_o as_o much_o to_o justify_v prescription_n he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v the_o action_n of_o jasper_n batt_n charles_n martial_n and_o other_o concern_v in_o give_v forth_o the_o say_a paper_n from_o ellis_n hook_n his_o chamber_n can_v be_v justify_v without_o make_v g._n f_n aforesaid_a counsel_n void_a we_o now_o come_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o word_n in_o the_o afore_o recite_v answer_n give_v forth_o by_o jasper_n batt_n and_o his_o three_o companion_n viz._n we_o see_v there_o be_v such_o in_o those_o day_n as_o be_v now_o who_o do_v despise_v government_n presumption_n self-willed_a they_o be_v not_o afraid_a to_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n which_o have_v forsake_v the_o right_a way_n and_o go_v astray_o and_o so_o well_n without_o water_n and_o cloud_n that_o be_v carry_v without_o a_o tempest_n etc._n etc._n judas_n say_v these_o be_v they_o who_o separate_v themselves_o read_v peter_n and_o judas_n through_o and_o let_v these_o scripture_n be_v right_o apply_v and_o see_v to_o who_o they_o belong_v to_o this_o we_o say_v they_o will_v have_v manifest_v more_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n if_o they_o have_v inform_v those_o unto_o who_o they_o write_v how_o to_o apply_v these_o scripture_n instead_o of_o bid_v they_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o then_o right_o apply_v they_o for_o the_o great_a question_n be_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o word_n government_n and_o dignity_n but_o since_o they_o be_v silent_a therein_o it_o be_v rational_a for_o we_o to_o suppose_v on_o the_o whole_a matter_n that_o they_o mean_v the_o sixty_o six_o subscribe_v whereof_o they_o be_v a_o part_n since_o the_o paper_n subscribe_v by_o they_o in_o the_o original_a matter_n occasion_v this_o discourse_n and_o according_a to_o its_o merit_n sufficient_o despise_v and_o therefore_o we_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o inform_v the_o reader_n that_o we_o can_v take_v such_o man_n as_o jasper_n batt_n and_o his_o three_o brethren_n be_v nor_o yet_o charles_n marshal_v subscriber_n also_o among_o the_o sixty-six_a to_o be_v the_o dignity_n hint_v at_o by_o peter_n and_o judas_n for_o all_o these_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o sixty-six_a subscriber_n be_v by_o their_o paper_n manifest_a to_o have_v run_v in_o the_o very_a way_n of_o cain_n by_o persecute_v the_o brethren_n and_o have_v appear_v as_o rage_v wave_n of_o the_o sea_n foam_v out_o their_o own_o shame_n by_o their_o hard_a speech_n which_o be_v the_o very_a mark_n and_o fruit_n of_o those_o who_o despise_v government_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n which_o jasper_n batt_n and_o his_o three_o brethren_n have_v direct_v we_o to_o peruse_v beside_o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o many_o of_o the_o say_v sixty-six_a subscriber_n speak_v evil_a of_o the_o thing_n they_o know_v not_o have_v man_n person_n in_o admiration_n because_o of_o advantage_n which_o be_v some_o other_o mark_v of_o such_o as_o despise_a government_n and_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n those_o thing_n we_o leave_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o impartial_a reader_n hope_v that_o for_o the_o future_a jasper_n batt_n will_v learn_v more_o modesty_n than_o to_o account_v himself_o a_o governor_n and_o dignity_n and_o that_o on_o that_o foot_n he_o may_v think_v to_o rule_v over_o such_o ancient_a and_o honourable_a labourer_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n as_o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n have_v manifest_v themselves_o to_o be_v whereof_o this_o nation_n yield_v many_o live_a witness_n to_o conclude_v our_o earnest_a desire_n be_v that_o all_o friend_n may_v continual_o abide_v upon_o their_o watch_n that_o so_o for_o the_o future_a none_o may_v be_v ensnare_v through_o the_o subtle_a device_n of_o satan_n to_o put_v their_o hand_n to_o the_o unrighteous_a testimony_n of_o other_o against_o such_o ancient_a and_o faithful_a labourer_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n as_o keep_v their_o place_n and_o habitation_n in_o the_o unchangeable_a truth_n nor_o yet_o slight_o to_o esteem_v of_o such_o lest_o the_o indignation_n of_o the_o almighty_a break_v forth_o and_o a_o famine_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v upon_o they_o that_o may_v so_o do_v whilst_o those_o who_o be_v unskilful_a to_o divide_v the_o word_n aright_o minister_a death_n unto_o the_o hearer_n be_v exalt_v which_o though_o the_o lord_n may_v permit_v for_o a_o season_n as_o a_o exercise_n upon_o his_o heritage_n yet_o our_o persuasion_n be_v that_o he_o will_v have_v a_o regard_v to_o those_o who_o in_o faithfulness_n sit_v under_o their_o own_o vine_n wait_v upon_o he_o so_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o precious_a and_o the_o vile_a and_o through_o the_o word_n of_o god_n patience_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o salvation_n william_n rogers_n on_o behalf_n of_o himself_o and_o other_o friend_n in_o truth_n concern_v the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n distinguish_v from_o the_o apostate_n &_o innovator_n manifest_v that_o there_o be_v but_o two_o sort_n of_o government_n own_v by_o the_o child_n of_o light_n or_o christian-quaker_n one_o be_v the_o outward_a government_n under_o which_o we_o live_v unto_o the_o law_n whereof_o we_o owe_v either_o active_a or_o passive_a obedience_n and_o ought_v not_o by_o outward_a force_n to_o endeavour_v deliverance_n from_o under_o such_o law_n as_o we_o have_v or_o may_v term_v oppressive_a the_o other_o be_v the_o inward_a government_n of_o christ_n who_o alone_o be_v lord_n over_o the_o conscience_n which_o be_v not_o represent_v by_o person_n visible_a by_o carnal_a eye_n invest_v with_o power_n from_o he_o to_o execute_v outward_a law_n prescription_n order_n edict_n or_o decree_n in_o a_o outward_a form_n of_o government_n visible_a as_o aforesaid_a and_o for_o the_o better_a illustration_n of_o our_o mean_v a_o answer_n to_o a_o part_n of_o robert_n barclay_n book_n of_o government_n be_v cite_v to_o which_o be_v add_v a_o testimony_n give_v forth_o in_o print_n in_o the_o year_n 1660._o by_o isaac_n penington_n the_o young_a be_v part_n of_o a_o discourse_n entitle_v the_o authority_n and_o government_n which_o christ_n exclude_v out_o of_o his_o church_n also_o a_o epistle_n write_v by_o robert_n barclay_n as_o a_o explanatory_a postscript_n to_o his_o book_n of_o government_n together_o with_o some_o observation_n adjoin_v manifest_v the_o shortness_n thereof_o to_o answer_v the_o end_n expect_v to_o which_o be_v add_v a_o letter_n written_n as_o be_v pretend_v by_o w._n r._n but_o publish_v by_o r._n b._n together_o with_o a_o paper_n term_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o brethren_n in_o a_o discourse_n have_v between_o r._n b._n and_o w._n r._n with_o observation_n and_o answer_v thereto_o by_o william_n rogers_n on_o behalf_n of_o himself_o and_o other_o friend_n in_o truth_n concern_v isa_n 9.6_o for_o unto_o we_o a_o child_n be_v bear_v unto_o we_o a_o son_n be_v give_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 counsellor_n isa_n 2.4_o and_o he_o shall_v judge_v among_o the_o nation_n and_o shall_v rebuke_v many_o people_n and_o they_o shall_v beat_v their_o sword_n into_o ploughshare_n and_o their_o spear_n into_o pruning-hook_n nation_n shall_v not_o lift_v up_o sword_n against_o nation_n neither_o shall_v they_o learn_v war_n any_o more_o print_a in_o the_o year_n 1680._o the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n distinguish_v from_o the_o apostate_n and_o innovator_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v but_o two_o sort_n of_o government_n which_o become_v every_o christian_n to_o own_o the_o one_o be_v outward_a the_o other_o inward_a the_o outward_a government_n be_v represent_v by_o visible_a person_n invest_v with_o power_n to_o execute_v outward_a law_n visible_a by_o our_o carnal_a eye_n and_o be_v suffer_v by_o almighty_a god_n to_o be_v execute_v under_o variety_n of_o form_n and_o diversity_n of_o law_n and_o for_o divers_a end_n which_o we_o do_v not_o now_o pretend_v to_o be_v reveal_v to_o we_o but_o yet_o we_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v our_o duty_n either_o active_o or_o passive_o to_o submit_v unto_o the_o outward_a government_n under_o which_o we_o live_v without_o design_v to_o work_v our_o own_o deliverance_n from_o under_o such_o law_n which_o we_o have_v or_o may_v account_v oppressive_a by_o outward_a force_n or_o violence_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o be_v with_o we_o to_o say_v on_o this_o occasion_n with_o respect_n to_o outward_a government_n the_o inward_a government_n chief_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
in_o isa_n 9.6_o it_o be_v thus_o say_v and_o the_o government_n shall_v be_v upon_o his_o shoulder_n and_o his_o name_n shall_v be_v call_v wonderful_a councillor_n etc._n etc._n second_o because_o it_o be_v whole_o repugnant_a to_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o conscience_n that_o the_o weight_n of_o a_o government_n that_o be_v spiritual_a and_o everlasting_a the_o law_n whereof_o be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o wherein_o nothing_o but_o true_a judgement_n and_o justice_n have_v be_v be_v and_o shall_v be_v execute_v for_o evermore_o shall_v rest_v upon_o any_o man_n or_o man_n as_o a_o governor_n or_o governor_n over_o other_o since_o there_o be_v no_o man_n nor_o man_n but_o be_v subject_n through_o temptation_n to_o err_v if_o they_o watch_v not_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v well_o say_v much_o less_o on_o any_o such_o one_o man_n though_o term_v by_o some_o the_o great_a apostle_n of_o christ_n who_o action_n towards_o his_o brethren_n have_v be_v find_v injurious_a to_o they_o undeserved_o and_o reproachful_a to_o the_o truth_n nor_o yet_o upon_o any_o such_o assembly_n as_o the_o usual_a general_n meet_v so_o term_v though_o improper_o of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n be_v because_o the_o metre_n have_v usual_o consist_v of_o uncertain_a number_n of_o uncertain_a qualify_v person_n that_o take_v upon_o they_o so_o to_o assemble_v while_o other_o behold_v the_o ill_a consequence_n of_o their_o meeting_n conscientious_o forbear_v to_o join_v with_o they_o three_o because_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n have_v their_o eye_n so_o much_o on_o his_o outward_a and_o bodily_a appearance_n as_o that_o christ_n their_o lord_n and_o master_n see_v it_o meet_v to_o tell_v they_o in_o these_o word_n joh._n 16.7_o it_o be_v expedient_a for_o you_o that_o i_o go_v away_o and_o when_o he_o so_o say_v he_o do_v not_o then_o tell_v they_o nor_o yet_o at_o any_o time_n before_o or_o after_o i_o will_v commissionate_v some_o man_n or_o assembly_n of_o man_n in_o my_o stead_n that_o so_o you_o may_v have_v your_o eye_n unto_o and_o expect_v write_a order_n from_o him_z or_o they_o to_o walk_v by_o and_o to_o lead_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n but_o john_n give_v they_o a_o reason_n for_o his_o so_o say_v in_o these_o word_n joh._n 16.7_o for_o if_o i_o go_v not_o away_o the_o comforter_n will_v not_o come_v but_o if_o i_o depart_v i_o will_v send_v he_o unto_o you_o mean_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o as_o he_o promise_v shall_v abide_v with_o they_o for_o ever_o and_o shall_v be_v in_o they_o which_o undoubted_o be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o exaltation_n of_o his_o government_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o that_o they_o may_v have_v their_o whole_a dependency_n on_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o as_o before_o be_v signify_v christ_n promise_v shall_v abide_v with_o they_o forever_o and_o so_o this_o may_v true_o be_v term_v that_o everlasting_a unerring_a unchangeable_a governor_n unto_o which_o the_o subject_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n owe_v obedience_n and_o why_o so_o but_o because_o under_o it_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v guide_v into_o all_o truth_n according_a as_o be_v plain_o signify_v from_o these_o follow_a word_n speak_v by_o christ_n himself_o joh._n 16.13_o i_o have_v yet_o many_o thing_n to_o say_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o can_v bear_v they_o now_o howbeit_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n for_o he_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o but_o whatsoever_o he_o shall_v hear_v that_o shall_v he_o speak_v here_o be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o contend_v about_o form_n of_o government_n or_o who_o shall_v be_v governor_n under_o christ_n government_n for_o if_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o we_o and_o that_o be_v to_o remain_v with_o we_o forever_o shall_v guide_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n than_o our_o dependency_n ought_v to_o be_v thereon_o that_o so_o thereby_o we_o may_v be_v lead_v into_o all_o truth_n or_o else_o we_o can_v manifest_v ourselves_o to_o be_v obedient_a subject_n unto_o christ_n under_o his_o government_n that_o he_o be_v exalt_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o men._n the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n lead_v we_o to_o give_v this_o testimony_n that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n either_o from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o we_o or_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o we_o to_o believe_v that_o any_o christian_a professor_n can_v in_o truth_n affirm_v that_o there_o be_v outward_a prescription_n and_o order_n give_v forth_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n through_o any_o one_o or_o more_o mortal_a man_n in_o this_o our_o day_n which_o other_o ought_v to_o obey_v and_o follow_v of_o which_o more_o anon_o in_o answer_n to_o r._n b_n book_n of_o government_n whether_o they_o see_v it_o their_o duty_n or_o no_o and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o may_v therefore_o come_v under_o the_o curse_n and_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n from_o god_n which_o happen_v to_o corah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n for_o their_o rebellion_n against_o moses_n and_o though_o the_o sin_n of_o corah_n etc._n etc._n have_v frequent_o in_o our_o public_a meeting_n for_o worship_n be_v speak_v of_o and_o intend_v as_o we_o have_v take_v it_o to_o be_v as_o a_o proper_a citation_n to_o describe_v the_o state_n of_o such_o as_o on_o a_o conscientious_a score_n can_v submit_v unto_o the_o outward_a order_n of_o one_o man_n yet_o we_o testify_v that_o such_o sort_n of_o insinuate_a and_o threaten_a language_n seem_v much_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o first_o covenant_n than_o the_o second_o under_o which_o we_o be_v and_o when_o countenance_v or_o speak_v by_o any_o expect_v such_o a_o submission_n it_o than_o seem_v to_o savour_v of_o a_o spirit_n that_o speak_v of_o himself_o and_o not_o what_o he_o have_v hear_v from_o the_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o consequent_o from_o another_o spirit_n than_o that_o which_o christ_n promise_v he_o will_v send_v for_o christ_n own_o word_n signify_v he_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o moreover_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o corah_n and_o his_o company_n rebel_v against_o moses_n who_o be_v king_n in_o jesuran_n and_o a_o leader_n of_o israel_n and_o through_o who_o the_o lord_n give_v forth_o his_o law_n to_o the_o people_n but_o we_o know_v that_o none_o can_v according_a to_o truth_n at_o this_o day_n pretend_v that_o any_o other_o governor_n be_v raise_v up_o among_o the_o child_n of_o light_n to_o be_v like_a unto_o moses_n who_o we_o ought_v to_o hear_v in_o all_o thing_n save_v christ_n jesus_n who_o by_o his_o spirit_n manifest_v in_o every_o subject_a of_o his_o kingdom_n be_v thereby_o become_v their_o lawgiver_n and_o while_o they_o be_v obedient_a thereunto_o they_o may_v in_o truth_n be_v reckon_v to_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n because_o they_o may_v then_o true_o be_v term_v such_o as_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o such_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n there_o be_v no_o condemnation_n objection_n this_o discourse_n touch_v government_n may_v occasion_v some_o to_o raise_v this_o objection_n we_o understand_v that_o many_o call_v quaker_n do_v hold_v monthly_a and_o quarterly-meeting_n of_o man_n and_o also_o of_o woman_n distinct_a from_o man_n about_o their_o church_n affair_n and_o that_o these_o meeting_n be_v repute_v to_o be_v establish_v on_o certain_a day_n that_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v alter_v by_o one_o man_n among_o they_o that_o have_v pretend_v he_o be_v move_v of_o god_n so_o to_o do_v and_o that_o the_o same_o person_n have_v by_o his_o paper_n spread_v abroad_o in_o divers_a part_n of_o the_o nation_n signify_v that_o none_o but_o loose_a spirit_n and_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o looseness_n pretend_v to_o set_v up_o a_o better_a way_n or_o to_o alter_v they_o to_o another_o day_n for_o fear_v of_o corruption_n in_o observe_v a_o day_n and_o that_o it_o be_v but_o from_o a_o corrupt_a spirit_n of_o darkness_n which_o god_n will_v blast_v and_o that_o some_o call_v these_o meeting_n the_o government_n of_o christ_n set_v up_o among_o they_o and_o establish_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o church_n affair_n and_o that_o true_a judgement_n and_o justice_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o christ_n government_n may_v be_v execute_v to_o this_o we_o answer_v we_o confess_v there_o have_v be_v and_o yet_o may_v be_v such_o meeting_n but_o if_o any_o think_v they_o have_v be_v or_o be_v establish_v by_o any_o one_o man_n or_o that_o therein_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n be_v set_v up_o any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o any_o
basis_n and_o foundation_n to_o which_o i_o thus_o say_v this_o kind_n of_o language_n with_o respect_n to_o divers_a practice_n in_o discipline_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n or_o any_o outward_a form_n and_o order_n which_o be_v or_o have_v be_v by_o any_o call_v the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o do_v not_o understand_v to_o be_v right_o applicable_a to_o those_o among_o the_o say_a people_n who_o have_v retain_v their_o first_o love_n to_o and_o savour_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o principle_n thereof_o not_o that_o i_o will_v hereby_o be_v understand_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o outward_a order_n with_o respect_n to_o that_o gospel-discipline_n which_o become_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o that_o which_o i_o understand_v not_o to_o be_v right_o applicable_a unto_o they_o be_v manifest_v in_o what_o follow_v though_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n have_v and_o may_v further_o lead_v into_o the_o practice_n of_o outward_a order_n in_o discipline_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n yet_o i_o affirm_v that_o part_n of_o that_o outward_a order_n in_o discipline_n wherein_o divers_a of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n have_v be_v act_v be_v such_o as_o that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o footstep_n thereof_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o exhort_v to_o or_o as_o practise_v by_o the_o apostle_n i_o can_v give_v many_o instance_n hereof_o but_o one_o shall_v suffice_v viz._n the_o form_n of_o proceed_n in_o marriage_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n be_v whole_o silent_a as_o to_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o though_o the_o papist_n pretend_v to_o tradition_n yet_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n do_v not_o beside_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n that_o the_o apostle_n be_v find_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o which_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n do_v not_o only_o out_o of_o conscience_n to_o god_n forbear_v but_o have_v have_v many_o contest_v with_o other_o touch_v the_o same_o as_o esteem_v it_o though_o permit_v for_o a_o season_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o people_n among_o the_o number_n of_o those_o outward_a ordinance_n out_o of_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v at_o this_o day_n gather_v his_o people_n witness_v water-baptism_n the_o word_n order_n with_o respect_n to_o outward_a government_n establish_v by_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n over_o itself_o i_o remember_v not_o in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n yet_o much_o of_o late_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o establish_v the_o same_o and_o that_o with_o respect_n to_o outward_a prescription_n and_o order_n practise_v or_o endeavour_v to_o be_v introduce_v among_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n and_o in_o particular_a r._n b._n page_n 40._o speak_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o faith_n we_o have_v be_v and_o be_v in_o the_o lord_n hand_n build_v up_o to_o which_o i_o say_v the_o consideration_n that_o christ_n be_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o great_a power_n of_o god_n and_o that_o a_o establish_n in_o the_o faith_n can_v proper_o be_v term_v a_o build_n up_o of_o faith_n give_v i_o occasion_n to_o treat_v a_o little_a touch_v the_o word_n establish_v and_o build_v up_o we_o know_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n in_o ourselves_o as_o well_o as_o from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o build_v up_o one_o another_o in_o the_o most_o holy_a faith_n in_o christ_n the_o truth_n the_o power_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v neither_o agreeable_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n in_o we_o nor_o yet_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o we_o for_o any_o to_o account_v themselves_o of_o ability_n to_o establish_v god_n power_n for_o its_o that_o by_o which_o the_o world_n be_v make_v now_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o nothing_o else_o according_a to_o the_o declare_a sense_n of_o our_o ancient_a friend_n can_v proper_o be_v call_v the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o the_o power_n of_o god_n for_o though_o some_o outward_a form_n or_o appearance_n may_v be_v according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o it_o can_v no_o more_o proper_o be_v call_v the_o very_a order_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o tree_n can_v be_v call_v the_o tree_n itself_o and_o therefore_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o establish_v the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v as_o well_o pretend_v to_o establish_v the_o power_n of_o god_n itself_o it_o be_v true_a this_o power_n be_v of_o ability_n to_o establish_v man_n in_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n but_o man_n be_v not_o of_o ability_n to_o establish_v it_o those_o who_o understand_v the_o nature_n and_o tenour_n of_o the_o two_o covenant_n may_v easy_o discern_v the_o truth_n hereof_o under_o the_o first_o covenant_n which_o be_v outward_a the_o mind_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v to_o the_o people_n from_o the_o priest_n lip_n which_o be_v to_o preserve_v knowledge_n and_o this_o covenant_n do_v consist_v in_o divers_a outward_a ordinance_n etc._n etc._n establish_v and_o impose_v upon_o the_o people_n until_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n under_o the_o second_o covenant_n be_v the_o new_a covenant_n or_o gospel_n dispensation_n the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v in_o his_o people_n through_o the_o revelation_n of_o his_o spirit_n according_a to_o that_o of_o paul_n rom._n 1.19_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_v in_o they_o christ_n also_o say_v john_n 14.26_o the_o comforter_n which_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o the_o father_n will_v send_v in_o my_o name_n he_o shall_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n the_o law_n under_o this_o covenant_n be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n heb._n 8.10_o 11._o i_o will_v write_v my_o law_n in_o their_o heart_n &_o they_o shall_v not_o teach_v 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 all_o shall_v know_v i_o etc._n etc._n here_o be_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n of_o encouragement_n for_o any_o man_n under_o the_o new_a covenant_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v like_a unto_o the_o old_a to_o pretend_v that_o god_n spirit_n do_v or_o will_v lead_v any_o to_o establish_v outward_a order_n relate_v to_o matter_n of_o conscience_n as_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o if_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_v in_o we_o than_o though_o it_o may_v be_v needful_a to_o stir_v up_o according_a as_o the_o lord_n shall_v move_v in_o his_o servant_n the_o pure_a mind_n in_o we_o that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o what_o god_n require_v through_o the_o maifestation_n of_o himself_o in_o we_o there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o establish_v any_o thing_n without_o we_o to_o show_v it_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v to_o lead_v into_o all_o truth_n those_o who_o will_v be_v lead_v we_o in_o another_o way_n will_v prove_v little_o better_o than_o thief_n and_o robber_n which_o climb_v up_o another_o way_n to_o enter_v in_o than_o by_o the_o door_n if_o the_o law_n be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o that_o no_o obedience_n find_v acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n but_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n from_o a_o inward_a impulse_n and_o draw_v of_o his_o spirit_n thereunto_o in_o ourselves_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o establish_v outward_a indispensible_a rule_n which_o may_v relate_v to_o the_o conscience_n to_o walk_v by_o for_o be_v it_o possible_a so_o to_o do_v and_o any_o shall_v yield_v obedience_n on_o no_o better_a ground_n then_o because'tis_o so_o establish_v by_o such_o a_o man_n or_o assembly_n of_o man_n this_o sort_n of_o obedience_n will_v find_v no_o more_o acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n than_o the_o offering_n of_o swine_n flesh_n or_o the_o halt_n and_o blind_a for_o a_o sacrifice_n under_o the_o first_o covenant_n do_v for_o though_o many_o may_v be_v so_o weak_a as_o not_o to_o know_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o two_o covenant_n in_o some_o respect_n yet_o there_o be_v few_o of_o the_o lord_n people_n call_v quaker_n but_o have_v this_o undoubted_a truth_n seal_v in_o their_o heart_n that_o none_o of_o their_o outward_a practice_n under_o the_o exercise_n of_o christ_n government_n find_n acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n but_o as_o they_o have_v a_o evidence_n in_o their_o conscience_n that_o therein_o they_o answer_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n in_o themselves_o paul_n write_v to_o the_o colossian_n thus_o say_v as_o you_o have_v receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n so_o walk_v in_o he_o root_v and_o build_v up_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
can_v account_v sound_a language_n if_o paul_n testimony_n phil._n 1.15_o 18._o be_v sound_a who_o say_v some_o preach_v christ_n of_o envy_n and_o strife_n what_o then_o notwithstanding_o every_o way_n whether_o in_o pretence_n or_o in_o truth_n christ_n be_v preach_v and_o i_o therein_o rejoice_v yea_o and_o will_v rejoice_v second_o that_o to_o pretend_v want_n of_o clearness_n in_o sight_n will_v not_o excuse_v any_o from_o disobedience_n to_o god_n who_o submit_v not_o to_o the_o sentence_n of_o a_o assembly_n or_o some_o or_o other_o of_o they_o which_o may_v in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n be_v term_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o be_v ready_a to_o judge_v their_o brethren_n as_o apostatise_v from_o the_o truth_n if_o they_o walk_v not_o according_a to_o the_o line_n and_o measure_n of_o other_o though_o they_o have_v no_o faith_n therein_o contrary_a to_o that_o of_o paul_n who_o to_o the_o corinthian_n say_v 1_o cor._n 10.15_o 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 you_o according_a to_o our_o rule_n and_o whether_o these_o be_v not_o of_o that_o number_n who_o bring_v another_o gospel_n than_o what_o we_o have_v already_o receive_v and_o so_o subject_a themselves_o to_o the_o curse_n while_o they_o be_v endeavour_v to_o manifest_v other_o accurse_v let_v god_n witness_v in_o all_o judge_n there_o be_v at_o this_o day_n who_o seem_v to_o make_v no_o distinction_n between_o such_o as_o will_v have_v no_o iniquity_n reprove_v and_o those_o who_o conscientious_o scruple_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o dictate_v of_o other_o till_o their_o understanding_n be_v illuminate_v these_o be_v of_o that_o number_n who_o divide_v not_o aright_o and_o seem_v so_o void_a of_o charity_n as_o not_o to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o precious_a and_o the_o vile_a for_o though_o it_o be_v so_o that_o paul_n in_o thes_n 3.6_o a_o scripture_n quote_v by_o r._n b._n thus_o say_v now_o we_o command_v you_o brethren_n in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o you_o withdraw_v yourselves_o from_o every_o brother_n that_o walk_v disorderly_a and_o not_o after_o the_o tradition_n which_o he_o receive_v of_o we_o and_o then_o comment_n upon_o it_o what_o more_o positive_a than_o this_o and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o here_o a_o imposer_n to_o which_o i_o thus_o say_v that_o this_o scripture_n be_v no_o warrant_n for_o any_o to_o follow_v the_o command_n or_o tradition_n of_o other_o at_o this_o day_n until_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o real_a service_n of_o obedience_n to_o such_o command_n or_o tradition_n which_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o reason_n that_o paul_n in_o the_o follow_a verse_n give_v for_o the_o urge_v obedience_n to_o his_o precept_n viz._n for_o you_o yourselves_o know_v how_o that_o you_o ought_v to_o follow_v we_o so_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o duty_n be_v the_o bond_n rather_o than_o paul_n command_n verse_n 14._o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n be_v another_o scripture_n quote_v by_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n page_n 27._o paul_n say_v if_o any_o man_n obey_v not_o our_o word_n by_o this_o epistle_n note_v that_o man_n and_o have_v no_o company_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a this_o relate_v to_o such_o of_o who_o paul_n verse_n 11_o 12_o 13_o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n say_v we_o have_v hear_v that_o there_o be_v some_o among_o you_o that_o walk_v inordinate_o and_o work_v not_o at_o all_o but_o be_v busi-body_n therefore_o they_o that_o be_v such_o we_o command_v and_o exhort_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o they_o work_v with_o quietness_n and_o eat_v their_o own_o bread_n and_o you_o brother_n be_v not_o weary_a in_o well_o do_v and_o then_o he_o exhort_v verse_n 14._o if_o any_o man_n obey_v not_o our_o say_v etc._n etc._n which_o plain_o relate_v that_o to_o so_o undoubted_a &_o necessary_a a_o duty_n mention_v verse_n 11._o that_o such_o who_o be_v busi-body_n walk_v inordinate_o may_v not_o in_o their_o busy_a inordinate_a spirit_n eat_v the_o bread_n of_o other_o but_o work_n that_o they_o may_v eat_v their_o own_o bread_n but_o whosoever_o they_o be_v that_o shall_v bring_v such_o scripture_n as_o these_o to_o manifest_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o outward_a form_n prescription_n ceremonial_a dictate_v or_o decisive_a sentence_n of_o other_o when_o they_o be_v or_o may_v be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n and_o that_o there_o lie_v a_o obligation_n in_o point_n of_o duty_n to_o obey_v in_o every_o or_o any_o of_o such_o thing_n though_o we_o see_v it_o not_o show_v themselves_o a_o sort_n of_o busybody_n want_v work_n paul_n 1_o cor._n 14.37_o a_o scripture_n quote_v by_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n thus_o say_v if_o any_o man_n think_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o prophet_n or_o spiritual_n let_v he_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o thing_n that_o i_o write_v unto_o you_o be_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o verse_n 34._o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n paul_n say_v let_v your_o woman_n keep_v silence_n in_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n here_o be_v a_o positive_a proof_n that_o woman_n ought_v to_o be_v silent_a in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o by_o the_o command_n of_o paul_n and_o therefore_o i_o think_v it_o shall_v be_v a_o shame_n for_o such_o who_o plead_v for_o woman_n speak_v in_o the_o church_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o for_o their_o service_n with_o respect_n to_o exercise_n in_o discipline_n to_o pin_v so_o much_o as_o to_o i_o appear_v the_o aforesaid_a author_n do_v in_o his_o treatise_n on_o the_o word_n command_v use_v by_o paul_n when_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o truth_n which_o the_o child_n of_o light_n have_v receive_v they_o have_v and_o do_v testify_v and_o that_o according_a to_o truth_n notwithstanding_o what_o paul_n say_v and_o have_v command_v that_o together_o that_o note_v i_o will_v not_o hereby_o be_v understand_v to_o justify_v all_o woman_n that_o have_v speak_v in_o our_o meeting_n because_o many_o of_o they_o have_v of_o late_o be_v so_o rude_a in_o their_o opposition_n to_o john_n story_n as_o that_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v a_o mere_a scandal_n to_o religion_n and_o be_o persuade_v that_o by_o paul_n command_n the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o positive_o according_a as_o his_o own_o word_n seem_v to_o intiate_v not_o only_o because_o the_o prophet_n joel_n 2.28_o prophesy_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v pour_v out_o of_o his_o spirit_n upon_o son_n and_o daughter_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v prophesy_v but_o also_o for_o that_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n 1_o cor._n 14._o he_o exhort_v the_o church_n who_o doubless_a consist_v of_o woman_n as_o well_o as_o man_n to_o covet_v spiritual_a gift_n but_o rather_o that_o they_o may_v prophesy_v say_v you_o may_v all_o prophesy_v one_o by_o one_o all_o which_o consider_v it_o be_v rational_a to_o take_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o he_o that_o there_o be_v some_o unruly_a disorderly_a woman_n then_o in_o the_o church_n as_o in_o these_o our_o day_n be_v who_o then_o have_v need_n as_o some_o now_o have_v to_o be_v warn_v to_o keep_v silence_n though_o other_o that_o have_v receive_v a_o revelation_n from_o god_n may_v declare_v the_o same_o in_o the_o church_n when_o meet_v together_o woman_n as_o well_o as_o man_n and_o man_n as_o well_o as_o woman_n may_v speak_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n according_a to_o their_o respective_a measure_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n move_v and_o since_o as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n himself_o testify_v 1_o cor._n 10.8_o that_o his_o authority_n be_v give_v he_o for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n i_o can_v but_o be_v more_o charitable_a than_o to_o think_v paul_n ever_o use_v the_o word_n command_v ordain_v tradition_n and_o such_o like_a on_o any_o other_o account_n but_o that_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v follower_n of_o he_o according_a as_o in_o their_o own_o measure_n they_o have_v a_o sense_n or_o savour_n that_o he_o be_v a_o follower_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o otherwise_o which_o compare_v phil._n 3.17_o with_o 2_o cor._n 10.13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o do_v evident_o appear_v the_o forementioned_a scripture_n to_o the_o philipian_o thus_o say_v brethren_n be_v follower_n together_o of_o i_o and_o mark_v they_o that_o walk_v so_o as_o you_o have_v we_o for_o a_o ensample_n that_o to_o the_o corinth_n say_v but_o we_o will_v not_o boast_v of_o thing_n without_o our_o measure_n but_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o rule_n which_o god_n have_v distribute_v to_o we_o a_o measure_n to_o reach_v even_o unto_o you_o for_o we_o stretch_v not_o ourselves_o beyond_o our_o measure_n etc._n etc._n not_o boast_v of_o thing_n without_o our_o measure_n that_o be_v other_o man_n labour_n but_o 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 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
part_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o administration_n under_o which_o thousand_o in_o these_o nation_n be_v gather_v unto_o god_n do_v consist_v in_o this_o that_o after_o they_o have_v be_v wander_v from_o mountain_n to_o hill_n from_o under_o one_o form_n and_o outward_a church-fellowship_n into_o another_o they_o come_v to_o be_v turn_v to_o the_o sure_a guide_n in_o themselves_o christ_n light_n and_o warn_v not_o to_o look_v out_o neither_o to_o be_v in_o the_o lo_n here_o be_v and_o the_o lo_n there_o be_v but_o to_o be_v faithful_a to_o their_o own_o measure_n for_o that_o according_a to_o paul_n testimony_n god_n grace_n be_v give_v to_o every_o one_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n but_o to_o return_v let_v we_o examine_v how_o he_o prove_v his_o first_o assertion_n viz._n that_o there_o never_o will_v nor_o can_v be_v want_v in_o case_n of_o controversy_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o give_v judgement_n through_o some_o or_o other_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n so_o long_o as_o any_o assembly_n can_v proper_o or_o in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n be_v so_o term_v his_o proof_n be_v on_o this_o wise_a for_o the_o first_o say_v he_o to_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o scripture_n there_o will_v need_v no_o other_o probation_n than_o that_o of_o the_o 28_o of_o matthew_n and_o the_o 20_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o verse_n 18._o and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o how_o this_o prove_v the_o matter_n to_o i_o appear_v not_o for_o these_o scripture_n do_v neither_o express_o nor_o by_o any_o natural_a consequence_n say_v that_o any_o assembly_n be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o may_v in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n be_v so_o term_v nor_o yet_o speak_v any_o thing_n of_o controversy_n arise_v among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v he_o bring_v the_o first_o scripture_n to_o prove_v that_o christ_n will_v be_v with_o such_o who_o he_o at_o this_o day_n make_v use_v of_o to_o teach_v all_o nation_n as_o he_o do_v his_o disciple_n at_o that_o day_n whilst_o they_o shall_v teach_v to_o observe_v the_o thing_n that_o christ_n to_o who_o all_o power_n be_v give_v command_v not_o the_o command_v of_o assembly_n which_o may_v in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n be_v term_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o thing_n that_o christ_n command_v he_o have_v exact_o hit_v the_o mark_n but_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n the_o aforesaid_a author_n seem_v by_o his_o word_n to_o drive_v at_o it_o be_v far_o from_o be_v to_o the_o purpose_n and_o as_o to_o the_o second_o scripture_n have_v he_o bring_v it_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o that_o church_n which_o be_v build_v on_o the_o rock_n christ_n it_o will_v have_v answer_v the_o end_n but_o alas_o it_o be_v far_o remote_a from_o prove_v that_o god_n spirit_n will_v appear_v to_o decide_v controversy_n in_o every_o assembly_n that_o in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n can_v be_v term_v christ_n church_n and_o so_o i_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o these_o and_o several_a other_o scripture_n which_o he_o have_v quote_v as_o proof_n of_o his_o assertion_n seem_v rather_o strain_v to_o vindicate_v what_o he_o assert_n than_o that_o his_o assertion_n be_v according_a to_o it_o on_o which_o hand_n he_o say_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n that_o both_o papist_n and_o protestant_n have_v great_o go_v aside_o which_o may_v have_v be_v a_o caution_n to_o he_o not_o to_o have_v err_v in_o the_o same_o path_n as_o now_o he_o have_v do_v let_v we_o a_o little_a further_o examine_v his_o word_n tolerable_a supposition_n when_o we_o be_v not_o certain_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n and_o yet_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v it_o be_v or_o may_v be_v so_o we_o common_o say_v my_o supposition_n be_v that_o it_o be_v or_o may_v be_v so_o and_o though_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n adjoin_v to_o the_o word_n supposition_n tolerable_a yet_o that_o ascertain_v nothing_o it_o only_o import_v such_o a_o supposition_n may_v be_v sufferable_a that_o be_v may_v be_v suffer_v to_o be_v a_o supposition_n not_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v assembly_n obvious_a to_o every_o eye_n that_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o christianity_n which_o can_v on_o any_o term_n be_v suppose_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v other_o assembly_n which_o have_v several_a mark_n and_o token_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n so_o far_o as_o several_a thing_n outward_a profess_a and_o act_v may_v be_v such_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o not_o own_v by_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o present_a age_n as_o well_o as_o age_n past_a yield_v many_o precedent_n to_o prove_v the_o same_o for_o that_o it_o be_v obvious_a there_o have_v be_v many_o assembly_n under_o various_a form_n who_o profess_v faith_n in_o christ_n work_v of_o righteousness_n and_o divers_a truth_n own_a by_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n now_o whether_o such_o thing_n profess_v and_o own_a may_v not_o be_v ground_n for_o a_o tolerable_a supposition_n that_o such_o assembly_n be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n i_o leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o impartial_a and_o judicious_a reader_n have_v this_o further_a testimony_n to_o add_v that_o the_o world_n have_v too_o much_o be_v trouble_v with_o the_o sentence_n decree_n and_o decisive_n judgement_n of_o too_o many_o assembly_n suppose_v to_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o that_o on_o tolerable_a supposition_n have_v be_v so_o term_v who_o have_v rather_o increase_v than_o end_v controversy_n as_o history_n do_v at_o large_a manifest_a and_o since_o r._n b._n undertake_v by_o reason_n to_o evidence_n the_o same_o i_o shall_v according_a to_o the_o line_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o truth_n take_v upon_o i_o further_o to_o discover_v the_o fallacy_n of_o his_o so_o confident_a assertion_n the_o qualification_n of_o a_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n be_v sanctification_n through_o the_o spirit_n wheresoever_o any_o number_n of_o person_n so_o qualify_v be_v assemble_v in_o christ_n name_n there_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n though_o they_o be_v of_o that_o number_n who_o be_v of_o the_o low_a degree_n or_o rank_n in_o the_o body_n now_o a_o assembly_n of_o such_o member_n may_v be_v as_o insensible_a and_o void_a of_o understanding_n in_o many_o divine_a matter_n and_o mystery_n relate_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n may_v be_v insensible_a of_o what_o the_o eye_n do_v see_v and_o so_o may_v have_v case_n of_o controversy_n bring_v before_o they_o whereof_o they_o be_v no_o more_o competent_a judge_n not_o be_v gift_v thereunto_o by_o the_o spirit_n than_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n be_v capable_a to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o diversity_n of_o voice_n and_o sound_v or_o the_o ear_n of_o diversity_n of_o colour_n and_o yet_o may_v be_v all_o faithful_a in_o their_o place_n walk_v according_a to_o their_o respective_a measure_n of_o grace_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o so_o that_o none_o can_v in_o truth_n say_v such_o a_o assembly_n may_v not_o proper_o be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v build_v upon_o he_o their_o rock_n and_o have_v perfect_a fellowship_n each_o with_o other_o in_o the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n obj._n and_o whereas_o some_o may_v be_v ready_a to_o object_n and_o say_v why_o do_v thou_o seem_v to_o reflect_v on_o this_o sort_n of_o language_n we_o must_v believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v part._n believe_v note_n this_o question_n be_v state_v in_o a_o print_a book_n and_o publish_v by_o one_o call_v a_o quaker_n who_o name_n be_v omit_v for_o the_o reason_n mention_v in_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o first_o part._n be_v not_o the_o true_a church_n in_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o must_v we_o not_o either_o believe_v thus_o as_o the_o true_a church_n believe_v or_o else_o do_v we_o not_o manifest_v both_o folly_n and_o hypocrisy_n to_o profess_v ourselves_o member_n thereof_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n have_v in_o my_o forego_v line_n use_v such_o a_o expression_n i_o thus_o say_v the_o general_a assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v be_v write_v in_o heaven_n heb._n 12.23_o but_o i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o this_o general_a assembly_n set_v forth_o their_o creed_n record_v on_o earth_n by_o that_o i_o thus_o mean_a i_o do_v not_o find_v any_o certain_a number_n of_o article_n of_o faith_n write_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n which_o every_o member_n of_o this_o general_a assembly_n do_v believe_v and_o which_o every_o one_o who_o shall_v come_v to_o be_v gather_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o christ_n body_n
so_o also_o in_o this_o be_v mistake_v if_o he_o mean_v that_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o christian_a forbearance_n which_o be_v manifest_a from_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v rom._n 14.3_o 4._o let_v not_o he_o that_o eat_v despise_v he_o that_o eat_v not_o and_o let_v not_o he_o that_o eat_v not_o jadge_v he_o that_o eat_v who_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n to_o his_o own_o master_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v which_o evident_o show_v that_o in_o as_o much_o as_o every_o one_o must_v answer_v for_o himself_o it_o be_v fit_a every_o one_o shall_v believe_v for_o himself_o and_o so_o practice_v without_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o other_o and_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o christian_a forbearance_n and_o not_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n and_o though_o page_n 65._o r._n b._n say_v that_o be_v account_v a_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n which_o in_o another_o respect_n be_v christian_a forbearance_n which_o i_o take_v he_o to_o assert_v from_o his_o observation_n on_o 1_o cor._n 8._o throughout_o and_o 1_o tim._n 4.1_o 2_o 3._o the_o latter_a scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o command_v to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n be_v a_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n that_o to_o the_o corinth_n say_v if_o meat_n make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v i_o will_v eat_v no_o flesh_n while_o the_o world_n stand_v this_o do_v not_o in_o any_o wise_a show_n that_o a_o command_n to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n be_v at_o any_o time_n or_o in_o any_o respect_n justifiable_a for_o if_o he_o will_v have_v this_o assertion_n pass_v for_o truth_n he_o ought_v to_o have_v prove_v not_o only_o that_o a_o command_n to_o abstain_v from_o flesh_n be_v a_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n which_o that_o to_o tymothy_n do_v but_o also_o that_o such_o a_o command_n be_v once_o christian_n forbearance_n but_o nothing_o of_o this_o latter_a appear_v nor_o yet_o can_v be_v prove_v from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n and_o as_o to_o the_o case_n of_o circumcision_n r._n b._n say_v it_o be_v permit_v to_o the_o jew_n for_o a_o time_n to_o this_o i_o say_v we_o find_v that_o many_o of_o the_o believe_a jew_n be_v not_o come_v from_o under_o it_o and_o that_o those_o jew_n who_o see_v beyond_o it_o do_v not_o condemn_v such_o their_o brethren_n but_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o the_o apostle_n as_o person_n that_o have_v power_n to_o permit_v or_o not_o permit_v such_o a_o practice_n in_o the_o church_n do_v approve_v of_o it_o in_o any_o of_o the_o jew_n or_o condemn_v the_o same_o in_o such_o as_o practise_v it_o until_o by_o faith_n they_o see_v beyond_o it_o for_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o commission_n to_o preach_v up_o circumcision_n so_o on_o the_o other_o it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n to_o be_v a_o bond_n on_o any_o to_o forbear_v who_o through_o faith_n be_v not_o first_o lead_v therefrom_o for_o though_o the_o apostle_n say_v gal._n 5.2_o i_o paul_n say_v unto_o you_o if_o you_o be_v circumcise_a christ_n shall_v profit_v you_o nothing_o and_o gal._n 4.9_o 10_o 11._o but_o now_o after_o you_o have_v know_v god_n or_o rather_o be_v know_v of_o god_n how_o turn_v you_o again_o to_o the_o weak_a and_o beggarly_a eliment_n you_o observe_v day_n and_o month_n etc._n etc._n i_o be_o afraid_a of_o you_o yet_o this_o do_v not_o at_o that_o time_n condemn_v that_o christian_a liberty_n and_o forbearance_n which_o the_o apostle_n before_o approve_v in_o and_o with_o respect_n unto_o such_o as_o make_v couscience_n of_o circumcision_n and_o the_o observe_v day_n for_o it_o plain_o appear_v he_o speak_v to_o a_o people_n who_o be_v redeem_v out_o of_o those_o beggarly_a eliment_n and_o be_v come_v past_o those_o rudiment_n which_o be_v evident_a by_o these_o his_o word_n how_o turn_v you_o again_o and_o so_o he_o 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 do_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 be_v uncondemned_a these_o thing_n consider_v and_o that_o also_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n exhort_v the_o church_n not_o to_o be_v judge_v one_o another_o with_o respect_n to_o thing_n relate_v to_o conscience_n there_o be_v great_a need_n for_o every_o one_o to_o watch_v against_o a_o censorious_a judge_a spirit_n lest_o while_o any_o be_v judge_v their_o brethren_n they_o themselves_o become_v castawaye_n have_v in_o some_o measure_n clear_v my_o conscience_n i_o have_v this_o further_a to_o add_v that_o it_o be_v a_o bless_a thing_n for_o brethren_n to_o dwell_v together_o in_o love_n and_o unity_n yet_o this_o love_n and_o unity_n ought_v to_o consist_v in_o the_o truth_n else_o the_o blessing_n be_v not_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o there_o be_v many_o who_o be_v ready_a to_o conclude_v that_o a_o universal_a unity_n ought_v to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o assistance_n of_o outward_a instrument_n that_o as_o we_o be_v member_n of_o one_o body_n so_o we_o may_v not_o only_o be_v one_o in_o faith_n one_o in_o doctrine_n but_o also_o one_o in_o practice_n with_o relation_n to_o discipline_n order_n and_o outward_a form_n of_o government_n my_o soul_n shall_v rejoice_v to_o see_v that_o day_n wherein_o we_o may_v all_o be_v so_o lead_v by_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n spirit_n in_o we_o under_o his_o government_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v exalt_v over_o all_o as_o that_o this_o oneness_n may_v thereby_o be_v witness_v among_o all_o the_o family_n of_o god_n people_n at_o this_o day_n but_o since_o it_o be_v so_o with_o the_o church_n of_o god_n at_o this_o day_n as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n in_o the_o primitive_a day_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v diversitye_n of_o administration_n and_o diversitye_n of_o gift_n &_o operation_n in_o the_o body_n and_o yet_o through_o the_o same_o spirit_n it_o behoove_v every_o one_o diligent_o to_o watch_v that_o we_o judge_v not_o one_o another_o by_o reason_n of_o these_o differ_a exercise_n as_o if_o these_o thing_n consist_v not_o with_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n and_o since_o also_o it_o be_v so_o that_o among_o the_o primitive_a believer_n there_o be_v such_o as_o practise_a circumcision_n some_o make_a conscience_n of_o keep_v a_o day_n and_o some_o that_o absteyn_v from_o eat_a flesh_n and_o other_o that_o do_v not_o and_o yet_o a_o christian-liberty_n and_o forbearance_n be_v so_o exercise_v as_o that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v one_o another_o about_o these_o thing_n and_o that_o we_o find_v not_o that_o these_o differ_a exercise_n in_o a_o christian-liberty_n do_v subject_a any_o of_o those_o believer_n exercise_v therein_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o be_v out_o of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n i_o therefore_o do_v reasonable_o conclude_v that_o the_o infallible_a mark_n whereby_o any_o member_n of_o the_o body_n be_v know_v to_o be_v in_o true_a unity_n with_o the_o body_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o profession_n and_o belief_n of_o certain_a principle_n and_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n depend_v thereon_o nor_o yet_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o measure_n of_o other_o but_o in_o the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o a_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n and_o that_o every_o member_n keep_v his_o own_o order_n office_n and_o place_n in_o the_o body_n through_o his_o obedience_n to_o the_o measure_n and_o gift_n of_o grace_n in_o himself_o which_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n to_o profit_n withal_o the_o most_o infallible_a mark_n and_o token_n then_o of_o a_o member_n in_o the_o true_a unity_n with_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o inward_a invisible_a mark_n that_o can_v be_v stamp_v on_o any_o but_o by_o the_o impression_n of_o god_n power_n on_o the_o heart_n and_o therefore_o be_v it_o that_o the_o outward_a endeavour_n of_o all_o such_o christian_a professor_n as_o have_v be_v and_o be_v in_o the_o apostasy_n instead_o of_o attain_v to_o a_o heavenly_a union_n in_o the_o spirit_n have_v at_o most_o but_o arrive_v to_o a_o outward_a unity_n consist_v in_o their_o outward_a conformity_n and_o uniformity_n according_a to_o the_o command_n tradition_n decree_n or_o example_n of_o men._n when_o in_o age_n and_o generation_n past_a the_o apostasy_n first_o enter_v as_o a_o flood_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o all_o who_o have_v know_v the_o truth_n and_o have_v have_v the_o consideration_n and_o true_a sense_n thereof_o upon_o their_o spirit_n do_v conclude_v that_o the_o cause_n thereof_o
reach_v the_o conscience_n of_o many_o i_o now_o come_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o r._n b_n word_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o w._n r_n in_o his_o paper_n shall_v labour_v so_o much_o against_o this_o affirm_v very_o positive_o that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v give_v forth_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o by_o way_n of_o recommendation_n and_o not_o of_o command_n on_o this_o i_o observe_v first_o the_o say_a sentence_n be_v make_v up_o of_o a_o part_n of_o one_o sentence_n of_o i_o and_o with_o the_o addition_n to_o that_o sentence_n of_o these_o r._n b_n own_o word_n and_o not_o of_o command_n and_o all_o this_o as_o by_o his_o discourse_n to_o i_o appear_v to_o insinuate_v a_o belief_n that_o i_o hold_v a_o principle_n so_o large_a as_o that_o the_o very_a murderer_n of_o christ_n those_o that_o persecute_a and_o burn_v the_o protestant_n martye_n and_o all_o idolotry_n wickedness_n and_o superstition_n be_v to_o be_v thereby_o justify_v which_o my_o soul_n abhor_v and_o bless_v be_v the_o lord_n he_o have_v give_v i_o a_o better_a understanding_n than_o to_o assert_v any_o thing_n from_o which_o such_o horrid_a conclusion_n may_v be_v draw_v and_o indeed_o his_o language_n seem_v to_o favour_n of_o that_o spirit_n which_o oppose_v the_o child_n of_o light_n in_o the_o beginning_n say_v the_o jew_n act_v from_o the_o light_n in_o they_o when_o they_o crucify_v christ_n and_o since_o r._n b._n be_v so_o disingenuous_a as_o not_o to_o lay_v down_o all_o my_o word_n nor_o yet_o the_o occasion_n which_o if_o he_o have_v his_o present_a discourse_n hereon_o will_v have_v seem_v more_o impertinent_a i_o shall_v therefore_o on_o this_o subject_n further_o add_v r_n b._n in_o his_o book_n of_o government_n ask_v this_o question_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 positive_a sentence_n and_o decision_n which_o may_v be_v obligatory_a upon_o believer_n and_o then_o proceed_v to_o answer_v the_o say_a question_n thus_o i_o answer_v affirmative_o she_o have_v on_o this_o occasion_n treat_v among_o other_o thing_n i_o say_v that_o it_o do_v seem_v plain_o to_o contradict_v this_o wholesome_a testimony_n of_o and_o for_o the_o truth_n viz._n that_o the_o sentence_n and_o judgement_n of_o any_o man_n or_o man_n whatsoever_o relate_v to_o matter_n of_o conscience_n ought_v not_o at_o this_o day_n to_o be_v give_v forth_o but_o by_o way_n of_o recommendation_n to_o the_o conscience_n which_o to_o my_o knowledge_n have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n and_o when_o the_o conscience_n be_v sensible_a that_o god_n witness_v therein_o answer_n than_o the_o conscience_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v bind_v other_o bond_n may_v make_v hypocrite_n and_o busy_a body_n but_o not_o good_a christian_n it_o be_v now_o to_o be_v consider_v how_o from_o these_o my_o aforesaid_a word_n speak_v on_o the_o aforesaid_a occasion_n with_o respect_n to_o a_o dislike_n of_o oâ—â—_n believer_n or_o disciple_n of_o christ_n his_o impose_v upon_o another_o contrary_a to_o his_o conscience_n r._n b._n can_v draw_v a_o conclusion_n that_o my_o my_o language_n in_o that_o sentence_n have_v a_o tendency_n to_o justify_v the_o jew_n in_o crucify_a christ_n and_o those_o that_o persecute_a and_o burn_v the_o protestant_n martyr_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o idolatry_n wickedness_n and_o superstition_n etc._n etc._n and_o whereas_o after_o he_o have_v make_v his_o aforesaid_a insinuation_n he_o free_o agree_v to_o my_o word_n if_o as_o r._n b._n say_v his_o meaning_n be_v that_o no_o man_n of_o or_o from_o himself_o only_o or_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o office_n etc._n etc._n ought_v to_o command_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o church_n but_o say_v r._n b_o if_o he_o will_v say_v that_o no_o man_n albeit_o real_o move_v by_o the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n aught_o to_o go_v further_o than_o a_o recommendation_n it_o be_v a_o most_o insolent_a limit_v of_o god_n under_o a_o false_a pretence_n of_o liberty_n these_o forego_v word_n of_o r._n b._n give_v i_o occasion_n thus_o to_o answer_n that_o since_o my_o word_n will_v admit_v of_o a_o construction_n allowable_a by_o himself_o for_o truth_n his_o secret_a evil_a insinuation_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o as_o to_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o his_o construction_n thereon_o i_o thus_o say_v that_o what_o god_n move_v to_o aught_o to_o be_v obey_v that_o his_o power_n be_v unlimmitable_a that_o all_o his_o action_n motion_n and_o command_n be_v just_a because_o they_o be_v he_o but_o yet_o though_o i_o so_o grant_v i_o do_v affirm_v that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n nor_o yet_o from_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n to_o believe_v that_o in_o this_o our_o day_n god_n have_v or_o by_o his_o spirit_n will_v move_v any_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o give_v forth_o certain_a order_n and_o prescription_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n as_o that_o which_o though_o relate_v to_o their_o conscience_n they_o ought_v to_o perform_v and_o practice_n whether_o they_o see_v if_o their_o duty_n or_o whether_o tehy_a be_v or_o no_o free_a so_o so_o do_v for_o if_o the_o blind_a be_v not_o to_o be_v accept_v for_o a_o sacrifice_n under_o the_o first_o covenant_n much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v acceptable_a under_o the_o second_o unless_o god_n shall_v so_o command_v which_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o suppose_v and_o foarsmuch_o as_o this_o subject_n be_v large_o treat_v on_o in_o the_o seven_o section_n of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a quaker_n which_o be_v give_v forrh_n by_o i_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o myself_o and_o other_o concern_v i_o shall_v refer_v the_o reader_n thereto_o for_o the_o further_a mani_n festation_n of_o the_o truth_n relate_v to_o this_o this_o matter_n and_o whereas_o r._n b._n say_v that_o thing_n may_v be_v propose_v to_o the_o church_n by_o way_n of_o command_n i_o shall_v refer_v the_o reader_n to_o the_o seven_o section_n of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n and_o also_o to_o my_o answer_n to_o his_o book_n of_o government_n contain_v in_o this_o treatise_n in_o both_o which_o the_o scripture_n urge_v by_o he_o relate_v to_o the_o word_n command_n and_o such_o like_a be_v treat_v on_o and_o the_o meaning_n thereof_o according_a to_o the_o truth_n discover_v four_o if_o any_o do_v suppose_v that_o by_o my_o assert_v the_o ancient_a apostolic_a order_n be_v establish_v among_o we_o upon_o the_o right_a basis_n and_o foundation_n i_o intend_v that_o these_o particular_a order_n relate_v to_o outward_a thing_n that_o be_v among_o the_o apostle_n either_o be_v or_o be_v to_o be_v establish_v among_o we_o they_o do_v much_o mistake_v i_o for_o i_o never_o purpose_v any_o such_o thing_n but_o only_o to_o signify_v that_o by_o establish_v the_o government_n and_o authority_n in_o and_o upon_o the_o spirit_n only_o and_o such_o as_o be_v lead_v by_o it_o we_o do_v establish_v it_o upon_o the_o same_o basis_n and_o foundation_n whereupon_o that_o exercise_n in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v build_v for_o i_o be_o far_o from_o believe_v that_o the_o most_o exact_a conformity_n to_o the_o order_n and_o method_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n or_o even_o to_o what_o may_v be_v now_o appoint_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n without_o the_o inward_a life_n and_o virtue_n go_v along_o signify_v any_o thing_n for_o i_o know_v that_o nothing_o do_v by_o mere_a imitation_n will_v any_o thing_n avail_v in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o that_o no_o act_n do_v without_o conviction_n will_v any_o way_n be_v profitable_a to_o the_o doer_n yet_o that_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o such_o as_o forbear_v to_o do_v what_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n in_o his_o servant_n be_v command_v to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o church_n be_v just_o to_o be_v blame_v and_o be_v judge_n dtherefore_o in_o respect_n that_o through_o disobedience_n and_o unwatchfullness_n they_o have_v blind_v themselves_o from_o the_o sight_n and_o knowledge_n of_o their_o duty_n for_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v no_o man_n be_v to_o be_v condemn_v for_o not_o do_v that_o which_o he_o yet_o see_v not_o to_o be_v his_o duty_n than_o no_o man_n be_v to_o be_v condemn_v who_o have_v by_o iniquity_n and_o unwatchfullness_n bring_v hardness_n and_o blindness_n upon_o himself_o for_o all_o the_o iniquity_n be_v commit_v afterward_o and_o how_o will_v this_o tend_v to_o establish_v rantism_n the_o substance_n of_o which_o be_v to_o bring_v their_o conscience_n to_o that_o pass_n as_o not_o to_o be_v sensible_a of_o any_o check_n then_o the_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
desire_v i_o to_o give_v he_o that_o so_o race_v and_o interline_v paper_n but_o not_o manifest_v his_o intent_n to_o publish_v the_o same_o to_o who_o i_o answer_v i_o will_v not_o unless_o he_o will_v promise_v i_o to_o send_v it_o i_o without_o the_o least_o alteration_n or_o addition_n of_o a_o title_n which_o he_o then_o solemn_o promise_v but_o be_v not_o yet_o perform_v and_o so_o the_o spread_a of_o that_o paper_n or_o any_o paper_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o copy_n thereof_o in_o my_o name_n without_o my_o privity_n or_o assent_n be_v very_o abusive_a and_o i_o can_v account_v it_o little_o better_a than_o forgery_n for_o my_o memory_n be_v so_o good_a as_o to_o know_v that_o my_o hand_n be_v never_o to_o any_o paper_n whereof_o this_o give_v forth_o in_o my_o name_n be_v copy_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o say_v pretend_a letter_n declare_v nothing_o of_o error_n contain_v in_o my_o answer_n therefore_o the_o force_n of_o the_o say_a answer_n be_v nothing_o abate_v thereby_o and_o now_o if_o that_o very_a paper_n which_o be_v send_v abroad_o under_o my_o name_n without_o my_o assent_n be_v send_v by_o i_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o who_o may_v misconstrue_v the_o same_o i_o thus_o observe_v it_o be_v therein_o thus_o say_v 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_n and_o in_o another_o place_n 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 the_o word_n speak_v by_o robert_n barclay_n himself_o unto_o i_o before_o friend_n manifest_v that_o he_o be_v not_o principled_a as_o his_o book_n teach_v and_o therefore_o i_o hope_v none_o will_v abuse_v my_o charity_n in_o believe_v the_o word_n of_o robert_n barclay_v mouth_n rather_o than_o what_o his_o former_a write_n say_v my_o so_o do_v do_v not_o import_v that_o i_o mistake_v his_o book_n for_o i_o affirm_v that_o his_o book_n be_v erroneous_a and_o show_v he_o otherwise_o principled_a than_o the_o word_n of_o his_o mouth_n import_v again_o in_o the_o say_a paper_n it_o be_v thus_o say_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 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 as_o to_o this_o i_o thus_o say_v i_o hope_v none_o will_v read_v so_o careless_o as_o to_o conclude_v that_o because_o i_o say_v he_o do_v declare_v etc._n etc._n therefore_o they_o will_v conclude_v that_o i_o do_v so_o declare_v if_o i_o shall_v have_v so_o say_v i_o shall_v have_v egregious_o wrong_v my_o conscience_n because_o i_o know_v not_o where_o to_o find_v such_o a_o explication_n of_o his_o word_n this_o sentence_n be_v insert_v to_o tell_v friend_n what_o he_o say_v and_o not_o what_o i_o say_v and_o so_o every_o one_o have_v liberty_n to_o search_v his_o book_n that_o they_o may_v see_v whether_o he_o speak_v truth_n or_o no_o for_o i_o now_o positive_o affirm_v have_v since_o search_v his_o book_n again_o that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o word_n or_o sentence_n to_o be_v find_v through_o all_o his_o book_n that_o do_v in_o the_o least_o measure_n import_v that_o his_o book_n do_v so_o teach_v as_o he_o say_v it_o do_v and_o yet_o since_o my_o departure_n from_o london_n he_o have_v the_o confidence_n or_o rather_o i_o may_v say_v the_o impudence_n to_o affirm_v that_o forty_o brethren_n have_v give_v it_o as_o their_o sense_n that_o it_o do_v so_o teach_v whenas_o it_o appear_v that_o many_o of_o the_o meeting_n who_o also_o have_v put_v their_o hand_n to_o the_o account_n give_v of_o the_o meeting_n as_o aforesaid_a be_v not_o principled_a that_o it_o ought_v so_o to_o teach_v as_o r._n b._n say_v it_o do_v and_o be_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o many_o desire_v to_o show_v the_o sentence_n that_o so_o import_v he_o refuse_v so_o to_o do_v and_o doubtless_o the_o real_a reason_n of_o his_o so_o do_v be_v guilt_n upon_o his_o conscience_n for_o that_o he_o can_v not_o tell_v where_o to_o find_v it_o i_o also_o find_v in_o the_o say_a paper_n that_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 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 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 and_o that_o he_o declare_v the_o word_n be_v sound_a and_o so_o he_o have_v conclude_v as_o the_o say_a paper_n import_v 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 here_o also_o i_o can_v but_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a for_o any_o to_o conclude_v that_o i_o judge_v the_o sentence_n sound_n for_o i_o testify_v it_o be_v erroneous_a and_o never_o assent_v or_o think_v it_o otherwise_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o consistency_n in_o truth_n between_o that_o which_o he_o declare_v to_o be_v his_o further_a meaning_n thereon_o and_o the_o word_n in_o his_o book_n which_o can_v but_o appear_v by_o compare_v his_o further_a meaning_n in_o the_o say_a letter_n and_o his_o book_n together_o the_o say_a paper_n do_v further_o manifest_a that_o robert_n barclay_n thus_o in_o his_o book_n assert_v viz._n that_o the_o ancient_a apostolic_a order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v re-stablisht_a on_o its_o right_a basis_n and_o foundation_n and_o that_o his_o meaning_n therein_o 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 the_o people_n call_v quaker_n but_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o great_a order_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_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 let_v the_o judicious_a reader_n consider_v whether_o this_o can_v any_o way_n credit_n robert_n barclay_n or_o the_o second_o day_n meeting_n that_o approve_v his_o book_n as_o evidence_n that_o it_o can_v i_o say_v that_o all_o the_o outward_a order_n and_o form_n of_o discipline_n in_o government_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n do_v not_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o ancient_a apostolic_a order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o i_o have_v sufficient_o evidence_v in_o my_o answer_n and_o if_o so_o how_o can_v his_o mean_v be_v according_o to_o truth_n second_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v the_o great_a order_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v of_o ability_n to_o establish_v we_o but_o we_o not_o of_o ability_n to_o establish_v it_o and_o therefore_o whatever_o robert_n barclay_n may_v say_v it_o be_v not_o rational_a to_o conclude_v that_o according_a to_o his_o mean_v when_o he_o write_v that_o sentence_n it_o have_v relation_n to_o any_o thing_n but_o outward_a order_n and_o form_n of_o discipline_n in_o government_n and_o as_o to_o his_o say_n that_o the_o very_a explication_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o his_o book_n i_o affirm_v on_o a_o further_a diligent_a search_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o explication_n to_o be_v find_v therein_o and_o i_o hope_v those_o who_o have_v a_o concern_v on_o their_o spirit_n for_o truth_n will_v do_v i_o so_o much_o right_o as_o to_o examine_v his_o book_n since_o the_o case_n by_o the_o spread_a of_o the_o say_a paper_n under_o my_o name_n be_v bring_v to_o a_o narrow_a issue_n for_o now_o it_o be_v easy_o to_o be_v manifest_v whether_o herein_o i_o have_v wrong_v robert_n barclay_n or_o whether_o robert_n barclay_n be_v not_o wrong_v and_o the_o second_o day_n meet_v too_o while_o they_o justify_v and_o own_v his_o book_n in_o the_o say_a paper_n it_o be_v thus_o further_o say_v viz._n this_o further_a lie_v upon_o i_o to_o signify_v unto_o you_o on_o behalf_n of_o robert_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 and_o 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 a_o prejudice_n against_o his_o testimony_n on_o jealousy_n that_o may_v enter_v on_o the_o score_n of_o any_o apprhension_n or_o mistake_n of_o his_o book_n and_o that_o answer_v 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 this_o caution_n plain_o appear_v to_o be_v write_v on_o this_o charitable_a foot_n that_o will_v be_v unjust_a to_o measure_v his_o present_a testimony_n in_o public_a by_o his_o error_n in_o his_o book_n or_o from_o jealousy_n or_o mistake_n of_o any_o kind_n whatsoever_o and_o as_o to_o these_o word_n any_o apprehension_n or_o mistake_n of_o his_o book_n and_o that_o answer_v i_o have_v give_v thereto_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o i_o mistake_v or_o misapprehend_v his_o book_n for_o have_v i_o so_o do_v i_o will_v plain_o have_v confess_v the_o same_o the_o say_a paper_n as_o i_o be_o inform_v be_v term_v my_o paper_n of_o condemnation_n this_o i_o suppose_v be_v take_v from_o these_o word_n that_o i_o find_v write_v therein_o viz._n 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_v therein_o as_o to_o this_o i_o have_v this_o to_o say_v that_o though_o i_o confess_v myself_o blame_v worthy_a &_o not_o act_v so_o civil_a as_o become_v i_o to_o my_o acquaintance_n for_o that_o i_o write_v not_o to_o he_o that_o i_o intend_v to_o answer_v his_o book_n yet_o i_o in_o no_o respect_n take_v blame_v to_o myself_o more_o than_o so_o and_o to_o speak_v the_o naked_a truth_n i_o rather_o take_v more_o blame_v to_o myself_o than_o the_o case_n do_v require_v be_v no_o way_n incline_v to_o extinuate_a that_o which_o i_o think_v be_v not_o so_o civil_a as_o become_v i_o i_o dare_v not_o say_v evil_a for_o i_o real_o think_v that_o he_o be_v in_o holland_n and_o so_o know_v not_o where_o to_o write_v to_o he_o when_o i_o intend_v to_o answer_v some_o passage_n in_o his_o book_n but_o yet_o always_o do_v and_o still_o do_v justific_a the_o spread_n abroad_o of_o my_o answer_n and_o that_o i_o have_v no_o obligation_n to_o send_v he_o a_o copy_n thereof_o since_o all_o the_o copy_n i_o have_v leisure_n to_o write_v be_v little_a enough_o to_o clear_v my_o conscience_n by_o endeavour_v to_o undeceive_v those_o who_o either_o be_v or_o may_v be_v deceive_v by_o his_o book_n and_o if_o by_o that_o eminent_a preacher_n aforesaid_a earnest_n press_v to_o alteration_n at_o a_o time_n when_o i_o give_v not_o myself_o up_o to_o discourse_n with_o any_o there_o be_v any_o such_o word_n as_o not_o according_a to_o gospel_n order_n i_o must_v say_v that_o word_n be_v rather_o the_o word_n of_o that_o other_o person_n than_o any_o thing_n free_o come_v from_o i_o for_o i_o must_v say_v again_o i_o be_o not_o conscious_a of_o any_o blame_v unless_o my_o not_o write_v a_o few_o line_n to_o robert_n barclay_n to_o signify_v my_o intention_n may_v be_v term_v blame_n worthy_a for_o his_o endeavour_n if_o he_o shall_v have_v be_v so_o mind_v to_o call_v in_o his_o book_n will_v not_o have_v obstruct_v my_o writing_n that_o answer_v i_o do_v because_o his_o book_n be_v so_o spread_v that_o it_o be_v out_o of_o his_o power_n to_o call_v they_o in_o and_o inasmuch_o as_o this_o book_n can_v not_o be_v so_o proper_o call_v a_o particular_a trespass_n against_o i_o as_o a_o reproach_n to_o the_o truth_n in_o general_n and_o the_o profession_n thereof_o i_o can_v account_v my_o spread_v a_o answer_n to_o detect_v the_o error_n a_o breach_n of_o gospel_n order_n though_o not_o send_v to_o he_o first_o beside_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o aforesaid_a account_n give_v by_o charles_n martial_n and_o thirty_o six_o person_n more_o on_o this_o occasion_n signify_v nothing_o of_o my_o acknowledgement_n to_o have_v act_v contrary_a to_o gospel-order_n and_o as_o to_o the_o paper_n give_v forth_o by_o charles_n martial_n and_o thirty_o six_o other_o person_n i_o have_v this_o to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v hereby_o manifest_a that_o the_o second_o day_n meet_v in_o london_n approve_v robert_n barclay_n book_n of_o government_n and_o so_o consequent_o be_v approver_n of_o the_o error_n and_o false_a doctrine_n therein_o contain_v that_o his_o book_n be_v erroneous_a and_o do_v contain_v false_a doctrine_n i_o sufficient_o manifest_v and_o be_v more_o large_o treat_v on_o in_o my_o answer_n and_o if_o it_o appear_v not_o to_o the_o meeting_n as_o they_o say_v it_o do_v not_o i_o be_o sorry_a it_o shall_v be_v so_o but_o i_o know_v it_o do_v appear_v to_o several_a of_o the_o meeting_n and_o yet_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o wonder_v not_o at_o such_o a_o testimony_n since_o i_o certain_o know_v some_o of_o the_o subscriber_n of_o the_o say_a paper_n have_v be_v exercise_v so_o much_o to_o preach_v false_a doctrine_n for_o sound_n as_o that_o i_o account_v such_o improper_a judge_n of_o what_o be_v false_a doctrine_n and_o what_o sound_n and_o as_o to_o the_o rest_n not_o so_o accostomed_a i_o hope_v it_o be_v no_o worse_o than_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o dull_a hear_n or_o want_v of_o memory_n however_o my_o great_a satisfaction_n be_v that_o every_o unprejudiced_a person_n have_v opportunity_n to_o inform_v himself_o by_o a_o serious_a perusal_n of_o robert_n barclay_n book_n without_o either_o give_a credit_n to_o they_o or_o i_o bare_o because_o we_o so_o affirm_v and_o whereas_o they_o thus_o say_v 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 or_o the_o second_o day_n meet_v any_o account_n of_o his_o scruple_n contrary_a to_o all_o rule_n of_o brotherly-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_n disservice_n of_o truth_n if_o by_o this_o they_o mean_v that_o my_o send_v abroad_o my_o manuscript_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o brotherly-love_n etc._n etc._n i_o utter_o disow_v that_o testimony_n as_o erroneous_a for_o i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v both_o by_o word_n and_o my_o manuscript_n that_o robert_n barclay_n book_n be_v erroneous_a contain_v false_a doctrine_n and_o inasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v public_o spread_v abroad_o to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o truth_n a_o concern_v for_o the_o truth_n come_v upon_o i_o to_o discover_v that_o error_n that_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o simple_a may_v not_o be_v deceive_v and_o inasmuch_o as_o i_o know_v that_o have_v he_o be_v willing_a to_o call_v in_o his_o book_n yet_o it_o can_v not_o take_v off_o the_o obligation_n on_o i_o for_o it_o be_v out_o of_o his_o power_n to_o call_v they_o all_o in_o be_v so_o public_o disperse_v i_o think_v it_o not_o my_o duty_n to_o give_v he_o or_o the_o second-daye_n meet_v copy_n thereof_o first_o yet_o as_o soon_o as_o my_o leisure_n permit_v i_o send_v copy_n to_o london_n direct_v to_o steven_n crisp_n and_o another_o public_a person_n that_o so_o when_o i_o come_v to_o london_n as_o afterward_o i_o do_v they_o may_v if_o i_o have_v comit_v any_o error_n therein_o have_v treat_v i_o according_a to_o the_o merit_n thereof_o but_o when_o i_o come_v to_o london_n not_o one_o accuse_v my_o answer_n as_o erroneous_a in_o any_o respect_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o neglect_n to_o peruse_v it_o it_o be_v their_o fault_n and_o not_o i_o since_o there_o be_v opportunity_n for_o the_o say_a subscriber_n to_o view_v it_o for_o i_o manifest_v that_o i_o have_v it_o with_o i_o at_o the_o meet_v hold_v as_o aforesaid_a and_o though_o i_o desire_v the_o privilege_n to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o before_o the_o meeting_n to_o help_v my_o memory_n even_o as_o robert_n barclay_n make_v use_v of_o he_o yet_o be_v then_o desire_v to_o forbear_v i_o make_v no_o use_n thereof_o at_o the_o meeting_n however_o if_o they_o have_v this_o to_o say_v it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o have_v peruse_v it_o before_o they_o have_v give_v a_o judgement_n that_o my_o disperse_v the_o say_a manuscript_n etc._n etc._n be_v to_o the_o defamation_n of_o the_o say_v robert_n barclay_n the_o great_a derogation_n of_o the_o christian_a authority_n of_o the_o say_a meeting_n and_o general_a disservice_n of_o truth_n etc._n etc._n but_o i_o certain_o know_v all_o that_o
it_o have_v evident_o appear_v the_o lord_n have_v not_o speak_v by_o they_o if_o so_o be_v the_o tree_n may_v at_o this_o day_n be_v know_v by_o its_o fruit_n as_o well_o as_o in_o day_n past_a but_o rather_o that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v fulfil_v if_o not_o fulfil_v in_o they_o when_o he_o say_v the_o prophet_n be_v a_o fool_n the_o spiritual_a man_n be_v mad_a for_o the_o multitude_n of_o thy_o iniquity_n and_o great_a hatred_n hos_fw-la 9.7_o for_o i_o be_o a_o live_a witness_n that_o imagination_n have_v so_o possess_v the_o head_n and_o heart_n of_o many_o that_o travel_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o minister_a friend_n as_o that_o instead_o of_o manifest_v a_o divine_a understanding_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n or_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n in_o season_n they_o have_v bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o unsound_a mind_n show_v forth_o no_o better_a resemblance_n or_o evidence_n of_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n that_o divide_v the_o word_n aright_o than_o the_o confuse_a chaos_n before_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n be_v of_o the_o beauty_n and_o order_n that_o now_o be_v in_o it_o and_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o be_o well_o satisfy_v and_o that_o on_o sufficient_a ground_n too_o large_a to_o insert_v that_o either_o the_o multitude_n of_o iniquity_n or_o great_a hatred_n through_o the_o influence_n of_o g._n f._n possess_v the_o heart_n of_o such_o be_v the_o occasion_n thereof_o but_o notwithstanding_o my_o design_n be_v not_o as_o i_o say_v before_o to_o treat_v at_o large_a on_o the_o present_a difference_n between_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o present_a separation_n in_o some_o part_n of_o this_o nation_n yet_o since_o i_o be_o also_o satisfy_v and_o that_o on_o sufficient_a ground_n that_o g._n f._n have_v be_v one_o of_o those_o very_a person_n occasion_v the_o difference_n to_o arise_v unto_o the_o height_n they_o now_o be_v or_o at_o least_o a_o countenancer_n thereof_o at_o a_o large_a rate_n i_o purpose_v to_o treat_v a_o little_a thereon_o and_o partly_o as_o relate_v to_o g._n f._n that_o so_o the_o impartial_a reader_n may_v consider_v whether_o if_o g._n f._n have_v content_v himself_o in_o reality_n and_o truth_n with_o the_o place_n of_o a_o servant_n of_o christ_n that_o seek_v not_o dominion_n over_o his_o brethren_n faith_n and_o conscience_n nor_o yet_o to_o expect_v submission_n to_o his_o outward_a precept_n prescription_n or_o order_n further_o than_o every_o friend_n to_o truth_n be_v or_o may_v be_v by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o conscience_n lead_v and_o guide_v therein_o the_o difference_n now_o among_o friend_n touch_v which_o some_o seem_v ready_a to_o bite_v and_o devour_v other_o may_v never_o have_v be_v for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o in_o no_o wise_a question_n but_o that_o g._n f._n be_v one_o chief_a instrument_n that_o a_o destroy_n and_o devour_a spirit_n have_v enter_v into_o some_o among_o the_o flock_n and_o that_o many_o a_o simple_a honest-hearted_n friend_n to_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n have_v receive_v and_o believe_v lie_n and_o slanderous_a false_a report_n against_o many_o brethren_n undeserved_o to_o the_o betray_n of_o their_o simplicity_n and_o love_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o fill_v their_o heart_n with_o hatred_n enmity_n and_o prejudice_n and_o of_o this_o be_o i_o as_o well_o satisfy_v as_o i_o be_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n in_o heaven_n before_o who_o both_o he_o and_o all_o the_o son_n of_o man_n must_v come_v to_o judgement_n and_o that_o the_o blood_n of_o many_o such_o if_o they_o perish_v before_o true_a repentance_n will_v be_v lay_v at_o g._n f_o '_o s._n door_n otherwise_o i_o shall_v not_o have_v appear_v to_o discover_v the_o say_v g._n f._n as_o in_o conscience_n i_o be_o now_o constrain_v to_o do_v and_o therefore_o a_o warn_v be_v now_o proclaim_v unto_o all_o such_o that_o they_o redeem_v their_o time_n because_o the_o day_n be_v evil_a and_o proceed_v no_o further_o to_o receive_v and_o believe_v lie_n and_o scandalous_a report_n against_o such_o who_o they_o have_v once_o account_v honourable_a on_o the_o credit_n of_o g._n f._n as_o a_o man_n that_o for_o several_a year_n past_a have_v not_o err_v for_o many_o be_v this_o day_n witness_n that_o his_o action_n have_v render_v he_o a_o erroneous_a man._n and_o for_o as_o much_o as_o he_o have_v refuse_v to_o give_v that_o satisfaction_n for_o his_o error_n as_o in_o the_o like_a case_n he_o have_v prescribe_v for_o other_o it_o have_v increase_v the_o concern_v of_o my_o conscience_n to_o discover_v the_o same_o and_o that_o also_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o simple_a and_o honest-hearted_n and_o that_o those_o innocent_a and_o tender_a child_n that_o be_v grow_v up_o from_o the_o loin_n of_o believe_a parent_n etc._n etc._n may_v in_o their_o tender_a year_n be_v awaken_v and_o warn_v that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v captivate_v in_o the_o like_o snare_n and_o so_o breed_v up_o in_o a_o mere_a form_n and_o affect_v with_o airy_a imagination_n which_o have_v no_o tendency_n to_o open_v their_o understanding_n thereby_o to_o give_v unto_o they_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o principle_n of_o truth_n which_o the_o faithful_a by_o the_o spirit_n have_v be_v lead_v to_o own_o and_o hold_v forth_o nor_o yet_o the_o way_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o so_o their_o footstep_n may_v be_v direct_v into_o the_o path_n of_o peace_n and_o they_o come_v to_o know_v a_o lively_a feel_n and_o sense_n of_o that_o immortal_a power_n and_o spirit_n by_o which_o the_o everlasting_a god_n who_o way_n be_v unchangeable_a reach_v unto_o many_o in_o the_o beginning_n when_o the_o very_a thought_n of_o be_v embondaged_a again_o with_o the_o beggarly_a element_n and_o rudiment_n of_o this_o world_n or_o of_o have_v our_o eye_n or_o dependency_n on_o any_o mortal_a man_n be_v loathsome_a i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o lay_v down_o a_o few_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n a_o evidence_n to_o i_o that_o my_o aforesaid_a sense_n touch_v g._n f._n be_v true_a refer_v the_o reader_n for_o further_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o first_o and_o five_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n distinguish_v from_o the_o apostate_n and_o innovator_n first_o i_o take_v notice_n of_o seven_o question_n which_o be_v send_v unto_o john_n wilkinson_n by_o robert_n barrow_n and_o other_o who_o say_v they_o be_v desire_v by_o g._n f._n so_o to_o do_v the_o query_n be_v as_o follow_v together_o with_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o answer_n thereunto_o query_n 1_o whether_o do_v thou_o say_v concern_v that_o paper_n send_v down_o to_o the_o quarterly-meeting_a at_o kendal_n that_o it_o come_v from_o the_o female_a answ_n i_o remember_v no_o such_o word_n yet_o be_v great_o trouble_v at_o a_o name_n a_o note_v this_o be_v that_o paper_n mention_v in_o the_o title-page_n that_o g._n p_n wife_n cause_v to_o be_v read_v in_o a_o quarterly-meeting_a and_o be_v give_v forth_o in_o her_o name_n paper_n from_o the_o female_a read_v with_o grievous_a accusation_n against_o our_o faithful_a brother_n john_n story_n which_o as_o i_o say_v great_o trouble_v i_o and_o many_o beside_o i_o know_v his_o clearness_n from_o such_o thing_n and_o know_v his_o vessel_n fill_v with_o the_o power_n of_o god_n in_o abide_v in_o his_o house_n qu._n 2._o whether_o do_v thou_o say_v at_o the_o quarterly-meeting_a at_o kendal_n to_o margaret_n fox_n what_o ground_n or_o foundation_n have_v friend_n to_o practice_v thing_n which_o be_v impose_v by_o man_n or_o in_o the_o will_n of_o man_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v no_o authority_n or_o warrant_v for_o or_o word_n to_o that_o effect_n answ_n the_o word_n as_o state_v in_o this_o question_n i_o do_v not_o speak_v to_o m._n f._n yet_o the_o substance_n i_o own_o for_o the_o truth_n in_o it_o qu._n 3._o whether_o do_v thou_o read_v or_o consent_n to_o be_v read_v in_o the_o latter-end_a of_o a_o quarterly-meeting_a at_o kendal_n a_o paper_n of_o anthony_n pearson_n or_o other_o that_o direct_v or_o advise_v that_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n shall_v be_v as_o the_o way_n of_o a_o ship_n in_o the_o sea_n or_o such_o like_a answ_n nay_o but_o if_o they_o mean_v no_o impression_n of_o form_n leave_v behind_o i_o like_v it_o well_o qu._n 4._o whether_o do_v thou_o advise_v that_o paper_n of_o condemnation_n shall_v not_o be_v record_v answ_n nay_o i_o have_v no_o occasion_n to_o advise_v but_o my_o advice_n be_v and_o be_v that_o condemnation_n shall_v not_o stand_v on_o our_o deacon_n book_n to_o posterity_n according_a as_o the_o meet_v agree_v unto_o because_o fail_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v prove_v weapon_n for_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n to_o fight_v with_o against_o perfection_n
this_o be_v one_o reason_n of_o many_o that_o be_v give_v neither_o will_v i_o have_v they_o go_v further_o than_o the_o offence_n be_v know_v nor_o continue_v long_o than_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o offence_n abide_v that_o we_o may_v walk_v in_o the_o footstep_n of_o the_o holy_a flock_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o retain_v when_o god_n remit_v but_o measure_v as_o we_o will_v be_v meet_v unto_o and_o judge_v as_o we_o will_v be_v judge_v consider_v ourselves_o lest_o we_o also_o be_v tempt_v qu._n 5._o whether_o thou_o oppose_v bring_v in_o friend_n testimony_n in_o write_v concern_v their_o faithfulness_n or_o unfaithfulness_n in_o the_o case_n of_o tithe_n answ_n nay_o for_o i_o bring_v in_o one_o myself_o as_o a_o testimony_n against_o tithe_n i_o never_o gainsayed_n or_o hinder_v neither_o will_v i_o force_v any_o one_o to_o write_v such_o testimony_n one_o ought_v not_o in_o my_o judgement_n to_o use_v force_n against_o another_o in_o bring_v testimony_n for_o god_n beyond_o the_o force_n of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n qu._n 6._o whether_o do_v thou_o approve_v or_o consent_n or_o be_v it_o present_a at_o the_o race_v or_o tear_v out_o of_o the_o book_n h._n g's_o paper_n of_o condemnation_n for_o be_v marry_v by_o a_o priest_n answ_n nay_o but_o friend_n agree_v that_o paper_n of_o condemnation_n shall_v be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o book_n qu._n 7._o whether_o thou_o do_v not_o say_v as_o touch_v tithe_n that_o thou_o will_v have_v all_o friend_n leave_v to_o their_o freedom_n to_o pay_v they_o or_o not_o to_o pay_v they_o answ_n i_o remember_v no_o such_o word_n speak_v by_o i_o as_o to_o put_v such_o a_o indifferency_n concern_v testimony_n for_o god_n against_o the_o grand_a oppression_n of_o tithe_n but_o i_o will_v have_v no_o other_o force_n among_o friend_n use_v but_o the_o word_n of_o life_n to_o stir_v they_o up_o with_o testimony_n for_o god_n against_o the_o grand_a oppression_n of_o tithe_n which_o i_o have_v suffer_v the_o spoil_n of_o my_o good_n for_o deny_v this_o many_o year_n here_o follow_v sixteen_o query_n deliver_v to_o john_n story_n by_o r._n w._n and_o t._n l._n it_o be_v pretend_v that_o g._n f_n desire_n be_v that_o john_n story_n shall_v answer_v they_o and_o the_o substance_n of_o john_n story_n be_v answer_n thereto_o qu._n 1._o whether_o do_v thou_o say_v concern_v the_o paper_n send_v down_o to_o the_o quarterly_o meet_v at_o kendal_n from_o g._n f._n that_o it_o come_v from_o the_o female_a answ_n it_o be_v never_o so_o say_v by_o i_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o my_o remembrance_n qu._n 2._o whether_o thou_o preach_v or_o say_v that_o tithe_n in_o themselves_o be_v not_o unlawful_a answ_n i_o never_o so_o preach_v and_o say_v to_o the_o utmost_a of_o my_o remembrance_n at_o any_o time_n that_o tithe_n as_o they_o be_v now_o first_o pay_v and_o receive_v by_o the_o generality_n in_o england_n be_v not_o anti-christian_n qu._n 3._o and_o whether_o do_v thou_o preach_v in_o the_o meeting_n when_o they_o of_o preston_n meet_v with_o you_o that_o paul_n be_v let_v down_o in_o a_o basket_n and_o that_o when_o they_o persecute_v you_o in_o one_o city_n you_o shall_v flee_v unto_o another_o and_o that_o christ_n sometime_o preach_v upon_o the_o mountain_n and_o by_o the_o seaside_n and_o the_o like_a answ_n i_o do_v not_o remember_v that_o ever_o i_o preach_v of_o paul_n be_v let_v down_o in_o a_o basket_n nor_o yet_o of_o those_o scripture_n if_o they_o persecute_v you_o in_o one_o city_n flee_v unto_o another_o but_o may_v do_v when_o god_n put_v they_o in_o my_o mouth_n but_o have_v use_v the_o scripture_n of_o christ_n preach_v in_o mountain_n and_o by_o the_o seaside_n if_o any_o have_v accuse_v i_o for_o abuse_v those_o scripture_n let_v they_o exhibit_v their_o accusation_n with_o their_o name_n to_o it_o and_o send_v it_o to_o i_o and_o if_o i_o can_v defend_v my_o innocency_n therein_o they_o may_v have_v their_o desire_z end_n qu._n 4._o whether_o there_o be_v not_o a_o boy_n or_o some_o other_o set_v upon_o a_o hill_n as_o a_o mark_n for_o some_o to_o know_v where_o the_o meeting_n be_v when_o they_o meet_v without_o door_n answ_n i_o remember_v no_o such_o thing_n qu._n 5._o and_o whether_o there_o be_v not_o one_o or_o two_o appoint_v to_o come_v to_o kendal_n every_o seven_o day_n to_o receive_v from_o thou_o or_o other_o instruction_n where_o the_o meeting_n shall_v be_v the_o first_o day_n after_o answ_n i_o know_v none_o so_o appoint_v qu._n 6._o whether_o the_o person_n or_o person_n be_v not_o then_o or_o at_o some_o other_o time_n order_v private_o to_o communicate_v it_o to_o some_o friend_n who_o be_v to_o discover_v the_o place_n and_o mark_n by_o which_o the_o meeting_n may_v be_v know_v where_o it_o be_v which_o some_o for_o want_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o wander_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o day_n to_o find_v it_o but_o can_v not_o answ_n i_o remember_v no_o such_o thing_n qu._n 7._o whether_o their_o house_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o meet_v in_o be_v not_o refuse_v when_o they_o meet_v as_o aforesaid_a answ_n i_o know_v no_o house_n offer_v to_o meet_v in_o refuse_v and_o william_n chambers_n faithfulness_n in_o offer_v his_o house_n be_v kind_o accept_v by_o friend_n though_o we_o do_v not_o meet_v there_o be_v too_o far_o for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o meeting_n to_o go_v and_o other_o place_n much_o near_o with_o which_o we_o be_v well_o satisfy_v qu._n 8._o and_o whether_o do_v thou_o say_v that_o to_o make_v a_o distinct_a assembly_n of_o woman_n be_v a_o monster_n and_o ridiculous_a answ_n i_o never_o say_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v cite_v in_o this_o query_n neither_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n nor_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v so_o peevish_o state_v for_o i_o believe_v if_o a_o congregation_n of_o woman_n be_v together_o they_o may_v worship_n god_n and_o edify_v one_o another_o though_o there_o be_v no_o man_n among_o they_o yet_o i_o have_v say_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o to_o set_v up_o a_o meeting_n of_o woman_n by_o themselves_o a_o select_a meeting_n separate_v from_o the_o man_n once_o a_o month_n or_o quarterly_o only_o about_o the_o practice_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o to_o give_v that_o practice_n as_o the_o reason_n cause_n and_o end_v for_o which_o they_o separate_v themselves_o in_o so_o meet_v together_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v monstrous_a and_o ridiculous_a among_o christian_n and_o as_o for_o meet_v of_o woman_n by_o themselves_o about_o outward_a business_n when_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a occasion_n for_o their_o so_o meet_v about_o business_n most_o proper_a for_o they_o to_o inspect_v into_o i_o neither_o be_o nor_o ever_o be_v against_o but_o yet_o i_o will_v not_o have_v they_o carry_v it_o so_o high_a to_o we_o as_o to_o threaten_v we_o with_o the_o gainsay_n of_o core_n and_o such_o horrid_a offence_n for_o simple_o ask_v or_o discourse_v about_o the_o reason_n or_o necessity_n of_o their_o so_o meet_v qu._n 9_o whether_o do_v thou_o say_v at_o a_o meeting_n at_o william_n chamber_n be_v when_o margaret_n fox_n be_v at_o prayer_n friend_n keep_v order_n answ_n i_o do_v not_o yet_o be_v grieve_v in_o spirit_n that_o i_o can_v not_o distinguish_v m._n f_n word_n when_o at_o prayer_n because_o of_o the_o noise_n of_o deceit_n i_o speak_v three_o low_a word_n to_o myself_o only_o qu._n 10._o and_o whether_o do_v thou_o say_v that_o margaret_n fox_n have_v be_v a_o hearer_n of_o lie_n and_o story_n these_o fifteen_o year_n and_o care_v not_o what_o she_o say_v of_o any_o but_o will_v not_o hear_v the_o truth_n speak_v from_o none_o answ_n to_o the_o best_a of_o my_o knowledge_n and_o remembrance_n such_o thing_n be_v never_o say_v by_o i_o yet_o i_o be_o sure_a she_o have_v assert_v many_o grievous_a lie_n under_o her_o hand_n of_o i_o qu._n 11._o whether_o do_v thou_o say_v that_o whosoever_o do_v sing_v or_o sound_v whilst_o another_o be_v preach_v or_o pray_v it_o be_v confusion_n and_o disorder_n and_o a_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n that_o lead_v they_o to_o it_o answ_n i_o never_o say_v these_o word_n as_o set_v down_o in_o the_o query_n neither_o do_v i_o over_o deny_v any_o sing_n sounding_n breathe_n that_o have_v their_o rise_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o all_o image_n my_o soul_n abhor_v qu._n 12._o whether_o do_v thou_o term_v or_o compare_v such_o sing_v or_o sound_a to_o a_o cat_n or_o catterwoul_v or_o like_v unto_o a_o horse_n or_o belch_a of_o a_o calf_n answ_n i_o never_o do_v so_o compare_v it_o but_o i_o give_v a_o relation_n of_o another_o that_o do_v qu._n 13._o whether_o do_v thou_o read_v or_o cause_n to_o be_v read_v or_o consent_v to_o the_o read_n of_o
the_o truth_n those_o who_o refuse_v so_o to_o assent_v may_v be_v subject_a to_o a_o excommunication_n by_o g._n e._n and_o his_o adherent_n from_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o men._n beside_o it_o have_v be_v a_o observation_n of_o late_a that_o these_o question_n or_o question_n to_o the_o like_a import_n have_v be_v frequent_o ask_v by_o such_o with_o who_o we_o can_v be_v at_o unity_n in_o all_o thing_n viz._n be_v you_o for_o womens-meeting_n mean_v distinct_a womens-meeting_n from_o man_n among_o who_o under_o pretence_n of_o take_v care_n of_o the_o poor_a another_o thing_n seem_v to_o be_v more_o chief_o aim_v at_o as_o anon_o will_v be_v make_v appear_v be_v you_o for_o record_v condemnation_n mean_v thereby_o whether_o the_o party_n who_o have_v condemn_v their_o fail_n and_o through_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v restore_v and_o their_o offence_n blot_v out_o and_o forgive_v by_o he_o assent_v thereto_o or_o no_o be_v you_o for_o settle_a mouthly_a and_o quarterly-meeting_n touch_v outward_a business_n since_o those_o who_o will_v have_v meeting_n as_o occasion_n offer_v be_v account_v designer_n to_o throw_v down_o all_o meeting_n for_o outward_a business_n relate_v to_o the_o affair_n of_o truth_n and_o when_o these_o or_o such_o like_a question_n have_v be_v ask_v of_o friend_n in_o truth_n that_o can_v not_o answer_v thereto_o yea_o we_o be_v sensible_a that_o it_o have_v be_v take_v by_o many_o adherent_n to_o g._n f._n as_o a_o sufficient_a token_n of_o a_o dark_a leaven_a rend_v divide_v spirit_n and_o mere_o as_o we_o take_v it_o from_o a_o apprehension_n that_o the_o form_n they_o stand_v for_o be_v thereby_o strike_v at_o though_o the_o service_n will_v be_v effectual_o perform_v in_o another_o method_n as_o experience_n in_o the_o county_n of_o westmoreland_n and_o wilts_n have_v of_o late_o testify_v for_o be_v it_o not_o so_o that_o great_a stress_n be_v lay_v upon_o the_o outward_a form_n of_o thing_n prescribe_v to_o be_v practise_v how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o john_n story_n be_v article_v against_o by_o robert_n barrow_n of_o kendal_n and_o twenty-six_a other_o person_n as_o in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o manuscript_n this_o mean_v the_o aforesaid_a historical_a manuscript_n treatise_n section_n the_o four_o appear_v on_o this_o wise_a in_o the_o five_o article_n viz._n john_n story_n speak_v among_o many_o friend_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o form_n because_o of_o the_o consequence_n that_o may_v follow_v say_v that_o among_o the_o christian_n of_o old_a the_o difference_n that_o do_v arise_v be_v about_o form_n which_o can_v not_o be_v seasonable_a word_n when_o we_o be_v establish_v the_o church_n in_o the_o holy_a order_n of_o truth_n much_o more_o may_v be_v collect_v from_o the_o article_n be_v forty-four_a in_o number_n exhibit_v by_o the_o aforesaid_a robert_n barrow_n etc._n etc._n to_o show_v how_o earnest_o and_o zealous_o the_o very_a outward_a form_n of_o thing_n be_v contend_v for_o which_o occasion_n we_o in_o all_o seriousness_n of_o spirit_n thus_o to_o say_v may_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n so_o preserve_v his_o people_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v ensnare_v by_o those_o who_o have_v raise_v so_o great_a contention_n about_o the_o outward_a form_n of_o thing_n prescribe_v to_o be_v practise_v among_o the_o professor_n of_o truth_n lest_o they_o with_o they_o prove_v to_o be_v boaster_n proud_a blasphemous_a false_a accuser_n despiser_n of_o those_o that_o be_v good_a which_o be_v the_o very_a mark_n and_o token_n of_o those_o who_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o from_o who_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v to_o turn_v away_o and_o how_o far_o these_o mark_v rest_n upon_o many_o of_o those_o who_o so_o earnest_o contend_v for_o their_o outward_a form_n we_o leave_v to_o the_o impartial_a reader_n with_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n to_o judge_n when_o he_o have_v thorough_o peruse_v this_o manuscript_n this_o mean_v the_o aforesaid_a historical_a manuscript_n treatise_n especial_o the_o second_o part._n oh_o friend_n the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n bow_v we_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o mercy_n to_o we_o we_o can_v no_o long_o keep_v silence_n but_o in_o his_o fear_n declare_v unto_o all_o that_o our_o conscience_n be_v concern_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o since_o it_o be_v so_o that_o a_o ill_a use_n be_v make_v of_o that_o spirit_n of_o forbearance_n and_o condescension_n which_o we_o be_v sensible_a have_v be_v use_v by_o many_o of_o our_o brethren_n it_o be_v now_o become_v our_o portion_n to_o unburthen_v ourselves_o of_o that_o which_o have_v be_v our_o burden_n believe_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o only_a arisen_n but_o will_v yet_o more_o and_o more_o arise_v against_o that_o spirit_n that_o will_v exalt_v itself_o over_o the_o heritage_n of_o god_n endeavour_v to_o rule_v over_o their_o conscience_n whenas_o christ_n alone_o be_v lord_n thereof_o it_o may_v be_v now_o worthy_a our_o observation_n to_o consider_v whether_o any_o encouragement_n be_v give_v by_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n christ_n jesus_n whilst_o on_o earth_n unto_o his_o disciple_n to_o become_v ruler_n one_o over_o another_o we_o find_v that_o he_o exhort_v his_o disciple_n judge_v not_o that_o you_o be_v not_o judge_v be_v not_o you_o call_v rabbi_n 23.8_o matth._n 7.1_o &_o 23.8_o for_o one_o be_v your_o master_n even_o christ_n and_o all_o you_o be_v brethren_n but_o he_o that_o be_v great_a among_o you_o shall_v be_v your_o servant_n and_o whosoever_o shall_v exalt_v himself_o shall_v be_v abase_v and_o he_o that_o shall_v humble_v himself_o shall_v be_v exalt_v here_o be_v no_o good_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o christ_n intend_v that_o when_o he_o be_v depart_v his_o disciple_n shall_v be_v exalt_v themselves_o one_o over_o another_o as_o governor_n and_o ruler_n and_o if_o we_o consult_v the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o though_o his_o disciple_n have_v a_o dependency_n upon_o he_o whilst_o in_o his_o bodily_a appearance_n to_o be_v their_o leader_n yet_o he_o tell_v they_o 13._o john_n 16.7_o 13._o it_o be_v expedient_a for_o you_o that_o i_o go_v away_o for_o if_o i_o go_v not_o away_o the_o comforter_n will_v not_o come_v unto_o you_o but_o if_o i_o depart_v i_o will_v send_v he_o unto_o you_o and_o he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n for_o he_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o have_v it_o be_v so_o that_o christ_n jesus_n intend_v the_o exaltation_n of_o one_o of_o his_o disciple_n as_o a_o head_n or_o supreme_a unto_o who_o the_o rest_n ought_v to_o have_v have_v a_o eye_n in_o a_o more_o particular_a manner_n than_o ordinary_a he_o will_v have_v undoubted_o signify_v so_o much_o but_o doubtless_o he_o see_v that_o their_o eye_n and_o dependency_n be_v too_o much_o on_o his_o outward_a and_o bodily_a appearance_n and_o therefore_o signify_v it_o be_v expedient_a i_o go_v hence_o that_o the_o comforter_n come_v agreeable_a to_o which_o be_v the_o apostle_n word_n though_o we_o have_v know_v christ_n after_o the_o flesh_n yet_o henceforth_o know_v we_o he_o no_o more_o that_o be_v to_o say_v after_o the_o flesh_n no_o more_o all_o which_o do_v clear_o demonstrate_v unto_o we_o it_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o under_o this_o administration_n we_o shall_v have_v our_o eye_n out_o unto_o man_n but_o that_o our_o great_a dependency_n shall_v be_v on_o that_o comforter_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o christ_n testify_v the_o father_n will_v send_v in_o his_o name_n to_o teach_v we_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o this_o comforter_n shall_v be_v in_o we_o and_o therefore_o on_o this_o occasion_n it_o be_v with_o we_o to_o give_v this_o further_a testimony_n that_o every_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v through_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n make_v dead_a unto_o any_o other_o law_n save_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n manifest_v through_o the_o arise_v of_o christ_n by_o his_o appearance_n in_o every_o such_o member_n and_o so_o as_o particular_a member_n be_v become_v marry_v unto_o he_o and_o have_v all_o fellowship_n each_o with_o other_o in_o the_o spirit_n those_o who_o be_v such_o aught_o to_o demean_v themselves_o each_o towards_o other_o full_a of_o love_n charity_n bowel_n of_o compassion_n long-suffering_a forbearance_n meekness_n humility_n patience_n gentleness_n and_o of_o all_o other_o virtue_n that_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o as_o to_o obedience_n every_o member_n owe_v that_o unto_o christ_n his_o head_n unto_o who_o 10.5_o 2_o cor._n 10.5_o every_o thought_n according_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n ought_v to_o be_v bring_v into_o obedience_n thus_o
be_v suck_v in_o by_o many_o and_o then_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v favour_v that_o if_o the_o publisher_n thereof_o do_v but_o once_o put_v the_o bare-skin_n on_o any_o friend_n back_o though_o never_o so_o much_o of_o the_o lamb_n nature_n and_o spirit_n there_o will_v not_o be_v want_v those_o sort_n of_o beast_n with_o who_o it_o be_v suppose_v paul_n fight_v at_o ephesus_n who_o undoubted_o be_v unreasonable_a man_n to_o bait_v that_o person_n on_o who_o to_o speak_v comparative_o the_o bear-skin_n be_v put_v this_o discourse_n may_v occasion_v this_o further_a inquiry_n by_o what_o mark_n may_v we_o best_o be_v inform_v to_o discover_v those_o minister_a person_n in_o your_o public_a meeting_n who_o be_v of_o party_n with_o g._n f._n as_o thou_o take_v it_o and_o that_o be_v the_o encourager_n of_o such_o doctrine_n and_o exhortation_n as_o beforementioned_a to_o exclude_v the_o reason_n the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o jealousy_n and_o to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o brethren_n &_o c_o by_o which_o word_n brethren_n i_o know_v be_v mean_v one_o party_n of_o those_o call_a minister_a friend_n this_o i_o query_n of_o thou_o the_o rather_o because_o thou_o accounte_v it_o a_o good_a rule_n to_o judge_n of_o the_o tree_n by_o thy_o own_o taste_n and_o savour_n of_o the_o fruit._n to_o this_o i_o answer_v what_o garb_n they_o may_v appear_v in_o i_o know_v not_o but_o the_o garb_n they_o have_v appear_v in_o and_o the_o fruit_n they_o have_v bring_v forth_o i_o well_o know_v by_o the_o hear_n of_o my_o ear_n which_o be_v these_o they_o have_v be_v much_o exercise_v in_o cry_v out_o against_o dark_a spirit_n leaven_a spirit_n troubler_n of_o israel_n thereby_o intend_v such_o as_o have_v and_o yet_o do_v approve_v themselves_o faithful_a friend_n gainsaying_n the_o testimony_n of_o such_o as_o have_v declare_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o our_o public_a meeting_n in_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o power_n and_o spirit_n though_o they_o have_v not_o be_v capable_a to_o detect_v the_o publisher_n with_o any_o evil_a consersation_n or_o unsoundness_n of_o doctrine_n and_o ofttimes_o spend_v their_o breath_n at_o a_o eager_a rate_n a_o long_a time_n together_o when_o some_o part_n at_o least_o of_o what_o they_o bring_v forth_o be_v but_o due_o weigh_v be_v a_o mere_a scandal_n to_o religion_n the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o ancient_a friend_n in_o the_o beginning_n not_o have_v a_o word_n in_o many_o such_o tedious_a discourse_n i_o he_o at_o to_o inform_v the_o congregation_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n which_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n have_v profess_v nor_o yet_o to_o direct_v the_o hearer_n in_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n everlasting_a obj._n this_n may_n some_o say_v be_v treat_v of_o thing_n in_o a_o general_a way_n without_o particular_a matter_n to_o evidence_n this_o general_a reflection_n answ_n i_o confess_v it_o be_v so_o and_o that_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v evidence_n against_o any_o one_o not_o name_v neither_o be_v it_o my_o design_n that_o it_o shall_v but_o rather_o that_o i_o may_v thereby_o become_v a_o remembrancer_n to_o those_o who_o may_v read_v the_o same_o that_o they_o may_v consider_v whether_o it_o have_v not_o be_v so_o though_o at_o such_o time_n they_o may_v have_v be_v so_o much_o swallow_v up_o with_o affection_n to_o a_o imaginary_a airy_a declaration_n sound_v forth_o with_o the_o outward_a appearance_n of_o great_a zeal_n as_o that_o they_o have_v take_v that_o to_o be_v pure_a good_a bread_n which_o in_o reality_n be_v nothing_o but_o empty_a husk_n and_o if_o any_o shall_v think_v my_o general_a reflection_n whole_o groundless_a let_v such_o give_v the_o notice_n thereof_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o i_o shall_v be_v capable_a to_o bring_v many_o sufficient_a witness_n to_o the_o truth_n hereof_o for_o at_o the_o moment_n i_o now_o write_v i_o be_o well_o satisfy_v there_o be_v hundred_o will_v testify_v the_o same_o who_o have_v be_v ear-witness_n as_o well_o as_o myself_o however_o i_o must_v also_o testify_v that_o there_o be_v other_o among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n and_o that_o i_o hope_v by_o far_o the_o great_a part_n that_o can_v be_v affect_v with_o such_o kind_n of_o doctrine_n and_o exhortation_n as_o to_o exclude_v the_o reason_n the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o jealousy_n and_o whether_o they_o see_v or_o see_v not_o to_o have_v their_o eye_n unto_o other_o so_o as_o to_o follow_v they_o and_o these_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o concern_v themselves_o either_o the_o one_o way_n or_o the_o other_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o difference_n further_o than_o from_o certain_a evidence_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o these_o not_o receive_v sufficient_a satisfaction_n that_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n be_v such_o as_o represent_v have_v be_v as_o i_o be_o full_o persuade_v term_v such_o as_o have_v let_v in_o jealousy_n the_o reason_n and_o the_o wisdom_n and_o on_o that_o foot_n term_v dark_a spirit_n by_o the_o publisher_n or_o approver_n of_o this_o doctrine_n have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o brethren_n and_o if_o you_o do_v not_o see_v yourselves_o you_o must_v follow_v we_o that_o do_v see_v a_o notable_a expedient_a whereby_o the_o leader_n and_o those_o who_o may_v be_v lead_v may_v like_o blinde-man_n fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n together_o and_o instead_o of_o follow_v the_o bright_a beam_n of_o the_o sun_n may_v be_v find_v follower_n only_o of_o the_o dark_a body_n of_o the_o moon_n to_o be_v short_a when_o i_o consider_v whence_o they_o come_v and_o how_o great_a g._n f._n be_v esteem_v with_o such_o as_o publish_v such_o kind_n of_o doctrine_n and_o exhortation_n as_o before_o be_v cite_v i_o be_o well_o satisfy_v in_o my_o conscience_n that_o there_o be_v many_o at_o this_o day_n that_o have_v no_o better_a measure_n to_o discover_v whether_o one_o profess_v the_o truth_n be_v right_o and_o in_o the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o god_n but_o by_o understanding_n how_o they_o stand_v affect_v to_o g._n f._n and_o his_o outward_a prescription_n as_o if_o all_o the_o labour_n trial_n suffering_n and_o travel_n of_o friend_n be_v to_o centre_n in_o the_o exaltation_n of_o g._n f._n the_o certain_a sense_n whereof_o have_v increase_v the_o concern_v of_o my_o conscience_n to_o give_v forth_o this_o treatise_n entitle_v the_o four_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n to_o which_o also_o be_v add_v the_o five_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n both_o which_o be_v a_o proper_a looking-glass_n for_o those_o who_o desire_v to_o behold_v g._n f._n in_o his_o proper_a image_n but_o to_o return_v robert_n barrow_n and_o three_o more_o all_o informer_n against_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n write_v to_o some_o friend_n of_o bristol_n on_o the_o occasion_n of_o their_o dislike_n of_o some_o proceed_n in_o the_o north_n and_o acquaint_v they_o that_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n power_n they_o 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 and_o forasmuch_o as_o this_o have_v be_v signify_v unto_o g._n f._n by_o myself_o and_o other_o in_o a_o letter_n direct_v unto_o he_o and_o other_o date_v the_o 22_o the_o day_n of_o the_o 2_o d._n month_n 1679._o and_o that_o he_o have_v not_o yet_o manifest_v any_o dislike_n thereof_o though_o something_o to_o that_o purpose_n be_v desire_v it_o be_v cause_n of_o jealousy_n that_o their_o pretend_a power_n be_v but_o under_o he_o if_o not_o from_o he_o and_o the_o rather_o also_o because_o they_o be_v great_a espouser_n of_o his_o cause_n and_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o be_v already_o write_v that_o g._n e._n be_v one_o of_o those_o we_o already_o mention_v by_o john_n blaikle_v at_o length_n some_o friend_n of_o london_n and_o bristol_n agree_v that_o six_o friend_n go_v into_o the_o north_n to_o endeavour_v a_o accommodation_n of_o the_o difference_n and_o thereupon_o a_o meeting_n be_v have_v at_o drawch_n in_o sedberch-parish_n in_o yorkshire_n which_o continue_v four_o day_n to_o audite_fw-la the_o difference_n but_o have_v no_o power_n give_v by_o the_o party_n differ_v to_o judge_n for_o some_o disaffect_v towrad_n john_n wilkinson_n &_o john_n story_n will_v not_o permit_v that_o the_o afore_o say_v nine_o judge_n so_o term_v shall_v he_o exclude_v as_o party_n and_o to_o the_o meet_v break_v up_o not_o agree_v too_o give_v any_o judgement_n in_o the_o case_n however_o some_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o give_v forth_o a_o narrative_a so_o call_v but_o be_v rather_o a_o judgement_n with_o a_o large_a preamble_n of_o matter_n not_o act_v at_o drawel_n which_o disagree_v with_o the_o relation_n i_o give_v of_o transaction_n in_o that_o meeting_n be_v one_o of_o the_o six_o choose_v to_o go_v down_o
into_o the_o north_n much_o write_v be_v occasion_v in_o relation_n thereto_o which_o be_v not_o my_o present_a purpose_n to_o treat_v of_o i_o here_o omit_v that_o now_o the_o reader_n may_v have_v a_o understanding_n of_o that_o sense_n and_o judgement_n that_o be_v with_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n in_o relation_n to_o those_o five_o head_n from_o whence_o all_o the_o beforementioned_a forty-four_a article_n do_v spring_n i_o think_v meet_v to_o cite_v their_o testimony_n in_o relation_n thereto_o read_v at_o the_o meeting_n at_o drawel_n and_o then_o compare_v such_o their_o sense_n and_o judgement_n with_o those_o ancient_n and_o faithful_a testimony_n of_o many_o labour_a friend_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n who_o change_v not_o their_o way_n since_o they_o become_v publisher_n thereof_o to_o the_o day_n they_o fall_v asleep_o it_o may_v then_o easy_o be_v savour_v from_o what_o spirit_n all_o the_o mire_n and_o dirt_n that_o have_v be_v cast_v up_o against_o our_o ancient_n and_o yet_o honourable_a friend_n john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n have_v spring_v their_o say_a testimony_n now_o follow_v on_o the_o whole_a matter_n in_o the_o fear_n and_o presence_n of_o the_o amighty_a god_n we_o declare_v that_o as_o we_o do_v approve_v of_o monthly_a and_o quarter-meeting_n for_o the_o necessary_a service_n of_o the_o truth_n so_o we_o further_o say_v that_o as_o these_o or_o any_o other_o meeting_n of_o friend_n in_o ten_o shall_v be_v continue_v to_o answer_v these_o service_n we_o believe_v that_o as_o it_o now_o be_v it_o also_o will_v become_v our_o duty_n to_o be_v at_o unity_n with_o our_o brethren_n in_o the_o service_n thereof_o and_o though_o one_o of_o we_o viz._n john_n wilkinson_n do_v condescend_v to_o subscribe_v to_o a_o paper_n for_o the_o exect_v a_o womans-meeting_a in_o the_o country_n to_o answer_v the_o end_v in_o the_o paper_n propose_v which_o he_o testify_v he_o then_o do_v in_o singleness_n of_o heart_n for_o vnity_n sake_n yet_o according_a to_o that_o inward_a sense_n we_o now_o have_v there_o appear_v to_o we_o no_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o continue_v womens-meeting_n in_o this_o country_n distinct_a and_o separate_a from_o the_o man_n and_o therefore_o do_v conscientious_o forbear_v to_o assent_v or_o encourage_v to_o lay_v the_o intention_n of_o marriage_n before_o they_o yet_o that_o inward_a sense_n and_o heavenly_a understanding_n we_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n have_v and_o yet_o do_v confirm_v we_o in_o this_o judgement_n that_o it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a with_o the_o line_n of_o truth_n to_o oppose_v other_o in_o the_o exercise_n and_o appoint_a service_n of_o the_o say_a meeting_n as_o heretofore_o and_o yet_o settle_v and_o agree_v upon_o who_o be_v conscientious_a therein_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v than_o we_o be_v and_o if_o any_o of_o our_o word_n and_o action_n have_v have_v any_o tendency_n to_o oppose_v etc._n etc._n which_o we_o be_v not_o conscious_a of_o but_o if_o we_o be_v we_o will_v ready_o confess_v we_o say_v the_o truth_n in_o we_o will_v have_v condemn_v it_o even_o as_o it_o now_o do_v and_o if_o it_o shall_v please_v the_o lord_n to_o manifest_v unto_o we_o a_o service_n in_o those_o meeting_n in_o the_o country_n as_o well_o as_o city_n the_o same_o integrity_n towards_o god_n which_o have_v dwell_v with_o we_o these_o many_o year_n past_a we_o believe_v will_v become_v a_o bond_n on_o we_o to_o join_v hand_n and_o heart_n with_o other_o our_o brethren_n and_o sister_n therein_o but_o till_o then_o our_o desire_n be_v that_o this_o may_v not_o become_v a_o occasion_n of_o straitness_n of_o spirit_n each_o towards_o other_o but_o that_o embrace_v the_o wholesome_a counsel_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o another_o case_n if_o in_o any_o thing_n you_o be_v otherwise-minded_n wait_v till_o god_n reveal_v we_o may_v walk_v together_o in_o that_o pure_a undefiled_a love_n of_o our_o god_n which_o think_v no_o evil._n that_o though_o many_o of_o our_o brethren_n see_v a_o service_n in_o record_v condemnation_n and_o leave_v they_o upon_o record_n to_o posterity_n yet_o from_o that_o inward_a sense_n and_o heavenly_a understanding_n we_o have_v we_o see_v no_o necessity_n to_o leave_v they_o upon_o record_n to_o posterity_n or_o retain_v they_o when_o the_o sin_n be_v blot_v out_o and_o remit_v by_o the_o lord_n neither_o to_o be_v extend_v further_a than_o the_o offence_n be_v know_v nor_o yet_o to_o continue_v long_o than_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o offence_n abide_v but_o if_o any_o see_v meet_v from_o a_o inward_a sense_n of_o truth_n in_o themselves_o to_o leave_v such_o testimony_n relate_v to_o themselves_o to_o posterity_n we_o have_v therewith_o unity_n that_o this_o our_o sense_n may_v be_v no_o occasion_n of_o straitness_n of_o spirit_n each_o towards_o other_o be_v the_o earnest_a desire_n of_o our_o soul_n who_o desire_v the_o prosperity_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n among_o all_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o to_o tithe_n we_o can_v in_o truth_n say_v it_o be_v never_o so_o much_o as_o in_o our_o heart_n to_o speak_v any_o word_n whatsoever_o with_o the_o least_o intent_n to_o strengthen_v any_o in_o the_o payment_n thereof_o nor_o yet_o to_o weaken_v the_o faith_n of_o any_o have_v a_o testimony_n in_o our_o heart_n that_o tithe_n as_o at_o this_o day_n pay_v be_v anti-christian_n that_o as_o groan_n sigh_v sounding_n and_o sing_n may_v proceed_v from_o deceitful_a spirit_n so_o also_o we_o declare_v groan_n sigh_v sounding_n and_o sing_n may_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n among_o god_n people_n and_o that_o as_o the_o first_o be_v discourage_v the_o second_o ought_v to_o be_v encourage_v and_o the_o earnest_a desire_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v that_o as_o to_o these_o thing_n nothing_o but_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o sound_a judgement_n may_v appear_v either_o to_o reprove_v or_o to_o encourage_v and_o though_o we_o have_v be_v accuse_v as_o if_o we_o be_v opposer_n of_o such_o groan_n etc._n etc._n which_o the_o truth_n approve_v yet_o god_n be_v our_o witness_n we_o know_v it_o not_o that_o though_o we_o have_v be_v represent_v as_o person_n encourage_v flee_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n we_o say_v we_o be_v not_o conscious_a to_o ourselves_o of_o so_o do_v for_o we_o believe_v those_o who_o stand_v not_o to_o their_o testimony_n but_o flee_v therefrom_o in_o the_o day_n of_o persecution_n may_v true_o be_v account_v either_o weak_a in_o the_o faith_n or_o depart_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o thus_o have_v give_v our_o inward_a sense_n according_a to_o the_o uprightness_n and_o integrity_n of_o our_o heart_n concern_v these_o five_o general_a head_n from_o whence_o all_o the_o forty-four_a article_n do_v arise_v we_o shall_v with_o this_o conclude_v that_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n be_v our_o witness_n our_o desire_n be_v to_o approve_v ourselves_o man_n of_o peace_n in_o the_o abhorrency_n of_o all_o fleshly_a liberty_n and_o looseness_n and_o to_o follow_v after_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n that_o the_o regin_v of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n may_v be_v over_o all_o so_o will_v the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o christ_n as_o to_o the_o two_o question_n answer_v by_o the_o friend_n and_o brethren_n meet_v on_o this_o occasion_n we_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n say_v we_o in_o the_o propose_v thereof_o have_v not_o the_o least_o thought_n to_o obtain_v your_o yea_o and_o nay_o with_o intent_n thereby_o to_o strengthen_v such_o who_o may_v be_v account_v our_o party_n in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o truth_n nor_o to_o encourage_v looseness_n or_o bad_a spirit_n but_o conscientious_o to_o remove_v the_o scruple_n of_o some_o and_o further_o we_o say_v we_o be_v better_o satisfy_v with_o your_o explication_n therein_o than_o with_o your_o bare_a yea_o and_o nay_o for_o that_o we_o as_o well_o as_o you_o be_v sensible_a apostate_n and_o bad_a spirit_n seek_v a_o fleshly_a liberty_n have_v make_v use_n of_o argument_n deducible_a from_o such_o principle_n of_o truth_n to_o oppose_v the_o power_n of_o god_n itself_o and_o the_o practice_n of_o god_n people_n in_o the_o power_n john_n wilkinson_n john_n story_n it_o be_v now_o worthy_a the_o reader_n notice_n that_o g._n f._n take_v occasion_n to_o write_v unto_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n sometime_o after_o the_o meeting_n at_o drawel_n which_o be_v cite_v in_o the_o eight_o section_n of_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o beforementioned_a manuscript_n together_o with_o answer_n thereto_o pertinent_a on_o this_o occasion_n i_o think_v meet_v here_o to_o transcribe_v the_o same_o together_o with_o those_o observation_n that_o be_v make_v thereon_o in_o the_o say_a section_n this_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o you_o john_n
wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n and_o your_o company_n to_o call_v in_o all_o your_o paper_n which_o you_o have_v give_v forth_o in_o your_o separation_n which_o tend_v to_o nothing_o but_o disquiet_v friend_n mind_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o strife_n jangle_v and_o vain_a dispute_v and_o corrupt_v their_o mind_n and_o draw_v they_o from_o better_a thing_n and_o from_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o peaceable_a truth_n and_o you_o may_v see_v if_o you_o will_v not_o shut_v your_o eye_n what_o your_o spirit_n beget_v into_o viz._n strife_n and_o what_o spirit_n be_v it_o that_o have_v lead_v and_o guide_v you_o so_o if_o you_o do_v not_o give_v over_o your_o work_n and_o separation_n the_o lord_n god_n will_v blast_v your_o spirit_n and_o work_n and_o you_o will_v become_v harden_v and_o as_o bad_a as_o the_o old_a opposer_n james_n naylor_n and_o his_o company_n and_o john_n perrot_n and_o pennyman_n and_o cobet_n and_o muggleton_n mark_v your_o end_n for_o the_o seed_n of_o life_n reign_v and_o will_v grind_v to_o powder_v its_o opposer_n this_o 23_o d._n of_o 8_o the_o m_o on_o 76._o george_n fox_n to_o the_o aforesaid_a letter_n john_n wilkinson_n return_v this_o ensue_a answer_n george_n fox_n i_o receive_v thy_o line_n in_o which_o thou_o say_v this_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o you_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n and_o your_o company_n to_o call_v in_o all_o your_o paper_n which_o you_o have_v give_v forth_o in_o your_o separation_n etc._n etc._n i_o judge_v thou_o mean_v not_o that_o that_o be_v a_o separation_n that_o all_o friend_n meet_v not_o outward_o together_o true_o george_n we_o may_v have_v expect_v thou_o will_v have_v tell_v we_o in_o love_n what_o the_o separation_n thou_o speak_v of_o consist_v in_o whether_o we_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o light_n within_o the_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n or_o have_v build_v again_o that_o which_o we_o have_v once_o destroy_v or_o what_o we_o have_v leave_v undo_v that_o god_n truth_n in_o our_o heart_n require_v of_o we_o and_o what_o paper_n we_o have_v give_v forth_o against_o the_o light_n within_o when_o the_o word_n through_o thou_o concern_v this_o matter_n enter_v our_o heart_n and_o give_v light_a to_o we_o that_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n manifest_v we_o guilty_a of_o a_o separation_n from_o god_n truth_n and_o give_v out_o paper_n against_o it_o we_o shall_v ready_o confess_v it_o and_o repent_v but_o till_o we_o know_v it_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v as_o a_o hammer_n and_o thy_o prophecy_n be_v to_o they_o who_o be_v in_o the_o separation_n and_o in_o strife_n cause_v division_n viz._n with_o article_n of_o accusation_n disquiet_v friend_n mind_n with_o a_o new_a form_n and_o way_n of_o proceed_v carry_v on_o with_o a_o profession_n of_o church-authority_n and_o great_a help_n which_o indeed_o be_v seldom_o want_v in_o a_o separation_n from_o truth_n when_o the_o apostasy_n enter_v and_o true_o there_o be_v great_a cause_n of_o jealousy_n what_o will_v be_v the_o end_n of_o these_o thing_n thou_o shall_v have_v tell_v we_o what_o new_a thing_n we_o have_v bring_v in_o as_o bad_a as_o the_o old_a opposer_n james_n naylor_n and_o his_o company_n and_o john_n perrot_n and_o pennyman_n etc._n etc._n before_o thou_o have_v tell_v we_o the_o lord_n god_n will_v blast_v your_o spirit_n and_o work_n and_o 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 he_o when_o thou_o be_v dead_a and_o in_o thy_o grave_n 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 who_o rule_v in_o his_o church_n and_o people_n who_o right_a it_o be_v and_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 oh_o well_o may_v friend_n be_v call_v apostate_n in_o their_o day_n and_o be_v curse_v of_o man_n when_o they_o be_v dead_a who_o condemnation_n be_v leave_v on_o record_n by_o other_o to_o posterity_n in_o the_o church_n book_n see_v james_n naylor_n by_o thou_o be_v call_v a_o old_a opposer_n who_o confess_v his_o weakness_n repent_v and_o dye_v in_o truth_n and_o peace_n with_o god_n but_o george_n we_o may_v have_v be_v persuade_v that_o thy_o counsel_n and_o advice_n thou_o give_v to_o the_o church_n in_o writing_n be_v great_o abuse_v and_o we_o can_v judge_v how_o thou_o can_v intend_v force_n or_o such_o a_o way_n of_o proceed_v with_o friend_n about_o they_o that_o which_o i_o see_v at_o present_a tend_v to_o unity_n be_v for_o thou_o to_o manifest_a what_o thou_o intend_v by_o they_o if_o thou_o intend_v no_o force_n with_o they_o which_o thou_o can_v not_o do_v in_o truth_n for_o that_o will_v let_v thou_o see_v division_n will_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o they_o then_o manifest_a the_o abuse_n they_o have_v do_v to_o thou_o and_o thy_o counsel_n to_o friend_n by_o their_o proceed_n about_o they_o that_o we_o may_v know_v that_o thou_o be_v the_o same_o in_o principle_n in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n as_o in_o the_o beginning_n when_o thy_o testimony_n be_v recommend_v to_o the_o witness_n of_o god_n in_o all_o conscience_n that_o thou_o may_v clear_v thyself_o that_o thou_o approve_v of_o no_o force_n about_o religion_n but_o the_o force_n and_o effect_v of_o the_o word_n deliver_v that_o the_o increase_n may_v be_v of_o god_n and_o we_o all_o unto_o who_o god_n love_n have_v be_v large_a may_v have_v unity_n in_o truth_n as_o in_o the_o beginning_n the_o 9th_o mth._n 76._o from_o thy_o friend_n john_n wilkinson_n unto_o this_o letter_n george_n fox_n give_v this_o ensue_a answer_n john_n wilkinson_n i_o receive_v thy_o letter_n as_o i_o judge_v subscribe_v j._n w._n wherein_o thou_o will_v seem_v to_o shuffle_v off_o that_o which_o i_o write_v to_o thou_o and_z john_n story_n and_o the_o rest_n as_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o you_o and_o that_o i_o shall_v have_v tell_v you_o wherein_o you_o be_v separate_v and_o what_o paper_n you_o have_v give_v forth_o contrary_a to_o the_o light_n and_o truth_n etc._n etc._n your_o paper_n of_o your_o eighty_o subscriber_n be_v not_o from_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n nor_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n which_o you_o send_v up_o and_o down_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o to_o beget_v into_o strife_n why_o do_v you_o send_v it_o to_o carlisle_n and_o up_o and_o down_o to_o other_o place_n and_o another_o paper_n late_o that_o you_o have_v send_v beside_o all_o your_o other_o paper_n and_o as_o for_o my_o paper_n or_o write_n that_o i_o have_v be_v move_v of_o the_o lord_n to_o give_v forth_o i_o know_v no_o friend_n that_o do_v abuse_v they_o if_o thou_o know_v any_o thou_o shall_v have_v mention_v they_o and_o if_o thou_o be_v it_o not_o blind_a who_o be_v go_v from_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o thou_o be_v first_o convince_v thou_o will_v see_v that_o i_o be_o the_o same_o as_o i_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n and_o as_o for_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 but_o look_v into_o your_o own_o paper_n wherein_o you_o say_v none_o of_o your_o own_o county_n nor_o other_o county_n must_v sit_v among_o your_o choose_a man_n but_o who_o you_o have_v give_v power_n unto_o etc._n etc._n but_o i_o say_v as_o christ_n say_v unto_o you_o he_o that_o believe_v be_v save_v and_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v condemn_v already_o and_o thy_o neighbour_n and_o all_o that_o have_v be_v concern_v with_o you_o do_v know_v what_o you_o be_v separate_v from_o and_o i_o say_v also_o you_o be_v separate_v from_o that_o power_n and_o spirit_n which_o do_v first_o convince_v you_o for_o if_o not_o you_o will_v have_v be_v in_o unity_n with_o i_o as_o at_o the_o first_o and_o thou_o have_v better_o have_v take_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n patient_o and_o not_o resist_v it_o but_o it_o seem_v it_o have_v be_v as_o a_o fire_n unto_o thou_o and_o you._n for_o it_o be_v send_v in_o tenderness_n and_o care_n unto_o you_o and_o for_o your_o good_a though_o thou_o will_v make_v thyself_o ignorant_a of_o what_o separation_n you_o be_v go_v into_o for_o you_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o inward_a light_n and_o spirit_n that_o
our_o way_n be_v before_o the_o devil_n be_v and_o all_o the_o word_n way_n and_o all_o apostate_n and_o will_v be_v when_o they_o be_v go_v and_o this_o i_o tell_v thou_o and_o them_o but_o these_o word_n of_o thou_o be_v not_o from_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n nor_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o i_o know_v no_o new_a way_n nor_o new_a form_n carry_v on_o with_o church-authority_n as_o thou_o reproachful_o say_v but_o here_o thou_o have_v manifest_v thy_o separate_a spirit_n and_o mind_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o our_o man_n and_o womens-meeting_n be_v the_o power_n of_o christ_n jesus_n who_o be_v the_o new_a and_o live_a way_n and_o never_o change_v and_o all_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o believe_v in_o his_o light_n and_o receive_v he_o he_o give_v they_o power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o such_o be_v heir_n of_o the_o power_n which_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o meeting_n and_o they_o ought_v free_o to_o come_v and_o go_v to_o that_o which_o they_o be_v heir_n of_o without_o your_o imposition_n or_o opposition_n and_o all_o that_o receive_v he_o in_o the_o light_n he_o give_v they_o power_n and_o they_o be_v heir_n of_o his_o power_n and_o his_o life_n so_o they_o be_v heir_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o man_n and_o womens-meeting_n and_o every_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o be_v a_o heir_n have_v right_o to_o the_o authority_n and_o they_o have_v take_v their_o possession_n and_o be_v take_v their_o possession_n and_o you_o in_o your_o separate_a spirit_n from_o the_o divine_a light_n of_o christ_n say_v your_o choose_a man_n and_o they_o who_o you_o have_v give_v power_n unto_o and_o say_v usurper_n of_o authority_n have_v come_v among_o your_o choose_a man_n who_o you_o have_v give_v no_o power_n unto_o and_o that_o none_o shall_v sit_v among_o your_o choose_a man_n neither_o of_o your_o own_o county_n nor_o other_o but_o to_o tell_v their_o message_n and_o go_v their_o way_n and_o so_o this_o kind_n of_o church-order_n among_o you_o as_o you_o call_v it_o be_v worse_o than_o any_o court_n or_o assize_n or_o session_n or_o court_n and_o much_o i_o can_v say_v to_o it_o but_o you_o may_v read_v your_o paper_n though_o you_o make_v a_o great_a pretence_n of_o liberty_n in_o it_o but_o i_o have_v not_o hear_v yet_o of_o any_o that_o like_o your_o prescription_n that_o keep_v their_o first_o love_n and_o habitation_n and_o therefore_o as_o i_o say_v before_o the_o way_n to_o come_v into_o unity_n be_v to_o condemn_v it_o all_o and_o give_v over_o your_o spirit_n of_o strife_n and_o fight_n and_o come_v into_o that_o which_o do_v first_o convince_v you_o that_o by_o it_o you_o may_v be_v make_v true_a member_n and_o so_o come_v into_o meekness_n and_o unity_n for_o i_o see_v many_o year_n before_o i_o go_v forth_o that_o such_o shall_v rise_v in_o opposition_n and_o so_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o i_o because_o it_o be_v the_o same_o spirit_n that_o have_v rise_v former_o in_o many_o other_o and_o the_o peaceable_a truth_n and_o gospel_n of_o peace_n be_v over_o it_o and_o it_o be_v out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n that_o stand_v in_o peace_n and_o the_o efore_o what_o i_o write_v be_v for_o your_o good_a and_o it_o have_v be_v well_o for_o thou_o and_o you_o have_v you_o take_v what_o i_o write_v before_o patient_o for_o i_o see_v the_o more_o you_o stir_v the_o more_o you_o will_v heap_v upon_o your_o own_o head_n and_o the_o further_a you_o will_v put_v yourselves_o except_o you_o come_v to_o repentance_n and_o come_v down_o in_o the_o humility_n for_o thou_o and_o you_o be_v too_o high_a and_o i_o judge_v this_o spirit_n as_o i_o say_v before_o and_o its_o work_n with_o the_o spirit_n and_o light_n of_o christ_n for_o in_o the_o spirit_n and_o light_n of_o christ_n be_v my_o unity_n that_o be_v atop_o of_o this_o spirit_n and_o its_o work_n and_o in_o that_o be_v my_o love_n to_o all_o for_o their_o everlasting_a good_a whether_o they_o will_v hear_v or_o forbear_v and_o my_o life_n be_v out_o of_o your_o spirit_n of_o strife_n and_o over_o it_o for_o the_o seed_n of_o life_n reign_v which_o have_v you_o keep_v in_o it_o you_o will_v have_v see_v i_o the_o same_o now_o as_o i_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n and_o be_v go_v from_o that_o and_o go_v into_o doubt_n jealousy_n and_o question_n and_o evil_a surmising_n by_o which_o you_o be_v blind_v so_o as_o you_o see_v not_o i_o as_o i_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n as_o many_o other_o have_v do_v the_o same_o before_o you_o and_o when_o they_o be_v go_v from_o the_o unlimited_a spirit_n of_o christ_n than_o they_o be_v afraid_a to_o be_v limit_v and_o therefore_o be_v advise_v and_o come_v to_o judge_v that_o spirit_n lest_o your_o bond_n be_v make_v strong_a and_o you_o grow_v worse_o and_o worse_o and_o find_v not_o a_o day_n of_o repentance_n and_o the_o lord_n give_v you_o up_o to_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o to_o your_o heart_n lust_n and_o that_o your_o latter-end_a be_v not_o worse_o than_o your_o beginning_n for_o it_o be_v the_o universal_a spirit_n and_o life_n that_o your_o spirit_n fight_v against_o which_o as_o i_o say_v before_o god_n will_v blast_v and_o so_o mind_n your_o end_n for_o it_o will_v manifest_v itself_o and_o have_v manifest_v itself_o to_o all_o you_o that_o be_v in_o the_o light_n which_o i_o faith_fw-mi once_o again_o come_v unto_o and_o condemn_v this_o spirit_n and_o its_o work_n and_o your_o separation_n that_o in_o it_o you_o may_v have_v unity_n for_o it_o be_v out_o of_o the_o paradise_n in_o the_o transgression_n i_o think_v to_o have_v write_v nothing_o to_o thou_o but_o to_o have_v send_v thy_o letter_n back_o unto_o thou_o again_o know_v what_o spirit_n it_o come_v from_o which_o indeed_o be_v not_o worth_a answer_v but_o only_o to_o the_o intent_n that_o thou_o and_o you_o may_v repent_v and_o come_v into_o that_o which_o you_o be_v bring_v into_o in_o the_o beginning_n and_o in_o that_o you_o will_v see_v what_o a_o spirit_n be_v get_v up_o in_o you_o that_o by_o it_o you_o may_v judge_v it_o and_o not_o die_v and_o perish_v in_o your_o gainsay_n for_o the_o word_n which_o i_o write_v to_o you_o will_v stand_v and_o you_o will_v find_v it_o and_o i_o shall_v be_v manifest_a to_o that_o of_o god_n in_o all_o though_o it_o be_v the_o condemnation_n of_o they_o that_o walk_v not_o in_o it_o and_o my_o unity_n be_v with_o they_o that_o walk_v in_o it_o and_o such_o need_v no_o outward_a prescription_n that_o be_v write_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o one_o another_o heart_n to_o gather_v they_o withal_o who_o be_v write_v in_o heaven_n and_o who_o name_n be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v glory_n to_o god_n for_o ever_o and_o i_o shall_v not_o much_o take_v notice_n of_o you_o if_o you_o continue_v in_o strife_n except_o it_o be_v by_o public_a testimony_n and_o the_o jew_n may_v have_v reflect_v against_o the_o prophet_n who_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n often_o to_o they_o but_o they_o do_v not_o regard_v it_o neither_o will_v they_o be_v convince_v who_o stand_v in_o their_o own_o wi_n and_o true_o john_n i_o must_v needs_o tell_v thou_o thou_o and_o you_o be_v get_v up_o into_o the_o same_o and_o i_o have_v be_v sorry_a for_o you_o and_o my_o spirit_n have_v sometime_o travel_v but_o i_o see_v there_o be_v a_o perverse_a spirit_n in_o thou_o when_o thou_o be_v at_o swarthmore_n though_o i_o deal_v tender_o and_o plain_o and_o faithful_o with_o you_o and_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o you_o and_o tell_v you_o that_o if_o you_o do_v not_o come_v to_o that_o which_o do_v first_o convince_v you_o and_o bring_v all_o other_o who_o you_o have_v draw_v into_o a_o separation_n with_o you_o to_o condemn_v it_o the_o blood_n of_o all_o they_o will_v be_v require_v at_o your_o hand_n and_o that_o be_v and_o be_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n which_o will_v stand_v and_o be_v seal_v and_o i_o be_v grieve_v that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o have_v appear_v in_o the_o north_n and_o his_o name_n shall_v be_v dishonour_v by_o your_o cross_a thwart_a spirit_n and_o that_o you_o shall_v bring_v a_o evil_a report_n upon_o it_o into_o the_o south_n of_o any_o difference_n but_o that_o be_v and_o be_v a_o true_a word_n you_o be_v get_v up_o into_o a_o wrong_a spirit_n that_o be_v rough_a and_o course_n which_o i_o feel_v and_o see_v that_o be_v not_o savoury_a nor_o gracious_a which_o have_v you_o retain_v your_o primitive_a love_n and_o light_n and_o faith_n that_o work_v by_o love_n and_o be_v in_o the_o quiet_a meek_a spirit_n and_o
now_o query_n of_o g._n f._n whether_o these_o body_n which_o the_o apostle_n paul_n term_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n be_v not_o the_o same_o in_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n dwell_v and_o the_o life_n of_o jesus_n be_v manifest_v and_o if_o so_o then_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n mortal_a and_o convertible_a unto_o dust_n and_o whether_o or_o no_o a_o exclusion_n of_o all_o mortal_a bodse_n whatsoever_o from_o be_v concern_v as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v christ_n body_n be_v not_o the_o very_a ready_a way_n whereby_o all_o liberty_n and_o looseness_n that_o be_v please_v to_o the_o mortal_a body_n may_v be_v indulge_v and_o nourish_v and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o whether_o the_o man_n and_o woman_n meeting_n will_v not_o fall_v of_o course_n and_o so_o no_o such_o place_n where_o those_o who_o as_o george_n fox_n say_v be_v heir_n of_o the_o power_n may_v go_v to_o in_o order_n to_o the_o take_n of_o their_o possession_n as_o george_n foxe_n language_n in_o his_o aforesaid_a letter_n be_v it_o be_v further_a to_o be_v observe_v that_o g._n f._n have_v not_o yet_o do_v with_o these_o word_n turn_v to_o dust_n but_o proceed_v ask_v john_n wilkinson_n this_o question_n must_v that_o which_o sanctifi_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 to_o this_o we_o answer_v if_o g._n f._n who_o be_v a_o mortal_a man_n be_v capable_a to_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n as_o in_o his_o own_o sense_n by_o his_o follow_a word_n he_o seem_v to_o be_v why_o do_v he_o so_o impertinent_o let_v his_o pen_n run_v by_o way_n of_o reflection_n on_o john_n wilkinson_n for_o use_v scripture-language_n so_o seasonable_a and_o so_o pertinent_a as_o he_o do_v doubtless_o the_o reason_n be_v a_o fretful_a peevish_a angry_a spirit_n then_o possess_v g._n f._n so_o that_o we_o may_v in_o his_o own_o language_n use_v in_o his_o letter_n to_o john_n wilkinson_n say_v to_o he_o it_o be_v a_o spirit_n that_o do_v not_o know_v what_o it_o will_v be_v at_o itself_o but_o if_o g._n f._n have_v not_o be_v capable_a to_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n he_o be_v manifest_v a_o scoffer_n to_o ask_v the_o aforesaid_a question_n viz._n but_o john_n wherein_o have_v not_o i_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n however_o let_v his_o mind_n sense_n mean_v or_o end_v in_o so_o query_v be_v what_o it_o will_v we_o shall_v undertake_v to_o give_v thereto_o this_o answer_n viz._n g._n f._n have_v not_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n in_o write_v his_o book_n of_o woman_n meeting_n which_o consist_v of_o ninety_o six_o page_n in_o octavo_n and_o in_o all_o the_o book_n throughout_o we_o do_v not_o find_v above_o half_a a_o side_n and_o that_o also_o scatter_a here_o and_o there_o that_o treat_v of_o that_o service_n for_o which_o the_o meeting_n of_o woman_n be_v chief_o understand_v to_o be_v hold_v and_o that_o the_o drift_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o book_n seem_v to_o be_v chief_o for_o proof_n of_o woman_n offer_v sacrifice_n preach_v teach_v exhort_v admonish_a prophesy_v govern_v judge_a sing_v dance_a play_v upon_o music_n and_o that_o micah_n mother_n a_o idolatrous_a woman_n speak_v of_o judge_n 17_o be_v a_o virtuous_a one_o and_o that_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o woman_n do_v continue_v among_o the_o jew_n till_o they_o go_v into_o transgression_n but_o yet_o quote_v for_o proof_n of_o the_o last_o assertion_n only_o 2_o king_n 23._o which_o mention_n nothing_o to_o his_o purpose_n of_o woman_n meeting_n more_o than_o that_o good_a king_n josiah_n break_v down_o the_o house_n of_o the_o sodomite_n that_o be_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n where_o the_o woman_n weave_v hang_n for_o the_o grove_n which_o good_a king_n josiah_n burn_v neither_o do_v we_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v sanctify_v the_o lord_n in_o accuse_v john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n for_o tyth-payer_n or_o connive_v at_o other_o pay_v for_o they_o as_o in_o his_o aforesaid_a letter_n he_o as_o we_o take_v it_o do_v though_o they_o be_v therein_o esteem_v to_o be_v great_o abuse_v and_o misrepresent_v and_o we_o never_o understand_v it_o can_v be_v prove_v against_o they_o but_o that_o which_o aggravate_v g._n f_n sin_n be_v that_o he_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o advise_v two_o person_n to_o buy_v their_o tithe_n which_o be_v equal_a to_o a_o continual_a payment_n viz._n nathaniel_n crip_n of_o the_o county_n of_o gloucester_n for_o one_o and_o robert_n arch_n live_v but_o a_o few_o mile_n from_o the_o say_a crip_n for_o another_o as_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o testify_v unto_o any_o inquire_v reader_n and_o as_o in_o the_o twenty-first_a section_n of_o part._n of_o note_v it_o be_v the_o second_o part_v of_o the_o manuscript_n first_o mention_v in_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o first_o part._n this_o second_o part_n by_o their_o testimony_n appear_v g._n f._n tell_v john_n wilkinson_n thus_o but_o that_o whereby_o you_o may_v come_v into_o unity_n it_o must_v be_v in_o the_o unlimited_a power_n and_o spirit_n and_o light_n that_o do_v first_o convince_v you_o and_o bring_v you_o into_o unity_n and_o meet_v without_o prescription_n of_o your_o elder_n or_o deacon_n or_o your_o member_n so_o your_o way_n to_o come_v into_o unity_n be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o light_n and_o spirit_n that_o do_v first_o convince_v you_o and_o judge_n and_o condemn_v this_o spirit_n that_o have_v lead_v you_o into_o separation_n with_o all_o its_o work_n since_o and_o then_o in_o that_o spirit_n there_o be_v no_o fear_n of_o imposition_n and_o in_o another_o place_n of_o the_o say_a letter_n g._n f._n say_v i_o tell_v you_o that_o if_o you_o do_v not_o come_v to_o that_o which_o do_v first_o convince_v you_o and_o bring_v all_o other_o who_o you_o have_v draw_v into_o a_o separation_n with_o you_o to_o condemn_v it_o the_o blood_n of_o all_o they_o will_v be_v require_v at_o your_o hand_n and_o that_o be_v and_o be_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n to_o you_o and_o will_v stand_v and_o be_v seal_v these_o sentence_n of_o g._n f._n do_v lead_v we_o unto_o these_o necessary_a observation_n first_o that_o the_o way_n to_o come_v into_o unity_n be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o unlimited_a spirit_n and_o light_n that_o do_v first_o convince_v they_o and_o bring_v they_o into_o unity_n have_v g._n f._n end_v his_o method_n for_o unity_n here_o he_o will_v have_v say_v that_o which_o will_v have_v answer_v god_n witness_v in_o our_o conscience_n but_o though_o he_o talk_v of_o come_v to_o the_o unlimited_a spirit_n yet_o his_o follow_a language_n seem_v a_o design_n so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v capable_a to_o limit_v the_o spirit_n by_o add_v these_o word_n viz._n and_o judge_n and_o condemn_v this_o spirit_n that_o have_v lead_v you_o into_o a_o separation_n with_o all_o its_o work_n since_o by_o which_o compare_v his_o say_a word_n with_o his_o aforesaid_a letter_n to_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n date_v the_o 23_o d._n of_o the_o 8_o the_o month_n 76._o we_o take_v he_o to_o mean_v all_o those_o daper_n give_v forth_o since_o the_o outward_a separation_n which_o be_v without_o any_o exception_n and_o compare_v with_o the_o matter_n occasion_v the_o say_v outward_a separation_n seem_v to_o import_n that_o in_o g._n f_n sense_n the_o ancient_a friend_n of_o truth_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v depart_v from_o the_o light_n and_o spirit_n if_o they_o can_v conform_v to_o some_o outward_a method_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o management_n of_o some_o outward_a affair_n that_o some_o of_o his_o troublesome_a party_n will_v impose_v on_o the_o choose_a friend_n for_o the_o outward_a service_n of_o truth_n oh_o gross_a darkness_n but_o that_o which_o seem_v to_o manifest_v his_o darkness_n yet_o more_o gross_a be_v this_o his_o letter_n to_o john_n wilkinson_n inform_v we_o that_o such_o mean_v as_o his_o word_n to_o we_o import_n such_o with_o who_o he_o be_v at_o unity_n need_v no_o outward_a prescription_n that_o be_v write_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o one_o another_o heart_n to_o gather_v they_o withal_o on_o this_o we_o observe_v that_o unless_o another_o thing_n preserve_v those_o who_o be_v gather_v than_o that_o which_o gather_v they_o there_o be_v then_o no_o need_n of_o outward_a prescription_n for_o those_o that_o be_v gather_v unto_o who_o only_o the_o government_n contend_v for_o reach_v and_o if_o so_o which_o in_o truth_n can_v be_v deny_v why_o must_v these_o ancient_a friend_n who_o have_v be_v convince_v by_o the_o light_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v reckon_v have_v and_o such_o who_o god_n will_v blast_v
unless_o they_o call_v in_o all_o their_o paper_n which_o be_v chief_o give_v forth_o to_o vindicate_v themselves_o as_o not_o depart_v from_o the_o truth_n though_o they_o can_v not_o be_v subject_a to_o imposition_n or_o prescription_n of_o other_o g._n f_n confusion_n do_v not_o end_n here_o but_o be_v further_o manifest_v in_o these_o word_n viz._n without_o prescription_n of_o your_o elder_n because_o it_o be_v his_o own_o counsel_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o man_n meeting_n to_o choose_v particular_a person_n for_o that_o service_n agreeable_a to_o which_o advice_n the_o elder_n he_o now_o strike_v at_o be_v choose_v and_o yet_o in_o a_o scoff_a manner_n reflect_v on_o the_o word_n choose_a man_n and_o on_o the_o departure_n of_o other_o when_o their_o message_n be_v tell_v and_o as_o if_o that_o very_a order_n be_v worse_a than_o any_o assize_n session_n and_o court_n as_o to_o the_o departure_n of_o other_o immediate_o after_o their_o message_n be_v tell_v we_o be_v persuade_v be_v never_o propose_v by_o those_o call_v separate_a while_o any_o come_n thither_o have_v any_o concern_v upon_o they_o as_o matter_n proper_a for_o the_o meeting_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o nor_o yet_o to_o exclude_v any_o friend_n that_o be_v free_a to_o stay_v after_o they_o have_v deliver_v their_o message_n for_o which_o persuasion_n sufficient_a ground_n be_v give_v unto_o we_o from_o the_o write_n of_o those_o call_v separatist_n in_o the_o 11_o section_n of_o this_o manuscript_n this_o mean_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a manuscript_n second_o part_n in_o these_o word_n viz._n we_o indeed_o declare_v and_o testify_v that_o our_o sense_n and_o mean_v in_o what_o we_o propose_v former_o to_o reunite_v the_o meeting_n be_v not_o to_o hinder_v any_o friend_n of_o stay_v in_o the_o meeting_n who_o behave_v themselves_o man_n of_o peace_n as_o we_o testify_v unto_o they_o in_o our_o reply_n to_o their_o answer_n to_o our_o proposal_n but_o such_o as_o incline_v to_o cause_n offence_n with_o rash_a censure_n and_o false_a judgement_n which_o have_v make_v and_o will_v make_v division_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n we_o have_v learned_a if_o they_o have_v object_v against_o any_o thing_n in_o love_n which_o we_o propose_v and_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o truth_n give_v we_o any_o reason_n of_o its_o inconveniency_n if_o we_o can_v not_o have_v convince_v they_o of_o the_o inconveniency_n thereof_o with_o weighty_a reason_n we_o shall_v ready_o have_v consent_v unto_o they_o we_o now_o desire_v the_o impartial_a reader_n serious_o to_o consider_v whether_o our_o persuasion_n aforesaid_a be_v not_o on_o sufficient_a ground_n and_o if_o so_o then_o it_o be_v plain_a g._n f._n reflect_v on_o his_o own_o church-order_n as_o his_o term_n be_v as_o worse_a than_o any_o court_n assizes_n or_o session_n by_o which_o we_o may_v in_o his_o own_o language_n to_o john_n wilkinson_n say_v that_o he_o know_v not_o what_o he_o will_v be_v at_o if_o his_o word_n and_o write_n may_v be_v take_v to_o be_v his_o real_a meaning_n at_o all_o time_n but_o as_o to_o that_o we_o have_v no_o cause_n so_o to_o conclude_v because_o we_o from_o this_o and_o other_o his_o word_n write_n and_o action_n be_v sufficient_o satisfy_v that_o he_o conclude_v all_o wrong_n and_o go_v from_o the_o light_n and_o spirit_n that_o be_v not_o at_o unity_n with_o what_o he_o say_v act_v and_o bring_v forth_o though_o it_o be_v ever_o so_o repugnant_a to_o truth_n and_o ground_v on_o ever_o so_o false_a a_o report_n and_o scandal_n and_o so_o though_o he_o talk_v of_o the_o unlimited_a spirit_n yet_o we_o be_v persuade_v he_o will_v limit_v every_o one_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o his_o spirit_n and_o that_o if_o they_o have_v not_o faith_n therein_o they_o be_v wrong_v and_o in_o a_o separate_a spirit_n from_o the_o light_n and_o spirit_n by_o which_o they_o be_v first_o convince_v and_o on_o this_o foot_n we_o do_v not_o question_v but_o he_o conclude_v every_o one_o wrong_v that_o conscientious_o may_v ask_v he_o any_o question_n for_o their_o information_n or_o satisfaction_n touch_v he_o conclude_v that_o it_o do_v spring_n from_o a_o jealous_a spirit_n that_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v satisfy_v the_o last_o thing_n we_o think_v meet_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o his_o aforesaid_a letter_n be_v this_o he_o repeat_v john_n wilkinson_n word_n thus_o and_o whereas_o thou_o speak_v of_o a_o new_a way_n and_o a_o new_a form_n and_o carry_v on_o with_o church-authority_n etc._n etc._n and_o then_o in_o part_n of_o his_o answer_n thus_o say_v for_o i_o know_v no_o new_a way_n nor_o new_a form_n carry_v on_o with_o church-authority_n as_o thou_o reproachful_o say_v but_o hear_v thou_o have_v manifest_v thy_o separate_a spirit_n and_o mind_n this_o manifest_v unto_o we_o that_o g._n f._n to_o use_v his_o own_o language_n do_v so_o jumble_v that_o he_o know_v not_o what_o he_o will_v be_v at_o for_o man_n and_o woman_n meeting_n be_v and_o as_o we_o take_v it_o in_o his_o sense_n account_v the_o church_n and_o what_o they_o carry_v on_o be_v account_v to_o be_v carry_v on_o by_o the_o power_n whereof_z g._n f._n account_v they_o heir_n which_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n that_o now_o this_o church_n have_v introduce_v new_a form_n or_o else_o g._n f._n have_v introduce_v new_a form_n among_o they_o which_o they_o as_o a_o church_n and_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o authority_n do_v bring_v forth_o we_o be_v satisfy_v be_v as_o certain_o know_v to_o g._n f._n as_o g._n f._n be_v know_v to_o any_o one_o and_o therefore_o his_o denial_n that_o he_o know_v of_o no_o new_a form_n carry_v on_o with_o church-authority_n be_v take_v by_o we_o to_o be_v a_o absolute_a quibble_n shift_n or_o shuffle_v if_o not_o a_o plain_a downright_a falsehood_n and_o untruth_n have_v thus_o observe_v on_o g._n f_n letter_n as_o aforesaid_a we_o desire_v the_o reader_n serious_o to_o weigh_v in_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n the_o observation_n make_v thereon_o and_o then_o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o every_o such_o reaer_fw-mi will_v have_v this_o answer_n in_o his_o own_o breast_n that_o what_o g._n f._n have_v write_v by_o way_n of_o reply_n to_o john_n wilkinson_n can_v not_o be_v give_v forth_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o can_v lie_v but_o be_v rather_o the_o fruit_n either_o of_o ignorance_n pride_n scorn_n and_o disdain_n in_o the_o best_a sense_n it_o be_v a_o common_a and_o tude_z say_v prid_n oft_o time_n go_v before_o a_o fall_n that_o g._n f._n be_v fall_v be_v manifest_o prove_v in_o part._n in_o note_v it_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o manuscript_n first_o mention_v in_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o first_o part._n this_o treatise_n if_o be_v guilty_a of_o error_n and_o matter_n of_o eyil_a fact_n may_v be_v account_v sufficient_a proof_n and_o that_o he_o have_v be_v of_o so_o proud_a a_o spirit_n as_o to_o expect_v a_o sort_n of_o reverence_n and_o submission_n to_o he_o which_o the_o truth_n can_v not_o own_o we_o doubt_v not_o may_v the_o lord_n open_v his_o eye_n to_o behold_v his_o error_n and_o give_v he_o repentance_n that_o so_o in_o a_o sense_n thereof_o he_o may_v confess_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o rejoice_v of_o his_o faithful_a and_o ancient_a friend_n though_o g._n f._n in_o his_o before-cited_n answer_v unto_o john_n wilkinson_n seem_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o receipt_n but_o of_o one_o letter_n yet_o so_o it_o be_v that_o john_n wilkinson_n for_o the_o further_o clear_v of_o his_o conscience_n write_v another_o letter_n unto_o g._n f._n sudden_o after_o who_o copy_n now_o follow_v george_n fox_n with_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o my_o heart_n i_o have_v of_o late_o be_v great_o concern_v in_o the_o remembrance_n of_o thou_o in_o who_o god_n appear_v in_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o day_n of_o life_n and_o reach_v unto_o we_o with_o his_o word_n who_o give_v we_o faith_n to_o believe_v and_o to_o receive_v thy_o testimony_n thou_o give_v of_o his_o light_n in_o our_o heart_n which_o gather_v we_o into_o unity_n with_o he_o and_o one_o with_o another_o and_o make_v we_o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o first-born_a or_o of_o the_o first_o fruit_n unto_o god_n continue_v many_o year_n in_o love_n and_o goodwill_n one_o to_o another_o but_o of_o late_a day_n the_o concord_n we_o once_o have_v seem_v much_o to_o be_v break_v and_o many_o instrument_n who_o god_n have_v wrought_v by_o and_o in_o great_a love_n have_v labour_v together_o but_o of_o late_a time_n have_v great_o jar_v and_o the_o cause_n god_n have_v manifest_v to_o i_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o principle_n of_o truth_n nor_o in_o christ_n doctrine_n nor_o in_o any_o practice_n which_o truth_n in_o the_o member_n
be_v true_a thou_o be_v in_o no_o measure_n less_o gailty_n of_o such_o a_o crime_n than_o john_n story_n he_o then_o propose_v to_o i_o to_o have_v it_o under_o my_o hand_n i_o tell_v he_o i_o will_v very_o free_o so_o do_v provide_v he_o will_v give_v it_o under_o his_o hand_n that_o if_o it_o be_v prove_v against_o thou_o thou_o ought_v to_o judge_n and_o condemn_v the_o same_o this_o he_o will_v not_o do_v which_o to_o i_o denote_v either_o a_o spirit_n of_o partiality_n or_o a_o sort_n of_o fear_n like_o unto_o that_o that_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n and_o so_o i_o refuse_v to_o answer_v his_o desire_n yet_o i_o now_o give_v it_o under_o my_o hand_n to_o thou_o and_o my_o plain_a end_n in_o short_a be_v this_o viz._n in_o expectation_n to_o receive_v a_o plain_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n from_o thou_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a some_o sort_n of_o jealousy_n may_v be_v remove_v out_o of_o my_o mind_n or_o else_o the_o reasonableness_n thereof_o more_o confirm_v for_o it_o be_v a_o day_n wherein_o i_o account_v it_o my_o duty_n to_o be_v plain_a without_o respect_n of_o person_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o none_o to_o reprove_v other_o for_o shufler_n and_o become_v shufter_n themselves_o those_o scripture_n which_o mention_v the_o word_n tradition_n and_o example_n be_v in_o this_o day_n or_o age_n strain_v to_o prove_v it_o friend_n duty_n to_o follow_v the_o tradition_n and_o example_n of_o some_o of_o the_o brethren_n etc._n etc._n how_o then_o can_v it_o consist_v with_o the_o honour_n of_o truth_n or_o good_a conscience_n for_o such_o who_o esteem_v of_o thou_o above_o their_o brethren_n and_o who_o seem_v to_o esteem_v of_o themselves_o as_o countenance_v by_o thou_o to_o condemn_v any_o brother_n for_o do_v any_o thing_n if_o so_o be_v it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o example_n thou_o have_v give_v since_o therefore_o as_o i_o say_v before_o example_n be_v a_o better_a teacher_n than_o precept_n how_o can_v it_o be_v other_o than_o thy_o duty_n to_o endeavour_v the_o remove_n these_o stumble_a block_n out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n people_n by_o give_v thy_o testimony_n that_o thou_o be_v not_o guilty_a in_o either_o of_o these_o particular_a thing_n if_o in_o truth_n thou_o can_v do_v so_o and_o by_o far_a manifest_v if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v against_o thou_o and_o make_v appear_v unto_o thou_o that_o thou_o be_v so_o guilty_a that_o then_o thou_o will_v judge_v and_o condemn_v the_o same_o as_o that_o whereby_o thou_o have_v offend_v the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o if_o clear_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n thou_o may_v also_o be_v clear_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o people_n and_o those_o who_o have_v report_v such_o thing_n concern_v thou_o may_v judge_n and_o condemn_v the_o same_o i_o hope_v this_o proposition_n will_v not_o be_v look_v upon_o by_o thou_o and_o those_o who_o contend_v for_o the_o establishment_n of_o a_o outward_a form_n of_o government_n among_o god_n people_n at_o this_o day_n unbecoming_a the_o pen_n of_o the_o mean_a member_n in_o the_o body_n but_o if_o it_o shall_v i_o may_v just_o appeal_v to_o god_n witness_n in_o all_o whether_o that_o outward_a form_n of_o government_n contend_v for_o both_o by_o word_n and_o printing_n be_v such_o under_o which_o equal_a justice_n may_v be_v administer_v to_o every_o one_o and_o the_o infirmity_n of_o every_o member_n of_o the_o body_n be_v equal_o bring_v to_o judgement_n if_o thou_o shall_v look_v on_o my_o line_n as_o the_o fruit_n of_o too_o great_a presumption_n i_o have_v this_o to_o say_v that_o what_o i_o now_o write_v be_v bare_o to_o clear_v my_o conscience_n as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o i_o be_o constrain_v in_o spirit_n thus_o to_o do_v know_v that_o not_o any_o such_o form_n of_o government_n wherein_o the_o infirmity_n of_o every_o member_n may_v not_o be_v equal_o reprove_v and_o bring_v to_o judgement_n can_v be_v the_o form_n of_o christ_n government_n nor_o yet_o that_o the_o seasonable_a mention_v of_o a_o infirmity_n in_o a_o elder_a brother_n can_v be_v account_v a_o depart_n from_o the_o truth_n and_o a_o indication_n that_o such_o shall_v never_o prosper_v whatever_o the_o calumny_n and_o false_a report_n raise_v on_o several_a brethren_n may_v be_v whereby_o both_o they_o and_o the_o cause_n of_o truth_n may_v be_v render_v ignominious_a it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v that_o the_o secret_a cause_n of_o all_o these_o late_a commotion_n which_o distract_v the_o mind_n of_o many_o spring_v from_o this_o that_o some_o be_v esteem_v to_o exalt_v thou_o above_o what_o be_v meet_v that_o other_o be_v ecteem_v to_o look_v on_o thou_o as_o less_o than_o they_o ought_v and_o that_o jealousy_n enter_v many_o that_o thou_o esteem_v of_o thyself_o beyond_o what_o thou_o be_v and_o if_o these_o or_o at_o least_o some_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v that_o secret_a cause_n and_o that_o thou_o have_v no_o less_o esteem_n than_o the_o repute_n of_o a_o elder_a brother_n by_o all_o friend_n which_o as_o far_o as_o i_o know_v thou_o have_v not_o how_o can_v it_o be_v less_o than_o thy_o duty_n to_o interpose_v that_o such_o difference_n as_o of_o late_o have_v arisen_a may_v no_o long_o live_v to_o the_o increase_n of_o division_n among_o god_n heritage_n that_o so_o record_v to_o age_n and_o generation_n to_o come_v may_v not_o tell_v our_o child_n child_n that_o that_o people_n who_o be_v clear_o gather_v out_o of_o all_o outward_a form_n outward_n head_n and_o outward_a law_n relate_v to_o the_o inward-man_n to_o the_o lawgiver_n in_o themselves_o shall_v in_o so_o few_o year_n fall_v out_o concern_v outward_a order_n and_o the_o head-ship_n of_o one_o man_n for_o so_o will_v it_o be_v repute_a unless_o thou_o by_o plain_a testimony_n do_v clear_a the_o same_o by_o manifest_v that_o thou_o never_o intend_v that_o what_o thou_o have_v give_v forth_o as_o instruction_n or_o direction_n to_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v urge_v with_o severity_n which_o be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o inforce_v upon_o any_o of_o god_n faithful_a people_n but_o rather_o commend_v they_o to_o the_o church_n leave_v the_o same_o to_o god_n and_o his_o lead_a grace_n in_o his_o people_n to_o make_v use_n thereof_o as_o he_o shall_v manifest_a a_o need_n of_o such_o direction_n counsel_n or_o advice_n many_o ancient_a brethren_n beside_o myself_o account_v this_o but_o a_o reasonable_a proposition_n and_o that_o which_o we_o firm_o believe_v be_v according_a to_o thy_o sense_n when_o thou_o travel_v among_o we_o and_o give_v forth_o several_a thing_n and_o yet_o thou_o may_v remember_v that_o when_o i_o be_v at_o swarthmore_n i_o acquaint_v thou_o that_o because_o john_n story_n have_v that_o very_a sense_n it_o be_v say_v of_o he_o true_o john_n story_n thy_o darkness_n and_o blindness_n be_v easy_o to_o be_v feel_v and_o see_v and_o they_o must_v be_v very_o dim_a of_o sight_n that_o see_v thou_o not_o oh_o the_o confusion_n thy_o dark_a spirit_n be_v in_o whereupon_o the_o book_n wherein_o it_o be_v so_o say_v be_v in_o thy_o house_n bring_v forth_o among_o other_o thy_o wife_n son_n in_o law_n be_v a_o subscriber_n thereof_o and_o when_o john_n story_n his_o say_a sense_n concern_v thy_o give_v forth_o some_o thing_n be_v read_v and_o their_o answer_n thereto_o wherein_o the_o above_o sentence_n concern_v john_n story_n be_v read_v unto_o thou_o yet_o i_o never_o hear_v from_o thou_o thy_o wife_n or_o her_o son_n in_o law_n so_o much_o as_o one_o word_n disapprove_v that_o answer_n but_o rather_o a_o vindication_n thereof_o now_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o just_a cause_n of_o jealousy_n and_o so_o thy_o duty_n in_o all_o plainess_n to_o answer_v this_o matter_n that_o so_o jealousy_n which_o friend_n be_v exhort_v to_o shut_v out_o and_o for_o which_o they_o be_v account_v little_o less_o than_o offender_n may_v be_v remove_v let_v god_n witness_v in_o every_o conscience_n judge_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o that_o day_n wherein_o we_o be_v young_a and_o first_o convince_v and_o turn_v to_o the_o light_n we_o experimental_o come_v to_o know_v that_o if_o we_o do_v walk_v according_a to_o what_o it_o do_v certain_o manifest_a unto_o we_o we_o can_v not_o err._n but_o now_o i_o do_v know_v it_o be_v the_o labour_n of_o some_o disaffect_v to_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n by_o false_a report_n to_o turn_v the_o mind_n of_o brethren_n one_o against_o another_o and_o this_o be_v not_o a_o turn_v the_o mind_n to_o the_o light_n nor_o yet_o a_o exhortation_n to_o keep_v within_o the_o limit_n of_o its_o leading_n beside_o which_o be_v no_o safety_n and_o so_o many_o young_a people_n grow_v up_o and_o who_o be_v fit_a object_n for_o the_o seed_n to_o take_v root_n
in_o have_v their_o mind_n much_o exercise_v to_o consider_v whether_o this_o report_n of_o such_o a_o one_o be_v true_a or_o that_o report_n concern_v another_o false_a though_o neither_o of_o they_o true_a and_o so_o through_o their_o affection_n or_o weakness_n of_o understanding_n be_v too_o credulous_a of_o other_o man_n word_n and_o too_o much_o affect_v with_o other_o man_n line_n make_v ready_a to_o their_o hand_n join_v to_o one_o party_n and_o despise_v another_o and_o all_o this_o while_n believe_v a_o false_a report_n be_v lead_v by_o another_o leader_n than_o that_o whereby_o god_n people_n in_o the_o beginning_n be_v lead_v viz._n christ_n light_n in_o the_o conscience_n such_o be_v in_o a_o ready_a way_n eternal_o to_o perish_v and_o the_o blood_n of_o such_o if_o by_o reason_n thereof_o they_o perish_v will_v be_v require_v at_o some_o hand_n may_v the_o righteous_a god_n in_o his_o mercy_n turn_v the_o heart_n of_o such_o watchman_n as_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n say_v my_o soul_n that_o so_o they_o may_v therein_o sin_v no_o more_o for_o such_o thing_n be_v stumble_a block_n in_o the_o way_n if_o that_o body_n which_o be_v call_v george_n for_o which_o must_v return_v to_o earth_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v remain_v but_o a_o few_o year_n upon_o the_o earth_n i_o have_v this_o firm_a persuasion_n that_o experience_n will_v inform_v thou_o that_o my_o plain_a line_n be_v not_o only_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o plain_a heart_a friend_n but_o also_o a_o seasonable_a caution_n more_o worthy_a thy_o notice_n than_o the_o word_n of_o a_o flatter_a tongue_n with_o my_o love_n to_o thou_o etc._n etc._n i_o remain_v a_o friend_n to_o thou_o and_o the_o unchangeable_a truth_n william_n rogers_n it_o be_v now_o to_o be_v observe_v that_o sudden_o after_o i_o have_v send_v the_o abovesaid_a letter_n to_o g._n f._n which_o i_o solemn_o affirm_v i_o do_v for_o the_o clear_v of_o my_o conscience_n and_o can_v not_o with_o peace_n of_o conscience_n pass_v by_o the_o same_o i_o have_v some_o occasion_n call_v i_o to_o the_o city_n of_o london_n where_o be_v come_v the_o aforesaid_a private_a letter_n be_v very_o public_o speak_v of_o among_o friend_n for_o which_o i_o be_v compare_v to_o pennyman_n and_o muggleton_n whereupon_o be_v startle_v that_o such_o a_o report_n shall_v go_v forth_o against_o i_o on_o the_o write_n of_o a_o private_a letter_n before_o i_o have_v be_v write_v to_o or_o treat_v withal_o about_o it_o i_o do_v desire_v to_o have_v a_o hour_n private_a discourse_n with_o g._n f._n which_o he_o grant_v though_o some_o person_n interrupt_v we_o that_o we_o stay_v not_o so_o long_o together_o at_o that_o time_n and_o at_o some_o other_o time_n after_o g._n f._n urge_v i_o to_o take_v my_o letter_n back_o and_o tear_v it_o and_o he_o will_v pass_v it_o by_o but_o never_o speak_v a_o word_n nor_o yet_o ever_o write_v any_o answer_n thereto_o whereby_o i_o may_v be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o matter_n whereof_o it_o treat_v and_o therefore_o since_o i_o have_v be_v compare_v to_o muggleton_n and_o pennyman_n for_o write_v that_o private_a letter_n it_o be_v think_v meet_v it_o may_v be_v now_o publish_v and_o recommend_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o every_o reader_n here_o now_o follow_v the_o other_o of_o the_o two_o letter_n whereof_o i_o make_v mention_n as_o before_o write_v unto_o g._n f._n by_o i_o for_o the_o further_o clear_v of_o my_o conscience_n bristol_n the_o 3_o d._n of_o the_o 10_o the_o month_n 1677._o george_n fox_n i_o have_v once_o more_o a_o constraint_n on_o my_o spirit_n to_o write_v unto_o thou_o and_o in_o singleness_n of_o heart_n thus_o to_o say_v on_o the_o the_o 25_o the_o of_o the_o last_o month_n a_o separate_a meeting_n be_v hold_v in_o our_o city_n unto_o which_o myself_o and_o divers_a other_o friend_n go_v on_o these_o two_o consideration_n first_o to_o bear_v a_o testimony_n against_o the_o appointment_n of_o that_o meeting_n because_o it_o be_v hold_v in_o our_o public_a meetinghouse_n though_o divers_a friend_n of_o the_o monthly_a man_n and_o womens-meeting_a do_v oppose_v the_o same_o when_o break_v when_o when_o note_v the_o say_a proposition_n be_v make_v after_o several_a friend_n be_v depart_v and_o the_o meet_v break_v propose_v and_o second_o to_o prevent_v such_o design_n which_o be_v believe_v may_v have_v a_o tendency_n to_o deceive_v the_o simple_a by_o bring_v forth_o scandalous_a paper_n against_o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n towards_o who_o many_o friend_n dare_v not_o demean_v themselves_o as_o if_o they_o be_v apostatise_v from_o the_o ancient_a truth_n be_v thither_o come_v a_o testimony_n be_v bear_v against_o the_o appointment_n and_o hold_v the_o say_a meeting_n and_o some_o i_o believe_v be_v make_v instrumental_a to_o preserve_v other_o out_o of_o the_o snare_n which_o be_v lay_v to_o betray_v the_o simple_a but_o that_o which_o great_o grieve_v my_o heart_n and_o which_o at_o this_o time_n be_v a_o concern_v upon_o i_o to_o signify_v to_o thou_o be_v the_o read_n a_o letter_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v from_o thou_o if_o that_o letter_n be_v real_o give_v forth_o by_o thou_o and_o make_v use_v of_o in_o the_o meeting_n according_a to_o thy_o intent_n and_o end_n and_o so_o will_v stand_v by_o the_o person_n or_o person_n introduce_v the_o same_o to_o be_v read_v as_o to_o their_o end_n and_o intent_n therein_o then_o it_o be_v plain_o evident_a that_o thou_o be_v at_o least_o the_o espouser_n if_o not_o the_o head_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o man_n that_o have_v appear_v partial_a unrighteous_a in_o judgement_n and_o persecutor_n in_o a_o high_a degree_n and_o bless_a be_v the_o lord_n for_o in_o zeal_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o truth_n i_o speak_v it_o that_o he_o have_v not_o only_o give_v i_o a_o sight_n hereof_o but_o also_o boldness_n in_o which_o i_o have_v peace_n to_o testify_v against_o that_o partial_a unjust_a persecute_v spirit_n in_o whosoever_o it_o appear_v that_o under_o a_o pharasaical_a pretence_n of_o love_n and_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n or_o such_o like_a will_v destroy_v and_o murder_v the_o name_n and_o reputation_n of_o the_o lord_n servant_n whenas_o i_o be_o full_o fatisfy_v if_o they_o will_v but_o bow_v to_o man_n they_o may_v avoid_v the_o stroke_n of_o their_o passion_n alas_o friend_n little_a do_v i_o in_o day_n past_a think_v that_o thou_o will_v appear_v either_o as_o a_o head_n or_o espouser_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o nor_o yet_o of_o any_o who_o shall_v cast_v stumbling-block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n people_n but_o now_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o thou_o be_v the_o man_n under_o who_o name_n paper_n be_v spread_v which_o seem_v as_o a_o strenghen_n to_o such_o as_o well_o as_o one_o that_o put_v stumbling-block_n before_o the_o lord_n people_n thyself_o and_o therefore_o if_o thou_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o the_o flock_n of_o god_n it_o become_v thou_o to_o cease_v send_v abroad_o such_o paper_n or_o put_v stumbling-block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o simple_a perhaps_o thou_o may_v think_v the_o language_n unbecoming_a i_o yet_o i_o must_v tell_v thou_o that_o though_o darkness_n have_v over-shadowed_n the_o heart_n of_o many_o so_o that_o they_o seem_v like_o man_n void_a of_o all_o wisdom_n and_o all_o reason_n whereby_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o as_o if_o they_o be_v proselyte_n of_o such_o among_o the_o sixty-six_a subscriber_n at_o ellis_n hook_n chamber_n who_o come_v with_o another_o gospel_n than_o that_o which_o stand_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v preach_v against_o all_o wisdom_n and_o all_o reason_v yet_o the_o eye_n of_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_a flock_n of_o god_n continue_v yet_o open_a and_o have_v behold_v the_o whimsy_n and_o imagination_n that_o have_v enter_v some_o whereby_o the_o name_n of_o god_n have_v be_v but_o too_o frequent_o blaspheme_v and_o the_o word_n and_o power_n of_o god_n abominable_o abuse_v by_o such_o who_o the_o paper_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o strength_n to_o which_o have_v long_o since_o create_v jealousy_n that_o the_o dread_n of_o that_o ancient_a power_n which_o many_o brethren_n testify_v be_v with_o thou_o in_o the_o beginning_n be_v depart_v the_o consideration_n whereof_o put_v i_o in_o remembrance_n first_o that_o though_o thou_o and_o many_o have_v judge_v john_n perrot_n as_o a_o apostatise_v person_n from_o the_o truth_n for_o introduce_v a_o new_a practice_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o those_o who_o as_o far_o as_o i_o know_v stand_v in_o and_o for_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o practice_n they_o be_v in_o from_o the_o beginning_n be_v now_o judge_v apostatise_v because_o they_o can_v embrace_v for_o conscience_n sake_n some_o new_a prescription_n which_o thou_o be_v account_v either_o the_o author_n or_o countenancer_n of_o second_o that_o
be_v now_o so_o open_v as_o to_o see_v that_o if_o thou_o own_v they_o thou_o will_v bring_v thyself_o under_o the_o just_a censure_n of_o truth_n for_o endeavour_v to_o make_v any_o brother_n a_o offender_n for_o that_o which_o be_v no_o offence_n and_o if_o thou_o own_v they_o not_o than_o thou_o will_v show_v thyself_o out_o of_o unity_n with_o the_o great_a opposer_n of_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n however_o if_o thou_o refuse_v to_o answer_n it_o will_v be_v evidence_n enough_o that_o thou_o walk_v not_o by_o that_o golden_a rule_n to_o do_v as_o thou_o will_v be_v do_v by_o moreov_a since_o thy_o paper_n give_v testimony_n against_o a_o spirit_n why_o do_v thou_o not_o tell_v we_o in_o plain_a word_n who_o they_o be_v in_o who_o according_a to_o thy_o sense_n it_o work_v for_o i_o much_o doubt_n that_o if_o thou_o be_v not_o the_o secret_a mover_n to_o all_o this_o strife_n yet_o the_o want_n of_o the_o right_a application_n of_o some_o expression_n in_o thy_o paper_n testify_v against_o bad_a spirit_n etc._n etc._n be_v one_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o increase_n of_o bad_a spirit_n and_o of_o their_o scribble_n and_o therefore_o be_v plainhearted_a for_o i_o do_v know_v that_o a_o dark_a imaginary_a spirit_n be_v enter_v and_o under_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o truth_n and_o that_o also_o such_o a_o spirit_n appear_v among_o those_o who_o espouse_v the_o cause_n against_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n and_o the_o fruit_n that_o be_v bring_v forth_o by_o they_o which_o evidence_n that_o they_o be_v of_o such_o a_o spirit_n be_v as_o follow_v viz._n judge_v the_o lord_n servant_n out_o of_o the_o truth_n for_o particular_a matter_n lay_v to_o their_o charge_n without_o hear_v they_o speak_v for_o themselves_o or_o first_o send_v their_o judgement_n or_o condemnation_n to_o they_o before_o the_o spread_a thereof_o contrary_a to_o the_o know_a practice_n of_o friend_n in_o truth_n gather_v friend_n together_o on_o purpose_n to_o entertain_v their_o ear_n with_o report_n against_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n and_o refuse_v to_o bring_v forth_o the_o same_o to_z john_n story_n be_v face_n before_o friend_n equal_o to_o be_v choose_v though_o desire_v so_o to_o do_v both_o by_o john_n story_n and_o other_o magnify_v unity_n among_o brethren_n and_o yet_o appear_v those_o who_o break_v the_o unity_n reprove_v the_o spirit_n of_o strife_n and_o yet_o not_o only_o the_o mover_n but_o carrier_n on_z of_o strife_n both_o by_o word_n and_o write_v or_o to_o speak_v in_o thy_o language_n stribling_n to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o truth_n and_o though_o such_o who_o espouse_v the_o cause_n against_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n may_v suppose_v themselves_o capable_a to_o quote_v thou_o for_o a_o example_n or_o at_o least_o as_o a_o approver_n of_o such_o action_n for_o none_o of_o they_o as_o i_o know_v of_o do_v so_o much_o as_o suppose_v that_o thy_o word_n or_o scribble_n tend_v to_o reprove_v they_o yet_o know_v this_o from_o i_o that_o there_o be_v many_o of_o god_n ancient_a flock_n who_o retain_v their_o first_o love_n for_o truth_n and_o every_o honourable_a labourer_n in_o the_o vineyard_n dare_v not_o approve_v of_o this_o late_a and_o new-found_a doctrine_n publish_v against_o all_o reason_v and_o all_o wisdom_n nor_o yet_o can_v suffer_v their_o faith_n to_o stand_v in_o thou_o or_o any_o man_n and_o therefore_o if_o thou_o or_o any_o man_n bring_v forth_o a_o dream_n or_o pretend_v a_o night-vision_n to_o run_v against_o faithful_a friend_n and_o on_o that_o foot_n scrible_n against_o they_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o bad_a spirit_n it_o have_v no_o place_n with_o they_o because_o the_o day_n have_v discover_v such_o folly_n to_o man_n of_o conscience_n and_o endue_v with_o the_o wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o but_o yet_o i_o can_v say_v but_o that_o as_o it_o have_v it_o may_v have_v place_n with_o some_o who_o be_v of_o this_o number_n and_o sort_v viz._n such_o who_o ignorance_n be_v so_o great_a as_o to_o conclude_v it_o the_o fruit_n of_o virtue_n to_o avoid_v all_o reason_v and_o all_o wisdom_n or_o who_o understanding_n be_v so_o veil_v as_o to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o night-vision_n or_o dream_n of_o man_n more_o than_o to_o the_o truth_n in_o themselves_o and_o on_o that_o foot_n eye_v the_o scribbler_n of_o paper_n more_o than_o the_o matter_n therein_o contain_v as_o be_v convince_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o shut_v out_o all_o wisdom_n and_o all_o reason_v a_o most_o dextrous_a expedient_a where_o it_o take_v place_n for_o anti-christ_n so_o to_o exalt_v his_o kingdom_n as_o that_o all_o manner_n of_o iniquity_n and_o deceit_n may_v quick_o enter_v the_o flock_n if_o once_o the_o leader_n or_o leader_n of_o the_o people_n bring_v forth_o their_o own_o imagination_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o night-vision_n and_o publish_v they_o for_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o no_o marvel_n if_o such_o conclude_v that_o every_o friend_n be_v just_o condemn_v if_o they_o be_v not_o at_o unity_n with_o the_o paper_n give_v forth_o by_o the_o sixty-six_a subscriber_n at_o ellis_n hooks_n chamber_n as_o if_o now_o it_o be_v good_a doctrine_n or_o exhortation_n to_o direct_v to_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n that_o appear_v in_o the_o sixty-six_a subscriber_n when_o they_o bring_v forth_o their_o unchristian_a like_a papen_n instead_o of_o direct_v to_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n in_o themselves_o one_o thing_n more_o lie_v upon_o i_o to_o say_v unto_o thou_o that_o though_o among_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o world_n there_o be_v such_o politic_a contrivance_n to_o carry_v on_o their_o design_n as_o to_o engage_v such_o other_o therein_o who_o for_o self-advancement_n become_v of_o a_o temporize_a spirit_n or_o for_o want_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v ready_a to_o follow_v for_o the_o loaf_n for_o be_v of_o a_o mean_a spirit_n be_v hurry_a or_o overawe_v with_o fear_n and_o so_o if_o their_o design_n succeed_v ill_a then_o it_o be_v the_o fruit_n either_o of_o evil_a counsel_n or_o ill_a management_n but_o if_o well_o than_o they_o carry_v away_o the_o glory_n thereof_o yet_o it_o become_v not_o any_o one_o or_o many_o profess_v themselves_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n thus_o to_o do_v and_o now_o to_o conclude_v i_o have_v this_o further_a to_o query_n whether_o thou_o conclude_v thyself_o no_o way_n oblige_v to_o bring_v thy_o write_n to_o the_o second_o day_n meet_v in_o london_n to_o be_v approve_v of_o there_o before_o they_o be_v print_v if_o thou_o do_v not_o thou_o have_v be_v wrong_o represent_v if_o thou_o do_v and_o yet_o think_v all_o other_o friend_n be_v as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v thou_o do_v for_o i_o have_v never_o hear_v that_o thy_o book_n about_o woman_n meeting_n be_v there_o approve_v or_o that_o all_o the_o thing_n therein_o contain_v will_v be_v stand_v by_o or_o own_v by_o any_o one_o friend_n in_o truth_n then_o it_o be_v a_o evident_a token_n thou_o will_v exalt_v thyself_o for_o what_o be_v that_o less_o than_o to_o conclude_v that_o the_o infallible_a spirit_n be_v limit_v to_o appear_v through_o thy_o earthen_a vessel_n only_o for_o if_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n the_o spirit_n be_v the_o judge_n and_o that_o its_o pour_v forth_o in_o our_o day_n be_v upon_o many_o son_n and_o many_o daughter_n why_o then_o shall_v not_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o any_o vessel_n have_v its_o free_a passage_n as_o well_o as_o through_o thou_o or_o why_o must_v some_o write_n give_v forth_o by_o the_o spirit_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o second_o day_n meeting_n to_o be_v approve_v and_o other_o not_o but_o to_o return_v i_o have_v this_o further_a to_o say_v that_o if_o thou_o or_o any_o be_v so_o imaginary_a as_o to_o conclude_v that_o all_o thy_o write_n and_o book_n be_v give_v forth_o by_o the_o infallible_a spirit_n and_o that_o as_o such_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o a_o part_n of_o which_o i_o be_o satisfy_v have_v so_o be_v thereby_o to_o obtain_v proselyte_n against_o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n it_o appear_v to_o i_o as_o if_o thy_o notorious_a err_v from_o the_o infallible_a spirit_n in_o write_v some_o thing_n contain_v in_o thy_o book_n of_o womens-meeting_n have_v be_v permit_v to_o be_v as_o a_o evidence_n record_v against_o all_o such_o who_o ignorant_o look_v upon_o thou_o so_o to_o be_v as_o aforesaid_a and_o therefore_o it_o become_v thou_o to_o be_v humble_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v thy_o error_n therein_o i_o be_o not_o without_o a_o sense_n what_o entertainment_n my_o plain_a deal_v will_v have_v among_o many_o if_o thou_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v read_v or_o spread_v
other_o matter_n that_o the_o agreement_n relate_v not_o to_o the_o rumour_n whereof_o as_o i_o suppose_v come_v to_o g._n f_n ear_n i_o be_v inform_v by_o several_a that_o he_o render_v the_o giver_n forth_o thereof_o or_o at_o least_o one_o of_o they_o covenant-breaker_n and_o it_o be_v credible_o report_v that_o g._n f._n be_v the_o person_n who_o industrious_o spread_v the_o same_o among_o friend_n of_o which_o more_o anon_o as_o a_o evidence_n that_o thomas_n gouldney_n william_n ford_n and_o william_n rogers_n be_v accuse_v on_o this_o score_n for_o covenant-breaker_n we_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o recite_v a_o letter_n write_v unto_o they_o on_o that_o behalf_n the_o copy_n whereof_o do_v follow_v the_o 9th_o of_o the_o 6_o mo._n 78._o thomas_n gouldney_n william_n ford_n and_o william_n rogers_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o john_n story_n be_v and_o john_n willkinson_n be_v party_n who_o be_v know_v or_o unknown_a i_o understand_v that_o you_o have_v a_o meeting_n with_o g._n f._n and_o other_o at_o bristol_n at_o winter_n fair_a last_o and_o article_n and_o covenant_n be_v draw_v and_o agree_v on_o both_o side_n that_o no_o paper_n be_v to_o go_v forth_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o both_o party_n and_o contrary_a to_o all_o covenant_n engagement_n and_o contract_n when_o g.f._n and_o the_o rest_n be_v go_v from_o bristol_n you_o have_v draw_v up_o paper_n concern_v the_o meeting_n manuscript_n book_n some_o thirteen_o sixteen_o or_o twenty_o four_o sheet_n as_o it_o be_v say_v and_o have_v send_v they_o into_o the_o north_n bukinghamshire_n and_o berkshire_n as_o they_o say_v and_o also_o you_o send_v they_o by_o lewis_n landy_n into_o hartfordshire_n and_o bedfordshire_n and_o huntingtonshire_n and_o ride_v up_o and_o down_o to_o dissaffected_a and_o loose_a raw_a people_n but_o this_o work_n have_v get_v you_o no_o credit_n in_o the_o nation_n but_o have_v manifest_v you_o to_o be_v covenant-breaker_n and_o not_o man_n of_o truth_n nor_o credit_n for_o many_o friend_n be_v at_o bristol_n fair_a and_o know_v of_o the_o contract_n and_o covenant_n that_o no_o paper_n shall_v go_v forth_o without_o both_o side_n see_v they_o and_o yet_o you_o contrary_a secret_o in_o a_o underly_a and_o treacherous_a way_n send_v paper_n behind_o the_o back_n of_o they_o that_o be_v concern_v and_o as_o they_o say_v you_o never_o send_v to_o they_o this_o practice_n of_o you_o be_v more_o wicked_a and_o worse_o than_o the_o priest_n and_o so_o in_o this_o presumptuous_a wilful_a work_n of_o you_o to_o defame_v other_o have_v defame_v yourselves_o wherever_o your_o paper_n come_v and_o make_v yourselves_o of_o no_o reputation_n nor_o credit_n among_o man_n nor_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n for_o who_o can_v trust_v or_o believe_v you_o until_o you_o call_v in_o your_o paper_n again_o by_o judgement_n and_o condemnation_n wherever_o you_o have_v send_v they_o for_o such_o work_n as_o your_o spirit_n manifest_v be_v not_o fit_a for_o the_o society_n of_o man_n for_o all_o judicious_a civil_a man_n will_v abhor_v your_o practice_n and_o do_n and_o do_v abhor_v it_o except_o some_o few_o airy_a notionist_n here_o and_o there_o that_o can_v live_v under_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v not_o this_o scripture_n come_v upon_o you_o which_o christ_n say_v when_o the_o unclean_a spirit_n be_v go_v out_o of_o a_o man_n he_o walk_v in_o dry_a place_n and_o return_v again_o with_o seven_o other_o spirit_n worse_o than_o himself_o and_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o that_o man_n be_v worse_a than_o the_o beginning_n and_o will_v not_o some_o of_o you_o have_v be_v ashamed_a to_o have_v break_a covenant_n and_o promise_n as_o you_o have_v do_v now_o before_o you_o be_v convince_v of_o god_n truth_n but_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v the_o wicked_a shall_v grow_v worse_o and_o worse_o sure_o have_v there_o be_v any_o tenderness_n towards_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n that_o do_v not_o change_n and_o have_v there_o be_v any_o regard_n to_o your_o reputation_n as_o man_n than_o wilfulness_n will_v not_o have_v hazard_v all_o but_o in_o that_o wherein_o you_o have_v seek_v to_o defame-others_a and_o make_v they_o of_o no_o credit_n you_o have_v defame_v yourselves_o and_o make_v yourselves_o of_o no_o credit_n in_o all_o country_n where_o your_o book_n have_v come_v among_o sober_a honest_a friend_n that_o keep_v their_o integrity_n which_o indeed_o friend_n at_o the_o general_n meeting_n be_v surprise_v can_v hardly_o believe_v it_o when_o they_o hear_v that_o you_o have_v send_v your_o book_n into_o the_o north_n and_o esum_fw-la etc._n etc._n and_o into_o the_o east_n by_o lewis_n landy_n and_o other_o place_n and_o though_o you_o do_v degenerate_a from_o truth_n yet_o to_o degenerate_v from_o common_a civil_a man_n in_o break_v covenant_n and_o engagement_n before_o so_o many_o witness_n but_o many_o that_o have_v hear_v of_o it_o do_v testify_v against_o it_o in_o all_o country_n where_o it_o come_v and_o say_v that_o will_v 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 sober_a man_n in_o all_o country_n where_o your_o paper_n have_v come_v to_o your_o proselyte_n which_o indeed_o be_v not_o very_o many_o and_o they_o that_o be_v they_o be_v so_o ashamed_a of_o your_o work_n that_o we_o can_v get_v a_o copy_n but_o lewis_n landy_n have_v promise_v a_o copy_n as_o it_o be_v say_v and_o what_o you_o and_o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n do_v sow_v that_o will_v you_o reap_v when_o god_n judgement_n come_v upon_o you_o and_o you_o reward_v according_a to_o your_o work_n and_o when_o grim_a death_n seize_v upon_o you_o who_o work_n you_o be_v do_v in_o wilful_a darkness_n then_o remember_v how_o you_o have_v justify_v the_o wicked_a and_o condemn_v the_o innocent_a and_o your_o latter_a end_n as_o christ_n say_v be_v worse_o than_o the_o beginning_n but_o i_o desire_v that_o you_o may_v repent_v and_o condemn_v all_o that_o have_v be_v do_v by_o you_o on_o this_o wise_a and_o bring_v john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n to_o condemn_v it_o also_o and_o so_o come_v again_o into_o your_o first_o love_n and_o into_o unity_n with_o friend_n for_o at_o present_a we_o see_v and_o take_v notice_n in_o our_o country_n that_o none_o but_o who_o be_v of_o loose_a spirit_n be_v affect_v with_o your_o work_n for_o common_a honest_a man_n abhor_v they_o s._n h._n that_o now_o the_o reader_n may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o pretend_a ground_n wherefore_o this_o abusive_a report_n be_v so_o confident_o spread_v we_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o peruse_v the_o treatise_n the_o note_v the_o say_a agreement_n be_v before_o cite_v in_o this_o treatise_n agreement_n make_v between_o and_o william_n rogers_n on_o behalf_n of_o themselves_o and_o friend_n concern_v which_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o last_o recite_v relation_n of_o passage_n in_o the_o 12._o section_n and_o therein_o they_o shall_v find_v that_o each_o party_n have_v liberty_n to_o have_v a_o scribe_n to_o take_v passage_n in_o the_o conference_n which_o to_o they_o several_o shall_v seem_v meet_a and_o that_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v read_v and_o final_o agree_v by_o both_o party_n to_o be_v record_v the_o same_o shall_v be_v at_o the_o end_n of_o every_o meet_v subscribe_v by_o both_o party_n and_o by_o at_o least_o six_o credible_a person_n of_o each_o side_n but_o not_o a_o word_n intimate_v that_o no_o other_o relation_n shall_v go_v forth_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o that_o agreement_n be_v not_o to_o obstruct_v any_o member_n of_o the_o meeting_n if_o no_o memorial_n of_o passage_n in_o the_o conference_n can_v by_o agreement_n be_v record_v to_o give_v a_o relation_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o have_v it_o be_v so_o intend_v there_o will_v have_v be_v a_o article_n to_o that_o purpose_n to_o be_v a_o bond_n on_o the_o person_n between_o who_o the_o agreement_n be_v make_v and_o that_o they_o shall_v
therefore_o the_o less_o i_o do_v lake_n notice_n of_o they_o because_o i_o know_v they_o to_o be_v all_o false_a and_o malicious_a charge_n from_o the_o word_n all_o false_a and_o malicious_a charge_n i_o refer_v it_o to_o the_o reader_n to_o consider_v whether_o there_o be_v not_o about_o five_o or_o six_o lie_n more_o whereof_o he_o may_v from_o thence_o be_v detect_v and_o that_o from_o the_o view_n of_o his_o own_o reply_n only_o beside_o that_o which_o may_v be_v term_v forgery_n in_o add_v to_o my_o word_n viz._n beforementioned_a which_o word_n be_v none_o of_o i_o but_o he_o and_o as_o i_o take_v it_o to_o render_v i_o to_o speak_v what_o i_o neither_o think_v or_o intend_v my_o first_o query_n be_v about_o his_o stay_n almost_o a_o quarter_n of_o a_o year_n from_o meet_v or_o at_o least_o a_o very_a considerable_a time_n though_o hold_v in_o the_o very_a house_n of_o his_o residence_n this_o he_o deny_v not_o but_o pretend_v he_o be_v weak_a so_o that_o the_o breath_n of_o people_n sit_v near_o he_o do_v overcome_v he_o further_o add_v these_o his_o very_a own_o word_n viz._n so_o that_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o i_o to_o sit_v by_o any_o out_o of_o the_o meeting_n much_o more_o in_o it_o in_o my_o three_o query_n it_o be_v thus_o say_v 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 to_o this_o g._n f._n answer_n thou_o have_v not_o particularise_v any_o though_o thou_o have_v general_o charge_v i_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v a_o groundless_a accusation_n and_o calumny_n on_o this_o query_n i_o take_v occasion_n to_o observe_v that_o he_o be_v detectable_a of_o several_a lie_n from_o the_o view_n of_o his_o own_o paper_n if_o isaac_n penington_n and_o mary_n his_o wife_n may_v be_v proper_o term_v the_o rich_a and_o if_o they_o may_v not_o i_o query_n of_o g.f._n whether_o any_o among_o we_o may_v the_o one_a lie_n whereof_o i_o take_v he_o on_o this_o occasion_n to_o be_v detectable_a be_v that_o he_o say_v thus_o thou_o have_v not_o particularise_v any_o when_o in_o my_o paper_n i_o have_v thus_o in_o particular_a query_v whether_o thou_o g._n f._n whilst_o isaac_n penington_n be_v in_o prison_n and_o in_o expectation_n of_o be_v premunire_v do_v not_o advise_v or_o at_o least_o encourage_v mary_n the_o wife_n of_o isaac_n penington_n to_o secure_v she_o or_o their_o estate_n if_o thou_o deny_v it_o i_o shall_v undertake_v to_o prove_v it_o or_o bring_v testimony_n under_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o credible_a friend_n in_o truth_n that_o mary_n penington_n do_v signify_v so_o much_o the_o second_o i_o take_v notice_n of_o be_v these_o his_o word_n though_o thou_o have_v general_o charge_v i_o to_o which_o i_o say_v i_o do_v not_o for_o i_o name_v not_o the_o rich_a in_o general_a and_o with_o this_o he_o charge_v i_o again_o in_o his_o reply_n in_o these_o word_n viz._n as_o thou_o go_v over_v and_o over_o thy_o paper_n of_o false_a charge_n that_o i_o shall_v advise_v the_o rich_a in_o a_o general_a way_n to_o secure_v their_o estate_n the_o 3d_o i_o take_v notice_n of_o on_o this_o occasion_n be_v from_o this_o word_n groundless_a when_o as_o he_o do_v not_o deny_v that_o he_o do_v so_o advise_v mary_n penington_n signify_v also_o that_o if_o mary_n penington_n in_o her_o weakness_n do_v secure_v her_o land_n for_o she_o and_o her_o child_n etc._n etc._n yet_o what_o be_v this_o to_o thy_o make_v away_o thy_o estate_n &_o c_o and_o so_o bid_v i_o make_v what_o i_o can_v of_o it_o say_v she_o be_v but_o a_o particular_a case_n which_o lead_v i_o to_o observe_v thus_o much_o that_o my_o query_n be_v not_o groundless_a and_o so_o this_o may_v as_o i_o take_v it_o just_o be_v term_v the_o three_o lie_n whereof_o he_o be_v detectable_a from_o these_o his_o before-cited_n word_n viz._n thou_o have_v not_o particularise_v any_o though_o thou_o have_v general_o charge_v i_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v a_o groundless_a accusation_n and_o calumny_n but_o that_o which_o aggravate_v his_o error_n the_o more_o be_v his_o thus_o say_v i_o never_o advise_v thou_o to_o make_v away_o thy_o estate_n nor_o none_o else_o as_o if_o mary_n penington_n be_v no_o body_n and_o as_o to_o these_o his_o word_n yet_o what_o be_v this_o to_o thy_o make_v away_o thy_o estate_n i_o answer_v and_o confess_v that_o g._n f._n among_o his_o many_o lie_n have_v write_v some_o truth_n for_o it_o be_v very_o true_a it_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o make_v away_o my_o estate_n doubtless_o it_o only_o secure_v their_o own_o and_o not_o i_o neither_o be_v g._n f._n ever_o so_o friendly_a to_o i_o as_o to_o take_v so_o much_o care_n of_o i_o and_o my_o family_n beside_o on_o another_o score_n i_o may_v say_v it_o be_v nothing_o to_o i_o because_o i_o never_o profess_v myself_o principled_a to_o walk_v by_o other_o people_n outward_a pattern_n without_o know_v a_o better_a ground_n so_o to_o do_v than_o a_o mere_a outward_a example_n neither_o do_v i_o so_o do_v from_o any_o dispensation_n give_v i_o from_o g._n f._n or_o any_o body_n else_o and_o if_o any_o shall_v seem_v displease_v at_o my_o use_v the_o word_n dispensation_n on_o this_o occasion_n to_o be_v plain_a i_o shall_v tell_v the_o reader_n in_o short_a that_o i_o find_v g.f._n in_o his_o reply_n thus_o to_o say_v on_o the_o very_a occasion_n relate_v to_o mary_n penington_n viz._n for_o sometime_o when_o people_n be_v weak_a and_o tender_a and_o in_o trouble_n they_o be_v to_o be_v leave_v in_o some_o case_n which_o they_o can_v bear_v as_o in_o another_o case_n the_o apostle_n say_v concern_v day_n etc._n etc._n but_o when_o they_o will_v make_v a_o sect_n of_o it_o and_o their_o principle_n as_o thou_o do_v than_o the_o apostle_n judge_v they_o on_o which_o word_n of_o george_n fox_n these_o necessary_a observation_n may_v be_v make_v if_o friend_n of_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v leave_v in_o some_o case_n than_o according_a as_o i_o take_v g._n f_n mean_v to_o be_v some_o body_n be_v to_o leave_v they_o this_o some_o body_n in_o this_o case_n i_o take_v to_o be_v g._n f._n suppose_v himself_o invest_v with_o power_n in_o some_o case_n over_o friend_n to_o leave_v they_o here_o i_o be_o sensible_a the_o reader_n may_v query_n what_o be_v they_o to_o be_v leave_v to_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v g._n f._n do_v not_o in_o so_o many_o word_n tell_v what_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v plain_a his_o mean_v be_v if_o it_o be_v just_a to_o measure_v his_o mean_v by_o his_o word_n not_o to_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o for_o then_o mary_n penington_n in_o probability_n will_v not_o have_v act_v according_a to_o his_o advice_n because_o g._n f._n in_o his_o answer_n say_v he_o hear_v mary_n say_v she_o dare_v not_o remove_v her_o movable_a good_n and_o therefore_o i_o reasonable_o suppose_v that_o his_o further_a mean_v be_v that_o he_o have_v power_n to_o dispense_v with_o friend_n do_v something_o contrary_a to_o what_o they_o according_a to_o their_o own_o measure_n receive_v have_v freedom_n in_o themselves_o to_o do_v which_o to_o i_o be_v further_o evidence_v from_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o his_o word_n which_o be_v these_o but_o when_o they_o will_v make_v a_o sect_n of_o it_o and_o their_o principle_n as_o thou_o do_v than_o the_o apostle_n judge_v they_o to_o which_o i_o say_v he_o have_v quote_v no_o scripture_n to_o prove_v his_o assertion_n and_o i_o affirm_v he_o be_v capable_a to_o quote_v none_o for_o proof_n thus_o to_o write_v as_o a_o just_a parallel_n in_o my_o case_n however_o his_o word_n serve_v effectual_o to_o manifest_v unto_o i_o his_o pride_n or_o ignorance_n for_o by_o these_o his_o word_n make_v a_o sect_n of_o it_o and_o their_o principle_n compare_v with_o what_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v on_o this_o occasion_n show_v to_o i_o that_o act_v according_a to_o one_o principle_n in_o some_o case_n at_o least_o without_o a_o allowance_n so_o to_o do_v from_o g._n f._n be_v worthy_a of_o condemnation_n which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o his_o pride_n or_o ignorance_n all_o which_o be_v consider_v occasion_n i_o to_o query_n of_o g._n f._n whether_o it_o be_v not_o deceit_n in_o he_o to_o insinuate_v as_o if_o mary_n peningtons_n secure_n her_o estate_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o her_o weakness_n when_o it_o seem_v clear_o to_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o do_v in_o persuance_n of_o his_o advice_n but_o also_o he_o himself_o confess_v in_o his_o answer_n that_o he_o hear_v mary_n penington_n say_v she_o dare_v not_o remove_v her_o movable_a good_n and_o
we_o never_o know_v that_o he_o have_v flinch_v but_o have_v endure_v patient_o as_o also_o the_o know_a care_n that_o have_v be_v upon_o he_o for_o the_o preserve_v and_o encourage_v of_o all_o by_o word_n and_o pattern_n to_o stand_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n and_o this_o we_o think_v fit_a to_o insert_v as_o person_n concern_v for_o the_o vindication_n of_o our_o dear_a friend_n george_n fox_n innocency_n in_o this_o case_n which_o we_o have_v do_v according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o remembrance_n who_o never_o see_v any_o just_a occasion_n for_o such_o a_o charge_n as_o william_n rogers_n have_v so_o wicked_o asperse_v he_o with_o john_n ware_n and_o twenty_o seven_o person_n more_o i_o now_o come_v to_o make_v some_o observation_n on_o the_o above_o certificate_n they_o render_v i_o false_a charge_v and_o seem_v concern_v to_o vindicate_v g._n f_n innocency_n in_o this_o case_n yet_o they_o have_v do_v it_o but_o at_o a_o very_a poor_a rate_n much_o like_o the_o perjure_a informer_n that_o on_o the_o late_a act_n have_v appear_v against_o friend_n for_o first_o they_o say_v it_o be_v a_o false_a charge_n which_o be_v a_o positive_a testimony_n against_o i_o wherein_o they_o undertake_v to_o prove_v such_o a_o negative_a which_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v prove_v by_o they_o unless_o they_o have_v be_v eye_n witness_n of_o what_o george_n fox_n do_v in_o every_o meeting_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n at_o the_o meetinghouse_n in_o broad-mead_n that_o i_o also_o be_v present_a at_o but_o that_o by_o their_o certificate_n it_o seem_v they_o dare_v not_o say_v for_o when_o they_o come_v to_o disprove_v i_o by_o particular_a evidence_n they_o then_o thus_o say_v we_o be_v general_o all_o of_o we_o at_o all_z or_o most_o of_o the_o meeting_n at_o which_o george_n fox_n be_v here_o and_o that_o we_o never_o know_v or_o can_v remember_v that_o ever_o any_o persecutor_n come_v up_o the_o stair_n while_o george_n fox_n be_v speak_v i_o appeal_v now_o to_o every_o impartial_a understanding_n reader_n whether_o my_o charge_v of_o he_o for_o step_v down_o on_o a_o sudden_a and_o hasten_v out_o of_o the_o meeting_n must_v be_v wrong_a because_o they_o never_o know_v another_o matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v to_o other_o or_o whether_o it_o do_v follow_v that_o the_o persecutor_n do_v not_o come_v up_o the_o stair_n at_o no_o such_o meeting_n because_o they_o do_v know_v or_o remember_v the_o matter_n when_o not_o assign_v to_o any_o meeting_n wherein_o they_o dare_v say_v that_o they_o be_v present_a they_o say_v that_o i_o have_v charge_v george_n fox_n to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a fleer_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n of_o any_o that_o i_o know_v profess_v the_o truth_n and_o account_v by_o other_o a_o faithful_a friend_n herein_o they_o as_o i_o take_v it_o and_o as_o i_o be_o persuade_v all_o impartial_a reader_n will_v false_o charge_v i_o my_o word_n be_v these_o and_o if_o report_n 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 etc._n etc._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 three_o they_o say_v that_o i_o for_o confirmation_n thereof_o bring_v a_o instance_n of_o a_o meeting_n here_o at_o brastol_a which_o george_n fox_n be_v present_a at_o about_o 15_o year_n since_o etc._n etc._n this_o also_o can_v be_v take_v to_o be_v a_o true_a charge_n from_o my_o word_n not_o only_o be_v cause_n i_o do_v not_o positive_o charge_v he_o to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a fleer_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n etc._n etc._n but_o also_o because_o i_o do_v not_o signify_v the_o time_n at_o which_o the_o meeting_n be_v hold_v though_o they_o say_v it_o be_v about_o 15_o year_n since_o and_o so_o it_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v detect_v of_o several_a lie_n by_o compare_v their_o testimony_n with_o what_o i_o have_v write_v this_o occasion_n i_o to_o observe_v that_o they_o do_v not_o say_v they_o never_o know_v or_o can_v remember_v that_o he_o step_v down_o and_o hasten_v out_o of_o the_o meeting_n at_o a_o back-pair_n of_o stair_n which_o be_v the_o matter_n wherewith_o i_o charge_v he_o with_o the_o sight_n of_o my_o own_o eye_n and_o other_o also_o on_o this_o occasion_n and_o this_o also_o i_o know_v that_o his_o so_o departure_n be_v a_o very_a considerable_a time_n before_o the_o meeting_n break_v up_o and_o be_v it_o not_o so_o that_o these_o false_a witness-bearer_n be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o that_o about_o fifteen_o year_n since_o george_n fox_n so_o do_v as_o i_o say_v my_o eye_n be_v witness_v of_o what_o reason_n shall_v they_o have_v for_o limit_v my_o charge_n to_o that_o time_n i_o shall_v now_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o impartial_a reader_n to_o consider_v whether_o john_n ware_n and_o the_o other_o twenty_o seven_o person_n do_v not_o just_o deserve_v the_o title_n of_o false-witness-bearer_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o since_o george_n fox_n in_o his_o answer_n to_o i_o have_v signify_v on_o this_o occasion_n that_o he_o believe_v there_o be_v many_o in_o bristol_n that_o will_v witness_v against_o this_o false_a charge_n it_o be_v not_o rational_a to_o suppose_v that_o the_o aforesaid_a john_n ware_n and_o the_o other_o twenty_o seven_o subscriber_n have_v be_v by_o he_o betray_v to_o affirm_v whereof_o they_o know_v not_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o their_o testimony_n be_v lame_a and_o not_o sufficient_a to_o serve_v his_o turn_n not_o only_o for_o the_o reason_n aforesaid_a but_o also_o because_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o affirm_v that_o the_o meeting_n hold_v about_o fifteen_o year_n since_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n and_o that_o he_o stay_v therein_o until_o the_o meet_v end_v one_o thing_n more_o be_v observable_a g._n f._n inform_v i_o some_o say_v my_o paper_n be_v not_o worth_a answer_v to_o which_o i_o say_v doubtless_o these_o word_n come_v from_o some_o of_o george_n fox_n be_v party_n and_o since_o george_n fox_n have_v act_v contrary_a to_o their_o sense_n and_o write_v six_o sheet_n of_o paper_n in_o answer_n to_o one_o of_o i_o what_o be_v become_v of_o their_o unity_n now_o and_o whether_o this_o show_v not_o that_o they_o be_v in_o confusion_n among_o themselves_o especial_o since_o g._n f._n in_o his_o answer_n say_v the_o less_o i_o do_v take_v notice_n of_o they_o because_o i_o know_v they_o to_o be_v detect_v be_v by_o george_n fox_n rule_n those_o who_o matter_n not_o what_o they_o say_v etc._n etc._n be_v exercise_v by_o this_o spirit_n that_o make_v some_o like_a devil_n witness_v his_o before-cited_n word_n speak_v as_o he_o be_v walk_v in_o nathaniel_n crip_n his_o chamber_n which_o occasion_n i_o to_o query_n from_o his_o word_n all_o false_a and_o malicious_a charge_n whether_o by_o his_o own_o rule_n he_o have_v not_o manifest_v himself_o to_o be_v exercise_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n for_o have_v he_o be_v a_o man_n that_o have_v take_v care_n to_o have_v affirm_v nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n he_o will_v not_o have_v be_v the_o publisher_n as_o well_o as_o author_n of_o so_o many_o lie_v and_o falsehood_n whereof_o to_o his_o shame_n he_o be_v detect_v all_o false_a malicious_a charge_n whenas_o he_o have_v not_o only_o write_v six_o sheet_n of_o paper_n for_o the_o copy_n deliver_v i_o contain_v so_o many_o by_o way_n of_o answer_n which_o be_v a_o take_a notice_n thereof_o at_o a_o large_a rate_n but_o also_o it_o appear_v that_o many_o of_o they_o which_o by_o his_o general_a expression_n he_o account_v false_a charge_n be_v not_o in_o his_o particular_a answer_n deny_v to_o be_v true_a but_o rather_o a_o own_n thereof_o be_v plain_o imply_v from_o his_o word_n as_o be_v already_o manifest_v this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v one_o sign_n or_o token_n that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o servant_n john_n wilkinson_n be_v fulfil_v i_o now_o come_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o g._n f._n accuse_v i_o that_o i_o threaten_v the_o constable_n at_o their_o peril_n not_o to_o meddle_v with_o any_o thing_n of_o i_o within_o door_n etc._n etc._n this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o false_a charge_n my_o word_n on_o that_o occasion_n be_v to_o this_o purpose_n the_o door_n be_v open_a the_o good_n in_o the_o house_n be_v i_o they_o may_v go_v in_o and_o there_o be_v enough_o but_o then_o i_o also_o tell_v they_o that_o if_o they_o do_v meddle_v etc._n etc._n before_o i_o speak_v with_o the_o justice_n i_o shall_v lay_v that_o injustice_n at_o their_o door_n because_o of_o right_n i_o ought_v to_o be_v first_o hear_v before_o my_o good_n ought_v to_o be_v
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
myself_o at_o bristol_n anno_fw-la 1677._o and_o in_o divers_a other_o paper_n in_o the_o give_v forth_o whereof_o i_o have_v be_v concern_v since_o that_o day_n wherein_o it_o have_v evident_o appear_v that_o such_o as_o can_v be_v subject_a to_o some_o outward_a order_n or_o prescription_n give_v forth_o by_o george_n fox_n or_o some_o other_o assume_v authority_n so_o to_o do_v be_v judge_v and_o condemn_v for_o refuse_v submission_n without_o true_a regard_n to_o a_o conscientious_a scruple_n as_o if_o the_o exaltation_n of_o christ_n government_n in_o the_o heart_n consist_v in_o conformity_n to_o other_o man_n line_n make_v ready_a to_o our_o hand_n a_o lively_a instance_n hereof_o may_v be_v easy_o discern_v by_o those_o who_o shall_v peruse_v the_o forty_o four_o article_n of_o accusation_n draw_v up_o against_o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n and_o proceed_n in_o relation_n thereunto_o both_o before_o and_o after_o the_o four_o day_n meet_v at_o drawel_n especial_o if_o compare_v with_o the_o paper_n give_v forth_o from_o ellis_n hook_n chamber_n date_v the_o 12_o of_o the_o four_o month_n 1677_o subscribe_v by_o charles_n marshal_n and_o 65_o person_n more_o and_o the_o answer_n thereunto_o all_o which_o be_v record_v in_o the_o manuscript_n first_o make_v mention_n of_o in_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o one_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a quaker_n ready_a for_o perusal_n of_o any_o friend_n desire_v to_o view_v the_o same_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o these_o thing_n can_v i_o true_o say_v that_o my_o heart_n be_v even_o melt_v before_o the_o lord_n that_o iniquity_n shall_v grow_v to_o so_o high_a a_o pitch_n in_o any_o that_o be_v professor_n of_o truth_n as_o to_o write_v at_o so_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a a_o rate_n as_o john_n blaykling_n have_v do_v and_o yet_o bring_v forth_o nothing_o that_o do_v in_o truth_n prove_v i_o worthy_a of_o the_o least_o of_o his_o evil_a reflection_n which_o now_o lead_v i_o to_o manifest_v unto_o the_o reader_n what_o be_v the_o particular_a matter_n of_o fact_n that_o he_o charge_v i_o with_o since_o it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o that_o shall_v have_v be_v by_o he_o lay_v down_o as_o evidence_n that_o i_o be_o worthy_a of_o his_o general_n and_o gross_a reflection_n in_o order_n hereunto_o i_o say_v i_o have_v diligent_o peruse_v his_o postscript_n several_a time_n over_o on_o purpose_n to_o notify_v every_o particular_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o in_o his_o or_o any_o one_o sense_n i_o do_v suppose_v may_v be_v account_v evil_a and_o do_v not_o find_v more_o than_o these_o two_o particular_n follow_v here_o cite_v word_n for_o word_n out_o of_o john_n blaykling_n postscript_n the_o first_o be_v on_o this_o wise_a and_o as_o to_o that_o particular_a reflection_n cast_v upon_o he_o which_o william_n rogers_n if_o his_o interrogation_n be_v a_o affirmation_n of_o the_o matter_n will_v ground_v a_o accusation_n upon_o viz._n be_v 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 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 have_v thus_o repeat_v my_o word_n he_o proceed_v and_o say_v i_o answer_v if_o william_n rogers_n affirm_v that_o i_o have_v a_o burden_n on_o my_o spirit_n with_o respect_n to_o george_n fox_n as_o out_o of_o god_n counsel_n in_o that_o matter_n or_o as_o depart_v from_o the_o truth_n i_o do_v testify_v that_o he_o affirm_v a_o untruth_n and_o that_o it_o do_v arise_v in_o he_o from_o a_o spirit_n of_o envy_n watch_v for_o evil_a against_o the_o innocent_a who_o god_n justify_v on_o this_o i_o observe_v that_o john_n blaykling_n can_v lay_v all_o his_o general_n and_o gross_a reflection_n at_o my_o door_n on_o that_o account_n because_o he_o himself_o do_v not_o take_v it_o to_o be_v a_o charge_n unless_o my_o interogation_n be_v a_o affirmation_n which_o he_o do_v not_o there_o affirm_v it_o to_o be_v neither_o do_v i_o ever_o intend_v it_o so_o yet_o it_o be_v rational_a to_o conclude_v from_o the_o aforesaid_a word_n of_o john_n blaykling_n that_o i_o have_v ground_n so_o to_o query_n and_o therefore_o i_o now_o appeal_v unto_o god_n witness_n in_o all_o conscience_n whether_o john_n blaykling_n be_v not_o find_v contradict_v himself_o since_o in_o his_o postscript_n he_o thus_o say_v be_v this_o the_o shift_n you_o be_v put_v to_o that_o he_o meaning_n john_n wilkinson_n shall_v not_o be_v find_v a_o false_a prophet_n to_o charge_v a_o lie_n upon_o i_o to_o defame_v the_o innocent_a withal_o mean_v as_o may_v reasonable_o be_v take_v with_o respect_n to_o what_o i_o query_n as_o aforesaid_a with_o relation_n to_o he_o and_o george_n fox_n which_o to_o i_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o john_n wilkinson_n be_v fulfil_v since_o it_o appear_v as_o aforesaid_a that_o my_o query_n be_v not_o groundless_a and_o that_o george_n fox_n account_v it_o a_o false_a charge_n and_o though_o john_n blaykling_n proceed_v to_o query_n do_v not_o the_o lord_n confound_v you_o in_o all_o your_o undertake_n yet_o there_o appear_v to_o i_o no_o ground_n for_o his_o so_o query_v but_o rather_o that_o his_o and_z g._n f_n confusion_n to_o their_o shame_n be_v abundant_o manifest_v from_o what_o may_v be_v visible_a to_o every_o impartial_a understanding_n reader_n that_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o compare_v all_o write_v by_o george_n fox_n john_n blaykle_v and_o myself_o on_o this_o occasion_n without_o other_o proof_n the_o second_o particular_a matter_n of_o fact_n lay_v by_o john_n blaykle_v to_o my_o charge_n be_v on_o this_o wise_a and_o whereas_o william_n rogers_n ask_v if_o george_n fox_n will_v not_o have_v account_v this_o in_o another_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o careless_a slothful_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 &_o c_o implicit_o thereby_o charge_v he_o with_o it_o to_o which_o john_n blaykle_v thus_o say_v may_v not_o william_n rogers_n have_v apply_v this_o at_o home_n who_o know_v in_o his_o conscience_n what_o a_o libertine_n loose_a and_o dark_a spirit_n depart_v from_o his_o subjection_n to_o the_o truth_n he_o have_v give_v way_n to_o and_o have_v take_v a_o liberty_n to_o himself_o to_o make_v away_o his_o visible_a estate_n or_o at_o least_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o it_o to_o avoid_v suffer_v thereby_o on_o this_o i_o observe_v that_o as_o to_o this_o particular_a with_o respect_n to_o secure_v a_o part_n of_o my_o estate_n jo._n blaykling_n can_v lay_v all_o his_o profane_a and_o wicked_a charge_n against_o i_o at_o my_o door_n on_o that_o account_n without_o contradiction_n to_o his_o large_a testimony_n for_o george_n fox_n as_o a_o man_n that_o be_v spotless_a and_o still_o keep_v his_o integrity_n because_o george_n fox_n deny_v not_o as_o before_o be_v manifest_v that_o he_o advise_v mary_n the_o wife_n of_o isaac_n penington_n to_o secure_v she_o or_o their_o estate_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o spoiler_n my_o last_o observation_n be_v on_o john_n blaykling_n beginning_n of_o his_o postscript_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v to_o i_o that_o one_o of_o his_o end_n be_v to_o appear_v thus_o public_a as_o a_o witness_n on_o behalf_n of_o george_n fox_n to_o clear_v all_o aspersion_n that_o myself_o and_o other_o have_v cast_v on_o he_o as_o afore_o mention_v and_o indeed_o he_o have_v do_v it_o excellent_o well_o if_o testify_v that_o g._n f._n be_v spotless_a without_o enter_v into_o the_o merit_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v a_o sufficient_a proof_n but_o if_o not_o his_o testimony_n and_o certificate_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o no_o credit_n however_o it_o occasion_n i_o to_o note_v what_o irreligious_a confidence_n attend_v he_o thus_o to_o appear_v as_o a_o witness_n to_o clear_v g._n f._n of_o many_o thing_n he_o know_v nothing_o of_o for_o john_n blaykle_v be_v not_o with_o george_n fox_n at_o bristol_n and_o with_o nathaniel_n crip_n when_o occasion_n of_o nathaniel_n crip_n his_o charge_n touch_v g._n f_o be_v advise_v he_o to_o buy_v his_o tithe_n be_v take_v and_o yet_o john_n blaykling_n certificate_n as_o by_o the_o scope_n thereof_o do_v plain_o appear_v to_o i_o be_v to_o clear_a g.f._n from_o all_o aspersion_n whatsoever_o or_o from_o whosoever_o to_o be_v plain_a such_o attempt_n be_v a_o shame_n and_o scandal_n to_o religion_n and_o be_v a_o abhorrency_n to_o man_n of_o common_a and_o moral_a honesty_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v that_o since_o that_o day_n wherein_o john_n blaykle_v robert_n barrow_n and_o two_o other_o give_v it_o under_o their_o hand_n in_o a_o letter_n to_o friend_n at_o bristol_n that_o they_o by_o
part_n p._n 7_o 8._o see_v also_o the_o 3_o d._n part_n p._n 7_o 8._o the_o general-assemble_o of_o the_o cburch_n of_o the_o first-born_a 3_o d._n part_n p._n 74_o 78._o member_n of_o christ_n body_n not_o certain_o describable_a by_o outward_a mark_n and_o token_n outward_a order_n insufficient_a for_o their_o conservation_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 57_o 58._o no_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n one_o more_o than_o another_o be_v exempt_v from_o be_v liable_a to_o err_v pag._n 75_o 76_o 77_o 78._o n_n  _fw-fr o_fw-fr obedience_n what_o kind_n of_o obedience_n find_v acceptance_n &_o what_o not_o 3_o d._n part_n p._n 26_o 33._o see_v church-government_n though_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n make_v many_o righteous_a yet_o it_o be_v no_o proof_n that_o any_o be_v or_o can_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o that_o righteousness_n while_o sin_n reign_v in_o the_o mortal_a body_n 2_o d._n part_n p._n 67_o 68_o opposer_n from_o a_o objection_n raise_v occasion_n be_v take_v to_o show_v the_o difference_n between_o we_o and_o our_o opposer_n though_o our_o language_n relate_v to_o principle_n and_o practice_n in_o some_o thing_n agree_v 1_o st_o part_n p._n 30_o 31._o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o can_v be_v establish_v by_o man_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 25._o outward_a order_n the_o establisher_n thereof_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o christ_n government_n invader_n of_o christ_n prerogative_n 1_o st_o part_n p._n 4._o reason_n give_v why_o they_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o be_v account_v a_o part_n of_o christ_n government_n 3_o d._n prt_n p._n 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 11_o 23_o 24._o see_v 1_o st_o part_n p_o 6_o 7_o 8._o see_v church-government_n p_o perfection_n every_o gift_n of_o god_n be_v perfect_a no_o such_o perfect_a state_n attainable_a wherein_o it_o be_v not_o needful_a for_o man_n to_o watch_n 2_o d._n part_n p._n 14._o a_o cessation_n from_o sin_n attainable_a 2_o d._n part_n p._n 14_o 15_o 16_o 19_o 20._o persecution_n a_o objection_n touch_v secure_v outward_a estate_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n christ_n word_n to_o peter_n and_o saul_n action_n of_o save_v agag_n be_v instance_a be_v answer_v 1_o st_o part_n p._n 30_o to_o 36._o plain-language_n on_o what_o ground_n use_v 2_o d._n part_n p._n 34._o power_n of_o decision_n of_o difference_n by_o robert_n barclay_n word_n import_v a_o jurisdiction_n in_o such_o as_o he_o account_v the_o church_n over_o property_n 3._o part_n p._n 35._o observation_n on_o the_o say_a sense_n show_v the_o inconsistency_n thereof_o with_o truth_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 35_o to_o 41._o power_n to_o bound_v and_o loose_v be_v not_o from_o christ_n word_n so_o far_o as_o from_o the_o scripture_n we_o learn_v plead_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o any_o assembly_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o christ_n church_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 66_o 67._o principle_n repute_a by_o robert_n barclay_n the_o bond_n by_o which_o we_o become_v centre_v into_o one_o body_n meaning_n christ_n body_n the_o church_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 54._o his_o assertion_n and_o argument_n refute_v p._n 54_o to_o 59_o the_o like_a he_o say_v touch_v practice_n and_o doctrine_n p._n 54._o professor_n of_o christianity_n how_o they_o come_v to_o disagree_v touch_v some_o religious_a matter_n whenas_o while_o they_o keep_v to_o scripture-language_n they_o agree_v in_o principle_n term_v fundamental_a that_o be_v relative_a to_o the_o matter_n wherein_o they_o differ_v 2_o d._n part_n p._n 69_o 70._o prophet_n raise_v like_o unto_o moses_n be_v christ_n jesus_n and_o no_o other_o be_v own_v by_o we_o like_v unto_o moses_n under_o the_o second_o covenant_n but_o christ_n jesus_n 1_o st_o part_n p._n 10_o 11._o qui_fw-fr  _fw-fr r_o reign_n of_o christ_n be_v by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 4._o robert_n barclay_n a_o answer_n to_o his_o book_n of_o government_n manifest_v erroneous_a doctrine_n hold_v forth_o by_o he_o 3_o d._n part_n p._n 15_o to_o 88_o the_o chief_a matter_n discourse_v of_o in_o the_o say_a answer_n p._n 19_o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o robert_n barclay_n postscript_n to_o the_o say_a book_n by_o way_n of_o epistle_n to_o friend_n wherein_o he_o affirm_v that_o he_o never_o find_v occasion_n to_o repent_v or_o retract_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o matter_n and_o principles_n there_o assert_v by_o he_o and_o further_o also_o that_o though_o the_o thing_n chief_o scruple_v at_o be_v as_o he_o say_v clear_v by_o will_n m._o rogers_n his_o own_o letter_n yet_o that_o all_o may_v be_v satisfy_v by_o have_v they_o from_o his_o own_o hand_n he_o be_v free_a to_o write_v his_o postscript_n william_n rogers_n his_o observation_n adjoin_v to_o the_o say_a postscript_n show_v first_o that_o robert_n barclay_n justify_v his_o book_n second_o that_o the_o pretend_a letter_n of_o william_n rogers_n be_v by_o robert_n barclay_n acknowledge_v to_o contain_v robert_z barclay_n sense_n and_o explication_n of_o the_o matter_n scruple_v in_o his_o book_n three_o that_o his_o postscript_n be_v write_v that_o all_o may_v have_v his_o sense_n of_o the_o matter_n chief_o scruple_v under_o his_o own_o hand_n according_a to_o the_o explication_n give_v in_o william_n rogers_n his_o pretend_a letter_n four_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o the_o explication_n in_o the_o say_a letter_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o his_o book_n nor_o yet_o all_o of_o they_o in_o his_o postscript_n neither_o do_v his_o postscript_n and_o book_n agree_v nor_o yet_o either_o of_o they_o with_o truth_n in_o many_o thing_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 99_o to_o 124._o rule_v see_v church-government_n s_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n see_v kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o justification_n satan_n 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 viz._n such_o as_o have_v zeal_n without_o knowledge_n such_o as_o have_v knowledge_n without_o zeal_n and_o other_o that_o have_v abound_v in_o confidence_n without_o either_o knowledge_n or_o zeal_n 1_o st_o part_n p._n 69_o to_o 78._o schism_n the_o ground_n thereof_o and_o some_o mark_n by_o which_o it_o be_v know_v 3_o d._n part_n p._n 41_o 42._o scripture_n may_v be_v a_o instrument_n through_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o faith_n in_o christ_n may_v be_v attain_v unto_o 2_o d._n part_n p._n 3_o 4._o and_o albeit_o they_o have_v be_v own_v by_o we_o and_o our_o ancient_a friend_n to_o be_v a_o rule_n yet_o we_o have_v not_o own_v they_o to_o be_v the_o infallible_a rule_n but_o instead_o thereof_o the_o spirit_n and_o yet_o they_o have_v be_v of_o late_o strain_v by_o robert_n barclay_n to_o make_v they_o the_o rule_n to_o rule_v over_o our_o brethren_n p._n 48_o 49_o 50_o 51._o see_v church-government_n sentence_n or_o degree_n of_o any_o assembly_n though_o pretend_v themselves_o the_o church_n in_o matter_n relate_v to_o conscience_n no_o bond_n upon_o believer_n without_o inward_a conviction_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 58_o 61_o 62._o see_v believer_n sin_n see_v perfection_n spirit_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o this_o kind_n of_o our_o opposer_n language_n viz._n dark_a leaven_a rend_v divide_v separate_a spirit_n 1_o st_o part_n p._n 6._o spiritual_a matter_n cognizable_a by_o the_o government_n hold_v forth_o by_o robert_n barclay_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 53._o swear_v under_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n not_o lawful_a in_o any_o case_n 2_o d._n part_n 37_o 38_o 39_o submission_n to_o any_o assembly_n that_o in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n may_v be_v term_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o plead_v for_o by_o robert_n barclay_n as_o that_o want_n of_o sight_n shall_v not_o excuse_v be_v guilty_a of_o disobey_v god_n 3_o d._n pare_v p._n 69._o that_o sense_n refute_v his_o perversion_n of_o the_o scripture_n cite_v discover_v 3_o d._n part_n p._n 69_o to_o 80._o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o night_n before_o he_o be_v betray_v p._n 51._o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n at_o that_o supper_n own_v p._n 51_o 52._o scripture_n repute_v to_o relate_v to_o that_o practice_n explain_v p._n 52_o to_o 61._o t_o testimony_n in_o what_o case_n these_o word_n let_v th'testimony_n of_o friend_n arise_v have_v be_v notorious_o abuse_v 1_o st_o part_n p._n 18_o 19_o tradition_n see_v church-government_n tree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a can_v proper_o be_v a_o comparison_n to_o represent_v knowledge_n that_o be_v devilish_a or_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v evil_a 2_o d._n part_n p._n 28_o 29._o tithe_n no_o gospel-maintenance_n to_o a_o gospel-ministry_n 2_o d._n part_n p._n 40_o to_o 44._o u_o unity_n divers_a thing_n lay_v down_o wherein_o the_o faithful_a be_v at_o unity_n 1_o st_o part_n p._n 2_o 3_o 4._o in_o what_o sense_n the_o apostle_n exhort_v thereto_o 1_o st_o part_n p._n 36_o 37._o inconvenience_n attend_v this_o doctrine_n no_o unity_n but_o in_o conformity_n 1_o st_o part_n p._n 72_o 73._o a_o universal_a establish_v unity_n with_o respect_n to_o faith_n and_o discipline_n relate_v to_o believer_n in_o christ_n by_o outward_a instrument_n be_v inconsi_v with_o gospel-liberty_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 82_o to_o 86._o see_v believer_n the_o mark_n of_o a_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n in_o unity_n with_o the_o body_n be_v a_o inward_a invisible_a mark_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 83_o 84._o w_n war_n not_o lawful_a to_o be_v enter_v into_o by_o we_o to_o work_v our_o own_o deliverance_n from_o under_o oppressive_a law_n and_o magistrate_n 2_o d._n part_n p._n 30_o 31_o 32._o weak_a believer_n may_v be_v receive_v to_o doubtful_a disputation_n by_o assign_v the_o decision_n of_o controversy_n to_o the_o church_n since_o contention_n may_v arise_v who_o or_o where_n they_o be_v 3_o d._n part_n p._n 59_o 60._o wisdom_n from_o above_o and_o that_o which_o be_v not_o from_o above_o be_v describe_v wisdom_n which_o we_o have_v as_o creature_n be_v not_o that_o wisdom_n which_o by_o the_o apostle_n be_v term_v sensual_a and_o devilish_a but_o be_v give_v we_o of_o god_n 2_o d._n part_n p._n 21_o to_o 25._o woman_n have_v receive_v a_o revelation_n to_o utter_v in_o the_o church_n may_v speak_v unruly_a disorderly_a woman_n may_v be_v warn_v to_o be_v silent_a even_o as_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n so_o to_o be_v in_o the_o church_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 52._o work_n what_o sort_n be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o what_o not_o work_v speak_v of_o by_o the_o apostle_n james_n be_v the_o same_o sort_n of_o work_n speak_v of_o by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n 2_o d._n part_n p._n 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o write_n for_o public_a view_n by_o who_o approve_v or_o else_o not_o to_o be_v print_v 3_o d._n part_n p._n 29_o 30_o reason_n against_o the_o method_n of_o such_o approbation_n and_o limitation_n 3_o d._n part_n p._n 29_o 30_o 31_o 32._o x_o  _fw-fr y_fw-fr  _fw-fr z_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n some_o part_n of_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o describe_v 1_o st_o part_n pag._n 70_o 71_o 72_o 73._o zeal_n according_a to_o knowledge_n accept_v by_o god_n 1_o st_o part_n p._n 70._o a_o part_n of_o the_o qualification_n of_o such_o as_o be_v endue_v with_o it_o 1_o st_o part_n p._n 77._o the_o postscript_n follow_v the_o preface_n be_v add_v to_o clear_v the_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o myself_o from_o this_o pretend_a argument_n against_o my_o print_n viz._n that_o i_o come_v up_o to_o london_n to_o read_v a_o charge_n behind_o george_n fox_n be_v back_o and_o that_o though_o i_o pretend_v a_o readiness_n to_o meet_v he_o i_o have_v no_o desire_n thereto_o which_o give_v i_o occasion_n to_o lay_v down_o several_a observation_n and_o reason_n invalidate_v the_o pretend_a argument_n together_o with_o a_o letter_n write_v by_o i_o to_o james_n claypoole_n and_o three_o other_o friend_n in_o london_n to_o cover_v a_o remonstrance_n to_o the_o friend_n of_o london_n all_o on_o purpose_n that_o they_o may_v use_v their_o interest_n to_o cause_n george_n fox_n to_o submit_v to_o a_o hear_v that_o so_o if_o possible_a some_o expedient_a may_v have_v be_v find_v to_o satisfy_v my_o conscience_n otherwise_o than_o by_o print_v which_o i_o acquaint_v they_o of_o as_o well_o as_o george_n fox_n and_o that_o i_o intend_v to_o proceed_v therein_o unless_o so_o much_o notice_n shall_v be_v take_v of_o my_o call_n for_o justice_n against_o the_o reproachful_a action_n and_o trespass_n of_o george_n fox_n as_o that_o he_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o hear_v before_o friend_n to_o the_o end_n that_o if_o guilty_a he_o may_v give_v satisfaction_n if_o not_o he_o may_v be_v quit_v there_o be_v also_o signify_v in_o the_o say_a postscript_n several_a thing_n which_o be_v clear_a evidence_n that_o george_n fox_n will_v not_o assent_v to_o any_o meeting_n for_o the_o aforesaid_a end_n which_o come_v to_o my_o knowledge_n i_o be_v then_o free_a of_o all_o concern_v to_o solicit_v he_o more_o either_o by_o word_n or_o write_n for_o a_o meeting_n and_o have_v no_o further_a bond_n upon_o i_o to_o forbear_v proceed_v to_o print_v as_o expeditious_a as_o i_o can_v william_n rogers_n
they_o be_v though_o under_o ever_o so_o specious_a pretence_n that_o have_v endeavour_v to_o establish_v outward_a indispensible_a rule_n and_o order_n in_o matter_n relate_v to_o conscience_n for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o gospel_n day_n to_o walk_v by_o neglect_v to_o commit_v and_o commend_v every_o one_o unto_o the_o word_n nigh_o in_o the_o heart_n that_o thereby_o they_o may_v be_v preserve_v from_o subjection_n to_o any_o thing_n outward_o ordain_v which_o they_o may_v either_o scruple_n in_o conscience_n or_o be_v not_o lead_v by_o the_o word_n nigh_o in_o the_o heart_n to_o practise_v be_v such_o as_o in_o the_o best_a and_o most_o fovourable_a construction_n act_n from_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n in_o which_o kind_n of_o zeal_n paul_n himself_o phil._n 3.6_o though_o as_o to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n blameless_a yet_o persecute_v the_o church_n this_o kind_n of_o zeal_n be_v accompany_v with_o that_o ignorance_n which_o the_o chief_a among_o apostatise_v church_n have_v account_v the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n by_o which_o thousand_o in_o age_n past_a in_o the_o dark_a night_n of_o apostasy_n have_v be_v lead_v into_o the_o observation_n of_o many_o unsavoury_a dictate_v erroneous_a decree_n unwarrantable_a tradition_n and_o superstitious_a example_n either_o of_o one_o man_n or_o assembly_n of_o man_n not_o know_v what_o they_o have_v either_o believe_v or_o practise_v to_o be_v a_o incumbent_a duty_n upon_o they_o through_o a_o inward_a evidence_n from_o god_n witness_v in_o their_o conscience_n or_o trial_n thereof_o by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n may_v not_o the_o same_o cloud_n of_o darkness_n overshadow_v any_o of_o the_o child_n of_o light_n in_o this_o our_o day_n say_v our_o soul_n moreover_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o if_o report_n be_v true_a this_o doctrine_n have_v of_o late_o be_v exalt_v no_o unity_n but_o in_o conformity_n which_o if_o apply_v to_o the_o outward_a prescription_n of_o one_o man_n or_o assembly_n of_o man_n assume_v to_o themselves_o authority_n to_o act_n and_o determine_v in_o matter_n appertain_v to_o the_o gospel_n and_o its_o order_n thereby_o to_o become_v a_o bond_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o those_o who_o have_v believe_v in_o the_o everlasting_a light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n as_o the_o great_a order_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o this_o gospel_n day_n may_v occasion_v the_o continuation_n of_o discord_n distraction_n and_o division_n contrary_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n which_o have_v be_v publish_v receive_v and_o believe_v among_o the_o child_n of_o light_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n who_o neither_o have_v nor_o can_v receive_v any_o doctrine_n contrary_a to_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 3.6_o the_o letter_n kill_v but_o the_o spirit_n give_v life_n we_o now_o appeal_v unto_o every_o understanding_n ingenious_a and_o impartial_a reader_n whether_o since_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o primitive_a day_n be_v to_o draw_v the_o outward_a jew_n off_o from_o the_o observation_n of_o these_o ordinance_n which_o be_v rea_o establish_v by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n himself_o have_v exalt_v instead_o thereof_o the_o word_n nigh_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o law_n write_v therein_o as_o a_o fulfil_n of_o that_o which_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o prophet_n be_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v under_o the_o new_a covenant_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v like_a unto_o the_o old_a can_v consist_v with_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n for_o any_o to_o attempt_v the_o establishment_n or_o give_v forth_o of_o outward_a order_n prescription_n sentence_n or_o decree_n to_o be_v on_o that_o foot_n a_o bond_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o those_o who_o have_v believe_v in_o the_o everlasting_a light_n especial_o if_o they_o be_v of_o the_o gentile_a stock_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n unto_o who_o the_o law_n appertain_v not_o for_o so_o the_o people_n of_o england_n be_v and_o if_o not_o whether_o those_o who_o be_v otherwise_o persuade_v and_o according_a to_o such_o a_o persuasion_n may_v be_v find_v act_v may_v not_o though_o under_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o truth_n itself_o just_o be_v number_v among_o those_o of_o who_o in_o the_o best_a sense_n it_o may_v be_v say_v they_o have_v zeal_n without_o knowledge_n and_o ignorance_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o their_o devotion_n and_o now_o as_o to_o those_o who_o have_v knowledge_n without_o zeal_n charity_n do_v not_o oblige_v we_o to_o conclude_v that_o such_o in_o that_o state_n chief_o design_n to_o live_v well_o that_o so_o they_o may_v die_v well_o for_o as_o christ_n say_v so_o may_v we_o luk._n 12.48_o unto_o whosoever_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o shall_v be_v much_o require_v the_o want_n of_o zeal_n in_o a_o know_a good_a cause_n be_v as_o we_o take_v it_o the_o neglect_n of_o a_o know_a incumbent_a duty_n wherein_o god_n have_v give_v power_n else_o how_o can_v it_o have_v be_v say_v to_o the_o lukewarm_a church_n of_o laodicea_n after_o a_o understanding_n be_v give_v unto_o she_o how_o she_o may_v come_v to_o see_v viz._n by_o anoint_v her_o eye_n with_o eye_n salve_n leu._n 3.19_o be_v zealous_n &_o amend_v for_o doubtless_o power_n be_v give_v of_o god_n into_o she_o to_o amend_v as_o well_o as_o direction_n how_o to_o see_v but_o of_o the_o want_n of_o knowledge_n it_o can_v be_v so_o say_v as_o of_o the_o want_n of_o zeal_n because_o it_o be_v not_o equal_o in_o our_o power_n to_o attain_v unto_o knowledge_n when_o we_o want_v it_o as_o it_o be_v zealous_o to_o practise_v what_o we_o know_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n we_o may_v therefore_o conclude_v that_o where_o knowledge_n be_v not_o accompany_v with_o zeal_n though_o requisite_a it_o be_v in_o the_o best_a sense_n a_o token_n of_o a_o lukewarm_a spirit_n and_o in_o some_o where_o it_o have_v predominate_v we_o have_v clear_o discern_v that_o first_o they_o have_v be_v overawe_v by_o the_o frown_n of_o man_n or_o man_n and_o then_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o bear_v all_o thing_n neglect_v to_o give_v their_o testimony_n for_o the_o truth_n without_o respect_n to_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o more_o than_o the_o truth_n may_v require_v and_o by_o this_o mean_v some_o have_v undoubted_o be_v the_o occasion_n whereby_o many_o have_v be_v catch_v in_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o evil_a one_o not_o know_v through_o a_o neglect_n of_o their_o inward_a teacher_n which_o way_n to_o turn_v and_o that_o load_v and_o burden_n have_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o other_o who_o while_o they_o have_v keep_v steadfast_a unto_o the_o ancient_a doctrine_n exalt_v the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n to_o be_v our_o law_n rule_n and_o guide_n have_v behold_v some_o of_o their_o brethren_n not_o only_o captivate_v with_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o slavish_a fear_n but_o also_o in_o their_o practice_n recee_v from_o what_o their_o first_o principle_n will_v have_v lead_v they_o to_o have_v use_v politic_a contrivance_n to_o retain_v the_o favour_n and_o affection_n of_o some_o who_o perhaps_o in_o their_o view_n have_v appear_v to_o be_v like_a unto_o the_o rise_a sun_n and_o so_o have_v give_v more_o way_n to_o a_o temporize_a spirit_n than_o to_o acquit_v themselves_o as_o good_a christian_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n by_o which_o the_o conscience_n come_v to_o be_v keep_v void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n and_o all_o this_o as_o with_o respect_n to_o some_o it_o be_v doubt_v for_o fear_v lest_o they_o shall_v be_v term_v sect-master_n by_o such_o as_o in_o this_o gospel-day_n have_v assume_v a_o pretend_a authority_n to_o establish_v outward_a order_n to_o be_v a_o rule_n for_o and_o bond_n upon_o the_o child_n of_o light_a to_o walk_v by_o without_o any_o exception_n thereby_o to_o avoid_v oppress_v a_o tender_a conscience_n but_o this_o be_v far_o wide_a of_o that_o zeal_n which_o accompany_v the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o his_o convert_v state_n who_o be_v term_v a_o ringleader_n of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nazerenes_n by_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n that_o will_v have_v judge_v he_o according_a to_o their_o law_n which_o undoubted_o will_v then_o have_v inflict_v severe_a punishment_n on_o he_o which_o be_v due_o consider_v we_o may_v well_o say_v it_o be_v far_o wide_a of_o paul_n zeal_n to_o fear_v under_o this_o gospel-day_n the_o title_n of_o a_o sect-master_n on_o the_o score_n of_o refuse_v outward_a conformity_n to_o outward_a rule_n and_o order_n relate_v to_o the_o conscience_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o gospel-order_n establish_v among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n not_o only_o because_o they_o have_v no_o law_n whereby_o corporal_o to_o punish_v but_o also_o because_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n either_o from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o
mouth_n of_o his_o prophet_n or_o from_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n in_o we_o or_o from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n give_v forth_o by_o inspiration_n since_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n to_o expect_v that_o any_o shall_v be_v invest_v with_o power_n from_o on_o high_a to_o establish_v such_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o conscience_n much_o less_o to_o expect_v that_o the_o child_n of_o light_n under_o the_o new_a covenant_n shall_v be_v lead_v by_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n and_o word_n nigh_o in_o the_o heart_n unto_o such_o a_o conformity_n moreover_o it_o be_v observable_a paul_n plain_a confession_n thus_o be_v after_o the_o way_n which_o they_o call_v heresy_n so_o worship_n i_o the_o god_n of_o my_o father_n believe_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n and_o herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o men._n if_o all_o those_o unto_o who_o god_n have_v give_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o truth_n in_o this_o gospel-day_n have_v have_v so_o much_o zeal_n as_o to_o have_v walk_v according_a to_o this_o example_n they_o may_v have_v all_o become_v honourable_a in_o their_o day_n &_o have_v keep_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n and_o then_o none_o of_o they_o will_v have_v be_v afraid_a of_o be_v stigmatise_v as_o sect-master_n by_o such_o who_o like_o the_o outward_a jew_n have_v glory_v in_o thing_n outward_o pretend_a to_o be_v establish_v in_o this_o gospel-day_n and_o have_v make_v such_o thing_n to_o be_v as_o a_o rule_n whereby_o they_o have_v endeavour_v to_o try_v their_o brethren_n who_o at_o this_o day_n have_v approve_v themselves_o jew_n in_o spirit_n zealous_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o the_o word_n nigh_o in_o the_o heart_n according_a to_o knowledge_n even_o as_o the_o outward_a jew_n will_v have_v do_v by_o paul_n for_o such_o a_o reflection_n will_v never_o have_v hurt_v they_o in_o the_o breast_n of_o those_o that_o have_v continue_v true_o faithful_a and_o this_o many_o be_v give_v to_o understand_v from_o that_o honourable_a esteem_n that_o some_o ancient_a and_o faithful_a brethren_n have_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o such_o as_o have_v not_o in_o a_o temporize_a spirit_n change_v their_o way_n notwithstanding_o they_o be_v stigmatise_v with_o the_o name_n of_o sect-master_n even_o by_o those_o who_o like_o the_o gentile_n appear_v to_o exercise_n lordship_n over_o their_o brethren_n in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o come_v to_o take_v a_o little_a notice_n of_o those_o who_o abound_v in_o confidence_n without_o either_o knowledge_n or_o zeal_n this_o sort_n may_v be_v well_o compare_v unto_o those_o beast_n with_o who_o it_o be_v repute_v paul_n fight_v at_o ephesus_n which_o if_o it_o be_v so_o be_v doubtless_o he_o contest_v have_v with_o unreasonable_a men._n the_o bait_n by_o which_o this_o sort_n be_v entice_v to_o appear_v somebody_n in_o probability_n be_v this_o the_o door_n be_v open_a for_o any_o under_o the_o profession_n of_o truth_n who_o life_n be_v not_o outward_o scandalous_a to_o appear_v among_o some_o of_o the_o society_n of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n as_o governor_n and_o though_o it_o be_v hard_a for_o we_o to_o suppose_v who_o among_o such_o be_v the_o person_n that_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v when_o liberty_n be_v take_v and_o admit_v as_o aforesaid_a whereby_o none_o of_o the_o society_n be_v exclude_v to_o appear_v as_o governor_n yet_o so_o it_o be_v and_o of_o this_o have_v our_o eye_n and_o ear_n be_v witness_n a_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o sort_n we_o have_v understand_v to_o be_v on_o this_o wise_a if_o you_o do_v not_o see_v yourselves_o you_o must_v follow_v we_o that_o do_v see_v alas_o it_o be_v easy_o to_o be_v savour_v where_o all_o may_v then_o run_v if_o such_o a_o exhortation_n from_o any_o one_o thus_o qualify_v and_o that_o with_o respect_n to_o follow_v the_o exhorte_a shall_v take_v place_n he_o than_o that_o lead_v and_o those_o who_o may_v be_v lead_v will_v quick_o fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n together_o and_o so_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n come_v to_o be_v advance_v instead_o of_o be_v destroy_v but_o bless_v be_v the_o name_n of_o the_o everlasting_a god_n that_o sun_n which_o have_v arisen_a among_o we_o that_o glorious_a appearance_n if_o the_o everlasting_a light_n which_o have_v shine_v in_o many_o heart_n be_v not_o yet_o set_v in_o obscurity_n and_o our_o faith_n be_v that_o it_o will_v not_o the_o lord_n have_v have_v a_o regard_n to_o his_o own_o name_n and_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o eternal_a power_n so_o that_o though_o many_o ancient_a and_o honourable_a brethren_n who_o the_o lord_n commissioned_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n to_o publish_v his_o everlasting_a gospel_n exhort_v all_o to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n in_o they_o be_v fall_v asleep_o yet_o there_o be_v many_o of_o the_o same_o stock_n yet_o remain_v upon_o who_o he_o have_v not_o only_o pour_v forth_o of_o his_o spirit_n and_o anoint_v they_o to_o publish_v his_o everlasting_a gospel_n but_o also_o have_v keep_v they_o in_o integrity_n and_o their_o garment_n undefiled_a from_o the_o spot_n and_o pollution_n of_o this_o world_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o have_v give_v unto_o they_o true_a zeal_n according_a to_o knowledge_n through_o which_o the_o way_n unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o demonstration_n of_o his_o spirit_n have_v be_v declare_v and_o have_v continue_v they_o in_o the_o service_n whereunto_o they_o have_v be_v call_v and_o these_o have_v not_o in_o a_o temporize_a spirit_n for_o fear_n of_o the_o threat_n and_o frown_n of_o man_n change_v their_o way_n nor_o yet_o follow_v any_o for_o the_o loaf_n and_o though_o some_o of_o these_o have_v of_o late_o be_v account_v dark_a spirit_n leaven_a spirit_n troubler_n of_o israel_n sect-master_n leader_n into_o a_o separation_n and_o into_o downright_a independency_n parish_n and_o schism_n yet_o this_o testimony_n live_v with_o we_o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n on_o which_o alone_o we_o be_v persuade_v their_o dependency_n have_v be_v and_o be_v have_v accompany_v such_o when_o thus_o judge_v despise_a and_o revile_v by_o that_o generation_n who_o unto_o we_o appear_v as_o if_o their_o dependency_n be_v upon_o man_n that_o labour_n and_o travel_v to_o gather_v unto_o themselves_o to_o conclude_v this_o further_a testimony_n live_v with_o we_o that_o the_o righteous_a god_n bear_v we_o this_o day_n record_n that_o the_o very_a reason_n wherefore_o this_o treatise_n be_v now_o prepare_v be_v because_o our_o very_a conscience_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o god_n truth_n and_o people_n be_v concern_v and_o therefore_o we_o can_v but_o encourage_v this_o so_o necessary_a a_o work_n have_v among_o many_o other_o our_o brethren_n long_o wait_v and_o bear_v in_o patience_n to_o see_v if_o peradventure_o the_o lord_n may_v change_v the_o heart_n of_o those_o who_o have_v occasion_v contention_n strife_n and_o division_n to_o arise_v among_o the_o family_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n for_o whatever_o measure_n other_o may_v take_v of_o we_o yet_o this_o evidence_n we_o have_v in_o ourselves_o that_o our_o soul_n desire_n be_v that_o the_o bright_a appearance_n of_o the_o everlasting_a day_n may_v not_o set_v in_o obscurity_n in_o any_o heart_n where_o it_o have_v be_v both_o manifest_v and_o receive_v nor_o yet_o that_o any_o of_o the_o lord_n people_n may_v be_v ensnare_v to_o build_v again_o the_o thing_n which_o in_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n our_o lord_n they_o have_v destroy_v william_n rogers_n william_n ford_n here_o now_o follow_v that_o paper_n make_v mention_n of_o in_o the_o title_n page_n touch_v the_o scatter_a of_o israel_n give_v forth_o in_o the_o year_n 1661._o by_o edward_n burrough_n minister_n of_o the_o everlasting_a gospel_n on_o the_o 22th_o of_o the_o 8_o month_n 1661._o i_o be_v grieve_v in_o my_o spirit_n for_o the_o scatter_v of_o israel_n and_o my_o thought_n trouble_v i_o very_o much_o for_o the_o afflict_a in_o jerusalem_n for_o i_o also_o be_v great_o afflict_v with_o they_o and_o i_o pray_v unto_o god_n that_o he_o will_v show_v i_o his_o purpose_n concern_v they_o and_o these_o word_n come_v unto_o i_o abide_v thou_o in_o i_o thou_o helpless_a lamb_n and_o i_o will_v show_v thou_o great_a thing_n only_o stir_v not_o from_o i_o for_o thou_o have_v no_o helper_n but_o i_o and_o if_o thou_o go_v never_o so_o little_a from_o i_o behold_v a_o wild_a beast_n seek_v to_o devour_v thou_o therefore_o i_o say_v abide_v and_o then_o i_o weep_v great_o because_o i_o see_v what_o great_a danger_n i_o be_v in_o for_o i_o