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 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and_o whereas_o it_o may_v be_v say_v we_o assign_v not_o to_o man_n as_o judge_n but_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o man_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o whole_o mend_v the_o matter_n while_o the_o question_n remain_v unanswered_a who_o or_o where_o be_v the_o man_n through_o who_o the_o spirit_n appear_v to_o judge_n or_o at_o least_o so_o unanswered_a as_o not_o to_o remove_v the_o reasonable_a objection_n of_o such_o as_o may_v gainsay_v and_o so_o through_o these_o thing_n the_o mind_n of_o the_o weak_a may_v come_v to_o be_v entertain_v with_o doubtful_a disputation_n rather_o than_o those_o thing_n which_o tend_v to_o edification_n contrary_a to_o the_o drift_n and_o bent_n of_o the_o apostle_n spirit_n rom._n 14.1_o 1_o cor._n 14.26_o second_o i_o can_v yet_o cease_v from_o a_o further_a observation_n on_o the_o aforesaid_a position_n viz._n which_o positive_a sentence_n and_o decision_n may_v become_v obligatory_a on_o believer_n it_o be_v true_a the_o aforesaid_a author_n do_v 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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_v 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 busi-body_n but_o not_o good_a christian_n paul_n write_v to_o the_o corinthian_n tell_v they_o we_o recommend_v ourselves_o to_o every_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 4.2_o here_o paul_n become_v not_o a_o bond_n upon_o they_o further_o than_o they_o have_v a_o sense_n that_o god_n witness_v in_o the_o conscience_n answer_v the_o 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a_o proper_a proof_n of_o the_o matter_n then_o by_o the_o word_n we_o paul_n must_v be_v understand_v to_o mean_v the_o church_n and_o that_o in_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n sense_n now_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n sense_n as_o appear_v page_n 68_o be_v that_o such_o assembly_n be_v the_o church_n which_o in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n may_v be_v so_o term_v but_o doubtless_o paul_n be_v so_o exact_a as_o not_o to_o deliver_v any_o thing_n as_o doctrine_n but_o what_o he_o have_v see_v and_o handle_v according_a to_o this_o testimony_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n what_o we_o have_v see_v and_o handle_v of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n that_o declare_v we_o unto_o you_o which_o be_v certain_a and_o infallible_a token_n be_v more_o than_o tolerable_a supposition_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o conclude_v paul_n never_o intend_v that_o such_o who_o refuse_v to_o be_v bind_v in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n by_o the_o sentence_n of_o every_o such_o assembly_n which_o in_o any_o 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now_o peter_n and_o those_o other_o jew_n may_v have_v reason_v with_o paul_n and_o say_v we_o be_v the_o brethren_n and_o the_o church_n and_o our_o practice_n ought_v to_o be_v a_o bond_n on_o thou_o and_o thou_o ought_v rather_o to_o submit_v to_o we_o than_o we_o to_o thou_o but_o have_v they_o so_o do_v doubtless_o paul_n will_v still_o have_v withstand_v they_o and_o have_v be_v justify_v therein_o the_o second_o scripture_n r._n b._n quote_v be_v 1_o tim._n 1.19_o 20._o which_o thus_o say_v hold_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o some_o have_v put_v away_o concern_v faith_n have_v make_v shipwreck_n of_o who_o be_v hymeneus_n and_o allexander_n who_o i_o have_v deliver_v to_o satan_n that_o they_o may_v learn_v not_o to_o blaspheme_n what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o purpose_n to_o prove_v that_o
the_o positive_a sentence_n and_o dicision_n of_o the_o church_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n may_v bind_v believer_n it_o be_v so_o remote_a from_o it_o that_o it_o need_v no_o explanation_n to_o show_v it_o so_o nay_o i_o may_v reasonable_o query_n whether_o this_o scripture_n be_v to_o ordinary_a capacity_n plain_a to_o the_o purpose_n that_o paul_n himself_o intend_v for_o if_o we_o consult_v the_o light_n it_o do_v not_o tell_v we_o that_o a_o delivery_n to_o satan_n may_v be_v a_o expedient_a whereby_o to_o learn_v not_o to_o blaspheme_n if_o by_o the_o word_n satan_n be_v mean_v the_o devil_n as_o be_v usual_o understand_v the_o last_o scripture_n he_o quote_v for_o proof_n be_v joh._n 2.10_o if_o there_o come_v any_o unto_o you_o and_o bring_v not_o this_o doctrine_n receive_v he_o not_o into_o your_o house_n neither_o bid_v he_o rejoice_v for_o so_o say_v the_o aforesaid_a author_n the_o greek_a have_v it_o here_o also_o no_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o any_o positive_a sentence_n or_o decision_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o yet_o the_o import_n thereof_o by_o any_o natural_a consequence_n and_o therefore_o we_o will_v consider_v what_o the_o word_n doctrine_n be_v relative_a to_o the_o forego_v verse_n tell_v we_o thus_o whosoever_o transgress_v and_o abide_v not_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n have_v not_o god_n it_o be_v now_o necessary_a to_o consider_v what_o be_v christ_n doctrine_n it_o be_v well_o describe_v by_o his_o sermon_n in_o the_o mount_n mat._n 5.6_o chapter_n wherein_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o title_n to_o countenance_v this_o sentence_n that_o the_o positive_a sentence_n or_o decision_n of_o the_o church_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n may_v be_v obligatory_a on_o believer_n nay_o in_o that_o very_a case_n mat._n 18.15_o 16._o where_o it_o be_v say_v if_o thy_o brother_n trespass_n against_o thou_o go_v tell_v he_o his_o fault_n if_o he_o hear_v thou_o not_o take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o if_o he_o hear_v not_o they_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n if_o he_o refuse_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 the_o scripture_n do_v not_o say_v that_o sentence_n ought_v to_o be_v obligatory_a on_o all_o other_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n who_o may_v be_v no_o way_n concern_v either_o in_o the_o admonition_n or_o sentence_n to_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n but_o it_o say_v let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man._n christ_n doctrine_n also_o be_v that_o when_o he_o shall_v depart_v hence_o the_o father_n will_v send_v the_o comforter_n the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o say_v he_o shall_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n he_o do_v not_o say_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v obligatory_a on_o all_o believer_n nor_o yet_o that_o the_o church_n shall_v teach_v they_o all_o thing_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o apostle_n writing_n that_o they_o themselves_o have_v need_v of_o teach_v these_o thing_n due_o weigh_v i_o do_v according_a to_o truth_n conclude_v that_o the_o three_o forego_v scripture_n which_o he_o have_v quote_v do_v no_o way_n import_v to_o prove_v the_o matter_n he_o intend_v beside_o i_o remember_v only_o one_o example_n of_o decisive_n judgement_n or_o sentence_n give_v in_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n who_o do_v it_o not_o as_o assume_v authority_n so_o to_o do_v say_v we_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o we_o have_v power_n to_o decide_v without_o your_o assent_n but_o what_o they_o do_v be_v by_o assent_n of_o the_o differ_v party_n which_o assent_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v note_v by_o such_o who_o say_v as_o r._n b._n have_v we_o bold_o aver_v we_o have_v power_n to_o decide_v and_o that_o speak_v nothing_o in_o favour_n of_o what_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n seem_v to_o drive_v at_o when_o he_o say_v and_o be_v not_o this_o obligatory_a on_o all_o the_o member_n but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o 15_o of_o the_o act_n where_o a_o dissension_n be_v signify_v between_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o certain_a of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n who_o believe_v and_o teach_v unless_o you_o be_v circumcise_a after_o the_o manner_n of_o moses_n you_o can_v be_v save_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n agree_v that_o circumcision_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v lay_v on_o the_o gentile_n which_o be_v believer_n who_o never_o be_v in_o the_o practice_n nor_o yet_o have_v any_o faith_n touch_v the_o same_o yet_o do_v not_o say_v that_o their_o sentence_n shall_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v obligatory_a on_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n nor_o yet_o that_o those_o jew_n who_o practise_v circumcision_n after_o they_o believe_v shall_v desist_v the_o same_o for_o than_o it_o may_v have_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o obligatory_a on_o such_o believe_a jew_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o that_o sentence_n do_v plain_o agree_v with_o the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n receive_v among_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n in_o the_o beginning_n viz._n to_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n receive_v for_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n well_o know_v that_o according_a as_o paul_n say_v to_o the_o roman_n chap._n 14.5_o 23._o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o every_o one_o to_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n and_o so_o can_v not_o suffer_v their_o sentence_n have_v they_o have_v power_n so_o to_o do_v to_o be_v a_o bond_n on_o those_o jew_n who_o make_v conscience_n of_o practise_v circumcision_n after_o they_o have_v believe_v to_o forbear_v the_o same_o and_o as_o to_o the_o gentile_n it_o do_v plain_o appear_v that_o the_o decisive_n judgement_n of_o the_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n with_o respect_n to_o that_o controversy_n touch_v circumcision_n be_v not_o a_o bond_n upon_o they_o contrary_a but_o according_a to_o their_o faith_n and_o therefore_o this_o example_n can_v be_v no_o precedent_n or_o warrant_v for_o any_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o sentence_n or_o decisive_n judgement_n of_o any_o whatsoever_o wherein_o there_o be_v no_o faith_n much_o less_o to_o conclude_v that_o the_o conscience_n ought_v to_o be_v bind_v for_o it_o be_v no_o more_o in_o the_o power_n of_o believer_n or_o any_o else_o to_o force_v a_o assent_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n to_o the_o sentence_n and_o decisive_n judgement_n of_o other_o though_o pretend_v themselves_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n without_o a_o invisible_a operation_n and_o conviction_n thereon_o through_o which_o alone_o its_o capable_a to_o be_v bind_v than_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n so_o to_o alter_v the_o outward_a shape_v of_o our_o face_n as_o to_o make_v they_o like_v unto_o other_o mens_fw-la from_o who_o they_o vary_v moreover_o when_o i_o consider_v how_o innumerable_a controversy_n have_v a_o rise_v touch_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o decree_n that_o have_v be_v bring_v forth_o touch_v matter_n of_o conscience_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o age_n past_a and_o that_o the_o like_a controversy_n in_o probability_n may_v arise_v at_o this_o day_n shall_v any_o number_n of_o person_n whatsoever_o assemble_v and_o not_o only_o say_v we_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o also_o thus_o we_o have_v power_n to_o bind_v and_o lose_v and_o upon_o that_o foot_n give_v forth_o positive_a sentence_n and_o decesive_a judgement_n in_o case_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n in_o order_n to_o be_v obligatory_a upon_o believer_n i_o can_v but_o query_n especial_o since_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n have_v not_o preach_v up_o this_o doctrine_n you_o must_v believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v but_o have_v commend_v their_o testimony_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o truth_n to_o every_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n that_o therein_o they_o may_v be_v manifest_v i_o say_v i_o can_v but_o query_n where_o lie_v the_o service_n to_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n for_o any_o to_o concern_v themselves_o to_o treat_v on_o such_o subject_n as_o may_v give_v occasion_n to_o receive_v the_o weak_a to_o doutbfnl_n disputation_n for_o though_o christ_n say_v what_o you_o bound_v in_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n that_o the_o apostle_n or_o any_o assembly_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n ever_o make_v use_n of_o that_o expression_n to_o show_v their_o authority_n as_o christ_n church_n but_o rather_o labour_v to_o beget_v people_n unto_o god_n that_o so_o they_o may_v become_v member_n of_o christ_n body_n which_o be_v the_o church_n and_o be_v in_o
liable_a to_o err_v than_o a_o treat_v on_o this_o scripture_n take_v eat_v this_o be_v my_o body_n and_o apply_v it_o to_o outward_a bread_n will_v and_o though_o none_o among_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n as_o ever_o i_o yet_o hear_v treat_v on_o the_o late_a scripture_n in_o approbation_n of_o the_o sense_n and_o application_n before_o recite_v yet_o i_o find_v the_o aforesaid_a author_n treat_v on_o the_o former_a scripture_n and_o that_o as_o to_o i_o appear_v with_o respect_n to_o settle_a assembly_n who_o if_o they_o watch_v not_o may_v err_v which_o be_v easy_o to_o be_v savour_v if_o the_o whole_a scope_n of_o his_o treatise_n be_v but_o due_o weigh_v the_o service_n for_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n in_o his_o so_o do_v at_o this_o day_n be_v hard_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o many_o who_o have_v a_o honourable_a esteem_n for_o truth_n as_o preach_v in_o the_o beginning_n especial_o since_o it_o may_v occasion_v many_o to_o stumble_v and_o fall_v through_o a_o jealousy_n that_o those_o scripture_n in_o process_n of_o time_n may_v be_v use_v to_o enforce_v obedience_n to_o outward_a sentence_n and_o decree_n relate_v to_o conscience_n whether_o the_o understanding_n be_v so_o illuminate_v as_o to_o see_v the_o service_n of_o such_o obedience_n for_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n yea_o or_o nay_o and_o since_o it_o be_v so_o that_o of_o late_a much_o be_v speak_v touch_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o liable_a to_o err_v and_o that_o the_o apostasy_n shall_v never_o enter_v the_o generality_n more_o it_o be_v at_o this_o time_n with_o i_o to_o treat_v a_o little_a further_o touch_v thing_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o though_o i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v to_o say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o invest_v with_o power_n from_o on_o high_a for_o every_o member_n thereof_o according_a to_o measure_n stand_v in_o the_o power_n or_o that_o the_o apostasy_n shall_v enter_v the_o generality_n again_o yet_o i_o have_v this_o certain_a sense_n that_o in_o assert_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o her_o infallibility_n etc._n etc._n time_n have_v not_o be_v so_o well_o employ_v as_o may_v have_v be_v in_o a_o inward_a exercise_n to_o be_v comprehend_v in_o the_o power_n thereby_o to_o be_v preserve_v out_o of_o all_o apostasy_n and_o error_n but_o to_o proceed_v we_o read_v that_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n tell_v they_o they_o be_v come_v to_o the_o 12.13_o the_o heb._n 12.13_o general_n assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first-born_a which_o be_v write_v in_o heaven_n and_o to_o god_n the_o judge_n of_o all_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o general_a assembly_n so_o that_o their_o sentence_n and_o decisive_n judgement_n shall_v be_v a_o bond_n on_o believer_n to_o obey_v though_o they_o see_v it_o not_o but_o say_v god_n be_v judge_n of_o all_o neither_o do_v i_o find_v that_o the_o scripture_n make_v mention_n of_o any_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n other_o than_o in_o this_o place_n and_o since_o the_o word_n church_n be_v most_o use_v in_o scripture_n with_o respect_n to_o particular_a congregation_n or_o assembly_n what_o ground_n be_v there_o to_o exalt_v the_o power_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n above_o any_o particular_a one_o especial_o since_o no_o such_o assembly_n whether_o general_n or_o particular_a as_o assembly_n of_o man_n have_v power_n one_o above_o another_o further_o than_o the_o power_n of_o god_n appear_v more_o eminent_a in_o degree_n in_o one_o than_o another_o for_o god_n by_o his_o spirit_n alone_o be_v sole_a judge_n which_o appear_v though_o but_o through_o a_o handmaid_n or_o mean_a of_o the_o flock_n in_o the_o least_o of_o assembly_n ought_v to_o be_v submit_v to_o when_o god_n witness_n in_o the_o conscience_n answer_v whether_o a_o assembly_n esteem_v a_o general_n assembly_n approve_v thereof_o or_o no._n where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o christ_n name_n there_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n 20._o christ_n matth._n 18.19_o 20._o christ_n say_v if_o two_o of_o such_o agree_v on_o earth_n as_o touch_v any_o thing_n they_o shall_v ask_v the_o father_n it_o shall_v be_v do_v for_o they_o of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n can_v the_o agreement_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n do_v more_o than_o this_o viz._n than_o prevail_v with_o the_o father_n and_o therefore_o i_o may_v well_o query_n why_o the_o agreement_n of_o two_o in_o any_o case_n who_o in_o christ_n name_n agree_v ought_v not_o to_o have_v as_o great_a a_o prevalency_n among_o their_o brethren_n as_o the_o agreement_n of_o a_o assembly_n esteem_v a_o general_n one_o oughts_z and_o why_o the_o people_n of_o god_n at_o this_o day_n may_v not_o have_v a_o eye_n as_o well_o to_o two_o brethren_n who_o in_o christ_n name_n agree_v and_o be_v at_o unity_n in_o the_o truth_n as_o unto_o a_o assembly_n esteem_v a_o general_n one_o though_o particular_a society_n of_o man_n may_v constitute_v some_o person_n or_o person_n to_o represent_v they_o and_o so_o may_v confer_v a_o power_n on_o they_o to_o negotiate_v outward_a worldly_a affair_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o such_o constitution_n there_o may_v be_v assembly_n which_o in_o that_o respect_n may_v be_v call_v general_n assembly_n yet_o i_o query_n whether_o any_o assembly_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n can_v in_o a_o proper_a sense_n be_v call_v a_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n unless_o such_o a_o one_o where_o every_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n be_v convince_v because_o as_o they_o pretend_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o no_o power_n in_o their_o assembly_n when_o negotiate_v the_o affair_n of_o truth_n as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o bare_o as_o man_n but_o god_n power_n so_o they_o do_v not_o profess_v that_o as_o such_o they_o have_v power_n to_o confer_v god_n power_n and_o spirit_n on_o any_o for_o they_o account_v that_o only_o proper_a to_o christ_n the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o particular_a congregation_n shall_v attempt_v to_o send_v person_n as_o their_o representative_n to_o any_o particular_a place_n in_o order_n to_o meet_v together_o as_o a_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o that_o any_o part_n of_o the_o church_n without_o such_o particular_a election_n or_o mission_n shall_v assemble_v together_o and_o call_v themselves_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n i_o query_n whether_o those_o so_o affirm_v will_v not_o therein_o manifest_o err_v yet_o i_o will_v not_o hereby_o be_v understand_v to_o judge_v it_o as_o a_o evil_a for_o any_o whether_o apostle_n or_o elder_n or_o any_o else_o to_o meet_v together_o when_o where_o and_o as_o often_o as_o they_o in_o the_o spirit_n shall_v find_v freedom_n from_o the_o lord_n so_o to_o do_v nor_o yet_o be_v meet_v together_o to_o judge_v they_o for_o give_v forth_o any_o thing_n by_o way_n of_o recommendation_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o brethren_n when_o they_o find_v freedom_n from_o the_o lord_n so_o to_o do_v yet_o in_o this_o case_n every_o one_o have_v need_v to_o wait_v in_o their_o own_o gift_n that_o so_o they_o may_v not_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o thing_n beside_o their_o gift_n and_o then_o what_o such_o bring_v forth_o may_v have_v a_o answer_n in_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o fellow-brethren_n but_o shall_v such_o assembly_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o give_v forth_o positive_a sentence_n decree_n or_o decisive_n judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n in_o order_n to_o become_v a_o bond_n upon_o believer_n to_o obey_v though_o they_o see_v it_o not_o and_o in_o defect_n of_o obedience_n to_o such_o their_o sentence_n pronounce_v all_o such_o their_o brethren_n who_o may_v refuse_v to_o obey_v the_o same_o rebellious_a against_o the_o lord_n they_o will_v therein_o manifest_v themselves_o to_o be_v lay_v another_o foundation_n than_o that_o which_o have_v be_v already_o lay_v and_o so_o it_o may_v be_v just_o with_o the_o lord_n to_o withdraw_v his_o comfort_a presence_n from_o they_o r._n b._n page_n 63._o treat_v of_o the_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 thus_o say_v there_o be_v a_o certain_a liberty_n and_o forbearance_n also_o that_o be_v more_o particular_a and_o have_v a_o relation_n to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n which_o will_v not_o hold_v universal_o the_o first_o be_v in_o suffer_v circumcision_n to_o the_o jew_n the_o second_o be_v in_o observation_n of_o certain_a day_n the_o three_o abstain_v from_o meat_n to_o which_o i_o say_v the_o aforesaid_a author_n as_o in_o other_o thing_n
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
viz._n that_o it_o be_v folly_n and_o hypocrisy_n to_o profess_v ourselves_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o yet_o not_o believe_v thus_o as_o the_o true_a church_n believe_v pag._n 36._o sect._n v._n what_o we_o stand_v for_o viz._n truth_n and_o righteousness_n and_o that_o christ_n government_n may_v be_v exalt_v in_o every_o heart_n under_o which_o we_o be_v instruct_v not_o to_o depend_v on_o man_n but_o on_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n grace_n page_n 27._o a_o testimony_n against_o tithe_n and_o for_o meet_v together_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n the_o neglect_n whereof_o may_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o weakness_n or_o disobedience_n page_n 28._o the_o government_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o law_n thereof_o be_v inward_a some_o part_n of_o the_o fruit_n bring_v forth_o under_o the_o say_a government_n be_v describe_v page_n 29._o a_o objection_n relate_v to_o the_o secure_v any_o part_n of_o a_o man_n estate_n on_o a_o foresight_n of_o a_o praemunire_n or_o fine_n for_o meet_v answer_v page_n 31._o sect._n vi._n on_o the_o occasion_n of_o a_o objection_n raise_v touch_v the_o sufficiciency_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 corinthian_n that_o they_o shall_v all_o speak_v one_o thing_n page_n 36._o touch_v the_o word_n independency_n occasion_v by_o a_o public_a preacher_n page_n 38._o 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 page_n 42_o 43._o sect._n vii_o touch_v church_n government_n and_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n church_n 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 page_n 44._o our_o denial_n of_o that_o meaning_n page_n 46._o several_a scripture_n from_o whence_o a_o proof_n for_o church_n 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 page_n 46_o 47._o 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 r._n b_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 page_n 47._o 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 page_n 48._o 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_a page_n 54._o the_o say_a objection_n answer_v page_n 54._o 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 page_n 59_o sect._n viii_o a_o manifestation_n that_o the_o variance_n have_v original_o reason_n from_o a_o different_a sense_n touch_v george_n fox_n the_o general_n meeting_n or_o woman_n meeting_n page_n 61._o sect._n ix_o a_o epistle_n evidence_v the_o qualification_n of_o such_o who_o satan_n make_v use_v of_o to_o rend_v and_o divide_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n page_n 68_o a_o paper_n give_v forth_o by_o edward_n burrough_n anno_fw-la 1661._o touch_v the_o scatter_a in_o israel_n wherein_o by_o a_o parable_n be_v lively_o describe_v a_o part_n of_o what_o have_v happen_v among_o the_o flock_n of_o god_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n pag._n 78._o the_o conclusion_n manifest_v several_a passage_n very_o material_a and_o worthy_a observation_n as_o a_o further_a discovery_n of_o the_o fruit_n and_o cause_n of_o division_n and_o in_o particular_a what_o have_v be_v the_o bait_n whereby_o george_n fox_n have_v be_v tempt_v and_o ensnare_v pag._n 85._o the_o first_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 section_n i._n the_o introduction_n wherein_o the_o case_n be_v state_v manifest_v that_o there_o be_v a_o union_n and_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o it_o come_v to_o be_v break_v to_o all_o the_o faithful_a people_n of_o god_n call_v quaker_n throughout_o this_o nation_n of_o england_n or_o else_o where_o we_o your_o brethren_n do_v send_v greeting_n in_o the_o lord_n breathe_v unto_o the_o god_n of_o our_o life_n that_o the_o same_o everlasting_a arm_n and_o power_n whereby_o we_o have_v be_v gather_v unto_o god_n and_o into_o a_o heavenly_a fellowship_n and_o union_n one_o with_o another_o in_o the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n may_v preserve_v we_o all_o to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o day_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o perfect_a love_n each_o towards_o other_o establish_v upon_o that_o sure_a rock_n of_o age_n christ_n jesus_n against_o which_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n never_o do_v can_v or_o shall_v prevail_v and_o in_o this_o love_n our_o desire_n be_v that_o the_o faithful_a unto_o who_o this_o treatise_n be_v direct_v may_v communicate_v the_o same_o unto_o other_o as_o in_o the_o wisdom_n and_o love_n of_o god_n they_o may_v see_v a_o service_n thereof_o dear_a friend_n and_o brother_n we_o be_v true_o sensible_a that_o all_o those_o who_o keep_v their_o place_n and_o habitation_n in_o the_o unchangeable_a truth_n have_v with_o we_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o many_o snare_n and_o temptation_n whereby_o satan_n have_v endeavour_v to_o betray_v the_o innocent_a who_o face_n have_v be_v zion-ward_n and_o that_o his_o most_o subtle_a invention_n have_v be_v to_o appear_v as_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n thereby_o to_o turn_v those_o who_o heart_n have_v be_v incline_v to_o follow_v the_o lord_n out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o now_o friend_n that_o which_o in_o the_o grief_n of_o our_o heart_n we_o have_v to_o signify_v to_o you_o be_v this_o we_o be_v sensible_a that_o the_o evil_a seedsman_n be_v creep_v in_o among_o many_o of_o those_o call_v quaker_n who_o as_o we_o believe_v have_v in_o day_n past_o walk_v together_o in_o true_a fellowship_n each_o with_o other_o and_o that_o in_o the_o sensible_a feel_n of_o that_o immortal_a life_n whereby_o we_o with_o they_o be_v knit_v and_o unite_v together_o as_o bone_n of_o one_o another_o bone_n and_o flesh_n of_o one_o another_o flesh_n have_v the_o evidence_n of_o such_o our_o heavenly_a union_n spring_v from_o that_o which_o neither_o the_o carnal_a eye_n nor_o the_o carnal_a ear_n can_v be_v witness_n of_o in_o order_n hereunto_o we_o have_v this_o follow_a observation_n to_o make_v that_o the_o day_n be_v wherein_o those_o very_a person_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n who_o now_o be_v at_o great_a variance_n and_o out_o of_o unity_n each_o with_o other_o be_v once_o in_o unity_n and_o therefore_o we_o think_v necessary_a to_o lay_v down_o viz._n first_o some_o part_n of_o those_o thing_n touch_v which_o the_o faithful_a be_v at_o unity_n second_o by_o what_o way_n and_o mean_n that_o unity_n come_v to_o be_v break_v and_o so_o leave_v the_o consideration_n thereof_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o who_o profess_v the_o truth_n that_o so_o in_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n they_o may_v weigh_v and_o consider_v whether_o their_o unity_n stand_v in_o the_o unchangeable_a truth_n and_o which_o of_o these_o party_n now_o at_o variance_n deviate_v therefrom_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o observation_n do_v lead_v we_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o first_o particular_a thus_o to_o testify_v viz._n that_o about_o twenty_o six_o year_n past_a it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o send_v forth_o many_o faithful_a labourer_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n jesus_n who_o in_o his_o name_n dread_a and_o power_n testify_v that_o their_o call_v be_v not_o of_o man_z but_o of_o god_n and_o that_o their_o message_n be_v both_o to_o the_o professor_n and_o to_o the_o profane_a to_o the_o profane_a cry_v on_o this_o wise_a turn_v from_o the_o evil_a of_o your_o way_n and_o do_n and_o meet_v the_o lord_n by_o sudden_a repentance_n of_o your_o open_a transgression_n to_o the_o professor_n who_o be_v not_o in_o the_o common_a pollution_n of_o the_o world_n on_o this_o wise_a your_o outward_a form_n your_o outward_a ordinance_n and_o outward_a church_n fellowship_n they_o be_v even_o but_o as_o rudiment_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o lord_n have_v no_o regard_n thereto_o and_n to_o both_o of_o they_o turn_v in_o your_o mind_n to_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n that_o shine_v in_o your_o conscience_n exalt_v the_o measure_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
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
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
which_o they_o can_v not_o as_o they_o have_v declare_v in_o conscience_n consent_n unto_o do_v at_o length_n forbear_v to_o join_v with_o such_o on_o the_o day_n of_o monthly_a and_o quarterly_a meeting_n which_o be_v understand_v by_o we_o to_o be_v first_o assent_v to_o we_o can_v say_v unalterable_o establish_v to_o relieve_v the_o poor_a and_o take_v care_n of_o any_o other_o outward_a concern_v relate_v to_o the_o affair_n of_o friend_n as_o a_o society_n gather_v into_o the_o everlasting_a truth_n abhor_v lordship_n over_o one_o another_o faith_n or_o conscience_n but_o yet_o the_o person_n so_o refuse_v to_o join_v with_o other_o as_o aforefaid_n do_v as_o we_o have_v be_v credible_o inform_v on_o convenient_a time_n and_o day_n appoint_v by_o themselves_o to_o meet_v together_o to_o take_v care_n in_o that_o method_n wherein_o they_o find_v freedom_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o same_o service_n for_o which_o monthly_a and_o quarterly_o meeting_n be_v first_o understand_v to_o be_v appoint_v this_o by_o the_o other_o party_n be_v call_v a_o separate_a meeting_n and_o the_o metre_n account_v dark_a leaven_a rend_v divide_v separate_a spirit_n so_o that_o at_o length_n a_o paper_n be_v give_v forth_o and_o subscribe_v by_o robert_n barrow_n and_o sixteen_o person_n more_o belong_v to_o nine_o meeting_n for_o worship_n of_o god_n wherein_o they_o thus_o declare_v and_o we_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o great_a trouble_n and_o dissatisfaction_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n throughout_o this_o nation_n concern_v this_o say_a separation_n we_o do_v therefore_o with_o one_o consent_n and_o at_o our_o several_a meeting_n respective_o signify_v our_o absolute_a dislike_n thereof_o and_o we_o do_v hereby_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n discharge_v all_o those_o concern_v in_o the_o say_v separate_a meeting_n in_o our_o affair_n as_o they_o stand_v in_o the_o separation_n and_o we_o do_v declare_v that_o as_o such_o a_o meeting_n they_o have_v no_o right_a to_o act_v in_o the_o church_n affaires_n in_o the_o capacity_n they_o be_v in_o but_o we_o do_v hereby_o signify_v our_o absolute_a refusal_n to_o submit_v any_o of_o our_o affair_n either_o relate_n to_o the_o poor_a or_o otherwise_o to_o the_o order_v of_o the_o say_v separate_a meeting_n but_o do_v submit_v they_o to_o our_o establish_v monthly_a and_o quarterly_o meeting_n aforesaid_a for_o westmore-land_n so_o far_o as_o our_o affair_n be_v concern_v therein_o to_o be_v order_v as_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o unity_n of_o his_o spirit_n they_o shall_v see_v meet_a from_o these_o foregoing_a line_n we_o observe_v that_o though_o the_o giverforth_a thereof_o do_v not_o positive_o say_v that_o the_o submission_n of_o one_o affair_n without_o restriction_n to_o temporal_a or_o spiritual_a affair_n to_o the_o establish_v monthly_o or_o quarterly_o meeting_n shall_v for_o the_o future_a be_v a_o outward_a mark_n to_o know_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o or_o at_o least_o to_o distinguish_v such_o as_o be_v not_o member_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o who_o can_v but_o reasonable_o suppose_v that_o such_o a_o mean_v be_v their_o mean_v or_o at_o least_o the_o mean_v of_o he_o or_o they_o chief_o concern_v in_o draw_v up_o the_o say_a paper_n and_o promote_a subscription_n thereto_o since_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o very_a word_n cite_v that_o other_o concern_v in_o the_o separate_a meeting_n who_o have_v declare_v that_o for_o conscience_n sake_n they_o can_v submit_v to_o they_o have_v no_o right_a to_o act_v in_o the_o church_n affair_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o that_o they_o take_v themselves_o to_o be_v invest_v with_o authority_n as_o to_o we_o appear_v by_o use_v the_o word_n discharge_v for_o no_o one_o can_v discharge_v another_o in_o any_o case_n without_o power_n so_o to_o do_v and_o if_o we_o do_v but_o consider_v that_o the_o take_a care_n of_o the_o poor_a be_v one_o part_n of_o the_o church_n affair_n from_o which_o those_o of_o the_o separate_a meeting_n be_v discharge_v or_o declare_v to_o have_v no_o right_a to_o act_v in_o it_o seem_v to_o we_o extreme_o unchristianlike_a for_o if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o they_o have_v be_v overtake_v in_o a_o fault_n that_o can_v be_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o declare_v that_o they_o have_v no_o right_a to_o administer_v their_o charity_n to_o the_o poor_a member_n of_o the_o church_n because_o the_o take_a care_n of_o such_o be_v commendable_a in_o any_o society_n of_o people_n whatsoever_o many_o other_o thing_n may_v be_v observe_v from_o the_o say_a paper_n subscribe_v by_o one_o hundred_o sixty_o six_o person_n which_o at_o present_a we_o here_o omit_v be_v large_o treat_v on_o in_o the_o 19_o section_n of_o the_o manuscript_n first_o make_v mention_n of_o in_o the_o preface_n which_o be_v ready_a for_o the_o view_n of_o any_o friend_n that_o may_v be_v desirous_a to_o peruse_v the_o same_o however_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o paper_n subscribe_v by_o charles_n martial_n and_o sixty_o five_o more_o at_o ellis_n hook_n his_o chamber_n already_o cite_v together_o with_o this_o last_o mention_v subscribe_v by_o robert_n barrow_n and_o one_o hundred_o sixty_o five_o more_o occasion_n this_o far_a addition_n that_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o some_o design_n to_o exalt_v one_o man_n above_o measure_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o unjust_o to_o defame_v other_o as_o by_o answer_n thereto_o have_v at_o large_a be_v manifest_v according_a as_o in_o several_a section_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a manuscript_n appear_v and_o we_o may_v true_o say_v that_o what_o be_v already_o cite_v do_v manifest_v but_o little_o less_o than_o such_o a_o design_n for_o if_o a_o conscientious_a slight_n of_o george_n fox_n pretend_a motion_n with_o respect_n to_o form_n of_o church-government_n impose_v contrary_a to_o faith_n and_o a_o charitable_a belief_n that_o he_o intend_v not_o to_o urge_v his_o paper_n relate_v thereto_o on_o 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those_o rule_n and_o form_n of_o church-government_n say_v church-government_n witness_v expression_n frequent_o urge_v to_o this_o purpose_n when_o friend_n be_v meet_v about_o outward_a concern_v of_o truth_n have_v not_o agree_v see_v what_o george_n fox_n paper_n say_v it_o do_v thence_o follow_v that_o the_o submission_n speak_v of_o clear_o center_v in_o a_o submission_n to_o g._n f._n and_o the_o name_n of_o monthly_a and_o quarterly_o meeting_n we_o therefore_o reasonable_o take_v to_o be_v but_o as_o a_o conduit_n to_o convey_v it_o to_o he_o and_o well_o will_v it_o be_v for_o he_o if_o he_o be_v clear_a of_o a_o persecute_v spirit_n against_o some_o that_o can_v submit_v unto_o he_o in_o the_o form_n and_o method_n which_o other_o have_v the_o sense_n of_o these_o thing_n have_v occasion_v in_o much_o seriousness_n of_o spirit_n before_o the_o lord_n this_o enquiry_n what_o be_v that_o bait_n
christ_n light_n and_o in_o subjection_n unto_o the_o law_n appertain_v unto_o his_o government_n which_o be_v not_o write_v in_o table_n of_o stone_n but_o in_o the_o heart_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o new-covenant_n heb._n 8.9_o 10_o 11._o and_o that_o those_o who_o be_v invest_v with_o power_n from_o on_o high_a may_v be_v instrument_n in_o god_n hand_n according_a to_o the_o dispensation_n thereof_o give_v they_o of_o god_n to_o stir_v up_o the_o pure_a mind_n in_o other_o sometime_o by_o way_n of_o admonition_n exhortation_n and_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o sometime_o by_o charge_n or_o command_n according_a as_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n move_v and_o operate_v and_o yet_o every_o one_o of_o these_o operation_n according_a to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n be_v only_o to_o stir_v up_o the_o pure_a mind_n that_o so_o through_o a_o sensible_a close_v with_o the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n shine_v in_o the_o heart_n god_n witness_n in_o the_o conscience_n may_v be_v raise_v in_o dominion_n for_o that_o it_o be_v according_a to_o truth_n to_o affirm_v that_o the_o admonition_n doctrine_n and_o exhortation_n charge_n or_o command_v of_o any_o whatsoever_o can_v be_v right_o receive_v and_o embrace_v otherwise_o than_o according_a to_o the_o leading_n of_o christ_n light_n that_o so_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o excellency_n of_o that_o power_n be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n read_v 2_o cor._n 4.5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v not_o the_o least_o testimony_n that_o the_o apostle_n nor_o any_o person_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n endeavour_v to_o establish_v any_o outward_a order_n and_o then_o term_v they_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o power_n of_o god_n much_o less_o so_o to_o establish_v any_o outward_a order_n or_o form_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n as_o that_o not_o only_o a_o deviation_n therefrom_o but_o a_o not_o embrace_v those_o outward_a form_n or_o order_n by_o such_o believer_n who_o be_v never_o in_o the_o practice_n thereof_o shall_v be_v a_o token_n that_o they_o be_v depart_v from_o the_o faith_n but_o their_o labour_n be_v to_o establish_v the_o church_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o power_n rather_o than_o to_o build_v up_o form_n or_o order_n have_v they_o so_o establish_v to_o be_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o form_n which_o the_o power_n either_o have_v or_o shall_v lead_v they_o into_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n may_v well_o say_v be_v you_o not_o unwise_a but_o understand_v what_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v he_o do_v not_o say_v what_o the_o will_n of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o what_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v submit_v yourselves_o one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n according_a to_o which_o submission_n i_o appeal_v to_o god_n witness_v whether_o it_o may_v not_o become_v as_o well_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o brethren_n to_o submit_v to_o one_o or_o two_o as_o one_o or_o two_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o brethren_n and_o whether_o these_o kind_n of_o submission_n have_v not_o be_v practise_v among_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n and_o though_o i_o say_v as_o aforesaid_a not_o the_o church_n but_o what_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v yet_o hereby_o i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v to_o render_v christ_n and_o his_o church_n divide_v but_o rather_o to_o show_v that_o his_o will_n who_o can_v err_v be_v a_o sure_a foundation_n to_o build_v upon_o than_o the_o will_n of_o those_o who_o if_o they_o depart_v from_o christ_n their_o rock_n may_n err._n r._n b._n in_o his_o six_o section_n treat_v how_o far_o this_o government_n extend_v page_n 39_o thus_o say_v this_o order_n reach_v the_o compose_v difference_n as_o to_o outward_a thing_n and_o further_o say_v we_o do_v bold_o aver_v as_o a_o people_n gather_v together_o by_o the_o lord_n unto_o the_o same_o faith_n etc._n etc._n that_o we_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o decide_v and_o remove_v these_o thing_n among_o ourselves_o on_o which_o i_o thus_o observe_v if_o difference_n happen_v between_o two_o brethren_n and_o not_o through_o the_o least_o intention_n to_o wrong_v each_o other_o than_o the_o power_n of_o truth_n in_o themselves_o will_v constrain_v such_o to_o choose_v faithful_a brethren_n skill_v in_o the_o matter_n wherein_o they_o differ_v to_o decide_v the_o same_o and_o according_o to_o submit_v and_o all_o this_o of_o a_o willing_a and_o ready_a mind_n through_o the_o power_n of_o truth_n in_o themselves_o and_o not_o through_o constraint_n of_o other_o and_o so_o in_o this_o case_n here_o be_v no_o need_n for_o any_o to_o come_v to_o their_o brethren_n and_o say_v we_o do_v bold_o aver_v we_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o decide_v etc._n etc._n but_o suppose_v this_o ensue_a case_n shall_v happen_v viz_o that_o two_o brethren_n be_v at_o variance_n touch_v their_o property_n and_o outward_a concern_v relate_v to_o meum_fw-la and_o tuum_fw-la as_o r._n b_n term_n be_v and_o one_o of_o they_o be_v so_o depart_v from_o truth_n in_o himself_o as_o that_o he_o will_v not_o of_o a_o ready_a mind_n submit_v his_o cause_n to_o the_o hear_n of_o person_n to_o be_v choose_v by_o themselves_o indifferent_o but_o be_v contentious_a will_v either_o go_v to_o law_n or_o else_o so_o abound_v in_o his_o own_o sense_n as_o nothing_o shall_v serve_v but_o to_o be_v judge_n in_o his_o own_o cause_n if_o we_o now_o inquire_v what_o christ_n the_o truth_n do_v in_o general_a direct_a and_o wherein_o this_o case_n may_v be_v comprehend_v which_o be_v so_o great_a a_o offence_n to_o the_o other_o brother_n who_o truth_n constrain_v to_o submit_v his_o cause_n to_o the_o hear_v and_o judgement_n of_o person_n indifferent_o choose_v and_o that_o of_o a_o willing_a and_o ready_a mind_n we_o shall_v find_v he_o thus_o say_v mat._n 18.15_o 16_o 17._o if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_n against_o thou_o go_v tell_v he_o his_o fault_n between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o but_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o then_o take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o more_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n if_o he_o hear_v not_o the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n christ_n word_n do_v not_o here_o import_v that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n over_o any_o man_n worldly_a property_n or_o outward_a concern_v it_o only_o say_v 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 and_o when_o a_o brother_n be_v through_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o church_n become_v so_o to_o the_o other_o brother_n against_o who_o he_o have_v trespass_v than_o the_o offend_a brother_n may_v just_o seek_v his_o remedy_n if_o the_o offence_n and_o trespass_n be_v touch_v outward_a concern_v according_a to_o the_o just_a law_n of_o man_n relate_v to_o property_n but_o perhaps_o some_o may_v object_n thus_o this_o relate_v not_o to_o outward_a affair_n but_o to_o offence_n that_o be_v of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n in_o answer_v it_o may_v be_v say_v as_o to_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v whole_o silent_a and_o therefore_o every_o case_n wherein_o one_o brother_n may_v trespass_v against_o another_o may_v according_a to_o right_a reason_n be_v comprehend_v in_o it_o and_o since_o the_o case_n be_v state_v between_o two_o brethren_n and_o that_o on_o a_o orderly_a proceed_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o church_n the_o sentence_n for_o not_o hear_v the_o church_n be_v let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n to_o i_o it_o seem_v to_o import_v that_o the_o trespass_n intend_v be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o in_o a_o particular_a manner_n be_v against_o one_o brother_n more_o than_o another_o and_o so_o as_o probable_a to_o be_v about_o their_o outward_a concern_v as_o any_o thing_n else_o beside_o if_o we_o do_v but_o consider_v that_o if_o a_o brother_n be_v so_o much_o depart_v from_o the_o truth_n as_o after_o admonition_n by_o the_o church_n not_o to_o join_v with_o his_o brother_n with_o who_o he_o be_v at_o variance_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o one_o or_o more_o to_o decide_v the_o matter_n it_o be_v a_o certain_a token_n that_o he_o be_v out_o of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o bond_n by_o which_o he_o become_v centre_v into_o the_o heavenly_a fellowship_n of_o christ_n body_n the_o church_n and_o so_o then_o if_o it_o real_o be_v so_o that_o any_o assembly_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n shall_v assume_v to_o themselves_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o decide_v in_o case_n relate_v to_o property_n yet_o in_o this_o and_o the_o like_a case_n there_o can_v be_v no_o
tolerable_a pretence_n to_o exercise_v a_o jurisdiction_n because_o it_o be_v in_o relation_n to_o one_o that_o have_v cut_v himself_o off_o from_o be_v a_o member_n by_o depart_v from_o the_o bond_n by_o which_o he_o be_v centre_v into_o the_o heavenly_a fellowship_n of_o christ_n body_n these_o two_o case_n due_o weigh_v and_o consider_v seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v comprehensive_a of_o all_o case_n of_o difference_n touch_v outward_a concern_v that_o may_v happen_v among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o first_o it_o plain_o appear_v there_o be_v no_o need_n for_o any_o to_o say_v we_o bold_o aver_v we_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o decide_v since_o in_o all_o such_o case_n there_o be_v no_o use_n of_o any_o such_o authority_n when_o the_o power_n of_o truth_n manifest_v in_o themselves_o have_v be_v a_o bond_n upon_o they_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v just_a and_o by_o the_o second_o it_o appear_v that_o if_o any_o shall_v assume_v such_o a_o jurisdiction_n yet_o all_o such_o case_n be_v without_o the_o cognisance_n thereof_o because_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o one_o that_o have_v cut_v himself_o off_o from_o be_v a_o member_n of_o which_o sort_n r._n b._n say_v page_z 33_o we_o be_v not_o so_o foolish_a as_o to_o concern_v ourselves_o with_o those_o who_o be_v not_o of_o we_o as_o fellow-member_n and_o therefore_o i_o affirm_v that_o as_o in_o other_o thing_n he_o have_v deviate_v from_o the_o line_n of_o truth_n so_o also_o in_o this_o if_o his_o mean_v be_v according_o to_o his_o word_n to_o i_o plain_o import_v viz._n that_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o decide_v and_o remove_v matter_n relate_v to_o outward_a thing_n among_o themselves_o though_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o party_n differ_v be_v not_o have_v as_o property_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o according_a to_o right_a reason_n can_v be_v dispose_v without_o the_o assent_n of_o such_o in_o who_o the_o property_n be_v vest_v according_a to_o that_o say_n of_o 5.4_o of_o act._n 5.4_o peter_n to_o ananias_n while_o it_o remain_v appertain_v it_o not_o unto_o thou_o and_o after_o it_o be_v sell_v be_v it_o not_o in_o thy_o own_o power_n so_o difference_n arise_v touch_v property_n and_o outward_a thing_n relate_v to_o meum_fw-la and_o tuum_fw-la be_v of_o right_n by_o such_o outward_a just_a law_n decideable_a as_o be_v according_a to_o such_o fundamental_a constitution_n which_o be_v original_o agree_v upon_o and_o assent_v to_o by_o the_o people_n or_o their_o representative_n and_o therefore_o such_o law_n have_v of_o right_a power_n to_o compel_v obedience_n or_o imprison_v especial_o when_o the_o law_n under_o such_o government_n become_v so_o far_o as_o any_o thing_n outward_a can_v be_v protection_n to_o the_o subject_n and_o their_o property_n but_o neither_o the_o scripture_n without_o we_o nor_o the_o light_n within_o we_o do_v evidence_n that_o under_o the_o spiritual_a government_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v any_o need_n to_o establish_v order_n or_o law_n touch_v worldly_a property_n or_o for_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n to_o assume_v jurisdiction_n therein_o without_o assent_n of_o the_o party_n differ_v for_o since_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n be_v it_o not_o against_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o government_n to_o exercise_v by_o constraint_n a_o jurisdiction_n in_o matter_n relate_v to_o this_o world_n beside_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o truth_n to_o affirm_v that_o nothing_o outward_a can_v constrain_v the_o subject_n under_o christ_n government_n to_o obey_v the_o law_n thereof_o since_o the_o only_a proper_a place_n where_o his_o government_n be_v to_o be_v exalt_v be_v in_o the_o heart_n the_o place_n where_o his_o second_o appearance_n to_o reign_v as_o lord_n and_o king_n be_v and_o shall_v be_v and_o that_o the_o mean_n whereby_o under_o his_o government_n acceptable_a obedience_n come_v to_o be_v 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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 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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 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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
subjection_n to_o christ_n the_o head_n to_o who_o all_o power_n be_v give_v in_o and_o over_o his_o church_n who_o be_v fellow-member_n and_o fellow-servant_n of_o and_o in_o his_o body_n who_o power_n and_o prevalency_n with_o the_o lord_n be_v better_a demonstrate_v by_o covet_v to_o wash_v each_o other_o foot_n according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n their_o lord_n and_o master_n than_o to_o be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o outward_a jurisdiction_n as_o lord_n and_o master_n over_o each_o other_o for_o that_o agree_v not_o with_o the_o testimony_n of_o paul_n rom._n 14.10_o who_o thus_o say_v why_o do_v thou_o judge_v thy_o brother_n why_o do_v thou_o despise_v thy_o brother_n for_o we_o shall_v all_o appear_v before_o the_o judgment-seat_n of_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v write_v say_v the_o lord_n every_o knee_n shall_v bow_v to_o i_o and_o all_o tongue_n shall_v confess_v unto_o god_n so_o than_o every_o one_o of_o we_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n of_o himself_o to_o god_n let_v we_o not_o therefore_o judge_v one_o another_o any_o more_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n put_v i_o in_o mind_n that_o there_o be_v some_o who_o in_o their_o buisy_n mind_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v consider_v what_o sort_n of_o joy_n heaven_n yield_v to_o the_o faithful_a after_o this_o life_n whenas_o their_o time_n will_v undoubted_o be_v much_o better_o spend_v in_o contemplate_v how_o to_o come_v thither_o or_o if_o they_o have_v assurance_n thereof_o to_o be_v demonstrate_v the_o way_n to_o other_o if_o call_v thereto_o to_o this_o sort_n may_v such_o be_v liken_v who_o will_v needs_o give_v themselves_o the_o trouble_n to_o treat_v how_o far_o christ_n government_n extend_v though_o of_o its_o increase_n there_o be_v no_o end_n and_o in_o what_o case_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o give_v forth_o positive_a sentence_n that_o may_v oblige_v believer_n though_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o acceptable_a bond_n upon_o the_o conscience_n until_o by_o the_o light_n convince_v and_o that_o in_o such_o case_n great_a controversy_n may_v arise_v whether_o such_o as_o give_v forth_o such_o sentence_n be_v the_o church_n or_o no_o than_o be_v before_o concern_v the_o matter_n whereof_o they_o assume_v jurisdiction_n and_o therefore_o of_o such_o it_o may_v be_v true_o say_v that_o their_o time_n may_v be_v much_o better_o spend_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o mind_n unto_o god_n that_o if_o they_o be_v not_o subject_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o under_o his_o government_n they_o may_v attain_v thereto_o and_o be_v subject_a to_o his_o power_n to_o who_o all_o power_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v give_v and_o that_o be_v thereunto_o attain_v may_v be_v preserve_v therein_o unto_o the_o end_n and_o be_v demonstrate_v unto_o other_o how_o to_o attain_v the_o same_o if_o call_v thereunto_o concern_v the_o power_n of_o decision_n r._n b._n page_n 66._o say_v as_o on_o another_o occasion_n be_v 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testimony_n of_o truth_n have_v be_v that_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o foolish_a weak_a and_o vile_a despise_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o wise_a and_o mighty_a r._n b._n further_n say_v page_n 68_o first_o 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 second_o that_o god_n ordinary_o have_v employ_v such_o who_o he_o have_v make_v use_n of_o in_o gather_v his_o church_n though_o not_o exclude_v other_o three_o that_o their_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la give_v a_o positive_a judgement_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 but_o of_o these_o three_o assertion_n may_v be_v collect_v without_o the_o least_o abuse_n of_o the_o author_n word_n this_o short_a ensue_a sentence_n that_o a_o person_n be_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o positive_a judgement_n touch_v controversy_n give_v by_o any_o assembly_n or_o at_o least_o by_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 be_v disobedience_n to_o god_n though_o the_o person_n refuse_v pretend_v they_o refuse_v to_o submit_v on_o the_o account_n they_o see_v it_o not_o by_o this_o sort_n of_o language_n every_o one_o must_v not_o only_o now_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v of_o which_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v misunderstand_v i_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o what_o shall_v be_v write_v thereon_o in_o what_o hereafter_o follow_v but_o also_o must_v believe_v as_o any_o assembly_n or_o some_o or_o other_o of_o they_o do_v which_o in_o any_o 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spirit_n and_o a_o evident_a abuse_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o ancient_a labourer_n therein_o who_o testimony_n be_v we_o preach_v not_o ourselves_o nor_o yet_o that_o you_o shall_v be_v follower_n of_o we_o otherwise_o than_o as_o you_o have_v a_o inward_a sense_n in_o yourselves_o that_o we_o be_v follower_n of_o christ_n let_v god_n witness_n in_o all_o judge_n to_o the_o same_o witness_n i_o can_v but_o yet_o appeal_v whether_o the_o submission_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v aim_v at_o be_v not_o one_o of_o the_o great_a step_n to_o a_o apostasy_n that_o have_v appear_v in_o our_o age_n or_o since_o the_o truth_n have_v in_o these_o latter_a year_n be_v publish_v among_o we_o for_o i_o do_v know_v have_v be_v a_o witness_n of_o the_o primitive_a gather_n and_o testimony_n among_o we_o in_o these_o latter_a age_n that_o one_o
part_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o administration_n under_o which_o thousand_o in_o these_o nation_n be_v gather_v unto_o god_n do_v consist_v in_o this_o that_o after_o they_o have_v be_v wander_v from_o mountain_n to_o hill_n from_o under_o one_o form_n and_o outward_a church-fellowship_n into_o another_o they_o come_v to_o be_v turn_v to_o the_o sure_a guide_n in_o themselves_o christ_n light_n and_o warn_v not_o to_o look_v out_o neither_o to_o be_v in_o the_o lo_n here_o be_v and_o the_o lo_n there_o be_v but_o to_o be_v faithful_a to_o their_o own_o measure_n for_o that_o according_a to_o paul_n testimony_n god_n grace_n be_v give_v to_o every_o one_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n but_o to_o return_v let_v we_o examine_v how_o he_o prove_v his_o first_o assertion_n viz._n that_o there_o never_o will_v nor_o can_v be_v want_v in_o case_n of_o controversy_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o give_v judgement_n through_o some_o or_o other_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n so_o long_o as_o any_o assembly_n can_v proper_o or_o in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n be_v so_o term_v his_o proof_n be_v on_o this_o wise_a for_o the_o first_o say_v he_o to_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o scripture_n there_o will_v need_v no_o other_o probation_n than_o that_o of_o the_o 28_o of_o matthew_n and_o the_o 20_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o verse_n 18._o and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o how_o this_o prove_v the_o matter_n to_o i_o appear_v not_o for_o these_o scripture_n do_v neither_o express_o nor_o by_o any_o natural_a consequence_n say_v that_o any_o assembly_n be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o may_v in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n be_v so_o term_v nor_o yet_o speak_v any_o thing_n of_o controversy_n arise_v among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v he_o bring_v the_o first_o scripture_n to_o prove_v that_o 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decide_v controversy_n in_o every_o assembly_n that_o in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n can_v be_v term_v christ_n church_n and_o so_o i_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o these_o and_o several_a other_o scripture_n which_o he_o have_v quote_v as_o proof_n of_o his_o assertion_n seem_v rather_o strain_v to_o vindicate_v what_o he_o assert_n than_o that_o his_o assertion_n be_v according_a to_o it_o on_o which_o hand_n he_o say_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n that_o both_o papist_n and_o protestant_n have_v great_o go_v aside_o which_o may_v have_v be_v a_o caution_n to_o he_o not_o to_o have_v err_v in_o the_o same_o path_n as_o now_o he_o have_v do_v let_v we_o a_o little_a further_o examine_v his_o word_n tolerable_a supposition_n when_o we_o be_v not_o certain_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n and_o yet_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v it_o be_v or_o may_v be_v so_o we_o common_o say_v my_o supposition_n be_v that_o it_o be_v or_o may_v be_v so_o and_o though_o the_o 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confident_a assertion_n the_o qualification_n of_o a_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n be_v sanctification_n through_o the_o spirit_n wheresoever_o any_o number_n of_o person_n so_o qualify_v be_v assemble_v in_o christ_n name_n there_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n though_o they_o be_v of_o that_o number_n who_o be_v of_o the_o low_a degree_n or_o rank_n in_o the_o body_n now_o a_o assembly_n of_o such_o member_n may_v be_v as_o insensible_a and_o void_a of_o understanding_n in_o many_o divine_a matter_n and_o mystery_n relate_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n may_v be_v insensible_a of_o what_o the_o eye_n do_v see_v and_o so_o may_v have_v case_n of_o controversy_n bring_v before_o they_o whereof_o they_o be_v no_o more_o competent_a judge_n not_o be_v gift_v thereunto_o by_o the_o spirit_n than_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n be_v capable_a to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o diversity_n of_o voice_n and_o sound_v or_o the_o 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thus_o as_o the_o true_a church_n believe_v or_o else_o do_v we_o not_o manifest_v both_o folly_n and_o hypocrisy_n to_o profess_v ourselves_o member_n thereof_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n have_v in_o my_o forego_v line_n use_v such_o a_o expression_n i_o thus_o say_v the_o general_a assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v be_v write_v in_o heaven_n heb._n 12.23_o but_o i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o this_o general_a assembly_n set_v forth_o their_o creed_n record_v on_o earth_n by_o that_o i_o thus_o mean_a i_o do_v not_o find_v any_o certain_a number_n of_o article_n of_o faith_n write_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n which_o every_o member_n of_o this_o general_a assembly_n do_v believe_v and_o which_o every_o one_o who_o shall_v come_v to_o be_v gather_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o christ_n body_n
aught_o to_o believe_v and_o though_o there_o have_v be_v so_o many_o diversity_n of_o creed_n in_o the_o world_n according_a to_o the_o various_a apprehension_n of_o divers_a assembly_n assume_v to_o themselves_o the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n yet_o to_o this_o day_n i_o find_v not_o among_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n that_o any_o certain_a number_n of_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v give_v forth_o from_o any_o general_a assembly_n or_o particular_a congregation_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o their_o creed_n and_o as_o a_o measuring-line_n by_o which_o those_o who_o be_v either_o in_o or_o depart_v from_o the_o faith_n may_v be_v know_v and_o the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v evident_a because_o it_o be_v against_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n viz._n the_o light_n to_o exalt_v any_o other_o measuring-line_n than_o that_o by_o which_o we_o be_v baptise_a into_o the_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n viz._n the_o spirit_n have_v thus_o promise_v as_o a_o more_o particular_a answer_n to_o the_o question_n i_o thus_o say_v i_o confess_v the_o true_a church_n be_v in_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o every_o member_n thereof_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n at_o least_o of_o the_o same_o faith_n that_o all_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n be_v of_o so_o that_o it_o may_v in_o truth_n be_v say_v every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n do_v in_o some_o measure_n believe_v as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n do_v i_o say_v in_o some_o measure_n because_o as_o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o gift_n and_o operation_n so_o also_o be_v there_o difference_n in_o measure_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o do_v the_o apostle_n wise_o say_v to_o this_o purpose_n let_v he_o that_o prophesi_v prophesy_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n rom._n 12.6_o but_o shall_v any_o arise_v to_o say_v it_o be_v folly_n and_o hypocrisy_n to_o professone_n self_n a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n &_o yet_o not_o believe_v thus_o as_o the_o true_a church_n believe_v without_o any_o further_a explanation_n of_o the_o word_n or_o of_o what_o be_v intend_v thereby_o such_o may_v subject_v themselves_o to_o censure_v for_o by_o the_o word_n true_a church_n in_o this_o sentence_n and_o yet_o not_o believe_v thus_o as_o the_o true_a church_n believe_v will_v be_v understand_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n from_o who_o one_o or_o more_o differ_v in_o faith_n now_o there_o may_v happen_v to_o be_v a_o weak_a brother_n who_o faith_n in_o some_o particular_a matter_n may_v be_v otherwise_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o brethren_n be_v this_o case_n happen_v among_o the_o roman_n to_o who_o paul_n thus_o write_v rom._n 14.3_o 4_o 22_o 23._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 judge_v he_o that_o eat_v for_o god_n have_v receive_v he_o who_o be_v thou_o that_o condemne_v another_o man_n servant_n to_o his_o own_o master_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v have_v thou_o faith_n have_v it_o to_o thyself_o he_o that_o doubt_v be_v condemn_v if_o he_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n here_o a_o diversity_n of_o faith_n be_v evident_a and_o that_o between_o brethren_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o neither_o appear_v to_o be_v fool_n or_o hypocrite_n he_o that_o do_v eat_v be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v because_o he_o be_v receive_v of_o god_n and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o eat_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v judge_v that_o the_o apostle_n condemn_v the_o very_a eat_v while_o there_o be_v a_o doubt_n though_o the_o abstinence_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o weakness_n these_o thing_n consider_v i_o appeal_v to_o god_n witness_v in_o all_o conscience_n whether_o truth_n can_v be_v serve_v at_o this_o day_n by_o assert_v under_o the_o name_n of_o one_o call_v a_o quaker_n such_o principle_n as_o give_v occasion_n of_o jealousy_n that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v promote_a among_o we_o we_o must_v believe_v thus_o as_o the_o church_n believe_v without_o remove_v those_o objection_n which_o for_o want_v of_o a_o explanation_n may_v necessary_o follow_v it_o be_v a_o true_a say_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n that_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o rock_n christ_n and_o that_o the_o elect_n can_v be_v deceive_v but_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v thus_o say_v yet_o we_o know_v that_o particular_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v err_v objection_n yet_o some_o may_v be_v ready_a to_o object_n and_o say_v write_v say_v note_n this_o objection_n be_v so_o lay_v to_o â—n_n in_o the_o same_o book_n wherein_o the_o last_o answer_v query_n be_v write_v though_o some_o particular_a member_n may_v be_v liable_a to_o err_v it_o be_v neither_o reasonable_a nor_o just_a to_o conclude_v the_o whole_a body_n or_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v liable_a to_o err_v to_o this_o i_o say_v god_n forbid_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n shall_v err_v yet_o i_o say_v neither_o the_o light_n within_o we_o nor_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o we_o do_v evidence_n that_o any_o member_n one_o more_o than_o another_o be_v by_o any_o peculiar_a election_n exempt_v from_o be_v liable_a to_o err_v no_o more_o than_o particular_a person_n be_v from_o all_o eternity_n elect_v and_o other_o reprobate_v and_o so_o it_o appear_v to_o i_o that_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o with_o respect_n that_o some_o shall_v continue_v still_o faithful_a and_o not_o liable_a to_o err_v though_o other_o be_v liable_a thereto_o shall_v err_v but_o with_o respect_n to_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n while_o establish_v on_o the_o rock_n christ_n so_o that_o not_o only_o a_o part_n of_o the_o church_n but_o every_o member_n thereof_o whilst_o build_v on_o the_o rock_n christ_n shall_v be_v so_o preserve_v as_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o any_o one_o of_o they_o and_o this_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o very_a connection_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o scripture_n mat._n 16.18_o and_o upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o that_o be_v against_o the_o church_n build_v and_o while_o remain_v on_o the_o rock_n christ_n but_o if_o any_o assembly_n through_o unwatchfulness_n and_o disobedience_n depart_v from_o the_o rock_n christ_n whereon_o they_o be_v build_v then_o in_o that_o state_n they_o can_v proper_o be_v call_v the_o church_n build_v and_o remain_v on_o the_o rock_n christ_n and_o so_o have_v be_v liable_a to_o be_v overcome_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n do_v prevail_v and_o therefore_o though_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o one_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n while_o abide_v in_o the_o seed_n in_o which_o the_o election_n stand_v and_o to_o which_o the_o promise_n be_v can_v be_v deceive_v yet_o notwithstanding_o i_o affirm_v that_o every_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o if_o every_o member_n than_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v liable_a to_o err_v if_o they_o wait_v not_o in_o and_o keep_v not_o unto_o that_o in_o which_o their_o preservation_n stand_v christ_n say_v watch_n and_o pray_v that_o you_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n this_o be_v speak_v not_o with_o respect_n to_o some_o particular_a member_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v liable_a to_o err_v and_o as_o if_o there_o be_v other_o that_o be_v not_o and_o therefore_o its_o reasonable_a to_o conclude_v that_o all_o may_v through_o temptation_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o err_v if_o they_o watch_v not_o but_o yet_o my_o faith_n be_v that_o a_o remnant_n will_v be_v preserve_v so_o watchful_a as_o that_o be_v build_v on_o the_o rock_n christ_n the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o prevail_v against_o they_o these_o thing_n be_v due_o weigh_v and_o consider_v what_o great_a abuse_n have_v be_v make_v of_o scripture_n that_o speak_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o what_o they_o bound_v or_o loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v or_o lose_v in_o heaven_n and_o that_o also_o to_o maintain_v a_o antichristian_a yoke_n of_o bondage_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o christ_n church_n say_v that_o it_o can_v err_v it_o appear_v not_o much_o more_o like_a one_o call_v a_o quaker_n if_o we_o consult_v the_o write_n of_o some_o of_o those_o ancient_a and_o honourable_a labourer_n who_o be_v instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o turn_v thousand_o unto_o the_o light_n within_o we_o as_o the_o unerring_a guide_n to_o treat_v on_o such_o scripture_n if_o apply_v to_o outward_a and_o settle_a assembly_n as_o such_o as_o be_v not_o
spring_v through_o a_o inward_a departure_n from_o the_o anoint_v in_o themselves_o obedience_n whereunto_o according_a to_o the_o respective_a measure_n of_o grace_n give_v of_o god_n and_o receive_v by_o each_o member_n be_v a_o manifestation_n of_o that_o wherein_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n stand_v and_o as_o the_o apostasy_n enter_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o tradition_n and_o rudiment_n of_o man_n come_v to_o be_v exalt_v against_o which_o the_o apostle_n paul_n caution_v the_o colossian_n say_v col._n 2.8_o beware_v lest_o there_o be_v any_o that_o spoil_v you_o through_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n according_a to_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o after_o christ_n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o i_o question_v whether_o any_o have_v be_v great_a pretender_n to_o unity_n than_o those_o who_o have_v be_v exalt_v the_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o shall_v leave_v it_o to_o the_o judicious_a reader_n to_o consider_v whether_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n hereof_o appear_v not_o in_o divers_a apostatise_v lord_n apostatise_v note_n *_o man_n of_o prejudice_v spirit_n may_v conclude_v that_o i_o herein_o strike_v at_o the_o true_a church_n god_n forbid_v i_o shall_v so_o do_v for_o the_o true_a church_n never_o exalt_v the_o tradition_n and_o rudiment_n of_o man_n for_o though_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o 2_o thes_n 2.15_o hold_v the_o tradition_n which_o you_o have_v be_v teach_v yet_o his_o very_a prayer_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v establish_v they_o in_o every_o good_a word_n and_o work_n show_v that_o his_o desire_n be_v not_o that_o any_o shall_v follow_v the_o tradition_n of_o any_o further_a than_o the_o lord_n may_v establish_v they_o therein_o and_o this_o be_v far_o from_o follow_v the_o rudiment_n and_o tradition_n of_o man_n of_o impose_v his_o tradition_n otherwise_o than_o according_a as_o they_o shall_v be_v establish_v therein_o by_o the_o lord_n church_n profess_v christianity_n wherein_o be_v establish_v by_o outward_a mean_n what_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v practise_v and_o yet_o doubtless_o as_o remote_a from_o the_o unity_n wherein_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n do_v consist_v as_o the_o east_n be_v from_o the_o west_n and_o so_o in_o their_o unity_n be_v but_o outward_a have_v find_v no_o more_o acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n than_o the_o unworthy_a eater_n do_v while_o they_o discern_v not_o the_o lord_n body_n many_o of_o god_n people_n yet_o in_o the_o body_n be_v witness_n that_o one_o part_n of_o that_o testimony_n which_o accompany_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o those_o latter_a day_n be_v against_o outward_a form_n tradition_n prescription_n decree_n ordinance_n of_o man_n with_o relation_n to_o matter_n spiritual_a and_o divine_a and_o wherein_o the_o conscience_n of_o god_n people_n may_v be_v concern_v as_o be_v those_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n out_o of_o which_o he_o have_v determine_v to_o gather_v his_o people_n for_o to_o the_o child_n of_o light_n they_o appear_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o tenor_n of_o the_o first-covenant_n than_o the_o second_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o to_o establish_v his_o church_n on_o the_o rock_n christ_n that_o so_o as_o they_o receive_v he_o they_o may_v walk_v in_o he_o according_a to_o their_o respective_a measure_n of_o grace_n give_v they_o of_o god_n to_o profit_v withal_o and_o which_o as_o the_o apostle_n declare_v be_v sufficient_a for_o they_o now_o inasmuch_o as_o the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n have_v be_v that_o what_o god_n lead_v out_o of_o he_o usual_o lead_v not_o into_o again_o i_o appeal_v to_o god_n witness_v in_o all_o conscience_n whether_o a_o indispensable_a establishment_n of_o outward_a order_n prescription_n and_o decree_n for_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o walk_v by_o and_o submit_v unto_o at_o this_o day_n and_o wherein_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n may_v be_v invade_v of_o which_o my_o meaning_n be_v no_o other_o liberty_n than_o what_o the_o gospel_n allow_v do_v not_o seem_v to_o exalt_v that_o sort_n of_o unity_n wherein_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n do_v not_o consist_v and_o so_o consequent_o may_v become_v the_o mean_n to_o draw_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n people_n outward_a and_o to_o cause_v they_o to_o look_v at_o outward_a thing_n under_o the_o notition_n of_o thing_n establish_v in_o the_o church_n more_o than_o to_o the_o anoint_v in_o themselves_o let_v god_n witness_v in_o every_o conscience_n judge_n objection_n but_o perhaps_o some_o may_v object_v and_o say_v may_v not_o a_o false_a liberty_n get_v strength_n by_o a_o plea_n for_o a_o gospel-liberty_n i_o answer_v nay_o for_o such_o a_o plea_n be_v righteous_a sin_n and_o iniquity_n which_o be_v a_o false_a liberty_n can_v get_v strength_n thereby_o and_o though_o i_o do_v confess_v the_o enemy_n of_o man_n soul_n may_v make_v use_n thereof_o as_o the_o devil_n do_v make_v use_n of_o scripture_n when_o he_o tempt_v christ_n to_o throw_v himself_o down_o from_o the_o pinnacle_n of_o the_o temple_n say_v the_o lord_n shall_v give_v his_o angel_n charge_v concern_v thou_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o conclude_v a_o just_a plea_n can_v strengthen_v any_o in_o a_o fleshly_a liberty_n but_o the_o tempter_n may_v if_o he_o prevail_v however_o i_o can_v see_v it_o yet_o to_o be_v my_o duty_n to_o cease_v to_o do_v good_a though_o another_o may_v pretend_v that_o thereby_o evil_a may_v abound_v and_o since_o r._n b._n speak_v page_z 28._o of_o a_o false_a pretence_n of_o liberty_n and_o that_o as_o i_o take_v his_o line_n to_o import_v with_o respect_n to_o disobedience_n to_o certain_a thing_n ordain_v relate_v to_o order_n in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v with_o i_o to_o describe_v what_o that_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v which_o be_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o consider_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v glad-tiding_n of_o salvation_n which_o be_v not_o attain_v but_o by_o witness_v the_o end_n for_o which_o christ_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n and_o that_o be_v to_o save_v people_n from_o their_o sin_n hence_o i_o conclude_v a_o pleafor_a a_o gospel_n liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v a_o plea_n for_o a_o freedom_n of_o the_o conscience_n from_o sin_n and_o so_o consequent_o a_o plea_n for_o a_o false_a liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v that_o which_o plead_v for_o sin_n objection_n i_o be_o yet_o sensible_a that_o some_o may_v yet_o further_o thus_o object_n the_o difference_n lie_v not_o here_o for_o we_o find_v many_o who_o contend_v for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n to_o plead_v against_o all_o sin_n and_o that_o many_o who_o will_v not_o have_v it_o extend_v so_o large_a as_o thou_o seem_v to_o plead_v for_o do_v also_o plead_v against_o all_o sin_n and_o therefore_o thy_o distinction_n do_v not_o yet_o satisfy_v to_o this_o then_o i_o thus_o say_v the_o true_a professor_n of_o religion_n say_v heaven_n be_v the_o mark_v they_o aim_v at_o and_o that_o this_o be_v not_o attainable_a without_o peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o that_o every_o man_n must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o himself_o to_o god_n hence_o the_o law_n of_o divine_a nature_n teach_v we_o that_o since_o we_o must_v give_v account_n for_o ourselves_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o but_o suffer_v to_o believe_v for_o ourselves_o and_o whosoever_o on_o that_o score_n and_o no_o evil_a end_n claim_v a_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v grant_v he_o and_o this_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o that_o liberty_n which_o the_o gospel_n allow_v if_o then_o any_o who_o deny_v all_o plea_n for_o sin_n rest_v dissatisfy_v in_o their_o conscience_n touch_v certain_a order_n ordain_v by_o some_o for_o the_o church_n to_o practice_v and_o refuse_v the_o practice_n thereof_o on_o this_o score_n that_o they_o have_v no_o faith_n touch_v their_o service_n in_o the_o church_n this_o can_v proper_o be_v call_v a_o plea_n under_o a_o false_a pretence_n of_o liberty_n but_o rather_o a_o just_a and_o righteous_a plea_n according_a to_o that_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n which_o the_o gospel_n allow_v to_o conclude_v let_v we_o all_o watch_n against_o that_o spirit_n that_o will_v insinuate_v a_o belief_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o follow_v the_o command_n tradition_n and_o example_n of_o man_n when_o god_n witness_v in_o our_o conscience_n answer_v not_o otherwise_o such_o insinuation_n though_o none_o of_o the_o ancient_a labourer_n in_o the_o primitive_a gather_n may_v either_o stand_v by_o or_o own_o the_o same_o may_v make_v way_n for_o man_n principled_a as_o r._n b._n by_o his_o small_a treatise_n seem_v to_o be_v to_o assume_v authority_n to_o command_n and_o rule_n not_o only_o over_o such_o their_o brethren_n who_o they_o have_v be_v
instrumental_a to_o gather_v though_o in_o r._n b_n sense_n as_o be_v before_o manifest_v such_o be_v the_o fit_a to_o rule_v over_o those_o who_o they_o have_v beget_v to_o the_o truth_n but_o also_o over_o the_o labour_n of_o other_o and_o then_o style_v themselves_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n though_o not_o guide_v by_o the_o unerring_a spirit_n so_o to_o do_v and_o then_o also_o pretend_v that_o they_o 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 obliege_v believer_n to_o obey_v receive_v and_o own_o the_o same_o and_o that_o it_o be_v disobedience_n to_o god_n not_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o positive_a sentence_n and_o decisive_n judgement_n of_o any_o assembly_n or_o some_o or_o other_o of_o they_o which_o in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n may_v be_v term_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n though_o we_o see_v it_o not_o and_o so_o by_o degree_n may_v endeavour_v to_o divest_v christ_n of_o his_o government_n and_o 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if_o life_n do_v not_o again_o come_v up_o more_o abundant_o as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n who_o notwithstanding_o of_o the_o several_a weakness_n divers_a of_o they_o be_v under_o yet_o the_o apostle_n or_o rather_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o apostle_n dignify_v with_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n neither_o do_v i_o intend_v to_o make_v this_o judgement_n necessary_o to_o attend_v every_o particular_a church_n or_o assembly_n but_o by_o the_o church_n there_o i_o understand_v it_o in_o a_o more_o universal_a sense_n that_o be_v some_o or_o other_o among_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o complex_fw-la may_v be_v right_o term_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o same_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n for_o albeit_o we_o may_v suppose_v there_o may_v have_v be_v want_v in_o each_o of_o they_o some_o to_o give_v forth_o this_o true_a judgement_n concern_v they_o yet_o in_o respect_n they_o be_v such_o as_o in_o some_o tolerable_a supposition_n may_v be_v term_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n 3.16_o christ_n christ_n rev_n 2.4_o 5_o 14_o 15_o 20._o chap._n 3.16_o albeit_o some_o of_o they_o have_v lose_v their_o first_o love_n and_o be_v near_o to_o have_v their_o candlestick_n remove_v and_o some_o have_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n and_o of_o the_o nicholaitan_n and_o some_o suffer_v the_o woman_n jezabel_n and_o some_o be_v lukewarm_a and_o ready_a to_o be_v spew_v out_o we_o see_v god_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v without_o a_o certain_a judgement_n but_o give_v forth_o one_o through_o the_o apostle_n john_n who_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o to_o esteem_v that_o any_o assembly_n may_v be_v tolerable_o
proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n will_v be_v manifest_a to_o all_o who_o be_v true_o faithful_a who_o will_v according_o submit_v thereunto_o not_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o man_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n manifest_v in_o and_o through_o they_o so_o that_o such_o as_o see_v not_o this_o judgement_n aright_o will_v be_v just_o condemnable_a of_o god_n for_o their_o not_o submit_v not_o as_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v accept_v of_o god_n if_o they_o do_v obey_v before_o conviction_n but_o because_o they_o bring_v this_o blindness_n upon_o themselves_o through_o the_o unfaithfulness_n and_o unwatchfullness_n which_o render_v they_o both_o guilty_a of_o the_o blindness_n and_o of_o the_o disobedience_n occasion_v by_o it_o now_o the_o vastness_n of_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v here_o manifest_a can_v but_o be_v obvious_a to_o any_o that_o will_v read_v and_o consider_v this_o impartial_o without_o prejudice_n thus_o i_o have_v pass_v through_o all_o the_o thing_n that_o i_o have_v understand_v any_o to_o scruple_n at_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o that_o i_o remember_v which_o be_v not_o either_o relative_n to_o some_o of_o the_o particular_n before_o mention_v or_o include_v in_o they_o but_o if_o any_o wonder_n why_o i_o have_v close_v this_o method_n and_o not_o rather_o make_v a_o formal_a reply_n to_o w._n r_n paper_n i_o hope_v these_o follow_a reason_n will_v satisfy_v all_o sober_a and_o true_o peaceable-minded_n friend_n who_o love_n truth_n be_v prosperity_n more_o than_o jangle_n as_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o my_o so_o do_v first_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o great_a part_n of_o what_o w._n r._n have_v write_v be_v whole_o build_v upon_o the_o particular_n heretofore_o mention_v obsevation_n w._n r_n eleven_o obsevation_n which_o particular_n be_v clear_v and_o *_o his_o mistake_v therein_o remove_v absurd_a remove_v remove_v to_o signify_v that_o i_o wrest_v his_o word_n or_o put_v a_o disadvantageous_a meaning_n contrary_a to_o the_o signification_n of_o his_o word_n be_v a_o false_a insinuation_n neither_o do_v i_o mistake_v nor_o yet_o so_o signify_v by_o letter_n as_o anon_o from_o the_o observation_n on_o that_o letter_n term_v i_o will_v be_v make_v appear_v for_o i_o put_v no_o meaning_n on_o his_o line_n but_o what_o the_o very_a express_v grammatical_a sense_n thereof_o compare_v one_o with_o the_o other_o will_v bear_v as_o will_v sufficient_o appear_v to_o such_o as_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o compare_v my_o answer_n to_o his_o book_n of_o government_n with_o the_o matter_n i_o pretend_v to_o answer_v and_o though_o he_o pretend_v to_o leave_v his_o case_n herein_o to_o the_o reader_n judgement_n yet_o he_o impatient_o record_v his_o own_o unjust_a judgement_n first_o on_o this_o wise_a sure_o it_o be_v not_o answerable_a to_o that_o candour_n and_o justice_n that_o w._n r._n lay_v claim_v to_o mean_v as_o his_o express_a word_n import_v because_o i_o doubt_v that_o from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n rule_n command_v ordain_v etc._n etc._n r._n b_o '_o s._n meaning_n be_v that_o some_o thing_n other_o ought_v to_o obey_v whether_o they_o see_v it_o their_o duty_n yea_o or_o nay_o alas_o have_v r._n b._n but_o consider_v that_o in_o this_o his_o very_a postscript_n he_o render_v it_o absurd_a to_o conclude_v that_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v condemn_v for_o ommit_v their_o duty_n because_o they_o see_v it_o not_o and_o that_o in_o his_o book_n of_o government_n he_o say_v 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 me_n think_v then_o he_o will_v have_v forbear_v to_o judge_v i_o as_o aforesaid_a and_o though_o he_o signify_v that_o i_o make_v a_o digression_n concern_v the_o second_o day_n meeting_n in_o london_n i_o say_v it_o can_v proper_o be_v call_v a_o digression_n since_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o observation_n on_o such_o as_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o approbation_n of_o r._n b_o be_v book_n of_o government_n beside_o robert_n barclay_v disingenuity_n be_v apparent_a in_o signify_v that_o i_o judge_v the_o apostle_n paul_n and_o yet_o say_v not_o wherein_o i_o shall_v therefore_o cite_v the_o matter_n occasion_v he_o false_o to_o affirm_v that_o i_o judge_v the_o apostle_n my_o word_n be_v these_o the_o scripture_n r._n b._n quote_v be_v 1_o tim._n 1.19_o 20._o which_o thus_o say_v hold_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o some_o have_v put_v away_o concern_v faith_n have_v make_v shipwreck_n of_o who_o be_v hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n who_o i_o have_v deliver_v to_o satan_n that_o they_o may_v learn_v not_o to_o blaspheme_n have_v thus_o repeat_v paul_n word_n i_o then_o proceed_v in_o these_o word_n what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o purpose_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o positive_a sentence_n and_o decision_n of_o the_o church_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n may_v bind_v believer_n it_o be_v so_o remote_a from_o it_o that_o it_o need_v no_o explanation_n to_o show_v it_o so_o nay_o i_o may_v reasonable_o query_n whether_o this_o scripture_n be_v to_o ordinary_a capacity_n plain_a to_o the_o purpose_n that_o paul_n himself_o intend_v for_o if_o we_o counsult_v the_o light_n it_o do_v not_o tell_v we_o that_o a_o delivery_n to_o satan_n may_v be_v a_o expedient_a whereby_o to_o learn_v not_o to_o blaspheme_n if_o by_o the_o word_n satan_n be_v mean_v the_o devil_n as_o be_v usual_o understand_v i_o now_o query_n of_o r._n b._n whether_o the_o delivery_n of_o a_o transgressor_n to_o the_o devil_n be_v according_a to_o his_o light_n the_o way_n to_o learn_v not_o to_o blasphame_v if_o not_o his_o reflection_n on_o i_o that_o i_o judge_v the_o apostle_n be_v unjust_a and_o absurd_a as_o his_o own_o letter_n signify_v the_o superstructure_n fall_v of_o itself_o as_o not_o touch_v my_o intention_n nor_o yet_o reach_v i_o but_o only_o that_o apprehension_n he_o suppose_v to_o be_v my_o meaning_n and_o to_o follow_v from_o my_o word_n for_o which_o end_n he_o oftentimes_o be_v so_o wary_a of_o as_o to_o affirm_v in_o his_o paper_n that_o to_o his_o understanding_n my_o word_n seem_v to_o import_v and_o my_o meaning_n seem_v to_o be_v so_o in_o which_o thing_n since_o himself_o see_v and_o i_o have_v manifest_v his_o mistake_n i_o be_o not_o so_o great_a a_o lover_n of_o centention_n as_o to_o busy_a either_o myself_o or_o mind_n of_o other_o with_o the_o man_n of_o straw_n of_o his_o make_v but_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o so_o modest_a nor_o kind_n to_o his_o old_a friend_n but_o that_o sometime_o he_o do_v seek_v to_o render_v my_o word_n odious_a albeit_o the_o mistake_v be_v his_o own_o by_o reiterate_v repetition_n repeat_v that_o of_o the_o tolerable_a supposition_n of_o a_o church_n at_o every_o turn_n above_o twenty_o time_n but_o also_o he_o very_o obvious_o wrest_v my_o word_n and_o seek_v to_o impose_v upon_o i_o a_o disadvantageous_a mean_v that_o he_o may_v furnish_v himself_o on_o occasion_n thereafter_o the_o more_o liberal_o to_o smite_v at_o i_o as_o where_o from_o the_o apostle_n word_n say_v and_o we_o have_v confidence_n you_o will_v do_v the_o thing_n we_o command_v you_o etc._n etc._n and_o in_o another_o place_n where_o he_o desire_v those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o such_o as_o rule_v over_o they_o do_v infer_v that_o some_o do_v appoint_v and_o ordain_v some_o thing_n and_o that_o there_o lie_v a_o obligation_n in_o point_n of_o duty_n on_o other_o to_o obey_v upon_o which_o w.r._n very_o unfair_o observe_v it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v his_o meaning_n be_v other_o ought_v to_o obey_v whether_o they_o see_v it_o their_o duty_n yea_o or_o nay_o i_o leave_v such_o deal_v to_o the_o reader_n judgement_n sure_o it_o be_v not_o answerable_a to_o that_o candour_n and_o justice_n that_o w._n r._n lay_v claim_v to_o second_o because_o w._n r._n in_o these_o paper_n have_v take_v occasion_n to_o extend_v himself_o in_o long_a digression_n upon_o other_o matter_n not_o treat_v upon_o in_o that_o book_n and_o take_v oft_o occasion_n to_o insinuate_v his_o jealousy_n of_o person_n and_o thing_n that_o i_o meddle_v not_o with_o as_o where_o he_o make_v a_o large_a digression_n which_o take_v up_o several_a page_n concern_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o second-day_n meet_v at_o london_n endeavour_v what_o he_o can_v to_o represent_v the_o hurt_n and_o abuse_v of_o it_o and_o where_o he_o divers_a time_n insinuate_v that_o some_o be_v usurp_v or_o seek_v to_o usurp_v a_o jurisdiction_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o brethren_n and_o that_o some_o do_v believe_v that_o god_n have_v raise_v up_o some_o outward_a person_n to_o be_v among_o the_o child_n of_o light_n at_o this_o day_n as_o moses_n be_v of_o old_a among_o the_o
child_n of_o israel_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o some_o do_v lead_v many_o into_o a_o temptation_n to_o run_v beyond_o their_o line_n by_o procure_v a_o multitude_n of_o hand_n to_o confirm_v what_o be_v give_v forth_o by_o one_o or_o at_o least_o by_o a_o very_a few_o with_o divers_a other_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n which_o take_v up_o no_o small_a part_n of_o his_o paper_n now_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o pertinent_o bring_v in_o against_o i_o nor_o will_v i_o judge_v myself_o less_o impertinent_a to_o enlarge_v in_o a_o contest_v concern_v these_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o immediate_o concern_v the_o thing_n under_o debate_n since_o the_o person_n or_o person_n aim_v at_o by_o he_o in_o these_o reflection_n may_v take_v occasion_n as_o they_o find_v it_o their_o place_n to_o answer_n and_o perhaps_o may_v have_v have_v opportnity_n to_o have_v discourse_v with_o he_o divers_a of_o these_o thing_n ere_o this_o time_n upon_o other_o occasion_n three_o since_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o w._n r_n paper_n be_v take_v up_o to_o evidence_n as_o he_o pretend_v impertinent_a application_n i_o make_v of_o the_o several_a passage_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o he_o think_v i_o have_v be_v too_o curious_a to_o collect_v that_o make_v mention_n of_o these_o word_n order_n rule_n command_v and_o government_n how_o he_o evince_v that_o i_o leave_v to_o the_o serious_a reader_n be_v the_o more_o willing_a to_o bear_v his_o reflection_n in_o that_o respect_n that_o he_o be_v so_o bold_a when_o he_o can_v compass_n his_o matter_n otherwise_o not_o only_o to_o censure_v i_o but_o the_o apostle_n paul_n say_v of_o 1_o tim._n 1.19_o 20._o mention_v by_o i_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o the_o purpose_n intend_v by_o i_o but_o that_o it_o be_v not_o plain_a to_o the_o purpose_n paul_n himself_o intend_v at_o least_o to_o ordinary_a capacity_n add_v that_o the_o method_n there_o propose_v by_o the_o apostle_n answer_v not_o that_o which_o the_o light_n within_o tell_v we_o since_o since_o then_o the_o light_n he_o follow_v be_v such_o as_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o apostle_n assertion_n i_o may_v the_o more_o patient_o bear_v his_o affirm_v i_o to_o be_v erroneous_a and_o whereas_o w._n r._n labour_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o scripture_n bring_v by_o i_o to_o prove_v a_o power_n of_o decision_n in_o the_o church_n do_v not_o affirm_v any_o such_o thing_n because_o in_o these_o scripture_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o the_o church_n division_n yet_o if_o he_o consider_v that_o those_o place_n do_v speak_v of_o the_o separate_n from_o and_o cut_v off_o of_o divers_a person_n forsake_v their_o fellowship_n to_o the_o saint_n who_o make_v up_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n it_o necessary_o presuppose_v a_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n or_o saint_n concern_v these_o person_n for_o which_o they_o be_v so_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v his_o church_n four_o observation_n w._n r_n twelsth_n observation_n a_o great_a part_n of_o w._n r_n work_n blame_v work_n work_n r._n p._n now_o seem_v very_o confident_a that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o my_o work_n be_v a_o building_n up_o and_o then_o a_o pull_v down_o but_o give_v no_o substantial_a reason_n to_o prove_v his_o assertion_n for_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o discover_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o other_o the_o weakness_n or_o error_n both_o in_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o one_o profess_v christianity_n it_o be_v another_o thing_n to_o make_v one_o self_n a_o judge_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o such_o so_o as_o to_o condemn_v they_o for_o not_o walk_v according_o to_o another_o persuasion_n though_o contrary_a to_o their_o own_o this_o first_o be_v commendable_a and_o the_o only_a thing_n aim_v at_o and_o perform_v by_o i_o in_o that_o part_n of_o my_o work_n which_o he_o pretend_v be_v a_o building_n up_o and_o then_o a_o pull_v down_o the_o other_o i_o affirm_v r._n b._n be_v not_o capable_a to_o render_v i_o guilty_a of_o if_o he_o be_v doubtless_o he_o will_v have_v do_v it_o and_o then_o i_o shall_v have_v ready_o acknowledge_v my_o error_n therein_o for_o examples-sake_n i_o shall_v cite_v one_o instance_n i_o positive_o affirm_v that_o this_o judgement_n touch_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o decision_n of_o difference_n tonch_v outward_a thing_n be_v erroneous_a and_o have_v write_v somewhat_o large_a to_o manifest_v it_o so_o this_o i_o do_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o truth_n and_o perhaps_o he_o may_v term_v it_o as_o a_o evidence_n that_o i_o therein_o build_v that_o which_o i_o destroy_v when_o i_o say_v we_o find_v the_o apostle_n exhort_v the_o church_n not_o to_o he_o judge_v one_o another_o with_o respect_n to_o thing_n relate_v to_o conscience_n but_o a_o inference_n will_v not_o hold_v unless_o i_o have_v also_o declare_v that_o if_o he_o or_o any_o believer_n like_o mind_a with_o he_o shall_v practise_v according_a to_o such_o a_o judgement_n they_o be_v then_o to_o be_v condemn_v but_o that_o i_o have_v not_o do_v for_o shall_v i_o so_o have_v do_v his_o construction_n of_o my_o building_n up_o and_o pull_v down_o may_v have_v hold_v but_o i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o be_v of_o such_o a_o censorious_a spirit_n as_o that_o i_o think_v it_o be_v rather_o his_o duty_n while_o so_o principled_a to_o refer_v any_o such_o difference_n arise_v between_o he_o and_o another_o friend_n unto_o the_o decision_n of_o the_o church_n this_o i_o hope_v will_v suffice_v to_o show_v the_o fallaciousness_n of_o his_o inference_n and_o the_o abuse_n and_o perversion_n not_o only_o of_o my_o intent_n but_o my_o word_n themselves_o and_o if_o his_o inference_n to_o my_o word_n be_v good_a than_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o paul_n may_v just_o be_v blame_v when_o he_o withstand_v peter_n gal._n 2.11_o to_o the_o face_n because_o peter_n be_v to_o be_v blame_v be_v but_o a_o build_n up_o and_o then_o a_o pull_v down_o wherein_o he_o apparent_o contradict_v himself_o yea_o the_o whole_a scope_n of_o his_o book_n imply_v a_o manifest_a contradiction_n for_o whereas_o he_o plain_o declare_v his_o writing_n to_o be_v a_o plea_n for_o christian_a liberty_n against_o judge_v and_o censure_v one_o another_o hold_v forth_o the_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n or_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n but_o especial_o in_o such_o matter_n as_o relate_v to_o discipline_n and_o government_n be_v not_o nor_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o unity_n which_o he_o understand_v may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o diversity_n of_o gift_n and_o administration_n mention_v in_o scripture_n which_o he_o exprese_n in_o these_o word_n upon_o paul_n in_o rom._n 14._o so_o then_o every_o one_o of_o we_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n of_o himself_o unto_o god_n let_v we_o not_o therefore_o judge_v one_o another_o any_o more_o and_o again_o he_o say_v upon_o chap._n 14.34_o which_o evident_o show_v that_o inasmuch_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_n 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_n forbearance_n and_o again_o in_o another_o place_n he_o say_v 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 to_o watch_v against_o this_o censorious_a judge_a spirit_n lest_o while_o any_o be_v judge_v their_o brethren_n themselves_o become_v castaways_a he_o have_v many_o more_o expression_n of_o this_o kind_n now_o since_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a scope_n of_o w._n r_n paper_n and_o that_o he_o do_v yea_o have_v since_o he_o write_v those_o paper_n acknowledge_v i_o to_o be_v his_o christian_a brother_n and_o many_o more_o at_o least_o then_o he_o do_v repute_v such_o who_o he_o censure_v judge_n and_o condems_n through_o his_o whole_a treatise_n yea_o since_o his_o whole_a paper_n be_v a_o judge_a censure_v and_o condemn_v of_o i_o and_o my_o judgement_n in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o conscience_n and_o to_o my_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o government_n and_o outward_a discipline_n do_v not_o the_o work_n itself_o imply_v a_o manifest_a contradiction_n so_o his_o very_a write_n contradict_v the_o matter_n that_o he_o write_v of_o and_o plead_v for_o especial_o since_o he_o not_o only_o make_v some_o general_a censure_n of_o i_o and_o many_o other_o profess_v the_o same_o fundamental_a truth_n with_o he_o but_o be_v very_o partricular_a and_o peremptory_a yea_o insinuate_a accusation_n as_o if_o i_o in_o particular_a intend_v to_o make_v way_n for_o a_o authority_n to_o rule_v over_o at_o least_o some_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
objection_n of_o the_o say_v william_n rogers_n lay_v not_o so_o much_o against_o the_o matter_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o say_v robert_n barclay_v book_n as_o against_o his_o way_n of_o express_v some_o passage_n therein_o and_o that_o upon_o robert_n barclay_v defence_n and_o explanation_n the_o say_a william_n rogers_n do_v declare_v that_o he_o be_v satisfy_v with_o robert_n barclay_n as_o to_o his_o principle_n but_o that_o he_o think_v some_o passage_n in_o his_o book_n may_v have_v be_v better_o word_v confess_v that_o he_o do_v not_o brotherly_o in_o publish_v his_o book_n before_o he_o have_v communicate_v his_o exception_n to_o the_o say_v robert_n barclay_n and_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o second_o day_n morning-meeting_a in_o london_n it_o be_v therefore_o the_o inward_a sense_n advice_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o meeting_n that_o the_o say_v william_n rogers_n forthwith_o do_v deliver_v up_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o james_n claypoole_n the_o copy_n of_o his_o say_a book_n which_o he_o have_v here_o with_o he_o and_o as_o speedy_o as_o may_v he_o recall_v all_o such_o other_o copy_n of_o his_o say_a book_n as_o he_o know_v to_o be_v disperse_v in_o the_o nation_n or_o elsewhere_o and_o that_o he_o also_o ought_v speedy_o to_o write_v a_o letter_n to_o friend_n in_o all_o those_o place_n where_o he_o do_v or_o shall_v know_v the_o say_a book_n to_o be_v disperse_v and_o therein_o to_o clear_v both_o the_o say_v robert_n barclay_n and_o the_o friend_n of_o the_o second_o day_n meet_v in_o london_n from_o all_o such_o aspersion_n as_o by_o mean_n of_o his_o say_a book_n may_v be_v cast_v upon_o he_o or_o they_o and_o though_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v to_o this_o meeting_n by_o any_o thing_n that_o the_o say_v william_n rogers_n have_v object_v or_o offer_v that_o there_o be_v any_o error_n or_o unsoundness_n of_o doctrine_n in_o the_o say_v robert_n barclay_n book_n yet_o forasmuch_o as_o there_o be_v some_o term_n or_o expression_n therein_o which_o some_o conceive_v may_v be_v make_v yet_o more_o plain_a easy_a and_o familiar_a it_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o this_o meeting_n that_o the_o say_v robert_n barclay_n as_o he_o feel_v in_o himself_o the_o open_n of_o life_n thereunto_o will_v in_o christian_a condescension_n to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o weak_a write_v a_o explanatory_a postscript_n to_o the_o say_a book_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o all_o such_o as_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v misapprehend_v any_o expression_n therein_o charles_n marshal_n and_o thirty_o six_o more_o william_n rogers_n his_o observation_n on_o a_o letter_n give_v forth_o and_o pretend_v to_o be_v his_o together_o with_o his_o answer_n to_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 on_o the_o hear_n of_o a_o debate_n between_o w._n r._n and_o r._n b._n know_v that_o of_o late_a there_o have_v be_v spread_v abroad_o among_o friend_n a_o paper_n subscribe_v by_o charles_n martial_n and_o 36_o person_n more_o together_o with_o another_o to_o which_o my_o name_n be_v only_o insert_v both_o relate_n to_o robert_n barclay_n and_o myself_o and_o that_o on_o occasion_n of_o a_o free_a meeting_n have_v in_o the_o city_n of_o london_n wherein_o some_o particular_n contain_v in_o robert_n barclay_n book_n of_o government_n to_o part_v whereof_o i_o write_v a_o answer_n be_v discourse_v between_o robert_n barclay_n and_o other_o person_n on_o the_o one_o part_n and_o myself_o on_o the_o other_o part_n and_o that_o many_o false_a and_o wrong_a construction_n be_v make_v thereof_o whereby_o i_o perceive_v the_o simple_a may_v be_v ensnare_v i_o be_o now_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o truth_n concern_v thus_o to_o inform_v the_o reader_n that_o robert_n barclay_n and_o myself_o do_v agree_v that_o twelve_o person_n nominate_v between_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o hear_n of_o the_o matter_n with_o this_o exception_n make_v by_o robert_n barclay_n that_o he_o will_v not_o so_o limit_v as_o not_o to_o have_v liberty_n to_o add_v two_o or_o three_o other_o give_v this_o reason_n that_o he_o expect_v some_o friend_n to_o the_o city_n etc._n etc._n i_o tell_v he_o to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v probable_a i_o will_v not_o deny_v the_o addition_n of_o two_o or_o three_o friend_n if_o he_o shall_v request_v it_o of_o i_o according_o he_o do_v request_v it_o of_o i_o and_o i_o grant_v it_o but_o notwithstanding_o many_o other_o come_v at_o the_o appoint_a time_n who_o be_v not_o choose_v by_o we_o nor_o yet_o be_v there_o any_o assent_n of_o i_o or_o desire_v of_o r._n b_n as_o i_o know_v of_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v present_a whereupon_o i_o refuse_v to_o meet_v with_o they_o that_o day_n after_o friend_n perceive_v that_o i_o will_v not_o meet_v with_o they_o not_o choose_v omit_v choose_v note_v for_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o preface_n annex_v to_o the_o first-part_n his_o name_n be_v omit_v a_o eminent_a preacher_n who_o stand_v by_o r._n b_n book_n tell_v i_o in_o word_n to_o this_o effect_n that_o they_o will_v not_o assent_v to_o a_o meet_v limit_v to_o robert_n barclay_n nor_o my_o choice_n but_o as_o a_o church_n will_v keep_v their_o authority_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o will_v vindicate_v every_o word_n in_o robert_n barclay_n book_n consider_v the_o station_n the_o say_a person_n be_v in_o and_o how_o much_o he_o be_v esteem_v by_o george_n fox_n and_o that_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o right_a hand_n man_n for_o that_o government_n contend_v for_o by_o robert_n barclay_n i_o easy_o perceive_v my_o cause_n be_v already_o judge_v and_o that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o expect_v a_o meeting_n whereof_o i_o may_v have_v the_o choice_n of_o one_o half_a but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o lest_o they_o shall_v reflect_v upon_o i_o as_o a_o person_n afraid_a to_o stand_v to_o that_o cause_n i_o be_v engage_v in_o and_o have_v faith_n in_o god_n i_o shall_v be_v preserve_v i_o the_o next_o day_n free_o and_o of_o my_o own_o accord_n give_v notice_n to_o robert_n barclay_n george_n fox_n and_o other_o of_o my_o readiness_n to_o meet_v with_o any_o friend_n and_o so_o a_o free_a meeting_n be_v have_v between_o r._n b._n and_o myself_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o george_n fox_n charles_n marshal_n and_o divers_n other_o when_o the_o debate_n between_o we_o be_v over_o robert_z barclay_n propose_v to_o this_o purpose_n to_o have_v some_o satisfaction_n for_o the_o wrong_n i_o do_v he_o i_o tell_v he_o to_o this_o effect_n i_o wrong_v he_o not_o and_o that_o neither_o myself_o or_o any_o other_o be_v capable_a in_o this_o case_n to_o do_v he_o so_o much_o right_n as_o he_o be_v capable_a to_o do_v himself_o by_o write_v a_o postscript_n to_o his_o book_n this_o be_v a_o reasonable_a proposal_n of_o i_o the_o meeting_n do_v approve_v of_o his_o writing_n a_o postscript_n and_o withal_o counsel_v i_o to_o call_v in_o my_o manuscript_n in_o answer_n which_o i_o neither_o do_v have_v or_o can_v assent_v unto_o but_o tell_v george_n fox_n and_o 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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 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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 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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 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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 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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 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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 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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