in_o leave_v out_o account_v of_o william_n mead'_v engage_v on_o g._n f_n behalf_n for_o his_o giving_z w._n r._n a_o meeting_n but_o w._n r._n will_v not_o accept_v of_o his_o security_n in_o that_o case_n the_o matter_n be_v more_o particular_o thus_o viz._n william_n mead_n understanding_n that_o nicholas_n lucas_n and_o john_n barnard_n be_v concern_v on_o william_n rogers_n behalf_n for_o the_o bring_v forth_o of_o his_o book_n in_o print_n he_o ask_v they_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o will_v bring_v forth_o such_o a_o book_n as_o he_o hear_v it_o be_v they_o tell_v he_o that_o george_n fox_n will_v not_o give_v w._n r._n a_o meeting_n william_n mead_n reply_v that_o he_o do_v believe_v that_o g._n f._n will_v not_o decline_v give_v he_o a_o meeting_n nicholas_n lucas_n ask_v he_o if_o he_o will_v engage_v he_o shall_v give_v he_o a_o meeting_n william_n mead_n tell_v he_o it_o be_v not_o proper_a so_o to_o engage_v till_o he_o have_v speak_v with_o g._n f._n first_o whereupon_o william_n forthwith_o go_v and_o speak_v with_o g._n f._n about_o it_o who_o very_o free_o and_o ready_o answer_v that_o if_o william_n rogers_n desire_v it_o he_o will_v meet_v he_o in_o his_o own_o way_n before_o person_n choose_v on_o each_o side_n provide_v he_o come_v within_o a_o certain_a time_n while_o he_o stay_v in_o or_o about_o the_o city_n with_o which_o answer_n the_o very_a next_o day_n on_o the_o exchange_n william_n mead_n acquaint_v nicholas_n lucas_n then_o add_v that_o he_o now_o will_v engage_v on_o g._n f_n behalf_n that_o he_o shall_v certain_o give_v vv._n r._n a_o meeting_n whereupon_o nicholas_n lucas_n seem_v to_o be_v satisfy_v and_o say_v he_o will_v stay_v the_o come_n forth_o of_o the_o book_n and_o say_v he_o will_v write_v to_o william_n rogers_n about_o it_o some_o time_n after_o nicholas_n lucas_n meet_v william_n mead_n upon_o the_o exchange_n tell_v he_o he_o have_v write_v to_o william_n rogers_n and_o receive_v his_o answer_n which_o be_v that_o he_o will_v have_v it_o under_o george_n fox_n his_o hand_n william_n mead_n forthwith_o again_o speak_v with_o g._n f._n about_o it_o who_o say_v he_o matter_a not_o the_o give_v it_o under_o his_o hand_n but_o that_o he_o be_v sensible_a they_o will_v make_v a_o ill_a use_n of_o it_o in_o print_n for_o which_o very_a cause_n only_o he_o forbear_v give_v it_o under_o his_o hand_n but_o do_v not_o refuse_v give_v w._n r._n a_o meeting_n however_o then_o william_n mead_n do_v proffer_v very_o earnest_o to_o engage_v on_o behalf_n of_o g._n f._n for_o his_o certain_a give_v w._n r._n a_o meeting_n nicholas_n lucas_n his_o answer_n be_v that_o william_n rogers_n will_v not_o take_v his_o security_n in_o this_o matter_n a_o summary_n collection_n of_o more_o passage_n and_o acknowledgement_n in_o william_n rogers_n his_o book_n which_o may_v stand_v for_o answer_n to_o he_o and_o in_o condemnation_n against_o himself_o and_o to_o the_o manifest_a confutation_n of_o all_o that_o he_o have_v write_v or_o can_v write_v in_o general_a against_o a_o form_n of_o church-government_n outward_a order_n discipline_n etc._n etc._n in_o his_o own_o word_n grant_v to_o truth_n our_o expectation_n be_v that_o 16._o every_o member_n shall_v there_o appear_v in_o subjection_n to_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o high_a power_n unto_o which_o as_o member_n of_o his_o body_n we_o owe_v obedience_n in_o this_o sense_n we_o ready_o embrace_v the_o counsel_n to_o meet_v together_o to_o serve_v but_o not_o to_o bear_v rule_n over_o one_o another_o conscience_n and_o the_o matter_n intend_v by_o we_o to_o be_v transact_v in_o those_o meeting_n and_o by_o other_o also_o as_o far_o as_o we_o understand_v be_v chief_o to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o poor_a the_o fatherless_a and_o the_o widow_n and_o that_o if_o any_o profess_v the_o truth_n and_o dishoncured_a the_o same_o by_o profane_a and_o evil_a conversation_n we_o may_v by_o such_o way_n and_o mean_n as_o the_o lord_n on_o every_o occasion_n may_v direct_v part_v 1._o pag._n 38._o we_o be_v not_o against_o appoint_a meeting_n for_o the_o outward_a service_n of_o truth_n for_o that_o have_v be_v and_o be_v our_o practice_n know_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o service_n therein_o as_o occasion_n offer_v provide_v all_o in_o such_o meeting_n may_v be_v keep_v in_o humility_n as_o servant_n each_o to_o other_o and_o the_o truth_n not_o exercise_v lordship_n over_o the_o conscience_n which_o be_v god_n prerogative_n part_n 2._o pag._n 64_o 65._o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n tell_v we_o that_o jesus_n be_v the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n no_o doubt_n this_o be_v not_o a_o work_n do_v in_o a_o moment_n or_o twinkle_v of_o a_o eye_n for_o though_o he_o be_v the_o author_n &_o object_n of_o every_o true_a christian_a faith_n yet_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o such_o as_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o many_o exhortation_n reproof_n and_o instruction_n to_o build_v they_o up_o in_o the_o most_o holy_a faith_n and_o all_o this_o may_v be_v attribute_v to_o christ_n the_o author_n thereof_o part_n 3._o pag._n 34._o the_o apostle_n 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 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 submit_v yourselves_o one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n part_n 3._o pag._n 41._o if_o difference_n arise_v between_o brother_n and_o brother_n i_o do_v conclude_v that_o go_v to_o law_n before_o unbeliever_n be_v a_o indication_n that_o one_o or_o both_o be_v depart_v from_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o such_o who_o be_v at_o variance_n to_o request_v such_o brethren_n as_o be_v skill_v in_o the_o matter_n touch_v which_o they_o differ_v to_o hear_v and_o determine_v the_o case_n and_o then_o of_o a_o willing_a and_o ready_a mind_n and_o not_o as_o by_o constraint_n to_o submit_v unto_o such_o determination_n and_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o a_o incumbant_fw-la duty_n on_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n to_o be_v watch_v over_o one_o another_o so_o as_o that_o by_o wholesome_a counsel_n admonition_n and_o sound_a doctrine_n all_o variance_n strife_n emulation_n rent_n and_o division_n both_o in_o relation_n to_o temporal_a as_o well_o as_o spiritual_a matter_n may_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v be_v keep_v out_o from_o among_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n part_n 3._o pag._n 23._o not_o that_o i_o will_v be_v understand_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o outward_a order_n with_o respect_n to_o that_o gospel_n discipline_n which_o become_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n pag._n 24._o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n have_v and_o may_v further_o lead_v into_o the_o practice_n of_o outward_a order_n in_o discipline_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n this_o be_v a_o very_a fair_a confession_n in_o word_n to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o much_o of_o his_o book_n part_n 4._o pag._n 38._o john_n wilkinson_n and_o john_n story_n their_o testimony_n viz._n 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 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 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 part_n 4._o pag._n 24._o as_o particular_a member_n be_v become_v marry_v unto_o christ_n and_o have_v all_o fellowship_n each_o with_o other_o in_o the_o spirit_n those_o who_o be_v such_o aught_o to_o demean_v themselves_o each_o towards_o other_o full_a of_o love_n charity_n bowel_n of_o compassion_n long-suffering_a forbearance_n meekness_n humility_n patience_n gentleness_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n that_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n a_o fair_a acknowledgement_n good_a word_n but_o these_o virtue_n and_o fruit_n be_v awanting_a in_o w._n r._n how_o do_v these_o acknowledgement_n agree_v with_o his_o uncharitable_a unchristian_a deal_v in_o his_o book_n part_n 4._o pag._n 100_o such_o who_o contend_v that_o their_o order_n for_o gospel_n discipline_n ought_v to_o spring_v from_o truth_n within_o
the_o accuser_n of_o our_o brethren_n cast_v down_o in_o righteous_a judgement_n against_o that_o spirit_n of_o hellish_a jealousy_n vent_v in_o a_o great_a confuse_a book_n false_o entitle_v the_o christian-quaker_n distinguish_v from_o the_o apostate_n and_o innovator_n in_o five_o part_n the_o fallacy_n and_o force_n whereof_o be_v herein_o clear_o detect_v &_o just_o repel_v jer._n 2._o 19_o thou_o own_o wickedness_n shall_v correct_v thou_o and_o thy_o backslide_n shall_v reprove_v thou_o know_v therefore_o and_o see_v that_o it_o be_v a_o evil_a thing_n and_o bitter_a that_o thou_o have_v forsake_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o that_o my_o fear_n be_v not_o in_o thou_o say_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o host_n john_n 13._o 27._o that_o thou_o do_v do_v quick_o london_n print_v for_o john_n bringhurst_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o book_n in_o grace-church-street_n near_o cornhill_n 1681._o a_o short_a advertisement_n to_o faithful_a friend_n call_v quaker_n to_o who_o this_o may_v come_v christian-friend_n in_o this_o treatise_n we_o the_o peaceable_a christian_a people_n call_v quaker_n be_v conscientious_o vindicate_v and_o clear_v in_o our_o christian_n society_n church-order_n and_o discipline_n from_o the_o unjust_a charge_n of_o apostasy_n and_o innovation_n and_o from_o the_o great_a envy_n horrid_a abuse_n and_o fallacy_n of_o william_n rogers_n in_o his_o book_n false_o entitle_v the_o christian-quak_a distinguish_v from_o the_o apostate_n and_o innovator_n but_o his_o own_o apostasy_n and_o innovation_n be_v herein_o clear_o detect_v and_o this_o be_v recommend_v to_o your_o care_n and_o prudence_n to_o be_v reserve_v in_o your_o hand_n and_o disperse_v only_o where_o you_o in_o your_o respective_a place_n and_o county_n shall_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n see_v a_o necessity_n to_o remove_v and_o prevent_v the_o great_a scandal_n infamy_n and_o reproach_n of_o the_o say_a book_n a_o brief_a introduction_n to_o all_o faithful_a friend_n call_v quaker_n tender_a and_o belove_a friend_n in_o truth_n a_o holy_a concern_v of_o soul_n and_o conscience_n on_o behalf_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n his_o kingdom_n church_n and_o people_n that_o only_o be_v the_o real_a motive_n to_o this_o ensue_a treatise_n the_o matter_n whereof_o be_v not_o to_o trace_v the_o late_a difference_n and_o present_a controversy_n historical_o nor_o to_o traverse_v the_o way_n of_o the_o crooked_a serpent_n in_o all_o he_o wind_a there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o that_o the_o eye_n of_o many_o be_v open_a to_o see_v his_o perverse_a way_n but_o clear_o to_o detect_v and_o set_v judgement_n upon_o his_o work_n of_o enmity_n in_o william_n rogers_n say_a book_n in_o the_o most_o material_a part_n that_o be_v wicked_a and_o scandalous_a to_o truth_n and_o christ_n innocent_a follower_n and_o subject_n and_o to_o evince_v the_o most_o subtle_a and_o fallacious_a pretence_n thereof_o and_o his_o most_o manifest_a inconsistence_n and_o self-confutations_a as_o well_o as_o his_o froward_a opposition_n and_o contradiction_n to_o we_o as_o we_o be_v a_o church_n and_o people_n gather_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o settle_v in_o good_a order_n and_o society_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n the_o ground_n and_o cause_n of_o the_o present_a division_n and_o opposition_n furious_o manage_v by_o w._n r._n and_o his_o abettor_n against_o we_o have_v be_v and_o be_v original_o place_v upon_o a_o wrong_a spirit_n in_o they_o a_o murmur_a complain_v divide_v spirit_n a_o rend_v tear_v spirit_n a_o dark_a jealous_a spirit_n a_o loose_a gainsay_v opposite_a spirit_n a_o proud_a exalt_v spirit_n a_o contemn_v scornful_a spirit_n a_o self-conceited_a spirit_n a_o turbulent_a froward_a wilful_a spirit_n against_o this_o spirit_n have_v the_o complaint_n be_v by_o several_a tenderhearted_a friend_n among_o we_o if_o we_o be_v ask_v how_o we_o prove_v that_o to_o be_v the_o spirit_n against_o which_o we_o be_v now_o engage_v in_o this_o treatise_n we_o may_v just_o answer_v w._n r_n malicious_a book_n be_v apparent_a proof_n be_v a_o birth_n of_o that_o same_o spirit_n it_o bear_v the_o exact_a image_n and_o shape_n of_o all_o the_o part_n and_o property_n of_o it_o it_o be_v proof_n against_o he_o and_o all_o that_o own_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o test_n of_o truth_n in_o all_o conscience_n for_o it_o show_v all_o that_o which_o be_v charge_v upon_o that_o jealous_a rend_v divide_v proud_a exalt_v scornful_a spirit_n etc._n etc._n from_o whence_o the_o book_n proceed_v it_o be_v style_n and_o matter_n on_o his_o jealousy_n and_o if_o report_v be_v true_a etc._n etc._n bespeak_v all_o these_o to_z his_o and_o its_o great_a shame_n and_o disgrace_n he_o places_z the_o apostasy_n and_o innovation_n against_o we_o not_o only_o in_o outward_a order_n discipline_n and_o form_n of_o church-government_n but_o even_o in_o the_o very_a doctrine_n and_o life_n of_o christianity_n as_o if_o they_o be_v great_o extinguish_v from_o among_o we_o and_o therefore_o have_v divulge_v his_o book_n and_o that_o from_o a_o great_a pretend_v concern_v of_o conscience_n on_o many_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v 3._o repute_v that_o the_o doctrine_n and_o life_n of_o christianity_n be_v whole_o extinct_a among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n but_o that_o both_o yet_o remain_v in_o some_o of_o they_o i._n e._n in_o w._n r._n and_o his_o party_n but_o his_o term_v honourable_a friend_n john_n wilkinson_n give_v a_o quite_o contrary_a 77._o account_n concern_v the_o breach_n of_o concord_n and_o jar_n the_o cause_n say_v he_o god_n have_v show_v i_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o principle_n of_o truth_n nor_o in_o christ_n doctrine_n nor_o in_o any_o practice_n which_o truth_n in_o the_o member_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n lead_v into_o but_o about_o prescription_n through_o the_o blind_a zeal_n of_o the_o weak_a etc._n etc._n and_o w._n r._n also_o grant_v it_o be_v but_o about_o the_o shell_n and_o not_o the_o kernel_n soon_o after_o he_o have_v place_v the_o apostasy_n in_o doctrine_n and_o life_n as_o if_o both_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o life_n be_v extinct_a among_o the_o great_a part_n of_o we_o as_o a_o people_n but_o how_o can_v that_o be_v true_a if_o no_o breach_n of_o concord_n nor_o jar_v in_o principle_n of_o truth_n nor_o in_o christ_n doctrine_n nor_o in_o any_o practice_n which_o truth_n lead_v into_o and_o that_o this_o be_v show_v of_o god_n too_o yea_o w._n r._n also_o confess_v that_o those_o small_a difference_n which_o at_o first_o seem_v but_o like_a unto_o little_a spark_n pref._n p._n 2._o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o great_a endeavour_n in_o much_o christian_a tenderness_n have_v be_v use_v for_o a_o composure_n and_o matter_n be_v bring_v near_o it_o at_o drawell_n but_o satan_n have_v prevail_v to_o make_v this_o fiery_a agent_n a_o incendiary_n to_o make_v the_o breach_n wide_o have_v be_v secret_o animate_v his_o abusive_a book_n be_v proof_n whereby_o he_o have_v abuse_v divers_a of_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n by_o name_n and_o many_o not_o name_v in_o his_o book_n render_v they_o apostate_n innovator_n etc._n etc._n he_o have_v abuse_v and_o scandalize_v our_o meeting_n and_o our_o order_n and_o discipline_n as_o be_v but_o a_o form_n and_o government_n set_v up_o by_o man_n and_o man_n tradition_n g._n fox_n form_n of_o church-government_n g._n f_n order_n etc._n etc._n these_o expression_n we_o own_v not_o they_o be_v not_o proper_a for_o though_o we_o grant_v that_o he_o have_v be_v instrumental_a in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n for_o stir_v up_o other_o to_o unity_n and_o good_a order_n yet_o we_o be_v satisfy_v that_o the_o great_a builder_n former_a and_o ordere_a of_o the_o spiritual_a house_n be_v christ_n jesus_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o author_n and_o foundation_n of_o that_o christian_a religion_n care_n oversight_n and_o good_a government_n among_o we_o as_o a_o church_n and_o people_n the_o substance_n intent_n and_o end_n of_o all_o which_o be_v that_o pure_a religion_n which_o be_v not_o only_o to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o the_o widow_n but_o to_o keep_v unspotted_a of_o the_o world_n which_o we_o have_v scripture-testimony_n and_o instance_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n doctrine_n for_o w._n r._n have_v not_o spare_v to_o seek_v out_o occasion_n against_o person_n to_o gather_v up_o and_o divulge_v weakness_n to_o pervert_v truth_n and_o make_v false_a construction_n of_o man_n word_n his_o heart_n be_v fill_v with_o pride_n and_o envy_n his_o head_n be_v load_v and_o confuse_a with_o cloudy_a conceit_n and_o perverse_a imagination_n against_o the_o innocent_a after_o all_o his_o great_a clamour_n and_o heavy_a charge_n of_o apostate_n and_o innovator_n etc._n etc._n about_o order_n prescription_n imposition_n innovation_n form_n of_o church-government_n etc._n etc._n set_v aside_o his_o prejudice_n and_o enmity_n his_o wrong_n and_o evil_a jealousy_n perversion_n false_a inference_n
it_o be_v much_o doubt_v that_o some_o ignorant_a people_n have_v conclude_v that_o frequent_v those_o meeting_n be_v a_o evidence_n that_o they_o be_v heir_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n observe_v he_o be_v now_o upon_o his_o doubt_n reflect_v by_o way_n of_o inference_n upon_o he_o know_v not_o who_o among_o we_o and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o render_v some_o man_n or_o woman_n or_o both_o among_o friend_n both_o silly_a and_o ridiculous_a as_o take_v up_o such_o a_o ignorant_a conclusion_n as_o that_o their_o frequent_v those_o meeting_n be_v evidence_n that_o they_o be_v heir_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n what_o silly_a and_o tedious_a work_n have_v he_o make_v from_o his_o doubt_n false_a jealousy_n and_o prejudice_n disaffect_v xix_o w._n r._n one_a part_n pag._n 42._o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n frequent_o utter_v have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o brethren_n be_v chief_o mean_v with_o respect_n to_o that_o i._n e._n general_n meeting_n this_o we_o take_v to_o be_v both_o limitation_n and_o a_o design_n of_o imposition_n observe_v this_o we_o take_v to_o be_v a_o dark_a and_o causeless_o reflection_n who_o do_v he_o accuse_v with_o this_o frequent_a exhortation_n and_o design_n of_o imposition_n we_o deny_v any_o such_o design_n disaffect_v xx._n w._n r._n one_a part_n p._n 46._o 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 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 observe_v this_o still_o we_o deem_v a_o dark_a and_o implicit_a way_n of_o smite_v and_o may_v be_v construe_v to_o extend_v far_o than_o can_v be_v prove_v and_o that_o to_o the_o reproach_n of_o such_o direction_n order_n etc._n etc._n as_o be_v real_o necessary_a and_o convenient_a we_o own_v no_o such_o a_o claim_n of_o a_o power_n to_o rule_n overdo_n christ_n member_n or_o over_o their_o conscience_n what_o gospel-power_n we_o have_v it_o be_v give_v we_o not_o claim_v by_o we_o as_o he_o imagine_v beside_o w._n r._n confess_v pag._n 8._o that_o it_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o all_o those_o meeting_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n then_o we_o say_v this_o power_n give_v forth_o no_o sentence_n direction_n or_o order_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o such_o as_o the_o light_n will_v give_v his_o member_n a_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o as_o to_o their_o true_a use_n and_o service_n as_o they_o wait_v in_o it_o by_o church-government_n we_o understand_v the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n who_o have_v his_o minister_n servant_n and_o instrument_n therein_o as_o he_o always_o have_v in_o his_o church_n when_o gather_v into_o visible_a order_n and_o society_n w._n r._n one_a part_n pag._n 46_o 47._o we_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o quote_v those_o scripture_n from_o whence_o so_o far_o as_o ever_o we_o understand_v the_o most_o pertinent_a argument_n may_v be_v produce_v to_o prove_v church-government_n mat._n 18._o 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_n 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 6._o 1_o 2_o 4._o dare_v any_o of_o you_o have_v a_o matter_n against_o another_o go_v to_o law_n before_o the_o unjust_a do_v you_o not_o know_v that_o the_o saint_n shall_v judge_v the_o world_n if_o then_o you_o have_v judgement_n of_o thing_n pertain_v to_o this_o life_n set_v they_o to_o judge_v who_o be_v leave_v esteem_v in_o the_o church_n we_o reasonable_o conclude_v that_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n only_a conclusion_n hint_v at_o either_o personal_a offence_n or_o difference_n touch_v worldly_a matter_n and_o that_o therein_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n be_v only_o to_o exhort_v to_o submit_v to_o their_o counsel_n which_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o may_v just_o be_v esteem_v as_o heathen_a man_n but_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n of_o those_o who_o have_v approve_v a_o plea_n for_o such_o a_o church-government_n as_o claim_v a_o power_n 21._o of_o decide_v matter_n relate_v to_o conscience_n and_o outward_a thing_n also_o on_o the_o occasion_n of_o difference_n raise_v touch_v worldly_a estate_n and_o that_o other_o ought_v to_o obey_v such_o decision_n which_o in_o its_o natural_a consequence_n have_v as_o we_o take_v it_o no_o less_o tendency_n than_o to_o claim_v power_n over_o our_o property_n as_o well_o as_o conscience_n observe_v in_o these_o passage_n we_o judge_v our_o adversary_n have_v write_v very_o confuse_o &_o contradictory_o for_o one_a he_o grant_v from_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v hear_v &_o to_o judge_v in_o personal_a offence_n and_o difference_n in_o worldly_a matter_n yea_o that_o therein_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o exhort_v to_o submit_v to_o their_o counsel_n query_n what_o counsel_n if_o not_o tend_v to_o decide_v the_o difference_n but_o 2_o he_o undo_v that_o again_o in_o oppose_v the_o church_n power_n of_o decide_v matter_n relate_v to_o conscience_n and_o outward_a thing_n also_o on_o occasion_n of_o difference_n raise_v touch_v worldly_a estate_n as_o tend_v to_o claim_v a_o power_n over_o property_n as_o well_o as_o conscience_n which_o be_v not_o only_a contradictory_n but_o unjust_o deduce_v for_o in_o that_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v hear_v even_o in_o personal_a offence_n or_o difference_n and_o to_o exhort_v to_o a_o submission_n touch_v worldly_a matter_n as_o he_o grant_v and_o in_o those_o matter_n the_o least_o esteem_v in_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o judge_v this_o be_v not_o to_o claim_v a_o power_n over_o the_o property_n of_o other_o as_o he_o very_o unjust_o charge_v but_o by_o a_o right_a judgement_n to_o compose_v the_o difference_n and_o set_v they_o to_o right_n each_o man_n in_o his_o own_o that_o they_o may_v not_o wrong_v one_o another_o in_o their_o property_n nor_o go_v to_o law_n with_o each_o other_o but_o whereas_o w._n r._n will_v bind_v up_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n as_o only_a hint_n at_o personal_a difference_n touch_v worldly_a matter_n we_o find_v he_o again_o inconsistent_a with_o himself_o in_o his_o 3d_o part_n pag._n 36._o on_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n mat._n 18._o 15_o 16_o 17._o in_o these_o word_n viz._n w._n r._n perhaps_o some_o may_v object_v 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_n 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_n against_o another_o may_v according_a to_o right_n reason_n be_v comprehend_v in_o it_o thus_o far_o w._n r._n hence_o observe_v his_o inconsistence_n be_v plain_a one_a on_o pretence_n of_o a_o reasonable_a conclusion_n he_o limit_n the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o so_o the_o church_n power_n therein_o to_o judge_v and_o counsel_n in_o that_o case_n only_o to_o difference_n touch_v worldly_a matter_n two_o he_o grant_v that_o every_o case_n wherein_o one_o brother_n may_v trespass_v against_o another_o may_v be_v comprehend_v in_o it_o that_o be_v in_o what_o christ_n say_v mat._n 18._o 17._o and_o that_o according_a to_o right_a reason_n which_o every_o case_n may_v therefore_o include_v case_n relate_v to_o conscience_n or_o offence_n of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n as_o well_o as_o those_o about_o worldly_a concern_v outward_a property_n etc._n etc._n those_o that_o be_v spiritual_a have_v power_n from_o christ_n to_o judge_v also_o concern_v a_o mistake_v and_o offend_a conscience_n and_o a_o wrong_a spirit_n without_o usurpation_n and_o it_o be_v no_o difficult_a matter_n for_o the_o least_o child_n of_o light_a to_o give_v a_o right_n and_o absolute_a judgement_n in_o the_o case_n of_o our_o adversary_n conscience_n
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
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
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
property_n or_o the_o property_n of_o any_o other_o people_n in_o outward_a thing_n but_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v and_o stand_v for_o justice_n and_o right_n between_o man_n and_o man_n against_o all_o injurious_a and_o unjust_a action_n and_o deal_n we_o be_v for_o do_v to_o all_o man_n as_o we_o will_v they_o shall_v do_v unto_o we_o god_n be_v our_o record_n for_o our_o christian_a principle_n and_o conscientious_a tenderness_n in_o these_o matter_n however_o our_o adversary_n have_v asperse_v we_o to_o the_o contrary_a from_o his_o perverse_a and_o cruel_a jealousy_n disaffect_v xlii_o in_o the_o title_n page_n of_o the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o christian-quaker_n so_o call_v there_o be_v this_o passage_n viz._n w._n r._n manifest_v that_o there_o be_v but_o two_o sort_n of_o government_n own_v by_o the_o child_n of_o light_n or_o christian-quaker_n one_o be_v the_o outward_a government_n under_o which_o we_o live_v the_o other_o be_v the_o inward_a government_n of_o christ_n who_o alone_o be_v lord_n over_o the_o conscience_n which_o be_v not_o represent_v by_o person_n visible_a by_o carnal_a eye_n invest_v with_o power_n from_o he_o to_o execute_v outward_a law_n prescription_n order_n edict_n or_o decree_n in_o a_o outward_a form_n of_o government_n 1672._o visible_a as_o aforesaid_a observe_v first_o that_o w._n r._n and_o his_o party_n be_v by_o he_o account_v the_o christian-quaker_n and_o child_n of_o light_n and_o that_o all_o those_o that_o be_v not_o in_o unity_n with_o he_o and_o they_o nor_o of_o his_o party_n be_v count_v apostate_n and_o innovator_n and_o why_o so_o but_o because_o they_o be_v for_o some_o outward_a law_n order_n etc._n etc._n in_o a_o outward_a form_n of_o order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v visible_a second_o that_o this_o outward_a order_n and_o visible_a form_n be_v such_o as_o by_o his_o sense_n and_o state_n of_o the_o case_n be_v both_o render_v obnoxious_a to_o the_o outward_a government_n under_o which_o we_o live_v and_o against_o the_o inward_a government_n of_o christ_n insomuch_o that_o all_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n who_o be_v for_o outward_a and_o visible_a form_n and_o order_n among_o they_o be_v put_v under_o the_o character_n of_o the_o apostate_n and_o innovator_n and_o this_o still_o tend_v to_o expose_v they_o to_o persecution_n whereas_o our_o innocent_a conversation_n and_o peaceable_a deportment_n towards_o the_o outward_a government_n under_o which_o we_o live_v have_v be_v and_o be_v well_o know_v to_o be_v such_o as_o neither_o our_o opposer_n be_v able_a to_o disprove_v nor_o need_v we_o here_o vindicate_v ourselves_o therein_o although_o unjust_o render_v as_o neither_o consistent_a with_o the_o outward_a and_o national_a government_n which_o have_v be_v the_o charge_n of_o our_o persecutor_n nor_o yet_o with_o christ_n inward_a and_o spiritual_a government_n this_o appear_v not_o only_o malicious_a but_o absurd_a as_o if_o because_o christ_n immediate_a government_n and_o kingdom_n be_v inward_a and_o spiritual_a in_o the_o conscience_n therefore_o he_o must_v have_v no_o visible_a minister_n in_o his_o kingdom_n no_o visible_a order_n and_o form_n of_o government_n under_o his_o dominion_n no_o visible_a person_n exercise_v in_o any_o rule_n outward_a order_n law_n or_o decree_n under_o his_o government_n as_o if_o all_o christ_n minister_n apostle_n elder_n overseer_n help_n government_n which_o be_v appoint_v by_o he_o in_o his_o church_n with_o all_o the_o instruction_n decree_n and_o command_v of_o the_o apostle_n set_v in_o order_n thing_n that_o be_v lack_v do_v all_o thing_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n be_v aâ—â—_n invisible_a and_o nothing_o outward_a visible_a or_o formal_a because_o christ_n inward_a and_o spiritual_a government_n whence_o these_o proceed_v be_v invisible_a we_o can_v make_v no_o better_o argue_v than_o this_o kind_n in_o our_o adversary_n distinction_n of_o his_o christian-quaker_n from_o the_o apostate_n and_o innovator_n nor_o deduce_v a_o more_o natural_a inference_n from_o his_o opposition_n against_o visible_a person_n be_v concern_v in_o a_o outward_a form_n of_o government_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n but_o three_o how_o do_v he_o consist_v with_o himself_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o paper_n which_o he_o say_v be_v account_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o separation_n in_o the_o north_n 2d_o part_n pag._n 78._o which_o paper_n be_v subscribe_v by_o his_o say_a honourable_a friend_n j._n w._n and_o j._n s._n and_o above_o eighty_o more_o person_n in_o which_o paper_n be_v these_o word_n and_o term_n viz._n we_o who_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o church_n and_o in_o their_o behalf_n to_o act_n some_o of_o other_o county_n and_o some_o among_o ourselves_o not_o choose_v by_o the_o church_n have_v usurp_v authority_n over_o we_o the_o meeting_n by_o who_o we_o be_v employ_v our_o man_n who_o have_v their_o authority_n give_v they_o by_o the_o church_n choice_n and_o consent_n be_v hinder_v by_o other_o not_o so_o appoint_v to_o who_o we_o give_v no_o power_n by_o our_o consent_n but_o do_v deny_v that_o they_o have_v have_v authority_n from_o we_o to_o dispose_v of_o our_o collection_n or_o record_n or_o order_n or_o matter_n of_o our_o concern_v our_o choose_a man_n they_o who_o be_v not_o choose_v by_o the_o church_n you_o who_o be_v concern_v and_o right_o choose_v by_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n with_o many_o other_o passage_n in_o the_o say_a paper_n all_o which_o intimate_a authority_n power_n and_o government_n together_o with_o record_n order_n etc._n etc._n what_o power_n as_o a_o church_n they_o assurn_v to_o choose_v person_n to_o act_v in_o their_o concern_v and_o give_v power_n to_o person_n therein_o so_o that_o here_o be_v w._n r_n great_a intimate_v friend_n for_o a_o sort_n of_o a_o church-government_n authority_n order_n instruction_n prescription_n etc._n etc._n do_v he_o not_o deserve_v to_o be_v severe_o reprove_v by_o they_o for_o so_o manifest_o contradict_v they_o who_o cause_n he_o pretend_v to_o plead_v by_o his_o publish_v such_o a_o great_a book_n against_o church-government_n visible_a form_n order_n etc._n etc._n and_o now_o we_o will_v ask_v w._n r._n if_o those_o church_n choose_v and_o give_v power_n to_o other_o and_o the_o person_n choose_v to_o be_v employ_v in_o their_o affair_n be_v all_o invisible_a and_o their_o affair_n and_o business_n invisible_a and_o their_o respective_a meeting_n with_o the_o method_n they_o intend_v therein_o invisible_a and_o their_o record_n and_o order_n invisible_a sure_o the_o say_a paper_n of_o they_o with_o the_o limit_v prescription_n therein_o be_v not_o invisible_a any_o more_o than_o the_o person_n that_o form_v they_o four_o but_o see_v w._n r._n be_v so_o much_o for_o invisibility_n in_o church-order_n government_n etc._n etc._n it_o have_v be_v well_o his_o great_a book_n of_o division_n and_o those_o his_o confuse_a opposition_n and_o gainsaying_n have_v never_o be_v so_o visible_a but_o keep_v all_o invisible_a that_o he_o may_v not_o have_v trouble_v poor_a simplehearted_n friend_n and_o the_o world_n with_o such_o his_o groundless_a jealousy_n and_o ill_o manage_v controversy_n we_o be_v persuade_v if_o this_o his_o fruitless_a work_n have_v be_v all_o keep_v in_o obscurity_n and_o invisibility_n it_o have_v be_v far_o more_o reputable_a for_o he_o than_o it_o now_o be_v or_o ever_o like_a to_o be_v in_o its_o visibility_n howbeit_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o he_o vary_v in_o his_o objection_n against_o visible_a person_n be_v invest_v with_o power_n to_o execute_v law_n prescription_n order_n etc._n etc._n under_o christ_n government_n in_o a_o outward_a visible_a form_n whereas_o this_o objection_n be_v absolute_a in_o other_o place_n he_o seem_v to_o restrict_n and_o qualify_v it_o with_o this_o frequent_a addition_n viz._n whether_o they_o see_v it_o their_o duty_n or_o no_o that_o be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o obey_v outward_a prescription_n order_n etc._n etc._n unless_o they_o see_v it_o their_o duty_n as_o for_o instance_n see_v his_o 3d_o part_n p._n 9_o pretend_a on_o behalf_n of_o christ_n government_n and_o his_o spirit_n be_v guidance_n into_o all_o truth_n he_o give_v this_o testimony_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n either_o from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o we_o or_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o we_o to_o believe_v that_o any_o christian_a professor_n can_v in_o truth_n affirm_v that_o there_o be_v outward_a prescription_n and_o order_n give_v forth_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n through_o any_o one_o or_o more_o mortal_a man_n in_o this_o our_o day_n which_o other_o ought_v to_o obey_v and_o follow_v whether_o they_o see_v it_o their_o duty_n or_o no._n observe_v again_o here_o that_o his_o objection_n be_v not_o absolute_a as_o before_o against_o visible_a person_n be_v invest_v with_o power_n from_o christ_n
absolute_a judge_n a_o unalterable_a infallible_a judge_n that_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v nor_o convince_v contrary_a to_o the_o judgement_n he_o have_v take_v up_o and_o present_v for_o himself_o and_o other_o in_o the_o plural_a number_n we_o can_v be_v otherwise_o persuade_v etc._n etc._n but_o who_o these_o we_o be_v beside_o himself_o he_o signify_v not_o save_v only_o some_o page_n before_o i._n e._n pag._n 87._o we_o find_v william_n ford_n name_n subscribe_v with_o william_n rogers_n who_o have_v know_v better_a thing_n in_o his_o time_n than_o thus_o to_o be_v concern_v with_o w._n r._n in_o his_o work_n of_o strife_n and_o enmity_n in_o his_o old_a age_n the_o lord_n bring_v he_o to_o a_o sense_n from_o whence_o he_o be_v fall_v disaffect_v lvi_o part_n 2._o sect._n 3_o about_o infallibility_n and_o perfection_n vv._n r._n pag._n 13._o albeit_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v build_v on_o the_o rock_n christ_n can_v whilst_o abide_v on_o the_o rock_n be_v prevail_v against_o yet_o no_o argument_n from_o hence_o may_v rational_o be_v bring_v to_o prove_v any_o one_o member_n of_o this_o church_n whilst_o on_o this_o side_n the_o grave_a not_o liable_a through_o temptation_n to_o err_v and_o depart_v from_o the_o rock_n whilst_o there_o be_v a_o enemy_n ready_a to_o enter_v all_o if_o they_o watch_v not_o compare_v with_o part_n 3._o pag._n 34._o the_o apostle_n may_v well_o say_v be_v 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 observe_v one_a whilst_o abide_v on_o the_o rock_n etc._n etc._n yet_o no_o argument_n etc._n etc._n this_o imply_v a_o danger_n in_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o in_o every_o member_n of_o christ_n of_o not_o abide_v on_o the_o rock_n of_o not_o watch_v and_o of_o err_v yea_o and_o of_o depart_v also_o from_o the_o rock_n but_o this_o be_v but_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o weak_a faith_n and_o of_o little_a growth_n short_a of_o be_v build_v fix_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o faith_n upon_o the_o rock_n which_o christ_n promise_n in_o this_o case_n extend_v to_o i._n e._n upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o 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 and_o they_o that_o trust_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v as_o mount_n zion_n that_o shall_v never_o be_v remove_v obs._n two_o the_o apostle_n 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 this_o parenthesis_n be_v to_o oppose_v the_o will_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o so_o render_v christ_n and_o his_o church_n divide_v but_o then_o he_o contradict_v this_o parenthesis_n in_o the_o very_a next_o word_n submit_v yourselves_o one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n very_o well_o and_o be_v not_o this_o the_o will_n of_o the_o church_n so_o to_o submit_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o can_v this_o be_v any_o other_o than_o in_o his_o will_n do_v the_o church_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n will_v any_o other_o submission_n than_o christ_n will_v in_o his_o church_n no_o sure_o christ_n do_v not_o will_n one_o thing_n and_o his_o church_n in_o he_o another_o contrary_n but_o to_o qualify_v or_o mend_v the_o matter_n w._n r._n as_o one_o inward_o interrupt_v in_o his_o attempt_n but_o six_o line_n after_o in_o the_o same_o page_n say_v i_o say_v 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 which_o we_o will_v ready_o grant_v he_o but_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o purpose_n it_o will_v not_o serve_v his_o turn_n for_o his_o oppose_v the_o will_n of_o the_o church_n as_o undivided_a from_o christ_n to_o his_o will_n but_o only_o to_o signify_v that_o his_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_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 depart_v from_o christ_n their_o rock_n but_o here_o he_o have_v vary_v from_o the_o will_n of_o the_o church_n as_o undivided_a from_o christ_n to_o the_o will_n of_o those_o who_o if_o they_o depart_v from_o christ_n may_v err._n how_o impertinent_a to_o his_o purpose_n be_v this_o if_o they_o depart_v from_o christ_n their_o rock_n they_o unchurch_n themselves_o and_o cease_v to_o be_v his_o church_n but_o then_o how_o if_o they_o do_v not_o depart_v from_o christ_n what_o then_o which_o be_v the_o case_n we_o aim_v at_o and_o he_o shall_v have_v keep_v to_o than_o they_o be_v his_o church_n and_o in_o his_o will_n and_o what_o they_o will_v and_o command_v as_o in_o unity_n with_o he_o be_v christ_n will_n and_o command_v and_o if_o so_o then_o w._n r_n parenthesis_n before_o on_o the_o text_n ephes._n 5._o 17_o 21._o be_v whole_o impertinent_a and_o improper_a and_o his_o inference_n remote_a and_o foreign_a thereto_o yea_o contradictory_n to_o his_o desire_n not_o to_o be_v understand_v to_o render_v christ_n and_o his_o church_n divide_v thus_o he_o say_v and_o unsaye_n he_o be_v off_o and_o on_o he_o mar_v and_o he_o mend_v he_o mend_v and_o he_o mar_v he_o darken_v counsel_n with_o his_o many_o wind_n twist_n and_o toss_n concession_n to_o truth_n which_o confute_v much_o of_o w._n r_n book_n w._n r._n pag._n 35._o we_o do_v testify_v the_o principle_n of_o truth_n lead_v none_o to_o be_v rude_a either_o in_o word_n or_o action_n nor_o yet_o to_o cross_v the_o custom_n &_o fashion_n of_o other_o society_n which_o in_o themselves_o be_v comely_a decent_a and_o of_o good_a report_n pag._n 36._o it_o be_v good_a for_o every_o one_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o mind_n the_o inward_a divine_a and_o spiritual_a teacher_n and_o then_o doubtless_o such_o will_v be_v lead_v to_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n in_o denial_n of_o self_n and_o not_o be_v active_a in_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v just_o be_v term_v rude_a or_o ignorant_a but_o in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v comely_a decent_a and_o of_o good_a report_n observe_v this_o concession_n overthrow_v much_o of_o his_o work_n against_o outward_a method_n rule_n etc._n etc._n and_o condemn_v his_o rudeness_n in_o much_o of_o his_o book_n and_o if_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n lead_v none_o to_o cross_v the_o custom_n and_o fashion_n of_o other_o society_n which_o in_o themselves_o be_v comely_a decent_a and_o of_o good_a report_n than_o not_o to_o cross_v nor_o oppose_v any_o order_n form_n or_o custom_n of_o our_o society_n which_o in_o itself_o be_v comely_a decent_a and_o of_o good_a report_n and_o dare_v he_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o custom_n among_o we_o in_o our_o society_n and_o meeting_n as_o in_o themselves_o be_v comely_a decent_a and_o of_o good_a report_n or_o have_v he_o more_o charity_n for_o the_o custom_n and_o fashion_n of_o other_o society_n than_o for_o we_o which_o he_o have_v for_o so_o many_o year_n own_v and_o be_v in_o w._n r._n pag._n 77._o that_o j._n vv._n and_o j._n s._n give_v forth_o a_o paper_n at_o drawell_n that_o he_o still_o own_v with_o that_o interpretation_n he_o and_o j._n vv._n give_v which_o if_o it_o will_v not_o bear_v then_o let_v they_o be_v judge_v etc._n etc._n qu._n be_v not_o w._n r._n partial_a in_o his_o history_n in_o not_o cite_v and_o publish_v that_o paper_n as_o he_o have_v other_o and_o yet_o still_o advocate_a for_o and_o high_o applaud_v the_o man_n as_o ancient_z and_o honourable_a friend_n not_o exceed_v in_o godliness_n by_o any_o mortal_a man_n etc._n etc._n we_o ask_v if_o that_o paper_n imply_v not_o something_o that_o be_v blamable_a on_o their_o part_n but_o that_o they_o be_v whole_o innocent_a touch_v that_o paper_n account_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o separate_a meeting_n in_o the_o north_n as_o w._n r._n say_v he_o appear_v partial_a also_o in_o not_o cite_v it_o full_o but_o leave_v out_o what_o chief_o concern_v order_n and_o discipline_n yea_o something_o of_o a_o form_n of_o church-government_n then_o own_v by_o they_o where_o they_o mention_v their_o choose_a man_n to_o who_o they_o give_v power_n their_o record_n their_o order_n matter_n of_o their_o concern_v etc._n etc._n and_o now_o john_n story_n and_o john_n wilkinson_n see_v william_n rogers_n
any_o of_o those_o monthly_a or_o quarterly_o meeting_n among_o friend_n be_v not_o gather_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n part_n 1._o p._n 14._o this_o doctrine_n frequent_o of_o late_a publish_v among_o we_o that_o the_o apostasy_n shall_v never_o enter_v the_o generality_n more_o do_v give_v we_o just_a occasion_n to_o be_v jealous_a etc._n etc._n part_n 3._o pag._n 78._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 or_o that_o the_o apostasy_n shall_v enter_v the_o generality_n again_o qu._n then_o why_o do_v he_o so_o often_o quarrel_v with_o the_o doctrine_n frequent_o publish_v as_o he_o say_v viz._n that_o the_o apostasy_n shall_v never_o enter_v the_o generality_n more_o part_n 1._o pag._n 47._o on_o mat._n 18._o 15_o 16_o 17._o and_o 1_o cor._n 6._o 1_o 2_o 4._o we_o reasonable_o conclude_v that_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n only_a hint_v at_o either_o personal_a offence_n or_o difference_n touch_v worldly_a matter_n and_o that_o therein_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n be_v only_o to_o exhort_v to_o submit_v to_o their_o connsel_n which_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o may_v just_o be_v esteem_v as_o heathen_a man_n part_n 3._o pag._n 36._o on_o mat._n 18._o 15_o 16_o 17._o some_o may_v object_v 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_n 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_n against_o another_o may_v in_o rihght_n reason_n be_v comprehend_v in_o it_o qu._n whether_o every_o case_n be_v to_o be_v limit_v only_o to_o worldly_a matter_n and_o not_o extend_v to_o any_o case_n or_o offence_n of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n part_n 3._o pag._n 64._o 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 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._o 15_o 16._o 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 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 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_v to_o their_o counsel_n which_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o may_v just_o be_v esteem_v as_o heathen_a men._n and_o part_v 3._o pag._n 36._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 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 etc._n etc._n every_o case_n wherein_o one_o brother_n may_v trespass_n against_o another_o may_v according_a to_o right_a reason_n be_v comprehend_v in_o it_o qu._n why_o then_o not_o a_o heathen_a man_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n if_o they_o may_v just_o be_v esteem_v as_o heathen_a man_n that_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o church_n counsel_n see_v it_o be_v confess_v by_o w._n r._n to_o his_o own_o confutation_n part_v 1._o pag._n 52._o that_o they_o who_o refuse_v to_o take_v the_o church_n wholesome_a counsel_n or_o admonition_n the_o church_n may_v then_o declare_v such_o unworthy_a of_o their_o society_n and_o be_v not_o this_o then_o obligatory_a on_o other_o believer_n and_o member_n part_n 3._o pag._n 82._o on_o gal._n 5._o 2._o &_o 4._o 9_o 10_o 11._o this_o do_v not_o at_o that_o time_n condemn_v that_o christian_a liberty_n and_o forbearance_n which_o the_o apostle_n before_o approve_v in_o and_o with_o respect_n unto_o such_o as_o make_v conscience_n of_o circumcision_n and_o pag._n 83._o there_o be_v such_o as_o practise_v circumcision_n yet_o a_o christian_a liberty_n be_v so_o exercise_v as_o that_o we_o find_v not_o these_o differ_a exercise_n in_o a_o christian_a liberty_n do_v subject_a any_o of_o those_o believer_n exercise_v therein_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o be_v out_o of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n part_n 5._o p._n 74_o 75._o neither_o do_v they_o i._n e._n the_o apostle_n endeavour_v to_o oblige_v those_o who_o practise_v circumcision_n after_o they_o believe_v to_o forbear_v the_o same_o before_o by_o the_o spirit_n they_o be_v lead_v from_o it_o pag._n 75._o on_o gal._n 5._o 2._o &_o 4._o 9_o 10_o 11._o this_o do_v not_o at_o that_o time_n condemn_v that_o christian_a liberty_n in_o such_o as_o make_v conscience_n of_o circumcision_n part_n 1._o pag._n 73._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 from_o off_o the_o observation_n of_o these_o ordinance_n which_o be_v real_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 like_a unto_o the_o old_a and_o part_v 3._o pag._n 82._o and_o part_v 5._o pag._n 75._o on_o gal._n 5._o 2._o i_o paul_n say_v unto_o you_o if_o you_o be_v circumcise_a christ_n shall_v profit_v you_o nothing_o a_o qu._n how_o can_v it_o be_v good_a doctrine_n to_o account_v circumcision_n a_o christian_a liberty_n and_o a_o exercise_v not_o condemnable_a in_o believer_n when_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o draw_v the_o outward_a jew_n from_o off_o the_o observation_n of_o these_o ordinance_n part_n 1._o pag._n 73._o we_o appeal_v unto_o every_o understanding_n ingenious_a reader_n whether_o it_o can_v consist_v with_o the_o tenure_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 a_o bond_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o they_o who_o have_v believe_v in_o the_o everlasting_a light_n part_v 3_o title_n page_n the_o inward_a government_n of_o christ_n not_o represent_v by_o person_n visible_a by_o carnal_a eye_n invest_v with_o power_n from_o he_o to_o execute_v outward_a law_n prescription_n order_n edict_n or_o decree_n in_o a_o outward_a form_n of_o government_n visible_a part_n 3._o pag._n 23_o 24._o not_o that_o i_o will_v be_v understand_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o outward_a order_n with_o respect_n to_o that_o gospel-discipline_n which_o become_v the_o church_n of_o christ._n the_o principle_n of_o truth_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n have_v and_o may_v further_o lead_v into_o the_o practice_n of_o outward_a order_n in_o discipline_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n qu._n be_v not_o this_o a_o very_a fair_a confession_n what_o will_v this_o man_n be_v at_o do_v he_o know_v have_v he_o not_o here_o very_o plain_o grant_v the_o thing_n we_o plead_v for_o viz._n outward_a order_n and_o gospel-discipline_n in_o the_o church_n what_o be_v now_o become_v of_o w._n r_n contest_v against_o outward_a order_n discipline_n and_o form_n of_o church-government_n visible_a &_o c_o part_n 3._o pag._n 34._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 part_n 3._o pag._n 34._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 qu._n if_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n be_v not_o divide_v how_o do_v he_o oppose_v the_o will_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n his_o tell_v we_o of_o the_o will_n of_o those_o who_o depart_v from_o christ_n this_o be_v not_o the_o will_n of_o the_o church_n in_o unity_n with_o he_o therefore_o his_o divide_v the_o church_n and_o christ_n in_o will_n stand_v not_o with_o that_o unity_n part_v 1._o pag._n 75._o outward_a conformity_n to_o outward_a rule_n and_o order_n relate_v to_o the_o conscience_n establish_v among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n we_o have_v no_o ground_n either_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o prophet_n or_o from_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n
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