be_v their_o duty_n as_o the_o reason_n of_o such_o their_o refusal_n what_o a_o large_a extent_n will_v he_o make_v this_o liberty_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o how_o contradictory_n to_o itself_o god_n preserve_v his_o people_n from_o this_o libertine_n spirit_n but_o he_o have_v contrariwise_o state_v the_o matter_n which_o may_v be_v take_v for_o both_o a_o answer_n and_o confutation_n to_o himself_o one_a part_n pag._n 43._o where_o he_o confess_v plain_o thus_o viz._n some_o may_v run_v into_o looseness_n and_o say_v the_o light_n in_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 the_o same_o though_o they_o may_v be_v harden_v and_o see_v it_o not_o note_v now_o he_o have_v grant_v some_o to_o be_v watchman_n over_o the_o flock_n and_o their_o care_n as_o such_o and_o that_o the_o blindness_n and_o false_a liberty_n be_v place_v upon_o such_o as_o run_v into_o looseness_n and_o become_v harden_v and_o not_o upon_o any_o innocent_a member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n or_o tender-hearted_a believer_n who_o liberty_n be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o this_o blindness_n and_o hardness_n can_v excuse_v they_o in_o sin_n or_o evil_n whether_o in_o omission_n or_o commission_n because_o the_o light_n do_v condemn_v the_o same_o and_o both_o their_o blindness_n and_o hardness_n be_v effect_n of_o their_o disobedience_n to_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o ignorance_n can_v be_v no_o excuse_n for_o sin_n when_o itself_o be_v sin_n as_o also_o w._n r._n confess_v pag._n 52._o that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v power_n to_o admonish_v the_o party_n differ_v to_o their_o duty_n and_o if_o they_o refuse_v to_o take_v their_o wholesome_a counsel_n may_v then_o declare_v such_o unworthy_a of_o their_o society_n whereby_o he_o have_v grant_v the_o church_n power_n both_o of_o admonition_n and_o give_v judgement_n against_o those_o that_o refuse_v the_o church_n wholesome_a counsel_n and_o admonition_n so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o power_n of_o judgement_n and_o rejection_n he_o have_v grant_v the_o church_n in_o which_o he_o have_v grant_v the_o authority_n and_o government_n plead_v for_o by_o we_o for_o power_n of_o coercion_n or_o force_n we_o claim_v not_o and_o this_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o w._n r._n or_o any_o else_o to_o plead_v a_o liberty_n in_o christ_n for_o the_o member_n of_o his_o church_n either_o for_o not_o see_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o practice_v such_o counsel_n or_o for_o refuse_v to_o submit_v on_o that_o score_n disaffect_v xxv_o w._n r._n one_a part_n pag._n 52._o for_o any_o member_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n to_o say_v we_o have_v power_n to_o decide_v and_o remove_v these_o thing_n without_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o party_n differ_v be_v a_o usurpation_n and_o that_o the_o assent_n of_o party_n be_v not_o intend_v by_o the_o approver_n of_o the_o say_a book_n of_o government_n be_v evident_a to_o we_o for_o that_o there_o be_v not_o in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o say_a book_n one_o tittle_n to_o that_o purpose_n here_o be_v two_o gross_a untruth_n in_o this_o passage_n insinuate_v against_o we_o first_o without_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o party_n differ_v when_o do_v any_o of_o we_o so_o pretend_v a_o power_n to_o remove_v the_o difference_n we_o can_v force_v unjust_a &_o injurious_a person_n to_o make_v restitution_n for_o wrong_n do_v but_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o outward_a power_n to_o subject_v they_o to_o common_a law_n and_o justice_n though_o we_o have_v power_n by_o persuasive_a mean_n with_o those_o among_o we_o who_o design_v nothing_o but_o justice_n and_o right_o to_o all_o man_n that_o they_o may_v do_v according_o second_o that_o the_o assent_n of_o party_n be_v not_o intend_v by_o the_o approver_n of_o the_o say_a book_n be_v a_o very_a gross_a abuse_n and_o untruth_n for_o it_o be_v most_o acceptable_a to_o we_o as_o we_o be_v a_o people_n for_o peace_n and_o concord_n to_o have_v all_o party_n differ_v among_o we_o assent_n to_o a_o just_a decision_n and_o fair_a end_n of_o the_o difference_n by_o faithful_a and_o competent_a person_n among_o ourselves_o to_o prevent_v their_o go_n to_o law_n one_o with_o another_o three_o and_o if_o the_o very_a word_n assent_v of_o party_n differ_v to_o the_o decision_n of_o honest_a man_n in_o the_o church_n skill_v in_o the_o matter_n be_n not_o express_v yet_o we_o take_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v all_o along_o employ_v in_o the_o say_a book_n viz._n the_o assent_n of_o the_o party_n differ_v to_o be_v conclude_v by_o some_o or_o other_o judicious_a person_n in_o the_o church_n and_o not_o to_o go_v to_o law_n before_o unbeliever_n there_o be_v much_o in_o the_o say_a book_n will_v prove_v that_o their_o submission_n in_o that_o case_n be_v urge_v his_o tell_v we_o pag._n 50._o that_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n speak_v nothing_o of_o the_o church_n authority_n as_o judge_n be_v still_o to_o lessen_v the_o church_n authority_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n viz._n if_o he_o will_v not_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 mat._n 18._o and_o the_o spiritual_a man_n judge_v all_o thing_n the_o saint_n shall_v judge_v the_o world_n know_v you_o not_o that_o we_o shall_v judge_v angel_n how_o much_o more_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o this_o life_n 1_o cor._n 6._o and_o wherein_o judge_n angel_n but_o in_o high_a thing_n than_o those_o of_o this_o life_n therefore_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v a_o judgement_n in_o those_o low_a thing_n pertain_v to_o this_o life_n disaffect_v xxvi_o w._n r._n pag._n 48_o 49._o mix_v and_o uncertain_a assembly_n as_o to_o number_n and_o qualification_n may_v call_v themselves_o the_o church_n and_o under_o that_o notion_n give_v forth_o order_n rule_n and_o sentence_n tell_v the_o rest_n of_o those_o whm_n they_o account_v their_o fellow_n member_n it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o obey_v though_o you_o pretend_v you_o see_v it_o not._n observe_v this_o we_o take_v to_o be_v not_o only_o a_o slight_a but_o a_o unjust_a and_o implicit_a charge_n upon_o our_o assembly_n therefore_o we_o demand_v proof_n of_o any_o assembly_n or_o assembly_n among_o we_o that_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n have_v give_v forth_o order_n and_o rule_n in_o these_o term_n as_o tell_v the_o rest_n of_o their_o fellow-member_n it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o obey_v though_o you_o pretend_v you_o see_v it_o not._n we_o dare_v say_v this_o be_v a_o forgery_n of_o his_o own_o contrivance_n when_o do_v any_o of_o our_o assembly_n so_o tell_v their_o fellow-member_n it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o in_o such_o place_n where_o he_o in_o his_o book_n allow_v not_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n power_n to_o judge_n or_o to_o give_v positive_a sentence_n in_o case_n of_o difference_n nor_o yet_o so_o much_o as_o to_o choose_v or_o set_v a_o part_n any_o for_o the_o person_n differ_v to_o decide_v their_o difference_n but_o only_o those_o at_o variance_n to_o make_v their_o own_o choice_n as_o in_o pag._n 53._o herein_o he_o have_v endeavour_v whole_o to_o make_v void_a all_o church-government_n and_o authority_n allow_v more_o power_n to_o the_o person_n differ_v yea_o to_o the_o person_n offend_v than_o to_o the_o church_n the_o person_n offend_v to_o make_v his_o own_o choice_n as_o well_o as_o the_o person_n offend_v whenas_o the_o offender_n if_o one_o unwilling_a to_o make_v restitution_n for_o the_o injury_n do_v he_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o choose_v some_o partial_a person_n of_o his_o own_o party_n to_o serve_v his_o own_o turn_n if_o he_o can_v which_o no_o way_n can_v tend_v to_o bring_v the_o difference_n to_o a_o fair_a and_o just_a end_n now_o to_o allow_v such_o offender_n a_o equal_a power_n of_o choice_n be_v not_o according_a to_o christ_n doctrine_n mat._n 18._o where_o the_o brother_n offend_v be_v to_o make_v his_o complaint_n and_o tell_v the_o offender_n his_o fault_n who_o refuse_v to_o hear_v then_o two_o witness_n and_o for_o want_v of_o hear_v they_o last_o to_o tell_v the_o church_n and_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n then_o to_o count_v he_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n etc._n etc._n so_o the_o innocent_a offend_a brother_n be_v to_o make_v his_o choice_n and_o have_v a_o esteem_n of_o the_o church_n authority_n and_o right_a of_o judgement_n in_o
r._n hence_o observe_v one_a that_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o have_v reflect_o mention_v the_o name_n of_o some_o person_n in_o his_o book_n be_v their_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o continue_v to_o oppose_v as_o he_o judge_n two_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o name_n of_o other_o reflect_v upon_o be_v omit_v in_o his_o book_n be_v that_o he_o have_v hope_n of_o their_o come_n to_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o fail_n ana_n repent_v and_o three_o that_o when_o they_o repent_v either_o the_o memory_n of_o their_o offence_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o or_o their_o repentance_n therewith_o record_v see_v now_o what_o authority_n and_o judgement_n he_o have_v diotrephes-like_a assume_v to_o himself_o without_o the_o church_n or_o consent_v thereof_o to_o excommunicate_v to_o condemn_v and_o record_v such_o person_n as_o oppose_v he_o and_o with_o what_o distinction_n some_o by_o name_n as_o hopeless_a of_o their_o repentance_n other_o not_o by_o name_n as_o have_v hope_n for_o they_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o all_o who_o he_o have_v censure_v and_o condemn_v by_o name_n be_v in_o his_o account_n harden_v past_o recovery_n as_o george_n fox_n charles_n marshal_n jasper_n batt_n robert_n barclay_n john_n blaykle_v robert_n barrow_n and_o other_o man_n more_o righteous_a than_o himself_o he_o have_v reflect_v on_o and_o severe_o judge_v by_o name_n and_o that_o on_o record_n render_v they_o infamous_a what_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o posterity_n in_o his_o print_a volumn_n and_o when_o be_v such_o a_o record_n and_o memory_n like_o to_o be_v blot_v out_o as_o he_o pretend_v but_o if_o to_o get_v off_o this_o hanck_n he_o shall_v allege_v that_o his_o meaning_n be_v not_o so_o severe_a as_o to_o render_v they_o who_o he_o have_v name_v irrecoverable_o harden_a or_o without_o hope_n though_o it_o most_o evident_o follow_v from_o his_o reason_n before_o cite_v why_o he_o have_v omit_v the_o name_n of_o other_o person_n reflect_v on_o for_o that_o he_o have_v intimate_v some_o hope_n concern_v g._n f._n in_o his_o five_o part_n p_o 92._o in_o these_o word_n viz._n on_o this_o score_n i_o be_o now_o concern_v in_o my_o conscience_n thus_o to_o declare_v and_o conclude_v that_o for_o sometime_o past_a g._n f._n have_v stand_v in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n from_o many_o of_o the_o lord_n people_n may_v the_o god_n of_o heaven_n give_v he_o a_o true_a sight_n and_o sense_n thereof_o unto_o repentance_n that_o so_o before_o his_o body_n be_v turn_v to_o dust_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v he_o may_v be_v restore_v into_o fellowship_n with_o they_o again_o say_v my_o soul_n william_n rogers_n it_o be_v true_a that_o he_o have_v herein_o intimate_v that_o there_o be_v yet_o some_o hope_n for_o g._n f._n as_o that_o his_o offence_n be_v not_o so_o great_a nor_o he_o so_o irrecoverable_o harden_v but_o that_o he_o may_v possible_o repent_v and_o be_v restore_v into_o fellowship_n with_o the_o lord_n people_n that_o be_v in_o his_o sense_n with_o w._n r._n and_o his_o party_n but_o then_o how_o fair_o do_v this_o contradict_v his_o reason_n for_o omit_v the_o name_n of_o other_o as_o not_o be_v without_o hope_n of_o their_o come_n to_o a_o sense_n and_o repentance_n for_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n he_o shall_v have_v omit_v to_o name_n g._n f._n and_o other_o upon_o record_n so_o infamous_o as_o he_o have_v do_v if_o he_o be_v not_o without_o hope_n of_o their_o repentance_n and_o restoration_n otherwise_o he_o have_v deal_v very_o partial_o and_o unjust_o in_o record_v g._n f._n and_o other_o by_o name_n whilst_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o to_o have_v omit_v their_o name_n that_o he_o give_v for_o omit_v other_o thus_o this_o severe_a judge_n and_o excommunicator_n run_v himself_o into_o a_o labyrinth_n of_o confusion_n and_o this_o be_v not_o all_o but_o there_o lie_v another_o palpable_a contradiction_n in_o the_o case_n he_o appear_v for_o record_v person_n offence_n and_o their_o repentance_n also_o as_o his_o great_a book_n in_o print_n contain_v matter_n of_o record_n and_o condemnation_n against_o many_o friend_n some_o by_o name_n and_o other_o not_o all_z as_o be_v the_o apostate_n and_o innovator_n from_o who_o he_o distinguish_v the_o christian-quaker_n in_o his_o title_n page_n and_o yet_o as_o person_n not_o irrecoverable_o fall_v but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v restore_v to_o a_o true_a sight_n and_o sense_n unto_o repentance_n but_o how_o notorious_o in_o this_o matter_n have_v he_o contradict_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o frequent_o term_v two_o ancient_a and_o honourable_a friend_n and_o brethren_n j._n w._n &_o j._n s._n cite_v in_o his_o four_o part_n pag._n 39_o where_o they_o thus_o declare_v viz._n 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 i._n e._n condemnations_n 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 far_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 thus_o far_o w._n r_n say_v brethren_n but_o w._n r._n have_v record_v condemnation_n in_o his_o great_a book_n in_o print_n that_o be_v like_a to_o be_v of_o far_a extent_n and_o long_a continuance_n then_o either_o the_o offence_n suppose_v or_o memory_n of_o they_o otherwise_o will_v have_v be_v and_o that_o in_o a_o very_a infamous_a and_o disgraceful_a manner_n against_o particular_a person_n by_o name_n who_o yet_o upon_o serious_a thought_n he_o dare_v not_o final_o condemn_v as_o person_n irrecoverable_a see_v how_o apparent_o contradictory_n his_o work_n be_v to_o itself_o and_o to_o his_o brethren_n testimony_n he_o be_v contradict_v they_o who_o he_o advocate_n for_o so_o that_o his_o judgement_n against_o particular_a person_n will_v be_v of_o less_o credit_n with_o all_o judicious_a reader_n because_o of_o its_o inconsistency_n disaffect_v ix_o w._n r._n have_v plead_v his_o be_v concern_v to_o oppose_v a_o erroneous_a and_o persecute_v spirit_n which_o he_o say_v he_o have_v behold_v enter_v among_o the_o flock_n of_o god_n and_o his_o be_v preserve_v by_o the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n power_n in_o his_o act_n to_o keep_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n and_o his_o concern_n of_o conscience_n to_o prepare_v his_o manuscript_n his_o frequent_a breathe_n unto_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o may_v not_o bring_v forth_o a_o untimely_a birth_n but_o may_v answer_v the_o witness_n of_o god_n in_o all_o conscience_n on_o all_o which_o he_o tell_v the_o reader_n thus_o viz._n that_o to_o my_o inward_a peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o lord_n i_o can_v say_v that_o i_o have_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o spirit_n notwithstanding_o what_o any_o man_n may_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a that_o he_o have_v own_v my_o proceed_n therein_o hitherto_o these_o be_v very_o fair_a and_o specious_a pretence_n but_o his_o work_n appear_v otherwise_o a_o untimely_a birth_n and_o monstrous_a both_o scandalous_a to_o truth_n and_o the_o people_n of_o god_n among_o we_o call_v quaker_n as_o be_v evident_o prove_v in_o this_o treatise_n and_o as_o it_o will_v far_o appear_v his_o delusion_n under_o these_o fair_a pretence_n be_v the_o strong_a and_o the_o witness_n of_o god_n have_v search_v and_o find_v it_o out_o in_o his_o reproachful_a abusive_a work_n by_o all_o which_o we_o find_v that_o he_o have_v not_o single_o nor_o innocent_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n nor_o in_o a_o right_a spirit_n breathe_v unto_o he_o for_o counsel_n but_o rather_o with_o a_o false_a heart_n a_o double_a mind_n and_o a_o selfwill_a incline_v and_o bend_v towards_o this_o his_o perverse_a work_n of_o discord_n which_o be_v conceive_v in_o sin_n and_o bring_v forth_o in_o iniquity_n and_o be_v find_v to_o be_v a_o confuse_a deform_a monstrous_a birth_n we_o mean_v his_o great_a book_n style_v the_o christian-quaker_n etc._n etc._n though_o he_o far_o pretend_v that_o as_o he_o be_v serious_o wait_v on_o the_o lord_n he_o become_v satisfy_v in_o his_o conscience_n to_o forbear_v reflect_v in_o his_o treatise_n on_o the_o name_n of_o many_o repute_a quaker_n albeit_o he_o have_v so_o characterise_a many_o not_o name_v by_o he_o that_o it_o be_v easy_o understand_v who_o he_o smite_v at_o for_o all_o his_o great_a pretence_n in_o the_o matter_n and_o his_o forbearance_n which_o he_o pretend_v be_v upon_o the_o intercession_n of_o several_a of_o his_o brethren_n for_o which_o submission_n to_o they_o he_o cite_v the_o apostle_n counsel_n to_o the_o ephesian_n to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o one_o another_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n whereby_o it_o seem_v than_o he_o own_v a_o outward_a submission_n to_o his_o brethren_n though_o he_o have_v much_o oppose_v outward_a order_n direction_n law_n decree_n
outward_a form_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n hereupon_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o his_o contest_v throughout_o his_o book_n yet_o he_o own_v a_o submission_n to_o his_o brethren_n in_o a_o matter_n which_o be_v such_o a_o concern_n of_o conscience_n to_o he_o but_o if_o any_o direction_n advice_n or_o counsel_n be_v give_v by_o a_o assembly_n meet_v or_o church_n among_o we_o such_o as_o he_o himself_o former_o have_v own_v to_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o join_v with_o in_o counsel_n than_o he_o can_v easy_o evade_v it_o on_o this_o pretence_n it_o be_v not_o his_o duty_n to_o obey_v without_o inward_a conviction_n it_o be_v no_o bond_n upon_o he_o when_o he_o see_v it_o not_o they_o be_v not_o to_o submit_v to_o outward_a order_n instruction_n or_o prescription_n of_o any_o assembly_n whether_o they_o see_v it_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n or_o not_o it_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o they_o unless_o they_o see_v it_o with_o these_o and_o such_o like_a exception_n be_v much_o of_o his_o book_n make_v up_o to_o shun_v that_o authority_n and_o right_n of_o judgement_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v his_o church_n and_o people_n that_o answer_v his_o witness_n though_o these_o his_o exception_n and_o allegation_n as_o apply_v contain_v a_o very_a unjust_a insinuation_n and_o reflection_n upon_o our_o meeting_n which_o be_v for_o the_o service_n of_o truth_n and_o one_o another_o in_o love_n as_o if_o we_o impose_v rule_n and_o method_n for_o our_o fellow_n member_n to_o observe_v in_o a_o implicit_a faith_n or_o blind_a obedience_n which_o have_v ever_o be_v far_o from_o we_o and_o contrary_a to_o our_o principle_n and_o testimony_n since_o we_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o truth_n be_v inward_a conviction_n and_o work_n nor_o do_v our_o say_a meeting_n give_v any_o instruction_n or_o advice_n relate_v to_o good_a order_n in_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n to_o such_o as_o be_v blind_a faithless_a or_o senseless_a and_o not_o belong_v to_o we_o as_o a_o people_n but_o to_o such_o who_o eye_n be_v open_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o incite_v they_o to_o faithfulness_n and_o diligence_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o true_a light_n will_v show_v to_o be_v their_o duty_n as_o they_o be_v watchful_a in_o it_o to_o receive_v and_o practice_v good_a advice_n and_o counsel_n from_o the_o light_n both_o in_o themselves_o and_o in_o their_o elder_a brethren_n in_o christ_n jesus_n disaffect_v x._o w._n rogers_n to_o prove_v the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o proceed_n to_o print_n and_o publish_v his_o book_n give_v this_o account_n date_v bristol_n the_o 10_o of_o november_n 1680._o postscript_n pag._n 25_o 26_o 27._o viz._n the_o question_n needful_a to_o be_v answer_v be_v this_o whether_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o evil_a fact_n in_o i_o to_o publish_v in_o print_n a_o historical_a relation_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o my_o conscience_n &_o c_o the_o answer_n in_o short_a be_v nay_o to_o every_o impartial_a and_o unprejudiced_a reader_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n the_o introduction_n to_o the_o first_o and_o four_o part_n of_o this_o treatise_n may_v give_v sufficient_a satisfaction_n but_o lest_o the_o ignorance_n and_o blindness_n of_o any_o shall_v be_v so_o great_a as_o nâ—â—_n from_o thence_o to_o perceive_v the_o righteousness_n of_o my_o present_a proceed_n to_o print_n or_o that_o the_o partiality_n of_o any_o that_o do_v so_o shall_v so_o abound_v as_o to_o strengthen_v evil_a insinuation_n against_o i_o on_o that_o account_n 26._o i_o have_v this_o to_o say_v that_o such_o aâ—_n have_v be_v of_o party_n against_o we_o concern_v in_o the_o publication_n hereof_o have_v be_v the_o first_o and_o frequent_a promulgator_n by_o declaration_n by_o manuscript_n and_o by_o print_v that_o there_o have_v be_v division_n among_o the_o aforesaid_a people_n pass_v by_o at_o present_a his_o impertinent_a instance_n relate_v to_o declaration_n and_o manuscript_n for_o perspicuity_n and_o brevity_n sake_n we_o will_v insist_v on_o his_o chief_a instance_n that_o relate_v to_o print_v which_o he_o give_v to_o prove_v the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o proceed_n to_o print_n or_o to_o promulgate_v or_o publish_v by_o print_v according_a to_o his_o own_o term_n his_o pretend_a historical_a relation_n his_o instance_n follow_v viz._n but_o that_o which_o on_o this_o occasion_n be_v 27._o chief_o my_o concern_n be_v to_o evidence_n that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o publication_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a division_n in_o print_n before_o the_o publication_n hereof_o and_o that_o by_o and_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o some_o of_o g._n fox_n party_n on_o the_o 8_o instant_a come_n to_o my_o hand_n two_o sheet_n of_o print_a paper_n entitle_v a_o epistle_n etc._n etc._n anne_n whitehead_n and_o mary_n elson_n the_o subscriber_n i_o shall_v now_o 28._o proceed_v to_o cite_v a_o few_o sentence_n out_o of_o it_o which_o amount_v to_o a_o publication_n of_o division_n thus_o far_o w._n r._n to_o evince_v the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o proceed_n to_o print_n and_o publish_v his_o great_a book_n of_o division_n be_v please_v to_o observe_v then_o that_o what_o he_o allege_v for_o instance_n in_o this_o case_n to_o prove_v his_o proceed_v righteous_a bear_v this_o sense_n that_o the_o instance_n he_o cite_v for_o this_o end_n be_v not_o only_a occasion_n and_o cause_n just_o provoke_v he_o to_o proceed_v to_o print_v but_o also_o that_o they_o be_v all_o such_o occasion_n give_v he_o before_o he_o proceed_v to_o print_v or_o to_o promulgate_v division_n by_o print_v which_o we_o judge_v be_v both_o very_o unjust_o pretend_v and_o nothing_o parallel_v to_o his_o work_n in_o his_o book_n nor_o demeriting_a any_o such_o public_a volumnious_a and_o remain_v infamy_n and_o reproach_n as_o his_o book_n contain_v against_o certain_a faithful_a man_n in_o particular_a and_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n in_o general_n and_o now_o we_o will_v present_o detect_v his_o fallacy_n and_o manifest_a injustice_n in_o this_o his_o principal_a instance_n relate_v to_o his_o print_n query_n whether_o w._n r._n do_v not_o know_v in_o his_o own_o conscience_n that_o he_o have_v proceed_v to_o print_v his_o book_n some_o time_n before_o the_o 8_o day_n of_o november_n 1680_o which_o he_o confess_v to_o be_v the_o time_n that_o the_o say_v two_o sheet_n of_o print_a paper_n come_v to_o his_o hand_n we_o answer_v yes_o he_o know_v in_o his_o conscience_n that_o he_o have_v print_v most_o of_o his_o book_n before_o that_o day_n or_o time_n for_o he_o confess_v post._n p._n 24._o in_o these_o word_n bristol_n the_o 8_o of_o november_n 1680._o which_o be_v the_o same_o day_n that_o the_o two_o print_a sheet_n come_v to_o his_o hand_n notwithstanding_o that_o all_o this_o treatise_n except_v the_o postscript_n index_n and_o errata_fw-la be_v already_o print_v so_o that_o all_o his_o treatise_n except_v as_o be_v except_v be_v print_v before_o the_o two_o print_a sheet_n come_v to_o his_o hand_n and_o therefore_o that_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n of_o his_o proceed_n to_o print_v his_o book_n or_o to_o promulgate_v or_o publish_v it_o by_o print_v it_o be_v print_v before_o that_o epistle_n for_o note_v also_o that_o by_o w._n r_o '_o be_v own_o letter_n to_o john_n bringhurst_n date_v the_o 21_o of_o the_o 8_o month_n 1680._o it_o appear_v much_o of_o his_o book_n viz._n of_o all_o the_o five_o part_n be_v then_o already_o print_v about_o eighteen_o day_n before_o the_o say_v print_v epistle_n of_o two_o sheet_n come_v to_o his_o hand_n be_v about_o eighteen_o day_n from_o the_o 21_o of_o the_o 8_o month_n to_o the_o 8_o of_o the_o 9th_o month_n 1680._o in_o the_o say_a letter_n to_o john_n bringhurst_n the_o printer_n w._n r._n advise_v he_o thus_o viz._n this_o morning_n i_o receive_v another_o small_a parcel_n i_o want_v two_o sheet_n of_o the_o three_o part_n from_o pag._n 113._o to_o pag._n 128._o and_o one_o sheet_n of_o the_o five_o part_n from_o pag._n 69_o to_o 83._o and_o when_o i_o have_v those_o sheet_n than_o the_o sheet_n i_o shall_v have_v from_o thou_o will_v be_v as_o follow_v first_o three_o sheet_n of_o the_o preface_n of_o the_o first_o part_n to_o page_n 72._o of_o the_o second_o part_n to_o pag._n 80._o of_o the_o three_o part_n to_o pag._n 136._o all_o the_o four_o part_n viz._n to_o pag._n 108._o of_o the_o five_o part_n to_o pag._n 84._o not_o more_o to_o add_v then_o to_o desire_v thy_o expedition_n thus_o w._n r._n in_o the_o say_a letter_n date_v the_o 21_o of_o the_o 8_o month_n 1680._o as_o before_o by_o all_o which_o its_o apparent_a first_o that_o on_o the_o 21_o of_o the_o 8_o month_n 1680._o much_o of_o w._n r_o '_o s_o book_n be_v print_v and_o receive_v by_o he_o at_o
even_o as_o to_o his_o high_a pretence_n of_o conscience_n to_o bring_v forth_o his_o great_a book_n which_o be_v fill_v with_o envy_n confusion_n and_o false_a jealousy_n that_o his_o conscience_n therein_o be_v not_o a_o good_a conscience_n it_o be_v not_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n but_o very_o offensive_a to_o both_o and_o that_o his_o contradiction_n be_v obvious_a in_o his_o one_o while_o limit_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n mat._n 18._o 15._o 1_o cor._n 6._o only_a to_o personal_a offence_n about_o outward_a matter_n and_o that_o upon_o pretence_n of_o a_o reasonable_a conclusion_n another_o while_o grant_v that_o in_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n mat._n 18._o 17._o every_o case_n may_v be_v comprehend_v wherein_o one_o brother_n may_v trespass_n against_o another_o and_o that_o according_a to_o right_n reason_n whereby_o he_o have_v set_v his_o right_a reason_n in_o contradiction_n to_o his_o reasonable_a conclusion_n you_o may_v see_v what_o a_o master_n of_o reason_n this_o person_n be_v in_o pursuance_n of_o his_o charge_n against_o we_o of_o claim_v power_n over_o the_o property_n and_o conscience_n of_o believer_n he_o proceed_v thus_o viz._n disaffect_v xxii_o w._n r._n one_a part_n pag._n 47._o we_o be_v sensible_a that_o many_o friend_n will_v be_v even_o startle_v at_o this_o and_o ready_a to_o query_n be_v there_o any_o such_o among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n we_o answer_v yes_o very_o and_o that_o those_o who_o may_v be_v account_v chieftain_n too_o viz._n those_o who_o approve_v in_o the_o second_o day_n meet_v at_o london_n the_o before-cited_n book_n of_o r._n b._n relate_v to_o government_n in_o the_o church_n observe_v his_o charge_n of_o claim_v power_n over_o the_o property_n as_o well_o as_o conscience_n of_o believer_n upon_o those_o count_v chieftain_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n and_o the_o second_o day_n meet_v at_o london_n we_o do_v judge_v to_o be_v very_o scandalous_a as_o well_o as_o unjust_a and_o tend_v to_o render_v we_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n obnoxious_a to_o the_o civil_a government_n as_o assume_v a_o arbitrary_a and_o absolute_a dominion_n over_o the_o property_n and_o conscience_n of_o other_o which_o be_v a_o abhorence_n to_o we_o and_o what_o he_o allege_v out_o of_o r._n b.'s_n book_n in_o the_o case_n do_v not_o appear_v to_o we_o any_o proof_n of_o his_o charge_n against_o we_o be_v right_o and_o ingenious_o consider_v as_o to_o what_o r._n b._n affirm_v of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v power_n in_o some_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 we_o will_v ask_v this_o opposer_n if_o in_o no_o case_n of_o conscience_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v power_n to_o give_v such_o positive_a sentence_n as_o be_v just_a and_o righteous_a for_o the_o true_a church_n neither_o pretend_v nor_o claim_v any_o other_o if_o she_o have_v then_o whether_o such_o sentence_n be_v not_o obligatory_a to_o other_o believer_n concern_v and_o then_o whether_o there_o can_v be_v any_o just_a pretence_n for_o a_o believer_n to_o refuse_v to_o submit_v as_o not_o see_v that_o his_o duty_n which_o be_v just_a and_o equal_a which_o no_o doubt_n but_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o will_v discover_v and_o oblige_v he_o to_o if_o he_o obey_v it_o and_o therefore_o w._n r._n his_o inference_n that_o this_o mean_v and_o government_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o believer_n he_o take_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o liberty_n we_o have_v in_o christ_n jesus_n appear_v to_o we_o both_o perverse_a and_o impertinent_a for_o all_o just_a sentence_n give_v and_o decision_n make_v either_o by_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o faithful_a member_n thereof_o be_v do_v in_o his_o service_n and_o according_a to_o his_o mind_n and_o in_o subjection_n to_o his_o power_n and_o therein_o the_o dominion_n over_o the_o conscience_n be_v his_o dominion_n which_o be_v neither_o claim_v nor_o assume_v out_o of_o his_o hand_n by_o his_o church_n or_o any_o faithful_a member_n thereof_o we_o claim_v no_o power_n nor_o assume_v any_o dominion_n of_o ourselves_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n over_o conscience_n be_v christ_n and_o we_o be_v but_o his_o minister_n or_o servant_n but_o it_o appear_v our_o adversary_n allow_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n no_o power_n in_o case_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 if_o he_o say_v he_o do_v then_o why_o do_v he_o oppose_v affirm_v the_o church_n have_v such_o power_n but_o to_o proceed_v upon_o his_o scandalous_a charge_n against_o the_o second_o day_n meet_v in_o london_n see_v what_o he_o further_o say_v pag._n 51_o 52._o one_a part_n viz._n disaffect_v xxiii_o w._n r._n some_o there_o be_v among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n who_o may_v be_v account_v chieftain_n too_o that_o approve_v of_o a_o plea_n for_o government_n among_o themselves_o which_o in_o its_o natural_a consequence_n have_v no_o less_o tendency_n than_o to_o claim_v a_o power_n over_o our_o property_n as_o well_o as_o conscience_n for_o proof_n whereof_o we_o say_v the_o second_o day_n meet_v of_o minister_a friend_n in_o london_n take_v upon_o they_o the_o approbation_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a book_n relate_v to_o government_n whereby_o they_o be_v entitle_v to_o the_o matter_n therein_o contain_v compare_v with_o what_o he_o say_v pag._n 52._o viz._n say_v in_o our_o heart_n bless_a be_v the_o lord_n that_o neither_o the_o second_o day_n meet_v nor_o those_o who_o be_v at_o unity_n with_o they_o as_o approver_n of_o the_o say_a book_n have_v any_o jurisdiction_n over_o our_o property_n etc._n etc._n observe_v in_o these_o passage_n we_o do_v still_o positive_o judge_v that_o our_o adversary_n have_v gross_o scandalize_v our_o say_a meeting_n in_o london_n as_o claim_v a_o power_n and_o assume_v a_o jurisdiction_n over_o their_o property_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o have_v render_v the_o say_v meet_v arbitrary_a and_o usurp_a a_o dominion_n in_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o thing_n temporal_a which_o appear_v to_o we_o horrid_a and_o odious_a tend_v to_o expose_v the_o people_n call_v quaker_n to_o suffer_v and_o ruin_n by_o the_o temporal_a power_n and_o government_n and_o his_o principal_a instance_n for_o proof_n of_o his_o charge_n against_o our_o say_a meeting_n in_o london_n we_o can_v judge_v amount_n to_o any_o real_a proof_n thereof_o he_o take_v it_o out_o of_o r._n b_n book_n entitle_v the_o anarchy_n of_o the_o ranter_n etc._n etc._n pag._n 37._o in_o these_o word_n viz._n in_o what_o case_n and_o how_o far_o this_o government_n extend_v and_o first_o as_o to_o outward_o and_o temporal_n pag._n 39_o in_o the_o second_o place_n this_o order_n reach_v the_o take_n up_o and_o compose_v of_o difference_n as_o to_o outward_a thing_n we_o do_v bold_o aver_n that_o as_o a_o people_n gather_v together_o by_o the_o lord_n unto_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o by_o our_o joint_a testimony_n and_o suffering_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 we_o request_v the_o friendly_a reader_n to_o note_v this_o instance_n that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n in_o it_o that_o either_o in_o itself_o or_o natural_a consequence_n amount_v to_o a_o proof_n of_o his_o charge_n against_o we_o or_o our_o say_a meeting_n that_o be_v of_o claim_v a_o power_n or_o assume_v a_o jurisdiction_n over_o the_o property_n of_o friend_n or_o other_o but_o only_o a_o power_n give_v we_o in_o truth_n to_o compose_v decide_v and_o remove_v difference_n in_o outward_a thing_n among_o ourselves_o as_o a_o people_n gather_v by_o the_o lord_n into_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o to_o make_v no_o other_o composure_n or_o decision_n thereof_o than_o what_o consist_v with_o truth_n as_o appear_v more_o full_o in_o the_o word_n follow_v the_o same_o passage_n in_o r._n b_n book_n quote_v by_o our_o adversary_n as_o where_o r._n b._n say_v pag._n 40._o if_o the_o truth_n we_o profess_v have_v not_o efficacy_n as_o to_o reconcile_v we_o among_o ourselves_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o world_n if_o we_o be_v force_v to_o go_v out_o to_o other_o for_o equity_n and_o justice_n because_o we_o can_v find_v it_o among_o ourselves_o how_o can_v we_o expect_v to_o invite_v they_o to_o come_v among_o we_o this_o with_o many_o other_o passage_n in_o r._n b_n say_v book_n together_o with_o his_o own_o explication_n thereupon_o date_v aberdene_n prison_n the_o 6_o of_o the_o one_a month_n 1679._o cite_v at_o large_a by_o w._n r._n in_o his_o three_o part_n from_o pag._n 99_o to_o pag._n 122._o we_o do_v at_o least_o real_o suppose_v do_v full_o clear_a
both_o he_o and_o our_o say_a meeting_n from_o any_o such_o imputation_n as_o either_o assume_v or_o exercise_v a_o absolute_a jurisdiction_n power_n or_o dominion_n over_o man_n property_n in_o outward_a thing_n for_o r._n b._n affirm_v that_o they_o have_v great_o mistake_v he_o who_o do_v suppose_v that_o he_o do_v ascribe_v to_o friend_n a_o absolute_a jurisdiction_n over_o man_n property_n in_o outward_a thing_n nor_o be_v our_o say_a meeting_n in_o london_n or_o any_o of_o we_o in_o the_o least_o design_v or_o principled_a to_o any_o such_o thing_n who_o ox_n or_o who_o ass_n have_v we_o take_v &_o c_o therefore_o have_v our_o adversary_n most_o gross_o misrepresent_v and_o abuse_v we_o therein_o to_o the_o great_a scandal_n and_o reproach_n of_o we_o and_o the_o holy_a truth_n profess_v by_o we_o as_o to_o the_o take_v up_o and_o compose_v of_o difference_n among_o ourselves_o as_o to_o outward_a thing_n and_o r._n b_n aver_v that_o as_o a_o people_n gather_v together_o by_o the_o lord_n unto_o the_o same_o faith_n we_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o decide_v and_o remove_v these_o thing_n against_o this_o w._n r._n immediate_o testify_v in_o these_o word_n viz._n disaffect_v xxiv_o w._n r._n first_o part_n pag._n 51._o this_o we_o testify_v be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n within_o we_o and_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o we_o for_o as_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n so_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o his_o member_n shall_v by_o his_o authority_n claim_v a_o jurisdiction_n in_o the_o matter_n relate_v to_o this_o world_n and_o if_o christ_n himself_o when_o he_o be_v desire_v by_o a_o certain_a man_n to_o bid_v his_o brother_n divide_v the_o inheritance_n with_o he_o refuse_v to_o be_v a_o judge_n in_o that_o matter_n relate_v to_o property_n when_o desire_v by_o one_o party_n say_v who_o make_v i_o a_o judge_n over_o you_o how_o much_o more_o unreasonable_a be_v it_o for_o his_o member_n to_o assume_v a_o jurisdiction_n when_o desire_v by_o neither_o party_n &_o c_o observe_v we_o look_v upon_o this_o testimony_n in_o the_o first_o place_n unsound_a and_o the_o allegation_n impertinent_a for_o one_a that_o as_o a_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o church_n of_o christ_n we_o have_v power_n to_o compose_v difference_n as_o to_o outward_a thing_n this_o be_v neither_o repugnant_a to_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o nor_o to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n without_o we_o see_v 1_o cor._n 6._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o maâ—_n 18._o 15_o 16_o 17._o two_o claim_v a_o jurisdiction_n what_o jurisdiction_n do_v christ_n member_n claim_v by_o his_o authority_n other_o than_o what_o he_o himself_o have_v give_v they_o viz._n to_o counsel_n advise_v and_o admonish_v for_o the_o end_n of_o difference_n and_o to_o give_v true_a judgement_n three_o what_o do_v jurisdiction_n mean_v proper_o but_o a_o pronounce_v right_a equity_n or_o justice_n though_o in_o the_o common_a law_n it_o be_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o minister_v and_o execute_v law_n which_o in_o a_o gospel_n way_n and_o order_n be_v not_o exclude_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n see_v the_o law_n shall_v go_v forth_o of_o zion_n four_o christ_n refuse_v to_o be_v a_o judge_n in_o that_o matter_n relate_v to_o property_n when_o desire_v by_o one_o party_n luk._n 12._o 13_o 14._o argue_v not_o that_o none_o of_o his_o member_n church_n or_o saint_n have_v power_n to_o judge_v in_o matter_n relate_v to_o outward_a property_n for_o that_o be_v to_o contradict_v the_o apostle_n testimony_n 1_o cor._n 6._o 3._o know_v you_o not_o that_o we_o shall_v judge_v angel_n how_o much_o more_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o this_o life_n 5th_o that_o of_o luke_n 12._o 13_o 14._o allege_a prove_v not_o that_o either_o christ_n have_v not_o power_n and_o right_o to_o judge_v among_o his_o disciple_n in_o matter_n relate_v to_o this_o world_n nor_o yet_o that_o the_o saint_n or_o his_o member_n be_v altogether_o to_o refuse_v judge_v in_o matter_n relate_v to_o property_n among_o themselves_o or_o they_o of_o the_o same_o faith_n six_o in_o the_o scripture_n allege_v luke_n 12._o 13._o be_v say_v one_o of_o the_o company_n say_v unto_o he_o master_n speak_v to_o my_o brother_n that_o he_o divide_v the_o inheritance_n with_o i_o it_o be_v not_o say_v it_o be_v one_o of_o his_o disciple_n nor_o will_v it_o have_v be_v judicial_a for_o he_o to_o have_v give_v judgement_n in_o the_o matter_n upon_o the_o motion_n and_o determination_n of_o one_o paâ—ty_n assign_v what_o he_o will_v have_v do_v in_o his_o own_o case_n aforehand_o and_o who_o fault_n christ_n seem_v to_o reprehend_v in_o the_o follow_a word_n luk._n 12._o 15._o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o covetousness_n for_o a_o man_n life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v nor_o be_v it_o so_o proper_o christ_n ministry_n and_o work_n to_o be_v concern_v in_o determine_v those_o outward_a matter_n of_o property_n have_v give_v a_o high_a ministry_n and_o sufficient_a law_n light_n and_o judgement_n in_o man_n conscience_n to_o determine_v what_o be_v right_a and_o to_o do_v right_o in_o those_o case_n especial_o in_o his_o church_n and_o follower_n the_o lord_n be_v exalt_v when_o zion_n be_v fill_v with_o judgement_n and_o righteousness_n and_o now_o whereas_o r._n b._n plead_v for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v power_n in_o some_o case_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 this_o w._n r._n oppose_v as_o be_v a_o government_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o believer_n contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o liberty_n they_o have_v in_o christ_n jesus_n pag._n 48._o because_o his_o plea_n be_v for_o a_o liberty_n for_o a_o believer_n to_o refuse_v to_o submit_v on_o account_n of_o not_o see_v it_o his_o duty_n this_o be_v still_o to_o divide_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o believer_n as_o if_o the_o church_n do_v see_v and_o believer_n be_v blind_a which_o be_v absurd_a and_o ignorant_a he_o now_o neither_o allow_v the_o church_n power_n in_o case_n of_o conscience_n nor_o outward_a thing_n to_o give_v positive_a sentence_n or_o judgement_n to_o decide_v difference_n pag._n 48_o &_o 51._o but_o both_o these_o he_o have_v sufficient_o contradict_v one_a in_o conclude_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n mat._n 18._o and_o 1_o cor._n 6._o do_v concern_v personal_a offence_n or_o difference_n touch_v worldly_a matter_n two_o in_o grant_v that_o every_o case_n wherein_o one_o brother_n may_v trespass_n against_o another_o may_v be_v comprehend_v in_o it_o but_o now_o to_o his_o opposition_n against_o the_o church_n judgement_n set_v case_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o some_o or_o any_o matter_n of_o conscience_n or_o property_n where_o a_o difference_n be_v do_v give_v a_o positive_a sentence_n or_o judgement_n which_o in_o itself_o be_v just_a and_o reasonable_a our_o opposer_n be_v for_o a_o liberty_n for_o believer_n to_o refuse_v to_o submit_v on_o account_n of_o not_o see_v it_o their_o duty_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o believer_n who_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n church_n may_v refuse_v submission_n to_o their_o brethren_n in_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o themselves_o just_a and_o reasonable_a according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o conscience_n on_o the_o pretence_n of_o not_o see_v it_o their_o duty_n which_o be_v a_o most_o blind_a and_o irrational_a way_n of_o plead_v and_o argue_v and_o we_o can_v make_v nothing_o of_o it_o but_o what_o tend_v to_o confusion_n rebellion_n and_o ranterism_n and_o to_o a_o contempt_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o undervalue_v of_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n which_o be_v in_o all_o true_a believer_n ready_a to_o engage_v in_o a_o concord_n in_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a just_a and_o reasonable_a and_o that_o which_o aggravate_v the_o offence_n of_o our_o adversary_n be_v his_o father_v this_o contradiction_n and_o opposition_n which_o he_o will_v make_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o liberty_n for_o believer_n refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o this_o church_n upon_o the_o liberty_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n which_o be_v as_o absurd_a as_o to_o tell_v we_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n may_v in_o some_o thing_n have_v a_o liberty_n in_o christ_n to_o give_v a_o righteous_a judgement_n both_o in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n and_o property_n but_o believer_n who_o be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n must_v have_v a_o liberty_n in_o christ_n to_o refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o same_o judgement_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o a_o liberty_n in_o christ_n to_o plead_v that_o they_o see_v it_o not_o to_o
the_o case_n of_o offence_n which_o such_o injurious_a offend_a brother_n have_v not_o and_o therefore_o to_o be_v reject_v as_o a_o heathen_a man_n chief_o for_o refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n and_o herein_o consist_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o w._n r._n we_o take_v part_n with_o the_o innocent_a brother_n that_o be_v injure_v and_o offend_v who_o be_v willing_a to_o bring_v his_o case_n before_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o hear_v the_o church_n as_o in_o point_n of_o judgement_n and_o as_o know_v his_o presence_n in_o the_o midst_n but_o w._n r._n plain_o appear_v to_o take_v part_n with_o that_o injurous_a offend_a brother_n that_o will_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n and_o as_o for_o the_o power_n w._n r._n grant_v it_o any_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o decide_v and_o remove_v difference_n only_o when_o give_v by_o the_o assent_n of_o party_n he_o confess_v that_o any_o heathen_a man_n may_v claim_v the_o like_a power_n p._n 53._o what_o power_n then_o have_v he_o here_o allow_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n in_o these_o case_n more_o than_o to_o any_o heathen_a man_n but_o mark_v if_o this_o gainsay_n spirit_n be_v not_o draw_v back_o among_o the_o heathen_a that_o have_v so_o little_a esteem_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o he_o often_o contradict_v himself_o confess_v to_o divers_a truth_n against_o his_o own_o opposition_n so_o that_o the_o light_n sometime_o interpose_v though_o darkness_n have_v moâ—â—_n prevail_v in_o his_o work_n disaffect_v xxvii_o w._n r._n three_o part_n pag._n 64._o christ_n doctrine_n well_o describe_v by_o his_o sermon_n in_o the_o mount_n mat._n 5._o and_o chap._n 6._o wherein_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o tittle_n to_o countenance_v this_o sentence_n that_o the_o positive_a sentence_n or_o decission_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 observe_v his_o main_a work_n be_v still_o to_o invalid_n the_o authority_n and_o sentence_n of_o the_o true_a church_n whereby_o here_o he_o will_v set_v believer_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o church_n as_o not_o oblige_v by_o the_o church_n sentence_n without_o exception_n let_v it_o be_v as_o real_o from_o christ_n and_o as_o true_a just_a and_o reasonable_a as_o may_v be_v but_o if_o the_o sentence_n or_o decision_n of_o the_o church_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n be_v no_o way_n oblige_v on_o believer_n then_o why_o have_v he_o tell_v we_o of_o the_o counsel_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o church_n which_o they_o that_o will_v not_o submit_v unto_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v by_o the_o church_n his_o inconsistence_n and_o self-contradiction_n be_v numerous_a &_o what_o be_v that_o counsel_n which_o he_o that_o do_v but_o say_v to_o his_o brother_n racha_n shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o as_o christ_n say_v mat._n 5._o 22._o be_v not_o this_o counsel_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n under_o the_o gospel_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o law_n but_o still_o our_o adversary_n proceed_v in_o his_o inconsistency_n disaffect_v xxviii_o w._n r._n pag._n 64._o three_o part_n nay_o in_o that_o very_a case_n mat._n 18._o 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 observe_v this_o we_o do_v except_v against_o as_o unsound_a doctrine_n the_o sentence_n in_o this_o place_n against_o that_o brother_n that_o refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n be_v christ_n and_o the_o offence_n for_o which_o he_o be_v sentence_v as_o a_o heathen_a man_n be_v both_o against_o a_o brother_n in_o particular_a and_o against_o the_o church_n in_o his_o refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n and_o therefore_o see_v its_o christ_n admonition_n and_o sentence_n to_o let_v he_o be_v to_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n how_o can_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n look_v on_o he_o otherwise_o than_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n have_v refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n strange_a doctrine_n that_o one_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n shall_v have_v occasion_n and_o that_o according_a to_o christ_n doctrine_n to_o look_v upon_o a_o brother_n so_o offend_v against_o he_o and_o the_o church_n as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o yet_o other_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n not_o to_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n what_o then_o may_v they_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o good_a christian_a contrary_a to_o christ_n own_o sentence_n and_o what_o though_o there_o be_v other_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v not_o immediate_o concern_v in_o the_o admonition_n or_o sentence_n against_o the_o offender_n be_v not_o present_a in_o the_o church_n when_o he_o refuse_v to_o hear_v they_o do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v be_v so_o far_o divide_v in_o their_o sense_n and_o judgement_n either_o from_o the_o sentence_n of_o christ_n the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n to_o who_o complaint_n be_v make_v against_o the_o brother_n trespass_v or_o from_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o brother_n offend_v as_o to_o look_v on_o he_o not_o as_o christ_n or_o the_o offend_a brother_n or_o the_o church_n who_o he_o refuse_v to_o hear_v have_v judge_v of_o he_o that_o be_v as_o a_o heathen_a man_n what_o confusion_n will_v this_o make_v in_o the_o church_n and_o contradiction_n to_o christ_n own_o sentence_n much_o may_v be_v say_v to_o show_v the_o absurdity_n of_o this_o but_o w._n r._n in_o his_o own_o contradiction_n have_v grant_v 3d_o part_n pag._n 36._o viz._n 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_v 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 here_o he_o have_v grant_v both_o authority_n order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o respect_n to_o such_o judicial_a proceed_n as_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o sentence_n of_o christ_n himself_o this_o be_v the_o man_n who_o work_n be_v much_o of_o it_o to_o oppose_v church-government_n and_o to_o render_v the_o sentence_n or_o decision_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n not_o obligatory_a on_o believer_n we_o have_v rare_o know_v any_o of_o truth_n be_v adversary_n more_o confound_v in_o their_o attempt_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o people_n of_o god_n than_o he_o be_v howbeit_o we_o will_v grant_v he_o that_o nothing_o that_o be_v outward_a whether_o it_o be_v sentence_n judgement_n order_n or_o decree_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o can_v be_v a_o bond_n on_o such_o to_o forsake_v sin_n and_o embrace_v the_o truth_n as_o be_v run_v into_o looseness_n evil_a deed_n and_o be_v become_v harden_v as_o he_o say_v pag._n 43._o 3d_o part_n until_o their_o conscience_n be_v awaken_v to_o hear_v god_n witness_v in_o themselves_o this_o be_v true_a but_o then_o it_o be_v no_o proof_n against_o church-government_n or_o that_o the_o just_a sentence_n admonition_n or_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v no_o way_n bind_v on_o believer_n who_o be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n but_o only_o that_o they_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o such_o as_o be_v harden_v through_o sin_n that_o they_o see_v not_o their_o duty_n who_o part_n our_o adversary_n have_v take_v and_o their_o cause_n he_o have_v plead_v against_o church-government_n and_o against_o the_o authority_n sentence_n judgement_n outward_a direction_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o church_n again_o w._n r._n grant_v one_a part_n pag._n 48._o that_o though_o we_o find_v the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n chap._n 13._o v._n 7._o say_v on_o this_o wise_a remember_v they_o which_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o say_v such_o who_o have_v the_o rule_n be_v the_o church_n but_o describe_v they_o to_o be_v such_o who_o have_v speak_v unto_o they_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o that_o if_o any_o authority_n be_v give_v to_o any_o to_o rule_v as_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n it_o appear_v from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n to_o be_v unto_o such_o who_o have_v speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n unto_o
they_o over_o who_o they_o have_v the_o rule_n thus_o far_o w._n r._n whereby_o he_o have_v fair_o give_v away_o his_o cause_n for_o here_o he_o have_v grant_v authority_n of_o rule_n or_o government_n give_v to_o such_o member_n of_o christ_n as_o have_v speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n unto_o they_o over_o who_o they_o have_v the_o rule_n whence_o it_o follow_v that_o all_o such_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n whether_o elder_n or_o overseer_n etc._n etc._n as_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o speak_v or_o a_o testimony_n from_o he_o commit_v to_o they_o to_o bear_v to_o other_o may_v have_v a_o share_n and_o right_n in_o rule_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n with_o respect_n to_o they_o unto_o who_o they_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o this_o may_v extend_v to_o as_o many_o faithful_a member_n as_o grow_v up_o in_o truth_n and_o unto_o a_o testimony_n so_o as_o to_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o speak_v but_o then_o we_o ask_v if_o such_o be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n see_v he_o seem_v not_o to_o own_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n to_o be_v the_o church_n what!_o be_v only_o the_o hearer_n and_o not_o the_o preacher_n the_o church_n however_o w._n r._n have_v grant_v rule_n to_o the_o preacher_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v tie_v up_o to_o the_o first_o preacher_n but_o also_o to_o extend_v to_o other_o who_o god_n shall_v raise_v up_o and_o fit_a for_o his_o service_n though_o he_o have_v oppose_v and_o gainsay_v many_o faithful_a one_o in_o his_o book_n yet_o he_o grant_v such_o preacher_n to_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n body_n however_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o inferior_a member_n or_o weak_a part_n of_o the_o church_n owe_v a_o submission_n to_o those_o superior_a in_o the_o church_n obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o etc._n etc._n yet_o all_o in_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o light_n and_o clear_a sight_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o humbleness_n of_o mind_n submit_v themselves_o one_o to_o another_o as_o the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v also_o the_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v not_o come_v to_o the_o same_o growth_n to_o the_o same_o dignity_n to_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o judgement_n to_o the_o same_o measure_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n nor_o to_o the_o same_o stature_n in_o he_o some_o be_v more_o eminent_o dignify_v for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n than_o other_o be_v and_o according_o be_v require_v to_o be_v helpful_a to_o other_o and_o a_o suitable_a submission_n one_o to_o another_o according_a to_o the_o heavenly_a order_n of_o the_o gospel_n church_n and_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o diversity_n of_o gift_n operation_n and_o degree_n of_o growth_n through_o the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n do_v not_o oppose_v nor_o contradict_v nor_o clash_v one_o against_o another_o and_o even_o they_o that_o be_v appoint_v elder_n and_o overseer_n in_o his_o church_n be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o faithful_a word_n as_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a by_o sound_a doctrine_n both_o to_o exhort_v and_o convince_v the_o gainsayer_n moreover_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o every_o faithful_a member_n thereof_o have_v power_n to_o give_v testimony_n absolute_a judgement_n and_o sentence_n against_o all_o loose_a disorderly_a and_o scandalous_a way_n and_o conversation_n when_o due_o manifest_a among_o any_o professor_n of_o truth_n which_o dishonour_n our_o holy_a profession_n and_o let_v up_o a_o spirit_n of_o ranterism_n and_o false_a liberty_n and_o these_o aught_o to_o be_v testify_v against_o judge_v and_o condemn_v and_o it_o be_v not_o just_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o offender_n in_o those_o case_n to_o make_v their_o own_o choice_n of_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o to_o evade_v or_o make_v void_a any_o such_o judgement_n or_o sentence_n nor_o ought_v the_o offender_n to_o be_v at_o his_o own_o choice_n in_o such_o criminal_a case_n of_o looseness_n and_o disorderly_o walk_v but_o the_o universal_a judgement_n of_o truth_n to_o be_v set_v over_o the_o transgressor_n head_n in_o a_o gospel_n way_n and_o order_n on_o a_o judicial_a hear_n and_o discovery_n of_o the_o offence_n for_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v commend_v in_o not_o bear_v they_o that_o be_v evil_a and_o hate_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n rev._n 2._o 2_o 6._o but_o the_o church_n in_o pergamos_n be_v blame_v for_o have_v they_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n which_o tend_v to_o ranterism_n fornication_n or_o community_n of_o woman_n which_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v out_o with_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n forever_o see_v euseb._n hist._n l._n 3._o c._n 26._o w._n r._n be_v impertinent_a also_o in_o his_o gainsay_n where_o in_o pag._n 53._o one_a part_n he_o have_v these_o word_n viz._n disaffect_v xxix_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 this_o as_o it_o be_v general_o state_v and_o as_o it_o be_v design_v be_v not_o only_o unfound_a but_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o implicit_a smite_v at_o those_o who_o he_o write_v against_o &_o tend_v to_o make_v void_a that_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n to_o people_n unconvince_v and_o unsatisfy_a in_o their_o conscience_n concern_v the_o most_o essential_a truth_n relate_v to_o salvation_n as_o that_o of_o the_o light_n the_o cross_n of_o christ_n the_o narrow_a way_n be_v crucify_a to_o the_o world_n and_o the_o vain_a fashion_n thereof_o etc._n etc._n which_o be_v preach_v to_o many_o before_o they_o be_v satisfy_v or_o convince_v in_o their_o conscience_n to_o come_v into_o obedience_n in_o these_o thing_n yet_o these_o thing_n must_v be_v preach_v that_o they_o may_v be_v convince_v and_o convert_v too_o and_o we_o have_v a_o ministry_n from_o christ_n for_o that_o end_n and_o as_o we_o have_v receive_v mercy_n we_o faint_v not_o but_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o much_o boldness_n and_o assurance_n in_o christ_n of_o the_o good_a effect_n thereof_o and_o be_v one_o with_o the_o apostle_n testimony_n as_o have_v renounce_v the_o hide_a thing_n of_o dishonesty_n not_o walk_v in_o craftyness_n 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 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._o 2._o our_o preach_n be_v to_o convince_v the_o conscience_n and_o not_o to_o leave_v it_o dark_a or_o unsatisfied_a in_o that_o wherein_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n stand_v a_o blind_a conscience_n be_v convincible_a by_o spiritual_a and_o effectual_a preach_v which_o have_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o it_o make_v its_o way_n into_o the_o conscience_n if_o not_o whole_o harden_v and_o sear_v through_o rebellion_n and_o stubbornness_n even_o gainsayer_n be_v to_o be_v exhort_v and_o convince_v by_o sound_a doctrine_n titus_n 1._o 9_o disaffect_v xxx_o w._n r._n one_a part_n pag._n 53_o 54._o proceed_v thus_o viz._n 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 observe_v this_o be_v such_o a_o reflection_n upon_o some_o public_a preacher_n and_o preach_a as_o tend_v to_o scandalize_v our_o friend_n and_o meeting_n as_o if_o still_o our_o design_n be_v to_o preach_v up_o a_o blind_a obedience_n and_o a_o implicit_a faith_n and_o to_o impose_v on_o other_o to_o follow_v we_o therein_o and_o this_o he_o often_o and_o much_o harp_n upon_o but_o tell_v we_o not_o who_o they_o be_v that_o thus_o preach_v for_o we_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o such_o preach_n for_o any_o to_o follow_v we_o in_o their_o blindness_n and_o though_o it_o be_v probable_a some_o may_v have_v public_o commend_v the_o example_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o be_v follow_v by_o other_o yet_o not_o exclusive_a of_o all_o sight_n and_o sense_n in_o the_o hearer_n and_o follower_n of_o their_o example_n for_o our_o travel_n and_o desire_n have_v always_o be_v and_o be_v that_o the_o eye_n of_o people_n understanding_n may_v be_v open_v and_o enlighten_v first_o to_o see_v their_o way_n and_o how_o to_o follow_v the_o footstep_n of_o christ_n flock_n in_o his_o divine_a light_n and_o faith_n disaffect_v xxxi_o w._n r._n sect._n 8._o pag._n 61._o first_o part_n g._n f._n have_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o give_v forth_o direction_n and_o instruction_n to_o other_o and_o
to_o execute_v or_o put_v in_o practice_n outward_a prescribe_v instruction_n and_o order_n etc._n etc._n nor_o against_o such_o outward_a prescription_n and_o order_n be_v give_v forth_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n through_o one_o or_o more_o man_n or_o person_n in_o this_o our_o day_n for_o there_o be_v many_o wholesome_a and_o bind_a rule_n precept_n and_o command_n outward_o record_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n that_o proceed_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n which_o be_v now_o renew_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o his_o servant_n but_o his_o objection_n be_v against_o their_o be_v give_v forth_o with_o intent_n to_o be_v obey_v by_o other_o whether_o they_o see_v it_o their_o duty_n or_o not_o wherein_o the_o objection_n do_v not_o only_o vary_v from_o that_o in_o his_o title_n page_n but_o be_v very_o frivolous_a and_o loose_a and_o will_v serve_v only_o for_o a_o pretence_n to_o loose_a spirit_n who_o to_o evade_v just_a precept_n and_o instruction_n proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o servant_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o pretend_v they_o see_v it_o not_o their_o duty_n which_o yet_o be_v no_o proof_n that_o any_o thing_n just_a and_o lawful_a in_o itself_o be_v not_o their_o duty_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n see_v whatever_o precept_n direction_n or_o command_n be_v give_v forth_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o concern_v our_o duty_n either_o towards_o god_n or_o man_n and_o the_o keep_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o both_o be_v not_o give_v forth_o to_o be_v leave_v indifferent_a as_o to_o be_v accept_v or_o reject_v but_o to_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n in_o that_o case_n leave_v the_o conscience_n without_o evidence_n or_o the_o creature_n to_o who_o it_o direct_v in_o such_o blindness_n as_o not_o to_o see_v that_o a_o duty_n which_o in_o itself_o be_v just_a and_o righteous_a have_v a_o necessary_a tendence_n to_o that_o godly_a righteous_a and_o sober_a life_n which_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n universal_o appear_v to_o teach_v and_o lead_v man_n into_o and_o therefore_o for_o any_o profess_v truth_n and_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o light_n thereof_o to_o pretend_v that_o spirit_n may_v through_o instrument_n direct_v such_o order_n and_o rule_n unto_o they_o as_o they_o see_v not_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n this_o will_v not_o excuse_v they_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o if_o they_o sin_n against_o sight_n and_o knowledge_n give_v of_o god_n that_o be_v their_o rebellion_n and_o stubbornness_n if_o they_o be_v become_v blind_a and_o ignorant_a of_o what_o be_v their_o duty_n towards_o god_n or_o man_n through_o their_o own_o careless_a neglect_n of_o his_o grace_n give_v they_o they_o be_v just_o condemnable_a therein_o their_o want_n of_o sight_n proceed_v from_o their_o idle_a sloth_n and_o want_v of_o diligence_n if_o he_o grant_v that_o every_o one_o have_v a_o measure_n of_o the_o true_a light_n and_o spirit_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n whatever_o be_v real_o any_o one_o duty_n in_o relation_n to_o a_o good_a conscience_n it_o can_v be_v live_o and_o acceptable_o perform_v as_o in_o god_n sight_n without_o keep_v in_o a_o true_a sight_n and_o sense_n of_o that_o divine_a light_n and_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v near_o to_o show_v man_n his_o duty_n both_o in_o shun_v evil_a and_o do_v good_a as_o also_o to_o lead_v he_o into_o all_o truth_n as_o he_o give_v up_o to_o it_o and_o attend_v upon_o its_o guidance_n but_o further_a the_o member_n of_o christ_n the_o true_a and_o spiritual_a believer_n have_v so_o much_o inward_a sense_n and_o feel_n of_o those_o outward_a instruction_n and_o precept_n that_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n in_o their_o brethren_n that_o they_o have_v unity_n therewith_o and_o have_v some_o discern_v of_o the_o nature_n good_a tendence_n and_o end_n thereof_o and_o even_o such_o as_o be_v but_o weak_a in_o the_o faith_n be_v tender_a and_o honest-hearted_a as_o the_o lord_n lay_v no_o more_o upon_o they_o than_o what_o they_o can_v bear_v so_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o oppose_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n counsel_n through_o his_o servant_n which_o they_o have_v not_o a_o present_a sight_n of_o that_o they_o apply_v their_o heart_n to_o the_o lord_n with_o diligent_a attention_n that_o he_o may_v reveal_v that_o unto_o they_o for_o in_o assurance_n of_o god_n reveal_v what_o shall_v be_v needful_a to_o the_o true_a believer_n in_o the_o primitive_a christian_n day_n as_o they_o walk_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o mind_v the_o same_o thing_n the_o apostle_n to_o the_o philipian_o say_v 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 phil._n 3._o 15._o and_o to_o the_o thessalonian_n we_o have_v confidence_n in_o the_o lord_n touch_v you_o that_o you_o both_o do_v and_o will_v do_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o command_v you_o 2_o thess._n 3._o 4._o the_o true_a minister_n and_o servant_n of_o christ_n write_v and_o speak_v in_o a_o holy_a confidence_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o preach_v in_o much_o assurance_n that_o their_o testimony_n will_v meet_v with_o reception_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o they_o who_o receive_v the_o love_n of_o truth_n they_o do_v not_o leave_v the_o concern_v of_o truth_n and_o of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n relate_v to_o unity_n or_o good_a order_n upon_o loose_a and_o indifferent_a term_n as_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n require_v they_o to_o teach_v exhort_v or_o command_v any_o thing_n needful_a to_o be_v practise_v in_o church_n of_o christ_n with_o respect_n to_o good_a order_n society_n unity_n and_o holiness_n of_o conversation_n they_o faithful_o signify_v it_o and_o do_v not_o leave_v the_o matter_n loose_a and_o indifferent_a in_o this_o wise_a viz._n these_o thing_n we_o be_v require_v of_o the_o lord_n to_o signify_v to_o you_o as_o very_o needful_a in_o such_o and_o such_o case_n but_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v upon_o you_o you_o need_v not_o practise_v they_o unless_o you_o see_v they_o to_o be_v your_o duty_n or_o if_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o let_v you_o see_v they_o to_o be_v your_o duty_n you_o may_v let_v they_o alone_o you_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o practise_v any_o thing_n we_o preach_v direct_v or_o counsel_v you_o to_o do_v if_o you_o do_v not_o see_v it_o to_o be_v your_o duty_n this_o will_v be_v a_o very_a feeble_a kind_n of_o preach_v and_o bespeak_v such_o inconsistency_n and_o distrust_n in_o their_o testimony_n as_o if_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o open_v their_o eye_n to_o see_v that_o which_o his_o spirit_n direct_v to_o and_o lead_v his_o servant_n to_o testify_v and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o such_o kind_n of_o loose_a indifferent_a preach_v will_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o leave_v they_o blind_a and_o dim-sighted_n who_o be_v so_o instead_o of_o open_v their_o eye_n by_o the_o plain_a evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o god_n whereas_o the_o true_a minister_n and_o servant_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o manifestation_n of_o truth_n do_v commend_v themselves_o to_o every_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n as_o have_v faith_n confidence_n and_o assurance_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o evidence_n and_o answer_n in_o the_o conscience_n be_v unto_o god_n a_o sweet_a savour_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o that_o be_v save_v and_o in_o they_o that_o perish_v to_o the_o one_o the_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n and_o to_o the_o other_o the_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o life_n 2_o cor._n 2._o 15_o 16._o they_o preach_v both_o in_o assurance_n and_o divine_a authority_n these_o thing_n command_v and_o teach_v preach_v the_o word_n be_v instant_a in_o season_n out_o of_o season_n reprove_v rebuke_v exhort_v with_o all_o long-suffering_a and_o doctrine_n i_o charge_v thou_o etc._n etc._n charge_v they_o that_o be_v rich_a etc._n etc._n in_o such_o term_n paul_n write_v to_o timothy_n and_o concern_v a_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n and_o elder_a in_o the_o church_n he_o give_v the_o description_n to_o titus_n how_o he_o must_v be_v qualify_v titus_n 1._o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o hold_v fast_o the_o faithful_a word_n as_o he_o have_v be_v teach_v that_o he_o may_v be_v able_a by_o sound_a doctrine_n both_o to_o exhort_v and_o convince_v the_o gainsayer_n and_o bless_v be_v the_o lord_n we_o know_v nothing_o we_o practice_v among_o we_o as_o a_o people_n gather_v by_o he_o in_o our_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n either_o in_o respect_n to_o unity_n church-government_n order_n or_o discipline_n but_o such_o thing_n as_o we_o have_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o
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 the_o same_o though_o they_o may_v be_v harden_a and_o see_v it_o not_o &_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 part_n 1._o pag._n 47._o the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o exhort_v to_o submit_n to_o their_o counsel_n which_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o may_v just_o be_v esteem_v as_o heathen_a men._n and_o pag._n 52._o if_o they_o refuse_v to_o take_v their_o wholesome_a counsel_n the_o church_n may_v then_o declare_v such_o unworthy_a of_o their_o society_n part_n 3._o pag._n 36._o every_o case_n i._n e._n outward_a or_o spiritual_a may_v in_o right_n reason_n be_v comprehend_v in_o it_o viz._n in_o the_o case_n mention_v by_o christ_n in_o mat._n 18._o 15_o 16_o 17._o query_n for_o what_o end_v then_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o admonish_v or_o counsel_v and_o the_o faithful_a brethren_n to_o watch_v and_o take_v care_n over_o the_o flock_n if_o their_o sentence_n or_o judgement_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o they_o in_o any_o case_n of_o conscience_n whether_o it_o relate_v to_o spiritual_a or_o temporal_a matter_n and_o why_o shall_v god_n make_v use_n of_o instrument_n to_o build_v believer_n up_o in_o the_o most_o holy_a faith_n as_o he_o confess_v part_v 2._o pag._n 65._o if_o the_o exhortation_n reproof_n and_o instruction_n which_o he_o also_o grant_v be_v not_o bind_v on_o those_o other_o believer_n for_o be_v not_o the_o most_o holy_a faith_n a_o spiritual_a matter_n and_o relate_v to_o conscience_n as_o also_o part_v 3._o pag._n 33._o he_o confess_v 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 opperate_v a_o plain_a confession_n to_o truth_n now_o he_o speak_v like_o some_o ambassador_n of_o christ_n but_o keep_v not_o to_o this_o he_o be_v inconsistent_a we_o will_v ask_v he_o if_o such_o admonition_n charge_n and_o command_v by_o such_o instrument_n in_o god_n hand_n be_v not_o bind_v on_o other_o to_o who_o they_o be_v direct_v and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o their_o conscience_n and_o if_o the_o light_n in_o their_o conscience_n do_v not_o the_o more_o enforce_v they_o and_o make_v they_o bind_v where_o be_v then_o the_o imposition_n and_o have_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n no_o power_n to_o give_v forth_o any_o command_n or_o precept_n that_o be_v bind_v to_o conscience_n all_o just_a one_o be_v bind_v but_o have_v not_o w._n r._n in_o his_o five_o part_n pag._n 91_o 92._o denounce_v a_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n against_o g._n f._n as_o one_o that_o have_v cut_v him-himself_a off_o from_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n by_o depart_v from_o the_o rock_n christ_n and_o as_o one_o that_o for_o sometime_o past_a have_v stand_v in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n be_v not_o this_o a_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n see_v he_o on_o this_o occasion_n say_v it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o mortal_a man_n or_o assembly_n to_o excommunicate_v from_o among_o the_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n a_o servant_n of_o the_o live_n god_n can_n w._n r._n expect_v this_o his_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n to_o be_v bind_v on_o true_a believer_n conscience_n when_o he_o have_v so_o much_o oppose_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o give_v forth_o sentence_n and_o judgement_n to_o be_v bind_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o believer_n have_v not_o he_o here_o assume_v a_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n above_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v not_o this_o pope-like_a or_o antichrist-like_a doubtless_o he_o will_v have_v all_o friend_n in_o truth_n believe_v and_o receive_v his_o positive_a sentence_n or_o else_o he_o will_v not_o have_v take_v so_o much_o pain_n as_o he_o have_v do_v in_o revile_v set_v at_o nought_o judge_v and_o condemn_v many_o other_o far_o more_o righteous_a and_o innocent_a than_o himself_o for_o which_o and_o the_o reproach_n he_o have_v bring_v upon_o truth_n we_o be_v persuade_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n hang_v over_o his_o head_n and_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v against_o that_o cruel_a jealous_a spirit_n in_o he_o and_o god_n truth_n and_o power_n have_v exclude_v and_o excommunicate_v all_o his_o uncharitable_a judgement_n usurp_v and_o unjust_a excommunication_n his_o gross_a abuse_n against_o the_o innocent_a and_o perversion_n of_o truth_n and_o foul_a aspersion_n together_o with_o his_o fallacy_n and_o self-contradiction_n be_v numerous_a and_o manifold_a we_o wish_v the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n may_v yet_o incline_v his_o heart_n to_o seek_v repentance_n before_o he_o die_v that_o he_o may_v not_o end_v his_o day_n in_o horror_n and_o anguish_n a_o catalogue_n of_o some_o of_o william_n rogers_n his_o manifest_a falsehood_n notorious_a slander_n scandalous_a abuse_n perversion_n rail_a scoff_v flatter_v and_o revile_v in_o the_o four_o and_o 5_o part_n of_o his_o book_n and_o preface_n against_o george_n fox_n and_o other_o in_o w._n r_n own_o word_n and_o term_n with_o interlineary_n note_n upon_o they_o i._o that_o of_o those_o who_o in_o derision_n have_v be_v call_v quaker_n 4._o by_o who_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n have_v be_v hold_v forth_o and_o own_v it_o may_v be_v now_o say_v the_o enemy_n have_v so_o prevail_v as_o that_o the_o seed_n of_o dissension_n and_o discord_n sow_v among_o they_o have_v take_v so_o deep_a root_n as_o that_o their_o public_a meeting_n for_o worship_n in_o several_a part_n of_o this_o nation_n have_v be_v the_o stage_n of_o contention_n these_o we_o take_v to_o be_v infamous_a and_o scandalous_a too_o general_a to_o be_v true_a against_o the_o say_a people_n and_o their_o meeting_n ii_o page_n 4._o that_o they_o be_v persecute_v opposer_n who_o oppose_v j._n w._n and_o j._n s._n will_v w._n r._n be_v count_v a_o persecutor_n for_o his_o oppose_v other_o more_o vehement_o iii_o page_n 5._o that_o imagination_n have_v so_o possess_v the_o heart_n of_o many_o that_o travel_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o minister_a friend_n as_o that_o instead_o of_o manifest_v a_o divine_a understanding_n or_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n they_o have_v bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o unsound_a mind_n show_v forth_o no_o better_a resemblance_n than_o the_o confuse_a chaos_n before_o the_o creation_n etc._n etc._n a_fw-la gross_a scandalon_n many_o minister_a friend_n iv._o pag._n ibid._n that_o either_o the_o multitude_n of_o iniquity_n or_o great_a hatred_n through_o the_o influence_n of_o g._n f._n possess_v the_o heart_n of_o such_o be_v the_o occasion_n thereof_o viz._n of_o their_o show_a no_o better_a resemblance_n he_o adhere_v scandal_n still_o v_o p._n ibid._n of_o the_o present_a separation_n in_o some_o part_n etc._n etc._n that_o g._n f._n have_v be_v one_o of_o those_o very_a person_n occasion_v the_o difference_n to_o arise_v unto_o the_o height_n they_o now_o be_v and_o pag._n 6._o one_o chief_a instrument_n that_o a_o destroy_n and_o devour_a spirit_n have_v enter_v into_o some_o among_o the_o flock_n and_o that_o many_o a_o simple_a honest-hearted_n friend_n to_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n have_v receive_v and_o believe_v lie_n and_o slanderous_a false_a report_n against_o many_o brethren_n etc._n etc._n pag._n 6._o and_o that_o the_o blood_n of_o many_o such_o if_o they_o perish_v before_o true_a repentance_n will_v be_v lay_v at_o g._n f_n door_n gross_n and_o abusive_a charge_n against_o g._n f._n and_o many_o honest-hearted_n friend_n vi_o pag_n 15_o 16._o that_o in_o g._n f_n second_o query_n to_o j._n vv._n seem_v to_o be_v employ_v if_o from_o a_o query_n any_o thing_n may_v proper_o be_v employ_v than_o it_o must_v be_v assert_v that_o there_o be_v either_o one_o or_o more_o that_o have_v power_n to_o impose_v in_o the_o will_n of_o man_n that_o which_o the_o scripture_n give_v no_o authority_n or_o warrant_n for_o compare_v with_o his_o forego_v word_n pag._n 15._o viz._n that_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n ought_v to_o practice_v thing_n impose_v by_o man_n or_o in_o the_o will_n of_o man_n etc._n etc._n a_o most_o slanderous_a perversion_n vii_o pag._n 30._o that_o g._n f._n have_v describe_v himself_o one_o unto_o who_o infallible_a judgement_n have_v be_v commit_v in_o all_o thing_n this_n be_v suspect_v at_o least_o for_o a_o untruth_n till_o prove_v viii_o pag._n 32_o 33._o that_o some_o among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n know_v to_o