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the_o pure_a stream_n which_o flow_v from_o the_o pure_a meek_a principle_n of_o god_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n which_o come_v from_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o good_a that_o be_v to_o drive_v away_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n where_o that_o have_v passage_n it_o refresh_v and_o keep_v green_a and_o fresh_a in_o a_o good_a savour_n to_o god_n and_o man_n but_o you_o ranter_n have_v lose_v its_o savour_n be_v exalt_v above_o that_o which_o be_v lowly_a and_o good_a be_v under_o a_o great_a imagination_n of_o a_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n on_o which_o through_o the_o subtlety_n of_o the_o serpent_n feed_v you_o be_v become_v dead_a to_o any_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o virtue_n that_o flow_v from_o the_o live_a power_n from_o whence_o through_o disobedience_n you_o be_v shut_v out_o what_o a_o do_v you_o be_v make_v some_o cry_v out_o against_o meet_v as_o formal_a and_o that_o you_o feel_v not_o the_o power_n that_o be_v among_o they_o which_o 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be_v and_o may_v be_v receive_v through_o faith_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o they_o who_o do_v true_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n in_o they_o which_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n and_o therefore_o universal_a and_o take_v that_o for_o a_o rule_n and_o guide_v to_o walk_v by_o out_o of_o darkness_n and_o to_o guide_v and_o lead_v into_o all_o truth_n oh_o it_o be_v the_o carnal_a mind_n which_o be_v enmity_n against_o god_n 8.7_o rom._n 8.7_o for_o it_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n neither_o indeed_o can_v be_v it_o be_v that_o mind_n that_o will_v make_v void_a this_o love_n of_o god_n in_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o every_o man_n to_o profit_n with_o as_o say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 2.14_o but_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v therefore_o it_o be_v of_o necessity_n for_o all_o to_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o revelation_n and_o manifestation_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n in_o they_o if_o ever_o they_o come_v to_o a_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o love_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n testify_v unto_o in_o old_a time_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v good_a for_o all_o to_o consider_v what_o state_n they_o be_v in_o whether_o in_o a_o natural_a or_o spiritual_a whether_o in_o a_o capacity_n to_o receive_v a_o understanding_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n testify_v of_o in_o the_o scripture_n or_o whether_o in_o a_o natural_a estate_n wrest_v they_o to_o their_o own_o destruction_n in_o that_o state_n what_o false_a conception_n about_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n be_v bring_v forth_o the_o which_o gender_n to_o bondage_n and_o corruption_n and_o in_o this_o worldly_a wisdom_n what_o diversity_n of_o invention_n do_v people_n get_v make_v and_o find_v out_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o cross_n which_o christ_n exhort_v his_o follower_n to_o take_v up_o daily_o and_o follow_v he_o though_o this_o may_v be_v account_v as_o foolishness_n to_o they_o that_o perish_v yet_o as_o say_v the_o apostle_n but_o unto_o we_o that_o be_v save_v it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o the_o intent_n in_o the_o move_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n in_o holy_a man_n in_o give_v forth_o those_o bless_a testimony_n of_o god_n righteousness_n and_o love_n therein_o unto_o the_o world_n that_o people_n in_o their_o carnal_a mind_n and_o natural_a estate_n shall_v cover_v their_o unrighteousness_n therein_o and_o deck_v and_o trim_v themselves_o therewith_o for_o some_o selfish_a advantage_n the_o which_o be_v very_o presumptuous_a sin_n that_o have_v get_v dominion_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o who_o do_v account_v themselves_o leader_n of_o the_o people_n and_o indeed_o if_o the_o people_n do_v not_o love_v to_o have_v it_o so_o they_o will_v bow_v to_o the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n love_n and_o mercy_n in_o they_o but_o be_v contrary_n mind_v then_o to_o yield_v to_o the_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n in_o the_o move_n of_o his_o good_a spirit_n how_o great_o do_v they_o provoke_v the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n in_o grieve_v and_o vex_v of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n as_o say_v the_o prophet_n isaiah_n in_o another_o case_n 63.10_o but_o they_o rebel_v and_o vex_v his_o holy_a spirit_n therefore_o he_o be_v turn_v to_o be_v their_o enemy_n and_o he_o fight_v against_o they_o in_o that_o state_n it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_n i_o do_v therefore_o beseech_v all_o to_o be_v considerate_a in_o this_o weighty_a concern_n wherein_o the_o soul_n immortal_a be_v so_o deep_o concern_v and_o let_v not_o the_o day_n of_o god_n visitation_n in_o and_o by_o the_o strive_n of_o his_o good_a spirit_n pass_v over_o your_o head_n lest_o you_o be_v leave_v mourning_n and_o grieve_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o without_o any_o certain_a hope_n of_o all_o the_o saint_n and_o sanctify_a in_o the_o truth_n and_o through_o the_o bless_a operation_n and_o revelation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o truth_n he_o be_v now_o the_o hope_n of_o all_o they_o who_o be_v real_a denier_n of_o that_o which_o have_v a_o tendency_n of_o grieve_v and_o quench_v his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o in_o this_o be_v christ_n doctrine_n obey_v in_o deny_v that_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n who_o bless_a will_n be_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o and_o for_o that_o end_n have_v he_o give_v of_o his_o good_a spirit_n unto_o all_o the_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v take_v unto_o by_o all_o the_o gainsaying_n of_o the_o strive_v thereof_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o world_n overthrow_n of_o old_a in_o that_o they_o grieve_v his_o good_a spirit_n and_o therein_o provoke_v the_o lord_n of_o glory_n till_o in_o his_o hot_a displeasure_n he_o say_v his_o spirit_n shall_v not_o always_o strive_v with_o they_o and_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n crucify_a the_o lord_n of_o glory_n by_o their_o wicked_a hand_n be_v by_o their_o do_v despite_n unto_o god_n holy_a spirit_n they_o be_v stiff_o neck_v do_v resist_v the_o move_a and_o strive_v of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n as_o their_o father_n do_v before_o they_o which_o bring_v those_o sad_a and_o miserable_a calamity_n which_o may_v be_v read_v of_o upon_o they_o and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o ignorance_n in_o day_n age_n and_o generation_n past_a be_v now_o the_o cause_n of_o great_a ignorance_n in_o which_o the_o people_n live_v in_o error_n know_v not_o the_o scripture_n nor_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o for_o want_v of_o the_o knowledge_n thereof_o people_n do_v perish_v thus_o plain_a and_o evident_a it_o be_v to_o all_o who_o have_v the_o eye_n of_o their_o understanding_n open_v that_o they_o who_o be_v true_a owner_n of_o the_o scripture_n their_o sense_n and_o knowledge_n thereof_o come_v by_o the_o move_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n who_o light_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n unto_o which_o the_o true_a gospel_n minister_n turn_v people_n even_o from_o darkness_n that_o be_v in_o they_o unto_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o they_o which_o light_n that_o shine_v in_o darkness_n and_o the_o darkness_n comprehend_v it_o not_o in_o this_o principle_n of_o the_o light_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n which_o make_v manifest_v the_o deed_n of_o darkness_n must_v all_o believe_v and_o obey_v that_o come_v to_o find_v life_n and_o peace_n and_o read_v john_n 1.1_o what_o be_v there_o say_v concern_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o which_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v the_o which_o the_o devil_n be_v out_o of_o though_o he_o may_v get_v the_o word_n and_o talk_v and_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n but_o be_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n he_o can_v preach_v that_o he_o that_o can_v receive_v it_o let_v he_o for_o in_o he_o the_o word_n by_o which_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v be_v life_n and_o the_o life_n be_v the_o light_n of_o man_n and_o for_o the_o inshining_a and_o breathe_v forth_o of_o this_o light_n out_o of_o darkness_n must_v all_o wait_v in_o the_o self-denial_n of_o all_o dark_a work_n take_v up_o the_o cross_n daily_o thereunto_o that_o life_n and_o immortality_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o light_n through_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o this_o be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o 4._o 2_o cor._n 3.3_o 4._o lest_o the_o light_n of_o his_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v upon_o they_o and_o whilst_o this_o love_n of_o god_n testify_v unto_o through_o the_o scripture_n remain_v hide_v what_o true_a benefit_n can_v such_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v of_o the_o scripture_n though_o they_o may_v be_v never_o such_o high_a talker_n and_o professor_n thereof_o oh_o that_o people_n will_v consider_v what_o they_o be_v do_v that_o they_o may_v not_o labour_v and_o travail_v all_o their_o day_n in_o vain_a and_o lie_v down_o in_o sorrow_n at_o last_o come_v be_v sober_a be_v wise_a you_o professor_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o remember_v that_o it_o be_v witten_v for_o we_o must_v all_o appear_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n 5.10_o 2_o cor._n 5.10_o that_o every_o one_o may_v receive_v the_o thing_n do_v in_o the_o body_n whether_o they_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a what_o then_o will_v a_o bare_a profession_n of_o holy_a man_n word_n and_o work_v wrought_v without_o you_o avail_v you_o if_o you_o be_v find_v in_o uncleanness_n in_o unsavoury_a word_n and_o work_n
what_o will_v it_o avail_v you_o to_o have_v read_v what_o bless_a and_o holy_a live_v the_o saint_n and_o servant_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n lead_v and_o possess_v if_o you_o be_v find_v in_o a_o unsavoury_a life_n and_o in_o a_o unholy_a conversation_n in_o a_o unclean_a possession_n if_o so_o will_v you_o not_o be_v find_v denier_n of_o the_o scope_n and_o tendency_n of_o scripture_n where_o it_o be_v write_v to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v be_v life_n and_o peace_n and_o all_o that_o possess_v this_o be_v in_o a_o clean_a and_o holy_a possession_n the_o scripture_n say_v to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v be_v life_n and_o peace_n so_o to_o the_o bless_a motion_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n you_o must_v turn_v your_o mind_n and_o eye_n its_o leading_n and_o guiding_n this_o be_v the_o way_n the_o saint_n and_o servant_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n be_v direct_v to_o and_o guide_v in_o by_o the_o true_a preacher_n of_o the_o everlasting_a gospel_n and_o therefore_o unto_o that_o of_o god_n which_o he_o manifest_v and_o show_v you_o must_v bring_v your_o heart_n and_o mind_n before_o you_o can_v know_v the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n to_o set_v you_o free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n oh_o consider_v will_v a_o talk_n of_o freedom_n avail_v one_o in_o captivity_n whilst_o he_o see_v no_o way_n but_o that_o he_o must_v remain_v so_o all_o his_o life_n time_n awake_v awake_v out_o of_o your_o dream_n unto_o righteousness_n and_o sin_v not_o that_o you_o may_v â—now_v â—he_v lord_n and_o his_o way_n the_o which_o be_v above_o man_n way_n as_o the_o heaven_n be_v above_o the_o earth_n the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n have_v ordain_v a_o mean_n and_o way_n to_o everlasting_a peace_n and_o happiness_n and_o the_o scripture_n testify_v the_o same_o even_o of_o christ_n spiritual_a appearance_n who_o be_v the_o way_n truth_n and_o life_n so_o to_o that_o of_o god_n which_o be_v holy_a must_v every_o one_o come_v that_o be_v make_v holy_a unto_o that_o which_o be_v righteous_a must_v every_o one_o come_v that_o be_v true_o make_v righteous_a and_o meet_a for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n the_o which_o the_o unrighteous_a can_v inherit_v oh_o hat_n people_n will_v consider_v their_o way_n wherein_o they_o walk_v and_o not_o go_v on_o in_o evil_a way_n and_o satisfy_v themselves_o with_o a_o â—alk_n what_o they_o have_v hear_v of_o the_o righteous_a way_n and_o live_v out_o of_o it_o for_o the_o great_a love_n of_o god_n in_o his_o heavenly_a gift_n to_o the_o world_n be_v and_o be_v that_o people_n shall_v be_v lead_v by_o it_o to_o that_o repentance_n never_o to_o be_v repent_v of_o even_o to_o forsake_v that_o which_o be_v manifest_a to_o be_v wrong_n false_a and_o evil_a by_o the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n in_o every_o one_o as_o it_o be_v write_v behold_v i_o have_v give_v he_o for_o a_o witness_n to_o the_o people_n 55.4_o isaiah_n 55.4_o a_o leader_n and_o commander_n to_o the_o people_n and_o it_o be_v also_o write_v 1_o joh._n 5.10_o he_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v the_o witness_n in_o himself_o bless_a be_v they_o who_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o reconciliation_n unto_o this_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n and_o live_v up_o unto_o it_o this_o will_v be_v to_o their_o joy_n and_o comfort_n in_o that_o life_n and_o peace_n which_o be_v everlasting_a and_o to_o they_o that_o do_v not_o believe_v he_o be_v a_o witness_n of_o their_o unbelief_n and_o hard_a heartedness_n to_o their_o shame_n and_o confusion_n as_o you_o may_v read_v and_o i_o will_v come_v near_o to_o you_o to_o judgement_n 3.5_o malachi_n 3.5_o and_o i_o will_v be_v a_o swift_a witness_n against_o sorcerer_n and_o against_o the_o adulterer_n and_o against_o false_a swearer_n and_o against_o those_o that_o oppress_v the_o hireling_n in_o his_o wage_n the_o widow_n and_o the_o fatherless_a and_o that_o turn_v away_o the_o stranger_n from_o his_o right_n and_o fear_v not_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n read_v rom_n 8.16_o joh._n 1.5_o by_o this_o you_o may_v see_v how_o plentiful_o the_o scripture_n testify_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n witness_n and_o now_o try_v in_o yourselves_o come_v to_o the_o examination_n if_o any_o be_v unclean_a in_o thought_n or_o action_n be_v there_o not_o that_o within_o that_o show_v it_o and_o witness_v against_o it_o if_o any_o be_v unmerciful_a this_o witness_n will_v witness_v against_o it_o if_o any_o backbite_v or_o defraud_v or_o murmur_n or_o lie_v or_o steal_v or_o bear_v false_a witness_n or_o contemn_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o proud_a and_o high_o mind_v in_o contemn_v his_o holy_a law_n and_o commandment_n this_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n will_v ever_o be_v a_o witness_n against_o all_o such_o and_o against_o all_o that_o be_v bad_a and_o have_v a_o tendency_n of_o defile_v and_o corrupt_v any_o and_o therefore_o all_o they_o that_o deny_v this_o be_v real_a denier_n of_o the_o love_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n testify_v unto_o through_o the_o scripture_n and_o further_o concern_v this_o faithful_a and_o true_a wirness_n christ_n the_o word_n of_o god_n observe_v what_o the_o scripture_n say_v bom._n 10.6_o 7._o say_v not_o in_o thy_o heart_n who_o shall_v ascend_v into_o feaven_n that_o be_v to_o bring_v christ_n down_o from_o above_o or_o who_o shall_v descend_v into_o the_o deep_a that_o be_v to_o bring_v up_o christ_n again_o from_o the_o dead_a but_o what_o say_v it_o the_o word_n be_v nigh_o thou_o even_o in_o thy_o mouth_n and_o in_o thy_o heart_n that_o be_v the_o word_n of_o faith_n which_o we_o preach_v now_o mind_n be_v not_o you_o opposer_n of_o the_o love_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o the_o move_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n in_o those_o holy_a man_n which_o give_v forth_o the_o scripture_n whilst_o you_o remain_v gainsayers_a of_o that_o more_o sure_a word_n so_o nigh_o the_o heart_n and_o mouth_n and_o in_o your_o exaltedness_n of_o spirit_n in_o a_o fleshly_a worldly_a wisdom_n be_v puff_v up_o above_o what_o be_v write_v what_o a_o vain_a travail_n and_o labour_n they_o live_v in_o in_o imagine_v and_o create_v to_o yourselves_o a_o contrary_a way_n to_o what_o the_o lord_n have_v ordain_v to_o salvation_n come_v to_o the_o witness_n in_o you_o and_o by_o that_o if_o you_o conrinue_v your_o subjection_n thereunto_o you_o will_v be_v sensible_a that_o it_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n unto_o you_o and_o in_o this_o love_n be_v admonish_v to_o give_v private_a interpretation_n of_o the_o prophecy_n in_o the_o scripture_n lest_o thereby_o you_o provoke_v the_o lord_n till_o swift_a destruction_n come_v upon_o you_o and_o for_o your_o further_a information_n observe_v what_o the_o sripture_n say_v 1_o joh._n that_o be_v the_o true_a light_n which_o light_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o to_o they_o give_v he_o power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o scripture_n do_v not_o say_v as_o many_o as_o profess_v he_o he_o give_v power_n but_o it_o say_v as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o who_o light_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o they_o he_o give_v power_n etc._n etc._n indeed_o he_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v in_o his_o spiritual_a appearance_n and_o for_o that_o end_n he_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_n in_o gentle_a reproof_n and_o convincement_n whereby_o the_o hard_a heart_n must_v be_v break_v and_o set_v open_a unto_o he_o and_o receive_v he_o before_o the_o remission_n from_o evil_n be_v witness_v and_o the_o great_a horrible_a cloud_n of_o darkness_n be_v expel_v and_o the_o vail_n over_o the_o heart_n rend_v and_o power_n receive_v to_o overcome_v the_o wicked_a one_o as_o it_o be_v write_v behold_v i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_v if_o any_o man_n hear_v my_o voice_n 3.20_o revel_v 3.20_o and_o open_v the_o door_n i_o will_v come_v into_o he_o and_o will_v sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o this_o be_v a_o great_a tender_a of_o love_n and_o mercy_n be_v they_o not_o very_o hard_o heart_v that_o say_v unto_o he_o depart_v from_o we_o we_o desire_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o way_n these_o be_v they_o that_o oppose_v the_o scripture_n testimony_n and_o shut_v up_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n against_o man_n 23.13_o mat._n 23.13_o for_o you_o neither_o go_v in_o yourselves_o neither_o suffer_v you_o they_o that_o be_v enter_v to_o go_v in_o this_o be_v the_o sad_a and_o deplorable_a condition_n of_o those_o high_a professor_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n who_o christ_n pronounce_v dreadful_a woe_n against_o and_o all_o that_o be_v refi_v the_o spirit_n testimony_n in_o themselves_o
of_o the_o true_a christian_a spirit_n in_o the_o world_n earthly_a sensual_a spirit_n they_o move_v and_o say_v the_o scripture_n move_v and_o under_o this_o cover_v you_o can_v dissemble_v and_o cloak_v your_o sin_n cloak_v yourselves_o under_o the_o fail_n of_o the_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n as_o they_o be_v record_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n but_o be_v far_o enough_o off_o their_o sorrow_n and_o repentance_n by_o which_o they_o obtain_v favour_n with_o god_n again_o and_o thus_o you_o go_v on_o cloak_v your_o sin_n and_o oppose_v the_o motion_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o the_o scripture_n move_v we_o and_o under_o this_o cover_v you_o can_v dissemble_v your_o sin_n in_o persecute_v and_o spoil_v the_o good_n of_o they_o who_o have_v true_o testify_v of_o the_o motion_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n in_o they_o against_o all_o the_o evil_a motion_n of_o the_o enemy_n in_o all_o his_o flatter_a deceitful_a work_n and_o way_n and_o to_o this_o 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this_o have_v be_v and_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o they_o who_o be_v and_o have_v be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n witness_v unto_o the_o way_n truth_n and_o life_n the_o way_n of_o peace_n and_o happiness_n and_o thus_o in_o the_o good_a will_n of_o god_n in_o good_a will_n to_o all_o mankind_n in_o patient_a suffering_n under_o your_o will_n who_o have_v follow_v too_o much_o the_o device_n and_o desire_n of_o your_o own_o heart_n and_o thereby_o have_v reject_v the_o council_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n you_o have_v provoke_v the_o lord_n as_o you_o say_v in_o these_o word_n we_o have_v provoke_v thy_o anger_n thy_o wrath_n be_v wax_v hot_a and_o thy_o heavy_a displeasure_n be_v sore_o kindle_v against_o we_o you_o have_v confess_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o when_o you_o come_v to_o feel_v the_o weight_n of_o your_o many_o transgression_n against_o god_n holy_a law_n than_o you_o will_v wish_v you_o have_v be_v serious_a in_o what_o you_o have_v say_v and_o that_o you_o have_v break_v off_o your_o sin_n by_o a_o true_a and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n and_o for_o this_o end_n have_v god_n holy_a spirit_n strive_v with_o you_o many_o way_n but_o see_v by_o your_o own_o confession_n how_o evil_o you_o have_v require_v this_o love_n your_o word_n be_v we_o sinful_a people_n of_o this_o land_n do_v acknowledge_v before_o thou_o to_o thy_o glory_n and_o our_o own_o shame_n and_o confusion_n that_o never_o any_o nation_n under_o heaven_n have_v more_o experience_n of_o all_o the_o instance_n of_o thy_o goodness_n and_o the_o method_n of_o our_o amendment_n nor_o yet_o do_v ever_o any_o more_o shameful_o abuse_v they_o when_o thou_o give_v we_o great_a and_o long_a prosperity_n we_o say_v ourselves_o to_o the_o full_a wax_v fat_a and_o wanton_a and_o kick_v against_o thou_o when_o thou_o threwe_v we_o into_o horrid_a confusion_n from_o which_o we_o see_v then_o little_a hope_n of_o arise_v even_o in_o the_o time_n of_o that_o distress_n do_v we_o 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large_o of_o he_o but_o shall_v remain_v your_o friend_n and_o brother_n in_o the_o everlasting_a truth_n ellis_n hook_n london_n 28_o day_n 3_o mo_z 1679._o a_o testimony_n of_o the_o work_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n particular_o in_o relation_n to_o our_o dear_a friend_n stephen_n smith_n late_o decease_v the_o most_o holy_a and_o wise_a god_n who_o have_v be_v please_v to_o make_v choice_n of_o foolish_a weak_a and_o contemptible_a thing_n to_o coâ—â—â—â—nd_v the_o wise_a and_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v mighty_a to_o the_o intent_n that_o no_o flesh_n with_o its_o wisdom_n and_o strength_n may_v glory_v in_o his_o presence_n but_o that_o his_o power_n may_v appear_v in_o what_o way_n manner_z or_o instrument_n soever_o he_o please_v how_o mean_a and_o despicable_a soever_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o that_o fleshly_a eye_n and_o mind_n that_o take_v its_o measure_n from_o outward_a appearance_n and_o not_o from_o a_o inward_a solid_a principle_n of_o sound_a judgement_n i_o certify_v from_o a_o live_a experience_n that_o this_o most_o holy_a god_n have_v appear_v and_o raise_v up_o many_o witness_n of_o his_o bless_a power_n and_o work_n in_o our_o day_n even_o person_n of_o various_a degree_n quality_n and_o capacity_n not_o only_o some_o few_o endow_v with_o learning_n natural_a acquirement_n and_o part_n but_o more_o especial_o many_o of_o the_o plain_a simple_a and_o unlearned_a to_o the_o end_n that_o not_o only_o his_o power_n may_v the_o more_o appear_v and_o shine_v in_o its_o glory_n over_o all_o flesh_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o man_n but_o also_o that_o god_n in_o his_o wisdom_n be_v gracious_o please_v to_o condescend_v to_o the_o low_a and_o mean_a capacity_n in_o most_o familiar_a way_n to_o direct_v his_o speech_n and_o testimony_n of_o life_n for_o the_o reach_a people_n several_a capacity_n and_o conscience_n so_o as_o to_o turn_v they_o to_o that_o principle_n of_o light_n and_o truth_n which_o through_o christ_n jesus_n he_o have_v place_v in_o 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have_v choose_v the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o wise_a and_o although_o the_o follow_a write_n and_o discourse_n of_o this_o our_o dear_a and_o honest-hearted_a friend_n stephen_n smith_n now_o decease_v and_o at_o rest_n with_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o bespeak_v he_o a_o man_n educate_v in_o artificial_a learning_n oratory_n and_o eloquence_n yet_o he_o be_v a_o simple_a plainhearted_a and_o sincere_a man_n to_o what_o the_o lord_n make_v manifest_a in_o he_o and_o one_o that_o eye_v the_o power_n and_o presence_n of_o god_n in_o his_o life_n and_o testimony_n since_o the_o god_n of_o all_o our_o mercy_n be_v gracious_o please_v to_o open_v his_o understanding_n with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o divine_a light_n and_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n he_o prize_v it_o as_o his_o great_a mercy_n from_o the_o most_o gracious_a god_n that_o after_o his_o long_a and_o wearisome_a travel_n in_o many_o country_n and_o exercise_n 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and_o true_o love_a god_n faithful_a messenger_n and_o people_n how_o despise_v and_o suffer_v soever_o they_o be_v and_o free_o give_v up_o to_o partake_v with_o they_o of_o their_o suffering_n and_o do_v likewise_o suffer_v with_o they_o both_o in_o person_n and_o estate_n by_o imprisonment_n and_o spoil_n of_o good_n for_o his_o tender_a conscience_n and_o testimony_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o christ_n jesus_n who_o as_o he_o give_v he_o a_o testimony_n to_o bear_v against_o all_o hireling_n oppress_v teacher_n and_o priest_n who_o preach_v for_o hire_v and_o impose_v that_o great_a oppression_n and_o antichristian_a yoke_n of_o tithe_n according_a as_o he_o signify_v in_o some_o of_o his_o write_n so_o he_o give_v up_o to_o suffer_v and_o endure_v spoil_n rather_o than_o in_o the_o least_o he_o can_v pay_v they_o or_o gratify_v the_o covetous_a mind_n or_o greedy_a appetite_n of_o such_o shepherd_n as_o feed_v themselves_o and_o not_o the_o flock_n and_o make_v a_o prey_n upon_o 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in_o which_o journey_n we_o be_v much_o and_o often_o comfort_v together_o in_o the_o lord_n work_v and_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o friend_n which_o be_v near_o upon_o a_o year_n before_o his_o decease_n well_o i_o be_o satisfy_v in_o my_o very_a soul_n that_o as_o he_o be_v take_v away_o from_o the_o evil_a to_o come_v so_o he_o be_v enter_v into_o his_o rest_n and_o have_v his_o portion_n with_o the_o bless_a that_o dye_n in_o the_o lord_n from_o a_o live_a remembrance_n of_o this_o my_o dear_a friend_n stephen_n smith_n and_o a_o real_a sense_n of_o his_o innocent_a life_n spirit_n and_o conversation_n and_o in_o honour_n and_o due_a respect_n to_o that_o divine_a power_n and_o work_v of_o god_n in_o he_o i_o be_v real_o concern_v in_o my_o spirit_n to_o give_v this_o precedent_a testimony_n true_o desire_v and_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o all_o friend_n profess_v the_o same_o truth_n may_v concur_v in_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o example_n of_o faithfulness_n to_o the_o end_n 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