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
of_o the_o eternal_a god_n who_o be_v with_o the_o father_n before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v lay_v be_v become_v the_o horn_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o have_v bring_v immortality_n to_o light_n in_o they_o and_o reveal_v that_o teacher_n that_o can_v never_o be_v move_v into_o a_o corner_n and_o therefore_o these_o can_v depend_v any_o long_o on_o the_o teach_n of_o man_n nor_o yet_o on_o outward_a canonical_a article_n creed_n directory_n or_o church-faith_n prescribe_v by_o man_n but_o on_o the_o teach_n of_o christ_n alone_o by_o his_o light_n and_o spiritual_a appearance_n in_o themselves_o to_o lead_v and_o guide_v unto_o the_o father_n of_o life_n the_o sound_n of_o this_o alarm_n as_o many_o can_v yet_o witness_v become_v a_o joyful_a sound_n to_o that_o soul_n which_o be_v hunger_a after_o the_o lord_n though_o pierce_v as_o a_o dart_n through_o the_o liver_n to_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n so_o that_o astonishment_n and_o amazement_n seem_v to_o take_v hold_n on_o many_o whereby_o they_o become_v a_o byword_n a_o mock_n and_o a_o taunt_v unto_o such_o who_o dependency_n be_v on_o their_o outward_a teacher_n etc._n etc._n as_o aforesaid_a i_o say_v again_o oh_o friend_n let_v the_o remembrance_n of_o this_o day_n come_v before_o you_o and_o consider_v further_o what_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o eternal_a power_n unto_o such_o who_o be_v strike_v with_o amazement_n after_o they_o believe_v the_o appearance_n of_o that_o power_n whereby_o they_o be_v so_o strike_v to_o be_v the_o appearance_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n i_o well_o remember_v the_o voice_n be_v on_o this_o wise_a to_o your_o own_o to_o your_o own_o to_o your_o own_o mean_v thereby_o that_o they_o shall_v turn_v in_o their_o mind_n to_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o conscience_n which_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v that_o teacher_n which_o can_v never_o be_v remove_v into_o a_o corner_n that_o so_o they_o may_v witness_v the_o fulfil_n of_o that_o loud_a voice_n utter_v by_o the_o angel_n fly_v through_o the_o midst_n of_o heaven_n have_v the_o everlasting_a gospel_n to_o preach_v unto_o they_o that_o dwell_v on_o the_o earth_n etc._n etc._n fear_v god_n and_o give_v glory_n to_o he_o for_o the_o hour_n of_o his_o judgement_n be_v come_v and_o worship_v he_o that_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n etc._n etc._n for_o no_o doubt_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n reveal_v unto_o those_o first_o labourer_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o there_o be_v a_o proneness_n in_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o man_n to_o admire_v to_o depend_v upon_o and_o sometime_o through_o a_o affectionate_a part_n or_o blind_a zeal_n to_o worship_v such_o be_v be_v instrument_n to_o give_v forth_o outward_a directory_n or_o church-faith_n for_o we_o find_v that_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o of_o worship_v angel_n which_o be_v messenger_n who_o god_n have_v send_v by_o he_o that_o intrude_v into_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v not_o see_v therefore_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o the_o voice_n of_o truth_n through_o they_o be_v not_o only_o thus_o viz._n to_o your_o own_o which_o be_v observe_v lead_v into_o a_o independency_n upon_o other_o but_o also_o frequent_o on_o this_o wise_a we_o preach_v not_o ourselves_o look_v not_o unto_o we_o in_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n i_o can_v but_o cry_v aloud_o in_o the_o aforesaid_a word_n of_o the_o angel_n that_o have_v the_o everlasting_a gospel_n to_o preach_v fear_v god_n and_o give_v glory_n to_o he_o and_o then_o no_o doubt_n but_o every_o such_o one_o that_o have_v concern_v himself_o to_o condemn_v his_o brother_n on_o no_o better_a ground_n than_o from_o the_o example_n and_o prescription_n of_o another_o will_v come_v to_o see_v that_o therein_o he_o have_v not_o keep_v to_o his_o own_o and_o so_o have_v be_v lead_v into_o a_o by_o and_o err_v path._n oh_o friend_n let_v therefore_o this_o cry_n pass_v through_o every_o heart_n to_o our_o own_o to_o our_o own_o to_o our_o own_o that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o every_o one_o be_v own_o measure_n of_o christ_n light_n or_o grace_n of_o god_n received_n which_o the_o apostle_n say_v be_v sufficient_a with_o this_o secret_a breathe_n of_o spirit_n unto_o the_o god_n of_o our_o life_n that_o all_o may_v be_v thereto_o retire_v for_o if_o that_o counsel_n may_v but_o take_v place_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o there_o can_v then_o be_v no_o room_n for_o any_o to_o impose_v or_o press_v the_o observation_n of_o other_o man_n line_n upon_o any_o which_o no_o doubt_n be_v one_o great_a occasion_n of_o the_o religious_a difference_n treat_v on_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o it_o will_v mould_v all_o who_o retain_v the_o name_n of_o christianity_n into_o the_o very_a nature_n thereof_o and_o so_o consequent_o a_o reconciliation_n in_o the_o everlasting_a truth_n may_v quick_o ensue_v for_o if_o that_o door_n be_v but_o once_o shut_v through_o which_o variance_n and_o disunion_n enter_v there_o may_v then_o arise_v a_o hope_n of_o cessation_n to_o such_o contention_n and_o strife_n as_o be_v out_o of_o the_o truth_n but_o if_o not_o i_o may_v then_o say_v how_o can_v the_o effect_n cease_v whilst_o the_o cause_n remain_v i_o well_o remember_v and_o many_o with_o i_o that_o while_o friend_n keep_v to_o their_o own_o and_o concern_v not_o themselves_o to_o promote_v a_o zealous_a observation_n of_o other_o man_n line_n make_v ready_a to_o their_o hand_n we_o then_o hear_v not_o of_o so_o much_o contention_n strife_n and_o debate_n both_o public_a and_o private_a as_o of_o late_a year_n have_v be_v but_o since_o the_o promotion_n thereof_o confusion_n disorder_n emulation_n malice_n and_o envy_n have_v be_v its_o offspring_n which_o have_v be_v manifest_v by_o public_a unjust_a revile_n against_o some_o when_o zealous_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n and_o though_o these_o be_v of_o that_o number_n that_o prefer_v obedience_n to_o their_o own_o measure_n of_o grace_n receive_v before_o obedience_n to_o the_o measure_n of_o other_o yet_o other_o some_o there_o be_v who_o have_v endeavour_v to_o bring_v friend_n into_o conformity_n to_o the_o pretend_a dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n through_o other_o or_o at_o best_o through_o that_o one_o man_n g._n f._n before_o speak_v of_o and_o that_o under_o the_o penalty_n of_o be_v account_v guilty_a of_o corah_n sin_n for_o scruple_v to_o conform_v and_o thus_o the_o variance_n be_v like_a to_o continue_v unless_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n for_o his_o name_n sake_n by_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o own_o power_n shall_v put_v a_o stop_n thereto_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o i_o can_v not_o but_o say_v in_o all_o seriousness_n of_o spirit_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o my_o conscience_n let_v the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o day_n that_o be_v pass_v come_v before_o you_o wherein_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o live_a god_n sound_v by_o his_o trumpet_n a_o alarm_n to_o the_o nation_n and_o that_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n edward_n burrough_n many_o year_n decease_v be_v honourable_o speak_v of_o by_o some_o if_o not_o by_o all_o of_o both_o party_n of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n at_o variance_n one_o that_o have_v the_o trumpet_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o sound_v and_o have_v therewith_o sound_v as_o a_o son_n of_o thunder_n as_o well_o as_o of_o consolation_n many_o alarm_n unto_o the_o nation_n i_o shall_v conclude_v with_o the_o citation_n of_o a_o part_n of_o a_o epistle_n write_v by_o he_o in_o the_o year_n 1658._o to_o the_o friend_n of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n and_o so_o leave_v the_o consideration_n thereof_o to_o the_o impartial_a reader_n to_o savour_v whether_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o counsel_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o know_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o ourselves_o to_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o our_o action_n and_o if_o so_o then_o to_o practice_v from_o other_o man_n line_n without_o a_o inward_a conviction_n by_o the_o spirit_n in_o ourselves_o can_v be_v no_o more_o accept_v 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
aught_o to_o believe_v and_o though_o there_o have_v be_v so_o many_o diversity_n of_o creed_n in_o the_o world_n according_a to_o the_o various_a apprehension_n of_o divers_a assembly_n assume_v to_o themselves_o the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n yet_o to_o this_o day_n i_o find_v not_o among_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n that_o any_o certain_a number_n of_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v give_v forth_o from_o any_o general_a assembly_n or_o particular_a congregation_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o their_o creed_n and_o as_o a_o measuring-line_n by_o which_o those_o who_o be_v either_o in_o or_o depart_v from_o the_o faith_n may_v be_v know_v and_o the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v evident_a because_o it_o be_v against_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n viz._n the_o light_n to_o exalt_v any_o other_o measuring-line_n than_o that_o by_o which_o we_o be_v baptise_a into_o the_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n viz._n the_o spirit_n have_v thus_o promise_v as_o a_o more_o particular_a answer_n to_o the_o question_n i_o thus_o say_v i_o confess_v the_o true_a church_n be_v in_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o every_o member_n thereof_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n at_o least_o of_o the_o same_o faith_n that_o all_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n be_v of_o so_o that_o it_o may_v in_o truth_n be_v say_v every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n do_v in_o some_o measure_n believe_v as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n do_v i_o say_v in_o some_o measure_n because_o as_o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o gift_n and_o operation_n so_o also_o be_v there_o difference_n in_o measure_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o do_v the_o apostle_n wise_o say_v to_o this_o purpose_n let_v he_o that_o prophesi_v prophesy_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n rom._n 12.6_o but_o shall_v any_o arise_v to_o say_v it_o be_v folly_n and_o hypocrisy_n to_o professone_n self_n a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n &_o yet_o not_o believe_v thus_o as_o the_o true_a church_n believe_v without_o any_o further_a explanation_n of_o the_o word_n or_o of_o what_o be_v intend_v thereby_o such_o may_v subject_v themselves_o to_o censure_v for_o by_o the_o word_n true_a church_n in_o this_o sentence_n and_o yet_o not_o believe_v thus_o as_o the_o true_a church_n believe_v will_v be_v understand_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n from_o who_o one_o or_o more_o differ_v in_o faith_n now_o there_o may_v happen_v to_o be_v a_o weak_a brother_n who_o faith_n in_o some_o particular_a matter_n may_v be_v otherwise_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o brethren_n be_v this_o case_n happen_v among_o the_o roman_n to_o who_o paul_n thus_o write_v rom._n 14.3_o 4_o 22_o 23._o let_v not_o he_o that_o eat_v despise_v he_o that_o eat_v not_o and_o let_v not_o he_o that_o eat_v not_o judge_v he_o that_o eat_v for_o god_n have_v receive_v he_o who_o be_v thou_o that_o condemne_v another_o man_n servant_n to_o his_o own_o master_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v have_v thou_o faith_n have_v it_o to_o thyself_o he_o that_o doubt_v be_v condemn_v if_o he_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n here_o a_o diversity_n of_o faith_n be_v evident_a and_o that_o between_o brethren_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o neither_o appear_v to_o be_v fool_n or_o hypocrite_n he_o that_o do_v eat_v be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v because_o he_o be_v receive_v of_o god_n and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o eat_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v judge_v that_o the_o apostle_n condemn_v the_o very_a eat_v while_o there_o be_v a_o doubt_n though_o the_o abstinence_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o weakness_n these_o thing_n consider_v i_o appeal_v to_o god_n witness_v in_o all_o conscience_n whether_o truth_n can_v be_v serve_v at_o this_o day_n by_o assert_v under_o the_o name_n of_o one_o call_v a_o quaker_n such_o principle_n as_o give_v occasion_n of_o jealousy_n that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v promote_a among_o we_o we_o must_v believe_v thus_o as_o the_o church_n believe_v without_o remove_v those_o objection_n which_o for_o want_v of_o a_o explanation_n may_v necessary_o follow_v it_o be_v a_o true_a say_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n that_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o rock_n christ_n and_o that_o the_o elect_n can_v be_v deceive_v but_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v thus_o say_v yet_o we_o know_v that_o particular_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v err_v objection_n yet_o some_o may_v be_v ready_a to_o object_n and_o say_v write_v say_v note_n this_o objection_n be_v so_o lay_v to_o â—n_n in_o the_o same_o book_n wherein_o the_o last_o answer_v query_n be_v write_v though_o some_o particular_a member_n may_v be_v liable_a to_o err_v it_o be_v neither_o reasonable_a nor_o just_a to_o conclude_v the_o whole_a body_n or_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v liable_a to_o err_v to_o this_o i_o say_v god_n forbid_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n shall_v err_v yet_o i_o say_v neither_o the_o light_n within_o we_o nor_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n without_o we_o do_v evidence_n that_o any_o member_n one_o more_o than_o another_o be_v by_o any_o peculiar_a election_n exempt_v from_o be_v liable_a to_o err_v no_o more_o than_o particular_a person_n be_v from_o all_o eternity_n elect_v and_o other_o reprobate_v and_o so_o it_o appear_v to_o i_o that_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o with_o respect_n that_o some_o shall_v continue_v still_o faithful_a and_o not_o liable_a to_o err_v though_o other_o be_v liable_a thereto_o shall_v err_v but_o with_o respect_n to_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n while_o establish_v on_o the_o rock_n christ_n so_o that_o not_o only_o a_o part_n of_o the_o church_n but_o every_o member_n thereof_o whilst_o build_v on_o the_o rock_n christ_n shall_v be_v so_o preserve_v as_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o any_o one_o of_o they_o and_o this_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o very_a connection_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o scripture_n mat._n 16.18_o and_o upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o that_o be_v against_o the_o church_n build_v and_o while_o remain_v on_o the_o rock_n christ_n but_o if_o any_o assembly_n through_o unwatchfulness_n and_o disobedience_n depart_v from_o the_o rock_n christ_n whereon_o they_o be_v build_v then_o in_o that_o state_n they_o can_v proper_o be_v call_v the_o church_n build_v and_o remain_v on_o the_o rock_n christ_n and_o so_o have_v be_v liable_a to_o be_v overcome_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n do_v prevail_v and_o therefore_o though_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o one_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n while_o abide_v in_o the_o seed_n in_o which_o the_o election_n stand_v and_o to_o which_o the_o promise_n be_v can_v be_v deceive_v yet_o notwithstanding_o i_o affirm_v that_o every_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o if_o every_o member_n than_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v liable_a to_o err_v if_o they_o wait_v not_o in_o and_o keep_v not_o unto_o that_o in_o which_o their_o preservation_n stand_v christ_n say_v watch_n and_o pray_v that_o you_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n this_o be_v speak_v not_o with_o respect_n to_o some_o particular_a member_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v liable_a to_o err_v and_o as_o if_o there_o be_v other_o that_o be_v not_o and_o therefore_o its_o reasonable_a to_o conclude_v that_o all_o may_v through_o temptation_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o err_v if_o they_o watch_v not_o but_o yet_o my_o faith_n be_v that_o a_o remnant_n will_v be_v preserve_v so_o watchful_a as_o that_o be_v build_v on_o the_o rock_n christ_n the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o prevail_v against_o they_o these_o thing_n be_v due_o weigh_v and_o consider_v what_o great_a abuse_n have_v be_v make_v of_o scripture_n that_o speak_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o what_o they_o bound_v or_o loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v or_o lose_v in_o heaven_n and_o that_o also_o to_o maintain_v a_o antichristian_a yoke_n of_o bondage_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o christ_n church_n say_v that_o it_o can_v err_v it_o appear_v not_o much_o more_o like_a one_o call_v a_o quaker_n if_o we_o consult_v the_o write_n of_o some_o of_o those_o ancient_a and_o honourable_a labourer_n who_o be_v instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o turn_v thousand_o unto_o the_o light_n within_o we_o as_o the_o unerring_a guide_n to_o treat_v on_o such_o scripture_n if_o apply_v to_o outward_a and_o settle_a assembly_n as_o such_o as_o be_v not_o
understand_v the_o most_o pertinent_a argument_n may_v be_v produce_v to_o prove_v church-government_n or_o a_o government_n in_o some_o member_n or_o member_n over_o the_o rest_n mat._n 18.15_o 16_o 17._o we_o find_v christ_n thus_o say_v moreover_o if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o go_v tell_v he_o his_o fault_n if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v in_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n compare_v this_o scripture_n touch_v the_o trespass_n of_o one_o brother_n against_o another_o with_o what_o paul_n write_v 1_o cor._n 2.4_o dare_v any_o of_o you_o have_v a_o matter_n against_o another_o go_v to_o law_n before_o the_o unjust_a do_v you_o not_o know_v that_o the_o saint_n shall_v judge_v the_o world_n if_o than_o you_o have_v judgement_n of_o thing_n pertain_v to_o this_o life_n set_v they_o to_o judge_v who_o be_v least_o esteem_v in_o the_o church_n we_o reasonable_o conclude_v that_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n only_o hint_v at_o either_o personal_a offence_n or_o difference_n touch_v worldly_a matter_n and_o that_o therein_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n be_v only_o to_o exhort_v to_o submit_v to_o their_o counsel_n which_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o may_v just_o be_v esteem_v as_o heathen_a man_n but_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n of_o those_o who_o have_v approve_v a_o plea_n for_o such_o a_o church-government_n as_o claim_v a_o power_n of_o decide_v matter_n relate_v to_o conscience_n and_o outward_a thing_n also_o on_o the_o occasion_n of_o difference_n raise_v touch_v worldly_a estate_n and_o that_o other_o ought_v to_o obey_v such_o decision_n which_o in_o its_o natural_a consequence_n have_v as_o we_o take_v it_o no_o less_o tendency_n than_o to_o claim_v power_n over_o our_o property_n as_o well_o as_o conscience_n we_o be_v now_o sensible_a that_o many_o friend_n who_o have_v not_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o secret_a cause_n of_o all_o the_o difference_n among_o friend_n will_v be_v even_o startle_v at_o this_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o query_n be_v there_o any_o such_o among_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n we_o answer_v yes_o very_o and_o that_o those_o who_o may_v be_v account_v christian_n too_o viz._n those_o who_o approve_v in_o the_o second_o day_n meet_v at_o london_n the_o before-cited_n book_n of_o r._n b._n relate_v to_o government_n in_o the_o church_n we_o shall_v begin_v first_o with_o the_o matter_n of_o conscience_n the_o title_n of_o the_o six_o section_n thereof_o run_v thus_o how_o far_a this_o government_n do_v extend_v in_o matter_n spiritual_a and_o pure_o conscientious_a and_o then_o treat_v thereon_o the_o author_n thus_o say_v in_o which_o the_o great_a question_n be_v how_o far_o in_o such_o case_n the_o church_n may_v give_v positive_a order_n or_o rule_n and_o so_o proceed_v to_o ask_v this_o question_n viz._n whether_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v power_n in_o any_o case_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n to_o give_v a_o positive_a sentence_n or_o decision_n which_o may_v be_v obligatory_a upon_o believer_n be_v then_o go_v on_o thus_o answer_v viz._n i_o answer_v affirmative_o she_o have_v which_o be_v compare_v with_o what_o he_o write_v page_n 68_o of_o his_o say_a book_n on_o this_o wise_a viz._n that_o their_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la give_v a_o positive_a sentence_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 clear_o show_v to_o we_o his_o meaning_n to_o be_v that_o in_o some_o case_n the_o conscience_n of_o believer_n ought_v to_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o positive_a sentence_n of_o other_o without_o leave_v any_o liberty_n for_o a_o believer_n to_o refuse_v to_o submit_v on_o account_n of_o not_o see_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o submit_v this_o mean_v and_o government_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o believer_n we_o take_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o liberty_n we_o have_v in_o christ_n jesus_n for_o that_o no_o outward_a sentence_n or_o matter_n whatsoever_o can_v oblige_v the_o conscience_n to_o be_v approve_v this_o or_o that_o exercise_n or_o practice_n or_o to_o be_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o or_o that_o judgement_n sentence_n or_o decree_n until_o such_o time_n that_o the_o conscience_n through_o the_o inshining_a of_o christ_n light_n therein_o come_v to_o be_v satisfy_v and_o thereby_o to_o be_v bind_v and_o obleige_v and_o though_o we_o find_v the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n chap._n 13._o verse_n 7._o say_v on_o this_o wise_a remember_v they_o which_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o say_v such_o who_o have_v the_o rule_n be_v the_o church_n but_o discribe_v they_o in_o the_o next_o follow_v word_n to_o be_v such_o who_o have_v speak_v unto_o they_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o that_o if_o any_o authority_n be_v give_v to_o any_o to_o rule_v as_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n it_o appear_v from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n to_o be_v unto_o such_o who_o have_v speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n unto_o they_o over_o who_o they_o have_v the_o rule_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v no_o precedent_n or_o proof_n that_o mix_v and_o uncertain_a assembly_n as_o to_o number_n and_o qualification_n may_v call_v themselves_o the_o church_n and_o under_o that_o notion_n give_v forth_o order_n rule_n and_o sentence_n tell_v the_o rest_n of_o those_o who_o they_o may_v account_v their_o fellow-member_n it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o obey_v though_o you_o pretend_v you_o see_v it_o not._n beside_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o those_o who_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v give_v forth_o any_o sentence_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o authority_n that_o may_v become_v a_o bond_n on_o the_o conscience_n before_o conviction_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o why_o because_o it_o be_v by_o that_o grace_n that_o the_o heart_n come_v to_o be_v establish_v according_a as_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n write_v verse_n 9_o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n for_o it_o be_v a_o good_a thing_n that_o the_o heart_n be_v establish_v with_o grace_n but_o perhaps_o some_o may_v quote_v paul_n 2_o thes_n 3.6_o who_o thus_o say_v now_o we_o command_v you_o brethren_n in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o you_o withdraw_v yourselves_o from_o every_o brother_n that_o walk_v disorderly_a and_o not_o after_o the_o tradition_n which_o he_o receive_v of_o we_o to_o this_o we_o say_v paul_n in_o the_o follow_a verse_n give_v the_o reaon_n for_o the_o urge_v obedience_n to_o his_o precept_n viz._n for_o you_o yourselves_o know_v how_o you_o ought_v to_o follow_v we_o hence_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o their_o heart_n be_v so_o establish_v in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o duty_n become_v a_o great_a obligation_n upon_o they_o than_o paul_n command_n verse_n the_o 14_o of_o the_o same_o chap._n paul_n say_v if_o any_o man_n obey_v not_o our_o word_n by_o this_o epistle_n note_v that_o man_n and_o have_v no_o company_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a this_o may_n some_o say_v seem_v very_o positive_a to_o imply_v that_o god_n have_v give_v authority_n to_o some_o to_o rule_v in_o the_o church_n our_o answer_n to_o this_o be_v paul_n word_n relate_v to_o such_o of_o who_o verse_n 11_o 12_o 13._o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n he_o say_v we_o hear_v that_o there_o be_v some_o among_o you_o that_o walk_v inordinate_o and_o work_v not_o at_o all_o but_o be_v busy-bodye_n therefore_o they_o that_o be_v such_o we_o command_v and_o exhort_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o they_o work_v with_o quietness_n and_o eat_v their_o own_o bread_n and_o you_o brethren_n be_v not_o weary_a in_o well-doing_n and_o then_o he_o exhort_v verse_n 14_o if_o any_o man_n obey_v not_o our_o word_n by_o this_o epistle_n note_v that_o man_n and_o have_v no_o company_n with_o he_o this_o clear_o show_v what_o the_o apostle_n have_v relation_n unto_o viz._n to_o that_o necessary_a and_o commandable_a duty_n mention_v in_o verse_n the_o 11_o that_o such_o who_o be_v busybody_n walk_v inordinate_o may_v not_o in_o their_o busy_a inordinate_a spirit_n eat_v the_o bread_n of_o other_o but_o work_n that_o they_o may_v eat_v their_o own_o bread_n be_v this_o command_n of_o the_o apostle_n obey_v by_o many_o of_o those_o who_o run_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
and_o whereas_o it_o may_v be_v say_v we_o assign_v not_o to_o man_n as_o judge_n but_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o man_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o whole_o mend_v the_o matter_n while_o the_o question_n remain_v unanswered_a who_o or_o where_o be_v the_o man_n through_o who_o the_o spirit_n appear_v to_o judge_n or_o at_o least_o so_o unanswered_a as_o not_o to_o remove_v the_o reasonable_a objection_n of_o such_o as_o may_v gainsay_v and_o so_o through_o these_o thing_n the_o mind_n of_o the_o weak_a may_v come_v to_o be_v entertain_v with_o doubtful_a disputation_n rather_o than_o those_o thing_n which_o tend_v to_o edification_n contrary_a to_o the_o drift_n and_o bent_n of_o the_o apostle_n spirit_n rom._n 14.1_o 1_o cor._n 14.26_o second_o i_o can_v yet_o cease_v from_o a_o further_a observation_n on_o the_o aforesaid_a position_n viz._n which_o positive_a sentence_n and_o decision_n may_v become_v obligatory_a on_o believer_n it_o be_v true_a the_o aforesaid_a author_n do_v not_o here_o say_v it_o ought_v to_o become_v obligatory_a upon_o believer_n yet_o to_o i_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o intend_v that_o such_o a_o sentence_n ought_v to_o become_v obligatory_a on_o believer_n see_v on_o one_o instance_n as_o proof_n to_o his_o affirmation_n he_o thus_o say_v and_o be_v not_o this_o obligatory_a on_o all_o the_o member_n &_o c_o further_n say_v with_o relation_n thereto_o i_o can_v tell_v that_o any_o man_n of_o reason_n can_v well_o deny_v this_o that_o which_o r._n b._n in_o these_o thing_n seem_v to_o drive_v at_o have_v as_o to_o i_o appear_v a_o plain_a tendency_n to_o draw_v from_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n in_o ourselves_o though_o i_o dare_v not_o be_v so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o conclude_v he_o so_o intend_v and_o if_o any_o line_n have_v drop_v from_o my_o pen_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o import_v so_o much_o i_o declare_v that_o not_o to_o be_v my_o mean_v or_o at_o least_o to_o encourage_v the_o lend_v a_o ear_n to_o the_o sense_n and_o judgement_n of_o other_o more_o than_o to_o that_o sense_n and_o savour_n which_o we_o have_v within_o ourselves_o for_o first_o by_o believer_n i_o take_v the_o aforesaid_a author_n plain_o to_o intend_v as_o well_o such_o believer_n as_o be_v no_o way_n concern_v in_o give_v forth_o such_o positive_a sentence_n or_o decision_n as_o those_o that_o be_v else_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o these_o his_o word_n and_o be_v not_o this_o obligatory_a on_o all_o the_o member_n and_o so_o such_o unconcerned_a may_v have_v no_o better_a ground_n to_o be_v at_o unity_n therewith_o than_o the_o say_n of_o other_o now_o i_o can_v tell_v how_o any_o man_n of_o reason_n can_v make_v out_o that_o this_o seem_v any_o better_a than_o this_o sort_n of_o language_n ye_o must_v believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v of_o which_o more_o anon_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v understand_v to_o reflect_v on_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v in_o any_o measure_n savour_n of_o truth_n three_o it_o do_v seem_v plain_o to_o contradict_v this_o wholesome_a testimony_n of_o and_o for_o the_o truth_n viz._n that_o the_o sentence_n and_o judgement_n of_o any_o man_n or_o man_n whatsoever_o relate_v to_o matter_n of_o conscience_n ought_v not_o at_o this_o day_n to_o be_v give_v forth_o but_o by_o way_n of_o recommendation_n to_o the_o conscience_n which_o to_o my_o knowledge_n have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n and_o when_o the_o conscience_n be_v sensible_a that_o god_n witness_v therein_o answer_v than_o the_o conscience_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v bind_v other_o bond_n may_v make_v hypocrite_n and_o busi-body_n but_o not_o good_a christian_n paul_n write_v to_o the_o corinthian_n tell_v they_o we_o recommend_v ourselves_o to_o every_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 4.2_o here_o paul_n become_v not_o a_o bond_n upon_o they_o further_o than_o they_o have_v a_o sense_n that_o god_n witness_v in_o the_o conscience_n answer_v the_o same_o paul_n tell_v the_o corinthian_n as_o before_o be_v quote_v thus_o have_v hope_n that_o when_o your_o faith_n be_v increase_v we_o shall_v be_v enlarge_v by_o you_o according_a to_o our_o rule_n abundant_o this_o do_v not_o manifest_a paul_n desire_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v walk_v according_a to_o his_o rule_n until_o their_o faith_n be_v increase_v let_v we_o now_o examine_v how_o r._n b._n by_o scripture_n prove_v that_o the_o positive_a sentence_n and_o decision_n of_o the_o church_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n may_v be_v obligatory_a upon_o believer_n for_o that_o he_o say_v i_o shall_v prove_v it_o from_o divers_a instance_n from_o scripture_n and_o in_o order_n thereto_o i_o find_v he_o to_o quote_v only_o three_o scripture_n the_o first_o be_v gal._n 1.8_o but_o though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n unto_o you_o than_o that_o which_o we_o have_v preach_v unto_o you_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v if_o this_o scripture_n be_v a_o proper_a proof_n of_o the_o matter_n then_o by_o the_o word_n we_o paul_n must_v be_v understand_v to_o mean_v the_o church_n and_o that_o in_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n sense_n now_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n sense_n as_o appear_v page_n 68_o be_v that_o such_o assembly_n be_v the_o church_n which_o in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n may_v be_v so_o term_v but_o doubtless_o paul_n be_v so_o exact_a as_o not_o to_o deliver_v any_o thing_n as_o doctrine_n but_o what_o he_o have_v see_v and_o handle_v according_a to_o this_o testimony_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n what_o we_o have_v see_v and_o handle_v of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n that_o declare_v we_o unto_o you_o which_o be_v certain_a and_o infallible_a token_n be_v more_o than_o tolerable_a supposition_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o conclude_v paul_n never_o intend_v that_o such_o who_o refuse_v to_o be_v bind_v in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n by_o the_o sentence_n of_o every_o such_o assembly_n which_o in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n may_v be_v term_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v pronounce_v accurse_a much_o less_o if_o they_o shall_v pretend_v they_o see_v it_o not_o and_o yet_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n say_v as_o hereafter_o be_v manifest_a to_o this_o purpose_n that_o that_o shall_v not_o excuse_v such_o from_o disobedience_n to_o god_n who_o submit_v not_o to_o the_o sentence_n give_v forth_o by_o such_o assembly_n or_o some_o or_o other_o of_o they_o and_o likewise_o it_o ought_v to_o appear_v that_o a_o part_n of_o that_o gospel_n which_o the_o church_n and_o not_o only_a paul_n who_o as_o he_o be_v move_v of_o the_o lord_n write_v to_o the_o church_n by_o way_n of_o exhortation_n and_o doctrine_n preach_v to_o the_o galatian_n be_v that_o the_o positive_a sentence_n or_o decision_n of_o the_o church_n either_o aught_o to_o be_v obligatory_a on_o all_o the_o member_n or_o at_o lest_o obligatory_a on_o believer_n or_o else_o that_o which_o by_o a_o natural_a consequence_n may_v import_v the_o same_o but_o no_o such_o doctrine_n nor_o the_o import_n thereof_o by_o any_o reasonable_a consequence_n appear_v from_o the_o church_n nor_o yet_o from_o paul_n to_o the_o galatian_n or_o any_o else_o and_o since_o paul_n be_v thus_o quote_v let_v we_o inquire_v how_o paul_n do_v after_o it_o please_v god_n to_o reveal_v his_o son_n in_o he_o for_o there_o be_v apostle_n and_o elder_n before_o he_o and_o yet_o he_o say_v gal._n 1.16_o 17._o i_o consult_v not_o with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n neither_o come_v i_o again_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n before_o i_o and_o though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o a_o case_n of_o controversy_n touch_v conscience_n yet_o it_o be_v in_o a_o case_n that_o to_o he_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n and_o when_o he_o perceive_v that_o peter_n and_o other_o of_o the_o jew_n will_v have_v constrain_v the_o gentile_n to_o do_v like_o the_o jew_n he_o withstand_v peter_n to_o the_o face_n gal._n 2.11_o 13._o now_o peter_n and_o those_o other_o jew_n may_v have_v reason_v with_o paul_n and_o say_v we_o be_v the_o brethren_n and_o the_o church_n and_o our_o practice_n ought_v to_o be_v a_o bond_n on_o thou_o and_o thou_o ought_v rather_o to_o submit_v to_o we_o than_o we_o to_o thou_o but_o have_v they_o so_o do_v doubtless_o paul_n will_v still_o have_v withstand_v they_o and_o have_v be_v justify_v therein_o the_o second_o scripture_n r._n b._n quote_v be_v 1_o tim._n 1.19_o 20._o which_o thus_o say_v hold_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o some_o have_v put_v away_o concern_v faith_n have_v make_v shipwreck_n of_o who_o be_v hymeneus_n and_o allexander_n who_o i_o have_v deliver_v to_o satan_n that_o they_o may_v learn_v not_o to_o blaspheme_n what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o purpose_n to_o prove_v that_o
the_o positive_a sentence_n and_o dicision_n of_o the_o church_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n may_v bind_v believer_n it_o be_v so_o remote_a from_o it_o that_o it_o need_v no_o explanation_n to_o show_v it_o so_o nay_o i_o may_v reasonable_o query_n whether_o this_o scripture_n be_v to_o ordinary_a capacity_n plain_a to_o the_o purpose_n that_o paul_n himself_o intend_v for_o if_o we_o consult_v the_o light_n it_o do_v not_o tell_v we_o that_o a_o delivery_n to_o satan_n may_v be_v a_o expedient_a whereby_o to_o learn_v not_o to_o blaspheme_n if_o by_o the_o word_n satan_n be_v mean_v the_o devil_n as_o be_v usual_o understand_v the_o last_o scripture_n he_o quote_v for_o proof_n be_v joh._n 2.10_o if_o there_o come_v any_o unto_o you_o and_o bring_v not_o this_o doctrine_n receive_v he_o not_o into_o your_o house_n neither_o bid_v he_o rejoice_v for_o so_o say_v the_o aforesaid_a author_n the_o greek_a have_v it_o here_o also_o no_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o any_o positive_a sentence_n or_o decision_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o yet_o the_o import_n thereof_o by_o any_o natural_a consequence_n and_o therefore_o we_o will_v consider_v what_o the_o word_n doctrine_n be_v relative_a to_o the_o forego_v verse_n tell_v we_o thus_o whosoever_o transgress_v and_o abide_v not_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n have_v not_o god_n it_o be_v now_o necessary_a to_o consider_v what_o be_v christ_n doctrine_n it_o be_v well_o describe_v by_o his_o sermon_n in_o the_o mount_n mat._n 5.6_o chapter_n wherein_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o title_n to_o countenance_v this_o sentence_n that_o the_o positive_a sentence_n or_o decision_n of_o the_o church_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n may_v be_v obligatory_a on_o believer_n nay_o in_o that_o very_a case_n mat._n 18.15_o 16._o where_o it_o be_v say_v if_o thy_o brother_n trespass_n against_o thou_o go_v tell_v he_o his_o fault_n if_o he_o hear_v thou_o not_o take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o if_o he_o hear_v not_o they_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n if_o he_o refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man._n the_o scripture_n do_v not_o say_v that_o sentence_n ought_v to_o be_v obligatory_a on_o all_o other_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n who_o may_v be_v no_o way_n concern_v either_o in_o the_o admonition_n or_o sentence_n to_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n but_o it_o say_v let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man._n christ_n doctrine_n also_o be_v that_o when_o he_o shall_v depart_v hence_o the_o father_n will_v send_v the_o comforter_n the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o say_v he_o shall_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n he_o do_v not_o say_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v obligatory_a on_o all_o believer_n nor_o yet_o that_o the_o church_n shall_v teach_v they_o all_o thing_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o apostle_n writing_n that_o they_o themselves_o have_v need_v of_o teach_v these_o thing_n due_o weigh_v i_o do_v according_a to_o truth_n conclude_v that_o the_o three_o forego_v scripture_n which_o he_o have_v quote_v do_v no_o way_n import_v to_o prove_v the_o matter_n he_o intend_v beside_o i_o remember_v only_o one_o example_n of_o decisive_n judgement_n or_o sentence_n give_v in_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n who_o do_v it_o not_o as_o assume_v authority_n so_o to_o do_v say_v we_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o we_o have_v power_n to_o decide_v without_o your_o assent_n but_o what_o they_o do_v be_v by_o assent_n of_o the_o differ_v party_n which_o assent_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v note_v by_o such_o who_o say_v as_o r._n b._n have_v we_o bold_o aver_v we_o have_v power_n to_o decide_v and_o that_o speak_v nothing_o in_o favour_n of_o what_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n seem_v to_o drive_v at_o when_o he_o say_v and_o be_v not_o this_o obligatory_a on_o all_o the_o member_n but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o 15_o of_o the_o act_n where_o a_o dissension_n be_v signify_v between_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o certain_a of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n who_o believe_v and_o teach_v unless_o you_o be_v circumcise_a after_o the_o manner_n of_o moses_n you_o can_v be_v save_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n agree_v that_o circumcision_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v lay_v on_o the_o gentile_n which_o be_v believer_n who_o never_o be_v in_o the_o practice_n nor_o yet_o have_v any_o faith_n touch_v the_o same_o yet_o do_v not_o say_v that_o their_o sentence_n shall_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v obligatory_a on_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n nor_o yet_o that_o those_o jew_n who_o practise_v circumcision_n after_o they_o believe_v shall_v desist_v the_o same_o for_o than_o it_o may_v have_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o obligatory_a on_o such_o believe_a jew_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o that_o sentence_n do_v plain_o agree_v with_o the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n receive_v among_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n in_o the_o beginning_n viz._n to_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n receive_v for_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n well_o know_v that_o according_a as_o paul_n say_v to_o the_o roman_n chap._n 14.5_o 23._o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o every_o one_o to_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n and_o so_o can_v not_o suffer_v their_o sentence_n have_v they_o have_v power_n so_o to_o do_v to_o be_v a_o bond_n on_o those_o jew_n who_o make_v conscience_n of_o practise_v circumcision_n after_o they_o have_v believe_v to_o forbear_v the_o same_o and_o as_o to_o the_o gentile_n it_o do_v plain_o appear_v that_o the_o decisive_n judgement_n of_o the_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n with_o respect_n to_o that_o controversy_n touch_v circumcision_n be_v not_o a_o bond_n upon_o they_o contrary_a but_o according_a to_o their_o faith_n and_o therefore_o this_o example_n can_v be_v no_o precedent_n or_o warrant_v for_o any_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o sentence_n or_o decisive_n judgement_n of_o any_o whatsoever_o wherein_o there_o be_v no_o faith_n much_o less_o to_o conclude_v that_o the_o conscience_n ought_v to_o be_v bind_v for_o it_o be_v no_o more_o in_o the_o power_n of_o believer_n or_o any_o else_o to_o force_v a_o assent_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n to_o the_o sentence_n and_o decisive_n judgement_n of_o other_o though_o pretend_v themselves_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n without_o a_o invisible_a operation_n and_o conviction_n thereon_o through_o which_o alone_o its_o capable_a to_o be_v bind_v than_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n so_o to_o alter_v the_o outward_a shape_v of_o our_o face_n as_o to_o make_v they_o like_v unto_o other_o mens_fw-la from_o who_o they_o vary_v moreover_o when_o i_o consider_v how_o innumerable_a controversy_n have_v a_o rise_v touch_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o decree_n that_o have_v be_v bring_v forth_o touch_v matter_n of_o conscience_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o age_n past_a and_o that_o the_o like_a controversy_n in_o probability_n may_v arise_v at_o this_o day_n shall_v any_o number_n of_o person_n whatsoever_o assemble_v and_o not_o only_o say_v we_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o also_o thus_o we_o have_v power_n to_o bind_v and_o lose_v and_o upon_o that_o foot_n give_v forth_o positive_a sentence_n and_o decesive_a judgement_n in_o case_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n in_o order_n to_o be_v obligatory_a upon_o believer_n i_o can_v but_o query_n especial_o since_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n have_v not_o preach_v up_o this_o doctrine_n you_o must_v believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v but_o have_v commend_v their_o testimony_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o truth_n to_o every_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n that_o therein_o they_o may_v be_v manifest_v i_o say_v i_o can_v but_o query_n where_o lie_v the_o service_n to_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n for_o any_o to_o concern_v themselves_o to_o treat_v on_o such_o subject_n as_o may_v give_v occasion_n to_o receive_v the_o weak_a to_o doutbfnl_n disputation_n for_o though_o christ_n say_v what_o you_o bound_v in_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n that_o the_o apostle_n or_o any_o assembly_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n ever_o make_v use_n of_o that_o expression_n to_o show_v their_o authority_n as_o christ_n church_n but_o rather_o labour_v to_o beget_v people_n unto_o god_n that_o so_o they_o may_v become_v member_n of_o christ_n body_n which_o be_v the_o church_n and_o be_v in_o
liable_a to_o err_v than_o a_o treat_v on_o this_o scripture_n take_v eat_v this_o be_v my_o body_n and_o apply_v it_o to_o outward_a bread_n will_v and_o though_o none_o among_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v quaker_n as_o ever_o i_o yet_o hear_v treat_v on_o the_o late_a scripture_n in_o approbation_n of_o the_o sense_n and_o application_n before_o recite_v yet_o i_o find_v the_o aforesaid_a author_n treat_v on_o the_o former_a scripture_n and_o that_o as_o to_o i_o appear_v with_o respect_n to_o settle_a assembly_n who_o if_o they_o watch_v not_o may_v err_v which_o be_v easy_o to_o be_v savour_v if_o the_o whole_a scope_n of_o his_o treatise_n be_v but_o due_o weigh_v the_o service_n for_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n in_o his_o so_o do_v at_o this_o day_n be_v hard_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o many_o who_o have_v a_o honourable_a esteem_n for_o truth_n as_o preach_v in_o the_o beginning_n especial_o since_o it_o may_v occasion_v many_o to_o stumble_v and_o fall_v through_o a_o jealousy_n that_o those_o scripture_n in_o process_n of_o time_n may_v be_v use_v to_o enforce_v obedience_n to_o outward_a sentence_n and_o decree_n relate_v to_o conscience_n whether_o the_o understanding_n be_v so_o illuminate_v as_o to_o see_v the_o service_n of_o such_o obedience_n for_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n yea_o or_o nay_o and_o since_o it_o be_v so_o that_o of_o late_a much_o be_v speak_v touch_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o liable_a to_o err_v and_o that_o the_o apostasy_n shall_v never_o enter_v the_o generality_n more_o it_o be_v at_o this_o time_n with_o i_o to_o treat_v a_o little_a further_o touch_v thing_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o though_o i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v to_o say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o invest_v with_o power_n from_o on_o high_a for_o every_o member_n thereof_o according_a to_o measure_n stand_v in_o the_o power_n or_o that_o the_o apostasy_n shall_v enter_v the_o generality_n again_o yet_o i_o have_v this_o certain_a sense_n that_o in_o assert_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o her_o infallibility_n etc._n etc._n time_n have_v not_o be_v so_o well_o employ_v as_o may_v have_v be_v in_o a_o inward_a exercise_n to_o be_v comprehend_v in_o the_o power_n thereby_o to_o be_v preserve_v out_o of_o all_o apostasy_n and_o error_n but_o to_o proceed_v we_o read_v that_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n tell_v they_o they_o be_v come_v to_o the_o 12.13_o the_o heb._n 12.13_o general_n assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first-born_a which_o be_v write_v in_o heaven_n and_o to_o god_n the_o judge_n of_o all_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o general_a assembly_n so_o that_o their_o sentence_n and_o decisive_n judgement_n shall_v be_v a_o bond_n on_o believer_n to_o obey_v though_o they_o see_v it_o not_o but_o say_v god_n be_v judge_n of_o all_o neither_o do_v i_o find_v that_o the_o scripture_n make_v mention_n of_o any_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n other_o than_o in_o this_o place_n and_o since_o the_o word_n church_n be_v most_o use_v in_o scripture_n with_o respect_n to_o particular_a congregation_n or_o assembly_n what_o ground_n be_v there_o to_o exalt_v the_o power_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n above_o any_o particular_a one_o especial_o since_o no_o such_o assembly_n whether_o general_n or_o particular_a as_o assembly_n of_o man_n have_v power_n one_o above_o another_o further_o than_o the_o power_n of_o god_n appear_v more_o eminent_a in_o degree_n in_o one_o than_o another_o for_o god_n by_o his_o spirit_n alone_o be_v sole_a judge_n which_o appear_v though_o but_o through_o a_o handmaid_n or_o mean_a of_o the_o flock_n in_o the_o least_o of_o assembly_n ought_v to_o be_v submit_v to_o when_o god_n witness_n in_o the_o conscience_n answer_v whether_o a_o assembly_n esteem_v a_o general_n assembly_n approve_v thereof_o or_o no._n where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o christ_n name_n there_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n 20._o christ_n matth._n 18.19_o 20._o christ_n say_v if_o two_o of_o such_o agree_v on_o earth_n as_o touch_v any_o thing_n they_o shall_v ask_v the_o father_n it_o shall_v be_v do_v for_o they_o of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n can_v the_o agreement_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n do_v more_o than_o this_o viz._n than_o prevail_v with_o the_o father_n and_o therefore_o i_o may_v well_o query_n why_o the_o agreement_n of_o two_o in_o any_o case_n who_o in_o christ_n name_n agree_v ought_v not_o to_o have_v as_o great_a a_o prevalency_n among_o their_o brethren_n as_o the_o agreement_n of_o a_o assembly_n esteem_v a_o general_n one_o oughts_z and_o why_o the_o people_n of_o god_n at_o this_o day_n may_v not_o have_v a_o eye_n as_o well_o to_o two_o brethren_n who_o in_o christ_n name_n agree_v and_o be_v at_o unity_n in_o the_o truth_n as_o unto_o a_o assembly_n esteem_v a_o general_n one_o though_o particular_a society_n of_o man_n may_v constitute_v some_o person_n or_o person_n to_o represent_v they_o and_o so_o may_v confer_v a_o power_n on_o they_o to_o negotiate_v outward_a worldly_a affair_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o such_o constitution_n there_o may_v be_v assembly_n which_o in_o that_o respect_n may_v be_v call_v general_n assembly_n yet_o i_o query_n whether_o any_o assembly_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n can_v in_o a_o proper_a sense_n be_v call_v a_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n unless_o such_o a_o one_o where_o every_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n be_v convince_v because_o as_o they_o pretend_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o no_o power_n in_o their_o assembly_n when_o negotiate_v the_o affair_n of_o truth_n as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o bare_o as_o man_n but_o god_n power_n so_o they_o do_v not_o profess_v that_o as_o such_o they_o have_v power_n to_o confer_v god_n power_n and_o spirit_n on_o any_o for_o they_o account_v that_o only_o proper_a to_o christ_n the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o particular_a congregation_n shall_v attempt_v to_o send_v person_n as_o their_o representative_n to_o any_o particular_a place_n in_o order_n to_o meet_v together_o as_o a_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o that_o any_o part_n of_o the_o church_n without_o such_o particular_a election_n or_o mission_n shall_v assemble_v together_o and_o call_v themselves_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n i_o query_n whether_o those_o so_o affirm_v will_v not_o therein_o manifest_o err_v yet_o i_o will_v not_o hereby_o be_v understand_v to_o judge_v it_o as_o a_o evil_a for_o any_o whether_o apostle_n or_o elder_n or_o any_o else_o to_o meet_v together_o when_o where_o and_o as_o often_o as_o they_o in_o the_o spirit_n shall_v find_v freedom_n from_o the_o lord_n so_o to_o do_v nor_o yet_o be_v meet_v together_o to_o judge_v they_o for_o give_v forth_o any_o thing_n by_o way_n of_o recommendation_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o brethren_n when_o they_o find_v freedom_n from_o the_o lord_n so_o to_o do_v yet_o in_o this_o case_n every_o one_o have_v need_v to_o wait_v in_o their_o own_o gift_n that_o so_o they_o may_v not_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o thing_n beside_o their_o gift_n and_o then_o what_o such_o bring_v forth_o may_v have_v a_o answer_n in_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o fellow-brethren_n but_o shall_v such_o assembly_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o give_v forth_o positive_a sentence_n decree_n or_o decisive_n judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n in_o order_n to_o become_v a_o bond_n upon_o believer_n to_o obey_v though_o they_o see_v it_o not_o and_o in_o defect_n of_o obedience_n to_o such_o their_o sentence_n pronounce_v all_o such_o their_o brethren_n who_o may_v refuse_v to_o obey_v the_o same_o rebellious_a against_o the_o lord_n they_o will_v therein_o manifest_v themselves_o to_o be_v lay_v another_o foundation_n than_o that_o which_o have_v be_v already_o lay_v and_o so_o it_o may_v be_v just_o with_o the_o lord_n to_o withdraw_v his_o comfort_a presence_n from_o they_o r._n b._n page_n 63._o treat_v of_o the_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n which_o may_v be_v exercise_v by_o the_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n diverse_o without_o judge_v one_o another_o thus_o say_v there_o be_v a_o certain_a liberty_n and_o forbearance_n also_o that_o be_v more_o particular_a and_o have_v a_o relation_n to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n which_o will_v not_o hold_v universal_o the_o first_o be_v in_o suffer_v circumcision_n to_o the_o jew_n the_o second_o be_v in_o observation_n of_o certain_a day_n the_o three_o abstain_v from_o meat_n to_o which_o i_o say_v the_o aforesaid_a author_n as_o in_o other_o thing_n