will_v a_o man_n rob_v god_n it_o shall_v seem_v by_o this_o text_n that_o your_o opinion_n be_v no_o new_a thing_n but_o as_o old_a as_o this_o prophecy_n for_o the_o very_a same_o colour_n that_o you_o pretend_v the_o lord_n intimate_v to_o be_v this_o people_n pretence_n viz._n wherein_o have_v we_o rob_v thou_o why_o say_v the_o lord_n in_o tithe_n and_o offering_n and_o methinks_v there_o be_v abundance_n of_o emphasis_n in_o the_o ten_o verse_n by_o you_o likewise_o quote_v bring_v you_o in_o all_o the_o tithe_n into_o the_o store-house_n that_o there_o may_v be_v meat_n in_o my_o house_n and_o prove_v i_o now_o herewith_o say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n if_o i_o will_v not_o open_a window_n in_o heaven_n and_o pour_v down_o such_o a_o blessing_n as_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v room_n to_o receive_v it_o as_o if_o the_o lord_n have_v say_v do_v you_o pretend_v a_o scarcity_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n so_o as_o you_o can_v spare_v the_o tithe_n that_o i_o require_v of_o you_o why_o you_o may_v thank_v yourselves_o for_o your_o unwillingness_n to_o pay_v they_o that_o the_o increase_n of_o your_o field_n and_o of_o your_o flock_n and_o herd_n be_v so_o slender_a or_o that_o i_o have_v bless_v your_o increase_n no_o better_o but_o prove_v i_o now_o bring_v in_o the_o full_a of_o your_o tithe_n keep_v nothing_o back_o and_o see_v if_o i_o will_v not_o so_o bless_v your_o increase_n as_o that_o not_o only_o your_o barn_n and_o your_o wine-press_n and_o your_o stall_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v full_a but_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v room_n to_o receive_v they_o and_o be_v it_o not_o to_o hold_v a_o candle_n to_o the_o sun_n i_o may_v add_v many_o more_o scripture_n both_o out_o of_o the_o law_n and_o prophet_n that_o will_v speak_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o also_o of_o the_o largeness_n and_o bountifulness_n of_o the_o provision_n that_o god_n make_v for_o his_o minister_n that_o wait_v at_o his_o altar_n even_o under_o the_o law_n and_o have_v we_o any_o ground_a reason_n to_o produce_v why_o god_n shall_v be_v strait_o hand_v in_o his_o allowance_n of_o maintenance_n for_o his_o minister_n that_o he_o have_v employ_v in_o more_o excellent_a work_n for_o so_o be_v gospel-work_n when_o it_o be_v compare_v with_o legal-work_n but_o you_o be_v ready_a to_o take_v i_o here_o at_o my_o own_o word_n and_o to_o reply_v that_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v concerning_o tithe_n be_v legal_a and_o from_o the_o law_n though_o you_o know_v it_o be_v partly_o from_o the_o law_n and_o partly_o from_o the_o prophet_n but_o you_o will_v say_v again_o the_o law_n and_o prophet_n be_v all_o one_o yea_o and_o so_o say_v i_o too_o and_o further_o i_o affirm_v that_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o gospel_n be_v all_o one_o in_o substance_n and_o in_o effect_n the_o very_a same_o thing_n they_o be_v all_o the_o word_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o immutable_a and_o unchangeable_a god_n i_o may_v prove_v this_o abundant_o but_o for_o brevity_n sake_n this_o one_o scripture_n shall_v serve_v for_o and_o instead_o of_o many_o and_o methinks_v it_o may_v it_o be_v so_o full_a heb._n 1.1_o 2_o god_n who_o at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n speak_v in_o time_n past_a to_o our_o father_n by_o the_o prophet_n have_v in_o these_o last_o day_n speak_v to_o we_o by_o his_o son_n who_o he_o have_v appoint_v to_o be_v heir_n of_o all_o thing_n by_o who_o also_o he_o make_v the_o world_n i_o pray_v you_o observe_v with_o i_o god_n one_o and_o the_o same_o god_n speak_v speak_v one_o and_o the_o same_o word_n yea_o at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n to_o our_o father_n by_o the_o prophet_n to_o we_o by_o his_o son_n but_o to_o both_o one_o and_o the_o same_o word_n so_o than_o we_o may_v conclude_v the_o immutable_a god_n who_o be_v yesterday_o to_o our_o forefather_n to_o day_n to_o we_o and_o the_o same_o for_o evermore_o have_v speak_v a_o word_n and_o leave_v we_o a_o word_n like_o himself_o unchangeable_a in_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o though_o changeable_a in_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n the_o speaker_n of_o it_o yet_o the_o same_o word_n speak_v to_o his_o people_n whether_o in_o old_a time_n by_o his_o prophet_n or_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n by_o his_o son_n gal._n 4.4_o 5._o or_o in_o the_o decline_n of_o time_n by_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o than_o we_o see_v how_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o we_o to_o separate_v or_o put_v asunder_o what_o god_n have_v so_o join_v together_o that_o it_o be_v no_o more_o two_o but_o one_o i_o mean_v his_o whole_a entire_a and_o individual_a word_n and_o if_o this_o be_v grant_v the_o controversy_n be_v easy_o decide_v but_o you_o say_v further_o this_o law_n so_o much_o insist_v upon_o together_o with_o the_o priesthood_n of_o it_o be_v change_v and_o the_o commandment_n disannul_v and_o this_o you_o bottom_n upon_o heb._n 7.12_o and_o 18._o the_o very_a same_o word_n that_o you_o mention_v in_o your_o paper_n i_o confess_v be_v here_o the_o scripture-word_n yet_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o if_o we_o shall_v take_v every_o word_n in_o scripture_n in_o the_o bare_a letter_n of_o it_o not_o weigh_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n such_o absurdity_n will_v follow_v as_o you_o and_o i_o little_o think_v of_o for_o instance_n one_o among_o many_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o i_o to_o prove_v that_o you_o have_v no_o faith_n or_o for_o you_o to_o prove_v that_o i_o have_v none_o if_o we_o only_o look_v upon_o the_o letter_n of_o one_o text_n of_o scripture_n and_o our_o saviour_n own_o word_n matth._n 17.20_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o if_o you_o have_v faith_n as_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n you_o shall_v say_v to_o this_o mountain_n be_v thou_o remove_v hence_o to_o yonder_o place_n and_o it_o shall_v remove_v and_o nothing_o shall_v be_v impossible_a to_o you_o observe_v faith_n as_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n which_o our_o saviour_n elsewhere_o say_v be_v the_o least_o of_o seed_n yet_o if_o so_o small_a a_o quantity_n of_o faith_n be_v in_o you_o mountain_n shall_v remove_v out_o of_o one_o place_n into_o another_o but_o which_o of_o we_o can_v speak_v this_o word_n of_o faith_n so_o as_o a_o mountain_n of_o stone_n or_o earth_n shall_v thus_o remove_v i_o bless_v god_n i_o know_v how_o to_o understand_v this_o scripture_n better_o but_o i_o say_v if_o we_o take_v this_o scripture_n in_o the_o letter_n of_o it_o who_o have_v any_o faith_n at_o all_o when_o so_o small_a a_o quantity_n of_o it_o will_v do_v so_o great_a a_o work_n therefore_o i_o say_v the_o sense_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n must_v be_v inquire_v of_o in_o all_o scripture_n read_n or_o else_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o very_a epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n that_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o the_o unlearned_a and_o unskilful_a do_v wrest_v to_o their_o own_o destruction_n as_o they_o also_o wrest_v all_o other_o scripture_n 2_o pet._n 3.16_o and_o therefore_o let_v we_o inquire_v into_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o change_n of_o law_n and_o priesthood_n and_o of_o this_o disannul_n of_o the_o commandment_n and_o we_o be_v right_a at_o this_o point_n or_o else_o not_o as_o for_o the_o change_n of_o the_o priesthood_n it_o be_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o manner_n of_o administration_n not_o in_o point_n of_o office_n for_o though_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o burn_a offering_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n be_v nail_v to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n yet_o there_o remain_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o give_v of_o thanks_o 1_o tim._n 2.1_o to_o be_v offer_v up_o upon_o the_o altar_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v to_o god_n a_o sacrifice_n of_o a_o sweet-smelling_a savour_n ephes._n 5.2_o and_o indeed_o be_v the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o all_o burn_a offering_n so_o david_n thou_o require_v not_o sacrifice_n else_o will_v i_o give_v it_o thou_o thou_o delight_v not_o in_o burn_a offering_n but_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o god_n be_v a_o contrite_a spirit_n a_o break_a and_o a_o humble_a heart_n o_o god_n thou_o will_v not_o despise_v psal._n 51.17_o so_o if_o i_o shall_v instance_n in_o all_o the_o particular_a injuction_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n itself_o we_o shall_v find_v only_o the_o manner_n of_o administration_n change_v not_o the_o matter_n substance_n and_o equity_n of_o any_o one_o of_o they_o for_o instance_n in_o one_o of_o the_o mean_a of_o they_o there_o be_v a_o law_n of_o divers_a wash_n of_o hand_n and_o cleanse_v of_o
come_v to_o judgement_n but_o my_o meaning_n be_v if_o we_o judge_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o judge_v as_o to_o be_v condemn_v of_o the_o lord_n but_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n if_o the_o law_n you_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n it_o can_v be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n lest_o as_o a_o stand_a rule_n for_o man_n to_o walk_v by_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n i_o need_v not_o prove_v what_o i_o mean_v here_o viz._n god_n immutable_a and_o unchangeable_a word_n the_o scripture_n which_o have_v be_v so_o clear_o prove_v to_o be_v one_o with_o god_n that_o i_o need_v not_o say_v any_o more_o than_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v but_o this_o i_o affirm_v that_o whatever_o pretend_a colour_n you_o put_v upon_o it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o law_n and_o testimony_n proof_n i_o shall_v give_v no_o credit_n to_o it_o for_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o they_o have_v no_o light_n in_o they_o isa_n 8.20_o second_o if_o it_o be_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n for_o all_o there_o may_v be_v difference_n in_o judgement_n there_o will_v not_o be_v in_o natural_a affection_n and_o therefore_o decipher_n out_o some_o that_o satan_n have_v get_v into_o his_o power_n so_o as_o to_o be_v lead_v captive_a by_o he_o at_o his_o will_n he_o set_v this_o mark_n or_o brand_n upon_o they_o that_o all_o man_n may_v know_v they_o viz._n without_o natural_a affection_n again_o if_o it_o be_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n it_o will_v lead_v we_o to_o act_n and_o expression_n of_o human_a civility_n for_o the_o best_a of_o god_n saint_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o give_v civil_a language_n and_o modest_a expression_n to_o the_o worst_a of_o god_n enemy_n even_o to_o their_o persecutor_n nay_o our_o bless_a saviour_n speak_v to_o judas_n say_v friend_n betray_v thou_o i_o with_o a_o kiss_n matth._n 26.49_o 50._o but_o you_o dare_v not_o afford_v civil_a deportment_n and_o language_n to_o godly_a and_o holy_a man_n no_o not_o to_o the_o minister_n and_o ambassador_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o fear_n of_o offend_v against_o this_o law_n you_o say_v man_n ought_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o but_o the_o good_a lord_n guide_v i_o by_o his_o law_n write_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o if_o it_o be_v his_o will_v give_v you_o both_o will_n and_o skill_n to_o judge_v aright_o of_o that_o law_n write_v within_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o according_a to_o god_n law_n to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o delusion_n of_o the_o strong_a man_n arm_v that_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o keep_v the_o house_n till_o a_o strong_a than_o he_o come_v in_o his_o power_n and_o throw_v he_o out_o mark_n 3.27_o i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o admonition_n concerning_o that_o light_n you_o say_v be_v within_o a_o man_n to_o which_o he_o only_o be_v to_o look_v i_o conceive_v it_o must_v either_o be_v first_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o second_o the_o light_n that_o come_v by_o the_o illuminate_a spirit_n of_o god_n or_o else_o no_o light_n at_o all_o but_o darkness_n put_v for_o light_n isa._n 5.20_o but_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o viz._n the_o light_n of_o nature_n you_o utter_o disclaim_v it_o for_o you_o be_v no_o more_o natural_a but_o spiritual_a and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o part_n but_o in_o perfection_n i_o say_v as_o i_o say_v before_o i_o judge_v you_o not_o you_o stand_v and_o fall_v to_o your_o own_o master_n but_o that_o you_o and_o i_o may_v the_o better_o judge_v ourselves_o and_o of_o this_o light_n within_o we_o i_o conceive_v it_o will_v be_v our_o wisdom_n to_o try_v of_o what_o kind_n it_o be_v by_o observe_v whither_o it_o lead_v we_o and_o first_o if_o it_o lead_v we_o with_o joy_n and_o delight_n to_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n to_o the_o place_n where_o god_n have_v promise_v his_o more_o special_a presence_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n 1_o tim._n 3.15_o i_o shall_v then_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o sometime_o david_n do_v even_o as_o a_o lantern_n to_o my_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n unto_o my_o path_n psal._n 119.105_o but_o if_o any_o man_n soul_n draw_v back_o god_n soul_n will_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o that_o man_n and_o if_o any_o man_n put_v his_o hand_n unto_o the_o plow_n and_o look_v back_o he_o be_v not_o apt_a to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o it_o may_v be_v you_o will_v object_v the_o thing_n i_o aim_v it_o viz._n the_o join_n of_o yourselves_o to_o our_o church_n you_o dare_v not_o do_v because_o there_o be_v corruption_n in_o they_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_o desire_v of_o all_o god_n people_n that_o there_o be_v none_o but_o we_o know_v there_o will_v be_v tare_n among_o the_o wheat_n though_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o harvest_n will_v glad_o have_v they_o pluck_v up_o and_o weed_v out_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o the_o harvest_n his_o decree_n that_o they_o shall_v grow_v together_o till_o the_o harvest_n not_o that_o he_o have_v a_o eye_n upon_o the_o tare_n but_o lest_o whilst_o his_o servant_n go_v about_o to_o pluck_v up_o the_o tare_n shall_v pluck_v up_o the_o wheat_n also_o mat._n 13.28_o 29_o 30._o second_o if_o this_o light_n lead_v we_o to_o the_o embrace_n of_o god_n whole_a entire_a and_o individual_a word_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o if_o it_o lead_v we_o to_o close_v with_o christ_n in_o sweet_a communion_n in_o those_o his_o ordinance_n that_o be_v by_o he_o appoint_v not_o only_o for_o the_o beget_n but_o also_o increase_v and_o strengthen_n of_o faith_n and_o all_o other_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n i_o mean_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n so_o as_o we_o can_v receive_v soul-refreshment_n and_o grace-strengthening_n thereby_o i_o say_v if_o this_o light_n lead_v we_o this_o way_n i_o shall_v be_v assure_v it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n otherwise_o i_o can_v but_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o delusion_n of_o satan_n to_o which_o god_n have_v in_o justice_n give_v i_o up_o because_o i_o will_v not_o embrace_v he_o in_o the_o tender_n of_o his_o love_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o because_o i_o will_v not_o receive_v his_o word_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o he_o have_v give_v i_o up_o to_o believe_v a_o lie_n and_o to_o harken_v to_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n who_o though_o he_o transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n yet_o go_v about_o by_o all_o deceiveableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n to_o delude_v poor_a soul_n to_o their_o utter_a destruction_n and_o perish_v i_o therefore_o desire_v that_o you_o and_o i_o may_v bâ—_z careful_a to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o no_o for_o many_o false_a spirit_n as_o well_o as_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n 1_o joh._n 4.1_o i_o have_v but_o one_o word_n more_o and_o i_o have_v do_v methinks_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o revile_v god_n minister_n and_o â—oyse_v sâ—â—vants_n for_o indeed_o i_o find_v it_o rank_v among_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n galâ—th_n 5.21_o and_o elsewhere_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n rank_n reviler_n among_o such_o as_o shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n 1_o cor._n 6.9_o 10._o and_o indeed_o your_o inhuman_a rail_n false_a and_o slanderous_a accusation_n unchristian_a judge_n and_o censure_n that_o you_o ordinary_o pass_v upon_o all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o your_o opinion_n what_o do_v they_o but_o render_v you_o to_o be_v a_o people_n that_o take_v to_o yourselves_o that_o boldness_n that_o a_o angel_n of_o god_n dare_v not_o do_v when_o he_o be_v to_o deal_v in_o dispute_n with_o the_o devil_n of_o hell_n for_o say_v the_o text_n he_o dare_v not_o bring_v against_o he_o a_o rail_a accusation_n but_o say_v the_o lord_n rebuke_v thou_o jude_n 9_o i_o pray_v observe_v what_o a_o strange_a expression_n the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v use_v of_o here_o a_o angel_n of_o god_n a_o archangel_n the_o best_a of_o create_a creature_n dispute_v with_o the_o devil_n worse_o than_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n yet_o dare_v not_o i_o say_v dare_v not_o bring_v against_o he_o a_o rail_a accusation_n but_o it_o be_v too_o apparent_a that_o man_n below_o the_o angel_n of_o heaven_n dare_v bring_v rail_v accusation_n against_o those_o that_o be_v far_o enough_o above_o devil_n for_o god_n make_v man_n a_o little_a low_o than_o the_o angel_n psal._n 8.5_o 6._o if_o i_o have_v not_o just_a occasion_n to_o blame_v you_o for_o your_o rail_a accusation_n against_o they_o that_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v your_o fellow-creature_n if_o no_o more_o can_v be_v say_v for_o they_o but_o your_o bolt_n be_v shoot_v against_o god_n choice_a servant_n and_o which_o i_o desire_v may_v be_v serious_o consider_v satan_n be_v call_v the_o accuser_n of_o the_o brethren_n revel._n 12.10_o these_o thing_n consider_v i_o desire_v you_o and_o i_o may_v in_o good_a earnest_n examine_v ourselves_o and_o if_o we_o find_v ourselves_o guilty_a judge_v ourselves_o and_o a_o far_o as_o you_o be_v find_v in_o fault_n i_o hearty_o with_o if_o it_o be_v the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n you_o may_v be_v true_o sensible_a of_o it_o and_o return_v and_o join_v yourselves_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o public_a ordinance_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v have_v as_o sweet_a fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n and_o with_o one_o another_o as_o ever_o we_o have_v before_o your_o go_v out_o from_o we_o by_o which_o you_o have_v declare_v yourselves_o not_o to_o be_v of_o we_o for_o have_v you_o be_v of_o we_o doubtless_o you_o will_v have_v continue_v with_o we_o 1_o joh._n 2.19_o and_o with_o which_o i_o will_v conclude_v if_o either_o you_o or_o any_o man_n or_o man_n teach_v otherwise_o and_o consent_v not_o to_o wholesome_a word_n even_o the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n let_v he_o pretend_v as_o much_o humility_n as_o he_o can_v he_o be_v proud_a know_v nothing_o but_o dote_v about_o question_n and_o strife_n of_o word_n whereof_o come_v envy_v strife_n rail_n evil_a surmise_n 1_o tim._n 6._o â—_z 4._o i_o desire_v this_o and_o all_o other_o scripture_n that_o be_v write_v may_v be_v as_o effectual_a to_o you_o as_o sometime_o the_o readâ—ng_n of_o the_o thirteen_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n be_v to_o saint_n augustin_n and_o it_o shall_v rejoice_v my_o heart_n i_o charge_v you_o that_o this_o epistle_n be_v serious_o read_v of_o all_o that_o you_o account_v to_o be_v the_o holy_a brethren_n finis_fw-la *_o thy_o sense_n you_o seem_v â—o_z â—avoâ—r_n in_o your_o paper_n
monstrous_a man_n in_o india_n non_fw-la loquntur_fw-la sed_fw-la latrant_fw-la they_o do_v not_o speak_v but_o bark_n by_o positive_a assertion_n reproachful_a epithet_n rail_v speech_n conquer_a the_o modest_a and_o civil_a and_o indeed_o by_o their_o black_a mouth_n become_v like_o the_o basilisk_n kill_v the_o bird_n of_o the_o air_n in_o their_o very_a flight_n by_o their_o very_a breath_n for_o if_o once_o reason_v begin_v to_o traverse_v their_o black_a indictment_n thou_o be_v carnal_a antichristian_a devil_n and_o the_o like_a must_v stay_v the_o process_n and_o confirm_v the_o sentence_n many_o way_n i_o may_v manifest_v the_o darkness_n of_o their_o pretend_a light_n but_o i_o must_v not_o now_o stand_v on_o a_o history_n of_o they_o but_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o view_n of_o their_o carriage_n the_o witness_n of_o such_o who_o have_v be_v seduce_v by_o they_o and_o the_o writing_n of_o such_o as_o have_v withstand_v they_o among_o which_o i_o here_o commend_v to_o thou_o this_o small_a tract_n write_v in_o a_o plain_a simple_a and_o rustic_a stile_n like_v unto_o its_o author_n a_o plain_a simple_a countryman_n in_o a_o private_a call_v possess_v a_o honest_a heart_n and_o public_a spirit_n fill_v with_o zeal_n to_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o truth_n to_o his_o power_n and_o to_o prevent_v his_o countryman_n and_o neighbour_n from_o be_v seduce_v by_o this_o fanatic_a generation_n and_o follow_v a_o plain_a ignis_fw-la fatuus_fw-la into_o a_o wild_a wilderness_n of_o pretend_a light_n within_o only_o before_o i_o part_v with_o thou_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o prescribe_v to_o thou_o these_o few_o rule_n for_o thy_o preservation_n 1_o set_a reason_n in_o its_o throne_n i_o mean_v not_o reason_n dictate_v which_o yet_o as_o thou_o be_v a_o man_n thou_o must_v observe_v and_o follow_v though_o they_o be_v too_o short_a to_o guide_v thou_o to_o heaven_n but_o the_o rational_a faculty_n and_o power_n of_o discern_v discourse_v and_o determine_v thing_n which_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v give_v thou_o for_o observe_v the_o devil_n blind_v this_o eye_n and_o dethrone_v this_o judge_n when_o he_o advance_v this_o pretend_a light_n when_o you_o be_v mad_a you_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o any_o thing_n 2_o stick_v close_o to_o scripture_n as_o the_o light_n unto_o thy_o foot_n and_o lantern_n to_o thy_o path_n by_o this_o the_o light_n exhibit_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v manifest_v and_o by_o this_o the_o spirit_n of_o light_n will_v be_v judge_v whilst_o reason_n do_v sit_v judge_n see_v that_o it_o sentence_v by_o the_o law_n of_o scripture_n therefore_o in_o the_o right_a use_n of_o scripture_n see_v that_o thou_o do_v own_o and_o embrace_v first_o scripture_n sentence_n not_o word_n this_o sort_n of_o man_n do_v speak_v word_n and_o but_o word_n leave_v sentence_n and_o so_o make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_n second_o sense_n of_o scripture_n not_o mere_o sentence_n the_o sentence_n may_v be_v figurative_a and_o to_o be_v understand_v otherwise_o than_o the_o word_n do_v simple_o show_v as_o this_o be_v my_o body_n and_o other_o like_a expression_n do_v evidence_n three_o sense_n rational_o infer_v as_o well_o as_o positive_o assert_v reason_v from_o the_o scripture_n be_v suitable_a to_o a_o enlighten_v rational_a be_v four_o sense_n plain_o flow_v from_o the_o scope_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o text_n not_o strain_v by_o allusion_n unto_o allegory_n and_o the_o like_a 3_o state_n to_o the_o soul_n stand_v principle_n of_o christianity_n see_v some_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a and_o out_o of_o all_o controversy_n not_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o debate_v but_o retain_v with_o all_o resolution_n against_o all_o temptation_n know_v that_o a_o sceptic_a be_v a_o quaker_n gentleman-usher_n 4_o shun_v their_o society_n especial_o solemn_a assembly_n how_o shall_v thou_o choose_v but_o learn_v a_o lesson_n in_o the_o devil_n school_n if_o thither_o thou_o resort_v day_n by_o day_n if_o their_o air_n be_v infectious_a and_o enchantment_n only_o spiritual_a which_o on_o good_a ground_n and_o i_o believe_v experience_n too_o be_v find_v to_o be_v natural_a can_v thou_o accompany_v with_o they_o without_o danger_n it_o be_v once_o the_o churchesery_v cant._n 1.7_o why_o shall_v i_o turn_v aside_o by_o the_o flock_n of_o thy_o companion_n 5_o sue_v by_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o sound_a mind_n now_o that_o thou_o be_v fall_v into_o a_o fanatic_a age_n prize_v the_o many_o help_n thou_o have_v to_o keep_v thou_o in_o thy_o wit_n and_o know_v that_o spirit_n of_o sobriety_n be_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n but_o thereby_o effect_v in_o special_a use_n this_o tract_n unto_o its_o especial_a end_n and_o that_o thou_o by_o it_o and_o help_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n may_v be_v deliver_v from_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v and_o shall_v be_v the_o constant_a prayer_n of_o thou_o in_o and_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n zach._n crofton_n april_n 17._o 1656._o the_o quaker_n paper_n true_o copy_v out_o as_o it_o be_v by_o they_o write_v and_o send_v to_o the_o minister_n and_o people_n in_o and_o about_o walton_n and_o liverpool_n to_o which_o the_o follow_a treatise_n be_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o priest_n and_o people_n of_o walton_n and_o liverpool_n and_o thereabouts_o for_o as_o much_o as_o there_o be_v a_o dispute_n at_o the_o greave-house_n near_o walton_n betwixt_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n and_o the_o aforesaid_a priest_n before_o mention_v in_o which_o dispute_n the_o priest_n be_v to_o prove_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o receive_v of_o tithe_n which_o by_o scripture_n they_o can_v not_o do_v but_o one_o scripture_n they_o bring_v in_o for_o their_o own_o end_n which_o make_v nothing_o for_o their_o purpose_n in_o luke_n 11.42_o to_o prove_v the_o receive_n of_o tithe_n for_o this_o be_v before_o he_o be_v sacrifice_v up_o when_o he_o say_v woe_n unto_o you_o pharisee_n for_o you_o tithe_v mint_n and_o rue_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o herb_n and_o pass_v over_o judgement_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n these_o aught_o you_o to_o have_v do_v and_o not_o to_o leave_v the_o other_o undo_v now_o let_v all_o people_n who_o have_v any_o understanding_n consider_v and_o see_v whether_o this_o be_v any_o ground_n or_o command_v for_o the_o priest_n to_o take_v tithe_n of_o the_o people_n after_o his_o be_v sacrifice_v up_o for_o he_o say_v these_o aught_o you_o to_o have_v do_v but_o he_o give_v no_o commandment_n to_o continue_v in_o they_o for_o he_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o priesthood_n and_o the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n by_o which_o the_o priest_n take_v tithe_n for_o the_o priesthood_n be_v change_v there_o be_v of_o necessity_n a_o change_n of_o the_o law_n and_o a_o disannul_n of_o the_o commandment_n go_v before_o as_o heb._n 7.12.18_o but_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n they_o be_v to_o take_v tithe_n of_o the_o people_n according_a to_o the_o law_n heb._n 7.5_o and_o those_o that_o do_v not_o bring_v their_o tithe_n into_o the_o storehouse_n whilst_o that_o law_n and_o commandment_n be_v of_o force_n rob_v god_n mal._n 3.8.10_o and_o the_o lord_n command_v that_o all_o the_o tithe_n shall_v be_v bring_v of_o the_o increase_n and_o lay_v up_o and_o the_o levite_n because_o he_o have_v no_o part_n nor_o inheritance_n with_o the_o people_n and_o the_o stranger_n and_o the_o fatherless_a and_o the_o widow_n shall_v come_v and_o eat_v and_o be_v satisfy_v deut._n 14.28_o 29._o and_o this_o be_v in_o the_o first_o priesthood_n and_o before_o jesus_n christ_n be_v sacrifice_v up_o the_o unchangeable_a priesthood_n heb._n 8.1_o the_o everlasting_a treasure_n col._n 2.3_o in_o who_o dwell_v all_o fullness_n vers._n 9_o who_o have_v blot_v out_o the_o hand-writing_n of_o ordinance_n and_o take_v it_o out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o nail_v they_o to_o the_o cross_n triumph_v over_o they_o vers._n 14_o 15._o then_o the_o apostle_n deny_v all_o ordinance_n that_o be_v hand_n write_v and_o say_v the_o law_n be_v change_v and_o the_o priesthood_n be_v change_v heb._n 7.12_o and_o the_o commandment_n disannul_v so_o the_o law_n now_o be_v change_v by_o which_o the_o priesthood_n be_v make_v and_o the_o commandment_n disannul_v by_o which_o they_o take_v tithe_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o hand-writing_n of_o ordinance_n blot_v out_o therefore_o who_o be_v thou_o o_o man_n that_o go_v about_o to_o build_v again_o set_v up_o allow_v write_v for_o and_o uphold_v that_o which_o god_n put_v down_o disannul_v and_o blot_v out_o and_o nail_v to_o the_o cross_n god_n enemy_n thou_o be_v whoever_o thou_o be_v for_o the_o earth_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o fullness_n thereof_o psal._n 24.1_o and_o all_o be_v command_v to_o honour_n god_n with_o their_o substance_n who_o be_v his_o steward_n
gospel_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v it_o not_o only_o be_v so_o but_o still_o remain_v to_o be_v god_n own_o ordinance_n even_o so_o have_v the_o lord_n ordain_v second_o he_o argue_v it_o from_o his_o power_n and_o authority_n be_o i_o not_o a_o apostle_n vers._n 1._o have_v we_o not_o power_n to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o c_o vers._n 4._o have_v other_o apostle_n this_o power_n and_o be_o i_o and_o barnabas_n only_o exempt_v from_o this_o power_n i_o tell_v you_o nay_o or_o say_v i_o this_o only_a as_o a_o man_n or_o of_o myself_o or_o for_o my_o own_o end_n sure_o i_o do_v not_o but_o the_o lord_n say_v it_o as_o well_o as_o i_o be_v it_o not_o write_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n thou_o shall_v not_o muzzle_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o ox_n that_o tread_v out_o the_o corn_n or_o again_o do_v the_o lord_n here_o only_o take_v care_n so_o ox_n a_o indeed_o he_o do_v out_o of_o his_o fatherly_a care_n and_o providence_n provide_v for_o man_n and_o beast_n psal._n 36.6_o all_o which_o i_o very_o well_o know_v yet_o i_o tell_v you_o the_o lord_n speak_v not_o this_o only_a out_o of_o his_o care_n of_o ox_n but_o for_o our_o sake_n for_o my_o sake_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o all_o those_o that_o god_n shall_v call_v to_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o doubtless_o he_o say_v it_o altogether_o for_o our_o sake_n that_o he_o that_o plow_v may_v plow_v in_o hope_n and_o he_o that_o thresh_v may_v be_v partaker_n of_o his_o hope_n vers._n 10._o and_o though_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o good_a and_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o gain_n of_o some_o that_o out_o of_o carnality_n of_o heart_n may_v argue_v against_o be_v at_o charge_n upon_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n i_o say_v for_o the_o gain_n of_o their_o soul_n he_o sometime_o forbear_v the_o exercise_n of_o his_o power_n and_o rather_o labour_n with_o his_o hand_n yet_o he_o full_o assert_n this_o power_n to_o be_v put_v into_o he_o hand_n to_o forbear_v work_v in_o a_o secular_a employment_n and_o to_o receive_v wage_n for_o gospel-work_n such_o as_o may_v be_v his_o livelihood_n and_o live_a so_o as_o to_o live_v of_o the_o gospel_n vers._n 14._o neither_o do_v the_o apostle_n only_o assert_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o take_v wage_n for_o gospel-work_n but_o also_o acknowledge_v that_o himself_o have_v take_v wage_n i_o rob_v other_o church_n take_v wage_n of_o they_o to_o do_v you_o service_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o the_o apostle_n paul_n sometime_o meet_v with_o people_n as_o unwilling_a to_o part_v with_o wage_n for_o gospel-work_n as_o many_o be_v in_o these_o day_n and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n he_o lay_v by_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o power_n and_o make_v use_n of_o such_o as_o be_v more_o willing_a to_o minister_v to_o he_o of_o the_o good_a thing_n that_o they_o have_v that_o by_o his_o lenity_n and_o gentleness_n he_o may_v gain_v the_o refractory_a himself_o say_v he_o become_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n that_o by_o all_o mean_n he_o may_v gain_v some_o vers._n 22._o but_o his_o power_n he_o assert_v to_o the_o utmost_a if_o other_o be_v partaker_n of_o this_o power_n over_o you_o be_v not_o we_o rather_o though_o we_o have_v not_o make_v use_n of_o this_o our_o power_n but_o suffer_v all_o thing_n lest_o we_o shall_v hinder_v the_o gospel_n vers._n 12._o his_o aim_n be_v to_o gain_v and_o to_o win_v more_o upon_o man_n heart_n hereby_o and_o to_o see_v the_o number_n of_o christ_n flock_n increase_v that_o he_o make_v himself_o servant_n to_o all_o that_o be_v yet_o free_a from_o all_o vers._n 19_o but_o it_o may_v be_v you_o will_v grant_v that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n ought_v to_o receive_v wage_n for_o gospel-work_n and_o to_o live_v of_o the_o gospel_n though_o this_o be_v more_o than_o many_o will_v grant_v yet_o what_o make_v all_o this_o for_o receive_v of_o tithe_n to_o this_o i_o have_v only_o two_o word_n to_o say_v and_o i_o pray_v you_o observe_v they_o both_o first_o it_o be_v clear_a to_o i_o that_o the_o duty_n of_o pay_v a_o competent_a allowance_n to_o god_n minister_n such_o as_o they_o may_v live_v on_o by_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v and_o much_o more_o that_o may_v have_v be_v say_v for_o it_o though_o the_o way_n form_n and_o kind_n in_o which_o this_o wage_n ought_v to_o be_v pay_v be_v not_o so_o clear_a from_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o it_o be_v from_o the_o old_a and_o i_o hope_v where_o a_o duty_n be_v enjoin_v in_o one_o part_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o performance_n say_v nothing_o of_o in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o word_n yet_o in_o another_o part_n of_o the_o same_o word_n it_o be_v express_o set_v down_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v safe_a to_o walk_v by_o the_o subscribe_a rule_n than_o either_o to_o walk_v without_o rule_n or_o to_o cast_v off_o duty_n and_o indeed_o for_o all_o you_o say_v that_o scripture_n luke_n 11.42_o make_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n concerning_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n yet_o in_o my_o apprehension_n it_o make_v much_o for_o the_o payment_n of_o tithe_n for_o our_o saviour_n blame_v not_o the_o pharisee_n for_o take_v of_o they_o but_o that_o they_o only_o eye_v the_o profit_n and_o benefit_n that_o come_v by_o they_o and_o neglect_v the_o weighty_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n viz._n judgement_n and_o love_n etc._n etc._n for_o say_v he_o this_o aught_o you_o to_o have_v do_v and_o not_o to_o have_v leave_v the_o other_o undo_v and_o whereas_o you_o say_v this_o be_v before_o christ_n be_v offer_v up_o i_o grant_v it_o be_v true_a but_o shall_v we_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o christ_n will_v speak_v so_o favourable_o of_o a_o thing_n whilst_o he_o continue_v in_o the_o world_n that_o he_o will_v condemn_v and_o abandon_v when_o he_o come_v to_o his_o father_n be_v not_o this_o as_o much_o in_o effect_n as_o to_o force_v christ_n to_o deny_v himself_o in_o point_n of_o his_o deity_n and_o to_o make_v both_o he_o and_o his_o word_n mutable_a and_o changeable_a from_o which_o assertion_n the_o lord_n keep_v all_o that_o expect_v salvation_n in_o by_o and_o through_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o thus_o far_o i_o have_v admit_v of_o your_o sense_n of_o this_o scripture_n luke_n 11.42_o viz._n that_o the_o pharisee_n receive_v tithe_n *_o paper_n and_o if_o it_o be_v take_v in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v clear_a our_o saviour_n blame_v they_o not_o for_o take_v of_o they_o but_o that_o they_o only_o look_v upon_o the_o profit_n that_o come_v by_o they_o but_o if_o we_o consult_v with_o mat._n 23.23_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o pharisee_n rather_o pay_v tithe_n than_o receive_v they_o which_o sense_n i_o rather_o take_v to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o ingenuine_a sense_n of_o these_o scripture_n for_o the_o pharisee_n be_v not_o all_o priest_n if_o any_o of_o they_o be_v so_o but_o rather_o a_o separate_a sect_n of_o people_n alone_o by_o themselves_o very_o singular_a for_o external_a performance_n but_o little_o regard_v the_o weighty_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n viz._n judgement_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n now_o if_o we_o take_v it_o in_o this_o sense_n our_o saviour_n blame_v not_o the_o pharisee_n for_o pay_v of_o tithe_n but_o in_o that_o they_o conclude_v this_o be_v do_v there_o be_v no_o more_o to_o do_v but_o now_o let_v we_o join_v and_o compare_v these_o two_o scripture_n together_o and_o what_o will_v be_v the_o result_n but_o clear_o and_o plain_o this_o viz._n that_o neither_o the_o take_n nor_o give_v of_o tithe_n be_v by_o our_o saviour_n condemn_v but_o rather_o approve_v of_o to_o be_v a_o duty_n only_o rest_v in_o the_o external_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v by_o christ_n reprove_v and_o condemn_v for_o say_v he_o this_o aught_o you_o to_o have_v do_v and_o not_o to_o have_v leave_v the_o other_o undo_v beside_o abraham_n in_o who_o loin_n levy_v be_v pay_v tithe_n to_o melchisedeck_n before_o the_o law_n be_v give_v gen._n 14.20_o and_o heb._n 7.4_o and_o christ_n be_v a_o priest_n for_o ever_o after_o the_o order_n of_o melchisedeck_n so_o then_o the_o order_n of_o the_o priesthood_n be_v before_o the_o law_n and_o continue_v after_o the_o law_n even_o for_o ever_o and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a rite_n before_o the_o law_n as_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v else_o the_o patriarch_n abraham_n in_o who_o lion_n levy_v be_v will_v not_o have_v pay_v they_o but_o it_o be_v clear_a he_o pay_v they_o heb._n 7.10_o by_o which_o it_o plain_o appear_v tithe_n be_v a_o spiritual_a rite_n belong_v to_o a_o spiritual_a and_o
reduce_v man_n to_o moral_a virtue_n let_v they_o right_o display_v the_o beam_n thereof_o and_o i_o shall_v desire_v they_o may_v meet_v with_o many_o proselyte_n but_o whilst_o they_o publish_v this_o light_n to_o other_o i_o can_v but_o observe_v they_o darken_v it_o themselves_o they_o darken_v it_o by_o their_o disorderly_a expression_n declare_v thing_n in_o general_a term_n not_o define_v the_o nature_n of_o they_o do_v not_o the_o incongruity_n of_o their_o expression_n the_o inconsistence_n of_o their_o sentence_n each_o one_o other_o multiply_a word_n in_o a_o undigested_a immethodical_a heap_n leave_v all_o man_n in_o the_o dark_a what_o they_o mean_v by_o their_o light_n whilst_o they_o be_v to_o they_o that_o hear_v plain_a barbarian_n a_o vox_fw-la et_fw-la praeterea_fw-la nihil_fw-la and_o do_v not_o nature_n teach_v to_o speak_v in_o order_n and_o method_n principle_n in_o which_o to_o be_v instruct_v do_v it_o not_o count_v he_o the_o most_o elegant_a orator_n who_o speak_v so_o distinct_o and_o plain_o that_o the_o beam_n of_o light_n from_o he_o may_v be_v see_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o do_v not_o nature_n call_v heraclitus_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o the_o dark_a philosopher_n for_o render_v obscura_fw-la per_fw-la obscuriora_fw-la lose_v a_o principle_n in_o a_o cloud_n of_o obscure_a insignificant_a word_n nay_o and_o do_v not_o their_o practice_n which_o shall_v be_v the_o clear_a comment_n on_o their_o principle_n render_v they_o much_o more_o dark_a or_o rather_o distasteful_a as_o act_n of_o darkness_n so_o detect_v by_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n what_o will_v you_o say_v to_o their_o altogether_o decry_v god_n outward_a worship_n do_v not_o nature_n itself_o direct_v to_o some_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o a_o acknowledge_a deity_n only_o their_o light_n renounce_v it_o be_v it_o light_a that_o lead_v to_o the_o disrespect_n of_o all_o superior_n neither_o to_o give_v they_o honour_n in_o word_n or_o gesture_n be_v not_o the_o five_o command_n engrave_v on_o the_o heart_n by_o nature_n teach_v it_o noâ—_z all_o man_n in_o the_o world_n to_o observe_v that_o order_n which_o god_n have_v set_v among_o man_n and_o give_v to_o every_o man_n that_o civil_a honour_n that_o be_v due_a unto_o they_o by_o reason_n of_o age_n place_n or_o quality_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n blush_v at_o their_o rude_a language_n and_o behaviour_n and_o bespeak_v they_o beast_n of_o darkness_n rather_o than_o subject_n of_o any_o distinguish_a light_n do_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n give_v liberty_n for_o woman_n to_o be_v common_a controller_n and_o ordinary_a speaker_n be_v not_o silence_v the_o duty_n impose_v and_o property_n adorn_v that_o sex_n will_v not_o the_o heathen_a reject_v the_o religion_n which_o be_v enforce_v with_o feminine_a voice_n and_o stile_n find_v you_o they_o not_o without_o natural_a affection_n to_o their_o husband_n and_o child_n not_o only_o in_o a_o neglect_n of_o their_o time_n and_o calling_n in_o idleness_n follow_v the_o pretend_a light_n within_o they_o but_o also_o wicked_o leave_v they_o and_o wander_v from_o country_n to_o country_n from_o nation_n to_o nation_n in_o a_o rabid_a and_o savage_a way_n to_o advance_v the_o pretend_a light_n within_o they_o these_o and_o the_o like_a act_n of_o most_o gross_a and_o palpable_a darkness_n be_v so_o obvious_a to_o every_o observant_a eye_n that_o they_o see_v they_o can_v but_o blush_v if_o nature_n weak_a and_o vitiate_a eye_n be_v but_o half_a open_a and_o i_o can_v think_v that_o there_o need_v any_o more_o pregnant_a or_o persuasive_a argument_n to_o stay_v thou_o from_o close_v with_o their_o delusion_n than_o a_o plain_a historical_a representation_n of_o their_o work_n of_o darkness_n so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o their_o light_n pretend_v itself_o to_o be_v that_o of_o grace_n and_o if_o so_o how_o be_v it_o acquire_v how_o be_v it_o approve_v they_o have_v indeed_o by_o providence_n be_v cast_v into_o gospel-time_n and_o place_n and_o so_o know_v the_o scripture_n and_o its_o phrase_n but_o by_o it_o they_o gain_v not_o this_o light_n for_o the_o scripture_n they_o disown_v and_o decry_v they_o must_v needs_o then_o have_v it_o by_o some_o extraordinary_a infusion_n and_o this_o certain_o be_v not_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o light_n for_o beside_o that_o it_o enlighten_v we_o in_o and_o by_o the_o scripture_n it_o bring_v into_o the_o soul_n a_o light_n that_o do_v clear_o discover_v the_o object_n and_o irradiate_v the_o organ_n a_o light_n that_o do_v dispel_v all_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n distinguish_v thing_n that_o differ_v define_v thing_n that_o exist_v declare_v duty_n and_o detect_v sin_n with_o a_o conviction_n irresistible_a it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v nay_o positive_o affirm_v that_o this_o light_n so_o full_a of_o confusion_n darkness_n and_o disorder_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o enlighten_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n dart_v out_o scripture_n word_n without_o either_o sense_n or_o reason_n and_o suit_v to_o the_o seducement_n of_o a_o people_n to_o who_o by_o providence_n scripture-language_n be_v grow_v natural_a that_o no_o delusion_n will_v down_o with_o they_o that_o savour_v not_o of_o it_o this_o will_v appear_v more_o certain_a if_o you_o consider_v how_o this_o light_n be_v approve_v and_o here_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o property_n of_o it_o what_o object_n do_v it_o discover_v what_o duty_n do_v it_o direct_v what_o real_a evil_n do_v it_o detect_v and_o convince_v of_o as_o to_o the_o former_a it_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o pretend_v to_o they_o by_o either_o propound_v any_o object_n or_o prescribe_v any_o duty_n more_o than_o the_o light_n without_o description_n and_o heed_v it_o without_o any_o rule_n of_o direction_n so_o that_o it_o give_v you_o no_o centre_n or_o ground_n to_o hope_n no_o counsel_n to_o the_o soul_n nay_o so_o far_o be_v this_o light_n from_o direct_v unto_o that_o it_o divert_v the_o soul_n from_o every_o duty_n the_o subject_n of_o it_o sanctify_v no_o sabbath_n seek_v not_o god_n at_o any_o time_n in_o prayer_n crave_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o blessing_n on_o their_o meat_n and_o drink_n but_o in_o a_o word_n throw_v off_o every_o act_n of_o religion_n as_o a_o work_n of_o darkness_n the_o only_a property_n of_o light_n to_o which_o it_o do_v pretend_v be_v that_o of_o reprove_v and_o convince_n of_o evil_n and_o if_o the_o matter_n reprove_v and_o manner_n of_o reprove_v bespeak_v it_o not_o to_o be_v positive_a darkness_n let_v the_o son_n of_o light_a judge_n 1_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n reprove_v be_v it_o not_o general_o the_o very_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o duty_n of_o christianity_n that_o the_o which_o every_o rational_a enlighten_v christian_n must_v needs_o see_v to_o be_v prescribe_v by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o declare_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v it_o not_o the_o sabbath_n solemn_a assembly_n of_o god_n and_o his_o people_n be_v it_o not_o prayer_n read_v hear_v receive_v the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n even_o all_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n they_o decry_v insomuch_o that_o we_o can_v but_o see_v they_o obnoxious_a to_o that_o sad_a woe_n denounce_v against_o such_o as_o call_v good_a evil_a evil_a good_a light_a darkness_n darkness_n light_n in_o a_o word_n they_o decry_v those_o thing_n that_o satan_n dare_v not_o have_v speak_v against_o have_v he_o not_o prepare_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n by_o a_o spirit_n of_o scepticism_n have_v bring_v they_o to_o such_o a_o equipoiz_n that_o a_o very_o call_v light_a darkness_n and_o darkness_n light_n may_v cast_v the_o scale_n so_o that_o indeed_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o say_v of_o their_o reproof_n as_o augustine_n in_o another_o case_n nos_fw-la non_fw-la curamus_fw-la de_fw-la eis_fw-la qui_fw-la reprehendunt_fw-la quae_fw-la non_fw-la comprehendunt_fw-la we_o regard_v not_o their_o reproof_n for_o they_o blame_v what_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o be_v just_o to_o be_v brand_v with_o the_o apostle_n note_v of_o seducer_n they_o speak_v evil_a of_o thing_n they_o do_v not_o know_v jude_n 10._o 2_o as_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o reproof_n so_o the_o manner_n in_o which_o they_o manage_v it_o manifest_v it_o to_o be_v darkness_n enmity_n at_o light_n for_o they_o condemn_v as_o judge_v without_o any_o convince_a argument_n or_o demonstration_n thou_o lie_v be_v their_o form_n of_o reproof_n and_o only_o forcible_a reason_n of_o conviction_n they_o be_v confuse_v blame_v every_o thing_n but_o convince_n of_o no_o one_o the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o cloud_n of_o darkness_n they_o strike_v at_o they_o distinguish_v nothing_o at_o denote_v guilty_a and_o to_o be_v demolish_v they_o curse_o rail_v rather_o than_o convince_o reprove_v for_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o they_o as_o munster_n note_v of_o the_o
conscience_n do_v at_o large_a resolve_v the_o great_a controversy_n about_o tithe_n and_o shall_v proceed_v to_o the_o other_o great_a query_n mention_v in_o your_o paper_n and_o so_o take_v leave_v with_o you_o and_o all_o of_o your_o opinion_n till_o you_o return_v again_o to_o the_o own_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o submit_v to_o order_n and_o break_v yourselves_o off_o from_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n which_o tend_v to_o every_o evil_a work_n jam._n 5.16_o and_o now_o to_o your_o second_o great_a question_n concerning_o perfection_n i_o must_v first_o lay_v down_o your_o own_o word_n and_o then_o answer_v they_o for_o i_o desire_v to_o be_v faithful_a and_o not_o to_o wrong_v you_o in_o a_o syllable_n your_o word_n be_v these_o and_o thou_o priest_n fog_n of_o liverpool_n who_o say_v they_o that_o hold_v forth_o the_o way_n of_o perfection_n hold_v not_o the_o way_n of_o god_n but_o from_o under_o this_o thou_o can_v not_o get_v but_o under_o the_o condemnation_n must_v come_v and_o your_o reason_n be_v annex_v viz._n for_o the_o way_n of_o god_n be_v perfect_a which_o way_n be_v jesus_n christ_n for_o say_v he_o i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n no_o man_n come_v to_o the_o father_n but_o by_o i_o but_o before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o answer_n of_o this_o from_o under_o the_o just_a censure_n of_o false_a accusation_n you_o can_v get_v i_o use_v your_o own_o language_n for_o mr._n fog_n be_v far_o from_o deny_v the_o way_n of_o god_n to_o be_v perfect_a or_o from_o deny_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n but_o his_o argument_n be_v that_o neither_o you_o nor_o any_o man_n nor_o woman_n upon_o earth_n have_v attain_v to_o perfection_n so_o as_o to_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a in_o this_o life_n and_o for_o all_o he_o bring_v in_o many_o pertinent_a scripture_n to_o make_v good_a what_o he_o say_v yet_o you_o stick_v not_o so_o far_o to_o abuse_v he_o that_o you_o bury_v they_o all_o in_o silence_n not_o mention_v one_o of_o they_o i_o can_v conceive_v why_o you_o shall_v do_v so_o unless_o it_o be_v your_o aim_n to_o hold_v he_o forth_o to_o the_o world_n to_o be_v so_o sottish_a that_o he_o can_v not_o make_v good_a his_o argument_n against_o you_o but_o bless_v be_v god_n there_o be_v many_o ear_n witness_v that_o day_n but_o have_v there_o be_v none_o but_o yourselves_o and_o that_o you_o shall_v make_v your_o boast_n thereof_o yet_o i_o be_o confident_a no_o man_n endow_v with_o reason_n will_v give_v credit_n to_o you_o in_o such_o a_o thing_n his_o ability_n be_v better_o know_v than_o your_o own_o i_o shall_v pass_v by_o that_o disorder_n that_o you_o true_o acknowledge_v be_v that_o day_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n that_o many_o receive_v not_o satisfaction_n for_o in_o truth_n i_o know_v not_o how_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o order_n can_v be_v expect_v from_o a_o people_n that_o have_v cast_v off_o both_o order_n and_o decency_n 1_o cor._n 14.40_o i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o direct_a answer_n of_o your_o question_n viz._n whether_o perfection_n be_v attainable_a in_o this_o life_n yea_o or_o no_o you_o say_v it_o be_v i_o say_v it_o be_v not_o except_o we_o take_v along_o with_o we_o these_o follow_a limitation_n or_o as_o i_o may_v call_v they_o these_o step_n to_o or_o degree_n of_o perfection_n i_o shall_v for_o your_o and_o my_o own_o better_a understanding_n acknowledge_v four_o degree_n of_o pefection_n and_o acknowledge_v three_o of_o they_o attainable_a in_o this_o life_n and_o the_o four_o unattainable_a all_o which_o i_o shall_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n make_v clear_a by_o scripture_n and_o that_o very_o brief_o first_o there_o be_v a_o imputative_a perfection_n that_o be_v when_o the_o perfection_n of_o christ_n be_v impute_v to_o a_o man_n and_o this_o be_v doubtless_o job_n case_n he_o be_v a_o perfect_a man_n in_o god_n account_n job_n 1.8_o because_o god_n have_v in_o the_o eternal_a decree_n of_o his_o unchangeable_a love_n impute_v the_o perfection_n of_o christ_n to_o he_o he_o lay_v hold_v thereon_o by_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v write_v abraham_n believe_v god_n and_o it_o be_v impute_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n gen._n 15.6_o and_o rom._n 4.3_o which_o be_v all_o one_o with_o perfection_n for_o that_o man_n that_o be_v perfect_o righteous_a be_v a_o perfect_a man_n but_o there_o be_v none_o in_o himself_o and_o from_o himself_o righteous_a no_o not_o one_o rom._n 3.10_o there_o be_v none_o that_o do_v good_a no_o not_o one_o vers._n 12._o and_o therefore_o whoever_o thou_o be_v that_o boast_v of_o stand_v upon_o the_o foot_n of_o thy_o own_o perfection_n i_o say_v unto_o thou_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o thou_o stand_v at_o all_o thou_o stand_v by_o faith_n be_v not_o high_o mind_v but_o fear_v rom._n 11.20_o second_o there_o be_v perfection_n in_o part_n this_o be_v it_o the_o apostle_n paul_n own_v 2_o cor._n 13_o 9_o 10._o for_o we_o know_v in_o part_n and_o prophesy_v in_o part_n but_o when_o that_o which_o be_v perfect_a be_v come_v then_o that_o which_o be_v imperfect_a shall_v be_v do_v away_o and_o if_o any_o ask_v when_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o same_o apostle_n make_v answer_v 1_o cor._n 15.54_o when_o this_o corruptible_a have_v put_v on_o incorruption_n and_o this_o mortal_a have_v put_v on_o immortality_n then_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v the_o say_v that_o be_v write_v death_n be_v swallow_v up_o in_o victory_n hos._n 13.4_o for_o this_o corruptible_a must_v put_v on_o incorruption_n and_o this_o mortal_a must_v put_v on_o immortality_n and_o the_o same_o apostle_n speak_v of_o our_o body_n say_v it_o be_v sow_v in_o dishonour_n it_o be_v raise_v in_o glory_n it_o be_v sow_v in_o weakness_n it_o â—s_n raise_v in_o power_n it_o be_v sow_v a_o natural_a but_o be_v raise_v a_o spiritual_a body_n now_o tell_v i_o where_o be_v the_o spiritual_a body_n till_o it_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a but_o i_o believe_v and_o be_o full_o persuade_v that_o though_o my_o body_n be_v sow_v in_o death_n a_o vile_a body_n it_o shall_v in_o the_o resurrection_n be_v make_v like_o unto_o christ_n glorious_a body_n philip_n 3.21_o three_o there_o be_v a_o comparative_a perfection_n a_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o perfect_a man_n in_o comparison_n of_o other_o that_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o earnest_n of_o their_o inheritance_n and_o of_o such_o we_o read_v prov._n 12.26_o the_o righteous_a man_n be_v more_o excellent_a than_o his_o neighbour_n ephes._n 1.14_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v true_a every_o godly_a man_n be_v more_o righteous_a more_o excellent_a and_o more_o perfect_a than_o his_o neighbour_n for_o none_o but_o the_o true_o godly_a walk_v before_o god_n in_o uprightness_n of_o heart_n and_o that_o man_n that_o have_v a_o upright_a and_o sincere_a heart_n be_v in_o god_n account_n a_o perfect_a man_n so_o noah_n and_o abraham_n be_v say_v to_o be_v perfect_a man_n gen._n 6.9_o and_o 17.1_o four_o and_o last_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a perfection_n as_o i_o say_v before_o when_o we_o the_o member_n shall_v be_v make_v like_o christ_n our_o head_n col._n 1.18_o when_o we_o shall_v be_v glorify_v together_o with_o he_o rom._n 8.17_o when_o these_o vile_a body_n shall_v be_v make_v like_o unto_o his_o glorious_a body_n when_o all_o the_o remainder_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n shall_v be_v consume_v in_o god_n furnace_n i_o mean_v the_o grave_n but_o whilst_o we_o continue_v in_o the_o body_n we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o lord_n 2_o cor._n 5.8_o this_o absolute_a perfection_n than_o be_v not_o attainable_a here_o in_o this_o life_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o be_o now_o to_o prove_v and_o by_o god_n assistance_n shall_v do_v it_o first_o by_o scripture_n second_o by_o undeniable_a argument_n and_o so_o draw_v to_o a_o conclusion_n and_o first_o for_o the_o first_o i_o may_v fill_v up_o much_o room_n with_o place_n that_o will_v speak_v full_o to_o this_o point_n but_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n every_o word_n shall_v be_v establish_v i_o shall_v bring_v in_o two_o or_o three_o which_o i_o hope_v may_v suffice_v and_o first_o job_n that_o be_v a_o perfect_a man_n in_o the_o sense_n i_o before_o mention_v viz._n in_o god_n account_n yet_o in_o your_o sense_n he_o utter_o disclaim_v it_o job_n 9.20_o if_o i_o justify_v myself_o my_o own_o mouth_n shall_v condemn_v i_o and_o after_o job_n have_v be_v as_o it_o be_v expostulate_v with_o god_n and_o plead_v his_o own_o innoâ—â—ncy_n and_o integrity_n and_o as_o it_o be_v god_n hard_a deal_n with_o he_o and_o have_v in_o the_o bitterness_n