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as_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o than_o the_o offering_n of_o the_o halt_n and_o the_o blind_a for_o a_o sacrifice_n under_o the_o first_o covenant_n be_v here_o follow_v the_o citation_n out_o of_o edward_n burrough_n aforesaid_a epistle_n yea_o it_o be_v peace_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o gladness_n to_o the_o heart_n and_o refreshment_n to_o the_o life_n to_o feel_v and_o witness_v the_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o father_n lead_v into_o all_o truth_n and_o preserve_v out_o of_o all_o transgression_n wherefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o all_o let_v this_o be_v your_o whole_a desire_n and_o the_o full_a practice_n in_o your_o life_n and_o then_o shall_v the_o countenance_n of_o the_o lord_n shine_v upon_o you_o and_o his_o face_n shall_v make_v you_o glad_a if_o in_o all_o thing_n you_o look_v unto_o
by_o the_o same_o rule_n he_o that_o savour_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n may_v easy_o perceive_v that_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o paul_n unto_o those_o philippian_n be_v that_o those_o who_o be_v come_v to_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n shall_v walk_v by_o that_o rule_n whereunto_o they_o have_v attain_v but_o those_o who_o have_v not_o attain_v so_o far_o and_o be_v otherwise-minded_n be_v to_o wait_v for_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o son_n and_o now_o to_o conclude_v as_o to_o this_o objection_n we_o have_v this_o further_a to_o add_v that_o we_o do_v know_v many_o of_o our_o opposer_n or_o at_o least_o such_o who_o be_v not_o at_o unity_n with_o we_o have_v very_o confident_o make_v use_n of_o such_o discourse_n as_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o last_o recite_v objection_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o follow_v outward_a prescription_n and_o order_n though_o not_o convince_v of_o its_o service_n which_o occasion_n we_o to_o be_v jealous_a that_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o enemy_n may_v so_o enter_v in_o at_o this_o door_n as_o that_o darkness_n may_v more_o general_o overshadow_v again_o than_o it_o yet_o do_v though_o our_o hope_n in_o god_n be_v that_o he_o will_v lay_v such_o a_o constraint_n on_o many_o of_o those_o who_o eye_n be_v open_a behold_v the_o approach_v apostasy_n as_o that_o they_o may_v be_v raise_v in_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n indignation_n and_o appear_v as_o lion_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o lion_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o juda_n to_o oppose_v every_o appearance_n of_o that_o spirit_n which_o will_v be_v exalt_v self_n or_o any_o form_n observation_n prescription_n or_o order_n to_o be_v as_o a_o bond_n on_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n when_o by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n their_o alone_a lawgiver_n they_o be_v not_o full_o persuade_v thereof_o in_o their_o own_o conscience_n which_o undoubted_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o paul_n when_o he_o write_v unto_o the_o roman_n chap._n 14._o verse_n 5_o 23._o let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n and_o to_o come_v a_o little_a close_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n it_o be_v too_o too_o evident_a that_o nonconformity_n to_o outward_a prescription_n be_v take_v as_o a_o mark_n of_o apostasy_n even_o among_o those_o who_o have_v be_v under_o the_o profession_n of_o truth_n of_o which_o many_o instance_n too_o too_o large_a here_o to_o insert_v may_v be_v produce_v which_o be_v now_o forbear_v because_o we_o suppose_v there_o be_v very_o few_o among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n for_o who_o sake_n this_o be_v chief_o write_v who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o truth_n hereof_o beside_o it_o have_v be_v a_o observation_n of_o late_a that_o these_o question_n or_o question_n to_o the_o like_a import_n have_v be_v frequent_o ask_v by_o such_o with_o who_o we_o can_v be_v at_o unity_n in_o all_o thing_n viz._n be_v you_o for_o woman_n meeting_n mean_v distinct_a woman_n meeting_n from_o man_n among_o who_o under_o pretence_n of_o take_v care_n of_o the_o poor_a another_o thing_n seem_v to_o be_v more_o chief_o aim_v at_o as_o anon_o will_v be_v make_v appear_v be_v you_o for_o record_v condemnation_n mean_v thereby_o whether_o the_o party_n who_o have_v condemn_v their_o fail_n and_o through_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v restore_v and_o their_o officence_n blot_v out_o and_o forgive_v by_o he_o assent_v thereto_o or_o no._n be_v you_o for_o settle_a monthly_a and_o quarterly_o meeting_n touch_v outward_a business_n since_o those_o who_o will_v have_v meeting_n as_o occasion_n offer_v be_v account_v designer_n to_o through_o down_o all_o meeting_n for_o outward_a business_n relate_v to_o the_o affair_n of_o truth_n and_o when_o these_o or_o such_o like_a question_n have_v be_v a_o skt_a of_o friend_n in_o truth_n that_o can_v not_o answer_v thereto_o yea_o we_o be_v sensible_a that_o it_o have_v be_v take_v by_o many_o as_o a_o sufficient_a token_n of_o a_o dark_a leaven_a rend_v divide_v spirit_n and_o mere_o as_o we_o take_v it_o form_n a_o apprehension_n that_o the_o form_n they_o stand_v for_o be_v thereby_o strike_v at_o though_o the_o service_n will_v be_v effectual_o perform_v in_o another_o method_n as_o experience_n in_o the_o county_n of_o westmoreland_n and_o wilts_n have_v of_o late_o testify_v for_o be_v it_o not_o so_o that_o great_a stress_n be_v lay_v upon_o the_o outward_a form_n of_o thing_n prescribe_v to_o be_v practise_v how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o j._n s._n be_v article_v against_o by_o robert_n barrow_n and_o twenty_o six_o person_n more_o in_o the_o north_n on_o this_o wise_a viz._n j._n s._n speak_v among_o many_o friend_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o form_n because_o of_o the_o consequence_n that_o may_v follow_v say_v that_o among_o the_o christian_n of_o old_a the_o difference_n that_o do_v arise_v be_v about_o form_n which_o can_v not_o be_v seasonable_a word_n when_o we_o be_v establish_v the_o church_n in_o the_o holy_a order_n of_o truth_n much_o more_o may_v be_v collect_v from_o the_o article_n be_v forty_o four_o in_o number_n exhibit_v by_o robert_n barrow_n and_o twenty_o six_o person_n as_o aforesaid_a to_o show_v how_o earnest_o and_o zealous_o the_o very_a outward_a form_n of_o thing_n be_v contend_v for_o which_o occasion_n we_o in_o all_o seriousness_n of_o spirit_n thus_o to_o say_v may_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n so_o preserve_v his_o people_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v ensnare_v by_o those_o who_o have_v raise_v so_o great_a contention_n about_o the_o outward_a form_n of_o thing_n prescribe_v to_o be_v practise_v among_o the_o professor_n of_o truth_n lest_o they_o with_o they_o prove_v to_o be_v boaster_n proud_a blasphemer_n false_a accuser_n despiser_n of_o those_o that_o be_v good_a which_o be_v the_o very_a mark_n and_o token_n of_o those_o who_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o from_o who_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v to_o turn_v away_o and_o how_o far_o these_o mark_v rest_n upon_o many_o of_o those_o who_o so_o earnest_o contend_v for_o their_o outward_a form_n we_o leave_v to_o the_o impartial_a reader_n with_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n to_o judge_n when_o he_o have_v thorough_o inform_v himself_o of_o their_o fruit_n oh_o friend_n the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n bow_v we_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o mercy_n to_o we_o we_o can_v no_o long_o keep_v silent_a but_o in_o his_o fear_n declare_v that_o our_o conscience_n be_v concern_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o since_o it_o be_v so_o that_o a_o ill_a use_n be_v make_v of_o that_o spirit_n of_o forbearance_n and_o condescension_n which_o we_o be_v sensible_a have_v be_v use_v by_o many_o of_o our_o brethren_n it_o be_v now_o become_v our_o portion_n to_o unburthen_v ourselves_o of_o that_o which_o have_v be_v our_o burden_n believe_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o only_o arisen_a but_o will_v yet_o more_o and_o more_o arise_v against_o that_o spirit_n that_o will_v exalt_v itself_o over_o the_o heritage_n of_o god_n endeavour_v to_o rule_v over_o their_o conscience_n whenas_o christ_n alone_o be_v lord_n thereof_o it_o may_v now_o be_v worthy_a our_o observation_n to_o consider_v whether_o any_o encouragement_n be_v give_v by_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n christ_n jesus_n while_o on_o earth_n unto_o his_o disciple_n to_o become_v ruler_n one_o over_o another_o we_o find_v that_o he_o exhort_v his_o disciple_n judge_v not_o that_o you_o be_v not_o judge_v be_v not_o you_o call_v rabbi_n for_o one_o be_v your_o master_n even_o christ_n and_o all_o you_o be_v brethren_n but_o he_o that_o be_v great_a among_o you_o shall_v be_v your_o servant_n and_o whosoever_o shall_v exalthimself_n shall_v be_v abase_v and_o he_o that_o shall_v humble_v himself_o shall_v be_v exalt_v here_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o believe_v that_o christ_n intend_v that_o when_o he_o be_v depart_v his_o disciple_n shall_v be_v exalt_v themselves_o one_o over_o another_o as_o governor_n and_o ruler_n and_o if_o we_o consult_v the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o though_o his_o disciple_n have_v a_o dependency_n upon_o he_o while_o in_o his_o bodily_a appearance_n to_o be_v their_o leader_n yet_o he_o tell_v they_o john_n 16.7.13_o it_o be_v expedient_a for_o you_o that_o i_o go_v away_o for_o if_o i_o go_v not_o away_o the_o comforter_n will_v not_o come_v unto_o you_o but_o if_o i_o depart_v i_o will_v send_v he_o unto_o you_o and_o he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n for_o he_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o have_v it_o be_v so_o that_o christ_n jesus_n intend_v the_o
9th_o and_o 5_o as_o long_o as_o i_o be_o in_o the_o world_n i_o be_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n and_o chap._n 12.35_o yet_o a_o little_a while_n be_v the_o light_n with_o you_o walk_v while_o you_o have_v the_o light_n and_o ver_fw-la the_o 36._o while_o you_o have_v the_o light_n believe_v in_o the_o light_n that_o you_o may_v be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o light_n to_o this_o may_v be_v answer_v that_o these_o last_o recite_v scripture_n do_v in_o the_o most_o favourable_a construction_n on_o the_o objector_n part_n intimate_v that_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n while_o he_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n but_o do_v not_o say_v that_o he_o be_v or_o will_v be_v no_o long_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n such_o a_o say_n or_o sense_n will_v limit_v the_o appearance_n of_o light_n to_o that_o body_n only_o and_o dispensation_n of_o time_n wherein_o the_o say_a body_n appear_v on_o earth_n which_o be_v contradictory_n to_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o evangelist_n before_o quote_v viz._n that_o be_v the_o true_a light_n that_o light_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n which_o scripture_n sentence_n relate_v to_o every_o man_n be_v so_o universal_a that_o it_o can_v but_o extend_v to_o those_o who_o never_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o jesus_n in_o his_o fleshly_a and_o bodily_a appearance_n nor_o yet_o come_v to_o be_v inform_v by_o any_o outward_a instrument_n of_o his_o doctrine_n though_o partaker_n of_o his_o light_n which_o therefore_o may_v proper_o be_v term_v by_o such_o his_o light_z within_z that_o be_v the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n shine_v in_o their_o heart_n agreeable_a whereunto_o in_o effect_n we_o take_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v viz._n that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n 1.19_o rom._n 1.19_o be_v manifest_a in_o they_o for_o god_n have_v show_v it_o unto_o they_o see_v you_o seek_v a_o proof_n of_o christ_n speak_v in_o i_o 13.3_o 2_o cor._n 13.3_o which_o riches_n be_v christ_n in_o you_o 1.27_o col._n 1.27_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n who_o shall_v descend_v into_o the_o deep_a that_o be_v 8._o rom._n 10.7_o 8._o to_o bring_v christ_n again_o from_o the_o dead_a but_o what_o say_v it_o the_o word_n be_v near_o thou_o even_o in_o thy_o mouth_n and_o in_o thy_o heart_n this_o be_v the_o word_n of_o faith_n which_o we_o preach_v and_o all_o this_o appear_v agreeable_a unto_o what_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n hint_v at_o who_o speak_v of_o what_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o last_o day_n signify_v 5._o isa_n 1.2_o 3_o 5._o that_o the_o god_n of_o jacob_n will_v teach_v we_o of_o his_o way_n and_o therefore_o say_v oh_o house_n of_o jacob_n come_v you_o let_v we_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v compare_v with_o what_o the_o same_o prophet_n say_v in_o relation_n to_o a_o people_n â—_o isa_n 5â—_n â—_o in_o who_o heart_n be_v the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o with_o what_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n say_v i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n 34._o jer._n 31.33_o 34._o and_o write_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o they_o shall_v teach_v no_o more_o every_o man_n his_o neighbour_n and_o every_o man_n his_o brother_n say_v know_v the_o lord_n for_o they_o shall_v all_o know_v i_o from_o the_o least_o of_o they_o to_o the_o great_a it_o be_v evident_a to_o we_o that_o this_o write_a law_n in_o the_o heart_n be_v that_o light_n within_o whereof_o the_o faithful_a messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o our_o day_n have_v bear_v witness_n unto_o and_o whereof_o the_o same_o prophet_n give_v testimony_n when_o he_o say_v as_o before_o o_o house_n of_o jacob_n come_v you_o let_v we_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lord_n beside_o such_o a_o limitation_n as_o aforesaid_a will_v have_v a_o tendency_n to_o make_v void_a the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v offer_v up_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o many_o and_o on_o this_o score_n do_v the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n testify_v 9.28_o heb._n 9.28_o that_o unto_o they_o that_o look_v for_o he_o shall_v he_o appear_v the_o second_o time_n without_o sin_n unto_o salvation_n which_o be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n unto_o we_o that_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o witness_v effectual_o in_o this_o our_o day_n but_o by_o those_o who_o have_v look_v for_o his_o second_o appearance_n have_v receive_v he_o in_o his_o appearance_n this_o appearance_n we_o take_v to_o be_v his_o appearance_n by_o his_o light_n and_o spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o who_o through_o faith_n in_o his_o blood_n have_v know_v their_o conscience_n purify_v from_o dead_a work_n and_o so_o come_v to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n in_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n it_o be_v now_o to_o be_v consider_v whether_o these_o word_n turn_v in_o your_o mind_n be_n agreeable_a to_o truth_n for_o that_o this_o kind_n of_o objection_n may_v be_v raise_v objection_n do_v not_o this_o put_v the_o creature_n upon_o action_n in_o his_o own_o selfwill_a when_o as_o the_o will_n of_o man_n can_v bring_v forth_o that_o birth_n unto_o which_o power_n be_v give_v to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o answer_v hereto_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o consider_v that_o the_o faithful_a labourer_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n commend_v their_o exhortation_n and_o testimony_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o hearer_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o the_o reason_n doubtless_o be_v because_o there_o be_v a_o capacity_n in_o man_n which_o through_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n render_v man_n capable_a to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o righteousness_n unto_o life_n and_o those_o who_o be_v so_o act_v can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v act_v in_o the_o selfwill_a of_o man._n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o same_o capacity_n let_v in_o tempration_n and_o join_v thereto_o render_v man_n a_o servant_n of_o sin_n unto_o death_n and_o be_v once_o so_o dead_a in_o sin_n no_o redemption_n come_v to_o be_v obtain_v but_o through_o christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n testify_v 2.1_o ephes_n 2.1_o you_o have_v he_o quicken_v that_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n these_o thing_n consider_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o through_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n those_o who_o have_v cast_v off_o the_o old_a man_n be_v become_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o their_o mind_n unto_o god_n and_o so_o have_v put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n and_o therefore_o since_o there_o be_v such_o a_o capacity_n in_o man_n as_o aforesaid_a it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o truth_n to_o exhort_v the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o turn_v in_o their_o mind_n unto_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o light_n that_o through_o the_o assistance_n thereof_o the_o will_n of_o god_n may_v be_v do_v in_o their_o earthen_a vessel_n the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o weight_n in_o this_o objection_n do_v you_o not_o think_v that_o the_o jew_n who_o crucify_v christ_n act_v not_o from_o the_o light_n within_o since_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n therein_o to_o this_o may_v be_v answer_v that_o the_o friend_n of_o truth_n never_o preach_v up_o the_o light_n within_o but_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n as_o that_o light_a within_o intend_a by_o they_o and_o since_o christ_n can_v be_v divide_v to_o act_v against_o himself_o therefore_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o therein_o act_v from_o that_o light_n within_o unto_o which_o we_o have_v be_v direct_v from_o what_o then_o may_z the_o objector_n say_v do_v those_o of_o they_o act_n who_o very_o think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n therein_o ans_fw-fr 3.6_o phil._n 3.6_o from_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n not_o have_v their_o mind_n stay_v and_o order_v according_a to_o that_o universal_a principle_n of_o truth_n 11._o act_n 26.9_o 11._o which_o if_o hearken_v unto_o will_v teach_v all_o man_n to_o do_v as_o they_o will_v be_v do_v by_o in_o which_o zeal_n paul_n very_o think_v in_o himself_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o in_o that_o self-thought_a be_v exceed_o mad_a persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n consent_v to_o the_o death_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o compel_v they_o to_o blaspheme_n but_o when_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o appear_v unto_o he_o and_o to_o make_v he_o a_o minister_n of_o his_o everlasting_a gospel_n he_o be_v send_v unto_o the_o gentile_n to_o open_v their_o eye_n that_o they_o may_v turn_v from_o
spirit_n neither_o do_v we_o dare_v to_o give_v any_o other_o than_o plain_a language_n to_o any_o single_a person_n not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o propriety_n of_o speech_n but_o because_o we_o be_v sensible_a that_o there_o be_v a_o will_n in_o man_n which_o be_v ready_a to_o hold_v the_o faith_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n with_o respect_n of_o person_n and_o that_o this_o will_n be_v to_o be_v cross_v that_o so_o a_o spirit_n of_o pride_n and_o partiality_n may_v not_o be_v nourish_v in_o any_o and_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n that_o we_o have_v be_v lead_v into_o the_o use_n of_o plain_a language_n and_o plain_a habit_n have_v we_o also_o be_v lead_v not_o to_o use_v the_o word_n master_n unless_o unto_o such_o as_o be_v real_o master_n and_o unto_o who_o as_o master_n obedience_n be_v or_o be_v due_a from_o such_o as_o have_v or_o may_v use_v that_o title_n though_o some_o may_v have_v ignorant_o think_v that_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n unto_o his_o disciple_n viz._n neither_o be_v you_o call_v master_n be_v our_o only_a ground_n obj._n do_v you_o place_n religion_n in_o thou_o and_o thou_o and_o not_o put_v off_o your_o hat_n and_o call_v man_n by_o their_o proper_a name_n without_o adjoin_v the_o word_n master_n and_o go_v plain_o in_o your_o apparel_n than_o some_o other_o may_n ans_fw-fr to_o this_o we_o answer_v we_o place_v religion_n in_o keep_v our_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o if_o thy_o conscience_n be_v convince_v by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o word_n thou_o or_o thou_o to_o a_o single_a person_n be_v not_o only_o more_o proper_a than_o you_o but_o that_o which_o on_o the_o aforesaid_a consideration_n thou_o ought_v to_o use_v and_o that_o thou_o ought_v not_o to_o use_v the_o word_n master_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o world_n unto_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v not_o thy_o master_n than_o it_o become_v thou_o to_o bridle_v thy_o tongue_n and_o express_v thyself_o according_a to_o such_o a_o conviction_n else_o thou_o may_v only_o seem_v to_o be_v religious_a when_o thy_o religion_n be_v vain_a and_o so_o likewise_o may_v we_o say_v that_o if_o thou_o have_v the_o like_a conviction_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o put_v off_o thy_o nat_n and_o go_v in_o plain_a apparel_n thou_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v lest_o the_o contrary_n become_v sin_n unto_o thou_o since_o thou_o can_v not_o pretend_v after_o such_o a_o conviction_n that_o freedom_n therein_o which_o may_v stand_v with_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n obj._n we_o have_v observe_v that_o your_o friend_n have_v in_o many_o particular_a respect_n behave_v themselves_o so_o cross_a unto_o the_o custom_n and_o fashion_n of_o all_o other_o as_o that_o they_o have_v appear_v not_o only_o rude_a but_o as_o if_o their_o ignorance_n be_v so_o great_a as_o to_o conclude_v that_o the_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n do_v consist_v in_o act_v a_o cross_n unto_o all_o other_o society_n of_o people_n whatsoever_o to_o this_o we_o answer_v if_o any_o have_v give_v just_a occasion_n for_o this_o objection_n it_o be_v to_o be_v lament_v because_o the_o great_a sign_n of_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n be_v to_o deny_v self_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o 16.24_o mat_n 16.24_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o beside_o we_o do_v testify_v the_o principle_n of_o truth_n lead_v none_o to_o be_v rude_a either_o in_o word_n or_o action_n nor_o yet_o to_o cross_v the_o custom_n and_o fashion_n of_o other_o society_n which_o in_o themselves_o be_v comely_a decent_a and_o of_o good_a report_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o cross_n be_v to_o they_o that_o perish_v 1.18_o 1_o cor._n 1.18_o foolishness_n but_o unto_o we_o which_o be_v save_v it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n a_o earthly-spirited_n man_n may_v become_v singular_a and_o cross_v unto_o all_o other_o and_o yet_o not_o deny_v himself_o through_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n may_v therein_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n another_o man_n may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n and_o yet_o not_o lead_v by_o his_o spirit_n to_o act_v cross_a unto_o all_o other_o though_o through_o the_o denial_n of_o self_n he_o may_v be_v true_o exercise_v in_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n and_o therein_o act_v many_o thing_n which_o some_o through_o envy_n or_o want_v of_o right_a understanding_n may_v term_v the_o fruit_n of_o rudeness_n and_o ignorance_n when_o not_o so_o in_o itself_o to_o conclude_v therefore_o we_o say_v it_o be_v good_a for_o every_o one_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o mind_n the_o inward_a divine_a and_o spiritual_a teacher_n that_o so_o none_o may_v run_v before_o that_o guide_n and_o then_o doubtless_o such_o will_v be_v lead_v to_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n in_o denial_n of_o self_n and_o not_o be_v active_a in_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v just_o be_v term_v rude_a or_o ignorant_a but_o in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v comely_a decent_a and_o of_o good_a report_n chp._n vii_o touch_v swear_v those_o unto_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v a_o divine_a understanding_n have_v declare_v that_o under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o truth_n to_o swear_v in_o any_o case_n whatsoever_o this_o position_n be_v justifiable_a according_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n and_o be_v not_o disagreeable_a to_o the_o light_n within_o matth._n 5.33_o 34_o 35_o 36_o 37._o it_o be_v thus_o say_v by_o christ_n again_o you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o have_v be_v say_v by_o they_o of_o old_a time_n thou_o shall_v not_o forswear_v thyself_o but_o shall_v perform_v unto_o the_o lord_n thy_o oath_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o swear_v not_o at_o all_o neither_o by_o heaven_n for_o it_o be_v god_n throne_n nor_o by_o the_o earth_n for_o it_o be_v his_o footstool_n neither_o by_o jerusalem_n for_o it_o be_v the_o city_n of_o the_o great_a king_n neither_o shall_v thou_o swear_v by_o thy_o head_n because_o thou_o cause_v not_o make_v one_o hair_n white_a or_o black_a but_o let_v your_o communication_n be_v yea_o yea_o nay_o nay_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v more_o than_o these_o come_v of_o evil_a these_o word_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o themselves_o a_o positive_a prohibition_n not_o only_o of_o vain_a oath_n but_o of_o all_o other_o whatsoever_o which_o be_v account_v lawful_a and_o though_o some_o have_v object_v that_o vain_a oath_n be_v only_o forbid_v by_o christ_n 6.16_o heb._n 6.16_o because_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n thus_o write_v for_o man_n very_o swear_v by_o the_o great_a and_o a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n be_v to_o they_o a_o end_v of_o all_o strife_n thence_o infer_v that_o under_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n oath_n by_o way_n of_o testimony_n for_o end_v of_o controversy_n be_v lawful_a yet_o these_o word_n will_v not_o bear_v any_o such_o inserence_n for_o the_o word_n in_o themselves_o do_v only_o signify_v what_o be_v practise_v by_o man_n but_o nothing_o be_v say_v in_o justification_n of_o that_o practice_n and_o if_o we_o peruse_v the_o 13_o and_o 17_o verse_n of_o the_o same_o chapter_n it_o will_v thence_o appear_v that_o the_o occasion_n whereon_o these_o word_n be_v write_v be_v by_o way_n of_o illustration_n or_o comparison_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o promise_n which_o god_n make_v unto_o abraham_n and_o confirm_v by_o a_o oath_n moreover_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o christ_n intend_v the_o prohibition_n of_o something_o which_o be_v lawful_a which_o can_v not_o be_v if_o nothing_o be_v prohibit_v save_o vain_a oath_n because_o such_o the_o law_n allow_v not_o obj._n on_o this_o subject_a some_o may_v ready_o thus_o object_n do_v you_o believe_v that_o the_o light_n within_o will_v have_v direct_v you_o to_o have_v deny_v the_o take_n of_o a_o oath_n before_o a_o magistrate_n on_o any_o occasion_n whatsoever_o have_v the_o scripture_n be_v silent_a in_o this_o case_n ans_fw-fr the_o matter_n of_o swear_v especial_o the_o form_n thereof_o as_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o people_n of_o england_n be_v but_o a_o humane_a political_a institution_n not_o justifiable_a by_o any_o testimony_n give_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n either_o under_o the_o first_o or_o second_o covenant_n and_o introduce_v on_o this_o score_n as_o suppose_v a_o great_a dread_n may_v lie_v on_o the_o conscience_n of_o mankind_n to_o speak_v the_o truth_n and_o perform_v a_o covenant_n when_o swear_v so_o to_o do_v than_z when_o not_o but_o those_o who_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n do_v know_v
that_o by_o this_o light_n which_o speak_v condemnation_n and_o judgement_n unto_o all_o false_a witness_n and_o covenant-breaker_n when_o in_o truth_n they_o have_v covenant_v their_o conscience_n be_v bind_v to_o speak_v the_o truth_n and_o to_o keep_v their_o covenant_n beyond_o what_o be_v possible_a by_o thousand_o of_o oath_n and_o therefore_o from_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n within_o they_o have_v a_o testimony_n against_o such_o formal_a proceed_n whereby_o the_o credit_n of_o their_o yea_o and_o nay_o seem_v to_o be_v call_v in_o question_n have_v this_o sense_n that_o oath_n be_v original_o introduce_v not_o to_o be_v a_o bond_n on_o the_o child_n of_o light_n who_o be_v restore_v out_o of_o the_o fall_n do_v keep_v their_o place_n and_o habitation_n in_o the_o unchangeable_a truth_n and_o light_n of_o righteousness_n but_o rather_o for_o those_o who_o be_v defile_v have_v or_o may_v make_v shipwreck_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o seem_v clear_o agree_v with_o the_o testimony_n of_o chrisostome_n juramentum_fw-la intravit_fw-la cum_fw-la malum_fw-la accresceret_fw-la cum_fw-la homines_fw-la fraud_n svas_fw-la exercerent_fw-la cum_fw-la omne_fw-la fundamenta_fw-la aversa_fw-la essent_fw-la juramentum_fw-la originem_fw-la svam_fw-la accepit_fw-la ex_fw-la defectu_fw-la veritatis_fw-la a_o oath_n enter_v when_o evil_a increase_v when_o man_n utter_v their_o deceit_n when_o all_o foundation_n be_v overturn_v a_o oath_n take_v its_o beginning_n from_o the_o fail_v of_o truth_n and_o though_o it_o be_v clear_o manifest_v that_o a_o denial_n to_o swear_v in_o any_o case_n be_v agreeable_a unto_o the_o manifestation_n of_o christ_n light_n within_o as_o other_o truth_n hold_v forth_o be_v yet_o i_o can_v but_o testify_v that_o those_o who_o understanding_n have_v be_v so_o enlighten_v have_v always_o have_v a_o regard_n unto_o every_o instrument_n through_o which_o the_o conscience_n have_v be_v awaken_v to_o close_o with_o that_o appearance_n in_o themselves_o and_o doubtless_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n have_v be_v in_o this_o case_n so_o instrumental_a unto_o many_o as_o that_o a_o diligent_a enquiry_n at_o god_n witness_n or_o light_n within_o have_v through_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n be_v make_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o so_o the_o answer_n from_o christ_n light_n in_o the_o conscience_n have_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o express_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v so_o strict_o lay_v down_o as_o that_o no_o room_n be_v leave_v for_o the_o least_o objection_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o these_o very_a word_n swear_v not_o at_o all_o which_o doctrine_n by_o the_o apostle_n james_n be_v thus_o testify_v unto_o but_o above_o all_o thing_n my_o brethren_n swear_v not_o neither_o by_o heaven_n neither_o by_o the_o earth_n neither_o by_o any_o other_o oath_n 5.12_o jam._n 5.12_o but_o let_v your_o yea_o be_v yea_o and_o your_o nay_o nay_o lest_o you_o fall_v into_o condemnation_n chap._n viii_o touch_v tithe_n the_o payment_n of_o tithe_n as_o a_o maintenance_n to_o that_o priesthood_n which_o we_o be_v lead_v to_o testify_v against_o at_o our_o first_o convincement_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v general_o deny_v as_o that_o which_o in_o truth_n can_v not_o be_v own_v though_o the_o claimer_n thereof_o have_v pretend_v thereto_o sometime_o by_o divine_a right_n and_o sometime_o by_o humane_a institution_n and_o sometime_o by_o both_o as_o to_o a_o claim_n by_o divine_a right_n though_o they_o be_v so_o due_a under_o the_o first_o covenant_n yet_o that_o can_v be_v convince_o urge_v from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n under_o a_o gospel-dispensation_n for_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n thus_o inform_v we_o they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o son_n of_o levi_n who_o receive_v the_o office_n of_o the_o priesthood_n have_v a_o commandment_n to_o take_v tithe_n of_o the_o people_n according_a to_o the_o law_n heb._n 7.5_o but_o verse_n 12._o he_o thus_o say_v the_o priesthood_n be_v change_v there_o be_v make_v of_o necessity_n a_o change_n also_o of_o the_o law_n and_o verse_n the_o 18_o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n he_o thus_o say_v there_o be_v very_o a_o disannul_n of_o the_o commandment_n go_v before_o which_o clear_o evidence_n that_o since_o the_o law_n be_v change_v and_o the_o commandment_n disannul_v by_o which_o tithe_n be_v pay_v the_o payment_n thereof_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o law_n cease_v and_o so_o all_o claim_n thereto_o by_o divine_a right_n since_o no_o gospel-institution_n can_v be_v quote_v cease_v also_o moreover_o we_o find_v that_o tertullian_n who_o live_v about_o two_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n do_v thus_o write_v 1_o apologetic_n cap._n 39_o neque_fw-la pretio_fw-la ulla_fw-la res_fw-la dei_fw-la constat_fw-la etiam_fw-la siquod_fw-la arcae_fw-la genus_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-fr de_fw-fr oneraria_fw-it summâ_fw-la quasi_fw-la redemptae_fw-la religionis_fw-la congregatur_fw-la modicum_fw-la unusquisque_fw-la stipem_fw-la menstruâ_fw-la die_fw-la vel_fw-la cum_fw-la velit_fw-la &_o si_fw-la modo_fw-la velit_fw-la &_o si_fw-la modo_fw-la possit_fw-la opponit_fw-la nam_fw-la nemo_fw-la compellitur_fw-la sed_fw-la sponte_fw-la confert_fw-la haec_fw-la quasi_fw-la deposita_fw-la pietatis_fw-la sunt_fw-la that_o be_v neither_o be_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n purchase_v with_o a_o price_n also_o if_o there_o be_v any_o kind_n of_o treasury_n it_o be_v not_o gather_v by_o a_o collection_n that_o be_v chargeable_a or_o that_o may_v be_v impose_v as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o price_n of_o a_o ransom_v religion_n every_o one_o lay_v by_o a_o moderate_a stipend_n monthly_o or_o when_o he_o will_v and_o if_o so_o be_v it_o please_v he_o and_o if_o so_o be_v he_o can_v for_o no_o body_n be_v compel_v but_o bestow_v of_o his_o own_o accord_n these_o be_v as_o it_o be_v thing_n commit_v in_o trust_n for_o pious_a use_v selden_n that_o great_a antiquary_n of_o his_o time_n also_o inform_v we_o in_o these_o word_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n further_o to_o justify_v what_o i_o affirm_v take_v this_o of_o epiphanius_n bishop_n of_o constance_n in_o cyprus_n that_o about_o the_o year_n ccclxxx_o write_v against_o the_o heresy_n of_o the_o primitive_a time_n when_o he_o tell_v we_o of_o the_o tessaresdecatitae_fw-la or_o those_o which_o think_v the_o holy_a easter_n must_v be_v keep_v on_o the_o fourteen_o moon_n according_a to_o the_o law_n give_v to_o the_o jew_n for_o their_o passcover_v and_o that_o because_o they_o apprehend_v that_o the_o keep_v it_o otherwise_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n he_o say_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v they_o do_v all_o thing_n or_o agree_v general_o with_o the_o church_n save_v that_o they_o be_v too_o much_o herein_o addict_v to_o the_o jewish_a custom_n and_o in_o his_o argument_n against_o they_o he_o show_v that_o the_o curse_n have_v not_o reference_n only_o to_o the_o passeover_n but_o also_o to_o circumcision_n to_o tithe_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o offering_n wherefore_o as_o he_o go_v on_o if_o they_o escape_v one_o curse_n by_o keep_v their_o easter_n according_a to_o their_o law_n of_o the_o passeover_n they_o thrust_v they_o into_o many_o other_o for_o say_v he_o they_o shall_v find_v they_o also_o curse_v that_o be_v not_o circumcise_a and_o they_o curse_a that_o pay_n not_o tithe_n and_o they_o curse_a that_o offer_n not_o at_o jerusalem_n let_v any_o man_n now_o consider_v if_o this_o bishop_n that_o be_v least_o unacquainted_a with_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n understand_v not_o clear_o that_o no_o necessity_n or_o know_a use_n of_o payment_n be_v among_o christian_n in_o that_o time_n of_o tithe_n no_o more_o than_o of_o circumcision_n or_o offer_v at_o jerusalem_n do_v he_o not_o plain_o reckon_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n not_o only_o not_o in_o christian_a use_n but_o even_o equal_v it_o with_o what_o be_v certain_o abrogate_a be_v not_o his_o objection_n short_o thus_o why_o do_v you_o not_o observe_v circumcision_n and_o tything_n and_o offering_n also_o at_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v all_o subject_n to_o the_o like_a curse_n and_o because_o some_o kind_n of_o offering_n indeed_o be_v in_o use_n among_o christian_n therefore_o in_o the_o objection_n he_o provident_o tie_v they_o to_o jerusalem_n but_o of_o tything_n he_o speak_v as_o general_a as_o of_o circumcision_n observe_v his_o own_o context_n which_o i_o here_o give_v that_o the_o able_a reader_n be_v judgement_n may_v be_v free_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v so_o that_o if_o they_o avoid_v one_o curse_n they_o shall_v fall_v under_o many_o other_o for_o such_o shall_v be_v also_o find_v accurse_a as_o be_v uncircumcised_a such_o accurse_a as_o tithe_n not_o and_o they_o be_v also_o accurse_v in_o the_o old_a law_n that_o offer_v not_o at_o jerusalem_n i_o now_o come_v to_o examine_v whether_o a_o claim_n by_o humane_a institution_n be_v warrantable_a as_o a_o reward_n to_o a_o gospel-minister_n to_o run_v through_o the_o many_o institution_n
subjection_n to_o christ_n the_o head_n to_o who_o all_o power_n be_v give_v in_o and_o over_o his_o church_n who_o be_v fellow-member_n and_o fellow-servant_n of_o and_o in_o his_o body_n who_o power_n and_o prevalency_n with_o the_o lord_n be_v better_a demonstrate_v by_o covet_v to_o wash_v each_o other_o foot_n according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n their_o lord_n and_o master_n than_o to_o be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o outward_a jurisdiction_n as_o lord_n and_o master_n over_o each_o other_o for_o that_o agree_v not_o with_o the_o testimony_n of_o paul_n rom._n 14.10_o who_o thus_o say_v why_o do_v thou_o judge_v thy_o brother_n why_o do_v thou_o despise_v thy_o brother_n for_o we_o shall_v all_o appear_v before_o the_o judgment-seat_n of_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v write_v say_v the_o lord_n every_o knee_n shall_v bow_v to_o i_o and_o all_o tongue_n shall_v confess_v unto_o god_n so_o than_o every_o one_o of_o we_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n of_o himself_o to_o god_n let_v we_o not_o therefore_o judge_v one_o another_o any_o more_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n put_v i_o in_o mind_n that_o there_o be_v some_o who_o in_o their_o buisy_n mind_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v consider_v what_o sort_n of_o joy_n heaven_n yield_v to_o the_o faithful_a after_o this_o life_n whenas_o their_o time_n will_v undoubted_o be_v much_o better_o spend_v in_o contemplate_v how_o to_o come_v thither_o or_o if_o they_o have_v assurance_n thereof_o to_o be_v demonstrate_v the_o way_n to_o other_o if_o call_v thereto_o to_o this_o sort_n may_v such_o be_v liken_v who_o will_v needs_o give_v themselves_o the_o trouble_n to_o treat_v how_o far_o christ_n government_n extend_v though_o of_o its_o increase_n there_o be_v no_o end_n and_o in_o what_o case_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o give_v forth_o positive_a sentence_n that_o may_v oblige_v believer_n though_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o acceptable_a bond_n upon_o the_o 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testimony_n of_o truth_n have_v be_v that_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o foolish_a weak_a and_o vile_a despise_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o wise_a and_o mighty_a r._n b._n further_n say_v page_n 68_o first_o that_o there_o never_o will_v nor_o can_v be_v want_v in_o case_n of_o controversy_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o give_v judgement_n through_o some_o or_o other_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n so_o long_o as_o any_o assembly_n can_v proper_o or_o in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n be_v so_o term_v second_o that_o god_n ordinary_o have_v employ_v such_o who_o he_o have_v make_v use_n of_o in_o gather_v his_o church_n though_o not_o exclude_v other_o three_o that_o their_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la give_v a_o positive_a judgement_n in_o such_o case_n will_v not_o import_v tyranny_n and_o usurpation_n neither_o will_v the_o pretence_n of_o any_o contradict_v they_o or_o refuse_v to_o submit_v on_o the_o account_n they_o see_v it_o not_o excuse_v they_o of_o be_v guilty_a of_o disobey_v god_n but_o of_o these_o three_o assertion_n may_v be_v collect_v without_o the_o least_o abuse_n of_o the_o author_n word_n this_o short_a ensue_a sentence_n that_o a_o person_n be_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o positive_a judgement_n touch_v controversy_n give_v by_o any_o assembly_n or_o at_o least_o by_o some_o or_o other_o of_o they_o which_o may_v in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n be_v term_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v disobedience_n to_o god_n though_o the_o person_n refuse_v pretend_v they_o refuse_v to_o submit_v on_o the_o account_n they_o see_v it_o not_o by_o this_o sort_n of_o language_n every_o one_o must_v not_o only_o now_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v of_o which_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v misunderstand_v i_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o what_o shall_v be_v write_v thereon_o in_o what_o hereafter_o follow_v but_o also_o must_v believe_v as_o any_o assembly_n or_o some_o or_o other_o of_o they_o do_v which_o in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n may_v be_v term_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o at_o least_o submit_v to_o such_o though_o the_o person_n refuse_v shall_v pretend_v they_o see_v it_o not_o he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v a_o body_n of_o darkness_n and_o confusion_n herein_o what_o a_o long_a step_n at_o once_o be_v here_o from_z under_z christ_n government_n that_o now_o submission_n must_v be_v to_o any_o assembly_n or_o some_o or_o other_o of_o they_o that_o in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n may_v be_v term_v christ_n church_n nay_o if_o the_o want_n of_o sight_n be_v lay_v for_o a_o excuse_n shall_v not_o excuse_v submission_n may_v i_o not_o far_o say_v what_o a_o long_a step_n at_o once_o be_v this_o to_o magnify_v that_o devotion_n whereof_o ignorance_n be_v the_o mother_n and_o that_o zeal_n which_o be_v without_o knowledge_n be_v here_o any_o room_n leave_v to_o see_v and_o savour_v for_o ourselves_o and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o apparent_a mark_n of_o a_o impose_v usurp_a spirit_n and_o a_o evident_a abuse_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o ancient_a labourer_n therein_o who_o testimony_n be_v we_o preach_v not_o ourselves_o nor_o yet_o that_o you_o shall_v be_v follower_n of_o we_o otherwise_o than_o as_o you_o have_v a_o inward_a sense_n in_o yourselves_o that_o we_o be_v follower_n of_o christ_n let_v god_n witness_n in_o all_o judge_n to_o the_o same_o witness_n i_o can_v but_o yet_o appeal_v whether_o the_o submission_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v aim_v at_o be_v not_o one_o of_o the_o great_a step_n to_o a_o apostasy_n that_o have_v appear_v in_o our_o age_n or_o since_o the_o truth_n have_v in_o these_o latter_a year_n be_v publish_v among_o we_o for_o i_o do_v know_v have_v be_v a_o witness_n of_o the_o primitive_a gather_n and_o testimony_n among_o we_o in_o these_o latter_a age_n that_o one_o
part_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o administration_n under_o which_o thousand_o in_o these_o nation_n be_v gather_v unto_o god_n do_v consist_v in_o this_o that_o after_o they_o have_v be_v wander_v from_o mountain_n to_o hill_n from_o under_o one_o form_n and_o outward_a church-fellowship_n into_o another_o they_o come_v to_o be_v turn_v to_o the_o sure_a guide_n in_o themselves_o christ_n light_n and_o warn_v not_o to_o look_v out_o neither_o to_o be_v in_o the_o lo_n here_o be_v and_o the_o lo_n there_o be_v but_o to_o be_v faithful_a to_o their_o own_o measure_n for_o that_o according_a to_o paul_n testimony_n god_n grace_n be_v give_v to_o every_o one_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n but_o to_o return_v let_v we_o examine_v how_o he_o prove_v his_o first_o assertion_n viz._n that_o there_o never_o will_v nor_o can_v be_v want_v in_o case_n of_o controversy_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o give_v judgement_n through_o some_o or_o other_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n so_o long_o as_o any_o assembly_n can_v proper_o or_o in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n be_v so_o term_v his_o proof_n be_v on_o this_o wise_a for_o the_o first_o say_v he_o to_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o scripture_n there_o will_v need_v no_o other_o probation_n than_o that_o of_o the_o 28_o of_o matthew_n and_o the_o 20_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o verse_n 18._o and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o how_o this_o prove_v the_o matter_n to_o i_o appear_v not_o for_o these_o scripture_n do_v neither_o express_o nor_o by_o any_o natural_a consequence_n say_v that_o any_o assembly_n be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o may_v in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n be_v so_o term_v nor_o yet_o speak_v any_o thing_n of_o controversy_n arise_v among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v he_o bring_v the_o first_o scripture_n to_o prove_v that_o christ_n will_v be_v with_o such_o who_o he_o at_o this_o day_n make_v use_v of_o to_o teach_v all_o nation_n as_o he_o do_v his_o disciple_n at_o that_o day_n whilst_o they_o shall_v teach_v to_o observe_v the_o thing_n that_o christ_n to_o who_o all_o power_n be_v give_v command_v not_o the_o command_v of_o assembly_n which_o may_v in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n be_v term_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o thing_n that_o christ_n command_v he_o have_v exact_o hit_v the_o mark_n but_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n the_o aforesaid_a author_n seem_v by_o his_o word_n to_o drive_v at_o it_o be_v far_o from_o be_v to_o the_o purpose_n and_o as_o to_o the_o second_o scripture_n have_v he_o bring_v it_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o that_o church_n which_o be_v build_v on_o the_o rock_n christ_n it_o will_v have_v answer_v the_o end_n but_o alas_o it_o be_v far_o remote_a from_o prove_v that_o god_n spirit_n will_v appear_v to_o decide_v controversy_n in_o every_o assembly_n that_o in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n can_v be_v term_v christ_n church_n and_o so_o i_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o these_o and_o several_a other_o scripture_n which_o he_o have_v quote_v as_o proof_n of_o his_o assertion_n seem_v rather_o strain_v to_o vindicate_v what_o he_o assert_n than_o that_o his_o assertion_n be_v according_a to_o it_o on_o which_o hand_n he_o say_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n that_o both_o papist_n and_o protestant_n have_v great_o go_v aside_o which_o may_v have_v be_v a_o caution_n to_o he_o not_o to_o have_v err_v in_o the_o same_o path_n as_o now_o he_o have_v do_v let_v we_o a_o little_a further_o examine_v his_o word_n tolerable_a supposition_n when_o we_o be_v not_o certain_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n and_o yet_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v it_o be_v or_o may_v be_v so_o we_o common_o say_v my_o supposition_n be_v that_o it_o be_v or_o may_v be_v so_o and_o though_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n adjoin_v to_o the_o word_n supposition_n tolerable_a yet_o that_o ascertain_v nothing_o it_o only_o import_v such_o a_o supposition_n may_v be_v sufferable_a that_o be_v may_v be_v suffer_v to_o be_v a_o supposition_n not_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v assembly_n obvious_a to_o every_o eye_n that_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o christianity_n which_o can_v on_o any_o term_n be_v suppose_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v other_o assembly_n which_o have_v several_a mark_n and_o token_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n so_o far_o as_o several_a thing_n outward_a profess_a and_o act_v may_v be_v such_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o not_o own_v by_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o present_a age_n as_o well_o as_o age_n past_a yield_v many_o precedent_n to_o prove_v the_o same_o for_o that_o it_o be_v obvious_a there_o have_v be_v many_o assembly_n under_o various_a form_n who_o profess_v faith_n in_o christ_n work_v of_o righteousness_n and_o divers_a truth_n own_a by_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n now_o whether_o such_o thing_n profess_v and_o own_a may_v not_o be_v ground_n for_o a_o tolerable_a supposition_n that_o such_o assembly_n be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n i_o leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o impartial_a and_o judicious_a reader_n have_v this_o further_a testimony_n to_o add_v that_o the_o world_n have_v too_o much_o be_v trouble_v with_o the_o sentence_n decree_n and_o decisive_n judgement_n of_o too_o many_o assembly_n suppose_v to_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o that_o on_o tolerable_a supposition_n have_v be_v so_o term_v who_o have_v rather_o increase_v than_o end_v controversy_n as_o history_n do_v at_o large_a manifest_a and_o since_o r._n b._n undertake_v by_o reason_n to_o evidence_n the_o same_o i_o shall_v according_a to_o the_o line_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o truth_n take_v upon_o i_o further_o to_o discover_v the_o fallacy_n of_o his_o so_o confident_a assertion_n the_o qualification_n of_o a_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n be_v sanctification_n through_o the_o spirit_n wheresoever_o any_o number_n of_o person_n so_o qualify_v be_v assemble_v in_o christ_n name_n there_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n though_o they_o be_v of_o that_o number_n who_o be_v of_o the_o low_a degree_n or_o rank_n in_o the_o body_n now_o a_o assembly_n of_o such_o member_n may_v be_v as_o insensible_a and_o void_a of_o understanding_n in_o many_o divine_a matter_n and_o mystery_n relate_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n may_v be_v insensible_a of_o what_o the_o eye_n do_v see_v and_o so_o may_v have_v case_n of_o controversy_n bring_v before_o they_o whereof_o they_o be_v no_o more_o competent_a judge_n not_o be_v gift_v thereunto_o by_o the_o spirit_n than_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n be_v capable_a to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o diversity_n of_o voice_n and_o sound_v or_o the_o 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the_o truth_n those_o who_o refuse_v so_o to_o assent_v may_v be_v subject_a to_o a_o excommunication_n by_o g._n e._n and_o his_o adherent_n from_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o men._n beside_o it_o have_v be_v a_o observation_n of_o late_a that_o these_o question_n or_o question_n to_o the_o like_a import_n have_v be_v frequent_o ask_v by_o such_o with_o who_o we_o can_v be_v at_o unity_n in_o all_o thing_n viz._n be_v you_o for_o womens-meeting_n mean_v distinct_a womens-meeting_n from_o man_n among_o who_o under_o pretence_n of_o take_v care_n of_o the_o poor_a another_o thing_n seem_v to_o be_v more_o chief_o aim_v at_o as_o anon_o will_v be_v make_v appear_v be_v you_o for_o record_v condemnation_n mean_v thereby_o whether_o the_o party_n who_o have_v condemn_v their_o fail_n and_o through_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v restore_v and_o their_o offence_n blot_v out_o and_o forgive_v by_o he_o assent_v thereto_o or_o no_o be_v you_o for_o settle_a mouthly_a and_o quarterly-meeting_n touch_v outward_a business_n since_o those_o who_o will_v have_v meeting_n as_o occasion_n offer_v be_v account_v designer_n to_o throw_v down_o all_o meeting_n for_o outward_a business_n relate_v to_o the_o affair_n of_o truth_n and_o when_o these_o or_o such_o like_a question_n have_v be_v ask_v of_o friend_n in_o truth_n that_o can_v not_o answer_v thereto_o yea_o we_o be_v sensible_a that_o it_o have_v be_v take_v by_o many_o adherent_n to_o g._n f._n as_o a_o sufficient_a token_n of_o a_o dark_a leaven_a rend_v divide_v spirit_n and_o mere_o as_o we_o take_v it_o from_o a_o apprehension_n that_o the_o form_n they_o stand_v for_o be_v thereby_o strike_v at_o though_o the_o service_n will_v be_v effectual_o perform_v in_o another_o method_n as_o experience_n in_o the_o county_n of_o westmoreland_n and_o wilts_n have_v of_o late_o testify_v for_o be_v it_o not_o so_o that_o great_a stress_n be_v lay_v upon_o the_o outward_a form_n of_o thing_n prescribe_v to_o be_v practise_v how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o john_n story_n be_v article_v against_o by_o robert_n barrow_n of_o kendal_n and_o twenty-six_a other_o person_n as_o in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o manuscript_n this_o mean_v the_o aforesaid_a historical_a manuscript_n treatise_n section_n the_o four_o appear_v on_o this_o wise_a in_o the_o five_o article_n viz._n john_n story_n speak_v among_o many_o friend_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o form_n because_o of_o the_o consequence_n that_o may_v follow_v say_v that_o among_o the_o christian_n of_o old_a the_o difference_n that_o do_v arise_v be_v about_o form_n which_o can_v not_o be_v seasonable_a word_n when_o we_o be_v establish_v the_o church_n in_o the_o holy_a order_n of_o truth_n much_o more_o may_v be_v collect_v from_o the_o article_n be_v forty-four_a in_o number_n exhibit_v by_o the_o aforesaid_a robert_n barrow_n etc._n etc._n to_o show_v how_o earnest_o and_o zealous_o the_o very_a outward_a form_n of_o thing_n be_v contend_v for_o which_o occasion_n we_o in_o all_o seriousness_n of_o spirit_n thus_o to_o say_v may_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n so_o preserve_v his_o people_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v ensnare_v by_o those_o who_o have_v raise_v so_o great_a contention_n about_o the_o outward_a form_n of_o thing_n prescribe_v to_o be_v practise_v among_o the_o professor_n of_o truth_n lest_o they_o with_o they_o prove_v to_o be_v boaster_n proud_a blasphemous_a false_a accuser_n despiser_n of_o those_o that_o be_v good_a which_o be_v the_o very_a mark_n and_o token_n of_o those_o who_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o from_o who_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v to_o turn_v away_o and_o how_o far_o these_o mark_v rest_n upon_o many_o of_o those_o who_o so_o earnest_o contend_v for_o their_o outward_a form_n we_o leave_v to_o the_o impartial_a reader_n with_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n to_o judge_n when_o he_o have_v thorough_o peruse_v this_o manuscript_n this_o mean_v the_o aforesaid_a historical_a manuscript_n treatise_n especial_o the_o second_o part._n oh_o friend_n the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n bow_v we_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o mercy_n to_o we_o we_o can_v no_o long_o keep_v silence_n but_o in_o his_o fear_n declare_v unto_o all_o that_o our_o conscience_n be_v concern_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o since_o it_o be_v so_o that_o a_o ill_a use_n be_v make_v of_o that_o spirit_n of_o forbearance_n and_o condescension_n which_o we_o be_v sensible_a have_v be_v use_v by_o many_o of_o our_o brethren_n it_o be_v now_o become_v our_o portion_n to_o unburthen_v ourselves_o of_o that_o which_o have_v be_v our_o burden_n believe_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o only_a arisen_n but_o will_v yet_o more_o and_o more_o arise_v against_o that_o spirit_n that_o will_v exalt_v itself_o over_o the_o heritage_n of_o god_n endeavour_v to_o rule_v over_o their_o conscience_n whenas_o christ_n alone_o be_v lord_n thereof_o it_o may_v be_v now_o worthy_a our_o observation_n to_o consider_v whether_o any_o encouragement_n be_v give_v by_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n christ_n jesus_n whilst_o on_o earth_n unto_o his_o disciple_n to_o become_v ruler_n one_o over_o another_o we_o find_v that_o he_o exhort_v his_o disciple_n judge_v not_o that_o you_o be_v not_o judge_v be_v not_o you_o call_v rabbi_n 23.8_o matth._n 7.1_o &_o 23.8_o for_o one_o be_v your_o master_n even_o christ_n and_o all_o you_o be_v brethren_n but_o he_o that_o be_v great_a among_o you_o shall_v be_v your_o servant_n and_o whosoever_o shall_v exalt_v himself_o shall_v be_v abase_v and_o he_o that_o shall_v humble_v himself_o shall_v be_v exalt_v here_o be_v no_o good_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o christ_n intend_v that_o when_o he_o be_v depart_v his_o disciple_n shall_v be_v exalt_v themselves_o one_o over_o another_o as_o governor_n and_o ruler_n and_o if_o we_o consult_v the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o though_o his_o disciple_n have_v a_o dependency_n upon_o he_o whilst_o in_o his_o bodily_a appearance_n to_o be_v their_o leader_n yet_o he_o tell_v they_o 13._o john_n 16.7_o 13._o it_o be_v expedient_a for_o you_o that_o i_o go_v away_o for_o if_o i_o go_v not_o away_o the_o comforter_n will_v not_o come_v unto_o you_o but_o if_o i_o depart_v i_o will_v send_v he_o unto_o you_o and_o he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n for_o he_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o have_v it_o be_v so_o that_o christ_n jesus_n intend_v the_o exaltation_n of_o one_o of_o his_o disciple_n as_o a_o head_n or_o supreme_a unto_o who_o the_o rest_n ought_v to_o have_v have_v a_o eye_n in_o a_o more_o particular_a manner_n than_o ordinary_a he_o will_v have_v undoubted_o signify_v so_o much_o but_o doubtless_o he_o see_v that_o their_o eye_n and_o dependency_n be_v too_o much_o on_o his_o outward_a and_o bodily_a appearance_n and_o therefore_o signify_v it_o be_v expedient_a i_o go_v hence_o that_o the_o comforter_n come_v agreeable_a to_o which_o be_v the_o apostle_n word_n though_o we_o have_v know_v christ_n after_o the_o flesh_n yet_o henceforth_o know_v we_o he_o no_o more_o that_o be_v to_o say_v after_o the_o flesh_n no_o more_o all_o which_o do_v clear_o demonstrate_v unto_o we_o it_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o under_o this_o administration_n we_o shall_v have_v our_o eye_n out_o unto_o man_n but_o that_o our_o great_a dependency_n shall_v be_v on_o that_o comforter_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o christ_n testify_v the_o father_n will_v send_v in_o his_o name_n to_o teach_v we_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o this_o comforter_n shall_v be_v in_o we_o and_o therefore_o on_o this_o occasion_n it_o be_v with_o we_o to_o give_v this_o further_a testimony_n that_o every_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v through_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n make_v dead_a unto_o any_o other_o law_n save_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n manifest_v through_o the_o arise_v of_o christ_n by_o his_o appearance_n in_o every_o such_o member_n and_o so_o as_o particular_a member_n be_v become_v marry_v unto_o he_o and_o have_v all_o fellowship_n each_o with_o other_o in_o the_o spirit_n those_o who_o be_v such_o aught_o to_o demean_v themselves_o each_o towards_o other_o full_a of_o love_n charity_n bowel_n of_o compassion_n long-suffering_a forbearance_n meekness_n humility_n patience_n gentleness_n and_o of_o all_o other_o virtue_n that_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o as_o to_o obedience_n every_o member_n owe_v that_o unto_o christ_n his_o head_n unto_o who_o 10.5_o 2_o cor._n 10.5_o every_o thought_n according_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n ought_v to_o be_v bring_v into_o obedience_n thus_o
a_o great_a thing_n to_o give_v up_o the_o life_n and_o soul_n and_o to_o die_v for_o the_o lord_n jesus_n than_o to_o give_v up_o the_o good_n and_o estate_n and_o suffer_v the_o spoil_n of_o the_o good_n for_o christ_n sake_n and_o worship_v of_o god_n and_o whether_o or_o no_o they_o that_o can_v suffer_v the_o spoil_v of_o their_o good_n for_o god_n and_o christ_n sake_n worship_n sake_n can_v give_v up_o their_o life_n and_o suffer_v for_o christ_n who_o have_v dye_v and_o suffer_v for_o you_o and_o whether_o or_o no_o they_o that_o make_v away_o their_o estate_n to_o the_o world_n lest_o they_o shall_v lose_v they_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n do_v not_o they_o distrust_v god_n of_o keep_v they_o who_o they_o be_v indeed_o and_o have_v more_o belief_n and_o trust_n in_o the_o world_n than_o they_o have_v in_o god_n and_o whether_o this_o spirit_n that_o do_v so_o be_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n that_o do_v lust_n to_o envy_n and_o not_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o his_o wisdom_n but_o that_o which_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a and_o devilish_a that_o will_v have_v its_o liberty_n and_o not_o the_o wisdom_n that_o be_v above_o that_o be_v pure_a peaceable_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v and_o whether_o he_o that_o will_v save_v his_o life_n and_o not_o lose_v it_o for_o christ_n sake_n do_v not_o he_o think_v to_o be_v his_o own_o saviour_n and_o not_o christ_n and_o whether_o he_o that_o will_v save_v his_o estate_n and_o not_o lose_v it_o for_o christ_n sake_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n by_o make_v it_o away_o to_o the_o world_n in_o time_n of_o suffering_n shall_v not_o lose_v it_o and_o so_o whether_o it_o be_v safe_a in_o this_o case_n to_o make_v away_o your_o estate_n to_o the_o world_n that_o can_v save_v its_o own_o or_o to_o make_v or_o commend_v it_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n creator_n of_o all_o and_o jesus_n christ_n by_o who_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v who_o uphold_v all_o thing_n by_o his_o word_n and_o power_n and_o the_o great_a lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o all_o thing_n therein_o and_o which_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n a_o sparrow_n shall_v not_o fall_v without_o the_o will_n of_o he_o that_o make_v they_o george_n fox_n read_v this_o among_o friend_n and_o send_v a_o copy_n of_o it_o to_o naylsworth_n the_o aforesaid_a paper_n be_v read_v in_o the_o mens-meeting_a of_o friend_n in_o the_o city_n of_o bristol_n william_n rogers_n bear_v testimony_n against_o it_o in_o the_o meeting_n at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o that_o which_o reach_v not_o his_o conscience_n come_v from_o g._n f._n and_o have_v therefore_o a_o concern_v upon_o he_o to_o write_v a_o answer_n thereto_o which_o follow_v george_n fox_n have_v by_o his_o paper_n date_a london_n the_o four_o month_n 1678._o propose_v many_o query_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o be_v read_v in_o our_o mens-meeting_a of_o friend_n in_o the_o city_n of_o bristol_n it_o be_v now_o with_o i_o be_v present_a in_o the_o say_v meet_v at_o the_o read_n thereof_o to_o write_v something_o in_o answer_n thereto_o to_o be_v read_v in_o the_o say_v mens-meeting_a and_o as_o he_o be_v order_v to_o be_v send_v to_o naylsworth_n i_o desir_fw-fr that_o this_o also_o may_v be_v send_v thither_o to_o be_v read_v among_o friend_n and_o also_o send_v to_o g._n f._n that_o so_o he_o may_v answer_v the_o query_n i_o now_o propose_v the_o above-recited_n paper_n i_o take_v to_o be_v whole_o make_v up_o of_o query_n to_o all_o those_o who_o do_v make_v away_o their_o estate_n for_o fear_v of_o the_o spoiler_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n except_v this_o one_o sentence_n of_o exhortation_n viz._n do_v not_o distrust_n and_o despair_v of_o god_n almighty_n his_o protect_a and_o deliver_v you_o with_o his_o almighty_a power_n the_o query_n be_v contract_v amount_n to_o thus_o much_o be_v you_o sensible_a the_o earth_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o that_o he_o give_v the_o increase_n and_o that_o how_o he_o may_v try_v you_o whether_o your_o mind_n be_v in_o the_o creature_n or_o with_o the_o creator_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o a_o great_a thing_n to_o give_v up_o the_o life_n and_o to_o die_v for_o the_o lord_n jesus_n than_o to_o give_v up_o good_n and_o estate_n whether_o those_o that_o can_v suffer_v spoil_v of_o good_n for_o christ_n sake_n can_v give_v up_o their_o life_n whether_o those_o that_o make_v away_o their_o estate_n lest_o they_o shall_v lose_v they_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n do_v not_o distrust_n god_n of_o keep_v they_o and_o have_v moâ—â—_n belief_n and_o trust_n in_o the_o world_n than_o god_n and_o whether_o this_o spirit_n that_o do_v so_o be_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n that_o do_v lust_n to_o envy_n and_o not_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o his_o wisdom_n but_o that_o which_o be_v below_o which_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a and_o devilish_a that_o will_v have_v its_o liberty_n ans_fw-fr to_o the_o exhortation_n i_o say_v it_o be_v in_o itself_o good_a but_o will_v have_v much_o 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man_n on_o the_o part_n of_o our_o opposer_n in_o public_a meeting_n for_o worship_n of_o god_n have_v frequent_o be_v cause_n of_o stumble_v to_o some_o so_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v that_o jealousy_n have_v be_v ready_a to_o enter_v many_o that_o though_o the_o name_n of_o christianity_n be_v retain_v among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n yet_o that_o the_o nature_n life_n and_o doctrine_n thereof_o have_v suffer_v shipwreck_n among_o they_o if_o all_o under_o that_o name_n ought_v at_o this_o day_n to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o deportment_n and_o doctrine_n of_o some_o the_o particular_a instance_n of_o such_o deportment_n and_o doctrine_n whereof_o i_o have_v be_v eye_n and_o earwitness_a may_v fill_v a_o large_a volumn_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o be_v grant_v it_o can_v but_o by_o every_o considerate_a and_o impartial_a reader_n be_v think_v needful_a enough_o that_o a_o testimony_n unto_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n ancient_o hold_v forth_o among_o they_o may_v 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and_o fall_v answ_n nay_o the_o consideration_n induce_v i_o so_o to_o answer_n be_v these_o though_o this_o treatise_n declare_v that_o there_o be_v division_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n yet_o that_o be_v not_o more_o than_o what_o to_o my_o knowledge_n be_v public_o know_v both_o to_o professor_n and_o profane_a and_o that_o from_o observation_n of_o such_o in_o the_o public_a meeting_n for_o worship_n for_o many_o month_n if_o not_o year_n pass_v as_o be_v not_o repute_v to_o be_v of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n the_o occasion_n of_o such_o observation_n in_o some_o meeting_n have_v be_v so_o frequent_o give_v as_o that_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v as_o impossible_a to_o cover_v the_o knowledge_n thereof_o as_o that_o which_o have_v be_v proclaim_v by_o a_o common_a bell-man_n and_o the_o instrument_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v be_v the_o proclaimer_n hereof_o have_v be_v such_o as_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o preacher_n in_o god_n name_n though_o 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be_v in_o a_o heavenly_a fellowship_n each_o with_o other_o but_o if_o on_o the_o contrary_a such_o as_o be_v seek_v after_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n have_v be_v disaffect_v with_o they_o in_o general_a from_o a_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o their_o division_n and_o the_o unsound_a doctrine_n hold_v forth_o by_o some_o and_o yet_o shall_v but_o serious_o ponder_v this_o treatise_n it_o may_v become_v a_o mean_n unto_o such_o to_o eschew_v the_o evil_a and_o embrace_v the_o good_a by_o incline_v their_o heart_n unto_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n herein_o hold_v forth_o and_o not_o suffer_v the_o offence_n give_v by_o such_o among_o they_o as_o have_v retain_v the_o name_n but_o not_o the_o nature_n nor_o yet_o in_o some_o respect_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n so_o to_o enter_v as_o to_o hinder_v their_o perseverance_n and_o growth_n in_o the_o true_a faith_n until_o at_o length_n they_o may_v come_v into_o union_n and_o fellowship_n 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witness_n from_o the_o hear_n of_o my_o ear_n have_v in_o public_a meeting_n for_o worship_n be_v publish_v viz._n have_v your_o eye_n to_o the_o brethren_n mean_v thereby_o public_a preacher_n if_o you_o do_v not_o see_v yourselves_o follow_v we_o that_o do_v see_v and_o frequent_o exhort_v to_o shut_v out_o the_o reason_n the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o jealousy_n without_o distinction_n which_o be_v compare_v with_o these_o primitive_a and_o wholesome_a exhortation_n and_o doctrine_n wisdom_n be_v justify_v of_o her_o child_n look_v not_o unto_o we_o but_o unto_o the_o lord_n take_v heed_n unto_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n in_o your_o own_o conscience_n draw_v water_n out_o of_o your_o own_o well_n let_v it_o be_v your_o own_o and_o not_o another_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o more_o like_o the_o language_n of_o those_o shepherd_n who_o as_o the_o prophet_n say_v seek_v for_o their_o gain_n from_o their_o quarter_n than_o the_o language_n of_o such_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v anoint_v to_o 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